Arise from the dust, my sons, and be men: A Long Time Ago (well... more or less this past week) In a Galixy (close enough) Far Far Away (from the nearest Taco Bell)

March 2, 2015

Seriously, I dont know why, but I have been craving Taco Bell this past week.

Oh, and I know Im a week late on saying this, but CONGRATULATIONS TYLER ON GETTING ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats so amazing!!!!!!!!

So..... This week!

First off I just have to say how much I love my companion. Elder Cervantes Ive decided is a weird mixture of Austin Lopez, Kai Johnson, and Mikayla Beaty.......... From Peru......... In other words......I freakin love the guy!!!!:D Lets just say that when someone compares my spiritual side in charlas to being in the Avatar state (Avatar the last Airbender Reference)........... That both made my day and left me laughing for the next block.

WOAH!!!! A ton happened this week, sooooooooooo..... Like last week Im just going to start telling stories.

First off............. wait for iiiiitttttttt........... GABRIELA GOT BAPTISED!!!!!!!:D That was a super cool and special experience. It was really interesting. Given my other experiences with the opposition to the other baptisms I was a part of, a couple days before the one present I found myself worried. Gabriela was a Golden Investigator. She was excited for the gospel, she loved having charlas with us, she didnt have any problem with any of the commandments (word of wisdom, chastity, etc.), and she remembered everything we told her. Ill admit that I was wondering where the opposition was. Well, if they truly are ready, thats one thing you dont need to worry about. On the night of her baptism everything went wrong for her. First off, her mom (her ride to the service) was late getting off work. When they finally started to head to the church, the motorcycle (everyone here drives them) broke down and they had to turn back. Then there was one other thing that I didnt understand because they were speaking super fast spanish. Finally they had to wait for a taxi. In the end they were an hour late to the service. Exactly one hour! to the minute! Well, after that it all went well. I did feel bad for making the members wait, but it was worth it. It was a super spiritual experience for not only her, but also her inactive mother and grandmother who were both touched by the spirit. Im excited to see what happens in the future. Being able to confirm her the next day in church was a spiritual experience for me.

Also, WE GOT TO LISTEN TO A MEMBER OF THE Quorum of the 70 This past week!!!! Elder Viñas came and gave us a devotional that really helped a lot of missionaries. My favorite part was when he asked the missionaries present to voluntarily stand and tell how the atonement had helped them during the mission. For the next 40 minutes missionaries stood and bore testimony of the strength of our Savior. That was powerful.

Ummmmm I dont want to write a ton more this week, but I do want to tell one of my favorite stories.

Once upon (apon?) a time, there were two missionaries who clapped a house. At first the inhabitant didnt want to talk much and had hardened their heart. However, as the discussion progressed, the spirit did its work and by the end of the discussion, not only did the inhabitant of the house feel calm and better, but she was willing to let the missionaries come back a different day.

The end.

I love when that happens. I have had some really cool things here that I am blessed to be apart of.

Thanks guys for everything! I love you all very much and am so glad that you are part of my life. Thanks for reading my long letters. WRITE ME :D

La Iglesia es Verdadero,

Elder Eliason

P.S. Yes I heard about the disturbing news. Saturday as we were filling the font, president cook stopped by and told me. For those who know what Im talking about, just know that my heart and prayers are right with yours at this moment.