Semana 36

Elder Lutze, 

Sorry I didn't get my letter sent last night- flying for the last 18 hours made it a little difficult. What I learned in Israel:

Jericho - I want to always ensure I'm the Samaritan in everyone's journey. We must always see others and give grace.

Jordan River - Christ was baptized at the lowest point on earth and in the filthiest water so we can ascend to the highest and be clean through the Spirit

Nazareth - Olive tree - root out of the stem, wheat - the wheat is heavier and falls to the ground so we are not blown about by every wind of doctrine, Shepherd - he is the door of the sheepfold, tomb - primary and secondary death like spiritual and physical, grape press, garden, potter - take through water and fire to shape us so we are useful to Him, carpenter, weaver - He weaves our mistakes into a beautiful tapestry of redemption, synagogue - a house of gathering, this day is this scripture fulfilled and tried to throw off the hill, not received in Nazareth but was received in Capernaum

Sea of Galilee - He is a 4th watch God. He's in the water with us. He's within reaching distance, Miracles are preceded with doubt and fear, caught 153 fish - numerically this means 'I am God'

Capernaum - village of comfort, healing of Peter's mother in-law, leper, paralyzed man, Jairus' daughter, women with the issue of blood, compassion dictated his day not a schedule

Tel Dan - Do we see the promise or the problem? For example, walk around the city of Jericho 7 times and it will fall... think of the promise, not the problem

Abraham's Gate - He came to the rescue of Lot with no judgement, covenant mountain (If i don't keep my end you can spill my blood AND if you don't keep your end you can spill my blood for you. We reenact every Sunday during the Sacrament.

Caesarea Philippi - What relationship do I have and want with Christ. Who do I say that He is?

Magdala - Emily taught about women's place in God's plan

Mount Carmel - watch for little clouds with rain, sometimes we need a little cake and a nap God is for you! He's already committed to you what you mean to Him because of His sacrifice, dews of Carmel or personal revelation, He's waiting to give it

Temple Mount -  5 pillars of Islam very similar to our religion

Pool of Bethesda - 5 porches and # 5 means grace in Hebrew so House of Grace, makes us whole and does for us what we cannot do for ourselves

Bethlehem - shepherds made haste, humblest and most quiet got the front row seat, God can be found in a garbage dump, it's where he does his best work

Jewish Quarter - special spirit there, felt so different, so peaceful

Hezekiah's tunnel - built in 10 months and met in the middle, chiseled out solid stone. Amazing!

David's palace - good things can come out or our mistakes - Solomon and temple from David's mistake with Bathsheba

Valley of Elah - David would not wear armor but relied on what he knew - slingshot and stones What are my 5 stones? prayer, scriptures, personal revelation, journal, temple, patriarchal blessing David represents Christ. He was from Bethlehem and sent to the front of the battle. Are these our infinity stones?

Western Wall - Sabbath Eve it's a joyful celebration! They dance and sing and light the Sabbath candle. Is this how we feel about the Sabbath Day? Prayers are gathered twice per year and buried on the Mount of Olives

Garden Tomb - no more secret discipleship for Joseph or Nicodemus, spirit is always strong here Mary in her moment of abandonment and despair it is turned into one of hope. He was the gardener and turned it into something beautiful.

Golgotha - He will always meet us where we are so he can lift us

Upper Room - what did He choose to do on His last day... wash His disciples feet

Peter - denied three times and allowed to say he loves Him three times. Christ knows Peter loves Him. He needed Peter to know that he loves Christ even though he made a mistake. Our God is a God of second chances. There's a church on the site of Peter's greatest mistake.

Mount of Olives Garden of Gethsemane - Christ's sacred grove, He was pressed for us 3 separate times in the garden, just like olives are pressed three times to obtain the purest form of oil. We get to sleep peacefully like the disciples in the garden because He took the burden, Angels are also sent to comfort us.

Triumphal entry - Jerusalem lily, Hosannah which means save us now... it's a one word prayer

Temple - widow's mite just like her He cast in His all due to our want and short fall, everything is ready for a new temple... only need the ark of the covenant

Love you!

Mom

Semana 35 (Road Trip)

Buenas!!

What a fantastic week! A great week for sure always starts with Pday. I haven't really talked about my Pdays here in the Zone David, but sometimes they are super fun! And other times they are way boring. But this week was fun! We went to Boquete as a district, did a little hike to a waterfall, enjoyed the weather, and then ate at a restaurant called Sugar and Spice. They have all sorts of desserts there! It's awesome!

We, of course, had lots of great lessons this week! Jefri is super excited to be baptized! He just needs to come to church... And, of course, we taught Dawn in Tole on Wednesday! That day I also got notice that I had to go to Panama City for migrations.

So, the next day, after District Counsel, I had intercambios with the Zone Leaders. We worked all day to be sure, so I was nice and gross before the trip.

Then me and my boy Elder Richards had intercambios and were off to the city. Bro trip! And, of course, it can't be a road trip without snacks! It was a honestly a really fun time.  Also, I beat my record of traveling. I traveled a total of 24 hours in the span of 2 days. I don't recommend it.

Migrations was super fun though! I got to see a lot of friends there. We all had to get new pictures for our citizen cards. And being the mature missionaries we are, we all decided to make stupid faces. Oh, how we succeeded. I laughed my head off at the pictures for about 5 minutes straight. They were absolutely golden. Let’s just say the migration guards are gonna be real confused every time they look at my card.

After traveling all through the night, then all through the day and into the night, I finally arrived home for some very needed rest because the next day was mountain day. This mountain day far exceeded in fun and joy than any other mountain day I've had. It was absolutely amazing.

Here’s the story. We headed up all the way to Oma. My friend William wanted to show us a shortcut to get to Briguni so we don't have to hike straight up for 45 minutes. We get there, and start exploring La Comarca (the Mountain is called La Comarca). It was super pretty! We walked for a bit, then accidentally interrupted a funeral. Kinda awkward. But, we kept going. Well, then the rain started. And by that I mean, it was as if we were standing under a waterfall which then meant that the mountain was flooding. So we were walking/running/trying not to slip down the mountain! We were all laughing our heads off! It was literally so much fun! We were so muddy!! The best part was that at the very bottom the whole walk way was flooded which saved all of our lives! The very last part of the mountain is super super steep, meaning we had no choice but to literally run. And the flooded base ended up catching all of us from falling. The whole experience reminded me of the movie Emperor’s New Groove.

"Let me guess, theres a big waterfall" 

"Yep" 

"Sharp Rocks at the bottom?"

"Most likely"

"Bring it on... BOOOOYAHAHA"

I love mountain day so much! There is no experience quite like it. We kept joking that we all got baptized again.

Speaking of baptism...

Dawn had her baptism this week! I'm so, so happy for her! It was super special! We had the service on Sunday. After we all went to church, La Familia Carreira gave us sandwiches and chicha (basically juice). It was a super good day! And her grandma came to the baptism, and church! So we are gonna start teaching her! The Lord truly works miracles!

This week’s spiritual thought is from Come Follow Me. Come Follow Me is actually the most lit thing ever, you should all read it. But, I loved when it was talking about sitting at the feet of the Holy One ~ Spending time with the Lord. There are lots of reasons that this is an amazing concept. One of those reasons has to do with our purpose in this life. Each of us are sons and daughters of God, meaning we have the potential to be Gods ourselves. To become perfect. That is our purpose. To become like God. Well I'm pretty sure none of us have done that, or even know how to do that. I can barely tie my shoelaces for crying out loud. But there was one who was perfect and accomplished it. That’s right folks, Jesus. Wouldn't it make sense that the only way to achieve something so big is by learning how to do it first? By following an example? The only way we can achieve perfection is by spending time with Christ. He truly is the Master. The teacher. If we spend time with Him, He will teach us all things. He will help us in all things. I invite you all to reflect on your lives and reflect on how much time you spend with the Holy One of Israel. Then I would invite you all to start spending more time with Him. I promise that you will feel a difference in your lives.

I love you all so much! Thank you for the prayers for San Felix! Please pray specifically for Jefri that he can come to church! I pray often for you all! Until Next Week!

-Elder Lutze

Dawn's Baptism

La Comarca

E. Fabian & E. Lutze Mountain Day

Road Trip Snacks

Waterfall Hike

Semana 35

Elder Lutze,

Just a short note going to the Dead Sea this morning! Already toured Boston and Jaffa! We went to where Peter had his vision about taking the gospel to the Gentiles and then his house where he raised Tabitha from the dead. So much fun already! 

Love,

Mom 

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland used the interaction between Jesus Christ and Peter on the shores of Galilee to encourage us to be loyal in our love for the Savior:

“After a joyful reunion with the resurrected Jesus, Peter had an exchange with the Savior that I consider the crucial turning point of the apostolic ministry generally and certainly for Peter personally, moving this great rock of a man to a majestic life of devoted service and leadership. Looking at their battered little boats, their frayed nets, and a stunning pile of 153 fish, Jesus said to His senior Apostle, ‘Peter, do you love me more than you love all this?’ Peter said, ‘Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee’ [John 21:15].

“The Savior responds to that reply but continues to look into the eyes of His disciple and says again, ‘Peter, do you love me?’ Undoubtedly confused a bit by the repetition of the question, the great fisherman answers a second time, ‘Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee’ [John 21:16].

“The Savior again gives a brief response, but with relentless scrutiny He asks for the third time, ‘Peter, do you love me?’ By now surely Peter is feeling truly uncomfortable. Perhaps there is in his heart the memory of only a few days earlier when he had been asked another question three times and he had answered equally emphatically—but in the negative. Or perhaps he began to wonder if he misunderstood the Master Teacher’s question. Or perhaps he was searching his heart, seeking honest confirmation of the answer he had given so readily, almost automatically. Whatever his feelings, Peter said for the third time, ‘Lord, … thou knowest that I love thee’ [John 21:17].

“To which Jesus responded (and here again I acknowledge my nonscriptural elaboration), perhaps saying something like: ‘Then Peter, why are you here? Why are we back on this same shore, by these same nets, having this same conversation? Wasn’t it obvious then and isn’t it obvious now that if I want fish, I can get fish? What I need, Peter, are disciples—and I need them forever. I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith. I need someone who loves me, truly, truly loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do. …’

“My beloved brothers and sisters, I am not certain just what our experience will be on Judgment Day, but I will be very surprised if at some point in that conversation, God does not ask us exactly what Christ asked Peter: ‘Did you love me?’ I think He will want to know if in our very mortal, very inadequate, and sometimes childish grasp of things, did we at least understand one commandment, the first and greatest commandment of them all—‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind’ [Luke 10:27; Matthew 22:37–38]. And if at such a moment we can stammer out, ‘Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee,’ then He may remind us that the crowning characteristic of love is always loyalty.

“‘If ye love me, keep my commandments’ [John 14:15], Jesus said. So we have neighbors to bless, children to protect, the poor to lift up, and the truth to defend. We have wrongs to make right, truths to share, and good to do. In short, we have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord. We can’t quit and we can’t go back. After an encounter with the living Son of the living God, nothing is ever again to be as it was before” (“The First Great Commandment,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 84–85).

Semana 34 (Tole)

Buenas!!

I'm not really sure where to start, but a dog stole my shoes... but then I found them later! And then the dog stole my comps shoes too...and we never found those...

This week was super great! The miracles truly just keep coming!

On Wednesday we went to Tolé! It was my first time ever going there, and wow it is beautiful. Nature truly is a wonder. Alexander, the member that is reactivating, gave us a tour of the place in his truck. It was quite the adventure! Then we went to eat with his family and to teach his children. We taught his son about the priesthood to prepare him for it. Then we started teaching Dawn, Alexander's daughter. She was a little down, or nervous, or something weird. So, after the lesson, I started doing magic. We were all talking, laughing, and just having a good time. We became good friends! And Dawn was really happy. Trust and friendship is key to missionary work! Oh, and Dawn will be baptized on the 23rd of April! This Sunday! I'm so excited for her!

The bread addiction still is going strong...

Thursday we had intercambios which was fun! I was with Elder Rodriguez. That man is a beast, that's for sure. All we did was go do baptismal interviews for people. This is a really good thing, but I just really enjoy teaching. Also, during the intercambios we got really good news!

Story time: The very first day of this transfer with Elder Fabian, I wanted to go to a street I'd never gone to. This street literally became a miracle. We met Jefri and Israel, and we are hoping to meet more people. Well, Jefri now has a baptism date, and Israel is getting there. My testimony of the Book of Mormon and prayer has grown from these two people. The Book of Mormon is literally so powerful. Jefri got his answer that this church is true. And Israel went from basically not wanting anything to do with us to loving the missionaries, and wanting nothing more than to know if the Book is true. Sadly, they didn't come to church this week. But, they are making great progress, and I have high hopes for them! So keep praying for them!

As far as the spiritual thought, it has to do with these miracles.

I love the scriptures Mark 9:23-24 combined with what we read in Alma 32:27-28.

23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 

24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words. 

28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

Just ponder those scriptures together for a second.

My experience is this: The goal for every companionship in Panama was to get at least 2 baptisms in the month of April. Now there were a lot of excuses I could come up with to explain the odds of getting even one  baptism was extremely slim. But, all that does is put an umbrella of doubt over the spiritual blessings that are constantly raining. Instead, I chose to believe. Or rather, have the desire to believe. I had no idea how we were gonna have baptisms, but every day I would tell Elder Fabian "We are gonna have two baptisms." Just like the man in the scriptures, I chose to believe in Christ. To ask Him to help me not doubt. And now, my belief, my desire, has become the good fruit of faith. We are going to have baptisms in San Felix. Truth be told, we practically did nothing for the baptisms that are coming. The Lord is just hastening His work. And He asks us to believe, and have faith in that.

This was just such an amazing process for me. There is a difference between belief and faith. I encourage you all to think on that one. But it is amazing for me, that my unknowing small desire of belief, turned into fruit of faith and knowledge.

There is still lots of work to be done! I love, and pray often for you all. Please keep San Felix in your prayers! Especially Dawn, Jefri, and Israel! Until Next week!

-Elder Lutze

E. Lutze & Big Boy E. Rodgriquez

Supposedly it's poisonous!

Truck ride in Tole

Semana 34

Elder Lutze, 

I hope this finds you well.  I've been praying for you, your companion, Israel, and San Felix. I worked long hours at work and long hours in the yard at home. I've filled three trash cans and 5 bags to this point and I'm only half way done. So many leaves from last fall. The rest will have to wait until we're back from Israel. We leave this coming Friday evening. We spend a day in Boston and a day in Tel-aviv and then meet up with the tour group. I did an endowment session this week. I'm still learning something after over 30 years of attending the temple. 

Rachael is applying for CRNA programs, Foster and Hannah are busy with the boys. Pray for Foster; he takes the MCAT on April 29. Natalie is in the middle of finals right now. And of course, you are working hard in Panama. 

I love you!

 Mom

The thoughts I like on unity…

4.10.23 The unity that exists between the Father and the Son is something that all those who follow Jesus Christ may experience. 

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) explained that the Father and Son are “one” in bringing to pass the salvation of the children of God, and They desire that we be one with Them:

“They are distinct beings, but they are one in purpose and effort. They are united as one in bringing to pass the grand, divine plan for the salvation and exaltation of the children of God. …

“It is that perfect unity between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost that binds these three into the oneness of the divine Godhead” (“The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 51).

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught about the process of becoming “one” with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ:

“How glorious it is to contemplate that we have been invited into that perfect unity that exists with the Father and the Son. How can this happen? …

“Jesus achieved perfect unity with the Father by submitting Himself, both flesh and spirit, to the will of the Father. … Referring to His Father, Jesus said, ‘I do always those things that please him’ (John 8:29). …

“Surely we will not be one with God and Christ until we make Their will and interest our greatest desire. Such submissiveness is not reached in a day, but through the Holy Spirit, the Lord will tutor us if we are willing until, in process of time, it may accurately be said that He is in us as the Father is in Him. At times I tremble to consider what may be required, but I know that it is only in this perfect union that a fulness of joy can be found. I am grateful beyond expression that I am invited to be one with those holy beings I revere and worship as my Heavenly Father and Redeemer” (“That They May Be One in Us,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 71–73).

9.24.17 This is the exalting quality to become so perfect in our lives that not only do we live with God but we become like Him. This is the ultimate oneness. p. 26

D&C 35:2

Alma 5:9

Semana 33 (Coca Cola and Messy Hands)

 Buenas!!

What a great week!! There is no greater thing than working, that's for sure!

Tuesday was a super good day! The ZL's came in the morning to see if we were up and about. They exercised with us, and planned with us, and then they left. We also taught Gina and Valeria who I have high hopes for! However, the highlight was definitely dinner. La Familia Hohosh took us out to eat at a Fonda. We asked what the limit of price was, and they said there wasn't one. I probably ate 7 empanadas, a couple of Hojaldras, and some puerco. It may have been the best moment of my life.

Last Wednesday we found a lot of people on a street I had never been to. Well, we came back Wednesday, and now we call this street "Miracle Street." We found so many amazing people! We have high hopes for a lot of them too! Especially Israel, but we'll get to him.

I accidentally smacked a frog too hard and killed it...

No water and no light is a bad combination. Bucket showers in the dark are scary.

When you don't have weights, build your own! And pray the strange neighbor lady doesn't rob you of them... again!

Mountain day was great - for pictures and exercise at least! We climbed up the mountain and no one was there. Then we went to Guabo, and no one was there either. Good exercise though! And on the bright side, we got back and our neighbors were having a massive party! They played music and everyone was drinking, but we weren't invited. They gave us food! It was dang good! They also offered us alcohol! That makes sense... give the missionaries of God alcohol.

Two pretty big miracles happened this week! I'll start with Israel.

My comp has an addiction to Coca Cola, and I have an addiction to bread. (Great duo, I know!) Well, on Wednesday last week, a family gave us Duros which are like otter pops, but a lot better. Anyways, my hands were a mess and my comp wanted Coca Cola. So we went to the closest chino about half a mile from where we were. We became somewhat friends with the owner, gave him a folleto, and left. Well, the next Wednesday comes, so I put him on the schedule. Duros, messy hands, a coca cola need, and there we were again at the chino. Well, it turned out that Israel had read the folleto, and he started asking us all these amazing questions. We have had two super spiritual visits with Israel now, and I have such high hopes for him! So please pray for him!

The second miracle was church. First of all, we had 27 people there! Crazy! All of Guabo, and the mountain people came. In the morning while we were preparing everything, a man drove up to the church and walked in. I thought he was from Las Lomas and was here on assignment. Well, it just so happens that this man is an inactive member of 5 years. He brought his whole family. One of his daughters is not baptized and neither is his niece. My mind was blown in every way possible. Alexander (the man) simply didn't know there was a church close to his home, Tole. But he knows now! So, not only will he reactivate and become a strong member of our group, but we are also now teaching his daughter and niece!

Thank you for all your prayers! They truly are bringing miracles to San Felix! I love you all so much! The restoration continues!

As for the spiritual thought, I just want to give my testimony because it's Easter. I know with all my heart that Christ lives. I know He suffered every single pain and affliction. He suffered more than we can even comprehend. How painful it must have been, that a man who had never once asked for anything for himself, asked to have this painful burden removed from Him. How painful it must have been, after being completely betrayed, mocked, and all alone, that He even cried the words "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" How painful, and yet so loving, it is to know that He did it for us. What joy and peace it brings me to know that I can be forgiven, I can become better, I can receive strength, I can be resurrected, and that I can do all things. I love my Lord. There truly is no other master. I encourage you all to learn more about the Savior's Atonement. The more you learn about it, the more joy and peace you will have in your life. I bear witness of all these things, in the name of my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen.

-Elder Lutze

E. Fabian & E. Lutze Mountain Day

E. Lutze has fallen and can't get up

E. Lutze's homemade weights

Semana 33

Mi querida Elder Lutze,

He lives! He is risen! Happy Easter!!!

I don’t know about for you but for me the weeks are speeding by…

This week was just full of work and lots of snow. We had 2 feet piles after we shoveled the driveway! Crazy! Yes it’s April!! Dad and I did some more sealings yesterday. There are so many people with work to do, I think we’ll have most of these for you to work on when you return! Jaja! The temple is always super busy! Have I ever told you how much I love the temple?

Praying for you, E. Fabian, and your area! 

My thoughts on the Gift of the Holy Ghost… honestly the most important gift we will ever receive! This gift will direct us on the covenant path and enable us to return home to our Heavenly Father. I first realized this on my mission. 

I love you so much!

Mom

4.7.23 As the Savior came to the end of His final discourse to His disciples, He promised that the Holy Ghost would come to them and would “guide [them] into all truth” (John 16:13). This statement makes clear that divine revelation did not end with the death of Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost guides the Savior’s true Church in every dispensation and also guides individuals in their efforts to find truth and live their lives in accordance with God’s will.

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained that we should seek for the Holy Ghost to guide us to truth: “Father in Heaven knew that you would face challenges and be required to make some decisions that would be beyond your own ability to decide correctly. In His plan of happiness, He included a provision for you to receive help with such challenges and decisions during your mortal life. That assistance will come to you through the Holy Ghost as spiritual guidance” (“To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 6).

President Dallin H. Oaks explained what we must do to have the Holy Ghost guide us: “How do we take the Holy Spirit for our guide? We must repent of our sins each week and renew our covenants by partaking of the sacrament with clean hands and a pure heart, as we are commanded to do (see D&C 59:8–9, 12). Only in this way can we have the divine promise that we will ‘always have his Spirit to be with [us]’ (D&C 20:77). That Spirit is the Holy Ghost, whose mission is to teach us, to lead us to truth, and to testify of the Father and the Son (see John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:13; 3 Nephi 11:32, 36)” (“Be Not Deceived,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 46).

6.24.20 While the Fall opened the gate to the road of knowledge, it was the Atonement that provided the vehicle to proceed. Through the Atonement we are cleansed in the waters of baptism, making us eligible for the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is such a gift that “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). As we come to know the Savior and his truths we enlarge our capacity for freedom. This is so because knowledge is power; and power, in its consummate expression is godhood; and godhood is the quintessence of freedom. p. 443

The Infinite Atonement Tad R. Callister

Semana 32 (The Magical Land of Boquete)

Buenas!!

This week started off strong with an intercambio with my good friend Elder Richards! We were both awaiting our new companions, so we headed off to his area Boquete. That place is the promised land! We got there, and it was the first time I've been cold in Panama! It felt so good! The next day I also took a hot shower for the first time in Panama! I was mind blown! Not only did they have water, but they had hot water! Boquete is so beautiful! Imagine springtime 24/7, and that is what it is. It is never hot, and there is always a nice breeze blowing. I think I might be in love...

Then on Tuesday I got my new comp Elder Fabian! He is a super cool guy! We get along really well actually. It's nice that he doesn't speak English so I can practice Spanish too! He is a super friendly guy, especially with the people here! He loves anime and soccer too! Which may be why we get along so well, jaja. He may not be the most obedient, but at least we are working.

Well kind of working. I'm not gonna count this week. Elder Fabian was sick on Friday so we stayed home all day. I cleaned the entire house and studied all day. It was nice to get some of that stuff done, but not working is literally the worst. It's so boring! 

Then we had GENERAL CONFERENCE!!! It was awesome! Elder Fabian decided to sleep, so I got to watch it in English which was nice! It's so nice to hear the voice of the prophet and apostles. We also weren't able to work much during conference, which was lame. But yay to conference! We for sure will get to work a lot more this week which I'm excited for!

Also, shoutout to Greg for having a dope wife! (If ya know, ya know!)

Overall life is good! The mission is the best! It's fun to learn, work, and grow! It definitely is spiritually, emotionally, and physically stretching, but that's what makes it fun. All challenges are opportunities! Even if we fail, and fail, and fail again, just keep going! Just like Carl B. Cook said in this conference, just keep going, and exercise faith! The biggest obstacles bring the richest blessings!

Thanks for reading my pre-spiritual tangent there. Here's the actual spiritual thought. We know that Christ is infinitely loving, powerful, and I would imagine that He is infinitely happy. We have the amazing opportunity to use His atonement everyday to repent, to change, and to essentially become like Christ. As true disciples who follow Christ, the more we follow Him the more we become like Him. The thought is this: That the more Christ-like we become the more power we have, the more love we have, and the more joy we have in our lives. The more we sacrifice of ourselves to be like Jesus, the more we truly have. I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. For His love that He has for me and all of you. I know that He is the Savior of the world. And I know that we can overcome the world through Him.

I love you all! Please pray for my comp! Pray that we can work hard here in San Felix and find God's lost sheep! You all are always in my prayers! Until next week!

- E. Lutze

The Magical Land of Boquete

E. Lutze & E. Fabian in San Felix

Semana 32

Dear Elder Lutze, 

I spent time with the YW watching the Chosen and I dragged Hannah to the RS activity on Thursday. I enjoyed my phone call with the family last Sunday. I love my siblings. I enjoyed the temple on Friday. I love taking family names. I also love ministering. Jill Furness and I have become good friends and are able to help each other in different ways. We spent two hours talking at Zupas on Friday. Our water softener is broken. Expensive replacement. You got your tax return back. We've been immersed in General Conference the last two days. I love listening to our leaders. Lots of great messages on unity this morning, especially President Nelson. We ran over to Sister Freeman‘s tonight and sang  to her as a Stake Young Womens group in light of her new calling. She was in tears and so was Bishop! I want to testify that the Lord sees each of us individually and works to meet our needs and it can be as simple as a Thank You!

Love,

Mom