Hello my sweet family!
How is everything going? Does anyone know If Lances Baptism went through last week? I've been praying that it would. I wish I heard from him a little more. Don't tell him that because I know that he is busy but maybe you could send a couple of his past letters. I just don't feel very updated as far as my brother goes. Ryan sounds like he's doing amazing! 6-5 with a beard huh? Wow. That wouldn't surprise me a bit. A lot can happen in a year and a half. I bet he's just an amazing football player. It will be fun to make it to one of his games. Will he still be playing for the next little bit? Mom! That's so exciting that you had the sisters over to your house! How are the missionaries in your area? They sound like they are doing amazing. Are you helping them find the elect? Did you give them referrals? Did they ask? Where are they from? Thank you for having them over. I can't wait to meet them.
Hermana Casaday and I are still doing great! I just love her more than I can say. I'm sad that we're not going home at the same time but Houston needs her testimony and her darling personality. She will bless many people as she continues to seek out those that are ready to hear the message of the restored gospel, whether they be members or not. There are so many that are lost and need to be found. Oh boy, how they need to be found. We're finding them, we'll continue to do so as long as we are living. The lord will put them in our path because he trusts us to carry his message. The message of hope and salvation to a world that is void of light and true happiness. They have no clue what true happiness is. That is not all true. They have their families and they know that they love them. They know that they are happy when they are with them but they couldn't tell you why.... They don't know that they knew them before and that those relationships that they form here can continue throughout the eternities. They don't know that they will see their loved ones again. They have no clue that they can be free of burdens that they've been carrying around for a long time. They don't know that they have a father in heaven who knows them personally and loves them beyond anything that they are capable of imaging. They don't know that threes a reason for their sufferings and trials. They have no idea about the purpose of life. They don't know that we're representatives of the living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They might hear the words from our mouths but they don't get it. It doesn't sink in. They don't know what they're rejecting and refusing to listen to. They need to see and witness others live it. Yes, we can invite people all day but unless they see the blessings of the gospel in someones life they're not going to get it. Yes, the lord has prepared many people with hearts to feel and ears to hear the message of the restoration of the gospel from missionaries on the street. But I know and testify that it is through the members that this work is going to spread through the world. It is a team effort. The missionaries should be finding but it shouldn't be through knocking doors. Their finding should be through the members and when the members are there to support and answer question that the investigator may have things take off. People are baptized and lives are changed.
What an amazing work we are involved in. We are blessed to be a part of it. What a blessing to see the miracle of the atonement work in someones life, to feel the love that our heavenly father has for his children. I'm so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm thankful for my Savior and for his love and tender mercy. For his capacity to continue to bless me even amongst all the weaknesses that so often get in the way. He doesn't care where we've been. He's takes us from where we are now and as long as we have that desire and are pointed in the right direction he can lead us safely along and heal us.
You're all so wonderful! Thank you for your love and encouragement and your prayers. They are needed. Xiomara will be baptized this Saturday and Mina will follow on the 8th of September. We are working with many amazing people and I know that everything will click really soon and when it does they will wonder what they ever did without it. I love you! Have an amazing week!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 60
Hi momma!
How are you? It sounds like everyone is doing well! I can't believe Carlee is starting another year of school ALREADY. Isn't crazy how fast time goes by? Lance just sent me a letter! oh my word. I can't tell you what a relief it was to hear from him. I try to write him every week. I know he is super busy and can't respond back for awhile but it is so good to get a letter every now and then, even if they're just little notes. Isn't he great? Don't we have a great family? I love each of you more than I can express and I pray that everything is going well. How is it having Paige and Bryce there at the home? I'm certain that you're enjoying every min of it. Heather sent me a few pictures from Paiges Blog and it was an absolute delight to see them. They are getting so so big! Haha, she sent the picture of Lucy trying to lift Logan up onto the cupcake. Oh my word, I laughed until I cried. That was hilarious! Tell me one more time why they had to leave Michigan? Their birthdays are coming up so so soon! Tell them there is a card on its way.
Everything is going extremely well. Wes is doing great! He's just excited about everything he is learning. We are teaching a man named Juan Carlos. He is amazing. I love him. He has tons of questions about the book of mormon and authority and lots of other things. I pray that he really is interested in finding the truth instead of proving it wrong. We're teaching him tonight so we'll see:) We also recieved a referral from one of the recent converts who I taught in Woodlands. His past girlfriend has been asking him about the change that has come over him and what has caused it. He asked her if she really wanted to know and she responded Yes! I really do! He told her that the missionaries are going to have to tell you. So at the baptism of Humberto Castillo he gave us her information and basically wished us luck. We're going over there tonight at five. I'm excited!
Xiomara is progressing rapidly and just excited as ever to be baptized. She really has the most amazing spirit and I'm thrilled to be one of the lucky ones to know her here in this life. I can't wait for all of you to get to meet these people! I don't know when it will be but it will be a sweet day.
Rafael, well, I don't really know what to say about him...? I can tell you with one doubt in my mind that he will be baptized. I just can't give you a date. I don't know that I'll be here to see it but he better call me and tell me. I'll do all I can to fly back here and witness it. I love Rafael. He's an amazing person. Just a little slower to act. Maybe my prayers aren't strong enough. Maybe the lord has a different plan.
Mina. Mina Mina Mina. She just barely switched jobs and will be working every Sunday morning from now on. Sunday morning is church. Sunday is the sabbath day. There is everything wrong with that. It's interesting that we had to keep pushing the date back. Both Hermana Casaday and I were confused about why that was. Now we understand a little more. She just doesn't really get it yet. I don't think she's ready for baptism. She will be but once again, It may take some time.
All is going well. We're happy and healthy and loving the work. I wish I had more time to write a few experiences but maybe later today I'll get to sit and write a little letter. I love you all with my whole soul. Be strong. Open your mouths. Pray more fervently for the lords guidance and direction in your life. He loves you and is aware of you and can use you if you will let him. The gospel is true!
How are you? It sounds like everyone is doing well! I can't believe Carlee is starting another year of school ALREADY. Isn't crazy how fast time goes by? Lance just sent me a letter! oh my word. I can't tell you what a relief it was to hear from him. I try to write him every week. I know he is super busy and can't respond back for awhile but it is so good to get a letter every now and then, even if they're just little notes. Isn't he great? Don't we have a great family? I love each of you more than I can express and I pray that everything is going well. How is it having Paige and Bryce there at the home? I'm certain that you're enjoying every min of it. Heather sent me a few pictures from Paiges Blog and it was an absolute delight to see them. They are getting so so big! Haha, she sent the picture of Lucy trying to lift Logan up onto the cupcake. Oh my word, I laughed until I cried. That was hilarious! Tell me one more time why they had to leave Michigan? Their birthdays are coming up so so soon! Tell them there is a card on its way.
Everything is going extremely well. Wes is doing great! He's just excited about everything he is learning. We are teaching a man named Juan Carlos. He is amazing. I love him. He has tons of questions about the book of mormon and authority and lots of other things. I pray that he really is interested in finding the truth instead of proving it wrong. We're teaching him tonight so we'll see:) We also recieved a referral from one of the recent converts who I taught in Woodlands. His past girlfriend has been asking him about the change that has come over him and what has caused it. He asked her if she really wanted to know and she responded Yes! I really do! He told her that the missionaries are going to have to tell you. So at the baptism of Humberto Castillo he gave us her information and basically wished us luck. We're going over there tonight at five. I'm excited!
Xiomara is progressing rapidly and just excited as ever to be baptized. She really has the most amazing spirit and I'm thrilled to be one of the lucky ones to know her here in this life. I can't wait for all of you to get to meet these people! I don't know when it will be but it will be a sweet day.
Rafael, well, I don't really know what to say about him...? I can tell you with one doubt in my mind that he will be baptized. I just can't give you a date. I don't know that I'll be here to see it but he better call me and tell me. I'll do all I can to fly back here and witness it. I love Rafael. He's an amazing person. Just a little slower to act. Maybe my prayers aren't strong enough. Maybe the lord has a different plan.
Mina. Mina Mina Mina. She just barely switched jobs and will be working every Sunday morning from now on. Sunday morning is church. Sunday is the sabbath day. There is everything wrong with that. It's interesting that we had to keep pushing the date back. Both Hermana Casaday and I were confused about why that was. Now we understand a little more. She just doesn't really get it yet. I don't think she's ready for baptism. She will be but once again, It may take some time.
All is going well. We're happy and healthy and loving the work. I wish I had more time to write a few experiences but maybe later today I'll get to sit and write a little letter. I love you all with my whole soul. Be strong. Open your mouths. Pray more fervently for the lords guidance and direction in your life. He loves you and is aware of you and can use you if you will let him. The gospel is true!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Lance Letter 8.16.11
Mom,
You are so great! Thank you for everything you do. We just got back from a Zone Conference with a General Authority, Elder Gavarett? I think that was his name. He personally interviewed a couple of missionaries and I was blessed to be one of them. He met Grandpa Hammond in Bolivia a long time ago and he loves him! Ha, ha! Who doesn't?!
We taught Sergio a few more times and he IS getting baptized on Saturday, which is a huge blessing!
I Love Elder Annias. He is Excited to get Baptisms'; so we're working hard to do so. We are talking with everyone we pass on the street and inviting everyone to come unto Christ. It's so sweet!
I get letters from Lindsey a lot. She is doing good. She's finishing strong. Only a month or so left! It will be fast. Honestly, it has been so great serving with my sister as missionaries for the Lord. She has given me so much support, just like you have. The mission is so much easier with the Love and support of your family.
Life right now is good. A little stressful, but hey; that's what life is! Elder Annias is wonderful but I babysit a lot. His mind is 7 years old. It's funny. Before I was blessed to be with him, Pres. Watkins took the Zone Leaders and me aside and just wept. He told me I was in for it! Ha, ha. He said, "This will be the hardest thing you will ever do in your life, and you can do hard things." He then asked me if I was willing. Of course I will never turn down a calling. Being With Elder Annias has been one of the greatest things I've ever been through. I have learned so much about myself and what I need to improve on. I receive help from a great District who are patient. We go to counseling every week for Elder Annias, so we are progressing.
I Love this work and it is work! I can't express to you enough how much I love teaching and serving others. Drawing souls unto Christ has led me to Him and will do so forever. I love the Lord. I know He is disappointed in me at times, but His pure love lifts me up upon the highest mountain and the tallest tower. He is my Savior and Redeemer. I will forever be indebted to Him. All I have to give him is my will and my all so why Hold Back?
I love you all and can't express enough my love to you!
Thank you,
Love, Lance
You are so great! Thank you for everything you do. We just got back from a Zone Conference with a General Authority, Elder Gavarett? I think that was his name. He personally interviewed a couple of missionaries and I was blessed to be one of them. He met Grandpa Hammond in Bolivia a long time ago and he loves him! Ha, ha! Who doesn't?!
We taught Sergio a few more times and he IS getting baptized on Saturday, which is a huge blessing!
I Love Elder Annias. He is Excited to get Baptisms'; so we're working hard to do so. We are talking with everyone we pass on the street and inviting everyone to come unto Christ. It's so sweet!
I get letters from Lindsey a lot. She is doing good. She's finishing strong. Only a month or so left! It will be fast. Honestly, it has been so great serving with my sister as missionaries for the Lord. She has given me so much support, just like you have. The mission is so much easier with the Love and support of your family.
Life right now is good. A little stressful, but hey; that's what life is! Elder Annias is wonderful but I babysit a lot. His mind is 7 years old. It's funny. Before I was blessed to be with him, Pres. Watkins took the Zone Leaders and me aside and just wept. He told me I was in for it! Ha, ha. He said, "This will be the hardest thing you will ever do in your life, and you can do hard things." He then asked me if I was willing. Of course I will never turn down a calling. Being With Elder Annias has been one of the greatest things I've ever been through. I have learned so much about myself and what I need to improve on. I receive help from a great District who are patient. We go to counseling every week for Elder Annias, so we are progressing.
I Love this work and it is work! I can't express to you enough how much I love teaching and serving others. Drawing souls unto Christ has led me to Him and will do so forever. I love the Lord. I know He is disappointed in me at times, but His pure love lifts me up upon the highest mountain and the tallest tower. He is my Savior and Redeemer. I will forever be indebted to Him. All I have to give him is my will and my all so why Hold Back?
I love you all and can't express enough my love to you!
Thank you,
Love, Lance
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 59
hola mi querida familia! Como estan ustedes!? Estoy super bien! Todo esta bien aqui en la mision. Yo no creo que podria ser mejor. En realmente estoy muy contenta y llena de alegria. No se porque pero tal vez debido de la obra que estoy haciendo.....
How is everyone doing? I hope that everyone is happy and excited about life.
Yes! I received the recorder! Thank you thank you so much for getting that to me. It is on its way back to you. I'm sorry if its not all that interesting but.... hopefully you'll get something out of it.
Everything is going extremely well. Honestly Hermana Casaday and I are busier than ever. We are finding it hard to fit people into our schedule. We may have to do splits with the members. Wencesloa and Stephanie will be baptized this Saturday (they're both so excited) Maximina will be baptized the following week (if all goes well). Xiomara and Rafael will follow after her into the waters of baptism. Ashley and Santos have accepted the invitation to be baptized but we have yet to set the date. I will keep you posted on that... We are finding the lords elect and it has been the greatest blessing. I love our ward and this area. Hermana Casaday and I work extremely well together and I pray that the lord finds it in our best interest to stick together. I would be thrilled to finish up my time on the mission here in hafer.
I feel like there is so much to talk about! I know this sounds awful but it may just have to wait for a couple of months. I pray that I can remember everything. I'm really trying to write in my journal every night and I hope that I can just flip to some of those pages and give you a better Idea of those things that have occurred here in the last year and a half.
My goodness, what can I tell you? I honestly can't express the joy and happiness that Hermana Casaday and I are experiencing right now. There is nothing like it. Not one thing. I'm so sorry to say this but the thought of leaving is not an appetizing one. I don't like it one bit. Wow, I feel like I could write 10 pages about why I'm so happy right now. I won't.... but I could. I love you all. The gospel is true. Jesus Christ lives and loves us. There indeed is a purpose in this life and we come to understand it more and more as we keep the commandments and participate in the ordinances of the gospel.
You're all so wonderful. I hope that you have a successful week and we'll talk to you next week! I'm sorry this email was so short.. We're in the mission office and once again, it is crowded with elders and I can't hear myself think.
How is everyone doing? I hope that everyone is happy and excited about life.
Yes! I received the recorder! Thank you thank you so much for getting that to me. It is on its way back to you. I'm sorry if its not all that interesting but.... hopefully you'll get something out of it.
Everything is going extremely well. Honestly Hermana Casaday and I are busier than ever. We are finding it hard to fit people into our schedule. We may have to do splits with the members. Wencesloa and Stephanie will be baptized this Saturday (they're both so excited) Maximina will be baptized the following week (if all goes well). Xiomara and Rafael will follow after her into the waters of baptism. Ashley and Santos have accepted the invitation to be baptized but we have yet to set the date. I will keep you posted on that... We are finding the lords elect and it has been the greatest blessing. I love our ward and this area. Hermana Casaday and I work extremely well together and I pray that the lord finds it in our best interest to stick together. I would be thrilled to finish up my time on the mission here in hafer.
I feel like there is so much to talk about! I know this sounds awful but it may just have to wait for a couple of months. I pray that I can remember everything. I'm really trying to write in my journal every night and I hope that I can just flip to some of those pages and give you a better Idea of those things that have occurred here in the last year and a half.
My goodness, what can I tell you? I honestly can't express the joy and happiness that Hermana Casaday and I are experiencing right now. There is nothing like it. Not one thing. I'm so sorry to say this but the thought of leaving is not an appetizing one. I don't like it one bit. Wow, I feel like I could write 10 pages about why I'm so happy right now. I won't.... but I could. I love you all. The gospel is true. Jesus Christ lives and loves us. There indeed is a purpose in this life and we come to understand it more and more as we keep the commandments and participate in the ordinances of the gospel.
You're all so wonderful. I hope that you have a successful week and we'll talk to you next week! I'm sorry this email was so short.. We're in the mission office and once again, it is crowded with elders and I can't hear myself think.
Lance Letter 8.3.11
Hola Mi Familia!
Wow, this week went by so quickly! We are continuing to teach Sergio Roman the Gospel and are preparing for his baptism on Saturday night at 6pm. Sergio asked me to baptize him. I feel so overwhelmed with the many blessings the Lord has given me. Although Sergio still has a smoking problem, I feel confident that the Gift of the Holy Ghost will comfort him and help him along the way. We will go over to his house tonight and give him a blessing.
Like I said before, this week went by way too fast.....I guess this is where the mission starts to pick up the pace and just fly!
My new companion, Elder Annias, is so great and is excited to be here. He has ADHD and OCD and is super awkward with people but I still love him to death. I have so many imperfections that I've had to realize being with Elder Annias and I'm really learning the Christ- like attribute of 'Patience' ha,ha! I"ve been out a year and I still feel so new and inexperienced.
Everything sounds great at home and I'm happy that everyone remains busy and productive. Tons of stuff is happening here, and I am so excited to be apart of it. Working shoulder to shoulder with the Lord is the most uplifting work and experience anyone can ever ask for. The Lord is working miracles and I'm blessed to be a witness of them; also very humbled. I love this work! I love the mission! I love the Gospel and all that appertains to it. It is centered on the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ and it is what we teach and invite people to do... We invite all men and women to come unto Christ and rely on His blood, shed for them in Gethsemane and on Calvary; that they might be saved in the Celestial Kingdom of the Father. What a calling and privilege we as members of this church have, to share this message Boldly to all the world! I love it, I live for it, and will live for it; forever!
I love and miss you just as much but the 'missing you', worry and your lack of presence is swallowed up in Christ and I am filled with His love, assurance and confidence that you are all well and safe. I love you my dear family and may the Lord bless you as you go throughout this week.
Love Elder Porter
Wow, this week went by so quickly! We are continuing to teach Sergio Roman the Gospel and are preparing for his baptism on Saturday night at 6pm. Sergio asked me to baptize him. I feel so overwhelmed with the many blessings the Lord has given me. Although Sergio still has a smoking problem, I feel confident that the Gift of the Holy Ghost will comfort him and help him along the way. We will go over to his house tonight and give him a blessing.
Like I said before, this week went by way too fast.....I guess this is where the mission starts to pick up the pace and just fly!
My new companion, Elder Annias, is so great and is excited to be here. He has ADHD and OCD and is super awkward with people but I still love him to death. I have so many imperfections that I've had to realize being with Elder Annias and I'm really learning the Christ- like attribute of 'Patience' ha,ha! I"ve been out a year and I still feel so new and inexperienced.
Everything sounds great at home and I'm happy that everyone remains busy and productive. Tons of stuff is happening here, and I am so excited to be apart of it. Working shoulder to shoulder with the Lord is the most uplifting work and experience anyone can ever ask for. The Lord is working miracles and I'm blessed to be a witness of them; also very humbled. I love this work! I love the mission! I love the Gospel and all that appertains to it. It is centered on the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ and it is what we teach and invite people to do... We invite all men and women to come unto Christ and rely on His blood, shed for them in Gethsemane and on Calvary; that they might be saved in the Celestial Kingdom of the Father. What a calling and privilege we as members of this church have, to share this message Boldly to all the world! I love it, I live for it, and will live for it; forever!
I love and miss you just as much but the 'missing you', worry and your lack of presence is swallowed up in Christ and I am filled with His love, assurance and confidence that you are all well and safe. I love you my dear family and may the Lord bless you as you go throughout this week.
Love Elder Porter
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