Such a normally great week

Hey Fam and Friends,

This week has been really solid - finishing up winter break up here in Salta - we've tried to get out on splits with the members and we've had decent success. We're finding and teaching and talking with everyone, and like I've said, it feels good to be busy. 

Hmmm, I'm really not sure much of what to share. I suppose a few experiences and anecdotes.

Since I've arrived here at the mission (office) I've gradually learned a lesson on personal accountability and what it means to magnify your calling. Once you turn 18, 19, 20 etc, you often don't have anyone over your shoulder. Mom isn't (or doesn't hire) a babysitter anymore. Usually, no one's gonna tell you to go to bed on time or exercise or study the scriptures or say your prayers or do your homework. It's being very reassuring for me as I've been able to maintain a personal desire (and often literal hunger) to study the Gospel and diligently pray and fast, even amidst what often feels like a 9-5 job and then normal area proselytizing from 5-9. It's something that gives me a lot of hope for the transition to the real world...

Something that really helped me to keep these habits going despite the distractions was something Pres. Packard supposedly taught, saying that spiritual progressing isn't a straight line on the graph, but rather has it's increases and decreases. When we realize we're sliding, we can repent and know that a leap is in store.

But yeah, I've really seen great leaps in the productivity and spiritual power we have here in Mitre since we tightened up some loose screws with obedience and especially comp study and weekly planning. Obedience (repentance) brings blessings. Night and Day. 

This week, we've had some really good lessons with our families. 

The Chuychuys told us last night that their goal is to read the BoM before the ward temple trip in January, and then make the trip!

The Tejerina family is looking stronger. Miguel is a less active member who came to church a month ago by himself and said he wanted to get active and that his wife and kids get baptized. Well wife and kids haven't been progressing much, but on Tuesday, we went and one more of their sons, Antonio (20) told us he wants to give up drugs and that he thinks the Church could help. He came to the ward FHE and loved it. We're praying they all go to church tomorrow.

E' Rodriguez found a really sincere investigator, Jorge (23) in splits last week and this week, Jorge has had some great questions and prayed to ask if the Book of Mormon is true and felt that God responded. He said he was literally "hungry for knowledge."

I'm very grateful to be able to see the marvelous affects of the Gospel and the Holy Ghost in the lives of humble people who want to know and live the truth. I think a lot about what it takes for anyone to want to follow Jesus Christ, and at the end of the day it's a personal choice. What I can say is that my personally choice turned commitment and covenant is the greatest source of happiness and satisfaction in my life. I know that Jesus Christ is the way, and that His path and teachings have been restored in our days through the prophet Joseph Smith. 

Love, Elder Blake