April 30, 2018 Week #40 Algeciras Spain, Malaga Spain Mission "The Flip Side and food poisoning"

What's up everybody, this week was something interesting that's for sure. Not a whole lot went on but there is always ebb and flow in the excitement. 

Last Tuesday Elder Kärn and I both woke up puking at about 3-4 o'clock am and Elder May with a little stomach action out the other way haha. So we really didn't do too much because everyone was feeling horrible, minus Elder Chapple. It finally cleared up enough that we were able to make it out to an appointment with our investigator Vicente. 

Wednesday we had district meeting and then just contacted and passed by people. We found a super cool dude named Julio from Paraguay that invited us to come barbeque with him this week so well see if we can slip in some gospel talk as well. 

Thursday we did weekly planning and then worked La Linea, passed by some members and did a little teaching to Maria. She's progressing, she reads the Book of Mormon a ton but doesn't understand it. It's importsnt that when we read the scriptures it's more than just reading, we have to study them, really try to find the doctrine and principles there. In la Linea we do a lot of work with members just trying to keep them active, but it's always a good time. 

Friday was great. We got up early a took a bus down to Malaga for Zone conference. As a missionary, your usually not outside early in the mornings which is something this farm boy misses haha. We got to see the sun rise over the port which was super pretty. The zone conference was amazing as usual, lots good advice and counsel on how to become better missionaries and always fun to see everyone! It's nice to see some friendly faces that don't just say no and keep walking hahah. 

Saturday we balled out on the cancha always a good time. Then That night we just grinded out in the streets contacting. It's amazing to see the Lord place people in our path who don't even know it, but have been prepared to find the Gospel. Sunday was great church and then back out to La Linea to drop of some goodies (this time peanut butter bars) and check up on everyone there. Dolores, one of the less actives there has bad eyesite and can't read very well. She had her old Book of Mormon ruined by a flood and then never had the opportunity to get a new one. Yesterday we gave her this giant Triple Combination that so heavy she can barely hold it, but big enough that she can read it. When we gave it to her she just started to cry, she understands the importance of the scriptures and her love for them is so strong. Super awesome experience. 

One thing I thought about this week is the "Flip Side". What i mean by that is there are always two sides. On our way to Malaga we got out of our ghetto little drug filled streets of Algeciras and La Linea and it opened my eyes again to how beautiful southern Spain is. How different the two aspects are, one just completely disgusting and the other super enjoyable. Now what do I want to say from this? The world is filled with horrible things, but it's also filled with amazing things, IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU LOOK FOR AND WHAT YOU FOCUS ON! You can control your thoughts and I suggest you do!

I love all of you and hope you have a great week!

Sunsets and sunrises of Spain 

Mi hijos de la cancha ft. Ariel soon to be baptized 

One of my favorite dudes.. Ahem Elders haha Elder Krummenacher he's headed home but I learned a bunch from him back in Murcia and we kill it in the Field but nah we don't dance lol

To MOM:

Thanks for the update! Everything's good here, really not a whole lot to report on. I got my packages, thank you so much! I love my Reeses and Jelly Beans! I really haven't heard anything about the draft or BYU but I'm glad to hear the news! I love you so much, and am so thankful for your and dad's sacrifice for me. Tell everyone hello and that I love them. And tell dad happy birthday as well! I love you!