Elder Kasey Crafts
Dear Friends and Family,
Merry Christmas!! This week was great. The Christmas season is a great time to share the gospel!
My new companions name is Elder Bradley. He is from Brigham City Utah and has been on the mission for 16 months. He is awesome! I am learning a lot from him all the time. He has no fear of man which is absolutely awesome. I am learning a lot because of that.
We have met some of the nicest people this week and also some of the craziest. On Saturday night we got a phone call from a investigator named Edger. He was on the run from some of the bandillas (gangs) from Mexico. A lot of the big gang members will move to Tornillo or Fabens and live here and then go to Juarez everyday and do all the gang stuff. Somehow Edger had gotten mixed up in the gangs and called us because he needed help. Luckily not much earlier Sister Kimble had given us a paper of all of the emergency call lines in Texas. We gave Edger some phone numbers to call so hopefully he's alright.
I also learned another amazing thing this week. It was in essence that if you feel the spirit in the lesson then that means that the investigators are feeling it as well. They may not know it, or understand it, or want to admit it, but it is a sure thing that they are feeling it. It is because the Holy Ghost wouldn't just come so that you can be edified and only you can feel the spirit, he is going to be present so that everyone that is there can realize that our message is true. That is why it is so important to help people understand the feeling they are feeling is the Holy Ghost.
I love you all and I hope you have a great week!
Feliz Navidad!
Elder Crafts
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Sister Amy King
I hope that all of you have had the chance to see the Christmas video "He is the Gift" that the church produced! If not go look it up right now! And share it to your facebook, instagram, twitter, whatever you prefer, but share it! Its a truly amazing and powerful reminder for what this season is about. That Christ is the most amazing gift that this earth has ever received. We have seen miracle after miracle from this video, from how powerful it is.
On sunday we went out harvesting, and we were with one of our youth, Shayla, who is a pretty amazing missionary already! We went to a street and parked, but none of us were really feeling that street. So we said a prayer, and felt we should go. We drove around for a minute and we all felt prompted to go to one specific street. So we started harvesting and as usual got a few doors slammed in our faces. We knocked on one door, Nancy, and as soon as we said we wanted to share a special prayer with her she immediately let us in her home. It's always such a breath of fresh air when people let us in, and we don't even have to ask! We find out there are some major struggles with her two grown children, and the family is just struggling all together. She also had no Christmas decorations up, because she wanted to remember the true meaning of Christmas this year. So we say a prayer with her, and she was truly touched by the spirit as sister Doman said the prayer. We invited her to be baptized and she accepted right away, because she knew that we were sent to her at that specific time. So we then showed her the He is the Gift video, and she cried while watching it, she loved it, and she was also soo happy and grateful for us. But she is truly amazing, and heavenly father was preparing her for us is so many ways! We are so excited to continue to teach her more!
I've had an amazing week, and seen so many miracles! All is well
Feliz Navidad from the sunshine state! And don't forget to #ShareTheGift
LOVE sister King
I hope that all of you have had the chance to see the Christmas video "He is the Gift" that the church produced! If not go look it up right now! And share it to your facebook, instagram, twitter, whatever you prefer, but share it! Its a truly amazing and powerful reminder for what this season is about. That Christ is the most amazing gift that this earth has ever received. We have seen miracle after miracle from this video, from how powerful it is.
On sunday we went out harvesting, and we were with one of our youth, Shayla, who is a pretty amazing missionary already! We went to a street and parked, but none of us were really feeling that street. So we said a prayer, and felt we should go. We drove around for a minute and we all felt prompted to go to one specific street. So we started harvesting and as usual got a few doors slammed in our faces. We knocked on one door, Nancy, and as soon as we said we wanted to share a special prayer with her she immediately let us in her home. It's always such a breath of fresh air when people let us in, and we don't even have to ask! We find out there are some major struggles with her two grown children, and the family is just struggling all together. She also had no Christmas decorations up, because she wanted to remember the true meaning of Christmas this year. So we say a prayer with her, and she was truly touched by the spirit as sister Doman said the prayer. We invited her to be baptized and she accepted right away, because she knew that we were sent to her at that specific time. So we then showed her the He is the Gift video, and she cried while watching it, she loved it, and she was also soo happy and grateful for us. But she is truly amazing, and heavenly father was preparing her for us is so many ways! We are so excited to continue to teach her more!
I've had an amazing week, and seen so many miracles! All is well
Feliz Navidad from the sunshine state! And don't forget to #ShareTheGift
LOVE sister King
Sister Karli Belnap
Hi there, everybody! What a week it has been!
First of all. The people in the south are so unbelievably nice. My companion is probably so sick of me saying that every time we talk to someone. But it is true. Everyone is so nice and talkative. It cracks me up. I have heard so many people's life stories just by asking like one question. I love it. But it makes it hard to share the gospel because they just go go go! We don't have a lot of sit down appointments. The only two we have had this week weren't home when we went over. We've had ward members come out with us twice this week and we go visit less actives. Which is pretty fun! We went tracting once in Downtown Corinth. There are some nice houses. There is one that takes up the whole block. That was pretty fun. We were caroling, and only two people answered the door! But it was still a blast! =) We also do store contacting a lot. Where we basically walk around in Wal-Mart or in little shops downtown and pass out "He is the Gift" cards and ask if we can come teach them. That's pretty fun too. I am getting more comfortable but I definitely have a long way to go.
Series of Miracles for the week:
So we forgot to gas up the car Saturday night so we were completely out after church on Sunday. So we had to bike to our appointment with a man named "J". (Not part of the miracle, but entertaining none the less: we got chased by a barking dog for a block or so. So my companion was freaking out, but the dog wasn't even right at our heels so I wasn't too freaked.) But we get to the point where we need to cross the highway and she yells over her shoulder without looking back, "GO STRAIGHT THROUGH" and then takes off across the road. I panicked and stopped. She goes straight through. We were not at an intersection or anything. So I had to wait a while before I could cross. It was awful, but whatever =P ) As we are biking Sister Dillon's chain falls off her bike. And we cannot get it back on. So we decided to chain up our bikes and continue on foot. As we are walking our bikes to find somewhere to lock them we meet this man named "T" and he fixed the bike chain. We asked him if he would like a message about Christ sometime and he was very excited for that. So we set an appointment with him. Then we continue on our bikes to "J"'s house. Well when we get there no one is home. So we biked out here for nothing. So we bike down the street and these people are on their porch and we ask if they could use a message about Christ. They tell us no and we ask if they know anyone who does. They tell us a specific house down the street. We give them a "He is the Gift" pass along card and they were pretty excited about it and we told them we would come check back sometime to see what they think. Then we go to the house they told us to go to and we got an appointment set up for Wednesday there. Then we continue on to a part member family's home. On our way we talk to this man named "JB". Who tells us he knows all there is to know about Jesus. But that he appreciates what we do and to be careful on our bikes. The lady next door was outside too but we rode past. Then both me and Sister Dillon knew we should go back. So we did and she was distracted but said we could come back next week at a specific time. Then "JB" stopped us again and told us his brother had just died and his other brother was sick. And he asked us to pray for him. So we told him we would and we are going to go back over there later this week too.
Big long story I know. But I just thought it was really cool that because we hadn't gotten gas, we we had to bike. And because the chain fell off the bike we met "T. And because "J" wasn't home we were able to meet all those other people who all had a little bit of potential to hear the gospel. The things that didn't go the way we wanted them to led us to different things that Heavenly Father wanted us to do. Who knows, maybe nothing will come out of all those meetings, but it was still a really neat experience.
On Saturday I had a mental breakdown. Like major. This whole mission things is completely new to me. My companion still is in shock that I have never really even been away from home longer than a week. I am completely out of my comfort zone. I can't even really pinpoint what it is that is so hard and what caused me to freak out, but I think it was just a combination of everything. It's a lot to take on. There is a Sister in my district that I got to talk to last night, Sister Smith. She has been out three months and she struggled bad at first. She said to me, " It might feel like your whole world is crashing down around you, and to be honest it probably is. But it is doing that so Heavenly Father can help you build up a better world." And it's true. I was contemplating whether or not to write about my struggles this week, because there was plenty of good this week to make it sound like I am doing perfectly fine. But that wouldn't be true. This weekend has been hard. I have cried a lot. I wake up some mornings ready to cry again, but I know that Heavenly Father is aware of me. I know that the hard times are honestly why I need a mission. It is through trials and hard times that I have to turn and rely on the Lord. Back home, although it is comfortable, I won't experience what I need to build my testimony to where it needs to be. Sister Smith also said, "When things get hard you know it is time to learn." Things can smooth sail for a little bit, like the first few days here, but eventually I need to start learning. And that's what I need to do right now. But it sucks. I hate feeling like this. I just want to love my mission. Love everything. and do great. But that takes time. And I need to be patient, with myself and with the Lord. I am still struggling. And I probably will for a while. I'm probably going to cry a lot. But I know it's all part of the process.
My favorite scripture this week is 1 Nephi 17. It came at the perfect time. v.51- Heavenly Father isn't going to lead me out on to a mission (or to go build a boat) and then just leave me to do it by myself. I just have to trust in him to learn what I need to learn. That's the hard part.
I love you all. I say again: Please write me! I love receiving letters or emails. It's just fun.
Sister Belnap
Hi there, everybody! What a week it has been!
First of all. The people in the south are so unbelievably nice. My companion is probably so sick of me saying that every time we talk to someone. But it is true. Everyone is so nice and talkative. It cracks me up. I have heard so many people's life stories just by asking like one question. I love it. But it makes it hard to share the gospel because they just go go go! We don't have a lot of sit down appointments. The only two we have had this week weren't home when we went over. We've had ward members come out with us twice this week and we go visit less actives. Which is pretty fun! We went tracting once in Downtown Corinth. There are some nice houses. There is one that takes up the whole block. That was pretty fun. We were caroling, and only two people answered the door! But it was still a blast! =) We also do store contacting a lot. Where we basically walk around in Wal-Mart or in little shops downtown and pass out "He is the Gift" cards and ask if we can come teach them. That's pretty fun too. I am getting more comfortable but I definitely have a long way to go.
Series of Miracles for the week:
So we forgot to gas up the car Saturday night so we were completely out after church on Sunday. So we had to bike to our appointment with a man named "J". (Not part of the miracle, but entertaining none the less: we got chased by a barking dog for a block or so. So my companion was freaking out, but the dog wasn't even right at our heels so I wasn't too freaked.) But we get to the point where we need to cross the highway and she yells over her shoulder without looking back, "GO STRAIGHT THROUGH" and then takes off across the road. I panicked and stopped. She goes straight through. We were not at an intersection or anything. So I had to wait a while before I could cross. It was awful, but whatever =P ) As we are biking Sister Dillon's chain falls off her bike. And we cannot get it back on. So we decided to chain up our bikes and continue on foot. As we are walking our bikes to find somewhere to lock them we meet this man named "T" and he fixed the bike chain. We asked him if he would like a message about Christ sometime and he was very excited for that. So we set an appointment with him. Then we continue on our bikes to "J"'s house. Well when we get there no one is home. So we biked out here for nothing. So we bike down the street and these people are on their porch and we ask if they could use a message about Christ. They tell us no and we ask if they know anyone who does. They tell us a specific house down the street. We give them a "He is the Gift" pass along card and they were pretty excited about it and we told them we would come check back sometime to see what they think. Then we go to the house they told us to go to and we got an appointment set up for Wednesday there. Then we continue on to a part member family's home. On our way we talk to this man named "JB". Who tells us he knows all there is to know about Jesus. But that he appreciates what we do and to be careful on our bikes. The lady next door was outside too but we rode past. Then both me and Sister Dillon knew we should go back. So we did and she was distracted but said we could come back next week at a specific time. Then "JB" stopped us again and told us his brother had just died and his other brother was sick. And he asked us to pray for him. So we told him we would and we are going to go back over there later this week too.
Big long story I know. But I just thought it was really cool that because we hadn't gotten gas, we we had to bike. And because the chain fell off the bike we met "T. And because "J" wasn't home we were able to meet all those other people who all had a little bit of potential to hear the gospel. The things that didn't go the way we wanted them to led us to different things that Heavenly Father wanted us to do. Who knows, maybe nothing will come out of all those meetings, but it was still a really neat experience.
On Saturday I had a mental breakdown. Like major. This whole mission things is completely new to me. My companion still is in shock that I have never really even been away from home longer than a week. I am completely out of my comfort zone. I can't even really pinpoint what it is that is so hard and what caused me to freak out, but I think it was just a combination of everything. It's a lot to take on. There is a Sister in my district that I got to talk to last night, Sister Smith. She has been out three months and she struggled bad at first. She said to me, " It might feel like your whole world is crashing down around you, and to be honest it probably is. But it is doing that so Heavenly Father can help you build up a better world." And it's true. I was contemplating whether or not to write about my struggles this week, because there was plenty of good this week to make it sound like I am doing perfectly fine. But that wouldn't be true. This weekend has been hard. I have cried a lot. I wake up some mornings ready to cry again, but I know that Heavenly Father is aware of me. I know that the hard times are honestly why I need a mission. It is through trials and hard times that I have to turn and rely on the Lord. Back home, although it is comfortable, I won't experience what I need to build my testimony to where it needs to be. Sister Smith also said, "When things get hard you know it is time to learn." Things can smooth sail for a little bit, like the first few days here, but eventually I need to start learning. And that's what I need to do right now. But it sucks. I hate feeling like this. I just want to love my mission. Love everything. and do great. But that takes time. And I need to be patient, with myself and with the Lord. I am still struggling. And I probably will for a while. I'm probably going to cry a lot. But I know it's all part of the process.
My favorite scripture this week is 1 Nephi 17. It came at the perfect time. v.51- Heavenly Father isn't going to lead me out on to a mission (or to go build a boat) and then just leave me to do it by myself. I just have to trust in him to learn what I need to learn. That's the hard part.
I love you all. I say again: Please write me! I love receiving letters or emails. It's just fun.
Sister Belnap
Elder Joshua Nieman
December 15, 2014
Well tomorrow are cambios which are transfers. Probably Elder Alacama is going to go somewhere else and I am probably going to stay in Andahuaylas. I might get someone that I have to train which is really freaking me out but hey that is fine. I started to think how my training went a lot this week and really I feel like it went good but I really dont feel like I am ready. haha Elder Alacama has been so good and I am so grateful to have him as my trainer. Wow time flies by when you are walking and working your butt off. It is officially 4 months and honestly this last month went so fast and the next will probably go even faster. I have been thinking a lot about time and wondering if it will go faster or slower. I finally came to an answer that it doesnt matter and all you have to worry about is serving the Lord with all your heart and forgetting yourself. These past weeks have been the toughest but happiest moments of my life and it just makes me think that this isnt so bad. I cant believe that next week is Christmas and how it is going to be so different for me. I really actually started to freak out about that until me and my companion visited this family yesterday and they had a tree up and blasting christmas songs. I started to think about you all and started to be really homesick. HAha which isnt good at all but as I started to think, I wasnt focused on anyone else but myself. For a moment I looked up and I saw this family all smiling and everyone was having a great old time. Every thought in my head of homesickness went away and I said to myself this is what it is all about. I should be more thankful for things I have and start focusing on bringing people the happiness I feel every christmas. It was a really good night and I was so happy to see the joy in peoples faces. Of course I miss every single one of you but this is going to be so good for me to focus on things like eternal families and the light of christ and how this gospel blesses so many families. My heart is filled with love right now.
Also this week we invited someone to be baptized. Her name is Alysia and it was so cool cause as we were saying Do you want to be baptized she immediatly said yes and there was no doubt in her voice. It was so amazing and I love missionary work. Her date for baptism is on the 3 of January. So many things that happen in a week I cant tell you all of them. OOOh but there was this one time where we were walking pretty fast and these houses in Peru are really weird. Sometimes I have to duck to avoid them while we walk and I have to duck going through doors and just everything is so small. Well we were walking and I wasnt paying attention to what was in front of me. Well I ended up hitting this house with my head and it made a huge smacking noise. I am pretty sure I blacked out for a second cause when I opened my eyes I was sitting on the ground. hahaha That was a pretty crazy thing and probably not good cause ever since then I feel like I cant talk in spanish. hahah no just kidding but that hurt so bad. Also this week I received the package from grandpa. Woooooow I love and miss his cookies. haha Even though they were crushed I enjoyed every single one. They were so good. Other than all those I think that is all for this letter. Next week I get a pre call to you guys next monday and tell you the Skype thing. I am not sure when but I will tell you next week. Well I love you all and I hope your week is great.
Love you all
Elder Nieman
December 15, 2014
Well tomorrow are cambios which are transfers. Probably Elder Alacama is going to go somewhere else and I am probably going to stay in Andahuaylas. I might get someone that I have to train which is really freaking me out but hey that is fine. I started to think how my training went a lot this week and really I feel like it went good but I really dont feel like I am ready. haha Elder Alacama has been so good and I am so grateful to have him as my trainer. Wow time flies by when you are walking and working your butt off. It is officially 4 months and honestly this last month went so fast and the next will probably go even faster. I have been thinking a lot about time and wondering if it will go faster or slower. I finally came to an answer that it doesnt matter and all you have to worry about is serving the Lord with all your heart and forgetting yourself. These past weeks have been the toughest but happiest moments of my life and it just makes me think that this isnt so bad. I cant believe that next week is Christmas and how it is going to be so different for me. I really actually started to freak out about that until me and my companion visited this family yesterday and they had a tree up and blasting christmas songs. I started to think about you all and started to be really homesick. HAha which isnt good at all but as I started to think, I wasnt focused on anyone else but myself. For a moment I looked up and I saw this family all smiling and everyone was having a great old time. Every thought in my head of homesickness went away and I said to myself this is what it is all about. I should be more thankful for things I have and start focusing on bringing people the happiness I feel every christmas. It was a really good night and I was so happy to see the joy in peoples faces. Of course I miss every single one of you but this is going to be so good for me to focus on things like eternal families and the light of christ and how this gospel blesses so many families. My heart is filled with love right now.
Also this week we invited someone to be baptized. Her name is Alysia and it was so cool cause as we were saying Do you want to be baptized she immediatly said yes and there was no doubt in her voice. It was so amazing and I love missionary work. Her date for baptism is on the 3 of January. So many things that happen in a week I cant tell you all of them. OOOh but there was this one time where we were walking pretty fast and these houses in Peru are really weird. Sometimes I have to duck to avoid them while we walk and I have to duck going through doors and just everything is so small. Well we were walking and I wasnt paying attention to what was in front of me. Well I ended up hitting this house with my head and it made a huge smacking noise. I am pretty sure I blacked out for a second cause when I opened my eyes I was sitting on the ground. hahaha That was a pretty crazy thing and probably not good cause ever since then I feel like I cant talk in spanish. hahah no just kidding but that hurt so bad. Also this week I received the package from grandpa. Woooooow I love and miss his cookies. haha Even though they were crushed I enjoyed every single one. They were so good. Other than all those I think that is all for this letter. Next week I get a pre call to you guys next monday and tell you the Skype thing. I am not sure when but I will tell you next week. Well I love you all and I hope your week is great.
Love you all
Elder Nieman
Elder McKlayne Marshall
Alright, what an awesome week we had here in TRrujillo, Peru and tons of awesome stories!!!
We had two baptisms this week, wooooww. The first was Piero Jesus Mendez Rameriz, he has 11 years, and he is a stud. haha The before story of the bapitsm. We got to the church a little early to get everything ready and there was a bunch of people redoing the chalk boards to whiteboards and they were working where the baptizm font is, so we were like hey, we need this room. Sweet, we helped them move there stuff out of the room, and there were tons of screws on the ground so I went to grab some screws, I went down into like catcher position for basebol and RIPPPppp, they wripped from the top part of my bum to the very bottom of my bum, and oh my goodness it was hilarious, you should of seen my comps face!! ahhh it was so great. I put my baptizm pants on, finished getting everything ready, called up AnaMelba, she was planning on coming to the baptism, so she came and fixed my pants, she is the best! haha soo funnyy
The baptism of Pierito was so great, His testimony was so great and It really hit me, He said I can really feel Heavenly Father, and Jesus at myside now, they really are always with us, especially when we are keeping the commandments. He is such a stud, hes a little punk becuase he steals my plaque, and is a little minny Elder Marshall. Love the kid to death! The family is doing really great. His dad is on his way to recieve the Sacerdocio, Piero had invited a bunch of people to his baptism thats why I baptized him and not his dad in a few more weeks, His dad decided it was a better Idea to just do it. Such a great family, so excited to continue the work with them.
Sharon baptism was really great shes such an incredible example to me. She didnt tell anybody in her family about her baptism, her family is really sketchy, they are really acholoic, and are pretty rude to her, but she is the greatest! Every prayer she ALWAYS, thanks heavenly father for her family, she has definanlty taught me a lot, and her english is still really bad...llike she doesnt understand english at all, but its okay I Know the Lord will bless her for her decision, and with her family.
Some pretty awesome baptisms. We will have two more baptisms next week with Bruce and Anamelba! oh they are the greatest. They fed us dinner after our dinner a few times this week, Im gonna be soo fat!! haha they are the greatest.
This past week, Elder Valencia and I gave a lot of Bendiciones de Salud, Blessings for the Sick, We had a really great discussion about what we feel during blessings and how we know what to say during the blessing, Elder Valencia is such a great guy, im so greatful for him. The Power of the Preisthood hand in hand in hand with the Spirit, is so Key in the work of the church, something im starting to learn about.
OH, haha a gross story, One breakfast my mamma made us like a orange julius but with paypaaii, yum love it. I decided to serve myself first...bad decision Elder Marshall, I sipped the down the first swig, and in a lot of the drinks here, there is a lot of pulp, so there was a pulp like texture in the first sip, I was super close to sipping it down and continuing with my morning, but then the pulp started to squerm, that dang pulp wasnt not pulp it was a cucaracha...cockrouch...no se como escribe eso, in my mouth! I flipppeeddd! ewww...ahha the dang bugs here. I love it!
This Christmas season in the mission is incredible. I encourage all of you to find all the part in the book of mormon and bible where it talks about the Birth of JesuCristo and the resurrection. We are the True Church and for this we believe and rejoice and focus in the resurrecion of Chirst, el Vive!! Yo se con todo mi corazon.
Well, I love you all so much, thank you for all the emails and prayers.
Les Amo
Elder Marshall
Alright, what an awesome week we had here in TRrujillo, Peru and tons of awesome stories!!!
We had two baptisms this week, wooooww. The first was Piero Jesus Mendez Rameriz, he has 11 years, and he is a stud. haha The before story of the bapitsm. We got to the church a little early to get everything ready and there was a bunch of people redoing the chalk boards to whiteboards and they were working where the baptizm font is, so we were like hey, we need this room. Sweet, we helped them move there stuff out of the room, and there were tons of screws on the ground so I went to grab some screws, I went down into like catcher position for basebol and RIPPPppp, they wripped from the top part of my bum to the very bottom of my bum, and oh my goodness it was hilarious, you should of seen my comps face!! ahhh it was so great. I put my baptizm pants on, finished getting everything ready, called up AnaMelba, she was planning on coming to the baptism, so she came and fixed my pants, she is the best! haha soo funnyy
The baptism of Pierito was so great, His testimony was so great and It really hit me, He said I can really feel Heavenly Father, and Jesus at myside now, they really are always with us, especially when we are keeping the commandments. He is such a stud, hes a little punk becuase he steals my plaque, and is a little minny Elder Marshall. Love the kid to death! The family is doing really great. His dad is on his way to recieve the Sacerdocio, Piero had invited a bunch of people to his baptism thats why I baptized him and not his dad in a few more weeks, His dad decided it was a better Idea to just do it. Such a great family, so excited to continue the work with them.
Sharon baptism was really great shes such an incredible example to me. She didnt tell anybody in her family about her baptism, her family is really sketchy, they are really acholoic, and are pretty rude to her, but she is the greatest! Every prayer she ALWAYS, thanks heavenly father for her family, she has definanlty taught me a lot, and her english is still really bad...llike she doesnt understand english at all, but its okay I Know the Lord will bless her for her decision, and with her family.
Some pretty awesome baptisms. We will have two more baptisms next week with Bruce and Anamelba! oh they are the greatest. They fed us dinner after our dinner a few times this week, Im gonna be soo fat!! haha they are the greatest.
This past week, Elder Valencia and I gave a lot of Bendiciones de Salud, Blessings for the Sick, We had a really great discussion about what we feel during blessings and how we know what to say during the blessing, Elder Valencia is such a great guy, im so greatful for him. The Power of the Preisthood hand in hand in hand with the Spirit, is so Key in the work of the church, something im starting to learn about.
OH, haha a gross story, One breakfast my mamma made us like a orange julius but with paypaaii, yum love it. I decided to serve myself first...bad decision Elder Marshall, I sipped the down the first swig, and in a lot of the drinks here, there is a lot of pulp, so there was a pulp like texture in the first sip, I was super close to sipping it down and continuing with my morning, but then the pulp started to squerm, that dang pulp wasnt not pulp it was a cucaracha...cockrouch...no se como escribe eso, in my mouth! I flipppeeddd! ewww...ahha the dang bugs here. I love it!
This Christmas season in the mission is incredible. I encourage all of you to find all the part in the book of mormon and bible where it talks about the Birth of JesuCristo and the resurrection. We are the True Church and for this we believe and rejoice and focus in the resurrecion of Chirst, el Vive!! Yo se con todo mi corazon.
Well, I love you all so much, thank you for all the emails and prayers.
Les Amo
Elder Marshall
Sister Hannah Walker
Oh my goodness!!! I don't even know where to start!! Well, I guess I should probably start at transfers... I got moved to Phenix City Alabama :) (no, that's not Phoenix, Arizona). It's in the Columbus Stake. For starters, this apartment is absolutely palace material! The apartment complex is called Windsweep Court Luxery apartments. haha man, such a huge difference from where I came from...It's also not very southern at all...the ward is such a Utah ward due to the army. Oh well :) I am in a trio now for the next three weeks :) My companions are Sister Hathaway and Sister Baker. Sis Hathaway goes home in three weeks :( but she is absolutely amazing. She doesn't feel like she's going home which means she's working super hard and still loving the work :) Sis Baker happens to be one of my first Sister Training Leaders! So I've known her my entire mission :) we're going to finish the transfer off together and that'll be awesome :) They're both from Utah (of course) and we know how to have a good time. hmm let's see what else...oh! Another amazing miracle is that we are having a baptism this weekend! Takesha Paige is getting baptized :) She is amazing. She's 4' 11" and teeny tiny, but her Spirit radiates! She has a fiery two year old that's going on 20. I don't really know what to say about her because I've only known her for a week, but she's awesome :) Pics will come next week :)
So this week was awesome, but filled with meetings. Which were just as awesome :) We had the transfer meeting on Tuesday and let me say that that transfer meeting will go down in the history of this mission. Every single person who was getting moved got put with someone they knew. Most of the pairs are really good friends. Like, pretty much everyone got to be with the one missionary that they've always wanted to serve with. We were all amazed (president included) at the number of joyful shouts that filled the room during that meeting. It truly was a tender mercy and blessing from the Lord. The change happened not too far from Christmas, and He knows how hard these changes are. He wanted us all to be happy for Christmas:) haha it was amazing... Then we had a Zone Meeting on Thursday in which we learned tons of cool things. The real highlight was on Saturday though. We had the Christmas Conference with half of the mission. Elder Giddins from the 70 came to talk to us about getting immersed in the scriptures and likening them unto us. I could go on and on about his wonderful trainings, but I'll save that for later :) President also read us Christmas stories and there were nativity skits and christmas carols sung. Overall, it was amazing :)
A huge miracle and blessing happened to us yesterday after church.. We stayed after to talk to a less active member for a while..a bit longer than we had originally wanted, but he needed to talk to us. After the conversation, we were getting ready to leave and the Bishop caught us. He introduced us to this woman named Heather who worked with a member that he knew. She had come to check out the church, but due to mis-communication, didn't arrive in time for the actual service. Bishop was helping her out with some things and while she was waiting for him, we started talking to her. She wanted to know more about us and everything. We ended up taking her on a tour of the church building and she absolutely LOVED it! The entire time, the Spirit was super strong and we were able to teach her much about Christ's church :) She mentioned how there were so many misconceptions about Latter Day Saints and she was so happy to have them cleared up. We have a return appointment with her on Thursday :) She's super excited to learn more! Another cool little thing was that I apparently look EXACTLY like her daughter in law. She kept looking at me weird when I talked because I'm identical. She kept mentioning how much of a glow and happiness she can see in us as members and how comfortable she felt with us and in the building. She also said that the fact that I looked identical to her sister made it even easier too :) She's gonna get baptized :)
Oh! Another experience that happened this week was a lesson with Richard. Richard apparently has been taking the lessons for a while, but he hasn't been keeping any commitments or reading the scriptures or doing anything that the sisters have asked him to do. So we go visit him one last time on Friday to see if anything has changed. He's in his 80s and was just sittin on his porch when we pulled up to his trailer. As we sat down and got talking to him, it was clear that he just like the sisters coming over because they were good company. He gave cop-out answers to all of our questions and I started getting frustrated with him! Haha there was a point when I was like "Richard! How do you get to Heaven?" He responded with "By living good." I was like "And how do you live good?" his response was "Live hard and die young!" haha sister Baker said out of the corner of her mouth "Well, it's too late for that..." but I kept ragging on him and making him explain his answers and talk about the specifics of what he needs to do. We talked about how we all can improve and change, but when it comes down to it, this guy doesn't want to change right now. We asked him what could be holding him back from coming to church and he said he needed new pants. We told him to get some! He said that he doesn't have the money right now....and that he'll get it someday. haha man, I kept throwing questions at him (he's the kind of guy that you can be bold, upfront, and blunt with thank goodness..). At some point, I think he was kind of getting annoyed with me and he said "Do you want me to take my shoe off?" I said "Why would you do that?" he said "To knock you upside the head with it." haha he was messin around and stuff because that's just the way he is, but at the end of the day, we just told him that it's up to him now. If he wants to start making those changes and trying to progress, then he will call us. I was thinking about this on the car ride to the next place... There are a couple people in the Book of Mormon who don't have very much written about them. And what is written isn't very much. Just that they said something meaningful in a crowd or were part of a certain army or something. If our actions were recorded, what would they say about us? Everyone says that it's the thought that counts...and that does count for something! But it's our actions as well as our thoughts that will be recorded in Heaven. How do we want people to remember us? Do we want to be someone that just stays in place? Or maybe does one good thing for the neighborhood, then sits back and says "I've done my part." Christ's church is about progression. That's one of the biggest things I've learned on my mission. We are here to work, to progress, improves and help others to do the same. If we aren't moving forward towards God, then we're moving backwards away from him.. Don't be afraid to make those changes necessary. No one's perfect :) We all have room to improve and be better. The sooner you start, the more time you'll have to perfect. :) That was a huge lesson learned this week :)
Another family we're working with is the Howell's. The parents and oldest son got baptized in September and have integrated into the ward perfectly. The dad Tom just got the priesthood and blessed the sacrament a couple weeks ago, and he got his Patriarchal blessing yesterday. We're still working with their daughter Pearl. She really wants to get baptized for the right reasons and we've been helping her to continue to learn and grow in her Gospel knowledge. She's going to get baptized as soon as she can give up coffee and get up for church haha :) But I just wanted to make yall aware of that family. They're awesome, but not exempt from the struggles that every family goes through :)
So those are the highlights for this week! I'll attach some pictures from this week, then I'll send another one with the pics I promised last week :)
Love yall!! Hope you're enjoying this wonderful holiday season! :)
Love
Sister Walker
Me, Sis Tevi, and Sis Clause. We're awesome :) Sis Tevi goes home this transfer!! :'( :'(
our little christmas arrangement :)
PS-Hannah's new mailing address is
15 Windsweep Ct. 315 D
Phenix city AL
36870
Oh my goodness!!! I don't even know where to start!! Well, I guess I should probably start at transfers... I got moved to Phenix City Alabama :) (no, that's not Phoenix, Arizona). It's in the Columbus Stake. For starters, this apartment is absolutely palace material! The apartment complex is called Windsweep Court Luxery apartments. haha man, such a huge difference from where I came from...It's also not very southern at all...the ward is such a Utah ward due to the army. Oh well :) I am in a trio now for the next three weeks :) My companions are Sister Hathaway and Sister Baker. Sis Hathaway goes home in three weeks :( but she is absolutely amazing. She doesn't feel like she's going home which means she's working super hard and still loving the work :) Sis Baker happens to be one of my first Sister Training Leaders! So I've known her my entire mission :) we're going to finish the transfer off together and that'll be awesome :) They're both from Utah (of course) and we know how to have a good time. hmm let's see what else...oh! Another amazing miracle is that we are having a baptism this weekend! Takesha Paige is getting baptized :) She is amazing. She's 4' 11" and teeny tiny, but her Spirit radiates! She has a fiery two year old that's going on 20. I don't really know what to say about her because I've only known her for a week, but she's awesome :) Pics will come next week :)
So this week was awesome, but filled with meetings. Which were just as awesome :) We had the transfer meeting on Tuesday and let me say that that transfer meeting will go down in the history of this mission. Every single person who was getting moved got put with someone they knew. Most of the pairs are really good friends. Like, pretty much everyone got to be with the one missionary that they've always wanted to serve with. We were all amazed (president included) at the number of joyful shouts that filled the room during that meeting. It truly was a tender mercy and blessing from the Lord. The change happened not too far from Christmas, and He knows how hard these changes are. He wanted us all to be happy for Christmas:) haha it was amazing... Then we had a Zone Meeting on Thursday in which we learned tons of cool things. The real highlight was on Saturday though. We had the Christmas Conference with half of the mission. Elder Giddins from the 70 came to talk to us about getting immersed in the scriptures and likening them unto us. I could go on and on about his wonderful trainings, but I'll save that for later :) President also read us Christmas stories and there were nativity skits and christmas carols sung. Overall, it was amazing :)
A huge miracle and blessing happened to us yesterday after church.. We stayed after to talk to a less active member for a while..a bit longer than we had originally wanted, but he needed to talk to us. After the conversation, we were getting ready to leave and the Bishop caught us. He introduced us to this woman named Heather who worked with a member that he knew. She had come to check out the church, but due to mis-communication, didn't arrive in time for the actual service. Bishop was helping her out with some things and while she was waiting for him, we started talking to her. She wanted to know more about us and everything. We ended up taking her on a tour of the church building and she absolutely LOVED it! The entire time, the Spirit was super strong and we were able to teach her much about Christ's church :) She mentioned how there were so many misconceptions about Latter Day Saints and she was so happy to have them cleared up. We have a return appointment with her on Thursday :) She's super excited to learn more! Another cool little thing was that I apparently look EXACTLY like her daughter in law. She kept looking at me weird when I talked because I'm identical. She kept mentioning how much of a glow and happiness she can see in us as members and how comfortable she felt with us and in the building. She also said that the fact that I looked identical to her sister made it even easier too :) She's gonna get baptized :)
Oh! Another experience that happened this week was a lesson with Richard. Richard apparently has been taking the lessons for a while, but he hasn't been keeping any commitments or reading the scriptures or doing anything that the sisters have asked him to do. So we go visit him one last time on Friday to see if anything has changed. He's in his 80s and was just sittin on his porch when we pulled up to his trailer. As we sat down and got talking to him, it was clear that he just like the sisters coming over because they were good company. He gave cop-out answers to all of our questions and I started getting frustrated with him! Haha there was a point when I was like "Richard! How do you get to Heaven?" He responded with "By living good." I was like "And how do you live good?" his response was "Live hard and die young!" haha sister Baker said out of the corner of her mouth "Well, it's too late for that..." but I kept ragging on him and making him explain his answers and talk about the specifics of what he needs to do. We talked about how we all can improve and change, but when it comes down to it, this guy doesn't want to change right now. We asked him what could be holding him back from coming to church and he said he needed new pants. We told him to get some! He said that he doesn't have the money right now....and that he'll get it someday. haha man, I kept throwing questions at him (he's the kind of guy that you can be bold, upfront, and blunt with thank goodness..). At some point, I think he was kind of getting annoyed with me and he said "Do you want me to take my shoe off?" I said "Why would you do that?" he said "To knock you upside the head with it." haha he was messin around and stuff because that's just the way he is, but at the end of the day, we just told him that it's up to him now. If he wants to start making those changes and trying to progress, then he will call us. I was thinking about this on the car ride to the next place... There are a couple people in the Book of Mormon who don't have very much written about them. And what is written isn't very much. Just that they said something meaningful in a crowd or were part of a certain army or something. If our actions were recorded, what would they say about us? Everyone says that it's the thought that counts...and that does count for something! But it's our actions as well as our thoughts that will be recorded in Heaven. How do we want people to remember us? Do we want to be someone that just stays in place? Or maybe does one good thing for the neighborhood, then sits back and says "I've done my part." Christ's church is about progression. That's one of the biggest things I've learned on my mission. We are here to work, to progress, improves and help others to do the same. If we aren't moving forward towards God, then we're moving backwards away from him.. Don't be afraid to make those changes necessary. No one's perfect :) We all have room to improve and be better. The sooner you start, the more time you'll have to perfect. :) That was a huge lesson learned this week :)
Another family we're working with is the Howell's. The parents and oldest son got baptized in September and have integrated into the ward perfectly. The dad Tom just got the priesthood and blessed the sacrament a couple weeks ago, and he got his Patriarchal blessing yesterday. We're still working with their daughter Pearl. She really wants to get baptized for the right reasons and we've been helping her to continue to learn and grow in her Gospel knowledge. She's going to get baptized as soon as she can give up coffee and get up for church haha :) But I just wanted to make yall aware of that family. They're awesome, but not exempt from the struggles that every family goes through :)
So those are the highlights for this week! I'll attach some pictures from this week, then I'll send another one with the pics I promised last week :)
Love yall!! Hope you're enjoying this wonderful holiday season! :)
Love
Sister Walker
Me, Sis Tevi, and Sis Clause. We're awesome :) Sis Tevi goes home this transfer!! :'( :'(
our little christmas arrangement :)
PS-Hannah's new mailing address is
15 Windsweep Ct. 315 D
Phenix city AL
36870
Elder Kyler Olsen
So this is just news. Cause the Happy cancels out the sad. Mostly. And the good cancels out the bad. I have cambios. transfers I guess in english. I leave today at 1:30 to Chiclayo. How dare they malograr our sacred pday with a 5 hour bus ride!! I will find out where I go and who i am with tomorrow. And our pdays are gonna be the 25th and the 31st, so i wont be writing next monday. Ya so thats the news. But idk I am happy cause I feel like I have put a good effort into this ward and area and have truly made some great friends, which unfortunately I have to leave, again, and shared and grown my testimony. Sorry this is gonna be short. We didnt really have a spectacular week. We did have a few awesome lessons where you walk out the door and just laugh and smile and sigh, cause the spirit testified. And that is all you can do, its up to the people to accept it. Always look for the whispers of the Spirit to learn. be attentive. Put all your effort into it. Cause Pres Uctdorf said that your testimony is the most important thing that you could ever have. Strenghen it. Share it. Love it.
I sure love you all so much and hope that everything goes super well this christmas, that you learn and love a lot!
Elder Olsen
So this is just news. Cause the Happy cancels out the sad. Mostly. And the good cancels out the bad. I have cambios. transfers I guess in english. I leave today at 1:30 to Chiclayo. How dare they malograr our sacred pday with a 5 hour bus ride!! I will find out where I go and who i am with tomorrow. And our pdays are gonna be the 25th and the 31st, so i wont be writing next monday. Ya so thats the news. But idk I am happy cause I feel like I have put a good effort into this ward and area and have truly made some great friends, which unfortunately I have to leave, again, and shared and grown my testimony. Sorry this is gonna be short. We didnt really have a spectacular week. We did have a few awesome lessons where you walk out the door and just laugh and smile and sigh, cause the spirit testified. And that is all you can do, its up to the people to accept it. Always look for the whispers of the Spirit to learn. be attentive. Put all your effort into it. Cause Pres Uctdorf said that your testimony is the most important thing that you could ever have. Strenghen it. Share it. Love it.
I sure love you all so much and hope that everything goes super well this christmas, that you learn and love a lot!
Elder Olsen
Elder Clay Rawlins
Hey all how are you? I hope your week was awesome! Sorry for not being able to write you all last week i was a little slow and i am not so sure why. Well anyways one big highlight of last week was an asado... they are the best the meat here is super rico. but i hope its not for the fact that they eat trash like litteral trash haha yepp last week my comp and i were walking and we saw a herd of cattle eating in a trash pile... we also built a cement roof for a member in villegas. construction is different here. but it works i guess.
anyways my past week was great we had the opportunity of having our travel assistent Elder Ocampo come and he was with us in our area for a few days. He taught us so many things that helped us to become better missionaries. Somithing i read this week in the book of mormon in the first part of 1Nephi really struck me. When Nephi and his brothers are returning from jeruselm with the family of ismael the older brothers of nephi began to complain and nephi tried to help them and telling through there faith in the lord they will be blessed. but they tie him up and are going to leave him to die in the dessert. then nephi shows his faith by praying to the lord for strength to break the cords off his wrists and it was through his faith that he could. I learned that we need to have faith in the lord and he will always help us to succeed and there is always a way for us to do the things of the lord!
I hope all have a great week! remember the lord this christmas season!
Elder Rawlins
Hey all how are you? I hope your week was awesome! Sorry for not being able to write you all last week i was a little slow and i am not so sure why. Well anyways one big highlight of last week was an asado... they are the best the meat here is super rico. but i hope its not for the fact that they eat trash like litteral trash haha yepp last week my comp and i were walking and we saw a herd of cattle eating in a trash pile... we also built a cement roof for a member in villegas. construction is different here. but it works i guess.
anyways my past week was great we had the opportunity of having our travel assistent Elder Ocampo come and he was with us in our area for a few days. He taught us so many things that helped us to become better missionaries. Somithing i read this week in the book of mormon in the first part of 1Nephi really struck me. When Nephi and his brothers are returning from jeruselm with the family of ismael the older brothers of nephi began to complain and nephi tried to help them and telling through there faith in the lord they will be blessed. but they tie him up and are going to leave him to die in the dessert. then nephi shows his faith by praying to the lord for strength to break the cords off his wrists and it was through his faith that he could. I learned that we need to have faith in the lord and he will always help us to succeed and there is always a way for us to do the things of the lord!
I hope all have a great week! remember the lord this christmas season!
Elder Rawlins
Elder Cameron Murray
Hallo Familie und Freunde,
Well my mom told me in her last email that I should share the miracles we see to help build the faith of others. Mom I guess this emails for you then!
This week we've been super blessed and I dont even know why. It must be the prayers your saying back home or something because we've seen some huge miracles this week. Last week before institute we prayed before that we would find somebody to come to institute while we were contacting. We had only about 5 minutes left and turns out God answers our prayers in interesting ways. There was an older Lady named Petra outside the church who was looking at it for a moment and then kept walking. Elder Kitchen contacted her and turns out she was willing to meet with us. And technically she did come to institute because we took her in the building for a second to get her a card. We were able to meet with her the next monday. Wow that lesson was amazing. The spirit was so strong and its amazing how easily the language comes when the Holy Ghost is there. We shared the first vision and then we asked her what she thought. She said the sweetest words a missionary will ever hear, "Its true." It gets even better. Apparently a few days before she had prayed that God would show her a way. Then a few days later we said the prayer that led us too her. Truly through the power of prayer and trusting in God he will lead us where we need to go. God gave her the way she was looking for and she accepted to be baptized next month.
A few weeks ago we got a refferal which we tried to go by on. He wasnt there so we called him later. We thought he was already a member that moved here from spain. We invited him to the Christmas party on saturday then we went and met him. On the way to the party we found out he's not a member but he left spain a week before his baptismal date. He's already been to church 5 times and he wants to be baptized. He had a dream when he got here that he needed to contact the missionary in spain so he could get into contact with his brothers in germany. He was confused at first because he thought it meant his brother thats already in germany. Turns out he was really supposed to meet with his missionary brothers and because he called the missionary in spain he's meeting with us now. We have a baptisimal date set for january 3. He's a super cool guy we're just trying to help him get on his feet here. I don't know what we did to deserve this blessing but I'm grateful for the missionaries in Spain.
My dad asked what we do for service. The other day we spent a waaaaayy long time building this ladies furniture in her new apartment. it was good to help her out because her husbands passed away and her kids are coming to visit her soon. Haha i just wish we wouldve known she had a drill before we started. We were already almost done by the time we figured that out....
We sang in church choir yesterday and then we went and sang christmas carols at the weihnachts mart that night. My throat was dying by the end.
I know the Lord has been blessing me to be able to speak the language! I wish I could remember spanish. I'm hoping after about a year on my mission I can learn spanish. The president is very supportive of it and it provides tons of teaching opportunities. I'm going to wait till I have german down really well but one day Ill learn it. For now I'll have to get by with the little that I remember. Haha Maybe some of My missionary friends in South America could help.
Also the new senior couple missionaries Elder and Sister Hart got here this week they are from California and thery're amazing.
Please pray for Petra so she will come to our appointments. I think she's had a few concerns so your prayers would be much appreciated.
I love you all and hope everything is going well for Christmas. Thank you for your prayers and support of the missionary work. Trust in the Lord and know that he hears your prayers. I know that when we are obedient to his commandments that is when we are happiest!
Love Elder Murray.
Hallo Familie und Freunde,
Well my mom told me in her last email that I should share the miracles we see to help build the faith of others. Mom I guess this emails for you then!
This week we've been super blessed and I dont even know why. It must be the prayers your saying back home or something because we've seen some huge miracles this week. Last week before institute we prayed before that we would find somebody to come to institute while we were contacting. We had only about 5 minutes left and turns out God answers our prayers in interesting ways. There was an older Lady named Petra outside the church who was looking at it for a moment and then kept walking. Elder Kitchen contacted her and turns out she was willing to meet with us. And technically she did come to institute because we took her in the building for a second to get her a card. We were able to meet with her the next monday. Wow that lesson was amazing. The spirit was so strong and its amazing how easily the language comes when the Holy Ghost is there. We shared the first vision and then we asked her what she thought. She said the sweetest words a missionary will ever hear, "Its true." It gets even better. Apparently a few days before she had prayed that God would show her a way. Then a few days later we said the prayer that led us too her. Truly through the power of prayer and trusting in God he will lead us where we need to go. God gave her the way she was looking for and she accepted to be baptized next month.
A few weeks ago we got a refferal which we tried to go by on. He wasnt there so we called him later. We thought he was already a member that moved here from spain. We invited him to the Christmas party on saturday then we went and met him. On the way to the party we found out he's not a member but he left spain a week before his baptismal date. He's already been to church 5 times and he wants to be baptized. He had a dream when he got here that he needed to contact the missionary in spain so he could get into contact with his brothers in germany. He was confused at first because he thought it meant his brother thats already in germany. Turns out he was really supposed to meet with his missionary brothers and because he called the missionary in spain he's meeting with us now. We have a baptisimal date set for january 3. He's a super cool guy we're just trying to help him get on his feet here. I don't know what we did to deserve this blessing but I'm grateful for the missionaries in Spain.
My dad asked what we do for service. The other day we spent a waaaaayy long time building this ladies furniture in her new apartment. it was good to help her out because her husbands passed away and her kids are coming to visit her soon. Haha i just wish we wouldve known she had a drill before we started. We were already almost done by the time we figured that out....
We sang in church choir yesterday and then we went and sang christmas carols at the weihnachts mart that night. My throat was dying by the end.
I know the Lord has been blessing me to be able to speak the language! I wish I could remember spanish. I'm hoping after about a year on my mission I can learn spanish. The president is very supportive of it and it provides tons of teaching opportunities. I'm going to wait till I have german down really well but one day Ill learn it. For now I'll have to get by with the little that I remember. Haha Maybe some of My missionary friends in South America could help.
Also the new senior couple missionaries Elder and Sister Hart got here this week they are from California and thery're amazing.
Please pray for Petra so she will come to our appointments. I think she's had a few concerns so your prayers would be much appreciated.
I love you all and hope everything is going well for Christmas. Thank you for your prayers and support of the missionary work. Trust in the Lord and know that he hears your prayers. I know that when we are obedient to his commandments that is when we are happiest!
Love Elder Murray.
Elder Kyle Andrus
This week. Wow. It was pretty sad. It was Elder Battles final week here in Harborne. So every night this week we had dinner with different people saying goodbye to battles. it was quite sad. I am about 99 percent sure I will stay until january 28th and battles will leave. That is the Dodge on Transfers. So we will see!!!
We had dinner with quite a few people this week. This picture is us with Ricky Johan and Joe. these guys are way sick. We found them a little late though. We have had dinner a couple of times but they are going back to China this week. Super sad. They were so awesome. They taught us alot about china and the culture in just a couple of visits.
Inline image 1
We also had dinner with Xiao Bo. She got baptized the week before i came in. i have been around her my whole mission. She is way solid. She is way cool. She has a calling as a YSA Representative so that is way crazy she has that. Inline image 3
We also met with Shi Cong. he is leaving to china this week but coming back in a couple of weeks so that was pretty sad as well. but when he comes back he will be baptized hopefully.
We also met an elect individual named Yi Ming. he is way awesome but all of our friends are going on holiday around christmas so it will be kinda rough around here because everyone is going to be gone because of christmas. So a little rough time in birmingham.
Life is going well here. I have to say goodbye to Elder Battles this week which is way sad. He has been my companion for my whole mission outside of the mtc. he is the man and has taught me alot. It will be sad but i will get my n ew comp and he will be awesome.
I love you all!!! Merry christmas from The motherland!!!
Elder Andrus
#weekoffarewells
This week. Wow. It was pretty sad. It was Elder Battles final week here in Harborne. So every night this week we had dinner with different people saying goodbye to battles. it was quite sad. I am about 99 percent sure I will stay until january 28th and battles will leave. That is the Dodge on Transfers. So we will see!!!
We had dinner with quite a few people this week. This picture is us with Ricky Johan and Joe. these guys are way sick. We found them a little late though. We have had dinner a couple of times but they are going back to China this week. Super sad. They were so awesome. They taught us alot about china and the culture in just a couple of visits.
Inline image 1
We also had dinner with Xiao Bo. She got baptized the week before i came in. i have been around her my whole mission. She is way solid. She is way cool. She has a calling as a YSA Representative so that is way crazy she has that. Inline image 3
We also met with Shi Cong. he is leaving to china this week but coming back in a couple of weeks so that was pretty sad as well. but when he comes back he will be baptized hopefully.
We also met an elect individual named Yi Ming. he is way awesome but all of our friends are going on holiday around christmas so it will be kinda rough around here because everyone is going to be gone because of christmas. So a little rough time in birmingham.
Life is going well here. I have to say goodbye to Elder Battles this week which is way sad. He has been my companion for my whole mission outside of the mtc. he is the man and has taught me alot. It will be sad but i will get my n ew comp and he will be awesome.
I love you all!!! Merry christmas from The motherland!!!
Elder Andrus
#weekoffarewells
Elder Kyle Jensen
Hello from snowy Korea!! Ah, despite all the white stuff falling from the sky missionary work, growing, learning, and coming unto Christ is still strongly moving forward!
This week I was on exchanges with Elder Ely and we got to go teach ì •ì •í›ˆ (Jeong Jeong Hoon). This man is plainly just awesome haha. And it's been an incredible experience to see his eyes spiritually opened to our message. Right now he actively attends another church but he's developed a strong love for missionaries. When we met we got to teach him about the spirit and how merciful God was to let us feel it with him as well. Before we left he told us how he always always always has a good feeling when the missionaries come over, and how he recognizes that we are people called of God to preach His gospel. His prayers are tender and sincere, and he has a heart full of love. Because of that he is always receptive and willing to meet. The restored gospel is making an effect in his life, and that because it's plain, it's simple, and it's God-given revealed truth. God makes it really easy for me to find charity and love for him and his wife (she gives us snacks and food allllllll the time haha).
This restored gospel is also making an effect on our other investigator 김성수 (Kim Seong Su). We've been exceedingly blessed to have this guy come to church for over and month and a half now and despite the problems he faces and no matter how busy he is, he makes an honest effort to come to church and meet with us. He is so real and so serious because he truly realizes the truth and peace that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I look at these things I've been blessed with and feel like I don't deserve it all, but I can bear my humble testimony to you that I know that we, like Jesus Christ, are here to do God's will! The more I study and grow, the more I learn, the more I realize how crucially important it is that we came to earth to learn God's will and diligently follow it. Because we do not know God's will perfectly like Christ did, we slip up, make mistakes and distance ourselves from God. It makes me terribly sad that when we make mistakes that we fall farther away from the most Loving Father we know of. But despite the sadness I find more joy in the happiness and peace that the Atonement of Jesus Christ brings. I'd like to compare this to Peter's experience of walking on water. First, Peter took a huge leap of faith to get out of the boat. Imagine how hard that would be!! He started to walk, he was doing great!... Then temptation hit. The winds got him scared, the waters were churning. He saw this and started to sink into the waters of temptation. BUT another crucial and important act of faith was ministered by Peter to Christ when he said, "Lord, save me!" If there are any of you out there feeling doubt, fear, rejection, sadness and discomfort, I would plead for you to look to the Savior and cry out for His help. Because, like in the scriptural account of Peter's experience, Christ will extend his hand IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT FAIL to those who are falling and almost drowning in these dangerous waters. One more important thing to point out. Christ caught Peter. Think about that for a little bit. Because Christ catches us with the Atonement, it is our duty and responsibility to fight and struggle and do everything we can to apply the Atonement so we can make it back to the top of the water. Christ WILL catch our hand, and as we earnestly put forth our faith in Him and set our sights back on Him, he will NEVER let go. This is my testimony to you for the Christmas season. Yes a little early, but I know that Christ's Atonement is the most important gift we have received from our Heavenly Father, for it is the only way we can become like God and be able to dwell in His presence. I know we are here on earth to do God's will, to work and speak through the Holy Ghost to help others and minister like Christ did. And I hope my testimony to you is a gift you can accept from me this year. I don't have a lot to offer all you but I can offer my love to you through words.
So with all of this I do have a request to all of you. PLEASE, I would love for you to send me your testimony about Jesus Christ and His Atonement. I may not write a huge reply, but please know I will always listen with love. If you could do that for me, it would be quite the Merry Christmas for me ^^ Thanks so much for you love and support! Remember CHrist these holidays!
Elder Jensen
Hello from snowy Korea!! Ah, despite all the white stuff falling from the sky missionary work, growing, learning, and coming unto Christ is still strongly moving forward!
This week I was on exchanges with Elder Ely and we got to go teach ì •ì •í›ˆ (Jeong Jeong Hoon). This man is plainly just awesome haha. And it's been an incredible experience to see his eyes spiritually opened to our message. Right now he actively attends another church but he's developed a strong love for missionaries. When we met we got to teach him about the spirit and how merciful God was to let us feel it with him as well. Before we left he told us how he always always always has a good feeling when the missionaries come over, and how he recognizes that we are people called of God to preach His gospel. His prayers are tender and sincere, and he has a heart full of love. Because of that he is always receptive and willing to meet. The restored gospel is making an effect in his life, and that because it's plain, it's simple, and it's God-given revealed truth. God makes it really easy for me to find charity and love for him and his wife (she gives us snacks and food allllllll the time haha).
This restored gospel is also making an effect on our other investigator 김성수 (Kim Seong Su). We've been exceedingly blessed to have this guy come to church for over and month and a half now and despite the problems he faces and no matter how busy he is, he makes an honest effort to come to church and meet with us. He is so real and so serious because he truly realizes the truth and peace that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I look at these things I've been blessed with and feel like I don't deserve it all, but I can bear my humble testimony to you that I know that we, like Jesus Christ, are here to do God's will! The more I study and grow, the more I learn, the more I realize how crucially important it is that we came to earth to learn God's will and diligently follow it. Because we do not know God's will perfectly like Christ did, we slip up, make mistakes and distance ourselves from God. It makes me terribly sad that when we make mistakes that we fall farther away from the most Loving Father we know of. But despite the sadness I find more joy in the happiness and peace that the Atonement of Jesus Christ brings. I'd like to compare this to Peter's experience of walking on water. First, Peter took a huge leap of faith to get out of the boat. Imagine how hard that would be!! He started to walk, he was doing great!... Then temptation hit. The winds got him scared, the waters were churning. He saw this and started to sink into the waters of temptation. BUT another crucial and important act of faith was ministered by Peter to Christ when he said, "Lord, save me!" If there are any of you out there feeling doubt, fear, rejection, sadness and discomfort, I would plead for you to look to the Savior and cry out for His help. Because, like in the scriptural account of Peter's experience, Christ will extend his hand IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT FAIL to those who are falling and almost drowning in these dangerous waters. One more important thing to point out. Christ caught Peter. Think about that for a little bit. Because Christ catches us with the Atonement, it is our duty and responsibility to fight and struggle and do everything we can to apply the Atonement so we can make it back to the top of the water. Christ WILL catch our hand, and as we earnestly put forth our faith in Him and set our sights back on Him, he will NEVER let go. This is my testimony to you for the Christmas season. Yes a little early, but I know that Christ's Atonement is the most important gift we have received from our Heavenly Father, for it is the only way we can become like God and be able to dwell in His presence. I know we are here on earth to do God's will, to work and speak through the Holy Ghost to help others and minister like Christ did. And I hope my testimony to you is a gift you can accept from me this year. I don't have a lot to offer all you but I can offer my love to you through words.
So with all of this I do have a request to all of you. PLEASE, I would love for you to send me your testimony about Jesus Christ and His Atonement. I may not write a huge reply, but please know I will always listen with love. If you could do that for me, it would be quite the Merry Christmas for me ^^ Thanks so much for you love and support! Remember CHrist these holidays!
Elder Jensen
Elder William Hansen
Well hello everyone! how are you all doing?
Things are going pretty well here in solo! Still raining, still delisious food, still lots of work to be done!
This week we finally met with some inactive members that weve been trying to get a ahold of for a while, and fingured out a long term day to visist them and reactivate and help em, as wella s a service prject for one of em, cutting some trees down! He was pretty grateful we made that plan for next week, and he came to chruch sunday, wearing like a nice tan suit, tons of rings, watches, and wore his big aviators the whole time (basially you could say he was the bling king), but he came! This other family is a young coulple, with two lil tots. They are way awesome with testimonies that were very strong. Im really hopeful for them, It would be awesome to help them set their sight on the temple in the phillipines in the future!
Besides that, Pak Daniel got really upset with us for like 2 hours because of polygamy, so really we are just trying to get to the basics with him.
Pak saputra is doing well, he reads and prays everyday. He is always out of the city teaching semnars to preachers of other religions, but he said that he wants to build a family like the one out of the Book of Mormon, and understands that if this is true, he will join with this chruch!
This week we also did a service project for a guy in our ward, building up the embankment behind his house! Tons of ward members came and it was awesome to see everyone helping out! But. They all spoke javanese the whole time, so me and green and sinaga and pribawa all dont speak javanese and none of us understood em for 2 hours of work.
Next monday i wont be emialing cuz my pday is switched to christmas! I hope you all have a fantastic holiday! Merry Christmas!
Love y'all
Elder Hansen
Well hello everyone! how are you all doing?
Things are going pretty well here in solo! Still raining, still delisious food, still lots of work to be done!
This week we finally met with some inactive members that weve been trying to get a ahold of for a while, and fingured out a long term day to visist them and reactivate and help em, as wella s a service prject for one of em, cutting some trees down! He was pretty grateful we made that plan for next week, and he came to chruch sunday, wearing like a nice tan suit, tons of rings, watches, and wore his big aviators the whole time (basially you could say he was the bling king), but he came! This other family is a young coulple, with two lil tots. They are way awesome with testimonies that were very strong. Im really hopeful for them, It would be awesome to help them set their sight on the temple in the phillipines in the future!
Besides that, Pak Daniel got really upset with us for like 2 hours because of polygamy, so really we are just trying to get to the basics with him.
Pak saputra is doing well, he reads and prays everyday. He is always out of the city teaching semnars to preachers of other religions, but he said that he wants to build a family like the one out of the Book of Mormon, and understands that if this is true, he will join with this chruch!
This week we also did a service project for a guy in our ward, building up the embankment behind his house! Tons of ward members came and it was awesome to see everyone helping out! But. They all spoke javanese the whole time, so me and green and sinaga and pribawa all dont speak javanese and none of us understood em for 2 hours of work.
Next monday i wont be emialing cuz my pday is switched to christmas! I hope you all have a fantastic holiday! Merry Christmas!
Love y'all
Elder Hansen
Sister Karli Belnap
Hello there everybody! I made it to Alabama... but more specifically MISSISSIPPI!!! I am serving in Corinth, Mississippi!
Tuesday we woke up at 1:45 in the morning to make it down to the travel office by 3:30. We caught our flight from SLC to Atlanta, Georgia and then caught a flight to Birmingham, Alabama. We hung out at the mission home for the evening and then stayed at a hotel overnight! Transfers were Wednesday and I was assigned to Corinith, MS! My sweet companions name is Sister Dillon and I love her already. We almost died trying to get back to Corinth without a GPS but we didn't! So that's a plus!
At Transfer I saw Brenda Seegmiller's parents! We got pictures so I will send those on P-day! We stayed overnight in Iuka with the Relief Society president, Sister Carson. She is 71! Sweetest lady ever! On our way into Corinth we get a call from a guy waiting for us at the library so we went as fast as we could to my first non-member lesson ever! His name is Cameron and he belongs to the Church of Christ. But he loves to study religion and he was super curious! Super nice guy. It was fun! I didn't talk much though!
It has been a very unusual past couple days but we will be getting more into the actual schedule of things tomorrow! All is well in Mississippi! Ya'll have a blessed day!
My new address:
1111 Sawyer Rd. Apt C
Corinth, MS 38834
-Sister Belnap
My P-day is on Monday so I will write more then! Love you all!
Hello there everybody! I made it to Alabama... but more specifically MISSISSIPPI!!! I am serving in Corinth, Mississippi!
Tuesday we woke up at 1:45 in the morning to make it down to the travel office by 3:30. We caught our flight from SLC to Atlanta, Georgia and then caught a flight to Birmingham, Alabama. We hung out at the mission home for the evening and then stayed at a hotel overnight! Transfers were Wednesday and I was assigned to Corinith, MS! My sweet companions name is Sister Dillon and I love her already. We almost died trying to get back to Corinth without a GPS but we didn't! So that's a plus!
At Transfer I saw Brenda Seegmiller's parents! We got pictures so I will send those on P-day! We stayed overnight in Iuka with the Relief Society president, Sister Carson. She is 71! Sweetest lady ever! On our way into Corinth we get a call from a guy waiting for us at the library so we went as fast as we could to my first non-member lesson ever! His name is Cameron and he belongs to the Church of Christ. But he loves to study religion and he was super curious! Super nice guy. It was fun! I didn't talk much though!
It has been a very unusual past couple days but we will be getting more into the actual schedule of things tomorrow! All is well in Mississippi! Ya'll have a blessed day!
My new address:
1111 Sawyer Rd. Apt C
Corinth, MS 38834
-Sister Belnap
My P-day is on Monday so I will write more then! Love you all!
Sister Emily Orr
Aright!! :)
First of all...Thank you everyone for the emails and letters, they really mean a lot! So, I survived the plane ride! It was beautiful. First day I get to Boston, I meet the mission president and the AP's....and they kick us out to go street contact. I was terrified...I about wet my skirt. But it was so good! My two companions and I gave out a ton of pass along cards and I gave a Book of Mormon and Restoration pamphlet to a hobo...:) So I'm not sure if anything will come of it, but it was super cool! Then we got trained and met our new companions/trainers the next day! My trainer is Sister Morgan. She's from Arizona and and she's a super diva and pretty darn awesome. She definitely knows what she's doing! A lot of this stuff just goes through one ear and out the other and I ask the dumbest questions sometimes:) But hey, thats nothing new! Oh my goodness it's coooooold!! I freeze every day of my life with thermals, fleece-lined leggings, boots, coat, hat, scarf, and gloves! So cold. Also, I never got carsick in my life till I drove with Sister Morgan...She's a crazy lady!
The ward here is the bomb diggity! They are all way involved and they help so much! (and they feed us lots of foods). A lot of the success we have here is because of the ward. I'm soooo gonna get fat! Members have us over for dinner almost everyday! Carne Asada tonight with baked potatoes....ahhh
We watched the Christmas Devotional yesterday and if you didn't watch it, go look it up cuz it was so good! Mom, listening to the MoTab sing made me miss your concerts a ton! Sounds like your Christmas concert was good. I'm so sad I'm gonna miss another one of those! I don't remember who said it in the Devotional but they said "small and simple acts make the biggest impact". That's what I've noticed a lot being on a mission! My absolute favorite thing is service. Serving people is amazing and even if we aren't teaching them about the gospel or having a lesson, it means a lot to people! We went and helped a lady move the other day who isn't a member, and we spent 4 or 5 hours with her and that was probably my number one favorite thing that has happened. It wasn't a big deal, we just helped her move her junk, but we found out later from her friend who is a member that it meant a lot to her and she was so grateful for "those young missionaries". Service is number one! It really helps people see your love for them. And they're not going to believe all your "talk" until they see how much you actually care about them!.
A few other people that I have met...(p.s. I'm in Norwich Connecticut) Bryan Reynolds. He lives with a less active family -- the Paiges. He is Catholic and not very open to hearing things about the gospel. We went over and shared a message with the Paiges and we told him to listen but he just kinda did his own thing. I think he was listening though and dangit I'm gonna convert him. I think that he believes everything we say, he just doesn't wanna change. Missionaries have been going over there for years. That's my #1 goal right now...before I leave Norwich, Bryan Reynolds WILL be baptized. He really is an awesome guy and he's super crazy and a little obnoxious, but that's why we get along! So I'll keep ya'll updated on that!
My district is super awesome! We had District meeting on Friday and I got to know everyone, and for real, Massachusetts Boston missionaries are awesome!! Sister Morgan and I work really close with the two Elders in our ward, Elder Ching and Elder Koontz. Elder Ching is from Hawaii and he's one of the greatest missionaries ever! We will just be driving and he will see someone outside their house and he'll pull over and talk to them. Elder Koontz is a convert and he has a really special story! His dad passed away and he figured there was something more so he got baptized and decided to go on a mission! His mom was baptized while he was in the mission field! So cool.
Something I thought was cool my last couple days in the MTC. We were reading in the Book of Mormon in 1 Nephi. Talking about Laman and Lemuel, verse 13 says "and they were like unto the Jews who were at Jerusalem". It got me thinking...Laman and Lemuel were exactly like all the wicked people in Jerusalem. Wicked people were the reason God destroyed that city. God could have told Lehi to leave them behind because they were so wicked and they were the reason He was destroying the city, but because He is merciful and He knew that would break Lehi's heart, He saved them. Even though they caused so much pain and suffering! I guess if any of that makes sense...I just thought it was super cool!:)
Man...missions are hard. I came out here thinking I would just go around converting the world and it would all be great! But nope! They are tough! But it's all worth it...100%:) Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers!! :) And Keri! Thank you SOOO much for the scarf! I wear it everyday of my life and it is amazing! :)
Also, go on YouTube and look up He Is The Gift. It is a beautiful video that the Church put out to bring the Christmas spirit and the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift we have been given. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and the Atonement. He DIED for us! All of us. That really is so amazing.
I love you all!!
SISTER ORR!
Mailing address in my 1st Area:
8 Oxford Drive
Norwich, Connecticut
06360
Aright!! :)
First of all...Thank you everyone for the emails and letters, they really mean a lot! So, I survived the plane ride! It was beautiful. First day I get to Boston, I meet the mission president and the AP's....and they kick us out to go street contact. I was terrified...I about wet my skirt. But it was so good! My two companions and I gave out a ton of pass along cards and I gave a Book of Mormon and Restoration pamphlet to a hobo...:) So I'm not sure if anything will come of it, but it was super cool! Then we got trained and met our new companions/trainers the next day! My trainer is Sister Morgan. She's from Arizona and and she's a super diva and pretty darn awesome. She definitely knows what she's doing! A lot of this stuff just goes through one ear and out the other and I ask the dumbest questions sometimes:) But hey, thats nothing new! Oh my goodness it's coooooold!! I freeze every day of my life with thermals, fleece-lined leggings, boots, coat, hat, scarf, and gloves! So cold. Also, I never got carsick in my life till I drove with Sister Morgan...She's a crazy lady!
The ward here is the bomb diggity! They are all way involved and they help so much! (and they feed us lots of foods). A lot of the success we have here is because of the ward. I'm soooo gonna get fat! Members have us over for dinner almost everyday! Carne Asada tonight with baked potatoes....ahhh
We watched the Christmas Devotional yesterday and if you didn't watch it, go look it up cuz it was so good! Mom, listening to the MoTab sing made me miss your concerts a ton! Sounds like your Christmas concert was good. I'm so sad I'm gonna miss another one of those! I don't remember who said it in the Devotional but they said "small and simple acts make the biggest impact". That's what I've noticed a lot being on a mission! My absolute favorite thing is service. Serving people is amazing and even if we aren't teaching them about the gospel or having a lesson, it means a lot to people! We went and helped a lady move the other day who isn't a member, and we spent 4 or 5 hours with her and that was probably my number one favorite thing that has happened. It wasn't a big deal, we just helped her move her junk, but we found out later from her friend who is a member that it meant a lot to her and she was so grateful for "those young missionaries". Service is number one! It really helps people see your love for them. And they're not going to believe all your "talk" until they see how much you actually care about them!.
A few other people that I have met...(p.s. I'm in Norwich Connecticut) Bryan Reynolds. He lives with a less active family -- the Paiges. He is Catholic and not very open to hearing things about the gospel. We went over and shared a message with the Paiges and we told him to listen but he just kinda did his own thing. I think he was listening though and dangit I'm gonna convert him. I think that he believes everything we say, he just doesn't wanna change. Missionaries have been going over there for years. That's my #1 goal right now...before I leave Norwich, Bryan Reynolds WILL be baptized. He really is an awesome guy and he's super crazy and a little obnoxious, but that's why we get along! So I'll keep ya'll updated on that!
My district is super awesome! We had District meeting on Friday and I got to know everyone, and for real, Massachusetts Boston missionaries are awesome!! Sister Morgan and I work really close with the two Elders in our ward, Elder Ching and Elder Koontz. Elder Ching is from Hawaii and he's one of the greatest missionaries ever! We will just be driving and he will see someone outside their house and he'll pull over and talk to them. Elder Koontz is a convert and he has a really special story! His dad passed away and he figured there was something more so he got baptized and decided to go on a mission! His mom was baptized while he was in the mission field! So cool.
Something I thought was cool my last couple days in the MTC. We were reading in the Book of Mormon in 1 Nephi. Talking about Laman and Lemuel, verse 13 says "and they were like unto the Jews who were at Jerusalem". It got me thinking...Laman and Lemuel were exactly like all the wicked people in Jerusalem. Wicked people were the reason God destroyed that city. God could have told Lehi to leave them behind because they were so wicked and they were the reason He was destroying the city, but because He is merciful and He knew that would break Lehi's heart, He saved them. Even though they caused so much pain and suffering! I guess if any of that makes sense...I just thought it was super cool!:)
Man...missions are hard. I came out here thinking I would just go around converting the world and it would all be great! But nope! They are tough! But it's all worth it...100%:) Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers!! :) And Keri! Thank you SOOO much for the scarf! I wear it everyday of my life and it is amazing! :)
Also, go on YouTube and look up He Is The Gift. It is a beautiful video that the Church put out to bring the Christmas spirit and the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift we have been given. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and the Atonement. He DIED for us! All of us. That really is so amazing.
I love you all!!
SISTER ORR!
Mailing address in my 1st Area:
8 Oxford Drive
Norwich, Connecticut
06360
Sister Lindy Clegg
Hola!
This week has been so awesome, if you guys haven´t already heard, I LOVE being a missionary!! This week I feel like I learned loads about how to learn and recieve revelation and it has been one of the coolest things ever!
Some of the highlights were when we got to do a service project! We were in charge of cleaning the outside, and me and my comp got to sweep and dust the top of these like oil and gas tanks, it was amazing. There is just something about menial work that brings a ton of joy, like doing the dishes. We just swept dirt for a solid hour and I had sweat dripping out of my eyes, but it was so great.
Also we had a couple really great christmas devos this week! The first one was the first presidency message which was amazing, except for the first time I got SO HOMESICK. It was hard to see temple square and hear about christmas traditions with family and not be with mine, but as I was praying through the devotional I felt such a strong reassurance that this is where I need to be, helping the people of Peru.
Then the next night we had a HUGE christmas delio, where we sang in the choir and all the mission presidents from Lima came, it was awesome! There were talks and choirs and songs, we ended singing Silent Night in spanish with everyone and it was incredible! It is so true that no matter where you are or who you are with, the Spirit of Christmas and love of Christ is always there. After that we went outside to see the lights! It was so pretty! I just started crying and the Elders in our district were like, "sweet, another moment where Hna Clegg cries out of joy for no reason.. check!" Haha they know me so well! But it was so pretty, there was a nativity scence, lights on all the collumns and trees playing little christmas tunes, so awesome! We had delicious hot chocolate, and not so delicious Panaton (fruit cake) and just took in the moment. I really just felt so much peace and love for the people I was with and being a missionary.Then the coacroaches started coming out of the bushes so that moment ended... but still an amazing night haha.
Another highlight this week was yesterday when we got PIZZA! Honestly, since day 5 of rice and chicken every day, all we have been saying is "I just wish we could have pizza" and there it was! We were all enjoying it till we realized that only two districts and gotten pizza and then they had run out, I seriously felt so sick because I knew how much we all wanted it. Then, just like in "All dogs go to heaven" We all started giving away to other people the pizza we had left and it was awesome.
Kind of silly, but meant a lot and made me realize how happy and blessed we are to have the gospel, but how selfish and rude we are if we just keep it to ourselves. And really, the more you share, the more you are gonna get! Today for PDay we had the opportunity to place another book of mormon to some guys painting a house, it was so scary and I realized how bad I am at spanish, but it is always amazing to me that when we have courage and listen to the spirit, miracles happen.
I have seriously learned so much here in the CCM, but am STOKED to leave early tuesday morning! I am so not ready spanish wise, but I am excited to have opportunities every day to share the gospel, and not be stuck in a box haha..
I have gained such a strong testimony of prayer while here as I have recieved and asked for help in learning a language and becoming a missionary. I want to challenge you all to make prayer and scripture study part of your day. I KNOW it is hard to find time, but I know that Heavenly Father is literally waiting to give you anwers and help and more knowledge if you just study and pray. 5 min a day is all it takes! I love you all and am so thankful for your love and support. Have a great week, Feliz Navidad, and remember to pray and give thanks to Heavenly Father for everything this wonderful Christmas season!
Love,
Hermana Clegg
Family! Let me know if it is better to write here or on another email, either works for me!
Santa brought a HOT TUB? With speakers? Hot dang, if only I was there to party, thats awesome! Somebody skip school and go skiing this week for me, I was curious when it would open, thats awesome! Have fun at home, be good while mom is gone haha... cant wait to skype you all in two weeks! I want a full report on friends, skiing, hot tub, the baby, school and crushes. But mostly I want to talk to you because you all are the best family ever. Have a great week, FELIZ NAVIDAD!
Hola!
This week has been so awesome, if you guys haven´t already heard, I LOVE being a missionary!! This week I feel like I learned loads about how to learn and recieve revelation and it has been one of the coolest things ever!
Some of the highlights were when we got to do a service project! We were in charge of cleaning the outside, and me and my comp got to sweep and dust the top of these like oil and gas tanks, it was amazing. There is just something about menial work that brings a ton of joy, like doing the dishes. We just swept dirt for a solid hour and I had sweat dripping out of my eyes, but it was so great.
Also we had a couple really great christmas devos this week! The first one was the first presidency message which was amazing, except for the first time I got SO HOMESICK. It was hard to see temple square and hear about christmas traditions with family and not be with mine, but as I was praying through the devotional I felt such a strong reassurance that this is where I need to be, helping the people of Peru.
Then the next night we had a HUGE christmas delio, where we sang in the choir and all the mission presidents from Lima came, it was awesome! There were talks and choirs and songs, we ended singing Silent Night in spanish with everyone and it was incredible! It is so true that no matter where you are or who you are with, the Spirit of Christmas and love of Christ is always there. After that we went outside to see the lights! It was so pretty! I just started crying and the Elders in our district were like, "sweet, another moment where Hna Clegg cries out of joy for no reason.. check!" Haha they know me so well! But it was so pretty, there was a nativity scence, lights on all the collumns and trees playing little christmas tunes, so awesome! We had delicious hot chocolate, and not so delicious Panaton (fruit cake) and just took in the moment. I really just felt so much peace and love for the people I was with and being a missionary.Then the coacroaches started coming out of the bushes so that moment ended... but still an amazing night haha.
Another highlight this week was yesterday when we got PIZZA! Honestly, since day 5 of rice and chicken every day, all we have been saying is "I just wish we could have pizza" and there it was! We were all enjoying it till we realized that only two districts and gotten pizza and then they had run out, I seriously felt so sick because I knew how much we all wanted it. Then, just like in "All dogs go to heaven" We all started giving away to other people the pizza we had left and it was awesome.
Kind of silly, but meant a lot and made me realize how happy and blessed we are to have the gospel, but how selfish and rude we are if we just keep it to ourselves. And really, the more you share, the more you are gonna get! Today for PDay we had the opportunity to place another book of mormon to some guys painting a house, it was so scary and I realized how bad I am at spanish, but it is always amazing to me that when we have courage and listen to the spirit, miracles happen.
I have seriously learned so much here in the CCM, but am STOKED to leave early tuesday morning! I am so not ready spanish wise, but I am excited to have opportunities every day to share the gospel, and not be stuck in a box haha..
I have gained such a strong testimony of prayer while here as I have recieved and asked for help in learning a language and becoming a missionary. I want to challenge you all to make prayer and scripture study part of your day. I KNOW it is hard to find time, but I know that Heavenly Father is literally waiting to give you anwers and help and more knowledge if you just study and pray. 5 min a day is all it takes! I love you all and am so thankful for your love and support. Have a great week, Feliz Navidad, and remember to pray and give thanks to Heavenly Father for everything this wonderful Christmas season!
Love,
Hermana Clegg
Family! Let me know if it is better to write here or on another email, either works for me!
Santa brought a HOT TUB? With speakers? Hot dang, if only I was there to party, thats awesome! Somebody skip school and go skiing this week for me, I was curious when it would open, thats awesome! Have fun at home, be good while mom is gone haha... cant wait to skype you all in two weeks! I want a full report on friends, skiing, hot tub, the baby, school and crushes. But mostly I want to talk to you because you all are the best family ever. Have a great week, FELIZ NAVIDAD!
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Sister Hannah Walker
Another transfer come and gone, as well as another area. Man. Time flies when you're serving the Lord! SO much happened this week, I don't know where to begin! I pretty much knew that this was going to be the last week, so we made an extra hard push. Wanna know something sad though? This week, I took TONS of pictures and was so excited to send them to all yall.....but I have already packed my camera cord :( I completely forgot! So you'll all have to just imagine the fantastic wonderful events that have taken place :)
Memorable event #1: So the elders in Thomson have been teaching this woman named Becky ever since Elder Godwin and I got here to this area three transfers ago. She has grown to love the church and us and just everything, but her husband is a deep baptist and won't change. So she's been continuing to learn more from the elders and she really enjoys coming to church with her friend Margaret. They'll take us out to lunch sometimes :) Well on wednesday, they invited us to come to their church's bible study. Flash back to a couple weeks ago. They invited the elders to their church service on Sunday and the preacher spent the entire time just bashing on mormons and stuff. So we were a little nervous to go, but we weren't going to let that stop us! There are so many different churches here in the south, but we aren't allowed to visit them unless invited by an investigator. So we jumped on this chance :) We show up and are slightly terrified for our lives, but we walk in with Becky and her husband anyway. The people there were super nice, but we expected that. All baptists are nice up front, but you never really know what they're thinking on the inside especially about mormons. The study was out of Revelations 4 and it was interesting to say the least. We did get bashed a little bit, but not as openly as it was with the elders. It was just a cool opportunity to see the difference in beliefs. I tried getting things out of it and learning things from the preacher, but the only things I learned were from our footnotes haha... It was just a testament that the Spirit won't support things that aren't all the way true :) I love that the south is so big on starting so young with teaching the kids about the bible. True Christians :) most of them....
Memorable event #2: All of Friday was just amazing :) We went and had lunch with Becky for the last time and were lucky enough to sit in on a lesson with her. We also got a call from Tony!! Tony has been kind of off the grid for a while, but he called us and wanted to see us. So we went over there and apparently he had lost his job to someone else who had been with the boss for a long time. Tony was distraught. :( He is looking for light in his life and every time we go over there, he always talks about how happy we make him and about how we bring God with us whenever we come. He is amazing :) That night, we had an awesome lesson with him where we pretty much just let the Spirit guide our words. We do that anyway, but this time was even more. We really had no idea what he needed. We had to rely purely on God to tell us :) It resulted in many tears (by him of course...i don't cry ;) haha) and in him coming to church again yesterday. He really wants to change and come closer to God and Christ :) After that, we went to the Lights of the South with a member and his son. This is pretty much the COOLEST thing ever! :) I know I say that about a lot...but this is one of the top ones! They pretty much took one of the many woodsy areas on the outskirts of Harlem and decorated it with different light designs :) You walk through (or you can take a hay ride through) and there are all sorts of little displays. It starts off with the nativity of course, then moves to movie characters, dinosaurs, castles, and all sorts of things :) all winding through the bare trees. I'll have to send some pictures next week. It's kind of hard to explain. But it was so great being able to go out and enjoy the festivities while representing Christ. We had people come up to us and ask why we're dressed so professional, and that opened up a conversation :) Man...loving this work!
Memorable event #3: Saturday was also awesome! Apparently, it's a thing to do Christmas parades? haha I have never heard of those before in my life!! I'd always watch movies and see santa in a parade and wonder what wierdos put santa in parades. Well....apparently the ones in the south. haha There were three parades on saturday and one on sunday. We went to the one in Harlem (also will send pictures next week) and then the one in Grovetown. The Grovetown one was lots bigger, so we called the zone together to go caroling :) it was awesome! haha we all looked so good dressed up in red white and black and singing praises to our King :) Everyone was really appreciatvie and it was a great opportunity to remind people about the greatest gift of all. Even though it was raining... :P speaking of the weather! This week has stayed in the low 60s and high 50s! Haha I've been able to pull off not wearing scarves this week because it's been so nice! It's definitely NOT december weather! Goodness, it's tripping me out... Well, Saturday night was the conference call to tell us who's getting transferred. We have the option to go to a member's home during this call and we went to Brother Phillips. He was the Ward Mission Leader when I got to this area, and he and his wife have been amazing friends ever since :) We played a couple games with them and Brother Phillips put up the challenge to one of the elders to wash the winner's feet. Well, guess who won? guess who always wins games at Brother Phillips's house ;) haha yeah... me and his wife. We're always a great team :) After the game and the call, we sit down to have this elder wash our feet. Haha now, he's an awesome missionary, but sometimes he can let his head get in the way a bit ;) as we all can. It was truly a cool experience having him wash our feet. If you've ever washed someone's feet before, you can relate. It's a humbling experience. My feet weren't too dirty because they had been washed by the rain a lot that day, but still I felt kind of bad for him haha. It was cool :)
Well, those were the biggest highlights of the week. Next week, I will be coming to you from a new area :) woot woot! Hope the holiday season is going well for all of you! Quote of the week is from Sister Elaine S. Dalton (I met her! :) ): "Be loyal to the royal within you."
Love yall lots! :)
Sister Walker
Another transfer come and gone, as well as another area. Man. Time flies when you're serving the Lord! SO much happened this week, I don't know where to begin! I pretty much knew that this was going to be the last week, so we made an extra hard push. Wanna know something sad though? This week, I took TONS of pictures and was so excited to send them to all yall.....but I have already packed my camera cord :( I completely forgot! So you'll all have to just imagine the fantastic wonderful events that have taken place :)
Memorable event #1: So the elders in Thomson have been teaching this woman named Becky ever since Elder Godwin and I got here to this area three transfers ago. She has grown to love the church and us and just everything, but her husband is a deep baptist and won't change. So she's been continuing to learn more from the elders and she really enjoys coming to church with her friend Margaret. They'll take us out to lunch sometimes :) Well on wednesday, they invited us to come to their church's bible study. Flash back to a couple weeks ago. They invited the elders to their church service on Sunday and the preacher spent the entire time just bashing on mormons and stuff. So we were a little nervous to go, but we weren't going to let that stop us! There are so many different churches here in the south, but we aren't allowed to visit them unless invited by an investigator. So we jumped on this chance :) We show up and are slightly terrified for our lives, but we walk in with Becky and her husband anyway. The people there were super nice, but we expected that. All baptists are nice up front, but you never really know what they're thinking on the inside especially about mormons. The study was out of Revelations 4 and it was interesting to say the least. We did get bashed a little bit, but not as openly as it was with the elders. It was just a cool opportunity to see the difference in beliefs. I tried getting things out of it and learning things from the preacher, but the only things I learned were from our footnotes haha... It was just a testament that the Spirit won't support things that aren't all the way true :) I love that the south is so big on starting so young with teaching the kids about the bible. True Christians :) most of them....
Memorable event #2: All of Friday was just amazing :) We went and had lunch with Becky for the last time and were lucky enough to sit in on a lesson with her. We also got a call from Tony!! Tony has been kind of off the grid for a while, but he called us and wanted to see us. So we went over there and apparently he had lost his job to someone else who had been with the boss for a long time. Tony was distraught. :( He is looking for light in his life and every time we go over there, he always talks about how happy we make him and about how we bring God with us whenever we come. He is amazing :) That night, we had an awesome lesson with him where we pretty much just let the Spirit guide our words. We do that anyway, but this time was even more. We really had no idea what he needed. We had to rely purely on God to tell us :) It resulted in many tears (by him of course...i don't cry ;) haha) and in him coming to church again yesterday. He really wants to change and come closer to God and Christ :) After that, we went to the Lights of the South with a member and his son. This is pretty much the COOLEST thing ever! :) I know I say that about a lot...but this is one of the top ones! They pretty much took one of the many woodsy areas on the outskirts of Harlem and decorated it with different light designs :) You walk through (or you can take a hay ride through) and there are all sorts of little displays. It starts off with the nativity of course, then moves to movie characters, dinosaurs, castles, and all sorts of things :) all winding through the bare trees. I'll have to send some pictures next week. It's kind of hard to explain. But it was so great being able to go out and enjoy the festivities while representing Christ. We had people come up to us and ask why we're dressed so professional, and that opened up a conversation :) Man...loving this work!
Memorable event #3: Saturday was also awesome! Apparently, it's a thing to do Christmas parades? haha I have never heard of those before in my life!! I'd always watch movies and see santa in a parade and wonder what wierdos put santa in parades. Well....apparently the ones in the south. haha There were three parades on saturday and one on sunday. We went to the one in Harlem (also will send pictures next week) and then the one in Grovetown. The Grovetown one was lots bigger, so we called the zone together to go caroling :) it was awesome! haha we all looked so good dressed up in red white and black and singing praises to our King :) Everyone was really appreciatvie and it was a great opportunity to remind people about the greatest gift of all. Even though it was raining... :P speaking of the weather! This week has stayed in the low 60s and high 50s! Haha I've been able to pull off not wearing scarves this week because it's been so nice! It's definitely NOT december weather! Goodness, it's tripping me out... Well, Saturday night was the conference call to tell us who's getting transferred. We have the option to go to a member's home during this call and we went to Brother Phillips. He was the Ward Mission Leader when I got to this area, and he and his wife have been amazing friends ever since :) We played a couple games with them and Brother Phillips put up the challenge to one of the elders to wash the winner's feet. Well, guess who won? guess who always wins games at Brother Phillips's house ;) haha yeah... me and his wife. We're always a great team :) After the game and the call, we sit down to have this elder wash our feet. Haha now, he's an awesome missionary, but sometimes he can let his head get in the way a bit ;) as we all can. It was truly a cool experience having him wash our feet. If you've ever washed someone's feet before, you can relate. It's a humbling experience. My feet weren't too dirty because they had been washed by the rain a lot that day, but still I felt kind of bad for him haha. It was cool :)
Well, those were the biggest highlights of the week. Next week, I will be coming to you from a new area :) woot woot! Hope the holiday season is going well for all of you! Quote of the week is from Sister Elaine S. Dalton (I met her! :) ): "Be loyal to the royal within you."
Love yall lots! :)
Sister Walker
Elder Joshua Nieman
Well this week it kind of hit me that it is December and I wont be in my home not doing any of the traditions or just the little things that we do as a family. I really didnt think about it that much but wow it will be interesting what happens on Christmas. Even though I havent been on the mission for that long I feel like I have felt every emotion that a human can feel. It just makes me think of Jesus Christ and how he suffered for all of the sins of the world. It is really the most amazing thing and I think some people forget what he did for us. This week I was teaching lesson 2 and lesson 2 is about the plan of salvation. I was teaching this married couple, Victor y Flora who are strongly catholic and arent interested in converting. When we were teaching about life on earth and what our purpose is. It got to the part where it talks about Jesus Christs atonement. When I started teaching Victor stopped me and said what is the atonment of Christ. It kind of caught me of guard and I kind of wanted to say something like are you serious. Haha but I didnt but when he asked that I felt something in my heart just kind of hit me. I told him that Jesus Christ made the most amazing sacrifice and heroic act in the history of the world. It was amazing cause I felt like the spirit could crush me like a grape. It was so strong and I knew that they could feel the spirit and it was just really cool cause after that moment I feel like this couple that wasnt really interested at all changed their minds and are actually thinking about it. I really love teaching lesson 2 cause it talks about the plan of salvation. I love telling people they can live with their families forever and that we can live with God. It is really amazing to seepeople change and just the people that hate you start to love you. People like Catholics and Jehovas Witnesses come up to me everyday and say that you are preaching the wrong stuff and I am lost and I just smile at them and say in my head they dont know the truth yet. I feel really bad for them and I wish they would listen to our message and realize it is true. It kind of scares me because I have seen them preaching in the streets and I wonder if they were to come to me with questions and ask me if I would be able to answer them. That brings me to the other thing I did this week. Cambios with Elder Netzley my zone leader. Cambios are like splits with other missionaries. But lately I have been doing a lot of switches with different people. But we got done with the day and it was really awesome cause we taught and I just thought it was a normal day. I asked Elder Netzley if there was a time he didnt know the answer and he just says the spirit will always lead you and in those times you wont even know what you are saying. Really I can not wait for that day. Something more that he told me is that I had a gift. It kind of sounds cocky but I really want to tell you guys this. He said I had a gift that whenever I started to teach or just started to talk about anything the spirit was present and that every single of his investigadors told him after the lesson that they felt something in their hearts and felt this force. When he told me that I just kind of gained a lot of confidence and just really made me think that God gives everyone gifts and if you dont know your gift it will come in a time in your life where you feel lost. I am so grateful to be serving and showing people the correct path. I love everyone here and I just want to say that the church is true. I love you all and I will talk to you next week. Oh and tell uncle jared and parker and mayzie and tre and britt that I loved their letters!
Love you all forever
Elder Nieman
Well this week it kind of hit me that it is December and I wont be in my home not doing any of the traditions or just the little things that we do as a family. I really didnt think about it that much but wow it will be interesting what happens on Christmas. Even though I havent been on the mission for that long I feel like I have felt every emotion that a human can feel. It just makes me think of Jesus Christ and how he suffered for all of the sins of the world. It is really the most amazing thing and I think some people forget what he did for us. This week I was teaching lesson 2 and lesson 2 is about the plan of salvation. I was teaching this married couple, Victor y Flora who are strongly catholic and arent interested in converting. When we were teaching about life on earth and what our purpose is. It got to the part where it talks about Jesus Christs atonement. When I started teaching Victor stopped me and said what is the atonment of Christ. It kind of caught me of guard and I kind of wanted to say something like are you serious. Haha but I didnt but when he asked that I felt something in my heart just kind of hit me. I told him that Jesus Christ made the most amazing sacrifice and heroic act in the history of the world. It was amazing cause I felt like the spirit could crush me like a grape. It was so strong and I knew that they could feel the spirit and it was just really cool cause after that moment I feel like this couple that wasnt really interested at all changed their minds and are actually thinking about it. I really love teaching lesson 2 cause it talks about the plan of salvation. I love telling people they can live with their families forever and that we can live with God. It is really amazing to seepeople change and just the people that hate you start to love you. People like Catholics and Jehovas Witnesses come up to me everyday and say that you are preaching the wrong stuff and I am lost and I just smile at them and say in my head they dont know the truth yet. I feel really bad for them and I wish they would listen to our message and realize it is true. It kind of scares me because I have seen them preaching in the streets and I wonder if they were to come to me with questions and ask me if I would be able to answer them. That brings me to the other thing I did this week. Cambios with Elder Netzley my zone leader. Cambios are like splits with other missionaries. But lately I have been doing a lot of switches with different people. But we got done with the day and it was really awesome cause we taught and I just thought it was a normal day. I asked Elder Netzley if there was a time he didnt know the answer and he just says the spirit will always lead you and in those times you wont even know what you are saying. Really I can not wait for that day. Something more that he told me is that I had a gift. It kind of sounds cocky but I really want to tell you guys this. He said I had a gift that whenever I started to teach or just started to talk about anything the spirit was present and that every single of his investigadors told him after the lesson that they felt something in their hearts and felt this force. When he told me that I just kind of gained a lot of confidence and just really made me think that God gives everyone gifts and if you dont know your gift it will come in a time in your life where you feel lost. I am so grateful to be serving and showing people the correct path. I love everyone here and I just want to say that the church is true. I love you all and I will talk to you next week. Oh and tell uncle jared and parker and mayzie and tre and britt that I loved their letters!
Love you all forever
Elder Nieman
Elder Tyler Peterson
Hello everybody!
How is the life?? I hope that everyone is doing wonderfully, because in this moment, I feel like I am holding up pretty well, even though things aren't exactly ideal. But hey, it's a new week, so it'll be GREAT!! :)
This past week started with a near disaster. Elder Gómez woke up feeling terribly sick, la verdad is that he's had dengue before, and nearly all of the symptoms he was having showed that he might have caught it again (note: second times with dengue basically are a death sentence :0) so I was praying hard, gave him a blessing, and fortunately, with the help of a little medicine, he was up and running like normal the next day! :) I'm very grateful that he didn't have anything serious!
After that though, we could never get things up and running this entire week. Even though we had fantastic lessons with some golden prospects, none of them could come to church, which is crucial in order to baptize this month, and all of our other numbers were very low. Elder Gómez took it hard, and he was going nuts yesterday, and that was almost a disaster too. BUT, Heavenly Father and His Son really are looking out for us, because right when I had NO idea what to do, we had an opportunity to go caroling and teaching with like my favorite family here to some of our investigators, and holy cow! That was AMAZING!! :D The Spirit was so strong, we really strengthened the relations with one family, and it made me feel so good! Then the devotional really picked us up, (loved it! understanding it all in spanish was also a bonus :)) and we're getting ready to hit it hard this week!
Speaking of awesome families here in the ward, after a service project Saturday morning, something happened I was not expecting. After the project, we had some lunch prepared and we all ate salchichas, carne asada and everything else that goes with that, and I realized that, for the first time in my mission, I felt like I'd found home, with a place that felt just right, and with people that I love, like a family! :) While I know that nothing can replace my family family ever, it was special to feel like I belonged again! I'm glad I felt that right before Christmas really got going, that'll be such a blessing! :)
I love you all so very much! We're sharing something awesome with everyone that's called 'Él es la Dádiva' (He is the Gift) and it's a special message that Christ really is that gift from Heavenly Father that everyone needs to discover, accept, and share, so go share it!! Take care, and have a super week! :)
¡Nos vemos!
Elder Tyler Peterson
Hello everybody!
How is the life?? I hope that everyone is doing wonderfully, because in this moment, I feel like I am holding up pretty well, even though things aren't exactly ideal. But hey, it's a new week, so it'll be GREAT!! :)
This past week started with a near disaster. Elder Gómez woke up feeling terribly sick, la verdad is that he's had dengue before, and nearly all of the symptoms he was having showed that he might have caught it again (note: second times with dengue basically are a death sentence :0) so I was praying hard, gave him a blessing, and fortunately, with the help of a little medicine, he was up and running like normal the next day! :) I'm very grateful that he didn't have anything serious!
After that though, we could never get things up and running this entire week. Even though we had fantastic lessons with some golden prospects, none of them could come to church, which is crucial in order to baptize this month, and all of our other numbers were very low. Elder Gómez took it hard, and he was going nuts yesterday, and that was almost a disaster too. BUT, Heavenly Father and His Son really are looking out for us, because right when I had NO idea what to do, we had an opportunity to go caroling and teaching with like my favorite family here to some of our investigators, and holy cow! That was AMAZING!! :D The Spirit was so strong, we really strengthened the relations with one family, and it made me feel so good! Then the devotional really picked us up, (loved it! understanding it all in spanish was also a bonus :)) and we're getting ready to hit it hard this week!
Speaking of awesome families here in the ward, after a service project Saturday morning, something happened I was not expecting. After the project, we had some lunch prepared and we all ate salchichas, carne asada and everything else that goes with that, and I realized that, for the first time in my mission, I felt like I'd found home, with a place that felt just right, and with people that I love, like a family! :) While I know that nothing can replace my family family ever, it was special to feel like I belonged again! I'm glad I felt that right before Christmas really got going, that'll be such a blessing! :)
I love you all so very much! We're sharing something awesome with everyone that's called 'Él es la Dádiva' (He is the Gift) and it's a special message that Christ really is that gift from Heavenly Father that everyone needs to discover, accept, and share, so go share it!! Take care, and have a super week! :)
¡Nos vemos!
Elder Tyler Peterson
Elder Kyler Olsen
Hey all,
I got all decorated for Christmas two weeks a go but forgot to send the pic. so it will come. THis week was kinda crazy. The christmas devotional was really awesome I was singing along to all the songs in english... haha so great. We met this delinquent hobo dude from Lima who came to church and wants to start over here in cajamarca. We arent really sure if he is for sure or not but I surely hope so. THe other pic is of a plate we ate today. It was probably the best food I have had here in peru. A place called superchicken, they have these giant brick ovens and cook the chickens spitstyle. I also ate anticucho de res, cow heart, and oooooohhhh wow it was super yummy. And the best is that the whole plate only costed like 6 dollars.
Anyways so this week I had a couple kinda tough days that I was pretty frustrated with change. But it lead me to ask questions and buscar answers, and I, finally, wrote a good definition of faith for me. Believing, hoping, and working towards that goal that you cant see or understand, and trusting in that God does, and always has something better for you. I KNOW that there is something better out there. We dont know exactly what it is. but it is amazing. I want all of you to go watch He is the Gift, we are using that video so much here in the mission. Dont ever forget what Christmas is about. Acerquense a JesuCristo, ponganlo en primer lugar, y todo saldra bien. Les Prometo.
I love you all sooo much and cannot wait to get your letters! :)
Elder Olsen
Elder Kasey Crafts
Tuesday, December 1, 2014
Dear Friends and Family,
This week was awesome! Lots of great things continue to happen here in Fort Hancock. Our next p-day will be this next Monday because of transfers.
For Thanksgiving we went to los Morales for dinner! There was lots of food and we ate a lot. We ate turkey which is pretty common around here for thanksgiving. Also, they were able to invite one of the less actives and her family which was really great to be able to talk to them!
When we went to visit Catalina Soto this last week she told us another thing that missionaries live for! She had expressed to us in earlier lessons that she loves what she is learning and in some future day she might get baptized. However, this last time we went to visit with her she told us something along these lines. " I woke up the other day and it just hit me. I don't need to know everything before I get baptized. I can get baptized and still continue learning. I could learn for years and years and still never know it all. I know for sure I want to get baptized. I've set my mind to it and that is what I want to do." Wahoo!! She wanted to pray about her own baptismal date and so when we go this next week she will tell us. :)
One of the things I've been noticing is the importance of the spirit. The spirit really plays a crucial role to conversion. Both of that of the missionary and that of the investigator. The missionary can't help bring anyone to the waters of baptism unless they are in tune with the spirit. And the sprit cant touch someones heart unless they are willing. The most important thing is to help the investigator feel the spirit and understand what it is. When they understand that they will know everything we have been teaching them is true. Feeling the spirit brings conviction. The more you feel the spirit the more you know the gospel, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church.
Les quiero todo! ojala que tegan una semana fantistica!
Elder Crafts
PS. Also, this last week I ate a chicharron Burrito. (chicharron are dried pig skins.) I had had chicharron before but this time, it was really pretty nasty.
Tuesday, December 1, 2014
Dear Friends and Family,
This week was awesome! Lots of great things continue to happen here in Fort Hancock. Our next p-day will be this next Monday because of transfers.
For Thanksgiving we went to los Morales for dinner! There was lots of food and we ate a lot. We ate turkey which is pretty common around here for thanksgiving. Also, they were able to invite one of the less actives and her family which was really great to be able to talk to them!
When we went to visit Catalina Soto this last week she told us another thing that missionaries live for! She had expressed to us in earlier lessons that she loves what she is learning and in some future day she might get baptized. However, this last time we went to visit with her she told us something along these lines. " I woke up the other day and it just hit me. I don't need to know everything before I get baptized. I can get baptized and still continue learning. I could learn for years and years and still never know it all. I know for sure I want to get baptized. I've set my mind to it and that is what I want to do." Wahoo!! She wanted to pray about her own baptismal date and so when we go this next week she will tell us. :)
One of the things I've been noticing is the importance of the spirit. The spirit really plays a crucial role to conversion. Both of that of the missionary and that of the investigator. The missionary can't help bring anyone to the waters of baptism unless they are in tune with the spirit. And the sprit cant touch someones heart unless they are willing. The most important thing is to help the investigator feel the spirit and understand what it is. When they understand that they will know everything we have been teaching them is true. Feeling the spirit brings conviction. The more you feel the spirit the more you know the gospel, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church.
Les quiero todo! ojala que tegan una semana fantistica!
Elder Crafts
PS. Also, this last week I ate a chicharron Burrito. (chicharron are dried pig skins.) I had had chicharron before but this time, it was really pretty nasty.
Elder McKlayne Marshall
This past week was AWESOME!!! we progressed with a lot of our investigators, and this next week we have 2 baptisms, Piero and Sharon.
Piero, we rescured his dad, last week. He was inactive for 20 something years, found him one day and now there going to church and Piero his son, 11 years old, wants to get baptized they are awesome people, his bapitzm is the 11, of deciembre. this Kid is the bomb! hes so humble and just a down right STud Muffin! the first day i asked him which church he thought was the correct and he said, the mormons of course! haha I just love this kid. So that well be really exciting.
Sharon,18 years old she is a funny story. found her by the great language english. I am her teacher, every lessons we start with a prayer in english, teach a little english and then we end the prayer and she says it in english! she is the best! The girl has had a rough family life, her whole family drinks and the strongest girl ever, shes going to get baptized on saturday and shes not going to tell her family! haha Shes the greatest! so blessed to be able to teach her!
The family of Bruce, Anamelba, josyln, and michelle. They are doing sooo good. ahh everybody wants to get baptized, but the dates arent set in stone. My name for this family is Hermano doo Marshall. They are the greatest! Bruce and Anamelba will be baptized the 20th and josyln and michelle after. Ive had some very special memories with this family and I will never forget them, this family was one of those families I promised before this life. They love looking at the picture of my family! haha they stare at it for hours, ohh how cute your sisters are, thats your momm shes sooo young. Your dad...hes so young. Those two little ones are twins! haha they are the bestest!
Consejo de barrio is doing great, really enjoying my time here in this area. Ive been so blessed to be able to create a lot of friendships here in this area and I pray that I can continue to create some more! This past week Ive been drawing a huge map of our area, I will finish it and send a pic, but pucha Im so proud of this map. Im just trying to do alll I can to make this area an area that will continuely grow and grow and grow! The Lords hand is in this work, and I pray he will help me find the ways to change this area!
My companion, Elder Valencia, is the man! We are the best of friends, Im so blessed to have him as my companion because he knows all the rules, everything to a teee and hes bold in how he teaches and bears his testimony. I will tell you many more things about him in the future, hes an incredible person and friend that I will always cherish!
Funny sweet story! walking down the street, and all the sudden this taxi drives by and someone, still dont know who, pooks there head out and yells MARSHALL! and golly g i felt so cool, im in Trujillo Peru, and somebody in a taxi, knows me haha. It was small, but woof my pride....haha studied humility the next day, dont worry!
The Book of Mormon is soo incredible, This past week the chapter that i thought was the greatest was Ether 12. If you have a minute check it out. Verse 41, is what gets me the most, especially during this christmas season. After all the examples of faith and miracles, he tells us, to do all we can to invite Chirst into our lives, and to have faith in him. Thats my invitation today, to invite him in. If its through Repentence, forgiviness, patiance, charity, or just having more hope day to day! }
I love you all, thank you for all the prayers and your examples to me.
Have a great week.
Les Amo Elder Marshall
This past week was AWESOME!!! we progressed with a lot of our investigators, and this next week we have 2 baptisms, Piero and Sharon.
Piero, we rescured his dad, last week. He was inactive for 20 something years, found him one day and now there going to church and Piero his son, 11 years old, wants to get baptized they are awesome people, his bapitzm is the 11, of deciembre. this Kid is the bomb! hes so humble and just a down right STud Muffin! the first day i asked him which church he thought was the correct and he said, the mormons of course! haha I just love this kid. So that well be really exciting.
Sharon,18 years old she is a funny story. found her by the great language english. I am her teacher, every lessons we start with a prayer in english, teach a little english and then we end the prayer and she says it in english! she is the best! The girl has had a rough family life, her whole family drinks and the strongest girl ever, shes going to get baptized on saturday and shes not going to tell her family! haha Shes the greatest! so blessed to be able to teach her!
The family of Bruce, Anamelba, josyln, and michelle. They are doing sooo good. ahh everybody wants to get baptized, but the dates arent set in stone. My name for this family is Hermano doo Marshall. They are the greatest! Bruce and Anamelba will be baptized the 20th and josyln and michelle after. Ive had some very special memories with this family and I will never forget them, this family was one of those families I promised before this life. They love looking at the picture of my family! haha they stare at it for hours, ohh how cute your sisters are, thats your momm shes sooo young. Your dad...hes so young. Those two little ones are twins! haha they are the bestest!
Consejo de barrio is doing great, really enjoying my time here in this area. Ive been so blessed to be able to create a lot of friendships here in this area and I pray that I can continue to create some more! This past week Ive been drawing a huge map of our area, I will finish it and send a pic, but pucha Im so proud of this map. Im just trying to do alll I can to make this area an area that will continuely grow and grow and grow! The Lords hand is in this work, and I pray he will help me find the ways to change this area!
My companion, Elder Valencia, is the man! We are the best of friends, Im so blessed to have him as my companion because he knows all the rules, everything to a teee and hes bold in how he teaches and bears his testimony. I will tell you many more things about him in the future, hes an incredible person and friend that I will always cherish!
Funny sweet story! walking down the street, and all the sudden this taxi drives by and someone, still dont know who, pooks there head out and yells MARSHALL! and golly g i felt so cool, im in Trujillo Peru, and somebody in a taxi, knows me haha. It was small, but woof my pride....haha studied humility the next day, dont worry!
The Book of Mormon is soo incredible, This past week the chapter that i thought was the greatest was Ether 12. If you have a minute check it out. Verse 41, is what gets me the most, especially during this christmas season. After all the examples of faith and miracles, he tells us, to do all we can to invite Chirst into our lives, and to have faith in him. Thats my invitation today, to invite him in. If its through Repentence, forgiviness, patiance, charity, or just having more hope day to day! }
I love you all, thank you for all the prayers and your examples to me.
Have a great week.
Les Amo Elder Marshall
Sister Amy King
Another week full of miracles here in the mission field! On Mon we went and followed up with this family we had prayed with a couple weeks ago. Tiffany and Matt, and they're 3 young kids. We were also with a member from the ward, sister Milton. We get there and it's INSANE. The dogs are barking, and the kids are all over the place, and its just Tiffany. But she is happy to see us. So after a while we finally sit down and try to start the lesson. But then the dog starts freaking out, and then one of the kids is crying, and it's so crazy. But Tiffany wants to hear the lesson. So we finally start and we're teaching the restoration. and the entire time is seriously so crayz, with the dogs and the kids, but the spirit is sooo strong. At this point Matt had also come home. They were both really receptive, and we're committed to come to church with us this last sun. After we left, I was just thinking about how the lesson went. And holy cow, how in the world could the spirit have been that strong, even though is was so insane in that house??? It's truly amazing the things the Lord allows us to do to accomplish his work. I was so grateful that we were able to bring the spirit into a home in chaos. Tiffany and two of the kids came to church yesterday, and she enjoyed it. So we are so excited to continue teaching her! So this week we also set two investigator with baptism dates!! Larry and Carmilla. Larry has been investigating the church for about a year, and the only thing holding him back from baptism is smoking. BUT we set him with Dec 28, and I have faith that he can do it, because he has come so far even from the short time that I've been here! And Carmilla is this old lady, she is the sweetest. she has also been investigating for about a year. She is pretty sick, so that is what has been preventing her from being baptised, she knows the church is true, and wants to be baptized. But we set her for Jan 3, and we're so excited for her, especially since she has never committed before.
Every week in the mission field is full of so many miracles, it's insane, I can't even explain it. It's truly amazing when I stop and think about the things that happen everyday with the Lords help. Even when you're not in the mission field, there are so many miracles in everyday life. Si I invite you to write down all the miracles you see everyday, and you will be amazed!
I love you all, and have a fabuloso week!!
LOVE sister KING
Another week full of miracles here in the mission field! On Mon we went and followed up with this family we had prayed with a couple weeks ago. Tiffany and Matt, and they're 3 young kids. We were also with a member from the ward, sister Milton. We get there and it's INSANE. The dogs are barking, and the kids are all over the place, and its just Tiffany. But she is happy to see us. So after a while we finally sit down and try to start the lesson. But then the dog starts freaking out, and then one of the kids is crying, and it's so crazy. But Tiffany wants to hear the lesson. So we finally start and we're teaching the restoration. and the entire time is seriously so crayz, with the dogs and the kids, but the spirit is sooo strong. At this point Matt had also come home. They were both really receptive, and we're committed to come to church with us this last sun. After we left, I was just thinking about how the lesson went. And holy cow, how in the world could the spirit have been that strong, even though is was so insane in that house??? It's truly amazing the things the Lord allows us to do to accomplish his work. I was so grateful that we were able to bring the spirit into a home in chaos. Tiffany and two of the kids came to church yesterday, and she enjoyed it. So we are so excited to continue teaching her! So this week we also set two investigator with baptism dates!! Larry and Carmilla. Larry has been investigating the church for about a year, and the only thing holding him back from baptism is smoking. BUT we set him with Dec 28, and I have faith that he can do it, because he has come so far even from the short time that I've been here! And Carmilla is this old lady, she is the sweetest. she has also been investigating for about a year. She is pretty sick, so that is what has been preventing her from being baptised, she knows the church is true, and wants to be baptized. But we set her for Jan 3, and we're so excited for her, especially since she has never committed before.
Every week in the mission field is full of so many miracles, it's insane, I can't even explain it. It's truly amazing when I stop and think about the things that happen everyday with the Lords help. Even when you're not in the mission field, there are so many miracles in everyday life. Si I invite you to write down all the miracles you see everyday, and you will be amazed!
I love you all, and have a fabuloso week!!
LOVE sister KING
Elder Cameron Murray
Hallo Familie und Fruende
This week was rough some days and amazing on other days. We were riding the bahn home the other day when it broke down for about 40 minutes. I think God had his hand in it. There was 4 elders on the train and we made friends with tons of people on board. Haha my comp came up with the crazy idea to sing. We weren't really on board with the idea so he asked one of the passengers if we should do it. The passanger said yes so next thing you know where in the middle of the Bahn singing Schule Dein Gefuhl Oh Bruhder. We sang it in church before but it didnt go so well with with the piano. This time our Acapella version on the train was solid and Everybody applauded after it was so sick. I would love it if every bahn I rode broke down. Im not sure if people would like us though if that happened. I am grateful for God working miracles for us though!
Tons of Appointments fell out one day so that was rough. I am convinced now of the power of prayer when we have faith and do all we can. A wise lady once told me "Pray like everything depends on God and work like everything depends on you." I wont tell you all of the stories behind this testimony because I want you to test it out for yourself. Start praying and have Faith that God hears your prayers. You receive now witness untill after the trial of your faith and sometimes God wont answer your prayer the way you would expect.
I was super blessed this week to go by on an innactive member. She was super nice and before we even said anything she invited us over for dinner. I know she did that because of the Prayers for her and the people in her life who always loved and talked to her. Know that your actions towards others will affect them. They may not act like it but truly as we show Christlike Love for others regardless of their feelings towards the Church, they notice. I love you all and hope you enjoy this Christmas Season.
Elder Murray
Hallo Familie und Fruende
This week was rough some days and amazing on other days. We were riding the bahn home the other day when it broke down for about 40 minutes. I think God had his hand in it. There was 4 elders on the train and we made friends with tons of people on board. Haha my comp came up with the crazy idea to sing. We weren't really on board with the idea so he asked one of the passengers if we should do it. The passanger said yes so next thing you know where in the middle of the Bahn singing Schule Dein Gefuhl Oh Bruhder. We sang it in church before but it didnt go so well with with the piano. This time our Acapella version on the train was solid and Everybody applauded after it was so sick. I would love it if every bahn I rode broke down. Im not sure if people would like us though if that happened. I am grateful for God working miracles for us though!
Tons of Appointments fell out one day so that was rough. I am convinced now of the power of prayer when we have faith and do all we can. A wise lady once told me "Pray like everything depends on God and work like everything depends on you." I wont tell you all of the stories behind this testimony because I want you to test it out for yourself. Start praying and have Faith that God hears your prayers. You receive now witness untill after the trial of your faith and sometimes God wont answer your prayer the way you would expect.
I was super blessed this week to go by on an innactive member. She was super nice and before we even said anything she invited us over for dinner. I know she did that because of the Prayers for her and the people in her life who always loved and talked to her. Know that your actions towards others will affect them. They may not act like it but truly as we show Christlike Love for others regardless of their feelings towards the Church, they notice. I love you all and hope you enjoy this Christmas Season.
Elder Murray
Elder Kyle Andrus
Hello Everybody!!!
This week was pretty awesome. The work is pressing forward very well in the Harborne ward!!! We are pressing forward with the Christmas initiative and talking to people about the first gift, Jesus Christ.
Shi Cong, (Harry) Is doing very well. He didnt want to come to church this week because he had a class test the next day. But we were able to promise him some awesome blessings that correlated with his test. he ended up coming to church and his test is today i know that he will do really good on his test because he put heavenly father first and when you do that, he blesses you. Last time we made him a promise things turned out very well. He is still a little hesitant about accepting a date because he is a firm catholic but he is loving what he is learning but it is a little hard for him to try something else new but he is doing it and he is being so blessed for it.
Wen qian is still doing amazing. We had some really amazing lessons with her this week. some conversations that have made us alot closer. She is amazing and i am so blesed to be able to know her.
Jing Hui is also doing very amazing. She is continuing to be a solid member of the church.
We met a way cool guy this week named jack. He is also from china. He made us some amazing food this week. He has an amazing story about how he came to know god. He is looking for a church to join and we are going to try and help join the lords church on earth. We are so excited to be able to teach him more.
Life is going really well for me right now. Elder battles and i are getting along really well and it is so awsome to be able to work with him for as long as i have.
Hello Everybody!!!
This week was pretty awesome. The work is pressing forward very well in the Harborne ward!!! We are pressing forward with the Christmas initiative and talking to people about the first gift, Jesus Christ.
Shi Cong, (Harry) Is doing very well. He didnt want to come to church this week because he had a class test the next day. But we were able to promise him some awesome blessings that correlated with his test. he ended up coming to church and his test is today i know that he will do really good on his test because he put heavenly father first and when you do that, he blesses you. Last time we made him a promise things turned out very well. He is still a little hesitant about accepting a date because he is a firm catholic but he is loving what he is learning but it is a little hard for him to try something else new but he is doing it and he is being so blessed for it.
Wen qian is still doing amazing. We had some really amazing lessons with her this week. some conversations that have made us alot closer. She is amazing and i am so blesed to be able to know her.
Jing Hui is also doing very amazing. She is continuing to be a solid member of the church.
We met a way cool guy this week named jack. He is also from china. He made us some amazing food this week. He has an amazing story about how he came to know god. He is looking for a church to join and we are going to try and help join the lords church on earth. We are so excited to be able to teach him more.
Life is going really well for me right now. Elder battles and i are getting along really well and it is so awsome to be able to work with him for as long as i have.
Elder Kyle Jensen
Ah, being a foreigner in Korea is awesome haha. Especially where I'm blond as well. I love walking down the streets and passing kids because they always shout "foreigners!" and laugh and giggle with their friends, it's adorable. In Korea, they start learning English about 3rd grade so it's been quite a blessing to use that aspect in missionary work. Recently there has been a big push and advancements in what we call practice lessons. Since there are many Koreans with an english interest we introduce this program our mission has established where we teach 30 minutes of english, and in return, us missionaries get to practice teaching the gospel for 30 minutes. Pretty clever huh? It's been amazing to hear stories of how people actually turn into investigators with out previously planning on doing so. They do this program with strictly an english interest, but at times, some of them playing the role of a "fake investigator" start to have real interest as we practice teaching these lessons. Not only does it help our Korean, but it's an incredible indirect way of introducing this wonderful message and gospel to the people here. Korean has been such an adventure to learn because people, most of the time, are totally more than willing to help a foreigner learn english because they really respect the effort to try. 2 of our most amazing investigators right now have been fould and lifted up through this english program and it's been quite a miracle and blessing to be a part of the work.
Don't have a lot of time but I'll share some thoughts about faith. First, I would strongly EXHORT you to seriously study and ponder the definition of faith in the Bible Dictionary. Go into it with intent to learn, receive it, and try it out, experiment!! Especially pay attention to the parts where it talks about "true faith." And a scripture to go along with that is in John 13:17, stated simply and shortly: "If ye know these things happy are ye if you do them." Happy are ye IF ye do them. As you will find from reading from the BD, that faith is exercised not only by physical action, but also mental! Both are essentially needed. I would invite you to plant a seed this week with something you know that will help you come closer to Christ, especially during the holiday season.
One other thought and amazing talk I read this week. It was a talk by Ezra Taft Benson called "Beware of Pride" Make sure you're sitting stable in a chair because it will blow you away, it;s magnificent. One quote: "Pride IS the great stumbling block to Zion." He repeats that twice, and this is one of God's ordained prophets. Just read it, that's all I can say. Read it with intent to become humble haha...
So, there's my thoughts and a little adventure of Korea recently, I'm so excited when I get to hear from you all. Enjoy the holidays coming up, and celebrate lots for me because Christmas isn't really celebrated to much here haha! ^^
Elder Jensen ^^
Ah, being a foreigner in Korea is awesome haha. Especially where I'm blond as well. I love walking down the streets and passing kids because they always shout "foreigners!" and laugh and giggle with their friends, it's adorable. In Korea, they start learning English about 3rd grade so it's been quite a blessing to use that aspect in missionary work. Recently there has been a big push and advancements in what we call practice lessons. Since there are many Koreans with an english interest we introduce this program our mission has established where we teach 30 minutes of english, and in return, us missionaries get to practice teaching the gospel for 30 minutes. Pretty clever huh? It's been amazing to hear stories of how people actually turn into investigators with out previously planning on doing so. They do this program with strictly an english interest, but at times, some of them playing the role of a "fake investigator" start to have real interest as we practice teaching these lessons. Not only does it help our Korean, but it's an incredible indirect way of introducing this wonderful message and gospel to the people here. Korean has been such an adventure to learn because people, most of the time, are totally more than willing to help a foreigner learn english because they really respect the effort to try. 2 of our most amazing investigators right now have been fould and lifted up through this english program and it's been quite a miracle and blessing to be a part of the work.
Don't have a lot of time but I'll share some thoughts about faith. First, I would strongly EXHORT you to seriously study and ponder the definition of faith in the Bible Dictionary. Go into it with intent to learn, receive it, and try it out, experiment!! Especially pay attention to the parts where it talks about "true faith." And a scripture to go along with that is in John 13:17, stated simply and shortly: "If ye know these things happy are ye if you do them." Happy are ye IF ye do them. As you will find from reading from the BD, that faith is exercised not only by physical action, but also mental! Both are essentially needed. I would invite you to plant a seed this week with something you know that will help you come closer to Christ, especially during the holiday season.
One other thought and amazing talk I read this week. It was a talk by Ezra Taft Benson called "Beware of Pride" Make sure you're sitting stable in a chair because it will blow you away, it;s magnificent. One quote: "Pride IS the great stumbling block to Zion." He repeats that twice, and this is one of God's ordained prophets. Just read it, that's all I can say. Read it with intent to become humble haha...
So, there's my thoughts and a little adventure of Korea recently, I'm so excited when I get to hear from you all. Enjoy the holidays coming up, and celebrate lots for me because Christmas isn't really celebrated to much here haha! ^^
Elder Jensen ^^
Elder William Hansen
Hello everybody! how is everyone doing? hopefully everyone is doing well!
I am doing well myself. this week was definitely one of those where all was going super well, then the second half just dive bombed ish in some aspects.
This week started off alright. lots of our appointments canceled, so we went out and proselyted, which is pretty easy cuz you just go to the bapak RT which is like the boss of an area of homes and ask him for all the names of the christians, and he's like. nope none here, or ya here all the christians in the area and gives you three names for that whole area. So we got some names and tried the first one.. and stumbled upon a family with a 87 year old father, 10 kids and all of his kids have kids and they are all christian, and he was pretty pumped to be taught, take the book of mormon, and next week we are gonna try to teach all of the familes seperately, so a potential 40+ people to be taught. The next day was splits with elder green which was nice to have someone with more experience with me, and we had to proselytle again, so i went to near the same area and found an amazing investigator, as close to golden as ive ever seen. since then we've met twice, hes watched all the church videos, reads the BoM everyday, prays about it, and right now doesnt have a church cuz all the other chruchs arent led by Jesus Christ, but by Mankind. When he said that i was like,,,welll have we got a deal for you! he already has his focus set on the temple a year after his baptism! Cross your fingers for Pak Andres Saputra.
The rest of the week, we just kinda got rejected left and right. IN one day i got 2 kitab mormon's returned to us, as well as a magnifying glass i bought for an old guy so he could read it and not have any more excuses...
This week Elder Green's kid Elder Pribawa was super sick, just couldnt hold anything down, and we gave him blessing, and it made me pretty grateful to be worthy ad have the oppourtunity to take part in that! What a blessing in all of our lives!
On another note this week i studied from Romans. and man im loving it. Romans is just laying the foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, with faith repentance, baptism, the holy ghost, then always obeying and staying true! Let us all follow pauls councel and fill our souls with hope, faith, and love, and always follow our savior Jesus Christ, and nothing will seperate us from his love.
Elder Hansen
Hello everybody! how is everyone doing? hopefully everyone is doing well!
I am doing well myself. this week was definitely one of those where all was going super well, then the second half just dive bombed ish in some aspects.
This week started off alright. lots of our appointments canceled, so we went out and proselyted, which is pretty easy cuz you just go to the bapak RT which is like the boss of an area of homes and ask him for all the names of the christians, and he's like. nope none here, or ya here all the christians in the area and gives you three names for that whole area. So we got some names and tried the first one.. and stumbled upon a family with a 87 year old father, 10 kids and all of his kids have kids and they are all christian, and he was pretty pumped to be taught, take the book of mormon, and next week we are gonna try to teach all of the familes seperately, so a potential 40+ people to be taught. The next day was splits with elder green which was nice to have someone with more experience with me, and we had to proselytle again, so i went to near the same area and found an amazing investigator, as close to golden as ive ever seen. since then we've met twice, hes watched all the church videos, reads the BoM everyday, prays about it, and right now doesnt have a church cuz all the other chruchs arent led by Jesus Christ, but by Mankind. When he said that i was like,,,welll have we got a deal for you! he already has his focus set on the temple a year after his baptism! Cross your fingers for Pak Andres Saputra.
The rest of the week, we just kinda got rejected left and right. IN one day i got 2 kitab mormon's returned to us, as well as a magnifying glass i bought for an old guy so he could read it and not have any more excuses...
This week Elder Green's kid Elder Pribawa was super sick, just couldnt hold anything down, and we gave him blessing, and it made me pretty grateful to be worthy ad have the oppourtunity to take part in that! What a blessing in all of our lives!
On another note this week i studied from Romans. and man im loving it. Romans is just laying the foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, with faith repentance, baptism, the holy ghost, then always obeying and staying true! Let us all follow pauls councel and fill our souls with hope, faith, and love, and always follow our savior Jesus Christ, and nothing will seperate us from his love.
Elder Hansen
Sister Karli Belnap
Well hello everyone! First of all P-day is a beautiful thing. Whoever started that deserves a Nobel prize. What a week it has been. Let me start by saying I love the MTC. I have learned so much from being here. Teaching is stressful. Learning to get along with a companion is stressful. But it is honestly great. One of the biggest things I learned this week is that being Christ-like shouldn't have a condition. I like to think I don't want to be the only one compromising. Or I want it my way. No. This week I have been trying my hardest to be Christ-like. If it really doesn't matter in the long run, don't cause a fight over it. That has really started to help my relationship with my companion. Sunday Sheri Dew spoke in Relief Society and in the evening Sister Styles and I received blessings from some of the Elders in our district. That was a cool experience for sure! But the coolest thing that happened all day was that Sister Styles and I got called as Sister Training Leaders!!!! Oh my gosh we were so excited! We referred to the new Sisters coming in this week as our babies! And they got here Wednesday and I love them already! I saw Sister Falter today (my cousin) and she seems to be doing good! She said she didn't sleep much last night but she hasn't freaked out. So that's good. So don't worry, Falters, she seems to be doing great! =)
Like I said I am learning a lot here. I feel more confident in myself. I don't know everything and I never will. But I am trying my best. Yesterday when we were doing orientation with the babies we were doing a get to know you activity. One of the questions we had everyone answer was: What is one good thing you have noticed about your companion already? Sister Styles and I struggle. We are both strong willed and stubborn. And half the time we fight. But I would not trade her for anyone in the world. I was really interested to see what she would say she noticed about me. Her response was the best thing about me is my diligence in being obedient. I know that the key to success is Obedience. I learn that more and more each day. If I am obedient and doing the things I am supposed to then I will be able to have the spirit. So that's what I have been trying my best to do. I am so blessed to be here and learning so much. And if I am going to be honest I am already getting anxiety to come home in a year and a half. But we don't have to think about that yet =P I love you all and I really would love to hear from you.
Sister Belnap
We anticipate Karli will fly to Alabama this Tuesday.
The mailing address for the mission home is:
Alabama Birmingham Mission
3100 Lorna Road #102
Birmingham, AL 35216
Well hello everyone! First of all P-day is a beautiful thing. Whoever started that deserves a Nobel prize. What a week it has been. Let me start by saying I love the MTC. I have learned so much from being here. Teaching is stressful. Learning to get along with a companion is stressful. But it is honestly great. One of the biggest things I learned this week is that being Christ-like shouldn't have a condition. I like to think I don't want to be the only one compromising. Or I want it my way. No. This week I have been trying my hardest to be Christ-like. If it really doesn't matter in the long run, don't cause a fight over it. That has really started to help my relationship with my companion. Sunday Sheri Dew spoke in Relief Society and in the evening Sister Styles and I received blessings from some of the Elders in our district. That was a cool experience for sure! But the coolest thing that happened all day was that Sister Styles and I got called as Sister Training Leaders!!!! Oh my gosh we were so excited! We referred to the new Sisters coming in this week as our babies! And they got here Wednesday and I love them already! I saw Sister Falter today (my cousin) and she seems to be doing good! She said she didn't sleep much last night but she hasn't freaked out. So that's good. So don't worry, Falters, she seems to be doing great! =)
Like I said I am learning a lot here. I feel more confident in myself. I don't know everything and I never will. But I am trying my best. Yesterday when we were doing orientation with the babies we were doing a get to know you activity. One of the questions we had everyone answer was: What is one good thing you have noticed about your companion already? Sister Styles and I struggle. We are both strong willed and stubborn. And half the time we fight. But I would not trade her for anyone in the world. I was really interested to see what she would say she noticed about me. Her response was the best thing about me is my diligence in being obedient. I know that the key to success is Obedience. I learn that more and more each day. If I am obedient and doing the things I am supposed to then I will be able to have the spirit. So that's what I have been trying my best to do. I am so blessed to be here and learning so much. And if I am going to be honest I am already getting anxiety to come home in a year and a half. But we don't have to think about that yet =P I love you all and I really would love to hear from you.
Sister Belnap
We anticipate Karli will fly to Alabama this Tuesday.
The mailing address for the mission home is:
Alabama Birmingham Mission
3100 Lorna Road #102
Birmingham, AL 35216
Sister Karli Belnap
Well Hello there friends and family!!
Question: What kinds of things do you all want to hear about? Honestly. I want answers.
Question for the RM's:
What kinds of things do I want to write in my journal about? Or just any journaling suggestions.
I have officially completed my first week in the MTC! I will be here for 3! Theoretically I was supposed to come in this week but because of Thanksgiving they had us come in a week early! Super cool right? I'm excited for the extra week.
So far it's been pretty good! My companion's name is Sister Styles! She is from Washington state and she did a year at BYU Hawaii and a semester at BYU Jerusalem. We get along pretty well as friends, but we are also very different so that makes things complicated sometimes. But it is definitely a learning experience! But really I love her.
Falling into the missionary lifestyle hasn't been too difficult so far. My alarm goes off in the mornings and I wake all the other girls in my room up. (There are 4 of us) I go "GOOOOOOD MORNING SISTERS" and they love it. That's a lie. But it gets everyone up! Then I turn on the light and the day starts bright and early.
My teacher, Brother Bishop, said "The difference between 10:29 and 10:31 isn't two minutes, it is obedience." That really stuck so me and Sister Styles make sure we are in bed by 10:28. I think that has definitely helped us. (Thank you Steph and Uncle Kyle for the exact obedience advice.) We sit in class and study for like 3 hours. Then meals. Then class time where the teachers teach us great things. I really like the study time and class times. The food is pretty good here. Some are better than others. I tried enchiladas and the weren't good but that is probably because my mom makes better! =)
Emotionally I have been doing pretty good. There have been moments when I have felt kinda down, but there is always a tender mercy around the corner. So that is a major blessing.
Thanksgiving was pretty good! David A. Bednar came and talked to us in the morning and he did a question answer thing so that was really cool!! We had Thanksgiving dinner for lunch which I enjoyed but a lot of people didn't like it so much. Then a Thanksgiving program and humanitarian project. We were putting together like soup packet things... it was really fun! And for dinner we had sack lunches in our classrooms. Which was pretty pathetic but we got a good laugh out of it. And then we got to watch Meet the Mormons! Overall it was a pretty good, pretty chill day!
I talk in my sleep. All three of the Sisters in my room have heard it on separate nights... so that's pretty funny!
What else...
I really like receiving letters... Hint hint. We get to read and reply to them everyday. So that is a lot more fun that emails which I only get an hour for!! So write me letters please!!! =)
OH! So our teachers act as investigators. So right now Sister Styles and I are working with Chad. It is a lot of fun because he is a good guy. But it's also really hard. There is so much to this gospel that teaching to make sure we tell them everything they need to know is hard. That's one thing that has been kind of difficult. I feel like I definitely don't know enough! But that is why I am here!
I see Elder Walker almost everyday so that is awesome! We hugged.... but only once. (For those of you who don't know... He is my cousin.)
And SISTER (Emily) ORR IS IN MY DISTRICT. That has been a tender mercy for sure!! We see each other quite a bit. SO that has been incredible.
And Sister (Haley) Watts was my host. So when I first got here she showed me around! So cool.
Well folks I love you lots. Everything is going well here! Sometimes it is really daunting to think about how much I still need to learn, but I know I'll get there. Love you, miss you.
Sister Belnap
Well Hello there friends and family!!
Question: What kinds of things do you all want to hear about? Honestly. I want answers.
Question for the RM's:
What kinds of things do I want to write in my journal about? Or just any journaling suggestions.
I have officially completed my first week in the MTC! I will be here for 3! Theoretically I was supposed to come in this week but because of Thanksgiving they had us come in a week early! Super cool right? I'm excited for the extra week.
So far it's been pretty good! My companion's name is Sister Styles! She is from Washington state and she did a year at BYU Hawaii and a semester at BYU Jerusalem. We get along pretty well as friends, but we are also very different so that makes things complicated sometimes. But it is definitely a learning experience! But really I love her.
Falling into the missionary lifestyle hasn't been too difficult so far. My alarm goes off in the mornings and I wake all the other girls in my room up. (There are 4 of us) I go "GOOOOOOD MORNING SISTERS" and they love it. That's a lie. But it gets everyone up! Then I turn on the light and the day starts bright and early.
My teacher, Brother Bishop, said "The difference between 10:29 and 10:31 isn't two minutes, it is obedience." That really stuck so me and Sister Styles make sure we are in bed by 10:28. I think that has definitely helped us. (Thank you Steph and Uncle Kyle for the exact obedience advice.) We sit in class and study for like 3 hours. Then meals. Then class time where the teachers teach us great things. I really like the study time and class times. The food is pretty good here. Some are better than others. I tried enchiladas and the weren't good but that is probably because my mom makes better! =)
Emotionally I have been doing pretty good. There have been moments when I have felt kinda down, but there is always a tender mercy around the corner. So that is a major blessing.
Thanksgiving was pretty good! David A. Bednar came and talked to us in the morning and he did a question answer thing so that was really cool!! We had Thanksgiving dinner for lunch which I enjoyed but a lot of people didn't like it so much. Then a Thanksgiving program and humanitarian project. We were putting together like soup packet things... it was really fun! And for dinner we had sack lunches in our classrooms. Which was pretty pathetic but we got a good laugh out of it. And then we got to watch Meet the Mormons! Overall it was a pretty good, pretty chill day!
I talk in my sleep. All three of the Sisters in my room have heard it on separate nights... so that's pretty funny!
What else...
I really like receiving letters... Hint hint. We get to read and reply to them everyday. So that is a lot more fun that emails which I only get an hour for!! So write me letters please!!! =)
OH! So our teachers act as investigators. So right now Sister Styles and I are working with Chad. It is a lot of fun because he is a good guy. But it's also really hard. There is so much to this gospel that teaching to make sure we tell them everything they need to know is hard. That's one thing that has been kind of difficult. I feel like I definitely don't know enough! But that is why I am here!
I see Elder Walker almost everyday so that is awesome! We hugged.... but only once. (For those of you who don't know... He is my cousin.)
And SISTER (Emily) ORR IS IN MY DISTRICT. That has been a tender mercy for sure!! We see each other quite a bit. SO that has been incredible.
And Sister (Haley) Watts was my host. So when I first got here she showed me around! So cool.
Well folks I love you lots. Everything is going well here! Sometimes it is really daunting to think about how much I still need to learn, but I know I'll get there. Love you, miss you.
Sister Belnap
Sister Lindy Clegg
Oh man, it has been one month since I became a missionary, crazy beans!! It has flown by and at the same time it gets hard to remember life before the box of the CCM in Peru haha...
Thanks for all of your updates and emails, I LOVE hearing about your lives and all the fun stuff going on. You all are seriously such amazing support to me, thanks for being awesome!
This week was pretty great, learned more spanish, learned more gospel things and how to teach more, kind of getting old and Im STOKED im finally an Advensario and get to leave in one short week and a half!!
Thanksgiving in Peru was so much fun. We had turkey, potatoes and pie so what more can you ask for? also we all went around the cafeteria table of Hermanas and said what we were thankful for, some traditions are just the best. Also, we had a MASSIVE TURKEYBOWL football game with all the North American missionaries and it was such a party. I thought I was going to die of heatstroke, but it was so fun. Merica!
Also this week we had the BEST DAY EVER! Let me explain. Our whole district was kind of having a rough morning with language and stuff, and I said, "Hey, today is the best day ever! Wanna know why?" from there we all complained about things in the CCM and also stated all the awesome things about being here, and the whole day was amazing cause we were all saying "BEST DAY EVER!!" That quote can literally change lives haha... so from then on we say it every day, as well as quote Mr. Peabody and Sherman and say "pretty fantastic!" I promise you, and problem can be fixed with a change of attitude and faith in the Lord.
Another highlight was on Saturday it was our morning teachers last day and she has taught at the CCM for 4 years!! So obviously, if you know me, we HAD to throw a party!! It was also our afternoon teachers birthday, so we threw a massive party... well, as crazy as you can get here in the CCM. We made a banner, a card, and gave a gift to each of them. Then after class with both of them we toasted to Inca Cola (kind of like cream soda but better) in the cafeteria. SO FUN and honestly am so grateful for them, they are amazing, i just wish they would speak in english sometimes haha..
Also I SAW THE MOON for the first time since Ive been here! It is pretty polluted and foggy, so I was super stoked! It is at a different angle down here which it took about a half hour for some elders to explain that to me, but I love it so much because it reminds me of all the people I love haha...
Weve been playing volleyball pretty religiously and figured out some pretty intense teams, such a blast. One day I went up and block Elder Romrell (who is this elder that always slams it down) and it went right back into his face.... felt kind of bad about that. Then the next day I got a massive fat lip when I collided my face with the back of an Elders head. Maybe a sign we need to tone it down haha... So that was emberassing and made it harder to speak spanish for a day, but all good now. That day also some Hermanas got back from a service project and said "Hermana Clegg, Elder Batty says hi!" WHAT? Turns out he was like 20 feet away from me, but maybe it was better. Just a little bummed because he is such a good friend, crossing my fingers though haha....
Hahahaha.... so also I was coming out of our district classroom and started to walk away and my head got yanked back because my hair was stuck in the crease of the door!! A latino elder yelled "HERMANA!" Cause I couldn{t figure out what was going on and opened the door haha... sometimes I think one of my talents is embarassing myself and making other people laugh...
Another great part was on Thanksgiving we had a live devotional broadcast from Provo with Elder Bednar. Whoo... powerful stuff. One of my favorite things that he said was that being out on a mission is better than anything you could do by being at home. Meaning, for young adults, senior couples, etc, it is better for you family and friends to feel you absence and see your example than it is for you to be at family parties, etc. So if it is right for you, GO ON A MISSION. Honestly the best decision Ive ever made and love every part of it.
The Lord knows you and your needs. If there is one thing I{ve learned this month, cause I still havent figured out conjugations haha, it is that PRAYER WORKS. In every possible need you have, prayer works and your Heavenly Father hears you.
Also Ive felt your prayers and have been so blessed because of all of you.
Have the BEST WEEK EVER and know that I love you!
Hermana Clegg
Oh man, it has been one month since I became a missionary, crazy beans!! It has flown by and at the same time it gets hard to remember life before the box of the CCM in Peru haha...
Thanks for all of your updates and emails, I LOVE hearing about your lives and all the fun stuff going on. You all are seriously such amazing support to me, thanks for being awesome!
This week was pretty great, learned more spanish, learned more gospel things and how to teach more, kind of getting old and Im STOKED im finally an Advensario and get to leave in one short week and a half!!
Thanksgiving in Peru was so much fun. We had turkey, potatoes and pie so what more can you ask for? also we all went around the cafeteria table of Hermanas and said what we were thankful for, some traditions are just the best. Also, we had a MASSIVE TURKEYBOWL football game with all the North American missionaries and it was such a party. I thought I was going to die of heatstroke, but it was so fun. Merica!
Also this week we had the BEST DAY EVER! Let me explain. Our whole district was kind of having a rough morning with language and stuff, and I said, "Hey, today is the best day ever! Wanna know why?" from there we all complained about things in the CCM and also stated all the awesome things about being here, and the whole day was amazing cause we were all saying "BEST DAY EVER!!" That quote can literally change lives haha... so from then on we say it every day, as well as quote Mr. Peabody and Sherman and say "pretty fantastic!" I promise you, and problem can be fixed with a change of attitude and faith in the Lord.
Another highlight was on Saturday it was our morning teachers last day and she has taught at the CCM for 4 years!! So obviously, if you know me, we HAD to throw a party!! It was also our afternoon teachers birthday, so we threw a massive party... well, as crazy as you can get here in the CCM. We made a banner, a card, and gave a gift to each of them. Then after class with both of them we toasted to Inca Cola (kind of like cream soda but better) in the cafeteria. SO FUN and honestly am so grateful for them, they are amazing, i just wish they would speak in english sometimes haha..
Also I SAW THE MOON for the first time since Ive been here! It is pretty polluted and foggy, so I was super stoked! It is at a different angle down here which it took about a half hour for some elders to explain that to me, but I love it so much because it reminds me of all the people I love haha...
Weve been playing volleyball pretty religiously and figured out some pretty intense teams, such a blast. One day I went up and block Elder Romrell (who is this elder that always slams it down) and it went right back into his face.... felt kind of bad about that. Then the next day I got a massive fat lip when I collided my face with the back of an Elders head. Maybe a sign we need to tone it down haha... So that was emberassing and made it harder to speak spanish for a day, but all good now. That day also some Hermanas got back from a service project and said "Hermana Clegg, Elder Batty says hi!" WHAT? Turns out he was like 20 feet away from me, but maybe it was better. Just a little bummed because he is such a good friend, crossing my fingers though haha....
Hahahaha.... so also I was coming out of our district classroom and started to walk away and my head got yanked back because my hair was stuck in the crease of the door!! A latino elder yelled "HERMANA!" Cause I couldn{t figure out what was going on and opened the door haha... sometimes I think one of my talents is embarassing myself and making other people laugh...
Another great part was on Thanksgiving we had a live devotional broadcast from Provo with Elder Bednar. Whoo... powerful stuff. One of my favorite things that he said was that being out on a mission is better than anything you could do by being at home. Meaning, for young adults, senior couples, etc, it is better for you family and friends to feel you absence and see your example than it is for you to be at family parties, etc. So if it is right for you, GO ON A MISSION. Honestly the best decision Ive ever made and love every part of it.
The Lord knows you and your needs. If there is one thing I{ve learned this month, cause I still havent figured out conjugations haha, it is that PRAYER WORKS. In every possible need you have, prayer works and your Heavenly Father hears you.
Also Ive felt your prayers and have been so blessed because of all of you.
Have the BEST WEEK EVER and know that I love you!
Hermana Clegg
Elder Joshua Nieman
December 1, 2014
Hahaha embarassing I forgot which day was Thanksgiving. Well Happy thanksgiving this week and I just want everyone to know that I love everyone and I am grateful for your emails and just all the support I have recieved. This week was a little long but hey it is over and it is P day. This week we had 22 lessons and 22 lessons is really good for the area I am in. So many expirences I have but dont have the time to share them all. By the way my spanish is here.... hahah yeah right but wow something happend this week and I just started to talk and I feel like my spanish is here. I still need to study a bunch but it feels really good that I am not totally lost. haha This week was thanksgiving and I really didnt think about the day until a hermana said to me happy thanksgiving. Haha and wow now it is December and I really feel like I am getting into missionary life. I am so happy right now and really I have been happy ever since I left on my mission. I really enjoy talking with everyone and just starting to build relationships here. On Thanksgiving day we didnt do anything cause Peru doesnt celebrate that day cause of course it is an american Holiday. But we had an activity in the chappel and woow it was so much fun. We played games and us missionaries preached and it was so great. There was this game where we had to race and when I was racing Elder Martinez I slipped on the floor and banged up my leg pretty bad. It was so funny though cause it was in front of the whole ward. It was really embarrasing but I just thought that is how I am. I am always falling. haha But that was really good cause a lot of investigators were there and they said they really enjoyed their time.
This week I had cambios or transfers with Elder Martinez. Elder Martinez is Argentinian. Haha I spelled that weird but he speaks so much different than everybody. It is so hard to understand but Elder Martinez is one of my best friends on the mission so far. He has helped me in dificult times and just has been a great friend. But we started to proselyte in his area and wow I realized I have a rough area. Everybody accepted us in their home and gave us food and was so nice. Haha my area is great but it was really good to expirence something different. ohhhhh I saw a monkey in the street and got to play with it for a second. Monkeys have personalities and it was so cool to play with one. His name was Cesar and he was so awesome but anyways to the lessons. In one of these lessons we were teaching and I started to talk and teach but when I ran out of words I look to Elder Martinez and expect him to say something. haha he just looks at me and smiles and I swear we were there for about two minutes while I tried to translate in my mind the words I wanted to say. haha It was so awkward but really good for me cause in the next lesson when I ran out of words, I didnt pause, I kept on going and it felt really awesome to speak. Elder Martinez really knows how to push someone and his companion Elder llkjjjsjdie (haha his name is so hard to spell) but Elder ajhdkjjfls is really lucky to have him.
Other stuff that happend this week is I recieved my package from Santa. haha Thank you for sending me that package and really I am trying not to look and peek but it is kind of hard when my companion sees chocolate. Seriously every missionary is crazy about packages and just start attacking your package if you have one. So I havent looked at any of the presents but most of the candy you sent me is gone. I was so mad but that is how it is. I will send a picture of my pacience with the gifts. haha oh and the snowman is so awesome and I have started to look up the scriptures today. Well that is all I have for this week but I love you all for eternity and the plan of Salvation, The plan of God, The plan of happiness can help me live with all of you forever. I am grateful for this gospel and all of you. So many things but I will talk to you in another week.
Love Elder Nieman
December 1, 2014
Hahaha embarassing I forgot which day was Thanksgiving. Well Happy thanksgiving this week and I just want everyone to know that I love everyone and I am grateful for your emails and just all the support I have recieved. This week was a little long but hey it is over and it is P day. This week we had 22 lessons and 22 lessons is really good for the area I am in. So many expirences I have but dont have the time to share them all. By the way my spanish is here.... hahah yeah right but wow something happend this week and I just started to talk and I feel like my spanish is here. I still need to study a bunch but it feels really good that I am not totally lost. haha This week was thanksgiving and I really didnt think about the day until a hermana said to me happy thanksgiving. Haha and wow now it is December and I really feel like I am getting into missionary life. I am so happy right now and really I have been happy ever since I left on my mission. I really enjoy talking with everyone and just starting to build relationships here. On Thanksgiving day we didnt do anything cause Peru doesnt celebrate that day cause of course it is an american Holiday. But we had an activity in the chappel and woow it was so much fun. We played games and us missionaries preached and it was so great. There was this game where we had to race and when I was racing Elder Martinez I slipped on the floor and banged up my leg pretty bad. It was so funny though cause it was in front of the whole ward. It was really embarrasing but I just thought that is how I am. I am always falling. haha But that was really good cause a lot of investigators were there and they said they really enjoyed their time.
This week I had cambios or transfers with Elder Martinez. Elder Martinez is Argentinian. Haha I spelled that weird but he speaks so much different than everybody. It is so hard to understand but Elder Martinez is one of my best friends on the mission so far. He has helped me in dificult times and just has been a great friend. But we started to proselyte in his area and wow I realized I have a rough area. Everybody accepted us in their home and gave us food and was so nice. Haha my area is great but it was really good to expirence something different. ohhhhh I saw a monkey in the street and got to play with it for a second. Monkeys have personalities and it was so cool to play with one. His name was Cesar and he was so awesome but anyways to the lessons. In one of these lessons we were teaching and I started to talk and teach but when I ran out of words I look to Elder Martinez and expect him to say something. haha he just looks at me and smiles and I swear we were there for about two minutes while I tried to translate in my mind the words I wanted to say. haha It was so awkward but really good for me cause in the next lesson when I ran out of words, I didnt pause, I kept on going and it felt really awesome to speak. Elder Martinez really knows how to push someone and his companion Elder llkjjjsjdie (haha his name is so hard to spell) but Elder ajhdkjjfls is really lucky to have him.
Other stuff that happend this week is I recieved my package from Santa. haha Thank you for sending me that package and really I am trying not to look and peek but it is kind of hard when my companion sees chocolate. Seriously every missionary is crazy about packages and just start attacking your package if you have one. So I havent looked at any of the presents but most of the candy you sent me is gone. I was so mad but that is how it is. I will send a picture of my pacience with the gifts. haha oh and the snowman is so awesome and I have started to look up the scriptures today. Well that is all I have for this week but I love you all for eternity and the plan of Salvation, The plan of God, The plan of happiness can help me live with all of you forever. I am grateful for this gospel and all of you. So many things but I will talk to you in another week.
Love Elder Nieman
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