The old Americans left and new ones came in. Now our group is the older, more experienced group of missionaries. It was revelatory for me to see that so many young men, with different situations and stories, come together to serve the Lord. I can't believe it has already been 4 weeks. Holy cow! The days feel like weeks and the weeks feel like days.
My Spanish has progressed very well. You may find however, that there is an inverse correlation between my ability to speak Spanish and my ability to write in English haha. I've given over 20 lessons all in Spanish, and now I am getting to the point where I can translate the Latinos language for the gringos (unless they are from the Dominican republic because those guys speak way fast).
I'm gaining new perspectives on life every day. I've already figured out so much about myself, and what I want to do with my life. I can't believe I spent time doing things that don't matter like watching TV and whatnot. If you are reading this, then unless you speak three languages, play 10 instruments, can juggle, know Morse code and can whistle the alphabet backwards, then you have better things to do than being idle haha. My point is this: life is too short to waste on Netlfix. Rest assured, I'm going to be extremely active when I get home.
My district is amazing, Last night we had a devotional and the spirit was so strong. We all bore powerful testimonies about the divinity of Jesus Christ and the reality of His church on the Earth today. Additionally, we had the opportunity to proselyte on the plaza. My companion and I practiced conversations the night before until we knew them like the back of our hands. And guess what! The people of this area are so ready to hear the Gospel, it's crazy. We only had time to talk to 6 families/people and 5 of them wanted to learn more about the gospel and read the Book of Mormon. Why not! One man even came up and told us that he had acquired a Book of Mormon, read it, and now asked for missionaries to just come and teach him! Are you serious! In thirty minutes, we passed out 5 book of Mormons and got one referral (and my companion and I hardly speak the language) my guess is that he will be baptized soon. So I'm glad my companion and I had that experience.
Well, I keep singing all I can. I'm trying to lose myself in the work and serve people as Christ would. I've learned that the world is big enough for all of God's children, insomuch as we don't have puffed up egos and pride. I love the people here, everyone here. We are all children of God, and we should treat everyone, everywhere with the respect and love that their divine design deserves.
I don't have a poem to end with because I forgot to bring my cuaderno (notebook), but I would like to end with a little positive message: Your life has a purpose. You are here for a reason. God exists; you are loved.
I cherish the few minutes at the end of the day wherein I can peacefully reflect and receive inspiration about my own life. I have the opportunity (apagar la luz) to turn off the lights at night, and as I walk with my companion through the quiet CCM halls, my mind marvels at the magnitude of my calling. Here I'm in Guatemala. Colossal, jungle green mountains beset me. Pure, white clouds roll over the deep azure sky. I open the CCM door and see the marble, white temple. I gaze its golden spire, outstretched to the endless skies. And in my pensive, musing state I stand speechless, unable to discern where the sky begins and the spire ends.
I love you all!
Elder Young
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