8-10-09 "10 months"

Well im a 10 month missionary now. It finally feels like im making some sort of dent into the time ive got. It feels good to know that ive made it this far and that im getting closer and closer every day.
Enrique left us last Saturday. We managed to get him the priesthood and finished what we could teach him. We felt good about completing our part and feel that Enrique will keep getting stronger and stronger in the church. He really was a golden investigator just waiting for the gospel. He even mentioned that he wants to serve a mission. Im excited for him and to see where his life leads him now that hes in the church. Im bummed that I cant be with him any longer to help him out as a new convert, but I guess ill just have to stick with talking through mail.
This week was generally boring I guess. We taught and spent a lot of time with Enrique, helping him with questions and doubts that he had. We also had a really fun activity with him and another recent convert, Jose. We went back to the Sierra de Organos and spent the day climbing and having doctrinal discussions. We taught a lot about the temple and about the teachings of Christ. It was a really fun day and I love being out in nature and being able to teach about the gospel. It’s a double plus.
As for birthday presents. I cant believe im asking for this but I could use some socks. I could also use another pair of jeans and my Vans. I didn’t think id use them as often but situations arise and you gotta be prepared. Other than that….. surprise me!
Have a great week everyone! Think about writing me, especially cause its gonna be my birthday.
Con amor, Elder Turley

Mom could you send this to dads email.... i dont know which one he wants me to use...

Another one makes the step 8-3-09

Well we got another one in the water. Enrique Maldonado Cervantes. A real miracle of the transfer kind of guy. Im sure return missionaries know what im talking about. Ill tell you the story.

We put the date for last saturday, and taught a bunch on monday and tuesday. Then, Enrique disapeared. Of couse stuff like that always happens in the last week before the baptism, so we just waited it out and hoped for the best.
He was gone on wednesday and finally came back thursday night. We were nervous about the time so we decided to teach what we hadnt taught and do the Baptismal Review (questions that are asked in the baptismal interview). Well, long story short, in order to be baptized, Enrique had to be interviewed by the Mission President, normally not a huge deal, but for us its big because Enrique would have to travel about 5 and a half hours just to get to Torreon. I called him and asked him what he thought and he just said, "Si lo puedo hacer" or "Yeah I could do that". It really impressed me.
What impressed me more is that the next day he did it. He went and had his interview and then got on a bus and came back. We had to postpone the Baptism until yesterday, but we got it all done, and, since Enrique is going back to Chihuahua to study, we confirmed him too. In the service, Enrique bore his testimony, and it just hit me what kind of work we do as missionaries. Yeah ive had some hard times, but its all worth it when you meet a person that just wants to change their life and grow. Its a bummer that Enrique wont be in the ward here, but he will have such a better Environment back at school with a big ward and a bunch of kids his age. Hes 23. Im honored to be a vessel of the Lord and to have been able to Baptized and learn so much from Enrique.

Thats the big story of the week. I love you all. Have a great week!

con amor, Elder Turley