I am glad you made it to Stefan’s farewell. Ya Stefan really
is a stud. He will have a little different experience in Russia than my
experience but he will face some similar challenges. The big difference will be
the temp. The thing I really respect about Stefan is his discipline in
everything. He is a naturally smart kid but he hasn’t achieved due to laziness.
He diligently works on aspects of his life, everyday building
more. I’ve learned on my mission that is what it is all about. Great
things don’t come in a day or spring up. It is about constantly, consciously
putting in the effort.
We have an inactive family that hasn’t been to
church for a very long time. When we first walked by the house in my first
week, the mother was smoking. We have spent a lot of time with them since then;
almost every other day. Their son won’t come in to talk with us and he plays
his guitar really loud while we talk. But because of some financial difficulties
they have been humbled and seem desperate for the relief the gospel offers.
They have started to show some excitement about having us come by and they even
have their scriptures ready. This week we caught the mother smoking
again. She was ashamed and we were disappointed. But, we talked about the
importance of the Word of Wisdom and committed them to come to church. The
daughter is Owen’s age and hasn’t been baptized - so we committed her to that
as well. Yesterday while we were in the church, I was playing the prelude music
and i saw them walk in and I was just stoked on life.
In other news, I saw Sid, the dog from Toy Story
this week, so that was exciting. Also, we went to see the Christ statue
that is here in Torreon. It was real cool, and I had some pretty great
pictures to show you but on the way down from the hill, we were held up and my
camera was stolen. Sooo, that blows. I didn’t have too pictures on it so that
is good. I can buy a camera here because it is cheeper. I was perhaps a bit naive
but I will have some stories tell.
I really get along with the other missionaries. It is
easy to connect when everyone is humble. Our mission is about 50/50
on missionaries from Latin American and the U.S.
This past week we also had had two discussions with men on
the street with tequila in hand. They were drunk and asked if I wanted
some. They told me they thought our church is radical for its beliefs because
we don’t drink alcohol. They got heated and one of the guys had a screw
driver in his hand and was scratching his back with it, so I took a step
back. I don’t know what they got out of the discussion but I liked it because
it helped me practice articulating our beliefs
Thanks for the letters and talks on fear. I ain’t gonna lie;
I have felt it a few times here. But, I made a promise to myself that I would
contribute in every lesson. Spanish is coming but you know how it is. I’ve
learned a lot and these growth pains are expected.
I have not seen Carson yet as he is in a different area.
But, I will see him next month when Elder Holland comes to meet with everyone
in our mission. That is going to be pretty cool.
Love
Elder Speen
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