Day 8

One Great Big Family

      Our students are TIRED! After a long week, and a short weekend with lots of work, they all arrived to the chapel this morning exhausted. When I saw them roll into the classroom, long-faced and sluggish, I knew that I needed to find a way to help them remember WHY it is they were so tired, WHY they were going to class all day long, and WHY they were devoting their talents and expending their energy every day. I knew they were there for their families—I just had to help remind them of that. I also knew that they were there because they wanted to change their lives, improve their current conditions, and create generational prosperity. With that in mind, I asked them to stand and sing “Families Can Be Together Forever”. Before they sang, however, I asked them to sing this song with this same vigor and energy that they would sing “Called2Serve” if they were in front of the prophet.

      While the students sang, I began to look into the faces of my friends, my brothers, my sisters, my teachers. I could feel of their love, but I recognized that they had already been through a grueling week and that they needed to be inspired by their families, again. As I screened the classroom and looked at the students, I saw Samuel Teoyotl—a 35 year old man who is a wonderful father, husband, and has served as a bishop. When my eyes set on him, I remembered seeing him sitting with his son on Friday of last week reviewing his business records, teaching him how to help in the family business. I felt prompted to ask him to share how that experience with his son impacted him.

      As Samuel spoke, the Spirit testified of the importance of family prosperity. Samuel shared his experience of sitting with his son, teaching him to be a part of the business, and helping him realize that he could do the records for the business. His son is 11 years old, and Samuel said, “If the Lord gives the preparatory priesthood to 12 year old boys, I know that my son can have a preparatory position in the family business!” As tears streamed down his face, the students began to realize why they were here—they were reminded through the spirit that they were there because they want to create generational prosperity and break the bands of poverty. Samuel is the man who sat with Jeff Brownlow for nearly two hours and when the meeting was over he said, “Thank you. I know my family for generations will know the names Jeremi and Jeff and will forever remember the sacred experience of The Academy!” Those comments humble a man quickly.

Spencer also taught a fabulous lesson on pricing and market research. I think that it is because of Spencer and Lars that I have begun to see the need for internships with the Academy in Mexico City. There are hundreds of returned missionaries in the United States who are studying, who need to conduct internships, and by participating with the Academy they feel the mission in their hearts again and they are able to teach effectively everything that they are learning. We will miss Spencer, but we want to make sure he knows how grateful we are for the countless hours he put in these past 10 days. He has truly made this a phenomenal experience and a personal experience for many of the students. He spent hours with them, one on one, motivating them, directing them, showing them numbers and graphs, helping them realize that they can create family prosperity.

      Lars has kept the charts and graphs going for the rock project. Tomorrow, you will all receive a detailed Rock Project description with pictures and graphs. This experience has changed the mentality of every single student. They are puzzled, dazzled, and motivated when they think that nearly 10 days ago they were given rocks and told to make money. With nearly $2,000USD in cash, they can't fathom the reality that they have been the reason for the success. They were motivated, given the tools, and then they put their faith into action. How AWESOME!

      Matt Gunn has been a great addition to the team as well. Every day he comes prepared to learn and has insights that enrich the learning of the class. Sometimes his questions are only asked to me, in private, but those questions lead me to incorporate specific lessons as I teach. I have asked him to share those same insights in the class discussions and he has done so. Matt has a bevy of world exposure—he has traveled and spent tons of time around the world and his presence is appreciated and felt by all!

      I love this work. There is nothing like helping families obtain prosperity. Generational poverty can be eliminated one family at a time. This work reminds me of my mission: I am with men my age, prepared, filled with love, and all we do is concern ourselves with the wellbeing of our fellow brethren. I love Mexico. I love the people. I know the Lord will buoy this work up forever because our mission is sacred. I hope to always be a part of this great work. The saints will progress in Puebla. Families will progress. The Spirit will help and guide them. I love this work. I hope to improve every day and I am humbled by the daily experiences of working with these great people. I learned to love them on my mission and I love them more and more each day. I want to always serve and help the Mexican saints.