1-21-13

Hola hola!

This week has been a very busy, productive, and happy week. We did a lot of service and also found a new investigator this week. We took "A" to the temple this week [see the photos above] and it went amazing for all of us. The sister missionaries gave us a tour and we all felt the Spirit in abundance. Last night, we also took him to a fireside with President Wright and a lot of investigators, recent converts, and less-actives. It was a very spiritual experience for everyone, especially "A."

Something interesting that happened to me this week was that a woman we contacted told us that we were cold people and lacked God's authority. We were having a very cordial conversation and then she just came out and said that. I don't consider myself a cold person so I brushed that off with a laugh, but it bothered me when she said I didn't have God's authority. She said it I think because we don't yell or get overly animated when we teach, which I think was what she expected. I tried to kindly, but firmly, defend that remark, because it really bothered me on a personal level, but she didn't care for what we said. I left that conversation with her determined to make sure that I act in a way that gives my priesthood true authority and gives me power as a person.

"P" has plateaued this past week because she dropped her baptismal date. She actually disappeared yesterday after we tried to get her up for church (we banged pots and pans even) and no one heard from her for awhile. Elder Smith and I are going to call her tonight after her work to figure out what's going on. I think she just felt under too much pressure, but we'll evaluate everything a fix it quickly.

I also talked to a Cuban who was very intriguing. He's atheist due to him being raised in Cuba, but he was very respectful and he took the challenge that we gave him to read the Book of Mormon. We're going by on Sunday, and we'll see if it made an impact on him. The Book of Mormon is powerful, so I'm expecting him to be impacted by it.

I also gave a talk on Sunday. I based it on 1 Nephi 3:7.

I don't have much time to write this week because I got behind on time. We hung out with some of the other missionaries today and ordered Pizza Hut and stuff. It was fun. :)

I want to make a shout out to the Rasmussen's (thank you for your Christmas card!), Emily Sizemore (I LOVED your letter, Emily. I'll try to write back as soon as I can!), the Prices (thank you for everything you sent me! I enjoyed getting the pictures a ton), and Uncle Tyler (thank you for writing me and sharing your experiences. I definitely expect to hear the rest of the story). I love you all so much!

I hope you all have an amazing week and continue strong and happy in the courses of your lives. God is mindful of all of us, and only wants us to obey Him because that is the only way to true happiness. I know He lives and that His full gospel is taught only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What an amazing church and gospel it is.

I love you all and miss you incredibly! I pray for you always.

Mucho cari y amor,

Elder Hill