December 3-Two self playing pianos

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Hello sweet friends of the Earth! I had a great week. I'm so happy to be serving in San Clemente California!

a few cool things that happened this week, my memory is foggy so I don't remember what days they occurred...

1. we went out on splits with an awesome priest.he drove us in his 1987 Toyota VAN. I have been so impressed with the youth in these wards. They are all so cool! They all look like stereotypical surfer bros, but they all have great hearts. Most of the people we are teaching have come because of the youth are reaching out to their friends and inviting them to church. I wish all the youth were like these.

2. We had our last official week day dinner and it was great. The coolest part was the self playing piano that they owned. I don't think I have ever seen one in real life. We requested song after song after song until we eventually had to go home. Then, last night we went to a members house and they also had a self playing piano! What are the odds of seeing two in a week?! I have added a self playing piano to the list of things I want when I grow up.

3. After trying to visit a returning member in our complex, we tried to talk to everyone we saw. We saw a lady getting things out of her car and we started a conversation. She told us she used to be in catering and said she loved working with "Mormons" because they are so kind and happy. e asked her if she ever wondered why, and she said yes. We ended up talking with her for over 30min and giving her a Book of Mormon. It was an awesome night and felt that she was put in our path by Heavenly Father. I also gained a testimony of talking to everyone.

This week I reread "becoming a consecratrared missionary" by Tad R Callister, and I really thought about what was holding me back from becoming one. I have been thinking about what things I need to sacrifice in order to become consecrated, and I recently have lacked in overall maturity. I need to use better language and be more dignified in the way I act around other missionaries and when I'm by myself. I know that I am always being watched by someone whether or not I know it. I know that I have been set apart as a relative of Jesus Christ and I am here to change my nature and become more like my savior. 

Elder Farrer and I memorized this scripture this week:

Alma 26:12 
Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.

This scripture has meant a lot to me since the beginning of my mission. I know I can do all things through Christ. I know and am grateful for all the miracles I have seen in the first 7 months of my mission, and I know there are many more to come. 

Stay Excellent 
Love, 
Elder Judd




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