Olá Familia,

    This last week went by fast. Last week I wrote about my legs being super sore from that service project. After we write our emails we meet up with some other Elders and play soccer. One of the Elders has a Dad that is a physical therapist, so he ``worked down the acid build up`´ in my legs. It was pretty pain full. Normally I wouldn't accept the offer of a leg massage, but on this occasion, it was hard to walk without pain, and stairs just made everyone laugh at me. After he was done I couldn't feel my legs, so that made soccer interesting too. haha. But it must have helped because I returned to normal after a few more days. We also had two more service projects this week. One was more or less spontaneous, when we showed up to our lunch appointment, and found out that the Dad was carrying 2 meters of bricks, and dirt down to his mothers house. So we hurried and ate then changed, to help them. The dad has a problem with his knee to he ended up tapping out for a couple hours, so we finished with his nephew, then hurried back to our house to shower and change for our 7 o´clock appointment with an investigator at the church. An investigator that ended up not showing up. haha. So we just tried contacting people in the streets until our time was up. Our Sunday here was good too. We had one new investigator come to Sacrament meeting, so that was good. Our other investigator that I sent a photo of last week also came to church, but had a little bit to drink, so it was a little bit interesting. We ended up taking him and another member to a room and read out of the Gospel principles book. So still a good lesson, haha. 

     This week I received a call from home alerting me of the passing of my Grandpa Darrel Hodge. It was sad to hear this news, but I was comforted by the knowledge of this Gospel. I know that he is in a paradise of rest, with my Grandma Hodge. In Alma we read, ´´the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.´´ The biggest lesson I have learned from Grandpa Hodge, is humility. When ever we asked him what he needed and what we could help with, he would reply that he had everything he needed. This always caused me to reflect on my life. Grandpa had a humble home, on a humble farm. He never had the newest things but he knew that his quality of life didn't depend on objects, it depends on what is in the home; family. Family is the real treasure of life. It has taken me a long time to realize and learn that lesson. We don´t need the coolest gun, or the newest truck of the line to be happy. Many times it can make happiness seem farther away, and thus begins the cycle of using your money and precious time, in a selfish cycle of self fulfillment. My Grandpa Hodge never did that, and he was on of the happiest people I knew. I am proud to carry his name with me throughout this journey on earth. and look forward to meeting him and Grandma again, after I have finished my test in mortality. I know that this life is not the end. When we die, we are only freed from the pains and burdens of this world, and can be accepted into a place of happiness, peace, and joy, where we can reunite with our loved ones, if we live up to our knowledge of the gospel. I know that He is in a better place, and look forward with hope and faith that I will see him again, with the rest of my family I haven't had the honor of meeting yet. I love my Family, I love this Gospel, and I love Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice made this plan of happiness possible. I love you all.

- Elder Child