May 20, 2013

Zone Conference
This week was pretty darn good, and it actually went by pretty quick for me! Now let me tell you about it.

Monday-

Had a great P Day. Went Bowling!!!! I have to admit I did miss it, I was Spinning, Back Spinning, picking up Brooklyn's and Sleepers left and right. It was 6 bucks for like 3 hours. It was fun to be with the Zone and get to know them a little better. (There are only 5 that are the same as when I got here. I will include some nice pictures of the zone bowling and from Zone Conference.) That night we had a nice dinner with the Weston's, he is the bishop of the Greenfield Park Ward and he told me I have grown up a lot since I got in the area. Appreciated that. We also met with the Gamboas and set up the plan for the week, so we could stop by every night and have his interview, etc. and then we went and met our District Leader because we had exchanges on Tuesday! So on Tuesday I was with Elder Cabrera in the Spanish area and Elder Kiene and Elder Fuentes took over our area.

Tuesday-
Spent the day with Elder Cabrera. He is from Honduras and is still learning English. but we had a decent day. Had a lesson in Spanish so I just sat there. When we first walked in I asked if I could use the bathroom and I guess she said hold on a second but I thought she said ok so I followed her and we both went into the bathroom and we were both really confused. So I walked away with my head down... At the point Elder Cabrera decided to tell me what she had said. Elder Cabrera reminds me of the donkey from Winnie the Pooh. He is a total down but I forced him to be happy all day and we ended up being good pals. I called him mi amor and he got really wierded out. But that night we went to an English class and the two students spoke absolutely no English. It was interesting to see English being taught and the process it takes to learn. 

Wednesday-

Elder Kiene was sick. All day. He slept for 22 hours straight. I tried to wake him up several times but it didn't really work. So I spent the day doing various things... Calling formers and setting up different appointments with people... Watching the District and I also read from Alma 17 to Alma 26 the entire mission of the Sons of Mosiah. That was awesome to read it all at once and really study it. I really learned a lot about the need of prayer and how much it can allow Our Father in Heaven to bless us. We can ask for very specific things, he'd rather we be specific. I learned a lot. I did take a nap during the day I have to admit... But not too long. 

Thursday-
Another exchange. Except for this time Elder Fuentes was with me in our area.  We had District Meeting where I was called on to give a 5 minute pop lesson. So I had to teach the Restoration in 5 minutes, on the spot by myself. I was always nervous I'd be chosen but the Spirit helped me a lot. It took me 7 minutes but I felt really good afterwards, fulfilled. We had a pretty good day of contacting people. We met a young man and set a baptism date with him in 15 minutes. It was NUTS. Sadly he will be taught by the Young Single Adult ward (Spanish Elders cover that) But it was still awesome. Sad news, R dropped us. She says it is because of the Priesthood and some concerns she has there but sadly I believe it is just because she is lazy... It's too bad. We convinced her to let us stop by when she called but when we did her Dad just gave us the Book of Mormon and told us she didn't want to talk. It was a bummer but nothing much we can do at that point. We had an appointment with Laurie. I lady we found when she invited us to her church. Now she is reading the Book of Mormon and we're going back this Tuesday. I'm excited for that! Sean passed his interview.

Friday-
Pretty eh day. Had weekly planning and a couple of lessons.

Saturday-
Sean was baptized. It was awesome and a member of the ward asked his sister when she was getting baptized and she responded by saying she doesn't know enough and that she will be at church every week from now on. Super exciting. (I'm send some pics of us with Sean and the entire G family.) We had a lesson with one of our new investigators, Sunny. We taught her the Plan of Salvation first because we felt like that's what she really needed and we discovered that when you do that it is difficult to invite them to be baptized because they don't understand authority... But it was a good lesson haha. We had a lesson with a Less Active Member, Sister Forbes, we had her read Alma 36 about Alma's conversion before and we talked about it. She opened up about her own conversion back in 2000 and how she needs help coming back because she never got a solid foundation. We were able to testify to her of what she needs to do and what we can help her with. She was at church for the full 3 hours on Sunday. That was awesome.

Sunday-
We had to move Jesus' date to June 22nd because he will not be off of probation until then, but it's crazy to see how his testimony has grown. He knows he has to get baptized. We went to the Visitor's Center and watched Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration with him. I love that movie and I think it really helped him out. I pray that the G will be touched by it, we're taking them to see it on Thursday night.

All and all it was a pretty decent week. Found some new people and taught a lot more lessons. We had a lot more people at church too, we're definitely being blessed with loads of miracles. Miracles ALWAYS follow faith. It's a promise and it's never the other way around.

I love this Gospel and the Restoration of the precious truths that we sometimes tend to take for granted. I am so thankful to Joseph Smith and his example of faith. I know that he truly was a prophet of God. I know that I'll be with my family forever. And I love you all a lot <3

Love Elder Alexander

Zone Conference

P Day with my companion Elder Kiene

Results of riding my bike in 100 degrees or more 

Sean's Family

Sean's Baptism

Members who saw us at the Mesa Temple took this picture and sent it to our families that we say Hi and also to enjoy

Monday May 13, 2013

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Sorry I was in such awe and wasn't the best conversationalist

Man,It was so amazing to see you all yesterday! It was so good to hear and see all of you! It was definitely a little weird to be talking just like I left yesterday. But I got to read the letter you wrote while Elder Kiene talked to his fam and it really helped me.  I don't remember exactly what it was but something you wrote just flipped a switch in my brain and I decided that I was ok, and I'll see you on Christmas!! It's just that simple I had work to do last night and we did it. I've got work to do. The Lord's work, not just busy work. I promise I'll be a better talker on Christmas :) I love you so much Mom and I didn't get to tell you enough yesterday!! I thought about you all day as people talked about their Mothers at church, they tried to glorify theirs but it was hopeless because I already knew mine is the best! Thank you for all of your love and support. I love you.

Yeah this week was crazy. All those new investigators, it was awesome. We also set a baptism date with Jesus last night! What? Yeah he's getting baptized on the 25th of May. We just told him, Jesus, this is either true or it's not. Let's get on our knees and we will all pray to Our Father in Heaven and find out why you don't feel it yet. We each took turns saying a verbal prayer, he was last. And by golly he felt it!!!!! It was amazing. So excited. We also got everything set for Sean so he will be baptized this Saturday. Miracle May is in full force!!!!!
Funny thing, this week EVERYONE felt the need to swear in our presence. Investigators (The G- family for instance) who we had never heard swear before swore like 6 times in front of us. It was so weird, AND THEN we had like 3 lessons outside because we couldn't find a 3rd male to come with us so we couldn't go inside. During all 3 of those lessons someone drove by and yelled profane things at us while we taught. Well guess what, we used that as part of the lesson we taught and helped our investigators realize the benefits of living the gospel. Take that Satan.

It was all in all a great week and was topped off as I got to see all of your wonderful faces!! Tell Jen that I am expecting some of her questions about the Book of Mormon, and Adam too! I was so happy to hear that they are getting married on July 20th. Jayce deserves to grow up in a home that is not divided and that is such an awesome. I think sometimes we forgot how important marriage is, at least before my mission I didn't quite understand. But it is so essential to God's plan and they are going to be blessed for that! And I'm excited to see my cutout standing there with the fam.

My prayers are with the Lambourne family, as well as Travis. One of the new investigators that we found had just recently lost her brother. As I testified to her the comfort that the Restoration brings that we don't have to worry or believe that is the end it really hit me. That it is true. That is such an incredible story about The Apostle giving her a blessing, she has such an incredible calling at this time. She will be blessed and we can be comforted to know that she is happy. She is comfortable, she doesn't have to worry and neither do we. I send my love to the Lambournes, they're an incredible family.

I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation once again. I love it so much. We got so much of what we know about it from the Book of Mormon and from Joseph Smith and other prophets, what a blessing. We know where we came from, why we're here, and where we're going. We don't even have to worry at all. As long as we know.
I am grateful that you are be blessed. I pray that my service renders blessings upon all that I love, and I know my Father in Heaven will take care of me as long as I'm doing we he wants.

I know this church is true. It's not just some religion or boring book, it changes lives. It blesses me every single day, and I'm grateful for this opportunity. Nobody deserves to wander through this life without knowing who they are and why they're here. I want everyone to know, it breaks my heart when people turn us away but I know there are people who will receive us and I know the message we share will change them. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and the fact that it was restored to this earth. I love my Savior and I'm grateful that He allows all of us to draw closer to him. He lives and He is there. Our Father in Heaven knows everything that we are going through and He wants to bless us. I am so grateful for Joseph Smith, I know he saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It is reality. And anyone can know, if they but soften their hearts. I love you, Dad, Adam, Jen, Elyse, Dallas, and Jayce so much.

Love Elder ALexander

PS- We are going bowling today so expect some good pics next week. I love you a lot

May 06. 2013

Baptism
That sounds like a pretty good plan on the blog, I definitely don't mind! It has been pretty nice to see the blogs from my friends and hear their stories. I also realized that they're all way more funny than I am. So I guess I'll try harder, 3 months in the heat has sucked the humor right out of me! Thank you so much for taking care of me :)

Well this week was full of miracles! On Monday I had my first scorpion experience. So that was fun. I picked up my back pack as we were headed to dinner and boom. There's a scorpion falling off of my backpack. It hit my hand as it fell and landed on my study desk. At first it didn't register what it was, but it was definitely a scorpion. When I realized what it was about 8 seconds later I abruptly stated. "Oh my gosh that's a scorpion." He knew he'd been discovered. So he scurried off the edge of the desk and made a bolt for it, surprisingly though scorpions aren't really that fast. I theory is that they're really prideful and think no one can catch em. But we definitely got him and spent the next minute or so taking turns stomping on him. Luckily we walked away with our lives.

That night we had a nice lesson with C and got her all prepped for the upcoming week. Monday was life threatening. But good.
On Tuesday we had a nice lesson with L. We taught her about prophets and helped her realized that they had to be called from God. We asked her what she would do if this is true and we got a no hesitation "I'd get baptized." Now that's what we're looking for. So she's going to be praying about Thomas S. Monson this week and we will talk to her tomorrow! A lot of the rest of the day was spent contacting people, it was a pretty good day.

On Wednesday we had our first District Meeting with the new District, surprisingly I am the only one from Utah now! So that's fun. Our new Zone Leader Elder Kavanaugh is from South Dakota and I love him a lot. He's awesome. Our new district leader is Elder Fuentes and he is from Cali, and his companion is Elder Cabrerra from Honduras. And Elder Stockdale is training Elder Ward who is another Idaho boy. So many Idaho boys, and our new President in July is from Idaho, can't escape em! It was another day of contacting and working. There is this crazy phenomenon where if you get referrals out of your area and send them in to the office you get a referral in return. It always happens. We got like 6 referrals out of nowhere this week simply because Heavenly Father new we were working. That was awesome. Met with C and prepped her for her interview. She was so dang ready. We basically started filling up the font that night.
Thursday came along and I learned a great lesson. Every referral you receive doesn't mean you've all of a sudden have a baptism. We contacted 3 referrals. None were interested. But I also learned that our time wasn't wasted. We were working, searching. There are prepared people in our area and Heavenly Father will show them to us if we work. Show faith and work. It doesn't mean that everyone will fall over themselves to talk to us, but we will find them. We taught the G about tithing and it went really well! Their son is good to go for baptism on the 18th! And his sister is close. And C passed her interview!!! It was a great day. Also miracle moment. Some Elders from our zone called us up and informed us of a young man named K who was moving into our area and......... He has a baptism date already!! We're yet to meet him because he's in California but we can't wait to meet him. Miracles are the bomb.

Friday was uneventful. Contacting and a couple lessons!
Saturday was the big day. The baptism was at 10am. C asked me to talk about the Holy Ghost which I did, and it was really a good service. But C gave us a little scare. She didn't show up until 10. We were about to die. I was sooooooooo nervous, she just got caught up taking her son somewhere. They're supposed to be there a half an hour early so we were dying haha. But she made it!!! And she was baptized. One of her lead fellow shippers is a Sister that was baptized almost exactly a year ago. Her and her husband are going through the temple in a couple weeks. But she talked about baptism to C and it was so awesome. Tears all around. I love how simple the ceremony is. On Sunday I had the opportunity to stand in the circle as C was given the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit was so strong and you could just tell C felt different afterwards. It was absolutely amazing. I don't think she could stop smiling if she wanted to.

I'm super grateful for the restoration and the authority that is present in the church. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christ's church once again on this Earth. He loves us and that's why we have been given it. People can say all the anti stuff they want but I know if they softened their hearts they would feel the power of the Holy Ghost testifying to them as well.I totally agree about commandments, there's the kite comparison that I love that was part of the Walk with Christ thing. It's awesome. If you can't remember it look it up! It's so cool how the commandments are what help us reach our full potential, without them we would crash to the ground. 

The gospel is true and everyone needs to know it!!!

I'm excited to see you all next week, I'm getting a haircut today so that I will look presentable for you guys haha 

I need to get going but I love you a lot and Thank you so much for your words

.See ya in 6 days

 Elder Alexander

Letter from a companion to Parents

April 29. 2013

Faith in Jesus Christ
Monday is a pretty great day isn't it! I always look forward to hearing from everyone and sharing some good ol experiences! My new companion is Elder Kiene (like zucchini minus the zoo) so he's not Elder Caine, But Elder Kiene is from Sunnyvale California and he's been out about a year.  He's a nice guy. Really quiet which is different from Elder Weston haha. But things are going well, he's a hard worker that's the biggest thing I could ask for! We are still in the same house with the Thomsen's, they're so awesome. We've been trying to talk to them more so that we're not just two strangers chillin in the back of their house. They're hilarious. We have heard quite a bit about the burglary escapade but those two Elders are in my zone! I haven't met them yet but I have heard of Elder Brown before. One of our neighbors (A less active) just got robbed about a week ago now.

I'm glad to hear the missionary moms are starting a little group. "Sisterhood of the Traveling Sons", eh? Run that by the group, I'm sure they'd love that.   

So this week was pretty good!!! On Monday night we stopped by C and we talked about her baptism. She's going through a divorce and she was so incredibly stressed so we postponed her baptism for this Saturday, the 4th. (I'll be sure to get some pictures) But she's doing awesome. I'm so glad she found the gospel at this point in her life, it's so cool to see her at church. She's only been three times but it feels like she is a member of the ward. And yesterday she came in a dress without anyone asking her to! haha. Tuesday was Elder Weston's last night so that was a little sad, we had a couple lessons of sorts, stop bys, let him bid farewell to all those that would let us in.
We had to be at the Mission Office at 730 on Wednesday because it ends up Elder Weston is finishing someones training! A young man named Payson took us and stayed with me, I actually met the Elder that I replaced in my area, Elder Hemi. SO that was cool. Anyways we had an awesome transfer meeting, President talked about how we can have a Miracle May and Jumbo June. Through faith and diligence, it was awesome.

So I bid farewell to Elder Weston and me and Elder Kiene set off!! (Ends up he just got done training Elder Corbridge who was in my MTC District so that was cool. I saw Elder Ault (From Riverton) for a brief second as well as Elder Bailey (Also from Riverton) and I saw my good pal Elder Keeler who is already training this transfer!! He's a good missionary). We met with J for the first time in a long time. We talked about his beliefs and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He doesn't agree with the organizations of the Priesthood, Apostles, Prophets, well I shouldn't say agree, he just doesn't understand. Anyways it was an awesome lesson and he promised to pray about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith specifically.
We were able to discern a lot of our investigators concerns this week. We found out why S and H can't get married and they agreed to meet with the Bishop, actually they asked to meet with him. But once this little financial situation gets figured out S agreed to be baptized. She has changed so much! Also Jesus told us he doesn't really have a testimony, it was sad, but relieving because he was finally straight up with us. It ruled. We saw loads of miracles this week. We contacted this guy named S whom me and Elder Weston tried to contact for 3 months. Only saw him once that whole time. I was headed to see someone else when I saw him standing outside. So we stopped, and he talked to us! Ends up he believes that he has been saved. So I was like, to heck with it I'm gonna be bold. I asked him what that really means. He excitedly exclaims, "I'm Born Again!" ok. What does that mean? And he was stumped. I bore my testimony that he had taken a step in the right direction (He's a recovering drug addict) by accepting Christ and promised him that we have a prophet on the earth today. He is going to come to church with us next week to check it out. Miracles Miracles.

Well I have rambled and this is very scattered but one last miracle. The entire G family came to church yesterday! And the son who is getting baptized bore his testimony, super short, but super cool. Also a new investigator Ri came and stayed the whole time! Miracles I tell you! (I accidentally called R, C 5 times in our lesson this week... It was bad new.)

As I knelt in prayer before my personal study I pleaded with Heavenly Father to help me gain the confidence that I needed to adequately fulfill my purpose as a missionary. As I read Preach My Gospel I came across this paragraph.
"As the Lord's servant, you are to do His Work in His Way and by His Power. 

Some missionaries feel confident that they know how to be successful. Others lack such confidence.
Remember, however, that your confidence and faith should be in Christ, not in yourself."

I literally almost fell out of my chair. Like seriously........ I had never read that. It was an absolute answer to my prayers. Heavenly Father heard my pleading with Him and I don't know what lead me to that page but I know He had a hand in it. I know that He is there for me, if I do everything that I need to He will always help me. Sometimes it's not easy, one thing I learned this week is not everyone is going to be willing or ready to receive the gospel. That's a misconception I had. But I know that there are those people and I just need to find them! 
"Never confuse free agency with failure", Beautiful. I'm going to use that one.

I know this church is true and that Joseph Smith truly saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know that Heavenly Father loves each and everyone one of us and that He is literally Our Father. He gave us the restored gospel, so that we may all come closer to his son Jesus Christ. I'm so grateful for the healing power of the Atonement and it's absolute reality. I know that he answers our prayers, all we have to do is ask and be willing to act. I've witnessed this first hand several times on my mission already. I love spreading this great news! I love you all soooooooooooooo much!!!!!

 Elder ALexander

April 22, 2013

I also look forward to Mondays! It's great to receive a little encouragement from the fam and to be able to share experiences. I learn more from them as I share them. Which is a huge blessing! I'm glad you received my letter! Grandma Dorathy has been on my mind a lot this last little bit. As May approaches. She is such an incredible example to us all as you have been such an example to me of love. I really appreciate that. I hope Elyse and Dal are doing well. As well as Adam and Jen and little Jayce. I got that package with the jerky and the calendar and the pictures last night, I really appreciate that! Jayce looks like a man all of a sudden. haha he's huuuuuuuge. I do have a list of a few things I could use, but I really appreciate your support. I'm super lucky.

Well this has been a fun week. We had a lot of member present lessons, which is a super blessing and I am very grateful. Remember C? Well, she's definitely getting baptized this Saturday!! We are so excited. Me and Elder Weston have been blessed with two incredibly prepared people in the month or so. It's amazing that Heavenly Father blesses us when we simply tell him what we need, apply our faith, and do our part! Anyways, C has been at church the last two weeks and is fitting right in, She's so excited to join in the ward family. On Saturday we took her to the Visitors' Center and watched "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" and she loved it. She told us it was very heart warming, which it is. Joseph Smith is incredible. Anyways, afterwards we had to teach her about the Word of Wisdom because in order to be baptized you need to have stopped all of that for 2 weeks. So if there was a problem we would have to postpone the baptism. We knew she didn't smoke and drink but we were scared about coffee and tea. She told us that a few months ago she felt like she needed to quit both of those things, and had. That hit me like a ton of bricks, the Lord is preparing so many people. We just need to be there for them.

Tuesday was a tough day. That's all.
Wednesday we met with R a new investigator. Her Dad is a grumpy old man named R and I absolutely love him. He tells me his original jokes that he makes up. They're not funny, but they kill me. He left when we started teaching but he talks to us when we stop by. He'll be baptized soon enough :). We didn't have much time to meet with R but we told her our purpose and introduced her to a Sister that joined the church about 10 years ago. She told that every concern that she had expressed was something that she herself went through in order to join the church. That was an awesome experience.

Well Saturday we were supposed to get transfer news. So naturally we were a little nervous/anxious to see what would happen. Well the Assistants call the Zone Leaders at like 10 and say that transfer news is postponed. That was the worst. So once again Sunday was an antsy day. A good day but antsy. (S and H are so close. H is going to try to come to church on Sunday. S said she will definitely be there. They just need to get married.) But eventually transfer news arrived. At 1030 last night...... Here it comes.

Our Zone Leader, Elder Moala, is headed back to New Zealand. Which is a bummer, I'll miss him so much. I don't remember who the new Zone Leader will be but the Brazilian is staying. The Spanish Elders are getting white washed, so we'll get two new ones. Maybe Sisters? And........ Elder Weston is headed to Phoenix to become a District Leader, and I am staying in our area! I'll be getting Elder Cain on Wednesday! I'm a little nervous to take over the area but there is so much potential and I can't wait. I'm going to have to learn quick which will be so good for me. I can't believe it has been three months with Elder Weston, I'm grateful that we were able to get a long so well. Because for a while there I didn't know what would happen!

You're right about those challenges. If you couldn't tell from the email this week was a whole lot better. I was able to do more .I taught the second lesson, lead out at least, to C. As well as the Word of Wisdom. I really learned to rely on the Savior in all that I do, not just when I'm sad or lonely but in everything. That was an awesome thing to learn.

I really appreciate those letters, they're all being kept, I reread them at times. They just help me stay motivated and keep focused. Thank you Thank you.
I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to serve at this time. The work is hastening so very much and the filed is truly white. I'm very blessed to be where I'm at and I think I know one of the reasons I am here. In this mission we don't do tracking most of all of our time is spent teaching. Which is something I struggle with. My patriarchal blessing says that I am going to be a teacher in some way through out my life. I am thoroughly convinced that that is one of the reasons I was called to this mission. To increase that ability to teach simply and by the Spirit. That is something that I really learned during this struggle as I looked over my Patriarchal blessing.

I love this Gospel and the Atonement. I know that we are meant to become better and the fact that we have a Heavenly Father that loves us makes that so much easier. I'm so blessed to have this knowledge AND to have the chance to warn all of my brothers and sisters down here in AZ!! 

Well, I love you lots and tell everyone I love them! The heat's on it's way and it looks like I'll be on a bike for the summer. Pray for me!!This week the weather was pretty good. Hopefully I'll be a little thin guy again after a summer of biking, I'm a little chub. But hey, I'm only here to impress the Lord. Am I right?

Elder Alexander <3

PS-  They have the new mission boundaries out, I might send you a pic if this computer lets me. It's a slow son of a gun.

April 15 2013

 We have a loving Heavenly Father
 I guess it is supposed to get pretty hot in a couple weeks and that is where it really starts. Boom boom boom. The heat is on it's way and then I will be dead. Heat stroke for days. I love it. 
Well. Guess what happened Monday.... Go ahead and guess. Well I'll tell you. We met with C and........ She went to the Easter Pageant and the Spirit was able to touch her heart. We invited her to be baptized and she accepted! She will be getting baptized on April 27th. It's so amazing that if we simply ask the Lord in prayer, act, and have faith he will truly help us. He wants to bless us. That's the bottom line. This week was tough. I don't have a ton of stories. Tuesday was just one of those days. Everyone cancels. Literally everyone. No body is home. No body. But guess what. That doesn't matter you keep going. Keep working. Wednesday we stopped by a potential that we have been stopping by for a bit. when we first met him he was working on his car and wasn't very interested. We stopped by and he said he was worried about us and that he thought about us for some reason. It's just awesome to see people change. I see the makings of a miracle.

Thursday the G canceled  and S, the one who isn't married and reading the BoM, called and invited us over for pie. It was really good. And they actually talked about getting married. They're so close. S is so close. Once H can come back to church she will get baptized. Pray for her, we want to set a date for the 11th of May this week. I had an exchange on Saturday, I was with Elders Child and Stockdale. We did 5 hours of service It was a good day.Yesterday was a great day. 

Not much, it's just amazing to notice really suttle miracles. I'm very blessed. This is my last full week of training which I'm excited about. My confidence in my teaching has been faltering but I'll get back on it. I have to. We heard about the Boston marathon this morning. It's so sad to see where the world is. That's why we're here. It is our responsibility as a church to strengthen each other. That was a huge theme of conference I saw. (Mosiah 4 vs. 3 I believe) Check it out! It's truly amazing how simple acts of kindness can change peoples lives. It's so true that as the members of the church we have a responsibility. A calling. To spread the gospel, to lift up all those around us and build each other up. The knowledge we have can bless absolutely anyone. I got another one of your letters this week, it was a good one. I enjoy them a lot. I'm sorry that I haven't been able to send one to you, 

This week I kind of struggled. I have felt inadequate and at times unworthy to be preaching the gospel. In Testimony meeting a young man bore his testimony and talked about asking ourselves if God is proud of us. I stopped and thought about that. I know He is. I'm trying. I'm taking steps. It's just like what Uchtdorf talked about how God looks at us like a father looks at his son. Trying to walk. He doesn't scold him for falling he cheers him for trying. It's amazing. Truly amazing to know that we have a Loving Heavenly Father. Tonight we are teaching C the Plan of Salvation and I know it will truly bless her life. She will be touched and that knowledge that Our Father in Heaven loves us will bless her life.

It's so amazing that we have a prophet on the earth to guide us today. To help us in this age. I need to get going but I know that Joseph Smith restored the truth and power of God. He was an incredible man. Not perfect but incredible. I am so grateful for your example and love and for all that you do for me. I can't wait to continue to share these stories with you. Although I will try to do better with them haha.

Tell the fam I love them and I can't wait to hear from them all!!

Elder Alexander

April 08, 2013

We are as the Army of Helaman
                           We'll Bring the World His Truth
       We have been born, as Nephi of old, To goodly parents who love the Lord 
  We have been taught, and we understand, That we must do as the Lord commands

      We have been saved for these latter days to build the kingdom in righteous ways.
  We hear the words our Prophet declares Let each who is worthy go forth and share

We know his plan and we will prepare increase our knowledge through study and prayer
               Daily we'll learn until we are called to take the gospel to all the world.

     Chorus   We are as the army of Helaman. We have been taught in our youth.
                  And we will be the Lord's missionaries To bring the world his truth. 
                           
To think this song George is talking about, primary children began singing when our boys and girls were just 3 to 4 yr old little ones. Heavenly Father was preparing for what is happening today, starting long time ago. It really touched me when a sister in our Relief society shared this with us. So when George brought it up I thought I would share it with everyone.

Hi,

I would have to agree that conference was incredible! Sooooooooo much to learn. I am so grateful for the incredible blessing of the restoration!! I was also very shocked by the Cedar City temple. I thought of Elyse and Dallas at first but then I was like, yeahhh..... Also very glad that Dad was able to take Adam and Devin to Priesthood, I was afraid the poor man was going to be all on his lonesome. Thats great Adam went with you. Baby steps. That is progress. If he were a investigator, he would be progressing. haha. To answer your question I watched all of the sessions of Conference at the Stake Center except for Sunday morning session we went and watched with Jesus in his apartment. Which was awesome. Also very exciting about Ryan, and Madi as well. Tell them both congrats with . They will be amazing servants to the Lord. Tell them I love them and can't wait to serve them. Sooooo many missionaries out, we are so blessed. I have been hearing about all my friends from Julee and others and it is so incredible to know that so many people that I love are doing this work. We are as the army of Helaman, we definitely had an incredible up bringing.

Well, this week was, I hate to admit, a little slower than last week. We only had 4 member present lessons, 5 others, but we need more. More, more, more. We met with the Gamboas on Thursday and were able to set a date with the son for the 11th of May. We are praying so hard for the family to follow, and they definitely could, we just need to work with them. So I don't know if I told you this, but President made a pretty big announcement. He promised us as a mission that we will have an Above Average April, Miracle May, and Jumbo June. Three huge months in a row. A promise from the very man that holds the keys to receive revelation for our mission. Since we have that promise me and Elder Weston have set a goal of baptizing 5 people in the month of April. We pray for it nightly. Which is exactly what we did when we had a goal of baptizing one person in the month of March. My testimony in prayer is definitely increasing. 

Since we made this goal, we have received three referrals  We had received three in the entire time I have been here prior to this time. We were able to contact one yesterday, her name is C, she was very nice and asked us to please come back the next day. So we are going over there tonight at 6 o clock and we believe that she, and her family, can be baptized on April 27th. I am so excited to get over there tonight!! Miracles follow faith, it is never the other way around, and we believe in a God of miracles. (I think that's Moroni 9. If not, I know it's in the Book of Mormon somewhere). It really is so amazing how many people there are in my area that we can still find.  The Lord's preparing them. I just need to be worthy and faithful enough to find them.

Something that one of the members talked to us about at a dinner was that the people who are LDS... I don't know what they're called but they're in the army and they're like bishops I think. I don't know. But he said that after every conference all of them form around the world get together (I guess there's not too many) and discuss what the church's main focuses are this year. Me and Elder Weston took this challenge. I invite you to study each talk, get it's main point. Then each Sessions main point. And then Conference over all. It is something that I have begun doing as I study my notes and will continue to do as I obtain the talks in writing and con further delve into them. I would love to hear your thoughts on it as well. Isn't it amazing that Heavenly Father has given us this gift to know exactly what we need to do. We don't need to wander aimlessly. We have guidance.

Fruit Salad George made, finally realizing how good fruit is. 

I almost forgot. On Monday we went to this farmers market and we got fruit for dayyyyys. Two things of strawberries for....wait for it.....one dallor. Bananas for 50 cents a pound. Some apples, and a pineapple for 2 dallors. (I now love all these things Mother. I know you'll be proud. I also eat yodurt with chunks, huge step for me.) I made a nice little fruit salad for lunch. It was delish. I will send a picture if this computer permits. We're at a members office and it's kind of old. It is super windy outside. I guess ther's a dust storm coming. I'll tell you how that goes

 I will continue to pray for you and the entire family as well. I am so glad to know that the family is being blessed. It puts me at ease. I must be going, but thank you so much for your weekly letters and emails. You are a very inspiring man. Visionary in fact. (I'm becoming more and more like you everyday.)

Tell everyone Hello and I love them to death. Something that has been on my mind is Jesus Christ's last words in the Sermon on the Mount when he likens the wise man that builds his house on a solid foundation to those who act. We have been given incredible direction. It's not enough to listen, we must act.

Hoorah for Israel.

I love you so much, Thank you for everything

Love Elder Alexander <3

PS Transfers are on the 24th. So not next Monday but the following I may have some big news for ya!

 That's my whole zone. They're so incredible. We have ASL Elders in our zone. They taught me how to pray in sign language. I can now pray in Spanish and ASL. And I'm still trying to learn in English.

April 01, 2013

This Easter season has been incredible
I'm glad to hear the fam is doing so well. This Easter season has been incredible, trying to be closer to the Savior than I have ever been before. It has been incredible. I did get the packages and I am doing pretty well, my fam and friends take care of me so well. I am so blessed. Sooo let me take you through this week, it was a good one.

 So Monday before dinner we went over to see S and H. We watched a movie called How Rare is Our Possession about the Book of Mormon. It tells the story of Parly P Pratt,  this Italian guy and how they gained a testimony. We showed it because she is starting the Book of Mormon. Afterwards we talked about baptism. (A huge hold back is she and H are not married and she doesn't want to get married). But I asked her once she finds out this is true if she will get baptized. She said definitely. Then they brought up marriage. And I asked if she would really let that hold her back. She said no. It was a pretty good meeting. She's very close. That night I got all my letters from the past three weeks, the office was having trouble with my mail or something So that was nice!

Then came Tuesday. That morning we went and saw L. Her children, all three of them, were baptized when they turned 18. Their father wouldn't let them before that. She is investigating again. But this time she says it is for her not her kids which is exciting. We had a great lesson and she wants to set up a weekly discussion group where she can ask questions haha. That night we saw H. Monday was her first day with absolutely no cigarettes. She was going strong! We taught her the Plan of Salvation, two kids Sister Carvhalo and Brother Glasgow, who are both preparing for missions came. (Carvhalo to Brazil and Glasgow to London South.) (Speaking of Brazil I heard Tan made it there, that's awesome.) Anyways it was a great lesson and the spirit was strong. Afterwards she asked for me to give her a blessing of comfort, it was a great experience.

On Wednesday I went on a split with the Spanish Elders. Swanson and Barfuss. It was a good experience. They taught me how to pray and I said the prayer at dinner. The lady we ate with didn't speak much english. It was so fun. Those Elders are awesome. They're both new to the area so it was an interesting day but I loved it. It's awesome to get to know so many people, that's something I really love. All the different people. Wednesday night was my first exposure to the Easter pagaent. It was beautiful!!! I have included pics. I loved it. I'm sure I'll make it a tradition for the rest of my life. There are so many people there, and loads of missionaries.

Thursday morning I found myself back in the presence of my companion, Elder Weston. While we were studying I fell off my chair and he accidently kicked me in the face. We went and talked to Sister Anderson and got everything squared away. She was the biggest miracle. You don't even know. She was so prepared. Our prayers were answered and my faith has exploded. Sister Anderson had her interview at 3 and she..... PASSED. Of Course. That night I once again found myself at the Easter Pagaent with the G family. (We are allowed to go 3 times) We learned that the daughter doesn't know much of anything about Christ. But she felt the Spirit and told us that she loves the feeling of when we come over. She feels the Spirit. She will change. I can't wait.

Friday was pretty mundane. We had  to plan, weekly planning. Where we plan the whole next week. It's a blessing, and a trial. Haha. Sister Anderson wanted to go to the Easter Pageant so we went earlier, about 5:30, and saved seats. We found some people from our ward, a young man who is about to leave on his mission in the West Indies on April 10th, and talked to them. I was calling Sister Brumett to see if she could cut me hair just minding my own business. When all of a sudden I glance over and there stands the Wood family. I was in shock. It was sooooooo weird. Hhahah woooo. Tell them it was way good to see them. I was in such shock I don't think that I ever got to tell them that!! wow. SMALL WORLD. They were on vacation and heard about the pagaent and lo and behold they run in to me. 1 out of 200 missionaries in the Mesa mission. Anyways the pagaent was great and SIster Anderson loved it.

Saturday, Saturday. Elder Weston went to the temple with a family that he baptized a year ago and saw them get sealed. I was with Elder Pasquline (Brazil Boy) and we attended Sarah's baptism. It was so simple and so amazing. I gave a short talk about baptism. It is amazing that baptism is so simple. It's not some grandiose ceremony. It's simple. Because it's entering into that gate. That's what I realized. Baptism isn't the first step, but it is in no way the last step either. Not even close. It was an amazing day. She is now a member of the church. Did I mention she is pregnant? So in a years time she will be sealed to her baby and her husband. That's what she is working towards now. We are always progressing!

Sunday she was confirmed. Church was great, got to see a lot of people there. Talked to H and she has been strong all week!!!! She seems so happy and she was going to pay her tithing. What? Her faith has increased so much. She's awesome. Last night we ate at the Cotters. It was so goooood, and they had their family over. Mission stories for days. It was fun. We went and moved a couch for S and H and we are stopping by tonight to follow up and "test" her on her reading. That's what she wants us to do!!

You have always been such a great example to me. Through everything you loved me. That's what I needed. You are an incredible person father. I wouldn't be here without the way that you and Mother have come together to raise me up. I appreciate you so much.

Daddio. I love you. I am  so grateful for your testimony and everything that you teach me. Keep on guiding our family to the Celestial Kingdom. You are doing everything you need to. 

 I am seeing miracles out here. It's still hard at times but hey, not everything is supposed to work out. How would I grow if I was just skipping around all the time? Sometimes I need to be knocked down so I can get up. 

Well.... That's it! Great week. Gotta love. it. I love you all so very much, Easter has shown me how great it is to know that He Lives. In everything we do we can find comfort to know that he overcame everything. He went below it all so that He could rise above it. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's simplicity is incredible. Thank you so very much. I love you all. Tell everyone that missions rule. They're not all gumballs and rainbows. But oh boy do they rule. 

Love ya long time

Love Elder Alexander

These are the cards about the Easter Pageant we handed out on the streets to anybody

What a shocker to see the Wood Family at the Easter Pageant. Enjoyed every minute of it. It was so great to see them. Carly had this picture taken. Love it!!! 

Here are all the people waiting for the pageant to start.

The Easter Pageant

My companion and I enjoying ourselves watching the Easter Pagent at the Mesa Temple

When I was with the other elders I was able to see one of their investigators baptized.

What a beautiful day! It was so simple and amazing. I gave a short talk on baptism.

Mar 25, 2013

This is a special time in my life
I had an experience this week. We went over to see one of our investigators early this week and we had an opportunity to give her son a blessing. When I said "in the name of Jesus Christ and by the Power of the Melchezek Priesthood" I felt the Spirit so strong. And I knew that I was the same power and thing that the Apostles did as they spread the gospel after Christ's Resurrection. It's so amazing to have that same power and calling. It's incredible.

We also met with a less active named H. She wants to take the lessons so that she can get active again and go through the temple. The Spirit was so strong as we taught the restoration and at the end she opened up and told us she had a smoking problem. We gave her a priesthood blessing. The next day she threw us a text and said that she had decided to quit smoking. Today is her first day without a cigarette. Pray for her.

I know that this is a special time in my life. And I am so blessed for it. I don't consider it a sacrifice at all. Some people say it's amazing that you sacrifice two years of your life. I really don't feel like that. It's hard at times but it is such a blessing. Thanks for all of your help and reminders.

We haven't had the chance to attend the Easter Pageant yet. But we're planning on going on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. I am so excited, we were going to go last Saturday but our investigator couldn't go so that's a bummer. But it's going to be beautiful! That's so crazy that Ryan Clawson is already back. It really feels like I was just barely talking to him at the Chic Fil A drive thru haha.

Our investigators are doing pretty good. S, who went to church the other week, wasn't able to go yesterday because she got sick. But we're going over tonight and I guess she asked her neighbor if we would give her a blessing. We gave her little son Hector one on Monday, it was incredible. The Spirit was so strong. Jesus is on house arrest and will be done with that on April 30th. He will be baptized on May 4th which is very exciting. M had to move her baptism back again because she hasn't been able to go to church very much, her sister is sick, so it is scheduled for April 13th. We have a lot of work to do but she will be great. We had a super miracle this week. On Tuesday we stopped by Angel, he is the one that I invited to be baptized. We hadn't been able to see him for two weeks and he was very happy to see us. As we talked he told us he wanted to take a break because we stressed him out with our commitments. I was so sad. But we have to keep up the faith, everyone has our agency.

The next day we met with Sister Anderson, who is new in the ward and her husband is a member. We took Sister Thatcher and taught the restoration. She is so ready, and was almost baptized back in 2001. She knows it is true. We invited her to be baptized on March 30th. This Saturday. And she accepted. This was last Wednesday. We're meeting with her everyday of this week to ensure that she is truly prepared for this step. We know she is. It took a lot of faith to extend a date so soon but we all know she will be ready. Me and Elder Weston have been praying for someone to baptize this month and she was an absolute answer to our prayers. Miracle Moment.

That Walk With Christ Activity is awesome. I'm on Day 5. I read them every night and focus on them that next day. Thank you so much Mommy, I loved those packages. They were the bomb. I really appreciate ya. Tell Jayce happy birthday. I'm thinking of getting him something for his birthday. There are so many little baby's around that remind me of him. Well I hope all is well, thank you for all of the love you give me. Love you tons

Elder Alexander 

p.s. A young man in our ward who we take out with us a lot got his call this week to........ The London South Mission!!  Exciting, eh?

May 18, 2013

Hey oh Pops,

The Plan of Salvation is a tough lesson to teach. But it is one of my favorites. Because it fills me with so much hope and I know that the people who have been in the dark their whole lives are blown away and the Spirit can really touch them if they open their hearts.

 We have an investigator (that's what we call him for now because it's a rare situation) who was recently released from prison. I don't know if I told you about him but if I did, you're getting it again. He was in prison for 26 years, since 1987. That blows my mind. He is in his 60's, his name is J. He was a member when he was a young man but they can not find his records. We are searching for them. We aren't quite sure if we will need to baptize him or not. We will see. But he is a great man. He has tattoos and is pretty rough and tumbly but he is the sweetest man alive. We're taking him to the Visitors Center this week so he can continue to feel the Spirit. We taught him the first lesson just as a refresher and he was so thankful. Man I love him.

 I love your handwritten letters pop, some days I don't get the time to respond but they are gurrreat. I hope everything is going great for you.

 Everything is going pretty well. I can't remember if I told you about Sister Anderson but she recently moved into the ward and her husband is a member. We stopped by and she told us that she is basically ready to be baptized. We are going to set a date tonight for March 30th. Wish us luck! Also an investigator named S came to church yesterday, and she told us she doesn't want reading assignments anymore because she is going to start the Book of Mormon from the beginning and will be attending church every week. She has a baby with H and they have a baby. That's what holding her back, The Law of Chastity, but she will be baptized soon.

The weather isn't toooooo bad yet. It's hot, and I sweat, but I can handle it well enough. I haven't recieved that package yet but it should be here sometime this week. Thank you very much mother, I lov you a lot. You spoil me.

 I was pretty shocked to hear about Richard's passing. How did he pass away? How are you holding up? I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation. It is such a blessing. To have the knowledge that we will see our loved ones again. I truly can't imagine living without that knowledge. There is no way I would be happy. I love you so much Mom.

  That's good you got to see Elyse and Dallas. I love them alot. I am definitely keeping Elyse in my prayers. I pray for her every night.              

 The other day me and Elder Weston went to a members house and they had this little pug and it sounded like a little screaming child. That night we were imitating it on our bikes when all of a sudden a pit bull flies out from the darkness and persues us. It was so funny, it didn't chase us too long. But you know how I am on a bike. I'm unstoppable.

 Well I love you a lot Dad. I'm learning so much and I hope I am making you proud. I am trying everyday to focus on what the Lord would have me do. And I am so grateful that you raised me the way you did. And never give up on me even when it probably would have been a little easier to. 

Elder ALexander

Mar 11, 2013

Zone T-Shirts we made

Everyone in my Zone

Elder Weston and I at the beautiful Mesa Temple

Mesa Temple

Email for Elder George Alexander is   george.alexander@myldsmail.net

Hi Mommy.

I also always look forward to hearing how the fam is and telling you what's up in AZ. I'm glad you were able to go to the sealing and see all of the family. It's always nice going to the temple with fam. Guess what I got to do this week. As you can probably guess, I went to the temple!! It was so refreshing. I man I loved it. Soooo much. It is so pretty and it was just nice to feel the spirit and reflect on everything I've learned. We go once a transfer. Beautiful Temple. Gotta love that revelation. 

We don't have too much crazy food. Just the basic stuff, my area isn't to Mexican so not a lot of mexican food. But it's definitely good and I have only had two lasagnas which is pretty surprising to me. The running and workouts are doing pretty good. We have Zone Sports a lot in the mornings. Which is where all of the Zone gets together at 6 am and we play something til 7. It's a great start to the day. Also my bike is keeping me fit. I got the package and I really appreciate it! I have plenty of clothes now. (I also got that fancy Zone T Shirt which I sent you a picture of. The names are all the people in my zone.) The only thing is I could use some more basketball shorts. Like 2 more? I know i"m needy. And to answer your question I do not have a lock, we just use my companions. But it would be nice if you could send me one. Is that ok?

 We had a rough week, just a lot of canceled lessons but we are not discouraged. Me and Elder Weston are both excited and are growing together more and more everyday. Becca told gave me some advice about not being able to change other people and you just have to change yourself when you see a problem. And that really helped. That added with prayer after prayer, it all is working out!

 We have an investigator who has a child with a Less Active, her name is S. She investigated before but felt that the missionaries were pushing her to marriage and got offended when they dropped her. We have just been taking it at her pace and are building her testimony. Because we know once she knows it's true the marriage thing won't be a problem. But some exciting news, she is softening. We're good friends now and she asked one of her neighbors if she can go to church with them. Her boyfriend, H works on Sundays so he can't go right now. But he wants to. Pray for her, I believe we are close to her baptism. She reads everything we assign her and told us she will pray to know if it is true this week.

 As for changes in the Zone, we are getting a new Zone Leader. The New Zealander Elder Moala is staying and his new companion is from Brazil. So that will be awesome. And also one of the Spanish Elders in our District is headed home Wednesday and his companion will be training, so that's cool. I won't be the greenie in the District anymore! haha

It is very true about the commandments. I was reading 'Our Search for Happiness' today and it talks about the Word of Wisdom and how everything in it is directly from Heavenly Father. Some people think that we are just good at adhering to what scientists say is bad for us but what they don't understand is we have had this commandment since before people realized it was bad. Ya know? Crazy, Crazy.

 Well Mom and Dad, I sure love ya. I am proud to be your son. Everyone really loves my scriptures and loves looking at em, I'm trying to add to all your wisdom oozing out of the pages. 

Well I love you lots. Everything is great!

 

Love Elder Alexander 

 

Ps- the church has changed their email policy. So I can now email friends. That includes my mission friends. Cool eh? I want to send some of my friends a quick email next week, see how they're all doing. So I have a job for you. Could you gather up their email addresses. I'm sure it's just their first and last name but I want to make sure. haha Thanks.