Hermana Owen ~ Paraguay Asuncion North: 2014-09-07

6. And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God.

25 My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in yourmind forever.

My companion and I just happened to be studying the same chapter in the Book of Mormon the other day and just happened to read, focus on, and ponder THE SAME verse the other day (verse 25). I absolutely LOVE these verses. We have to keep going even when we are tired, even when the climb gets tough, even when we feel alone. To all those maybe hittin a rough patch in the road remember all the Savior went through... He´s walked your path before. He´s here for each and everyone of us to walk it again with us. He is our Savior and Redeemer.

Good news! Hermana Pastora Diana quit smoking!! She is so strong and just darling. They are so excited to get baptized. We will be having a baptism this week infact. Federico Sanchez (14). He is so stoked. Reading his Book of Mormon everyday and praying everyday, comes to all the activities and just LOVES life. He and his siblings amaze me! The picture is of all of us celebrating his older brother´s (Roberto) birthday on Friday for lunch. He turned 18! Mission! Not just yet but we are pumpin him up and the elders are as well.

Happy Birthday Roberto

We had a spiritual boost this past Wednesday. We had... DIVISIONS! It´s been to long! :) It was fun and a little nerve racking, honestly, to be on the other end. Hermana was real nervous though but she ended up having a BLAST! By the end of the day she was speaking spanish like no other. We now have a goal as a companionship to speak 100% spanish except during pday hours :) Love it. She is such a go getter.

We also found a golden family this day. Familia Ramirez. About a month ago, we were headed through the park in the middle of Horqueta here. I was explaining to Hermana Border how we strive to find families when suddenly one was headed our way. We called the other day to see if we could pass by or if they were interested in learning more. Surprisingly they were very interested. We taught an awesome Lesson one and they´ve excepted to hear more. We´re going today! And they said they have been praying and reading the Book of Mormon! Pray for them!

Oh speaking of Book of Mormon... guess what!? I finished!!!! In spanish!! FINALLY. :)

Also did you know there are blackberries in Paraguay!?! I thought there was nothing of berries. BUT they got blackberries. I go around pickin ´em off the trees and poppin ´em in my mouth. Your hands get purple but they are so good. A little smaller and milder than the ones in the states.

We had a neat Branch activity Saturday night. We reenacted the tree of life. It turned out beautiful. Not to many came but we had an absolute blast. It rained A TON Saturday night so we had a low assistance as well but a beautiful testimony meeting. Seems like it rains every fast Sunday. I swear the Lord tests the faith of these people SO much! Well things are going well. Just soakin up some sun; it has been crazy hot here and I am afraid it´s not gonna get any cooler.

May Christ lift you up. Love you all tons!

Con amor,

Hermana Owen