Week 9: Ixhuatan/Tonala- LOTS of Change Already!

Sooo I am finally writing 3 weeks in. It's been a long three weeks but a great three weeks! 

Christmas Party

My first area was Ixhuatan, Oaxaca in the Chahuites Zone. The people there were so amazing. They helped me out so much. On my first day, my suitcase with all of my clothes was stolen at the bus depot.  It was interesting LOL. But the members took me to go shopping on day three (with permission duh cause I'm an obedient missionary). But we had to leave the mission to get them. We went all the way to Salina Cruz, Oaxaca which is in the Oaxaca mission. After that, I finally started to settle in there. It was really cool. I learned the importance of members with us to convert--especially the youth. They are the heart and future of the Evangelio (Gospel). It was really cool and fun to get to know the people of Ixhautan and I definitely will return. I can't wait. 

Christmas Gift Exchange at Party

Oh yeah about how I left... Well we thought I was gonna stay and the white AP was gonna come down and train me to be a zone leader in a few transfers or as soon as the next one. Then Thursday of last week came and we got a call at 6:30 in the morning on the dot from a different zone leader saying I needed to go Tuxtla for the Consego (which are meetings with all the zone leaders of the mission) and I was supposed to bring my bags. That was one way to really wake me up LOL. 

So I packed and came to Tuxtla. When I got there, I was told I was going to Tonala 1 (and working also in Cabeza de Toro) in Chiapas with the other AP (the one who does not know English at all). That was some interesting news to say the least. But all is well. It was really cool to get the opportunity to go to the Consego and aprender (learn) so much. We talked a lot about goals and our direction. We have to be working with the church leaders and youth to get this work going. Our goal for baptisms this month is 250 (maybe he meant 25?). That's crazyyy. But we can do it. With faith and giving it our all, we will be able to accomplish wonderful things. That's what this life is about-- having faith through the ups and the downs, always staying true to your beliefs, holding to the rod, having faith that everything will be alright in hard times, and having faith that we receive so many blessings from God in the ups. 

So yeah,  I am now in Tonala. Things are looking up. Having a companion that can only speak Spanish helps a lot! Things are good out here in Tonala. We set two baptismal dates in our first two days. So this place will be booming before we know it. Todo lo Puedo en Cristo que me fortalece (I can do everything in Christ that strengthens me)! Hasta el Arbol TGM (Tuxtla Gutierrez Mission)!!!