David Status

Hey family! Friends! Folks of the like!

It got DAVID AND GOLIATH LEVEL this week. We were at Mama Angela's house last Pday when her son, Jair, spotted a "halcyon" and all of a sudden, his dad comes running out with nothing more than a small rock and a rubber band slingshot. NAILED THE BIRD IN THE HEAD. That guy's got some excellent marksmanship. And we have photos of the prize! Hope it's not illegal or something...

On more important news, this week was horrible and great. Horrible because me and my companion went through the most suffering and difficult day yesterday, but great and actually amazing because we grew as high as oak trees. I felt extremely close to my Heavenly Father and testify that He does nurture and loves us as a real father does to every one of His lost sheep. I am so thankful and indebted to my Lord and Savior for the grace He has given us to get us through our Gethsemanes. 

As unfortunate as it is, I gotta' sign off. Found a scripture I loved in studies this morning for a refresher:

27 Wherefore, we speak concerning the law that our children may know the deadness of the law; and they, by knowing the deadness of the law, may look forward unto that life which is in Christ, and know for what end the law was given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away.

So what is it that we obey? The lawgiver or the law? We can only be made alive through that which LIVES! 

So that's all I got time for. Love you guys and you have my prayers! 

Love,

Hermana Furness

I Know Not

I'm going to be really brief today, if possible haha, about something I learned this week. Up until now, our discipline to obey every single rule in the handbook and that President Marler has laid out has been nothing but wish washy. Our biggest hang up was eating outside with members, which had led up to guilty feelings and loads of other consequences--including the lack of the spirit's companionship. It had culminated to a breaking point friday night when we knelt down and literally cried and pleaded to Heavenly Father to forgive us and help us in our desire to change. This has gone on for months if not years, here in the field. I don't even know if the majority obey this rule. But the bottom line is that we recognized the importance of having the food rules here in the mission. Like I told President Marler in our weekly letter, it's not about cleanliness in the kitchens of the members and it's not about physical health alone that we have these rules or as many call them "restrictions." It is just about plain old obedience. That's why we have it. Because God told us so. Because President Marler, His chosen servant has warned us to do so. As the famous scripture goes:

6 And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.

So I am out of time and words. We know not the mysteries of God, but we are to follow them if we trust that He knows a little bit something more than us. Keep safe everyone!

Love,

Hermana Furness

P.S. here are photos from our enormous beach clean up service project this week with the caballitos de totorro in the background ( the pointed straw looking boats.) (: one cheer for a cleaner earth! 

EXCITEMENT!

I am running on PURE excitement, adrenaline, and smiles right now. Seriously! I am on cloud 9. And I am also running on minutes left of our internet time so this is going to be real quick. But of everything, I just have to say that the LORD PERFORMS MIRACLES FOR EVERYONE! I have NO idea how it happened, nor what exactly we did to influence it, but as of yesterday, we have 3, possibly 4 investigators preparing to be baptized on the 26th. It was amazing to see the ward gather together to start making plans and supporting these great people and I feel like I'm crouched down at the starting line of a mile long sprint. It's going to be tougher than nails to try and help them be prepared and get everything organized, but fortunately, I have a great companion and we have an amazing ward. The fruit IS white, all ready to harvest!

Other news--we plucked and prepared 30 chickens this week to help a member who was doing "polladas" for our landlord's party. HARDCORE.

ANNNNNDDD my comp got put on crutches this week. So here's a picture of her motocross gloves and crutch getup. She's a trooper! :)

Have a great week everyone and know that the CHURCH IS FREAKIN' TRUE! 

Love,

Hermana Furness

Got Some Good News

Hello everyone!

I wasn't really sure what to write this week, but I thought I would get some thoughts out. As far as news, Hermana Bronson and I found out that we have another transfer together, so hooray! (: We have really become close and Huanchaco is another home to us. We called a list of members after our conference call with the zone leaders to let them know that we would be staying. We'll be making Reese's peanut butter cookies with a member today to celebrate! :D

Oh, and are you guys getting pumped for General Conference? Cuz I am STOKED. Start getting ready for it now so that this year's conference is something special for you all! :) 

I learned a lot about the reality of Ether 12:27 this week. God has shown me weaknesses I had never discovered before and he quickly showed me how to turn them into growing opportunities. My companion and I had a huge testimony building conversation last night and I love those moments in the mission. I have a greater desire to actually seek out the things and talents I am bad at so that I can find out how to be a stronger and more cultivated person. I got a LONG ways to go, but it's nothing that intimidates me now! Truly I invite you all to write down the things you feel you are good at and another list of the things you want to improve or learn how to do. Going about it is a personal search but the words of Jacob 4:7 is something I found comfort in. Have a happy Monday everyone! (:

Love,

Sister Furness

Oh yeah, I attached one of maybe 4 pictures I took this week. That's my weak attempt at drawing Tarzan holding my companion :) Enjoy!