7 Julio 2014

I was getting ready to write the group email when we heard a bunch of kids calling out "Hermana!" We headed out and saw that a bunch of people were calling us over to the house next to the chapel. We walked over and saw a man swimming to shore holding up a spear with a shark on the end. He had been checking his nets for fish when he found the shark caught in the net eating his fish. Upon arriving, he tossed it up on to shore. It wasn't too big, bug he was still alive and slightly menacing. After a while they decided to throw him back into the ocean (they occasionally eat it, but apparently this was the wrong type of shark or something). Before tossing it back in I asked if I could hold it. That's right, I just held a live shark! I can check that one off of the to-do list. FYI . . . sharks are heavy.

I'm not really sure where this past week went. Though fast, it was a good week, and more time granted to spend among these chosen people. Spending so much time with the Kunas has helped me to understand them so much more. I understand many things that previously perplexed me about their culture, mindset, and attitude toward the gospel. As I understand them more, I feel like I can serve them and teach them more effectively. As I sat thinking this morning after seminary I decided that I've embraced enough of the Kuna culture that it may be extremely difficult for me to adjust back to reality upon returning home in 4 months. 

This past fast Sunday the entire mission of Panama participated in a fast for miracles. As a companionship, Hermana Hastings and I fasted for an investigator named Carlos. Carlos is a 19 year old who moved back to the island from Colon shortly after I got here. He is practically a member, he only lacks the baptism. He and his cousin, Breddy, who is a member, however less-active, are always the first to arrive to institute and are always willing to help us with anything. The obstacle for both of them is attending the Sunday meetings. We fasted with the hope of seeing progression towards Carlos' baptism. 

On Sunday night an opportunity presented itself to teach him a little more about the restoration of the gospel. We were sitting in from of the chapel when Carlos made a comment about he quantity of churches in the world. Then, Breddy turned to me and very sincerely asked me if I really believe that this is the true church. Without hesitation I smiled at him and told him that I did. We then explained and testified of the restored gospel and the Book of Mormon. Each time I testify of these things the feeling that I get confirms to me once again that if is all true. My heart delights in testifying of my Savior and that the plenitude of His gospel is on the earth today. I know these things to be true. 

I love and miss you all! Make it a spectacular week :)

Go Foward With Faith,

Hermana Falslev