Week 61 (It's Christmas in California... J.M.)

Hello! For most of you right now it is Christmas Vacation. I hope it is going well. Christmas Eve and Day were great over here in the zOna. For Christmas Eve, we were able to go over to a member's house (the Blazer's) that is a somehow-connected relative to the sister-in-law of Elder Shiffler. So, we were able to go there and spend a bit of Christmas Eve there with his brother and other family friends. The next day, we started as usual with personal study but afterwards headed out to have a Christmas brunch with our Branch President and some of his family. The other two missionaries that serve with us in the branch joined us too. Afterwards we made a phone-call home which was thoroughly enjoyable. After that we went out to work the rest of the day. We had a few lessons set up. A couple of them went through. In the evening, because of our schedule, we were going to have to skip dinner. While going to make a contact after a lesson had just fell through, we got to talking with a gentleman who first invited us to sit outside of his apartment to have some soda. Then while out there, he asked us of we liked tamales. Before long we were talking about the Savior with him while being treated to homemade tamales and posole. (posole is a meaty soup with the main ingredient being hominy) Whether something will happen with him or not, it is hard to tell, but for certain it was a tender moment of the Lord looking out for us and showing His love through the good people of the world. Just as the Spirit of Christ at Christmas time has great power to open and change hearts, if we do our part, we can bring that spirit to others all the time. It is the deep feeling of love and acceptance that people seek and that can be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that there are many wonderful people in the world just waiting for the Gospel to make them even better. In this new year let our heart be turned more towards others in all that we say and do so that through our examples, they can want the wonderful blessing that is here for everyone. I love my Heavenly Father and Savior. I want to help others act on that love through repenting and being baptized. I hope that each of you have a Happy New Year and try a little harder to see what the Lord would have you put on your list of resolutions. Take care!

-Elder LaPorte =)

p.s. I would love to hear how your Christmas and New Years was spent as well!

Week 60 (Do You Hear What I Hear?... Copeland)

Hey! I have practically no time to talk! Yesterday was strange. It was cloudy, then clear and sunny, then a hail-storm, then rain and clouds, then clouds. This week has been good. Today we went to the Temple, and last Saturday Carlos got baptized. Elder Shiffler baptized and I confirmed. We had a nice dinner Sunday night with the District and went to the Mission President's Fireside. This morning I also played some raquetball (sp?) I hope you all have a Merry Christmas! I look so forward to talking to you guys on Friday! Love yA!!

-Elder LaPorte =)

p.s. Tell Elder Helvey good luck in S.L.C. and to say hi to Elder Card if he meets him. (a spanish missionary) also, ask him if he got a package from me before he left. byE!

Week 59 (All I Want For Christmas... M.C.)

There is a safety in routine that we as people hold on to. Change is one of the hardest things for us to accept and to adjust to. As such, we are creatures of habit. Habits play a very important role in our lives, at times for better and at times for the worst. What we want is to form good habits and leave the bad ones behind. However, there is even caution to be taken the habits formed for the good. Routine can seep in, slowly numbing us to the growth that can be had in our spiritual habits in life. In reading the scriptures and praying daily, we can have a good habit of doing so, but get lost in the routine of it, thus getting nothing out of it. It is a constant struggle to maintain sincerity in our spiritual journey, but very necessary. When praying, reading, taking the sacrament, going to the temple, we need to be sure that we are always looking for what the Lord needs us to get out of that experience. Sincere, good habits are what we want. They are difficult to have, but worth it every time. At this time of year, let us sincerely remember and understand the reason why over 2,000 years later, the world is still celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for this time of refelction and dedication that I have at this time of year. I pray that the Spirit of the Savior abides with each of you and those around you so that you might touch a heart and bring them closer to Christ. I love life. I love each of you. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 58 (The Snow's Coming Down... DcfC)

Hello! Merry Christmas Season! What a wonderful month. Just shooting a quick message with some quick updates. Tomorrow we are having the mission party for Christmas where the WHOLE mission will get together. I am excited to see all of my friends that are off in other places and enjoy their company. Our Branch will be having a Christmas Party this Saturday too. This transfer will be a really exciting time to see people enter the waters of baptism. There are a lot of very special and prepared people ready for this step in their lives. I have seen some of the most difficult challenges in the lives of some of these people but they hold fast to their faith and testimony of what they want to do. The Adversary works hard. But we will work harder. As we dedicate ourselves to our efforts and stay diligent, all will go well. I am excited for this opportunity that I, and the missionaries that work with me, to be tested and challenged the carry out the Lord's work here on the earth. Hearts are ready, and we are harvesting. I am grateful for this time of year when we can turn our thoughts even more to that of the Savior and the gift of His life. May we never forget the purpose of this season in remembering Him and what He did. I love the Lord and my Heavenly Father and I love each of you. Have a great week!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 57 (Have A Holly Jolly Christmas... Format)

Hello! Well, I completely forgot to announce the coming of transfers but come they did. Elder Shiffler and I are both very excited to stay together and keep pooling our efforts to help this branch. On December 1st I changed the calendars and wore a green and red plaid tie. We also put up colorful Christmas lights that were already in the apartment. We put on the Christmas trees and I have made sure to enjoy a small portion of egg-nog every day. For Thanksgiving, our dinner got canceled, but we had a few back-ups that worked out. While we were typing up some papers for our program at the Brach President's house, they invited us down for Thanksgiving lunch. Then after that we finished our work and went to have desert at another house with some other Elders. Later that night we got stopped by some homeless people who thought that we were some other missionaries. I gave him a dollar and he gave me a long, drunk, awkward hug. The following Sunday we had Thanksgiving dinner again with a wonderful cook who feeds us every Sunday. It was all delicious. The only thing that I couldn't get my hands on were sweet potatoes. That's ok though, because I like Mom's the best. Things were great though. I am excited for this new transfer and new opportunity to dig in. I also got to baby-sit my trainer the last 2 days before he went home. That was funny. He was way trunky. ByE!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 56 (Give... Little Stream)

I know I said Happy Thanksgiving last week. Apparently I was premature in my gesture of goodwill. Today, I just as sincerely and genuinely wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving for tomorrow! Today started off nicely by going to the Temple. One thing about Arizona that reminds me of home are the cold, crispy mornings. They do not really seem cold to me, but more like refreshing. Such a pleasant treat every day. This past week has been pretty eventful. Our district has been having a lot of baptisms, so that has meant that I have been running around doing interviews. I really like it. It is a great chance to reaffirm my testimony as here hear the beautiful testimony of these people. I see the gospel in a slightly different light each time, for the which I am very grateful. We, ourselves have also been able to commit a few more people to set a goal for baptism and we hope to see them through. A lot of people are in tough spots, barely getting by. It is hard sometimes for them to focus on the message that we bring, or rather, hard for them to think that they have time to focus on it. However, when they do, they find a peace amid their trials that is a long-awaited reprieve. Watching people to change and learn to rely on the Savior instead of themselves builds my testimony greatly.
I also had the privilage of having interviews yesterday with President Craig. I always love talking to him. He is a very wise man with a very great love for the Lord. People like him, along with the members I work with, are great sources of inspiration and guidance for who and how I want to be when I finish this time of service. I want to be able to give all I have, whenever possible. I want to better want what the Lord wants and better do what he does. I love this chance that I have to be molded and changed. I love this work, and I love the Lord!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 55 (Good News... So-cO)

Hey there! Well, another week gone by and might I say, a quick one at that. There is a week and a half left in this transfer and it never ceases to amaze me how much faster things happen and time passes. Concerning my expressed resolve last week to avoid Christmas-specific seasonal treats until the first of December, I now write to inform that I take it back. After many moments of passing the Jack In the Box Egg-Nog Shake sign, I was caused to think long and hard about my decision. Realizing that this transfer ends before December started, I quickly realized that half of my wait would be in vain due to the chance of Elder Shiffler or myself getting transferred. I have now accepted the terms of delving into Season Sensations beginning the last week of the transfer. I am satisfied with the conclusion that I have come to and will leave it at that.
On other terms, we have a girl named Evelia that we have been working with who has decided to get baptized. She just needs to ask her Mom in Mexico for permission. She calling her today! We are really excited for her. She has a special testimony. We are about to launch our Branch Mission Program on Friday and we are excited. It should bring a lot more excitement and involvement to the members of the branch, which should consequently bring blessings. I am grateful and privilaged to be involved in this work. Thank you for your letters of love and support. Happy Thanksgiving!!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 54 (Brother, I'll follow you...)

Hello all! Well this year, like always, never ceases to amaze me as to how fast people prepare for Christmas when Thanksgiving, let alone Halloween hadn't even started. I am now being tempted by my favorite festivities which include Egg NOg, eGG nog shakes at Jack in the BOx, Peppermint Ice Cream and Egg nog ice cream and many wonderful christmas sweets at trader joe's. (i can walk to trader's in 6 mins. drive in 2.it's a dream) anyways, i'm holding out till december to partake of these treats so as to not spoil the fun of the different seasons.
With the rest of things, it is going well. The weather is warm and the work is slowly progressing. Elder Shiffler and I are almost finished creating our program for the Branch that will hopefully jumpstart their involvement and excitement in the missionary work. Tomorrow we get to go and listen to Elder Evans of the 70 speaking to us as he tours the mission and gives President Craig a report card. (so-to-speak) I am very excited. We are bit by bit getting more solid people to teach which is what we need. I know that the Lord's hand is in this work and that he blesses us when we are ready for it. I know that I am called of God to serve and that He loves each one of us. Thanks for all of the support and take care!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 53 (Semi-Charmed...T.E.B.)

Hello from Tempe!
Well, as I said, this last week for Halloween we were not allowed to proselyte after 6:00 p.m. so my companion and I went to the Trunk-Or-Treat party at the Church so that we could meet all of the new people there. It was fun to be able to talk to everyone from the branch and see everyone in their costumes. We found a few people for the other spanish Elders and the Sisters to teach. None for us. Hehe. But it was good. President and Sister Craig also came by because it is right next to the mission home. There was a sister from the branch making posole that was really good. I didn't get the chance to try some but I heard that it was amazing. Then on Sunday we had a nice meeting with the Branch President where we talked about a program that we are making to present to the branch on the last week of November to help increase the missionary work in the branch. Elder Shiffler and I are pretty excited about and hope that it will be able to bring success and joy to the members. I heard that this January transfer we will be receiving 8 or 9 spanish missionaries. For one transfer that is a TON. The work is difficult here but in a different way. It will be fun to see what we can do to find the elect here. I am enjoying the city atmosphere, a nice clean apartment, and a cheery companion. The Lord always blesses us and gives us what we need, when we need it. I know that this work is real and true and that a testimony has the power to change lives. Take care! Thanks so much for your support!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 52 (Welcome to the Jungle)

Hehe, hello, hello! If I remember correctly, the title of my blog was Live...From Tempe. or something like that. Hehe, well now it is! Hehe. Things are good here. I had my first Sunday in the Branch. Saying branch here is a little strange because it is almost the size of the ward that I served in in Queen Creek. Because the branch covers the whole city of Tempe, we have two companionships that cover the branch. Elder Jubitz, and the missionary he is training, are covering the West side while Elder Shiffler and I cover the east. Our area includes ASU campus and the Mission Home. And actually, we park our car every day in the church parking lot right next to the mission home to then ride our bikes up north. There are lots of really different types of people here. I think if I weren't a missionary, I'd be afraid sometimes. Hehe. This area was just white-washed last transfer so things are still fresh and there is all the room in the world for improvement. With so many members we are really going to take advantage of using the members to help us in the work. There will be a lot of patience required for this tedious process but it is exciting being able to just dig in and go for it. I kind of like the challenges because it reminds me of the story of the mouse in a bucket of cream. I like watching it turn into butter. Work and obedience is the key and I am excited to see what happens. Elder Shiffler and I get along pretty well. He has a really good heart and wants really badly to see some success, so we will see what we can reap this transfer. It is so good to hear from my friends and how they are doing on their missions. It is interesting to see the differences in what their work is like compared to mine. This Saturday is Halloween. That means that we can't go near Mill Ave and ASU Campus. Haha. We also are given the rule to get off the streets by 6 o'clock. We have to either be in the Temple or in the Chapel. We had wanted to go to the Temple but our Branch is having a party and our Branch President expressed a desire to have us there to meet potential investigators. So, there we shall be. But ya, This week we hope to pick up some solid new investigators. I say solid because contrary to Maricopa, you can get new investigators almost every day and talk to spanish people almost all day. So, there is a lot of filtering to do so that we don't get caught up with people who are not ready. I am excited to be working here. It is nice being in the busy city. I hope everything goes well for each of you and that you have a Happy Halloween! Send pics of what you dress as! I'll send you mine! haha!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 51 (Feels Like You've Been, Asleep For Days...FormAt)

Well, hello, hello! haHa, I am so used to writing "Round 1, 2, 3..etc." but this time, ROUND 1, Tempe, AZ! Hehe, I was called to serve in the Arizona Tempe Mission and now I am here in the heart of it. I cover one half of Tempe going from North to SOuth. I work on the East side. Our area includes yours truly, ASU, and thousands of other people. I have a way cooler car which by that I just mean that it is newer. That just makes it that much cooler. I am used to working in very rural areas, especially working in Maricopa, so it will be an interesting change of pace here in the city. We have one branch that we work with and we share the work with another companionship. They take the other half of Tempe. We live in a nice little, clean apartment which is pretty cool. My companion, Elder Shiffler, is from Portland Oregon. He is really nice. This is his second transfer out in the field and so he brings a lot of excitement and hope. From what I have gathered so far, there is a lot of work to be done here, so I am looking forward to the challenge.
Today at transfers, one of the people that got baptized back in Queen Creek, Gustavo, was there. He brought the missionaries from Queen Creek. Elder Weller and I were standing outside talking when we saw him off in the distance by his car. Elder Weller and I ran so fast with such excitement and joy. It was so nice to see him and to be able to have us 3 together for a moment. I know that one day he will be blessed to take his wife to the Temple when she gets baptized.
Time is short and I must be off, but I hope you all know how much this experience means to me and how much I want it to be worth every moment. I mess up. We all do. But we can change and make it better. I love my Heavenly Father and Savior for that. I love all of you. Take care and thanks so much for looking after me.

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 50 (You Have My Attention...Copeland)

Hey! Wow, the last week of transfer number 4 here in Maricopa. Going into this week there are a lot of mixed feelings. First of all, I'm not sure what is going to happen. Although odds show that I am out, I'm not sure that I feel like I will be going. When I talked with President Craig, I could not really get a feel for it either. It will be bitter-sweet either way. If I stay, bitter because I am leaving all of these people who have become so dear to me, but sweet because I will be tasting something new. If I stay, it is the opposite. Sweet, because I am staying with such dear friends but bitter because I am still left to wait to explore something new. Hehe, and when I say bitter, I do not really mean, "bitter." It is just for the sake of the phrase. I think Elder Bradshaw will do a great job if I go. There will be a lot happening in the Maricopa Branch that we cover in the next few weeks. We should be getting a few more new members from the english wards to join us and strengthen the ward. Right now, we are still kind of just waiting for some things to work out for Paloma so that she can be baptized. We also have a really excited gentleman named Ignacio. He loves to read and fill his thoughts with the things we leave him. It makes it lots of fun to teach him. Stay or go, I look to the coming week with hope. A new week, a new transfer a new chance to try and be better. Do not ever let your short-comings and failures get you down. That is where Satan wants you. The most important part is what you do when you fall down. Spiritual Resiliance comes through the Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement. His sacrifice gives me the hope that I can better myself each day and try again. I know what He did is real and that there is power in it. I know God loves us. I know we are here on earth because we chose to do what is right and listen to God's will. He loves us and will never leave us without help and a way. Until next week take care and keep being better! Thanks for everything!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 49 (Don't Let It Go...=w=)

Hey there!
Happy Conference weekend! Wow, what a great experience. It is such a joy to be able to see the blessings of living prophets who help us know what we need to do to please God. It is such a testimony to me of their truthfulness as I go with a question and it is answered. A talk that I really appreciated came right from the get-go. It was Elder Scott talking on the Saturday morning session. I loved his step by step instructions to know us how to better receive personal revelation and recognize it as such. I also thought that the Korean guy's story of the Boys of the Lord was pretty cool. I hope that is how he said it. Anyways, it was all just great. We tried to get as many investigators as possible to come, and we were able to see a few. That was nice. One lady that we found last week was a referral from a missionary in Phoenix. She lives on the Gila River Reservation just north. Because she's on the res, it is hard to find solid addresses so she couldn't really tell us where to meet her. We planned on a gas station and then had the Senior Couple that works on the res, Elder & Sister Ferre, come and take us to the meeting point. We were waiting for what felt like a little while when finally, Maria came up to us. Almost at the same time a worker came up to us to ask if we had been distributing anything like pamphlets. Haha, luckily we weren't. There must be rules for that on the Reservation. Anyways, she is really pretty neat. I just don't know how we will be able to help her get to church. We'll find a way though. I think she watched conference on the internet in the house of her daughter in Phoenix. It is weird to think that there is only 2 weeks left; just 1 1/2 weeks till transfer calls. I have been trying lately to help Elder Bradshaw learn the area better. Here in Arizona they have Fall break to add to the other breaks that students normally get. Anyways, things are good here. I hope to have a good meeting with Pres. Santos tonight about the Branch. Life gets difficult sometimes but we can always rejoice because there are others going through the same things that we are, only without the knowledge and comfort that we have. This gospel is such a blessing. Share it!! Hehe, byE!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 48 (And There Is Comfort In the Sound...DCFC)

woaH! hey!
Hehe, week four begins and I am contintually amazed at how the time is flying by. I feel like just yesterday Elder Bradshaw came here. Crazy! Well things are going well here. Temperatures are slowly cooling down. It makes for a VERy nice evening. Hehe, a good time to catch people taking walks. There are lots of exciting prospects right now, but it will take some work to get them going. Our main focus right now is a lady named Paloma. She is very ready and very sweet. We have interviews tomorrow which I am excited about. I always love the chance to talk with President Craig. This half of the transfer we are going to increase efforts in helping Elder Bradshaw learn the area and the people in case I go this next transfer. Funny story...yesterday we went to teach a man named Ignacio outside his house. It was turning dusk and he lives close to the fields. That means MOSQUITos. Hehe, there were hundreds of them The general ambience of the scene was buzzing mosquitos and slapping hands on arms and faces. It was pretty funny to me. During one of the times when Elder Bradshaw was speaking, I had a hard time noticing anything but us slapping ourselves every 2-3 seconds. Life is good as always. It can be that we if we focus ourselves on the right things. I know that God lives and that He and His son love us. The Spirit testifies of these things to me. I know that we have a living prophet today and I am so excited for the chance that I will have to hear from him and our other inspired leaders this weekend. Keep doin good and you'll keep feelin good! Take care!

-Elder LaPorte =)

p.s. i'm so pumped that Elder Clark is having such a blast. Good luck Michael!

Week 47

Hello! not much time to write! i'll make sure i have something better next week! this week was good. we were supposed to go to the Temple but we couldn't find a ride. We spent a lot of the time cleaning the house. It looks nice! It is a joy to finally have some cooperative cleaners after 4 1/2 months. haha. we are having dinner with Hno. Banuelos tonight. he is looking forward to taking us to Carls Jr. so that he can treat us to one of his new favorite hamburgers. Elise, do Curls in your picture. I love you all! Next week we will have interviews which I am excited for. ByE!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 46 (No Other One...=w=)

Hi there!
Wow, well just a few weeks before Conference! I am VERY excited for that! I didn't get to write much last week and I apologize. I am in transfer #4 in Maricopa and defying the odds. Hehe, not really. It is just that all of the members that I was going. Elder Villlasenor went off to my old area of Queen Creek to join Elder Ries who came out with me. I was talking to Elder Ries and it sounds like the new members there are doing great. My new companion hails from Florida. His name is Elder Bradshaw. He is a very kind, very pure young missionary. He has very sincere desires to serve the Lord and develop his abilities in Spanish. Miracles are already coming about this transfer. On Sunday, we started teaching someone named Paloma, and yesterday, she committed to be baptized. I am excited to see what the next 4 1/2 weeks bring. Some other exciting stuff is that a lot of our good missionary-minded members are coming back from their vacations. It will be exciting to see what friends they can introduce to the gospel! All in all, things are looking great for this transfer. Tomorrow is Zone Conference and friday I get to have one of my good friends Elder Lee join us for the evening. I am excited. Next week will be the Temple so there are just great things in store. I hope all of you are doing well, and stretching yourselves to be what Heavenly Father has planned for you. Make space and priorities for Him in your life and you will be forever blessed. Thanks so much for all of your love and support! Until next week!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 45

Hey, no time to talk! gotta go! i'm in Maricopa again. I have a new companion. I'll say more later. Bye!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 44 (Boys of Summer)

Hello!
Well, I do not have much time today because the internet has been a little slower than usual, BUT I would quickly like to say hi! Last week we had a Baptism in Ajo! It was really a great moment in Cedar's life. This week we will be having a baptism in Maricopa for Monica. She will be getting baptized this weekend and her Mother should be following soon after. I am so excited for them because they are very ready. Next week are transfers, so I will be finding out if my stay here continues on to 6 months or if I move on to a new place. The work moves on always. One thing that I have learned is how the Lord can bless you precisely when he chooses. It is humbling to see that you have no control as to what goes on. All you can do is give all that you've got and pray that things happen. And they will, but on His time. I am grateful to be a servant of the Lord. When I sit back and think about that fact that I give all day, every day, to him, I find myself being happy and content because I know there is nothing better. I am so grateful to be able to give this time to my Heavenly Father and Savior. I hope that all is well with each of you and that you are always putting the right things in priority. Put Him first, and the rest follows. Take Care!!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 43 (It's Obvious...Circa)

Hello from Maricopa! Just 2 weeks until transfers and 1 and a half weeks until I find out what happens to me! It is funny how fast time goes. This transfer has FLOWN by! Hehe. Lots of exciting things are happening. This Friday we will be having a baptism for a wonderful person named Cedar. He lives in Ajo and he is very ready! We have had a lot of wonderful help from our Stake President and the Ward Mission Leader. I love seeing members in action. Every time it leaves me more and more resolved to be the same when I get home. What greater joy than helping bring souls unto Jesus Christ. I finished the Book of Mormon last Thursday which was great for me. I read slowly but I love every minute of it. My thirst for the scriptures grows daily. For that, I am grateful for Personal Study time in the morning. Elder Holland says that if we want to know what kind of day we will have...just look at what happens from 7-10 a.m. These moments are so crucial to prepare us spiritually for the day. I know that it can be the same in our every-day lives. We need to find a time for us that works in which we can give time to satisfy our spiritual needs. President Craig talked not too long ago about recharging ourselves Spiritually, Physically, Mentally and Emotionally. I know that these needs are very real and we cannot neglect any one of them. I am grateful for inspired leaders that are here to help me grow. They truly speak what I need to hear to be able to continue forward, building the Kingdom of God. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love this gospel and all of you for your support. Take care of yourself in all of these aspects so that you can become what your Heavenly Father knows you can be. Until next week!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 42 (Hold On, There's a Hole In My Heart... Format)

Hi!
Well, another good week in Maricopa! It seems like our continual efforts to reap and sew are paying off. Two people have committed themselves to better their lives and be baptized. I am thrilled that the Lord has privilaged me to be able to see this moment of success. Also, the branch has been getting stronger too. Families that have not been able to come as often are being blessed with the time and opportunity to come. They are feeling joy and the blessings that come from keeping their covenants that they have made with Heavenly Father. We went to the Temple today. It was SO great! I was looking forward to it more than usual. I met two Elders from the Phoenix Mission that knew Sister Eustice, so I told them to tell her hi. Tomorrow we get to have interviews with President Craig which I am also very excited for. A lot of things will be happening these last few weeks of the transfer and I am jazzed. Our areas, our districts and our zone are being greatly blessed. I love this work and the way that the Lord so mercifully and lovingly rewards us for our diligent faithful efforts. I have no doubt that this is His work. I hope each of you take the time to share the testimony that you have with someone else. Take care and thanks so much for all of your love and support!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 41 (Don't Know Why I Didn't Come... N.j.)

HeLLo! Hehe, I think that I start all of my e-mails with that. I am not sure though. I guess I like the phrase. Speaking of phrases, I am really messing those up now-a-days. I mix-match them or just completely butcher them. Hehe, it is kind of funny. Kind of not. Hehe. Anyways, another week has gone by and temperatures are suprisingly cool right now. But I heard that it was just for a few days. One of our investigators, Juan Carlos will be getting baptized this weekend. He has been a LONG time in coming, going through lots of missionaries. He just popped up on the radar as of late and decided that it was something he was ready for. Also, I think that I forgot to mention the baptism of a sweet 10 year-old girl named Salma. She was baptized on her birthday and she is from the Gila Bend Branch. She was a joy to teach. When we asked her to read and pray, the answer that she got from her Heavenly Father was direct and clear. With the help of faithful church leaders I know that she will be able to achieve all that her Heavenly Father has planned for her. Today I will be talking about Hermano Banuelos. He is the Elder's Quorum President and is a faithful servant in the Lord's Kingdom. He is nearing his 70's but always willing to help. His diabetes keeps him pretty limited in what he eats, but he sneaks a few things here and there. We ask him for rides from time to time, but always there is a risk involved. In Arizona, the sun shines. And it is bright. So, Hno. Banuelos wears his sun glasses so as to not be blinded by the light. As a result, he still has trouble seeing a few other necessary things such as street lights and what not because he is without his glasses. Haha. The first time we learned this, it was a great surprise as he did a U-turn in front of one of the very rare no U-turn signs (not sarcasm) and then turned a left onto the freeway on-ramp when the protected left arrow was red. To say the least, we were grateful to arrive home safely. I love Hno. Banuelos for his dedicated service in always wanting to help us in whatever he can. He is a professional Mariachi singer with his own CD's and he still keeps a good sense of humor. I met him my first day here and have been grateful ever since. School is back in for Maricopa and I am sure that it is starting for many of you. Best of luck and never forget the blessing that it is to learn a little more of what our Heavenly Father has to teach us. Take care and best of luck this next week!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 40 (You're My Best Friend...qu)

Hello!
Hehe, well another week gone by! This week was definitely less occupied with monsoons like other weeks have been. Temperatures are still high, but I like it. Water has never had so much beauty. I do not have much time this week, but I will quickly tell of a cute couple in my branch. The Schellenburg's. I do not know why they have that last name because they are definitely Mexican, but that is alright. A phrase to describe them would be Brady Bunch. Brother Schellenburg brings 8 children from a previous marriage and Sister Schellenburg, 4. They feed us every tuesday and are very fun to be around. They are always acting like little children around one another. It is fun to see. It was at the Schellenburg house that I called home for Mother's Day. Brother Schellenburg likes to tease his wife and she reacts very quickly. They were made for each other. They are always willing to help and have a great love for their Heavenly Father and Savior. Meeting so many people and seeing their dedication to the Lord and to our Heavenly Father strengthens my testimony and increases my gratitude daily. With firm testimonies planted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, this work will go forth as Joseph Smith said, "Boldly, nobly and independent..." The Lord's hand is in our lives each day. We just have to ask for it, and then recognize it. I love this work and I love my life. Until next week!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 39 (On a Sunday... Jimmy)

HeLLo, hello! Hehe, well, welcome to round 3 of Maricopa, AZ! Hmm, for starters, I saw my first snake last week. It was not a rattle snake or anything, so now worries. It was kind of bleeding at the mouth, so it must have gotten in a fight. I thought I would have seen a snake a lot sooner considering all of the desert that I travel through here. The little Maricopa 3rd branch is doing well here. Elder Villasenor and I have made a concerted effort to go and contact all of the members that do not come to church. We still have a few more to find out in the desert, but that is about it. The member that I will mention this week is Flor. She is a very kind single Mother with two children. She was baptized back in December and has been a great strength to the branch. If you smile at all she thinks that you are laughing at her or something that is funny, even if you are just happy. 2 weeks back she was able to go to the Temple for her first time and do baptisms for the dead. She loved it and it really strengthened her testimony. Today we are going to help her put a fan in her house that she bought, because it gets so hot in her house, that she can't cook during the day without boiling up the place. Flor is was baptized by my former companion, Elder Weller. We are glad to have her in the branch. Being here in Maricopa has really helped me enjoy getting to know the members. You get to know all of them and you love them so much. I am excited to be able to continue to serve here in Maricopa and help the branch grow. This work is inspired and will go forth until it is completed, just as Joseph Smith prophesied in the Standard of Truth. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior, and I love each of you. Thanks for everything!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 38 (Laaast Niight...T.S.)

HeLLO!
Well, I am short on time to write today, but I would just like to say a quick hi! I will be having transfers next Wednesday so I will be finding out this coming Monday night if I stay or if I go. I'll let you know!
Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes it doesn't quite go as we planned, or even close to it. Even on a mission life is not always as you hope it will be. One thing that gets me through every day is the Savior and my Heavenly Father. I wake up and go forward trying to better myself each day knowing that no matter what things come into my life that I cannot control, I can always decide how I react. I can always choose to do the things that will bring me closer to them. My hope is in my chance to change, my chance to be better and knowing that with this, I can live with them some day. Every day is worth it. Because we make it what it is. Take care!!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 37 (Live Mighty...j.Mraz)

Hello, hello! Another week in Maricopa! Time is an interesting thing. Sometimes it is the greatest blessing. In other moments, the greatest curse. We can love it, or we can hate it, but in the end, this is all based on how we use it. We can think about life and realize that the greatest moments of pleasure and relaxation were when we used our time wisely. There are lots of things that we have the need to make time for and differing amounts of time to portion for each. Satisfaction comes when we use our time wisely. In a grander sense, time plays the same role. Here in this life, we travel through this world sometimes doing good, and other times, bad. Due to our imperfections, there is a need to make reparations daily. The Atonement is the key to using our time wisely in a spiritual manner. Through Repentance, and the Enabling Power of the Atonement, we have the ability to make this change that is necessary at the end of our days. Time can be a beautiful thing if we use the Atonement daily; if constantly we strive to better our lives and become more like our Heavenly Father. When we procrastinate the day of our repentance, time becomes the enemy. The days become longer, and every little trial that comes along seems to feel just a little heavier, and a little harder. Life is not supposed to be that way. We CAN be free. We CAN be happy. TIME can be a blessing always, if learn how to use it. God lives. Jesus Christ lives. He gave His life so that we might live again with our Heavenly Father and so that this journey to him is a moment in TIME, filled with joy. I love this work. I love the simple pleasures in life. We don't need much to be happy. We just need to do what is right. Take care! I love you all!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 36 (Yoooouuu, Aaaarrre... Coldplay)

Hello! Hehe, I must begin my remarks by recounting an experience that Maricopa, Arizona had with the rain. To preface it, I need to tell how I have heard that people in Arizona don't know what to do when it rains. I always thought to myself, "psh, how could that be? it's rain!" Well, last week we had a sudden storm come upon us. Now, I have already experienced a little bit of rain in Arizona so I knew that it would get a little flooded because the earth doesn't absorb it too fast. Well, things flooded alright, but much more than I expected. We decided to go by houses closer to where we live in case something happened. Well, all of the streets in the neighborhood began to flood completely. Trees fell down and lighting and thunder became the ambiance/light show. It is always fun to count the seconds after a flash of lightning till the thunder to see how far away the lightning struck. Well, we were driving in the middle of the street to avoid flooding the engine when suddenly *FLASH/CRACK*!! A milisecond after the flash, the lightning cracked! It was SO bright! HAha. I started screaming because it was more exciting that way, and our hearts were just pumping! Hehe, anyways, I don't know exactly where it cracked, but I learned quickly why they might go crazy when a storm comes. Because everything else goes crazy! It was like a monsoon came, except it was just a storm. HAha, all in all, it was a fun and humorous experience. As far as the work goes, things are moving along. The Lord is blessing us for our efforts with little gems of success where we hadn't expected. Prayers and fasting are seeing things through. Every day is a chance to learn something new and trust in the Lord more. I love it! What a blessing this is to give every moment of the day to my Heavenly Father. I hope that your Independence Day was lots of fun! And even though he will not be able to read this, Welcome to the Mission Elder Clark!! Until next time...!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 35 (I was hanging on her words... Cope)

HeLLO!
Welcome to Maricopa, inc. 2003. The currently growth-halted town of Maricopa brought warm temperatures this week. Hehe, it is said that you get to know summer well when you go through July and August here. Well, after a few playful weeks of cloud-cover, the sun is setting in. I think you know it is summer when it is 90 degrees at 7 o'clock in the morning and 100 at 10 p.m. Haha. You actually get used to it. Today I was able to go to the temple and it was great. A visit there is always something welcomed for me. A lot of thoughts come to mind when I think about things that I have learned, but probably the one that sticks out the most right now is that of trials. Trials, and how no matter what the magnitude, Heavenly Father is by our side. The beauty of trials to me is that, the harder they are, if endured well, the better off you'll be in the end. You come out stronger, happier, having greater perspective and a greater faith. Among trials and challenges the last thing that you can do is deny your faith. At times testimonies might be shaken but you cannot let them rob you of your faith in God and Jesus Christ. Through fervent prayer, they are the key to get through anything. Day by day I know more and more that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me. I am never alone. I am never weak. In them, I am everything. Happy Fourth of July!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 34 (I'm gonna send a little rain your way...)

Hello!
Well, another week gone by in Maricopa. I do not know if I mentioned it, but I am typing from the new Library. They opened it about 2 and a half weeks ago. Before it was in a double-wide trailer. It is nicely air-conditioned here. We are going to toast when we go back outside. haha. Anyways, this week has been good! There always seem to be blessings that come from the beginning of transfers. People that I had never met once last transfer, opened their doors. We have been able to find out a lot more about a lot of people. The success is still in the premature stages but it will come. The branches that we cover need a lot of help and motivation. That is one of the focuses that we have. It kind of goes back to a story in The Book of Mormon that I read where Moroni and Helaman were trying hard to protect the Nephite borders from the Lamanites but they were not having much support. Moroni writes to Pahoran, the chief judge, asking him to do something about the lack of help, or else Moroni would march to the heart of the land and do it himself. Moroni shows us here that before we can properly defend ourselves from the attacks from without, we need to fortify ourselves within and make sure that we are strong and prepared. Reading scriptures, praying and going to church will help us fortify ourselves so that we might be ready for what comes from without. I love this work. I love what we can become in this life when we put our trust and faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Have a great week and Happy Belated Father's Day to all!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 33 (You can see their shadows wandering off somewhere...)

Hello Maricopa!
Hehe, I'm here for round two and glad to do it. My companion, Elder Maldonado was transferred to Queen Creek. Now I am serving with Elder Villa-Senor. He is from Texas and is a native spanish speaker. I have been blessed with those. There is a lot of work to be done in these little branches and I am excited to do it. I don't have much time, but just remember the worth and potential that each of us have to be great. Repentance is the key to progression. We need to seek forgiveness and also remember to give it; to others and ourselves. The Lord is leading this work and my love grows for my Savior every day. Until next week!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 32 (Friendly Plug...)

Dear Single Friends,
I am pleased to announce the faithful and valiant return of Elder Peter Hillyard. He has honorably and diligently given two years in the service of the Lord. He know returns a new MAN with character and tact. He has great qualities:
Funny
Handsome
Well-mannered
Tidy
Smart
Single
Returned Missionary
and Single
I recommend him with pleasure. If you wish to contact him, his address is as follows:
(I will give you the address next week. i forgot his card @ home. thanks!)

Sincerely,
-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 31 (You're like Jordans on a Saturday...)

HEy there! Well, what an eventful week it has been! Last Thursday, I was able to meet with my mission president, President Craig. That was really nice to be able to talk to him and learn from him. On Saturday in the morning we got to go meet Elder Richard G. Scott in Gilbert. What a special opportunity that was. I can't really describe it, it was just great. He bore a very powerful testimony and gave us tons of great advice. I admire him for his love for the Lord and His work. Later that day, I got to go back to Queen Creek for the Baptism of 4 investigators that I taught and I got to baptize one of them. It was Lorena and Carlos, Gustavo and his daughter Madelina. I baptized Madelina. Hopefully Gustavo's wife follows soon. It was a suprise to all of us that I was able to make it. I was so grateful for the chance that I had. Today I got to go to the Temple and I loved it as always. I'm grateful for the opportunity that I have to see people's lives' change and become happier. I love this work and I love the Lord. Keep being true to what you know is right and thanks for the support!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 30 (No One... A.K.)

Whew! Well another week gone bye and it feels like I just started the last one. This transfer is half way over and I feel like it just began. I guess that's a good thing. It will be interesting to see what will happen to all of my friends out here next transfer because more than half of our Zone Leaders and one of our Assistants will be going home this transfer. There will be big changes. Big changes are already happening here in the Arizona Tempe Mission. The work is going forward in a way that it never has before here in Arizona. The people are prepared are ready for the truth. I think that the economic slump has played a big part of it. Arizona, or atleast in our area of Arizona, has been hit pretty hard by it. The members are always excited to help and very dedicated to moving the work along. Our little branch is doing well. The members are very kind and do what they can to help as well. Their faith is strong and their love for the Gospel, pure. I get the chance to ride my bike here a lot which I like. We get to talk more people and get more exercise. As mentioned last week, the Wal-Mart has been very exciting. We are going after this. Tomorrow we will have interviews with President Craig. I'm looking forward to it. Some days here it is hard to feel like you are doing much good, but I know that as we give it our all each day, the Lord uses our efforts to make something good happen. I love this work and the chance that I have to show my love to my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. I hope all of you enjoyed your Memorial Day weekend! I know the people here did! Hehe. ByE!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 29 (Lying awake at night, a-all night...)

Welcome Wal-Mart Superstore! Today in the town of Maricopa, we had the Grand-opening of Super Wal-Mart. Everyone has been waiting anxiously for this day which would mean the end of the "Fry's Market" and "Basha's" tyranny. We can now shop in peace, having low prices for all. The high school band attended the grand opening to help arouse the festivities. I, personally, am very excited as well. In other news, the weather has been strangely cloudy/ drizzly as of late, leaving us with some slightly humid days. (Keep in mind, it's all relative. This place normally has near 0 humidity.) Also, some dust storms have come, which I had never seen before which left me thinking that some formidable mass of gases that spanned the horizon were approaching at a rapid pace. It was quite an amazing sight to see. One time, while we were out teaching in the desert, we got caught in one. Hehe, admittedly, it was quite exciting. The temperatures continue to rise and have almost passed record temperatures for this time of year. Our spirits are also rising as we continue pressing forward in this great work. Riding bikes is actually quite nice, despite the temperatures. We have been having a lot of posotive responses from people that we have been contacting this week. It has been pretty exciting. My testimony continues to grow of lots of things, but this week I would like to speak of my love of the scriptures that is growing. The more I read, the more I want to read. When all is said and done, and study time is over, I find myself wanting more time. Always, when you go to read the scriptures with a prayer in your heart and the desire to seek answers, you will find what you need when you read. When I am trying to find answers that will help to better answer the questions of those that I teach, I find what I need when I read. Reading the scriptures invites the Spirit and fills us with the strength that we need to endure the trials of the day. There is an unseen protection that comes when we fortify ourselves each day with prayer and scripture study. The scriptures are the words of God. They are here to bless us. All we have to do is take the time to read them. I love this work! I love how I am growing and how I am able to help others grow! There is nothing else like this! Take care, and always put Heavenly Father's will first in your life. When you give priorities to His desires, He will do the same for you.

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 28 (Good Morning Sun...)

Hey! Welcome to Maricopa, ARizona! That is where I currently am. It is kind of small but I like it. We cover a small branch of about 30 people and our area goes all the way down to the border. The temperatures are rising but I guess that is expected. We have a Wal-Mart opening on the 20th and we're excited because we can be freed from the tyranny of Fry's and Basha's. Everything is SO expensive there, but they're the only places to shop. Not for long! haha. I am looking forward to being able to serve here. There is a lot of work to be done here, so it will keep us busy. My companion's name is Elder Maldonado. He's from Maryland. My birthday was great fun and so was the Mother's Day phone call. It is a unique experience to be on your mission during your birthday, serving the Lord. I look forward to the next one I have. Coming here, I thought I would not like it because of the slowness of the work here. Because when things got slow in Queen Creek and you had nobody to teach, you felt like junk. You felt useless. However, coming here, I have found it quite the opposite. I am excited for the chance to be able to give my best every day and make some good things happen here. Whether I see the fruits of my labors here or not, I know I will be moving the work along and making a difference. Two people from my last area will be getting baptized this weekend; a Mother and her daughter, Aracely and Citlaly. Hopefully I can go back for that. This work is great if you give it your all no matter what. Challenges always come in our lives. The important thing is not that we get them, but how we handle them. With faith in God that we can overcome, nothing is impossible. This life is a time to grow. Every moment can make us a better person. All we have to do, is take a quick step back and try to see what God is making out of us. I love this life, this work and these people. I hope that all of your Mothers had a wonderful Mother's Day!! Until next time ;)

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 27 (I'm Alive...)

Hello from Maricopa! hehe, this time it is not a joke. my new companion is elder Maldonado from Maryland. he was an english elder up until 2 transfers ago. I'm gonna let the other elder's get on the comp. we e-mail at a members house right now because the library is closed.( we have permission) I might pop back on later. but i'm glad you got my package. I won't open mine till friday! bye! Love you!

Pictures

Week 26 (I Am For You...)

HeLLo! Another week gone by in Queen Creek Arizona! We have a lot of exciting things going on right now. There are 5 people that are preparing for baptism right now. They are all very special people with strong desires to better their lives. They want the satisfying things that come from from living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of the progress of these people, I want very much to stay. As time never stops, the time has come for transfers next week. I will have spent 4 and a half months here and two transfers with my companion, Elder Weller. So, it is probable that I go. If I go, then I go and that is fine, but it will not be easy. Every day I find myself happier and happier as I learn how to better serve. Working is the key to joy in this work. And not just working to be busy, but working with a purpose. With a purpose in mind for every person we speak with and every lesson we teach; with a purpose in mind for every hour I study and every moment I pray, this work becomes fulfilling. It is important to always know what we are trying to achieve and how we are going to get there. This life is one of progress and growth. And when we focus our desires and our efforts on what our Heavenly Father wants us to be, we will be blessed with peace and satisfaction, every step of the way. If we pray to God, read the scriptures and go to church, we can know of His will for us. There is peace to be had every step of the way of this life. It is in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Here we learn of our purpose and what direction we need to take in life and how. That way, one day, we can live with our Father in Heaven again in joy and happiness. I love this work that I am doing and the chance that I have to bring this joy to others. Think about your testimonies. Strengthen them. As you do, you will find a desire to share what you have too. Thanks for all of the support!

-Elder LaPorte =)

p.s. Happy 6 months today! haha

Week 25

No letter

Week 24 ( In the passenger seat...)

Hello, hello!
Well, Happy Easter weekend! Mine was sure good! Saturday night we had two baptisms. It was great! Easter Sunday was nice too. Lately, we've been working on finding more people to teach. I have found that as a missionary, it is not a good feeling when you don't know who you're going to be able to teach or where to find them. These moments come in waves but they can be avoided if one stays diligent in finding. We have been trying so hard to make the most out of every person we are coming in contact with and it seems like it is starting to pay off again. It reminds me of the beginning of last transfer. We had appointments lining up for us. I'm hoping that we can make a lot out of these opportunities that the Lord has blessed us with. It is way more exciting to teach. There are a few weeks left in this transfer and there is a good chance that I will be moving on, so I hope to make a lot of good things happen out of these days that I have left.
On a lighter note, I was reminded of a funny experience that happened to us last transfer. It was when Elder Livingston was with us. We were walking back from a house and getting into the car when these two large pitbulls started running down the street at us. I made sure to get myself in the car in sufficient time, but Elder Livingston (who was sitting in the passenger seat that day) decided that it would be fun to pet them and say hi. Note: one of the two pitbulls was fairly overweight. As the two dogs get closer, he starts to say hi to them. Next thing we know, the smaller one jumps in the front seat and starts licking the life out of Elder Weller who is in the driver's seat. the other dog wanted to get in the car too, and he tried jumping in the footspace of the passenger seat but was too big. The bigger dog quickly realizes that he doesn't like where he is and tries to back out. Meanwhile, we are all sore with laughter and can barely do anything to deal with these crazed dogs. Finally, we get the smaller dog out of the front seat, and all the while, the overweight pitbull was still trying to back out. He was stuck! I felt so bad but I couldn't help but laugh cuz we were too weak to help him and we were not sure if he would bite. Finally, he got out and we got in and drove off. The dogs were not finished however. They continued to chase us down the street and around the corner where some teenager was getting the mail. We watched as they made him their next victim of love-licking. haha, it was so funny. It made our day.
I hope you are all doing well and trying to continue doing your best! This Church is true!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 23 (He is Risen)

These past few weeks I have had an extra special opportunity to carry the message of Jesus Christ and the miracle of His death and ressurection. We have invited many people out to Easter Pageant/ La Pastorela trying to help everyone remember the true meaning of Easter. I went to the Easter Pageant last week and it is a wonderful program that testifies of the life and divinity of Jesus Christ. Later, the opportunity that I had to view conference was wonderful as well. I've always loved conference but I definitely love it more out here. There are many needs that are realized as one is out here serving on a mission. The chance to be humble and plead with the Lord for help is a great blessing. One of the ways that God gives us help is through the blessing of a Prophet and Apostles who speak with God and receive guidance on our behalf. I was very grateful for the chance that I had to find the strength and support that I needed from their words. Every day is a struggle to go forward and be what is expected of us. But in that struggle is the blessing if we go to the right sources for help. Each one of us have challenges that, at times, seem impossible to overcome. But with faith in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ we can find the peace and strength that we need always. They send their peace and comfort through the Holy Ghost which can always be with us if we live worthy of it's companionship. But first we must enter into the waters of baptism and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost to have this promised companionship. Faith, Repentance, Baptism and Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost are the first steps that we must take to live a life in accordance to the will of God. As we take these steps, we will be blessed with happiness and peace. God wants us to live with Him again, and we can. This is the beginning. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His life made it all possible. He lived, died and lived again so that we might live forever. May we all remember and cherish the gift of His life to us as we celebrate this, the Easter Season. Take Care and Happy Easter!!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 22 (Don't Slow Down...)

Hello from Queen Creek!
It was a nice week here in the creek. Yesterday I went on exchanges with my Zone Leader in my Area. That meant that I was the only one who kind've knew how to speak spanish. Hehe, personally, I enjoyed the experience because it gave me a chance to see where I'm at doctrinally and linguistically. Elder Lee almost fell asleep in a couple of lessons because he knew nothing of what we were saying. Easter Pageant is coming up and I believe I will be going. I'm pretty excited. Things are also going along well for Laura and Vanessa. They will be baptized soon. They are both very special and very prepared people. It's funny to notice the "swings" that one goes through out here. Some weeks seem to fly by like days, while others take just a little bit longer. But either way, it goes as long as you keep your heart and mind focused on the work and how you can help the people. April fools is today. I played a pretty good trick on one of my Zone Leaders. I live in the same house (yes, i know, it's so weird...una casita. i never imagined saying that on my mission) as my zone leaders and one of them went golfing with my companion, so me and my zone leader stripped the sheets from the bed of the other zone leader and wrapped his mattress in saran-wrap and then put his bed back together. That way, when he lays down, it will make a weird, plasticky sound and he won't know why. We also did his pillow inside his pillow case. It was an idea I had a couple of days before. I'm exicted to see how it goes because he can't take a joke for his life. haha. Luckily it is p-day today, or we wouldn't have had time to do it. There are a lot of things to be grateful for out here. I'm excited and pleased with the chance that I have to serve. Enjoy every day! It's just more fun that way :) hehe

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 21 (Don't Stop Believin...)

Good Morning!
Hehe, I heard that song at lunch one day this week. It made me think of a lot of fond memories. Especially Wesley and Dan's lipsinc back in the day. Hmm, where to start. Well, just as he came, Elder Livingston left before the transfer was over. There was another Elder leaving this last monday and they needed Elder Livingston to fill in for the last few days. He left promptly saturday night at 9. We found out earlier that afternoon that he would be going. It's weird being back to two now. I have been in a companionship of three longer than I have been in one of two. Because I am here e-mailing right now at this time, it means that I did not get a new companion. Elder Weller and I will both be staying, along with our Zone Leaders. So, the South-Butte house stays together for another transfer. Actually, our whole district stayed. Out of 12 companionships in the Zone, only 4 stayed together. Elder Weller is now the district leader, so this will be my second time with a district leader learning the ropes for the first time. It's good for me, so that I can be prepared for whatever is asked of me. Also, living with the Zone Leaders helps me see a bit of what they do as well. I am happy to be staying here, although it's kind of weird to think about that fact that by the end of this transfer, I will have lived in Queen Creek for 4 and a half months. I will hit my 6 month mark during this transfer at the end of this month. I will turn 20 at the beginning of the next one. The work is moving along, and so are our investigators. 2 of them have a baptismal date for the 11th of April. We're doing all we can to help them feel prepared. We have a lot who have desires to be baptized but despite our best efforts, feel like they need more time, more knowledge and so-forth. It's interesting to see this temor with so many people. The ironic thing is, the ones that we have that are ready and want to be baptized, can't because of marriage issues. Hehe, oh well. We're doing our best with that too. It just get's complicated with the laws for people from other countries, but we're trying to get a handle on it. I know my way around town really well now. Easter is coming up. There is this event called Easter Pageant that's really big that they hold every year. It's one of the largest in the world. It's coming up two weeks from now from the 1st to the 4th of April. Now that I'm going to be here for another transfer, it will be very hard when I have to go. I felt attached after 1 transfer, and now it will be two transfers later. The feelings that come from serving others all day every day are invaluable and "irreplaceable". (i haven't used that word in a long time, and when i used it, it made me think of that song by BeyonCe. hehe) In all honesty, at times it is hard, but also, always worth it. I would give up this experience for nothing, only to do it again better. I love this work, and I love the Lord. I love having the chance to see people realize what their Heavenly Father has in store for them, and helping them have it. It's the best. I hope you all enjoy your week and have a fun 1st of April.

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 20 (We're gonna stay 18 forever...)

Hello, hello!
Another warm week in Queen Creek! It will be amazing when the "summer" comes to see how it is. It has felt like summer since a month ago. Hehe, we are nearing the end of this transfer and trying hard to help our investigators move along. We're all hoping that we stay together and help Elder Livingston finish off his mission with the 3 of us. Only time will tell though. I went on exchanges and rode bike last week. It's amazing how quickly you get bad tan lines. I have improved my watch tan and re-defined the helmet-strap tan, so I'm definitely looking the part of a missionary. I have a lot of mixed feelings nearing the end of this transfer as I think of the possibilities of what might happen to me; all good though. No matter what happens, I'm excited to be doing this work. This transfer went by so fast. On Sunday we took a family of investigators and another girl who is investigating the church to the Visitor's Center at the Temple in Mesa. I love going there at night because it's SO pretty lit up. Easter Pageant is coming up soon. I've heard a lot about it and I hope to be able to go. This Saturday, all of the Spanish Missionaries are going to the Temple to do a spanish session. I'm way pumped. Everything is going great, and I'm excited to see what next week holds. With that in mind, if you send letters to me, send them to the mission home within the next two weeks in case I get transfered elsewhere. Ok, have fun and Happy Belated St. Patrick's Day!

-Elder LaPorte =)

p.s. we thought st. patty's day was on saturday for some reason and wore green ties for nothing. we got it right yesterday. haha, ByE!

Week 19 (Only In Dreams...)

Hello, hello!
This wek has been pretty eventful. On monday we had interviews with President Craig. That was nice because I always enjoy talking to him. He's a Californian too so he likes us. haha. (but not in a biased way) On Sunday I gave a talk with my companions because it was missionary Sunday. I started off and spoke about the Atonement and how when we feel the healing powers of Repentance in our lives, we will have the desire to share it with others. I used the example of Alma and Enos. We had two families come to church which was really cool, because that's usually the hardest part, getting them to go to church. They enjoyed it a lot. They must have talked about feeding the missionaries in Relief Society because the Moms from both families invited us to dinner. haha. It's really good. One of our investigators who was gettin ready for baptism didn't make to to church this sunday and we're having trouble contacting her. We're working hard to get a hold of her and help her out. It's interesting to see the different phases of someone's conversion process. It's tricky because it's easy to get too focused on the people you have and to not do any finding. Achieving the right balance is difficult sometimes but necessary. Elder Livingston who will be going home in about one transfer likes to eat out a lot for lunch. Luckily he likes Subway which is "kind've" healthy. That's what I tell myself, atleast. The work goes by fast and is very exciting when your heart and mind are focused. Random fact that's kinda shocking; in less than two months I'll be 20! haha. Anyways, I am definitely seeing the blessings of working hard in every moment. Elder Perry when he came, promised us that we would never have less than 20 teaching opportunities a week (if we try our best). We've tried our best and haven't fallen short since. The hand of the Lord is in this work. I see it every day. I love it. Until next time!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 18 (Lights will guide you home...)

Well hello! I have had a great week! Yesterday, we got to go to the visitor's center at the Mesa Temple with a family. It was a very nice experience, plus, the Temple looked beautiful at night. We have been busy teaching lots of people and trying to help them on their journey to living with Heavenly Father once again. Some of the people that we are teaching are pretty close to baptism and I have been there from the beginning of their lessons and such. What I am finding is how rewarding it is to see people take these simple but essential steps to come closer to God. Probably some of my most tender moments have been when they pray for the first time and express the desires and grattitude of their heart to their Heavenly Father. There is nothing that I would rather be doing right now, and I'm so glad that I can be here. Thanks for all of your love and support! I'll see ya when I see ya!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 17 (I'm-a take you there...)

Hello, hello! Another warm week in Queen Creek. This transfer thus far is pickin up LOTS of steam. We're keeping way busy. One thing that might make things more interesting is the fact that there are 3 of us now. We just got another companion this last thursday. His name is Elder Livingston from Salt Lake and he was transferred from another mission to finish things off here. He has about two months left. He is a welcome asset because he can understand just a little better what people are saying. With three of us, it also gives us the opportunity to do more work by going on splits because we only need one person. Our ward mission leader is a big help with that. Our ward is starting to get really involved in helping out with the missionary work. It's a slow process, but with patience it will come. We had Zone Conference on monday with President Craig. It was nice. It's crazy how fast time is flying by already. I'm already going into my third week of the transfer and that is the half-way mark. Time goes by fast when you're busy with good work. I hear it will only go faster. In some ways I hope so, and it others I pray it never does. The more I do this, the more I love it. There are so many ways to improve and so little time to do it in. This work is great and from all of the things I've seen and experiences I've had, there is no doubt that the Lord is at the head of this work. As we read in Moroni, Ch. 10:4, if we pray with real intent to have missionary experiences, they will come. That means if we have the intention to do something with the opportunities that we pray to have, the Lord will give them to us. These opportunities are precious to him, and he gives them to those who truly will do something with those experiences. I love it! Have a great week! All is well in Queen Creek!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 16 (There cannot be a close second...)

Hey! So, this was another good week in Queen Creek. I wasn't sure how it was going to go, seeing as I was responsible for remembering how to get everywhere and who to see. It hasn't been that bad. In a very real sense I have felt my memory improve and now I never fail to know how to get where we need to go. Plus, my companion has a GPS just in case. It makes things a lot easier. Things are speeding up quite nicely here now. We are finding ourselves very busy. Lots of opportunities to find people and teach are popping up. I was going to send some pictures today, but the attachments won't work. I'll send my card home soon. Happy Valentines Day to all of you lovers out there! haha, I kind of forgot that it was Valentines Day. We were helping with a walkathon-fundraiser and drivin around teaching teaching teaching. Because our house is not as central now, we use a few more miles (understatement) but that's ok. The Assistants to the President came on splits with us last night. One of them went with me while the other went with our Zone Leaders. My companion went with our ward mission leader, Hermano Santos, to some appointments we had. Elder Faulkner is the Elder that went on Splits with me. Anyways, as I think I said last time, my new companion is Elder Weller and we live in a little house with the Zone Leaders, Elder Lee and Elder Hillyard. I have decided to start making myself trail mix to keep with me as I go throughout the day. Eating less, more often. Elder Weller and I have been spending our extra time rearranging our room and settin up bunk beds. Our room looks way nice now. We bike a lot to help save miles, so that's good exercise. We ride fast too, so we actually get a workout on our legs. I'm liking all of the work that we have to do right now. We basically work work work, sleep, then do it all over again. "Eat, sleep, repeat" if you will. haha. Anyways, do not worry, I have been thinking of things that might be useful to have for my birthday. I know it's a few months of, but hey! why not? hehe. I'm finding that the longer I'm out here, the better I am getting on focusing on the work. I am loving this work and these people a lot. It sneaks up on you without any warning. I remember right before the last transfer, my old companion, Elder Suarez, and I were in a meeting at church and they asked if any of us would be transferred. He said he was for sure staying and that there was a chance that I was going. In my mind I was like, ya, probably. And then all of a sudden, I got a little sad. And I had only been there for 6 weeks. Regardless of the success that is had, when you serve the people with all of your heart, you grow to love them, without even knowing it. This next week will be busy and great. Until then...!!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 15 (Here I sit waiting beside the tree...hehe)

Hey! Ok, well I don't have much time to type because today was transfers. With that said, I'm still in Queen Creek! They moved me to a new house, however, and I won't know it for certain until next week. So for now, send letters to the mission home address. I have a new companion. He is from the East Bay and his name is Elder Weller. For those of you from the East Bay, you might know him. We have a few mutual friends/aquaintances. With Elder Suarez gone, I'm taking over the area. If I keep the right perspective and give it my all I can grow a lot from this experience. I have to go, so I'll write one quick thing. There were some awesome clouds and sunsets this week with the storm that came from LA. Something I noticed...When the sun was setting only the white clouds took the color of the sunset. All of the dark clouds, well, they stayed dark. The clouds that were white became something beautiful through the sun. As I thought about it, I realized that it can relate to our lives a lot. When we are doing what we should by keeping the commandments and living clean lives, life becomes something wonderful and beautiful through Jesus Christ. When we are doing what we shouldn't, it is a lot harder for Him to make something beautiful of our lives. He can paint our lives in a beautiful way that can only come through living a clean pure life. Life can be beautiful through Jesus Christ. There's a lot of symbolism in nature I've found. This life is a learning experience and we can find something in every aspect of it. I love life and I love this work. It is changing people's lives for the better. Jesus Christ lives, and through Him, we can live with God once again. They love us and I know this. Until next time, take care!

-Elder LaPorte =)

p.s. I can't send it this week, but I'll send a picture of that sunset next week.

Week 14 (Just Watch the Fireworks..)

So this week was a pretty good one. I mean, they all are, even with the ups and downs, but this week was pretty cool. On friday, we, as a mission, got to go into Tempe and have a meeting with Elder Neil L. Andersen (sp?) and Elder L. Tom Perry. Before the meeting got underway he had us all shake his hand. For the record, he is TALL. and funny. When talking about this generations form of communication, he joked about our hands evolving to eventually only have thumbs because all we do is text. haha. I thought that was funny. Anyways, it was a very nice meeting listening to the both of them speak. The part that I was most excited for was actually the meeting that he had later that day with all of the Stake Presidents, High Council members in charge of missionary work, Bishops, and Ward Missionaries/Leaders. There ( we weren't there, but I heard) they really drove home the role of the wards' involvement in missionary work and how to do it. They emphasized studying chapters 8 and 13 of P.M.G. to help them in their responsibilities. Anyways, it was a really nice start to the day. Plus, I was able to see my 3 other spanish buddies who came out with me; Elder Scott, Elder Nielsen and Elder Ries. It's interesting to see the change in all of them. Especially Elder Nielsen. He says "that's righteous" to everything now. I guess his companion is a "far out" guy. haha. Anyways, maybe that's how he has always been, but he's just opening up now. There was a funny experience that we had this week. We were going to find this referral in this very rural neighborhood. We found the address, but were having difficulty finding the house. All that we could see were horse stables. So, we went up to this gentleman in a truck that we had seen sitting by the property the whole time to ask him what he might know of the location of the house. It turned out that he was a missionary of another church, waiting for his companion. No sooner did he realize that we were going to find the same person that he was going to teach, did he begin to start his car and drive onto the property, giving a hearty goodbye. haha. He raced off, without his companion, trying to beat us to the punch. We plan to go back another day, but it was just funny how quickly he acted once he knew what we were about. One thing that I'm reminded of constantly is the room that there is for personal growth while being out here. When it seems like you get over one challenge, another comes along, trying you some more. With the right attitude, it can be great, but it takes a lot of effort to make sure that you frame of mind stays where it should be. This experience is very rewarding as I take a step back and try to see what the Lord is trying to make of me with my experiences. haha, one last thing. actually, I thought of another, so two. First off, I heard this song that I think everybody knows that got stuck in my head, it goes, "Follow me, everything is alright. I'll be the one to tuck you in at night, and if you wanna leave, I can guarantee, you won't find nobody else like me." That last line caught my attention, because it's basically the worst ultimatum ever. To say that you won't find somebody else like me isn't too helpful when that's probably why she's leaving; to find someone NOT like him. haha. I just thought that was a funny line. I've heard that song since who-knows-when but have never thought about it. Item #2, Sunday was the superbowl and the Arizona cardinals were playing. Most of the english elders had trouble getting the work done because EVERYONE was watching it. Almost. We got lucky and found someone the day before who had to move out of their place by monday, and they were kind've in a bind. So, we helped them. The guy was playing it on the radio of the truck, and it was funny because whenever there was a big play, you could hear all of the neighboring houses cheering or yelling. It reminded me of back home how you could hear the football games if you kept the window open. It was funny. Everyone was way into it and way disappointed when they lost. That was the number one thing I heard talked about the next day when we went to talk to people. Ok, well, transfers are next week, so if you have anything to write, send it to the mission home address in case I get transferred. I'm excited to be here and to keep learning and growing as I teach others. Another cool thing was that we had the baptism of Sylvia last saturday. It was very nice. She is a very sweet lady. Take care! Happy V-day to those whom it may concern! haha. Bye

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 13 (Best Team In Baseball...)

Well, this week was way fun as all of them are! They fly by pretty fast to be honest. On saturday, Henry was baptized which was awesome. I spoke in english because half of the people there were english people who know henry so half of the program was in english. it was nice. On monday we had interviews with President Craig. I enjoyed that. He's a really kind man and has lots of good insight. We have another baptism this saturday, so that will be fun! The work is progressing. We get a lot of people who have interest just out of the blue sometimes. Ok, a few funny things. One day we were having lunch at a families house and they were telling us about some nephews who were having a little argument one time. They were having an exchange of disses that were pretty funny. The one that I remembered was this, he said, "What if you fell asleep and I put you on a train and you woke up and said, 'Hey, where am I?' " haha. that was his diss. it was funny. also, we were teaching a lesson one night this week, and we asked this lady if she would set a goal for a day to be baptized. My companion suggested Feb. 28th to which she responded, how bout the 29th? and then her husband said, or the 30th? all the while, I was thinking, "what the?" but my companion didn't even get it. He was like, "really, the 29th? really, the 30th?" forgetting that they weren't real days. When I realized that he wasn't catching on, I pointed it out and everybody started laughing at him. He just looked flustered. haha. I think it was funniest because the gringo (me) figured it out and they expected him, if anyone, to catch on, not me. haha. Anyways, the work is exciting, and I think my language skills are improving. I think. haha. Thanks for all the letters of support, I appreciate it! Take care, and good luck in everything!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 12 (Forever -C.B....)

Hey! well, I went to the Temple in Mesa today. It was really nice. It's interesting how being away from it makes you wanna go so badly. I really enjoyed it. My District wanted to go way early so as to not waste their "P-day" time. They seem to be a lil self-entitled when it comes to p-days, so they're very picky about what they do. I wouldn't have minded going at 9:00 with the rest of our Zone, but that's ok. I guess I'll have more time to write letters. I've been slacking on that the past couple of weeks as I've tried to get used to the whole routine of things. I kind of get caught up playing sports and such. Today I will do it though, because I really want to. The weather is crazy. Last night, it was about 70 degrees until 8:00. It's already hitting the 80's. It will be interesting to see where I get sent during the summer time. If I go up by Snowflake in Show Low, then it will be a nice summer. That is in what they call the White Mountains. If I'm in the valley though, it will be a hot summer. Either way, it's all good. Since my companion is a District Leader I've been on 3 exchanges in the past two weeks and I should be going on one more tomorrow. It's kinda crazy packin up so much. I feel like a nomad. Hehe, it's also crazy because I've been doing a lot of english work because I go to their areas. It's interesting to see the difference in the way people revceive you. The white people are more honest with their disinterest and more frequent as well, but sometimes that's better because with the hispanics, they'll be gracious but not interested and they won't tell you. I'm still working on trying to read them and whether they're just being nice or not. Some of it is the language, but a lot of it is the Spirit. You just have to go with your feeling. Hehe, I was reading an e-mail from Elder Faulk that my Dad sent to me, and his weekly reports are crazy! If we were that busy it would be amazing. The work is a little different here for the Spanish Elders because the people are spread out in different neighborhoods among predominantly white neighborhoods. Atleast in this area, there aren't too many places where you can go and know that you'll find spanish speakers. I believe that Elder Brereton went to Colorado this week. It will be interesting to see what the Spanish work is like over there. Depending on how close he is to the big city will probably determine how concentrated the groups of hispanic residents will be. I've ridden my bike on a number of the exchanges that I've gone on and I like it. It's nice to have the wind in my face. I enjoy sundays because I get a good full-dose of spanish. Since there are a lot of bilingual families it is hard to engulf myself in the language. My companion and I have made a goal, (now that Elder Johnston is gone) to speak a lot more spanish. It is going to be necessary if I am to pick it up fast enough. Next week Elder L. Tom Perry is coming to speak to us, so that will be great. This work is very exciting and rewarding. I feel myself changing each day. One quick story that I've been forgetting to tell. It was my first day here and we went to this house where the wife was a member but her husband wasn't. They had two kids. We were talking to the husband about different questions that he had, and they had me try and answer a lot of his questions. Eventually it got to the point where we were talking about baptism and my companion leans in and says, "Commit him to be baptized." That scared everything out of me, but I was like, ok. So I did. It turns out that he was the Elder's Quorum President and had been a member of the Church for about 15 years. hehe, they made me feel ridiculous and I know that I will never do that to someone new that I get. Haha, o well. It was very strange because his boys were named Helaman and Moroni (people from the Book of Mormon) so I guess I should have guessed. Ok, well I have to go! Take care!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 63 (Do Believe I Told You So... Jet)

Hey! Hehe, my e-mail comes a day late due to the recent transfers. I have left Tempe to go on to new adventures. The delay in writing comes because of the fact that I was transfered to Show Low, AZ. Perhaps, better-named Snow Low, because it is still snowing. Show Low, a quaint town, is nestled in what is known as "The White Mountains." The ride here is beautiful filled with a view to the left and right of valleys filled with pines without end. Preceding the ascent into the mountains said traveler is favored with a scenic view of the more preferable style of desert; red-rock, tons of cactus speckled with sagebrush and mesquite for miles. All in all, the ride was beautiful. There is a half-frozen pond outside of where I live which is cool to look at when I wake up. We have a cozy gas-stove to heat the guest house that we stay in and my mattress is a lot fluffier. I was overjoyed to see that I would be able to taste a bit of the snow before it is too late. It is likely that I will either be here for 3 months or 6 months (2 or 4 transfers) depending on whether President wants me to go to Mesa in 3. We shall see. For the mean time I will enjoy being here, thickening my blood and getting ready for another summer in the valley. I have had too many experiences out here to ever let me deny that the Lord's hand is in all of this. I will go forward with happiness and faith and seek out the Lord's desires for me here in the White Mountains. I love you all and pray for you. Come closer to Christ. It is the key to lasting happiness in this life.

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 11 (Fithos Lusec...)

Well for starters, hello and sorry for my absence of an e-mail last week. I spent so much time sending pictures that by the time that I was ready to write an e-mail, everyone was ready to go. We still don't have much time to write so I ran out of it. Hehe, anyways, it has been interesting being out here. For starters, this is a very rural place. Everybody loves horses and has stables in their yards. Not EVERYONE, but more than I have ever seen. Since I have gotten here I have had spicier things than I ever would have imagined, and my first Sunday I ate a cow tongue taco. It was really good. I believe I will be having menudo some time soon which is cow stomach. I was suprised at how much hot stuff I could handle. I've had all kinds of hot salsas and spicy peper hamburgers and everything. For those who know my ability to digest things spicier than the traditional europeans cuisines have to offer, you know that this is quite a feat. It's exciting, I really like hot stuff now. haha. Anyways, just yesterday our third-wheel companion left to go home. It has been interesting having him around because he was thinking and talking a lot about home. In a way that could have been bad, considering that I just got out here, but I have tried to make the most of a challenging situation such as that. Some thoughts have come to my mind and feelings to my heart that I would like to share. Having this Elder who was all about going home, and couldn't stop talking about it, it led my mind to think about that day when I go home as well, just a little more often. It was a challenge as I tried to keep my thoughts positive, but this is what I got out of it. As my thoughts turned to a lot of things that I cannot have right now, and will not have for a while, such as family and friends and the luxuries that make life special in a way that I didn't always realize before, I realized something...since those sources of comfort (family and friends) could only come a week or a letter at a time, my mind was taken to the only other place that I turn to for comfort. I found my prayers to be more meaningful because of the constant connection I am able to have with my Heavenly Father through it. I came to the realization that even when all things dear are gone, there is one constant source of strength, comfort, and peace that we can turn to, no matter what. I have always known this, but have felt it more literally applied to myself in these past two weeks. My appreciation for the gift of prayer and the realtionship that I can have with my Heavenly Father and my Savior has grown immensly. Heavenly Father is always there for us and will never abandon us. He has given us prayer, and the Holy Ghost to act as sources of comfort at all times. I have felt the love of Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father greatly in these past two weeks, and I am grateful for the way in which I have personally felt it. Last week in my e-mail I also would have mentioned a baptism that was going to take place for a man named Henry last saturday. It ended up not happening because someone very close to the person being baptized was going to be sick and not able to make it. He will get baptized on the 24th instead. The work is very exciting. We have another baptisimal date scheduled for a lady by the name of Sylvia whom we commited to baptsim last night for the 31st. People are ready if we look for them. The joy that comes into their lives is an irreplaceble memory and testimony to me that true joy and happiness can only come throught the ordinances and blessings that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has to offer. The people that we teach all speak spanish, but about half of them can speak english aswell; especially the children/teenagers. So sometimes we go somewhere and they will suddenly start speaking english. The language is coming slowly. Now that our trunkie companion has left, I believe that Elder Suarez and I will be able to do a lot more. Hopefully we can speak spanish more too. We had a Zone Conference on Monday and it was really nice to see president Craig. I have to go, so I'll send a few more pictures and be off. This work is exciting and rewarding with the right attitude and intentions. Take care!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 10 (Hello Queen Creek...)

We're in the queen creek arizona stake and yes, we have a ward. Our area is bigger than our zone because we're spanish speaking. it's kinda funny. the breakdown is an area as the smallest, then district (several areas in a district) and a zone (several districts in a zone) that's why it's funny. our area is bigger than our zone. haha. Ummm, well in the southwest U.S. region we are the highest baptizing. I don't know about worldwide. but this last year we just topped off at a little over 1000 baptisms. There is a big push for work in this area. In a matter of transfers we will increase to 200 missionaries. They taking them away from the east and bringing them here because this area is ready. Elder L. Tom Perry will be coming to speak more on the subject. Things are pretty exciting here.