Siiiiiiiick Week for Elder Hoots

Even though letters were promised, we still didn't get any this week.  But he did come through with a solid letter.

Check it out below...

This week was siiiiiiiick. Like literally. I had the sneezes for like four days and I was sneezing so much I hurt my back. haha. And then the other night they gave me chilis that I almost killed me, I was dying. So freaking spicy. I am not good at those types of things. haha. And lets just say its playing games with me here. haha.

We had some sweet experiences this week. First was Dolores. She is scared about changing her religion because she has been Catholic all her life. Me and my companion took specific time to plan a lesson for her. It was a sweet lesson too. When we went to the lesson, she said she read the Book of Mormon for the first time and was really searching. She said, she found a lot of things that really helped her. That was cool. My testimony grew with that that the Book of Mormon really is the word of God and helps us with things that we don't even know we need at times.

After she told us that we started talking a little more and we were about to start doing the lesson that we planned when, well we didn't.  I'm not sure why, it just didn't seem right. My companion asked a question and it was perfect. Then we talked and taught. I just started talking and honestly I don't remember what I said. After we talked I felt like I should just ask her about baptism. So I did.  I asked if she would be baptised April 28th.   And she said she would.  So sweet.  I looked at my companion and he had a big smile on his face and I couldn't help but smile.  It was so awesome.

This past Saturday we had 2 baptisms. David Sanchez and Karla. There was a good attendance and it was nice.  It went well.  One funny thing happened to both of them.  When they came out of the water they gasped really loud. I thought they were drowning.  Its funny, we try to give them pointers on the easiest way to do it and they get in and don't do it anything like we said.   Then after they say "That was hard."  Well if you listened to how I told you to do it it wouldn't have been. But hey they are nervous...we can't blame them.

Well I have to express my feelings. I am not gunna lie, the mission is freaking hard. Whoever says it is easy, is lying. Away from your family and friends and all for two years. A little crazy. But I feel so good to be here. Me and my companion were talking and he said, "I feel like I am Mexican now." He is from Chile. I just looked at him and shook my head. Then when I started thinking about it I said, "dang I fell Mexican too." haha.  We were talking about the things that we do here that we don't do in our homes. First of all, every meal HAS to have salsa and tortillas.  Also, we speak Spanish all the time.  It's just funny that after being here for so long we are now living on our own like the people here would.  Obviously people know that I am not from here. But we start talking about things that everyone does that wouldn't make sense in other places but they do in Mexico City. I love the people here. Especially the members and investigators. Such awesome people. So grateful to have them in my life.

This week was 11 months in the mission. It's crazy how fast it has gone. Super fast. Every one says your second years goes faster.  I guess we'll see, but I'm not done with the first year yet.

As I was saying, it's hard. A lot of times I am disappointed or sad or homesick. But I wouldn't change anything for the world. No matter what happens I know that God has a plan for me. He has a plan for all of us. It's just if we decide to follow it or not. He wants all of us to be happy and He gives us the resources to be happy. I am trying to use those resources better. I invite all who don't know what resources are available to find them. When you find them, use them. One of them is prayer and that is for everybody. My Heavenly Father has given me more peace then I thought was possible.  And I know that he will continue to.

I love you all and pray for you all the time. Miss and love you tons.

Elder Jaramillo

P.S. time got away from me this week and I don't have time to send pictures. But next week, I promise, they are coming.