Hey,
So we are here in Fresno! We got here about 11:30 and met with President Gonzalez and had lunch and we're just taking care of business now. It seems like its going to be a great place to serve! I'm not sure who my companion is yet but we'll be finding that out soon and be in our area working around 4 I think. Everything is going good the nerves are still up but they are starting to die down. My address here is:
California Fresno Mission
1814 N Echo
Fresno CA 93704
I look forward to hearing from yall. I hope everything is still well. Good luck to those of you in Test right now. I have a whole bunch of pictures to send home when I get a chance so be looking for those in the next couple weeks. Love you!!
Love always
Elder Langley
October 11, 2010 - Changes
Hey everyone,
this week has been a great one full of lots and lots of changes. For starters I'm no longer Zone leader. That was an amazing experience for me. I had 58 missionaries in the zone and in the 3 weeks that I was privileged to work with them I got to know and love each one. We had some interesting things happen while I was in I mentioned them in earlier letters but I was able to learn alot about being a missionary and how a leader should lead. I've loved everyday I've been here looking back I realized I've made some mistakes in something but now I know and won't let those happen again so Its been a good use of the Lords time.
Israel(my district) is being scattered across the nation. That's right we all got reassigned and we are going all over and we have faith that the Lord will gather us once again in Mexico. Elder Soelberg my friend and district leader got assigned to Denver North so if any of you in Colorado see him out there say Hi and his Spanish sounds 10 times better then mine. Elder Pinnock and I are going to Fresno CA tomorrow morning at 4 AM so bright and early. Elder Burton and Elder Challman are going to Tusan AZ and they left this morning along with Elder Bertola and Elder Gardner(the missionaries headed to Bolivia. Thank you Dad for writing them and telling them about Your mission they loved that!) who are going to Alabama. Elder Wright and Elder Cruz are headed to San Diego and last but not least Elder Williams and Elder Whitmer are headed to Ogden so be nice to them up there if any of you going to USU see them.
We learned a lot about President Studdert This week. he is a GREAT man! We finally figured out what he did for a living. He was the Head of public image or something like that for Presidents Ford, Regan, and Bush Sr. He was in charge of everything the president did outside of the white house. He has taught me so much and I love him a Great deal I'm sad to leave his Branch but I know the Lord needs me in other places. We were told an analogy that I really like its about sky diving and missionary work. Up to this point we have been in the class practicing learning everything that we need to know for the jump and now the time has come and tomorrow morning its time to step out of that perfectly good airplane and apply all the things that we have learned it time to do what we've been called to do and there are things that we need to focus on and the ground(the end of the mission) isn't one of them its time to serve and focus on the people. Its really exciting to finally be here and actually getting ready to go into the field. I love you all thank you for every thing that you do for me! Mom the Bread and cheese cake was Great everyone loved it Thank you!!! May God be with you all is always my prayer!
Love always!
Elder Langley
this week has been a great one full of lots and lots of changes. For starters I'm no longer Zone leader. That was an amazing experience for me. I had 58 missionaries in the zone and in the 3 weeks that I was privileged to work with them I got to know and love each one. We had some interesting things happen while I was in I mentioned them in earlier letters but I was able to learn alot about being a missionary and how a leader should lead. I've loved everyday I've been here looking back I realized I've made some mistakes in something but now I know and won't let those happen again so Its been a good use of the Lords time.
Israel(my district) is being scattered across the nation. That's right we all got reassigned and we are going all over and we have faith that the Lord will gather us once again in Mexico. Elder Soelberg my friend and district leader got assigned to Denver North so if any of you in Colorado see him out there say Hi and his Spanish sounds 10 times better then mine. Elder Pinnock and I are going to Fresno CA tomorrow morning at 4 AM so bright and early. Elder Burton and Elder Challman are going to Tusan AZ and they left this morning along with Elder Bertola and Elder Gardner(the missionaries headed to Bolivia. Thank you Dad for writing them and telling them about Your mission they loved that!) who are going to Alabama. Elder Wright and Elder Cruz are headed to San Diego and last but not least Elder Williams and Elder Whitmer are headed to Ogden so be nice to them up there if any of you going to USU see them.
We learned a lot about President Studdert This week. he is a GREAT man! We finally figured out what he did for a living. He was the Head of public image or something like that for Presidents Ford, Regan, and Bush Sr. He was in charge of everything the president did outside of the white house. He has taught me so much and I love him a Great deal I'm sad to leave his Branch but I know the Lord needs me in other places. We were told an analogy that I really like its about sky diving and missionary work. Up to this point we have been in the class practicing learning everything that we need to know for the jump and now the time has come and tomorrow morning its time to step out of that perfectly good airplane and apply all the things that we have learned it time to do what we've been called to do and there are things that we need to focus on and the ground(the end of the mission) isn't one of them its time to serve and focus on the people. Its really exciting to finally be here and actually getting ready to go into the field. I love you all thank you for every thing that you do for me! Mom the Bread and cheese cake was Great everyone loved it Thank you!!! May God be with you all is always my prayer!
Love always!
Elder Langley
Ocober 4, 2010 -A Spiritual High
Hey Everyone
This week has been amazing!!!! not only did we have conference but we had an amazing fireside last night about hymns and then we just got back from the temple. Before I forget I just want to say that we don't know if we have our visas yet so I might be here for a little bit longer or they'll temporarily re-assign us we should know by the end of the week what is going on if I get reassigned then I'll give mom a call and then she can let everyone else know but right now I'm hoping that we'll have our visas. Whatever happens we know it is all in the lords hands. Can you believe it 8 weeks!!!!! Time has flown by so so so so so so fast. I feel like i've only been here like a week. this week was pretty laid back our zone was great no problems and so I've been able to focus a little bit more on studying then I did the week before.
Was conference great or what?! I wasn't able to watch the afternoon session on saturday because we were traveling up to the conference center and rehearsing for Priesthood session. The MTC choir sounded amazing. When we first walked into the choir loft it was breath taking seeing how big that hall is and actually being there behind the prophet and quorum of the 12 apostles. I think besides singing the thing that had the biggest influence on me was being able to watch those great men interact with each other. They all just kind of go around hugging each other and giving words of encouragement taking care of business and at the same time sharing a joke or two when appropriate. They are an amazing example of how a quorum and class or even a ward should be. So I guess I should probably say a little bit about actually singing. I sat in the very top row on the right side of the choir 6th person in from the end. It was really cool cause when we sit in those seat we're right there and we feel the organ shaking the chairs then as we sing our first line it nice and soft and were like telling a story I'm not really sure how everyone watching felt but I definitely felt like there were angels there supporting us and helping us sing. Its the coolest feeling I've ever felt while being in a choir. Our alternate hymn was brightly beams our fathers mercy I really like that one and I would encourage you to go read our listen to it is hymn 327 in the english book.
So I would like to share an experience I had last night talking with Elder Soelberg He is my district leader and i was in his room just talking to him he was sitting at his desk and I was just kind of laying on his bed. we talked about a lot of things from books to priesthood to the spirit world to patriarchs to learning disabilities. One thing that I learned was that you can know stuff but until you actually say it out loud or right it down you don't really realize it. Last night through talking with Elder Soelberg I realized how much God loves me and knows me as an individual and how much he knows about me. We didn't have a deep conversation about Gods love or anything like that but by just talking about the gospel and being open and just sharing the thoughts that come I gained a huge testimony that God is our Heavenly Father He knows me and everyone of you that read this letter personally he knows your doubts and your strengths and your concerns he knows how to help and he will help you when you ask. I know God lives, Jesus Christ is His son And they both love and know us personally! this is my witness and testimony to each of you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I love you all! I hope you have an amazing week. May God be with you all is my prayer!!
Love always
Elder Langley
PS you can watch the songs from the priesthood session on the new lds.org or you can what a couple days and they have it up on the normal lds.org by the end of the week.
This week has been amazing!!!! not only did we have conference but we had an amazing fireside last night about hymns and then we just got back from the temple. Before I forget I just want to say that we don't know if we have our visas yet so I might be here for a little bit longer or they'll temporarily re-assign us we should know by the end of the week what is going on if I get reassigned then I'll give mom a call and then she can let everyone else know but right now I'm hoping that we'll have our visas. Whatever happens we know it is all in the lords hands. Can you believe it 8 weeks!!!!! Time has flown by so so so so so so fast. I feel like i've only been here like a week. this week was pretty laid back our zone was great no problems and so I've been able to focus a little bit more on studying then I did the week before.
Was conference great or what?! I wasn't able to watch the afternoon session on saturday because we were traveling up to the conference center and rehearsing for Priesthood session. The MTC choir sounded amazing. When we first walked into the choir loft it was breath taking seeing how big that hall is and actually being there behind the prophet and quorum of the 12 apostles. I think besides singing the thing that had the biggest influence on me was being able to watch those great men interact with each other. They all just kind of go around hugging each other and giving words of encouragement taking care of business and at the same time sharing a joke or two when appropriate. They are an amazing example of how a quorum and class or even a ward should be. So I guess I should probably say a little bit about actually singing. I sat in the very top row on the right side of the choir 6th person in from the end. It was really cool cause when we sit in those seat we're right there and we feel the organ shaking the chairs then as we sing our first line it nice and soft and were like telling a story I'm not really sure how everyone watching felt but I definitely felt like there were angels there supporting us and helping us sing. Its the coolest feeling I've ever felt while being in a choir. Our alternate hymn was brightly beams our fathers mercy I really like that one and I would encourage you to go read our listen to it is hymn 327 in the english book.
So I would like to share an experience I had last night talking with Elder Soelberg He is my district leader and i was in his room just talking to him he was sitting at his desk and I was just kind of laying on his bed. we talked about a lot of things from books to priesthood to the spirit world to patriarchs to learning disabilities. One thing that I learned was that you can know stuff but until you actually say it out loud or right it down you don't really realize it. Last night through talking with Elder Soelberg I realized how much God loves me and knows me as an individual and how much he knows about me. We didn't have a deep conversation about Gods love or anything like that but by just talking about the gospel and being open and just sharing the thoughts that come I gained a huge testimony that God is our Heavenly Father He knows me and everyone of you that read this letter personally he knows your doubts and your strengths and your concerns he knows how to help and he will help you when you ask. I know God lives, Jesus Christ is His son And they both love and know us personally! this is my witness and testimony to each of you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I love you all! I hope you have an amazing week. May God be with you all is my prayer!!
Love always
Elder Langley
PS you can watch the songs from the priesthood session on the new lds.org or you can what a couple days and they have it up on the normal lds.org by the end of the week.
September 27, 2010 -A Busy Week
Hey everyone,
So this week has had a lot of interesting things happen. For starters I was selected to sing in a special MTC choir for the Priesthood session of conference. The music that they selected for us to sing is amazing and it'll be very powerful song in the conference center by 364 missionaries we have been practicing everday and its been such a good experience. I've dreamed about singing in this choir for so long I'm so excited!!! So anyways besides that we did an amazing job in the TRC(Teaching Reference Center i think) that is where we go once a week to teach a lesson to someone that we don't know. this week was our second time teaching the first lesson in Spanish and it went amazing we didn't follow the plan that we had made before but we were able to teach exactly what he needed to hear even in our very limited Spanish. I had had a bad experience in the TRC the week before and like my mind just went blank and I forgot everything and when I tried to speak it was just giberish but I really focused on geetting to know the investigator and I wasn't nervous anymore and we had a great lesson but I couldn't have done any of the things I did this week without the lords help.
this week was a very exhausting one as zoneleader I had to deal with some problems that I really would have rather not and we were in and out of meetings with the District president and missionaries and building managers then yesterday we had a special meeting with the elders in the zone where our branch presidency spoke as well as us as zoneleaders. Iwasn't very excited about that and it was the hardest talk I've ever had to prepare but I learned a good lesson from doing it and watching President Studdert as he spoke. Correction is best done when it is positive we never once mentioned what happened and what was going on in that meeting but instead showed the elders what we can do to improve and what it means to be a Representative of Jesus christ. That's what I had to talk on Being a Representative of Jesus the christ I never would have thought to say some of the things that I did and I could tell that the spirit was guiding me to what I needed to say I ended up using Hymn 335 Brightly beams our Father's mercy as an example of how we represent The Savior. I would encourage you to look it up and read it I think it applies to each and everyone of us.
This week we have continued practices for the choir we receive another new district this week I'm not sure yet where they are going but I do know that we are receiving 4 more sister which is exciting because we loose 3 tomorrow morning. I hope that everyone is excited for conference I know that I am. I know there are a couple members of other faiths that get this email and I would invite you to watch it as well be going to lds.org and on the main page the first link should be to the Conference page. it shows at 10 and 2 on both saturday and sunday Its broadcast all over the world and really cool to watch even if you can just watch one session or part of a session. I love you all Thank you for the letters and the packages they make the days a lot sweeter. May God be with each of you always!
Love always
Elder Langley
Ps Elder Abbot from ucas is a zone leader to the zone on the floor under my zone its pretty cool.
So this week has had a lot of interesting things happen. For starters I was selected to sing in a special MTC choir for the Priesthood session of conference. The music that they selected for us to sing is amazing and it'll be very powerful song in the conference center by 364 missionaries we have been practicing everday and its been such a good experience. I've dreamed about singing in this choir for so long I'm so excited!!! So anyways besides that we did an amazing job in the TRC(Teaching Reference Center i think) that is where we go once a week to teach a lesson to someone that we don't know. this week was our second time teaching the first lesson in Spanish and it went amazing we didn't follow the plan that we had made before but we were able to teach exactly what he needed to hear even in our very limited Spanish. I had had a bad experience in the TRC the week before and like my mind just went blank and I forgot everything and when I tried to speak it was just giberish but I really focused on geetting to know the investigator and I wasn't nervous anymore and we had a great lesson but I couldn't have done any of the things I did this week without the lords help.
this week was a very exhausting one as zoneleader I had to deal with some problems that I really would have rather not and we were in and out of meetings with the District president and missionaries and building managers then yesterday we had a special meeting with the elders in the zone where our branch presidency spoke as well as us as zoneleaders. Iwasn't very excited about that and it was the hardest talk I've ever had to prepare but I learned a good lesson from doing it and watching President Studdert as he spoke. Correction is best done when it is positive we never once mentioned what happened and what was going on in that meeting but instead showed the elders what we can do to improve and what it means to be a Representative of Jesus christ. That's what I had to talk on Being a Representative of Jesus the christ I never would have thought to say some of the things that I did and I could tell that the spirit was guiding me to what I needed to say I ended up using Hymn 335 Brightly beams our Father's mercy as an example of how we represent The Savior. I would encourage you to look it up and read it I think it applies to each and everyone of us.
This week we have continued practices for the choir we receive another new district this week I'm not sure yet where they are going but I do know that we are receiving 4 more sister which is exciting because we loose 3 tomorrow morning. I hope that everyone is excited for conference I know that I am. I know there are a couple members of other faiths that get this email and I would invite you to watch it as well be going to lds.org and on the main page the first link should be to the Conference page. it shows at 10 and 2 on both saturday and sunday Its broadcast all over the world and really cool to watch even if you can just watch one session or part of a session. I love you all Thank you for the letters and the packages they make the days a lot sweeter. May God be with each of you always!
Love always
Elder Langley
Ps Elder Abbot from ucas is a zone leader to the zone on the floor under my zone its pretty cool.
September 20, 2010 -Hope you know we had a hard time/Delcaration
Nosotros - el districto de 17B -declaramos neustro independencia del Idioma Ingles Tambien, declaramos la union de nuestro districto con el Idioma santo de Español lo hacemos por Dios y Su Evangelio. Tambien por la gente de Mexico y Bolivia!
Hey Everybody We declared independence for english this week as a district So we are going total spanish expect for important gospel discussion which they want us to do in english. Its really been hard to make the switch over but as we do I find spanish to be a fun language to speak. So I´m just going to straight about how this week was no fluff. this has been the hardest week I think that I have ever had in my life. I have had bad days or a couple bad days in a row but I have never had an entire week that was bad. Nothing went the way that it should have and we started the week out in the hospital as I told you last letter. My companion is find we went back on tuesday and they did an endoscopy and gave him some meds to take we have to go back in 3 weeks for another one so that they can approve him to go to mexico. The district just older then us just got reassigned. they are spread out between the provo, south salt lake, ogden. and mesa Arizon Missions. They all ship out between today and tomorrow leaving my district as the oldest district in the zone for the next 3-4 weeks. We taught our first lesson completely in spanish. It was an interesting experience. I spent most of my time this week learning and practicing the lesson. I had easily taught the lesson 10-15 times with out notes before saturday but as soon as we got in the room with our investigator I didn't remember anything and I totally butchered the easiest sentences that we use like 'do you believe in God?'. Luckily my companion was able to pull us through. Our investigator was from Peru and spoke supper fast which made it very real. I had some more rough experience that I had but I kinda want to focus one an experience that happened yesterday. With the oldest district leaving this week we needed to get new zone leaders and everyone in the zone knows this so they have been saying who they think is going to be the new ones. well my companion and I have been the ones that everyone has been pointing their fingers at and I have been I guess against the idea saying no I'm not going to be it and stuff like that Well yesterday President Studdert comes into our classroom and calls me and my companion at and into a side room and I don't think that I'll ever forget what he told us as he called us to be the new Zoneleaders. I have a testimony that The lord doesn't do anything with out a reason for it and I know that My first reaction to the call was why me I can't speak spanish and I I've never been a leader like this before I've had a terrible week and not had the best attitude about it Lord why are you calling me? As I thought that and was just thinking yesterday I had this amazing feeling come over me. I just felt like the lord was saying don't worry about it I'll help you and There is a reason that you are here and I've called you as a zone leader for a special reason. The Lord has reasons for everything the he gives us or calls us to and though we don't understand he does and he will help us along our way just as he as the prophets and people of old.
If anyone is up to reading or watching a talk I would recommend 'Hope you know we had a hard time' by Elder Cook I'm not sure which conference but its a great one!
Love
Elder Langley
Ps As always thank you for the letters they always brighten the days.
Hey Everybody We declared independence for english this week as a district So we are going total spanish expect for important gospel discussion which they want us to do in english. Its really been hard to make the switch over but as we do I find spanish to be a fun language to speak. So I´m just going to straight about how this week was no fluff. this has been the hardest week I think that I have ever had in my life. I have had bad days or a couple bad days in a row but I have never had an entire week that was bad. Nothing went the way that it should have and we started the week out in the hospital as I told you last letter. My companion is find we went back on tuesday and they did an endoscopy and gave him some meds to take we have to go back in 3 weeks for another one so that they can approve him to go to mexico. The district just older then us just got reassigned. they are spread out between the provo, south salt lake, ogden. and mesa Arizon Missions. They all ship out between today and tomorrow leaving my district as the oldest district in the zone for the next 3-4 weeks. We taught our first lesson completely in spanish. It was an interesting experience. I spent most of my time this week learning and practicing the lesson. I had easily taught the lesson 10-15 times with out notes before saturday but as soon as we got in the room with our investigator I didn't remember anything and I totally butchered the easiest sentences that we use like 'do you believe in God?'. Luckily my companion was able to pull us through. Our investigator was from Peru and spoke supper fast which made it very real. I had some more rough experience that I had but I kinda want to focus one an experience that happened yesterday. With the oldest district leaving this week we needed to get new zone leaders and everyone in the zone knows this so they have been saying who they think is going to be the new ones. well my companion and I have been the ones that everyone has been pointing their fingers at and I have been I guess against the idea saying no I'm not going to be it and stuff like that Well yesterday President Studdert comes into our classroom and calls me and my companion at and into a side room and I don't think that I'll ever forget what he told us as he called us to be the new Zoneleaders. I have a testimony that The lord doesn't do anything with out a reason for it and I know that My first reaction to the call was why me I can't speak spanish and I I've never been a leader like this before I've had a terrible week and not had the best attitude about it Lord why are you calling me? As I thought that and was just thinking yesterday I had this amazing feeling come over me. I just felt like the lord was saying don't worry about it I'll help you and There is a reason that you are here and I've called you as a zone leader for a special reason. The Lord has reasons for everything the he gives us or calls us to and though we don't understand he does and he will help us along our way just as he as the prophets and people of old.
If anyone is up to reading or watching a talk I would recommend 'Hope you know we had a hard time' by Elder Cook I'm not sure which conference but its a great one!
Love
Elder Langley
Ps As always thank you for the letters they always brighten the days.
September 13, 2010 -Exciting Sunday
Hola,
Hey so this one is going to be a really quick one our schedule has kind of gone crazy for this week because of an eventful night last night. My companion had to go into the Emergency Room yesterday after dinner so we've kindof just been running around dealing with that. He's ok we are most likely going to be spending tomorrow afternoon in the hopsital so that they can do a persedure to make sure that its not going to happen again so hopefully everything works out ok. It was kindof nice to be out in the 'real' world last night it is diffinitly different as a missionary I never realized how much people look at us different. Every person that walked into the ER the first thing they noticed was that we were there. We met a really nice family from Mexico they are members of the church and they were really nice. We were able to practice our spanish with them. I actually understood everything that they said I wasn't able to reply much in spanish but it was amazing to me how much I understood. They tell us that as missionaries that we should be looking for opportunities to bring others unto Christ no matter what we are doing and last night we were able to actually see that in action. We Shared a spiritual message with the doctor as he was checking my companion over. We may not have made a huge difference in his day or anything like that but we were able to bring the spirit in for a couple minutes of his busy night. We also met a return missionary that served in Tampico in 2006. We were able to talk to him about what it is like and how he liked Tampico. I'm really excited to ship out in 4 weeks it sounds like a wonderful place, tropical in a lot of parts(banana trees and all) then the other parts are just kind of like utah valley with mountains. He said the food there is amazing so I'm really excited to try it. anyways Spanish is coming along well I'm starting to be able to put sentences and stuff together on my own I understand all the congagations and now i just have to try to memorize them and verbs and all that we teach our first spanish lesson this week so I'm going to be working on that at the hospital tomorrow. I love you all I hope that Everything is well with you! May God always be with you!
Love always
Elder Langley
PS Thank you For all the letters. I really enjoy hearing from you and they do brighten the days!
Hey so this one is going to be a really quick one our schedule has kind of gone crazy for this week because of an eventful night last night. My companion had to go into the Emergency Room yesterday after dinner so we've kindof just been running around dealing with that. He's ok we are most likely going to be spending tomorrow afternoon in the hopsital so that they can do a persedure to make sure that its not going to happen again so hopefully everything works out ok. It was kindof nice to be out in the 'real' world last night it is diffinitly different as a missionary I never realized how much people look at us different. Every person that walked into the ER the first thing they noticed was that we were there. We met a really nice family from Mexico they are members of the church and they were really nice. We were able to practice our spanish with them. I actually understood everything that they said I wasn't able to reply much in spanish but it was amazing to me how much I understood. They tell us that as missionaries that we should be looking for opportunities to bring others unto Christ no matter what we are doing and last night we were able to actually see that in action. We Shared a spiritual message with the doctor as he was checking my companion over. We may not have made a huge difference in his day or anything like that but we were able to bring the spirit in for a couple minutes of his busy night. We also met a return missionary that served in Tampico in 2006. We were able to talk to him about what it is like and how he liked Tampico. I'm really excited to ship out in 4 weeks it sounds like a wonderful place, tropical in a lot of parts(banana trees and all) then the other parts are just kind of like utah valley with mountains. He said the food there is amazing so I'm really excited to try it. anyways Spanish is coming along well I'm starting to be able to put sentences and stuff together on my own I understand all the congagations and now i just have to try to memorize them and verbs and all that we teach our first spanish lesson this week so I'm going to be working on that at the hospital tomorrow. I love you all I hope that Everything is well with you! May God always be with you!
Love always
Elder Langley
PS Thank you For all the letters. I really enjoy hearing from you and they do brighten the days!
September 6, 2010
Hola!!
Happy Labor Day!! I hope that everyone is enjoying this little break. Here we are week 4 can you believe it I've already been here that long its crazy! Life is good we got a new district in our zone this week and one district left to panama this morning at 3 so they are off and It'll be great to hear from them how everything goes. This week is going to be a crazy one our zone is doubling in size, we are recieving 3 new districts which consist of 26 Elders and 7 sister. It'll be nice to have some sisters for the past couple months this zone has only been elders. Hermano Peterson says that sisters add a lot to the zone so it'll be good to have them. I want to thank every one that has sent letters they really make a difference in the week! I don't remember if i mentioned that my district got a new Teacher this last week was his first week he is fresh out of mexico and doesn't speak very much english which is going to really help us out especially since this week we are starting to make the switch to complete spanish it should be really fun for the last couple of days we have been trying to speak as much spanish as we can and its lots of fun. Its not very easy to do but when we all butcher the spanish and try to help each other say things the right way it always fun.
This weeks devotional was by Elder Richard G Hinckley and he gave us some cool facts about the churches missionary work before he gave us 9 principle for success. Right now baptisms around the world are higher then any previous time in the history of the church and continue to increase. there are 340 missions 15 active MTC around the world and 114 new mission presidents this year. It is so exciting! The 9 principles are these 1 understand your purpose 2 be obedient 3 be clean 4 work hard 5 love the people 6 be healthy 7 be careful 8 be enthusiastic 9 exercise faith. I firmly believe that when we follow these 9 principles in what ever we are doing that we will have success whether it is at work or at school or at home or at church these things will help us all to be better. When we have a purpose we know what to do. when we follow the rules we stay on the safe path, when we are clean spiritually we allow the holy ghost to act in our lives and help us out. when you work hard you always are able to ask the lord to help you and know that he will because you have done all that you can do. love the people this is a great thing for any situation love works miracles things can be done when the people love you and you love them because a trust is built and you understand eachother. nothing can be done if you are laying in bed so do what you need to do to stay healthy. be careful don't put your self in dangerous situation and make sure that saftey is a priority i heared that all the time at Chelsea but i know that it is true be safe and you'll be able come back to do what ever work it is again. Enthusiasim always make the job go better and letts the lords spirit be with us "Adam fell that man might be and men are that they might have joy" 2Nephi 2:25 we are here to have joy and be happy let it show and life will become easier. Exercise Faith is a big one and I don't have much time to go into it. I know that the Lord is just there waiting to help us. When Peter walked on water Christ was there when Peter started to sink Christ was there but it wasn't till Peter Cried out for help that the savior came to the rescue. Christ is there with each of us but he can't help us until we exercise our faith and ask him for help.
Now my time is up but I want you all to Know that I know that we are children of a loving heavenly Father. Christ Lives! And this is a true church and it is lead by a prophet of God Thomas S Monson. The book of mormon is the word of God I challenge all those who read this letter that haven't read the Book of Mormon to start to night even if it is just a page or the introduction read the Book then get on your knees and Pray about it I've done that And i've recieved an answer and I promise you that If you ask God He will Give you an answer.
Love always
Elder langley
Happy Labor Day!! I hope that everyone is enjoying this little break. Here we are week 4 can you believe it I've already been here that long its crazy! Life is good we got a new district in our zone this week and one district left to panama this morning at 3 so they are off and It'll be great to hear from them how everything goes. This week is going to be a crazy one our zone is doubling in size, we are recieving 3 new districts which consist of 26 Elders and 7 sister. It'll be nice to have some sisters for the past couple months this zone has only been elders. Hermano Peterson says that sisters add a lot to the zone so it'll be good to have them. I want to thank every one that has sent letters they really make a difference in the week! I don't remember if i mentioned that my district got a new Teacher this last week was his first week he is fresh out of mexico and doesn't speak very much english which is going to really help us out especially since this week we are starting to make the switch to complete spanish it should be really fun for the last couple of days we have been trying to speak as much spanish as we can and its lots of fun. Its not very easy to do but when we all butcher the spanish and try to help each other say things the right way it always fun.
This weeks devotional was by Elder Richard G Hinckley and he gave us some cool facts about the churches missionary work before he gave us 9 principle for success. Right now baptisms around the world are higher then any previous time in the history of the church and continue to increase. there are 340 missions 15 active MTC around the world and 114 new mission presidents this year. It is so exciting! The 9 principles are these 1 understand your purpose 2 be obedient 3 be clean 4 work hard 5 love the people 6 be healthy 7 be careful 8 be enthusiastic 9 exercise faith. I firmly believe that when we follow these 9 principles in what ever we are doing that we will have success whether it is at work or at school or at home or at church these things will help us all to be better. When we have a purpose we know what to do. when we follow the rules we stay on the safe path, when we are clean spiritually we allow the holy ghost to act in our lives and help us out. when you work hard you always are able to ask the lord to help you and know that he will because you have done all that you can do. love the people this is a great thing for any situation love works miracles things can be done when the people love you and you love them because a trust is built and you understand eachother. nothing can be done if you are laying in bed so do what you need to do to stay healthy. be careful don't put your self in dangerous situation and make sure that saftey is a priority i heared that all the time at Chelsea but i know that it is true be safe and you'll be able come back to do what ever work it is again. Enthusiasim always make the job go better and letts the lords spirit be with us "Adam fell that man might be and men are that they might have joy" 2Nephi 2:25 we are here to have joy and be happy let it show and life will become easier. Exercise Faith is a big one and I don't have much time to go into it. I know that the Lord is just there waiting to help us. When Peter walked on water Christ was there when Peter started to sink Christ was there but it wasn't till Peter Cried out for help that the savior came to the rescue. Christ is there with each of us but he can't help us until we exercise our faith and ask him for help.
Now my time is up but I want you all to Know that I know that we are children of a loving heavenly Father. Christ Lives! And this is a true church and it is lead by a prophet of God Thomas S Monson. The book of mormon is the word of God I challenge all those who read this letter that haven't read the Book of Mormon to start to night even if it is just a page or the introduction read the Book then get on your knees and Pray about it I've done that And i've recieved an answer and I promise you that If you ask God He will Give you an answer.
Love always
Elder langley
August 30, 2010 -So much to do in so little time
Hey,
So today I have so much that I want to say it has been an amazing week but i don't think i have time to say it all so we'll see how it goes. Last tuesday the gym finally opened back up for devotionals and firesides they were redoing the bleachers and the floor but guess who came to the first devotional back in the gym. Elder Heffrey R. Holland!! An apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ It was amazing he has such a wonderful spirit about him and his message was super powerful. I deffinitly gained a testimony of the work that I'm doing and how important it is. I want to take the time today to share a bunch of qoutes and lessons that I learned from him. the first one was one that we her a lot but it hit me even harder with him saying it. he said," Give it your all no regrets. There has been maybe one day in the last 48 years that i didn't think about my mission but I don't know what day that is. do not miss one month, week, day, hour or minute." No regrets is what my plan is here and its not just because I'll have to think about it for the rest of eternity but because If I don't do my job for a month,week, day, hour or minute it affects the salvation of others too. Elder Holland said,"This is a war the battle of good and evil that has been going since before this life....luckily we aren't those fighting we are the Red Cross bringing bandages, stopping blood, saving lives." Wow what a statment I have always loved the hymns that talk about war because i knew that We were still fighting evil and we will continue to fight it until Jesus Christ returns to the Earth. This statement made me realize how important the missionary work is its not about getting people to join the church although that is the way back to our Heavenly Father. The Work is about helping individuals come closer to Christ We go out and we individually bandage and stop the bleeding of the Soul we are there to help people along there spiritual journey. Preach My Gospel say that our Purpose is to:"Invite others to come unto to christ by helping them recieve the restored gospel through Faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism, recieving the gift of the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the end." The last qoute i wanted to share with you was my favorite one from the night and Elder Holland said,"This is NOT Burger King we DON'T hold the Pickles, YOU are here to do this HIS way!!!!" This church is not the church of any one other then Jesus Christ I know that Christ leads this Church through President Thomas S Monson. There is no other way to do the work and get it done right other than His way. There is so much more that I wish I could say but time is runnin short. I know that Jesus Christ Lives He knows and loves each of us individually. I know that He WILL come again!
So just a few quick notes We get a new district in our zone this week and i think the chances are pretty good that Elder Buhler we be in it. That would be pretty cool. Thanks for the letters its great to here from everybody! I love you! have a great day and week. may God always be with you!
Love always
Elder Langley
So today I have so much that I want to say it has been an amazing week but i don't think i have time to say it all so we'll see how it goes. Last tuesday the gym finally opened back up for devotionals and firesides they were redoing the bleachers and the floor but guess who came to the first devotional back in the gym. Elder Heffrey R. Holland!! An apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ It was amazing he has such a wonderful spirit about him and his message was super powerful. I deffinitly gained a testimony of the work that I'm doing and how important it is. I want to take the time today to share a bunch of qoutes and lessons that I learned from him. the first one was one that we her a lot but it hit me even harder with him saying it. he said," Give it your all no regrets. There has been maybe one day in the last 48 years that i didn't think about my mission but I don't know what day that is. do not miss one month, week, day, hour or minute." No regrets is what my plan is here and its not just because I'll have to think about it for the rest of eternity but because If I don't do my job for a month,week, day, hour or minute it affects the salvation of others too. Elder Holland said,"This is a war the battle of good and evil that has been going since before this life....luckily we aren't those fighting we are the Red Cross bringing bandages, stopping blood, saving lives." Wow what a statment I have always loved the hymns that talk about war because i knew that We were still fighting evil and we will continue to fight it until Jesus Christ returns to the Earth. This statement made me realize how important the missionary work is its not about getting people to join the church although that is the way back to our Heavenly Father. The Work is about helping individuals come closer to Christ We go out and we individually bandage and stop the bleeding of the Soul we are there to help people along there spiritual journey. Preach My Gospel say that our Purpose is to:"Invite others to come unto to christ by helping them recieve the restored gospel through Faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism, recieving the gift of the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the end." The last qoute i wanted to share with you was my favorite one from the night and Elder Holland said,"This is NOT Burger King we DON'T hold the Pickles, YOU are here to do this HIS way!!!!" This church is not the church of any one other then Jesus Christ I know that Christ leads this Church through President Thomas S Monson. There is no other way to do the work and get it done right other than His way. There is so much more that I wish I could say but time is runnin short. I know that Jesus Christ Lives He knows and loves each of us individually. I know that He WILL come again!
So just a few quick notes We get a new district in our zone this week and i think the chances are pretty good that Elder Buhler we be in it. That would be pretty cool. Thanks for the letters its great to here from everybody! I love you! have a great day and week. may God always be with you!
Love always
Elder Langley
August 23, 2010 -Ups and Downs in the Phases of Adjustment
Hello everyone,
Here we are at the start of week 3 in the MTC. Crazy huh? well we had an amazing fireside last night that I want to tell you about. Stephen B. Allen was the speaker and he is the director of the church missionary department. he told use the secret to having a great mission is to know the 4 phases of adjustment. the first stage is the honeymoon stage were you love everything. the second stage is just the opposite i forget what he called it but you hate everything and want to go home. the third stage is the grin and bare it where you figure out that its not so bad and you'll loose more if you go back rather then if you press forward. the final stage is successful adjustment. we all go through these stages over and over in life and we have these huge ups and downs in our life. Well Brother Allen told us the trick to even our lives out and be as productive as we can while we are here on the lords time. The trick is to completely skip step two and 'Forget yourself and go to work" as president Hinckley's dad would say. Serve serve serve stay in the honeymoon state as long as you can then when you feel yourself starting to slide out of it start serving the people around your family your friends random people you don't know and life becomes so much better! This week I've been sliding back and forth between 1 and 3 but I started to serve my companion and things became great i love this time in my life! I may not have a clue about what my teachers are saying in Spanish or how to say what I want to but i Love being here Serving my Heavenly Father and I know that if I do my best that the lord will help me with the rest.
I don't remember if I mentioned this in my last email or not but I ran into Elder Patchett. I actually get to see him a lot her and he is a Zone leader He only has 3 weeks before he flies off to Europe. I also met Sister Egbert(sorry I know I'm probably spelling that wrong but I can't think of how else to spell it) Kyle you have one cool younger sister! Missionaries come and go so fast out the the MTC we have a companionship in my district that leaves in 9 days to go to South America its crazy! this really is the lord's church and it goes to his children all around the world.
I love my branch President! he is such a cool guy and he knows so much. Sunday our sacrament meeting was on obedience and if i didn't have a testimony of strict obedience before that meeting I sure do now He told us some crazy stories that happened to him and the missionaries under him when he was a mission president in California. anyways I just thought i would mention that I know that Saylla and Mom will appreciate knowing that.
So i've had a couple people ask my about dearelder.com and how that works. When you write me a letter on that its free and its printed off right here in the MTC and put in my mailbox the same day. when you get on to the site you go to the provo MTC link if i remember right its on the left side of the screen. when you click that it'll pull up a from that you write the letter into all that you should need is my name Elder Keean Langley MTC box249 mission code MEX-TAMP departure date 10/11/2010 I think that's it then you write the letter and press send and then I get it. I think its the best way to get me mail and I'll get your addresses so that I can write back.
Sorry that this was quick and all over the place but i'm out of time. I love you all I'm doing great thanks For all the letters its great to hear from you all!!!! May God be with each and everyone of you is my prayer!
Love always
Elder Langley
Mom can you put the Woods on the list? Thanks Love you!!!
Here we are at the start of week 3 in the MTC. Crazy huh? well we had an amazing fireside last night that I want to tell you about. Stephen B. Allen was the speaker and he is the director of the church missionary department. he told use the secret to having a great mission is to know the 4 phases of adjustment. the first stage is the honeymoon stage were you love everything. the second stage is just the opposite i forget what he called it but you hate everything and want to go home. the third stage is the grin and bare it where you figure out that its not so bad and you'll loose more if you go back rather then if you press forward. the final stage is successful adjustment. we all go through these stages over and over in life and we have these huge ups and downs in our life. Well Brother Allen told us the trick to even our lives out and be as productive as we can while we are here on the lords time. The trick is to completely skip step two and 'Forget yourself and go to work" as president Hinckley's dad would say. Serve serve serve stay in the honeymoon state as long as you can then when you feel yourself starting to slide out of it start serving the people around your family your friends random people you don't know and life becomes so much better! This week I've been sliding back and forth between 1 and 3 but I started to serve my companion and things became great i love this time in my life! I may not have a clue about what my teachers are saying in Spanish or how to say what I want to but i Love being here Serving my Heavenly Father and I know that if I do my best that the lord will help me with the rest.
I don't remember if I mentioned this in my last email or not but I ran into Elder Patchett. I actually get to see him a lot her and he is a Zone leader He only has 3 weeks before he flies off to Europe. I also met Sister Egbert(sorry I know I'm probably spelling that wrong but I can't think of how else to spell it) Kyle you have one cool younger sister! Missionaries come and go so fast out the the MTC we have a companionship in my district that leaves in 9 days to go to South America its crazy! this really is the lord's church and it goes to his children all around the world.
I love my branch President! he is such a cool guy and he knows so much. Sunday our sacrament meeting was on obedience and if i didn't have a testimony of strict obedience before that meeting I sure do now He told us some crazy stories that happened to him and the missionaries under him when he was a mission president in California. anyways I just thought i would mention that I know that Saylla and Mom will appreciate knowing that.
So i've had a couple people ask my about dearelder.com and how that works. When you write me a letter on that its free and its printed off right here in the MTC and put in my mailbox the same day. when you get on to the site you go to the provo MTC link if i remember right its on the left side of the screen. when you click that it'll pull up a from that you write the letter into all that you should need is my name Elder Keean Langley MTC box249 mission code MEX-TAMP departure date 10/11/2010 I think that's it then you write the letter and press send and then I get it. I think its the best way to get me mail and I'll get your addresses so that I can write back.
Sorry that this was quick and all over the place but i'm out of time. I love you all I'm doing great thanks For all the letters its great to hear from you all!!!! May God be with each and everyone of you is my prayer!
Love always
Elder Langley
Mom can you put the Woods on the list? Thanks Love you!!!
August 16, 2010 -Greetings from the MTC
Hello Everyone!!!
So this last week seems like it has been forever long but it was great. So everyone tells me that the hardest part of the MTC is behind me and that this week is just going to fly by. So for starters THANK YOU to everyone who wrote me letters this week they really helped me get through the first week here. I've learned so much!! I've already taught the first discussion to several people here. I also can bear my testimony or at least part of it in spanish and I learned how to pray in Spanish. Its really cool because once we learn something in spanish we don't go back to english. so basically I only bear my testimony in spanish here and I only pray in spanish except when I'm at the temple cause most of what I want to say there I don't know how to say it. I'm going to work on learning how to say all that so I can pray in spanish at the temple too. So my Companion is amazing we have so much in common. His name is Elder Whitmer we are both the same height and about the same weight which is really cool because its not very often that i get to walk around with someone my own size that's not family. My preparation day is Monday.
Lasst night at the MTC fireside we had a really cool speaker his name is Newell Dayley. He composed the Music for Hymn 220 Lord I would follow thee. He pointed out some very interesting things and I think this hymn has become my favorite. the next time you listen to a hymn pay attention to the music and what it does to support the words I wish i knew how to explain everything that he said but i don't. I do remember one thing that he said that I never realized before and that is that the saying Lord I would follow thee through out the song changes. It starts as an aspiration then by the end of the song it changes to a commitment kind of like what has happened to me this last year. I've been aspiring to be a missionary for so long but now I'm finally here and its a commitment not an aspiration. I just thought that was something really cool that I never noticed before. I would challenge you to look it up and listen to the song and see if it means anything more when you look at the hymn like that. Its not just with that hymn that the actual music can add a ton to the meeaning of the song it happens all through out the hymn book.
I don't think that I have ever bore my testimony to y'all other when I give talks and I would like to take the opportunity to do that now. I know that Our Heavely Father lives and loves us all. WE are all his children and he wants us to return to live with him. Jesus Christ Lives and he suffered for each of us and made it possible for us to return to live with Him and Heavenly Father. The Book of Mormon and the Bible are the word of God and When we read them our lives can and will change. I know that Thomas S Monson is a Prophet of God and He leads and guide the True church on the earth today. I am greatful for the opportunity to be a missionary! To be a deffender of the Faith. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints Is the true church that contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel(everything that we need to know to return to live with God again). I know that Families can be together for eternity throught the priesthood and temples. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
I love you all!! Take care and may God be with you through out this next week. Thanks again for the Letters they are a great strength to me!
Love Always,
Elder Langley
P.S.
just a reminder dearelder.com is the best way to send letters I get them the same day and then I have more time to write back rather then reading them all and only having 5 minutes to reply.
August 10, 2010 -Last Letter as Keean for 2 years
Hey everybody,
This week has been very eventful and I have a lot of things to cover and not a lot of time so I'm going get straight to it. I was able to see a lot of people this week, last week I wrote about how much I love and appreciate everyone. I spoke in church on sunday and though I'm not so sure how I did everyone said I did a good job, I was so nervous and sunday was about when the knot in my stomach started to appear. I know that a lot of you weren't able to come listen to it so I have a treat for you! A member of my ward recorded my talk which I am very grateful for. Here is the link for that I hope you enjoy it. http://willeweb.com/keean-langley.mp3 I've spent 19 years preparing for this week and now that its here I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. I only have 2 hours and 9 minutes before I become a missionary!!! I have really enjoyed my time this week with my family and friends. Today I have been running around and i realized that I wasn't as prepared to leave as I thought I was. anyways I got the last few supplies that I need and I report in the morning. I know that there are a lot of people that read this letter that are of other Faiths so I just want to take a minute to explain what is going on this week and a couple of terms that will be used. When I say that I only have 2 hours and 9 minutes till I'm a missionary you might wonder why its then and not in the morning when I report. Well tonight I have a meeting with one of my church leaders. In this meeting he will officially make me a missionary by giving me a special blessing in which he gives me the authority to teach what my church believes. When i get this blessing I also start using the title of Elder. Elder is a title like Bishop, Pastor, or Father, which means defender of the faith. So from tonight till the end of my mission I will be going by Elder Langley. The last term that I wanted to explain was MTC I'll probably be using this one a lot for the next 2 months. MTC stands for Missionary Training Center. the missionary training center is where I will be learning spanish and they will help me learn how to better explain and share the message I will be teaching in Mexico.
For the next 2 months an easy way to send me letters will be through dearelder.com withdearelder.com you will need the following information, which is also the address for regular mail.
Elder Keean Langley
MTC Mailbox #249
MEX-TAMP 1011
2005 N 900 E
Provo UT 84604-1793
After my time in the MTC letters can be sent to the pouch mail. Pouch mail has to be a single sheet of paper folded into three panels and taped at the top only(no envelopes)
Elder Keean Langley
Mexico Tampico Mission
POB 30150
Salt Lake City UT 84130-0150
USA
Letters to the mission home have no restrictions but the stamps cost more. the address is:
Elder Keean Langley
Mexico Tampico Mission
Apartado Postal 241
89460 Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas
Mexico
I also wanted to remind y'all about the blog that my sister-in-law is doing. The web address for that is http://keeanintampico.blogspot.com/
I love you all and wish you the best! I'll write again the next time I can. May God Be with you!
This week has been very eventful and I have a lot of things to cover and not a lot of time so I'm going get straight to it. I was able to see a lot of people this week, last week I wrote about how much I love and appreciate everyone. I spoke in church on sunday and though I'm not so sure how I did everyone said I did a good job, I was so nervous and sunday was about when the knot in my stomach started to appear. I know that a lot of you weren't able to come listen to it so I have a treat for you! A member of my ward recorded my talk which I am very grateful for. Here is the link for that I hope you enjoy it. http://willeweb.com/keean-langley.mp3 I've spent 19 years preparing for this week and now that its here I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. I only have 2 hours and 9 minutes before I become a missionary!!! I have really enjoyed my time this week with my family and friends. Today I have been running around and i realized that I wasn't as prepared to leave as I thought I was. anyways I got the last few supplies that I need and I report in the morning. I know that there are a lot of people that read this letter that are of other Faiths so I just want to take a minute to explain what is going on this week and a couple of terms that will be used. When I say that I only have 2 hours and 9 minutes till I'm a missionary you might wonder why its then and not in the morning when I report. Well tonight I have a meeting with one of my church leaders. In this meeting he will officially make me a missionary by giving me a special blessing in which he gives me the authority to teach what my church believes. When i get this blessing I also start using the title of Elder. Elder is a title like Bishop, Pastor, or Father, which means defender of the faith. So from tonight till the end of my mission I will be going by Elder Langley. The last term that I wanted to explain was MTC I'll probably be using this one a lot for the next 2 months. MTC stands for Missionary Training Center. the missionary training center is where I will be learning spanish and they will help me learn how to better explain and share the message I will be teaching in Mexico.
For the next 2 months an easy way to send me letters will be through dearelder.com withdearelder.com you will need the following information, which is also the address for regular mail.
Elder Keean Langley
MTC Mailbox #249
MEX-TAMP 1011
2005 N 900 E
Provo UT 84604-1793
After my time in the MTC letters can be sent to the pouch mail. Pouch mail has to be a single sheet of paper folded into three panels and taped at the top only(no envelopes)
Elder Keean Langley
Mexico Tampico Mission
POB 30150
Salt Lake City UT 84130-0150
USA
Letters to the mission home have no restrictions but the stamps cost more. the address is:
Elder Keean Langley
Mexico Tampico Mission
Apartado Postal 241
89460 Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas
Mexico
I also wanted to remind y'all about the blog that my sister-in-law is doing. The web address for that is http://keeanintampico.blogspot.com/
I love you all and wish you the best! I'll write again the next time I can. May God Be with you!
August 4, 2010 -Home Again
Howdy,
I have been trying to figure out what to write about for the last couple of days and I hadn't come up with what would be good till I talked to Anna. We got talking about my week and what I have been doing. I drove to Colorado and I've been packing boxes and all that fun stuff but the one thing that I have been doing that means the most to me reflecting on the people that have helped shape me into who I am. I've been able to visit a lot of those people this week here in Colorado. My family, friends and neighbors from when I was really little, My scout leaders, basketball coaches, teams, teachers, friends parents. The list could go on and on but I think that the point is that in all our lives who we become isn't just a coincidence it has to do with the people that we associate our selves with. There is a Family that I spent a couple years living across the street from in Colorado I haven't actually seen them before to day in 10 years. I've always heard what their older boys were doing. I knew when they went on missions then when they got married and have kids. I realized today how big of a role they played in me getting to where I am today. If the situation ahd been different and they hadn't gone on missions I really think that I wouldn't have the strong desire that I have to go serve in Mexico. There are so many other areas that I could give similar examples of how people have helped me become who I am but i think that one is enough to get the point across. I want to thank everyone that has been a part of my life(which is everyone that gets this letter) for the positive influence that you have had. I have you to thank for helping me become who I am. I love you all! I hope you are all safe and I pray that God is with you and protects!
This sunday is my 'farewell' talk in Orem. Everyone that can is welcome to attend. After the block of meetings we will be having a get together at the house just down the street. Let me know if anyone has any questions. next tuesday will be my last letter before reporting to the Provo MTC.
Love
Keean
I have been trying to figure out what to write about for the last couple of days and I hadn't come up with what would be good till I talked to Anna. We got talking about my week and what I have been doing. I drove to Colorado and I've been packing boxes and all that fun stuff but the one thing that I have been doing that means the most to me reflecting on the people that have helped shape me into who I am. I've been able to visit a lot of those people this week here in Colorado. My family, friends and neighbors from when I was really little, My scout leaders, basketball coaches, teams, teachers, friends parents. The list could go on and on but I think that the point is that in all our lives who we become isn't just a coincidence it has to do with the people that we associate our selves with. There is a Family that I spent a couple years living across the street from in Colorado I haven't actually seen them before to day in 10 years. I've always heard what their older boys were doing. I knew when they went on missions then when they got married and have kids. I realized today how big of a role they played in me getting to where I am today. If the situation ahd been different and they hadn't gone on missions I really think that I wouldn't have the strong desire that I have to go serve in Mexico. There are so many other areas that I could give similar examples of how people have helped me become who I am but i think that one is enough to get the point across. I want to thank everyone that has been a part of my life(which is everyone that gets this letter) for the positive influence that you have had. I have you to thank for helping me become who I am. I love you all! I hope you are all safe and I pray that God is with you and protects!
This sunday is my 'farewell' talk in Orem. Everyone that can is welcome to attend. After the block of meetings we will be having a get together at the house just down the street. Let me know if anyone has any questions. next tuesday will be my last letter before reporting to the Provo MTC.
Love
Keean
July 27, 2010 -Unexpected Delays
Howdy everybody,So to take care of a little business first. This is the email address that everything is going to be run through while I'm gone. My wonderful Mother is going to be managing it and forwarding my letters on to everyone and I'm sure that if you want to send letters to me through this she'll make sure that I get them. also for all of those that enjoy blogging my Sister-in-law Konnie has offered to keep a blog updated with letters and pictures (I can't seem to find the link for it right now but as soon as I do I'll send it out). I would like to thank both My Mom and Konnie for all the help they are offering to keep everybody in touch while I'm in Mexico!
So this week has been a roller coaster. I've been up and down so many times I lost track. Friday was my last day at work. I know so many great people from work. I may have had a lot of days that I didn't want to get up and go to work but in the end I didn't really want to leave. I sat in my manager, Heather's, office for about 45 minutes before she made me walk with her to the security check point and took my badges :( It was hard to leave but no one said it was going to be easy. Sunday the Finch family invited me to spend the afternoon with them, which I think was the best way I could spend my last sunday. It made me realize how much a family means to me and that I need to do everything I can to spend quality time with my family before I leave. There is a saying that I always here and it is begining to mean a lot more to me. The saying goes something like this: 'its never going to be easy to do great things'. I look at the things that try to stand in the way of me going on a mission, which I know to be my great thing right now. There are always the 'normal' things that stand in the way girlfriends(what if they don't wait), jobs, school. I have a few more to add that I never considered before but I've encountered them this week. #1 friends- I've found it harder to leave friends that I've made and strengthen the friendship I have with older friends then I ever imagined it would be. I found that be a great pull to stay but I'm grateful to the great friends I have who all support me in going. #2 transportation- in the past year I have gone through basically three cars( the first one we had to replace the head, the second was stolen, and now the third is back in the shop) it would be so easy to say I can't go I have to fix the car and I won't have enough money or it'll just break down on the way to utah. There are many more things that i could add to the list but the point is that now more then ever I know that Jesus is the Christ my Savior and Redeemer. I know that my mission to Tampico is the great thing that I am suppose to be doing now and I know as Nephi did that When the lord gives a commandment unto the children of men that he will prepare the way( 1 Nephi 3:7). I love you all! May God be with you always.
Love Keean
So this week has been a roller coaster. I've been up and down so many times I lost track. Friday was my last day at work. I know so many great people from work. I may have had a lot of days that I didn't want to get up and go to work but in the end I didn't really want to leave. I sat in my manager, Heather's, office for about 45 minutes before she made me walk with her to the security check point and took my badges :( It was hard to leave but no one said it was going to be easy. Sunday the Finch family invited me to spend the afternoon with them, which I think was the best way I could spend my last sunday. It made me realize how much a family means to me and that I need to do everything I can to spend quality time with my family before I leave. There is a saying that I always here and it is begining to mean a lot more to me. The saying goes something like this: 'its never going to be easy to do great things'. I look at the things that try to stand in the way of me going on a mission, which I know to be my great thing right now. There are always the 'normal' things that stand in the way girlfriends(what if they don't wait), jobs, school. I have a few more to add that I never considered before but I've encountered them this week. #1 friends- I've found it harder to leave friends that I've made and strengthen the friendship I have with older friends then I ever imagined it would be. I found that be a great pull to stay but I'm grateful to the great friends I have who all support me in going. #2 transportation- in the past year I have gone through basically three cars( the first one we had to replace the head, the second was stolen, and now the third is back in the shop) it would be so easy to say I can't go I have to fix the car and I won't have enough money or it'll just break down on the way to utah. There are many more things that i could add to the list but the point is that now more then ever I know that Jesus is the Christ my Savior and Redeemer. I know that my mission to Tampico is the great thing that I am suppose to be doing now and I know as Nephi did that When the lord gives a commandment unto the children of men that he will prepare the way( 1 Nephi 3:7). I love you all! May God be with you always.
Love Keean
July 22, 2010 -A Slap in the Face
Hey,
Now I know that the subject this week is kinda an odd one but it really describes my week. I am so close to reporting to the MTC that it's crazy! This week is my last week of work. I actually only have 2 more days Thursday and Friday. One week exactly until I leave Houston to head back up to Colorado and Utah. I think more then anything else this realization of how close everything is has made me stop and realize how much I love everyone and how much i miss friends and family. My emotions are all swirled together it reminds me of a tye-died shirt all the colors are there together not real pattern and fading in and out across the shirt. Some times you can't even tell where one color starts and the other ends. If this is how it feels to come home from a mission I don't think I'll ever be ready to come home once I start. I love the people here in Texas so much! those in the ward especially my leaders my friends my home teaching families they all mean so much to me that its hard to close the door on this chapter. to start the next one even though I'm bursting with excitement to Serve the lord. I went to the Temple for the last time with my bishop and his wife today. I'm really going to miss having that weekly experience and being so close to them. I have a couple big plans before I leave Houston but I don't think that any of those plans will make up for how hard it will be to say goodbye to the people that I know and love here. My bags are being pack. my emotions spinning around and reality giving the final kick that I'm not a kid any more and its my turn to fight the fight and make the lord proud. To all those here in Texas I love you so much and as I leave i hope you'll always remember me as I will remember you. To those back home I love you and I can't wait to see you!! I hope that I wasn't just rambling in this letter and that you guys can take something good away from it. I love you all!! May God be with you and bless you throughout this next week.
LoveKeean
Now I know that the subject this week is kinda an odd one but it really describes my week. I am so close to reporting to the MTC that it's crazy! This week is my last week of work. I actually only have 2 more days Thursday and Friday. One week exactly until I leave Houston to head back up to Colorado and Utah. I think more then anything else this realization of how close everything is has made me stop and realize how much I love everyone and how much i miss friends and family. My emotions are all swirled together it reminds me of a tye-died shirt all the colors are there together not real pattern and fading in and out across the shirt. Some times you can't even tell where one color starts and the other ends. If this is how it feels to come home from a mission I don't think I'll ever be ready to come home once I start. I love the people here in Texas so much! those in the ward especially my leaders my friends my home teaching families they all mean so much to me that its hard to close the door on this chapter. to start the next one even though I'm bursting with excitement to Serve the lord. I went to the Temple for the last time with my bishop and his wife today. I'm really going to miss having that weekly experience and being so close to them. I have a couple big plans before I leave Houston but I don't think that any of those plans will make up for how hard it will be to say goodbye to the people that I know and love here. My bags are being pack. my emotions spinning around and reality giving the final kick that I'm not a kid any more and its my turn to fight the fight and make the lord proud. To all those here in Texas I love you so much and as I leave i hope you'll always remember me as I will remember you. To those back home I love you and I can't wait to see you!! I hope that I wasn't just rambling in this letter and that you guys can take something good away from it. I love you all!! May God be with you and bless you throughout this next week.
LoveKeean
July 14, 2010 -Defense or Offense or Both?
So this week I've thought about a term that I heard a lot when i played basketball. I tried and tried and tried to think of a quote or western saying cause I like those sayings much better but this one will have to do. "The best defense is a good offense" I think i heard that at least once a game from Coach Bruce but i don't think that i really understood it till this week. Dad brought the car down for me to use for this last month and to get back up to Colorado. (Thank you again Dad for taking the time to do that!) I started to talk with Darren about what I could do to prevent this car from also being stolen and we decided that I should get a chain and pad-lock and chain the steering wheel to the floor when i'm away from the car for long period like at work or at night. That is exactly what I did I went out and bought a big chain and a comparable pad-lock for it. It may look like a pain in the butt to do and undo when I have to drive but it gives me peace that I need to still do the other things that i have to do.
Later in the week I had a more spiritual realization of this saying. It was while i was at work driving around the airport and thinking about what i have done and what i really need to do to protect myself from the ever present and increasingly stronger temptings from Satan to go astray from the gospel path. It hit my that the best defense I can have is to have an increasingly stronger offensive movement: reading the scriptures more, being more sincere and consistent prayers, attending the temple, magnifying callings, sharing the gospel with friends. The best defense truly is a good offense.
My car was recovered last friday. I still don't know any of the details yet but i'll find them out this week. hopefully tomorrow i'll be able to get some much needed R&R but of course i still have a lot of things to do to get ready for my mission. Can you believe it i have less then a month till i report to the MTC, only 9 days until my last day of work. Crazy how time flies. Happy birthday to all those who had birthday's this week i know that there are a couple of you! Have an amazing week. May god be with each of you through out this next week.
Love always,
Keean
July 4, 2010 -Rough Week what Could the Lesson be?
Greetings to one and all,I know that its not Tuesday but i feel that now is a good time to write, I've been thinking about it a lot today. This week on Wednesday night/ Thursday morning my car was stolen from right in front of my house. Thursday was a rough day and i was on the phone with the police for most of the day. I wasn't able to go to work because both of my badges were in my car. Bobby let me barrow the car Friday morning to go to the airport and get my new badges. Then Friday night and Saturday I was sick. Now today is Sunday and we woke up and got ready for church and as we were backing out of the driveway we noticed that the back tire on Bobby's car had been stolen. At a first glance at this week i think about bad luck or maybe someone is targeting us but the more i think about it I find lessons. Like how a family can pull together and support each other. My dad was there to help me find the information that i needed for the police and now he is willing to bring a car down for me to drive for this last month so I can continue working. My grandma has called me everyday since she found out just to see how things are going for me. Bobby and Saylla have been here every step of the way to help and support me. even members of the ward family have pulled in to support us. One of the families i home teach especially has come and let us know that if there is anything that we need they are more then happy to help out. Now i don't say this to make anyone feel bad or to get people to say they are sorry I'm just trying to point out some lessons that i've learned.Another lesson, i think the one that might be most important for me as i get close to starting my mission, is to do with safety. Mexico isn't really a very safe place. I've heard that Tampico is no exception. I've been told that on my mission i would be in dangerous situations but the lord would protect me if i was doing what i was suppose to. Well in conference a year or to ago i think it was Elder Bednar spoken on how if we have fear we don't have faith because fear is from satan and Faith is from Heavenly Father. Well over the last couple days i can't say that i have been without. I believe that the Lord is preparing me both Spiritually and emotionally for the type of experiences that I will be having in Tampico. He is teaching me how important it is to keep faith in and fear out. To trust him 110% no matter what the situation is. I hope and pray that I am learning and strengthening my ability to do just that. I know that Our Heavenly Father lives and loves each and everyone of us and he does have a hand in each of your lives just as he does in mine. I also know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and he suffered and died for each of us that we may return to live with our Heavenly Father once again. I leave these things with you in the name of our Lord and Savior even Jesus Christ.I hope that every one is enjoying this celebration of the Birth of our Great country. I love you all! Have a GREAT week!Love alwaysKeean
June 29, 2010 -Thank You!!!
Hello Everybody,
Once again another week has come to a close and a new one has started. this one seems to be a fun one with Tropical Storm Alex soon to be Hurricane Alex. When I first got my call my dad and I sat down and where researching about Tampico and one of the things that we found interesting was that Tampico hasn't been hit by a Hurricane in like 50 years. Well Alex might not directly hit Tampico but its pretty darn close. We joked that now that i'm getting called there Tampico is going to have a Hurricane hit it i guess that we can't joke about that so much now.
This last week was a slow one I work an extra day so I only got one day off and man did that drain me of all the energy that I normally have. I have figured out a couple things that I hope will help me be more healthy and safe as I work late nights for this last month. Things like if i pack a dinner(peanut butter and jelly sandwiches) for me to take to work i not only get to eat dinner at night but I also don't have the problem of nodding off as I drive home. Nodding off is a scaring thing to think about but i found myself doing it a lot this week so hopefully eating on my way home will help.
I have had a lot of support from friends and ward members this week which has been great!! Jeremiah and I of course always support each other but it has been different this week as we both get closer to our missions I think it is getting stronger and i don't really know how to explain it but i can't wait to see him in the temple this week! Jeremiah my fingers are crossed that everything will work out for you this week. I went on a date with Marlies Finch this week we went out to breakfast and just talk that was the most fun that i've had in a while and it really helped me relax from all the stress that i've had with things getting so close. Her Family has also been very nice Brother and Sister Finch took some time to encourage me in what i'm doing. It was a very up lifting experience. Aunt Carolee and Spencer Thank you for the visit it was good to get to spend some time with you guys. I have really enjoyed being able to attend the temple especially with Bishop and Sister Stevens they have helped me learn so much and not be so nervous about asking questions or doing things alone. I guess this week I'm just grateful and want to thank everyone that has helped me this week! Thank You!!
I hope that everything is well back home or wherever y'all maybe. I hope that this next week a good one for everyone. May the lord be with each and every one of you!
Love always
Keean
P. S. Thank you for all the emails and letters that I've gotten they really make a difference in my week!
Once again another week has come to a close and a new one has started. this one seems to be a fun one with Tropical Storm Alex soon to be Hurricane Alex. When I first got my call my dad and I sat down and where researching about Tampico and one of the things that we found interesting was that Tampico hasn't been hit by a Hurricane in like 50 years. Well Alex might not directly hit Tampico but its pretty darn close. We joked that now that i'm getting called there Tampico is going to have a Hurricane hit it i guess that we can't joke about that so much now.
This last week was a slow one I work an extra day so I only got one day off and man did that drain me of all the energy that I normally have. I have figured out a couple things that I hope will help me be more healthy and safe as I work late nights for this last month. Things like if i pack a dinner(peanut butter and jelly sandwiches) for me to take to work i not only get to eat dinner at night but I also don't have the problem of nodding off as I drive home. Nodding off is a scaring thing to think about but i found myself doing it a lot this week so hopefully eating on my way home will help.
I have had a lot of support from friends and ward members this week which has been great!! Jeremiah and I of course always support each other but it has been different this week as we both get closer to our missions I think it is getting stronger and i don't really know how to explain it but i can't wait to see him in the temple this week! Jeremiah my fingers are crossed that everything will work out for you this week. I went on a date with Marlies Finch this week we went out to breakfast and just talk that was the most fun that i've had in a while and it really helped me relax from all the stress that i've had with things getting so close. Her Family has also been very nice Brother and Sister Finch took some time to encourage me in what i'm doing. It was a very up lifting experience. Aunt Carolee and Spencer Thank you for the visit it was good to get to spend some time with you guys. I have really enjoyed being able to attend the temple especially with Bishop and Sister Stevens they have helped me learn so much and not be so nervous about asking questions or doing things alone. I guess this week I'm just grateful and want to thank everyone that has helped me this week! Thank You!!
I hope that everything is well back home or wherever y'all maybe. I hope that this next week a good one for everyone. May the lord be with each and every one of you!
Love always
Keean
P. S. Thank you for all the emails and letters that I've gotten they really make a difference in my week!
June 23, 2010
Hello Everybody!
So once again another week has come to a close. It was so nice this last week to have Mom Krissy and Tanner down here in texas! I had a lot of fun strengthening those relationships. So even though i just went to the temple last tuesday it feels like i haven't been in like a month. I can definitely see the work of Satan in my life trying to keep me from going back but finally I'm going to make it back today even though I have way too many things to do and not enough time to do them in. I have decided that going to the temple today is the BEST thing that I can do with my time. I have been going through my life with Elder Oaks' talk Good, Better, Best and trying to make it so that I am doing the Best things that i can.
So I am always amazed at how the lord provides missionary opportunities to us when we show him that that is what we want to do. So I have a friend at work and his name is Roger. He came to me on Sunday night and we talked because he is looking at transferring up to Colorado and we just kindad talked about what colorado is like what might be a good area to look at living and then we kinda got into why he is transferring. I'm not going to get into that but religion was mentioned in the conversation and he asked if i went to church and of course I said I do and i am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. Well we didn't really talk make that day about it but on monday he came up to me and just started asking questions. It was amazing!!! He is so ready for the gospel it is like exactly what he is looking for in his life. I was able to give him a Book of Mormon and a gospel principles book. He was excited to have those two books and be able to read them. We'll see what happens throughout the next couple weeks.
I have learned a lot of things through out my life but there is one thing in-particular that I keep 'learning' over and over and every time even though its the same it hits me like a ton of bricks and that is that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the True church of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know this with out a doubt! I think i'm only starting to get a glimpse at the power that the Book of Mormon and attending the temple have.
Aunt Julie my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you are going through this rough time.
I hope that every one has a great week!
Love always,
Keean
June 15, 2010 -Blessings in Disguise
Hey everybody,
Another week has gone by. I hope that this week my address list for who gets this letter is more complete. This week was a rough one there is no doubt about that. I had a schedule change at work which is great but it required that I work 8 days straight. that alone is rough but to say the least work didn't run smoothly at all. For those of you that don't know what I do I load food on to airplanes. To actually load the food I have to gather the equipment, beverages, and food for the respective departments that make them and load them all on to my catering truck. Well basically all week one of the departments was an hour behind schedule. Monday (yesterday) all three deparments were behind and we were short on equipment. When I was going through the week it was really hard but i learned and got to practice several important things. First being keeping my cool not getting tense in the face of a stressful situation. I realized that not getting stressed helped me to keep the spirit and be the type of person that I should be. Second, I learned how an outward expression of kindness can change the way an event plays out. For an example I work for about 50% of the time that I work with flight attendents. Now they have rather long and sometimes frustrating days and when i get on a plane i can just start work and not say anything to them like most caterers do but taking the time to smile and ask them how they are doing has 80% of the catering experiences that I had into positive ones that ended well for both me and the flight crew. Anyways those where two of the blessing that i had this week. By learning those two things I think that it will be able to help me be a better missionary and person after I get back.
I had the opportunity to go through the temple this week with my parents, Bobby, Saylla, my Bishop and his Wife. What an amazing, up lifting, educational, and humbling experience! It was another testimony to me that this church is the true chruch of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I learned so much and I can't wait to be able to go back as soon as I can!
I love you all and hope that everything is well with you!! May God be with each and everyone of you.
Love
Keean
Another week has gone by. I hope that this week my address list for who gets this letter is more complete. This week was a rough one there is no doubt about that. I had a schedule change at work which is great but it required that I work 8 days straight. that alone is rough but to say the least work didn't run smoothly at all. For those of you that don't know what I do I load food on to airplanes. To actually load the food I have to gather the equipment, beverages, and food for the respective departments that make them and load them all on to my catering truck. Well basically all week one of the departments was an hour behind schedule. Monday (yesterday) all three deparments were behind and we were short on equipment. When I was going through the week it was really hard but i learned and got to practice several important things. First being keeping my cool not getting tense in the face of a stressful situation. I realized that not getting stressed helped me to keep the spirit and be the type of person that I should be. Second, I learned how an outward expression of kindness can change the way an event plays out. For an example I work for about 50% of the time that I work with flight attendents. Now they have rather long and sometimes frustrating days and when i get on a plane i can just start work and not say anything to them like most caterers do but taking the time to smile and ask them how they are doing has 80% of the catering experiences that I had into positive ones that ended well for both me and the flight crew. Anyways those where two of the blessing that i had this week. By learning those two things I think that it will be able to help me be a better missionary and person after I get back.
I had the opportunity to go through the temple this week with my parents, Bobby, Saylla, my Bishop and his Wife. What an amazing, up lifting, educational, and humbling experience! It was another testimony to me that this church is the true chruch of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I learned so much and I can't wait to be able to go back as soon as I can!
I love you all and hope that everything is well with you!! May God be with each and everyone of you.
Love
Keean
June 6, 2010 -Trying to Jump Start my Letters Home
Hey everybody,
So I've decided that I should start getting the habit of the things that I will be doing on my mission. One of those being weekly letters home. I have been really bad about this and phone calls for the last year while i've been down here in Houston. So this last week I think was a very productive one. I went in on tuesday and recieved the last four shots that I needed before I enter the MTC in August I was pretty excited to be able to check that off my list. I promised mom that I would call in sick on tuesday and though i didn't really get any sicker then I already was it was a good thing for me to do cause what ever shots they gave me in my right arm made it so that i could barely lift it and loading an airplane with food isn't something that can be done one handed. I ended up calling in on wednesday too cause the doctor gave me a note and i was still having a hard time lifting my arm.
Today I had both of my interviews for my temple recommend it was so exciting. I think that I've learned more about the temple in the past week then i have ever before it is just mind blowing to me how much information there is in the temple and how it can be a channel to open our minds to both things of the world and things of the spirit. I'm super excited to be able to go to the temple next week with mom, dad, bobby, and saylla. Ken and Konnie I would love to have you here to but i know that isn't going to happen but I'm looking forward to our temple trip in August.
I've been writing my missionary buddies this past week cause i finally found all of there addresses and I have got to say I love how we all are at different stages of the missionary experience we all have different backgrounds and how we get spread all over the world. Allthough most of my friends are state side i have one friend who will be serving in Germany/Austria, I have two down in mexico with me and then one in Brasil and one in Canada. I have one missionary experience that I would like to share. so down here I have a neighbor that always sits outside at night and drinks his beer. His name is adam and he is really nice we've talked off and on for the last year and he is always pushing me to go back to school which has of course lead to us talking about the gospel. At Easter I gave him and his family a copy of the church's easter dvd then last week we were talking again about my mission and I was able to give them a book of mormon to see for them selves why I would do this. I haven't seen them since last week but i think it is amazing how the lord provided me that opportunity to do that. It is truely amazing to me how much support I have and do recieve from those of other faiths in my decision to serve a mission.
I love you all. Thank you for all the support and love you show me. Have an amazing week!! May God be with you.
Love always
Keean
ps if know someone else who would like to receive these letters but isn't on the list or If you don't want to receive these please let me know and I'll take care of it
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