Today's Adventure

So I'll start by describing today's adventure. It's pday, and also the last day of the transfer. Elder Tovar and I are staying here as companions still, but my piano prodigy amigo named Elder Talbot is heading off to Sayula. So anyways, there's no school today in Mexico for some reason as well, so Jorge our friend and convert invited us to go with his family up to a couple lagoons which are up close to the volcano (supposedly they are craters of the volcano). It's in our area and we were going to be able to get back in time, so we decided to go. It was a lot of fun. We grilled some steak and sausages, played a little soccer, hiked some beautiful trails, and took some fun pictures. The first laguna, from which I think all of the pictures are from, is a little smaller, and actually has a lot less water than usual right now. It's called Laguna Carrizalillo. From there we went even closer to the volcano to a bigger one called Laguna La Maria. It was really nice to be out in nature for a while, hike some cool trails (and there were some caves as well), and just spend time with the other missionaries, a convert, and three of our investigators (his family).

As far as baptisms go, Guadalupe was baptized, but Daniel was not. He still will, but it has been postponed until we can make sure that his dad can be here. He works in Tecoman, which is about 45 minutes away, but is only home some weekends. Guadalupe's baptism was nice, very simple, and a special experience for me. She's more active than some church members, and had only been a little hesitant to take this last step. Now she and her son Christopher are both members and one day can be sealed together as a family.

I'm glad you get to help the missionaries fellowship, that's so very important in missionary work. I've seen a lot of investigators that have testimonies of the truth, but are a little hesitant for social reasons. Fellowship can make all the difference in the world, as does working with members in general.

We had more investigators go to church than usual yesterday, including four of the five girls who came last week to do their school project. We'll see how that progresses, but I do think their interest is more than just academic. I have high hopes for the work here in Colima, all I need to do is make sure to put in my part to see them realized, and I know The Lord will do the rest.


As far as the working hard goes, that was more or less the philosophy I had been assuming. My thinking had been that God knows exactly where all of his children who are ready to listen and progress are. All we have to do is be worthy to teach them and show God that we are willing to have faith and put in our part. If we meet God's standard, he'll trust us with his children and we will find, recognize, teach, and baptize. If we're not trustworthy, he won't. Thus miracles happen after all that we can do. One thing I'm focusing on is more efficient study and planning. It is much more difficult to waste time and not put in your part if you have a good plan.

Actually, the ward (and stake, and supposedly Mexico in general...although I don't know about that) isn't doing all that hot at the moment. The bishop is one of if not the best I have ever seen, and he works incredibly hard despite being completely destitute. The rest of the ward, however, does nothing. Also, church attendance has lowered, almost as if to compensate for the converts we've brought in. Thankfully, all our converts are still active as of right now, but it's troublesome. No one in the ward seems to be friends with anyone else, and no one completes with their callings. However, we're working closely with the bishop, ward conference is this coming week, and with some prayer and sweat we'll see what we can do. The church will never fall back into apostasy (I've read that book, The Great Apostasy, btw. Very good and very informative), but will press onward and forward until the second coming of The Lord.

Love,
Elder Lund