Week 91

To start I`d like to update everyone on the Lopez Mendoza Family, who are learning and changing more every time we pass by to visit them. They didn't make it to church this week, due to problems getting to bed on time, but they are excited to try again next week and we won`t give up on them! We taught them about the Atonement and Baptism this week and showed them a video called Recovery, which talks about a garbage dump in Idaho that was converted into an Airport and a community park. It`s given to relate to our sins, which can be cleansed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, but often those sins come back to haunt us and make us feel weak and unworthy. We shouldn't let our past sins cause us to feel unworthy when we've truly repented. That`s Satan's influence discouraging us. They loved the idea, especially the father, Roberto, since he has made many deep mistakes and sins against his own family, but has the desire to turn his life around. I have faith this family will one day be made whole again thanks to the Atonement and will be happy as ever :)

Also this week my companion and I went to a dermatologist to have him checked. It was a clinic called Skin Group which specializes in skin and is found in San Pedro, close to where President Maucotel lives, in the other Mission. Wow that part of Monterrey is super fancy and modern!! The doctor examined my companion`s rashes and came to the conclusion that he has what`s called "Scabies", an infestation of the human itch mite. Luckily it`s fairly easy to treat, but does require a little bit of work. We had to go home and clean everything, especially our mattresses, sheets, and clothes and he has to apply various creams and a pair of medications as well. He has already improved greatly these past few days and is now able to sleep better and focus more during the day, not that he doesn't have the itching anymore. It took a while for us to figure out what he had after seeking medical help from several doctors, so it was a blessing to be given permission to go to a real skin professional who quickly discovered the culprit. Good story for him to tell his family :P.

Cleaning out the house of the "Scabies" infection, fun :D

Other than that, soon we will have our Zone Conference and also, I don`t know if I mentioned this, but this transfer was shortened a week due to Christmas and so it will be only 5 weeks and the next transfer will we 7 weeks and end on January 30. In my last interview, I talked with President Maucotel about my going away date and asked if I could have it extended 2 weeks, since I would be two weeks short of 2 years. He loved the idea, but has to confirm with Salt Lake. I`ll let you all know when I have more details. Don`t worry about it too much, either way it`s coming quick! Love you all and thanks for the Love and Support:)

A neighbor gave us "carne asada"! So I made a yummy
 steak, hot dog, egg, and corn blend, yum!!

Week 90

This week we had many wonderful experiences with families we are teaching and people we find and I`d like to share a couple experiences. First we were given a reference by a member named Sister Beltran who`s son is less active, but about a year ago had accompanied the missionaries to give a friend of his a lesson. She said she never heard what ended of the young man named Angel Ramirez and it would be nice to visit him ourselves to find out. We struggled to find the address for some reason, but the Lord has his plans. Only when we were accompanied by an ex-missionary named Moroni we "magically" (when I say magically I mean were led by the Spirit) ran into his street, long searched before, and also Angel just so happened to be home (which is rare since he studies and works all the time). I know there were no coincidences in this encounter as the Spirit led our lesson and moved upon Angel to accept baptism and even put a personal goal for a baptism in January! He`s just about to turn 20 and wants to turn his life around because he dropped out of school for a while and was a little lost, but now he just got back into school at a college and has high ambitions:)

The next experience is of a family I think I mentioned before, the Lopez Mendoza Family. We had a struggle and test when we were let down for the highly anticipated family night on Tuesday where we had planned a member family to accompany us and everything, but upon arrival, no one answered the door, although the lights were on and we heard voices... Discouraged but diligent, we decided to try again the next night on Wednesday and this time had better luck, but only found the father and his daughter Tania (16) home. We had a nice lesson with them two, but in contrast to the family night we had planned and hopes to teach all 7 of them, it was hard to be filled with the same enthusiasm. They agreed to come to conference and said we could find all 7 of them on Sunday night. So we continued with our week. until Saturday night we were close by and decided to stop by to remind them of the conference on Sunday. We were welcomed in by the mother and here 5 kids this time and they gave us hot chocolate and hamburgers (I know weird combination). We had a very open conversation with them about their family and they expressed their struggles as the father of the family has never been there for them in their lives and the oldest daughter, Cassandra, filled his role as father. Their father, Roberto, has always had a drinking problem, but has a high paying job, which has allowed him to lose himself in the pleasures of the world and only be with the family when it`s convenient to him. He recently came back to them asking forgiveness and they are trying to forgive, but it`s hard after so many years of neglect. We explained to them that his sincere desire, we could feel in our first lesson with him, shows us that he can change, if he lets the Gospel of Jesus Christ work upon him. Also the son Roberto Jr. (19) asked if he could serve a mission too because he wants to learn English. I love it when that happens! They didn't make it to conference yesterday, but we visited them in the evening and they are still very excited to know more and will strive to make it next week. Also the father arrived mid-lesson and we tried our best to incorporate him in the conversation, in hopes to bring the family together. We have been teaching the Plan of Salvation and watched a video on it with them, which they loved, and they are learning so fast. I know God has chosen this family and we were blessed to be led to them while contacting one night. I love the mission and hope to continue to have experiences like this in the time I have left.

The weather is sooo nice lately, with cloudy skies and cool nights (finally!) I love the cold! Have a wonderful week everyone, love you all!:)

The Temple, when we arrived super early last time I went :)

Week 89

My favorite secretary (sorry other secretaries, Elder Clark lived through my Zone Leader days serving and will always be my favorite :P) what a Missionary! Love ya Elder :D

It felt GREAT to be able to work the full week with little complications! We had tons of wonderful experiences with many different people and families. First of all, we had a Family Night with the Aguirre Family, in which the Abrego Family who live next to them accompanied us. It was super fun and their son Luis has a very special interest that I feel will be the determining factor of their conversion as a family. He is the only one who read the homework we left them and explained it to us and even asked to say the prayer :) At the end of the lesson, we played Colored Pencils (Spoons, but with colored pencils :P), which the kids loved, and in fact we had to leave after one round, but the parents told us they kept playing for hours after we left! Oh how I miss board game nights with my own family, but it gives me even greater satisfaction sharing that special time with another family and teach them they can have fun together!

We also were guided by the Spirit to find 2 new families this week. First, we met two young woman who seemed fairly interested, but on the second visit they weren't there. After a few days more, my companion insisted we go by again and this time we found the whole family of 7 together (which they say is a miracle in of itself to find them all at once) and taught one of my favorite lessons of my mission. The father of the Lopez Mendosa Family, Roberto, expressed his concerns that the family isn't ever together and they don`t listen to him. The kids explained the same desire to be more united as a family, but that they felt their dad needs to be more tolerant of their differences and patient, since he is easily provoked into anger and yelling. We explained how the Gospel blesses families and can help them be more united and loving towards one another. They were very hopeful and happy we passed by and said it can`t be a coincidence. We also explained what a Family Night is and asked if we could have one with them and they accepted for this Tuesday. We have the perfect family already lined up to accompany us so it should be great!

The other Family, Ricardo, his wife, and two kids, Evaline (9) and Damian (5) we found while looking for a reference received from the internet. We couldn't find a street so we stopped to ask someone for help. They told us where it`s at and we invited them to receive a lesson as well and they accepted, so we did a short lesson outside, in which they got their kids to come out to hear. Then yesterday, we visited them again and this time they invited us into their house and we got to know them better. Ricardo was very straightforward that he has a drinking problem, but wants to quit since his kids tell him to often. He was humble enough to accept that he hasn't been able to give it up and needs help. We promised him if he does the simple things we invite him to do, he will be able to not only give up alcohol, but change his life completely. The wife and kids were thrilled to have this discussion and Evaline said the last prayer. What a little angel she is :)

Needless to say, we've been super busy and will hopefully stay that way. This weekend, we had our Stake Conference, which was also amazing, and I wish I had time to talk about it. Next week we will be having a multi-stake broadcast, which should be good, and in a couple weeks there`s a transmission by Elder Holland on How to Teach as the Savior did. It actually already happened, but was postponed to be shown here because of the conference. 

I'm so happy to be in the Lord's service and to have so much love and support. Have an amazing week everyone :D 

APPLE SANDWICH - yes that`s a thing :)

Card Bridge! Fun times :)

Week 88

VIVA MEXICO Mexican flag at the temple:)

This week was a little bit of a struggle as I started back to working as many proselyting hours as possible and after a couple days I was super sore and tired. As the week went on, I have slowly gotten back into the rhythm and I hope to be able to keep a full schedule this week, if all goes well!

I had my bi-transfer interview with President Maucotel, which was a very enlightening experience. I felt truly loved and respected and was able to ask for his counsel as to what I can do for him and the Lord. He told me to prepare my companion to train when he finishes his training since there will be many new missionaries coming in and he feels Elder Polanco could be one of the prospective just finishing training trainers. I accepted and promised to do my best and that I will. This will mostly involve making sure he takes enough lead in the work to learn by personal experience. Elder Polanco is a wonderful missionary and I have confidence he will train like a champ if called upon :)

This week, we had many cool experiences, but one of my favorites was when looking for a young adult in the ward who's less active. We ended up meeting a young man named Irving and his girlfriend Nirira. Irvin told us to come on in and although he had just got back from training, he dropped everything, called a boy from the street to fetch a water bottle from the store and sat us in the living room. The boy quickly returned and Irving served us a fresh cold glass of water and his full attention. I thought Irving was the young man on the list, but we soon realized it must be his older brother we meant to find and Irving isn't a member of the church. We then had the most amazing lesson where the spirit was clearly present and moved upon these two young children of God. They both showed desires to repent and be baptized and were very truthful and sincere in their responses. I was so happy to have been guided by the spirit to find these two amazing people and we hope to see them learn and grow. They are around 18 years old with many dreams and desires that I know will we made possible through the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ :D

The weeks are zooming by! Next week marks a new transfer, halfway done with the training of Elder Polanco :O I am just happy to be here in the moment and hope to be the best companion, trainer, District Leader, and preacher possible. I love you all and hope you have a wonderful Halloween and week! TRIG or TREAT (shout out to the coolest Mom ever, you know who you are ;)

Week 87

These cards rock for making towers. This is the best one I've ever made! :D

This week was a little frustrating for me, not being able to give my all due to recovering from the minor surgery I had, but I will be seeing my doctor later today and hopefully I will be given the okay to get out more. I do feel a heck of a lot better than last week though, so I'm very hopeful. It never was too painful, but I got really sore easily and tired out quickly, which kept me from being able to work long hours.

I was able to get a lot of studying in though, which was a blessing, for sure. I spent much of my time reading the Book of Mormon and was able to see many stories of valiant warriors and missionaries suffering major afflictions, but never giving up and always trusting in the Lord with patience, as those of the people of Nephi in the days of Alma and his son Alma the Younger. One of my favorite scriptures I came across again was,

Alma 1:25 "Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them."

The Book of Mormon really does strengthen us in our afflictions as well as bring answers to our prayers. I have come to have a greater love for it through my studies and experiences and I know it will happen for ALL those who read it diligently with faith in the Lord.

With the little time we could get out to proselyte, we focused on a part-member family, the Sanchez Rodriguez Family. The mother, Juanita, is the only member in her family and we started teaching her husband. He has listened respectfully and asked some very interesting questions like why would the Lord command Nephi to kill Laban if he commands us that thou shalt not kill in the ten commandments. We helped him find the answer by directing him to 1 Nephi 4 and left him the homework to study it out and pray for guidance to discover the answer for himself. Also we were able to give them service by painting their living room walls. How fun!

I can't wait to be able to work more and more as I get my strength back this week! Love you all and thank you for your prayers and support, have a wonderful week!!

My little district at the Temple last week! (Top left to right Elder Cortez, Elder Rincon,
Elder Cerna, Elder Cornejo. Bottom left to right Elder Lightheart, Elder Polanco)

I taught the other missionaries in our ward how to play Wizard!
(We call it El MAGO in Spanish.) It's a little harder without wizard cards,
but I tried it with Aces like wizards and 2's like jokers and they loved it!
I won naturally :P

Oat+hot dog burgers! Looks nasty, but tasted great!

Weeks 85 & 86

Temple for the second to last time :,) With Elder Polanco ...

...and my Zone :)

Week 86

Well, it has been probably the longest week on the mission thus far!! So, I had another stay at the hospital. What happened is, I had been having some problems bugging me that weren't serious so I dealt with it, but finally my doctor said I should come in and get it checked out at the hospital. Thus, the third (and hopefully the last) visit to Doctors Hospital commenced last Tuesday. I don't think you want to know the details, but I needed to have a minor surgical procedure. It went well and I left the hospital on Thursday and have been resting as much as possible. The doctor said it was caused to too much walking in the hot sun and a variance of food styles. So I need to be extra careful I guess and not work myself too hard anymore...which will be hard since it´s instinct.

Funny story: Another missionary had contacted me before I went to the hospital to ask me some advice because I had a reputation of being the "hospital" guy, due to all my hospital stays here. He wanted to know what to expect, what to pack, that kind of thing. Then, I ran into him later at the hospital. He was slightly surprised to see me in the hospital - again!
 

Doctor´s Hospital round 3!

 The Temple was awesome and I've been preparing all week and trying to "study it out in my mind", about an important life decision. I didn't receive any great revelation or anything, but I did receive a gentle confirmation that tells me what I had thought out is correct. The decision was whether to enter BYU in the Spring or Summer term and I decided on Summer, to be able to better plan and prepare as well as work and save money. (Note from Mom: and to spend more time with the family before leaving for college.) This was my decision in part because of a scripture I found in Mosiah 4:27, which tells us we shouldn't run faster than we have strength and do all things in order. 

Sorry I didn't have much time to write, the bus took forever after the Temple and we got back late. Have a great week, love you all!!

Week 85

Second week in the Pedregal Ward and I am truly loving this area and spending time with my companion Elder Polanco. He's the best companion I could ever ask for :). This week it finally cooled down a little bit and even rained some, but it still gets hot at night, so it's a good thing we have air conditioning! We met a ton of new people, including members we hadn't met before and less active members. 

My companion Elder Polanco taught me how to make Oat-Burgers!
I love them and they taste like a hamburger :O

Elder Polanco turned 19 yesterday and the members bought him a cake, which was a relief because I tried to ask the other missionaries in our ward to buy a cake, but they forgot to buy one on Saturday and since it was on Sunday I couldn't buy one...I did give him a Minion candy pop I had saved and a new tie :D. He was happy, but told me it was a weird feeling have a birthday on the mission and that it felt almost like a normal day. I remember that feeling, but I'm used to it now. To me it's a blessing living this way because it helps us realize that there are more important things in life than birthdays and holidays sometimes and it´s nice to live as a humble servant of the Lord :). 

We were let down on Sunday when Laura didn't make it to church since she had her baptism interview planned after church. We had a member commit to take her and he passed by for her, but no one came out. We aren't sure what happened, but we will try to find out and motivate her to keep trying! 

We had an amazing experience with Javier and Antonia (two investigators we found on our first day here) when they both accepted a baptismal date for the 20th of November, but what was so amazing was the spirit felt and the power it took on them as they cried for joy :D. I know that the spirit is our true teacher and who brings about such wonderful experiences in my life!

I can't believe how fast time is flying, but I am just happy to be here and will enjoy every minute of it, no matter how many trials come! Thank you all for your love and support and I especially thank my Heavenly Father for this wonderful call he sent me. Have a wonderful week everyone!

Week 84

Gotta love the first night with a new missionary Campechanas! He loved them!

I´m training again!!!! My new trainee is Elder Polanco, who is from Yucatan, Merida, which is close to Cancun. He is so full of energy and positive about everything, which I am loving. Also, he is super humble and always asking me how he can improve or what he should do that would make it easy to teach him and help him progress faster, unlike me, who was very unpersuasive at the beginning of my mission...Anyways, we are now in the Pedregal Ward, which congregates where I met together with my first Zone while in Apodaca, a chapel on top of a hill. Also our Zone meets together in Bosques de San Miguel, which is where my second Zone met together while in my last 3 transfers in Apodaca! Small world!

New companion Elder Polanco, whom I am training!!

So another crazy experience happened this week. First of all, my new house is great and has AIR CONDITIONING!! I sleep like a baby here! But that came to be my doom when I woke up Saturday morning. I got up to use the bathroom at like 5:30 am and I had heard it raining outside super hard for hours. When I opened our room door I realized that it wasn't rain...the pipe running to the toilet had busted and had been spurting out water for hours!! I followed the water and saw that it had went down the stairs and flooded the downstairs bathroom and part of the kitchen. Luckily Elder Polanco is a great guy and got up with me at 5:30 and we swept, mopped, and bucketed the house dry, which took hours...and then we continued on with our studies and later went to the conference sessions. Needless to say, we were done once we got home that night. An experience neither my companion nor I will forget!

We had many experiences in our area and were able to find people, but no one ended up attending the general conference, but we won´t lose hope! Our most prominent investigator is named Laura Elena, who is the girlfriend of a recent convert named Manuel Delgado. They are both pretty old and it´s super cute that they are in love and wanting to get married, but they want her to get baptized first. We set a baptism date for the 15th of October, but she didn't end up making it to conference, so we might have to extend that date. Let´s hope she can make it to church this week!

Conference was amazing, as always, and I am sad that it was my last one while on the mission. It covered many of the topics we have been focusing on as a mission like repentance, baptism, families, the atonement and much more. I especially liked the talks given by D. Todd Christofferson and Henry B. Eyring, who talked about lifting others up and helping them become as our Father in Heaven wants and knows they can become. I hope to follow their counsel and encourage those I can to lift themselves up through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed the Conference as much as I did, and if you haven´t seen it yet, make time to watch or read at least one talk a day and I promise you that God will bless you more than he ever has and you will be able to see his hand in your lives more abundantly. Love you all and hope you have a great week!

Last morning with Elder Gayosso...gonna miss him!!