Week 2 in Paradise

 September 28, 2020

Week two here in the beautiful town of Las Cruces New Mexico!! He had another week in quaratine but we get out tomorrow! And we have been going on occasional drives and walks in the evenings. I figured I'd start off with some things I've noticed about the great state of New Mexico in my first two weeks here. Spice these emails up a little

-They put green chile on everything. Some of it is actually way spicy but its dang good! A member told me "pain is a flavor" 

-The state bird is the road runner. And apparently if you kill one it's comparable to killing a bald eagle. 

-I've never seen so many four way stop signs. You get off the freeway and instead of a light its just a four way stop sign and everyone just slows to a roll. It's great, very efficient

-There are dirt roads for days out here in our area. Its pretty much the freeway or dirt road. We make good use of the Tacoma!

-The Zia sign, a native american sun symbol on the state flag, is all over signs and housing here. 

-It's straight desert. I'm convinced theres no grass in the state, just cacti and some hearty bushes. But it makes for some beautiful sunsets and the stars are incredible too.

Random trivia aside, I'm loving New Mexico and the work is still progressing despite quarantine! The day before I got here, my companions got a referral from a guy who wanted a Book of Mormon. They dropped it off and we called him about it at the end of the week and he had read to Alma 7!! It was crazy! We have been calling him and teaching him over the phone for the past week and a half and we actually just put him on date for baptism!! Please keep Joel in your prayers for October 17! It is incredible to see the power of Book of Mormon. Daily immersion and study of it brings light that isn't found anywhere else. It changes the very nature of our beings. It testifies and teaches so plainly of our Savior Jesus Christ. I have seen it change my own life and it is amazing to see it work in the lives of others as well. I love my Savior and this book that testifies of Him so much. 

In addition to Joel, we have a few other people we are working with, as well have had quite a few lessons with members over zoom. I'm very excited to be able to get out and meet with people in person this next week!! We still wear have to have an appointment set up, wear masks, and social distance, but it'll be awesome to be with people in real life. Also, I can't wait for conference this week! It's such a blessing to have a living prophet who leads and guides the Lord's church today. 

I love you all! I'm so grateful for all the prayers and support! 

Hasta que la obra esté terminada!

Amor, 

Elder Jackson

1,2&3 Some pics from our nightly walks