June 25, 2011

Alicia and Rosa are getting baptized tomorrow. They are sisters that are both about 70 years old I think. A member talked to them in the street and invited them to hear us. They were just prepared. They stopped drinking Tea and Coffee as soon as we taught about it. They drink hot chocolate now. They want to do everything that the Savior asks us to do. They have had a big swing in their lives since they have learned about the Gospel. I sure love teaching them. OK We can have fun learning (Spanish) together and talking together Mom. I was thinking both the handkerchiefs and aprons would be good to give the Laycock’s on their anniversary, on...no other day then September 24. Cool huh? (Braden's birthday) I thought so too. Well. Really it is just hard being the middle men between President Laycock and the missionaries. We represent him too and it has been hard specifically making decisions that the missionaries don’t like. I don’t want to be vague Mom, but the best thing that you can pray for 1st, what the Spirit says and 2nd that I will be blessed with the gift of charity, the pure love of Christ. I feel like my assignment, what I feel personally, is to make Presidents job as easy as possible. If there is a question I can answer or something I can do without having to let President worry about it, I want to do it. This coming Monday, we have changes. Elder Wilkey will be leaving and we will be getting a 3rd companion. 4 weeks after that, Elder Saenz leaves and it will be me and my companion....help! I’m really excited for what I’m going to have to do. Not sure what it is yet exactly, but new things happen all the time. Elder Saenz asked me last night if I was tired, he told me after, just wait til you get the weight upon your shoulders and you are not only physically tired, but mentally. I have such great companions. I have learned and continue to learn about trust and confidence. A companion’s job is to love and support and be a blessing to his companion. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is the importance of being a help to my immediate associates. I learned that with Elder Ostergar. I love that guy so much. He says hello to my family. We are going to be really busy tonight getting together the mission newspaper called Times and Seasons and getting everything ready for changes and the meeting etc...I really like doing this. Its fun. Thank you so much family for everything. I love you so much. Elder Tilley

(Rachel) …I’m learning a lot about love. Love is so so powerful. Of course, not like a young puppy love, but God´s love. I am so thankful for the power of love, it endureth forever. What if, at the last day, we stood at the judgment bar and all we had, was the love that we had acquired and our knowledge. I believe our love scale will be a very direct sign of how we acted and desired on the earth. I love talking about the Gospel now. I know it is reality … Elder Wilkey is going home on Monday and he is almost in a depression. I feel sad for him because he has to leave. If only we could be missionaries forever and be with our families . UMMM that would be good, real good. I'm praying for you … Have a wonderful week Rach and Joe and little tyke. Love Elder Tilley