Where in the World is Elder San Diego?: Round Up Your Shoulders!

Hola once again!

Life here at the MTC has been pretty good and it is just rolling by! Time goes so fast here, so I'm sort of scared to see how fast my time in the field goes by. But! Being a missionary is super great and such a blessing!

On Friday we had class and the usual things of the day. We taught Ernesto today and it went really well. We taught about the Plan of Salvation and I feel him getting more excited as we teach him concepts of the gospel.

Saturday was a great day full of lesson after lesson. My companions and I are really coming together in our teaching and is flowing out in a good way for our investigators. I feel myself getting a better handle on the language day by day. I still feel like it is far from good though which just gives motivation for getting better! Yeah! I know that whatever we do with the help of God through the power of His spirit becomes so much better and we improve so much more!

Sunday was awesome. Being the 10th Anniversary of September 11th, we watched the Mormon Tabernacle Choir special of Music and the Spoken Word in which they commemorated those who suffered on that September day ten years ago. It is humbling to remember people's sacrifices for others when they are in need and to remember those who gave their lives to insure our freedoms. Still, it is sad to know that such evil can and does exist in the world today. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ changes people and that it is the gospel of peace and will change the hearts of so many who decide to listen to the message I have to share as a disciple of Him.

Monday was good. We had lessons with both Ernesto and Beny today and both are doing really well. As a companionship, we need to work on helping Ernesto apply the lessons into his life. It was good to remember the needs of my investigators and how I need to teach more with the Spirit or the lessons will not have the power that they could to change their hearts. Other than the lessons, class!

Tuesday was a special day. The day felt pretty normal for a Tuesday until the devotional at night. To our pleasant surprise, we had a visit from Elder M. Russell Ballard who gave that evening's devotional! It was really good and there was definitely a strong spirit of love in the room. Here are some of my notes:

- Let Christ know how reliable, righteous, and trustworthy you are.

- "No matter what may come upon you, round up your shoulders and bear it and always sustain and defend the interests of the church."

~The Prophet Joseph Smith to Wilford Woodruff

- Keep focused on the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement, especially when you are feeling down.

- Pray with faith and determination.

- Praying is the most important thing your investigator (and you) can do.

- Make sure to help those you teach FEEL the message of Jesus Christ that you are carrying.

- Jesus is the Christ!

- Your mission is preparation for the rest of your life.

- Love the Lord and do what he wants you to do.

So yes, quite a great devotional filled with the Spirit and encouragement.

Wednesday was a great day. I had lots of time to study today and there is so much gold you can find in the scriptures and apply in your life! The word of God has such a profound power to help everyone and lift them up in their lives and change them for the better. I testify that as you come closer to God through the scriptures, you will receive His peace and assistance more in your life and you will be guided in you choices.

Today was very good. Just lots to prepare for this next week! I had the opportunity to go to the temple today and perform a session. What a blessing to have temples in our lives! There was an amazing peace there and I was happy as can be!

Well, that's all for this week! I love you all! I know this church to be true and this gospel to be true with all my heart!

Ten fe y se obediente!

Todo mi amor,

Elder San Diego