So first off, we had a kid who broke his knee and tore his MCL doing exercises in the morning, We have been with him a lot and helping him out with the hospital and all that good stuff. He's super cool, it's been way fun to get to know him. Then a kid got bronchitis and had to fly to Maputo and get some analysis done and stuff, so more hospital, and then another dudes knee started hurting way bad, so he came here and got some treatment and stuff. So, we have spent a ton of time in the hospital.
The rest of our time has been our normal office work; planning flights, doing reports and stuff for cars. We have been trying to talk to Wilton our investigator lately, we did not manage any visits with him the last couple weeks but he has definitely continued to read the book of mormon every day and he comes to church about 30 min early "so that I don't miss the most important part of the week" the sacrament.... Yeah, he's pretty amazing. I think something I always took for granted growing up was the sacrament. The necessity for the sacrament is something that I didn't really feel until I got out here and started teaching it to others. I started reflecting and realizing just how essential it is and how many blessings are associated with the Sacrament. We have a lot of people that say, but the church doesn't matter, it's the person, God is the same so I can worship him however I want and I'll be saved. But real conversion comes when the investigator is able to realize and feel the power of God na Igreja de Jesus Cristo. I love the way that Wilton has really come to understand that. He has felt the changing power of the gospel and for that he really searches out the ways he can feel that power in his life. He even had to leave behind his best friend that was not helping him leave behind his sins so that he could follow Christ. I have learned so much from his example and I hope that in my life I can continue to do the right thing instead of the easy or comfortable thing.
I wish there was more to report but the life is pretty slow these day. Hahaha lots of office work, we have been working with a couple of contracts of new houses and such and thats been going good. I'm loving the mission. Apparently I have less than a year left now so..... my mind is blown I just can't even wrap my head around anything right now the time goes by so quickly.
Also quick cool side note, we went to the most expensive restaurante in Maputo to celebrate my yearmark (Yes I had to save up for the last two months) and we got there and had an amazing brazilian Rodizio grill styled all you can eat. It was sooo good. We also met this super nice couple from Seattle that had recently moved here to work at the embassy. They were super nice and friendly. Anyways we went to leave and they brought the check, only they brought that nice cover thing that they usually bring the check in and there was nothing in it. I was so confused..... then the Server dude was like "oh the american couple paid for all of your food." .................................................................................................... w.... what.......?!?!?! hahaha that never happens here, like never in a million years would anyone pay for another person. I was completely in shock. and I realized something that night. I understood the power of small (and sometimes big) acts of kindness. My whole day was changed, maybe even my whole mission. I had such a feeling of love and happiness afterwards I couldn't believe it. Yeah,.... sooo that was amazing.
I love you all and I hope that we can all continue to allow the gospel to work in our lives so that we can overcome our own personal battles.
-Love Elder Thornton
Eating at a fancy restaurant, Bom Garfo, for year mark
