Hello sweet dad!
How are you? Thank you for your wonderful email this week! It sounds like St. George has been in a bustle but why wouldn't it be? Its a little piece of heaven on earth. You know, I shouldn't talk about it but this week I've really been missing the radio tower. It was funny because while I've been walking around in the midst of zero mountains, surrounded only by clouds and sky, my mind has often turned to the fun memories of hiking up our little hill and looking over St. George and being able to see everything! Not only that but the wonderful conversations that have taken place while making our way up to the top and then back down the other side. Do you remember not too long ago when we thought we could beet the sun and make our way down the back way. Haha. I'm so thankful that I had my dad who's hiked it enough to know exactly where he's going. The funny part is that Lance wrote me this week and mentioned the longing for the "radio tower". I laughed and I look forward to the day that we'll all be able to hike up again as a family.
So this week has been one of the most successful if not thee most successful week that I've had on the mission. Just a week ago we had transfers and had the opportunity to have a couple sisters stay with us for a couple of days while they waited for the missionary to arrive that they would be training together. We went right to work and split off talking to EVERYONE. It resulted in 13 new investigators, 30 Lessons taught, 4 investigators with a date to be baptized this month and miracle after miracle after miracle. Truly the lord was walking with us every step of the way and in most cases he was the one teaching and inviting. I'm so thankful for my companion Hermana Bullock. She has a fiery passion for this work and her faith is unshakable. If mountains were located here, she'd be moving them. We had three investigators show up to church yesterday and one inactive member that hasn't come for over 8 years. That was a miracle. We pass by with her multiple times a week and to see the fruit of that labor was a sweet experience. At the beginning of the week I noticed that my wallet was missing, I looked and looked and looked for it but came up short. A few days later while we were walking down a street knocking doors, A man came running out of his house in our direction, He pulled my wallet out of his pocket and asked if we had been missing it. He said he found his dog playing with it earlier in the week and felt like he should come ask when we were walking by. MIRACLE! We contacted him right there and set up a return appointment for Tuesday with his family. This truly is the lords work. We are in his hands and if we will just be obedient he leads and guides us and walks beside us. He gets his work done. He does. We have little to do with it. But when we're faithful our eyes are opened and we're able to see the blessings of the lord flow freely into our lives. Its sweet to see what the lord can do with you when you are willing and open to it.
I'm so thrilled to hear about your new calling and I look forward to hearing some of the sweet experiences that will take place this year. I also want to hear about this "cleanse" that I'm sure my mom has found. Let me know how you feel and how it works. Its going to be a project to get my body back to its functioning order when I get home. I've somewhat put it into the back of my mind and know that there's not a whole lot that I can do here on the mission to fix it so I'm excited to see what magical formulas mom has in store. How are her Gluten Free cooking classes going? Oh ps. I was wondering if there was any way mom could send some more orange mascara from walmart my way... I don't know if she's already sent the recorder but if not that would be so wonderful if she could just throw some more in there. I'm running a little low on money. Thank you so much Dad! I love you and truly to miss you. I hope to hear from you soon!
Love, Lou
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Lance Letter 2.23.11
Hi mom
The Internet was down on Tuesday, so i can email today. ( Thursday )
Well last week was awesome, we received 6 new investigators and each one looks pretty positive for baptism. We were also blessed with two more this week and hopefully more to come. We are well known around the area. I haven't been yield at or spit upon as of yet haha. Everyone is super nice. Saturday we will be baptizing Matthew roman. He asked me to baptize him! ha I haven't done that since the temple visit dad and i went on back before my mission. Well I'm very grateful for the opportunity. Matthew also has a friend who said that he wants to be baptized,(Julian) and we went to visit his dad and his dad said he could, and wants to sit in on the lessons. So we are being blessed immensely. I Just barley received the package! Thank you so much. Now i can take some pictures of the new area and send them your way. Thank bro. Winget for me, That man has been pure inspiration for me and to many others. I'll write him a letter very soon.
WOW, dad in the Bishopric again? ha i knew they couldn't do it with out him....who can. Dad, tell all those single ladies to write me...haha just messen, only if you want.. . Lindsey writes me for which I'm grateful. She seems to be doing great. Ryan i sent you a letter and in the beginning it talks about not taking creatine...but to tell you the truth I'll probably take it when i get home...so do what needs to be done just be smart my boy...ha Love that kid. I pray for Tim every night and hope he gets better. also for Bryce to do well in school. I pray for each one of you and love you all so much. I'm so thrilled that Carlee and Tim went to the temple every single week for an entire month!!! That's amazing! Once a month is good to.
I'll let you know how the baptism goes and all the Joy and blessing we are receiving next week.
The Gospel's true! Never leave the faith!!
Love Elder Lance Porter
The Internet was down on Tuesday, so i can email today. ( Thursday )
Well last week was awesome, we received 6 new investigators and each one looks pretty positive for baptism. We were also blessed with two more this week and hopefully more to come. We are well known around the area. I haven't been yield at or spit upon as of yet haha. Everyone is super nice. Saturday we will be baptizing Matthew roman. He asked me to baptize him! ha I haven't done that since the temple visit dad and i went on back before my mission. Well I'm very grateful for the opportunity. Matthew also has a friend who said that he wants to be baptized,(Julian) and we went to visit his dad and his dad said he could, and wants to sit in on the lessons. So we are being blessed immensely. I Just barley received the package! Thank you so much. Now i can take some pictures of the new area and send them your way. Thank bro. Winget for me, That man has been pure inspiration for me and to many others. I'll write him a letter very soon.
WOW, dad in the Bishopric again? ha i knew they couldn't do it with out him....who can. Dad, tell all those single ladies to write me...haha just messen, only if you want.. . Lindsey writes me for which I'm grateful. She seems to be doing great. Ryan i sent you a letter and in the beginning it talks about not taking creatine...but to tell you the truth I'll probably take it when i get home...so do what needs to be done just be smart my boy...ha Love that kid. I pray for Tim every night and hope he gets better. also for Bryce to do well in school. I pray for each one of you and love you all so much. I'm so thrilled that Carlee and Tim went to the temple every single week for an entire month!!! That's amazing! Once a month is good to.
I'll let you know how the baptism goes and all the Joy and blessing we are receiving next week.
The Gospel's true! Never leave the faith!!
Love Elder Lance Porter
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 40
Hi mamma:)
My goodness! Congratulations to dads new llamamiento! That's exciting. Singles ward. Yikes! Ha. That is wonderful. Can I just skip over that part and head right into the Family Ward? Done and done.
Thank you for the update on everybody. Poor Tim:( I hope that the surgery went well and that everything goes smoothly. Isn't it funny the imperfections and infirmities that we get to deal with in coming here to earth to figure things out in an imperfect world full of imperfect people. How in world do people do it without the gospel? Without the knowledge of the plan of Salvation. The Plan of Happiness and Hope? Can someone just give me a megaphone so that I can shout it from the roof tops? Its ridiculous the needless suffering and constant confusion that goes on. We have three baptism planned for the month of march and three more on the way. So if all goes according to plan and the spirit, we'll have six baptism this month. We just committed Carlos (one of our new investigators) to the 13 of March. Hes been nervous about it from the beginning but we just had an amazing lesson with him yesterday about the Doctrine of Christ and what it entails. Hermana Arzac from Argentina accompanied us. It couldn't not have gone better. Hermano Arzac shared his conversion story and the importance of having that desire and faith that you'll receive an answer. I love how straight forward and clear the Argentines are! Its amazing! They just tell it like it is and that's that's. No ifs ands or buts about it. Its really refreshing. Our ward is absolutely amazing. Each member is just excited as ever to get involved in the missionary work and our focus this transfer is going to be getting them to come out with us. Our entire sacrament meeting yesterday was dedicated to missionary work. Our recent convert Farley Andrade spoke along with Ana Vila (confirmed in January) and then Brian Biach (the bishops son and ward missionary) Hermana Bullock and I then had the "pleasant opportunity" (not so pleasant) of singing let us all press on. That was scary but it truly was an amazing day and there is a renewed energy and desire in the ward to move the work along at a greater pace. Our ward is really just a big family and there is a special bond there that I've never seen anywhere else. I'm thrilled to have another transfer here and will treasure each week. I wont waste a minute. There is so much to be done! So many families that have been prepared to hear, learn, and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and be baptized. In one year I will return and witness the sweet sealing ordinance that takes place only in the temple of the lord and we will rejoice together and reflect on the tender mercies of our heavenly father and Jesus Christ. We are so loved and there is so much in store for those that continue faithful in the Gospel. !Sigan Adelante! No pierdan esperanza.
I'm sorry about the lack of letters. I'll see what I can do today but you may have to wait a few months. Like eight or something. I really will try to be better. I am out of stamps however. I don't know if it would be too much trouble to send a few of those. That may motivate me:) I love you all and I'm so thrilled that all is going well over there. Thank you for your strength and testimonies. What a blessing you are to me.
My goodness! Congratulations to dads new llamamiento! That's exciting. Singles ward. Yikes! Ha. That is wonderful. Can I just skip over that part and head right into the Family Ward? Done and done.
Thank you for the update on everybody. Poor Tim:( I hope that the surgery went well and that everything goes smoothly. Isn't it funny the imperfections and infirmities that we get to deal with in coming here to earth to figure things out in an imperfect world full of imperfect people. How in world do people do it without the gospel? Without the knowledge of the plan of Salvation. The Plan of Happiness and Hope? Can someone just give me a megaphone so that I can shout it from the roof tops? Its ridiculous the needless suffering and constant confusion that goes on. We have three baptism planned for the month of march and three more on the way. So if all goes according to plan and the spirit, we'll have six baptism this month. We just committed Carlos (one of our new investigators) to the 13 of March. Hes been nervous about it from the beginning but we just had an amazing lesson with him yesterday about the Doctrine of Christ and what it entails. Hermana Arzac from Argentina accompanied us. It couldn't not have gone better. Hermano Arzac shared his conversion story and the importance of having that desire and faith that you'll receive an answer. I love how straight forward and clear the Argentines are! Its amazing! They just tell it like it is and that's that's. No ifs ands or buts about it. Its really refreshing. Our ward is absolutely amazing. Each member is just excited as ever to get involved in the missionary work and our focus this transfer is going to be getting them to come out with us. Our entire sacrament meeting yesterday was dedicated to missionary work. Our recent convert Farley Andrade spoke along with Ana Vila (confirmed in January) and then Brian Biach (the bishops son and ward missionary) Hermana Bullock and I then had the "pleasant opportunity" (not so pleasant) of singing let us all press on. That was scary but it truly was an amazing day and there is a renewed energy and desire in the ward to move the work along at a greater pace. Our ward is really just a big family and there is a special bond there that I've never seen anywhere else. I'm thrilled to have another transfer here and will treasure each week. I wont waste a minute. There is so much to be done! So many families that have been prepared to hear, learn, and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and be baptized. In one year I will return and witness the sweet sealing ordinance that takes place only in the temple of the lord and we will rejoice together and reflect on the tender mercies of our heavenly father and Jesus Christ. We are so loved and there is so much in store for those that continue faithful in the Gospel. !Sigan Adelante! No pierdan esperanza.
I'm sorry about the lack of letters. I'll see what I can do today but you may have to wait a few months. Like eight or something. I really will try to be better. I am out of stamps however. I don't know if it would be too much trouble to send a few of those. That may motivate me:) I love you all and I'm so thrilled that all is going well over there. Thank you for your strength and testimonies. What a blessing you are to me.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 39
Hi Momma:)
Happy Valentines day! What are you and dads plans for the day? Did he get you flowers like he always does? Oh I miss that. What a sweet dad that I have. I remember him giving us flowers. Probably because it was like yesterday that he did that. I was telling heather how unnatural time feels to me. Its rather uncomfortable. Interesting little observation. Same thing with being sick and feeling discouraged and all that comes with this life. Is that the wrong word to use? Unnatural? I don't know. But its how I feel. Anyway. I'm still recovering from a week full of sickness. But tomorrow I'm certain we'll be good as new and ready to baptize the world. I remember Grandpa saying my farewell just to be sure to leave the area better than you found it. I honestly can say that has been the case for the Woodlands. I don't have any reason to think that they are going to transfer me but Hermana Bullock and I have loved serving together these past 6 weeks and we truly have worked our hardest to set this area on fire. That is where its going and getting the members involved has been absolutely key in that process. What a difference it is to be so close with the ward. We just have a tiny little ward and we each know each other and love each other. Its wonderful! There is a fiery desire to get the work moving along and the stake has asked us to prayerfully come up with a number of people that we think we'll be baptized into the ward this year. We are going to fast and pray over this and then come together and discuss the game plan. Its is going be great!
Yesterday one of our Golden Investigators came to church yesterday with her entire family. Her name is Dolores, she is a single parent with three darling children. She asked amazing questions and we covered Adam and Eve in our Gospel Principals class yesterday which was perfect because our next lesson (tonight) we are going to be teaching the plan of salvation. She is so great! I may have already told you this but when we invited her to be baptized on March the sixth she asked "how old do you have to be to be baptized?" We told her eight years of age, she then look at her daughter who just turned eight and said "you and I are going to be baptized on March 6!" "Are you excited?" haha. Hermana Bullock and I were both speechless and we're just happy as ever with the direction the work is headed. Its a beautiful thing and we couldn't ask for more. The windows of heaven are truly showering us with blessings that there is not room enough to receive them.
Hermana Bullock will be getting ready to go home in May and I've learned not to say a word about it from the way she has reacted to other peoples responses.... Especially her family. Haha, its scary. Poor thing. But the lord has incredible plans for her up ahead. She just wants to leave them up ahead and chooses not to discuss them. She is wonderful and promises that no body will recognize her when she gets home. I'm still trying to figure out how much I've truly changed but hopefully the lord is able to make something decent out of me.
We're just getting ready to go but I'll try and write you a letter later on today If we have time.
Grandpa and Grandma- Thank you so much for your sweet email. I know Spanish will come and has come and is coming. It just chooses to leave me every now and then. Thank you for sharing the sweet experience of your ride home from the airport. What a blessing to be able to share the gospel for our entire lives and into eternity. I'm so thankful for this work. For the help of the lord in every aspect of his work. I have a long way to come but he's being ever so patient with me and is lovingly leading me along. I love you both with all of my heart. Enjoy your Valentines Day with each other!
Happy Valentines day! What are you and dads plans for the day? Did he get you flowers like he always does? Oh I miss that. What a sweet dad that I have. I remember him giving us flowers. Probably because it was like yesterday that he did that. I was telling heather how unnatural time feels to me. Its rather uncomfortable. Interesting little observation. Same thing with being sick and feeling discouraged and all that comes with this life. Is that the wrong word to use? Unnatural? I don't know. But its how I feel. Anyway. I'm still recovering from a week full of sickness. But tomorrow I'm certain we'll be good as new and ready to baptize the world. I remember Grandpa saying my farewell just to be sure to leave the area better than you found it. I honestly can say that has been the case for the Woodlands. I don't have any reason to think that they are going to transfer me but Hermana Bullock and I have loved serving together these past 6 weeks and we truly have worked our hardest to set this area on fire. That is where its going and getting the members involved has been absolutely key in that process. What a difference it is to be so close with the ward. We just have a tiny little ward and we each know each other and love each other. Its wonderful! There is a fiery desire to get the work moving along and the stake has asked us to prayerfully come up with a number of people that we think we'll be baptized into the ward this year. We are going to fast and pray over this and then come together and discuss the game plan. Its is going be great!
Yesterday one of our Golden Investigators came to church yesterday with her entire family. Her name is Dolores, she is a single parent with three darling children. She asked amazing questions and we covered Adam and Eve in our Gospel Principals class yesterday which was perfect because our next lesson (tonight) we are going to be teaching the plan of salvation. She is so great! I may have already told you this but when we invited her to be baptized on March the sixth she asked "how old do you have to be to be baptized?" We told her eight years of age, she then look at her daughter who just turned eight and said "you and I are going to be baptized on March 6!" "Are you excited?" haha. Hermana Bullock and I were both speechless and we're just happy as ever with the direction the work is headed. Its a beautiful thing and we couldn't ask for more. The windows of heaven are truly showering us with blessings that there is not room enough to receive them.
Hermana Bullock will be getting ready to go home in May and I've learned not to say a word about it from the way she has reacted to other peoples responses.... Especially her family. Haha, its scary. Poor thing. But the lord has incredible plans for her up ahead. She just wants to leave them up ahead and chooses not to discuss them. She is wonderful and promises that no body will recognize her when she gets home. I'm still trying to figure out how much I've truly changed but hopefully the lord is able to make something decent out of me.
We're just getting ready to go but I'll try and write you a letter later on today If we have time.
Grandpa and Grandma- Thank you so much for your sweet email. I know Spanish will come and has come and is coming. It just chooses to leave me every now and then. Thank you for sharing the sweet experience of your ride home from the airport. What a blessing to be able to share the gospel for our entire lives and into eternity. I'm so thankful for this work. For the help of the lord in every aspect of his work. I have a long way to come but he's being ever so patient with me and is lovingly leading me along. I love you both with all of my heart. Enjoy your Valentines Day with each other!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Lance Letter 2.6.11
Porter Family!!! I love my new area! Elder Curtis is so sweet. We have A baptism with a 12 year old kid named mathew and he;s excited to be baptized. his mom was baptized last month and his dad we're working on. It's still a bike area but it's way smaller then cupertino. I cannot express in words how much i love this new area. We are serving and having fun its sweet.
I havn't written a soul in a long time so i'm going to get on that this week. Thank you for your letters and prayers.
Elder Curtis has like 5 older brothers and a younger sister. I'll get the address and send it to lindsey. I wish i could serve a mission forever.
Love Elder Porter
I havn't written a soul in a long time so i'm going to get on that this week. Thank you for your letters and prayers.
Elder Curtis has like 5 older brothers and a younger sister. I'll get the address and send it to lindsey. I wish i could serve a mission forever.
Love Elder Porter
Lindsey: Letter 38
Hello Hello! I'm so sorry this is going to be thee smallest little note ever but I just wanted to tell you that I'm alive! Alive and happy happy:) Thank you for you sweet email mom. Always. You're just the very greatest. Thank you for taking the time to do that. I just wanted to ask dad if he remembers an Elder Good from the MTC. He said that he was in his district. He served in the same mission. He also said that dad was comps with an Elder Christensen.....?? Ha, I told him that I'm learning more about my dads mission from him than I ever did from my dad. Too funny. Anyway he said to tell him hello! He married an Argentinian and they have thee most beautiful children. Wow. He was the last Bishop in our ward. Our ward is full of people from Argentina and Columbia and Venezuela and everywhere. Its amazing. They are all so different but all so wonderful! I love each one. We just barely had Stake Conference yesterday and I went up to talk to the presiding seventy. He was the very sweetest and he wanted me to tell Bonnie and Elder Hammond that he loves them and misses them and to tell Bonnie that she had such an incredible impact on all those around her because of her pure love. We talked about Grandpa and Grandma for awhile and it was incredible. He was so sweet to take that time to ask all about them and share some sweet experiences. This last week was wonderful. We had to drop a couple of families because they're not progressing but we did find a couple new and we're excited to teach them. I have to go but I love you all and hopefully we'll hear from you soon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)