Almost Out

To start, I want to let every one know that I spent all of Monday in the hospital...

Fortunately, I wasn't there for me. Unfortunately I was there because a member of our district, Elder Wilson had a stomach infection and was on an IV for three days. He is back in the CCM and well now which is great. It was a good change of pace to the everyday grind and I got to know Elder Wilson better and we shared some of our goals for life. I have a deep respect for not only the dedication he has to this work and also his ambitions for the future. 

We got to do promix two more times which I really enjoy! Elder Cespedes is a great guy and I always enjoy working with him. He's taught me a lot and I've made good friends with him and the rest of his district. 

I officially have less than a week before I head to the field. I'm so excited to actually become engaged in the work! I received an email from the mission and was informed I would be teaching the first night! Although I'm still super worried about the language I've gained some confidence since Ive been able to teach without a script. I know it'll  be hard but the lord will help me as I strive to be better. 

Elder Nate Hanna

Gift of Tongues

So it's been a good week here at the CCM. It's been normal, with classes from 8:30 in the morning to 9 at night. Tuesday we did something called promix. Me and one other member of our district (not my companion) are in a trio with a Latino companion so we are forced to speak Spanish. It was actually really fun! Obviously it was hard to communicate at times but it was one of the funnest times I've had here! Elder Cespedes was his name. He's from Bolivia and he's the nicest guy.

Another highlight of my week is my Spanish. I'm obviously not fluent but I've been able to say more and more each day! My teachers have said they are impressed by my growth and it really gives me confidence for the days ahead. The gift of tongues is a real thing and I've seen it working in my life so much in these last few weeks. 

Moroni 10:23 says And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me.

I truly believe, especially since being in the CCM, we can do anything if we rely on Christ. 

Sorry I don't have much to say this week, they are all pretty much the same! Thanks again everyone for all the letters and support! You have no idea how much it helps! Until next week, I love you all!

No price is too great

It's been a good week here in the CCM. We went to the temple again on P-day and I bought another tie. This week has been tough as always but its been really good as well! 

To start, the gift of tongues is real! I'm not anywhere close to where I need to be, but I have improved so much in the last week! I understand more in class and am able to express what I want to teach and say way more in Spanish! 

My district is awesome! We've all become even better friends and it makes it so much easier to have 11 other people struggling and learning together. We've all seen the blessings that we've brought into each others life. 

One of the best parts of the week was all of your letters! You have no idea how much of a boost that is spiritually. There's nothing like letters of support and encouragement from you guys! I wish I could answer all of you individually but I only have an hour each week to email. I want each and every one of you to know I love you and am so grateful for the letters you all sent. 

And of course I've been indulged in the gospel 24/7. It's an amazing work that I'm involved in. We watched a video called "President, Why is this so hard?" By Elder Holland on Monday. What Elder Holland taught is this. Yes, the work we do is hard. It's frustrating, and even discouraging at times. Sometimes we even want to give up. But you have to ask yourself, did the Savior give up? When he was hurting, did he say I cant? What us missionaries are asked to do is hard, but it's nothing compared to what Christ suffered for us. 

President Bennet teaches that yes is yes. I said yes to God when he extended me this call. So I'm going to fulfill that call. 

I love all of you guys and pray for you daily!

Semana Dos

So Wednesday we went to the temple after I emailed. It was awesome to see Mexico City. The temple was beautiful. I bought some really cool ties at a shop right next to the temple. Thursday we did a service project cleaning up one of the fields on the CCM grounds. That was pretty cool. I didn't realize how big the CCM actually was until we did that. We also committed a practice investigator to baptism. So we got two new people to teach. Let me say the first lesson was rough. We don't know nearly enough Spanish to teach, plus the background for this person is that she has no belief in god. We actually switched to English for part of the lesson so we could get our thoughts across. Its hard. The language is hard. But I'm determined to learn. Other than the language I'm doing great though. Life is good. It's fun. President and Hermana Bennet are so loving and kind. They are always in the comador serving food and cleaning trays. Being a missionary is hard. There's no doubt about it. But I'm surrounded by amazing leaders including the Bennets and president Kharri Mann, my branch president. Not to mention my wonderful district which has become a family.

To finish I want to share my favorite scripture from this week. In the devotional last night, Tuesday night, Hermana Caldwell shared Mark 5:36 

"Be not afraid, only believe." 

I love and miss all of you! You're all in my prayers. Remember, be not afraid.