A Lesson in Running.....

Hola Familia,

Alright, i really dont know where to start for this week. A million things happened, but ill start from the beginning.

First of all, last Monday night the assistants raided our house (I had told President that my companion has a cell phone and he send the assistants to come get it) They left our house with about 50 dvds that Elder Torralba had and TWO cell phones. I didn’t even know he had the movies or the other cell phone. So yea, it was crazy and the assistants were like yelling at Elder Torralba. Pretty intense. I think there were words that probably shouldn’t have been said on the part of E. Torralba and as a missionary. I was thankful that I didn’t totally understand all of the bad words being said. So that night E. Torralba was basically crying thinking that President is going to send him home. I was like ´´ELDER GET UP….. WE ARE GOING RUNNING´´ He was confused I think, but I wanted to run it off. I knew if we didn’t, neither of us would be able to sleep. We ran to the corner of our area and then walked back. We talked about a lot of things and why he is on the mission and had a good talk. Then when we got back we went on our roof looking over all of our city and just sat there. It was a craaaazy night! Elder Torralba was nervous because we had interviews with President on Thursday. He was thinking all week that he was going to get home. I told him when we were sitting on the roof that if you change your attitude and if you work hard with me until Thursday that I will support you and that I will try to talk President into keeping you here.

In the week we worked extremely hard. We walked so much and I just crashed on my bed every night. We ended the week with 18 nuevos (our goal was 15). E. Torralba has woken up with me every morning at 630 since last Monday and we can totally tell the differences in our lessons. We had some pretty awesome lessons this week where the Spirit was so strong! We had 8 people in church this week, 4 of which are new. It’s a family of 6 that surprisingly aren’t Catholic. Only the 4 kids went because the parents had another compromiso, but they all liked it a lot.

Ok so then on Thursday in the interviews, E. Torralba went in with President first and they took like 45 minutes (all of my interviews are usually like 3 minutes haha but I think that’s a good thing) Then it was my turn and E. Torralba had tears when he walked out of the interview. I was thinking for sure E. Torralba is going home. Then in my interview, President acted like everything is cool and after the usual 3 minutes, he said ´´well Elder, do you have any questions for me´´ like he says every time. I was like´´YES, whats going on with my companion´´ He told me that he really felt something special with E. Torralbas interview and that he is going to remain a missionary. I was so happy. Then President NAncollas told me that he had plans to move me up as district leader this next change (changes are on the 8th) but now he thinks he is going to keep me with E. Torralba one more change to help him out. I was cool with that. President told me the E Torralba asked if he could be my companion for another change so I expect to be here with Elder Torralba until March 22nd when the next changes are.
Ok so that’s that for the interview. It was a pretty stressful week not knowing whats going to happen with my companion.

Other great highlights of the week…… I had the opportunity to do 4 blessings this week. My testimony of the Priesthood has strengthened so incredibly much on my mission! I feel so blessed to have the priesthood in my life. Out of the millions of billions of people that have been on the earth, only a select few have the opportunity to bless the lives of people around them with the Priesthood.

Oh almost forgot one of the best parts of the week. Guillermina got baptized (Gustavos mom) She was so excited and Elder Torralba baptized her and I did the confirmation. It was the first time ive ever confirmed someone. Pretty neat! She loved it and I think she is going to be a great missionary too. She brought a friend to her baptism and she gave big hugs to the investigators that we brought. Haha she is tight! I just pray for her that she will find a job soon. She hasn’t had a job for a few weeks and they are living off the few savings that they have eating beans and tortillas and water all day every day.
Well, that’s about it for this crazy week. Next week are changes, fortunately I already kinda know that ill be here at least another 7 weeks with E. Torralba. Im glad though, ive seen a major difference in our work and I know we will have a lot of success.

Well, I don’t have much time to respond to your emails, but sounds like everyone is doing great! (oh and mom when you send me emails, I cant really see the border stuff and I usually just copy and paste all the emails into word so I can print the letters smaller so its cheaper haha. Sorry…. I was disappointed to hear that the Cardinals lost barely. The Hmno (where we go to wash clothes) told me this morning early and I was a bit sad.

Well, I love you all, sorry I didn’t get to respond to your questions (actually I haven’t read your emails yet) Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

Con amor,
Elder Greg Heap