Week Something or Other in the Field

Hola familia y amigos!!! Como estan?

Wow, what a week. It went by super fast. It's so great to read all your letters and hear of all you're doing. And please, don't be afraid to write details :) I'm sorry if I don't always have time to respond to everything you say, but I always read and love to hear what's going on.

We weren't as "successful" as we should have been as far as numbers go. That definitely needs to improve. But this week we've tried to focus a little harder on the people behind the numbers, and that has helped us remember our purpose for being here and try harder to help them come unto Christ. I know as we have faith and continually do all that we possibly can, the people and the numbers will come.

I love the people here. Even though this is not my "real" mission, it's so cool to start feeling an increase in love for all people around me. Being motivated by a true desire to serve them and bring them the happiness of the gospel is sooo important to successful missionary work (see also pg. 10-11 of Preach My Gospel). There are a lot of Mexicans here, with some Hispanics from other countries in the mix. Even if they aren't interested or are busy, they are always friendly, like to chat with you, and will usually offer you food if they happen to be cooking. And who am I to turn that down? Haha. That happened last night when we walked up to a family fiesta/BBQ trying to proselyte, and they gave us grilled meat in corn tortillas and "sopas", which is kindof like a thick tortilla that has beans inside it and topped with lots of more beans, guacamole, salsa, queso, and other stuff that's super delicious. True Mexican food is so delicious.

My Spanish is coming. I can usually understand the general theme of what people are talking about, although the individual words can be hard to follow. And of course I still always have those moments when nothing registers in my brain :) especially on the phone, or when somebody talks in a Cuban accent. However, the gift of tongues is definitely real, and I pray that I will always be worthy of it.

Agh, I tried to add pictures but couldn't figure out how to do it. Hopefully next week.

I sure love you all! I'm grateful for you and pray for you in all that you do: family, school, missions, work, and everything else. A key part of the message I get to share is that Jesus Christ and His gospel help us in every way, every day. He helps us feel happy, overcome our weaknesses and trials, and eventually reach salvation. His power is accessed through faith, repentance, baptism/sacrament, the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. My testimony is not the strongest out there, but I know that is true. I pray that we will all apply it every day.

Os amo muchisimo!

Sincerely,

Elder Blake/Andrew