Capacitation

This week was a little unusual because we had a training meeting for 5 zones in a city called Quevedo. It is a city about 10 times the size of Vinces and it has hills!!! I was so happy because I could see things at a distance. I really don't like living where it is flat.

Anyway, it took an entire day because Quevedo is about 3 hours away by bus. We left our apartment at 6am and didn't return until 8pm. It was 6 hours of sitting on a bus, and even more time sitting in the chapel in Quevedo. But it was good to switch things up a bit and also to see more of the other missionaries that are here. I got to see Elder Cooke and Elder Tingey again. They were in my group in the CCM and I haven't seen them since the day we got here in Ecuador. It was good to catch up with them and talk a little bit about how things are going here.
In our training, we talked a lot about the invitations that we extend to our investigators. The invitations are important because if we don't ask them to do anything new, or to change something in their life, the gospel won't be able to help them. That is one of the things I have learned in my time here. The gospel is perfect, but it can't help us unless we are willing to act and make changes to be in line with its teachings.

Hermana Crompton and I had to do a practice in front of the whole group of missionaries. It was about 70 people. I was terrified because I still feel like I am new here even though time moves at a snails pace and it feels like an eternity, I still feel that I am new. My spanish was less than perfect to say the least and I am sure there were people thinking, "this is how they teach?" But nevertheless, we taught what we were supposed to in the practice and afterwards my District Leader said he thought it went better than he was expecting. It was a little awkward, but I guess it was good to practice with the help and suggestions of others.

Life in Vinces is more or less the same. Our investigators are doing well right now and I am enjoying working with them and seeing their progression. It is slow at times, but personally I think this is better because it signifies that the changes they are making are going to be more real and longer lasting.

Until next time! Happy Mother's Day!!