(Elder Putnam)
Labrīt Ģimene un Draugi,
about 8 weeks ago, Elder Argyle got transferred into my
area. So we’ve been companions for the past bit and will be until the new Latvian
missionaries come in after a month. We have been finding a ton and teaching a
lot of new member lessons.
Won't lie, member-missionary relations have not been better
as far as I understand. Absolutely vibing. There are a few reasons for that
that I can think of:
1. We are visiting families.
We have visited the Bites twice now (those kids are the
absolute cutest. I get high 5's from them whenever I see them). This most
recent time I beat Brother Bite in a pull competition. 💪💪.
Those weights and pull up bar are coming in real handy in that sense. We also
visited Gvido Senkāns this past week. They fed us Latvian watermelon, curry
with potatoes, and a chocolate ice cream bar. The Senkāni are just so cool.
2. We are chatting a ton with members after Second Hour and
just overall spending time with them. I had a Star Wars lightsaber fight with
Harolds cause he helped us clean up the stage. Love that kid. We even vibe with
the Russian branch. Like we got invited to Sister Samigullina's birthday. Good
times.
3. Sacrament Meeting. We play many different hymns in
Sacrament meeting. I even learned some Fast Sunday Hymns.
We also have been asked to speak a few times which is good
to know that they trust us in that sense as well. Rīga is rolling.
As for Language, I'm doing good. I finished the Book of
Mormon like 2 months ago and the doctrine and Covenants 2 days ago. I'm
planning on getting the Pearl of Great Price finished before the new
missionaries come. I still can't translate in sacrament meeting which is žēl,
but in all other areas Im kinda vibing. I got a Latvian Bible to go with my
triple combination.
Personal Studies: I picked up Jesus the Christ by James e.
Talmage. My dear brothers and sisters, every single paragraph is a Spiritual
Thought that can be shared at district counsel. So good. I'm reading about
miracles at the moment. Heck ya.
this past week we went to help out at a Spikeball tournament
in Marupe. It was a great time. We helped set up and then they gave us snacks
and we got to play around on a different net when there wasn't other stuff to
do. The music could have been less heathen, and there could have been less
vaping, but outside of that it was a great service opportunity.
But Marupe, being 40 minutes from Rīga is the ideal
situation for new area. Cause we would still be supporting the Rīga branch, but
we would be finding in a completely new area. Its mostly houses which means
more families... and we already have a member there who can go finding with us.
It would be ideal to get his family dipped first, but when can at least help
him show up to Church on time. I wanna serve in Marupe so baddddd. Pray that
this happens. Please In reality though, its all what God wants.
I do have one request for anyone who has made it this far. I
was recently inspired by a testimony that was shared by a missionary. He said
that his mother recently again started praying that he would have people to
teach the gospel. And immediately they found a friend on the street. I ask that
if you can mention it in your prayers, that you do pray that Elder Argyle and I
will have people to teach. Because our area book is so dry. We have 5 new
members, but also have no friends at all. So, I fervently ask, that you would
include this minor detail in your prayers.
There is no greater work than the Work of Salvation going on
today. I hope you have a wonderful week. I'll try to write a short email next
week.
Pictures:
1. On our way to service in the beauty of Marupe's nature
2. Idk it was outside the Nation Library of Latvia
3. Spiritually and physically preparing for Bible study.
4. Hiding in the Bites Apartment building cause there was a
ton of Rain.
5. Ernests came and visited then promptly stole my tie.
6. Some food for like really cheap.
7. Remember that Jesus loves you
