Ode to Bofo

So, I have met some pretty fan-freakin-tastic people down here and I would like to take a moment right now to give a shout out to Bofo. The first time I saw Bofo was in Stake Conference my first weekend in Mexico. He was gave a talk about his soon approaching mission call and his expectations and his thoughts on missionary work. That's all I can really tell you about that cuz I was still trying to figure out the language at that point. But, one thing that really stuck out in his talk was his love for the gospel and his dedication to it.

Then.... I got to know Bofo in a social situation. This guy is your typical social butterfly mashed together with your energetic class clown. He knows everyone, always has a joke to tell and he is hilarious. At least I think he is. Haha! He uses so much slang and talks so fast I only understand about half of what he says to other people and next to nothing when he talks to me directly. But, even in spite of my inability to really have a conversation with him for the first month or so, I grew to love this guy soooooo fast. He is one of those people who makes everyone feel included. He can make you laugh and cry in the same instance. He reaches out to everyone and that has been a HUGE blessing to me during my time here. While he is definitely capable of being a complete goof, he can do a 180 and become a serious, humble, spiritual being with many words of wisdom to depart. Seriously, I wish I could just bring him home so everyone could experience the awesomeness that is Bofo.

Ohhh... side note. I found out today that his name actually isn't Bofo. It's Saul. Haha! I love how nicknames work down here. So awesome.

Anyways, Bofo flies out tomorrow to serve a mission for two years in Guatemala. They had a setting apart for him today and it was very different from anything I have experienced in Canada. They held it at the Stake Center and the chapel was just as full as it is on any other Sunday. They had a whole meeting dedicated to him. There were talks given by the bishop, his mom, Bofo and the stake president. Afterwards, everyone had a chance to hug him and say goodbye for the last time. There was a line up that wrapped around the room and everyone sat quietly while hugs were given and tears were shed. It was amazing to see and the feeling as the spirit enveloped the entire room lifted my spirits so much. After that, the Stake President set him apart and gave him a beautiful blessing of comfort, strength and protect. Finally, the Stake choir preformed and I joined them. We actually sounded alright-ish for once! Haha!

I am the first to admit that I really don't know Bofo very well but I can tell you right now based on what I have observed that this man will work miracles over the next two years. He is going to rock that mission like no one else could with his friendly, charismitic ways combined with his solid testimony. I am super proud of him and quite sad to see him go.

Go get him Elder!