"My time is at hand" (3 Nefi 17:1)

Familia, Amigos, y Hermanos,

This week was crazy. I got to do divisions with a good friend of mine, Elder Speaker. Love you man.

That kind of absorbed the first half of the week, because Gualan is pretty far away. Once Elder Flores and I were back in our area, we found out we were probably being transfered. Since Elder Flores was the one to leave, we planned out the week so he could visit everyone one last time.

We especially worked hard on an activity we had last Saturday, for Guatemalan independence day. My companion cooked Baleadas, a delicious Honduranian food, there was delicious Guatemalan foods, some traditional dancing, and everyone was committed to bring a friend. Unfortunately, very few people actually brought friends, so that was kind of disappointing.

By the time yesterday came around, we were already ready to start the goodbyes, we were just waiting on the final word from President. But when it came, it knocked me off my feet. I found out that I would be the one leaving Estanzuela, not Elder Flores. So all of the sudden, the goodbye we had planned for him was suddenly for me. It was a really sad day, I said goodbye to a lot of people I love a lot.

Transfers in the mission are rarely as expected, but this was certainly the least expected one so far. I love everything about Estanzuela, and I don't want to go. But I know that my mission president is inspired, and that the Lord wants me in Sion right now. Like the hymn says, "I'll go where you want me to go"

Today, I said goodbye to the Zone, because my next area is all the way back in the capital. We had a fun day in Huité. I took my cast off today, which made it more fun. I'm so glad to be free of it after 3 weeks. It was pretty LAME.

So, my next area is a place called Sión (or Zion) in the middle of Guatemala City. It's a ward, but I will be whitewashing, with an Elder I don't know, named Elder Ortiz. Should be an adventure. It's been fun being a Zone Leader these last two transfers, but it should be awesome to dedicate myself entirely to Sión and the people there.

Transfer day is one of the hardest parts of the mission, especially when you're blessed with such good areas. I'm sure I'll love Sión just as much as my other areas. But these last two months have made me a better man, a better missionary, and a better leader.

In other news, Carmen came to church despite her father deciding to stop driver her. She'll be baptized as soon as she turns 18. I'll be cheering her on from afar. Stefany will be baptized this Saturday, but Elder Blaine with have to give my talk for me haha.

Hasta la próxima Estanzuela, I'm leaving a piece of my heart here

Elder Telford