Week #37 February 20 2017

Hola Todos!

As you may have noticed by the subject, I am no longer in Frederick MD, but rather I am now in Lancaster PA! This week has been nuts! To start, I had to mave and say goodbye to everybody. Tuesday was crazy because we had a temple trip that we were helping Hector to go to which he was able to! Wednesday is where the real craziness starts. I leave Frederick and drive an hour to Columbia. After that, I meet my ride who takes me too Lancaster, another 2 hours away. We get there and I find out we are changing apartments in 2 days which was great because I was already packed. Lancaster is certainly different than Frederick. It is older and it is a bit more city like. It is only a little creepy at night when then storm doors that weren't shut all the way suddenly open and close as if there are ghosts everywhere. After arriving in Lancaster things got busy, but I will just highlight some of the more interesting points. First off, we are teaching this less active part member family and they live in the most ridiculous spot ever. So to get there, you have to go through the fifth or so tiny alley on the left. Then after that, climb the sketchy metal stairs on the outside of a building up 2 flights to the third floor level, then knock on the 3 foot Hobit door and that's it. The first time we went I just busted up laughing. i have no idea how they even found the place because I don't think there is a legitimate address for the place. We also had this lesson with another family and it was the funniest thing to here these little girls named Layla and Gladys tell us different bible stories. It reminded me a lot of those 'kid History' videos on youtube. The details weren't right, which sometimes made it super funny, but it was cool to see a love for the bible at a young age. Later, we came back to the return appointment, and Annette, grandma of Layla and Gladys, is super tired but we begin to have a quick lesson, but kind of get chased out as she was really mad at her daughter for bringing drunk people into their home. We did teach her how to pray which was good. Sunday was fun, though pretty weird. The Branch is a little different because we meet in 2 different places as the Susquahana river separates the 2 sides. We are on the Lancaster side. So we get there early and have a correlation meeting over phone, and then branch council over skype. We have our meetings which consisted of a nice total of about 15 people, including the 4 missionaries and the 3 kids. They are wonderful people here and I am excited to do work here. Elder Livingston is my new companion and he is awesome! He is from Houston, Texas and has been serving here almost as long as I have as he came out 6 weeks after I did. Cool thing, he actually was born in Baltimore, but moved when he was 3 months old to Texas. Funny thing too, we both were trained by Elder Skarda. Basically I am super stoked to serve here and it will be a fun ride!

Sincerely,

Elder Haynie

Week #35 February 6 2017

Hola todos!

This weeks letter may see different in that I am going to put in my letter to President this week. There are just some things that I wanted to express to all of you that are in it.

Family-My parents are doing well! They are in China right now which is definitely a new experience for them. My sister's pregnancy is making her look huge, but she is doing well.

Area- Something that touched me a lot was to hear the testimony of our Branch President's wife. She amazes me. When I first got to the area I was told that she had been offended by the missionaries or something to that effect. Not to say that she was mean, just a little less open. With that in mind, last night as we passed by their house to talk about a few things regarding a visit that went not perfect with a less active member and also to talk a little about getting Hector to the Temple to do Baptisms for his family, she shared with us some of the most comforting words I have ever heard. She shared her testimony of missionary work and basically shared her love for us. It was something I really needed. I can truly see that my work here has not been for naught. The members seem to thank us for way more than I feel like they should because I really don't feel like we have done that much, but I do know one thing; we have done our best and the Lord has qualified the work. He has brought in more strength to the branch and is pouring out His spirit here with us. It is not what we have done, but what the Lord has done through us.

Companion- This week Elder Jun began to step up to the plate. I have been working super hard to get him to do the real plays, to take the lead and to be a great missionary. We had a wonderful experience that I think changed him and the way he sees missionary work. We taught the Restoration and had a super great lesson. The amazing thing was that Elder Jun was able to say what he needed and wanted to say. We had a good rhythm and we had the Spirit with us. It was the first time I think Elder Jun really felt like he could do it. That everything will be all right. He still isn't fully confident, but it is growing. 

Teaching- I think this has to do a little with the paragraph above. This week we have been still working with Hector, but a lot has been finding as well. We were able to find a doubt of one of our investigators, but now that sets a new task ahead. We are working with a new investigator named Betty. She is the girlfriend of one of the members, and ironically sister of another though the relation is not the best. All in all, I am still learning how to teach and improve my ability to focus on the people and not lessons. I think this is the key when teaching. We cannot teach repentance in a rote way because repentance is not a rote process. I think to Hector and some of the things we need to teach him. Even though he is a member, there are many principles to still learn. Many we don't think of, but are related to the Gospel. I think my mind is being enlarged a bit every day to understand more the principle of everything being spiritual to God.

Studies- I have been able to answer many of my questions this week especially one I had concerning Hell. We had a lesson a while back and I had a bit of a hard time because many of the principles we teach about Hell versus the principles in the Plan of Salvation, though the same really, are often misunderstood. I found my answer and am much more confident to teach about it now.

Other experiences I had this week was to go to the temple. Sadly, both Elder Jun and I forgot our cameras, but our Branch mission leader has some I will get sent as soon as I can get him to send them. The temple was amazing and I was able to see the other video during the session that I had not seen yet. I was amazed that I understood every part even though it was all in Spanish. I also had such a warm feeling of the Spirit while I was there it was just wonderful! I realized exactly why I share the gospel and it is because of that feeling I get from living the gospel, an being able to realize the blessings of the Temple. It is the most marvelous thing! I wish that everyone would listen just so that they can experience the joy that I feel. I am not any better than them, but I have been blessed greatly by the hand of the Lord and I want all people to experience them. I may sound like a crazy repeating dish, but that is why what I am doing is important. It is not just about inviting people to learn about Christ, it is helping them become more like Him. That is why He gave us His gospel in it's fullness once again on the earth. I am truly grateful to be here and be an instrument in His hands.

Sincerely,

Elder Haynie

ps: This is basically what the changes for the missionaries were. The biggest changes we had are to key indicators and to the schedule. We have 4 key indicators, Baptisms and Confirmations, Investigators with a baptismal date, Investigators at Sacrament meeting, and new investigators. The Schedule is now different and variable for each mission according to their circumstances. In our mission it is similar, but the biggest changes is in that things aren't necessarily set. Our mission schedule is:

6:30 wake up and pray

6:30-8:30 Exercise and prepare for the day

8:30-10:00 Plan(30 min) Personal Study(60 min)

10:00 out the door

10:00- 6:00 Companionship study(30-60min) Language Study(30-60min) The First 12 weeks training(30min) Lunch(30min) Dinner(60min) Proselyting

6:00-9:00 Proselyting

9:00 Home unless in an appointment

9:00-9:30 Write in Journal

9:30-10:30 Bed, prepare, Pray

That's pretty much it. It allows for a lot of freedom in choices, though in many respects I was already doing many of these things. In Africa for instance because it is dangerous to be out after 6:00, they wake up earlier, proselyte before and save some of the other things like dinner for after they return to the apartment sooner.

Week #36 February 13 2017

Hola Todos!

Big news! I will no longer be serving here in Frederick, MD, but instead I will be serving in Lancaster PA as a District leader. It will be really weird after spending 7 months here in Frederick. It is weird as far as missionary time goes to spend 5 transfers anywhere. I am excited for my new assignment, but at the same time it is a little scary. On the bright side I think I have a car so at least I won't freeze.

This week has been pretty interesting, though weird at the same time. Some highlights are pretty much Saturday and Sunday. Saturday we went out pretty early to some appointments and of course of the three we had 1 actually was there. Ivan was pretty cool. It was interesting to see how we were able to show how the Book of Mormon and the Bible actually work together which was awesome. We were able to answer his questions and then share a really cool lesson involving faith, fire, and a tea bag...Later that day we had our Branch Valentines Day activity. We had a joke that if we showed up on time we would be asked to set everything up and the party still wouldn't start until an hour and a half later. Turns out we didn't have to show up early to set up because we were called to go and do it and the activity like we thought still didn't start on time.....I will finish this later but just in case I will send what I have now. We have an activity so I need to go.

Sincerely,

Elder Haynie

Continued...

So we get a call to go set up so we bike to the Stake Center and set everything up. The reason they needed help is actually pretty legitimate. That morning, Saida and Rudy went to the temple, received their endowment and were sealed as a family for time and all eternity. Because of that, our whole branch was at the temple with them. So I also had this really weird moment where I was like, 'wait a second, this is a Valentines Day activity, why are we going when we are missionaries?' I then realized that we are in a Spanish branch and that it is a requirement to go to every activity. The activity was fun with good food. So Sunday rolls around. We get to church and they are having a special Branch Council with the Stake Presidency because it was our Branch conference. We were a minute or so late because our ride was late. We get there and they are just starting and then I get told to start translating for the Stake presidency. I guess that's what you get for being late. We had wonderful meetings. Later we went to Damascus and taught a family that was pretty sweet, but sadly I won't get to continue to teach them. After we went and stopped by our branch mission leader's house and there is way ore than just them there. They have their sister and her family, another family as well, along with a family from the branch and our Branch President's family. It was a full house! (Side story about Thursday this week. A family had signed up to feed us but forgot that it was their daughter's birthday. They still tell us to come over and I swear there are at least 50 people in a small home meant for 5. It turned out really cool because Ivan our investigator actually showed up. Though, I will say that day was super cold.) So of course we eat and enjoy a conversation about a lot of different things. After, we have the opportunity to share a message. We had prepared an awesome object lesson involving those spiky balls I make, a puzzle Nat sent me for Christmas, and a Chess set. It turned out pretty cool, and was amazing how we can learn so many things from the simple things. Today was pretty awesome The reason I had to finish early was because we had a Zone Nerf war! It was super awesome! Hopefully somebody will send the videos, but it was just plain awesome. I am excited for the change and ready to keep up the work!

Sincerely,

Elder Haynie

Week #34 January 30 2017

Hola Todos!

Life here in Frederick is pretty much the same, but still is wonderful! Things are looking up in the work! I think the biggest change is probably those that were made in the missionary broadcast. We now have only 4 key indicators to report. Also, we now have a different schedule to follow which gives us freedom to organize our days and our studies. I don't have a ton of time this week because I keep getting distracted by a number of things, one being talking to the other guy here in the computer lab. The gospel is for everybody! This week I think the most important thing was just to be. I know that sounds weird, but what I mean to say is that this week I just felt like I did my part. I am not perfect, but I felt like I was a part in God's work. Sometimes we may not see results every week, but I have been looking at a few things, first: God prepares people not us. It is interesting because we have a super exciting week ahead that shows the Lord is preparing the way. Second, Hector is not a just drop off the Earth convert, rather he is sincerely committed. I can really see who he can become and it is marvelous. He is ready to receive the priesthood, and it is awesome to see how the Spirit has been such an influence on him. Not only him, but his whole house. All in all, I don't have a whole lot to say this week. I hope all is well especially for my parents in China right now. Interesting thing I just remembered, we gave talks Sunday, which really just was a pain because we didn't find out till Saturday, had no time to prepare and I was translating so I couldn't even use the other speaker's time. Elder Jun's talk was truly inspiring, and I love how even imperfect Spanish can have the message be shared perfectly. My talk seemed to go fine, but it feels weird being the missionary with the most experience speaking. I love you all lots and hope you can all find experiences to share  the message of Jesus Christ!

Sincerely,

Elder Haynie

Everyone keeps asking me what I normally eat at home which has brought about the discussion of what is American food? I would appreciate help because really I am not sure.

Thanks!

Elder Haynie

Week #33 January 23 2017

Hola Todos!

I am sorry I don't have the picture yet, but my branch president is supposed to send it to me. This week Hector was baptized!!! I think I could just end my email there.. ;) we really did have an amazing week!

Mostly this week was just getting everything secured for Hector's interview and his baptism. We had to hold it a little later than planned, but it all turned out. It was interesting what President McConkie said to me after Hector's interview. He told us specifically that we had done very well to prepare him and that a lot of times missionaries don't do as well. I am not saying this in any way to brag rather, it was something I felt the Lord was saying to me through him. When he said that to me I realized the Lord was saying 'thou good and faithful servant'. It really made up for all those times when it just felt like nothing could get accomplished, or that we weren't having success. Jump to Sunday, we start off early finishing everything up because we had a bunch of last minute changes to the program. We have an awesome member that brings a young man named Gervin to church and also an investigator of the hermanas named Micaela. Also, Patricia and her cute little 2 year old named Kimberly come. It was great, but sadly I sat in the back translating to English. I got lucky though, one talk was in English and so they had an on the spot translator into Spanish so I was able to sit back and listen. I didn't make it to the other meetings because we were working with the font to get it filled and somewhat warm. The baptismal service was beautiful and it was awesome to see Hector go down. After when he received the Holy Ghost, he for the first time really seemed alive! Like a little tiny flame in him! Very cool!

I'm sorry to cut it short, but I need to go! I love you all!

Sincerely,

Elder Haynie

Week #32 January 16 2017

Hola todos!

Yep, I am still alive! Frederick is going well and the work is awesome here! The temperature went up a hair this week which was nice. Though, that made us get rained on instead of snow. I think snow might be better. All in all a different week, but very successful!

Monday was interesting because everything fell through, but it was cool because we went over to the Salvador family's home ate, and shared with them the message of the Restoration. I had been reading in Preach My Gospel and it suggested to do that as a way to help members feel the need to share the gospel. It was pretty cool to see how even children are able to understand and also how we always are able to learn new things.

Tuesday- We got bombarded by referrals from all sorts of people which was kind of awesome! I guess when you ask the Lord to help you find people He makes it happen. We tried to visit them all, but plans don't always work out. We ended up helping these two guys fix a little light on their car that was a very big pain to actually change. After we taught Hector who is super awesome and preparing for his baptism this Sunday! It was cool though because both Elder Jun and I were directed to be able to give the suggestions of how to get it apart, even though neither of us knew how. Buics are weird and not planned out very well. After that we went to try and contact a media referral in Damascus, a 30-40 minute drive away. We didn't have a phone number so it made it really hard to contact within 24 hours. We get there and a man opens the door, says they don't have time and shuts it. 30 seconds after a long drive...but it gets happier!

Long short, because I'm running out of time we ended up getting back down there and the man was a lot nicer the second time we got there. He gave us a number which is a step forward but we still haven't been able to get a hold of her.

All in all Hector is a huge miracle and if all goes well, he'll be baptized next time I write!

Love you all! Sorry, ran out of time!

Sincerely,

Elder Haynie

Week #31 January 9 2017

Hola Todos!

This week was kind of fantastic! It snowed here and was pretty cold, but the work was fantastic! We started out pretty good but it just got better as we went on. 

Monday- Not much exciting actually happened, but the work goes on

Tuesday- We had a way cool lesson with Hector and another young man who lives in the house named Luis! It is cool to see how the Spirit is influencing the whole house.

Wednesday- The sisters had a bit of a change up, but we had the wonderful opportunity to bike because it wasn't too cold. The wind just about killed us and knocked us off our bikes! We finally ended up watching Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration with Hector at Saida's house. The only problem was that Hector was tired and also spiritually worn out because his family had pressured him into drinking. He felt so bad, but in the end I think it made an impact on his family because they afterwards saw how bad he felt and decided not to ever force him to do it again. Interesting things happen, but in the end I think his resolve was strengthened. And, we didn't even have to put him on date again, our branch mission leader was super on top of it and has been helping him have work. As they have been working together, they have gotten a lot closer and it is just cool to see how the Lord works.

Thursday- Everything falls through and I had asked the Lord to let us know where we needed to go, and that we needed an investigator to call us back and confirm his appointment because it is a long drive to visit him. He calls back and moves the appointment, then right as we are about to leave, a little disappointed now and not sure where to go, we get a call from a member that tells us to go visit someone right now. It is a family that the sisters have been working with, but they weren't progressing so they stopped visiting. We went and shared the Family a Proclamation to the World and they loved it. It was really cool to see the Lord specifically answer my prayer.

Friday-We had a slow day until correlation. After we went to Hector and taught everybody in the house the Plan of Salvation and it was beautiful! Again it is amazing to see everybody there changing, not just him!

Saturday- We went and translated for a Baptism, we visited Hector again and taught about Chastity, but then another really cool miracle happened. We went and visited Washington again and his wife and all their friends they had over. We taught and at first they didn't really want to know, but in the end the Spirit touched their hearts and I think we will find some true progression.

Sunday- I translated Fast and Testimony meeting and it was insane! But, the gift of tongues is real!

All in all the week was pretty great and we were able to find lots of new people to teach! The Lord is preparing the work!

I love you all!

Sincerely,

Elder Haynie