High on a Mountain Top

Dear all of my family and friends at home,

How have the events in your week transpired?

Well,.....

As you should be aware, we were scheduled to have a baptism last week. And guess what? We DID!! Venita was ecstatic for the opportunity, and she had great support from family and friends. I've mentioned this to those in the area often: Venita's baptism was the easiest to schedule, and the smoothest baptism I've participated in. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed all of the baptisms that I've been a part of. I suppose it helps to have a supportive ward, plenty of fellowship, and prior experience to make sure things go smooth as, well, possible. I loved it! I'll give a more detailed experience of it later.

No need to ask about the rain, it's been falling. This weekend it picked up the pace and we found ourselves dealing with it on and off. This week’s forecast is said to have plenty of rain to spare again, so pray that the rain doesn't make the roads too slick, our faces too cold, and that the rain fulfilled its purpose. I do believe it does. Something that made me smile is when a member approached us yesterday and said they saw us earlier that week. One day we decided to park near a golf driving range to avoid taking a spot in the shoulder of the road. We walked a good distance to get back to the house we wanted to visit, luckily someone answered the door, feeling a little sick herself. So that member likely saw us when we were on the shoulder of that busy two lane road here in town.

We are walking more because our leaders have reemphasized it. I love biking when we don't have a car, and when the area is conducive to biking directly from our house to somewhere. Unfortunately, Lake Travis is neither a prescribed bike area nor the bike friendliest place. Maybe if we lived more in the suburbs that would be possible. Instead, we have to hang our bikes on our car's bike rack anytime we want to bring the two wheelers. I'm not too patient for that -- oddly enough I love to just walk. And as we parked further from places we wanted to visit, and talked to people on the way, more miracles became apparent in the area.

One such example was the afternoon right after Zone Meeting. At the meeting we had interviews with President, I probably had one of my second to last ones, and some amazing trainings. It felt like a spiritual feast, and our leaders did a great job to direct the conversation. Only different to church services, there was no sacrament, there were roleplays, and the conversation was directed to us. I felt somewhat rebuked. Rebuked meaning that there were some things I could do better, and that made a sort of repentance much easier to do. It can be hard to change if we aren't invited to. Anyway, President Slaughter seemed to convey he was proud of my effort so far. He never said it, but his face did, and the "air" about him did. I walked out of the interview happy. And that is what I felt, "happy." This week has done so much to put me on a mountaintop, where I felt blessed by the Lord directly, and lead to help people a little more selflessly than before.

In a critical training, Sister Ali, a missionary I served around during my brief stint in Carrizo, talked about having no regrets. She relayed a parable of sorts that I am dead sure she learned from Elder Bertelsen. In it, she is walking in the spirit world, when someone that she only slightly recognizes walks up to her:

"Why didn't you talk to me? You had what I needed. When you walked by, I felt lost. I was carrying my groceries in, but I needed help. You could have shared it with me, but you passed me by. Why didn't you talk to me?"

She gave several examples of situations we find people in, that are only masks for the need and the openness they would have if we talked to them. I'm not perfect at talking to all I can, that is something I can still work on. Elder Anderson and I silently committed together to make sure circumstances didn't keep us from talking to anyone. That made it possible for the fated event that afternoon.

When we finished eating, waiting, calling, planning, and waiting some more, we eventually got out to visit a couple of people. On the way to a house, we turned the opposite direction. We found a crew of Hispanic men doing yard touch up and work there, and the closest one, probably the only one who we would be able to talk to, was on a loud lawn mower. I almost hesitated. I did not want to be the one to shy away. But just as it would have gotten too late to talk, he turned it off and we approached him. We spoke in Spanish to him and introduce the Book of Mormon to him. He loves God like we do. At the end, he expressed his need to keep working, but thanked us profusely for stopping to talk. That was a confirmation to me of what Sister Ali taught, and the direction given to walk more. After passing by, we realized we were going the wrong way to the person's house. Except we weren't going the wrong way at all.

This isn't even the end of all I feel like saying. For exchanges, Elder Mackay came down on Wednesday so he could interview Venita. A variety of canceled appointments really stressed me out, and I felt like an engineer building a plane as I fall off a cliff. A really big cliff, but a cliff that definitely makes the task time sensitive. We started out with a member with the both of us, and then we met up with ward mission leader, and Venita at the house of one of her member friends. The interview couldn't have hardly taken any time at all, because before I knew it, Elder Mackay and she were done. Later he said that she was quite sound in her understanding. She couldn't remember what the Word of Wisdom was, but Elder Mackay prompted her and it came directly to her mind. It make sense -- Word of Wisdom might not be a very easy name to memorize. Then we split off and I went with that original member. We got some work done, sadly a few lessons we set up fell through.

The baptism itself was fantastic. Because I write in my journal now, I'll include a portion of the description of it here. It's like I'm quoting myself:

"The baptism was quite clear. That's how I could describe it. . . .This was a true baptism. I knew that it was true. Maybe because I was kind of distracted by worries of any kind, I didn't feel it as clearly, but I noticed that idea more of the truth of baptism, not necessarily the Spirit. Not to worry though, I did feel the Spirit. If you are focusing, then you will. But the continual feeling that permeated the room and allowed the room to stay whole, and clean, was fantastic.
Afterwards, we talked to her family. They were respectful, but not too op I suppose. But they were nice. They likely didn't recognize what they saw as well."
Afterwards the member who baptized Venita reminded me not to be overbearingly humble:
"He said in effect, 'never underestimate your role in a baptism. You make a difference.' I wish I had his exact words, but not to worry. Though God is to glory, I can feel a little of that light, having been the opportunity to experience it all. I have been there for the whole thing. This is a wonderful feeling to have. I love my Father in Heaven. I love the Savior. Him only will I worship, and them only will I give all that I have. It is Theirs to begin with."

I kind of enjoy writing in my iPad. It allows me to focus less on handwriting and more on clarity of thought. I can't imagine how hard it was to engrave in the original plates of the Book of Mormon. We sometimes take for granted the advancements in technology of our day, as if we never knew they existed.

The confirmation was a similar experience. Venita's mother-in-law Diane came to the baptism, but also came to her confirmation. She is a member of the church, and actually was home taught by the ward mission leader some time ago, before ward splits and such. That was really cool. As a result of carpooling with Diane, she was a little late, but not super late. A priest (for those of you who aren't members, priests are usually junior or seniors in high school) asked us to help him bless the sacrament. That is a rare treat: we like to let the priests do it. But we had the chance, and we did it. I liked the opportunity. Apart from that, Venita walked to the place to sit, preparing to receive the Holy Ghost, with a brilliant smile. She has changes so much since I first met her. It's the influence the things she is learning, and the changes she makes of necessity to qualify for baptism, and so much more.

The same priesthood holder who baptized her also confirmed her. She was blessed with strength to endure, and reminded of the role she will play for future generations, serving for much time in the church. Elder Smith told me that evening that we are allowed to record our blessings in the church. If that is true, I'm sure they don't play the same role as a patriarchal blessing. Still, that sounds like a rare opportunity. Maybe I'll do that in the future, where appropriate. Do not quote me on this, however. I am not a steady source for that idea.

I am grateful, ever so grateful, for y'all prayers and thought on behalf of myself and those I work around. Your prayers indeed make it to Heaven, and they indeed are felt. They at times only lack a return address. Well, except for family. I know they pray, and I am confident that others care too.

Questions and Answers

S seems to be doing good member missionary work. Have you been able to meet with L, P and B again?

Unfortunately not. L was unable to make it to church with S, though S said they would be there. I don't think the rain was in their favor this weekend. It cause a lot of trial last year! P loves to work. I think he may have retired, but he probably is no longer retired. As a result, it has made it difficult to meet with them. We've set a couple of appointments, but he cancels just before. In their time, I suppose. And in God's too.

Just how wonderful IS the Relief Society in your ward?   

Well, just as fantastic as all RF's are. Just a different size and with different quirks. I can't remember when I mentioned them last email, but I suppose I had to. At any rate, they have sucked Venita in and won't let her leave alone. It's great. They are organize, and focused. Best of all, this last Sunday a new ward missionary was called, the only Sister we have right now. She'll be of great help.

What tender mercies has the Lord shown you this week?

I want to maintain this kind of relationship with God that I felt I had last week. Of course there are ups and downs. What I mean to say is that I felt the still small voice guide me, and I felt it just a little better this week. I testify that when the prophets speak of a still small voice, that the Holy Spirit is that, they are true. It isn't a metaphorical way to say it's hard to notice when the Spirit communicates to you. If you aren't trying to listen, it probably won't try to communicate the message any louder the next time. Small guidance led me to have courage and talk to the yard worker with my companion. Small guidance has led me to reconsider my humor, and think if perhaps I can build just a little more than I fell with it. Great week. I probably wrote way too much, so don't expect the same amount in the future. This is a treat guess. Or maybe it's like a peep, with too much sweet stuff. Jaja, I'm kidding of course. I hope I could touch someone today.


Pictures!

Found a frog. Hi frog. It fell into the fog.

Another frog we found days before service. Not. My. Hand.

Elder Smith taking a picture before the baptism starts.

Hello!  A snake visits us during our service activity

Still waiting on more baptismal photos. We're going to get them, but this time I didn't take them. So I need to ask for them . . .

Elder Hall
Texas San Antonio Mission

A Letter to My Twin Niece and Nephew on their 13th Birthday

Dear Eliza and Davis,

Happy early birthday you too. I can't believe you entered beehives and the deacon's quorum a year ago, and I wasn't even there for it to happen. Stop growing so quick you silly people. Anyway, I think of you both often when I see the deacons and beehives of Lake Travis. Y'all are awesome. And a special shout out to Eliza, congratulations to you for your achievement. When you move on, don't forget Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. When He suffered for us on the cross and in Gethsemane, he payed for the price of all of our sins. But he also enabled us to become better people than we are. That means through His atonement we can even perform better than we would by ourselves. He will help you to remember your practice and training, and above all, he will help you to be an example to others. No matter what the result is in the eastern nationals, know that God will allow you to be satisfied, wether you go on, or not.

Great job y'all. The things you do should be celebrated. But, that's not the main reason I'm writing this email. So a long time ago, in a state far away, Elder Hall was Christian Hall. He was thirteen too, and he got a Facebook account. You might disagree, but Facebook is not at all too different from Instagram. Maybe it's a little simple, easier to enjoy, but it still involves connecting to other people.

When I began to use Facebook, he really enjoyed it. He learned how his friends were doing, he could visit the pages of things he really liked, and there were games you could play with your friends. I stated out using it only once and a while. But then I started to use it more than I really talked to my friends at school. I felt more comfortable chatting to them through Facebook than talking to them face to face.
There are countless hours of time that I spent on that website, and if I had spent all of that time reading the scriptures instead of being on Facebook, woah, my life would have forever changed.

So Instagram is probably a bit different. It's probably simpler, and may not have games or quite the amount of things to spend your time on. If so, that's great. Even so, the Adversary, the one who wants us to be sad, to waste our time, and to feel like he does, will try to use anything he can to accomplish that goal. The Savior can help us to use those very same tools, like the Internet in general, and Facebook or Instagram or whatever, to do good. But the forces of darkness will work just as hard to do the opposite. When you use Instagram, please be careful that you don't use it more than you talk to your friends face to face. It can be a dangerous place too. Some of your friends may not be members of the church, and there is nothing wrong with that. They might have different standards. Sometimes they might share things with you that are not appropriate. Other times, they may tempt you to waste time. Always follow the Spirit, and you will be protected from making any horrible mistake.

Remember who you are. Remember that like our prophet and apostles, taught us, you are a son and daughter of God! You have such potential to do good and be an example. And while a smart person will learn from their mistake, you can be wise, and learn from the mistakes, or teachings, of others. You don't need to spend as much time on Instagram as I did on Facebook. You both will be better prepare to serve a mission, have a family, be a teenager, or any of those things by reading the scriptures even half as much as I used Facebook as a 13, 14, 15, 16, year old.

I may not be able to watch what you do online, but know that I pray for you both. If you wouldn't do something online with your mom or dad near, you probably shouldn't do it at all. Don't be afraid though. You can do good, avoid evil, and be happy. God has made that possible for all of us.

I love you both, little guys/girl. You're growing too fast. I can't believe it. Tell Roger and Reed that I love them too. I'm really grateful that you are my niece and nephews, and for the temple. We are sealed together, and we will be together forever, if we can all be strong and follow Christ, the one who loves us the most.

Your uncle forever,

Elder Hall
Texas San Antonio Mission

The Substance of Happiness Unanticipated

Dear family and everyone,

Probably the highlight of the future events coming up is the baptism of Venita. She is ready, and doesn't mind us inviting everyone we know to the service this Saturday. She told us a week ago or so that her husband would be attending, and that she invited a couple of other people as well. President Slaughter has taught us that a baptismal service is one of the greatest ways to find. I believe him wholeheartedly! If we are going to help other people enjoy the blessings of the gospel, we definitely need to find them.

This week went great. We've made our own invitations for Venita's baptism, and that is the main way that we aim to invite everyone we can. She'll have plenty of support already confirmed, and there is a great chance that more people will show up. The bare minimum is high, leaving the potential attendance very high.  Not that the number of people counts, so much as the spirit that they leave with does -- member or not.

Last night we were invited to participate and help with a mission prep activity that I thought was quite genius. Many of the seniors attending that class and others invited their nonmember friends to help them practice teaching the Restoration. Those who came agreed to listen to the message as if they'd never heard it before, and many did. As the missionaries, we acted as the "emergency escape valve" according to the brother in charge of the class. We piped in if the lesson went off topic, or if the youth teaching needed help, or those being taught wanted clarification. Some missionaries were together as companions, but I split from Elder Anderson so that we could each help a "lesson" Out. The two future missionaries I helped were actually a split companionship -- a future elder and a future sister. That of course, wouldn't ever happen in the mission field, but it had little bearing on the teaching. They taught Lewis, a teen about their age. The two seniors did a great job. Though they were from the Spanish ward, they taught in English, using the Restoration pamphlet as their guide. Their teaching was less than refined, but the Spirit was definitely there, and Lewis seemed to be touched. In the end, they gave him the pamphlet, and a copy of the Book of Mormon. Hopefully, he will read the Book of Mormon for real.

Someone else that we hope to work with in the future (L probably won't be taught by us in the future if he chooses to go forward) is Li. Li met one of the members of the ward named Stan. Stan has a son who just got home from a mission, but is with his mom for the time being. We are told he will visit some time. Anyway, Li has really picked up on a lot of invitations Stan has given her, like watching "Meet the Mormons," coming to church (yesterday), coming to a family home evening activity held by an older couple in the ward, and such. She is extremely prepared, and she doesn't even know it. Stan tells us that he wants us to teach her the Restoration soon. I'm hoping things continue smoothly.

We missed the appointment with P and B, or rather they canceled last week, but a miracle occurred. On our way to the mission prep activity last night, we called him, and P answered his phone. You need to know something, P NEVER answers his phone. Well, neither does Venita, but Venita does respond to texts. Anyway, he uses an older cell phone, and apparently our phones have a bone to pick with each other. He can send messages to us, and we don't get them, and vice versa. We figured that was the cause of miscommunication in the past. We set another visit for this week. We pray very hard that we will be able to meet with them consistently in the future, or at the very least, catch him this week.

We talked to one of R's main fellowships, and we decided not to push the issue with him. He's working like crazy, and apparently needs some space, at least on the missionary side of things. So we continue to pray for him, but we've had to drop communication with him. It can't be easy to want to be baptized, but have some logistics in between you and that goal. We fasted on behalf of him and others, and hopefully things will work out better one day. Who knows how soon?

While as missionaries, we use baptism so often, it's like a salesman's use of the word 'sale', when he talks to buddies about his success for the day. Baptism is a significant step, of course, but attending the temple, having your family sealed together by priesthood power, is more of the end that we are looking to invite them to. Baptism definitely isn't an end, it's a step. I will definitely not be an active (meaning serving with the mantel of a missionary) when Venita is sealed to her husband, but I will do my best to be there. Or at the very least we can help set her up for success. It's not as if being present is the most important thing of those ordinances, well, except for the converts themselves.

Also, our dinner calendar is filling up steadily. We think we discovered the secret -- make an announcement in relief society, and those who can, will sign up. But really, it's more about meeting with members than the food. The food is really good however. REALLY good. Y'all have no idea how limited our cooking ability is on average as missionaries is. That's a plus. I'll learn how to cook when I have more time. Lunch and Dinner hours are never long enough.

Also another goal of mine is to make journal writing a better habit. I really don't know why I am so inconsistent with it. In some parts of my mission, I wrote without fail. With others, not so much. The second hurdle is when I lost my journal. When that happened, I had to type all of my journal entries out. And since I've gotten it, I haven't spent hardly any time hand writing it and copying it to the actual journal. I type so much faster than I write. And the typing is automatically legible too. That's something that paper cannot compete with. I'm hoping I can sprinkle just enough prayer to get my keister into gear and do what I need to do. Keep current with my digital journal, and steadily put it into my physical one.

I'm loving the work here. I've found more success as I depend on the Lord, and try to see what he wants us to do, rather than work in my own direction. He is the Master Engineer of All of This. He has his own blueprint, and He knows how to build His kingdom. He merely uses us as the tools and hands to move the parts where they need to go. Hm, I think I also need to share more scriptures with y'all. It's really not all that hard to plug my studies into here when I find something that has touched me. And neither will it be hard for y'all, as you study on your very own gospel library. It's the future of scripture study, really.

Questions and Answers

Have you had any more bouts of hail, or has it only been scorching hot?

No. Jaja, actually, while the weather has gotten hotter, we have gotten intense rain in the last week that I had thought moved out of the area for the year. But the clouds came crashing in with their suit cases that they immediately opened on us. So it is getting a bit hotter with the increasing moisture and sun exposure, but it hasn't been bad. Bad, really, is in July and August. More like AAAAAHHHHGust.

Are you and Elder Anderson able squeeze in any time to speak Espan~ol in the midst of being greatly occupied with English speaking people?   

Of course we can! We have a goal to speak 100% Spanish outside of the apartment when there isn't anyone who can't understand it nearby. But we also strive to speak it as much as possible inside the apartment too. It's easier just to speak it 100%, instead of picking and choosing where, or when we do it. So we can.

How has the Lord blessed your efforts of real intent this week?    

His Spirit has been poured out on the members and the people we are working with. We remembered how difficult and in effect it is to simply "knock," though it has its place. I don't remember participating in a single baptism of someone found by knocking. So we are limiting it, and trying to work with members once more. Well, not that we ever stopped working with them.

Of course, how are all your people doing and how is your ward family?  

It's growing and doing well. I think I already mentioned S. He is still hard to catch, but we keep trying. For the sake of his family, we will keep him in our prayers, and continue to invite him until we discover it would be unwise to do so.

We'll continue to work with N. She is quite interested, but her family may be harder to work with. Her husband in particular served in the armed forces, and has a little bit different outlook on life. He will come eventually.

Are your shoes wearing out?  

Yes and no. I bought a pair of shoes at a yard sale in Carrizo Springs. Those are breaking down, but I have no intention of bringing them home. They look really nice, but the tread at the bottom will wear down. No worries, my loving parents. I won't let them get dangerously warn without throwing them out or doing something about it. The nice shoes that Dad knows for sure are my favorite have worn quite a bit. I need to take them to the shoe cobbler in the area, at least, I believe that is what they do. Maybe then I can start wearing them again. In reality, I haven't worn them since, well, um, I think, Carrizo Springs, give or take an area. I didn't want to make them worse, but keep forgetting to take them in. The other shoes I have combined serve me quite well. Especially the brown shoes I bought in UC (Universal City). If anything, I need more pants. I only have one usable pair of pants left that I had at the beginning of my mission, not including my suit pants. Even that pair I've had to sew up. The others have rips so deep, I wouldn't dare trying to repair them. Maybe I'll send those home next week. I also got a promise from one or two sources that they would give me new pants. I didn't beg or anything, but they offered, so I'll probably take them up on the offer. Let's just say that the ward mission leader in Marble Falls and Sister Smith (Elder Smith's mom). Are really nice.

Oops, this explanation became way bigger than I thought it would.

 How is your car doing?

The car is doing great. It takes us where we need to go.

Pictures!

Utah needs better mailboxes like this.

The odometer before we met N.

District picture. Lopsided, but sufficient.

Loves,

Elder Hall

Texas San Antonio Mission

Building Zion

Greetings everyone,

Conference was enjoyable to watch. I trust that most of you have watched all of the sessions that apply to you, and that is by no means a small foot (pun intended); If not, no worries. Make time to watch conference, and you will not regret it. Their words are inspired, and will allow the Spirit to inspire important answers to questions that you have. I felt that the overall theme of it all was "Building Zion." From temples, to families, to individuals, testimony or conversion, the brethren and Sister-en all spoke on topics that will allow God's kingdom to grow.

V was able to make it to watch conference at a member's home yesterday. Then during the afternoon session that same day we got a text from her, that wasn't meant to be for us, but it let us know that she was watching the afternoon session as well. She's following the light, and she knows exactly where to find it. We had a lesson with her earlier in the week, and she has been eating up her gospel principles book. That was good to hear, though we explained the need to study directly from the scriptures. I feel I understand where she is coming from. It can take some time to adjust oneself to the language of the Book of Mormon, never mind the clarity of the teaching. Her prayers are working. Even better, we learned from her that her husband wishes to attend her baptism. That will be a marvelous way to help him to feel the Spirit. The Holy Ghost always gives the best invitations.

I felt like this entire week has been hilarious and great, but I can't remember any of the punch lines. After conference yesterday we ventured to V's home to check up on her, deliver a couple of things she needed and invite her to the family home evening tonight. Then we went to the far northwest corner of our area. To that point, I hardly believed anyone could live over there. But sure enough, not only were we able to find the house of someone we met in Briarcliff, we also met N. She had requested a bible from Elders ages ago, and they never delivered it. Understandable. The drive was endlessly far away from V, and she is endlessly far away from us.

We taught N and shared the Easter video with her. She told us about some of the struggles of the day that she encountered. Then we began to talk about the restoration of the gospel. Her mother with her kids showed up, and D, her mother, talked about her experience with members of the church. We invited them to read and pray and such. N seemed quite interested in the message, and later this week we hope to catch her husband as well, who will really be key to their family coming together. Oh, and I would do good not to forget the fury of mosquitos out to get a meal. I played the mosquito dance throughout that visit. N was sympathetic but she seemed to think it was really funny.

Oh, I remember something. I woke up in the morning to a hail storm. I thought quickly, "Wow, that's hail." Sleep came over me in seconds. Elder Anderson, who sleeps with the top of his head facing the window, and he wasn't as fortunate. He is able to sleep through my hall storm, but not the sky's hay-L storm.

P and S are another family that we are visiting with. P is so extremely smart. Elder Anderson just reminded me of the crazy situation with P. To understand why it was crazy, is because P is a 10 year old, and S is her father. There are others in the family that listen, but those are the main listeners, and so we need to meet with the others. We knocked on the door, and she came and explained her Dad was really busy. We asked how her reading was going, and she said it was going well. We then asked if she had any questions about what she had been reading so far, and she said, "No not really. It's really pretty self-explanatory." What? Some adults we've met might not say that as confidently, nor nonchalant as she did. Pray for them too. P is ready, and S listens, but he enjoys the fruits of the church better than acting. He thinks the church is great.

 Questions and Answers

We certainly have been praying for V and her husband D, that they will both be blessed of the Spirit. How are they and their family?  

They both seem to be doing well for the time being. V will likely encounter more opposition as her date for baptism approaches (April 16th). We also need to get to know their family members as best as we can. It will be a rich opportunity if their family takes interest and investigate too.

How was your General Conference experience?   

Pretty good. We "broke" into our nearby chapel and streamed the first two sessions on Saturday to our iPad. We borrowed a tv from the library and used the apple tv function to project the video from our iPad to the screen. We had major technical difficulties the first session, but we gradually learned and fixed things so we didn't even find a problem the second time. Then on Saturday we went to two different member homes, one per session. I took plenty of notes, except the session that I streamed the conference on my iPad. Then I took notes on paper.

What tender mercies has the Lord given you and Elder Anderson this past week?

We found N, and V was able to attend conference. He's given us a good relationship with one another, and we tease each other mercilessly. All we can really do is what the Lord asks of us, and then almost take for granted the flood of mercies that come in like crazy.

Have you figured out what Indian Blankets/ Paintbrushes are?

I figured them out. The almost look like red Bluebonnets.

Are the Bluebonnet blooms winding down or are they still in their prime?   

They are in their prime and winding down. This next week is going to be a hot scorching one, and they might not make it much longer.

Have your bikes had the pleasure of your company this week?  

Nope. Intuition tells me that a wise and caring mother of mine is concerned about whether or not I am exercising. I'm not fat, I promise! Just cushioned. Kidding, I'm kidding. Using the bikes can help us save miles only when we have time to use them. Otherwise we should just drive to a spot and walk. We'll be able to talk to more people that way.

How does it feel to be among a might army of nearly 75,000?

Umm, normal? I mean, I don't really see any more than my mission at any given time. I'm proud to serve, but the number of missionaries doesn't affect me particular. Rather, the change that these missionaries experience in their own lives concerns me.

Pictures! and P.S.

Elder Smith found my ipad and took a nasty selfie.

A beautiful view of the sun. Scorching!

A member who works at a pizza trailer that he built himself. He likes to invite us in while he's working, and engaged in deep gospel conversation.

I ate a blue rice crispy treat thingy and transformed.

I crouched behind one of the cabinets and waited for Elder Anderson to come by while I was eating it, and as soon as he got back, I roared and he nearly kicked me in the face. It was well worth the risk. Elder Anderson is intelligent, and really jumpy. It's not hard to startle him. I don't blame him though. Not being jumpy for him is akin to me not making a noise when I'm startled.

God blesses our efforts of real intent. He doesn't wait 'til the finish line to give us a trophy, rather he rains upon us cool relief every step of the way. And then when we fall, perhaps His hand is the first to extend, and offer us another chance.

Elder Hall

Texas San Antonio Mission

I Forgot My Clever Subject-line in the Last Home We Visited

Dear Saints, Friends, and Others,

Not literal saints, of course. You know, like the title of our church.

Great week this week. Elder Anderson is a redhead from Washington, the tri-cities area. Well, at least that is where he claims. He has moved a total of 19 times during his life, not including the mission, and is family lives in Boise now. They moved about a transfer before he went to the MTC, and his MTC companion was Elder Greene. He told me that we are a lot alike.

So Friday we walk in after an evening of difficult work, and we find a package, wounded and spilling its contents on the dining room table. I didn't think too much of it -- Elder Anderson and I did some digital paper work on it and I look at what was in it -- Easter candy and an empty box that had a tie in it. I even checked the backside to see who it was addressed to. "Jacob D- ok that's good. It's Elder Smith's package." I put it back. Later, Elder Anderson commented that he expected a package to arrive, following what his mother told him in an email. I said to him, "the others usually check mail, and if the package isn't here already, it hasn't arrived to our mailbox." But he wasn't satisfied -- he looked at the package label, and sure enough -- Jacob D Anderson was on it. I was dumbfounded. How in the world did I miss the last name? It seemed also that Elder Smith was also misled. We looked at the card in the package, and it was extremely generic. It would seem that everything in the package would give the impression that it should be Elder Smith's, except the small print recipient. Even the return address was missing. It was really funny telling this to Elder Smith. He apologized, explained that he didn't eat any of the candy, and we recovered the tie.

So to have some healthy fun, I played something back the next day.

Elder Smith then told us on Saturday that he expected a package from his parents. He even asked us to pick it up for him since we would be in the complex for dinner. We checked the mail in the evening as we came in to make dinner, and sure enough -- he had TWO packages waiting for him. I decided to hide them in plain sight in their huge closet. Believe me, we got the short end of the stick when it comes to a closet, but I couldn't really complain. Anyway, I hid them in plain sight and then that evening when the two other elders came in, as expected, Elder Smith asked if we had picked up the boxes. I apologized, "Oh, I am so sorry. It slipped our mind. Y'all usually pick up mail, so I didn't think of it while we were there. Sorry." Elder Smith had checked the mailbox and didn't find a package slip, so he remarked, "It probably didn't show up then. We didn't find a slip when we checked tonight." Then after planning, I wandered to their room and talked to them; Elder Smith and I have a bunch of common interests from before the mission. I waited to see if either of them noticed the packages; they were completely oblivious. So I innocently helped them see: "Whoah Elder, where in the world did that box come from," pointing to an oversized package on the floor. That box was huge. Elder Smith made a snarky comment, but they didn't seem to notice the second, smaller box of the two. Then as Elder Smith and I talked, I made another remark, saying I would tell him where I put the other box if he gave me some of the food in the first large one. 

"Don't lie to me, there wasn't another box." 

"There was a box, I promise."

"You're kidding me. This box was big, you did not bring in two."

"I did."

"Tell me then, promise, was there really another one?"

"Without a doubt."

I proceeded to tease him a little bit, but then I clued him in that it was in the closet too. He found it within a minute, and we had a good laugh.

But missionary work isn't to make pranks, is it?

I told Elder Anderson from the beginning that Lake Travis has a high turn-over rate. We find investigators quite quick, but then we drop communication/ teaching them quickly, or they drop us very quickly. As a result, we still need to find like crazy, because we can't seem to hold onto a single person for long. We hardly drop anyone. We found M and A yesterday, and A said she had already found a church. Mike is recovering from health concerns, and might have interest. They said they are moving in the summer, or at least they might, so they might grab interest after they move.

Sister S is doing all right. On Saturday evening she had a family emergency, so she missed church. It was a little stressful. We had already scheduled time in the stake center for use of the font, and we made a few invitations, rather we made a page of them that we would copy. We're glad we didn't make a bunch. We're going to try and meet with her later this week, and help her get to conference. We're debating talking to the mission president to get permission to baptize her that day anyway, even though she doesn't have enough times at church to be baptized on April 9th. If not, well, we'll have to postpone it. She's getting baptized before I go home, I doubt it not, it's only a matter of how soon it happens. She's been keeping the word of wisdom. When we passed by on Sunday to see what went on, her husband, D, pulled in just as we came, and he said, "well, it's been a little hard to live with her," essentially because he doesn't break the word of wisdom in front of her, "but otherwise she has been doing fine." We found out from him about the family emergency. Pray for her, and for her family. We're hoping that things go ok with her and such.

R hasn't been to church in weeks. We cannot find him. Our only worry is that he has lost interest. Can't say for sure, really.

We're looking to find other people to teach, and we're using all stops, or whatever the phrase is, and we hope to enlist the members as well.

I'm sorry, I'm out of words to say. Things are getting better. I love the work, and the work loves me. If that's possible. And stuff.

Questions and Answers

So, how is your ward this week?     

Doing better. We had a bunch of people at church (not people we are teaching, unfortunately) for Easter.

Speaking of, while waiting for Sacrament meeting to start, the choir director, the ward mission leader's wife called over: "Hey, are y'all singers?" Before I had the chance to say otherwise, Elder Anderson said, "Yes we are." So without any thought that we would be singing in the ward choir yesterday, we did. It was good practice. We sang Christ the Lord is Risen Today, and Beautiful Savior. Come to think of it, the ward choir at home has sang those songs recently, or at least for me.

We continue to pray for V, P and B, S and T. How are they doing?  

   

We tried to visit S's home a few times, and it turned out he didn't like that. T handed us her phone, and he explained to us that he felt pressured that we were coming by to his house. That was not what we meant, but that's how he felt. Still trying to figure out who sent the text in the first place.

Waiting on P and B. We won't visit them until next week.

What do do find most interesting about your new companion, Elder Anderson?      

He enjoys puns as much as I do. He's musical. He plays the piano a little, the cello a lot, and he was in a show choir. He can harmonize more than any other of my companions have been able too. He's shorter than me, so it makes me feel better. Just kidding. I'm not THAT shallow.

How are his personality and abilities working with yours as to serve your people?   

He's also very intelligent. He and I gel together well, and I feel that we teach very well together. His obedience is to the Lord, not simply to rules. He was trained by Elder Hart, just like Elder Hansen was. He came from Canyon Lake ward, which he said was like upgrading to a bigger lake.

How are your bikes doing?  Are they getting really lonely?    

We took them out this week, but we didn't get the chance to ride them. They have each other, so they are not alone.

How are you preparing for General conference?

No one has signed up to feed us for general conference or anything, so we'll need to fix that. We'll continue to study the doctrine, and help people understand the importance of listening to the Lord's servants.

Pictures!

Elder Smith broke into my ipad. He changed this to my lock screen.

Found this interesting Windmill in the city of Briarcliff.

Hanging a TV! In a member's home! Yah?!

.

LOVES,

Elder Hall

Texas San Antonio Mission

Fresh Winds from the Lake of Change

Hello everyone from home,

I'm glad to be here in Lake Travis for yet another transfer. Unfortunately Elder Hansen is leaving the area. I will receive a new companion, Elder Anderson. From what I hear he is a great missionary and quite easy to work with. He was just in the area called Canyon Lake with Elder Drennan which I find very hilarious. And also today I am trying out a new experiment. I'm using this app that we recently received in our iPads as missionaries that allows us to dictate our, well, anything that we wish to and I'm going to try to use it for an email. I think the best part about this app is it makes me practice my English so I can actually be understood, to minimize the amount of mistakes that I have to go in and fix later. Here goes nothing, everyone!

 As all of you are aware of the accident last week, a funeral occurred on Saturday that was for the young woman who passed away. Elder Hansen and I were able to guide traffic in these nice florescent vests. They look snazzy and I'm sure no other missionaries have ever worn them before. But that was beside the point. We guided traffic into the parking lot and after about an hour and a half or so we went in and watched the rest of the funeral. The woman's grandfather came to speak, and he gave many insights on her life that I didn't know before. My heart is so full for that family. I hope they are doing the best that they can.

  

We went into the cultural hall and ate some of the food that volunteers provided for people attending the funeral. We did our very best to talk to as many people as we possibly could, and we did have some good conversations. While we did not find anyone that wanted to be taught, we were able to talk to the father of the young woman later on in the day. He told us that there were some families that they had in mind. We hope to share the gospel with them when we are given the opportunity. So cool to hear of all the families like his support to this family especially those that are not members.

 V finally came to church yesterday. I cannot believe how excited I was to see her walking, a little bit late but otherwise in good condition, and enjoy the sacrament. A returned missionary from the ward spoke on Sunday and a lot of the people that she taught had concerns similar to V’s. It may be that the talks really applied to V. For all of you that prayed for her, I think you sincerely. She is doing her best to keep the word of wisdom and we came over on Saturday to help set up a plan how she could do it. If she can make it till Sunday pretty much be clear.

 It's kind of funny because up to this point, the speaking app or whatever has messed up a lot of things that I said. It can't seem to spell the neatest thing mind even in this paragraph. The problem that I'm going to see with using this app is that the paragraphs are going to be smaller than they usually are. Usually when I'm writing with my fingers I can keep going even without running out of breath because my fingers don't need breath to keep going. :-) One black beetle bled only black blood but the other black beetle bled blue!

 Another great piece of news is that we were able to find P and his wife B on Sunday again. Been a long time since we last saw them, and this time a member was with us. We taught in the plan of salvation they finally seem to understand what authority is. B is not too inclined to read the book of Mormon though.

But on the other hand, P has read a couple chapters of the book Mormon and seems even more committed than he was before. I'm so excited for all the people in this area, I can't wait to see them progress even more.

  

The odd thing is that for transfers only Elder Hansen is leaving among the people in the apartment here. Elder Greene is going to you Uvalde (the app said Valby), my past Ward. I asked him to visit a couple people like J and C. So the district pretty much stays the same.

 Something also interesting about the ward is that it is really gotten close together since the recent tragedy. I don't know if I've seen a ward rally that quickly after the tragedy of that kind. It also makes me happy to know that the members are going to work with us and to receive help from us too. There's plenty of work to do here in Lake Travis. Also, including the recent sister missionary that came home from her mission, there is another one that is willing to visit some people with us, all we need to do is provide another priesthood holder so that we can actually walk inside the house.

  

Something else that I've had to come to grips with, is that this is my second to last transfer. I probably will not see another ward and I probably will not see a new area. While I don't want to go ahead and jinx myself, I'm not sure that much change will happen. Lake Travis would be more better. Yes yes yes, more better. Much more better-er.

  

Now the app has quit working. I'll give it a break and begin to type all that I want to share with you lovely people.

  

So you probably heard the news about, wait a second, this happened this week, so you didn't. Anyway, so S has been reading the Book of Mormon as far as we know. On Wednesday morning we get an ominous text from this number that says nothing but "Please do not bother us again", lacking punctuation of any kind.  We were heartbroken! Those three that we taught were wonderful. But we thought it was a little fishy after we responded, asking if there was a particular reason why. He didn't ever respond. So later in the week, I think Friday or Saturday, we tried to call him again. No answer. Then we called B and asked if he caught wind of what had happened. He didn't think that S and T hated us or anything. So we finally texted him, and found out that he did not in fact send the text, but that someone had taken his phone and texted that. We were right. We asked him about his reading and he did say that he needed more time. We would hate to come to this conclusion, but we think that T may have sent the text. Hope not. She seemed nice enough, anyway.

 On Wednesday during the day we were invited to take part of an activity in the Kyle Stake called "Camp Helaman." It was similar to the missionary week. We were each paired with two 14 to 20 year olds where we had a "companionship study" to teach them how to teach, focused on a person that we were assigned to teach that day. Brother Damron and Brother Harris from the Kyle ward were with me. I think Brother Damron was about 14 and Brother Harris about 17. Brother Damron had a bunch of energy that reminds me of deacons, in a good way. Brother Harris had done this a few times before and had a silent confidence and energy. They were both extremely goofy.  We then had a visit from President and Sister Slaughter, dinner, and then we headed out to tract before we had the appointment with an old Vietnam veteran named W. We knocked on one door and shared the Easter video with V, and she allowed missionaries to come back. She said she was nearly born and raised there, as she was born in a hospital out of town. Not born, but raised there. That was funny.

They had name tags and everything!

This isn't his regular smile, don't worry.

 

Oh how fun it is to ride, in a youngin companionship!

Great opportunity to work with all them!

Then on Thursday we had a district meeting and I gave a training. I had tried to send emails to the district with a role play that I wanted to do, but everything went to chaos. I had to resend everything. But I believe they knew and it went well. Then we all got together and got a district picture.

Our district. Elder and Sister Zirkle from Lano Branch, Elder Mackay, Elder Aguila and Elder Smith, myself, Elder Greene, then Elder Hansen. From left to right.

OH BOY.

Questions and Answers

How are V and her family doing?

She is doing quite well. She is keeping the Word of Wisdom and she said she would come to all hours of church next week. She said that because she only made it to two hours yesterday. Keep your prayers for her. She is going to work hard to eject all of those substances out of her system until Saturday, where we will celebrate with her being a Word of Wisdom keeper for the rest of her life. She is excited for the health and spiritual benefits that will come as a result.

Harder than inviting her is inviting D, her husband. Seeing as he hasn't attended for quite some time, he probably isn't too inclined to come back to church. Our ward mission leader had the brilliant idea of using activities, and sometimes creating our own as a ward mission, to invite them both to. Then he might warm up just a little bit.

How does knowing that all things are in the Lord's care encourage you when people that you wish to serve move slowly or seemingly not at all?

Yes, it does give me patience when I remember that great truth. It's like playing a game of Chess that you already know you are going to win. As if you have already been told by a mighty source of wisdom that things will turn out ok. You will not know how many enemy pieces it will take for you to win. You will not know at first which of your pieces will be taken. And you especially do not know which pawns will make it to the end, and become powerful queens. All this is in the Lord's hands. If I follow his counsel and serve with all I have, moving the major pieces where they need to go, then it will be ok. Sometimes I have to remind myself that God doesn't care sometimes if I move my knight first or my bishop. Some "casualties" may occur. But those casualties never have to be permanent. Those who do not accept the gospel now may likely accept it later in their lives. Not that we need to make excused though.

What are some blessings that come working with ward mission leaders?

Now I am not sure what you mean by this question. Oh wait, never mind. It make sense now. At first I omitted "ward" from "ward mission leaders," while simultaneously using it. It became "mission leaders from the mission," and "WML's, Ward Mission Leaders.

So as I understand the question, working with our WML is great. His goal is to put us to work in an effort to bless the ward and bring converts in. He helps us to teach repentance and baptize converts.

I greatly enjoy the support we get from him. He is called of God to fulfill a capacity that is very involved and full of hard work.

What was your favorite food this week?

So this week had a Sunday like dinner on Tuesday, food at camp Helaman on Wednesday, Baked pasta and such from a family whose father served in Italy, and probably my favorite, also why I saved it for last, home barbeque wings on Thursday.

How is the ward family doing this week?  

Everyone was heavily affected by the passing of the young woman. The ward is becoming of "one heart and one mind" as mentioned in Isaiah. The grieving process will occur eventually for everyone.

When and how have you felt the Lord's love for you this week?

When I see how much he loves everyone here, I can't help but think, "Elder Hall, do you think He loves you too?" I pause. The answer, coming not from me, but a heavenly source, sets in and lights me afire. Joy from the gospel is so pure it cleanses like fire, and burns the heart of hate or anything ungodly. In a song by Rend Collective, a Christian band that I started listening to sense I receive the songs form a past companion, they sing "Burn like a star like a fire in our hearts," "We will not bow to sin or to shame, we are defiant in your name. You are the power that cannot be tamed, we are defiant in your name. Our Lord, our God, our conqueror." I like those songs, but especially hymns of praise to Him. No idea if this band are members of the church or not. I like how the songs remind me of Christ nonetheless.

  

More Pictures

V in between us, and two of her fellowshippers in the background

Their spouses couldn't come because of the need to care for children, so we got one form each couple.

A couple of pictures that Elder Smith took in Marble Falls on exchanges. I had seen these before, so I decided to take them from him, with his permission, and pawn them as my own.

Not in Marble Falls, but reminds me of Zombie outbreaks.

Bluebonnets in front of a member's house.

Bonzai!

Love,

Elder Hall

Texas San Antonio Mission

Ever Thought Following Him Should Be Eastier?

Dear everyone,

Before addressing my general email bulk covering a full week of last, I wanted to take some time to address a tragedy. Last Friday evening a youth couple that was going on a group date with others in the ward was involved in a horrible traffic accident. I won't mention them by name or more details to keep their privacy and avoid putting too much attention on them. I hope y'all might be able to pray for their families. The ward has already done much to support the families. We missionaries only stood back, wept and prayed from them as the others served. It made for a somber Saturday when we learned the news that day.

Seems that sometimes, and by sometimes I mean nearly daily, we encounter trials. Some of common place, some world shaking like this accident I mentioned. Easter helps me to remember that Christ's life and trials born for us are a whole lot "eastier" than the things we have to deal with. I mean not that our trials are not insignificant or important -- they are -- rather when we remember His role in God's plan for us, it makes it a whole lot easier to bare our burdens with patience, and then at our strength to others as we help bare their loads.

This last week I had a bit of nausea through out the week. It was likely because I forgot to take a medicine the night of the exchange with Elder Greene, which medicine caused nausea as I first got used to it. My body likely had to re-adjust to it, as if I was starting the medication again. This trial, insignificant to what Christ did for us, helped me to put things into prospective. Do I pick a life as a mortal with regular let downs and trials, or do I suffer for all of my sins alone, instead of putting them on Christ through repentance? Not even to mention that he paid for every life, and every sin ever committed, -- well know or committed in secret. We are ever in the debt of our Savior.

Otherwise, we had a good week. We tried multiple times to get ahold of J and S. We called S, and she hung up on us, and we gave her the benefit of the doubt. But when J did the same thing, saying "Wait just a second. . ." after picking up the phone and introducing ourselves, we figured they weren't too interested anymore. We finally texted S asking if it would still be ok for us to visit on a particular day, and she pretty much said they were both comfortable in their churches. Shoot. Well, it happens. They'll have an opportunity to listen again some other time.

Daylight savings needs to be tried for treason. Well, just kidding there. I'm just letting out a little bit of my yearly frustration. I really do enjoy the extra light that we get as a missionary. But back home, that hour of sleep lost would often set me off for a couple of weeks, and wouldn't be worth the cost. Here's another reason for frustration:

V missed church once again. Yes, we have been spelling her name wrong this whole time. We visited for a short minute Saturday night with a member couple, and only re-invited her to church -- that is all she had time for. But then we discovered from those same members that daylight savings was happening. Before we could alert her sufficiently, we tried to send a text of warning to her the morning of church, and got a text later that she would have arrived at 10 if we hadn't told her. Family was over, so she could no longer make it to other parts of the meeting. Next week, for sure!

But the good news with what happened, is on Wednesday when Elder Greene exchanged into the area, we went on splits and I visited V at a member's home for a family home evening. It was funny, because Elder Greene headed a split in an area that didn't belong to him. But really, since he was with the ward mission leader, he didn't need to lead too much. That was his first split (split meaning one missionary goes with one member, and the other with another), and it wasn't even his ward either. But anyway, we taught the Word of Wisdom and a few other things, and while she had some concerns with the WoW, she is ready to live it. We're going to do our best to help her do so. Please pray that she will make it to church this week, and be willing and ready to follow the commandments that we will teach her.

J and his wife met with us this week, and towards the end of testifying of the Book of Mormon, they admitted that they liked talking to us, but they base their beliefs on the Bible, and weren't really looking for a different faith. *Tear drop*. We responded and testified of the role of the Book of Mormon in our lives, and how they can truly come to know it is a true book if they read it and pray, ready to act on any answer they may receive. We might meet with them again, but it isn't likely. Sometimes it is better to move on with faith, knowing that they may search again in the future, than to get down on yourself. While I widely consider this era of missionary work (the digital one) to be a time of mainly harvesting, less planting, there is still some planting to be done. I'd be silly to think I was just going to snack on bread all my mission.

But great, and a redeeming source of blessings, was when we finally caught S and his daughter, T. So S's family member, J, was referred to us by their neighbor a while ago, that neighbor being a member. We had tried SO many times to set up an appointment, and S in deed was willing, but a bunch of things kept coming up -- for both of us. We decided to do the random drop by on Sunday, and we caught S doing yard work, and his daughter T (late teens, early twenties, not sure) and her (probably) boyfriend, B. They have very ranging beliefs, from a belief in God like we believe, to another religious belief, to more of an agnostic view about God. We taught them the Restoration. We asked them questions as we could, trying to channel a training we received a couple weeks ago about asking appropriate questions, and shared Joseph's vision of God and Jesus Christ. B seemed touched by it in particular, but when we introduce the Book of Mormon as the evidence, they all were for reading and praying about it. B lives in another ward, closer to Cedar Park area, and we probably won't teach him again, but we are definitely going to work with S and T, hopefully catching J, who wasn't home at the time.

Questions and Answers

Do you have any special approaches in your teaching as Easter draws nearer? 

Well, just like every special and sacred Easter or Christmas season, we have a wonderful video prepared for us that we are trying to flood the Lake Travis area with -- but not the lake, that's already full.

Watch www.FollowHim.mormon.org  and share it with everyone! Share it on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Myspace, Snapchat, wherever y'all go online to digitally socialize nowadays.

We're using the video to help give people a sense for why we follow Christ in the first place. He can take away our sins, clean our past, and lay out before us our future. He can give us new life. If you haven't seen the video, watch it. If you have, share it! #Hallelujah

With the bluebonnets around, have you encountered any foraging Indian Paintbrushes?

I haven't seen any Indians painting anything no. Jaja (haha), if I had a picture, I'd probably know what to look for. Maybe I'll ask the other elders for help to identify it.

How has the Spirit helped you this week?

While not personally affected by the tragedy in the ward to any notable degree, I felt a profound sadness for the families involved. I wished I could have done more. So I prayed. All of my prayers to this point have included them to some point. I want them to recover as best as they can, no matter how well the youth injured in the crash were damaged.

Plus, I felt a little hurt when Jamie and Shana ignored us. In Texas, generally, we don't even get door slams. People like their doors and are too nice to do that. While some people may say they aren't interested, it can hurt a little if they don't tell us directly. Plus, it takes a little more time. And some advice to you dating people back home, just be direct if you don't want to date someone. I think it hurts when we give mixed signals to one another. But back to the real world (Texas missionary work), I felt peace as I asked for it in both occasions.

BYE.

--

-Elder Hall

Texas San Antonio Mission