My talk Sunday went fine. I made it through with only a few voice cracks and no real tears. I am just glad it's over with. Mitch had a very eventful week. I am very grateful that he is safe and I can't wait to talk to him Christmas day.
Madre,
Wow. Two days until Christmas. I can
hardly believe that it is almost here. Nothing about this month has felt
anything like Decemeber should feel like. No snow, no Temple Square, no
Christmas movies. Its been a weird sensation. The closer Christmas gets
the more and more things, unimportant to the true center of Christmas,
are peeled away and I become closer and closer to Christ. I've loved it.
Can't wait to spend Christmas day in the streets of California bringing
glad tidings of great joy.
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| This is the gingerbread house we made out of the kit Nana sent |
But anyways, here is a bit of what went down for the
week. It has been one for the record book. First off, "Temple trip!" I cannot tell you how much of a blessing and tender mercy being able to go to the
temple was. I have missed it so, so, so, much. My heart was on fire as I
went through a session with my beloved friends, in my own language (the
last times it was the old video and in Spanish), with 100's of
missionaries all in white. It was amazing. Simple amazing. I can't wait
to go again for my birthday :)
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| Los Angelos Temple |
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| My district |
I am becoming quite the cook. Not to toot my own horn but I am on "homemade tortilla" status. Next step, PUPUSA!
We
have been having some rough times with our investigators. We have
dropped a few because they are just not progressing and after yesterday
when only one of our 9 investigators shows up for church it really makes
you ponder the blessing of agency. But, never the less we were proud and
happy for Elder Spears and Elder Smith who baptized Gilberto yesterday.
Gilberto was the first person baptized in the Elders area and it was
Elder Spear's first baptism after being in the field for almost 9
months. We were so happy for everyone involved.
I can't express how blessed I feel upon receiving all
the packages that I have. They have meant the world to me. It gives me comfort and humility to know how many people truly are
supporting the Lords work! Gracias gracias gracias!
Okay, so quick warning for this next part. One, we are
alive and safe. Two, I have the Lords promise that I will not be harmed
(D&C 24:16). And three, you said you wanted to know everything so here
goes...
Elder Speth and I returned home from the baptism and
headed out to contact one of our potentials. Upon leaving the street we
live on we saw a couple leaning against the fence and it appeared to
me that they were kissing. I hate PDA. It's nasty and rude. SO, naturally I ride by
having no intention to speak with them. As we got closer I realized that
the girl was not there on here own free will. She started to yell "Help me
Help me" and was crying and struggling. Elder Speth and I dropped our
bikes and ran to help. The second we got there about 6 other people
showed up on bikes (everyone in this story is under 25 years old). I
thought they were coming to help but turns out they were friends of the
boy who was abusing the girl. Elder Speth and I talked with the group
and they told us that the couple was just fighting and had been drinking
and we should leave before anyone got hurt. They said they would take care
of it, that they had seen us around and that this was none of our business. One of the men put his hand on my chest and told me to back
away. This whole time my mind was clear and all I could hear in my head
was "You'll be safe. I am here. Be wise." Elder Speth and I had no
intention of fighting these people or causing anyone harm but upon a
third question to the man who now had his arm around the girls neck he
said with unclean language that we should leave or he would stab us. It
was dark but I could make out a knife in his hand. At this point the
spirit told both Elder Speth and I to leave. So we did. We turned the
corner and called the cops. After that one of the friends yelled "Hey
man their calling the cops". Long story short we were chased and had to
hide and wait for the Hermano we live with to pick us up. The cops came
but we don't know if they caught anyone. We called President Hall and he told
us to sleep at the district leaders house because the event happened
right by our house and the people knew where we lived.
I have never been more protected and fearless in the my
life. I had the Lords promise that everything would be okay. I hope this
story doesn't scare you Mom or cause you worry. That's not my intention
all I know is that God watches out for his servants. Man I can't wait to
see you in two days. Talking with you is going to be the greatest gift.
We'll call around 1 or 2. Love you Mom.
Proud to be your son.
Elder Bagley
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| Bike safety...I'm just glad he is actually wearing his helmet. |
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| Giving Himself a hair cut...he says it's sooo short |
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| Elder Speth fighting Satan (aka a large opossum) |
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