There Is Beauty All Around

Last week was the Primary Program. Here in the branch, they are quite different than the ones we see in Wards because branches have much less to work with, but just as much spirit. Hermana Ninfa Rivera, a 65-ish-year-old and only member of her family, runs the show in the Primary. Though she is the counselor, all the responsibility of Primary President, Secretary, Director of música and all else falls on her shoulders. There she was last Sunday, trying to organize about 20 little children ages 1-11 and one-half were our investigators’ children and less-actives’ children that didn’t know the words to the songs. As soon as it started, everything seemed to go wrong; the CD player broke; the children didn’t want to give their parts, and there was a whole lot of silence throughout the program. Yet, Hna. Ninfa held her head up high and smiled the whole time. Later, during the week, we went to visit her to see how she was doing. Her eyes beamed, and she asked, “Wasn’t the program the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?” She talked about how it was the biggest payday for her to see the children up there. I couldn’t believe my ears. Her ability to see the beauty in all things inspired me to do the same in EVERYTHING. With the little time I had to write today I don’t know why I needed to share this little snippet of my week, but I hope it was for a good reason. Please remember to look for the little tender mercies in all things.

—
Sister Greenman

A Humble Prayer

Bolivia 101:
Some things happen on a mission that a missionary cannot describe. The feeling I get when I can share the Restored Gospel on the street is indescribable. But to help you understand, it comes like a fire in my heart that fuels me to work harder and harder. There are moments I feel SO SURE this message is true when the people we teach or contact reject what we teach. There are moments we walk all day and talk to everyone, yet no one seems to want it. I am convinced that this is part of life, that even though we may be SO enthusiastic about something, we may find that all those around us don’t feel the same way. I feel so blessed to have the knowledge that I can choose to be happy in all moments, and I truly feel that way! I cannot imagine any other way that can bring as much happiness.

Another incredible feeling missionaries get to experience often is the tender feeling we get when we help a dear child of God talk to their Creator, their God, their maker, for the very first time. My knees are stained and calloused from kneeling on the dirt or cement floors day after day, witnessing a change in people’s hearts, homes, and lives. I couldn’t imagine anything better than this. Who knew that serving a mission would be so gratifying?

A Humble Prayer:
This week we taught a man who stays at home with his children while his wife works. On the weekends, to de-stress, he is a volunteer fireman. After his prayer with us, he looked up and began to sob. After a long LONG moment, he lifted his head from his wet, teary hands and thanked us. Please pray for Boris. And for ALL those who need the gospel in their lives. I am so grateful to be a part of this work. And invite you all do be a part of it this week too. Let me know what miracles you see!

Sister Greenman

The Gospel of Jesus Christ Changes Us

Bolivia 101
Most Sundays we have to take care of sacrament meeting.This Sunday I counted 15 times that we had to get up to get two dogs out. In another ward a dog named Sancho Panza (Editor’s Note: Those who have read Don Quixote would recognize the name as the squire to Don Quixote) would walk half a mile to the chapel alone each Sunday, stay the three hours and go from class to class along with the members. Oh, crazy dog!

Patricio, our recent convert’s parrot, has been quite the problem. Lately, he laughs out of turn and makes it hard to feel the spirit. He calls us “Hermanas!” and mimics a laugh or cry during our lessons. Bolivia is always full of surprises.

The Lord’s Work:
We continue to work with Familia Cazon. Seven investigators made it to the church by themselves; one after another were walking in just as the meeting was about to start. They announced that ´Familia Cazon´ would be in charge of our activity this week. They didn’t know that it was meant for Elias and Belen, the converts. Thinking it was ALL Familia Cazon, they exchanged looks from across the room. The English equivalent of their reactions was Yo, we can do this, man.´ orMan, we´re going to blow their minds with this activity.´ It was fun to see their reactions to this since most of them are experiencing Alma-the-Younger changes in their lives.

It’s beautiful to see how the gospel of Jesus Christ constantly changes us and helps us become more like Him. I am grateful to know so many people who choose to accept this gospel rather than reject it. I pray for all those who struggle with their testimonies so they can feel again what so many are feeling here.

—
Sister Greenman

The Work Moves Forward With Less-Actives

Bolivia 101
They call me sister Hulk—but they say houlk—mostly because my last name is GREEN MAN, but also because I love veggies and I am tall. I think all the kids in all the wards in my mission have been taught by their goodly parents that if they eat all their soup and veggies, they will grow to be like Sister Hulk. I love being tall. And I love vegetables.

On a more serious and heart-breaking note:

Many of our investigators, less-actives and even active members of our branch work for Bermejo Government. That may not sound like sad news to you, but it is. What it means is that due to a shortage of funds they have not paid any of their workers for months and months. Many live on the blessings of the Lord. And many give up meals so their children can eat. I have always loved teaching the law of tithing, but when they have nothing to give, the law of keeping the Sabbath day holy becomes a vital commandment to keep. I feel that if the members and our investigators more fully keep the Sabbath day holy, miracles can come more abundantly. I know that God has power over all things, even over a government.

When as a group of people, we obey the commandments with exactness the Lord will bless us with righteous leaders. If we see we lack in that, we need to stop worrying and gossiping about the lack of leadership in our country and begin teaching and testifying of Christ. The great missionaries of the Book of Mormon often gave up their judgment seat or position as king and ruler to preach the word of God. That is a huge act of faith, but I know when we turn our hearts to Christ we will change, and our change will inspire in us the desire to share with others. Though it appears to be a small act, it can affect a nation. If I have calculated correctly elections are Tuesday? I have no idea what is about to happen, nor do I know a thing about the candidates. But hope all goes well. Ha!

A member who lives in Argentina accompanied the missionaries to show them the house of a very less-active woman. The results? She, the less-active, is ready to be ´rescued´as they say. Her son and daughter-in-law got married and baptized. She has 12 sons, and we are currently preparing 3 of them and their wives and children for baptism. Less-actives have so much power to change their entire family!

Sister Greenman