Back to Xalapa for training

What a crazy fast week. This week not much super crazy happened, however I was able to do two baptismal interviews for my buddy Elder Bigelow. They baptized two people on Saturday and were confirmed on Sunday. It's really cool getting to know the investigators of other areas and all. This week I'm going with the other companionship of my district in some day long divisions. I'll finally be in a big city! HAHAHA! Actually this week I'm going to Xalapa for a leadership conference. Tuesday morning I'm going to my old stopping grounds to listen to our mission president and his assistants. I  honestly really miss being there, BUT I completely love it here. This place is really touristy and there are lots of FRENCH people. The other day we met a family of 8 all from France. They are all SUPER BLONDES hahahah with blue eyes. Anyway sorry for the short letter. I'm happy to say that in two days I'll complete 19 months in the mission and in a couple weeks I'll only be missing 4 months! The time goes so fast and with getting the college stuff in order it feels like the end is a lot closer but it's nice that I still have 3 changes! I love you all and have a great week! Enjoy the pictures!!!

Elder Babcock

Importance of agency

Sorry I don't have much to say! This week was great! We went on Friday to Teziutlan to have our conference and the Wednesday before we had our interviews with our mission president. HE'S SO GREAT! Seriously you can feel his love and desire to have us be better and better every day. It feels like I have another mom and dad that's how much they worry and care about us! Just so you all know yesterday marks only 5 months more until I come home! WAYYYY TOOO FAST! hahaha

Anyway just a quick thing that happened the other day. There is this recent convert here who has only 2 months as a member and ever since he received the Holy Ghost hasn't come back. He's 16 and didn't feel like the church was for him. When we first started talking we told him you have to do it. We miss you in church and we need you there. And he just kept saying no no no and no. While my comp was talking I felt prompted to talk about the power of the sacrament. What blessings it brings to our lives. Instead of fighting with him and telling him he HAS to go we taught about the sacrament and then invited him to go. This time he didn't feel pressure and even told us, I didn't know that and I feel better and I want to go.

I learned you CANNOT argue or try to tell someone they're wrong. What we CAN do is teach and invite and hope they are ready to act. Using your agency is the best way to receive and lose blessings. Use it wisely! It's the best gift we have as children of God. I love you all and miss you dearly! Have a great week!!

Elder Babcock

D&C 6

Lots to say but at the same time it's just the same old same old. The new prayer house is done and we had services this Sunday there. I FORGOT TO TAKE PICTURES! Next week though! Had some amazing miracles this past week. One being a lesson Sunday night with two older ladies. We had walked around trying to find a family for a good 30 minutes and never found them. We asked an older lady and she told us she didn't know. We asked to share something with her and she accepted!! We taught the lesson about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and did the invitation to be baptized which they both accepted! In fact they asked if they would have to go to Martinez to go to church (it's an hour away) when we told them no they got so happy and said good 'cause it would be hard to go. They said something that touched my heart; the mother said that she had prayed to God asking Him to send someone to teach her about Him earlier that morning. HOW COOL!!! And then to top it all off, the daughter (who is like 55ish) said that when she was 13 her family was talking to the missionaries. Her father died and they stopped talking to the missionaries. She told us she wants to learn more and wants to do this for her dad who never got to! I cannot wait to teach the plan of salvation and temple work with her!! I love this work so much!! Miracles every day and lots of amazing experiences. It's sad to think I'm finishing in 5 months. Until them you have to work D&C 6. I love and miss you all! Have a great week!!

Elder Babcock