August 22, 2011

Great week, we had baptisms this last week of the Navarro family. The mom is the sister of our recent convert Rocio. Rocio`s husband is also getting baptized this next week, along with a few others. The Lord contiues to pour blessings on our rama :)
Before I forget, in Salto, we'll stay at Los Naranjos. To communicate with people and set things up, I'm going to borrow a cell phone from a member for the week, I've already got that taken care of :) As for food, you'll probably be served things you don't like, but I'll let you know what it is everything and if you don't want it, no one will be offended I promise. The only thing that I don't know if you'd like that we'll probably be expected to eat it lamb. I personally love it, theres a lot of people that don't. Its an expensive meat here for special occasions so its possible that we'll be offered a big asado of lamb. Chorizo will also be in abundance. That you gotta try a little mom, its my favorite thing in the world, and I learned how to make it too, so I'll make some one day at home if I can find tripa de vaca jaja
As for the weight vest, ya please go ahead and buy it, I'll need it I've gained weight here since you got those photos haha, not a ton, but enough that I want to lose it all before I go to college and have to look for my future wife.
This week there were so many trials it was incredible to see how Satan can work against the Saints through other people. The recent converts are all super strong, but with all the reactivation, a lot of very old problems are resurfacing as well and causing a lot of problems between the old members. It goes to show that conversion has nothing to do with time or age as a member, and many of the greatest leaders in the ward right now were baptized within these last few months. I'm excited to hear about the future of these families, and need to start saving up as soon as I get home to return next summer for sealings. That would be a dream come true!
We had a visit with the Stake President yesterday and talked about the need to increase the faith of the missionaries and the members. Sometimes we forget that everything we do is in vain if it's not the Lord's will. If we do not do as the Lord commands, have faith, and are worthy through obedience to the commandments of God, we are left without the Spirit to "kick against the pricks."
On the other hand, we have the priviledge of having the spirit with us always as members of the church, that comes with a promise of the Lord that he'll be on our right hand and on our left, and that the powers of the devil will never prevail us. The gospel of Jesus Christ is so simple. I'm so grateful that I've learned the importance of making and keeping covenants in the mission. It was something that I didn't understand when I was younger, and even when I went through the temple the first time. I know I've got many thousands of years of learning to go still in the eternities, but I'm grateful that experiences in the mission have helped me to taste the smallest portion of the Atonement of Christ.
I know that Christ lives and that he loves us. God knows us by name, and has great expectations. We are Saints of the Latter Days. That's not something small. This is His kingdom. If there are people we love that aren't part of it, we must make the sacrifices necesary to bring them back.
I'm grateful for the family that I had, I've recently realized how blessed I've been. I feel so stupid for things I complained about before. It would be an honor to wash your dishes and pull your weeds, mom :)
I love you all, keep praying for the rama. Things are looking good for my last change, I am working harder than ever! (a few times a week we have to wake up at 4:30 to visit a family that lives 15 miles out in the country, we go walking!!! They came to church Sunday and will be baptized the 3rd) and seeing incredible blessings as well.
Elder Magnusson
P.S. Please put in a good word for me with Pres. Thies that I get assigned with Bro. Slade from the High Council. I gave my farewell with him :) haha