Last week we prepared for our fist baptism. We went and cleaned the baptismal font on Saturday. On Sunday we started filling the font at about 5pm, but we saw that the water was coming out of the tap really really dirty. After a little investigating, we determined it to be the hot water. So we went and flushed the boiler, and afterward it came out clean(er). The water was still a really dirty yellow-brown color, so my companion threw in some methylene blue. He said he did it in another area and the water came out looking a clean blue color. Well mixed with the yellow, it ended up being a dark murky green color. Oh well, our investigator didn´t change her mind because of it, so it´s ok.
We prepared the baptismal programs in a cyber café...it was a challenge trying to get it to print out the way we wanted it to. But all ended up well. We are only going to print one and give it to the recent convert. I did the baptism and then I also did the confirmation yesterday in Sacrament Meeting. It went well. No problems. Except that there is no detachable microphone, so i pretty much had to shout in the chapel. In spanish. I never thought I´d have to yell at someone, telling them to receive the Holy Ghost.
Well pretty much nobody drinks regular, simple water with meals. It´s always Tang of various flavors. One time it was Guayavas mixed in a blender with sugar and water...mmmmm...those are my favorite fruit here. So far. More should come in Spring.
Walking down the streets and riding the microbuses, the music that we hear is pretty much in English. Much of the time it is CCR (Creedence Clearwater Revival), which reminds me of High Adventure days, and The Beatles. I can´t really complain, as I like both. Even though we are not allowed to play this music, we were allowed to listen to Mormon Tabernacle Choir & similar music. As of Friday, though, we are not allowed to play any music. Sad day, but understandable as some people try to bend the rules with the music that they listen to. I will accept whatever President Chávez decides. Hence, I should be sending a package home shortly with CD´s and a cd player.
Today we made a trip to the MTC here in Mexico City. My companion is feeling sick, so we went there for the doctor. He´s the doctor for all of the Mexico City missions (north, south, east, west, northwest) and some of the surrounding missions too. It was about a 1 hour trip one way on the metro and various microbuses. Then 1 hour back too. Not bad. We went and played pool, got haircuts, and are going to go get a pizza (a glorious break from pure mexican food...i like mexican food, but it´s nice to have a break too).
Well the Lord is blessing our area with several references from the Visitor´s Center at the temple. We have 2 on date for March 6th and this week we are planning on putting 5 more on date for the same day. We´ll see how quickly they progress though. We´re sure doing hard work, and Heavenly Father is helping out a lot. I´m seeing so many people progress spiritually here that it´s amazing. My patriarchal blessing mentions me seeing this progress, and it brings me so much joy to be able to help others understand their relationship with God. I love this work. Missionary work is a lifestyle, not an activity. Activities are great, but too many times we leave the activity forgetting our responsibilities in sharing the gospel. True missionary work & sharing the gospel requires a change in lifestyle. I hope to retain this lifestyle when I get back, so I´m trying my hardest to engrain it into my personality here.
Well that´s about all. Love you all and hope you are feeding yourselves both physically and spiritually.
Love,
Elder Bunker
It´s hard to believe already but this week I´ll complete 5 months out of the MTC & almost 6 months in the mission. Already 25% done.
