Arise and Shine! (Week 15)

Hey family and friends!

This week was just so awesome, I about peed myself with the fun things that happened. First off, I saw a rat get killed! Actually I screamed and hid, but I moved the trashbag so we could kill the darn thing! Hahahhaha Pictures of course!

Another thing, I got to see my MTC friends after 2 months! What the heck?! Really?! 2 months! and guess what?! They are all having the same problems. My friend Elder Wilkinson, in the photo, has been to the hospital more times than most people should and its hard! The mission is hard! But we all just laugh and love it! We may not have iPads here to use like the missionaries in the US, but man we use sand to communicate and we love it! Oh, we got cell phones a month ago! Every companionship! Super rare and crazy. I about died. Thats how far behind Bolivia is.
This week we also had exchanges. I went with the Zone Leader to his area and it was awesome. I just felt the Spirit and even though I was worried about my weaknesses, I was just led by the Spirit and learned a ton. Who knew how great the Lord would be with me. I was just so grateful to learn. 

My companion leaves to go home in 2 weeks, and even though its sad, he gets to go to HONDURAS to see Ellyn so Im actually quite excited. hahaha. 

Halloween here was really calm. A few kids went up to a man and said FELIZ NOCHE DE HALLOWEEN and he just was super confused to which the Mom replied in Spanish, Just give them candy. Love it! 

This week was also Todos Santos, which is day of the dead where people party and remember their family members that have died and go to their graves. So no one was home, it was pouring rain, and I felt badly that they didnt know of the Plan of Salvation. As I was walking in the pouring rain and just enjoying missionary life, I thought of the scripture that says ¨Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth that thy light may be a standard unto the nations.¨ How awesome! In the rain, I just wanted to shine and help these people! Our investigators have problems. But we are working super hard. We are looking at baptizing a 9 year old this Saturday! Her name is Dulce, how perfect! What a light she is to me.

This week, I just want to leave you all with the lyrics to this sing:
How can I keep this gift to myelf, when I can lift somebody else? I am a witness of His miracles and His mercy. I put my future in His hands, knowing hes made me all I am. When I put my faith in Him, the truth begins to speak. His power is real. It moves me until I will not be still.¨

My dear family and friends, this week I ask each of you to not be still. To be a light to someone else. To serve them. To share with them your testimony. The Lord has blessed each of us in so many ways! I am just so happy to be a missionary and to be here in Bolivia. I love you all and pray the Lord to protect you.
Elder Risueño

P.S. Elder Chavez and I found the mustaches and the food is what we just had for lunch! Meat and rice! So perfect. I am changing so much! But I did have pasta this week. Love to you all!