We are "killing" him

Tomorrow we get to start working with Elder Zelnick. This is his last transfer before he goes home so we are “killing him.”

Anyway, this week was good. We finally got Erasmo to commit to a baptism date so that’s a miracle. We are planning it for the fifth of July. We also had Edith and Juan with a date as well as Edwardo who is 10, but none of them came to church so we’ll have to push those ones back. We are also hoping to set a date with Julia soon.

We tried to set one with Rigo and Michelle, but didn’t get a firm yes. We had a really good lesson with them on Saturday and told them they have to do what the Lord asks and he will provide the way for them to get baptized. They are really scared that Rigo is going to get deported though. He goes to court on July 6th. We are praying that the judge will make the right decision and that he will maybe even take Rigo off of probation. Then he could get baptized. Otherwise, it will probably not happen soon. We are sure Michelle will be good to go sometime soon, as long as Rigo gets divorced and they get married. If he gets deported that might also solve the problem, but that would be sad. That’s not what we want. Those people down in Mexico need to get to work and get the divorce to happen. Rigo is doing almost everything he can, but if they don’t do anything I don’t know that it will happen.

A less active family fed us at the mall this week. It was at a place called Gangis Khan. Julia Rico, a less active, also fed us at a place very similar a couple weeks back called Mongolian BBQ. Anyway, I wanted to tell you how cool these places are. All the food they have is frozen. You take your bowl and fill it with frozen meat, vegetables, noodles, etc. then put the oils and sweeteners or whatever you want in and give it to the cooks. Then they put it on this super big hotplate and cook it in front of you. They use these giant chopstick-like things to cook it then put it back in the bowl and give it to you. It’s super good!

We also had zone conference this week and it was really good. I always learn so much there and get uplifted and excited about missionary work.

We had some more miracles I wanted to tell you about. One of them started by us going to IHOP the middle of last transfer. We met some members there and one of them recently moved into a rest home because of a brain tumor. They asked us to visit her so one day we did. It was one of the days when Elder Sharp wasn’t feeling very good energy/attitude-wise. As he was trying to help her feel better he sort of healed himself by the advice he gave. Anyway, after Elder Sharp left we decided to go back to see the lady and watch the Testaments with her. Afterwards the receptionist was talking to us and it turns out she is a member and wants to refer her co-worker to us! There are like three members there and they have been working with this lady named Vanessa and even took her to church a couple times. Well Vanessa turned out to be GOLDEN. Unfortunately we had to pass her over to the English sisters who work in our area, but we had a great lesson with all four of us there and they set a baptism date. It’s great to see the hand of the Lord in the work!

We also just found a really great investigator that’s Spanish. He was a church headquarters referral and he’s pretty solid. This work is great, I’m happy to be a part of it. I just hope a couple of our investigators get baptized soon because I think I’ll be transferred next month.

Everyone keeps talking about their garden and I think it’s funny we kind of have one here too. Elder Fraga is growing sunflowers as I’ve already told you (I think). They are growing super fast actually and are already like 10-12” tall!

That’s pretty crazy you guys are putting in a fence. Finally Comet will have room to roam around (after he goes to the orchard of course:) !

It’s pretty cool to have an investigator with a baby exactly one month older to the day than Miyah. I can see what she’ll be like in a month. It’s the son of Rigoberto and Michelle.

Yes Ross, I did reach my six month mark. It was on May 20th. No my time at home did not count towards my mission so yes, I’ll be staying an extra transfer at least. I came back on January 20th so you can just add two months to the time it’s been since that day and that’s how long I’ve been out.

That’s cool that you’re teaching flute lessons Mom! I’m proud of you. I remember when you were teaching Stormie how to play the flute.

As I look back on my mission I am amazed at how much Spanish I’ve learned. I know I’m being blessed. I don’t even feel super scared to talk to people on the phone any more.

I’m still playing the piano in all the church meetings since there really isn’t anyone else. I even played the organ one week (without the pedals) so it’s been fun.

We also confirmed Joaquin this Sunday. The other elders had 4 others so that made a total of 5 confirmations in one sacrament meeting! It was pretty crazy. The people giving talks didn’t have to talk as long.

Anyway, I’d better be done. Elder Fraga is ready to go. It’s been a good day though. We played soccer again so I’m glad I’m getting some exercise. Hopefully that will help me burn off the 20-25 lbs I’ve gained on my mission so far.

Love you all,
Elder Curtis