Hermana Temple's Adventuras en la Viña del Señor * : WEEK 4 At the CCM: CHECK

Hermana Wainwright and I were the only ones whose skirts didnt have pockets....awkward for us when everyone wants to take a hand in pocket photo....

Week 4 at the CCM: CHECK

Our estimated departure date from the CCM is September 9th and it's crazy to think that in 2 weeks mas o menos we'll be shipping out!! We've really been working hard as a district to improve upon our knowledge of the evangelio and spanish, and are really seeing the results of our labors. All of us now are able to teach fairly well without the help of notes, and are able to carry lengthy conversations with investigators about the gospel. But, it's a little trickier speaking about everyday topics with natives here. We joke that "If we're not talking about Jesus, we can't speak spanish". It's an interesting struggle. We're all so blessed cada day and have really learned that if you're not exactly diligent, you're not exactly obedient.

There's been a myriad of learning experiences both spirtually and doctrinally this week and if I could I would just give you my journal so you could read them. But one thing that really stuck out this week happened on Saturday. Our afternoon teacher, Hermano Cruz *Best CCM instructor ever, asked Hermana Hall and I to prayerfully study the Book of Mormon and choose a chapter that would best fit the needs of those in our district, and then share that chapter with the district when we all read the Book of Mormon together. We studied individually, and were both struck by the chapters in Alma. I thought it would take a little longer to narrow it down, but both of us immediately felt that Alma 53 was it. We read it as a district, and had a really long conversation about that chapter's application into our lives.

A few things that we all agreed stuck out:

1. In verse 5 it says "And this city became an exceeding stronghold......which they had caused them to build with their own hands".

2. Verse 19: "They never hitherto had been a disadvantage...they became now at this period of time also a great support'

3. Verse 20: "exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity, but behold this is not all..they were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted'

I really wish I could go into more detail, and give an account of everything that was said. The points I really want to get across though are these. We're all pretty solid, not just those here at the CCM, but those outside of it's walls that are striving to live the gospel of Christo. We have never been a disadvantage, but at this period of time in the last days, it's not enough to simply not be a disadvantage. This chapter is the call to be more, to be a great strength. And how do we do that? With our own hands. The amount of diligence and obedience that we place into learning and applying the teachings into our lives will determine the thickness of the walls in our spiritual strongholds. When we do these things, we will be able to be the best instruments in His hands with whatever we are entrusted. For me and my district, we have currently been entrusted with the people in Rancagua Chile, Guayaquil Ecuador, Raleigh North Carolina, and Indianapolis Indiana. But when we are released from the call as full time missionaries, and called as lifelong missionaries, we will be entrusted with others. The people that are placed in our lives are there for a reason. But, it's up to us and the strongholds we build that determine whether or not we are prepared to meet the responsibility that comes with being entrusted. Ive been able to reflect on the things I'm doing and have altered myself according to where I am verses where I want to be. I hope that as you continue, you'll be able to do the same. Now is the time for us to rise and meet the potential that the Lord knows we can attain, and that will bring greater happiness into the lives we serve as well as our own. Love you and hope you have an amazing week!

<3 Hermana Temple