Week 46

(insert Spanish greeting phrase here)

 

 

I hope everyone had a great week this week! Man, it's already July?! Time is flying by so fast out here on the mission. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm here to inform you that I indeed did have another great week! Man Élder LaDeaux and I have been really working hard and having some awesome miracles happen. We also have been getting super close and it's been a good time. He only lives in South Jordan which Is like 15 minutes give or take away. If you guys see me hanging out with a short Native American guy when I get home, you'll know why.

 

 

Like I said, this week was amazing! I want to share bits and pieces with you guys so hopefully maybe who knows your heart will be warm and feel the Spirit. The first thing I want to share is pretty cool, kind of confusing, and might make you hungry. This week as Élder LaDeaux and I were walking in Las Calles de México we saw this couple just about to head into the door. This day was filled with failed contacts and some middle fingers and door slams. As we began to talk to this couple we began talking about where they are from and what not. Didn't seem super open with us at first, but we gave them a pamphlet to read and set up a time to come back. Then I hear, "quieres un agua?" I will tell you right now. This is a deadly phrase... For them. We say yes and they invite us into their little apartment. We talked and talked and had a great spiritual discussion. We came back over yesterday and they gave us MOLÉ! If you don't know what Molé (MO-LEY) is then you're missing out. They're from Oaxaca in Mexico and it's very famous there. The second contact we had with them they made us handmade tortillas by Molé. It was SOOOO good. If you've got the chance today, look it up and try cooking it. Then mail it to me so I can eat some more!

 

 

I had an exchange with an Elder named Elder Blakely! He is awesome. He's from Roy and only in his 2nd transfer in the mission. He's quite shy and new so he and I really worked on talking to everyone and being genuine and loving in each contact. He is super humble and was willing to learn so much! It helped me realize that I need to be humble and remember that I'm always learning and trying to be better. I can confidently say that I learned something from Élder Blakely and his personal strength during afflictions and trials. Man I love exchanges; they have become such a fun part of the mission! However, something pretty funny and kind of gross, sorry Mom, as I went down there to their apartment... I about threw up. I walked in and I immediately stepped in some microwavable mozzarella sticks from Walmart. I already was thinking, "Oh no." The more I walked around the more my stomach dropped. They had mounds of dishes that had been covered in muck for a while now. Then their dinner table had 2 little spots where you could eat and the rest was covered in old food and garbage. Then their bedroom has a bunch of candy wrappers and old soda cans. I'm just going to say that if your Mom tells you and teaches you how to be clean... It is for your own good. Boys are gross! Élders sometimes too...

 

 

One last little thing before I wrap up and this one is a little more serious. After our exchange I was getting ready to go to bed and I was just reading this Book, you may have heard of it, The Book of Mormon. Anyways, after a little bit of reading Élder LaDeaux walked in our room and stared at me. He looked at me for a little bit without saying anything and told me to stand up. I stood up and he gave me a big hug. I was so confused, and honestly it's been a while since I've had a hug like that before. Then he says, "Man, Élder LaTour, I'm so lucky to have you as a companion." I don't want to seem like a baby or anything but man I started to tear up. It must've been a while or I could've been in my feels, but man it really hit deep. He showed so much gratitude and love and it touched my heart. Little story, just remember missionaries, hug your companions, and not missionaries, hug your friends and family! It goes a long way, at least it did for me just 3 days ago.

 

 

I love the mission. I can't believe I've almost been out here a year. Feels like I just hopped off the plane and wrote my first email in a hotel breakfast lounge extremely nervous for the next step. I'm excited for another week of preaching the gospel and loving the people here in Carson City. I really have been focusing on remaining positive these past few weeks. It really helps keep all the icky and bad of Satan out, and the Good things of God in! I love you guys and I hope you know that you're awesome! Feel free to reach out to me, truly! Be safe!

 

 

3 Nephi 22:8 - In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.