Carnaval & Happy Valentine’s Day

Dear Mom and Dad, Family, and Friends,

Thank you so much for the early email! We got one hour today to write our families and friends. That is so awesome that you got to see Mrs. Cooley. Can you give her a big hug for me and thank her for everything she taught me. I still remember her boat and castle!

This week has been full of miracles.

On Wednesday, we did an intercambio, and Elder Rodriguez came to our area with me. We had so much fun, and we worked hard. He is a good elder and can eat fast. Hna. Olga made us this huge plate of Columbia rice and chicken, and I ate one plate and a half and he ate 3! It was so delicious!!

Hermana Olga's delicious rice and chicken.

Also, we were walking and Anna, the family member of Familia Vargas, came out and said hey my parents are home do you want to teach them. So we said sure and went and taught her parents about the restauracion. They were very receptive.

Herlin and Jessica are going to be married this next Friday, and Herlin will be baptized Saturday. It is so amazing to see the change. At first, when we got there, their relationship as novias was normal. But now as they are preparing to be married, the spirit is with them and you can see that they are happier. Truly the commandments are blessings!

Also, Belen, is doing super well. Yesterday she understood the restauracion and believes what we are teaching her is true. Please pray for her and Yankel and Maria Jose and Santiago and David and Alex and Adalir and Soledad and Lidia that they can gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon.

As for carnaval, it is a Catholic tradicion where for three days you can sin a lot before you need to repent, and here it is also 3 days of non stop water/mud fights. Not the best place for missionaries but we are going to study a lot, see some church videos, and eat yummy food with Olga y Ernesto! Also, the church takes a lot of jovenes away from the city to do youth conference for the 3 days!

This week my new goal is to be a better teacher. I have been thinking about the ability to teach the gospel is a tool that you need as a missionary, parent, in your job, and in every aspect of your life so this week I am going to study more of ch 10 to try and become better.

Also, this cambio flew by. Next week, Saturday, we will know who his going and who is staying in the zone. I think I am going to stay, but you never know.

I love you so much!

Have a great Valentine’s week.

Elder Matheson

Exercise time