Well
first things first, the fun stuff: We started off the week with an
awesome takeover of the soccer cage. That's right, the HERMANAS took
over the cage. And we played cage soccer in the rain and it was flipping
fantastic. Really though, it was amazing and so so so fun. And for all
of you that don't understand why this is so cool or awesome, the
Hermanas are NEVER in the cage because the Elders never leave it. And
when we finally took it over, the Elders could not believe their eyes.
So really, we became the coolest people in the CCM and it was wonderful
despite the fact that I am terrible at soccer.
Super awesome
thing number 2! (This is for you, Dad), we had CHOCOLATE TRES LECHES in
class because it was an Elder's birthday in our district. So basically
my teachers are the best people in the world, and you don't have a
complete trip (or 6 week stay) in México without having an authentic
tres leches cake. it was amazing and fantastic and was just as delicious
as you think it was. And more ;)
Also, this week was a week
of rain. You know the phrase raining cats and dogs?? Yes? Well that
happened this week. again. and it was fantastic.The streets of the CCM
were flooded and I got to wear my amazing rain boots again and get
teased for being so excited about them. But it was so very worth it ;)
AANNNNDD
it was MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY YESTERDAY!! So basically all of Mexico
was having one big party ;) It was so so so much fun to be here in
México for their special holiday. Here in the CCM, all of our language
study was cancelled and we had a Mexican night filled with amazing
dances and songs of Mexico. And over the past few weeks, we have been
learning the Mexican National Anthem. So at the end of the presentation,
we had the flag ceremony and all of the missionaries in the CCM sang
(or rather shouted) the Mexican National Anthem together. It was so much
fun and such a cool experience! It is such a blessing to be able to see
a different culture, and especially one that is a part of my heritage,
like that. It was kind of like getting a hug from Mexico ;) and what was
just the topping of the cake (tres leches cake to be exact) was that we
got to go to the Mexico City Temple today as well! We weren't able to
go inside and do sessions because its closed for renovations, but we got
to go to the Visitors Center and talk with the missionaries there which
was just super awesome! All temples are just amazing and such a
blessing. And lets be honest, it was also a blessing to finally get out
of the walls of the CCM and see the city that we are living in ;) So we
got to experience so much of Mexico these past two days. And yes, we are
living in Mexico, but really the CCM is kind of like a little spot of
America here, so these past two days were really something special. I
just love it here so much and I can't believe that I only have a week
left! I mean, we say goodbye to people we meet and become friends with
EVERY WEEK. But now its almost my turn to be the one to leave. And thats
crazy. And somewhat terrifying. But I am so very excited to finally get
to Seattle and share what I know and love with real people!
One
other funny thing that happened this week. So my companion is amazing
and I love her so very much. And she looks like a little bit like
Jeanette McCurdy, the girl who plays Sam from iCarly, right? Basically
she is a celebrity here in the CCM because of it, and it is the funniest
thing ever. We have had grounds workers, to teachers, to fellow
missionaries all come up to us and ask about it.So we had a bunch of
Latina friends just leave this past week, and we were all taking
pictures with them outside of the Comedor (lunchroom), right? And after
we were done taking pictures with our friends, literally every single
latino elder comes up to us and asks for a picture with 'Sam' aka my
companion. So I think we took over 100 pictures with people that we DID
NOT know that day because my amazing companion looks like Sam from
iCarly ;) oh the adventures of México ;)
Last thing I want to
share with all you of amazing people is what I learned on a Spiritual
level. This past week, we have focused a lot on forgetting ourselves,
and giving ourselves completely over to the work we have a missionaries.
The Director of the CCM also spoke on this in one of our Sunday
Devotionals, and its was just one of my favorite talks I've had the
pleasure of hearing in the CCM. What he talked about was Lot's wife. Do
you remember her? The woman of the Old Testament who was living in
Soddom and Gummorah with her family when the Lord commanded them to
leave and to "not look back." Well, what did she do when they were
leaving the city? She looked back. And as a consequence she was turned
into a pillar of salt. She had not left the city behind in her heart,
and desired to go back. She didn't want a new life, even though she knew
it was a commandment of God to leave behind her past and never look
back. And that is why she was turned into a pillar of salt. Now, Im not
saying that anyone is going to be turned into a pillar of salt. However,
in a way, all of us have been asked to leave our own Soddom and
Gummorah. We have been asked to leave behind our old ways, habits, and
thoughts and we have been asked to follow Christ. We have been asked to
follow His example, and become more like Him. But we cannot do that
without change. Without changing ourselves. And it isn't going to be
easy. But we have been promised that it will be worth it. One thing the
director said that I really liked was that "Faith always point to the
future" and I know that that is true. When we act in faith, and leave
behind our pasts, without looking back in longing for them, we move
toward a better future where we are happier.God never said that any of
this would be easy. But He has told us that it would be worth it. It is
not always easy being a missionary and living with new rules, in a new
place, with a new purpose. But, I know that it is worth it. So that is
the message that I want to leave with all of you. Remember Lots wife,
and have a little more faith. And don't ever look back. The past is to
be learned from, not lived it. And the future is full of happiness and
endless opportunities. And go toward that future with faith.
I
love all of you, and hope that you have an amazing week. Today Mexico
City, Tomorrow Seattle!! (actually its next week, but you get the
picture)
¡Adios!
-He
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