Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Orale, where to start? I think I'll go through and answer the questions and the like, and then tell you about how the week went, and how this one is looking!
- I'll drop off my bike in the mission office to have Ariane and Nathan pick it up.
- That is the right phone number for RJ Christensen, and 5:00 Houston time would be GREAT for the phone call! Would you be able to call at that time?
- I just got my itinerary from the mission office in the mail. I kind of looked through it, but not in too much detail. I basically just looked at the flight from Houston to Phoenix, and then I'll be going from Phoenix to CA. Oh, and I just sent back a couple of packages today (one of them was 50 pounds worth of books and papers!) The receipt said that they should get there on Monday.
- Please thank Sister Ronee Wright for the cookies she sent! Mint are my favorite! I got them two weeks ago, and realized that I hadn't thanked her for them in last week's e-mail. I'll also have to thank her when I get back.
- Was it possible to find Brother Thompson's address to get that letter off to him?
- This coming week, I'll be going into the mission office on Monday morning for my interview with President Saylin, there will be a dinner and testimony meeting later on that evening (And it's going to be a big one - I think there might be about 20 people departing on the same day!). Monday night I'll stay with some of the missionaries here, and Tuesday I'll be boarding the plane. Time just keeps marching on...it goes WAY too fast...
Wow, CONGRATULATIONS on finishing the Book of Mormon! That's a HUGE accomplishment! Keep up the great work! And now it's time for round two, to pick up even more from the Book of Mormon!
Oh, I had another question: When would be Justin's graduation? Do you and Justin both graduate on the same day?
Well, this week has been going well! The work has been rolling forward - Sometimes there are good days, other times there are some days of growing. But it has been really amazing to get to know my Savior so much better! He's always there for me. There have been a lot of times where I have been trying to do the right thing - trying to follow what He would have me do - but then I mess up. I don't listen as well as I should, or I don't put as great of a focus on the the counsel of the Lord. Those have been some of the most frustrating times, knowing that the Lord knows what is best for me, yet still not obeying His will. But He is SO patient, and so forgiving! I don't fully understand it - How can He love someone who disobeys or disregards His counsel as much as I do? But He does love me, and He loves each one of us more than we can understand. He's given us the divine gift of repentance to heal us and help us improve for that day when we will all stand before Him to give an accounting of the work we have done here in this life. If we are willing, He really can teach us all things we need to do to live with Him one day. He can help make 'weak things become strong'.
We've been working with Hermano Diaz, but he still needs to stop smoking. If he can stop, he can be baptized on this coming Sunday. If not, he can be baptized on the 19th. I'm just hoping and praying that all goes well. He's been through so much, and he's received so much strength from the Lord! It's been amazing to see his testimony, even through everything that's been happening lately. He's amazing! Right now, he's raising 3 kids on his own, and he has so much more going against him. But he's making it.
Well, about time to go. I love you SO MUCH!!! I'll talk to you on Sunday, and then after that as well. I'm not sure if I'll be e-mailing on Monday, but I'll hopefully let you know on Sunday.
Thank you SO MUCH for all your, love, support, and prayers.
Les amo! A infinidad, y mas alla!
Con MUCHO amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Monday, April 30, 2012
Heeeeeeey-o!
This week was definitely an adventure - lots of things going on! We're still working a lot with Hermano Diaz so that he will be prepared for baptism within a couple of weeks. He still has some things to change, but he can make it!
Okay, so in answer to your questions: I was thinking about leaving the bike here in the mission office. It is still in good condition, so if there is someone who doesn't have a bike, that would probably help out a lot! But what would be the procedure to mail the bike, if things change? Would you be able to mail that to me, so if I need to, I can figure it out? But as of right now, I'd be leaving it here in the mission office.
The medical appointments all went well! It was interesting saying all the goodbyes - I've already been seeing the doctors there for about a year and a half!
I just got your e-mail, and I think that would be great! And I'll be able to call you while Elder Riley is doing his conference call (He's almost at his year mark - he came out with Elder Burbank), and then we can still have time do do work! I think I have the cell phone number for RJ Christensen, in whose house we'll be communicating from, but they gave us their e-mails as well, so you might want to e-mail them and find out what time we'll be there (as well as the phone number to call to), so everything can be coordinated just right.
Yesterday, we talked to quite a few interesting people, with quite a few interesting experiences. We decided to stop by an old investigator's house and knock on the door. But when we got there, the iron gate was closed, locked, and had a steel cable around it, keeping it closed. The doorbell was inside of the gate, but out of reach. So, we found a broom and tried to push the doorbell. No go. So Elder Riley found a curtain rod, and we realized that it was a little longer than the broom. I streeeeetched to touch the doorbell, and while I was stretching, heard a car pull up behind us. I quickly put the curtain rod down and we walked over to them. The first thing we said to them was, "It's really hard to ring your doorbell..." They got a good laugh out of it, and we might be going back later on in the week. It's been a few years since they have been taught, so hopefully things go well from that.
We also had a pretty awesome Zone Conference this past Wednesday. At first, Elder Riley and I were going on Thursday. But the Assistants called us to see if we would be able to go on Wednesday to play the piano (Elder Riley is basically a professional piano player), and so we went Wednesday, with the rest of our zone stil going on Thursday. At first, I was a little disheartened, but things turned out well. While we were there, I saw all of my past companions who are still serving! And our whole MTC district that came here to Houston! At the end, the four of us, Elder Rice, Elder Bean, Elder Henrie, and I all had the chance to bear our testimonies. There were other people as well who went up and shared their testimonies, but it was really cool that all four of us were able to be in the same meeing and share our testimonies.
We learned that the Church is now producing pass-along cards with a QR-code printed on back - the one you take a picture of, and it sends you to the website for the Church. President also talked about how they're working on producing QR-codes for the mormon.org profiles we have, so that will be even cooler! It's been really awesome to see just how the Church keeps up with things, and makes good use of the technology that is out there to preach the gospel. In the MTC, one of the speakers made mention of how the internet was likely created specifically for the purpose of sharing the gospel. Pretty cool!
Sounds like you've had a pertty interesting week, too! Sorry I can't write more about it - it sounds like Grandma is in for a lot of work, though!
I love you! A infinidad, y mas alla!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
April 23, 2012
Buenas tardes!
It sounds like even with all the meetings, that it was a pretty interesting week! And it's good to see that you're feeling better! It's definitely not better to be under the weather! How were the meetings and the dance? Hi Kristin! How are you doing? And Kaytlin, how is everything going with preparations for the summer? How are things looking for college coming up soon, Justin?
Things here have definitely been interesting. It rained pretty good this past week for a day (I think it was Friday), and then the day after was just perfect weather! I guess we're in that week (or maybe less) of perfect weather in Texas before things get really hot and humid. Summer will be here before we know it!
So, one BIG adventure: We went to the temple on Thursday!!! It was an AMAZING experience! And at the end, as we were getting ready to go, President Saylin invited us all in to one of the sealing rooms. He talked a little bit about the importance of what happens in the sealing room, and how really everything we teach points there. It was a moment of pure peace, and we had the chance to look into the mirrors. It was really cool! Everything we teach does point to the temple, and through the temple, we can become prepared to live again in the presence of our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and our families, forever! How great the importance to make [the gospel] known unto the children of men!
That was a super awesome highlight of the week - going to the temple - and really was a unique experience.
This week, we'll be having our zone conference. Because Elder Riley needs to play the piano, though, we're going on Wednesday instead of Thursday with our zone. But we might have the possibility of seeing a lot of Elders from the past - Elder Duran, Elder Lyman, Elder Tau'kiahau, and more! We'll see how things go! Tomorrow, we'll have planning - up until about 4:30, if all goes well. We have a Family Home Evening scheduled for tonight at 7:30 with Hermano Diaz and his children, and we're going to be at the home of the Salazar family. It's been a while since we've been there! We're also planning on having a district lunch at a place called Mexico's Deli, and so next week I might be able to send a few pictures from that, if I can take a few good ones. I'll see about sending a few pictures out this week, and hopefully they'll make it through!
Let's see, what else has gone on this week...I went on exchanges with Elder Howell - He came here to Houston 8 West with me for a day, and Elder Riley went to Houston 4 North for a day. It was a pretty good day! We were very blessed to find 1 new person to teach, and were finally able to sit down and teach someone (Maria R.) who we had been trying to teach for a few weeks. We called her "Maria de los Postres" because the first time we met her, she offered us a seat in her garage and gave us cake; aka: a 'postre,' or dessert. Just some of the fun things that go on. It is a really interesting experience to be a missionary in the best mission in the world!
It definitely is an experience to be serving out here, and I'm so grateful for the patience of the Lord in working with me. I know I have a lot to improve and work on, so it's comforting to know I can repent and improve. I can't change the past, but "the future is as bright as [our] faith." I can't remember who said that, but it's ver helpful.
Thank you for all your love and support! I wish I could write more - about all the cool and interesting experiences out here, but I guess I'll just need to write faster next time!
Los amo, a infinidad, y mas alla!
Con MUCHO amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Week 100!!! - A Ward "Rodeo" Party
** Just FYI - Michelle realized that she accidently doubled one of the weeks awhile ago, so Devin is actually at 100 weeks!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Why, hello there!
Good to hear from you! I'm glad the letter made it through! And thank you VERY MUCH for getting that letter sent off to Brother Thompson - It means a lot, what he did! And the Elder who is in the front had to press a lot of buttons on the cameras, so he had to run and slide into the picture. I guess it was break dancing, in a way, huh?
The appointment went well today! They're going to get my lab results in order, and then have them sent over to you - for all the testing and all the appointments I've been through. I guess we'll see how things go! But they have your e-mail address, Mom, and the house address, so things should get there soon. I have a prescription for more medication, which I shouldn't need to refill until later (you know, THAT later...), but I think I should be able to work through that with you later on.
Well, this week has been an interesting one! It's raining right now pretty good, but we've been blessed with very mild weather up until today. We've been working on talking to as many people as we can, and still working on getting to know one another. It seems like that part usually goes in ups and downs, at least with me. Just being around someone 24/7, you get to know their good traits, and also get frustrated sometimes, but as long as things get worked out, that's just part of life! I guess the rough patches just make the smooth ones that much better!
We've been working with someone named Claudia for some time, and she always says that she needs to come to Church, and she knows she needs to come to Church, but something always seems to come up, and she never does. The last couple weeks, she has been sick, and so I guess that's been something that's pretty hard to avoid. So we're working towards this coming Sunday, so that she and her family will ALL be able to come to Church.
Hermano Diaz (He's not a member, but he's been to Church a few times already) is doing fairly well, though he's still having some struggles - some BIG struggles - with his wife's side of the family. He doesn't know anyone, really, here in the States, and he has to work to maintain 3 boys - Joseph is 8, Angelo is 6, and Jacob is 3 - all by himself. Plus, with the economy, his business isn't doing well, and he's having some struggles with his house. But it has been really neat to see the Gospel working in his life. It's been a huge blessing for me (I think I've said this before, but it's still very true) to see how the Gospel fits just perfectly into Hermano Diaz's life, like it was specifically designed for the trials he is going through, and can help answer the great questions of the soul.
This past Saturday, we also had our ward party - A rodeo, of sorts! It started really late (8:00), even though it was supposed to start at 7. There were a lot of kids running around there! Hermano Diaz brought his kids, as well as another investigator, Madaleiny, who brought her four kids. The food was excellent! There were chips, and a bunch of different types of salsa and beans. The Sister Missionaries even made some cornbread to eat with it! At the end, the people who were still there learned the boot-scootin' boogie, and it seems like they had a lot of fun with that! Not your traditional dance, but still looked fun anyway!
Yesterday was a pretty good day at Church! There were a lot of people who came, and the attendance is slowly (but surely!) rising. We're at about 90-100 people on average each week. But there are so many people who are less-active! In Ward Council, Bishop Rovira talked about how the Stake is going to be coming on Sunday to do some "visitas", and so it looks like they're focusing on the Rescue and going to work on bringing some of those families back to activity.
Thank you so much for the update! It looks like Prom was a blast, and that the piano recital was excellent! Now looks like it is an exciting time! Well, I guess minus the finals coming up and all that preparation, but in terms of family and activities, an excellent time!
I hope I've been able to sum up the week well enough. I need to ask Elder Riley if he knows the Merrills. I think I asked him right as he came in, but I don't remember the answer. I'm getting kind of short on time, so I'll have to ask him for next week's e-mail.
I love y'all SO MUCH!! Have a fantastic week!
Con MUCHO amor, a infinidad, y mas alla!
Elder Devin Collins
Monday, April 16, 2012
Why, hello there!
Good to hear from you! I'm glad the letter made it through! And thank you VERY MUCH for getting that letter sent off to Brother Thompson - It means a lot, what he did! And the Elder who is in the front had to press a lot of buttons on the cameras, so he had to run and slide into the picture. I guess it was break dancing, in a way, huh?
The appointment went well today! They're going to get my lab results in order, and then have them sent over to you - for all the testing and all the appointments I've been through. I guess we'll see how things go! But they have your e-mail address, Mom, and the house address, so things should get there soon. I have a prescription for more medication, which I shouldn't need to refill until later (you know, THAT later...), but I think I should be able to work through that with you later on.
Well, this week has been an interesting one! It's raining right now pretty good, but we've been blessed with very mild weather up until today. We've been working on talking to as many people as we can, and still working on getting to know one another. It seems like that part usually goes in ups and downs, at least with me. Just being around someone 24/7, you get to know their good traits, and also get frustrated sometimes, but as long as things get worked out, that's just part of life! I guess the rough patches just make the smooth ones that much better!
We've been working with someone named Claudia for some time, and she always says that she needs to come to Church, and she knows she needs to come to Church, but something always seems to come up, and she never does. The last couple weeks, she has been sick, and so I guess that's been something that's pretty hard to avoid. So we're working towards this coming Sunday, so that she and her family will ALL be able to come to Church.
Hermano Diaz (He's not a member, but he's been to Church a few times already) is doing fairly well, though he's still having some struggles - some BIG struggles - with his wife's side of the family. He doesn't know anyone, really, here in the States, and he has to work to maintain 3 boys - Joseph is 8, Angelo is 6, and Jacob is 3 - all by himself. Plus, with the economy, his business isn't doing well, and he's having some struggles with his house. But it has been really neat to see the Gospel working in his life. It's been a huge blessing for me (I think I've said this before, but it's still very true) to see how the Gospel fits just perfectly into Hermano Diaz's life, like it was specifically designed for the trials he is going through, and can help answer the great questions of the soul.
This past Saturday, we also had our ward party - A rodeo, of sorts! It started really late (8:00), even though it was supposed to start at 7. There were a lot of kids running around there! Hermano Diaz brought his kids, as well as another investigator, Madaleiny, who brought her four kids. The food was excellent! There were chips, and a bunch of different types of salsa and beans. The Sister Missionaries even made some cornbread to eat with it! At the end, the people who were still there learned the boot-scootin' boogie, and it seems like they had a lot of fun with that! Not your traditional dance, but still looked fun anyway!
Yesterday was a pretty good day at Church! There were a lot of people who came, and the attendance is slowly (but surely!) rising. We're at about 90-100 people on average each week. But there are so many people who are less-active! In Ward Council, Bishop Rovira talked about how the Stake is going to be coming on Sunday to do some "visitas", and so it looks like they're focusing on the Rescue and going to work on bringing some of those families back to activity.
Thank you so much for the update! It looks like Prom was a blast, and that the piano recital was excellent! Now looks like it is an exciting time! Well, I guess minus the finals coming up and all that preparation, but in terms of family and activities, an excellent time!
I hope I've been able to sum up the week well enough. I need to ask Elder Riley if he knows the Merrills. I think I asked him right as he came in, but I don't remember the answer. I'm getting kind of short on time, so I'll have to ask him for next week's e-mail.
I love y'all SO MUCH!! Have a fantastic week!
Con MUCHO amor, a infinidad, y mas alla!
Elder Devin Collins
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Week 98 - Last Transfer - Elder Riley
Monday, April 9, 2012
Buenos dias!
Good to hear from y'all! It sounds like the week was pretty good! Eso me hace muy feliz! And it sounds like this weekend is going to be a good weekend as well! I definitely need to see some pictures from everything that goes on this weekend!
This has been a pretty busy week, and it sounds like the week coming up will be busy as well! We're scheduled to have a missionary activity on Saturday for the ward, so we're working on inviting people to that. It's going to be a cowboy night! I can't remember what the spiritual aspect is going to be, but it should be a really fun activity!
My new companion is Elder Riley, from Pacen, Utah! He's been here for 7 transfers, and has been in...6 areas. He's moved around a lot! He was in Elder Burbank's MTC district, and so they both came in at the same time. His ability to speak Spanish is AMAZING! He's definitely been working on it a lot!
This transfer, I'm no longer the District Leader. Elder Drake, who has been serving in Houston 4, is the District Leader now. It's going to be good to go to District Meetings and see how hings change, and what the Lord is prepared to teach us for this next week coming up. We definitely need to help our investigators attend Church a lot better, and I believe that is what it will be about, but it will be good to see the new revelation that we can receive from the new trainings.
Elder Duran's MTC companion, Elder Howell, is serving with Elder Drake in Houston 4. Elder Sheridan went to an English area - Silverlake. Actually, I think Elder Black was down there during the beginning of his mission! Hopefully, it will be a really good experience for him down there!
Oh, and Elder Riley said that he has a friend who is serving in the Roseville Mission. His name is Elder Kober. Does that ring a bell? It's just always interesting to see the connections that people have throughout the world, and throughout different missions. There have been a fair few people who meet each other in the field (as missionaries) and have the connection of a friend, or a family, and then they can pass the time away talking about those fun experiences.
Elder Riley has a great love for the Latino people and culture. It's been really interesting to learn so much about Guatamala, El Salvador, Mexico, Colombia, and all sorts of other places with the questions he asks. It's been cool to see the depth that there is, and what traditions or foods or stories are part of the culture. He's also been teaching me a lot of different 'dichos,' or sayings. Es una buena honda!
Oh, do you know which temples were announced to be built at Conference? We weren't there in time to catch it. Any more in California? How is everyone doing down there?
I'm trying to think of what else has been happening here...It's really interesting, because I think you get just a really, really, REALLY small slice of what is going on here. There's so much, but it really is just something you have to experience firsthand to really get to know it. There are so many tender mercies of the Lord that He just places in our path, and us, being imperfect, probably forget the majority of them. But there are some that we can remember, that are so vivid and amazing that they can be recorded, and later you can go back and feel the same emotion that you felt when you experienced it. It's just AMAZING, what the Lord does! And one thing I'm so grateful for is the fact that He has helped me to recognize even just a few more of the things that he does in my life to lead, guide, and bless us. I hope that makes sense - kind of hard to express. "Come and see!"
Well, I should get going. Thank you so much for your e-mail, and yes, the Easter package! And don't worry, I won't eat them all at once...they won't fit into my mouth all at once. But I'm sure Elder Riley will enjoy splitting them with me!
Los amo, a infinidad, y mas alla!
Con MUCHO amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Buenos dias!
Good to hear from y'all! It sounds like the week was pretty good! Eso me hace muy feliz! And it sounds like this weekend is going to be a good weekend as well! I definitely need to see some pictures from everything that goes on this weekend!
This has been a pretty busy week, and it sounds like the week coming up will be busy as well! We're scheduled to have a missionary activity on Saturday for the ward, so we're working on inviting people to that. It's going to be a cowboy night! I can't remember what the spiritual aspect is going to be, but it should be a really fun activity!
My new companion is Elder Riley, from Pacen, Utah! He's been here for 7 transfers, and has been in...6 areas. He's moved around a lot! He was in Elder Burbank's MTC district, and so they both came in at the same time. His ability to speak Spanish is AMAZING! He's definitely been working on it a lot!
This transfer, I'm no longer the District Leader. Elder Drake, who has been serving in Houston 4, is the District Leader now. It's going to be good to go to District Meetings and see how hings change, and what the Lord is prepared to teach us for this next week coming up. We definitely need to help our investigators attend Church a lot better, and I believe that is what it will be about, but it will be good to see the new revelation that we can receive from the new trainings.
Elder Duran's MTC companion, Elder Howell, is serving with Elder Drake in Houston 4. Elder Sheridan went to an English area - Silverlake. Actually, I think Elder Black was down there during the beginning of his mission! Hopefully, it will be a really good experience for him down there!
Oh, and Elder Riley said that he has a friend who is serving in the Roseville Mission. His name is Elder Kober. Does that ring a bell? It's just always interesting to see the connections that people have throughout the world, and throughout different missions. There have been a fair few people who meet each other in the field (as missionaries) and have the connection of a friend, or a family, and then they can pass the time away talking about those fun experiences.
Elder Riley has a great love for the Latino people and culture. It's been really interesting to learn so much about Guatamala, El Salvador, Mexico, Colombia, and all sorts of other places with the questions he asks. It's been cool to see the depth that there is, and what traditions or foods or stories are part of the culture. He's also been teaching me a lot of different 'dichos,' or sayings. Es una buena honda!
Oh, do you know which temples were announced to be built at Conference? We weren't there in time to catch it. Any more in California? How is everyone doing down there?
I'm trying to think of what else has been happening here...It's really interesting, because I think you get just a really, really, REALLY small slice of what is going on here. There's so much, but it really is just something you have to experience firsthand to really get to know it. There are so many tender mercies of the Lord that He just places in our path, and us, being imperfect, probably forget the majority of them. But there are some that we can remember, that are so vivid and amazing that they can be recorded, and later you can go back and feel the same emotion that you felt when you experienced it. It's just AMAZING, what the Lord does! And one thing I'm so grateful for is the fact that He has helped me to recognize even just a few more of the things that he does in my life to lead, guide, and bless us. I hope that makes sense - kind of hard to express. "Come and see!"
Well, I should get going. Thank you so much for your e-mail, and yes, the Easter package! And don't worry, I won't eat them all at once...they won't fit into my mouth all at once. But I'm sure Elder Riley will enjoy splitting them with me!
Los amo, a infinidad, y mas alla!
Con MUCHO amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Week 97 - Conference, Transfers, and 6 Baptisms
Monday, April 2, 2012
Hoooooooooola!
Buenos dias, de la ciudad bonita de Houston!
First item of business: I'm staying here! But unfortunately, Elder Duran will be leaving. It will be very interesting to see where he goes! I'll have to tell you about it in next week's e-mail, because by then, my companion will be different. It's been a very AWESOME experience to serve with Elder Duran! He has a great desire for the work, and get's along well with those around him. He's also been a great example to me of being quick to forgive. I know I need to work on that a lot! It seems like with Conference come many new things which we need to improve - or the confirmation from the Spirit of the things we already knew we needed to improve, but now seem more urgent. I'm definitely grateful for Elder Duran's example of hard work, dedication, and always being willing to do what is required of him by the Lord. Obedience is the first law of anything, so if we want to obtain the blessings from heaven, we first need to be obedient to the laws of heaven!
Unfortunately, I didn't do any fooling this time. I completely forgot! Conference really wrapped us up and kept us really focused on that. We had the HUGE blessing of finding someone named Jose Ricardo this past week. He's been going through a rough time, but he still came to conference on Saturday. In fact, because we didn't have a way to get down there, he even gave us a ride! It would have been at least an hour's ride for us to get there, so that was a great blessing. He said he was able to find the peace he was looking for. And guess what? He came back again the next day! In total, he came to three sessions of General Conference, and it looks like it really touched him. There was a lunch after the first session of conference on Sunday (This time, broadcast to our building), so he and two of his children stayed for that. It was just realy amazing to me to see the gospel at work. Sometimes, we talk to so many people who, at that time, aren't ready for the gospel (from what we can tell). It's easy in those times to get down and ask questions. But seeing the Atonement of Jesus Christ working in Ricardo's life, to strengthen and support him, reaffirmed in my heart the great blessing that the gospel - and through the gospel, the Atonement of Christ - really is in our lives.
Before I forget, Arbor Cove sounds great! And yes, the 6-man apartment is just fine! And if you do send a little Easter something, I think it would be fine to send here to our apartment. They put a note in our mailbox, if I'm not mistaken, and then we take the note to the office to pick up the package, if it's too big to fit inside our mailbox. Since I'll be staying here (as far as I know), it would also be perfect for Brother Hemstalk to send the letter to our apartment address as well.
It sounds like the week went really well! I'm glad Kaytlin received the card, and I hope that her birthday went well, and that the party will be AWESOME!! Way to go, Kristin, on the band award! That's so cool, what you're doing! Keep up the great work, everyone! How are you doing with your Japanese class, Justin? Are you still taking it this semester? How is everyone doing with the end of school getting closer?
Oh, and about the bike, I'm thinking about just donating it to the mission. There will probably be someone who can use it (or I guess it might be something Justin could use one day - Still thinking about serving a mission, Justin? What do you think? The bike is still in pretty good condition - Just a little oil here and there, a couple of screws tightened up, and alli esta!). I guess either way could work. I just want to make sure someone can use it, so I'll probably leave it here. Or if you have a suggestion, PLEASE let me know, just so I can get things sorted out. And for the doctor's release - Is that something I can just write up and have them sign, or does it need to be typed? If it needs to be typed, is that something you might be able to do? Still learning about how everything like this works! The appointment is for the 16th of April at 8:20 in the morning - fasting, for whatever tests they need to do.
So, what can I say in these last 5 minutes that I have? This past week, there was an AWESOME miracle! There was a family that the sisters from the other ward in our district had been working with towards baptism. They had decided that they wouldn't be baptized so far, just with some things that hapened, but that they would set a date. This past week, they had experience after experience that prepared them, and they told the sisters that they wanted to be baptized! It was only going to be four of them, instead of all five, but at the last minute, their oldest son said he wanted to be baptized! So he had his interview, passed, and just a little less than a half-hour later, was baptized! In total, there were 6 people who entered into the gate here this past weekend. It was AWESOME! I know that the Lord prepares people to receive His gospel. But what are we doing to prepare ourselves to find them? I loved how Elder Anderson talked about "What would Jesus do?", and that we should be concerned with "What would Jesus think of me?"
He'll help us to find those people that we need to find! We just have to be ready to find them!
I love you! A infinidad, y mas alla!!
Con mucho amor, Elder Devin Collins
Hoooooooooola!
Buenos dias, de la ciudad bonita de Houston!
First item of business: I'm staying here! But unfortunately, Elder Duran will be leaving. It will be very interesting to see where he goes! I'll have to tell you about it in next week's e-mail, because by then, my companion will be different. It's been a very AWESOME experience to serve with Elder Duran! He has a great desire for the work, and get's along well with those around him. He's also been a great example to me of being quick to forgive. I know I need to work on that a lot! It seems like with Conference come many new things which we need to improve - or the confirmation from the Spirit of the things we already knew we needed to improve, but now seem more urgent. I'm definitely grateful for Elder Duran's example of hard work, dedication, and always being willing to do what is required of him by the Lord. Obedience is the first law of anything, so if we want to obtain the blessings from heaven, we first need to be obedient to the laws of heaven!
Unfortunately, I didn't do any fooling this time. I completely forgot! Conference really wrapped us up and kept us really focused on that. We had the HUGE blessing of finding someone named Jose Ricardo this past week. He's been going through a rough time, but he still came to conference on Saturday. In fact, because we didn't have a way to get down there, he even gave us a ride! It would have been at least an hour's ride for us to get there, so that was a great blessing. He said he was able to find the peace he was looking for. And guess what? He came back again the next day! In total, he came to three sessions of General Conference, and it looks like it really touched him. There was a lunch after the first session of conference on Sunday (This time, broadcast to our building), so he and two of his children stayed for that. It was just realy amazing to me to see the gospel at work. Sometimes, we talk to so many people who, at that time, aren't ready for the gospel (from what we can tell). It's easy in those times to get down and ask questions. But seeing the Atonement of Jesus Christ working in Ricardo's life, to strengthen and support him, reaffirmed in my heart the great blessing that the gospel - and through the gospel, the Atonement of Christ - really is in our lives.
Before I forget, Arbor Cove sounds great! And yes, the 6-man apartment is just fine! And if you do send a little Easter something, I think it would be fine to send here to our apartment. They put a note in our mailbox, if I'm not mistaken, and then we take the note to the office to pick up the package, if it's too big to fit inside our mailbox. Since I'll be staying here (as far as I know), it would also be perfect for Brother Hemstalk to send the letter to our apartment address as well.
It sounds like the week went really well! I'm glad Kaytlin received the card, and I hope that her birthday went well, and that the party will be AWESOME!! Way to go, Kristin, on the band award! That's so cool, what you're doing! Keep up the great work, everyone! How are you doing with your Japanese class, Justin? Are you still taking it this semester? How is everyone doing with the end of school getting closer?
Oh, and about the bike, I'm thinking about just donating it to the mission. There will probably be someone who can use it (or I guess it might be something Justin could use one day - Still thinking about serving a mission, Justin? What do you think? The bike is still in pretty good condition - Just a little oil here and there, a couple of screws tightened up, and alli esta!). I guess either way could work. I just want to make sure someone can use it, so I'll probably leave it here. Or if you have a suggestion, PLEASE let me know, just so I can get things sorted out. And for the doctor's release - Is that something I can just write up and have them sign, or does it need to be typed? If it needs to be typed, is that something you might be able to do? Still learning about how everything like this works! The appointment is for the 16th of April at 8:20 in the morning - fasting, for whatever tests they need to do.
So, what can I say in these last 5 minutes that I have? This past week, there was an AWESOME miracle! There was a family that the sisters from the other ward in our district had been working with towards baptism. They had decided that they wouldn't be baptized so far, just with some things that hapened, but that they would set a date. This past week, they had experience after experience that prepared them, and they told the sisters that they wanted to be baptized! It was only going to be four of them, instead of all five, but at the last minute, their oldest son said he wanted to be baptized! So he had his interview, passed, and just a little less than a half-hour later, was baptized! In total, there were 6 people who entered into the gate here this past weekend. It was AWESOME! I know that the Lord prepares people to receive His gospel. But what are we doing to prepare ourselves to find them? I loved how Elder Anderson talked about "What would Jesus do?", and that we should be concerned with "What would Jesus think of me?"
He'll help us to find those people that we need to find! We just have to be ready to find them!
I love you! A infinidad, y mas alla!!
Con mucho amor, Elder Devin Collins
Week 96 - It's Been a Great Week!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Aloha!
I did hear about the almost-Hawaii-job. Sorry it didn't quite work out! At least Dad is enjoying the job he's at right now, so that's good! And there is a lot of family in Oroville, so that's good!
Who was Elder Oliver's friend? Of course I know him!! We spent 7 months in the same district in Kemah!! He was (and still is) one of the funnest, funniest, happiest, most excited missionaries I have ever served around! Some of the most fun times I have had in the mission were with Elder Oliver! Oh, man, that's AWESOME!!! It's definitely a small world! I'm just speechless, I don't know what to say! Do you know how Elder Oliver is doing?
Sorry, I don't have too much time right now. The computers aren't doing too great, and they're running a little slow.
This definitely has been a great week! I do feel like I've given a lot more this week then in the past. But now, starting a new week, I feel like I'm not paying as much attention to the Spirit, and that I'm not letting the Lord work through me as much. I'm letting myself get in the way. Something I definitely need to work on. But we have been able to see a lot more success with the members! It's been really fun to have them come out and teach with us. Things just feel better, and it's been great to have that member help right beside us. That way, people already have a friend in the Church, and it makes it even just a little easier to come to Church that next Sunday!
It sounds like this week will be really full! Make sure to tell Kaytlin that I wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! And that I say "Hi" to Justin, Kaytlin, Kristin, and to you and Dad!!
Umm, in terms of the 'Business' aspect: I'm not sure what Somerset is like - I've heard mixed things about it. But about all the other complexes, they sound good! I got the scholarship application, but to tell the truth, I'm completely lost on where to start or what to write! Is my goal one of the things that I've done? Is it a separate esay? Do I need to write one essay for each of the 3 essay prompts, or are those just for me to check over? Talking to Dad, I have a little bit clearer idea, but I'm still really lost. I'll just do the best that I can, and hopefully it works out!
Here, we're going into our last week of the transfer. Next Monday, we'll find out if we're being transfered or not, and that coming Wednesday will be the transfers. There's been a whole lot more going on here in Houston 8! It's been cool to see the progression, and slowly but surely, the ward is growing!
Well, I've got to get going. I hope the week goes well! And it sounds like Kaytlin will be very busy, with birthday plans and the Band concert! Sounds like EVERYONE is going to be really busy!
I love you all SO MUCH! Sorry this is so short! Hopefully, I'll be able to get a letter out or something for this week. Today, we'll be having our district activity, and we'll be having a BBQ! Hope that all goes well!!
I love you...A infinidad, y mas alla!!
Con MUCHO amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Aloha!
I did hear about the almost-Hawaii-job. Sorry it didn't quite work out! At least Dad is enjoying the job he's at right now, so that's good! And there is a lot of family in Oroville, so that's good!
Who was Elder Oliver's friend? Of course I know him!! We spent 7 months in the same district in Kemah!! He was (and still is) one of the funnest, funniest, happiest, most excited missionaries I have ever served around! Some of the most fun times I have had in the mission were with Elder Oliver! Oh, man, that's AWESOME!!! It's definitely a small world! I'm just speechless, I don't know what to say! Do you know how Elder Oliver is doing?
Sorry, I don't have too much time right now. The computers aren't doing too great, and they're running a little slow.
This definitely has been a great week! I do feel like I've given a lot more this week then in the past. But now, starting a new week, I feel like I'm not paying as much attention to the Spirit, and that I'm not letting the Lord work through me as much. I'm letting myself get in the way. Something I definitely need to work on. But we have been able to see a lot more success with the members! It's been really fun to have them come out and teach with us. Things just feel better, and it's been great to have that member help right beside us. That way, people already have a friend in the Church, and it makes it even just a little easier to come to Church that next Sunday!
It sounds like this week will be really full! Make sure to tell Kaytlin that I wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! And that I say "Hi" to Justin, Kaytlin, Kristin, and to you and Dad!!
Umm, in terms of the 'Business' aspect: I'm not sure what Somerset is like - I've heard mixed things about it. But about all the other complexes, they sound good! I got the scholarship application, but to tell the truth, I'm completely lost on where to start or what to write! Is my goal one of the things that I've done? Is it a separate esay? Do I need to write one essay for each of the 3 essay prompts, or are those just for me to check over? Talking to Dad, I have a little bit clearer idea, but I'm still really lost. I'll just do the best that I can, and hopefully it works out!
Here, we're going into our last week of the transfer. Next Monday, we'll find out if we're being transfered or not, and that coming Wednesday will be the transfers. There's been a whole lot more going on here in Houston 8! It's been cool to see the progression, and slowly but surely, the ward is growing!
Well, I've got to get going. I hope the week goes well! And it sounds like Kaytlin will be very busy, with birthday plans and the Band concert! Sounds like EVERYONE is going to be really busy!
I love you all SO MUCH! Sorry this is so short! Hopefully, I'll be able to get a letter out or something for this week. Today, we'll be having our district activity, and we'll be having a BBQ! Hope that all goes well!!
I love you...A infinidad, y mas alla!!
Con MUCHO amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Monday, March 19, 2012
Week 95 - Members and Missionaries Work Together
Buenos dias!!
Things have been going well! We've definitely been blessed! As always, life (and the mission) is a learning experience, but it just keeps going on! It seems like just when I start to learn and understand some aspect of missionary work well, there comes the reminder that I can improve in other areas, and then I have that opportunity to improve! We definitely need to work more with the members here - a lot more. I had forgotten that without the trust and confidence of the members, the work doesn't get done. Members and missionaries have to work together to realize the purposes of the Lord.
We haven't seen Nefi at all this week, though we've tried to visit him a few different times. They say his brother is back in town, but we haven't ever seen him or talked to him. We're hoping he's here, so that Nefi can begin progressing towards that eternal goal.
On the apartment question: They all sounds pretty good! The only apartments that I really saw were the Rockland ones, and I visited some other ones, but didn't get to know the area too well. I also don't remember too well what they're called. I guess I'm not too great of a help in that area, sorry! Whichever place looks alright and has that good feeling, I should be good with. How has Justin been doing with the talk of college and the like?
As for the facilities, I know Rockland had a place to go to get free haircuts. We did have to use quarters for the laundry machines there, though. With the dorms, I'd prefer not to live there. It's not that they're bad or anything, but the off-campus housing seemed to be a lot more low-key, with a lot less interruptions in studies and things like that. It was pretty quiet over there. Pretty nice. In terms of the number of people around the complex: Even in Rockland, with a lot of apartments, there usually weren't a lot of people outside, but I'd be fine either way.
This past week has had it's ups and downs. We've been learning, again, how to re-work our area. We haven't been making the best use of members, or even working with them a lot - and that kind of stings. The sisters who just opened up another area in the ward have had to work a lot with the members to find people to teach and to even find where to find. We need to get that same excitement and urgency back into our own work.
This past week, one of the higher points was that we were able to find a family! They had talked with missionaries before, so it was really neat to be able to sit down with them and just talk with them about the Gospel. They definitely need it in their life - they've been going through some rough things in life with their kids. Just some not-too-great choices, and that sorrow that comes from those choices. They were going to come to Church on Sunday, but for some reason, they didn't come. Hopefully it wasn't anything too big, and they'll be able to come this week coming up. They sounded so sure that they were coming, too! We're going to get the members involved with them so that they feel more comfortable at Church.
Elder Duran and I are doing well. He's still working on picking up the language, but he's doing well. It's been a good transfer so far, and it's weird to think of how fast time goes sometimes. The days sometimes go by slow, but then there are times that the weeks just fly by! It's a really mixed feeling. We have a really good district, though - There are some pictures attached of our district lunch to Panda Express, a picture after District Meeting, and one of Elder Duran in there. Also just some random pictures of exchanges and things that I thought you'd like!
Well, it's about time to get going. I hope the week has gone well! Thank you for all the love, support, and prayers! I hope this week "off" is AWESOME! And that Kaytlin's birthday next week goes super well, too! And tell Kristin I say "Hi!"
Con mucho amor, a infinidad, y mas alla!
Elder Devin Collins
Week 94 - A Fullness of Joy
Monday, March 12, 2012
Hooooooooola!!!
Pasamos la semana bien! Era interesante como dijiera que no habiamos tenido lluvia/tormentas anteriormente, pero esta fin de semana pasada no queria dejar de llover... (We spent the week right! It was interesting as we had not had dijiera rain / storms before, but this past weekend did not want to stop raining ...)
But it was good, though! Some opportunities to grow in the faith, and some experiences that I hope I'll never forget! It's been really interesting, time here. I was thinking this past week how it would be both fun and inspiring to write down a list of experiences I've had and how they've helped me to grow, what I've learned from them, and how my testimony was strengthened. I haven't had the chance to do that yet, but I'm hoping and praying to have that opportunity (with the Spirit guiding me) soon. I've been struggling a lot to write in my journal, and it's been kind of frustrating. There are so many awesome experiences to record, and not enough time in the day to write everything down! Do you have any suggestions? Time management has been one of my weak points, and so any advice in that area would help out a lot.
Okay, on to business!
I think for the apartment question, Rockland/Rockport was good (The one I stayed at last time - It was a good one, but I don't remember how expensive it was). If Justin is good with living there, that would be cool! I think the best part will be rooming with Justin, that would be really fun! And if Brad can be there, too - I'd be great with that! I think if all three of us are in one place, a 6-man would be good. But if it is just Justin and I, a 4-man might be better. Just personal opinion. And as far as grocery store is concerned, I don't think it is too far away. We should be able to catch a ride with someone when they go down. Or maybe we can break out the bikes!
The week here has been going well! The Lord always gives us more opportunities to learn and grow, it seems like! We've had some downpours here, over the past 3 days. The rain really hasn't stopped completely since last Thursday. Today it's looking a bit clearer. Texas really does need the rain, though!
As a mission, we're really focusing on baptismal dates, keys (10 purpose-driven OYMs each day, per missionary), and investigator lessons. It's been really amazing to see the hand of the Lord come forth and provide! Last evening was a great example of that:
We were planning on going to a devotional for the mission last night (directed towards investigators), but weren't able to find anyone to go, or even any members to take us down there. We really did everything we could to go, but weren't able to make it. After that, things just seemed to not be going very well. We weren't finding the favorable response that we wanted to find. But in the evening, we were able to have a miraculous lesson with someone and give him a copy of the Book of Mormon. We set up an appointment to return on Saturday! Then, on the other side of the street, we were able to enter the house of a family we have taught twice before, but this time we were able to extend to them a baptismal date, and they accepted! Her name is Rosibel. Two of her sons were there as well, and they were asking a lot of questions about the pictures in the front of the Book of Mormon - Samuel the Lamanite, Moroni and the plates, Christ in the Americas, the Liahona, etc. It was really fun! I think it can be really easy sometimes to just go through the motions of being a missionary. But when we can really feel our purpose, when we have those moments that teach us why we do missionary work, it makes everything worth it. I know that this fullness of joy that comes from doing the work of the Lord is eternal and lasting. It doesn't go away with time. When we are able to find that love for the people and really desire their salvation, then this whole work just fills you up!
Elder Duran is doing well. He's been talking to a lot of people! It's definitely been an adventure, going through the ups and downs together. I'm definitely grateful for the opportunity that I have to serve with him! It seems like the Lord just teaches me more and more each day through him, and he really reminds me a lot of myself in the beginning of my mission. When there are times that I get impatient, I think back on how my first few transfers were, and then change my way of thinking and way of teaching. It's been a big learning experience.
Well, Magdaleno went back to El Salvador today. I was thinking about it this morning, and it did make me kind of sad. He was at Church yesterday, though, and so it was good to be able to say goodbye to him there. It's just weird to think that he's not coming back for a while.
And I think it's about time to go. Sorry I couldn't answer all the questions! There is so much to write! If you put some of the questions in next week's e-mail, I'll try to answer them!
Los amo, a infinidad, y mas alla!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Hooooooooola!!!
Pasamos la semana bien! Era interesante como dijiera que no habiamos tenido lluvia/tormentas anteriormente, pero esta fin de semana pasada no queria dejar de llover... (We spent the week right! It was interesting as we had not had dijiera rain / storms before, but this past weekend did not want to stop raining ...)
But it was good, though! Some opportunities to grow in the faith, and some experiences that I hope I'll never forget! It's been really interesting, time here. I was thinking this past week how it would be both fun and inspiring to write down a list of experiences I've had and how they've helped me to grow, what I've learned from them, and how my testimony was strengthened. I haven't had the chance to do that yet, but I'm hoping and praying to have that opportunity (with the Spirit guiding me) soon. I've been struggling a lot to write in my journal, and it's been kind of frustrating. There are so many awesome experiences to record, and not enough time in the day to write everything down! Do you have any suggestions? Time management has been one of my weak points, and so any advice in that area would help out a lot.
Okay, on to business!
I think for the apartment question, Rockland/Rockport was good (The one I stayed at last time - It was a good one, but I don't remember how expensive it was). If Justin is good with living there, that would be cool! I think the best part will be rooming with Justin, that would be really fun! And if Brad can be there, too - I'd be great with that! I think if all three of us are in one place, a 6-man would be good. But if it is just Justin and I, a 4-man might be better. Just personal opinion. And as far as grocery store is concerned, I don't think it is too far away. We should be able to catch a ride with someone when they go down. Or maybe we can break out the bikes!
The week here has been going well! The Lord always gives us more opportunities to learn and grow, it seems like! We've had some downpours here, over the past 3 days. The rain really hasn't stopped completely since last Thursday. Today it's looking a bit clearer. Texas really does need the rain, though!
As a mission, we're really focusing on baptismal dates, keys (10 purpose-driven OYMs each day, per missionary), and investigator lessons. It's been really amazing to see the hand of the Lord come forth and provide! Last evening was a great example of that:
We were planning on going to a devotional for the mission last night (directed towards investigators), but weren't able to find anyone to go, or even any members to take us down there. We really did everything we could to go, but weren't able to make it. After that, things just seemed to not be going very well. We weren't finding the favorable response that we wanted to find. But in the evening, we were able to have a miraculous lesson with someone and give him a copy of the Book of Mormon. We set up an appointment to return on Saturday! Then, on the other side of the street, we were able to enter the house of a family we have taught twice before, but this time we were able to extend to them a baptismal date, and they accepted! Her name is Rosibel. Two of her sons were there as well, and they were asking a lot of questions about the pictures in the front of the Book of Mormon - Samuel the Lamanite, Moroni and the plates, Christ in the Americas, the Liahona, etc. It was really fun! I think it can be really easy sometimes to just go through the motions of being a missionary. But when we can really feel our purpose, when we have those moments that teach us why we do missionary work, it makes everything worth it. I know that this fullness of joy that comes from doing the work of the Lord is eternal and lasting. It doesn't go away with time. When we are able to find that love for the people and really desire their salvation, then this whole work just fills you up!
Elder Duran is doing well. He's been talking to a lot of people! It's definitely been an adventure, going through the ups and downs together. I'm definitely grateful for the opportunity that I have to serve with him! It seems like the Lord just teaches me more and more each day through him, and he really reminds me a lot of myself in the beginning of my mission. When there are times that I get impatient, I think back on how my first few transfers were, and then change my way of thinking and way of teaching. It's been a big learning experience.
Well, Magdaleno went back to El Salvador today. I was thinking about it this morning, and it did make me kind of sad. He was at Church yesterday, though, and so it was good to be able to say goodbye to him there. It's just weird to think that he's not coming back for a while.
And I think it's about time to go. Sorry I couldn't answer all the questions! There is so much to write! If you put some of the questions in next week's e-mail, I'll try to answer them!
Los amo, a infinidad, y mas alla!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Monday, March 5, 2012
Week 93 - "Exercise Our Faith"
Buenos tardes! Como estamos?
It's been a fairly good week! Thank you for sending me that letter from Emily! After I forwarded that to you, I found out that I can't actually forward e-mails either, but I talked to President about it, and things are good now...as far as I know. And just letting you know, but I don't know how long I'll be able to write for, because some other Elders are waiting on the computer. Today is looking like it's going to be a crazy day!
This week has definitely been an adjustment. We're doing our very best to find those who will receive us, and we're really looking for a family, so that we can reach the goal we prayerfuly set for the month of March. Time is just flying by! It's been really interesting to see how sometimes the days pass slowly, but as we look back on them, things are really going by fairly quickly!
Thanks for the update on how things are going back in good 'ole Oroville! Time - and activities - continue marching on! It's great to hear that Kristin's venture to Shady Creek went well! It sounds like that is usually a really great experience, and looks like Kristin is using that upside-down piano planning to the fullest!
It's good to hear that the card made it to Grandpa a-ok! I hope both had a great birthday, and "a happy new year!"
Here, things have been moving forward. We had an EXCELLENT Zone Meeting on Friday, and there was a big focus on consecration and the Law of Sacrifice - What more can we give to become the missionaries we came out here to become? What more can we bring to the Lord's altar to make this the best month of our missions? What can we do to truly become "swallowed up" in the will of the Father? It's going to be a focus that will continue throughout the month, and hopefully throughout our lives.
We have been on bikes a whole lot more - Like, just about every day. Some days, we've been able to find success. Other days, though we really give our best effort, we don't see the fruits of our labors. But Saturday we had an interesting day: We were out on our bikes almost all day, except for studies in the morning. We were able to get back home just minutes before 9:00. Though we didn't teach on Saturday, that was one of the days that I really feel like I did give my best. We didn't have that visible success, but we finished feeling good.
Elder Duran is doing well. He's definitely had some ups and downs, and he's struggling a lot with the Spanish, but he's getting a lot better. He does have a strong testimony, just working on expressing it.
Magdaleno is doing well - And actually, he'll be going back to El Salvador here on the 15th. He really is a new person, and has had a lot of really cool changes in his life. We want to start teaching his daughter, and he's talked about giving a copy of the Book of Mormon in Spanish to his granddaughter, so we're hoping to see some blessings in his family right there. We just need to put our hope and faith into action and ask him about his family!
Nefi...His mom still isn't supportive, and I don't know why. She's a member, and says she has a really strong testimony! Nefi didn't come to Church because his mom let him sleep in, is what his ride said. I don't know exactly what to do - it's a really interesting situation. His brother should be getting into town this Thursday, though, so hopefully we'll be able to see Nefi and his mom start progressing from that.
As for the Texas downpours - We haven't had any recently (knock on wood). Last year was super dry, but it looks like this year is getting a little bit better.
How is the Maxey family? How is Cory doing with his mission preparation? Do you know if James is working on that at all? How is Sister Maxey doing? I hope things are well there!
And Mom, I was just wondering - Have you and Dad ever thought about serving a mission one day? I was just thinking about how awesome it would be if everyone in the family served a mission - at least one. It's definitely an eye-opening experience, and one that I am SO grateful for! It's been really amazing, to see people really change their lives around and become new people. There's a new light that enters into their lives as they exercise their faith in that way (I really like that phrase - "Exercise our faith" - because if we don't do anything with our "faith," then it's not really faith, is it? We have to be up and doing!).
Well, I've got to get going. I love you!!! A infinidad, y mas alla!!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
It's been a fairly good week! Thank you for sending me that letter from Emily! After I forwarded that to you, I found out that I can't actually forward e-mails either, but I talked to President about it, and things are good now...as far as I know. And just letting you know, but I don't know how long I'll be able to write for, because some other Elders are waiting on the computer. Today is looking like it's going to be a crazy day!
This week has definitely been an adjustment. We're doing our very best to find those who will receive us, and we're really looking for a family, so that we can reach the goal we prayerfuly set for the month of March. Time is just flying by! It's been really interesting to see how sometimes the days pass slowly, but as we look back on them, things are really going by fairly quickly!
Thanks for the update on how things are going back in good 'ole Oroville! Time - and activities - continue marching on! It's great to hear that Kristin's venture to Shady Creek went well! It sounds like that is usually a really great experience, and looks like Kristin is using that upside-down piano planning to the fullest!
It's good to hear that the card made it to Grandpa a-ok! I hope both had a great birthday, and "a happy new year!"
Here, things have been moving forward. We had an EXCELLENT Zone Meeting on Friday, and there was a big focus on consecration and the Law of Sacrifice - What more can we give to become the missionaries we came out here to become? What more can we bring to the Lord's altar to make this the best month of our missions? What can we do to truly become "swallowed up" in the will of the Father? It's going to be a focus that will continue throughout the month, and hopefully throughout our lives.
We have been on bikes a whole lot more - Like, just about every day. Some days, we've been able to find success. Other days, though we really give our best effort, we don't see the fruits of our labors. But Saturday we had an interesting day: We were out on our bikes almost all day, except for studies in the morning. We were able to get back home just minutes before 9:00. Though we didn't teach on Saturday, that was one of the days that I really feel like I did give my best. We didn't have that visible success, but we finished feeling good.
Elder Duran is doing well. He's definitely had some ups and downs, and he's struggling a lot with the Spanish, but he's getting a lot better. He does have a strong testimony, just working on expressing it.
Magdaleno is doing well - And actually, he'll be going back to El Salvador here on the 15th. He really is a new person, and has had a lot of really cool changes in his life. We want to start teaching his daughter, and he's talked about giving a copy of the Book of Mormon in Spanish to his granddaughter, so we're hoping to see some blessings in his family right there. We just need to put our hope and faith into action and ask him about his family!
Nefi...His mom still isn't supportive, and I don't know why. She's a member, and says she has a really strong testimony! Nefi didn't come to Church because his mom let him sleep in, is what his ride said. I don't know exactly what to do - it's a really interesting situation. His brother should be getting into town this Thursday, though, so hopefully we'll be able to see Nefi and his mom start progressing from that.
As for the Texas downpours - We haven't had any recently (knock on wood). Last year was super dry, but it looks like this year is getting a little bit better.
How is the Maxey family? How is Cory doing with his mission preparation? Do you know if James is working on that at all? How is Sister Maxey doing? I hope things are well there!
And Mom, I was just wondering - Have you and Dad ever thought about serving a mission one day? I was just thinking about how awesome it would be if everyone in the family served a mission - at least one. It's definitely an eye-opening experience, and one that I am SO grateful for! It's been really amazing, to see people really change their lives around and become new people. There's a new light that enters into their lives as they exercise their faith in that way (I really like that phrase - "Exercise our faith" - because if we don't do anything with our "faith," then it's not really faith, is it? We have to be up and doing!).
Well, I've got to get going. I love you!!! A infinidad, y mas alla!!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Monday, February 27, 2012
Week 92 - Dividing Our Area and Back on the Bike!
Aloooooooha!
Pues, somos muy bendicidos aqui! Hemos tenido muchos cambios, pero se que con Dios, podemos tener la fuerza y la direccion para seguir adelante, y para encontrar los que estan listos para recibirnos! (Well, we are very bendicidos here! We have had many changes, but that with God, we have the strength and direction to move forward, and to find those who are ready to receive us!)
Good hearing from y'all!! It has DEFINITELY been a week, both here and there, it sounds like! Lots of things going on in both places - activities, and the like! Quite a few changes here, too! Oh, and before I forget - I forwarded that letter to you, Mom, and was wondering if that was something that you can print off and mail to me? That way, I can read it. That would be great!
Sounds like there has been a lot going on this week, especially with all the fundraisers! It's really fun to hear all about how everyone is doing - Kristin seems to be doing really well, especially as she provided the entertainment for the fundraiser all by herself! Even playing upside-down, too! And wow, Kaytlin really seems to be taking on a lot - she needs to teach me her time management techniques, because I'm really lacking in that area right not (so much to do, not nearly enough time to do everything! I wish there were times that I could just freeze time, finish up what I need to finish up, and then unfreeze it!) What topic did Justin speak on on Sunday? Do you think it would be possible to get a copy of his talk, just to read? And how did he get home from school that day when the blue van wouldn't start? (Good to see that it's still running, though - Definitely a Toyota!)
How are things going with school right now? Getting close to finishing everything up? Or do you still have one more semester before graduation?
Things here have been CRAZY! Well, I guess not super crazy, but it feels like we're opening up the area again. At transfer meeting, our area was divided into two areas: Houston 8 West (us) and Houston 8 East (Hermanas/Sisters Sorenson and Harper). The Sisters have the area that we worked most often, so now we're embarking in 'new territory.' That has been an adventure! Another adventure is that we have now become a bike area. There have been a lot of blessings from that. One of the greatest is that, although it can be difficult sometimes, we have the opportunity to talk to A LOT more people. From those experiences, we learn what we are doing well, and also what we can improve to have more love for the people and a greater desire to share the gospel with them. It has given me some more time to think and ponder over the experiences we have out here, and things that I need to sort out. The only bad thing about that is if I get SUPER DEEP into think and don't see the big curb right in front of me...but as of yet, that hasn't happened (knock on wood!).
We've been trying to work a lot with someone named Nefi Deras. He's 13 years old (I think I've mentioned him before), and his mom and brother are members. His brother is serving in the military, but served a mission before that (Justin! You can do BOTH! But I'd challenge you to serve in the Lord's army first. There really is no greater call!). His brother will be coming back on the 7th, and we're planning on having Nefi's baptism on the 10th. He needs a lot of prayers in that aspect, because his mom isn't 100% supportive. She wants him to learn a lot more before making the decision to be baptized. It's been a little bit of a fight there, but we're hoping that his brother helps him out with the desire to be baptized, and then to have his brother perform the baptism.
"A mission is a strange experience. It's a trial and a test.
A mission throws at you the worst, yet teaches you the best."
I don't know if I've sent you that poem yet or not, but it is one of my favorites. That's only the beginning, but it talks about some of the experiences and emotions from the mission. I've been learning so much, and even though I've been studying, off and on, the Atonement throughout just about my entire mission, I feel like I'm just barely coming to understand it. I feel like every time I'm going through a low point, whether in studies or during the day or week, or even in our companionship, the Lord places something in front of me or a thought in my mind that helps me to keep going. Sometimes, this "animo" just seems to come from nowhere!
An important part (one of the key reasons) of why we're here is to grow and learn, to have experiences, both good and bad, that will eventually lead us again to our Heavenly Father. If this was all that there was - if there was no life after death - yet we still have that firm faith in our loving Heavenly Father, that brings up a question: Why isn't everyone happy? Because if this is all that would be, this life here, our Heavenly Father would want us to be happy in every moment, and would provide the means to do so. But we're not 100% happy in every moment - Sometimes we have sorrow, pain, and trials. But because of that, we can know that there is something greater. We can know that if we follow our Heavenly Father's plan, and share that plan with others, one day we'll leave this "valley of sorrow" and enter into a "far greater land of promise."
I know that this work is true. It's tough. Sometimes it's a trial. But at the end, we will "rest from all our labors." We will be able to live with those we love. I'm so grateful for the knoweldge of this plan that we have. How great the importance to make these things known to the entire world!
I want to challenge everyone who can to begin preparing now to serve a mission. It really is one of the greatest times we have to come to know our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ, whom He sent.
Thank you for all your love and support!! Los amo, a infinidad, y mas alla!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Pues, somos muy bendicidos aqui! Hemos tenido muchos cambios, pero se que con Dios, podemos tener la fuerza y la direccion para seguir adelante, y para encontrar los que estan listos para recibirnos! (Well, we are very bendicidos here! We have had many changes, but that with God, we have the strength and direction to move forward, and to find those who are ready to receive us!)
Good hearing from y'all!! It has DEFINITELY been a week, both here and there, it sounds like! Lots of things going on in both places - activities, and the like! Quite a few changes here, too! Oh, and before I forget - I forwarded that letter to you, Mom, and was wondering if that was something that you can print off and mail to me? That way, I can read it. That would be great!
Sounds like there has been a lot going on this week, especially with all the fundraisers! It's really fun to hear all about how everyone is doing - Kristin seems to be doing really well, especially as she provided the entertainment for the fundraiser all by herself! Even playing upside-down, too! And wow, Kaytlin really seems to be taking on a lot - she needs to teach me her time management techniques, because I'm really lacking in that area right not (so much to do, not nearly enough time to do everything! I wish there were times that I could just freeze time, finish up what I need to finish up, and then unfreeze it!) What topic did Justin speak on on Sunday? Do you think it would be possible to get a copy of his talk, just to read? And how did he get home from school that day when the blue van wouldn't start? (Good to see that it's still running, though - Definitely a Toyota!)
How are things going with school right now? Getting close to finishing everything up? Or do you still have one more semester before graduation?
Things here have been CRAZY! Well, I guess not super crazy, but it feels like we're opening up the area again. At transfer meeting, our area was divided into two areas: Houston 8 West (us) and Houston 8 East (Hermanas/Sisters Sorenson and Harper). The Sisters have the area that we worked most often, so now we're embarking in 'new territory.' That has been an adventure! Another adventure is that we have now become a bike area. There have been a lot of blessings from that. One of the greatest is that, although it can be difficult sometimes, we have the opportunity to talk to A LOT more people. From those experiences, we learn what we are doing well, and also what we can improve to have more love for the people and a greater desire to share the gospel with them. It has given me some more time to think and ponder over the experiences we have out here, and things that I need to sort out. The only bad thing about that is if I get SUPER DEEP into think and don't see the big curb right in front of me...but as of yet, that hasn't happened (knock on wood!).
We've been trying to work a lot with someone named Nefi Deras. He's 13 years old (I think I've mentioned him before), and his mom and brother are members. His brother is serving in the military, but served a mission before that (Justin! You can do BOTH! But I'd challenge you to serve in the Lord's army first. There really is no greater call!). His brother will be coming back on the 7th, and we're planning on having Nefi's baptism on the 10th. He needs a lot of prayers in that aspect, because his mom isn't 100% supportive. She wants him to learn a lot more before making the decision to be baptized. It's been a little bit of a fight there, but we're hoping that his brother helps him out with the desire to be baptized, and then to have his brother perform the baptism.
"A mission is a strange experience. It's a trial and a test.
A mission throws at you the worst, yet teaches you the best."
I don't know if I've sent you that poem yet or not, but it is one of my favorites. That's only the beginning, but it talks about some of the experiences and emotions from the mission. I've been learning so much, and even though I've been studying, off and on, the Atonement throughout just about my entire mission, I feel like I'm just barely coming to understand it. I feel like every time I'm going through a low point, whether in studies or during the day or week, or even in our companionship, the Lord places something in front of me or a thought in my mind that helps me to keep going. Sometimes, this "animo" just seems to come from nowhere!
An important part (one of the key reasons) of why we're here is to grow and learn, to have experiences, both good and bad, that will eventually lead us again to our Heavenly Father. If this was all that there was - if there was no life after death - yet we still have that firm faith in our loving Heavenly Father, that brings up a question: Why isn't everyone happy? Because if this is all that would be, this life here, our Heavenly Father would want us to be happy in every moment, and would provide the means to do so. But we're not 100% happy in every moment - Sometimes we have sorrow, pain, and trials. But because of that, we can know that there is something greater. We can know that if we follow our Heavenly Father's plan, and share that plan with others, one day we'll leave this "valley of sorrow" and enter into a "far greater land of promise."
I know that this work is true. It's tough. Sometimes it's a trial. But at the end, we will "rest from all our labors." We will be able to live with those we love. I'm so grateful for the knoweldge of this plan that we have. How great the importance to make these things known to the entire world!
I want to challenge everyone who can to begin preparing now to serve a mission. It really is one of the greatest times we have to come to know our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ, whom He sent.
Thank you for all your love and support!! Los amo, a infinidad, y mas alla!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Week 91 - Magdaleno's Baptism & Elder Christofferson Speaks
Hoooooooooola!!
It's good to see how everything is going! And AWESOME to see the Spanish, mom! Google Translate has gotten really accurate!
It sounds like this week has been a good one! And THANK YOU for the Valentine's package! You'll be happy to know that I didn't eat all of the candy at once! But there is definitely a lot less candy in there than when I started...And the pole vault, huh? That'll be really cool! You have to send me pictures - that's always interested me a lot!
Sorry to hear about the people who passed away this past week. I don't think I knew them very well, but their names sound familiar, so I think I've at least met them, probably...
This week...where to start? It's been interesting. P-Day wasn't my favorite, like I talked to you about in my e-mail, but it improved. I think a lot of times we are given expereinces that either draw us closer to God and let us learn, or we distance ourselves from Him and we have to be taught the lesson in a different way. I don't think I was learning what the Lord wanted me to learn in the beginning, but towards the end, I hope I was more humble and teachable, more receptive to His will.
Wednesday was the day when things really started to change here. We were in a lesson with Magdaleno, and we received the impression to change his baptismal date from the 25th of this month to the 18th - just 3 days away. We talked about it after we left the lesson with Magdaleno, and then made the decision to follow through with the prompting we had received from the Holy Ghost. From that moment on, our focus was on preparing Magdaleno for his baptism on Saturday. We were blessed with the opportunity to have his interview that night at Mutual, which went well. We called him again on Thursday to make sure everything was still good. Friday we went by again and began filling out the baptismal form. We made the last preparations, and scheduled his baptism. Saturday...
We got the chance to hear from Elder D. Todd Christofferson!!! He came and spoke to the 3 Houston missions, because he was down here for a Stake Conference. It was amazing to be there, in the presence of one of the Apostles of the Lord. He promised some really great blessings on the work and even on our studies here. It was a great boost as we prepared for Magdaleno's baptism that night.
That afternoon, we had to make some changes in the program, because another ward was going to be having their baptism at the same building at the same time. So we were able to stagger the baptisms and tried to let everyone know about it.
Elder Duran then baptized him that evening. It was a little tough because the water wasn't at the level that it should have been at, so they had to figure things out in that way. But in the end, Magdaleno was baptized, and confirmed the next day by Bishop Rovira. He bore a great testimony, and was just all around the happiest we had seen him!
I definitely know that this work is real. I'm so grateful for the opportunity the Lord gave me to really pray as if everything depends on Him, and then going and working as if everything depends on us. The heavens were opened, and we were able to see the blessings rain down. It's really interesting, seeing just how many ways the Lord blesses us in our lives, and how "All these things [give us] experience, and shall be for [our] good."
Well, it's about that time to get going! We're not being transfered - we each have at least one more transfer together here in Houston 8, but it looks like there is going to be a lot of people moving around in the mission. It should be a great transfer meeting tomorrow!
Thank you for all your love, support, prayers, and care, especially during this time!! Los amo, con TODO mi ser!
A infinidad, y mas alla!
Con MUCHO amor,
Elder Devin Collins
It's good to see how everything is going! And AWESOME to see the Spanish, mom! Google Translate has gotten really accurate!
It sounds like this week has been a good one! And THANK YOU for the Valentine's package! You'll be happy to know that I didn't eat all of the candy at once! But there is definitely a lot less candy in there than when I started...And the pole vault, huh? That'll be really cool! You have to send me pictures - that's always interested me a lot!
Sorry to hear about the people who passed away this past week. I don't think I knew them very well, but their names sound familiar, so I think I've at least met them, probably...
This week...where to start? It's been interesting. P-Day wasn't my favorite, like I talked to you about in my e-mail, but it improved. I think a lot of times we are given expereinces that either draw us closer to God and let us learn, or we distance ourselves from Him and we have to be taught the lesson in a different way. I don't think I was learning what the Lord wanted me to learn in the beginning, but towards the end, I hope I was more humble and teachable, more receptive to His will.
Wednesday was the day when things really started to change here. We were in a lesson with Magdaleno, and we received the impression to change his baptismal date from the 25th of this month to the 18th - just 3 days away. We talked about it after we left the lesson with Magdaleno, and then made the decision to follow through with the prompting we had received from the Holy Ghost. From that moment on, our focus was on preparing Magdaleno for his baptism on Saturday. We were blessed with the opportunity to have his interview that night at Mutual, which went well. We called him again on Thursday to make sure everything was still good. Friday we went by again and began filling out the baptismal form. We made the last preparations, and scheduled his baptism. Saturday...
We got the chance to hear from Elder D. Todd Christofferson!!! He came and spoke to the 3 Houston missions, because he was down here for a Stake Conference. It was amazing to be there, in the presence of one of the Apostles of the Lord. He promised some really great blessings on the work and even on our studies here. It was a great boost as we prepared for Magdaleno's baptism that night.
That afternoon, we had to make some changes in the program, because another ward was going to be having their baptism at the same building at the same time. So we were able to stagger the baptisms and tried to let everyone know about it.
Elder Duran then baptized him that evening. It was a little tough because the water wasn't at the level that it should have been at, so they had to figure things out in that way. But in the end, Magdaleno was baptized, and confirmed the next day by Bishop Rovira. He bore a great testimony, and was just all around the happiest we had seen him!
I definitely know that this work is real. I'm so grateful for the opportunity the Lord gave me to really pray as if everything depends on Him, and then going and working as if everything depends on us. The heavens were opened, and we were able to see the blessings rain down. It's really interesting, seeing just how many ways the Lord blesses us in our lives, and how "All these things [give us] experience, and shall be for [our] good."
Well, it's about that time to get going! We're not being transfered - we each have at least one more transfer together here in Houston 8, but it looks like there is going to be a lot of people moving around in the mission. It should be a great transfer meeting tomorrow!
Thank you for all your love, support, prayers, and care, especially during this time!! Los amo, con TODO mi ser!
A infinidad, y mas alla!
Con MUCHO amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Week 90 - "...the Joy of Christ"
February 13, 2012
Buenooooos dias! Feliz dia de amistad y amor!
Sorry, this is getting out a little bit later. Lots to do today, not too much time to do it all! We're going to be having our Zone Activity today over at the new building where we have church, around 2:30, so we'll see how all that goes. I'm excited! We'll be playing soccer and decorating sugar cookies, and speaking of that...I'm kind of hungry.
This week has been a really good week. We had a stake devotional yesterday, and it was a really big turnout that we had! The room was completely packed, and most of the missionaries had to stand out in the hall. In total, there were 15 investigators there! Way cool!!!!
Magdalino is doing well! He's working on dropping coffee completely, and he's making some really good progress. There's a lot to do, but with the Lord's help, we know he can do it! He's been working on switching out his coffee for hot chocolate and some soda, and he seems really content and happy, especially with the love and support of the ward members.
Elder Duran is doing well. He's making the adjustment a whole lot better, and he's doing especially well with the Spanish. It hasn't been easy, and people's comments about, "Oh, you don't know too much Spanish," haven't made it any easier, but he's doing really well. Just this past Sunday, a member told him that his Spanish is sounding a lot better! He looked really happy about that. We've been getting along well, although sometimes I think that there are things that may bother him, and he doesn't want to say them, so I think we need to work on developing that more open relationship. It's been good, though: I've been very blessed to have him as my companion. He helps to keep me going and a reason to be excited about the work...well, more excited. He ran the area for the first two times this past week! He did really well, too. Both days didn't go exactly as they would have liked, but I know he really did give his best, and the Lord knows that, too.
I'm really grateful to be serving as a missionary in the GREATEST MISSION IN THE WORLD!!!! I love the THSM!! Some days are tough, some days, the blesings just pour from heaven. But the greatest blessing is to preach the gospel to those who don't have it. Seeing that happiness in their eyes is worth all those bad day sand rough times - Because I think as we go along, as Alma said, our sorrow becomes swallowed up in the joy of Christ.
Thanks for all your love and support!! It means the world to me, and I hope one day, everyone in the family will be able to spend time in the service of the Lord and see just the intense amount of happiness it brings!
Les amo, a infinidad, y mas alla!!
Con MUCHO amor,
Elder Devin Collins
P.S: We might be getting the opportunity to listen to Elder Christofferson this Saturday!! And then later, the Elders of Houston 4 North have a baptism scheduled!! The blessings of the Lord are pouring down!
Buenooooos dias! Feliz dia de amistad y amor!
Sorry, this is getting out a little bit later. Lots to do today, not too much time to do it all! We're going to be having our Zone Activity today over at the new building where we have church, around 2:30, so we'll see how all that goes. I'm excited! We'll be playing soccer and decorating sugar cookies, and speaking of that...I'm kind of hungry.
This week has been a really good week. We had a stake devotional yesterday, and it was a really big turnout that we had! The room was completely packed, and most of the missionaries had to stand out in the hall. In total, there were 15 investigators there! Way cool!!!!
Magdalino is doing well! He's working on dropping coffee completely, and he's making some really good progress. There's a lot to do, but with the Lord's help, we know he can do it! He's been working on switching out his coffee for hot chocolate and some soda, and he seems really content and happy, especially with the love and support of the ward members.
Elder Duran is doing well. He's making the adjustment a whole lot better, and he's doing especially well with the Spanish. It hasn't been easy, and people's comments about, "Oh, you don't know too much Spanish," haven't made it any easier, but he's doing really well. Just this past Sunday, a member told him that his Spanish is sounding a lot better! He looked really happy about that. We've been getting along well, although sometimes I think that there are things that may bother him, and he doesn't want to say them, so I think we need to work on developing that more open relationship. It's been good, though: I've been very blessed to have him as my companion. He helps to keep me going and a reason to be excited about the work...well, more excited. He ran the area for the first two times this past week! He did really well, too. Both days didn't go exactly as they would have liked, but I know he really did give his best, and the Lord knows that, too.
I'm really grateful to be serving as a missionary in the GREATEST MISSION IN THE WORLD!!!! I love the THSM!! Some days are tough, some days, the blesings just pour from heaven. But the greatest blessing is to preach the gospel to those who don't have it. Seeing that happiness in their eyes is worth all those bad day sand rough times - Because I think as we go along, as Alma said, our sorrow becomes swallowed up in the joy of Christ.
Thanks for all your love and support!! It means the world to me, and I hope one day, everyone in the family will be able to spend time in the service of the Lord and see just the intense amount of happiness it brings!
Les amo, a infinidad, y mas alla!!
Con MUCHO amor,
Elder Devin Collins
P.S: We might be getting the opportunity to listen to Elder Christofferson this Saturday!! And then later, the Elders of Houston 4 North have a baptism scheduled!! The blessings of the Lord are pouring down!
Week 89 - The Blessing of the Plan of Salvation
February 6, 2012
Hoooooooooola!!!
Wow, sounds like a really eventful week! A lot happened, and it looks like this week is going to be pretty good, too!
Well, I'm down to about 20 minutes, so I'll try to write as much as I can about this week (it's been a pretty full week, even though it hasn't been quite as successful as we would have liked)!
We didn't have District Meeting this week, but we did have Zone Meeting on Friday. It went well, and after that we went on exchanges - Elder Duran went with Elder Sheridan in Houston 4, and I stayed in Houston 8 with Elder Stoker. At the Zone Meeting, I received a letter I really didn't like - It's called the "Sprint to the Finish" paper. It talks about going strong up until the end, and giving my best effort "In this last chapter of [my] mission." It's weird to think that I'm already this far in, but I'm trying not to think about it.
We also went to a funeral on Wednesday. It was for the baby of an investigator that the sister missionaries are teaching. But surprisingly, she didn't seem quite so distraught as I would have thought. The other people there seemed more destroyed by it. I think it is because she has been attending Church for some time, and understands that this isn't the end, and that her baby isn't condemned, but saved by the Atonement of Christ. It's a huge blessing that we have, to know about the plan of salvation!!
When we first got there, we had to wait in the entry, because not everyone had arrived yet. To tell you the truth, I felt so weird there - that place gave me the heebe-geebes! But as we were out at the burial site, where Bishop Rovira of our ward directed, I felt so much more at peace. I just felt like things were all in the Lord's hands, and that there wasn't too much need to worry. I also understood the importance of teaching the plan of salvation and the Atonement at these events, because people are so much more prepared to learn about and understand them!
We also set some goals that are really going to make us stretch for the month, that are really going to lift our vision. We're still working with Magdalino, but he seems to be improving, and is more open. We're also working with Nefi, but we'll have to see if his mom (who is a less-active member) will want him to get baptized. Lots of prayers, and lots of work to do! Missionary work is so interesting!
And mom, thank you so much for getting that scholarship info in! I was going to say actually, you didn't need to put that in about District Leader and training, not because it's bad, just...I don't know. But thank you so much for getting all that in! That's a HUGE help!
Well, I've got to go. Thank you for everything you do, and all your prayers and support!! I love you SO MUCH!!
Les amo - A infinidad, y mas alla!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Hoooooooooola!!!
Wow, sounds like a really eventful week! A lot happened, and it looks like this week is going to be pretty good, too!
Well, I'm down to about 20 minutes, so I'll try to write as much as I can about this week (it's been a pretty full week, even though it hasn't been quite as successful as we would have liked)!
We didn't have District Meeting this week, but we did have Zone Meeting on Friday. It went well, and after that we went on exchanges - Elder Duran went with Elder Sheridan in Houston 4, and I stayed in Houston 8 with Elder Stoker. At the Zone Meeting, I received a letter I really didn't like - It's called the "Sprint to the Finish" paper. It talks about going strong up until the end, and giving my best effort "In this last chapter of [my] mission." It's weird to think that I'm already this far in, but I'm trying not to think about it.
We also went to a funeral on Wednesday. It was for the baby of an investigator that the sister missionaries are teaching. But surprisingly, she didn't seem quite so distraught as I would have thought. The other people there seemed more destroyed by it. I think it is because she has been attending Church for some time, and understands that this isn't the end, and that her baby isn't condemned, but saved by the Atonement of Christ. It's a huge blessing that we have, to know about the plan of salvation!!
When we first got there, we had to wait in the entry, because not everyone had arrived yet. To tell you the truth, I felt so weird there - that place gave me the heebe-geebes! But as we were out at the burial site, where Bishop Rovira of our ward directed, I felt so much more at peace. I just felt like things were all in the Lord's hands, and that there wasn't too much need to worry. I also understood the importance of teaching the plan of salvation and the Atonement at these events, because people are so much more prepared to learn about and understand them!
We also set some goals that are really going to make us stretch for the month, that are really going to lift our vision. We're still working with Magdalino, but he seems to be improving, and is more open. We're also working with Nefi, but we'll have to see if his mom (who is a less-active member) will want him to get baptized. Lots of prayers, and lots of work to do! Missionary work is so interesting!
And mom, thank you so much for getting that scholarship info in! I was going to say actually, you didn't need to put that in about District Leader and training, not because it's bad, just...I don't know. But thank you so much for getting all that in! That's a HUGE help!
Well, I've got to go. Thank you for everything you do, and all your prayers and support!! I love you SO MUCH!!
Les amo - A infinidad, y mas alla!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Friday, February 3, 2012
Week 88 - Church Tour with the Molina Family
January 30, 2012
Hello!
Well, after the scholarship part, (Thank you for sending me that, by the way - I hadn't even thought about it!) here's a little bit of what's been going on here in good 'ole Houston!
We weren't able to have Magdaleno's baptism on Saturday. He drank coffee last onday, so we had to move his date to the next week. It's possible that we could have it this Saturday coming up, but he's going to need a lot of prayers to go strong. When he came to Church on Sunday, we weren't able to ask him if he drank coffee the day before, so We're just really hoping that he hasn't. He wants to get baptized, but the coffee part has been really hard for him.
Elder Duran is doing well. He's been focusing a lot more on the work, and has really been going out of his way to talk to people. He's doing awesome! I definitely need to focus more on him, and help him feel more confident and comfortable in his calling as a misionary, but overall, he's doing well.
We had our district meeting last week, and it went well! I'm excited to see the fruits that come from it, and how the blessings are going to come in. The district really needs it.
Man, I'm already running out of time! I still need to e-mail President Saylin! The week has been going great, and we've been blessed with more families to teach. We had a great Church Tour with the Molina family on Thursday, where Sister Molina went through and explained every aspect of Church to her sister-in-law! And she explained it exactly to the needs of her sister-in-law, so she really enjoyed it.
I went on exchanges with Elder Sheridan last week, and I learned a lot about loving people, and our true purpose of sharing the gospel be to bring happiness to others, not to simply bring them to Church. It's been really interesting - I've been out here for a while, but the Lord is still teaching me a lot of the basics!
Well, I'd better get going. Hopefully, I'll be able to write a little more, but if not, I LOVE YOU! Have a wonderful week!
Los amo, a infinidad, y mas alla!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Week 87 - Called as a District Leader!
January 23, 2012
Buenos dias!! It's a great day to be a missionary in the greatest mission in the world!
Sounds like the week went very well! It's good to see that y'all got back from the trip alright, even if it was a little late. And it looks like it was super fun! Scuba diving, shopping, Moped riding, and a little bit of zip-lining and flowriding (It's good that you didn't 'fall cool,' though!
How was the week for Justin, Kaytlin, and Kristin? It sounds like it was definitely an adventure! I'm excited to see the pictures from the cruise and hear about all of the fun adventures back at home!
As for what I was going to tell you about, the District Leader part was it. Just letting you know. We're going to be having our first district meeting of the transfer tomorrow, so just keep in your prayers that everything goes well, and that the District can pick up the excitement and the faith to continue forward and see even more miracles! We definitely do have the best district in the entire world!
The ward is doing very well! It's still very small, and people are still coming over from other wards, but it's growing. We do have a baptism scheduled for this weekend: Magdalino! I'm really praying that he can keep away from the coffee and obey the word of wisdom so that he can be baptized on Saturday. It really would be a miracle baptism, but that's just how the Lord works sometimes! We're going to be putting a big focus on him this week, so that we can do all we are able to do to prepare him for baptism, and so he can enter into that covenant and start on the path to return to our Father in Heaven! I love being a missionary! There are some tough days, yes, but I love how the Lord watches out for us, and that the things we pass through in our lives always work together for our good, even when we have no clue how they will help.
We're also working with someone named Nefi - Yes, Nephi in Spanish! He's a great guy - His mother is a member, and his brother served a mission to 3 different states (I'm not sure how that worked, but somehow it did!) Nefi has a baptismal date for the first weekend of this month coming up. It really does look like he's getting ready for it, but we're going to need a lot of blessings from the Lord to make sure he makes it to his date okay.
Well, time to get going. Time flies when you're e-mailing! I'm looking forward to hearing about how everything goes this week, and hopefully Kaytlin feels better soon!
Les amo - A infinidad, y mas alla!
Elder Devin Collins
Picture: Elder Duran and I
Week 86 - Training a New Missionary
January 9, 2012
How are are y'all?
I hope everything is going well! Mom, Dad - How was the cruise? I hope it was awesome!!! How has everything been going with preparations for school and everything? School starts up next week for Butte and Chico State, right? Kaytlin and Kristin - How has school been going for you? And you're in seminary, right, Kaytlin? How's that going? Who's your teacher? How have the dances been? I hear Justin was going to DJ the one this past weekend! How's band going, Kristin? Are you learning any other instruments? You're practicing trombone right now, right? How is that going? Have you built any more cool legos? How are you doing, Justin, you big 18-year-old, you! Mom said that you did really well in your classes this past semester! You need to teach me some Japanese, like how to write and say something simple. Like Nihao...or something like that...
Things down here in the South have been pretty mixed up and crazy! We had that huge rainstorm about a week and a day ago, on Monday, and that just about filled up all the...I don't know what they're called, I think the reservoirs. And the rain didn't even last the entire day, just until around 1. There was a LOT of water. It looked like the roads were all liquid, the rain was coming down so much. I didn't explain myself very well, and told Elder Lyman, "Wow! Look at that! It looks like water!" He just laughed. Oops.
So, in terms of other things that are happening here, the Lord has asked me to train again. Right now I'm training Elder Duran! He's from North Salt Lake (And a little bit of this I included in the letter I'm sending out, so it might be a little repetitive), and is an AWESOME missionary! His companion is serving here in this mission, too. He is originally from Queens, New York, but moved to Utah in 2006. He said that it was a really big adjustment! He's making the adjustment to missionary life here, and he's really putting in the effort to learn the language and speak it with a lot of people. It's been a struggle, but he's doing really well. Even after the first day in the feild, his prayers in Spanish are getting better, and he's able to communicate more effectively. It's really cool to see his progression, and I really want to see the day when he can communicate 100% effectively and confidently in Spanish. He's going to be a great missionary! He loves the gospel, loves Hispanic food, and wanted to learn the language, so this is the place for him! And actually, on his first day, he was able to set a baptismal date with someone! It was an interesting lesson - we went in, not really knowing if he would accept the date or not, but Elder Duran invited him, and Jose Luis Raigosa accepted for the 18th of February! Definitely a cool lesson! It's been even cooler to see when he can really focus on those we are teaching, and testify in near-perfect Spanish, and confidently as well! He's awesome! (I need a stamp that just says, "AWESOME". That would be...awesome.)
Well, it's getting close to that time! I hope the week goes well, and that this past week was great! Thank you for all your prayers and all your support, especially during this past week. It means the world to me!
Les amo...a infinidad, y mas alla!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
P.S: We should be back on normal e-mail schedule this coming week, so that should be good.
P.P.S: I forgot to take a picture this week, but I'll send you a picture next week of Elder Duran and I!
P.P.P.S: Have an awesome week! I hope the cruise and school were great!
Oh, and there's something else that I'll let you know about next week. Just something that I thought was interesting - just remind me about it, if you remember. Hasta la proxima!
How are are y'all?
I hope everything is going well! Mom, Dad - How was the cruise? I hope it was awesome!!! How has everything been going with preparations for school and everything? School starts up next week for Butte and Chico State, right? Kaytlin and Kristin - How has school been going for you? And you're in seminary, right, Kaytlin? How's that going? Who's your teacher? How have the dances been? I hear Justin was going to DJ the one this past weekend! How's band going, Kristin? Are you learning any other instruments? You're practicing trombone right now, right? How is that going? Have you built any more cool legos? How are you doing, Justin, you big 18-year-old, you! Mom said that you did really well in your classes this past semester! You need to teach me some Japanese, like how to write and say something simple. Like Nihao...or something like that...
Things down here in the South have been pretty mixed up and crazy! We had that huge rainstorm about a week and a day ago, on Monday, and that just about filled up all the...I don't know what they're called, I think the reservoirs. And the rain didn't even last the entire day, just until around 1. There was a LOT of water. It looked like the roads were all liquid, the rain was coming down so much. I didn't explain myself very well, and told Elder Lyman, "Wow! Look at that! It looks like water!" He just laughed. Oops.
So, in terms of other things that are happening here, the Lord has asked me to train again. Right now I'm training Elder Duran! He's from North Salt Lake (And a little bit of this I included in the letter I'm sending out, so it might be a little repetitive), and is an AWESOME missionary! His companion is serving here in this mission, too. He is originally from Queens, New York, but moved to Utah in 2006. He said that it was a really big adjustment! He's making the adjustment to missionary life here, and he's really putting in the effort to learn the language and speak it with a lot of people. It's been a struggle, but he's doing really well. Even after the first day in the feild, his prayers in Spanish are getting better, and he's able to communicate more effectively. It's really cool to see his progression, and I really want to see the day when he can communicate 100% effectively and confidently in Spanish. He's going to be a great missionary! He loves the gospel, loves Hispanic food, and wanted to learn the language, so this is the place for him! And actually, on his first day, he was able to set a baptismal date with someone! It was an interesting lesson - we went in, not really knowing if he would accept the date or not, but Elder Duran invited him, and Jose Luis Raigosa accepted for the 18th of February! Definitely a cool lesson! It's been even cooler to see when he can really focus on those we are teaching, and testify in near-perfect Spanish, and confidently as well! He's awesome! (I need a stamp that just says, "AWESOME". That would be...awesome.)
Well, it's getting close to that time! I hope the week goes well, and that this past week was great! Thank you for all your prayers and all your support, especially during this past week. It means the world to me!
Les amo...a infinidad, y mas alla!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
P.S: We should be back on normal e-mail schedule this coming week, so that should be good.
P.P.S: I forgot to take a picture this week, but I'll send you a picture next week of Elder Duran and I!
P.P.P.S: Have an awesome week! I hope the cruise and school were great!
Oh, and there's something else that I'll let you know about next week. Just something that I thought was interesting - just remind me about it, if you remember. Hasta la proxima!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Week 85 - AWESOME Day at Church
ALOHA!!! (In honor of the upcoming cruise!)
How are y'all? It was great to get you message! It sounds like there's a whole lot going on already!!! That makes me so happy! See, I'm smiling!
I don't even know where to start! Okay, got it! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! HAPPY BIRRRRRRRTHDAY TO JUSTIN...HAPPPPPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUU!!! I hope it was a great birthday, Justin, even if not everything worked out exactly as planned. You're an AWESOME brother, the best in the world! And you're doing...well, awesome!...with everything you've got on your plate right now. Getting ready for college, DJ-ing a dance, going to school, all those video projects you've been doing (which I'm VERY looking forward to seeing!), and just keeping on keepin' on! Thanks for the great example you set for everyone in the family, and the love and care you have for each person. It means a lot to me, and even more just seeing (or I guess, reading) about the direction you're headed in. Justin, you're AWESOME (I hope you could hear me say that over the sound of how awesome you are.) Happy Birthday!
How were the holidays? Sounds like organizing is a lot of fun! Seeing Brad and his family down there must have been great (Weird...not Elder Sherck anymore...). Does he still have a pretty cool accent? Did he have a lot of stories to tell? And now James is an elder! Everyone is just growing up too fast! Is he getting ready to put in his mission papers soon, or does he still have a while? (He still has about a year, right?)
Let's see, what has been going on here...We had an AWESOME day at church yesterday! Saturday, I feel like we really did just about all we could to help people get to church - and even Sunday morning as well. But from what we heard, we might not have had even a single person there. However, when they finished passing the Sacrament, three investigators walked in! And that was cool, but even more so was the experience one of them had. It was her first Sunday that she was able to attend (She had been working on Sundays, but last week she quit her job). At the end, Elder Lyman asked her how she liked it, and what she thought. She had the biggest smile on her face, and she just said, "Bien, mi hermano." I think that was the best part of the meetings - as one of the things that really uplifted me the most.
What else...Well, the assistants came over and talked to us about our area - how, if possible, they could split it and bring in another companionship. It'll be good to have the area divided in more workable parts, and to have another companionship working in there, too. They told us that is what might happen, and I guess we'll find out at transfer meeting on Wednesday.
Oh, now we're in a new apartment! We're not with the other Elders anymore, but it was a great week and a half! I actually don't have the address of the new complex, but someone should be getting a birthday card (we went shopping at the end of p-day last week, so I didn't have too much time to write in there), and the address is written on there. I hope it's readable! I got the address wrong and had to cross it out, so the one that is written above the crossed-out one is it! It's late...but I hope Justin likes it!
We received transfer calls this morning, and Elder Lyman will be moving to a different area. it's definitely been an interesting experience, opening up this area with Elder Lyman. He's a great missionary! We've had our highs-and-lows, but it's been awesome to work with him. He's funny, has a great sense of humor, and really loves people. He'll do a great work wherever he goes! I'll be staying here, and I'll be getting a new missionary. That part hasn't fully sunk in yet, I think. It'll be exciting, but at the same time, those thoughts creep in about, "What if I mess up? What if I don't help him out like he needs? What if we don't get along?" There's a lot going through my head right now, but President said on the phone that he has received confirmation from the Lord that this is what the Lord wants me to do. It's going to be an interesting couple of transfers, but it will be good. I'm excited to meet the new Elder who comes in - He's going to be awesome! And he's coming into the best ward in the entire mission, so that's definitely a plus. Here we go!
Well, time to get going. I LOVE YOU!! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY again, Justin! I hope everything went well!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
How are y'all? It was great to get you message! It sounds like there's a whole lot going on already!!! That makes me so happy! See, I'm smiling!
I don't even know where to start! Okay, got it! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! HAPPY BIRRRRRRRTHDAY TO JUSTIN...HAPPPPPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUU!!! I hope it was a great birthday, Justin, even if not everything worked out exactly as planned. You're an AWESOME brother, the best in the world! And you're doing...well, awesome!...with everything you've got on your plate right now. Getting ready for college, DJ-ing a dance, going to school, all those video projects you've been doing (which I'm VERY looking forward to seeing!), and just keeping on keepin' on! Thanks for the great example you set for everyone in the family, and the love and care you have for each person. It means a lot to me, and even more just seeing (or I guess, reading) about the direction you're headed in. Justin, you're AWESOME (I hope you could hear me say that over the sound of how awesome you are.) Happy Birthday!
How were the holidays? Sounds like organizing is a lot of fun! Seeing Brad and his family down there must have been great (Weird...not Elder Sherck anymore...). Does he still have a pretty cool accent? Did he have a lot of stories to tell? And now James is an elder! Everyone is just growing up too fast! Is he getting ready to put in his mission papers soon, or does he still have a while? (He still has about a year, right?)
Let's see, what has been going on here...We had an AWESOME day at church yesterday! Saturday, I feel like we really did just about all we could to help people get to church - and even Sunday morning as well. But from what we heard, we might not have had even a single person there. However, when they finished passing the Sacrament, three investigators walked in! And that was cool, but even more so was the experience one of them had. It was her first Sunday that she was able to attend (She had been working on Sundays, but last week she quit her job). At the end, Elder Lyman asked her how she liked it, and what she thought. She had the biggest smile on her face, and she just said, "Bien, mi hermano." I think that was the best part of the meetings - as one of the things that really uplifted me the most.
What else...Well, the assistants came over and talked to us about our area - how, if possible, they could split it and bring in another companionship. It'll be good to have the area divided in more workable parts, and to have another companionship working in there, too. They told us that is what might happen, and I guess we'll find out at transfer meeting on Wednesday.
Oh, now we're in a new apartment! We're not with the other Elders anymore, but it was a great week and a half! I actually don't have the address of the new complex, but someone should be getting a birthday card (we went shopping at the end of p-day last week, so I didn't have too much time to write in there), and the address is written on there. I hope it's readable! I got the address wrong and had to cross it out, so the one that is written above the crossed-out one is it! It's late...but I hope Justin likes it!
We received transfer calls this morning, and Elder Lyman will be moving to a different area. it's definitely been an interesting experience, opening up this area with Elder Lyman. He's a great missionary! We've had our highs-and-lows, but it's been awesome to work with him. He's funny, has a great sense of humor, and really loves people. He'll do a great work wherever he goes! I'll be staying here, and I'll be getting a new missionary. That part hasn't fully sunk in yet, I think. It'll be exciting, but at the same time, those thoughts creep in about, "What if I mess up? What if I don't help him out like he needs? What if we don't get along?" There's a lot going through my head right now, but President said on the phone that he has received confirmation from the Lord that this is what the Lord wants me to do. It's going to be an interesting couple of transfers, but it will be good. I'm excited to meet the new Elder who comes in - He's going to be awesome! And he's coming into the best ward in the entire mission, so that's definitely a plus. Here we go!
Well, time to get going. I LOVE YOU!! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY again, Justin! I hope everything went well!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
Monday, January 2, 2012
Week 84 - A Week of Changes
Hola!
It's good to be here, and it was great talking to you last week! Time just flew by! It seemed more like 5 minutes instead of 40, but I guess that's just how it goes!
Sounds like things have been pretty interesting over yonder, what with Christmas and New Year's! But a great time. Who won in Allies and Axis? How are things looking for Dave and Christie and their new house?
I'm not sure how much more time I'll have, with moving things into the new apartment (And I don't have the address with me here, so I'll have to send it to you next week). So I'll give you a quick run-down on how things went during this past week:
We started up our 48-hour exchange on Thursday evening. Elder Claunch came to me in Houston 8, and Elder Lyman went with Elder Bunch in Missouri City East. Elder Lyman actually started out his mission in Missiouri City, so as we were driving over there, he was just really enjoying it. Overall, the exchange was good! The first night and beginning of the first day went kind of slow as we got to know each other better, but then things started to pick up. Elder Claunch has only been in the field for 2 transfers (soon to be 3 transfers in this next week), and he's from Pacen, Utah. We talked to some pretty interesting people - some we taught right there in their garage, others completely rejected what we shared, and others just kind of weirded me out (Like the man who told us that we should watch out as we walked along a certain street. That normally wouldn't have even registered in my mind, except this guy looked like he could kill us if he thought hard enough. So we thanked him and kept walking.).
The day before, we had a pretty good Zone Meeting, and learned about a new record-keeping system (called an escalator) that helps us kep track of where investigators are in the path to conversion, and how we can apply that better in our areas. I'm excited to apply it here.
Saturday we changed back in the evening-time. Hopefully one of these days, I'll be able to go on another exchange with Elder Claunch. Sunday went well, and Church was great!! I learned a lot, and got some good direction that I was really looking for. It's going to be interesting, working with the ward here. There is a lot of work to do, and the ward leaders are really getting into it. We have a great ward mission leader who really wantes to get to work, the Bishop is great, the new Elder's Quorum president is working overtime with everything that we need to get done. I'm really excited to be working in Houston 8 at this really important time!
Sorry this is so short, but we have to get things moved into the new apartment. Next week, we should be all settled in, and I'll be able to let you know about how it is, and what the address is. I love y'all so much!!!! Have a wonderful New Year's week!!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
It's good to be here, and it was great talking to you last week! Time just flew by! It seemed more like 5 minutes instead of 40, but I guess that's just how it goes!
Sounds like things have been pretty interesting over yonder, what with Christmas and New Year's! But a great time. Who won in Allies and Axis? How are things looking for Dave and Christie and their new house?
I'm not sure how much more time I'll have, with moving things into the new apartment (And I don't have the address with me here, so I'll have to send it to you next week). So I'll give you a quick run-down on how things went during this past week:
We started up our 48-hour exchange on Thursday evening. Elder Claunch came to me in Houston 8, and Elder Lyman went with Elder Bunch in Missouri City East. Elder Lyman actually started out his mission in Missiouri City, so as we were driving over there, he was just really enjoying it. Overall, the exchange was good! The first night and beginning of the first day went kind of slow as we got to know each other better, but then things started to pick up. Elder Claunch has only been in the field for 2 transfers (soon to be 3 transfers in this next week), and he's from Pacen, Utah. We talked to some pretty interesting people - some we taught right there in their garage, others completely rejected what we shared, and others just kind of weirded me out (Like the man who told us that we should watch out as we walked along a certain street. That normally wouldn't have even registered in my mind, except this guy looked like he could kill us if he thought hard enough. So we thanked him and kept walking.).
The day before, we had a pretty good Zone Meeting, and learned about a new record-keeping system (called an escalator) that helps us kep track of where investigators are in the path to conversion, and how we can apply that better in our areas. I'm excited to apply it here.
Saturday we changed back in the evening-time. Hopefully one of these days, I'll be able to go on another exchange with Elder Claunch. Sunday went well, and Church was great!! I learned a lot, and got some good direction that I was really looking for. It's going to be interesting, working with the ward here. There is a lot of work to do, and the ward leaders are really getting into it. We have a great ward mission leader who really wantes to get to work, the Bishop is great, the new Elder's Quorum president is working overtime with everything that we need to get done. I'm really excited to be working in Houston 8 at this really important time!
Sorry this is so short, but we have to get things moved into the new apartment. Next week, we should be all settled in, and I'll be able to let you know about how it is, and what the address is. I love y'all so much!!!! Have a wonderful New Year's week!!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Devin Collins
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