Elder Fox - 28 April 2008

Hellooo America!

We did some serious cleaning this week on the cave (our house) it was what i would call a little bit out of missionary spirit. Yes i did send that picture last week to show you how dirty it was before we cleaned it. I learned how to play a hymn on the piano last pday since we had a bunch of time to do nothing. Ive never had the patience with the piano and my mother can attest to that but i guess i have found nothing better to do on Pdays now. We rode past a little league ball park and i saw a bunch of kids practicing as a team. All of them were about 10 years old and it brought back some awesome memories of playing baseball with Matt Tingey. Of course i had to stop and watch them practice with the little bit of spare time that we did have. I want so bad to go out and practice with them and teach them in my missionary clothes and all but just couldn't bring myself to do it ha ha. Friday was Day of the Kids. They have a holiday for EVERYTHING I swear! Day of the teachers, day of workers, day of food, day of the dead, day of the paved roads, day of the shade, OK half of those i just made up but they really do have a ton! The Bishop planned a huge party for the ward and we all out when he invited an entertainer for the kids with music, costumes, games and all. It was kinda fun to watch them. The weekend cooled down a whole bunch which was good because i have been tired of the Blazing hot sun, but also bad since we have ran out of Gas to run our boiler so i have to shower in freezing cold water.

Our goal every month is 5 baptisms and confirmations so that we can go to the temple in Monterrey. This week we needed just 2 to complete it. We already had 2 baptisms planned since last week and they were pretty firm. But we still needed one more person because Ricardo, the little kid that we baptized last week, went out of town so we couldn't confirm him this week. We pretty much needed a miracle. My companion remembered of a lady named Maria that had wanted to be baptized 2 months ago but left town and hadn't returned so that they could baptize her. We decided to go knock on her door and see if she was home. Yes she was home and yes, she was the miracle of the week for us! She had had problems with smoking and had quit while away from home. We taught lesson 1 and 3 and she knew it was all true. In 5 days we had found her, taught her, baptized her, and confirmed her a member of the church. She pretty was ready when we got to her house, and was what we had been praying for all week. Along with her we baptized Alma, and Ampado (the mother and sister) of Alejandra who we baptized last week. We confirmed all 4 in sacrament meeting. Which means TEMPLE here i come! It feels awesome to have finally completed the monthly goal for the first time on the mission. What feels even more amazing is that this family has truly been converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. They will be faithful members for this ward and a wonderful new help to the future missionaries! Alma, the mother, shared her deep feelings to me and my companion this week about how much we have changed the life of her and her family. How the feeling in her house has turned completely around, their lives are more happy, they understand their purpose in life and how important it is to be one as a family and just simply obey the councils of the prophets who lived, live, and will live, and lead and guide us in the future. She cried and explained that Elder Fox and Elder Mendoza are ANGELS who have been sent to us.

My testimony has grown so much from this family and i know i will never be the same missionary again because of their conversation. She already wants me to return after my mission and visit them.

We still are working on the Dad and son but its hard to find them because of their work hours. I LOVE THIS WORK! My joy is full and cant wait to start a fresh new week with more amazing experiences in the mission field. Don't be afraid to open your mouth and invite someone to come unto Christ.
Elder Fox