How great it was to talk to you all! It was weird. Almost felt like I
was in college again. Sorry I was crying. Haha. It was overwhelming to see you,
but so refreshing. It helped me regain my focus on why I am here and the way we
are to teach. Sometimes it is easy to see people as numbers, but they are
actually children of God, our brothers and sisters. And it really isn’t that
long until we talk again. Only 3 more changes (yes Dallin, everyone here calls
them changes :) ). It’s like 4.5 months. That is so crazy because by then I
will have a year. The time is so weird in the mission. Super fast, but super
slow at the same time. I wish I could have seen the rest of you, Tyler and
Whitney.
So I will tell you about my week. Tuesday we literally spent the whole
time at the family’s house (the clown family) that we were preparing to be
baptized. We went over all the lessons so everyone had everything. Sometimes
one member of the family would be gone and miss part of it, so we went over
lessons 1-3. Then later, some other companions came and did the interviews for
them. The older daughter didn’t really want to get baptized, but the other
elders talked to her and helped her see that it was important.
On Wednesday we went to Metepec. It was pouring rain here in Valle (only
the 2nd time I’ve seen rain here) as well as in Metepec. We had a meeting to
talk about the progress in each of our areas and a devotional. We then had some
free time and hung out. We later ate a ton of food and during the food we
watched Frozen. Like I said when I was talking to you, I think I was the most
excited. I sang along as well. Really weird to watch a normal movie. I felt
like I need to take it all in because I will never watch another. Later, we
stayed the night in Metepec to sleep. I didn’t really sleep though. Not because
I was excited about Santa, but because their was a symphony of snoring. haha.
We came home to Valle and slept some there. And later I talked to you! But
right after I talked to you we had to get to work... It was a pretty
ineffective day because no one was in the streets or in their houses. We
finally got into a house, but everyone was hungover. Here in Mexico they don’t
do anything for Christmas, but Christmas eve they have a big dinner and almost
everyone gets drunk. haha. It was a pretty chill day. So that was my first
Christmas in Mexico. Thanks again Mom for the Christmas in a Box. I loved it.
Love my new ties and the candy :) yay American candy. :)
So this week we have been visiting Bruno and Concepcion and their two
daughters, Mari and Jenny a lot to get them ready for their baptism. On
Saturday we
were doing some last teaching. The whole time, Mari was a little sad. She
wouldn’t tell us why, but I think it was because she was having doubts. We told
them that Satan would do everything possible to keep them from getting baptized
and we had them pray individually to God that they would get baptized tomorrow,
no matter what. The Spirit was so strong. At the end of the lesson Mari asked
why baptism is important. We explained it is essential so we can be with our
family forever and return to live with God. She accepted that. I was so excited
for them to get baptized, but was praying nothing would come in the way. The
next day, their extended family was in town and came to their baptism. During
the church services, the brother-in-law was telling Bruno that this was crazy
and everything about the Book of Mormon was insane. I once again was praying
that Bruno would stay strong and stick to what he knew and felt. During our
Priesthood class, the entire class was about the Book of Mormon and the
truthfulness of it. I believe that was Satan trying to drag the father’s
testimony down, then God came and helped him reaffirm his grounds in his
testimony.
At the end of the church services we got ready for the baptism. The
youngest daughter, Jenny (11) was so excited to be baptized. The entire church
services she was asking when she could get changed. We had the baptismal
service outside on the lawn in front of the font. The water still hadn’t heated
up from the electric heaters that we put in, so the water was still cold. We
had a few short messages before. The sister missionaries were in charge of the
Primary that day. They taught them all about being a missionary and gave them
pass along cards to give. They later sang missionary Primary songs. Haha, not
brain washing or anything... They helped them prepare to sing Families can be
Together Forever (Concepcion’s favorite) along with us 4 missionaries at the
baptism. Jenny then was baptized first by Elder Medina. Then our branch
president baptized Bruno. I then baptized Mari and then the Mother. The mother
shared her testimony after and it was so strong. The older daughter later told
us that she had a revelation when she was baptized. When she came out of the
water, the image of Joseph Smith came to her head. She is the most happiest I
have ever seen her. A family really can make this work feel even more
important. What a great Christmas gift. The entire services, I couldn’t help but
smile. Next week they will receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. How great they
will feel after they have this gift. Their baptism was the highlight of the
week.
Yesterday, on the way to church, this guy contacted to us. He looked
like a crazy guy. He asked if I spoke English. I pretended I didn’t know what
he was saying and I didn’t speak English. haha. Kind of bad of me. We asked him
what he was doing here in Valle and he said that he was here to get footage of
UFOs. Yup he was crazy. He ended up talking to my companion in English, but my
companion doesn’t understand English completely. Haha crazy man.
This next week we will head to Metepec again for New Year’s eve and
stay the night. However, on New Year’s we have to get back to work right away.
It probably won’t be very effective though. Being a vacation spot, all the
people from Valle leave and all the tourists come.
Now that the family is baptized, we will continue to teach them and
help them build their testimonies even more. We are planning to do what you
said, Dad. Read the Book of Mormon with them so they get in the habit of it. I
don’t think any members here in Mexico really read together as a family. Now we
have to keep looking for more people to teach and help come unto Christ. The
Gospel is true and I am so grateful for it. I am grateful for you my amazing
family. Thanks for everything and have a happy NEW YEAR!
-Elder Thomas
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