September 3, 2012

How´s everyone doing?!!!!

We had a great week! The  weather here has been warming up! This week was springy and nice, and some of the trees have buds.

This week was good, and a little bit tough. My experience has been really similar to Eric's, in the sense that we find a lot of really cool people, but stuff doesn't usually happen. They just don´t make time for what they know is true. But I guess that's the mission, and it´s just being bold and effective enough to help those people as much as you can, and if you can awesome! And if you can´t, Saca la Basura! We had some awesome lessons this past week, and found some awesome people that I'm excited to work with. The Family Reyes, Patricio, Maria Magdelana, and Claudio, among others. By far my biggest challenge (outside of my personal weaknesses) is helping people keep commitments. Which I supposed is part of the mission, maybe I just need to  be more patient. Our 3 closest investigators are Teresa, Claudia, and Juanito. For the most part, they keep their commitments, but Teresa actually hasn't been to church now in 3 weeks. She knows its true, works a ton, has a super busy schedule, and loves us and I think the gospel, but hasn't been in 3 weeks. Before that, she came for 3 weeks straight. Not sure whats going on there. Claudia is even better, but has a super crazy schedule tambien. Juanito has had a crazy life! we taught him yesterday, and he knows the LDM is true. Hes a little crazy, and went off on something that I thought was a random for like 15 minutes. It doesn't help that I still don´t understand everything. BUT actually he was talking about his life, which has been nuts. His aunt tried to kill him when he was 5 because she thought the world was so bad, he´s been beaten up and mugged a bunch, almost killed, etc. But actually he seems like a really normal guy, albeit a little jumpy. K picture this, pretend your listening to the above story. Sample sentence- When I was 5, my aunt tried to kill me to save me from the terrible world we live in. My sister fought her off and saved my life. And now omit half those words,and try to connect them to mean something significant. Its tough, but Its coming. And actually comprehension, usually isn't too hard. When people rant for 1 or 2 or 10 minutes I get lost, but I usually do well with shorter, quicker, exchanges. Its fun though, Spanish, that is. And every day I learn more, and get a little better. I lack confidence when I talk at times, and that hurts both me and our message and the spirit. I can really work on ALWAYS being confident, and listening better to our investigators.

I've seen tremendous blessings in my life from the gospel. From the scriptures, from the commandments and such. I'm sooo glad I am where I am now. I´ve never been happier, and I really am immersed the gospel. Therefore, living the commandments and truly studying the scriptures, and service, are the things that make you the most happy in life. Who woulda' thought, the prophets were right, eh? I really want to share this happiness with those around me. Defining success by baptism, we haven´t had any success yet. But I really am trying to do my best, although of course, it´s a bit overwhelming. Dad, and Tyler, like you said, I need to visualize success. I can always have more confidence in God´s message. At times I do, at times I don´t, but I need to do my best always, so as many people as possible have the best chance possible to accept this message. This week, I can smile more! And I can improve my contacting and lesson 1 confidence, and teaching skills! And Listen more! And Serve more! Hooray!

Elder Jones got sick briefly this week, from a bad hamburger pattie. And btw, the 18th of September here is like the 4th in the USA, but waaayyy bigger. Its supposed to be really awesome, lots of meat, asado, music, and no school or work for a week! So have a Chile BBQ on the 18th to celebrate, ya?

Elder Jones and I have been cooking lots of good food, and eating lots of salad. We´re trying to be healthy, it´s been an adventure.

Random experience- Bad decision of the week. We were talking to someone at the door, Juan, and I liked his watch. Its antiquey, retro-ish with rust on it. But oh boy was it genuine, not just for show. Therefore, I asked him, Hey want to trade?! Well of course he said yes, because he knew it was Chanta, but of course I didn't. Long story short, somehow, within 45 minutes it broke! But I'm buying a new one today, so it's all good. I thought that was funny though. 

Thanks for the letters from Stratton and Eric, it´s always great to hear from them! 

Well, have fun, I love you all a million, and think about you daily. Benny Hyrum Stevie Anna, how's school?! What's been going on? I show lots of our families the pictures I have of you all, they all get really excited. 

How are Jared and Grandpa doing?? Specifically, Jared. 

I've already invited like 3 people to come and visit us in Utah when I get back.  2 missionaries and a member. 

Thanks so much!!!!! I love you all a ton! Tyler have fun at school! 

Elder Spencer Tasso