Baptize, Baptize, Baptize

Dear Family,

Man, this week has been so hard. Elder Rodriguez needed to receive another shot in his foot and he could not walk at all. We spent three days pretty much doing nothing. We learned a lot but it was definitely tough. When we could finally work, we worked the hardest I have ever worked, walking, talking and sharing my testimony with
everyone. 

I have been praying for Jordan a lot also. I have been praying for a lot of things. Elder Rodriguez and I finally can communicate with each other and we get along great. The members here are awesome but some are struggling with the bishop. I can understand Spanish nearly 90 percent. It's only when a person talks super fast that I can't understand.

We have had some seriously good food this week but the only problem is I have [Montezuma's Revenge]--like really bad--so much that my body aches. Other than that the rest is amazing. 

I can't even tell you how much I love this work. It is so hard, but when people get it, oh, I love it. We have another baptism this week and we are excited. We also have another investigator that looks really promising. I can't even express enough how much I love this gospel. 

I had to give a talk in church yesterday and I'm not going to lie, it was really funny because some people understood me and others didn't. You should have seen their confused faces. 

About my friends writing me--I cannot write them because it is a rule in the mission and my mission is seriously the best in Mexico with keeping rules. The motto is work, keep the rules or go home. Elder Rodriguez is always obedient and I am almost there. In other words, I cannot write Sister Davis, or Kinsie, or anyone outside of our family. 

My apartment right now is the size of my room at home and we love it. I have loved being here, but do know I miss you all so bad. I know that I'm not supposed to think of you but it is hard. 

Lane, if you want to be the best missionary you can be, you gotta think always: baptize, baptize, baptize. Nothing else--not family or your friends--nothing more. Baptism opens the door for the blessings of the temple. 

I love the food here but man, it is literally killing me. I have lost a lot of weight being here. I weigh around 125 pounds and before I was around 145. 

I am grateful for your prayers and support I will keep working hard and hope everything is amazing at home. 

Love you miss you gotta go bye!

Elder Thompson

*After receiving this letter, I messaged the mission president's wife and asked her to check on the withering one. I hope he gets some Immodium and Gatorade as per her (my) instructions...Twenty pounds? Oh, dear. He needed to gain twenty, not lose it.