Great Week!

Hey Family,

 

How is everything going? Just to answer a couple of your questions, my thumb is fine! I have taken out the stitches slowely and it is healing up pretty well. Mom, My shoes are doing okay, they are wearing through the soles, but they should last me for a little bit longer, especially with  me having a car this transfer. I am eating better this transfer, especially because Elder Lagin is a really good cook. My shoes are hardly ever wet, and when they do get wet, they are dry before the next morning. To answer your question about the christmas package, whatever you guys want to do is fine. For the last package that you sent me, it only costed about 5 dollars to get out, so they arent too bad, as long as you are carefull about what you put in them. If you would rather just put money in my account, thats fine too. So lets see, this week... Oh yeah, yesterday I had to speak in church. It went pretty well, and my topic got changed, it was Faith in Missionary work. The Branch here in Siparia is really struggling. There are only a handful of strong members, so we are really trying to strengthen the members right now. There is one family, named the Thompsons though, right now Sis. Thompson is the only member in her family, but missionaries have been trying to teach her family for a really long time. President Gamiette, for some reason really wants to see her husband get baptized, and he has taken it upon himself to teach him. So on tuesday we had an appointment with them. Brother Thompson is a really stubborn man, but he is making progress... Very slowely! A couple of years ago, he wouldnt even talk to missionaries, but now he is willing to meet with us occasionally. Anyways, the lesson on tuesday went great, and their son, Clayton even listened. The lesson was on baptism, and specifically the importance of baptism. At the end of the lesson, when it came time to extend a baptismal commitment, we were all expecting both of them to reject it, but they surprised us. It started with Clayton, and he said that he really wants to be baptised. Then his father accepted as well. His dad's commitment was very soft, but at the same time you have to start somewhere. We invited them to church, but brother thompson said that he would have to work. Clayton committed to coming, but we couldnt really tell how serious he was. Well, Yesterday, at 9:00 he walked into the chapel with his mother. I was so excited to see him there! He is really sincere, and has a desire to be baptized. It is amazing what the spirit can do! Well that was the most exciting story for the week. So how are things going back at home? I cannot believe that the family golf tourney is on opening day! I am not sure where I would end up. It sounds like you guys are doing really well. I am so excited for conference this week! I never thought those words would come out of my mouth, but really it is such a huge blessing that we have to be able to hear exactly what the lord needs us to hear. I will be watching it at the same times as you guys, but on our time here it is 12:00-2:00, 4:00-6:00, and priesthood session will be from 8:00-10:00. It will be great! Well I better get going, Thank you for all that you do for me. I can honestly say I would not be able to be out here if I did not have the support that I have from you guys. I love you tons, and I pray for you every night!

 

Love ya,

Elder Gines