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

Family,
   What up family? Another week has come and gone, it’s pretty crazy how fast it goes bye that’s for sure. Sounds like everyone is doing pretty good back at home and it sounds like there is some pretty good weather other than the wind but that’s Rexburg ha-ha. The weather here is a little warm.... ha but it’s all good I shouldn't complain it’s a lot hotter on the coast than Juchitan. We have changes coming up this week so I’m hoping I’ll stay in the city for another change or two until it cools down then I wouldn’t mind going to the coast. Yesterday it rained on us pretty good and by the time we got to the house we were soaked. It was probably the hardest I have seen it rain here, I tried to take pic. of it but it doesn’t do justice.
   This Sunday Feliza was confirmed a member of the church. She was pretty happy and the good news is she found a better job in which she won’t have to work Sundays! The lord really does prepare a way for us when were obedient. (1 Nephi 3:7) The last couple weeks we have been preparing an activity with the ward here called (trip to Hawaii) in which were going to decorate the church out and make the inside look like a plane. However, on the way there we crash and everyone dies (I know sounds horrible). An angel will then enter and take us on a tour of the three kingdoms of glory. In each room or kingdom there will be member explaining what they did in their lives to be assigned to that kingdom. Long story short at the end the angel will tell them that they all have another chance to live so make it count and choose the right. Hopefully that all made sense, if all goes well were hoping to get a lot of new people to teach. SO with all that we have been busy making invitations and inviting people.
   For the most part that was my week there’s a lot more I would like to tell you guys but there just isn’t enough time :(  I have a letter here in my hand that I’m going to send right after I leave the center so in a couple weeks be looking for it. I just want to let you all know that I know the church is true, I have defiantly seen the lord help us and our investigators in our lives. I’m so thankful for the gospel we have and for the opportunity I have to share to it with the people here in Mexico. I know as long as we are faithful the lord will always be there to help us in times of need. I love you all so much and I KNOW I have the best family in the world.
Until next time, Con Amor Elder HOPE