July 22--Email From Matt

Hey Mom, So, I bought glasses, How about that? You know how you asked me how I had been able to buy souvenirs with out pulling out money? Well, I used some money that was already on the card, and some of the money that I had left over from returning one camera for another less expensive camera, so I decided to do something rash, and I bought glasses that will help me see bette, .haha I don't think it was very rash, just so you know, they cost like.... 1400 pesos, and that's roughly $125 I don't know about prices, but I hope that that's a good price... and if it isn't, well now it is because if you guys would've bought the glasses you would've had to pay shipping. haha.

Here's a picture of my glasses.

Anyway, my week.  Mom, it's been a fun week, I keep on looking at why we haven't found the people who are ready to receive this gospel and I keep on trying to see how I can improve, and it keeps on coming down to being obedient. I have been strict in my mission and I've been in a lot of situations in which my obedience to minor and major rules has been tested, and the thought struck me last night that the Lord gives us carnal laws so that we can be brave enough to confront the spiritual laws, such as the impressions to talk to people about the gospel and to share our happiness, but if we follow all of the 'carnal' laws and we neglect the spirit, we don't complete the purpose. What am I saying here? I need to be more obedient, obediente to the "rule book" but more importantly, more obedient to the Spirit. In my relationships with other missionaries I also need to find the fine line between too strict and not strict enough... It's a very thin line at times.... anyway,

My companion is doing well, I gave him a blessing because he wasn't feeling well, but it looks like everything is turning out well. We are always working to be united, we have a lot of differences, but he is a great guy, and we work well together. We have had some mixed timed these weeks, sometimes my companion feels a little down that we aren't finding people here, but we always pull through... I don't know if the Lord has given me the ability to keep on working in the face of trials or if I am just conforming myself to failure... IT's an interesting doubt.. but that's exactly what it is, a doubt. I'll just have to overcome that then. I actually did read that talk. it was very good. I will have to read it again.

About the family whose son passed away, I know that the experience is very hard for them. Mom please show them as much love as you can. I know that it means so much for them, don't be afraid of seeming... I don't know, intrusive or something like that, just pray, ask for ways to help and follow the spirit. Let charity guide your actions. I sent dad a link to a talk that might help them, it's James E Faust's talk called: "Dear Are the Sheep That Have Wandered" and it talked about exactly what we were talking about a few weeks ago.

I now understand a little bit more your desire to make everyone more spiritually active. I know that you, Dad, and the Lord can do it. Just have patience. Look at me, I spent my childhood beliving that I was going to only get to the terrestial kingdom and was somewhat satisfied. I know now that is not my goal. I'm going for gold in the sunny sense of the word. I don't want that to make you sad, rather happy. because, I want you to see the difference.

I love you mom. I hope that you are all doing well and I will keep on praying for Lily.