February 16, 2015

Y'all,

I hope that everyone had a fantastic Valentine's Day!! It sure seemed like everyone in San Antonio was enjoying themselves. I guess all the men here are procrastinators, because on every corner they were selling chocolates, teddy bears, balloons and other random Valentine's Day gifts. Holidays are always very different for missionaries than other people, it's always fun though!

EXCHANGE:

I went on an exchange this week with two Elders. I went with both of them in their area, so we were in a "trio" all day. It was a lot of fun! Their names are Elder Tovar and Elder Hansen, and they are both well-rounded missionaries. I have served around Elder Tovar before (he was in Hill Country Zone) so it was fun to be with him again, and Elder Hansen is fairly new to the mission.

We were able to do a lot of teaching together, and we did a lot of contacting people.

They were both really humble and kept asking for ways that they could improve, they are both going to be great leaders in this mission!

I'll send a picture of the three of us (with Elder White in the background) haha

His Name is Cody:

While visiting a lady in the ward who we knew nothing about, we found that she had moved. The new resident of that apartment is an African-American man named "Cody Simpson". He told us that he was meeting with missionaries about two years ago, and invited us back another time.

So, we went over on Friday night. As we were talking to him we quickly found out that he had a big hick-up: he didn't that that Jesus is the Son of God. It's actually very interesting because he believes in God, and he even thinks that Jesus died for our sins.... but he doesn't understand why we worship him.

It's a very bizarre, odd concern. We had a whole lesson on the divine Sonship of Jesus Christ, and that seemed to open his mind a little bit more.

On Sunday, he showed up to Church with a nice suit on hahaha he was looking really good! It's easy to teach people in the hood (here), but it's hard to get them to do stuff, like come to Church. So, Cody was our only investigator at Church this last Sunday, but he really liked it!

We went back last night and taught him the Plan of Salvation, really focusing on the role/necessity of Jesus Christ. It went pretty well. He is definitely opening his mind, and learning more. He is such a cool guy! I can't wait for him to get baptized!

A Cheesy Valentine's Day:

It was a little rough trying to teach people on Valentine's Day. Many people had other plans and priorities, than to listen to us. We were able, however, to have a lesson with one of our investigator's named Les. He is a middle-aged black man. He is very Christlike, and sincere. He doesn't have a car right now, so it's hard for him to get around. We taught him more about Church and the importance of it. He's working out the bus schedule to make it to Church this Sunday.

One of our favorite families in this ward is the Garza family. They are just awesome! They have already fed us like 3 or 4 times. Our dinner canceled on Valentine's Day, but they called us and invited us to go out with them. We went to a restaurant called "Chris Madrid's". It is San Antonio's best burger. The best part: they put a lot of cheddar cheese of the burgers!

haha it was probably the best burger I have ever tasted. The whole restaurant was very cool: they had all kinds of shirts and jerseys up that  people would sign. They even had a missionary shirt hanging on the wall, that has been signed by HUNDREDS of missionaries. So, we signed the shirt and took some pictures of it (I'll send one)

I love y'all! Have a great week

Love, Elder Giles