"It's All Broken"

On Monday, April 11, 2016 12:51 PM, Dustin Thelander <dustin.thelander@myldsmail.net> wrote:

So, this was the week that resulted in my week long extension on the mission (we had 7 weeks between transfers instead of the usual 6). On Monday, we were able to enjoy some Chili's for lunch which was fantastic. Then it was shopping and a zone activity as usual. On Tuesday, we had a great zone meeting. We touched on trials and how to become converted to the Gospel. Elder Redhair shared a great story of his conversion which was tough to come by. His family situation is not all that good in terms of gospel involvement. Miracles have come from him being on a missio both out here and back home. I loved that. Every missionary gives up something- a lot of times a lot of something- to come out and serve, but the blessings always come. We then did some service at the local thrift shop. We, as missionaries, love to volunteer in the community. So we went there, swept the floors, sorted donations, and color coordinated the clothes racks. Then we had dinner with a great couple in the ward, the Spencers. Both love Star Wars, so we talked about that the entirety of the dinner. I know all the spoilers, so don't worry about keeping those secret- haha.

On Wednesday, I spent the day with Elder Babcock, a Spanish speaking elder. Let me tell you, his Spanish is unbelievable. He gets asked frequently if he is from South America, and I have heard native Spanish speakers say they are jealous of his speaking ability. That is a miracle. He was a drummer in a band before his mission and had no Spanish knowledge. We ended up doing a lot of service that day as well. We, at the library, dug the foundations for some additional monuments at the veterans memorial here. That was really cool to do since we got to serve not only the community but also those who have sacrificed so much so that we can have the freedoms that we do. It was some hard digging, but we got it done.. the next day after we rested up a bit. Elder Babcock has, throughout his life, broken a lot of things and has the body of a 50 year old. So, he awoke the next morning, and the first words out of his mouth were, "Elder Thelander, it's all broken". Then he limped away to the bathroom. We taught some really cool all Spanish lessons that day as well. I was told that my pronunciation of Spanish words is that of a seasoned missionary- I just have no idea what they mean. So, for the day I was comic relief.

Okay, I hate to do this, but I am going to. I am going to complain about the rain we had this week. It seemed anytime we needed to be out working, the rain just followed us. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday it rained on us. Two days it was just a little drizzle, but after hours in it you get a tad bit soaked. What are you going to do? Church this Sunday was fantastic, and we connected with a new investigator named Tara. She is willing to learn and wants what is best for her two kids. We will meet again with her later this week. And on a side note, a member this week with no baseball knowledge had us over for dinner the night of his fantasy draft pretty much so I could help him draft his team. It was classic. Oh, I guess I should mention that we got word that I will be remaining here in Upland another transfer with Elder Parry as my companion. I am pumped to be able to continue to work here in this area. I love you all so much.

Scripture of the week is from Mosiah, chapter 3, 20th verse, "And moreover, I say unto you, that the time shall come when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people."

Love,

Elder Thelander

photos- service at the Library and my district