This week was quite interesting. We had General Conference, we met a lady in the laundromat, and we found our apartment door wide open.

General Conference: This past weekend we enjoyed listening to the General authorities of the church. It was awesome. For me, the general theme was: “Continue to preach the Gospel.” I really liked President Nelson’s talks: “Preaching the Gospel of Peace, The Power of Spiritual Momentum, and Now is the Time. In his Sunday morning talk, President Nelson focused on encouraging the youth to serve missions because the mission field is a learning ground.

The talk from Elder Dallin Oaks was also very interesting as he spoke about the family and the stance of the church on marriage: “we affirm that the family proclamation, founded on irrevocable doctrine, defines the kind of family relationships where the most important part of our eternal development can occur.”  I find great comfort in knowing that this doctrine will never change.

These talks taught me a lot. What did you learn from General Conference?

Lady at the laundromat:  We began talking to her and she asked us about our teaching.  We shared with her the Book of Mormon and she rejected it immediately. I find that many people will flatly say: “The Book of Mormon is all a lie” without haven’t ever read it.  I wish people would take the challenge to read it, as I have done it and ask God if it’s true.  The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. Moroni, a prophet from The Book of  Mormon invited all to read, ponder and pray.

 “Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (The Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:3-5)

The invitation is for all of us. You too can find out as you read, ponder and pray if the book is true.

Finding our apartment door wide open:  Upon returning from one of our regular days, we found the door of our apartment wide open.  My first thought was to check if anything was missing.  Luckily everything was there.  I was concerned mainly about our bikes because they were just right there leaning against the wall.  I was also worried because one of the Sister’s bikes was stolen recently. I feel the Lord protected our place, and I am grateful for that.

The mission has taught me to work with others and it has shown me that not everyone you meet will want to talk to you. A mission is a tough time, but in the long run blessings will be given to you and your friends, and family for serving. Also, the mission has taught me how important the family is.  I feel I love my family a lot more. Being away from the family for 6 months has given me a different appreciation for all my family members.  I am planning to spend more time with family when I return home.  I am looking forward to enjoying family relationships more. I know I am going to be a different person.  I am planning on spending my time engaging more on activities.

We have continued teaching our young friends and are still working with Jr to get him baptized. His mom works all week so it makes it difficult for us to set a baptism date for him. He does sound like he is interested though.

 I love being a missionary. The lessons learned out here are valuable. I am grateful for what I have learned. Thanks for all you guys do and continue to do your best.

Choose the right! There is peace in righteous doing.

Choose the right! There’s safety for the soul.

Choose the right in all labors you’re pursuing;

Let God and heaven be your goal.

(Choose the Right. LDS hymn #239)

Buena suerte amigos.