Happy Halloween!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!!!!! 

Elders Hill & Rangel

Such is the day in the life of a missionary....Hill & Rangel

Día de los Muertos y Todos los Santos y Feliz Cumpleaños!

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!! It 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. 

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.

Elder Matt Clayton, Irineo & Elder Matt Hill

This week was a week of threes. We were in a trio for the week because Elder Cruz went to the offices for a week but comes back today. The three of us were Elders Clayton, Rangel, and me. We also had three baptisms, Jaina, Irineo, and Wendy. It was pretty good. 

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. 

I think they are pointing to the MAC (Apple) Matthew is a big fan of MAC!

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. Click here to read Alma 39  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. 

Elder Hill 

Zone Conference & Bueno Bueno Bueno!

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.

(11 And it came to pass that Nephi went down into the water and was baptized.

 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 & Birthdays!

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!)

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! 

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 Nelson's talk on The Importance of Missionary Work~ Click here!

Elder Hill 

October Conference & Grasshoppers/Locusts for Food

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  

¡Felíz Otoño! Happy Fall!

Elder Hill with a GIGANTIC lemon!

Hey, 

Sounds like everything is going great. Keep up the goodness and you will all see the blessings of doing what is right. Tell Allie happy birthday. I´ll send a list for my CHRISTMAS package next week. So far I´m thinking dark chocolate orange, orange stick, dove dark choc, reeses, maybe brownies in a sealed ziplock..... they usually last three weeks... who knows though. That´s it so far. I´ll let you know next week if anything changes. Love you. Thanks for the prayers and taking care of Josh and Des. 

P. S. Thanks for the scripture. (He who overcomes will gain eternal life, avoid the second death, inherit the celestial kingdom, and rule many kingdoms… “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that ^aovercometh will I give to eat of the hidden^bmanna, and will give him a ^cwhite ^dstone, and in the stone a new^ename written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” Rev 2:17)

I wouldn´t mind the New Jersey boot if you want. It would probably help with my orthotics so that my heel doesn´t get popped up too much. 42 is what I have now and they are tight, so I´m sure 43 would be perfect. I´ll send my box soon... promise! 

Love you. Thanks for your love and your support. Keep up the good work with Josh and Des, and Mike. 

pics- super gigantic lemon and a macro pic

¡Felíz Otoño! 

One hermano told us yesterday in his talk that yesterday was the first official day of Fall, but I don´t really know because I don´t have a calendar like at home that says "Fall Starts" or something like that. It´s pretty nice here because the weather is cooling off and it isn´t so hard to walk all day. The sun still burns, but it isn´t hot. Elder Clayton is finally adjusting to Mexico, which is interesting to relive. I didn´t get sick when I got here, but he sure has. Poor guy. But he is battling through it like a champ! Spanish is getting much better as well. All in all, he´s just great. 

This week has been really great as far as finding those "golden" investigators. We have been working in a village called Anaya that is the furthest point in our area. I only went there twice in three months, but I felt that there were people there waiting for us. We starting working there when Elder Clayton got here. The second week we found David, Nictehah, Hayna, and Adrian. They are a family that have gone from church to church looking for something that would help them get closer to God, progress, and fill their souls. They haven´t found anything so far, but they went to church yesterday and liked it! We will see them again today, but they´re great to work with. Also, Wendy is Flor´s sister (like Jose and Flor from a few months ago). Almost her whole family are members, but just lack her, her dad, and a sister that doesn´t live at home anymore. She also went to church. One day I asked her what she learned from the pamphlet about the restoration and she said, "...that I have to go to church to receive more blessings, read the scriptures, and pray.." The Spirit can teach a heart any concept if we are open to it. It´s really great to see how the Gospel changes lives. 

Something  I learned in Alma 1:29-31, ( 29 And now, because of the steadiness of the church they began to be exceedingly rich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need—an abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and abundance of silk and fine-twined linen, and all manner of good homely cloth.

 30 And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.

 31 And thus they did prosper and become far more wealthy than those who did not belong to their church.”) is that if we want to be "rich" we should be members of the one and only true Church. Not just rich in material, but spiritual also. Blessings come in many forms for doing what is right- which is doing what God wants us to do. Keep studying the scriptures and you will feel a power and knowledge come into your life. It´s great! 

Well, Mexico is going well. The days just keep flying by faster and faster as each day goes by. 

Love you all, 

Elder Hill 

Viva México! I Have Strep Throat, So Much For My Tonsillectomy! :(

Viva México! 

Yesterday was the Mexican Independence Day, and man was it crazy! Friday we went to the ward´s party that we had and it was cool. We had to leave right when they were getting started, but I´m sure it turned out great. They had a mariachi band, food, dancing, and games. By the way, their national anthem is SOOOOO long! Saturday night they had what is called "La Grita!" where they shout Viva Mexico like fifty times. We were at home trying to sleep, but it was pretty loud. I also had a flashback from being an EMT this week. We walked into a house to eat this week and there was the grandma with half of her face droopy and her eye couldn´t shut. I think I shouted because the hermana shouted back QUÉ!!!???? I was like, hermana! Your face! You´re having a stroke! Then her daughter are just like 'it´s no big deal Elder'. Don´t take for granted the ambulance system or the expensive healthcare.... it´s all worth it. 

YEA! Elder Hill with his contacts at Atlantes again!

Elders Hill & Clayton with zone at Atlantes, Tula

So, nobody came to church yesterday because all of the kids have to be in the parade in order to be in school, so all of the parents went to watch their kids. There were only about thirty people in church, and they slowly started leaking out with time. We are teaching Ireneo who lived in the US and married a member there. He has been reading the BOM for 8 years but still hasn´t been baptized. He is super faithful and kind. He has been humbled through his experiences, both physically and spiritually. he lives in a one room block house with a dirt floor. Also Gaby. She is an older lady that we are teaching in Anaya, a village in our area. She is cool because she tries to read and even came to church, but didn´t want to interrupt so she went home. I didn´t know that until she sent me the text message, but next week she´ll be there. Yoletzi is still doing well and will be baptized on the 30th. Edgar and Denise told us that they won´t be baptized to our religion because they will be disowned by the catholics.... oh well, maybe someday. 

Elder Hill, Elder Clayton and his zone at
Atlantes, Tula (ancient Jaredite ruins)

Elder Clayton and I are doing well and working hard. I´m still surprised at the things that he finds as new and amazing. It´s still pretty funny! 

Keep at it. Love you all. 

Elder Hill 

Seeing The Mission Through New Eyes!

2 MATEO'S!! Elders Matthew Hill & Matthew Clayton

Bueno!

This week is week number one for Elder Matt Clayton from Henderson (Las Vegas), Nevada! I told him where my grandma lives and he´s like, 'Oh yeah, those streets!' So, I´m not sure if he really knew, but it was funny! Elder Taylor left and Elder Treviño left as well to other areas.

I´m seeing the mission through new eyes now. All the little things that I have gotten used to and are just normal now, are extremely astonishing to my companion. I am also realizing that the Lord prepares whom He calls because I didn´t really feel ready to train a new missionary, but it´s not so hard. The new things that have sparked a reaction are the following:

-All the dogs in the street

-Teaching real people who accept the invitation to read the B.of M. because they want to

-Stopping people in the street to talk to them about the Church

-Eating weird things (consumé- greasy soup with beans and veggies....and chicken legs)

-Mexican people who talk so fast you don´t catch anything they say

-Well, this one I´ll just say people are more open about their feelings here than at home

-Teaching a lesson in a van while going to another area and this person saying he´s been looking for answers the last few months

-Things the Spanish teachers teach them from other countries that NOBODY does or says here

-and the list will go on for a few more weeks! :)

I ate Dominos pizza at the training meeting on Monday-- Dominos for the first time in a long time. Everyone says that they get sick when they eat American food, but it was delicious and I didn´t get sick at all! The funniest thing that Elder Clayton told me when he got here was that he remembers reading my blog before he went to the MTC.

Also, my voice is cracking again. I think my voice is hitting stage two of "the changing phase". It´s kind of funny when I speak Spanish and words that are accented funny because my voice cracks and I turn red and try not to laugh because it´s super funny. Oh, the things that entertain a missionary!

Something neat that happened was yesterday. We got in a van to go to another village and a little after we got in, a man stopped the van to climb in. As I saw him through the window I felt like I had talked to him before or at least seen him. He got in and sat by me. After a few seconds I asked him if I knew him. He said no. I introduced myself to him, and him to me, and I  said that we were missionaries. Jesús is his name, and he said that he knew that we were missionaries. He had been investigating religions lately and read something about our Church, Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon. As about 20 minutes of our ride went on, I taught him the whole first lesson, explained the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, and gave it to him. He is the first person that I have met that describes the scripture in D&C 123:12  that says the people are kept from the truth because they don´t know where to find it. He´s a chosen one- he´s ready to be baptized. We just need to be able to meet with him because his family doesn´t like other religions coming over, so that would be a problem.

We have other people to teach, but I´m out of time to tell you about them. None of our investigators went to church this week so it was a bit of a downer, but all will be well.

Gotta go. Love you all! Keep your chin up and congrats on the beginning of a new school year.... or just another month if you´re an old person.

Elder Hill

Transfers, Training and the HONEYBEE!

This is the Honeybee that stung my throat...Elder Hill rightly chastens below:

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. (2^nd 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 the^bspirit 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.

"The Pure Love of Christ" & Joseph Smith: "El amor puro de Cristo" & Joseph Smith

Photo nicknamed by Elder Hill's whole district as "The Pure Love of Christ."

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.

I´m not really sure if I have sent this picture, but if not, here it is. It has been nicknamed "The Pure Love of Christ" by my entire district. Sometimes it feels good to just be a bit of a dork. Elder Treviño and I this week also talked about how we need to love others in order to love Christ and Heavenly Father. It feels like sometimes we just say that we get along with people, but it doesn´t really mean that we love them. It is a difference that from this week on, I will work on correcting. 

Most likely the picture he had

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.

 READ MORE HERE!!

Lo Mejor de Ambos Lados ~ (Best of Both Sides) and A Lamb In A Wheelbarrow, Now Missing it's Hoof(ves)

Me with a lizard in the street that Elder Baez
caught when we were on exchanges

Hey,

Bummer to hear about Tom passing away. He was a really great guy. 

Tell Chris sorry to hear about his brother. That´s a bummer also, but he´s in a better place being taught the Gospel.

I still haven´t received the package, either. It should come this week, but I don´t really know. Should get it before transfers on the 3rd.

Something I´ve learned and dealt with here in Mexico is just because one is released doesn´t mean they should stop going to church. A member of the Church never gets released from being a member nor un-assigned from visiting/home teaching. Christ doesn´t need the church; we need the church in order to make it back to His presence. If we don´t fulfill with ALL of the ordinances, we won´t be able to make it back. And ONLY in this Church do we have that opportunity. It isn´t a game, it´s salvation.

The mission is great. I´m enjoying everything that I do. And I won´t be coming home early.... sorry! (I had a dream/nightmare, really that he came back early from an injury! We are thrilled even if we miss him, we don't wanna see him early!)

LOOK TO SEE IF TRANSLATE WILL WORK ON TOP OF BROWSER OR TO RIGHT CLICK TRANSLATE. I have always wanted him to write in Spanish and as I received this, I wanted to beg him not to! I have attempted to do so here... (Wendy)

Muy buenas tardes a todos, (Very good afternoon to all)

 

Ésta semana estuvo muy bien. (This week was very good.) México ganó el oro en las Olimpiadas en Inglaterra y Estados Unidos ganó a México en un partído nacional aquí, entonces tengo lo mejor de ambos lados de mi mente. (Mexico won gold in the Olympics and the United States won Mexico, so it's the best of both sides on my mind.)

 

United States 1, Mexico 0. U.S. Wins in Mexico, (Soccer) for the First Time In 75 Years!

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/16/sports/soccer/soccer-roundup.html

 

Ésta semana yo leí un discurso que se llama "Only an Elder" por Bruce R. McKonkie y ese hombre era muy poderoso. (This week I read "Only An Elder, by Bruce R. McKonkie, he is a powerful man.) http://www.lds.org/ensign/1975/06/only-an-elder?lang=eng 

Aprendí mucho de lo que yo debo hacer y ser como misionero y miembro de ésta iglesia. Lo recomiendo para todos, aunque sean mujeres.  (I learned more of what I have to do as a missionary and member of this Church. I recommend it for everyone, even the woman.) También estaba leyendo otro discurso que se llama "The Transforming Power of Faith and Character" por Richard G. Scott de la Conferencia de Octubre 2010, http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/the-transforming-power-of-faith-and-character 

creo. Igual, aprendí muchisimo is es una fuente muy poderosa de lo que tenemos que hacer como miembros y discípulos de Cristo. (A lot is learned and (these) are a very powerful source(s) for us to know what we should do as (Church) members and Disciples of Christ.)

 

Hilda todavía quiere tomar un bautizmo y eso es muy bueno. (Hilda wants to be baptized and that is very good.) Solo tenemos unos detalles con ella porque tiene que ir a Veracruz otra vez para trabajar, y no sabemos todavía lo que va a hacer. (We have details to work out because he has to work in Veracruz) Encontramos una persona que se llama Victor. Es muy buena persona y acceptó su fecha bautismal, (We found a person named Victor, he is a very good person, we accept his baptismal date,) pero no pudo venir a la capilla ayer porque se esposa tuvo una cita con el ultrasonido para su embaraza. (he could not come yesterday because his wife had an ultrasound appointment.) Lo vamos a visitar hoy. (We will visit today.) Nadia se mudó hasta otro lado y ya no podemos vistarle, tampoco la dieron permiso sus padres para bautizarse. (Nadia moved to the other side, so we cannot visit, nor did parents give permission to baptize (her).) Vamos a dejar Edgar y Denise una semana más para ver sí deciden que quieren venir a la iglesia y cumplir con sus compromisos. (We leave Edgar & Denise for another week to see if they will come to church & fulfill their commitments) No es su tiempo todavía. (It's not their time yet) Estamos enseñando a Paulino y su familia. (We are teaching Paulino & family) Son investigadores de años con muchos misioneros. (Some investigators spent years with many missionaries.) Su hija es miembro, pero no vive aquí. (Her daughter is a member, but does not live here.) Su problema es que estan un poco duros de corazón pero lo ésta (Her problem is a little hard heart, (softening.) ablandando mucho, y éstan progresando poco a poco. (progressing a little) Por fin estan leyendo el Libro de Mormón, so faltan que lean y oran para recibir una respuesta. (They are finally reading the Book of Mormon, so now to pray and receive a confirmation of it's truth/ a reponse.) José tomó despúes de su bautizmo, como una semana, pero ya está bien. Él quiere dejar todo atrás y empezar de nuevo. (I think it says Jose took off after his baptism, about a week later is doing well but left for a fresh start...basically.)

Me "playing" the guitar with a hat and
ray-ban´s looking like a country song

Tuvimos entrevistas el Viernes y fueron muy bien. Hablé con presidente, y me siento muy bien en mi progreso como persona y misionero. (Interviews Friday went very well, I spoke to President (Call), I feel I am progressing very well as a person & missionary.)

 

Pués, es todo. No hay nada más interesante pasando aquí. (Well that's all, Nothing more interesting here) Vamos a seguir trabajando y haciendo todo lo posible para encontrar personsas para enseñar. (We will keep working to encounter people to teach.) Que hagan todo lo posible para ser lo mejor que pueda, en si mismo, y no comparandose con otras personas. (Make every effort to be the best you can, in yourselves, don't compare yourself to others.)

 

Hasta luego, (Until then,)

Elder Hill

Wait until the 3rd and I will tell you what´s up. (re: transfers) Also, you can add this to my letter, but I´m not going to write in Spanish. (WHEW!!)

Now, The Lamb!  CAUTION: READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

On Saturday, we went to find a person in a village called Anaya. We ended up finding somebody else, but right as we started talking to them, some guy came out to the street with a lamb in a wheelbarrow. I thought, "Huh.... he´s just going to wheel the sheep to where he needs it instead of walking it. That´s strange." But no, it was even more strange. He just takes it to the side of a ditch and kills it. Elder Treviño runs over to ask him what he is doing and he jsut says that they have some baptisms tomorrow so they are going to cook some barbacoa lamb. So, while I am teaching these two people outside of their house, Treviño is over there taking pictures and recording the whole thing. When I finish, I go over and contact the guy and tell him that we are missionaries. At one point in the process, the guy breaks one of the hoofs off to have his kids take it to start being cleaned to cook. Then my companion asks if he can break one of the remaining three, and he does! Then I, being a little bit competitive, decided that I would ask, too, and I got to break one! I was a little more worried about blood getting on my shirt than my companion, but I came out clean. Normally I would say "No way!", but only once in my life will I ever be able to say that I broke a sheep hoof in my mission. That was the strangest part of the mission so far, because I saw everything-- from skinning, to hanging it in a tree and taking all the parts out. (I'll bet that GROSSED him out!)

Gotta go, Love you.