Week 31 (7/19/10) Email to Mom

Hey Mom!

Transfers are creeping up and just around the corner. My first transfer may be on its way. We'll see what the Lord has got in store for me. I like my area and I like my companion but I feel like I'm ready for a change. I really liked the letter I got from Jim. It was good to hear about his areas and comps and his experience. The ward I'm in is a little disfunctional so I'm taking a page out of his book. We have a map of the area on our wall and a list of members. There are over 350 addresses with members so we looked through the lists and found all the listings with kids. We found about thirty, labeled them on our map and plan on passing by sometime this week and getting them back to church. We're hoping to take some references from our visits as well. I really think this will be a better, smarter take on the work here in El Cruce. I read his letter twice. Yesterday while my comp was sleeping, I read it the second time, then took some time to study and really think about my partriarchal blessing. My patriarchal blessing is really special to me. It really gives me direction and its just amazing. I took some time to ponder and really think about my mission, why I'm here and what I want to accomplish here. It was really energizing and I'm excited for what lies ahead. Lately I have been really trying to have the spirit with me and to develop a more personal relationship with my Father in Heaven. It has been an amazing experience. I don't know exactly what God has in store for me but I do know that I need to be ready and worthy for it.

This week I did an intercambio with Elder Larson from Arizona. It was a good day. He's a good missionary, he's got one less transfer than me. He's a hard worker and he's got a good attitude, really upbeat and happy and it was a good break from Johnny Raincloud. It's amazing how much of a difference your attitude makes. If you've got a choice why not be positive and happy?

     We really have had some good times. That Bolivia trip with you was two of the best weeks of my life. I want you to know how much I appreciate the relationship we have and everything you have done for me. I wouldn't be where I am now without you and your great example. I love you Mom.

     I'm kinda bummed that I have to get two packages, but I guess I'll just have to deal with it. Haha! My comps bummed that the packages won't get here til after transfers. He wants to see some pictures. I told him I'll let him have some candy cane hot chocolate and show him pictures next time we see each other. I'm excited to get some pics and CDs and whatnot.:) I don't have a tape player so you'll have to send one. How do they not have a Robin Hood CD?! That's some of the best Disney music you can get! Bummer. What other CDs are you sending? I'm about to finish my first quarter in Argentina. A scripture I came across after studying my patriarchal blessing that I really like is in Moroni 9:6. I think thats the reference. I miss my Book of Mormon study. Lately I have been trying to get through Preach My Gospel, but its hard because its just not the same. The Book of Mormon just has that amazing spirit. I was looking through some old letters and I saw the one when you said you wanted to try having the Spirit more and have that guidance in your life. You should read Chapter 4 in Preach My Gospel. Its a good one. Also I think I may have said this last week but you should buy a copy of Our Search for Hapiness by Elder Ballard and read it. Its a good book. Another thing I'd like is the address of the Morbys. I want to send them a letter and tell him I appreciate his help and love in young men's and then tell them to get their butts on a mission. He would make an amazing mission president.  Alright Mom that's all I've got this week. I appreciate everything, I really do and I love you lots! Thanks!

Love, Matt