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!

I love my mission (Week 14)

Family and friends!

This week has been crazy as usual. First off, Happy HALLOWEEN! Here in Bolivia, people do stuff if they want, but Todos Santos (day of the dead) is more important so Ill have some stuff to share with you this week as I live through my first Halloween here. Honestly, I might dress up, but there isnt too much on this side of town going on.

A few crazy stories to make yall smile:
We have rats here. One lived in my bag for a bit, and then it escaped. Another elder killed another one, but I did NOT want a picture with the thing. Time to clean the house!

So Ive decided that pasteurized milk is too main stream so I buy my milk straight from the cow! A man comes in a carriage with milk for me to buy every morning! I only buy it a few times a week and LOVE IT! Its more of the experience. 

During my first Zone Conference, my awesome Mission President shared his love for my companion who goes home in 3 weeks. Pres Willard shared how humble Elder Chavez was and how awesome of a missionary I will be because of my training. Well, I went to put my arm around Elder Chavez and instead I ELBOWED HIM IN THE FACE! My Mission Mom was right behind us and she was dying of laughter with us. Totes an RJ moment. 

I totally had a near death experience! It was awesome. So I was walking into my pensionistas home and was behind my companion. I closed the gate and had walked maybe 6 steps when I heard a CRACK and WABAM! part of their tree fell to the ground. I kind of laughed it off because it seemed pretty light, but it probably would have killed me or stopped me from playing piano. Both of those are on the same level.

Speaking of hands, I want to share with you my love for the Saviors hands. But first, story. So last year I had the amazing oppòrtunity to work during the holiday season and I enjoyed every minute of the hustle and bustle. I also got to help put together a Christmas musical program for my church and both of those experiences will forever be imprinted in my mind. This year, and next, will be different. In my area, there isnt a mall. There wont be a music program. But there will be service. This season, I get to be like my Savior, Jesus Christ. I get to serve others as a way of gratitude for my blessings in life.

A song called His Hands shares the following message about the Savior:

His hands would serve his whole life through

Showing man what hands might do
Giving, ever giving, endlessly.

Each day was filled with selflessness

And Ill not rest till I make up my hands what they could be

Till these hands become like those from Galilee.

The song focuses on how the Lord served and worked miracles with his hands. He healed the sick, raised the dead, comforted the weary. But he also clasped his hands in agony when he was suffering for our sins. He used his hands out of love, and when those he loved pierced his hands, he still loved them and served them.

This week was rough. Our investigators need someone to love them before they will make the commitment to be baptized. Man, am I learning patience like my sister. But, I am using my hands to hold scriptures and to hold their hands while I bring them closer to my Savior, Jesus Christ.

The next two months, I invite each of you reading this to think of your hands: What are you doing with them? Are you using them to lift others, or to lift yourself? When the Savior was on the Earth, he taught a young man who had kept all of the commandments of the God. This keen young man asked the Lord what more he lacked. The Savior responded: ¨If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast and give to the poor and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. Come and follow me.¨ This man, having many posessions, went away sad because he wouldnt give what he had. (Matthew 19:19 to 21) Now, this isnt a speech to get you to give all of your money to people who have no money. Rather, this is an invitation to give up something more precious: Your time. And to give to people who are poor in spirit. You know people in your life who need that love. If you dont, pray for the Lord to tell you who needs your help. I promise you that if you serve others, this will be a Christmas to never forget. Dont sell your material possessions, sell your time of watching TV or going on Facebook and do something for someone who has nothing.

I bear my testimony of the reality of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I love my mission and love each and every one of you. I also know that I can send letters now! I have addresses and will make it to the post office once a month to get them to you. The picture attached is the tree that almost killed me, and the house I eat at every day. I love you all!
Con amor,
Elder Risueño

Happy 3 Months to me! (Week 13)

My dearest family and loving friends,

Well this week has been one to remember:

A cockroach in the house walked on my feet and I squealed and about peed my pants...A dog peed on my leg while I was writing down an appointment...I stepped in about a foot of mud and totally soaked my shoe...

I almost ruined Moms DELICIOUS brownie mix because I forgot to put butter on the pan before... and have made many other cooking mistakes.

But isnt it the best?! Arent missions the most awesome things in the world?!

This week, I wanted to share with you my testimony about our tales that each of us has to tell. Let me elaborate:

This week we have found some different and blessed people.

Antoinela is about 95 years old, cant walk, cant really move, she just talks to us with few words and tells us she has pains in her body and wants to walk. She is suffering.

Lorenza Rojas is a wife of a sweet husband who is terribly sick. He cant go to church because he pees in his pants and doesnt really know it. Hna Rojas is old, and has served the Lord her entire life, but when she needed the help, the ward didnt come to help. She is suffering.

Julian had a terrible accident two months ago and lost his wife in a car accident. He himself cant walk and he doesnt know why God would cause him this much pain when he has done all he can to be a good person. He is suffering.

As a missionary, I have dealt with some small sufferings of investigators not coming to church, not wanting to change. And after about 6 weeks of not having any investigator progress, we had 7 people come to church with us. We have a lot of work to do, and after waiting, the Lord has provided. That reminds me of a great verse of a hymn:

Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard? 

Tis not so, all is right!

Why should we think to earn a great reward

If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins, fresh courage take

Our God will never us forsake!
And soon we´ll have this tale to tell:
All is well! All is well!

I know that through patience during our trials, we can find silver linings to share with other who are suffering. In my life, I have had trials and I never knew I would share them with people each day of the mission.

I am sure that each of you has trials too. We all have them each day of the week. But what are we doing to share our experiences of hope with others? So many people dont know where to go to find solace. But we have the knowledge that they need to make it through the day.

This past week, I received a great talk from my friend Alyssa Whalen that had this quote from Bruce D Porter:

Trials may come, and we may not understand everything that happens to us or around us. But if we humbly, quietly trust in the Lord, He will give us strength and guidance in every challenge we face. When our only desire is to please Him, we will be blessed.

For this week, I ask each of you to pray to find someone who needs your light. Who needs your hope. Let the Lord guide you to them, and share with them the great blessings that come from the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.

The prophet Nephi, in the Book of Mormon, said the following during a trial of his:

My God hath been my support, he hath led me through mine afflictions and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

How I hope the best for each of you this week and pray the Lord will guide you in every step.

Con amor,
Elder Risueño

P.S. Take a look at my scriptures case, my lovely shoes after the mud attacked, and Happy birthday, mom! and happy 3 months to me! 

Gotta love being RJ Risueño (Week 12)

My dearest family and friends,

Well this week was crazy as usual! 

For the best part... I LOST MY CREDIT CARD! So awesome. Not. I was so excited about getting my scripture covers made that my credit card went somewhere. Gotta love being RJ Risueño. Hahahaha. Dont worry, the church gives me money. I just felt it was perfect timing because my moms birthday is this week! Oh, and for the 10,000 other people with birthdays this week--Momma Wilson, Momma Stowell, and Aunt Ruthe, and Uncle Mike and Aunt Denise--Happy Birthday. 

Another funny duddy: Its really common for people to buy American shirts to wear here and they have no idea what they say. A lady in my ward was wearing a shirt that had glitters and said WORK THAT. Yup. I about died. So embarrassing for her. I love Bolivians. 

Also, my pensionista has a dog thats big and scary and they call him Bruce Willis, which in Spanish is Bruce Weelee. Its do die for. 

On to the other stuff:

My heart hurts and rejoices for another guardian angel that will be with me as I work as a missionary. Almost every month of my mission, I have experienced a death of a loved one. Grandpa, Linda, and now Pilar Casillas. As much as it hurts, I received a laminated photo of a painting of missionaries walking with angels by their side. Cathy Powers, you are such a great person. Thank you.

One of our investigators, Carlos, is a great man. But Carlos is an addict. We taught him the Word of Wisdom and he promised to stop drinking, but we found him drunk and it hurt to see him like that. He was sad, depressed, and his family is in shambles. Family, addictions arent worth it. If you have an addiction, its time to come to Christ. If you feel like there is no way out, there is. 

One of my favorite songs that Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings is called ¨Softly and Tenderly¨and here are some of the lyrics:

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,

Calling for you and for me.

Still are the waters he´s waiting and watching.

Watching for you and for me.

´´Come home! Come home!

Ye who are weary, come home.´´

Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,

Calling, ¨Oh sinner, come home!¨

I invite each of you to listen to this beautiful song and think about the changes you can make in your life to come to your Savior. How I wish that Carlos would do the same for his sweet family.

In the Book of Mormon, council is given regarding coming to Christ by a prophet named Jacob: ¨Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of day, harden not your hearts.¨

To those who feel like they cant do it, you can. The Atonement reaches so many capacities. I have felt its love in my life. Whether you have an addiction, or whether you have just fallen off the path, the time is now to get back into the Savior´s footsteps. 

I offer my solemn testimony of the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. The road to happiness isnt easy, but its sure. I love being a representative of my Savior Jesus Christ and I love each and every one of you. Thank you for your letters and your prayers. I know the Savior loves you.

I offer this testimony in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Con mucho amor,

Elder Risueño

Going the Distance (Week 11)

My dearest family and friends,

Wow! Wasnt conference the best or what?? And I got to watch most of it in English! On to that in a few paragraphs...

So this week was a week of miracles. First off, I got a stomach infection which was super fun. I was put on bed rest and slept more. But I felt like my dad and I enjoyed every minute going to get meds and such. I was in my shirt, mesh shorts, and loafers! I am my father´s son! 

Amidst the trials of not having families in our area, or having progressing investigators, our shining light came this week! Selene is a young adult we contacted a few weeks ago then disappeared off the face of the Earth. Well, we found her and we are trying to get her to see the blessings of changing her work schedule so she can make it to church! She wants to get baptized and she knows the Book of Mormon is true! How awesome is that!

Music classes went well this past week! Only about 4 people came, but they are now SUPERB directors of 4/4 time! So great! I loved it! 

Now onto conference... 

God answered so many of my prayers! I just feel so ready to focus on the work! Not only are members SO important to the work, but we need to have faith in each day. I loved Elder Dube´s talk where he spoke of when he was a little boy and he was doing a chore and told his mom, ¨Look how much we´ve done!¨¨ And she responded by saying, ¨No, look how much we have to do!¨ How true that is in missionary work, how true that is in life. 

I was reminded of the great story of Hercules and his journey to find his individual worth:

¨Down an unknown road

To embrace my fate

Though the road may wander,

It will lead me to you.

And a thousand years

Would be worth the wait

It may take a lifetime,

But somehow Ill see it through.

And I wont look back

I can go the distance!

And Ill stay on track

No, I wont accept defeat.

Its an uphill slope, 

But I wont lose hope.

I will go the distance till my journey is complete!¨¨

Family in friends, trust in God. Have patience. Dont look back! Look at all that you can do and will do with God! Dont let your fears stop you from completing your dreams. 

I have faith in you. The Lord does as well. 

Have a great week, and go the distance.

Con muchisimo amor,

Èlder Risueño

Reasons Why Bolivia is the Best (Week 10)

Family and Friends!

Where the heck did September go?! I have no idea, but Im ready for October!

I got my first package this past week! Thank you Bremmer family for the package of Starbursts, the notebook, and your letters!

Aunt Janet asked me if I would share some stuff on the daily life of a Bolivian so I decided this email will do just that.

So why is Bolivia the best place to live??

If you want to go on a ward activity, just drive to random deserted place and take a ton of plucked chickens with you! While youre there, cut up the chickens, and eat them for lunch! Want to eat a chicken heart? Theyre good! A little chewy but good.

Roasting marshmallows is SO old school. A great father son activity is raosting chicken heads!

If your little boy needs to pee, he doesnt need to use a restroom! He can just whip it out and pee outside! So much easier. Totally happened in a lesson.

Mothers, if you need to breastfeed, just breastfeed in public! Its so much easier and even if you do it during a lesson its fine too. Definitely happened.

For lunch, in this hot weather, we eat soup. Its so hard, but its good! and pasta is SO old school. For lunch, we have rice, meat and potatoes!

Toilet paper should not go in the toilet! It needs to go in the trash next to the toilet! Not the nicest, but still works!

Tiendas are miracles! The best way to describe it is its like someone created a shop for people to buy stuff out of their garage. The market is dangerous for us, so tiendas are so awesome.

Washers are way too expensive! Just wash everything by hand and dry outside. Im so grateful for a pensionista that does everything!

And showers have 2 options: Super hot or supèr cold. Choose whichever!

Honestly, this past week, Ive thought of more but something totally crazy happened: I tried to fast only without food, I still drank water, because our investigators arent coming to church and Im just losing patience, and I got super sick. It was super hot and I shouldnt have fasted. So from 2pm yesterday to 7am this morning I slept. And if I wasnt sleeping, I was having diarrhea. It was nasty and yes, I pooped in my pants. Twice. It was so glamorous.

Anyway, in all honesty, I live in a super poor part of Bolivia. Its rough. But I choose to have fun! I choose to laugh at the porn all over and other really bad stuff. I love it here and wouldnt ask for anything else.

Piano lessons, music lessons, and english lessons are all going well. This is my home.

This weekend is General Conference for my church. Its a time to hear a prophets voice and be spiritually uplifted with great counsel on how to better our lives. I hope you all with take a some time to watch this conference. I promise you the great choral music and counsel will change your live.

I love this gospel. I love you.

Con Amor,

Élder Risueño

Character (Week 9)

Hello family!
The weeks are starting to fly by here in Bolivia, thankfully. I want to express the utmost gratitude for those letters this past week. They changed my mission so much. Im especially grateful for the sweet Young Women in 7th ward who wrote me and I cant wait for each of them to receive my responses in the coming months. I received some pictures of Ellyn and one picture was of her with her mustache on, talking on the phone. I loved it so much. It was a reminder that God has put me here in Bolivia to be RJ! To be sassy, well maybe not, but to be me! And this week I have been me! I started piano lessons with 3 young women and I will continue to teach them every week. They know enough for me to meet with them all at once. This Wednesday, music classes start and the people of this ward and investigators will learn how to read music, direct hymns, and sing closer to the right notes haha. Im so grateful for the preparation my past students have given me. Im so grateful for the chances that I was given by parents in my ward to teach their kids! And of course, Mr Keltner did so much to help me too. What a great blessing it is! And next week, English classes will be twice a week. Wow!
Yesterday we had a family at church! How awesome! Our investigators have many problems that we as missionaries cant deal with on our own, so we have to trust the Lords timing and send them to the Bishop. We continue to work hard and try and make a difference in the lives of these people.
Most of my thoughts this week have come from the hymn Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd. Here are some lyrics:
Dear to the heart of the shepherd
Dear are the ninety and nine
Dear are the sheep that have wandered
Out in the desert to climb.

Hark! He is earnestly calling,
Tenderly pleading today.
“Will you not seek for my lost souls
Off from the shelter astray?”

Out in the desert they wander
Hungry, and helpless, and cold
Out to the rescue He hastens
Bringing them back to the fold.

I sing this everyday as I prepare to leave and I plead with God that I will find one soul that I can carry on my back home. This song means the world to me because I am in a desert and I see so many people who need to know that they are important to the Lord. I hope you, too, will ask yourself the same question. Will you find a lost soul that needs to find safety in the arms of the Savior?
I bear you all my testimony of the tender mercies of the Lord. That He knows each of you. Make a list of his tender mercies in your life as a reminder of how personal He is with you. I pray for you all daily and I hope to hear from you all sometime in the next two years.
Con amor,
Elder Risueño