June 29, 2021

Hi everybody!

It's been another awesome week, so let's get right into this, shall we? First up, we've got a new Elder in town, brand new, as it happens. He's fresh out of the MTC, and as far as I can tell, he's having a great time here so far. Plus, he's American, so it's nice to have someone to chat with in English. Much as I enjoy speaking two languages, given the lack of other English speakers, it sometimes feels like I only speak one. :P So that's been really fun. I suppose on some level, everyone enjoys not being the newest person around. It did make me stop for a second, though, and realize that I've already been here in Mexico for three months. Crazy. I've been enjoying it so much, though. It's still so cool to me, actually being here, instead of just hearing about other people on their missions, or travels. I always try to express my gratitude to God for the opportunity to be here, helping people.

Speaking of, we had the pleasure of bringing one of the families we're teaching to take a tour of the Visitor's Center! It's always a great day when we get to go see the temple, and it's even better when we're bringing investigators with us! Even better, after the tour was over, we extended the invitation to be baptized, and they accepted! So the current date set for their family is the 24th of July. We couldn't be more excited for them, and we can hardly wait! It definitely makes you realize, even though the baptisms don't measure your success as a missionary, they sure as heck feel awesome. That's another thing I'm very grateful for. As I'm sure anyone will tell you, helping people feels good, and I won't tell you any different. Still wish we could go do, like, actual service projects, or maybe meet with people in their homes, but until then, we'll make do with what we've got. And what
we've got is still quite a bit, honestly. We've been able to meet people that we most likely never would have found if we were still
just out on the streets. It's proof to me that God is driving this work, and it won't stop for anything. It's very encouraging, and I'm
just happy to be a part of it. :)

As far as food goes, I've been learning to make as many different Mexican dishes as I can, including but not limited to: Chiles Rellenas (as mentioned previously), Enchiladas Verdes, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Tamales, Oaxaqueños, and Huevos Rancheros. So no need to worry about me starving down here. If anything, I might finally gain a pound or two. :P

And lastly, a spiritual thought, as a reward for your avid reading of my emails. ;) One of the things that has stuck out to me this week from my personal study is the power of the Atonement in our everyday lives. As I'm sure you all remember from even way back in Primary, the Atonement is the ultimate gift to man, given to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and it is the only means by which our sins can be forgiven, and we can make it back to live with our Father in Heaven. Now, basics aside, the Apostles and Prophets often talk about how they use the Atonement every day in their lives, and we mere mortals are often left confused as to how we can do the same. Well, I'm a big fan of sharing the secrets to success, so here's my two
cents on the matter. The Atonement is not just for our sins. We should not look at it as the last resort, when we feel bad about having failed, and oh man, now we have to repent, how embarrassing. That's not the point of the Atonement. When our goal is set on returning to heaven, and we are constantly working towards it, the Atonement is what drives us forward, moving past mistakes, helping us pick ourselves up after falling back. That's the real power of the Atonement. It helps us to change, to grow, to reach the potential that God knows we have, and to feel good about ourselves, even in the midst of adversity, and a world that tells us we are never good enough. From a talk by Neal A. Maxwell - "While so striving daily, we will fall short. Hence the avoidance of discouragement is so vital. So where is the oft and much needed resilience to be found? Once again, in the glorious Atonement! - Furthermore, by applying the Atonement we can continue to access the other nurturing gifts of the Holy Ghost, which will comfort us and reassure us. The burdens not lifted from us, He will help us to bear. After all, the Father and the Son truly and constantly desire our everlasting happiness."

I also testify that our Heavenly Father loves us, perfectly and infinitely, and truly desires our happiness, both in this life, and in
the Kingdom of Heaven where we will return. I promise that as you take advantage of the amazing gift of the Atonement, even if you can only improve on one single thing every week, you will see a powerful difference in your life, and the Holy Ghost will help you feel an increase in hope, and strength to endure the trials you face every day.

And thanks for listening! Sorry for waxing a bit long-winded there, but who am I to argue with what I feel like I need to say? I hope you all have a great week, and I'll see you on the other side of it!

- Elder Blankenbiller

Photos:
1: Rooftop dining
2: Epic hat
3: Just chilling
4: Trip to the temple with Gabriela and Regina
5: Street crepes