I Still Got That Idaho Touch

Whats up everyone?!?! This week was absolutely EPIC!!! Im talking miracles, a whole bunch of progress with our friends, and very epic food from my very good friends the Poblanos. Anyways, lets just hop right into it, shall we???

Alrighty boys and Girls first of all, México has been absolutely GOING OFF this week. Like weve had a thunder, lightning, and rainstorm every single day this week and you know it really sucks when youre in the middle of nowhere in the mexican countryside without an umbrella suffering through it.

Also, Popo EXPLODED this week!!! We were walking back to our house in the morning when we heard a huge BOOOOOOOM and the ground started shaking a lit bit. And we looked at the volcano and it was one of the biggest smoke plumes ive seen. And then we got back to the house and the ward starting lighting up our group chat about warnings from the government about it and about the ash fall that was coming. It was sick and as we were walking we could see all around us the ash flurries and also the remnants on the ground too.

One thing about the mexicans is that they just find every reason to troll you and make fun of you. And so they always troll me from being from Idaho and loving potatoes, especially my district. And so Elder Alencastro and I decided to shut them up. And so tuesday morning we woke up at 5 in the morning, went to the market, and arrived at the church at 7 to make and prepare some FUNERAL POTATOES for district counsel. But, México  doesnt have a lot of normal ingredients and so i had to compromise. Nevertheless, we showed up with my potatoes and he made Birria and it AMAZING. Ladies and Gentlemen, I havent lost the Idaho touch.

This week was absolutely awesome too because we saw so much progress with our people in teaching. We have 2 couples that are not married and we were able to set dates to get them married and baptism dates as well!! I am so excited for them and to help them make these covenants with God. We also had an amazing turnout at church and we have received quite a few references from working with members. I truly can testify that the field is White and ready to harvest and we are harvesting the fruits of our efforts.

My mission president is famous for one of his phrases: "Siempe Verde". Which means "Always Green". This refers to being a "greenie" as in you are new to something. He uses this to motivate us to remember our first days as missionaries and to remember our desires to work and be excited to be a missionary. Remember your first day something. Maybe a sport. Your first day of school or college. Or that New job. Do you remember how excited you were to start or to get going or be apart of something new? But, did this thing fall into monotonous patterns and it soon became boring or indifferent to you?

I love D&C 75 where it says, "Behold, I say unto you that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry, neither be idle but labor with your might— 4 Lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, proclaiming the truth according to the revelations and commandments which I have given you. 5 And thus, if ye are faithful ye shall be laden with many sheaves, and crowned with honor, and glory, and immortality, and eternal life."

I know this refers to missionary work, but i also think this applies to all aspects of life. And so, always remember...

SIIIIIIIEEEEEEEMMMMMPRE VERDE!!!!!!

FIND THAT LOVE AND ENERGY TO READ THE SCRIPTURES AND PRAY!!!

FIND THAT ENERGY TO PREACH THE GOSPEL!!

FIND A PASSION TO REMEMBER AND KEEP YOUR COVENANTS!!

We have to remember this greenie energy in all aspects of our spiritual Journey. How are we going to endure to the end without this desire to do them? And we know the promise from our efforts: honor, glory, immortality, and eternal life. And so that is my invitation to you all. Find a way to find this energy and passion for the Gospel and Jesus Christ. And so my dear friends and family, please remember that I love you all and with that thought,

always. verde.

-Elder Ritchie

Pics!

Siempe Verde

Las Papas y birria

My children

Doggo on my head

Catholic church

The Puebla Temple in construction