| December ~ Las cartas de Diciembre Diciembre 31, 2012 ¡Feliz año nuevo a todos! & There are lots of people waiting to hear the Gospel, we just have to find them.  |
| Hermano Banuelos harvesting his maize with Elder Hill |
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| Jaina's hijo David |
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| Diana & Boyfriend |
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| Elder Hill, Diana's boyfriend, Diana & Elder Martin |
Yesterday Diana got baptized. She has been going for a year and one day we met with her and I don´t remember what I said, but she decided to get baptized. When her boyfriend baptized her they were in white, and I thought (to myself as not to scare her), that the next time that they would be dressed in white together would be in the temple. They are for sure a couple that will get sealed in the temple... that is when they get married. I think he was waiting to see if she would get baptized first, but who knows.
Also yesterday we had a pretty cool experience. We were in priesthood meeting when one of the YM came and told us that there was a man outside that wanted to get baptized and be a member of the church. I thought he was just playing but no! Ramón showed up all on his own and said that he has the desire to learn more. He doesn´t correspond to our area, but he called the other missionaries and they went yesterday and he accepted a baptismal date! Miracles do happen. There are lots of people waiting to hear the Gospel, we just have to find them. D&C 123:12
One thing that I love about the mission is that I actually love to read and study the scriptures now. I didn´t put that much effort into it before, but now I love it. For example, I never took advantage of the topical guide. It´s so awesome because only in English is it that complex. Funny scriptures under the word "strange" are: Jude 1:7, Ezekiel 3:5, and Ezra 10:11. The Bible is funnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!
Well, gotta go because we have to be in the house early tonight. Gotta keep working.
Thanks for everything. I hope that everyone has a great week.
Love,
Elder Hill
From Tezo still
I´m sending two from the baptism but that´s it for now. I´ll take more later on. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE FAMILY & ALL.
David hijo and me with Hermano Banuelos when he was harvesting corn.
24 Diciembre 2012
Felìz Navidad y Prospero Año & "FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD
THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON."
Well, I think I`ll start out this week`s details with the fact that the mission isn`t all clean and happy as some people think. I arrived to my new area with one of those horror stories about missionary houses- mold, dirty, tons of cockroaches, and just not that great. My companion cleaned a lot before I got there but his last companion just didn`t mind the mess. Elder Martin is a good Elder and we worked hard this week to have a clean house, and it`s better! It`s definitely a nice Christmas present.
On Tuesday we went to do a service project in a community in our zone. We cleaned up a lot of weeds outside and waterproofed the roof. I don`t have pictures, but that was a good second service project. I don`t remember if I wrote last week that we had gone and cleaned up a lot of garbage in an area by the city cemetery, but that`s what I did on Saturday in my last zone. Fun times.
Wednesday we went to find a less active member and found some other guy who rents in his same building. We had a lesson with him and at the end he asked if he could pray his way and he did. We knelt down like we did at the beginning but then he stayed standing, so I thought O.K. Then he started praying really loud and put his hands on our heads and starting blessing us. He went on for like 5 minutes and ended, but that was a strange experience I tell ya!
On Friday I had an experience where I felt that Heavenly Father really does send missionaries to areas where there are people ready for that missionary. Diana is the girlfriend of an RM, (return missionary), and has been investigating the church for about 1 year, but hasn`t been baptized. On Tuesday we had a lesson with her and I don`t remember too much of what was said, but we invited her to pray to know if she should be baptized this next Saturday. So she prayed and felt like she should and said that something that I had said is what helped her to make the choice. I tell you that it wasn`t me, but the spirit acting through me. That`s what makes the mission amazing- all of the little experiences like that.
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| Presidente & Hermana Call's son, Shane, with Matthew's tie on! |
Saturday there was a little activity as a zone for Christmas with President and Sister Call and their family. I don`t have the pictures yet but we sang songs, played activities, and exchanged ties. We dressed up and acted out Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and guess who was Rudolph? Yours truly, Elder Hill.
Sunday, well, we went to church and I met the ward. Nobody was there because a lot of people left for Christmas, but they tell me the ward is huge.
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| Queretaro District |
And today we had a little activity as a district. We exchanged gifts, broke a piñata, and went to a Chinese food buffet. Haven`t had Chinese food in a long time, so that was good.
I read this week in Jesus the Christ, In chapter 8 about the Babe in Bethlehem and the story of Christ`s birth. Click here to read Jesus The Christ~scroll down for Ch. 8
It was a little more in depth than just reading in the scriptures and I really enjoyed it. If you have the book, it is an invitation to study a little more about Christ and WHY we SHOULD be celebrating Christmas. He did a lot for us, but I feel that many times in the Christmas season we forget about Him and just spend a lot of money on things that have no eternal significance. Although Christmas is not over, the mission has opened my eyes about what matters most.
I hope that everyone has a great week and that you can have more Christ in your lives.
"FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON ."
With Love,
Elder Hill
1- Elder Martin and I
2- District activity after breaking the "mission sins" pinata (waking up late, facebook, etc - all the stuff that we shouldn`t do and don`t do)
3- Cockroaches in the cupboard
****************funny de la biblia
***************1 Tim 2:11-15 and 1 Cor 11:14 -15
17 Diciembre 2012
Cambios, Cucarachas y Navidad! |
| ELDERS' HILL & CLAYTON WITH DISTRICT
I received transfer notices this week that I was to leave Tezontepec after 6 months and go to
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This last week we found a family of four in the street that started asking us questions because we were two white guys that always walked buy their house. We left them with some things to read but they weren`t there when we went by the next day, so I don`t know what will happen. Other than that, things were pretty chill in Tezo. ON Sunday the Bishop chose the hymn 266- The time is far spent- to sing in Sacrament Meeting but in Spanish the translation is "The end is near" because of the 21st of December when supposedly the world will end. Well, good thing I`m in the mission! Everyone says that If it ends this week we don`t have to get married to go to the Celestial kingdom, but it`s not going to end so don`t worry.
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| EXPENSIVE FISH FRY |
We also got kidnapped one day by some members and they took us to a family get together to eat because we didn`t have anywhere to eat and we ate fried fish. It wasn`t too bad and apparently it`s really expensive, too.
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| ELDER HILL AND ROSITA |
Rosita in the wheelchair has spinomeningocele or Spina bifida and she got baptized almost a year ago and goes with the other missionaries of her ward to appointments.
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| ELDER HILL AND SOFIA |
Sofia is like the Mexican twin of Alivia, Tyler and Kelli`s daughter.
Merry Christmas! Be safe, be giving, and be happy!
Amor,
Elder Hill
More Pics- cockroaches in the house and Bishop`s family. (Missing in email)
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| COCKROACHES IN ELDER HILL'S & CLAYTON'S FLAT.....EEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!! |
10 Diciembre 2012
It´s Tough Here ~ We Are Teaching People, Satan Works Within Them and Just Makes it Difficult & The Bible Has Lots of Funny Scriptures!
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| TEZONTEPEC, ESTADO DE HIDALGO, MEXICO
Well another week has come and gone. This week Jaina was called to be a young women´s teacher and she´s super excited. The young women here need someone like her who has the testimony and the desire to help others. Being a young member here honestly isn´t too easy. There are so many more distractions and temptations and it´s a lot easier to fall than at home. At least that´s my perspective as a missionary.
 We started teaching a family this week that was really interested and had so many questions about the church and the next day we went, they told us that they didn´t want us to come back. L We think that their family and neighbors started talking to them about how they shouldn´t change religions.
It´s tough here because as soon as the people see that we are teaching people, Satan works within them and just makes it difficult. People here put a lot of weight on what the people say and their family. They have a lot of difficulty being independent. It´s a totally different culture.
 We started teaching the parents of one hermano in the ward. They have talked to soooo many missionaries in the last 6 years but for some reason they haven´t ever read nor prayed about the Book of Mormon. They like the change that they saw in this hermano and his family, they like the church a lot, but they don´t want to change because the feel obligated to their ancestors. We invited them to read, ponder, and pray and we know that they will receive an answer. I´ll let you know what happens next week.
The Bible has lots of funny scriptures. I think I´ll share one a week for a while....
1 Thes 5:26
1 Thes 5:16
Prov 20:29
This week we ate Aztec Pie and lamb barbacoa. I am disgusted/proud to admit that I was able to eat a sheep testicle..... gross, but it´s a one in a lifetime opportunity! And a balloon guy climbed in the combi (van) this week and I took a picture.
Loves,
Elder Hill
Oh I also found out that I have had bed bugs for the last few weeks so I have to go buy this stuff and scrub down my bed this week! Yay!!!
(Mom) The essential oils and cream I sent you was for that too! The mixture and the brown cream!!!! YOU are so funny!
I´ve been using it. Thanks for your ingeniousness.
Loves, gotta go. Have a good week.
Me. (Yes, Elder Hill may not like to see this on the blog...HOWEVER, it does show the dedication, sacrifice, character and sense of humor one must have when Called to Serve!)
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Greater Light = Greater Condemnation & My Jumpsuit is TOO Small!
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| Jaina, Elder Hill, Jaina's hijo Arjun & el Papa, Arjun e hiram Garcia at Arjun's baptism, (just turned 8!) |
didn´t have any clean white shirts but when I put it on at church it was too small! I looked like a little kid in pajamas that didn´t fit. Hence, I am behind Arjun. His dad, Hiram, came and is also going to church where he lives and reading the BOM and the pamphlets. The gospel changes lives. We´ve been trying to find new people to teach this week but it has been a little hard because of relying on the members. It´s difficult because we have to train the members on how to talk to people and what to do. Many members get embarrassed when talking about the church, but we are helping them build THEIR testimony so that they can help others. This last week we also had flu shots and I got to help. We have a hermana in the mission who is a doctor so she came to give the shots. When Hermana Call told her that I was an EMT, she had me fill the syringes. With nearly 11 months in the mission.... I was a little caught off guard but I think that everyone survived.
We went to Tula today because our district wanted to get out of the little village and see something bigger, so we went to a store and Burger King! Elder Clayton has been wanting to go ever since he got here, so happy birthday to him (on Wednesday)!!!!! We don´t go because it´s really expensive and just not a place for missionaries to be. I´m okay without burger king for another 11 months.
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| (From Elder Clayton's letter) Oh yeah, Elder Hill and I got spit on the other day for the first time. We were walking down a road and some car zoomed past us and a woman spit on us, haters gonna hate and mormons gonna morm. |
Have a great week! Gotta go!
Elder Hill
1-burger king
2-guys washing a big tent at a circus
3- Arjun´s baptism
| October Letters ~ Cartas de octubre HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!!!!!  | ||
Elders Hill & Rangel
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Día de los Muertos y Todos los Santos y ¡Feliz cumpleaños!
October 29, 2012
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| One SPECIAL Hermana (Sister) must've know that those chocolate muffins are probably Matthew's FAVORITE treat, ok, choc. chip cookies, brownies, ice-cream and Keva's too! |
Thanks for all of the Birthday wishes!! I was a pretty normal day for me. Went to church, worked, and had a family night lesson and they remembered it was my birthday so we had cake. Pretty cool.
Good to hear about Ryan and all that. No es tu trabajo. Haz lo que tienes que hacer que seria mejor para tus hijos.
(He wanted me to send brownies…takes 3 weeks for a package, I asked if he had an oven) No. I don´t need anything to bake nor do I have an oven. it is rare that people have an oven.
One thing that I like about being Mexican for two years is that we have holidays and parties for EVERYTHING! This week, starting yesterday, is Day of the Dead and All Saints Day. It´s pretty interesting from what I learned in Spanish class, but now I get to live it for real.
This week Jaina and Wendy were confirmed members of the Church. Pretty exciting. Jaina signed up in RS to have us eat in her house this week AND paid her tithing. What a stellar convert. She is truly converted in her heart. We had a FHE lesson with Wendy last night and they remembered that it was my birthday. Her birthday was this week too so we all had a nice little festival for the refreshments part of the FHE.
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| Wendy's familia with Elders' Hill & Clayton |
David and Nicte also said that they wanted to be baptized because they said that they haven´t seen any other church as true as ours, so they are going to try it out, as they put it. It´s pretty neat. They are one of those couples that you just wonder "how are these people not members?" We are working this week on helping them be converted, too.
Thanks for all of the birthday wishes from everyone! You are all fabulous and I love you all. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EVERYONE THIS WEEK, AS WELL!!!
Elder Rangel in my district made me a pretty cool b-day card with a popup elder and everything. He´s going to be a big artist someday. We also had Costco muffins this week..... something very rare unless you find someone who has a membership and is willing to buy them. We have secret connections from one certain HERMANA. Were the favorites of the bunch! ;)
Well my pals, have a great week. Be safe trick or treating and don´t take candy from strangers! Good luck!
Loves,
Elder Hill
Triple Action and The Church is TRUE. Never Leave It.October 22, 2012
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| Elder Matt Clayton, Irineo & Elder Matt Hill |
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| Elder Clayton, Jaina, Elder Hill & Wendy Baptism |
Irineo said that he felt really calm and a peaceful feeling that very few times in his life he has felt. He was baptized Saturday and confirmed Sunday while Jaina and Wendy were only baptized on Sunday. It was a really great service. Jaina had some problems before she left her house with her family because they didn´t want her to get baptized so it was special for her becuase she did it out of her own conviction and doesn´t really care what everyone else says. Wendy said, "Thank you so much, really, thank you." Almost her whole family are members but inactive, and we are starting to get them back to church. It´s always great to see how the Gospel changes lives, if people just let it. Nicte and David have changed their minds since they saw what happened with Jaina and Nicte´s mom. Nicte is influenced a lot by what her mom says, and David just doesn´t want to accept it. It´s sad that some people KNOW and FEEL that it is true, but don´t have the courage to say no to the world and do what is best for them. Nicte wrote a little paper one day at work and shared all of her feelings. All of them pointing to the Gospel, and the Spirit was so strong in that lesson, but her mom just doesn´t want to let her be a grown up. Maybe some day.
P. S. Missionaries with sexual sins are a risk to the work because if something happens in the field, it can ruin a whole village from listening to the gospel. Read Alma 39. There is a process of repentance, but they can talk to their Bishop about it. He has the keys. Also, if they go through the temple and everything, and messes up on the mission, they will NEVER, (rarely) return to the church because the guilt and the sin will be way too much for them to handle. Greater light = greater condemnation. Read Alma 39 by clicking here!
Yes, there is repentance for young people that break the law of chastity, but most of the time it is not enough to stop them from serving a mission unless it is a pattern, and a consistent trend. That has been my experience. It is all about the sincerity of their repentance, and the remorse which generally stops them from doing the thing over and over again. So although the bar is raised, it is still a bar that most can jump. President Epperson
The Church is True. Never leave it. And if you are not a member, investigate, pray, and you will know. Just do it.
Zone Conference & Bueno Bueno Bueno!
October 15, 2012
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| Zone Conference Tezontepec |
Bueno Bueno Bueno!
That´s how some people answer the phone here. It´s pretty funny. A while back we had zone meeting so here are some of the pictures that we took. I haven´t taken any pictures lately because I have run out of interesting things to take pictures of. We´ll see how this week goes!
This week was a pretty good week. We have been going with Jaina, Wendy, and Ireneo who all three are going to be baptized this next weekend. They all went to church on Sunday and got to see the baptism of a member´s daughter so that was neat. They´re all excited, and Wendy is a little nervous, but she´ll be okay. David and Nicte are in the process of receiving their answer. They feel like it is true, but they still don´t KNOW. Faith is not a perfect knowledge, but believing in things that you can´t see but do exist. We are trying to explain that principle to them. Also, Nicte is from a religion that doesn´t believe much in Christ. We asked her the baptismal interview questions and she doesn´t know why everyone says that Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the World. We have an appt tonight and we are going to talk about that. Pray for her, please. They just need that much more help to make it to the waters of baptism.
We have had a hard time finding new, committed people to teach. There are LOTS of people, but few who want to listen. There is a scripture in 3 Nephi 19:12 that tells us that Christ chose people, prepared people, to be baptized. It is the same today.
12 And he came up out of the water and began to baptize. And he baptized all those whom Jesus had chosen.
13 And it came to pass when they were all baptized and had come up out of the water, the Holy Ghost did fall upon them, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost and with fire.)
There are chosen, or in D&C it says that 'mine elect'. There are people all around us who are being prepared... it´s just the job of each of us to preach the gospel and help them know Christ and come to the straight and narrow path.
I hope everyone is reading conference talks. They are holy scripture for us in the next 6 months, and even more. Keep doing the small and simple things and the Lord will bless you!
Loves,
Elder Hill
General Conference and Birthdays!
October 8, 2012
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOSH!!!!!!!!
The big old 18! Happy Birthday! (bro)
Happy Birthday to Hayden! (nephew)
(Elder Hill also turns 20 on the 28th and many of his friends birthdays are in October!)
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| Matthew, Josh & Hayden last year |
Today we made flour tortillas in the church and ate tacos. Everyone here eats corn tortillas because it´s cheaper, and because flour is more expensive, nobody makes them. We also moved houses last week because of a few problems that we had at the other house. With a new house comes buying and doing a few new things. We bought a mirror and had to silicone it to the wall. The wall is concrete and tape doesn´t stick, so we used the shower curtain rod to keep it in place while we went and worked all day. Here in Mexico they call that a "mexicanada", or like a mexican jimmy-rig. It works!
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| President Monson, "I am pleased to announce effective immediately all worthy and able young men that have graduated high school or it's equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the opportunity of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of the age of 19.....able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21." |
Conference was amazing. There are a lot of things that I loved, but the message that struck me with the most power was President Monson when he announced the change in ages for missionaries. When he announced that it would be 18 for all young men, and 19 for all young women, I felt the Spirit testify that President Monson is a prophet, and that CHRIST is at the head of His church. That was a prophetic change. It will be a conference to be remembered for many, many years. I also had a more perfect realization that Heavenly Father knows each of us and knows our future. He helps us plan for our future if we will just let Him guide us. Click to learn more ~ Church Lowers Age Requirement For Missionary Service
Before I left on the mission, I wish I would have familiarized myself better with Preach My Gospel. It is an inspired manual that came from the other side of the veil and put together here. The story behind preach my gospel is fascinating. If you can look into it, I invite you to do so.
Elder Clayton continues to progress. He had to put extra notches in his belt this week because his belt was too big! He lost a little weight when he got sick. He told me that even his pants are a little looser. That´s how I felt when I was in the hospital before left. My suit looked like a fat man´s suit when I wore it. But no worries.... I´ve gained it all back. :)
Be good. Love you all. And in case you didn´t understand Elder Nelson.... If you have a question about ANYTHING, ask the missionaries. WE KNOW EVERYTHING!
Elder Hill
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| Elder Hill with Chapulines... fried Grasshoppers/Locusts! |
October 1, 2012
October Conference and Grasshoppers!
This week was another week of eating weird things. They are called something like chapolines, but I´m not sure how it´s spelled, (Los saltamontes, Grasshoppers know as locusts in Mexico as 'chapulines'. ) They weren´t as gross as the other Shaguey, (Shumways/Fried Beetles) (again, not spelled correctly). I don´t know how to spell it because people in Hidalgo talk a little funnier than people in Mexico state. They weren´t too bad because I put lots of Habanero salsa on my taco to cover up the taste a little. It didn´t really help. All it did was burn my lips for a while. Cheaters never win!
I can´t believe that conference is next weekend. I´m really excited because this time I will be able to understand it a little better. It´s strange to hear the translator´s voices instead of the actual person. That´s something a miss a little.
David and his family are doing great. They are soaking up the gospel and progressing. So David and Nicte-ha are married. Jaina and Adrian are bro and sis of Nicte. Jaina is separated from her husband, Iram, but they went to church together becuase they feel that it could be the link that brings them together again. It´s amazing to see the Atonement and the gospel change lives. Jaina was totally different when we first taught her, and now she is more into it than David and Nicte. Elder Clayton and I are excited to continue finding people like them who are ready to hear the gospel and change their lives. Wendy is doing good and has a baptismal date for the 13th. Ireneo went to church and loved it, and said that he wants to be baptized. He has a bapt date for the 14th. The work continues and the days fly by. 6 months ago I was beginning my time in mexico and here I am again for conference. What a privilege it is to listen to the Prophet, Apostles, and the other General Authorities of the church. Prepare for it- don´t take it for granted. At home we don´t have to go to the church to watch the translated broadcast. Let us be better than 6 months ago. Always moving up and forward.
Keep your chin up, each one.
Elder Hill
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| Elder Hill with a GIGANTIC lemon! |
September letters ~ Cartas de Septiembre 2012
Hey peeps,
This week is a little bit of craziness, but let me share you just a little bit of what´s going on. We continued teaching Paulino and his family. He said that he believes that the Book of Mormon is true but that he can´t just change his religion overnight after being catholic for 50 years. I think it is more of a pride thing because he can change, but he fears what others might say if he changes. He is a great guy and his family are great people. I have high hopes for them. He came to church yesterday and sat through testimony meeting which is a bit of a miracle. In 3 months he hasn´t come to church, but he did yesterday. He left after sacrament meeting because his granddaughter came to visit. I´ll take a miracle step by step if I have to! Yoletzi is a part member family. She came to church, too. She has a baptismal date for the 16th, I think. She´s so going to get baptized. We were looking for a family on Saturday and a lady comes out and stops us and tells us that her son, 16 yrs old, has been acting weird, having visions, screaming, and a whole bunch of other things. We went and talked to him and there was definitely a heavy feeling there, but not too overbearing. After trying to figure out what was going on, there was a point when we asked him if he knew us. He said yes, that we were the "intelligent eyes". There were several occasions when he looked me in the eye and I felt that I knew before this life, whatever spirit he has. Crazy. We left pretty soon because he was on drugs and we can´t do anything when he´s like that. After studying the scriptures and Jesus the Christ Sunday morning, I realized just how parallel everything that was happening with us happened with Christ when he cast out demons. We went again yesterday and gave him a blessing, but he was still a little crazy. We told his dad to start praying every day so that his son would be healed. His dad accepted a baptismal date. On Tuesday we´ll go back to visit his family. Treviño is now a Zone Leader in Queretaro and I get to train a new Elder from the United States of America! I still don´t know who because they are still in the airport and I´m in the offices waiting with the other trainers. I´ll let you know next week, if Hermana Call doesn´t send a picture this week. Well, gotta go. Sounds like Josh is doing good. Tell him to keep up the good work. Congrats to Abel Chavez and your mission call! What a champ! Keep your chin up and move forward! Elder Hill
Mom’s FB post with the honeybee…(BEWARE OF LEAVING YOUR SODAS UNCOVERED IN SUMMER, the BEES LOVE them!! Funny today, miserable yesterday! Had a WICKED ride marathon @ Lagoon with Destiny Michelle, Jaxie Taylor, & Alex. We rode 16 times, 8 straight without even getting off! We walk down and Alex & I grab our drinks, take my Rockstar and guzzle it..Feel lump, then pain and sting! Ran to car and drank water, induced vomiting! VIOLA! A dang honeybee stung me and left stinger by epiglottis! HORRIBLY painful. Hours, benedryl, prilosec & zyrtec later, miserable. So to the ER I go!)
The honey bee is a sign that you should stop drinking Rockstars and caffeine and eat more natural fruits, vegetables, and grains. They will give you more long lasting and healthy sugar. After teaching the word of wisdom so long, I can only tell it how it is. The word of wisdom is principally to free our body from ADDICTIONS, not necessarily what the pamphlet just says. There is a scripture in Corinthians that says ´the letter killeth; the spirit enlighteneth´or something like that. Look it up. (2nd Cor. 3:6 ~ Who also hath made us able aministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but thebspirit giveth life.)
(Latter-day Saints know that true doctrine comes by revelation from God, not by scholarship or worldly wisdom (see Moses 5:58). Similarly, the Apostle Paul wrote that we are not “sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God” (2 Corinthians 3:5). Rather than trusting in our own interpretations of written texts, we rely on God and the glorious “ministration of the spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:8). Here we encounter a new meaning of Paul’s familiar teaching that true believers are “ministers … of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life” (2 Corinthians 3:6).)
Steve told me about Abel. That´s cool. Tell him congratulations for me.
Gotta go.
August Letters ~ de agosto de cartas "The Pure Love of Christ" & Joseph Smith: "El amor puro de Cristo" & Joseph Smith
Hola, ít´s good to hear about all the things that are going on at home. It is crazy to think that next week school starts already. Summer has gone by way to fast. Sounds like Destiny is having fun and enjoying spending time with you. Tell Ryan and Allie that I hope that they get the house and Josh that he does well. Our ward mission leader´s name is Josué, or Joshua, in Spanish. They are similar in many ways, actually. Thanks for my package. It did get here. Some of the ward members saw that I left the bishop´s house with it and they started telling me to open it, so I did. The most interesting thing was the wax paper that said, "Mom and Destiny´s dead skin" with tape on it. (Destiny put tape on me for some reason, then her and turned around and put it in plastic wrap and threw it into Matthews package…guess we started some new weird thing!) Don´t worry, I´m going to send my package this week with something that tops that. Keep up the good work- you´re doing great! Also, ask Abel what´s up with the mission. He should have his call by now.... Also, can you look up Nuñez on Facebook and send me his email for next week, please? It is Alex Nuñez from Acapulco.... The other picture is from when we got soaked at night. We ran three blocks straight and still got drenched.
This week Paulino, they guy who has been investigating the church for about 10 years, since his daughter was baptized, had something amazing happen. He laid down one night to go to bed thinking of other things, but once he fell asleep he dreamed that somebody from the old days told him that the Book of Mormon was true. On Saturday morning I felt to take a picture of Joseph Smith that I had on my wall with our lesson to him that day. I brought it and asked him to remember about his dream and what the guy looked like. He grabbed his Book of Mormon and turned to Joseph Smith and said it looked kinda like him. Then I gave him the pic of Joseph and he was like, "Yeah, that´s him! That´s the guy!" He didn´t know who the two pictures were, but we told him that they were Joseph Smith. Then he took us to buy a cake and we ate cake, and we didn´t get any further in the lesson.... until next time, I guess. I hope that he accepts it.
Hilda was baptized yesterday. It was a pretty awesome baptism because she started to cry after when everyone was congratulating her. One of the hermanas told us that it was one of the most spiritual baptisms that she had seen in years. The Lord prepares the minds of people to be taught. Alma 16:16-18 I think, talks a little about that. Oh, Hilda also told me that she lived in Layton seven years ago for three years! She was practically my neighbor and here she is in Hidalgo, and live is Veracruz. "Coincidence? I think not!" (teacher from the Incredibles)
Other than that, it was a good week. We have transfers next week and there will for sure be changes here, and if not, in three weeks more there will be changes. It has been good to work with Treviño because I have learned a lot.
That´s all folks. I hope you all have a great week.
Elder Hill
I didn´t eat it, but we walked in the house and there was a scorpion behind the door. I hadn´t ever thought of scorpions. Cockroaches, yes, but scorpions, no. Long story short, Treviño sprayed it with a water bottle and I swept it up and put it in the garbage can.
Last week we went to another area where we have to take a bus to get there. On the way back I sat next to a mute guy. Being the missionary that I am, I decided to contact him. I gave him a card, and he showed me his ID, then he spelled out to me that he is a Jehova´s Witness. I don´t know if the missionaries that we gave his address to will be able to find his house, but it was a cool experience just to contact a guy who doesn´t talk. When he got off, he left his hat on the seat. I ran off the bus to give it to him and the bus started to leave and I had to run to get back on. Fun day!
Clementina, the lady we have been teaching, hid from us this week so we aren´t going to visit her anymore. There is some lady who is a relative of a member and she has been talking her out of meeting with us. All I can say is that Jesus will judge them in a perfect manner. More perfect than I could ever think. On the brightside, we had a family night with the ward and abt 80 people showed up! That´s a pretty good number! We met someone named Hilda (said, eel-du) and she is on vacation. She is here for three weeks. She accepted a baptismal date for the 25th. Amazing how the Lord puts us in the perfect places where he needs us to grow and improve. She´ll get baptized and go back home!
This week I studied Alma 37. Something that I have learned from Elder Treviño is what he once told me, "Don´t read so much! Study!" I spent four days on that chapter and learned a lot. I invite you to STUDY the scriptures!
P.S. Tell Ryan & Allie congratulations for me. Tell him that he will make more money if he doesn´t work on Sunday and goes to church. If he doesn´t believe me, tell him to test me and if it isn´t true, I´ll send him something soccer ish from Mexico.
Also, tell Gail that I understand English, but sometimes it is hard to speak it after speaking Spanish all day ever day.
Tell Susan, Kim & Shon thanks again!
Have a great week Mom. Also, look for blessings that you have received while I have been gone. I don´t know what they are, but I invite you to look for them. If you can´t find them, pray, and you will find out.
That´s all folks! Gotta get back to working!
Love,
Elder Hill
Elders Cruz, Trevino, TAYLOR & HILL@Atlantes
August 10, 2012
Hi Wendy,
I’m really slow at updating Dylan’s blog but I wanted you to see the adventure he related in Monday’s letter. This is straight from his letter, no editing as you can see.
okay well im gonna tell you guys a story. but im just going to relate the conversation that i had with Elder Hill, Myself, and the Hermana Call.
EH: Okay we need to call the hermana....
Phone Ringing.....
HNA: Bueno?
EH: Hi hermana its elder hill
HNA: Hi elder hill how are you?
EH: Im fine but my companion is not.
HNA: What happened?
EH: Well i did divisions with elder taylor and we were knocking on a door and facing the door and out of nowhere a dog comes up and bites him on the butt.
HNA: Oh okay well is it bad?
EH: Well it broke the skin
ME: No! dont say that she will think you have seen my butt!
EH: It wasnt your butt it was just your left cheek.
ME: Hill! she doesnt need to know that!
EH: Hermana we are men here okay.
HERMANA LAUGHING REALLY HARD
hahaha so it was crazy. a stupid dog bit my butt. and i might have to get shots. the hermana said if the dog dies within 10 days it has rabies and i have to get shots, if not then i dont have to. so now we have 4 days down and we’ll see if it lives haha. but im fine. it just hurt to sit down for a few days. but now im all fine and such.
I’m glad Elder Hill was with him, it sounds like his paramedic training kicked in. The best line is “we are men here okay”. So funny!
We have been laughing about this and saying carefully worded prayers for Dylan all week. “Please bless Dylan’s …injury...”
I just hope he is using antibiotic ointment on it and other than that it will be a great story for him to tell about his mission. Knowing Dylan he’ll get a lot of mileage out of it.
Just wanted to share, have a great day!
Wendy
August 6, 2012 Barbacoa Pork & "Discipline Is “Knowing What You Want And Taking The Most Direct Route To Get It!” 
Hey Mom,
Thanks for sending the package. I really appreciate it. I still haven´t sent the package yet. I have been waiting to see a few things. Transfers are somewhere around the 1st of September, but it depends because there are a few missionaries leaving next week so we might have emergency transfers. I´ll let you know when I know.
I asked you to tell Susan thank you for me. Please let her know.
Bummer to hear about XXXXXXXXXX. Seems like those two just can´t get out of their own holes and into the right path. I´ll pray for them.
Here is a quote: "Discipline is “knowing what you want and taking the most direct route to get it!” If you know what you want, you will go for it. Just like the Olympics.
Congrats to Ryan. I hope he gets the house!
Viewmont is a good school, however, there are more opportunities to do wrong there, just because the bad stuff is more available and more known, but it is a good school. It all depends on the person and what he wants to do with his life.
I´ll send my SD card home with this new package that I´ll send.
I´ll wait for the package and all that. Life is good. The work goes on. I´m in Tezontepec de Aldama, not in Tula de Allende.
I´ll wait for your reply.
Love you,
Elder Hill
Hi-Thai! (That´s what Treviño always says to little kids who ask if we speak a different language)
This week went better than last week did. Jose and Flor got married this week after a whole lot of jumbling things and working with our connections in the government to get them married, they finally tied the knot. They said it pretty much just feels the same, but now they are keeping the commandments. Jose was baptized on Saturday night and Jose, Maria Isabel, and Fanny were all confirmed on Sunday. Maria Isabel´s baby was also blessed so that was neat-o!
Saturday the Elder´s Quorum had a nice activity on the farm. We played soccer in the pasture and then we had barbacoa pork and chicken. I was already sick for 3 days this week and I thought that I would be worse after eating, but I was just fine! It was interesting to see how they do it and experience just a little piece of culture. I remember from when i watched a movie about barbacoa in Spanish class in junior high. It was pretty much the same.
 
Also, I don´t know how many of you have heard funny stories of companions and/or members tricking missionaries into eating strange things, but it happened last week. The bishop´s sister had a birthday party and that day we were assigned to eat with the bishop. They hired a taco stand to come to their party and make tacos, so, we ate tacos. However, I know by now the normal parts of animals. One hermano told me that I should try "machitos" and that it was just meat. I didn´t want to, but he ordered one for me. I ate it and it tasted o.k. but was grossly soft. Later he told me that it was the private parts of a bull, and I felt sick. But hey, I already ate it so the damage was done. Later on in the week, I asked someone else what it really was. Turns out it was just the stomach of a bull. WHAT HE DOESN’T KNOW YET IS: MACHITOS>>>(One of the many tacos fillings available are machitos, which, depending on who you talk to, are either bull testicles or the small intestine.) All is well.
Edgar and Denise didn´t go to church yesterday. We are starting to get a little frustrated because they really want the church and get closer to God, but they don´t fulfill with what they say. They are super cool and Denise wants to get baptized, but Edgar just doesn´t like to read, so he hasn´t received an answer like Denise. We´ll see how this week goes.
Our Bishop also says that he is scared to learn English because they might call him as Prophet! He´s a big jokester!
Oh, I also had to play "Nearer My God To Thee" in church yesterday. The bishop found out that I could play that song all the way and made me play. It went well. I am learning other songs also.
Be happy and stay healthy!
Love,
Elder Hill
July Letters ~ Cartas de Julio
Julio 30, 2012
My Testimony Was Renewed, I Had An Amazing Experience!
Hola!
It´s pretty much August already! Summer is going by fast, but
I´m not on summer break so it is all the same for me! This week was really 'chafa' as they say here. Our confirmations, Maria Isabel and Fany, didn´t show up to church. We went to her house to look for them and the grandma was there. She said that the girls had left to a party with her other daughter and that Maria had to work, but I knew that she was lying to me so I went in the house and the two daughters were there watching T.V. and having a good time. Later we found out that Maria had to work because her boss wasn´t going to pay here for the three days that she had already worked if she didn´t go on Sunday. Jose and Flor didn´t get married this week because they couldn´t find some of the papers required, therefore, he didn´t get baptized. But we hope that this week all will be well and things will work out.
On Saturday we were on our way to an appt. and we stopped to say hello to una hermana at here business. She was outside talking to a friend and we started talking to her. We invited here to go to church yesterday and she came! That doesn´t happen very often, but she is super cool. She knows a lot and is ready to hear the truth. We have another appointment tonight. Her name is Lucia.
Last week, I had an amazing experience where I found out that I had done something that normally I wouldn´t have done, but I felt like I should. Turns out that it was the Spirit helping me to be an instrument in the Lord´s hands to answer. Then, this person also helped to answer a few questions that I had been having. It was like a cycle of inspiredness! Pretty cool. After that, my testimony was renewed about how Heavenly Father knows what we want even when we don´t consciously ask Him for something. Even when we don´t know what we want, He does, and is willing to help us if we do our part and look for answers.
Oh! Elder Treviño is from
Well my fellows, that´s all. Love you all. Keep doing the little things and God will make great things come to pass in your lives. That I promise.
Con Cariño,
Elder Hill
¡¡HAPPY 24th OF JULY & MISSIONARY FOR LIFE¡¡  Yesterday, Edgar and Denise went to church and loved it. They had a good time and said that they will get baptized if they like church as much as they did yesterday and if they feel that it is true. Pretty much that means if we have faith and do what is right, the Lord will bless them and us with a baptism! Also, Nadia went to EFY this last week and she loved it. She talked to one hermana yesterday and asked her, "I loved EFY! Now what do I need to do to be baptized?!" She left church early with her sister and we couldn`t find her after, so we will keep searching. Or as the scriptures say, "fishing".  We also had two baptisms this week. Maria Isabel and her daughter Fanny were baptized Saturday. Her other daughter Amairani wasn`t baptized because she was sick (but really she told us later that her grandma had talked her out of it. Grandma is from a different religion). They also didn`t get confirmed yesterday because she went to work, so that was a little hard. We hope that Amairani will be baptized this Saturday with José and the four of them will be confirmed Sunday.
Transfers were today, but we stay the same. I`m excited to stay with Elder Treviño for another transfer because he knows a lot and I am learning from him. Next week I`ll do a little biography of Elder Treviño in celebration of being together 2 transfers. He`s only had one other companion for more than one transfer, so I feel honored! :) Stay righteous! Love, Elder Hill Julio 16, 2012 It's Been A Year Since My Call & Don't Play With Snakes!
Aloha!
(He has NEVER said “Aloha”! What he doesn’t know is that that is how
I was reminded by mom that I received my mission call one year ago yesterday. I didn´t even remember. I just thought, "July 16.... Wow! July is going by fast!" and that was it. One year from the call, and six months in the mission. I think that when I left, Cameron Hawkins had six months in the mission. Crazy!
This week was pretty great. It was surely a wet week because the rainy season has arrived. A little late, but it usually rains every afternoon now. We found 5 new people to teach this week and they´re great! Edgar and Denise are one couple that we found. We showed up to a business of a member who always helps us and she was like, "Hey Elders! This is Edgar! Talk to him!" She has no shame about sharing the gospel and it´s AWESOME! We taught them Saturday and they said that they would go to Church, but they forgot and went to DF to buy a truck. But we went to their house last night and they said that they would get baptized if they like the church and all that it entails. That pretty much felt that for sure they are going to get baptized. Also, every Sunday we work as a district (the other 2 companionships that are close to us) in one of our 3 areas. Yesterday we worked here and the others elders went and talked to a contact that we had and they accepted a baptismal date! I don´t know them but they are Marisol and Juan de Dios. To be continued.....
Jose, a guy that we stopped visiting nearly two weeks ago, accepted his baptismal date again and is excited to be baptized. I think that sometimes time can heal old feelings and get us excited again. That´s what happened. Yesterday he came to church in slacks and a white shirt. That´s awesome!
This week, I picked up a small black and yellow snake. I don´t remember much about snakes from Boy Scouts, but if anyone knows if that snake was poisonous, please let me know. The talk from conference a while back came to my mind that was titled "Don´t Play With Snakes!" (http://www.lds.org/family/family-well-being/combating-pornography/audiences/individuals/you-cant-pet-a-rattlesnake?lang=eng&query=don%C2%B4t+play+with+snakes) I think that was the spirit regeñandome. I don´t know how to say that in english anymore, but it´s something like chastising. My friends, it would be hypocritical to tell you not to play with snakes after relating that story, but I highly recommend following the counsel of our leaders. I was thinking what other "snakes" there are in life. You know what your snakes are, and I invite you to get rid of them. Snakes are no fun! :)
This week I read a few talks from conference. I love conference talks. One that I loved is from Richard G. Scott and talks about how to receive personal revelation. I can’t think of the actual title, but check it out. (http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/04/what-can-i-do-to-follow-heavenly-fathers-plan-for-me?lang=eng&query=g.+(name%3a%22Richard+G.+Scott%22) ) It´s pretty awesome. Also, for you guys out there, read the talk from Elder Bednar in priesthood.... (http://www.lds.org/tools/print/article/narrow/?lang=eng&url=/church/news/2012-general-conference/priesthood-session ) Oh man was that good!
We went to the Atlantes in
Anyway, I don't have much else.
Love ya all!
Elder Hill
Julio 9, 2012
IT'S PRETTY SWEET TO THINK I AM FULFILLING A PROPHECY! :) DON'T DELAY! IT'S GETTING LATE.
Buenas Tardes!
This week went by super fast! Elder Treviño and I didn`t even notice it was Friday and now it`s Monday! Anyway, this week we had Zone Conference. That was great. We basically got told, "Good job, but why aren`t you guys working?" The Stake President showed up and said that it was an embarrassment to missionary work that a Stake took 20 years to be divided. Honestly, it was GREAT! I sometimes feel that people don`t understand what they need to do when they are told in a nice and round-about way. I think that the Zone (and me as well) will start to understand better what it means to be a missionary in these days. We are fulfilling prophecies of thousands of years past by Prophets of the Old Testament! We are also fulfilling prophecies in the Book of Mormon. It`s pretty sweet to think that I`m fulfilling a prophecy! :)
This week we were in a store that is owned by a member. Across the street is another store owned by our ward mission leader. So, some guy pulls up across the street on a red motorcycle with a sombrero. The member across the street also has a red motorcycle. So, I whistle at this guy like (whooot-wooo)..... this guy turns around and looks at us and it was just some random guy who went to pick up something from the store. We just started laughing!! I learned to not whistle at people, no matter what.
Everyone here in my district keeps teasing me that I will be getting a call, everyone has started spreading rumors. Guys and gals-- rumors don`t end. They`re always there, but the topics change!
This week I read Elder Holland`s talk from Conference- Laborers in the Vineyard.
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-laborers-in-the-vineyard Read it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYogSVAZZVU (Click to watch it!) My favorite part is the last line. Don`t delay! It`s getting late. If that just isn`t a Spirit filled line I don`t know what is!
My friends, I love ya`ll! Keep at it and be good.
Con amor,
Elder Hill
Yo lo sabia, y yo sabia qué Dios lo sabia, y no yo no podia negarlo! 
Julio 9, 2012
HOOOOOOOOOLLLLLAAAAAAAAAA!
Just felt like saying a big ol` hello from Hidalgo, because everyone here is a cowboy and works in the fields. It`s pretty awesome! Today for P-day we dressed in our street clothes and watched the Restoration video with the other elders in our district. We had popcorn and candy, too. It was just fun to do something different than play soccer and basketball. This week was pretty fun. It went by so fast that I hardly remember what happened, but I remember that it was fun! We went to a place called Anaya and while we were walking, I found an ambulance. Apparently this guy just has the ambulance in his driveway and I`m not even sure if they use it. It looks like it has been there for a while. Every day I am more and more grateful for what I have at home. 
On Friday, we went to lunch with a member who is retired from some big company here in Mexico and lives in the nicest house I have seen here in the mission. The other nicest house that I have been in here belongs to his son (who owns two schools) and their neighbors, so that`s cool. Anyway, he took us to a restaurant called El Vaquero. We had Aztec soup (super delicioso), steak with enchiladas and beans, and raspberry cheesecake. You don`t even know how great it was to eat like that. The food here is great, but this was just 'different'.
 On Saturday we talked with Jose and Flor again. Jose said that he wanted to change his life around, but yesterday he didn`t go to church and hid from us. Unfortunately, we will just have to leave him alone until he really wants to change and not just say it because we are there. We are teaching Clementina right now and she is super awesome. She has read everything that we have left her and has come to church. She just has one problem..... she`s not married and lives with some guy who is still married to his other wife. We are working in that, but we can`t force people to use their gift of agency. We also had a referral come to church and her family is ready to be baptized. They go to church and read and all that... just waiting for them to complete their number of times required in church to baptize them. Her name is Maria Isabel. That`s about all that happened this week. I could tell you about my companion and I this week, but suffice it to say that we wrote Ether 14:23 on the bathroom door. I wouldn`t want to tell any of the real missionary stories because somebody might faint of what really goes on! :)
(And the scent thereof went forth upon the face of the land, even upon all the face of the land; wherefore the people became troubled by day and by night, because of the scent thereof.) (YIKES!)
Something that I experienced this week was that the scriptures tell us things that are much deeper in meaning than they appear to be. For example, analyze Joseph Smith History 1:30. (While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered aalight appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately abpersonage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor.) It talks about much more than Moroni appearing. ...... by the power of the Holy Ghost ye shall know the truth of all things. Just ask God if you have a question(s).
Love you all, Elder Hill 1. ambulance in a yard 2. me in an area in Achachilco
3. raspberry cheesecake
June Letters ~ Cartas de junio
JUST THINK THAT YOU´RE BLESSED TO HAVE TEMPLES SO CLOSE. I HAVE REALIZED HERE IN THE MISSION THAT I HAVE A LOT IN LIFE.
June 25, 2012
FARMLAND JOURNEY & CITRUS ESSENTIAL OILS
JUNIO 18, 2012
HOLA!!!
Life in Tezontepec is super cool because it is city with farmland. Just walking down the street, we hear cows, turkeys, chickens, dogs, pigs, etc. It’s nice to be out in the open air instead of in the city.
Just a few things that are kind of cool that I found out this week.
2- Elder Dillon Taylor from American Fork is in my district now, and he knows Melissa Angus. Strange to have connections when we’re like 6,000 miles from home.
I really enjoy my new companion and all that we are doing in our area. I am working harder with him than I have in my whole mission and I really enjoy that. We have found a lot of people this week, but they’re not really secure for progressing. There is one couple, Jose and Flor, that we are working with. They have two kids, but aren’t married. Flor is a member just Jose no. We met with them yesterday after church to talk to them about the word of wisdom. Turns out that Jose has difficulties with smoking and drinking on occasion. He said that he is willing to give it all up to be closer to his family and friends. Then, the marriage thing came up. Jose said that he wants to get married, but Flor was a little hesitant. She said that she doesn’t want to marry him (keep in mind that they already have two kids together) because of how Jose drinks and smokes. We asked her that if Jose quit smoking and drinking in 3 weeks, if she would marry him. Her answer was YES! It’s just super cool to see how many blessings we can receive from living the commandments.
 There is another hermana, Inez, who isn’t married either because her boyfriend is still married to his previous wife, and hasn’t divorced. He is a member but super inactive and she feels like he is holding her back a little bit from progressing (being baptized with her kids) and to keep going. We are working on that situation as well. We might be missionaries with the power of God, but we don’t have powers to marry or divorce people on the spot. That would be kind of cool though! So here is the citrus oil part. (Mother’s letter last week: There are at least 20-24 months that you will have opportunities to have the oils serve you and during that time you will know when your mission is up who you are prompted to leave the oils with.)Yesterday we were at a homecoming for a missionary that came home and there is this 4 year old kid in the ward who is super hyperactive and just mischievous as can be. He is innocent, but he is still difficult to control. Well, my mom so lovingly sent me some essential oils that I didn’t think I would use and yesterday I had brought some with me to show an hermano in the ward who uses them. I handed him a blend of citrus oils. He went over to this super active kid and rubbed this oil behind his ears and was like "Oscar! Smell this!"...... and within 5 minutes this kid was calm as can be! The 5 of us who knew what happened were laughing soooo hard! I think we found a solution for Sunday so that everyone can take the sacrament without yelling and screaming. :)
Pictures--
-Elder Trevino with a chicken (like Simba)
-Me with the hen
-A super huge pig
-Oh, and "I didn’t know it was there.... It isn’t mine!" (Marijuana leaf)
-Me on a wire bridge over a river
Well my friends, this is what I am doing in Tezontepec!
I hope that you are all enjoying your summer!
Junio 11
"The difference between who you
Estimados amigos mios,
Today we had transfers, and I got transferred from La Quebrada to a place called Texontepec
Here is a quote or poem that I found in the house that I like: "All the water in the world
No matter how it tried
Could never sink the smallest ship
Unless it got inside.
All the evil of the world
And every kind of sin
Could never hurt a human soul
Unless we let it in."
-anon
"The difference between who you
-Hermana Call
So true. WE have more power than Satan and all of his minions because we have bodies and they don´t. WE have God on OUR side and they do not.
Oh, how could I almost forget that we had a baptism Saturday! Juan was baptized Saturday after almost two months of teaching him. We taught him very sporadically and that´s why it took so long, but he finally got baptized and a lot of his family was there, even though they aren´t members of our Church. That was cool to leave an area with a baptism and confirmation.
Well my friends, this is another part of my journey here in
Con carino,
Elder Hill
PS- Salvador, (Elder Hill's 1st Baptism) cut his hair. Not because he wanted to, but because he found a job and they asked him to do it. Either way, it looks gooooooood!
4 Junio, 2012
SCHOOLS OUT AT HOME & THE TALE OF THE BLACKBERRY (& OTHER PHONES!)
Hey,
I got your packages. Thank you for everything in there.
I know where the circus is!!!
Also, this is a combi that ran into a tree... who knows how, but it did. This is who we get around our area.
This is another one that says "Looking for a girlfriend: nice, simple, and if possible- cute. Sincerely Miguel Angel (ring the bell)"
School´s out at home, but the kids here still have a week left. It´s so strange to think that it was a year ago last year that I graduated and here I am in Mexico preaching the gospel!
Just thought I´d share a few things from this week, spiritual and just a little bit of randomness. First the randomness. Here, they teach that there are only 5 continents- America is one and Europe is one. Also, they count their weeks as 8 days. For example, on Sunday they say that "Every 8 days we have the opportunity to take the Sacrament and come to church." They say 8 days because they count the day that we are in (e.g. Sunday) twice. They value their time and their family, because pretty much everyone works here and it is all for the family and school. They seem to understand a little better than we (or I) do about time, family, and helping everyone out. Of course, there are exceptions, but for the most part, that is how the people are. It´s awesome. We met with a less active family that I haven´t seen at church my entire time here, and after we visited them, their whole family and extended family came to church and took up the whole row of chairs. That was cool. Shows just how a little visit to someone can make the difference. Visit someone this week. :) Another randomness.... we got pulled over on the bus on Wednesday. The driver stopped, turned off his engine, grabbed 50 pesos from his money thing, paid the police, and off we went! How easy is that!? Just pay the police and you´re free! I will give the short version of the story, but I learned this week that Blackberry used to be what they called the ball and chain on the prisoner´s ankle so that they couldn´t move. You know, the ball that you see in cartoons with black/white striped uniforms? What was the first smart phone that everyone was anchored to? Blackberry. Food for thought. I thought it was interesting. The things that learning another language can do to bring light to things we say in English. We have a baptism next week with a guy named Juan. He is a cool guy. A bit timid, but he likes the church and has chosen to be baptized. That will be awesome, because we started teaching him back in March. Some people take a little longer, but it´s all worth it. Love you all! Be safe this summer! Be safe and Be nice, and if you can´t be nice, at least be safe. -Mrs. Ball Elder Hill May Letters ~ Cartas de mayo  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
My Zone at lake in Villa del Carbon |
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| BIG flag in Villa del Carbon |
It All Takes Time, Prayer, and Fasting!
Hey, how did the wedding go? Happy Birthday to Destiny! Tell Ryan and Allie congratulations for me.
I feel like this week went by way too fast! Every night when I wrote in my journal I felt like I was just there, and the dates just kept going and going!
The other is Arturo, but a different Arturo than the 60 year old biker/lawyer. He is 26 and single. Says he is catholic, like every other person here, but he isn´t stuck to it because he sees things that are wrong with it. We are working with him, but we have only met with him once. It all takes time, prayer, and fasting.
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| Me at Lake in Villa del Carbon (no swimming) |
Also, there is this guy named Pedro who we contacted in the street way back in March while he was playing with his kid. He has family in California
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| Church in Villa |
Gabriel, the husband of the hermana Yenny (pronounced Jenny), is also progressing in his own little way. He isn´t progressing in accordance with the standards we have of “going to church, reading, and praying” but he is opening up a little bit more. Little by little he is realizing that his Chruch isn´t the true church. I wouldn´t say that it is bad, but it isn´t the only true Church of Christ
Take care everyone! Love you all!
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| Zone in Villa del Carbon |
Elder Hill
Villa del Carbon & Pg. 19 of Preach My Gospel in the Blue Box
Hey,
We just got back from an activity, so I don´t have much time to write this week. We are normally supposed to end p-day at 5:00p, but we just left the house after changing clothes and all that jazz.
Tell Ryan that I wish I was at his wedding, but I´m not worried, because at some point in time I´ll be at her baptism and marriage in the temple, therefore, all is well.
I will get my packages next Tuesday when we have interviews with the president. I will also send my memory card home next week as well.
--It is always your best and above & beyond. Most of the time that is great, but sometimes it is too much. :)
--I always had what I needed and I know that you love me.
Love you,
Gotta write the other letter and go work a little before going back to the house for the night. I will have to send pictures next week because we are in a different internet place this week that doesn´t have a built in card reader and I left my cable in the house. Quote is on page 19 of Preach my Gospel in a box
Actually to save time, here is my letter for this week---
This week I don´t have a lot of time to write.... SORRY! We left to a place called Villa del ALL DAY ! We left the house at 7:30a and got home at 6:20p. President Call called our zone leader while we were on the bus home, and I don´t think that he was very happy that we were all out of our areas when we were supposed to be working, but hey, we had a good time.
It is a little old village that seems a little touristy but for mexicans. We did meet one hermano from Texas
I just realized that I have been in the mission for a little over 4 months! Time has gone by so fast, yet so slow. I know that my time here is short, so I am trying to make the best of it. 20 months will go by super fast, then the real life starts!
Lorena and Raul gave talks in Church yesterday. That was super awesome because the spirit was so strong. Lorena cried a little because she feels so much love from the members in the ward, not only at church but at all of the activities. They are great people.
That is my report for the week. Sorry it is short, but hey, it is something, right?
Love you all! Have a great week in paradise! (Which is wherever you are, eh?)
Elder Hill
May 14, 2012
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| Elder Hill's "Mother's Day" Cake...first cake on mission |
Yeeehaaa! & "Hmmmmmmm..... My Daddy Doesn´t Understand the Word of God..."
Don´t know why I called this week Yeeehaaa, but it rings good in the ear after speaking Spanish 24/7.... or at least very close to that.
I don´t have a whole lot that happened this week because my companion and I were a little sick in the stomach for most of the week, and we missed out on a lot of lessons... however, we did have a few neat or funny things that happened.
-- We went to a chapel today and played futbol, the real football, with all of the missionaries in the zone. Let´s just say that I ´m not Mexican yet.... but it was still fun. We got to play with all of the elders and a companionship of sister missionaries. My companion hit both of them in the head with the ball.... the zone wasn´t happy about that. We also kicked the ball over the fence 3 or 4 times and the neighbors weren´t happy with us either, but all is well, we were happy. I also sat down with an elder and we started talking. His name is elder Barerra from Chicago . When I told him that I was from Utah , he told me that there was an Elder Hill in his District in the MTC, but he never showed up. I asked him when he was in the MTC and he said December 7, 2011 . Turns out that he was in my class that I was going to be in if I hadn´t been in the hospital. He served in SLC for two months waiting for his visa, so we pretty much have the same amount of time here in Mexico , but he is fluent in Spanish from his family.
-- We are teaching the husband of one of the sisters here in the ward. They are like 28 years old, and have one little girl, and another on the way. However, he is SUPER catholic, but only because his entire family is. He was in the catholic seminary, where they learn theology and such, but he doesn´t know the bible very well. He told us that he doesn´t accept ANYTHING from our Church-- Book of Mormon, DyC, Pearl of Great Price, Prophets... etc. So, he said if you want to teach me about your church, do it with the bible. Well, we have visited once doing exactly that, but he wouldn´t even accept the scriptures that we read. We read 5 scriptures about how the Godhead is three, but he would only accept the one scripture that says they are one. I think that he is a little scared to admit that he and his family isn´t in the right-- not wrong, but not right-- because his wife has told us that each time after we leave, he looks like he is thinking and meditating about what we talked about. He also isn´t willing to pray to see if our church is true or anything like that.... it´s super hard to teach people like that, and normally we would drop him from our investigator pool, but we feel like we can help him. And his wife wants more than anything to be sealed in the temple..... to be continued....
--Oh, and the daughter of this family is 3 years old, ok? Ok, well one night her mom was reading the scriptures and the daughter asked, "What are you doing?" she replied "reading the scriptures, or the word of God." The Daughter said, "Hmmmmmmm..... My daddy doesn´t understand the word of God..." HAHAHA that was probably the funniest thing that happened this week. Oh children and their innocence.
--Also, if you thought that Mormon Standard Time only existed in Utah Zion
Well, that´s about all I have this week. The Picture is a cake that we made for mothers day, which is always May 10 here. It was good according to missionary standards! But really, it was pretty good. The other picture is the sunrise through the smog.... normally it would be bright, but no, you could see the outline of the Sun. Cool, yet not cool. All is well.
Elder Hill
...The Prophets Have Counseled That
We Will Be Blessed.... |
| Elders Hill & Nunez with Raul, Lorena, Uriel (4) and Gael (7) |
Hola!
This week’s letter is a little short. We had to change our schedule for P-day because we had to change a few things around. I still have to head to the mission offices and pick up materials and all that jazz.
I forgot to inform you that I gave my first talk in Sacrament meeting last week about missionary work and how the members can help us. I wrote my notes for my talk and what I would use, and I was surprised that when I was up there talking, I used most of what I had prepared, but I talked for much longer than what I had planned but that was all the Spirit. The Bishop said that when I was done, it was a great talk and that " it was strange, but we can’t deny the Spirit". I think that I was called to the ward to accomplish their duty as members of this Church. Rather, the Spirit called them to their duty and asked them to be better. It wasn’t my intention, but hey- the Spirit knows all.
Also, we found Nestor this week after 3 weeks of not teaching him. I don’t know if he is interested anymore, but we have a lesson scheduled for tomorrow. I felt like what President Hanks told me about agency and forcing people to use it, which is contrary to the plan of God. We have our agency and we need to use it for the better.
Raul was ordained to Teacher in Aaronic Priesthood yesterday, and that was a great step in his life.
Stay strong and keep strengthening your testimonies. Keep reading the Book of Mormon, Praying individually and as a family, and having a family home evening each week. If you do that, the prophets have counseled that we will be blessed. Stay strong in the small and simple things.
Love you,
Elder Hill
Dear friends and family. Matthew has mentioned his emails from some of you.
I would ask that if you are writing to Elder Hill at his email address instead of through DearElder.com, that you PLEASE STOP, per President Hanks.
Reading all of these emails in his 45 minutes on P-day does not give him enough time to read them all, write his President and then write this letter and upload photos. If you write him through dearelder.com then he gets the printout in the week and can read them when he has a chance, therefore allowing all of us who look forward to his weekly letters longer letters and photos. Thanks!
AGAIN, please forward if I have missed people or to the President's in the stake if you have their email addresses. Thanks!
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| Elder Hill skipping on Railroad tracks~My Joy Is Full! |
Abril 30, 2012
I have called this weeks letter "My Joy is Full" because Lorena and Raul are active in the Church, faithfully paying tithing EVERY week, and they are always on lds.org when we show up at night. Their two boys, Gael 7 and Uriel 4 are learning the gospel and want to be missionaries like us, with shirts and ties and name tags. They actively seek to attend the primary activities, even if they have to travel a few miles on a bus to get to the stake center or our chapel. Raul drives a camion, or basically an informal bus and is always reading the pamphlets and his principles of the gospel book when he is on his breaks. They are headed for the temple for sure!
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| Elders Hill, Ton & Ortiz before today's transfers |
My new companion arrived in La Quebrada today. His name is Elder Galvan from the furthest Northeast Corner of Mexico. I don´t remember what it is called, but that is how he described it to me. He is like 1.9 meters tall (6 feet) and a big guy. Really nice guy. We have only been together for an hour, but there is good to come.
Elder Ton left to Queretero and Elder Ortiz stayed in Valle de Tules and his new companion arrived here as well.
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| Still Gotta eat! Chicken Mole Enchiladas~YUM! |
Keep going forward with everything that life throws at us. P-day today is super short because we had to travel and pick up our companions. This week was a work hard week and I have learned a lot about planning. I hope to work even harder this transfer because I know that there are people prepared for us.
Real Quick -- We found Angelica this week while we were looking for someone else. We knocked on her door, and presented ourselves to her, then she invited us to her patio to explain who we are. She talked to the missionaries once a few months back, but those elders never returned or at least they didn´t see her again. Two months ago her husband passed away from something called pararesperatario, from what I think it is, he hit something in his car that collapsed his lungs, and so his body wasn´t getting oxygen. Who knows-you guys have google but I don´t. (Respiratory arrest. SUFFOCATION. Asphyxia. It is the lack of oxygen in the lungs. Asphyxia soon lead to respiratory arrest. )
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| I know that there are people prepared for us. I am waiting with open arms! |
Love yall,
Elder Hill
President Hanks Was Right ~
The Lord Speaks The BEST Spanish!
Abril 16, 2012
Thank you for the package. I will look for it in a few weeks when we have transfers again. Let Kathy know that I have received her letters, but with all of these weird things happening in the mission lately, I haven´t had time to write ANYONE, including the girls. Tell Ryan congratulations and happy birthday for me. I wrote him a letter but don´t know if he ever got it. Should have come this last week. Tell Kim and Grammy hello as well.
Thanks for your help with everything. It isn´t easy being so far away from life as I know it , but it is worth it. Before I know it, it will all be over. Tell Josh, Des, Mike, Ryan, Allie and all hello.
I uploaded some pictures of when we went to the temple and the MTC that is right there, too. 
The fruit is the first course of our breakfast every Wednesday.
I didn´t take a picture of the second portion this last week because it was whole boiled chickens, and I was a little bit distracted to take a picture.
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| (He must've known I would be horrified 2 pairs of ECCO shoes in 2 months!) |
My shoes that have paint-- well, those are the work shoes, and the less dirty are the dress shoes. Don´t worry, neither have paint and both are very shiny. I take care of my stuff.
Everyone--
What a week!!! Just like many times in life, we had a really good few days, and a few really hard days. So goes the cycle. My companion went home on Thursday for medical reasons, and I don´t think that he will be back. He only had until January 5th so I don´t think he will have time to come back. That was strange because I lost my trainer, but I was working in a trio for a few days with the elders in the ward that we share the building with.
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| ELDERS' NUNEZ & HILL IN THEIR APARTAMENTE |
We would have been in a trio for two weeks until my companion arrives during the normal transfers, but president called last night and moved one of the elders in our trio to another area to cover for an elder who broke his ankle playing basketball. Elder Ton, my temporary companion, says that this transfer has been extremely weird. I agree.
This week I unconsciously used a phrase that I learned in Ms. Nelson´s spanish class. It was ''andando por los nubes'' or daydreaming, basically. It was with Lorena and Raul, who are always willing to help me with my spanish. I was happy to hear that they called me practically mexican, because white guys don´t use that phrase. So, again, props to Ms. Nelson!
On Friday, we taught a lesson to Arturo the abogado. (Lawyer) From the moment I saw him at the door, I felt like something was wrong. He was just different. Wasn´t as upbeat and talkative. As we sat down to start the lesson (on the word of wisdom), I felt like he had been drinking. In just a few seconds he starting talking to us about what had happened the night before. He just poured a little bit of alcohol that he had so that he could calm his nerves about things that have been happening with his kids. Well, that little bit turned into a lot. Just as with all things bad and that are of the devil, just a little bit will pull us under and it is very hard to surface. Before leaving, we left him with a Priesthood blessing. Elder Ton annointed & I sealed, and I felt like I was guided by the spirit. I don´t remember exactly what I said, but I know that the Spanish that came out certainly was not mine. Like President Hanks said-- the Lord speaks the best Spanish.
He came to church sunday, and after the services ended, he told us how much the blessing had helped him have the strength to resist, and feel better. There is a talk in the April Liahona about the atonement and the enabling power... you should read it. It´s grand! (He loves Elder Bednar! Here is the link for your reading! :) Bednar-Atonement )
That´s how my week was this week! Pretty good for the most part. Ups and downs, but all is well. Gotta go!
Love you,
Elder Matt Hill
Mexico City North Mission
march 12, 2012
I Survived my First Earthquake, Jamaica Flower & I am Really Excited for Conference!
you-- Thanks for the pictures details. I am trying to upload them right now, but I don´t like this new way that you gave me because I have to upload one at a time, I can´t just upload my entire card, or at least several photos at a time. Happy Birthday to Mike!! I sent a card this last week, so plan on two weeks from now. Mail is hard here because it isn´t like the states where there are drop boxes all over. There is one post office and it is out of our area so it is hard. It is easier to have the mission office send the letters, not to mention that it takes 2 weeks or so to get there. I´ll try the other pictures way, but if not, next week... And if you send money, make sure you exchange it to pesos otherwise I can´t use it. The only exchanges are in the airport. Also, let ryan know that I will be sending his card next monday. I missed the chance to do it today. Sorry.
all--
This last week went by pretty fast, but I like that because it means that we are working hard. On Tuesday I survived my first earthquake! I was studying at my desk when I felt the building start to sway back and forth. At first, I just thought that I was dehydrated or something. Then the door started to rattle, and I thought that some kids were just playing. I finally realized that it was an earthquake when the ladies on the floor just above us started running down the stairs screaming, ´´ It´s tremoring! It´s tremoring! Get down the stairs! I don´t want to die in this manner!!´´ That´s my translation from spanish to english, but it was so much funnier in spanish! Occasionally somebody will try to talk to me in english, and I get really confused because I am so used to spanish. I have to sit and think of how to reply in spanish. I think that is a sign that I am learning spanish little by little.
We have a family that we have been teaching, and that the other elders before us were teaching back in January. They are Lorena and Raul. Usually after a month or two, investigators are dropped if they aren´t going to get baptized and aren´t meeting the goals to be called ´progressing investigators´ but they have been progressing and going to church. The week before last, they didn´t want to get baptized yet because they wanted to learn more about the church. We decided that we would finally have to drop them for a while until they are ready to be baptized. Last sunday, we met with them and they still didn´t want to get baptized, but were willing to set a goal or date by which they would be baptized. The deal was that they would go home and talk about it, and we would visit them sometime during the week to see if they wanted to be baptized. On Tuesday night, Elder Nunez and I said a prayer outside their gate that His will would be done, but that they would desire to be baptized. The first thing that they talked to us about was that they decided that as a couple, they wanted to be baptized on the 1st of April! We didn´t even mention it, but they brought it up. Prayers are answered if they are asked with faith and according to the will of the Lord. Sometimes it is hard to know the will of the lord, but that is what we have the gift of the Holy Ghost for.... to help us understand that will that we are to accomplish.
There is a purple flower here called the Jamaica flower. Yesterday I ate enchiladas made from this Jamaica flower, and I´ll be honest.... it wasn´t that great after the first three bites. At first it was exotic and interesting, after that it was just a bit grody. However, I have had green chile chicken enchiladas and they are much better. They taste like what enchiladas should taste like, and they are better than any enchiladas I had in the states. :]
I am really excited for conference this week. It is a bit strange because I am usually in seminary preparing for conference, but I suppose I am in a different type of seminary. It will be really cool, but I am a little nervous for the spanish. The general authorities speak in proper english as it is, but proper spanish is even harder for a green missionary in mexico. Let´s make the most of the conference weekend! Listen to the prophet, because he knows the way. If you want to know what the Lord expects out of you for the next 6 months.... listen to conference. It's just that simple.
Love you guys!
Elder Hill
Obedience Brings Blessings & We Need Blessings Right Now & 3 New Members of the Church on Our Side to Fight the War. P.S. 2 Month Mark.
Sorry to keep you waiting on pictures. Thanks mom.
Hey,
This last week actually moved faster than the last few weeks have. I realized that yesterday was the two month mark since I went into the MTC. For this week, I studied Alma 5 which talks about our spiritual checklist that we need to be good in this life and be able to make it back to Heaven and meet our goal of Eternal Life. Elder Nunez is a fun guy and we have good times together. He teaches me, and I teach him, and that is how life is. Nobody knows everything, but together we know everything that we need to do to have a happy life.
Yesterday we had 3 confirmations in our ward. That means we have 3 new members of the Church on our side to fight the war. On Tuesday, we contacted a lady on the street who had two kids with her. Turns out that she is a member, but oldest son isn´t a member because he wasn´t old enough when the missionaries were there to baptized him, and she has since gone inactive. However, Elder Asmus was the companionship who baptized this lady named Eugenia. Pretty cool to hear the name of someone familiar. Also, I saw the first white kid in what seems like forever. I love the Mexican kids, but it was strange to see a white kid. I think we both stared at each other for like 15 seconds before I realized that Elder Nunez was waiting for me to open the apartment door. Oh, and for a service project this week, Elder Nunez and I cut hair for two kids in our area who were restricted from going to school because their hair is too long, and the family didn´t have enough money to get it cut. Just think... we are blessed in the USA.
All of the people that we have had referred to us to teach live out of our area, which means that unless we have authorization from their bishop in the ward their house is in, we can´t baptize them. But, It is also hard because their fellowshippers live in our ward. Life can be so simple yet so complicated.
That´s all the time I have to write today. I´m trying to be obedient to ALL of the rules that we have in the mission, because obedience brings blessings and we need blessings right now. Elder Nunez and I have decided that starting today, we are going to work our tails off to bring salvation unto the people in our area. They need it more than they can ever imagine.
Love you all! Keep up the great work and build the kingdom! Don´t be afraid to share the gospel! If you have faith, your mouth shall be filled!
Con amor,
Elder Hill
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| Mateo's Apartado |
The Work is Going Great & Every Member is a Missionary
March 5, 2012
Mom,
Everything you gave me isn't working, so sorry. Make it more clear or something, because it isn’t working. Your godaddy credentials were incorrect. I´ll have to do it next week. Before you send it, make sure it works so I can do it fast. My president is pretty strict on only 45 minutes to write him and family. Also, my address to send ANYTHING is the apartado postal 98 address that i gave you before. If it goes to the mission office, it will be rejected because nobody is hardly there. Also, use the plaque scripture that i gave you. i think it is dc 11:21 about seeking his word.
Sorry to hear about Sister Brown. That's sad, but she is definitely in better place and probably feels much better. Give bro. brown my best wishes.
This week was pretty crazy. I got into the airport at Mexico City and met President and Sister Call after waiting in line. The three other elders who came with me got in their minivan to go to the mission office to spend the night. The traffic here makes New York City look like a learner´s permit. Some of the elders were getting a bit car sick and thinking we were going to die, but I just liked to laugh at it. It really is pretty crazy here. For dinner, and my first meal in Mexico, we had pork tacos, or tacos al pastor.
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| Elders Nunez, Tolentino & Hill |
My companion is Elder Nunez from Acupulco Mexico and he speaks maybe 20 words in English. No big deal. Until tomorrow, we have also had Elder Tolentino, who was with Nunez before me, but he is headed to Madrid Spain because he had to wait for his visa as well. They are both really great and help me with spanish, and i do my best to help them with english. I am really glad that i can speak enough spanish to get my way around. Not to be prideful, but they both said that my spanish is pretty good. Props to Mrs. Nelson at BHS.
My area for the next few months is called La Quebrada, or the broken. It also includes colonies named Tutitlan and Santa Maria. The hills here are insanely steep. We have to take a cambi, or vw bus type taxi up otherwise it takes forever.
Yesterday, we had a baptism. Her name is Yenny, (pronounced Jenny) and she has been taking lessons for the last month. It was really cool to have a baptism the first sunday here. We also had to clean out the font yesterday during sacrament meeting because there was a ton of dust and dirt in the bottom for some reason.
The work is going great. I love being here so far because the mornings are great, they day is a little warm and the sun is strong, but the evenings are great. It is a great little area that we have and we have great people. Yes, we have rejections, but that just means that they aren't the Lord's CHOSEN people right now. They still have experiences to live that will, or will not, soften their hearts to the Savior. The field is white and ready to harvest, not brown ready to plant. We are here to find those who are prepared to listen to the Savior's voice through us, His servants.
We have a baptism next week with Chava and Ana who are really cool people. I dont know them that well, but they both are really cool. They're a couple and they have a little kid, but i don't remember his name. oops.
Every member is a missionary. If there is a baptism going on in the stake, go support that convert. It makes a difference! Keep it up!
Con Amor,
Elder Hill
Elder Matt Hill
Mexico City North Mission
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| Elders Hill & Nunez with Ana, Chava y Nino |
My First Baptism on the Mission & We Can Eat An Elephant, But it Only Works if We Do it 1 Bite At a Time.
March 12, 2012
(You) I will try to get my photos uploaded this week, but you may have to wait a few weeks. I have 45 minutes to write a letter to you and to my president in that amount of time and it isn't that easy. I have to keep typing differently because these stinking keyboards are different and I am not used to it yet, so it takes me longer. You just get to be patient. Photos will come in one way or another. Also, mail is very hard to send because I have to get it to the mission office to be sent, and I can´t just drive over to the office and drop it off. I don´t need anything sent to me right now. I will look at walmart and other shops before I ask you to spend that much money to send me anything. Tell mike thanks for the letters from dearelder. I will reply to them when I can. I don´t have anymore time today because I just got back from the migration office to get my visa completed for the next 12 months. If you want, you can send all of my friends letters or whatever it is that you were talking about via dearelder because they come with church mail from HQ and i get them fairly quickly. My church is in Valle de Tules. It´s the only lds chapel in my area, so I am not sure what you meant by there are lots in La Quebrada. Thanks for everything.
Everyone--
Yesterday was stake conference here in my area. It was definitely different than stake conference at home for a few different reasons. The biggest one is that I couldn´t understand what was being said because it was being broadcast and it is in Spanish, so basically I only caught bits and parts of it. Not only that, but we had to fill the font for a baptism. I guess it would be important to mention that it was my first baptism on the mission. They are a couple with one son. Their names are Salvador y Ana, and I baptized Ana and Elder Nunez baptized Salvador. That was a pretty cool experience to be the Lord´s hands in opening the door to salvation and eternal happiness. I will try to send a picture today, but maybe next week.
I met an elder who served with Elder Nicholas Thomas Terry III in Tampico!!! He is our ward mission leader, Oxata Juarez, and he is studying to become a homeopathic doctor here in Mexico. That was neat to hear because it really is such a small world, even in a city with nearly 25 million.
During Salvador y Ana´s baptismal interview, I was able to learn the right hand of ‘Nearer My God to Thee’ in the regular hymnbook, speaking of piano. We really can do anything if we just pray and ask. There is a scripture in 3 Nephi 13 I think, and it talks about how Father already knows the desire of our hearts before we pray, but he is just waiting to hear from us. (8 Be not ye therefore like unto them, for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him.)
Let us all make good goals that are inspired of the Lord and you will be amazed at what can happen.
We had an hermana chase us down one night after an appointment. It isn´t very often that we are chased down by people, especially for good reasons. This sister was crying about some problems in her family that had recently occurred. We shared a brief message with her, prayed, and left her our testimonies that only through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ can we become clean for our sins and become truly happy and have our burdens lifted. We met her again yesterday and she was better. She had embraced what we had left her and is ready to hear the gospel. The work moves on ever so rapidly.
The people here are great. I am still trying to learn the area, the ward, and the mission. It is a lot of information to learn all at once. Sister Call told us that we can eat an elephant, but it only works if we do it one bite at a time. Break things down into manageable pieces and life is easier.
Love all of you!
Carino,
Elder Hill
Last Day in Texas & Ending with ice cream... couldn't be better! Arriving tonight in México!
February 27th, 2012
Hola from Arlington!
This is my last day in Arlington, well Texas in general. This week was pretty good. We have been meeting with a couple who are getting baptized this Saturday the 3rd. They have been taking the lessons really well and understand everything that we teach. That's what the spirit does, is testify, and there are no problems. It works.
Sorry to hear about Carol, that's really sad, but she is in a better place doing a more important work.
"There is no obstacle too great, no challenge too difficult that we can not meet with faith." Gordon B. Hinckley and "It isn't the load that breaks you; but the way you carry it." -Abraham Lincoln
Texas has been great. I have been able to love the people that I have taught, as well as those who avoid or reject us. They will remember us one day and either receive the gospel, or reject it. Everybody has their agency and nobody can be forced into it.
Elder Coffman got here yesterday to replace me. We were eating dinner with a member and President Sagers called and said, “Elder Hill, I have Elder Coffman with me and we'll be at your apartment in 5-10 minutes. Where are you at right now?" So, we left dinner and picked him up. We taught Rosalio about the law of chastity and tithing, so that he can teach his wife before their baptismal interview tonight. It was a good lesson and the spirit was there. After that, we had an appointment fall through, so we decided to walk around and contact people who were already outside, because it was too late to contact doors. We met a nice couple and they accepted a return appointment. It will be good to hear how that goes.
My first Zone Conference was on Thursday. President Sagers taught us and spoke to us about how to be better missionaries and how to be better teachers. We learned a lot. It's hard to say what we learned because each person is taught by the Spirit differently based on their needs. So President talked and provided an atmosphere for the spirit to dwell, and that's when the real teaching happens.
It's awesome to hear about Tony!! He is such a funny kid. Tell Grandma Griggs that I did receive their card before I left. Thank you! I meant to call, but I just forgot. Sorry.
We are going to get "cheese ice cream" whatever that is. That's how I'll spend the last p-day in Texas. Ending with ice cream... couldn't be better!
Love y'all. Gotta go! My ride comes in an hour to head to Mexico!
Elder Hill
Strange Week & .. All these things shall give thee experience..
February 20, 2012
Hey,
This week was alright. It has definitely been one of the strangest weeks of the mission thus far. Last week we had transfers for the new missionaries, and along with that transfer came a lunch of briscuit(?) and Texas food. It was really good. Training that night was great.
President Sagers taught us a lot about how to be good missionaries and how to have the spirit with us. He taught seminary for many years, so he's a good teacher. That first night, Tuesday, we went downtown Fort Worth to do street contacts and we were all given a copy of The Book of Mormon to give out. Let's just say that it was Valentine's day and
there were a lot of couples who were in a hurry to get to dinner or just walk and talk and not be bugged by guys in suits. We got rejected by quite a few people. Just before we were going to the van to return to training, a man walked up to us and told us that he had his stuff stolen at the bus station and he only needed three more dollars to stay at the bunk house. Usually I'd say that he was just looking to get drunk, but he was clean shaven, didn't smell awful, and was nice.
So, my companion (at the time) and I told him that we'd each give him a dollar if he would listen to our message, so he agreed! He got $2 dollars and we placed a Book of Mormon and he was actually genuinely interested. We got his address in Houston and we'll send it to the elders there to follow up.
we'll find out tomorrow if they know when the lab results come back. The antibiotic is helping.
We taught this guy Abraham again. He likes to speak English more, so we might turn him over to the English missionaries. He hasn't been reading or praying (specifically about our message) and it's frustrating. I was probably a bit too bold with him last week. I kind of told him he needs to do his part and really want it, or he won't get the point of our message. He didn't seem to care too much. We can't force people to use their agency how we want it to be used. Someday his heart will be turned and he'll want the blessings of the gospel.
a desire to learn more, and she is one who corrects Spanish.
Elder Hill
Greetings from Texas!
Prayers are answered if they are asked with true intent and the eye single to the will of God.
February 13, 2012
Hey Everyone!
It's been really good here. The first two minutes of walking outside of the terminal with my bags, one of the elders who picked us up started talking to a man from El Salvador, and he put me in the position to testify of the Book of Mormon (in Spanish), which was great. We got to the mission home, took pictures, ate pancakes, and headed out to our new areas. I am in Arlington with Elder Torres and Elder Milstead, but transfers are tomorrow, and Elder Hunter will replace Milstead, and Torres goes from District Leader to Zone Leader.
The first night, we went out to a few appointments, and for those who didn't answer the door, we contacted a few houses before we left. I have been really tired for the last few days. I try to study in the morning and I will doze off, but it's getting better. It was hard to get up at 2:00a and fly on a plane, work all day, sleep in a very uncomfortable mattress, freeze, and wake up early and fulfill a full day. All is well, and it is fun.
We have met people from different parts of Spanish speaking countries so far. There was a guy on Saturday from Mexico and he knew a lot about a lot. He even knew about the locust/seagull story when I told him I was from Utah. He is Catholic, but has been studying about other religions and was super excited to read the Book of Mormon and do research. We have an appt. this week with him. Another couple, Esther and Luis, we were talking to about the Plan of Salvation and we mention the scripture in 2 Nephi 2 that talks about opposition in all
things. After we prayed, there was a knock on the door... there were two guys from another church inviting them and their kids to a barbeque and games.
Well, Texas isn't all what I've heard of it, but they definitely are pretty prideful about their state. I see the Texas flag flying more often the American flag, and when the USA and TX are together, they are the same height. They’re nuts. But the Hispanic people are great. The dinner has been wonderful, thus far. I'm learning a lot and I'm starting to love the people already. There are some people I talk to who I feel like I've met them before--and I have-- just not here.
There is a reason I am here, but I don't know what yet. It's a bit hard not knowing how long I will be here, because I get up each day wondering if today will be my last, but I'm still here.
Last night we went to visit a young boy, "David," and there apparently has been a weird feeling in the house when my companions have been teaching. We prayed before going in, and specifically asked for the weird situation to be revealed, and when we were teaching, his dad told us what we were looking for. Prayers are answered if they are asked with true intent and the eye single to the will of God.
Love,
Elder Hill
First email! Received Jan 21st.
Just had returned from driving in a nasty rainstorm turned snow blizzard delivering treats to the Post Mart in Provo
Below is a link to "Dear Elder" where you may write an email (free) to Matthew. He cannot reply, but can in our letters, we can then pass it on! www.dearelder.com
Wednesday, January 18th 2012
(Received Saturday in the mail, after the email and AFTER I had driven to Provo
Hey Familia,
I’m here safe. Don’t have much time to write. We don’t usually write until P-day. I think mine is Thursday. I’m here safe, I already said that though. My companion is Elder Coffman. Crazy, I know. Couple of things - say hi to everyone. And my plaque scripture is D & C 11:21, forgot to tell you. (Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.)
Can you send me one of my little notebooks I left? About 20 notecards w/ one of the paper clamps on them? One of my plastic ID clips that are on the top (L) shelf of my desk, 5 thumb tacks, and I think that’s all. I’ll be sending some clothes back because I have too many.
TTYL
P.S. Pick a good close up picture for my plaque. J
And, ask Tyler
Please send a small paper clamp, either silver or black. Thanks!
Hey,
(For You) I got your letters last night, but I haven't had time to read them. I sent you a letter the first night asking for a few things that I forgot. Also, could you get my Vitamin C too. They don't really have that sort of stuff here.
It's been a good few days. Weird not seeing you guys but it is good I guess. I miss you guys, but I'm enjoying being here. Also, can you dearelder me Rachael Gehmlich's address. Maybe text her, my phone has her number. She wrote me a card but I forgot to write down the address. I'll reply to your dearelder letters as soon as I can. Maybe today for a short p-day. Be patient.
(For Everyone) The first few days have been pretty good, but difficult. I am companions with Elder Coffman from BHS and we get along great. There are four beds in our room, but we only have the two of us in there so it is really nice. There are some Elders here who are still getting used to how their companions act, so this is good. The language is coming along at a good rate. In class, we are supposed to only speak spanish and though it is hard, it helps a lot. We don't have a lot of time during the day because we are the advanced "district" in our branch. Elder Coffman was called as our District Leader yesterday and that was good news. He does a great job and we all have fun with him. We still have all the same classes for our language and district, but there is one that we don't have on the computers where they just reply to emails and questions. Instead of doing that, we have study time. My district is great. I have Elder Coffman and I, Elder Garcia (Oklahoma/Columbia country) and Elder Baez (Massachussetts), Sister Camarillo (Mexico West Valley UT Colorado El Salvador SLC
It takes some getting used to, meaning the life of a missionary at the MTC. You can't just go to the Walmart and get whatever you need from various departments. If they don't have it at the bookstore, you don't need it (basically). No chewing gum here. No "Hey you guys!" It's "Hey you Elders/Sisters!" and you always try to speak your language. There are some other rules, but it doesn't matter what rules exist-- it matters that you follow them. Like I said, it has been quite enjoyable so far. Sometimes I miss everyone, but I'd rather be here doing the work that I need to, so don't worry. It's a lot of work to memorize and study everything that we have to do. There are certain scriptures, parts of Preach My Gospel, and we have to write a talk each week just in case we get called on. The Branch President is really funny. He is an older guy who shares stories and scriptures and advice about whatever he feels like.
Gotta go have some fun with the laundry. ¡Adiós Amigos!
I am sorry, I have yet to retype his hand written letters...Here is the latest!
Hey,
(YOU) - Thanks for the packages. I'm sending some stuff home tomorrow that I will not be using at all, or that I haven't used. Can you take care of the garments for me, as far as ************** etc.? Can you send me my brown OR tan towel from Deidra? And my good vitamin C that isn't colored or flavored? Also, can you look for my black belt and brown old navy belt? I either left them there or I have them here somewhere. Thanks! My wrist is okay. I have my appointment tomorrow so I'll let you know what happens. I'm not homesick, to answer your question. Sorry. Hey, ask Niki about the same day mail thing in Kaysville. Stop driving all the way to Provo
(ALL ) This week was really great. On Tuesday night, I sang in the MTC choir for the 50th Anniversary of the MTC in Provo Holland TRC , where we teach a "progressing investigator" a couple times a week. Usually it is a convert who acts their conversion story out with different missionaries each week. Our guy was named "Abraham" and he was looking at how he could live with his son again, who died from brain cancer 8 years ago; he was 14. We have met with him 4 times since being here, and last night was our last meeting. We committed him to being baptized after we had taught him various subjects about the plan of salvation and how he can live with his son again. When we finished, we explained that we wouldn't see him again because we are supposed to leave on Tuesday, and there isn't another time slot for TRC . Elder Coffman, Elder Bahr (our tag along), and I began speaking to him about his real life experiences. His name isn't Abraham, but he told us what it is. He is from Mexico City Mexico
Surprise! I'm going to Fort Worth , Texas Mexico 3:00AM . When this conversation took place, it was only 1:00PM . We started stressing out super bad and we went and started to do laundry and other things to get ready. I had to try and get my dr. appt rescheduled, then some time during laundry I decided to actually read my paper that had my assignment on it. It read that we were both leaving NEXT Friday. That was the biggest relief. I can't even tell you. The other two Elders are going to... guess where!!???...... BOISE ,IDAHO
Oh, and I already wrote people telling them that I was leaving tomorrow, so I just wrote P.S. I'm not leaving tomorrow on the back of their envelope. They can handle that.
Gotta go. Times up. Hope everything in B-town is good.
Love you guys.
February 9, 2012
Sorry, no time to talk this week. I spent all of my P-day packing, going to the temple, and taking care of final things before I leave at 3:00am. The rest of my district is gone. We had two days of freedom to do pretty much whatever we wanted to and it was kind of cool. We felt like we were just "here" and didn't really have anything specific to do. Well, I have to go clean my room and take out some weight; I pack like a girl.
Sincerely,
Elder Hill
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