SDSU YSA: "Splashing" explained

So the background on "splashing"...  Originally I heard it from a dude on the internet referring to making a 3 pointer in basketball...  But as a missionary it means baptism! haha Therefore it was a long distance "splash".  Sorta like the kind Jimmer would have done if he were to have gone on a mission... :) 

The solo went alright.  It was fun to try and sing again.  It had been a while... so it was a little nerve racking at first. haha 

And yes, we do have a proselyting card.  Every missionary gets theirs in the MTC and we are told to always have it on us.  I keep mine in my missionary handbook cover in my shirt pocket.  It says:

This certifies that the bearer, Elder Ethan John Rowbury who is in full faith and fellowship with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a duly ordained minister of the gospel and as such has authority to preach the principles of the gospel and to administer the ordinances thereof.  We invite all people to heed his message.

then it is signed by President Monson, has the date I entered the MTC, my signature, and -- yes -- an expiration date.  

That is actually a funny story because I kinda screwed mine up and made it look like a 5 year old signed it.  I didn't have a good pen for the kind of paper it is printed on so I have like a spotty printed Ethan Rowbury with a terrible signature (yeah, I still haven't figured out the whole signature thing...) next to it in a different pen. haha 

Juan is doing great! he has been sick so we couldn't see him this week but we should see him again soon.  Now the plan is Feb 22nd for his baptism.  We are super excited for him.  He is a ton of fun to teach.  

Mileena is still in Colorado for a week but she will be coming back soon to be confirmed.

We continue to see tons of miracles here! We have a new investigator who is really sincere.  He was raised Jewish so we are moving really slow with him to help him understand the basic principles of the gospel.  He came to church a week ago and really enjoyed it.  As he was walking around the institute (where we have church) he mentioned to one of the members, "This is really interesting, I've never seen art of Christ before." So we are starting at ground zero. Luckily with him being Jewish he has a good understanding of the beginning of the Old Testament.  Like the other day, he asked us, "What is a baptism?" and, "What is the Holy Spirit?" This last time we were teaching him it was fun to see him start fitting it all together.  We were talking about why Christ came and he would pause and get this look like he just had a really good idea and start talking about how that makes sense because in the Old Testament this obscure occurrence happened a certain way and how that helped him understand what we were teaching. But he is really fun as well. 

Those reminders were inspired this week.  We had interviews this past week with President Clayton and Elder Reece and I had to stay the whole time.  So, while everyone was getting their interviews we had time to sit in the waiting room and chat it up with Sister Clayton.  It was a neat experience because I realized more and more that President and Sister Clayton are normal people doing an incredible work.  The more I spend time around them the more I look up to them.  They are amazing.  

We found out some information about the Mission President that will be coming in July.  He is really young from what we have heard (maybe 40... if that...) and has 4 kids all under like 14 years old.  It is super exciting.  Also for the reminders, Elder Reece and I have been trying to eat healthier.  We have been eating like spinach salads and a chicken breast for dinners whenever the members don't take us out.  I am going to be drop dead gorgeous in no time! 

So yeah! That's my week! I love you and can't wait to hear back from you next week! :)

Love, 

Elder Ethan John Rowbury

ps: Thanks for sending my pants back!!! They were needed!