Tue 5/28/2013 10:51 AM

AHHH LUCKY!  I bet the new Star Trek Movie was really, really good!

That's great to hear about the index class!  As time goes by I wish I knew how to do family history work as it's really cool!

If you can find a pic of Porter Rockwell, Joseph Smith's body guard, would you please email it to me?  A missionary has a song about him and it is really cool.  I never knew about him until my mission - lol!    

So this last week was awesome but more specifically the past few days!  We had Zone Conference on Friday which was amazing to hear about all the things going on in the mission and especially all the new things we are doing now.  We are starting a new digital mission with the cyber missionaries we have in our area.  One of the Elders here who has great organizing skills was called to organize and help set it up.  He is literally pretty much doing the equivalent of starting a small business with the tasks he has to do - it's pretty amazing.  We also found out that one of the missionaries we have serving as a cyber won a huge hacking contest in the country and got offered jobs starting with big money, but he decided to come out on a mission first....very, very intelligent. Anyway, it's so cool to hear about all that is happening in the mission.

Then on Sunday we had 2 baptisms in our district.  One was from our branch for a 9 year old kid named Anthony and the other was Trumbulls ward for a 20 year old name Jamiel.  Then we have 2 scheduled for this next week for Ana Acevedo and her grandson Terry that we have been teaching.

Yesterday for memorial day we got to finally go to the Temple in Boston.  It was so amazing!  It is extremely beautiful and my understanding was opened so much in there and it was an awesome experience, especially because now my ability to do more than I once could has increased!   Also as we were leaving I wanted to go back to get pics and as we did this lady Elder Hawks taught awhile ago was there and she saw him and started crying.  She then said Elder Hawks!  I have something to show you and then she pulled out her temple recommend that she had been working very hard for and the love that was present at this time was incredible.  It is truly wonderful to see people's lives change from the gospel and to see them develop that relationship with Christ.

This last week we went on a lot of exchanges and I stayed Spanish speaking every time which was awesome.  I love it because the companion I was with during the exchange doesn't speak Spanish so I have to do all of it! =D.  The Spirit was present so much and I was able to communicate the things that the Lord would have me say.  I love when we prepare for a lesson all we can and we are going to take it one way and then next thing you know you are taking it a whole different way because the Spirit is speaking through you and giving you the words to say.  It is so amazing.

This week and then next week are the last I will be with my trainer Elder Hawks.  He is going home and I am sad to see him go, but excited for him to get on with the next chapter in his life.  We have become pretty close and especially lately.  We have taught each other a lot.  It sure is going to be weird once he leaves and I have to get a new companion.

This last week I have gotten pretty close to Elder Lefthand, he is an awesome Elder in our district and he and I see a lot of things the same way and want the same thing for this district.  He is a very humble elder and believes in lifting others higher and helping them have the desire to do better.

Anyway, since I don't have that much time today to go into more details about this last week I want to leave you all with my testimony.

I know that this church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, is the Church that Jesus Christ established himself when he was on the earth and that it has been restored fully on the earth today.  I know that Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God and that he truly did take upon himself not only our sins, but all of our sicknesses, infirmities, pains and everything that happens to us in this life that's just not right.  I know this because I have tasted of his love and I have felt his presence so many times in my life.  I know that Jesus Christ lives and "..oh, sweet joy this sentence gives...I know that my Redeemer Lives!"

Tue 5/21/2013 10:01 AM

This last week has been pretty dang good!  First of all I am a day late replying because we had to go up to Mass. and turn the van in because they are selling it (I already miss it because we were able to fit our whole district in it!).  We now have a brand new 2013 Toyota Corolla which is a dark gray and it is nice, but still can't replace the van.  I will be able to start driving soon which will be pretty cool since I haven't driven in 4 months!  It will be weird to be able to drive a car over here where there are some of the craziest drivers I have ever seen!

So, back to the week.....There was the flue going around which was horrible, but hey the work continues.  In order to be able to get out there and still work I had to sleep during my language study times, but it was well needed and we went out and worked hard.  We picked up a family to start teaching from a referral from a member who is related to them.  We walked to their house and I remember since I was so sick my body was aching so bad it was feeling like someone was taking a hammer to my joints BUT, there is truly great power in PRAYER :-D.  We arrived there and gave them a blessing of health and explained beforehand what the Priesthood is. It was a good experience.   They felt the Spirit very strongly.

Another experience was while we were at the home of a less active and I was really out of it and had a real bad headache, but I focused as hard as I could on them and helping them.  Next thing I know I opened my mouth and the Spirit was speaking through me and it was a really wonderful experience.

My favorite experiences this week though were during exchanges. The first exchange I was the one speaking Spanish and my companion was English speaking, so I had no one to rely on to help me teach.  I had to rely on the Lord so much more and the Lessons were awesome.  My Spanish is far from perfect, but with humor, love and a sincere desire to teach them I received help from the Lord.  They went very well and I was stretched out of my comfort zone and grew more because of it.  

As for the other exchange, I went English speaking and it was truly remarkable.  We met with the Sullivan family who I've met once before, but just connected with them right away.  Their dad has Leukemia right now and is recovering.  They aren't members, but a son of theirs is a recent convert who is now going to BYU.  We taught them about the story of Nephi and the Liahona when his bow breaks and taught them about Faith.  It was so nice being able to speak in my own tongue and communicate what at times I feel is more effective.  It was a really good experience and the love that I have for that family, even though they aren't in my area, is great.

Later we went and met with a referral we received from that family who is a friend of theirs. This lady was pretty awesome as well.  She lives right next to the water.  Her name is Liz and she started explaining why she was interested.  So after hurricane Sandy hit she tried looking for help from all the different churches and organizations that have all the commercials saying they help out. She couldn't get any of them to help her.  So being a single woman and a lot of work to do she was overwhelmed and one day when she was talking to red cross trying to get help from them a member who was passing by heard.  The next day he showed up with a bunch of missionaries and they helped her out big time.  She said they came when she was overwhelmed not knowing where to begin and very lost. They came in, took charge and didn't want anything in return.  This stood out to her, so there we were with a golden opportunity to teach her a little about our church :-D. We got to know her more first.  She was raised Jewish, but was never religious because her parents weren't.  She sort of believes in God or something more because without it life would be pointless.  She doesn't know a lot about what we believe about Jesus, but she is really a very smart person.  She said herself that it is very hard for her to understand religion because of that, but she really, really wants to understand and come to know if there is a God or not and what she needs to do with her life.  This visit was more of trying to get to know her more than anything, but we did teach parts of the plan of salvation and taught her who she is and where she came from.  Adam and Eve got to her and she said she never understood that whole story which I don't blame her because I didn't at first.  We taught her how to pray and gave her a Book of Mormon.  The spirit and love that was present during this visit was remarkable.  I felt for her because of her desire to truly understand.

I honestly don't believe in coincidences.  I really felt that I was to be where I was that day for exchanges.  It is truly wonderful to be able to be part of this work.  Probably one of the best parts of this whole exchange was to see this Elder progress and see how far he has come since my last exchange with him a month ago. He has a great gift of connecting with the people and it is cool because he said he finally understands and knows why he is out here.  There is no greater feeling than bringing others closer to Christ.  I understand the joy that was felt when Alma saw the sons of Mosiah again and to find out that they were still his brethren in the Lord and made so much progress as he did.

There are too many wonderful experiences to write about, but I am so very grateful for them all because in spite of all the highs and lows of the mission the Lord is with me every second of every day. He is my strength, my guiding light and my life.  As for myself I cannot do anything, but with Him I can do all things.

 

I know with all my heart that this is his Church restored on the earth once again today.  I know that all who sincerely seek him shall find him and will come to know what I have come to know. That He lives, that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and is the Only Begotten Son of God.

 

It is to know that He loves us beyond our mortal comprehension and wants us to once again return to live with him.  It is to know that he has established a plan in order for us to do this.  It is called the Plan of Salvation and the Plan of Happiness and that Jesus Christ is central to that plan.

 

I know that those who read the Book of Mormon, ponder it, pray about it will receive an answer of the truthfulness of it.  All who are reading this ask yourselves what it would mean to you to truly know that you are a child of God who is perfect in all things of righteousness.  Who knows all things and has power in all things. Now ask yourselves what it would mean to you if after you have come to know this that you can communicate to him through prayer seeking help and guidance in all things and receiving that guidance and help from a being who knows all things and has all power.

 

Brothers and Sisters (and I call you brothers and sister because we are brothers and sisters in God) I know with all my heart, mind, and soul that these things are true.  I know that Heavenly Father loves us perfectly and wants the best for us.  I know that Jesus Christ is the only Begotten Son of God and that he came to earth, established his church and set the example for all to be able to return to live with God again. I know that Jesus Christ gave his life willingly in order to save all things.  Most important of all I know that Our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ lives for I have seen his hand in my life and continue to see it.

For those of you reading who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I invite you to put my words to the test and come to know what I have come to know and feel the joy and peace that come from knowing these things and living them.
 

For those of you who are members of the Church I ask if you have come to know these things and have come to taste of the redeeming, strengthening, and guiding love of our Savior?  If not, I plead with you to do what you need to do to rekindle your testimony.  I also invite you to pray for opportunities to share the gospel and see those opportunities when they arrive.  I promise you that those opportunities will come and as you do share the gospel your relationship with the Savior will increase.

 

Our duty is to invite others to come unto Christ.  How can we expect someone to come unto Christ if we never invite them?  Will we be naive to think that someone else will do it so I won't?  Well, what if no one else does?  Think about how the Gospel of Jesus Christ has blessed your lives and sustained you through difficult times, perhaps a loss of a loved one, divorce, or maybe just not knowing what to do next.  Can you imagine what it would be like to go through that without the knowledge that our Savior knows exactly how you feel, because he went through every sickness, pain, infirmity and everything that will happen to us in this life that just isn't right.  That because he knows this he also knows what we need to do to get through these times.

 

I love you all and with all my heart want you all to succeed.  I hope that you ponder these things in your heart and that you do them, that you may come to know and understand for the first time or the millionth time whatever it may be that the Savior did for you.

 

These things I leave with you in the sacred name of our Lord, and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ, amen.

Mon 5/13/2013 9:00 AM

So, since I got to talk to you for Mother's Day I don't think there is much I can really say more, but for everyone else, and just in case I didn't share it with you, I will go over some of the experiences this last week.

First of all, the mission is so AWESOME!  I love it!  It is extremely hard work and can bring some of the lowest lows, but also some of the highest highs.  It breaks my heart when people truly don't understand the gospel and the importance of it because they don't act on the words we teach them and do what they need to do to find out.  On the other hand, when they do and when they receive those answers for themselves, there is no greater joy than that for me.

This last week was a pretty good week.  It was my companion's B-day on Wed., so we went out to eat as a district at a wing place and had a good time.

This week during our free time before bed, after we get ready for the next day, we have been trying to teach one of the Elders living with us a thing or two, so he can get back from his mission and start dating (since he hasn't before and is going home soon), so that has been a lot of fun.  Along with that, we were able to finally meet with Alma, Milena, and have one for sure new investigator and two potential.  One's name is Ana, who I might have talked about last week.  The others are Malgo (spelling unsure) and the other is Eva.

The meeting with Alma went pretty well.  We shared the Jeffrey R. Holland talk about the "first and great comm." and felt we need to be bold with her, so we were and it went well.  However, she is still saying she needs to get baptized and will, but doesn't want to set a date.  So it is back to the drawing board and we are teaching her how to receive Personal Revelation to help fuel her desires and try to help her understand that the gospel isn't just about knowing the gospel, but also understanding it and the importance of connecting what you know in your brain to your heart and soul (if that makes sense).
Milena went to church and brought a friend which was really nice and right then and there I shared the restoration with him in a nutshell.  His name is Jose and we got his number and are going to try to meet with him this Wed. with Milena and her mom. 

Milena is doing good and is going to California at the end of finals this week for about a week or two, so that means we can finally meet with her now!  We have only really met with Ana twice, once for a Priesthood Blessing our first visit, for health, and the second we taught. She went to the Mother's Day activity on Sat. and loved it and took her grandson.  I will talk a little more about the activity later. She has a baptismal date on the 26th of this month and said she has been looking for something for awhile and thinks she has found it.

Malgo, I think is what he said his name was or Malo (it was hard to understand him because he was drunk).  We met him yesterday on Mother's Day on our way back home around 8ish for phone calls. He called out to us and walked across the street.  He said he needed help and needed to change through Christ.  He couldn't remember his address, so we walked him home and he invited us in.  We talked with him for a bit and he started to cry a bit because he kept saying how he needed to change and wanted to.  He wants us to come over today at 6 and so we kept reminding him about 30 times when we were with him about it.  Then after this he gave us huge hugs and was so grateful.  It just goes to show you that it doesn't matter what state people are in or where they are at in life, they can always tell the light from the dark.   It was a really cool experience and he seems like a very good guy.


The last one I wanted to talk about is Eva.  We met her actually like 2 weeks ago in Walmart (I don't think I have talked about her yet). It was funny too how we met her.  We were just in the cereal isle and we were in our proselyting clothes.  This older man thought we worked at Walmart and started asking Elder Hawks a bunch of questions and he played along, which was way funny.  Then Eva comes along and calls out, "ELDERS!"  She then says to me, "Wow, you have some muscles!" which was a different way to start a conversation, lol, and then said, "I like you for some reason."  So, it was a bit awkward at first, but she is really, really cool and funny.

Her story is that her dad or husband (not too sure) has dementia and was super active in the church, but because of his condition doesn't go, but still receives the sacrament every Sunday.  She is not a member and had the missionaries lived right next door to her. They taught her and she has read the Book of Mormon already and says she likes some things about it and there are things she doesn't like. Unfortunately, the sad part of this story is that the missionaries who lived next to her didn't follow the rules and were not living the way they should have.  They also became to buddy, buddy with her and so it is really bad.  She doesn't know how that relationship should be, so she was wanting to buy us tickets to a baseball game and all sorts of stuff.  We have a lot of work to do with her to try to correct that whole situation.  So, those were the people we have been meeting with and the rest is all less actives and members.  We are extremely busy.

So at the zoo this last week we were spray painting fencing and digging holes.  I also almost got grabbed by a lynx (well sort of), We were digging to replace a water line and the lynx cage was behind us.  Both of them were chilling next to the fence and Dave(zoo worker) said they like to reach out and grab through the fence, so pay attention.  I lost my balance, but caught myself ( was still a good distance away), but I looked back and they we on their hind legs just waiting for me, haha.  So, it was pretty funny, but guess you had to be there for that one.

We did service at Penny Lane, the thrift store, and this old lady started talking to us and so we told her who we were, what we are doing and everything.  She said that's nice and then said how she hates it when people knock on her door, because it puts her on the spot and she said she always says, "Look, I just changed religions for my husband and I don't know anything about my own religion, so why would I want to learn about yours?"   She was really funny and really nice, so it was a nice little encounter.

Then we planned a day a little badly because we accidently planned two dinners.  One was at 4 and the other at 6.  That might not sound too bad, but they loaded our plates with food, and might I add, these were not normal size plates! They were huge, very deep plates filled to the max!  The food was delicious as always, but once you hit that wall you can't taste it any more.  I got half way done with the second dinner's plate and couldn't eat anymore without going into an instant food coma.  So, I asked for a bag and they were really nice about it and then just beat ourselves up more because we didn't ask sooner!  But, the visit went really, really good and the people are amazing here.  They are so loving, and giving.

Yesterday on the way home from lunch with a member, it got really windy and this guy had a bunch of Mother's Day stuff up for sale on the side of the road.  We were about 5 feet away as we walked by when the next thing we know, there was this huge gust of wind and then I heard stuff fall.  Without a thought, like so many others would do, we just turned back and helped him out.  He was so grateful for the help.  Before my mission I probably would have just kept walking on.  It is just so cool for me to see how my companion and I, without even a thought, just automatically react to situations and end up doing as Christ himself would do. We have so many opportunities to serve and so many ways, it is awesome. Even just telling people hi and asking them how they are doing uplifts them so much and me too.

Holidays are awesome because it just provides us with another reason/way we can lift others up.   We told every woman we saw Happy Mother's Day and it was cool to see them light up, especially since before (and this is funny to observe sometimes) how they see missionaries coming and sometimes don't know what to do or how to act and so they try to avoid us doing all sorts of weird, totally noticeable things.

I love it here and the people here are amazing not just members, but everyone.  It is really cool to see how as long as we are doing what we need to do the Lord puts people in our path to uplift and He helps us find those whom he is preparing.

There have been so many times were people just come up to us without us even seeing them and they start talking to us and later tell us, "Ya know, I don't know what it is or why I came over here, but I feel like I needed to hear what you have to say and there is something different about you."  Anyway, I can keep going on and on about all the things that have happened, but these are just a few of them and I need to get going.

I want to leave you with my testimony that I know that this church is true and is the restored church of Jesus Christ on the earth today.

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God.

I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that those who read it and do as it directs will receive a witness of the truthfulness of these things for themselves through the Holy Ghost.

I know that God is the same yesterday, today and forever and because he is the same, he loves us more than we can comprehend and wants the very best for us.  As a loving parent guides and teaches a child he does so for us through prophets, the bible, the Book of Mormon, and through prayer.

I know that Jesus Christ lives and that this is his work and church on the earth today, and that knowledge becomes engraved deeper and deeper in my heart and soul every passing day as I see my prayers answered and see the lives of others change for the better and receive Christ's light in their countenances.

I know his invitation still stands to "come unto me.. and I will give you rest," and I know that as we do as he directs, to "learn of me," we can come to know him and come to know that he truly is the Only Begotten Son of God and our Savior and redeemer.

I testify of the truthfulness of these things with all my soul and with an invitation to all to put these things to the test and accept our Savior's invitation.

I say these things in the name of our Lord, our Savior, even Jesus Christ, amen.

Mon 5/6/2013 8:26 AM

This last week was really good except for Monday because my companion and I had food poisoning.

We have been working like crazy lately to fix the member missionary relationship because the ones here before were too much in the friend zone and the work slowed way down.  The good news is that we have been getting everyone excited about the work and our sheet for members to come out with us has been filled two times over now!   We are going out with members for everything. Teaching them how to better teach and receive revelation for the families they visit and really just for themselves as well in their own lives.

There are two awesome experiences I wanted to share with you. The first one is about an older lady whose name is Ana.  She is in her 60's and lives in the shelter home here.  She is from Puerto Rico and more about her I am not too sure since we have only met with her once.  I have not seen someone more ready than she is for the gospel!  The English missionaries told us about her because their ward mission leader met her and talked to her and she wanted a blessing.  We went to go give her one and gave her a Book of Mormon and explained it briefly to her.  After the blessing she was so grateful and especially excited for the Book of Mormon.  The next day she came to church and wants to get baptized.  She is one of the most amazing women ever!   All we have to do is teach her the lessons and make sure she understands exactly what it is she is doing because we want to make sure she is truly converted to the Gospel.   Anyway, that is that and her grandson who is 11 wants to be baptized as well and that will be something for the English missionaries because he knows more English than Spanish.

The second happened last night at a part member families house.  A little bit of a background.  The dad is not a member, the 13 year old son and mom are, but less active.  The dad has received all the lessons, like twice, and so we have been focusing more on helping him to gain the desire to stop what he needs to and get baptized. Before going in we prayed with such intent for the ability to know what this family needed especially Pablo and we felt we needed to read a chapter with them and we chose the Psalm of Nephi in 2 Nephi 4.  Before we started, the wife was a little sick so we asked if she wanted a blessing (The lesson before was about the priesthood and we had a member bear his testimony on how it has blessed his family's life), so we gave one and the whole time I was praying with everything I had that the Spirit would pour out in that room and that she would start feeling better.  I prayed that my companion would say what the Lord would have him say and the Spirit entered the room so strong.  We could tell that Pablo saw us do this and it got his attention.  After that we started our lesson with a prayer and began reading.   After reading the chapter we asked everyone what they liked about it and we applied it to their lives.  Since my companion is going home this transfer and I still have a long way to go, I have been heading everything.  As I moved forward with faith and opened my mouth the words came out and I don't even remember what I said completely, but I do remember it was just pure testimony.  The spirit was so strong in that room and then my companion jumped in after me and bore his testimony confirming mine.  I remember us expressing our love for this family and why we were there. in a way that Christ himself would have.  The love of the Lord was present and for some reason I felt something come to mind that just kept pressing itself on me.  It was to have each family member think of something they truly love about each individual in their family and share it. The result of this was the Love of the lord filled the room and the Mother in a sense was awaken to her duty as mom and promised us before we even got to ask that she would gather her family without fail to read and pray together.  As much as I try, I cannot do this experience justice.  To be able to see where the dad has come and this whole family since we have been meeting them for 2 weeks now is incredible.  There is nothing better to see the light of the gospel start illuminating the lives of others.

My testimony of this wonderful gospel increases each and every day, especially when I have experiences like these.  There is nothing more wonderful and beautiful than inviting others to come to know what I have come to know and to see that light increase in their countenance.

Yo se que con my todo corazon y alma este Iglesia es la Iglesia de Jesucristo resterado en la tierra hoy de un propheta Jose Smith.  Yo se que tenemos un propheta en la tierra hoy.  Yo se que el Libro de Mormon es verdadero y es el evangelio de Jesucristo en la plentidud.  Yo se que Jesucristo vive y como magnifico este conocimiento es. Por que El Vive puedemos superar todas las cosas por medio de la gracia de Jesucristo.  Yo digo estas cosas en el segrado nombre de nuestro Salvador, Jesucristo, amen.

 

Mon 4/29/2013 8:34 AM

Be sure to tell Bishop Bahr and Bro. Lane and everyone I said hi.  

This last week has been very, very busy!  It was hard though because we have been struggling to meet with our investigators because of school, work and everything, so we end up doing quick drop by's.

 

We did get a list from our Branch Pres. of about 23 people to meet with; "sleeping members" (those who are going through the motions and less active) and then the inactives.  We were able to meet with about 15 of them and this last Sunday (yesterday) we had 12 inactives and less actives back at church!  It was really cool and so we are still jammed packed with trying to meet with them and keeping a look out on those who we feel need a little uplifting.

 

Our relationship with the members has been growing a lot as a result and last night we got a call after an appointment fell through from a member to come and visit his friend.  We ended up meeting with the friend, the wife and this other guy (a friend as well).  We shared the video, "Finding Faith in Christ" and bore our testimonies.  We are now going to meet with them on Wed.

 

On Sat. night we were asked to come to a Primary Activity to help out.  It was a Family Home Evening ordeal and the kids brought friends.  It was a good experience and I am glad we went because the lesson the Primary Pres. taught was about Sanctifying Our Lives and Faith.  It was really good, but it was a lesson that would have been a lot better for an older audience.

 

The primary kids crack me up!  We had an iron rod activity with a string and blindfolds and it was hilarious with the little kids.  They loved us being there and because of that experience those that are in the ward that were there trust us more and love us more. 

 

On Monday we did service from 9:30 -12 cleaning up the beach since the area we cleaned is where a member's son died from a drunk driver and also because it is a huge event the community does.  It was a good way to meet more in the community.

Before I leave I want to bear my testimony to all of you reading this especially those of you who ARE members.  I know that missionary work is the sacred responsibilty of all of us, both missionaries and members alike.  When we come to a knowledge of the goodness of God and his mercy and long suffering and taste of his love, than we have the obligation to spread this knowledge to everyone.  I am not saying we need to be preachy, but do respect other's beliefs, and then we just need to make sure we are good examples to them and always remember what the Savior did for us and that we should emulate Him in all things.  Share the gospel when people ask why you don't do something everyone else does do.  Share how amazing church was for you on Sunday when talking to your friends about your weekend.  This is the work of God.

Sorry if this doesnt make too much sense today, my companion, Elder hawks and I are feeling a bit sick. It is probably something we ate.
 

My schedule:

5:30-7 Gym

7-8 brkfast, ready for day

8-9 personal study

9-10 comp. study

10-11 lang. study

11-30 lunch

11:30-12:30 lang study

12:30-9:30 Appointments etc.

For language we are suppose to have the second hour of study, but it's hard to get it in because there is so much work to do.

This last week we didn't really have time at all to get any language study in because of service opportunities and visits that came up.  I can tell the difference.  Won't do that again!

 

Wed 4/24/2013 2:04 PM

There are so many cool things since the last time I wrote! 

 

On Sunday they asked me to give a talk on missionary work for 15 min.  I spent two hours Sat. prepping for it and was really excited because I saw it as a great opportunity to uplift, edify, strengthen their conversions, and help awaken everyone to their responsibilities. 

 

That morning I was starving, but I remember having such a strong desire to be able to communicate the things God would have me communicate to them, so I decided to fast.  I remember going over my talk as I sat on the stage before it started when a great desire came over me to just go and greet everyone in the congregation until the meeting started.  I was filled with such love that day.  I was the first to speak.  I remember pleading with all I had that I could be the Lords mouthpiece during this time to say the things that His people needed to hear.  When I stood up I was a little nervous, but then everything just came out as I opened my mouth.  I pronounced everything perfectly and the Spirit was so strong!  Then next thing I knew I wasn't even looking at the paper, but staring them all in the eyes and pouring my heart out to them and the things God wanted me to say.  It was such an amazing moment.

 

After sacrament everyone was astonished of what had come out of me, since I've only been out about 6 weeks now.  It was truly an amazing experience... being used as an instrument in the hands of the lord and to speak with tongues.  The best part is all day Sunday I was able to understand pretty much everything being spoken and able to speak to everyone.   My confidence in the language increased so much, but then the Lord, in his wisdom and humor, allowed me to have days this week where I could hardly understand anything or speak it!  It's still a wonderful thing to see His hand in my life.  I love it so much.  After the meeting we finally got a whole paper full of names of those who want to come out with us. There were just 4 names on the sign up and afterward all 20 slots were filled!

 

We have only been able to meet with Alma once since last time we visited her and her son because of her work schedule.  A member wanted to go with us, but we did not know she would be bringing her young daughter, who prove to be a big distraction.

 

We realized that what we really needed was to be bold with Alma because that is the only way anything really hits her, but she still has not set a baptismal date yet.  It's been hard to meet with her son since he has had a lot of doctor appointments lately, but our week is still really packed with appointments.  We received a huge list of names from our Branch Pres., and along with our investigators we have a lot going on.

 

Our branch sent in its paper work to become a ward!!! It is awesome!

 

Before I forget, another thing that happened on that same Sunday....while we were out contacting members and sharing messages with them we were called over two times by people in cars!  In each case they wanted to know more about the church and expressed how they felt they needed guidance in their lives from God.  It's neat to see how when were are doing what the Lord would have us do & go where he would have us go, by relying on Him, He puts people that He has been preparing in our paths.  How great and marvelous this work truly is!  It is amazing to see it move forward and especially to see the Lord's hands in it all, for it is His work we are doing, it is His Gospel we are sharing.

 

Every time I pour my heart out to him in humble prayer I always feel his love and guidance.  It is truly amazing to me to see the progress, not from what I can do, but based off what I can do with Him by my side.  To see where my Spanish was just a short few weeks ago, and where it is now and all of the different experiences where he has allowed me to speak with the gift of tongues, my heart is truly full of gratitude.  I am beginning to know what it means to trust in Him by turning to him in all things.

 

Oh how I wish I could just open my mouth and instantly share all of these things with all people, so they could come to know what I have come to know.  I am so grateful to be out here, to be able to have met some of the most amazing people in the whole world.  I hope with all my heart I can share this gospel with others with the same zeal and conviction that the sons of Mosiah did.  I love it so much and I'm so grateful for it in my life.

I know with all my heart that this church is the Church of Jesus Christ that has been fully restored on the earth today.  I know Jesus Christ knows each and everyone of us perfectly and our own individual struggles, for he suffered them for us in order to help us overcome and become like Him.  Last of all I know that Jesus Christ lives and this is his work, for it has beem made manifest to me time and time again before my very eyes.  I leave this testimony with you and a challenge to put to test my words to find out if what I say is true by doing the things I have said to do in the previous entries.  I leave these things with you all in the sacred and beautiful name of our Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ, amen.

Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 11:43 AM

By the way.....my companion made me a sandwhich that is called "Ramen Sandwhich".  You boil the water, throw in the Ramen for literally 2 sec. then take it out, split it open and then put an egg in the middle with ham and fry it on both sides then put it between two pieces of bread.  It's actually not too bad.  I wont eat it all the time, but it was pretty good.

The other Counselor in the Presidency is President Michael Haight.  Also, Clayton Christensen has a book out about member missionary work which is really good that is only 10 bucks because he wants it to be affordable.  I cant remember the title, but I'll let you know.  So, the library thing.  Today it was suppose to be closed because it is a holiday, but the one we come to is actually open.  Also we are very low on miles because of all the leadership training meetings we have been going to. So, it is just a maybe thing that I won't be able to email you on some Mondays.

This last week we didn't get to go do service because we had a leadership training and also interviews with the Mission President.  We work at the zoo from 11-1 and the thrift store, "Penny Lane," from 11-1 as well.  The thrift store also has a section that is used for disabled kids.  It's really nice.  We have a washer/dryer in our apartment, so that is really nice and I will send pics today of the apartment.

Last P-Day we went to the beach and lighthouse.  We hit tennis balls with a mini bat we found and played soccer and football.  I will send pics of the light house as well.  

I just want to make clear everything is going just fine out here, and I didn't mean to scare anyone, if  I did.  It was just very interesting to me about the circumstances going on out here.  There is a lot to write about.  

 

Before General Conference we met with this lady named Alma who has been what we call an "eternagator" meaning she has been taught all she can and still isn't baptized. She has been attending church for 9 years, 6 off and on and the past 3 every week.  We have been praying mightily striving to find out what she needs and to get her to open up to us.  We have been making progress.  Anyway, before Conference her son invited us in (1st time meeting him).  He is huge! A very big man. probably like 6'4" and just huge.  Anyway, his story is he had a 9 lb. tumor in his stomach and got it removed, so he has been recovering at his parents house and can't lift anything over 5 lbs.  He speaks english and something else I thought was cool, as he lived in Japan for a few years.  Anyway, we had him sit in on our visit with his mom and he participated a lot.  The main thing we came to this visit for was to prepare Alma for Conference and receiving that confirmation she felt she still needed that the Church is true (she believes the BofM is true and everything else, she just wanted a confirmation from God).  So we taught both of them.  I was filled with such a love for them, and the spirit was so strong.  We watched "General Conference Has Something For You" video by Jeffrey R. Holland and then shared further how wonderful Conference is and how we then can receive answers to any question we have if we prepare for it.  I had no idea what was going on, but I know that it was all the Spirit.  I can't take credit for it at all.  I bore testimony, I invited, I promised and told them exactly what they needed to hear.  Camillo (the son) accepted the invite to watch, so did the mom.  We taught them the purpose of prayer and how to pray and found out the mom's personal prayers were in bed laying down and she would fall asleep.  Anyway, it was an amazing experience.  The spanish rolled off my tongue. I had to ask my companion sometimes exactly what they were saying and ask for some words, but that didn't matter.  It was remarkable!  Alma watched it and Camillo watched one (since he is still recovering) and it was the one on faith and flipping the light switch on and off by Pres. Uchtdarf.  He liked it a lot and it has been getting him to ponder things.  We haven't been able to meet with him after that because when we stopped by he was at the doctors.  Alma, when we met with her the other day, said she wants to get baptized!  We tried setting a date with her but she isn't sure when and wants to talk with her sister who is also a member.  I remember leaving that house so filled with love and grattitude for all that the Lord had done for me and his help during that time.

Another cool experience was this last week when I went out on an exchange with an english elder in my disrtict.  We contacted referrals all day and it went really well.  His name is Elder Broadhead ( the one in the hat pic with me).  He is a country boy from Utah.  Also sometimes looks like Justin Bieber haha, but is really cool.  There was this girl who was probably 24 who loves learning about religions and believes in the morals of them, but wants nothing to do with religion.  She was very nice and it was a porch visit and we 1st talked to her about it really quick and gave her two B of M's and pamphlets of the restoration because she wanted one for her cousin in another state.  She loves the church's geneaology program and actually would defend our church from people saying things they didn't even know anything about, which was cool.   We left and started driving away when I got the prompting we should have gotten the information about her cousin, and so we went back because I felt strongly we needed to.  It turned out in the end that wasn't the reason we went back.  I know now that the reason we went back was to bear our testimonies.  I remember looking her in the eyes and bearing my testimony to her about the Book of Mormon.  I shared a little of my experience and as I bore testimony of it the spirit was so strong and her eyes started getting a little watery.  I then left her an invitation and challenge to put the book to the test.  To do what it said and promised her that she could come to know what we and many others have come to know.  Now I do not know what will come of this, maybe nothing, but I sealed our visit with my testimony and looking back it wasn't to get infromation on her cousin, but rather to testify that it was just not some other book, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is not just another religion, but it is the Church of Jesus Christ that has been restored on the earth today.  It was so amazing!  I love this work so much that I can't even come close to express the true feelings of my heart.

I would like to leave you all with my testimony, that I know this church is indeed the Church Christ himself established on the earth and it has been restored again today in its fullness.  Time after time of sharing this with others and seeing and feeling God's spirit solidifies that truth deeper and deeper within my soul.  I know that all who take the challenge, as I did, to put it to the test and do as it invites us to do which is, to read it, ponder it, and to ask God with real intent having a desire to know. I promise you that you will receive an answer of it's truthfulness by the Spirit of God otherwise known as the Holy Ghost.  What greater witness can you have than from God?  I am not here to convince you of its truthfulness, but rather invite you to find out for yourself.  I know God loves each and every one of us perfectly for I have felt that love even in the hardest of times.  I know that he knows each and every one of us perfectly for he is our Father in Heaven.  I know that Jesus Christ is the only Begotten Son of God and that he suffered more pain and anguish for us than we can ever come close to fully comprehending - "For I God have suffered these things for all that they might not suffer if they would repent.  But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I, which suffering caused myself even God the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, to bleed at every pore and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink.  Nevertheless I partook and glory be to the Father" D&C 16-19.  I know with all my heart, all my soul that Christ lives and he is always calling us to come unto him with his arms open.  I beg of you, please do not turn away from him.  Accept his invitation and you will come to know what I know, that he lives and how wonderful that is.  I leave this with you in the sacred name of our Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Salerno

Mon 4/8/2013 8:36 AM

Bad news..... I had more pics but I accidently deleted them all off my card : (

I was messing with my camera and clicked yes on arrange card or something like that and next thing I know everything was deleted!  I will have to take more.

Everything out here is going good.  It has been very hard lately with a lot of interesting things going on.  A little background on the Mission Presidency and the Boston, MA Mission. We have our Misson President, Pres. Packard - a successful lawyer, awesome man, very strong in gospel, and very very intune with the spirit, following it and looking for ways always to be better. His Counselors: Clayton Christenson - rated the smartest man in the business world, works at harvard as one of the big guys on campus.  He shares the gospel to some of the most intelligent people in the world and now has a study group for the book of mormon with them. :-)  We then have his other Counselor, Pres. Hate (not sure of his first name or spelling), a very, very successful businessman who meets with some of the most powerful men.  He always shares the gospel with them. A quick story, he was meeting with a very powerful man and felt prompted to share the restoration with him (btw they won't tell us who) he said the Spirit was so strong they were all crying.  So, this is just a little background of our presidency.

They obtained the records of our mission as far back as Salt Lake had, which was 5 years, and put the information through a very fancy computer for cause and effect.  It shows us the importance of having a member at EVERY LESSON.  It showed the baptismal rate increased because of this.  So, now the theme or vison of our mission is to build Zion.  It is possible if we keep doing all we can.  Elder M. Russell Ballard is very interested in this mission and keeps constant contact with the Presidency.  He has come back here a few times already and he is very excited about what is going on.  

In addition, our Mission President brought up in a meeting about how Satan is so very strong and doing all he can to stop this work. Since our Mission President was called he has had to send home 20 elders (he has been Pres. for 8-9 months). A lot is going on and I can tell you that Satan is doing everything in his power for I have felt it and I can't even imagine what it would be like if I was not set apart with the authority of God and power of God to go forth and preach this gospel.  Even after receiving this I can feel the weight, the great storms.  Never the less, I know in whom to trust and rely on.  Through Jesus Christ my Savior, my Redeemer I can do all things and Satan can have no power over me.  I have learned an even greater importance of being fully 100% obedient in ALL things and ALWAYS having my thoughts turned to the Savior and doing that with full purpose of heart.

I love this work, I love the people.  I know that this is God's work and he will continue to be by my side as he already has been.  It is so amazing to open my mouth with faith in Him, after doing all I can to prepare, and relying on the Lord faithfully, to then walk into a home and love those people perfectly and want with all my heart them to hear and accept the invitation to come to Christ.  I know how greatly they will be blessed.  It is amazing to do these things, feel this way and open my mouth not knowing what to say and then all of  a sudden find myself speaking spanish fluently, pronunciating clearly and saying things I know that are not from me but from God.  Then to see in their countenances a peace, light and hope come across them. There is nothing more magnificent than that.  I love it!   Experiences like that solidifies my testimony that this is the true church of Jesus Christ restored on earth once again and that has a prophet called of God to guide his children back to Him.

I know that this promise is for all who accept the challenge and invitation to put the Book of Mormon to the test.  For if you desire to know if the Book of Mormon is true, if you read it, ponder it then pray and ask God if it is true, in the name of Jesus Christ, God will tell you of its truthfulness in your heart and in your mind.  If the Book of Mormon is true, than Joseph Smith was a prophet who restored Christ's Church once again on the earth.  If that is true, then this Church is true and its trachings are true.  How great this knowledge is!  How great the peace, joy and guidance this can bring to lives!  I know this is all true because I have put it to the test.   It is what keeps me going when life gets hard and I now know in whom I can always rely on and that is Jesus Christ, my Lord, my God.  I know that Jesus Christ lives, that he gave his life willingly for us that we may, through his sacrafice become clean, receive peace, and know how to improve to become who he wants us to become.

I leave this testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, amen.

Elder Salerno

Please Keep me and all the missionaries in your prayers and pray mightily for us. We need it.  I need it. I love you all and mom I will get more pics and send them out to you.  Also, I may not be able to get to the library for a while.  If that is the case, I will write you letters and maybe you can scan them on the computer and post them up.  We will figure something out.  Anyway, I love ya. 

Mon 4/1/2013 8:35 AM

Oh, also I dont know if I ever told you.....

My companion and I have had a lot of work to do and still have a lot of work to do.

We came into this area with no new investigators, so we have been working hard in trying to find and get the members involved.  All the meetings we have had are 2 1/2 hours away.  The exchanges we have been pretty successful with because I feel we have been relying on the Lord. 

We now have 7 Investigators, one with a baptismal date and the others will have one too, we just need to meet with them more, but it has been hard since we haven't had the time this last week and we found them pretty much this last week and the week before.  We have a lot more people to find, but I love it!  Anyway, that's just a little update on the work.

Mon 4/1/2013 8:22 AM

Oh, and we do puzzles at the library while we wait for computers...check out my work!

Mon 4/1/2013 8:18 AM

For the last week or so we have gone on splits because my companion is the District leader and also because the Zone leaders wanted to get to know me better. So, I have been teaching a lot in English which is really, really nice but makes it hard to get back into the Spanish mode.

We do service twice a week.  Once at a zoo on Wednesdays in the morning for 2 hours and the next day at a thrift store for like 30 min. to an hour.  The zoo is the best part of the day! We get free entrance to the zoo (it isn't very big, but it is still cool) and they have huge tigers there.  This last week we helped to get an area ready for an Amur Jaguar that is very rare and so our work consisted of digging holes and breaking huge thick pieces of cement with a sledge hammer ( that was the fun part).  It was really nice because I have actually missed hard labor.  As for missionary work.....it's hard work too, but it's a different kind of hard.  On average. when we don't have the car, we walk about 10-12 miles a day.  I can do that easy enough, but it's the spiritual and mental work that is a bit different, but I love that too.  I am very glad for the experiences I had before my mission to prepare for my mission.

This last P-day we ate at this little mexican restaurant that members own called La Mexican which is so good.  They tell us to come by once a week and we get free food.  After that we went down to the beach because we had to stop by the old missionary apartment to drop some things off and the beach was actually really nice.  It was very cold, but beautiful.  I love looking out and seeing what seems an endless distance of ocean with beautiful blue skies and white fluffy clouds (how's that for description, mom!).  There was also a tiny little lighthouse that added to this scene.  If I had a fancy camera I would have probably just taking lots of pictures it was so beautiful.  If I had never seen the movie "Jaws" while growing up, I would probably live on a sailboat.  It was so peaceful out there.

After this little adventure on the beach we stopped by this car shop near our house that has all sorts of very old cars and very nice ones at that.  For instance there was a 1932 Mercedez and a 2006 Astin Martin.  Very nice!  The men who worked there were really cool guys as well.  I am not very good at taking pictures, so I will try to get better at that as well, but I did get some pictures of some of the cars, so check them out.

As for the language I still have a lot to learn and most of it is getting my ear use to the different languages spoken.....practice, practice, practice!

I love this work because I know that since the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christ's church fully restored on the earth today, the same church Christ established when he was on the earth.  Because of this knowledge is the reason why I am serving a mission.  This is something all people can come to know, as I have, IF they just put the Book of Mormon to the test and accept it's invitation.  I know once they do this they will know that Jesus Christ is the son of God; that this is His true church; that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and that we have a Prophet on the earth again today.  I know that once they come to know this they will learn the answers to the questions of life. Why are we here?  What happens after this life?  How can I be truly happy?  How do I need to live for this to happen?  I know this because I stand as a witness of it for I have put it to the test.  I know others lives can be blessed because of this knowledge and there is no greater knowledge to have than this.  I know that Jesus Christ lives and knows us perfectly and wants us to turn to him, so he can help us in all things. I leave these promises and testimony with you in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Salerno

Mon 4/1/2013 7:47 AM

Easter was really, really good!  I loved it so much!  My companion found out during our meeting with our Branch President that our Mission President turned us over to them and said we can hold any calling they need filled and that if that happens we can then be in that area for a year!  It is pretty cool to think about.  Later for church we did something in every block, lol!  In sacrament they called us up to bear our testimonies on the Savior and it was a very spiritual experience for me.  The spirit was so strong!  After that we taught sunday school to youth from 12-18 about the Atonement. We watched "The Lamb of God" and then my companion turned the time over to me. The spirit took over and all the things I learned about the Atonement in the past two years came back to my memory. Some of the youth started getting teary eyed and it was just a very very spiritual experience. There is nothing grander than to know by the Holy Ghost that Christ took upon Himself all our sins, sickness, infirmities, and everything that is unjust in this life that we will go through. "Which suffering caused myself even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every poor and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink." - D&C 19:18.  To know exactly what the Savior went through because of the love he has for us, is so amazing; that we can be forgiven of our sins, receive peace and comfort and hope during any trial we go through in life.  It is so amazing.

Later on in the evening we baptized a lady named Maria Lopez. She is so nice and patient with me tryin to understand her lol (speaking and understanding the lang. are completely different things especially with so many different spanish dialogues in our area), it was an amazing experience! My first baptism and we are going to baptize her 20 year old daughter in 2 weeks as well. One of the things I loved is when we asked her about how she felt right after she was baptized, words cannot even explain how much love I felt for her and the Spirit that was present. The joy, the peace, the strength she felt because she decided to follow our Savior Jesus Christ and his example and be baptized by those who hold the proper priesthood authority of God is so wonderful. There is nothing greater than seeing those you love follow Christ's footsteps because you know how much it will bless their life.

I have to go relog, my time is up.

Mon 3/25/2013 8:26 AM

It really isn't all that ghetto.  I don't think so any way, but there are some pretty ghetto places.

 

It is sad because a lot of the houses were once so beautiful, but they aren't taken care of.  There are usually 3 families living in one house, but sometimes there is 5-6, so the whole house is divided up.

 

The weather hasn't actually been to bad.  I like it.  It snowed once where it really stuck, but the next day most of it melted.

 

We have been eating pretty good.

 

A little too good, lol, but every Monday morning a member brings a huge thing of cooked rice, meat and juice, so we always have something for dinner or lunch if needed.

 

The families here feed us pretty often, so far any way, and they really stuff you!

 

I am keeping a journal.  I admit, not as often as I should, but every time I have a very awesome spiritual experience, I write it down.  I am trying to do better at it every night.

 

I love all the architecture out here.

 

Elder Salerno

3/18/2013 7:35 AM

Lol. I have actually had dates before (to everyone - the kind you eat!) and they are pretty good.

I will send the misson schedule to you next pday, but yes, this is still the email you write to and send everything else to my mission  office and then they send it to me. It is easier this way because then I dont have to worry about it. It jsut takes a little longer to get to me. And next pday I will send pics to you through email.

Could you let Nate and Paige know I can listen to music and everything out here. We are allowed to listend to Lord of the Rings stuff!  lol.....Really, just anything not too crazy, but I just want music to turn my thoughts to my Savior. Tell the Hainsworths and Anna I said CONGRATS!   Thanks for doing that on Facebook for me and I am proud of you to figure it out! lol

Ok, so for the good stuff.......I am serving in  Bridgeport, Conneticut, the very bottom of our mission area and everyone in the mission says it is the most ghetto of it all, but I love it!

I am in a full time spanish speaking area and I'm in a spanish branch.  They meet in a very different kind of building.  I will take a pic of it for you.

Anyway there are currently 14 Priesthood Holders who pay tithing and we need 1 more to pay tithing in order to become a ward.

As far as investigators, when I arrived it was halted a bit.  Now we have a lady named Maria ready to get baptized which will be very soon.  My companion is Elder Hawks and has been out for 21 months, so in missionary language I am his last son and am going to kill him.  He is a good Elder and speaks really good espanol.  Anyway we have been working as hard as possible and have been having a lot of pretty good success in finding people since we have been relying on the Lord and talking to EVERYONE we see!  However, there are a good number of those we have found that speak English.  When they are interested we have to pass them along to the English Elders.  But, anyway, it is amazing out here, so that is the background.

My Mission President, President Packard and his family are AMAZING. There are really no words to describe them.  They have been out for 8 months and have changed this mission so much for the better.  We have become a really successful mission under their guidance.  All we do here is focus on the members because it is through members that the work is really most successful.   President and his wife are both lawyers and very intelligent.  His counselors are very intelligent as well.  His counselor wrote a book about how to become successful ward missionaries ( members) and did it because M. Russell Ballard told him to write it because of his success in it. So we are using that as a tool to our advantage.

Cool experiences.......

The day after arriving to Boston we were staying at the mission home and they took us to Boston Commons ( a park ) to go contact people.  I was companioned with Elder Treseder who was in my District at the MTC.  Well, let's just say the people out here are different, they never even really talk to each other or say hello.  It is just different.  So anyway, before we started we prayed and asked God to help us find those whom he has been preparing for us (field is white) and after moving forward opening our mouths and getting completely ignored (which was not bad at all, but fun) we finally came to a guy who was pulling out his guitar and we started talking to him. Shortly after, he opened up to us and talked about how the people here aren't very welcoming and open and then he started telling us about his life.  He has had a hard life and addicted to many things. Because of his background he was praying to God for help and then we walked up, so he thought that maybe this was the help.  I know that as we move forward, not judging others, seeing them rather as they can become, the Lord will help us find those whom he has been preparing for us.

I arrived on Wed. to my mission area and my companion showed me where we go to church which is right across the street ( which is nice) and as we were walking around getting to work I was just filled with a great love and vision for this area, those in it and what we could do here.  Our mission theme is to Build Zion.  I know we can as we just give the Lord our all, relying on him, recognizing He is the one that makes all things possible. I can't explain fully how I felt, but I just got a vision of what this area could turn into and it is amazing!  We have a lot of work to do, but the success we have already had is because we are giving the Lord our all and constantly looking for ways to give even more and the Lord has blessed us.

As for the language...... Let's just say I have a lot of improvement. There are so many different forms of spanish here.   I pick up words, but for the most part I'm lost, but it's ok.  I love every second of it. I love the people and the Spirit guides me.  I don't know what I say half the time.  I just open my mouth and it is wonderful.  It is, however, a little harder to open my mouth when I have no idea what is going on, but I love it anyway.

I have to go replensih my computer time......I will continue in another message.


Mon 3/18/2013 8:05 AM

 

So, as I have mentioned, we have been busy.  We share a van with the other missionaries in our apartment. There is one other companionship.  What we have been doing is instead of riding bikes when we dont have the van or for the days we don't need it, we just walk. That way we can contact every single person we see on our way to places.  It is going very well.

Since we went right to work when I first got here, I haven't gotten groceries at all, so I have been living off of rice and really just the snacks I had from the MTC and what the other missionaries have been letting me eat.  I don't eat much cuz I don't want to eat all their food.  But, it will all change today lol!

The weahter has been below 30 the past few days and its really the wind chill that gets you more than anything.

On Sunday I met the members of the Branch.  I was, for the most part, lost during the whole thing, but they called me up to introduce myself and bear my testimony. It seemed like I was up there for only a second and it was really cool. That was probably one of the times that I did pretty good at speaking it.

So, since I have been out here, with everything going on, Wed. I had no language study.  Thursday no language study because we had an appointment in the morning, and then the same with Friday. Saturday I didn't either because M. Russell Ballard came to speak to our mission and since we were too far away it was broadcast to us, but it was really good (Sorry I'm all over the place and my grammar and everything is not good. Just too much to say.)

To say in simplified terms. This place is amazing!  I love everything about it.  I love the area, people, and the buildings.

I am able to go forth and share this message to ALL people no matter the circumstance because I know that this church is true.  I know that because it is true, if the individuals that we share it with will accept the challenge to put our testimonies to the test along with the words of the Book of Mormon they WILL receive a witness that it is true.  That God loves them, knows them, and has restored his church in its fullness yet again on the earth.  With this knowledge and by following this they will then come to know who they are, what the purpose of life is and be able to obtain a level of peace, joy and happiness that they would not otherwise be able to obtain. I know this will happen because I put it to the test.  I have experienced this for myself and know from God that this is true.

This is a promise for all. Those of you reading this, please put my words to the test.  What do you have to lose?  If anything at all you have so much more to gain than you can yet comprehend at this time.  I leave you with my testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christ's church fully restored on earth again.  That we have a living prophet today as in times of old who receives guidance from Jesus Christ himself because this is Christ's church.  I know with all my heart that this is true and that Jesus Christ lives. I leave this testimony and invitation to you in his sacred name, even the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Salerno

Mon 3/11/2013 1:42 PM

Thank you for the goodies!  By the way, I loved them =D.  Also, I mailed home my temple bag with my temple shoes because I dont need them I can just use clothes from the temple, but I had to keep my pants, tie and socks. Yes, it will probably be better off sending stuff to the mission home because my address changes and they can mail to me whereever I am.

 

 

Fri 3/8/2013 6:28 AM

I don't know if I already said this, but please make sure you get on my facebook and let everyone know.  Also post my Boston address on there and on my blog so people will  know how to write me and whatever. Thanks. Love ya. Also write Garrett, Petey and Gavin on facebook and let them know about it.  Anyway thanks again love ya.

On Fri, Mar 8, 2013 at 5:52 AM

By the way, some of my pics, the quality, was not the greatest.... like it was too bright because my camera is new and I am still trying to figure out settings, but I'm told they can easily be fixed, so you can ask someone how to make them better or do it yourself.  But they are all good. Some are just kind of random, lol.

 

3/8/2013 5:44 AM

Thank you for letting me know about my taxes.  Yes, Rosette did send me a pic of her name tage too!  lol.  

Any way, I love ya and sorry I didn't get to write as much as last time.

Be sure to tell me how everyone is doing and let everyone know I love them.

Also please email the website address for my blog and once a week if you would get on my facebook and post the website to the blog and get on and post little tidbits of my experiences, testimony, or whatever you feel like.....Please?

I love ya mom and thank you again for all you have done and continue to do for me.

Elder Salerno