Hey everyone,

What a week! It definitely was a hot. My companion and I spent most of the week contacting people (knocking doors) to find those that the Lord has prepared to accept his gospel. As well we keep on teaching the family that we found last Saturday as well as the single mother with two kids and another family that we found this week. Things are looking good for the month of August. I can't believe that this is already the third week of this transfer. Time is going by really fast it seems. Days seem really short and especially when you keep busy and keep your mind focused on the Lord's work.

I've come to realize how important it is to lose yourself in this work if you want to focus and be successful as a missionary. You really can't worry or think about anything other than the people that you are teaching. That means putting aside any personal matters or relationships and sometimes even family. For me it is very hard to not be able to talk to my family especially this past week but I knew that if I trusted the Lord things would work out for the best and it seems like my prayers were answered and they did. I also miss Katie a whole lot but I know that we will be together again someday and I will strive to make her very happy when we are together again. I know that as soon as I can become 100% focused the Lord will bless my efforts as a missionary. I know that a lot of people are expecting a lot from me but no one is expecting more than my Heavenly Father. He really wants me to use the talents he has given me to be successful and I promise to give him nothing less than that.

I know that this work is true.

--
Elder Rodriguez

For behold, the field is white and ready to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul. Doctrine and Covenants 4:4