Starting In The Field

It's been a wild week.


Previously on Weekly Dose of Elder Curtis, (WDEC?) I left the MTC and traveled to Spain in a small group of missionaries (see photos) We all made it here and met our mission leaders, the Hamiltons. 


We spent time at the mission offices (which actually used to be an MTC) doing paperwork and training stuff. We stayed the night at the Hamiltons' and had our first Spanish food in Spain! They're awesome leaders, but in a few weeks the Spain Madrid Mission will split and I'll be in the North part under different leadership. It's pretty sad, but I'm sure the new leaders will be good too.


After some more orientation we finally got our area assignments and companions! I'm assigned to Talavera de la Reina with Elder Rasolo. He's been an awesome trainer so far, and this will actually be his final transfer before he goes home to Belgium. In mission slang (yeah, I know mission slang now) we say that I'm the one to "kill" him. He's been a great teacher and very patient with me while I try to figure this all out. Let's hope I can help him go out with style.


Our area is awesome. Talavera is dense, crowded, and busy, but it's my first area so I have nothing to compare it to. I'm getting to know my way around, but more importantly, I'm getting to know the people of the Talavera Branch and our friends who are progressing. (No pictures yet, but they're coming) For example, Isaias is a friend who is getting to know the branch really well. He suffered a serious leg injury a while ago but received a priesthood blessing and is is healing miraculously fast. We've taught him a few times and held a Noche de Hogar (kind of like an FHE) in his home. A bunch of members brought snacks and games to really welcome Isaias to their community. They have so much faith and desire to serve and support each other, it's really amazing.


The language has been pretty tough but I can mostly follow conversations and say relevant things most of the time. The gift of tongues is real, but we can only receive this gift from the Spirit. Without focus and sincere desire to use it for the work, you're left to rely on only what you know.


A message we've been sharing about the Book of Mormon has really hit home. The book talks about ancient peoples, but it was revealed in our day for a reason. The lessons it teaches are meant for this time. I would invite you to see this by taking a verse from the scriptures and replacing any names you see with your own. After all, the book was written for people like you in this time, and the lessons it teaches can help us to live as disciples of Christ.


Looking forward to hearing from y'all, have a great week!


Elder Curtis


Pictures
1. Traveling crew! Hermanas Olson, Pennington, and Dobbs, plus Elder Teeter and Elder Ulu'ave (not pictured). Don't ask me where I'm looking here, I have no clue.
2. Spanish food at the Hamiltons'. Paella, squid rings, olives, and tortilla de patatas.
3. Lunch at Hermana Zulema's, she's a really sweet woman in the branch. This doesn't have a name but it is the most delicious pile of vegetables I've ever eaten.
4. Little kitchen in our piso.
5. People board
6. Elder Rasolo's contribution to our district's #Selfiesunday





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