Transferring Out of Kutztown

Hey everybody!

I hope all is going well with you. It was a busy week over here in
Kutztown, and like the title says for the email, it was also my last
week in Kutztown. But it was a good week to close out my time here. I
will be honest when I say I will really miss this area. It's been
tough saying my goodbyes to the people and all the missionaries in the
District (who are all staying), but I'm excited for what the future
holds! But before I go into all that, I'll start with the week.

On Tuesday, we were part of this huge painting project this new family
(the Davies) did to there house. We all had a blast and actually
talked to a few nonmember friends that had moved up with them which
was really neat. We also had dinner with the O's, an older couple in
the ward. It was really great because we had this Mother's Day dinner
all set up for Sister O, which she appreciated so much. We bought her
flowers, a card, and had this neat message all prepared for her. She
was almost ready to cry, which was a really tender moment for all of
us. You could really feel the Spirit in the room. Brother O was so
grateful, you could just tell from his smile. We are actually having
dinner again there tonight, there may be some tears, but really, the
Opperisanos are some of my favorite people I have met on my mission
without question.

Thursday, I went to Reading for my last exchange of the transfer. I
was with Elder Bucheger again, which was a lot of fun! We did a good
amount of street contacting and we set up a good number of return
appointments. It was like I was in Philadelphia because the streets we
so busy. It was really cool because I got to drive their 2016 Ford
Escape, the newest car in the mission.

Friday we had District Meeting because a set of Elders could not come
down to Reading Thursday. But it went so well! We talked about pride
and how easily it can come into a companionship, even if it is subtle.
It was a real eye opener because it really helped me learn different
ways on how I can look within myself to improve and how we can improve
together as a companionship. It was pretty slow the rest of the day
because Elder Thielen got some stomach bug that pretty much had him
out for the rest of the day.

Saturday we found out transfer calls, and I was leaving Kutztown. It
was weird just to know I needed to pack and leave in the next three
days. But it was alright, we went to a member's home, Brother
Espinoza, for dinner. His mom is also a member but she goes to the
Allentown Spanish ward. It was great because it was her birthday, so
we sang to her and she started to cry which was so unexpected! But it
was really great that we were able to celebrate her birthday because
it meant so much to her.

Sunday was amazing. Of course I had to start saying my goodbyes to the
ward, but it was neat to see a lot of miracles happen at the same
time. We stopped by Jenny and Corbin, which they were promised if they
came to church they would find a house (they have been looking for a
place to live for 2 months). It was great because a few hours after
they came to church, they found a place to live in Bethlehem. It was
really cool to just see the Lord's hand work like that so quickly, it
was really a miracle. We also saw our investigator Mike, who we have
been teaching ever since I came to Kutztown. He has been progressing
so well from reading the scriptures, to continually praying. Last
night, we set him with a baptismal date in September, which we can
tell you, he did not even think about baptism when I met him in
January. Now, it's just incredible to see the change He has
experienced. It is just another testimony to me that the Gospel is
true, that this is the Lord's true church. Peoples' mindset and
disposition change so miraculously, there is no way it can't be true.
They are living Epistles as Paul describes it in 2 Corinthians. It was
really what I needed before I go into my next area. I'm excited and a
little anxious at the same time for this change, but I knows the Lord
has a plan for me and will sustain me in wherever I go. I know my new
companion and I will hit the ground running. I can't wait! I hope all
of you have a great week!

Elder Cortes

Kutztown, PA

Mother's Day!

Hey everyone!

How have all of you been doing? It's been a lot of fun here over in
Kutztown. We've had highs and lows, but that's not a problem. It keeps
everything exciting!

Tuesday, we had lunch with Sarah before she left for Souderton for the
summer. Brother Kirkland came with us and it was a fun lunch, but it
was bittersweet just because we probably won't see her again. But it
was great nonetheless.

In Wednesday, we had our final interviews with President and Sister
Anderson. It was really different. President Anderson shined shoes
after interviews which was so great. I'm really going to miss them.
They leave in about a month and a half, but I know they'll finish out
strong. We also saw Corbin and Christian later that night. They are
doing so well! They are progressing very well reading and praying
everyday. But the sad news is that they are moving out of the area
which is lame! But as long as they get baptized that is what matters.
They should be on track to get baptized at the end of the month.

Thursday we had Zone Training which was really great! After that, we
went on our last exchange for the transfer. I was with Elder Bucheger,
Elder Hunter's golden. We had a great time as we taught Tony, who is
set to go to the temple for the first time with his wife Laura! We are
really excited for them to go. They have been looking forward to this
all week. We also got a miracle dinner with some members we
accidentally tracted into a members house. It was crazy because they
had guacamole pudding (it's a lot better than it sounds).

Friday was a little rough just because Elder Tielen was having some
rough stomach problems. So we weren't able to go out after we
exchanged back.... But it's alright, that stuff happens in the
mission. Saturday went really well though! We taught Damarkus and
Porsche the end of the Restoration, and focused on the Book of Mormon.
Damarkus thought it was great being able to gain a personal testimony
that the Book of Mormon is true. They also came to church as a family
for the second week in a row yesterday! He's on his way to be baptized
in June.

Sunday was great because I got to talk to my family! It was so great
to wish my Mom a happy Mother's Day. It was neat being able to catch
up with everybody back home. Skyping with Elder Thielen's family was a
blast too. But it's the last week of the transfer, so we will see if
this is my last week in Kutztown! I hope you all had a great Mothers
Day with your moms. Mine was an absolute blast.




Elder Cortes

Kutztown, PA