Hello Hello one and all! Thank you for your emails this week. Oh how I love hearing from you. I wont lie.. I feel like we've been air boxed (no mail) a little long then I'm used to but I keep telling myself that you really do love me and that your lives are just busy busy. That had better be the case! If I hear that Ryan wastes another hour in watching Rapunzel before getting a letter out to me he's going to be in big T-rouble. I hope that he knows how much I love and miss him. What a special boy he his. I say bag football this year and next and all the years after and focus on what he really loves doing. I think that would be getting amazing grades. Excelling on the piano and becoming all he can be in Basketball. But.... I haven't been around for quite awhile and his passions may have changed. Tell him to take a photography class and maybe a cooking class. There are so many things that he can do now that will benefit him in the future. Things that will make him and others so happy! Tell him to dive into the scriptures and study the life of Jesus Christ and make those necessary changes to try to become more like him each day. Tell him how much I love and treasure him and know that if he councils with the lord in all of his doings he will never go wrong. He will be led aright and will have no need to worry about thing. Tell him that Lance and I are 100% behind him in all that he does and he will not be letting one person down by deciding not to go out for football. Do you hear that Ryan?! You will not be letting anyone down by doing what you want and feel is right to do. You can do and be anything you want to be and if that means investing your time in developing another talent then do it! No, that doesn't mean more time on the Nintendo... In fact throw that thing away and weigh your options. Cross country... Piano..... Cooking...... Photography....... Developing greater basketball skills..... Whatever. Now, if you do decide to go out for football then that is just great and I will look forward to cheering you on during the season. Now, once you have made that decision, go for it! Don't look back and wish you had done something else, move forward and give it your all and know that Lance and I will cheer you on in whatever you choose and may even ask you to teach us:) I love you sweet boy and just think that you are the very greatest!
I was so thrilled to hear about Lance and his bold invitation to come and listen to the prophets voice! I can imagine it perfectly and it brings the biggest smile to my face. How thankful I am for the example of my Brothers. I look up to them both so much and I thank my Heavenly Father every day for not sending me here alone to figure out how to make it back. I'm thankful for the living example of both you and dad, I'm thankful that the reason you know the gospel is because you live it every day. It is a part of you and who you are. Everything points to our success here on the earth. It is all in our favor to succeed. Everything has been set up perfectly for our ability to make it back to our Heavenly Father. But not only make it back as Elder Christofferson said but to become what he would have us be. We have been sent here to the earth to over come the Natural man, to kill it, to give up our will and turn it over to the lords, his divine power can then flow into our hearts and we begin to incorporate the divine Characteristics of our perfect example, our Savior Jesus Christ. We have the commandments to follow. The saving ordinances right there for us to make. To realize that there is something greater that we are working towards than anything the world has or could ever have to offer. We are working for eternal progression! Eternal Families! A fullness of Joy! Who in the world would want anything less than that?! The sad fact is that there are indeed people that would opt for something less, they don't want the responsibilities that come in obtaining these precious gifts, they don't want to make the necessary "sacrifices". Its not that they can't or that its too hard, they just don't understand what they are ultimately sacrificing by serving the natural man. How sad. Besides it being the only way, in all reality it is the easier way. I wish people understood the scriptures when the Savior says Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. That is truth. That is why we are here! That is why the lord has a grand army going forth and declaring to the world that there is something greater, a better way to live. A happier, easier, and sweeter way of life.
Ah! I'm sorry! I get passionate about this! I get frustrated when we get rejected over and over again! Especially when they don't even know what they're rejecting! I just want to grab them by the face and say you're going to sit and listen to us for 10 min and when we're done you can then tell us if you're going to reject our message.
We were a Laundry Mat on Saturday just contacting people, I made my way over to a women sitting on a seat, she held up her hand and said No thank you, I'm fine. I laughed as I sat down next to her I said "that's great, I'm fine too!" She laughed and for the following 15 min we had the sweetest conversation about her story and what brought her to the United States. She was from the Philipeans and was absolutely darling. By the end she wanted to know more about our message and promised she would go to mormon.org the second she returned home. If people would let us just sit and visit with them for 10 min, they could then feel the spirit working in them and leave them desiring more.
Damian is getting Baptized on May 1!! Damian the Agnostic, that had no belief in God and knew nothing of his Savior Jesus Christ. Yesterday after church we had a lesson about the gospel and invited him boldly to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the proper authority. He was nervous but couldn't stop smiling. I couldn't stop smiling! What an amazing person he is.
I'm so sorry this is getting a bit long but I love you all and I testify of the living reality of our Savior Jesus Christ, that he is the way, the truth and the light and no one will be entering back into our heavenly fathers presence without following his son. Without taking the necessary steps, keeping his commandments, and enduring to the end. I love you! Write me!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Lance Letter 4.5.11
Dear Family!
Holy smokes it's been a busy week. I had a lot of meetings to go to, we had a goal to contact 100 people to attend general conference and the weather was 90 degrees. So one week it was a down pour and the next ...90*. But we were able to preach the gospel. In fact we were standing out side of the library last week and there were about 20 or 30 people all waiting for the library to open, and I received the courage and asked for everyones' attention...they all turned and looked....it was pretty scary, but I invited every single one to hear the words of a living prophet on the following Saturday....and not one showed up haha.... but I felt great and am more bold when I invite people to make and keep commitments. The gospels true so why not be bold!
Today one Mirsha Sanchez's (investigator) Daughter (Keeane) committed to be baptized on the 23rd and we''ll be working towards that this month.
Elder Bruderer is from Massachusets, Close to Boston. Mathuen? I think. Anyways he's great. His family are converts to the church except his dad.
Ryan, The Jersey is at the Stevenson home. Nate had it before I left. so ask his mom or dad, they'll find it i'm sure.
I'll be able to call you on Mothers Day which is not too far away.
My favorite talk...hmmmm....Thats a good question. I liked Cristophersons,Hollands,Packers Etc etc... I loved them all.
Like I said the weather is super warm now. but nothing compared to St. George's blazing heat; but it's warmer with the shirt and tie!
Everyone is real nice here and the work seems to continue despite our imperfections.
I'll pray for Bryce and wish him luck.
We're really focusing on the Atonement this month as a mission and i enjoyed the talk that was given by Bruce R. McConkie in the Ensign.
It's true!
Love you all and will keep each one of you in my prayers.
Love Elder Porter
Holy smokes it's been a busy week. I had a lot of meetings to go to, we had a goal to contact 100 people to attend general conference and the weather was 90 degrees. So one week it was a down pour and the next ...90*. But we were able to preach the gospel. In fact we were standing out side of the library last week and there were about 20 or 30 people all waiting for the library to open, and I received the courage and asked for everyones' attention...they all turned and looked....it was pretty scary, but I invited every single one to hear the words of a living prophet on the following Saturday....and not one showed up haha.... but I felt great and am more bold when I invite people to make and keep commitments. The gospels true so why not be bold!
Today one Mirsha Sanchez's (investigator) Daughter (Keeane) committed to be baptized on the 23rd and we''ll be working towards that this month.
Elder Bruderer is from Massachusets, Close to Boston. Mathuen? I think. Anyways he's great. His family are converts to the church except his dad.
Ryan, The Jersey is at the Stevenson home. Nate had it before I left. so ask his mom or dad, they'll find it i'm sure.
I'll be able to call you on Mothers Day which is not too far away.
My favorite talk...hmmmm....Thats a good question. I liked Cristophersons,Hollands,Packers Etc etc... I loved them all.
Like I said the weather is super warm now. but nothing compared to St. George's blazing heat; but it's warmer with the shirt and tie!
Everyone is real nice here and the work seems to continue despite our imperfections.
I'll pray for Bryce and wish him luck.
We're really focusing on the Atonement this month as a mission and i enjoyed the talk that was given by Bruce R. McConkie in the Ensign.
It's true!
Love you all and will keep each one of you in my prayers.
Love Elder Porter
Lance Letter 3.29.11
Sorry I don't have a lot of time. I've been so busy for the past two or three weeks. So on the 19th Jerry Lema was baptized and on the 26th Julian Lara was baptized. Each baptism was incredible! The spirit is always so strong. Julian is only 10 years old and has no support from anyone. He's the most independent kid I've met. He rides the bus and his bike around San Jose and made the decision to be baptized on his own. Matthew Roman is a good friend of his and the ward has been super kind to him. It just humbles me more and more at all the blessings we've received.
The Gospels true, never leave the faith.
Ps Have fun in New York and be safe!
Love, Elder Porter
The Gospels true, never leave the faith.
Ps Have fun in New York and be safe!
Love, Elder Porter
Monday, April 4, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 45
Hello Hello! It sounds like a lot is going on. Paige coming home, Janine getting married, conference just getting over, you just arrived home from New York, Tanner and Michael getting married. Ha just kidding but maybe....? Wow, what an amazing Conference we just experienced. Every word was inspired and of course, like most of you, I felt as though each talk was directed towards me.
We had the opportunity to attend Ericka Murillo's baptism on Sunday. We found and taught her but decided that she would probably be more comfortable attending the English ward. What a sweet experience that was. I know that the lord has great things in store for those that love him and keep his commandments. Ericka is one of those people. How blessed we are to have the opportunity to make covenants, promises with our Heavenly Father that we will do what he asks of us and in return we are blessed far more in abundance than anything we could ever imagine. That is where our Faith and trust comes in. We must walk with confidence that the lord does fulfill his promises to his children. That he loves us. He desires our success and happiness in life and he plans accordingly but if we don't keep our end of the bargain how can he keep his? I'm so thankful for the simple terms that he sets. That we will keep his commandments and remember our Savior Jesus Christ. Though simple, it is not always easy. How thankful we are for the atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For the surety that we indeed can be made clean, we can become unspotted from the world and do better each day through his great sacrifice. I'm thankful that we get to renew our baptismal covenants each week when we partake of the sacrament. I'm thankful for the blessing of being able to have the eternal perspective continually before us as we enter the house of the lord and do that sacred work for those that are not able to do it for themselves. We are a blessed people.
We have a few baptismal dates coming up here soon and we pray that they can hold strong and keep their commitments through this time when Satan will be working his hardest on them. He's something else ya know? We are working hard and in fact have decided to cut our pdays down and focus a bit more on the work of the lord. Instead of setting our appointments for 6:00 we will now start them at 4:00. So far it has worked great and I wont be surprised if we decide to move it up earlier than that.
How fun that Paige will be coming home Tomorrow! Will you please tell her that I love her and miss her and would absolutely love to hear from her! I know that may not sound to fun considering that I have not been the best writer in her direction but I would love to know how she's feeling, what she's thinking about, life, being a mom, Michigan. I really do miss her and want her to know that she's my hero.
Mom and Dad, I'm so glad to hear that you had such a fun time in New York! You'll have to write me and tell me a little more about it. What a sweet experience to be with the sweet missionaries on the plane! I can completely relate to that feeling of wanting to be out of the MTC and into the field. However, I truly to love every second of the MTC and am looking forward to volunteering there when the time comes.
I'm sending home a package with my letters, pictures, and journal inside. I didn't know where to put it all! If you want to just stick it the guest house that would be so wonderful! I love each of you with all of my heart and want you to know that I'm doing extremely well. I'm so blessed to be out here, partaking of the greatest work in all of the world. What a blessing to continue it in every form throughout life. Have an amazing week and I hope to hear from you soon!
We had the opportunity to attend Ericka Murillo's baptism on Sunday. We found and taught her but decided that she would probably be more comfortable attending the English ward. What a sweet experience that was. I know that the lord has great things in store for those that love him and keep his commandments. Ericka is one of those people. How blessed we are to have the opportunity to make covenants, promises with our Heavenly Father that we will do what he asks of us and in return we are blessed far more in abundance than anything we could ever imagine. That is where our Faith and trust comes in. We must walk with confidence that the lord does fulfill his promises to his children. That he loves us. He desires our success and happiness in life and he plans accordingly but if we don't keep our end of the bargain how can he keep his? I'm so thankful for the simple terms that he sets. That we will keep his commandments and remember our Savior Jesus Christ. Though simple, it is not always easy. How thankful we are for the atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For the surety that we indeed can be made clean, we can become unspotted from the world and do better each day through his great sacrifice. I'm thankful that we get to renew our baptismal covenants each week when we partake of the sacrament. I'm thankful for the blessing of being able to have the eternal perspective continually before us as we enter the house of the lord and do that sacred work for those that are not able to do it for themselves. We are a blessed people.
We have a few baptismal dates coming up here soon and we pray that they can hold strong and keep their commitments through this time when Satan will be working his hardest on them. He's something else ya know? We are working hard and in fact have decided to cut our pdays down and focus a bit more on the work of the lord. Instead of setting our appointments for 6:00 we will now start them at 4:00. So far it has worked great and I wont be surprised if we decide to move it up earlier than that.
How fun that Paige will be coming home Tomorrow! Will you please tell her that I love her and miss her and would absolutely love to hear from her! I know that may not sound to fun considering that I have not been the best writer in her direction but I would love to know how she's feeling, what she's thinking about, life, being a mom, Michigan. I really do miss her and want her to know that she's my hero.
Mom and Dad, I'm so glad to hear that you had such a fun time in New York! You'll have to write me and tell me a little more about it. What a sweet experience to be with the sweet missionaries on the plane! I can completely relate to that feeling of wanting to be out of the MTC and into the field. However, I truly to love every second of the MTC and am looking forward to volunteering there when the time comes.
I'm sending home a package with my letters, pictures, and journal inside. I didn't know where to put it all! If you want to just stick it the guest house that would be so wonderful! I love each of you with all of my heart and want you to know that I'm doing extremely well. I'm so blessed to be out here, partaking of the greatest work in all of the world. What a blessing to continue it in every form throughout life. Have an amazing week and I hope to hear from you soon!
Hermana Porter
Monday, March 28, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 44
My sweetest family!
How is everyone!? Carlee, Thank you for your separate email each and every week! How I thrill at the experiences and life you are living with your wonderful (near perfect).... husband! Whats your last name again? Ha. But really... ? You sound like you're just doing amazing and so content with all that is going on around you. I'm so glad that you two were able to have such an amazing time in New York and then Orlando Florida. WOW! Too spoiled but you two deserve every second of it. I will try to get you a personal letter off today if at all possible.
Where do I even start?! I'm trying to get the recorder off too. I don't know if theres anything on it worth listening to but I'll send it your way today. My goodness. We had the most amazing miracle last night. I will first give you the background of how it all came about. About a week and a half ago Hermana Bullock and I went over with one of the ward missionaries to check on one of our investigators, Mario, who to be honest isn't really progressing and we had planned a "turning point" lesson (-aka drop lesson but I don't like to call it that). He was there with one of his friends. He told us to come back another time but immediately his friend, Santiago, said no! Come on in! He turned off the soccer game that they were watching and pulled chairs into the family room for all of us to sit on. He sat at the end of the couch ready and eager to hear and discuss the "word of god". We proceeded to teach the Restoration of the gospel and invited him to read and pray about the book of Mormon. The spirit was strong during the lesson and by the end he had committed to be baptized if he were to find out that these things were true. We walked out feeling good and excited about it. We set up another appointment with him for a couple of days later. We planned to do a church tour and watch the restoration video. The same member missionary ended up accompanying us and provided the transportation for the to get to the chapel. We had a quick tour of the building and answered his questions to the best of our ability. We sat down in a room and reviewed the apostasy and the promise that the lord gives in 2 nephi 25:17. That he will extend his hand again a second time to recover his people from their lost and fallen state. We then watched the Restoration video and when it ended we bore witness of the truthfullness and fulfillment of the gospel and Joseph Smith. We asked him how he felt and he went off about soemthing completely random. We kept trying to bring it back but he was distracted with other things. After that, we walked to the baptismal font and there, committed him to be baptized by somebody holding the priesthood authority of god. He then told us that he could never be rebaptized and so and and so on. Right then one of the solid members in our ward walked into the room (miracle) and we asked what it meant to him to have the priesthood authority of god back on the earth after centuries of being lost. He bore the most beautiful testimony I've heard in a long time. By the end we decided that he wasn't quite prepared at the moment and told him to call us if he had interest in learning more. Once again, that was about a week and a half ago and last night just as we were about to go to sleep the phone rang. It was Santiago calling. Hermana Bullock didn't want to answer it but I told her just to see what he wanted. It truly was the most amazing phone call one could ever hope to receive. It was Santiago on the other end expressing his desire and excitement to learn more. He'd been reading the book of Mormon. He talked about the Vision that Lehi and Nephi saw, he talked about the tree of life and his amazement that Nephi saw the mother of Jesus. He talked about the waters of Mormon and Alma being given the Authority to baptize. He talked about the importance of the authority. IT WAS INCREDIBLE! He said I've watched the Joseph Smith movie over and over and I know its true. Can you hear it? (He held the phone up to the TV, the Joseph smith movie was playing haha) He just kept saying I want to know more. I just feel excited! Hermana Bullock was telling him that it was the spirit that he was feeling.
Can you believe that!? I couldn't go to sleep last night. I couldn't stop smiling! Last night my joy was full and I cant thank my Heavenly Father enough for giving me this incredible experience to work with his children here on earth. To help them find there way back. What a rewarding time this is. I'm in it forever. Theres no greater feeling in the entire world! I love you all and will talk to you soon!
How is everyone!? Carlee, Thank you for your separate email each and every week! How I thrill at the experiences and life you are living with your wonderful (near perfect).... husband! Whats your last name again? Ha. But really... ? You sound like you're just doing amazing and so content with all that is going on around you. I'm so glad that you two were able to have such an amazing time in New York and then Orlando Florida. WOW! Too spoiled but you two deserve every second of it. I will try to get you a personal letter off today if at all possible.
Where do I even start?! I'm trying to get the recorder off too. I don't know if theres anything on it worth listening to but I'll send it your way today. My goodness. We had the most amazing miracle last night. I will first give you the background of how it all came about. About a week and a half ago Hermana Bullock and I went over with one of the ward missionaries to check on one of our investigators, Mario, who to be honest isn't really progressing and we had planned a "turning point" lesson (-aka drop lesson but I don't like to call it that). He was there with one of his friends. He told us to come back another time but immediately his friend, Santiago, said no! Come on in! He turned off the soccer game that they were watching and pulled chairs into the family room for all of us to sit on. He sat at the end of the couch ready and eager to hear and discuss the "word of god". We proceeded to teach the Restoration of the gospel and invited him to read and pray about the book of Mormon. The spirit was strong during the lesson and by the end he had committed to be baptized if he were to find out that these things were true. We walked out feeling good and excited about it. We set up another appointment with him for a couple of days later. We planned to do a church tour and watch the restoration video. The same member missionary ended up accompanying us and provided the transportation for the to get to the chapel. We had a quick tour of the building and answered his questions to the best of our ability. We sat down in a room and reviewed the apostasy and the promise that the lord gives in 2 nephi 25:17. That he will extend his hand again a second time to recover his people from their lost and fallen state. We then watched the Restoration video and when it ended we bore witness of the truthfullness and fulfillment of the gospel and Joseph Smith. We asked him how he felt and he went off about soemthing completely random. We kept trying to bring it back but he was distracted with other things. After that, we walked to the baptismal font and there, committed him to be baptized by somebody holding the priesthood authority of god. He then told us that he could never be rebaptized and so and and so on. Right then one of the solid members in our ward walked into the room (miracle) and we asked what it meant to him to have the priesthood authority of god back on the earth after centuries of being lost. He bore the most beautiful testimony I've heard in a long time. By the end we decided that he wasn't quite prepared at the moment and told him to call us if he had interest in learning more. Once again, that was about a week and a half ago and last night just as we were about to go to sleep the phone rang. It was Santiago calling. Hermana Bullock didn't want to answer it but I told her just to see what he wanted. It truly was the most amazing phone call one could ever hope to receive. It was Santiago on the other end expressing his desire and excitement to learn more. He'd been reading the book of Mormon. He talked about the Vision that Lehi and Nephi saw, he talked about the tree of life and his amazement that Nephi saw the mother of Jesus. He talked about the waters of Mormon and Alma being given the Authority to baptize. He talked about the importance of the authority. IT WAS INCREDIBLE! He said I've watched the Joseph Smith movie over and over and I know its true. Can you hear it? (He held the phone up to the TV, the Joseph smith movie was playing haha) He just kept saying I want to know more. I just feel excited! Hermana Bullock was telling him that it was the spirit that he was feeling.
Can you believe that!? I couldn't go to sleep last night. I couldn't stop smiling! Last night my joy was full and I cant thank my Heavenly Father enough for giving me this incredible experience to work with his children here on earth. To help them find there way back. What a rewarding time this is. I'm in it forever. Theres no greater feeling in the entire world! I love you all and will talk to you soon!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Lance Letter 3.23.11
Sorry I didn't email yesterday, we were super busy again. So we had a great baptism last Saturday with Jerry Lema. He's been investigating the church for I think two years but had cancer which postponed the progress for a while; but we were blessed to be the ones to baptize him. We are also having a baptism this Saturday with one of Matthew Romans friends (recent convert) who's name is Julian Lara. He's only 10.
So my new companion...fresh outta the MTC is Elder Bruderer...I LOVE HIM. He is straight up Elder Calhoon from "Best Two Years" it's hilarious! But seriously we are having the greatest time and are working way hard.
Thank you so much for your love and prayers as always.
Be safe in New York and have a good time.
Love, Elder Porter
p.s. It has been raining cats and dogs here...no bueno!
So my new companion...fresh outta the MTC is Elder Bruderer...I LOVE HIM. He is straight up Elder Calhoon from "Best Two Years" it's hilarious! But seriously we are having the greatest time and are working way hard.
Thank you so much for your love and prayers as always.
Be safe in New York and have a good time.
Love, Elder Porter
p.s. It has been raining cats and dogs here...no bueno!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 43
Hello my sweet family!
How is everyone doing? Thank you for all the updates and exciting news going on in Utah. YAY FOR PAIGE AND BRYCE! My goodness, that is too exciting. Bryce will pass these last few semesters with flying colors. There is not one doubt in my mind. Faith! Faith! Faith brings the miracles! That what I wish our investigators had a little more of. Faith that Joseph Smith in reality saw our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. Faith that in all actuality they can indeed receive answers to their prayers. Faith that they are loved more than they can imagine and that there is a plan layed out specifically for them. I needed to take a piece of my own council and have the faith that I will learn Spanish and that I'm worthy to be out here. Ha. It honestly is the most humbling process and experience. I love every part of this mission. Every detail and command. I'm so thankful that I'm not the one calling the shots. That all I need to do is follow and obey and everything works out just as it should. Sometimes I get a little sick at the personal weaknesses, subtle distractions, and little lies from Satan and his minions but my goodness, we have a work to perform!
Right now I'm so thankful for the sure promises that we have the opportunity to read about in the book of Mormon. No wonder life gets hard when we slack on picking up the book of Mormon. We start to forget all the blessings that lay in store for the righteous. All the happiness and Joy that comes when we keep the commandments of the lord. Which were set in place for that very purpose. So that we might have joy! It is nothing new. They've been around since the fall of Adam and they are still put in place today. We cannot afford to rest that book. To pray casually. Satan doesn't mess around. He is there at our every turn and if we don't dress ourselves every morning with the armor of god, with his strength and righteousness that only comes when we feast upon his word, when we kneel down and pray for our wills to be aligned with his, then Satan attacks and we fall. We are weak. That's really all there is to it. We just don't have what it takes to combat the adversary. We cant do it. But the lord can. He can and he has and he does.
I'm sorry I do not have much time left but know that we're working, teaching, and preaching the gospel and we're loving every second of it. We taught a wonderful lesson to a new investigator yesterday. Santiago. He's full of faith and truly wants to follow the savior. We are praying that we can bring that spirit, the convincing power and witness that what we are saying is true and that he can gain a further witness through prayer and reading the book of Mormon. I love you all and hope that you're healthy and happy. I pray for you cant wait to hear back from you! Love you Love you!
How is everyone doing? Thank you for all the updates and exciting news going on in Utah. YAY FOR PAIGE AND BRYCE! My goodness, that is too exciting. Bryce will pass these last few semesters with flying colors. There is not one doubt in my mind. Faith! Faith! Faith brings the miracles! That what I wish our investigators had a little more of. Faith that Joseph Smith in reality saw our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. Faith that in all actuality they can indeed receive answers to their prayers. Faith that they are loved more than they can imagine and that there is a plan layed out specifically for them. I needed to take a piece of my own council and have the faith that I will learn Spanish and that I'm worthy to be out here. Ha. It honestly is the most humbling process and experience. I love every part of this mission. Every detail and command. I'm so thankful that I'm not the one calling the shots. That all I need to do is follow and obey and everything works out just as it should. Sometimes I get a little sick at the personal weaknesses, subtle distractions, and little lies from Satan and his minions but my goodness, we have a work to perform!
Right now I'm so thankful for the sure promises that we have the opportunity to read about in the book of Mormon. No wonder life gets hard when we slack on picking up the book of Mormon. We start to forget all the blessings that lay in store for the righteous. All the happiness and Joy that comes when we keep the commandments of the lord. Which were set in place for that very purpose. So that we might have joy! It is nothing new. They've been around since the fall of Adam and they are still put in place today. We cannot afford to rest that book. To pray casually. Satan doesn't mess around. He is there at our every turn and if we don't dress ourselves every morning with the armor of god, with his strength and righteousness that only comes when we feast upon his word, when we kneel down and pray for our wills to be aligned with his, then Satan attacks and we fall. We are weak. That's really all there is to it. We just don't have what it takes to combat the adversary. We cant do it. But the lord can. He can and he has and he does.
I'm sorry I do not have much time left but know that we're working, teaching, and preaching the gospel and we're loving every second of it. We taught a wonderful lesson to a new investigator yesterday. Santiago. He's full of faith and truly wants to follow the savior. We are praying that we can bring that spirit, the convincing power and witness that what we are saying is true and that he can gain a further witness through prayer and reading the book of Mormon. I love you all and hope that you're healthy and happy. I pray for you cant wait to hear back from you! Love you Love you!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Lance 3.8.11
Dear family,
You sound so good. We are doing well. I'm sending the recorder most likely today. We are having a baptism on the 19th and then on the 26th. So we're are being so blessed.
I'll send you some pictures \. Jerry Lima has been an investigator for a long time and we invited him to be baptized and he wants to. Also One of matthews friends is getting baptized as well. Love you all. Gospels true.
Love ELDER PORTER
. PS. The weather here is so nice. It's rained a little here and there but when its not it's sunny and perfect. i LOVE it.
You sound so good. We are doing well. I'm sending the recorder most likely today. We are having a baptism on the 19th and then on the 26th. So we're are being so blessed.
I'll send you some pictures \. Jerry Lima has been an investigator for a long time and we invited him to be baptized and he wants to. Also One of matthews friends is getting baptized as well. Love you all. Gospels true.
Love ELDER PORTER
. PS. The weather here is so nice. It's rained a little here and there but when its not it's sunny and perfect. i LOVE it.
Lindsey: Letter 42
My sweet Momma! Wow, what a party everyone has had and will continue to have! My goodness, California, New York, Orlando Florida? Too too fun. I hope you're all just enjoying each other and the sweet spirit that comes when you are surrounded by family and loved ones. The more people I meet and speak with the stronger my appreciation grows for the blessing of being raised in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Greatest news in that entire email is that of your Garden! I'm so proud of you! I'm excited to hear about the magic that will come from your little green thumb:)
You're going to die but I'm sitting here in the mission office and am having to stop typing every 2 min to have a conversation with each missionary that walks through the door. The computers are located right next to the entrance and I'm afraid I'm going to have to try to write a hand written letter when I get back to the apartment but know that I love you with all of my heart and I'm so thrilled to hear that everything is going so well. How fun that you get to attend the YSA ward with dad! My goodness, your primary calling just did not last that long.
Everything is going so wonderful here in Spring. We are working our little bodies to that ground and I couldn't be happier! I truly feel like I wake up in the morning, study, walk out the door to work, and then moments later return home to go to bed and this happens over and over again. Its such an interesting sensation.
Oh, one of the missionaries has a sister in town and she's recieved permition to spend some time with her. Wow, how fun! I'll be home all too soon and what a sweet reunion it will be. Continue to pray for me and the people here in Spring TX and we'll do all we can to find the elect. Love you so much and I will talk to you next week!
Greatest news in that entire email is that of your Garden! I'm so proud of you! I'm excited to hear about the magic that will come from your little green thumb:)
You're going to die but I'm sitting here in the mission office and am having to stop typing every 2 min to have a conversation with each missionary that walks through the door. The computers are located right next to the entrance and I'm afraid I'm going to have to try to write a hand written letter when I get back to the apartment but know that I love you with all of my heart and I'm so thrilled to hear that everything is going so well. How fun that you get to attend the YSA ward with dad! My goodness, your primary calling just did not last that long.
Everything is going so wonderful here in Spring. We are working our little bodies to that ground and I couldn't be happier! I truly feel like I wake up in the morning, study, walk out the door to work, and then moments later return home to go to bed and this happens over and over again. Its such an interesting sensation.
Oh, one of the missionaries has a sister in town and she's recieved permition to spend some time with her. Wow, how fun! I'll be home all too soon and what a sweet reunion it will be. Continue to pray for me and the people here in Spring TX and we'll do all we can to find the elect. Love you so much and I will talk to you next week!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 41
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
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
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!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 37
FARLEY WAS BAPTIZED!
Oh my word. What a beautiful day we had yesterday. From the second we woke until it came time to go to bed. There is much to say but because of time I will just say that the lord is truly preparing the hearts of the children of men for this gospel. We only had a few lessons with Farley and that was all it took. He was converted from the first time he heard the words "fullness of the gospel" We had fast and testimony meeting yesterday because next week is stake conference but Farley and I sat next to each other and he was so fidgety the entire time. I thought, Oh know, I hope he's not getting cold feet. I kept asking him are you ok? "He would just respond with a quick si si. He stopped the second we started singing the closing hymn. After the prayer I asked him what was going on? He said I wanted to get up and bare my testimony. Oh Farley. He is just the very sweetest and its hard not to want to just hug him and tell him how great he is! He really is a remarkable person and I feel as though I had nothing to do with his conversion process. It was soley between him and the lord. I was just allowed to witness the process and for that I will be forever thankful.
Ok I know you are hungry for details and I couldn't be more thankful for your desires to pray for the success of our investigators. Truly there just have been miracles after miracles occur here in the woodlands and I stand in awe at what the lord has done and continues to do for the benefit of his children. Oh how he loves us. Oh how he wants us to be close to him. How thankful I am that he has provided a way if we are faithful and worthy that we can maintain the sweet relationship that we have always had since before the foundation of the world. I love that he never leaves us alone. Whether we're worthy or not. He's right there to send anything and everything that might brings us down into submission so that we can feel of his love. So that we can know of his goodness and tender mercy, that we can know of the plan layed out specifically for us. He just wants us to be happy and he is right there every step of the way, clear skies and stormy weather, giving us all things that are expedient for our good. It is truly amazing.
We are currently teaching 6 families. The Mendoza family and Mendez family are part members but full of potential and we're excited for the them. The Carino family we found knocking and have had some powerful lessons with them. They've all committed to baptism just wont accept a certain date. Little stinkers. We are also teaching the Matzar family, They are beautiful and we're having a lesson with them tonight. A little noche de hogar with the Reyes (members of our ward) We're also teaching Daniel y Jose. They have a date for the 27th of February but didn't come to church yesterday so we'll have to see if they truly have a desire. We're also teaching a new family, I don't know the last name but the mom is Reyna and the dad is Jose. That was a powerful first lesson and the son (Juan) was just over in the corner flipping through the book over Mormon the entire time and kept hitting his brother and showing him passages that he'd found. It was amazing. He had many questions after the lesson. We went over for our next cita and she said she'd call us. We're not losing hope yet. It was too good for them to just fall off the face of the earth. We're also teaching a women named Angela. She knows its true she is just scared to tell her husband. We asked if we could talk to him and she keeps telling us no. Its going to be really hard for her though if her husband is not in on it with her. Its all about the family! Two of our less active families came to church yesterday! And stayed the whole time! It was a huge success and a beautiful sight. We have been praying for them and visiting them for awhile. We have a few more people that we are teaching but we're going to have to see. We don't know if there is a whole lot of desire there. Each of our investigators have commited to be baptized once they know that its true. Its just getting them to act. To read the book of Mormon, pray to know that its true, and coming to church. However, I've seen enough miracles throughout my mission to not doubt that the lord will provide the way.
To answer dads question. Yes, we are very close to the temple. It doesn't change the frequency of how often we get to attend. Still once a transfer and I treasure every minute of it. From the second we drive through gate until the end when we get to walk around the temple grounds for a bit. Its all just sweet and sacred and if the opportunity were there to attend once a week I would take it crying tears of joy. A piece of heaven right here on earth. Wow. I love the temple.
Um... What else can I tell you. I'm sorry this is getting really long and probably boring if you're not my mom and dad. Ha. I'd better say goodbye but I just want to express my love for the gospel. The sweet gospel of Jesus Christ. The incredible opportunities that we have because of the knowledge that we've been given. The opportunities to learn and to progress. That its never ending. That there's always more. And there will always be more. I'm so thankful for the incredible experiences that we're given each day to become better. We get to follow the example of our savior and try to be more like him! How wonderful is that?! Could there be anything better?! Plus, we get our families with us every step of the way! Forever and ever. Oh my. I just cant express in adequate words the gratitude I have for the wonderful plan that has been prepared for each of us. The beautiful and great sacrifice of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. For temples. I thankful for temples. For the promises and blessings that are made and given. I love you all and hope that you're happy and full of faith and hope for the promised blessings of the lord to his faithful. You're all so faithful! Just keep going and you'll land yourselves right smack dab in the beautiful mansions of the celestial kingdom prepared especially for you. Love you Love you!
Oh my word. What a beautiful day we had yesterday. From the second we woke until it came time to go to bed. There is much to say but because of time I will just say that the lord is truly preparing the hearts of the children of men for this gospel. We only had a few lessons with Farley and that was all it took. He was converted from the first time he heard the words "fullness of the gospel" We had fast and testimony meeting yesterday because next week is stake conference but Farley and I sat next to each other and he was so fidgety the entire time. I thought, Oh know, I hope he's not getting cold feet. I kept asking him are you ok? "He would just respond with a quick si si. He stopped the second we started singing the closing hymn. After the prayer I asked him what was going on? He said I wanted to get up and bare my testimony. Oh Farley. He is just the very sweetest and its hard not to want to just hug him and tell him how great he is! He really is a remarkable person and I feel as though I had nothing to do with his conversion process. It was soley between him and the lord. I was just allowed to witness the process and for that I will be forever thankful.
Ok I know you are hungry for details and I couldn't be more thankful for your desires to pray for the success of our investigators. Truly there just have been miracles after miracles occur here in the woodlands and I stand in awe at what the lord has done and continues to do for the benefit of his children. Oh how he loves us. Oh how he wants us to be close to him. How thankful I am that he has provided a way if we are faithful and worthy that we can maintain the sweet relationship that we have always had since before the foundation of the world. I love that he never leaves us alone. Whether we're worthy or not. He's right there to send anything and everything that might brings us down into submission so that we can feel of his love. So that we can know of his goodness and tender mercy, that we can know of the plan layed out specifically for us. He just wants us to be happy and he is right there every step of the way, clear skies and stormy weather, giving us all things that are expedient for our good. It is truly amazing.
We are currently teaching 6 families. The Mendoza family and Mendez family are part members but full of potential and we're excited for the them. The Carino family we found knocking and have had some powerful lessons with them. They've all committed to baptism just wont accept a certain date. Little stinkers. We are also teaching the Matzar family, They are beautiful and we're having a lesson with them tonight. A little noche de hogar with the Reyes (members of our ward) We're also teaching Daniel y Jose. They have a date for the 27th of February but didn't come to church yesterday so we'll have to see if they truly have a desire. We're also teaching a new family, I don't know the last name but the mom is Reyna and the dad is Jose. That was a powerful first lesson and the son (Juan) was just over in the corner flipping through the book over Mormon the entire time and kept hitting his brother and showing him passages that he'd found. It was amazing. He had many questions after the lesson. We went over for our next cita and she said she'd call us. We're not losing hope yet. It was too good for them to just fall off the face of the earth. We're also teaching a women named Angela. She knows its true she is just scared to tell her husband. We asked if we could talk to him and she keeps telling us no. Its going to be really hard for her though if her husband is not in on it with her. Its all about the family! Two of our less active families came to church yesterday! And stayed the whole time! It was a huge success and a beautiful sight. We have been praying for them and visiting them for awhile. We have a few more people that we are teaching but we're going to have to see. We don't know if there is a whole lot of desire there. Each of our investigators have commited to be baptized once they know that its true. Its just getting them to act. To read the book of Mormon, pray to know that its true, and coming to church. However, I've seen enough miracles throughout my mission to not doubt that the lord will provide the way.
To answer dads question. Yes, we are very close to the temple. It doesn't change the frequency of how often we get to attend. Still once a transfer and I treasure every minute of it. From the second we drive through gate until the end when we get to walk around the temple grounds for a bit. Its all just sweet and sacred and if the opportunity were there to attend once a week I would take it crying tears of joy. A piece of heaven right here on earth. Wow. I love the temple.
Um... What else can I tell you. I'm sorry this is getting really long and probably boring if you're not my mom and dad. Ha. I'd better say goodbye but I just want to express my love for the gospel. The sweet gospel of Jesus Christ. The incredible opportunities that we have because of the knowledge that we've been given. The opportunities to learn and to progress. That its never ending. That there's always more. And there will always be more. I'm so thankful for the incredible experiences that we're given each day to become better. We get to follow the example of our savior and try to be more like him! How wonderful is that?! Could there be anything better?! Plus, we get our families with us every step of the way! Forever and ever. Oh my. I just cant express in adequate words the gratitude I have for the wonderful plan that has been prepared for each of us. The beautiful and great sacrifice of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. For temples. I thankful for temples. For the promises and blessings that are made and given. I love you all and hope that you're happy and full of faith and hope for the promised blessings of the lord to his faithful. You're all so faithful! Just keep going and you'll land yourselves right smack dab in the beautiful mansions of the celestial kingdom prepared especially for you. Love you Love you!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 36
Wow, it sounds like everybody just had an incredible time up north this week. My word, Aren't you just so thrilled for the everlasting family relationship? So grateful for the knowledge that we can continue sister relationships beyond this life. That we can continue to Love each other! Continue to share sweet experiences and form incredible memories. We get to continue on! Continually progress. I cant think of anything sweeter in all of the world. It makes me realize how each family relationship in this life is a treasure beyond anything we can truly comprehend. How thankful I am that the lord has provided us a way to seal the family bond beyond the grave and to experience a piece of the love and joy we will feel when we inherit eternal life. There is no greater blessing that we are given than that of eternal life and the cherished blessing of continual progression, continual creation of life. Its all just sweet.
Yes, Farley is still on for the 30th and we're actually meeting with him today to go over his program for his baptism. He is so wonderful. So prepared. We had a lesson with him last night and starting reviewing the baptismal interview questions and he had a hangup on the word of wisdom concerning coffee. Wow, After some intense testifying, promising blessings, and testifying some more he walked away with a better understanding and a renewed commitment to never pick up another cup of coffee again. He is truly one of the elect and has been well prepared to take upon himself the name of Christ and endure to the end. He's just a champ in every way and I'm so grateful for the sweet relationships that I have had the opportunity of forming while on my mission. Wow, its just humbling.
Mom, I will indeed find the time today to write out some of the amazing miracles that have happened in just this one transfer alone. Its amazing to be apart of it and I thrill at every person we get to talk with about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and that there is a way that we can be with our families forever! Each person we come in contact with brings us that much closer to those that are ready. This last week alone we found 4 new families that we hope to be teaching on a regular basis shortly. That's the goal. Finding families. Getting them in on this wonderful plan together! United and continually striving to help and lift each other, supporting one another. I cannot think of a greater support system in all of the world than that of my family. Lehi left Jerusalem with his family, Nephi and his brothers went back to get their future families (as I will do... one day) Ishmael took his entire family into the wilderness. Its all about the family! What else is there? I just couldn't have a fullness of joy without them. Would it really be eternal life with only part of your family there? My word, heaven forbid I may just opt for a different kingdom. Ok, that was certainly not true. But even if some go kicking and screaming I will see to it that my kids are with me forever. Carlee and Ryan but have to drag some of them by their feet but they'll catch the vision and they'll thank me:) Ha. Don't you love the gift of agency:)
My goodness, I'm clearly more than passionate about that one inparticular subject. All is going well and we are just working working working. Showing the lord that we will go to whatever length needed to accomplish his purposes. He is in charge and he gets his work done as if it were out of our hands. Miracles are taking place right and left and I'm could not be more thrilled to be apart of it. Tell Paige that I did not receive her package:( Hopefully soon. I think I remember the elders saying something about that but I will just have to wait patiently until that can get it to the office. I am praying for your entire family Paige and know that the lord will place you wherever you will benefit most, now and down the road. There is a plan and all we need to do is live the gospel, keep the commandments, and endure to the end. He's got it taken care of. The way has been prepared and we need not worry if we will just trust him. I love you all with my whole soul and pray for you happiness and protection. Thank you for sharing that about Bretts phone call. That thrilled my soul to hear about Lance. I already know it but it makes me happy when others recognize it as well. He truly is a special boy and my best friend. (As are you Ry) I love you all!
Yes, Farley is still on for the 30th and we're actually meeting with him today to go over his program for his baptism. He is so wonderful. So prepared. We had a lesson with him last night and starting reviewing the baptismal interview questions and he had a hangup on the word of wisdom concerning coffee. Wow, After some intense testifying, promising blessings, and testifying some more he walked away with a better understanding and a renewed commitment to never pick up another cup of coffee again. He is truly one of the elect and has been well prepared to take upon himself the name of Christ and endure to the end. He's just a champ in every way and I'm so grateful for the sweet relationships that I have had the opportunity of forming while on my mission. Wow, its just humbling.
Mom, I will indeed find the time today to write out some of the amazing miracles that have happened in just this one transfer alone. Its amazing to be apart of it and I thrill at every person we get to talk with about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and that there is a way that we can be with our families forever! Each person we come in contact with brings us that much closer to those that are ready. This last week alone we found 4 new families that we hope to be teaching on a regular basis shortly. That's the goal. Finding families. Getting them in on this wonderful plan together! United and continually striving to help and lift each other, supporting one another. I cannot think of a greater support system in all of the world than that of my family. Lehi left Jerusalem with his family, Nephi and his brothers went back to get their future families (as I will do... one day) Ishmael took his entire family into the wilderness. Its all about the family! What else is there? I just couldn't have a fullness of joy without them. Would it really be eternal life with only part of your family there? My word, heaven forbid I may just opt for a different kingdom. Ok, that was certainly not true. But even if some go kicking and screaming I will see to it that my kids are with me forever. Carlee and Ryan but have to drag some of them by their feet but they'll catch the vision and they'll thank me:) Ha. Don't you love the gift of agency:)
My goodness, I'm clearly more than passionate about that one inparticular subject. All is going well and we are just working working working. Showing the lord that we will go to whatever length needed to accomplish his purposes. He is in charge and he gets his work done as if it were out of our hands. Miracles are taking place right and left and I'm could not be more thrilled to be apart of it. Tell Paige that I did not receive her package:( Hopefully soon. I think I remember the elders saying something about that but I will just have to wait patiently until that can get it to the office. I am praying for your entire family Paige and know that the lord will place you wherever you will benefit most, now and down the road. There is a plan and all we need to do is live the gospel, keep the commandments, and endure to the end. He's got it taken care of. The way has been prepared and we need not worry if we will just trust him. I love you all with my whole soul and pray for you happiness and protection. Thank you for sharing that about Bretts phone call. That thrilled my soul to hear about Lance. I already know it but it makes me happy when others recognize it as well. He truly is a special boy and my best friend. (As are you Ry) I love you all!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 35
Hello my sweetest family! Dad, I did not forget about you! Happy happy birthday! I feel like I'm going to pass you up by the time I hit 30! Its like you're aging backwards! There is a little card on its way. Its weird skipping over the tradition of a bajio gift card and movie tickets. Haha. I need to come up with something else anyway:) Next year we'll do something great! I hope you had a good one and just enjoyed your sweet wife. My near perfect mother. Isn't she just wonderful?!
Mom, I printed out your email and quickly skimmed through it and will be sure to read it later. Lots of sad news it sounds like. Poor Rynearsons. I hope they're doing ok. I will be sure to pray extra hard for their family. I'm so sad. We just loved Thelma. She is not a far off however and she is happy and at peace. What a wonderful woman she is. She gave us Randy! We will bless her name forever. I was sick to hear about Regan. My word! That just hurts me. I hope he's doing ok. Such a great guy. He'll find someone soon soon. The Warners are such a great family and he served such a good mission. The lord has much in store for him.
I couldn't be more thrilled to hear about your Gluten Free Cooking classes. What a party! Write everything down word for word. I will need every single recipe for when I get home. Haha. My poor family is going to get so sick of my chopped up vegetables. Its quite ridiculous. ps. yes I received the millers Christmas package. I thought I wrote that home but please tell them thank you thank you. I was thrilled! Oh, another thought, I walked into a home this last week and it smelled exactly like the oliversons! Tears almost ran down my cheeks as memories came rushing back of all the sweet, fun times I had with the twins. Wow.
Everything is incredible here in the Woodlands. The ward, the members, the area. Its all just beautiful! We work super super hard from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Its incredible and I love ever second of it! My companion is sister bullock and shes just a little ball of energy. Oh my word is she ever. She just is amazing and I love being her companion. I'm learning more than ever and I'm excited to be here. We have some great investigators and always looking for more! It would take me another hour to write about all of the miracles that have come to pass since I've been here but one day we will get to sit down and share back and forth of all that has happened in the last year and a half. Until then I will just say that we have a Baptism on the 30th of Jan. His name is Farley and he's just the very elect. Wow. Talk about being prepared by the lord. He's incredible. We're excited and happy as ever. I love each of you with all of my heart. Thank you for your prayers and love!
Mom, I printed out your email and quickly skimmed through it and will be sure to read it later. Lots of sad news it sounds like. Poor Rynearsons. I hope they're doing ok. I will be sure to pray extra hard for their family. I'm so sad. We just loved Thelma. She is not a far off however and she is happy and at peace. What a wonderful woman she is. She gave us Randy! We will bless her name forever. I was sick to hear about Regan. My word! That just hurts me. I hope he's doing ok. Such a great guy. He'll find someone soon soon. The Warners are such a great family and he served such a good mission. The lord has much in store for him.
I couldn't be more thrilled to hear about your Gluten Free Cooking classes. What a party! Write everything down word for word. I will need every single recipe for when I get home. Haha. My poor family is going to get so sick of my chopped up vegetables. Its quite ridiculous. ps. yes I received the millers Christmas package. I thought I wrote that home but please tell them thank you thank you. I was thrilled! Oh, another thought, I walked into a home this last week and it smelled exactly like the oliversons! Tears almost ran down my cheeks as memories came rushing back of all the sweet, fun times I had with the twins. Wow.
Everything is incredible here in the Woodlands. The ward, the members, the area. Its all just beautiful! We work super super hard from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Its incredible and I love ever second of it! My companion is sister bullock and shes just a little ball of energy. Oh my word is she ever. She just is amazing and I love being her companion. I'm learning more than ever and I'm excited to be here. We have some great investigators and always looking for more! It would take me another hour to write about all of the miracles that have come to pass since I've been here but one day we will get to sit down and share back and forth of all that has happened in the last year and a half. Until then I will just say that we have a Baptism on the 30th of Jan. His name is Farley and he's just the very elect. Wow. Talk about being prepared by the lord. He's incredible. We're excited and happy as ever. I love each of you with all of my heart. Thank you for your prayers and love!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 34
Hello hello my wonderful family!
It sounds like everyone is doing wonderful and that you're on your way to recovery from the havoc Lucy and Logan caused while they were there. Ha. That was a complete joke. What a treat have your sweet grand babies with you for 5 months. Wow. They'll be home just before you know it. There will be many wonderful things to come this year. I can feel it. I love the year 2011! Look at it! Doesn't that just look right?! It will be great!
Transfer calls have been made and it looks like they're shipping me out. I'm headed to the exact opposite of my area now. Instead of living in little Mexico I'm headed to a city full of rich, white people. (Is that too general?) Even more so than my first area. We'll be flipping over rocks to find the Hispanics! Ha. It will be an adventure but a rich one, full of sweet experiences of joy and success. I know it will! Hermana Bullock will be my new companion. She is a 5ft little ball of energy. Oh my word. I went on exchanges with her a little while ago and can honestly say it was a defining experience. We left each home full of the spirit and had amazing success in just one day. My new address will be 26325 Northgate Crossing Blvd. #1621 Spring TX 77373. My area is called the Woodlands and truly I'm just excited as ever. It will be an incredible transfer.
Luis, our investigator who is set for baptism on the 29 did not come to church this last week, so again... we'll have to move it back a week. One of these days I'm just going to break down and ball my eyes out in front of them and get on my hands and knees and plead with them to get it through their heads that they have to keep their commitments or they will go no where in life! How can you progress anywhere without the gospel?! We have one of the members go by each week to go get him but he always gives silly excuses. I'm going to tell Hermano Espinosa (the Lehi of our ward) to go pick him up and drag him out by the ear. Ohhh that would be so good. Sister Stevenson is going to keep me informed with Luis and hopefully I'll be able to attend his baptism soon.
Oh the experiences and lessons that I've learned here! What incredible memories that have been made and will be cherished forever. What incredible people we've met. Seeds indeed have been planted and they will be harvested hopefully sooner rather than later. They just need time. Its an interesting concept to me. Why do people need time to be happy? Its a riddle that I'm afraid will go unsolved. Why don't people understand that to continue serving the natural man only leads to sadness and momentary pleasure. When they could embrace the gospel and indeed understand true happiness. That a righteous life is a rich life. full of sweetness and understanding. Who doesn't want to understand the mysteries of life. The mystery of why we're here. Our very individual purposes as sons and daughters of a loving heavenly father. Who doesn't want to know that?! Why do people like feeling lost and confused? Why go on questioning when you can have the answer? When the answer is staring at you in the face?! The gospel is the answer. Jesus Christ is the way. The truth the life. My goodness. I get a little bit worked up over this at times. Especially when I feel the joy, happiness, and healing process of the atonement.
I love you all. I thank you for your sweet testimonies, for you prayers of love and concern. Everything is going great! I'm happy as ever and am looking forward to what today will bring.
It sounds like everyone is doing wonderful and that you're on your way to recovery from the havoc Lucy and Logan caused while they were there. Ha. That was a complete joke. What a treat have your sweet grand babies with you for 5 months. Wow. They'll be home just before you know it. There will be many wonderful things to come this year. I can feel it. I love the year 2011! Look at it! Doesn't that just look right?! It will be great!
Transfer calls have been made and it looks like they're shipping me out. I'm headed to the exact opposite of my area now. Instead of living in little Mexico I'm headed to a city full of rich, white people. (Is that too general?) Even more so than my first area. We'll be flipping over rocks to find the Hispanics! Ha. It will be an adventure but a rich one, full of sweet experiences of joy and success. I know it will! Hermana Bullock will be my new companion. She is a 5ft little ball of energy. Oh my word. I went on exchanges with her a little while ago and can honestly say it was a defining experience. We left each home full of the spirit and had amazing success in just one day. My new address will be 26325 Northgate Crossing Blvd. #1621 Spring TX 77373. My area is called the Woodlands and truly I'm just excited as ever. It will be an incredible transfer.
Luis, our investigator who is set for baptism on the 29 did not come to church this last week, so again... we'll have to move it back a week. One of these days I'm just going to break down and ball my eyes out in front of them and get on my hands and knees and plead with them to get it through their heads that they have to keep their commitments or they will go no where in life! How can you progress anywhere without the gospel?! We have one of the members go by each week to go get him but he always gives silly excuses. I'm going to tell Hermano Espinosa (the Lehi of our ward) to go pick him up and drag him out by the ear. Ohhh that would be so good. Sister Stevenson is going to keep me informed with Luis and hopefully I'll be able to attend his baptism soon.
Oh the experiences and lessons that I've learned here! What incredible memories that have been made and will be cherished forever. What incredible people we've met. Seeds indeed have been planted and they will be harvested hopefully sooner rather than later. They just need time. Its an interesting concept to me. Why do people need time to be happy? Its a riddle that I'm afraid will go unsolved. Why don't people understand that to continue serving the natural man only leads to sadness and momentary pleasure. When they could embrace the gospel and indeed understand true happiness. That a righteous life is a rich life. full of sweetness and understanding. Who doesn't want to understand the mysteries of life. The mystery of why we're here. Our very individual purposes as sons and daughters of a loving heavenly father. Who doesn't want to know that?! Why do people like feeling lost and confused? Why go on questioning when you can have the answer? When the answer is staring at you in the face?! The gospel is the answer. Jesus Christ is the way. The truth the life. My goodness. I get a little bit worked up over this at times. Especially when I feel the joy, happiness, and healing process of the atonement.
I love you all. I thank you for your sweet testimonies, for you prayers of love and concern. Everything is going great! I'm happy as ever and am looking forward to what today will bring.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 33
Hello sweet family! Happy new year! Wow, 2011. The years just keep rolling by don't they. Oh but wasn't 2010 great! It truly was. Lots of incredible things happened. Sweet memories were formed, new friends were made, miracles occurred. I'm so thankful for the gospel that is the center of it all. Everything is going just as it should be. Not easily but there is no question that its going. Look, we're in new year! That's proof that the time is moving! Haha. We have a couple investigators right now that have accepted their baptismal commitment and one working toward a date. The other is Jehovah's Witness and is a bit tougher to reach. She has a strong testimony of what she's been taught through them and I pray with all of my heart that we can get the spirit in there to teach her the truth. Transfers are coming up this next week and I really feel as though I'm staying in Aldine. I hope that is the case. I just love it here. I love the area and the people. I don't feel like we've accomplished what I know we're capable of and I feel as though I need more time. But if it comes down to what I feel and where the lord would have me go I think I'll take the sure way which always is the lords way. I'm so sorry this isn't going to be too long. But know that everything is just going great! That the Texas Houston mission is skyrocketing on Baptisms right now and there have been miracles after miracles occur. Its an incredible sight and I couldn't be more humbled and thrilled to be right in the middle of it. I hope everyone is happy and healthy and doing all that they can to seek those that are in need of the gospel. Whether they're members or not. Oh how we all need the healing in our lives that only the savior can provide. Pray for opportunities to be an instrument in the lords hands for any one of his children on the earth. I love you each with all of my heart and hope you have a wonderful week!
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