Little Provo

Oh hello everyone, what is going on?? I'm just gonna hop into it because I got a LOT to say!

Anyways, so we had transfers and I got transferred!! I am now serving in a town called Nealtican. Now, Nealtican is a little bit of a legend in the mission, and ill tell you all why.

So Nealtican is a small little town, about an hour west of the city of Puebla. Its small, just around 6000 people in this town. But there are 3 stakes!! Like Nealtican is famous for having just an insane amount of members. Like we are covering 2 Wards, but a lot of companionships have 3. On our 5 minute walk to the church we met 12 members and leaders of our Wards haha. Everyone calls it here "Little Utah" or "Little Provo" because there are so many members too and because I think someone said there is more members per capita here or something but idk so someone will have to check that for me haha.

It's also located underneath the volcanoes, so let's hope we don't have another Atlixco situation haha. But it's coooolllllddddd here. Literally we are up here in the mountains of Mexico and I'm actually freezing. It's been an adjustment for sure from the Big City to having actually 5 streets in my area but you know what, I have literally never been so happy to be here and be able to work with so many members in their hometown.

My new companions name is Elder Fowles from Lehi, Utah. He doesn't have too much time in the mission, just 6 months. So I'm training him how to lead the zone and to work with Wards (because he is coming from a small branch of 30 people). We're vibing, working hard, and just absolutely HYPED to be here.

Literally my first day here we had an stake activity which was so clutch because we got to meet all the stake leaders. Also, they had like a dance competition between Wards and afterwards we ate a whole bunch of tacos! I am literally in love with Mexico and couldn't be happier in any other place, so don't be surprised if I don't come back!!

Also, we got word today that the Puebla Temple is going to get dedicated on the 19th of May!!!!! Elder Gong is going to dedicate it and this is something that Puebla has been waiting for so long and so all of Nealtican is partying it up right now! We hope we can be involved with the open house too. God is sooo good and is so willing to bless ALL of his children!!

One thought that has been in my mind recently is the christlike attribute of Hope. And for me, nothing is as powerful than the Hope that Christ gives us thanks to His love, and also His birth. I recently re-read Luke 2 and I honestly teared up a lot as a stream of childhood memories, and a powerful spiritual impact hit me. I love verses 10 and 11 that say,

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was born not so that we would fear Him or be afraid of the consequences of not being good enough. He was born to bring us Joy. We now have the greatest gift of all: A Savior and a hope for the blessings that he always gives us. The most powerful tool against fear is the exercising of Hope unto the reception of Faith. That is something incredible that I am eternally gratefully for. He do not have to fear, or stress, or worry, or be anxious. Because for unto YOU, every one of you, Jesus Christ was born. Our Savior of the world was born. I can not think of a greater gift than of Him. I love you all so much. Only 2 more weeks til Christmas! Have an amazing week!!