We actually haven't gotten started on learning Mizteco yet. :/ We've been
so busy with all this other stuff going on we've hardly had time to talk to
Hermana Garcia. We'll get it done though. We had a crazy week, we taught a lot
of people and saw a number of small miracles. We went to visit a very
recent convert, but she was busy so we talked a while with her husband, who's been a long-time member. Turns out that he has been going through some
really tough times, and just broke down in front of us, and it was all we could
do to help him feel better. He seems to be doing quite better though.
Today is gonna be hectic; we've got a half P-day because we're going to
L.A. to go to the temple Wednesday! ^ - ^ The rule out here is that you get to
go on your birthday month, but Elder V didn't get the opportunity to go last
month (Whoo Octubre!) so the President gave us the go-ahead to go now. As a
result, we only have until three instead of six to get all our chores done. O-o
So, tell Bishop Roselund that I'm exceedingly sorrowful for lack of time to
write him, but I will do so soon! It's not that I haven't wanted to write him,
it's just incredible how packed our days are.
One thing I think I've learned a lot about since getting here is how to
pace yourself. President Castro likened the mission to a marathon the first day
we were here, and I've seen a lot of that out here. Elder V is a great example
for this. There's a lot of "hot" and "cold" missionaries, out here, and it's a
constant battle for President to get them to level out. The cold ones are
hyper-disobedient; and don't care a bit about the work. The hot ones are so
absorbed in "following the rules" that they miss one of the first ones:
Missionaries should strive to understand the spirit of the law. Like the
pharasies of Christ's day, they take the rules and build fences around them to
the point that they forget the purpose of the rules. The most important rule is
to love the people; and I've already seen a lot of missionaries who don't
realize that. It's possible to be exactly obedient, and be relaxed at the same
time. After all, in a marathon, if you run the first mile at your PR, you're
not going to make it. X _ x
Thanks a heap for the letters! I love hearing from all of you; and I'm
sorry that I probably won't have a chance to respond this week. But I love you,
all of you. I know the gospel is true. I've seen some pretty awesome stuff out
here, and I'm only three weeks out! I never imagined I'd be able to teach like
I have been, and I know that it's by the Savior's power that it's possible. Stay
strong, do what you have to do, and don't worry about the rest. I know that His
plan for us is greater than anything we'd ever be able to work out for
ourselves, so look for it: ask Him what he wants you to do, and be excited about
it, because it's going to be great.
Love,
Elder Matthew Clough
