So for started my P-day was changed from yesterday (Wednesday) to today (Thursday), so that's why nothing was received yesterday, but at this new MTC there are a lot of things which need to be worked out. For example while this new schedule is helpful for meals, spreading out when the missionaries eat, it really whomps for those of us who get to eat after everyone else. The first day there were no yogurt drinks to be found in the cafe, and those are my favorite to have for breakfast. But they did make up for it at lunch when we had these heavenly Magnums which, for those of you who have never had one, is a vanilla ice cream with chocolate and almonds on the outside, yum they are so good!!
In other news this week I spoke in the branch this Sunday, looks like there's no escaping it here either, on the topic of Enduring to the End. It was awesome I was the last speaker and I ended by reading, with a little emotion, the Standard of Truth and bearing my testimony that we, as missionaries are a fulfillment of that prophecy. And that if we want to receive all the blessings that our Father has for us then we must endure to the end. It was great and I love speaking.
Also this week you will all be ecstatic to hear that you know not only a member, but a founder of the first ever Mexico City CCM (MTC) choir!!!!! We sang at the devotional this past Tuesday and it was awesome, Somehow I seemed to get placed in one of the most musically talented districts and so that's who the choir was, my district. We succeeded in making history. I also found out this week how much I love testifying of the gospel, its great. It is my favorite thing to do, and with my current companion I get a lot of opportunities to do just that.
My companion is a little withdrawn and has told me he isn't good at testifying because he's not good with emotions, well don't worry I've already begun to break that out of him. We spent the majority of this week learning how key the Book of Mormon is in the conversion process, it is that, along with prayer, and through the spirit that we can know for ourselves that this is true. One of my favorite things to say when teaching investigators is that now days people can say whatever they want, people can convince others of almost anything now days, but that is why is isn't just important, but essential that you read the book of mormon and then ask God if it is true, because when God tells you something, you know. That's not something which people can fake, if something is from God, its true. I just love telling people this because it so true.
Last night we had two sisters in our district which were not feeling well and they both asked for blessings, I had the opportunity to give a blessing to one of them and I felt impressed to just say "in the name of Jesus Christ I command you to be healed" and my testimony was strengthened because I've always had an idea that, this is what we teach. That through the power of the priesthood, in the name of Jesus Christ we can heal the sick and afflicted, but I don't think, until last nigh,t I had ever REALLY thought, I can do that, I mean I've told myself if the time ever comes that I need to I can, but in the scriptures it tells us that when we give a blessing if the person is not appointed unto death that they WILL be healed, we just have to have the faith to command them to do so. And this morning the Sister came in singing, any feeling of sickness purged from her body by the power of God. It is now looking like another sister will need a blessing, because apparently she is throwing up as we speak, the power of godliness is manifest though the servants of the Lord.
So during personal study this week I was reading in Joseph Smith history and I came across a passage which made me think about dad, I was laughing for probably five minutes straight. The passage is right after the angel moroni appears the first time to Joseph and he says, "As I lay musing in the singularity of the vision" and I just thought it was the funniest thing.
I love being a missionary, when people say that this is the most rewarding work that you will ever do in you life, it is true and it is also true when they say that every missionary's first convert is themselves, that has to be true because you can't teach persuasively and with the spirit that which you do not know. I am so grateful for this gospel in my life and for the opportunity I have to serve my God with all of my heart, might, mind, and strength for the next two years. I love you all and hope you are all being good and having loads of fun, just remember future missionaries you have 18-19 years to prepare for your mission and you whole life after to talk about, but you only get two years to serve. So try to keep that in mind during you preparation and make a commitment to serve like God knows you can.
Love you all with all of my heart,
Elder Hutchins, (hopefully I will write next Thursday if its still my P-day ;)
