Turning 20 in the Mission!

Hey everybody!

It's been a great week being trained and taught by the Lord and His servants here in the blessed city of Reading as well as in Philadelphia!

It all started on Tuesday which was a really great birthday. The morning started with my two amazing companions making me a special Hawaiian meal of spam, eggs, and rice. Later, I went to my good friend, Elder Jensen's district meeting which was really insightful about how we need to communicate as companions in all different phases of the work. Then for the rest of the day, I went on an exchange with one of the sets of Spanish Elders in Reading. So I went with the seasoned Elder Wasden (he goes home in 4 weeks) in his area. It was pretty fun being able to share the new Christmas video the church put out and to really feel the Spirit enter into people's home. I couldn't have really asked for a better birthday present than sharing the Gospel through the Christmas season. Probably the funniest part of the Exchange was a member told me I look 16 instead of 20. So rather than looking on the downside of it, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how young I look when I'm in my 50's or so.

Thursday was a blast being able to work back and forth between Pottstown and Reading and then later we had interviews with President Randall. Interviews with President has to be one of my favorite parts of my mission. We both had a great time to learn about the Savior and His Atonement. It was so amazing! 

The next day, we had MLC at the Vine Chapel across the Temple which was an incredible meeting. We had the Temple President of the Philadelphia Temple expounding on principles of the Pre-earth life and how the temple connects. Elder Crane also gave his last MLC testimony which really touched me and how I can never take my time in the MLC, or my time as a missionary, for granted. He is such a solid and consecrated Elder. I'm definitely going to miss him when he goes home next week. That's another hard realization is that Elder Crane will be headed home to Idaho. But we are definitely going to make the most of the time we have together with him. That is without question!

Sunday, we had an amazing miracle happen. We fasted and prayed for the Pierre-Louis family to come to church. They are a Haitian family we have been working with for two months, and they came to church for the first time. They all enjoyed it so much and it was such a blessing being able to sit with them and sing Christmas songs together in sacrament. 

The Lord has blessed us abundantly here in Reading. I have such a firm testimony in Fasting and Prayer, the Lord does hear our pleadings. If there is anything we are concerned with, we can always turn to the Almighty for strength and guidance. It's the last week of the transfer, so we will see what happens if I stay another here in Reading or if I'm heading off to a new area to harvest. A lot of Zone Leaders are planning on being called to train this upcoming transfer so anything can happen. I know whatever happens, the Lord will be with me always! I hope all of you have a great start to this Christmas season!

Elder Cortes

Reading, PA