Christmas in Granada - December 26, 2016

Hola todos!

What a week! It was slow and fast, really good, and really hard at some points. But here we go. This week was pretty good because we found a lot of new investigators. Quick story about one of them: I was doing divisions with a member and we were contacting houses and we passed by this guy sitting on his porch and we waved but I felt like we should go back and talk to him. So, we did and long story short it turned out that 5 years ago to the day, he was in a really bad car accident and died (cardiac arrest) but the doctors brought him back to life. And they told him that it was a close call and that God must want him to live for some reason. And on the day we passed by, he was sad because he couldn’t figure out what he needed to do with his life, and why he lived. And then we showed up. It was awesome to testify to him that God has a plan for him and that he can be made clean through the Savior and His atonement. He accepted a date for baptism and we are teaching them (he and his family) this week. 

Again, just goes to show you that this is the Lord's work, and that we are just here when he needs us. Anyways, we found some more new and some of the lost Nicaraguans (less actives, there are a lot) and they have family who are not members, and we will also be teaching them this week. We had a baptism this week, and that was awesome and things are just rolling. 

We also had lunch with President Brown this week and that was pretty cool. Also, this week we had more people come to church, so that was pretty nice. Fun things I ate this week that you didn’t: pigs head (awful), chicken foot (tasted like chicken), and pig skin (I would eat it again). So, Christmas: It was really awesome to talk to my awesome family! That was the highlight and our baptism. We also had a ton of food, and it was actually all really good. But the fireworks. Holy snot. It wasn’t too bad when we went to bed, but at 12:00 at night I awoke to what I thought was a war. The house was literally shaking, because of the fireworks. It sounded like gunfire and bomb blasts. This lasted for 20 min or so, and then I guess everyone went to bed. That is Nicaragua for you. But all is well. Wednesday is changes, and my companion goes home, so I will be getting a new buddy.  We will see how that goes! 

But for now, I hope all of you had a good Christmas and will have a good new year! Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers! Christ lives and He loves all of us!

Elder Erickson

And There Won't Be Snow in Nicaragua This Christmas - December 19, 2016

Hola todos!

Merry early Christmas! Things are just rolling right along down here in Granada. Life is just a blur. But it is a really awesome blur. The work is going well down here. We found two new families this week and it looks like they might be progressing, so let us see where it goes. We have a Baptism on the 25! That looks like it is good to go and things are picking up with the new year rolling around and I am beginning to figure this missionary life out. So hopefully more success will follow. 

This week we have a Christmas lunch with President Brown. We are going to a fancy hotel so that should be fun. Speaking of food, here are some things I ate that you didn’t this week. Pig foot soup, what I believe was duck ribs, and some strange root. All good times. 

Today I also went to Managua (Elder Arevalo had to take an English test) and I got to eat Burger King. 

It was so good. It was truly exciting. It is still really hot and humid. Apparently, it gets even worse in April and March. 

Fun thing that happened this week: The district where I am at had a Christmas devotional on Saturday night, and the missionaries in our zone did a skit and spiritual thought. They needed a Santa Clause for the skit and guess who got chosen? The only big white guy for miles. So now all the kids in the district know me as Santa Clause. It was a fun thing and the district liked it so there you go. Overall life is great here! I am really excited for Christmas, and I hope all of you are too! It really is a great time of year! 

This Christmas I would challenge you all to think about the Savior, and why he was born (answer John 3:16), and then think about what this means for you! And then share His light! Be a light to all those around you and try to do the things that Christ would do! I know that when we remember Him and try to be like Him we will be happy, even joyous, and there will be a new light in our life! I invite all of you to come closer to Him! He is the Savior of the world! He was born for all of us! Use His grace! It is there for all the people in this world! I testify that He lives! 

Thank you all for everything you do! Have a great Christmas and a great year! Feliz Navidad!

Elder Erickson      

It is 67 degrees and I am freezing! - December 12, 2016

Hola todos! 

Another week has flown by here in loco Granada! First of all, my food has significantly changed. In Masaya, it was like chicken and rice and beans. Let us just say that my meat selection has greatly expanded. I have also eaten lots of bugs. There are flies everywhere. I will just leave it at that. Now, I just don’t ask what kind of meat it is. I still have rice and beans. I don’t know what to do with myself when I don’t eat rice. I have eaten rice every day, rice is good. What is funny is, that some people cook rice better than others. 

We are still pounding the pavement out here in Granada. We have one investigator named Caleb. He is 9 years old and is not baptized. Most of his family are active members, but he just isn’t baptized. An awesome tender mercy I guess. His baptism is scheduled for the 25, so that should be cool. Lots of finding lots of teaching. People are happy to hear us the first time but we can never find them again. But we keep at it. Going strong until the end. The work is good! 

The fun thing is, is that often I am a tour guide here. let me explain. Granada is really touristy and there are a ton of gringos that don’t speak English that need directions or have a question. So, when they see this big white guy walking down the street the get really excited. So, I have talked to all the tourists. it is pretty funny. So hopefully when they get home they remember that this missionary in Granada helped them out, and the talk to the missionaries where they live. 

All of a sudden this week it got real cold and by cold, I mean 67 degrees. It felt like it was freezing to me. I was shivering and all. only in Nicaragua. We were also having priesthood class outside Sunday and it started raining, and we just kept going until it started pouring. What a life. I am having an awesome time here! The mission is crazy hard but it is more crazy good! Life is great here, amidst all the weirdness, but that is Nicaragua. 

This time of year, remember the reason for the season. Think about why the Savior came to earth and what He did for you specifically! He lives and because He lives we can all live again! Spiritually and Physically! Look for Him in your life! He is there! I know it! Love you all thanks for everything!   

Elder Erickson

Their shirts say "My mom said she is not here" (Which is what the kids always say to them when they knock on the doors)

Elder Erickson decorated for Christmas. (I think Mom needs to send a bigger sock!)