Wednesday, May 1, 2013

My Dearest Family

April 28, 2013

Hello, how are all of ya?  I hope that everyone is doing good!  Sorry I haven't written in a little while, I know that you are always waiting for my letters, but sometimes it really just isn't possible...I'm sorry!

So, in the last few weeks things have been a little crazy!  We have been working on distributing all the beds, desks, dressers, all of that stuff to the new areas!  We are receiving 34 missionaries, and only 3 are going home, so that means that we have to open about 15 areas- that equals 30 beds...30 desks....its quite a work!  The little Hilux is tired from hauling stuff all over the country!  But anyway, it has been a great couple of weeks!  

First off, Alberto and Aurelina are doing great!  They have now been to church 3 times in a row, and really are doing great- but its not without trials!  On Friday we had a huge rain storm, and their house filled up with about 30 centimeters of water, so we spent Saturday helping them out, and we cooked them lunch to try and help them out.  In the end they were all smiling and happy, and we had a great time with them!  I am amazed by their strength- and how even with something so difficult they could stay strong.  It really shows me that they know what is important- its not their house, or their possessions, but their family!  I'm very grateful that I have been able to work with such a special family.

Two weeks ago, we had interviews with President Rodriguez, and it was a really great experience.  We talked a lot about what I have learned in the mission, and the different things that have helped me progress as a missionary.  For some time I have been pondering, praying, and waiting to know what I needed to do after my mission.  Well, President, without knowing, quoted (in Spanish of course) a part of my Patriarchal Blessing, and helped me know what I need to do.  He said that I have been where I have been for so long, learning things that the Lord needs me to perfect, to use further on in my life.  Anyways, I am going to pursue a degree in Business Management with a minor in Spanish- not sure why, but that's what I feel like I need to do.

Well one day we had the idea to do an open house in our chapel, because our branch is a little bit...weak right now!  Well the idea kind of exploded, and now we are in charge of an open house for the district of Azua!  That's kind of consuming a lot of time, but its going to be really cool.  We have 6 Branch's inviting people, and we are thinking that we will have about 500 people.  That's a lot of references!  The missionaries from Azua are going to have more people to teach than they know what to do with!  They have submitted papers to make Azua a stake, but they need 12 more active tithing paying elders, so we are hoping that this activity can help us get over that hump and make Azua a stake!  Anyways, that is this Saturday!

Hmmm, I don't really know what else to tell you guys, just know that I love you all, but I also love my mission.  I am grateful that I have been able to serve here, and for all the things that I have learned.  I have grown more in 2 years than in any other part of my life, and I really have enjoyed everything, the struggles, the ups the downs, the middles, everything!  I hope that when I finish I can feel the words of my Savior, well done my good and faithful servant.  

Love, 
Elder Reeder
-- 
Elder Riley Ted Reeder
La Iglesia De Jesucristo De Los Santos De Los Últimos Días
La Misión Santo Domingo OesteRepública Dominicana