Zarahemla Week 36

Exchanges with Elder Surette

We had a great week! We just got transfer calls... I will be staying here in Zarahemla for another transfer, and Elder Toledo will be leaving! He will be going to Monte Rey, which is still in the same district so we'll be seeing each other often, which will be a lot of fun! I will be receiving Elder Ramos Chen, who is a super amazing missionary. He is half Chinese, and half Mexican! I'm really wanting to learn some Chinese from him this transfer; we'll see how it goes! (He speaks Mandarin, English, French, and Spanish!)

Visiting Hermano Silva, who is struggling with
Cancer, but is in great spirits! 

Easter was fantastic; we were able to share a lot of special experiences with some of those we are teaching. It was a great time to be able to all reflect on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In my current study of the Book of Mormon, I'm studying a few questions regarding the Atonement, why it's necessary, how it works, what its effects are, etc. I was reading the other day in Alma 34, and I wanted to share a few verses with you:

"For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made... And thus [Christ] shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on His name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance... And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety."

I know that it is only through Christ and His Atonement that we can receive that joyous and peaceful feeling of being encircled "in the arms of safety." It is a wonderous feeling, that we all can feel as we reach out to Him in faith!

Found Hermano Sanchez playing guitar in
one of the metro stations! He was so good!

Some updates as well, Alan and Leonardo will both receive the priesthood this Sunday! That will be amazing! Also, Horacio is slowly getting ready for baptism. Again, he is very old, so thus he does things a bit slower, but he's doing great! He got to church this week all by himself, and 30 minutes early! Doesn't sound like much, but when you realize that he is more than 80 years and has to take the bus and metro, it's impressive! The Lord truly has been and still is blessing us in Zarahemla!

Cazuela with Hermana Guerra!

Transfer calls were sent out very late (we just found out last night!), so we had to go about these past few days saying goodbye to everyone just assuming that we were leaving! But at least it allowed us to see lots of people in a short amount of time! We've been able to eat a lot recently... Hermana Guerra made us some amazing classic Chilean soup, called Cazuela last night. It was delicious! Pictures will be attached.

Well I'm excited to have another transfer here in Zarahemla! It's going to be a powerful one!

Have a great week, I love you!

Elder James