The time is far spent - May 26, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

I feel like my time in Raj is dwindling. We're not supposed to speculate about transfers but I still think I should be prepared. I'm a little crossed as to whether I want to leave next transfer or not. A new place would be fun and exciting but I don't want to leave the people I love here. But if I stay another transfer I know it'll be deadly when I tell people that I'm leaving. So many people cried when Elder Chagoya left that I don't know what I'll do when I tell them. Elder Loomis and I were talking about it and he said I should just invite everyone to the church, tell them I'm leaving and run out the back door where the escape auto is waiting and say "Sayoonara!".

Not to mention that next week we're taking a five day vacation to Hyderabad. A missionary on vacation? How is that possible? Well first we're spending Monday on a train just going to Hyderabad, then we have zone conference the next day, after we interviews on Wednesday and on Thursday we're going to Ramoji Film City for the zone activity (yes Jeevan, Ramoji Film City...I know you're jealous), then on Friday we travel home. I know it sounds junky but somehow it got approved so I'm leaving my beloved Rajahmundry for much too long. The saddest part is that that week is the final full week before transfers.

The saddest news is that last week I told Sagar and Manikiyum that they have to come to church on time. I warned them that if they didn't than something bad may happen (I was half joking and half serious). Well this Sunday Sagar came but there was no Manikiyum. Now her baptism date is June 14th, the Sunday after transfers. Now I'm really praying that I stay. I haven't told her that but she called me last night and explained that she went to her grandmother's house with her mother but she felt really bad. She seemed like she was about to cry so I just told her that we'll come tonight and just teach her and her brother the next night and that it was no problem. At least I'll definitely be there for Sagar's baptism, which I'm really proud of him for doing. He made sure to come before two-o-clock and was attentive the whole time. I also hope to see his younger brother Manindra receivethe priesthood.

We had a pretty successful week last week in the District. We have 10 people set with a date and with many new investigators. 11 investigators total came to church and we had our investigator and recent convert class fairly full. This Sunday we're hoping for much more. This week we're off to a good start. Already we found a slew of new investigators. Most of them have a pretty interesting story too. There is Vijay and Aruna, husband and wife who were converted to christianity five years ago. They saw us pass by their window and Vijay commented how hard we were working. Five minutes later we knocked on his door (we were going to pick up our cycles, I noticed he had a picture of Jesus hanging in his house and so we went to see who lived there). We shared the Restoration and they told us that they were looking for someone who could teach them more about Jesus Christ. We just smiled and rolled up our sleeves and said 'sure, we would love to do that'.

Then there was Sagar. One of our appointments cancelled and we were in a slummy area but we decided to go finding anyway. Down the first street I saw a door and I had a feeling about it so we knocked on it. A young bachelor opened up, smiled and let us in. His name is Sagar, he is Hindu and he lost his father five years ago. Ever since then he lost faith in all gods and didn't trust anyone (reminded of the discussion I had with LeGrand about trust and faith). Well we shared with him the Plan of Salvation and ended it with sharing a Book of Mormon with him. He seemed willing to try so we'll see.

Then we met a member referral. I've been trying to get in contact with them for over a month and now we finally got them. And they are a sweet family. Father passed away along with one brother and left is the Mom, 2 brothers and 3 sisters. I've never seen such a big Indian family. English was okay except for one, Madhu. They seem really good though. They were excited about Free English class (who isn't!) and they said they would come to church.

Elder Loomis made me proud yesterday because we got access to an apartment complex and as we were going up to a family we heard was Christian Elder Loomis saw an open door and said hello to the man inside. THere was a family of four inside and all spoke English (YES!).

Rajahmundry is once again magical!

Sorry this letter is a little shorter (I think at least). And Dano I love your letters. You got it tough out there but the Lord definitely called you to shine your smile. I guess it's easy to see the spirit work when you see other people working and it's tough to see it in yourself. Next week I hope I have a lot to share but I will have four proselyting days to talk about. No baptisms this week but June 7th we have one and I'm hoping that June 14th we'll have 7...but to be realistic we'll say 2:) Things just happen like that sometimes *cough*all-the-time*cough*.

Love you all a million super duper zone conference weeks!

Elder Curtis Mackay

Wait is Jai Ho the song that Riahanna sings (I'm not sure if it is but all the missionaries swear it has to be her)? I never knew it was from Slum Dog Millionaire. And yes that song will certainly bring back memories. I forgot to mention I met some American RM's last week who were making their tour of India. The total trip is costing them each $1000. That's what you get when you stay with members. I love all of your letters. Keep up the good work. I am so proud of all of you. When I read your letters I see a hard working family, unafraid of doing what is right. Love ya!