It's been a wonderful week! We found many new investigators at the beginning of the week and look forward to working with them. There is so much potential in this ward. I love the people here in this area. It's definitely the most "country" area I've served in thus far, haha. Everyone has the stereotypical "southern hospitality." My companion is great as well! I don't remember if I had time to tell you much about him last week. His name is Elder Reyes and he is originally from Argentina. His family moved to the states ten years ago. It has been such a blessing to have a companion who grew up speaking Spanish to help me with my rusty language skills. It's come back very quickly and even better than before!
On Thursday we had a mission-wide leadership training meeting in Knoxville that I got to go to. Two brethren--Kelly Mills, director of international MTCs in the Church’s Missionary Department and Brother Steward (I can't remember exactly what it is that he does...whatever he does he's really good at it, haha)--addressed us. They trained us on how to have a more effective and enjoyable companion study and how to create effective lesson plans as we focus on teaching people rather than just lessons.
I really, really, really enjoyed general conference! A few of the many things that stood out to me:
1. The Temple Patrons Fund is an inspired program. (President Monson)
2. Never delay in giving service or following the Spirit. (Elder Alonso)
3. Feast upon the Book of Mormon daily. (Elder Scott and President Eyring)
4. Use technology to build the Lord's kingdom. (Elder Bednar)
5. Being busy is not the same as being productive. (Elder Ardern)
6. Look up! (Elder Cook)
7. People will respond to the invitation to come back. (Elder Curtis)
8. If the prophet's call doesn't bring you joy, you're doing something wrong. (Elder Christofferson)
9. Sign on and speak up! (Elder Holland)
10. Sacrifice is not enough if it is not applied. (Elder Waddell)
11. Don't wait for the water to pass by--build a bridge. (President Uchtdorf)
12. Don't pray for patience and expect it to come immediately. ;) (Elder Hales)
13. Always be worthy of and courageously and faithfully follow revelation. (President Monson)
14. Pick one: Zion or Babylon. Build a house and stay there. (Elder Oaks)
15. Even if they don't understand the message or the doctrine, they understand your love and the Spirit. (Elder Yamashita)
16. There are only two choices: eat the vegetables. (Elder Bennett)
17. The things that are important to us become important to God simply because He loves us. (Elder Cornish)
18. Learn the language of the Spirit. (Elder Cornish)
19. Avoid dwelling on lost opportunities. (Elder Cook)
20. The Church is true!!! (The Spirit)
Love,
Elder Elder Raymond
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
August 26, 2011
I'm freeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!! Haha! I'm in Morristown, TN about an hour northeast of Knoxville. It is a Spanish area. I'm a district leader and my companion's name is Elder R. He's from Argentina and he's awesome! We had a baptism last week and foresee a great deal of success in the area! Since I'm back in the library to e-mail I once again have very limited time to do so. I always write my e-mail to President first and today when I hit "submit" the whole thing disappeared.... I had to retype it and the computers here are antiques. They're not even running XP yet.... Anyway, it didn't leave much time to e-mail home. I'm super duper excited and grateful to be here and I can't wait for conference this weekend. That's about as long a summary as I can do today, haha. Hopefully things will work better for me next week....
Love,
Elder Elder Raymond
Love,
Elder Elder Raymond
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