Hope all is well with everyone. I am doing well here in México. However, it is hot a lot of the time or otherwise raining-sometimes a heavy downpour. I understand it is snowing most of the time back home. Sometimes I miss the cold weather and snow. It has been rainy/stormy down here for the past few days - feels like forever, yet it cleared up on Sunday, yesterday.
Recently, it has been hard to get a solid, reliable internet connection with my family back home to be able to talk via video or chat. I have only been able to do a short online chat with them on Mondays. Hopefully this situation will improve in the future.
We have been teaching an awesome family; a member of the family, a young man is especially interested in hearing and participating in the missionary lessons. The picture below is of his younger sister, Sua. She is very sweet. When the family comes to church with us, she always wants to sit next to me. Sua and her family live right next to the Gulf of Mexico, the ocean, so we often get some great pictures on the beach. My shoes get soaked by the waves. It is worth it though - it is beautiful here. Sua will find seashells for me.
 |
| Elder Smart & Sua, in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, México. |
 |
| Elder Smart (foreground) and Elder Lima. |
The Spanish language is coming along well. I can understand pretty much what everybody says now or at least what they're trying to say; which is awesome! Many people that speak faster, I have to listen for just a bit longer to get used to how they speak.
We are trying hard to get a part member family back to church. Often, many, including families will go for a period of time by not attending church which is unfortunate. However, we are doing are best to see that this does not occur with the members here in the branch.
I am learning about the culture here too. For example, it is not rude to say, "Give me that." One does not need to say, for example, "Can you please pass the salsa." People think it is funny when I say, "Can you please pass the tacos." It is also an insult to point with your finger - different cultural norms that I have learned. I recently have had sushi and fried banana - very common food here in Coatzacoalcos.
We have also have been teaching a nice man who is a taxi driver. However, he did mention he may be going over to Cancun to drive a taxi as it is getting to be Summer and the busy season in Cancun.
Also, we have been teaching the wife of a man who is a Baptist minister who we met while riding in a taxi; we had a good discussion with him in the cab. He seems to know lots about our church.
Ivan, himself and his father own the internet cafe and convenience store next to it. Benito, who is a friend of Ivan often is helping at the internet cafe. I taught Benito how to tie a tie. That was fun.
It has been great to have Ivan and Benito come to church with Elder Lima and I.
Have a great week. Talk to you next week.
 |
| Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, México. |
[ week beginning Monday, Feb. 17th, 2020 ]
It has been rainy, hot and then cooler here in Coatza. Recently we had interviews with Pres. Whitworth. They always go well. I learn a lot from him when we get a chance to visit together. This coming week we have a zone conference.
 |
| (Left to Right) Elder Lima, Elder Smart, Pres. Clark Whitworth, (not sure of order next), Elder Schill, Elder Gonzalez. |
We have been teaching a family that might be ready to be baptized soon. This family was a reference from a member. They will be baptized after I get transferred most likely.
The father wants to have the gospel in his family - for his young boys! This is great!
I am grateful for all the things that I am learning here, the language, things about me, about others, about who the Savior is, and even sometimes about being comfortable in uncomfortable situations. There are many things a mission teaches you. Most importantly, is my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has grown immensely.
This past week we were invited to have dinner at one of the counselors in the Bishopric/Branch Presidency here. He thanked us for our service and blessed us that we would continue to have heavenly, angelic beings protect us as we go forth sharing the Gospel. However, we must continue to be obedient and stay close to the Spirit. It was a nice blessing to hear.
The members of the church, investigators and everyone is genuinely willing to help the missionaries, feeding us and doing a variety of other things for us; just being concerned about us is an awesome feeling.
There is a member here that has a crocodile. He wants us to get some photos of it and some photos of me holding it. Not sure about that. Sounds interesting though.
My companion and I often get invited to a home to eat with member families. One such occasion was this past Friday. We both had an opportunity to share our testimony and a scripture. The Spirit was strong and present while we shared our testimonies with the family. It was a great. We thanked them for a great meal and for having Elder Lima and I in their home.
Ivan, our friend, makes us "killer" hotdogs; he puts bacon around the hotdog with jalapenos, queso, ketchup and mayonnaise. They are very good. I am gaining too much weight. Yet, I still am trying to use my jump rope. Love you all. Have a great week.
 |
| Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent. |
Doctrine & Covenants 19:16-19; 23,24
16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.
23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.
24 I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do his will.
No comments:
Post a Comment