January 30, 2012

I couldnt think of any creative titles. I dont even know if that is the right date, but hey i guess its like the advice i always give to the dawg ¨the only wrong date is the one you never go on.¨ bwahahaha
well another week has passed. i have to say that it was a pretty good week. i would like to tell you all about it, but they changed the rules on the use of internet and email. they say that missionaries have been sending too much personal information home, so the new rule is that we aren´t aloud to share any experiences or write anything personal. we can only talk about things we have learned in our study and share our testimonies. Its like the advice i always give to lil´ John (johnny) ¨loose lips sinks ships¨
On tuesday Elder Amado of the quorum of the 70 came to talk to us. I have to say that it was quite an experience. the rumor is that whenever a general authority comes they like to scold the missionaries and tell them all the things they do bad, so i think everyone was a little nervous for what he would say. but it was quite the opposite. when he first got there he took time to shake everyones hand and talk to them a little bit. President Maravilla spoke. I always love it when he speaks because he is so pumped about the missionary work that i always leave feeling really excited to work. After President Maravilla Elder Amado spoke. It was pretty crazy because he started talking at about 11 30. at the beginning he told us that if we needed to use the bathroom we could reverently leave at any time, but that we werent going to be taking any breaks. He spoke from 11 30 to about 4 in the afternoon nonstop. but the cool thing was that i didnt feel the time at all, I didnt even notice how much time had gone by. He didnt even really have a topic or a prepared talk. it was just him being led by the spirit. it was pretty awesome, i took alot of notes and left feeling really edified.
On saturday we have the baptismal service of Hna amparo. It was a great baptism. we had a ton a support from the members, which always makes things better. on top of that her husband and children (2 sons) who arent members, came to the service. when they first walked in they looked uncomfortable, like they didnt really want to be there. but then the service started and we sang the first hymn ¨teach me to walk in the light.¨ it was cool to see how their attitude changed. i could tell they felt the spirit. in her interview she had said that she would like the bishop to baptize her, but the bishop had an emergency with his wife, so we asked her who and she said i could do it. the first time we had challenged her to baptism she said that the reason she hadn't done it before was because she was afraid she would drown. so when it was time for the baptism i could tell she was really nervous. but we went on as normal. i said the baptismal prayer and began to dunk her, but as i started she got scared and started trying to fight to keep her head out of the water. Luckily i have been going to the gym for about 3 months, and she is a little Guatemalan women. so i slammed her WWF style. ha just kidding but a little bit, i had to kind of force her because she was scared. it wasnt the most graceful baptism, but the witnesses said it was good. Yesterday she showed up early and was confirmed a member of the church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. After all the trials and hard times, it really is worth it to be a missionary
well, what else can i say. its still hot as ever here. sometimes i think i dont drink enough water, but if i get really thirsty i just lick the sweat off my arms. The other elders only tried one ambush on us, but we counter attacked and sent them with their tails between their legs. i think they realized that our tactics and training are far superior to theirs. they wont be trying again too soon.
we are only about a week away from changes and the end of Elder Plateros mission. im kind of nervous because im one of the people who could be on the list to be changed. but im a ways away so i wont think about it much.
well im low on time. But i hope everyone there is having a good time and enjoying the snow. January is almost over, and time is going fast. can you believe that i am down to about 5 changes. hard to believe. but i love you all. keep hangin in there and Doowun wook (doin work). Have a good week. Send pictures of the bathroom. GOODBYE
Elder Jacobson