Buenas from San Jose

Buenas Familia,

First off to answer Mom's questions...

1. I have bought a couple of souvenirs over the past year... (machete, hats, other little things...)
2. I am not using any different muscles in the Zona Sur. It is just ridiculously hot down here!

Well, I am writing you from San Jose again. Today we had the one month check up with Elder Mendoza and President Wilkinson. The Assistants talked to us today abut changing the culture of our mission, our studies and obedience. Sadly, it looks like there is a lot of disobedience in the mission now, so we are really focusing on being obedient with exactness. I love it!

I absolutely loved Conference! I really loved Elder Bednar's talk about the Atonement and our burdens. The Lord really can help us carry our burdens. There have been countless times here on my mission when I have felt not only the purifying power of the Atonement, but the strengthening power of the Atonement that allows me to physically and spiritually do things that I cannot do. It is amazing to feel the power of The Atonement in our lives, and I am so grateful for the sacrifice of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I also liked the talk by Elder Zwick. The part that really struck me was when he said,"The Lord is interested in our feelings..." or something like that. It is so true. The Lord understands us, and He likes to hear how we are feeling. He really is interested in what is going in our lives, and He is willing to do anything to help us out. I love Him so much.

We're struggling a little bit in the area looking for new people and finding the people that the Lord is preparing. That just means that we need to focus ourselves more into Preach My Gospel and find out the principles that we need to start applying. I love Preach My Gospel. If I ever become a young mens leader, I am going to focus everything I do on Preach My Gospel, because that is the way to have success on the mission! It has everything we need!

 

I love you all so much. I am so thankful for all that you have sacrificed to allow me to have this gospel, and allow me to serve this mission. I know the Atonement is real. I know that our Savior loves and recognizes us individually. He knows us by name. He knows our problems, and He is waiting to carry our burdens. We just need to accept His invitation to follow Him. I love this Gospel. I love you all, and I love the mission so much! 

Pura Vida,

Elder Taylor

P.S. I forgot my cable... sorry I can't send photos! Next week!