Virgin Day, Temple, and Transfers!!

I figure I'll just get the transfers stuff over with now. Here's what's going down; Elder Gonzalez is gonna stay here in Cinco de Mayo 1, and I'm leaving! My new area is Atlatzalpa, in the Mixquic zone. Super far away from where I am now. What!? Just wait, it gets crazier. Not only am I leaving the stake, I'm going to be a district leader!!! Not kidding, I thought they were joking at first. I don't even know what to think, not only am I gonna miss my area here, all the people, the members, the missionaries, etc. but I'm also pretty nervous about leading a district. I still have so much to learn, including the language, but I'm grateful for this opportunity I have to serve the Lord and these people more fully and grow in the way God wants me to. 

So crazy. Sorry to get you all excited for this email, this week was actually kind of slow. Not many lessons, few people available, not too much work. Most of that had to do with the fact that on the 12th, every Catholic in Mexico celebrates 'El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe.' Depending on how far away they are, many Catholics start their march towards the Basilica, and they celebrate all week. On the 12th, we had to return home at 5:30 to avoid any dangerous situations. Crazy story, as we were heading home, we had about 5 minutes, so we started running, turned a corner, and ran right into a procession of marching people! Bands playing, people dancing, lots of Catholics shouting and whistling at two Mormon missionaries as we tried to make our way through as quickly as possible. So crazy, we had a good laugh about it once we were safe inside haha. 

Since we didn't have many success with contacts, we taught a lot more members. Most of those lessons consisted of giving them the 'Él es la Dádiva' cards for this month and practicing with them how to give one to a friend. We're expecting lots of references this month, which would be awesome!!

On Saturday, we spent most of the day with the Sains family at the temple visitor's center! The mom is an investigator, and the dad, son, and both daughters are less actives. They're really nice and love to let us visit, and the visitor's center was an amazing experience. We went on the tour by two sister missionaries that are serving there and the Spirit was very strong. We then ate and bought some scripture cases and books and ties (well I did, they bought other things). We wanted to stay for the lights, but they weren't gonna late them until 6:30, and we couldn't stay that long, so we left. The difference spiritually between the temple grounds and just stepping on the bus home was very noticeable. Temples are truly holy places. 

Sad news, we were told that we can't use our water heater thingies anymore, so I've been showering with cold water all week again. Seriously praying for gas in my next area. 

This week, I'm gonna share a story from Alma chapter 1. At this time, the King of the city of Zarahemla, King Mosiah (who was also a prophet), had just died. The new prophet, Alma the younger, was a really great man of God, and tried to strengthen the church in every way possible. Despite his efforts, many members of the church became prideful and left. At the same time, many that were not members also became prideful and began to persecute the members. Of this, the scriptures say the following;

Alma 1:25; 'Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable inkeeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.' 

I love this scripture! Despite all their trials, those who were truly disciples of Christ were 'steadfast and immovable' as they held onto their faith and trusted in God. They did not ever allow their doubts to grow so great that they let go of the Church; rather, they were patient in their suffering, and pressed forward, enduring to the end. Let us all be more like these members of the church, 'steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God.'

I love you all! Have a great week!!! 

Elder Connor

P.S. I'm gonna send some pictures from last week as well, to make up for what I missed.

1. Elder Nava, my zone leader, and I. Elder Nava is such a good missionary, he really focuses and works hard!
2. Elder Ramos and I. He has one transfer less than I, from Nevada, super great guy.
3. Juan (my son) and I. Future rapper. Dang it, I should have gotten something signed!

Best week EVER!

Hello all! 

This week was awesome for so many reasons. Number one, I got a PACKAGE from the fambam and letters from Gina Han, Sister Lortz, and Nicole! They are the winners!!

Starting Tuesday, I came down with some really obnoxious stomach virus thing. It also rained a ton this week, super wet and cold. I know, that doesn't sound fun, and it wasn't, but somehow, this week turned absolutely amazing. Here's why: 

It started off with splits with a recent RM, Johnathan, the Bishop's son. He's really cool, and super good at teaching. We had a lot of really nice lessons and he helped me a lot with the language. 

The day I really want to focus on though is Saturday. It rained the hardest on this day, and my stomach still hurt a bit, and I really didn't want to work that much. But, we're missionaries, and so we work, rain or shine! 

Our first appointment fell through, so we plodded through more rain to a recent converts place, Hermano Nacho, to talk about Christ's Gospel. We went through faith and repentance, and lightly touched baptism, and then got to talking about The Holy Ghost. As we talked, I could feel the Spirit guiding my words and I would know what scriptures to read and what answers to give. It was an amazing experience, one I am so thankful for. 

After this lesson, we went all the way to the other side of our area, about a 20 minute walk in the freezing rain. We had an appointment with an investigator, Maribel, and the people that lived with her. When we arrived, there was a guy visiting. They were all reading the Restoration pamphlet and waiting for us, which was amazing, because before Thursday, we hadn't been able to meet with them for a couple weeks (they would always tell us to come back tomorrow, and then not be there...) We talked about what they'd read, and were about to leave, when the visitor guy (His name is Angel), in perfect English, said, 'Hey, are you from the States?' Turns out, he'd lived his entire life in California, up until three years ago, when he came here to live nearer to his mom. He could understand spoken Spanish by now, but he didn't really know how to read it, so he didn't very much understand the pamphlets. 

As a result, we ended up staying there for another half hourish, as I explained the Restoration IN ENGLISH. It was kind of weird, teaching again in English, I forgot a couple words, but it was really an awesome experience. At one point, he told me he had been baptized Catholic as a baby, but never went to church. He wanted to understand what it was God wanted in his life, but had no idea where to find it until now. He said if that's what we were offering, was a way to understand God's will, that's what he wanted. He asked if he could still be baptized, even though he was already baptized Catholic. I was seriously so floored, and so felt incredibly blessed to have this opportunity to talk with him. I know the Spirit was there, even before we arrived, in Angel's heart (haha) working the changes in him that he will need as he listens to the lessons and seeks to know God's will for him. 

The rest of the day was almost as amazing. Despite the rain, and the cold, and the upset stomach, I've never felt so much love for these people here. This work is so far beyond me, my own capability, and yet, God has seen fit to make a tool out of me to do His work. I am so incredibly blessed to be here. I know this Gospel is true and I am so glad I have the opportunity to be a part of sharing it with the Children of God in Mexico. 

I know it's true, but maybe you don't. I want to share a scripture, found in 2 Nephi 32:4; 

'Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.' 

I know what I've said in this email is true. Now that you've read it, it is your responsibility to ask God, to knock at His door. I know He will answer you as you do so and you will receive that same confirmation I have received. It is so important that you do so. 

Cool things of the week: I was put in charge of the phone and keys by my trainer. I had to answer all the calls and unlock all the doors (Ok, just our doors, but whatever). At one point, we had a lesson with an investigator and she said, 'You know, when you speak, you say 'um' a lot.' I apologized, feeling kind of sheepish, but then she said, 'not you, your companion! You speak fine.' Wut. Haha, well thanks, don't know I deserved that, but I'll take what I can get! Also, we had bacon wrapped hot dogs for lunch on Saturday. What the best thing ever. We also had interviews with the President this past Friday, which was so great, he is such an awesome president, so full of love and charity for everyone he comes in contact with. AND Elder Dallin H. Oaks, an Apostle called of God to preach His word, is coming to visit us at the end of this month!!! Too pumped. I love you all! 

Elder Connor 

My Sunday breakfast, French toast and Reese's!

Pictures a little girl drew for us on Sunday, awesome.