Hey family!
Yep, that's right, me tocan los cambios (the changes touch me...that's the really weird Spanish way to say that I have changes tomorrow!). I'm almost completely packed up and I am headed to the Stake Center next to the Mexico City Temple tomorrow to find out who my new companion will be, and where I'm headed off to. I am ridiculously excited.
So my last week of my 4-month stay here in Atlicpac was pretty excellent. We ended with our highest numbers yet, and with 5 baptisms in this cycle (making 11 in my mission thusfar). I feel very content with the things Elder Pastrana, Elder Cab, and I were able to accomplish together here in Atlicpac.
We had two baptisms this past weekend, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. Saturday was so sweeeet, it was so great to be able to see David enter the waters of baptism after investigating the Church for so long (over a year and half, with one month in which he did not attend Church, and told Elder Pastrana and I that God told him that the Church isn't true). I feel like he's going to be a great leader in the future. Eduardo was baptized on Sunday--he's the brother of a less-active family that just barely started coming to Church again four weeks ago. Elder Cab and I were able to teach him, and he quickly accepted his baptismal date.
Truly, the Lord is fulfilling the promises that He made with the Lamanites in the Book of Mormon--and they are blossoming like a desert flower. I feel so blessed to be in the Promised Land, and to know that the field is especially white and ready to harvest here in Mexico. We don't worry ourselves with carrying seeds with us--just a good sickle. I love all of you and hope you had an awesome Thanksgiving, and are making all the necessary preparations in order to remember and commemorate the birth of our Saviour. For God so loves YOU, that He gave His only begotten Son.
We certainly do have reason to be grateful.
Elder Budge
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Boliche!
Hello Family!
This week has been very very weighted! That's how we say busy in Spanish! I can't believe that this cycle is already winding down, and on Friday I'll be burning a Tie to commemorate my Sixth Month-aversary. Time really is flying by so fast! I can hardly believe it.
As I said, this week has been very very busy. A few highlights:
Multi-Zone Conference. Holy incredible! The Area President of Mexico, Elder Johnson came and taught us for nearly three hours on Friday, and it was absolutely incredible. We discussed the 4th Article of Faith, and I've never ever learned so much in so little time. I couldn't believe we were able to spend so much time learning about such a seemingly basic principle of the Gospel. Zone Conferences are always such a great Spirit Re-Charger for me. We are so lucky to be led by leaders who are led by our Heavenly Father through his Holy Spirit.
Baptism! Elder Cab and I were able to have another baptism this past Saturday. Her name is Sandra, and she's the Ward Missionary Leader's daughter. She has met with missionaries off and on for the past year, and her parents thought it was impossible that she would want to be baptized. When we told them that we set up a baptism for her on Saturday, they were completely shocked and really didn't believe us. But her father was able to baptize her, and it was a really really great experience for all of us. She's such a great convert--always answers the questions in Principles of the Gospel. I love it! Love the work! If all goes well, we should have two more baptisms this week.
Today was definitely a day to be remembered. At 9 this morning, we went as a Zone to go bowling (or Boliche...heh heh), and I went to a mall for the very first time in Mexico! Our area is way out in the boonies, and a lot of it doesn't have paved roads, and we only have one commercial store. So I was pretty pumped about seeing a real Wal Mart and a really big, really nice mall. Parts of Mexico remind me of Southern California, but a lot less green. So anyway, we went to Burger King and the mall while we waited for the bowling alley to open at 12. We waited until 12 30 and realized that it doesn't open on Mondays...bummer. But we had some good laughs and took some good pictures. So we headed back to the Metro Station to go to our areas, when some Policemen on the side of the road stopped the Combi (small VW Van--public transportation) we were in. He opened up the sliding door and asked us if the Driver of the Combi was driving safely, and if we had smelled anything weird. I was pretty confused, when he asked us all to get out of the van. And then, yep, you guessed it--"Spread your legs and put your arms above your head." He frisked all of us, searched our backpacks, and then sent us merrily along our way. That's one thing checked of my list of things to experience in Mexico--be frisked by a Mexican police officer. We went home, and now I'm here, writing this letter. I really do have an ever-increasing love of Mexico.
Welp, as that one pig says, that's all folks. I hope everyone has a great week, and reads the Book of Mormon every day! I can't tell you how much it helps.
Love, Elder Budge
PS. Mom, my companion's full name is Humberto Efrain Cab Garrido. He's from Merida, Yucatan, and he's absolutely crazy. I love him very dearly. haha.
This week has been very very weighted! That's how we say busy in Spanish! I can't believe that this cycle is already winding down, and on Friday I'll be burning a Tie to commemorate my Sixth Month-aversary. Time really is flying by so fast! I can hardly believe it.
As I said, this week has been very very busy. A few highlights:
Multi-Zone Conference. Holy incredible! The Area President of Mexico, Elder Johnson came and taught us for nearly three hours on Friday, and it was absolutely incredible. We discussed the 4th Article of Faith, and I've never ever learned so much in so little time. I couldn't believe we were able to spend so much time learning about such a seemingly basic principle of the Gospel. Zone Conferences are always such a great Spirit Re-Charger for me. We are so lucky to be led by leaders who are led by our Heavenly Father through his Holy Spirit.
Baptism! Elder Cab and I were able to have another baptism this past Saturday. Her name is Sandra, and she's the Ward Missionary Leader's daughter. She has met with missionaries off and on for the past year, and her parents thought it was impossible that she would want to be baptized. When we told them that we set up a baptism for her on Saturday, they were completely shocked and really didn't believe us. But her father was able to baptize her, and it was a really really great experience for all of us. She's such a great convert--always answers the questions in Principles of the Gospel. I love it! Love the work! If all goes well, we should have two more baptisms this week.
Today was definitely a day to be remembered. At 9 this morning, we went as a Zone to go bowling (or Boliche...heh heh), and I went to a mall for the very first time in Mexico! Our area is way out in the boonies, and a lot of it doesn't have paved roads, and we only have one commercial store. So I was pretty pumped about seeing a real Wal Mart and a really big, really nice mall. Parts of Mexico remind me of Southern California, but a lot less green. So anyway, we went to Burger King and the mall while we waited for the bowling alley to open at 12. We waited until 12 30 and realized that it doesn't open on Mondays...bummer. But we had some good laughs and took some good pictures. So we headed back to the Metro Station to go to our areas, when some Policemen on the side of the road stopped the Combi (small VW Van--public transportation) we were in. He opened up the sliding door and asked us if the Driver of the Combi was driving safely, and if we had smelled anything weird. I was pretty confused, when he asked us all to get out of the van. And then, yep, you guessed it--"Spread your legs and put your arms above your head." He frisked all of us, searched our backpacks, and then sent us merrily along our way. That's one thing checked of my list of things to experience in Mexico--be frisked by a Mexican police officer. We went home, and now I'm here, writing this letter. I really do have an ever-increasing love of Mexico.
Welp, as that one pig says, that's all folks. I hope everyone has a great week, and reads the Book of Mormon every day! I can't tell you how much it helps.
Love, Elder Budge
PS. Mom, my companion's full name is Humberto Efrain Cab Garrido. He's from Merida, Yucatan, and he's absolutely crazy. I love him very dearly. haha.
Monday, November 16, 2009
B! Y! U!...Pumas?
Hello familia!
This week has been a pretty interesting week, to say the least. Elder Cab and I have been having a tough time building the Kingdom of God on the earth. But sometimes, we just need to plow through days like these with all of the energy of our hearts, and if we endure it well, God will bless us beyond our imagination! (see D&C 121:7-9).
We did have one pretty exceptionally awesome experience this week. These past few weeks, we have been teaching a lady named Sandra, who is the Ward Missionary Leader´s daughter. She is a really closed, private person, and we have a hard time figuring out exactly what she needs to hear. But this week, Elder Cab and I decided to have the Charla Franca (the frank discussion) with her, and tell her that we would no longer be able to visit with her if she couldn´t complete with her commitments. Elder Cab talked about how really, there are only two Churches in this world: The Church of Jesus Christ and the Church of Satan. I then explained to her why we work so hard toward baptism, because we know of its importance, especially when the Lord told us in Doctrine and Covenants that with greater knowledge comes greater condemnation. As I was speaking, she started to cry and cry, and after I finished, I asked her to share what she was feeling. After a few very long minutes of silence, she explained to us that earlier that morning, she had had a dream in which she saw Jesus Christ. She saw a big drop of blood fall from His body, and then saw two churches: The Church of Jesus Christ and the Church of Satan. We then spoke of baptism a little more—she´s going to be baptized this week. I cannot tell you how incredible and unbelievable that lesson was. Truly, this is the Lord´s Church. His only one.
I love you all, and hope you are praying and reading every day. Remember, those who have scriptures that are falling apart, usually have lives that aren´t. I know that that is true. There is Prophet of God Himself living on this earth—a man that receives revelation to guide the Living Church of Christ! How great are our blessings from our loving Heavenly Father.
I´ve attached some pictures—some cool graffiti, my new Pumas (cougars) jersey, and some others. Zion is growing!
Love, Elder Budge
This week has been a pretty interesting week, to say the least. Elder Cab and I have been having a tough time building the Kingdom of God on the earth. But sometimes, we just need to plow through days like these with all of the energy of our hearts, and if we endure it well, God will bless us beyond our imagination! (see D&C 121:7-9).
We did have one pretty exceptionally awesome experience this week. These past few weeks, we have been teaching a lady named Sandra, who is the Ward Missionary Leader´s daughter. She is a really closed, private person, and we have a hard time figuring out exactly what she needs to hear. But this week, Elder Cab and I decided to have the Charla Franca (the frank discussion) with her, and tell her that we would no longer be able to visit with her if she couldn´t complete with her commitments. Elder Cab talked about how really, there are only two Churches in this world: The Church of Jesus Christ and the Church of Satan. I then explained to her why we work so hard toward baptism, because we know of its importance, especially when the Lord told us in Doctrine and Covenants that with greater knowledge comes greater condemnation. As I was speaking, she started to cry and cry, and after I finished, I asked her to share what she was feeling. After a few very long minutes of silence, she explained to us that earlier that morning, she had had a dream in which she saw Jesus Christ. She saw a big drop of blood fall from His body, and then saw two churches: The Church of Jesus Christ and the Church of Satan. We then spoke of baptism a little more—she´s going to be baptized this week. I cannot tell you how incredible and unbelievable that lesson was. Truly, this is the Lord´s Church. His only one.
I love you all, and hope you are praying and reading every day. Remember, those who have scriptures that are falling apart, usually have lives that aren´t. I know that that is true. There is Prophet of God Himself living on this earth—a man that receives revelation to guide the Living Church of Christ! How great are our blessings from our loving Heavenly Father.
I´ve attached some pictures—some cool graffiti, my new Pumas (cougars) jersey, and some others. Zion is growing!
Love, Elder Budge
Monday, November 9, 2009
Hey Family!
Hello everyone!
I hope everyone is doing great this week. I can’t believe the way time flies here. P days come so fast. This week I had a really good experience that I want to share with you. Ok? Ok.
So the other day, Elder Cab and I were knocking doors, and having little/no really awesome super success, and it was very hot. I was getting a little impatient with knocking doors, because I feel like it’s the very least effective thing we can do as missionaries. I walked up to a door with Elder Cab, and heard people talking on the other side of the gate. I knocked the usual knock and they continued to talk without answering the door. I knocked again and said “buenas tardes!” but yet again to no avail. Elder Cab turned to me and asked me “Do you think they’re going to be cool?” I thought for a moment and then replied: “No…I don’t think so. Let’s go to the next house.” As we were turning to go to the next door, a thought came to my mind (in Spanish…heh heh) and said “No vamos a saber si seran chidos a menos que hablemos con ellos”. That being, roughly translated: “We aren’t going to know if they’ll be cool unless we speak to them.” I stopped, knocked on the gate again and said, almost shouting, “BUENAS TARDES!” A woman answered the door, and I introduced my companion and myself, explained why we were there, and asked if we could come in to share our message with them. She looked back at her husband, and then at her Dad, and there was a moment of awkward silence. Then, almost simultaneously, the three of them said “Yes, come in!” We had a really good lesson with them, and they’re going to come to Church with us this coming Sunday. I will never forget that simple phrase that came to my mind; and from now on it will be my motto. God has thousands of His children prepared to listen to the Restored Gospel RIGHT NOW; we only have to do our part to find out who they are. And how will we know who they are unless we talk to them?
I’m sending a bunch of pictures today, including one of the package Elder Cab received earlier today—his mom sent me American Candies and a sweeeeet tie!
Love you all.
Elder Budge
I hope everyone is doing great this week. I can’t believe the way time flies here. P days come so fast. This week I had a really good experience that I want to share with you. Ok? Ok.
So the other day, Elder Cab and I were knocking doors, and having little/no really awesome super success, and it was very hot. I was getting a little impatient with knocking doors, because I feel like it’s the very least effective thing we can do as missionaries. I walked up to a door with Elder Cab, and heard people talking on the other side of the gate. I knocked the usual knock and they continued to talk without answering the door. I knocked again and said “buenas tardes!” but yet again to no avail. Elder Cab turned to me and asked me “Do you think they’re going to be cool?” I thought for a moment and then replied: “No…I don’t think so. Let’s go to the next house.” As we were turning to go to the next door, a thought came to my mind (in Spanish…heh heh) and said “No vamos a saber si seran chidos a menos que hablemos con ellos”. That being, roughly translated: “We aren’t going to know if they’ll be cool unless we speak to them.” I stopped, knocked on the gate again and said, almost shouting, “BUENAS TARDES!” A woman answered the door, and I introduced my companion and myself, explained why we were there, and asked if we could come in to share our message with them. She looked back at her husband, and then at her Dad, and there was a moment of awkward silence. Then, almost simultaneously, the three of them said “Yes, come in!” We had a really good lesson with them, and they’re going to come to Church with us this coming Sunday. I will never forget that simple phrase that came to my mind; and from now on it will be my motto. God has thousands of His children prepared to listen to the Restored Gospel RIGHT NOW; we only have to do our part to find out who they are. And how will we know who they are unless we talk to them?
I’m sending a bunch of pictures today, including one of the package Elder Cab received earlier today—his mom sent me American Candies and a sweeeeet tie!
Love you all.
Elder Budge
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Day of the Dead
Happy Third day of the dead everyone!
Yes, here in Mexico City there 3 days of the dead: the 31st, the 1st, and the 2nd. They remember their dead in categories: one day for those who died naturally, one day for those who died before their time, and one day for unbaptized babies. I'm pretty sure those are the categories..but I could have understood incorrectly. And also, while the kids are trick or treating, they yell SKULLS! and you have to give them candy...and if you don't have candy at hand, they accept money as well! It's funny...and cost us a few pesos. But all is well here in Mexico State. And no Mom, I haven't been sick ni una vez!
Sofia was baptized yesterday, and I had the privelege of performing the ordinance. She's going to be such a great member--she's always reading the Book of Mormon and always asking questions. My District Leader, Elder Acuna, told me that Sofia and I look like brother and sister. I strongly disagree, and unfortunately I do not have my camera with me to send photos.
I hope everyone is looking forward to this week, because I am! Thank you for your prayers and everything else that you've done to help us here in the Mexico East Mission. Love you all.
Be safe and be good!
Elder Budge
PS sorry this letter is kind of short...I spent most of time sending individual replies. Manos a la obra!
Yes, here in Mexico City there 3 days of the dead: the 31st, the 1st, and the 2nd. They remember their dead in categories: one day for those who died naturally, one day for those who died before their time, and one day for unbaptized babies. I'm pretty sure those are the categories..but I could have understood incorrectly. And also, while the kids are trick or treating, they yell SKULLS! and you have to give them candy...and if you don't have candy at hand, they accept money as well! It's funny...and cost us a few pesos. But all is well here in Mexico State. And no Mom, I haven't been sick ni una vez!
Sofia was baptized yesterday, and I had the privelege of performing the ordinance. She's going to be such a great member--she's always reading the Book of Mormon and always asking questions. My District Leader, Elder Acuna, told me that Sofia and I look like brother and sister. I strongly disagree, and unfortunately I do not have my camera with me to send photos.
I hope everyone is looking forward to this week, because I am! Thank you for your prayers and everything else that you've done to help us here in the Mexico East Mission. Love you all.
Be safe and be good!
Elder Budge
PS sorry this letter is kind of short...I spent most of time sending individual replies. Manos a la obra!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)