August 17, 2009

Dear Family,

Howdy howdy! How yall doing? Aqui estoy en Columbia todavia. Esta semana fue un poco deficil, Pero al fin estuvo bien. Que loco que casi ya hemos terminado agosto. Pero asi es la vida. Well this week was a different one, it was alright. We didnt have the best week, but its okay there is always next week. We got to help Frankie and Rosa out with this house that they are building right now, but it took alot of our day, but it helped alot with our relationship with them alot. Then we were having a meeting with the elders quorum pres that night with a recent convert so he could get kinda prepped to get the priesthood, but it turned into us helping this new couple move into the ward into an apartment buling up 2 things of stairs. I was pretty tired, but if you keep your eye on the prize the Lord gives you strength. The prize was to make this family feel welcome and to help get them all moved in, the lord gave me strength and we finished way quick, P.s. they were newlyweds and i have NEVER seen so much stuff before. I thought man how is this possible? haha But we did it. The Lord blesses you for being diligent even in occasions such as this. We have not been riding bikes a whole lot lately but we need to more, we need to save miles on our car. We had a rough week because my companion has been kinda discouraged, but at first i was wanting to blame and be like man he doesnt want to work, what is wrong with him, then the Lord helped me to change my thoughts and think what does he need? How can i help him? i want us to have success so what can i do so that he doesnt feel this way? Cause he would just be a bit lazy or just not really care where to go or want to do anything really. But companions truly are inspired and i know i was put with him to help him out in this aspect especially. I have been kinda been more like the Senior companion making plans callng people, and taking the lead in lessons, but i know he just needs some help, Im willing to do it. I want him to reach his highest potential. Cause we talked and he just doubts alot and loses hope, and settles, for this he feels that he should be a better missionary than what he is at this point, being out 18 months, and still not able to speak very well. But im trying to help him, im trying to motivate him alot, trying to instill that fire! I know this is what the Lord wants me to do, to help him be his best self and not settle for anything less than greatness. That is what President McConkie tells me in each interview is how i have potential and he says "Great is your Middle name Elder!" haha That what life is all about letting the Lord form us into something great. We had a rough time this last week because of this things. But i know that this week will only bring success as we strive to be obedient. We are really Praying for baptisms. We are hoping to get Frankie and his wife married next week, then also baptize there sister in law that lives with them. They love the Church so very much. They love coming and so do the kids. Oh also Azucena in Myrtle Beach was baptized this last weekend. So that is another baptism i helped out with as well. Man she is gunna be awesome. Im so happy for her, its cool cause i was the very first to teach her and taught her almost all the way up to her baptism. How amazing it is to help someone along the path to the Savior. Man Jadyn starting 1st grade. Happy Birthday Jr and Heather as well! Man we are all growing up too fast. haha I decided to that im alot like Aaron the brother of Ammon, Ammon went to the land of Ishmael and had almost instant success, He served and helped to convert the King, while Aaron was thrown out of places and mocked and didnt ee very much success at first and was even cast into prison, but he bore all this with patience, and then he saw so much success!! as he bore all this with patience. This is like me i have not baptized a whole lot, but i work hard each day, i know i can always improve and have been rejected but as i continue to bear all this with patience the Lord will Provide. I know the Lord has alot in store for me, i need to be ready and willing to recieve it. Ready to serve and the Lord will bless me. I love this gospel, and I know that the true church of Jesus Christ has been restored through the prophet Joseph Smith i invite us all to pray and gain an even stronger conviction and testimony of the restored gospel. I know its true, just like Nephi's last words in 2nd Nephi, I MUST obey. I too must Obey all that my father commands me. I must do all i can, never complain, never doubt and the Lord will Provide the way. He will always bless us for obedience. In some way or another. I love you all have a great week. Take care of yourselves. Let me know if there is anybody i should keep in my prayers, although i pray for you all each night. Love you all tell everybody hi, Grandma i love you to death!

Love always,
Elder Riding