It's a Great Day to be a Missionary

Wow, this week went by fast. It's been a great week for the most part.

We had interviews this week, my first official ones. I am so grateful for President Lorenzana. He is a wonderful mission president and I think we are going to get along very well. He said he was going to write you an e-mail. You should have already gotten it (unless he forgot...) But, it'll be in Spanish. You can forward it to me if you want me to translate it, or I'm sure an internet translator will work fine too.

Yesterday I had the happiest moment of my mission so far - there's a boy named Clamente who we've been working with for just over a month. He's so great! He reminds of a mix between Jospeh Smith and Daniel. He's never missed a ward activity or Church since the very first time we contacted him. He comes to church in a suit and tie and is usually always one of the first ones there. He loves reading and learning more about the church. He used to go to a different church, but then decided he didn't think it was true. The first time he saw us, he had no hesitation. We actually contacted his aunt who lived next door. We talked to him a little, but not much. A few days later we came back to teach his aunt. She wasn't interested, and didn't intivite us in. As we were leaving, Clemente came running up to us and asked what time church was. We told him nine and he said he'd come. We sent some of the young men to pick him up that first week. He always comes by himself now. We've gone to pick him up once or twice, only to find that he's already left and is waiting for us at the church.

His first Sunday he asked if he could get baptized. We were excited and expected no problems. Unfortunately, we had a big problem: parental permission. Gender roles are really strong here, the man is very much the head of the house. His dad doesn't want him to get baptized, at all. He wont talk to us. He wont even wave to us from the door. The good part is, he's okay with Clamente coming to church and visiting with us. Baptism, whatsoever is out of the question. We gave Clamente the paper for permission a few weeks ago so that he could take advantage of an opportune moment if it arrives.


His mom is in favor of his baptism. It's unique for the mother or wife to voice and opinion different from her husbands. We are grateful for her support and bravery.We are hoping and praying his father will have a change of heart. It's hard though. Yes, Clamente will get baptized. If not now, then when he turns 18, but he's ready now. He wants to attend the temple, pass the Sacrament, and receive his Patriarchal Blessing. When I prayed about Clemente, Heavenly Father reminded me that He is Clamente's Eternal Father, and that he will watch over Clamente. I was grateful for that insight. I am exercising my faith and expecting a miracle. He has just been so prepared for this gospel.

The ward and the youth are great!

I love you all and hope you are all doing so very well!!!

Wow! That really does sound like such a great trip you guys had to Zion! Congrats Samuel on hiking nearly all the way to Angels Landing! That's awesome! We'll have to hike it all the way when I get back.

I love you all and hope you are all doing so very well!!!