Feliz Navidad

Familia!

 

I hope everyone is enjoying and making the most out of their time together during this Christmas season! Definitely missing you all a little bit (haha) but I know this is where I need to be!

 

Thanks for the forwarded email from Joe Bailey! That was an awesome story! Elder Baxter said that his mission president used to always say "You aren't allowed to be discouraged in this mission!" He said that you could be disappointed at times when things didn't go your way, but that you were never allowed to let that turn into discouragement. You'll have to see if Diana remembers something like that. So cool!

 

We contacted a man a few weeks ago from Guatemala who really seemed open and interested in our message. He's kind of a younger guy (about 30) and has a wife and two little kids. We hadn't had the chance to teach them because they weren't home or we had other things we had to do, but we finally got to this past week! They are awesome! His name is Willy, his wife is Siria, and they've got two little kids Bruce (8) and Landon (13 mos.). We taught them twice and both lessons went pretty well. How awesome is that! Really hoping they progress! Mom, you'd love little Landon haha. He's "tremendo", always running around from place to place and wanting to be in everything. We had a lot of people cancel appointments on us or just not be at home. We only actually teach about 1 of every 6 set appointments.

 

Glad to hear that everyone has made it home safe so far, I'll be praying Luke does tomorrow night as well. A little store had a stereo outside a few days ago and as we walked by earlier in the day, it was playing a song from Buble's Christmas album. Then when we walked by later in the day, it was playing one of Barry Manilow's songs from the greatest Christmas album ever!! What's up with that?! Haha it's good though, I try not to let myself think too much about things like that.

 

Sorry about the 40 minute call. I'm pretty bummed about that, but hopefully it goes well. It'll probably be around noon, but I think I'll be able to call you on Christmas Eve to confirm. What time will it be there if it's 12 here? Oh wait! We're in the same time zone! Haha don't have to worry about any weird time differences! It should be Skype too, so we'll have to get that figured out. Don't use the computer I left, it won't work well haha. Use one of the boys' computers. No Christmas dinner scheduled, so it might be a hungry Christmas, but it'll be good. We'll probably just work the whole day, so it won't be too special as far as the schedule goes haha. I'm looking forward to getting to chat with you all though! Have a Merry Christmas and enjoy your time together! Love you all!

 

Elder Reynolds

Elder Baxter Zone Conference

Familia!

 

I had the best Friday ever this past week haha. Elder Baxter from the 70 came and we had the chance to meet with him from about 9:30-4:00. The time flew by and when it was over, I didn't want it to end! Lots of good counsel from that man. I feel like the notes I took from that conference are priceless. He was super positive and uplifting and focused a lot on a personal level for each missionary instead of general things. The other zone conferences we've had have all just kind of been things we need to be doing better and new rules, but this one was super positive and was definitely the best one I've been to yet out on the mission. I wish I could share with you all the things he said, but I don't have the time haha. Maybe I'll try to get you a copy of my notes. Plus he had a sweet Scottish accent, so that was cool! Haha

 

As for the Christmas call, I'm pretty sure I'll be able to Skype. A family offered to let us come over and do it, so I think that'll work out. As far as arranging the time and everything, I'll probably just try to call a day or two before. I'm not too sure on that yet. It'll probably only be 40 minutes for a few reasons that are out of my control, but we'll make the most of it. I'm looking forward to seeing/hearing you all!

 

I'll be finishing the Book of Mormon reading this week! Crazy to think it's already been 4 months since starting that haha. I've started reading it over in Spanish and am trying to incorporate a new marking technique that is going to help me really focus in on each verse. I find myself a lot of the time reading something and then not remembering what I just read, so I'm really looking forward to that. Random question, did Taylor already get married? I thought I read something about it being in November or December, but I'm not sure. Crazy stuff!

 

Just a quick experience for you that happened on Saturday. There are a couple formers that live right off this busy street that we always street contact on, but they never open their door. Just about every time we pass, I always knock, assuming that eventually they've gotta open up haha. It was late and dark on Saturday night and we were about to walk past the door, when I thought, why not knock. I told my companion to knock it once just to see and he said he was tired of knocking that door, so I knocked it. Then waited.. Then knocked again.. Then waited. Then they opened! We finally got in! They didn't have much time, so we just talked for a minute and then set a return appointment for this Friday! Super stoked for that! Pray that it all goes well!

 

Bad news: my camera completely stopped working. I'm going to try to send it home in hopes that you've still got the receipt and everything. If not, I guess we can work something out later haha.

 

Thanks for everything you all do! I know this church is true and the Lord loves each and every one of us. At times I can feel a portion of that love when I feel the burning desire for one of His children to accept His gospel and live it. Please pray for the ladies from Honduras this week! Taira, Delmi, and Judy. I love them and want the best for them!

 

Have a great week!

 

Elder Reynolds

December!

So crazy that we're already in December! I'm sure I probably said that last week too haha. It's wild! Sorry that this email probably won't be too long, I don't have a whole lot of time. I'll type fast!

 

One awesome thing that happened this week was that I got to eat with a guy I taught quite a while ago and now he is a baptized member of the church! My companion and I taught him for a while and worked hard with him, but he ended up moving out of the mission. He came back to visit this past week and he is doing great! He thanked me for being so patient with him and spending so much time on him haha. It was all worth it seeing the change in him! I was so excited to get to chat with him for a while! His name is Ulisses. He always felt too nervous to pray, but he even offered to say the closing prayer this time! So awesome.

 

We have a 70 coming this week named Elder Baxter. I think he's from the UK. He's doing a mission tour and our zone is meeting with him on Friday. I'm super excited! It should be a great day.  

 

Had a great week this past week with 3 ladies we are teaching from Honduras. I think I mentioned them in a previous email. We got a member to go out with us both times and it helped out a lot. It's an indescribable feeling when you can see someone else feel the Spirit. Their names are Taira, Delmi, and Judi. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers! They are awesome. I convinced Delmi to make me baleadas next time we meet with them haha. It's a super popular Honduran dish, you'll have to look it up.

 

We are also working hard with the "He is the Gift" campaign, AKA "Él es la Dádiva." It's super nice being able to share the video and purpose behind it all with everyone.

 

I hope you all know how much I love you! You are in my prayers and thoughts. Let's all make a goal to focus more on what is really most important this Christmas season and spend more time reflecting on what we have to be thankful for than on what we wish we had. We have SO MUCH to be thankful for! I know that Christ lives and that He loves us. That alone is a gift in and of itself. I hope you all know that He wants the best for each of us and that is why we have His Gospel and His church!

 

Have a great week!

 

Elder Reynolds

December Already?!

Is it really already the month of December?! Crazy stuff! No one really decorated for Halloween around here, but there's already quite a few houses with some pretty nice decorations up! We had a pretty good rainstorm last night that was super fun on bike (not really). It was freezing! I was soaked to the bone haha. A couple people actually let us in though, so I guess that was a benefit. Glad to hear you had a good Thanksgiving and that Stu and Jess made it home to surprise you all! I had a good "Día de Pavo" with a family from the ward. I had some ham, turkey, and rice with tapatio haha. It was a pretty good meal.

 

Just so I don't forget, I'd like my mission scripture to be Alma 42:31. Hopefully this email doesn't get lost so you can get that done haha. Also, thanks for that package mom! That was a protein-package! The ties were great also!

 

It was kind of a week of rises and falls. We found one family of four and another family of three who we taught the Restoration to and we were super excited! They seemed to be interested and definitely had (have) potential. But when we tried to go back for a second lesson with them yesterday, both families dropped us. It was pretty discouraging. Being soaked and freezing out at night in a rainstorm just kind of added to the effect! But I'm sure we will find someone else who is prepared. We only had 10 conversations with an hour left in the day, so we decided to tract for the last hour with the hope to get at least 10 more. We knocked about 25 doors and only 10 of those people even allowed us to have a meaningful conversation with them, but we got a couple return appointments!

 

Have you had the chance to see the new christmas.mormon.org website yet? We're doing a huge push with it right now with pass along cards and everything. You should have gotten some with this month's Ensign. You'll have to check out the website, the video is super good! All day today, the church is supposed to have an ad on Youtube. You'll have to look for that as well.

 

He is the Gift! Jesus Christ really is the best and most important gift we ever have received. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season with gifts and parties and things, but it is super important that we always remember the reason we even celebrate Christmas. I hope that this month we can all try to focus in more on the true meaning of Christmas  and the things we are thankful for! I am thankful for you all and love you all so much! Have a great week!

 

Elder Reynolds

Thanksgiving!

Familia! Sorry for the letter a couple days late! We've been having some things going on in LA lately, so we've had to be ready to drop whatever we're doing and head straight back to the apartment for the past couple days. You probably know more about the situation than I do haha.

 

Crazy to think that all the boys will be in different places this Thanksgiving! It was Sunday and no one had invited us to dinner, so I called an Hermana in the ward and had to ask if we could eat with them haha. I hate doing that, but I needed somewhere to eat on Thanksgiving! Anyone coming back to Toppenish to spend Thanksgiving there with you all? I remember when G&G's house used to be full with a bunch of kids! Glad to hear it sounds like all the plumbing stuff is getting taken care of! I know how long mom has wanted to get all that stuff done haha.

 

Please keep sending prayers our way for my companion and I to be able to find some families who are prepared to receive the Gospel! We've been working super hard, but haven't had much success in finding people to teach. I know with the prayer of faith, the Lord works miracles! I have studied "patience" lately during my personal study time. It's a super good topic! I went to the topical guide in the scriptures and then read through every reference. Lots of blessings come after trials.

 

Famila! Espero que sepan, cada uno de ustedes, que les amo. Estoy muy agradecido por su apoyo y ayuda conmigo. Hay muchas cosas difíciles en las que pasamos nosotros. Pero en cada momento, podemos ver la mano del Senor en nuestras vidas. ¡Sean felices! ¡Somos parte de la iglesia de JESUCRISTO! Él nos guia y ayuda en nuestras vidas si confiamos en Él y ponemos nuestra fe en Él. Le debo mi vida a Él y espero que durante mi mision, voy a poder mostrar mi fe en Él en alguna manera. Siempre hay bendiciones que podemos ver en nuestras vidas. ¡Mi familia es una de las más ricas bendiciones que yo tengo! Gracias por todo que hacen ustedes. ¡Les amo! ¡Qué tengan buena semana!

 

Elder Reynolds

Transfer Calls

Familia--

 

Good to hear from everyone today! Thanks for all the emails! One quote that has been in my mind today that I got from Grandpa Reynolds, "If it is to be, it is up to me."

 

Got a chance to attend the Temple this past Thursday and that was great. It is always said, but it really is true that there is just a certain feeling inside the walls of one of those sacred buildings. I really tried to enjoy every minute inside and forget about everything else going on outside those doors. It was a great chance to reflect on what's really most important. We got transfer calls last night and I'll be staying in this area with the same companion for the upcoming transfer. It's a 7 week transfer that will cover Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years all in one haha. Can't hardly believe that the new year will be here before too long!

 

I was reading 3 Nephi chapter 5 this morning for my Book of Mormon reading and really enjoyed that chapter. There's a verse I ran across, verse 13, that is a great missionary verse. "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." I think that just about sums up everything that a missionary is and should be.

 

We found a couple new investigators from Ceiba, Honduras (maybe Dallin knows where that is) that we taught one lesson with this past week. Their names are Delmi and Taira. They are super busy, but we will be teaching them again next Sunday. Please keep them in your prayers. We also have one investigator with a baptismal date, but we haven't been able to contact him since setting that date. His name is Anthony and is from El Salvador. Please keep him in your prayers as well. One of the cool things about this mission is that I get to meet people from all over the place. I think I've met someone from every Central-American country already.

 

I hope you all have the best week. Dad, did you ever get to see the picture of my new bike? I assume you'd like it haha.

 

As human beings, it is a lot easier for us to think of things in the short term. Many times, we are unable to see things as they will be because our minds are stuck on only what is happening right now! The key is to keep an eternal perspective on everything and "find joy in the journey" as President Monson once said. That doesn't mean it is always easy to do, but AS we do, we will be able to find that joy. Thank you all for your emails this week. I love you all!

 

Elder Reynolds

Familia Reynaldo

Spanish-speaking people can't say "Reynolds" correctly, so I just have them call me "Elder Reynaldo" or "Reynaldos" haha. Ethan told me a while ago, that he did the same thing in his mission.

 

Sounds like winter is making the turn for you all! Crazy to think that it's November. Most days I can't believe it because it's still sunny with blue skies haha. I was worried I was going to get sunburnt the other day because it was a pretty hot day. The weather has been kind of back and forth between cold and hot lately. I don't want to complain too much about the cold though because I know in a few months I'll be wishing for cooler weather! Before I forget, I ordained Parker to the office of a Teacher the Sunday of my farewell talk. Get that recorded! Thanks for the spending updates dad, I had to get a new bike so that's what the larger one was for. I sent Parker a picture of the new one, so you'll have to have him show you the new bike. We just got a bunch of new rules for being on bike too, so I'm going to have to buy a lot more stuff. Being on bike was pretty fun, but now I wish I had a car haha. I don't want to go broke out here! Dad, can you explain to me the service program that the missionaries have there as well? I thought I'd do a lot more service out here, but pretty much the only service I've done has been spur of the moment things that only take a minute or two.

 

I've actually felt like I've had to use my Spanish more now since my companion isn't a native. He's been out for 4 more months than me, but my Spanish is as good as his, so it actually kind of boosted my confidence. I've gotten pretty down on myself with my Spanish a lot, but I think I'm probably farther along than I think I am. I've got street contacting down, it's actually pretty fun. I always run into some interesting people. I met a guy from Merida (where Ethan served his mission) and got super excited haha. Then last night I met a guy from Cuba. Hispanic people are a lot nicer than others I have run into haha. It's just been a lot of finding in this area, we haven't had too much success with getting new investigators, but I'm hoping that changes soon.

 

How is Elder Finch doing? Also, dad can you get me Elder Valley's email for me from the stake?

 

I have a talk I want you all to read (maybe for another FHE). It is called "Unleashing the Dormant Spirit" by F. Enzio Busche. It's a really good talk. I especially like the things he lists at the end, I read those a lot. We had Stake Conference this weekend and the Stake Presidency was reorganized so we had Elder Craig Cardin from the 70, as well as Elder Garns. It was a good weekend. I really enjoy just being able to sit and listen to men like that speak. One thing they emphasized was getting to know your neighbors and sharing the Gospel with those you are close with and also those you meet.

 

"Every member a missionary!" Always remember that we all (not just the missionaries) have the charge to share what we know with those we know. It is often hard to share something so personal with others, but as we do, our own testimony is strengthened. That's a promise! I bear a short testimony at least 15 times a day as I talk to people on the street. The majority of them don't seem to care what I say or who I am, but a lot of times it is a seed you are planting within them that will make them (maybe eventually) want to learn more. I hope you all are doing well and have a great week! I love you all!

 

Elder Reynolds

November!

Can't hardly believe it's already November! It has cooled down all of a sudden here and it's been kind of a shock to the system haha. Especially with it getting dark around 5:30 now, there's been a lot of working out in the cold. I'm really wishing I would have brought two big suitcases now! I didn't bring any sweaters or cardigans to wear while working and now I am paying for it haha. Who said it doesn't get cold in LA?!

 

Had a little excitement these past few days. My companion got transferred suddenly, so I've got a new companion now. He's white and his name is Elder Cox. I'm interested to see how everything goes now since I won't have a native speaker to rely on. It's going to be a challenge, but I'm sure I'll learn a lot. Dad, I'm glad to hear you got up to the cabin! I miss that place! I can just imagine the fresh air up there. We had to be in by 6 on Halloween, so it wasn't very exciting haha. There wasn't much Halloween-related action going on in our area either.

 

Sad to hear about Faye! I hope she recovers quickly! She'll be in my prayers. Crazy to think that there was hardly anyone home for Halloween! They had a Halloween activity at the church this past week for the kids and they were actually making chili! We didn't get to participate in it, but it made me miss some good chili from G&G's!

 

I don't have a whole lot to talk about from this past week, but I'm sure this upcoming week will be filled with at least a few noteworthy experiences haha. I hope you are all doing well! Keep progressing in your testimonies! It is amazing how sometimes we are tested beyond where we think we can go, but in doing so we become better than who we are at that moment and then eventually, who we are meant to be. I love the Lord and I love missionary work. It is a blessing to see the lives of people change first hand. Always strive to have the Spirit with you! He is the most important element in missionary work, but also in our lives! I love you all! Have a great week!

 

Elder Reynolds

End of October!

I can hardly believe that we're already wrapping up the end of October! Since it doesn't really feel like the Fall that I'm used to, it's hard to believe we're already at Halloween and that the big Holidays are on their way. Any fun plans for Halloween this week? Kind of cool that it's on a Friday! There aren't very many houses that are decorated for Halloween around here. Mom, I do remember that one year getting pumpkins! That was 3 years ago! Crazy stuff! You'll have to remind Shannon of that haha.

 

Sad to hear about the passing of Sis. Gangle! That's wild. Hopefully Bro. Gangle does okay. He does have quite a place out there in the orchards all to himself now though, I'm sure it'll get a little lonely. You'll have to invite him to things or go visit him out there sometimes. I think this may be a bad USB card reader. I was able to get most of my pictures back, but I just plugged in my new SD card and some of them got corrupted again! I can't be losing these pictures, so I might just not send any for a while until I can figure out a better way to do it.

 

Glad to hear you had a good FHE and were able to listen to that talk! That's a super good one haha. Especially with scones at the end! Me and another Elder were talking a little bit about taking things for granted before the mission and FHE was one of them. Those are good memories made on those Monday nights! Thanks for always doing your best to have FHE and read the scriptures together as a family! Thanks for that package too mom! There was some great stuff in there!

 

I had a couple pretty good experiences this past week. One happened while I was on splits with my District Leader, Elder Arsenault. He finishes his mission next Monday, so I have been doing all I can to learn from him. Plus we clicked as soon as we met each other because he's a Texas boy haha. But he and I had been working super hard all day long, we literally talked to everyone we saw. When it was dark (around 7:30) we visited a less active and were going to read the Book of Mormon with him. It was in a kind of sketchy apartment complex and we ran into some rude people as we were locking our bikes up. We made it inside and were talking with him and I just didn't have a very good feeling. After a few minutes, Elder Arsenault told me he didn't have a good feeling either. At that moment, I had the feeling to "GET OUT NOW!" I had never before felt a prompting so strong, so we explained to the man that we would come back another time. After just a matter of seconds, we both received the witness that we had done the right thing. It was a pretty awesome experience.

 

The other was another night when we went to contact a referral given to us from the English elders who cover our area. They gave us the information of a woman named Gabby, so we went and knocked on her door and her sister, Dania, answered. Gabby wasn't home, but it turns out Dania was baptized in Honduras when she was 15! She moved to the states and didn't know where to find the church, so she is currently attending another, but we are hoping to be able to help them both come into the church! How awesome would that be!

 

I am beginning to understand the worth of each soul. There are times where I meet someone I have never before seen or talked to and immediately feel a deep love for them. Before the mission, I only remember this happening a few times. But it happens so often out here! I just want them to accept the Gospel and live by it's teachings! I know that their lives will be improved so much if they do so. I have seen the change in people who have accepted and began to live the Gospel and the blessing they have and are receiving from it.

 

I know the Church is true! What a simple, but profound statement that is! I am learning more every day about myself and also about others. I appreciate each one of you and thank you for your impact in my life. Enjoy this weekend! Tell Blake Happy Birthday for me! And have him send me an email. I love you all!

 

Elder Reynolds

 

 

(No Subject)

First off, I've got some bad news. I had a bunch of good pictures I was going to send, but something happened and now they're all lost. I just feel sick! I was able to send some just a few minutes before, but when I went to access them again, they were all corrupted and I lost all the pictures I've taken in the past 7 weeks. Super, SUPER disappointed. I feel sick! Ah man, what a bummer. I had some really good ones too! We went to the Visitor's Center yesterday with our recent convert and I took a lot of pictures since there usually isn't much to take pictures of! And they're all gone! Can't believe it. Those were a lot of memories.

It was a pretty good week this past week. I confirmed my first soul into the church in Spanish! It was quite an experience. The VC trip was awesome as well! I was looking forward to sending all the pictures! Hopefully there is some way I'll be able to recover them. I'd really hate to lose all those pictures! There were some really good ones.

It sounds like you all had a good weekend with Stake Conference! I always loved Stake Conference, but always had that anxious feeling like I'd get called to go up to the pulpit haha. Turns out Shannon was the lucky one! If anyone could do it, she could though. She is so awesome!  The weather has been cooling down here a little bit. The mornings are a little chilly (to Southern California standards).

I can't believe it's been 8 years since dad's been in the Stake Presidency! Putting that time in Pops! You're such a stud and good example to all of us. I'm feeling a lot better this week after that bike accident. I've still got a couple sore ribs, but it's nearly as bad as it was a week ago. I actually convinced a family I was from Argentina this week too! Haha it was a pretty good time. The little kids went and put on their Argentina soccer jerseys for me and brought out this big huge Argentina flag. They're from Honduras, but are obsessed with Argentina. So it was fun to chat with them for a little bit. (And pull their leg a little bit that I'm from Argentina haha).

I hope you all have a great week this week! Thanks for the remarks from Stake Conference. And thanks for the scriptures Mom! I was a little surprised reading last weeks haha. I'm excited to read this week's though! I love you all so much! Find a reason to enjoy every single day. There is always something to be grateful for, sometimes it takes a little pondering, but there is always something to love in every day. Sorry about the pictures, I'm still pretty bummed they're lost. I love you all!

Elder Reynolds 

Transfers #2

I don't have much time, so I'll just touch on the most important few thing that have happened. We got transfer calls last night and I'm staying here with Elder Luna, so no change in the area or companion. I'm hoping we'll be able to find some elect over the next few weeks! We also had a baptism yesterday! A lady we had been teaching for quite a while was finally able to enter the water. She finally put her faith to action with the thing that had been holding her back and it all worked out! The Lord watches over those who test their faith to follow Him. 

The other exciting thing is that I got hit by a car on Saturday! This guy ran me into the curb as I was biking and I just got destroyed haha. He wasn't paying attention and kept drifting closer and closer to the curb until he smashed me up against it and I had nowhere to go but down. "He will go down, and he will go down hard" -Dad haha. It was quite the experience. The strap on my bag broke and the arm of my nice blue suit got a little scratched up though (it was folded over my bag). Those are the two things I am most bummed about. I'm doing okay though, you can't hurt steel haha. It could have been a lot worse, so I feel pretty lucky. I just have road rash on my right forearm and some bruised ribs. But other than that I am doing good! It is almost inevitable to get in a bike accident here in LA, almost all the elders have gotten in at least one, so I'm hoping I'll be lucky enough to not have any more for a while haha. 

We don't have any type of service program here in this mission. We actually are only ALLOWED to do 4 hours of service per week at the max. So it's kind of the opposite of there it sounds like. I haven't done any since I've been out here because it all has to get approved beforehand and we aren't allowed to do very much of it. Mail gets delivered to us on Fridays after district meeting, but it is picked up from the mission office on Thursday morning. I've been reading your scriptures you send me, Ma! They are some good ones! That's crazy with the gluten-intolerant elder. I eat whatever I can get from people! Haha I guess it's good I wasn't ever picky beforehand. 

That talk by President Monson about finding joy in the journey is so good! I'd recommend a listen for that one! Did you guys ever get the chance to listen to that "Why 1820?" talk I mentioned a few weeks ago? Thank you all for the prayers and support! Let Aunt Patty know I got her email and I will email her next week! I love you all! Have a great week!

Elder Reynolds

General Conference!

Familia!

 

How great was this past weekend of General Conference?! It is completely different as a missionary; I listened to every single word of each session. What a great opportunity it was! I particularly enjoyed the last two talks in the Sunday Afternoon session by Elder Kacher (I think that's his name) and then Elder Bednar. Those two were great! I am looking forward to getting next month's Liahona and reading over those again. Along with all the rest! There were some great messages. There was a lot of emphasis on the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Prophet today, Thomas S. Monson, wasn't there?

 

Glad to hear Pops was able to do so well in the St. George Marathon! I was thinking about you on Saturday! I still need to run one with you before you feel like you can't anymore haha. You're a stud! And the narrows sounds like it was fun! I remember Dad talking about wanting to try to do those before I left, but we never got the chance. I hope you all had a good time.

 

This past week, I also had the chance to watch "Meet the Mormons." It's coming out in theaters on the 10th, I'm not sure if it's coming out everywhere or just in certain theaters, but it was really good! I'd recommend it! It offered a really good perspective on completely different people from different areas of the world, who all have the same faith. It was a really good movie.

 

I can hardly believe it's already October! Partly because it doesn't feel anything like Fall here haha. We've had another heat wave the past few days, just when I thought it might be cooling down. I'm curious to see when it starts to cool down a little bit for good, if it ever does haha. This is my last full week of this transfer, which is crazy. I feel like I just got here, I still don't even know the area very well. So next Sunday I'll find out if I'm getting transferred or staying here for another one.

 

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying each day! That is something I have been trying to focus on--finding something to love about each and every day. Some days are harder than others, but we can all see the blessings we have or the Lord's hand each day in our lives if we humble ourselves and are willing to recognize all that we've truly been given.

 

I love you all and hope you have a great week!

 

Elder Reynolds

Almost October!

Familia!

 

Great to hear from you all this week! It sounds like everyone is doing well! Dad, good luck with the marathon this weekend! You will be in my thoughts and prayers! I know you will do great. It sounds like you have been training well for it. Is anyone else as excited about General Conference this weekend as I am? Haha probably not. I don't think I've ever looked forward to it as much as I have out here on the mission. A chance to listen to a Prophet of God! What a blessing!

 

I feel like this week was the best week of my mission. The past few days were just a blast, and it seemed like that made the whole week great. It is funny how powerful a few good experiences can be and how it feels like one good experience outweighs hundreds of bad ones. After church yesterday, my tire on my bike popped (again). We had an appointment 2 or 3 miles away, clear on the other side of our area. But we have the goal to talk to 20 new people each day about the Gospel, so we thought walking to the appointment would be a great way to accomplish that! It was actually super fun! We talked to every person we had the chance to. Some didn't want to talk to us of course, but others were really friendly and open to our message. It was a good chance to practice some quick Spanish too, which was nice. After our appointment, we walked to another appointment back on the other side of the area and continued contacting. The sun was going down and we were just walking and chatting with everyone we saw. It was a great experience! By the end of the day, we were able to get 21 new contacts. It felt like a pretty successful day. It is also beginning to get a little chilly at night! (As far as California is concerned, that is).

 

I don't have much time to email, so I'm sorry this isn't a very long message. But know that it has been a great week for me! I hope you all have a great upcoming week! Enjoy General Conference this weekend! Go in with questions and I am sure they will be answered! Those are inspired men and women who will be speaking.

 

I love you all! You are in my thoughts and prayers!

 

Elder Reynolds

 

Picture: The sunset last night at the end of a very successful day.

Another Week!

Familia!

 

I hope everyone is doing great! The weather actually cooled down a little bit this week. It probably wasn't much in degrees, but it felt like a lot haha. I'm going to be a baby when it comes to weather after these two years in the California sun! It has been pretty nice to not be so hot the whole day though.

 

I know Parker will do great with seminary! That will just prepare him more for the mission! He'll already have the scriptures down! That'll be a huge blessing. That's alright that he didn't get an email off this week, I know he's a busy kid. Glad you've got that computer working! The batter life isn't very good, but it worked well for me haha. Mom--I remember hearing that story of Brigham Young in the Church History class I took at BYU! Those guys were studs!

 

Last P-day I played soccer with one elder from Taiwan and another from Northern England. It's pretty crazy how some missionaries from other countries get called here. Elder Yang (from Taiwan) told me that everyone there HAS to learn English and that they teach them from a really young age! I thought that was super cool and what a blessing that is. He said you can go pretty much anywhere and there will be someone who speaks English. It made me wonder if it was that way when Uncle Brett was there.

 

I can't believe Taylor is engaged! How crazy is that! Send her my congratulations. How are Mallory and Nathan doing? Crazy to think it's already been a few months since they've been married!

 

I actually met a family when I was on splits this past week and the daughter goes to BYU-I and knows Jefferson Stancliffe! How crazy is that! I told her to keep her eyes open for the Kendalls down there! Her name is Yajaira Ramos. Super awesome family. The mother served a mission in Guatemala for 2 1/2 years and has some awesome stories!

 

I'm sorry I don't have a whole lot to write about this week, but I'm sure next week I will! I have committed to memory the poem titled "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley. I had a printed email from Grandpa Reynolds that had the poem on it in one of the pages of my Preach My Gospel, so I decided I'd better get that memorized! I know Dallin had that memorized as well. It is a great motivator! I have a suggestion for FHE tonight if you have the chance to have it. Listen to the talk by Hyrum Smith titled "Why 1820." Hopefully you can find it! I'm sure it's on Youtube or something. It is potente!

 

How is everyone doing with the Book of Mormon reading? I love that book so much!  I love you all as well! ¡Espero que tengan una buena semana! ¡Cuídense!

 

Elder Reynolds

California Sunshine

Familia--

It has been really hot here lately. Today especially! No signs of the Fall season here in Southern California yet haha. Before I forget, the scripture I would like on my missionary plaque is Alma 42:31. "declare the word with truth and soberness.." that one. It's a super good scripture. Also, I think Ethan has a picture for it, but I can't remember. Maybe ask him just to make sure. If not, I can take one and send it to you or something.

The bike is definitely a different experience! It is pretty fun sometimes though, especially at night when it cools down a little bit. It has just been so hot lately that it's been brutal. And all the stops and starts at the traffic lights is kind of tough too. 

I'm glad to hear that Mom got a new washer and dryer! I hope those never start screeching like the other haha. Thanks for sending my emails to Joe Bailey. I got an email from him today and it made my week! I was really excited to hear from him. Were you all able to get the picture of the reading log? It really is basically one or two chapters per day, and you'll be done a week or so before Christmas. I have run into a number of really awesome verses lately this time reading it. How are Grandma and Grandpa doing?

Glad to hear Parker is having a good time at the Stake dances! I guess one of us had to go to some of those haha. Dad--We biked up to a little store near the USC campus, so I biked past a lot of the buildings. One of these days, I'll have to get a picture with one of the signs.

This week was a pretty tough one overall! We didn't have too much success in finding or teaching people, and it just felt like the days were kind of dragging on. I was feeling pretty discouraged with my Spanish and teaching skills too, but then I received a tender mercy at the end of the week. I got a call from my last companion back in my my first area who said one of our investigators was getting baptized and asked if I could do it. What a great opportunity! It is true that sometimes we have to go a little farther than we think we can, push forward when we think we can't, and then we receive the blessing. "After the trial of our faith" as it says in the scriptures. I know the Lord looks out for those who serve Him. That was a pretty awesome opportunity I had, to go back to my old Branch and participate in the baptism. 

Thank you for your prayers and support! It is a blessing to be able to see the change in the life of someone who accepts and applies both the Atonement of Jesus Christ and His Gospel. I know the Church is true! What a blessing to know what we know, to have the teachings we have to help guide our lives. It is my humble prayer every day to be able to find those who are ready and willing to accept the message that we as missionaries bring. I know that it can benefit anyone and everyone! 

Have a great week!

Elder Reynolds

Photo 1: My first time eating a chicken foot. (It was in my soup).

Photo 2: Baptism

Welcome to LA

Familia!

 

Sounds like everyone is starting to get back in the groove! I forgot about Parker getting to start seminary this year! I hope he enjoys that. I can't believe that it is September already! Wasn't it just June? I always loved the months of September and October. Especially October, that's when Fall was really in full swing. I'm going to miss that Fall season! You'll have to enjoy it for me! Are there any yellow leaves on the birch tree yet?

 

My new companion is named Elder Luna and he's from New Jersey. Good ol' Joizey boi! He and I get along well. I've been blessed to be with another native speaking companion! This area is pretty tough, not much success. But I'm hoping with a lot of hard work and prayer, we will be able to change that. Being on a bike is a change too! I got a "fixie" for about 150 bucks. All the kids here ride fixies, so I've gotta fit in haha. It is kind of fun being on bike, but there are definitely times where it isn't the best.

 

I finally got your package Mom! Thanks so much for sending that. I like that little misty thing too! My comp and I have enjoyed that haha. I've got the card reader too, which is perfect. I'll now try to send at least a picture or two each week. There hasn't been a whole lot to take pictures of, but whenever there is, I'll try to send some. It only lets me send two per email, so I'll probably send another email after this one with a couple.

 

I'm in a ward now and it seems to be like a pretty good one. LA 6th ward is the name of it. It was kind of nice having it as fast Sunday yesterday, because I had the chance to get up and bear my testimony and introduce myself a little bit. Whenever I feel discouraged about the language, I try to think back about when I first entered the MTC and didn't even have any idea how to pray in Spanish haha. Now I'm able to bear my testimony and teach quite a bit in Spanish, I even cracked a joke yesterday in front of the ward haha.

 

How are Grandma and Grandpa Lott doing? Send them my love. I will try to get a letter sent to them as soon as I can.

 

I love you guys! Thanks for your emails, prayers, and support. The Savior lives! It is because of Him and all He has done for me that I am here today.


It is my humble hope and prayer that through me, the Holy Ghost will be able to testify to others that the message I share is true. I know it is! It changes lives! The Book of Mormon is true, I know that with all my heart. It truly is another testament of Jesus Christ. Anyone can come to know that it truly is the word of God for themselves, if they are willing to read and pray about it. That is all we as missionaries do: invite others to come unto Christ. What a great opportunity that is!

 

I love you all! Have a great week!

 

Elder Reynolds

 

Here's the reading schedule.

 

And a pretty pic of the Temple.

What a great name!

City of Compton!

Transfers

Familia!

And the news is... I'm getting transferred up to LA. Pretty surprised to be getting transferred already after only 6 weeks with my trainer and being in this area, but we'll see what's in store for me up there. The guy running this internet cafe just told us he's leaving in a few minutes, so I don't have much time to write this week.

Dad--Please make sure there is enough money in my checking account. I have to buy a bike and all the stuff that goes with it now. Not really looking forward to being on bike, but it's all part of the experience haha.

Mom--Did you get my notes from Alli?

Glad to hear the Book of Mormon reading is going well. I hope everyone is doing it that can. I still didn't get your package, so I'm kind of wondering what happened. If I don't get it this Friday, then something must have went wrong haha.

No email from Kraigers this week? Haha I hope he and Parks are having a good time up at the cabin. Parker Lou enjoying the Olympics eh? Tell that kid to send me an email or letter or something. I hope he's not too cool for that haha.

You are all in my prayers, I hope you have a great week. I'll let you know how the big city is in my email next week. I love you all!

Elder Reynolds

Summertime Sadness!

Familia!

It's always tough trying to get used to the thought of going back to school, but it sounds like you all have had a great summer. Crazy to think Parker will be a big freshman! Parks--I felt the same way you do right now. My advice would be to not worry about going to Toppenish, you'll have a good time. Your buddies will all be there and you'll make some good memories with them. All your older bros have walked those halls! Your name is already known there and people will be looking up to you and expecting a lot from you just because of that. Be a good influence to your buddies! Remember the saying that "the grass is always greener.." In almost everything we have or experience, we can always think of how it could be better if we had something else. The key is to be thankful for what we've got right now and to make the most of it! You'll eventually look back and be glad you went there, even if that sounds crazy haha.

It was a pretty slow, tough week this week. Not much success with our investigators and it just kind of seemed like no one wanted to give us much time. But that is okay, I have learned more about agency in this past month than ever before in my whole life haha. It is super frustrating! But is also such a gift that we can use to prove our obedience and readiness to receive blessings.

I am sad to hear that Faye isn't doing too good, I hope she can get better quick. You're good for taking such good care of her, Mom. Tell Aunt Lisa happy birthday for me as well! Glad to hear you got some good cabin time in with the Farias fam. I really miss the fresh air haha.

I didn't think I was going to have anything to write about this week, but just before we came to the internet cafe, my companion and I had an interesting experience haha. We were just about to get into the car when a lady walked up to us and asked us who we were, so we explained to her who we are and what we are doing here. She was a little bit drunk, but she still knew what was going on and had no problem understanding what we were talking about. She started to tell us all these problems she has and was complaining and mad because she wanted to know why God "makes" all the temptations that there are in the world. She said she had asked every religious person she had met and none of them were able to answer. I answered her question simply, but she continued saying that we weren't able to answer the question and kept blaming God for all the bad in the world. This went on (for longer than it should have) until I finally felt that I needed to powerfully answer her question and explain some things to her. As I began to speak, she stopped talking and listened intently as I explained with as much patience and power as I could. I explained that it is not God that creates the wickedness in the world and that it is not Him who makes us choose to do evil (she kept saying He makes us do bad things). But that we have the agency to choose between right or wrong and that as we learn to choose the right, we are blessed and are better able to do so again and again. When I was done talking, all she said was, "Well I guess you have a point." It wasn't quite the response I was hoping for haha, but I was glad that she was finally able to listen to what was being said and I hope that she felt her question was answered.

Mom--I didn't get the package on Friday, so no pictures. It sounded like you sent it last Monday, so I figured it'd be here, but I'm sure I'll get it this Friday. So maybe I'll be able to send some pictures next week haha.

CJ growing again?! That's crazy! He's going to be a giant when he returns, or maybe he'll just stay there in Russia haha. I haven't really had anything weird or too different to eat. The area I'm in right now is pretty much the same as Toppenish, just a little more developed as a city. There isn't the nice open space or fields or anything. But other than that, it feels pretty much the same as good ol' Toppenish, it isn't very foreign from what I grew up in haha.

You should finish 2 Nephi 9 by next Sunday for the reading. I'll send a picture of the reading log I have next week. Oh and mom--an investigator we taught this week has a kumquat tree! I had some fresh kumquats right off the tree! They were super soft and tasted a lot better than the ones I've had before haha.

I love you all! I hope you have a great week!

Elder Reynolds

Bishop Stauffer!

Fun to hear that Uncle Brett will be serving as the new bishop of good ol' Toppenish 1st! He will be a stud in fulfilling that calling and help a lot to strengthen the ward. That is a fun story to hear that the same thing happened to him on his mission. I just had the thought of how fun that will be for him to present CJ's (and mine) mission plaque up on the stand when that time comes. Awesome.

Sounds like summer is officially coming to a close here pretty quick! Enjoy it as much as you can! That hike sounded like a lot of fun, I miss fresh air and the wilderness haha. Even though I'm spending two years in LA, I don't think I'll ever be a fan of the big city haha. My companion taught a lady up in LA who got baptized yesterday so we drove up for that. We drove right past USC which was kind of cool. But I couldn't think of their fight song! It's been killing me! There is always traffic though, no matter what time of the day. It's just worse at certain times haha.

I have a challenge for everyone reading this email. We have been challenged as a mission by President Weidman to read the Book of Mormon by Christmas and mark every verse that relates to the Savior. You don't have to mark every verse that relates to the Savior because that takes a bit longer (it's almost every verse), but I challenge you all to read the Book of Mormon by Christmas! It averages to about 2 chapters per day. It only takes about 5-10 minutes tops. I will send a picture of our reading chart next week if I get the chance

My companion and I had an awesome experience last night that strengthened my testimony that the Lord is at the head of this work and that He has a plan. We had just got back from an appointment and had planned to take an investigator up to a fireside for the departing missionaries, but at the last minute, everything started to fall through. Our ride wasn't responding to our calls or texts, and neither was our investigator! We were pretty disappointed that we weren't going to be able to take him, but we still headed out to find some people to teach. We spent two or three hours street contacting and going to the addresses of less-actives. No one answered! The only people we talked to were those we ran into on the streets. It was a little after 8 pm and we chose a less-active couple to go visit out of a stack of about 20 papers. We knocked on their door and they opened right up! The man is from Nicaragua and the woman from Chihuaha Mexico. They are both awesome people! We got to know them a lot better and they have some things that keep them from attending church on Sundays, but we are going to meet with them again this week and see what we can do to best serve them. We both felt that we were meant to find that family.

I just had a chance to talk with a guy here in the internet cafe I'm in that served in Bahia Blanca Argentina! He's not active anymore, but we talked for about 15 minutes about his mission haha. 

I hope you all have a great week! The Book of Mormon is true and we can come to recognize the Lord's voice as we read that book. It changes lives! Dad--Thanks for that sweet picture up in the mountains.

Elder Reynolds

2 Months

Familia-

Crazy to think that today marks 2 months since I've left home! But the adventure is just beginning. Sounds like Pops is still going out into the wilderness by himself? Haha good ol' Kraigers. I hope you guys can find a sweet spot to go with a few of the brothers. It was crazy to think that I had a couple brothers down here with me in CA! Tell Aunt Patty thank you for her emails. She was down here too it sounds like! 

I am able to understand a lot more what people are saying, but I'm still working on being able to talk. It's tough. I just try to not care about making mistakes and try to say everything I can, but that is often easier said than done. I'm excited to hear who the new Bishop of Toppenish 1st will be! Bishop Keller was a good Bishop. Can you guys believe your summer is already almost over?! Enjoy it while you can! I always remember dreading those last couple weeks and then days before school started haha. After a few days, it's not so bad. Parker Lou will be at the High School! When do you start?

I don't feel like I have a whole lot to write this week, but I hope you will still enjoy this email. I've got another Elder's camera, so I'll try to put a couple pictures up.

We have the goal as a mission to get 20 meaningful conversations per companionship every day. It's really tough some days, especially when there are set appointments, but yesterday we street contacted for the last 3 hours of the day and ended up getting something like 37 contacts! Everyone deserves the chance to accept or reject the message, so don't be embarrassed or ashamed to share it. It's tough sometimes, but I always just try to make it fun somehow. There are some interesting people you run into haha. Especially here around LA.

I'm sorry this email is going to be shorter than most of the others, but next weeks should be a bit better. I love you all! The Gospel is true, it changes peoples' lives. It's a great privilege and opportunity to be out here serving the Lord for two short years. I hope you all have a great week! Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! 

Elder Reynolds

Pictures: Still getting some 'G' love down here in Compton!, Me and Elder Santos (my comp)

Familia!

¡Hola Familia!

Sounds like everyone had a pretty good week! Parker Lou beating dad in the tri?! Pahkahhh Lahhhh! Haha way to go stud! Is Parks ready to get the Invisalign goin? Sounds like he'll have to show me how it's done when I get back haha. Mom, that sriracha honey chicken sounds super good! You'll have to keep that recipe for me! Isn't that crazy that Elder Budica went straight to our area? I never thought that'd happen haha. That would be sweet if I saw his mom at the Temple!

For the card reader for my camera, it just needs to be able to take a regular sized SD card. If you're not sure what that is, ask any of the boys. They'll all know what I'm talking about. One of my buddies at the CCM had one that was just a USB with a slot on the back that accepted SD cards. But anything that takes SD cards and connects to a computer through a USB port will work. I can't think of anything else I really need right now, thank you though!

I'm pretty well into the routine of an average day. It is always super hot though, so by the end of the day it doesn't feel too good haha. Our apartment only has two fans that we use and we're on the second floor, so the sun beats on our apt. all day long and then we get back and it's hotter inside than out haha. It's all for the EXPERIENCE! Sounds like that little backpacking trip in Idaho will be sweet! Wind Rivers was way fun when we did that with all the boys, except Ethan missed out. We'll have to do that one again with everybody.

The name of our Branch is called South Gate 1st. It's not very big, but it's a good little branch. I had the chance to bear my testimony yesterdayduring sacrament meeting haha. Most of our investigators don't speak English, but almost everyone else around does. Most of our street contacts are in English and we still teach some lessons in English. So it'll take some time to really get a hold on the language. I'm working hard to listen closely and participate when I can though. There's a lot to learn!

Don't worry about putting people on the email list, anyone who wants to get my emails can. Aaron Avalos emailed me and said he would like to be as well. His email is mitch.avalos@gmail.com

This week was pretty sweet! We had an investigator accept a baptismal date and we are working with a few others to get them to that point! I feel pretty blessed to be in this area as my first area. Since we are covering two different areas, there are lots of people to be found. The family that got baptized last Sunday was confirmed yesterday. They are awesome. Two of their kids got baptized a month or two ago, so it was just the parents that got baptized last week. But their goal is to get sealed in the Temple in a year! They are from El Salvador and are super nice people.

My testimony is strong that the Lord will bless those who strive to do the things he has commanded. I have already been blessed to see the lives of some of our investigators improve just in the short time I have been here. I was reading this morning and came across Enos 1:1-12. It strengthened my testimony of the power of prayer! A prayer of faith is a powerful thing. It's an honor to be here doing the Lord's work at this time! Many people are prepared and are just waiting to hear the message of the Restored Gospel. Others need a little nudge haha. But everyone deserves the chance to hear about the message of the Gospel! Don't be afraid to share what you know!

I love you all and pray for you. Thank you for your emails and love! 

PS--Tell Parker Lou to email me haha. The picture is me, my companion, Raul (the son of the parents who got baptized last week), and another elder that taught them.

Have a great week!

Elder Reynolds

Back in AmeriCA!

Familia!

I am in the mission! Actually out here working in the field! It is a humbling work, but I know the Lord is at the head of it. Last Monday was a busy day with meetings, interviews, trainings, and other things. But is good to actually be out here doing the work. President Weidman is a stud, he is a very spiritual man. I feel very lucky to have the trainer I do. He is a native speaker, I think I am the only missionary of those who came in with me who got a native speaker. His name is Elder Santos and he's from Arizona. I'm serving in an area called South Gate which covers a town called Lynwood and another one you might have heard of before called Compton haha. I can officially say I've served in Compton! We've been over there quite a few times this week and I always kind of chuckle when I see on all the signs "City of Compton."

I'm serving in a Spanish Branch. We had 6 investigators at church yesterday! It was awesome! And we actually had two baptisms as well, I am pretty lucky to come into an area like this one at this time. There are definitely people who have been prepared to accept the Gospel, we already have some awesome investigators in this area. They doubled the size of our area, so we are actually in a car. It is nice at times, but usually it is just a hassle. The roads are always packed so there are never places to park. Dad--before I forget, President Weidman said I don't need to be on your car insurance.

I'm glad you got that text from Bro. Porter. He was nice enough to let me and another Elder spend the night at his house that first night. He served in Tampico, Mexico a number of years ago. He was a super nice guy. I was hoping to be able to call from the airport, but after customs, it was straight down to where President was, so I didn't get a chance. I'm also glad that you guys had a good experience on the Trek! Parker enjoyed it too? I hope so. Dad that's hilarious that you said the "look down" while you were pulling the carts haha. I have a lot of respect for those Pioneers, that was just a taste of what they went through.

Mom--other than that workout stuff (I hope you can find it all, 3 different things in total), if you guys could send me and SD card reader, that would be sweet. For some reason I can't put my pictures from my camera to the computer with the cord it came with, so I need something that will read the memory card. I asked Luke to help me with a verb book, but he can explain more about that. Thanks for doing that!

It is hot here in Southern California! It is supposed to be really hot this week, so I'll just have to get used to that. The language is coming slowly, but I'm really glad I'm serving Spanish speaking. It is hard at times because we have to speak so much English, but I'm trying to focus on learning as much Spanish as I can, especially from my trainer. The Gospel is real! I have already had the opportunity to see how it changes peoples' lives. We have some people that we have been teaching who were prepared to receive this message. They have to make some changes in their lives, but I know that as they do, they will be blessed even more! It is a privilege to be a missionary and to share this message with others! It isn't always easy, but I know that it is always worth it.

I hope I have answered most of your questions, if not just ask them again next week. My P-days are on Mondays now.

I hope you all know that I love you and pray for you! It is such a blessing to have the Gospel in our lives and I have been blessed to have this opportunity to see how it blesses the lives of those who accept it. I know the Savior lives! I have prayed more since being a missionary than ever before! I rely on Him in everything that I do. I love the Lord and His Gospel. It's perfect! Sadly we are not, but that is why we have been blessed enough to have the Atonement. If not for the Savior, we would not be able to feel the forgiveness and happiness that comes as a result. Have a great week! The work moves on! I love you all!

Elder Reynolds

Last email from the CCM!

Next time I am in contact with you, I will be in So Cal! The state of my father where my blood lies! Haha I am excited to get out into the field and start contacting some real people! I know that I cannot speak the language perfectly, but I can testify of what I know is true. As long as I can let the people know that the Gospel can change their lives and that it is for their benefit, I can worry about saying everything else later. It is wild how quickly the time has gone when I look back on it. There were many days that I thought were never going to end, but time keeps on moving and now tomorrow night I´ll be sitting in the auditorium for the last time.

That´s crazy that that missionary from here is in your area! I told him to look for you guys if he ever got to Toppenish, so that is wild that his first area was there!

I saw Chris (Elder Barlow) his first day here. I sat in the Comedor and waited until I saw him haha. And I got the letter from mom too, so please tell her thank you for that! I leave here at 3 am and my flight leaves at 7:05. I´m supposed to get into LA around 9 West Coast time (it´s weird to think that I´ll be in the same time zone as you guys haha). 

Tell Parker that his experience will depend on his attitude! Did he ever see my email the other week? I sent him a letter too a few weeks ago, I hope it gets there soon. I hope you and mom have a good time on that trek too! The rumor is that I´ll get there and meet with the President and everything and then after we do all that stuff, it´s out to the streets! I am excited to be humbled and talk to the people! Come what may and love it! That is a great quote to live by! 

I wish I had cool things to say this week, but it has been a whirlwind of a week. It is crazy to think that my time here is done! Time is such a weird concept on the mission haha. I will keep you all updated as much as I can with my travelingon Monday. Also, can you remind mom to send me my workout stuff when she gets the chance? I had the little forearm squeeze thing, the forearm thing with the spring from stu, and push-up things from Luke. I forgot them all on the end of my bed when I was packing haha.

Dad, I also want to let you know what an example you have been to me since I´ve been out here. It already hasn´t been easy, but I often think about you and my brothers and all the others who have gone before me. I also think about you serving state-side and how you didn´t care at all because you didn´t know any different! I am to the point where I could be serving anywhere in the world, and I wouldn´t care because I just want to find the people that will listen to the message I will bring! I have been extremely blessed to be in the family I am in and to have the examples I have! I am also excited to be serving near or in some of the same areas that my beloved Grandpa Lott served in! (Also one of the greatest examples anyone could have.)

Another small step in the mission, entering the field! I want you all to know that I love you and that I know that the Gospel is true and that it changes lives. It is a privelege for me to have the opportunity to witness that change first-hand in the lives of some of the people I will be blessed to come in contact with. I just want to spread the message that I know is true and that I know has the ability to improve anyone´s life no matter where they are! Always remember how blessed we are to know what we know and the responsibilty we have to share that message with others! It is a humbling, but extremely rewarding experience for me to be in the situation I am in. I love the Lord and am glad that I have been called by a true Prophet of God to represent him! It is crazy to think that I have been out for almost a month and a half already! I have a feeling I will be seeing you all soon! (Or at least it will feel that way)! 

What´s up with mom not emailing me? Haha and tell those boys to shoot me at least just a quick email! The pictures are with my teachers. I was lucky to have them, they were both studs.

I love you all! Have a great week! 

Elder Reynolds

Final P-day en el CCM!

Familia!

It is crazy to think that my time here in México is so quickly coming to a close. I am nervous, anxious, and excited to get into LA and start doing the real work that I have been called to do. It has been a great experience here and a chance to begin some of the habits that I will need to continue through my mission.

Oddly enough, I didn´t hear a whole lot about the World Cup, but I did hear about LeBron! That´s crazy! I wonder if those guys in Cleveland regret burning those jerseys when he left haha. The running with the bulls is gnarly haha. I have no idea why anyone would want to do that.

Glad to see that mom´s doing okay with that phone! I´m sure I will see Chris here. I couldn´t remember if he was getting here last week or this week, so I looked for him last Wednesday but didn´t see him so I figured he´d be getting here this week. I am excited to see a familiar face haha. I hope he enjoys his time here. It is weird thinking that I was in his same place about 5 weeks ago. There are a lot of people here going to his mission in Chile. This place is also getting packed with missionaries. There has been a huge increase in numbers in the past few weeks. When I got here it wasn´t too bad, but now the Comedor is always overflowing with missionaries haha. 

I had a sweet experience this week during our "TRC" lesson. TRC stands for teaching resource center and people are usually invited from the community so the missionaries can practice their teaching skills and lessons on real people. Sometimes they are just teachers from the CCM or other members, but other times they are actual non-members. Our lesson started off a little slow (we were teaching a man who was a non-member, with his girlfriend who is a member). We got to know them both a little bit and then began to teach them according to what we felt was necessary. We didn´t prepare any lesson because we weren´t sure what they were going to need and we had been emphasizing the importance of teaching the PEOPLE, not just teaching lessons. It all began to go super smooth and the Spirit was SO strong in that tiny room! I asked him a few questions like if he´d read from the Book of Mormon or prayed and some other things and he said he had and had felt something different. Almost right before he had began to tell us about that, our teacher came in the door to see how we were doing. After our investigator shared with us those experiences, our teacher testified to him that the things he felt were the Spirit and that he was being shown that this is the Church of Jesus Christ.

Our teacher left after another minute or two and we continued to talk about those feelings some other things, so I asked him if he would follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized and he said he would and that he would be getting baptized that Saturday! I was so excited to hear that! He said that he made the decision to get baptized a little while ago and that we just strengthened his testimony that he is doing the right thing. I wanted to get up and hug the guy before we left, I kept telling myself that that feeling is only a taste of what I can feel in the field! It made me so excited to get out and find those who have been prepared to hear the message I bring! I wish I could have gone to his baptism on Saturday, but they don´t let us leave the CCM haha.

Please tell Patty thank you for the email. I really enjoyed reading that. Also, can you please get me Paul and Dallin´s email addresses? Or just have them email me.

A scripture I came across this week that I really enjoyed was D&C 50:13-22. Thanks for sending me good scriptures to look up, mom. I´ll try to return the favor when I can haha.

I am able to email again on Saturday because it will be my last "normal" day here. So you can email me again before then!  Please do! 

I know that Christ stands at the head of this Church and guides His prophet, Thomas S. Monson. I love the Lord and am grateful for this opportunity I have to devote all my time and energy to building His kingdom here on the earth for these two, short years. I know that I will be changed and molded by Him during this time in order to become the man He would have me be. I love you all so much! I hope to hear from you soon!

Elder Reynolds