July 27, 2015 email "it beginneth to be delicious to me"

Tortillas: 25

Even though this week was probably one of the hardest, it was also one of the best, I am feel very happy and grateful for the blessings of the Lord. Lots of walking, lots of appointments falling, but I am glad to say that I never lost faith. There were times where we felt discouraged, but as I began to count the blessings we had, and not the hardships, I realized how much I had to thank the Lord for. I realized that he wanted me to grow and see more fully some of my errors and ways that I can improve. I know that he loves me, he loves my companion, and of course he loves every person in this area. I work everyday to share his love with everyone that I come in contact with, and demonstrate my love to him by working with all of my heart, might, mind, and strength. I did not realize it was Pioneer day on the 24th until that night, after contemplating on one of the roughest days yet. I realized that the Lord had given me one of the greatest blessings, the opportunity to truly celebrate the pioneers by feeling at least one bit of how they felt. I was able to walk that day just as much as they had walked. I felt rejection, which gave me a glimpse of their persecutions. I was even able to enjoy one of the hottest days yet. But, it was an experience that I will never forget. I am so grateful for our four fathers that paved the way for us to enjoy so many blessings, and I only hope to adopt a speck of their strength and faith.

Mejor Milagro:


So, after the 24th we were confident to be able to see some great miracles the next day. We had a lesson planned in the morning, and to our happiness they were there! After, we had some plans, but I had the feeling we needed to stop by and look for another investigator. As we went, we arrived and found out that they were not home, but we both felt to go and contact a house that we had contacted 2 times before. As we arrived, a teenage girl answered. We talked for a second, and she said she was a bit busy but she was going to call her Mom. We thought for sure her mom would come out and tell us to go away, but to our surprise the mom came to the door, we met her for a second, than accepted that we enter to share a message. As we entered and started talking, we found out that in the pass the sister missionaries of about 2 years ago had visited them. They enjoyed the visits a lot, but the missionaries dissapeared! E changes for sure. We also found out that in this house actually lives 3 families, and they are all willing to hear the gospel and what we bring! I am so grateful that we were lead to their door, and the blessings that the lord gives us as we serve him with dedication and love. I am excited to see what happens with these families, and I know that the Lord has been preparing them to receive this gospel.

Testimony Time:


As I was studying the Book of Mormon this week, I came upon a scripture that I had read many times, but this time I found a new meaning. It is found in Alma 32:28, and it says,
28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.


Today I want to testify of a testimony. The Lord desires that we receive a personal testimony of his gospel. He does not just want us to follow blindly, but he has given us the blessing of his spirit ot guide us and show us the way. In my life, my most prized possesion is my testimony. Without it, I am lost. Really, the process of gaining and growing our testimonies is simple, and is described in this scripture. We must have the desire to know for our selves. We also must give God the opportunity to testify to us through the holy spirit, and we do that by feasting upon the words of Christ in the scriptures and through sincere prayer. It is simple, we just must ask and find, and we are promised that he will open. When we pray, we must give him the opportunity to answer us by pondering and listen. Before ending your prayers, try it! Just listen! When we are able to obtain and strenghten our testimonies, that is how we become dedicated servents of the Lord. We will feel it growing, and the desire to do evil will be taken. Our desire to do good will be overwhelming. Also, as we are taught in Juan 7:17, if we do the fathers will we will know for our selves! It is so important that we keep the commandments and follow in the path of our saviour. I am so grateful for the light of the holy spirit, and the light that I can obtain through his holy spirit. I konw that each of us can know for our selves that the Book of Mormon is true, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that Jesus is the Christ. I know these things for myself without any doubt, and that is what keeps me going each day. I testify of these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

July 20, 2015 email "expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God"

                                                             I love Elder Chavez!

Tortillas: 17

We had a wonderful wet week here in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. No matter how clear or how sunny it is in the morning, it always rains in the afternoon! This week learned to always carry a jacket haha! We have had a wonderful week. This week what we have been working on doing is becoming "Super Chavez and Super Richardson"! What that means is that we are working to go to the next level of our work and become more "Super" haha! It has been so wonderful, and what is the most amazing is seeing what the Lord has done to help us become more super. He has given us so many more blessings by guiding us by revelation personal when we read the scriptures and making known to us our weaknesses. I feel very blessed to be able to serve with my companion and become super with him. Even though we have days that are difficult were every appointments falls, even when we have to set for the same hours, the Lord gives us the hope and strength to push forward and seeing his glorious power!

Mejor Milagro:

So, one day we were walking down the street to an appointment, but as we passed a women I received the quick impression that I needed to talk to her. I have become better at responding to the quick impressions walking down the street to talk to someone passing. We had a small conversation, explained who we were, and she was happy if we would pass by and share our message with her. So, the next day we went to find her and found her in her small store (here there are small stores on every street that sell snacks and daily items, and she is the owner of one). We got to know her for a second and shared something small. What impacted me the most was the 1. she did not have any religion with is very rare here and 2. She was interested in learning more about God, and even though she did not have a religion she desired to come closer to God. So, when we finished we set the appointment to come back a couple days later when there was less business. When we returned back, we were sharing with her about the Book of Mormon, and her eyes become so big when we mentioned that Jesus Christ had come to the Americas. She had a ton of questions. While we were teaching, a woman walked in and sat down and joined us. I recognized her, and she soon said that she knew us because we had passed by her house and never returned! What happened what one day we met her in the street, set an appointment, but when we went she was in the back yard and did not hear the doorbell... She is the sister of the woman, and they are both very interested in learning more, and ever said that they would invite their other family members to hear our message this week! 

Testimony Time:

This scripture in Alma 31 made an impact on me this week;

5 And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word ofGod.

Oh the power of the word of God! I love the way that it is explained here, that it had more power than the sword or than anything else! I feel so grateful that Heavenly Father has given us such knowledge to feast upon. It makes me so sad how many people don't treasure it, thousands of years of wisdom! I also know without a doubt the truth of this scripture. I have seen it in my own life and in the lives of many people. I have met people who have changed from being complete followers of Satan to dedicated servants of our lord Jesus Christ because of the word of God. Also, we learn great wisdom from Alma here when he tried the virtue of the word of God. I would exhort each one of you do to the same if you have not! The Lord makes promises for each thing that he asks, and if we do what he wants we will know for ourselves! Just as Christ teaches in John 7:17. I know without a doubt that the Book of Mormon is the word of God! Also, I know that God continues to reveal his word in our days, and as we follow him and his word revealed though the modern prophets we will be lead safely to his precence. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and though him God has restored his true in our later days. I testify of Jesus Christ, and if we follow him he can change us and mold us into who he wants us to be. In the name of Jesus Christ. 

 We play with the kids in the park everyday!  They are so cute and fun they remind me of my little brothers and Lizzy.

The food is really amazing here in Guatemala!  

July 13, 2015 "who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land."

Tortillas: 14


This was an amazing week! The only sad thing, was that my companion Elder Ramirez went home...

for his whole mission he had problems with his knee, and it was decided on Monday that he would go home on Tuesday. I was bumbed, but it did not last too long because I received an amazing new companion, Elder Chavez!

He is from Nicaragua and has 6 months in the mission. He is very happy to be in Xela, coming from a small mountain village. He is ready to work hard, and we saw many amazing miracles this week! I feel so grateful for the help and blessing that the Lord has given us. What I have learned is that in this work, the most important thing is being an instrument in the hards of the Lord. When we step aside and allow him to do the work, that is when the miracles and true progress comes in! I have seen that many times in my time out here, and it is wonderful to have a companion who wants the same thing.


Mejor Milagro:


So, last week I talked about how we found Cesar. We came to find out this week that he actually is not a member! He was investigating the church for a while, but he was never baptised. So, we have been going with him more often to prepare him for baptism, but when we arrived on Friday he was not home. So, we went with our backup plan, but we felt prompted to pass by 2 more times that day to see if he was home, but he was not. So, the next day was a bit long with not very many lessons. We have started to put two appointments in the same hour because it is almost always sure that one will fall. On Saturday we had both of our set appointments fall. So, we spent the day contacting and visiting some members for the most part, even though we thought the appointments were set. We had passed by with Cesar in the morning, but he was not there. At almost 8 we had finished a visit with a member and we were set with the choice to see if an investigator was home or contact, but it came to my mind to try and see if Cesar was home for the 5th time. So, we went, and when we arrived to our suprise he was. He entered, and not only he was home but almost his entire family! That has not really happened. We entered and sat down, and they all decided to listen to us for the first time, his mother and his 3 of 4 sisters! We taught them part of the plan of salvation. It was so beautiful because they said that they wanted to now listen because they felt we had real love for the people, passing by so many times! We share with them about the blessings of following Jesus Christ, and they showed huge desires to follow him and his gospel. The next day Cesar and 2 of his sisters even came to church! I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has lead us to this amazing family, and that his spirit is working with us to bless them with this gospel. I am also so grateful to be lead by the spirit to those who need this message.


Testimony time:


I found this scripture in Alma 26:36 this week, and I loved it so much. It says;



36 Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who area branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land.



As I have read the ministry of Alma and the Sons of Mosiah I have come to a realization. Their mission among the lamanites is my mission that I am serving right now. I have been sent to the decendents of this fallen people, the decendents of the Lamanites, to bring the truth and salvation through the gospel of Jesus Christ. I feel so very blessed that the Lord has sent me to this strange land to preach among these wonderful people. I know that he loves me and is conscious of my every step, even though there are many days that I feel like this "Wanderer in a strange land" (It is less now than when I started. Give me some more time and I will be Pure Guatemalteco, puro chapine) I know that he loves each and every person that we have contact with, and that he desires so badly that they can be happy. I feel so blessed to be able to share this light with everyone. I happiness, my light, and my life is in his gospel and his hands. No matter where we are, he loves each and every one of us and is mindful of our lives. He wants us to have success, and because of that he sends his angels to guide us to his presence. We just need to follow. I know he lives, he loves me. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and I have come closer to God by abiding by its precepts. He is my light, and my salvation. These things I share in his holy name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

July 6, 2015 email "that the grave shall have no victory"

Tortillas: 8

Well, this was the first 4th of July that I did not notice at all! I did not realize it was independence day until a member asked me for help on a school project with information on California haha! Yeah, it is not celebrated at all here. But, never the less it was a wonderful week in the beautiful city of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Also, to add to that I did not find out that President Boyd K Packer had passed away until they announced it at the end of sacrament meeting. Really, I was surprised but I did not feel sad, because I know he is enjoying some time with the greats in Paradise. 

Mejor Milagro: 

So, a couple of weeks ago we were waiting for a bus and I started talking to a man who was not looking very good. I came to find out that he was actually a member, inactive for about 4 years. He gave us his address so that we could go visit him, but when we got to his house we realized that we wrote the direction wrong. So, this week we were walking down the street, and we found him again! We started talking for a second, and he asked if we could come to his house now and share something with him and his family, who are not members. So, we went to his house and it was actually familiar. When we got there, we met his Mom. I did not remember he, but she remembered us. We shared about repentance and he and his mom agreed to come with us to church. As we left, I realized who his mom was. About two months knocked the door of his house and his mom flat out rejected us. It got to the point where I explained to her that before this life I had promised her to bring the gospel, but she had rejected it, so I exhorted her to listen to the missionaries and get baptized the next time she had a chance. When we met her this second chance, she was completely accepting of us, even accepting the chance to come to church. On sunday only the inactive member came with us to church because something came up, but she is interesting in knowing about the gospel. Truly, God works in mysterious ways. I know that he loves each one of his children, even those that are hard of heart. If we remember to speak with power and authority, the Lord will prepare the people that he knows are ready to accept the gospel.

Testimony Time:

The title is from a scripture in Alma 22:14, and it says,

 14 And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should beswallowed up in the hopes of glory; and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king.

My testimony has grown the most as I have been on my mission about the atonement of Jesus Christ. My heart is filled with joy and gratitude each time I contemplate what Christ truly did for us. Without his death and paying the price for our sins, we would be completely lost. The chains of sin would carry us down to an eternal hell of sadness and pain. We would simply be called to come to this world for our own damnation. But, Christ chose to come, and to pay the atoning sacrifice of our sins, to allow us to accept the gift of salvation! Oh how sweet and wonderful it is! He ask us to simply have faith in him, repent, be baptized by someone who holds the authority, receive the gift of the holy ghost, and endure to the end. I am so grateful for what he has done for me! The wait of sin is to much for us to handle. The sting of death cannot be removed, unless we look for comfort in our eternal Saviour. He is my King, I am his servant, and I have left my home and everything I have for 2 years to offer the same comfort, happiness, and atoning joy that I have to as many of my brothers and sisters as possible. He truly does love us, and because of that he gave his life of his own free will. I know he lives, and as we search we will find. Of these things I joyfully testify, in his holy, sacred, and powerful name, Amen.

 "The frog is a frog I found in the street. Everyone here is terrified of them, it is funny! 

 I was so happy to see Elder Thorne!!!

The marching band is the way the political parties promote themselves! Love you!"

June 29, 2015 email "I wish from the inmost part of my heart"

Goodbye Elder Carabantes, you are loved!

Tortillas: 11


Another wonderful week in Los Altos, Xela, with a new companion, Elder Ramirez! 

Changes were on Tuesday in the morning. He is very happy to be in the city because his old area was in a rural area called Quiche. He is from Spain, but lives in Costa Rica. I am very grateful to have him as my companion. He is very obedient, wants to work hard, and loves the people. We had a very successful week with a lot of guidance from the spirit. I love the feeling of following an impression, and it turns out that when it was followed we find someone prepared to recieve the gospel. This most often happens walking down the street, and I get the feeling to talk to someone. A cool experience this week was when we walked past a woman, I felt like we needed to talk to her. So, I turned around quickly and almost ran to catch up to her. It turned out that about a month ago some elders in a different part of the city gave her husband a Book of Mormon. She thought it was interesting and asked us to come to her house so that we could answer some of her questions. Many experiences like this have helped me to understand the impressions of the still small voice. I have also come to know very strongly that every day the Lord puts people in our path to recieve this gospel, we just need to talk!


Mejor Milagro:


Last week my old companion and I went to contact a reference, but they were not home, so we started to talk to the people around. A teenage boy walked past us, and I felt impressed to talk to him. When we finally got to him, he was ringing the doorbell of his house and I started to talk. We explained who we were, and put a time to come back and share with him and his family. The truth is that I thought that he would not be very interested, and that we would arrive and he would not be there, but I planned out so that we could go and visit him. But, I have learned to never judge a book by its cover. The day came, and I was sure the appointment was going to fall, but to my suprise as we rang the doorbell they came out and invited us in. It was funny because we were greeted by a 3 and 5 year old girl, and because of my experience with my sister Lizzy I was able to get their trust and friendship really quickly. As we entered, we met the two sisters of the teenager, the moms of the 3 and 5 year old. It is funny because we had trust from their daughters we had trust form them haha! We taught them the restoration, and to our suprise one of the woman actually knew a lot about the church. They are very interested in learning more, and want to know that this message is true because of the wonderful blessings. I am so grateful for the blessings of the Lord and that he leads us to his prepared children, sometimes ways that we cannot even notice!


Testimony Time:


First, a scripture from Alma 13


27 And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your repentance;


28 But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;


29 Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.


30 And may the Lord grant unto you repentance, that ye may not bring down his wrath upon you, that ye may not be bound down by the chains of hell, that ye may not suffer the second death.


What a wonderful blessing it is to be able to bring the most glorious message to my bothers and sisters, the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ and of Salvation. But, all that I can do is provide the oppotunity to learn and to discover these same blessings that I have found. My greatest wish and desire is for these people to accept this message and this happiness, and to provide all that I have contact with in my life to experience the same happiness that I have felt. The option on the other hand is eternal saddness, and I cannot even stand to think of any soul having to suffer that. Because of that, I work with all of my might to give all the opportunity. It saddens me so much when they chose not to accept, but I know that I have dont my part. Truly, I do not just want these blessing for the people here of Guatemala, but I want them for all humanity. Because of that, I testify of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ at all times, in all things, and in all places. I want each person to come unto Christ. He is my lord, my savior, my rock, and my salvation. He has done something so selfish as to pay for each one of our sins. If he did not, we would have to do it our selves. I cannot even imagine, and it is not even possible. I testify of his love, and the power of repentance. No matter what mistakes we have made, we can receive the precious forgiveness and sing the song of redeeming joy! Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me. All he askes is that we take up our crosses and follow him. I love him with all of my heart. He is my best friend, my example, my leader, and my savior. In his holy and sacred name I testify these things, Jesus Christ, Amen.

THERE IS ALWAYS TIME FOR FUN!