11-23-09

My first “cambio” or transfer is over now. It feels so good to have one under my belt. Here in the mission you serve in periods of time called transfers. In Spanish they call it a “cambio.” But you serve with a companion for six weeks in a place, and at the end of six weeks you or your companion might get switched to another city/town. I am staying here in Valdivia for my second cambio with Elder Reeder, which is great- we get along really well.

About being homesick, sure I get a little homesick when I think about all of you, my family, and how much I love you. I usually only feel homesick if I am writing a letter and listening to some soft music. So I stopped listening to music when I write letters home - I mean like pen and paper letters. But overall, when I think about being homesick, I just think about how much I am learning as a missionary and how much missionaries are needed in this world. I think about how happy this church of Jesus Christ has made me, and how others need this in their lives.

This week was the baptism of Arlette Bustos Delgado. She is a 14 year-old girl that we have been teaching. She knew that this church was true right away. She has a really strong testimony that this church is the restored church of Jesus Christ, the very same church He established when He lived on the earth. Her baptism was beautiful. And about thirty seconds before it started, I found out that I was leading the service. The member of the bishopric that was supposed to do it couldn´t make it to the baptism. It went well, and I only said one phrase that made the people laugh. I said thank you for coming, only I didn´t say it correctly. It was such a beautiful baptism. It was beautiful to see Arlette take this step in life that Jesus Christ wants all of us to take. Baptism is so wonderful, because through baptism we receive a remission of our sins. After baptism, we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost to help us make the best decisions and receive Heavenly Father’s guidance in our lives.

Sorry, I don´t have too much time today. But things are going so wonderful. I really feel so blessed to be a missionary.

Scott, I like your tie too. I wear it a lot and think of you always when I wear it. I won´t ever trade it.

Well everyone, hope that you have a great and happy Thanksgiving.