December 21, 2015

Hey family hows it going? This week has been amazing and great. We have had a lot of sucess with the zone and helping them come unto christ even more. To start off I cant believe that in 3 days it is Christmas eve. The time has gone by to fast and really the weeks keep going by faster and faster. Here in Lima it doesnt feel like its Christmas because its hot and it feels like a normal day. Here in the mission it seems like we always start thinking about the next month and are always focused on the future. I cant believe its going to be 2016. The year that Im going to finish my mission.... thats unbelievable. 

This week we have been edifyed by the spirit in a lot of things that we have done. Reflecting upon the changes I have seen that this  year has gone by has been a lot. Really I feel so close to my savior and I truely have comed to love him. I understand now what he has done for me and I will be eternally gratefull. I know that the actions we take will affect our eternities. 

Last night I had an experience that I will never forget. I got really sick really fast. I started to feel light headed and I had to ask for the numbers with the missionaries in my zone. I tried my best to verify with them and how they are coming a long. While I was trying not to think about my pain I did what the Lord asked me to do. After that I went straight to bed. As I knelt down to pray  I asked the Lord not to heal me but to give me sufficient strength to over come my fever and my stomachache. As I tried to concentrate I could feel the spirit. Like Nephi said to the Lord give me strength to free me from these bounds. He didn't ask that the Lord to free him but he did ask for strength. 

Then i laid down on my  bed and while I was laying I asked my companion to give me a blessing as he gave me that blessing he said "Elder Parra you have done what the lord has asked of you. You have sat down and verified putting apart your problems to help others come unto Christ and by doing so you will be blessed" Those words are in my head. I know that when we dont put excuses the Lord will heal us. Last night I woke up like 4 times and could not get much sleep but when I woke up at 6:30 this morning I was healthy and really to work for the Lord. 

I couldnt believe it. i remember that last night I told him "Help me to be healed so I can continue to work in your vineyard" The lord really does answer prayers. ALso I know that the Priesthood is real and it heals any of those that belive they can be healed. 

 This week we are having our party as a mission on the 24th. We will be playing dodge-ball, watching a movie, and doing a talent show. Its going to be exciting and today is a normal day where we can work. Im happy to be working side by side with my savior and Im gratefull to have such a wonderful family. Everyday I teach families that have problems here makes me be more grateful for the family I have back home. The lord has really shown my why he has sent me here and Im doing everything so that he can shape me how he wants me to be shaped. 

I love you guys so much. I hope you have a Merry Christmas. I will be calling you over the phone tomorrow at 8 pm here and Skype on the 25th at 3pm here. Love you guys miss you. 

Talk to you soon. 

Elder Parra