18 Dic 2000

Dearest Family,

I just got back with my comp and roommates from bowling (!) in Valencia. It was fun but I don't think I'd do it again. We left at 10:30 a.m. and just got back at 4:00! And we have to dress and start planning at 5 so we can be out the door at 6, so I'll be short. But I did get pouch today (instead of tomorrow; I got the 2 birthday packages!), so thank you! I'll be responding to letters dated Nov 13, Nov 22, y Nov 24.

Well, not much to say about the Nov 13th letter :P The only thing that comes to mind is how we can recieve more help from the heavens: Mosiah 2:41 "I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God for behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual . . . ;" I've seen it so many times, not only in my life but that of others, the blessings both temporal and (most importantly) spiritual that are received by those who are faithful in thei Family Home Evenings, family prayer and scriptures study, personal prayers, and duties in sharing the gospel. About this last topic, the Elder Gillespie (2nd Quorum of the 70's) spoke to us in our last stake conference about this specific point, and refered to D y C 31 - the mission call of Thomas Marsh. He explained that we're all missionaries and that this Section too applies to us. He specifically cited versiculo 5: ". . . thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you . . . Wherefore, your family shall live." Elder Gillespie then went on about how much our families are blessed when we do missionary work. I give you my word and my testimony of the truth of this.

Oh yeah, before I forget. Let me see if I can remember the packages I got. Well, now that I think about it, you haven't mentioned any packages in any letter that I've yet to recieve. In fact, I didn't know I was going to get these 2 birthday packages. They arrived in 10 days. So that you know. Oh, I did get that letter from the Harts. Thank you Harts! Tell me about the Bad Mojo concert the day after Thanksgiving. I hope you took pics!

As for the frequency of the Zone Conferences, they're monthly but it's never a set day or date. Our last Zone Conference, last Tuesday, we saw the Special Witnesses of Christ video (the 15 apostles and the president) then went to a really nice restaurant for lunch, thanks to a classy Mission President. It was cool. Like 60 missionaries marching down the street and into a restaurant. We watched them spend like 10 minutes filling our cups with water when we came in, which was pointless because we couldnt' drink it. Upon returning, we got a big pamphlet/magazine about Templos, a copy of the Special Witnesses video, candy, and a binder full with info about the mission. I got my X-mas packages then. BTW, my zone leader wants a copy of the Bridge. If it doesn't cost an arm and a leg, could you manage that? I plan on calling you guys tomorrow night (little do you know) so I'll find out his name so you can send it to him. Hey, when's Doug Arnell coming home? I assume within a month because I remember that he entered like the 16th of January or something.

Well, I have to go get dressed. I would love to tell you about the rest of the baptism but I haven't the time!

Love,

Nick