Mi Familia,
This week was another fast one! And we worked a lot which was great.
Hernan accepted a Baptismal date for the May 7th! I am so excited for him. We just have a little more to teach him. A little about Hernan: I don't know what I have already said. He is probably about 60 years old and lives with his wife and 2 grandchildren. He is so humble and so thankful for everything he has. He has the large print scriptures, which I think are even bigger in Spanish. Hernan has diabetes and he got his 3 small toes removed because of some problem as a result of his diabetes. He can walk though and is always preaching the gospel to his neighbors. He works in construction. He helped build the temple here and two chapels: the one we meet in, and our stake center. He told Elder Ballard and me that it was God trying to get him to the truth. The first time he came to church his car didn't work and he prayed and asked Heavenly Father to make the car work if God wanted him to go. It worked, and he came. He is so ready and I love him so much. His wife is opening up to us more and is usually sitting around the corner listening when we come over. At first she would always avoid us. Her grandsons are so cool, and always give us high fives. They all came to the stake center yesterday for the special Easter Broadcast! I hope they will be more open to church now!
So the special event yesterday for Easter was a broadcast of "The Savior of the World" to the Stake Center. As I understand it was just for Mexico. They asked every member to bring nonmember friends and we had stations at the entrances handing out reference cards and pens to every member and stacks of pamphlets, pass along cards, Book of Mormons, and The Living Christ, and tons of other stuff to take. We had an amazing turnout and the presentation was phenomenal. They had a Box to put the references in so hopefully we get a lot! A member of the Area 70 was there and he gave me a hug - haha. It was an amazing missionary experience unlike anything I have ever seen!
We have 2 other boys with Baptismal dates. They are awesome. Their parents are members and their older sister too, but they have been inactive for 12 years. I am under the impression that they were offended so we are working on that. The oldest brother was sleeping during the lesson but he is great, and will get baptized too. His name is Nefi, or Nephi. Their baptismal date is for the 14th of May.
For Easter yesterday I spoke in Sacrament Meeting! I was not too nervous, but a little. It went well! I talked about Missionary work, imagine that. We are trying to get the ward more excited about Missionary work. Elder Ward, one of the other Elders in the ward also spoke about Missionary work, and then our Bishop spoke about Christ, and missionary work, too! It went great.
We worked this week and it was great. I love it and really everything is just going so well, and I am really happy.
I hope you all had a Happy Easter! Sounds so fun to spend time with the Grandparents and family! I don't know what’s going to happen on Mother's day, but I will let you know as soon as I do. Let me know about the stake and the Black car as well! It is so great that Tanner is so motivated. I know he is going to be successful with whatever he puts his mind to! I miss him a lot.
One quick story: The other 2 elders in the ward stopped by one of our old investigators house. The oldest daughter came out and told them, “Your friends already stopped by the other day! One of them was... Benson (me) and the other... Ah what was his name... Alber!” (Elder Ballard) Yeah, we already talked to them. It gave me a good laugh.
I haven't gotten my package yet (or any letters), but I think I will in a conference in May. It is for the entire mission. I don't know if I am supposed to know but a member of the Quorum of the 12 is coming to speak to us. I am so excited! I have heard whisperings that the mission is going to get split, but who knows. We will see!
I know this church is true! I know that the Book of Mormon is true and has the fullness of the gospel. We live in such a hard time but have so much to be happy about. The purpose of this life is to be happy, and nothing has brought more happiness to my life then this gospel. I know it is true!
I love you and miss you all! Until next week!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Los Padecimientos y Muerte de Cristo Expían Sus Pecados
Mi Familia,
I jinxed Black Beauty, sorry!! Are we getting a new car or what's the news? This week was another quick one. I can´t believe how fast it went!
We had transfers, and I am staying here in La Salle! Elder Ballard got made district leader, and we still have 4 missionaries in the ward. I am really excited to still be here, and I guess it is really common to get transferred after the first transfer when you're new. But I am so excited to stay here and work more with Elder Ballard, because he is a really good companion. Also with this ward and my investigators, because I love them all!
This week I worked with the other missionaries and it was great to go out and work. Elder Ballard is feeling a lot better so we should be getting back to work soon. We worked almost all of yesterday and things are just really looking good!
This week is "Holy Week." Basically it is “no school and everyone drinks” week. It should be interesting and I will let you know how it goes.
I tried Bonice this week. Soo good! Elder Ballard and I take turns buying it. ¿A quien le toca? Men wearing Bonice uniforms walk the streets ringing bells. So they are basically an infinitely better version of gogurts and otter pops. 3 pesos! I love you Mexico.
On Wednesday when we were going to lunch someone started speaking to us in English. It was a boy that used to live in the US. He told us he had investigated the church in San Bernardino with his family. When he moved back he stopped taking the lessons and lost contact with the church. He told us he had been praying for an opportunity to talk with someone that could help him. We will be teaching him and his family soon.
Yesterday we decided to walk to church. We usually take the colectivo, but we ran out of traveling money because of going to the doctor so much for Elder Ballard, and just decided to not use our own money to pay. When we were walking a woman stopped us and told us she was a member, and didn't know where the chapel was. We walked with her there and she told us a little about herself. She was born in El Salvador but lived in Guatemala as of a few days ago. She is the only member in her family. She left her three daughters with a Book of Mormon and just told them to read it and left for Cancun to find work. On her way here (via bus) she lost her bus pass and can't get there. So she has been here a couple days. That's when she saw us walking to church. We took her to the Bishop and the church is helping her get to Cancun. She told us that she would be leaving tomorrow (today) and was just so happy and grateful. She thanked us and was just so sincere. I feel like if that was the only reason Elder Ballard was sick, it was worth it.
I am so excited for Easter. I love this time of year, and thinking about the Atonement of Christ. I have a testimony that Christ lives. I know it with all of my heart. I know it just as much as I know the sun will rise tomorrow. I have a testimony of his divinity and that his Atonement is real. I have seen it bless my life and I am seeing it bless the lives of people here in Mexico. It is infinite and is the only way we can return to live with Him and our Heavenly Father. He leads our church today, I know it, and I cannot deny it.
I love you and miss you all! You are in my prayers. I love it here and am learning so much. Thanks for your prayers and support! I hope Tanner is feeling better. I am so excited for my package!! Thank you! Happy anniversary Lauren and Seth! I love you all, again!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
I jinxed Black Beauty, sorry!! Are we getting a new car or what's the news? This week was another quick one. I can´t believe how fast it went!
We had transfers, and I am staying here in La Salle! Elder Ballard got made district leader, and we still have 4 missionaries in the ward. I am really excited to still be here, and I guess it is really common to get transferred after the first transfer when you're new. But I am so excited to stay here and work more with Elder Ballard, because he is a really good companion. Also with this ward and my investigators, because I love them all!
This week I worked with the other missionaries and it was great to go out and work. Elder Ballard is feeling a lot better so we should be getting back to work soon. We worked almost all of yesterday and things are just really looking good!
This week is "Holy Week." Basically it is “no school and everyone drinks” week. It should be interesting and I will let you know how it goes.
I tried Bonice this week. Soo good! Elder Ballard and I take turns buying it. ¿A quien le toca? Men wearing Bonice uniforms walk the streets ringing bells. So they are basically an infinitely better version of gogurts and otter pops. 3 pesos! I love you Mexico.
On Wednesday when we were going to lunch someone started speaking to us in English. It was a boy that used to live in the US. He told us he had investigated the church in San Bernardino with his family. When he moved back he stopped taking the lessons and lost contact with the church. He told us he had been praying for an opportunity to talk with someone that could help him. We will be teaching him and his family soon.
Yesterday we decided to walk to church. We usually take the colectivo, but we ran out of traveling money because of going to the doctor so much for Elder Ballard, and just decided to not use our own money to pay. When we were walking a woman stopped us and told us she was a member, and didn't know where the chapel was. We walked with her there and she told us a little about herself. She was born in El Salvador but lived in Guatemala as of a few days ago. She is the only member in her family. She left her three daughters with a Book of Mormon and just told them to read it and left for Cancun to find work. On her way here (via bus) she lost her bus pass and can't get there. So she has been here a couple days. That's when she saw us walking to church. We took her to the Bishop and the church is helping her get to Cancun. She told us that she would be leaving tomorrow (today) and was just so happy and grateful. She thanked us and was just so sincere. I feel like if that was the only reason Elder Ballard was sick, it was worth it.
I am so excited for Easter. I love this time of year, and thinking about the Atonement of Christ. I have a testimony that Christ lives. I know it with all of my heart. I know it just as much as I know the sun will rise tomorrow. I have a testimony of his divinity and that his Atonement is real. I have seen it bless my life and I am seeing it bless the lives of people here in Mexico. It is infinite and is the only way we can return to live with Him and our Heavenly Father. He leads our church today, I know it, and I cannot deny it.
I love you and miss you all! You are in my prayers. I love it here and am learning so much. Thanks for your prayers and support! I hope Tanner is feeling better. I am so excited for my package!! Thank you! Happy anniversary Lauren and Seth! I love you all, again!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Monday, April 11, 2011
La Restauración de Todas Las Cosas, de que Habló Dios
Mi Familia,
This week was great. It was faster than last week. We got to work too! It was good to get out again. Then Elder Ballard got an x-ray, and the doctor thinks he has an intestine problem, like it is bleeding or something! He is supposed to stay in the apartment so we are back to that again. I am still learning a lot. This week I studied the scriptures a lot. I just love studying and learning more from the scriptures. They really are the guide books to life. I love learning more. I can't believe how poorly I know the scriptures but that's why we study them every day! I love reading in the Bible and seeing things that only our church does. It makes me laugh... And wonder what priests are thinking when they read about baptisms for the dead, resurrection in different glories, or times of Restoration. Oh well.
Hernan, our only constant investigator at the moment, is great. He is so steadfast and just the perfect investigator. He has been to church twice already. We are trying to get him to be baptized this Saturday. He told us he doesn't feel ready, but in reality he is! I told him that I was 8 when I was baptized and he couldn't believe it. We are working with him and his family is warming up to us. I will let you know what happens in a week!
Well I haven't taken too many pictures because usually I am in the apartment and there just isn't too much time! How should I get those to you? Or should I? I don't know if these computers have the right outlets or whatever it's called. Ha let me know. Also I haven't received mail yet. We got it the first week I was here but of course I didn't have any yet. I expect that I will in the next few weeks, I think we get mail about once a month.
Black Beauty got detailed! I know that Mom has wanted it painted for the longest time. Every time I see "Black Car" in my email I expect to see "died" or "finally broke down" after it. Haha - but I am glad that is not the case!
That is so fun that Brooke is home for a bit! I forgot about spring break. I hope Alicia, Tanner, and Natalie enjoyed theirs. It is always fun to get a break from school.
Well, things are good here! I love the work. Sometimes I feel so inadequate and that my best just isn't good enough. I have felt like this especially this week. Haha - and I felt like that when I was in the apartment with Elder Ballard. But I know that even though it is hard (and that really I am inadequate for such a work) that I am doing the right thing. I know this church is Christ's only true church and I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now. I see miracles every day and will get better about writing them! I love it here and have never been happier in my life.
I love you and miss you all! I pray for you each by name every day. Have a great week!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
This week was great. It was faster than last week. We got to work too! It was good to get out again. Then Elder Ballard got an x-ray, and the doctor thinks he has an intestine problem, like it is bleeding or something! He is supposed to stay in the apartment so we are back to that again. I am still learning a lot. This week I studied the scriptures a lot. I just love studying and learning more from the scriptures. They really are the guide books to life. I love learning more. I can't believe how poorly I know the scriptures but that's why we study them every day! I love reading in the Bible and seeing things that only our church does. It makes me laugh... And wonder what priests are thinking when they read about baptisms for the dead, resurrection in different glories, or times of Restoration. Oh well.
Hernan, our only constant investigator at the moment, is great. He is so steadfast and just the perfect investigator. He has been to church twice already. We are trying to get him to be baptized this Saturday. He told us he doesn't feel ready, but in reality he is! I told him that I was 8 when I was baptized and he couldn't believe it. We are working with him and his family is warming up to us. I will let you know what happens in a week!
Well I haven't taken too many pictures because usually I am in the apartment and there just isn't too much time! How should I get those to you? Or should I? I don't know if these computers have the right outlets or whatever it's called. Ha let me know. Also I haven't received mail yet. We got it the first week I was here but of course I didn't have any yet. I expect that I will in the next few weeks, I think we get mail about once a month.
Black Beauty got detailed! I know that Mom has wanted it painted for the longest time. Every time I see "Black Car" in my email I expect to see "died" or "finally broke down" after it. Haha - but I am glad that is not the case!
That is so fun that Brooke is home for a bit! I forgot about spring break. I hope Alicia, Tanner, and Natalie enjoyed theirs. It is always fun to get a break from school.
Well, things are good here! I love the work. Sometimes I feel so inadequate and that my best just isn't good enough. I have felt like this especially this week. Haha - and I felt like that when I was in the apartment with Elder Ballard. But I know that even though it is hard (and that really I am inadequate for such a work) that I am doing the right thing. I know this church is Christ's only true church and I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now. I see miracles every day and will get better about writing them! I love it here and have never been happier in my life.
I love you and miss you all! I pray for you each by name every day. Have a great week!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Monday, April 4, 2011
A Uno De Estos Pequeñitos Un Vaso De Agua Fría
Mi Familia,
Ay so much exciting news! It was great to hear from you!!
Ok... I watched conference and saw all of the sessions, yet I did not hear President Haynie get called to the area 70! How exciting. It was in Spanish and the names were very poorly pronounced. And I paid really close attention because I remember I was thinking, how cool would it be if I knew someone who was called. Haha - oh man. ¡Felicidades a él! I feel a little famous for knowing him. You will have to let me know when you find out who the next Stake President is!
This week went by so fast. Time is going by so fast. And everyone tells me it only gets faster. Wow crazy!
Mom and Dad, I can´t believe President Brown was your Bishop! He was such a great MTC president. He truly inspired me and he and his wife are just so sweet. I wish I could tell him! That is so funny he said Dad would be a Bishop someday.
Elder Ballard is better! Saturday he started feeling better and we are going to be back to work, hooray!
To answer questions, yes I am getting plenty of food! It is great. We get 900 pesos a month. That is about $2.30 a day.
The shower is wonderful. I shower every day! It is cold. (Editor's note: Just to clarify, the water is cold. Based on local weather reports, it is not the air that is cold).
I do have a water bottle filter. It is really nice, and we have enough filters to last the whole mission. Hooray!
Ok Lauren asked me these:
We just moved! We live in an apartment, and live inside the ward boundaries now. Just barely. It´s in a neighborhood called the "Bienestar Social," or social well-being in English. And we live on the street "Niños Heroes." Haha - I love that. We live with two other Elders. That's another thing, our ward is huge. We got two new Elders to help out and we made tentative boundaries yesterday for us. (That's why we moved.) I was really bummed because we lost 6 investigators who had baptismal dates to the other Elders, leaving one with Elder Ballard and me. But I realized it isn't about me, it is about the work of the Lord, and so I am ok with it. In fact I am excited to get back to work in a more manageable area, and find people who are ready to hear the good news. Also Elder Ballard is not related to the Apostle Elder Ballard.
Things are good. We spent more time at the doctors and more time reading and studying. It has been a little discouraging not being able to work, but the Lord has blessed me nonetheless. I can understand so much even though I have been in the apartment just practicing by myself. I am speaking better and am improving everyday! A lot of members tell me that I am doing well for just being here this short while. Haha - not that it is me, but I have been praying so much for the gift of tongues and can see the Lord blessing me. I have a strong testimony that the gift of tongues is real!
I am so happy. Conference was amazing. Saturday we watched in Spanish but Sunday the stake president set up a TV in English. It was so weird to hear English - haha. But conference was amazing. (And it's not just because I am a missionary!) My favorite talk was President Uchtdorf's on Sunday morning. I loved what he said about sharing the gospel using technology and he just answered a lot of questions on my mind.
Well I am just about out of time, but all is well! I am so happy, I love it here. I know this church is true with all of my heart. I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet and all that what was said at conference is literally scripture, and should be applied as such.
I love you all and miss you. I can´t wait to hear from you again next week!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Ay so much exciting news! It was great to hear from you!!
Ok... I watched conference and saw all of the sessions, yet I did not hear President Haynie get called to the area 70! How exciting. It was in Spanish and the names were very poorly pronounced. And I paid really close attention because I remember I was thinking, how cool would it be if I knew someone who was called. Haha - oh man. ¡Felicidades a él! I feel a little famous for knowing him. You will have to let me know when you find out who the next Stake President is!
This week went by so fast. Time is going by so fast. And everyone tells me it only gets faster. Wow crazy!
Mom and Dad, I can´t believe President Brown was your Bishop! He was such a great MTC president. He truly inspired me and he and his wife are just so sweet. I wish I could tell him! That is so funny he said Dad would be a Bishop someday.
Elder Ballard is better! Saturday he started feeling better and we are going to be back to work, hooray!
To answer questions, yes I am getting plenty of food! It is great. We get 900 pesos a month. That is about $2.30 a day.
The shower is wonderful. I shower every day! It is cold. (Editor's note: Just to clarify, the water is cold. Based on local weather reports, it is not the air that is cold).
I do have a water bottle filter. It is really nice, and we have enough filters to last the whole mission. Hooray!
Ok Lauren asked me these:
We just moved! We live in an apartment, and live inside the ward boundaries now. Just barely. It´s in a neighborhood called the "Bienestar Social," or social well-being in English. And we live on the street "Niños Heroes." Haha - I love that. We live with two other Elders. That's another thing, our ward is huge. We got two new Elders to help out and we made tentative boundaries yesterday for us. (That's why we moved.) I was really bummed because we lost 6 investigators who had baptismal dates to the other Elders, leaving one with Elder Ballard and me. But I realized it isn't about me, it is about the work of the Lord, and so I am ok with it. In fact I am excited to get back to work in a more manageable area, and find people who are ready to hear the good news. Also Elder Ballard is not related to the Apostle Elder Ballard.
Things are good. We spent more time at the doctors and more time reading and studying. It has been a little discouraging not being able to work, but the Lord has blessed me nonetheless. I can understand so much even though I have been in the apartment just practicing by myself. I am speaking better and am improving everyday! A lot of members tell me that I am doing well for just being here this short while. Haha - not that it is me, but I have been praying so much for the gift of tongues and can see the Lord blessing me. I have a strong testimony that the gift of tongues is real!
I am so happy. Conference was amazing. Saturday we watched in Spanish but Sunday the stake president set up a TV in English. It was so weird to hear English - haha. But conference was amazing. (And it's not just because I am a missionary!) My favorite talk was President Uchtdorf's on Sunday morning. I loved what he said about sharing the gospel using technology and he just answered a lot of questions on my mind.
Well I am just about out of time, but all is well! I am so happy, I love it here. I know this church is true with all of my heart. I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet and all that what was said at conference is literally scripture, and should be applied as such.
I love you all and miss you. I can´t wait to hear from you again next week!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
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