Our Righteousness is Our Armor

Hi my family and wonderful friends!!!

Man it’s always so good to hear from everyone. Sounds like you guys had a fantastic weekend with frisbee and spending time together. Man. Luke, Chad and Mckay.. you guys are GOOD. Can’t wait to watch you again when I get back, but congrats on all the wins :) Also, good luck Dallas and KC this week moving across the country! Keep me updated on all the selling and all the cool things you get to do!

My mind feels like its spinning because we’ve been out all day, the weeks feel like they’re all one and I can’t remember what I wrote last week, but I’ll try and update you on what I remember. 

This week... was completely opposite from last week weather wise. It was not hot. In fact, it was the coldest week I think I’ve had on my mission and every afternoon the whole city was covered in fog... We were literally walking in clouds every day, and I think it had an effect on us because it was hard to breath and one of my companions got really sick. It always makes for an interesting week as a sick missionary, but she was a trooper and we didn’t take much down time at all.

This week I got to leave my sector a few times for intercambios. All day Wednesday I was with Hermana Beltran in her area and it was so great to spend time with her. She’s from Canada and is in her last change. So so sweet and teaches with such a great spirit. We both were feeling really gross from all of the food we eat here so in the morning we went on a run. Oh heavenly. We’re not in the best shape so it wasn’t the longest run in the world, but it felt soo so good to get out and be active for a while. I learned a lot from her... mostly about just loving the people, loving whoever she talks to. 

We’re getting more and more used to being together in a three some. This week we had a lot of good talks and fun times together (including buying pizza cones and eating them on our beds while asking random questions). We three are getting a lot closer and trying to work together on everything... taking turns calling, carrying the keys and phone, and trying to split paying for everything in three ways. I feel like this week I’ve gotten a lot more patient and... selfless maybe? Because with three people sometimes you just have to realize that everything isn’t the most important.

We found our new favorite thing.  Pizza in a cone :)

We have a big sleepover every night!

In our ward here there are a LOT of people from Venezuela. Like maybe a fourth of the ward. 1st of all, I can barely understand what they say.. they talk so fast and with a huge accent. But 2nd... they are some of the nicest, most loving and selfless people that I have met. One of the families gives us lunch on Thursday and while we were there, we were talking and asking about their life and family in Venezuela. I’m sure you guys all know better than me because we never hear any sort of news, but right now that country is having a TON of hardships. They were telling us about the situation there and really, I’m not sure how many people eat or live there. There are huge lines for anything that people want to buy. They have to wait one or two days and they´re only allowed to buy one small thing... like a pound of flour. They said that right now people are making about $12 a month. Yes, a MONTH... which obviously doesn’t do much. Many many people are trying to leave, but its hard to get a visa or even have enough money for a bus ticket. Most of the people from Venezuela in our ward came here with absolutely nothing, but are still so willing to give us EVERYTHING. I’m sure they have to sacrifice a lot for the lunch that they give us, but they are so selfless and happy to do it. It is sure humbling to talk to them and hear about their lives.

Again, this week was very slow lesson wise. Before this week I don’t think I’ve ever had a time on my mission where we literally can’t think of anyone to visit. We set a baptismal date with 4 people (which was a big blessing!), but contacted a lot, asked for references, prayed, and tried to make plans to find find find. We are sure lucky that we have a good ward, because I know that when we DO find, they will help us out a lot. We are focusing a LOT on the four people that we have with a baptismal date, and also decided to focus a lot on less actives and recent converts so that the Lord, in turn, will guide us to those that are ready to hear our message.

Just a funny thing that happened yesterday that reminded me that yes I’m in Ecuador and yes it’s different than the US. We were in a little store talking to one of our old contacts... talking to her and she sold things. A lady came in a wanted something off of the top shelf (which isn’t very high) and said... por favor, un altita! (please, I need someone really tall) pointing to me and telling me that I was the only one who could reach. Hahaha I have NEVER been tall in my life. But I guess its good for a change.. I’m definitely the tall one here :)

Something that I loved in my study this week was a scripture in 1 Nephi that said our righteousness is our armor. It is so simple but so true. As we are obedient, the lord blesses us. And as the Lord blesses us, we will be protected from the evil things of the world. I know that the biggest thing that the Lord wants to see is our willingness to obey his commandments.

I hope you have a great week. I realized yesterday that Mother’s Day is this week and I about died! I am soooo so excited to talk to you guys! Love you lots! SEE you on Sunday!!! :)

Love Hermana Yorgason