Wow, January is already come & gone! The days just seem to blur together & speed right past you. It's like Ferris Bueller once said, "Life moves pretty fast sometimes. If you don't stop to look around once in a while, you might miss it." This seems to be more & more true everyday.
I know that you are all anxious to hear about the baptism! So let me tell you about it...it didn't happen. Everything was going great & they were excited to be baptized. We had their interview the Wednesday before & as I waited I must admit that I was holding my breathe. I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen. I kept thinking about my blessing when I was set apart that talk about how many people would come close to baptism but would back out right before. Well, let prophecy be fulfilled. It turns out that the Rolan, the husband, still has a little bit of a drinking problem. We have gone back to them a few times this last week & are going back tonight as well. The first visit after the interview, Rolan was quite discouraged. We taught him about the atonement & how we need to have faith that Jesus Christ can help us. After the lesson, I didn't feel like he responded very well. However, every time that we return, he seems to be happier & he is gaining a stronger resolve to beat this problem & be baptized. The baptism is postponed but temporarily.
We have also been teaching a young girl, Lexus, & I can't tell you how amazing she is. A few lessons ago we taught her about the Book of Mormon & I dare say that it was the most powerful & spiritual lesson that I have had on my mission. We taught her about Joseph Smith & the restoration, continuing on with the Book of Mormon. As I taught her, tears filled her eyes as she was taught by the spirit of the truthfulness of this gospel. I asked her what she was feeling & she expressed to me that she had never felt that way during any other time of her life. She excitedly accepted the invitation to be baptized! However, it will still be awhile before her baptism. She has an unusual situation. She is 15 & lives with her aunt, a member, & doesn't have a good relationship with her parents who are both non-members. I could explain the whole process, but it would take awhile & I don't have a ton of time. Needless to say, the rule of the mission won't allow her to be baptized probably for the next 3-6 months, in which time, I am sure I will be transferred.
I loved everyone's e-mails this week & I am so happy to hear that grandma is doing better! I have been praying for her. I always love pictures & it's crazy to see how BIG Daxton is getting. It's weird to think that, in reality, his birthday (& my 1 year mark) are coming up soon! It's also weird to think that the next time we get to "google hangout" is also in May.
Me & Elder Lagundino are doing fine. The work continues to progress! Dad, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself as I read your experiences with a native companion. Chad & Casey I'm sure have similar experiences as well. There are definitely cultural differences that are at times difficult to overcome. I shouldn't say that they are difficult to overcome, rather my patience is very much tested. I haven't had to deal with it so far seeing that my companions have either been American or Tongan. Tongans are just laid back islanders so anything goes with them. Filipinos, however, have a very different way of doing things. Often times with my companion, it's his way or no way. I have to help him realize that we can't always do everything the way that he thinks it should be done. I don't mean this in a selfish way, I just mean that there are ways that President Schmutz wants us to do things & he just doesn't fully understand why we do something a certain way. I am patient with him, because I remember a time when I didn't understand why we did or didn't do certain things as well. He is doing fine. In fact, he is a great cook & very tidy! He makes me food & cleans the apartment, so I don't have too much to complain about!
We have a zone activity in Tanjay today, about 30 minutes away. I'm excited & I will try to remember to take some pictures for you all. Love you guys!
Elder Staheli
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