3/22/10

Dear Family,

Well, we had some transfers take place on Monday...and I got a new companion! And he's from Arizona!! Elder Carpenter is his name and he's from Prescott (Pronounced "pres-kit" or else you get in trouble). No, he's an awesome Elder. I already enjoy being around him and I've learned a lot from him. He has been out for almost twice as long as I have so there's lots I am taking from the example he sets. One of the coolest things about him is he's always positive. I've realized what a likeable quality that is. Nobody wants to be around a pessimist. And there's always something to be happy and bright about. We live in a pretty cool place in a pretty cool time and, best of all, we have the gospel. It's the key to happiness and peace. There's a lot to be positive about. And I'm trying to look at life more that way.

When a new transfer cycle begins, there's something refreshing in the air. It's kind of like the same feeling you get during the new year. You feel like you can wipe the slate clean and start fresh. A new companion makes it even easier to do. There have been a lot of things that I have been striving to improve and this is a great opportunity to start! It has been an awesome week to be able to set the tone and attitude for the next six weeks with hard work, focus, and high achieving goals. And we have seen the benefits that come from "thrusting in our sickles with all our mights". Yesterday, Elder Carpenter and I were in the institute planning and setting goals for the upcoming week, when we heard someone saying "Hello?". With all the CSU students being on Spring Break and the institute being desolate, we were wondering who was there. We came out of our office to find a young man looking around the corners for someone to talk to. His name was Nick and he was lost. He had wandered into the institute looking for someone to give him directions to the museum in town. Well Elder Carpenter and I didn't hesitate to invite him to sit down and talk while we drew him a quick map. While I drew the map, Elder Carpenter talked to him about his faith and got to know him a little bit better. While we were talking, Elder Carpenter managed to bridge the conversation into the Book of Mormon and the gospel. After we were finished he asked if he could have a copy and if he could meet with us to talk a little bit more. The Lord works in miraculous ways! It was an awesome experience.

Well I'm doing great. This is the best time of my life! And I can't believe how old I am going to be! But I'm just glad I have this opportunity to serve a mission. Thanks to everyone who is making this possible!


--
Elder Cabrera