Hello sweet momma! How are you?! I felt a little bit unsettled after the phone call home last night. I didn't feel like I heard a thing about anybody. I talked about things that honestly didn't matter and I want to ask for your forgiveness. I want to know how you're feeling. What you're doing. What goals you're working on. You're too funny about not feeling worthy to be our momma. How wrong you are. You are quite worthy. You have brought up each of us to where we are today and I assure you from the bottom of my heart that you're doing exactly what the lord would have you do. Thank goodness for our own personal weaknesses to humble us and help us realize our total dependence on the lord in every aspect of our lives. Yes, especially when it comes to raising children. I truly need to put all of these words that I'm writing into practice. I told you yesterday about the feelings that I had been having of unworthiness, of weaknesses, at times overwhelming, But then I get together with a bunch of missionaries and they all give me a reality check and I'm on my way again. Putting my trust in the lord and knowing that my Savior has suffered all things so that I may come unto him and be healed. Oh the healing that I need! Its a long surgery but one day I will be through it, healed, whole, glorified, and perfected. Won't that be a perfect day! Will it all come at once? Nope, It is why we are here my dear. To learn, to grow, to rely wholly upon the one who is mighty to save. Our Savior Jesus Christ.
I told you last night that the mission is not easy. I don't want you to misunderstand. The missionary work could not be better. I love talking to the beautiful Hispanic people. I love sharing the good news. I love this work with all of my heart and I will continue to love it for as long as I live. We are in the work of saving souls and there is nothing more rewarding and sanctifying as serving the lord with all of your heart, might, mind, and strength. The hard part comes in not understanding the plan, not realizing that the lord has it figured out. That he is here every step of the way, The hard part is giving into discouragement because of personal weaknesses. It is Satan's work to make us all miserable like himself and I'm telling you that it is a fight at times. But my goodness. Who am I to forget that the lord is fighting just as hard, Not only the lord but those that he sends, We have angels round about us to bear us up. I am learning a lot out here. I'm learning that the Lord loves us stronger than any of us realize. I'm afraid I don't know the smallest part of that love but I do know that it is real. I've seen it. I see it in the life of every person that I come across. Each of us are here today striving and trying our best because the Savior came and prepared the way that we may accomplish what we've been sent here to do. Gain a body and Keep the commandments with a happy heart. You are doing great mom. More than great! You just keep striving and trying to do all that you've been asked to do. Fulfill you're calling, be a happy person. Smile at those who pass you by and be ready always to give an answer for the hope that is in you. You are an elect lady and I feel blessed beyond measure to have you in my life.
Sister Bullock and I went Fishing this morning with Elder Clegg and Elder Esplin. The elders were nice enough to let us rill in whatever "they caught" Haha. It was a blast. Elder Clegg caught a turtle and I caught a little baby catfish. Wow What a party it was! I love our district. I don't know that I'll be able to get any letters off today because we'll be playing sand volleyball with the zone and if anyone is seen writing letters they'll get a long lecture about "breaking the unity" Haha They're too funny. Elder Esplin Informed me that I will be training next transfer. I have no idea how he found that out but I am really nervous and I would love your prayers and anything else you feel might help. I will certainly need it. One of the sweet benefits of training is that you get to go to the temple one extra time with your greenie. That will be a huge blessing. I love you all with all of my heart and pray that you're happy and healthy. Have a wonderful week!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Lance Letter 5.3.11
Dear Family
We had a great week. I just sent you a bunch of pictures that I've been collecting for some time now.
Anyways thank you for the camera and the giant Easter package, it was dee...lish.
After a tough fight with the adversary we were able to baptize keeane. It was hard to get her baptized ...nevertheless it just goes to show that when we are about to embark on the path way towards eternal life, the adversary has to say his peace.
We are being extremely blessed and i fill so often not worthy of the blessings i receive. I have found the greatest joy in helping others see the light. And as i do so, i see light as well. In a few weeks an Apostle will be speaking to our mission. I'm so excited!
Our stake here in the Morgan hill zone will be focusing more on the referrals from members. In fact its direct orders from the first presidency.
I think 7pm is a great time to call. So i guess that would be 6pm over here. Just expect the call around that time.
I Love you all and can't wait to hear from you!
Elder Porter
We had a great week. I just sent you a bunch of pictures that I've been collecting for some time now.
Anyways thank you for the camera and the giant Easter package, it was dee...lish.
After a tough fight with the adversary we were able to baptize keeane. It was hard to get her baptized ...nevertheless it just goes to show that when we are about to embark on the path way towards eternal life, the adversary has to say his peace.
We are being extremely blessed and i fill so often not worthy of the blessings i receive. I have found the greatest joy in helping others see the light. And as i do so, i see light as well. In a few weeks an Apostle will be speaking to our mission. I'm so excited!
Our stake here in the Morgan hill zone will be focusing more on the referrals from members. In fact its direct orders from the first presidency.
I think 7pm is a great time to call. So i guess that would be 6pm over here. Just expect the call around that time.
I Love you all and can't wait to hear from you!
Elder Porter
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 48
HELLO! My goodness! Thank you thank you for all the sweet letters and fun easter gifts that were sent my way (the skirt) That was too sweet and I thank you for your support and encouragement! Grandma, thank you for your handwritten letter. I know that it is hard to try and find time during the day to sit and do that but I loved every word and I'm so glad to hear that you and Grandpa are doing so well.
Its so good to hear from Paige Ashley! Wow, I can't believe that they're off and ready to embark on a new journey. I hope they find joy in ever step. I know they will as they put their trust in the lord and watch as his plan for them unfolds. They have already experienced so many miracles and blessings as a result of their faith in Jesus Christ. It's powerful Isn't it? Thank you thank you one and all for your incredible testimonies and dedication to the lord.
We just witnessed an incredible event yesterday and we watched Damian Villegas (the former Agnostic) go down into the water and come up again a new creature in Jesus Christ. What an incredible moment. The entire baptismal program was wonderful. Hermana Bullock and I sang I know that my Redeemer Lives. I loved watching Damian following his baptism. He couldn't stop smiling. He was so happy. Like a huge weight had been lifted off of him. He just looked light. He looked peacefully happy. It was such a sweet day. I'm so thankful for the faith that he developed over the last month. The faith that led him to change his life, to follow the savior. To put his trust in the plan that he's not all that sure about but he knows that the lord is sure and that is what drives us each day. Knowing that there is someone who knows better. Who knows perfectly.
Afterwards we went over to a family that we've been teaching for some time. They came to Damians Baptism. When we sat down in their living room we talked a little bit about it. We told them how far Damian had come, where he was when we first met him. They asked. "So, how did you convince him to get baptized?" The question kind of took me off guard, because when I think back on it, we didnt do a whole lot. We just showed up for the lesson and from there the spirit took over. I don't recall having too much to do with his conversion. That's what faith does, faith leads one to trust, to believe, to hope that what the prophets testify of and say is in reality truth. When we have all of those things then the spirit whispers and testifies of truth and our faith becomes unshaken and we are able to do those things that are expedient in the savior. It is expedient in the savior that we are baptized. That we enter in by the "way" "And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save" It's right there! Baptism is not the ultimate goal. When we are baptized we make a convenent with our heavenly father that we will take upon ourselves the name of Christ and that we will always remember him. When we have faith in Jesus Christ we have the opportunity to so whatsoever thing is expedient in him. We continue making covenants with him. We continually repent, we get ourselves worthy through the atonement of Jesus Christ and we go to the temple. We sacrifice whatever is impeding us and we follow him. While we were talking to the Lavastidas they were asking us what they must do after baptism. They said so we get baptized and that's it? No, no no no, No. That is not it. There is much more in store. We find all of this out in the temple! I bore my testimony in Sacrament meeting yesterday and just cried haha. I have the hardest time talking about temples and my family without tears swelling up in my eyes. Gratitude over takes me and my emotions let lose. I'm so thankful for the eternal perspective that we get when we visit the house of the lord. That's really the Ultimate goal. The Ultimate goal is eternal families, continual progression, never ending progression! Creation! Love, Pure Unselfish Love! Wow. what wouldn't we give up for that?
I love you all. I'm so thankful for all that you do each day to better your lives. It is why we're here, we're not perfect but we strive to do better each day. To sanctify ourselves through the savior. We can and we must if we want all that he has and want to be all that he is. I love you and cant wait to talk to you next week!
Its so good to hear from Paige Ashley! Wow, I can't believe that they're off and ready to embark on a new journey. I hope they find joy in ever step. I know they will as they put their trust in the lord and watch as his plan for them unfolds. They have already experienced so many miracles and blessings as a result of their faith in Jesus Christ. It's powerful Isn't it? Thank you thank you one and all for your incredible testimonies and dedication to the lord.
We just witnessed an incredible event yesterday and we watched Damian Villegas (the former Agnostic) go down into the water and come up again a new creature in Jesus Christ. What an incredible moment. The entire baptismal program was wonderful. Hermana Bullock and I sang I know that my Redeemer Lives. I loved watching Damian following his baptism. He couldn't stop smiling. He was so happy. Like a huge weight had been lifted off of him. He just looked light. He looked peacefully happy. It was such a sweet day. I'm so thankful for the faith that he developed over the last month. The faith that led him to change his life, to follow the savior. To put his trust in the plan that he's not all that sure about but he knows that the lord is sure and that is what drives us each day. Knowing that there is someone who knows better. Who knows perfectly.
Afterwards we went over to a family that we've been teaching for some time. They came to Damians Baptism. When we sat down in their living room we talked a little bit about it. We told them how far Damian had come, where he was when we first met him. They asked. "So, how did you convince him to get baptized?" The question kind of took me off guard, because when I think back on it, we didnt do a whole lot. We just showed up for the lesson and from there the spirit took over. I don't recall having too much to do with his conversion. That's what faith does, faith leads one to trust, to believe, to hope that what the prophets testify of and say is in reality truth. When we have all of those things then the spirit whispers and testifies of truth and our faith becomes unshaken and we are able to do those things that are expedient in the savior. It is expedient in the savior that we are baptized. That we enter in by the "way" "And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save" It's right there! Baptism is not the ultimate goal. When we are baptized we make a convenent with our heavenly father that we will take upon ourselves the name of Christ and that we will always remember him. When we have faith in Jesus Christ we have the opportunity to so whatsoever thing is expedient in him. We continue making covenants with him. We continually repent, we get ourselves worthy through the atonement of Jesus Christ and we go to the temple. We sacrifice whatever is impeding us and we follow him. While we were talking to the Lavastidas they were asking us what they must do after baptism. They said so we get baptized and that's it? No, no no no, No. That is not it. There is much more in store. We find all of this out in the temple! I bore my testimony in Sacrament meeting yesterday and just cried haha. I have the hardest time talking about temples and my family without tears swelling up in my eyes. Gratitude over takes me and my emotions let lose. I'm so thankful for the eternal perspective that we get when we visit the house of the lord. That's really the Ultimate goal. The Ultimate goal is eternal families, continual progression, never ending progression! Creation! Love, Pure Unselfish Love! Wow. what wouldn't we give up for that?
I love you all. I'm so thankful for all that you do each day to better your lives. It is why we're here, we're not perfect but we strive to do better each day. To sanctify ourselves through the savior. We can and we must if we want all that he has and want to be all that he is. I love you and cant wait to talk to you next week!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Lance Letter 4.26.11
hello,
We were blessed to have a baptism last Saturday. Victor de la rocha vasquez entered into the waters of baptism. The spirit was so strong and our ward mission leader asked me to share my testimony at the end. A lot of non members were there and they were in tears, maybe because of all the garlic down here, but i think it was the holy ghost touching their hearts. Next Saturday we should be having another baptism ,Keeane Snachez. She's only 12 but is making the best decision of her life.
Oh, there was this girl at victors baptism who is going to houston south spanish speaking mission. I told her that my sister would train her. HA ....
Thank you for everything. I love you all
lance
We were blessed to have a baptism last Saturday. Victor de la rocha vasquez entered into the waters of baptism. The spirit was so strong and our ward mission leader asked me to share my testimony at the end. A lot of non members were there and they were in tears, maybe because of all the garlic down here, but i think it was the holy ghost touching their hearts. Next Saturday we should be having another baptism ,Keeane Snachez. She's only 12 but is making the best decision of her life.
Oh, there was this girl at victors baptism who is going to houston south spanish speaking mission. I told her that my sister would train her. HA ....
Thank you for everything. I love you all
lance
Monday, April 25, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 47
Hello hello! Listen to how funny this is... After going weeks without mail I came home a few nights ago and imagine my surprise to find three beautiful envelopes with return addresses from Heather my best friend, Lance (also my best friend and brother) and my sweet Parents. My goodness, they could not have come at a better time. Thank you thank you for listening to the promptings of the holy ghost and taking the time to sit and write what is going on in your lives and a few words of encouragement. No one will know how sweet it is to get a letter from family until they serve a mission. Well, that may or may not be true but it is how I feel. I love you all and I'm so thrilled to hear that everything is going well and even great in your lives!
Ryan, my baby brother is not a baby any more! I couldn't believe who I was listening to! You're a teenager! Not quite a man but certainly on your way! That honestly is a scary thought to me. I'm certain my mouth was open thee entire time that I was listening to your voice. I know that change is certain, we've heard that time and time again from our wonderful prophet but as you're growing up, make sure that you're growing up in a way that would be pleasing to your Heavenly Father. Don't do anything that would disappoint him. Always keep in mind who you really are and what that means. What your example means to those that you spend your time around. Don't use sloppy and silly words that will later on become a burden to get rid of. Make sure that your speech matches who you are as a son of god with divine potential Even though you are spending time with girls I hope you are careful to remind them who they are and what they're worth through the way that your treat them. It is difficult to really come to know yourself in High school, especially when mixed signals are being thrown at you right and left from every direction. You be the one to step up and lead. Be the one to build and inspire, do fun activities that are uplifting and edifying. Go on hikes in groups, go play at the lake, get a group together and go do baptisms for the dead and then have a little devotional after. There are a million things that you can to besides "hanging out" Oh yikes. Don't hang out! Go do something productive. Go make some fun memories and help people figure out who they are and what they're worth! That is your assignment ok. I'm committing you right now. Take the lead on this. Will you find a group of good kids, get together on the weekend and have a council about how your can help other people get involved. Those that normally wouldn't be so quick to invite themselves. You invite them. Reach out. I know you can. Heavenly Father didn't bless you with all the gifts you have for no reason, or to be used in a later time. Use them now! Council with the lord and he will enlighten your mind with good ideas and fun activities. You'll know that it is from the lord if you're excited about it and you're thoughts start to build on each other. That is the power of revelation.
Mom, I'm so sorry to hear about your horrible experience with baby Logan! You poor thing. Of course you would find him though. He was never really lost. He just kinda wandered away for a bit. How your soul must have rejoiced when dad came walking up with that little baby in his arms, a little dirty but with a great big grin on his face. Yes, I can imagine you breaking into sobs of relief and joy to have him back into your presence. How rewarding this work is. Every second of it. We are the lords servants. We're looking for his lost sheep and I'm telling you it's not always an easy task. But every step is worth it. because it brings us that much closer to the one. So many emotions involved. So many feelings. But the lord is with us. He loves his children with his whole heart and soul and he is pleading for us to get it together so that we can have his spirit to be with us. He knows where is lost sheep are and if we're not in tune how can we ever help him? How can we ever make it back without his spirit guiding us. We can't. How can we make it back if we don't do exactly what he asks of us? Why does he require it? Why does he ask it? Because he knows! He already knows what sin and transgression lead to. He knows what living "of" the world results in. Why do we ask questions? Why do we feel like we know better? Isn't his word enough? It is! It doesn't matter that we don't know the in's and out's of it all. We just put our trust in him and say ok. I'm done doing what "I" want to do. I want to do what "you" want me to do. We say that because it is the smartest thing to do. It is the only thing to do if we want what he has, and what he has is everything. Oh I love you all. I just get a little frustrated at times when I feel like we've found the one and they end up not being "ready" to comply, not ready to receive the greatest rewards that come only from righteous living and saving ordinances at baptism and in the temple. Thank you for doing all that you can to have his spirit in your lives. Even if all we can isn't all that great. That's all he asks of us. Just do your best and follow me. Clearly, we're going to get a little dirty along the way but that is what the atonement is for. That's why the Savior went before us. He knows whats coming up. He knows just the formula to get certain stains out. To get every stain out. Pen, oil, grease, chocolate, whatever. Pick your flavor. There is nothing too dirty that cannot be made perfectly white through the saviors atonement. I love you each of you with everything that I am and praise and honor your name. Have an amazing week and I will talk to you next monday!
Ryan, my baby brother is not a baby any more! I couldn't believe who I was listening to! You're a teenager! Not quite a man but certainly on your way! That honestly is a scary thought to me. I'm certain my mouth was open thee entire time that I was listening to your voice. I know that change is certain, we've heard that time and time again from our wonderful prophet but as you're growing up, make sure that you're growing up in a way that would be pleasing to your Heavenly Father. Don't do anything that would disappoint him. Always keep in mind who you really are and what that means. What your example means to those that you spend your time around. Don't use sloppy and silly words that will later on become a burden to get rid of. Make sure that your speech matches who you are as a son of god with divine potential Even though you are spending time with girls I hope you are careful to remind them who they are and what they're worth through the way that your treat them. It is difficult to really come to know yourself in High school, especially when mixed signals are being thrown at you right and left from every direction. You be the one to step up and lead. Be the one to build and inspire, do fun activities that are uplifting and edifying. Go on hikes in groups, go play at the lake, get a group together and go do baptisms for the dead and then have a little devotional after. There are a million things that you can to besides "hanging out" Oh yikes. Don't hang out! Go do something productive. Go make some fun memories and help people figure out who they are and what they're worth! That is your assignment ok. I'm committing you right now. Take the lead on this. Will you find a group of good kids, get together on the weekend and have a council about how your can help other people get involved. Those that normally wouldn't be so quick to invite themselves. You invite them. Reach out. I know you can. Heavenly Father didn't bless you with all the gifts you have for no reason, or to be used in a later time. Use them now! Council with the lord and he will enlighten your mind with good ideas and fun activities. You'll know that it is from the lord if you're excited about it and you're thoughts start to build on each other. That is the power of revelation.
Mom, I'm so sorry to hear about your horrible experience with baby Logan! You poor thing. Of course you would find him though. He was never really lost. He just kinda wandered away for a bit. How your soul must have rejoiced when dad came walking up with that little baby in his arms, a little dirty but with a great big grin on his face. Yes, I can imagine you breaking into sobs of relief and joy to have him back into your presence. How rewarding this work is. Every second of it. We are the lords servants. We're looking for his lost sheep and I'm telling you it's not always an easy task. But every step is worth it. because it brings us that much closer to the one. So many emotions involved. So many feelings. But the lord is with us. He loves his children with his whole heart and soul and he is pleading for us to get it together so that we can have his spirit to be with us. He knows where is lost sheep are and if we're not in tune how can we ever help him? How can we ever make it back without his spirit guiding us. We can't. How can we make it back if we don't do exactly what he asks of us? Why does he require it? Why does he ask it? Because he knows! He already knows what sin and transgression lead to. He knows what living "of" the world results in. Why do we ask questions? Why do we feel like we know better? Isn't his word enough? It is! It doesn't matter that we don't know the in's and out's of it all. We just put our trust in him and say ok. I'm done doing what "I" want to do. I want to do what "you" want me to do. We say that because it is the smartest thing to do. It is the only thing to do if we want what he has, and what he has is everything. Oh I love you all. I just get a little frustrated at times when I feel like we've found the one and they end up not being "ready" to comply, not ready to receive the greatest rewards that come only from righteous living and saving ordinances at baptism and in the temple. Thank you for doing all that you can to have his spirit in your lives. Even if all we can isn't all that great. That's all he asks of us. Just do your best and follow me. Clearly, we're going to get a little dirty along the way but that is what the atonement is for. That's why the Savior went before us. He knows whats coming up. He knows just the formula to get certain stains out. To get every stain out. Pen, oil, grease, chocolate, whatever. Pick your flavor. There is nothing too dirty that cannot be made perfectly white through the saviors atonement. I love you each of you with everything that I am and praise and honor your name. Have an amazing week and I will talk to you next monday!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Lindsey: Letter 46
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!
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!
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!
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