La Puesta del Sol

 The Sonoran sun in its Aztecan semblance stinks. Something I'll never forget here is the sun. In part, because the sun won't let me forget it. But I will always remember how the sun comes up, stays in the air for the day mocking my gringo white skin, and sets behind the desert mountains. We're almost back to the days that seem like a dream for me. No one but the missionaries are out during the day. Even the street dogs don’t follow our steps. They stay under the shade of a parked car, in attempts to sleep, and give us passing glances of "Que tontos".  I thank my great grandma and her time that she lived in Mexico so I would be able to accustom myself faster. 

 But apart from the sun, we've been doing what we can these past few weeks. We've met a lot of different people and I've gotten to explain the differences between Hermosillo and Obregon and their corresponding baseball teams. Its been a fun way to talk with members and friends in teaching about why the Naranjeros aren't as good as the Yaquis. One of friends in teaching, while not a huge baseball fan, we've been able to see a lot of her progression with her kids. She is a single mom with 3 kids of the ages of 15, 12, and 8 months old. Her dad is a convert that went from drinking and smoking to wanting to bring his all his grandchildren to the church whenever he could. Our friend likes to talk about her dad a lot. We've had some really nice lessons with her and getting to know her and how she feels about her own situation. Its been a blessing to see her come to finally come to church with us, a backpack like a familiar diaper bag, a nervous baby in her arms, her daughter following her with a smile behind her facemask, and to hear how much they loved coming to church and how they want to come again next week. In one of our more recent lessons, we talked about the blessings and need to study the scriptures, attend church, and pray. She began to tell us about her more personal experiences and how she’s felt alone in these past years. Through her tears, I got to feel and see the blessings the gospel has given her and can continue to bless her. 

 

In another lesson with another friend, we tried to do all that we could to answer his questions and help him see the importance of the Book of Mormon. Despite all our intents and with our attempts to speak with the spirit, we didn’t see much difference in him. We left the appointment somewhat discouraged. I sat next to my companion and he began to tell me of familiar worries that I too had a few months ago. I smiled. I told him of my own experiences and what’s helped me before. It was nice to see the sunset glowing on the white flowers on these Hermosillo trees around us that I’ve come to recognize and love.

 

Con pan,

El devebebe