Mi Familia,
Thanks for all of the letters! It was so fun to read about everything that is going on.
Congrats to Natalie with her clogging! That is so exciting that she got 1st at nationals. I am so proud. Congrats to Alicia and her scholarship! That is so exciting that she is getting so much money. Prom looks like it was so fun! Congrats to Nick for his mission call, too! I love thinking about the people I know on missions and just know that we are working together for the same cause. Nick will be here soon! And congrats Mom and Dad for 24 years of marriage! That's a great streak, keep it up. And also for getting to work in the temple! That is something I want to do when I grow up.
Transfers came late! They usually come Saturday but they came late last night. Elder Ballard is going to the other side of Tuxtla. I imagine it is because he still needs to see a doctor; he has been in Tuxtla his whole mission. I am staying here and my new companion is Elder Tapia. He has about a year and is coming from the mission offices being the secretary of the mission. He took us to immigration and stuff so I know him and he is a really good missionary! He is a native, I think from Mexico City, but I can't remember for sure. I am sad Elder Ballard is leaving but am excited for Elder Tapia to come and to get to work.
This week went really well. We got to work a lot, well more than usual. It started raining this week, exciting! Still hot though.
About a month ago a man stopped us in the street and asked where the closest chapel was. We told him (Ángel) and he came with his wife, Jazmin and their baby. We just found their house and visited them on Saturday. It went so good. I felt strongly that we needed to invite them to be baptized. You will not believe all of the distractions that happened once I decided we needed to do it. First, the laundry machine pipe started spraying everywhere. They fixed it, and we were teaching. Then the baby was really fussy so they put him to bed. Then he started crying so the mom left and then the phone rang and Elder Ballard left, because we thought it was the transfers coming in. It was just me and Ángel - I felt prompted to ask him if he had any doubts or something, I don't even remember what I said. He told me he felt like a good person but just wanted to be better. I started teaching him about the Doctrine of Christ. Elder Ballard and Jazmin came back. Then it started raining, and we were out by the balcony, getting all wet. We moved away from the opening and kept teaching. Then the lights went out. I couldn't believe everything that was going on. I felt like it was the adversary trying to stop us. The lights went back on, and the baby started crying about a minute later. I couldn't believe it. It was like a movie. Jazmin brought the baby in and we finished teaching, and invited them to be baptized. They accepted a date for the 18th of June. It was such a crazy experience, they are special people and I know the Lord will help them prepare to be baptized no matter what happens!
I am so happy. I am learning so much. I sometimes forget how I used to be before the mission, or that I wasn't a missionary about 5 months ago. But as I look back I can see that I have grown so much. I have learned so much, more than I can explain. I feel like I am growing up, in the gospel. My testimony has grown so much. I know that Christ lives and that He loves us. I know this is his church.
I love you and miss you!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Monday, May 30, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Aunque Esté Muerto, Vivirá
Mi Familia,
Sounds like everyone is doing well! I love thinking about Philmont and the good times I had there. That was almost 2 years ago! It is crazy how fast time goes. Congrats to Tanner and Natalie with band! I am so glad to hear all is going well. This week was a great one for me too.
Elder Cook came Monday for an all mission conference. It was absolutely amazing. Elder Hoyos from the 70 and his wife also came. When Elder Cook first arrived we all shook his hand and his wife's. I tried to button up my suit coat while I was waiting in line but I couldn't do it in time because I was so nervous and shaky. When I shook his hand I didn't even say anything, I just looked at him. Then he said, "Elder Stevenson, where are you from?" I said "San Diego, California." Then I shook his wife's hand, and sat back down. It was so funny. It was a great first experience with an apostle of the Lord.
Elder Cook talked to us about Preach My Gospel, and how important it is. He said he helped write it, even though he felt they really just received it from heaven. He told us also that something we don't teach very well is about Joseph Smith. We do well with the story and all, but an important point that we miss is that he was preordained to be the prophet before he was born, and preordained to restore the church of Jesus Christ. That really impacted me, and I know it is the truth! I am going to teach that better. At the end he gave us an Apostolic Blessing. He told us that he knows that we have loved ones at home who are struggling, with jobs, health, and everything! He promised us that they would be blessed for our service. The spirit was so strong and I was sobbing like a baby. I know he is an apostle of the Lord.
Tuesday was p-day, and we had permission to write home on Monday. But anyways our zone went to the zoo! It was fun. There were so many animals and cool things to see. There were actually about the same amount animals outside of cages just walking around as there were inside. But none of that stopped all of the other guests from staring at us missionaries more than anything else. I took a lot of pictures, but left my camera in the apartment just now. I will send more pictures soon.
Elder Ballard and I went to a new doctor this week, I think he's our 5th or something. This guy seemed good though. He is taking new medication and I think he will be getting better soon. But we have transfers this upcoming Monday and it is pretty unlikely we will stay together. I am sad about that because he is such a good companion! I will let you know what happens next week.
We haven't had the opportunity to work much this week but I am still studying hard and trying my best to use my time effectively. Something that Presidente Velasco told me in an interview to do is to study and work on one Christ-like Attribute from chapter 6 in Preach My Gospel every month. It has been amazing. I am working on hope right now and I have learned so much about it. It is really what brings joy in this life and eternal life in the life to come.
One cool experience: We were going to a doctor’s appointment for Elder Ballard in a taxi and we just started talking to the taxi driver. He really warmed up to us. Then about half way there someone called and told him his aunt had died. I felt so bad for him. He stopped talking and just looked so sad. We tried to console him. We were able to give him the Plan of Salvation pamphlet and I bore my testimony that it was true and that he could see his aunt again. It was such an amazing experience. He seemed grateful and I hope we helped him.
I love you and miss you! Thanks for all of your support and prayers!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Sounds like everyone is doing well! I love thinking about Philmont and the good times I had there. That was almost 2 years ago! It is crazy how fast time goes. Congrats to Tanner and Natalie with band! I am so glad to hear all is going well. This week was a great one for me too.
Elder Cook came Monday for an all mission conference. It was absolutely amazing. Elder Hoyos from the 70 and his wife also came. When Elder Cook first arrived we all shook his hand and his wife's. I tried to button up my suit coat while I was waiting in line but I couldn't do it in time because I was so nervous and shaky. When I shook his hand I didn't even say anything, I just looked at him. Then he said, "Elder Stevenson, where are you from?" I said "San Diego, California." Then I shook his wife's hand, and sat back down. It was so funny. It was a great first experience with an apostle of the Lord.
Elder Cook talked to us about Preach My Gospel, and how important it is. He said he helped write it, even though he felt they really just received it from heaven. He told us also that something we don't teach very well is about Joseph Smith. We do well with the story and all, but an important point that we miss is that he was preordained to be the prophet before he was born, and preordained to restore the church of Jesus Christ. That really impacted me, and I know it is the truth! I am going to teach that better. At the end he gave us an Apostolic Blessing. He told us that he knows that we have loved ones at home who are struggling, with jobs, health, and everything! He promised us that they would be blessed for our service. The spirit was so strong and I was sobbing like a baby. I know he is an apostle of the Lord.
Tuesday was p-day, and we had permission to write home on Monday. But anyways our zone went to the zoo! It was fun. There were so many animals and cool things to see. There were actually about the same amount animals outside of cages just walking around as there were inside. But none of that stopped all of the other guests from staring at us missionaries more than anything else. I took a lot of pictures, but left my camera in the apartment just now. I will send more pictures soon.
Elder Ballard and I went to a new doctor this week, I think he's our 5th or something. This guy seemed good though. He is taking new medication and I think he will be getting better soon. But we have transfers this upcoming Monday and it is pretty unlikely we will stay together. I am sad about that because he is such a good companion! I will let you know what happens next week.
We haven't had the opportunity to work much this week but I am still studying hard and trying my best to use my time effectively. Something that Presidente Velasco told me in an interview to do is to study and work on one Christ-like Attribute from chapter 6 in Preach My Gospel every month. It has been amazing. I am working on hope right now and I have learned so much about it. It is really what brings joy in this life and eternal life in the life to come.
One cool experience: We were going to a doctor’s appointment for Elder Ballard in a taxi and we just started talking to the taxi driver. He really warmed up to us. Then about half way there someone called and told him his aunt had died. I felt so bad for him. He stopped talking and just looked so sad. We tried to console him. We were able to give him the Plan of Salvation pamphlet and I bore my testimony that it was true and that he could see his aunt again. It was such an amazing experience. He seemed grateful and I hope we helped him.
I love you and miss you! Thanks for all of your support and prayers!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Monday, May 16, 2011
Persistid en la Oración a Él
Mi Familia,
This week was a great one! And I remembered I have my cord for my camera so I am sending pictures from the baptism, I hope they work! I will be better about sending pictures.
Talking on the phone was so fun on Monday! I haven't felt distracted since. It was really fun and uplifting! It was so special to talk to everyone. Can't wait to talk on Christmas!
Elder Ballard had his colonoscopy Tuesday. Everything looks good apparently, even though he still has a lot of stomach pain. Presidente Velasco said we will be going to a different doctor this coming week if he is still having problems
So we had the mission conference and I got my mail! I had over 30 letters and the package. So fun! Thanks! It was fun to read the letters. It is funny because I only got a few written ones, and they are all about me finally going to Mexico! So I think it takes a while for them to get here.
The baptism was so good. We unlocked everything and were ready to go Friday night when the boys got their interview. Then Saturday the door where you turn on the faucet for the font was locked and we had to call to get help so we could start filling the font! It started late but everyone came late too, so it worked well. In fact, their dad wasn't going to come, so Elder Ballard and I were praying that he would, and he did! When the mom and sister arrived they didn't even know he was there. It was truly a miracle. There were 40 people there - amazing because we have about 50 people at sacrament meeting every week. There were 7-8 non-member extended family members that live in our area. We are going to teach them too, very soon! We gave talks too, I spoke on the Holy Ghost and Elder Ballard talked about the Atonement. Then we had the baptisms! Obispo Nefi baptized Alejandro (11), I baptized Jared (14), and Elder Ballard baptized Nefi (16). It went really great and they were all happy. The dad gave them all hugs and looked very happy. They were confirmed yesterday and their Mom and sister came to church. I don't think they had come for 12 years. We are hoping they start coming again. It was a great weekend.
We are having the mission conference today with Elder Cook. I am so excited!! I will let you know how it goes next week.
This week I learned so much. First, that prayer is so powerful. It is literally the communication between God and man. I also learned that it is really the best protection against Satan and temptations. We can ask for that strength and it will be given to us, just as it is promised so many times in the scriptures! I also learned more about becoming like Christ. Really that is the goal of this life. Chapter 6 in PMG is all about that. In my opinion, that is the most important chapter of Preach My Gospel. I am using the last page to try to improve as a person and missionary. Improvement is essential. If we are always improving, we will have nothing to worry about in the life to come.
I know this church is true. I love you and miss you all! Can't wait to hear from you all again.
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
This week was a great one! And I remembered I have my cord for my camera so I am sending pictures from the baptism, I hope they work! I will be better about sending pictures.
Talking on the phone was so fun on Monday! I haven't felt distracted since. It was really fun and uplifting! It was so special to talk to everyone. Can't wait to talk on Christmas!
Elder Ballard had his colonoscopy Tuesday. Everything looks good apparently, even though he still has a lot of stomach pain. Presidente Velasco said we will be going to a different doctor this coming week if he is still having problems
So we had the mission conference and I got my mail! I had over 30 letters and the package. So fun! Thanks! It was fun to read the letters. It is funny because I only got a few written ones, and they are all about me finally going to Mexico! So I think it takes a while for them to get here.
The baptism was so good. We unlocked everything and were ready to go Friday night when the boys got their interview. Then Saturday the door where you turn on the faucet for the font was locked and we had to call to get help so we could start filling the font! It started late but everyone came late too, so it worked well. In fact, their dad wasn't going to come, so Elder Ballard and I were praying that he would, and he did! When the mom and sister arrived they didn't even know he was there. It was truly a miracle. There were 40 people there - amazing because we have about 50 people at sacrament meeting every week. There were 7-8 non-member extended family members that live in our area. We are going to teach them too, very soon! We gave talks too, I spoke on the Holy Ghost and Elder Ballard talked about the Atonement. Then we had the baptisms! Obispo Nefi baptized Alejandro (11), I baptized Jared (14), and Elder Ballard baptized Nefi (16). It went really great and they were all happy. The dad gave them all hugs and looked very happy. They were confirmed yesterday and their Mom and sister came to church. I don't think they had come for 12 years. We are hoping they start coming again. It was a great weekend.
We are having the mission conference today with Elder Cook. I am so excited!! I will let you know how it goes next week.
This week I learned so much. First, that prayer is so powerful. It is literally the communication between God and man. I also learned that it is really the best protection against Satan and temptations. We can ask for that strength and it will be given to us, just as it is promised so many times in the scriptures! I also learned more about becoming like Christ. Really that is the goal of this life. Chapter 6 in PMG is all about that. In my opinion, that is the most important chapter of Preach My Gospel. I am using the last page to try to improve as a person and missionary. Improvement is essential. If we are always improving, we will have nothing to worry about in the life to come.
I know this church is true. I love you and miss you all! Can't wait to hear from you all again.
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Obispo Nefi with Alejandro (11)
Elder Stevenson with Jared (14)
Elder Ballard with Nefi (16)
The whole Montejo Aguilar family, with the Elders, Bishop, and Bishop's son (also Nefi)
Monday, May 9, 2011
Pídala a Dios
Editor's Note: Mission rules dictate that missionaries can call home twice a year, at Christmas and Mother's Day. We spoke with Elder Stevenson earlier this evening, and he is happy, healthy, and enjoying life as a missionary. He asked about many of you and sends his love to all.
Mi Familia,
Thanks for all the emails! I am so excited to talk to you tonight!!! Just call that number and it should work.
Congrats to Elder Hernandez and Marshall! I know that where we are called is where the Lord wants us and that He blesses us as we serve with all our heart, might, mind and strength.
Quentin L. Cook is coming to my mission! Next Monday! I am so excited to hear him speak and hopefully talk to him a little. We got haircuts today and are dry cleaning our suits, Hermana Velasco's orders. The whole mission will be there. We are not allowed to tell any of the members here, or else they might try to come, haha. I will have P-day on Tuesday. We also have a zone conference this Thursday. (I think I will get my first batch of mail!)
Were Natalie's clogging competitions at Lagoon? The other 3 elders in the ward are all from Utah, and we always talk about Lagoon. Because one member asked Elder Ward what there is to do in Utah and he said, “There’s this place called Lagoon...” I can't wait for someone to ask me what we have in California... Well there’s Legoland haha. But congrats to her!!! 3 firsts. Thats my Nat.
To answer questions, It has rained here 3 times I think. All for less than 10 minutes and really light. But rainy season is coming about now. (May-October) So far my favorite Bonice is Piña-coco. I'm not too dark because I am usually inside with Elder Ballard, who is still sick. He is getting a Colonoscopy tomorrow. I am excited for him.
Despite the odds, we have 3 baptisms this Saturday, and maybe 4. The 3 Montejo brothers and one other. They are progressing quickly and I am so excited for them! I actually wasn't going to be able to talk Saturday because of their baptism, so that is good. But really Elder Ballard and I are still obedient and I know that is why we are having baptisms even though we don’t get to work that much. The Lord is blessing us.
My Spanish has improved a lot this week! I have had many members and other missionaries compliment me this week. Maybe they are just staring to understand me haha. But I am feeling confident and really am so happy to be here.
Time is going by sooo fast. Too fast. But I am learning so much and have grown so much here. I love being a missionary and sharing this gospel with others. I know it is true. I know it without a doubt! I know the Book of Mormon is true and really the only way to know if it is true is to read and pray about it. (James 1:5) I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I know He lives and atoned for our sins. And only through repentance can we return to live with him and our Heavenly Father. I know this is His church, restored, and on the earth again.
I love you so much and will talk to you soon! Hope all is well!!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Mi Familia,
Thanks for all the emails! I am so excited to talk to you tonight!!! Just call that number and it should work.
Congrats to Elder Hernandez and Marshall! I know that where we are called is where the Lord wants us and that He blesses us as we serve with all our heart, might, mind and strength.
Quentin L. Cook is coming to my mission! Next Monday! I am so excited to hear him speak and hopefully talk to him a little. We got haircuts today and are dry cleaning our suits, Hermana Velasco's orders. The whole mission will be there. We are not allowed to tell any of the members here, or else they might try to come, haha. I will have P-day on Tuesday. We also have a zone conference this Thursday. (I think I will get my first batch of mail!)
Were Natalie's clogging competitions at Lagoon? The other 3 elders in the ward are all from Utah, and we always talk about Lagoon. Because one member asked Elder Ward what there is to do in Utah and he said, “There’s this place called Lagoon...” I can't wait for someone to ask me what we have in California... Well there’s Legoland haha. But congrats to her!!! 3 firsts. Thats my Nat.
To answer questions, It has rained here 3 times I think. All for less than 10 minutes and really light. But rainy season is coming about now. (May-October) So far my favorite Bonice is Piña-coco. I'm not too dark because I am usually inside with Elder Ballard, who is still sick. He is getting a Colonoscopy tomorrow. I am excited for him.
Despite the odds, we have 3 baptisms this Saturday, and maybe 4. The 3 Montejo brothers and one other. They are progressing quickly and I am so excited for them! I actually wasn't going to be able to talk Saturday because of their baptism, so that is good. But really Elder Ballard and I are still obedient and I know that is why we are having baptisms even though we don’t get to work that much. The Lord is blessing us.
My Spanish has improved a lot this week! I have had many members and other missionaries compliment me this week. Maybe they are just staring to understand me haha. But I am feeling confident and really am so happy to be here.
Time is going by sooo fast. Too fast. But I am learning so much and have grown so much here. I love being a missionary and sharing this gospel with others. I know it is true. I know it without a doubt! I know the Book of Mormon is true and really the only way to know if it is true is to read and pray about it. (James 1:5) I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I know He lives and atoned for our sins. And only through repentance can we return to live with him and our Heavenly Father. I know this is His church, restored, and on the earth again.
I love you so much and will talk to you soon! Hope all is well!!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Monday, May 2, 2011
Continuad Ayunando y Orando
Mi Familia,
Bin Laden is dead?! Crazy. Sounds like a very exciting week. Elder Ballard and I think that Hernan, our investigator, looks like Osama a little. Good to know it is not him! But it would have been cool to baptize him.
I can't believe everything that happened with the stake! That is crazy. I hope our ward doesn't change, because I love our ward! Does that mean Alicia has a new seminary teacher? And I think Jimmy is going to Chile Santiago West, and Brandon to England Manchester. Let me know when you find out!
This week went well. I got to work a little but Elder Ballard is still sick. So, lots of study time. I feel like I am making good progress in Spanish and feel pretty confident with it, for how little I have been exposed to it. I studied the scriptures for hours this week and learned a lot. I wish I would have studied them more before the mission.
Cool experience: Boyd K. Packer said that practicing teaching is the way the Lord teaches his missionaries. We practice teaching almost every day as a companionship. One practice we had was about reading the Book of Mormon with one of our investigators, Luis, who drives Taxi. In the practice, I was the missionary and Elder Ballard was Luis. Elder Ballard said he hadn't had time because he works 12 hours a day as a Taxi driver, and he is really tired. Lo and behold, Luis said the same thing when we went to the lesson. We were able to help him almost word for word with what we said in the practice. It was an amazing experience for me.
A little more about the Montejo Family: The parents and oldest daughter have been inactive for 12 years. They were baptized 21 years ago and we think they were offended by a member. The dad has other issues with the church and will say hi but takes off whenever we are over. The mom loves us and knows the church is true, but won't attend church. The sons, Nefi (16), Jared (14), and Alejandro (12) are not baptized, but are so great. The Bishopric came with us Wednesday to talk to them, and the whole family was there, and awake (which is rare). 11 of us were sitting there and talking, including their Dad! The mom and sister were crying the whole time when we talked about the Sabbath day and sacrament. Hermana Montejo told us so many missionaries have stopped by to try to talk to them and help the family and baptize the sons but it has never happened. Then she told Elder Ballard and I that she feels like we are going to be the ones that are going to baptize them. It made me so happy, because I feel such a special connection with those boys. Nefi told me he wants to be a missionary too someday. They called us Saturday to tell us they couldn´t come to church, because they were leaving out of town. I was so sad, and decided to fast that they could be able to somehow come to church. On Sunday they called us 30 min before Sacrament meeting telling us they were coming! Only the boys came but that is alright. I still don't know exactly what happened but I know my prayers were answered, and I know that fasting works!!!
I am so happy! I love it here. I know I am doing the Lord's work. The only thing that makes me sad is thinking that someday I will come home and have to take off my missionary tag. I know this church is true. I love you and miss every one of you!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Bin Laden is dead?! Crazy. Sounds like a very exciting week. Elder Ballard and I think that Hernan, our investigator, looks like Osama a little. Good to know it is not him! But it would have been cool to baptize him.
I can't believe everything that happened with the stake! That is crazy. I hope our ward doesn't change, because I love our ward! Does that mean Alicia has a new seminary teacher? And I think Jimmy is going to Chile Santiago West, and Brandon to England Manchester. Let me know when you find out!
This week went well. I got to work a little but Elder Ballard is still sick. So, lots of study time. I feel like I am making good progress in Spanish and feel pretty confident with it, for how little I have been exposed to it. I studied the scriptures for hours this week and learned a lot. I wish I would have studied them more before the mission.
Cool experience: Boyd K. Packer said that practicing teaching is the way the Lord teaches his missionaries. We practice teaching almost every day as a companionship. One practice we had was about reading the Book of Mormon with one of our investigators, Luis, who drives Taxi. In the practice, I was the missionary and Elder Ballard was Luis. Elder Ballard said he hadn't had time because he works 12 hours a day as a Taxi driver, and he is really tired. Lo and behold, Luis said the same thing when we went to the lesson. We were able to help him almost word for word with what we said in the practice. It was an amazing experience for me.
A little more about the Montejo Family: The parents and oldest daughter have been inactive for 12 years. They were baptized 21 years ago and we think they were offended by a member. The dad has other issues with the church and will say hi but takes off whenever we are over. The mom loves us and knows the church is true, but won't attend church. The sons, Nefi (16), Jared (14), and Alejandro (12) are not baptized, but are so great. The Bishopric came with us Wednesday to talk to them, and the whole family was there, and awake (which is rare). 11 of us were sitting there and talking, including their Dad! The mom and sister were crying the whole time when we talked about the Sabbath day and sacrament. Hermana Montejo told us so many missionaries have stopped by to try to talk to them and help the family and baptize the sons but it has never happened. Then she told Elder Ballard and I that she feels like we are going to be the ones that are going to baptize them. It made me so happy, because I feel such a special connection with those boys. Nefi told me he wants to be a missionary too someday. They called us Saturday to tell us they couldn´t come to church, because they were leaving out of town. I was so sad, and decided to fast that they could be able to somehow come to church. On Sunday they called us 30 min before Sacrament meeting telling us they were coming! Only the boys came but that is alright. I still don't know exactly what happened but I know my prayers were answered, and I know that fasting works!!!
I am so happy! I love it here. I know I am doing the Lord's work. The only thing that makes me sad is thinking that someday I will come home and have to take off my missionary tag. I know this church is true. I love you and miss every one of you!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
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