Dearest Family,

 

Hna. San Francisco and I continue to work in the Sacred Valley.  We`re starting to spend more and more time in Ollantaytambo because there are many people there who are prepared to receive the gospel.  Hna. San Francisco and I even wrote to President Calderon suggesting that he put missionaries in Ollantaytambo.  We`ll see what happens.  Hna. San Francisco and I would love to be sent there.

 

For the past two months Hna. San Francisco and I have been visiting a senora called Mari.  Mari owns a restaurant here in Urubamba.  Mari`s told us that she likes The Book of Mormon and that she wants to come closer to God, but she`s never come to church.  We couldn`t figure out until yesterday why she`s never come to church.  Yesterday we visited Mari and shared with her the importance of obeying all of God`s commandment, including keeping the Sabbath day holy.  Mari then agreed that one can obey all of God`s commandments if she has the desire and will-power to do it.  Mari quickly changed the subject after she made this statement and started talking about how she likes the Book of Mormon.  When Mari changed the subject, I thought `Mari recognizes the power of will-power.  We can`t drop the subject of the Sabbath day so quickly.` With that thought, we asked Mari `Do you have the will-power to keep the Sabbath day holy`.  This direct question turned out to be a key for us.  We were scared to talk so pointedly, but Mari ended up explaining that she has problems in her personal life that she is trying to resolve.  We believe that Mari might get a divorce from her husband.  This problem is the overwhelming concern for Mari right now.

 

I have a bigger testimony now of the importance of talking directly.  First I learned with my companions that no matter how much it pains me, I have to talk honestly.  Now I`m learning that I have to do the same with our investigators.  I think it`s possible to talk pointedly and with love, it just takes practice.  Not talking is more painful than talking. 

 

Hna. San Francisco and I feel a little weighted right now because everyone (members, new members, investigators, and leadership) are asking us why we don`t visit them.  We are working our hearts out to visit everyone, but our area is quite big and consequently we can`t be with everyone all the time.  When I feel overhwhelmed I try to think about the Savior.  I know that he makes up for our weaknesses.  He helps us carry our responsibilities.  I know that what we feel is only a portion of what Mom and Dad feel, for example.  I can`t even imagine how the prophet feels.  What a blessing it is that we have a Savior that makes up for us when we fall short.

  

Can I ask you a favor?  If you`ve written me recently will you write me soon?  During our day in Cusco on Tuesday, the backpack of a missionary that contained lots of letters for me was stolen.  I feel a little sad that I didn`t receive those letters.   

 

 

I sure love you!

 

Hermana Blunck II