20 Years Young! ;]

I'm no longer a teenager! I'm officially 20 now! It's kind of strange to think about...okay, it's REALLY weird to think about. But at the same time, I like it a lot. I feel like this birthday was a major one for me, and a turning point in my life. All the changes I'm making to do my best to become more Christlike are starting to solidify, and I can finally begin that journey towards my eternal goal. It's a lifelong journey, but hey, every journey begins with a single footstep, right? =]

We've been having to do a car-share with the Lynn Spanish Elders, and that's been fun. It's been cool to be a walking missionary every couple days - I feel like I'm finally fulfilling the stereotyped missionary image. We might be getting bikes, actually...so that'll be even better! In all seriousness though, I am honored to be one of the Lord's servants. It's an amazing feeling to have people honk at you, curse at you, tell you to leave them alone, or just plain ignore you - yeah, it's a bummer that we don't get to share the gospel with them, but in a way, we are! They know who we are, and what we stand for. And I get to be one of "those crazy Mormons" for a couple years. I LOVE this. Being a missionary is the greatest. =D

Our investigators are doing very well, I'd say, especially Atong. She's from Sudan, and she's just about ready for baptism. Last week we taught her the Law of Chastity, and the week before we taught her the Word of Wisdom. She has so much faith, and she took right to these commandments with all her heart. She gave up tea and right there on the spot, and the next week told us she was done with her boyfriend unless he respected God's word (the word from her is that he does!) - she's a young, single mom, and she's just awesome.

I'm learning Spanish! Sort of. I've contacted a few people on the street and even got a referral for the Spanish-speaking sisters in Revere! It's been crazy, and I've gotten some nice compliments from other missionaries and native speakers on the quality of my Spanish, even though I don't know a whole lot.

Frank passed the sacrament yesterday! And his son David just turned 8 - he'll be getting baptized next week. =]

We have interviews with Pres. Packard this week, and I'm very excited to get some one-on-one time with him. This will actually be my first "official" interview with a mission president on my mission.

Thanks to everyone for their birthday wishes, cards, and presents. Much love to you all!

Elder DeLong