Elder Thompson: Called to Serve: Oh, What a Relief it Is!

Dear Family,

That was the first time I have had 31 new letters in my inbox! Thank you.

This week was a wild one. A lot of changes happened. Well, Elder G. is home now. We had special [emergency] changes. We could not get along and I was trying to be obedient, and well, he wasn't. I then learned the blessings of obedience. Right when I got Elder Puerto, I was blown away with how great things were for the first time in 4 weeks. We got four people to church and a baptism! We went to Rafael's house for the first time in a long time and he told us he wanted to get baptized. Well, Elder Puerto is the AP and so he interviewed him. He came out and told me, "Elder, this investigator is the best I have ever seen. He interviewed ME!" Rafael had assisted [attended church] for awhile but just always disappeared. We went to church together and he was so excited and nervous.

The sisters also baptized that day. His name is Santiago. He is nine. After Church we went to the baptismal service, and the primary did a special song. It was "I love to see the temple." If I remember right, that was sung at my baptism. I cried. Rafael cried. Everyone cried. It was so awesome and I have some pics to share of my best convert. It was by far the most powerful experience of my mission.

I had such a good week. I now have another companion and his companion went home early too, so we have been very relieved the past two days. His name is Elder Mason. He is very calm and very obedient.

I am so thankful for all the letters I received to give me hope. I won't be going home any time soon. I'm sorry for the last couple of letters; they were unprofessional. These things are not appropriate. Mom, I did not get my birthday package and what do I want for Christmas? CHRISTMAS MUSIC FROM MOTAB. And some jam...and maybe some honey.

I have been having such a crazy change here, and it sounds like I will be in Atlatlahuca for a couple more months. I am excited to talk to you this Christmas and I will be turning 20 this week! Wow, I am starting to feel old in the mission too.

I also talked with president, and he told me very clearly that I have too much potential to go home. He helped me a lot. And, Mom, I did not tell you that a boiler blew up in my face [and singed off my eyebrows and lashes] because I knew you would probably call President. To tell you the truth, it was hilarious. Everyone in the mission knows what happened to my face. Also, another Elder Thompson entered into the mission and he also had a boiler blow up in his face as well. It has been a funny joke.

Well, family, I got to go but enjoy these PHOTOS!!!

Love,

Elder Thompson