April 16, 2018

Mom and Dad,

This week was another kind of tough one. I am really starting to realize exactly why people say that serving a mission is so hard. That being said if its hard now that means im learning and improving and will be better off later.

We have one investigator that is really progressing right now and has a baptismal date for this Saturday. His name is Uriel and he is sixteen. Every time we meet with him he is very interested and insightful and that makes it really fun to teach him. Even though he is just sixteen he is very mature and really has his head on straight. He has a lot of faith as well, that's one of the things I love about the people in Mexico, in general they are a people of faith.

Dad, thanks so much of sharing the story about kel and your spiritual insight. Your comparison is spot on and I can definitely relate especially after this week. I also loved hearing about the land cruiser. I have so many memories of putting something all together and then having to take it all back apart again because of the tiniest mistake. It's maddening but its also how we learn.

Mom, I am always impressed with the missionary moments that you share with me. It encourages me to think of the people that we run into that really are prepared and who truly appreciate and apply the gospel in their lives. It's good to know that I am in your prayers, thank you. Us missionaries need all the divine help that we can get. There is nothing that I can think of that I need here. I'm not sure what i'll do with a package just now. In reality I don't have much time to need anything more than the basics. If you want to wait a little to send the package I can try to think of anything that I need. More than anything I love to receive the handwritten cards and letters that you send me. Thanks so much for thinking of me!

I love you guys so much and hope everyone is doing well

April 9, 2018

Mom and Dad,

It's good to hear from you as always. I knew Adam would be leaving soon but it's still a surprise to hear that he really took off this week. It's only just hitting me that we will likely never live all together as a family again. When I left I unconsciously felt like I was stepping out of life for two years and that when I returned everything would be the same.It's still a little surreal to hear about all the things that are happening back at home. I'm glad to hear that adam made it to california safely and hope that he is doing well. I am of course worried for him but I hope that with the responsibility of living on his own he will start to learn and grow into the person that he has the potential to be.

This week it feels like not much happened. A lot of appointments fell through and we spent a lot of time out in the street walking. We did however have some good experiences too. Sergio and Anabell are a couple that the missionaries here have been visiting for months. Sergio is a less active member and Anabell is just learning about the church. They aren't married and their situation has been a little complicated so they haven't really been able to progress much. This week we visited them and anabell said she really wants to be baptised but is frustrated because of their situation. In the end she and sergio set a goal to get married in 2 months so that she can be baptised! We also visited a less active member family this week and found out that they are mariachis. That visit turned into a mariachi jam session and was one of the most enjoyable parts of the week.

Unfortunately I am out of time but know that I am doing well and love you all. Bit by bit I am trying to improve and become a better person and better missionary. It's never easy but the important things never are. I hope everyone is doing well at home and that you have a fantastic week.

Love

Isaac

April 2, 2018

Mom and Dad,

As has become usual this week flew by. The expected and notable highlight was conference which, as missionaries, is both a huge break and a boost. Unfortunately it was all in spanish and it's just not the same. To not be able to hear the prophet and the apostles in the voices that we know so well was a bit of a bummer. Also the translation into spanish misses the eloquence and humor that makes it so engaging to listen to our church leaders. That all being said it was still a hugely uplifting experience. Also what exciting and sweeping changes! As missionaries we won't really notice the differences in full but going forward things will be different. What an exciting opportunity to refocus and rededicate ourselves to what it really means to be a latter day saint.

One of my favorite parts of conference was the remarks that pres. Nelson gave at the end of the priesthood session and especially his closing remarks. He has all the priesthood stand starting with deacons and going through all the levels of the priesthood until all were standing and then we all sang together. What a powerful experience! Unfortunately whomever chose the hymns hasn't read the spanish hymnbook recently because there is no translation for either of the hymns that we sang in that session for spanish. As a result the vocal participation in Mexico and latin america was likely very low during those musical numbers but the spirit was felt nonetheless.

Also, today marks one week in Independencia and this week I have had the chance to get to know my new companion, the members, and the area here. Elder Rodriguez and I have gotten along very well. We seem to have a lot in common and I have enjoyed our first week together. The other night we were talking about what music we like and he started singing parts of his favorite songs. I recognised many of them and joined in. By the end we were singing all the beatles songs that we knew together. Technically the beatles are not missionary approved but I thought it was awesome the way we were able to relate based on the music we love. This is one of the things I love about music, the way it can bring us together when we share it.

I have also come to know and love the area I am serving in a little more. Today we went for $1.50 haircuts at a barbershop where students train and learn to cut hair. It reminded me of dad one of the first times he went to get his haircut in provo. The fact that they were so cheap was great but it was also the best haircut that I have gotten here in Mexico, go figure. In our area as well there may or not be a costco. Its right on the border and I'm not sure whether it's ours or not but I think we will definitely be able to go.

I loved hearing from both of you about Brian's piece being played by the BYU orchestra. How exciting! I wish I could have been there to hear it, please congratulate him for me!

That's as much as I have time for this week but I love you guys so much and love hearing from you about how things are going. I especially loved your insights from conference. I hope all is well at home and look forward to hearing from you next week!

Love Isaac

March 26, 2018

Mom and Dad,

This week absolutely flew by. On saturday we had to wait all day to hear about transfers but when we finally got the call we heard that Elder Mora would be staying in Tecate and that I would be heading to tijuana to receive my new companion and new assignment. After almost 5 months in Tecate I was at once expecting a new assignment  and in part hoping to be able to stay in Tecate for another transfer. We managed to find a member who could give us a ride and this morning arrived in good time here in tijuana. I received my new companion (Elder Rodriguez) and our new assignment to the Independencia area of tijuana. I know almost nothing about the area or elder rodriguez so far but from what I've seen I really like the area and it feels good to be living in a more urban area again.

Unfortunately that's all I have time for this week but I'll send more in the way of details next week.

love you all!

Isaac

Ps, dad, thank you for putting up the blog, of course it's fine for you to post my letters!