"Winter" in Mexico

November 19, 2018

"Winter" in Mexico

En General

This coming Friday marks a full month since I arrived in the beautiful city of Mexico, and I can't believe it has already been that long! The first week or two felt like they would never end, but since that it seems like someone pressed the fast forward button. November 26 (the day I leave) is coming up faster and faster, which is exciting in terrifying way. This week was pretty mellow for the most part, and everyone in my district was looking forward to our P-Day to get some ultimate frisbee in. Mother Nature has a cruel sense of humor though, and it has rained today from 3 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon, with a cool temperature of 41 degrees to go along with it. Although our dreams of ultimate were lost, Mother Nature can't do much about the indoor courts, so we got a few games of 21 in which was good too. I also like the weather if I am being honest, it's no Utah snow storm but I think it's the closet I am going to get so I won't complain. A problem though is that with the colder weather came a little cold that as been going through the CCM. I have luckily avoided it so far, but my companion and 4 other guys in my district has fallen victim to the runny nose and cough, so my chances don't look great. That being said, I will be washing my hands raw until that moment comes. 

...And Our Opening Hymn Will Be Played by Elder Jackson

I guess I deserve it for all those hours I pretended to practice piano, but for some reason my zone leader felt prompted to have me play the piano for our sacrament meeting this past week. I was told on Thursday and had 45 minutes every night to learn 2 songs by Sunday. Learning is a loose term though because by Sunday I don't think I had the hymns learned, more just familiarized. I played the opening and sacrament hymn, and didn't know how to play a prelude until 3 minutes before the meeting, but we gave it all we got! It wasn't great, wasn't terrible, but I don't think I will be playing sacrament meeting again anytime soon. 

TRC

This past Saturday I also got to do this thing called TRC, which is when volunteers come in from Mexico City and we teach them a lesson. Me and my companion Elder Blazzard went to the HBL Chapel, we got put into a room and waited for someone to walk in. We also weren't told what lesson we were suppose to teach, just that we needed to get to know them and teach them the lesson we felt prompted to teach. A few minutes later a young lady named Gloria walked in, and then it was all up to us. Beforehand we thought we were going to teach the Restoration, but after talking to her for a little I felt prompted to share the Plan of Salvation. We started talking, and right off the bat I felt the Spirit super strong. Although she was speaking faster, I was able to understand her and talk with her. I was in the zone, and I think Elder Blazzard could tell so he kind of let me run the whole thing which I really appreciated. We only got to the Fall of Adam, but for that point I shared with her the scripture 2 Nephi 2:13 which talks about the need of contrast in all things. After she talked about how the missionaries that had taught her had shared the same scripture with her, and that it played a big part in her conversion. I am grateful for the Spirit that was present at that lesson, and for that opportunity. I know not every lesson will go that well, but I am appreciative of the ones that do.  

El Fin

With every passing day I found more things to love about the Gospel. A big part of everything has to do with the Holy Ghost, and I know I can't do missionary work without it. From the improvement in my language, to teaching and anything in between, it all is thanks to the Spirit. I hope to live and act in a way that will allow for Him to be a constant companion of mine, and am excited to see what is next. Wishing you all the best from the damp, cold, and beautiful Winter Wonderland that is Mexico City, and look forward to talking to you all later!

Sincerely, 

Elder Jackson 

1. The district and I chilling in my room

2. Rain, a mountain and a whole lot of houses

3. P-Day Morning (Surprising close feeling to Christmas morning) 

4. Post 21 Game