Dear Family and Friends,
This week went by so fast. That’s what happens I guess when there is just so much junk to do. As y’all know this week I spent with the University of Houston elders and we spent a lot of time back and forth between our areas. There was no down time, which is good, but also has a negative side. Some of our top investigators I think may have suffered a little bit because we weren’t able to focus so much attention on them as they needed this week. U of H has been struggling recently and I wanted to focus as much time as possible on helping them build their area up.
Hugo Garcia
We made a really good baptismal plan with Hugo Garcia. He is on track with his plan to quit smoking and be baptized on the 31st. He is so awesome. He likes us a lot haha. He loves having “his missionaries.”
Mariluz
Mariluz isn’t looking so good. The one time we got to see her this week she was crying because her husband has been poisoning her with all this anti-Mormon garbage. She doesn’t understand it. She is so simple and humble and is just really confused. But she felt really good at a baptism she came to so we tried to focus on those feelings. Last night we visited with the husband and made sure we had permission to baptize her. We also made him promise that he wouldn’t try to “influence” or “dominate” her like he says he has the right to. That bugged me so bad. He’s a pretty cruddy husband. So yeah he said he’s fine with her doing whatever and that he won’t talk to her about it. haha I think we intimidate him. anyway, I don’t think her getting baptized on the 31st is a good idea, it’s gonna take a little more time.
Teresa’s Son
We have several other prospects like Teresa’s son and some other part member children we have found this week but they will be in the future.
The Ortega family!
Ortegas in the Temple
The Ortega family!
I want to focus this email on one of the coolest days of my mission! I think I have already told y’all plenty about the Ortega family (they were found by Elder Erickson during the Hour of Power at the beginning of his mission and then baptized right before Elder Erickson and I were together for the first time. They are a very special family to me. They are Daisy’s grandparents!) anyway they got sealed on Saturday and Elder Erickson and I got to go. It was so great to be there with them in the Celestial Room and just think about the blessings and the promises that come with the gospel. and then they were sealed! It was such a simple, but powerful ceremony. It was awesome. The spirit was really strong. I can’t even explain the feeling that was there. It was so awesome to see people who’s progression we have seen all the way throughout our whole missions and now finally get sealed! Such a great day! I love that whole family!
Magnolia, New Companion, and Training
Anyway, before I go I thought I should tell y’all that this week I will be going back to Magnolia to stay. I will be getting a new companion. But also, we will be training a new missionary together! That’s right!
“and it came to pass that in his old age and being laid down with many years, Elder Viitanen begat another son, and called his name…….. Elder.” hahahaha it should be fun. I am excited to see who my two new companions are going to be. I am excited to finish out my mission as a zone leader and trainer. I think it will help to make sure that I stay focused and go strong until the end. Thank y’all so much for your support and prayers!
Love y’all!
Elder Viitanen
