Take Your Child to Work Day

 November 22, 2021

Hola a todos!! 

It was another great week in the land of green chile and hot air balloons!! Lots of highlights with an incredible devotional with Elder McKay of the Seventy, interviews with President, several incredible miracles to hit some goals we set, and some big time progress with a handful of our amigos. It has left me again so humbled and grateful to be in the service of the Lord! 

Elder McKay Devo

We had the super neat opportunity to have Elder McKay of the Seventy come and visit our mission this week! It was kind of a mini mission tour, so he only spoke to us one day but it was powerful. I could probably write an essay on everything I learned, but a few highlights were his words on obedience, covenants, baptism and the sacrament, but the biggest focus was working with members!! He shared a quote from President Nelson about the "exponential growth in success" that comes as members and missionaries work in unity. I have seen that numerous times on throughout my mission and yet again this week. 

Entrevistas 

Interviews are honestly a revelatory experience every single time. Being able to counsel with President, get his insights and feel his love is always such a treat and especially this time as it was my last one before I head out to Argentina in a couple weeks. He actually even offered to give me a blessing so I of course eagerly accepted and probably one of the coolest things ever!! I have so much love for President Weathersby and am going to miss a lot but and eternally grateful for the time I've had with him here. 

Amigos!! 

-Familia Saucedo. This was the week we were finally able sit down with them to teach the last couple things and set a date for December 18th!! They are so ready at this point it is crazy, the light they have is something so special. I'm sad I won't be here to see their baptism in person but can't wait to watch over zoom! There's no doubt in my mind they'll be solid life long members, they are just that faithful and golden. 

-Familia Medrano. We weren't able to have a lesson this week sadly with a lot of stuff they had going on at the store. But we should be having dinner and a lesson with them on Wednesday! But please prayer for them!! They could definitely use some extra divine support. 

-Daniel. I don't think I've talked about our friend Daniel before, but he is a way cool dude. He's probably in his 30s and works a lot but this week we were able to line it up to have our man Hermano Santa with us on a call and it was too good!! He's a recent convert with a fire testimony and him and Daniel hit it off. At the end Daniel accepted a date for baptism on January 1st which was super exciting! 

-Delfino. Another member miracle with this one!! Delfino is a man we met about a week ago, we were leaving an appointment and he was outside his trailer. It was pretty late and he had just gotten home from work but we gave him a pamphlet, got his name, and said we would come back. Well on Sunday we had a lesson set up with his neighbor again, but it ended up falling through. So we decided to stop by Delfino. We had another member who is just a saint, Hermano Ibarra. Probably one of the nicest men on the planet. Yet again it was a perfect match with the fellowship and investigator, both of them are chefs and have similar life backgrounds. Hermano Ibarra, also a convert shared his powerful testimony and Delfino accepted a baptismal invite at the end too! It was a cool to see the words of Elder McKay/President Nelson from earlier in the week coming true before our eyes in both those situations this week. Members bring miracles!! 

Pensamiento Espiritual 

One thing I'll share from Elder McKay Devotional as a for a spritual thought to wrap up is an analogy he had for missionary work. He compared it to take child to work day. Truly this is the work of the Lord and he is allowing us to see it come to pass. At times he allows us to sharpen some pencils and do simple things but really this is His work, the most important thing happening on the earth today, and He is brining it to pass. There is nothing that brings more joy than having the opportunity to witness His work and seeing the salvation of God's children!! One last verse, Alma's words about this joy for you all, Alma 29:14 

I love you all so much! I can't adequately express my gratitude for the countless blessings but more than anything my Savior Jesus Christ, His gospel, and the privilege of sharing it with others right now! And my familia of course. But take some time to reflect and then express gratitude for the blessings (and Elder McKay would include commandments) in your life this week! Feliz día de acción de gracias, or more commonly, día de pavo this Thursday!! Coman MUCHO!! 

Amor, 

Elder Jackson 

1 Hermano Ibarra, the man himself in front of his food truck 

2 Pollo de Hno Ibarra 

3-4 Actually the last time w Elder Hannemann ;( 

5 Said bye to Crystal and Milley :(