November 10, 2013- First Week

Hola papa y mama,

 So Thursdays are my prays (prep days for laundry and grocery shopping etc) and we only get 45 minutes to email families. But it has been great i live in Wyview which they made into a separate little MTC for just Spanish speaking missionaries. But i hear its a lot more laid back then the main campus but we got everything down here like a barber, laundry room, dry cleaner, creamery, and a book store so i am very blessed.

 So the Spanish has been tough especially the first couple days because they just non stop jam you with all kinds of stuff. My teacher is from Mexico and is a really awesome teacher that teaches with the spirit. My branch presidents is really cool and he's from Utah. His name is Pres. Bowen and his counselors are elder Mcracken and then Elder Doman. Elder Doman's little brother was the BYU football coach for that one year because i had heard that name before. But they are a great presidency that actually cares.

It's cold now and has been snowing on and off but at least the snow has not stuck. Im the only Hawaii boy from the Wyview campus and its kinda hard being by haoles 24/7 but it will be okay. They already got us teaching a fake investigator and it has been brutal. Half the time we are in the room looking down at our notes but then when she asks a question were done hahaha. I can understand her but i cant express my answers and feelings to her which is such a frustrating part about it.

I memorized the baptism invite in Spanish and she said she didn't know why she needed to get baptized twice because she is Catholic. I knew the answer but I couldn't express my feelings to her which is the worst feeling.

I have been working hard but been very impatient with myself even though it has only been my first week. Then while reading my scriptures I read of the sons of Mosiah who were impatient because they wanted to teach the Lamanites which was a pattern I found. Anytime a prophet in the Book of Mormon and the bible was converted and had a change of heart there first reaction was to teach the people of the fruit of knowledge like in Lehi's dream. But in Mosiah God told them to be patient but they were so ready! But when they obeyed god had prepared the Lamanite's unto the sons of Mosaiah so i guess i just need to be patient. Like the sons of Mosaiah. But it doesn't mean I'm doing bad in Spanish because I can pray. bear my testimony, say the missionary purpose, and invite others to baptism which is not too bad. I had a preconception that I could use my charms or my personal skills to baptize people but this whole time I was wrong. If i'm obedient and I am faithful then the SPIRIT will guide me to what I need to do. I m only an instrument of God and that the spirit does the teaching which really humbled me.

Well time is running short but let me know whats going on. I would like a box of candies and maybe my board shorts because everyone in my district got a box hahah My companion is okay he's from Snowflake Arizona and kind of a hick. But he is very spiritual which is important. He's 18 and a lot of times acts like it but L. Tom . Perry comes next week which is something I am excited for. But homework for you is to watch Bednar's talk on character of Christ because it changed my life. So ill quiz you next week.

Elder Durrett 

Love you guys! and the babies!    

**Elder Durrett speaks about Prophet's in the Book of Mormon, another book that testifies of Jesus Christ. We still believe in the Bible and use it also. All of these stories of Lehi, Mosiah and the Lanamite's can all be found in the Book of Mormon. Leave a comment for your free copy!

     

Elder Durrett at the Missionary Training Center in Utah