Another One Down

This week has been pretty great! I've found myself facing more challenges than I have in the past whilst being here. But all things will be for my experience and benefit. Time is really starting to blur together again. I fear that it isn't going to stop for the next couple years. 

     My biggest struggle comes from the language. Not that I can't learn it, or feel inferior with it, but just the block from using it fluently. Kinda a funny complaint, right? Elder Rockhill has been here for about 4 transfers, so he is really good friends with everyone. That is awesome, but that means that I don't get to talk much in a lot of lessons. There have been a few times in which I've gone home disappointed in myself for not saying anything, and frustrated at him for not letting me. Then last night, at a family's house called the Luevano's, Hermano was making fun of me because I didn't know the language well. It was really discouraging. Those nights, I write quickly in my journal, then immediately begin supplicating myself to extreme prayer. I'm in too foul of a mood to talk to Elder Rockhill on those nights, so I try to talk and listen to the Lord. That works out better. Therefore, I have a strengthened testimony of the power of prayer. I felt an intense sense of peace come over me as my thoughts are purified, and I can return to the love of the mission that I desire.

     We had a new missionaries meeting in Sugar Land, 2 hours away, on Wednesday. That was pretty cool. I was feeling good about my Spanish that day (it really isn't too bad). President Ashton gave a big discussion on the Atonement. It pretty much blew my mind. I realized that I never fully understood the Atonement before my mission. The way that the mercy of Christ fulfills the requirements of justice on account of our repentance is fascinating and incredible. I have a greater love for my Savior. 

     I went on Exchanges with the world's most quiet and awkward elder, Elder Ormsby. I learned a lot about how to lead in an area, and in discussions. He didn't even speak Spanish, so that was ALL me! We ended up with 6 lessons, and one new baptismal date from the lady with the heart attack last week. Pretty cool! 

     We're struggling to get people to church. I thought missionary work was almost all about finding new investigators. WRONG! We have SO many inactive members. They take a lot of really hard work. Like I've said before, we get about 30 people in church. Always praying for them! 

     I am still, as ever, loving the work! I bore my testimony yesterday, under recommendation, for my third time in three weeks in front of the pulpit! I really love this gospel, and it's light and influence in my life. I love all the support I receive from everyone as well. I'll see y'all soon!

-Elder Spjute

The Work Presses On

 I love it so much out here! There should be a rule against this much joy. Don't get me wrong, it is hot, there are mosquitoes like crazy, and things can be discouraging every now and then, but this is where I need to be, and that feels fantastic! We finally had some cooler days this week. That is super nice. 

     Night time stories! I generally sleep with just a sheet because I've been warm in our apartment. In fact, I haven't used a blanket since the first night in the CCM! However, we went on splits with the English elders on Wednesday, and their apartment got nice and chilly! I actually had to curl up a bit! Then, Saturday night, I woke up at around 3 a.m. because it sounded like Elder Rockhill was trying to plan stuff; I thought 'great, I missed the alarm.' Then, I realized the time and that he was still asleep. He was giving a lesson in his sleep. And it wasn't like mumbling either. I mean full voiced, out loud, fluent conversation with someone he was teaching in a dream! I giggled, rolled over, and went back to sleep a half hour later. 

     So for exchanges, Elder Johnson (English) went Spanish with Elder Rockhill, and I went English with Elder Stoker. It was way cool! We biked so much that day. It was good to be with someone else for a day to observe what that was like. We do a lot with the English elders because they only live like a quarter mile away from us. Cool guys!

     We got two baptismal dates this week! One for  a 22 year old named Ivonne. Her sister got baptized a few weeks ago. At her baptism, her son (9) said a prayer asking that Ivonne would get baptized too. So cool; he's going on a mission! Our other date was a 15 year old kid named Jordy. His cousin, Orbit (less- active) came and taught with us. The Spirit was really strong there! That was really cool as well because it means Orbit has to come to church to take Jordy!

     Other cool things: we taught D&C 4 in seminary this week! That went well. On Saturday, we went to a Fiestas Patrias, which is a hispanic cultural party thing. It was really fun. I got to know a couple investigators and ward members better. On Sunday, Elder Rockhill and I gave talks! I was so nervous! It's a good thing I had it written down, because my Spanish left me for some reason. I was told it went well, though. My subject was "Why is it Important to Be Honest?" Kinda hard! Yesterday, for the first Sunday I can remember, we did sweaty, hard work in service of a lady who was gonna be evicted if she didn't clean up her yard. We weed-whacked and mowed the lawn and destroyed this nasty shed for about 4 hours. It was really cool, and, I feel, brought me much closer to Christ!

     I love you all, and will talk to you soon! The church is true!

-Elder Spjute

This is me and my blurry companion with recent converts Alex (girl) and Johnathon. She's his aunt, and is so cool!

Elder Spjute's Galveston Address

3219 69^th Street #94 
Galveston, TX  77551

2nd letter

    So I love being a missionary; just thought I'd get that out of the way. It is so great here! So, I need to do a brief cover of the last two weeks!

     Houston!!! After stepping off of the airplane (which was tiny, by the way), I was hit with a huge blast of American freedom and humidity. We met the president, who is amazing, and had dinner at his house. We went on runs that first day. For this, we go with a temporary companion and proselyte as much as we can; my Spanish is really good from what I hear! I've had very much Mexican food since I've been here. That's nice :) We are decent friends with an inactive member who owns a Cici's. We get free pizza like every week! We've been talking with the waitress there, so hopefully, we'll get a call from her. 

     I LOVE teaching! I love helping people; it feels so wonderful. Last week, we were teaching a woman for the first time in a trailer park, and I probably got 15 mosquito bites just in that lesson. But in the middle of this distress, she accepted a baptismal date! So cool! I haven't had one since I've been here yet, but we have a few baptisms coming up! Also, this isn't a tracting mission, We never knock doors, we go through members or we do OYM which is open your mouth to whoever you see :) It's kinda like running. We also teach early morning seminary occasionally. So.. early... we get up at like 4:25! Gross.

     I have an assignment for anyone with time on their hands. Listen to a talk called "God Science". It will blow your mind! Also, I've told a few people, but another great talk is "His Grace is Sufficient". So good! Also, if you have the time (trust me, I know that can be hard to find) our mission president tells us to have one 15 minute prayer a day. It is an AMAZING experience; one that I would highly recommend to all! Afterwards you feel so rejuvenated and also so exhausted. It is wonderful.

     My companion is a stud. His name is Elder Rockhill. He doesn't sing much, which is kinda sad. But he tries! He's 20, and has been out for almost 14 months. He was big into football in high school. I've enjoyed learning from him. He reminds me INCREDIBLY much of Preston. Like they're the same person. It's crazy. And great :)

     I can't decide which is a bigger challenge; the sweat, or the mosquitoes. We were in Texas City on Saturday, and got bit like 40 times each in the span of like 5 minutes. We were waiting around outside a guys house, and saw this big spider on a web, so we were feeding it mosquitoes that were biting us. It was fun; I'll have to send the video of it next week. But whenever we ride bikes (3 or 4 times a week), I just sweat buckets. I love the challenges though; they build character!

    I've been driving a little bit around here. It is cool. I don't know how fond I am of our Toyota, but it is interesting. There are some cool sights. Being on the island, there are a lot of cool boats we can see from the bridge from the mainland to Galveston. We aren't allowed to go on seawall street because it is like a raised wall of earth that blocks the beaches. It is convenient! The members here are all good at feeding us! The trick is, if you tell a Hispanic woman her food is the best you've ever had, they'll want to feed you again :) I need to learn how to make some foods though!

     I bore my testimony yesterday in our Spanish Branch. It was really special! I am so happy being here. I want to give a huge thank you to all who have made my service possible. Thank you to everyone who has helped support me with donations and love. I love you all so much! This gospel is true! It is my rock and my foundation. I know that all is well because I have my home built on gospel sod. Until next week, God be with you!

-Elder Spjute

Short letter

  I'm sorry everyone, I have like zero time to write. I have made it safely to Houston, and it is hot and humid! The teaching is so amazing! I have never felt the Spirit so strongly as with investigators! My Spanish is coming along well, don't worry! It was hard saying goodbye to my CCM (MTC) family, but I know we're all on to bigger and better things! 

     I've been sore from riding a bike for the first time in probably 3 years! The food is pretty good ;) I get to exercise every morning with my companion, Elder Rockhill. I love that guy! He's such a great missionary. I wish I had more time to write! I love you all, and know the church is true! I'll get more specific next week! Loves!

-Elder Spjute

We LOVE your missionary!

This is an email and picture from Elder Spjute's mission president.  Also - his p-days are now on Mondays, except this week it will be on Tuesday because of Labor Day.

Dear Parents,

We are pleased to let you know that your missionary has arrived safely in the Texas Houston South Mission, the best mission in the world!!  They are happy and absolutely wonderful. President Ashton and I are thrilled to welcome them. We had a terrific afternoon and evening together on Tuesday. We enjoyed getting to know each of them.  Your missionaries received some training and then had the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people on the streets of Houston.  After, we enjoyed dinner together as well as a beautiful testimony meeting. Wednesday they received some more training, met their trainers as well as many other missionaries, and then left to their areas to meet and teach the wonderful people of Houston.  They come with such courage and strength.   You should be very proud of them.

I have attached a photo from our gathering in the mission home. As you can see, there are many smiles.  We have seven children.  Our youngest is 2 and our oldest is 15. They are so excited to be a part of your missionary's life! 

Again, thank you for the opportunity you have given us to serve with these fine missionaries. We love them already and promise to take good care of them. May you find great joy and blessings as you continue to support them in bringing souls to Christ through His restored gospel. This is His work and these missionaries are on His errand. More joy awaits them than they have ever experienced!

With love,
President and Sister Ashton, Spencer, Braeden, Jacob, Elisabeth Kate, Ethan, Daniel, and Wesley

Rex is in the very back, right of center with a bright blue tie.

5 Days Left!

    Yeah, once again like before I left, time is broken and has begun to fly! I'm leaving here at 7 in the morning on Tuesday. I'm so excited to serve the people and missionaries in Houston! I'll be the last one to leave from my district. Elder Black leaves Mondaymorning, then the Chileans Monday night, then Elders Alldredge and Burton Tuesday morning a few hours before me. I'm so stoked, but not looking forward to the goodbyes. 

     My Spanish is getting so good! Yesterday, tonight, and Saturday night, me and Elders Jensen, Jensen, Mace, Alldredge, and Burton get to go to a Latino district to hear their discussions and classes. Yesterday was super cool! I understood probably 70% of it. Not too shabby! I can feel the Gift of Tongues at work little by little!

     We taught our 'investigators' for the last times this week. Our lessons were getting boring because they were practically perfect haha. They never had problems in their lives, and they always accepted our message, and always did their homework. But nonetheless, it was always a good experience. 

     Cool experience: on a solo Español day last week, we saw a moth outside our casa. I put my hand up by it, it was easily bigger than my hand! It was practically bat sized. When Elder Sharp (in my casa, also going to my mission) poked it with a mop, it started flying and he screamed like a girl.

     Everyone in their room (the Houston room) all try to scare each other. Just jump out pranks. And they ALL have the girliest screams! I go to their room a lot at night to chat. They are Elders Sharp and Beveridge (like the drink) and Fails and Balls. I'm stoked to go into the field with them!

     There was a lot of cool meetings on Sunday. First things first, hearing the newbies give talks in Sacrament meeting is just a guilty pleasure. I always get a giggle out of it. We watched an MTC devotional of Elder Holland that was an amazing call to action! I feel so inadequate for the field! But I know I'm not here to preach for myself; it's His message I'm preaching. If I put in enough effort to prepare, I will receive his Spirit sufficiently (which I've noticed in the past, and love)! After dinner, we watched a Joseph Smith video that made me cry. We had a very spiritual district meeting afterwards. I love this district. They are my family away from family!

     So the thunder here is like nothing I've ever heard before! It rattles clothing and is simply spectacular! I love so much about this place! 

     Hermana Vawdrey and I are performing Come Thou Fount on Sunday for a devotional, which should be spectacular if my voice holds out. I've picked up a bit of a sore throat. Fortunately on that front, I have a new favorite candy. It's called Halls cough drops. They are 3.5 pesos at the tienda, and there are 4 flavors. I love them all. Weird? Maybe. But do I love them? Yes I do.

     I have some advice to give for aspiring missionaries and others. First off, develop a habit of writing in an agenda. The more you plan out the more you'll get done. I was terrible at this before, and am developing slowly. But I can see the benefit! Secondly, to anyone who wants to find out precisely and accurately what our church is about, get a copy of the (short) book Our Search for Happiness by M. Russell Ballard. I took a week off from Jesus the Christ to read it, and loved every page of it. It is incredibly spiritual. It's difficult to describe, but it's amazing!

     So funniest thing: in a different casa, Elders Mace and Jensen and a few others were doing a core workout at night time. Elder Mace is a weird and hilarious person. He brought 2 aprons from home, which he and Elder Jensen were wearing for this workout, because random and weird and funny. So they hear a knock on the door, and Elder Jensen thinks it's an Elder coming home late or something, so in this girlish voice walks up to the door and says "who is it?" When he opens the door, it is our CCM president, President Pratt. Yeah, Jensen's in an apron. Then Elder Mace comes running in, "so who is it?" in a orange flame apron. Yes, the president is befuddled. They went through the awkward explanation of it all, but it was absolutely hillarious!

     To make up for this, we went caroling to his house last night :) We sang Brightly Beams our Father's Mercy in Spanish to him and his wife. He teared up and loved it! He made us do it again so he could sing with us. It was really cool. 

     Well, that's about all the time I'm gonna squeeze out of this email session! As I depart, I want to let everyone know that I have a firm testimony that this gospel is true! I live it, I love it! With all my heart. And I love everyone reading this! Lo comparto en el nombre de Jesucristo, amén.

-Elder Spjute