back2back2back exchanges

What's good errbody?  Things are going great here in the California, San Fernando Mission!  This week flew by!  Another month down!  Time flies when you're having fun.

On Monday we were able to go to the ward picnic party.  It was a Pioneer Day party, but it was a BBQ, so we invited a lot of people.  We had a couple investigators show up, so that was really good, to get them situated with some members.  It was some good food, and good fun.

Tuesday we had weekly planning, and then right after, started an exchange with the Valencia ward Elders.  I was able to go with my mijo-Elder Kerr!  We biked all around in Valencia, and talked with a lot of good people.  We had a really good exchange, and it was good to be with him again.

Elder Martin and Elder Kerr

Wednesday, we worked in the morning, and when the time came, we exchanged back- then we immediately exchanged with the Spanish Elders.  I was with Elder Albertson, and we knocked for a good 3 hours before heading to dinner.  We ate with a strictly Spanish speaking family.  It can be akward sometimes- just eating their food but not saying a thing.  But we were able to go and teach English class to some non-members.  It's always a good way to get them comfortable with us as missionaries, and the church,

Thursday we exchanged back again, had district meeting, which was really good.  We were trained on teaching to commitments.  So whatever commitment is for someone, make sure we teach it throughout the lesson, rather than just at the end when we invite them.  We were able to put it to practice, as we were on yet another exchange, this time with the assistants. We were able to teach baptism throughout the lesson, so when we invited people to baptism, it wasn't completely foreign.  I was able to be with Elder Call again, who is such a good missionary!  We taught so many people, it was great!

Friday we exchanged back.  It was kind of a sigh of relief, 3 days without being in your area, or with your companion, really throws a curve ball at you.  It was good to settle down, though.  We also got to teach a couple of lessons together, so that was good.  We've been blessed with so many people to teach here in the last couple of weeks.  Hard work pays off!  Where much is given, much is expected!

Saturday was pretty open for finding new people.  We utilized it, that's for sure.  We were invited by someone in our ward, to attend a wake.  Some memorial thing, for a lady who lost her husband a couple of months ago.  We were able to talk with a lot of non members, and they really enjoyed our company.  It was basically an old person cocktail party...

Sunday was really good.  We had 2 investigators show up to church.  Sacrament was great.  There is a kid who is just about to leave for his mission, and he did so well.  It was great!  The Spirit was so strong!  We had combined third hour, at it was a great lesson.  Not on food storage this time, thankfully.  After church we went out, knocked some doors again.  Gotta do what you gotta do.  We were able to meet with some member and help them with their missionary efforts.  We met with some of the young men.  They are starting out by bringing their friend to the church today, to play ball. Talking with these young men, though, and their missionary efforts, really hit me.  It helped me realize how much I wish I shared the Gospel with my friends at home- The opportunities I could have, but didn't.  Don't have the same regret.  Share the Gospel with EVERYONE!

So far today we've got our shopping done, and been able to teach one of our investigators.

I hope you have the best week!

P.S. Happy Anniversary to my parents, come Wednesday!  I love you both!

Elder Martin

"My only phobia is words not spelled correctly, and the color of this car."  Elder Martin

"Discipleship is a journey...By patiently walking in the path of discipleship, we demonstrate to ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept God's will rather than ours."  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf