Week 11: My Mission=On Fire (Literally And Figuratively), My New Sensei, And Canadian Food

One of the most beautiful analogies I've ever heard in my life is this: Canada is like if aliens studied America for 30 years, and then tried recreating it. Everything is roughly the same, except for some very important differences. Primarily Food. Once again, mostly the same, except for one crucial Food genre: chips. For some reason, these people (who I have an immense love for) love.... ketchup chips. On everything. Like ketchup flavored lays, cheetos, and a whole bunch of ones I've never even heard of. I have yet to try one, because I'm scared I'll like it. Also, for the first time, I tried Canadian syrup. Now hear me out: I know and believe America is the greatest country on earth. We have the best everything- except syrup. I don't know how people settle for anything else after trying this literal liquid gold. I'm going to find a way to smuggle some home.


In other news, me and Elder Girabaldi did some service at a soup kitchen on Wednesday, and we met a man name Justin (he was in change of the place) and he's gotta be the coolest guy I've ever met. 
He was super por as a kid, then hustled his way up to be a personal finance guy, then was well off enough to retire at 38, and now he runs his own pastoral ministry that includes the kitchen. And he is passionate about Food. Needless to say, we get along just swell. He loves talking to us about Jesus and we get the opportunity to bear our testimonies. Very fun. The service is pretty hands on, so he says he wants to teach me how to Cook and "be my food sensei." Very cool.


So as missionaries we don't hear much about the world. But our friends have been telling us that the fires are back in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. We can definitely see the effects of the smoke, the sunsets and sunrises have been absolutely stunning lately. And also all day every day the sun has an orangish tint. Pray for the evacuees and everyone affected, they need help.


Some new friends:
OK I'm gonna start with an Old friend: Diana is progressing! She's come to church two times in a row now and she's making friends with people in the Ward. We've had members at the last two lessons too, and it's been great to see the fellowshiping in this branch. We also met a man name Ricardo from Chile and he's inactivo but he wants to come to church. Also Carolina's mom had a heart attack, so we haven't been able to see her, but we've been praying for her and we hope to get an appointment this week. Brandon is leaning English but he's been reading the book of Mormon and liking it. We have been trying to find more people so we've been thinking of new, improvement, revoluciónary ways to find hispanic people. If you have ideas, hit up my email.


This weeks spiritual thought is about consecration. This has been at the forefront of my mind as I try to adjust and hit the ground running as a new missionary. Consecration is one of the laws of heaven, and it essentialy mean to give up everything, from your life, desires, and will up to the Lord. How do you do that? I've been leaning how to do that for the past couple of days, and thus is what I've learned:


- I WANT WHAT HE WANTS/DON'T WANT WHAT I WANT
Having our will's alingned with the Lord is the first and trickiest step. We have to take a step back and have an objective view of our lives. Then, take all your desires, and throw them in the trash. Even the good ones. There's a reason that when something is sacred, it is "hallowed."
-LISTEN
Once you have no more desire, just listen. This is the part where we are instruments in the Lord's hands. The Spirit will speak if you are willing to listen.
-ACT
Do what the Spirit tells you. If the Spirit doesn't speak or you don't think he's speaking, move your feet. The Lord loves effort
-WASH RINSE REPEAT
Keep doing it.


I've been trying this strategy, and it's been awesome to see the results. I've felt more Peace in my life and seen the guidance of the spirit in my mission.


Sorry for the long one, but a big week this week!


Adíos, 
Elder Curtis


Me y compañero y Mario
Donair :)
Fire sun Flicks
My sensei and me




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