Jared Barton's Mexican Fiesta

hola!

Sorry for the late email. We got invited to eat with 2 of our baptisms this week at 3 pm, and we went, and came to write afterwards! This week was pretty exciting. First, it started with 2 of our investigators (the ones we ate with) told us that we have a light at church. Literally, she saw a light. And she said it to her daughter. Her daughter said,´´yeah mom, I saw it too.´´ I love being a missionary! haha. Also, today marks 8 months of my mission, otherwise known as a blink of an eye...I can´t believe how fast time is going. But I have to make the best of it. So on Thursday, there was a Relief Society Activity that we were invitited to for a little. They were going to split up in companionships and go visit less actives. When it was time to go to the church to meet up with everyone, one of the lid things in the road popped and water was absolutely rushing down the road! We were up on the sidewalk, and our shoes were still getting wet. I took some pictures and videos. But the relief society ladies still went and visited people. On Saturday, we had our interviews with Pres. Whitehead. He always knows what to say to animate us and help us get answers to questions. He is a big example to me, along with Hna. Whitehead. So yesterday, for the services, we had a stake division because Metepec is growing so fast. We made a new stake yesterday! As missionaries, we knew about it since March. But it became official yesterday. The area seventy came and announced it, and we met in the stake center with about 1300 people. There were chairs in the main room, other classrooms, and outside in the back with a screen. It was so cool to see so many members again! haha. One of the wards that came to it was Tianguistenco. (my first area) and I got to see some of my favorite families! The Gutierrez family was always my favorite, and we were helping prepare their son to leave on a mission. He´s basically my brother, and he was my best friend in that ward. He plays football, and has a really strong testimony. I got to see him yesterday. When we were talking, I asked him if his mission papers were in, and he told me he got married.....my heart sunk. I knew he had a girlfriend before, but I still thought he was sure on going. I looked over at his new wife, and she looked 2 or 3 months pregnant....I don´t think I´ve ever been so sad on my mission. I remember teaching with him and how much potential he had, and I couldn´t believe he let it all go. During the meeting, we were listening to the area seventy, and he started talking about missions. He asked all of the young men who were 18-21 years old that should be on missions to stand up. (ouch) and a few young men stood up, but my friend stayed in his seat. The area seventy then said,´´that includes if you got married.´´ I was sitting behind my friend a few rows, and I saw ALL of him family look over to him. I felt bad for him. I´ll keep him in my prayers. Some good news this week, we are expecting to baptize 3! I personally contacted 2 of them, so I have a little pride for them...haha but really, the Lord prepared their hearts the most that he could have. They are starting their family history, and they´re already in Jacob in the Book of Mormon. I´m excited! That´s all for me this week. I love you all!

Con amor,

Elder Barton