Baptisms and Beer Cans

May 31, 2010

Hey Everybody!
Its your favorite Elder again, all the way from Santiago Chile! The mountains are now permanently sprinkled with a powdered sugar coating of snow, and its turned into scarf season. Its kind of weird; I´ve never worn a scarf before the mission, but now I´m wearing them all the time. I think that with my glasses and my sharp lookin suit gives me that suave rich boy look. Its pretty fun to slick back my hair and pretend Im like Richie Rich or something. But now that is hard, since I just got a haircut from one of my companions. It actually looks suprisingly good! News for Alyssa: I finally got that letter from your friend in Seminary. Tell him thanks, it felt good to get a letter. And News for Dad: I wore my Wolf shirt today. ;)
In other news, Patricio got baptized on Saturday. It was an amazing experience, like all baptisms. He had so many problems and has changed so much its simply amazing. He went from an out of work bum alcoholic to a boss of the gaurds at some company who doesnt smoke, drink, nothing. Its been the greatest affirmation of the "Change of heart" that it talks about in Mosiah 5. I have been blessed to see how the Gospel is not something stagnant, not solomente words on a page, but real tangible evidences of Gods love for his children. I think that missionary work really is the best way for the gospel to come alive in peoples lives. If someone has doubts about the gospel, do missionary work. They will gain a testimony of the truth of all things real quick. I am a solemn witness of the truthfulness of the gospel, of the power it holds, which is more powerful than the bottem of a beer can, more potent than a life of fast cars and one night stands, more lasting than the earth and sky (sorry Kansas, but its true). Everything in the gospel has a purpose, and Patricio has been a witness of it.
We were enfronted with problems. That is one thing that no one sees about baptisms. The fact that any of them happen is really a miracle because there is always something that goes wrong. For us, the bishop wasnt convinced that Patricio has changed his ways, and said the baptism was too soon. Eventually, everything worked out and we had it, but there are always problems. The miracle is greater than the problem.
Things with me and Elder Martin are great. He really has quite an amazing story, and one I would like to write down when I have more time, but he has made me appreciate the ease that I got on my mission and the great support my parents have been through all of this. I love you guys so much and hope all is well. Mom, I need pens! Thats about it!
Con Amor,
Elder Westover