Firstly we took a photo with him. President Chaparro and his wife organized all of us so that we all look dashing. Then he asked us to sing a hymn to invite the spirit. We sang "Families Can Be Together Forever" and "I am a Child of God". While we were singing the spirit was just super strong. I wanted to cry by then but I cant because I have to look good in the photo! hahaha Anyway, while we were singing Elder Cook and his wife, and other leaders of Latin America drove in. They said thank you to us and also said how a dashing group we all are. Then we walked in the sacrament hall but before we all sat down we shook their hands. Elder Cook said that it was so great to shake our hands and look us on the eye. He said its like a mini interview! It was just so great. One Elder said that he will never wash his hand ever again. Hahaha!
Then after that the leaders talked to us mostly about how to develop Chris-like attributes, how to become the missionaries our Heavenly Father wants us to be, and also the power of the Book of Mormon. It has just been a spirit filled talks. Elder Cook told us missionaries that we are branch builders. We are here in our mission fields to help the Lord build his kingdom.
We are called because God trusts us and have great confidence in us. Then Elder Cook ended with his (super strong) testimony about how the church is true and how hes a witness that Christ lives. It was just BOOOM the spirit filled the whole room so strong. Then he left us with a promise that when we do our part and work as much as we can do to build Gods kingdom, we will be blessed. Not just us but also our families back home and also our families in the future. I was just bawling my eyes out. Like a little baby!
Elder Cook also mentioned that we are specifically called here in Argentina because there are specific people who are waiting for our testimony. Or because we have to be around this group of people or because the people in our area needed our influence. Or because the mission president and his wife needed our help or vice versa. We are called here in Salta Argentina Mission because they can see what we will be in the future. The mission will influence our lives and will help us on what we will be in the future. It was just super great and motivating!
I remembered when I was working on my missionary papers I had this strong feeling that I will serve in Argentina. A lot of people said that I will probably serve in Temple Square, California, or even back in the Philippines. But nope. I knew from the start that I am needed in Argentina! And I have been serving the people here for 7 months! Time flew by so fast! Anyway, it was just a fun filled motivating reunion.
Another great thing about this reunion was that we were able to reunite as a mission. All of us missionaries in Salta! I was able to see my eternal friends from my other zones and districts! I was also able to see my mami! Hermana Maciel! It was just so sweet to see her again before she ends her mission in 4 weeks! I also saw my group/generation. The missionaries that came with me in Salta. They are all fabulous and just filled with such light! I am so happy to see all of them again. I was also able to see my other compañeras. Ah it was just so great! It eased the pain of geting rejected the whole week haha! But onward christian soldier, right?
So if any of you out there who are reading this journal entry, if you are thinking about serving a mission, read D&C 4. Then pray and fast about it. Talk to your bishop but more than anything talk to our Heavenly Father. And for the returned missionaries out there, we dont need to have a tag on to preach the gospel :) There are also people waiting for your testimony out there. Just like in the mission field but now at home.
I love each and everyone of you! And I know with all my heart that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church. That the Book of Mormon is the word of God. That Thomas S. Monson is our living prophet who guides and helps us so that we can return back to our Heavenly Father. And I share all of these things humbly in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Chrsit, Amen.
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