Weekly Update -- February 8th, 2016

Hello everyone,

Oh my, Colinas is so great! The first day there was actually a mix up because one companionship got white-washed or both Elders were sent and Sister missionaries were sent in place. BUT, the new house the were going to live in was in a dangerous place for them to live so the assistants told us (Elder Zambrano, who has been here 6 weeks and I) to take that area, Colinas A, instead and the Hermanas would live in the area of Colinas B. The house is nice and has a very nice view from the roof of the valley of Huasteca. The ward has a very nice Spirit; especially coming from a smaller branch, I feel like we can focus more of non-members than the members here. There is even a Brazilian couple in the ward who moved in just a few weeks ago for work and the husband speaks no English and very little Spanish. I thought I was doing pretty well with my Spanish, then all of the sudden I try to talk with him and get humbled pretty quickly with my communication skills. Maybe it'll be a good opportunity to learn Portugese.

A lot of people here have a conversion story of 15 years or less which I find fascinating, especially as a missionary. I'll ask one member who will say her son went on a mission and she decided to get baptized as his last convert as a missionary. Another will say they gave up a crazy life of drinking and smoking, made a BIG change and now has a happy life with his family all active in the Church. I ask everyone when they invite us to eat with them and love listening to the stories. Mexicans, I've come to understand, are great storytellers. This week, I felt inspired to invite you all to remember your own personal conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ; what part of the gospel called your attention the most? If you have family who were baptized before you, find out what their story was as well. EVERY member should have a conversion story, whether they were born into the Church or had the missionaries teach them. How else do we gain a testimony? Love you all!

-Elder Allgaier

Elder Zambrano (from Hondurus) and I on the roof

Roof shot at night

Day shot from the roof

New companion, Elder Zambrano!

Afternoon siesta

This is a picture I took first day in Colinas. Story: After a night work out session, I was putting a weight back and it slipped when I picked it up, landing right square on my big toe. Oof it hurt, now it's a lot better. Just a nice warrior wound picture  I wanted to share with you to let you know I'm working :)