Hey family and friends!!!
This week has definitely been an interesting one!
I’ll start off with a little bit of what happened last week since I had no time with all the coordinating of changes!
So, we got to have our own personal conference with Elder Holland!! (as the misón Quito Ecuador Norte y Misión Quito) Anyway, We all went to Quito the night before because I was stuck in the meeting with all the leaders in the mission the day before… I also got stuck with the assistants since I had no companion with me… Anyway, the next day we woke up super early and heading over to the stake center in Iñaquito. We had a little bit of free time to study before Elder Holland got there, but then we all grouped up as the 2 separate missions and soon enough, the famous Elder Holland walked in the door bringing a proufound spirit into the room. He took a picture with our mission then the other. After that, we got in line and shook his hand one-by-one as we entered back into the chapel. I shook his hand and he looked me straight into the eyes. Haha, I think I tried to say something, but there was just a faint noise that came out of my mouth due to the nervousness. hahah. A few minutes later, we heard brief testimonies from the mission presidents and their wives, then the time had finally come to here and Apostle!
Elder Holland’s talk was sooo powerful. We all know, that his talks are very direct and powerful, but it was even more stunning in person! He talked about not going inactive after returning after our missions. The mission is not a two year experience. He also talked about how the mission is not supposed to be easy. Jesus Christ was the perfect example as a missionary, and I think its safe to say that he did not have the easiest of times during his life. He talked about that its during the times when we are at our breaking point that we receive the hand of God in our lives. We have to be refined through the experiences that we have, and if they are not difficult we are not doing out job! We all freaked out when he said his famous phrase (for missionaries at least) that salvation is not a cheap experience!!!! That was so powerful to hear in person!!!! It was so cool to see him in person and shake his hand, it is an experience that I will never forget!!!
Anyway, for this week, haha, there has not been too much that has happened. It has mostly been just being completely lost with a new comp, a new area, all new zone, and all new responsibilities. I am learning little by little, though! Overall, it has been a very rewarding week, and I really do love the new responsibilities that I have. Being zone leader really is just focussing on and loving the missionaries, providing support, advice, and making sure that every one is doing what they are supposed to do! It is a very rewarding and gratifying responsibility!! I’m sure some crazy experiences along the way!!! Thank you all for all that you are doping for me… for the support prayers, thoughts, and whatever else may come along with that!! I love all of you and hope you all have an amazing week!!!!
Elder Curtis