This week was pretty normal up until the weekend. We had a bunch of lessons and contacted a bunch in the street and in houses. Basically normal stuff here in Saltillo.
This weekend was a spiritual whirlwind. On Friday we had a zone conference where the zone leaders and President Rodriguez trained us and I learned a lot of things I can improve as a missionary. President talked about a lot of different things but one that really stuck with me was about three different types of missionaries and thier trials. The main idea was that trials of faith come to those who are just. Consequences of sin come to those who are dissobedient. I think this can apply to all of us. Are we in a trial because God is testing us or simply because we put ourselves there? I'm really trying to focus on obedience now. Many of you probably know that it's not very hard for me to be obedient but, as a missionary, it's hard for anyone to be obedient. Every little thing is important in bringing the Spirit and finding the people that are waiting for the Gospel.
This General Conference was really powerful for me. It was the first time I watched every session without sleeping through any of it. Hear that Anna, Henry, and Ellie? I broke my habit of sleeping in church! :) Leading up to General Conference I was worried that I would have to watch it in Spanish so I was praying for the gift of tongues for several days. When I got to the stake center to watch, I found out that te missionaries could watch it in English in the high council room. That was a relief. The American missionaries watched all the sessions together as a little group. It was pretty nice because I could really focus and share notes with the others. Also, some of the sisters brought snacks. It reminded me of using skittles and m&ms to play conference bingo. Haha!
This week I was feeling a little impatient and tired with my companion and the other elders in our ward so I wanted to see if I could get an answer about how to be more patient. I think the best answer to my question was President Uchtdorf's talk in the priesthood session. He talked a lot about marriage and being a good husband (not quite aplicable to a missionary) but he also focused on charity. I love charity and the power of the pure love of Christ. It was a powerful reminder that I should exercise more charity with my companions and the other missionaries. We'll see if I can actually practice what I believe. :)
I'm really grateful that we can watch and listen to conference and receive guidance from living prophets and apostles. Even though President Monson didn't give very long talks I really felt the power and truth in his words. I hope we can all follow the council we have received this weekend.
Okay, here are the birds!
Zone-tailed Hawk -Aguililla Aura
Sharp-shinned Hawk -Gavilán Pajarero
Cooper's Hawk -Gavilán de Cooper
Cassin's Kingbird -Tirano de Cassin
Say's Phoebe -Mosquero Llanero
Barn Swallow -Golondrina Ranchera
Well, I think that's the most important stuff for this week. Thank you all for your support and for all that you have done for me! I love getting your emails and hearing that you enjoy hearing from me. I love and miss you all!
-Elder Steiner
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