Dear Family,
So this week has just been wonderful. Elder Dawson and I are rockin´ down here in Aranjuez. There is so much potential here, and it is just so hard to be able to teach people with their busy schedules, and as always, it is hard when investigators don´t keep their commitments. But we are working hard.
The baptism this last Saturday was...a MIRACLE! Really it was. Everything went according to plan until 15 minutes after it was supposed to start we realized that no one from the branch presidency was there. After talking to another member who was there, we learned that to start a baptismal service, you need someone from the presidency there. We had no idea. We still didn´t have the blame because we had called the branch president 3 days earlier telling him the details and said that he would call and have someone there. Well that didn´t happen. While Elder Dawson was on the phone with the member, trying to get a hold of someone to come and preside, I had to apologize to the 20-25 people there and explain the situation. A little embarrassing, as we had been so excited because there were about 15 non members there. Luckily, they were all so happy just socializing and talking with Michael that they didn´t really care.
We started singing hymns as we waited, me playing the piano, and after the 4th hymn the ward mission leader/1 counselor in the Elder´s quorum came, and we started. The service went very well, and oh yeah, we had been planning on his uncle on baptizing him, but when we heard that he had to work, Michael asked me to perform the ordinance. I was very humbled by his asking me and the baptismal service went very well. The best part was his testimony and appearance after. He came Sunday with his brother and mother, and was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He is so happy and I love seeing that peace and light in his eyes. He just looks clean, leaving that past life behind and starting a new one. He works every other Sunday, so he won´t be coming this next one, but we are very excited to see him progress in the Gospel, and become a faithful member of the church.
The best thing about his baptism were all of the non member friends that he and his mom invited. After the baptism Elder Dawson and I talked to all of them and are going to teach a family of 4 tonight because of that baptismal service and the Spirit that they felt there. Gerald, the little 11 year old brother of Micheal, also was touched by the baptismal service; and while talking to him that night, he decided that he wanted to be baptized and change religion. He has decided to be baptized the 29 of May. It was funny, because at first he came up to me while I was talking with his mother, and told me, ¨I can´t change my religion, I am Catholic.¨ I assured him half jokingly, that yes you can Gerald, yes you can. He thought about that for a minute and came back, apparently after talking to Elder Dawson too, and decided that he wanted to be baptized like his older brother.
It was amazing to see his strong, childlike faith, and how easy it was for him to follow the Spirit and change his mind so quickly, from not wanting to change religion and then five minutes later wanting to be baptized. He is wonderful and loves Jesus Christ. He will be a great future missionary, as well as Michael. We are going to start pushing him to prepare, so that in one year he can serve a mission. He is 19 years old. I will try and send photos of it as soon as possible. I apologize it is taking so long.
Well, I am glad that everyone is well. As mom said in her story about Nena, the world is a dangerous place, and if we are not aware of our surroundings and wearing the armor of God, ALWAYS, we will get hit. We are in a bloody battle against Satan and his angels. It is real. It is hard. We know how to win. We have faith in our general, Jesus Christ, and with Him on our side, we will win. But we must choose today, if we will fight with Him or against him. Like Joshua, I think, ¨But as for me and my house (family), we will serve the Lord.¨ It could be said that we are on the front lines, and here in Spain is much worse than Provo, Utah, but the helps, and aids are flawless, and work in all times and all situations. It is help and love and healing that we need, and that only comes through our Saviour Jesus Christ. I love Him. He loves us.
May we serve Him better this week than the last is my constant prayer.
I love you all.
Love,
Elder Driggs
P.S. I am not sure I have shared with you my proposed new family slogan. I am not sure if we have one. I still love the motto: Be All That You Can Be, In the Family!
But here is a suggestion for the slogan.
A Driggs never Quits!!!
I heard it from a friend at BYU and am deciding now to adopt it personally. I suggest the same to all of you. We will not quit or give up in the battle of life. We will serve with all that we have and do our best. And in the end we will come off the conquerer!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
April 21, 2010
Dear family,
This has been a great week. I am glad that you were able to use some of the spiritual experiences that I have had only in the last couple of weeks in your talks. I am doing well here in Aranjuez and am very content here on the misión. I love it. It is so hard some times, but I love it. Every day is a challenge and I am constantly recommitting myself to doing my best.
Elder Dawson and I work well together. I would say that our strengths are completely opposite and it helps us perfect every phase of the work. Elder Dawson is almost a perfect missionary in the piso…apartment. He is very clean, organized, and he loves keeping exact up to date records of all the progress of every investigator. This is how it should be, but it is not one of my strengths. Elder Carr was much more a perfect missionary outside the piso and I was able to incorporate some of his traits in the phases of finding, teaching, and loving the people. Elder Dawson and I are very compatible and I am trying to learn and mimick his constant diligence in planning, keeping the area book up to date, and organizing. Some things that have been harder for me while I have been on the misión. I love having the opportunity to learn from all the companions that I have had and be able to become a better person by including those attributes in my daily life.
Michael Alvarez is pushing onward. He is very excited about this Saturday and despite the confusión that we have had making sure that he would be ready this Saturday, as of now, we have complete confidence that he will be able to not only be baptized and confirmed, but also press on as a strong, faithful member of the church.
As we continue to work with Giselle, we are coming to understand that there are going to be some obstacles in her spiritual progression. One of the biggest is that she believes in order to receive revelation or a manifestation from the Holy Ghost that it has to be through a dream. We obviously know that more often than not, we receive revelation through our feelings and through our thoughts. She has been taught in her church that the heart is easily tricked and that we have to trust the mind. We taught her Saturday night and she promised us that she would come to church again and stay for all three hours.
When we rang her doorbell Sunday morning, she came down and told us that she wouldn´t be coming today. We were puzzled and asked her why. She related the dream that she had had the night before (she has lots of dreams, some good, some…just dreams), in the which she and her family were on the path and Giselle began to part from her family. In her dream her mom began to cry because Giselle had left them . So Giselle told us that this dream freaked her out and thought it to be a warning from God not to leave her church. We asked her to recount the feelings that she had had in that dream and she sad that she was so scared and nervous. We told her that these are not feelings that come from our God of love. That He only gives us feelings of confidence, peace, and love. We told her that feelings of fear and nervousness come from the devil. I told her that we would wait for her as she went to get dressed and then we went to church.
She stayed for Sacrament Meeting and then had to leave saying that she had to go and pay her tithing at her other church. Elder Dawson asked her how she felt, knowing that the night before we had promised her that if she stayed for all 3 hours that she would know if she should be baptized or not, and she responded saying that she was really confused. I took this response very well because I think that she is realizing how powerful the Spirit is in this the true church of Christ, and she is becoming more and more humble. We haven´t been able to talk to her since but we are going to call her today, or tonight.
I thought that you would like to know that approximately 6 hours before you were speaking in your sacrament meeting, I too spoke to the members. Elder Dawson and I received assignments to speak on la obra misional…como siempre (missionary work). So we talked and they went well. Elder Dawson basically taught about the Restoration and it was hard core. I related a story of how a 5 year old boy in Chile, after sharing the Book of Mormon with his cousin, helped prepare her for baptism, and not only her but she shared the Gospel with her friend. So because of this selfless faithful act of a 5 year old boy, the lives of two Young women were changed. I talked about the need to develop Christlike or childlike attributes to help us be more effective instruments en las manos del Señor (the hands of the Lord).
We had a zone conference yesterday and it was great. We learned a lot and I just love being with the missionaries. There is a powerful spirit when 70+ missionaries get together, with the united purpose to learn how to serve the Lord better.
Well I have to write my letter to the misión president right now, but to answer your question Dad, I am not quite sure what to tell you. I always did that because I knew that it was the right thing to do. I don´t say that bragging, but it was just what I did. I didn´t even want to risk not having bread for the Sacrament, and have 200 people wait on me. So I always wanted to do everything possible to ensure that the sacrament was blessed on time. I realize now how great it was that I did that and how much of a sacrifice it is to do that, bringing the bread or an extra loaf, but when I was 14 o 15, it was something that I just did. I don´t think the answer no passed my mind. I wish I still had that same innocence, because that faithful obedience brings big blessings.
I have learned a lot on the mission that to the degree that we obey Christ's teachings is a measure of how much we love him. Actions speak louder than words, and everything that we do, should be done, because we love the Savior and want to serve him. I am not sure how you can help a quorum of teachers understand that and their sacred duty, but I feel that the root of their obedience and desire to hearken to the counsel of their leaders is the love or the lack of love that they have for Jesus the Christ.
I love you all and have a fantastic week.
What are some things that we can do that we are not doing, to show Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that we love them?
I love you all,
Elder Driggs
P.S. Look unto Christ in every thought. Doubt not, fear not.
This has been a great week. I am glad that you were able to use some of the spiritual experiences that I have had only in the last couple of weeks in your talks. I am doing well here in Aranjuez and am very content here on the misión. I love it. It is so hard some times, but I love it. Every day is a challenge and I am constantly recommitting myself to doing my best.
Elder Dawson and I work well together. I would say that our strengths are completely opposite and it helps us perfect every phase of the work. Elder Dawson is almost a perfect missionary in the piso…apartment. He is very clean, organized, and he loves keeping exact up to date records of all the progress of every investigator. This is how it should be, but it is not one of my strengths. Elder Carr was much more a perfect missionary outside the piso and I was able to incorporate some of his traits in the phases of finding, teaching, and loving the people. Elder Dawson and I are very compatible and I am trying to learn and mimick his constant diligence in planning, keeping the area book up to date, and organizing. Some things that have been harder for me while I have been on the misión. I love having the opportunity to learn from all the companions that I have had and be able to become a better person by including those attributes in my daily life.
Michael Alvarez is pushing onward. He is very excited about this Saturday and despite the confusión that we have had making sure that he would be ready this Saturday, as of now, we have complete confidence that he will be able to not only be baptized and confirmed, but also press on as a strong, faithful member of the church.
As we continue to work with Giselle, we are coming to understand that there are going to be some obstacles in her spiritual progression. One of the biggest is that she believes in order to receive revelation or a manifestation from the Holy Ghost that it has to be through a dream. We obviously know that more often than not, we receive revelation through our feelings and through our thoughts. She has been taught in her church that the heart is easily tricked and that we have to trust the mind. We taught her Saturday night and she promised us that she would come to church again and stay for all three hours.
When we rang her doorbell Sunday morning, she came down and told us that she wouldn´t be coming today. We were puzzled and asked her why. She related the dream that she had had the night before (she has lots of dreams, some good, some…just dreams), in the which she and her family were on the path and Giselle began to part from her family. In her dream her mom began to cry because Giselle had left them . So Giselle told us that this dream freaked her out and thought it to be a warning from God not to leave her church. We asked her to recount the feelings that she had had in that dream and she sad that she was so scared and nervous. We told her that these are not feelings that come from our God of love. That He only gives us feelings of confidence, peace, and love. We told her that feelings of fear and nervousness come from the devil. I told her that we would wait for her as she went to get dressed and then we went to church.
She stayed for Sacrament Meeting and then had to leave saying that she had to go and pay her tithing at her other church. Elder Dawson asked her how she felt, knowing that the night before we had promised her that if she stayed for all 3 hours that she would know if she should be baptized or not, and she responded saying that she was really confused. I took this response very well because I think that she is realizing how powerful the Spirit is in this the true church of Christ, and she is becoming more and more humble. We haven´t been able to talk to her since but we are going to call her today, or tonight.
I thought that you would like to know that approximately 6 hours before you were speaking in your sacrament meeting, I too spoke to the members. Elder Dawson and I received assignments to speak on la obra misional…como siempre (missionary work). So we talked and they went well. Elder Dawson basically taught about the Restoration and it was hard core. I related a story of how a 5 year old boy in Chile, after sharing the Book of Mormon with his cousin, helped prepare her for baptism, and not only her but she shared the Gospel with her friend. So because of this selfless faithful act of a 5 year old boy, the lives of two Young women were changed. I talked about the need to develop Christlike or childlike attributes to help us be more effective instruments en las manos del Señor (the hands of the Lord).
We had a zone conference yesterday and it was great. We learned a lot and I just love being with the missionaries. There is a powerful spirit when 70+ missionaries get together, with the united purpose to learn how to serve the Lord better.
Well I have to write my letter to the misión president right now, but to answer your question Dad, I am not quite sure what to tell you. I always did that because I knew that it was the right thing to do. I don´t say that bragging, but it was just what I did. I didn´t even want to risk not having bread for the Sacrament, and have 200 people wait on me. So I always wanted to do everything possible to ensure that the sacrament was blessed on time. I realize now how great it was that I did that and how much of a sacrifice it is to do that, bringing the bread or an extra loaf, but when I was 14 o 15, it was something that I just did. I don´t think the answer no passed my mind. I wish I still had that same innocence, because that faithful obedience brings big blessings.
I have learned a lot on the mission that to the degree that we obey Christ's teachings is a measure of how much we love him. Actions speak louder than words, and everything that we do, should be done, because we love the Savior and want to serve him. I am not sure how you can help a quorum of teachers understand that and their sacred duty, but I feel that the root of their obedience and desire to hearken to the counsel of their leaders is the love or the lack of love that they have for Jesus the Christ.
I love you all and have a fantastic week.
What are some things that we can do that we are not doing, to show Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that we love them?
I love you all,
Elder Driggs
P.S. Look unto Christ in every thought. Doubt not, fear not.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
April 14, 2010
Dearest family,
Well it sure sounds like life continues to move on in at home. I am glad that things are busy and that people are involved. Always better than having too much free time. I love the aspect of the mission. We always have something that we have to do. Always!!! It was hard at first, as your body isn´t used to always working, but now, it is the other way around. If I find myself unconsciously wasting time, I will realize it very quickly, and will do something more productive. At general conference in between sessions, we had about 2 hours just to eat and hang out with members, investigators, and other missionaries. It was so weird to have so much free time. I like being busy doing good things.
This week has been a harder week as a missionary. We are really trying to get a baptism this month and hardly anyone is willing to act so soon. We are trying to do all we can, but the work is hard. Sunday was probably one of the worst days I have had as a missionary. Church was great and we were able to pick up an investigator before and walk with her to church. She, Giselle, is great. She is from Brazil and has had tons of great experiences that have led her here. We are almost certain that in the near future, she will be baptized.
The first night that we taught her she began to tell us that years ago, in her country, she had listened to missionaries and they had invited her to pray specifically about Joseph Smith, like all good missionaries should do. She said that that night after she had said her prayer, she had a dream, in the which she saw a big white room with lots of chairs. Many of the chairs had people sitting in them dressed in white, but there were a few that were empty. She said that in her dream she knew that the people that were sitting in these chairs dressed in white were holy prophets, and she said that Joseph Smith was among them.
She said also that she knew they were still awaited more holy prophets to come to fill the empty chairs. This was a marvelous dream that she had years ago and we assured her that it was true and that because of it she knew that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God. This is just one experience that I have had that has showed me that we as missionaries are so small in this work, and that the real work, the work of conversion, is done by the Holy Ghost. That God testifies of righteousness and the reality of God the Father and Jesus Christ. This was a miracle and it shows that the Spirit really magnifies your calling as the people you are teaching begin to feel His presence and power.
Another experience that demonstrates the similar concept occurred last night. Michael Alvarez is a cousin of one of the most active families in the branch. He lives here in Aranjuez and has many, many relatives that are members, but he and his family have never really come close to the church. Every missionary that has ever worked her has tried to get him baptized but never have succeeded. Until Now….
Michael has come to church many times, but never consistently. He obviously understands what the church is, because his closest cousins are active members, so they bring him along a lot. About a month before Elder Carr left, we started teaching him pretty seriously with his cousins, but decided that it wasn´t his time. He came to the baptism of Jorge and felt the Spirit really strong there and started crying during the testimony of Jorge after.
So about 1 week ago, well actually last Friday, I asked him, ¨Hey, Michael, I have a serious question for you. When are you going to get baptized?¨ He first laughed and then realized that I was serious. He then asked, when is the service? I told him with a smile April 24th, knowing that it is really soon. He was silent for a little while and I assured him that we knew that he could be ready by that day. I asked him what he thought, and he said, ¨mas probable que sí (Okay, yeah, sure I will).¨
He didn´t come to church and we took that as a bad sign, but last night we saw him and without asking him he asked if we were still good for the 24th. I said, ¨claro que sí (For sure).¨ He told us that he was really sick with a fever and chills and we offered to give him a blessing. We explained what it is and then in front of his cousins, brother, and most importantly, his own mother, we gave him a blessing. In the blessing, I felt prompted to assure him that he is doing the will of God and following Jesus Christ. I also felt to tell him that in the future he would serve as a missionary and help others do the same thing and come unto Christ.
After Elder Dawson and I and a member gave him this blessing, there was silence for about 1 minute. He looked at me and I told him thank you. He explained that during the blessing he felt ¨a renovating force throughout his body.¨ He felt the Spirit as did all present. We had to leave right after, but I told him that one day he will have the same opportunity to hold the priesthood.
After Elder Dawson and I talked and I had a specific feeling that we as missionaries are microscopicly small in the comparison to the power of God. I had the realization as I have known for a long time, but never really understood, that we really don´t do much as missionaries. We are so imperfect and for investigators, Michael, and other people to feel the Spirit so strong, we know that it is not from us.
We surely are instruments in the hands of the Savior. And when we are trying to do His will, be obedient, and seek and follow His Spirit, we have these miracles. Where His love and power are manifest in such glorious experiences. I felt so useless almost, knowing that I did nothing to have that experience, but it was a good feeling, knowing that we are receiving divine help and that there is someone perfect that we can trust. I also felt very grateful and humble that my Heavenly Father let me have that special experience, to feel and know that we are worthy to have the Holy Ghost work through us, being very small and week instruments in the hands of the Master.
The Lord really does make us strong! I love you all, and may we all follow that little voice. That constant companion, even the Holy Ghost.
Love,
Elder Driggs.
Well it sure sounds like life continues to move on in at home. I am glad that things are busy and that people are involved. Always better than having too much free time. I love the aspect of the mission. We always have something that we have to do. Always!!! It was hard at first, as your body isn´t used to always working, but now, it is the other way around. If I find myself unconsciously wasting time, I will realize it very quickly, and will do something more productive. At general conference in between sessions, we had about 2 hours just to eat and hang out with members, investigators, and other missionaries. It was so weird to have so much free time. I like being busy doing good things.
This week has been a harder week as a missionary. We are really trying to get a baptism this month and hardly anyone is willing to act so soon. We are trying to do all we can, but the work is hard. Sunday was probably one of the worst days I have had as a missionary. Church was great and we were able to pick up an investigator before and walk with her to church. She, Giselle, is great. She is from Brazil and has had tons of great experiences that have led her here. We are almost certain that in the near future, she will be baptized.
The first night that we taught her she began to tell us that years ago, in her country, she had listened to missionaries and they had invited her to pray specifically about Joseph Smith, like all good missionaries should do. She said that that night after she had said her prayer, she had a dream, in the which she saw a big white room with lots of chairs. Many of the chairs had people sitting in them dressed in white, but there were a few that were empty. She said that in her dream she knew that the people that were sitting in these chairs dressed in white were holy prophets, and she said that Joseph Smith was among them.
She said also that she knew they were still awaited more holy prophets to come to fill the empty chairs. This was a marvelous dream that she had years ago and we assured her that it was true and that because of it she knew that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God. This is just one experience that I have had that has showed me that we as missionaries are so small in this work, and that the real work, the work of conversion, is done by the Holy Ghost. That God testifies of righteousness and the reality of God the Father and Jesus Christ. This was a miracle and it shows that the Spirit really magnifies your calling as the people you are teaching begin to feel His presence and power.
Another experience that demonstrates the similar concept occurred last night. Michael Alvarez is a cousin of one of the most active families in the branch. He lives here in Aranjuez and has many, many relatives that are members, but he and his family have never really come close to the church. Every missionary that has ever worked her has tried to get him baptized but never have succeeded. Until Now….
Michael has come to church many times, but never consistently. He obviously understands what the church is, because his closest cousins are active members, so they bring him along a lot. About a month before Elder Carr left, we started teaching him pretty seriously with his cousins, but decided that it wasn´t his time. He came to the baptism of Jorge and felt the Spirit really strong there and started crying during the testimony of Jorge after.
So about 1 week ago, well actually last Friday, I asked him, ¨Hey, Michael, I have a serious question for you. When are you going to get baptized?¨ He first laughed and then realized that I was serious. He then asked, when is the service? I told him with a smile April 24th, knowing that it is really soon. He was silent for a little while and I assured him that we knew that he could be ready by that day. I asked him what he thought, and he said, ¨mas probable que sí (Okay, yeah, sure I will).¨
He didn´t come to church and we took that as a bad sign, but last night we saw him and without asking him he asked if we were still good for the 24th. I said, ¨claro que sí (For sure).¨ He told us that he was really sick with a fever and chills and we offered to give him a blessing. We explained what it is and then in front of his cousins, brother, and most importantly, his own mother, we gave him a blessing. In the blessing, I felt prompted to assure him that he is doing the will of God and following Jesus Christ. I also felt to tell him that in the future he would serve as a missionary and help others do the same thing and come unto Christ.
After Elder Dawson and I and a member gave him this blessing, there was silence for about 1 minute. He looked at me and I told him thank you. He explained that during the blessing he felt ¨a renovating force throughout his body.¨ He felt the Spirit as did all present. We had to leave right after, but I told him that one day he will have the same opportunity to hold the priesthood.
After Elder Dawson and I talked and I had a specific feeling that we as missionaries are microscopicly small in the comparison to the power of God. I had the realization as I have known for a long time, but never really understood, that we really don´t do much as missionaries. We are so imperfect and for investigators, Michael, and other people to feel the Spirit so strong, we know that it is not from us.
We surely are instruments in the hands of the Savior. And when we are trying to do His will, be obedient, and seek and follow His Spirit, we have these miracles. Where His love and power are manifest in such glorious experiences. I felt so useless almost, knowing that I did nothing to have that experience, but it was a good feeling, knowing that we are receiving divine help and that there is someone perfect that we can trust. I also felt very grateful and humble that my Heavenly Father let me have that special experience, to feel and know that we are worthy to have the Holy Ghost work through us, being very small and week instruments in the hands of the Master.
The Lord really does make us strong! I love you all, and may we all follow that little voice. That constant companion, even the Holy Ghost.
Love,
Elder Driggs.
April 7, 2010
Dear family,
Conference was amazing. Like last year we were able to go up to the stake center by the temple and watch all of them except Sunday afternoon. I as well loved them all. The spirit is so strong during conference and almost all of my questions were answered. We also had 3 investigators come to conference including Paco, the brother in law of Jorge. He now has a baptismal date for the 24 of the April. We are very excited.
This week has been great. We are really pushing to have more baptisms here in Aranjuez as we have heard that this area is one of the brightest in the mission. We feel a sort of added responsibility to work harder and help more people be baptized. This require a ton of effort and focus, especially in following the counsel in Preach My Gospel, but it is worth every drop of sweat. We are working hard and we love it.
Today we went to Sol, a place in the middle of everything, in Madrid. There are tons of stores and restaurants, including the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor. It is a necessary stop to all tourists. We went there and had lunch with a member friend of Elder Dawson.
I think it is great that you both were asked to talk in Sacrament Meeting. I will have to think of some experiences that I have had, and maybe you can share them.
The French toast and bacon sure sounded good on Sunday morning. Of the things I miss from Provo, other than the family, it is the food. I love the way you cook mom and that is one thing I will want when I get back. La Carreta sounds good too, but luckily we have South American food every once in a while.
I hope that you have a great week and I will be praying for you as always.
I love you all and send my love to everyone, the family, friends, and the ward.
Thank you,
Love Elder ,Driggs.
Conference was amazing. Like last year we were able to go up to the stake center by the temple and watch all of them except Sunday afternoon. I as well loved them all. The spirit is so strong during conference and almost all of my questions were answered. We also had 3 investigators come to conference including Paco, the brother in law of Jorge. He now has a baptismal date for the 24 of the April. We are very excited.
This week has been great. We are really pushing to have more baptisms here in Aranjuez as we have heard that this area is one of the brightest in the mission. We feel a sort of added responsibility to work harder and help more people be baptized. This require a ton of effort and focus, especially in following the counsel in Preach My Gospel, but it is worth every drop of sweat. We are working hard and we love it.
Today we went to Sol, a place in the middle of everything, in Madrid. There are tons of stores and restaurants, including the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor. It is a necessary stop to all tourists. We went there and had lunch with a member friend of Elder Dawson.
I think it is great that you both were asked to talk in Sacrament Meeting. I will have to think of some experiences that I have had, and maybe you can share them.
The French toast and bacon sure sounded good on Sunday morning. Of the things I miss from Provo, other than the family, it is the food. I love the way you cook mom and that is one thing I will want when I get back. La Carreta sounds good too, but luckily we have South American food every once in a while.
I hope that you have a great week and I will be praying for you as always.
I love you all and send my love to everyone, the family, friends, and the ward.
Thank you,
Love Elder ,Driggs.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
March 31, 2010
Dear Family,
Everything sure sounds great on the home front. I love hearing what everyone is doing and the exciting accomplishments that they are achieving. It sounds like Cari had a wonderful competition in St. George. Way to go Cari!!! I was super impressed with Mark´s talk. Holy Cow! It looks like we have a future general authority in the family. ¡¡¡Madre mía!!! And Cami, she is just all over the scale. Soccer, plays, and sounds like she has the biggest smile whenever I read her letters. Que bien!!! I love hearing about the family, my first love. And always mom and dad seem like things are busier and crazier than ever. As it should be as parents of 4 little angels...Right?
Well, this week has been another busy week. Elder Dawson has been a little sick with a cough and sore throat but we are pressing on. The baptism of Jorge Ca was absolutely wonderful. The president of the branch baptized him and in his testimony he said the words that have fed his fire from day 1. Me siento feliz (I feel happy). He has always said that as he has read the Book of Mormon, prayed, gone to church, that he has felt peace and been happy. We love him so much. He is so humble and his baptism was so wonderful and beautiful, with many members and family there to support him. He will be a member for life.
We are now teaching his brother in law, who was at the baptism and also felt the Spirit very strong, and sees the change in Jorge. He desires to share the same happiness and things are going very well with him. We challenged him to be baptized last night and he didn´t readily accept. We told him to pray about it and in about 15 minutes we will meet with him and Jorge to see how it went, to challenge him again. Luckily, he loves the Book of Mormon.
We are very, very excited for General Conference this weekend. I also get this excitement and hype before every one, remember the times I was able to assist there in Salt Lake, and now I get to watch, listen, learn, and rejoice with the saints here in Madrid, Spain. I am loving the work and my love for the people is growing everyday. I feel like I am at a hump right now with everything. The language, my knowledge of the scriptures and lessons, Preach my Gospel, etc. And the danger with this feeling is that I am not as motivated to push myself to learn the most I can. I need to keep going and not just settle for mediocrity, but to be the very best that I can. The best teacher, a great speaker of Spanish, and a great knowledge of the word of God.
I need to set some more goals so that I can focus my studies more on what I need to accomplish as a missionary, so I can help more the needs of our investigators. Many investigators are progressing and we are excited for them. We are doing a lot, and trying to work as hard and as efficient as possible, so that the Lord will be bound in preparing their hearts for baptism. We are motivated and desirous to bring more souls unto Christ. We are thirsty for more people to be baptized and it occupies our minds almost 24/7.
I love you all and absolutely loved Mark´s talk. My eyes moistened a little (men don´t cry...just kidding) as I read the story of the boy and the father. I sure am getting more sensitive as a missionary.
I love you all so much and hope that you take advantage of General Conference this weekend and the blessing of being with family. You and all of the family, including Grandpa, are in my prayers always. Please tell Grandpa I love him, from me.
Have a great weekend and send everyone my greeting and love.
¡Besos y Abrasos!
Elder Driggs
Rob
Everything sure sounds great on the home front. I love hearing what everyone is doing and the exciting accomplishments that they are achieving. It sounds like Cari had a wonderful competition in St. George. Way to go Cari!!! I was super impressed with Mark´s talk. Holy Cow! It looks like we have a future general authority in the family. ¡¡¡Madre mía!!! And Cami, she is just all over the scale. Soccer, plays, and sounds like she has the biggest smile whenever I read her letters. Que bien!!! I love hearing about the family, my first love. And always mom and dad seem like things are busier and crazier than ever. As it should be as parents of 4 little angels...Right?
Well, this week has been another busy week. Elder Dawson has been a little sick with a cough and sore throat but we are pressing on. The baptism of Jorge Ca was absolutely wonderful. The president of the branch baptized him and in his testimony he said the words that have fed his fire from day 1. Me siento feliz (I feel happy). He has always said that as he has read the Book of Mormon, prayed, gone to church, that he has felt peace and been happy. We love him so much. He is so humble and his baptism was so wonderful and beautiful, with many members and family there to support him. He will be a member for life.
We are now teaching his brother in law, who was at the baptism and also felt the Spirit very strong, and sees the change in Jorge. He desires to share the same happiness and things are going very well with him. We challenged him to be baptized last night and he didn´t readily accept. We told him to pray about it and in about 15 minutes we will meet with him and Jorge to see how it went, to challenge him again. Luckily, he loves the Book of Mormon.
We are very, very excited for General Conference this weekend. I also get this excitement and hype before every one, remember the times I was able to assist there in Salt Lake, and now I get to watch, listen, learn, and rejoice with the saints here in Madrid, Spain. I am loving the work and my love for the people is growing everyday. I feel like I am at a hump right now with everything. The language, my knowledge of the scriptures and lessons, Preach my Gospel, etc. And the danger with this feeling is that I am not as motivated to push myself to learn the most I can. I need to keep going and not just settle for mediocrity, but to be the very best that I can. The best teacher, a great speaker of Spanish, and a great knowledge of the word of God.
I need to set some more goals so that I can focus my studies more on what I need to accomplish as a missionary, so I can help more the needs of our investigators. Many investigators are progressing and we are excited for them. We are doing a lot, and trying to work as hard and as efficient as possible, so that the Lord will be bound in preparing their hearts for baptism. We are motivated and desirous to bring more souls unto Christ. We are thirsty for more people to be baptized and it occupies our minds almost 24/7.
I love you all and absolutely loved Mark´s talk. My eyes moistened a little (men don´t cry...just kidding) as I read the story of the boy and the father. I sure am getting more sensitive as a missionary.
I love you all so much and hope that you take advantage of General Conference this weekend and the blessing of being with family. You and all of the family, including Grandpa, are in my prayers always. Please tell Grandpa I love him, from me.
Have a great weekend and send everyone my greeting and love.
¡Besos y Abrasos!
Elder Driggs
Rob
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