November 4, 2010

So here goes the first week. I'll try and keep it short and sweet.

We have member dinners every night. So far we have had about half English and half Spanish member dinners. My favorites so far have been the Spanish ones.

My Spanish is not as good as I thought it was. A very humbling observation, ha ha. I am improving but sometimes I say some interesting things. For example we were teaching a lesson the other day and instead of saying that Joseph Smith was called as a prophet I said he was called by a prophet. My companion quickly corrected me. We laughed about it afterward though.

So far we have had the opportunity to give a few blessings. The members of Elko are excited to have Elders. They have had sister missionaries for the past year or so. We are very excited to be here though.

Everyday has flown by as they are filled with appointments and getting to know the people here. I can already feel a love for those we have taught. We have been doing a lot of organizing the past week to prepare to work here in this area. I am learning very useful things from my trainer, Elder Macferran. We get along very well.

There is so much to write but so little time so I'd like to share some of the main points of the week with you all. And hopefully I will get into the habit of this each week.

The funniest moment: We approached this man swapping propane tanks on his trailer, he looked Hispanic, but we introduced ourselves in English. In a Spanish accent he said, "I no espeaka Engles." So we addressed him in Spanish and he rolled his eyes and said with a polite smile and again in a Spanish accent, "I don't espeak'a tha Spanish." So we asked if he spoke Portuguese and he said, in a Spanish accent, "I speak Frances." Frances means French in Spanish. We all started laughing!! It was a nice icebreaker

The most spiritual moment: Not really one in particular but we are new to this town and get lost very easily but it is no coincidence that at times when we are lost that we end up finding the person we are looking for on accident. We might not have a GPS but the Spirit definitely guides us.

The Highlight of the Week: Eating at a Vasco "Basque, in English" Restaurant. Very garlicy food but a new and exciting experience.

Family, I am loving Elko and I know the Lord has me here for a reason. I love you all. I hope you are able to see the blessings the Lord is giving you all because my eyes are opened each day to new ones. 

I talk about you all to almost every person we come in contact with. Without my family I would not be here. My family, you all, are my rock and my motivation. As we each choose to follow Christ I know we will have happiness and order in our lives and eventually we will be able to rejoice in Heaven together for eternity. Keep everything in perspective and strive to have the Holy Ghost as your constant companion. You can never be lost. Even in a small town in Northern Elko where you've never been before. This is my testimony. I hope it touches you all for the better.

Love
Elder Cronin