Week 6

Familia y todos que quiere leer,                                                                                         8/20/2012                                                                                                    

So a lot has been going on down here in the great Texas McAllen Mission! Its actually starting to cool off quite a bit so it makes being outside a lot more tolerable. Sounds like everyones' mission farewells went awesome! So wish that I could have been there to hear my buddies speak. They sound like they have changed a lot and I know they will all make great Missionaries.

So here in Santa Gertrudis I got to experience my first convert baptism! So legit! Ya we had other baptisms before that, but Lucas was the first one that I had found, taught, and eventually got to baptize so it was super amazing. A ton of the ward members even came so that was amazing and the family was super grateful for the support. After the baptism while Luke and I were changing back in to church clothes, there was a pretty long silence and then out of no where he yells, "Man I feel good!" haha coolest thing ever. He was so excited to get baptized. It was sorta sad though because his family was super against it and absolutely none of them even showed up to support him. He is so solid though and cannot wait till next Sunday so he can receive the Holy Ghost. Love this family so much!

The only damper on the day is that the Broadnax family did not get baptized. Parker and Paula had a huge fight which eventually led to Parker breaking the Word of Wisdom and he smoked. Super sad day to hear about that though because they are such an awesome family. So they are going to wait a few weeks maybe to get baptized. President Trayer called me and said that they need to read at least 30 pages in the Book of Mormon to get interviewed for baptism again. They have strong testimonies and are super dedicated to getting baptized. Hopefully every thing works out.

So a quick update on the companion status. Elder Porter is the new Sinton Zone Leader so he is still in my zone so that is super awesome. He will have to come on splits with me a lot so I will still get to see him. My new companion is Elder Ellsworth. President called me and said that Elder Ellsworth is very quiet so I am going to have to lead off the lessons. Pretty nervous for that but it will really improve my teaching skills so that will be legit.

Thank you so much for all the love and support :) Please tell grandma and grandpa Walton that i love the ties. Ellos son tan bueno, y sombroso, no cierto? (they are so great and awesome). To answer the questions from Dad. Yes the members have just caught fire with missionary work. When I got here we had about 56 active members and now we are around 174! They chapel is super packed all the time now. I get fed a lot so don't worry about that. I haven't gained any weight here yet. Elder Hunt and I share food and we usually eat pretty healthy so all is well :) love you all so much!

con amor 

Elder Sanderson

Texas McAllen Mission

p.s. Sister Trayner might sent you an email or call you. I fractured my right wrist doing some service and so I am in a soft cast for a few weeks. Maybe she already told you, haha but anyways its all good.