Big Bull Legged, Fuel Injected, Running Wild, Radar Detected

This week, was awesome. We just worked, and worked, and worked. My companion thought he was going to be sick, worked right through that. haha we have this activity every thursday called, ¨Missionary Night¨ Well ever sense I got here, the activity was a joke. less than 20 people came, last week only 8.

So we had it, we invited men, women, kids, and dogs this week. And we did something spectacular. I´ll give you a brief overview. A long time ago I read a story about donuts, and a seminary teacher, some kid who was a trouble maker, the story was about the atonement, and I loved it! So..... We re did it. the spirit was so strong, as we had one guy do 90 pushups for every single person to recieve a little chocolate candy, that represented Eternal Life. When someone said, ¨No I don´t want the chocolate¨ The spirit practically bashed through the door.

We ended with a video called ¨Falling Plates¨ Go watch it. Awesome. That was thursday, I was feeling pretty good, teaching 4 or 5 lessons every day, Sunday was good, 4 less actives came to church and 2 investigadores. along with the most members in all my time here. 164. 

Then, aye aye aye... There is this couple who is less active, sealed in the temple, who want to get divorced, after 25 years and 7 kids... We had a lesson with the two of them, alone. So I walked in there with my pistols loaded. one of my ALL time favorite 3 verses of holy scripture. favorite President Monson story, and a video. We reached half time, it was looking like a solid lesson, go to the video, it´s tilted ¨Together Forever¨ When I told them the video the wife looked at me with sad eyes and said, ¨A long time ago I wanted to be together forever. Now, No.¨

Ouch. 

So we watched the video. After she expressed why she said such a sentence. ¨After so many years of hoping and waiting, praying and fasting, the husband didn´t change a bit, and now, the past 2 months, he´s trying, but until he really is changed, I am not going to believe in him.¨

As a last stand, one in the champer, the 3 verses we read were in Moroni. 7 40 to 43. I told her that, ¨Moroni had hope, and for what!? He walked 35 years, carrying heavy plates, alone, unmarried, without friends or family, hiding in rocks because everyone wanted him killed. What was his hope? It didn´t come until he visited Joseph Smith, and until he translated the book of Mormon, Then 2 elders came into your house, to talk about this book.Is that faith? Yes. Is that hope. Yes. You don´t give up. You never. give up.¨

She gave us a nod. I don´t by any means think she is all sorts of happy. But The spirit can work miracles, though anyone. I guess, I told you all this to say, You do not give up. None of us, especially members of the church don´t Give up.

I have some great pictures, but this computer won´t let me attach them. How sad.... I will send them next week.

Have a great summer! Im jealous of everyone of you who breathing that great USA air. haha

It Kills Me Not To Know This, But I've All But Forgotten

President Boswell loves transfers! That's my mission president, he is so awesome, I decided not to just say "My President" If you care about me, you gotta remember his name, because I love him. :)

I'm still here in Portales, with Elder Clyde, but we got new compaions! I won't lie, I was pretty ready for that. haha To my suprise, my new companion has only four months in the misson, my first thought was, "Uh oh.. Does that mean I have to know all the scriptures?!" In one short week I have been deeply reminded, that I do not know anything, the Holy Ghost, is the teacher. All I do is talk.

My momma sent me a package, which included my Pat. Blessing, which I somehow forgot to bring with me. I got it when I was 14, I'm bearly starting to understand it nearly 6 years later. I won't get into detail, but it talks about being blessed with desire. I have never thought "Desire" To be a blessing, but I sure do now. As I woke up every morning with such excitement to hurry through my FREEZING shower and study, then talk to EVERY last human thing. Including dogs.

I see miracles every day, and it's hard to pick what exact ones I want to share with all of you. Nonetheless, here ya go. It was 11:30 am. I'm walking in the mountains, me, being me, I said, outloud... haha "Alright holy ghost I'm ready for you to tell me where to go!" five minutes later we waked past this house, the door was cracked open, I saw a few key things. FIRST. he's a man, I can teach him right now. SECOND. that couch is nice, and I'm sick of walking. THIRD. He's just watching TV, so I turned around, knocked. Alfredo, and Doris Brown were a little more than excited to let us in. They're married, she prayed like a week ago and said the words every missionary dreams to hear. "God Help me, I don't know what to do."

Being a missionary, is awesome. Living the gospel is better. Having the desire to share this message of joy. I thank god every single night for the privlage I have to do it all day, everyday.

Have a good week, teach the gospel is all you do, and if necessary, use words.

Pictures!

1. I like big packages and I can not lie! you other missionaries can't deny!

2. I'm going to be bringing home toothpaste in a year! The sacrafice of my mom humbles my heart every day.

3. You just can't beat the BOM

4. Go to CTR clothing, they said, it will be fun they said... BUT they never said when your laundry lady mixes up all your socks with another elder! Pucha!

5. They think they're going to fix our cold water.

6. haha.... ha. ha. I secretly hope it works.

7. I love these two.

8. Elder Jacome, the new comp of Elder Clyde

9. He's a bit new in the mission, but we'll break him in REALL good. haha  his name? haha Elder Of the Eagle. I'm not even kidding. Elder Del Aguila

Shattering Peaches

It's June! I don't know where May went, but I guess that's alright. Today is transfers, and I'm probably getting a new man, but we will see after email.

This week was good, we didn't teach very many lessons, but the ones we taught were strong. I like those more. I'm not about teaching kids or women so the number of lessons went down, but they were good. we found a few new people this week, which were awesome. Or so I think. In all my mission I have found about 76 new people, which isn't that much... but it is SO HARD to get them to progress. A lot of times you teach them once, then never see them again. It's sad.

We had stake conferencia? Sorry, I forgot how to spell that in English. but it was good. Our Mission President preached, it was good direction for me of what I need to do better, to help our ward. 

Other than that? If you have a minute go read the June liahonna story called "Shattering Peaches" It's not even a page, but has a powerful story, that really struck home with me this week.. 

I'm learning, growing, teaching. Really been focusing on the restoration. Because let's face it. That's the best message we got. we are the only ones who have it. You ever watch the Best two years? What discussion was it that made them both cry? Pretty sure it was about a 14 year old boy prayin in the woods. :)

Our ward has a lot of work, but I feel the closest to them then I ever had with any other ward here. So I am SO excited to do all i can to help. I did however... Just find out L. Tom Perry died....That's just... Sad you guys better go read about what he said about the family in the last conference. 

Pictures.

I don't have many,

1. Yup, hoodies and soup exist on the mission too

2. he got 3 haircuts in 6 weeks, does that seem crazy to anyone else?

3. Thuggin

4. That's my mission

5. We look High and Low. What happened is that we met a guy at the bottom of the mountain. He said he lived in Sector 7 and he was AWESOME so we went to find sector 7.... well.... it was a LOT higher than we planned, and he wasn't there. Got good pics though :)

 

 

Pretty Handsome Awkward

What a fast week. And transfer, I was furious pretty much all of it but its just about over, right when things are getting good. That seems to happen a lot. "All good things come to an end, that's what makes them all the most sweeter" Let me just tell you about this lesson we had this week.

So last week I sent a picture of me in a bunch of rocks, well we have an investigator who lives there. This week we taught him.... There I was.. 10 minutes away from any car or sound. Cool breeze blowing, 12pm about headed to lunch. My companion opens up to a solid John 3:16. And you know RIGHT where I'm going with that one. I Open up a sweet new Book Of Mormon, gold letters shining, just BEGGING to be read. 2 nephi 26:24, pretty much the best compliment of John 3:16 you can find. It was AWEOMSE spirit was strong. Nice weather, teaching about the best book on earth. I might as well start filling out his membership papers now. haha

Had a great week, besides our ward. that's still down in the dumps. The first counselor in the bishopric speaks English and he's a great guy. I asked him after sacrament, "Dude, why does no one come to church?" He responded, "I don't know, I think it's the new missionaries" with a big smirk on his face, it was really funny. But it's fine. Got my presidents word he's sending in some troops and this ward is gonna get a wake up call! You know, if the bishop would ever come to church. haha I learned that even in the hardest time, you can still have a good laugh

Been doing some SWEET reading about Enoc and his great city this week. Moses six and seven. What a great time in the sciptures. With that I've really been trying to be a better companion, I've decided I'm pretty hard headed, and I like things my way, and if they aren't my way, they're wrong. and uhh That ain't good in a companionship. haha It really has been an even better week. 

That's about all I got. Have a good week. Do some good in the world, be a decent human being. You never know, the good you can do. The things you can count, don't really count. and the things you can't count. really do count.

Pictures.

1. Every mission has something the missionaries have to memorize, some its DC four, others it's our objective. this or that. Ours is the missionary commission. I first memorized it in Spanish, then in English, and well. Now I'm here. haha

2. Yup, its Winter. I don't know if The food here is getting better, or I've been here too long, but this meal was pretty alright

3. Every now and then I like to visit heaven, talk to some angles, wait to be translated. but I'm still human. haha

4. I'm not kiddin, there's even a stairway.

5. De Nada.

6. Figured out the post office is in my area. If you haven't heard from me for a good minute, have no fear. I'm pouring out letters :)

Uhh Phil...Phil I don't think we covered this in basic training

Sometimes I have so much to say, I don't know what's best, or how to say it all, without making a huge email that none you of you will read... Haha, but I'll do my best! This week, was a lot better.

Throughout the week, I was asking myself, "Why did I serve a mission" Not doubtingly, but curiously. I've thought about the question before, and I've never really come up with the answer I like. Until this week.

I found myself up at 6 this week to listen to conference talks again, There is so much power in them, I couldn't just never read or listen again. Due to this, I found myself in awe of the gospel, and even more I found myself praying, repenting, and forgiving. 

We had a good week with a good amount of lessons, a missionary from this ward returned after 2 faithful years. We decided we would test his faith, and asked him to come out teaching with us, the second day after he got home. His answer shocked me. "Of course! I've been thinking of...." he went on for about 5 minutes of the things he wants to do and want to help. 

I didn't get truely humbled until last night. We had a lesson with a active family, which was actually plan B. When plan A fell through we called him, and asked, "Where do you live, we've never been to your house" He responded, "It's hard to explain, I'll come get you"... We then waiting for 25 minutes. Me... Being an impatient know it all 19 year old child started to run my mouth. The guy finally showed up, and we went to his house.... Haha, or hiked 20 minutes up straight rock and mountain to his little shed. I was humbled, then as he called his family to come in, 7 kids came and sat, the oldest being 19 and the youngest 14. 

I looked around and thought, "Where's the wife" We started and I.... being a child, asked. He responded, "She passed away four years ago" He used to live in the jungle. Moved her when she died because he couldn't afford it. He's been a FAITHFUL member for his last 8 years. We shared a powerful message, and toward the end he asked, "Can I be sealed to my wife even though she was inactive and not here"........

We really are the bearer of good news. Joy filled his heart as we explained the temple, we ended, and as he was walking us down, I asked, "When was the last time missionaries came to visit you?" He said... 2 years ago. We are going back next Sunday, because he works all day everyday other than the Sabbath

I have decided, after much prayer and listening, growing and listening. I'm serving a mission because I love my Father in Heaven. There is simply, nothing that matters. I know he lives, and I know he is waiting for ALL of us, to come unto him, and be perfected.

Pictures.

1. I like pizza, but this wasn't a dollar a slice.

2. Can you guess what is inside?

3. It suprised me too. haha

4. I shoulda been a workin man.....

5. Haha! Just kidding. Missionary for life.

6. Welcome to the world!

7. Shoutout to all the couples who do this type of picture. (Yes I'm making fun of you) I've been with him for 9 months, haven't talked for 7 of those, but here we are. Close as can be. I sure love my Elder Clyde

I know everything that shine, won't always be gold

I don't know have much time this week so I'll keep this simple and to the point!

Tuesday. Interviews. I don't know if I'm the only missionary who loves interviews pretty much more than anything in the mission, but I love them. Sit down with my mission President, holy cow. It's awesome

Wednesday. Temple. Every three months. For the first time EVER I was more edified than confused. It was great.

Sunday. Well I called my momma, and we all know how great that is!

Through the other days of the week, well it was pretty much not great, or good. We didn't teach very many lessons, and the ones we did... Aye aye aye, you know it's FINE. everythings fine. I'm happy, healthy, and a missionary. The gospel is true, and I am so deeply certain there is nothing better on this planet. We have an investigator named Luis, he's a good guy. We're going to throw a date on him here pretty soon. Last lesson we introduced him to the BOM, and if gets reading that, there's no stopping the conversion. haha

Anyway, That's it. Like my subject line said. The missionary  life is gold, but it doens't always shine, that's the real test. Pray pray pray! :)

Pictures

1. We went bowling last P day, It was really fun

2. There's that heart attack I've missed

3. My dad is going to go home soon :(

4. Our zone at the temple

5. Me and Elder Clyde. Great guy he is.

6. I've really stepped up my breakfast game. 

7. We had a skit for mothers day activity.

8. And it was fun

9. Good pic, right?

Man who am I kidding, this week was AWESOME. :)

 

 

Shake and Bake Cal!

Another week, pretty much the same. Some times, I'll be honest, I just want to give up on the Whole Human race. My new zone is great, almost all of us have 6 to 18 months so there isn't really any missionaries who act like they're picked on, or just want to go home. I love living with Elder Clyde, we have a good ole time.

Nonetheless, my area needs a LOT of work. When I went to church yesterday, it was possibly the worst Sunday I've ever been too. Holy crap... I'm not gonna get into specifics, but man If I've ever needed revelation on what to do, now is the time. and its not just my area.., one day this week

we went to go help 2 elders in the biggest area in our mission. Get this..... There are 800 members in the ward, about 170 are active..... So that, thats nice.

On a better note, this week is mothers week, so I'm gonna go ahead and tell you some good things about my mom.. Thanks to her, and my dad. The lord has received almost 12 years of missionary service. After 34 years of raising kids, I was the last one, and she can finally spend time with her grand kids. She's worked in a special ed school for the past 25 or so years, and has the patience of a job. Celestial life is begging her name I swear. They are sealed in the temple, They have been through I'd imagine pretty much everything the world can throw to at them, and yet they stand. My mom is awesome. She supported me when I didn't want to go on a mission, as much as she did when I wanted to.

Go hug your mothers. Before you know it, you might be 4000 miles away getting yelled at, chased by dogs, sitting in church for 7 hours. Walking for days. 

I really can't complain, another day, another soul. we don't really have any investigators progressing in case you were wondering, so don't worry about asking that. haha

Have a good week, Sorry I didn't take to many pictures.

quote. well you know.

"If ya ain't first, you're last!"

1. We like moto taxis. The rule pretty much is as many as you can fit. One time I saw 7 people in one little taxi.

2. We like fries, and chicken. haha

3. But we are also really poor.

4. When your mission was in deep apostasy 2 years ago, You get a lot of rules...

5. Remember the decloration I made in the MTC? Well Elder Clyde FINALLY signed it!

6. Glad to be back buying my own breakfast. No that is not tea. 

7. They had a baptism, lucky guys.