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!