Week 5

Dear Family,

Ok, this week was an interesting one. We hadn't had any talks about making sure to talk to your common judge in israel about possible issues and repentance, until this past week. then we had two. in a matter of two days! it was crazy. obviously Heavenly Father was trying to teach us something. anyway, then an Elder in our branch was sent home this week. He went and talked to the president and I guess he needed to go home to sort things out. it was sad, but i was proud of him for talking about it. even though i'm sure his life is aweful right now. it is sad, because he will just be in the "world" more at home, but at the same time, we cannot have unworthy being ministers of Christ. The Spirit cannot work through them the same, and the Spirit is key.

anyway, since then, it has been kind of interesting. it was also cool because a sister in our room was saying that she didn't feel worthy, so then she went and talked to the president. and she is worthy. satan is just working really hard on people, and likes to bring up past sins to make you feel unworthy. it was great to see that she had the courage to go talk and clear it all up. and she was worthy! the speakers multiple times said, "don't judge yourself. you have no right to judge yourself. only a common judge in israel can tell you if you are worthy or not. if you have a question, go clear it up. chances are, you'll be worthy." i hope in the case of the elder, he will be worthy and return out on his mission.

i have been very blessed to have an incredible district. the elders in my district are top notch. always wanting to work hard, and they push my to help my spanish improve faster. would you believe it if i told you that every single person in my district hated the movie TRANSFORMERS. haha they all thought it was a terrible movie. i was so excited...because no one feels that way. the only other boy i've met that hated that movie was Andrew. haha.

my spanish is coming along. i'm getting to the point where i can almost talk all day in spanish. it is really slow still, because i have to think about how to conjugate everything, but heavenly Father has really blessed me because i was definitely the worst in my class. it is hard with intermediate because there are so many levels. and i was a really low level. you wouldn't think that i should be, but just lack of use and poor education in high school has made it so i am pretty much a beginner. i didn't know conjugations anymore, and words...yeah a whole other ball game. But as I pray for the gift of tounges, I have seen it manifest.

For example. yesterday, i taught a whole lesson (not just a memorized lesson, but one where we teach to the needs) in spanish. I think i only said probably 5 words in english because i really just didn't know them. I was amazed. I know it was just because I really wanted to do that yesterday, and so I especially prayed for the gift of tounges yesterday. It was great. Also, Heavenly Father has helped me pull words from my memory (like elementary school) that I haven't used in forever. It is really funny. We will be sitting in class, and somone will say "how do you say__________?" and before my teacher can answer I just say the translation. and then i realize that i haven't even heard that word in so long that i think i made it up. so then i say, "wait, is that even a word?" haha the answer is always yes. it is so funny.

I love the miracles I see. I haven't even been in the field yet, and I see miracles right and left. Seriously. it is incredible. I dont' want to come home just because I will have other cares and things to distract me. This work is awesome. I wish you all didn't have to do anything...and i wish we all had enough money to support us and just serve missions the rest of our lives. best experience ever! that's all i have to say. I guess that is what the millenium is for. i'm learning so much. and i am humbled every day. everyday i learn more and more how we do nothing. everything is done by the will of God. God's love is incredible.

anyway, i love you. and if you maybe want to send dearelders (dearelder.com) during the week, you are more than welcome to. i get those same day unless you send them on sat. or sun. anyway, just for future reference. and it is free! that's the best part! plus mom, if you need to inform me of something quickly...i can get your info!

love,
Sarah