Week 20

Three of my Favorite People at my 1st Companion,
 Elder Pettersson's Homecoming in Utah Yesterday.

Time certainly does fly! I've already been out here for 20 weeks now, and I can't imagine my life without the experiences that I have already had so far on my mission.

Last night was Sunday Night Dinner with Alex and Christina, the couple that got married and baptized back in January. They are so incredibly amazing, and everytime I spend time with them I realize that more and more. Last night, we were about to eat dinner, and the little boy, probably 4 years old said "Tenemos que orar!!!" or "We have to pray!" and he asked his dad if he could offer the prayer. He went on to say the most adorable prayer I have ever heard. A few months ago, this family knew nothing of the Gospel, let alone had prayers together as a family! But this little boy, Amelio, offered a prayer about how grateful he is for the Elders, for the Church, for his Family, everything, and that was something I will never ever forget. The Gospel truly has changed the lives of the Ventura family! Alex the father is already in Alma and shares so many insights on the Book of Mormon, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to know this family.

Well, this week was super busy! There were a lot of things going on in Downtown Frederick, even a concert on Friday night, so there were a TON of people walking around! We talked to more people this week then any week so far on my mission. Before I came on my mission, I thought it would be so awkward to try to share the Gospel with EVERYONE, but I have realized how remarkable it is to just talk with people! Just getting to know somebody and then telling them about this amazing message you have of Jesus Christ and the Restoration is truly amazing and I'm so glad that I have had the opportunity to learn about that.

Alfonso Zamora is still progressing and reading the book of Mormon! I love visiting the Zamora family! Alfonso is always the same, never wearing a shirt and just with his long hair and tattoos, always so incredibly nice and supportive of us! It's truly a remarkable family and little by little, they are working to learn more and more.

We spent the weekend moving a family, the Hernandez family. It was a lot of work, but such a good experience to be providing so much service to someone in need! Hermano Hernandez was super grateful for us, and it was also cool because all of his friends that were there saw these missionaries helping and wondered who we were!

The weather here has been much better lately! Last Monday I got to go play basketball outside at a park with all these kids, which was a dream come true to be back on the outside court haha! I can already feel the humidity coming in though! Also, our car got towed last week.....missionaries had parked in that spot for 6 months without any trouble but I guess we weren't supposed to be parking there!

No this is not my New Ride, but Mom did warn me that this Van looks a little "Shady"
and I should be careful!:)

 To be honest, I've already learned more on my mission than I ever thought possible. Waking up every day to go spread this Gospel is truly one of the greatest gifts we are given! Even though it is so hard at times, I'm so grateful for this wonderful wonderful opportunity!

My spiritual thought this week comes from 2 General Conference talks:

First is from Elder Holland, and his wonderful talk about a brother falling off a cliff, and being saved by the other brother. If you haven't heard it yet, I would recommend you listen to it!! He compares us to the people falling off, and how Jesus Christ has his arm outstretched to help us.

"Are we all just hanging in a cold canyon with nothing to hold on to? No."

The hand of Jesus Christ will ALWAYS be there for us, no matter what. I  hope that this week we all realize that his Hand is in our life, are we really trying to grab it?

My second thought is from President Uchtdorf: 

"Salvation cannot be bought with the currency of obedience. It is bought by the blood of the Son of God." 

Wow. What an incredible gift the Atonement is for us!!!!!!!! Truly remarkable, there are no words to explain the love I feel that we have Jesus Christ to redeem us from the Fall.

I hope everyone has an amazing week full of missionary-opportunities. I love you all, I hope you are doing well.

Warmest Regards from Humid Maryland,

- Elder Leavitt

"Orange you glad I love you?" care package from home.
Yes Mom, I am glad you love me!!!