The Last Semana

February 18, 2013
Hello again, dear family and friends,

This week has been a week full of blessings and joy and love and tears, etc.

Haha I can't really decribe my feelings as I am writing you all from afar for the last time, but I hope you all know that, although I'm sad to leave this place and part of me doesn't want to go home, I know I've worked my personal hardest and I've given it all I've got and I endured (and continue enduring) to the end. I've fought the good fight, as Paul says. 

I don't know what to say really, but I guess I'll just tell you how our week went as always so we don't get too sentimental here. =P

So yeah, the week went pretty quickly because on Tuesday we had district class, which took a bit of time, and then we were on splits with Elder Medina and Elder Lira, from the Altotonga part of the zone. It was my companions turn to go to their area, so I stayed in ours and applied a few new things I had been learning in the past few weeks to get referrals and find new people. We ended up teaching a referral, asking them for more afterward, and from that, we found a person who turns out to be friends with the bishop of our ward! So that turned out well. 

After that day, on Wednesday we did some normal stuff and then around 6 we had to be getting ready to go to Xalapa for a leadership training thing with about half the zone, so we got our bags (to take back some pamphlets and such) and got to ADO and left around 7, got to Xalapa around 9, and my companion and I set apart our cots upstairs to be able to sleep, unlike the missionaries that were downstairs talking all night. Haha

So yeah, then the next day we had the meeting, which went well and we learned a lot, of course they had to sing a song that I'm not sure is in the hymn book or not, but translating one of the verses it goes, ''Goodbye, brothers, goodbye, the moment to leave now is here...'' something like that, and keeps going. And everyone was looking at me and Elder Johnson, who was in the MTC with me, they even starting waving at us in a ''see you later'' fashion. It was a little crazy.

Then on Friday we had the baptismal interview of a few people, but one of them has to wait a little more time. The other one, Veronica, passed hers (after two hours of talking with Elder Valtierra), and was super excited for her baptism on Sunday!

On Saturday we were running around a little nuts doing a lot of things, but it went pretty well for us and then on Sunday we had a LOT of people asking me for my email, my address, etc. and at the same time we were organizing our baptism, so it was a little crazy but it all got done. =D

Anyway, today we played basketball and afterward went to eat with Sister Eliut, who is a sister from Pinal that I've known since forever ago, and she gave us some really good food, just like old times. Then I said my goodbyes with her and we were on our way again. 

Aaaand, here we are! Getting ready to go do a bit of packing, a bit of visiting, a bit of teaching and referral tracking (because this race isn't QUITE over) and then I'll be on my way to Xalapa on Monday morning. 

Again, I can't describe my feelings, but I'm pretty sure that mom described them to me well when she said something along the lines of, on the plane I'll be crying to leave these people and experiences behind, and landing I'll be crying for joy to see my family. So, I hope things go a little like that. I have loved this mission and I definitely invite and exhort EVERY young man to, as Elder Holland says, ''If you aren't worthy, GET worthy'', get your papers in the working, turn them in, and get out there. 

I know that my Saviour lives and have felt his influence more than ever in this amazing 2 year experience. He works miracles today, just as he did in the past. I know that his merciful hands are outstreched to accept all of us, in spite of our weaknesses or faults. He loves us and will help us if we have faith and keep fighting for what we know is right. I love this church, it is the only true church upon the earth, I can say that now without a single doubt. I know we have a prophet that guides us now in these days, just as God sent his prophets in the past, and that if we follow their counsel, we will be able to come closer to Christ, who is the light and life, and the way, through which we may all live again with our Heavenly Father. 

I love you all so much and thank you for all your support, and I pray and hope for your well being. I will see you soon.

Elder DeFreese

 

 

1. Eating giant sandwiches in Xalapa while we wait for our bus ride back to Teziu.

2. Me, wearing a ''Dr. Simi'' (a farmacy brand) scarf that Arlette (the young woman who was baptized a few weeks back) gave us, seeing as how her mom works there!

3. The baptism of Veronica. =D

He aquí, os digo: el fin se acerca.

February 11, 2013

Well, hello there family and friends,

I'm going to be honest here, my feelings are mixed this week. 

I'll explain that in a bit. =)

Firstly I must speak of the first things. So, on Monday night we had to go to Xalapa for our ZL conference thingy and stay the night at the secretaries' house, which was fun. We didn't sleep super well but it's all good. Then, on Tuesday we woke up early and got stuff ready for the President to whip us into gear. Haha it was cool, we had our conference thingy (I've given up on saying counsel/council because I don't remember which one it is...) and President took out a special scripture on us from Hebrews. Remember the one that talks about milk before meat? Yeah, he said, ''this one is for my Zone Leaders''. Haha so we all got a little ''planched'' if you remember that word.

Anyway, he re-taught us the basics and had us do some practices, among other things, so it was good. Then from there we ate food and I had to say some goodbyes to some good ZL buddies, because it'll be the last time I see them. 

From there we went to ADO and took a bus home. We got back around 7 or 7:30, dropped the matierals and our suits off at the house and ran to av very far away appointment which fell through. So we checked a couple other people, went home and planned and prayed, etc. 

The next day, we started out with Zone Class which went well. We did some practices there which turned out well, and after class were on our way to go eat. We had a little time before the food appointment, so we decided to drop by an inactive member's house. We taught her the restoration, and finishing it up these furniture people got there with a GIANT dresser. So we helped them get it in the house, but they had to get it into a tiny room in the back of the house. I will never be able to explain in words just how IMPOSSIBLE that looked to us with the tiny spaces and many things packed into the house already, but we offered our help, because the furniture guys had to go. The sister of course knew that we had a food appointment, so she just told us to come back after.

So, we went and out, went back, and faced the test. To make a long story (that I'll tell you all soon enough anyway) short, it took us two hours, lots of thinking and the breaking of a few items (luckily not valuable items), the exhaustion of body and mind, and a miracle to get that giant dresser in the tiny back room, but we did it. I think that sister was pretty appreciative of that. =)

After that, late but commited, we went to San Juan to help out the Elders there. They've been having some trouble in their area, and I don't know if I mentioned this last week, but we agreed to leave our area behind and go help them out on some splits with the 4 of us working in their area. So that's what we did. We found a few cool people, got some referrals, and taught some lessons on both sides, so it went really well. Anyway, the point is though that when the night ended, we realized that the next day was Thursday already and we still hadn't done anything in our area that week! 

So we put some good plans and goals and got going the next day. We knew that we had to help somebody to baptism that week, but we didn't really know who in that moment. So we ran around with everyone possible on Thursday and found ourselves visiting Iris' dad, because she wasn't home. Remember her? She's been to church about a month now and her dad wouldn't give her permission to be baptized. We'd tried lots of things, but he wouldn't budge. So in that moment, as my companion talked to him, I said a little prayer and felt prompted to simply share a scripture or two with him, be direct, and commit him to talk with his daughter about HER desires to be baptized and to ask her why. He commited to do so.

The next day, we went with her again and lo and behold, she told us that her dad gave her permission! So, we got her interview done, her form signed, and kept working with other investigators until Sunday.

On Sunday we were blessed again with investigators that went to church, and Iris was baptized afterward by her member friend, Erik. 

This week we have lots of possible people to baptize, and I want to sprint to the end working my hardest to help all those that I can to take that important step. I know that I'm not the one who makes the change, it's in between God and the individual, but I hope and pray to be guided to simply show them the path that they should take and that God can touch their heart.

I know this work is true and I've seen miracles every day. I love these people here and THAT is why I feel weird this week. I'm going to miss these people very very much, and I don't think they know or understand how much I love and appreciate them, but the only way I can show it to them is through service. I hope that this last week of my mission will be the best week I can give. 

I love you all and I'll see most of you soon. Don't know if I'll have a chance to write next Monday, but I'll try to send a few lines your way anyway.

Until next time,

Elder DeFreese

1. Baptism of Iris. =)

2. Hangin' out P-Day style with the Teziutecos. 

The Weekly Semana

February 4, 2013
Alright, hello family and friends!

This week has been good. We've been working hard and getting business done, but there are always challenges. 

This time around the challenge was a little bit with the zone because we had some issues here and there and some missionaries that were having a hard time, but we were told by the Assistants (to the President) to do some special splits with the Elders that are in Pinal, because they're struggling a bit. So, we did some unplanned splits on Friday and I went with Elder Torres in Pinal while my companion stayed in our area with Elder Vazquez (the same one I trained in Poza Rica).

The splits went well and I was able to give Elder Torres a lot of advice on his area, mostly things that had to do with his planning and his companionship studies. 

Other than that, my mind is a little blank because today we have to write fast because we have to do lots of things to prepare for another Zone Leader Counsel (council??) tomorrow and when I have to write fast I can't think very well, but it's all good. =)

On Saturday we had the baptismal interview for Arlette, the grand-daughter of Ansberta, who was baptized last week. She passed and was happy to be baptized yesterday. It was a good experience and we let another young man participate in the ordinance, so Eddy, the Bishop's son, did it. =D

Hmm... What else? Who knows, but I think I still have two more Mondays to write you all, so I'll think of more stuff next week, alright?

Speaking of all that, mom just informed me that my homecoming talk will be on the 24th of February, so you're all invited, those who can make it. 

I think that's all for now, sorry for the short email this week, but... Well, many of you will be in my presence soon enough, so I hope you'll forgive me.

I've been praying really hard for all of you and your specific situations, so I'm pretty confident that I'll go home to find you all doing WELL and with SMILES on your faces, alright? Deal. 

See you all later! Love you much,

Elder DeFreese

 

1. In Pinal, they changed houses, and we had to go give the key to the owner, so I had to take a picture of my utter sadness at seeing this, my home for 6 months, empty and abandoned. 

2. The baptism of Arlette. =)

 

The Weekly Semana‏

January 28, 2013
Alright,

So lots of people wrote me this week and I was reading for a while so this email will be a little short, but don't complain because I'll be able to tell you more stories soon enough! Don't worry, I'm still sprinting to the end of this race, obviously, but sheesh, I got my travel plans in an email today. Ouch!

Anyway, this week has been really good. We worked super hard and were running around to find new people and to help prepare Mayra and Ansberta for their baptism this Sunday. After working the whole week we saw some miracles and then we had the baptism yesterday of Mayra and Ansberta! Wooh!

As for spiritual experiences in the baptisms, can't get much better than this! It's a bit of a long story, let me try to make it short...

So, starting with about a month ago when Elder Palma got here. After a bit of time, we started seeing that we had lots of investigators and little time to see them, so we had to look for young men of the ward to help us. One day we ate with Sister Mery, who is a VERY amazing sister that reminds me of my mom. She and her family are converts that were baptized three years ago and her husband has since left her and moved in with another woman in Mexico City (in other words, far away). He thus left her alone with her 7 children to raise from 17, 15, 13, 9, 7, 4, and 2 years old by herself. (well, that's their age now, Mery was pregnant with the youngest one when she was baptized)

Anyway, it's miraculous that she is still strong in the gospel and goes every Sunday, also because she lives about 30 minutes from the chapel and has to take public transportation, which is expensive for 8 people.

So yeah, let me continue... When we ate with her, her son, Mario walked in. We have always gotten along with him, but he had been pretty inactive in the church since I'd been there. Anyway, so we talked with him and set up a time that he could go on splits with us to get him excited in the missionary work, we figured out things, and with his mom there pressuring him, he agreed to go with us.

So, he went with us and from then on we started getting along better and better, and he also started to come to church every Sunday. Then, a week and a day ago, we brought Mayra to church, and what was our surprise when we found out that they're really good friends! So, we started visiting her with him, we've started to help him talk with the bishop to get working on his papers, as he will soon turn 18, and everything was going great up to the baptism! He had an interview with the bishop and was authorized to baptize Mayra, and then when the moment came he was nervous. He got in the water and had to do it three times, but on the third try it was perfect.

I went to give him his towel, and as I did so I asked him how he felt. He told me that he didn't feel so great because he didn't do well. That's when I told him that he did amazingly and that, thanks to his efforts, his friend had just received one of the biggest gifts she could ever receive, and that I was super happy and proud of him. In that moment, he grabbed me in a hug and told me that he loves me (lo quiero mucho) and thanked me for the opportunity we gave him to baptize his friend. In that moment he was tearing up a bit and I was as well.

He and his family know that I'm leaving soon, but they don't want me to go. Especially him and his mom, him because we've invited him to make changes in his life and now he's happier because of it, and his mom because... Well, I think my mom understands how most mothers feel towards the people that help their kids make good decisions.

I'll really miss these people and I've made lots of friends and family here in Mexico, especially in Teziutlán, but I'm going to keep working my heart out to make a few last friends and family before I'm out of here.

I know the gospel is true, and I love it. I especially love living it. Those that read it that haven't been living it or haven't yet started to live it, I invite you to do it. Remember that ''wickedness never was happiness'', and come unto Christ, who is the life and the light of the world, the way to eternal happiness. Yes, that means happiness that isn't a daily battle to acheive. Something like a rollercoaster of good days and bad days. With Christ, a bad day can become good, it's just up to us.

That's my little message I share with you all, I love you a ton and hope you keep up the good work!

Elder DeFreese

1. The baptism of Ansberta!

2. The baptism of Mayra!

The Weekly Semana

January 21, 2013

Dear family and friends,

This week was a bit of a roller coaster but turned out fantastic!

At first we were running around all over the place to teach our investagators and nobody was home! =S Then for the next part of the week, we went to a special zone conference with Elder De Hoyos of the seventy, which was cool. The only bad part was that, since it was a special conference, they didn't do the slide show or the testimonies of those of us that are finishing up the mission. Bit of a downer because I've seen the slide show of all the other missionaries with their before and after pictures for two years and I didn't get it. Haha but it's all good, no worries.

Other than that, we put into practice on Friday and Saturday what we'd learned from the conference and we had a bit more of success. Then, on Sunday, was the great part...

We had a LOT of investigators and inactives in church! I went to drop by some investigators with another young man on splits so that my companion could pass for others, but they were'nt there, so I called another investigator named Iris that we had been thinking would probably not be able to go, and what do you know? She was already ready! So we ran to her house (almost literally, because she lives far away), picked her up (this time NOT in any way literal) and went to church! On the way there we ran into her cousins, Oriana and Suheidy, who we baptized about 3 months ago (Iris being a referral from them) and we all walked the rest of the way together.

There in the church, I was surprised to see lots of other investigators who had gotten there by themselves, and then the Bishop told us to speak in the ward, so I thought of how to apply my talk to members and investigators alike, seeing as how there were a lot this time. So I thought about it, didn't have any time to look for scriptures (especially because I'd left my bag on the other side of the sacrament room), but I searched 'em out in my mind a bit and then gave a talk, during which I saw three or four more investigators arrive, which made me even happier. 

By the end of the meeting, we had 13 investigators in church! My companion and I were pretty amazed and can testify of the promise in 2 Nephi 25:23 in that, (paraphrasing) ''we receive the blessings after all we can do''. Including the less active members we had visited and invited, we had 120 people at church this Sunday, when regularly we only have had about 90 or 100 just barely. 

Our Bishop was really happy. He actually loves us a lot and sometimes calls us just to tell us that he loves and appreciates us. 

So yeah, you could say I'm having a great time here. 

After sacrament meeting we had a special class with Iris, her cousins, and another investigator named Mayra and her cousins (including Angel, also a recent convert). In the class we did a quick review of the Restoration, which we'd already taught to both investigators, but a little while back, and then taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ and commited them both to baptism right there for this next Sunday, the 27th. They accepted and are looking very happy and excited with their cousins helping them along the way!

Other than that, I'm pretty much just working hard and happy to be doing so here. It makes me sad to here about some things that are going on back home, but I hope you all know that you're in my prayers. Breanne, you know that your baby just wants to wait until I get back to see him as a new-new born baby. Don't get mad at him because he's being patient! Haha just kidding, I hope you guys can greet the new little man this week.

Anyway, I think that's all, I hardly took pictures this week, but I hope you enjoy the two that I took.

I love you all a ton! See you soon-ish!

Elder DeFreese

1. Here I am with Batman. Wooh! =P This boy is the son of Mery, a sister in our ward that helps us a lot. We were waiting for her son to go on splits when 3 year old Dominic walked out and just started cracking up in his Batman mask. Haha

2. In the home of Sister Elena on Sunday before she gave us a very delicious meal with the favorite painting of the missionaries. Haha

The Weekly Semana‏

January 14, 2013
Dear family and friends,

This week was good, I enjoyed it quite a bit. 

Firstly, on Wednesday were the transfers, which was pretty fine, we had to stay with Elder Beckert for just a little bit until his new companion, Elder Martinez, got here. 

Then, Elder Palma and I went to work and such. It was pretty normal and all. 

The next day was weekly planning and we had to deliver a DVD player thingy to Elder Valtierra and his brand new companion and trainee, Elder Price. So we got to meet him and we brought him some ''gorditas especiales'', which is like a thick hand made tortilla with chopped up steak, peppers, with melted cheese and chipotle sauce to top it off. He liked it a lot. =D

Anyway though, now that I made myself hungry I'm going to make this quick... Haha just kidding! But seriously, not much time this week.. Heh heh...

So the next day we had our Zone Class where we had to explain the stuff we'd learned from President López and the assistants in Xalapa the week before. It went well for us and we were able to do some practices with the zone to see where they were at. 'Twas good. 

What else, what else...

Well, we had a pretty cool experience with the family of Álvaro, the man that got baptized last week. I don't know if I mentioned that we started to teach his family, but yeah, we did. It's been going pretty well. Each time we go there are more and more people there, so the last time we went and taught them about 2 nights ago there were about 16 people that we were teaching. It's a little crazy but everyone sits down in chairs and listens and participates with us, from children of 7 years old to adults of 40-ish years old and up to Álvaro's 70 year old mother. So that's going pretty well.

Other than that, I don't know what else to update on. The work is going well and we're super excited to be able to help these people to come unto Christ! As for things back home, I keep praying and hoping that everything is going well for you all. It's crazy to think how much is changing, and I just kind of want to tell you guys to take a TIME OUT until I get back, but I know that isn't possible. Haha so I'm hoping that I'll find you all well. Including little Kohler.

I know that God loves us and I can see all the blessings that my family and friends are seeing much clearer from here, I hope you all realize, especially in the middle of hard or trying times, just how many blessings you all have. 

I'm super grateful for an amazing family composed of...

1. A marvelous mother that really CAN do everything, of which I can testify.

2. A rolemodel father who is full of faith and selfless service. 

3. Older brothers and an older sister who are building ETERNAL families and giving me the example to follow, who always seem to be happy, no matter the circumstances.

4. Younger brothers that change and adapt quickly to the trials of youth-hood and serve in their quorums and (in Jordan's case) in a full-time mission.

5. Friends and other close family members such as cousins and uncles that have served or are serving missions currently who add to my faith with their many experiences and words of encouragement. 

6. This experience, which truly has been the best experience of my life (so far), and for my life. I've met countless people that I love and cherish and hold close to my heart, had countless experiences of the blessings that come from following that ''still, small voice'' that is the Holy Ghost, and I've learned so many things big and small from the many companions I've had. I cannot leave from this experience without being a better person, it's impossible. I'm not perfect, but I've learned that true happiness really does come from serving. I hope I continue to learn to forget myself in whatever calling or responsibilities I have in the ''normal life'' to come, because I know that when I forget about my personal problems and focus on those of other people, THAT is when I am blessed. 

Anyway, there are lots of things that I'm thankful for that I'll mention in another occasion, I have to wrap up now, but I hope you all know that I love you all a ton and I'm grateful for each person that has helped to change my life, in other words, all of you that are reading this, I'm certain. =)

Love,

Elder DeFreese

1. Mmm, ¡quesadilla de cesos! Yep, in other words... This is a quesadilla of pig brains. Not the best tasting thing I've had, but I had to try it. It had the consistency of wet paper towel, and tasted like... I don't even know how to describe it... Not great, though. =)

2. ''It's tuna...It's tuna..'' that was my encouraging chant that I had to repeat to myself to be able to eat it. =S

The Weekly Semana‏

January 7, 2013
Dear Family and friends, acquaintances (I KNOW I spelled that one wrong) and the un-acquainted,

Well, this week has been pretty flippin' sweet, honestly there were a lot of things going on and a LOT of work.

In the first part of the week it was kind of tough and we were struggling to find new people, but we were able to help get Saíd and Álvaro (the man that Luís, our ward mission leader, helped us find) ready for their baptism this Sunday, and then on Thursday night we had to head out for Xalapa to stay the night with the other zone leaders, because the next morning was Zone Leader Council (this word looks wrong to me...) with the president and his assistants. 

So yeah, we were there for a little bit talking at night and then in the morning it was a race for everyone to get showered, changed, and to the offices to get material for our zones. Then we had the council thingy with was good and we learned a lot, and we were on our way back to Teziutlán. We got home around 7:30 pm so there wasn't too much time to work, but we met with a couple people. Then on Saturday was the great day that saved our whole week.

We did splits with our ward mission leader, Luís, and a young man from San Juan that came out to help us. We had our baptismal interviews for Saíd and Álvaro, which they both passed, and we were able to find LOTS of new people and especially some very promising looking ones that live close to Álvaro. It was awesome!

Then on Sunday, we were able to get 7 investigators to church which was pretty nice. I was sitting next to Álvaro and when there wasn't much time left in the testimony meeting, he said ''I want to go bear my testimony as well'', so I encouraged him to do so (I would've gone as well, but there wasn't time anymore, and they here from us like 2 times a month when we give talks), and he went up front and bore his testimony! It was awesome because there were a lot of investigators there and he talked about the change he'd had and that he'd finally found what he was looking for in this, the restored Church of Jesus Christ. Then afterward was the baptism of Álvaro and Saíd which went really well. Saíd chose me to baptize him because he said that he wanted to be one of my last baptisms. AH! And he's always praying for me that I'll get home fine and that I'll enjoy life up there in Utah. I always tell him that I'M NOT HOME YET! Haha

As for the transfer news, I'm staying here another transfer! Yep, I'm going to end my mission here in Teziutlán, which I'm pretty happy about because we have lots of work to keep my lit up. I just realized the other day that I'm about to start my last transfer... Super weird. All good things must come to an end I guess, the difference lies in us if we want that ''good'' thing to give way to ''better'' things. I don't know how I can ever top the mission, but I'm ready to magnify callings and start my life on the right foot when I get back. Well, I'm ALMOST ready anyway, let me just enjoy this last transfer, please. =)

Other than that, one of the problematic Elders is being changed to a different zone and we're getting a brand new American in our zone, so we're happy. And then they're going to open up Altotonga again and put some good Elders there, so we're going to get going like crazy here! Wooh! =D

Anyway though, everything went great as you all can see. I know that this email isn't going to be very long, but it's mostly because I want to respond to all of you that have written me emails personally right now, so I'mma dedicate a bit of time. Love you all!

1. A shot of Saíd and I after his baptismal interview. =D

2. In the baptism of Saíd and Álvaro.

3. Mmm, ¡biñuelos! Como si fuera un scone, pero mas rico por estar calientito y recién hecho. Yeeah!

The Weekly Semana‏

December 31, 2012
Queridos padres, hermanos, hermanas, payasos (Braden), changos, amigos, etc.,

How've you all been?

How'd your Christmas go?

Hope that everything went well for you all. For me it was pretty... Normal. Haha we didn't really do much except that on Christmas day we went as a zone to hike a big old mound (I'd call it a mountain, but I'm from Utah, thanks) to get to this giant statue of Christ that I'd been seeing from afar for almost a year now and I'd never seen up close. It was a fun experience. 

After that, we all got back to our areas and back to work, and my companion and I managed to find a couple new people that day, so it was good. =)

Then, from there, the days just went by really fast. Elder Palma and I have been really busy with a lot of investigators right now, nothing to complain about. Every day we were able to find two or three new people, so it went well. 

On Wednesday we did special splits with a couple companionships in the zone. I went with Elder Vazquez and Elder Rodriguez in Pinal, and my companion went with Elder Valtierra and Elder Bran in Ahuateno. 

It was kinda tough and they didn't have very many set appointments, but I helped them stay excited and keep going until the end. We ended up in the last hour in the house of an inactive member, where we were able to get a few referrals and invite them all to go to church, it was a good experience. I was able to give them lots of tips and I hope they felt my love and worry for them as we sacrificed a day in our area to be with them. 

Then, on Sunday we were able to bring a new person to church, who's name is Álvaro. His story is pretty interesting, let me tell it to you all! =D

So, last Sunday night we were going to go with our ward mission leader, Luís, to visit a few of his friends, and he was going to meet us where the combis (I explained that to some of you... They're like mini-van taxi-ish thingies) are at. 

So, we got there a little late and thought that Luís had gone ahead of us to where we were going to visit his friends, so we got in the combi that takes us there. Once we were in, a man that we hadn't met before told us that our friend (Luís) had been waiting for us but that he had gone to call us from a pay phone. In that moment, the combi started to get going, so it was too late to get off, and when he called us we just told him to get in the next one and we'd see him there. 

Anyway though, that same man started talking to us about how he had a nice conversation with Luís about religion and things like that, and right then and there we started to teach him, set up an appointment, and then we were ready to go!

So yeah, then we went to teach him in this week and as we were teaching him the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he accepted everything very well. We committed him to go to church and to be baptized on the 6th of January. After the lesson, to verify, we asked him, ''So, what are you going to do this Sunday?'' And he said, ''I'm going to be baptized!'' And we had to tell him that, although that'd be great, the goal was set for the 6th so that he could go to church a couple times first, to which he replied, ''Oh, sorry, I just got excited!'' Haha so he's really good, we'll see if he's got any big doubts.

As for Sunday, we had three people who were going to be baptized, and all three fell through for very good reasons, but the important part is the lasting conversion, so we're not at all upset with the fact that they'll have to wait a week or two (or more) more before taking the step of baptism.

Aaaand, yeah! This week we have a lot of plans already, we're super excited and happy and ready to go! We'll be doing some more splits on Wednesday I think with some other Elders and then on Friday we've got Zone Leader counsel, so we'll be going to Xalapa and won't get back until a little bit late, but it's all good. 

So, that's about it! I hope you all are having a great holiday season! Merry Christmas to all and a happy New Year! I love y'all.

Elder DeFreese

1. Up by the statue of Christ with Elder Palma.

2. The view from up there! Everything you can see has been or is currently my area. =D

The Weekly ''Meeeeeerry Christmas''!!!‏

December 24, 2012
Dear Family and friends,

Well I hope you're all doing well this Christmas season. Today is Christmas Eve! Who would have that that it would come so fast? Tomorrow is Christmas! Woohoo! 

But yeah, I guess I'll get on with the update for the week. =P

So this week I got my new companion on Tuesday night. Elder Palma, I think I mentioned him last week, he's coming straight from the offices after having been secretary and District Leader there, so he's got a lot of good knowledge from having been very close to President Lopez and the Assistants. He's been helping me out a lot to perfect our teaching form so that we can really be Preach My Gospel missionaries, and it's going great with him.

In the zone there are some new missionaries that are a little... Worrysome... They've got kind of a past of disobedience in the mission, but nothing that repentance can't solve! We had a good talk with the zone on Wednesday after district class, and we told them that their past wasn't important to us, because to God it doesn't matter who we were, it matters who we choose to be NOW. So yeah, it looked like they got the point and they have been working hard here in Teziutlán. They're great missionaries, we just all have our weaknesses I think. 

Anyway, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday we were just searching new people and working with the current ones we have. One that I mentioned a while back is Edgar, or as he likes to be called by his second name, Saíd (I think there's a character on Lost that has the same name, so you can pronounce it!). He's a young man with a lot of desire to change, but has been really busy with his work, so we've been able to see him very little, but bit by bit we've been getting him closer and closer to take the step of baptism. 

Well, this week he came with us to church! Woohoo! He has his baptismal date set for the 30th of December and his cousin, Luís, who gave us the referral, will most likely be... ¿efectuando? (help me, someone that speaks English!) the baptism. 

As well on Sunday our investigator, Julia (don't know if I've mentioned her) was baptized, I'll send a picture next week because another missionary took the picture.

Aaaand what else? Well the week has been generally great! We had more people come to church with us this week, so we're doing well and we're pretty happy about the work we've been doing, we just have to keep going.

Today I was listening to some church music while cleaning the house, and I realized how grateful I am for this mission experience I've had and keep having, I just had to say a big old prayer of thanks because I really have come to learn and know a lot more about my Saviour and Father in this time, and they have blessed me beyond measure, and as it talks about it Alma 5, they've changed my heart. I'm definitely not the same person that I was when I left. I'm not perfect, and I have a LONG way to go, but I feel like I've finally built a testimony that my life can be based on after this time. 

For all those who are reading this, in whatever way that you've had an influence in my life, I hope you know that I'm SUPER thankful for you and your support in my being here. This is something that every person should be able to experience to some degree in their life, and the only way is serving and loving your neighbor. I hope you all can keep influencing the lives of others and help others to come to know the things that I've come to know.

I know that Christmas is really about Christ. The very title states it. Let's please try to distract ourselves of the material at this time, it's fun and great as well, and in some cases very necessary, but NOTHING is more necessary than a true remembrance of the birth, life, atonement, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We must remember that He still guides us in these times, and that we have to do all we can to live according to His spirit, which is the very same Christmas spirit. It's something that makes us want to give everything we've got to those in need, so let's give them the Gospel! It's what will bring true happiness to those who LIVE it. 

I love you all and I hope you have a great Christmas! Remember Him in this season! See you all sooner or later. =D

Elder DeFreese

1. Our zone. The picture was taken with timing on it, so it's not perfect, but 's'all good. =)

2 The stake Christmas party, where they decided to go crazy on some Christmas-ish piñatas. ¡Híjole!

3. Today, after playing basketball in the Stake Center, we went to visit the Bishop at his Pet Vet place. Yeah, that's a Chihuahua! Adam, DON'T SHOW THIS TO BRAVO. Heheh

4. Lookin' fly in a Bratz hat I found. Ahhh yeah.

The Weekly Oops-I-forgot-to-send-the-second-picture-in-that-email!‏

December 17, 2012

The Weekly Semana

December 3, 2012
Dear family and friends,

Firstly, I have to comment on what mom said about the new (she IS new in the ward, right?) sister, Claudia Gonzalez. Woohoo! That makes me super happy and excited, because I am definitely going to need to practice my spanish and eat some good ol' Mexican food! Mmmm..

This week I was seriously thinking about how in the world I would be able to live without fresh made tortillas, beans, and especially my new favorite chile pepper, chiltepín. Alright, so it isn't a new favorite, but it IS a new obsession. Before, I liked it. Now I ask for it every time we eat. They say it's really spicy and hardly eat it themselves and they're all shocked that I eat so much of it, but I do like it quite a bit. Sooo good.

Anyway though, now I'll be able to live in peace knowing that Sister Gonzalez can teach me how to make all of that stuff up there in La Casa! Woohoo! =D

Alright, but moving on into the week...

So this week was pretty good, pretty normal and all, but good. 

On Tuesday we had our normal District Class, the only difference being that we had to have both districts of Teziutlán in the stake center (our chapel) because the Assistants came up to do a little training with our District Leaders. Each of the Assistants took one of the classes and taught the majority of it, focusing on our calling as missionaries and the power and authority that we have, or that we SHOULD have, if we just trust and believe in that. It was a really cool topic, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. 

Then we got some practices done and they gave us all a few pointers as we went over a few teaching principles. It was good. 

After that, each of the assistants accompanied one of the District Leaders and another companionship to go to their teaching appointments and such. They didn't come with us, but the Elders said that it went well for them. 

Hmm, what else... Oh yeah! I got my package, thanks mom! 'Twas nice to get that super early this year. =P Now I've just put it under my bed so that it doesn't tempt me having to wait until Christmas. My companion keeps telling me to open it so that I can share american candy with him, seeing as how he's going home the 18th of December. He's the first companion that I've ''killed'' as they say here, seeing as how going home is ''dying'', so that's kind of a weird experience seeing how his attitude and habits change bit by bit. He's still working hard though, so it's all good. Sometimes the missionaries get pretty lazy when they're finishing up. I'm of the opinion that doing such is like starting a 25 mile marathon or something, and on the last mile, being in first place and still having energy to go, you just decide to walk until you get there, letting others pass you by. 

In other words, I think it's stupid, to be frank*. Haha, but I'm making sure that doesn't happen to my comp, and I won't let it happen to me either. =D

What else??? Well, this week was a bit of a roller coaster as for the progress of investigators, seeing as how we've had a drop a couple and such. But I can definitely testify that if we're LOOKING for God's guidance, and we're WILLING to change our plans to fit with His, He'll guide us quite a bit. 

This week their were various moments where we were going to one appointment or plan and one or the other felt to check someone else instead, and from that we found really great people to teach. One of those experiences was that we were going to visit some old investigators that we haven't seen for a while to check up on them and see if we can get them going again, but as we were on our way, I remembered this referral of a young guy in our ward named Luís, I'll explain a bit more about him in a sec... But anyway, I remembered that he had mentioned how his cousin wanted to go to church because he'd seen a lot of good changes in Luís, and wanted to change his life too. The only problem was that Luís wasn't sure when his cousin would be working and when he'd be home, but I felt to check that referral. So, as we were already close to where Luís works, we went and asked him for the address, and we searched his cousin, Edgar. 

We got to the house miraculously quickly (only people who've tried to search addresses in Mexico will understand me, I'm afraid...=P), and Edgar answered the door. We went in and introduced ourselves and he just opened himself up and let us know all of his trials and problems, family issues, etc. and how he has such a desire to change who HE is to be able to help those around him as well. He talked to us for a good while and we gave him an introduction to the gospel, talking a bit about the atonement of Jesus Christ. The spirit was pretty strong.

Then we taught him about prayer, and asked him to say the closing prayer. He said he didn't feel ready, but I explained to him about how Satan tries to make us feel that the farther we are from God, the harder it is for him to hear us as we pray, but that Jesus came to earth for the sinners, not for the just, and that the moment that we feel less worthy to pray is when we have more need to do so. So, we testified to him of that and re-commited him to say the prayer, which he did.

It was one of the best prayers I've heard in the mission, filled with emotion and real intent. I felt the spirit super strong as he prayed and we know that he'll progress and be able to make those changes that he wants so bad.

So that was a great experience.

I know that God loves us all and really desires to guide us in our lives, if we just humble ourselves and accept that guidance that He wants to give us. Let's all be a little more attentive to the spiritual promptings we receive, because we ALL receive them. I know God will guide you all as well, and you'll be really glad that you follow that guidance, because you'll have more peace of mind and more happiness as you go about your every day lives.

I hope you all know I love you a ton! I liked Jared's ''dying words'' from Korea. Love is definitely key in this work.

Until next week,

Elder DeFreese

1. Mmm, chayote, or herizo, or whatever you want to call it! (the name changes everywhere I go =P)

2. Elder Villegas and I on splits last week. Him being the classic Mexican apparently, and me being the ''greenie'' American.

The Weekly Semana

November 26, 2012
Dear family and friends,

Well this week has been cool and such! 

Starting with last monday after writing I don't even remember what we did... Hmm... I think we were running to get started with the work-day right at 6, but anyway, we were able to find a few people to teach there and talk with a few people that were getting ready for their baptisms, such as Angel, Bryan and Max. 

I don't remember if I mentioned them yet, but their a few little jovencitos that we're working with right now of the ages of 12, 10, and 8. We've also been working with their inactive moms (in both cases the moms beeing single mothers) to activate them and the others in their families that have become less active as well. I will get to the good part soon, but honestly I must say that it is a very satisfying thing to be able to help inactive members come back to the gospel and to help their family members take the step of baptism at the same time. It's really a good feeling and the parents are always very supportive.

Anyway though, from there I think I forgot to mention the crazy phone call that we got last Monday. As you all should know, Today is the last day of this transfer (another bites the dust!), but last monday we got a call from the assistants. My companion answered and I only heard his side of the conversation, which went something like this...

''When will they be leaving?''

...

''Tomorrow!? ...Okay... And who's coming in their place?''

...

''...Until when?''

And that's about where the conversation ended. Yep, the sisters that were in Altotonga (remember? That was my area for two whole days! =P) had to be changed in some pretty weird transfers! They went to Papantla (about 5 or 6 hours away), and now the area went back to the way it was when I was in San Juan Xiutetelco, and the elders there will be covering both wards again. We don't know when they'll be sending missionaries again, but we hope that it'll be soon enough.

Anyway from there on Tuesday we had our district class which was weird being just with Elder Villegas, Elder Beckert, my comp. and I. 

'Twas good though.

From there, let's see... Well, a couple Elders in the zone without saying names were having some companionship problems, so we did special splits with them on Friday, and kept searching out new people to teach and stuff. There are a LOT of inactive members here. It's a little crazy, but it's all good. 

What else, what else... I can never remember stuff when I'm writing! Haha

From there though we just got ready for the baptisms on Sunday, which went really well! We got everything ready and it was all a great experience with a few investigators there in the baptism as well. Yola has gotten a little discouraged by her parents but she says she knows it's the right thing to do, she just wants more time to get more knowlege before baptism. We've taught her that baptism is the door by which we enter into the way (2 Nefi 31:17 I believe), and that ''faith is not a perfect knowlege of things'' (paraphrasing Alma 32:21 here, pardon my lack of english scripture skill), but she just says she wants to learn more, so I guess we'll see when she decides that she's ready to go.

Anyway, I guess that's all for now!

Oh yeah, Thanksgiving... It was interesting. Haha we ate at a stand in the market place where one of my converts works. Ironically, she works with someone I used to teach about a year ago who is now a recent convert. We ate empanadas, chayoteste capeado (ask Adam, we'll see if he knows), it's like a... Fried potato. More or less. It's good though. And a few other things. It was good, but I felt bad if we ate a lot, seeing as how the food there was for customers as well, so I didn't fill myself to the Thanksgiving limit, but it was good anyway.

And I guess that's really all for now. I love you all, things are good! Keep up the good work all of you!

I want a picture of Breanne pregnant! And more pictures of the family please, if you can send some!

Love,

Elder DeFreese

Pictures!

1. Me making a tortilla for some delicious empanadas. Mmmm

2. Pretending to have done a great job at making this sauce with what's called a molcajete. I think I'll buy one here to make salsa up there!

3. With the Román family together with Sister Rosa, the recently activated mother of Bryan and Max, as well in the picture.

4. The baptism of Angel, Bryan, and Max. =D

The Weekly Semana

November 19, 2012
Alright,

So this week I have to write faaaast.

It's been good though, we've been going with lots of inactive families to help them get back to church and we've found lots of success in that. Including the fact that this week we have baptisms set for various children of the intactive members who still haven't taken that super important step of baptism. 

This week we had lots of people in church which was really cool because it was the primary program! There was a 5 year old boy directing the children's songs which was super hilarious (and spiritual of course!), and... Yeah!

Good times, good times. 

Yolanda (the niece of Sister Lupita) didn't get baptized this week because she went to visit her parents in the far away ranch where they live (which surprisingly is still our area). Aaaand...

Well we've been having a good time here. Last night I whipped out my english Book of Mormon after not having opened it for a long time and opened up to a random page and read a scripture that's been going through my mind since. I like it a lot. Alma 7:22-24. It's really good. =D

Anyway though, I sure love you all and I'll be writing more next week!

Elder DeFreese

The Weekly Semana‏

November 12, 2012

Let's get into the week!

This week was pretty interesting, we've been learning to speak some pretty interesting languages of love and such. Haha, it's all going well in the zone. 

This week we started out on Tuesday with a meeting with the stake presidency and with President Lopez, where we had a few subjects and ideas prepared to improve the missionary work and our relationship with the members here, which went pretty well.

We're all on the same page and getting things going here, so it's all good! 

Then we had our district class, which went well, afterward we got to work with everything going normal!

A little bit into the week, we were having some difficulties and we didn't really know what to do about it, so we were just working our hardest and seeing what would happen. Then, on Friday we did splits with Elder Beckert (the new gringo here) and his comp., Elder Villegas. So that day we talked about a lot of things and prayed hard (Elder Beckert and I) to have success and to find people to teach that day.

So, we went to this place named Huehueymico that's just a little farming town type of place about 20 minutes away in car, and we searched out a couple of the referrals we had there. We had some amount of success with them and everything was looking well, but we still didn't have anybody that was really really ready to accept the gospel. Then, as we were heading out of Huehueymico, we passed by a member's house. As I was passing, I was looking at the house to see if Sister Lupita was home to wave to her as I passed, but didn't see anyone. 

''Oh well! Later I'll say hi'', I thought, continuing the walk about a half-block past her house. Then, I felt that we should visit her. I didn't know why, but I checked my watch, and seeing that we had about an hour until we had to be back in Teziutlán (well, really Chignaulingo, but it's part of Teziutlán...), we went back to her house and knocked. Some young woman that I hadn't met answered the door, and after asking if Sister Lupita was home and doing a little investigating, I found out that she was Sister Lupita's niece, who happened to have moved in with her recently, who had gone to church and liked it before, and who had a very big question for us... ''Why are there so many religions, shouldn't there be just one, if there's only one God?''.

Well, I just love that question, because it sets up everything for the restoration. So we taught her right then and there and commited her for baptism for the 18th of this month. She went to church yesterday and enjoyed it and is getting prepared for this Sunday. 

So yeah, it was a really cool experience.

Anyway though, I'm running low on time so I have to go, I love you all!

Elder DeFreese

1. Elder Villegas with some feet problems gets checked out by Sister Lopez before the district class. (they came to talk with the stake presidency with my comp. and I about the missionary work here in Teziutlán)

2. The view from our balcony here in Teziutlán. The graveyard there looks pretty crazy when there's fog!

The Weekly Semana‏

November 5, 2012

Dear family and friends,

 

This week has been interesting.

Firstly we had our Zone Leader counsel thingy on Tuesday, so we had to get up bright and early to head out on a 2 hour bus right to Xalapa, which was fun.

Then of course we had our meeting, which went well and we enjoyed it. We got lots of good guidance on how to help our zones to have more success and how to take care of our investigators better, etc.

Then on Wednesday, we had our zone class, and a pretty normal day afterward.

We talked a lot in zone class about something we learned in the counsel that I'd like to share.

Firstly, it was kind of funny because Sister Lopez (President's wife) told us that those of us who were going home in the next few months should pay special attention to what she was going to talk about to apply it afterward as well. Her topic was ''The language of love''.

Imagine all of the Zone Leaders, the majority of us that have 20 months or more in the mission already. We all just looked at each other and loved, but she moved on applying everything to our companions and fellow missionaries, and it was way cool.

There are five different basic types of the language of love. All of us speaks our own language of love, and sometimes we don't understand the other languages. For the same reason, sometimes we think that our (applying this to the mission) companion doesn't love us and that we don't matter to them. Or that our leaders don't love us, or our zone, etc.

We have to learn all the languages and try to speak the language the corresponds to every person.

The five types are:

1. Encouraging words (realize that I'm just translating/paraphrasing, for anyone that's already heard of this and knows I'm not quoting exactly right). For example, ''Great job!'', ''I love the way you teach... etc.'' ''You're doing awesome!'', etc. The type of person that speaks this language is all about the words. Always giving complements and helping others to feel loved and appreciated.

2. Quality time. The type of person that speaks this language likes to spend time with the people they care about. They like to do activities, talk together, etc.

3. Acts of service. The type of person that speaks this language may not be much about words or activities, but rather serves the people they care about. Cooking a meal, helping to clean, washing dishes, etc.

4. Gifts. The type of person that speaks this language is all about gifts. That doesn't mean expensive things, but rather means a thought projected. For example, a creative note or letter, a flower (not really applying to my companion in the mission now. Haha), a tie (hint-hint! hahaha), etc.

5. Physical touch. The type of person that speaks this language needs hugs, pats on the back, arms around the shoulder, etc. to feel accepted, encouraged, and loved.

For each person there may be more than one language that we like to speak, but the challenge is finding what each person speaks the most, and SPEAKING THEIR LANGUAGE. 

For example, in our zone there are some missionaries that are all about quality time. I don't speak that language much. They're all about the activities and telling stories, etc., while I am a little more serious (believe it or not) and a little less excited about activities. But now that I understand that, I need to try to speak their language more and spend more quality time (without crossing any lines) with the missionaries in my zone. 

Fun activity time!

Those of you that are married or in a relationship, write down with your spouse/couple which language you think they speak most and see how you can speak that language better! Talk about it and get along, y'all! =P

Those in the mission field, DO THIS WITH YOUR COMPANION, and whoever else you have responsability for. Trust me, it helps.

Well, other than all that jazz, the week went well and we enjoyed our time here in the coooooldness of Teziutlán, Puebla. Hope you all are having a great time in wherever you're at, and remember that God loves you, whoever you are and in whatever situation. Sometimes He helps us feel that through other people, experiences, or just a peace that comes to our heart, but if we look for that love and more importantly, share it, it'll change our lives. 

I love you all as well and thank you for the changes you've all made in my life, big and small.

Elder DeFreese

p.s. Guess which language I speak and send me your thoughts! I've learned to speak a few more out here, but there's one in particular... =P  

 

 

1. Catholic church in an old prison/museum thingy in Perote (about an hour away, still in the zone), where we went last Monday to sight-see a bit.

2. In this mission, the slang for going home (finishing the mission) is ''dying''. So, seeing as how my companion and I are getting closer to that point, our zone makes fun of us and calls us zombies, etc. This gift was given us on Wednesday at the Zone Class we had. It's ''Pan de Muerto'' (bread of the dead) and some flowers that are customly (is that a word?) used to put on the altar of loved ones that have passed to the other side in these times of Día de Muertos (day of the dead), which is from the 1st of November I believe to the 3rd or 4th, who knows, I get confused. Haha

The Weekly Semana‏

October 29, 2012

Well well well, this week went... Well.

Let's go!

So, firstly I guess I'll mention that my joked prophecy of last week came true! The stuff for our house didn't get there on Monday. Haha nobody called us or anything, and we were sitting in our new but very empty house waiting for an hour or two but, it's all good.

So yeah, then on Tuesday we had our zone conference, which was fun. We were combined with the zones of Martinez de la Torre and Xalapa, and President López gave us all some very good pointers on how to get the work going even better in our zones, districts, and areas. So yeah, that was pretty cool.

Then, as the conference was finishing around 4 or 5 pm, we got a call from a Mexico City number with a brother on the other end telling us that the stuff of the house was going to get there in about an hour. So, everything finished up, we said bye to all of our friends and companions, and ran to the house to wait for the stuff. Then, about 20 minutes later we got a phone call saying that the truck couldn't get down to where we lived and we'd have to go up there to help guide them down another route.

So then, we ran up to where they were and got in the truck to guide them down another way. 

Then what happened was a bit rough, because we (by ''we'' I mean the driver, we don't drive!) barely scratched a tiny bit the mirror of this badly parked guy on a very narrow road, and... Let's just say that the police got there quick as a jiff (what DOES that saying mean anyway?) and hauled us all off to a nice little place to ''talk''. That's where my companion and I just waited for about 2 and a half hours as they got some papers and stuff out and made some deals or something with lawyers and such right there. 

We had to miss a few important appointments, but it was all good once we got out of there and got our new stuff to our house around 10 pm. Then of course we had to set up the bunk bed and other things and clean a bit, and we got to sleep in a bit of a mess but with LOTs of tiredness around 11:15 pm. 

Anyway though, the next day we set up more stuff and got going to work, so it was all good. We found all the people that we had put the baptismal date for Sunday with and we taught them and all that. I don't have much time to go into detail, but we'll say that God had a lot more to do with the teaching than we did.

Then, on Friday we had to talk to Oriana and Suheidy (the two girls that were referrals that we accidentally found last week) with their non-member parents about their baptism on Sunday. They said that it was very fast, which is where we talked about baptism being the gate by which we enter into the correct way, then we talked about the Holy Ghost and the guidance that we all need to have from that very helpful personage. Then, we talked about the challenges that youth go through in these days and how much the Holy Ghost helps to make right decisions and well, the Spirit was strong and their dad signed the baptismal forms and even took interest to learn more.

So yeah, skipping right to Sunday, we had the very long process of a baptism! Wooh! But, as on Saturday we found out, the watering tube thingies had been stolen from the stake center (don't ask me details, I don't get it either) so we didn't have any water with which to fill the font! So then, we planned to do the baptism in my old chapel in Pinal. 

Then, we found out that they didn't have any gas for their boiler because for some reason or other, it wasn't filled as it is every week by some member or employee or something. Anyway, point is that on Sunday the weather was NOT very nice (and still isn't), and we couldn't baptize in cold water. The other detail being that everyone had already made plans and invited family members from far away to attend. So, we made a race to San Juan (my other old area) to get some water heater thingies from there and make the half hour trip back to Pinal to find that the water heater thingies don't work anymore! 

So we had to get some other ones from who knows where, but the Pinal Elders got them. Then we started heating up the water bit by bit and then had to start worrying about the clothing situation. We were combining our baptismal service with Ahuateno (our most recent old area =P), and found that we didn't have enough white clothes for everyone! Oriana, Suheidy, Gloria (the nice old lady from last week), and Elizabeth (don't remember if I told you about her, she's an 11 year old girl who's mom is a member), were getting baptized, along with Ariél and María de los Ángeles (don't remember if I told you about them when we were teaching them in Ahuateno) from the other area! 

So yeah, long story short, after lots of trial and error and a bit of stress, we got it all together and it was a nice service. =D

Moral of the story? MIRACLES HAPPEN, but they AREN'T FREE. Haha

We know we have to work hard against the opposition that Satan puts in our path, but if we trust in God, and not in the arm of flesh, we've got it under control. =)

Anyway though, I think I have to go, I've almost hit the limit here!

I hope you all know that I love you, and I hope that MOM will send this to Jordan in a dear elder for me (I can't do it.), but obviously without the pictures. I want him to win his competition. Haha

Loooove you all,

Elder DeFreese

1. In the zone conference with my old buddy Elder Carmona who was in my last district in Poza Rica. Now he's a zone leader in Martinez de la Torre.

2. Now Elder Vazquez (the comp. I trained) is in my old area in El Pinal! Oh the joy! Haha

3. The combined baptism of Gloria, Oriana, Suheidy, Elizabeth, Ariél, and María de los Ángeles. =D

The Weekly Semana‏

October 22, 2012
Well this week has gone pretty good.

We have been working hard here in Teziutlán, with a few handicaps but we're here workin'. =P

This week has been interesting because on Tuesday the new missionaries for Ahuateno got here and we showed them around some and had them get to know our old investigators and all that. Then, we got a call from the secretaries saying that our stuff (beds, plates, ironing board, etc.) for our new house wasn't going to get to us until Wednesday, and so we'd have to stay the night in the same old house sleeping on the floor with a few old mattresses, but, being good christians, we accepted with lots of groaning. Haha

Afterward on Wednesday we showed the Elders where they were going to eat that day and we were off to our area. Then, the secretaries called us again and told us that our stuff wasn't going to get there until Friday. So, we kept working and such. 

We made it to Friday, very tired, getting to know the other part of the area that we hadn't known before, not sleeping too well, and on top of that with the whole mess of 4 people that need to shower, brush their teeth, etc. all at the same time in a small space, well, you can imagine our thoughts when we got a call telling us that our stuff wasn't going to arrive to the house until Monday. Heh.

But yeah, we kept truckin' along. This week we were almost falling asleep walking in the street and such, but we made it to Monday. Now at any minute they should call us to tell us that the stuff will finally get here... On Wednesday. Haha just kidding, we'll hope for today.

Well, the week went pretty good for us as well. At first it was really hard because we hadn't worked much in this part of the area, and we had a couple days of all of our appointments falling through. But then one day we got contacted by a nice old lady, now that we can't contact ourselves, and she said she really wanted to learn, so we went the next day and found out that the pamphlet we had left her in the street had been thoroughly studied by her and that she believed it all because she felt it strongly and knew and recognized that she was being guided by the Spirit. 

So, we re-taught her the Restoration (seeing as how she had apparently taught herself already), and committed her to baptism right there for the 28th of October. She accepted and went to church on Sunday with all the desire to follow through.

As well, when we were looking for less active members, we accidentally ran into a member-referral that we hadn't been able to find in the new house where she lives now. So we taught her as well and commited her to baptism, which she accepted with joy and came to church on Sunday with her two sisters as well. So that was really cool. 

I don't have a lot of time to write, but I'm sure seeing lots of miracles here. I know every mission is different and don't get me wrong, there are lots of trials as well, but if we look for the miracles in our lives we'll all see God's hand. It isn't hard, we just have to be humble and not compare ourselves to others, realizing that we're all different and learn differently. 

Anyway, I love you all!

¡Muchos saludos a los espanglish speakers!

Elder DeFreese

1. Here's a nice view from inside the bathroom of our new house. How nice of the owners of the apartment to take in mind our missionary manual that says that we have to be within ''sight and sound'' always of our companion. =P

2. Today we cleaned and swept the stairs with the other Elders in the apartment building. Of course they gave me the broom the suited me most.

The Weekly Semana ¡de transfers!‏

October 15, 2012
Aight, let's get it started,

Who wants to know where I'm going this transfer!? OOOHHHHH BOY!!!

Well, I, having now been in every area in the zone except for Teteles (even though I covered it for a bit), had to have been moved, now didn't I? And I am moving. No lies. 

Yep, as I have been here enjoying my time in the wards of Teziutlán and Ahuateno, they're moving me from my house in Ahuateno to a house in Teziutlán with my same companion about 4 blocks away from our old house! WOAH! 

Haha yeah, basically they're just splitting the area, and it's good timing too, because we're leaving about 5 or 6 people in Ahuateno ready to be baptized, so the missionaries that get here will hit the ground running with lots of work to do and sunshine to scatter (nobody knows that hymn here, I hope you all do).

It's been going pretty well for us here in these last few days, we've been working hard, and this week a lot of stuff happened at once.

First, on Tuesday we had our Zone Class, where we talked about the things we learned in Xalapa with the other Zone Leaders, but as we were finishing up, Sister Fabregas (from Honduras), suddenly left the room and when she didn't come back for like 10 minutes, we went out to look for her, thinking she'd gone to the bathroom, and there she was on the ground, she'd apparently fainted! So we helped her up, got her to the hospital, and after a long while were able to get started with the normal day.

We were on splits with Elder Villegas and Elder Colmenares, my old comp in San Juan, and after about an hour we got a call from the Assistants that Elder Colmenares had to get packed because he was going to be a secretary in the offices! So, we had to end the splits early  and he got started packing. 

Then, the next day we got up super early to go meet them in ADO (where the buses are), and then we were in a trio or threesome for the rest of the week with Elder Villegas. But, that same day the Assistants called and told us to look for a nice apartment in Teziutlán for whichever missionaries got there, because they were going to split our area! So what we did, is that we got a young man to go out on splits with us, and for example, I would go with the young man to teach people while my companion and Elder Villegas went to search for a house, and that's the way we did it, switching between my companion and I until we finally found an apartment on Friday.

Then, we also had to be seeing José, Emmanuel, and Oly, who were all to be baptized on Sunday, help them get prepared for it, figure out how to do the interviews, etc.

Sunday, however, was really special. We were able to get Teziutlán super excited to have their own missionaries focused in the ward, and that we were going to be those misisonaries. Then, we said our farewell (more or less, as we'll still be in the same building and all) to the Ahuateno ward, and got everything ready for the baptismal services!

The boiler in the morning lit up fine, but when it was time for Emmanuel to get in the water with his grandpa (second counselor of the Teziutlán ward), they were both shivering. It was freezing cold! José as well was shivering but they both got it done.

Afterward they bore their testimonies and it was super powerful. Emmanuel (12 years old) said, ''I was just like José (joseph) Smith... I was looking around everywhere for the true church, and now I found it.'' As he finished the sentence, he was crying with all the emotions. Then his little brother José (9 years old) got up and said something similar, crying as well in a cute manner because we couldn't understand much of what he said.

Then, it was Olivia's turn. She had her own baptismal service, and we started out with everything normal, the prayers and hymns and all. Then afterward, her and I had to get in the water. It was really really cold, but we got it done. Afterward, she bore her testimony, and mentioned that even though the water was really cold, she'll never forget the heat that enveloped her afterward. She didn't feel cold at all, and she knew that in that moment was when God really cleaned her of all her errors. She as well was crying as she mentioned how she was following this road for her kids, because she wants the best for them, and she wants the help of the ward to be the best mother she can be. 

So yeah, they were really special services and had me tearin' up a bit if I do say so myself, and I was able to reaffirm my testimony that this gospel really does change lives. It makes not so good and sad people good and happy, and good and happy people better and happier. 

That's why I'm here! 

Anyway though, time's runnin' out, love you all! Bye!

Elder DeFreese

1. Lookin' snazzy with my new shirt and shoes and such in the Zone Leader's Counsel. =P

2. The baptism of Emmanuel and José (which Olivia was present for).

3. And the baptism of Olivia right afterward! =D