So... Yum yum sauce is pretty tasty from Japan. I don't know whats in it, but its pretty good.
This week Elder Moore and I went out to a Hibochi Grill to
celebrate. And we were the only ones in the restaurant which was funny
because while he was cooking, for any of you who have never been to a
Hibochi grill, the table literally lights on fire. HAHA
so it was an experience. And I have never had Yum yum sauce so it was a
joy :)
Also on my birthday, the whole zone got together in the morning and
we played Futsal inside the church gym. It has been a while since I
have played soccer and it brought me back to memory of the many times
the Maeser soccer team would play inside. It was
a good birthday gift!
For the spiritual side of this email, I thought I would share part
of an experience we had. On Sunday we had the opportunity to go visit
the Local Catholic Church service because someone invited us to attend
and she said she would come to ours. So, being
the kind missionaries that we are, we decided to go at 8:45 in the
morning for the Spanish service. Now I really do respect and love the
religion and people of others, though on Sunday my testimony of the
restored Gospel was strengthened by a million. All the
people at the church were friendly and nice, though the manner of
worship was different. I have never been to another church before in my
life, though this catholic church was way different than what people
told me it was like. The whole time we were there
the story from the Book of Mormon when Alma goes to the Zoramites to
preach the gospel (Alma 31) was being brought to memory. We were handed
this piece of paper with 12 hymns on it. All the hymns were part of what
we thought to be "mini ordinances" because
everything was recited and everyone knew what to say except us. HAHA in
order to go to the catholic church you must have to memorize a lot.
Despite the many differences in the way of worship, the leaders, the
sacrament or anything else, there was one that stuck
out to me the most. Which was the spirit. I know for a fact that many
times in my life I have taken for granted what we truly feel at church.
While we were visiting the church there was a song they sang where the lyrics were:
"Ten piedad, ten piedad."
It was that phrase over and over which means "have pitty on us" and
I thought of the Atonement. We are truly blessed to have the restored
gospel and the correct knowledge of the gospel. Though like I was saying,
there is something special about the spirit
and how it can testify to us of what is right and brings us true Joy. I
am grateful for what we have!
Though the catholic church experience was one that I am grateful
for :) Maybe it will help our investigator come to ours. What we thought
was funny was that we knew half the congregation just from all the Hispanics we meet on the streets. HAHA
Well, much love for all of you! I send my love and joy! Have a great week!
Elder Stonely
Here are some great pictures!
 |
| Birthday meal with Yum Yum sauce at a Hibochi grill. |
 |
| Birthday cake with 20 candles! I'm no longer a teenager! |
