May 4, 2015

My sad bed without a hammock... I cant figure out how to put it up yet...

At the start of this week I had to relearn everything about everyone, relearn a map of a new city, and I have to admit I got a little homesick again (for like 5 min), but I quickly combated that with working on learning all that I could about where I was.  I got straight down to it, even though it was P-day, I spent the day studying and I learned all about the people, the members, the bishop, and what our goals here are and stuff like that.  It really helped! So much so, that I didn't even realize it had been a week yet until last night! The mission is gonna go by so quick if I keep up working hard like this!

We have the craziest investigators/less actives! One is a schizophrenic, one is a Jehovah’s Witness that lied at her baptismal interview to receive the ordinances of the gospel, but really doesn't believe in institutions, just Jehovah.  She thinks churches are only useful for doing these ordinances.  But!  Guess what?!  After a visit from the bishop, and several visits from the elders during the last change, when I got there (I've been really working on learning exactly what each investigator needs and listening to the spirit with what I can personally do to help them), I was able to help her to accept that this is Christ’s restored church on the earth today, and to commit to coming to church to prepare to be worthy to receive and participate in temple ordinances!  It was so awesome!  

My Spanish is getting really great! Well, it's only really great when I’m working with the spirit. Otherwise it's garbage.  But I really have never felt the spirit so strong in my life.  I work everywhere on becoming more Christ like. My goal by the end of my mission is to be exactly like Christ, but we know I'll have faults still.  But one can hope and try! haahha :)  

Other things to happen this week… OH! I've finally figured out how to use my ability of making friends like it's no big deal!  It really is a talent given to me by the Lord.  I have learned to really listen to others and find exactly what they need to hear, in terms of the gospel, for them to have a desire to continue in the lessons.  So we've been getting new investigators like crazy!  Not all thanks to me of course, but I actually have seen my own efforts pay off in our increase of new investigators.  It's been awesome.  Also after Huejutla, this area is way easy to walk through.  Even though my area now is probably about 8 times larger, it’s all super flat. So compared to the mountains in Huejutla its super duper easy. Also Elder Stringer and I are like a power duo here.  I learn a lot from his example, and it's great because it doesn't feel like he's training me.  Just at times I’ll say something that doesn't make total sense in Spanish, so he'll correct me and help me to remember.  It's great!  He told me it doesn't feel like he's training me either because I’m already super duper obedient and I pick up on everything really quick.  Also this area is awesome because I've already had cheesecake, which I have learned to love, and ice cream like 4 times!  Don’t worry though.  I'm not getting fat.  I actually have lost weight from all those parasites, and now I’m just gaining muscle back.  I also ran a mile and a half in about 8 mins.  I didn't even feel tired afterwards! I am in such good shape right now!

But really, the people here are so kind and the ward is amazing.  I've just been slamming it with the work.  Every moment I have I’m trying to figure out a way we can touch the heart of an investigator.  It's been a truly amazing experience.  Also, a phrase that people use to say something is cool or awesome is "Oh! Esta cosa está bien padre!"  I don’t know why really.  It literally means “Oh, this thing is good/well father!”  So I don’t know, hahaa.  I just thought dad might appreciate that!  To say something is cool you totally just say “it’s dad.”  Oh, also I had the biggest hamburger I've ever eaten in my life this week.  It was bigger than two of my faces put together. I tried to take a picture, but I don’t think I did the size justice.  Also I ate the hardest thing to eat on my mission so far this week: an apple with the skin on it.... I hated it!  But I ate it.... I hate the skin of apples.... Yep but overall this week was awesome!

Thanks mom for everything! Thanks Dad! I love you guys!

Thanks Dallin, Eliza, Bethany, Harrison!

I love you!

Also I forgot! I found a post-it in my bible that I think was from Bethany, if that was you Bethany, thanks! I loved it!  I'll take a picture of it and send it next week.

Adios!