Jan. 19

Buenas Tardes!

Everyone, do you know what day it is?
Drumroll Please......
Elder Green Proudly Announces his 1 Year since entering Chicago!

Yup, one year ago right now I was eating pizza at Pizzeria Ora and taking a tour of the downtown that I have come to know and love as home. Craziness eh? (does Mitch say "eh" yet?) Now granted, when I get back to Utah that will be home too, but for now this place is 100% where I belong. In fact, I wouldn't mind living here again. But all of that will come with time and planning.

I've been reflecting on the mission and the many things that I have learned and the experiences that I've had that have formed a new great part of me. I love the people of Chicago, and I've gained a special place in my heart for the hispanic culture. I've gained the ability to speak spanish well. I felt very complimented when I was speaking spanish like a Gringo the other day and Flor, my recent convert, started laughing and said, "Elder Green, you don't talk like that! You talk like a Mexican. You're just a really white Mexican." Now granted, I don't speak Mexican slang, but I'm glad I have a good accent and all that. I'd rather have a Mexican accent than a white one. Also, I'm glad for the individual people I've met who have all taught me so much about being Christlike and gaining His attributes. One companion helped me learn the importance of obedience and diligence. Another taught me the need to be consecrated to the work. My trainer taught me about being a good missionary and having fun at the same time. He also was a great example of loving the people. Being a trainer has taught me the impact our example has in the lives of others. Being a District Leader has taught me the need to be strong and have a vision for ourselves, our areas, our companionships and our wards.

I feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to come here and learn of all these things and so much more that remains unmentioned. I've really felt touched by the Lord and I feel so happy that He has been able to use me as an instrument in His hands. I feel that my mission so far has been successful and has brought me closer to my Father in Heaven. I feel that He has given me many opportunities to impact others' lives for good and has blessed me with many people with open hearts and open minds to the gospel.

We got to teach two first lessons yesterday to people who we knocked into. That was really neat, we haven't been let in much before now, and then we taught two lessons in less than an hour.

Well I'm going to roll out so that I can get something done this P-Day!

Love you guys very much!

Elder J Green