6.16.13 Machala, Ecuador

Family,

My companion and I are suffering a little bit.  The program isn’t that bad, but it is not enough for Machala.  It is obvious that the focus before we got here was entirely on little kids from 8-10 years old.  We did have two baptisms this week, which was good, and they were both over 10.  Gabriela is 16, and Matilde is 55.  This week we will have a baptism of a 10 year old named Michael.  His parents are both inactive members that we have reactivated. 

The sector is pretty small, and surprisingly difficult.  Like I said, there are tons of little kids to teach but it is very hard to find teenagers and adults that are interested in the message.  But for some reason, I am here and I am just trying to find that out.  I had my last interview with President Montalti before he leaves for Venezuela.  It was great.  He loves the fact that I was born in Scotland.  The interview was pretty short.  He talked about how fast the time has gone by and thanked me for the work I have done.  He told me he loved me and that was about it.  We talked about the zone and some of the problems the zone is having and how we could fix them but it was a good last interview.  He told me to be obedient… not only in the mission, but for the rest of my life.  He said if YOU are obedient YOU will receive the blessings.  And that we obey because we love the Lord.  It was good.  My testimony has grown and matured a lot.  I have a very new outlook on life.

The new president will get here in two weeks. 

Love,
Elder McRae