November 26, 2010

Familia! How's it hangin everybody? How many times was "Name something you take with you to the beach" said at Abby's house on T-Giving? Somewhere in the range of 10-35 I'm going to say. Thanks again for all the letters I've been getting from everybody lately. Here's the first couple of weeks top writers:

1. Brett - Truly the greatest keeper of the keys any family has ever seen. Zero chance I don't get a letter from him, it's just zero.

2. Mark & Heather - Barely beating out Kev & Rach, because I'm pretty Kevin didn't write me last week. Rachael definitely did, which makes her awesome. But Mark & Heather going to Heather's mom's office to type out a letter, mass points

3. Kevin & Rachael - Consistent, uplifting letters. Good stories, good times, special times.

4. Mike - Writes me at least once a week. Just kidding. Isn't that the same brother who said "Your dead to me" to Mark before his mission? Yup, it definitely was. Awesome.

So life continues at the MTHans. I'm trying to remember all the interesting things that happened this week, stay with me here. Well whatever, I'm just going to start on Thanksgiving. So get this family, not one, not two, but three devotionals! Greatest day ever. They all kinda went in decreasing order throughout the day. First and foremost we had Jeffrey R. Holland come in the morning! Coolest thing ever, dude is such a cool apostle. Really strikes a good balance of entertaining, loving, and spiritual. He brought his entire family and told us not to be homesick today and just to pretend his family was ours for the day. He has all his grandkids come up and sing for us, and it made me appreciate how cool my neices and nephews are. So for all you neices and nephews out there who are reading this, you guys rock. He spoke about how much Christ and Heavenly Father knows us personally. That totally doesn't do it justice, I wish everyone could have been there. One of my favorite things about apostles, still reading right Greg, is how you can just tell they've seen some amazing things that are much too sacred to dicuss. I'm positive those guys are absolutely called of God and have a very direct relationship with him, thats why it's the Church of Jesus Christ foo's, not the Church of Jose Smith. Well anywho, after that we had a devotional about poor kids in Africa which wasn't depressing at all, just kidding. But no worries, because shortly thereafter we got to make backpacks! It was really fun actually, and now those crazy kids can carry books in their backpacks instead of on their head, which apparently they do. We got thanksgiving "dinner" at 12:00 Noon and it really wasn't too bad believe it or not. And to top it off, Thankful fireside that night. Awesome, right? Everyone in my district got packages from their families, way to be in Australia Mom & Dad. That's fine though, I ate so much of other peoples food. Rarely even asking anybody. I was kinda like Kev and Marv on Christmas Morning 15 years ago, opening everyone's packages for them, and then I was like Greg 15 years ago, stealing them. Good times.

So get this family, this is way cool. You know that TRC I was telling you about? Well this week our task was to basically teach the entire second lesson (Plan of Salvacion) in 35 minutes, all in Spanish. And guess what family, I did it. There is no better feeling than feelin' it while your teaching a lesson with somebody you really do love and care about, not to mention in a different language. The lady said how much she liked us as missionaries and we committed her to baptism. So yes it was practice, and yes she is a member of the church and a volunteer, but hey, it's not easy asking someone to be baptised regardless. So, yeah that was awesome. Heavenly Father is definitely making an impact on my Spanish. I could barely have a 2 minute Spanish discussion in two years of High School, and I've been in the MTC what? Almost 4 weeks now?

So time for personal shout outs:

Brett - I really like that out to dinner once a month thing. I want to use that in my family someday, it's good to get some one on one time with the parentals. Also, seriosuly thanks for keeping me updated, it's really awesome.

Rachael - So when is Holly's first try out with the Benjamin Babysitter Club? How about every weekend for the next two years? Deal. Just kidding. Just every Friday & Saturday.

Marv & Heather - So cold outside! Isn't it just terrible? Heather, how did you grow up in this? But anyways, how is Thanksgiving in P-Town?

Randy - Strong showing Rando! So everything seems to be pretty crazy around the homestead these days, but try to enjoy it. Sunrise....Sunset....I think that's a song, and I think you should listen to it. Keep it up, bro!

So as for the Lakers - I've been doing the math everyday, and they absolutely should win this year. It's the deepest team I've ever seen. If Sasha is ever the tenth man on your team, your in good shape. Just imagine who the Pacers tenth man is, Brother Burt or something. And Brett, if you ever feel like DearEldering me the postgame reports of Laker W's, it would be so, so appreciated.

So things are good with me. I've been a little sick lately but I'm feeling better. How's that for an exciting report? Oh, and Mom if you ever come home from Australia and have this deep desire to send me a care package lined with Sports Pages, a carton of GoldFish would just make me so happy. The food has been good here, plus they sell Pretz in the book store, but I've got this craving for a cheesy, salty snack, it's overwhelming. I've gained like almost 10 pounds! Pure muscle. So things are good, with my companion (even though he's from Utah, and occasionally rips for CA for some reason), my district, and the zone. I feel right at home, I guess. But please keep writing me if you can, and I love all of you! I forgot to mention Sambo last week, and it kept me up all night. Express my love for Sambo. You guys are the best, and I consider myself extremely lucky to be an Abbott. The church is true ya'll, keep on rockin' it.

Love,

Elder Abbott

November 19, 2010

Hey everybody! So has it gotten to that point yet where everyone is totally bored of my emails? Well just wait tell you hear about what I did this this week: had some spanish class, had some meals, slept, had some solid spiritual thoughts. Just kidding, the MTC is way more exciting than that, and believe it or not, I'm not even kidding. But first things first, you guys rock! Thanks so much for all the DearElders you guys sent me today. We get to check our mail twice a day, and it's either a time of total glory, or deep sammy-like depression. I go and check it out on Monday, and bam! 12 letters from me familia. You guys are seriously the best, I can't tell you how much I really do appreciate it. Keep em' coming, they're awesome. Glad to hear everyone is doing well, and nothings really changed from back home. Thats the thing about the mission, you kinda feel like everything is going to change back at home once you leave, but it doesn't really. Lakes are still doing awesome, Greg is still spending tons of time at Abby's, (he has officially broken the record of most hours at Abby's), and I hear just as much from Mike now, as I did when I was home. Burn, Smike. You should know though, that my email username thing is menchutz. And of course on the first day I had serious stress figuring out how to email, had to run down to the front desk for literally an hour of deep searching to find out what my username was, because I forgot. Once that guy found it in like my birth certificate or something, he said "oh, here it is: men-chutz." So wonderful. New rule of thumb for you foo's, if you DearElder me, you get a personal shout out.

Miles - Alright, so you didn't DearElder me, but whatever. Isn't it your birthday, foo? Happy Birthday Miso, I have your Vote for Miles Pin in my dorm room, I'll do what I can in Mexico to rally the people behind you for next years election

Rach & Kev - Thanks guys! Especially you Rach, I love so much the idea of Holly babysitting for you guys. How could she resist Ben's boyish charm? Get on that as soon as possible por favor, especially on weekend nights. Don't let her bring a "friend" that's a boy either. You guys rock!

Brett - Love the highly detailed journals, your kids crack me up so much and I love hearing about it. Keep them comin' Bro!

Jacob - I like you too, Fish

Jackson - I'm loving my Mission buddy! I'll see what I can do about you getting Mario for Christmas, did you know that if you have an uncle on a mission, you get whatever you want for Christmas?

Mark & Heather - Great showing you two. All around, great. Truly great story about the interview Marv, let me know how it goes! I keep you in mah prayers everynight, a BYU/Business School graduate who is fluent in Chinese should simply have a job. Heather, always check your purse for spiders!

Sorry if I forgot anyone, emailin' time is serious stress mode. So many missionaries crammed into the laundry room, so hot, so little time. But anyways, enough about you, let's talk about me. That was kind of a Dr. Spatzo reference, whatever that is. Everything is going pretty great with me. I had a little bit of a fever yesterday and got to walk down to the BYU pharmacy with my companion. You have no idea how pumped we were to see like cars, and intersections, and people without tags on. Ok, I realize it's only been like two weeks, but it was unbelievable. The MTC is totally just a world of it's own. Word on the street is that Mexico Missionaries are infamous for having to stay like 14 weeks because of visa problems. So there's these couple of guys on my floor who I love who are on their 13th week of the MTC and there going to Mexico. These guys are literally going insane, it's hilarious. One in particular, Elder Calvert reminds me so much of the Old guy on Shawshank. He's been here for so long, he's so afraid to leave. Truly terrified of the outside world, so that'll be me I guess. Wonderful.

So cool story? Once a week we have something called the TRC. It stands for something, but I don't know what, but basically volunteers outside of the MTC come and pretend to be investigators for us to practice. This week we were supposed to practice door approaches in spanish, but once we got inside, switch to english and teach the first lesson. We knock on the door, and naturally we get a little Mexican lady who doesn't speak a world of english. Great. So long story short, I rocked it. I have no idea what happened, but I taught the entire first lesson about the Resturation in spanish. It was seriously the coolest thing. It's so obvious to see that Heavenly Father is playing a part in me learning Spanish. No other way I could have a half an hour long spiritual discussion in spanish any other way. When I was done, the Mexican lady, who was awesome by the way, was shocked to find out I've only been in the MTC for two weeks. So cool.

Other than that, everything is going good. I really love my district, and me and the other Elders have some serious good times everyday. No apostle at the devotional this week, but as the Holidays are comin' up, we're expecting some good speakers. By the way, how is Australia Mom & Dad?! Sounding pretty awesome from your emails, which I was able to skim through. Try your best to reinact the last scene of Lord of the Rings when you climb Mount Doom. "I may not be able to carry it, but I can carry you!" I imagine Mom being Sam. Dad - Frodo.

So hope everyone has an awesome of a Thanksgiving as Me, Mike, and Mark had at some restaurant many years ago. At least they were nice enough to get me McDonalds on the way. If only Mom & Dad left us a little more money. McDonalds was good though.

So just want everyone to know how much I love them. Mom, Dad, Mike, Randy, Greg, Kevin, Brett, Mark, Heather, Rachael, Sandy, Luke, Caleb, Eric, Oscar, Stevie, Devon, Miles, Cameron, Benjamin, Anna, Joshy, Becky, Jackson, Joseph, Jacob, Kaitlyn, Uncle Ron & Uncle Clay - I love all of you. I feel so blessed to have you in my life, and the fact I can be with you guys for eternity is the greatest knowledge I have ever recieved. Keep doing what's right, and just so you know, the Church is in everyway completely and totally true. Everything we have didn't come from a 14 year old boy, I can promise you that. This is Christ's church, foo's.

Love,

Elder Abbott

November 12, 2010

So anyways, good week family! It's definitely getting to the point where I've lost all track of time. It's seriously P-Day again? The days go by so fast, but at the same time they are so jam-packed with stuff. Hey Greg, how much does hour 3 of discussing Investegator Body Language pump you up? Speaking of Gregorious, we do tons of role play stuff here and they tell us to pretend to be someone we know taking the missionary discussions. Naturally, I'm Greg and naturally I give them a super hard time, but end up agreeing to come back to church. Eat my dust, Greg.

But seriously, life is good at the MTC. Espanol is definitely coming, pretty slow, but it's coming. I can pretty comfortably pray and say my testimony in spanish and me and my companion are working on giving the first lesson in Spanish. This is such an interesting letter, huh? Well listen up, these are the things I have to get pumped up for these days. I'm really loving Gym time. Me and my buddy Tarabilda try to break the MTC records every single day. I was 3 free throws away from breaking the all time MTC record, I tried to channel my inner Shasha, but I ended up bricking it, so I guess I did channel my inner Shasha.

Oh ya! Elder Bednar came this week so speak to the MTC, and it was so awesome. Let me tell you about it. Actually I don't think I will, this letter is about me not Elder Bednar. Alright well I will say this, doctrine is everything in the church, the answer is always in the doctrine. Think about that family.

Mom/Dad - Australia! Only slightly cooler than last year's "vacation" to Viscalia. No offense Bert, I love Viscalia. One of my good buddies here is from Australia, and he says Kanagaroos are more dangeros than they look. Watch out Dad.

Brett - What's better to hand out after a soccer game than hand made Burritos? Forget buying popsicles for the kids on your soccer team, nothing like a Burrito after a game. Greatest coach ever.

Mark/Heather - Good to hear from you guys! Marvelous, would you kindly write me more letters? Terrible joke only you will get, but seriously play it again. Tell me about the next game you get, and what about Marv Abbo? Starting PG for the Knicks? Heather! I will definitely talk to Hermano Wood, everyday in class we try to get him to talk about his love life. He just got back from his mission and is super awkward, we're trying to set him up with Tarabilda's sister.

Randy - How's the house? And yes, the MTC is the worst smelling place in the world. It makes the PetHotel smell like the Buddhist people's garden across the street.

So like I said, I'm doing really good. I'm super close with my district and we're all buddies. We just have tons of fun laughing at ourselves and especially the new missionaries who just came in. That was so weird, seeing the new missionaries come in. They all seem so young, but I guess that was me like a week ago. But seriously after the first 4 days here, you own the place. Greg could run/walk this place in 10 minutes.

Sorry I don't have that much time to explain everything thats been going on and all the good times like the Norweigan kids who sit with us at dinner. Those kids rock by the way. But anyways, if you could please find the time to write me on DearElder every once in a while, letters really have the power to change days. I love all of you so much! Keep up the good work, and just remember how cool it is we can be a Family Forever! That's what it's all about foo's.

Love,

Elder Abbott

November 6, 2010

Hola me familia! Oh my gosh, so much to say and I've only got 24 minutes and two seconds! I've got a little timer in the corner of the screen which reminds me a lot of the show 24. So much pressure, so many clothes to wash at the same time. So hey! It's true, I'm at the MTC and It's been a total trip the past three days, which seriously have felt so much longer than that. It's already hard to remember the good ol' days of Eggo Waffles in the morning taking Sam on a walk. Ah, those were the days. Well anyways, It's honestly been pretty awesome the past couple of days. I know all this will probably be pretty boring for those of you out there, like Greg for example. But whatever, I'm givin you the low down anyways:

My Companion- Elder Heyer! It's pronounced "Higher" but of course I don't call him that. I put a little Spanish twist into it and call him Elder Ayer. I like to think he appreciates it. He's a way cool guy from some little town called Helper, Utah and is watching me write this, so yeah, way cool guy. We get along really nicely, and he laughes at my jokes, so no worries. We taught in spanish today for the first time, and it was uh, interesting. When I run out of things to talk about with a potential "investigator" I always just say what I like about them. Me gusta usted zapatillas, me gusta usted ojos. Wanna know how I know I'm gay? Saying me gusta usted ojos to a missionary.

Socially, things have been pretty awesome. I'm kinda the leader of my gang like the good ol' days, and I think they think I'm kinda crazy. But we always have fun and we all get along great. Oh yeah! The other dudes in my district are cool too. My best friend here is probably Elder Terrabilda, he plays basketball at UC San Diego and his Grandpa is in the sixth ward. We had a three point shooting contest yesterday and I beat him. Highlight of the MTC thus far.

Just kidding, It's probably time for the spiritual thangs. I've grown so much in the past three days, but I'm still me. Thats what I was afraid of on the mission, I'd grow so much that I'd kinda lose the guy I was. Well, no worries about that, I'm going to run this place in another week. But spiritually, it's amazing. Honestly, in just three days so much has changed for me. I'm just so much more suspectible to the Spirit than before, and it's awesome. Without the Spirit, this would be so much harder. My teachers are these way cool 24 year old returned missionary dudes. Not returned missionary in the "let's go to the pizza parlor and cheap theater" kinda way, but legitamitely cool dudes that I can talk to. One in particular, Hermano Wood is a single man and I always ask him what his plans are that night, I'm encouraging him to go after an Hermana teacher down the hall. I believe in him.

Gym time is fantastic. So much basketball, me and Elder Terrabilda are so happy they let us play. By the way! Brothers, remember the Schmutz's that beat us in Family Camp basketball? Remember the white guy returned missionary who acted like his leg fell off when he twisted his ankle? That guy works here! Took me forever to figure it out, but thats the guy.

Anywho, how is everyone else doing? More specifically, how are the Lakers doing? I wore my Kobe shirt here on the first day and half the elders here call me Elder Kobe. All the Jazz fans really appreciated that, which is like 90% of the people here.

Mom - How is work going? How is that crazy lady you work with doing? Ok I don't really care so much about her, but how is life without ol' Tyler to make grilled cheeses for? How pumped are for your Australia trip? How often do you use the iPad? Tons, right?

Dad - Dad! How is everything going back at home? I expect you to still be running three times a week when I come back, and I also expect you to be running three times a week when my kids get back from their missions. You can do it, Big D

Hey Brett! Check out the website DearElder.com - Coolest thing ever. If you could put a link to it on my blog, I'd appreciate it. Basically you can write a letter on that website, they'll print it out for you and give it to me the day you write it. And of clouse, it is free! It makes a world of difference to get a letter from someone, and I've already gotten several from Mike. Just kidding. But I'm optimistic.

The food here is actually pretty great. I'm eating a ton, and trying lots of new stuff. We've had hamburgers for three meals already, I miss In-N-Out so much. Anyways, a little box just told me I have to finish up. So I'm doing good up here, the days are long, but all satisfying. Keep praying for me and I'll do the same for all of you. I love all of you and hope you guys are coping well without me, especially you Mark. Whoah, remember those numbers I told you about the top right of the screen that times me? Now they're becomming bigger and bigger, so much pressure. Well anyways, keep on rockin' family and friends. Keep on rockin'

Love,

Elder Abbott

PS - Those of you at BYU, if you see Holly walking around, give her a hug for me. Muchas Gracias

Bon Voyage

Farewell Talk

Morning Brothers and Sisters, in case you haven’t seen me in the past 19 years my name is Tyler Abbott. Happy Halloween everybody! I know it’s kind of a bummer to have Halloween on a Sunday, but look at the bright side; at least you don’t have to give a talk! Well, I finally made it here and I guess I’m still technically a youth speaker. I always knew this ward had a great sense of humor. But I’m just going to have to use that as an excuse to continue just reading my talks, considering if I look up and make eye contact with anyone on the front row, I’ll either crack up or get a little emotional. It could go either way with my family!

In case you haven’t heard, I have been called to serve as a Missionary in the Torreon, Mexico Spanish speaking mission.

Bishop Child (still getting used to that) assigned me to give a talk on D&C 4. Even though it’s only 7 versus long, it perfectly embodies why we go and serve the Lord on missions. You know what; it’s so short I’m just going to read the whole thing.

1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

4 For behold the afield is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.

6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.

7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.

After reading that, the idea of dropping everything and leaving the life I knew behind suddenly becomes a lot less difficult. It is such an honor to think that I’m going to be a part of this marvelous work, doing exactly what Heavenly Father would want me to do. Honestly that’s one of the things I’m looking forward to most on my mission - the perfect knowledge that I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to do. I’ll know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is exactly what Heavenly Father wants from me, and in turn I know I will be blessed more than I’ll realize anytime soon. If I could just talk to the young men of this ward for two seconds, I would challenge them to look at everyone they’ve met that has gone on a mission and analyze their lives. Chances are they have a beautiful wife and are very happy, that is the dream boy’s. It has been very clear and evident to me that if we are willing and worthy to serve the Lord, he absolutely will bless us and give us the best life we could ask for. How cool is it to live in a completely different place with a completely different people. As exciting as The Land of Gracious Living is, we really need to go out there and experience the world. And just throwing this out there guys, my good friend once told me “your girlfriend might not wait for you, but your wife will.” Just think about that for a second.

Anyways, got a little side tracked there. I in no way mean to say that I’m excited for my mission for just personal gain, although that is going to be great. The true purpose is to share this truth we know with other sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. If you ever wanted to try doing something scary, think about your life for a second if you had no exposure to this church. If you lived your life without its guidance and assistance. I don’t know about you, but I’m positive I wouldn’t be half the person I am today. I have been given so much knowledge about the Plan of Salvation and it is a pleasure and a responsibility to share that knowledge. My good friend Peter Parker’s Uncle once said, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Brothers and Sisters, we have been given so much from our Heavenly Father, literally everything we have is because of Him. All he asks of us is to share his love with his other sons and daughters. He wants to bless us brothers and sisters; He wants to bless all of us. Heavenly Father knows each and everyone us, but not all of us know who He is. We have to do our part to have others reestablish their connection to Him and in turn share in this happiness we have. Remember brothers and sisters the words of Mosiah: “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

Time for a story. By the way Sister Olson, I borrowed your book of Missionary Stories, I appreciate it. This one is called “The King’s Highway”:

Once a king had a great highway built for the members of his kingdom. After it was completed, but before it was opened to the public, the king decided to have a contest. He invited as many as desired to participate. Their challenge was to see who could travel the highway the best.
On the day of the contest the people came. Some of them had fine chariots, some had fine clothing, fine hairdos, or great food. Some young men came in their track clothes and ran along the highway. People traveled the highway all day, but each one, when he arrived at the end, complained to the king that there was a large pile of rocks and debris left on the road at one spot and this got in their way and hindered their travel.
At the end of the day, a lone traveler crossed the finish line warily and walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty, but he addressed the king with great respect and handed him a bag of gold. He explained, "I stopped along the way to clear a pile of rocks and debris that was blocking the road. This bag of gold was under it all. I want you to return it to its rightful owner."
The king replied, "You are the rightful owner."
The traveler replied, "Oh no, this is not mine. I've never known such money."
"Oh yes," said the king, "you've earned this gold, for you won my contest. "He who travels the road best is he who makes the road smoother for those who will follow."

No matter what our circumstances may be, we can always make others lives run a little smoother. And I know that our lives run the best they possible can when we are in harmony with the Holy Spirit. Above anything else, the best way we can help uplift and strengthen others is by sharing this gospel that others may have the peace of the Holy Ghost. By following the example of the elderly man in the story I know we’ll be blessed beyond our comprehension.

I can’t reemphasize enough how blessed we are brothers and sisters. I know personally when I look back at the impact this true church has had on my life, I’m amazed. I’ve somehow managed to get through my teenage years and not make too many mistakes, which for those of you who know me, that’s kind of impressive. But honestly, I couldn’t even begin to relate how happy I have been to grow up with a life centered around this church. Standing from here, I can see where I was blessed as a baby; I can see where I passed and blessed the sacrament for the first time, and where I was sitting when I watched my brothers and friends give their farewells. Brothers and Sisters I love this church so much, and I love all of you who are in it. I have so many priceless memories that have come from this church that are all big factors in why I am standing here today. Much of which I probably shouldn’t share from the stand as many of my former Priest and Priest Leaders would agree, looking at you Hoke.

One story I’d like to relate to you Brothers and Sisters, involves a little cave called E-Ticket. When I say little cave, I really mean a tiny tunnel our scout leaders made us crawl through on a campout a few years ago. No kidding, this probably half a mile long tunnel was a foot and a half tall and completely pitch black. Those of you who have been a part of this church for as long as I have can tell when a good metaphor is coming, and this is no exception. In the middle of that cave in the dark, I was pretty scared and at times didn’t even know if I was going in the right direction. I would scrape my knees and my shoulders on several occasions. I’ve got the scars to prove it. Right when things just seemed to be overwhelming, Brother Chang did two things for me after I asked for a little help. One, he gave me a light so I would feel less afraid and so I could finally see where I was going and prevent myself from getting those scrapes. And two, he told the young men to just sing a hymn and we would feel more comfortable. Within seconds we not only knew where we were going, we also knew the Holy Ghost was with us in the cave. Here’s the metaphor part. At times our lives can seem like that dark cave, feeling misguided and lost, as we experience many bumps and bruises along the way. However, we are very fortunate to have a Father in Heaven who loves us dearly and desires nothing more than to help us. If we follow the guidance in D&C 4 Verse 7 - Ask and ye shall receive: knock and it shall be opened unto you.” We just need to ask of our Heavenly Father to light up the cave that leads to the literal and figurative light at the end of the tunnel, the Celestial Kingdom.

Brothers and Sisters, I am so excited to serve the Lord on my Mission. I have been preparing for this all of my life, and I’m truly excited to share what I have been given with the people of Mexico. Truly the field is white and ready to harvest, and we get the great opportunity to do our part in this great and marvelous work. We just need to thrust our sickles for the harvest and bring Heavenly Father’s children back to him. Those of you who are parents would absolutely want the same thing if you lost one of your children, wouldn’t you? Well we can be the one’s who can reunite Heavenly Father with his children.

This is truly a great and marvelous work Brothers and Sisters, and we are an integral part of it. I found this poem by an Unknown Author that was really a motivator to me to become a better missionary. It’s called “Christ Has No Hands, but Our Hands”:

Christ has no hands but our hands to do His work today
He has no feet but our feet to lead men in the way
He has no tongue but our tongue to tell men how He died
He has no help but our help to bring them to His side.

We are the only Bible the careless world will read,
We are the sinner’s gospel; we are the scoffer’s creed;
We are the Lord’s last message, given in word and deed;
What if the type is crooked? What if the print is blurred?

What if our hands are busy with other work than His?
What if our feet are walking where sin’s allurement is?
What if our tongue is speaking of things His lips would spurn?
How can we hope to help Him or welcome His return?

While I’m here I just wanted to thank all of you who have played an instrumental part of my life. My wonderful parents who given me more than they could ever know, my brothers who I’ve looked up to for as long as I can remember, the several teachers and leaders who attempted to teach our class. I’d also like to take the opportunity to apologize to many of you who were forced to deal with me in my formative years. And also a special thank you to the mothers of this ward. Your sons are my absolute best friends and given me the best years of my life. Especially the ones who are currently serving on missions, they are such a great example to me.