Semana numero dos :)

¡Hola a todos!

So week number two was definitely not as crazy as the first week. Our language training has slowed a little bit and we have finally gotten into our normal schedule that we will have for the next six weeks. We have about 8 hours of class a day (4 hours or so of Spanish and about 4 hours of gospel study). It's amazing how much you can learn in a time of two weeks. My companion and I taught in the TRC yesterday and the lesson went incredibly well. We got a 7 out of 10 for the spirituality of the lesson we taught so we have some things to improve on but, that's why we are here for six more weeks :). Our entire district went to the Referral Center on Saturday and did Outbound-English Calls. What we basically do is call people who requested videos or Books of Mormon or Bibles and confirm that they received it. I can honestly say that I have received my first rejection of my mission! :) I had called this lady from...I think it was Texas... trying to see if she received her copy of the Book of Mormon. I literally got out "My name is Andrew from The Church of Jesus Christ..." when I heard an "Oh..." and a "click" on the other line. It pumped me up so much! I was so nervous because I didn't know how I would take my first rejection but it went really well! The Devotionals here are really good. This past Tuesday, Robert K. Dellenbach came and spoke on the power of the Book of Mormon. This past Sunday was not very good though...It was the Director of International MTC's and to be honest...I'm not really sure what he spoke on. The whole Fireside was really irreverent on their part and kind of inappropriate but, oh well, there were still some good points!

The language is coming along pretty well. It's a lot of information to retain and learn in such a short period of time but the Lord truly blesses those who do their best. When my companion and I taught at the TRC yesterday, we had to contact 2 people for 8 minutes each in Spanish. Let's just say, we TRULY believe in the gift of tongues. The contacting went fantastic! I understood (for the most part) what they were saying to us and we were able to respond back (even though it was a little rough). The spirit is absolutely incredible! I can honestly say I study spanish for about 5 hours a day and learn so much! I have really learned that the key is to pray for the spirit before EVERY study session, done in Spanish of course. It's so fantastic...I can even begin to explain! :)

In terms of random information. We are finally getting a new district in our Zone tomorrow so, we will no longer be the youngins in the group. All of the Elders are really excited to welcome them and to help them. During our District Planning Session yesterday, we made the goal to use them to teach to and to speak to in Spanish. We all found that when the other districts in our Zone did that when we were here, it really made us feel welcome and confident. So, it's really exciting!! On another note, I saw Elders Finley and Hanks this past week, both of which came in on Sunday. It's seriously so cool to see so many people I know here. I know I already said this but it truly is a testament of the power of this work!! But, I've gotta finish good 'ole laundry but, I'll send a new post next week, PLUS, pictures should be up by this week!! Keep the letters coming and remember, dearelder.com is a way easy to send letters!! ¡Los Amo mucho!

P.S. Hermana Larsen, I received your awesome postcard and goodies yesterday. I wanted to write and say "Thank You" but, I hope this works. Thanks again and hope to hear from you again soon!! :)