Day of Cabbage

I told Nan, but one of the #1 things I'm looking forward to when this is over is to not write emails haha. It's exhausting. I appreciate the prophets of the Book of Mormon much more now, knowing their "emails" were carved on plates, and I've barely got time for computers. Though the joy of reading emails will also be removed, I'm ready to just live among you and talk all together :) but not just yet.

(This next paragraph is in reference to Chip's mini mission that he served last week. It was spanish speaking)

Chip's audio as well as what he wrote me made my eyes brim, that was so awesome. Especially his Spanish testimony. Man, I just can't wait for him to be out here. I kind of haven't consciously recognized the joy and (insert all my existence here) that is different completely because of this mission. And my heart is racing knowing that my brother and best friend is about to experience it. I can't wait. He's such a stud. I can't wait for the mission to crush him and to see what comes out.

Konstantin came to church this week, as well as Joseph and 4 Less Active members, an entire family!! Kind of. A dad, his son (30's), and niece (sameish), and then another less active younger girl. It was a full house!! Konstantin told me he would get baptized when he finishes the Book of Mormon, so we're hauling on that with him. Joseph is slow, but still moving! We found some other cool people this week, but they all fell through. Finding a new convert in the streets is about due...

Zone Conference was really powerful. I took notes but left them at home.The Spirit was strong, and Elder Fausnaught gave his concluding testimony. I got to have some one on one with him, and then we saw David and Ljljana, just us 4, and it was a good time. I love that guy, and that's likely the last time I will see him for a bit. He's definitely one of my favorite companions. I love him.  

We also had a Branch Party, "Day of Cabbage" in lieu of St. Patrick's Day. It was hilarious, I learned how to make Sarma (my favorite thing ever on this planet) from Eržebet.

and even made a fool of myself in some sketch Bolan and I had to do, in which I had to speak Serbian with a French accent. Quite a feat. It is probably on FB somewhere by now.

All in all, this week was great.

President Grant is such a stud. I just love him, and I even finally figured out how to overpower his monster hands and control the handshake. I blew his mind when I did it at ZC. He just says, "Wow. That was the handshake." Nailed it.  

I also got the best package ever from the Steck's this week. Gosh, we have the best relatives that exist. For real though?? I love our family. The rest of the world has it rough.They sent me the comfiest shirt on this planet and it says "Brucey" on it, and they wrote me a letter. I just love the heck out of them. 

I forgot to tell you we are having much success through Spanish Class. Tell Caesar so when you see him again.  We are going to start teaching them the Gospel this week, there's one girl in particular who came to our Branch Activity this week and said "I just love being in this church" and has expressed interest in learning more.

So yeah. Roll tide.

Also, I just read this in my email from President Grant this week.

"Thank you for everything. I feel a good spirit around you and I am delighted that you are
 fulfilling the measure of your mission. You are also a gifted writer. Writing skills can be very helpful in life. Keep developing them...."

It humbled and touched me, mainly the part about "fulfilling the measure of your mission". I'm chewing on that one, and doing all I can to. The writing part just gave me a bigger head ;)

Love you all.

Elder Hixon