Caborca

 I blinked. Now I'm in another desert city. It's like the city of Hermosillo and my Navojoa ranch had a little baby- un pueblito. We're quite literally in the desert with horses, cows, and other live stock out in the streets. It's another great combination to pass though this summer with other missionaries that also went through the last one or are just now experiencing what real heat is like. The heat targets us like the many street dogs, barking with mean faces, reminding us who's territory this is. The town consists of a lot of potato and grape farm workers. It's funny to hear people talk about the potatoes and how big they are in Caborca. Sometimes I try to compete with my own spud town knowledge and talk about Idaho papás.

 I passed through six weeks with my Chilango companion and with another blink of my eyes, he left. He is a convert to the church and we spent a lot of time talking about the different beliefs and traditions that he had before he was baptized and came on a mission. It was fun to have conversations about the gospel and exchange many different viewpoints. I got to explain my views on covenants and ordinances and he explained to me the conversion process and what truly helped him believe that this church was true. At times it almost felt like we were in debate class, perhaps because he studied law before coming on the mission, but we ended feeling a strong spirit and desire to learn more of the eternal doctrine of Christ. He called me his gringo twin brother and we went all around our area smiling and preaching the gospel. 

 

We got to meet a lot of families and people who love to talk with us. One of them we ended up talking to by the helpful guidance of the spirit. When we were looking for a member that we had registered in our little map, we saw her outside and I asked her if she new this person. To which she said no politely and was going to go back into her house. Yet I began to talk to her without thinking as she was going to go back inside. For those who know me, things like that don’t normally happen. We've had many lessons with her and I love to see the way she wants to understand the gospel. When explained about the spirit world and how her passed away brother isn't lost she seemed so happy that she found that answer. She has explained to us dreams that she's had and how the gospel is helping her understand those dreams and her current real life. She talks with us very openly and gives us food at times almost as if she was our nice aunt. I love the spirit that we feel and the guidance she loves to receive. We're hoping that soon she'll be able to come back to Caborca and come to church with us.

 

Another family that we've gotten to know has been with two kids that lived in the United States for a time but now live here. We almost always pass by laughing with them and being silly. It feels like family to be with them and it feels natural to talk to them about the gospel. We've had a few lessons in particular where we get to explain the important doctrine principle and do an activity or game. The way I get to see them all laugh almost hysterically together burns my heart with joy. It feels natural. It gives me hope that that gift of the spirit of joy will be maintained in their home as they slowly come to understand the doctrine. 

 

Another person has made his dramatic change to want to know Jesus Christ. He has a stronger personality but his humility shows through his teasing remarks and warm smile. We've been having direct lessons hoping to help him feel the spirit and make sure everything clear. Yet there are small moments when I can see the dramatic changes he's making. He tells us in short yet clearly impactful statements that he prayed about Joseph Smith and that God told him to keep going on this path. Or that he really could find happiness that "he's never imagined before". Despite awkward interactions or misunderstandings in the procedures of the church he's willing to accept what he can and change. We're hoping he'll be able to be baptized very soon and keep on that path. 

 

I've had a lot of spiritual experiences here in Caborca and it's been interesting to begin to see the long-term effects of His work. This Gospel really has been restored and I begin to see the way it weaves together with the love God into the lives of His children. 

 

Con papas,

El Unico Elder d'Evegnee