A great letter from JD

Hi guys and gals.  Can you believe that I'm actually posting this on the day that it arrives.  I promised that I would do better and be more prompt.  This is a great letter from JD--I love it because I can tell that he is learning great lessons about patience and about being able recognize his feelings and promptings and then putting it all in perspective--even when it is hard. As always, thank you for supporting this son of mine. I miss him and can't wait until he is back but as he is far away, I'm grateful to you all for the love, friendship and support that you give to him that sustains him. I am a firm believer that this wonderful energy will come back to you all, magnified.  Thank you, from a grateful father.  Peace.

Hello Family and Friends,

How is it going? Well we are still pushing through the mission, one week at a time. Well the area ``Lomas Del Pedregal`` is still good, we worked a ton this week, a lot of work with the members. And we had a ton of success with finding great people, and as well as a lot of the members progressing. Maria Guadalupe got confirmed yesterday and she is doing a lot better now. A lot of my converts though are not coming to church!!!! For some emergencies or because they don`t feel welcomed now, it’s frustrating when they don`t come because it feels like to us missionaries that we baptized them in vain, and not when they were entirely ready. Well we still try to work things out with them, and slowly but surely they will come back if we stay persistent with them and their needs. Other than that, we found a great couple named Ivan and Norma. We contacted a young lady in the street and she showed some interest and accepted that we would come another day. Well we went and she didn`t seem interested until the 3rd visit, and she accepted a Book of Mormon. Well then the next visit we wanted to talk with the husband as well, but she was scared that he wouldn`t accept. But we went—he was pretty nervous and it started out a bit on the line, but then we shared something with him, and he said that he read the same thing in the bible that same day, because he was trying to prepare for our visit. It was like, wow! Another spiritual moment; he changed after that and they were accepting everything that we said. They were reading the Book of Mormon when we went for another visit. What I have learned is that as missionaries, we are like those of the phone company, we hook up the line for the investigators to God, because we don`t hardly do anything. We are just tools in his hands, and I have seen so much of that on the mission! Those are testimony builders of mine. The mission, I am not going to lie, is pretty dang hard for the fact that our testimony goes up and down like the world`s biggest roller coaster! It`s like God gives us 99 reasons to believe that the church is true, but there is always 1 that just sneaks in that makes your testimony kind of tear down. But we have to keep going to just keep that faith up, and that is the hardest thing to do!!!!!! But that is what I have learned and that I hope you all can see that and remember that when you had that experience that built your testimony because that was true, that you can focus on those 99 things and not on that 1 doubt, because it is a faith tester— that is all it is. Well times up and now I have got to go, but I love you all and you are all in prayers! Dad I haven`t read your email yet, but by the looks of it, something happened and I will read later. You are all in my prayers and dad I am worried, I hope nothing super bad has happened. Stay happy everyone, I love you all and now it’s SUMMMER TIME! Time for the 120 degrees! Hahaha! Love you all!

Elder Justin Powell

I am sorry My English is HORRIBLE, I am serious, and English is becoming distant for me! I am turning Mexican already, skin color and everything! Hahaha! 

Justin played a silly string prank on his friend, Elder Montejano, as he came out of the bathroom.

JD said that this is the most intense rain/thunder storm he has ever been in in his life!

Picture following a ward mission activity that JD and his companion planned for the youth in his ward.

Leia Mais…

Pics from Monterrey (and a couple from Provo)

I got a bunch of pics from a lady in Justin's mission and I'm not going to post all of them.  I've picked out a few that I liked but she sent me 200+ so I don't want to overwhelm the blogosphere.  There are a couple that JD has attached to his latest e-mail also.  Of course, I don't know all of the characters so we'll all have to wait until JD gets home (if you're that curious) to identify them.  Anyway, hope you enjoy seeing him as much as I did.  Peace.

Easily my favorite pic of the bunch--JD and college football's very best coach, Coach Witt. I think only Jesus, Peyton Manning or Derek Jeter could have topped Coach Witt.  By the way, the Jesus thing was just a joke, for all of the sensitive folks out there. LOL!

JD and another missionary at transfers.

Seriously, I don't even know where to begin with this cute pose...

JD and a group of youth from his ward in Monterrey.

JD has never, ever, EVER eaten seafood of any kind and now he's mangian on shrimp and who knows what else.  What's next, Justin--sushi?

Fancy a tango?

JD's first baptism.

Same girl, different ordinance.

Justin moves through his first transfers.

A tour of the typical missionary apartment--spartan, even by Justin's standards.  First is his perfectly made bed.

Here is his study area/kitchen table/living room.

Oh and what a lovely and fresh bathroom. Very nice.

First look at the fridge.  A mini, right?  About 3' tall, tops?  How tall does that make the sink then?  Wow--a kitchen for little people.

And finally, where all the culinary magic happens on the uni-burner, the waffle iron and the blender.

JD and his (and mine, as of late) very good friend, Alexis.

Justin and his....uhhh...mission president? And the...Mrs?  Are they even older than JD? Good lord, they're making them younger and younger all the time.

JD is happy to finally arrive at the mission home.

And now it's on.  All business.

JD at the Monterrey Temple.

This is Juan and Paloma--the young couple that Justin helped so much in their happy wedding plans, etc. Well, one of them looks happy, anyway. 

The wedding of Juan and Paloma.

Justin's latest baptism.

Holy sunburn Batman.  I've been this kid's dad for 20 years and I had no idea he could turn this color. Yikes!This is the 6 month "Burning of the tie" ceremony.  Missionaries are always coming up with stuff to burn to mark the time.

JD and a group of assistant tracters.

JD and Alexis, horsing around.

Getting ready for chow.

Justin and an investigator--Paloma, I think.

Justin's boss/YM Pres/good friend Aaron Peterson at the airport before flying to Mexico, eating one last American meal.

JD and his first companion and Paloma.

JD doing what he does best--goofing off with the youth and having fun.

More of the same.

Don't have any idea what or where this is, but JD is in it.

Another pic of JD's first baptism.  I think her name was Josefina.

Keeping it safe at the MTC.

Members of JD's ward in Monterrey.

Monterrey Temple

View of Monterrey from the window of the train.

Monterrey, not taken by JD.  In fact, I don't know why it is in here, but enjoy.

More Monterrey from the train.

Acting  studly at the MTC.

Dude, there is no time when the rivalry is not on. Go Utes!

Juan and Paloma with their wedding date, March 8.

Honestly, the stache plays.  Makes him look even more Puerto Rican.

Monterrey from JD's apartment. 

First transfers.

Leia Mais…

A much better couple of weeks for JD

Here is JD's latest letter and he sounds so much better.  I'm sure that it's a combination of a lot of things--not the least of which were the letters that you all sent.  That being the case, I owe you all a heartfelt thank you for helping me to take care of my boy.  Your friendship is priceless and I hope that you will continue to support this youngster for the next 17 months.  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  You all deserve the good kharma that is surely coming your way.

Hello Powell Family and Amigos,

How are you all doing? Well I am doing pretty well, now I am already almost to the 7 month mark of the mission already! The mission continues, it is now looking a ton better as far as feeling to love the work and all. We finally had a baptism yesterday with a lady named Maria Guadalupe. She lives here with her 2 daughters and her husband works in Texas. It was a lot of work to see her baptized and a lot of dedication on her part, and boy, did the trials come for her. But also the miracles came for her as well. Well 6 weeks ago, the husband, Edgar, and Maria had their baptism date and were really ready to take this step. But then he received a call from a friend that work opened up in Texas and he left... That was sooo heart breaking because Maria was so discouraged. Well she has been distressed because a lot has been going on with her and the daughters, just very busy. Well we had the baptismal date finally put two weeks ago for yesterday. And she told us that she had a dream of the book of Mormon, that she received protection and all. It was very spiritual to hear her stories and all about miracles happening. Well then we received one more miracle, she didn’t want to be baptized without her husband present, she told us this on Thursday. Well we were discouraged because it wouldn`t happen. But the next day we went, and we received a phone call saying that her husband was coming to visit and will be here for the baptism to see her be baptized! We were completely shell shocked! It was so awesome to see her baptized and all! A great experience and photos are coming! Haha Well this week was good. On Thursday, it was 115 degrees! Almost died! hahaha no the thing is that its dry and its super hot but the funny thing is that we don`t sweat a whole ton, it`s just uncomfortable. It`s when it`s humid, it’s horrible! Well I love you all, still haven`t received the package yet, but don`t worry it`s coming. Probably a month longer and I shall have it! Haha I love you all and take care! Be safe and I pray for you all always! Good luck in everything and HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIANNA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sweet 16 and HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH ON FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Already 18! WOW! Don`t get married until I get home! Or better, go on a mission! Hahaha I love you all!

Love,

Elder Powell

Leia Mais…

Justin needs our help!!

All right, guys and gals, here is the letter that I received from Justin on Monday.  I’m even posting the part that he wrote to his family.  Justin called for Mother’s Day and he spent nearly an hour talking to me about the issues that he’s facing.  He is having a difficult time getting along with his current companion.  As you know, Justin wasn’t raised “in the church” and he went on his mission intent on serving the people of Mexico. He’s a bit disheartened that it is a lot about numbers and statistics but I think that he is just down and so everything else is suffering as a result. 

Sooooo....here is where all of you--his friends and family--come in.  It's time to rise up and support your friend and help him by lifting him as only his peers and family can.  He needs you and so I'm here requesting that you take some minutes this week and write him.  Let's "blow up" his e-mail and snail mail boxes.  Let's overwhelm him in love and care and support.  Can I count on you? I know that we're all busy, but let's show him that we love him and that he isn't forgotten.  You have my gratitude and appreciation and I wish you all the very best in return as you send out the very best of yourselves--Dan

Now, on to the letter....

Well Hello Everyone,

Another week has already passed and this week I will complete 6 months in the mission! I`m pretty stoked but then again, it kind of feels pretty crappy that I still have a year and a half left. Haha. Well this week was alright, not the best week ever. Mexico is starting to get super hot now and every morning I get more tired and tired. Oh and happy mother`s day to all you mothers out there! I love you all! And I hope everything is going well for every one of you. I`m sorry my letter is pretty short. This week was pretty un-interesting and pretty bad. But just keep pushing on through right? Let`s hope it gets better. Well I love you all and don`t worry too much about me, I`m sorry I am writing a bad letter this week but weeks like this happen and I guess it`s a time to learn and progress. I love you all and take care

Elder Powell

Hello Family! How are you all doing? Well it was a pleasure to talk to you all yesterday! (I`m sorry mom that our phone call got cut... I will try to call you sometime this week ok?) Most likely on Friday night. And thanks a lot for all your support, you all sound great and I enjoyed very much talking to you all. I`m sorry this letter is super short. It`s just I feel pretty down today, I miss you all a ton and I don`t want you all to worry about me too much. It`s just I don`t want to give up because I don`t give up commitments that I start. And then again, I don`t want to disappoint because I know that I am setting an example for everyone (Brothers and young men in the ward), and I would hate to give up for them. But that is what is holding me here. So I will try to fight more and I will try to get to the point where I can like this mission and enjoy it. But I love you all and don`t worry too much about me. I miss you all and I am sorry that this letter home completely sucks but this week was the worst week probably on the mission, or something close. So take care and I love you all. Be safe. 

Love,

Elder Powell

Leia Mais…

May 7 2012--2 Type A's = companionship issues?

Hello how are you all doing? Well I am doing pretty well! Just pushing through another quick week. This week was a super hard week! I am not going to lie. It was like everything just kind of fell through. But that’s okay. There are weeks like these and all we have to do is push through onto the next week. We had a lot going on like zone conference and all. We also had a baptism this Saturday! It was pretty exciting! There were some funny memories this week, and also some very cool experiences. One of our investigators, Maria, was kind of having a hard time in deciding if she should be baptized or not, because her husband went to the United States to work and all. And then she was talking with her husband on the telephone and was asking what she should do. And the husband said to pray and ask. Well she prayed and asked and she got a prompting to open the bible randomly and read a scripture, well she got her answer opening to Philippians (I think that’s the spelling) 4:9. Wow I read it and couldn’t believe it. Please read it because it shocked me entirely! Haha Well there are things like that that happen in the mission and I try to write down all the experiences. Well I haven`t really said anything about my companion, haha, his name is Elder Santiago from Lima, Peru. He has been here in the mission for 1 year and 8 months. He`s about done. And he works hard, but he is always right (like me. haha) We're both pretty stubborn and it has been a trial a lot of the times, but it is a learning experience of patience. There have been times of complete verbal fights with us, but little by little I am learning to gain more patience for my companion. I am working hard on getting better with that because I am stubborn haha. But I am sorry if this wasn`t the most spiritually filled letter in the world. But to let you all know that I am ok and the mission is tough, but it is good work. I`ve never enjoyed sleep so much in my life! Haha. We do have to go to bed at 1030 at night, and you would think that we would want to stay up and talk. But the truth is that I love to sleep now! Haha Whoever stays up is crazy on the mission haha. The weather now is like 85% humidity, 90 degrees and this week it looks like it will reach 115 degrees. It should be fun work! Haha Take care, I love you all!

Elder Justin Powell

Leia Mais…

April 30 2012

Hello how are you all doing? I’m sorry I haven’t written in a while. Last Monday was crazy and I didn’t have any time to do anything that I wanted. And I had no time to write a good email, we were kind of kicked out abruptly because the member had to leave and so we left and I didn’t have time to send this email off. So this is a continuation of the email of last week. Well I am doing well, its pretty dang hot in Mexico... But we are working hard with the heat. Everyone one of you will probably think that I am gaining weight on the mission, but believe it or not, I am losing a ton. I put my suit coat on yesterday and wow it’s big on me... It’s probably because we walk like 10 miles a day (no joke). But it is all good. Well this week just flew right by and I can´t believe I’m here in front of the monitor again. Well on Tuesday of two weeks ago we had the opportunity to go to the Monterrey Temple to the chapel right beside it to listen to Elder Bednar of the twelve and Elder Johnson of the seventy. It was such a great talk that he gave and he seriously is such a powerful speaker. He doesn´t really just gives us the answer, he gives us the knowledge of what we can do to receive the answer, how we can improve our answer getting ability. So that when we find the answer, it touches our heart intensely and that way we can follow through with what we learned. He really makes you think. So for 3 hours, we were thinking very hard. But I learned something so valuable that will change how I will serve this mission and what will happen for the rest of my life. For example, if you pray like this "Please bless that I may get more money to help my family" while you are sitting at home doing nothing, God will very very rarely have this incidents where there´s $1000 on the porch the next moment. Yeah that is some hope, but with that type of prayer, nothing will happen. Now, if you pray like: "God, while I am out looking for better work, while I am working hard and doing my part, please help me with the energy to find great work, please help me have money for my family." Do you see the difference? God will do his part if we do ours. Plain and simple. If we pray with the intent of acting right after the prayer, god will act. So I learned a ton and I love listening to Elder Bednar.

Well we are trying to have a fun time on the mission as well because we work hard, but the thing is that it gets pretty boring at times. Or we get kind of bored with just working and not taking some time to relax, because a typical day with my companion and I is 7 lessons a day (when its only necessary to do 5), talk with 50 people on the street (when its only necessary to talk to 20), and we just work and try harder than what is expected. So with that, I kind of get tired of the mission or bored. And there are so many frustrations here in Mexico; I know why God sent me to Mexico, to become more patient because that is an attribute that I need to work very hard on. But I keep pushing through, what I heard is that after the year mark, that’s when you find true happiness with the mission or that’s the point where you don’t want to go home. Haha.

Well don’t worry about me here in Mexico, everything is fine. If you watch the news and all you hear about is all the danger here in Monterrey, well yes there are bad news, but for everything bad thing here, there are 1000 good things. And that`s how it is everywhere! So don`t trust the news too much because the truth is that Monterrey is a place with a lot of good people and 99% of the people here want good and peace. And the food is excellent, the only thing is that I am losing weight and not gaining. hahahah

Well I love you all, send me letters and tell me how is everything! I haven`t heard from a lot of my friends and I am in dire need of hearing from you all! Haha

Love,

Elder Justin Powell

Leia Mais…

April 9 2012

Hello Family and Friends,

How are all of you doing? I am doing pretty well, this week was really hard because it wasn`t successful and very frustrating, but it happens right? It was because in Mexico, they celebrate a week called Holy Week and it’s when everyone has vacations and just leaves for a while. Haha Today I change companions and I stay in the same area. I will be with Elder Santiago from Peru and what I have heard is that he is a great elder. I’m very excited to start working with him in my area Lomas Del Pedregal. This next weekend coming up we have 4 baptisms! I`m pretty excited and then next week we have Elder Bednar coming to talk with us. Pretty exciting couple of weeks coming up for us missionaries. The weather here has been pretty cloudy/rainy in these last couple of days. But I can feel the heat coming because it will be pretty dang hot in these next couple of weeks. Well I am sorry that this letter is short but I have to go. But I love you all and I miss you all like crazy. Take care and be safe.

Elder Justin Powell

Leia Mais…