Howdy Howdy!!
Well we really had a great week! I really am learning a ton on my mission- about the gospel, the scriptures, spanish, how to talk to people, how to listen, to serve, etc. etc. etc!!! The mission really is vital for our future, that is, given that your a male ha. It´s also not just a 2 year work. It´s for life, I don´t know if you remember Elder Uchtdorf´s talk about the apostles, missionary work, and their experiences with returing to fish, and initially not the missionary work, after the saviors death. If you love me, then feed my sheep, says the savior. And we feed HIS sheep by sharing the gospel. We have the opportunity to serve the mission for 2 set, driven years, but after the work never stops. We are all called to share the gospel- with friends, neighbors, family, whoever we can- and to serve in the church, our callings, etc. This type of service- to help people come unto christ, is what brings the most happiness! And after this life, in the spirit world, guess what we´re going to keep doing??! Missionary work! Moses 1¨39, Alma 26, Conference talk of Elder Uchtdorf.
Really grand experience- This week in the morning, I was doing frog jumps for part of my absolutely huge morning exercise. Well I did them with my church pants on, and I ripped a huge hole in the bottom. It was pretty darn funny! Should have been there. But there´s an abuelita in our ward who has actually sewed for my before, and she can fix them so have no fear.
As we´re involving the members a lot more in the missioary work, we´re trying to teach more about acting BY faith. In their context, they might want to share the gospel, or have friends who might be interested, but at times really don´t know how, or what to say, or what to do, or how to share their testimonies, or stories, etc. So we´re helping them a wee tad there. But relative to faith, many times we have these fleeting thoughts in our heads- things that would be good to do, or things we want to say, etc. Whether it be share our testimony in sacrament meeting, say something nice to a friend, say hi to someone, etc. But many times, we doubt ourselves and succomb to the natural man. But we have a promise, that ultimately, things will turn out well, when we ACT. We almost never know 100% what we will do or say, but we when act, and trust in God, we our instruments in his hands. Now for me, this usually manifests itself in the form of opening my mouth. For a contact, or to say something in a lesson- and guess what? It´s the truth! It really does turn out well. So trust in God, have faith, act, and be an instrument in his hands! The times I haven´t acted, I regret. Eter 12¨6, Moses 6¨32, Helaman 10-5, Alma 13-24.
As I think you all knew, Elder Camús and I had some difficulties in the first 4-5 weeks togethor. I remember initially how right I really felt! And actually, from my perspective, I was right, or doing the right thing, 80% of the time. But now, looking back from where we are now (much much better), I realize that I was doing a lot of things that were wrong, or weren´t effective or smart. Until that point, and from my perspective, they were good, and they were right. But as we´ve taught and grown and accepted eachother now, I realize that it really wasn´t so one sided. Really, change is hard, and people can be very different. But the fastest way to have unity is to forget yourself and go to work serving and accepting them. Moroni 7¨45 talks a bit about this- about charity. Study the words of this scripture (Im grateful for spanish here, because it´s forced me to study at times, every word. To read much less, and think much more, and I get a lot more out of the scripture), and you´ll see that it says nothing about who really is right, or most logical, etc. Love and accept and serve all, the best we can.
Well, Elder Camús is a freaking boss, he´s super smart, really knows the scriptures well, AND speaks really good spanish ha! But most of all, he understand doctrines, and not just applications, and knows how to really address what the investigator needs and help them. I´ve learned a lot from him. He´s totally going to get married his first 2 weeks back. He´s 23 now, and has a girlfriend waiting for him there. We make a lot of jokes about that.
Anna, Efesfani, and the familia Hernandez are doing really well! We´re teaching little by little the dad, and shared a prayed with the brother. We´ve also had some success teaching family members of familys from the ward- those who aren´t members, inactives, etc.
Dad- I memorized this week, Alma 25-26, thanks for the advice! Need to choose a new one. Atlanta sounds sweet! Your the coolest Dad in town! You take care of the family and your business really well!
Mom- Love you 10 million! Ha, your awesome, and yes I remember the picture in my room. Do some turns for me! Your the most athletic mom I know!
Tyler- I think too much, stress too much, etc. I think ahead to where we ¨should¨ be, or overwhelm myslef with whatever slew of things. I´ve actually tried meditative breathing (don´t know the name, I take 10 big breaths, nothing too special). It helps! But actually I´ve gotten a lot better since the beginning, at having fun, at relaxing, at enjoying my mission and where I am. O´ course I still got a little ways to go. Thanks for the letter! Don´t get married! Your a great sledder!
Anna- Highschool- it goes fast. Enjoy and be comfortable with yourself now. You my favorite sister in the world! I love you a million! What´s the coolest thing you did in the last week! Do you realize how awesome you are?! I want to hear your ballin´ french!
Hyrum- Do you realize how smart you are Hyrum?! Your really smart! Good job with futsal and soccer! And reading and school and stuff! I think you got a big brain! Love you brothers and your mom!
Benny- Hey have you thought about where you want to play college soccer Benny?! How many offers have you recieved?! Ha, love you a million, take care of your brothers, sister, and mom and dad for me! You are Pele!
Stevey-Who´s your best friend? I liked the picture of you on the carpet with the blocks! Your the bravest manly man I know steve!
Ps, you guys should watch some of the
mormon.org youtube videos- they´re rad!
Cio, Un Brazo!
Elder Tasso
