Hey! Thank you for the email. I hope you are having fun on your Dream Vacation to Yellowstone!
But, it is late right now and I am trying to be obedient con exactidud. So I need to go. I am sorry but I will respond to all your questions and the next emails next Lunes.
Oh, and it will be in another lugar. Because I have Changes!!! It is sad to leave this area, especially since I have spent a 4th of my mission here. But I am excited to know new places too.
Love you,
Elder Hardy
ps I love you
pps Don’t get eaten by bears
Showing posts with label Monte Fresco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monte Fresco. Show all posts
August 1, 2011
Hey!!! Felicidades!!!
Hey! We got into the Pioneer Spirit too here in Nicaragua!
We had a mini Trek and went marching through the streets in Managua with oxen and horses and carts.
"Faith in Every Step"
But a bunch of Mormons walking through the streets dressed with funny hats and aprons was. Ha ha there were lots of questions and lots of pamphlets handed out.
Wow, that is so great about the Sweeptakes Award! Congratulations to everyone that worked so hard on it. Hey... so since it is a Sweepstakes Award... does that mean you got award prizes? I mean, I guess the satisfaction and representing the Stake and everything was enough, but did you get a prize? Prepaid trip to any temple in the world you want or something? Free packages to your missionary? Jaja
A new backpack? Well, no. The backpack I came with is still in good shape. The strap is starting to rip, but I am going to just have someone in the market repair it when it gets back enough. And for the rain, I just put everything in one of those vacuum bags you gave me for packing my suitcases and it keeps it all dry. Jaja a good missionary is very resourceful.
The biggest lessons we have this week is with a family that lives in the tops of the mountains. In English it is called the Quiet Community ha ha because it is up there all alone without all the noise. So when I say the family that lives there it is really 3 families that are preparing to be baptized and they are very positive.
We also held a big activity for all of the recent converts in our Ward. We decided to have a spiritual lesson, play some games and make dinner for them. We made pupusas. And while it was pretty stressful to make everything go well, it turned out great and was a positive experience. Everyone looks forward to the next one. But I think I am just going to buy pizzas for everyone the next time.
Hey, I need my personal stats. For example, my baptismal date, the dates of my ordinations to the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood and when I took out my endowments.
Hannah asked, Do the Nicaraguans have any special summer traditions like going camping or having a picnic?
Well, what is your definition of camping? Ja ja
Ok, my message this time is a funny one. And it applies very well to what you have all just accomplished. It is also inspired by Anna Mckean and a little joke/fight we have had for a long time. Yoda vs. Chuck Norris...
"Do, or do not. There is no try."
---Yoda
"If you want to accomplish anything in life, you can't just sit back and hope it will happen. You've got to make it happen."
"Do, or do not. There is no try."
---Yoda
"If you want to accomplish anything in life, you can't just sit back and hope it will happen. You've got to make it happen."
---Chuck Norris
Congratulations on your hard work, and you have seen the fruits as well. Yoda would be proud of you.
Love you all,
Elder Hardy
PS. I love you
Have fun in Yellowstone!!!
Congratulations on your hard work, and you have seen the fruits as well. Yoda would be proud of you.
Love you all,
Elder Hardy
PS. I love you
Have fun in Yellowstone!!!
July 25, 2011
Hey!!! That’s awesome about the Mormon Times Show! I will tell my comp.
Congratulations on completing the float. I’m sure today made it all worth it. But I won’t know if you won a prize until next week!!! Say congratulations and thanks to everyone that worked on the float from me too, thanks to them I’m famous haha.
Golden Contacts? Ha ha yes, this week we went to pretty far away pueblo in our area that is in the mountains. We went with a buddy who says he always passes by there and there is a family that always asks if the missionaries are going to come back. Apparently, they went one time and the wife came to church but they never went back. So we visited them, and all 7 of them showed up to church yesterday!
And we might have a baptism of a nice 21 year old guy who has been coming to church 4 weeks in a row. The only problem is finding him to give him the charlas.
Hannah’s Question: Are people always nice or do they sometimes treat you mean?
Ha ha always!... or almost always. And if they are not, if they give us the time to talk to them without trying to fight they always end up being nice. But something that would be great Hannah, that you could do for me, is pray that we can find all the nice people that want to listen to us so we can help them be even happier.
Ha ha the kids here usually like magic tricks. If you could give me a new one that would be great. I usually just go with the magic tie or the disappearing Cordoba. Ha ha but they are always playing soccer or Nicaball (my name for the street version of baseball).
What do we first say to people when they invite us into our home? Ha ha: "permission". You say "permiso" whenever you enter into someone’s house. Then they say "suyo" or "pasen" (come in). Then I usually say “thank you” and we start to talk about their family or how nice the house looks. When we sit down we like to find out a little bit more about them and how we can apply the gospel to their lives.
Do people accept Joseph Smith? It depends on how prepared they are and their religious background. In all cases, we always invite them to read and ponder more and then pray to find out for themselves. The sad thing is lots of people have already heard of Joseph Smith, and have never talked to the missionaries... Which means they have heard lots of things that aren’t true. So we like the opportunity to combat error and teach them the truth.
Hey congratulations on the float family! That is such an accomplishment. We are continuing on our road to international fame haha... but you had to wait until I left to do one of the biggest steps so far.
That is neat that Alexis is in Greece. But she needs to write me too! And hey, what is this about iPhones...?
Well shnookums, I hope you have some time to relax now before summer ends. And I pray for you every night too. Luh ya.
Hey! Now it’s Yellowstone time!!! Don’t get eaten by a bear Hannah! Or worse... a SNIPE! Ah! PS. I love you
Love you all awardwinningfloatmaker people,
Elder Hardy
July 18, 2011
Hey! Awesome photos of the Float!!!
Congratulations on the Wilford Woodruff float. It looks soo good, I have no idea how you even start something like that. And I guess most of the stress is pretty much over now right? All you have to do now is go to parties and watch the parade. Or what will you be doing during the parade?
And then finally you will get to go to Yellowstone.
Yeah, the rains have hit hard and made things muddy a couple times. But it comes and goes. The trick is to get inside a house when you see it coming, then it rains really hard for a couple of minutes and you can’t hear anything because the roofs are metal and then it goes. (I call it extra motivation to contact sent from on high) Ha ha but it hasn’t gotten to where it rains all day or anything.
The family we live with are good. And they are very nice. They try to help us with everything they can to make us happy. She cooks very well too.
Yesterday we went the house of one of my most recent converts. Her extended family was over for the night, and when we walked in we found her sitting down with all of them and she had her Book of Mormon open and was sharing some of her favorite scriptures to them. She then helped us teach a lesson to them and got mad at me for calling her by her first name and told me to say Hermana (her last name) because she is preparing for her mission. That was more than pretty neat. To see the fruits of conversion in someone and their enthusiasm to share what they have with everyone around them.
No, I haven’t ditched too many of my belongings, mostly I’ve just given them away to people who want them ha ha.
You know mom, I have actually been looking for heart rocks. But you would have to wait until I get back home wouldn’t you.
Hannah, you asked what the coolest thing about Nicragua is. . . The People! You got to Love um, but not too much to the chicas. ha ha.
Wow dad, sounds like the float was worth it then.
De Nada Mom. My Compañon says the float looks beautiful and congratulations. I also told him he was going to be famous to all of the chelas in Utah because they are going to show a photo of me and him on TV before the parade... I don’t know if that is true but it made us both happy.
Good luck in Europe Alexis!!! Please send me a post card, and photos in email while you are there!
Hey Emily, I remember the Nephite vs. Lamanite war! I’m pretty sure I won last time ha ha.
Good luck with dance camp Hannah!
Ps I love you.
Everything sounds great, good luck with the Parade.
Love you all,
Elder Hardy
And then finally you will get to go to Yellowstone.
Yeah, the rains have hit hard and made things muddy a couple times. But it comes and goes. The trick is to get inside a house when you see it coming, then it rains really hard for a couple of minutes and you can’t hear anything because the roofs are metal and then it goes. (I call it extra motivation to contact sent from on high) Ha ha but it hasn’t gotten to where it rains all day or anything.
The family we live with are good. And they are very nice. They try to help us with everything they can to make us happy. She cooks very well too.
Yesterday we went the house of one of my most recent converts. Her extended family was over for the night, and when we walked in we found her sitting down with all of them and she had her Book of Mormon open and was sharing some of her favorite scriptures to them. She then helped us teach a lesson to them and got mad at me for calling her by her first name and told me to say Hermana (her last name) because she is preparing for her mission. That was more than pretty neat. To see the fruits of conversion in someone and their enthusiasm to share what they have with everyone around them.
No, I haven’t ditched too many of my belongings, mostly I’ve just given them away to people who want them ha ha.
You know mom, I have actually been looking for heart rocks. But you would have to wait until I get back home wouldn’t you.
Hannah, you asked what the coolest thing about Nicragua is. . . The People! You got to Love um, but not too much to the chicas. ha ha.
Wow dad, sounds like the float was worth it then.
De Nada Mom. My Compañon says the float looks beautiful and congratulations. I also told him he was going to be famous to all of the chelas in Utah because they are going to show a photo of me and him on TV before the parade... I don’t know if that is true but it made us both happy.
Good luck in Europe Alexis!!! Please send me a post card, and photos in email while you are there!
Hey Emily, I remember the Nephite vs. Lamanite war! I’m pretty sure I won last time ha ha.
Good luck with dance camp Hannah!
Ps I love you.
Everything sounds great, good luck with the Parade.
Love you all,
Elder Hardy
July 11, 2011
Hey Family!
Guess what, I don’t have any time this time because a lightning bolt struck near to our house and the internet cafe and ruined some electronics or something. So we had to wait a bunch of time for them to change them and fix them.
But Hey! Oh no, not even being in Nicaragua escaped me from being publicized to all the world with the family ha ha. That is great about KSL, I hope I didn’t look too dorky in the photos you sent. Thanks for working so hard to represent the Family and the Church, no doubt more blessings are on the way.
Ah, wish Alexis good luck with her Europe trip!
Haha the last Harry Potter movie?!?! I forgot the first one came out! Are you going to dress up for it? You at least have to make cool wands.
I need to answer your questions quickly:
More about my comp…well...he is shorter than me. Ha ha but better that I give you his correo and you can ask him!!
My Spanish? No, I still don’t think I sound native. My comp and I are starting to study every morning early and I am reading the Libro de Mormon out loud with the audio disks so I hope it gets better.
Just make sure when you are telling the story of the Restoration you say y Pedro, Santiago y Juan dio el Sacerdocio major a José Smith por la imposición de manos ... not monos. (and Peter, James and John gave to Joseph Smith the major Priesthood by the laying on of hands ... not monkeys). hahahahahahahaha
Our investigator? We actually baptized him Sunday at 8 am and he received the Holy Ghost in Sacrament Meeting at 9 am. It was great, he is super positive and even wants to introduce us to a friend.
Everything sounds like it is going great at home. Yes the float is stressful. But it will mean so much more because it wasn’t easy.
Good Luck,
Elder Hardy
PS I love you
July 4, 2011
Hey Family!
![]()
Today we are running really late because the server has a ton of people in it. We are going to have to change our schedule for next Monday to come in and write earlier. So please make sure to write any emails before the afternoon on Monday.
Sounds like the 4th of July was the awesomest ever, I guess once I left they decided it was safe to legalize fireworks in Utah. Ha ha it will be funny when I get back and they change the law again.
Wish Grandma Weiler a muy feliz cupliaño! and Grandpa tambien.
I am going to do questions fast today.
My new Companion is Elder Eliv Daniel Moreno Monroy. Elder Moreno is from Guatemala and has been in the Church since he was 2 years old. He is 25 years old right now and has 10 months in the mission. Same as me.
Bottle Rockets? I don’t know what you are talking about, Emily. Pagina 43 en Manual Misional (Español)
Recipes to send home? Ha ha ha oops. Hey I have to right fast today. But my absolute favorite is slightly toasted gallo pinto (beans and rice), with cream and a side of plantanos maduros (ripe plantains). Hey, you need to tell me how much platanos cost there. Because I want to make maduros everyday.
Experiences this week. Well, I got my new companion. And we went to teach a future Priesthood holder who is going to be baptized this Saturday. We had a lesson with him one morning and started talking to him about the baptismal interview questions.
Well, he answered them all very well. And when we started to talk about the restoration and the book of Mormon, he started to explain things better than I ever have. He said a couple of things and my comp. was really impressed and asked how he knew and understood so much. He said, “Elder Hardy and his companion taught me”. Well, I don’t remember teaching all that.
Ha ha no still no, I have not bought an MP3 player yet.
Teaching this week. Well, my companion is very big on references. And it is very true that those who were contacted through references are always much more positive and are baptized much more often... So give a reference to the local missionaries! We have been a little low on new families. But now we have received a bunch of references, we just need to contact them all... Today!
Sounds like everything is going good. And it is fourth quarter in the float building. But it is going to be great.
Nos vemos! (Until later!)
Love,
Elder Hardy
Ps I love you
Sounds like the 4th of July was the awesomest ever, I guess once I left they decided it was safe to legalize fireworks in Utah. Ha ha it will be funny when I get back and they change the law again.
Wish Grandma Weiler a muy feliz cupliaño! and Grandpa tambien.
I am going to do questions fast today.
My new Companion is Elder Eliv Daniel Moreno Monroy. Elder Moreno is from Guatemala and has been in the Church since he was 2 years old. He is 25 years old right now and has 10 months in the mission. Same as me.
Bottle Rockets? I don’t know what you are talking about, Emily. Pagina 43 en Manual Misional (Español)
Recipes to send home? Ha ha ha oops. Hey I have to right fast today. But my absolute favorite is slightly toasted gallo pinto (beans and rice), with cream and a side of plantanos maduros (ripe plantains). Hey, you need to tell me how much platanos cost there. Because I want to make maduros everyday.
Experiences this week. Well, I got my new companion. And we went to teach a future Priesthood holder who is going to be baptized this Saturday. We had a lesson with him one morning and started talking to him about the baptismal interview questions.
Well, he answered them all very well. And when we started to talk about the restoration and the book of Mormon, he started to explain things better than I ever have. He said a couple of things and my comp. was really impressed and asked how he knew and understood so much. He said, “Elder Hardy and his companion taught me”. Well, I don’t remember teaching all that.
Ha ha no still no, I have not bought an MP3 player yet.
Teaching this week. Well, my companion is very big on references. And it is very true that those who were contacted through references are always much more positive and are baptized much more often... So give a reference to the local missionaries! We have been a little low on new families. But now we have received a bunch of references, we just need to contact them all... Today!
Sounds like everything is going good. And it is fourth quarter in the float building. But it is going to be great.
Nos vemos! (Until later!)
Love,
Elder Hardy
Ps I love you
June 27, 2011
Buenas Famous Float Makers!!!
La Zona
Hey that is great news to hear that everything is going as expected. (Totally knew that something special was going to happen with the float.) And I am sure that the fishing pole is going to be fine. Good luck when the news crew comes to film, you will have to tape it for me. And I am sure all 200+ people will be very blessed and satisfied with their work.
Yes, we just found out changes before coming to write and I am staying! But my companion Elder Muzo is leaving. Which is too bad but we did well together. We will have to see who my new companion is going to be.
This week we Baptized!!! Saturday we baptized 3 people, 1 familia and 1 Priesthood. The name of the family is José Molina and Maria Lopez. They live deep in the canyon, Hermana Maria has been visiting church for about a year. But because of certain circumstances she has not been able to be baptized... Until Now!!!
Her husband José has also come to church quite a bit and has made some big changes for the big day. We married them right before the baptismal service and even bought a cake for everyone to enjoy after. Also we baptized a nice girl named Paola. She is 12 years old and her family has been investigating the Church. Her Dad is already a member and we are hoping that her Mom can follow her example and be baptized someday soon as well.
Something funny that happened this week…Ummm... ha ha, well I had been thinking about buying a hair clipper a while. I reckoned that it would be more convenient to cut my own hair and I could cut my companions too and I would never have to take another trip to the barber shop. In the end it would also be a lot more economical, because every cut costs about 35-40 cords.
So last Monday I went to find one in the market and bargained down to 200 cords. For the machine, the different clippers, a comb and scissors. So that night, I cut my companions hair and he cut mine... ha ha well it actually wasn’t that hard. And we both did pretty good jobs, we just should have started off with the longest setting to see how it is and then go shorter from there... ha ha
Favorite members? Hey, as a missionary I can’t pick favorites. The Bishop is a really nice, quiet guy. The Mission Leader only has a little more than a year being a member and is trying his best. The President of the Quorum of Elders is a really nice, wise señor and has left with us a few times. But my favorite member might have to be a return missionary named Alex. He has helped us out more than any other normal member and has helped us find a couple of families to teach.
HANNAH'S QUESTION. Has there been anything crawling in your house?
Ha ha well no, nothing too terrible. Only lots of geckos, ants, lightning bugs, mosquitoes, spiders and other bugs I don’t know. But really it’s not that bad. One time there was a snake... But he wasn’t in the house. And he was pretty small too. Elder Valenzuela took a machete to the poor guy. I will let you know if anything new slithers under the door.
Sounds like everything is going good with the family.
Thanks for the journal entries dad, I will see if I can’t read them tonight. Hey you can still send notes to Elder Muzo after he leaves if you want.
The Float is going to be FAMOUS Mom. All thanks to prayers, faith and lots and lots of work. Love you so much.
Sounds good Alexis. Hey when you always say everyone loves the emails, what does that mean? Hey, when do you go on your trip again? Love You.
Hey Emilykinz, don’t worry about slaving away at the float, you are going to be famous. Luh you.
Congratulations on your talk on Sunday. You can probably type up your own talks by now right? Hey, that is cool that you stood on the float. You should stand up there with a hard hat and blue prints and act like you are directing everyone when the cameras come. Hey, is this a float that people are going to stand on or is it solo? Ps I love you.
Love you all, keep up the good work, hey, make the float into a missionary opportunity :)
Elder Hardy
Favorite members? Hey, as a missionary I can’t pick favorites. The Bishop is a really nice, quiet guy. The Mission Leader only has a little more than a year being a member and is trying his best. The President of the Quorum of Elders is a really nice, wise señor and has left with us a few times. But my favorite member might have to be a return missionary named Alex. He has helped us out more than any other normal member and has helped us find a couple of families to teach.
HANNAH'S QUESTION. Has there been anything crawling in your house?
Ha ha well no, nothing too terrible. Only lots of geckos, ants, lightning bugs, mosquitoes, spiders and other bugs I don’t know. But really it’s not that bad. One time there was a snake... But he wasn’t in the house. And he was pretty small too. Elder Valenzuela took a machete to the poor guy. I will let you know if anything new slithers under the door.
Sounds like everything is going good with the family.
Thanks for the journal entries dad, I will see if I can’t read them tonight. Hey you can still send notes to Elder Muzo after he leaves if you want.
The Float is going to be FAMOUS Mom. All thanks to prayers, faith and lots and lots of work. Love you so much.
Sounds good Alexis. Hey when you always say everyone loves the emails, what does that mean? Hey, when do you go on your trip again? Love You.
Hey Emilykinz, don’t worry about slaving away at the float, you are going to be famous. Luh you.
Congratulations on your talk on Sunday. You can probably type up your own talks by now right? Hey, that is cool that you stood on the float. You should stand up there with a hard hat and blue prints and act like you are directing everyone when the cameras come. Hey, is this a float that people are going to stand on or is it solo? Ps I love you.
Love you all, keep up the good work, hey, make the float into a missionary opportunity :)
Elder Hardy
June 20, 2011
Buenas y Feliz Dia del Padre, Dad!
Happy Father’s Day!
Here in Nicaragua Fathers Day is the 23rd. It sounds like Dad had a great Father’s Day. I’m glad he got a new shop vac ha ha. And that the windows are still filling up with water. You know you are going to have to figure out how to fix that before you get old... Ha ha... But it sounds like all the other gifts were neat too.
Give felicidades to the Ingebretsen family for me.
For PDay today, after 10:30 (we only have a half hour of language study now) we went to the Stake Center in Alta Gracia. There we played some basketball and futbol. And we talked the Sister missionaries into baking a cake (two cakes actually) that we then ate. We just barely got back and came straight to write.
Hey guess what!!! I got Jenny and her family's Package!!!!! And it was awesome! They sent a letter with photos of the family and of Jenny in her race. And drawings that the cousins did! She also sent two big boxes of protein bars (which have certainly mejorado our nutritional breakfast).
We also got a jar of Peanut Butter, Homemade Blueberry Jam, Some super comfy socks that we are wearing, two sweet looking ties (my comp really liked that), and a bunch of bags of really good candy. It was very nicely done. Tell Jenny and her family Muchas Gracias and Good luck with all the summer activities she was telling me about that have already started.
My comp dice, "Mas chocolate... tal vez una corbata... una nueva camera (hahaha)... un ipod touch (hahahahahahahaha (ps no we can not have ipod touches)) " But every package I have gotten has been very nice. And has seemed to been exactly what I have needed every time. But we are doing good here, happy and healthy, no hay problemas.
Hey, I don’t know if it says it on the Mission blog but we have a better address now that is better and much faster.
Elder Pop U. Lar
Apartado Postal 3527
Managua, Nicaragua
I have a future missionary experience to share. This Jueves, a very nice member family invited us to dinner. So we went and at the dinner table was sitting one of their sons. I have never met him so that says something. We started to talk to him about his life, what he is doing right now and what are his plans. He is a neat kid and knows quite a bit of English. (He works in a calling center).
Well, he must have been thinking about it a lot because he was the first one to bring up the topic of serving a mission. He said he knew he should but was really busy in life right now and has lots of plans for the future. (school, work etc.) He wasn’t sure if a mission was the right thing for him. In short. We talking to him about it and we all knew and I told him that all these things are great. But for him, going on a mission would never be the wrong choice. And his service will only make the rest of his life better than what he is planning right now.
My comp shared his personal experience about when he was thinking about going on the mission or not. Well, he prayed about it and in short, the Lord responded to him that he already knew he didn’t have to ask that question. I don’t have much time, but in short, going on the mission can never be the wrong decision.
Recipes Hannah? Ha ha ok. Well first, buy some rice.... and then find some beans... ha ha but maybe I can get a better one for next time.
Yes ma'am. Good luck. Magnify. I love you.
Sounds like a solid Father’s Day, Dad. In the ward all the kids made this cool origami white shirts and ties for their Dads. Maybe I will send you one. But I reckon that the best father’s day gift I could give you right now is to serve an honorable mission right? Love you Dad.
Good luck preparing for Europe Alexis, you know, I bet you are going to get one of those cool secret money pouches right? Well, I really like mine but I wish I could send it to you. Ha ha I haven’t used it since I left the airport. Ha ha. I just found Not Being Stupid about where I go and act and not carrying much money is better. And putting extra money I am carrying in my White Handbook. But in the sock would be better for you. And good work on the PGA pass, but how did you afford that? Ha ha. I love you.
Hey Emily! Sounds like New York was awesome!!! And sounds like you spent lots of money! I am glad you were safe. Sounds like Dad really liked your New York father’s day gifts. I hope you got a souvenir for me so we can trade when I get back... Ha ha I luh you.
Hannah, sounds like work work work on the float. But good work in talking mom and dad into going camping when it is all over. Now you just have to convince the beauty queens too. Ha ha ha Duck chucking sounds AWESOME! Next time tell dad he has to try jumping off the roof holding the duck above his head to see if he can jump farther ha ha ha. Ah and if you guys want more ducks just hit it a couple times and see what happens! PS I Love You!!!!!
Well, I got to go. Happy Father’s Day!
Love you,
Elder Hardy
Give felicidades to the Ingebretsen family for me.
For PDay today, after 10:30 (we only have a half hour of language study now) we went to the Stake Center in Alta Gracia. There we played some basketball and futbol. And we talked the Sister missionaries into baking a cake (two cakes actually) that we then ate. We just barely got back and came straight to write.
Hey guess what!!! I got Jenny and her family's Package!!!!! And it was awesome! They sent a letter with photos of the family and of Jenny in her race. And drawings that the cousins did! She also sent two big boxes of protein bars (which have certainly mejorado our nutritional breakfast).
We also got a jar of Peanut Butter, Homemade Blueberry Jam, Some super comfy socks that we are wearing, two sweet looking ties (my comp really liked that), and a bunch of bags of really good candy. It was very nicely done. Tell Jenny and her family Muchas Gracias and Good luck with all the summer activities she was telling me about that have already started.
My comp dice, "Mas chocolate... tal vez una corbata... una nueva camera (hahaha)... un ipod touch (hahahahahahahaha (ps no we can not have ipod touches)) " But every package I have gotten has been very nice. And has seemed to been exactly what I have needed every time. But we are doing good here, happy and healthy, no hay problemas.
Hey, I don’t know if it says it on the Mission blog but we have a better address now that is better and much faster.
Elder Pop U. Lar
Apartado Postal 3527
Managua, Nicaragua
I have a future missionary experience to share. This Jueves, a very nice member family invited us to dinner. So we went and at the dinner table was sitting one of their sons. I have never met him so that says something. We started to talk to him about his life, what he is doing right now and what are his plans. He is a neat kid and knows quite a bit of English. (He works in a calling center).
Well, he must have been thinking about it a lot because he was the first one to bring up the topic of serving a mission. He said he knew he should but was really busy in life right now and has lots of plans for the future. (school, work etc.) He wasn’t sure if a mission was the right thing for him. In short. We talking to him about it and we all knew and I told him that all these things are great. But for him, going on a mission would never be the wrong choice. And his service will only make the rest of his life better than what he is planning right now.
My comp shared his personal experience about when he was thinking about going on the mission or not. Well, he prayed about it and in short, the Lord responded to him that he already knew he didn’t have to ask that question. I don’t have much time, but in short, going on the mission can never be the wrong decision.
Recipes Hannah? Ha ha ok. Well first, buy some rice.... and then find some beans... ha ha but maybe I can get a better one for next time.
Yes ma'am. Good luck. Magnify. I love you.
Sounds like a solid Father’s Day, Dad. In the ward all the kids made this cool origami white shirts and ties for their Dads. Maybe I will send you one. But I reckon that the best father’s day gift I could give you right now is to serve an honorable mission right? Love you Dad.
Good luck preparing for Europe Alexis, you know, I bet you are going to get one of those cool secret money pouches right? Well, I really like mine but I wish I could send it to you. Ha ha I haven’t used it since I left the airport. Ha ha. I just found Not Being Stupid about where I go and act and not carrying much money is better. And putting extra money I am carrying in my White Handbook. But in the sock would be better for you. And good work on the PGA pass, but how did you afford that? Ha ha. I love you.
Hey Emily! Sounds like New York was awesome!!! And sounds like you spent lots of money! I am glad you were safe. Sounds like Dad really liked your New York father’s day gifts. I hope you got a souvenir for me so we can trade when I get back... Ha ha I luh you.
Hannah, sounds like work work work on the float. But good work in talking mom and dad into going camping when it is all over. Now you just have to convince the beauty queens too. Ha ha ha Duck chucking sounds AWESOME! Next time tell dad he has to try jumping off the roof holding the duck above his head to see if he can jump farther ha ha ha. Ah and if you guys want more ducks just hit it a couple times and see what happens! PS I Love You!!!!!
Well, I got to go. Happy Father’s Day!
Love you,
Elder Hardy
June 13, 2011
Hey family,
Everything is going great. I am glad to hear things are warming up. I will pray that all the rain travels down to Nicaragua so you can work better on the float. ( I like the rain).
Thanks for the news updates. It is ok to keep sending them. But I just want to know how you find out. How do you know that Heidi Niederhauser is engaged to Todd Gardner?
Tell Michael I already knew that (about the word “Pinche”). But everyone says that here. I am going to have to be careful when I come back and want to talk to someone on the street in Spanish. Plus the Nica accent is a lot different.
Hey that is crazy that Elder T. Bright comes back in 6 weeks. How did that happen? Give him a Bienvenido from me.
No todavia (not yet) no. We are not up to our knees in mud yet. It was really a false call. Apparently it is supposed to get a lot worse in a couple of months.
4 minutes left...
Yes, this week we baptized Hermana Flor. She has investigated for a while and finally made the decision.
Yes, for service projects this week we gathered Aguacates (avocados), built a fence, mowed lawn, etc.
An uplifting experience… this is the most important part and I don’t have time. The Church is True, and the Lord will help you.
Hannah, NO! I have not seen any giant snakes or man eating fish.
P.S. love you!
Thanks for the news updates. It is ok to keep sending them. But I just want to know how you find out. How do you know that Heidi Niederhauser is engaged to Todd Gardner?
Tell Michael I already knew that (about the word “Pinche”). But everyone says that here. I am going to have to be careful when I come back and want to talk to someone on the street in Spanish. Plus the Nica accent is a lot different.
Hey that is crazy that Elder T. Bright comes back in 6 weeks. How did that happen? Give him a Bienvenido from me.
No todavia (not yet) no. We are not up to our knees in mud yet. It was really a false call. Apparently it is supposed to get a lot worse in a couple of months.
4 minutes left...
Yes, this week we baptized Hermana Flor. She has investigated for a while and finally made the decision.
Yes, for service projects this week we gathered Aguacates (avocados), built a fence, mowed lawn, etc.
An uplifting experience… this is the most important part and I don’t have time. The Church is True, and the Lord will help you.
Hannah, NO! I have not seen any giant snakes or man eating fish.
P.S. love you!
Elder Hardy
June 6, 2011
Familia,
Buenas, ok so if I ever get the chance to buy a cheap MP3 I will stop being Pinche (stingy) and get it.
Sounds like another testimony building answered prayer to me with the float. I like those. I am so glad that the lady is willing to help. You are going to win the best float now too if we keep praying.
Sounds like another testimony building answered prayer to me with the float. I like those. I am so glad that the lady is willing to help. You are going to win the best float now too if we keep praying.
My companion? He just finished 1 year in the mission a couple of weeks ago. He is senior comp. too.
Well this week we taught a lot to our most positive family we have right now. They are really nice and are already building strong testimonies. We started a competition with them to see who could read el Libro de Mormón first. They are beating me.
So, we had their first family home evening with them Thursday. It was very nice and we even "cooked" (bought) dinner for them. Ha ha. They invited us to have a barbeque with them last night. Which was great.
But after church the sister that feeds the sister missionaries invited us to lunch at her house. And then we went home and ate lunch at our house. And I had a liter and a half of chocolate milk that was going to go bad that I had to drink too... So when we got to their house I was already stuffed. And they gave me a bunch. It was really good but I was sweating to try and finish it all. Ha ha.
Then after I sat against the wall for a couple of minutes to rest and recover we had a very spiritual lesson with them. We started with the movie of the Restoration which they have never seen. And then we asked them what they thought about the message and how they felt. The Mom said she thought it meant that José Smith was a true prophet and that the Lord restored His true Church through him... I told her that was a good answer.
We talked about praying during the night to confirm with Heavenly Father that it is true and then we answered some questions. Then we were prompted to teach about the Word of Wisdom with them and had a very powerful experience with the family thanks to a member we brought along with us.
Whenever we seem to teach them I always seem to end up talking about my family, the love and happiness I have had in my family thanks to the strong influence of the Gospel and how my parents taught me since I was very young the principles of the Gospel. So, thanks for that.
We actually have an exmissionary member who has been leaving with us about 3 times a week to go teach this family and others. He is doing a really great job.
Today as a Zone we went to the outskirts of our Zone. Pochomil. I thought the bus ride was the best part. We went through the mountains and it was all misty and jungle. Pretty neat.
Good luck with work Dad. We will start praying for you too. My companion is very excited to receive emails from the family. Thank you. He says your Spanish is fine.
I’m happy to hear that miracles are happening for the float project mom. Keep up the good work.
Have fun with your last end of school summer Alexis. Are you practicing Spanish? Write me in Spanish next time. Love you lots!
Yeah! School is out Emily! Why are you going to New York and with Who!? I luh you!
I’m glad to hear you got all of the Stickers Hannah! Now you just have to get all of the Stinking Fairies! Ha ha. P.s. I Lurve You!
Love you all,
Elder Hardy
Ah!!!! and HEY! Guess what I got Friday?! The LOST PACKAGE! Ha ha ha! I like how the date on the box said it was sent on like the 9th of February. And I received it the 3rd of June. But it came! And it wasn’t easy. Guess why it came so late? It had a long journey to get here. I found a paper in the pouch that explained the whole thing. A reroute error from Peru! Ha ha ha My Valentines package took a trip to Peru first. But it was worth the wait. A great package.
Please send a late thank you to the primary of the ward for the letter and drawings. And the Recorder Made it TOO!!! That was a great treat. I loved hearing from the whole family. That was awesome. And even a couple of friends too. Now I need to write to all of them! Too bad it took until now.
But I need to go, Love you.
So, we had their first family home evening with them Thursday. It was very nice and we even "cooked" (bought) dinner for them. Ha ha. They invited us to have a barbeque with them last night. Which was great.
But after church the sister that feeds the sister missionaries invited us to lunch at her house. And then we went home and ate lunch at our house. And I had a liter and a half of chocolate milk that was going to go bad that I had to drink too... So when we got to their house I was already stuffed. And they gave me a bunch. It was really good but I was sweating to try and finish it all. Ha ha.
Then after I sat against the wall for a couple of minutes to rest and recover we had a very spiritual lesson with them. We started with the movie of the Restoration which they have never seen. And then we asked them what they thought about the message and how they felt. The Mom said she thought it meant that José Smith was a true prophet and that the Lord restored His true Church through him... I told her that was a good answer.
We talked about praying during the night to confirm with Heavenly Father that it is true and then we answered some questions. Then we were prompted to teach about the Word of Wisdom with them and had a very powerful experience with the family thanks to a member we brought along with us.
Whenever we seem to teach them I always seem to end up talking about my family, the love and happiness I have had in my family thanks to the strong influence of the Gospel and how my parents taught me since I was very young the principles of the Gospel. So, thanks for that.
We actually have an exmissionary member who has been leaving with us about 3 times a week to go teach this family and others. He is doing a really great job.
Today as a Zone we went to the outskirts of our Zone. Pochomil. I thought the bus ride was the best part. We went through the mountains and it was all misty and jungle. Pretty neat.
Good luck with work Dad. We will start praying for you too. My companion is very excited to receive emails from the family. Thank you. He says your Spanish is fine.
I’m happy to hear that miracles are happening for the float project mom. Keep up the good work.
Have fun with your last end of school summer Alexis. Are you practicing Spanish? Write me in Spanish next time. Love you lots!
Yeah! School is out Emily! Why are you going to New York and with Who!? I luh you!
I’m glad to hear you got all of the Stickers Hannah! Now you just have to get all of the Stinking Fairies! Ha ha. P.s. I Lurve You!
Love you all,
Elder Hardy
Ah!!!! and HEY! Guess what I got Friday?! The LOST PACKAGE! Ha ha ha! I like how the date on the box said it was sent on like the 9th of February. And I received it the 3rd of June. But it came! And it wasn’t easy. Guess why it came so late? It had a long journey to get here. I found a paper in the pouch that explained the whole thing. A reroute error from Peru! Ha ha ha My Valentines package took a trip to Peru first. But it was worth the wait. A great package.
Please send a late thank you to the primary of the ward for the letter and drawings. And the Recorder Made it TOO!!! That was a great treat. I loved hearing from the whole family. That was awesome. And even a couple of friends too. Now I need to write to all of them! Too bad it took until now.
But I need to go, Love you.
May 30, 2011
Feliz Dia De Madre!!!
Ha ha today is Mother’s Day here.
That is neat that the blog has a mission now. ... ha ha reverse that. We are running late today and so I am not going to have a lot of time to write.
Ah, well yes, week before last I baptized a super kid named Marcelo. But I guess he really technically doesn’t count as mine because he is in the Sister’s area. But I got to baptize him.
No, todavia (still) no. I don’t receive the Ward Newsletter. But I did get a package from Rob!!! And it was awesome. Packed full of treats and such. I told my comp the package rule (where he gets half of whatever is in the package without knowing what was in it). But luckily, Rob was inspired and sent two of everything.
What I really liked was his letter he sent me. And he sent a cool story about a Picture of Jesus when the Tabernacle burned down. My comp really liked that story too. But hey, did you ever tell me that the Tabernacle burned down? That’s too bad. (Sue’s note: Elder Hardy is talking about the Provo Tabernacle that burned down in December 2010).
Things are great with my Compañero. And he called me over to show me the email you guys sent him. I think he really liked it, thank you.
Today I went to Radio Shack with the Zone, and I found a couple MP3 players. The cheapest one was C$899 (like $41). It was 4 GB and had a little slot to put a micro sd card. I really thought about buying it but because I am pinche I didn’t. It looked a little cheap too. I don’t know how good of a deal it was.
But maybe it would just save me a lot of buyers stress (which you know I have) if you guys could find a good one for me and send it. You have full rights to my account (especially because it is shared) and my only concern is it arriving here safely. Which more often than not will. What do you think?
A neat experience Saturday was when we went to the Ward’s Mother’s Day party. It was really good and all the Primary kids participated in different things. The best was that a few investigadores came with us to the activity. The Mom and Daughter of a part member family (the dad is member, them no) came and really liked it.
Then after, we took them to their house with another member that accompanied us. And we taught a lesson to them. The different part was that the power went out for the whole time and so we taught them on the porch in the complete darkness.
What was inspirational, was that even though everything was pitch black, I could feel the light of their spirits as they are progressing in the Gospel. They are very positive and are impressed with the Church. They have promised to come to Church next Sunday and are on track to complete their goal to prepare to be baptized by the end of this month.
Hey I am running late.
Have a good week everybody,
Love you.
Elder Hardy
That is neat that the blog has a mission now. ... ha ha reverse that. We are running late today and so I am not going to have a lot of time to write.
Ah, well yes, week before last I baptized a super kid named Marcelo. But I guess he really technically doesn’t count as mine because he is in the Sister’s area. But I got to baptize him.
No, todavia (still) no. I don’t receive the Ward Newsletter. But I did get a package from Rob!!! And it was awesome. Packed full of treats and such. I told my comp the package rule (where he gets half of whatever is in the package without knowing what was in it). But luckily, Rob was inspired and sent two of everything.
What I really liked was his letter he sent me. And he sent a cool story about a Picture of Jesus when the Tabernacle burned down. My comp really liked that story too. But hey, did you ever tell me that the Tabernacle burned down? That’s too bad. (Sue’s note: Elder Hardy is talking about the Provo Tabernacle that burned down in December 2010).
Things are great with my Compañero. And he called me over to show me the email you guys sent him. I think he really liked it, thank you.
Today I went to Radio Shack with the Zone, and I found a couple MP3 players. The cheapest one was C$899 (like $41). It was 4 GB and had a little slot to put a micro sd card. I really thought about buying it but because I am pinche I didn’t. It looked a little cheap too. I don’t know how good of a deal it was.
But maybe it would just save me a lot of buyers stress (which you know I have) if you guys could find a good one for me and send it. You have full rights to my account (especially because it is shared) and my only concern is it arriving here safely. Which more often than not will. What do you think?
A neat experience Saturday was when we went to the Ward’s Mother’s Day party. It was really good and all the Primary kids participated in different things. The best was that a few investigadores came with us to the activity. The Mom and Daughter of a part member family (the dad is member, them no) came and really liked it.
Then after, we took them to their house with another member that accompanied us. And we taught a lesson to them. The different part was that the power went out for the whole time and so we taught them on the porch in the complete darkness.
What was inspirational, was that even though everything was pitch black, I could feel the light of their spirits as they are progressing in the Gospel. They are very positive and are impressed with the Church. They have promised to come to Church next Sunday and are on track to complete their goal to prepare to be baptized by the end of this month.
Hey I am running late.
Have a good week everybody,
Love you.
Elder Hardy
May 23, 2011
Buenas!!!
Hey, I have a new Compañero! Aha, Elder Muzo! He is from El Salvador. He is very nice, and we have made some very impressive goals for this month of June that is coming. His name is Jose Muzo Martinez.
He is a recent convert to the church. Which always earns my respect. He was baptized about 2 years ago. He was the example in his family and was the first one to be baptized. Apparently, before the missionaries showed up, he was a punk. He had the big boots and giant mohawk to go with it. But the gospel has changed his life. And what is really great is that because of his example and going on the mission, the rest of his family was baptized 4 months ago.
Also, he only took about a half an hour today to write President and then he got off the computer. He told me once that not too many people write him. It would be nice if you guys could send him an email introducing yourselves and welcoming him to the family.
Ah. So this week we found several very positive families. We have already taught them the Restoration of the Gospel and have put a goal for them to be baptized in this coming month.
We passed by the house of one of the families yesterday. Her husband wasn’t home and they couldn’t go to church, but, we asked her if she had read the LDM (El Libro de Mormón, Book of Mormon) and prayed and she said yes.
Then we asked how she felt, and she said she felt really peaceful. We read with her the Fruits of the Spirit in Galatas (Galations). And she felt that it was an answer to her prayers.
For Changes I sat with my "Father" Elder Coj. (Sue’s note: Your “Father” is the senior companion that trains the new missionary “Greenie”). But as far as fun activities, not too much. President has really cut down the time at changes so we can get back to our area and work.
It is rainy every day now! It hasn’t rained super hard but the climate has definitely changed.
No package from Uncle Rob!!! Apparently Aunt Jenny has sent a package too! I will wait con esperanza (with hope) for their arrival.
Well, that is good to hear the rainy season has come there. So this time the car trunk flooded, but how about the window sills? I can’t remember if I cleaned the rain gutters last summer.
We passed by the house of one of the families yesterday. Her husband wasn’t home and they couldn’t go to church, but, we asked her if she had read the LDM (El Libro de Mormón, Book of Mormon) and prayed and she said yes.
Then we asked how she felt, and she said she felt really peaceful. We read with her the Fruits of the Spirit in Galatas (Galations). And she felt that it was an answer to her prayers.
For Changes I sat with my "Father" Elder Coj. (Sue’s note: Your “Father” is the senior companion that trains the new missionary “Greenie”). But as far as fun activities, not too much. President has really cut down the time at changes so we can get back to our area and work.
It is rainy every day now! It hasn’t rained super hard but the climate has definitely changed.
No package from Uncle Rob!!! Apparently Aunt Jenny has sent a package too! I will wait con esperanza (with hope) for their arrival.
Well, that is good to hear the rainy season has come there. So this time the car trunk flooded, but how about the window sills? I can’t remember if I cleaned the rain gutters last summer.
Hey Dad, sorry it rained on your golf outing.
That is great to hear that Highland Rugby is still following its tradition! But sad to hear Coach Gelwix is retiring. He was a good coach.
Congratulations Emily and Hannah on your piano recitals.
Hey, I have a paper President talked about in Changes with 101 ideas for the missionary work. I wonder if I could scan it and give it to you. I asked Pres. after if I could get one. And the next day, he sent it with a couple of office workers.
Apparently, I was the only one who asked him about it and he was very impressed haha. I will think about using your steroids analogy with an investigator who is doubting the LDM (BOM) ha ha.
Hahaha Alexis, Dad is taking a running class with you? That is awesome Dad! You have inspired me to do better exercise in the mornings, thanks! And good luck, Alexis.
Yes Emily... Driving here is Crazy!!! Be careful. And don’t try to act like you need to get a job to buy a car. I know what little sisters are like. Dad at least has to do a 50/50 deal or something. I wish I could see your interesting Spanish video. Luh ya.
Hannah, I think there are movie theaters here. I don’t know for sure. I have never actually seen one. Love you, good luck with summer!
Thanks for praying for me.
The "flotador" is as good as done now.
Love,
Elder Hardy
That is great to hear that Highland Rugby is still following its tradition! But sad to hear Coach Gelwix is retiring. He was a good coach.
Congratulations Emily and Hannah on your piano recitals.
Hey, I have a paper President talked about in Changes with 101 ideas for the missionary work. I wonder if I could scan it and give it to you. I asked Pres. after if I could get one. And the next day, he sent it with a couple of office workers.
Apparently, I was the only one who asked him about it and he was very impressed haha. I will think about using your steroids analogy with an investigator who is doubting the LDM (BOM) ha ha.
Hahaha Alexis, Dad is taking a running class with you? That is awesome Dad! You have inspired me to do better exercise in the mornings, thanks! And good luck, Alexis.
Yes Emily... Driving here is Crazy!!! Be careful. And don’t try to act like you need to get a job to buy a car. I know what little sisters are like. Dad at least has to do a 50/50 deal or something. I wish I could see your interesting Spanish video. Luh ya.
Hannah, I think there are movie theaters here. I don’t know for sure. I have never actually seen one. Love you, good luck with summer!
Thanks for praying for me.
The "flotador" is as good as done now.
Love,
Elder Hardy
May 16, 2011
Buenas,
We had a wedding on Saturday, it was nice. We bought a cake and everything. But they still have some more progress to do before they are baptized.
Our other baptisms did not happen this week. Unfortunately, our main family to marry and baptize had to leave Wednesday. They live very humbly and don’t have a job right now. So at the beginning of the week, a friend called them and told them that there was a job opportunity to go to San Juan Sur to build a house for a couple weeks and that they had to be waiting on the highway Wednesday morning or they would miss their chance.
He wanted to be able to fix the house they are living in for his family and buy shoes and everything so they decided to go. But when they come back in about a month, they say they are good to go.
Yes, we have changes this week. We found out today as we were doing a Zone activity in the Stake Center. But no, I am not getting changed. And I am very happy because we should have a couple families getting ready to be baptized here in the next month. Elder Valenzuela is changing which is too bad but we had a good time together.
People do lots of things for a living here. The men might be a guard for a store or a house. The women usually do something like sell tortillas or work domestically for a richer house. (But many times the women are stay at home moms).
Ha ha. Well, it finally came. And it came strong. It is officially winter here a.k.a rain every day time! I think it was Friday. We woke up and it was pretty overcast. We had our Zone Conference and District Meeting like usual. We came back and ate and left to work. Everything was normal.
We were at an investigator's house doing a little of on the spot service helping clean the front lawn. (Ha ha which means sweep the dirt, leaves and garbage into a pile and burn it). Then it started to drizzle. We got all the piles to light right before it started to fall faster. And before you know it, we were running inside the house for cover. After a little talk with them, we bravely left the house to go to a set appointment with a new family.
Ha ha the rivers of water had already started. I thought my bag was pretty water proof. Well, luckily they had a plastic bag I wrapped my scriptures in before putting them into my backpack. It rained almost the whole time we were out. And in the night I woke up a couple times from the thunder. Luckily the house we live in has a very good roof and I couldn’t find a single leak. It has rained every single day since. (Not the whole time everyday, still, but everyday)
So Rob sent me a package? Awesome, I will tell you when it comes. Maybe it is waiting at changes.
Yes, a family in the Canon caught an armadillo, and ate it.
It is great to hear Perry is doing good. I like the photo.
Ha ha good luck with the float, Mom, I think if Jose has the time he would love to help out. He is into all the engineering stuff.
Say congratulations to Nick Davis for me.
So Smallville finally turned into Superman huh. Well it’s about time. You will have to tell me when I get back if it is worth it to watch all the episodes.
Congratulations with being the new Dance Co. Historian Emily. That is neat. Take lots of pictures. And you should put a picture of me in the slide show... Just kidding
Neat service project Dad. Good luck golfing that is neat.
Hannah, Buena Suerte with your Piano Recital on Saturday! I know you will do great. Good work with the float. Ps I love you.
I love you so much!!!
Our other baptisms did not happen this week. Unfortunately, our main family to marry and baptize had to leave Wednesday. They live very humbly and don’t have a job right now. So at the beginning of the week, a friend called them and told them that there was a job opportunity to go to San Juan Sur to build a house for a couple weeks and that they had to be waiting on the highway Wednesday morning or they would miss their chance.
He wanted to be able to fix the house they are living in for his family and buy shoes and everything so they decided to go. But when they come back in about a month, they say they are good to go.
Yes, we have changes this week. We found out today as we were doing a Zone activity in the Stake Center. But no, I am not getting changed. And I am very happy because we should have a couple families getting ready to be baptized here in the next month. Elder Valenzuela is changing which is too bad but we had a good time together.
People do lots of things for a living here. The men might be a guard for a store or a house. The women usually do something like sell tortillas or work domestically for a richer house. (But many times the women are stay at home moms).
Ha ha. Well, it finally came. And it came strong. It is officially winter here a.k.a rain every day time! I think it was Friday. We woke up and it was pretty overcast. We had our Zone Conference and District Meeting like usual. We came back and ate and left to work. Everything was normal.
We were at an investigator's house doing a little of on the spot service helping clean the front lawn. (Ha ha which means sweep the dirt, leaves and garbage into a pile and burn it). Then it started to drizzle. We got all the piles to light right before it started to fall faster. And before you know it, we were running inside the house for cover. After a little talk with them, we bravely left the house to go to a set appointment with a new family.
Ha ha the rivers of water had already started. I thought my bag was pretty water proof. Well, luckily they had a plastic bag I wrapped my scriptures in before putting them into my backpack. It rained almost the whole time we were out. And in the night I woke up a couple times from the thunder. Luckily the house we live in has a very good roof and I couldn’t find a single leak. It has rained every single day since. (Not the whole time everyday, still, but everyday)
So Rob sent me a package? Awesome, I will tell you when it comes. Maybe it is waiting at changes.
Yes, a family in the Canon caught an armadillo, and ate it.
It is great to hear Perry is doing good. I like the photo.
Ha ha good luck with the float, Mom, I think if Jose has the time he would love to help out. He is into all the engineering stuff.
Say congratulations to Nick Davis for me.
So Smallville finally turned into Superman huh. Well it’s about time. You will have to tell me when I get back if it is worth it to watch all the episodes.
Congratulations with being the new Dance Co. Historian Emily. That is neat. Take lots of pictures. And you should put a picture of me in the slide show... Just kidding
Neat service project Dad. Good luck golfing that is neat.
Hannah, Buena Suerte with your Piano Recital on Saturday! I know you will do great. Good work with the float. Ps I love you.
I love you so much!!!
Elder Hardy
P.S. I did not forget that Alexis didn’t write me.... that’s one less souvenir when I get back… :)
May 9, 2011
¡¡¡Feliz Día de Madre!!! (Happy Mother’s Day!!!)
Yesterday was GREAT! My best Mother’s Day too. Ha ha. I’m so grateful to have been able to talk to the family, hear you say I love you and say I Love You.
So, sounds like you are doing great at golf, Dad. Golfing ought to be a required class to pass business school. Good luck helping with the float you should send some progress pictures. Love you dad.
I´m so proud of you, Mom, and thank you for giving the talk yesterday. I hope you had a good Mother’s Day. I don’t remember you telling me what you got from the family. I know your "float thing" will be the best one. I love you so much!
Ha ha Congratulations, Alexis! You are FREE from school and now have to work and find a family. Ha. Love you!
Oh no, Emily, you’re going to get your driver’s license this week. I remember when I went. I redid my signature on the stupid little electric pad like 5 times, because it always came out ugly. The worker finally gave me a face and I decided it would have to do. So be ready for the electric signing pad. Good luck finding a job, and try to buy the cheapest car you can find. And if it doesn’t have one, put a big muffler on it. I "luh" you!!!
Hannah, thanks for doing so many wonderful things for Mom for Mothers Day. And thanks for talking with me yesterday, it was great. p.s. I love you.
For PDay today, we woke up ready to wash our clothes. But the water left extra early this morning! So the family asked if we could wash our clothes another morning because they weren’t going to have enough water for the day. Ha ha and I still have 4 shirts ha ha I wonder if I can make it through the week without washing...
The sister missionaries wanted to go the Distribution Center today. But the APs said they can only go if we went with them. So we went to the Center and I bought more HLJ (CTR) rings to give to people. They are great for recent converts and for member’s birthdays.
So, sounds like you are doing great at golf, Dad. Golfing ought to be a required class to pass business school. Good luck helping with the float you should send some progress pictures. Love you dad.
I´m so proud of you, Mom, and thank you for giving the talk yesterday. I hope you had a good Mother’s Day. I don’t remember you telling me what you got from the family. I know your "float thing" will be the best one. I love you so much!
Ha ha Congratulations, Alexis! You are FREE from school and now have to work and find a family. Ha. Love you!
Oh no, Emily, you’re going to get your driver’s license this week. I remember when I went. I redid my signature on the stupid little electric pad like 5 times, because it always came out ugly. The worker finally gave me a face and I decided it would have to do. So be ready for the electric signing pad. Good luck finding a job, and try to buy the cheapest car you can find. And if it doesn’t have one, put a big muffler on it. I "luh" you!!!
Hannah, thanks for doing so many wonderful things for Mom for Mothers Day. And thanks for talking with me yesterday, it was great. p.s. I love you.
For PDay today, we woke up ready to wash our clothes. But the water left extra early this morning! So the family asked if we could wash our clothes another morning because they weren’t going to have enough water for the day. Ha ha and I still have 4 shirts ha ha I wonder if I can make it through the week without washing...
The sister missionaries wanted to go the Distribution Center today. But the APs said they can only go if we went with them. So we went to the Center and I bought more HLJ (CTR) rings to give to people. They are great for recent converts and for member’s birthdays.
After we finished there (by the way the package wasn’t there) we went to go fix my comps back pack and get my hair cut. Ha ha you know if you need a haircut when you walk through the market and all the Barber shops target you and ask you if you need a haircut. Then we went to PALI to buy breakfast supplies. After that, we came home, ate lunch and came to write.
On Sunday night we taught one lesson with a really strong Evangelico man. We have talked to him before because he came to one of our investigating families’ home and we didn’t exactly get along. But we did much better this time to leaves him positive. He was very knowledgeable of the scriptures, and while he has his own interesting doctrine, he brought up a very good scripture.
It was the story when a man in the bible starting performing miracles but was not one of the disciples of Jesus. The disciples of Jesus asked him if they should go stop him and Jesus said no, those who are not against us, are with us. (Luke 9:49-59)
Obviously that is not a direct quote, especially in English. But we have to remember, even though we want to share the Restored Gospel with everyone, we have to remember that many people have many truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and are trying to do their best to live like Him. We only hope that they will keep their hearts open so we can share with them more truths to add to what they already have.
Yesterday, while my comp made his phone call, I talked to the family of the Pharmacia. Her kids are actually recent converts because they were older than 8 years old when they started coming to church again and got baptized. I also talked with all the people that came into the pharmacy and watched a little bit of one of the Church’s DVDs about the New Testament with the kids.
Ha ha last night for dinner I think we had rice, beans, with shredded cheese and sour cream. I mixed them all together and put them in a tortilla. This morning I didn’t really eat anything until lunch because I was all out of food. For lunch we had Gallo Pinto and some roast beef with a Chicha drink.
(Sue’s note: In Managua and Granada,"chicha de maiz" is a typical drink, unfermented and served very cold. It is often flavored with banana or vanilla flavors, and its saleswomen can be heard calling "¡Chicha, cafe y jugo frio!" in the squares.
Nicaraguan "chicha de maiz" is made by soaking the corn in water over night. On the following day it is ground and placed in water, red food colouring is added, and the whole mixture is cooked. Once cooled, sugar and more water is added. On the following day one adds further water, sugar and flavoring.
I think it sounds like the Nicaraguan equivalent of Kool Aid haha.)
On Sunday night we taught one lesson with a really strong Evangelico man. We have talked to him before because he came to one of our investigating families’ home and we didn’t exactly get along. But we did much better this time to leaves him positive. He was very knowledgeable of the scriptures, and while he has his own interesting doctrine, he brought up a very good scripture.
It was the story when a man in the bible starting performing miracles but was not one of the disciples of Jesus. The disciples of Jesus asked him if they should go stop him and Jesus said no, those who are not against us, are with us. (Luke 9:49-59)
Obviously that is not a direct quote, especially in English. But we have to remember, even though we want to share the Restored Gospel with everyone, we have to remember that many people have many truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and are trying to do their best to live like Him. We only hope that they will keep their hearts open so we can share with them more truths to add to what they already have.
Yesterday, while my comp made his phone call, I talked to the family of the Pharmacia. Her kids are actually recent converts because they were older than 8 years old when they started coming to church again and got baptized. I also talked with all the people that came into the pharmacy and watched a little bit of one of the Church’s DVDs about the New Testament with the kids.
Ha ha last night for dinner I think we had rice, beans, with shredded cheese and sour cream. I mixed them all together and put them in a tortilla. This morning I didn’t really eat anything until lunch because I was all out of food. For lunch we had Gallo Pinto and some roast beef with a Chicha drink.
(Sue’s note: In Managua and Granada,"chicha de maiz" is a typical drink, unfermented and served very cold. It is often flavored with banana or vanilla flavors, and its saleswomen can be heard calling "¡Chicha, cafe y jugo frio!" in the squares.
Nicaraguan "chicha de maiz" is made by soaking the corn in water over night. On the following day it is ground and placed in water, red food colouring is added, and the whole mixture is cooked. Once cooled, sugar and more water is added. On the following day one adds further water, sugar and flavoring.
I think it sounds like the Nicaraguan equivalent of Kool Aid haha.)
One spiritual experience we had this week was on Saturday. We went to the house of Jaudin and Miurel. We taught them for a while until their evangelico friend showed up. We taught him for a while until a point when I bore a very strong testimony about Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, the Gospel, the Book of Mormon and living prophets.
Next up on the menu…
Armadillo?
or Pizza?!!!
Love you all very much,
I can’t wait until we get to talk again!
Love,
Elder Hardy
I can’t wait until we get to talk again!
Love,
Elder Hardy
April 25, 2011
Happy Easter!!!
I hope everyone had a great Easter day yesterday and remembered why we celebrate Easter. I am not even really sure why there is an Easter Bunny. If you start talking about an Easter BUNNY that hides EGGS for kids to hunt here, everyone looks at you like you are crazy ha ha.
I had a good Easter day yesterday. Church was normal. We have two really positive families that said there were going to go to church yesterday but things came up. We didn’t do a special Easter Sunday church program or anything which is too bad. But my compañero gave a good talk about the Expiación (Atonement).
The best part of the day was after church when we did divisions with the whole Ward Council like we planned. They even made sandwiches to eat before we left. I left with the President of the Quorum of Elders. He is a really awesome guy. He is a little older and we went to the farthest, hardest part of the area (Cañon) to visit families that haven’t been coming to church. He didn’t complain at all, but I could tell he was getting pretty tired. We then met up with my companion at the house of his brother and they invited us to stay to eat dinner.
We talked a lot, they have lived much more exciting lives than me. They were in the Revolution and the Earthquake and everything. Lots of cool stories. But the week in all has been very normal, except there have been less people on the streets. But more dads are home on vacation too.
Yesterday, when I went to a Family´s house deep in the Cañon, after we talked with them and we dedicated their house and everything they asked if I would like to try Guatusa. I told them I didn’t have the foggiest idea what that was but I would love to. Everyone tried to explain it to me and tried to compare it with other animal names I have never heard of. In the end all I understood was that they caught it in the jungle the day before.
They gave me a couple pieces, like a leg and some ribs and it was pretty good. It was small and tasted a little gamey and in the end I figured it was something like rabbit. Later that night I had my Comp explain to me what it is. Ha ha not that it is too crazy what I ate, but I figure if you search Guatusa on Google images you’ll see what it is.
I hope everyone had a great Easter day yesterday and remembered why we celebrate Easter. I am not even really sure why there is an Easter Bunny. If you start talking about an Easter BUNNY that hides EGGS for kids to hunt here, everyone looks at you like you are crazy ha ha.
I had a good Easter day yesterday. Church was normal. We have two really positive families that said there were going to go to church yesterday but things came up. We didn’t do a special Easter Sunday church program or anything which is too bad. But my compañero gave a good talk about the Expiación (Atonement).
The best part of the day was after church when we did divisions with the whole Ward Council like we planned. They even made sandwiches to eat before we left. I left with the President of the Quorum of Elders. He is a really awesome guy. He is a little older and we went to the farthest, hardest part of the area (Cañon) to visit families that haven’t been coming to church. He didn’t complain at all, but I could tell he was getting pretty tired. We then met up with my companion at the house of his brother and they invited us to stay to eat dinner.
We talked a lot, they have lived much more exciting lives than me. They were in the Revolution and the Earthquake and everything. Lots of cool stories. But the week in all has been very normal, except there have been less people on the streets. But more dads are home on vacation too.
Yesterday, when I went to a Family´s house deep in the Cañon, after we talked with them and we dedicated their house and everything they asked if I would like to try Guatusa. I told them I didn’t have the foggiest idea what that was but I would love to. Everyone tried to explain it to me and tried to compare it with other animal names I have never heard of. In the end all I understood was that they caught it in the jungle the day before.
They gave me a couple pieces, like a leg and some ribs and it was pretty good. It was small and tasted a little gamey and in the end I figured it was something like rabbit. Later that night I had my Comp explain to me what it is. Ha ha not that it is too crazy what I ate, but I figure if you search Guatusa on Google images you’ll see what it is.
 |
| Guatusa: Rodent of Unusual Size |
When I show the photo book you guys made for me everyone tells me that I used to be a lot fatter. But no, I haven’t been sick. We went in to Pali and they have one of those put in a quarter (Cordoba) to weigh yourself scales. So I tried it and thought I would come out weighing more. But it said 171 pounds. Ah, so I have lost at least 15 pounds. But I haven’t ever been sick.
And I clear my plate at every meal (even if we have 3 dinners offered to us in one day). I even found Centrium Vitamins that I am taking in the morning. I have intelligently concluded that I need to pick up my exercise program in the morning.
What I would really like is a neat card with my Priesthood lineage on it. That would be great when we get talking sometimes about who has authority. Also, how big is Utah and its population, (and how much bigger than Nicaragua).
And I clear my plate at every meal (even if we have 3 dinners offered to us in one day). I even found Centrium Vitamins that I am taking in the morning. I have intelligently concluded that I need to pick up my exercise program in the morning.
What I would really like is a neat card with my Priesthood lineage on it. That would be great when we get talking sometimes about who has authority. Also, how big is Utah and its population, (and how much bigger than Nicaragua).
 |
| Tarantula |
It would be neat to hear from my missionary buddies. I don’t know what the rule is for them and writing back an email from me. It might be better to send a letter (ha ha for Christmas). If you could send me their addresses that would be nice.
Me encantaría compartir un poco de mí testimonio de la Expiación de Jesucristo con Ustedes. Especialmente a este tiempo del año cuando tienen la oportunidad enfocar sus vidas occupadas un poco más en la vida de Jesucristo.
Yo sé que Dios nuestro amoroso Padre Celestial cuando presentó su grande plan de felicidad con nosotros, necesitabamos alguien de nuestros hermanos que tendría tan amor sufrir por todo lo demas. Éste fue Jehová. Él vino a la tierra en el medio de los tiempos cumplir su propósito.
Él se bautizó, nos enseñó el camino y dio el ejemplo para nosotros vivir y tratar unos a otros. Él hizo milagros, sanó a los enfermos y estableció su Iglesia aquí en la tierra. Luego, se humilló antes Su Padre y tomó sobre sí los pecados, dolores y sufrimientos de cada uno de nosotros. Él pues, dio su vida en la Cruz para que no solo podemos limpiar nuestros pecados pero ademas podemos vivir.
Y El vive. Resucitó al vencer la muerte fisicál, tan como espíritual. Que todos que creen en él puedan regresar vivir con nuestro Padre. He visto el milagro de la Expiación en mí propia vida y he tenido la oportunidad ver este milagro en las vidas de las familias y personas aquí en Nicaragua.
Mí testimonio inquebrantable es que Jesus el Cristo es mí Salvador y que mediante mí fe en Él, el arrepentimiento, las ordinanzas sagradas que Él estableció por mí y mí perseverando hasta el fin, voy a regresar con Él y mí familia en la Vida Eterna.
Invito a todos Ustedes compartir sus testimonios de la Expiación de Jesucristo con sus familias y amigos esta semana despues Easter. Y les digo estas cosas en el Nombre de Jesucristo, Amen.
(I would love to share some of my testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ with you. Especially this time of year when given the opportunity to focus our lives, occupied a little more on the life of Jesus Christ.
I know that God our loving Father in Heaven when he presented his great plan of happiness with us, we needed someone of our brothers who would so love to suffer for everything else. This was the Lord. He came to earth in the midst of the years to fulfill His purpose.
He was baptized, taught us the way and set the example for us to live and treat each other. He performed miracles, healed the sick and established His church here on earth. Then, He humbled before His Father and took upon Himself the sins, pains and sufferings of every one of us. He then gave his life on the Cross so that we can not only wash away our sins but also we can live.
And He lives. Rose to conquer death physically, then spiritually so that all who believe in Him can return to live with our Father. I've seen the miracle of the Atonement in my life and have had the opportunity to see this miracle in the lives of families and people here in Nicaragua.
My unwavering testimony that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that through my faith in Him, repentance, the holy ordinances which He established for me and if I persevere to the end, I will return to Him and my family in the Everlasting Life.
I invite you all to share your testimonies of the Atonement of Jesus Christ with your families and friends this week after Easter. And I say these things in Jesus' name, Amen).
Les amo, (I love you),
Elder Hardy
Me encantaría compartir un poco de mí testimonio de la Expiación de Jesucristo con Ustedes. Especialmente a este tiempo del año cuando tienen la oportunidad enfocar sus vidas occupadas un poco más en la vida de Jesucristo.
Yo sé que Dios nuestro amoroso Padre Celestial cuando presentó su grande plan de felicidad con nosotros, necesitabamos alguien de nuestros hermanos que tendría tan amor sufrir por todo lo demas. Éste fue Jehová. Él vino a la tierra en el medio de los tiempos cumplir su propósito.
Él se bautizó, nos enseñó el camino y dio el ejemplo para nosotros vivir y tratar unos a otros. Él hizo milagros, sanó a los enfermos y estableció su Iglesia aquí en la tierra. Luego, se humilló antes Su Padre y tomó sobre sí los pecados, dolores y sufrimientos de cada uno de nosotros. Él pues, dio su vida en la Cruz para que no solo podemos limpiar nuestros pecados pero ademas podemos vivir.
Y El vive. Resucitó al vencer la muerte fisicál, tan como espíritual. Que todos que creen en él puedan regresar vivir con nuestro Padre. He visto el milagro de la Expiación en mí propia vida y he tenido la oportunidad ver este milagro en las vidas de las familias y personas aquí en Nicaragua.
Mí testimonio inquebrantable es que Jesus el Cristo es mí Salvador y que mediante mí fe en Él, el arrepentimiento, las ordinanzas sagradas que Él estableció por mí y mí perseverando hasta el fin, voy a regresar con Él y mí familia en la Vida Eterna.
Invito a todos Ustedes compartir sus testimonios de la Expiación de Jesucristo con sus familias y amigos esta semana despues Easter. Y les digo estas cosas en el Nombre de Jesucristo, Amen.
(I would love to share some of my testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ with you. Especially this time of year when given the opportunity to focus our lives, occupied a little more on the life of Jesus Christ.
I know that God our loving Father in Heaven when he presented his great plan of happiness with us, we needed someone of our brothers who would so love to suffer for everything else. This was the Lord. He came to earth in the midst of the years to fulfill His purpose.
He was baptized, taught us the way and set the example for us to live and treat each other. He performed miracles, healed the sick and established His church here on earth. Then, He humbled before His Father and took upon Himself the sins, pains and sufferings of every one of us. He then gave his life on the Cross so that we can not only wash away our sins but also we can live.
And He lives. Rose to conquer death physically, then spiritually so that all who believe in Him can return to live with our Father. I've seen the miracle of the Atonement in my life and have had the opportunity to see this miracle in the lives of families and people here in Nicaragua.
My unwavering testimony that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that through my faith in Him, repentance, the holy ordinances which He established for me and if I persevere to the end, I will return to Him and my family in the Everlasting Life.
I invite you all to share your testimonies of the Atonement of Jesus Christ with your families and friends this week after Easter. And I say these things in Jesus' name, Amen).
Les amo, (I love you),
Elder Hardy
April 18, 2011
¡Hey Wonderful Family!
Ha ha it is great to hear it’s Spring Break! No breaking here, it has been extra hot this week in Monte Fresco.
Ha ha it is great to hear it’s Spring Break! No breaking here, it has been extra hot this week in Monte Fresco.
My Birthday was great! Thanks for all the cards and gifts, they really made it special.
In the morning I opened my presents. And I made my Birthday Cake! The only problem is we don’t have a microwave... So I cooked it onnn... my Iron! If you thought toasting your toast on your home made toaster iron was cool try baking a cake. Just wrap the iron in a towel and voila! It actually kinda worked. It just took a while, but by lunch time it had baked almost all the way through. The rest of the day was normal, we went to Cañon (the canyon) and taught some new families there.
I loved all the presents. I think they were all there too. The package had been opened twice in the mail. There were two different cuts and retapes on the Virgin Mary seal. Ha ha I am going to have a generous tie exchange with my Comp before changes.
The way it has worked the last two changes is I give my Comp one of my really nice ties that I have noticed they really like and trade for several of the ties they don’t really like but I love. So by the end of the mish I should have a very nice collection to bring home.
Ha ha but please I love the ties, you can never go wrong sending a tie. Ha ha I gave him one of the Nerf guns and then shot him in the back of the head later that morning. But he hasn’t opened his yet ha ha.
Yes! Ha ha the Utah football is awesome. But I have had the Utah Song stuck in my head now instead of a hymn. The great thing is one of my friends in the office Elder Kunz is Super pero (but) Super BYU fan. Ha ha and he called me to make sure I got my package and everything. I am going to bring it the next time we are together and throw it at him.
The best Birthday present I got though was a letter from Aunt Annette and Uncle Bruce. It had their testimonies in it and they were soo Powerful. I am so grateful they are doing so well and was so happy after reading their letters. I also think the ties they sent are the Coolest, and 3 POUNDS of Beef Jerky. Awesome!
Ha ha but please I love the ties, you can never go wrong sending a tie. Ha ha I gave him one of the Nerf guns and then shot him in the back of the head later that morning. But he hasn’t opened his yet ha ha.
Yes! Ha ha the Utah football is awesome. But I have had the Utah Song stuck in my head now instead of a hymn. The great thing is one of my friends in the office Elder Kunz is Super pero (but) Super BYU fan. Ha ha and he called me to make sure I got my package and everything. I am going to bring it the next time we are together and throw it at him.
The best Birthday present I got though was a letter from Aunt Annette and Uncle Bruce. It had their testimonies in it and they were soo Powerful. I am so grateful they are doing so well and was so happy after reading their letters. I also think the ties they sent are the Coolest, and 3 POUNDS of Beef Jerky. Awesome!
The families we are teaching are doing great. And yes, several have accepted baptismal dates to prepare for.
We went to Cañon the other day and felt we should go to a family that we haven’t passed for a while. We talked to them for a little bit and they told us they had thought and prayed about it and finally decided to get married!
They had put a date for 2 months away and I was like, darn I don’t know if we will be here to see you two get married... and they said oh, well let’s move the date sooner! So we moved it for next month and then taught them more about baptism and they said they would prepare to be baptized. Then they decided they would like to set the date for after their marriage the same day.
Sunday is Easter and well, here it isn’t just Easter Sunday. It is called Semana Santa (which you already know) and they do stuff the whole week. The big thing everyone does here is they go to the beach. So... not too much for the missionaries to do.
I gave a surprise talk yesterday in Sacrament Meeting! Right before the meeting started the Bishop asked me if I would give a short talk because I am, " Siempre animado y sonriente " (Always cheerful and smiling) and he wants me to motivate the ward about missionary work. So I said, “Of course.”
I was nervous because if it is hard for me to talk well with a talk I have already planned, imagine one that I am winging. I imagine that it is even more difficult to understand me when I am doing the almost crying thing too. Ha ha and I know that there must have been plenty of grammatical errors but I actually ended up giving a good 10 minute talk. Everyone told me thank you after and how it was very spiritual and everything. Ha ha the Bishop´s wife told me she almost cried, so that was good.
They had put a date for 2 months away and I was like, darn I don’t know if we will be here to see you two get married... and they said oh, well let’s move the date sooner! So we moved it for next month and then taught them more about baptism and they said they would prepare to be baptized. Then they decided they would like to set the date for after their marriage the same day.
Sunday is Easter and well, here it isn’t just Easter Sunday. It is called Semana Santa (which you already know) and they do stuff the whole week. The big thing everyone does here is they go to the beach. So... not too much for the missionaries to do.
I gave a surprise talk yesterday in Sacrament Meeting! Right before the meeting started the Bishop asked me if I would give a short talk because I am, " Siempre animado y sonriente " (Always cheerful and smiling) and he wants me to motivate the ward about missionary work. So I said, “Of course.”
I was nervous because if it is hard for me to talk well with a talk I have already planned, imagine one that I am winging. I imagine that it is even more difficult to understand me when I am doing the almost crying thing too. Ha ha and I know that there must have been plenty of grammatical errors but I actually ended up giving a good 10 minute talk. Everyone told me thank you after and how it was very spiritual and everything. Ha ha the Bishop´s wife told me she almost cried, so that was good.
Hey, wish Aunt Jenny luck in the Marathon tomorrow for me! The Boston Marathon, that sounds like a really big deal. That is pretty sweet. I want you guys to send me a photo of her crossing the finish line. It just popped into my head a really cool object lesson with that.
For our recent converts, Preseverar Hasta el Fin (Endure to the End), I could tell them the story of how my Aunt ran a really big deal marathon and show them a photo of Jenny at the starting line, while she is running and as she crosses the finish line. (Then one of her receiving a medal). And tell them they need to follow the example of my aunt Jenny and Endure to the End.
I am glad to hear that Grandma and Grandpa are doing better. Tell Grandma that I have received and officially have #26 of her letters, and can’t wait until the next one.
I am glad Perry the Duck is growing nice and plump...
Congrats that Tax season is over Dad. That’s always the best time of year. After busy season. Sleep and play some golf ha ha.
Thanks for writing each week Mom. I hope you go somewhere fun.
I am glad Perry the Duck is growing nice and plump...
Congrats that Tax season is over Dad. That’s always the best time of year. After busy season. Sleep and play some golf ha ha.
Thanks for writing each week Mom. I hope you go somewhere fun.
Good luck with the end of school Alexis!
Emily that is really neat that the old ward asked you to play. And you played the song you played at my farewell. Love you.
Good to hear your performances went well Hannah. Have fun with spring break. And with going somewhere. And with shopping.
P.S. I LOVE YOU !!!!!!!!!
Good to hear your performances went well Hannah. Have fun with spring break. And with going somewhere. And with shopping.
P.S. I LOVE YOU !!!!!!!!!
Elder Hardy
April 11, 2011
Thank you for the Happy Birthdays! And thanks for emailing the Happy Birthday wishes from everyone on Facebook!
I got my Birthday Package!! On Friday we were in our Zone meeting and Elder Geddes, my Zone Leader, got a phone call and left the room. He came back in with a big package in his hands and gave it to me. Ha ha apparently Hermana Monestel called in a special land drop, and sent some missionaries from the office in one of the office cars to deliver it to me while I was at the Stake Center.
I opened it today after lunch, and set up the birthday banner and balloons, but I am going to wake up earlier tomorrow morning to open the presents. Thank you so much for the presents! There are a bunch and it is awesome.
And the office called today, and said they had another package from Aunt Annette and Uncle Bruce! They said they sent it to the wrong church or something last week and wanted to know how they could send it to me today.
But they would have had to have driven to a church and meet me there. They asked me if it would be alright if they sent it in the Bolsa (bag) this week and I told them it would be fine. Tell Annette and Bruce thanks so much, and I will enjoy a second birthday from them! They are Awesome.
But I haven’t heard anything about the third package still. But yes, Elder Coj told me he received his Jesus El Cristo. He was so happy and loved the photo and testimony too. He told me to tell you guys muchisimas gracias.
The families we are teaching are coming along well. It has been looking pretty tough to be able to baptize a family this month. But I have been praying a lot that we could miraculously find a family that could be ready to be baptized this month (which is almost impossible because for the least, they should have 3 times in church before they can be baptized).
But this Sunday, a familia came to church that has investigated the church before and has already come to church a bunch of times. They live deep in the cañon (canyon) but tomorrow we are going to go visit them and see if we can help them be prepared to be baptized the 23 of this month.
Another miraculously answered prayer and fast. Now we have to finish our part of the deal and teach them well. Then they will have to do their part of the deal, complete commitments and have the faith to be baptized.
Something amazing that happened last night is that we finally got to talk to the mom in a family who has been very closed. And now she likes us and we are bringing her a copy of The Family: A Proclamation to the World.
Tell Grandma, Sí. I have consecutively received all of her numbered letters up to 23 I believe. I have saved them all. There is just a little lag but I know I will get them.
This is the Motmot bird I saw, Hannah!
Well Hannah, as far as my birthday goes and what I have planned, we will be working hard tomorrow. We are going into the jungle valley Cañon (Canyon) to teach some families and hopefully find some new ones.
The best birthday present would be... yours, first of all. And then if we could invite the family that came to church yesterday to be baptized and they accept the date of the 23rd. That would be great. Hmm, I forgot to buy a Piñata but maybe a member will remember it’s my birthday and do something special.
Well Dad, thanks for the journal and for emailing Hna Monestel. I have been feeling so Isolated without a package ha ha.
And thank you Mom, I know you worked very hard to do everything. I cannot wait to talk to you for Mother’s Day!
Alexis, you asked, “What has been my most humbling experience thus far in the mission?”
Ask me again next time sis. But for now... Every day when the Lord answers my prayers.
Thanks Emily Poo, I do not feel old. But do you want to know something sad? Sometimes my comp. always asks people how old he looks because he still looks like a kid. And they usually say he is like 16 years old (he is 20). Then we ask how old they think I am... and people have said all the way up to 28! :(
I make myself feel better by saying it is because I am so much taller and bigger than them (that is what they say when I tell them I am 19), because I have an old man part in my hair, and because I am just so mature haha. But now I can at least say I am in the 20s.
Thank you so much Hannah. And thank you for your card... Robin. (I haven’t opened it yet). Good luck with your performances and Have fun at your First Sleep Over. I remember one sleepover when my friend Taylor Gunst turned into a werewolf...
con Cariño (with Love),
Elder Hardy