Week 77 (We're Gonna Stay 18 Forever... braNdEW)

Well good afternoon from Mesa, Arizona! In light of my title this week, tomorrow will mark my 18 months in the mission. It is kind of weird to consider. When I try to think of life before the mission, it seems like something distant and far. When I think of the time spent thus far, it feels as though it has been far shorter. It seems as though the more you feel that you know what you're doing as a missionary, the less time you feel you have each day. I'm not sure if that makes sense to any of you, but it makes perfect sense to me. I wish the days went slower but irregardless, we still seem to be able to do what is needed. It just doesn't feel like it. The work here is going really nicely. It is a completely different pace from the work up on the mountains: 1. it being the mountains and 2. it being english work. Down here I definitely do feel more in my zone in the Spanish world. I love the people and I love all the chances that I get to speak to those I meet. There are a good number of people preparing themselves for baptism and I'm excited for that. I'm also excited to see who else the Lord will put into our path through our own efforts and those of the members. This last weekend I was privileged to go to a baptism of the son of Cris. Cris was someone whom I taught that got baptized shortly after I went up to Show Low. Not long after, her daughter did the same. This last weekend her oldest child, Cristian, was baptized and I got to go. It was nice to be able to make up for the missed baptism before and to be able to see the wonderful things happening to their family. I don't know how many people came but it seemed as though at least 20 people came that had not been baptized yet; many were friends of Cristian. It was great to see their enthusiasm in inviting everyone they knew to come and partake of such a special event. I am excited to hear about the many great things that they do to bring others into the fold. The more I do this the more my testimony grows of the truthfulness of this work. That God and Jesus Christ are guiding us to carry out their purposes here on the earth. I meet people daily who tell me to go home and re-think what I know and what I have learned. Every time I do, I am strengthened. It is real. It is true. It is wonderful. I hope that you all enjoy yourselves this week as we enter the best month of the year! Haha.

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 76 (Don't Give Up!... W.A.)

Hello, and happy week to all! As expected, the temperatures are slowly rising and reminding us that we are in Arizona. I am fully enjoying my chance to be back in the valley/city/Spanish work. The people and food have a great place in my heart. To share a funny story... Yesterday, we were teaching on some grass of one of the local community college campuses. We had brought a guy with us who would be leaving on his mission in a little less than a month. Near the end of the lesson a gentleman pulled up his bike and was curiously and anxiously eying us from a distance. (About 25 feet away, if that.) After the lesson was finished we approached him and introduced ourselves. He began to ask us of our motivation behind the service that we do followed by a series of other questions. It quickly became apparent that he had no intention of hearing the answers to his questions but only to quickly interject and instill us with his doctrine. We then spent the rest of 20 min or so, trying to direct him to the Church website or to the English missionaries who could address his questions at a more appropriate time. While walking back to the car we explained to Abel (pronounced Ahh-Bell) that he will find many situations like that and it will be his job to address the concerns of all when sincerely asked, and to politely interact with those who have no desire to hear but to simply tell us that we are wrong. We did, however, mention the sincerity and kindness of this young man in trying to help us see what he felt to be truth, which is generally rare. And how normally they are more loud, less polite and use more heated tones and words in addressing us. No sooner had we mentioned that, than a man who was crossing the street in front of us greeted us with a belittling statement concerning Joseph Smith, followed by a series of ill-mannered words and sentiments. After asking him for a referral and if he needed some service, we then told Abel with a laugh, "That is what we were talking about." Haha. It was pretty ironic. Any day can be cheery and bright, even when the day's events are delivered in a contrary manner. With an optimistic attitude and a disposition to find good in all, every day can be a joy. I hope that each of you can find peace in your trials and comfort during hardships. I know that it can come as we always remember our Lord and Savior who gave all so that we could have all. Take care!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 75 (Don't Stop, Believin... Journey)

It is interesting to think about the trails that we are dealt in life. Since being here, I have had many opportunities to experience more profoundly the ways in which our Heavenly Father teaches us to turn our hearts to Him. Many people have said to me that they have had things happen to them that just weren't right. They have prayed for things that they just haven't gotten. That life seems to be telling them that maybe that being up above cares a little bit less than they were taught. For all reasons given as to why they feel abandoned, lost and betrayed, I see the contrary. Any trial that we receive, wasn't necessarily because we "deserved it", but because we can handle it; if we turn to the Lord to get through it. Every prayer that seems to be unanswered in the way that we seek could be a perfect showing of the kind and thoughtful watch that our Father in Heaven has over us as He gives us not what we want, but what we need. There is no greater love that I can see than that which comes from one willing to let sorrow come upon us, so that we might personally understand the joy; and understand our need for Him and His guidance. One who is willing to see us struggle as what is best for us is given instead of what we desire. What parent doesn't understand these truths, and yet in their own moments of struggle, trial and disbelief, expect something different from a perfect father above. For myself as much as anyone else, we must see this chance that we have to struggle, to stretch, to learn and to grow as the greatest outpouring of love that our Heavenly Father could ever show. The truth is that He is there and that He does care. And as we understand the greatest source of hope and reprieve that He has given us through Jesus Christ, we will never doubt or falter. I know that my Father in Heaven is mindful of me and the struggles that I have. I know that He is yearning always for me to turn my heart to His. I know that all things are possible through Jesus Christ whom the Father sent because Jesus Christ suffered all and felt all for each one of us so that we might not be alone in this mortal journey. I love this life. I love it all. And I'm grateful to have the chance to share what makes it such a joy, with all around me. I hope that all goes well for each of you as you turn your hearts to God. Take care and never give up! See ya next week!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 74 (We Were Walkin Downtown... Copeland)

Hey all! I would say writing from Show Low, but I'm not there. I'm in Mesa. There was an opening down here in a spanish area in mesa because a missionary just finished his mission, so the Lord sent me here. It is bitter/sweet. We have a lot of good things lined up this transfer with a lot of good people, but I am very excited to be able to come back to the speaking spanish. This branch has been known for a lot of good things with 60+ convert baptisms last year. There is a lot of good support from the members and lots of very prepared people to find and talk to. It is also nice being in the city again. I like both types of places I guess, but I always feel nice where things are busy and people are around. Although I would have liked to stay a little longer in the mountains, the Lord knows what is best. Plus, it would have been a greater shock to have to come down in July in the middle of the summer. My new companion is Elder Stroh from Spokane, WA. He has 2 transfers left and goes home with my former companion, Elder Weller. He was the trainer to another former companion of mine, Elder Shiffler, and he was with my MTC companion, Elder Scott, for 3 transfers in Yuma. So, there is a lot of good history and a lot of good things that I believe we will be able to do. We all have our weaknesses but together we will be able to lift one another up and bring the best that we can to this area. The missionary that I trained, Elder Bradshaw, became a trainer this transfer, so that is exciting knowing that 3 generations are in the field right now and a possible 4 if this new one trains before I go home. I am excited for the change and the new opportunity to grow. As long as I am constantly trying to understand what it is that the Lord wants me to change, and DOING it, I know that the Lord will bless us. I hope that you all enjoyed General Conference and had a Happy Easter!

-Elder LaPorte =)