Packing my bags!

Well this week was nuts!  I wouldn't mind if all the weeks left in my whole mission were like this past week. It was a roller-coaster. (Of course only the good though) First, on Monday we get a call telling us that our convert of only 2 weeks, Martha had just died. Then we have all of her family more seriously investigating the church; a family of 5, a family of 4, and her husband. They all have been sitting in on the lessons. Martha was the most prepared and had a testimony of the church. We also find 2 other new people that seem prepared. The family of 4 of Martha's family came to church this past Sunday! Last night we received a call that our other convert of 3 weeks, Ramiro got robbed and stabbed.  To top it all off, I am getting transferred out of this area. I am torn in two. Part of me wants to stay more than anything and the other part says "Yeah, 9 months, I'm good to go."

Anyway, so starting with Martha.  Monday was when we got the call that she had died. They do things really fast here in Mexico and so that night was her viewing. We received special permission from Pres. Bird to go. It was a really good experience. When we walked in, it was really weird. Mexico is predominantly Catholic so there were catholic paintings, very catholic paintings, on all the walls. When we arrived the family was in one of the rooms and then the casket was around the corner. I was doing great until I saw the casket. It wasn't Martha that got me, she looked so peaceful and so happy, which she is. It was what was on the hinge of the casket right above her. There were 2 photos. One of Christ in his red robe. It is really famous one, and the other of Christ leaving the tomb. It is on the Plan of Salvation pamphlet. When I saw those 2 photos, I had a huge wave of emotion hit me right between the eyes. I have never felt such assurance of the Lord's plan. Yeah, then the pipes burst and I am pretty sure the family was thinking "¿Porqué hay este güero llorando como niño? Ni aun conozco este joven tan guapo." Or in laymen terms "Why is this white kid crying like a baby? I don't even know this guy!" But it was great!! Then we had a devotional there with all her family. We sang hymns, my companion and I shared some scriptures. The Spirit was really strong and I know, without a doubt, that Martha was there and she was smiling.

So we have been visiting with the family of Martha this week. They pretty much all want to get baptized. Her grandson and his wife have a smoking problem and they are willing to do anything to quit. So I whipped up a concoction (credit to Elder Braxton Bassett. He is the Man) of milk and tobacco. Yeah, they were throwing up in no time!! It was awesome and I found a lot of satisfaction in it. :) But they are awesome. We also visited with her husband and the family of 4, which is the family of one of her sons. They had found something quite unique and wanted us to explain it to them. Read the very last verse of the whole Book of Mormon. What? You don't have a book of Mormon at your side every minute of your life. Oh wait, you aren't a missionary, oops. Don't worry, Elder Morris has your back!! Moroni 10:34 And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen.

Okay, are you ready? That scripture was found in Martha's Book of Mormon . The ONLY THING in her entire Book of Mormon that was highlighted. AND her book mark was still in Alma 7 so she hadn't even gotten to that point yet. Eh, Eh? How’s that for ya? That was really cool. So pretty much her whole family is really excited.

Then last night we get told that Ramiro got stabbed and robbed. Are we cursed? I don't know. But he is coming home today and we are going to check up on him. Poor guy. 

And finally, my time has come. I feel really grateful for the chance that I have had to serve in this area, with whom I have been serving with. It has really helped me grow and learn. I have felt such love for the people, for my companion, and the Lord. It has helped me more than I can express. I am sad to leave, but grateful for the friends and family I have made here. 

I am going to help the Lord hasten His work by working hard, no matter my circumstances. Where, when, and with who doesn't matter. It is how I am serving and in what manner I am loving the people. I am trying to be just the smallest kind of tool in the Lord's toolbox, but I want to be one that is reliable and trustworthy for the tasks that He needs me to do. Have a great week! 

Lots of love and stuff like it,

Elder Morris