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 =)