Week 7 - Big News and a Baptism

Shamaikel's baptism

Familia!

This country is just amazing. It's weird and crazy but amazing and I love it. Everyday I learn something new about it, like how there's never a bad time for fireworks. Seriously, it's just constant. Or that when people said I would eat rice and beans everyday, they were serious. Still have yet to go a day without it haha. Or that stop signs mean nothing. It's more just like a rough guideline, like if you want to stop that's great. If not, no big deal. But I love being here more than anything. 

This week was a busy one. On Wednesday, we went to a Christmas party at in San Jose after a really really cool baptismal session in the temple. We got the the party a little late, but they still had plenty of food for us and it was soo good. I didn't realize how much I missed mashed potatoes haha. We had a little Christmas program and then President Wilkinson got up to give a talk. He thanked us for all our hard work and then told us that they're going to add another mission to Costa Rica!!!! The rush that went through the room after he said that was indescribable. Everyone just erupted into cheers and tears and it just was amazing to be a part of that. Those missionaries had worked so hard and they were finally seeing the results. President said the Prophet and the Quorum of the Twelve were taking notice of us. I was so excited, but I couldn't help feeling a little detached, because I hadn't been there for the success, but then I just felt inspired to get out and work and do my best to fill the shoes they've left for us. I just feel so lucky to be here. They gave us these little ornaments with Costa Rica San Jose Mission, because after June of 2015, there will be 2 missions. I'll definitely hang them on my tree every year haha.

Oh and we had our first baptism this week. His name is Shamaikel and he's the coolest 11 year old I've ever met. He had already been to church enough times and finally agreed to be baptized. Elder Duran let me make the commitment and then let me baptize him too. It was such an amazing experience. I had to do it 2 times of course, but it was so special to bring someone else into the church. He has such a sweet testimony and was so excited after his baptism haha. I'll send a picture next week.

Sunday morning, we were walking into the chapel and this man calls out to us, so we walk over and start talking to him. It was clear this guy was having a rough time, judging from the beer can in his hand and the fact that he was speaking half Spanish and half English. I had no idea what to do so I let Elder Duran do the talking and just prayed that he didn't focus on me haha. At the end, he said he would go to church with us next week and I thought he was leaving and then he grabbed my hand, looked me straight in the eyes and said, "You're a real gentleman. I love you". Then he kissed my hand and left. A few hours later I saw him talking to Elder Gonzalez and Nielsen and apparently the same thing happened haha. Weirdest moment I've had.

It was a great week overall. I love you all so much and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

Elder Hansen