Blessings, Sprint to the finish!

Hello friends and family!!

We started a fantastic week here in the work of the Lord this past Monday when we had the opportunity to go and give a priesthood blessing to Sandra Polanco (Alex's mom) and her new born baby daughter. It is always a privilege to go and give priesthood blessings. It was a very special experience to be able to be there with that valiant mother, and to bless her and her baby daughter with strength and health as they recover.

We had a companionship exchange this week with our district leader, Elder Varona. Elder Patano had the opportunity to go and work with Elder Varona for the day, and Elder Miller came to Camiri with me. We had a great time working together for the day, and we had some powerful moments in the lessons together. The next day, as I was getting ready for the day, we received a call from the mission offices. I answered, and one of the secretaries, Hermana Bullock, asked for me, and I was then informed that she was buying my flight to go home, and that she needed to verify my information. Wow, talk about the news that I did NOT want to hear. I can't believe that I am in the last few months of my mission, and that it is all coming to a close. Time to sprint to the finish!

This Sunday was amazing. We had several investigators come to church, listened to some inspiring messages about the Book of Mormon, and enjoyed the special spirit of the Sabbath Day. At the very end of Sunday School, I turned around after the closing prayer to a very pleasant surprise. I saw Angel Zuñiga (my ward mission leader in Villamontes), Elina Maraz (my pensionista in Villamontes) and the Familia Copaja Tejerina (my converts from Villamontes). They had made the two hour drive to Camiri to come and see me! I can't even describe how happy that made me. It was so good to be able to catch up with them, see how they were doing, and reminisce the good times we had out there. What a blessing to be able to see them. Elder Teixera, a general authority who came to visit our mission a couple months back, said that the friendships and bonds we create during our missions are a pearl that we will treasure our whole life, and I couldn't agree more.

To demonstrate my excitement for our multi-zone conference and the General Conference, Id like to relate something that happened yesterday. We were talking with a family of recent converts, inviting them to the General Conference this weekend, and Tatiana (the 11 year old daughter) asked us what General Conference was. I responded by saying, "It's when we listen to the Prophet and the 12 Apostles talk to the whole church.". Tatiana's reaction accurately showed the excitement that we all should have about General Conference. She replied, "ALL 12 APOSTLES AND THE PROPHET ARE GOING TO TALK TO US????????? I WILL BE THERE!!!!!!" I laughed and then thought to myself, "Finally! Someone who gets why I'm so excited for Conference this week! We are literally going to listen to God's chosen servants the week. We should be excited!"

Well, I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us all this weekend! Love you all, I hope you have a great week!

Love, Elder Christian Duvall Newman

Dad, well, I hope this sinus surgery goes better than the last one! Stay down and get some rest, as hard as that may be for you. Love you Dad, I'll be sure to tell you about the family we find this week in your birthday call.

Mom, what a full week! Sounds like you guys had a good time with Emma's drill banquet, Sarah's games, and all sorts of fun. I hope you have a great week in California with Emma! Love you Mom!!

Jackson, dude, that's awesome that you got to see Neal, Colton, Camden, and Nate! Good luck on your tests this week, and enjoy the Conference!! Love you Bro!!

Emma, bro, that sounds like a super sweet spirit bowl theme! Those were some awesome pics of the drill banquet, and how fun that you got to go up to Utah State with Jackson. Love you Emma, have a good week in Cali!

Sarah, well done in your games!! Enjoy your spring break and sleeping in! Have a great week with Callie and Dad! Love you Bear!!

Callie, sounds like a fun time playing with Reese and Hinckley, and a super yummy dinner! Way to be super reverent in Primary! Enjoy Spring break! Love you Callie!


Mom’s Questions: 

1. Have you lost weight since being in Bolivia? Elina Maraz Gareca shared a picture of you on FB messenger and you look skinny. It may be an older picture because wasn’t she from Villamontes?? 

Nope, that was a picture from yesterday! I honestly haven't weighed myself in a long time, but I think I am losing weight, hahaha.

2. You said it is the rainy season now. How often does it rain? Is it cooling off too?

This week was a little more sunny, but before it was raining everyday, and thank goodness that things are cooling off a little bit!

3. How are lessons with Alex coming along?

Super well! He came to church this week as well! He is reading the Book of Mormon and everything. He is super excited for his baptism.

4. What are you most excited about for general conference this weekend? 

I am super excited to receive the will of the Lord for us. Just like we read in D&C, it doesn't matter if it is directly from the Lord, or by the voice of His servants, it is the same.