Hola, y'all! Como estan?
Well, time here is moving a little faster. A lot of times, the mornings are really long. And then my mind starts to wander during studies, and I have to refocus, and then get to working again. But during the day, things usually go well. We're constantly moving and working, and the challenge (that I've faced so far) has been one that I've enjoyed and striven to meet and surpass. I have yet to meet or surpass it, but I can do it!
Elder Jenks is leaving next week. That part has been hard. He's not trunkie, but he talks a lot about how he wonders how things will be different, what he is going to do with his life, how he's going to get back into school...etc.
But I'm really interested to see who my next companion will be! Then, I have to know the area very well...I have to admit, I'm kind of nervous about that! But, it'll be fun! Just have to work all the harder, really focus on the work.
I've seen Garrett quite a few times up here. Actually, he was sitting behind me here in the library and e-mailing, too! He's doing well. Though now, they have a companionship of 3, because someone went home early - someone that wasn't in my MTC district, but who came out with us on the plane. It was sad to hear about that, but I hope he'll be able to return, if it's something like that.
ANYWAY, back to happier things!
We've been meeting with a lot of people, and we've been trying to extend a baptismal date at basically every first lession. And what do you know! Our numbers of people with a baptismal date have gone up! But the toughest part is getting these people to church. Every once in a while, someone shows up. But if they don't have 3 sundays in church, they can't be baptized. And we don't want to baptize them into inactivity.
Let's see, what else has gone on...
Going day to day, and thinking about the transfer to come, it seems like we've talked to nearly everyone here in Rosenburg. We'll ride past a place, and Elder Janks says: "we've already been there." But somehow, something new happens every day. I've been thinking that the days will be very empty (and there are some days that a lot of our appointments fall through, and we feel like we haven't taught anyone), but somehow, things seem to turn out alright.
The day before yesterday, we had an intercambio, or exchange, with the Zone Leaders because Elder Jenks is the District Leader. Elder Scavo, who is also from California, was my exchange buddy. He also did something that's called "running" with me on the first day. That was where we just go out and talk to as many people as we can in a half-hour, and then return to our "base of operations" (aka: the church building). This time, I learned even more from him. He came to our area, and basically said, "Lead on! I'll follow you." And so that's what happened! We talked to a lot of people, taught about 4 lessions, and got a few return appointments with people. But what stood out the most to me was his sincerity with everything, and his pure love for the people. He could just so easily talk to them, and they were all almost like family to him. That's something that I want to develop is that sincere love for the people here. And I'm working at it. It can be kind of hard at first, but fortunately, the Lord is here helping.
We taught a couple (also, not married) named Sylvia and Doroteo - Kind of like Dorito! Well, at least, that's what he said...So Doroteo talked a lot, but eventually, we talked a little about the Plan of Salvation. Sylvia read all of the pamphlet that we left her last time we were there, and even tried to explain some of it to Doroteo. Way awesome! She looked like she was ready to be baptized right then and there! She had had a stillborn baby, and had to give to others up for adoption, and got a lot of...discouraging? yeah, I think that's the word...feedback from her family. Her belief in God, her praying to God, and the fact that her baby died, and she still trusts in Him. She's been through a lot, but she's strong! They didn't come to church this past week, so we'll have to see what happened. She's going in for a c-section this week, so that might have been part of it.
Dad, how's the reading going with the Standard Works? Justin, what are you studying in seminary this year? I kind of want to read the same scriptures you are, in spanish, at the same time. Could be fun!
Food! Surprisingly, almost all of the food I have eaten here has been AMAZING! And you know me, the picky eater. So that's been awesome! I even come home now and throw a few tortillas on the stove, and have me some more mexican food, though in no way similar to some of what I've eaten so far. But it's great!
Well, I've got to get going. Time's almost up!
Mom, Dad, Justin, Kaytlin, Kristin...and yes, you too, Phoenix...I love you all soooo much! Tan mucho! You're always in my prayers!
Con amor - a infinidad, y mas alla!!!!!
Dev-i-o "Captain Awesome" Collins
