One Last Adventure in Doylestown

Hey everybody!

There isn't a lot to update on since Friday but I do have exciting news regarding my last transfer. We found out Saturday night Elder Morton will be leaving for Maryland and I will be finishing my mission in Doylestown. What's even more exciting is that I received a call from President Randall last night and he extended the invitation to train for my last transfer!

I am so excited to finish my mission with this opportunity to be with another brand new missionary. I feel so humbled with how much trust the Lord has in me to start this new missionary on the right foot for his mission. 

I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for me these next 6 weeks!

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

Hey everybody!

It's been a miracle of a week to end the transfer. Many blessings have come our way as we have labored with all that we have to give. Without a doubt, this Holy Week will be one I have to remember for a long time. 

It all started with a pretty good Zone Training. A lot was said regarding the Book of Mormon and how we should use it, which is one of my favorite topics to talk about in missionary work. But the part that really stuck out to me was that for a training, our Zone Leaders read our call letter we all received when we got our mission calls. It was a time to really reflect when I got my call during Spring Break two years ago and my whole family dropped what they were doing and we all came together to see where I would go for the next two years. I remember the Spirit just testifying to me this is exactly where I needed to go to serve my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. It was cool because the whole Zone seemed to have a revitalizing Spirit to go out and do the work. Little did we know in Doylestown much was going to come to pass.

Wednesday evening we met with one of our newer investigators, Guadeloupe. She is actually from Chihuahua, Mexico which was pretty neat to talk about since my Dad is from Mitchoacan. But her big struggle is she works a real heavy amount, especially on Sunday. We also just gave her a Spanish copy of the Book of Mormon. So it was pretty cool to go a little more in depth on what the Book of Mormon is about. But the best part is that her 17 year old daughter, Jocelyn, came right as we were starting to explain the Book of Mormon. So as we got to know Jocelyn a little bit, she expressed she wanted more faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ. You could tell Guadeloupe really appreciated us taking the time to see where her daughter was at. But they both have copies of the Book of Mormon so we invited them to read the first two chapters and to go from there. It was definitely a miracle how it all came about, we had no member available until the last minute someone got back to us which the Lord made it all happen. It was amazing. 

We also had a special experience giving a blessing this week. We were at a family named the Dalby's for dinner and Brother Dalby has been pretty sick. When I mean pretty sick, like something is wrong with his body. I don't know all the details, but I know his liver has been failing and he has been bedridden for so long, his eyes looked yellow actually. The doctors still have no idea what is wrong with him. Plus, it couldn't have come at a worse time, Brother Dalby just got called to be in the Stake Presidency just before he got sick. So a lot has been going on, and he had already received a blessing. But he said he'd feel great if we, the Elders, gave him one. So I was asked to give it and honestly, I felt a little inadequate. Me, a 20 year old Elder, giving a member of the Stake Presidency a blessing of comfort. But all those thoughts fled my mind as I put my hands on President Dalby's head. It was such a powerful blessing, I just knew it wasn't me giving the blessing, but the Lord. It reminded me that I act as the Lord's representative and He will always speak through me. President Dalby gave me such a big hug after it and I just felt God's love so strong in that moment. We didn't say anything the car ride home, it was such a sacred and special experience for Elder Morton and myself. 

We also met with Skylar Saturday night. Now, after our last lesson with her, we were a little stumped on knowing exactly what we should teach her next. However, through a lot of prayer, planning, and study, we felt that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is what she needed next. Boy, I have to tell you, everything went exactly the way it was supposed to. Looking back, you could tell the Lord was guiding the entire lesson. It was one of the best lessons I ever had as a missionary. The peak point of it all was when we read Alma 7:14-16, as Alma testifies of baptism. The Spirit touched her so strongly in verse 15

"Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism."

So at that point, we invited her to be baptized and she accepted!!! I couldn't tell you how much I appreciated the Spirit in that room in that very moment she accepted. Words just can't describe it. But after working so hard with Skylar the past 3 months and seeing such amazing growth with her, it was a testimony to me all that work paid off. We haven't set a specific date yet, she needs to talk to her parents with logistical things, but it'll most likely be this transfer. God is a God of miracles, that is for sure!

So after that, we had Easter the next day and it was such a blessed day. It was a nice 80 degrees, the sun was shining, there was a nice breeze, it was all you would want for a day to remember the Lord's mission. We actually had a miracle finding a family which was amazing! We tracted into this guy named Julio a few days before and he told us to come back Sunday when his wife would be home. So we went back and he, his wife Missy, and their two young daughters were all interested in what we did as missionaries. So we taught parts of the Restoration and gave them a copy of the Book of Mormon and we'll be seeing them in two weeks! It was a miracle finding such an incredible family. On Easter Sunday to make it that much better! Overall, one of the best weeks of my mission. I'm thankful for the Savior and His Atonement. His mission, gives me reason and purpose to live. It is no question in my mind I will live with my family forever, not just in this life. I know with my mistakes and faults, they will be cleansed every time if I come to Jesus with a broken heart and a contrite Spirit. One day, when it's all said and done, I will live with my Father in Heaven again and my Elder Brother, Jesus Christ. All wrongs will be right, Satan's influence will be no more, and there will be nothing but light and happiness that radiates through us all because of the Good Shepard, The Prince of Peace, and to me most importantly, my friend Jesus Christ. I'm thankful for His Gospel and the opportunity and privilege it is to share it with the world. It truly has changed my life for the better for that I will always be grateful.

So now, you might be thinking with transfers coming up, what's happening in Doylestown? Well, we found out, Elder Morton and I are staying together for a third transfer! So by the time our time is done together, we will have spent almost 5 months together as companions. I've never done 3 transfers with a companion, but hey, there's a first time for everything right? I hope you all have a great week in the Springtime! The Gospel is true always.

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

Philly Bound!...Kinda

Hey everyone!

It's been a crazy week with transfers coming up tomorrow because I'm getting transferred (I'll get to that in a sec). But it's been such a great week of the Lord providing many miracles for us. The biggest miracle we saw this week was that the Lord has provided people for us to work with in Exeter for Elder Baker and his new companion. At the beginning of the week the majority of the people we were working with were dropping us left and right. Even though it was tough to see a good number of people we have been working with decide not to keep meeting with us, we had full confidence the Lord would provide more people for us to teach. As we prayed on knowing exactly what we should do, we had the idea to just make calls to people who we hadn't had contact in a while. After a few days we had a good number of people who were interested in us coming back this week and even yesterday. It was pretty amazing to meet with a man named Gilbert, who we talked to around Christmas time but he didn't get back to us have until we called him. Well, we met with him yesterday and it was a pretty powerful Restoration lesson we had with him. He had such a sincere desire to know what is truth and to find more answers from God. He was happy to accept a Book of Mormon and is excited to read. I have confidence he will be baptized in the near future, he's an incredible man of faith.

I also found out I will be leaving Reading which is pretty crazy. I'm the only one in the Reading Zone that is leaving so it makes travel plans a lot simpler. I will be heading to the Philadelphia Stake over to the Doylestown area! Doylestown is on the outskirts of Philadelphia and is pretty suburban. We have a car, so no riding the Septa for us. But I'm pretty excited, I'm going to be a District Leader again and will be finishing an Elders training, Elder Morton. I know it's going to be a blast coming up these next few transfers! The Lord is preparing people here in the PPM to receive the Gospel. I'm thankful everyday I have the responsibility and privilege to help bring these precious people the Gospel which I know changes lives for the better. I can't wait! Another chapter in the mission coming up! I'll definitely keep you posted how it starts!

Elder Cortes

Reading, PA

Temple Trip #1

Hey everyone!

This is going to be a bit short, but our P-Day is really messed up for Halloween. It's been such a great week right before we head into a new transfer. Elder Martinez and I were able close off this week by going to the Philadelphia temple! It was great being able to go with so many of our recent converts who went for the first time. Being inside the Temple was just incredible. It was absolutely still and peaceful, you could just tell you were in the house of the Lord. It was special just to see everyone so bright and happy doing the baptisms. We also found out that Elder Martinez will be leaving and I will be taking over Reading for the next transfer. I can't wait for tomorrow! A new transfer with a good number of new Elders! I'm so grateful for the Gospel, I know it is true and I'm so thankful I am a part of it. I hope you all have a great Halloween!

Elder Cortes

Reading, PA

Crazy in Hazy!

Hey everybody! 

It's been some week that's for sure, there were a lot of monumental events that happened this week and I still can't get over it. The Temple Dedication was wonderful, and we also got transfer calls as well. We found out they are closing our Zone due to logistical stuff regarding stake boundaries. So Elder Neilson and I are doubling out of Hazleton! We head out tomorrow to our new areas, but the cool thing is that we already know where we are going since President told us our zone was closing. I found out I will be in Reading Zone serving in the Exeter Ward (but really it's Reading). It's exciting because I will be able to go back to Kutztown since it is a part of the Reading Zone. I never really thought this would happen to me on my mission, to be in an area for one transfer, but it's the Lord's will!

Since I have to pack and get everything ready for the new Elders to come in, this entry will be pretty short. But I do want to talk about the special experience I had with the Temple Dedication. It was incredible to see some of my favorite examples in the Gospel, Elder Christofferson and President Eyring, clothed in pure white in the Celestial Room. They both gave amazing talks, along with the Temple President and the Temple Matron. It was like watching a mini General Conference. Elder Christofferson testified that it isn't enough to just be in the Temple just like it isn't enough to be in a chapel for church. Like it says in 3 Nephi 9:19, Christ desires no more of animal sacrifices, but of us. When we go to the Temple we are the sacrifice to the Lord, who we are right now. Because all of us are flawed and imperfect, we should be willing to sacrifice those parts of ourselves and be willing to be instructed by the Lord in His Holy House. What touched me so much is that he bore witness that the sins that are alluring, attractive, and that so easily beset us will be come less desirable, and eventually, abhorrent. It's just so true, because as we go to the Temple, we become the celestial men and women God plans for us to be, little by little. He testified that Jesus Christ is the master builder of these men and women, that He is the Cornerstone of everything we do. President Eyring gave an exceptional talk as well explaining that instruction in the Temple is so individual and personal that God does know exactly where we are and what we need to do to progress. He humble spoke of our very natures being changed as we observe Temple covenants on a daily basis. Being a part of the Dedication was without a doubt, one of my favorite highlights of my mission. The music, the Cornerstone Ceremony, and the Hosannah Shout were incredible. The Dedicatory Prayer President Eyring offered was solemn and powerful. He blessed the surrounding area, the freedoms we have, the sealings and endowments that will take place, the city of Philadelphia, and so much more. I know for myself, that Temples truly are essential for our salvation. I remember when I went for my endowment and I left the Temple with a sense of enduring peace. I was with many of those I love, and I was especially with my Father in Heaven. It felt as though I was out of the world for the rest of the day. That's truly what the Temple is for, it is for us to change and become better men and women. It is to redeem the dead who did not get an opportunity to accept the Gospel but who would do anything for it, just like the Founding Fathers of our country, who created the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. They humbly asked a prophet of God to be redeemed, and they were, along with their loved ones. I'm grateful for my family and the covenant we are sealed under. As President Eyring prayed for the families to be sealed, I just thought of how great God's plan is for us as families. 

Well, I have to get going on my packing, I hope all of you have a wonderful week!

Elder Cortes

Hazleton, PA

New Companion, New Transfer, Different Miracles!

Hey everybody!

It's been a very busy week for us over here in the great land of South
Jersey, but it's also been a lot of fun. We've seen the Lord's hand
over and over, it's ridiculous. But I'm so thankful I can be out here
to serve to see it. I know this great work were are in is divine. All
you have to do is just look at the small things.

I started the week actually in Smyrna, Delaware. Elder Yeates was
picking up a departing missionary in Delaware, so I stayed with
another Elder with the Zone Leaders of the Dover Zone. At the end of
P-Day, we went out on splits and I was with Elder Pule. Now, Elder
Pule is from New Zealand and English is his second language. But he is
such a great Elder. He's been out 18 months and has a heart of gold.
He was being transferred the next day, so we went and visited members
and investigators they were working with. We also did a lot of street
contact in a suburb area because a good number of people were out. We
even helped out this one lady who met with missionaries years before
cleaning her yard full of branches. We were able to get 3 people's
contact information and a return appointment. It was so much fun. I
was actually a little sad the day had to end, but I had such a blast.

Tuesday was transfer day! So we drove two hours up to Broomall to meet
my new companion and get back to New Jersey. I was able to see
President Anderson for the last time in person in the field. He goes
home today, so this whole last week has just been absolutely crazy
getting all their stuff home and having a lot of final meetings. But
it was so good to see his smiling face one last time before he went
back to Utah. I also met my new companion named Elder Brewer! Elder
Brewer and I actually have a few of similarities we never really would
imagine. The most obvious is that he is a red head, but we also came
out together and he is from Arizona as well, but Show Low. He's also
only a week older than me. So it's been great to get to know him this
past week. We did a good amount of finding and also had a great
meeting with our Ward Mission Leader, Brother Vann. It's been going so
well getting to work with the ward. It's amazing how supportive and
helpful everyone is to the work.

Wednesday we were out finding in Woodstown and talked to this couple
named Carmen and William. They are both from Puerto Rico and they have
looked into many religions but are not a part of any belief right now.
They asked a good amount of questions about us and our missions and
why we came out. You could really tell they felt the Holy Ghost as we
told them sincerely why we came out and we love being missionaries. We
also met with Deborah who is doing so well. She's so receptive to
everything we teach her, except now all she has to do is quit smoking
and she will be ready to be baptized at the end of the month.

Thursday we had District Meeting here in Woodstown. It was my first
one I've conducted in 7 months, so I was a little nervous. But it was
so great! I have such an amazing District. It was pretty much a group
discussion rather than me getting up and preaching to everyone what we
need to do to be better. We also had a few lessons later in the
evening Brother Vann took us out to which was a lot of fun.

Friday we met with one of our investigators with a date, Elizabeth
Divacarro. It's been tough to match up our schedules the past few
weeks, but we were able to finally meet with her. She's practically
there. Her date is set in September, but we can push her date up when
she quits smoking. That's the part we are working on with her, is
quitting her smoking. That's pretty much all she needs to do, but of
course, addictions are a struggle to quit. So we will be working with
precision and care as we help her quit. We also found out some
unexpected news that Jeremy and Stacey were getting married the next
day! I can't even tell you how excited I was for that
I was so happy to hear they decided to get married right then and
there. It was a miracle from the Lord without question.

So the next day we had a very emotional morning. Every week we have a
conference call for the whole mission. It's usually on Wednesday, but
the new missionaries came in so they moved it to Saturday. Honestly,
it was such a powerful experience for me. President and Sister
Anderson bore their testimonies with such conviction and power. They
also gave us long lasting instruction. I can still President
Anderson's final words of the call: "We will always love you, and we
will never forget you". It just made so thankful for such great
leaders in my life. The Lord truly has brought people to me that help
me change for the better. After that call, we did some service tearing
down wallpaper and helping members move, then we went to the wedding!
It was so much fun and it was the best wedding I've been to on my
mission. There was probably 20 people there and a small reception
right after. After the wedding, Bishop showed Jeremy and Stacey the
baptismal font where Stacey would be baptized. I couldn't believe all
the progress they've made together. Everything is going so well with
them. We also saw a less active, Brother Morgan. He was in a lot of
pain with his back because he works long hours in construction, but he
asked us to give him a blessing and we did and it was as if the pain
in his back was gone. It was amazing! I love priesthood blessings,
they truly show God's power to help and aid others.

Sunday we closed it out by visiting a few people and the Whitfields.
We read 6 chapters of the Book of Mormon with Deborah which she really
enjoyed. She's been reading everyday and is planning on continuing to
do it. It's such a great miracle to be a part of this work. I love the
Lord and the blessings he has bestowed upon us. I love being a
missionary, we were talking to people on the street and it hit me that
I only have about a year left to do this, to proclaim the Gospel. I'm
definitely not going to waste any time that's for sure! I hope all of
you are well and safe. May the Lord bless you beyond your dreams, I
know He will, for all things are possible unto them that believe. I
love each and every one of you. Thank you for all the letters, emails,
prayers, and support. I truly do feel it everyday, and I'm so thankful
for it. I'm also thankful that Jesus Christ is my Savior. He truly
sustains me everyday. Although I make mistakes everyday, He's there to
lift me. I hope all of you feel that same lift through the power of
the Atonement.

Elder Cortes

Woodstown, NJ

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

Transfers, Exchanges, and So Much More!

Hey everybody!

It's been such a great week! I have had a lot of fun with my new
companion working here in Kutztown. We have definitely seen many
miracles and are planning to see many more!

Tuesday, I got my new companion. His name is Elder Thielen. He is such
a great Elder. He is from Carson City, Nevada and has been out 11
months, so he is experienced. He has such a positive attitude and
really knows the gospel. Right after we picked him up in Allentown, we
came back to Kutztown to work in a packed day of appointments. We met
with Noel and he is such a stud. He has been reading the Book of
Mormon and really understands what we are teaching him. He is planning
on coming to church this coming Sunday. We are so excited for him! We
are also seeing him tomorrow, he's a real stud. I really am hoping and
praying he is baptized in March! Right now, his date is set on the
20th so we will see. We also saw Sarah, who is planning to go to the
temple in less than two weeks! We are so excited for her to go. It's
just getting closer and closer, which is so exciting to see for her.
Although it was raining, we met a good number of people and are hoping
to get a few new investigators this coming week. The miracles truly
are happening! It's small things like setting appointments that really
make the day. You just hope and pray you can share the gospel with
these people, because it will bless their lives.

On Wednesday, we met with Sister Donio, who is doing so great to go to
the temple. We are so excited for her and it's really great because
every time we visit, she learns something new. That's the best part
about strengthening members, when you feel the Holy Ghost is helping
them grow and strengthen their testimonies, you just feel like you are
doing the right thing. I just k ew when I was there, that was where I
needed to be. Of course I know being on my mission is where I need to
be, but I get those strong convictions from the Lord in lessons that
what I'm doing is the right thing. At the end of the night, we got an
unexpected call from the Zone Leaders to do exchanges the next day,
which was really exciting to hear because I love exchanges. So we got
ready for exchanges and District Meeting.

The next day, we traveled to Reading and had a great District Meeting.
Our District Leader's name is Elder Jones. He's been out about 4
months, but is a really humble Elder. We had a great meeting and did
our exchange with the Zone Leaders. Elder Thielen went to Reading and
Elder Jewkes came with me to Kutztown. Elder Jewkes is a fun Elder. We
started by contacting a referral in Kutztown. We knocked on the door
and this man answers. His name is Davey, and told us he would get in
touch with us when he was ready to talk. But Elder Jewkes wanted to
read him Moroni 10:4 in the Book of Mormon. By the end of it, he was
crying and told us he would get in touch with us when he was ready. Is
was such an experience. I was shocked for the rest of the day because
the Spirit was so strong with him. It was another testimony to me,
that scriptures truly do have power to them. Later, we had homemade
sushi and had a great lesson with the Skidmores (Tony and Laura). Now,
we were teaching about missionary work, and Tony felt like he needed
to know more before he could do missionary work because he felt like
he wouldn't know what to say every time. It was perfect because I
shared with him DC 84:85 which talks about not worry about what you
say but to search the scriptures and the Lord will help you in knowing
what to say at the right time. It was a little funny because when Tony
was reading the scripture, Laura was snickering a bit just because it
answered his concern perfectly. Elder Jewkes was even smiling a bit
because he knew that scripture well. Overall, it was such a fun day. I
really learned a lot from the exchange.

Friday we met back up and had lunch together. Later we saw Sister
Sherman and her daughter, Katie. We had such a great visit reading
scriptures and talking about the Plan of Salvation. They were also
talking about how excited they were with coming to church. They missed
the past week, but were determined to come this Sunday.

On Saturday, we did service for a man in Kutztown, who lives in
Reading. His name is Daniel. Pretty much what we did was unload stuff
from a storage unit to a basement. It was great because we got to talk
to him about the gospel. He told us he was baptist, but as we talked
about the Book of Mormon, the Spirit really was working on him. He was
getting a little uncomfortable talking, but in a good way. But hey, it
happens when you ask for missionaries help.

Sunday was great! Sister Sherman and Katie came to church and came to
gospel principles. It was the first time they stayed after sacrament
which was great! We also taught an unexpected friend of a member at a
dinner appointment. It was such a blessing to teach at dinner.
Overall, I'm excited for this transfer. It's 7 weeks so we can do a
lot of work together. We are planning on it. I hope all of you have a
great week! I'm so grateful to be a missionary and serve the Lord.
Learning and reading the scriptures and teaching the Gospel is
something I would never trade. I'm thankful to God and my Savior Jesus
Christ for this opportunity, I pray and hope all of you have a great
week!




Elder Cortes

Kutztown, PA

From Moorestown to....?

Hey guys!

Well, we are in a new year which is really exciting! Of course, with

this being the last week of the transfer, it's always busy. Especially

when you're packing because I'm getting transferred!

But to talk about the week, on Wednesday we went to the Davis' house

to teach another lesson to the kids. What was so special about this

visit was that we committed one of the kids, Lilah, to baptism in

February! We weren't really expecting it, but she really want to and

she got permission from her parents to make it happen! Honestly, that

made my whole day. I figured if I was leaving Moorestown, I wanted to

leave it in pretty good shape.

New Year's Eve, we had District Meeting which was pretty great. The

Assistants were in my District Meeting, and one of them is a

pretty.... serious. Not in a bad way. But it went really well! They

both said I did a great job and I felt like it was one of the best

meetings we had as a District so I was really glad we ended the

transfer strong on District Meetings. At the end of the night, we came

home early because everyone was out doing something so no appointments

and tracting was pretty pointless at that time. It was really strange

because I always stay up for the New Year and I went to bed at 10:30

(mission rules). Then fireworks wake you up in the middle of the night

and you're just so confused..... But overall it was really great!

On New Years we had a pretty busy day lined up. I did a baptismal

interview for the Zone Leaders for a man named Tom. It was really

great because before he was atheist and now he has a strong testimony

the church is true. Really, I will never stopped being amazed at the

strong testimonies these men and women have right before they are

baptized. They are just so strong! Later that day we had dinner with a

couple in the ward named the Duns. They drove us to Cherry Hill to a

tai restaurant and there was so much good food there! The best part

was the bbq pork they made. I don't what it was, but it was the best

pork I ever had. At the end of the night, we got transfer calls and I

found out I was being transferred for the first time. At first I was

thinking "okay I figured this was going to happen. Not a huge deal".

Then I was lying in bed thinking "wait, I need to pack and say my

goodbyes and I don't even know where I'm going". I wasn't stressing

out, but a million thoughts were rushing into my head. But I knew the

Lord would be with me at this time and I know He will be with me

wherever I go.

Saturday, we had a few appointments drop... So we decided to stop by a

lot of our investigators and set up appointments for the coming week,

so Elder Harris and his new companion could start the week strong.

What a tender mercy this day was. So many different people were

setting up dinner appointments for next week and we're excited to see

us come back. There was one point Amy Knapp (a less active we are

seeing) told us her son Nick asked when can he be baptized. She also

told us he has done everything we have asked him to do so far(read

pamphlets, read Book of Mormon, etc.). Although I won't be here when

the great miracles happen, I know this area will be well taken care

of, which really made me feel good.

Sunday was the big day to say my goodbyes. It was really hard to say

goodbye to a lot of close friends I have made these past six months.

What was so special was that almost all of them said we will see you

again. Which meant a lot to me. It didn't even feel like I was serving

in the Moorestown ward, but that I was a part of it, which I really

appreciated. There are a lot of people here who have a heart of gold

which I'm so grateful for. After church, so many different members

wanted us over for dinner, dessert, and pictures. It was so much fun

being around all of them. I know without a doubt, if I came back to

Moorestown, which I know I will, it will feel like home to me.

Now we're here to today. I just finished a huge meal at Buffalo Wild

Wings. All that's left is to write emails, pack, and say a few more

goodbyes. Transfers are tomorrow morning at noon. To describe how I

feel right now is a little hard. It's bittersweet. I'm excited to see

a new part of the mission, but I'm a little down to leave an area I

worked so hard to build through the Lord. I'm excited and nervous at

the same time. I've never been transferred before, but I know I will

be okay. I can't wait to tell you all about the new area I will be in!

It will be an experience i will definitely remember. But I will be

okay. The Lord has my back. You all have my back. There's no way I'm

going to falter. There's a great work to do these next 18 months, and

it is my humble prayer I can do and learn all that the Lord wants me

to learn. I hope you all have a great start to 2016!

Elder Cortes