Charity Week

Familia!

This past week, as a mission, we had "Charity Week" where we focused on developing the Christlike attribute of charity as we extended invitations and followed up with our investigators. It was a super cool week! The biggest miracle we saw was on Wednesday night when we were walking back to our apartment after a coordination meeting. It was already 9 and we were right next to the apartment, but we saw a lady a little ways down another street and felt like we should go talk to her. She looked African American, so we assumed that she wouldn't speak Spanish, but she ended up being from Belize and speaking Spanish as her first language! We chatted with her for a little bit and set a return appointment for the next day. We went by and taught her the restoration and she said that as we shared the first vision, she had a feeling of peace and clarity come over her and that she felt as if everything just made sense. She told us about some of the tough things she's been going through lately, but knew that the message would really bless her. She committed to be baptized, but she's going back to Belize this week, so the missionaries down there will get a golden referral! Tender mercy!

That's exciting that President Button will be the new Patriarch! He is a great man, I admire him a lot. Well I can't say that it's hit me yet. I know that I'm going home in a couple weeks, but it doesn't feel like my mission is coming to an end. I have my departing missionary training with president tomorrow which I'm looking forward to.

Happy Birthday to Parker Lou this week! Can't believe he's going to be 16 already. I hope you all have a great week. I love you all!

Elder Reynolds

Mother's Day

Familia!

It was good getting to talk with you all yesterday! I'm excited to see you in a few weeks. We had a real good week this past week as well! OnTuesday, we saw Mari Carmona and read 1 Nephi 1 with her. We invited her to be baptized, but she said she felt like she needed to know more and didn't accept a specific date. She did say that she wants her family to be a part of it as well and knows that if she keeps her commitments, that they'll see a difference in her. On Wednesday night, we ran into a guy named Camilo from Nicaragua. He's got a pretty humbling story. He's been here in the states for 12 years and has a wife and 2 kids back in Nicaragua that he hasn't seen since coming here. He works and sends them the majority of the money that he earns. We taught him on the street about God's love and families and showed him the Easter initiative video. We closed with a prayer and it was apparent that he felt the Spirit, but he didn't accept a return appointment. It was pretty humbling to think about the circumstances that some people live in though. Thursday we taught Mari again and brought a member from the High Council with us. It was a good lesson, but she didn't make much progress as far as commitments go. On Friday, we had a zone meeting and I got the chance to bear my testimony again. It was a good chance to reflect. Afterward, we taught a guy named Jose Lara. We shared the restoration and committed him to be baptized, but he didn't accept a date. He's leaving for Mexico this week and will be there for a while, so we won't be able to meet with him until he gets back. Saturday we had a Mother's Day event at the church and it was a success! There was a huge turnout and we got a lot of non-members there. I'll send a video of the mariachi that came haha. Then Sunday I was able to talk with you guys! It was a good week. 

I was reading this past week about Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon and was impressed at how he never stopped making preparations for war. He always had his men engaged doing something and he himself was always coming up with ways that he would be able to defend his family, people, and freedom. I know that's the way that it is with us--we have to be "anxiously engaged in a good cause" in order to fight of the attacks of satan. I'm grateful that the gospel teachings give us that direccion and guidance we need in order to follow safely along the path of discipleship. I hope you all have a great week! Love you!

Elder Reynolds

Hello May

Familia!

It was kind of a tough week for us this past week. On Friday we went
to see Laura and Alex and Laura came to the door with tears in her
eyes saying that we wouldn't be able to meet with them because they
were moving out that night. They had been living with Laura's sister
and had been having some problems, so she pretty much kicked them out.
She said they were going to be staying in a hotel for the weekend and
then possibly moving up to San Bernardino. We asked her to let us know
if they were still in the area, but we haven't heard from them. Keep
them in your prayers! I love that family.

I had an exchange on Wednesday with another Elder in my zone and it
was a great day! His name is Elder Lara and is from Peruvian, but has
spent most of his life in Spain. He's got the Spanish lithp that I'm
not a huge fan of, but we had a great time together haha. He was
baptized when he was 14 and played professional soccer before coming
on the mission he's a stud!

I had to get up and bear my testimony yesterday seeing as it was my
last fast Sunday out here. I remember bearing my testimony my first
fast Sunday in the mission in the South Gate branch. It definitely
doesn't seem like that was nearly 2 years ago. I love Spanish. I wish
I had the chance to speak to more people in Spanish around here, but I
try to use it as much as I can. It should be a great week this week.
Every Tuesday morning we volunteer and a food pantry focused on giving
to the homeless and needy here in the area of Inglewood and it's a
blast.

I'll probably shoot you guys a call Saturday night to try to set up
the time for when I'll call on Sunday. I guess I'll be talking to you
soon! Love you all!

Elder Reynolds

Anniversary

Familia!

It sounds like everyone had a great week! Fun to see some pictures of
CJ getting back from the mish. I can't believe he's back already! My
last companion emailed me and said that it all just feels like a
dream. He and I became real good buddies, so it was a fun transfer. My
new companion is fun too. He's got a real outgoing, loud personality
so he keeps things light haha. He's from Houston, Texas and served
about 8 months in Brazil and then had to go home and then came out
here to finish his mission. He'll go home in August. I forgot to wish
you guys a happy anniversary last week! Funny enough, Elder Fifita's
parents anniversary is on the same day! And it was the day that he got
home, so it was a good present for them haha.

You'll have to send me some pictures of Toni's new baby boy! That's
exciting! So many little babies that I'll have to meet haha.

It's still been pretty tough to find new people to teach, but it was a
good week. We had a couple lessons with Leslie and Alex this past
week, but they just kind of disappeared on Sunday. That's what
happened last week as well, so we're going to set some expectations
with them and hopefully help them to realize how important our message
is. Delia had to work yesterday too, so she wasn't able to make it to
church. At this point in my mission, we're really just searching for
the elect. They're out there, but we've gotta find them haha. Keep
praying that we'll be able to find them.

I mentioned a few weeks ago that Ali and Crystal were going to get
baptized and they did a couple weekends ago! They got married on the
Saturday and then baptized on the Sunday. I ran into a couple members
that I knew from that ward and they told me about it. Super exciting!
I can still remember the night that we found them. It was super cold
and neither my companion or I felt like talking to anyone haha. Crazy
how it's always the last person you talk to and the last door you
knock though. I love the gospel. I'm so grateful to be a missionary
and have the chance to share the gospel and help people in whatever
situation they might be in. The gospel makes bad men good and good men
better. I hope you all have a great week. Love you!

Elder Reynolds

Transfers

Familia!

Great week this past week! We've had some summer weather these past
few days which has been pretty nice. It's been hot though! It sounds
like y'all have been getting some nice weather back at home as well!
We had been working with a lady named Delia and her husband Eduardo,
but they both got super sick this past week and we weren't able to
meet with them. Then Saturday night, Delia called us and asked if we
could get somebody to give her a ride to go to church, so we got
someone and she came! It was ward conference, so a lot of it was in
English, but she said she really enjoyed it. We'll be seeing her again
on Thursday. We're not sure exactly what happened with Leslie and Alex
this past week. We saw them Friday night and set up a trip to the
Visitor's Center for Saturday night, but during the day on Saturday
Leslie texted us and told us that she wouldn't be able to go. And we
haven't been able to get in contact with her since, so say a prayer
that we'll be able to get back in contact with them! They're super
solid, but satan always works hardest on the ones that are prepared.

Transfer news is that I'll be getting an elder named Elder Guerrero.
I've seen him around at meetings and things and we've gotten along, so
I think it should be a good transfer. I just can't believe that it's
my last transfer! These past two have flown by and I'm worried this
one will go even faster haha. It's been a blast this past transfer
with Elder Fifita though, my easiest companion to get along with on my
mission. We have the same personality haha.

It should be a great transfer though! I'm going to do my best to give
it all I've got these last 6 weeks. I love my mission! So grateful to
be here and to have met and worked with all the people I've had the
chance to know. Have the best week! Love you all!

Elder Reynolds

04-11-2016

Familia!

I'm glad to hear it sounds like y'all had a good spring break! Mom,
when you told me how old little Lucy is, I couldn't believe she
already has 9 months! It seems like I was just getting pictures of her
as a newborn! Wild to think that CJ is getting home so soon too. I'm
sure everyone is getting excited to see him! It's been fun to email
him throughout the mish.

We had a real good week this week! Leslie and Alex (Jose, but he goes
by Alex) are solid! They came to sacrament meeting yesterday and after
the meeting ended, Alex leaned over to me and told me they'd be there
every week from then on! We did find out about a situation we're going
to have to work hard to get past though--Leslie is married to another
guy in another place, so we'll have to help her get divorced and then
married to Alex. It's possible though! It's been a lot of fun teaching
them this past week, their two youngest kids are always just all over
the place and pretty crazy haha. We've been teaching this other guy
named Quintin who we've had a couple lessons with and has showed some
interest, but hasn't committed to come to church yet. We should be
able to get him there this Sunday though!

Sorry I'm a little short on time, but it's been a great week! This is
the last week of the transfer, so I'll be letting you know what comes
with transfer calls this Sunday. It's been a great transfer! Have the
best week! I love you all!

Elder Reynolds

General Conference

Familia!

We had some tender mercies this past week! General Conference was
definitely the highlight of the week. I feel like there can be no
doubt that the church is true after watching general conference. Every
time I watch it, I feel the same way. The leaders of the church are so
inspired! I loved this past conference and felt like there was a lot
of hope that was transmitted through the talks. Some of my favorites
were President Uchtdorf's from the Sunday morning session, Elder
Gong's, and Elder Holland's as well. I'm excited to go back over my
notes this week and review those messages. Such good counsel!

On Thursday, we had temple day and you won't believe who I ran into..
My best buddy Drake Job! It was real good to see him, he's doing well.
He's already engaged and is getting married June 18th! Pretty wild
haha. Excited for him. We started a fast as a zone on Thursday and
into Friday so that we'll be able to meet some of our zone goals and
we ended up with a tender mercy Friday night! We contacted a guy on
the street the first week of the transfer named Jose but he didn't
know his address, so all we ended up with was his number. We tried him
on Friday and he said that he was busy, but when he mentioned meeting
us, his wife was interested and he told us that she'd give her our
number to call us. And she actually called us! We went over and taught
them last night and it turns out that Jose's sister is a member in
Guatemala and even teaches seminary! It was kind of tough to keep the
lesson focused because there were a bunch of little kids running
around, but we committed them to read from the Book of Mormon and
we'll be meeting with them again tomorrow! Good things coming.

I've got no doubt that the church is true! I've been blessed to gain a
sure testimony throughout my mission. I found out that a couple that I
taught from my last area (Ali and Crystal) are getting married and
baptized in a couple weeks, so I'm hoping to be able to make it back
for that! It's fun finding out about people I've taught in the past
and how they've finally come to get their own testimony! I love this
work! Make this week the best!

Elder Reynolds

Easter (03-28-2016)

Familia!

Sounds like you were able to have a great Easter! It is a little weird to think of dad sitting down in the pew instead of up on the stand haha. It's been a while since that's been the case! It's funny that you mentioned something about Uncle Pate, because I was going to say something about him this week! On Friday, a Tongan member took us out to eat and it turns out that he knows Pate! His name is Big John Vainisi. You'll have to shoot this email with the picture I'll attach to him somehow. Big John said that Pate was a hero rugby player back in the day. 

We had a good Easter. We walked most of the day, but we had a quick lesson with a nice lady named Delia. She's a seventh day Adventist, but made it sound like she doesn't go to church a whole lot anymore because she's a little older. We set a return appointment with her for tomorrow, so hopefully we'll be able to set a date with her and get her to watch general conference with us! German made it to church yesterday. We ran into him on the street on Thursday and he invited us over on Saturday. He still wasn't quite ready to accept a solid date, so we're probably going to have to hand him over to the Lord for a little while longer. Mardo hasn't been making any effort to meet with us, so we've kind of turned him over as well. We had a good lesson with Eddi on Thursday and gave him a Book of Mormon to start reading. His mom has still been MIA, but we're supposed to be meeting with them tomorrow so we're hoping she'll be there!

I'm stoked for GC this weekend! Probably my favorite weekends on the mission haha. Better than holidays! Kind of sad that this is my last one as a missionary, but I'm really looking forward to it and I know it'll be packed full of great counsel. Make sure to have some questions in mind and they will get answered! I was reflecting in sacrament meeting yesterday on just how crucial Jesus Christ is in the great plan of happiness. I know He lives and am so grateful for the gospel that gives us the knowledge and understanding of what it is that we need to do in order to receive that fullness of happiness in this life and in the life to come. What a blessing! I hope you all have a great week and take advantage of general conference this weekend! Love you all!

Elder Reynolds 

(03-21-2016)

Familia!

Sounds like it was a great weekend with the change in the Stake Presidency! You put in great work during your time in that calling, Pops! I know that President Hendricks will do a great job as president and look forward to talking with him. I'm also grateful for President Button and his service! Great men!

We had a great week this week! We found some new people and were able to set a date with a 15 year old kid named Eddi Quezada who is the son of another investigator we have, Maria Carmona. They didn't make it to church yesterday, but we should be able to get them going this Sunday. I had my last zone conference this past Thursday which was crazy to think about. It wasn't really a normal zone conference, it was kind of just all focused on administrative stuff and not super spiritual, but it was a good day. I bought a corned beef brisket on sale last Monday, so we had that for lunch on Wednesday and Friday haha. I just got your package yesterday, Mom, thank you! There is some good stuff in there!

We've been using the new Easter initiative this past week and it's been real cool. You'll have to see the new videos they have if you haven't already. Good stuff! Sorry I'm kind of out of time again, but I hope you all have the best week! One things that I learned this past week is how the Lord really does work through small and simple means. I love this work and am grateful to be a missionary! I love you!

Elder Reynolds

(03-14-2016)

Familia!

It was kind of a slow week this week, but we've got a lot of return
appointments for this week, so it should be a great one! Yesterday was
sweet because the familia Gallardo got baptized! They're the family
that Elder Jones and I contacted on exchanges last transfer. I
interviewed them on Wednesday and had a good chat with the husband and
wife. They were both super prepared! Jesus (the dad) asked me to speak
at the baptism, so I gave the talk on baptism. It was sweet to be
there and having been able to see their progression in the gospel up
to this point. They're going to be a huge help to the ward! I'll send
you a pic from the baptism.

This week we've got my last zone conference, I'm really looking
forward to it. Zone conference is always a great spiritual feast. I'm
sorry this email is so short, time has been pretty short lately. We
just had a great basketball sesh for like three hours and it was a
blast! We can only play with three companionships, but everyone could
ball, so it was a lot of fun. I got a pretty gnarly blister though
haha.

Tell grandpa Lott happy birthday for me and also Ethan! Two great men
with birthdays this week! I hope you all have a great week, sorry for
the quick email! I love you all so much and hope you have a great
week!

Elder Reynolds

Familia!

Good to hear from you all! This week flew by! It's been a blast with
Elder Fifita this past week. It's funny how people are more willing to
stop and listen to us when there's a 6'1" 270 pound Tongan looking at
them haha. My comp is a stud though. He played football at Kansas
State as a middle linebacker and then got hurt and went to Colorado
State. I'll try to get a pic of us next week. We get along super well
though, so it's been a fun week!

German had a brother pass away this past week, so he told us he was
going to be too busy to meet with us for a while, but he made it out
to stake conference yesterday! Keep him in your prayers. We haven't
been able to get in contact with Patricia, so we're going to probably
have to turn her over to the Lord for a while and give her some more
time to get prepared. We had some solid first lessons this past week
though, so I'm looking forward to getting back for the return
appointments and getting some dates set.

Things are going well, we're getting after it. I just had an interview
with President Weidman to renew my temple recommend and we had a good
chat. He's such a stud! We do a lot of walking and talking in this
area since it's always a search for the Hispanics haha. Pray for us to
be able to find those who are prepared! I love you all so much and I
love this work! Make this week the best one yet!

Elder Reynolds

Transfers

Familia!

Happy Leap Day! I'm a little short on time, but I'll try to fit
everything that I can in! Transfer calls last night brought the news
that I'll be staying and getting Elder Fifita who is finishing his
mission this transfer. We met way back at the beginning of our
missions and have been pretty good friends since, so I'm real excited
for this transfer. It should be a good one! I've loved being with
Elder Villanueva this past transfer though. This past one was the
quickest transfer of my mission!

We didn't end up with any baptisms this weekend, sadly. But we're
going to keep working with German and Mardo and help them to realize
that they are ready. They both know it's true and have a testimony of
the gospel, but still feel like they need to be more sure. They'll get
there soon. We also set a date for the 20th of March with Patricia
Orellana on Wednesday! She met with missionaries before but then
contact with her was lost. She's currently assisting at a different
church, but she lives right next to ours, so we'll get her there this Sunday
haha. Keep them in your prayers!

I have a testimony that the Lord knows us personally and takes account
of our individual and specific needs. I've seen many times throughout
the mission where there have been occasions I didn't think I could
continue on with something or it seemed like a difficulty wouldn't
end. But the Lord always comes exactly when we need Him! I'm reminded
of a special meeting we had with Elder Clark of the 70 when he toured
our mission in the which he mentioned that we all pass through our own
personal times of being in the "wilderness" while in this life. But as
we learn from the scriptures, that wilderness always ends. Those
difficult times always come to an end and the Lord always has His hand
outstretched. I'm so grateful for the Savior and for His willingness
and humility in coming to the earth to atone for our hard times
difficulties. I know He lives! And I know He loves us. Thanks for all
your prayers! Make this week the best one you've ever had!

Elder Reynolds

Sent from my iPad.

(02-22-2016)

Familia!

The weeks have been flying by lately, they've been great though! German didn't make it to church yesterday which we were pretty bummed about. We went by his house before church started to remind him and he wasn't there, so we gave him a call and he said his water heater had stopped working, so he was out getting stuff to fix it. C'mon now! He could still get baptized next Sunday because he's been to church three times, but we're going to see where his testimony is at this week and go from there. Mardo Valdez made it to church though! He's also got a date for this Sunday, but hasn't been doing a lot to prepare for it. He loved church though and we're going to go to the VC with him on Thursday to sure up that testimony. He's had some doubts and feels like he hasn't quite received a definite answer, but we're going to give him the best opportunity to use his agency in the right way and get baptized! I'll give you the update next Monday on how everything goes. 

Thanks for the update on Grandma, I'm glad to hear that she's doing better. That skate park you mentioned Elder Budica going to might be the one that is in my area haha. There is one right across from our church building. There are always kids out there skating. I hope he's doing good! 

We had interviews this past week with President and Sister Weidman, so I had the chance to have a good chat with both of them. They both asked me about my plans for after the mish, which I was kind of surprised about haha. They are both heroes, I love them a lot. This is week 6 of the transfer, so we'll be getting transfer news this Sunday. I'd love to stay another one with Elder Villanueva, but I got the feeling from interviews that there will be a change. Either way, it has been a great transfer so far and this week will be the best one yet! I love you all and am grateful for your thoughts and prayers. The church is true! Read the scriptures and pray daily!

Elder Reynolds

Heat Wave! (02-15-2016)

Familia!

I'm sure you've all seen that we're getting hit with some nice summer weather! I can't complain! This week was awesome! We've been talking with tons of people. In our mission, each companionship is expected to have at least 20 meaningful gospel conversations each day (a gospel principle taught, a testimony shared, and an invitation left) for a total of at least 140 each week. We report that number each week to President in our weekly email. Last week, we had 189 and he actually called us during the week and we had a good little chat haha. He is such a stud. We had 201 this past week. We still haven't seen a lot of improvement with new people to teach, but I'm sure it will come!

That conference was super good! I was real impressed with all of the talks. FEAR NOT. I loved that. In my studies this morning, I came across this scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 38:30, "I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear." That last line though! "...but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear." So much of that counsel, I felt, was to help keep us focused on the most important things to keep us on the straight and narrow. It's sad to hear about people losing their way when the Gospel offers so much safety. I hope we'll be able to get the text of those talks soon so I can study them again. Good stuff!

German Cuello is doing good. We taught him some of the commandments this week and did well in accepting to live them. We're going to try to get him to the Visitor's Center this weekend to fortify him for the 28th. Keep him in your prayers! Satan always works super hard the last couple weeks before baptism. We met a guy this week who said he's run in about 270 marathons throughout his life. I couldn't believe it! He said he didn't know the exact number because he's never run a marathon for sport, just for exercise haha. I did get the birthday card, Mom! Thanks so much! I got it last Monday after I emailed, so that's why I didn't get the chance to mention it. You're the best! Dad, I didn't get the chance to send the pictures to you, but I'll get it off today or tomorrow. 

I realized that I had been slacking at smiling at everyone, so I recommitted myself and have my companion keeping me accountable. It's funny to see how hard people will try to not smile. It's tough not to smile when someone else is smiling and happy right in your face haha. Kill 'em with kindness! 

This work is the best! The mission is the greatest experience. Please keep us in your prayers and pray for the hearts of the people here to be softened. We ran into a lot of hard hearts this week haha. But I know the elect are out there, we've just got to find them! I love you all so much. Make it the best week yet!

Elder Reynolds

Summer Sun

Familia!

This week has been crazy with the weather! I think it's probably the nicest weather I've ever experienced. It definitely doesn't feel like winter haha. I think it was up in the 80s and high 70s this past week and looks like it'll be doing about the same this week as well. I've already got my farmer tan lines going!

It was a pretty full week this week. For the past couple months, I've been kind of debating on extending my mission service another 6 weeks or not. I never really got a firm confirmation of whether I should do it or not, so a few weeks ago, I decided I would and then a few days later, I didn't feel right about it. Then on Monday, I found out that all departure dates will be moved back one week, so I'll be going home June 1st! There must be something that's going to happen in that last week, so I'm excited to have an extra one to work! It was an answer to my prayers! It was funny that I mentioned in my last email how I have been trying to immediately respond to spiritual promptings, because Tuesday, I ended up having an experience with it. We were teaching a lesson in a pretty rough part of our area and while we were sitting in this apartment complex teaching, I got this feeling all of a sudden to "GET OUT NOW." I knew I couldn't sit there through the rest of the lesson, so we set a return appointment and then got out of there. As we were walking back to our bikes, I mentioned to my companion the impression I received and immediately received the confirmation that we needed to get out of that area right then. I'm not sure what would've happened if we wouldn't have left, but I'm okay with not knowing! That was only the second time on the mission I've ever had a prompting that strong and direct. Act immediately!

On Thursday, we set a baptismal date for the 28th of this month with a man named Mardo Valdez! He's been taught a lot and knows it's true, but is caught up on some little doubts and things he doesn't fully understand. So keep him in your prayers that he'll get the confirmation that he's ready! Friday we got a call from Maribel saying that we wouldn't be able to keep visiting her or her kids, Chris and Natalia, anymore. We've had some of the relief society stay in contact with her and it sounds like she brought up marriage to her husband and he didn't like the idea. It's always the husband! I've lost some sleep from that phone call though. Please keep Maribel, Chris, and Natalia in your prayers that we'll be able to continue teaching them. That same day, I went on an exchange with an Elder in the district and a conversation we had that day led to a miracle that happened yesterday! We pulled up to our dinner appointment and said a prayer before getting out of the car. Just as we were getting out of the car, a couple with their little son was walking by. We started talking and they were super nice and happily accepted a return appointment for Sunday (yesterday). This was in the other Elder's area, so I didn't have the chance to be there, but it turns out that we were actually an answer to a dream the wife had just a couple days before! They happily accepted to be baptized on March 13th and are excited to keep learning! SO SWEET! Their names are Jesus and Dania.

Dad--I got the BYU stuff taken care of and got the endorsement from President Weidman. Thanks for the reminder. I've got a picture that I'm going to get in the mail for you soon, so be looking for it. 

At church yesterday as I was sitting in sacrament meeting, I took the liberty to take a minute and just kind of reflect on things. The Church is true! It truly does bless families and bring happiness to anyone who accepts and lives the things that are taught within the church. I still have so many imperfections and things I need to work on, but I'll forever be grateful for this chance I have to be a missionary. I love the Lord and I love this work. Make this week the best one yet. I love you all!

Elder Reynolds

Bigger Boy (02-01-2016)

Familia!

Thanks for the birthday wishes sent my way! Can't believe I'm 21 years old haha. Time goes quick. My companion wanted to make sure I didn't feel bad by reminding me that he's 27 haha. I got a letter from one of my trainees, the letter from G&G Lott, and then a couple packages from Shannon that I opened this morning, so it almost felt like a birthday! No better place to celebrate a 21st birthday than the mission field. A family invited us over for dinner tonight, so we'll have a Mexican dish called bambazos (or something like that) and some tres leches cake. I'm looking forward to it! As for doing something special, we're pretty limited since we're on bike, so I think we're going to try to play some ball with some other Elders and then just hit the streets and talk to at least 20 people about the Gospel!

Thanks for the update on sports! I heard about the super bowl, but hadn't heard anything about basketball or tennis. I've been surprised that I really haven't been updated much out here from people we talk to. They're all just into soccer I guess haha.

About 2 months ago, I made the conscious decision to strive to immediately act on every single prompting I receive. At first, it was pretty tough, because I always find myself thinking, "That was probably just in my head." I haven't been perfect at it, but as I've tried to do that, I've seen a ton of great miracles and met a lot of great people! A lot of the times, it's just walking past a house and having the thought to knock the door, or sometimes it's going down a specific street. Many times, nothing comes from it, but sometimes there are obvious tender mercies. On Friday, we were walking around this neighborhood and there was a white guy sitting outside on his porch, smoking a cigarette and talking on the phone with a huge pitbull sitting next to him (without a leash or collar). He looked like a pretty rough guy and every natural instinct in me told me to just keep walking haha. But I had the impression that I needed to talk to him. We stepped onto his lawn and his dog started barking at us, and then he yelled at us from his porch and asked us if we were "slanging Jesus" and where our horses were haha. I almost felt like it was a waste of time and was not too excited about being destroyed by this pitbull, but he actually hung up his phone and said he wanted to hear what we had to say. We found out he works at a Hot Rod shop and has had a pretty rough life. I asked him what his favorite car is and he took us around the back of his house and showed us his perfectly restored 1926 Model T! He invited us inside and we ended up having a great talk about the Gospel and he promised us that he'd go to church at least once just for us and gave us his information.

I'd invite you all to act on those small promptings that you receive and I promise that as you do, although maybe not immediately, you will have faith-building experiences. I love the Gospel! I have no doubt that the true church has been restored and that it is this church. I know the Gospel blesses families and that it gives us the chance to continue to improve and become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. I appreciate all the love and prayers! Make this week the best one yet!

Elder Reynolds

IngleHOOD

Familia!

What's good fam?! This past week was a blast! It's fun being back on
bike, even though it kind of stinks to get around haha. The area is
full of hills too, so my legs are definitely getting a good workout.
I'll just give you a rundown of the past week.

Monday we went and drove around Hollywood and through the walk of
stars for P-day. A member gave me a hammock from the Yucatán, so I'm
going to have to get that going back at home haha. It was tough saying
goodbye to Lourdes! She had been in Mexico for three weeks, so I only
got to see her for a few days before moving. She had us over for green
chicken enchiladas for dinner (she asked what I wanted to eat) and
then said goodbye. That lady is like my Mexican mother haha. I almost
forgot to take pictures with her, so I had to come back after saying
goodbye and she was mad because she was crying when I left and then
had to come back to take pictures afterward haha. I love that lady!

Tuesday was transfer day and I got a ride to my new area with the ward
mission leader from my last ward. We had a good chat on the way there,
he served in the Durango area of Mexico and was telling me some good
missionaries stories from when he was out there haha. First day back
on bike! Friday we set a date with a guy named German Cuello from the
Dominican Republic. He's a stud! He was a professional boxer for a
while. He said he still does 1,000 push-ups every morning. Keep him in
your prayers, his date is for the 28th of February. Saturday we set
two dates with two twins who are 10 years old. We're working to get
the whole family baptized, but the parents aren't married and the dad
works all day every day, so we haven't even had contact with him yet.
Their date is for the 14th of February. Valentine's Day baptisms!
Their names are Chris and Natalia Torres. And the moms name is Maribel
Torres. Keep them all in your prayers as well and that we'll be able
to help them get married!

Maribel and her kids, as well as German all came to church yesterday!
Things are going well! I'm not going to lie though, I think I'm
picking up an accent already. And it's not Spanish.. Hahaha. I've only
been here a week and I'm already picking up on that Inglehood accent!
People here are crazy. No one stops at stop signs, so I've already
almost been hit a few times on bike haha. It's a lot of fun though.
The weather has been great lately, I'm hoping the niño doesn't hit us
haha. The hard part is finding the Hispanics. We've got some
potentials, but most of the people we talk to aren't Latinos.

This work is the greatest! There are some great members in this ward
and the Ward leadership is on top of things. I'm excited to get some
great stuff going. Keep us in your prayers! My companions name is
Elder Villanueva. He was born in Guanajuato, Mexico and moved to
Colorado when he was 10. He's 27, so he's a little older, but he's a
funny kid haha. I'll try to get you a pic of us if I can. Love you
all!

Elder Reynolds

American and Lourdes

Transfers (01-18-2016)

Familia!

Sorry that last weeks email was so short, I had to finish a couple
other things with my internet time and wasn't left with much to email.
Just a quick note from two weeks ago.. Zone Conference was super good.
We trained on teaching simply and using silence to allow the Spirit to
convert. That was the main focus of the conference. There have been
some changes in the mission lately, so we're really trying to make
sure we stick to the basics and allow the Spirit to convert the
people. There was some great instruction. We also had ward conference
last Sunday and the stake presidency spoke. The stake president (who
always wears a bow-tie) gave a great talk about the Atonement of Jesus
Christ and urged everyone to study Alma 7. I'd invite you all to do
the same!

I can't believe another transfer has already gone by. They're going
too quick. My news is that I'll be going down to Inglewood! I've
always wanted to get a chance to serve down there, so I'm excited. I
think I'm going to be back on bike, so that'll make it exciting haha.
Back to the ghetto! It should be a fun transfer. This past transfer
was a blast, I loved being up here with Elder Porter. It makes such a
huge difference when you and your companion get along well and can
just get out and work. It's tough to leave! I love this area and the
people here. I feel like each area has been getting harder and harder
to leave. I've find that it really is true that you love those you
serve. I don't think I ever quite understood how you could love
someone upon meeting them, but every once in a while, God has allowed
me to really feel just a portion of the love He has for His children.
Even though it's like pulling teeth to get these Hispanics to keep
commitments, I love serving them.

There's going to be a worldwide missionary broadcast for all
missionaries this Wednesday. Some of the Apostles and members of the
70 are going to be giving us instruction and I'm super excited. It
should be a great broadcast! We've been preparing for it for the past
few weeks by studying the fundamentals found in Preach My Gospel. It
sounds like you gave a great talk in ward conference, Dad! Did you
have someone translate for you? I got to do some more translating last
week in priesthood meeting for the first counselor in the stake
presidency haha. It's a blast translating in real time.

Well, I love you all and am grateful for your prayers! I really do
know that Joseph saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in that sacred
grove. I have had so many experiences as I share that first vision
with others that solidify my testimony and reiterate again and again
the truth of that acontecimiento. ¡Les quiero mucho! Espero que estén
bien todos. Lean El Libro de Mormón todos los días este año y les
prometo que verán muchísimas bendiciones con respecto al espíritu que
estará más presente en sus vidas. Me encanta ese libro y sé que la
promesa que contiene es verdadera. ¡No tengan miedo de compartir su
testimonio con los demás! Que tengan una buena semana.

Élder Reynolds

Sent from my iPad.

El Niño (01-11-2016)

Familia!

 

Happy Birthday, Mom! I hope you have the best day! I'm glad you get to treat yourself to a trip down to Utah to be with little Lucy. I hope you know how grateful I am for you and how blessed I feel to have you as my mother. I know the stripling warriors had great mothers, but I don't think they could compare with you! Thanks for always being there and for being the best. I love you so much and hope you know that!

 

What a week! We got hit super hard on Tuesday and Wednesday with rain. That's more than I've ever seen it rain down here, it was wild! There were tons of roads completely flooded and cars stuck in huge puddles of water in the middle of the road. It was an exciting couple days haha. That was supposedly just a taste of what is going to be coming our way, so it should be an exciting few months! Mom, enjoy your time with Lucy and give her a hug and kiss from her uncle G! Hopefully my letter makes it before you head out. I got a good laugh from that picture of Lucy with that big rib or whatever it was that she was munching on haha. Little buds!

 

I'm out of time, but this week was great! We got some great counsel at zone conference and have some great things coming this week. We'll know about transfers on Sunday, so I'll be letting you know next week. You're all the best! I love you!

 

Elder Reynolds

Happy New Year!

Familia!

 

What a great week! I think I officially realized this week that every week in the mission is the best week of my life haha. We had to be in by 6pm on New Year's Eve for safety, so we did some planning and I had a few minutes to set some goals for 2016 and review how 2015 went. IT WENT TOO FAST! I can't believe how quick that year went by! But I am looking forward to 2016 and making it the best year yet. I didn't manage to stay up to hear the fireworks go off, I was fast asleep by about 10:45 haha. It's a good night if I can manage 7 1/2 hours of sleep, so I didn't want to lose any of that time! Haha

I appreciate the Hickory Farms package! Haha that was a fun one to get. How did you remember how much I enjoyed getting those things at home? Also, thanks for the great email, Mom! You're the best! I'm getting a letter sent your way, so keep an eye out for that later this week. No opening it until Monday though! Hopefully it doesn't get lost or stolen. Sounds like Dad had a good time snowshoeing up to the cabin! I always felt like the school year flew by once we were back after Christmas, so make the most of it!

 

We taught a guy named Alexander and his wife, Claudia, this week. They are both awesome! Alexander has struggled in the past with some real tough addictions, but he is a good man. He said he remembers seeing missionaries walking around in El Salvador when he was there as a boy. They were both extremely interested in us and what we do as missionaries. We taught the restoration and the Spirit present in that small home was so powerful! It's kind of sad because they're moving this week just barely on the other side of our boundaries, but some missionaries are going to get to teach a great couple. I always get excited when we teach the restoration to someone for the first time and I get to recite the first vision and bear my testimony of it. I remember being so nervous to share my testimony in front of others, but now there is almost nothing I love more! I know that Joseph Smith really saw God the Father and Jesus Christ and that he was called as a prophet. I've seen so many blessing from that sincere prayer!

 

 We're working with some others, but still haven't been able to get anyone to church. This week will be the week though! We've got good things coming our way! We have Zone Conference this weekend, and I'm stoked for that, it's always a revelatory experience. President Weidman said something this past week that impacted me. We were at a Mission Leadership meeting and a new rule came out that we won't be having any more departing missionary firesides. Previously, at the end of ever transfer, the departing missionaries would bear their testimonies and there would be some musical numbers and things like that. With Elder Oaks being the executive of the missionary department, he has asked that meetings like that be discontinued in order to increase effectiveness. When President announced it, one of the Sisters asked, "But will we still have the one at the end of this transfer?" And he responded, "In the California Los Angeles Mission, we are immediately obedient." That removed any doubts or questions I might have had. What a hero!

 

Have the best week! MAKE it the best! I love you all!

 

Elder Reynolds

(12-28-2015)

Familia!

Well it was good getting to chat for a few minutes, even there were of course some STRUGGLES! Haha, you all sounded good though. Fun seeing little Lucy Lou! You all looked great from what I could see. Too bad Parker wasn't there though. Who was the old man that was sitting in on the video? Kind of looked like Parks, but it couldn't have been him haha.

 

It was a great week though! On Tuesday, we went out and had a great day. Every single one of our appointments fell through, but we shared the Christmas video with anyone who opened the door and was willing to listen for a couple minutes and ended up with 4 new investigators! I kind of mentioned Christmas Eve in the call, but we were able to meet with a former investigator who invited us in to eat with he and his family. This past week was packed full of a lot of Spanish, it was the best.

 

Yesterday at church, Bishop came up to Elder Porter and I just as the meeting was starting and told that one of the speakers didn't show up, so we'd probably have to speak. I was actually excited for the chance! The last time I'd been asked to speak at church was on Mother's Day. There wasn't much time to throw the talk together, but it turned out really well! (I think). I talked on hope, specifically the hope that comes because of Jesus Christ. I shared a few scriptures from the Book of Mormon and shared a quick piece from President Uchtdorf's talk from the past Women's conference where a painting of a young pioneer girl was mentioned. I just testified that we can find good in every situation and invited everyone to do so. It was one of those times where the Spanish was just flowing smoothly, so it was a lot of fun. Those are the best times.  A few of the members wanted to know where I was raised afterward and if my parents were Hispanic haha.

 

I can't believe we're heading into a new year though! I hope you all enjoy New Year's Eve together and can get some Martinelli's going haha. I'm so grateful for you all and for your love and support. The mission is the greatest. It's the hardest thing I've ever loved to do and I'm so glad to be a missionary at this time. Have a great week and start off 2016 right! I love you all!

 

Elder Reynolds

Christmas (12-21-2015)

Familia!

I can't believe that the week of Christmas is already here! It should be good to get most of the crew home and enjoy some time with them. Tell everyone hi for me! I'm looking forward to getting to see you all for a few minutes though. If there's anything you want to talk about or ask me, write it down and have it ready because 40 minutes will fly by haha.

I'm hoping it's just the busyness of the people during this time of the year, but we're struggling to help people keep their appointments. We had 12 set appointments during the week and not a single one went through haha. It's always fun getting the chance to be out and talk to everyone though. On Saturday, we had our Christmas devotional with half of the mission and it was way good. Super spirit-filled and all centered on Jesus Christ. President had everyone who had been at the Christmas devotional last year stand up and I was one of not many. Then he made a comment about being old in the mission haha. It's weird how I've slowly become one of the older missionaries in the mission without even noticing it. I see the new missionaries come in and I feel like I was just there! He sent us an email todayinforming us of the new mission president that will be replacing him in July. President Robert M. Haynie from Shoreline, WA! I won't have a chance to meet him, but I figured maybe you'd hear of him or run into him sometime between now and then.

We also got a bunch of rain on Saturday. It rolled in super quick and we got soaked haha. It was a fun day though. Our mission now has our area book and plans on the iPad and I didn't want it to get wet out in the rain, so we just put it away and tracted all night. We ran into some pretty cool people and got a lot of referrals sent off. It's tough to find Hispanics sometimes! One guy was an African-American who answered the door and kind of unpleasantly said no thanks. We continued to knock the rest of the apartment complex and before we finished, he walked back out and he had on a 49ers beanie, so I commented him on it. We ended up talking for about 10 minutes and he completely changed and ended the conversation being real nice! Some people just need someone to be nice to them haha.

On Thursday, we had dinner with a member from Oaxaca and he prepared this plate called "Tuxtepecana." Apparently, from the area where the dish comes from, pineapples grow all over the place, so they are super cheap and the people have so many that they don't even know what to do with all of them. It's basically just a pineapple cut in half and gutted, filled with black beans and rice, a fried salad made with pineapple, tomato, and onion, topped with chorizo, and then cheese thrown on top. He also topped that with some shrimp and avocado. It's eaten with tortilla chips. It was good stuff! Then to top it off for dessert, we had chapulines which are basically grasshoppers. I love getting to eat all the different foods haha. I'll send a couple pics.

Well teammates, I guess we'll be talking soon! I hope you all have a great Christmas and that you are able to take some time to sit and quietly reflect on the reason for this season. I know that He was born over two-thousand years ago in a small town. I know that He lived a perfect life and then gave that life for us. I know His sacrifice allows us to improve and change. I know that He was resurrected and that in doing so, we all too will be resurrected. I know that He lives and that He loves us. I know that wise men still follow Him. May we all be counted among those wise men and continue to follow Jesus Christ and His perfect example during this Christmas season and throughout all the year. Merry Christmas! I love you!

Elder Reynolds

Rain (12-14-2015)

Familia!

What a week! The weeks are going by too fast. I hope you are all taking time to enjoy the season. It actually rained on Saturday! We've been needing the moisture down here in SoCal, but it's always cold walking around at night in the rain haha. Makes me feel like a missionary though! I love it!

 

Elder Porter is great! We've had a great time this week and got a lot done. We've been talking with tons of people every day and have been meeting some great potentials. It's always super tough to get them to keep their appointments and go to church though, so we're going to keep working on that this week.

 

Your excitement for this week comes from an experience where we went to contact a potential who lived inside this gated property. We opened the gate slowly because it seemed like dogs would be inside, but nothing came, so we walked up to the door and knocked. A few seconds later, we see a guy peek around the corner of the house and then go back. Then we hear a gate open and two dogs come up on us haha. They were growling and snarling at us, so we tried to make it back out the gate as graciously as we could. My companion made it through, but that turned both the dogs on me, so I kicked the heck out of one of them and then shot for the door, but the other one got a hold of my heel as I got to the gate. It didn't break the skin somehow though! That was a huge blessing! But I was pretty mad that it ripped part of my nice slacks haha. I guess you can't win em all!

 

We met a real cool guy and his wife Saturday night. His name is Alexander and her name is Claudia. He said he remembers being a young kid in El Salvador and seeing missionaries walking the streets. He's real interested and has passed through some real hard stuff in his life, so we are hoping he will grab onto the Gospel. Please keep them in your prayers as well as Carlos Paz and his family.

 

The gospel is true! I know it blesses families. I hope we'll all be able to remember the "why" behind Christmas and remember Christ more fully. Sister Weidman mentioned how during all the Christmases of our lives we try to remember Jesus Christ. But for two Christmases, as a missionary, we represent Him. What a blessing it is to be a missionary and a full-time representative of Him. I love Him and am grateful for Him. Have the best week!

 

Elder Reynolds

Transfers (12-07-2015)

Familia!

 

I can barely even remember what happened this past week, but there were some great highlights! The first one is that Lourdes got confirmed! I had the opportunity to confirm her yesterday, so that was a great experience. She's so awesome. A couple of the ladies she lives with came to church as well and are both interested, so we're going to try to work with them too!

 

Every last Sunday of the transfer, there is a departing missionary fireside where the missionaries going home bear their testimonies and there are some musical numbers. My comp and I got to translate for it! It was so much fun! We had a blast translating everything into Spanish and it actually went a lot better than I had thought it would. I remember seeing missionaries sit outside the foyer at home and translate and now I realize that they probably had no idea what they were doing haha. Great experience though, I loved it. I'm hoping I'll get to do it for the next few as well. It was a weird feeling when all the Sister missionaries who came out with me got up and bore their testimonies. They all go home on Wednesday. Crazy!

 

And then for the transfer news.. My companion will be leaving and I'll be training a new zone leader! I still feel like I'm not quite sure what to do, but it'll have to be a steep learning curve haha. I'll be with Elder Porter who was in one of my districts a few transfers ago. He's a real good kid and has been having a lot of success lately, so I'm excited to get him up here so we can have a white Christmas here in Southern California. It will be a great transfer!

 

I hope you've all been able to see the two videos from the "A Savior Is Born" campaign. If not, go watch them. I really like the animated one that talks about what the world would be like without a Savior and the need we have of Him. I know He lives and loves us. I know He was born not only to die for our sins, sicknesses, pains, weaknesses, doubts, fears, and troubles, but also to give us the perfect example that we might follow Him. I hope we'll all be able to focus more on Him this Christmas season and remember WHY it is that we celebrate. I love you all! Make this week great!

Elder Reynolds