Week 5- East L.A.-September 9, 2013

Hello folks. To start off, remember that first family I told you about that we had to pass off to the English elders? Well they're getting baptized on the 22nd of this month, how crazy. And the second family we passed off, we had a pass off lesson, and I was so astonished to see how willing to change, learn, and come closer to God they are. That is probably going to be another 4 baptisms right there. I'm just glad they're coming to the gospel. 

So this past week has been a little poor, numbers-wise, but we feel like we are making a good amount of progress. We have been visiting a good balance of members, less actives, and potentials. We have gotten our door slammed in our faces a few times too, but it happens haha. So Reyna, she's the mom of Steven, the little white kid. And also the mom of three recent converts. She is less active, like very less active. Next week she could possibly be getting deported, which really worries me because she said she doesn't want to bring her kids to Guatemala with her because it'd probably be a lot worse for her to take them with her. The thing is that if she leaves, Manny, the oldest son, would have to step up. Problem is, he has a girlfriend and a daughter, but he's barely at the house cuz he's too busy hanging out with his cholo friends, so I am praying that it works out for them. 

Another set of big news for us, they are dissolving the ward that is East to us, Montebello. They haven't had a bishop for about 8 weeks now... And they have had a lot of other problems. So what's going to happen is that Bel 1 and Bel 2 will mix and get some of those Montebello folks. And then there will be a new branch, Boyle Heights Branch which is made up of the good old projects (my area) and I think Monterrey Park. So my companion and I think we are going to be put in the new branch to help them start up. Which is very exciting and intimidating at the same time. The cool thing is though, that the active members in our area, are super solid members. So we'd have a good group to work with. We are probably going to be a new district too. Not too sure yet, but the office just called asking if we could fit another companionship in our apartment and we already have 4 people. So very soon, we will have 6 people. It's gonna be nuts. 

The past few days, the temperature has been cooling down, finally. It's been like straight 90s here and everyone said it's supposed to be cooler here haha. 

Oh and 2 cool facts about our mission:

1. We have 7 languages: English, Spanish, Tagalic (Philipino), Chinese, Korean, Samoan, and Armenian. We are the only other mission other than Armenia itself that speaks that language. Pretty cool stuff

2. L. Tom Perry, at a stake conference a while ago (this is according to my companion) spoke here and said that we have one of the best mission presidents in the world. Which makes me feel privileged to be in this mission.

Something cool I learned this week in my studies as I read the book, "Our Heritage" was about service.

So there is this story about the first missionary called to serve in England. He goes off on the boat and about 100 yards before they hit the dock, this missionary jumps out of the boat because he was so excited to serve. I kinda thought about that and thought, how eager are we to serve? Not necessarily spread the gospel, but to just serve our neighbors and others. Kinda made me think and realize we need to have that same zeal and excitement to help others and not hesitate to do so.

Love you all!!

ps. my Spanish is improving hahaha