We are having a "White" Christmas in Guatemala! | Week 11

 One of Gammons recent converts has a house near us and yes a porsche! 

Nicest thing we will see in Guat! haha

 Familia!!! 

Well what an awesome week it was here in Guatemala. Its crazy we baptized B on Saturday! Me and Elder G feel so blessed we were able to open this area and immediately find B who has been prepared by the hand of the Lord to be baptized. When we arrived he had already attended church four times! So the end of last week and this week we had to teach Bruno the first four lessons so he could be ready for Saturday. All of our lessons went well and we could really feel the spirit in all of them. On Friday in our last lesson it ended up just being Elder G, me and B because the members were gone for some reason. As we were teaching the spirit literally guided our words... to make a long story short he all of a sudden opens up and tells us about dreams he has had about his family and the church WOAH! The people here in Central America have a lot of specific dreams/revelations, that's definitely a gift the people have here. And B asked me to baptize him crazy! We had a service on saturday with some families in the ward. Things here in the church are not as organized as in the states, thats for sure, but it all worked out. But we baptized him, the spirit was so strong and as I was walking out of the font the water literally started to get warm it was such a cool moment. I will send pictures, it's one of the coolest things I've had the privilege to be a part of in my life. I love this guy and we want to work with his mom she is a great woman. So that was definitely the highlight of the week but there was so much more crammed into this week as well. Elder G and I feel so blessed by the Lord in all that we have been given this week. And we are working hard everyday to learn and do the Lords will in his work.

I'm really starting to settle in here in my area. We finally feel like we know where were going and we have been spending alot of time working with the members here. There is a whiteboard in our apartment just filled with names of members and references we are trying to contact. I love these people here in Guatemala me and Elder G always talk about them and how our capacity to love others just changes and grows on our missions. I think it was Friday we had a amazing day! I have never felt more guided by the spirit to go specific places and have things work out the way the Lord needs things to work out. 

There were definitely some challenges for us this week. Wednesday nothing worked for us at all. Literally all our lessons fell through which isnt very fun when you walk forever to get there HA! But it always amazes me how the Lord blesses us after the trial of our faith because the next day everything worked so well! My spanish is improving. Honestly learning spanish and being able to communicate well is one of the toughest things I've ever done. I really saw a big improvement from this week compared to last week. So I'm just trying to keep studying hard. Sometimes I just have to be more patient with myself. It's going to take some time and as long as I have the spirit miracles can happen.

Sounds like everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit back home! I love this time of year. Honestly Christmas is really different here. Its kind of weird cause its 80 degrees and sunny! Feels like a summer day in California. We bought some ghetto christmas lights and hung them up in our apartment haha! We had a family night with some memebers last night with a gift exchange which totally reminded me of home! Not sure exactly what were doing for Christmas I think we might go sing Carols to the members but I'm not sure. Im so excited to talk to you guys ahhh! The members and people here eat a ton of tomales here for Christmas. At first they are different but I love them. They also always give us something called ponche which is like a cider kind of drink with tons of different fruit in there. 

So some funny/interesting things this week. The busses here are crazy and we ride them all the time because our area is massive. You would not believe how many people they fit in these things. I mean we are mega tight. Its hilarious as we go to exit and I always have to look at Elder G, there is no way we can get to the exit over there HA! Two big gringos walking through all these people! It is unbelievable to me how these people live. Life has a different outlook here. Its more about survival than anything. I have been brought to tears a few times seeing some of these kids and families that live in such desperate conditions. Many of the men cant find jobs and when they do have one they work a ton of hours for so little. We really cannot complain about anything in the States. I have been blessed beyond belief with my home, family, and oppourtunities to be successful. This is what makes the message we carry so important. The gospel can bless and enrich our lives tremendously. So as we sit in a warm house around family friends and love, all I ask is that we thank our Heavenly Father daily for everything in our lives. Gratitude is an eternal principle and I know that this Christmas season I'm grateful for my wonderful family, friends and abundance of blessings in my life. I know that Jesus the Christ lives. I have seen his spirit and his teachings change the lives and hearts of people here. He has changed my life forever and most of all this Christmas season I give thanks to him. What a wonderful season to show your gratitude.

Mom i love the pics! And the ones of Riley and Zach look awesome!! I have some good looking brothers thats for sure. I have been thinking about you guys especially this time of the year. I love my family! I talk about you guys all the time too! Im glad things are going well. Tell Sarina I got her letter today! Made my day and I will write back promise! I love this work. I feel so much joy as I serve these people here. All the work, stress and frustration is swallowed up in the joy we feel as we serve and bring others unto Christ. Enjoy the Christmas season and capture it in your heart. I love you all!! 

Elder Hughes!

I dont know if you have the mailing address for the mission now. Always have people send everything to this adress for the entire mission. 

Mision Guatemala Norte
Apartado Postal 951-A
Guatemala, Guatemala CA

Wow! Im in the GUAT! | Week 10

Alright! Greetings from Guatemala!!! My P-day is on Monday obviously so I have more time to email today!  I have so much to talk about. I was so pumped on Tuesday I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face! The last six days have been off the hook. I will start from the beginning on Tuesday! The mission president and his wife picked us up from the mtc! They are awesome! Hermana Watts is the second kindest woman I’ve ever met in my entire life. Behind you of course mom! She is the sweetest lady and when she walks in she just instantly loves you so much! We went to the Watts home in the city and had meetings with the assistants and interviews with the President! Both were good, my interview went well and the President is such a wise man and I’m excited to get to know him better! In the afternoon Elder H and I from my district went out in the city with some trainers to do some contacting! I stayed at the Assistants house in the city with Elder H and a bunch of trainers which was fun. We got to hear some crazy stories! The next morning we woke up and went to change conference to see where I’m going and who my trainer is.... My trainer is Elder G from Logan, UT this guy rocks! He is one of the best missionaries in the mission! We get along great. He has been out for thirteen months. We got assigned to open a new area! This is so cool but a lot of work because we don’t know anyone to start. We are in an area called Lleno largo 3. Our area is on the outskirts of Guatemala City! So there are five zones in the city and five zones up north! I have so much to tell you about this week. I am not going to lie. It’s definitely a culture shock! Everything is different here.... like everything! It’s crazy how poor these people are. We live literally in a cement house! It’s Awesome!! We have been working really hard to learn the area and get to know people in our area. Right off the bat we meet and start working with this young man named Bruno. He is sixteen years old and he has been going to church for a few weeks. We had a lesson with him on Thursday and I committed him to baptism! He said yes and we are now teaching him all of the discussions. Bruno was definitely prepared by the Lord before we got here! His baptismal date is set for this Saturday and it’s looking good. He has been reading the scriptures and looks so ready. I can’t believe in two weeks in the mission and it looks like we might already have a baptism! We feel so blessed! I love the members and everyone in our area. A lot of them are incredibly poor yet they have so much faith! We are also working with some investigators who have been coming to church and along with getting to know the members.

Friday was "Quemar el Diablo" day here in Guatemala! Everyone burns these devil doll things and light off fireworks! These fireworks are crazy loud. I think it might be a before Christmas thing, I have no idea. The first five days have been crazy opening this area. There were missionaries here sometime in the past. Not sure how long ago but we do not have many contacts or member information. Starting in a new area is sure a lot of work! Elder G has been great! He is an awesome guy and is teaching me a lot! He is so funny too. Spanish is improving I think. It’s definitely a lot harder out here in the field. I can understand probably about 70% of what people say. It’s just hard to speak. So I’m trying to be patient with everything. A lot of the missionaries just say to be patient it’s going to take time but it will come. This is definitely a challenge for me. A lot of the people speak in slang and use words I do not know but Elder G helps me. He is really good at Spanish so that helps. We try and speak it together as much as we can.

I have never been more tired in my entire life! Especially the first three days. We have been working our tails off. But I’m kind of getting used to things here now. The food, where I’m living, the people and everything here is different. But I love it. And I love the work we are doing. I have seen some things already that are....very different! I have so much I need to learn. To actually be an effective missionary in the field is a learning process. But Elder G and I work great together and we are excited for this next week. I’m so excited for Saturday! I already just love Bruno and these people so much. The families that we have met are awesome!!

Couple things I’ve learned this week

1. In Guatemala the Cars do not stop for anyone or anything!

2. Learned how to eat food that I do not like at all! They like to feed us these platanos things fried in a sauce.... No Bueno!

3. Yes it’s true... I have already fallen asleep on my knees before bed HA!

Spiritually and physically we are tested on the mission. I rely on prayer a ton! I have already seen mini miracles every day when we are out working. Amazing! The Lord guides his work that I know is true. Your capacity to love on the mission just grows so much! I love you all! Sounds like you had a good trip to DC! I love and pray for you guys all the time! I KNOW this church is true. It really does change people. That happens through the atonement of Jesus Christ! Reach out to others and do as Christ would do! 

Love Elder Hughes!

Surprise e-mail | week 8

Hey surprise email!!!!! 

They let us email today before we leave tomorrow! I can’t believe it ahhhh! So I hope you are all doing well
back home. I can’t believe its December already. So I leave here about
8:30am tomorrow to go to the mission home. I’m so pumped to go and
excited to see who my trainer is and where my new area is located. The last two months
just flew by so fast! I feel like I have had so many growing experiences.
I fasted for Tyler on Sunday. So send him my love. I’ve been
thinking about him. I bet we will get back from our missions at the
same time now ha! So the last couple days have been a bit different
here. Nothing to crazy, just getting our last preparations in before we
leave. I’m going to miss the new friends I have made here at the ccm.
I just loved my district and I had the opportunity to give three
blessings last night before everyone started leaving. Wow the power of
the priesthood is real! My testimony has strengthened alot here at ccm
and I’m so excited to start sharing this amazing message with others.
There is nothing more important in the world than this message I get
to share. I know this church is true and can change and bless the
lives of all people. 

I’ve been thinking about you guys a lot…. Mom, Dad, Riley, Zach and all who read these.
I just love you guys so much! I’m so excited to call you guys for Christmas in a few weeks!
Who knows where I’m going to be then?!?! 

Some interesting news for you guys. Elder Christofferson is coming from the quorum of the twelve in
January. So there is a chance I will get to meet him. That’s kind of
cool! I will be thinking of you guys tomorrow. I’m glad you are going to
be able to talk to Taylor! And tell him sorry I haven’t been able
to respond to his emails because I haven’t had enough time to
write you guys while I’ve been here. But they give us more time to
email in the field so that will be better. 

Mom the picture of Rachel was great btw! Whew model status! Tell
Rachel Hi for me. I’m glad you guys got to visit them this last week.How
fun is that!!!! 

Well I don’t know exactly what to say. Nothing new to write. 
Just that I’m so excited!!! And a bit nervous to go out! I am a very happy elder!
The gospel along with obedience makes you happy.
I feel so blessed to have such good parents, brothers, and friends! I
feel so blessed in my life. I know there are going to be challenges,
especially in the next couple weeks. But I know this is the Lords work
and those he calls he qualifies. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and
know he lives. His church has been restored on the earth today through
a latter-day prophet Joseph Smith. The book of mormon is true. That one
book alone has changed my life. Wow I love this church. Farewell
MTC……on to the real work. Tomorrow is going to be a huge day. Thanks
for all your support and love! Not sure when I will email next but I think
President Watts and his wife will send you a picture of us at the mission
home! Have a great week! And remember to serve someone! Go out of
your way to do something for someone else…… good or small!  

Elder Hughes!

I feel like a little kid on Christmas Eve | Week 7

Hola Familia!!!!

Whew!! I’m leaving for the field in like three days. Wow!
I’m so excited! I feel like a little kid on Christmas Eve.... lots of
butterflies. I’m just excited to see where I’m going to be. It could be
anywhere! 

So about my week. I had a challenging one. Not sure why.
I do know that god answers prayers. He has answered some of mine this
week. I just finished the Book of Mormon. I’ve been reading like crazy
to finish it in two weeks! So I can tell you it can be done! All of
our normal classes and stuff are done and we had field orientation
yesterday so that was fun! I leave on Tuesday morning to go to the
mission home which isn’t too far from the ccm here. And I think I’m
spending Tuesday night there but not exactly sure. I know we have
training and meetings most of the day. I’m excited to meet my mission
president too! I’m excited to meet my trainer. I’m going to be with
him for the next twelve weeks. Crazy! I have just loved the MTC here
in Guatemala, such a great place. It’s like one big family here.
There were some tough times like being sick... but I have had so many
great experiences! I’m so grateful for my opportunity to come and
get to know all these people. It has been nice because I have
adjusted to how the natives speak. When I first heard the people here I had
no idea what they were saying! 

Wow mom you’re in Maryland! How sweet!!!! Tell everyone hi for me. I think about all you guys!
Tell Wade I’m going to go pick up where he left off in the North! Love you guys.

Dad I started smiling just imagining you putting up
Christmas lights! I remember the old house was alot more
difficult! Have fun going to Stockton! I got grandma and grandpas
letter so tell them thanks and I will write back! Thanks to the
Harless´s and the Jays for letters. Harless´s you guys rock love you
guys! 

CAITLIN! WOW! Madrid Spain… that’s so sweet. Tell her congrats for
me. What an exciting time! Congratulations Caitlin you won’t regret it.
A mission is the best thing ever! And Tyler….dang!  Bummer! That is no
fun.... and I do feel his pain. I know he always has the best
attitude about everything though. I will be praying for him! It’s so
fun to hear about everyone heading out on their missions! Already I just
love my mission so much and time is going by too fast! It’s already
December ! I love this work. There really is nothing more
important in the entire world! I feel so privileged to have this
opportunity.

 I have been thinking this week alot about why having
faith is so important! Everything in life takes faith and we need to
always be exercising our faith in Christ and Heavenly Father. Faith
and your attitude to everything in life make ALL the difference. I
know this is true. Miracles are accomplished through faith and nothing
else. There are miracles all around us, we just need to act, move, and
serve with faith and I know amazing things can happen. Sometimes the
Lord tests our faith to see what we have and to see how faithful we really are.
But I know that after the trial of our faith we receive a witness from
the spirit. I love this work and my Savior Jesus Christ. I know he
lives and loves us perfectly! I heard a short quote this week that
says "No matter what we go through, when we feel we can’t take more.
Just stop and think of Christ he has been there before" I love this
gospel and I love my family and friends. I’m a happy missionary right
now on the "eve" of the mission field! Love you Tyler Clark! I love
you Mom Dad Riley Zach and everyone!!! 

Elder Hughes

Your Insides want to be on your Outsides | week 6

Hi Family!!!

Happy thanksgiving!!! It was kind of weird being gone
for the first holiday. But we just did the same thing we always do
here so didn’t feel different to me. They did make us some
Guatemalan style thanksgiving dinner which was awesome. So we tried to
stuff ourselves the best we could! 

Ok busy week this week. It’s getting down to crunch time with
only about a week and a half left until the field! 
Very excited but nervous also! I set some new goals for the
district this week and have been trying to set a good example of
diligence and obedience. After spending 8 weeks sitting in a classroom
it can be difficult for missionaries to remember our purpose and why
we are here…to prepare. So that has been good. My district has been
sick alot and we have had a bad cold going around so I had the opportunity
to give some blessings! 

Well I have quite the story to tell. On Wednesday I felt pretty crappy.
We walked up to the temple and for lunch we had fish.
Which isn’t my favorite meal here at the CCM. So
two hours later I felt terrible. In the middle of a meeting I had to
book it up stairs and then the fireworks began! I puked 4 times
for like 3 hours! It’s funny thinking about it now but at the time
when you’re in church clothes in a Guatemalan bathroom and as Brian
Regan says "your insides want to be on your outsides" not a fun
feeling.  By far the worst part of my mission so far. Not going to lie
mom, all I wanted was a big hug on Wednesday! But it’s all good now. By
the end of that night I felt alot better. I think it was just
something I ate. From what people tell me, I should get used to
stuff like that! So, that’s my exciting story of the week.  I
have now seen and tasted Guatemala at its finest and I don’t think I’m
going to be able to eat fish ever…ever again. Wow! The mission
is full of so many experiences. I wish I could tell you guys all of
them. 

I have challenged myself to read the book of Mormon in two weeks.
I love that book so much. I can’t get enough of it….seriously!

Tell Sarina congrats about the engagement. I’ve been thinking
about her this week! How exciting!! I wish I could be there to see that
special day! 

Hodgsons thanks for the letter! I got that on Wednesday
night which was exactly what I needed so thanks again! 

Dad I’m friends with an elder here named Andrew C who works up at Camp Loll
with Mr. Conner! I talked with him about that for a while.Small world!

 I’m glad you guys had a good thanksgiving! How fun was
six flags? And snowboarding as well!  Riley and Zach will probably be
pros by the time I get back! Mom you got all of your holiday stuff up?
I’m going to miss that... but I’m excited to spend the
holidays with the people down here too! I’m doing well!  Just trying to
become the missionary the lord needs me to be. There are some tough
moments sometimes but the lord always lifts you higher! I love having
the opportunity to serve my district the best I can. Still have comp
problems sometimes but just trying to help him any way I can. 

What am I grateful for this thanksgiving?? Number one having an amazing
family! I can’t tell you guys how blessed I feel to have been raised in
such a great home! There is no substitute for a righteous mother! Mom
you are the best and being on the mission opens your eyes even more.
You have done so much for me and I just feel so blessed! 

For my packages…. whatever you think I would
like. It’s hard to think of things. Maybe a way I could listen to church
music. Maybe an old iPod along with some little speakers.
That’d be kind of nice!

I know this church is true and it blesses families so much. I love sharing that
message with others. Family is central to god and this church. We can
find true happiness and peace within our homes and church service! I
know this church is true. It is burning in my heart. I love my mission!
Good times and the difficult ones. It’s all part of the journey.
LOVE you all. Sorry I wish I could write more. I will have
more time in the field!

Love

Elder Tanner Hughes

Week 5 | Guatemala CCM

Hola Everyone! & family in Dallas! That's so fun to be out there. I
remember when I got to go out there! Hi Aunt Meg, Uncle Brandon, Tate
and Coy! Thinking about you guys! I had quite the week, lots of stuff
to talk about! Yes, there was an earthquake here. It was pretty intense,
it lasted about 25 seconds! it felt like the ground was moving six
inches right, left, right,left, ha! It really wasn't too bad here in the
city but it did damage on the coast. I think there were like 40
casualties. We have been praying for the people here. All is
good here, was pretty crazy though! I was able to bear my testimony in
sacrament meeting this sunday, my heart was just pounding. My
Spanish continues to improve! On Monday I challenged myself to never
speak a word of English!! Honestly I didn't think I could do it but
somehow I managed to get through the day with no english. I really grew
and learned alot! Also on monday we got taken out to the city to go
contacting for a few hours. What an awesome experience! The busses are crazy here.
We were packed into a bus with tons of people. It's fun to talk to
all the locals! Some of them are tough to understand but it was great!
Wow! I could not believe how poor these people are... yet they are such
happy and humble people! I seriously love the Guatemalan people. Very
hard workers too! I saw some interesting things on the streets. There
are dogs that just walk around everywhere here. Wow, what a change from
the States. I'm so excited to get out in the feild and get to know
these people! Awesome experience, we got 6 refferals and talked to a
ton of people!!! I continue to work as hard as I can and set the
foundation for how I want my mission to be. I continue to work with my
companion alot. I'm just trying to do my best everyday. That is one thing
I have definitely learned so far is to have patience! I can't believe
I have been here three weeks already... the Latinos leave on Monday
which is sad... I really love these guys! We will get a new group
to come in so that will be fun! my Latino roommates are so funny! We
are just always laughing so hard haha! It's crazy how tired you get on
your mission, the past few nights this week I have just died on my bed!
But I always feel ready to go in the morning! Thank you Harless family, I
got both of your letters this week. I love you guys so much! I can't
tell you how nice it is to hear from you all! Mom I got your dear
elders, thank you! Those are so nice! Spiritually I have had a great
week! We are all changing and growing all the time. We are responsible
for who we are and who we will become. As we strive to come closer to
Jesus Christ he can mold and make us into something so great! Every
challenge, trial, conflict, sadness, and unfairness in life happens
for one purpose, to give us opportunities to respond by applying the
teachings of the Savior Jesus Christ! I know that our Savior Jesus
Christ lives and he loves and knows each one of us perfectly!  We have
so many reasons to rejoice! Now let us go and serve others and live
each day as Christ would. I know immense peace and happiness will
fill your life! I love this work so much! I dont want to have any
regrets here in Guatemala! I am trying so hard to put my whole
heart into what I'm doing and I know the Lord will mold and shape me in
the process! AHHH, we have so many reasons to rejoice! Find someone who
needs help and do something simple for them! I love you all! Mom, Dad,
Riley, Zach and everyone else who reads! You are awesome... I think of
you often. 

LOVE, 

Elder Hughes 

Sorry, I wish I could email more, we literally get exactly 30 minutes to write... 

Buenas Dias from Guatemala!

Week 4 | Guatemala CCM

Hola!  Familia and Friends. 

I love you guys and miss everyone! I am
doing well in the ccm, it's been quite the week. Lots to tell you guys about.
Can you believe I've been out on my mission for a month, holy moly!
Thats crazy, time is just flying by, woah! I am doing well I have had
stomach problems all week, but that's the story with most of the
Americans here. We all love the food just not what it does to your
digestive system ha! Everyone just says get used to it, that's how
it is going to be through the whole mission here. Ok, big change
this week...... yesterday the President called me into his office. He
is an awesome guy. An elder here had to go home because of back
problems so he had to shift some people around. I'm in a trio so I
thought I might have to shift, well they could have just moved me
into the empty slot with Elder C ( the elder we met in the
temple idk if you guys remember him but we are good friends).
President decided to switch me back with Elder R! He didn't
even know we were companions before in Provo. Now Elder R's
companion is with Elder C. Elder R has been struggling alot
here in the CCM so I know for sure this is inspired. I am doing
everything I can to help him be the best missionary he can be. He was
really happy that I'm his companion again. It was hard to leave my
companions and my district, we were really bonding well but I feel good
that I can help the President and the Lord any way I can. So was kind
of crazy yesterday moving all my stuff, switching teachers and
districts but its all good, just crazy! My first transfer on the
mission haha, now I live with four Latinos, they are good a little wild
sometimes. Spanish is getting better, I can understand alot more.
We are surrounded by it here so that helps and my lessons are getting
better. I haven't gotten any mail here yet... dear elders come once a
week so thats probably a good way to write. GOOOOOOOO Giants! I'm so
excited they won thats crazy!!! Dad, haven't been able to sight see yet
but I think in like a week and a half we get to go on a tour, we shall
see! Futbol is going well, I enjoy playing with all the latinos
good times. It's kind of weird here cause no one has gotten any mail until dear elders
yesterday, I think about you guys all the time. I love you guys. The
Christ like attribute of Hope has been on my mind this week. Hope
really is the anchor of our soul. It is different than faith.
Hope is having a trust that the lord will fulfill his promises to you.
This is shown in out confidence, enthusiasm, optimism, and patient
perseverance. Think about it, we know eternal truths and how blessed we are. 
The atonement is infinite to cover us... God loves and knows us
individually... we can speak to our Heavenly Father through sincere
prayer...we can be forgiven of our sins through sincere repentance.
How cool is that. Now we have the oppourtunity to share these
truths with others. We have every infinite reason to have hope and
faith no matter what afflictions we face. If we have hope, the hardest
and the easiest times of life can be a blessing for us. I know that is
true. We can make a choice everyday to be happy and rejoice!!!!! Glad
you guys are doing well. Read the scriptures daily, there is power
found in the word of God. I love being a missionary. Sorry nothing to
crazy to report the CCM is pretty much the same all the time. LOVE
YOU ALL! I'd love to hear from everyone... have a great week. 

Elder Hughes

Week Three 1/2 | I'm in Guatemala!!!

* a little side note . . . because Tanner is typing on a spanish keyboard, he obviously isn't capitalizing anything! I added a few punctuation marks, but decided to leave his letter as written. Hopefully he will figure out the keyboard!



Hola family and friends!

Well I'm in the guatemala ccm and doing well. it is still bizzare sometimes that im in another country woah! it was crazy when we walked out of the airport guatemala city there were like two hundred people just standing outside and as we were walking to our (old stick shift school bus) we got like bombarded by people asking for money and trying to sell us stuff. crazy! a kid started shining my shoes for two dollars and then claimed i didnt pay him even though he ripped me off, haha, i feel like i'm on a different planet here. it couldnt get any more different than in the states. ha! i love the ccm here, this place is awesome. its like one big family and the latinos are all so fun and nice! i already love these people so much.

there are literally armed guards protecting this place and we hear sirens of police trucks driving by all day. haha, my new district is good and i have two new companions, elder h and elder g, both guys are awesome and we get along well. elder h is a beast at spanish, his mom is from puerto rico so he can speak really well, so he has been helping me alot. the food here is amazing but all the americans here have digestive problems all the time. we just are not used to the food yet. haha. ive been told just expect problems your whole mission, the fruit here tastes so good makes me realize how bad our fruit is in the us. i play futbol with all the latinos here they are like crazy good its not even funny. i can hold my own, i scored yesterday! the ccm here is not big at all, actually very small but i like it alot!

my spanish is already improving alot here. it was really tough at first cause our teachers are native and spanish sounds alot different at first with all the natives and teachers. im getting used to it more now. i think that will help me when i get out in the field to adjust quicker. i have heard tons of good stuff here about my mission, they literally issue you a machete when you go to the mission home so thats sweet. im so excited! it was kind of a shock the first day here it is just way different but im used to it and doing well. i already just love these people so much! the natives are so nice and humble. sorry i am not used to these keyboards so nothing is capitalized. sorry mom haha! 

so obviously my pday is saturday. ok mail takes like twelve days to get here. and then twelve to get back to the states. but we do get dear elders once a week so thats probably the best way to write me while im here. they take away our cameras here so wont be able to take or send any more pics until i get into the field so thats kind of lame, but o well you will get alot of them in a few weeks.

i really have a testimony of this gospel. ive been thinking alot about prayer this week. i have used prayer so much in my time already as a missionary. sincere daily prayers are so important, our father in heaven wants to hear from us and i know he will answer all of our prayers. i love my savior jesus christ and I LOVE being a missionary. i feel so priviledged to share this good news with the people here in guatemala i love them already! i liked this quote ¨´there is nothing like a mission in all the world. enjoy every moment the good and the bad´" i think that applies to life too! thats what im trying to do! i am a happy guy and i love GUATEMALA!!!!!!

love you all so much and i pray for you daily!!! thanks for everything 

love! 

elder hughes

Week Three | A quick note from the Guatemala MTC

We were able to talk to Tanner on Tuesday from the Salt Lake Airport as he was on his way to Guatemala. It was so wonderful to hear his voice, listen to him talk about his time in the Provo MTC and feel of the sweet spirit that he has. He sounds so different already! We didn't want our time to end, and we all cried as we hung up, but it was GREAT! 

*this letter was pretty funny, it was typed on a spanish keyboard and I am not sure it all translated correctly and he was obviously in a hurry! enjoy!

Hola familia! sorry if this email is like not capitalized this
keyboard is in spanish haha i made it safely to guatemala. im in
another country holy moly. traveled well and was able to do some
missionary work along the way gave out a bom! it was crazy when we got
here tons of people trying to sell us everything shining our shoes
ahhh ok i only have ten minutes to email today just to say im here but
i get time on saturday to send a full one! i am doing well it is
definetly way different here. i have two new companions and the food
is super good! kind of overwhelming all over again for all of us new
missionaries here at the ccm the spanish they speak here sounds
totally different than what we are all used to. but doing well im
super tired today and adjusting. but so excited to be here! the city
is crazy really loud and busy all night long. and there really are
like 4 armed guards with machine guns protecting us here so dont worry
mom we are safe ha! the schedule and like how they do things here is
very different but good! its fun talking to all the latinos here they
are all so nice! i love the people here already!!!! i will send all
the details on saturday! love you all so much! and i loved talking
yesterday!!! love elder hughes ps.... mail doesnt get here for twelve
days lammmme!!!! but you can send dear elders and i should get them
once a week

Week Two | Last Email from the Provo MTC!!!

HI!!!

Well week two is in the books and time is just flying by. I have had a good week, just been working really hard. The mission can be a rollercoaster ride sometimes but I am loving it! Ok, I got my Travel Plans!!! WoooHooo! So here they are: I leave on Tuesday October 23rd, 2012. I leave the MTC here at 8AM and fly out of Salt Lake at 12:15. My first flight arrives in Dallas Texas at 3:50. I then leave Dallas at 4:55 to Guatemala City. I get in around 7:05. So a big day of travel! I'm stuck in between excited and nervous, Ha! Everyone I have talked to about the Guatemala MTC says its awesome so I'm excited to see for myself. I think I will switch companions there and from what I've heard they really never speak english there. Its like all spanish, so that will be an adventure. I think it will help me accelerate learning the language though! I'm excited to call you guys too! Oh my gosh I cant wait, I LOVE you guys. When do you think the best time to call will be? I'm thinking maybe around 9:30 or 10 when I get all checked into the gate and just waiting in SLC! Send a dear elder to let me know!

Well a little bit about my week. I have been running into tons of people I know like randomly, its crazy! I saw Chase when I was coming back from the soccer field for gym time the other day, so crazy! Love that guy! And then on Sunday on my temple walk David Speth was up around the temple Ha! All of a sudden I see little Austin Clark run by I was like WHAT! Is that a clark boy haha! HE started freaking, out it was funny. So got to see Zach Harless and Dean wooo! Dean gave me like the biggest pick me up bear hug ever, it was awesome! Loved that. So how is the spanish coming... I am doing well, the spirit helps you learn so fast here but that does not come without alot of work. I have spent a crazy amount of time studying. I can pretty much understand everything my teachers and investigators tell me in spanish and my speaking is getting better. Now teaching and bringing others unto Christ can be tough sometimes but I am learning and getting alot better. I'm lucky all that spanish in High School is paying off. I am definitely one of the best speakers in my district but I attribute that all to the spanish I took. So Riley, study spanish hard in High School it will pay off I promise. I really have so much more I have to learn and I think the Guatemala MTC is going to be a challenge at first with no english really. But with the Lords help I know I can do it. I continue to grow spiritually here, there are times already that are very difficult and frustrating but I can tell you nothing is more important than personal scripture study and prayer. You can receive revealation from our Heavenly Father if we honestly seek for and have questions in your heart when reading the scriptures.

Thanks Voges and Mom for the package, ah I got it on monday. Thank you guys so much. I Love you guys. And Thanks Buxtons for your Halloween Card, you guys are the best!

Going to the temple really helped me this morning. I love that place it really helps me clear my mind and reset. I dont really have any crazy stories to tell, MTC life is pretty standard. I spend lots of time studying and just working. I love the devotionals here we have them every Sunday and Tuesday nights. Shayne Bowen of the seventy came and gave a great talk. One line that stood out to me. I want Christ to say "Father Im not much but im obedient" I have been trying so hard to set the foundation in the first two weeks of how my mission is going to be. Obedience to the mission rules and hard work is so important. I still have so much I need to improve but I feel the Lord shaping my mission and me personally already.

This week is gonna be kind of crazy going to Guatemala but I'm excited! Its starting to get real and I think when I touch down in Guatemala City its go time. I have so much work to do the next three weeks, so I will be prepared to be an effective missionary when I get into the field. I talk to people here about guatemala alot, 'm so pumped!

WOW! Zach and Riley great job guys! Zach just killing it in his last race, that a boy! And Riley your a stud getting up and speaking in stake conference! Beast! Mom, I'm so glad your business is taking off, you're so talented! Gosh, I love you MOM!

Dad Kindney stones, Holy Moly! Thats not good at all. I've been praying for you alot. Dad I have been thinking about you alot this week. You are the most humble hard working man I've ever met. I'm actually kind of emotional writing this right now. It hit me this week I have the best dad in the world. You have given me such a good example to follow. YOU are a real man. Thanks for everything you have done for me. You don't give yourself enough credit sometimes. Dad this is our mission and I'm excited to tell you all about it, we can live it together!!! Love you

Well not much time left.... I'm doing well and this week should be a great one! Guatemala AHHHH!  I cant wait to talk to you guys on Tuesday. Mom make sure everyone gets my address and stuff, I would love to hear from people. Letters are like gold out here they literally just make your day so much better especially if it has been a tough one! Send me a Dear Elder about calling and stuff for Tuesday!

I know this Church is true! I love being a missionary and I am commited to helping others come unto Christ. I know that my redeemer lives and loves each and everyone one of us. Love one another, that is what is most important.

Everyone please write I LOVE YOU ALL!

Hasta Luego! Next time from Guatemala Woo!

Elder Hughes

first p-day email | week one

Hola!! From the MTC!!

 

Well I'm a Missionary woah! It kind of hits me all of a sudden sometimes. Finally got a chance to email home. My zones P Day is on Thursday, I sent you guys a letter on Friday I think but not sure if it made it there. Time is kind of odd here at the MTC you have the longest days and the shortest weeks.

 

Alright first off I LOVE being a missionary. And I love it here at the MTC this place is amazing. To kind of summarize some of the highlights of the first nine days here. Wow last Wendsday was probably the longest day of my life. Ive heard the analogy of the first couple days feeling literally like a firehose was being shot at your head. And thats probably the best and only way to describe it. You get all your stuff meet your companion, teachers (who never talk to you in english when you get there) and adjust to mission life. Everyone tells you just get to Sunday and you will be fine Ha! It was overwhelming at first but I adjust pretty quickly.

 

My companion Elder R is good! Honestly we are very different from eachother. Which has been interesting sometimes but we are getting along fine. I Love this guy. The branch president told me that they beleive I was assigned to Elder for a specific and Inspired reason and I would have to agree.

 

General Conference this weekend was AMAZING! Like usual. What an awesome announcement about the new mission ages! You should have seen the reaction of 2,000 missionaries in the auditorium. WOW! I think that is so cool for the Sisters I know many who will be even more willing to serve. And let me tell you Sister Missionaries are the best. There is a Sister in my district who literallty sold everything she owns to come on a mission. Wow! Also singing called to serve with 2000 other missionaries is incredible!

 Tuesday night for devotional an Apostle named David A Bednar stopped by the MTC, no big deal! Amazing guy and an incredible speaker.

 

Daily life in the MTC is pretty much always the same. I spend around ten hours a day inside our classroom studying and learning spanish. There is really no time to get homesick we are going non stop all day. There are some nights I climb into bed and just die for eight hours and then somehow I feel energized the next morning. Missionaries are blessed. My district is great we have me, my companion, and three other sisters going to Guatemala City North and then three elders to Nicuragua and two elders going to Pennsylvania.

 

Spiritually I have never felt the spirtit more repeatedly and clearly than here at the MTC. I have felt the spirit daily as we learn about our purpose and study the scriptures. Throughout Genereral Conference through singing and the messages given the spirit has been very strong. I feel so privelidged to be apart of this "marvelous work and a wonder".

 

I do see Taylor about once a day. We usually see eachother in the cafeteria so thats sweet! I have seen Hermana Johnson, Elder Sterri, and Elder Fletcher around!

 

Spanish is coming along... we have already taught three lessons in spanish crazy! We taught on Friday two days after we got here ive never been so scared haha! But I am starting to pick things up. It can be pretty scary sometimes thinking about the language but I know through Jesus Christ I can do this. I know I cant on my own thats for sure.

 

Thanks Rachel Buxton and The Harless' for sending letters, I cant tell you guys how nice it is to get one here at the MTC. Just makes your day. So everyone write. I promise I will write back!!

 

Wow good luck on cross country finals Zach! And Riley I know you will do great on your talk. Just prepare and pray as hard as you can to have the holy ghost there to help you. I know you will kill it! I will be praying for you. It was so nice to go to the temple today too!

 

Mi testimonio

Yo se que Jesuchristo es mi salvador y mi redentor. Estoy muy agredicido por mi familia y el evangelio en mi vida. Me amo Jesuchristo y estoy muy agredecido por la expacion. Yo se que familias son eternos. En el nombre de jesuchristo amen.

 

I LOVE you guys. Mom and Dad you are the best parents in the world. I LOVE being a missionary so much and the MTC is awesome. I am so happy! This church is true and I feel so blessed to be able to share it with others.

 

Have a great week! I pray for all you guys!

 

Love, Elder Hughes!!

 

PS on a side funny note. I wrestled with a 3time Utah state wrestling champ in my zone! Of course this ended with a bloody nose!

Elder Tuttle is my roomate and is such a great guy! But he snores louder than anyone ive ever met in my life. The room literally shakes! Its awesome!! I think the rictor scale measured a good 7 HA!

 

Hasta Luego!

the first letter . . .

Tanner's first letter arrived today!

Hola mi Familia!

Just quickly writing to let you know I'm doing well. Day one at the MTC was very overwhelming but this is normal everyone says. I have a good companion, Elder R, he is a pretty chill guy. Sometimes he can be really quiet but that's okay, he will open up. I love my district of 12 missionaries already! We have 4 sisters and 8 elders. The MTC is tough work, they definitely keep you busy. I don't have much time to write but I will email home on Thursday, that's when my p-day is next week. I can already tell I'm going to LOVE being a missionary. The spirit is so strong here it's incredible. I love you guys so much!! I know I will need to rely on the Lord a lot on my mission. Even after one day I can already tell this will be the hardest thing I've ever done. But I will LOVE it! Thanks for all the treats you guys snuck into my bag! HA! I'm praying for you guys! Love you Dad, Mom, Riley & Zach!!

Love,
Elder Tanner Hughes

"we'll see you soon . . . "

Elder Hughes & Elder Hughes entered the MTC on October 3, 2012. I think it was one of the hardest days. I also know it was one of the best days. A day we had looked forward to for so long. I look back at these pictures and feel so much comfort as I see the smile on their faces and the way they were whisked away by such great young men. We didn't want to say "goodbye" just "we'll see you soon!"