Surprise, Surprise, Surprise - Loja Week Sixty Seven

This week was full of suprises. Best first of all Happy Birthday to my future sister in law Alison. If it scared you the first time you better get used to it because it will happen more than once.(Hopefully you get my reference.)

First Suprise

Neither me or my companion had changes on Monday. The whole branch as well as all the missionaries in the zone were expecting that one of us would have changes in the zone. Lets just say we survived and we will be making the most out of the following weeks. Lots of the zone had changes but we stayed together. Obviously for a reason. There is some untaken care of business that we need to resolve in the next couple weeks.

Having a little fun in Loja

Taking a little rest

Thanks for the view

Elder Shanklin with the view of Loja

Suprise Baptism

Lets just say whenever there is a suprise baptism it is a great week. This weekend after a two year wait David was baptized. He had attended the church for the past two years with his brother waiting for the opportunity to be baptized. That is to stay that I was still in my house waiting to come on the mission when he started coming to church. The problem was that since he was only 16 he needed parent permision and the mom always said no. I have no idea what change or what we said or did but something went done and we came out with the signature. I will not say it was pretty or a nice conversation but what is over is over and David got baptized. It was such an incredible experience. His brother baptized him and it was awesome. After the baptism he came out of the water crying and it was a super powerful experience. I am glad to have had the privledge to be in his baptism and take part of it. I know this kid will be a great missionary and do big  things.

David and his brother

The Elders, David and his brother

A touching moment for two brothers

party after the baptism

Suprise Packages

So thanks to the fam and also to the Carpenter Family for the packages. Basically got a bunch of candy, and the majority of it it already gone. So thanks for the suprise. I have shared them with a lot of people so dont think that i am selfish. Thanks again. 

Hopefully everyone has a great week. Enjoy the states!

Life is a sport, Make it Count

Elder Shanklin