2 Julio 2001

Dear Family,

How's everything going? Well, I hope. Here, everything's been pretty much slow, except for the baptism we had on Saturday and the confirmation yesterday of Arelys Medina. She was a great investigator - "of gold," as they usually say. Definitely prepared by the Lord. But the rest of the week went by pretty slow, mostly because my companion, Elder Christopher, had been sick. It started Tuesday before lunch and is just about died off today. He's had a fever of about 102.2 F but now he's practically normal. The members have all been worrying about him and taking care of him, and that coupled by prayers and a fast (yesterday was fast and testimony) he's almost back to normal. Apparently it was just some virus that had been going around that had stricken some other missionaries, too. So those days in the apartment gave me time to write some letters, read a lot, practice my new instrument - the cuatro - etc. And recover from my strenuous (:P) trip to Curacao. I believe I wrote about it in my last letter so I won't bother to here.

Today we plan on going to Jennifer's house to hang out and watch the videos I've been sent of the family, and to watch "The Bridge." None of the other Elders in the apartment have seen it. For once we have an Elder from Utah in the apartment since Elder Alvey. Our new zone leader is Elder Brandt. And yes, I've heard of Elder Christopher Saul. In fact, we have a piece of his mail in the apartment right now. It got confused with mail for Elder Christopher, my companion.

Right now we're in rainy season - this past week has been pretty wet. Polishing shoes really helps keep the shoes waterproof (and pretty, too.)

The mission is really quite an experience. It's kind of like watching the evolution of your spirituality over a 40 year period on fast forward, and packed into 2 years of a teenage life. I'm really starting to see just how the Book of Mormon really relates to my life. I find myself just like the Nephite people - one moment righteous and happy and successful, the next moment prideful, and then all of a sudden I find myself in the "swamps of despair" (thanks "Neverending Story"). But instead of taking years to move from one phase to another, on the mission it happens in a matter of weeks. In one entire month, I may pass through the entire cycle. It makes me think of the words of Nefi, son of Helaman, in speaking to a group of men gathered by his tower, "O, how could you have forgotten your God in the very day that he has delivered you?" (Hel. 7:20) and also of the Chapter 12, verses 1-2. As I read these I feel horrible for not being firm and steadfast, and then the verse 3 helps me know that all that I pass through is really so that I can once again turn my face to God and try harder.

I'm so thankful for this SHORT SHORT SHORT SHORT time the Lord's given me to serve as his representative, even though many times I fail to do his will to serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength (D y C 4). I know that repentance is real and is merciful and is imperative (Hel 12:22). I'm thankful for the Spirit testifying of the truthfulness of this message so importante. Love you guys!

Love

Nick

P.S.: What do you want me to write in your letters? What do you like to hear about? Is it annoying when I cite scriptures? Do you even look them up?

PPS: oh yeah, about witchcraft. Well, Venezuela is full of it, but in our mission we do have a certain mountain that's world renowned for witchcraft that's in the area of Yaritagua by San Felipe. Elder Painter who served in Yaritagua told me some stuff about Elders and experience and stuff, but faithful Elders who are worthy and who honor their preisthood will be able to help a lot of people. Nothing to worry about. :)