Week 90 (Lola Stars and Stripes... The Stills)

Hi there! Well I quite honestly was very surprised that Wednesday had approached so fast! But here we are! This week was good. Some people that we were hoping for, came to church on Sunday, so that was really neat. Lately we have been meeting a lot of people that are interested in hearing what we have to say. This weekend I will have the privilege of attending the temple to see Gustavo, Lorena and Carlos who all got baptized in May 09, go through the temple for their first time. On the same Saturday, Gustavo's wife will be baptized and the family will be complete! Tomorrow I will have the chance to have my first interview with President Howes. I am thoroughly looking forward to it. I think he will be able to share some things with me that will really help me out. The past couple of days we have been visiting a missionary from our Zone in the hospital and it has been interesting to see how many people from the church work there. In fact, last night we ran into someone from the second quorum of the 70. haha! It is interesting to see the opposition that comes from the adversary as we strive to do the Lord's will. One thing that I really love is never giving up. It is exciting to know that the Lord has told us that we can accomplish something, so we work and find ways that we hadn't ever imagined to make sure that these things happen. If we just push a little more and try a little harder, we see miracles. It is a great blessing for me to be able to serve. I am excited to be able to keep it strong until the end. I know that there is a simple peace that comes as we read the scriptures and pray daily, and as we partake of the sacrament weekly at church. There is confidence and assurance that comes as we keep the commandments. It is promised that if we keep the commandments, we will prosper in the land. I know that this gospel is true, and I know it because my Heavenly Father and Savior love me. I hope that you all have a great week as you prepare to go back to school and what-not. Bye!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 89 (Here Comes the Sun... Beatles)

Hehe, kind of ironic the subject title today. I had wanted to do something that has to do with the sun, but looking out the window I realize that it is a very un-sunny day. Haha. Perhaps the monsoons are coming. I don't remember when they came last year but they seem to be a little late. WHo knows. This week has been good. There are a couple of people that we are working with that we are pretty excited for. They know that it is all true, they each just have a few challenges to get through and then they will be able to follow-through with their desires. Sunday we had what is called the Mission President's Fireside which is held every 3rd Sunday of the month. This time it was my responsibility to stand up front with the Spanish person baring their testimony, and translate. This time it was Blanca who got baptized on Mother's Day. She wasn't too aware of the fact that I don't have an eternal memory and so her first phrase that she left for me to translate was about a minute long. Apparently my face looked more and more concentrated/flustered as time went on (some people told me after) due to the increasing amount of things to remember. When it finally came to for me to speak for the first time, everyone burst out laughing. Hehe, it was actually pretty funny. Blanca took it well, because she understood. While there, before the meeting started, to my excitement I saw Gustavo and his family. Gustavo and his daughter got baptized a little over a year ago. This whole time, the missionaries have been working with his wife, Viki, to help her take the same step. Elder Ries playfully asked, "When are you getting baptized Viki?!" She replied, "July 31st! YOu two better come!" Oh boy, we were SO happy! Gustavo that same morning will being to the temple to become endowed. I also heard that that is when another family, the Arrendondo's are going to do the same. And the following weekend they will be getting sealed. It was great news! We are for sure going to be able to go to the baptism. We are just hoping that we can go to the temple as well. Everything is going well with the work in our Zone. The Lord is really pleased with what is happening. People keep popping up that are ready and so desirous to come unto Christ. It is a beautiful thing to see. Today we went to the Temple. It was such a wonderful and peaceful experience; more than normal. I am really excited to make it a more regular habit when I get home. Our Heavenly Father has provided us with so many precious means of finding comfort and guidance in this world. And all of it comes to mean more to us as we come to understand better the Atonement in our lives. I was listening to the talk by Elder Richard G. Scott- "He Lives! All Glory to His Name!" Listen to it. It gives a lot of insight on how to constantly better our understanding and gratitude for the greatest gift offered us which is the Atonement. I love this work. Every last bit of it! I hope each of you enjoy your weeks as you try to better understand your relationship with our Heavenly Father and what He would have you do. Take care!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 88 (I'm Lovin' Angels... D.A.)

Hello all! This past week has been a great one. First off, happy 3 months to Elder Faulk tomorrow! I know you're workin your tail off down there! Lots of things are happening here in the Mesa Zone. As the weeks have gone by, the Lord has been blessing us constantly in leading us to those that are ready. Many people's lives are being changed as they prepare to enter the waters of baptism. Last week, Francisco got baptized and it was a neat experience. He was taught by some previous Elders and had been coming to church for a while, but just didn't feel ready. We would ask him from time to time if he was ready to take that step in his life. On Tuesday he said yes, so on Friday he got baptized. He is a really neat guy and will be a great example for his family. There are a lot of people that we are excited to be able to teach because the Lord has been preparing them. One is a girl who went to girls camp with her friends and has been to mutual a lot. She went to church for the first time two weeks ago and has been loving everything. We are going to teach her for the first time on Friday. When we set goals with the Lord, it is our responsibility to always be looking for a way to make things happen. He expects us to. It will never be how we planned and will only be completed after diligent, obedient efforts. As members, we have the great opportunity to share the gospel that brings such joy, peace and comfort to our lives. The future of the world is uncertain. But the future of our lives and those of our families can be assured as we plant our families firmly in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The home is such an essential part to providing the rising generations with what they need to come off conqueror, true and faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ. I am excited for the future. And I am even more excited for now. There is so much to enjoy and so much to experience. I hope you all enjoy your week and enjoy becoming better day by day!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 87 (I Believe In Miracles... Hot Chocolate)

Hello! Well, there is much to say so let's see how I do. On Friday we had the opportunity to meet President and Sister Howes for the first time. It was a great chance to get to know them, and receive a confirmation that the Lord has called them to serve at this time. Saturday we went as a Zone to have a "Meet and Greet" where they formally introduced themselves to our group of 16 missionaries and opened up to us a lot. To be honest, I do not see a problem with the transition happening smoothly. At the least, the missionaries where I serve seem to love him already. Sunday, Alma was able to get her baby boy blessed and we were able to participate. It is always a joy to see families so young promise to rear their families the way the Lord wants. Although we are only two weeks into this 7 week transfer, we are seeing so many wonderful things happen. The Lord set a high standard for what we are to achieve this transfer and it has been amazing to see each missionary companionship take their faith, obedience, and a determination to do the Lord's will to the highest standard that they can. As such, the Lord has already blessed us immensely as He does His part to bring about this work. The more I serve the more I love faith and what a powerful tool it is in making things happen. We cannot doubt or fear. Those feelings come from the Adversary. There are too many things to do to NOT let it be pushed forward with a firm faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is so much we miss out on accomplishing or that we delay getting done when we let our faith weaken. It is great to hear about all of the wonderful things happening to each of you in your lives and I hope to hear from more of you soon! Until next time!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 86 (Skies So Blue... T.R.S.)

Hey fam! Hey all! I don't have much time this week, but I thought I would let you know how everything is going. This last Saturday, we had Alma's baptism. She was so excited and filled with joy. I was glad to be able to be a part of this big step in her new family that she is starting off. Luis and Alma are a young couple with a little baby boy and are very excited and determined to do things the way the Lord would have them done. We have been finding a lot of people but not all of them seem to be truly looking for the gospel. That is the thing about missionary work. There is a fine balance between teaching those that like to learn and those that are truly searching. The hard part is sticking only with those that are truly wanting and desiring the truth. That is what we are trying to do. Lots of people, but not as many of them are truly desirous. So we move on. As we show the Lord that we are willing to make better use of His time, He blesses us with the elect. There is always someone ready for the truth. And whether we find them or the members, they are waiting and praying and ready when we come. It is a beautiful thing. I love this work and this gospel. I love my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the chance that I have to serve them all my days, but especially these precious 2 years. Thanks for all of your love and support! I hope to hear from many of you soon!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 85 (Hello, Good Friend... T.R.S.)

Hey! Transfers were this week! They came a week early to prepare for the arrival of our new Mission President. I saw President & Sister Craig for the last time today. (last time for a little while at least...) Spurred from a few thoughts that I expressed to my Dad in regards to Father's Day, I was caused to reflect upon the blessing I have had in receiving such good parents, and why it was so. Through the time that I have been out here and the many, many families I have seen and known, the resounding factor for success, joy, and true happiness has been an active living of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have seen too many families that could have been, shattered. I could go on for a while with the many things that I have seen. And each time when I see something happen, whether divorce, infidelity or what-have-you, I sit and try and think of would I could give them, or what would have prevented it. Every time, I know the answer is the Gospel. When you truly know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is guided by a Loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Himself, it makes sense. It makes sense that the teachings contained within this church make things work out. It makes sense the love is found and shown as it should be. That children are had and raised as they should be. That happiness is had and lasts as it should. Because Jesus Christ is guiding our family and blessing it as we follow His counsel. For those who have not read "The Family, A Proclamation to the World," do it. Find it what your role is in bringing true happiness to your live. As the Savior said, we will never thirst when we drink from His waters. We will never be searching for something more. I know it is true and I am grateful for the special care that God has placed over my family through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope you all enjoy your weeks and become what you hope to be!

-Elder LaPorte =)

Week 84 (Black Hole Sun... Copeland)

Good Morning! I haven't spoken of the weather lately but it has been interesting! Normally about a month and a half ago, we would be dancing around 100 and by now for sure set in the 100-110's. However, due to a long winter, summer has come slower and less potently to our desert home here in Arizona. It has been really nice. I couldn't tell you what it has been most of the time but probably in between 90 and 105 which is nice. Hehe, anyways, things have been good here. This weekend we will be having the wedding of a young lady by the name of Alma. She will then be getting baptized the following week. She is a really neat person. As we approach the end of our time with President Craig. We had interviews with him last Thurs and they were really nice. I remember thinking about this day but thinking it was a ways off. Oh well. Hehe, it's here. Nothing to do but go forward and do it for the Lord. One thing that I have been noticing lately is the Lord trying to teach me of a greater level of faith. Sometimes the thing that we have faith in, for example, that something which we need to happen will happen. Sometimes, a moment comes and goes and we think that that was it; that was the moment that the Lord would have answered my needs or answered my question, so if not then, then I guess it just isn't meant to happen. I have been realizing more how the Lord expects our faith to stretch even farther. If the Lord doesn't answer in such and such moment, it doesn't mean that the chance has come and gone. It means that He is giving us a chance to believe even harder and work even harder; a greater chance for miracles. I don't know if this makes sense but I have just noticed how not only do we have to endure to the end, but also endure to the end our trials to the very end, working and believing till the very end. That is when we will see the Lord shower His blessings on us and reward us for our faith. I love being out here. I love being able to watch people understand that the Lord's church is on the earth again for our benefit so that we might be happy in this life and return to live in joy with our Father in Heaven in the life that follows. It is all true. Every last part of it. I hope each of you are doing well! I hope to hear from ya! Thanks for the love and support that you already do send.

-Elder LaPorte =)