Day 27

Absolutely amazing day. I came out here to learn and grow, but I had no idea how this trip would change me. I stayed up pretty late talking to people last night and got up pretty early to talk to people today. I love Skyping with my family in the wee hours of the morning while the Spanish family is still asleep. I just type and use headphones, and at times have to use a pillow to bury my face in to keep from laughing out loud and waking the house. Good times. :)

I got a priesthood blessing from the missionaries. My testimony has grown exponentially today. The priesthood is so real and so powerful. The missionary finished and just said, “wow.” There wasn’t much else to say, there was such an indescribably powerful feeling in the room. The members of this ward have been absolute angels. I see a little bit of Heavenly Father in their eyes as they look at me with such love. I think it is amazing the spirit that is carried by people keeping their covenants. I got to play the piano for Sacrament meeting and Relief Society, and in Sunday School I offered my second oral, public prayer in Spanish. It felt so good to play a real piano, and to be able to give back in a way, however small, to this ward that has given so much to me. The gospel is amazing. It’s just so true.

Elena caught me off-guard saying that she feels like I have been closed off, and not open enough with the children. I really have tried my best and thought that things were getting better minus Hugo hating me. I hate thinking that I have made things difficult for Elena who has opened her home to me, and is already dealing with so much. I guess it’s time to make my best better, that’s what life’s all about. I was shocked when Elena told me that Dana said Hugo prefers me to her. She also told me that Hugo tells her stories about us playing together. She assured me the child doesn’t hate me. Who’d have thought? He continues to give me my daily beatings and insults and commands to leave.

I know that this trip is preparing me for great and marvelous things I’ve yet to experience. For now, I can’t wait to see what happens in the next 33 days.