Learning Tons

 Hey all!!

It's been two weeks since I last wrote... Last week I spent p-day with my whole district and my mission president and his assistants which was super fun but which left me with little time to write an email. But these last few weeks have been really great and very busy!

Last week we had our zone conference which was really fantastic! We talked a ton about our own personal conversion, and how we can become true disciples of Christ. I think it is a good reminder for all of us. It doesn't matter where we are on our path to salvation, we all need to continue being converted. If we let our faith lie stagnant, it will start to disappear a lot faster than you would think. We need to ask ourselves constantly where we are in our personal conversion and be ready and willing to strive every day to become more converted. And it's also vital that we remember to trust in the Lord throughout this process! He knows what we need to learn and how we need to learn it. So why not pray and ask him every day what we can do to become a better disciple of Christ?

These last two weeks, we have also had 3 exchanges so I've spent a lot of time with other missionaries and in other areas. I always love exchanges and everything that I am able to learn with other missionaries. And it doesn't have to be with a missionary who is way more experienced! Even when I spend a day with someone who just showed up, I'm amazed by the things I learn as I do my best to work with unity, humility and diligence.

Last week, unfortunately, we had a baptism fall through. It's something that happens sometimes, and we need to keep our trust in the Lord and keep working hard. I think it's a good reminder that even though we can't control the actions of others, we can be 100% responsible for how we respond and how we deal with each and every situation. And then this week everything worked out perfectly Italo's baptism! He's 11 years old, but his faith is inspiring! There is a member that lives close to him who is always helping the kids in the neighborhood go to church and other activities. And Italo is always the first one ready and waiting at her front door on Sunday! I certainly wasn't nearly so excited about church when I was 11 haha.

This last week we also had the honor to help a sweet lady named Glauce schedule her baptism and start preparing! Probably the part I love most about our lessons with her each day are her prayers. She is completely honest with her Heavenly Father and has such an open heart. I don't know how to explain it, but I just wish that each and every one of you could hear her pray. And it definitely inspires me to make my prayers better!

Just some other random things... one day their was a protest here in our area and they lit a gigantic fire in the middle of a main street (see photo below...sorry for the bad picture quality). And during one of our exchanges, two other Elders and I bought 16 hamburger because they were having a really great deal... so that was a good night!

But I think that's about it for this email... I love being a missionary and I am so grateful for all of the amazing experiences that I am having. I hope yall have a great week and that you can see the hand of the Lord working in your life!

Elder Hill