A Man Of God

"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made; I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tinted visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, am lifted up in prayer, and labor with power. My face is set, my goal is heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided or delayed, will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table with the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the case of Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me and when He returns for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me”.
- Elder Henry B. Eyring

I dont feel like I'm going home still. Man I dont want to leave. Im going to miss so much about here. Mate, cumbia in the street, spanish, the crazy mexican and las vegasin I live with, my goofy Briazilian comp, The random black guy with the Jamacan hat we see in the street all the time that shouts at us "BLACK POWER MY FRIENDS! PRAISE JOSEPH SMITH!" (yah we love that guy), The Uruguayin sayings and accent, all the amazing investigators (especially Esteban), seeing people riding down the streets in a cart pulled by a horse in the middle of the city, people walking their cows on a leash when it's nice outside, Talking with random people in the street even though you don't know them, learning the life stories of so many people (investigators and companion), churipan (yall that have been here or to Argentina know what I'm talking about), small cement houses, alfajors (don't worry family I'm bringing yall a few), almacenes (man those are so convenient), the wisdom of our mission president, and the kindness of his wife, giant lunches with members, the spirit I can feel and the fire that accompanies it, the plack (man It's going to be hard to take that off for the last time....... I don't want to think about that), the fact that I am an official representative of Jesus Christ and that I have the authority to promise things in his name. and a ton more.

I love this country and will always think fondly of it in my heart. It is the land where I have changed, the land where I finally feel that I am a man (I 'm still not perfect, but I do feel that I have improved in many things).

This last week has been a normal week full of Charlas. For example, my last full day of proselyting (yesterday) we had 2 charlas with member, 2 others, and 3 MACRS (charlas with less actives of recent converts). Please please please don't take that as pride, it just shows that we have been doing everything that we normally do. It's as I said, I don't feel that I'm nearing the end of my time here in Uruguay.

Last Thursday we had a temple conference (a zone conference were we end by doing a session in the temple). I left there with a tranquility so strong, then balled as I gave my last testimony before the zone.

We have so many incredible investigators here. The new missionary that's coming in (my comp is training) is such a lucky guy. Im still going to try working on my end with these people through social programs.

This is not the end, but just the beginning of a great work,

I love you all so much. Thank you for staying tuned for these 2 amazing years,

Elder Eliason

This is it

Man. I have a really weird feeling. I know logically that I'll be bouncing back to the states in a week, but I still don't feel it. It's as if, if President Eddy called and asked me to stay another 6 weeks, I'd feel the same as I do now. I don't know. I don't think it will hit me until I'm on the plane.

I love Uruguay. I really do. This is the place where I feel I have become a man.

This week has been so amazing. President called us early in the week to announce that he would fast with the zone Saturday and Sunday for help progressing the work. We had 7 investigators in church:D I love miracles.

Some cool experiences this week:

Esteban: Haha so on Wednesday we headed with the plan to show him the 2 videos: "The will of God" and "Things will improve" (the one by Elder Holland about the man who's car breaks down while driving past Saint George). Well upon arriving, he excitedly told us "I was watching Videos on the Church app this morning, and this one really touched me." He proceeded to pull out his phone to show us "Things will Improve." Then on Friday we showed up to show him Only a Stone Cutter. Upon starting the Video, He died laughing, and said "yall aren't going to believe this, but I saw this video this morning." Then Sunday we passed by to show him the Testaments. Upon him pulling it up on youtube, there was the little bar that said "Seen." We looked at him and said "HERMANO WE PLANNED TO WATCH THIS WITH YOU!" Him laughing "what do you want me to do. Im curious. I saw this 2 days ago. 

That same day he told us that he had just finished the Book of Mormon and is starting it over. Can I just say, Best Investigator on my mission.

Enrique and Ana: Having taught them twice, we returned with the bishop to show them the video of the Restoration (20 min version..... yah, we've been using videos a bit recently to teach). After showing the video, Ana said "wow, that video just gives you strength to press on." interesting comment, upon inquiring as to what she meant by that "It just gives you this feeling of strength... I don't know how to describe it." #Holy Ghost. Haha, when we asked what they are willing to do to follow this feeling, they laughed and said get married so we can get baptised. YES, yes you do.  (we had lightly touched on the subject a few days before) 

We also found this young couple (26 and 19) named Marshel and Katya. Man they've had a rough life, but really want to turn things around. well, since we gave them a Book of Mormon, they've read almost every night a bit. They came to Church yesterday, and she left with a grin on her face. Haha, in our last charla, she also asked "What do I have to do to get married?" We Laughed and said "GET MARRIED." He died laughing. apparently, he had proposed to her a bit back and she had said later. 

Beatriz also is progressing well to her marriage and baptism in October.

We also have this less active family progressing.

Update on Laura: She is actively attending church in the area of the Hermanas now!!!!:D,

Love yall,

Elder Eliason