October 1, 2012

Hey Family,

Pretty crazy September is out the window!! Well to answer a couple quick questions, we drive a 2011 Subaru Impreza ha-ha way nice, most missionaries have Toyotas but we rock the Subaru. We also bike around to save on miles because we only get a certain number each month. The bikes help a lot though with that. I got all the packages and pictures as well. Got everything!!!! Thanks!!!

This week we had the opportunity to do a ton of service!! It’s been great. We've been helping a lot of families move, Saturday was "the day of service" I don’t know if you had that there? But after we helped a family move in the morning we went to Herdon Middle school to help with it, we made it look a lot better and even got the yellow Mormon helping hands t-shirt ha-ha:) It’s really great doing service, it really is good for nonmembers as well to see that and feel the spirit of Christ. Also Sunday we helped a family move and after they got us McDonalds breakfast, I got the breakfast sandwiches without a bun but with hashbrowns, it was super good ha. But man must admit it was super weird walking into McDonalds on Sunday, ha but we didn't know what else to do, because as missionaries when we say no to people they get offended, we almost have to accept what they have to offer because it means so much and they sacrifice so much to give us. I remember we were in the store a couple weeks ago and a lady walked up to us with some cash, and told us how whenever her mom saw missionaries that she would give them money to help and to show her love etc.. but it’s a rule we can't accept cash so we told her that and she looked really down and discouraged..it made us feel really bad..but if they put money in an envelope we can take it because we don't know its money ;) you catching what I’m dropping?!

Also this past week we went to the missionary fireside for the missionaries that are leaving, we took a less-active who is super cool! He loved it and thanked us so much for taking him. So some pics of me with Elder Calvert (he has celiac as well, and gave me a ton of food when I first got out here, he's not going home just got a pic with him. He also took off his tie and gave it to me) the other pic with me is with the old AP he's super cool and we got along good. Raymond (the less-active we took) made us dinner before (and he loves dragon ball z and he gave me some toys ha-ha but he has every DBZ episode on dvd) then after the fireside he took us to Wendy’s too!! Super generous and loving guy.

We were giving a lesson to an 8 year old getting ready to be baptized, his mom is really sweet and just now starting to go back to church. She asked if I could give her a blessing in English and it was powerful. I love using my priesthood for others. It’s cool how mom got one this week as well!!! And she called us the other night telling us how she can notice a huge difference in her life since that blessing! Priesthood power!!!!!

Friday night, we had some pretty crazy stuff happen!!! We got out of a lesson and had 30 mins to knock. So at first no one was really answering... one family answered but were busy and its crazy, that family's religion they study preach my gospel so they can know how to battle against us, so maybe it was good they were busy ha-ha. Then we knock and this guy opens up just yelling at us because it’s so late 8:55, Elder Ochoa said “it’s not too late sir”. I just started laughing because it was really funny how he said it hahahah :) but the guy slammed the door. Then the next door we knock, and a couple was walking down the sidewalk and asked if they could help us (it was their house) we just told them we were missionaries and that we are teaching people about Jesus. They told us that they are born again Christians....then they started going at us! They were like the BOM is not true, Joseph Smith is evil...you are all lost etc etc.. Then the lady was like “do you want me to pray right now for your salvation?” HAHA umm no thanks we are good! But every time we tried to bear testimony they were like “false, wrong, nope... etc”...Then we were like ok well that’s ok that you have different opinions, then they were like “it’s not an opinion it’s the truth!!” ha-ha-ha wowzers...then they left looking disgusted. Pretty crazy!!! I'm extremely grateful for the testimony that I have, because without the testimony I have that could have rattled me! but like in Helaman 5:12 if we are built on the foundation of Christ then satan's "wind" can't affect us!!!! I've seen that first hand. The Book of Mormon is true!!! That couple definitely strengthened my own testimony!!

But that’s been our week, really good growing experiences!!!

But sounds like everyone is having fun!! Except Charley’s thumb ouchie!!!! New Mexico huh!? Pretty crazy. We don't hear a whole lot about the election but some people will tell us ha-ha.

Real quick I wanna tell of a sweet thing I saw!!! In our gym they always have espn on, so when I was running I try not to watch because I’m a missionary but soccer highlights came on and I faltered ha-ha, but they were showing that in italy, lazio vs napoli. Miroslav Klose scored off the corner kick but it went in off his hand, they counted it because the ref didn't see. The players of napoli swarmed the ref, then the ref walked to klose, and asked if it went off his hands!!! klose without hesitation said that it did. They took off the goal and they ending up losing 3-0…but man how about that honesty!! You don't see that everyday.  That really touched me, especially in sports where they do whatever it takes to win. I asked myself if I would have done the same ha, and I really am not sure ha-ha. What a great example.

But I to am super excited for GC, I'll be watching it in Spanish though...so I might not get a whole lot out of it!!! but if you can I'd love it if you could send it to me!!!

The work is going super good, Spanish is coming. Oh yeah with transfers me and Elder Ochoa stayed so that’s good!!!

Well I love you all so much!!!! Stay strong and look for opportunities to do service, follow pops' example!!! He’s a good hard worker!!!

love you all

con amor,

Elder Andrew Lifferth

New countries: only Spain...