Another Week

I think I'm getting the hang of this!


It's been a busy week. I'm getting to know the Talavera Branch really well. We had a great Noche de Hogar this week and everyone had a great time! Talavera doesn't have many members, so the members of this branch are really tight.


We've been teaching a lot of new people from very different backgrounds. It's interesting to hear people's idea of God before they accept the gospel. 


My Spanish is getting better, I can understand a bit more, and I'm learing new words. I love this language and the people who speak it.


Some highlights:


- Played football (soccer to you Americans, but it's part of my job to be a snob about this now) with a bunch of members of the branch and some friends with varying levels of interest in the church. This work is about bringing people together and helping them, and football is the cultural cornerstone of this country, so it's a great way to meet people!


-Jesús is from Cuba and is one of the most consistent players to show up to our weekly games, and is learning lots about the gospel too! We have a goal to send a scripture to him every day, which is also helping us learn about the gospel too!


-Isaias is off of crutches now, and was able to walk to church this week! We taught a lesson to him, Jesús, and another friend named Mateo. They're all learning and growing so much!


-Adelina is an older friend who isn't a member but loves sharing the message that Jesus Christ is here for us! She always asks for pass-along cards, pamphlets, and copies of the Book of Mormon and is absolutely fearless in handing them out to people and telling them about Jesus. It's crazy impressive.


-Zone conference! Went back to the mission headquarters in Madrid to hear from our leadership. We talked a lot about how missionaries should work with members to connect with and support people. Learned a lot and got to know a lot more missionaries! I ran into a few people I traveled with and met a lot more! Elder Rasolo was also saying a lot of goodbyes since he'll be leaving soon and isn't sure when he'll see a lot of these missionaries again.


This week's spiritual thought is more of a question, specifically for those of you who are current or former missionaries. You know that being fully consecrated to the work makes every day feel spiritual. However, this also makes Sundays feel less like the spiritual highlight they should be. My question is: what can we do differently on Sundays to show our Father in Heaven that we value the gift of the Sabbath? I'd love to hear your thoughts.


That's all for WDEC (W Deck?) this week, I hope you all have a good one! 


Elder Curtis


Pictures:
1. The most Spanish-looking photo I have taken so far
2. A fairly light week (by missionary standards haha)
3. Juice museum left by whoever lived here last. Elder Rasolo wants to throw it out, but I don't like destroying history. Cast your votes.
4. A story we received from Adelina.
5. Zone conference!
6. NDH/ birthday party with part of the Talavera Branch


More pictures with friends and members coming once I can take them without looking like a crazy American tourist.





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