I have taken upon myself a very important task this past week. I finished it already too, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my mission. As I've mentioned recently, I really treasure and appreciate my Patriarchal Blessing, because it is so personal and directed towards my life. I felt the need to take it, and translate it, in the best Spanish that I could muster, as to conserve its integrity and significance. I sat down at my desk, prayed before starting, and began. Line after line, translating that bad boy, and I feel that it came out the best possible translation that I could personally do, with the Spanish knowledge that I have. At my desk I had my blessing, a dictionary, and a pen, and went to work. It has taken on a whole other meaning reading and analyzing it in Spanish, and I am really glad that I did that. I believe 100% in the power of my patriarch, Stephen Fenn. He was called by the chosen men of God to confer upon me that blessing. It was for me, from our Heavenly Father. I want to now type it up and make it a great looking copy instead of just in my notebook where it is right now with corrections and "write-o's".
It was nice to have it with me though as I watched General Conference this past weekend. I had a few personal questions in mind that I hoped to be answered by the talks and through the power of the Spirit, and I feel as though they were answered quite clearly. This was the first time that I watched part of it in Spanish, because I sat with a member family. On Saturday I watched it all in English, and then Sunday was all in Spanish. Very different. Some people like Elder Scott do their own translations, but his was so "gringo" sounding that it was really difficult to understand, but others like Ochoa (just saw him like 3 weeks ago!), sounded great in Spanish and then a little part I heard in English because he speaks perfectly both languages. Without a doubt though, it's better in English, not just because I grasp the message better, but because that's the language it's given in. There's a reason why all the talks are given in English originally. I really enjoyed both of President Uchtdorf's talks; talking about how sometimes all we really need in order to accomplish something is the recognition, belief, and support of another person. The rock will always be heavy, always hard to push, and if we believe that we cannot move it, it won't move ever. But if someone helps us, or tells us that we CAN do it, then it's much more likely that the rock moves. Believe in one another, love one another. That was a theme that stuck out to me in Conference as well, the first and greatest commandment of them all, Love God, Love your fellowman. Everything else stems from those two.
Conference is such a wonderful experience; I hope you all had your questions and concerns answered like I did, really. If you were unable to watch it, do it now it's up on internet really soon after, so that you don't lose a thing. Revelation is revelation, no matter when it's read.
On the bus back from a meeting with President Carmack in the city, a "crazy" lazy sat next to Olivas and me. I thought at first that she was just crazy because she was talking to us a ton. That's what's funny about this country, no one is afraid to make a conversation with a random stranger at any moment in any place. She told us all about how much she didn't like her job, that she studied 6 years for nothing, etc, etc. Then she started asking us questions about who we were and why we were here. She told us that she's been looking for that "peace" that she's never felt before. We testified to her that it can be found in our church and through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm not a huge fan of contacting on buses, but if someone contacts me first, I go for it, and it always turns out great. A simple testimony and conversation goes a long way. We invited her to Conference but she was unable to come because she was sick, but we have her number to call and remind her again, she lives near our area.
The mission is changing a lot, good changes. Now in any sort of missionary meeting, we are going to recite D&C 4 in English and Spanish, instead of just Spanish like always. When I did it in English last week, I was amazed with how well I remembered it. That's your fault Bishop Woolley and other priesthood leaders, you thought I wasn't paying attention! Apparently I was, haha. They're really putting more emphasis on Latin's learning English now, because it's such a great opportunity that we both have to learn each other's languages.
I know that Conference is real. What the prophet spoke is revelation and true. From the moment that man opened his mouth to give his talk in Priesthood session, I felt the power of the Spirit come from him, all the way through the TV, to my seat. He IS the chosen Prophet of God. I know it, do you?
Scriptures this week are D&C 131, all about eternal marriage. That's what I got out of Conference, that I need to get married, and make my future family my number one priority in my life. Also, Luke 12:51-53. Christ didn't come to unite everyone and let sins just go unlooked at, the gospel in reality divides people, the weak from the strong, the sheep from the goats. Be on the Lord's side, and when He divides His people, be on the right side, not the left. I love you; see you in 3 weeks :)
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