Week #42

Hello Everyone Back Home!!!

This week was an interesting week.  I don`t know if people know about it up in the States or not, but Chile is hosting the Copa America this year.  Basically, that is when a big group of the countries from Central and South America get together to see who is the best.  Haha.  It is super funny because they take it REALLY seriously here...and people get mad over just the dumbest things.  They all make fun of each other a lot more than usual. When Chile plays, we have to enter the house early because the Chileans get pretty "rowled up".

This week was good for teaching.  I am starting to get connected with the members better.  This Sunday, it was my first time in my new chapel.  Elder Dueñas and I got to present ourselves to everyone.  There were 60 people in the ward there.  It is a ton smaller than Ducaud, but has its advantages as well.  :)  We are going to the bishop`s house tonight to eat a little bit with him.  

The area that I am serving is an older community.  Most of the people are probably 60 years old.  We are praying for a ton for opportunities to meet new people and to find the people who are ready to receive the gospel in their lives.  :)

This week, I was thinking a lot about obedience.  As missionaries, we have many MANY rules.  I feel like sometimes, as members, we feel that we are obligated to do many things.  Go to church, refrain from buying on Sunday, refrain from some of the things of the world...etc.  In the end, there are many people who feel sorry for themselves because they have "limits" on what they can and can`t do.  Ya know what...in the end, we aren`t obligated to do anything!  We don`t HAVE to do a THING,however, God IS OBLIGATED to bless us always, when we are obedient.  He literally has to do it...he has no option.  So, next time you are faced with a decision of obedience, remember that.  Remember that you have a choice of the outcomes...God does not.  If you can remember that, I promise that you will make the right decision.  :)

I love all of you.  I am so thankful for all of the support that I have received through the years.  I am thankful for all of the guidance that I have received from my leaders and my elders in the church.  i am very grateful for Bishop Stinnett back home and the help he gave me.  I am just so very grateful for the gospel in my life...I don`t know what I would do without it.  :)

Con amor,

Elder Jackson