Lincoln Mission December 5-11

 Ani mergi dule guini

I have finished my time in Buena Vista and have now started a new dispensation in Loma Cobá. The Land of the Kunas. Bucket showers, water filters, hangin' up laundry, and lots and lots of hills. By the end of my time here my legs will look like those of Ronaldo's. As of right now, they are pleading for mercy. It's really beautiful here (because at the top of the hills you have a great view of the valleys and other hills and even a small volcano) The population is mainly made of Kunas. So many. It's a good thing though, because they are so fun and love to teach you their language (most of the Kuna grandma's were baptized on the islands and don't understand much Spanish but they come to church anyway because they know it's true. Faith.) Slowly but surely I'm learning and loving this area.

My new comp is named Elder Brinkerhoff and is a really cool. He's a transfer (6 weeks) behind me and really wants to give these people his all. We're working hard and improving a lot in the process. He's from a really small town in south Utah and has a super funny personality. I believe we're going to have a lot of fun and success in this area over the next few months.

Mola! 

I finally got my first two Mola ties from the one and only Hermana Marquesa! She's the best at Mola in the world (makes sense, it's only done in Panamá and she's been the main source of missionary Mola for a decade.) They are absolutely amazing. One, red and black UGA tie (Go Dawgs! Sorry Braylan. Yes, I know they lost ) And the other is a royal blue and white BYU tie. They look so cool and I can't wait to wear them when I get home, because, alas, we can not wear them on the mish (mission). They have images on them and tend to draw attention away from our calling. Hermana Marquesa is finishing up my third one and when she has room for more ties I'm going to give her a ton. Totally worth it. AND, because they're bunch of Kunas here there are also a lot of people who make Mola. The quality varies but it's around $5-8 so I'll take the risk. I love Kuna culture.

This week in one of the lessons we had a great experience. It was with a recent convert and his aunt and kind of uncle (not married, but wait,) and we taught them the commandments and covenants and the Spirit was really strong. Juana, his aunt, became very interested in the fact that she could be sealed and be with her family forever with God. She then said she wants to get married, baptized, endowed, and sealed. I was a little suprised, but so excited. The only wrench in the plan is that she wants to get married on Christmas. In Panamá, it's a little difficult to get married, so we're scrambling around doing contacts to connect them with people who could help them out. We really hope that we can do this for them and help them to become an eternal family. Vale la pena.

We also had the opportunity to give a few blessings to the sick this week. One boy has a blockage in his heart and is uncertain about his future. We really hope that he'll get better, but we believe he'll be ok. Priesthood blessings are such a powerful manifestation of God's power and the authorty we have to act in the name of Christ. The Spirit is always so strong and strengthens my testimony every time. It's an amazing blessing to be in the Lord's church and have access to these amazing blessings.

That's pretty much it for the past few days. I love change and working this area. I'm excited for these next transfers and to work hard. Problems are just gold mines for miracles. We should see a lot of miracles. 

Elder Nelson