I am finding such a joy in this work.

This week. Wow this week. I really don’t know what to think. I am finding such a joy in this work. I know that when times are hard, I don’t think as so, but when God reminds me that he is there, I can’t help but remember that I am not alone.

So this week, on Monday we went to Concepcion’s and talked about metas [goals]. I talked about the importance of setting goals and then did a little activity with them. We had them each set goals for themselves individually. The little 11 year old said that one of her goals was to get married. haha the mind of a little kid. After, we had them set goals as a family. They are going to read the Book of Mormon every night, have family home evening, and pray as a family. I am especially excited for their goal to be sealed in the temple in one year. After I left I had a thought. That is exactly what we do as a family every year. Mom always has us set goals for ourselves and our family. Haha. How weird that I am teaching other families what we have in our family without even realizing it. You can be proud, Mom :)

For New Year’s we went to Metepec. We had a similar devotional as last week for Christmas with the zone. After, we changed into sports clothes and played volleyball and soccer outside. It was really weird being in shorts and tennis shoes. We then went back inside and ate dinner and watched 17 Miracles. Wow, so good! I know I’ve seen it before, but it really made me appreciate many of our ancestors and the pioneers. I felt so guilty eating a ton of food while watching this movie and people suffering from starvation... We stayed the night in Metepec and returned early Thursday morning. Oh I also got the little package mom! Thanks for the pants, socks, and slippers :) I love them. haha also the ornament.

So in terms of the work, it was a hard week. It felt like no one wanted to hear anything. We weren’t getting into people’s houses and a lot of people went out of town for vacation. On Thursday morning, everyone was SO drunk and hung over. In the street I felt like I was walking in a zombie movie because of the drunks. We didn’t get into anyone’s house. It was a rough way to start out the new year. The next day, we did interchanges with the Elders in Tejupilco. It’s about an hour and a half away, but the closest area to us. I worked with Elder Mathews here in Valle. We finally found some people in their houses and committed them to church. We more just committed them at their door, so we didn’t really get into anyone’s houses. We had some citas but they didn’t actually live there and some of the people were really rude and wouldn’t even answer a question of where someone lives. We walked a ton and were so tired when we finished the day.

Saturday wasn’t super productive either. I have been frustrated because I have been trying to figure out how I can help this branch. I really have high hopes for this area. We went to a member’s house. They are super good and super strong. Probably the most normal in the branch. The daughter who is 21 just put in her papers for her mission :) We talked to them about how we can help this branch. They pretty much said that the members just aren’t doing anything to help the branch grow. When we left the house, right up their street someone yelled "elders!" It was a member who hasn’t gone to church in a year. Her husband isn’t a member, but she had been her whole life. She moved here a year ago, but didn’t know where the church was. We introduced her to her neighbors and they said they’d help her get to church. She returned to church yesterday!

Sunday arrived. We brought 2 people to church. I don’t know yet if they’ll progress, but we will see. However, a teenager named Vonancio came to church. He looks a little emo, but like a nice guy. He just turned 18 last week. We met with him in the church yesterday and taught him and his nephew. He has been to church a ton in D.F. and his friend is a member. He didn’t know where the church was and just found out where it was there because his nephew has been a bunch of times a few months ago. We talked about baptism and for some reason, the other Elders in D.F. never invited him to be baptized. He accepted and wants to get baptized this next sunday! Because he is 18 he can make the decision for himself. Best of all, is he wants to do it for himself. He doesn’t want us to tell his friend in D.F. because she will think he is doing it for her. He has had an interesting background, but really wants this change. The 11 year old nephew also wants to get baptized with him. He is part of the hermanas’ area, but the hermanas are going to talk to his mom for permission.

Later, we went to Concepcion’s. They all received the gift of the Holy Ghost yesterday! They are so good! EXACTLY what the branch needs. We talked about the branch with them and they are so excited to work with us this week. The 15 year old daughter is the only youth in the branch, but she wants to bring her friends and help it grow. I almost started crying when Concepcion told us about how they want it to grow here. WAHOO! We also are planning to do a FHE with them this week. Not sure what we will do, but we will find something to do.

Later a member called us from D.F. They are originally from Valle and all their family lives here. They just started listing a ton of people to visit. I think they are all part of the hermanas’ area, but still! They gave us 3 families to visit and have tons more! Hopefully there are some miracles waiting.

Although this week was hard, I saw so many miracles yesterday. We have many of the members signed up to work with us on different days. We are going to start to plan an activity for the branch. This area has been hard, but I love it. We only have 2 more weeks of this change, but I hope I stay here another change. I am finally learning how I can help this branch. I love this Gospel. It really does change lives. Seeing this family of Concepcion and Bruno proves that it is true. Although at times I don’t think so, I am so glad to be here on a mission. Thanks for all of your love and support! I miss you all!

-Elder Thomas

P.S. Congrats Tyler and Nicki! It was only a matter of time of waiting for the email saying someone was having a baby. My predictions is Dallin getting married and Whitney and Ryan having another baby. haha have a good week!