Of music, transfers, and speaking Spanish

Missionary humor

Firstly, I wanted to mention that Pres. Packard has officially changed the mission's regulations on music! We're now allowed to listen to anything that goes with the rules in the missionary handbook: no romantic lyrics, no driving beat...anything that brings the Spirit, uplifts, and encourages us in the work, according to our judgement, is now approved! I'm excited to be able to listen to a LOT of the music I haven't been able to listen to. Before this, it had to be a hymn, classical/instrumental music, or from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. There's still a ton of great music under that umbrella, but I had some very inspiring and uplifting music that I wasn't able to listen to before (EFY songs, stuff by Rob Gardner, etc).

Transfers are next week...we'll find out this Saturday what will happen. I'm fairly certain I'll be transferred this time around - it makes me sad and excited at the same time.

On a side note, we had lunch at Five Guys one day this week. It was my first time there, and it was pretty good! I don't know if there are any in Arizona, but I know there's some in Colorado (according to Elder Langford) and I would assume there's probably some down the East Coast and maybe California.

This week we did exchanges with the Spanish-speaking Elders that share our apartment with us - I went to their area and one of them went to ours. It's been really interesting...growing up in Arizona I gained a simple and basic understanding of Spanish, as well as a limited vocabulary. Since I've been here in the field, I've learned a LOT more from other missionaries. I actually get compliments from Spanish members on my accent and speaking ability...apparently I'm really picking up on it! I'm just lacking the extensive vocabulary I need to converse and understand people as well as teach the gospel. We'll see what happens with my efforts here, but for now, it's something cool I'm learning on the side.

Also this week, we had a legit zone conference with Elder O. Vincent Haleck of the 70 (he gave a talk this last general conference). It was an awesome experience. The work in our area continues to explode and race forward, almost faster than we can handle it! We've been meeting with the auxiliary presidents in our ward, and the work we've been able to do for them has been really successful and fulfilling. We're really gaining their trust and working hard! No super cool stories this week, aside from the fact that our only progressing investigators, Ginnette and Roberto, are doing VERY well. =]

Being a missionary is absolutely incredible. If there are any young men or women reading this who are considering serving a mission, follow the counsel of the prophet and the whisperings of the Spirit. You'll never regret the decision to serve.

Alma 5:49

Love,
Elder DeLong