This past week and a half has gone by very fast. I feel a lot more comfortable here and my Spanish is coming along now. There are some times when it's more difficult to speak, but there are special times when the gift of tongues is very powerful. It truly is a great opportunity and a blessing to learn Spanish from native speakers 24/7. I love learning Spanish!!!! My favorite discoveries since my last email are Bueno Bars and Manzanita Sol. Bueno Bars are made by Kinder (Like Kinder Eggs) and are basically a hazelnut kit-kat. They are worth their weight in gold among the missionaries! Manzanita Sol is a Mexican apple soda that is amazing! I've attached some pictures with the email. On the note of food, my companion decided to eat an entire Habenero whole last week. His entire face went dark red and I thought he was completely nuts!
My district has been bonding really well, and I feel like I'm good friends with everyone here. Elder Wheelwright and I have been spending gym time on the track running. I feel like I'm staying in shape, but I eat a lot more food here than I ever did at home. I have probably gained some weight, but I don't know how much.
And now for a random story from this week. I was walking into class one day after going to the bathroom, when Elder Raven from my district is pretending to drink my Manzanita Sol. He told me he didn't drink it so I just kept drinking it. Then a few minutes later, I find out that Elder Raven apparently has cold sores and he just starts smiling. I totally thought I was going to get his cold sores! I was pretty mad and he wouldn't tell me if he had really drank it or not, until the morning. In the morning I found out from him and some other elders that he really didn't drink it, but for a little bit I actually thought I was going to have cold sores for the rest of my life! I know this is a pretty weird story.
Last week we had our first room inspection, which we failed. I was not very happy about that, especially since my bed and closet and received perfect approval, which my companion didn't make his bed or lock anything up. It's okay thought, our room is a lot cleaner now, and it shouldn't be a problem in the future.
On Sunday, we watched an amazing recording of a past MTC devotional from Elder Bednar. It was about the character of Christ and I loved hearing the apostle's profound insights on the scriptures. Elder Bednar shared that continual conversion and an understanding of Christ's character is essential to ensure that we never fall away from the church. Christ was always concerned about others, and He lost himself in His work. The more we can be selfless, the happier we will be and the more Christlike we will become.
For my mission plaque, I would like my scripture to be Words of Mormon verse 7. I truly love the idea of faith in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, because I don't know everything and will never learn everything in this life. However, through the Spirit I can be an instrument in the hands of the Lord. I love this scripture and I'm working on applying it to my new life as a missionary.
Yesterday, I taught my first real lesson to people from outside the CCM. My first lesson was with a member named Pablo from here in Mexico City. He spoke very fast and didn't speak English, but the Spirit helped me teach from the heart in the Spanish language. This and Sunday were perhaps my favorite times this week.
I love you all and you are in my prayers! It was fun to read what you guys are up to and see some pictures. I know that the Lord loves you all and always remember that.
Yo sé que Jesucristo es nuestro Salvador. Yo sé que el don de lenguas es muy real. Creo que Dios puede guiar nuestras vidas por medio del Espíritu Santo. Yo creo que José Smith fue un profeta de Dios y tradujo El Libro de Mormón.
I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know that the gift of tongues is very real. I believe that God can guide our lives through the Holy Ghost. I believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and translated the Book of Mormon.
Love Elder Waite
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