July 5, 2012

July 5, 2012

Hola family,

It was so great to get your letters and box. It was heavy and I wasn’t sure what it was going to be, but I opened it and it was like a box full of heaven – ha! Yummy!! Thank you so much.

Not a whole lot new has happened here this past week. Elder Simspon and I have really stepped it up and are speaking more Spanish together. It’s cool.

I'll just start from this past Sunday. Elder Simpson and I had the opportunity to bless the sacrament in Spanish! It was cool. Right before that, Brother Tedrow (2nd councilor in our Branch Presidency informed me that I would be the new DL starting Tuesday night. Nothing special.  You only serve as DL for three weeks then they call a new one, but it brings to my mind that my setting apart blessing is already unfolding.

Also in one of our lessons I started bearing testimony of Joseph Smith and how God restored this gospel through him, and the Spanish just kept flowing and flowing ha-ha I didn’t even know what I was saying. It’s true that God will put words in your mouth AS soon as YOU OPEN your mouth. This week I've tried really hard to "obtain" His word just like it says in D&C 11:21, and after we have obtained the word then He will loosen our tongues. It’s a really cool promise and one that I can’t wait to receive more in the field!!

It’s weird how it’s like a miniature life here. You can tell who has been here longer, they just seem older ha, and of course the new ones just look so young like babies.  

Last night we had a patriotic devotional, and it was really good. Judge Gary Stott spoke and it really opened my eyes how blessed we are to live here and not just that but without America there’s a good chance we wouldn’t have the restored gospel… and that’s crazy, a lot of the missionaries from around the world really recognize that. In the closing prayer (an Elder from New Zealand) mentioned that, and made me think more about this free land and all the people who lost their lives so it could be free. All because of God's wise purposes.

Then afterwards, everyone went outside to get an ice cream. Then we all watched the Stadium of Fire. It was cool except really late (and I was tired, I wanted to go to sleep) but the fireworks were cool and it was good to unwind. It made me remember all the times we all went there to clean up way late and spend a good time together! :) I don't think I fell asleep ‘til midnight.

I'm still trying to learn all I can. It’s hard and tiring but I love it, I feel so happy knowing this gospel and how much God loves us and that Christ would suffer for us, so much love.

The rain is probably and answer to all the prayers for fire. It’s crazy there is always ash falling down here -ha, but is like Dad said this will probably be like the 2nd coming - all the fires and all.

My heart is just so full of gratitude to all of you and all of your love and support. I love you all so much :) even Stephen ;) ha-ha just kidding. Thanks for everything. I hope you are all well. I pray that you all can be safe. I hope Amanda, Annslie, Stephen, and Michael, can be safe.

I really can’t think of much, so forgive me ha-ha… probably really boring hearing about from now until I get to the field but bear with me.

Can you get me Brent's address? I would like to write him. Also 2 talks: Becoming a Missionary by Elder Bednar and the Miracle of a Mission by Elder Holland. If you could print those and said them to me :) I really am just so grateful for all of you. Also can you send me a paper that explains how to shine shoes and polish them?  My kit doesn’t come with instructions ha-ha.

We have some really cool teachers and it’s cool to get a different perspective on the gospel. It broadens my view and makes me think more about it.

Well that’s all I can think of right now, I'll continue to write a weekly handwritten letter as well. Today was our first p day where we could actually relax, I got in a 30 min nap ha-ha.

Love,

Elder Lifferth