happy

I'm not sure if it's the weather or the fact that my time as a greeny has officially ended (Happy Mission Birthday to me) as of today, but everything has been getting very fun. I really find a lot of joy in being a missionary.

We have continued to work with recent converts as well as our searching efforts. The recent converts make me so happy. It feels like when we teach them, we are just letting them know all of the blessings that are available to them now as members. It's so exciting talking about the temple, patriarchal blessings, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and everything else. It makes me appreciate the perspective of why we baptize people. In itself, baptism is a blessing, but it really is the opening to a whole new world of blessings even more grand. I love it.

And just as some news, Rosalia finally got her Braille Libro de Mormon in a very large box and has started receiving installments of her Braille Biblia. Cool lady. She called us to see if we had a number for a new family in the ward because she thought they might need some fellowshipping. Orquedia Bajo, the lady who thinks a lot, held a fast with us for her sons. Her faith is so strong that I have no doubt God will answer her prayers and she will, by example and faith, lead her family into the Gospel.

With the warm weather, we have also had the chance to provide some service for some members of our ward. This also turns out to be very fun, even though weeding a gravel yard is a nightmare for fingers. We had a waterfight with Sister Baldwin, a Peruvian member of our ward, which she initiated as we finished up with working in her yard. Many of the families in the ward are having hard times with work and health and so they are very grateful when we pitch in a hand with the yard.

To add to the fun, the member family we live with has a niece competing in American Idol. They are excited, and therefore we are too. Vote Brook White. Living with the Thompsons is ridiculously wonderful. Sister Thompson is a great cook and is always anxious to share fresh bread and cinnamon roles or whatever else she made. Their pool table and ping pong table also go to good use during our lunch time. We really are spoiled, and I am glad we are.

I have so much to be grateful for, I just hope I will be able to repay the Father, the source of all blessings, in my service. Actually, I know I will never be able to repay, but I want to try and to all I can. Even if I don't baptize myriads, I want every day to be dedicated to serving others and inviting them to come unto Christ, by helping them receive the Gospel by living the Gospel. I hope you all know how blessed you are too. I miss you, but not enough to come home. I love you, and hope you are well. Take care of yourselves, and take care of others.

Until next week,
Elder Sam Bostwick

P.S. It got a little colder, we were down to 60 degrees yesterday...