All We Did Was Work And We Worked Hard-Bananeros Guayaquil Week Fourty Three

This week was probably one of the best weeks of my mission. And no I didnt go on vacation, or get to see something awesome. All we did was work, and we worked hard.

Exhaustion

I dont think I have ever been tired then I was during the course of this week. Everyday this week we hit the concrete and went to work. There were many times this week were we had to many appointments to handle so we had to do divisions. My companion went with someone and I went with someone else. We were literally running at some points in order to make it to an appointment on time. Crazy experiences and I am super tired because of that. We have lots of people that we are teaching that are super awesome, and the members in this ward are awesome and help us out a ton. Some of the people that we are teaching are there friends or neighbors. However, all missionary no that it is all worth it when you see the end result.

The Elders enjoying some hamburgers

Baptisms

On Saturday we had two baptisms that went a lot smoother than some of the other baptisms that I have had. We had a little setup on Saturday because Maitte hadnt had her interview yet and she was studying and working the whole week and there wasnt time when we could stop by so we did it at like 2 hours before her baptism. Interviews are always stressful but everything went well. Wladimir (Vladimir) got baptize and so did Maitte. They both are super awesome and have strong testimonies. My companion baptized Wladimir and another missionary baptized Maitte. Always nice to see the result of your hard work, and watch people make such an important covenant with God.

The baptism of Maiette

Baptism of Wladimir

Elder Shanklin, Elder Montoya, and Wladimir

Elder Shanklin, Maitte, Wladimir and Elder Montoya

Count your Blessings

Blessings seem to fall from nowhere sometimes. This week it happened to us many time. When we needed the help of a member, they would just show up. When we needed to teach someone they were always in there house. If there is one thing I learned this week is that if you really serve the Lord with all your heart, might, mind, and strength then he will bless you abundantely in secret and in public. That is something I am certain of. 

Thanks for all the love and support. The work continues to move forward here in Ecuador, and it is great to be a part of it!

Life is a sport, make it count

Elder Shanklin