Well,
I've only got one more week left out on this change! This past 5 weeks actually
went by really fast. I hope that Elder Dahlin and I get another chance because
I really think next change this area will have a ton of baptisms. Although it’s
gone by fast, every day is really hard. Once I get out in the street it doesn't
feel as bad, but the mornings are and forever will be a challenge. I don’t have
quite as an exciting week as last week, but I will share a few things that
happened.
We are
teaching this lady named Ruth that I told you about. She is amazing! She is the
one who calls us her children. But she never can get our names right, so yeah I
guess we are her children. (cough*Dad*cough) :) She always thinks my name is Francisco. Her family
has been super difficult with her because she is going to get baptized and they
are all super Catholic. She has decided though that it’s her life and she knows
what she needs to do. She is going to get baptized tomorrow! I am so excited for her. I think I am
baptizing. (I will send a picture to you from my camera. Let me know at this
email if you end up getting it. If not I will send it next Monday). She is
going to be the best member.
Last
week we went to visit this inactive member who was super excited we were there
because their mom is sick so we gave her a blessing. We then sang a hymn and it was kinda awkward
because they recorded us singing. Also these little 14 year olds were taking
pictures of me during the lesson. People here don’t see a lot of Americans I
guess. Anyway, we are teaching the inactive lady’s sister and her family. They
are the parents and 4 kids, but the kids are in their 20s. They are very
Christian and know the Bible SOOO well. Elder Dahlin luckily knows it super
well to. I have been super frustrated because I really don’t know the
Scriptures. I know they are true I just don’t know the doctrine and stories
very well.
We
are teaching some other ladies named Gloria and another named Maria del Carmen.
They are pretty calm people and it’s hard to tell how interested they are. They
did come to church yesterday though. Here, to get baptized, kids needs to come
5 times and adults 4 times before they can get baptized.
My
Spanish is slowly coming. I need to learn more vocab words because I mainly
know how sentences here are formed. People can understand me, but I am sure I
sound like a 2 year old to them. Keep praying for me! :)
That’s
mainly it. We have been trying to work hard reactive members. We have gotten 2
families back to church and that is a really good feeling. We are trying to see
people as reaching the temple, not just baptism.
Some
odd things about Mexico or things that have happened to me:
1.
Clowns. People decide to dress up like
clowns and walk around intersections hoping to get money. I think it’s the new
way to beg for money. Some juggle on tires and make whistle noises. It’s kinda
creepy.
2.
Last Monday we were walking up the street and a stray dog came up to us and
almost bit me. I jumped to the side and it missed me. To get dogs to back off
you have to pretend to pick up a rock and they will back away.
3.
Almost everyone here is obsessed with the Virgin Mary. It really is a problem
because they all pray to her and focus on her more than God. Look at the
picture. There was a parade yesterday (mostly everyday you see some group
parading her around).
4.
There are a lot of drunk people. A few weeks ago this guy came up to us and
said he needed help and we talked to him about the Gospel. He realized we weren’t
going to give him money so he left. Then the next day we saw him again. He was
really drunk and came and gave me a hug. It was really awkward. I kinda just
stood there stiff while he breathed his drunk breath on me. Blehhh!
5.
People here honk when coming to a stop sign to let people know they are not
stopping. So safe.
6.
People are professional liars! haha I swear they each pick an address that
doesn’t exist to give to us. Sometimes kids will answer the door and we will
ask if their mom is home. They go check and then come back and say "my mom
says she isn’t home"...okay maybe not so professional.
Yup.
So there are some interesting facts
about Mexico. Hope you all have a great week. I miss you all so much. Love you!
-Elder
Thomas
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