Jedi Mind Tricks, Teaching a Brit, & a Baptism

Hola familia,

Didn't think you would be hearing about Jedi mind tricks and teaching people with English accents from a missionary in a tiny pueblo in Mexico, huh? Welcome to Mexico, where anything is possible (yes, I am compiling a list of crazy things that happen in Mexico because anything is possible here).

We are teaching a guy named JS from England. He met a girl in a Spanish bar he was managing, apparently fell in love, and left his job and lifestyle in the UK to come live in Mexico, learn a new language, and work in a dirt mine. We are his first friends that speak English. We introduced him to the Ochoas because the Ochoas speak English and they, like JS, enjoy playing tennis. He is 95% atheist and not showing signs of quick progression. We likely won't be teaching him very actively with his girlfriend because of conflicting schedules and his lack of interest. It is fun to say that in the deep forest of Mexico we found a guy from England that we are teaching. His girlfriend is interested, but due to some foolish missionaries in England her perception of us could use some help. We will see how the lesson goes this week.

We baptized E and his family. We baptized him, his wife, daughter, and son. One daughter will be baptized in two months when she turns eight. It was great to see a whole family baptized together the same day. The wife has a firm testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel. I hope they stay active in the church because AlpucaYork needs all the people they can get!

I have been very satisfied with our converts. They are active, they have good member support, and they are all now receiving callings. Andres, our 15 year-old convert and cousin to Yuka, is sure to go on a mission. He hasn't missed a night of seminary and he is teachers quorum president. It makes me so happy to see how happy and strong our converts are in the church. Sometimes I worry we don't teach effectively the critical importance of going to church and actively living the gospel to our converts, but at the same time I think part of that process of realizing the importance of this gospel is self-realized. I have noticed that our converts that struggle the most to come to church (only 3) don't have good member support either in the home or near their residence. We will have to work on that.

Now for what you have all been waiting for-- the Jedi mind trick story! E. Blair and I were taking a break in the Zocalo (town square), chomping on some chips near a big group of borrachos (constantly drunk people). One came up to us and began blubbering his life story and how he wasn't a sinner because he decided not to get baptized so drinking wouldn't be a sin. Another came up and pushed him over and argued with him how he was a sinner. While we enjoyed this small show in the Zocalo, crinkly Cheetos bag in hand, a third zombie-borracho came up to us and began asking us for money. Then E. Blair did something that took me off guard. With two fingers together, he waved them slowly in front of the borracho's face and said, "you shouldn't drink."
"No... I shouldn't" came the reply.
Again, E. Blair waved his fingers in a Obi-Wan-like motion, "You should be baptized!"
"Si..." the borracho replied in mesmeric fashion.
Later the zombie borracho horde began closing in on us. We needed a way out, and what better way than to use the power of the force.
"We have to go now" E. Blair waved his magic little fingers. Access granted.
We left the Zocalo nearly in tears as we laughed at what had happened. The Jedi mind trick truly works!

Now onto reading your cartas.

Gracias!