The hardest thing for me to do in life is get down on my knees every morning and night to pray. I didn't have the habit before the mission and I am still working on it. It is not something we can just check off a list. In Spanish it is a SER....not ESTAR. To be or not to be praying, that is the question. I pray every morning and night now. I can feel the spirit even more in my life. The Savior promises to illuminate us if we do what is right, I feel a raise of illumination.
I am happily healthy and am loving life.
This last week Elder Johansen got really sick and the doctor (who he talked to over the phone) gave him the wrong medicine and he got even sicker having a temperature of 102 degrees. It was not good, but funny because the hermanas had the privilege of injecting him ten times....in the buttocks. Right cheek in the moring and the Left one at night. Hermana Cleo got a kick out of it too. Throwing darts.....
Jose Luis Reyes and his girlfriend Sol came to church yesterday along with 10 other investigators. Yes, this is the most we have ever had in the church.
Hermana Pati's son is in northern Mexico serving and we hear alot of his success stories....I know we should not compare ourselves to other elders or people but I just had to step it up. So the three days we worked, we worked hard. Inviting everyone we can to church, and also inviting them to invite their friends. It worked. I am not going to take any credit for it. All to my Father in Heaven, may the glory always be His.
I have heard the world is getting worse, hopefully with the elections this year we can change that....right Sister Pockrus? (Yeah, you too Tex. I guess you can put a vote in, maybe they will let you vote for me too.)
The things we find joy in change through out life. The way we act, grow, feel, talk, walk and play. We are always changing, for the good or bad. The first one is better and easier. We have learned that through experiences. Yes, it brings trials, problems....but what more do we grow from?
The more we practice something good or we learn more truth we gain more light and power.
In Preach My Gospel there is a Attributes of Christ Activity, I do it every day now. It is a new addiction. Try it....you may like it. If you don't like it, like Mrs. Wright says "Your Wrong". (one of his teachers in High School)
We are looking forward to baptisms in February. The Victor Family wants to pick a date that has alot of importance or is special. The 14th is special. But Elder Johansen does not like that because he leaves on the 5. Sad day.
Jose Luis came and played soccer with us today, yes we can now play. How cool right? I just don't want to get hit in the face. So I am scared of the ball, so what? So, Jose knows the Stake president. The mom of Jose took care of the Stake Presidents kids. He ate dinner at their house and everything. And Jose said to me "Why did they never invite me....?" Ha ha. Good question. I guess we need to work on the "Every member a missionary" (Thanks Pres. McKay)
Well, that is all I have. Losing my English. Gets harder every day...we will see what happens.
Happy trials. (not sure if he meant trials or trails. I will have to ask him next time. Take it how you will)
Love Elder Chadwick
Monday, January 23, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
A DREAM
Dear Friends and Family,
It is amazing what can happen with two Elders who have never taught together before in their first lesson.
On Thursday I did divisions with Elder Reyes. He is from Baha California. Pretty cool. Anyway, we couldn't find both of the referrals that Elder Johansen gave us so we started to contact a street up from the privada.
On our third door, (who said three was not the magic number should go back to elementary school) the man behind the green door went to find his key and so we waited for like two minutes. His mom ended up walking up and let us right in. We introduced ourselves as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ and that we were called by one of His prophets to bring them blessings. Elder Reyes asked where the man went and she called for him. He came down with his future wife.
Jose Luis Reyes, age 26 and Sol 20. Escogidos....Anyway, we started teaching and things just clicked. In a talk by Elder Holland he talks about the divine companionship. The Two missionaries and the Holy Ghost, and when a new doctrine or point is brought up the Spirit touches their hearts and everyone in the room knows it is true. That is how it was. Jose was looking for a change and we had just what he needed.
Thank goodness for Elder Callisters talk on the Book of Mormon and the two points, the Bible and the Book of Mormon and how there is only one line connecting them. That is the difference between us and the rest of the world. We challenged him to be baptized and he acccepted, so did Sol and the next day his mom.
We challenged him to pray and ask God if this was true....we past by the next day and he had prayed. He felt a joy and peace he never felt before and then he went to sleep and had a dream.
In this dream he saw a bright light and it was God speaking saying "This is your destiny, you need to do this so you can help others." After he told us this I asked if he thought it was a answer to his prayer and if these things are true. He said yes!
Elder Johansen said something about the priesthood and right after I asked if they wanted blessings. All of them said yes. So we went upstairs, around the cable guys, and to a quiet spot to do the blessings. It was one of the most spiritual moments I had using the priesthood. After Jose asked us when could be a missionary after he was baptized. That took me by surprise. It was simply amazing. He wanted to be like us, so I told him when him and Sol are older they can go on a couples mission.
I know the Holy Ghost is a real personage of spirit and that if we are obedient he helps us every step of the way.
I want all of you to know that I know Christ lives and He loves each one of us. He is always there and will be forever.
I had a conversation with President Spannaus that was really interesting. This was over phone. I asked him how we could talk to Christ to get to know him better like a friend. He answered saying "we pray to our Heavenly Father and we can know more of Him through studying and doing what he would do."
A friend of mine named Kiko told a story from his young life that really had a great effect on me.
When he was nine he was baptized and the missionary gave him a tie and a book of Mormon. He would walk outside his house every day and have to walk past his uncles and their friends drinking. They called him a name in Spanish, I cant remember what it is, but it means that he changed his religion for the wrong reason. Religion Changer. Ouch. He had to shake their hands and kiss them on the cheek. Years later in a family home evening, (these are huge here, there are more then 50 people that come to this thing) and he told the story about his tie and Book of Mormon. After, when they were eating, Moses and Flor, both bishops now, came and apologized to him about calling him names and mocking him. He compared this to Nephi and how he stood up to his older brothers.
We need to sometimes do this so our families can receive or come back into the gospel. I hope we can be that example for our family and friends.
In Sacrament meeting Hermana Pati shared the story about the three young men in the ice cold river. I was crying like a little baby.
I feel more at peace now in my mission, the mission is easy, all we worry about is our investigators. Love it. I am completing 14 months tomorrow. 10 months to go.....
Well, love you all and have a wonder Martin Luther King Jr. Day. And remember....DREAM BIG and then pray to Heavenly Father to make your abilities great to help you achieve your dreams.
Love Elder Chadwick
Questions and answers
Answers...
How are you doing really?
Fantastic, attitude changed after a talk with a former missionary. I will share the story in the big blog email.
How is your health?
Amazing. Have not felt better. I have energy every day and love it.
Is there anything you need? No
How are your feet and shoes? Hermano Pepi forced us to take 500 pesos each and buy something we needed so we went with Hermana Tede and Hermana Pati to buy pants for Elder Johansen and Shoes for me. They are great.
How are your clothes? Great. Just to let you know I take good care of my clothes and if I need any I will let you know.
Do I need to replace anything? No
Thanks
It is amazing what can happen with two Elders who have never taught together before in their first lesson.
On Thursday I did divisions with Elder Reyes. He is from Baha California. Pretty cool. Anyway, we couldn't find both of the referrals that Elder Johansen gave us so we started to contact a street up from the privada.
On our third door, (who said three was not the magic number should go back to elementary school) the man behind the green door went to find his key and so we waited for like two minutes. His mom ended up walking up and let us right in. We introduced ourselves as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ and that we were called by one of His prophets to bring them blessings. Elder Reyes asked where the man went and she called for him. He came down with his future wife.
Jose Luis Reyes, age 26 and Sol 20. Escogidos....Anyway, we started teaching and things just clicked. In a talk by Elder Holland he talks about the divine companionship. The Two missionaries and the Holy Ghost, and when a new doctrine or point is brought up the Spirit touches their hearts and everyone in the room knows it is true. That is how it was. Jose was looking for a change and we had just what he needed.
Thank goodness for Elder Callisters talk on the Book of Mormon and the two points, the Bible and the Book of Mormon and how there is only one line connecting them. That is the difference between us and the rest of the world. We challenged him to be baptized and he acccepted, so did Sol and the next day his mom.
We challenged him to pray and ask God if this was true....we past by the next day and he had prayed. He felt a joy and peace he never felt before and then he went to sleep and had a dream.
In this dream he saw a bright light and it was God speaking saying "This is your destiny, you need to do this so you can help others." After he told us this I asked if he thought it was a answer to his prayer and if these things are true. He said yes!
Elder Johansen said something about the priesthood and right after I asked if they wanted blessings. All of them said yes. So we went upstairs, around the cable guys, and to a quiet spot to do the blessings. It was one of the most spiritual moments I had using the priesthood. After Jose asked us when could be a missionary after he was baptized. That took me by surprise. It was simply amazing. He wanted to be like us, so I told him when him and Sol are older they can go on a couples mission.
I know the Holy Ghost is a real personage of spirit and that if we are obedient he helps us every step of the way.
I want all of you to know that I know Christ lives and He loves each one of us. He is always there and will be forever.
I had a conversation with President Spannaus that was really interesting. This was over phone. I asked him how we could talk to Christ to get to know him better like a friend. He answered saying "we pray to our Heavenly Father and we can know more of Him through studying and doing what he would do."
A friend of mine named Kiko told a story from his young life that really had a great effect on me.
When he was nine he was baptized and the missionary gave him a tie and a book of Mormon. He would walk outside his house every day and have to walk past his uncles and their friends drinking. They called him a name in Spanish, I cant remember what it is, but it means that he changed his religion for the wrong reason. Religion Changer. Ouch. He had to shake their hands and kiss them on the cheek. Years later in a family home evening, (these are huge here, there are more then 50 people that come to this thing) and he told the story about his tie and Book of Mormon. After, when they were eating, Moses and Flor, both bishops now, came and apologized to him about calling him names and mocking him. He compared this to Nephi and how he stood up to his older brothers.
We need to sometimes do this so our families can receive or come back into the gospel. I hope we can be that example for our family and friends.
In Sacrament meeting Hermana Pati shared the story about the three young men in the ice cold river. I was crying like a little baby.
I feel more at peace now in my mission, the mission is easy, all we worry about is our investigators. Love it. I am completing 14 months tomorrow. 10 months to go.....
Well, love you all and have a wonder Martin Luther King Jr. Day. And remember....DREAM BIG and then pray to Heavenly Father to make your abilities great to help you achieve your dreams.
Love Elder Chadwick
Questions and answers
Answers...
How are you doing really?
Fantastic, attitude changed after a talk with a former missionary. I will share the story in the big blog email.
How is your health?
Amazing. Have not felt better. I have energy every day and love it.
Is there anything you need? No
How are your feet and shoes? Hermano Pepi forced us to take 500 pesos each and buy something we needed so we went with Hermana Tede and Hermana Pati to buy pants for Elder Johansen and Shoes for me. They are great.
How are your clothes? Great. Just to let you know I take good care of my clothes and if I need any I will let you know.
Do I need to replace anything? No
Thanks
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
BLESSINGS
Dear Family and Friends,
Monday Night…and Tuesday of last week
After district meeting I went on a van to catch another van…to go to Tixtla with Elder Ballesteros. He is from Columbia, no tortillas there. He has like this Boston/Jersey accent but in Spanish. It is so cool. He is soooo verde pero awesome. We had an adventure finding a half catholic half luz del mundo (Light of the world) She had a lot to say. Her half religion is a break off of ours…curse that ex missionary who founded that church. They are very confused. They have some things right but…not really.
We also found a man who believes in God but does not believe Christ is His son. He believes the bible to be the thoughts of men nothing more. He does not believe in Christ. Then what are we…he told us that we are His expressions. Very interesting. Couldn't really do anything there.
We ate Mole (Sound it out in Spanish and it tastes better) it was great. At a part member's home the father is starting to go to church again, his wife said she would like a blessing. I asked if the Hermano is an Elder. He said yes but is not worthy. I told him to he needs to be active so he can bless his family and others. We gave his wife a blessing and he gave me a hug thanking me for the advice and I was also pleased to have a new family of friends.
That night we had a FHE with the family Salozar. They are just a couple. She is his second wife. His conversion was mostly because of her. She worked in Salt Lake and loved going to the temple there. She said she saw the Savior twice there. I believe her because the spirit pushed me in that moment that she was telling the truth. I have had a lot of these experiences with the spirit lately. I personally love them. Anyway, I am excited to see this family go to the temple before the middle of the year.
Wednesday
Back with Elder Johansen we decided to do things a little differently and bless the world…literally. Every appointment we asked them if they wanted to be blessed and they all said yes. Like 30 people this last week. There is almost no better way to feel the spirit more directly before baptism.
We asked everyone if they wanted to be blessed, we then explain where we received the authority to do so and then we bless them, ask them how they feel and then ask if they want to feel that all the time. Then comes the challenge to be baptized….all accepted. Two words…..absolutely amazing.
Friday
Friday was the day of the Kings. This is the day that Mexican children receive gifts brought by the 3 kings, or Magi. Lets just say I forgot to leave my shoes by the tree. No gifts for me :(
Saturday
We continued working with members to receive references and with the blessings. Also received the assignment to speak in sacrament meeting on the Atonement.
Sunday
Went to church and gave my talk and learned a lot from President George Albert Smith. After we ate Mole again. We then visited Victors family at 6 giving them all blessings and learning the Victor (the father…there are two) he is almost done with the President G A Smith book and Principles of the Gospel, also the Book of Mormon…..lets just say the rest of us need to step up being baptized and all. We need to crave the word and live it. I am trying my best to keep up with him and all the families we are teaching right now. Love it.
Monday
Soccer is now legal in the mission….YES! We played basketball and then a little futbol.
We then went to Walmart. Ten chicken nuggets for 90 cents…just livin the life down here. Then to the mall to eat Chinese food for the first time in almost a year.
I am about to complete one year in Mexico…..how cool is that.
I opened a letter I wrote to my self in December 2010…it was nice I was keeping up with my goals.
Anyway, have to go to district meeting.
Love you all
ELder Chadwickisimo
Letter to Elder Chadwick's Dad
This week was amazing. We gave blessings at almost every house we entered. Everyone loves blessings.
It is our knew approach to everything. We just say that we are called by a prophet and we are here to bless your family and they let us in.
It is so sweet. I am excited to use the Priesthood more. We gave at least 30 blessings this week.
I have never given that many in a week before.
It is just magic but not. Totally more useful then the Force.
So we bless them and then we ask them how they feel and of course they feel great.
Would you like to feel like that every day....? And of course they say yes.
That is when I challenge them to be baptized. No one has turned down the invitation this week.
I miss you and the family, but can believe that at the end of the year I will be with you and the fam.
I was talking with Hermana Tede and she said that I could come back and live with her. (She has grand children don't worry.)
She said I could start a music school. 50 pesos per student for and hour. 10 students in a class. 500 pesos per hour or $50 American buckerooos...
An idea nada mas.
Love ya
Elder Chadwick
Monday Night…and Tuesday of last week
After district meeting I went on a van to catch another van…to go to Tixtla with Elder Ballesteros. He is from Columbia, no tortillas there. He has like this Boston/Jersey accent but in Spanish. It is so cool. He is soooo verde pero awesome. We had an adventure finding a half catholic half luz del mundo (Light of the world) She had a lot to say. Her half religion is a break off of ours…curse that ex missionary who founded that church. They are very confused. They have some things right but…not really.
We also found a man who believes in God but does not believe Christ is His son. He believes the bible to be the thoughts of men nothing more. He does not believe in Christ. Then what are we…he told us that we are His expressions. Very interesting. Couldn't really do anything there.
We ate Mole (Sound it out in Spanish and it tastes better) it was great. At a part member's home the father is starting to go to church again, his wife said she would like a blessing. I asked if the Hermano is an Elder. He said yes but is not worthy. I told him to he needs to be active so he can bless his family and others. We gave his wife a blessing and he gave me a hug thanking me for the advice and I was also pleased to have a new family of friends.
That night we had a FHE with the family Salozar. They are just a couple. She is his second wife. His conversion was mostly because of her. She worked in Salt Lake and loved going to the temple there. She said she saw the Savior twice there. I believe her because the spirit pushed me in that moment that she was telling the truth. I have had a lot of these experiences with the spirit lately. I personally love them. Anyway, I am excited to see this family go to the temple before the middle of the year.
Wednesday
Back with Elder Johansen we decided to do things a little differently and bless the world…literally. Every appointment we asked them if they wanted to be blessed and they all said yes. Like 30 people this last week. There is almost no better way to feel the spirit more directly before baptism.
We asked everyone if they wanted to be blessed, we then explain where we received the authority to do so and then we bless them, ask them how they feel and then ask if they want to feel that all the time. Then comes the challenge to be baptized….all accepted. Two words…..absolutely amazing.
Friday
Friday was the day of the Kings. This is the day that Mexican children receive gifts brought by the 3 kings, or Magi. Lets just say I forgot to leave my shoes by the tree. No gifts for me :(
Saturday
We continued working with members to receive references and with the blessings. Also received the assignment to speak in sacrament meeting on the Atonement.
Sunday
Went to church and gave my talk and learned a lot from President George Albert Smith. After we ate Mole again. We then visited Victors family at 6 giving them all blessings and learning the Victor (the father…there are two) he is almost done with the President G A Smith book and Principles of the Gospel, also the Book of Mormon…..lets just say the rest of us need to step up being baptized and all. We need to crave the word and live it. I am trying my best to keep up with him and all the families we are teaching right now. Love it.
Monday
Soccer is now legal in the mission….YES! We played basketball and then a little futbol.
We then went to Walmart. Ten chicken nuggets for 90 cents…just livin the life down here. Then to the mall to eat Chinese food for the first time in almost a year.
I am about to complete one year in Mexico…..how cool is that.
I opened a letter I wrote to my self in December 2010…it was nice I was keeping up with my goals.
Anyway, have to go to district meeting.
Love you all
ELder Chadwickisimo
Letter to Elder Chadwick's Dad
This week was amazing. We gave blessings at almost every house we entered. Everyone loves blessings.
It is our knew approach to everything. We just say that we are called by a prophet and we are here to bless your family and they let us in.
It is so sweet. I am excited to use the Priesthood more. We gave at least 30 blessings this week.
I have never given that many in a week before.
It is just magic but not. Totally more useful then the Force.
So we bless them and then we ask them how they feel and of course they feel great.
Would you like to feel like that every day....? And of course they say yes.
That is when I challenge them to be baptized. No one has turned down the invitation this week.
I miss you and the family, but can believe that at the end of the year I will be with you and the fam.
I was talking with Hermana Tede and she said that I could come back and live with her. (She has grand children don't worry.)
She said I could start a music school. 50 pesos per student for and hour. 10 students in a class. 500 pesos per hour or $50 American buckerooos...
An idea nada mas.
Love ya
Elder Chadwick
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
MERRY CHRISTMAS CALL AND E-MAIL
On Christmas Day, Elder Chadwick was able to talk to us for two hours. We had such a great visit with him and we were able to use Skype and be able to see him. He is wearing head phones here so he could hear us better.
We also talked to his companion who is coming home February 8th. We are so excited to go to his homecoming and hear about his mission.
Below are photos that we recently received and the e-mail from Monday. Short but that's okay since we talked to him so much on Sunday.
Thanks for the email Mom!
It was great talking to everyone yesterday.
We cleaned the house today and reorganized some things. It looks way better and there is more space. I am happy you taught me how to clean.....
I am lov'in life here in the mission. It is good to be in a great ward. I was talking to the bishops wife and she told me that it seems that I don't like people touching me....I guess that really is a problem that people can see. (Note to self: reduce personal space from 3 feet to 2 and a half.)
I am happy. I guess there are moments of happiness and moments I just want things to go faster or get done. I am working on the patient attribute.
I ate the rest of the lasagna that I made on Saturday it was really good. We ate at Hermana Patis house and she made this corn soup....I felt I was in a Mexican Olive Garden. Love it.
We used Hermana Patis computers yesterday, she also gave us ties for Christmas. I am wearing mine today. It is kind of Hypnotizing but I like it.
I will send another email that has photos.
Love ya
Basketball tourmament on P-day.
Elder Chadwick is always a sucker for a trophy.
Hawaiian haystacks made with cream of chicken soup sent from home.
Yup, he did it. Lasagna made in Mexico. Elder Chadwick loves noodles in any form but he likes this one the best.
Ward nativity. He didn't really understand what the devils were for. He said they were a part of it though.?
We also talked to his companion who is coming home February 8th. We are so excited to go to his homecoming and hear about his mission.
Below are photos that we recently received and the e-mail from Monday. Short but that's okay since we talked to him so much on Sunday.
Thanks for the email Mom!
It was great talking to everyone yesterday.
We cleaned the house today and reorganized some things. It looks way better and there is more space. I am happy you taught me how to clean.....
I am lov'in life here in the mission. It is good to be in a great ward. I was talking to the bishops wife and she told me that it seems that I don't like people touching me....I guess that really is a problem that people can see. (Note to self: reduce personal space from 3 feet to 2 and a half.)
I am happy. I guess there are moments of happiness and moments I just want things to go faster or get done. I am working on the patient attribute.
I ate the rest of the lasagna that I made on Saturday it was really good. We ate at Hermana Patis house and she made this corn soup....I felt I was in a Mexican Olive Garden. Love it.
We used Hermana Patis computers yesterday, she also gave us ties for Christmas. I am wearing mine today. It is kind of Hypnotizing but I like it.
I will send another email that has photos.
Love ya
Basketball tourmament on P-day.
Elder Chadwick is always a sucker for a trophy.
Hawaiian haystacks made with cream of chicken soup sent from home.
Yup, he did it. Lasagna made in Mexico. Elder Chadwick loves noodles in any form but he likes this one the best.
Ward nativity. He didn't really understand what the devils were for. He said they were a part of it though.?
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
SHORT BUT SWEET
Editors Note: We all received short letters today. I will include them here. Some have the same information in them but you get the gist of what he was up to today.
To Stacie
thanks for the email sis. I am excited to talk to you too. It is going to be alittle shorter this time because president is tightening down on the rules. Just 45 minutes. I don't like that. Oh well. I will go and do as the Lord commanded....you now the drill.
Great job on your song. You should record yourself and send it to me. That would be great. I cant wait to see my star sister act and sing when I get back.
Well, have to go. Love ya
Elder Chadwick
To Jordan
Well, this blind man came to our ward Christmas night and we were showing him around the church and got to the piano. He sat down and started jamming out. He has three hours of music memorized. WOW. His mom says he can read music. I am still trying to figure that one out.
I am ready for Christmas. Today we had a basketball tournament and my team took second. We won new jerseys and a trophy. It was pretty cool. I am going to try to find a computer to hook my memory card into because I forgot my cord.
The weather here is simply amazing. Just a little wind all day and it is not extremely hot. Just Perfect. hope you have a great Christmas.
Love
Elder Chadwick
To his Dad
My week was great but nothing compared to the last week that is true. We did watch a blind man play the piano. A miracle. Loved that. He has three hours of music memorized and can read music some how. He also swims professionally.
I love the weather here. It is just like the fall or spring without the rain. Not to hot and not to cold. Just right. Love it.
Love ya
Elder Chadwick
To Mom
Sorry, you will have to read Jordan, dad, and Stacie's email. The Internet was not working. I only have 45 minutes to talk on Sunday. I will call you before the Christmas dinner.
I will call you, just be ready. Anyway, between 2 and 3 thirty.
I am fine. Just a stuffy nose for the last week. We will talk more about that adventure on Sunday.
Today we had a basketball tournament and my team took second. We won new Jerseys and a trophy. I am going to try to send a photo but I left my cord at home. We then went to the privada and asked if we could use hermana patis kitchen and they ended up buying KFC for us.
I have to go to district meeting now.
Love ya.
Elder Chadwick
To Stacie
thanks for the email sis. I am excited to talk to you too. It is going to be alittle shorter this time because president is tightening down on the rules. Just 45 minutes. I don't like that. Oh well. I will go and do as the Lord commanded....you now the drill.
Great job on your song. You should record yourself and send it to me. That would be great. I cant wait to see my star sister act and sing when I get back.
Well, have to go. Love ya
Elder Chadwick
To Jordan
Well, this blind man came to our ward Christmas night and we were showing him around the church and got to the piano. He sat down and started jamming out. He has three hours of music memorized. WOW. His mom says he can read music. I am still trying to figure that one out.
I am ready for Christmas. Today we had a basketball tournament and my team took second. We won new jerseys and a trophy. It was pretty cool. I am going to try to find a computer to hook my memory card into because I forgot my cord.
The weather here is simply amazing. Just a little wind all day and it is not extremely hot. Just Perfect. hope you have a great Christmas.
Love
Elder Chadwick
To his Dad
My week was great but nothing compared to the last week that is true. We did watch a blind man play the piano. A miracle. Loved that. He has three hours of music memorized and can read music some how. He also swims professionally.
I love the weather here. It is just like the fall or spring without the rain. Not to hot and not to cold. Just right. Love it.
Love ya
Elder Chadwick
To Mom
Sorry, you will have to read Jordan, dad, and Stacie's email. The Internet was not working. I only have 45 minutes to talk on Sunday. I will call you before the Christmas dinner.
I will call you, just be ready. Anyway, between 2 and 3 thirty.
I am fine. Just a stuffy nose for the last week. We will talk more about that adventure on Sunday.
Today we had a basketball tournament and my team took second. We won new Jerseys and a trophy. I am going to try to send a photo but I left my cord at home. We then went to the privada and asked if we could use hermana patis kitchen and they ended up buying KFC for us.
I have to go to district meeting now.
Love ya.
Elder Chadwick
Monday, December 12, 2011
BLESSINGS, BODIES AND EARTHQUAKES
Beautiful Stained Glass
Earthquake damage to the church.
Wall Mural
My first week in Chipangcingo we visited a elderly couple up on their hill. They hadn't gone to church in two or three months. We asked why and they told us it was because they were visiting his brother Thomas that was sick with cancer in Acapulco every Sunday. We challenged them to read more of the Book of Mormon and to continue praying. End of visit.
9 Dec 2011
Wake up ready for a great day ahead of me. Service project with the whole zone. This means we “have the privilege” of wearing street clothes almost all day. I slip on my jeans, stripling warrior superman shirt and am ready to go. We leave at 7:30 to take two vans over to the other side of Chipo. We arrive at the church and then go with the other twenty elders and four sisters to a park to do service. The tools were not there yet so we started to play a huge game of Hacky Sack. At about 10:30, and hour and a half hour later, the bishop calls. I stopped playing my elementary school game and step back into real life. “You two need to go give a blessing to a man that is dying.” The bishop told us. “ok” Elder Johansen said. We started to look for a taxi to get there as quick as possible. The bishop forgot to give Elder Johansen the name and address, being the great mouse detective that I am I said lets go find a pay phone first, so we found a pay phone and got that info.
After about a 25 minute ride through the maze of Chipancingo, over the hill and through some dust we arrived. Hopped out and a hermana was outside waiting for us. She pointed behind us and right when we turned around it hit us both who we were really visiting. We started power walking up the dirt road and reached the wooden home. “¡Buenas Tardes!” we yelled. We tried twice. Stubbling throught the door the hermana appeared. “Pasenle.”(come in or pass) She said. We enter….
We hear the hermanos voice. “ya afeicio” (just died). So in the moment we get to the house he dies. Interesting. We get into the house and I don’t see anyone lying down on a bed sick. In the back of the front room a door swings open and I see the hermano in the bathroom with plastic gloves on. He moves to the side and I see these twig like legs. I move closer to the door, it finally hits the hermana that she has a dead man in her house and she starts screaming frantically. I offer her a hand and tell her to calm down. (Nicely). I took a deep breath and told my self to man up. I asked for plastic gloves, put them on and jump up the step into the bathroom.
Now seeing all the dead man. His stomach didn't look like he had one. I could see his rib cage, my eyes moved up to his face he has a cancer beard. Basically looks like rocks with red holes. He is slumped down in this goblit like chair. They had been bathing him to get the blood of his chest. The smell was horrible. Later I found out it was the medicine they were using to clean him. A prep for death. We were moving fast now, drying him off. The hermana was back in, helping put his pants on. His head rolling around the back of the chair, mouth wide open. Next the shirt. The hermana had an easy time with the left arm but I could not seem to get the right one through the whole. (It was good practice for my future children.) Finally he was dressed. We went out of the bathroom and right outside. Hermana wanted to bring him out and place him on the ground.
I found what was once this mans bed, taking off the blankets I found an old sleeping bag. I take it off the wood and mattress and lay it on the ground. Elder Johansen straightened it out. Going back into the bathroom I discussed with dead mans brother how we should carry him out. I suggested lifting up the chair. It didn’t fit through the door. We sat him back down and I suggested to carry him like a baby but Elder Johansen took the inititive and grabbed his legs. The hermana grabbing under the right arm pit, me on the left. Hermano could not fit through the door so I grabbed hold of the other arm pit too. We get out the bath room and I look down just as the mans head drops back and his eyes lids open. I could see his glazed eyes rolling back. We get through the door and position ourselves to lay him down. First the feet then his mid section, putting my hand under his head like a baby I lay him down. The Hermana is frantically running around to find something to cover up the body. She finally comes out with a rainbow bed sheet. Elder Johansen helps her put it over the body.
We discuss with the dead mans brother what we could do and he said to say a prayer. So we all gathered around in the living room and calming the hermana down I said a prayer. We then left and went on with our day.
Saturday
We cut our language study short to go the funeral at 11. We walk again up the dusty road to the house. When we arrive everyone is eating soup. We move through the house to where we laid the man down the day before. He was then in a, what seemed to be a cardboard casket, maybe it wasn’t. It was black and gray, a box with a pyramid like thing. There was a 3 inch by 3 feet plastic cover to look in to see him. He was still in the same clothes and the rainbow sheet was still over him. We then asked if there was anything we could do. They in turn, asked a question , would you like to eat lunch? Are you hungry? So we ate soup and then left. Nothing else to do there.
That night after having a Joseph Smith and John Tanner movie night with the family of Victor we went to the privada to eat dinner with Hermano Jose. I had a feeling we should talk to the bishop so we knocked on the door and were invited in. Sitting down we started telling the story of the dead man in the bathroom. All of a sudden the room started to shake a little. I thought it was just a huge truck passing by. Then the next thought I had was that we were in the privada, no trucks pass here.
The bishop then hops up and starts yelling “FUERA” really loud. It gets worse. Elder Johansen and I are trying to look for safe spots like they taught us in elementary school but the bishop insisted really loudly we get out of the house. I climb up the stairs and walk past the table my hand guiding me to the kitchen. I reach the kitchen door when the lights go out. The walls start swaying back and forth. I get through the back door and think about what would Dad do in this situation. Elder Johansen calls my name in front of me and I run to join the group in-between two houses.
After the earthquake everyone was trying to make calls to family members and friends. I have heard a lot of stories from members that were in JC PENNY and in the movie theatre.
I am just happy to be alive. Apparently it was the biggest earthquake since 1985. What an amazing weekend it was. We are now awaiting the after shock…if there is one. A hermana in church got really emotional over the pulpit and started declaring repentance. It was the topic of the day.
Other than that I did divisions with Elder Hancock, he plays receiver for Air Force. Yeah, I didn’t enjoy doing exercise next to him. WOW. We found a lot of people this last week and are really this area is really progressing.
Btw, Happy Guadalupe day.
Love Elder Chadwick
Earthquake damage to the church.
Wall Mural
My first week in Chipangcingo we visited a elderly couple up on their hill. They hadn't gone to church in two or three months. We asked why and they told us it was because they were visiting his brother Thomas that was sick with cancer in Acapulco every Sunday. We challenged them to read more of the Book of Mormon and to continue praying. End of visit.
9 Dec 2011
Wake up ready for a great day ahead of me. Service project with the whole zone. This means we “have the privilege” of wearing street clothes almost all day. I slip on my jeans, stripling warrior superman shirt and am ready to go. We leave at 7:30 to take two vans over to the other side of Chipo. We arrive at the church and then go with the other twenty elders and four sisters to a park to do service. The tools were not there yet so we started to play a huge game of Hacky Sack. At about 10:30, and hour and a half hour later, the bishop calls. I stopped playing my elementary school game and step back into real life. “You two need to go give a blessing to a man that is dying.” The bishop told us. “ok” Elder Johansen said. We started to look for a taxi to get there as quick as possible. The bishop forgot to give Elder Johansen the name and address, being the great mouse detective that I am I said lets go find a pay phone first, so we found a pay phone and got that info.
After about a 25 minute ride through the maze of Chipancingo, over the hill and through some dust we arrived. Hopped out and a hermana was outside waiting for us. She pointed behind us and right when we turned around it hit us both who we were really visiting. We started power walking up the dirt road and reached the wooden home. “¡Buenas Tardes!” we yelled. We tried twice. Stubbling throught the door the hermana appeared. “Pasenle.”(come in or pass) She said. We enter….
We hear the hermanos voice. “ya afeicio” (just died). So in the moment we get to the house he dies. Interesting. We get into the house and I don’t see anyone lying down on a bed sick. In the back of the front room a door swings open and I see the hermano in the bathroom with plastic gloves on. He moves to the side and I see these twig like legs. I move closer to the door, it finally hits the hermana that she has a dead man in her house and she starts screaming frantically. I offer her a hand and tell her to calm down. (Nicely). I took a deep breath and told my self to man up. I asked for plastic gloves, put them on and jump up the step into the bathroom.
Now seeing all the dead man. His stomach didn't look like he had one. I could see his rib cage, my eyes moved up to his face he has a cancer beard. Basically looks like rocks with red holes. He is slumped down in this goblit like chair. They had been bathing him to get the blood of his chest. The smell was horrible. Later I found out it was the medicine they were using to clean him. A prep for death. We were moving fast now, drying him off. The hermana was back in, helping put his pants on. His head rolling around the back of the chair, mouth wide open. Next the shirt. The hermana had an easy time with the left arm but I could not seem to get the right one through the whole. (It was good practice for my future children.) Finally he was dressed. We went out of the bathroom and right outside. Hermana wanted to bring him out and place him on the ground.
I found what was once this mans bed, taking off the blankets I found an old sleeping bag. I take it off the wood and mattress and lay it on the ground. Elder Johansen straightened it out. Going back into the bathroom I discussed with dead mans brother how we should carry him out. I suggested lifting up the chair. It didn’t fit through the door. We sat him back down and I suggested to carry him like a baby but Elder Johansen took the inititive and grabbed his legs. The hermana grabbing under the right arm pit, me on the left. Hermano could not fit through the door so I grabbed hold of the other arm pit too. We get out the bath room and I look down just as the mans head drops back and his eyes lids open. I could see his glazed eyes rolling back. We get through the door and position ourselves to lay him down. First the feet then his mid section, putting my hand under his head like a baby I lay him down. The Hermana is frantically running around to find something to cover up the body. She finally comes out with a rainbow bed sheet. Elder Johansen helps her put it over the body.
We discuss with the dead mans brother what we could do and he said to say a prayer. So we all gathered around in the living room and calming the hermana down I said a prayer. We then left and went on with our day.
Saturday
We cut our language study short to go the funeral at 11. We walk again up the dusty road to the house. When we arrive everyone is eating soup. We move through the house to where we laid the man down the day before. He was then in a, what seemed to be a cardboard casket, maybe it wasn’t. It was black and gray, a box with a pyramid like thing. There was a 3 inch by 3 feet plastic cover to look in to see him. He was still in the same clothes and the rainbow sheet was still over him. We then asked if there was anything we could do. They in turn, asked a question , would you like to eat lunch? Are you hungry? So we ate soup and then left. Nothing else to do there.
That night after having a Joseph Smith and John Tanner movie night with the family of Victor we went to the privada to eat dinner with Hermano Jose. I had a feeling we should talk to the bishop so we knocked on the door and were invited in. Sitting down we started telling the story of the dead man in the bathroom. All of a sudden the room started to shake a little. I thought it was just a huge truck passing by. Then the next thought I had was that we were in the privada, no trucks pass here.
The bishop then hops up and starts yelling “FUERA” really loud. It gets worse. Elder Johansen and I are trying to look for safe spots like they taught us in elementary school but the bishop insisted really loudly we get out of the house. I climb up the stairs and walk past the table my hand guiding me to the kitchen. I reach the kitchen door when the lights go out. The walls start swaying back and forth. I get through the back door and think about what would Dad do in this situation. Elder Johansen calls my name in front of me and I run to join the group in-between two houses.
After the earthquake everyone was trying to make calls to family members and friends. I have heard a lot of stories from members that were in JC PENNY and in the movie theatre.
I am just happy to be alive. Apparently it was the biggest earthquake since 1985. What an amazing weekend it was. We are now awaiting the after shock…if there is one. A hermana in church got really emotional over the pulpit and started declaring repentance. It was the topic of the day.
Other than that I did divisions with Elder Hancock, he plays receiver for Air Force. Yeah, I didn’t enjoy doing exercise next to him. WOW. We found a lot of people this last week and are really this area is really progressing.
Btw, Happy Guadalupe day.
Love Elder Chadwick
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
CHRISTMAS IN MEXICO
Editor's note: We will get to skype with Elder Chadwick for 45 minutes on Christmas day.
Cool Building
Mexican Flag
Huge Christmas tree with Coca Cola ornaments
Chadwick Nook for studying. Note the hammock rope above study area
Here are the pictures of the week, well today. The picture of my study area is cool. The Chadwick Nook.
Anyway, I was laying in bed one night thinking about how I came to know Christ. And this popped into my mind like Twilight bit Stephenie Meyer in the neck.
(Btw, this is all ya alls Christmas present. My present to the world, not as cool as the First Presidency but it is personal and from my heart.)
Spotlighting Christ
By Elder Daryl James Chadwick
Black dark stage of the mind
Waiting for illumination
From One everyone can find
If we give Him our imagination
One spotlight from above
Reveals His robe of Glory
Light cascades down like a dove
Parts of His life we see more fully
Two more radiant beams
The feet of a Prince appear
Holes taking the gleam
Ones fear starts to disappear
His hands, how grand
Rough from creating a kingdom
That is part of Fathers plan
Taking in heaven a commanders podium
The voice of racing waters
Everything staying still
Awaiting a simple utter from the Masters
A beard white as snow
The hair restored
At the meridian of time
Our faith starts to grow
As we wipe of the grime from our eyes
The stage almost a light
Caught on the edge of our seats
All coming in so bright
Tonight nothing to eat
Just feasting on the Light
Clearing the Cerebrum
Downloading the image of Christ
What a great Celebration
A seed of desire is planted
To be like Him
Who was dead, now resurrected
Allowing us to obtain this premium
Now to become like Jesus
Our mind starts to ponder
How to fix this mortal crisis
I know, through His Atoning Power
Let us apply this to our lives
Stepping in His sandals
Winning the Prize
Lighting all the Candles
This is spotlighting Christ
Doing what He would do
Paying the price
We are part of His Eternal Crew
This week was great. We watched the broadcast yesterday night. It was fantastic.
I love the new videos.
Sorry there is not much this week.
I was emailing my Brother.
Learned alot.
Everything is preach bright.
Internet time was great because they played a remix of a Jack Johnson song.
yeah, Elder Robb would be jealous.
Love you all
Elder Chadwick
Cool Building
Mexican Flag
Huge Christmas tree with Coca Cola ornaments
Chadwick Nook for studying. Note the hammock rope above study area
Here are the pictures of the week, well today. The picture of my study area is cool. The Chadwick Nook.
Anyway, I was laying in bed one night thinking about how I came to know Christ. And this popped into my mind like Twilight bit Stephenie Meyer in the neck.
(Btw, this is all ya alls Christmas present. My present to the world, not as cool as the First Presidency but it is personal and from my heart.)
Spotlighting Christ
By Elder Daryl James Chadwick
Black dark stage of the mind
Waiting for illumination
From One everyone can find
If we give Him our imagination
One spotlight from above
Reveals His robe of Glory
Light cascades down like a dove
Parts of His life we see more fully
Two more radiant beams
The feet of a Prince appear
Holes taking the gleam
Ones fear starts to disappear
His hands, how grand
Rough from creating a kingdom
That is part of Fathers plan
Taking in heaven a commanders podium
The voice of racing waters
Everything staying still
Awaiting a simple utter from the Masters
A beard white as snow
The hair restored
At the meridian of time
Our faith starts to grow
As we wipe of the grime from our eyes
The stage almost a light
Caught on the edge of our seats
All coming in so bright
Tonight nothing to eat
Just feasting on the Light
Clearing the Cerebrum
Downloading the image of Christ
What a great Celebration
A seed of desire is planted
To be like Him
Who was dead, now resurrected
Allowing us to obtain this premium
Now to become like Jesus
Our mind starts to ponder
How to fix this mortal crisis
I know, through His Atoning Power
Let us apply this to our lives
Stepping in His sandals
Winning the Prize
Lighting all the Candles
This is spotlighting Christ
Doing what He would do
Paying the price
We are part of His Eternal Crew
This week was great. We watched the broadcast yesterday night. It was fantastic.
I love the new videos.
Sorry there is not much this week.
I was emailing my Brother.
Learned alot.
Everything is preach bright.
Internet time was great because they played a remix of a Jack Johnson song.
yeah, Elder Robb would be jealous.
Love you all
Elder Chadwick
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