A Short Note From a Busy Elder

Ok well this week I really don't have a bunch of time so I'll make this fast. Luckily we didn't have the best week so there's not a lot to write! (Look I can find a blessing in just about everything!) So I'll just tell you guys about something funny that happened.

Just so you guys know it is very hard if not impossible almost to teach Jehovah Witnesses. This week I think was the first experience in my whole mission. I'm not sure why but they just never accept visits. Sad right? Anyways we went to a contact who was Catholic to see if she was there. When we found her she already had a couple visits. One from an older man and missionary from the Catholic church and another....a JW.......She told us to come in and so the party was made even more interesting with two "Mormons"!! Anyways they gave us a bit of time to talk. We shared the Restoration and had an awesome lesson. I mean it was awesome cause I felt the Spirit a lot and learned a lot from it. I'm almost positive that the other people didn't feel....or recognize anything though because they just began to attack us. 

It was actually interesting. The thing I learned is how important that this Gospel is. I'm am so thankful for this restored Gospel and I'm positive that it is true. It is a bit sad to me how these people are so set on the traditions of their parents or so focused on what the Bible says that they can't realize that God is speaking to his children today! Man just interesting lesson this week. Well not so much a lesson rather I've just become very grateful for these things. 

Have a great week!!! Love you guys!!

We Decided to Knock Doors Until We Found Someone

Man you guys have no idea how tired I am. We just got back from hiking 3 mountains...It´s basically just one but it has three peaks. I put a picture here so you should be able to see it. We walked from one side (the left side.) To the other side. We started at about 8 and ended at about 2:30. A very difficult hike to say so myself. I´m not actually sure but I´m almost positive that the town underneath is my area too but maybe my area is on the other side....So yeah that was a fun district P-day.

We had a very good week. Just so you guys know this week down here isn´t just easter but it´s semana santa (holy week). The entire week everyone is partying. It makes work very hard. Almost everybody goes to the beaches and so literally the streets were completely empty. It actually kinda creeped me out to see how empty it was. My companion and I tried not to get depressed though and we decided to knock doors until we found someone who would receive us (that's another example of how he's writing in English but thinking in Spanish). Seriously there was nothing else to do. We actually found a couple pretty positive people and so we´ll see where that goes. Every day we were only able to get one or maybe two appointments with investigators but with all of them we saw a TON of progress.

I would like to mention one person in particular. Her name is Odilma. She is a lady we have been teaching for a while and before she really wasn´t that positive. I´m not exactly sure what happened but now she is one of the most positive people I have met in the mission. She has such a big desire to know the truth for herself and is doing everything possible to know and receive an answer. She even cut her vacation this week short just to come to church this week and even with a whole bunch of family things she had to deal with she came to church. Her husband though is one of the most closed of people EVER though. It´s kinda sad but he never listens to the discussions or anything and doesn't want anything to do with any church. Every time she goes to church she pays very close attention and then when she gets home she writes everything down in a little notebook and it´s crazy all the stuff she can remember. 

She also has a bunch of really good questions too. She asked us what the word Quorum means cause someone said it in their testimony and she remembered the word until she got home and wrote it down. She is also reading a ton the Book of Mormon and praying to know if it is true. We had a baptism date with her for this Saturday but last night we moved it cause she told us she likes everything but she just really wants to be sure before doing anything. I´m thinking more for her husband she doesn´t want to rush into anything but I have no doubt in my mind that she will be baptized. Oh yeah also with her 2 daughters and daughter in law. An amazing family. 

Yesterday in church my companion and I had to speak in church. I always like speaking actually. It was a nice Sunday too. We usually have attendance of about 80-90 now but this week because of vacations we only had 61 people there. 10 of them were investigadores!! It seriously was amazing. And all of these investigators are progressing. Next week we should have more too. Brother Gonzales came for the first time cause before bringing his whole family he wanted to see what it is like. He absolutely loved it and wants to bring his family of 5 next week. The spirit was so strong during the meetings too. I learned so much from the talk I gave. I talked about Charity and I gained a big testimony of the importance of this attribute. Maybe my talk wasn´t the best but I could feel the spirit so I would count it as a success. Next month in May should be full of baptisms. it´s also the month I talk with you guys! But man seriously a crazy week. Oh and to finish Mom you asked me something.

As for what we ate on easter....almost nothing haha. We usually never eat breakfast Sundays cause we have to leave early. After we usually eat a HUGE lunch thanks to a sister in the ward who gives us food but she wasn´t here yesterday....Also we don´t have a planned dinner Sundays. I should mention also that we buy all our food Mondays so by Sunday there´s nothing left in the house. Haha fun right? It wasn´t that bad though. Before going home a lady in the ward who cooks crazy good food gave us really good sandwiches with egg so I was happy.

Have a good week and I love you guys!!!!!!!

One more week down....... 

You Never Know Who the Lord Has Prepared

Oh man I had such a good week.

I am still learning so much these past few days. This area has been a good one.

So anyways this week was full of lessons to learn and divisions. We have an area in our zone called Catocha and on Tuesday we did Divisions with them. I stayed in my area with Elder Searle. I got to say it was one of the most tiring days of my life. What had happened is my companion in divisions the week before had planned a lot of things for that day because we didn't have much. The problem is that most of what he planned were new people that I didn't know. I mean it was good what he did but it just made it tough on me a bit. 

Also so you know addresses don't exist out here. An example of one would be "4 blocks over that way and then 6 blocks up. There is a tree and a dog outside of my house and sometimes the door is opened. My house is green. (All the houses here are green....)". Needless to say sometimes it is kinda hard to find a place when I want to. So that day we just walked around forever looking for people. The few we found couldn`t attend us either so yeah...Anyways earlier that day we had had a zone council and we had talked out the importance of diligence. I really gained a testimony of it that day because we kept going strong and doing a ton of contacts. The point I was just tired out of my mind we talked to a guy sitting down and I sat next to him. He was really receptive and we had a good little lesson right there. Right after him my testimony of being diligent was confirmed when we found a family that has been prepared for the Gospel. They are the Flores Family. (Not the Flores Family that we already baptized. A different one.) When I first saw him I had to repent cause I completely judged him. He is a very big man with a very large beard. I thought there would be no way he would want anything. but to my surprise he told us to come in and told us he really needed our visit because he wants to be closer to God. It was so cool. They are the coolest people and I am hoping and praying every day that they will progress. I really think that they will. So yeah that`s how I learned to be diligent.

Man this letter is long...but hey we had another division! I went to Jutiapa with Elder Vieira from Brazil. My companion and I had put the goal to help them do 60 contacts that day. We started out strong and we actually found a really cool family too. At 4 we had a meeting but we still only had about 25 contacts. After the meeting we had some travel to do to go to other appointments and so we couldn't contact because we were in a members car. We were dedicated to the goal though but after everything at 8 at night we didn't have more than 35. We kinda lost hope and then we turned a corner and just randomly we saw about 60 people all in their families sitting outside. Elder Vieira told me that that never happens there. But yeah we contacted all the families and found some VERY receptive people. One of them knows a member and yesterday went to church with her and loved it. At the end of the night we had 62 contacts! Haha so I also learned that if we put a goal with faith the Lord will provide a way to accomplish it. Also we had to be diligent to do it. Wow that all wrapped up so nicely.

Well sorry that this letter is so long...well maybe you guys are happy about that but seriously I have learned so much lately. I learned something from our convert Juan Manuel. Sometimes we think about something we have to do better and then make excuses. When that happens we just have to remember that "hay que hacerlo". There is NEVER an excuse good enough to disobey or to remain in sin. I am so thankful that the mission has taught me this and it is something I hope to never forget. Love you guys and have a HAPPY EASTER!!!

Elder Layton 

Faithful Obedience

What an awesome week! I have been pretty tired these past few days which is weird because this week we only worked in our area for 3 days out of 7. Hey at least we had comfortable buses this time right?

So anyways on Tuesday we had the change meeting and my companion and I have to go even though we didn't have changes. In the zone 4 people changed. The missionaries that were assigned to the zone are great. They are all hard workers and I actually knew a couple of them which is cool. The weird thing is now the zone is really young. Almost no one in the entire zone has more than a year in the mission! So yeah we are going to be focusing a lot in helping the missionaries know what to do. We have to train them a bit but I know they are really willing to work so I'm not too worried.

On Thursday we went to a meeting with President Stay. We talked about things we are going to do better as a mission and it got me really excited about the direction the mission is going in.

Ok anyways on to the best part of the week. General Conference was absolutely amazing. I think my favorite session was the Priesthood one. It was great. I hadn't really understood the Priesthood keys as I do now. Also in the bus today on the way to Jutiapa I began to study it a bit more. It`s interesting because the keys are literally the right to govern over our responsibilities. Everyone that we are given charge over acts under our authority....Man it would've been nice to understand that as a Deacons Quorum President. It just makes more sense in my head now. I can't really explain it well but it`s really cool. Oh man there were just so many good talks. Mom you definitely watch it. I also really liked all the references to airplanes... :) Haha President Monson`s closing talk was awesome too. Well I think it was the closing talk for the Sunday Morning Session. He talked about Obedience. What I learned is I shouldn't just obey to obey rather I must do it because I love the Lord and am thankful for what he did for me. My testimony has been strengthened SO much this week. I have no doubt at this point that this is Christ`s church. But seriously I KNOW it. It`s just sad to me how long it took for me to figure that out. Curtis prepare yourself for the mission better than I did ok? (Eric was actually very well prepared as a missionary.)

I hope you guys take the advice of the General Authorities and began to study and put in practice the things that were said. I know I will. Some of the recurring themes that I heard were Obedience, the importance of defending the faith, Charity, and Responsibility as a priesthood holder. I know they were all inspired of God to say what they did and I am so thankful for the personal revelation that Heavenly Father gave me. Oh and Mom to answer your question we watched all the sessions in English.

Well I love you guys and hope you have another awesome week. Always remember that Christ lives! He was resurrected for us and today he guides this church. Love you and we'll talk to you soon.

BYE

Excited for Conference and Hoping for a Temple in Bend

Well as always family we had an awesome week. But I`m kinda confused...it went by so fast though that I don`t really remember what happened. Let`s see if I can remember. 

This week was filled with divisions (exchanges). We had one with an area in the zone and another with the assistants. I stayed in our area for both of them. It`s always such a good opportunity to do divisions with them cause they really teach me something every time. We have really good ones right now but tomorrow one of them is going home. 

Oh I should mention to you guys that I don`t have changes or anything which I`m actually happy about. I really like the area and my companion and I are working really hard. We still always have to go to the change meeting though so we are going to have to go to the Capital this week. Actually we are going to have to go twice. I actually really like going. (Not just because it`s 7 extra hours to sleep either). Four areas in our zone have changes so it should be interesting who comes. 

Also so you guys know we`re getting pretty close to changing Missions Presidents. In June President Stay leaves and President Caffaro from Miami gets here. It should be interesting. For 3 months I`ll have a new President which is tough but I`m sure it will also be good. President Stay seriously is amazing. He has taught me SO much and I am so thankful for the many things he has done for me. But hey the the Lord wants a change in the Mission`s President I guess that`s how it needs to be. 

I have been trying to prepare myself for the General Conference that`s coming up this week! Can you guys believe that once again we get to see it?! I swear the General Conferences in the Mission are so good. Who knows, maybe they`ll announce a Bend Oregon Temple! How cool would that be? I`ll be praying for it. On top of Aubrey Butte.....

So yeah this week was just really good. We found a whole bunch of new people in our area and in the zone. It`s exciting because we see that the Elders are more excited and are working harder than ever. We should see a lot of baptismal dates coming up this week. Well at least that`s what I`m praying for. In our area we have seen support from the members like no other. Even though there are few we had more lessons with members than ever!! They are all really excited and love doing missionary work. This branch is so great. They all just seemed excited and we have been seeing improvements in a lot of things such as attendance to church. Yesterday we had about 89 so it`s getting up there.

Now that I didn't have changes It`s almost positive I`ll stay here for 6 months which is awesome. This is my companions last change in the mission so after him I`ll stay for another change. Hey no complaints. Here we are working. Ok yeah one complaint....Only an hour of internet. Love you guys!

BYE

Gerson's Conversion

Man another week down...This I think was one of the fastest weeks of my mission. I`m not exactly sure why it was so fast but....it just was. The next week we have changes just so you guys know...it`s possible that I could be changed but I kinda doubt it. If I stay one more I`ll be with my comp. when he goes home. So yeah we`ll see what happens. Already got 3 months in my new area. But seriously I`m loving every second.

So let`s see...Oh just to let you guys know, the reason I haven`t sent any photos lately is cause these computers have a crazy ton of viruses. I had to pay someone to clean up my USB from all the viruses so I kinda just don`t want to use it in these computers anymore...sorry. 

This week was good. We are teaching a lot lately and we are having a bit more luck with working with members. 

This week we had an amazing Branch Conference and The Stake President came to talk with us. He was really clear as to the point of we all need to repent. It was crazy though. He stood up and just calling everyone out as sinners haha. It was really good though and I actually learned a lot. He made a good point, sinning is like having a spiritual credit card. Every time we sin we use the card. We get completely under debt and only by repenting we can be free. If we repent Christ pay the price. He made the point though that we have to pay about 1% too. That price would be the godly sorrow that we should feel in a true repentance. He said that the only other option is to not repent and so that whole debt will be piled onto us at the last day but with a whole bunch of late fees on top of everything. There`s really no reason that every single one of us shouldn't repent. He also said there are only two type of people in the whole world. Those that repent and those that don`t. We are either one or the other. It makes me want to be better thinking about it in that way. I've got a heck of a lot of debt piled up still. I know that only through sincere repentance I can get rid of it. But for that reason I love the Gospel so much.

So let`s see. Oh yeah this week we had a baptism!!! Not really sure if I told you guys about Gerson or not. He is the Brother of a recent convert and when we met him he was really against the Church. He has had an amazing conversion story too. He really had desires to know if it was true even though he never really wanted to hear anything. He started reading the Book of Mormon and he had very direct, very clear answers to his prayers. In like two weeks we saw him turn around and even before his baptism he was telling EVERYONE that he is a Mormon. He`s only 14 years old and at his Catholic school he`s getting a lot of flack for being baptized but he is super happy. 

Now in the family the only person that needs to be baptized is their Dad who came to the baptism on Saturday and Sunday was going to go to church but got really sick. It gave us the opportunity to give him a blessing though which was a great experience. His wife keeps telling us that we have to continue to visit him and we definitely will. I think he`ll be baptized one of these days, the process is just a bit longer than for others. He`s also very Catholic but LOVES the BoM. So yeah coolest story of the week.

It`s pretty hot here. Nothing too bad though. We`re surviving and it`s nice cause because it`s hot everyone here always gives us nice big glasses of juice or coca cola....you guys still don`t drink that right? We drink it like water here......Kinda have to. But hey it`s better to not drink soda! I`m trying to stop drinking so much...it`s tough though cause well....that`s what the people have.

So I hope you guys have a good week. Always remember to repent immediately because it`s not worth waiting! Love you guys and have a good Spring Break!!!!!!!!!!

Élder Layton  

I Began to Feel the Strength of the Spirit Return it Completely Changed Me

What a week. Maybe it wasn't the most perfect week or anything but it was a week that I will remember forever. This area is without a doubt my favorite until this point. I´m learning so much but it seems to me that every time I learn a life lesson it gets harder and harder. But that being said every time I learn a lesson a change more and more.

Basically what happened is awhile ago I had a really interesting Personal Study. I started with the question "Who am I?" I began to find a lot of interesting things and especially when I began to read in the Book of Moses. It was a story that I had heard many times before but this time I understood it. It was when the Lord withdrew from him and he was powerless for the space of hours. What I came to realize is that without the Lord I am completely useless. But with the Lord I have the potential to become something great. I think what happened is I was a very prideful person and well still am maybe a bit. 

During this time I have been coming to the Lord for help for many things and this is one of the things I wanted to change. It was weird though because to me the change seemed impossible, to get rid of my pride and be more humble. I can bear my testimony though once again (I know I have done this like 3 times in a row now) that the promise in Ether 12:27 is true. As soon as I began looking for a change it came...and it hit hard. To tell you the truth for a couple days this week I felt pretty depressed. For once I felt that I was almost good for nothing! Sad right? I felt very incapable of doing what is needed of me. I think for about 2 days this week the Lord gave me an experience kinda like Moses. He needed me to realize that without him I am not as great as maybe I thought I was. I definitely learned my lesson and so a couple days ago when I began to feel the strength of the Spirit return it completely changed me. This has been something that has really helped me and I know I still got a long way to go but hey one more life lesson down a whole bunch to come.

This week other than that has been good too. We reached a record high in our Branch of 96 people in Sacrament meeting with 5 investigators! It really was a miracle and the next miracle will be retaining that attendance. I think the members have been getting really excited and are ready to start working. We got an amazing reference from a member right after the meeting and we visited him the same day. He already knows the church is true and has heard the missionaries before but for his work he hasn't been able to come to church. We felt he didn't understand the importance of the Gospel of Christ and we gave him an AMAZING lesson. The spirit was SO strong and he even began crying. We taught him the life lesson that I received haha. I had told my companion what I learned and he began the lesson with the question "Who are we?" This man (Mynor Martinez) has already accepted a baptismal date and is going to talk to his boss about getting off on Sundays. Really it was one of the most powerful lessons I have been in because he really understood the importance of the Gospel in his life.

I love this Gospel and I know it´s true. Hope you all have an amazing week and that you all read the BoM every day. Mom your store has 8 years to be there???? That´s crazy!!! Anyways you guys are great and like always enjoy carpet for me. 

Adios. Hasta la proxima.  

I Love Reading the Book of Mormon

Once again here I am. I seriously don't know where to start. I pretty sad actually right now. Right now my old companion e-mailed me to let me know that in my last area one of the really cool members just died. I`m not sure how exactly but he has 3 little kids and a wife who have been affected. So yeah definitely include the Cifuentes Family in your prayers this week.

We've been working pretty hard still. We did a lot of divisions which is always fun. I went to an Elders area and we completely got lost for like two hours and then we found out we weren't even in his area. Fun right? Well in his defence he had just arrived at the area. The reason we did divisions is to help get the members excited because before we had some problems in the area. Needless to say we didn't really have time to talk to members but we did a bit of service and we found a person that is very positive about accepting the Gospel. So we`ll see where that goes. Other than that this week we didn't really travel that much.

We have found a very big problem in our area. Even though the attendance to church is climbing almost no one is able to do visits with us. So it`s been really hard because a lot of times we aren't able to go into houses. We're trying to figure out a solution so we'll keep working. 

Seriously I love this area. The people are so good and a lot of people are interested. A lot are really Catholic but that`s ok. We are teaching a really Catholic man. His wife and son are members and he and one other son aren`t. We haven't been able to get to him but recently we have started focusing on the Book of Mormon. He absolutely loves it. Every time he reads and learns. When we talk about it it`s almost like he`s fighting inside himself to figure out what`s right cause he`s always been Catholic. The Book of Mormon is SO powerful. I love reading it. Seriously that is something that I've learned here. To love the scriptures. Definitely some good stories there...and the Old Testament just makes me laugh.

Ok sorry no more time. Love you guys and hope you have an amazing week.

Elder Layton

Yes, I am a gringo, why?

Another good week as zone leader outside of the capital. As an answer to your question Mom yes we did do some traveling. Friday we went to the Capital really early, and then I stayed there in divisions with the Assistentes and then we travelled on Saturday. Also on Sunday we had to go to Jutiapa for a last minute meeting. One of the things we have to do is go to the meeting that they have with all the Bishoprics and talk there. When all the bishops start complaining about their missionaries we have to answer them and take care of all their questions. I felt kinda like when famous people have press conferences and everyone starts asking a bunch of weird questions hahaha. But yeah it was fun. 

Also Friday we had a really good meeting with President Stay. Anyways bus trips here are funny. Needless to say these buses don`t come prepared with gringos in mind. You guys know those collage games about fitting people into phone booths? Well they are pretty good at that game here. And it`s tough cause my shoulder hits the ceiling. So it`s pretty cramped. And the roads here are really bumpy too so I hit my head many times. But hey I enjoy it. It`s a very easy way to start conversations with the people. "Oh no hermano I'm not trying to eat your head but it is quite close to my face. Yes, I am a real gringo, why? I have come here to preach the Gospel...." and BAM a contact. It`s so much fun being in Guatemala!!

Anyways we have been teaching a lot of good people lately. The most positive is the Esteves Family. We found them and we thought they were SUPER Catholic cause they have big Virgin Marys built into their house but turns out they don`t go to a church and have been looking for one. They felt the Spirit really strong in the first lesson and all accepted baptism. They just couldn't go to church cause they had to go to a funeral. (We actually found them coming from a different funeral...poor guys). Needless to say we`re going to be focusing heavily on the Plan of Salvation. But yeah it was SUCH a good lesson but they`re new so we`ll see what happens. 

We also are teaching an atheist and his wife. The wife knows that the message is true but she can`t go to church. The husband actually is really receptive and knows he has felt the Spirit. I think he just got confused with the Joesph Smith question. Which of all the churches is true and why are there so many? I guess he decided God wouldn't make all that confusion so he decided there is no God. Sad right? But hey we`re making progress. They are also pretty new so we`ll see what we can do to get them to church.

So another awesome week. I am changing so fast. Many things that I want to get better on are becoming easier. I have gained a testimony about Ether 12:27. It`s so true. I actually read that whole chapter last night. SO GOOD. Even Moroni the great prophet had a lot of things he had to work on. But yeah the Book of Mormon is so great. read it often! I seriously love personal study now.

Ok have a fantastic week. Good luck with your presentation Mom!!!   

Never Let Anything Stand in the Way of Your Obedience. That is What I Have Learned.

Oh man I don't know where to start. This week was so full of miracles. I have been learning so much here. Definitely a life changing experience. So ok I guess I can start with elder Ochoa. He taught us so many things. I`m not sure exactly why but this conference struck me really as one of the most powerful I have had in the mission. That back to back with the conference with Elder Cook so my testimony has been fed well these past few days.

Elder Ochoa talked about a lot of things. The thing that struck me the most was when he talked about the faith. We all know that the faith are things hoped for that aren't seen but his conference helped me look at it a bit differently. He said we don't have real faith until we act. "Faith is a principle of action". That`s so true. Sometimes we believe something but we don't do it. If I want to find more people to teach I have to get out there and start looking. 

But something interesting was when he talked about the seed. He said we are really not asked to do much. As members of the church the only thing we can do is plant the seed. Maybe put a little water on it and everything but we can't do anything else. The only person who has the power to actually make the seed grow is God. Sometimes do do everything possible to force the seed to grow but we can`t For example sometimes as missionaries we try explaining everything in detail so the people understand and then we use scriptures to almost in a way convince them that these things are true. It`s not like that. We have to just go to their house and help them feel the Spirit so that seed may grow. We missionaries don`t have that power. Only as they feel the Spirit when we are with them will their faith grow. So yeah that`s something I liked. Hope it all makes sense I`m trying to write fast to get everything in.

My companion and I have been focusing this week a lot in finding a new family to teach because now we don't have anybody almost! Man we just had to baptize everyone....Haha no but seriously we had the coolest baptism!! The Flores Family was baptized and confirmed this Saturday and Sunday. They progressed literally as fast as possible. They have such strong testimonies too which is awesome. 

Before being baptized I was waiting for the Dad, Juan Manuel, to leave the bathroom. I went in to see if he was ready and he was in his white clothes kneeled on the floor praying. I`m not sure if I have ever seen a happier man. I baptized him and he came out crying and gave me a big hug. I will never forget that moment. 

Last night we had a very good lesson with them and they started to tell us about all the changes they have made. They were talking about how angry he used to always be. We were confused because we had never seen him like that. They told us from the first time he talked to us he completely changed and has been making changes ever since. I am so grateful for having been a part of his conversion and of the entire family. It has been something amazing. I should mention that they almost have nothing. They live in a tiny little room and don't even have a bed, just a little mattress for all 6 of them. So anyways I couldn't tear the smile off my face when he came to church yesterday with his new white shirt, black pants, and to top it all off we got him a tie. Future Bishop. I`m totally predicting it. Moments like this make me happy to be here. It makes it all worth it.

So really that is what I have time to tell you guys. Really it`s the most important. I can't really explain it but in such a short time my testimony has grown like crazy. I feel so happy to be here preaching the Gospel as a representative of Jesus Christ. I will never forget the importance of this time in my life. It is definitely forming me to be the man that my Heavenly Father needs me to be one day. I`m far from perfect but hey at this rate give me a couple weeks. Haha ok kidding.

Love you guys and hope you have a good week. Remember that this Gospel is true. I have no doubt. Live it fully in your lives. Never let anything stand in the way of your obedience. That is what I have learned.

ADIOS   

Stress, Nine Investigators and Air Conditioning

Ok so we had a very interesting week. Definitely fun being ZL. I won't lie there is a bit more stress than I'm used to but I've gotten ok at managing that so I'm ok still...still breathing.

On Tuesday we had the divisions so I went all the way back basically to my last area. The assistant Elder Earl is a great guy. He was my Zone Leader for a long time and he`s the one I told you guys about cause he got his patriarchal blessing from Grandpa!! Small world right? He taught me a whole bunch and there are definitely some things I have to improve on. We taught some pretty good lessons too.

Here the work is trying to be 100% focused on working with members with is good and I learned some things I can do still in our area. The only hard thing about our area is it is a small Branch so there aren't many members. We are working to have more haha.

But hey yesterday was the coolest Sunday of my mission. About 50-60 people go every Sunday and this area has never been able to get more than 2 investigators in church. A lot of members had done their visits this week and a whole bunch of people came on Sunday. We had 82 people their with 9 investigators!! A new family that we found this week came (The Flores Family) (5 people) and absolutely loved it. So yeah we're going to be working with them extra. The Branch President was so happy yesterday. I really see so much potential in this Branch. I`m excited to be here. 

Well this week we traveled a lot too. We spend a heck of a lot of time in bus. As ZL we just kind of travel around. It`s cool though cause we get to know a lot of the country here. It`s a really pretty place...but yeah it is starting to be a lot hotter. Sometimes the buses have air conditioning though. And other times they have windows. 

Ok so I know I haven't really had the best e-mail this week but really we were in bus. But hey this week we're going to the temple! So more bus rides......Also I figured out how to send pictures so here ya go. BYE

Elder Layton   

An Amazing Blessing From An Apostle of the Lord

I think every day in this area gets crazier and crazier. I really don't know where to start. I guess I´ll try to start from the beginning of the week. I´m not sure if I mentioned to you guys or not but the Apostle Elder Cook came and gave us a visit! All 750 of us got to shake his hand too. Three missions went to see him and we got an amazing message and he promised us a lot of blessings. One specifically was that everyone we know at this time is being blessed because of our service. He directed himself to all those who had a family member who has strayed from the path of the Lord and said they will be softened by the service we are giving and they are also being greatly blessed. In ways that they may not recognize. Truly one of the coolest conferences I've been too. He said so many more things too but I have so much to say and so little time. So yes that happened the 22nd.

Let´s see what else happened this week. To help a couple of missionaries in our zone get excited about the work we got up really early and went to their house. (Remember that the areas here are quite far away from each other). So yeah we broke into their houses to surprise them. It was quite interesting actually. But it was really fun. After we helped clean their houses because they were horrible and then talked with them a bit. It definitely worked well and the Assistentes laughed really hard when we told them. Talking about the Assistentes I have divisions with them. It´s weird though because their area is within 5 minutes walking from my last area. I could easily see people I know. Apparently my last area too is having a TON of success. A lot of the people I taught are finally taking the decisions to get baptized. Cool right?

Ok Mom you have some homework this week. We had interviews with the President and I made a decision. I have decided that I want to stay till the end of my mission. (He was considering asking to be released 2 weeks early in order to make the Fall term at BYU.) So I'm scheduled to go home the 16th or 18th of September...Not really sure which. President Stay told me that he thinks fall term starts the 8th not the 2nd so maybe it would be possible to still make it even though I would start a bit late. President Stay´s dad actually founded BYU´s AFROTC so he knows a lot about it. Weird right? Apparently they should work with me. Can you just figure out with BYU what I can possibly do?

Ok last thing Saturday we had a lesson with Celeste one of our investigators. It went good. We left and 5 minutes later she called us and said she had had an impression and wanted to get baptized...tomorrow. So yes. SURPRISE we had a baptism yesterday. It was soooo cool and she was really ready. Also we are getting close with the rest of the family to be baptized. Sorry something is weird about these computers and I can never send pictures so maybe I will never be able to send any...Sorry.

Well no time. Hope you guys have a good week and see you in just over 7 months.... 

Working Like Crazy and Having Success

Man time is going so fast here. Easily the fastest week of my mission so far. We are working like crazy and having some success. We had 18 new investigators this week which is more than I think we had in my last area for 6 months.....ok just kidding but it is a lot. Alright I guess I`ll start out by answering all of your questions.

As Zone Leader we`re just in charge of all the missionaries here in these areas.  We have to do divisions with them but we also have to do divisions with the assistants. We are in charge of the zone meeting that we do every month and ever Monday we have to call the President to let him know how everything is going in the zone. There are a lot of Stake Meetings too that we have to attend so we travel a lot for that cause we`re actually 1 hour and a half away from the Stake Center. My area literally is perfect right now. It`s not the hot part of the season so it`s actually pretty nice. During the day it get a little bit hot but there`s always a nice breeze to help out. At night it`s actually cold. But I should be here for the hot part of the year. Also I forgot to take pictures of the chapel so well......sorry. 

My toe is totally fine now so yeah all good there. We always walk here....everywhere. Unless we`re late to an appointment we go in Tuc-Tuc which is a tiny little three wheeled car that they use as taxis here. But almost always we`re walking. Hope all that answers your questions.

Sounds like you guys had a good week and good job Curtis with your Eagle Scout thing. Like we would say here ¡Que Pilas! Haha. Also I hope you have fun reffing. People never told me how good I did they just always got made at me because for them I guess there is nothing more important in the world than 3rd graders playing basketball. But you should have fun doing that. Hey maybe if you save up enough money you can buy yourself a tablet!! .....Oh wait a sec....     

Ok so just now I have been trying to put pictures on but I`m having a hard time so maybe this week you guys won`t get pictures either...Sorry. But really we`ve been working so hard here and we should have success. The members are cool and they always help us. the only problem is is that there are not a lot of members...We`ll have to change that I guess. So yeah that`s the week. Maybe I can give you guys more details next week about people we are teaching just cause the problem is everyone is new! But soon we should see some progress in this area.

Hope you guys all have an awesome week in Oregon without me oh and in Salt Lake taking care of troubled kids haha. I`ll keep working here as the Lord needs me to.

Love you guys,

Elder Layton

New Area, New Companion, New Assignment and a Plastic Chapel

Progreso Jutiapa

Man this has easily been the craziest week of my mission. First off I should let you guys know where I am. Once again they sent me outside of the Capital!! I'm in a place called Progreso Jutiapa. The entire city is just for us including a lot of outlying aldeas (small towns or villages). It is a little branch of about 50 people and the chapel is made of plastic. Next week I`ll send a picture of it. It's actually pretty nice though. 

My companion´s name is Elder Guman from Ecuador and he has 20 months in the mission. So basically what happened is we are both new in the area. We are opening it up as Zone Leaders. So yeah that was definitely a surprise. 

Being Zone Leader is definitely pretty stressful. Especially outside of the city because we have to travel a ton. We have already gone back to the city 2 times which was interesting so we've actually had barely any time to work in the area so far. But from what I've seen it is really a great area. The people are really receptive and I think we are going to have a lot of success here.

So let`s go through the days here.

Tuesday- The change meeting and we were sent here. We traveled all day and got to the area late.

Wednesday- We woke up at 4:30 to go back to the city. We had to go to the offices to get our phone and also I had an appointment with the Doctor to cut off an ingrown toenail....Then once again traveling the rest of the day.

Thursday- The doctor said I wasn't allowed to leave the house or walk so in the house.

Friday- We once again woke up at 4:30 to go back to the city to have the mission council which we have to go to. Once again travelling all day.

Saturday- First real day to work in the area. Also President Stay and his wife came to work with us. He let us know on Friday that he was going to come work with us for a couple hours. (Coolest experience ever).

Sunday- President Stay came to our branch and my companion and I had to speak. After he came to Gospel Principles and we had to give the class.

Today

So yeah as I said the craziest week of my mission. But really on Saturday we went to an appointment with the President and it was the first time we had ever met this person. Really he ended up being the most closed off person that I have ever met in my life. So we didn't make any progress with him but I did get to see President Stay debate with him!!!!! SSOOOOOO COOOLLLL Haha but needless to say we won't be going back to this person.

Awww man I`ve really got no more time. That has been the week though. I´m working hard and enjoying the new challenge that the Lord has given me. Tomorrow we have the Zone Meeting so that should be fun. I hope you guys all have an awesome week and enjoy the cold for me because my new area is definitely not cold...

Love you guys!!

Bye

Lots Of Success Pending, But...

What a week.....

Hey Mom first off I should start by saying that the companion I sent a picture of isn`t new. We've been together for 3 months now. His name is Elder Peña and he`s from Mexico. I told you guys that on the phone. I guess I just haven't sent a lot of pictures of us together but I think I'll send a couple more today. But yeah so we have 3 months together but I should mention that last night I was told that I have changes. Tomorrow I have to leave and I`ll find out where I'm going. I`ll let you guys know where I am and what happens to me next week. 

So let`s see. This week was pretty good. The zoo was definitely fun. The animals were great. I almost got eaten by a llama which was funny. They also had white tigers and stuff so that was cool. Afterwards we went to Dominos and ate a bunch of pizza. 

So yeah that`s pretty much it about the zoo. As for new years we didn`t have permission to be outside so we were stuck in our beds. It was impossible to sleep though because it was so loud outside at 12:00. So I heard all the fireworks. Other than that the week was pretty normal.

We've been working pretty hard with a couple people. We're thinking in this change that`s coming the area should have 8 baptisms. Actually almost all of them are pretty sure. The Bishop called us one day and told us the grandkids of a member want to be baptized so that will be 2 baptisms in February. And of course I won't be here to see everything that`s going to happen. I told Elder Peña to keep me up to date with what happens though so I`ll let you guys know.

Well I hope you guys all had an awesome New Years and hope you enjoy this year. That`s crazy that all of 2013 I've`ve been here in Guatemala. Time is so fast..... Well sorry I never write very good e-mails. One hour just never is enough and I always get distracted. But really that`s what`s been happening. I hope you guys all have a great week and year and I`ll let you guys know what happens. See you guys later.

Adios  

My Testimony Has Been Growing Every Day

Going Christmas Caroling

What a crazy week! It was awesome to talk to you guys this week. It`s crazy that the next Christmas I`ll be with you guys. This week really was one of the most stressful weeks on my mission. But I'm not complaining. I have been learning SO much and really my testimony has been growing every day.

I think some of the stress I've had this week is due to the people who have all been on vacation. Everyone likes to leave during Christmas and no one wants anything. It`s interesting because in the missionary manual it says that these days are the best opportunities to find and teach. We did actually find a few new people this week which is awesome. One of them was able to come to church. He has actually listened to missionaries a few times and his family are all members but he has never wanted to get baptized. This time my companion taught him in divisions and he said he knows he needs to be baptized and he isn't really sure why he hasn't yet. He just wants to be able to have an answer that he can he sure of. So yeah he`s looking really positive and I`ll let you know how it goes with him.

Maybe you guys remember Rafiel Aguirre who was going to get baptized this week. Well long story short he wasn't able to because he had to go to the hospital for a little operation. He should be OK and everything but it delayed his baptism a bit so we'll keep working with him. This ward is going to have a lot of success I think coming up soon so that`s pretty exciting.

So yeah I hope that you guys had a good Christmas. It sounds like you did. And Mom don't worry about it, whatever food you guys weren't able to eat you can just send it down in a box for me. I wouldn't be too disappointed trust me. Curtis have fun with your helicopter which is WAY better then mine was :p Sounds like you guys were able to get the whole family together which is cool.

Well we'll keep working over here. We should have a good week coming up. We actually don`t have P Day today cause on Thursday we're going to the zoo. I hope you guys have a good week and next week I`ll let you know if I have changes or not.

Adios Familia.  

Christmas Letter

Can you believe that this week is Christmas? Well if not go throw a bit of water on your face and look at a calendar! Wednesday here we come.

I remember thinking a year ago today..."hmmm where will I be in one year for my next Christmas". Now thinking about that is a bit weird because I know exactly where I will be. I hope everything is good in Oregon. That`s pretty cool that the whole family is together. Man that`s weird. I remember when Sean was on his mission and wasn't with us. But now all you guys are together and I'm the one who's far away. Weird how that happens right? 

So this week was another one of those really tough one. It`s weird cause during this time when the people should be thinking more about Christ and everything no one wants to hear anything about the Church. It`s kinda sad because we had SO many appointments fall this week. We still were able to teach a bit but not as much as I would like. Also we still are having some more success working with SOME members. Some just don't want anything to do with us but others really are doing a lot. I was just trying to think of a good experience to share with you guys this week but nothing came to mind right away. But hey we had a ward activity this week which was cool. We had to do a talent in front of everyone which was actually pretty funny. I was a bit disappointed though because no one could get a trumpet for me. I really actually miss playing a little bit but oh well. 

So let`s see. This week I'm just going to call you guys exactly like the other times. I`m thinking about calling around 5 or something but I`ll let you guys know tomorrow hahaha. That`s weird that we're going to be talking. I hope I remember English....But I definitely don't have an accent. So Curtis has 2 tablets then? Man it`s cause he goes to the rich school haha. Well enjoy those Curtis and don't be expecting one from Santa. I hope you guys all have an awesome Christmas and that`s all my time. Talk to you guys Wednesday!

Adios 

Six Baptismal Dates

What a week this one.

Definitely a good week. To start things off strong I got the package!! Haven`t opened it yet but I will as soon as we get home. But don`t worry I think I might save the presents until Christmas. Also I got a package from Aunt Angie and Uncle Byron! So Thanks a TON to everyone and hope the whole family has an awesome Christmas. 

As the area goes we had a very good week. We were able to put 5 baptismal dates! Most of them look very positive and so we should have a good end of the year. Rafiel was able to go to church yesterday and has finally decided 100% that he wants to be baptized. The same day he`s going to do it we have to have a wedding and two more baptisms. This area has just randomly started to be very successful. To bad within 3 weeks I should be leaving....Oh well I`ll go where the Lord needs me. 

We`ve also been starting to have a lot more success working with the Members and using their houses to have lessons. The stat says that 2/3 people taught in the house of a member are baptized. 4 out of the 6 baptismal dates we have we teach in the house of a member and we`re working hard so we can get all 6. One of our baptismal dates is the Father in Law of the Bishop who isn`t a member. He`s always ahd drinking and smoking problems but he has been going to church and we finally got him to accept a baptismal date. On Friday we woke up early to wake up the Bishop with fireworks (because that`s what they do here on people`s birthday). A bunch of people from the ward were there which was funny but the Father in Law (Oscar) found us out of everyone at 5 in the morning sat us down and took out his Gospel Principles book to ask us questions. He had it all marked up and everything which was cool and I think he`s excited to be baptized. 

So yeah that`s what happened this week. Here it still doesn`t look like Christmas cause of course there is no snow. But it is nice cause everyone has really little fake trees up so it helps a little bit. You guys should send another package really fast full of snow. I would love that. Cause I mean come on there`s plenty there you guys can share a little bit.

Ok that`s my time. Hope you guys have a good week. Oh and by the way Elder Butler says hi. He was just sitting behind me and wanted me to say that. Merry Christmas and enjoy your Christmas. I shall talk to you guys soon.

Adios.

:/

We Are Always Protected

Well here I am!

I hope you guys all had an awesome week.

We`re still working hard here in what seems like the last 4 weeks that I should have in this area. Of course I`m still loving the area but we`re having a bit of trouble with some of our investigators. Actually interesting story. We were in a lesson and we asked a lady to pray. She didn`t want to and so we taught her how and tried to get her to do it. This took a bit of time but finally the husband said he would do it. As soon as he started we heard 8 gunshots...and close too. It freaked us out too cause If the wife would have prayed when we asked her to we would have been exactly where the gunshots were. God protects us in interesting ways. But the problem is the guy they wanted to get ran away and they ended up hitting one of our Former investigators! It looks like she`ll be completely ok cause it hit her in the leg but still it`s crazy. But really don`t worry about me over here. We are always protected.

Other than that we just worked hard this week. We put a baptismal date with Angie Grijalba and she accepted happily. She`s the grandkid of a member who recently has started to come back to church and she basically put her own baptismal date. I`m thinking it shouldn`t fall or anything so the 21st oif December we should have a baptism.

I should tell you guys about the Catholics here...The 7th of December is a big holiday that they have. They all buy piñatas that look like the devil and then they fill them up with a ton of fireworks. And the fireworks here are best described as well...bombs. It was the funniest thing ever though cause at 6 p.m. they all lit them off. There were huge burning piles in the street and every couple of seconds they would explode throwing firey ash everywhere. It was a blast to watch. Afterwards they have piñatas shaped as Bulls strapped with even more fireworks and people light them off...and get this, they put the piñata over themselves and start dancing! I`m not sure how they don`t get burned alive but it looked like they were ok afterwards. And to finish it all off they have a procession (I think that`s the English word for it) But they all were marching around in the street with a HUGE shrine for the Virgen de Guadalupe. I`ll send you a picture of it. The tradition is that if they wake up and their shoulder is green from the shrine then it is all your sins that have been forgiven. 

I love Catholics...

So yeah with that it`s all the time I have. Sorry I didn`t tell you guys more about investigators and stuff but I just have to tell you what`s going on in Guatemala. Basically the coolest country ever. So yeah have a good week. Oh and mom Christmas here is just fireworks and tamales. Everyone puts up a little fake Christmas trees too which is fun. Ok bye and be good this week. Santa is watching!      

Rafiel Aguirre

Well this is weird cause I still haven't got your last week e-mail. But oh well that`s ok I got this weeks. Sounds like you guys had a good week and a good Thanksgiving. Here the people literally don't do anything for thanksgiving so that`s ok. But hey next year save some pabo for me. 

So let`s see what happened this week. We actually had a lot more success this week working with members. We were able to have more lessons in members houses and that should continue. Also working in both areas is going well. We picked up a really good family this week from the other Elders who should be getting baptized this month. We're going to have a lesson today with them about baptism and challenge them for the 14th of this month. The Elders who just left think they should be ready and I definitely think so too. We also have been helping an older guy with only one leg named Rafiel Aguirre get baptized the 14th. I think he should be able to but he`s a bit difficult. He wants to know everything before getting baptized. We taught him about faith and everything but that didn't really change anything. But anyways he should still be ready for this month. It`s also hard cause he can`t get into cold water cause he`s kinda sick so we would have to go kinda far away to the only font with hot water in Guatemala. Well really it`s not that far but it`s going to be kinda a pain. Oh well it`s worth it when we think that it`s so that someone can be baptized. 

As for thanksgiving. I hope you guys had a ton of fun. Just one question. What on earth was Curtis doing with that ugly hat on (He was wearing his BYU/Utah hybrid hat)? It made me quite sad. I really wanted to eat turkey but apparently a family here is going to invite us to dinner on Christmas here and apparently they're going to have turkey.

Ok well I`m running really short on time. Sorry I didn't really have time this week. I hope you guys are all awesome and are enjoying the holiday season. It`s actually getting pretty cold here so that makes me happy. Not nearly as cold as in Oregon but hey one day I even had to put on my sweater. Thanks for sending my package Mom and I shall be waiting with anticipation to get it.

BYE

Have a good week.

Love you guys.

BYE