February 17, 2014

Hey Duders!

It sounds like everyone is in one piece at home. I am doing good here in Canutillo.  My adventure in Canutillo is coming to a close.  I get the boot tomorrow.  Elder Folsom is training again.  He trained a missionary before me and now he is training again.  He is a stud missionary and one of a kind.  I love him to death, and I am going to miss him a lot.  I am leaving Canutillo after 7 months.  It’s been a ride here, and it’s been super hard, but I know I was called here for a reason.  I am grateful for the chance I got to serve here and thankful the Lord called me here for my first area.  It’s a rad area, and I will definitely come back here sometime.  All I know is that I am staying south.  I don't know if I will go into the deeper south or stay in this area. They are splitting our zone so this zone I am in right now will be 2 zones.  Right now my best bets for areas that have changes are Chaparral, El Centro, and Anthony.  So we will see what will happen tomorrow.  I will let you know next week.  I also bought some boots and they cost 90 bucks.  I hope that's alright.  I like them a lot.

This week was a pretty busy week.  We were going to meetings, teaching, and saying goodbye.  All our investigators are doing pretty good.  Jose Fernandez didn't come to church this week because he went to Mexico.  We also think he drinks, and we have caught him, but he hides it every time.  He tells us he doesn't but we kind of know he does.  He is a stud but we are having some struggles with everything.  Luis, the painter, almost got the drop boot but just when we think we need to cool it off with him, he does something to work his way back up the ladder.  This week we weren't able to see him, and it was super frustrating.  We were walking to his house one day, and he was out in a white jump suit with a mask painting his car.  It reminded me of Walter White and it made me laugh.  We scheduled an appointment, and when we went back for it he was not there but left us a note.  Sunday night he texted us, and to our surprise he knows English and was texting us in English.  It was an interesting conversation, but he told us he will go to our church someday and that he was taking off to San Antonio and not to worry the hotel has a gym.  The whole conversation with him got us laughing pretty hard because he knows English and the things he was saying were just crazy.  Margarita, the crazy lady, told us straight up that she has a preacher come over and they study the bible and then do it.  We were stunned.  She is 60 years old and the preacher is like 30.  She is someone I will never forget.  I also got a picture with her that is priceless.  I am going to miss her drama. 

Me and Margarita

  I said goodbye to Chuy and Virginia De La Pena.  I love them to death, and I am going to miss them tons.  I told them I will come by when my mission is over, and Elder Folsom piped in and said “with your family”, and they were super excited.  I love them to death and they are something special.

Me with Virginia, Chuy, and Elder Folsom

  David, the miracle knock, was sad I was taking off, but I know he will get baptized someday.  I love him, and he is one of a kind. 

Edler Folsom, David, and Me

Paul, my man, is doing good.  I got a quick photo with him and then we left.  It was a really good week and a good way to end the transfer.  We found a lot of new contacts that are promising, and I know they will progress.

I loved your letters this week, and thanks for them.  I am off on a new adventure and a new part of my book.  Canutillo was and still is awesome.  I love the life here and the people, and I will miss it.  Thanks for the package.  I loved it and so did everyone.  You guys are one of a kind!  Thanks for everything you do for me and have an awesome week!  You'll hear from me Tuesday in my new area!  Take care, and you’re in my prayers!

Con Amor,

-Elder Smith

P.S Here are some pics!