Drugs, Pugs, and Plugs

You know how earlier I mentioned that Akon filmed his music video to "Ghetto" in the neighborhood where I serve every day?
Abandoned homes, broken in buildings, attack dogs, the works.

Weed, vodka, and alcohol are an everyday sight, and families here are so torn apart.
It is so difficult to see the circumstances here.

Louella came back this week! She has been gone with her family since the Gilbert Arizona temple open house trip that we planned a month ago, and she has been following the word of wisdom ever since! Clean of everything!
She walked in with a shining countenance and a ton of energy, a huge smile radiating off her face. She held up a white handkerchief and exclaimed: "I am going to the temple dedication, and nothing can stop me!" She has been at home resisting temptation for a week, and this Sunday, she was interviewed and received her recommend!!! It has been so incredible to see Louella turn her life around. I love Louella, she is the strongest person I have met on my mission, and a lifelong friend I plan to continue to keep in touch with!

Elder Vicznesky is a stud! He's one of my best friends! We get along so well, and we can be ourselves in lessons, and everywhere we go. We crack everyone up and bring the spirit to the people we see. And he's teaching me to chill out and not stress too much when people don't follow their commitments. 

I've learned this week to teach people how to take care of themselves, and let them know I am here for them, but then to back up and let them take action. I can't do everything for them! I can give them the tools to come to God, but I can't force them there! I just have to have the faith that God will watch over them, and hope that they can make it. 

The sisters baptized a lady named Vera this week! Her testimony was so strong, her parents passed away when she was only a teenager, and she searched for a church ever since. She said the day the sisters knocked on her door changed her life! Tearfully, and with the spirit, she explained solemnly that her Heavenly Father takes care of her. She told us all that He loves us each, and His hand is in our lives. It's true too! How powerful!

We are all working at lucid dreaming at the trailer! We are doing dream checks and writing down our dreams to make them more vivid every night! I keep dreaming that I will be leaving Fort Defiance next transfer! Hopefully not!! The other two elders that Elder V and I live with are so awesome, we have a blast every day. Life is so good.

This week I thought a lot about my family and friends. I wish that I could talk with each of you for even a few minutes, and I regret that I am unable to write you all as much as I wish I could! But I love each of you so much, there is a part of each of you here with me in Arizona. I cherish you all, and pray for you each day. 

Shizhe’e doo shima, baa aheeh nisin. Ayoo inishne!
Aadoo Diyin nihil daholo dooleeł.