October 15th, 2018

This week was super fun. Monday night we visited a couple families and really tried to help the youth out. A lot of the parents are stressing out because they don't want their kids to fall away or get to involved with video games or other things that take away their time. So we are really going to work on getting the youth to come out with us to at least visit the other members so they can get some experience and see a little bit of what a mission is. That's what helped me the most when I went out with the Elders was when I actually wanted to serve a mission. So we have probably 5-6 kids that are priests and we will start working with a lot. 

Then on Tuesday we didn't have our regular meeting because Zone Conference was on Wednesday. So we went out to Pioneer circle (the trailer parks) and tried to talk to some people there. We talked to this one teen, I can never remember her name, but she was a Jehovah's witness so I learned a little more about them and what they believe which was cool.

 I always try and ask about peoples beliefs and culture so I can try to understand where they come from and have some understanding of what they talk about. Its worked out good so far I guess lol, most people don't know what they believe so it's been a little difficult to get a straight answer. Then that night we went out to Damascus and tried to get in with a couple people out there, nobody was home. 

 I was honestly a little stressed because Luis, he will be baptized on Saturday, didn't ever have time to meet with us and it seemed like we weren't going to be able to continue with the baptism. But he has been working with the member out in Damascus and progressing. Wednesday we went to Zone Conference and it was such a  blast. 

President Mutombo is obsessed with dolphins and always asks if we are strong like a dolphin. So one of the sisters made him a little clay one and he was totally playing with it like a little kid. He kept making dolphin noises and he made the dolphin kiss Elder McDaniel on the nose. It was HILARIOUS especially because Elder McDaniel was not enjoying it as much as President was. Then that night we were able to finally have a lesson with Enrique and a member Jacobo. Every time we had planned something at leas one of them couldn't make it but we finally got an appointment with the both of them. It went really good and Enrique seemed really excited. 

Then on Thursday we biked around a ton and met with some members and with Rey's family. We had a lesson about baptism and it went really well. They didn't really understand the reason for authority super well but we are gonna help them next time lol. 

Friday we basically set up for the cultural night and had our meeting with Hno Salvador. Plus we went to Khols so I could get an America tie but they only had suspenders so I just say eh why not. 

So Saturday in the morning we went to the Gemio house to do some service. We get there and there is a half built house with a ton of dirt next to it. So we shovel tons of dirt and basically get the half built house ready for foundation work. So we shoveled stuff around for 5 hours haha but they hooked us up with Lunch and Breakfast. Then we went back to the apartment and got ready for the cultural night. We made some brownies and banana bread for our American/missionary table. The activity was so fun there was so much food and they did so many fun dances from different countries. Plus Felix came with some people from Baltimore and we had so much fun. Yesterday we were able to go to Damascus and have a lesson with Luis. So that was great to help him prepare for his baptism. But this week has been great and time is flying by still. I can't believe it's almost my birthday lol. Thanks for all the cards and the love!!

Love and miss you all!!