I think I woke up today and somewhere during morning studies it
hit me. I can't believe I'm already a missionary. I always remember
thinking that missionaries were older and knew everything. I can't believe that
I'm going to be 20 soon. TIME IS FLYING. I don't like it. I can't believe I
only have like 16 months left! That's less than a sister mission! Where did the
first 8 months ago?!
Well we are going to play some "futbol" in the church
gym some I'm going to make this a little short.
Random side comment - Every Spanish missionary makes the mistake
of thinking that someone is Hispanic when in fact they are Asian. Asians don't
speak Spanish. Enough said.
Elder Gibb had his own Spanish slip up this past week as well.
We were driving in a trailer park looking for the Pantaleon family, probably
the only family that's not a convert to the church in the branch. We saw some
Hispanics standing on the curb so we decided to ask them if they knew where the
family lived (we had the wrong address and that's why we were asking around in
the first place). Elder Gibb rolled down his window and gave it his best shot
in his broken Spanish. He asked the lady "Donde esta su pantalones?",
which translates into "Where are your pants?". I was busting up
laughing and the lady just stood there completely puzzled. I eventually
recovered and explained. It's a small difference between the name and the word,
but it makes a difference.
So J…..'s baptism didn't happen this week. His mom didn't have
work off. So we're rescheduling for November 9th. This is good because now we
have more time to prepare a baptismal service and teach him a little more. He's
actually only 9 years old but he's really smart. His mom and older sister have
been coming to church as well but they can't get baptized yet because of
marriage and divorce issues with a prior husband. But J….. comes from a
different father who gave him permission, so he's all clear. We're super
excited for him. Just pray for him that everything will be able to work out
over these next couple weeks so that it will for sure happen!
We had another zone conference last Tuesday. I love Conferences.
They get me so fired up for the work. President has told me several times,
"You are the most obedient missionary we have. I know I don't need to
worry about you being obedient, but I know you can become more
Hispanic." So I'm working on my purging my inner gringo and becoming
Hispanic. He even gave me permission to grow a mustache and wear a sombrero.
Okay maybe not that last part, but I did make sure to buy some hot sauce
today to put on my tacos :)
Hmmmm. Forgot to take pictures. I feel bad because of that. I'll
do better.
Well overall there are many more Hispanics here and we haven't
had to do any tracting. In Dayton we did that a lot but here we are really
focusing on the less actives and we're seeing lots of success. We are teaching
several people that have some great potential. We are hopefully going to have a
few more baptisms come December time.
I don't know if I ever told you but we teach English classes.
The class is only about 6 people but it's been going well.
Well this is super vague but we are super busy and we are
teaching several people that really need the gospel and it's the COOLEST and
most spiritual experience to see people slowing becoming converted. The spirit
is sweet, the mission is awesome, and faith is a real power.
I love you. I love this gospel. And I love Futbol! (which I'm
going to go play right now. Whoo!)
-Elder
Graf-
