I am sorry that I appear disinterested/disrespectful/disengaged/something else that begins with "dis." That would be my bad. Let me tell you the truth: I blame it on my quickly worsening English. I don't think I know how to read anymore, I just misspelled the word English 7(!) times, and when I try to speak, a weird, alien mix of gibberish spews out of my mouth like a poisonous vomit. So that's why my letters are bad. Also, I have been trying to reduce my time in the internet so that I have more time to visit and teach. Don't worry, I think I've found our limit though. MY comp is ready to kill me because I scheduled citas at 3:30, 4:30 and 6 today. Ooops. Can't disrespect the missionary's Sabbath day. So my emails will be better in the future.
As far as not having much to report, it's the result of two principal factors: my journal writing has died since I decided to become an area book master. After all the effort I put into being organized(!) and filling that baby out, I'm exhausted and don't write in my journal. Therefore, I don't remember the cool experiences I had during the week. Sorry. The other factor is that missionary life has just become normal. I'm officially an old person in the mission now. The Pres called me out in a conference we had on Tuesday as one of those "about to return home." I'm hoping it's just an honest mistake. Where was I when the world council official decided that seven months equated no time at all? I would have definitely voted against that movement.
Okay, now, about BYU because I think we received revelation at the same time that maybe it is time to start thinking about college. Again. As far as what you sent me, I have no current plans about where to live. Also, I need you to start investigating when my class registration date is. I will end up doing that in the mission when that comes up. I've already got Pres's permission (he asked me about it. Probably because I'm "about to return home." Sheesh).
I hope that answers your questions. I'm shocked to hear about Daniel. I'll keep him in my prayers. It's weird when tragedies like that happen. I just met a missionary who has fourteen months in the mission. His brother died two months ago. I can't imagine. There's another one who's dad died during the mission. I won't lie, I'd probably go home if that were the case for me. It's a testament to the faith and testimony of these two missionaries that they are still here and still working. The Lord truly sends us His Comforter in these terrible times. He is the only one who can do that. And, as I ofter ask my investigators, what in the world does a Comforter do? He comforts, in a way that the world cannot (See John14:26-27). I hope he gets better.
Okay, on to mission related stuff. Kidding! First, I want Cody's email address. I'd like to see how he's doing. Alright, no more false starts. This week we traveled....a lot. I was in a van traveling through windy mountain roads for a grand total of 18 hours this week. I lost two entire days of work to traveling, first traveling to the conference on Tuesday, then traveling to Tlaxiaco to do a baptismal interview. In the mean time, I also did divisions with the zone leaders and worked a LOT with the members, as the Pres has indicated. It's been good. We've shared President Uchtdorf's "The Joy of the Priesthood" talk a lot in order to remind the active members that they have to stay active, stay encouraged, and stay working, no matter what type of ward you are in. It's really worked well. We also met a super prepared investigator. Her cousin is a member who lives in California. He's going to be serving a mission in Salt Lake City soon. Supposedly, she promised him that she'd be a member before he got back. So far, so good. She's already been to Church three times, the last one coming by herself, and participates in class. She's really cool. I think we are going to put a baptismal date with her today. It's funny, but I've learned more than anything else in the mission that the Lord prepares people. He doesn't want me to prepare people, just like He doesn't want me to convince people. He is going to prepare people. He is going to convince people. I just have to be His mouthpiece.
Not all prepared people start out super pilas though. Some need patience and time. All need love. You can tell if somebody is prepared or not by their willingness to keep their commitments. It won't be easy, but if they keep their commitments, they are prepared. I love God.
I was almost bit by a dog again this week. As I was l leaving the bishop's house, his dog broke the chain. I made a sick Indiana Jones type move and dodged him while shutting the door in his face. So yup, in case you were wondering, I am still a Jedi.
Guys, I am out of words. Just so you know, lose yourselves in service. It's such a joy. I don't know how to describe it, but worries, pains, and stress go away when you serve, especially when you serve in the way of the Lord. So do it. Do something nice. Go out of your way. Break the routine. Plan something for FHE centered on service. It truly makes you happy.
I guess I'll see you in a year. "About to return home" my butt. Peace out,
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