NY News!

Hello to my wonderful family! So this week, my companion is cracking down on my email use, so I'll have to use a bit more brevity. Anyway, this was a good week! It sounds like it was a really good week for everyone else as well! I'm so glad to hear that you are liking Clovis. I wasn't worried about that because it seems like a great place. It must be nice to experience a little bit of a small town feel after being in southern California. Do you miss the beach yet? Jase! You are such a stud! You look great in your football gear. It's going to be hard, but I know you can do it! You won't regret sticking it out - I promise! The TP job on the house was admirable. I'm glad that somebody sent us off with style. Or sent you off I guess... I just consider us a unit regardless of geography. I really love hearing from you all and getting pictures. I don't think I could make it through challenging times out here without the support of all the great people in my life. I keep thinking about how much I admire people who choose to serve missions even when their family basically disowns them because of their choice. That would be unimaginably hard. I'm so grateful that you are supportive. 

Ok, so I'll try to think of some of the highlights of the week. I was able to go on an exchange, and that was cool because I could get a little bit of a different perspective. Also, I worked in a trio companionship for a day with an elder named Elder Jacobs who just left today. That was a huge learning experience for me. Elder Jacobs is a perfect example of what a missionary can become in my opinion. He loves everyone around him and he constantly is being inspired by the Spirit. It was while I was with Elder Jacobs that I had probably the coolest experience of the week. We had an appointment with a less-active couple, and so we went and talked with them for a little and then shared a spiritual message. These people haven't been coming to church, and they're living together and not married, so they aren't exactly living the Gospel standards. But, Elder Jacobs was completely inspired and he shared things with them that they absolutely needed to hear. He especially impacted the girl, Jessica. She was in tears throughout the whole lesson. At the end, she was like "what time is church?" It was awesome. In like 30 minutes these two people totally changed their priorities. They were at church this Sunday, and Elder Jacobs gave them both priesthood blessings, and I participated in the blessings. Once again he was completely inspired, and he discerned thoughts and feelings they had that they hadn't told us and that he couldn't have known without the Spirit. It was incredible, and I felt such a strong love for the two of them afterwards. I really think they're going to start making changes in their lives. The Gospel is true, and it can work miracles! I learned a ton from Elder Jacobs. It was really a blessing to be able to spend some time with him.

Probably the funnest thing we did this week was another "singing street sweep". This time, Elder Cabinilla couldn't come to play guitar, so I was all alone with my ukelele. But it was great because all the elders formed a tunnel going down the side walk and we all sang hymns and gave cards to people that passed through. It was great because there was a section of sidewalk where the Spirit was present, and I'm sure some people were able to feel that. Afterwards, we all walked to a subway station and played for a while in there. So now I can say I've played in a subway station! When our train came, we sang as we walked on, and kept on singing as the subway moved along. Every transfer we would get out and then get onto the next train and start singing again. It was so much fun! We were like a traveling band.

Dad, I like how you mentioned that Christ commanded us to study Isaiah. I've been trying to make it through the whole book, and it's hard stuff! But I'm sure there are some real treasures in there. Also, Jesus the Christ is incredible. There is just the most profound stuff all throughout it. I recommend it to everyone. That's so crazy that a missionary got called to Melbourne Mandarin speaking! That'll be interesting. Chinese with an Australian accent would certainly be something I'd like to hear. Man, I need to start writing down what I want to tell you all, because once I get on the computer I just freeze up! I'll try to keep a list for next week. Unfortunately, Jose didn't get baptized this week. He's going through some really hard times with his family, and both he and his wife are having health problems. Hopefully next week will work out! I just remembered something really cool! So we've been doing all these crazy things in this area so we can make our presence known and get people interested in hearing more. A local newspaper noticed some of the flyers we've been putting up, and they are interviewing President Calderwood today! How cool is that? Lot's of people actually know who we are and even call us Elders sometimes because of The Book of Mormon musical, I think. It's one of the most popular shows on Broadway, and a ton of people are being exposed to the Church because of it. Though the musical makes fun of us, I've heard that it ultimately portrays us in a positive light. And was it Brigham Young who said that every time someone kicks the Church, they kick it upstairs? I think that's totally true. Well, I wish I could email for 6 hours, but I gotta go! I love you all so much, and I thank you for your letters, emails, and prayers. I did get the package! You are all the best! Seriously, that is heaven sent. But the letters are a little slower, so I haven't gotten them yet. At least I didn't get Jacob's... Hopefully soon! But honestly, thank you so much for being awesome! I will devour that granola with much gusto! You're all the best! I love you more than words can say. Clovis is lucky to gain such a great family! Every time you go swimming in your pool, I would appreciate it if you would make a cardboard cut out of me and place it in a lounge chair next to the water. That would be nice. If you could also place a delicious beverage in my cardboard clone's hand, then that would really be the icing on the cake.