February 25, 2013

Hey Mom! This week has been really good, even though I had to say adios to Elder Benfit on Tuesday. We didn’t really sleep a whole lot our last night together. We were both up till like 3 am while he was packing and we still woke up at 6:30 the next morning. I’m now training my son Elder Rivera, from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuaha. He’s a really good elder, and is super excited to be here. He’s only 18 years old and the Mexicans that come from the MTC here are only there for 2 weeks and then they send them to the field. It’s weird to think that like 3 weeks ago he was still with his mommy. I’ve really realized how much I’ve grown up and matured here on the mission, and i don’t like thinking that I’m an old man now in the mission sense. I also was made District Leader this week, and it’s been pretty crazy with that and my new companion. They put a lot of pressure on us here as leaders, but I like it and I’ve been working super hard and learning a ton. We baptized Concepcion`s son yesterday, I was so happy that my companion could baptize somebody his first week in the field. He’s super excited too and already sent pics and told his mom all about it. I’m such a proud father! I’m also really happy for Concepcion, because one of her sons got baptized, and her other son has been coming to church the last couple of weeks but isn’t married so he’s still not quite ready, but through her example and how much her health has improved since her baptism, all of her family is getting to know the church. I still haven’t got the Valentines package; I’ll let you know when I do. Thanks for confirming that person on Facebook, he’s one of my good friends here, he’s 14 and got baptized a couple of months ago. I had heard a rumor from another elder that they were going to change our mission, that’s crazy you heard that too, I’m sure its true then. The change would happen in July, I’ll keep you updated. I’m sorry you’ve been so sick mom I’ll be praying for you, I love you and hope you have a great week! Elder Johnson My new "son", Elder Rivera Chicken feet. Everyone here loves them, I think they smell bad!! The baptism of Concepcion's son. My Zone