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.

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-Elder Hall

Texas San Antonio Mission