Monday, November 19, 2012

Letter #10 11/19/12

Dear Family,

My P Day is now on Monday! Sorry for not explaining that before. Things in Florida are going well. Last week we went to Montevideo for Zone Conference and went to the temple. We only go to the temple once a year, so this was a really special occasion. My companion hasn't gone her entire mission (9 months) and we're praying that this trip will last her another 9 and me another 12. We'll see.

We have 6 new investigators this week! We're not completely sure about how well all of them will progress, but it's always worth a shot. I just have to be a good missionary and teach the doctrine so they can use their agency. Otherwise it's on me. I am starting to understand the simple doctrines of the gospel in ways different and more profound than I ever have. Consider this: today we read 3 Nephi 11 in companion study. The first things that Christ does when he appears to the Nephites is introduce who He is, what He has done, and invites them to come unto Him. Next, He explains very clearly how this must be done. Remember your baptismal covenants, and partake of the sacrament worthily. Repentance is key. The reason we have a mile long list of inactives is because most of the probably did not repent properly before baptism.

Anyway, today is P Day and the elders in our district invited us to go play futbòl with them and possibly make tacos. We don't know if we're going to go. Why is it the only sport I'm good at is one of the only ones I can't do on the mission? Swimming...

Our Rama (Branch) is just the best. We have the best ever mission leader, Hermano Alanìs. I didn't serve a mission when he was younger, but if he had it would have been awesome. Sunday morning he texted us saying (translation): Buenos dias, Hermanas! I am full of gratitude to be able to serve with you in the work of our Father in Heaven, who has bless us with so much success and progress.

Amazing. Our Relief Society presidency is also amazing.

Yesterday we were blessed to bring our only (now) progressing investigator to church, Hermano Alberto Dotta. He is around 45 and lives at home with his parents. He is remarkably intelligent and has a unique view of the world. When we first started teaching him he explained his view of God as more of an energy or all powerful force. He asks really thoughtful questions that I have a hard time answering in Spanish :) but we try our best. He has confided in us that he has also been see a psychiatrist (or something, my comprehension of Spanish is still pretty low) because he has some problems being around a lot of people. Thus, we (I) were a little concerned about his first time in church. But really, the gospel and the church are incredible. He felt as comfortable as I could hope. Some of the doctrine in Priesthood meeting was a little over his head at this point, but we have a wonderful teacher for Gospel Principles. She teaches the beautiful truths of the gospel like someone lit a fire under her chair. The topic was Our Need for A Savior, and Alberto gave the closing prayer. He asked God: help me to know thee. It was a moment I hope I never forget. We have his baptismal date set out pretty far: the 22nd of December, but we're hoping to move it closer if he starts progressing faster. No reason to delay if he wants to be baptized!

My time is up. I love you! I pray for you! I promise I'll write to you but if you could send me stamps, that would be great. I can't buy any here, obviously, and also I can't figure out the postal system...

I love you!!!!!

Always,
Hermana Phillips

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