¨Francisco...Francisco...that´s a funny name.¨

For starters, thank you to all that wished me a happy birthday.  I really enjoyed reading all of your emails wishing me a great day, tomorrow.  I will be thinking out that (but not too much ;)) tomorrow during my day.

So... to explain my email Subject.  In Spanish, the pope´s name is Francisco.  I couldn´t resist the ¨Elf¨ pun. :)  But isn´t that crazy that Bergoglio became the first pope, not just from Argentina, but from all of South America??  I´m sure that with the coming weeks there well be plenty of times to share our message of the true church with restored priesthood keys to curious people.  The more Catholic areas in our mission will probably hear more about it in contrast to other areas. (Corrientes, home of the saints: Gauchito Gil, and the Virgin of Itati.)

This week´s weather was amazing.  All week it´s been in the 70s and welcoming breezes.  A few days were a little rainy and overcast, but who´s going to complain about that?

On Sunday, several of the talks were directed towards testimonies and being converted.  It was really cool hearing three different people talking about the same thing.  Testimonies come when we feel and know in our heart that something is true.  Conversion, on the other hand, is a process.  It comes with continuous care and growth of your testimony.  How is your conversion coming?  Could it be better?  What can you do to make it better or continue its growth?

A week or two ago, President Heyman wrote a very intriguing email to us missionaries.  He invited us think of our talents.  He then asked us if we were using our talents here in the mission.  Feel free to do the same inventory of your own life.  Think of your talents.  What are you doing to use your talents to help others?  Try and use a talent this week to help another.  You´ll be blessed.

Well... this is the last time that you will ever hear from your 20 year old son.

One year older (and hopefully wiser too.),

Elder McMurray

PS This week, President Heyman informed us of a new rule.  I really have no idea if it´s worldwide or just my mission...  But we are now allowed to write from our email, ¨family, friends, and our church leaders.¨   Just a heads up...