We got an email from our apartment complex that their mail system was changed completely. We weren't able to get over to the leasing office very quick, so if you sent me any mail that was returned, you can now send it again because it is all worked out.
Just to briefly explain what "What the jawn?" means: Elder Gallup, Elder Cruz, Elder Lester, and I all spend a fair amount of time with each other, even though the other Elders are Spanish speaking and are in a different area. We share a car with them, go to service and meetings together, and their ward meets in the same building as ours. Whenever we are with eachother, it's a good time. "What the jawn?" has become the new thing. You basically just use "Jawn" as a replacement for anything. It doesn't mean anything and I'm not even sure where it originated but it has become a staple. Just a little story to show us that missions can be fun, just as much as they can be hard. It's the same with all of life.
Tuesday was a really fun day. I did an exchange with Elder McArthur and went to Elder Williams on the east side of UPK. It was a really busy day. We started by biking over to a recent convert named Ray. He's a classic Floridian. Southern accent and super funny. He said the hardest thing to give up was sweet tea because he had been dranking it since he was a baby. However, it was not hard to convert to the gospel. He had always been very confused because there are so many religions and denominations, but as soon as he read the Book of Mormon, he said it was easy to understand and it was without a doubt, the word of God. He has a very strong testimony and just recently went to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. It was a very spiritual discussion and we left feeling happy. We biked around and talked to a few people without much success.
After lunch we started to bike to the Pegero's home. They are a less-active family that lives in a trailer park about 5 miles from us. Elder Williams and I were biking along the highway with cars zooming past us at 65 mph. It was super nerve wracking, especially because Florida drivers are some of the worst in the country. About halfway there, the chain on the bike I was borrowing slipped off the track and got stuck. I couldn't pry it out so we were stranded on the side of the road. We called Brother Pegero and asked if he could come pick us up. His truck was full of trash so he asked his neighbor if he would and he gladly came and picked us up. His named is Mr. Dubey. He's a Vietnam War Veteran. Very real and very funny. He wasn't interested in reading the Book of Mormon with us but he was very friendly and I hope I see him again. We read the Book of Mormon with the Pegero's. Brother Pegero's granddaughter, Kylie, really liked me for some reason, so we spent a while looking at and taking pictures on my tablet. (I've attached some below.) She is the sweetest little girl with the light of Christ.
After we read with them, we invited Brother Pegero's son, Omar, to be baptized. He said he would and wants to be baptized on April 8th because it is his dad's birthday. They don't live in my area, so I won't be able to continue to teach him but I will be able to attend his baptism which is very exciting. After we finished, Brother Pegero fixed the bike and we were able to ride home. It was a day full of love, gratitude, and mercy. It really humbled me to be mindfully grateful for what I have. I am so grateful for the people God has blessed me with.
Thursday, a member family took us to a restaurant. Before we sat down, a man called us over to his table. He was a Vietnam War veteran and was eating with a World War 2 veteran. They asked us why we were dressed up for such a casual place and we explained that we were missionaries, spreading the joyful word of Christ. They weren't too interested in our message but the World War 2 veteran reached in his pocket and pulled out a $20. He handed it to us and said "You're doing good out here. This is for breakfast tomorrow." It touched my heart and I felt inspired to be more loving and charitable in my life.
General Conference was this weekend and we were able to watch it at our church building. There was a lot of inspired change that is happening and it just reafirms that the Lord is hastening His work. This Church has inspired leaders and they know what God wants for us. Harken to their council and we will be on the right path. My favorite talk was by President Oaks. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. Sometimes I get it in my head that I need to do great things all the time, but reality is, the small things we do everyday are the things that define our character. Remember to do the small things. Pray daily, search the scriptures, be charitable, and be a disciple of Christ always. These small things we do are the things thay will bring great miracles into our lives.
Yesterday was Easter, marking the most important day in the history of the world. I was constantly reminded of Christ's suffering in Gethsemane. He suffered for each and every one of us. He loves us infinitely and always has His hand outreached for us. I hope that you felt His love this weekend and continue to spread that to every one.
Much love,
Elder Poulsen
Elder Poulsen
