So, This week made me really tired. With all my challenges and opposition from the enemy, I've been wiped out! Plus I started working out again. It was a testimony strengthening week though. I am amazed at how all the challenges I have received, I always end up appreciating them. Last night as I was finishing up reporting the numbers to the zone leaders, I was going through some old papers I had saved. In them, I found a talk by Elder Joseph B Wirthlin that really touched my heart and summed up my week. The talk is titled, "Come what May, and Love It" It was perfect for me and I remember that my MTC teacher who was really tough on me gave that to me and I hadn't ever read it until last night. It was exactly what I needed. Then I decided to read my bendicion patriarcal (I can't remember how to spell it in English). And this time there was a phrase that really hit me. I had been praying all week to have a witness of my Heavenly Father's love for me and in that blessing there is a part that helped me know that he truly does know me personally and he has chosen me for a specific duty and work. So last night was very special for me and a testimony strengthener.
Now, backtracking a bit into the week, on Tuesday we had to travel out to Dolores for the district meeting. It's a long drive. Almost two hours! And when we got there, we realize that the chapel had been robbed. The computers and projector and several things were missing. Someone who knows the design of the church had done it too because it was planned too well. But, after that, we had a great district meeting and shared lunch together as a district. During lunch, I had my first strange interaction with Elder Winder. He's the new elder that Elder Jarvis trained and President told me that I have to help re-train him to be a good elder. So, at lunch he was talking to the Hermanas about having to talk in sacrament and I gave him my opinion trying to help him out and then he turned to me and rudely said, "You know what? I don't care about what you think. So get lost." That really shocked me. I hadn't done anything to this kid! And perfectly planned, I was planning on doing an exchange with him that day. So, right at the beginning of our day, we started off on a bad note. So, when we got to the pench, we went over his plans and part of that wasn't in line with the mission schedule. We don't have dinner in our mission and he was determined to come back during working hours to eat. I told him that it's not what we do in this mission and we could go find someone to teach in that hour and he got really mad at me. So, I let him have his dinner hour. But out at work, we were talking about how and why people go inactive. It was all fine and then he makes this comment, "You think you're always right, huh?" It took me off guard. I asked him what he meant by that and then he wouldn't answer me and kept ignoring me. I finally stopped walking and said we wouldn't leave that spot until he got everything off his chest right then and there. He refused at first and finally agreed. He sat there quiet for a while thinking and then he explained to me that it's wrong to be right so much. I didn't quite understand. But he got over it and apologized and said he just got rubbed the wrong way. I made him read DyC 42:14 that talked about it we don't have the spirit, we shall not teach. SO, I explained him how important it is that we have the spirit together that day to help other people. It was just an awkward day. I don't know what I did to make him so mad at me. . . So, I am praying for Elder Winder to have a softened heart and to be able to get over his problem with me.
After the exchange, I had more problems. Elder Narvaez is not wanting to work at all. We have had way too much time in the pench doing nothing and he has this MP3 player that he puts on and listens to music all the time. I have tried to get him excited to go work, but he has no desire. He just wants to visit members and "drink the milk". So, I have been struggling with him too. Needless to say, we have had little success this week. We fasted Saturday to Sunday for the members of the branch to have a desire to come to church. Less showed up this week. Only 12 people including us were there. Satan is trying very hard to destroy the church in Chascomus. That just means something powerful is here that he fears. I won't let his plan follow through. And to add to that testimony, President wrote me and said, "Elder Cowan: Chascomus well live again. I am certain of it. There is a reason you are there and the Lord will bless you with everything you need. Le amo mucho--Pte. Stapley" It was exactly what I needed to hear too! I know the Lord is strengthening me during this trial and if I can just be obedient and a hard worker, he will bless me with His Spirit and to help this branch. He is looking over me.
Another thing that happened this week is that one of my shoes has ripped open. . . I think maybe I'll buy shoes for my birthday? May I Mother? And I might be taking out a lot of money while I am here in Chascomus for all the traveling and that we have to pay for everything else like lunch and laundry. Sorry!
So, I am glad everyone is having a great time in summer break, Dad working his buns off, Mom doing everything at the speed of light, Kevin killing it at swim, Trevor working up the ladies with delicious cakes (careful, read 2 Samuel 13 ha ha), and Justin working like a beast as usual. I hope there's a little time to relax in those crazy Cowan plans!
Tell Elder Bihner that if he wants to write his "brother missionary" he can write me a note and I will respond to him. I'd love to help him out too!
Remember that true charity is what we need. If we can truly love others the way Christ sees and loves each of us, this world would be a better place. I strive to have charity always for everyone I meet. Make it a part of our family.
I am so grateful for my family, friends, and anyone I have met and the people who support me on my mission. I am eternally grateful for the prayers and thoughts and the things I have learned. I am trying to be like Jesus. I hope and pray that you can all feel the presence of His love this week.
Love,
Elder Blake W. Cowan
P.S. Yesterday was Father's Day in Argentina. I can't remember when it is in the US, so Happy Father's Day Daddy! :)
The short hermana with long hair is my daughter.
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