Elder Christian Hall in TSAM: Texas

Hello family, friends, and all the others,

So yesterday my companion and I had the opportunity to video chat with our family. That was fun. If I think of any specifics I'd like to share, I'll include them later. As for animal stories this week, I guess I'm just getting too used to them. We had this one dog that seem to bark like a werewolf, many dogs charge us only to be stopped by fences, and plenty of other things. I'll remember others later.

Though you wouldn't know, I've realized that I need to work on my Spanish. This past Wednesday we had a great Spanish Conference where Spanish missionaries, their companions, and English speaking missionaries with native Spanish speaking companions attended. I received a great deal of confidence, and a little bit of a rebuke for my slight laziness. I saw many of my past companions and some other missionaries that I admire: Elder Downer was there, where I learned a little bit more about Uvalde; Elder Aguila, with his trainer Elder Loveridge (woo!), and others who I knew well. It's funny to see how many connections you make as you serve. More importantly, I notice the emphasized principle of receiving correction. If we are hesitant to receive it, we will have a difficult time growing. Especially as I learn to speak the language, I have to make many mistakes before I improve. Better make those mistakes earlier, rather than later.

On Saturday we tried to meet with someone that the Las Palmas missionaries referred to us. This would have been the third or fourth try to meet him, without fail, but he answered. When we talked to him, he told us that he was having some difficulties and had been praying for a while. When we shared the Restoration with him, he seemed to light up and we could tell that he felt peace. Ralph, which was the man, seemed prepared and willing to step forward. I'm hoping he is able to embrace more.

The chapel yesterday was pretty full. There were plenty of people visiting, others who had a connection with the military, and then some faces that I don't know too well, but we had a fair amount of people visit today. There were so many little things going on that it's hard to pick the out. But in the middle of the program that was prepared to honor the important role of motherhood, which was indeed good, a confused person stumbled into the church building yelling about something, and Elder Drennan and I did the best we could to help her. She seemed a little bit drunk (poor lady) and was trying to come to an activity that the Spanish ward had the night before. Luckily we were able to escort her out, and no harm to person or the building happened.

Missionary work is fast. Sometimes I've felt the need to rest spiritually when my body felt raring to go. Other times my body simply didn't want to go where my spirit had the energy to work. Both situations demonstrated to my how rest sometimes needs to come part by part at a time.

Questions and Answers and Pictures!

So, last week we didn't get to really find out what you think about Matt's mission call to Oklahoma City- so what do you think?

I was excited that he was call to serve. I'll say, I am at a loss for words, but that doesn't mean I don't feel exceedingly happy for him.

How has that experience (Dulce's baptism) continued to strengthen their family?

We visited this past week and found out that Yesenia held a family home evening. Yesenia continued and told us that Dulce took control and with little help from her mother, she guided the rest of the family home evening. It wasn't perfect even then, but we're glad that there are now two members of the church in the family, and that Dulce can help her family out.

How are the Aldrich and the Fernandez families doing?

They seem to be doing quite well. Both families were able to get to church, and I think they both enjoyed the experience. The Fernandez family is always getting sick however, and it seem that they had to leave early ( I really feel for them).

This will be the second time in a row that both families made it to church. Each time they make it will increase their faith and strengthen their resolve to make it to church again.

Elder Drennan is a very fine and gentle Elder, what a very good companion!

I will be sure to pass it on.

How has the Spirit guided you this past week?

Most of the guidance that I have the privilege to receive was subtle, small, but powerful whispers. I had some difficulty coping with stress at times. However, when I chose to listen (to follow Christ's humble example as best as I could), many concerns that seemed great were broken down into manageable pieces. If I listen more intently with my heart, I will hear more intently with my heart.

If y'all have any questions, please send them to me. Questions help me to focus my thoughts, and they make it easier to write. Keep reading the Book of Mormon! It never ceases to amaze me what I can learn from studying a plain topic.