AUGUST 27

I am doing great mom. I have the members and my converts helping me.

I only have one more week with Elder F.

In the morning I caught him watching the new X-Men and other movies.

He doesn't know that because he was in the bathroom when I checked the DVD player.

It is funny because the members are now all on my side.

We are going to baptize three people this next weekend.

They are all very prepared.

I am sorry I don't really have any stories.

We moved dirt on Saturday. It was a great workout.

I am working out every morNing now for one hour.

I also try to eat only two tortillas everyday.

It is working....I think.

I am trying to get more flexible.

One of my goal is to the splits by the end of my mission.

Here is a little story.

So there is a little creek that we have to cross to get to some of our appointments.

They are doing construction on part of the creek, so they took out the bridge.

So we found another way to cross. My compain went first then I did.

He made it up the little hill on the other side easily. So I thought I could.

Well, let just say i stepped in the wrong place and down I went.

I sunk into the mud, past my knees. It took a half an hour to get out.

Half way through I looked up and there was a tube sticking out of the hill....

It was their bathroom tube....so much for plumbing, right?

Yesterday I gave a talk. The bishop called us Friday night, free topic.

We got to choose. So I was laying on my bed Saturday night pondering about what I should do.

I didn't know what to write or talk about. So my talk was, "What to do when we don't know what to do?" It turned out great. I took three talks I had read and reread them and then mixed them together for a super talk. I was thinking about how I could grab the attention of the members because it was obvious they were not really listening to the first speaker. So when I got up to talk I said, "This last mothers day my parents wen to Hawaii. In Hawaii before someone gives a talk they say "Aloha""

Then I said, " ALOHA". They caught on the second time I said it. It was great. Then with everyone attention I asked them the title of my talk. They were interested what would happen next that some shouted out the answer. haha. It was great.

Next my compain talked about his experience in a Judo tournament, how he lost.

Well, all the young women were around him after Sacrament meeting.(I just scratched my head)

The older guys, elders and High Priests were going around saying ALOHA to everyone.

It was a great experience.

My scripture covers are not done yet. I am sad. They wont be done until Sunday.

Ok, right now before I forget. Please call Elder Johansen and tell him that we baptized Daniel on Saturday. He turned 18 and was baptized right away. He was one of the first people that I taught with Elder Johansen. If he doesn't remember tell him that his girlfriends dad name is Julio and takes pictures for a living and kind of speak English.

The next month we have a goal of 5 baptisms. I haven't put a goal like that in a while. I know we can complete it because we have three people getting baptized the first week.

And there are also other people that are ready to go in the following weeks.

I am surprised we are having baptisms when we (my companion) are not exactly obedient.

Once again he is not in his church clothes so I look kind of weird walking in Centro.

We are going to play basketball today. It is going to be fun. I have been waited to play for 4 months.

When I get home I really want to join a team and play ball. It will help me get back in shape.

I am happy to go back to the singles ward. I am ready to be in Utah again.

Please tell Jodie and Stacie sorry that I could not write them because I was writing you and my companion cut my time short.

Love ya.

Elder Chadwick

AUGUST 20TH

Hey mom,

I am hanging in there. I will try to have this be a good letter. HAHA!!!

I really want to have a good mission too but remember,"It takes two to tango."

 

I really don't want to talk bad about my companion, but he is making me stronger by being my biggest problem.

The whole zone hates him. I am not kidding. Elder Crook, my old district leader, asked me how my companion is...

I told him.

My companion lied straight to the Zone Leaders faces. So every week we play soccer. The problem was that too many members were coming to play and we were sitting for a long time. So the zone leaders tried a couple different things. We went to the zoo one week and one week they played basketball. They even changed the times.

But the members knew when and where because my companion would tell them. So they all knew we were playing at 1 instead of at 11.

 

It is just a show for this guy. I feel horrible because everything he teaches is hypocrisy. He turns around and says or does something else. I am sick of this. I have never felt so bad for my fellow companion and brother. I continue praying for him everyday.

 

So every zone conference there is a video of the baptism for the last two months. I was not on it. (Because we didn't sent in the two or three fotos)

But Elder Oswald, my mtc companion, is doing fantastic with Elder Abernathy as zone leaders. They are baptizing alot. I am going to give him a great big hug when I see him.

It is great to know that I still have brothers and sisters that are strong in the gospel.

When I say sister I mean, Jessica Brady, she wrote me in July and I just received her letter last week.

It was great and funny. She already turned down two guys for marriage. She is doing great. She said to me, "I am glad that I have a brother strong in the gospel"

 

Those kind of thing really motivate me. Also, there was a stake primary activity on Saturday. It was great. Alot of Mexican music and dancing and acting scenes from the book of Mormon.

Victor and Mirta were there with their family. I had a great talk with Vitctor. They both received their Patriartical Blessings!!!!!! More brothers and sisters in the tribe of Ephriam.

He told me that he received his first Liahona, magazine, this month. A member gave him 15 issues of the Liahona. He has alot to read. He was quoting alot of prophets and things and it was amazing.

They are bringing their extended family into the gospel. It is great.

 

So their is a lady that does scriptures protection covers with leather. She is really good and can do almost anything someone can imagine. I am getting some done right now.

I am going to have to be diligent with my money after this. I will take a picture after and then you can decide if you want some for Christmas presents or gifts.

I am going to put the Victor Family on the inside of the book of Mormon. It is going to be great. I am so excited.

 

We had 9 people come to church this Sunday. And we reactivated two families. One of the people is named Jorge. He is a returned missionary and has not been to church for a long time until yesterday. We are pals. We are going to baptize his brother in law next week. We are also going to baptize a family of three that we are teaching. The Hermanas Missionaries prepared them for us.

With the bishop of barrio (ward) Angeles we found 12 families and got to know them. We are have alot to do. The hard thing is that the Elders quorum pres. is inactive and we don't have a ward mission leader.

 

So it is kind of sad to get to church on time and not start on time and have not many people there.

The Stake President was in our Zone Conference this last week. I asked him in front of everyone (it was a question and answer period) what we could do and why the crazy schedule.

He told me it came from the Area Presidency of Mexico. So there is an hour in between meeting so we can feel the spirit more.

President Kusch gave a great example of faith. First the Pioneers. Second, when President Hinckly announced in a conference at BYU Idaho that there would not be anymore college sports there.

Pres. said that many students complained. But it needed to happen. (Pres. Kush was happy to not drive to a game in a snow storm in August)

He also gave this example: While a stake president at BYU Idaho he want to have a general priesthood meeting. He made the decision to have the 2nd of Feb. at 6 pm. Many people told him that he was out of his mind to have the meeting at this hour, this day. Why? THE SUPER BOWL. (I personally was stunned) Then he told us that he got to the meeting twenty minutes early. No one was there, only his councilors. Five minutes before the meeting.....the whole place filled up. They had one of the most spiritual experiences ever.

 

Where is our faith?? How can we build the faith of others?

We all know the drill. Lets just do it right???

 

I am still happy to be a missionary serving the Lord and trying to do my best.

Please pray for me companion and me.

I feel bad that I cant be 100% obedient because of my companion. I feel bad because we cant teach with the spirit because we are disobedient.

But life goes on and one day I will not have a companion to drag me down, one day I will be able to control all that I do. No strings attached.

 

Today I was reading and I found something I liked...In Alma 1:25 it says "and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them."

I love that, it is just what I needed. I love how the scriptures will never fail us. They are my best friends right now.

If you have persecution that is heaped upon you, fear not, have patience. Love it.

 

Some time I can't express in words the love I have for my Savior, His Father, and Holy Ghost.

Little by little I know I will become like them some day.

 

Oh, so I did receive the dearelders!!!!!

 

I am excited to work this week and learn new things. I love writing the things I learn in my journal.

I thought is was boring at first, writing in my journal. But it is indeed a blessing.

 

Well I have to write my father.

Thanks for being a great mom. I love all the things you send to me. They are always on time.....you not only have a third eye but an antenna hooked to your head.

Love ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Chadwick

 

AUGUST 13TH

Hey,
My week was great. The change in companions was alright. I feel like a loner here. 
My companion does not really communicate with me at all. He sleeps until 8 and then takes a quick shower and studies in his garments. 
I am loving being here in Chilpo. The testimonies of the people here are great. 
I am a little disturbed because some of my converts here have gone "loco".
Jose and his wife are now separated and he is not going to church. But I called him today and he came to play soccer with me.
He is going to start coming to one of my wards until things cool down with his situation. 
Julio, a man a taught and baptized in a week, KABOOM, fell hard. He robbed like 10,000 pesos from the Castico clan. 
But the good news is....Victor and his family are still active and he is the President of the Young Men's organization. 
 
Well, my week was great. We did alot of service....with smiles. We cut down a tree for a old lady and moved a couch or two.
It is a little difficult working in two wards but it is great. 6 hours of church every Sunday. Can you believe it???
We went to Angeles ward first the only people there at 8, when it was suppose to start, was the bishops wife, the bishop and one councilor. 
The meeting started at 8:30. There was maybe 36 people that were in church yesterday. So we talked to the bishop, he looks like Obama with more hair, he told us that we don't have a ward mission leader because he came home from his mission and became inactive. We also only have 5 elders and 4 high priest. That is alright, when the come. 
It is going to be fun re activating alot of people. 
The ward Suaces is better, we do have a mission leader and he is great. The organizations are almost all complete. 
We only have 50 in that ward. More priesthood. I like that. 
Both wards are working toward a Mexican Talent Night. 
We might participate, we might not. 
 
I am happy because I know I am were I am suppose to be and where I am going. 
I am excited to be in a singles ward to learn something new and meet new people in Nov. 
As for my homecoming dinner, I don't know what I a want yet. My first Sunday home is a Fast Sunday, so we will have some time to think.
I feel bad for the missionaries that live better (have a nicer house or apartment) while in the mission and then have to return to a hut or something. 
Well, I will try to write more. I am doing great. Don't worry about me please. 
Elder Miguel told me that you did see his sister. I didn't understand that. But he is going to call me tonight to talk. 
Well, if I don't write more. Love ya!!!!!!!!!!!!! Elder Chadwick

TRANSFERRED

So I have some news. I got changed, special changes. I am now back in Chilpancingo.

I am in the ward Sauces with Elder Fernandez. He is going home in September.

We are working in two areas. I guess there are two sisters that don't want to work so President told me we are covering two wards. The other one is Angeles.

Elder Espinoza was a great example for me and we worked hard and he will be baptizing this week.

I learned alot from him. He confessed what it was like to be addicted to girls and alcohol. It is a sad thing, addictions.

I am glad my only addiction right now is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

So I left Cualta yesterday at 9:15 and got to Chilpo at 1:30. I waited for my companion for two hours.

I was fasting and when he got their we got the things in the taxi and I asked if we could stop by someones house to eat.

I didn't know that they had already eaten. He told me that we were going to church, sacrament meeting.

I thought the services were just backwards. But no, sacrament meeting started at four and then gospel principles then priesthood. We left church at 7:30 at night.

Kind of weird right. When we dropped the stuff off at the house before going to the church I found some tortillas and ate two.

Good thing I said a prayer at the bus station while waiting because the services went by really fast and I was able to make it home and eat ham and cheese sandwiches.

 

Today we went to the zoo. It was great. We had a good time. One of the elders asked the supervisor to let us go in a restricted zone and so we got a special tour of the Mexican Wolfs.

When we were there talking to the tour guide/zoo person I remembered my little sister Stacie and how she wants to do that type of thing when she grows up.

 

Elder Fernandez and I are going to baptized four people this month. It is going to be great. I am excited to work with him.

He is alive and working and I am going to learn alot from him.

 

In church yesterday Hermano Omar was there, a friend of mine from the ward Aeropuerto. His family is moving to West Jordan in a year.

 

I don't have much to say. I hope everything is going well.

Love you all

Elder Chadwick

 

GOOOOOOOOOOOOALS

My companion and I are doing fantastic. I have never felt the spirit so strong during the mission.

I actually feel I can fulfill my potential with him.

He is a convert and has a year and a half as a member. Him and his brother are the only members in his family.

His parents were against him going on a mission and didn't write him for almost two months. I can't imagine what it is like for him.  He has 5 months in the mission.

He never leaves my side. I have only been alone once....I think I was in the bathroom.

We are being so obedient miracles are happening.

I got my recommend renewed two weeks ago in interviews with President Kucsh.

I feel worthy to hold it and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.

I haven't felt so good and I haven't had my mind so clear all my life.

I am clean, pure, and happy.

I have a plan and know where I am going. I do not have fear but faith in the future.

The spirit is my guide and best friend.

I have developed a relationship with my Father in Heaven and am happy to be a Son of God.

As a missionary I have learned many things, also in my life. All of things I have learned I use everyday.

I feel that I am using more of my brain everyday, Heavenly Father is helping me open up the door to heavenly revelation.

Here is a story.

My last companion didn't really like looking for inactives or visiting members he didn't like so I didn't get to know the area good.

Well, Elder Espinoza and I grabbed the list of all the members of the branch and started looking and memorizing colonias and streets.

One day we were walking down the road when Reyes, a man in his 40´s pulled up and asked if he could give us a ride.

He wanted to practice English with me and offered to take us were we needed to go. The spirit told me it was ok and the man looks like Brother Robb so we got in and only went a few blocks when we found the house we were looking for. His English is alright. I didn't know Brother Robb had a twin Mexican.

Well, he invited us to dinner that night, we got there and he said his wife didn't open here mini restaurant so he bought us Dominos Pizza. We started chatting in English and after 5 minutes there was not really alot to talk about so I started teaching him the Restoration in English.

It was so hard, I could barely do it. My English is getting horrible. But he understood and insisted that we meet again.

So I invited him to church. AND HE CAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was like in a Mexican soccer game when I saw him walk in....GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In Principles of the gospel class he asked alot of questions and wants to learn more.

After church he invited us to lunch on Thursday.

Another story.

So with the list again we were looking for the street called Hospital, after finding it we were looking for number 64....as we walked down the street I recognized the place. Three months ago I came here for a funeral. The woman we were looking for was dead. So I told my companion I didn't want to ask for a dead woman. But he insisted that we knock on the door anyway. Good thing we did. The dead woman's daughter opened up the doors and welcomed us in with a smile.

Her name is Reina or Queen. It was the right time for us to come. She shared that she was in need to heae about Christ and how she could return to the church. We testified of the Atonement and how it could help her and her daughter get back on the path. She is single and needs alot of help, so we talked about faith and repentance. Sunday she brought her sister to church with her!!!!!!!!!!!! GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She enjoyed the sacrament meeting. The Seminary teacher, Hermana Santillan spoke. The spirit was so strong.

Another story.

So a week ago Elder Bartlome said we needed to go help with a mini MTC for the stake youth conference.

So Friday we woke up early to help 140 young men and women prepare to be missionaries.

President Kusch had name tags made with Hno. and Hna.  like we have.

For two hours in the afternoon we helped them knock doors and receive references.

It was fun. Everyone had a book of Mormon to place. Only forty were given away.

After there was a testimony meeting and it was really funny, all the experiences with TJ's (Jehovah Witnesses) and stuff.

The next day for the conference the youth went to play basketball and soccer. I felt that we needed to go and see if there were investigators there. When we arrived we ran into a Hna. that I didnt know....and she had a reference for us!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!

We then went to look for the youth of the branch. Daisy, one of my best friends and the Hna. that cuts my hair introduced us to a young lady named Samantha.

She is 18 years old. We took down her information and answered her questions. We also invited her to church.

    In church the next day I went to sit by Reyes and my companion....5 minutes later Samantha walks in.....with all her family......5 people that can all be baptized. WOW!!!!!!!!! GOOOOOOOOAL!!!!!!!!! The loved the talks and the said they felt great. They are coming to church this next Sunday with us. LOVE IT!!!

Another Story.....

Okay, Monse and her husband have had problems since the beginning. Two weeks ago she moved out of the house and is living with the family Mercado.

They have had alot of problems and Monse wants out. So a week ago we were contacting an old man when she pulled up in a car with Javier.

She said that her husband wants to hear the lessons. I asked if he was angry with us, she said no, that she was just passing the message along.

Her husbands name is Jose. Two weeks ago he would not pray with us and said he would die before he was baptized.

So we go to his house and ask whats up and if this is serious. He said yes. So Elder Espinoza and I taught our first lesson to him.

It was great. We taught about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All three of us were almost crying by the end of the lesson. He participated by reading scriptures, answering questions and asking question too. We challenged him to be baptized the second weekend of August and he accepted! GOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!

We taught him how to pray and he said the closing prayer. I almost never kneel with investigators, but Elder Espinoza asked if we could and the spirit was even stronger. We left a chapter in the book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 31, about the Gospel.

   The next day was went to teach him again and he had read and prayed. Miracle. Saturday him and monse went to their old school and she ended up spending the night with him. She told me that he wanted to pray and they prayed together for the first time. She cried and so did he. We are going to challenge him to be baptized this week instead of the next. I know he is prepared.

Another story...

So Sunday we were eating at the family Pantonja's house and the family did not come to church.

So I started digging, because they are active members. Their family had some problems with some leaders in the branch and some other stuff.

I shared a scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 6:17, "Only God knows your thoughts and intentions...". The spirit was strong and we formed a good bond with the family. It was a perfect time to ask if they knew anyone we could teach, and there was. So Alejandro took us to meet one of their friends. Jesus, a young man. We will be teaching him on Saturday.

Well, I feel better now. We had a great week. I don't know if you could tell.

I love my family.

I know that this church is true and that if we do what is right and have faith in Christ he will help us in every decision we make.

I know that the Priesthood is real and can do anything depending on the faith of the person holding it.

I know that when we take the sacrament we are clean and that we will have the Holy Ghost with us at all times when we obey the commandments.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love Elder Chadwick

NEW COMPANION

Part One July 23 e-mail
Mom, I am about to go get my new companion. I am at my friend Manuel's house. 
Thanks for the article. I am just astounded at the way things are working out right now. 
Yesterday the High Councilmen spoke in Sacrament meeting and he used this very talk that you just sent me. I just cant believe this....OK I can, it is revelation or something. 
I am so happy to have a mother in tune with the spirit. 


I will write my siblings later. Elder Miguel left in a taxi for Cuarnavaca. I will send him an email about the talk you had with his sister. That is so cool. 


Well, my new companion is Elder Espinosa. I have no clue where he is from or how he is.


I love my family so much and think about you guys every day. 
Love
Elder Chadwick


Part Two July 23 e-mail
I am so excited to be with my new companion. 

He is great and happy and ready to work.

He only has five months in the mission and only a year and a half as a member of the church. 

He is from Peru and it is hard to understand his Spanish sometimes.

Things are really going to change and I am happy to be with him. 

Last week was a challenge but I just want to look on to the future with faith in Christ. 

I hope everything is going well at home and everyone is getting along. 

I don't know what else to write because I am just excited and happy to get a fresh start. 

Being senior companion is not going to be a challenge with this Elder. 

I have not met someone like him for a while. He is really going to help me spiritually. 

If I think of anything else to write you I will send you a message. 

I have only five more minutes..

Love ya

Elder Chadwick

BETTER WEEK

Hey,

I hope you had a great week.

Mine was better.

We had divisions and so I was with the red headed pianist.

Changes are in one week. Tomorrow or Wednesday we have interviews with Pres. Kush.

I still dont know what I want in my package.....

We are doing better as a companionship. Still best of friends.

  

So yesterday I gave a talk in sacrament meeting, I wish you could have been there to listen to me.

I have never talked with more power and authority in my whole life.

Everyone loved the story I told, the one Greg Mitchell gave at his homecoming talk...about fire and the wolfs....

It was great. I think the branch is ready to work again. I told them we need to put everything behind us and get our hearts in the right place. I think things are going to improve now.

Everyone thanked my for my talk and said it was powerful.

I felt really good after, not for the regonition but for how everything felt during the talk.

I had selected the scriptures I wanted to use before hand but could not get the order down.

So I just left it up to Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost to help me.

So when I was up there it just flowed. Like the scriptures say," If you study, the Holy Ghost will give you the words that you need in the moment"

Somthing like that.....

So, it is fine that you want to talk about after the mission. That is alright with me.

I am still trying to do my best and am obeying the rules...thank you. haha.

I dont really have much else to say. We went paintballing again today because it is Elder Miguels last week...perhaps.

I am going to have a good talk with pres this week...

Love ya

Elder Chadwick

Last Time With President and Sister Spannaus

Baptism!