Wow! What a week
Thank you everyone for all the support while I've gone to Philly! It's
been a roller coaster of a week. So where to start.... Probably the
beginning. So I leave the mtc at 4 in the morning dead tired and flew
out at 9. I got here at 4 in the afternoon and was welcomed by
President Andersen and his wife along with the AP's (assistants). All
of the, treated us very kindly and with so much love. All 29 of us,
two missionaries away from breaking the record of most missionaries
coming into Philly.
Wednesday, unfortunately, I came down with a bad cold. A quarter of
the missionaries were sick and got a few more of us sick when we
stayed over at the mission home. So let's just say driving to the
multi stake center where transfers were happening wasn't exactly easy.
The whole day was tough in a way because of just being sick. But it's
ok! Because I met my companions. That's right, companions! Some of you
thought I had one, but I am in a trio (when does that happen for the
first time right????)
The first is Elder Hendricks, he is from Draper Utah. This is his last
transfer, so he has 6 weeks to go. I'm so grateful to be with a pro
like him but it's weird, I'm his last companion and he's my trainer.
He is also the district leader and really, he is a great teacher. He
is teaching me everything I need to know how to be a missionary with
his almost two year experience.
But I can't forget about THE Elder Froc. Born and raised from
Saskatchewan, Canada. He is also 21. So my first companion is FOREIGN
;) He has been out for 9 months and has killed off 5 missionaries
including Elder Hendricks (that means he was a missionary's last
companion 5 times). He is so intellectual in the gospel and I have
learned so many principles from his insights. But really, he just has
jokes that never end. What a loving companion.
All 3 of us get along perfectly. It's different being in a trio, but
we are working it out just fine. There's never a dull moment and we
just have so many laughs together. I'm so grateful for my companions,
they really are angels sent from God. I love them both so much.
So the work, my first area is the Cherry Hill Zone in New Jersey. The
main towns are Moorestown and Riverside along with Delran, cinamanson,
Mt. Laurel and so many more. For the most part, it's been nothing but
good things. Getting home from transfers, we had a dinner appointment.
But we also ended up teaching the restoration to guests of the members
who had us over for dinner. Apparently that never happens and it's
because I'm working my golden magic according to my companions (golden
means new elder). Thursday we did straight up street contacting. It
was tough to see Elder Hendricks get shot down a lot, but he told me
that's just how missionary work is sometimes. I had a little bit of
that, but for the most part, people were listening to the message I
was bringing. They seemed interested, I was just like whoa! I'm
grateful the Lord is helping me be an instrument in His work.
But the best was Saturday. I invited Bob Jameson to be baptized who
has met with the missionaries for 10 years and loves and feeds the
missionaries all the time. He said our discussion was one of the best
in 10 years and he said if he knew it was true then he would. Talk
about a miracle! I also invited Kevin, a mMuslim and he said the same
thing. Two invitations with no rejections! I know this is the Lord
helping me out. I'm grateful He watches over me.
Sunday I met the ward. It's very small, only 3 active young men and
tiny Sunday schools and priesthood. But the people are so kind and
have fellow shipped me like I have always been in the ward. It's a
tender mercy to have the love of the ward. We get fed every other day
and have the best time with investigators and members. Everyone speaks
their mind, that's for sure. But it's so awesome! I'm still trying to
get over the sickness but I received a blessing and it isn't as bad as
Wednesday.
I love it here, the weather is just so nice and it already feels like
home. I'm grateful to be out here! The spirit is strong always, and I
love it. Best wishes for everyone, let us all be like Christ and serve
each other, never turning anyone away. Because the Lord has been here
for all of us. Thank you all for everything you do for me, it means a
lot.
Elder Cortes
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