San Roque - A land of skirted women and braided men

I love my sector! These pictures are from my rooftop and everything behind me is my sector. Up to the top of El Volcán Imbabura. You may recognize the volcano from when I was in Ibarra...it's the same one. My sector is just one long slope going up from a river down below up to the top.

 

Elder Walker is awesome and is way pumped to work. Things were tough this week because we were basically opening up the sector. Elder Walker and his past companion had 2 wards to work in, but they worked mainly in one because there were more members there and they got a lot of references. Sadly, Elder walker hardly knew San Roque at all, so we have been working a lot in getting to know the members and less actives along with the sector.
 It has been a long week. I got a bloody nose I think every day, probably because of the altitude and it is not as humid as Tena. But I got on the ball and carry a roll of tissue around in my backpack. I have been trying to learn as much kichwa as I can, and it has been really fun. Every adult speaks kichwa, and the majority of the kids do too. All the church meetings are in Kichwa, and I just love it. These are my people. I spoke in sacrament meeting and told them all that it was really hard for me to leave the wonderland of Tena, but once I got here I could feel a draw to them as a people. I wanted to tell them that ever since I was little I have preferred to have long hair, a manifestation that my spirit is part of their culture (all the men have long braids of shiny, thick black hair), but I thought it may not be appropriate from the stand.

In getting to know less actives, we visited the Tituaña family. The wife is a returned missionary from like 20 years ago and 8 years ago he got baptized and then a year later they were sealed in the temple but shortly thereafter they went inactive and have been for about 7 years... I had asked the husband how many children they have (most here have at least 8, one guy in the ward had 14 kids-11 girls and 3 boys. 3 of the girls passed away, and all the oldest ones are married and have the same ratio of offspring) and he responded 1 little girl (Sulay, 8 yrs) and a little boy who passed away shortly after birth. As we continued talking over corn and beans in came some relatives from Quito. After finishing dinner, we started the lesson. But it was weird because the wife felt bad that now the missionaries are visiting HER and HER family and she had done the same as a missionary. The things we were teaching weren't having much of an affect on them, which is what happens after years of inactivity, but then I just said "Look, you guys have made some serious promises to the Lord. The temple isn't a joke, you both know that. I'd like to tell you a brief story about my life. After finishing a year at the University, I left on a trip with my oldest sister to spend time together before coming here on my mission. After leaving the city, we were in an accident and I woke up in the hospital with a deep feeling that my sister had passed away. I was able to talk with my mom on the phone and she reminded me that we are an eternal family, sealed in the temple. That sealing is only valid for those who complete with all the things that God requires. I know that my sister did all she needed to do, in fact she paid her tithing for the upcoming month the day of the accident, she received her endowments even though she wasn't married, she did her visiting teaching days before pàssing away. I know that she was ready. And now, it is my turn. I have to do my part. I know that I can see her again if I do my part, and that is what I want more than anything. Hermano y hermana, you guys have a little one who is waiting for you. He received a body and fulfilled all that he was sent to do. He is sealed to you and is waiting. Will you do your part? I know that the Savior lives and allows me the chance to repent and do my part so that I can be with my sister again." I had never talked so direct to someone before. It felt so right and all the words came out perfectly, like never before. I know that the spirit speaks through us, I know that it spoke through me. I know that President Ghent receives the revelation to know where I need to serve. As much as I hated to leave Tena, it has all been swallowed up in loving service. Well, that was my highlight of this week. Hope it came out right in english.

I love you guys, I know that I have an eternal family.

Con Amor

Elder Blackwelder