Another week over ridiculously fast! This week was full of a lot of interesting experiences but perhaps the best is the fact that Karina passed her Baptismal interview yesterday and is going to be baptized this Saturday! It’s crazy how much a person can change so much in such a short amount of time! She already has made a lot of friends in the Ward and it is awesome to see her attending institute already even though she isn’t even a member yet! It truly is all about finding our Heavenly Fathers children who have been prepared to receive us!
Perhaps the most interesting story of the week occurred when we were out proselyting in a remote area of our Sector. We had visited the area and contacted it several times before but for some reason we felt we needed to go back, so we did. After returning we were met with the same results as before being rejected, sworn at, and chased by dogs! Finally, we were just about ready to give up and go to another place to work but we decided to knock just one last door. As we did so I can honestly admit I had hardly any desires to do so but we knocked and were greeted by an older woman who asked if we could come in and help. At the base of the stairs was her husband in a wheel chair. She asked if we could carry him up the 6 flights of stairs to the top. It was just me and my Companion and knowing that my Comp is only 5 foot 1 inch, I knew I was going to have to lift the majority of the 250-pound man up the 6 flights. We agreed and decided the best way to carry him was on my back and with my Comp helping all he could. We began and as we approached the 2nd floor I was exhausted. Not knowing what to do we just kept on going. Miraculously we made it to the 3rd floor, then the 4th, I almost wanted to cry by the time we reached the 5th, and finally the 6th where we set him in his bed. Although it was hard, I felt a strength like no other and still to this moment I know that my Companion and I were not the only ones lifting the man up those stairs that day. This difficult service that we preformed not only made the old woman cry, it also opened the heart of their family to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
A funny story that happened this week occurred when I was eating lunch with a member. We were served a TON of food. So much food that I honestly did not know what to do. Knowing that it is culturally unacceptable to not eat every last bit, I finished about half the plate and felt like I had eaten an all you can eat buffet. It was then that we were given more food. “Oh how delicious, thanks!” I said. As I continued to eat I literally felt like I was about to throw up due to sooo much food. But, I kept eating. Miraculously I finished the plate but after getting to the street it all came back out in an alley way. Sometimes missionary work is about suffering with a smile! :) At least I am finally dewormed!
In closing this week, I just wanted to state how grateful I am for the opportunity I have to serve others each and every day as the Savior did. To love each and every day in the way he would. Even though I can never compare to him I know that it is a crucial part to being a missionary. We are each truly representatives of him and I am grateful to have this sacred calling as one of his missionaries to continue to declare his Gospel to every soul here in Puno. I love you all and hope that you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Fawcett
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