Trevor is HOME!!

Congratulations to Trevor! Good Job!!!

-Honorably released after more than 2 years of diligent service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

This what his 2nd pair of shoes look like now.....traveling all over southern Mexico :-)

Grandpa & Grandma Staffieri, Trevor, Dad, sister Reagan, and Mom at the San Diego Airport

March 4th, 2013

Kenny, Trevor, Kameron, & Kristian

Riley Stevenson came over later that evening to compare mission notes and stories at our home

Trevor will be home in San Marcos, CA on March 4th, 2013

Trevor will be home and released from his 2 year full-time mission on March 4th, 2013.  He can be reached via email at:

Trevor.Knight@myldsmail.net

Last letter home from my mission....

¡Mi querida familia! (my dear family)

Went to Palenque (Mayan city/temple and ruins) with the zone this morning. The hermana Laura took us to the "Hidden Temple" outside the park area. It was awesome. Well...

See you all next week!

Love, Elder Knight =)

(Yes, that's Trevor getting into the Baptismal font in his Sunday clothes to assist in a Baptism)

...what it's all been about - bringing souls unto Christ and the Gospel.....

Prophet named Lehi

Mi querida familia,
I am honestly so glad I'm still here! We have so many great things going on right now in our area and zone and mission! I can't wait to see so many miracles soon!
But I have NO time today, but I will share with you a wonderful dream from a prophet named Lehi. I love it. Ponder upon it, as it is very similar to a Parable like those that Christ so often used to teach.. Ready? Lets go.}

And it came to pass that while my father tarried in the wilderness he spake unto us, saying: Behold, I have dreamed a dream; or, in other words, I have seen a vision.
And behold, because of the thing which I have seen, I have reason to rejoice in the Lord because of Nephi and also of Sam; for I have reason to suppose that they, and also many of their seed, will be saved.
But behold, Laman and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly because of you; for behold, methought I saw in my dream, a dark and dreary wilderness.

And it came to pass that I saw a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; and he came and stood before me.
And it came to pass that he spake unto me, and bade me follow him.
And it came to pass that as I followed him I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste.
And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.
And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord I beheld a large and spacious field.
And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.
And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.
And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.
And as I cast my eyes round about, that perhaps I might discover my family also, I beheld a river of water; and it ran along, and it was near the tree of which I was partaking the fruit.
And I looked to behold from whence it came; and I saw the head thereof a little way off; and at the head thereof I beheld your mother Sariah, and Sam, and Nephi; and they stood as if they knew not whither they should go.
And it came to pass that I beckoned unto them; and I also did say unto them with a loud voice that they should come unto me, and partake of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit.
And it came to pass that they did come unto me and partake of the fruit also.
And it came to pass that I was desirous that Laman and Lemuel should come and partake of the fruit also; wherefore, I cast mine eyes towards the head of the river, that perhaps I might see them.
And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would not come unto me and partake of the fruit.
And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.
And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world.
And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood.
And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree.
And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost.
And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.
And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.
And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.
And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.
And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.
And now I, Nephi, do not speak all the words of my father.
But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.
And he also saw other multitudes feeling their way towards that great and spacious building.
And it came to pass that many were drowned in the depths of the fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads.
And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.
These are the words of my father: For as many as heeded them, had fallen away.
And Laman and Lemuel partook not of the fruit, said my father.
And it came to pass after my father had spoken all the words of his dream or vision, which were many, he said unto us, because of these things which he saw in a vision, he exceedingly feared for Laman and Lemuel; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord.
And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them.
And after he had preached unto them, and also prophesied unto them of many things, he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord; and he did cease speaking unto them.

I love you all very very much. Cling to the rod, please please please. Partake of this precious fruit that is the gospel. And do not be ashamed, for it tastes of life eternal. The work of the Lord is moving FAST now, we musn't get left behind.

Love, Elder Knight

Mi querida familia,

Les quiero mucho (I love you very much). Elder Johnson of the Area Presidency is coming this week. Getting ready to help the other missionaries, and somehow focus on our area at the same time. Its a never ending battle haha.

I'll write you next week. Feel comfortable with some fotos from this week. They are, after all, worth TWO thousand words together... =) One is from the bus coming back from Villa, were there was a bunch of indigenous people blocking the road back to Zapata, because of high electricity rates from the government.. We were sitting in a bus for like 7 hours, sooo lame. Elder Randolph bought fried banana chips. (bottom photo)

And another of the house we're helping Yinder and Magdalena build. Yinder is Suzana's son (she's pretty much a member not-baptized for marital reasons). Its made of wood boards. We re-cut the boards with machetes to make them all fit together more snug. Lots of service this week apart from that. I love it. Love the mission. Hate this keyboard because the H hardly works. The Y too sometimes. Whateverrrrrr. I hope you all have and awesome Single Awareness Day this week! =D     Don't forget to love those who don't usually get it.

Love, Elder Knight

A few weeks left down here in Mexico...

Mi querida familia,

This week, I feel like we have accomplished alot. Elder Randolph and I are working to help the zone remember the focus in converting, because it seems like a lot of elders are focusing on just reactivating. Its not bad, but uhhh we're not here to be home teachers. We are going to keep baptizing even though we work through the members and in-actives. Elder Randolph's and my work has been pulling through really well. We are seeing an increase in the branch, in the leadership's excitement to serve, and in AMAZING investigators that we have! Seriously, if we just focus on helping the people, God puts the ready people in our path. We were working with a bunch of the members a few weeks ago, and a member who we didn't even see that week brought her newly moved in neighbors to church that Sunday, Lorena and Mari, who have actually been taught by missionaries before! And they love the gospel. Mari is 10, but so stinkin' smart and creative. The other day she was taking egg shells and making little confetti-filled, or flour-filled, heads out of them by glueing a piece of china paper over the hole in the bottom of the egg shell. And then coloring with markers on it, and cutting more paper to make hair and bows for them. So cool, seriously. We have FHE (family home evening) with them tonight with Fabian's family. Should be good!

I have new shoes! We went to Candelaria all day Friday, and Elder Ruiz gave me a pair of shoes that a member offered him that didn't fit him well. They are doing well, and should last until March. They baptized this saturday, in the river by Candelaria. It was a great service, and we participated by singing a special musical number with 4 elders there.

Well, mom stop watching youtube missionary videos. And I'll see you in March. I just received my travel plans in my email, did you guys too? I think they got sent to Dad's email address.

Oh, and please tell Tanner and the Tenbergs THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Pres. Castañeda drove through our area after going to Triunfo yesterday, and called us asking where we were. He dropped us off a package he brought from Villa, one for Elder Randolph, and one for ME! I was so excited! Then I found out who it was from, and I was EVEN MORE excited! Thank you, you are the best. You know me SO well, thank you for sending me my RKT cereal, even 2 boxes! I can definitely HOARD at least one box, after sharing the other of course haha. Thanks Tanner for the letter, I am for sure looking forward to our good old midnight in-n-out runs as well, don't you worry pal.

Love you my family. By the way, on the way home from Candelaria on Friday, I was reading Jacob 5 while Elder Randolph was asleep next to me. Something about that bus-ride, apart from the dumb cobrador (conductor), made me love that chapter sooo much. I feel like I could understand it so well, like the Spirit was teaching me and directing me to all the right scriptures to help me understand it. Its a good read. Definitely suggested to all for a good 2 hour study session when you have the time to immerse yourself in it.

This week we're working on getting Jael and Julio married, then Jael will get baptized next week! Along with many more this month =) Prayers are very agradecidas. (Idk how to say it in english) (appreciated)

Con amor, Elder Knight

Conference with Elder Nelson

Mi querida familia,

This week has been crazy amazing! So much going on, and so much work, but soooo worth it without doubt!
For starters, Mosiah, an awesome young man in our ward, got his mission call last week! He's going to San Jorge, Utah! (St. George, my friends). He enters in the MTC on April 2nd, and is sooo stoked on life. He went to the Benemerito (its like the high school version of byu here in Mexico) and learned how to be a missionary, how to speak English, and how to just be awesome. He will be an excellent missionary. This week he got pretty sick of a stomach infection, but got better towards the weekend.

Friday our leaders didn't have much planned for the conference on Sunday, so we decided to do divisions and take care of it ourselves. Elder Randolph went with Victor on one side of the area to secure members' seats on the bus, while Mosiah and I were on the other side of town all day doing the same with the rest of the members and investigators. I couldn't believe it, Mosiah was still feeling a bit sick, but came with us (we needed his help sooo bad) and was walking around with me all day all over town without complaining or anything. He is great, and very knowledgeable about the gospel too. He's the seminary teacher right now.

And the conference went super well! Friday, as I mentioned, we pretty much just took control over the whole transportation scene, for lack of planning from our branch leaders, it was pretty upsetting. But with the help of Mosiah and Victor we got a lot done. We had to do everything possible all on Friday, because Saturday we had to be in the city of Villa already to hear Elder Nelson speak to the missionaries. Well we got it all done. And then Saturday night we came all the way back to Zapata, just to make sure everything went smoothly in the buses Sunday morning. We got to the chapel at 3 o'clock in the morning, and started calling EVERYONE to make sure they had already woken up, or were on their way. Some members showed up in cars, and we sent them back out to pick up those people who hadn't showed up yet hahaha. It all worked out fine, we filled the two buses we rented to the max! We even had to put primary chairs in the aisles of the bus for extra people to sit because it was just so full (try getting away with that in America!). I was one of them haha. We filled the two buses with 112 people, 6 being investigators who are way awesome. I'm so glad they all could come.

We got to Villa at about 8 o'clock and saved our seats for the conference to start at 10:00. I saw some of the members from my ward in Carmen!!! First I saw Karen, Alexis (Elder Cardenas's) sister, and she was so stoked and told me that Alexis is doing great in the mission in Argentina. Then I saw Fredy and a whole bunch of others who were all so excited. They all rented a van just to come see the Apostle. It was so worth it too! Some of our members were already there, like Pres Zenteno and Pres Carpio(1st cons district president) with their famiies. So our total attendance, including the Playa Larga members (who left their homes at 1 o'clock in the morning to come with us on the buses), was 120 from the Zapata branch. It was excellent. When we told Pres Valencia, who knew that on Thursday night our branch presidency hadn't done much with the transportation or anything, he just lit up and was like NO WAY. It took alot of work, we were dead tired yesterday after the conference. But on the bus, since I was in a primary chair in the aisle in the back, I turned my seat around and the Playa Large members and I had a lesson, reviewing our notes from Elder Nelson's talk about the families. It was good to review it, and make sure it didn't just all fly by their heads. But then when we finished, everyone fell asleep the last hour of the ride home haha. Elder Randolph was in the other bus, and got a bunch of pictures of all the members sleeping.

As for the conference, it was amazing. Elder Nelson talked to the people about the things that a parent shuld teach their children. I will share the things with you later.... As for our work here, February looks like its going to be an amazing month for our branch. Lots of converts who are really converted! And more converted members too. I'm going out with a bang, thats for sure!

 

I love you all. Keep up the amazing work at home!

Elder Trevor Knight

P.S. I told Mosiah that I was going to pick him up from the airport in Utah when he goes to the MTC in provo en April, and I'm going to find him a place to stay. Soooo, don't plan anything important for the end of March, or beginning of April pleaseeee, unless its in Utah haha. Love you all! P.S.S. In what city do Chelsea and Danny live exactly? I'm so stoked to host Mosiah around Utah before he enters the MTC! His mom speaks English and wants to come too, they lived in New York for a while and are the closest thing to an American family here in Zapata haha. STOKED!!

1.21.2013 Letter home

Mi querida familia,

Wow, well these two weeks have been crazy! We are super stoked right now, because Elder Russell M. Nelson is coming this Saturday to talk to us, the missionaries, and Sunday he is going to address all of the members here in Tabasco! They rented out a conference center in Villahermosa that holds like 5,000 people. Its going to be crazy cool. Everyone's going! As missionaries, we are all preparing ourselves by reading ALL of Preach My Gospel before he comes. Yup, all 13 chapters in one week. We started on Friday, and it is amazing! It is helping us so much. Elder Randolph and I have only gotten through the first 3 chapters so far, but it is so helpful studying it fast, because it gives us  broader vision of what we should be doing and how we should be working and teaching. I invite everyone to do it, whether its in Preach My Gospel, or a leaders manual, or a Strength for the Youth, Personal Progress, Duty to God. Just a quick read through and we get a better perspective of what to do every day. Our vision is increased, and the Spirit is more able to guide us because our minds are conditioned to understand His "dialect".

Last thursday Elder Randolph and I accompanied Pres. Rosales, from Church Maintenance in Villahermosa, to visit and revise the houses of prayer in Candelaria, Triunfo, and Playa Larga (Long Beach haha). We went, looked at what improvements could be made, according to the growth potential in the area. It was way cool going with him, I learned alot. He had never seen the hosue of prayer in Playa Larga, so we went to show it to him. And we told him about an idea of renting out the house of a sister who used to live there, but now lives in Carmen, and converting it to a bigger house of prayer than the one they have now. We took the hermana Francisca with us when we got there, and she was so excited! She called her husband Lorenzo, because he was working, and asked him for the sisters number to contact her about the property. The members are so excited! We should see some progress in the new house of prayer in the next few months. Maybe before I leave, hopefully! That would be so cool to see it.

Our attendance at church is growing. We are focusing on strengthening the members alot, and it is awesome to see how we can still do missionary work while doing "home teaching"(Almost). We find family members who aren't members, friends in the less-actives' homes who are interested. And we have more investigators, and members in church every week. Working with the members is inspired, not just working with them (along their side) but working with them (ON them) so that they are more converted members, and faithful to their covenants made. It is wonderful to see how great it all works.

We as missionaries just love seeing people happy and changed by the gospel. It is a wonderful feeling, that you have been a useful tool in the Lord's hands to bless His loved children. Just like that quote I shared with you a few weeks ago from Pres. Monson, about being on the Lord's errand. There is no greater joy in life, really. I plan to continue looking for these opportunities forever, even without a nametag on my front pocket that says so.

Elder Randolph and I have been arguing a bit lately (not seriously) about whats alright to take home from the missionary(not that we're trunky, but planners). I loved this talk I found a few months ago in a Liahona:  "Gifts to Bring Home from the Mission Field" (Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley) 

I was telling him how I plan on giving my scriptures to a young man here, who could use them to prepare himself for the mission. And Elder Randolph freaked out saying I need to keep them. I'm not sure what's right, but I'm pretty set on giving them to him. Elder Randolph argued that my scriptures could come in handy if I got called to serve in a spanish position or something.. "Well I'll buy another pair of scriptures then, or download it on an iphone I'm sure," I replied. We'll see what happens... Haha

I'm loving being here, we are helping the branch grow, and the leaders to be more united. Instead of everyone pulling in different directions and not getting anywhere, why don't we all just work towards the same goal?! The members are starting to feel more love here, and beginning to share it with others who come too. Its good stuff.

How's Elder Stevenson? I met some guys the other day who speak Tzotzil, and were trying to teach me a few words in the mechanic shop of a member. We came to the conclusion that it seems kind of similar to Spanish, but then not at all really haha, because I still couldn't speak it I don't think. But then I heard that Elders in Chiapas are certified translators in Tzotzil, is it true? That would be cool. I don't speak any dialects, just "Castallano" haha (Central-American Spanish)

Hope you are all loving life right now. Its way cold here in Tabasco, freezing to death somedays. But I bet its nothing compared to Utah haha, I'm just accustomed to the heat here now. We're hoping the heat comes back, (1) so that we don't have to take ice showers anymoreee, and (2) so that Elias can have more business in his ice cream store. He's the ice cream guy who lives on the corner like 3 blocks from our house. We always say hi to him when we pass by, and we talk with him about the gospel. He went to a way in depth Catholic Seminary for 4 years when he was younger, and understands alot about Jesus Christ and His life. It was amazing, yesterday he came to church for the first time (he usually always stays in his business to work), and just by the work of God, Pres. Vasquez came to visit our branch by surprise. He's the second counselor in the mission presidency, and used to be in the CES presidency in Mexico or something cool. Well he came and gave an incredibly inspiring talk about the life of Christ and the miracles He performed. Elias loved it, and I presented them to eachother after and Elias said he wants to keep coming and learn more. He likes listening to us and our message. I guess some TJ's went to his store the other day and left a pamphlet, but he didn't like what they taught because they told him that Satan governs the world. Elias understood that its not true, and that even though there are temptations, we are not subject to obey them, or even expected to. We are our own free agents, and we choose our actions, whether for good or bad. He is basically an awesome investigator. He's about 50 or so years old, has a son who past away when he had 16 years old, and he has faith! We're just trying to get him to close the store on Sunday, but like everyone he says that "Sunday is the best sales day" (P.s. DO NOT BUY ON THE SABBATH DAY!) If he does, the young woman that works with him Yajaira could attend church too. She is interested, we found her studying her Book of Mormon that we left her the other day at work, and she has gone to church before with a young man from the branch too! Miracles. They are the only two progressing investigators that I think we have right now, who we found alone. The rest are all references(better.)

Got to go!

Love, Elder Knight

"Errar es humano; perdonar divino." -Alexander Pope (To commit errors is human; but to forgive is divine)

(Beautiful part of Mexico-not!  Notice the corn growing around the garbage lol)

A letter to my missionary sister...

MI QUERIDA HERMANA Haley (my dear sister Haley),

This letter is moreso directed to you today, but I figure we'll share it with the family too...

I was thinking in this last week about what I would like to tell you before you went into the mtc this Wednesday. I thought of a few talks, and a few other random things I wanted to share with you. I want you to know that these (almost) 2 years have truly been the best of my life, I have learned so much and grown (not physically) a lot too. Even with many trials and faith-breakers, the Lord has always watched over me. I know He lives, and answers our prayers. I am grateful for those who pray for me, and us as missionaries. I don't know if there's a group of people more prayed for in the world, except for the prophet! I feel these prayers, and surely have needed them many times. The mission has been a testimony to me that the very best things require the very best effort. I'm grateful for this lesson, and especially for my parents who also prepared me by teaching me since forever ago. Haley, we surely have been born of goodly parents. NEVER forget that...

First of all, I want to share a few talks with you to study a bit: (Print them out and take them with you too..)

What I want my DAUGHTER to Know before SHE leaves on HER mission -James E. Faust

Becoming a Preach My Gospel Missionary -Elder David A. Bednar (I can't find it on the internet, and I only have it in spanish, and on a CD in english. you could ask a missionary there at home and maybe they'll have it, a lo mejor sí. If not, I will swiftly be sending you a good package of nifty things when i get home. I just can't send a lot of things now, for fear that you or i may never see them again... hahaha) But look for it! It's awesome!

Act in All Diligence -Henry B. Eyring (Its a priesthood talk, so it doesn't entirely apply to you, but amazing because he talks about the atonement in such a beautiful inspiring way)

Second, a little list that I myself made... =) with a little help from elder randolph (sorry my capitalization sucks, but my keyboard is really sucky at this ciber)

1. Make every moment count, whether you've got 2 years, 1.5 years, or even a month and a half... Because you will want it back. Don't you take a minute for granted!

2. Don't even think about going back home (unless your mission president tells you to go early, of course) You will be so much better off in the mission, I promise, even if its "just for a few weeks/months"

3. Learn to share EVERYTHING with everyone... Life is just a whole lot easier this way. Trust me. Learn it quick, and just be ready to share, always.

4. Be yourself! Always! Because there's no reason in being fake. and be your BEST self! Let the mission, not so much "change" you, but rather "cut off your rigid edges" (See PMG ch.6)

5. Get everything as small as possible. Everything smaller is better. Transfers will be a nightmare if you don't. play it safe, prepare, and get the small stuff.. :) I hear they sell some cool little preach my gospel now, i wish they had those when i started the mission, because i always have to carry my big one aroudn to district classes and on buses because it doesn't fit in my bag. But simply, just go small, for the better. (Alma 36:6-7) hehehe

6. Learn to discern. whether it means discern the truth from lies, or the spirit from the adversary. The Gift of Discernment is a Gift of the Spirit. seek for it, because it is an incredibly useful tool in the work.

7. Love your companion, and be willing to have fun with them. Do not judge others, especially your companion. Love those who despise you. I wish I would have known this earlier in the mission with a certain companion, would have made things a whole lot easier. now i understand, but too late...

8. Study the scriptures EVERY day. Sundays and P-Days too. it can be hard sometimes (well at least here) but it changes your whole day's experience)

9. When you write to your Mission President, imagine you are writing to the lord. He is a representative of our Lord, and when we report to him, we are reporting to Him. =) sometimes i even write "Dear Savior" or something similar before i write, and then right before i send it, i change it to the president's name. it helps me to remember for who I am working every week.

10. Write your brother every week. Never fail.. =)

I love you so much Haley, and I am so ridiculously proud of you. I tell everyone that my sister is going on a mission, and they are all praying for you too. You have so many people who love you, who appreciate you in their lives, me being one of the first. I may not be the perfect missionary, but I wanted to share my thoughts with you, they are my personal suggestions for my sister.

May God be with you 'til we meet again. Who would've known that when you dropped me off at the provo mtc february 2011, we would be saying "Hasta luego" until another 3 1/2 years? Its a tad bit long, but worth it in the work of the Lord. He is our Savior and Lord. He is the great Jehovah of the old Testament, and the profesied Mesiah of the new testament. He died for us on calvary, He lives, and is watching over us as we prepare this earth for His pleasant return. may be be ready. Serve Him, my sister. There is no greater joy for the soul. And soon enough we will be laughing about how true it all is.

With all my love,

Brother.

January 7th, 2013

Mi querida familia,

This week has been AWESOME! I am so sorry I have not been able to write you all lately. I just never feel like I have time on Mondays. I have dedicated a lot of my time to making informes (pamphlets) and handy formats for our zone. It seems to be working too, because we had an awesome zone training meeting on Friday, following the Zone Leader council from Tuesday and Wednesday, in which I got to share one of the checklists I made for the Elders to help them focus every day. President seemed to love it, when we presented it as part of our one plan for the month here in Zapata. Things are looking bright here in Zapata in January. Takes a lot of planning, which we still fault a lot of, but we're getting there I feel it.

Things are going well here in the mission. Things are changing still, a lot. But I feel like I'm finally starting to understand everything and get the handle of things. Elder Randolph and I get along really well, but almost too well. We are both way too sarcastic with each other. (Dad, I thought I had changed, but Elder Randolph just brought the sarcasm right back out of me..ha ha) And sometimes the sarcasm just goes over border crazy(We are literally on the other side of the border, btw). Christmas was awesome, we found some chispitas and other fun stuff and played with them on the roof Christmas night. We then had our late Christmas after bringing our packages home from Villa on Wednesday, Elder Randolph's family sent him the 12 days of Christmas with tons of packages, and a stocking for me too. It was crazy. and I got the best package ever from my loving family. Thank you so much for everything. Haley, O Holy Night is also one of my favorite Christmas songs, don't you worry! I made a sick Motab CD with pure Christmas music and we've been listening to it ever since October (I was so prepared for Christmas, right?)

Well we've been working alot, but in new ways, and we see it working a lot here in our area. Along with teaching investigators, we have a list of 50 families in our ward, with whom we also make priority to visit and edify every day. It is working! And strangely (more like miraculously, because the Lord is not strange in His work) it works all around! We had more investigators in church than normal, and the attendance went up this week in church! We had 8 investigators in the sacrament meeting, and 12 less-actives. There's an easy 20 more people coming closer to Christ this week. It was way cool. We usually count just the investigators, but as of last week I started counting the recent converts and less-actives too, and keeping track of them. It is so cool to see them progressing! But now the only thing that worries us is keeping them here, because we are trying so hard to convert people to Christ (and NOT to us). Like instead of having them come for us, they know that they're coming for the Lord, and that is what makes it count. That is what makes me want to stay in the mission, is seeing these people PROGRESS. Even if they're already members, it is just so awesome seeing them come back into the fold. Now, seriously, our only hard part is to make sure they feel good about the transition of returning to the branch again and interacting with the members and leaders. If you think there's drama in your wards in the states, WOOO its nothing compared to MY branch here. I guess there's drama anywhere you go, but this is like a straight up novela some times. I swear, I feel like we are in a novela some days with the stuff that happens here.

Bad news: Elder Carpio came back from his mission, I guess he didn't feel worthy there in the mission, and is coming back. In fact his plane flight should be coming back at this very second landing in Villa. His parents were way upset when they heard the news, President's wife called us and told us, and so we went and comforted his family that day (Friday). Who knows how the branch will react. If you have any helping or comforting words, feel free to share them with me (to share with him), it would be very much appreciated. I check my email often, for emails from the elders and secretaries, so you can send it soon (if you feel so). I know there are a few Elders who have had to return early too, and your counsel could be more helpful than mine for him because you've been in his shoes. Thank you.

I love you all. 2 months and we'll all be working together at home. Lots of people to help over there too, ya know :)

Love, Elder Knight

P.S. I found this quote last night on the back of a DVD box.  It's called "On the Lord's Errand", its about the life of President Thomas S. Monson.  I borrowed it and watched it today in between washing clothes this morning at Atilana's house.  Here' the marvelous quote that I love (note: there is an edit....)

" The sweetest experience I know in life is to feel a prompting and act upon it and later find out that is was the fulfillment of someone's prayer or someone's need.  And I always want the Lord to know that if He needs an errand run, [Trevor Knight] will run that errand for Him."