August 4, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

      Alright here we go, this one will be much better I promise. Last week was one of the fastest weeks of my life, and this is supposed to be the slow part! Hahahahah and I even took some pictures but the power is out where we would usually go so I can't send pictures today sorry! But first off.... I had my first baptism on Saturday! Fabiola is about 25, and although I didn't really do a whole lot, I truly believe that I helped her out with my testimony. The feeling at the baptism was so awesome. I really wish I could send the picture but I can't figure it out right now! She had to separate from her pareja (most people aren't married here which is hard) and to see her sacrifice, the Spirit was so great. The opportunity to help other people is truly awesome.

 Elder Collado, Fabiola and Elder Merrill

      My Spanish is slowly, very slowly improving. Hahahah I can hardly understand anything, but I am beginning to be able to say quite a bit! I can teach a lesson, it's when we have a conversation that Elder Collado does most the work. Hahaha Elder Collado is great! He's the District Leader and we work really hard. Our goal is 10 baptisms for this month, which would probably be the best in the mission! It's gonna be tough, but we are going to work as hard as we can! Hermana Russell (mission president's wife) also demands that the Spanish missionaries learn English, so it's really fun to help him out a little!

      I'll admit, this is so dang hard hahahahahha. Yesterday was my first fast Sunday, and the morning was honestly the hardest of my entire life. I was hungry, thirsty, it's still so dang hot all the time and yesterday was about as bad as it gets, and we were walking around to pick up the people for church and they all fell through. So needless to say I was a bit frustrated on the inside (you know how I tend to keep my emotions hidden), but yeah it takes me back to a lesson I had last week. It was just about 9 o'clock so about time to go home, and we were teaching a girl who I could tell had no interest. I was so hot (always) and sitting there thinking "why would we waste our time with someone who doesn't even care (they don't believe in question marks here I guess). And that's when I realized, as I do every time I start to struggle....THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT THE SAVIOR DID FOR US. He felt all the pains of the entire world full well knowing that most people wouldn't accept it. Every time I feel like I'm suffering, I always remember that the pain he felt is incomprehensible. I know without a doubt in my mind that the Savior is by my side every step of the way. And I also have amazing friends and family that keep me going. Thank you so much for all the support, it honestly means so much.

     We get fed lunch every day by a family that we pay who also does our laundry and we usually don't eat dinner! Our house isn't too bad, it's actually pretty good compared to everywhere else! When I can send pictures I will, but thank you so much! Love you all!

Elder Merrill

 Lunch with the missionaries on P-day!