Diligence Through Increasing Heat

Dear family, friends, others,

A little bit of a difficult week here in Carrizo Springs. The weather is getting hotter, luckily I am more accustomed to it after a having survived it once. Drinking plenty of water seems to do the best in helping me stay at a healthy temperature.

We're striving to continually find new people to share the gospel with, but sadly we haven't met a few of the people that we met with most consistently. We saw Brother Moreno a few times, but we only talked to him briefly. Janette was not interested in hearing more. As for Rose, we simply weren't able to find her at home.

So instead of focusing on the instances when people are not home or aren't interested, we're looking for other people who are ready to receive the gospel.

We have had the opportunity to get to know members of the branch who are new to the area. A few nights ago we had dinner with Cody and Chelsea, who moved here from Utah recently. We enjoyed the taco soup served in green peppers almost like chile relleno.

Yesterday, we had an interesting thing occur. Our branch president was out of town, which is something that he had warned us about before and we knew would happen. However, after we got to church, only two other priesthood holders showed up for priesthood hour. Then time for Sacrament Meeting came, and none of the members of the branch presidency were there. So with little warning, Elder Craner, the elder's quorum president and I prepared for sacrament meeting, and I directed it with little preparation except what I have seen during Sacrament Meetings of the past. We ended a little bit early, and I was reminded of how blessed we are to have an organized church.

I'm learning to manage stress in new ways. Since coming to Carrizo, I've learned that the miracles that God performs are sometimes subtle. We need to look for them and treasure them when we see them. Prayer has been a near constant source of comfort during the difficult moments of the day, and I know that God hears our prayers. His answers, when they come and they do indeed come, will help us to come closer to God.

Questions and Answers

Are you still always spending some time studying Español every working morning?  

Almost every day we have an hour to spend studying Spanish. On days that we have district meeting, and occasionally on Sundays or Mondays we won't have time set apart to study Spanish. We still have the opportunity to speak it throughout the day.

I would still like to know if you've seen any armadillos- if they happen by in your journeys as you work- so have you?  

Only ones that have fallen victim to moving vehicles. I haven't seen any live ones.

There are some lizards that climb up onto the outside of or bathroom window every evening. Because the light attracts the bugs, those lizards have a great opportunity to feast. It makes me smile to see at least one lizard every evening.

And how has the Spirit comforted you this week?

I sat down one day at lunchtime on our couch and few exhausted. As I sat there, the idea came into my head to take out "Adjusting to Missionary Life" and read from it. I didn't find anything that stood out at first, until I found a page that had a few scriptures listed that were shared to help us find peace. As I read through those scriptures, and used the footnotes to find more, I felt a renewed sense of hope. This is the Savior's work.

Keep going forward everyone. I love you all very much.

--

-Elder Hall

Texas San Antonio Mission

Finding Those Prepared

Dear everyone,

One of my favorite parts of this missionary experience is the change. Changing the people we meet, the work we do and the decisions we make can help us to align or desires with God's. Then as we do His will, we become who He wants us to be and we become happier. This week was full and happy.

Briefly, I'm not driving the truck anymore. I haven't lost the privilege to drive cars in the future, but for the time being our leaders asked that Elder Craner drives instead. While at first I felt ashamed, I recognized that this is actually a blessing in disguise. It has helped me to manage stress seeing as I am not the designated driver anymore. I still love riding in a truck.

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to exchange with Elder Christensen. I learned talking to him that he is one of the few missionaries who is still serving that has served with Elder Scroggs. He was in Windcrest two transfers before I went there, and that is when he served with Elder S. We talked about the Rubio family, and it turns out that he saw Brother Rubio back when Elder Nelson visited San Antonio.

Me and Elder Christiansen

With Elder Christensen we met a lady named Rose who moved here with family from Chicago. She has met with missionaries before, and she had many questions about prophets. We sat outside and shared the Restoration with her and Eli, and it seems like they understood what we shared. They committed to read about the Restoration in a pamphlet we gave them, and later this week we visited with them again.

That brings us to Friday. In the morning we drove up to Eagle Pass and had a wonderful Zone Meeting, almost completely in Spanish. I was surprised that I could understand most all of what was said, and I could tell that the other missionaries understood too. President Slaughter taught about Repentance. I didn't know why at first, but earlier that week and the week before I felt impressed to study about repentance. When President Slaughter finished, I felt peace, knowing more fully that I needed Jesus Christ.

That day we went on an exchange with Elder Masters. E. Masters trained Elder Drennan, so it was funny to know that most all of Elder Drennan's past companions were in Carrizo Springs at one time. 

Driving to Carrizo, Elder Masters testified that there are people prepared to hear the gospel in all areas, and that was true. We met Janette, and she told us of a recent loss she had in her family, and the Spirit helped us to recognize that she was truly prepared. A miracle for sure.

Me, Elder Masters and Elder Drennan

Later that evening we found Rose once more. I felt happy to see that she was still interested in hearing from us. So as we taught, we testified that there is a living prophet on the earth today, and she committed to come to church. She didn't make it, but I'll let you all know how she progresses.

 Questions and Answers

Now that you are getting more familiar with the Carrizo Springs area, what new things have you learned about the people and area? 

This branch has grown steadily over the years. The branch has had a building in Carrizo for quite a while as well.

What new things have you and learned about Elder Craner?

Elder Craner knows how to ask deep questions.

Yesterday evening we were able to attend a district meeting that included a few trainings from the Brethren. We listened to a few apostles and some sisters talk about how we can make Sacrament meetings more meaningful. Afterwards, our mission president, President Slaughter, taught us about the Sacrament, and how we can help to change traditions to better allow us to focus on the Savior each Sunday.

Driving home from the meeting, feeling peace from what we learned, Elder Craner and I talked about the meeting and how inspired our leaders are. I could tell that he knew how to ask good questions.

On a different note, Elder Craner worked a few different jobs before the mission. He worked at a sports outlet store, and even serviced as a personal trainer. He has gotten to know the members of the branch very well.

Are your tablets still proving useful? 

They have been very useful in studying the scriptures in the morning, and we've had the chance to share "Because He Lives" with a few people in the past week or so.

How is the Spirit guiding you this week?

The Spirit is central to a successful visit with someone. Elder Masters helped us to focus on the principle of "what do we want them to understand?" By focusing our teaching on their needs, instead of a pre-planned lesson, we are about to follow the Spirit and testify with power. I loved teaching with Elder Craner when we had determined what we thought their needs were, and did our best to follow the Spirit. Then our testimonies of Jesus Christ will truly impact the people.

How are the members helping you and Elder Craner and how are you helping them?

We had a wonderful visit with Brother Moreno, someone that the past missionaries have taught for a while, and Steven, a member, came with us. Steven is a return missionary and knows how to be a great friend. We taught about baptism, and Steven offered a powerful testimony of the importance of being baptized by correct authority.

We have a few service opportunities planned for the coming week with members of the branch. Painting seems to be a popular job. I'll have to go buy some painting pants in case the paint hits us.

Are the fruits and vegetables as good there as they were in San Antonio?

About the same quality of fruits and vegetables.

Are you drinking enough water, I wish??

I could drink water more often in the future, but I believe I'm doing well.

I forgot to mention that a few weeks about when I first came to Carrizo, I learned that there was a ward boundary change in Windcrest and Universal City area. Apparently the wards are growing, because a new ward, Live Oak ward, was created. I loved visiting people in the city of Live Oak back when I was in Universal City ward, and it looks like it's growing down there!

--

-Elder Hall

Texas San Antonio Mission

Getting to know others

Dearest family, friends, and fellow members of the church,

We had a great week this week. There were plenty of opportunities to learn, and I feel the Lords love for the members and people of Carrizo Springs area. There are people here that will receive us and hear the Lord's voice (Mosiah 26:20).

This week I had the opportunity to go on an exchange with my district leader, Elder Jackson. Because there was plenty of time spent driving to his apartment and from it, we spoke plenty of Spanish together. I noticed during the exchange that speaking and thinking in Spanish brings less stress than choosing between it and English. Focusing on Spanish helped me to focus on other people, rather than on myself. He helped me to learn a few new words and felt like I got to know him well. What a blessing this exchange was!

I should mention, briefly, that pulling into the lot in front of our house, I "parked" the truck into one of the front support beams and broke it at the base. Let me stress, we were not harmed. The truck was damage and the house was too, but the damages won't put us in danger. Please pray, but don't worry.

I'm also getting to know Elder Craner well. One day this week we drove to a neighboring town and moved dirt from a pile into a truck for a member of the branch here. His diligence during service inspired me to work harder, and I could tell that he was used to working hard. In addition to being a hard worker, he cooks tasty meals in an efficient way.

Could you tell us about the members?

The branch that we work in is growing gradually. My first sacrament meeting we had a large new family move into branch, which was exciting for us all. I haven't gotten to know all of the members of the branch, but I have met all of the active members.

One of the larger struggles for some members is the distance. Some members have to drive 45 minutes to get to church, and that does not include the return trip. Other families have fathers obligated to go to work on most Sundays. Active priesthood holders have a strong influence on the branch, and do a lot to help the other members. I enjoy working here.

Have you seen any cowboy boots and hats and armadillos?

I haven't noticed any more cowboy boots or hats here than what I saw in the Uvalde area. As for armadillos, you see them among other roadkill as you drive from town to town. I saw at least one armadillo.

Oh, and driving through town our truck hit a bird in flight. I didn't know where it fell, so I couldn't apologize to it.

And providing service with your truck?

So far the truck brings us to where we need to go, but we don't haul our own tools. We usually use the tools provided to us, and our service clothes.

 And what part of Idaho is Elder Craner from?  

Meridian Idaho. I believe he said it was in the Boise area of the state.

Have you noticed the weather being at all drier a bit further west?

Definitely getting hotter. Definitely dustier. I have a hard time telling the difference in moisture. 

How is it being just you and Elder Craner on your own in service to your people there? 

It's a learning experience. We have different interests, and so at times what we have the most in common is what all missionaries have in common. We are called of a living prophet, and we are representatives of Jesus Christ.  It's great getting to know him, and doing my best to overcome difficulties (our tiredness, and other given circumstances we have).

And how is the Lord blessing you as you and Elder Craner strive to continue to persuade others to good by your good example?

He gives us hope and patience in completing the work we have to do. While neither of us are perfect at communicating with the other, with the Lord's help the most important things happen.

What is the house you are living in like- more open space, bigger living room that you can stretch out and do push -ups in?

We have a bigger living room, and more space to store things here. We also have room to do push ups and a pull up bar (I prefer using the bar). A few mornings a week we leave the house and go running. I love running the most.

What are gas prices like, and do you have to be really careful about mileage?

We have a certain allotted millage every month. We plan how to us our gas so that we don't run out, but we don't have allotted gas. Yes, we must be prudent with how we use miles.

I want to lose myself in the service of the Lord. Nothing is more important than what He wants for us. Serving a mission is the wisest choice you will ever make.

-Elder Hall

Texas San Antonio Mission

Serving in Rural Texas

Greetings from Texas,

For this week, I decided to start with questions first.

Where are you?   

I'm serving in the Carrizo Springs Branch. Carrizo Springs is a small town close to Eagle Pass, which is quite close to the boarder of Mexico. Like Uvalde, we cover a few other small towns, and we do plenty of driving every day. Because I am serving as senior companion, I am the designated driver, and I get to drive a truck. Now I finally understand why driving a truck makes you feel tough.

The exciting part of it all is that Elder Tews, who finished his mission just a week ago, began his mission here in Carrizo Springs. I'm excited!

Who is your new companion? 

Elder Craner, from Idaho. Elder Craner came out at the same time as Elder Downer and Elder Hart, in fact he served as their district leader in the MTC. This week he demonstrated how familiar he is with Carrizo Springs, seeing as he's already been here for three months. Elder Craner is easy to talk with, supportive, and patient with me and those we work with.

How is your new area?  

Carrizo Springs differs a bit from all the other areas I've served in before. The majority of the people who live here don't know their own address. So instead of street numbers, we count down houses, look for the color of the house, and other landmarks to find our way. We got to know the members of the branch this past week all at once at a summer activity, and at church the next day.

We live in a house here in Carrizo instead of an apartment, and our mailbox is about a mile away from it. I was excited to see that we have some open space in the house.

And I'm sure you'll send your new address-

25 Starburst Rd #A

Carrizo Springs, TX. 78834

If you try to send a package using any service but the standard US postal service, they won't be able to find where to deliver it to.

What's the most surprising or interesting thing about your new area?

Everyone in Carrizo Springs knows of the missionaries. Even if they don't know you in particular, people you haven't met before will wave to you. Because many people know us here, we have an image that we need to uphold, and sometimes people judge us based on previous experiences with missionaries, whether those are good or bad. It might take me a little while to get to know the community, I'll do my best to enjoy doing that.

  Do you wish you had sunglasses?

I do have a few clip on sunglass lenses that I can put on my glasses.

  Are you allowed to have sunglasses?

We are allowed to use sunglasses, but typically only as we drive. Just as soon as we park and leave the truck, I take off the lenses and stow them away.

  Is your water bottle still working for you or do you need a new one?

Both of the water bottles I have gotten are in bad condition. I threw one of them away before I came to CS because I didn't know how to clean out the gunk that had built up inside the bottle. I still need to clean the bottle I brought with me for the same reason, and so yes pleas, I would love to have a new water bottle.

    How has the Lord's Spirit blessed and comforted you this past week?

Because of the rapid change that happened last week, I relied on the Spirit to maintain a positive attitude and to be happy even though I was worried about 10th ward and other things. While I was sad I couldn't really say goodbye to many people, God gave me confidence that the changes that were going to happen would bless many people, including myself.

 Will you be using your Espan~ol more in this new area?

Most of the people here speak English. Those who speak Spanish like to speak English with us because we are not native Spanish speakers, but Elder C. and I want to work to talk with those Spanish speakers in their native tongue. The services on Sunday are held in English as well.

I'm glad to hear from everybody back at home. It sounds like plenty of new missionaries are leaving their home wards to enter the mission field. While I won't mention any of you by name, I wish you a safe trip and you will come to know your Savior even more during it all.

This area is the furthest I've ever served from another companionship of missionaries. While we have a whole house to ourselves, I haven't seen the other missionaries from our missionary district since I came into Eagle Pass for the first time.  In a few weeks I will give a talk on the topic of Discipleship, and I might possibly give another after that.

I know that Jesus Christ is the savior of the world. His words are clearly written in the scriptures. As we continue to study those words daily, our days will go forward with more purpose, and we will come to know of His love for all people.

--

-Elder Hall

Texas San Antonio Mission

Cleansed from Sin because of The Savior

Good afternoon,

In the emails I just read, I heard that the weather back home has been hot the past few days. While it's starting to get hot in San Antonio, I haven't minded it too much. Hot during the day, but we aren't always outside.

Zachary, Adrian and France's were baptized this past week. We had plenty of support from the ward, and things went fairly smoothly. The fun part about preparing was setting up for it even as other people came in to sit down. We stole the piano from the Relief Society, set up more chairs, and did our best to clean up until the baptismal service began. Elder Bertelsen baptized Adrian while their uncle baptized the other two. And even as I have the tendency to get anxious during baptismal services and such, I had the chance to learn peace during the service.

Zachary, Adiran, Frances, Elder Bertlesen, Elder Black and Elder Hall

Sad news, Juan doesn't wish to meet with us anymore. I will be excited to hear when he listens to missionaries in the future.

Last week in preparation for the baptism that just happened, we exchanged with Elder Hart and Elder Bertelsen, several times. We had an exchange with them on Tuesday. Then we had another two almost immediately after. No matter how much you love those you work with during exchanges, it doesn't feel the same as when you serve with your own companion. Elder Black is great. Working with him has shown to me many of my faults, which with The Lord's help, enabled me to improve and become better.

Questions and Answers

 How has your tablet helped you in teaching this week? 

Depending on the particular time of day, it helps to lessen the amount of weight we carry when we walk to visit someone. Obvious as it might be, a quadruple combination of the scriptures is heavy! It's handy to be able to have the words of current day prophets available too.

We used our tablets to share pictures of President Monson to Zachary and his family, sister R and her kids, as well as a few others. What a tool we have to share restored truth, as well as pictures too.

Are you drinking plenty of water-at least enough?

I believe so. Water is delicious to me. It can be easy to forget to drink water, so thank you for reminding me of the need to drink water.

What words of council would you have for him(Brother W, before he leaves to serve as a missionary)?

To Bro. W, or to anyone else preparing to serve:

•prepare yourself to learn anything the Lord teaches you,

•love the word of God and anyone you meet, and

•trust in the promises of "Preach My Gospel"

 Have you gotten around to getting any new slacks? 

Yes, I bought a pair of black slacks and a pair of tan. I also bought some new tan socks and a few black ones.

Is there anything from New York you would like while Mom is there on tour with the MoTab?

A tie that is more unique to the area, and a picture of the Manhattan temple.

Oh, and a collapsing laundry basket, (this doesn't need to be unique to NY).

How has the Spirit helped you this week?

The spirit has helped me to be patient and humble in my thoughts. As I've learned, it doesn't take much to act humble on the outside, for example we can stay silent even when we feel jealous or proud about something done.

What I strove to do this week was to be happy when good things happened to other people. I was not asked to baptize any of the kids this past weekend. The Spirit helped me to realize that my worth as a missionary was not depleted nor was anyone else's increased because of who performed the ordinance of baptism. I had plenty of opportunities to exercise and grow as good things came to other people.

How are your people?

Doing quite well. The ward changes in attending size each Sunday, but the core people continue to come. Araceli, Sis. R's daughter, is preparing to be baptized and might even be baptized next weekend. We caught Jonathan and Sandra at home again, and we're hoping to see them more often in the future.

Elder Hall

Texas San Antonio Mission

Peace, Be Still

Good day to you all,

And a special salutation to fathers: Thank you for the positive example you have been to me Dad. Because of you, I know how a priesthood holder should act. In a world where God-loving fathers are rare, the examples of faithful fathers continue to shape the lives of their children and other people's children. Thank you!

Things are looking up in San Antonio, and the weather continues to change. Typically it feels very hot outside from the afternoon to the evening. Every once in a while we get rain showers that vary in intensity. When it rains, it feels intensely cold outside, but about the moment the rain takes a break, the humidity squeezes a hot sponge against you. There are plenty of puddles and lakes that form after a heavy shower, especially in the roads.

This past week we had a zone conference where our leaders walked us through teaching and learning using technology. We studied different doctrines surrounding Israel as a way to practice. With the IPads, we are able to access the scriptures in ways you can't using normal paper scriptures. We can also read talks from the prophets and "link" those to the verses we read in the Book of Mormon. As one of our leaders explained it, we are on the cusp of this digital change. Later into the meeting we taught each other in small groups how to use these devices in teaching. When using videos, the pause button is one of our best tools. 

In short, this week was successful because God helped me to become aware of what I was holding back from him. I must give him my heart. Only then can the trials change me to what I need to become.

How are Frances, Brother and Sister G, Juan and Sister C and her children doing?

We weren't able to meet with Francis, but we did talk to her towards the end of the week. Sister C seems to be doing well, and her kids are preparing for baptism. This may be short notice, but they should be baptized this coming weekend. Preparation and such for the baptism will take effort, but it will be worth the effort to help them to make the covenants of baptism.

Juan wasn't able to make it to church, which was sad, but that didn't seem to hamper his desire to be baptized. We've also met with Gloria, his next door neighbor, and she is interested in learning more. And as for Bro and Sis G, I didn't actually see them this week because of exchanges.

Questions and Answers

Are you able to get your scriptures on your tablet in Espan~ol?

Most definitely. 

This last week I went on two different exchanges. The first was the same day of our zone conference, where Elder Hilario came out with me, and Elder Black went with Elder Meidell. Elder Hilarios speaks Spanish, English and Russian, though I haven't heard his Russian. He helped me to understand accountability to our goals, and through his example how to show love to my companion.

This leads into my exchange with Elder Bertelsen.

That day was a little bit of a struggle, but like all struggles they can lead to growth. We talked through some of the worries I've had, and we came to a conclusion: Pride is like a paper shield, while we use it at times to protect us, it will not. That evening we participated in one of Las Palmas' activities, where we could put our discussion into practice. Elder Bertelsen helped me to understand more of the root of my worries, and I will work to let go of the paper shields that do not help me.

Coming back to the question, I've made the commitment to study the scriptures every day in the Spanish language. English is a crutch. Please help me be accountable to this goal.

Or is most of your work on your tablet from other sources of Church media?   

We focus on Gospel Library, and especially the words of prophets found in various digital books there. We can study the same way we did before IPads, except faster.

Have you even had the time to notice any funny or fun things? 

Sacrament meeting this Sunday started out with minimal participants. We sat somewhat close to the front. I saw a simple math equation occur: the longer the meeting went, the more people came in. By the end of the service, it was as if the initial families had grown and multiplied. 

The moral of that story, come early to church and you won't bump into anyone else who runs late. The Spirit of sacrament meeting often depends on us.

How has the Spirit helped you this week?

The Spirit has guided Elder Black and I to maintain focus on other people. When we worry about what we need to say, it makes it more difficult to sense the whispering so of the Spirit. I feel that an absence of pride and worry clears the way for Spiritual promptings. The Spirit helped me to let go of pride, and embrace the message of the restoration.

Elder Hall

Texas San Antonio Mission

You Never Stop Learning

Good afternoon Family, Friends, and others,

Missionary work is still progressing here in 10th ward.

What I'm now going to talk about is important for anyone who emails or would like to email me in the future:

Recently we received tablets. This means that I'm able to access mail during the week. From a missionaries’ perspective, we love to receive mail because it tells us that we are being thought about. I am glad for the support that I've receive so far in my mission. That being said, if I receive mail from you during the week, I can read it but I won't respond to it unless it is an emergency that I can help with, or responding would magnify my purpose as a missionary. Please do not email me expecting a response during the week. I want to focus on my missionary calling, this is a deep desire of mine. Don't hesitate to email me if you would like, but please do not be offended when I haven't responded. I will wait until P-day to respond.

For the sake of time, I'll start with questions:

How are you and Elder Black doing with the map and double territory to serve? 

We're doing well. Because we have plenty of ground to cover, we focus on meeting with the people who are willing and available to meet. Elder Black commented to me this week that in his experience, San Antonio the city itself has more work to do than his other areas. I believe he means that by more work, he means there are many ways to strengthen and lift members of the ward and the people of the area. Because plenty of people will hear us, we need to focus on finding those who will listen to us.

We're also working with old paper maps in an area that changes rapidly. We often laugh when we look for a street name we are given that isn't marked or simply doesn't exist anymore. Using maps online is handy, because it's more updated, but we can't reference those as often. It's enjoyable to learn how to travel in a city.

What is the biggest change you have experienced this week (mind, heart, and territory- whatever)? 

I'm learning to relax. Relaxing isn't really something you do when you have nothing else to do. Instead, it's a way of cleaning yourself mentally of things that simply don't matter. Elder Black is a great example of focusing on the most important things. His personality is more tranquil and calm. He keeps his eyes Jesus Christ, and does what he can to move in that direction without worrying how fast he's going.

What part of Salt Lake is Elder Black from?  

He says "West Mill Creek." Really, he lives much closer to the city than most people do, I suppose.

How are sister R, Omar and Brother H and his grandchildren? 

We're visiting Sister R and her family as well as Brother H and his family on a regular basis -- at least once a week. We haven't been able to catch Omar for quite a while. Because we can only find him by visiting him at home, it often takes a while to catch up with him. I see your prayers every day, especially with these families.

What are your thoughts on your coming 11th of June anniversary?

I feel quite blessed to serve where I am sent. It doesn't really matter if I move a little or a lot (to different areas), I can and do feel happy as I lose myself in the scriptures, and in the service of the families and people who live here. Time goes quite quickly in my perspective.

Briefly, this week we received little portable devices that will help us to work. I'm still getting used to using mine, and it might take a while to get adjusted to using it to study, but I'm not concerned about becoming a master all at once.

Last night on our way home we passed by a lady that was sitting on her front porch. Elder Black and I were ready to keep going, but we felt that we should go by. When we talked to her, we'll call her Mary for the sake of privacy, she began to tell us about her previous experience with missionaries who had visited her. I didn't know her, but I could tell her faith was strong. When we meet people like Mary, I feel renewed in my desire to find those waiting for the Restoration's light to touch them.

May your faith in Christ lead you to learn more about Him,

--

-Elder Hall

Texas San Antonio Mission