Dearest family,
Today feels just like any other day. It is hot, and it is p-day. No mention was made of today due to the fact that I am serving in a spanish unit, which means the 4th of July has about 0% significance to them. It feels odd. The closest I got to firworks was there was a monsoon just north of me last night. It was so awesome to see thunder clouds and lightning. I would definitely say that was a sweet thing to see. It was 117 degrees and fast sunday. It was not a great combo if I may say so myself. I got so exhausted from walking around in the heat after church with no food or liquids, that we just went in an hour early and broke the fast. I then found out that sister Ellsworth recommends that we do not include fasting from water seeing as we are expected to work after Church. I will remember that for the August fast.
I did indeed get the brithday package. I think one thing to remember for future summer packages is that chocolate and gummy bears melt. They all stayed in their packaging, but were melted. The Lemon Chiffon was amazing. I ate it way too quickly however and it made me feel sort of sick. The clif bars are what I got most excited about. I have no need to buy lunch for a month! Today my total bill at the grocery store was $9.18. Pretty awesome. And don't worry, I am still eating well. Also, the garment tops are the best. the deep cut neck is so neccesary in the heat. It just lets your body breath a little more. The bottoms are nice, too. They are very comfortable and though they are not what I was thinking of, they fit and I am happy with them. I loved the pictures of the Pearson family world adventures as well. I am glad you are all having such a great time. I have yet to recieve the snail mail card, but I am sure it will show up shortly.
A new Elder came into my zone this week at transfers. His name is Elder Francis and he is from the Skyline ward. Small world. He is in the english ward that does its meetings in combination with ours. He is a good kid. I had met him before once or twice. I just feel so bad that he was immediately subjected to this wretched heat and sun. I am wearing SPF 45 and sometimes I still get burned. Some members told me to drink Aloe water. I did. It tastes good, and took away some of the pain!
It was a pretty trying week. It was hot, and almost none of our appointments held through. Elder Howard and I had to be very diligent and use every fiber of will power that we had to continue to work effectivelty and by the Spirit. We did not get to teach near as much as the previous week. But, I can not see we did not see miracles. We found a new family, the Rodriguez family. We taught them and Hna. Rodgriguez was very powerfully touched by the Book of Mormon. We taught her on tuesday and had an appointment on thursday. We were accompanied by the relief society president and her daughter to the lesson. We asked Hna. Rodriguez how her reading was going. She had read 52 pages of the Book of Mormon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She said that she could not put it down. She remembered even the tiniest of details about the Tree of Life, Nephi breaking his bow, him building the ship, the significance of the Liahona, and more. It was so incredible. I truly know that when someone takes the time to read the Book of Mormon, they will feel the spirit of it and be converted to the truth by its power. She is continuing to read. The lesson would have turned out miraculously, but we were thrown a curveball by the adversary. After having dicussed more how she felt, we were going towards setting a baptismal date. There then came a knock at the door. She answered and it was her friend, who introduced herself as a Jehovah's Witness. Elder Howard and I were not going to take away the Spirit by arguing, but her friend quickly began by trying to bible bash in sorts. I did as I know the Lord would do. I taught of the Book of Mormon, and it's purpose. I explained to her that I know it is true not by logic or the words of men, but rather by the testimony I recieved by the Holy Ghost. Elder Howard did the same. The action was also repeated by our relief society president. Her friend really did not have anything to say. I know the power of the Book of Mormon. Even Hna. Rodriguez testified to her friend somewhat of the power of the Book of Mormon. It was a great experience. Hna. Rodriguez continues to read. She is encouraging her sons and husband to read as well. We are so excited and blessed to be able to continue teaching them.
We had some other great experiences like that as well. We found a former investigator who was so excited to see us. He read the Book of Mormon and his challenge is just that he really struggles to have his spirit overcome his flesh. We are just really going to help him feel and use the power of the Atonement to overcome these things. He said he will come to church with us next week. I am excited to be able to begin teaching him as well.
I began reading the old testament. The Jehovah's Witness really sparked my interest in knowing the bible better. So, before studies or with remaining lunch time, I am readind the Old Testament. I am in Exodus. It is kind of dull. One really cool thing is that so many Book of Mormon names appear in the old testament. I just find that interesting. I think that it is also helping me to understand the Atonement and plan of salvation a little better. I will keep you posted.
Apart from that, it was a pretty challenging, but rewarding week. Rafael Beltran is living the law of chastity and the word of wisdom. Those are the two biggest obstacles to conversion generally. We are now just trying to warm the rest of his family up to the Gospel. This man is so prepared. He listens to the scriptures, and participates in Church. I really love the man and I think of what we can do to help him so often.
The branch has drama, but there is no need to depress you all. We, in combination with Church leadership, are trying to resolve it.
I hope you are all loving your time this week! Don't burn anything down, but enjoy yourselves. I am glad maddy is having so much fun. I hope Will is, too. I pray for you all and think of you all often! You are such a blessing and inspiration to me! Keep on being so awesome and firm in the gospel! Next week when I write, I have less than a year left. My companion just made mention of that...scary. Humbling.
With all my love,
Elder Pearson
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