week 96!!!

Hi, Mom.

So, I'm not going to lie. It's been quite the fight. Looking back, I just can't find the words to describe how much I've progressed physically, but especially spiritually. I've learned to not only study the scriptures, but love them. Preach My Gospel (the guide/manual we have as missionaries) is highly underestimated, as far as the things it teaches us and opens our eyes up to, concerning the potential we have as missionaries called of God. I can only hope to be able to continue to put to use the things that I have learned down here in Ecuador. Like I've already said, it's hard not to admit that it breaks my heart to leave all of the friends and families that I've come to know and love, and return to what I can't forget is my home. However, that won't change the fact that part of my heart will remain down here. Heheh, it's funny, because a lot of the people are asking me if I really am ever going to come back to Ecuador or not. I told them that it'll be too hard for me not to. Not too much has happened this week for me to report, but I'm happy to say that my companion, Elder Ames, is progressing a lot with me. I can only hope that he'll find the fire he needs to let others truly know how much he cares about their salvation, and how badly he's willing to give it his all in order to help them achieve it, as he says to me. Before I go, I just want to share a scripture that I found in my studies. I haven't memorized it yet, and I believe I've already shared it with Leilani. But, it's found in Doctrine and Covenants 18:44. I love what it says, and I've shared it with a fair amount of the Future Missionaries that have become my friends down here, as well. Until next week, I love you guys, and as the time keeps widdling down, I can't be more grateful for the love and support everyone's given me to help me make it this far. Thank you guys so much. Take care!!!

Con Sinceridad y Amor,

Elder Conner Duane "Poderoso" Parke