The Hardest Thing I Ever Loved To Do - Sister Hannah Avery

Written by Sister Hannah Avery, serving in the Chile Vina del Mar Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Spanish.

Hermana Hannah Avery, Chile Vina del Mar Mission

Friends and Family,

As I write this email, I feel the greatest sense of peace and joy in my heart. Eighteen months ago, I left my home and heart in Utah and made my way out into the world, not knowing what exactly would happen in that year and a half, but trusting in the Lord with all of my heart that no matter what, it would all be worth it.

I entered the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Mexico City with excitement, but a few short hours later, realized the intensity and importance of my calling, and I felt unqualified. I spent my mornings praying in tears to find the love of Christ in my heart to go help the people waiting for me and this Gospel, here in Chile. Days of unceasing prayer brought answers from my Father in Heaven. The words that got me through were from Elder Richard G. Scott. He said, "Remember, the Lord has called you to succeed, not to fail. Sometimes, it may seem terribly hard, but He wants you to grow. He will not abandon you. He inspired your call. He knows who you are. He knows what you need. He knows what He wants you to become, and the mission experience is an opportunity He has given you to discover things about yourself that you never knew... capacities you never knew you had, and the capacity to love and serve which will sustain you throughout the rest of your life. Remember, you have been called, and He will fit the task to your capabilities." To this day, I remember feeling like the Lord really was with me and would truly walk every footstep that I was preparing myself to take.

There are many life-lessons and amazing things that I have learned here. Everyday of the mission, I have come home with dirty, sore and swollen feet. But you know what? The physical pain that I feel after walking around all day doesn't even come close to the joy that I feel when teaching others about the Gospel and watching their lives change for the better. As I look at the pair of shoes on my feet right now, that I have used every single day of my mission, I see not only the wear and tear that Chile has put on my shoes, but I see how every step that I have made here has helped me become the person and missionary that God needed and wanted me to become. For me, it was only possible to do here. I have grown to love these people and this country so very much.

I thank my Heavenly Father without ceasing, for my converts who received the word of God, which they heard from me and my companion, but "they received the word not of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in them to believe," (see 1Thessalonians 2:3-13).

My second birthday in Chile :)

Seeing the Holy Ghost testify to others that our words were true was something I will never forget. It's something I can't explain, and a joy that I hope to relive one day. I have seen broken lives made beautiful and whole through the Gospel and love of Christ and our Heavenly Father. I once heard the theology that we as human beings, are like a wall. Over time, our wall gets cracked, colored on, and broken. With the Atonement of Christ, our wall is made clean, and the cracks filled in. His grace and mercy are sufficient enough to save any soul who has the desire to know Him, and accept Him in their lives.

I've walked paths I had never set foot on before. I went to strange places, beautiful places, and left my heart in four small cities in Chile, hoping that my efforts would make the difference in the lives of some of the people there. My heart once belonged to my family, my friends, and my home in Utah. Now, my heart belongs to my Lord and Savior, my Heavenly Father, and his sweet children that I love so very much here in Ovalle, Achupallas, Chorrillos, and Tierras Blancas Chile.

A once unqualified sister missionary, I now come home to you as a witness and firm believer that Jesus Christ lives. Thanks to a year and a half serving along side my Savior, I understand the worth of each and every person in the sight of God. I understand what it feels like to be mocked, humiliated and ridiculed for testifying of the truth. I understand what it feels like to see someone's life changed, thanks to the love of the Savior. I testify that He lives! He KNOWS us and loves us more than we can imagine.

Jesus wants us to be happy, and for that, He calls young missionaries without experience into a world of sin and sadness to show people everywhere that He is the Christ, and that there IS hope and a second chance at life. There IS life after death, and we all have the opportunity to live with our families and our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, if we are willing to take up our cross and walk with Him (see Mark 10:21). I took up my cross, and everyday of my life I plan to carry it until I can place it at the feet of my Savior, and tell Him that I did the best that I could.

Hermanas Avery and Moreno, Chile Vina del Mar Mission

I know this church is true. I know that this Gospel saves lives and makes us happy. I am forever grateful and indebted to my Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ for these 18 months of pure blessings and happiness. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it :) The mission truly was, the hardest thing I ever loved to do.

Have a wonderful week guys! Thank you again for all of the love, support and prayers that you have given me and my family throughout my mission. May the Lord forever bless you all for the things you have done and sacrificed for me to be here. I'll see you from the top of the escalator :)

With all my love, Hermana Avery

I Don't Know About You, But I'm Feeling 22! (January 26, 2015)

Welcome Home, Hermana Avery!  (February 11, 2015)

MOLE: Not the animal - Elder Brian Burgess

Written by Elder Brian Burgess, serving in the Mexico Puebla North Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Spanish.

MOLE: Not the animal!

Hey family! Hey friends! Hey you!

Amazing week! So we were able to go on divisions with Elder Hernandez and Elder West in Texmelucan on Tuesday. I went to Texmelucan with Elder Hernandez (he was actually my companion for about 3 weeks in Zacatelco, very funny and cool elder). Then we also did divisions with the Assistants on Wednesday. I was with Elder Araujo, working in my area (Tule). It was nice being with him again. Very fun day working! Very spiritual lessons! He was also my companion for 2 changes once in Zacatelco and once in Fuertes. So I guess it's been a week with past companions!

My companion and I visited a couple members throughout the week as well. We showed up at the Relief Society President's house and she was making MOLE! Not the animal! Just Google search it. Here in Tlaxcala they have these huge pots to cook in (looks like a cauldron!). In that pot there are 4 turkeys, 4 chickens and 4 ducks. Mexicans sure do know how to throw good parties! A lot of food and music! Haha. They invited us to stay and eat (we couldn't resist) MUY SABROSO EL MOLE!

Today, in a the early afternoon, we traveled up to one of the branches in the mission. The branches in the mission (branch of the church, not a tree) are so pretty! Very green landscapes and a lot of unique stuff. I took some pictures and I will attach them.

Ni**, an investigator from one of the wards in our district, invited to take us up to look around. She has a couple pharmacies and a couple nice cars. She called us and said, "Elders should I take my Cadillac, my Dodge Ram, or my SUV?" I told her, "The Cadillac will be just fine!" haha!

So she drove us up, Elder Olea and I, and Elder Enos and his companion, Elder Ayala.  There was a lot of fog in Chignahuapan! We were going to go all the way up to Zacatlan, but we didn't have time. Because in Chignahuapan we bought some famous (mission fadish) Chignahuapan shoes (picture attached, of the store). I remember some bracelets back in high school made out of nylon or a similar fabric. Well, these shoes are just the same material. But even cooler!

In Chignahuapan there is a famous Catholic church with a guge Mary and Jesus from floor to ceiling made out of wood! So we went and took some pictures!

I am so happy! I hope you are as well!

"Be yourself, and let yourself be Christ-like. That way you can be your best self" - Brian Alma Burgess

Know you are loved,
Elder Burgess

The Amazing Adventures of Elder Burgess (January 26, 2015)

Best Week So Far  (February 9, 2015)

Exchanges - Elder Dallin Remund

Elders Remund and Ludwig

Written by Elder Dallin Remund, serving in the Virginia Chesapeake Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Spanish.

Hey y'all!

We were really busy this week with exchanges. We went down to Goldsboro, and I went with the Goldsboro 1st Ward elders, Elder Ludwig and his trainee, Elder Funk. Elder Ludwig is my buddy. We went to Zaxby's, (pictured left), a way good chicken place out here in the South. We also went to the Goldsboro 2nd Ward elders' mansion (pictured below) and played some games on preparation day. They live in the members' mansion and there's even a theater in there (pictured below as well.)

We were pretty sick this weekend. Did not feel good at all, but we are rested up and ready for the week! We're about to play some ball with the other elders in the zone, and then we're going up for a big leadership training in Portsmouth for 4 days. I'm really excited. It's going to be intense.

I'm getting more and more energetic these days! My testimony of Preach My Gospel is increasing, and we're focusing on the basics as a mission. The member work is going really well here in the Wilson Ward. I'll have a lot to say next week in email!

Elder Remund

Photos from Elder Remund (January 26, 2015)

Temple Trip - Elder Kolby Madsen

Written by Elder Kolby Madsen, serving in the Denmark Copenhagen Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Danish.

Elders Madsen, Child, Ogden and Ma**

I have one transfer left and we find out about transfers next week. I am praying I stay in Slagelse.  I don’t want to move for my last transfer, but the Lord knows best. In my interview with President, he asked me if I would be willing to stay and I told him, "Of course." Then he asked if there's anything that he can do for me, and I just said to continue to follow the Spirit because as much as I love Slagelse and the people here, I also know the Lord knows best. I am willing to go where ever he wants to me. I have no reason to be selfish. The Lord has given me so much from start to finish. I know he will do what is best for His work!

The temple was so great.  We had N** and Ma** in the temple for their first time this week.  It was a great experience and so much fun. Both N** and Ma** had their own family names to take.  They both were baptized for their grandmas.  It was great to see that through their own conversion they have been able to give their family that same opportunity to make the covenants of baptism and continue to progress. N** loved it so much that she said she wants to see the rest of the temple.  Her year mark (after being baptized herself) is the 15th of March, so it would be awesome if she went and received her endowment before I left.  That would be great.  We will see how it goes.

Another great thing that happened this week is that we were able to meet with G**.  He was still sick and does not find out about the results from the scan until the first weekend in February. So slow.  It's too bad, but that's the system and they take care of him, so that is good. We have to wait until he finds out about the scan before he will commit to a baptism date. He did say, however, that he has a stronger testimony of Joseph Smith, which he had a huge problem with before. So that is  great!

Things are just trucking along. The Lord’s work is hastening and it's beautiful. We had a great time with H** this week. He taught me how to work with the electrical system here in Denmark because it's way different than at home. He taught me how to fix lights, gave me a test, and I did it right. It's good because I have had so many people ask if we know how to work with the lights, and we've had to say no. So now I know! The things you learn on a mission, haha.

Nig, ÆLdste Ogden, Natascha, Stefan (Denmark’s
champion boxer in his weight class. Great guy
and a great missionary!)

Well, we were talking to Jo** and he was talking to bishop. We had set a date to go through the temple with him for the first time in a while, then he asked bishop if he could receive his endowments! So they are in the process of that!!! It would be great if we could go with him.

It's great seeing people come closer to Christ through baptism, and even greater to see those same people taking the steps to go to the temple and make more covenants and continue to move forward. It’s the next step and it helps with activity in the church. It's a great focus and is bringing people closer to God through Jesus Christ. There is no better way to do that than to make and keep covenants!

Med Kærlig Hilsen,

Ældste Madsen

Accelerate the Work (January 19, 2015)

I Am Not Trunky  (February 2, 2015)

Our group at the temple in Copenhagen, Denmark

Beans, Water Balloons, and Old Folks - Elder Jacob Avery

Written by Elder Jacob Avery, serving in the Peru Lima West Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Spanish.

Our bean patch

This week, I'm sooooo reaaaddyyy to see some real progress. I feel like people are just playing us because they feel bad watching us walk around all day.

We're working with Pe**, the fisherman, still. He has like 15 siblings and 11 of them are members of the church. I have no idea what they're all doing, or why it takes two full time missionaries to help him find out the church is true, but I'm glad for the opportunity to help out. His wife and kids are good and listen sometimes. I just don't get why they want to be friends with us, but then leave the room when we start the lesson...

Water balloon fight with the ninos!

J** and D** are also coming along, but then their daughter's ex-partner got put in the hospital so they had to help him out. They didn't get to the church on Sunday, but this Tuesday we're taking them on a tour and hopefully committing them to baptism. Woo! J** got his pancreas operated on and shows us his scar occasionally. It's very scary.

Oh, cool story with J**. There's a super old member who was branch president when J**'s uncle was still alive. J**'s uncle was a member of our church and had the same problem that J** has, where he works in a meat shop on Sunday instead of going to church. The old branch president said that he promised J**'s uncle that God would help him if he didn't work on Sunday. So the uncle put God to the test, and never missed a Sunday until he died.

Well, we also did service for an old folk's home. I just can't wait until I'm an old folk and try to remember how funny I thought the elderly people are. My group also took out a bean patch, then we tilled it to put in new beans. It was a lot of work, but I feel pretty good about it.

We did a ward activity and had a water balloon fight. At the end, the kids all went for us. It really came down to every missionary for himself. The kids had a blast though. They'll remember that for the rest of their lives.

Being a district leader is a super tough job. I feel like I need a district leader to help me out, but then I have the realization that ''I'm my own grandpa.'' I worked with two elders this week, and I'm kind of seeing that they spend too much time talking in the street and too little time talking in the people's houses. Well, we're getting better.

So family, I hope you guys are doing well. I didn't read your emails yet, I'm a little behind :( I love you all though and I'm soooo haaapppyyy to be a missionary. Hannah is probably crying to finish. I love you so much!!

Elder Jake Avery

My District

These Are Your Days (January 19, 2015)

Put the Lord First  (February 2, 2015)

I Don't Know About You, But I'm Feeling 22! - Sister Hannah Avery

Written by Sister Hannah Avery, serving in the Chile Vina del Mar Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Spanish.

Sister Hannah Avery (and her mom) in 1993

Hey friends and family!

Well, it's been an extremely FAST week for us! I can't believe I am back writing you all again. Time flies when you are busy! Here is what happened this week:

Well, B** was confirmed a member of the church yesterday and is super happy :) He is a really good kid and is really trying to turn his life around. It's been fun helping him along the way! He will be preparing to receive the Aaronic Priesthood this week we hope!

Al** and Ni**.... well, Al** is in the North working in the mines until Tuesday, so we haven't seen him recently, but we have visited with Ni** and she is doing really great! She said that they know that the church is true, and are working on getting married, but that it is hard for them to accept paying tithing. They said that it's hard just to get by in life, and they feel that giving 10% of their income to the Lord is just another expense. We shared our testimonies of tithing, and she seemed a little more open to the idea now. It's one of those set backs that is easy to fix if they will just try their faith :)

We had a lesson with Ca** this week and she told us that she broke up with her boyfriend. So she officially is living the law of chastity! :) WOOHOO! We just need to schedule a date with her and get her baptized! We are hoping that we can make it happen before the end of this transfer!! Pray for her! :)

Well, other than that, we have just been visiting lots of less active members and trying to find new people to teach! We did have a ward mission activity on Friday and had a movie night. We watched "Ephraim's Rescue" which I haven't ever seen (it came out while I was on the mission) and it was great! I really liked the movie a lot, and how it puts a lot of focus on the faith of people and the power of the priesthood. Really cool movie. If you haven't seen it, go see it!

So.... "I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22!" this week! (I hope you can hear me singing that for you all, in my best Taylor Swift voice :) I feel crazy old. I came into the mission being 20 years old, and go home being 22.... what in the world?! Thanks to all of you who have sent birthday wishes :) You are the best!!

Okay guys, I hope that you all have a great week! Work hard, pray hard, and remember that you guys have a big role in missionary work too! Go spread the love :) Talk to you soon!

xoxoxoo Hermana Avery

Sister Hannah Avery
Chile Vina del Mar Mission
Happy Birthday!!

Bautismo and Trunky Papers (January 26, 2015)

The Hardest Thing I Ever Loved To Do  (February 2, 2015)

Photos from Elder Remund

Written by Elder Dallin Remund, serving in the Virginia Chesapeake Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Spanish.

My companion had his birthday and the Spanish
elders from Smithfield and Mount Olive came up.
We went out to another Mexican restaurant and
played some soccer with all of the Hispanics.
Lots of fun!! The blonde elder to my left is
Hayden Parkinson's (from Herriman High) cousin.
We're Spanish elder buddies. He's awesome.

Hey everybody! I am just going to send some pictures today.

Suffice it to say that I am loving Wilson and I'm having some of my most memorable moments of the mission out here. The work is really picking up and we're staying really busy with member work out here. We've got so many referrals to work with right now!

Also! My investigators from Newport News, E** and M** got baptized on Friday. I didn't get to go, but one of my old companions got to baptize M**. I am so excited for them!!

Mucho amor,

Elder Remund

Freezing rain in Wilson a couple weeks
ago. That's right outside the apartment.

Greenie Fire (January 19, 2015)

Exchanges  (February 2, 2015)

We went to a Mexican restaurant where
a couple YSA (young single adult) members
from our ward work. It was some good food.

Me with Elder Jeppesen at a district meeting
in Albertson! (Hayden Parkinson's cousin!)

The view from our front porch in Wilson!

The Amazing Adventures of Elder Burgess

Written by Elder Brian Burgess, serving in the Mexico Puebla North Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Spanish.
 

Our Zone

Hey Y'all,

So this last week I went on divisions with the elders from Teotlalzingo (one of my past areas). It was super nice seeing some of my past investigators and some members.

On Wednesday we had our zone meeting. My companion and I talked about working with members and setting baptismal dates. Fun meeting! I love being with the zone!

My companion is gonna go to BYU after the mission. So on Friday we traveled about 2 hours to the mission offices in Puebla so he could take an English test to help him on getting registered to BYU. It's kinda nice having a companion who speaks English. We are both fluent in Spanglish, sometimes we just talk in Spanish, and then when one of us says an English word we change to English.. And then when we say a Spanish word we switch back to Spanish, etc. ... to the point of not recognizing the language, just being able to understand everything.

We have been working with Ro** (14 year old) who lives by Cacaxtla (Google search Cacaxtla Tlaxcala, it's actually in my area. Haha, I still haven't gone, but one day will) and he is progressing amazingly to his baptism scheduled for February 14th.

Mi** who lives in front of us is also very excited for her baptism on the 14th of February as well. Her mom was baptized when she was 9 years old, and right now she is going back to church. Mi** will be baptized on the 14th! I am so excited for her!

I love every minute that I get to serve. I hope that the time can slow down. But I don't think it will. I love you all so much!

I will attach pictures of the zone and Jack, our dog.... Okay as missionaries we can't have a pet. But he is the landlord´s dog and so he follows anyone who walks out of our house. So we have adopted him as our friend who just likes being with us.

Con mucho amor,

Elder Burgess

Jack

Don't Try This at Home (January 19, 2015)

MOLE: Not the animal  (February 2, 2015)