November 9th, 2015 - Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel

Well we had cambios/transfers this past Wednesday, it was a tough day! I did everything I could to not think about the best companion/missionary in the whole mission leaving me to go back home, such a bittersweet feeling having him leave, but happy to see him progressing. My new companion, Elder Gilbert, has 15 months in the mission, is now the district leader, and I am still in my first area Antofagasta in our pretty nice house. He seems to be perfectly content and even keeled no matter what happens. He has gotten used to Bolivia as he says. He's a great guy and doesn't seem to get tired! I'm well aware that losing your trainer is difficult for everyone and this will take some getting used to as well but this past week has been harder than I anticipated. Elder Garcia will be missed!

The closest thing to a miracle I found is that when I put my shoulder to the wheel harder than I ever have before in my life, I feel so fulfilled and happy. I think this is a good lesson to take away, that truly when we lose ourselves in the Lord and His service, we can find ourselves.

PLEASE pray for my strength, increased courage to talk with everyone and have the gift of tongues, and.... to find true joy in this difficult work.

The sisters in our ward seem to miraculously be baptizing people every other week! It can be challenging to stay positive when trying to seek out investigators and encourage them to complete their assignments, but perseverance is the key to success. 

Anyway, other stuff.... I ate some rabbit a few weeks back.... that was pretty exciting and sad... please watch The District videos if you get the chance.... we have to watch a clip and practice teaching EVERY single day until we can do it in our sleep. The mission in Bolivia is a whole 'nother WORLD compared to the church in the United States.... the church has only been here for 50 yrs... and some people are hearing about it for the first time, but just as a seed is planted, it will grow. :)

2 Nephi 2:21 is pretty cool paired with the idea that we should obey the word of wisdom and our parents so that our days may be long upon the land. I believe that if we keep the commandments we have the blessing of living longer on the Earth, our unique time in all the eternities to be in this place and learn in the way we do, mastering our bodies and the natural man. What a blessing to be given more time upon the Earth to become more perfect and live more.

.....Anyway.... please.... prayer harder than you ever have.... I'm going to need it this week.... I love you and pray for you all and think and pray for you even in my trials. The Lord continues to strengthen me to push forward.

Love,

Elder Van Horne

Elder Garcia

Elder Gilbert