Eldor Andrews and the Lord of the Key Ring

This week I got a little sick. Who knows really what it was. Maybe it was my famous PB&J's. 

Peanut Butter. It all started when I opened...or thought I was going to open... my peanut butter. Turns out someone in the store opened it half way and took a scoop of penut butter out with their finger. I can't blame the other missionary for not checking, cause I wouldn't have, but that's the last time that I ask another missionary to buy peanut butter for me (it does not exist here in Candelaria). 

Strawberry Jelly. I have always bought the same jelly. They only sell strawberry, so that's what I normally end up buying. I have bought it so many times I wouldn't think much about it, but this time as I finished up the bottle I found at the bottom a deformed, rusty, key-ring.

What could go wrong then with my bread? Wouldn't it be more normal to just have moldy bread? But, beggers can't be choosers. Just interesting that two things so odd could have happened in the same week. So, I unded up with a stomach infection. To save some time explaining, I have attached a photo of the test results that show what would be normal, and then the actual result that they got from me. I slept almost 3 complete days do to the anti-biotics. 

But, things are going really well. Brando got the Aaronic Priesthood this last Sunday, and his mother even assisted with him again. This next week will be interesting as we will be getting a visit from the 2nd counselor in the Presidency of Area Mexico. So, we'll be pretty much everywhere except for Candelaria in this week. Haha. But somehow we'll get some work done.

Keep on going on,

Elder Andrews

Oh yeah, and on my test results they mispelled my name and put "Eldor" instead of "Elder" and it kinda stuck since my scruff was coming in as I didn't wake up unless it was to take a pill for a few days. Sounds kinda like an elf. 

I'm fine now though. Thanks. 

Notes: Caleb is clearly getting used to Spanish. When he says "assisted" this is Spanglish from the verb asistir meaning "to attend". Another instance is how he says the "Presidency of Area Mexico" based on the sentence structure in Spanish.

Micro waves

On trivial news, the whole mission upgraded to get microwaves and so now we don't cook on an electric grill. Truth is, I didn't even need the electric grill to make my fiber cereal, but it is a nice new touch to get to make popcorn again.

But, on a more spiritual aspect, I'd like to talk about our own micro waves. I hope to change the way all of you constantly think and act as you let even the most common things in your house testify to you of the truth.

So, to set the stage even a little bit more, I will share with you a few experiences that come to mind as to make my point.

Many times I have talked to people that obviously do not want to talk to me. It is interesting how it all works out, but it is what it is. Each person gives off their own tip, their own "micro wave" if you will that you can perceive by the Spirit.  For example, if you are talking to someone and they refuse to look you in the eye would be a "micro wave" to show that they really aren't interested. I usually keep talking to help them at least get enough confidence to tell me to go away. Haha. If I can't help them in the gospel I might as well help them to become more self-reliant, right?

In the past week we noticed that Brando was a little off. The "micro waves" he gave off were slight and he never told us his problem although we are close friends. He was always with us as he goes out to visit with us for an hour or two every other day, but you could tell that his Spirit was not there, His "micro waves" included randomly having to leave to do something else and not looking us in the eye too much. In general being more quiet.

There are many investigators that we have that actually give off good "micro waves" and show sincere interest, but when it comes time for us to actually have a teaching appointment, their macro waves say something else as they are sometimes not home.

What is a microwave? You'd have to ask my dad to know specifics, but most of us can know that somehow it sends little waves (microscopic you could even say) of light or energy to heat up or prepare really any type of food. The general idea at least.

So, I would ask each one of you, what are your personal micro waves that you send off?

Your personal "micro waves" could include simply being obedient to what the Lord says. Sometimes it is important to see the "micro waves" the Lord send you, to decide how you can bounce them back at others. Seek inspiration through personal prayer and scripture study so that you too can be a "microwave".

With love,
Elder Andrews

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers. (1 Nephi 2:16)

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22:32)

Email from Elder Andrews

Caleb apologizes that their is not an email for everyone this week.  They got busy today and he spent the bulk of the time he had writing emails to his dad and sister regarding arrangements for after the mission.  He has only an hour to think about such things. 

He mentions in a brief message to me that he is focused and working hard. Hopefully there will be something next week.  In the mean time we will keep him in our prayers.

Thanks for your love and support,

Sister Andrews, Mom, Grandma, etc. <3

Shoveling Dirt

I may have shoveled dirt every single day this last week, except for Sunday of course. Mainly because it was the biggest party Candelaria has the whole year long and no one wanted to shovel their dirt. Surprisingly no one even talked about the Super Bowl except Brando, but we took him out to visit with us so he missed the game. Sounds like he didn't miss much.

With the whole week we stayed inside we talked about our investigators and decided that they weren't really getting anywhere -- especially the ones that have killed someone, that have to get divorced to get married, and many other situations that just won't get them baptized any time soon... apart from the fact they don't seem to come to Church. So, this week when we went out to work we had nothing. Almost absolutely nothing. But, the Lord helped us out a little bit and we were able to find 4 families for the extra time we had to find them. How did we find them? That's right. Shoveling dirt.

Attached is a photo of Elder Segura's pillow when he fell asleep after he got his almost operation. If you can't notice, he drools. Blood.

And another which is pretty much what we looked like for a few days after his almost operation.

Transfers passed and I'm still here in Candelaria with Elder Segura until at least mid-March. So, I figure we'll go shovel some more dirt.

Love you all,

Elder Andrews

A pig Elders Andrews and Segura probably saw while shoveling dirt.

Elder Segura's blood-drool stained pillow--remember the wisdom teeth story?