HEY!

    What’s up family? Like Dad said it was really good getting to talk to you guys the other week and I really enjoyed it. It was also good getting to hear every ones voice and like you said it had been awhile since I had spoken to josh so it was really good to finally get to talk to him after two years. It sounds like you all have some pretty fun plans for this upcoming year so that’s good! I can’t believe this year has already come and gone. It went by really fast! 

    Well to be honest this week was a little slower than normal. A lot of our investigators were out of town for the holidays so we had a lot of down time but we made the best of it. We were able to find a couple families to teach, a family of 4 and another family of six, five of which can be baptized so we’re seeing some blessings. We have actually talked to the family a couple times and the dad seems pretty interested which is sweet because it’s usually the other way around in which the dad never wants anything so it’s a blessing. He also told us that his son loves the folleto we left with them to read and that he almost has it memorized! I really hope all goes well for them and that they will continue progressing. You’ll have to pray for them.  

   I do have some great news, we have been teaching a person named Lalo (not sure if I have ever told you about him or not) but this last Saturday he was baptized! Lalo is 18 years old and we met him through his brother Pedro who is a recent convert. There both really good people and we have been working with them a lot these past few months. Lalo likes the church and has a good testimony that its true but his mom is very catholic and didn’t support him at all in his decision to be baptized (little does she know we’re going to baptize her next!) jk ha-ha but it really would be cool if she would listen to us and join her sons in the true church. The baptism went smooth without any problems so that was also a big blessing. It was a really good experience and I’m glad I was a part of it. 

   Also Like I said this Sunday well have changes so well have to wait to see what happens. I think I will stay here for another change which is alright but I’ll be ready to go after ha-ha but who knows well see what happens. Well for the most part that’s what happened. For new year’s its about 100% sure we`ll just keep working, we might get to go home early because people here like to shot their guns in the air and a lot of members have told us to go home early so we will also see what happens this week ha but I just want to let you all know how much I love you guys. Thanks so much for the support and I hope you have a great week!

Love Elder Hope!

Congrats!

   Well congrats Jeff and Becky! Dad told me the good news! thats sweet that the Hope family is growing. Well before I forget I had better pass you the number to the church here in Pino, 019545435354 Im not sure if that includes the extension or not but Im going to be calling home on the 25th so i hope that works for you all. I was thinking about calling you guys 5 o'clock MY time, I dont remember if your an hour ahead of me or behind but keep that in mind 5 PM MY TIME. I should be able to write you a small little letter monday to let you know if the plans change. FYI there going to be really strict on the 40 min time limit this year so have the questions ready and I will do my best to answer them all. Also I got the other package that you sent me so Im really excited to see whats in them! The Dyer Family also sent me a package which was really nice of them so if you see them tell them thanks.

  Also Josh I didnt forget about you but I just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY! man, your really getting OLD jk bro love you. Dad I hope thats you in the santa clause uniform or I'm gonna have to kick santas but for kissing my mom! ha-ha  I also got the pic of Josh and all of his old friends back together, they all still look like the same punks I knew in high school ha-ha. 

   Thats good to hear that Jim is doing better and that he was able to go to Church, I hope he keeps improving. I would tell you all what I have been up to but I thought I would wait until I can tell you over the Phone. Today we did play a little soccer which was pretty fun. Also the Christmas "party" that we had was pretty fun and I was pretty surprised! it was really good to see a pic of all the family together and I got a pretty good laugh at the pic you sent of the family a while back. For the most part thats about all I have, Im really excited to be able to talk to you all this Christmas and I hope you all have a good week and that you all travel safely throughout the week. If I forgot anything that you need to know about calling let me know and I will answer next monday. I love you and and Ill talk to you soon!!!!

Love Jake!

Hey!

   Hey family how’s everything going? It seems like this week has flown by! I guess I’ll give you a little run down on what been going on. This week I went to Cuaji to do divisions with the elders over there in Guerreo. It went really well and I was able to learn a lot from Elder Gomez. He’s from Chiapas and is a really humble guy, he’s the only member in his family and no one in his family has email accounts so he hasn’t spoke with them since mother’s day. He’s given up a lot to serve on a mission and like I said I learned a lot from him. It was a little bit of a problem to get to his area because there were some people that were on riot and tried to close off the roads but after waiting for a while we were able to get there. After we got home we cracked open a couple coconuts and drank some agua de coco. I’ll try to send you a pic. 

   The other day I and my comp had a pretty interesting experience. We went to talk with a new member and while we were talking to him some guy came up and tried to contend with us. Long story short he was a preacher from a church called testigos de Jesus and he was not a very nice guy. We talked to him for a little bit but he didn’t really want to learn so we just sat there and listed to him read a couple Scriptures from the bible. He’s really confused and I hope one day he will find the truth or at least understand what he’s reading. Actually this week has been really weird, a lot of people have been asking us a lot of weird questions and trying to argue with us. Just last night someone asked us if Adam and Eve had belly buttons and then tried to argue with us about evaluation. But oh well.

   This week on Wed we will be going to Puerto Escondido’s again for our Christmas party. It should be pretty fun all I know is that President is going to talk a little and then were going to eat and play games so it sound be pretty fun. I’ll let you know how it goes. Also I’m working on a place of where I will be calling this Christmas. Probably in our church. They say we can call home the 23 24 25 so I’m not sure what day you want to talk, I was thinking the 24 but let me know what day is best for you guys. I’ll try to get the number to you as soon as possible. Well I know this is a super lame letter but my mind is blank right now so I’m sorry. I also feel like this letter doesn’t make any sense so forgive me but I’ll talk to you all soon.

You’re in my prayers daily, love Jake. 

Family,

   What up family? How’s everyone doing? To answer your question I am doing a lot better than I was last week. I pretty sure what I had was a stomach infection and also an intestine infection which is caused by the food so I’m not too sure what I ate that made me so sick but I’m glad that it is over. 

    This has been a pretty good week. The zone leaders and I had divisions and it went really good. I was able to learn a lot and I hope I will be able to apply all that I learned so that I can become a better missionary. Also speaking of divisions tomorrow I will be heading to Cuajiniwilapa again to do divisions with the elders over there. So once again I Will be leaving Oaxaca to go to a different state for a day. The good thing about it is that it’s only an hour bus ride away from Pino.... ha. 

   Oh and before I forget, I got the package you guys sent me. It’s been hard not to open it but I’m going to wait until Christmas that way I will have at least some presents ha-ha. I did open the rain deer that you sent though and that was sweet the only bad thing is that I live with 4 other elders and they ate all the "deer poop" so now it’s just on my desk helping me get into the Christmas mood (it doesn’t feel like Christmas when it’s hot outside). 

   That’s sweet that you guys went to dills reception I’m sure it was pretty neat. I’m pretty sure the kid that sat and talked to you was a kid named Chris and yes we used to go lift at sugar together. That’s crazy that he’s getting married also. I also can’t believe that JC went snowboarding. I think I’m really starting to miss the snow but it’s all good I’m sure it will be there next year. 

   This week we were able to find a pretty cool investigator named Mario. He was a contact and right off the bat he seemed like a really nice guy. The other day we taught his a lesson and we asked him what he thought about baptism. He then told us that he was baptized twice before. After explaining to him about the priesthood and the importance of being baptized in the true church he told us he was willing to be baptized again! He’s a really good guy and I look forward to working with him some more. 

Well I know this is a boring letter but I’m going to try to send you some pics so I hope you get them. About Christmas I’ll be looking for a place in which we can call you guys and I’ll try to let you know what will work 

Well I hope you all have a good week, I love each and every one of you so much!  You’re always in my prayers!

Con Amor Elder Hope!

Family,

 Well week has gone by fast. We also had changes and well I’m staying here with my comp Elder Lopez again. I’m pretty excited and I’m sure I will learn a lot from him. This was a pretty good week with a lot of ups and downs. I guess I’ll start off with the good news first. Saturday we had a baptism! His name is Emanuel and he’s a young  kind about 7 years old.... jk ha-ha he’s 11 almost 12. Just about everyone in Emanuel’s family are members but were in active. When I and my comp got here we found their names on a paper and decided to go over and see what’s up. So we did and we found Emanuel in the process. We have worked a lot with the family to get the reactivated in the church and they have been coming faithfully for several weeks. Emanuel is a really smart kid and had a lot of questions that we were able to answer. He was really excited for his baptism. The baptism service went smooth without any problems so that was a huge blessing from above. 

 On the other hand I felt horribly sick this week! I still don’t feel too good right now but I’m getting better. It all started Friday afternoon. Long story short it got to the point where I had to go home and have my comp give me a blessing. I had a really bad fever, head ach, and body aches. It wasn’t fun at all. After my comp gave me the blessing I laid in bed for a couple hours with a wet towel on my head to try to keep cool. We went to the doc Friday night but they turned me away from a checkup because they said it was too late. Luckily they did give me some pills to take which helped a lot. Friday night I threw up a couple times and didn’t sleep at all. Saturday I spent all day I’m my bed resting until 630 when we went to our baptism. But it’s all good I’m just glad that the baptism went well and that Emanuel was happy. It was also my comps first baptism so I’m happy for him. 

   Thanks so much for all the pics that you sent me I really enjoyed seeing all of them. Also you’ll have to tell Dillon congrats for me! I know that this letter is going to be short and probably boring but I have to send some things to the office so I had better go. But don’t worry I’m doing well and I’m enjoying the mission also I will get to talk to you all soon since Christmas is only a few weeks away!!! But until next week,

Love E. Hope 

Que Onda?

   Yo what’s up family! Wow what a good week. It’s good to hear that Jim is doing better and I hope that everyone has a good Thanksgiving, I’m about 100 % sure we will just work that day like we did last year so everyone eat a little for me! That’s sweet to hear that the football team took state! good for them and tell CJ congrats! Tell josh I want to see the deer that Jody shot this year and also to be careful hunting, I just heard the other day that an elder in our zones brother died in a hunting accident so BE CAREFULL! 

   So much went down and I would like to tell you everything I did but I’ll probably forget something cool or won’t have time but I’ll try anyways. Saturday I went to Puerto Escondido’s again for a meeting with all the DLS AND ZLS with Pres the assistants. All I have to say is that the mission is changing like CRAZY! The short version is that they basically don't want us to have to knock doors anymore! Actually there are nine missions here in Mexico where they don’t ever knock doors and they have more success then us ha-ha! the plan for the mission is that we will work more with the members and that the members will step up and support the missionary program here in Mexico so all we will have to do as missionaries is teach. It’s going to include a lot of work but I’m supper excited to be a part of all the changes. So Saturday we spent just about all day there. On the way back president gave us a ride back to Pinotepa which is a 3 hour drive from Puerto. I learned that pres is a crazy driver that day, we made the drive in trip in less than 3 hours, hit a couple topes (random speed bumps they have in the roads here) and almost took out a huge Iguana that was crossing the road. It was a sweet trip and I learned a ton.

   Sunday was sweet also because we had a district conference with all the little branches here including Cuajiniuilapa, Huaxsolo and Huaxaltepec. We filled the building with 27 investigators! It was awesome; Pres Leyva and all the other members gave a super sweet talk and filled the building with the spirit. Pres Leyva spoke about tithing and fast offerings and did a fantastic job. He’s such a smart guy and I love listing to him speak. We had a sweet Investigator come named Susana come even though so was so sick she could barely walk. She said she felt horrible but really enjoyed the talks and even though she was sick she knew she had to go to church. Also ever since I got here we have been visiting with a less active member named Marilena, I must say I was pretty happy when she walked in and sat behind us. She too also loved the talks that were given. It was a supper good week and It went by way to fast, this is also the last week of the change so we will have changes this week but I’m sure I will stay here... at least I think so! But I had better go once again I love you all so much and I hope you all have a good week! Take care and know that you are all in my prayers!

Con Amor ELDER HOPE!

AKA Buscavidas!

WOW!

   It sounds like a ton of stuff has been going on back at home! I hope that everyone is doing good and being safe. I did hear that Pres Obama won again so that's interesting...... ha. 

   Well this was a pretty good week. Like I said last week I went to Oaxaca and the trip went well. I was pretty tired when I got home but it was worth it and let me tell you why. When we were in Oaxaca we went and filled out all the papers and then we had some extra time before we had to get on another bus to head "home". we talked to president a little bit and he gave me Elder Graves permission to go to the temple and attend a session so we went. You wouldn't believe who I saw there..... As I was walking out I say EDDI my first convert!! It was super cool and really exciting. I had no idea that he was going to be there. IT WAS SUPER COOL TO GET TO TALK TO HIM A LITTLE BIT. He seemed a little nervous; it was his last week before he leaves on his mission. I was able to give him my email so that we will be able to keep in touch. When I got back to the offices I told President what happened and he was super happy for me. I love President Leyva he’s such a good guy and I can really tell that he loves each and every one of the missionary's like his own child. All in all it was a pretty sweet trip and I was super excited to talk to Eddie once before he left and congratulate. I will never forget it.

   On the other hand there have been a lot of little earthquakes here the past few weeks. The other day we were in the church and everything started to shake pretty well. Everyone here says that the world is going to end. What are the people saying back at home?

   My comp has been teaching piano classes every Saturday here in the church. In fact he was asked to play yesterday in another ward so that they could do their primary program. He really likes to play and I could tell he has a good time teaching piano. Oh I also got the package you sent me and that was awesome! I have loved eating the candy, drinks (I love the drinks they send me on a memory trip back home of me eating breakfast on the couch upstairs before I would go to school so I love it ha-ha)  I have to fight the other three elders that I live with to keep them away from the peanut butter ha-ha its worth more that gold here. 

   So many things have gone on that I would love to tell you all about but I just don’t have time! I’m keeping a pretty good journal so that when I get home I can share more stories with you all. I had better get going once again but thanks so much for all the support! I love hearing from you all every about what’s going on back at home. I hope that everything will go good for you all throughout the week and that you will all be safe! I pray for you nightly,

Con Amor, ELDER HOPE

YO!

   What’s up family sounds like it has been a pretty eventful week back at home, I hope that Jim is doing well and that he will be able to recover, tell grandma and them I say hi. That’s sweet that Madison is winning, it sounds like they have had some pretty good games so far. 

   This week was pretty sweet like I said I got to go back to Puerto this week where we had a multi zone meeting. It was super cool because we got to hear from Jose Alonzo, a 70. It was a super cool meeting and I learned a ton! The way Elder Alonzo taught was really cool. He’s a funny guy and is really good at motivating people. He spoke a lot on asking people for references and inviting them to be baptized. He also shared a lot of cool scriptures with us from the Book of Mormon and from the Bible. I wish I had time to share them with you but I don’t ha. I only hope that one day I will be able to know as much as he does when it comes to the scriptures. I wake up every morning and read from the book of Mormon on a little balcony that we have (we live in an apartment about 4 stories up) I love it because it looks over the city. It really is a pretty place here in Pinotepa. There have been a couple of little earth quakes here, I don’t have a bed frame and I sleep on the floor so I always feel the little movements of the building. 

   Hey so what’s going on over there in the states? I heard that there was a really bad hurricane that hit New York and that a lot of people have died is that true? Maybe you can send a little clipping and ill print it off next week to read. 

   I just found out that tomorrow I will be heading back to Oaxaca tomorrow night at 8 to fill out some more papers for my visa. So it looks like it will be another long night on the bus ha-ha but oh well. I’ll stay there for the day and then head back home wed night at 9pm.  I still haven’t got the package that you sent me but I’ll keep an eye out for it. Maybe when I go to the offices wed it will be there. 

   Well once again I’m pretty much out of time so I better get going, Once again I love you all so much and I hope everyone is having a good day. I’ll let you know how my trip to Oaxaca goes next week. Love you all have a good week!

Elder Hope!    

Family,

What’s up family? Wow this has been another crazy day and week. I and my comp are still working pretty hard to find some new people to teach here in Pino, we have found a couple of pretty cool people. Tomorrow I’m going to be going to a different state!!! Turns out our mission goes a little into the next state over, Guerrero so tomorrow I’m going on divisions with the elders in the area of cuaji so ill be chilling outside of Oaxaca for a day crazy huh! 

 My new comp is elder Lopez; he’s from Sonora and has about two months in the mish so I’m just finishing up the training. He’s a pretty good kid and is a really good teacher. It’s been really fun to be with someone straight from the MTC because he’s ready to work and wants to talk to everyone. We live with the Zone Leaders and there both pretty cool guys, one is named E Hollis he’s from Arizona and we get along really well. He’s also kind of teaching me how to play the guitar in our spare time. 

We found a pretty cool family this week. It actually just started off contacting. We met a lady who was really nice and let us in her house to teach a little bit. We taught about Joseph smith and the book of Mormon she accepted the lesson really well and we placed a date to come back. When we went back her husband was hanging out in this hammock reading the book of Mormon! He told us he has never seen it before and he was really excited to learn more about the church. There both really cool people and I can defiantly see them progressing in the church. 

That’s crazy how much it has snowed over there, right now I’m sweating! I wanted to go snowboarding pretty bad the other day but I know that can wait. I can’t believe that Thor is a dad of 7 ha-ha you’ll have to send me a pic of that also. As for the shoes everything is ok there still holding p pretty good. But I could use a nice razor and some extra blades. Also our mish just banned iPod touches and guess what I have an iPod touch so I’m thinking that I’ll send it home the next time I send a package. I still haven't got the last one you sent me but this week we are going back to Puerto Escondido's for a zone conference. The area president is coming to talk to us so if the package is in the office I should get it there. Thanks for keeping me informed on what’s going on at home I like to hear the news. I love you all so much but I had better get going. I hope you all have a good week and ill write again soon! 

Love Jake  

Wow these have been a crazy last two weeks, sorry about not writing last week Josh was right we had transfers and I totally forgot to tell you guys because one I was about 100 percent sure I was going to stay but Nope! Right now I’m sitting in the coast in a place called Pinotepa. It’s about 12 hours away from where I used to be. I left Sunday right after we got the calls and stayed the night in Juchitan with the L.Z. then I woke up left Juchitan at 7 and headed to my new area. I was lucky and got to stop at the coolest place here in Oaxaca it’s called Puerto Escondido I took some pics and if I have time I’ll try to send them off to you, but if not look it up on the computer it’s amazing! I was only there for a couple hours while I went and ate with some other elders. I got there about 2 pm and then I got on another bus and took a three hour ride from Puerto to Pinotepa. I found out this week that president is one of those guys that like to rip the bandage off fast because he moved me up to district leader. I’m also training my new comp E Lopez, and were re-opening our area so it’s quite a big load but I’m excited and I know that I will learn a lot here.

I’m living with 2 other elders, our LZ so that’s pretty cool. One of them is named E. Hollis. He was in etla before I was and one of his converts that I worked a lot with got sealed this week in the Temple and we both got to go! So me and E. Hollis rode on a bus from Pino to Oaxaca (WHICH IS LIKE ANOTHER 11 HOURS) over night. That day we went to the sealing and it was awesome. I actually was teaching the sister of the lady that got sealed and she told me that her sister is now baptized and with the new change in age limit for missions she is wants to go on a mission. Her name was Epifania. It was super cool because I got to see a lot of the members from Etla and talk to them a little bit. That night we got on another bus at 9pm to go back to Pino. So these last couple weeks I have been on a bus for a really long time and I have been all over Oaxaca! But I loved it.

It’s hot here in Pino, not as hot as Ixtepec but the problem is our area is all HILLS so I’m sweating like crazy here. Were about 40 mins away from the coast so it’s also a little humid. I’m still just getting used to the change. Our branch here is tinny! This Sunday there was like 35 members there in total so we hope we will be able to add a few numbers to that. I’m sorry that this letter is all over the place and I hope it all makes sense but I have better go so I can try to send some pics. I love you all so much and I love hearing what’s going on around the house and with the local sports so keep that up. I hope all is well and I hope you all have a great week. Take care and be safe.

Love Elder Hope  

Hey!

   Wow this has been a crazy week and so much has gone down so I will try to fill you in on all that has happened this week. First off I guess I will tell you about my trip to Oaxaca. Well the tables have been turned and Monday I found out that I was the illegal one! Right after I got done writing you last week I got a call from my leaders telling me that I had to go to Juchitan to catch a bus that was leaving for Oaxaca at 11 pm. so I headed to Oaxaca to sign some papers. It was pretty much just a day trip but it was cool because I got to hang out with all my old Friends for the day. We almost got to go to a Temple session but the temple was closed so president let all the elders from my generation to go out and eat together.

   Friday we had a little stake activity that went pretty well. It was pretty much an open house and inside there were members who would answer questions. It was a pretty good turnout and the elders that live with us had a baptism afterwards. It was good because a couple of our investigators were able to see how the baptism goes, Oh ya we also had interviews with president Friday morning and that went really good also.

   Saturday and Sunday we headed back over to JUCHITAN to watch Conference. We ended up staying over there for the night so that we wouldn’t spend so much money. Conference was great and I loved it! There are so many parts that I liked and I would share them with you but I just don’t have time. It was super cool because here all the wards from around Juchitan go to the stake center to watch Conference. Well it was awesome because I was able to see a lot of the members from my old area Xadani! It was super fun to get to talk to them and see how they all have been doing. I loved it. While talking to them a member came up to me and started telling me about an investigator that w were teaching when I was back in XADANI. His name was Radelio and he was an older guy that lives off fishing. He told me that the recently went over to visit with him and found out that he had fallen sick, death bed sick. They started talking and the member told me Radelio started talking about me. He said that I had told him something that he wouldn't ever forget I honestly don’t remember what I said to him but I’m sure it was something inspired by the Holy Ghost. Whatever it was I hope that he will get better.

 Well once again I had better go I’m about out of time. I just want you to all know I love you and look forward to hearing from you every Monday. I hope all is well and that you have a good week. Love Elder hope

yo!

   What up family?, wow this week has gone by really fast but at the same time it seems like it has been forever since I have written you guys. Dad when did you get the idea to put a heated cable on the roof and how does that work? I’m sure it will help though but you might not even need it if you have a winter like you did last year ha-ha. So is Thor a dad? I don't want to scare you but I had a bad dream last night that I took the Trams Am out and after almost crashing it a bunch of times it over heated on me. Hopefully that doesn't happen right. Sounds like Madison is doing rally good this year that’s awesome. That would be cool if they went to state. 

   Well this week was a little different than normal. We really didn't get a whole lot done because my comp was sick for a couple days. He had a little upset stomach with a slight fever. I kind of feel like a jerk because I made him work the first day then the second day when he passed out (he didn’t really pass out but we sat down on the side walk to take a little break and he laid down in the middle of it look at foto) Afterwards I decided to take him to the doctor because there has been an dengue epidemic breakout here and we weren't sure if he had it or not. W ended up sitting in the centro de salud (health center) for two hours which about killed me because it was hot and really uncomfortable packed into a hot room with sick people all around. I felt really bad for everyone in there also. Turns out that Pack didn’t have dengue which was good but he has a stomach infection which he probably got from something he ate. But he has some pills now and doing a lot better.

   We did however find a family of 9 the other day and I’m pretty excited to work with them some more. Also there is a little pueblo about 20 mins from here and we got permission from president to go out there and check it out so Tuesday were going to go out there with a member and see if we can’t baptize people. I hope everything goes well; we should be the first missionary's from the church to go out there so I'm excited. As for conference I am also excited. It is super cool to get to listen to a living day prophet. We’re going to be going to Juchitan which is about 45 mins away from Ixtepec to watch it. I really hope that some of our investigators will have the chance to go also a listen but it will be pretty hard for well all of them to go but we’ll keep praying for them. I’m not sure if you remember me telling you or not but right now there is a party going on here which has also made it hard to get work done. It’s been going now for like 3 weeks and there is still one more week to go. Everyone tells us to come teach them after the party's so it’s been hard to find a lot of people. We ended up contacting for a couple hours the other day. We were able to find a couple people but it was still a challenge ha-ha. Well I had better wrap this up but I just wanted to let you all know once again how much I love each and every one of you. Thanks so much for all the support and I hope everyone has a great week!

Con Amor, Elder Hope!

Ps if you haven’t already sent the package I would like a towel but one made of micro fiber. It’s just like the blanket I brought with me but smaller. If you happen to find one I would like it because it doesn’t take up any space and it’s twice as light but if not it’s ok. Thanks!

Yo Que onda?
   Hey what’s happen family? Well I better start off by thanking you all for your prayers for Angel because they were answered! That's right this week Angel entered into the waters of baptism and it was awesome. I’ll tell you his story here in a bit. Today has been a busy day. We actually woke up early today and headed over to Angels house to help him out a little more building some fences around his corn fields to keep the deer out. Afterwards he gave us some breakfast. We ate Mino-tacos (I think that's how you spell Minos). It was pretty sweet I wish I would have taken you all some pics. But it was basically fried little Minos that he caught in the river. To be honest they weren't too bad. 

   Alright I better tell you all about Angel. I think I have told you all about him before but I’ll tell a little more. So about a couple months ago Angel was walking out to his house late one night (he lives about 30 mins away from the city on foot) when he was jumped, and then beaten. He was stabbed slash cut with a nail. I know it sounds weird but I guess these people put basically welded a nail to a little piece of pipe and stabbed him with it. It’s a pretty popular weapon here. And to make things worse they usually dip the tip in poison. Angel was cut from the front part of his waist all the way across his body to his back (I have seen it and its crazy long and ugly). Somehow he survived all that and a couple days later some members brought my comp over to his house to give him a blessing. Afterwards they started to teach him. When I got her he had listened to a couple of the lessons and had gone to church my first week here. Long story short we keep teaching him and teaching him until one day he said something pretty interesting. He told us he knew the blessing had made him heal faster than normal and even the doctors were surprised on how fast he was healing. He then told us "I know if I get baptized I will heal even faster". We then taught him about baptism and he accepted a date. Well as you all know he was baptized and yesterday was confirmed. He’s a really cool guy and has been through a lot with what happened. They could give him stitches because he’s diabetic or something like that so his cut has healed all by its self. When I saw his cut I was really surprised on how it had healed so fast. It has also been a testimony to me about the priesthood blessings. 

   We have had quite a bit of success here in Ixtepec. I know that we have relieved a lot of help in doing so. There is no way we could have done it without the spirit. I also have leaned that god really does prepare his children to receive the gospel and that the people here in Ixtepec are ready. I have really enjoyed working her in this area. It’s a little hard living with two other elders at times, the house is pretty messy and its super hard to keep clean from everyone walking in and out. We also have a cat that is always trying to sneak in and eat our food. I’m told that the other elders used to feed it. They also let it give birth to its kittens in our house...... I have pretty mixed feelings about that ha-ha. So Becky if you want another cat you can totally have this one because I don’t want it. 

 Well once again I have to go but I want you all to know how much I love you all and how grateful I am to have you as my family and Friends.

Love E. Hope

Hola!

 

   Alright I have some really sweet news for you guys. The other day we had a multi-zone conference here in Juchitan for all the areas and zones. It was really sweet not going to lie, I loved it. I learned a ton! President did a really good job and he basically let us ask a bunch of questions about rules and a whole lot of other things. It really got me excited again about the work. The other cool part about it was that I was able to see a lot of my friends I have made here in the mish and also some of my old comps, actually like 5 of them haha it was really fun to get to talk with them a bit and see how they have been doing. Actually one of my comps E. Juarez is going to be going home here in a couple more weeks so thats super weird to me but he seems happy and excited. 

   But here comes the best part about it, there was an elder there at the conference that was in my first area Cosijueza. He came up to my and we started to talk a bit. I asked him how things went back there for him and asked if he had seen Eddi (my first convert). He then told me thats hes doing great and IS GOING ON A MISSION! It pretty sweet and i was really really excited for him. Hes heading to Chilli and leaves in November. Hes going to make for a sweet missionary and once again Im super excited for him. I just thought it was super cool when I heard that and its cool to think how many people he will teach and the lives he will change as he teaches the people in Chilli. Im grateful that I was able to be a part of that process.

   Also Yodo and Harvy were confirmed this week which was really good. Like I said their family/parents are members but less active so it has been really fun to see them come back to the straight and narrow. Its also cool that they are now members and one day can go to the temple as a family. It has been fun to see their progression together as a family. This sunday I also gave another talk in church. My comp Elder Pack talked about the Book of Mormon and I talked about a talk that elder Anderson gave called What thinks Christ of me? I feel that it went well. This week has been pretty crazy here because the 15th was Independence day here in Mexico so there has been a lot of parties and a lot of drunks. Also there having their "fair" here for the next week so Im sure this week will be a little harder in the way that everyone will be out and about which will make it hard to find our invest. but i guess well get some contacts out of it. Its still pretty hot out here and we ended up buying a couple hats a while ago but we dont use they to much because it doesn't really help and they look ridiculous so we usually just leave them at the house. Were teaching a really cool guy named Angel right now who has a baptism date set for for this Saturday so pray for him! Hes had a pretty hard life.

   Well thats all i got for this week, once again I just wanted to let you all know how much I love you. Im also grateful now for the weather in Idaho haha and Right now i miss the snow but oh well. I know I have said this before ad Ill probably say it again but we are so lucky to live where we live and have what we have, especially the gospel. I know its true and i know it changes people lifes for the better. I love you all and until next week,

 Elder Hope!

Well what a good week! First I’ll start of by telling you all about the baptism that we had this week. Their names are Rolando and his son Jose, their mom was supposed to be baptized with them but she told us a couple days before that she didn’t feel ready to be baptized this week so were going to be working a little more with her. I really wanted them to all be baptized together but I know she will be sometime soon so I’m not too worried. The baptism went really good! We had to go to a church that isn’t too far away to do the service; we had a pretty good turnout member wise. The room was full and I know Rolando and Jose were able to feel the spirit and the support from the members. Sandra really likes the baptism and like I said I’m sure she will soon be baptized also. Jose is 9 years old and he’s a pretty funny kid ha-ha he told us a couple weeks ago that he wants to be a missionary like me and my comp one day. The first day I got here to Ixtepec we went and visited Rolando and his family. I think I have kind of told you the story about them but we taught them about baptism and after I felt like we should put a baptism date so we did! Rolando was pretty hesitant at first and wanted to wait a couple months but we kindly "planted" him in which we shared a Scripture with him about not postponing repentance. We also had a new convert with us who shared a pretty powerful testimony about the book of Mormon which helped a ton. After talking to him for a couple mins more he accepted. Rolando and his family are really good people and they will be good leaders and members of the church. 

   The other day we woke up at 6 and walked down a dirt road for 30mins in the dark to get to one of our investigators who lives out in the middle of nowhere to help him out a little bit in his corn field. His name is Angel. A couple months ago he was walking at night when he was jumped by some people who robbed him and then cut him pretty good. He needed help building a fence in his field to help keep cows and all that stuff from smashing his corn and since he’s still healing from his accident we went over to help. It actually turned out really well; we dug about 13 whole posts and then cut down trees with a machete for the post. The only bad this was that there was a ton of ants and thorns on these trees and I ended up getting bit a couple times. Not going to lie it HURT. I’m not sure what kind of ants they were but they sting like wasp so that wasn't to fun ha-ha but I survived. We also found some type of fish that lives in mud; I sent you a pic of it so you should see what I mean. Angel told me they taste really good but I’ll just take his word for it. He also invited me to go hunting Iguana and armadillo with him but I’ll have to see if president will let me first. It does sound fun though. 

   Well like I said last week today we had changes but I and elder pack are both going to be staying here again in Ixtepec. I’m pretty excited he’s a good kid and we work well together. I really like it because when I get food that I can’t eat he helps me out so it’s a pretty good blessing. Well I had better go but I’m doing alright. I just wanted to let you all know that I’m loving the mission. It is defiantly the best thing any young man can do in his life. I have learned so much and have grown to love the Gospel with all my heart. I know it’s true I know it changes peoples life’s and I know that through our savior Jesus Christ we call all return to live with our heavenly father again. That knowledge really does feel my heart with peace and hope. I love you all and I know that I have the best family ever! I hope you all have a good time at the fair and that everything goes well for you throughout the week. I’ll talk to you soon. 

Love your son,

           JAKE

Shemodonulo!

What’s up family how’s it all going? So I just dropped a little Zapateco on you all how do you like that? I got the pic. of Thor’s girl friend ha-ha she’s a good looking dog. That’s cool dad that you’re going to be working at the fair again this year you'll have to do it next year so I can go to the motocross again. 

Well this was a pretty good week for us. The family that has a baptism date this week came to church and there all set and ready for their baptism. So if all goes well in the interview this Friday they should be entering into the water this Sunday after the meetings.  Their pretty good family, the dads name is Rolando, his wife Sandra and their sons name is Jose. They had been taught a couple lessons. When I got her so the first time I met with them and after we talked I felt that I needed to put a date for their baptism so I did and they accepted. I’m excited for them.  

So remember the one time we were buying all my mission stuff and there was a kid who told us they split part of the mission with another mission because it was so hot? Well I’m pretty sue I’m in that part of the mission. Tuesday I went outside to make a phone call (we don’t have service in our house) and it was pretty warm so I got the idea to put my comps alarm clock outside which has a thermometer to see how hot it really was. After a couple mins we checked it and guess what....... 120 degrees!!! They told us we can buy hats so I’ll probably buy a sombrero. 

Ha-ha so apparently there is a problem here with the members not knowing when were supposed to eat with them so I have been sending them text to remind them the night before or early in the morning (even though there is a calendar in the church which tells them what day is their turn). Well the other day we got to the sisters house and she wasn't too happy with us. She told us she didn’t know and a bunch of other stuff. She ended up giving us leftover liver with onions and fried pig skin. Usually I can force myself to eat the food but I HATE liver. I looked at my comp that is a pretty big boy and eats everything and told him he was going to have to help me out on this one, so I gave him half of my liver ha-ha. It was super funny because it took us a good little while to finally get it all down and afterwards we didn’t feel too well but what can you do. 

Elder pack is a pretty good guy and we get along well. It’s never boring while were walking because all I have to do is "hey explain lord of the rings to me" and for the rest of the day we have something to talk about. Its great ha-ha. However we do have changes this week and I’m pretty sure he’ll probably leave but I guess we will see what happens. Well once again I had better go but I love you guys a lot! Take care and have fun at the fair!

Love Elder Hope

What Up

   What’s up family how’s it all going? Well before I forget I would like to wish a couple people Happy BIRTHDAY! Happy late B-day Jared I hope it was a good one! You’re kind of getting old this day’s ha-ha. And Jc happy early B-day, all I have to say to you is "STOP CROWNING UP". Dad sounds like you have been pretty busy with work and all that, I enjoyed your story for the week but be carefully also ight.

   Well I’m still getting used to my new area here in Ixtepec; it’s a pretty good area it’s not quite as big as Etla but it’s kind of big. I think I have got a little more used to the heat this week. I still sweat pretty much all day but it’s ok I’ll survive. I’m going to take advantage while I'm here and try to learn some more Zapateco from the members. Speaking of which we have been teaching a couple classes of English to some of the member and some of our investigators here. It’s kind of fun... Yesterday I taught them how to pray in English. It made me realize that I’ll never become a language teacher and I also gained a greater respect for my teacher back in the MTC.

   The members here are pretty good for the most part, there are a lot who are willing to give a hand and go to a couple lessons with us which is nice because they always share their testimony's with our investigators. 3 testimony's is always better than 2 so that's nice. I just found out from my buddy Elder Jolley that a girl I was teaching back in Etla got baptized. Her name was Epefania and she was really cool. She was a perfect investigator. I was kind of bummed that I wasn’t going to see her baptism when I left but I’m happy knowing that I helped her enter into that convent with the lord.  
   Oh the other day we were walking home at about 9 when we passed by a Field and I saw a ton of fire flies, it was pretty cool and I’m pretty sure it’s the first time in my life I have seen them. Also the other day a member here was attacked by some African bees which put him in the hospital, luckily he’s still alive. It sounds like he got stung about 500 times. I guess we were pretty lucky also because we always walk on the street he got attacked. They said they took care of the bees but I guess they didn’t get them all because there were a couple more people who were attacked Saturday afternoon on a bridge. I know were blessed because earlier that day we crossed that same bridge and nothing happened so don’t worry I know that when were obedient that god watches over us.

   Well I had better go time is about out but I just wanted to let you all know that you’re in my prayers. Thanks so much for all the support it really helps out. I love you all and I’ll talk to you next week,

CON AMOR ELDER HOPE!

CAMBIOS ESPECIALES!!

   Well right now I’m sitting 6 hours away from my second home in Etla. That’s right I got changed. Wed night I got the call and headed off Thursday morning. Now I’m back in a place called Ixtepec Centro and its hot! The first day here after walking for five minutes I was sweating as bad as a fat boy who just tried to run two miles! I was losing weight back in the city but here they cook everything in oil, soooooo much oil. The food here is so greasy it would make McD.S  jealous. So I hope I don’t get to fat. I was pretty sad to leave Etla, I didn’t really get a chance to say good bye to anyone and I let 4 people that are set to be baptized and I really wanted to be there but I guess that’s part of the mish. I was lucky I guess, we had baptism last Saturday and they seem like really good people. I’m looking forward to this new area. 

  Well Sunday was interesting, I went from the biggest ward in Oaxaca to another house of prayer but this one is a lot nicer than the one in XADANI. I was also asked to give a ten min talk which went pretty well. I talked about the BOM again. Afterwards they threw another surprise at me and told me I was going to teach a class. SO I did, I taught about the plan of salvation and it went well. Oh my new comp is E. Pack he’s from Utah n has about 9 months in the mission 3 of which he spent at Boise waiting for his visa. We don’t have much in common but I found out he likes computer games which was good because I was able to start a good conversation about that. Good thing I had Austin as a nerdy friend, He helped prepare me for elder Pack ha-ha (Austin if you’re reading this thank you). E. pack is a good guy and we get along well.

 Dad the other week you asked me about my toe well I just got back from the doc and he cut of my toe nail once again. The last time he did it he said I would have to comeback in five months, guess he was right because it’s been about 5. So right now I have a numb toe. This time I got to watch and it was interesting..... It was a lot more bloody than I thought it would be that’s sure but I hope in a couple days I’ll be better. AS I Walked out the doctor said I’ll see you again in 5.... I hope he’s not doing it on purpose. JK he’s a member so he doesn’t charge which is a blessing because it saves a lot. Well I’m going to go because this keyboard is crap and I’m sick of it so until next time,

Love LDER HOPE!!!     

What’s up family?

Wow well today has been a pretty crazy day, I guess I spoke to soon on being together with Elder Torres for another change...... this morning we received a phone call from the zone leaders saying that we had special changes and that E Torres was to be in Oaxaca in ten mins to go to his area. It was a blind side that’s for sure. So he packed his bags really fast and we headed to Oaxaca. Right now I’m with my new comp named Elder Guzman.. I would tell you something about him but I really don’t know anything, so that will have to wait until next week. All I know is that we have about the same time in the mission. He seems like a pretty good guy.

   This week went pretty well for us; we were able to find a couple new invest and two of them are really promising and even came to church with us so I hope all will go well and that they will read in the book of Mormon that we gave them. We also have a baptism lined up for this Sunday so I hope all will go well and that we will be able to help her enter into the waters. Her name is Tania; actually she is the sister of Feliza that girl we baptized a while back. She told us that she has been reading and wants to be baptized ha-ha so that was really cool. We have seen a change in her, at first she was pretty hard and didn’t want her sister to be baptized but it just goes to show that the book of Mormon really does change people. 

    Sorry but this is going to be a really short letter, I have to fill out a couple papers here on the computer and send them to our DL. I hope and pray that everything is going well for you all. I love you all so very much and I hope that you all have a good week. I’m sorry this is short but I had better go. Take care everyone and I’ll try to fill you in more next week.

Love your boy,

Elder Hope

Que pasa cholos?

   Well another week has pasted by and it went pretty fast. Well before I forget dad we actually had changes yesterday... I forgot to tell you guys in my last letter, I told josh in his but he must have forgotten to pass the word. Turns out I’m going to be staying here in Etla for 6 months of my mission and I’ll be here for another change with Elder Torres. It will be interesting because this is our third change together ha-ha. He’s a good kid and we get along well but I’m sure you all remember from your missions that after a little time together with your comps things start to get hard. Well have been comps for 4 1/2 months when all is said and done. Also I did get the package you sent so that was sweet. Thanks so much for the supplies they were needed. 

   Well today I would like to share something that I learned this past week. I was reading a talk the other day by Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf called “The Merciful Will Receive Mercy”. I love this talk. It talks a lot about how we need to be willing to forgive others and not judge. He shares a Scripture that I have always liked in which it says pray for your enemy's, serve them, love them. I have also learned here on the mission that we are all children of God. He loves us no matter where we live, what we look like, or the color of our skin (I know you all know that also). Well with that said I would like to share a little story that happened this week. 

   The other day E Torres and I decided that we needed to visit a pueblo called Nazareno and do some contacting over there. The day before we had lots of success and were able to get into some doors. The day actually started off really well, the first door we knocked we were invited in (something that really doesn’t happen much here). As we continued to knock doors we passed by a middle aged man who was cutting some of the weeds in front of his house with his machete. I had the feeling to stop and ask if we could help. (Looking back I think it was the spirit telling me to keep walking) The first thing he said after I asked if we could help was pretty offensive and it was directed towards me ha. I gave a little laugh and decided to let my comp take over. Well I don’t know what I did to this guy but for some reason he didn’t like me. He kept asking me questions followed by offensive remarks. Long story short It didn’t take too long before I started to get a little angry...... this guy was really offensive and after talking with him for a bit I gave him a little part of my mind. I tried to teach with love but what he was saying made it really hard, he knew where to hit me where it hurt. I gave him a card with our Numbers and we left. Afterwards I was pretty hot. The spirit was gone and all I could think of was how rude and immature he was. 

   Then I remembered the talk I had read a day before. I knew that in order to regain the spirit that I had to apply that talk in my life and pray for this man. The song came to my head called “I Pray for you” in which it says I pray your breaks go out running down a hill and a flower pot falls from a window seal and knocks you in the head like I want to ha-ha. jk But I started to pray and after I felt the same as before, angry. I’m not sure how many times I prayed to ask for forgiveness for my actions and strength to forgive him for what he said but I know that it wasn’t easy and took a couple attempts. The point of this story is that we need to forgive those who offend us and pray for them. A lot of times when we are angry or hurt it is easy to judge others but I like the advice Elder Uchtdorf said, when we catch ourselves judging or angry at others to STOP IT! It was hard but I honestly felt like I was able to forgive the man and I feel content. 

  I hope all of that was able to make sense, If not read the talk it’s great. I just wanted to share with you this experience that I had and to testify that praying for forgiveness and praying for the strength to forgive works. And when all is said and done you will feel better and be happier. I love you all so very much and I hope you have a great day/week. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you all. You’re in my prayers daily.

 Con Amor Elder Hope

Yo Yo Family

   What’s up family, wow it sounds like you had a pretty busy but fun week with all that went on. Dad I got the pics ha-ha I got a pretty good laugh at the one with Jeff and the fish he caught, he looked a little scared of it ha-ha but I don’t blame him its not to pretty of a fish. I also got the photos of you all camping it looks like you had a blast with a lot of people! And it looks like you had a little luck to get the same camp site. Did you hit some more golf balls up into the mountain? That’s good that you all were able to catch some fish also ha-ha. It sounds like you guys ate well also, I’m not going to lie I would love a stake right now with some potatoes and beans.... but brow beans because the black ones that we eat here aren’t as good. Also CONGRATS that you all headed home early to make it to church, I also realize that crues hair looks even blonder than before ha-ha. I’m glad that you all made it home safe and that you all had a pretty good week.

   Well we didn't have any baptisms this week however I do have a 1 good story. When I first got here to Etla we honestly had nothing to do. As I told you before the elders that were here before me were dead and hardly left their house for three weeks. We had a list of members active so I started looking for people we could visit to see how they were doing and hopefully receive a reference. It turned out that there was a family that lived two streets from us so we went and visited them. Well long story short we kept passing by with them and inviting them back to church. There are six of them in the family, the dad and one of his sons have started to come back to church but the mom and the others are still hesitant. I ended up giving one of the kids a white shirt because he didn’t have one and would come to church in jeans and t shirts.  As the time has gone on we have kept working with them. The last couple weeks we have been talking to Manuel, the son, about missions. He showed a little interest and said it is something that he wouldn’t mind doing. We invited him to ask god if he needed to or not. Yesterday we were talking with him in the church and he told us he had just finished talking to the bishop about serving a mission. We congratulated him and talked more about the mission.

 Sometimes it’s easy to forget those who have joined the church and then later in life when faced with trials have fallen away. I was reading in Alma 31:34-35 the other day when I found a scripture that I highlighted because it talked about missionary work, I like it a lot because a lot of times people fall away from the church, and a lot of them are "our brothers" it’s our jobs as members to "bring them back again" to the truth. I’m really excited for Manuel and his decision to serve on a mission and I hope that through his example that his family will come back to the church. I just wanted to let you all know how much I love you and I hope that we can all reach out to those who are in need. You’re all in my prayers daily, Love Elder Hope

Hello Family,
   What’s up, well this week sure did go by fast. It doesn't seem to long ago that I was just writing you guys. It sounds like you all had a pretty busy week but I’m glad you were all able to get a little done around the house. Dad I saw that josh tried to send a couple pics but I didn’t get them, I got the ones of him washing Thor and of Gracie but I think he tried to send one of the trailer. I didn’t get to see it but I’m sure it looks good. That’s also a bummer you didn’t get the TA out. I’m just glad you still have it ha-ha. The fourth here is a little different, I’m not going to lie I missed blowing things up ha-ha but its all good.
   Friday night the bishop called us and told us that we were going to give another talk this Sunday. I decided to talk about the book of Mormon. I felt that it went pretty well, I challenged all the members and our investigators that were there in church to read every day. I have got into a habit of reading every morning when I wake up and I love it. It really makes the day go smoother when I read.
We spent a couple good days contacting with little success ha, we also passed by a lot of members this week to share a scripture with them and invited them to invite a non member friend or family member to their house and introduce them to use. We have a couple appointments with some members so were hoping that we might be able to receive some new invest.
   One of our invest named Roberto is making pretty good progress, he’s had a lot of problems in the past but he’s looking for a change. The other day we taught tithing and after he was like when and where do I pay? Can I pay this Sunday? He was super excited and he must have felt the spirit because he knew that it was something that he needs to do. He has a baptism date for the 22 of this month.
   We also visited a reference from a member this week, turns out the reference was a guy named Estaban. He’s really friendly but really confused. He has read the bible for 8 years and has been church hopping for the last 6. He had a lot of questions about the bible.... A LOT.  And we were able to answer everyone. He later told us he was impressed on how we answered his questions and thought we only believed in the book of Mormon. We were also surprised afterwards and I know that we received a lot of help throughout our lesson with him.
   I have really gained a testimony about the bible and book of Mormon her in the mission; I actually just finished reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish for the first time. It took me a while but I also restarted about 4 times because I felt like I needed to. It’s such a cool book, it’s full of answers! All we have to do is read it and ponder the words. I know that it was written for our days and that it’s the keystone of our religion. I also have found out that when we read it we grow closer to our savior Jesus Christ. I love the Book.
   Well I had better go but I just wanted to let you all know how much I love you and I hope that all is going well for you guys back at home. You’re in my prayers daily, con amor
Elder Hope

Hola,
   what’s up family? Wow this week went by pretty fast I must say. First off I’m glad to hear that your trip went well and that everyone had a good time! That’s sweet that you guys went sea fishing! I have always kind of wanted to do that, but did you go fishing with all of mom’s family or was it just you guys? Dad I’m sorry to hear you got fished out by everyone else but I guess that’s how it goes sometimes right. That’s also good that the weather held out for you guys, I enjoyed looking at the pics so thanks for that.
   Well it’s still a little rainy here which still makes it a little harder to find all of our invest. But luckily it’s mostly in the evening so were able to work pretty good in the morning. A member also gave my  comp a rain coat so that helped a lot so we could at least walk to our appointments while it’s raining rather than trying to find shelter. Tuesday I also got to go to the temple again which was really cool. I really enjoy being close to the city and I like the benefit of going to the temple once a month it really helps out a lot. Afterwards we had interviews with president Leva and it was really cool to get to talk with him.
   Saturday we had another little activity with the members here in Etla, were really trying to gain back their confidence and involve them in our lessons. We gave a brief description in what we teach in the lessons so they would be able to know and have the chance to think what they would say in the lessons. It went fairly well and a lot of them told us that they enjoyed it. The bad part was out of the some 200 + members in the ward only about 40 showed up ha-ha so it was a bummer in that aspect and we hoped for more but what can you do?
   The other day we had a couple appointments fall through so we decide to contact before we headed home for the night (this was about 8 p.m.) The first house we knocked a lady answered and we began teaching. After explaining a little about the plan of salvation I asked her if we could come in for 15 to 20 mins and teach her a little more. She paused for a min and said yeah come in. We were pretty shocked, this is only about the second or third time someone has let us in that easy and me comp whispered to me ¨she golden man¨. Well long story short we entered and this nice lady began to tell us her life story which lasted about an hour. Ha-ha we made several attempts to teach but were shut down immediately. My comp was having a pretty hard time staying awake so as soon as we got to chance to leave we ran!  I know it probably doesn’t sound too funny but after we Finlay got to our house we had a pretty good laugh.
   I just want to let you all know I’m doing good her in Mexico, I’m still getting a little fat but the other night I made a pretty good workout so I plan on trying that out tonight. I love you all so very much and I hope that you all have a good week. I have really grown to love the work here in the mission, at times it’s hard and to be honest not the funniest, but it’s so rewarding. I know that the church is true and Jesus Christ is our savior and Redeemer. I know that he knows us perfectly, he knows how we feel when were hurting and sad and I also know that when were facing hard trials that he is there giving us a push from behind. I’m so grateful for the plan our heavenly Father created for us and I know it to be true. I love each and every one of you and I hope you all have a good week. Until next week,
Elder HOPE

Dear family,

   I’m not going to lie I’m pretty speechless right now and I’m not a hundred percent sure on what to say about all that has happened this past week back at home. The more I heard about Ross as I have been in the mission the more I have prayed for his health. I honestly don’t know what to say other than as we all know he’s in a better place. I have worried that I would be getting an email like this for a while now and I have also thought about Ross and his Life and all that he has done for the lord here on earth. I have no doubt that he is resting from all his sicknesses that he was suffering from when he left. I’m glad that you were able to get to spend a little time with him before he passed away. I just want to bear my testimony that I do know that this church is true and that because god loves us he created a pan for us, the plan of salvation. I’m so grateful to know that life on earth is only part of the plan and that there is life after death. I’m so grateful for our savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ and for his Atonement. I know that through it we will be able to return to the Creator of this wonderful plan and live with our loved ones again. I can’t explain how grateful I am to have this knowledge in my life. I love you all so very much and I hope that you’re all doing well.

   It has been pretty rainy here again this last week which makes it difficult to work. My comp doesn’t have a rain coat and I feel bad when I make him walk in the rain. I’ve been looking around a little to see if I can find one to buy for him. This week we were able to find a couple new investigators so that’s good. We were also able to make some pretty good progress with one of our investigators named Robert and last Sunday he came to church with us so that was really cool. The other day when it was raining pretty good we went to one of our investigators that lives in a low spot and when it rains his house floods so we went over to see if we could help him out a bit. He had made a little dam in front of his house before we got there but after a couple min. of talking it gave in and water started to find its way in. We tried to slow it down the best we could but it was a losing battle. By the time it was over we were soaked from head to toe and went home to change into warm cloths. We have a couple people who are getting pretty close to baptism so were going to be working really hard to get them into the water.

   I know that this letter is a little short but once again I have to go. I won’t be able to send pics for a couple weeks because I guess the narcos (drug dealers) are pretty upset with the US right now so the president of the area has asked us not to take any photos for a couple weeks and not to speak any English in the streets or go to any store that’s owned by America. So I don’t have any pics to send ha. But don’t worry this is the first time they have ever said anything about this to us and I’m sure it’s dying down.

   I just want to let you all know that I’m doing alright. I love the gospel and its teachings. Were so lucky to have that knowledge in our life’s and I’m glad that I can share it with others. I hope you all have a good week on your trip and that you all travel safely. I love you all so much and pray for you daily.

Until next week, Elder Hope

What up family!
  First off happy father’s day dad I hope you had a good Sunday, and mommy happy birthday!!!! I sent you both a card not too long ago and I hope that you got it or will get it soon. Dad like you said it has been raining quite a bit here, I guess there was a little hurricane that passed by the other day. It killed two people in Oaxaca and 18 others are missing in the state next to us so it was pretty bad. The other day we were stuck in a house for a good two hours because our leader called us and told us we couldn’t go out until it calmed down a bit. When it’s not raining it’s pretty warm. I’m still great full I’m in the city because it has the best weather in Oaxaca so I know God loves me ha-ha.
   I’m glad to hear Josh made it home safely, he looked a little tired in his pics ha-ha but I’m sure it was a pretty exciting week with everyone home again. It sounds like Josh did a good job on his talk and I look forward to hearing it. I’m sure going home is like leaving for the mission, your happy, sad, nervous, and have no idea what’s going on the first couple days but I’m sure all he needs is to mow some laws and he’ll get back into the swing of things ha-ha.
   This was a pretty good week with a couple ups and downs. We’re teaching an investigator named Perla right now and she is so close to getting into the water, all she needs is a little push. A week ago she told us she received an answer and wanted to be baptized. However the other day when talking to her she shared her story. Her family is very un sportive in her decision to be baptized and they told her not to do it. We did the best we could to give her more confidence in her decision and encouraged her to act on her answer. She left happy and excited. Sunday she didn’t come to church so we called her up and was like what’s up why didn’t you come to church? She then told us that she no longer wanted to be baptized and didn’t want to cause more problems in her family. We were pretty shocked and didn’t understand how in one day her decision could change so fast (were starting to think she’s bipolar....). Anyways were still working with her and we hope that this week she will be baptized so remember her in your prayers. Were also hoping this week that we will be able to find a couple new investigators throughout the week.
   Well I know this is short but I had better go I hope that you are all doing well and that you guys have fun on your trip. Make sure to take some pics so I can see what Oregon looks like and also be safe. How long of a drive is it there 7 hrs? I just want to let you know how grateful I am to be born into a family with a firm faith in the gospel. There is defiantly a difference between families with the gospel and families without it. There’s so much more peace and love for one another, were so lucky.
I love you all so much and I hope all is going well at home. Until next time love ya boy,
Elder Hope

Crazy!

   First off I can’t believe Josh is going to be home this week!!!! That’s so crazy. It really doesn’t seem that long ago when we sent him to the air port and now he’s going to be home! Wow the time really does go fast. You guys will have to break him in and take him fishing or something so he can get back into the swing of things.

   Well we had changes yesterday and will be staying here in Etla 2 for another change with my same comp, Elder Torres. I’m pretty excited there is still a lot of work to do here in Etla, the area is so big that after 3 months of being here I still don’t know the whole area and all the little pueblos around us. So I’m excited to be able to work another change here and help those in need.

   We had our little activity this Saturday and it went pretty well. To be honest it was pretty stressful, we have been planning this activity for a month and assigned member parts to help us, however when we went to the church Friday afternoon to see how we could help the members decorate to our surprise there was no one there and nothing had been done.... long story short we worked all day Friday and Saturday with the help of the other elders and some members to prepare the activity. We worked right until people showed up. We had a pretty cool experience too, about five mins before we were supposed to start it started to rain.... HARD! The bishop was like well were going to have to cancel the activity because no one will come while it’s raining like this. All of us were pretty bummed because we worked super hard. We had the idea come to us that we needed to pray so the four of us went into a room, knelt down in prayer and prayed that the rain would stop so that our investigators and members would be able to enjoy the activity we had prepared. And guess what... as soon as we ended the prayer we walked outside and the rain had stopped. Our prayers were answered by our loving father in heaven and soon after people started to arrive. About 250 people showed up and everyone enjoyed the activity. All I can say is that I’m extremely grateful for a father in heaven who listens to our prayers.

   I love the work here in the mission, it’s hard and sometimes the days are supper long and at times all our appointments fall through, but it is the most rewarding thing ever when someone enters the water of baptism. The feeling is indescribable.  I love you all so much and I’m so great full for all that we have. I have the best family and I’m so glad that one day we will be able to live together for eternity. I know that this work is true and I’m glad I have the chance to share it with the people here in Mexico. I have to go but until next time,

Elder Hope