The Atonement Has Changed Me

Fall is never coming!!

  

  This week was awesome! Man I can't express to you how busy we are. We had a week full of activities. Let's start with earlier this week😊 we have been trying to focus a little bit more on our less actives. And we were able to teach quit a few lessons and it was a pretty cool experience. Something that really sticks out to me as we talk to them is that, evertime we ask them what hey remember about their baptism, it really opens their heart and they get so exited to tell us all about it. What a blessing it was for us.

     On Thursday we took our big trip down to sulphur well. People refer to it as Deep South. It was such a beautiful drive and it was about an hour and 20 minutes. And we got to attend our awesome district leaders training. His name is Elder Shelly. And he gave such a wonderful training. And after wards we started our exchange and elder hoole and I came back to Etown.  And we had a eventual 24 hours. 

   The next day on Friday, we drove back to sulphur well with a member from Louisville. His name is brother Carr. He is a good friend of mine and he has come out with me to teach in every area and he provides meals whenever we need it. He makes me want to be a better person. So we ended our exchange. And we went and taught a recent convert named ryanne. She is awesome. We call her snoop Ryanne 😊 we talked a lot about how the gospel blesses families and the spirit was very strong was awesome.

     We had a good sabbath day also💙 and I got asked to give a talk on repentance. And as I was studying for it, I was amazed to see how the atonement has changed me so much. Just to look at where I was a year and half back to now.. It mind boggling. I love this gospel and I know, it can work for anyone. My love for Jesus Christ has grown. I can never repay him. And I can never do to much for him. 

   Kyra came to church. And she isn't even a member is so involved that they asked her to teach the class on eternal families and she did a fantastic job. She is so great. And after church we went to the new member fireside in Louisville. And Kyra and sister Brimhall came with. And I got to see my son. The missionary I trained🙈 I was so happy. And it was so cool to see how well he has adjusted to missionary life. I was a proud father💙 

     A funny story for the week is that, so my pants were ripped and I didn't know  the entire day and my garments were showing on my butt. And I had them on  most of the day and I came home and when we're changing I discovered it.... I was so embarrassing 😂🙈 love it. 

    Anyways I am loving my mission. I hate how fast it's going. And the girl I was writing the most got engaged this weekend and I had the opportunity to find out about it😊 but it's okay this going to help me focus a lot more. I am going to take it as a blessing. Thank you for the email and I love you very much. 

👳🏽Stay mellow🙈

Spiritual Nurishment

So we had a pretty awesome week this week. It's been such a good
weather to begin with. My tan is coming in just right☺️ earlier this
week I went on exchanges to okolona! That's the Spanish elders area!
And I had such an awesome time. First of all okolona cover my first
area so that was so sweet. And they had some people to try over where
I use to work a lot so we saw a lot of the people I taught and they
still remembered me🤗😆 I was so exited that I just wanted to scream😂
anyways that was a really cool experience!!

     And two days after that, i went on another exchange with a
different missionary but I stayed in my area! It definitely was an
interesting one but I learned a lot and had a good time. It rained
must of the exchange it felt like haha.. And the missionary that was
with my had An Amish hat  and everyone was asking us if we knew any of
their stores need by as we were talking to people haha that was so
great😂

      We also got to go see the twynens this week! They live out in
Hodgenville💙 if you don't know where that is.. It's the town Abraham
Lincoln was born in. Anyways we had a good visit and a lesson with
them! Sister tywmen made us some cookies to take home☺️ she is an
angel😀

      The other family that we have been working a lot with is the
Rackhams! He is a member and she isn't but she doesn't like the church
in the slightest. And it's really sad because I can see the desire he
has to live the gospel but his wife is holding him back. It just made
me realize how important is it to stay close to the church and to Mary
someone of your Owen faith. She has a lot of qestions and we have been
working hard to answer them but she is stubborn as a slice of bread!
But they are a sweet family and we love them so much.

     The rest of our investigators are doing super mellow! We are
dying to have some more baptisms!!! So we are working hard to set some
baptismal dates this coming week! Thing s are going well. Something I
have realized this week is that how much even missionaries need the
atonement. It's so true. I have been out long enough now to see
missionaries change and myself as well. It such a neat thing. And the
other thing was that.. Since I have had this calling, I feel like we
are constantly on the phone or doing something for some missionary and
through this process.. I had missed a lot of personal study in the
morning. And the difference it makes is so big. I realize just as much
I need to eat daily. I also need to feed my spiritual body. I can't
expect to not read my scriptures for couple days and still think my
cup is full. I know it's important. I love you very much and thank you
for all you do for me. And I want to thank you for the amazing example
you set for me. You leaving the gospel makes me want to change and be
a better person. Have a good week💙

Exchanges and Taco Bell

It been quite the week here in Kentucky! Let me first start with
the weather😊😊 it's finally starting to cool down.. Kinda but it's
still super humid at times. I am super sorry I haven't been emailing
y'all as much as I should :) I guess I am kinda of a bum when it comes
to emailing😂
    I really am enjoying my mission. It's been so crazy this
transfer. I feel like we are always trying to get caught up with
stuff. So much happens everyday! But I love it. It keeps us super
busy🙏 this week I had the blessing of going on exchanges with elder
patten! He is a stud. He came to my area so that was pretty fun and
the area he is serving in is my first area😆 it's so cool!! It was
weird ending out exchange because I got to go back there and it just
seemed super wired.
    Anyways the work had been awesome and sad this week! Luke Logan
isn't getting baptized this month because his parents basically think
we are a cult😭 and they didn't really want to meet with us so we can
clear up all the false things they have heard about our church. So we
won't be meeting with him any more.... But last we talked with him, he
still was reading the Book of Mormon💙
   The budloves are a sweet family we have been teaching just for
over a month now! They are super into religion and love Jesus Christ!
I really admire their faith and dedication they have for their church.
Sister budlove just finished reading the Book of Mormon in like a
month and it's all highlighted too🤓 she loves her books I guess. But
anyways the next step for them is to come to church!!! So we are
working with them on that.

  Kyra is doing awesome! Even tho she is not a member yet... She is
in seminary. And she is just soaking it all in. She loves the gospel
and the members as well. She is solid as a rock and won't heart a 🐝!
We love teaching her because she just understands everything. It's
awesome! It's a blessing to be able to teach her!

   The highlight of my week was taco bell🙏🙈💙❤️ it was greAt!! I
tried the new spicy  cheesy core burrito😍 I felt this literally was
sent from heaven!!! It was so hot but yet so great! It's such a tender
mercy to be able to have it here so close!

  Thank you so much for the white shirts! And the socks haha.. The
short sleeve once were the most comfortable white shirt I have ever
wore!! And the socks are great as well!! And Vegas sounds super fun!!
Love you very much😊

👳🏽Stay mellow🙈

Humility and Diligence

Well I honestly couldn't tell y'all where this week went. Soooo much happened.  And we have been so busy😀 earlier this week we had an awesome mission leadership council in Louisville at the mission office on how to implement Facebook into the mission. And the next day we had to give a 3 hour long zone training meeting. It was my first training that I gave to the whole zone as a zone leader. I was nervous at first but it went very well. 

    

       Well let's start with Facebook. It's honestly been the hardest thing to use Facebook. First off all, I feel so disobedient just by using the dang thing haha... It's just wired because I haven't used for so long and just seeing everyone on there makes it hard. I feel as if I am starting my mission all over again. I thought I had missionary work figured out but no haha.. This is a whole new way of discipline. I have to train myself all over again. And it just scares me so much to come home. It really does. But oh well.. 

     Our investigators are doing fabulous. Kyra came to church this Sunday. She had a really good experience. It was a fast and testimony meeting of course and she bore her testimony and it really touched a lot of people's hearts. She is progressing and coming along super well. We are super exited to see her baptized soon. On Sunday she  came to church and went to the baptism with us and then went to a youth fire side right after. It really goes to show her dedication. 

    Sasha Simms is doing fantastic as well😊 she is so sweet. She wouldn't hurt a 🐝. She came to church and brought all her kids. She has been investigating our church and the Muslim Faith. Very different but we are going with it. She really got fellowshipped well and the members made her feel at home. And her kids loved church. They didn't want to leave. So we are hoping that they might be able to encourage her to come again next Sunday. 

     Luke Logan is an angel sent from heaven haha.. This man just walked into church this Sunday. And said he has been studying our religion and he said he can see himself converting. And we were like yea! You would make one awesome Mormon!!!! So he also came to church this Sunday and attended a baptism our ward had. And it really was just a good day for everyone. The spirit was so strong. 

       I have been thinking about a lot of things lately and have had so many humbling experiences. It's really hard to see missionaries going through a hard time. I feel for them. Like the missionaries that cover the area I use to cover when I was first here... Are going through a tough time. That area was the hardest time of my mission and my life at times. It was so depressing and discouraging at times. I hated it. It was hard and it made me sad seeing them going through the same thing. So we had them over last night and counseled with them. Their humility and diligence to not give brought me tears of joy. I truly have a testimony of this work. I love it and it's very dear to my heart. I love having this sacred calling to serve a mission and how much help I get from him. He really has changed me. And I know the atonement is real. I know. 2 nephi 1:15 But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love. I love y'all so much and thank y'all for everything y'all do💙

👳🏽Stay mellow🙈

Transfering back to Etown

Hello mom!

      Well it's been quite the week here in Brandenburg. We got out
transfer news and it sounds like I will be going back to Elizabethtown
Kentucky to be a zone leader over there. So same ward I was in but I
cover the outer parts of e-town. I was completely overwhelmed when I
got the call and I still have no clue why the lord called me to this.
but I know whom the lord calls he qualifies. I was so humbled. I am so
going to miss the members here and investigators. They have been
nothing but a family to me. Man this making me cry writing this.... I
am also so exited and ready to serve in etown. The members have been
calling  me since Saturday and telling me how exited they are to have
me back home where I belong haha.. And they kept saying I signed up to
feed you... I am so blessed.
       The week in Brandenburg has been the hardest week of my
mission. Everything that could possibly could go wrong, went wrong.
Everyone we talked with seemed so mean and unprepared to here our
message. Some opened their car windows and cursed at us... Some where
throwing stuff out the window while driving and it really pushed my
limits... And the only thing I was looking forward to was Saturday so
we can have our baptism and the mom called and canceled that and hour
before the baptism. I don't know what to do so I just kinda of broke
down and cried... I don't why this was happing but the lord is trying
to teach me something... And he chose the wrong week to do it haha..
But it's alright. I am happy to be in his service.
        Our investigators seem to be doing okay. The only solid one we
have is sister Monson. And yes she is from is west and aren't related
to the prophet or at least we don't think so.. But she is our
investigator. She came to church this Sunday and had such a spiritual
experience. She said everyone had " aura" above them. And that she
felt the spirit so strongly. And was in tears. I wasn't able to sit
next to her because I had to give a talk but elder pasko said she
loved every minute of it.
    Things are going good. I am super sad I am leaving my companion.
Training and being a district leader has taught me so much about
myself. And I have grown to love my companion and we had a blast. But
I am sure he is going to have a very fun rest of his mission. He is a
really kid and devoted missionary.

Love, 
Mesafint

Brothers and sister good morning.
It's such a blessing to be able to speak to you this sabbath day.
I been asked to give a talk on some parables that I like the most.
I have decided i like that the parable of the 10 Virgins. In Matt 25: 1-9...
      I love the talk Ellen smooth once gave. She said come let us
walk in the light of the lord.
              She said "I’ve always loved receiving invitations. Do
you? Do you ever like to imagine someday you will be invited to
something so wonderful, some event that will acknowledge your
significance, your immeasurable Devine worth?"

 "Unfortunately, all invitations are not of equal value. Some arriving
in the mail, through the computer, or on television, some tempt--and
actually mislead. But, thankfully, the invitations we receive from the
scriptures, the prophets, and the Holy Ghost are invitations we can
count on. They give us direction, peace, comfort, and joy. A still,
small voice speaks to us and encourages righteous living."

Invitations from our lord and savior Jesus Christ are very vital and
essential for our own personal salvation. They guide us back to our
Heavenly Father and lead us in the way of truth and righteousness.
Truly they acknowledge our infinite worth as sons and daughters of
God. They are so lovingly personalized. They come from our Heavenly
Father. He speaks to us in a language of invitations: “Come unto me,”
“Follow me,” “Come ye," Follow me and ye shall have eternal life.

Matt 25:1-9
The Savior likened the kingdom of heaven unto 10 virgins who took
their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Five of the virgins
took oil for their lamps and when the bridegroom came, they were
prepared to receive him. While the foolish five were scurrying to find
some more oil, the bridegroom came, and only “they that were ready
went in with him”

Elder bednar used this analogy couple years ago In a mission president
seminar!  And he added this two words "testimonies" and "conversion"
He said....

"1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which
took their lamps (of testimonies),and went forth to meet the
bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps (of testimonies), and took
no oil (of conversion) with them:

4 But the wise took (their) oil (of conversion)in their vessels with
their lamps (of testimonies).

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh;
go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps (of testimonies).

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil (of
conversion); for our lamps (of testimonies) are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for
us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for
yourselves.

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were
ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein
the Son of man cometh."

      Are we individually and collectively prepared to meet our savior
Jesus Christ?If not are we at least doing everything in our power to
prepare to meet him?! preparing ourselves for the generous gifts that
the Lord has promised to all who remain faithful? Are we prepared to
receive His light?  Are we prepared to receive all that the father has
to offer?!? There will come a time where testimonies won't be enough.
We have to be converted.

What are some things that could help us prepare best?!? And will help
us put drops of oil in our own personal lamp?!? President Kimball has
given some direction on how to fill our lamps with oil: “Attendance at
sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years.
Fasting, family prayer, home teaching [and visiting teaching], control
of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the
scriptures--each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to
our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste
thoughts and actions, marriage in the covenant for eternity--these,
too, contribute … to the oil with which we can [by] midnight [be
ready].” And adding to what he said, temple attendance.

Bothers and sister I have a testimony, that baptism is only a point of
departure. You are not fully converted after baptism. Conversion
doesn't have an end. It's another step that helps us prepare. As Elder
bednar put it "Each successive ordinance elevates and enlarges our
spiritual purpose, desire, and performance"

Everything we brothers and sister's do, should be to prepare ourselves
to meet God. The more we live heavenly lives, the more heaven will
feel at home. Brad wilcox once said in his talk " heaven will not be
heaven for those who didn't not live heavenly lives" I testify that I
know this is true.

"For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God;
yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their
labors" Alma 34:32

"And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses,
therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of
your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is
given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our
time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein
there can be no labor performed". Alma 34:33

   The Lord declared, “When we obtain any blessing from God, it is by
obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (D&C 130:21).
Brothers and sister We gain strength by living the commandments.
Obedience to his commandments shows a reflection of our own personal
conversion.  I know if we truly are prepared, it will be a glorious
day for us all, when you meet with your father above. You won't need
to worry about the things you did, because you have Truly repented of
it. It will feel like home. But if you don't prepare, I promise it
won't be so comfortable. Your are not gonna want to stay! Please head
his words when he says " follow me" "come unto to me" "come ye" for I
know it's through him that we can be saved after all we can do. I
testify....

Humbled

Hi mom! 

    Well... Here is another week😊 this weeks aughta be called days, because that's how fast they go by. We had a lot happen this week and it was good. And bad haha.. It was like an emotional roller coaster. On Monday we got invited to a place we do service at for a game!!! We played Mexican train, damonos!!! It was a lot of fun. We had Baptists, Methodists and non denominational Christians there and we got to play with all of them! And I won the game and elder pasko came in second haha.. And then they were all like " y'all cheated" I kept telling them I didn't haha.. And they asked, how did you win then?! So I told them " I belong to the true church of Christ" and they all laughed but I don't think it was funny at all haha.. But we had a good time!

   

 Our area is doing pretty good right now! I know I told you that, we were supposed to have a baptism this week but it fell through.. It really made me sad and kinda of was discouraging honestly. Dillion had a cup of coffee the day before his baptism😢 so dropped his date but he felt super bad and wants to still be baptized so he is getting baptized this Saturday! So he kinda made me sad. I caught myself complaining and murmuring a lot this week.. I just couldn't figure out how to help our investigators progress towards baptism. And this wasn't the first time a baptism fell through for me the day off... And I am just super sick of it.. And it really makes me sad. I really want the best for this people and I know how much the gospel would bless them.. So frustrating at times.. Anyways I got a prompting to read some scripture so I did.. I really liked this scriptures "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God" and I love this scripture. I feel like as missionaries we get so focused on the numbers at times, that we forget that we teaching sons and daughters of God. And the other scripture that I read right after was this was this "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" This really made my day!!!!! 

     Other than that things are pretty good. We are trying to keep our heads up and work harder. This is probably going to be my last week in this area as well so it's kind of really sad. I have grown to love my members. I love their hard work in the vineyard of my father. And I love their dedication and love they have for their savior Jesus Christ. I got super humbled this week. But it's all good. I feel, he teaches me best, when I am in the humblest of times. And I am greatful for it. I love being on a mission. It's taught me so much. And it never stops... You learn so much everyday. Herding people's stories and the love they have for there families, brings tears to my eyes. I have been trying to focus on the good that happens and it made a big difference. 

  

       Thank you so much for the bike tires!! I did get some and it's so nice to have to worry about getting flat tires. I can actually look around and try to find people as I bike instead of having to constantly look on the ground, making sure I won't run over something that will give me a flat tire haha. Mom I love you too!! Getting an email from you every week is essential for the soul😊 love you lots 💙 and have a good week! 

  

     

👳🏽Stay mellow🙈

Divine Potential

Mommy😄
  It's been a blessed week here in Brandenburg. I can't complain.
The lord counties to bless us daily. Although the weather has been so
hot!!!! And very humid, we are still pressing on. But everything else
has been super mellow and good!!
  Our investigators are doing super good. We were blessed to have a
lot of them at church this week as well!! And that honestly made my
week. And we have also been working hard to work with our potential
investigators!!
  And yea she is going to the temple!!! And it's going to be in September!! I am super exited. And she just moved to my stake so that's super awesome. And that's super cool for damitu!!! I and sure it was a little scary for her!!! But I am happy for her!!

  Robyn is one of the investigators that we have!! And she is
super nice and very cool. Her Fiancé is also our investigator and his
name is Ronnie!! And he is super cool as well. They use to meet with
the missionaries a long time ago but never really went anywhere with
it.. Anyways we picked em back up and we have been teaching them and
they are both doing super good right now. They both made it two church
this Sunday and that was pretty rad! They even dressed really nice and
they really enjoyed church and are exited to come back next week!!
    Dillion is doing so good right now!! We met with him almost everyday this week and he is
killing it.we went over a lot of the lessons with him and his
understanding of the gospel is increasing super fast. And he will be
getting baptized this coming Saturday!!! And he asked if I could
baptize him as well and that was so cooool!! Anyways I am super exited
and I know this will mean a lot to me. And plus we have his whole
family coming back to church so that's super cool and they are loving
it. And his siblings are getting involved in scouting so that's super
rad!!
   And I am just going to talk about Wendell for a bit. He is doing
so good. We found out that the bishop had asked him to give a talk at
church this week. and so we tried to get a hold of him.. Just to see
if he needed any help, and he didn't answer the whole week so we got a
little worried and we didn't think he even was coming to church.. But
to my surprise he showed up a little later than expected and gave one
of the best talks I have ever heard on obedience. He did such a good
job and he had the spirit with him. It always amazes me to see how
much he has grown. He got the priesthood this week and he loves it.
     Anyways life is good. Our area is continues to grow. And we are
blessed. My companion is awesome. I just want you to know that, I

have a testimony of my savior Jesus Christ. I know he lives. And loves
each and everyone of us, despite our imperfections. I know he sees us
for what we can become and not what we are. And he knows our Devine
potential. I love this gospel. It's so true.  I know the Book of
Mormon is truly what feeds our hungry spirits. And it's the best way
we can increase our Fatih and testimony in Jesus Christ. I hope you
have a wonderful week. And thank you for the tires money.. I am sure it will be enough. If not I will just grab two tires and run from the store.. I won't. But thanks and love yea!!! 

👳🏽Stay mellow🙈

Do you love your family?

Hey mom

   My week was full of blessings. Let me start with Matt and step!!! They both got there endowments out and got sealed this week. I had the blessing of working with this two a lot and helped re active him in my last area. My cup was brim with joy when they went to the temple this week. 

    My area is blessed. Things are just going so great. The lord is sending so many people our way. It's been such a great week. Being a trainer is awesome. It's a blast. I have one of the best companions. He loves to work and isn't shy from sharing the gospel. I call him an inconvenient hunter of men haha.. We are doing good together. Being a district leader has taught me a lot. I love giving trainings so much. I love public speaking haha. Any ways my missionaries are doing super good. I struggle to get a long with my elders but all I can do is just offer help. The lord will Heston his work with, or without them. 

        And good for damitu!!! I am so happy for her. People freak out when I tell them.. I will soon have two other siblings out on a mission haha. That's so cool tho. Oh and they all say.. As soon as your sister goes out on a mission, your packages will go down the drain hahahaha.. I just think it's funny.   

    Dillion is one of our bap dates.. He is doing spectacular. He came to church this Sunday. And he made sure his whole family came as well. And we are soooo happy. I truly am in awe of his faith and diligence. He will get baptized in two weeks.

     Kyra is our other bap dates. She is 19 and just got done with high school. She had once before investigated the church. And she is yearning to be baptized on the 23 of July. We are super stoked for her and can't wait for it. She is great.

      Something we have been doing this week is, that focusing our contacts more on families. Because this gospel is geared towards families. Anyways it been such a sweet way of contacting haha.. So this is how I like doing it " excuse me.. Do you love your family?! And they always say of course. So then I follow up and say... Do you think, your love for your family should end at death?! And they stop and think and say no." And we start teaching the plan of salvation right there and it's been so awesome. We have been getting a lot of return appointments from it. and two families came to church this week because of it. The Kent's and hills!!! And we will be teaching them more this week. His gospel does bless families and it truly is what can quench our spiritual thrust. 

   This month has been bad on miles.. We got cut a hundred miles because a new area opened in the zone, so they had to give them miles.. So we started out riding bikes and both of my tires finally tore open and the tubs kept popping haha.. So we walked almost 8 miles on Saturday  in 95 degrees weather haha.. The blisters at the bottom of my feet the next morning weren't very pleasant.. Bet it still was awesome. 

   Thank you for all you do. I really do appreciate all the help and support. I love you and keep you in prayers. Remember the lord gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers. You are a fantastic example of a good mom.  

    I don't need garments but I need some Long sleeve shirts haha... My collars are coming apart and I think I just need one or two.. But yea thank you and love you :)

I Love the Temple

Hey mom!

  Ugh I am staring not to like the dentist. Anyways yea my whole mouth seems like it's hurting haha.. Morning is the worst. It hurts every time I open my mouth. They said I don't have a teeth coming out... But I highly doubt that. Every one at the church is telling me it's a teeth haha. Anyways what they told me that, I have to get this plastic thing I have to put on when I go to sleep and it's like a mouth guard or teeth guard. Whatever you want to call it haha.. And it comes specifically molded for your teeth but idk and it's pretty expensive. They were saying I grind my teeth when I sleep or something like that and that it was because of a lot of stress.. Idk they are crazy haha!

    But anyways good for damitu. That's so special. And I am glad it was a good explain everything for y'all. I love the temple. Don't really have enough time to go on your mission... But I will defiantly be going quit often when I come home. And yes it's my year mark this week! I feel like I have just been out 6 months haha.. That's really how it feels but yes, it doesn't mean you slow down or not work as hard your second year haha.. I love my mission. It gets better and better everyday. I am just glad to be out here.

Oh and good for ramato haha.. Someday from the orphanage had to go back and serve their mission there haha.. I remember how I wasn't so happy with my call at first but now I am so thankful that I am in America haha.. I would not know that to do, with out a car and wifi and fast food and Hispanic food haha. I ain't complaining haha. Life is good.

 

   Anyways thank you for all you do. I really am so thankful and I feel blessed to have you add my mother. I am always bragging about how awesome my mom is haha. I hope you have a blessed week. I love you!

👳🏽Stay mellow🙈

Touch of the Master's Hand

Hey mom😊

    I am glad you liked that email. And no problem it's the least I can do. 

What a blessed week it was for us here. I can't tell you, how much this week meant to me. I know that the lord was working with us along our side this week and I could tell his hands were in every single day of the week. 

    Wendell did get baptized! It truly was something that I will always remember. This is the hardest, I have ever worked for anything. From the day I met him till the day he got baptized, I was thinking, praying, pondering and beseeching my Heavenly Father to help us get him baptized. And it wasn't it easy. But it was worth every second. It was worth every effort. I feel so blessed. The spirit was so strong and everyone was filling it, at his baptism. This truly was the most spiritual baptisms I have ever been too. He was ready. He truly applied the atoning sacrifice of our savior Jesus Christ. He didn't just hope to be saved by grace, he changed himself by grace to more Christlike and loving person. 

    Sunday was his confirmation. And he was glowing. He just kept smiling and it was such a neat experience. During the elders quorum we talked about the importance of reading our scriptures daily. And  Wendell and the opportunity to read in the class and the way he was reading it, made it sound so poetic and it sounded like he had know that doctrine his whole life. Everyone was like wow haha.. I truly stand all amazed at how much he has progressed in this gospel. He kept saying "wow this church is true" and we kept telling him "took long enough to figure that out tho" haha.. But no he is so awesome.

    The other tender mercies we saw this week was, with Erica and Marvin. I love this two to death. They are struggling a lot right now with financial issues but that doesn't keep em from meeting with us. They treat us if we are like family. They are progressing so fast. Erica is already and in the book of mosiah. I was super impressed with them. Things are looking up for them. And I know, as long is they make the lord Jesus Christ there priority, everything will work out for the good. 

   I am sorry I talk to much haha.. But I am so glad tofik and gutama have been doing good. I don't know  if they ever got the chance to read my email or not, from last week. But that's awesome. Anyways thanks for all you do. Thank you so much for mentioning the atonement. I will share with you a poam that has impacted me, over the past year. I feel that I could relate to it. Here it is.. 

Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But held it up with a smile:

“What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried, “Who’ll start the bidding for me?”
“A dollar, a dollar”; then, “Two!” “Only two? Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?

Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice; Going for three—” But no,
From the room, far back, a gray-haired man Came forward and picked up the bow; Then, wiping the dust from the old violin, And tightening the loose strings,

He played a melody pure and sweet As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer, With a voice that was quiet and low, Said, “What am I bid for the old violin?” And he held it up with the bow.

“A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two? Two thousand! And who’ll make it three? Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice, And going, and gone!” said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried, “We do not quite understand
What changed its worth.” Swift came the reply: “The touch of a master’s hand.”

And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd, Much like the old violin.
A “mess of pottage,” a glass of wine,
A game—and he travels on.
He’s “going” once, and “going” twice,
He’s “going” and almost “gone.”
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought By the touch of the Master’s hand.

I love you and have a good week💙 

Heaven is Cheering you on

No problem mom. 

      And yes miracles do happen. The lord never leaves our side. And he is always answering our prayers. I was strongly reminded of that this week! I love him and he use is so sweet. This gospel is true. I am in awe of his patience with me. 

    

       The lord doesn't give us any challenges with can't Handel. And we does give those challenges, he doesn't just wait at the end of the road for you to make it. He is there every step of the way encouraging you. And caring you when you can walk. He is indeed a loving father. I love him. Have a good week mom!  "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

 Heaven is cheering you on. Today, tomorrow and forever! Elder holland.

" After all that has been

  Said, the greatest and

Most important duty is to

    Preach the Gospel." 

-JOSEPH SMITH 

Be of Good Cheer

Hey mom:)

    No problem! It really had me worried! I am super glad to hear, that he is doing better! Prayers are such an awesome thing! And I know he listens to our prayers! 

   

   And I saw that that on his weekly email. What a blessing that it! I feel so blessed so be able to have the priesthood! It's such a great responsibility and I feel blessed to represent my lord and my savior Jesus Christ! 

    You know I have decided that seizures are terrible! Our investigators daughter get it a lot as well. And it been interfering with their church attendance and on top of that it's messing with my dad too... Shucks.

   Tell damitu congrats for me! That's so cool! I am so glad to be out of high school. And I am happy 

for her! Now she can really focus more on serving her mission! And there is no reason to be afraid or sacred! The people she gets to teach on her mission are gods children. And they just like her agreed to his wonderful plan. " plan of salvation" and it such a blessing to be able to help them go back to their Heavenly Father, prepared and ready to meet him. "Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come." 

    How did I prepare for the temple?? I really don't know! There is bunch of videos she can go watch on lds.org about temples! And garments are not bad at all. In fact I really like them! They are comfortable! And the cool thing is, they protect you and help you remember the coverts you made with Heavenly Father. 

     Anyways things are going well! Thanks for taking care the dentist stuff! And I am so sorry that it coasted a lot probably. But I really do appreciate it a lot! Thanks for all you do for me. Things are going pretty well! I am finally starting to figure out, how to help my missionaries in my district! They are fun to work with. Our area is a lot of fun. I just barely figured out that we have two time zones in our area haha.. That's how big it is. It always confused and we loose an hour and everything and I now know why! Anyways thanks for all the prayers and support y'all give me. 

And I too love you mom! Have a blessed week!

" After all that has been

  Said, the greatest and

Most important duty is to

    Preach the Gospel." 

-JOSEPH SMITH

Stake Conference

Hey mom! 

  No problem! I am blessed to have you as a mom. 

  This week didn't start out the best and it ended okay as well haha! But I am still thankful for the trials I received this week! Our investigates are being a little chalinging right now. And I don't know why but I know the lord is on our side. I am loving everyday! 

   Wendell is doing really good but he also is struggling a lot right now with his career! And I am really scared for him. He is saying that he might loose his job. So keep him in your prayers! Despite all the downs we had this week, "the tender mercies of the

Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen."  So I am not complaining! 

   We had stake conference this week!!! And I never how spiritual they could be. Saturday night session was just so awesome. They talked about temple attendance and temple work and missionary work.. I was in awe of the spirit that was there. I felt everything they were talking about was for me. And I couldn't stop crying!!! My mission is a making me so wired. But anyways I received and heard, exactly why what I needed. My cup was full. I am so amazed on how the lord uses others to bless the lives of others.

  That's awesome ramato is almost done with high school!! And he will be getting his call so too!!! Wow I bet he is exited. I love this gospel to much. It's so true. There just isn't any way around it. So many people try everyday to try to disprove it but they can't. Because it's gods church. Thanks mom for your emails! Loves you lots and stay out of trouble. And sorry you had to here about my bad week but that's what you get for being my mom haha bye

Love,

Elder haws🙈

I have to pinch myself

We had another wonderful week here in Brandenburg!! We have been
getting blessed beyond measure! And the other crazy thing about this
week was that... It was the last week of transfer.. This transfers
went by so fast.. And we got the news and it sounds like elder trone
will be getting transferred and I will be staying in Brandenburg to
train a new missionary!! I am super super exited for this opportunity
to learn and to grow.

    Our investigators are doing pretty good. We found a sweet family
this week.. Marvin and Erica!! We found Marvin about two weeks ago and
we set up a return appointment with him and when went to his house we
met his wife Erica! She was super nice and loves to talk your ear off
haha but very sweet family! We got to teach the first lesson and they
really liked it. We are looking forward to continue to meet with them.
Oh and they have the coolest house.. She said there is a paranormal
activity that goes on.. And she was explaining to us, what has
happened in that house before and hahah it so freaking cool.. Super
exited we found them.

Wendell is still doing good! He was able to meet with us this week!
His place was kinda messy so we went to a different building to teach
him and all the privet rooms were taken so they gave us one off the
offices to teach him in.. This was on Fort Knox haha.. I was like
this, This Never happens and I was looking around to see, if they had
the nuc buttons in there haha. Really cool experience!! He is doing
well and is actually progressing and we are super happy for him!!

    Our other investigators have kinda been bums lately haha. But we
aren't giving up on them! Most of them are super nice and very
friendly but it's just hard for them for them to come to church.. And
we have been trying to figure out their concerns so we we can get it
out of the way!! Anyways so it's going  really good for me here.. I am
loving my mission!! I am having a lot of fun and it's about to be even
more fun training a new missionary!! Sometimes when I get up in the
morning, I have to pinch myself to see if all this fun is real haha!!
Love it. Thank for everything y'all do for me and your unending
support!! God bless y'all!! Have a blessed week!!
 And I don't honestly know when I can call you on that day.. Our plans
are just crazy.. I will figure something out and I will have someone
text you my plans haha!

Love,

Elder haws🙈

The Gospel Give Comfort

Hey mommy! 

    Thank you thank you! I really did have a good birthday!  I truly do feel loved. Sister Dale from my last area was I guess planing on making me a cake for my birthday and ended up being sick that day.. So brother Dale took us out to eat... And they had us over this Saturday for a surprise birthday party another one hahah.. So I got another cake for my birthday. I am so spoiled haha.  I love them so much. That family has just been there to support me so much. 

 

     I am glad you like hearing about my investigators. I truly do love them. It's wired how that works. It could just be one lesson that we have taught to an investigator but it doesn't matter.. I feel like I have had that love for them for all my entire life. And the more I get to serve them the more I love them.

My district is doing super well. None of the areas in this district have baptized for the longest time like almost  year each. But this transfer we have all been blessed with baptisms. The lord does truly have his tender mercies. I love him. I remember how terrified I was when I got this call. And president said. That he expected baptisms out each one of this areas this transfer.. I didn't know honestly if it was possible at all. But we did it!!!!! We are so blessed! I love my missionaries. In fact  I think we have the best missionaries in the world here in the Kentucky Louisville mission. 

Wendell is doing so good!! He got stuck after thunder over Louisville Saturday night and had to spend the night at a hotel.. So he wasn't able to make it to church the next day but we went to a fireside for investigators and recent converts. They just basically go up and bare there testimonies! It was super powerful. Wendell got up and bore his testimony of the reality of the savior Jesus Christ. And he even used scriptures from the Book of Mormon.  I was so happy. Now we just gotta baptize him haha. And the cool thing was some of my recent converts were there for my last two areas and they all bore their testimony of their conversion. And it really humbled me and brought tears of joy. I love them. And they do mean the world to me. 

Josh,Sarah, and Michelle are all one family. We have been working with the them now for little over a month. They are super sweet humbled family. Michelle lost her husband and her child here recently and it has been very hard on her. She really had no clue what would happen to her husband and her child.. And she specially was worried about her child because he never was baptized and she taught he would just go to hell. And she was super troubled and we were able to read Moroni chapter 8 with her. And it gave her so much happiness and comfort and peace. They are super awesome. We are working hard to get them baptized here in a few weeks. 

This gospel does give comfort to those that are looking for it. I love it so much. It gives me hope. I know I can't find this joy any where else.. But from this church. He loves to shower us with blessings. But the catch is .. With every blessing there comes also a law. And that is being obedient to gods commandments. Our apostles and prophets have said " it is by obedience that we gather light into our souls" I hundred percent believe that to be true! I love you guys! Thanks for all you do. I think I have the best parents in the world. No wait... I know I have the best parents in the world. You have a blessed week!!

Mesafint's Birthday Week

   hello!!

    yes indeed its my birthday! it is crazy. i am not a teenager anymore!!!!!!!! praise the lord. this week has been so much fun and very eventful. i don't really member everything that happened but i know that it was good haha. first of all before i forget... please tell damitu to get light closing for July. that is the hottest month we have and humidity doesn't make it any better.and everyone i have talked with from there says the same. but winter i guess is not so bad there. and then the other thing is i got couple referrals for her.. from some people in our ward. and i will give those to her, when she get's to leaving.

    but anyway we had a sweet zone conference. this week and everything we got trained was what i trained my district the week before haha. so we had some good answers from perch my gospel because we have been studding that section so we sounded smart haha. and after that i went on exchange with elder gay and corydon Indiana. and that was super fun. elder gay has been out for very long and is got 2 more transfers before he has to go home. but anyway we has this super sweet service we did and it was on a ranch and they like had a buffalo and camel and they even had goats.... and and they had pigmy goats!!!!! they were so cute!!  and i came back the next day.

    and then we had tracy get baptized this Saturday!! that was pretty cool. i was super exited for her. i was amazed that we were able to baptize her so fast because we have only known her for 3 and half weeks haha. but she is awesome and i get give her alot of crap. because she likes chicken feet too.... but anyways i got to confirm her a member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints god bless it.

  wendell is doing super well. but i don't know if he will be baptized this weekend. he know the church is true and the gospel is true but i guess he wants to find out more on Joseph smith before he gets bad. and he wants to see both sides of the church like the opposing side of the church and supportive sides of it as well.. so please keep him in your prayers!! i know he will get baptized.. i just don't know when tho...

    it looks like Friday will be crazy because the dales are planing on coming to Brandenburg for my birthday and i am so exited. i love those guys so much. matt got ordained an elder this weekend so he is super happy. they made a big difference in my mission.

   but anyways things are going so well for us here. i feel so blessed. thanks for the birthday wishes mom. it feels so wired not being home for my birthday but then again, i feel blessed im on my mission and celebrating my birthday here is a blessing. i love y'all and thanks for everything you do for me.

General Conference

  It's sounds like y'all a super fun week!! That's super fun. I feel like y'all go on a lot of fun trips when me and mubarek go on a mission haha just kidding. Luke is so cute!!!!!!! I don't even know how I will introduce myself to him someday haha. But anyways my week has been super awesome a lot happened in such a short time. My mission is going so fast that sometimes I don't even know what to even think.

    

        We had another district meeting in Indiana this last week and I gave a training on setting and reaching our daily goals. And binding the lord with our goals and aligning our goals with what he wants. It went really well and as a result my district surprised me with really good numbers last night. I was so proud of them. We are starting to see big difference as they start applying the principles we talk about. And before that tho I went to Jeffersonville Indiana with elder Waite my zone leader and I had a good exchange with him. And I guess Candice got the wrong Idea after feeding us dinner!!! I was just being nice haha. But she feed us so,e good hamburger helper with mashed potatoes! 

 

        General conference was truly a blessing for me. I heard what I needed to hear. What a wonderful blessing it is to have inspired people lead gods one true church. My cup is full and I was rejuvenated. They all gave wonderful talks and I was really happy to see our prophet make it.  And elder holland was like a dessert to general conference. They couldn't have ended it any better. I'm humbled. And I learned to much. Now that being said I will tell you what I tell my district after every district meeting haha... So there couple penguins waddling around and they see and Eagle flying around and they say... I wish I could fly like that.. So the eagle flies to them and tells them that they are holding a flying seminar next week and if they come to it he will teach them how to fly.. So they did go to it and he did teach them how to fly and they were astonished and taught it was marvelous  but at the end of the day when the seminar was over, all those penguins waddled home.. The moral of the story is don't waddle home apply the principles that were taught at general conference. 

      Our investigators are doing so well. We have Tracy getting baptized next Saturday and Wendell will be getting baptized on the 14nth of this month. I love these people I get to serve. Our teaching pool is growing so fast and we are finding a lot of awesome to share this glorious message with. I don't know if I truly deserve the blessing I get but I sure am very thankful for them. Thank you for all you do. I love you and have an amazing week. 

       

Love,

Elder haws🙈

Damitu's Mission Call

Mom, 

   My new area is massive. I guess you can call it exciting haha. My goal was just to stay lowkey my whole mission and just be a normal missionary haha but it's alright. It truly is humbling. I have never been so overwhelmed for he longest time. I did my first training in Indiana last week. I trained on how to use the Book of Mormon in every aspect of our missionary work. It was fun a good to get the first out of the way. My comp is okay got a lot of work to do. I have a struggling district. There is one sister has been an stl and the rest is just a lot of troubled missionaries. But it's alright it good learning experience for me. I have never been so humbled. I'm exited to be able to give it my all.  And the good thing about my new area is... It only 16 miles away from my most favorite members of my entire mission. They had us over for dinner on Sunday to haha. 

     And yes about damitu oh my gosh hahaha. That's so awesome. I was super busy that Monday because all the members wanted to say buy so we were driving from a member to a member and   Right after we left the brimhalls and went the Byrnes I got a phone call and she told me so I freaked out and checked my iPad haha and sure enough she her mission call haha. That's so wonderful.  Here one scriptures that sets me back on track whenever I tend to forget my purpose as a servant of the lord. 3 nephi 5:13. I know she will do great. The eastern states are the best states to serve your mission haha. 

      Wow that's amazing 5 years. I didn't see that coming haha. Times flies by. That's makes me feel super old.

Blessings of the Temple

The work has been picking and it's been so awesome to see that happen. I love being a missionary.

     Well last week was a littler hectic so I didn't email a whole lot back so.. Sorry about that our PDAY got moved to Wednesday because we went to temple. It was so fun. Even tho the temple here to small compare to the one from Rexburg but the spirit was just as strong and I had an awesome experience. And right after we were done the temple president invited us into his office and we got to talks him and ask him questions about the temples and other doctrinal things.. Probably the only time I will ever get to do that so I made sure I asked enough questions haha. I loved it tho. Then right after we went to joe's crab shop with a member in downtown Louisville... It was so good best crap I have ever had. Anyways last was crazy but I wouldn't have traded it for anything I absolutely loved it all haha. 

    These week has also been pretty awesome and eventful as well. We one of our investigators get baptized and it was really neat to be able to see her doing that. It truly is a blessing to be able to see one Bing brought into gods one true a living church here on earth. Her name is shekata and I have never seen her so happy haha. She was like cracking jokes and everything haha. She is the kinda person that likes to keep to herself and very hard to crack her she'll but still super nice and she goes to through a lot of pain as well.. She got hit by a car couple years ago and it's affected her physically. But she still got baptized and it was awesome to see her get confirmed as well. 

     Etown is blessed. Our recent converts got to the temple as well these last week. And it was sure an awesome experience for me to here the expression how they felt temple. Nauje went home after the temple and found his favorite temple and put it on his back ground he said. I really do know that the gospel can change lives. Not only can it change you but it can transform you to a true Christlike person. I have been truly blessed. Anyways things are going super good. I'm loving my mission and it's going by so fast like I have almost been out 9 months it's crazy. But thank you for all you do.  #hallelujah

Elder haws🚴🏿💙

Lighten Others Burdens

hey mom!

     these week has been full of happiness. its a lot of work and its kept me and Elder field so busy. 

we had good amount of lessons and we blessed to do a lot of service. i cant tell you how blessed i feel and being able to see my heavenly fathers hand in everything i do has been rewarding.

these week we had interviews with our mission president and it was so much fun. sister brough bought a nice heating pad for my shoulders. these area has been a little rough with my shoulders.

just because there is so many hills,and i tend to use  my shoulders to bike for some reason haha. but all is well. i had a really good talk with my mission president and it sounds like he is going to transfer me again in to a new area at the  end of these transfer. im not looking forward to it at all. i have grown so close with the people here and it would break my heart to leave them. but the lords will be dont and not mine.

       funny thing about that talk is actually i got teach elders qourm that two Sundays ago! i cant tell you how much i love the word here. they really go wayyy out of their way to lighten our burdens. i feel immensely blessed. 

the weather has been treating good.  it was really hot tomorrow and the humidity makes a big difference. we got invited to a dinner at first baptist on Sunday and it was sweet. we had a fireside last night and it was in Louisville so we had like a 45 minute drive down there and we took the carter family and the Stevens and mike/ shakety!! it was meant to be just for investigator and new members so it was so nice!! the spirit was there and there was no place in the world i would been besides there. and my recent covert Shawn came to see me there as well and it was just good family reunion and i felt so happy. and i got to see him go bear his testimony and it was so powerful. he has come along way and its been such a blessing to see him grow and make all these changes in his life and he seems so happy as well. shucks😁   

    the cater family was there and natavia got up and bore her testimony as well. and she talked about how the day me and my companion knocked on her dore was the day they found out that her little brother had type one diabetes.

and she went on to say how her dad had left the whole family and how life seemed to be awful and since she met wet us and her brother baptized she has been so happy. and that her family has come a lot closer and she started crying up there so then i started crying and it was just a big mess haha. but its something i wont ever forget. im just so thankful that the lord blessed me these kind of experience. i am learning who mesafint truly is. i am learning to love and gain charity for those i serve.    

    

      so anyways we have a baptism these Saturday. and i am really exited. it will be shakety that's getting baptized. please pray that everything will work out and nothing will get in the way of that. and i wont be emailing you these next Monday and it will tactfully be on Wednesday. im going to creestwood to the temple!!!!!! and pday will be on Wednesday and i will email y'all that day. things are just good right now and im happy. i really am. i cant complain. i am thankful for y'all. thanks for all you do. you are sending me a package?? haha umm can i just get an early Christmas present haha... if you can find a cheap keyboard for my iPad and maybe a case it would be sweet that's really all i need. it would make working progress records a lot easier haha. THANKS THANKS LOOOVVVEEESSSS

Contemplating My Mission

  Hey Family, 

    I know!!! Time flies by like crazy!! That sucks it's cold there haha. We had a really good week when it comes to weather here. Specially Saturday it was about 72 degrees and we had a lot of service to do so... We were in shorts and short sleeves haha. And the rest of the week stayed between 50 and 60 so we have been blessed and I can't complain. 

     These week has been full of blessings as well. We were promised by the brethren to talk to 10 people each day and the lord would bless us with more people to teach... So that would have totaled about 70 people a week. But my companion and I decided to exceed that goal and talk to 200 hundred people a week and it's been so amazing to the lord bless us with more people to teach. I can't tell you how much our key indicators have been going up since we have been talk literally anyone and everyone on the streets. I truly know the lord is bound to bless us when we follow the wise counsels of those who have appointed by the lord to lead and guide his restored church. 

     We have couple people we teaching right now... And one of them is shakety and she is a part member. She is awesome and making so much progress. She has been to church 5 times now but she still got a little bit to go. So with a lot of prayer and fasting we are excited to get her baptized as soon as possible. Andre is the other person that we are teaching. He is so nice and humble. The lord has truly prepared him for us to share these restored gospel with him. He unfortunately couldn't make it to church these week. But he has been keeping his commitments. 

Chris is the other guy we are teaching and he is a little crazy but it's a work in progress. He like to rap and he records his Own music. Last but now least is paster patten. He is so awesome. He have been teaching him quite a lot. He goes to jehovah witness church and we went a sermon with him on Wednesday. It was different.  

     My companion is from Washington. He loves eating healthy so I really like that about him. We actually served in the same district in Louisville and my good friend trained him as well. So I went on couple exchanges with him before he was my companion. We get along very good haha. We relate a lot as well. We have a lot of fun doing these amazing work together. 

     I was sitting down and contemplating my mission.. And it's ups and downs, these past couple months have been the hardest of them all. But it's been also the happiest time of my mission. I really feel so satisfied at the end of my day. And I think that all it matters. I know obedience brings blessings and exact obedience brings mericles. I love love these church. As Ammon puts in the Book of Mormon " I glory in my Jesus" he is nothing but sweet. I truly am starting to recognize my saviors hands in my daily life. I never thought I'd say these but I'm greatful for my tries and heartaches. They truly strengthen and build my testimony. I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I know he lives. And because he lives he has reached out in love towards us and our nothingness. And has restored he beautiful gospel in the most beautiful way. I love y'all have a blessed week. Never forget to have him in your lips. 

Elder haws🚴🏿💙

I can't imagine were I would be

 Hello 😊

  We got so much snow haha. It got us good and couldn't ride our bikes In it so we had to walk everywhere 

So my feet was dead... Like I couldn't feel my toes for a while haha. But it was fun because we were able 

To do a lot of service. Friday we got snowed in so we had a member come pick us up and we just shoveled 

Snow all day with him haha. I even enjoyed doing it. And school as been out of course haha and everyone 

Is actually driving so slow. You never see that here. So we didn't have a whole lot happen these week 

When it comes to teaching.

  

      My investigators are doing super well. We have two people getting baptized and coming in two

The fold these week. And we had a member get rebaptized as well. It sure was unforgettable experience 

For me to see, someone one of our dear brother come back to the fold. He has been waiting to get

Baptized for couple months and it was really awesome. 

     Sunday was one my favorite Sunday's ever. We had one of the young women speak on the importance of 

Scriptures... She said that kids at school bully her a lot and sometimes they would even creat a 

Circle and push her back and forth... While pulling on her hair... And she said amidst these trial the 

One thing that kept her going was her scriptures. She would read her scriptures to help thought it.

And bore a powerful testimony of it. It means a lot to her to read the scriptures because that's 

Where she found her comfort. I loved it made me cry haha. 

      About the mission thing.... Deciding to go on a mission was the hardest thing I have ever had

To do in my life. I wish I did it differently. I wished I would have had the Book of Mormon all the 

Way through. And prayed in deep supplication to my Heavenly Father about it. My suggestion would 

Be to spend a lot of time where the spirit of the lord abides. Which is coming to church. Going to 

The temple. Spend a lot of time in the temple. If whoever it is does the small and simple things that 

Heavenly Father asks them to do.., they will find out what the lord would have them do. For me I

So thankful I decided to come serve my lord. I can't imagine were I would be in my life right now. 

It truly scares me to death to think about what I will do when I come home. I love these. 

       I'm glad you had good relief society class. I sure didn't make it for you guys to raise me haha. 

But the one thing I will tell you mom is... When ever you tried to get me to do something church..

It only made me not want to ever do it.. It pushed me away. And the times you just loved me and 

And just reached out that way was when I wanted to change. But that's just me. I'm glad tho because it made Me question things. Until I was truly converted. 

      Did you send me a tie?!! If so thank You! Damitu sent the same tie in my first area haha. I think it's funny! But anyways thank you for all you Do for me. I truly am so blessed. I love y'all so much. I hope you have a great week!!! 

 

     

Gospel love.

Elder haws🚴🏿💙

Families are meant to be together

   Hey mommy

    Hello, it's been such a good week for me and Elder crow. So many adventures. "Cold adventures". These weeks has been so sweet and so nice even tho it was cold. I have learned so many new things. I love my fellow members and all they do for me and my companion. And they are so helpful  and have no problem coming out to teach with us. 

    

      Naja ~ is doing so well. He came to church today. And came to the youth activists. We taught couple him couple times these week. And he loves the gospel. He wishes he was born in it. His testimony is growing and he even drew a picture of the whole plan of salvation. He keeps his commitments. He reads a lot and just all around an awesome kid. And he is so exited to be baptized.

  

    Norien~ is Naja's brother. He likes the church. And his mom is a big support when it comes to us teaching him. But she is a less active and has no interest to come anytime soon. So he doesn't want to quite join and do the same thing his mom is doing. But he does like the church and the youth as well. And he has a bab date as well. And I know he will get baptized haha. 

 

     We have been teach a lot of other people but so far these are the once that are progressing. 

We have been doing a lot of finding and knocking at least for 3-4 hours a day. It can be boring and it can get old really fast... Specially when people are super rude about it. But that's fine I'm doing what the lord would have me do. 

   These week I have been praying super hard that.. Heavenly Father can he really help me understand what Christ has done personally and how I can have him to be the center of my life. It's been super humbling and as I have tried to keep and live his attributes.. I'm learning what true unconditional love means. And it's definitely changed my views towards his children. 

      I was very sad to hear about what happened. And I'm so glad that your doing so well despite what happened. It brought tears to my eyes to hear that grandpa passed away. He was sure a great man and a great disciple of Jesus Christ. I have always looked up to him And am super thankful for the examples he showed me. He truly lived the gospel. And he knew and lived Christ's attributes. It's brings me so much joy and comfort in know about the plan of salvation. 

 

     I feel so blessed and so honored to have had him as a grandpa. I know because of the Jesus Christ's atonement, I can see him again. And that families are meant to be together. I love these gospel and this church. I love serving my Heavenly Father. And his children.  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. These scripture often brings me comfort. I love your mom and I will keep praying for you. I hope you have a blessed week and may the lord be with you, comfort you and uplift you. I hope you had the best birthday. I'm sure it was super hard not to have my jokes there but it's alright haha jk. Ps. I hope you liked the videos that I made for you. Most of those people are members but there a lot of nonmembers. I even asked someone on the street to sing it with me haha. 

  

 Anyways I love you and I hope you have an awesome week. I couldn't ask for a better mom. Your the best. 

Gospel love.

Elder haws🚴🏿💙

Grandpa fulfilled his purpose

Happy 2016! That's awesome. I couldn't believe how fast that year went. I really grateful that I could begin the new year on my mission. My goal for these year I think is to see everyone I their heavenly fathers eyes. We as humans tend to get a little judgmental at times and we may not treat gods children the way we should so that's really what I'm going to be working on. 

I'm glad you guys enjoyed Christmas and New Years. To be honest it still hasn't registered in my head yet haha. But I'm glad it's a new year. I'm looking forward to improving a lot of things these year.

 

(Side note:  Alyssa's grandpa on her mothers side passed away Sunday 1/3/15) It's been really hard to hear that about grandpa. I can't tell you how sad that makes me. It gives me so much comfort to know about the plan of salvation. I'm sure he is taken care of. I love these gospel with all my heart. I have never felt so much comfort in my life. It's such a blessing to know, what my purpose is. And I have no doubt in my heart that grandpa fulfilled his purpose. A man once told me there there two most important days in your life. 1 is the day you were born. 2 is the day you find out why?! And for me it's truly just to live the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be like my lord and savior Jesus Christ. 

 
I hope you guys are enjoying doing the small and simple things that are bringing you closer to your Heavenly Father. Remember by small and simple things are great to brought to pass. I rely heavily on these gospel. I don't know where I would be without it. I contacted a guy on a street these week and he was telling me that there was no God at all. And that it was all imaginary. So I asked him what the purpose of his life is... And he said to live and die. If that was true, that would be the saddest life. A life without a purpose is a life worth not living. 

    

    Thank y'all for all you do for me and what you do to uplift me. I truly am blessed with the best family in the world. I often pray for you guys and I know that my heavenly fathers hears and answers my prayers. Have a blessed week. The lord loves you. And I love you. 

Gospel love.

Elder haws🚴🏿💙