Everybody in the office is now dedicated to flipping the image of an office Elder upside down. It’s funny that the week we all got so excited and fired up in District Meeting, some of the greatest obstacles to working out in my proselyting area would rear their ugly head. Monday we took 2 Elders to the airport to fly home early for school (a trunky-ifying experience in and of itself, not to mention the time that it takes). Then, Tuesday, the day after having that exciting District Meeting, President called us up to talk to us about organinzing our efforts for the upcoming leadership conference for all the leaders in the 6 Districts and 18 or so branches of our mission. It was quite an experience and challenge, but a rewarding and exciting one at the same time, since we did it!
Even though we were slammed here in the office with extra conference preparation duties (working all through the evening Thursday, until 3 am Friday night/Saturday morning, and the conference all day Saturday), we still did our best to work in the area and brought 7 investigators to church as an office and had 2 baptisms. We also achieved our goal of total asistencia in our ward of 100. Wow!
Talking in specifics: my example of faith and dedication despite obstacles, Javier, was baptized this week. The pictures are attached. Needless to say, he was and will be one of my great converts because he is, as my older brother once explained to me, looking forward an not backward. He was once on track to be a Priest in the Catholic church, and a commander in the Paraguayan army. That is…until he lost his leg. From that incident, he lost his military prospects, found himself disilusioned with his church, and even found himself abandoned by his girl. He fell into a cycle of alcoholism and lived for years under its influence. Just months before we clapped outside his door, he had pulled himself out of his addiction, destroyed his self-pity, obtained a prostetic leg and was learning to walk. He let us in out of courtesy, as he would later tell us, but was baptized because of his faith.
I am overcome with happiness this week. I see miles of improvement to be made but praise God for what he has given me. The mission is an unforgettable experience. I thank you all for making it happen. I miss you and would love to hear about your lives.
Have a great week!
Elder McCarty
Elder McCarty
Me at my desk, makin a goofy face with Elder Dennis, my old Zone Leader.
Montiel Family, once night after teaching them. They are so awesome and one of the most active families in the ward.
The Late Night, when we stayed up until 3 organizing materials and preparing presentations. President giving us some Instructions.
Javier Baptism, I stood in the water behind Javier while Elder Rodriguez said the prayer and we both helped him down into the water.
Stuffing my face by President at the big conference. Good food.
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