Trying Week; Rodrigo & Martin's Baptisms

Dear Family,

I think it's been probably one of the most trying weeks of my mission. I just seem to get sick a lot more often out here. All the lack of sleep and the climate continually changing doesn't do me good. I have been sick since last Tuesday and am trying to keep working. Not only that, but the rain has really killed the work. Nobody wants to let us in their houses! So, I had a few days of singing in the rain while getting really muddy! Also, Elder Carlson has been really trying my patience a lot this week.

So, we baptized two boys this week, Rodrigo and Martin. Rodrigo is the only one that counts for us because Martin is a ward baptism, but it was fun. We combined the wards for the baptism and it was cool to have everyone in white. Baptism days are so stressful too! You have to get everything organized and done so quickly. And this chapel is so odd where the font is and stuff that I ended up changing in a janitor's closet! ha ha! Got to love Latin America and little chapels!


Sorry mother, we couldn't pass by for Martina this past week. And there wasn't many progressing stories from the investigators. Melani will be baptized this week and that's going to be fun!

We found this man on Saturday morning that was a pretty good story. So, we were out working, but walking in this part of the area, and we walked past this older man shoveling a lot of sand. He told his daughter that we're North American spies and I turned around and said that we aren't! So I went back to him and we began to explain that we're from a church and we're just young men. He wouldn't believe it! ha ha! Then, I told him we come here to help the people, so he handed me his shovel and said, then help me! So I shoveled ALL his sand and explained to him why we are missionaries between each wheel barrel delivery. By the end, he was really interested and let us pass through and we taught him part of the restoration. He wants to go to church and he wants to see what's so special about this church that we've given up everything to serve the Lord. So, Martin, that's his name, will be a cool investigator and he has a huge family too! More baptisms!

I am so ready to work this week! I am tired of being sick. Oh, because I was so sick, I stayed in the pench all day and I cleaned it REALLY well, and perfectly, a senior couple came to investigate the pench and was surprised at how perfect it was! Looks like someone has taught their son to clean pretty well! Hno and Hna Eva were calling me a stud and loved me! They said I might be the cleanest missionary in the mission.

So, I don't really know what to tell you this week. I'm kind of rushed this week again too. I hope this next week will be a lot better with my health and the weather! Be prepared for an amazing letter next week!! I love you all!

Love,
Elder Blake W. Cowan