New Year Grapes!
Well, after a huge week, here we go
again! I can´t believe that it is already 2014, I am so excited what this year
in Spain will bring, and the many blessings and miracles that will come. I
easily have to say that 2013 was the best year of my life, but I know that this
year is going to be a pretty good competitor! I am sure you are all anxious to
hear about tranfer calls so I will get that off first. Saturday night,
President Deere called Elder Ellsworth and I, and told us that it was time to
split the dynamic duo up. We were sad for this day to come, but we knew that it
was coming shortly. I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with
Elder Ellsworth, he is one of my best friends, and has changed my mission for
the better. We are sad to see each other leave, but excited to see what these
next few transfers bring. It turns out that Elder Ellsworth will be heading to
La Mancha to be a Zone Leader over there. He is such a stud, and will do great
things. President told me that this next transfer I will be training here. I am
so so excited for this opportunity, but pretty dang nervous as well. It is nice
that I know the members and the area, but now I will be taking the reigns over
here in the pueblo life. I don´t know who my comp is yet, but there are three
new Elders coming in this transfer; 2 from Utah and 1 from Idaho. I will be
catching the 8 hour bus ride tomorrow to pick up my ‘son’, and then return back
here sometime Wednesday evening. This week is going to be a huge week, but I am
sure excited to see how it goes! As for Elder Ellsworth and I - what a great
last week we had together!
Martes- Tuesday night Elder
Ellsworth and I were able to get together with the district and celebrate noche
vieja with a lot of members in Alicante. We had such a fun time, and there was
a great turn out. I believe there were about 20 people there. We began the night by playing games as a
district, eating a great chicken dinner, karaoking (sp) (disney music;)) and
then we finished the year off with a tradition that they do here in Spain.
Every noche vieja as the clock strikes 12 everyone has 12 grapes ready in hand.
As each bell rings you throw another grape in your mouth to welcome in the New
Year. Little did Elder Ellsworth and I know that you could chew the grapes...
haha we stuffed 12 huge grapes with seeds in our mouths to welcome in the New Year.
Wow... what a painful experience! haha at least we know now so that next year
we can do it just right. I snapped a great video that I can´t wait to show you
guys! Such a fun night. Happy New Year!
Miercoles- Tuesday night we spent
the night with the Zone Leaders in Alicante. Wednesday morning we woke up early
to travel back and to dive back into the work. It was a really sad morning
because there were so many people that were hung over and returning from their
parties. It really made Elder Ellsworth and I grateful for this message, and
for the happiness these standards and principles bring. At 11 we went over to ‘our
family’s’ house to celebrate the New Year with them. Thankfully this time we
were able to chew the grapes...;)
Jueves- Thursday we met with J and
his family and had such a spiritual lesson with them. We showed them the
message "Mountains to Climb" and the spirit was so very strong. The
father bore his testimony after the message, and thanked us so much. He told us
how big of a miracle it was that we found him and his family to bring them back
into the fold. It is so very humbling to be a missionary and to see the Lord
work miracles in the lives of many.
Viernes- Friday we had our joint
Zone Conference in Murcia!! I have been waiting for this for a very long time,
I was able to see Elder Adamson again!! Right when we saw each other we just
gave each other the biggest hugs! It was such a blessing to have one of my best
friends here with me. After we proceeded to tell all of our inside jokes that
have been building up over the past 5 months. It was so good to see him, and
all of the other missionaries. President and Hermana Deere gave great talks,
exactly what I needed to hear going into this next transfer.
Sabado/Domingo- The past two days
have been great ones. Saturday President called, and then Sunday we started up
church with the 10 o clock schedule. It was so nice! I don´t think I will ever
complain about 1 o clock church again after having it at 5! We ended the week
by having a great lesson with J. We
talked to him about the importance of family and he was so engaged. His mother
lives in Ecuador so it is pretty hard for him, but he told us that the greatest
gift that he gave his mother this last Christmas season was to tell her that he
had found the church. This man has such a special light about him, I know big
things are in store for him and his family.
This e mail is a little crazy, but
so was this past week. I am sad to say goodbye to my best friend Elder
Ellsworth, but I am so excited to welcome my new companion into the mission,
and hopefully make him feel right at home. I am still learning so much
everyday, and know that I will be learning more in these next few weeks, but
one thing that I know is how much our Father in Heaven loves each and everyone
of His Children. He is there. He cares. I love you all so much, and pray that
you have a happy, safe week! Until then, much love!
Elder Dallin Farrell
Reunion in Murcia!
Deliciousness!
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