week 74

This week went well especially with even more "Light the World" activities and opportunities to share them. In a lesson with two of our friends (Damian and Karina), we were teaching about tithing and the topic of temples came up towards the end. We invited them to see the lights at temple Square in D. C. and they both got really excited about the fact that it was free and said they would go. They even promised us that if they went they would send us pictures:) I really hope this helps give them (especially Damian) a desire to be married for eternity a temple. Even though all of it is through video calls, I feel like we have become great friends. It was hard for them to say goodbye to Elder Logan (He's going back to his original assignment woo-hoo!) and he's only been in this area for 3 weeks. I can't imagine how hard it will be to say goodbye now that I've been here for nearly 4 months! But little by little we are helping them grow their appreciation of the Book of Mormon and they are reading it every week so far!

Another miracle was the new friend we made through Facebook last week (Carlos) We had multiple appointments this week and finally a member was able to drop him off a Book of Mormon, and he texted us stating he already read the introduction like we asked and liked it. We told him if he wants "extra credit" he can review the topic that we will talk about later that day in the lesson by reading 2 Nephi 2. An hour or so later he sent us a text saying he had finished reading and marking the Chapter and had written down all his questions! Very few times in my mission have I seen someone so prepared to learn as Carlos, and I am grateful that the Lord has prepared him. I love this work and the opportunity to be a missionary, it's amazing!

Recently I've been able to find time to read a little bit of "Jesus The Christ" and it is so amazing. I thought I might try it out not really expecting much, but the truth is that each chapter I become more engaged in it as my testimony of Christ grows stronger. I'm grateful for the time I have in the morning to study the scriptures and Preach My Gospel and LEARN NEW THINGS! Finding out something I didn't know before it the best thing ever and it amazes me that even the apostles learn every day. Scripture of the day: Isaiah 28:10!!! 

Also I started up my "Quote of the day" in my Journal again, so get ready from some funny quotes from my companions next week 😄

An apple pie I made

The package from the ward! Thanks guys! It was so creative! 

week 73

This week was a great start to this transfer! It went by quicker than the last few have and we have enjoyed a harmonious companionship and as well as several member visits, however sometimes I get a little discouraged at the lack of people we have to call (at least of those that actually answer us)  Last week Karina accepted and committed to living the Word of Wisdom and this week with Karina we taught the divine mission and gospel / doctrine of Jesus Christ and asked her which of the 5 principles she and her husband would like to learn more about and they both agreed on Endure to the end. They promised us they would read 2 Nefi 31 and come to the next videocall with questions! It is amazing to see their progression and I pray for opportunities to find more people like them who are ready to receive the gospel. 

Thanksgiving was so fun and although we weren't allowed to proselyte (aka make calls) that day we still made 2 lessons and a HUGE dinner with turkey and potatoes and stuffing and green beans and pumpkin pie! We also got to call our families and I saw the amazing Thanksgiving dinner that my parents made too! 

We received two referrals this week and they turned out to be the exact same guy asking for bibles. It turns out that he is going on a trip to Honduras and he wants to give Bibles to the poor people who can't afford them. We tried talking to him a bit, but he didn't seem interested in anything but the Bible he had asked for... If only he could realize the true value of the Book of Mormon! We would have TONS of those to give him 😂

Our district is completely different. When we went to district council on Wednesday I realized that every single missionary that had been in the district has now moved to a different one (this is my fourth transfer here) and that I know the people they teach better then they do! I was able to help and give lots of good advice in that meeting and it felt great to be able to help in that way. It is so strange going so quickly from the guy who knows nothing to someone that others look up to. I'm sure that being a parent might give someone that same feeling. I look up to my parents and my brother for their fearless attitudes towards life even if on the inside they have feelings of being the "new guy" I love you! 

Anyways, thank you to anyone reading this email and I hope you now enjoy all the amaaaaazing Christmas music season!!! 🎅🎵🎶

Elder Hilton