Week 8 -- Nov. 25, 2019

I Just Love it Here!



Hola!! It was a fantastic week here in España!!! The sun was out for a couple days this week, which was a massive blessing😂😂 Turns out San Sebastián is actually a really beautiful city!!! I kinda wish somehow I could have the power of Moses and tell the rain to always stop here, because its incredible when the sun is out, I love it!!!!


We had lots of amazing experiences this week!!! I've been able to talk pretty well, but the problem is it's so hard to understand Spanish here. I was super frustrated after a lesson earlier this week because i hate that i have to rely so much on my compan
ion,  because i don't know what people say after i ask them a question. I was praying and studying the scriptures asking why the heck I was called to speak a language I don't know, when I so badly want to just share my testimony with people! The next day we had companion exchanges with the Zone Leaders in Bilbao,  and we were teaching someone who actually spoke English and it was super hard to teach in English!!! It made me laugh!! But it was kind of a testament showing me that maybe there actually is a reason that I gotta speak Spanish, because somehow I'll be able to touch the hearts of people way better than in English!!! Also, just kind of a cool reminder that God answers prayers and he will answer your questions if you ask them!!!


We had a lot of teaching appointments this week!!! They all went so well!!! We were talking to this one family and I ended up asking if the mother wanted to be baptized and she said yes!! But theres some things we need to work on before she can be, she has a lot of questions and just needs prayers, but it's so good! I love being a missionary! There is no feeling like it, I love being able to share my testimony and love for my Savior every day!!! 


Some random fun things about Spain:

1. Elevators are seriously tiny!

2. There's only like 5 types of businesses here, Tons of Bars, tiny tiny clothing stores with like 10 options max, food vendors, banks(for some reason a ton of banks, like on my street theres like 4), and lottery things😂

3. When you say hola to people on the street, they either, a) ignore you. b) look super confused. Or c). Just say adios😂

4. These drivers are crazy. Not just like they're aggressive and impatient,  just really bad and not observant😂😂

5. There are so many cars, tons of super nice cars, and every car is always super clean, even though it rains everyday, but I have yet to have seen a parking lot or garage,  so I'm confused there must be super secret parking only natives know about!

6. It's the best mission in the whole world, filled with the best people,  and I never want to leave because I absolutely love serving with my whole heart and want nothing more than for these incredible people to receive the same happiness that I have because of this gospel:)


I read in James 1 this week, and I think an excellent verse to share is verse 22.


22: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.


I think it's an important reminder.  A lot of us know what we need to be doing, but aren't diligent in our efforts and then question why we are missing out on blessings. I think it's important to remember that as children of God, our purpose is to follow the example of Jesus Christ,  and I think that's especially important especially this time of year now that we are approaching Christmas,  let's focus on the true meaning, which is Christ. Was He ever just a "hearer of the word"? No, He was always a doer. Let's follow His example this Christmas season, and serve and do everything we know we are supposed to do with full intent and diligence!!! Also everyone go watch the video, "The Christ Child" the church just released it and it is more than incredible!!!!


Happy Thanksgiving this week everyone!!! They don't celebrate Thanksgiving here, but they do celebrate black Friday, which is kinda funny😂 but I just want to say thank you to you all!!! Thanks for all your support and love throughout my life!!! Love you all have an amazing week!!!

-Elder Boden

1. An awesome harbor!!!

2. Benefits of cleaning, you find a little Christmas tree!!!

3. The city of Bilbao is awesome!!

4. Yeah.. take one step back, and you fall about 800 feet... that's some serious cliff diving

5. I'm not kidding when I say that gelato in Europe is legit 2890 times better than anything in America
6. Got to go to the beach last Pday!! 

7. Seriously this city is so cool

8. Just the most powerful book that can change your life, i don't know, maybe read it if you feel like getting blessings or something 🤷‍♂️

9. Just looking over the city counting how many people I gotta baptize before I'm transferred

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