Two Weeks Left in the Field

Good morning!

This was a great week. It's never easy, but it's always worth it!

I feel like every week I have less and less to write, but we are working hard here in Plottier and things are looking up. We continue to visit ward members to find people who we can teach and serve. That's our focus. 

I know that the Gospel is true and I am committed to living it! I hope everyone has a great week!

Elder Kauffman aka Jack

Checking In

Good morning!

Everything is good here! We could not email yesterday because it was flag day, and there were no cyber cafes open. So we made tacos in the chapel as a district and played volleyball afterwards. 

The baptism that we had planned for Saturday did not happen. Sebastian was all ready to go, but a few hours before the service his dad was taken to the hospital. We are waiting for things to calm down a bit and then will try again!

It is chilly here. I think the high every day this week is a cool 55 degrees! I do love the members here. I believe we have been able to work with more members here in Plottier than any other area.

Have a great week! 

Elder Kauffman aka Jack

The Next 30 Days

Dear family and friends,

Time is passing by quickly now, and good things are happening here in Plottier. In fact, this week was great, a big testimony builder to me!!

The last week I was with Elder Gallegos we stopped to talk to a guy that was sitting in a big park near the church. His name is Sebastian, and he said he was having a hard time. He had no work and no place to live. So we invited him to our ward activity, and he has made remarkable changes. There are a lot of details but to sum them up Sebastian has come to church twice and received almost all of the lessons. We are going to finish up this week, and then he will be baptized Saturday. We are excited for him!

We are trying to work hand in hand with our ward and our new convert Ester to find new people to teach. I feel like I learn what it's like to be a convert through my investigators. I learn with them as we teach and I cannot deny that what we share is true. The Gospel is true! Our goal is to help one more person be baptized this transfer after Sebastian.

I was asked about running a zone and teaching at the same time. I don't believe being a zone leader should impede any missionary from being 100% focused on their area and investigators. The mission manual says that it is possible to fulfill both responsibilities (leadership and missionary work), and that's always been my way of doing things.

I am finishing my mission strong, and my heart is still here even as I prepare myself mentally to return home. Full-time missions have to end, but I will always consider myself a missionary for the Savior!

Pray that I will have success the next 30 days and that I can leave this area well prepared for the elder that will take my place. That is important to me. 

I love everyone and hope you all have an excellent week!

Elder Kauffman aka Jack

Checking In

Good morning from Plottier! This week was cold! It rained on Tuesday and Wednesday but it has passed. A few members told me yesterday that it shouldn't rain again this winter... I hope they are right!

I continue to serve as a zone leader. I feel like I am still figuring out how to do it, but I've learned a lot through filling that role. I had a few leadership positions before the mission but not like this one. I appreciate that both of my mission presidents have trusted me to lead.

This week we had to stop teaching a few people, but we found new ones. We weren't able to see a few investigators that have baptismal dates which does worry me. Work and other commitments complicated things, but I am confident that we'll be able to move forward before I leave the mission.

I realize that service is what makes me happy. Forgetting ourselves and focusing on others is what most helps us to become more like the Savior. I know it! I see it as I serve my companion, my investigators, and the missionaries in my zone. 

I am excited to return home and for all that will be happening here in the upcoming weeks in Plottier. It's going to be great! 

I love everyone! 

Elder Kauffman aka Jack