Guadalajara
Hey Fam . . .
Dad, I like your insights on fasting. I think a lot of times we just take it lightly and don’t prepare as we should. And a lot of times we don’t even know why we can fast. For a testimony, to be more humble, etc. Thank you for teaching something new . . . I loved that footnote in Isaiah.
Well, it is very different being zone leader. We have to keep up with our goals and help everyone else fulfill theirs as well. But my comp is almost going home so we really haven’t spent much time helping the other zones out. Which I am not ok with. I am going to have to talk to him about that. It is tough because you leave your area sometimes and can't get as much work in but we need to make sure that everyone else is doing things right, not just focus on ourselves. The most difficult thing I think right now is being able to get to know everyone of the elders and sisters in the zone. And gaining their confidence. Because many elders are good at that. They can imidiately start talking with them and joke around a little bit and break the ice. I am not so good at that. I am more serious as you know. But I have been praying so I can gain the confidence of the zone so they can trust in me when they have a problem or need help. So I am working on that. I like it because I get to stop thinking about myself and how I am as a missionary and help others improve and become better teachers of the gospel of Christ.
Well, one of the scriptures Mom, that I would put on a banner or something to tell the world would be one of two scriptures....
either Alma 60:21, 'Do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we sit upon our thrones and do not make use of the means which the Lord has provided for us.' Many times we just think everything will turn out perfect while we are just sitting back on our butts. We have to make use of all of the gifts and things that the Lord has given us and then after all we have done He will help us succeed.
Yeah, but I want to thank you for sending the conference talks... I love listening to them and their voices....
Well, I was studying this week and I am starting to read the Book of Mormon over again. I think it was in Nephi 5 when the kids come back from Jerusalem and they get there and give thanks for getting back safley and because they had fulfilled the commands of the Lord. I think many times we take for granted the fact that God prepares the way for us so we can keep his commandments. Many times we think that it is just us, we are the ones keeping the commandments, but if the Lord didnt prepare the way we wouldnt be able to do it. And a couple of scriptures of gratitud hit me pretty hard. Like in D&C 59:7,21.... 21 gets ya. That God doesn't like those who don't recongnize His hand in all things. So I have made it a goal to be more thankful in my prayers and in my life. By starting that I want to thank all of you for being there for me and teaching me the right way to live. I wouldn't be the person I am right now if it weren't for you guys.
I am pumped to see if the little baby will be guadalupe or pancho. haha. I am pumped to get home and see the little squirt there..!!!
p.s. Mom, I still have 6 months left, so please don't mention anything about gettting a wife!!! haha.
Well we are going to have a baptism this week of an older guy that has stopped smoking and is way sweet. His name is Rosendo. He will be baptised on Saturday. And then on the 29th we have 2 more. They are 2 kids of a single mom that we found and she is still having doubts and finding it hard to change her beliefs but I think she will be there with her kids on the 29th. Her name in Angeles. Pray for her so the spirit can testify to her that these things are true.
Thank you for everything and for emailing me every week and keeping me going. Sometimes it's hard in the mision and you can get very down. But I am going great because I have a family back home who loves me so much and writes me every week. I honestly don't think I could go the 2 years without your help and support.
Love, your one and only...
Elder Mahas
