Written by Elder Dallin Remund, currently serving in the Virginia Chesapeake Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Spanish.
Hello everyone,
Yet another week has zoomed by. I still remember counting down the days to Preparation Day the first few weeks I got here. Now they just come SO fast.
On Wednesday, we got to meet up with a family who we've now taught twice. They're both from Guatemala. We talked about the Book of Mormon and how important it is to gaining a testimony of the Church and of Joseph Smith. Their problem is going to be reading. The husband, Gorge, has a hard time reading small letters, and his wife, Eusabia, can't understand Spanish really well when they read. Their native language is what we call "dilecto," or really ancient languages that the Mayans used to speak. So they learned Spanish when they moved to the States. You don't come across that all the time! But we'll keep meeting with them and see how it goes!
We have had a harder time getting up with people this week! One thing I have realized in my time out in the field is that you make a LOT of phone calls and a LOT of people don't answer. "Your call has been forwarded to an automatic voice message system. So and so is not available...." Haha! Every day!
General Conference weekend was wonderful! What a great conference. I particularly loved Elder Ballard's talk that he gave on member-missionary work. It is true! President Monson has said that now, more than ever is the time for members to work together with the missionaries. If any of you back at home know any friends who you know need the gospel, but you're not sure how to go about it, listen to Elder Ballard's talk again and apply the things he has taught. So wonderful.
The music for the sessions was amazing as well! The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is getting really, really good. So neat to see Jane Fjelsted up there conducting the family choir. For those who don't know, Jane Fjelsted sang in the Salt Lake Vocal Artists with Mr. Thorpe. Very talented woman. Then Kelly Dehaan (West Jordan High choir teacher) conducted the Priesthood choir. Weird seeing familiar faces from home broadcasted to the whole world!
I am still loving it out here. Autumn is starting to hit and I will try to get some pictures. Remember the Lord loves you, and He will bless you as you stay obedient to His commandments!
Mucho amor,
Elder Remund
Let the Spirit do the Heavy Lifting
