Hola, todos!!
Well, this one might be a little quicker this week. Just kind of a run-down on how things have gone.
So, this past Friday, we did have the chance to hear Elder Holland speak!! He came to Houston for just a few hours, and spoke to the 3 Houston missions. We had the opportunity to shake his hand, too!! Every missionary in the stake center had the chance!
It was interesting how he spoke to us a lot like he was speaking to a friend or even a family member, just really familiar and with a lot of love. He has a great personality, exactly the same as when he talks at General Conference!! He would sometimes tell a joke or something, other times yell really emotionally (he really feels a great responsibility for the missionary work that goes forth into the world), and other times talk softly and with great feeling. I really don't even know how to describe it; it was just a great experience!
We didn't have Cornelio's baptism this past Saturday. We went over and knocked on his door at about 3:00, and from then until about 7:00 we were looking for him. The baptism started at 6:00. We finally found him as he returned home at 8:30 from work. He was working pretty far away from home, and so he got back really late. So we scheduled his baptism for the next day (Sunday) at 11:00, so he could be baptized and confirmed on the same day. But when we got there, the bishopric told us that they wanted to wait until afterwards, so that there would be more people there to fellowship him. We said okay, and then went to talk to Cornelio. He said that, because we were going over to church early, he thought we would leave early, and so he had planned to help a friend out at 3:00. So now we have his baptism planned out for 6:00 tonight. It's been a lot of work, and we still have a lot to do in the next 4 hours, but it'll be worth it. Someone doesn't want Cornelio to get baptized, but if God be for us, who can prevail against us? (Romans 8:31)
And now, we're getting all ready for transfers! It'll be really interesting to see what happens. The next time I e-mail, I'll let you know what's going on!
Thank you for all your love, support, help, strength, and advice. It means so much to me!!
Keep up the great work!!
Les amo - a infinidad, y mas alla!
Elder Devin Collins
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Week 67 - The Trainer Always Learns the Most
Hooooooola!
Sounds like it's been a pretty busy week! School's starting up, everyone is getting back into the routine of schoolwork and homework...so much fun! But it sounds like all ya'll are doing well with the adjustment, even if it does come little by little.
Wow, braces - and they're getting them this Friday?! That was quick! Not a lot of time inbetween hearing about it and having them put on? It'll be fine. Did the dentist say how long they'll need to have them on? Well, as soon as you can get them both to smile after that, I'm looking forward to pictures!
Elder Burbank is doing well. He's had something up with his stomach over the course of the past few days. He's said a couple of times that he hopes it's not apendecitis, because his brother had his appendix out on his mission. If it's still bad in a little while, we'll have to make a few calls to Sister Saylin and the mission nurse, Sister Olsen.
Training is an interesting experience. I was talking to one of the Assistants to the President, Elder Born, and he said, "Yeah, it seems like the trainer always learns more than the trainee." That's 100% true. I'm finding a much greater need to rely on the Lord, and finding a lot more strength from Him. Elder Burbank and I are teaching a lot more in unity, and his spanish is improving quickly! It's amazing to see how much Spanish he already knew coming out of the MTC, and how quickly he was able to become comfortable speaking the language.
James is already leaving for BYU-Idaho? What did you say he is going to be doing up there? He doesn't start school until next year, right? Is he excited to go up there? Oh, and just thinking: I haven't heard a lot about the Maxey family; how are they doing? What have they been up to?
I saw Elder Black yesterday at the meeting! It was a training meeting for Zone and District Leaders and trainers, and so he was there as a District Leader. He's still with the missionary he trained last transfer, so I guess he was there as a trainer as well. And guess what? I don't know if you heard or not, but he saw Ari at a devotional last week! That would have been so weird!! Just a side note.
The work here is always interesting! There's always something new to learn or do, no matter how much time we have here. There was a sister who went up in the meeting yesterday (Sister Nupalau - we served in the same district after she had served with Elder Black) and said,"When my trainer left, I said, 'So, you must be pretty much perfect now.' She just shook her head. And now, being where I'm at, I feel like...I should be legit! But...I'm not yet...' There's always something new to do, some new experience to test our patience, our love, our humility, or trust in God. But He'll never test us beyond that which we are able. And ALWAYS, when we put our trust in Him, He sees us through, even if we can't see the end at the time we're going through the trial.
Wow, this one was kind of short again! But, I've got to get going. It's been a good week, lots of learning and growing (someone yelled at us before we arrived at the library, telling us about what missionaries do - well, from his perspective. Good experience ).
I love you!! A infinidad, y mas alla!!!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
P.s.: We may have the opportunity to hear from Elder Holland as he addresses the 3 Houston missions on friday!!
Sounds like it's been a pretty busy week! School's starting up, everyone is getting back into the routine of schoolwork and homework...so much fun! But it sounds like all ya'll are doing well with the adjustment, even if it does come little by little.
Wow, braces - and they're getting them this Friday?! That was quick! Not a lot of time inbetween hearing about it and having them put on? It'll be fine. Did the dentist say how long they'll need to have them on? Well, as soon as you can get them both to smile after that, I'm looking forward to pictures!
Elder Burbank is doing well. He's had something up with his stomach over the course of the past few days. He's said a couple of times that he hopes it's not apendecitis, because his brother had his appendix out on his mission. If it's still bad in a little while, we'll have to make a few calls to Sister Saylin and the mission nurse, Sister Olsen.
Training is an interesting experience. I was talking to one of the Assistants to the President, Elder Born, and he said, "Yeah, it seems like the trainer always learns more than the trainee." That's 100% true. I'm finding a much greater need to rely on the Lord, and finding a lot more strength from Him. Elder Burbank and I are teaching a lot more in unity, and his spanish is improving quickly! It's amazing to see how much Spanish he already knew coming out of the MTC, and how quickly he was able to become comfortable speaking the language.
James is already leaving for BYU-Idaho? What did you say he is going to be doing up there? He doesn't start school until next year, right? Is he excited to go up there? Oh, and just thinking: I haven't heard a lot about the Maxey family; how are they doing? What have they been up to?
I saw Elder Black yesterday at the meeting! It was a training meeting for Zone and District Leaders and trainers, and so he was there as a District Leader. He's still with the missionary he trained last transfer, so I guess he was there as a trainer as well. And guess what? I don't know if you heard or not, but he saw Ari at a devotional last week! That would have been so weird!! Just a side note.
The work here is always interesting! There's always something new to learn or do, no matter how much time we have here. There was a sister who went up in the meeting yesterday (Sister Nupalau - we served in the same district after she had served with Elder Black) and said,"When my trainer left, I said, 'So, you must be pretty much perfect now.' She just shook her head. And now, being where I'm at, I feel like...I should be legit! But...I'm not yet...' There's always something new to do, some new experience to test our patience, our love, our humility, or trust in God. But He'll never test us beyond that which we are able. And ALWAYS, when we put our trust in Him, He sees us through, even if we can't see the end at the time we're going through the trial.
Wow, this one was kind of short again! But, I've got to get going. It's been a good week, lots of learning and growing (someone yelled at us before we arrived at the library, telling us about what missionaries do - well, from his perspective. Good experience ).
I love you!! A infinidad, y mas alla!!!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
P.s.: We may have the opportunity to hear from Elder Holland as he addresses the 3 Houston missions on friday!!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Week 66 - I Keep On Learning
HOOOOOOOOOOOLA!!!
A LA FAMILIA MEJOR EN TODO EL MUNDO!!!!!!
So, for this week...
Elder Burbank is doing very well. I continue to learn much from him. From what I've seen, his confidence in his ability to speak and do the work of the Lord is growing every day. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow, and see his progress as he helps me to do better as well.
I think, in the beginning, my (incorrect) thought was that if I have been called as a trainer, my personal progress stops while I serve my companion more - to help him to learn and grow, and to be there more to guide, direct, and observe. Now I know that that isn't true. With each calling, we have things to learn. Maybe it is to be more selfless; maybe it is to trust more in the Lord; or maybe it is to learn that we always have things to learn. Whatever the case, I'm grateful that the Lord is so patient with me as He teaches me, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve with Elder Burbank. We're excited to continue to see the blessings from heaven be poured down in our area!
As for what the area is like, I've started a letter that I'm really hoping to finish this Thursday about how it is, and what things are like. This is one of the first areas (Okay, so the second area - second of 3) that I've really felt...I don't know, that we're an integral part of the ward, and that we really need to help it to function. It's not that the ward won't function without us, but we're an important part of keeping it rolling. Really, everyone is. There isn't a calling that is less important than another - and if everyone magnifies their callings, just think of how much each ward or branch would grow, and how quickly! Not only is each person helping to build up the Kingdom of God, but as we do so - as we perform the duties that God has asked us to do - He continues to bless and strengthen us, so that we can continue to do His great work.
I was thinking the other day about how much I've learned since I've been out here. There's a lot! Now, I know that there is a lot that each one of us has to do to help the Lord in missionary work - missionary work to the members and also to those who aren't yet members. We have a big responsibility! But with that - Romans 8:31.
As for here: We've been really looking for those who are prepared to receive the Gospel, and we have found some people. One of the trickiest things is to catch them at home. There are a lot of people who are here to work, so a lot of them work weird schedules (or don't even have one, which is just weird to me, living by a schedule every hour of the day), and it's difficult to set up solid appointments with them. But we know those people who are prepared are out there! That family we found last week, the family of 4 - we have an appointment with them this evening at 7:00. It should be a good meeting! The husband has read a little bit, and the wife has read more (from what we've heard from the rest of the family). We're exited to see them again! We're also going to go and invite people 'to do hard things.' We're going to be relying A LOT on the Spirit (like we always should) to touch their hearts and help them to come unto Christ.
Well, I've got to go. Less than 2 minutes left! But I just want y'all to know that I love you, and that I'm very grateful to see that Brent will be staying here in San Diego!!
Les amo - a infinidad, y mas alla!!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
A LA FAMILIA MEJOR EN TODO EL MUNDO!!!!!!
So, for this week...
Elder Burbank is doing very well. I continue to learn much from him. From what I've seen, his confidence in his ability to speak and do the work of the Lord is growing every day. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow, and see his progress as he helps me to do better as well.
I think, in the beginning, my (incorrect) thought was that if I have been called as a trainer, my personal progress stops while I serve my companion more - to help him to learn and grow, and to be there more to guide, direct, and observe. Now I know that that isn't true. With each calling, we have things to learn. Maybe it is to be more selfless; maybe it is to trust more in the Lord; or maybe it is to learn that we always have things to learn. Whatever the case, I'm grateful that the Lord is so patient with me as He teaches me, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve with Elder Burbank. We're excited to continue to see the blessings from heaven be poured down in our area!
As for what the area is like, I've started a letter that I'm really hoping to finish this Thursday about how it is, and what things are like. This is one of the first areas (Okay, so the second area - second of 3) that I've really felt...I don't know, that we're an integral part of the ward, and that we really need to help it to function. It's not that the ward won't function without us, but we're an important part of keeping it rolling. Really, everyone is. There isn't a calling that is less important than another - and if everyone magnifies their callings, just think of how much each ward or branch would grow, and how quickly! Not only is each person helping to build up the Kingdom of God, but as we do so - as we perform the duties that God has asked us to do - He continues to bless and strengthen us, so that we can continue to do His great work.
I was thinking the other day about how much I've learned since I've been out here. There's a lot! Now, I know that there is a lot that each one of us has to do to help the Lord in missionary work - missionary work to the members and also to those who aren't yet members. We have a big responsibility! But with that - Romans 8:31.
As for here: We've been really looking for those who are prepared to receive the Gospel, and we have found some people. One of the trickiest things is to catch them at home. There are a lot of people who are here to work, so a lot of them work weird schedules (or don't even have one, which is just weird to me, living by a schedule every hour of the day), and it's difficult to set up solid appointments with them. But we know those people who are prepared are out there! That family we found last week, the family of 4 - we have an appointment with them this evening at 7:00. It should be a good meeting! The husband has read a little bit, and the wife has read more (from what we've heard from the rest of the family). We're exited to see them again! We're also going to go and invite people 'to do hard things.' We're going to be relying A LOT on the Spirit (like we always should) to touch their hearts and help them to come unto Christ.
Well, I've got to go. Less than 2 minutes left! But I just want y'all to know that I love you, and that I'm very grateful to see that Brent will be staying here in San Diego!!
Les amo - a infinidad, y mas alla!!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Monday, August 15, 2011
Week 65 - "Teach People, Not Lessons"
Buenos Tardes!
This has definitely been a good week. Church on Sunday was great, and we're loving the momentum that we're seeing build here in the mission. We were talking last night about the focuses that were discussed at the conference, and about the real importance of having the Spirit as our Senior Companion.
Elder Burbank is doing very well. It's AMAZING to hear his Spanish, and to see the changes that have already started since Zone Conference. We're striving to work with more unity, and really putting disobedience on the alter of the Lord. Though we didn't teach, in quantity, as we would have liked, we had the blessing to meet a family of 4 and teach them about the Book of Mormon just minutes after meeting them. Elder Burbank talked to them and then asked if they had a few minutes that we could share with them (and we had about 15 minutes before our next appointment), they said yes, so we sat down and talked with them. We really worked to apply the "Teach People, Not Lessons" training we received yesterday, and really looked for what drove them, what was important to them, and how the Gospel applies to them. While they do not have baptismal dates (due to the shortness of time), they committed to read from and pray about the Book of Mormon. We're excited for the opportunity to return this Tuesday and meet with them! I know that was a blessing that came from God, that we were able to find that family at that specific time. The Lord still works miracles today, and He will continue to work them tomorrow.
Well.....this has been really short as well. I'm down to almost 5 minutes. The week has been flying by! Tomorrow, during P-day, I'll write a little more, if I'm able to. Things get so full sometimes (like you already know) that you just can't do everything! We ran into that during planning last night - making calls to a LOT of people to schedule appointments and things, and realizing just how jam-packed each day is. But that's good!
How have y'all been? I hope everything is going well! When does school start back up again (Though it's probably not the topic of greatest excitement right now...)? How are the preparations going for that?
Well, I've got to get going. I love you all SO MUCH!! A Infinidad - y mas alla!!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
This has definitely been a good week. Church on Sunday was great, and we're loving the momentum that we're seeing build here in the mission. We were talking last night about the focuses that were discussed at the conference, and about the real importance of having the Spirit as our Senior Companion.
Elder Burbank is doing very well. It's AMAZING to hear his Spanish, and to see the changes that have already started since Zone Conference. We're striving to work with more unity, and really putting disobedience on the alter of the Lord. Though we didn't teach, in quantity, as we would have liked, we had the blessing to meet a family of 4 and teach them about the Book of Mormon just minutes after meeting them. Elder Burbank talked to them and then asked if they had a few minutes that we could share with them (and we had about 15 minutes before our next appointment), they said yes, so we sat down and talked with them. We really worked to apply the "Teach People, Not Lessons" training we received yesterday, and really looked for what drove them, what was important to them, and how the Gospel applies to them. While they do not have baptismal dates (due to the shortness of time), they committed to read from and pray about the Book of Mormon. We're excited for the opportunity to return this Tuesday and meet with them! I know that was a blessing that came from God, that we were able to find that family at that specific time. The Lord still works miracles today, and He will continue to work them tomorrow.
Well.....this has been really short as well. I'm down to almost 5 minutes. The week has been flying by! Tomorrow, during P-day, I'll write a little more, if I'm able to. Things get so full sometimes (like you already know) that you just can't do everything! We ran into that during planning last night - making calls to a LOT of people to schedule appointments and things, and realizing just how jam-packed each day is. But that's good!
How have y'all been? I hope everything is going well! When does school start back up again (Though it's probably not the topic of greatest excitement right now...)? How are the preparations going for that?
Well, I've got to get going. I love you all SO MUCH!! A Infinidad - y mas alla!!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Week 64 - Training a New Companion
HOOOOOOOOOOLA!!!!
Well, this might be a little bit shorter today, with some extra time I took typing to President Saylin, but I'll include some of the more important things in here. I hope it's enough!!!!!!
Things are going pretty well. Definitely in a new situation (not a bad one, just learning a lot). Elder Rodriguez left, and I'm here with Elder Burbank.
So to start out, I'm training this transfer. It's definitely already been a learning experience. I have a lot to learn, and I think the Lord is teaching me to trust a whole lot more in Him and become more Christlike. He is very good to us, and it's wonderful to see that He has His hand in all things, from the littlest delays in time, to the most spiritual lessons and experiences we have in our lifetimes - those things that can really change us forever. If the Lord hadn't called me to it, I'd have thought I couldn't do it. I still know that personally, I can't, but because the Lord asked me to, He's prepared a way. It's an intense experience.
We've been finding a lot more prepared people this week. We've been really exercising our faith, maybe even trying those things which we've tried in the past, but this time might be the time that the Lord wants us to accomplish them. He led us to find 2 less-active members during this past week: Lionel ? and Manuel Contreras. They both seem like great guys, they just have their priorities unfocused. If they can come back to church, it would be a great way for them to get back onto the straight and narrow again.
We've been working on developing that good balance in the lessons, one thing I've been really wanting to achieve since the beginning of my mission. There are a lot of times where one companion dominates the lesson, because he (and yes, I have done this before) has a good idea, and is worried that his companion will take the lesson in another direction. But, as we're working to refine our teaching and really focus on the investigators, I'm excited to see how things go!
Wow, 4 minutes left already! What else...Flora and Patricia are doing WONDERFULLY! We had a lesson with them on Sunday, and they said that they would invite a friend over to listen to the missionaries this wednesday (tomorrow). Flora is still asking a lot of questions, but the awesome thing is that she really wants to know! She's looking for the answers, and knows that the best way to find them is through study and prayer.
Margarita is also doing well! We have an appointment with her today, a little later on, and we're excited to visit her!
2 minutes...Well, I think those are some of the biggest happenings of this past week. Thanks for the updates on the trip! Sounds like it was really fun!
I'll have more to write about and update you on next week, but for now...this will have to do!
I love you! A infinidad, y mas alla!
Con amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Well, this might be a little bit shorter today, with some extra time I took typing to President Saylin, but I'll include some of the more important things in here. I hope it's enough!!!!!!
Things are going pretty well. Definitely in a new situation (not a bad one, just learning a lot). Elder Rodriguez left, and I'm here with Elder Burbank.
So to start out, I'm training this transfer. It's definitely already been a learning experience. I have a lot to learn, and I think the Lord is teaching me to trust a whole lot more in Him and become more Christlike. He is very good to us, and it's wonderful to see that He has His hand in all things, from the littlest delays in time, to the most spiritual lessons and experiences we have in our lifetimes - those things that can really change us forever. If the Lord hadn't called me to it, I'd have thought I couldn't do it. I still know that personally, I can't, but because the Lord asked me to, He's prepared a way. It's an intense experience.
We've been finding a lot more prepared people this week. We've been really exercising our faith, maybe even trying those things which we've tried in the past, but this time might be the time that the Lord wants us to accomplish them. He led us to find 2 less-active members during this past week: Lionel ? and Manuel Contreras. They both seem like great guys, they just have their priorities unfocused. If they can come back to church, it would be a great way for them to get back onto the straight and narrow again.
We've been working on developing that good balance in the lessons, one thing I've been really wanting to achieve since the beginning of my mission. There are a lot of times where one companion dominates the lesson, because he (and yes, I have done this before) has a good idea, and is worried that his companion will take the lesson in another direction. But, as we're working to refine our teaching and really focus on the investigators, I'm excited to see how things go!
Wow, 4 minutes left already! What else...Flora and Patricia are doing WONDERFULLY! We had a lesson with them on Sunday, and they said that they would invite a friend over to listen to the missionaries this wednesday (tomorrow). Flora is still asking a lot of questions, but the awesome thing is that she really wants to know! She's looking for the answers, and knows that the best way to find them is through study and prayer.
Margarita is also doing well! We have an appointment with her today, a little later on, and we're excited to visit her!
2 minutes...Well, I think those are some of the biggest happenings of this past week. Thanks for the updates on the trip! Sounds like it was really fun!
I'll have more to write about and update you on next week, but for now...this will have to do!
I love you! A infinidad, y mas alla!
Con amor,
Elder Devin Collins
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