11.5.12 Guyayquil, Ecuador

Family,

We did have another great week as far as the work goes.  We will have three baptisms this week.  Pray for David, Blanca, and Jadira.  David is so excited. From the second we began talking to this kid, he has been full of questions about when he will serve his mission and where he will go.  Yesterday, he went to the church by himself at 4 30 in the afternoon to visit the less active members of his quorum with the other young men.  He is so funny, and I am so thankful I got the opportunity to teach him.  We have had a lot of family home evenings with less active members and they have all turned out really positive.  We are working a lot with the bishop to help this little ward out.  It really does require ALL your time and attention to help build a ward.  When we are working hard, that is when I am the most happy.  My companion, unfortunately, has had to deal with all my emotions and mood swings.  I find myself apologizing to him often.  But I have gotten better.  

Yesterday was El Clasico.  Barcelona against Emelec.  The two biggest teams in Guayaquil.  It ended 5-0.  Imagine what would be going on in the streets of England if Man U beat Chelsea 5-0.  Or in Spain if Real Madrid beat Barcelona 5-0.  There were lots of red cards in the game and a ton of fans kicked out and arrested.  A few deaths also.  It made it basically impossible to work last night.  It was cool to see everyone go crazy though.  

This is about all I have to report.  I have built many great relationships here already.  The people of Guayaquil are so open.  As annoying as that can be it really makes it easier to love them.  They are all God`s children.  I need to work on being more humble.  I have progressed, but I still can see that my pride is holding me back.  It is my pride that puts me in bad moods.  It really is a constant battle.  I always thought that I would reach a point in my life where everything would just be easy and I could make all the right choices and everything would turn out great.  But it really doesn`t get easier.  The circumstances just change and you realize that you have different difficulties to deal with.  (I just reread what I wrote and I have no idea if that makes any sense.  I have too much Spanish in my head)  Point is that Heavenly Father never gives us a break and he always wants us to find ways to better ourselves.  

I am very happy and animated and excited most of the time.  Every day gets better.  

Love,

Elder McRae

P.S.  We NEVER beat Williamsfield.  0-3 in Football and 0-1 in Soccer.  Please kill them!