October 14, 2008

I'll update you a little more on what's happened.  Um.... Kristen is still getting baptized!  Guess who she picked to baptize her?  ME!  :)  She said she wanted someone to do the baptism who was as excited about the baptism as her!  Man am I excited.  I LOVE missionary work!  LOL.  She hugged Elder Finger and me.  Her boyfriend, Jeremy, explained later how she probably shouldn't do it.  She was a little embarrassed, but she understood.  We had a good laugh about it.  She hugged us cause she was excited.  Nothing romantic like.  No need to be worried. 

We had a lesson with Chris today too.  He seems like he is becoming more open.  He's coming along.  He doesn't believe that the doctrine of the Catholics is right.  He actually emailed his dad and questioned him.  This is a big step.  Maybe he won't feel he need to hold back if his parents won't stop him.  He told us that he now understands why he has to be baptized by immersion.  He will make it.  Pray for him.  

Describe my stay at the MTC...  It was such a spiritual high, at the same time it was a blast!  Our zone had so much fun together.  There was a new drama happening every week.  People were going home left and right.  Side note:  Hermana Kliesler is back in the MTC and will be coming to the TSAM next transfer.  Back to the question at hand.  I was so ready to leave the MTC by the end of it.  I couldn't stand being there another second  I just wanted to teach someone real.  Everyone looked up to me because I was older too.  They expected me to change Dutson.  That was a laugh and a half because I wouldn't change him for the world.  Miracles happened to me in the MTC.  Just know that the MTC is very dear to my heart.  

What was it like meeting my mission president.  It was only slightly nerve racking!  lol.  It was tough.  It felt like meeting the prophet.  You know this man had the power to see through your soul, and would also be the one to decide your fate for the next 2 years.  He is sooooo amazing though.  He is always smiling.  He knows how to say things to rebuke you, but still make you feel good.  He has so much love for everyone.  Fun experience... Seguin hasn't had a baptism in like 3 years, the ward had lost all faith and trust.  Now we've had 3 baptisms, one a month!  When Pres. saw us, he gave us a big punch in the chest and said "You're doin' it in Seguin!!!"  Man, that felt good.  He used to be a star football player and coach... hence the punching.  

My first holiday in the MTC was Mothers Day.  Holidays and the outside world don't mean much in the MTC.  LOL!  I could barely remember what day of the week it was.  I would always have to look at my planner to know.  So it didn't mean much.  The first holiday that sucked was the 4th of July.   I told you all about that though.  It was a big "I miss Jami" day.  

Did I have a period of culture shock?  There wasn't much of a culture shock in UC.  Just tons of Texas pride.  I did have to get over the fact that not everyone is as elect as the people in the TC.  I didn't think there would be so much knocking.  I also didn't know there would be so many non-denominational churches.  The upset me!  It's the build-a-bear church.  I wanna keep this sin, but not that.  I don't have to go to church, he's in my heart. A lot of people are confused and refuse to pray.  The bigger culture shock was in Seguin.  Country Texas is for sure different than city Texas.  There is so much history in this small ghetto gang-filled town.  Cholos everywhere!  It's so poor, but you got your way rich too.  There is the biggest ranch here with exotic animals.  Tons of farm work and service to do.  Everyone is either a pure Texas hick or a gangster.  They have the most beautiful homes here too.  Wrap around porches and everything.  It's like South Haven here.  I love it so much!