Working Out in Different Ways

We finally baptized!!!!! alfredo pulled through for us this week, with shockingly only one lesson.... we talked to him about acting on faith, and beleiving-not knowing. i dont know why, but many mexicans have a hard time realizing the difference between the two. but we talked to him, and helped him realize that he has already received an answer. he told us right then and there that he was going to do it. i was the lucky one to perform both the ordinances: baptism, and confirmation. it went really well, just that it took forever for the service to get started, but it went well. he and is girlfriend betty, who is a super solid member who has given us three references and all three have gotten baptized, they were both way happy after the service. i talked with him for a little in the bathroom, and told him to go home and write in his journal or on a piece of paper how he felt, how he feels, and what this means to him. betty told me that he was really excited to do it, but that he hadnt really expressed his inner feelings about the ordinances yet. he is a little bit closed, but still a great friend. he speaks english very well, and we talk at times for practice.
this week has been good, but just not a whole lot has happened..... we did better on our lessons, but that is about it. our other two possibilities that we had for this week will have to wait for at least this next week, or even farther..... katia is great, and is also excited to get baptized, but she headed down to tierra colorada to be with her son this weekend and her dad before he tries to get to the united states. its kinda funny how open people are here about being illegal in the US and how many times they go and get caught and sent back, but still try agian with the punishments wide open.... we get alot of people asking us if we can help them get across, or a cheaper visa, and its really annoying. but anyways, katia is great and she will hopefully be able to return from tierra colorada next wednesday and work for her baptism next friday or saturday. we did talk to manuel, and he still doesnt feel like he has an answer, so we will try to help him realize what he has and go back through all the teaching with him, about if he doesnt act soon, we may have to drop him until he does act..... i hope it comes soon.
on the 22 of this month, we are having an activity for christmas our church with three wards. it is going to be really good, and i think it will have a good turn out, of members and investigators. speaking of investigators attending the activity, we have a great family progressing, but sadly very slowly. it is arturo, rosy, and their son arturo. also they have three other kids, but two are under age, and the oldest girl, but she doesnt live with them. they are all so great and love us, and the church, but after three weeks, we have only taught them three times and one was a great family home evening that we had on obedience for them. they were really sad to hear that it was possible that one of us left this past weekend, but thankfully we both are still here. elder arevalo, my old district leader, left for the offices today, and will go home on wedensday. its really sad to watch close friends, or companions leave, but the work keeps moving on. so me and elder wilding will have at least one change together, but i think that is all we will have.
also one more investigator is mario. he is so great, and is super excited for his baptism this week, he has been ready for about a week, but wanted to wait it out a little longer, but is ready to do it this week. we are also hoping his daughter and her husband will be willing to do it with him, they are almost all ready also, and we are hoping after his baptism, his stubborn catholic wife blanca will change with him. he is praying for that like crazy as well as reading everyday and praying. what a stud!
well the weather is still about the same, but in the morning and night, it is pretty cold. the breeze we get every day is a little chilly, but it feels good when we are sweating. me and elder wilding are happy to be together for another change, and will continue to progress in all ways. we are happy and still ready to work. by the way, we did a service project as a zone this last friday, we cleaned a park for a mothers and children hospital for 7 hours. mostly for lack of equipment it took so long, but also a lot of lazy mexicans. haha i got a little burnt but not too bad, and it was a good experience. the only problem was that my body still hurts a little bit. i havent been working out as hard as i used to.... but its all good
if you all could keep in your prayers manuel, katia, mario, crisanto, arumi, blanca, arturo, arturo, and rosy, it would be really great. or at least a few names each. haha thanks a ton for all your love and support, it is really great to know that i have a good family and friends who are always there to help in my times of need. love you all tons and we will talk next week!
elder facer