May 25, 2015 email "For behold, are we not all beggars?"

Tortillas: 5 (I need to get back out into the county...Haha!)

Another wonderful week serving my beloved brothers and sisters of Guatemala. What an amazing opportunity that it is to see the blessings that the gospels brings into the lives of those that chose to discover the truth for themselves! The saturday we will have the wonderful opportunity to have the baptism of Familia López, Susanna, Eric, and Mariela! I am so grateful that the Lord has given me the opportunity to share the gospel with them and has given us the ability to participate in their teachings. We have many other investigators that are making great changes in their lives. I love that to see the look on their face when we talk about the opportunity to be a family forever. Most have doubts of the restoration, but the spirit defenetly testifys to them the blessings. I have a strong testimony of the promise in the scriptures that if we ask and seek, we will find. I have found the treasure that is more presious than anything in this world, and how wonderful it is to share that treasure.


Mejor Milagro:


So, about a month ago we met a young couple contacting. They had just moved to our area, are recently married, and have a young daughter of 3 years. They were very nice because a couple of times they had excepted the elders where they lived before, but nothing came from it. We were very excited with the opportunity to find them, but the only challenge was with their work and school they have almost never had time to meet with us. This week one night all of our appointments fell, so we decided to pay them a suprise visit. We arrived, and only the husband was there, but we were able to share a short message about eternal families and put a return appointment. A couple of days later, we shared the message of the restoration of the gospel with them. Wow. As we shared about the blessings of these restored truths, the spirit was so strong. As we were finishing, we were expaining the blessings that come from the gospel and the fact that little by little through study, they would feel happiness and peace and the need to change. In this moment, I felt prompted to ask them how they felt. The husband then shared with us that he felt stronger than ever before the need to change and become closer to Jesus Christ for the good of his young family, They shared with us some problems with unity that they had had, so we shared the importance of praying as a couple and reading the scriptures together to make God the third member of their relationship. Because of the example of my own parents, I was able to testify strongly of this. It was so wonderful to hear them thank us for bringing this to them and helping them to strengthen their family. For me, this is the greatest blessing of missionary work, seeing the light of the gospel work in the lives of everyone I teach and who choses to accept.



Testimony Time:

The title of the email is found in Mosiah 4:19, and it says,

19 For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?



Being in Guatemala, I have people living in circumstances that are worse than any that I have every seen. People that live in a way that those of us who have many blessings do not think it would be possible to live. I have experienced such great joy as I have been able to bless the lives of these people. As I walk down the street there are many times of people asking for money, and when someone askes, if I have some change on me I will give it. Really, this is not much, but I just cant stand the feeling of not giving if I have. In this scripture, we are taught a very important lesson from the great King Benjamin. Each one of us is a beggar to God, but he still chooses to shower his blessings upon us. I have chosen to truly help in what I can by giving a generous fast offering, the way in which us as church members are able to give to the poor and truly help. The church uses this money to help local members but also in worldwide situations. I have seen great happiness and the blessing of the spirit as I have chosen to sacrifice and give so that those less fortunate can have I would exhort each and every one of you to think about what you are doing to serve those that are less fortunate. If you are not a member, their are many organizations that we can give to to help those most in need. I know that as we give to those in need, we actually are giving to God and showing our divotion. I know that God loves each one of us equally, and as we bless our brothers and sisters is fills him with joy. Take the opportunity this week to help someone in need, and it does not have to be monetary. Often the best help is service. I learned a very important lesson from my father, and that is that is we want to feel Gods love and spirit, a sure way is through service to others. These things I share and this is my prayer that we can all do more, in the name of him that gave all us, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

Thunder behind the Volcano........

 Pizza in a cone!!!!

 This dog did not like me!

May 18,2015 email "O be wise; what can I say more?"

Tortillas: 10

A very wet week here in Xela! Here in Los Altos, the drainage system is not very good, so when it rains, the streets become rivers and small lakes begin to appear!

It is pretty fun, just not when you are in regular sunday dress shoes! I learned quickly that it is time to start using boots more.

As for the work, we are doing pretty great! We have a baptismal date set for Julio and Leslie, and their desire to change and become more like Christ is so amazing! A small barrier is the fact that last week they had a baby girl, Scarlet! There were some complications, so we spent some time with them in the hospital, but everything is doing better, Scarlet is home, and we were able to give her a blessing of health and strength.

We had a lesson with Susanna this week, and when we taught the word of wisdom she confessed that she is one who loves and drinks a lot of coffee, but she because of her great faith in God she promised to give it up the instant that we taught her! Anything is possible. She is going to be baptised with her two children, Eric who is 12 and Mariela who is 9. Before, Mariela did not want to be baptised, but we found out that it was because of a fear of water. So, we brought a member family, Family Mendez of Hermano Herson, with us. They have 3 kids that were recently baptized, and they taught an amazing message about the blessings and the experience of baptism, and now Mariela is not so scared anymore! It is so wonderful to have the opportunity to invite people to come unto Christ, and more beautiful to see the change that occurs in their lives as they choose to follow in his footsteps. That is truly the greatest thing about missionary work, seeing the change that occurs in the life of the people

Mejor Milagro:

Last week our mission president, President Smith, wrote about how a great act of faith is sacrifice. Just as we are expected to be willing to sacrifice everything, if we willing sacrifice things in our life for the Lord then he show him more of our faith. Just as he was testing Abraham to see if he was worthy to recieve the great blessings, he asked him to sacrifice his own son. So, I looked at my life and chose some things that I could sacrifice to show him my faith. Wow, the results were amazing. I was able to have more strenghth, I felt happier, and I felt the guidance of the spirit even more! Of the most amazing miracle, one day we were walking down the street to a lesson. So, it is important to know that I have the habit of carry a Book of Mormon in my hand. As we were walking, a man rode up to us on his bike. He introduced himself and started talking to us, and as soon as possible he asked if we were Mormons because of the book I was carry, and if I would be able to give him the copy of the Book of Mormon. He explained that in his work he has a friend that is LDS, and because of conversations he is interested in reading the Book of Mormon. So, gladly I gave it to him, and we asked if he would be interested in us passing by his house to share our message and answer his questions, and he gladly accepted. I know that as we demonstrate our faith, the blessings will come as a shower. I am so grateful to be a servent of the Lord, and to have the opportunity to bring this wonderful gospel to everyone!

Testimony Time:

The title for the email comes from Jacob 6:12, and it is short but sweet and counsel that is very important. As we read the words of the Prophets in the Book of Mormon, the Bible, and those in our Modern days, we gain wisdom. When I think of being wise, I thing mostly about our choice. In the missoinary manual I have received counsel that applies to everyone, and it basically says to be wise and mature in all we do. If we are continual evaluating our progress, and looking to see if we are being wise, God will give us his wisdom and little by little we will become the people that he wants us to be! We read in Enos some of the greatest blessings that come from being wise in all our conduct. In Enos 1:27 it says,

 "27 And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen."

In who we are right now, are we prepared to see our Redeemers face with pleasure? Do we look at our conduct, and expect him to say "Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father."? If we are wise in our conduct and our choices, I know that we will be prepared to receive this glorious greeting! As we "feast upon the words of Christ" we will grow in wisdom and knowledge.  The wiser we are, the more we develop Christlike attributes, and the more we will see ourselves becomeing like Children. It is interesting because I have seen that the more I have grown, the more I have wanted to develop the perfect and beautiful attributes of Children. I am more blessed than anyone because I have many wonderful examples in my own family of Christlike Men, women, and Children, thinking specifically about my brothers and sister. I am grateful that God has given us the opportunity to change and to become as little children, and more importantly to become like him. I work every day to be more like my Saviour and more like my little brothers, and what a wonderful example they are to me. I look up to them and truely love them dearly, both my Saviour and my brothers. These things I share in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

This is the regional hospital with the visiting waiting line, 

I have to admit, the smoking Volcano is a little crazy.....

The Farmers love the rain!

Love you so much!"

May 11, 2015 email "I am able to do mine own work"

Tortilla count 14

We had a wonderful week of sun here in Xela, with a nice brake from the rainy season! 

Also, it was amazing to see a very happy family!

 This week are changes, but neither my companion or I will be leaving, which is a wonderful thing because we both want to be here for the baptism of Susanna and her family and that of the other wonderful investigators that we have. One of the things that I have learned very well is being able to teach in any place and at any time. We have a very interesting area because we have the opportunity to share the gospel with those that are very wealthy and also those that are complete opposite, but in Gods eyes we are the same, so the same goes for how we look at them. As Nephi says, "None are forbidden". For me, I have found the most joy seeing any person accept the gospel. Especially seeing the blessing of the gospel in the life of Susanna and her family has been so wonderful. I can already see a difference of light in their attitude towards life. She is an amazing example for me of faith in God, because of the trials that she has had to experience she just told us "All that I can do is put all of my trust in the Lord that everything will be alright." Wow, What amazing faith like I have never seen before. She is a true example in my life. 

Mejor Milagro:

Speaking of Susanna, we saw another miracle in the life of her family this week. Before, we were having some problems with her husband, who was not very interested in the gospel and was very much against Susanna and her family being members of the church. This was a great trial for us and for her. But, this week the Lord provide. One night we left with our ward mission leader, Jorge Gonzalez. We had some amazing appoinments planned, but we found that they all fell. One thing I have learned in my mission is that appointments always fall for a reason. Earlier I had called Susanna to check her reading, and she told me that her son, Eric, was especially very excited to be baptised, even asking if they could be baptised earlier. Remembering this, we decided to stop by and say hi to her children. As we arrived, I noticed that her husband was sitting in his car. The first thing that came into my mind was fear to talk because of what we had heard about him, but the spirit instructed that I needed to talk. So, we started talking to him about normal stuff, and found the conversation going very well and he was very nice towards us. Eventually, we asked if it would be ok if we could enter the house to share a message, and he gladly accepted. Literally, everything fell into place perfectly. We were able to find out the reasons why he was so against his family joining the church, which was really fear. He thought that he would have to be baptised with them, and addmited that he wants to become Christian but has never been in his whole life. It was an amazing blessing to have Hermano Jorge there to testify so strongly and help answer his questions wonderfully. The Lord truly does his own work, and how wonderful to take part. 

Testimony Time:  

The title for the email is from 2 Nephi 27:20, which is a concept that I have learned very well as I have served the Lord. Truly, he is the one that does the work. We are simply blessed to take part. He askes us that we are his instruments, and I am so grateful that he takes us as we are. He has blessed me to be able to see his hand and his work and it is so amazing to have this blessing. There was another scipture that also really hit me this week. In 2 Nephi 27:20 is says,

" Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance."

Truly, God wants for each one of his children to have the opportunity to return to his precense. He loves us, and for that, Salvation is free. But, we must chose to accept it. The way that we accept it is through repentance and following in Christs step by being baptized, receiveing the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to offer that to everyone, and also that many are willing to accept the invitation. I know that this salvation can come to each of us, and how sweet it will be to return to his precense. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Also, I cannot finish without mentioning, Happy Mothers day to everyone! I am so grateful for the many wonderful mothers in my life like my grandmother Goose, Grammy, my many wonderful Aunts, and the many others that are so many to mention. They are lights to the world. But, most of all for my beloved mother that gave me the opportunity to live. She gives me so much strength, and is a true example of Christlike service and love. She is the most amazing person. She brings truth to the statement that "God was not able to come to earth with each one of his children, so he sent each with an angel. That angel is called a mother. " My mother is a true angel. Love you Mama.

"In pictures we have Tortas for cinco de mayo, 

making meetballs, (Thanks Mom for teaching me)

the church 15 minutes before starting on mothers day, 

our zone after playing football, 

and the missionaries from my zone that are all part of my MTC group! Love you so much!"

May 4, 2015 email "It is more blessed to give than to receive"

Tortillas: 23!

We officially have begun the rainy season here in Guatemala. April 29th it was nice and hot, and April 30th until now we have had clouds and on and off rain. I actually enjoy it alot! It is nice to have the temperature cool down a bit. 

All of our investigators are doing great! This week, Familia Rodriguez came to church! It was so wonderful. Sadly, Susanna, familia Cabrera, and our other family could not make it, but they will definitely come next Sunday! This week we also had interviews with President Smith, and it was so wonderful to hear his inspired council. I know that he is a representative of the Lord, here to lead us in this great work. 

Mejor Milagro:

The miracle this week is about Julio and Leslie. Last Friday we had a night of fellowship, and our ward mission leader Hermano Jorge brought Julio and Leslie. For the past couple months they had been buying tortillas from them, and eventually came to know that about a year ago the missionaries were visiting them! Not just that, but they were being prepared to be baptized, but because they could not get married they were not able to , and eventually the missionaries lost connection. By true miracle, Hermano Jorge and his wife Hermana Brenda ended up finding them, and we now have the opportunity to teach them! We had a lesson this week, and taught the restoration. The most important aspect for someone to receive a testimony of the truth is though prayer, and so when we finished teaching we invited leslie to offer the closing prayer, and if she could to ask God to know the truth of our message, which she did! The spirit was so strong, and she actually ended up crying. They are preparing for baptism, but the only obstacle is that Leslie is due to have a baby this week! Looks like it will be a little in the future but so amazing! I know that God will always provide a way for his children to receive his gospel, but always in his time. With the work of members and missionaries together, this great work of God continues to roll forth. I am so grateful for amazing members like Hermano Jorge and Brenda and so many others that we have the opportunity to interact with. As each of us is a missionary, we also can see the miracles of the Lord. 

Testimony Time:

The title of the email is found in Acts 20:35. This week I finished the book of Acts, and I can definitely say that Paul is one of my greatest bible heros. His example of serving the Lord Jesus Christ is an example that I work to follow. He was dedicated, bold, and not afraid to speak the truth in all circumstances. I love the story of when he testified before King Agrippa, and the King says to him "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian". Because of Pauls willingness to testify of our Lord and Saviour, he had this great power. The truthfulness of what he says, that it is more blessed to give than to receive, I have truly learned being here and dedicating my life in the service of my Lord Jesus Christ. I have felt no greater joy and accomplishment than that I have felt working with God to bring his children back to him. As we give all of ourselves to God, I know that he will bring us higher and make us more than we could ever become. He has done it in my life, and brings me higher everyday. I love Jesus Christ with all my heart and soul. I know he live. I know he loves each one of us. As we give to him our lives, he will mold us into his instruments. In his sacred name, Jesus Christ, Amen. 

 The wall is some graffiti that I thought mike would like. It is a play on words that mean "With you, life, without you death" But also means " With you, life, I felt death" 

 Learning how to cook!  The food here is amazing!!!

 Today we went to a Mexican food restaurant and that is the shrimp. I took the wall picture and the picture with the sombrero for Cinco de Mayo tomorrow!