Week 43

Monday: well today was just like any other pday here in Cuenca with not a whole lot to do. So we started of by passing by a store that had wifi to get emails to read, then we went over to the store that has the basketball jerseys but I don't think it ever opens because once again it was closed! Then off to grocery shopping and then to make some lunch and deep clean the piso then it was off to email which is always fun getting to hear from every one! Then to finish the wonderful day off it was off to contacting some more!

Tuesday: well today we did part of weekly planing because it didn't seem how things were going to work out Thursday that we would have much time to plan in the morning. Today we met with some other missionaries again which is interesting to hear what other people believe. Such as there's no god head. Children are all judged according to their parents transgressions. And many more interesting things. Then it was back to piso to get clothes ready to go over to Madrid for intercambios with b6. So we showed up about 8:30 and the other elders where in a lesson so we had to wait for about an hour for them to show up. So we decided to wait in the gym where we found some of the elders quorum I think playing some bball and they were missing a player so they asked if I wanted to play so I said of course and even managed to hit a few threes in my white shirt and tie haha! But sadly we had to go back to the other elders piso and had to stop playing after a few games!

Wednesday: today was intercambios with barrio 6 and was also our district meeting with our district and president and hermana pack which was a lot of fun! The main focus was on how to become better teachers of the gospel and really if there's one way to be a good teacher it is being humble enough to let the Holy Ghost be the teacher. We as members of the church and as missionaries can only testify to the people that our in our path but the Holy Ghost can testify to their hearts and help them on the path of conversion. Then after the meeting we decide to go to the temple cafeteria with president for lunch so that was different but great!  Then president went to inspect the pisos of the elders and sisters serving in barrio 6. Then later in the day we went to meet the bishop and talk to him about less actives but he has absolutely no hope for less actives so that was a bit sad but oh well hope that the missionaries can strengthen his faith on rescuing the lost members of the church. Then later we had a lesson with a menos activo  who has plans to get married this next month which will be really cool he really wants his wife to join the church so they can get married. So that they can get sealed in the temple so it was a great day to say the least!

Thursday: well the morning was full of weekly planing for the few investigators and the menos activos that we have here in Cuenca so it was good. Then we had some lunch and then it was out to do some pass bys however no one was home. Then the rest of the day was filled with contacting with out reaping any rewards. However today has taught me a lot about myself my comp wasn't feeling to well with the out come of the day and I was confused as why we would receive a day like this when we are putting in our part. So with this small question I decided to watch a video I have in my iPad called missionary work in the atonement and if you all have the chance I would highly suggest looking it up and watching it. There is part of the video that talks about as missionaries are more than happy to call themselves disciples of Christ but when rejection comes they become upset and angry and want to ask isn't there some other way and to all missionaries or any one really who has asked that question I recomend the video but I will let you watch it and then tell me if it has changed your perspective on things because at least for me it did.

Friday:well today was another day full of contacting but hey there are benefits of walking around all day. Blessing1: great form of exercise to stay slim and fit as a missionary!

Blessing2: get to meet a lot of interesting people although many of those that will stop to talk to you just want to bible bash or are super drunk but hey they make for great mission stories to tell your kids!

Blessing3: this was the best blessing out of all the rest because we were able to find a new investigator who had time and wanted us to talk with him in that very moment so that was so awesome and we also managed to set up a return appointment for next week!

Miracles really do exist!!!!!

Saturday: well today started off with some awesome basketball with C_ and his friends and then hermana P_ invited us over for lunch so we wanted to make something que Es mas o menos American for them so we decided well I decide that we should make chocolate chip pancakes which were super good and they were asking for the recipe at the end so I think that means they liked them. Then after wards we talked about the importance of sharing our testimonies with our friends! Then the rest of the day was ful, of contacting and receiving a few new references.

Sunday: well today at church right before sacrament meeting started the branch president came up to us asking us if we could give the talks. But we were blessing the sacrament so we didn't really have anytime to prepare anything and then my comp took the plan of salvation topic. That I was planning on using but decide to talk about the job we have as baptized members of the church to invite the people in our path to come unto Christ or simply leave our testimony of a gospel principle with at least one person a day and that would be my invitation to all of you is to leave your testimony with at least one person through out the week. Yes I know that to many of you that may seem like one of the most difficult things in the world to do. But as you pray for these opportunities you will receive them!

Love you all so much! 

Love, Elder Strong

Week 42

Monday: well today was pday once again like always or almost always.
Well today we started off going grocery shopping which was good and
then we went to and walked by a store that had wifi so we could see if
we got any emails and it was so nice to hear from everyone like
always.then after wards we went to pass by a store that was selling
bball jerseys for around ten dollars so we went to go check it out but
they were closed and are only open for four hours a day they take this
whole Spain medio dia thing to a completely new extreme haha! Well
then we cooked some lunch and just chilled in piso for a bit which was
super boring don't recommend it as a pday activity. Then it was off to
email the best part of the whole day! We also had a great noche hogar
with P_  family about sharing the gospel and serving others!

Tuesday: well today started off with having a lesson with the
missionaries of the church of Christ. Which was very interesting and
makes me so glad I am a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints the true restored church of God. They believe in many
strange things like there should be no musical instruments in the
church. Also that all small children and all that have not heard the
word of God are doomed to everlasting misery. Then later we had
a lesson with E_ about patience  with his two girls he is
probably one of the most patient people I have ever met haha! Then the
rest of our evening was spent contacting in the street.

Wednesday: well today we were stopped in the street by a woman that
was Catholic and that has read many anti Mormon material that isn't at
all accurate she was getting all wired up that the prophet starting
from Joseph Smith had and have a good life in a mansion and send the
youth to go preach the word of God while they chill in the mansion. So
we asked if she wanted to know the true story of Joseph Smith she said
no and walked away. As she said that Joseph Smith is going to hell.
It's sad to see how lost of a world we are now living in! Then we
passed by E_ for dinner where we just had sandwiches with kiwi jam
and cream cheese. Then talked about the atonement of Jesus Christ.
After wards we played some cards and tried the " brownies mas o menos"
that his two younger daughters made. But they weren't to bad haha.

Thursday: well today started off with contacting the 25 people that we
need to contact  every day as a mission. Then we had some lunch and
then it was out the door to go and visit M_ which was good although
the rest of the family didn't want to come and sit in on the lesson so
that was to bad. So the lesson was on the video of elder Uctdorfs talk
about patients and the kids with the marshmallow which went really
well. Then it was off to catch the bus to Madrid to spend the night
for the capacitacion.

Friday: well today we had a good zone meeting where the main focus was
on following the mission schedule and the holy ghost. For most of the
time we were split up into our districts for mini trainings. The first
training was about the importance of goals and that if we have goals
we have some thing to strive for just like in sports if you have the
goal to win you are going to put all your effort into that game but if
winning doesn't matter at all you have basically already lost. Then
the next training was on making sure you are on the right path aka
follow the mission schedule. Then we had a training on that we need to
contact with a sincere heart and not just contact to contact! Then the
Ask training was on sincere prayer and following the spirit. So all in
all it was a great conference. Then we took a zone pic and then half
of us headed over to dominos to eat which was nice since we don't have
dominos in Cuenca. Then off to catch the bus back to Cuenca and then
contact and then call it a night.

Saturday: well today as most Saturday's here in Cuenca started of with
some basketball and football which is always fun I think my comp wants
to kill me sometimes when we play basketball haha! Then we got a call
from hermana M_ inviting us over for lunch which was great not
having to cook anything! She also made some wonderful chicken soup and
rice and chicken I'm starting to think that's all they eat in Ecuador
is rice and chicken haha. Then we did some family history and I found
some names which was a really neat experience. Then later we had
correlation which was good to have since we haven't had one in almost
a month. And then we also found out that our ward mission leader and
his wife are going to be moving to Madrid soon. So that's to bad. Then
we had a noche hogar with P_ family had papaya and pork chops
and then shared a small message about blessings and trials and then
since it was one of the last times they will be able to have us over
D_  wanted to throw in a twist to the game presidents or scum or
which ever one you want to call it. So we played like this if you were
scum you didn't just have to give up your two best cards but also
randomly draw a color of nail polish out of a hat and then paint two
nails and junior scum the same but just one nail and wel, just say it
was interesting and that luckily they had nail polish remover on hand
haha!

Sunday: well today we had consejo de barrio which was good finally
they are trying to get a few activity planned which should be good!
Then got the lovely opportunity to bless the sacrament again which I
loved. Then N_ gave a talk on the restoration and then some one
from the stake gave a talk on missionary work basically machacando all
the members to work harder with missionaries to help the missionaries
find more people to teach. Then we had a training on how to use the
new teaching manual instead of Sunday school and then in priesthood we
talked about family history work! Then later we had to go to the
relief society meeting because they didn't have keys for the chapel.
And then it was over to P_

house where we talked about
forgiveness And how as we forgive others our soul can be made free and
not weighed down by stress and pain. Then we had some pasta, melon,
shishkAbobs and cake so that was very delicious! And then we'll it was
off to piso for the night!
Well hope everyone had an amazing week wether that be in the mission
field or at home! Love you all and can't wait to hear back from you
all,

Love, Elder Strong
Sent from my iPad

Week 41

Monday: well it was the Fourth of July which was a bit weird being in
a different country for that. Not like the good old USA where there's
a big bbq get to go out on the lake watermelon fireworks and best of
all the patriotic country songs that come on the radio! Well we did a
little bit of our own celebration which was fun just took a few funny
patriotic pics and bought a watermelon for lunch wich was great. After
that we cleaned the piso again and then walked around Cuenca and then
went to email for the remainder of pday! Once pday was over about 7 we
went out and contacted for the remainder of our day when we heard the
guy who stopped us in the street and gave us his number. Well they
were playing some bball and told us to come play. And since president
has said look for new ways to contact that could lead to lessons we
went in played in are white shirts in ties and won haha then we found
out that they were missionaries of a different church so that was
interesting talking with them so instead of bible bashing back we decided
to bare testimony of Jesus Christ so it ended well!

Tuesday: well today we had a lesson with E_ which was wonderful we
talked about trials and how God and our savior will always be there to
lift us through our trials something I love I don't remember the name
of the poem or how it goes completely just that it talks about the man
walking with the savior and could see the two sets of footprints in
the sand but in his hardest trials the other sets of footprints
disappeared ,and the man was left saying why did you leave me in my
hardest times and the savior's response was I didn't leave but I 
Carried you. That's something a lot of us forget that the savior will
not abandon us but carry us through the difficult trials.

Wednesday: well today we had a conference in Madrid about family
history. So the conference was great and the they talked about how
easy it can be to find a new name! Then after the conference received
a few letters which were absolutely wonderful to read! Then we went to
dominos which was good almost ate a whole pizza by myself! Then when
we were headed over to the bus station the metro almost shut down due
to technical issues. Then we went to get on the bus when a man came up
to my comp when we were sitting down saying that my comp was in his
seat so we looked at the ticket that the office elders bought and it
turns out the tickets were for the next week! So we got off the bus
and went to buy a ticket for the next bus aka two hour wait! Then we
ran into one of the recent converts of b3 so we got to talk to him for
a bit which was awesome! Then the two hour bus ride and then finally
made it back to Cuenca!

Thursday: well basically lets just say that a day was a day full of
street contacting. However we did take a small break to do some family
history which was good while we were in the computer lab there was a
little kid making a ton of noise so then don't know why but me and the
old man looked at each other at the same time and got talking first
about how he didn't like kids then about missionary work and some
other things so that was really cool!

Friday: well we had an interesting start to our Friday morning started
with leaving piso and right then we were stopped by these to old
jehovas witnesses who stopped and started talking to us so that was
interesting to say the least it was just them telling us we are lost
so that was kind of funny they said why are you preaching the word of
God when you aren't a hundred percent sure of its doctrine and then I
said I am a hundred percent sure and they said oh poor lost boy we
have never talked to some one so lost as you so that was interesting
haha. I really just wanted to say well I guess we'll see what happens
at the last day. Then instead we just thanked them for there time and
we were on are way. Then in less then ten minutes we ran into
missionaries of the church of Christ I think they said who wanted to
set up an appointment with them so we could share our beliefs and they
could share theirs so that will be cool to. Then we had a lesson with
Marta and her family about the great identity that we have as children
of God so we shared the story of the ugly duckling which is just like
the world we live in today many people will tell us we don't measure
up or we aren't good enough but I would challenge you all to remember
one thing you are sons and daughters of God which title means far more
then the title of a doctor or a lawyer or a professional athlete or
any other title you can ever gain in this world the highest title of
all is being a son or daughter of God because that attaches us to the
highest glory possible to man to enter into the kingdom of God. Then
later we had a lesson with R_ which went really well and was a huge
blessing being inside when it was down pouring! So we just talked
about following Christs example and his gospel we are also planing on
asking him to get baptized in our next appointment! Then later we had
a lesson with P_  and her family. Where we talked about looking
for missionary opportunities to share our testimony with our friends
and those other people who are in our path every day. Then we had
chicken and rice with dinner and then played presidents again!

Saturday: well today started off with a fun football activity where we
played with D_, H_, C_ and R_ so that was a lot of fun
even when it was my comp C_ and R_ just against me while the
rest were taking a water break and we'll just say Spanish youth and my
comp don't really know the rules so there was plenty of traveling
double dribbling and intentional fouling where my comp was kicking me
and purposefully tripping me and throwing elbows and much more so I
asked them if they wanted to see a magic trick that I could make some
one fall with out touching them or in basketball breaking there
ankles. So my comp came up close to guard me and with a quick side
step and cross over he was on the ground and I was freely on my way to
the basket for an easy layup. Then we came back in to shower and eat
lunch then off to do more family history because my comp refuses to
work in the heat from four to about 6 so off to the computer lab so we
actually can do something instead of listening to whining or staying
in piso. Then we had a lesson with E_ which was super awesome we
talked about all that is possible with faith in Christ but right after
the lesson we helped him fix a few things around the house and of
course the two girls were fighting well the younger one was beating on
the older and the older one wasn't doing anything reminded me of josh
and Kaiden. So then we calmed down a bit and then we're on our way out
the door! Then the rest of the day was filled with street contacting
until it was time to go back in for the night.

Sunday: well today was. Pretty good day. First off started with church
which was good! Got to help bless the sacrament which for me is one of
the times I can feel the spirit more strong then any where else
besides when i am sitting in the temple. Then later in sundayschool we
talked about missionary work which was great getting the few members
we have excited to bring there friends to church. We also have
received transfers and I'm leaving to b9 haha just kidding I'm staying
here in Cuenca for minimal at least another 6 weeks. So we will see
how that goes for the next month and a half. We also got to teach the
lesson on temples in priesthood which was good talked about making
sure we are always worth of a temple recommend. Then later we had a
lesson with P_ who has been having a really hard time because one
of the members believes there are evil spirits in her house and she
confides in P_ and with P_  kids except one being menos activos
including her husband have called this sister in the ward telling her
not to call again so she has been having a hard week. So we talked
about the comfort that can come from using the atonement in our lives
because Christ did not just sacrifice for our sins but also our pains
and our sorrows and so much more he wants to help us but we have to
let him in.

Well that was our great week here in Cuenca fillies with many
wonderful miracles and interesting conversations. Well hope to hear
back from every one soon and hope you all have a great week.!!!
Love, Elder Strong
Sent from my iPad

Week 39

Monday: well today for pday the first thing we went and bought two fans for the piso which were reimbursable so that was good we aren't going to die from the heat at night any more haha! Then we did some grocery shopping which was good now I have some more food for the rest of the week! Then we went and shot some hoops because I'm starting to lose my touch on my three point shot so I'll have to work on that on Monday haha! Then we had a lesson with Anna a less active from Africa which was cool she has a son that has a lot of mental and. Health problems so she can't come to church because there is no one else that can watch after her son! Then we got to email for just a little bit which was really nice! And then it was off to contact for the rest of the night so that was good because a friend of one of our old investigators came up to us and asked how we were doing so we talked with him a little bit more about missionary work and Christ! Which was good because he is Muslim and probably won't change his religion but is very open minded unlike 98% of the people here in Cuenca.

Tuesday: well we finally managed to get in contact with an investigator that we haven't had contact with in over a month! So we called him up and he said he had time this morning so we went to pass by and he was actually there so we talked to him for a bit and he said that if his ex wife is willing to watch their four year old son that he will come to church! Then we had a lunch appointment with Marta where we had some rice and chicken and chicken soup. Then to our surprise two of her non member grandsons wanted to stay to listen to the lesson before they went and played football so that was really cool to just be able to talk about that we are all going to have trials but with faith in God we can over come all things and be made strong in him. Then we'll back to contacting for the rest of the day and we did manage to stop and get a few good references and also ran into some funny reasons why people couldn't stop and listen to us. Usually it's lo siento tengo prisa which basically means sorry I'm busy. 
But there were two guys that we tried to stop the first one we just hi how are you we are just here talking to the people of Cuenca and then he said" wait you here talking to the people of Cuenca? That's to bad because we are animals!" So that was really funny then later we ran into a gay rights drum line so that was interesting to see they were just dancing and playing the drums and waving there big flag around.

Wednesday: well today started off with district meeting which went well it was all about family history and how we can help people with family and contact by using family history! We have been given the opportunity during medio dia or when every one in Spain is in their house and basically no one is in the street from 2 until 6 we have been told that we can go and do family history which will be nice especially having a break from the sun so we went and did that after lunch today, and it was super fun it was so cool to read some of the stories of all the many ancestors I have!
Then later we had a noche hogar with Patricia and her family where we talked about the importance of prayer and scripture study which was good we even got them to put the phones away for a little bit. Then we played presidents for a little bit and I had the best luck ever some how it was great! Then it was back to the piso for the night.

Thursday: well let's see here just like any other Thursday in the mission field started of with weekly planning which went well all though we didn't have very many people to plan for because  over half the people we teach are out and about visiting different parts of Spain for vacation. So back to square one finding people that stayed in Cuenca for. Vacation that we can teach! Then we were suppose to have a lesson with Eric but he got sick from something so we couldn't go over! Then we were suppose to have a lesson with Petra and with Mari Isabel but they both completely forgot so then it was off to contacting for the final three hours of the day where we managed to get one reffrence which was absolutely great! Then nightly planning and bed time!

Friday: well today started off by going out contacting and passing by people however no one was home so then we went back to the piso for lunch where I had some very wonderful spaghetti for lunch. Then once again back out to contact some more! So that was fun we did manage to get a few new references so that was a small tender mercy today! Well that's about it for Friday! I almost forgot we also had a lesson with Eric which went good we talked about serving others and it is that as we serve others that we can express the love of God to them! That has honestly been the best part of the mission is helping the children of God feel of the love that their father in heaven has for each and every one of them!

Saturday: well today like usual started of with a wonderful basketball activity with Christian and his friends. So that is always a blast most of them understand the rules now except my comp and Christian think it is more like tackle football or maybe they just commit cheap fouls because I like to dribble in circles around them! Well after basketball we went back to the piso to shower and get ready to go over to Marta's house for lunch! While there we got to hear about all of M_ past life how he was caught up in gangs and stuff and one day decided to leave that all behind! Then we got talking about other things and out of no where he said he was going to come to church this Sunday! So that was super legit! Then later this random guy in the street named J_ came up to us in the street and asked if we knew elder Jeffers and elder maldanados so I said yes and then he gave us his number and asked if we could come over and talk to him for a little bit so that was super cool! Then we did some more contacting before we headed back in for the night.

Sunday: well today was fast and testimony meeting which went really well my comp bore his testimony on the scriptures and I bore my testimony on the atonement. Then in Sunday school we talked about teaching by example and letting other people see the light of Christ shine through us through that example! Then last Sunday my comp volunteered to teach Sunday school so that was okay until he threw the entire lesson on me so I was a little bit irritated. But gave a good lesson on the different offices of the priesthood and that as we progress in the priesthood it doesn't mean that the duties we had as a deacon just disappear. There's a saying that goes like this. Once a deacon always a deacon! Then after church we had the big branch lunch which was super good chicken sandwiches cake empanadas juice soda and a lot more! Then it was off to contact for a couple hours and then off to Petra for dinner and shared alto me lleva. 

Then off to home for the night!

Well that was our great week!

GOD BLESS AMERICA