Elder Merrill's LDS Mission: Wow. Que Calor. (that heat!)

What a fast week! I kinda don't really like how fast these weeks are going by now. Early in the mission it is great, but now it is kinda scary! So, I spent my first full week back in Managua, and got to remember a little bit about this place. Now let's remember, I have been in Nicaragua for about 20 months, with all this heat. You would think that one would get used to it. You are wrong. This week was the hottest I have been in my entire life. Times 10. Every stinkin day during the day it is hot in this country, but here in Managua at night is when it is bad. This last week I woke up sweating and fell asleep sweating. Copeland sent me a text Saturday night at about 11 that was well said.... "the fan is breathing fire on me right now." We are in the hottest time of the year, so this week should be just as bad, if not worse. However, we just wipe the sweat off and keep working, because that is how it's supposed to be!

I'm gonna keep this relatively short because not a lot happened, just worked really hard! Let's see... On Friday Elder Heileson and I went to try and help a couple possible baptisms that were falling, which usually don't end up being saved. Her biggest doubt, which we finally were able to pick out, was that she didn't think she needed to be baptized again. We talked to her for awhile, used the scriptures, and by the end she decided that she wanted to do it and get baptized the next day! It was a miracle, the Spirit was definitely there. All we did was use the knowledge that we had, asked direct questions, and the spirit helped her know that she needed to get baptized. She and her son were baptized and confirmed this last weekend.

We baptized Matthew McConaughey! Ok not exactly, but we baptized the latin replica of him. Mom, you will be really happy! (I have no idea why he said that!) Hahahaha his name is Marcos, and he is awesome! We had to convince his wife Ana to get married, because she did not want to! We wanted her to get baptized as well, but not gonna happen right now. She doesn't really want to and can't stop drinking coffee! But Marcos was ready! He is awesome! Smart, willing, and loves the church! Saturday was their wedding and his baptism. Even though the Lawyer showed up an hour late, it was a good moment and they enjoyed it. He got confirmed too! While we were waiting for the lawyer, there was a massive party going on in the church. It was some sort of celebration for the Relief Society, but turned into a bacanal. If the Nicas know one thing, it is how to party. They gave us food! We also had two more baptisms in the area, Yamil and Jennifer, but I hardly got to know them. I will get pics when I can!