ALOOOOOOOOOOOOHA!!!
I hope everyone's enjoying the time right there on the beach! Well, except for the time about the stings from the stingrays, but at least they have a good story to tell when they get back home now! Good to see that they're alright.
What a week!!! It was kind of stressful working to teach everything to Flora and Patricia during these past weeks, and then with a few things that came up on Saturday with the interview of Flora. Fortunately, we also had a day of miracles on Saturday, the 23rd. Presidente Del Aguila (one of the counselors to President Saylin) was able to take time out of his day to come down and interview her, and then have a lesson with all of them (Patricia, Flora, and Presidente Del Aguila). With coordinating for the baptism with Houston 9 and the combined activity/broadcast later on that night, there was a mountain of things that could have happened. The person who was baptized from Houston 9 was even rear-ended on the way over to the church.
But through it all, the Lord watched over them, and everything worked out. Elder Rodriguez baptized Flora, and I had the blessing to baptize Patricia. Flora and Patricia were confirmed in Sacrament Meeting the next day. I hope I'm not wrong in sharing a couple of things that stood out to me when they were confirmed: With Patricia, the Lord is going to bless her, according to her faithfulness, with the opportunity to serve a mission. With Flora, the Lord will bless her, according to her faithfulness, with the opportunity and ability to bring many in her family into the Gospel. One thing Flora has been concerned about is that her other two children don't have much interest in the Gospel as of right now, but I think that was the Lord's answer to her concern. One way or another, I'm really excited to see where in the Church Flora and Patricia work and serve!!!
I think that's been one of the biggest things that has happened over the course of the past week. Really, what happened with Flora and Patricia Arriaga - how we found them, how prepared they were, and how they're now part of the Church - was a miracle! We've really been able to see the hand of the Lord guiding the work and helping us out, because we can't do this by ourselves. Without His help, we really wouldn't be able to do much of anything. It's amazing!
Personally, I'm doing well. With transfers coming up, there's a little bit of stress there. In the past, when I've been uncomfortable (like, leaving my comfort zone - not anything bad), I can usually turn to Elder Rodriguez and he'll pick up the slack. But this transfer coming up, I'll have a somewhat newer companion - someone without quite so much time in the field. But one thing that helps me out is that when the Lord calls us to do something, He qualifies us and prepares us for the task ahead, so I have complete confidence in the Lord that things will go the way He desires, and that I'll be able to perform the way that He needs me to. I'm going to miss Elder Rodriguez, but at the same time, he's excited for the next assignment that he'll have, and his excitement makes me excited! President told him that he'll have an assignment to help him stretch, and so Elder Rodriguez is a little leary of that, but he's excited either way!
And Mom, if it makes you feel any better - you and Dad being grandparents in 5 years kind of weirds me out as well, so I'm not in any rush, either! Who said that you could be a grandma in 5 years? Oh, and where is Janae at right now? Random question, I know, but she's written me 2 letters through Dear Elder, and I've never known where to write back to. The first letter I received close to Christmastime, and the other, not so long ago. Just wondering!
Well, I've got to get going!! It was great to get your letter! I know I'll have some more experiences to talk about this next week, so hang on tight!!! Have a great week down there in San Diego!!
Les amo!! A infinidad, y mas alla!!
Elder Devin Collins
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Week 62 - Baptisms Coming Up!
Buenos tardes!!!
Well, definitely a week here in the Texas Houston South Mission! Lots going on, and we've been blessed to see a lot of miracles!
We're still working with Flora and her daughter, Patricia, to help them prepare for baptism. They're wonderful! I hope you'll have the chance to meet them someday! We have planned a combined baptism with the Houston 9 ward on Saturday, just before the combined dinner and then the broadcast celebrating the Pioneers. It should be a great Saturday, though we are still praying that all goes well with Flora and Patricia. They're so ready, but we've already seen Satan throwing up obstacles in their path. They have had some doubts about celebrating Halloween, probably because the Day of the Dead in Central and Southern American countries is a little bit different. If all goes well on Saturday, that is going to be another miracle we will be excited to add to the miracles list for July! We already have a pretty good list, and there are many, many more that we still need to add! At the end, we'll be able to look back and see just a few of the ways that the Lord has directed and guided this marvelous work.
Also: Margarita received a calling this past Sunday!! She was a little bit...not overwhelmed, but she knows it's a big task she has. Fortunately, she also knows that there are people who will be helping her throughout her calling, and most importantly, that she'll be able to receive the help she needs from the Lord. She's been called to serve as the Assistant Visiting Teaching Coordinator. She's doing wonderful! I'm excited to see how she continues to do as she starts in on this new calling!!! Mom, don't you have a similar calling? I'm not sure how the callings in the Relief Society are named, so I could be wrong...
Oh, and guess who is going to be back in Oroville next week? Yes, Elder Robertson! He's going through his last week right now, and we might actually be going on exchanges tonight. Should be good! He still looks really focused on the mission, especially since someone in the ward keeps telling him and annoucing during the classes that Elder Robertson only has a short time left before he goes home to look for a 'novia' (aka: girlfriend). It's good to see him with that missionary focus still! And he's really excited to be working with their investigators during these next few days! We just need to enjoy every minute!
I'm trying to think of what else...I've been trying to keep my journal updated every day, but there are usually a few details that get away from me. I know there have been some great things going on this week, but as of right now, that's about all that is coming to mind!
Sounds like your week was great, and that this weekend is going to be really fun, too! I'm excited to hear all about it! I hope you take lots of pictures, and Justin - that you get some good video footage! I won't be able to watch that until I get back, but I'm looking forward to seeing your video skills!
Well, it's about that time! Thanks for all the prayers, love, and support! I'm looking forward to hearing from you! Have a wonderful trip!
Les amo!! Con mucho amor, a infinidad, y mas alla!!
Elder Devin Collins
Well, definitely a week here in the Texas Houston South Mission! Lots going on, and we've been blessed to see a lot of miracles!
We're still working with Flora and her daughter, Patricia, to help them prepare for baptism. They're wonderful! I hope you'll have the chance to meet them someday! We have planned a combined baptism with the Houston 9 ward on Saturday, just before the combined dinner and then the broadcast celebrating the Pioneers. It should be a great Saturday, though we are still praying that all goes well with Flora and Patricia. They're so ready, but we've already seen Satan throwing up obstacles in their path. They have had some doubts about celebrating Halloween, probably because the Day of the Dead in Central and Southern American countries is a little bit different. If all goes well on Saturday, that is going to be another miracle we will be excited to add to the miracles list for July! We already have a pretty good list, and there are many, many more that we still need to add! At the end, we'll be able to look back and see just a few of the ways that the Lord has directed and guided this marvelous work.
Also: Margarita received a calling this past Sunday!! She was a little bit...not overwhelmed, but she knows it's a big task she has. Fortunately, she also knows that there are people who will be helping her throughout her calling, and most importantly, that she'll be able to receive the help she needs from the Lord. She's been called to serve as the Assistant Visiting Teaching Coordinator. She's doing wonderful! I'm excited to see how she continues to do as she starts in on this new calling!!! Mom, don't you have a similar calling? I'm not sure how the callings in the Relief Society are named, so I could be wrong...
Oh, and guess who is going to be back in Oroville next week? Yes, Elder Robertson! He's going through his last week right now, and we might actually be going on exchanges tonight. Should be good! He still looks really focused on the mission, especially since someone in the ward keeps telling him and annoucing during the classes that Elder Robertson only has a short time left before he goes home to look for a 'novia' (aka: girlfriend). It's good to see him with that missionary focus still! And he's really excited to be working with their investigators during these next few days! We just need to enjoy every minute!
I'm trying to think of what else...I've been trying to keep my journal updated every day, but there are usually a few details that get away from me. I know there have been some great things going on this week, but as of right now, that's about all that is coming to mind!
Sounds like your week was great, and that this weekend is going to be really fun, too! I'm excited to hear all about it! I hope you take lots of pictures, and Justin - that you get some good video footage! I won't be able to watch that until I get back, but I'm looking forward to seeing your video skills!
Well, it's about that time! Thanks for all the prayers, love, and support! I'm looking forward to hearing from you! Have a wonderful trip!
Les amo!! Con mucho amor, a infinidad, y mas alla!!
Elder Devin Collins
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Week 61 - Miracles ... and More Fire Trucks!
Fire in the complex!! Actually happened about 20 feet from our appartment, but the firetrucks came right up to our door!
Well, definitely a week of miracles! We've been more blessed as we've been really putting an emphasis on obedience than I've ever seen at any other time in my mission!
Starting at the beginning of the week, we had a very good lesson of the Doctrine of Christ with a family we found as they were out walking. The miracle actually began, though, when we realized that their apartment complex wasn't far away, as the name implied, but right around the corner! We had a wonderful lesson with them, and then that Saturday, and amazing tour of the Church. The husband said he really liked the emphasis that the Church has on returning to heaven as a family, and said that he has never heard or felt that before in any other church: Salvation is an individual operation, but we should enjoy it with those we love. They didn't come to church this past Sunday, but we still have great faith that they will continue to learn and grow in the Gospel!! We think they're married as well, which is another miracle! We just need to keep up that faith, and if they're prepared, the Lord will help us know what they need to do to progress and receive all of the blessings of the Gospel.
Later, we "mixed it up" as our Zone Leaders suggested, and had a tour of the church with a family that was walking by outside. We were in the church building, with an appointment that had just fallen through. We looked outside and saw this family walking by, and decided to invite them on a tour of the church. At least the husband really enjoyed it! They speak more of a language that we won't be teaching in (AKA: Chinese), but the husband has friends who are members, and he gave us his address to pass on to missionaries who will teach in his language!
And I think one of the greatest miracles that we saw this past week was Flora and her daughter. We found them in a complex that we hadn't visited very often, just because the people there don't seem very ready or receptive. But as we made our way through, Elder Rodriguez had the thought to go back and talk to someone. We both know now that that thought was inspired of the Spirit, because she, as well as one of her daughters, has been so prepared for the gospel. They have both been to a baptism, church tour, church meetings (all 3 hours), and the charla fogonera, and both are preparing for baptism on the 23rd, if all goes well. When we asked her if she would offer the closing prayer, she was so excited! I've NEVER seen anyone so excited to say a prayer as she was!! And she gave thanks to Heavenly Father for the opportunity to prepare for baptism in her prayer!! We're so excited to work with her!
We've really been blessed with these experiences here! I know it has a connection to the change in focus to trying to be exactly obedient. There are still times that we realize that we could have done more, and that we're lacking in some areas, but repentance is a wonderful thing! We really are trying to give our best effort, and the Lord has blessed us and led us those who are prepared.
Well, I also wanted to send some pictures, so I think I'll start working on that right now! It's definitely warm here! We hear throughout the week that it's been in the 100's, and I think one of the highest is around 107, with the humidity rolling in, too.
It sounds like the week has been great! I love hearing about all your stories, and seeing how much everyone is growing! I love y'all!!!
This truly is the best thing we can have - the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives, and to be a part of His Church. This work is true, and He leads and guides it.
I love you!! Have a great week!!
Con mucho amor, a infinidad - y mas alla!!
Elder Devin Collins (El Devinator)
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Week 60 - Meal with a Member and Fire Trucks!
HOOOOOLA!!!!!
Well, we had a pretty good week. We're still doing our best to 'find those who will receive [us],' and so we've had a lot of people falling through, but we've also seen a lot more people who have a much greater potential to progress - many have already talked to missionaries in the past, and I hope that this time, as we follow the Spirit, we'll be able to participate in the harvest.
This past week, we applied the training of meals with a member in our area. When we asked her to invite someone to dinner, she told us, "Elderes, yo no conoczo a nadie!!" ("Elders, I don't know anyone!) But later on, that day or the next, she called us back! She told us that she had talked to someone and invited them to dinner, someone she had only talked to in passing. But he came! We went up before dinner, knocked on his door, and he came with us to eat! We had a lesson with him, and he said he would be baptized if he finds out that the Church is true. He still has his doubts, but he gave us a real phone number, and we have an appointment to return and teach tonight! The meal training is inspired, and I'm sure the members are connected with many more people who are prepared to receive the gospel than they think. I thought before that the missionaries would come over just to eat, but when we can prepare someone to be taught in our house, that is the ideal situation (and I think you'd see a HUGE smile on their faces when they got that surprise!).
Okay, so during this week, the same fire truck has passed us 3 times...actually, three times in three consecutive days! But the first day, they drove right into our complex! One of the neighbors in our complex left something on their stove and it caught their appartment on fire. Definitely not a good day for them! But everyone was okay, just not the happiest people in the world. The next day, though, was probably the coolest part (yes, even cooler than the pictures we took on our back patio of the firetrucks!): He came up to us and told us that when they went back into the apartment, everything was burned...except for the pass-along card with the picture of Jesus Christ on the front. He said that it was sitting up on the windowsill, and that everything else had burned except for the card. Is that cool or what? I think that's a sign, but I didn't get the chance to tell him that before he walked around the corner...
I'm definitely happy for the opportunity to talk to you! Some days are better than others. Today is a good day, and the last half of yesterday was as well. In the beginning of yesterday, I was feeling pretty down, frustrated, and didn't really see a way to get out of the rut that I was in, and so that got me down even more. But as I talked to Elder Rodriguez, I started to feel a little better. At the end of the day, I was feeling much better. I still am (knock on wood!).
Yesterday...wow, my last 4th of July in the mission...it's weird. I still have more than 10 months left, but I also feel like I'm going home in no time. It's a weird feeling! Yesterday, we made a cake and (I'm not sure if we were supposed to or not) watched fireworks from our doorstep. They only went on for a few minutes, but still interesting. I think the best part was the cake! There's still more! Hopefully next time, I'll have the pictures to send to you!
I received the Camelbak, and it works like a charm! Even if my back is still very, very sweaty, it helps much more. The padding also helps. And I love all the secret pouches and hidden (well, not really "hidden," but fun) pockets in it.
Hmm...what else has gone on during this past week...A drunk man yelled at us in Taco Bell, threatened to kill me under his breath, and by the end of the day, we were best buds! It's very interesting to see all the people you have the chance and blessing to meet, people that you might never have the chance to talk to otherwise. We definitely stand out in our white shirts and ties, riding around on bikes all day. And people know what we stand for. The conversations I have with people are centered around Jesus Christ and the gospel, His Atonement, and how each one of us can find the happiness we're looking for. I'm definitely not perfect - I get reminders of that every day, and they're not very subtle reminders - but I know that Jesus Christ helps us through everything we go through. And there is no better time then time spent serving Him, because you can know that He will provide: it's His promise!
Well, I've got to go. I love you, and I'm looking forward to hearing all about your AWESOME week!
Les amo!! A infinidad, y mas alla!!!
El Devinator
Well, we had a pretty good week. We're still doing our best to 'find those who will receive [us],' and so we've had a lot of people falling through, but we've also seen a lot more people who have a much greater potential to progress - many have already talked to missionaries in the past, and I hope that this time, as we follow the Spirit, we'll be able to participate in the harvest.
This past week, we applied the training of meals with a member in our area. When we asked her to invite someone to dinner, she told us, "Elderes, yo no conoczo a nadie!!" ("Elders, I don't know anyone!) But later on, that day or the next, she called us back! She told us that she had talked to someone and invited them to dinner, someone she had only talked to in passing. But he came! We went up before dinner, knocked on his door, and he came with us to eat! We had a lesson with him, and he said he would be baptized if he finds out that the Church is true. He still has his doubts, but he gave us a real phone number, and we have an appointment to return and teach tonight! The meal training is inspired, and I'm sure the members are connected with many more people who are prepared to receive the gospel than they think. I thought before that the missionaries would come over just to eat, but when we can prepare someone to be taught in our house, that is the ideal situation (and I think you'd see a HUGE smile on their faces when they got that surprise!).
Okay, so during this week, the same fire truck has passed us 3 times...actually, three times in three consecutive days! But the first day, they drove right into our complex! One of the neighbors in our complex left something on their stove and it caught their appartment on fire. Definitely not a good day for them! But everyone was okay, just not the happiest people in the world. The next day, though, was probably the coolest part (yes, even cooler than the pictures we took on our back patio of the firetrucks!): He came up to us and told us that when they went back into the apartment, everything was burned...except for the pass-along card with the picture of Jesus Christ on the front. He said that it was sitting up on the windowsill, and that everything else had burned except for the card. Is that cool or what? I think that's a sign, but I didn't get the chance to tell him that before he walked around the corner...
I'm definitely happy for the opportunity to talk to you! Some days are better than others. Today is a good day, and the last half of yesterday was as well. In the beginning of yesterday, I was feeling pretty down, frustrated, and didn't really see a way to get out of the rut that I was in, and so that got me down even more. But as I talked to Elder Rodriguez, I started to feel a little better. At the end of the day, I was feeling much better. I still am (knock on wood!).
Yesterday...wow, my last 4th of July in the mission...it's weird. I still have more than 10 months left, but I also feel like I'm going home in no time. It's a weird feeling! Yesterday, we made a cake and (I'm not sure if we were supposed to or not) watched fireworks from our doorstep. They only went on for a few minutes, but still interesting. I think the best part was the cake! There's still more! Hopefully next time, I'll have the pictures to send to you!
I received the Camelbak, and it works like a charm! Even if my back is still very, very sweaty, it helps much more. The padding also helps. And I love all the secret pouches and hidden (well, not really "hidden," but fun) pockets in it.
Hmm...what else has gone on during this past week...A drunk man yelled at us in Taco Bell, threatened to kill me under his breath, and by the end of the day, we were best buds! It's very interesting to see all the people you have the chance and blessing to meet, people that you might never have the chance to talk to otherwise. We definitely stand out in our white shirts and ties, riding around on bikes all day. And people know what we stand for. The conversations I have with people are centered around Jesus Christ and the gospel, His Atonement, and how each one of us can find the happiness we're looking for. I'm definitely not perfect - I get reminders of that every day, and they're not very subtle reminders - but I know that Jesus Christ helps us through everything we go through. And there is no better time then time spent serving Him, because you can know that He will provide: it's His promise!
Well, I've got to go. I love you, and I'm looking forward to hearing all about your AWESOME week!
Les amo!! A infinidad, y mas alla!!!
El Devinator
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