Week 48-52: Loja

Howdy!

It's been a little while and a lot has happened, so I figured it's time for a little update.

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For the past 5 months I've been in the same little slice of mountainous heaven. It's been quite the experience I have to say. I think I've grown a lot since being here. Even though Loja is a really pretty town, the coolest thing I've been able to see is our friends grow in their relationship with their savior Jesus Christ. Without a doubt that's the best part of being a missionary.

One man in specific, Jose, has grown so much I can't even believe it! When I met him over 4 months ago, he had already read the bible 7 times and was already a great guy. But in the time I've been able to know him, and after his baptism, he has become a different level of person. He's a completely new and transformed man! To me it's been incredible to watch him grow closer to Christ, and now I know without a doubt that repentance is real.

Lots of other fun stuff has happened. New comps, adventures, ultimate frisbee games waterfalls, and even a visit from one of the 70. Unfortunately though, my time here has expired, and today is my last day here in Loja. It's definitely been sad to say goodbye but I trust that I'll go where I need to next.

I hope you're doing great whatever you're doing! Don't forget that Jesus loves you!

Elder Bolingbroke

Weeks 44-47: Loja

Elder Bolingbroke has been serving for 11 months now and still loves Ecuador and the wonderful people.

Weeks 41 - 43: Loja

Hey friends!

It's been quite a crazy week! A highlight was being able to see our friend Jose be baptized. He took his time and wanted to make sure he was ready. He also wanted to be baptized in a river like Jesus was, so we made a trip to a little town with a clean river for his special day. 

Right after his baptism, Jose treated us to the Ecuatorian delicacy of guinea pig. Aside from having a lot of little bones, it honestly is pretty tasty. Jose was already a cool guy, but now I can truly see a change in him since his baptism. It's been pretty special to witness.

Also, I got a new comp here in Loja! His name's Elder Johnson and he's an absolute stud! It was certainly hard to say goodbye to my friend Elder Serrano, but I know me and Elder Johnson will be able to do some good here. 

Anyway, I'm having the time of my life here and I truly hope you guys are doing well. If there's anything I can do for you don't hesitate to write me up, and I can tell you what a transformative experience my mission has been for me. 

I had a thought recently. We can experiene peace by following Jesus Christ and his teachings, but peace isn't the same as comfort. Even when we're doing everything right, lots of sucky things might happen. But we can have peace because we trust in the Lord and His promises. I think that's what Isaiah means when he describes 'peace as a river'.

Have a great week and take care!

Love,

Elder Bolingbroke