I love to see the Temple | week 98

Hey Guys!

Mom thanks for the email! I loved it. Woohooo. School is already starting I cannot believe how fast that summer went by. To me it all feels the same here haha. The weather here never really changes much. Half the year it rains more the other half it doesnt rain as much hahaha. 

Well sorry I didnt write yesterday. I forgot to tell you that we were going to be heading to the temple today. Erwin told me you wrote him hahaha. We had an awesome temple trip today. I love going to the temple. It has been a blessing to be able to go every three months now.

Well where do I start! It was a really busy week. I think I have just gotten used to being on the move 24/7. My first week with Elder R was great.

On Wednesday H got baptized. Ahhh it was such a special night. H has been one of the most prepared people I have taught on the mission. The Lord literally sent him to us. The baptism was simple and spritual and you couldnt get the smile off my face haha. Im telling you guys there is no greater joy than to see one of Gods children make covenants and with a sincere heart enter into the waters of baptism. He told me afterward that he wants to serve a mission!

We have been working with a young woman named B. She is 23 and was introduced to the church by her boyfreind who recently returned from a mission. She reminds me alot of you guys mom and dad. I shared with her your story about how you guys met and Dad was baptized. See you guys are doing missionary work down here! She has been coming to church the last couple weeks and accepted a baptismal date for the 13th of September.

Some simple things I was able to do and see this week....

- Help someone who had recently lost a loved one.

- Defend the truth when it was needed.

- See one of my teachers in the ccm Hermano S

- Ponder the blessings I have received in my mission and in my life

We are looking at having a baptism this week. We have been teaching D. We have worked with her Mom who returned to the church. She is ready to go just been difficult with her Father who is an Inactive member and doesnt like the idea that she is going to be baptized. We are praying alot for her.

There are so many things I just dont have time to write about haha. We had a family night last with one of our investigators G. The sister who gave the lesson talked about the importance of the family in Gods plan. I know that the Gospel blesses families. I have been able to see that here in Guatemala and within my own family. I love my family so much. And I love how the spirit brings us together and unites us. Although I havent seen my family for a while. The love I have for you has grown and deepend. I hope you know how much I love you all. I know that families are forever when we live the gospel and make covenants in holy temples. I look forward to having a family of my own some day ;)

I love you all so much! We have a multi zone conference this week with Elder Alonso one of the seventy. Should be pretty cool!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

"The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best medicine for despair is service. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired" Gordon B Hinkley

Elder Hughes

E Changes | week 97

Hey guys!

Well it has been a crazy P Day! We got a call this morning from President Crapo and there were problems with a Zone Leader outside of the capital and we have Emergency changes. Elder G was sent to Chiqimula and I got a new companion today! Im sad Elder G and I have been doing great together. I love him so much! But I know that it is what the Lord wants. I am now training a new ZL Elder R from Honduras. He was just as suprised this morning when they called and told him about his changes.

But aside from that all is well haha! Im glad you guys are doing well. Im glad you talked to Erwin he told me that he found you and chatted for a while. I told him to look for you guys Haha. Erwin is so awesome he has helped us out so much here. He is the first person here that can really talk to you guys in English.

We had a good week! Some of our Investigators have been facing some opposition and problems but they are getting there. H is going to be baptized this week! Im so excited for him he was definetly led to the church in an improtant time in his life. Wendsday night he will be baptized.

We had some great lessons this week with G an investigator we have who has been progressing. He really wants to make changes in his life and is willing to learn and humble himself before God! We taught him the plan of salvation which really hit home. Its amazing how many people dont know what their purpose in life is.

We have a great Bishop here in Sion! Obispo Baltrons loves missionary work and is so funny! The culture here is that if we hit the goals we set he takes us out to pizza haha! We hit our goal last month and when we called him this morning about the E changes he left his job and took us to pizza hahaha. Its amazing how much the members here trust in the missionaries.

Its going to be a little different this week! New companion but Im excited. I told the Bishop today Im going to give it everything ive got for my last little bit here! 

I love this work and I just love being able to walk down the streets and teach those around me the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I have learned alot about repentance here in Guatemala. We all really have a need to repent. Its kind of like carrying a really heavy backpack. There are so many people who are burdened down by sin and the chains of addiction. Repentance is the only way to take the backpack off and rest in Christ. Christ atoned for each one of our sins but he has given us the oppourtunity to come unto him and take off our backpacks. I know that God wants to forgive us. Christ has opened the door we just have to walk through it. I personally know this is true. True sincere repentance of sin brings peace, and love. His grace is sufficient to heal us. Go to him.

I hope you all have a great week. Keep doing great things. Dont forget the small stuff!

Love 

Elder Hughes

HOLA! | week 96

Hey guys! 

Thanks for the email Mom! I loved your thoughts about the things that matter most. I think that is so important. I love what President Monson has told us that "Do not let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved" As long as we keep life simple and with Christ as the center of everything we do things seem to work out. Thank you for your support and love throughout my whole mission. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it.

I love the news update! And im glad you guys got a little rafting trip in. I always tell my companions about our rafting adventures. Tell Grandpa that I say hi! I am always praying for all of my grandparents and family.

We had a very normal week this week! I try and share things that I havent talked about before haha. We have been very busy getting people ready for Baptism. We were able to set 7 new baptismal dates this week! One of the people we found is named H. He is actually from California. We have been teaching him and has come to church the last couple weeks. He is 22 years old and is just soaking up everything that we teach him. He has been here this summer visiting family. He is going to be Baptized here before he heads home to the States. Hows that for a life changing summer vacation Haha. I want to go and see him when I get home!

We have been Juggling lots of investigators that are progressing. We had 14 investigators at Church on Sunday haha. So we have been running around making sure that everyone feels comfortable and welcome.

We have had the oppurtunity to teach alot about the plan of Salvation. As a missionary I have taught this lesson many many times but I do not get tired of it. Gods plan for us gives me direction and purpose in my life. Without this knowledge life doesnt have much meaning. We are all preparing to live with our father in Heaven. He loves us and has given us all the tools we need to return to live with him. Mom I think what you shared goes right along with this, Lets take advantage of the time we have and focus on the most important things in life.

I think Im going to make a list.

What is most important to me....?

-Loving and Serving God

-Family and Freinds

-Temple Marriage

-Learning both temporal and spiritual

-Following the Spirit

-Finding Joy in the journey

Well other news this week. I Got pretty sick on Thursday night. Im not sure what It was I think a virus. Hahaha Sometimes you just have to laugh. Long night and day on Friday but im getting better. This is only the second time ive gotten really sick in the mission. Been pretty blessed with health in the mission. But this is not helping me with my goal to not lose more weight hahahaha Im feeling a bit better now ;) 

We have Leadership Meeting tomorrow which should give us a little boost we need! I Love this work so much. I am working on enjoying every minute I have and as you say mom focusing on the most important parts of the mission! And that always involves the people. I love you all so much. i hope you know that. Thank you for all that you have done for me. I have been so blessed in my life.

Have a great week and fill everyday with the most important things.... that always includes Family scripture study, prayer, and home evening!

Love

Elder Hughes

Greetings from Guatemala | week 95

Hey guys! 

Thanks for the update Dad. I'm glad that Riley and Zach had a great time on their high adventure trip. Backpacking in Tahoe. Riley im so pumped that you have gotten into Golf and Go Pro haha. You are going to have to update me. I think alot of things have changed while Ive been here in Guatemala. I cannot believe Zach is going to starting High School Whew time flies!

We had a CRAZY week! I think I always say that but honestly here in Molino and in this area we are very busy. On Tuesday we had to get everything set up in the Stake Center for change conference. We had to get up at 4:30am haha. President has done the changes differently. It was a longer meeting and we all ate lunch afterward. We then were in charge of cleaning everything haha. I think we left at like 6:00pm. Long day. 

We have continued to see so many blessing in our area this week. The work is thriving here in Sion and the whole ward is getting involved. Hermana L and A were baptized on Saturday! Everything went great we were running around getting everything ready to go. The culture here is funny because alot of things dont get organized well so we are always running around for the baptisms. L was so happy! She bore her testimony afterward and cried. She has been working toward this day for so long and it finally came. I am just glad that the Lord gave me the oppourtunity to be a small part of it.

L was baptized in the afternoon and we combined a ward missionary work activity with A baptism. When we started lots of members were there for the open house activity but didnt bring any friends with them haha. The bishop stood up and asked that everyone go and find a less active family or non member to bring to the activity and that it would start an hour later. Everyone left! And in an hour we filled the chapel. It was a miracle! We had most of our investigators there to see A's Baptism and to go through an open house. We were so happy.

We can just feel the missionary spirit starting to spread in the ward. On Sunday there were 215 people in Sacrament meeting. We have been moving up from 180. We had to bring in extra chairs so that everyone would fit.

I have forgoten to tell you guys that we started english classes in the ward every Saturday at 10. We have had lots of people coming and it has been a blessing to be able to teach english. There is a return missionary here named Erwin who has helped us alot. He served in Idaho and is like our best freind here. Always willing to help us.

Ahhh I feel so blessed. I have been studying and thinking alot this week about humility. I love a talk that was given in General conference October 2013 by Ulisses Soares called Be meek and lowly of heart. I think we all can improve on these character traits. Being meek and humble is a really improtant part of our own personal progress. When our "soil" is soft and teachable the seeds God has planted within each of us begin to grown and expand. But when our "soil" is hard and dry nothing grows. I have seen this in the lives of many people. The people who progress in life and in the gospel do so because they are humble and teachable, willing to obey and submit to the will of God. Elder Soares said that "Being meek does not mean weakness, but it does mean behaving with goodness and kindness, showing strength, serenity, healthy self worth and self control." Are we patient with others? Tolerant and forgiving of their mistakes and shortcomings? I hope we can all develop these attributes. They are going to help us progress in all areas of our lives.

I love this work. I know its true. And I love the people here in Guatemala. Thank you for your prayers. I hope we can have a great week! I love you all so much.

Elder Hughes

HOLA! | week 94

Hey guys!

Thanks for the Email Mom your words of encouragement and love always help me and motivate me. I'm glad you are home safe and sound that was quite the trip you guys had. Talking with Dad last week he was missing you. I know what you mean about drawing a blank sometimes... haha. I love you all so much.

Well we got change calls last night and I'm staying in Sion! WOOOO! I was pretty excited President told all the Zls on Tuesday that quite a few of us were going to be training this change. Elder G and I are excited to be staying here together for another change.

We started the week off with leadership conference with President and all the Zone leaders. It was really different than what we were used to but it went well. The mission is taking on a new style haha. Its interesting how the missionaries and the mission adapts to a new mission president. President taught us about how we can really help our investigators obey the commandments. We missed Hermana Watts food but Hermana Crapo is a huge exercise fanatic. Haha She had all the zone leaders doing exercizes to start the meeting hahaha. She taught us how we can improve our exercises in the mornings. I have been doing mine pretty much through the whole mission but I just keep getting skinnier haha. I have lost like 15-20 pounds hahah. Im not sure why I think from walking alot and the different food.

Some stories this week. The Hermanas in our zone have been teaching a woman who with just a week left for her baptism was rushed to the hospital. The Doctors found a big tumor in her brain... kind of scary. We have been working with the hermanas to help her. We have been searching for ways so that she can be baptized. We joined the Hermanas in a fast for Elizabeth and President Crapo sent us to the hospital on Thursday and Friday to see if we could talk the Doctors into letting her our of the hospital for an hour so that she may be baptized. We interviewed Elizabeth on Thursday and had a really cool experience as I talked to her about repentance I felt the spirit so strong it washed over us and I couldnt even talk with tears in my eyes. I cant even remember what she said I just rememer feeling the purity of her testimony and repentance. We returned on Friday to talk with the Head nurses and Doctors but they wouldnt let her leave for a little bit. So kind of a bummer but we have faith that she will be baptized in the future we just hope everything goes well with her treatments.

The Olsons the senior couple went with us to hospital on Friday as we left the building........ hahaha Well I have a story for you guys that will be better told after the mission..... hahaha

I am grateful for the healthcare and hospitals we have in the United States. General Hospitals here in Guatemala is a whole different experience. BE GRATEFUL!

My testimony of Preisthood power has grown alot in the mission. We have seen more miracles in our area from preisthood blessings. I was feeling pretty sick on Sunday afternoon I have had a cold the last couple of days. I asked Elder G for a blessing and we left to vistit. I felt way better and without any problems.

Hermana L and A are to be baptized this coming Saturday. After some struggles Hermana L is ready to be baptized. She came into contact with the church when she was 9 years old and about 25 years later she is ready to enter into the waters of baptism. I think she knows more about the church than I do haha. 

A is the sister of a recent convert here in Sion. She is doing so great and is SO excited for her baptism.

Well things are going great! The Lord has blessed me so much. I am really feeling good and learning more than ever. I am commited to making these changes permanent in my life. We are all on a journey. We know where we want to go. We know how we can get there. Now it is time to act and do what the Lord has told us. I love Brigham Youngs wise words "There is neither man or woman in this church who is not on a mission. That mission will last as long as they live, and its to do good, to promote righteousness and to teach the principles of truth, and to prevail up themselves and everbody around them to live those principles that they may obtain eternal life"

I love this gospel and the peace it brings to my life. I love my family and the truths I learned while I was young. They have stuck with me and helped me along the way. I love you all so much. Have a great week and keep doing great things!

Love

Elder Hughes

Im running out of......T......I......T.....L.....E.....S | week 93

Hey guys! 

Thanks for the emails. Im glad everyone is doing well and enjoying the summer adventures. Zach good luck with football camp you will do great. Just do the very best you can and "Finish the Drill" as Coach Gimenez always said. I will be praying and rooting for you! Remember that with football there is a strange phenomenon that when you hit running full speed you wont get hurt. So dont hit soft it always hurts more haha. Mom I hope your doing well in your photography conference out there in Texas. Have you seen Aunt Meg and Uncle Brandon out there?

Well I dont have alot of time to write so I will try and keep it the most important things of the week! The Lord continues to bless us so much here in Sion. I have learned that It is the Lord the gives us success we just have to work hard and give it everything we have.

We found a sweet new family this week. The G family. It was such a simple contact. After one of our appointments fell through we saw a woman selling lunches in the street. Elder G and I both had a strong feeling that we needed to talk to her. We met L she was SO nice to us and just talking to her we felt like the Lord has been preparing her. We set a return appointement and began teaching her and her three children. They are so "Pilas" as we say here in Guatemala. They love learning about the gospel and they all came to church on Sunday for the first time.

The highlight of the week had to be the baptisms. The familia Y and Hermano M were all baptized on Saturday afternoon. Everything went great. We all felt the spirit and left happy and excited. I know that our assignments are inspired I love the people here and I know that the Lord sends us to certain people that specifically need our help. 

We are striving to baptize 8 this month. Its a stretch but we know its possible. We set a baptismal date this week with A whos brother was recently baptized. I have never met a more Christ centered 9 year old! Hermana L had some last minute obstacles with her baptism and so we are planning it again for the 26th.

Im at a loss for words today haha. I just have felt so blessed this week and throughout my whole mission. I have seen so many blessings and miracles in the lives of the people here and in my own life. I know without a doubt that this gospel is true. It blesses lives and calms the aching soul. Christ is our Savior and he rose again on the third day. I pray that we can all pray to know these things.

Have a great week and make everyday count. Read your scriptures and ponder on the words of the Living Prophets.

Love you all!

Elder Hughes

Riding in a Tuk Tuk. We use these three wheeled motorcycle things to go lots of places here in Guatemala.

Shakin' in Guatemala | week 92

Hey Guys!

Riley thanks for the email. I think this is the first time that you have sent the weekly email haha. Thanks for the reminder about 100 days haha. I will let you guys do the countdown haha. Its bittersweet when you get to this point of the mission. I still have alot left to do here. Im glad you all had a good time in Yellowstone! I have always wanted to see what its like out there. Your going to have to send some photos next week. Im glad everyone got home intact. There are always new stories when we go on family trips haha.

An earthquake woke us up this moring at about 5am! Everything in the house started shaking. Elder G and I both stood up and ran outside. I guess the epicenter was near the border of Mexico and Guatemala.

This last week was a trial week! Sometimes we have those weeks to help us learn and grow as missionaries. But I will talk about that a little later. We met our new mission President and his wife this week. Me and Elder G had a meeting with President Crapo and his wife on Tuesday with the Stake President. We were able to talk and get to know them. They are from Boutiful Utah they live right near the temple. Wow they are both so great. Really new and excited to learn and get involved in the work here in Guatemala. Hermana Crapo does not know spanish at all but is learning quickly. President Crapo is a pretty well known lawyer in Utah. He has alot of energy and his testimony is inspiring. Later in the week we had interveiws with them and were able to talk more. Im excited to work with both of them and it has been a blessing to be able to serve and help them.

For some reason Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were all difficult days for us in the work. Lots of fallen citas and it just seemed that nothing was working out, no matter how well we planned it. There also came a moment where our investigators with baptismal dates for this next week were all having struggles. Without fail Satan attacks us whenever we are choosing to follow Christ and take a big decision in our lives. We specifally fasted for our investigators on Sunday and so much improved. By Sunday evening everything was better and ready to be baptized this week. This coming Saturday Familia Y, M, and possibly Hermana L are going to be baptized. I love each one of them so much. Mario has been such a blessing. We found M about a month ago from a really simple contact in the street. He is thriving and has completely changed his life. He is looking forward to his baptism on Saturday.

The Lord has blessed us so much this week. There were moments where it seemed like nothing would work. I think that is when the Lord wants us to really pray, and trust in him. I have learned that we really cannot do anything without the Lords help. We should always recognize that we need him. The lord takes the little that we can give and makes up the difference. This always means miracles and power beyond our own. Whenever we feel that we cant do something we are right. Alone we cant do much. But two people can do anything, just as long as we are working along side Heavenly Father. 

There are alot of details and stories that will have to be told later on. I love this gospel and I cherish everyday God gives me to be here in Guatemala. "Life is forever. Live each day as if you were going to live eternally for you surely shall" Gordon B Hinkley.

Have a great week! I love you all so much! Zach have fun at EFY!

Elder Hughes

Pic this is my last toothbrush hahaha Thanks Bro Petty!