Bolivia, Paraiso—Week 7

Dearest Family and Friends,

This week was a lot better. Thanks for the love. I have been truly comforted this week.

Hermana Rivero went home this week and although it was really sad, I know that she’s going on to bigger things in her life. She was a fantastic missionary and I really have learned lots from her in the short period of time that I was with her.

But thanks so much for the support of everyone. I had a great week this week with Hermana Bingham. Really, she is a great companion, and one of my favorites. We get along super well and we are working hard here in Paraiso.

I would like to ask everyone to please pray for one of the investigators of the Elders, his name is Rene and he’s going to be baptized next week. He just found out that his brother-in-law died, so he needs lots of prayers.

Please also pray for the “C” family. They are having a really hard time right now with the ward and are thinking of leaving the church. Please pray that they can remember their testimonies and that they are important to the ward.

Thanks so much for your prayers and thoughts on my behalf. I love you all so much!

xoxo Hermana Nelson

Journal Pages

Interviews with President Zambrano
We had interviews today and talked about the problems here. It was hard, especially for me because I’m not good at opening up and when I do, I tend to cry. We told him everything about the ward, our disappointment with transfers, and our experience with a leader in our ward. He really helped me understand a lot of things—like how I need to be more positive, to trust the Priesthood leaders, and that all the things we’ve experienced are only helping us feel a little of how Christ felt when He was here. He said that there is a big reason we are here. If not, we wouldn’t be having as much opposition and as many trials.

I know I’m here with Hermana Bingham for a reason. I know it will help me learn and grow. I’ve learned a lot more about myself in these past few days than I have in a long time.

Hermana’s Rivero’s Last P-Day
Today was our last P-Day with Hermana Rivero, so we had a fiesta. This is what we did today:

Played Soccer
Ate Sublime (chocolate) & Coca-Cola
Went to the Cathedral of Santa Cruz and took pictures
Ate at Subway and then Vaca Fria
Took lots of pictures and videos
Bought junk food at the IC Norte
Made a fire for s’mores
Finger painted a shirt
Danced like crazy people
Ate pizza, pop-tarts, Andes mints, and lots of s’mores

She had a fun last night!

Then there were Two . . .
Well, it’s just Hermana Bingham and I now—just two crazy Americans in Bolivia. She’s really great and a grand friend. I just hope we will be friends after the mission as well.

Armor of God
We had a “Put on the Whole Armor of God” activity. It was hilarious! Who knew that the Bolivians could be so creative? And the Elders were really getting into it. It was really funny.