December 14, 2009

Dear famly,

Hey yall how is it going? man first off, MESA in the STATE finals??? WOW haha. That is way cool. Im not exactly sure right now what time we will be calling on christmas, but i will find out and ill work it out so just be ready whenever, we still got a bit of time till then. Sorry this one will probably be pretty short this week, we have lots to do for the zone this week. But man great to hear your all doing well. This week we didnt have our baptism of Felipe, we found out that he had some things in his past that will take a little more time on the repentance process and actually has to meet with presdient. So he was a little sad, but was okay with it, he said that just gives him more time to prepare and learn. We gave him some church clothes the other day, he is a bigger hispanic guy, a bit shorter than me but real skinny, so i gave him some slacks that were real small for me, and my old church shoes that i wore before my mission back home, i figured i didnt really need them and i gave him a tie, and an extra white shirt a long sleeve one i had not opened yet. Just cause i dont wear long sleeves that much. Although im starting to now... It getting cold, some days its in the 20's but dont worry i have plenty of insulation now.... haha Im about 215 220. Im a big boy, but i have been working out quite a bit in the mornings, we get up at 6 each day so we have extra time to do zone stuff. This past week we had interviews with President, and they were my first as a Zone leader, it went realy well, we had to give a training to the whole zone. Im learning that if you give your whole heart in anything the spirit will be there. If you contact someone on the street with all your heart and with real intent for there benefit the Lord will bless them. Im learning so much, and i love being so busy, i dont get stressed anymore, haha i just love being busy and thinking about how we can help the zone. I went to my old area this last week. I was in columbia, it was real fun to see members that i knew, and some of the people that i had taught are actually going to be getting baptized soon. It was cool to see those old people, they all remembered me too, even though i was in Columbia for only 6 weeks. It was nice, they were like, man i had wondered where you went? haha This next week we have christmas zone conference where we have it with two other zones, and have like a talent show, so my companion and i and the other spanish elders are going to sing carols in spanish. It will be fun, im going to get to see Elder Puhlman, they are actualy going to be baptizing one of my old investigators back in Charleston the day after christmas there two. so that is way cool. But i gotta hurry got lots to do, i love yall so much, and have another great week. Man i love this work so much. It is so amazing to get to serve and give two years of my life to help others come unto the savior, It truly is the Best Two Years. This is the life of the Savior, bringing his sheep into his fold. Im SOOO grateful for the opportunity i have to be here at this time. I know the Lord sent me here for a reason. I have seen many exp where i have had the opportunity to help others and serve them, just like it talked about in the blessing Dad gave me, and Presidnet Greer. I love this so much. Your all so amazing and thank you for everything. Tell everyone hi and that i love them. Grandma i love you! Kisses and hugs to everyone.

Love always,
Elder Michael Riding

Hagan algo para sus vecinos, denles un regalo o tal vez un poco de su amor para la Navidad. Jesus Vive