Well, I had changes in the mission field again, but I didn´t go anywhere, my companion did. Kind of sad to see him go, but good for him to leave his first area. We had talked about who might be my next companion and well, he has a friend from the other mission that is coming to this one to serve. We joked about how cool it would be if I could train this new missionary . Little to my surprise (and be careful what you say out loud) something funny happened. Now guess who my new companion is? You guessed it, Elder Pineda, my old companion's friend. I had to laugh because I got my last companions best friend from before the mission. It's really cool. I love my El Salvadoreanian companions. I always learn so much from them. Along with this, they changed things up for me as well. In my last district that I was in charge of, it was me and two other missionaries. Now it's me and 4 other missionaries. They closed the area of my last mission and gave me four more. Needless to say at times my head spins tring to keep things straight, not only for myself but for the success of others. I find it nice though that I don´t have time to let my mind wander and get distracted by the trivial things in life.
To answer some questions: Yes, I could probably take a hammock or a sheet to the house of the other missionaries, but its easier to teach them to be clean and show them by example. It's like the old story that if you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, but if you teach him to fish, he has food for his life. So we press forward. No one is perfect, that's why we need the Savior and if we let him teach us, we will be prepared and made perfect for the last days.
On the subject of baptizing couples... it all depends on the situation. That is, whether or not the other will be baptized or what the problems are. We try not to baptize only one because the Gospel is for the families. It's part of God's system for us to succeed here on this earth.
Oh, and yes I got the package. Thank you so much for the fud. ha ha That's how they spell food here in El Salvador. All the clothes fit and they are really nice I like them a lot, especially the pjs. The jerky was very much appreciated. It's almost always safe that the Latins won´t want your jerky cause they don´t really know what to think about it. Thank you so very much.
Well, I still have a few more letters to read so I need to go, but tell Ian that above all, stick to the scriptures and always pray no matter what your companion says. There are 2 types of people in this world: friends and enemies. A friend will always help you to do better or be better but an enemy will bring you down and let you fall into temptaion. I know it's hard and sometimes a companion can be this kind of enemy. Stay steadfast and immovable to the iron rod. The mission isn´t easy, but the reward is far greater then we can comprehend. "For how great shall be their joy" if we can but bring one soul to Christ. Now imagine you have two years especially directed to this. Make the best of it. Give your best and it will be the best time of your life. I honestly cannot think of a better time in my life. I love the work and the people because I love my Lord and God. I know so much more now than I did before and it's all because I let the Lord shape and mold me. I love you all and would like Lehi that you could partake of this beautiful fruit and once you have partaken of it have the desire to share it like as did Lehi with his family. I end this humble letter of thanks and gratitude in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Elder Proksch
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