September 19, 2011

Hey,
A lot of big news this week! 1st off, we didn't have any baptisms this week and it is looking like we won't be having any for a couple more weeks. General Conference in coming up and the stake has asked that we don't baptize on that weekend soooo we will have to wait an extra week with everybody. We have worked really hard though this transfer and have put ourselves in a good position to have a ton of success in the month of October. Also, as you guys know, we have transfers tomorrow. My companion Elder Zarco has finished his mission and is actually at Presidents house right now about to eat "The Last Supper" with President and all of those who are leaving. He was a really good companion and we worked well together and had tons of fun. I also received word from President that I would be training as a Zone Leader this cambio!!! I will have a ton of responsibility and depending on whether or not he is Latin or gringo I might be teaching him Spanish as well. I am excited for the opportunity to serve in a new capacity, but I would be lying if I said I felt qualified. I have heard before that the Lord only calls those who are qualified and those who are not.... either way he will qualify you in one way or another. (don't know if that made sense) haha. I know that the Lord will help me, so I am not too concerned.
I am doing well and have really enjoyed this weekend. It was the 18th of September celebration here, which is the biggest celebration that they have, and it is like our 4th of July (independence day) but they do it on a larger scale. We ate a ton of food and went to our ward party where we ate more food and celebrated the holiday together with all of the Chilean people. I have really come to love this people and I am really going to be sad when I get the call that I have to pack my bags and head back. There is just nothing like the mission...I love walking into every house or in the street or wherever you are with your plaque on and feeling like a celebrity. When we walk in the streets people look at us so different and when we enter in houses people receive us with so much love and I just wish that it could be the same when I got back and for the rest of my life. I am so thankful for this opportunity I have to be here and I thank God every day for being blessed by so many great people. Love you guys and miss you a ton and just so you know...I'm still not yours! 7 more months, and I will enjoy every moment!
Yours Truly,
Elder Cody Dastrup