Mission Conference with Elder Martinez

Hello family!

Thanks for skyping last week. It was AWESOME.

This past friday we had a half mission conference with Elder Martinez of the 70. There were several awesome messages, however the favorite was by Elder Martinez' wife. She shared about achieving success. It is composed of three main parts.

• Vision- Create a vision of what we want or expect to happen in the future.
• Plan- Develop a plan with longterm and shorterm goals that can be acheived daily. Remember, acheiving dreams is a diligent, daily effort.
• Present- Present the plan before the Lord and seek inspiration from Him. Why? becasue he knows EVERYTHING and wants the best for us.
• Action- Do what you planned to make what you want to happen, happen.

As we do these things there is absolutely outside of our reach as humans. We are designed, destined, and on the path to perfection. We have been created to be limitless beings. And most importantly, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we CAN overcome EVERY limit even up until perfection.

I love my Savior. Although I cannot, do not, will not be able to fully comprehend His Atonement, I can apply it daily. We all can. Every weakness canbecome our greatest strength. And He can provide us with 100% of what we need to achieve what He wants done. As missionaries, we have to rely fully on the Lord. If we don't, we simply cannot fulfill our duties and responsibilites. I am so greateful for Him and I hope that you guys can all enjoy the saving power of His mercy and grace every single day.

 

Love,

Elder Girgenti

Pics on Mothers Day

Thomas sent these pics while we waited for his Skype to run.  We had a great hour with our dear son.

Barahona Jail!

Hello family!

It's been a great week. The work sucked (we got fired all day every day, not even exaggerating) hah, however The Lord tought me so much! this is where I need to be.

So, I will explain why there are no sisters in are area. We live super close to the Barahona Prison- I could throw a rock into one of the jail cells from my house hah. And yes, it is one of the party jails, there is blaring music and yelling and partying about 24 hours a day, super funny! Anyways, a few years ago a prisoner escaped and caused some good ruckus. It got taken care of quickly and without casualties of course, but afterwards the mission president pulled out the sisters and there have been elders ever since.

 

So this morning was super cool. We went to a beach called San Rafael. STUNNING. look it up on google. Unreal. There is also a sweet waterfall we hiked to, rivaled Zapata Falls. Super cool! I will try and get a hold of some photos from the other elders. The worst part was trying to hitchhike back to our area. After a half hour of nonstop rejection we decided to just pay the 100 pesos and take a bus...Mission DR style.

 

This week I was reading in Doctrine and Covenants and read a scripture that I love. ITs found in D&C 64, verses 33 and 34:

33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

34 Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.

I love what the Lord requires of us. our heart and a willing mind. It's not easy, but as we step by step become more and more willing to do His will, he will little by little sanctify us even unto perfection. This applies to all, regardless of our calling, position, state in life. He will purify us as we turn our heart to Him.

Have a wonderful week. SEE you soon. 

Love,

Thomas

All about Barahona

Thomas' note from April 27th.  Answers to questions from Mom...

 

What is your new area like?

The new area is ENORMOUS. TONS of people. Went from a tiny little pueblo to a bigish city. super pretty though. and there is ALWAYS a breeze!

How are the people?

the people I have met so far are cool. Miss everyone in santana though

Ward or branch?

a branch

 

How many missionaries?

there are 8 elders in my district (why there are no sisters is a pretty funny story for another week). 6 of us live in the same house.  YIKES. Oh, and they are from the following countries- Haiti, DR, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Argentina. Guess who speaks english? yup, just me.

Who is your new companion?

He's a nice guy, his name is Elder Reynoso from Guatemala. And yes, only spanish hahaha! I am learning a lot!

What are your favorite foods?

my favorite food is mango and hamburger

How is the new house?

the house is so so. There is 24 hour light which is nice! But only about 50% of the time there is running water in the bathroom. And 0% of the time there is running water in the kitchen. I will send a picture of the dishwashing process next week..

 

How is the teaching pool?

The teaching pool is okay. A good amount of people, but we need to find people who are interested

Any scriptures that have inspired you lately?

Jacob 5. verses 49, 50. and then verses 70 and 71. Elder Holland shared this with us when he visited in March. SO powerful. the latter day saints is the Lords final push and wave of force to quite literally save the world and His vineyard. I recommend that you read it as a family this next FHE! Reminded me of great responsibilities the Lord has entrusted us with.

 

What are you enjoying the most?
I am enjoying my personal study. helps relax and feel peace.

What can we pray for?

Please pray for me to have patience with members (had a really crappy experience in priesthood leadership mtg yesterday), comp, and everyone!

 

I really am happy and enjoying being here, there is no other place i would rather be.

Thomas