Tres Reyes

January 5, 2010

I just completed my first transfer and boy am I glad to have that behind me! Can I just say I have learned A LOT! I feel so much better about things now. I feel like I am contributing and completing my purpose as a missionary. Things are going to be ok.

I was able to listen to Grandpa's funeral last week. It really, really bolstered my spirits. I think there was a lot of mourning that needed to be done before I could progress. I didn't realize how much it was weighing me down until after the CD ended and I could feel a big weight lifted off my shoulder. I love my Grandparents. All of them have always been wonderful examples to me. Grandpa Richins' example has been particularly meaningful to me as I reflected at his eternal optimism. I decided that I am his Granddaughter, and I am going to look at my mission the same way he did. I am going to love it.

Dad, I have a story that you especially will appreciate. This week we decided that we needed to teach Ricardo about tithing. The thing about Ricardo is that he has very little. His house consists of 3 walls and ramada roof. He has nice things like a fridge, cupboards and a couch; but he is building his house in his spare time but the progress is slow. It is actually very exciting to teach Ricardo because we basically sit on a couch in the open air as the billions of chickens and dogs come in and out of his "house". Anyway Sister Erekson came expecting that this was going to be one commitment he would be hesitant to make. But as I was explaining to him what tithing is and how it is a law of faith and not a law of money he interupted me and said that he had already read about tithing in the Bible and had already set apart his money he just didn't know where to send it. He absolutely amazes me. He has taught me so much about sincerity and humility. He truly wants to come unto Christ. It has been just amazing to see how much he has progressed. I have seen every step. It is so visual.

On the contrary, we had a lesson with a less active member who was once very firm in her testimony. We finally discovered the source of the problem--tithing. She basically became lazy in paying her tithing and as a result her testimony eventually deteriorated and crumbled away. These two experiences made me think back to Chile and the struggles the members there had with tithing. Those who paid are still firm those who didn't dwindled. I can see now that tithing really is a trial of our faith and not finances. It is so critical in remaining firm in our faith.

Other interesting tidbits about the week. The Christmas season is over, but Tres Reyes is here and it's bigger and better. It, The thing about Puerto Ricans is that they celebrate all American Holidays, and all Latino Holidays. They are partying all the time! I swear the mail only comes every other day because of all the feriados. Three Kings is even more chaotic than Christmas. as the title suggests, celebrates the day that the 3 kings gave thier gifts to Christ. It is interesting all the ways Satan has come up with to take all the attention away from Christ's birth. Even most of the nativities here have more focus on the 3 kings than on Christ.

Arroz, Habichuelas, Pasteles, y Amarillos

The season for Pasteles is finally over!!!!!! Pasteles are a traditional for christmas in Puerto Rico. Let me just describe them to you. They are basically brown goop. There you have it. The members have been forcing us to eat them practically everyday this week. They are so proud, but I can hardly handle them anymore. The last one that I ate tasted EXACTLY like. Pumpkin bread soaked in oil and sprinkled with meat and raisins. Pasteles are so pasty that you think they will never make it down to your stomach. Let's just say I am glad that time of year is over! :D

Well, I love you all and hope everything is well! I love you so much!

Hermana Palmer