Halloween!

October 31, 2012

 

Hey Family,

Well as you all know, I'm safe and sound!! I really didn't hit us hard here in Herdon! especially our apartments because there aren't really any trees to fall, in a couple places the power went out but not bad here it all. Do you know if the storm hit Georgia? ITs crazy how bad it was other places and even the deaths! But here where we are it wasn't bad at all. But all my clothes and such are really good! No complaints or anything bad here! Ha.

But I'm trying to take a lot more pics with the families that I really like, but it’s hard to remember always..but I am trying really to be better haha. So you can enjoy my pics haha.

Man oh man, the miracle that I was talking about: so last Wednesday we went to this lesson with this 18 year old who's dad and step-mom are members but he just moved here to be with his dad from El Salvador. His name is Jorge. We go over there and just talk getting to know him then we start our lesson. It was incredible. He asked so many great questions and is just super prepared. At the end of the lesson we asked if he would follow Christ's example and be baptized on Nov 10th. He sat there for a little while and said, one week before!!!!! So man we were like no way! Then this past friday we went over and had a 2 hour lesson with him just getting him prepared for the baptism. We showed the new Plan of Salvation video with him! He's so prepared its mind blowing! Then after church we planned to go to the Temple Visitors Center with him. AFter Church the mom and dad brought us dinner then we left for the temple. We were a little unsure of how the weather would be, but we left anyway. We got there and the temple really just appears outta no where!!! So beautiful. wow. Then we had the quick tour with him and then watched the Joseph SMith movie! He loved it and at the end he was crying/ and teary eyed! So powerful guys wow..I'm so blessed to be a part of his conversion process. It’s so good to see miracles like this. The Spirit is so powerful, God really is preparing people for this message, He prepares us because He loves us so much! Always remember that. SO baptism this Sunday!!! IT’s crazy how fast it is all happening. We met him last wednesday, and a week and a half later he's getting baptized. Truly prepared from on high. I love him and his family. They are so great to us in such a short little time. The mom Lea, from Brazil, while she was pregnant couldn't have gluten so she had a lot of extra food that she gave to me haha wow, so blessed family..it’s so humbling :)

Also at church Bro. Drawsbeck brought me to his car and had 4 Gluten free cereals he bought for me!!! He's not even in my ward but he shows me so much love!! I can't describe the feeling that I get from all these generous loving people that I have met! Man...this is great being a missionary, its hard but it literally is a blast!!!

This week I was studying in Jesus the Christ the difference between being a shepherd and a sheep herder. A shepherd knows his flock by name, he will sacrifice himself for his sheep. He leads them by example. A sheep herder only knows that he has a flock, its only numbers to him. He will flee from the sheep if a wolf appears. He doesn't lead the flock, he forces them where to go by being behind them. It’s very interesting how this not only applies to missionaries but to all members. So mom and dad, and family and friends, with your new callings be shepherds not sheep herders. I will likewise be the best shepherd I can be. I have the perfect example of Jesus Christ to learn from, as do you all. Learn of Christ. I like to ask myself "If Jesus were in my place...where would He go? What would He do? Who would He see? How would He teach His sheep?"

Erick and his family are still doing great. This last Thursday we had exchanges with the Zone Leaders and one came to my area so I had to lead the whole day. I must admit I was a little nervous at this haha, but it ended up being super good. It was so fun haha so much pressure on me but I loved it. We visited Erick and taught him more about the Priesthood, the next day he had an interview with the bishop and his wife, they are really trying hard to change and get everything worked out with life, it’s and honor to be part of this! I love that family. Diego is also doing great, we are trying really hard to get him his own personal testimony of Joseph Smith.

So with Halloween today, I'm really surprised how many people are surprised that mormons celebrated halloween. I've never been asked that before haha, then one member explained to us the origins of it and that they don't. So I guess its just a personal preference or what? This is new to me ahahah?

Quick Religion question. When Jesus visited the apostles who were fishing in John 21, after His death, was that right before He visited the Amercias? Or when does the timing of all His visits work out? :) haha thanks.

That’s really cool about George Wright and all that stuff going on with him, I've been telling Elder OChoa all about him and he's like wow that is one sweet bro haha.

The elections are near. ahah lots of people have been asking us, where are your Romney flags and pins. hahah its weird how so many people think we work for him!!! hahah man, but what do you all think will happen with the elections??? I just hear how close it will be, hope everything will work out best for this beautiful free country!

But for sure one of my new fav restaurants is Cheesecake Factory!!! I got this steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans!!! So yummy!! I didn't need a knife for my steak because it was so tender mmmmm, I couldn't get a cheesecake but they looked super delicious. I got a milkshake though, it was good. Then after that we carved pumpkins at the zone activity. I carved a vampire haha it was fun.

For Christmas, maybe hair clippers, money, oreo truffles, garments (just some more under armor bottoms) anything really, sweater or 2 maybe my gray cardigan (unless someone is using it?). Really whatever you want to send me, I will love anything from my family! But doesn't anyone want anything from me for Christmas?????? PS dad did you get the Washington dc t-shirt I sent. Also I sent a letter a little bit ago, receive it?? :)

I have had 2 colombian dinners and I must admit it pleases me haha. Its way good flavored, definitely one of my favs here :D

Funny story, the other day we were at a member for dinner, and I went to use the bathroom. After I was finished the door wouldn't open...I tried to use a card to get out but nothing, I was locked in...then like 7 minutes later the dad came up and was like do you need help??? Duh bro I’m stuck in here haha ;) so yeah I got locked in a bathroom for a little bit, pretty funny and embarrassing :D ha

So I remembered that a couple of my mtc teachers wanted you to forward emails to them and still continue to send them to Elder Justin Moodie please… thanks I appreciate it!!!

But how does everyone feel about Charles' tats? ha pretty cray-cray! I told him after my mission I want to get a motorcycle! I've been in love with them since being out here haha I can't wait. Good transportation for college and work, maybe all the males in the fam can get one and we can all ride after the mish?!?!?!?! What do ya'll say? :D

Oh yeah keep me updated on RSL please.

Well everything is great, I'm really starting to love this. It’s so fun and hard. What a great opportunity this is! I encourage everyone who can, to serve a mission.

I love you all so much! You help me so much, thanks for the prayers and love, I pray for you all daily and individually! Thanks for all you do. Today for halloween since we can't be out we are having a zone dinner then we're gonna watch a movie! haha fun fun. I hope ya'll are safe today!!! HAve fun and be safe. I can't wait to hear from ya'll soon!!! <3

Enjoy the pics!

Con amor,

Elder Andrew Lifferth