Letter #10

Our investigators with a baptismal date are named Jose Manuel and Inocencia. They've been good about coming to church (which is a rare blessing) and they seem legitimately interested. Jose Manuel needs some serious help overcoming an alcohol addiction and Inocencia doesn't wan't to marry him unless he quits drinking so we'll have to have some patience working that one out, but they invite us over pretty much every day to teach a little more. They have three super funny kids ages 7,5,4. The kids call me their muñeco ( toy) because I always take a little time to play with them when we visit. 

I'll tell you what. I don't get how some people lose weight out here because around these parts we eat like kings even if we try not to because the people constantly ask if I want more. No = You don't like my food. A little more= A little more than the first serving. I'm gonna get large. That being said, I'm glad we're being taken care of by the people.

The missionaries in my Zone are super great and I've had three opportunities already to go on splits so that's been fun. One time I went with another guy who is still relatively new and white so we had a hay day talking to everyone in broken Spanish haha. It was actually super fun though because we both had to step up and take the lead at times instead of being able to have the comfort of a native speaker with us.

My area is a pretty calm town where people know each other and the simple life is embraced. I like it. It's the Mexican version of where I might like to live one day. Side note that that brings to mind: America is great. I absolutely love Mexico, but I'm glad I'll be able to raise my family, get an education, work, etc. in the US. 

My testimony of Christ has been the biggest thing that has grown while I've been serving a mission. I suppose when you're always teaching His Gospel one starts to appreciate Him more. Heavenly Father must really love us (John 3:16)

When asked about soccer last week: Nah we didn't play with other missionaries. We're way out in the boonies so we don't spend more time with other missionaries than is necessary. 

There are ruins near here, but I don't know exactly where or how to get there. 

 Gospel Principles has had inconsistent attendance between 4-10. English classes aren't happening much right now. My Spanish feels great sometimes and abhorrent at others. We'll have to keep waiting before I can say I'm comfortable with it. 

A lot of people around here just have their little stores with snacks or whatever else. Cigarettes are expensive here and they sell well if you were asking for business advice. 

Honestly the food is almost always fantastic, but I did have a weird octopus thing. It wasn't squid because I know the word for squid. But it had suckers. 

 Asked about writing in his journal and his health: Yes I'm using the journal like a good boy. Missionary work is rough on the back, but it's not unjustly difficult. You just gotta stay focused on what you're doing.  I myself have been in good health outside of my unsightly weight gain. I tell you what. I don't get how Andrew lost weight out here because around these parts we eat like kings.  I'm gonna get large.

 Anyway that ought to do for this week. 

- Elder Finlinson

 The gentleman in this picture new someone in our Stake and sent this picture of Elder Finlinson.

Elder Finlinson...not sure what he is doing, maybe just borrowed the other missionaries suit coat?