I am finally out of my Teen years! I have waited so long for this to happen!! I had a great birthday thanks to all of you who wished me a happy birthday. Thank you for the cards, the gifts, the food, the cake and all your love.  My mom told me this would be a special birthday for many reasons, and she was right!  Having a birthday in the mission field is different, but great!  I enjoyed the day thoroughly!!!!!!

This week I was able to ride my bike more and I enjoy that.  I had my bike shipped from home and I feel great.  Also, this week we had a lesson with our young 9-year-old friend. This kid is promising. He is super excited to continue learning about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy and happiness it brings. 

My thoughts about death and the resurrection have continued to linger in my mind, and I am grateful to know that after we die, we go to the spirit world where we wait until it is time to be judged according to our desires and service here on Earth. Our family members that have passed on are there in the Spirit world learning about the gospel and waiting for us to join them. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison” (1 Peter 3:18-19). Missionary work is organized in the Spirit world.  Everyone is learning about faith, love, covenants, baptism and more.  This knowledge brings great joy into my life.

I am grateful for each one of you and for the knowledge that I am loved while being out here during this difficult time in our world today. The world is an interesting place! I had some experiences this past week while we were out riding our bikes that show what I am trying to say.

🚗 A car drives up to the apartment complex where we were at, and a guy rolls down his window and asks my companion and I if we have any candy.  I said, “no we don’t.” Then I thought about the CTR rings, and I thought that it would have been hilarious 🤣😆 to give him a ring as candy! (CTR rings are commonly worn in our religious culture as a reminder to ‘Choose The Right.’)

🚙 Another guy gets out of the car and walks up to us and starts saying, “man, I love you guys. I don’t believe what you are teaching is true, but I call you guys my “brothas” in the gospel. Then he says “Hey,  that name tag you guys are wearing does not mean a thing! Take it off.” I am there watching him and he continues to say “they are brainwashing you guys.” He continues talking to us and points to me and says “I’m older than you and you’re older than him.” In my mind I think: “Wow! this Dude got it right.” He then talks about the Book of John and I ask, “you mean the Book Of Mormon?” and he says “no, the Book of John”. He gets super close to my face and I think “OK, please God make this fast. If he punches me make it quick.” Luckily he did not. Five seconds later he says “ugh” and walks off into the distance of the apartment buildings. Truly, this experience tested my ability to stay calm in an unpredictable situation, but I was reminded that Heavenly Father watches out for us.

My foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ is firm. I now know for sure that this Church is true, that the prophet is truly a prophet of God, and that he is our friend here on earth.  I encourage and invite all the family to take time out of your day to read at least a chapter or two out of The Book of Mormon, and you will feel the joy and happiness it brings into your lives. I LOVE ❤ YOU ALL! and THANK YOU again for the BIRTHDAY CARDS, LOVE, and SUPPORT!

P.s A big shout out to my Mom And Dad for all they have done for me and the love and support I have received from them!  ❤💙💜

BUENE SUERTE ESTA SEMANA!!!