Hey!!!!

I got the package for my birthday!!!! Thank you sooooo much. The extra extra socks made my day, and I currently am wearing them, for those who are wondering. The Lord works in mysterious ways, and never lets us get too up nor too down. This week I have felt the love and affection of the Savior more than any time in my life. President expressed a ton of confidence in my abilities, as did my district leader Elder Santo. Elder Van Loo, my companion, is a man that I highly respect and hope to keep a good contact between us for the rest of our lives. These three men in this time have raised me higher, and deserve all that I have to give (as does really any child of God, but these three especially.) Please keep them in your prayers. We still haven´t baptized this month, but there is still hope. The power of faith coupled with fervent prayer to discern the Lord´s will, and immediate action to do it, all comprise the formula for success. We´re gonna add a little bit of our spontaneous love for others as our own part, but the rest really lies in the Lord´s hands to shape us and direct us to His prepared children. Christmas time is here. Are we all happy? It is the most wonderful time of the year, especially in South America with our summer heat. Goodness how I love it! People here don´t put as much emphasis on Christmas as they do the New Year, which saddens me, but the season gives us great reason to contact and talk with everyone: sharing a message of the Savior´s birth. There are myriad accounts of it in the Scriptures. The first Nephi, not the 2nd 3rd nor 4th, prophesies of Him, King Benjamin tells the tale, Samuel the Lamanite tells it, Isaiah foretells it triumphantly, and St Luke made it famous. Try reading them and think about the significance of that moment, paired with that of Easter, which in reality was the day which gave the most hope to all of mankind. Without Easter, we would have no point of living. I love the Savior and all that He has done, does now and will do for me and my loved ones. Spend some time with your loved ones this time of the year, and make loved ones out of those who have none. ¿Feliz Navidad! Elder Lindsey

As I have heard reports of the Lone Peak High School Madrigal Feast and its festivious successes, I am again turned to think on the Savior and how much I love Him. My favorite of all the songs we ever sang for Christmas is "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" I don´t have time to write the lyrics, but He keeps us alive and gives us rest. The Reason for the Season is love, as the Bible teaches us. "God is love", we learn. So, how do we become like Him? Love! We worked like crazy this last week to get all of the members in on the Bring-a-friend-to-church Day, and those that did were richly rewarded it seems. Those who didn´t saw that, and have promised to work with us this next week. Whew. So much to plan, and so little time to do it! We had a couple come with us to church on Sunday, and they really enjoyed it. They are talking about coming back, and their questions slowly answer themselves in the message of the gospel. We are very happy for them. We had our Christmas Zone Conference yesterday, and it was great to get packages and letters from everyone whilst missionaries from across the world did the same and feasted on delicious roast pork and beef. We played soccer, piano, sang carols and just enjoyed ourselves. I have heard that the mission calls for the young ladies have already been sent out to the world near you. Mary Petersen wrote to tell me of her upcoming adventures in Canada. Good luck Mary! I love really getting to know people and having them feel the Savior´s love as I have come to feel it. "For this is life eternal, to know the Father." I hope we can all do that especially over this Christmas season. In Christ, Elder Lindseyi

All of you know that the Lord respects His children´s prayers and fasts, that He answers them and grants blessing to us even when our imperfections get in the way. This is exactly what happened this week. We worked hard, really hard, to find people and help people come to church, accept the challenge to get baptized and become like Christ, but it just wasn´t having any fruits. And then came the miracle. The whole Zone fasted and prayed that our area could baptize this week to complete a Zone of Zion, (that everyone baptizes). We ended up finding two registers of previous baptisms that hadn´t been sent in, and these two poor souls weren´t technically members of Christ´s Church. We sent in the two of them, and we effectively baptized two people before even leaving the house to preach that morning. The Lord works in Mysterious Ways, no? I love it here in Centro. We have a much smaller area to work than my old one, but it is a functioning ward with a full staff of authorized assistants of the Lord for this city, all of whom wish to work like dogs to save God´s children. I am very very very excited to be in a ward for the first time in my whole mission. We are going to get things rolling well if we listen to the Spirit and convey desires to help people come unto Christ. I have thought long and hard on the topic of prayer for a while now, and I believe that it is the single most important thing that we can do to begin, sustain and end our day. I find that often the nightly prayer is the most rewarding, though the most difficult to apply and/or remember the next day. My new plan is to try and make the morning prayer and prayers throughout the day more effective and with more results. Wilford Woodruff was visited by Brigham Young in a dream, and he said that the only thing that he told him was that the saints need to understand the importance of having the guide of the spirit constantly to assist them always in their lives. Well, the spirit comes through the prayer of faith, and if you want it in the day you have to ask for it genuinely and for the correct purposes. I love the mission, and recommend it to all as soon as one is able to, not when one plans to in the distant future. Satan is a cunning little devil, and will tempt you beyond what seems fair, and as we learn from King David´s example of not being in the fight when he should have been, he fell for Bathsheba and lost his exaltation despite his good works in the past. Go ahead and leave your nets "immediately" as did the Lord´s chosen apostles, for time is short, and the laborers are few. Imagine what would have happened to them if they had waited a few months or years to work with the Savior. They wouldn´t have been able to work with Him, for He had a work do now right then, and not later. Procrastinate later. Go out there and do some good now. With Love, Elder Lindsey

This week was nuts!

This week was nuts, full of events and ever so spiritual. To expound, we had an earthquake, 6.0, in Catamarca, and both of us felt and heard it, about 60 kilometers away from us, or about forty miles or so. It lasted for about ten seconds from what I could tell. We had a three foot snake in our pension that we took pictures of before pushing it out with a broom, a giant spider jumped at my companion during nightly planning, my bike got stollen and we will check tonight to see if the police have found it or not, we went to La Rioja to see Elder Zeballos of the Seventy who talked to us as a Zone, and our most promising investigator received a very clear answer when we all knelt down in the chapel to ask the Lord to give her one. Furthermore, another investigator showed up to church just out of the blue after a week of not being able to find her. The Lord sure does like to keep us on our toes. It has been strangely cool here for Catamarca this time of the year, but I assure you that it is just a fluke. As things warm up here in temperature I hope that things will continue to warm up in the hearts of the people around us so that more of God´s children can be saved. Perhaps the most important thing that has happened this week is that I have put in an extra large effort to never rest and to always be pushing myself to do everything possible and just to bring people to Christ. Nephi says I will go and do what the Lord has commanded, and not "I will sit around and think about it for too long first, and then maybe I will do something along the lines of what we have planned." Most importantly, the Spirit will always guide us in our actions, but we have to act to be guided. I have learned more of the Love of Christ this week as all of the crazy facets of life have piled themselves on me, and overwhelmingly it seems at times. The other morning I just needed the Father to calm my troubled soul, and earnestly knelt in prayer to ask Him for comfort. As Elder Bednar teaches, we must be willing to act on the answer that we receive, and the response which I got was to search the materials that I have to study to find the answer: a frustrating, but faith building reply. As I looked over all the books, scriptures, magazines and pamphlets that neatly resided on my desk, none of them struck me as the designated medium for this moment of love which I needed. Upon a more diligent search through my things, my mind fell upon a letter from a friend, which threatened to kick my butt when I got home if I didn´t give it my all. That, and other small phrases reminding me of the importance of the Spirit, as well as that the Lord can´t allow His work to mess itself up, not even if we try, really lifted my spirits. I stand all amazed at the love He offers each and every one of us, even now as I sit at the computer. I also stand all amazed in behalf of the love that He gives us and testify of its reality, that each of us can feel it and later testify of it to all we encounter through our example, smiles, choices, works and divine potential. I love y´all too, even if I do only write once a week. Be Good! Elder Lindsey

Have I done any good?

To start, this question is a great way to analyze our own day and pushes us toward doing some good. My response to that question is a change in the question: Have I done ONLY good in the world today? Have I helped EVERYONE in need? Have I cheered up the sad and made EVERYONE feel glad. If not, I have failed indeed. For more insight, see Mosiah 28:3 in the Book of Mormon. Apparently, my accent is very much like unto that from Spain, and three or so people asked me if I was from Spain this week. I guess I watched the Princess Bride waaaay too much beforehand, for I always quoted Iñigo Montoya. In that movie, there is a true principle. Wesley says "Death doesn´t stop true love; it just... delays it for a while." As we all know, this life is not the end of existence. Were it so, there would be no point, and I would not be here doing the things that I am doing. Our purpose is to be happy now, later and forever. Now, for the peace that the Spirit brings, later, for not having to be wearied by our future past sins and forever with our families. The Lord is watching over each and every one of us. May all of you learn that individually. Sorry for the short letter. Lots to do! Elder Lindsey

Conference

Mama mía, You are definitely in tune with the spirit. One of the biggest things I pulled from conference is that I need to wait for the Lord´s timetable to guide things, and not mine. I also began my Christmas wishlist this very morning, so we are in luck! Some good ole thick black socks would be fantastic. The thin ones are simply shot, and many are completely unusable. Begin Post My dear mother wishes to hear about a few things in specific about Catamarca. The scenery here is incredible. Spring time here completely took me by surprise. The colors definitely reach the soft spot in my heart for God´s wonders. There are trees that completely fill themselves with soft pink, bright yellow and subtle lavender flowers that really make you think when you see it, wondering to yourself if it is real. Shocking reds, oranges and every color in between mix in with the blues and vibrant greens found in the leaves and grass. The architecture is another wonder, with many beautiful houses and stores amongst the humble abodes of the everyday people. My companion and I are getting along quite well. We have devoted ourselves to spend this next transfer simply being better in everything. Organization, cleanliness, contacting, lesson teaching, time and money spending and studying. We are really pumped to get out and do some good. David should be pretty ready to serve a mission by now if he isn´t already. I think we just had to get through my generation before we got to the good ones like him. I feel a great responsibility in having to train and teach these new 18 year olds which will soon come to our mission, seeing as I am the last generation of the "Old Ones" if you will. I almost have a year in the mission, and only have two bouts of conference that I can apply to the rest of the world whilst preaching as one having authority, and not as the scribes. This Conference marked a monumental moment in the world, and in my conversion as well. Apathy cannot be accepted. Get out and be a Christian this instant if you really love the Lord. Are your actions to help yourself or the Lord? I will be working on this as well, because it ain´t easy. It is, however, worth it. Thanks for thinking about me. I love you all very much! Elder Lindsey PS A quick note about the QWERTY keyboard that makes typing a pain. In Spanish, the B and V make the same sound halfway between the two in English. On the QWERTY board, they just happen to be right next to each other, which is almost as confusing as the M and N keys which also are adjacent.

Marta got baptized!!!!!!! There was a ton of opposition last minute and she wasn´t sure if she should go through with it. We told her to come to the service and to decide there, because two other people were getting baptized that day and most of the Zone would be there. Twenty minutes before, she shows up dressed in a white jumper ready to get in the water. We had two other investigators in the service as well that really loved it. One of them said that it felt like she herself had been baptized. Those which we ask that you pray for are Cecilia, Laura, Claudia and Pedro. The branch here is going through a really hard time right now. As of today, we lost a family of two due to their long-expected move to Buenos Aires and eventually the States. It has been a rough time for all, and much has been learned on the importance of the Saviors Atonement. The two of us in the Valle Viejo pension ended up rather short on money for this last month due to difficulties with reimbursements and bike problems, but we ate every day and made it out alive without losing weight. I cannot tell you how joyed I was to see that as of today they have upped our monthly income if you will by 25%. Hallelujah! And, as I was writing, some of my stuff which got stranded in another pension for almost a week magically arrived with my district leader and I will try to attach some pictures along with it all today. No promises. Speaking of hallelujahs and praises, we have organized a little choir of the Zone of Catamarca and some members for a multi-faith choir festival in the stake center this Friday. Please invite your friends, I am sure that it´ll be lovely. It´s on la Zurita in between Sarmiento and Maipú at sevenish or so. I´ll be playing the piano for our choir, but it´s only one song and its at the end, so you can leave if my playing gets too bad. The Scriptures tell us that if we are happy, we should praise the Lord with singing and praises. If you have ever wondered how to pray all day, remember that the song of the righteous is a prayer unto the Lord, and just go ahead and sing your way through the day. Goodness gracious, how I love and appreciate the generosity of the Lord in His tender mercies that he sends us constantly. Wilford Woodruff, in his teachings, tells a story in which he and his fellow missionaries were lost in the wilderness during a horrid southern thunderstorm at night, and how the Lord safely guided them to the path which they needed to take. He then continued onward through the tempest just glad that the Lord had helped him in the past, not minding the current evils around him. I like that attitude. No matter what happens right now, I can be happy because the Lord has shown me in the past that I can do it with His loving assistance. I feel my Savior´s love in all the world around me. I know that my Redeemer lives, and that I need Him every hour. Have you done any good in the world today? If yes, than what more can you do? Remember that it is the Lord´s work and glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Is that your work and glory as well? Love one another, and preach the gospel to all that will hear. Our purpose in this life is to get baptized and have faith in the Savior in order to return to Him someday. Help those around you to understand that it is their purpose as well. Be good! Elder Lindsey

¡Ay caramba!

In light of today, there was a ton of opposition in getting to a computer to write ya'll. We tried for an hour in the morning, going to four different places, and because it is a holiday, everything in our area was shut down. Nothing this morning, and since we went as a zone to another pueblo even farther than where I live, we didn't get back in time to do it regularly. When we finally found one, the computer simply didn't want to work. Then, we waited an hour for a bus to take us out of our area to the ciber in which I currently sit to write you. I felt very strongly this was the right course of action, and we got permission to do this as well. I know that I can be better, and constantly am thinking about what I can do to get stronger spiritually. For some reason it is just really hard for me to concentrate on that side of life right now, even though I really am making a large effort. I feel like the Lord is really pushing me to see how much I can rely on the testimonies that I have received in the past. We helped the Branch President to finally decide on calling some men to callings in the ward, and now have a ward mission leader with an EQP on the way. I feel like the Lord is helping us, but that I really need to work harder myself to keep up with the whole get up. This week has been an adventure. We have someone who is willing and ready to be baptized this weekend, which is fantastic. Please pray for Marta. We are shooting for a zone of Zion this month, and I believe that on the technicality our area is one of the areas that needs to baptize, but we really just have to send in the paperwork for one that happened right as I got here. The Lord has some interesting things that he asks us to do. One of them, which we all can improve on, is the consecration of all that we have to help the growth of His kingdom. He doesn't require this because He needs to, rather, to give us an opportunity to give, be humble and submissive, and to in turn be blessed in ways that we never can predict. I invite all ya'll to ponder how well you have been consecrating the thing which is most difficult to devote, which is time. I feel like we truly need to put all of our time into helping the Lord in order to really have the influence of His Spirit with us at all times. Any time spent not helping someone else to come unto Christ or making preparations to do so is utterly wasted and will cost precious time that belongs to someone else at a future point in time. How we can improve in this aspect! I love the Ensign, and seeing as Conference is coming to centers near you soon, we should all be reading the words of the prophets to prepare ourselves for this special time of the year. God will give you personal thoughts on how to be happy if you get ready to listen to Him. I testify of that truth, for it happens to me every time. Knowing that God doesn't change, He will most assuredly do that for you as well. Be Good. Sorry if I don´t write as many events from the mission as I should, but I have to keep SOMETHING to share when I get back! Elder Lindsey

Changes!

Happy Birthday Elder Gilman!! My companion hit 21 today, and to help him out I decided to make pancakes. Normally he makes them, so I made them this morning. Too bad he ate cereal instead, but I am sure that he is enjoying his day, and will not stop trying to keep that going. It is a mountain surrounded paradise here in Valle Viejo. I am coming back here for sure at some point in my life. Winter doesn´t really exist in Catamarca. I´m pretty sure that yesterday we hit about 95 degrees or more, and having to wear a suit to church whilst riding a bike-- it a party in such conditions. If you wondered how my backside felt during this week due to three or four hours of biking a day, you are wrong, because it didn´t feel anything. At first the seat had no cushion on it left over from the previous owner, but there are very few things that duct tape and/or an old t-shirt can´t fix. I have pictures of it, don´t worry. Bikes really help to move the work along much faster. We can go about three or four miles in twenty minutes if we have to get there fast. Our branch is super small, we had about thirty people, and the room was stuffed to the rafters. We have this awesome new idea to work with the members this month, and I think it will be a good goal for wards back home as well. We want to have a branch of Zion. The goal for our mission is to be a mission of Zion, meaning that every companionship baptizes in the month. The application for the unit would be that every member helps us to teach a lesson at least once during the month. In larger units, and in Utah, that is slightly hard to push, but here it is completely reasonable and has potential to help us work better with the members. Some people this week were extraordinarily rude in not wanting to listen to us. Definitely the worst that I have had in my life. It just makes me sad that they are so close to receiving eternal life, but their pride gets in the way and prevents progress. The end of John 12 talks about the Savior´s attitude towards these people where he says that "he didn´t come to judge the world, rather to save it". If he isn´t going to judge those that don´t receive Him, how can we judge those that don´t receive two gringos riding bikes? Thanks to God, we had some miracle finds here, like a man whose brother in Buenos Aires is a bishop, the uncle and aunt of our newest convert, and a lady who felt the Spirit recognizably during a prayer and who is ready to soak in all we can throw at her. There are rarely street names here, and even less frequently numbers on the houses. We pretty much go by sight and how good our memories are. I feel a very strong responsibility to work my tail off to bring others to Christ. Being imperfect, that can present a seemingly impossible task, but I know that the Lord will guide our actions towards His pre-prepared children and the things that we need to do to help them. I love this work with all my soul. Be good, and take care of business Elder Lindsey

Listen to the Truth!!!

I got moved! My new area is called Valle Viejo (Ole Valley) in Catamarca. I left the pension at 10:30 last night and took a bus from Córdoba to here at midnight, arriving at six, getting to the Zone Leaders´ pension at sevenish, and getting to my pension at eightish. Córdoba is a very beautiful city, but I will have to be dead honest in saying that Catamarca blows it out of the water. The mountains are huge on both sides, and our two-man pension is bigger than my old four-man. I will leave this area with legs of steel due to our surely trusty and sturdy bikes which we will use on a daily basis. Apparently all of Catamarca is desert with the exception of where I happen to be working for the time being. It´s a super small branch, but if we can get ten more people to come to church for three months we´ll get a chapel up in this place. I am pumped for this new chance, but sad that I didn´t get to tell my companion Elder Martinez goodbye seeing as he was in Jesus Maria at the time on intercambios. My new companion is Elder Gilman from Boise. He seems awesome, and we get along pretty well from what I can tell. This last week was crazy. I had never felt so much pressure to baptize people in my life, and in the end, after much fasting, long prayers, and frantic antics of testifying to all possibilities, we weren´t able to baptize this last transfer. The Lord really tried our faith, and I learned that we have to understand that His thoughts are not our thoughts. Arenales is super set to baptize this upcoming month, though, and they should get quite a few people a shot at the Celestial Kingdom´s first requirement through baptism. One of our investigators came to church, and beforehand we went to his house to spur him on. In that event he told us of a crazy dream that was easily recognized as a sign from God that this church is true. His only doubt is that he feels that others might be true as well... They´ll take care of him and treat him well while I am gone. As I left last night, bidding a seemingly eternal farewell to so many families and individuals, my heartstrings got played quite a bit, and I will definitely keep those I knew in my prayers and heart. I got a package from the Hampels, and it has blessed the lives of many people through the goodness of Starbursts and Crystal Light. I am pleased to know that all are doing well, and loved getting Brayden´s graduation announcement at the end of August. Shoulda told me sooner, though pal. I might´ve made it. Upon thinking on home, I have realized that many of my dearest friends and beloved family are creeping up on their time to get out and serve missions of their own. I highly recommend it, and will always say that it is the right thing to do. Get it done as soon as possible, and you will never regret it. I personally have spent a ton of the Lord´s time working my tail off in the mission field, and still have had a blast. I know from this experience that all can have the same type of chance if they will just take the one little step of faith and get out here. I can always do better, but the Lord knows how to help us best, and makes room for our mistakes. He loves each and every one of us truly. Our Father in Heaven is an incredible planner. I should learn from His example and crack to it, and therefore I am taking this transfer to really learn how to plan and apply all that I can. Organize yourselves, He says, and we should all take it to heart. What do you think we are going to do when we are creating our own worlds if we cant keep the matierials of our own room straight? Let alone a universe in its entirety! To finish, the price of this ciber (public computer lounge) has really satisfied me, seeing as it is half the price of the one that I used to attend. Portensen mal. Digo portensen bien. (Act poorly. I mean, be good) Elder Lindsey

As the infamous Elder Martinez said this fateful Sunday as we desperately searched for our investigators, God tends to squeeze every last drop of faith out of us that we think we can handle, and then makes a new drop, squeezes that one, and splashes us in the face with it. Then, when all is seemingly lost, he gives us a great big dose of miracle and he lifts us up. None of our investigators looked like they were going to church this Sunday, which is huge, because this was our last Sunday before the final Saturday on which we can baptize. However, we stopped by our last hope that we had, Matías, and his brother Esteban was outside. Having already listened to us in the past, but never having come to church, he was prepared to be invited easily. We talked with him for a few minutes as we waited for his brother to tell us that he didn´t want to come, and we invited him to the final hour of church: Sacrament Meeting. He was indecisive at first, but we offered a little bit of logic and the Lord added a full measure of the Spirit, enough to convince him to at least come once. We told him that the Lord would help him in his studies, that he wouldn´t be the only one not wearing shirt and tie, that all of his doubts concerning the church would be answered and that he would feel something that he had never felt before if he would just take an hour of his time to go and sit in the chapel and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. He came on that stipulation, and he absolutely loved it, telling us that he will be there next week si o si (yes, or yes). Furthermore, Ezequiel, whose parents said that he can´t get baptized, was walking into the church when we showed up with Esteban., not wearing shirt and tie, and literally fulfilling the Lord´s promise "in every whit" as the scriptures say. I stand all amazed! Sadly, Valeria, Daniel, the Cabrera family, the Barrera family, Olga, nor Fabián attended, and I ask you to pray for all of them. They are all soooooo close, but need the Spirit in their lives to convert them. Your efforts in Spirit are heard by God Himself, and he can send not only messages, but power from on high, as Elder Packer said in a quote that my dear father sent me. We have had some of the greatest study times as a companionship here, and I still fully encourage all to study the scriptures and to meditate the message therein carefully, as Wilford Woodruff puts it, with the same spirit of revelation and prophecy with which they were written. The Bible Dictionary tells us that speculation on things that the Lord hasn´t revealed renders no spiritual gain, and I second that, having learned from personal experience. This guide to the scriptures is remarkably fantastic and helpful for understanding gospel principles and staying on the straight and narrow path through the careful use of the iron rod. I highly suggest the entries of Prayer, Repentance, Miracles, and Priests. The symbolism in and authorized insight to these topics contribute to one´s grip on life. Try it. The highlight of my week happened last night. An eight year old boy in our branch has discipline issues if you will, and is learning how to cope with life´s facts and difficulties. He can´t yet read, and seems to not want to know how. His parents discussed this with us last night, and he waltzed in right in the middle of the conversation, not really knowing all of what was being said. I remember always upon entering their house the miracle that happened the last time I was present to discuss the gospel with this child: the Lord blessed him with a special and individual promise that if he prayed that their house, contemporarily without power, would immediately receive such. He prayed, and God fulfilled His end of the bargain, as He is wont to do. Reminding him of that moment, I asked him to say a prayer to our Gracious Maker, requesting His help in his quest to read and write, and gave him a Book of Mormon on the promise that he would read it. He prayed for help, and I know that he will learn how to read. I feel happy inside for having made that small effort that has grand potential for this kid. The Lord is God and forgives us all. Don´t worry about your shortcomings, just think about how he can help you fix them. Please pray for us so that Elder Martinez can baptize someone this month, for his time to leave draws nigh. Thank you for your letters and love, they bless many lives. Stay true to the faith! Elder Lindsey

Clark!

This week was the best week of my mission yet. I testify that obedience to gospel principles and love for those around us cause miracles directly. Many of my wildest dreams came true this week, and I love my Savior and King. I have always dreamed of going to a foreign country and challenging a group of dudes on the street to a game of soccer to teach them a lesson afterwards. On Friday, after a few rough experiences, we didn´t know where to go, and stopped to say a prayer. We tend to keep our eyes open during the prayer to watch for people walking by or to lower our voices if someone is too close, and right in the middle of the prayer, four guys started waving us over to play. Never has a prayer been answered so quickly for me in my life. We played, we did very well, and we got in a good lesson afterward. Then, because every companionship in our zone baptized this last month, we got a special treat from President Salas to a pizza per companionship and three hours of soccer in a rented field. I scored on the Pres and got decently dirty, but the best part was just to have a break and some time to celebrate good times. This week we taught more lessons than I have ever done in my mission, and we had nine investigators in church. We had strived super hard to work diligently and obediently, as well as fasted to have an added measure of the spirit present in the lessons, and the Lord blessed us abundantly. He lives, he loves, and he gives us all He can in accordance to our actions. I really invite all to try out this principle, because it works, and it isn´t selfish to want blessings if those blessings are intended to help others. We should have a baptism coming up this weekend, but it all depends on what the spirit tells us and the Zone Leaders, because Ezequiel is definitely able and willing. He seems to have stopped using heavy drugs and smoking, which is incredible, considering we found him a week and a half ago. He has come to four activities thus far and accepted everything wholeheartedly. There is talk of opening a new area inside of our area, enough that we are searching for a pension in Monte Cristo and beginning to work more and more there as Arenales II. We had three lessons with members in two hours when we visited this Sunday, and it is my goal to help the Lord open that new place before they kick me out of here. Godspeed, all Elder Lindsey

Elder Lindsey

This week has been full of adventures. We found an awesome kid that turns 18 in a week, so he can get baptized on his own volition if he so desires. He has some issues with the word of wisdom that we didn´t know about but that we will try to help him resolve as soon as possible. One of our recent converts is a very humble man that still doesn´t understand the gospel completely, but what he really understands he applies. Furthermore, his teaching abilities to people with like lifestyles are incredibly powerful. It involves pleading that they allow the Hermanos to help them and telling them how much this church has done for him. The spirit is so strong when he speaks. It´s fantastic. We didn´t have as many people in church this week as we would have liked, but we learned that one of our investigators didn´t come because she was sick, and due to her circumstance of being in a wheelchair, her niece comes too, and they both love it. Sorry that all of this is one paragraph, but the enter key doesn´t want to cooperate here... Trevor wrote me. That made my day. Also, my entire family is moving to the Happy Valley. First Kelly and Scott, then my grandparents, then us, than Rene, and now the Flemings. Talk about crazy Christmases, no?! I finished reading the Book of Mormon and now intend to read the entire Libro de Mormón. I love you all, and remind you that when life gets hard, take Elder Bednar´s advice and think about everyone else, and life isn´t quite so bad after all. The last two verses of James are very useful, though I don´t know exactly what they say in English. Something along the lines of if someone sins, but later helps other people to receive the gospel, they cover a multitude of sins. THAT DOESN´T MEAN THAT YOU CAN SIN AND PLAN ON MAKING UP FOR IT LATER, just that when you make an honest mistake you can forgive yourself easier. I intend to play soccer when I return home, and I think Máte will find itself in my cupboard on a decently regular basis. I already miss the great things that I have here in the mission, and intend on enjoying and working myself to the end. D&C 18. Elder Lindsey

Great Week

Dear all, There is a great peace that comes from being prepared beforehand what you intend to say. Sadly, life doesn´t always allow for such preparation, and today is one of those instances. However, as we learn from "Whose Line Is It Anyway", improvisation works too, and can be used to our advantage. READ Preach My Gospel. If you need to work on an attribute of Christ in your life, which you do, read chapter six and find someone to study it with. Also, Chapter four applies to all of life in teaching one how to recognize the Spirit, backing it up with a slew of great scriptures to enlighten us. We have a baptism this weekend, and if the registry isn´t found for a sister in our branch, we have another one free. There are a ton of people out there still to be found, and we need your help to find them. Find the nearest missionaries and invite them to eat at your house with a few references in mind, and I promise that the Lord will bless you oh so much. I love the Savior, and He loves you. Find out for yourself, and enjoy the fruits of your labors. With Love, Elder Lindsey

Hey!

I finally got photos to send out! This is an opportune time to send them as well, considering that we have just had a slew of baptisms and some great spiritual times. Sadly, however, the computer took forever to load them, and I only will be able to send one or two. Our numbers haven´t been that great this week, but we had two days of work cut out for Zone Conference and another day with a sick compy, so truly it was out of our control. Our area has baptisms planned for the rest of the transfer every Saturday. Great things are in store for us, and all that we have to do is work hard enough and live worthily. Music is fantastic. My new favorite hymn was translated poorly into Spanish, but in English it really hits home. #185 Reverently and Meekly Now. For those of you who are music theory geeks like me, there is some great stuff written into the score, and for you Christians, there is some delicious food for the soul in the text. Verse one reads: Reverently and meekly now, let thy head most humbly bow. Think on me, thou ransomed one; think what I for thee have done. With my blood that dripped like rain, Sweat in agony of pain. With my body on the tree, I have suffered death for thee. Figure out what it means for your own personal relationship with Him, and read the rest of the text to get an even more powerful message. Singing this song for me, from the perspective of the Savior, always wrenches my heart, and gives me strong desires to follow His counsels and example. The official way to commit someone to keeping a commandment or making a covenant is along the lines of "Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ and...?" So, I extend this challenge to you. Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ and ? It is a yes or no question, and the answer is yes or no. Do, or do not. There is no try. However, should you slip up, reread the text and try again the next living breath you take to be better and like Him. God be with you till we meet again. Elder Lindsey

big letter

I apologize for having written so few letters by hand, but it turns out that it costs eleven pesos everytime, which is the equivalent of about three bucks, or an entire meal if you know how to spend it right. Yeah, letters will be a very seldom done deed. The work is great. We have saved five people through providing them the ordainance of baptism in Arenales, and there is another one this weekend with more to come in the near future. Our goal is to baptize every week, to put a baptismal date every day, and to feel happy inside for the joy of helping others. So far so good on the last two parts, but the first one will just have to include this last half of the transfer. Life is simple. Eat, obey the Lord, pray, obey the Lord some more, listen to the really gravely voice of the man right next to me that sounds something evil from smoking too much, and enjoy the mission. I really don´t know what to say more, nor do I have the time do say it. Take Luck! Elder Lindsey

But Elder, It's Cold Outside!

It has cooled down quite a bit around these parts. The pension clocked in at 42 degrees inside this week, and we have one dinky little heater for the four of us. This winter is going to be a party. Elder Spencer Hughes, from Alpine, Utah is in my zone right now, and he really has grown into a great man. We talked a ton about how things are since he left home, and have now refocused on the work. Also, Miguel Villalobos has a cousin here in the mission that lives nearby in the Highland area. Good times. Our area set more than ten baptismal dates this week! And then two people showed up to church. We are really working hard, and have a baptism this week at seven, if any of you have some free time to swing by the church. There will be cookies afterward for sure. He stopped smoking almost cold turkey. Apparently he didn´t understand that it was a commandment, and he quit in three or four days from smoking sixty cigarettes a day since he was eight years old. The family is admittably strange, but their faith and fidelity to the Lord and each other are incredible. His wife called me her grandson this week, and I have never felt so loved in my whole mission. Another lady told me that when I talk to her it moves something inside of her, as if I speak directly to her spirit. I don´t know what to say to that, other than that the gospel is true and the spirit bears witness of that to everyone that is willing to hear. Truly, the Lord has shown us many miracles this week, and furthermore, we have become His mouthpieces for instigating them. His power is real, and cannot be negated nor denied, no matter what logic attempts to feebly prove otherwise. That each and every one of us can be forever sure of that is my prayer. Isaiah rocks. Find out for yourself. Be good, now, y´all, Elder Lindsey

Shake My Faith!

Well, I am officially not a "greenie" anymore, as of about sixteen hours. Elder Petersen, mi Papito, left for La Rioja again, and Elder Van Loo left for Santa Rosa. I snuck one of my ties into Elder Petersen´s stuff before he got off, and he got me back whilst I slept and the sojourners packed up for the journey. My new compañero (Elder Almirón) is bien Latino, from Buenos Aires, and we seem to get along really well. We have convinced him, and Elder Gimenez´s new comp from Canada that this area is the Celestial Kingdom made manifest on earth (slightly due to the mention of five lunches a week, minus planning session days and p days, plus two dinners a week, all set in stone and without fail, and also slightly due to the fact that our recent converts are active, (not to mention the fact we are baptizing pretty well), and they are really pumped to get out and do the Lord´s work. The four of us hooligans in great looking apparel went and played soccer at the church to kick off our awesome transfer with some friendly sport action. On that note, I beat a super inactive son of our ward mission leader in one on one streetball 5-2, which truly was a miracle. Another great thing about our companionship that already is in progress is a service war, or a competition to see who can serve the other person more. Nobody really loses anything, because you get so much in return if both people go in for it, which I can already tell he will. The first thing is that we are going to get Grido ice-cream, the best stuff known to missionary kind, other than a deep, sweet personal study to start the day. The deal was that since a kilo of ice-cream is only a little less than five American bucks five days a week, and since the new companñeros need to adjust to the area, the incumbents are going to buy one kilo per compañerismo, but my "compy" quickly asserted that I wouldn´t pay simply because I am his compañero. Gotta love the ideology behind that. Elder Gimenez and I have a deal this transfer. If I speak English (not including helping my companion learn the language or like cases), at the end of the day I owe him an alfajor. However, if he eats more than one serving at any given point in time, with the exception of empanadas, he owes me a giant banana at the end of the day. I failed today because Elder Henry (the Canadian) isn´t in on the deal, and speaks English whenever, so I will have to make a huge effort to overcome. For those of you who know the story (mostly my family), you will be pleased to hear that I have acquired a copy of the Teachings of Wilford Woodruff, in Castellano, and have been reading it every chance that I have alongside my pocket Book of Mormon and set of study scriptures. For those of you who don´t know the story I quote one of the greatest movie scenes ever: the sword fight between Wesley and Inigo Montoya. "Get used to disappointment," said Wesley. How my confidence that the Lord knows each and every one of His children and that His authority to reveal things to them has augmented in this time spent in the mission! How great is our God! I feel very much like Nephi and his Psalm located in 2 Nephi Chapter 4. "What a wretched man am I! But that you may know, I am saved in Christ Jesus, who lives, and loves us to the end." My new favorite hymn this week is number 102, "Jesus, Lover of My Soul", which has a soothing, lilting melody that conveys true trust in Him and implores His help in all that I might do. I offer a challenge to the world: SHAKE MY FAITH. Go ahead. It isn´t because I am some almighty being, or that I am perfect, but God in His soft mercy has blessed me to the point of sealing me His. He has shown me so many miracles, the fact that I´m still kickin' not being the least of them, that I cannot ever imagine myself doubting that this Gospel is true. I never wish to compromise His laws for the petty things of the flesh, nor do I wish to cause others to do the same. Instead, my eye is set on the prize. What better thing can there be than living with our families and loved ones forever in the presence of an Omnipotent and Omnibenevolent Father? May the Lord provide each and every one of y´all, His beloved children, with such experiences and love as he has for me, for you truly will know with a surety that He is God and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is His glorious deed. Nos Vemos, Elder Lindsey

Big Letter!

This week´s letter will be short, though the Elder writing this letter will return home at least a good centimeter and a half taller. The food is great, and I am starting to see potential to grow sideways as well, though I seem to have lost a bit from my waist due to being on my last hole on my belt when I wear my thickest pants... Also, my epic plan to use one razor every month died valiantly this week when the little green strip that turns white when the razor dulls broke in half after ten days. In retrospect, this plan is the equivalent of rubbing the razor across 75 grain sand paper for ten minutes everyday for a whole month. Now to the important stuff. This week we did a million contacts, and taught a tone of lessons, which was fantastic. I never cease to be amazed with the fact, I repeat, fact that every time we feel inclined to go somewhere we at least get an appointment, if not a full lesson, with prayer and baptismal date to boot. There is a scripture that says that the Lord will bless us immediately when we obey his commandments. Some times that comes from feeling warm and fuzzy, sometimes it comes from walking into the perfect family or person, followed by feeling warm and fuzzy. We have a boatload of appointments this week, especially tomorrow, and I am super animated to see how it all goes. READ the scriptures, and then pray again, and read some more. It helps. In a time scrunch, Elder Lindsey

Gooooooolazooooooo!

¡Goooooooolazooooo! I love football. Staying in good shape and having a good time really make up a solid part of a healthy, spiritual life. The good book says "who will ascend to the hill of the Lord?" Only those that wash their hands and eat things that are good for the heart." This analogy really hits home for me, because in truth, too many of the Lord´s kingdom obey the Word of Wisdom in light of the omissive commands, and not the commands concerning eating veggies and delectable hunks of meat. Living well for a short time and then living in horrid health circumstances doesn´t even come close to matching the glory and great accomplishment of forcing down those raw eggs every morning and chomping on that broccoli to end up looking like me, or better yet, me in twenty months when I walk across the airport after having instituted my great health plan that I have yet to discover. But seriously, be good, and eat well. Don´t be lovin´ it all day everyday. In the event of a baptism, try to have some back up investigators to teach afterwards, or to bring along to the baptism and to see how silly it is to be scared of it. A wise man learns from his mistake, a super wise man learns from the mistakes of others, and Arenales I and II just plow on. We did a whole day of contacting, and surprisingly taught more lessons than when we tried to set up appointments. So much goes for retention, but things are improving, it seems. Concerning my daily scripture studies: oh, how I miss the pens from the States! My good BYU pen from the beloved Elder Trevor Pierce, may he preach in peace, has run out of black ink, and my weak, purple pen that aspires to be black will just have to make do. All other colors work just fine. Currently, I am in the war chapters of Alma, and it shocked me how much actually gets underlined in red, meaning that it applies to the mercy of God. Not that it´s a bad thing, but just that amongst all the blood and scalping and military strategem, I didn´t expect so much. It just goes to show that the Lord works during all times of life, including when we are in great danger physically, like when this lady decided to sic her crazy dogs on us even though she gave us her address and said to pass by. No bites, just a sore ego for being rejected and deep sadness for another lost lamb amongst the wolves of evil workers. The Lord is good, but going over time is not. ¡ciao! Elder Lindsey

Clark in Argentina

Baptism weekend for Cindy and Daniel. The two have now officially been confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and truly the light in their eyes has changed their countenances in a very real and detectable manner. This was my first time actually getting wet while dressed in white on my mission (we got pounded with rain a few weeks ago, hence the qualifier). I guess the change in pressure between the water and the air caused Daniel to have a bloody nose, which he impressively sealed and consealed so that nobody noticed as he went back to the changing room, and that none of the three sets of white clothing he had in close proximity magically became eternally stained with red splotches. Props. This week, I finally got fed up with Satan's efforts against the Lord through false doctrine and outside influence on our investigators and members. I guess that I kind of view myself as Captain Moroni in a symbolic but oh so active war on sin. I have expressed this in the past, but it wasn´t until this week that I truly felt the drive to correct this evil. I think that of all doctrines we deal with that negate the true majesty of the Lord´s gospel belongs to the J-Dubs. The notion that God exists, but that Jesus isn´t the Christ can only be derived from the father of lies. Prophecies and the doctrine of Christ saturate the scriptures, and the Spirit carries it home to our hearts, which is not as traceable, but infinitely more potent. However, His way of teaching includes building faith from what people already know, and not tearing down what has been edified in the past, and in general people that are set in other ways don´t listen to us, so we don´t really argue anyhow. Calling home was great, though short, as it should be. The family is doing great, and the phone companies across the world just love Mother´s Day for sure. 55,000+ missionaries calling home means a ton of phone bills. Also, the world would really be much happier if businesses would just make every brand compatible with each other. Elder Gimenez didn´t get to call for quite some time because the landline was of one company and the calling card of another. That´s just messed up. Oh, it all worked out in the end. We are slightly out of investigators. There is a couple who just witnessed the baptism of his mother, and now have started to work out marriage so that they can get baptized soon. Ah, the power of a good family member. Abuelo Lemos. I don´t know if I have mentioned him before, but we all love him to no end. He is hilarious, kind, rather forgetful, and has a heck of a good life under his belt. He played football professionally, worked as a bird scientist and has started a wonderful tree of a gospel oriented posterity through joining the church way back when. He will be deeply missed when we leave this area. Maybe I´ll just stay here my whole mission and just get really in to the loop in Arenales and Malvinas. Apparently, according to the sources of Elder Petersen´s dear mother, it´s one of the poorest areas in Córdoba. Huh. Never thought of it that way, but now it has become pretty obvious. That´s probably why I love it so much. The people give, and are very humble, as well as receptive to the gospel. Godspeed, all. Write me dear elders, por favor! Elder Lindsey

Two baptisms si o si this weekend. We´ve been teaching them for a while, and though they represent the large population of infatuated adolescents in the area, they don´t live together, smoke, drink, drink coffee or tea, nor do they believe that Mormons are 100% evil beings from another world. It´s taken a while for them to develop their spiritual testimony, but logistically it all makes sense, and the family of Cindy (la novia) has seen a great change in the both of them for the better since they've begun taking the lessons and going to church. This is a wonderful thing to see, and I am truly honored to be a part of their conversion story. I get to call home this weekend, so my house is utterly off limits. Don´t make phone calls in, nor visits to check up on the fam, and do not pass go or collect $200. Should you have an extra $200, though, that´d be great. As much as I have enjoyed knowing each and every one of the people outside of my dear family, let´s be honest; the celestial kingdom is organized by families, and my kids are gonna party hardy with my brother and sister while all of us chill at my parents house and tell anecdotes and eat prunes in twenty years. I had prunes once with Brother Walker at Lake Powell, and they were surprisingly delicious, and there is an abuelo in our ward that is the smoothest, most typical Argentine the world has ever known. Put those two images together, and old age doesn´t sound that bad, not even including the fact that I will be that much closer to going home to my Lord and seeing his merciful face with my own two little eyes after a long, well lived life. I traded one of my ties to Elder Gimenez for two ties that either get pulled off really well or eat it depending on the Elder. We´ll see how it goes, but the deal is made, so if I don´t like them I can burn them as tradition goes in the mission. Elder Van Loo did that last night, and I have a picture of him holding a flaming tie that rocks solidly. Ah, these days of being a missionary. Care free from the world, just worrying about the eternal salvation of thousands of people and having the responsibility of carrying it out. Good times. God gives personal revelation, and it´s really incredible how directly He answers our prayers. A lady this week told us that she didn´t believe that God exists anymore because He doesn´t answer her prayers and that He seems to pick favorites. This was really sad, but tragically flawed from a logical standpoint. Yes it´s true that God has favorites (namely those who actually listen and act upon that which they hear), but He makes everyone His favorite the instant we start to obey. She wasn´t obeying, and suffered accordingly, which stinks vehemently, but has to occur due to the irrevocable decree in heaven that all blessings come from obedience to the law upon which they are predicated. Sad day. We also had intercambios, and I went to a different area to work for a day. Elder Harris needs to be a future companion of mine, because the two of us are great together, and this is while we are newbies in a foreign country speaking a second or third language. We didn´t have a ton of lessons, but those that we did have were stellar, with the exception of the excommunicated bishop that didn´t want to admit that he might have been wrong in jumping steps in the churches offering system and paying for peoples temporal needs with tithing funds. The two of us were talking and all of the sudden I turned to him and said in my own beloved tongue that I didn´t feel like we should be there, and he agreed so we closed in prayer and high tailed it out of Dodge. I have only four weeks left with my beloved trainer, and this saddens me greatly. He really demonstrates a lot of patience with me and never gets mad at me for slipping up when I do, which feels like it occurs very often. He has been an example de diez for me, and couldn´t even dream of having a better trainer ever in my life. I hope that the Lord blesses him always and that my dweeb-like antics didn´t ruin him for good. Just maybe a transfer or two. P-day has come to an end. Farewell my long-lost and severely bored friends! Elder Lindsey (Linci according to the secretary of our branch)

Please send recipes!

Sorry for not writing earlier this week. I just didn´t feel like it, and though my companion really wanted to, I made a point to show him who is boss and we are doing it today. Or, maybe it´s just that in Argentina every other day is a holiday and the guy that owns the computer place didn´t open until I´m sure only half an hour after we were allowed to write two days in a row by pure happenstance. Bah Humbug. At least I didn´t have the same thing happen to me as Elder Gimenez. Monday was his mom´s birthday, and he hasn´t been able to write her until right now. ¡Ay no! Some very important things happened this week. Number one (an epithet given only to Boca and Instituto), I finally decided on my soccer teams. Everyone here has two because one has to decide between the big Buenos Aires teams and also among the local Córdoba teams. Boca is from Buenos Aires with bright yellow and just a regular blue as the colors, and Instituto resides in the Gloria and totes red and white. The clincher for picking Instituto was the grocery store in our area (Super Gloria, complete with a giant Instituto flag and a monkey). They feed me. What more can I ask? Number two, I ate a mango this morning, and it was rather delicious. It is really cold right now, so our pension is like a refridgerator, making it so that I had to wait a whole week until it was ready. Our one little heater for a spacious, not air-tight apartment and four people is a blessing, but gratefully another one is on the way. Really, more importantly, we had a rather glorious experience with a lady named Chola. She has been practically thrown out of every church she has attended at some point and time for something out of her control, and that ripped my heart out and brought to mind the scripture in Alma that tells Helaman to teach the people an everlasting hatred for sin and iniquity. Yeah, I officially hate the actions of some of the churches, though the people themselves for the most part really do intend well. Anyway, she came to the chapel with us just to check it out on Saturday, and she didn´t tell us until we went into the last room that ever since the moment that she entered she had felt a burning throughout her entire body. We testified that it was the Spirit of the Lord telling her that this church is true and the right place to be. She doesn´t have a baptismal date yet, but she has been deeply blessed by the gospel already. Speaking of actions that I abhor with all of my inner strength forevermore and refuse to quit fighting against, pardon my use of Spanish here, but I can´t express it well enough in English, and it doesn´t have the same effect. YO ODIO CUANDO LAS PERSONAS ENSEÑAN MENTIRAS Y USAN ESCRITURAS CORTADAS PARA DECIR COSAS QUE JESÚS NO FUE SALVADOR Y QUE JOSÉ SMITH NO FUE PROFETA!!!!! ADEMÁS, NO ME DIGA QUE DIOS NO ESCUCHA, PORQUE SIEMPRE ESTÁ GRITANDONOS PARA QUE NOSOTROS ESCUCHEMOS A SU PALABRA PORQUE ÉL ES TODOPODEROSO Y SABE TODAS COSAS QUE SON PARA NUESTRO BENEFICIO. Allí está. Basically, don´t lie to people when you teach, ever, for that is against the 10 commandments, and pray always with the understanding that God answers in his own due time. I have started to eat way better in two senses. I have struggled since my mystery surgery back in August of 2011 to eat large quantities of food as I was wont to do beforehand, which thing has pained my soul oh so much, but now my appetite has finally returned and I can´t stop eating at times. I haven´t been full for a week and a half. Also, I have started to eat healthier, including veggies and fruits in my diet instead of alfajores all day everyday. The Lord will help me to be healthier, but I need to put in my part to keep this good looking body in mint condition as is for as long as possible. My time comes. Elder Lindsey

Big E-mail!

Fried bananas have changed my life. They cook really quickly, but are so full of flavor it becomes as close to an addiction without actually causing physical and mental attachment as is possible. Be careful. Also, homemade bread or that from the Panaderías located in the near proximity of my pension has been bought almost everyday since arrival, and whats more is that it is excruciatingly cheap and delicious. That doesn´t even take into account that the US Dollar is worth more than four pesos, meaning that five pesos of bread, or about three loaves, costs about a buck twenty or so. Heck to the yes please. Furthermore, herbal tea tastes great if you make it right and add just a tad of sugar to help the medicine go down, if you will. So far, manzanilla, or be it, chamomile is my favorite.

The work has exploded. We had yet another baptism and have about six or seven lined up and ready to go. I hope I don´t catch pneumonia from being in the font too often. That might impede the Lord´s work. On that note, I have a slightly fatal headache that kind of slowed my progress in filling in the 600 cubic foot hole in or Branch President´s backyard, as well as killing innumerable deadly scorpions with various gardening tools to prevent the untimely demise of one of my dear compañeros or Ward Members. We also sang full on belting Il Divo and like this music because that is the style of music that the family does rather well in fact, and I feel very much at home in their humble abode.

I really am starting to become very Argentine during my short, though awesome time in the country, and feel that when I leave this area, which will be in another transfer (six weeks) at the soonest, that I might say that I come from Las Malvinas Argentinas near Arenales and Monte Cristo because I blend in rather well. My soccer skills are much appreciated, though my aim has decreased throughout the years and takes its jolly good time coming back. Every P-Day at six thirty we do a Factura shootout to see who will get free Facturas from everyone else, and though I have yet to win, my abilities have refined themselves rather nicely over the past couple of weeks. That´s been a major plus in our relaxed Preparation Day lives.

I will send a truckload of pictures next week I promise, but the computer that I have this week lacks a port for my USB cable to attach my camera. Oh well.

I have grown extraordinarily in my spiritual dimensions this week, though there yet remain many a thing for me to correct and straighten out. I can be way more organized still, and getting ready on time has proved to be a struggle, though in part that is because of four people sharing one bathroom, making showers a two hour process. We had intercambios this week, and I went to work with one of the zone leaders in a more populated area, and to be honest, I am very happy with my trainer, Elder Petersen, and Arenales with its glorious countryside and sunsets, as well as the very amiable people that live here. The people in the city are much harder. I finally learned how to just listen to people and try to understand where they are coming from, which has helped immensely in our discussions as well as just being friends with people.

The only reason that I might want to leave is if the Lord were to call me back to the States at the end of my mission. Nothing before. I spend so much time just helping people that it really adds a lot of joy to my life. Try it, it´s fun.

1 Corinthians 15:29. Go do baptisms for the dead all the time. The temple rocks, and yáll have no idea how lucky you are to live within a few minutes or even hours of the temple. End of story.

Elder Lindsey

Big E-mail!

I spent a ton of time figuring out how my camera connects today, and some urgent business needed to relay itself to the Pres, so I will write the world next week in grand detail. I am alive, and played soccer, ate food, and slept after working my tail end off this week. God is good and always is on our side.
In Christ,
Elder Lindsey

Easter!

It´s P-Day again, and this week I find myself in Centro due to the President´s kindness of allowing us to visit on Elder Van Loo´s birthday. The computer place here is awesome. The walls are covered in gargantuan murals that depict events and characters from the Star Wars series, and made my day. When I look up, Darth Maul grimaces back down on me and my smile broadens significantly.

Our branch is having some scuffles right now, which I will not describe, but the branch President said it well in saying that he has felt the fires of the inferno when he came out of an interview in which the person slammed the door really loud upon storming out in disagreement. Really, the situation is petty, and the Lord can bring peace to the heart of anyone if they are willing to listen. The President asked us what we would do in the situation, and we responded that we really can´t give specific advice, though we can definitely exhort prayer and love, as well as patience, which is our message to everyone everywhere. Paul says that if you know that you have ought against your brother you should go to him and make things right before resting, and before coming to the altar. It´s hard sometimes, but just remember that the Savior underwent things that are so difficult that they cannot be borne.

I have discovered the goodness of Aguila Alfajores, which are twice as much as a regular one, but merit in whole the money spent, everytime. Imagine really moist cake with dulce de leche (caramel on steroids), covered in non-waxy chocolate and sprinkled evenly with coconut flakes and about half the size of your fist. Maybe a little smaller. Or, imagine being able to get five loaves of bread for the equivalent of one American dollar, and it´s fresh every time. And then there is delicious ice cream that cannot even begin to be compared with that of America, due to the quality it has of being so much better. I genuinely feel for those of you who have never lived in Córdoba nor experienced the world of missionary life, and the food is the least of it.

We have many people investigating, and many more that will soon begin, even though they don´t quite know that yet. Last night we started to talk to a woman outside of her house, and it was after dark, which makes sense that she would be alarmed, so she started talking really loud to alert her son about the two men which would supposedly accost her. Enter Sebastian, a simple, loving, protecting son of about thirty years who has seen the way that the Savior changes lives and blesses the people. We then began to chat with him about what we do, and what he does, having an easy-going discussion at the end of our day. His mother seemed rather understandably frightened by us, and at first he was too, but upon further conversation he warmed up to us rather well and told us that we carry a great presence with us and thanked us for preaching the word of God to the people. We are also going back later this week. What a way to end the day.

Remember that that which comes from above is sacred, and must be treated so. Some things are not to be trifled with, including people´s self-esteem, the Lord´s word, and personal revelation. Never ever attack such things, and furthermore, never ever, nunca jamás, abuse the authority or stewardship which the Lord has given you, whether it be your body, your family, your calling, or your career, and especially when it affects the agency of others, for even God himself is required to honor our agency and created a glorious plan to uphold it while allowing us to be tested and become as Him. He is perfect, we are not yet perfect, but through Christ we will shortly become thus when He comes again to reign in the power and glory of the Almighty God.
With that very authority and responsibility which He has given me as a missionary and representative of His name and all He stands for, and in His name, I close this message with love and joy for all mankind, hoping that each one will be redeemed in Christ.

With all the humility that I know how to muster,

Elder Lindsey

The Scoop

Conference just has this way of lightening the burdens and worries of the world, lessening the grief and pain experienced, and giving the Lord´s insight to all of His children through the words of worthy, honorable men and women who study and pray long and hard to have the Spirit testify of Truth to this lost and confused world. God spoke to us this weekend, and I am ever so grateful that I had the chance to hear it in my own native tongue from the prophet himself. Richard Scott´s address on personal revelation touched my heartstrings and inspired me to seek the sweet Spirit even more so than I have been doing, and to immediately heed its promptings to witness and preach of goodness and light whenever possible. I hope that we all can do the same.

Somehow I made it for a whole month without mentioning Pritty. Mountain Dew, Sprite, Fresca, or any other citrus flavored drink should cease to exist to allow for the widespread deliciousness of Pritty. We drink this, Coca-Cola or juice from a mix at every meal without fail. The sodas here dominate those from the States, and I will probably find a way to either mail or pack some home to spread the word upon returning in 21 months. Dulce de Leche also brings much rejoicing and gladness to the hearts of many a person in this beloved country.

We had three or four investigators come to Conference, and an inactive member as well. I hope that the Lord has touched their souls as deeply as he has touched mine this weekend, because they will all be baptized and active very soon if it is so.

I find it very strange being seen as the tall one around. There are two people in my area that I have seen so far that are taller than me, and one of them is an Elder in my pension, Elder Van Loo, and the other is our Elders Quorum President. Other than that, I am the grandote. The people here are wonderful, though some of the saddest things that I have seen have been here. One of those is the man that walks around town plastered out of his mind and unable to function properly. His eyes have turned pretty yellow, and even with a limited knowledge of medical issues, I know that terrible livers can lead to that, and alcohol kills your liver faster than you can say zxcbnñkjhgfdsqwrtplsdjflghkzxczvbmpthgjlk. I pray for him often, because he really has gotten himself lost and far from the Lord, with very little hope for change due to a lack of conscious thought.

My new goal is to be a completely positive person, and to never put anyone down or draw them away from the Savior and His teachings. I have rediscovered the powerful influence of calming music and of a live, soothing voice on the effect of people´s hearts, and intend to use it more often to develop the Spirit´s tendency to abide with me, and my ability to bring it to others. May you find such a goal for yourself, always anxiously engaged in a good cause.

In Christ,
Elder Lindsey

I Survived Week No. 1

I survived week number one in Argentina, and my companion Elder Petersen completed his first year in the mission on the same day. That kind of put things into perspective how fast this shenanigan goes. Apparently I forgot to mention the name of my wonderful area that is really starting to take off. Arenales is to the East and a little north of Córdoba and is completely flat, which makes it nice to get around. The skies here are incredible. Next week I will include some pictures I took the other morning of the sunrise from our pension. De diez. It´s really dusty here, which means that I have to do a good job of keeping my shoes clean every day or they will detract from my snazzily selected white shirt, tie, pants and belt that I wear on a daily basis. By far the best tie that I have was given to me by none other than my little brother. It ties nice and big at the top and is long enough that I don´t have to put the small end into my shirt. Thanks, little buddy.
The area of Arenales really is wonderful. We have some people that I am really rearing to teach, and there was a day this past week where we placed seven baptismal dates in the same day, with one the day before and a few more in the following days. Sadly, because not everyone came to church on Sunday we have to reassign a date and work towards that, but we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us. The Lord really does help us out in many ways. One night, this man that just happened to be riding by on his bike saw us knocking on a door and told us that they weren´t home. We thanked him and asked him a little about himself, including his address so that we might pop in to share a message that really would change his life. He gave us the address, which was a good forty minute walk down a sketchy road to another city. We went to the house, and he definitely had lied to us. A younger mother opened the door and when we asked about Ruben, she was rather confused and we explained the situation and that regardless of what had happened we preach of Christ to all who are willing to hear. She allowed us to enter, and after a thirty minute lesson we asked her to be baptized, which surprisingly to us both she accepted. A flat out malicious seeming lie turned into a fecha! Then, she had mentioned that she knew the Torres family down the street, so we popped by and talked with Sister Torres for a little bit and she gave us yet another reference two houses down. We taught there and helped a lady feel more hope in her life and brightened her day, and ours in turn. How merciful is the Lord to His children who obey His word and ask in faith to be directed to those willing to hear the word!
I finally can understand Castellano much better and even catch snippets of what the children say. Hallelujah. This goes in accordance with what Paul discusses in 1 Corinthians chapter 14. He says that though a man may speak in divers tongues it profitteth him nothing if he cannot understand. And furthermore, he says that it is better that a man should prophecy for the edification of all than to speak in divers tongues for his own spiritual betterment. I agree completely with his statement that he would rather say five words that edified everyone than a thousand in another language. And then, we must remember that previously in chapter 13 he extols charity above almost all else, saying that though he prophesies and speaks in tongues, giving to the poor and working miracles with faith to move mountains, without charity he is nothing. People who prophesy write scripture, people who heal can save lives, but through it all, simply loving someone and showing that Christlike love proves a mightier deed than to cease the very rotation of the earth. (Here the building´s power went out and luckily autosave had my back, showing yet again the Lord´s tender mercies to His children)
I apparently didn´t use very much of my money before now and still have a ton to use at my discretion, and I received a ton more in reimbursements just two days ago. This will be a great blessing with Grido´s ice cream tonight before we finish off the days work. Plus we have a coupon that gives us ten pesos off for a whole kilo. Ice cream really isn´t a very great way to end my message home, but I have yet to write The President and P-Day is almost over, so in this sweet finish, as Isaiah says, make their hearts fat, and as I say, "May the grace of Christ fill your soul as often as the day is long and as well as he selects his prophets".

From Arenales Argentina,
Elder Clark Lindsey

Enjoy the Sun!!!!!

My trainer is the best there ever was. Never have I witnessed a more genuine and loving person in a time of need than Elder Petersen. We get along super well, which basically means that he ignores my quirks and loves the heck out of me. My respect for him skyrocketed when we went to a lady´s house to introduce her to the gospel, and she immediately broke into tears for a personal reason that I won´t share and said that she didn´t know if God existed anymore. Immediately, he testified that God is there and he loves us, and that the message that we bring as servants of Christ can help her to be happy and have peace in her life. She wants to hear more, and I have been able to think of nothing more than what we are going to say and do beforehand, so that the spirit may be present to touch her soul and give her comfort. Please, pray for María whenever possible, for she is in a dire time of spiritual need and growth.
Córdoba is wonderful. The food is delicious, and even the sodas beat those in America. I cannot even begin to describe how humbled I am to be here and to receive food from these destitute people free of charge. They give all that they have, and you really have to be obstinate in telling them to keep some of it for themselves. To be honest, I had some food that I really didn´t like the other day, but I pounded it like there was no tomorrow. The family insisted, and kept throwing stuff on our plate, and I ate as much as I could as fast as I could and thanked them profusely, though not after unknowingly insulting the food due to the use of a new word that my compañero gave me and told me to use. Luckily, the family knew in advance that it was a joke, and they play it on all of the new missionaries. Really, of all jokes that could be played, that one is one that I approve of and is all in good spirit and jest. No hard feelings. I actually got him back a little bit right after by using the same word that he gave me to describe the food in order to describe his joke, and he turned a little red. Again, there are no hard feelings here, and we are one as a companionship.
I am getting a little sick, but they say that it goes away in a few months so I should be fine.
The journey here was epic beyond belief. We went from SLC to Chicago to Atlanta to Buenos Aires to another Airport in Buenos Aires by bus and to Córdoba. Overall, more than 8000 miles. The sketchiness began after leaving the Chicago airport and having to take a round about route due to weather. Our layover was supposed to be an hour, but turned into ten minutes-- to sprint through a gigantic airport only to get there with the plane´s gate already shut. Rejected from entry, we walked all the way back to the ticket counter and were called back to the plane, so we ran as fast as we could for the second time to the plane and came on looking like we had recently showered in our "pristine" suits. Then, after thanking the captain profusely and flying for ten hours, we went through customs and met up with a man named Romano. He photocopied our passports and told us to ride with this lady to the next airport. I still don´t know her name, and she didn´t say a word the whole ride. When we arrived, we unloaded our stuff and were instructed to wait for Javier briefly as she departed for another appointment. Javier came and helped us get our tickets and whatnot, so we got here okay. We saw Boca in the airport, which is the equivalent of seeing the Lakers, and were actually filmed walking with them for a bit just out of sheer circumstance, and it was cool being around celebrities, even though we had no idea who they were.
The spirit is extraordinarily strong here when we are obedient, and we can shape up a little bit, as every missionary can. We will continue to preach the word, and we invite all to come unto Christ
Godspeed,
Elder Lindsey

They have arrived!!!

Dear Missionary Parents,

I am very pleased to inform you that your missionaries have arrived!
They landed here in Córdoba Friday (yesterday), at about 4 PM, and were personally
received by President Salas, the mission president. Yesterday they met
their new companions and left for their areas. You may communicate
with them through me. I will promptly pass along any information.

Please feel free to email or telephone us if you have any questions or
concerns, etc. Have a great day!!
--
Élder Rowse
Secretario del Presidente

Misión Argentina Córdoba
Gay Lussac 5270, Villa Belgrano
Apartado Postal 49-X509ZAA
C.C. 17 Suc. 9
Córdoba - Argentina

OLO!

Well, I officially have scars on top of my scars now. I cut a nice inch long slash on my right arm, and I am using silver water to heal it, and the results amaze me still. Service is wonderful, even if sometimes you do get scratches. I helped a senior missionary couple by pushing the Brother's wheelchair, though I only got there in time to push him all of five or six feet before dropping him off. However, the feeling I received surpasses any earthly thrill or personal satisfaction that I have ever experienced, and I definitely plan on helping others more often. When you are in the service of your fellow man you are only in the service of your God. Go out and do good well.

I leave on Monday for Argentina.

My journey consists of approximately 8120 linear miles on a two dimensional map, but I haven't had the time to calculate in the curvature of the earth, so I'm sure that it will be a little bit more than that. Yep, that's a good day and a half journey, meaning 36 hours or so.

I love to see the temple, and already long to go back, because for the next 22 months I can't. Be grateful that you are so close.

The Lord is good, and will provide all that you need. Nothing more, and nothing less. Jesus Christ is our Savior, and he died and resurrected so that we might live with God again in the Celestial Kingdom, in the Glory and Fullness of the Lord forever as families. I love the Lord.

Three of our five investigators are committed to be baptized after we leave, and we are very excited for them. For those of you who read this, or that may teach or attend a mission prep class, listen well, please. TEACH THE STUDENTS TO LOVE THE PEOPLE AND TO LISTEN. I had an experience of listening to an Elder teach that didn't listen whatsoever, and have been accused of not listening myself, and therefore have learned firsthand the negative effects of sharing even a wonderfully well-found scripture without applying it to the last comment that the investigator said. It is more important to teach as you are directed than it is to teach the lesson. Don't practice teaching lessons, practice teaching people, and learning about them. The first visit we always simply meet them, and leave a short message at the end, because how can you love someone for who they are, if you don't know who they are?

This officially concludes my last email sent from the MTC on March 8, 2012. May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.

Elder Lindsey

Greetings from Middle Earth!

Greetings from Middle Earth. There is an Elder Gandolf here, and this Elder a while back sang a version of "Come Thou Fount" that was in a really deep voice, which inspired my companion, in and of the fact, that it reminded him of "Lord of the Rings". We kind of rewrote the song accordingly, and have made multiple references to this storyline in just everyday life, though our main focus is on the Savior and the Scriptures. Myriad references to the movie "Rocketman" apply to missionary life as well, so it's been hard to keep away from quoting that too.

Spanish is fantastic, especially when spoken in a Scottish brogue or a Japanese accent. O-RA! Como estas, laddie? I feel that the reason that I am in the intermediate class is not because my Spanish is lacking, which sounds really conceited, but in all honesty I took an upper level Spanish class in college, and the professor thought I was a returned missionary. The real reason is that I simply don't yet have the skill of connecting the gospel to people's needs in a very simple way. I go overly philosophical and deep for the investigators, and need to water down my thought process for the benefit of everyone. I will definitely need the Lord's help in overcoming this setback because I cannot do it alone.

Smiling and saying "Hi" to people is my new favorite hobby. It brightens their day, and after the obligatory "how are you?", I follow up now with a genuine "and why?" In all honesty, most of the time the conversation goes "como esta?"... "y por que?" This kinda makes people pause and think for a little bit about themselves and their attitude, and gives me a chance to listen more than to talk, which I need to work on as well.

Elder Holland came on Tuesday to give a talk at the Devotional, and he really dug into us, saying that we do not have the right to "miff" missionary work, and that we shouldn't take the first five minutes back home to see how we can not look like a missionary. He read a lot of scriptures, and also laid into us that we need to know 1 Nephi:1 like the back of our hand, which isn't fair, because mine changes... Anyhow, he had a volunteer try to explain the first chapter of the book of Mormon, and he really sadly failed, though he deserves credit for his willing heart. It took a round of five elders just to say that Lehi prayed, and that he saw a vision. It proved the point that though the stories are good, knowing all of the details is absolutely essential for missionary work as well as simple gospel study. Reread the story of Lehi and tell me that it doesn't look like the story of Joseph Smith, or Moses, or any other prophet ever called of God. Also, during that talk, he quoted Moroni 6:9 and asked us what Moroni means by the manifestations of the Spirit and why that is so important that we lead through them. More volunteers got up, and it pains me to see seemingly "cop out answers" in the MTC from Elders that simply want to get noticed. The biggest thing that I have learned about the Spirit is that you know that you have followed it when afterwards you are inspired to humility in your heart, and that what you say does not come from you, rather from God Almighty. I decided to share that because my normally little heart-rate probably measured on the nearby Richter scale. In short, I got to talk directly to an Apostle about the things of my heart, and testify that Jesus is the Christ through my words. My time is up, but in closing I am trying out for a musical number by singing the song "I Heard Him Come" by Jeff Goodrich. Best song ever! Godspeed, brethren and sisters
Elder Lindsey

Week Seven

This is my seventh week in the MTC, leaving only two and a half weeks to learn the Spanish language. This doesn't worry me because I actually have gone through the entirety of the computer grammar lessons multiple times, and spend our language lab sessions just learning random word lists pertaining to everyday life at a rate of approximately 200 words a session. There isn't much left to do in that aspect.

Teaching is coming along rather well. We had a substitute teacher yesterday that taught pretty well and ensured that we knew how to do contacting. I forgot how fun it is to meet random people and to try and make their day by changing their life for the better. I have started to end our commitments with another commitment of promising to have a nice day, and all who read this now fall under that obligation regardless of their agency. Just do it.

The Lord blesses his missionaries immensely with spiritual growth and fun times. Some of the funniest things I have ever heard have come from my companion and also some of the most spiritual things I have ever heard. For those of you who are familiar with the Party Rock Anthem, there is now a remix for missionaries, which we are gonna make before our MTC district reunion in two years.

From what I have heard, there are some people out there undergoing spiritual change. The Lord has a plan for you, and it includes some very hard times. Just remember that there is no temptation fallen you, but such that is common to man. God will not suffer that you will be tempted above that ye are able, but with the temptation He will provide a way that ye might be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 15:10) Thank you Brother Dowse for writing that song in Seminary. I still have it down. When you feel life's stress, remember that a nice stretch always feels good and makes you more flexible and in better shape. Do some spiritual exercise. Hurt a little, struggle a little, and fall completely into your Coach and Savior who knows what is perfect for you.

I still sing in the MTC choir, which is always a treat. The directors are really funny and have good insights as well as choral direction. Mama J is still the best. One of the directors told us to ponder on something whenever we get nervous, and that something is that we would be sooooo much more nervous if this gospel was false and we knew it. The main stress that we as missionaries feel is that since it is true, we are responsible to have an eye single to the glory of God, which is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. We literally fill in for part of the role of God Himself, and thus become like Him. Marriage and service also cause us to undertake that great task.

Repentance is a commitment to change ourselves, and the missionary commitments are specifically designed for each and every person ever to live anywhere, by God Almighty who loves you and invites you to unto Him and rest.

Godspeed, outside world.

Elder Lindsey

District Leader Lindsey

OLO!! I have gained five pounds in the MTC, but, that is actually good in two-fold; I need some extra weight for when I am in Argentina and may not have the most substantial diet, and I lost a bunch of weight over the five months before I entered the MTC due to various medical occurances that prove how much Satan doesn't want this missionary to get out into the world. But the Lord God is on my side; who can fight against me? Satan also didn't want me to write this letter today, but we got around his cunning little plan of computer malfunctions in the laundry room this morning by waiting a few hours and using good computers that are used for language study. D&C 68:4 says that when those ordained to the work speak when moved upon by the spirit that it is to be considered scripture, and the will and word of God Himself. I have probably quoted that before, and if so, that only further emphasizes the importance I find in that verse.

There is an Elder here by the name of Elder Jurado, which is Spanish for "sworn". What are we sworn to? Well, we are to live by every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God. We are sworn to preach Jesus, be of good cheer and never be afraid. My ole pal Paul was so fearless and preaching Jesus that those in power and position truly feared for him that the people would kill him, and his response was that to die in Christ is gain, and in the verse before that in Philippians that he would rather be dead and with Christ, but that it is mosre needful for the world that he remains alive for that time. I say that we should all be Elderes Jurados, Elders sworn to the faith by covenant and by willpower, to do the will of God no matter what, end of discussion, period.

We have continued to teach our investigators and feel the spirit directing our learning, especially when we make mistakes and goof up the lesson, though that is what the Lord intends for us to learn here in the MTC rather than in the field. All of the missionaries that are going to Argentina met with the Consulate another time to get the signatures completed and to ask questions about our shortly-to-be new home in the south. It is safe to assume that most of us didn't expect the Consulate to be a sweet, stylish young lady, and expected something more like the lady behind the desk in Monsters Inc., the one that is always watching... That was a pleasant surprise, and Elder Hansen and I found it easier to understand her Spanish than her English. Also, for those in the Lindsey Clan, I met Elder Kanenwisher... if that's how you spell it... in the meeting for the Consulate and his companion is the Elder Argyle that my mother has been getting me to try and find. I also encountered a whole district full of Cordoba bound missionaries.

I saw Elder Lopez today and we had a deliciously sweet reunion in the Cafeteria. Pictures will result later on tonight. I also saw Kendra Knudsen as I was leaving the temple, in which after doing initatories I saw a fellow classmate from SVU that has now transferred to the Y.

God loves us all, and gives us proof of that through nature. Why would anyone who hated the earth spend so much effort in being such a brilliant biologist and chemist to create the greatest masterpeice of all time? I have taken many pictures of the mountains and the sky to record this love for us to remember even in times of darkness. May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.

District Leader Lindsey

Hello

We discovered the joyous hour of six in the morning to do our laundry on p-days. During this hour, minimal amounts of missionaries do their laundry and the computers are open for email in a relatively quiet atmosphere.  I'm pretty sure that this is going to be a new habit for the two of us.

We began to teach an investigator and she is from Venezuela and goes by the name of Ivelisse. She has lots of questions, but that is definitely a good thing, because it means that she is paying attention and taking a little interest.

I meet with the Consulate for Argentina today to get my Visa, and it means that I don't get to go to the temple this week. This makes me very sad, because the temple is a place where we can feel the Spirit of God and where literally God is present at times. Some of my favorite moments in life include the temple, and I love it so.

President Tyler responded to this week's report that I sent him with a page typed and four pages of articles because he felt prompted to do so, whereas normally he just writes a  word or two of encouragement. He really was inspired to do so, for he answered my question precisely and so immediately that it was a literal answer to my prayers and built my faith.

The computer this week has decided that it is okay to freeze up multiple times during my email session, and this doesn't exactly make me happy, but I am grateful to have time to send information home. I also just noticed that my email has three lines per each section and decided to continue that pattern though I had little to say...

I have been keeping many journals over t"he course of my mission thus far. The word in Spanish for "remember" is also the same as "to record", and there is a hidden truth in that coincidence. One page a night takes about fifteen minutes if undistracted. Twenty five tops. Try it, and by the end of forty years you'll have written three thousand or so pages.

A really pretty sister missionary sat next to me during one of the firesides, and I had forgotten how distracting that can be to deal with. Nothing really happened, other than the fact that I wasn't as focused inwardly, though I most likely appeared so outwardly. I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure I'll figure out what to do eventually should this happen in the future.

God loves each of his children, and invites all to repent and come unto Him to be saved from their sins and to be exalted in His Kingdom forever. This is true. If any of you ever doubt that there is a God or that He loves His children, remember that this young man gave up two years of his life to testify that He lives, and that he knows it as sure as he knows that he lives.

February already!

The Lord is God and loves his children. He provided a plan whereby we may be saved from our sins and become like Him to live in eternal splendor and glory as perfected beings. Jesus Christ was the major functioning role in that plan, and has carried out what he needed to do. Now it is our turn to carry out what we need to do. Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

Elders Nelson and Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve came to the MTC to speak at the MTC's 50th anniversary and I sang in the choir. Nothing beats singing for some apostles and then being spiritually fed by their words. It was a grand experience for all of us to add with theirs our testimonies of our Savior in that monumental meeting.

Our district lost four people this week due to people moving on to either the field, or to the other MTC's around the world. Now we are down to nine, which is still a pretty large district, though we don't feel that way.

My teachers are great and have high expectations for us. My teaching group consists of Elder St. Martin and I as well as Hermana Coleman, making us two of the luckiest Elders in the force because we get to teach with an Hermana.

Someone pranked our room by taping up our bed to look like a prison cell, using my duct tape that was supposed to last about two years in about five minutes. It was funny, and we got some good pictures out of it.

You know, getting mail isn't really all that important to me while I'm here. It's nice, but it is rather distracting when I really think about it. The food is always welcome, though.

I love everyone, and wish everyone a happy week, even if you read this many years in the future or have read this before. You still have my best wishes.

Do your laundry, eat some delicious food, and do something spontaneously nice and heartwarming as much as possible so it becomes less spontaneous and more heartfelt.

May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all!

Elder Lindsey