January 9, 2017

So much has happened lately! 1st of all I was unable to go to Juarez for the Trainers meeting due to Road Blockades that were put up by gas price protesters. Gas prices rose 50 cents per gallon and the whole nation went crazy. Gas stations were burnt (not here thankfully) and roads were closed off, not allowing food nor gas nor people to pass by. The small city I'm in panicked and super markets were emptied of food. We too were instructed to be prepared for at least a month without being able to buy more food.

Fortunately, it only lasted for a few days and food was allowed entrance by thursday. We were also able to have transfers on tuesday night. My companion is super awesome! I love his so much! His name is Elder Rivera and he is so excited to be a missionary! We planned everything out well, and on his first day here he ws able to put a baptismal date with an investigator! We plan on having a total of 3 baptisms in the coming weeks!

Last night was a roller coaster of emotions. we spent the day doing visits with a youth, named Daniel. Super great guy. We went with him to visit some investigators and had some really great lessons. afterwards we went back to his house to share a message with his mom (less active) and his step dad (investigator). His brother and sister were there visiting from Mexico City and we had a great lesson, made of us all sharing our favorite scriptures and talking of the importance of scripture study (Read Joshua chapter 1.) As we finished up, Daniel's siblings asked for blessings so that they'd travel home safely and his sister asked for a blessing of health. sp we gave them blessings and the spirit esas there strong. As we left their home my companion told me how great he felt and we just walked and talked about the great responsability we hold. we finsihed up the day having met our weekly goals of lessons and we felt on top of the world. Elder Evans and Torres (our neighbors and fellow missionaries in Villa Hermosa) got home with some Chicharrones to share and we just sat around for a feew minutes telling stories and laughing for a while. All was going well and we were all happy.

 Then President Owen Called. 

I answered and he spoke to me in english " Elder Phillips, I'm calling to talk to your companion Elder Rivera" he explained "But I wish to explain things to you first. His mother just got off the phone with me... His grandfather passed away last night. From what I understand, he's been sick for a while now and died in the night, So I'll be giving him bad news and I want you to be prepared, ok?"

I passed my companion the phone and was rather shocked to tell the truth. I had no Idea what to do.

I'm not going to go into too many details about what happened that night, but the spirit was there with us. I want you to know that many tears were shed and it became one of the saddest yet sweetest memories of my mission.  

I know that the Lord sends us trials to try us and to strengthen us. And my companion has grown stronger thanks to this experience. And so have I

Remember how much you love your family. Be grateful for the great plan of happiness.

Elder Phillips