Happy Forever Family Day

Ok, well this week we learn laziness doesn’t pay off. I’m just going to say I’m ready for a companion exchange... got a package from Nana and opened it up all at once. Couldn’t wait. But it was really good to get it-I was so happy! I’m still getting letters sent to the MTC or Ogden mission. The fastest way is to send it to the mission home here in Mexico or to the pouch address. We had a baptism of Enrique. A guy I’ve been teaching for a long time. His wife got baptized a year ago and she was so happy that he finally got baptized. Other than that... nothing. 

 I’m jealous about your snowboarding trip you're gonna take. That sounds like fun. I really miss traveling. Being able to getout of this tiny area. I’m in the biggest city in the world and feel shut in. That’s cool to hear about the weather changing. It’s still the same here. I wear a thin jacket I bought sometimes-just cusp it looks cool. There is an old inactive sister in this ward we always visit. Someone told me she has cancer and I don’t think she knows, The other night they had a High Priest dinner and the Stake President had me take some left overs to her but the bag wasn’t sealed too good and it got all over my pants ... but she was really happy to get the food!

Thanks for the support and letters. I sure appreciate it all. We've got a special day coming up this Sunday, I've penned it Forever Family Day, and I don’t know what you call it.[London passed away on Dec. 21, 2005]. Remember the gift Christ gave us. What can we give back? All we have that isn't his is our agency, something to think about. Well. Not much more to say.  I love you all sorry I don’t report very good but I am writing in my journal. and brushing my teeth, making my bed...

 ---Elder Solly

Testimony building week

Well everyone, still here pushing along. Quite the learning week. Started off all ready to go. Set some high goals. Walked the line obedience wise and worked like crazy and... nothing. No one wanted anything. No one was home... nothing all week. Then Saturday. Nothing. Went home pretty depressed. Come Sunday. we ended up having 8 people (investigators) in the chapel. We left church early for an appointment and that afternoon found 9 new investigators. Do your job and the Lord will do His. Was a good testimony builder. 

Had a few cool experiences this week as well. One of the families we are trying to teach, well they have a little girl and little boy about 3 years old. They are soo cool. Every time I walk in the little girl runs ang hugs my knees just like London did and is always sitting on my lap. One time she said "Salomon te quiero" means I love you. They all call me Salomon. It’s easier than Solomon I guess. And the little boy calls us tios. Uncles. It funny the things the kids call us. Some their kids call us the twins. Strange because we look nothing alike. 

Brighton get a fetching job lazy bum. It doesn’t matter if it sucks and they don’t pay you anything as long as you’re doing something. Don’t be idle. Glad to hear the rest of you are well. Enjoy your time in whatever your doing whatever it is because you never get it back. Dad I would kill to be able to help you with a little construction. I want to build something so bad. I get frustrated at the construction here. Their practices are so horrible. But, ya, that’s something I miss. Well hope all is well with you all. Be happy!  

Love you all,

 Elder Solly

Unofficially senior companion

Well, I hear you about the gratitude thing mom, it was hard not getting down that im not there at home, so instead I really tried focusing on what I have. Not really the best of weeks. Got rejected a lot and I’m sure it’ll only get worse as we get closer to Christmas. There were a couple of nights where I just tried to name the things im grateful for. 

But, ya, not a whole lot to report this week. Just the same ol. We finally had quite the "chat" this week between me and my comp. We got things worked out. He gave me the keys and said "your senior comp, ill do whatever you want to, if we are super lazy or work like crazy ill do it with you" well thanks... with all his other companions they hardly left before the comida which is about 2 in the afternoon... I feel bad if we leave after 10. Anyway, just trying to keep from getting discouraged. This Christmas season I’m just gonna focus on doing my best if the people accept or not.

 Ok, well, believe it or not I’m happy. I’m having a lot of good times. I’m sure glad to hear about your Thanksgiving. I’m so lucky to have such an awesome family. Hahaha!  I found a cool scripture the other day its duet. 21:18-21 it’s pretty funny. Well don’t have very much to say love you all.

 Take care,

Elder Solomon

It's worth it in the end

Man, I do not feel like writing this week. I finally had two baptisms this week. We’ve been having some really good success this week. For example last night we taught the first lesson to this lady that contacted us, and her mom and brother. At the end when we ask the people to pray if the message is true the lady said. " I don’t need to pray, the spirit has already told me its true".  Her mom said the same thing. Hmm. Well, I asked them to pray anyway. She just about peed her pants when I told her we’d give her a Book of Mormon for free. 

Anyway. I'm excited to get going this week. There is a new program here called the "Book of Life".  What’s gonna happen is the missionaries will be going to every member on the ward list and clarifying all their data. This includes ALL people on the ward list and there will be no "unknown" on the list.  We have to find them all. This will be a great reactivation tool along with finding. And every week we have a committee to report back to. A bunch of work, but I'm excited to get rolling on it. 

Other than that. I don’t even know what to say about Lorin... my heart goes out to his family and all who are impacted by this loss. God has a plan: just trust Him. it will all be worth it in the end. That’s what I tell myself when things get rough here. 

 THE CURSE CONTINUES. Can’t beat destiny Brighton. Just move on. Hahahah. I'm not happy you lost just laughing at the irony. Although that picture you guys sent me is so sweet!!! 

Well I'm out. Keep sharing the gospel. Even if they don’t need it now someday they will. "The worth of every soul is great in the sight of the Lord" . 

I love you all, take care, 

Elder Solly

No transfer for me

Lookin daper...

That smiley missionary dead center is Preston's best bud Elder John Reed!

Elder Solly and companion Elder Canche, left, bottom

Cool ray!

Well some exciting events this week. The cultural event was really cool. There were missionaries there from like 6 different missions. I got to see Jon Arnett, Derek Buttars,  and John Reed. I didn’t really get to talk to any of them but it was so good to see them. Pres. Monson and Pres. Eyring came and talked at the event. Then there were a lot of dances that the youth have been preparing for a couple months now. It was really good and at the end all the missionaries went out on the field and sang. It was super cool, the stadium is huge.  There were over 100,000 people there. The next day the rededication was really cool too. We went to the second session in the stake center and the spirit was really strong there. I really got some cool impressions. 

 

Well I’m staying in Claveria for at least 6 more weeks with Elder Canche. We are really gonna work our butts off these next couple of weeks to have some solid people to carry us through the holidays.

 Other than that... you shouldn’t have sent me those pictures [of London], mom. I started crying in the Internet cafe. Of course I thought about her on her birthday. To tell you the truth I don’t ask for her to be with me even part of the time. I wouldn’t want her to be here in Mexico. There are better places for her.

 Well that’s exciting about the football team. Do something right and break the curse, k? Hmm, ok, I ran out of stuff to say!  Love you all incredibly and I’m praying for you. 

Let that light shine,

Elder Solly

Joseph Smith's grandson?

Well hey everyone, this has been a really long and really short week at the same time. We spent three days working at the temple open house and that is really tiring. Some of the time I was just a follower for the tours, making sure no one falls behind or tries to wander off in the temple. At other times I was pushing wheelchairs through the tour and then I was at the big tent at the end of the tour where everyone fills out their comment cards and answering questions, that was fun, some of the questions were super funny like one lady that asked me what kind of perfume or stuff we put in the air inside the temple to make people feel peculiar... or another one who asked me if I was Joseph smiths grandson cuz "I look just like him" hahaha they think all white people look the same. Then I talked to this one girl for about an hour about why the temple isn’t open to all people. She didn’t understand anything that was stupid. But then the last day (Saturday) I got stuck in parking till the very end.... we got home at 1130 at night and I just absolutely crashed and I'm not going to lie I took a nap Sunday, in church and at home I was so tired. The open house was really good and I'm sure a lot of good will come from it, but I'm glad its over that’s for sure.

 Ok, now you asked for a typical day schedule witch doesn’t happen a lot but I wake up at 630 my comp at about 730-800 I take a shower eat something, get ready and study till 930/1000 then we go out and contact people, usually in the mornings we go contact people at schools or places where there a lot of people like the tiangies, or movable markets. Some times well set up a table and give away pamphlets and pictures or well just talk to people and that’ll go till we eat at 2 with members, then after that we knock doors for a while and have appointments. Usually we have most our appointments at night but if not the sun goes down at like 630 and we don’t like being out after its dark but usually we get home at 9 or 930 and then go to sleep! Fun! But of course, everyday is really different and your always changing plans. But that’s the mission.

Glad to hear the boys beat Higley and are ranked pretty high, that’s cool. And that puppy is cute! Of course by the time I see it it’ll be pretty darn big. It’s about time we got a lab though. And ya the election... everyone tries to give me crap but they don’t know anything, they just keep trying to get me to say I hate black people. I'm glad I got a year and a half before I go back over there. Which reminds I complete six months this week. That is crazy stuff!!!! It goes fast.

 Well, that’s about it from me, just working and trying to do what I can, the Lord will take care of the rest, I know he will.

 Love you all,

Elder Solomon   

 P.S. If you can someone send me a big bag of sunflower seeds, the only sunflower seeds they have here are in birdseed

 

hola papito!

Well everyone, sounds like a cool game last Friday and this Friday. Briggly I cant believe your lifting that much. Sure beat me right now. I'm a weak little sucker.

 Good week but frustrating as well the golden investigator we were gonna baptize had to work.... we’ve got a 22 year old guy lined up for this week but I think he’s just trying to get in with a girl in the ward. We’ll let the dl [district leader] figure it out.

 Other than that froze my butt off some days and sunburn the others. The weather is really strange here. And we never know what its gonna be like. Mom don’t worry about me starving- I can hold up I just try and make my money last the whole month and the meals are so stupid here. We eat at like 10, then 2 (with members) then most people eat again right before bed. It’s kind of dumb. Ya I'm still without fridge microwave kitchen, the only sink is the one in the bathroom. So I've been finding other ways. We went to Costco today and I bought some stuff. The food is good here I don’t worry about eating with members at all. Just lately they don’t feed us a whole lot cuz my tiny comp don’t eat a whole lot! But its all good.  I've got other stuff on the mind like filling my blank planner and finding ways to get people to church still. They just don’t take me serious when I tell them get your butt to church!!!!

 Funny thing the other day. The girls here are a lot more outgoing and whistle and stuff (especially when I do my hair) but the other day we were walking down the street when this girl put her head out the window and said "hola papito" which means like “hi little daddy”. Me and my comp were laughing forever.

 Anyway, ya, if your gonna send me anything for Christmas get it in the mail. Canche probably wont even be with me by Christmas. Changes are Nov. 18 and I’m pretty sure one of us will be taking off somewhere else. We’ll see you never know here. Well don’t have much more to report. Glad all is well at home enjoy it there! I miss that place that dad always hates coming home to=) Be safe boys, especially in the decisions that matter. Mom and Dad love you like crazy. And the rest of the fam. 

Elder Solly

Christmas packages...

Are you considering sending Elder Solomon a Christmas package?  There are many customs restrictions and risks to consider, and it may take weeks.  We have discovered a service based out of Texas that specifically services missionaries that expedites the process and personally walks the packages through customs and allows you to send items that you otherwise would not be able to send (anything with sugar).  It even has ready made packages!    Check it out: www.carepackageMEXpress.com

Packages should be sent to the mission home address (do not send to pouch address).

Thanks for thinking of Preston!

Heather

602-206-7276

Please be smart bro's

Ok, well, everyone turned down the steam this week justa notch. I've been a lot less stressed and things are moving: hoping to have 6 baptisms in Nov. I’m learning to work a lot more with the members and less actives and they’ve got people ready! Also looking up old investigators and reaping what the others have sown. Lot more to knocking doors which really doesn’t do a whole lot of anything in this area, (which is pretty rich). It’s more of a pastime when we've got 30 min to burn. Me and the comp are getting along great. Went to the open house of the Mexico City temple w/ an investigator and it is beautiful!!!!! Absolutely incredible and huge. The pictures don’t do justice. Felt good to be back in the temple again. Other than that I gave a fifteen-minute talk on the Book of Mormon yesterday. Yes fifteen minutes! There is something about hiding behind a black name tag. One of the recent converts told me he wants to develop a testimony like mine. I felt really good after that.

Well, I can’t believe football is winding down already. I haven’t even made it to a single game! Briggly- get your butt out on a date. Before you know it girls will be strictly off limits and you will miss dating a lot. But be smart please. please, please. I bought the “Miracle of Forgiveness” in Spanish and boy that’s intense stuff but 100% essential. Be grateful for a blunt dad that tries his best to help you out. Always follow his counsel on these matters, believe me i'm now there in the "been there, done that" stage ok? Now you got two (three w/mom) testimonies on this. This applies to ALL you boys ok? Deal.

Dad don’t worry about the glasses. By the time I come back ill pry be joining you. My eyes hurt all the time here and they get fogged up a lot. This is a rough rough city. However an American Elder and I went to iIhop today and I just about died. I can’t believe how different my life is now. Instead of the big Friday or Saturday nights, I go home. If i'm lucky to eat an orange for dinner and go to sleep. But it’s good. I'm a lot better person than I used to be. A thousand stories and its still the first quarter. Love you all so much. Never realized how truly blessed I was and am still. Be strong and remember "there is a God in Israel"! 

Elder Solomon

Facts of life

A game of pool

Christ in America and the Virgin Mary

Elder Canche from Yucatan

A treat for Day of the Dead

Well, myldsmail keeps screwing me up. I'll write a letter for a half hour and it’ll delete it... so Mexico is great, the quirkiness keeps me on my feet and my comp is fun, he’s someone I can laugh with. Luckily enough there are just barely enough cool experiences to keep me afloat.

 There are a few cool investigators we have and I've learned something. When you make an appointment with someone for the first time there is a 85% chance that they wont be there! Fact of life. Also another one: you can work you tail end off all week and Sunday night look at numbers and it looks like you slept all week or were at the movies or something! I've given up on the numbers game I'm gonna start focusing on people instead see how that goes. 

I'm enjoying the area, its really tranquilo, not a whole lot going on. Which is nice as a missionary, you don’t have to be in the house at 7 like some in the mission. Here’s some pictures of playing pool on pday, the comp, Elder Canché, a day of the dead treat someone gave me and the funniest of all, a big painting of Christ in America with the virgin underneath! I really do not understand Catholics, the religion is like an ancient Greek or something with all their virgins, saints, and messed up ideas of the Godhead. The first two of the 10 commandments don’t exist in the church and the rest don’t exist outside! Guess that’s why I'm here. Pres said the reason this city is so messed up is because they don’t live the Sabbath day! Out of all the things. We’ve been really focusing on that lately.

Well everyone God lives… and the refiners fire is hot! It takes a long time to burn off the garbage but in the end... well, we'll see what it’s like when we get there.

Love you all,

Elder Solomon

Wide open spaces....hmmm

Well, that’s good to hear Brighton is doing so good, i'm sure missing it. We played a long game of football today and even though I was quarterback I'm already getting sore. I'm so flippin out of shape... but.. Gonna have a baptism this week maybe two. My new comp is pretty sweet he’s from the Yucatan and would make coach workman feel tall (you can tell him I said that=) but he’s a good worker but like me doesn’t talk a lot. We’ve been working our butts off and not getting too much going. You have to go through a lot of people to find the chosen ones here. 

Anyway sounds like you guys are having tons of fun there at home. Brigg get those girls ready for me k?=) they've still got two more years of growing. Boy do I too... happy birthday by the way. Hope you get my present before the next birthday... I got that letter from September 1 this week but also one from Zack from September 25 so who knows what the deal is. 

Oh, ya and really this city is not by any means third world. We went in the nicest mall I've ever been in last week. And it’s really nice in places. My old area was compared to the Beverly Hills of DF but the difference is it’s all so crammed in so tight. Someone asked me what I missed most about Arizona and I said "space" hahaha. 

I've been studying in proverbs lately and found some pretty interesting stuff like 14:4, 15:17, 16:9, 16:24. I've been having some pretty good personal study lately and that really just propels me through the day. I had other stuff to say but forget. 

Oh well, love you all--- 

Elder Solomon

Yum!

October 6, 2008

 Got a birthday coming up.[Brigg's] My gift is in the mail. Got a suggestion for dinner. Mexican burgers=> I love them. Regular burger.... bun, meat, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onion, mayo mustard catsup, then get the chilies that come in the can with the carrots. Hope you know what I'm talking about and you can either slice them up or put them in the blender for just a sec. throw that on with some cheese and if you want... they also put the pineapple that comes in a big circle with the middle cut out and they grill them on the grill for just a bit... throw it all together. Spicy but wow... sabroso hope I explained good enough-pretty simple.

 Ok momma, where are the football pics? Well and everything else that’s going one. I also need a little wallet size of our family that I can carry around with me. Dad, I had a dream last night that you were here with me for one pday and all you wanted to go do was play basketball! Frustrating cuz I need a haircut! Ok, I'm going to go get one. 

Love you all cuidanse,

Elder PT

Riding the roller coaster

September 29, 2008

 

Sorry mom, I don’t believe in taking pictures.

 

Well it rained like all week, I wore the jacket I bought every day and it’s been, cold like 50s or 60s.  Today it’s been sunny though. Also, the area is starting to look better. We’re getting new investigators and I'm enjoying myself a lot better. Trying to learn the area good cuz the comp[anion] is going home on Sunday. The language has been suffering a bit, partially because of having the American comp. Pretty sure ill get a mexi next week. We'll see, but hopefully the language will start improving again. Ok- what the crap?  Sounds like college football is crazy as last year... I'm so stinkin jealous. I wish I could get a newspaper or something... oh well, one of the sacrifices I guess. Well not much to report other than its been getting a lot better here. Fitting in to the schedule and all that. I've sure been learning a lot and just trying to hang on to the mission roller coaster. Hope all is well at home.

 

Miss you all and love you all—

Elder Solomon

On the harder side

Hey everyone, well it seems when you just start getting to the top of the mountain the Lord will want to see if you can climb it again. On the harder side... on Tuesday I got called in to separate a companionship and was set as the senior companion even though I only have three weeks here. It’s been a pretty tough week. There are next to no investigators in this area and just everything was a mess. Including the room we live in. no fridge, no microwave no nothing but a tiny bathroom and a room we sleep in. my comp is a good guy but he’s about to go home in two weeks and is as we call it dying and its been a little frustrating. But were working, hopefully this next week turns out a lot better than last week. I felt ashamed to turn in the chaffa numbers last night but at least we’ve got some appointments and starting to find people. Most of our area is pretty fresa, or rich so that makes it harder too. The worst part is that its been wearing on me pretty bad I want to get it all going right now but I guess it takes time. Trying to keep positive and put my trust in the lord. These times either strengthen the testimony or break it down. 

Well love you all and hope all is well

Elder Solomon

 Oh also, what the heck Brighton? Losing to AJ. Ouch that hurts o0h well hope everyone else is well. I got on today and the only one who wrote me was Dave. Well love you all elder pt

Independence Day

Hey its Mexican Independence Day and all the Internet cafes are closing early. We’re gonna try and find another that doesn’t close in five minutes. If not I love you all and am doing good, better and better every day…

 

K, I’ll push it. Things are going good here. Two more elders are getting either sent home or to another zone and that should take care of most of the problem children. Being with the zone leaders I get all the low down on what goes on and I have next to no responsibility!

 

Anyway yesterday just before sacrament the bishop asked me to give a talk on fasting as the last speaker! It was nuts but people pay more attention when you don’t speak very good and it went all right I think. We had a lot of people leave for the weekend, Mexican Independence, so we didn’t have very many people in the church.

 

Not much to report just working hard and its getting easier everyday, I'm liking this place it’s just so crowded all the time and everywhere. It’s hard to forget myself and home and go to work but that too is slowly coming. I'm trying. I know the Lord is blessing me intensely.

 

Love you,

Elder Solomon

First baptism

Well everyone, things are heating up. This area is finally coming alive. I am with the zone leaders so the Mexican comp (companion) Elder Moreno is usually on splits so I'm with Elder Wilson most of the time. After a week of just contacting like crazy were getting the wheels rolling in this area. We had 11 investigators in church yesterday and I got to baptize three kids16,11,10 yesterday as well. They are a really nice family but one of the poorest in the area.

 

The weather is awesome. Towards the night and early in the morning there is a chill in the air and its nice during the day but because of the altitude a lot of the gringos fry. Lucky i just turned into a tan, which is half way up my neck and looks super goofy. We do a lot of stinking walking and it been taking some getting used to. There are a lot of cool people and then some just stupid people too. There are a lot of punk kids and I almost beat some up that were throwing firecrackers at me at the "guero", but yep there you are.

 

The first week really was a super roller coaster of emotion but as soon as I hit the first week mark things have been really getting better. I hate to brag but I really think I'm getting the language. There is a ton of vocab I don’t know but for the most part I can follow conversation and join in. I feel bad cuz there are a few elders in the zone who have been in the mission for a couple months and they are still struggling...

 

Well things here are super cheap except like Gatorade and McDonalds, the prices are kinda random. We get 800 pesos a month, which is the equivalent of 80 bucks... then a bit for travel money. It works out pretty good till the end of the month apparently. Then there are few days of just sliced bread. Luckily we get meals from the members... there have only been two meals that I've had to really fight down to eat. Nothing bad. Just nothing really good yet. Apparently there are some areas that are great for food and others that are pretty plain.

 

Boys I loved hearing about the football games, I'm so stinkin jealous and hope you guys do awesome. Brighton give it all you got, there is a pretty good chance that this is the last time you’ll wear a helmet like your older brother... oh mom, as part of me coming into the mission solo I really didn’t have any training at all on rules or anything so I'm just learning off the comps. Yes the Mission President is awesome he’s very solid very smart and very rich. He’s trying to get rid of the cell phones from the missionaries who shouldn’t have them. He's following the example of Nephi and the brass plates, asking for them, offering to buy them and then… just going to take them. He’s awesome and doesn’t know English.

 

Well that’s it for now, hope all is well in the home front.

 

Love you all,

Elder Solomon

Hola Mexico

My MTC companion, Elder Hoyt

Waz up?

How do they do that?

Elder's heroes?

My  favorite place.

Please let us go, we'll be good...promise!

My fascinating cubicle in the Referral Center....

flippin!  I get to go to Ogden!

?????  getting stir crazy in the MTC????

Elder Kelley! 

A very excited Elder called our home early Friday morning en route to Mexico City.  After weeks of delay, he could hardly believe he was on his way!  It was wonderful to talk to him.  Here are a few pictures he finally sent home.

Ma Solomon

I think in Spanish and English

Yes still here! And according to Elder Hoyt, I need to ask to stay here. He sent a disturbing email telling me to stay here. I told him to suck it up. The world is evil - we know that, that is why we are going out!!! But while I'm here I’ll give it what I got. This Saturday got a baptism and one next Saturday too! 

It’s flippin hot! Hitting 100 everyday. I thought it didn’t do that in Utah? Anyway... football… I need Wun Devil and Bulldog updates please.  Sheldon... what in the world?!!?!?! Flippin stick your nose in and go crazy! Now that I'm retired I wish I would have done that. Seriously what is the worst that can happen? Get a headache? Come on... if your not gonna tackle get off the field and go put on a skirt. However I am glad that you are getting a better heart. Not as much trouble at school that’s good. I'd rather hear stories of you helping Jensen and others like that than you football stories anyway. 

Just so you know I woke up early this morning just so I could write Brigg and Dad. I’ll try and catch the rest next week and I'm gonna send a cd with my pics on it pretty soon. Mom, if you need to tell jack to get a move on don’t be afraid to tell her I said so. I wont be settling for second best when I get home, why would I? When should we ever settle for second best in things that really matter? I'm not talking about buying the expensive brand of bread I'm talking about cutting ourselves short. Why would we not include the Lord, the Creator of All in every aspect of our lives? Why would we compromise our standards and why would we ever ever ever strive for anything less than that of celestial quality??? If there is something that is not celestial why would we include it? Don’t ever cut yourself short than the very best. Oh Sheldon happy bday. Hope it is celestial quality:) 

But seriously I've been measuring everything on a scale of "celestial" terrestrial and telestial. Kind of puts a nice incentive on things. Find ways to fit that in. i.e. a celestial son is home at least 5 min early and his parents know exactly where and who he is with and he’s completely honest about everything when he sits on the parents bed and reviews the wholesome evening with them. A terrestrial son is within the time limit or maybe just a second or two late and gave a rough outline of the plans beforehand, pounds on the door, says I'm home and jumps in bed. Telestial... well imagine, lies about who- what –where- is late, really late and doens’t even wake the parents up. Just an example but you get what I'm saying? 

Good New era, the article by Jon Bytheway on the five scriptures. Read it! Good one. 

Anywho, I cannot express to you the importance of being independent for the good. The scripture has taken on new meaning to me "work out your salvation" doesn’t say "have your mom work out your salvation" or "if salvation isn’t given to you blame someone" you’ve got two feet (most people) stand on them!!!! If you don’t like the way things are going- change them!! If you’re in the right, you’ve always got some one to help you along. You’re not alone but you do have to make the first step! Elijah stepped onto the flaming chariot all by himself. That’s a rough example, but I'm telling you it’s not going to be given you. Life isn’t a drive through. I'm on a bit of a rant but man; I've realized just what is possible. What I am- what I can be. Who I can help. The gospel changes people. In the short three weeks I've seen it! Dirty houses become clean. Dark people become full of light and despair turns into the wonderful blossom of hope. I know Christ lives. "Come unto me" I know this is the one true way to eternal happiness and the true gospel. If you’ve felt the spirit and are denying the blessings of living the gospel in its fullness, or in other words, experiencing the power of the atonement... I challenge you to do it; a step of faith will take you to a higher way of life. Let Him in and you will succeed, don’t and you will live an eternity of regrets. 

Love you all soooo much and I pray for you---

Elder Solomon

a great Zone Conference

My companions:  Elder Aguilar (seated) and Elder Navarette (right), Elder Ropelato (center)

Momma, I have no idea who that email is from but I’m sure I’ll read it when I have some time... ha! Any way, thanks for the photos they were awesome, I really enjoyed them a lot. The work is moving on, yesterday we had Zone conference and I wish I could just put it on a DVD and send it home- it was awesome. Pres. Joyce talked a lot about becoming a celestial missionary and what are the traits of a terrestrial and telestial missionary as well, it was really enlightening but what really hit me the most was a part with just our Spanish zone.  We talked about sacrifice. Wow! I never really realized what an important thing that is for us. Pres Hinckley said "without sacrifice there is no true worship of God" we talked how there are obvious thing we are sacrificing right now such as cars, movies, dates, free time, money, etc. but what more is there we could really sacrifice for the Lord. Some of the suggestions were our borderline music, cutting down lunchtime and some others. Going the second mile is really where changes occur, where we really become who we CAN become. Fasting is a form of sacrifice, giving our will over to Gods will, and even repentance is a sacrifice, but as the hymn states "sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven" .  Wish I would’ve brought my notes. 

That night we were teaching a couple that really liked us and was listening to us but they don’t really progress cuz they think some other things are of more importance. I told them "Christ sacrificed all for us, what can we sacrifice for Him?" they couldn’t really answer even they knew what I was looking for... three hours on Sundays!!!!!! Ha!, anyway we had two investigators at church with their combined 6 kids. Oh my terror! Sacrament meeting was so rough. I even had one of them straight up head butt me so hard everyone turned around. At least their mothers enjoyed the meeting. I’ll gladly take head butts to the jaw anytime for that. 

Well, you’ll be happy to know yesterday I did make some personal goals. After zone conference I decided I can be doing some thing more than I am regardless of my companions, (Elder Navarrette, and Elder Aguilar).  After conference. I was so excited for the future. Even though we get fed a lot I’ve lost a lot of size from the MTC. Slimming back down and getter tanner and my dark hair is getting lighter again. I love speaking the language, it’s almost like a game to me, and in fact, I dreamt in Spanish last night. The members here are a blast, they are so fun, and outgoing except referral-wise, and giving us a ride wise. It stinks that we have to get a ride everyday to our area, we live in an urban white community and work in downtown southern Ogden. What’s worse is all the other missionaries have brand new Malibu’s!!! 

Please apologize to Nana and Dave’s family, I’ll try to write them tonight, if not... sorry!

 Ok, love you all -

Elder PTSolomon

 

 

 

I'm knockin' doors now

Ok mom, to start off primo means cousin, I'm your hijo. Ha-ha!

 Well this place is nuts, it’s not really that big but there are a lot of poor people and bums, a lot of bums.  When we are out knocking doors it’s the white people who scare, me believe it or not. I just give them a pass along card and ask them if they have any Spanish neighbors. My comp doesn’t really speak English but he’s an awesome solid Elder from Ecuador.  He’s a hard worker but sometimes there is a little language barrier. My Spanish is getting a lot better, I can follow along with the conversations but I don’t really contribute a whole lot! A lot of the people we contact don’t straight up turn us down.  In a city with a pretty bad economy, it’s amazing how much everyone works. But then we’ll get an appointment and go and no one will be home, kinda frustrating.  We were supposed to have four lessons yesterday and none of them were home, so I got a lot of walking in! We don’t have a car or bicycle so we have to get a ride into Ogden everyday and then walk, and then get a ride back to our apartments, which are like 8 miles away form where we do a lot of work. But the people are so nice they always give us water and such. On Saturday we dropped by an investigators house and they had a family party and we ended up having two dinners. 

 The branch is cool; they are super nice as well. I should be going to Mexico within a week, but if not, oh well, there is work to be done here.  A lot of people just love the place I'm going.  They say I will love it. Hope everything is well with you all.  Wish I could’ve been there for Jalin’s sealing, but this [being here] is making mine all the much better; love you all pray for you. I’ll be able to send pictures over email now so I’ll have to do that next week. I'll write Grandma-don’t worry.  I’ll send snail mail though.

Ok bye---Elder Solomon

I've got my umbrella

I found him!  Welcome Elder John Reed, buddy!

Well momma, sounds like quite the spiritual week.  [You] left one thing out though, patience.  I’m still here and last night I decided that this is the Lord’s mission so I’m gonna stop stinkin whining and suck it up. I’m going to be temporarily reassigned now and ill find out where tomorrow.  I’ll go where you want me to go right? They missed a part, I’ll go WHEN you want me to go.

It’s ok, I’ll find John today and whip his butt in shape. I saw the Reed mobile on the way back from the temple this morning and left a note on it.  It was really cool to see something familiar.

 

Any who… mom your letter was pretty cool. I just studied 2 Nephi 2 yesterday.  It took me an hour and half. The cool thing about being in the RC [Referral center] is that I’ve found the Institute Manuals online and so I’ve been using those as well. But ya verse 11, I use it a lot with people wondering why their lives are all jacked up, Elder Holland said in a talk I wish I could find (it was a MTC devotional in like 2000) ‘missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience’. The same goes for any true disciple of Christ. He asked us " it was NEVER easy for him so why would we ever think it would be easy for us?" in my personal opinion I think it a privilege to suffer for him, to take a measly two steps up Calvary, like Elder Holland said.

 

It sounds like good things are going on at home. I saw Justin Kelley a few times. He’s already changed a lot, down to business! Doesn’t really talk to me a lot, he’s really into preparing himself, which is awesome.

 

 I’m letting everyone off the hook mail wise because of the situation I’m in, but still email. I think the Dear Elder letters have their way of finding missionaries wherever they are. But hey, I get to say I served three missions by the end of this. One in Mexico, Salt lake (I don’t know) and the RC!!!! yay!...

 

Elder Hoyt [pretty much has his first baptism, lady from England... She’s all over chat.  She meets with the missionaries on Saturday. I started packing my bags today just cuz, only left a few extra shirts and my toothbrush out. It’s called "bringing your umbrella". Part of real hope.  Real quick... story of a small community that was suffering bad from drought for a long time. The ward decided to have a ward prayer at the chapel.  As a family was getting in the car the little girl ran back inside and grabbed a small black bag. As the ward got together and prayed it started raining so hard the ward ran inside to get cover from the pelting rain, except the little girl and the Bishop.  As he walked over to her she pulled out of her bag an umbrella and asked the Bishop if he would join her under it. Moral of the story? If you want something to happen plan on it! Thus the phrase I now use "bring your umbrella" now that takes faith! Awesome well I love you all. I’e lost a lot of fat in the RC…we get sack lunches now, which are faster and a lot healthier for you, just for those of you that were wondering:) My time is up. I’ll call this week (maybe) ---Elder Solomon

[Moms' note:  Preston did call today.  He has been freed from the RC and will start hitting the streets of OGDEN, UTAH this Friday while he awaits clearance to proceed to Mexico, which will probably be about a week.  He is excited.  He helped Elder Kelley loosen up alittle by teaching him how to make lite sabers.  He, John, Justin and Derek Buttars were all able to meet up today.  Go QC missionaries! He sounds so good and confident.  I didn't even cry, but I did beg him to call me again before he boards the plan to Mexico.  That will be the last phone call until Christmas. ]

IT AIN'T BUDGING!

P day [Preparation day] got switched to Wednesday for the old folks here.

 

[Preston got a panicky email from his mom who was worried when she didn’t receive the expected email on Tuesday]

 

Sorry, first off Nancy, you scared the crap out of me, I got your letter and started reading without looking who it was from, I thought it was from my mom... well after I got back in my chair and changed my pants I realized who it was from, that’s so stinkin exciting!!!!!!!! Congratulations!  [Aunt Nancy is pregnant!]

 

But momma, WE GOT OUR PERMISAS!!!!!!! We should be leaving in a few days like within a week! Our whole district is just bouncing off the walls like Brighton Jr. at the dinner table. Man it’s exciting and weird to think we're not going to spend the rest of eternity in here, weird thought.  Someone told me an average missionary’s goal in our mission is roughly 130 baptism............. wow!

 

 

Many of the Elders in our district now have progressing investigators in the RC [the Referral Center –missionaries answer phone calls and request for information from the Church’s website].  I don’t cuz I just stink at it, so Elder Buttars and me get to visit a bunch.  I'm still working my butt off, in fact I might need to get some reading glasses in Mexico as this computer screen and book stuff all day has really taken a toll on my eyes... we’ll see what happens.

 

Another scare this week, Jalin's wedding announcement! Wow kinda weird but so stinkin exciting, she’ll have a kid before I’m back!  That is the wierd part. I told her I’ll be an uncle.

 

Well one quick story about the RC and a man who tried to shake my faith and I’m telling you all now IT AINT BUDGING!  It was a chat and he tried telling me Mormonism is devilish, and that the temple ordinances are just freemason stuff, he really tried to get me to look into the freemason practices, and kept saying stuff like” it’s ok God loves Mormon’s too".  After a while I decided it was time to end it, I told him something to the effect of " I am a representative of Jesus Christ, and I bear witness of His divinity and that he is the head of this church and this work.  I am lesser to you and yet I know the truth of these things, I ask you to turn your heart back to the God who created you and to where you can have the Holy Ghost that you have been missing so much".  He was a member for 29 years.  After that I just ended it.  It felt good to really testify of who I am and what I am doing to someone outside these gates and to feel the spirit flow through me as I typed the words...

I cant wait to be in Mexico, got a letter from Jerry Hahn, tell his family hi and I miss them, especially Clay-man he made me laugh when I was a bit down and I had a good day after that.

 

Not gonna lie, I’m so stinkin jealous of your hike, that sounds like the funnest thing ever right now, I don’t think id be able to keep up with you at the end, I’m fat boy now, hahahaha!

 

Boys good luck at school, remember who you are and who you represent, think about that for a while. Well I wanna let you know I know that God lives and it is wonderful to be able to bear testimony of that, I love you all and hope everything is well.

 

Adios les amo,

Elder Solomon

 

I got a weight set

Well another week come and gone, still here in the MTC. We had our last day of class yesterday, were getting kicked out of our classroom and becoming permanent residents of the Referral center! yay... actually its awesome, at least were doing real missionary work. I've started doing phone calls in Spanish, at first it was hard but it’s getting easier. They are SO much nicer than stinkin Americans, every call answered your at least placing a Book of Mormon, a lot of the time sending missionaries. I'm so excited to get down there. We talked to a native Mexican the other day and he said Toluca (the main city in our mission) is just absolutely beautiful.  Can’t wait!

 

I saw Taylor Dayton, a Snowflake friend in here the other day.  It was pretty cool and can't wait to see TR Workman tomorrow. We’re getting a new district of Spanish speakers and I’m hoping he’s in it!!! Any who, is it football camp week? Hahaha suckers, good times. What’s goin on on the home front? Haven’t heard from anyone in a bit so I’m assuming everything is well.

 

Well had a good week, got a quote for ya "if you ask the Lord for strength He'll send you a weight set" pretty cool considering He doesn’t just give us what we ask for most the time, just a way that we can obtain what we want through our own efforts, making sense? Example, it seems when I pray for patience, ill have a couple encounters with Elders who just bug the snot out of me, instead of giving me patience, He gives me the opportunity to be patient and work on that. Reading in Ether this week pretty cool stuff, the Brother of Jared had two problems, one of them the Lord gave him the answer, the other, the Lord asked "how would you have me help you" (more or less) same thing with us. All too often we ask, "what should we do" when we should be asking, "is this the right choice" (after studying it out and making a decision). How could we grow and progress if we don’t make any decisions on our own? The Lord lets us make decisions to grow from them, of course remember the Brother of Jared. "How do you want me to help you?" always have Him help you.   We held a mock baptismal service yesterday, it was sweet, the spirit was strong and we all got real excited to hold a real one of our own in the field. Personally I can’t wait to have one with a whole family! Cool stuff, an elder here has the quote for his mission” I leave my family for two years so I can bring other families together forever." I really like that.

 

Well I hope all is well in the home front, is it school time? I need to boys to be an example to everyone there. The best advice I can give you is what president Hinckley did. "Don’t do anything stupid" please remember that! Hahaha love you all and I know this is true more so than we can comprehend,

 

Les amo,

Elder Solomon

tears and happiness

[Mom’s note:  Elder Solomon was allowed to call home last Friday to tell us, officially, that he has been delayed in going to Mexico.  He will remain at the MTC until his Visa clears, most likely three weeks.  It was a very short 5 minute call, and yes, momma got choked up and teary eyed,,,but it was so good to hear his voice!]

 

Ok mom, not gonna lie… I cried for a while after hanging up, I miss my momma! But I'm fine now. Dad some thing kinda funny everyone in my district calls me "solly" or Elder Solly, its kinda cool and reminds me of you.  They came up with it all on their own. 

 

Well, we’re finally over the sicknesses, guess we should've done blessings sooner! Elder Hoyt and me actually blessed each other with the help of our roomies, it was really a neat experience, we then took the opportunity to bless the others just cuz we can (blessings of comfort) and low and behold it worked! Amazing stuff!

 

We’re staring to teach the third lesson this week.  It’s less work cuz we already know a bit of vocab and we’ve gotten pretty good at finding a way around the words we don’t know. We pry (probably) won’t have our teachers as much now that we are on the delay, so that'll be good. I can polish up my rough grammar and keep studying my scrips (scriptures). I'm in third Nephi right now, its such a cool book, I love "plastering" my pages with my thoughts, I'm almost all the way through since I've got here, I'm also studying the Bible too, well just the cool chapters in the old testament and the chapter heading on the others, but the new testament too. I skipped the gospels and went into the rest. Its tough reading compared to the Book of Mormon. The BoM is just so clear and beautiful, I love it!

 

Well, I miss you all. Sheldon you better have something to say to me at Christmas you little turd!!! [when speaking to him on the phone, Sheldon had nothing to say!]  I love you all so much and know with all my heart this gospel is true. I love learning Spanish, it’s so cool! I'm gonna try to send some pictures over email so ill cut this one short.

 

Les amo,

Elder Solomon

 

P.S.  I saw Elder Isham here the other day.  He’s heading to Montana! and guess what?  He shaved!!!

 

Ok, [sending pictures] didnt work, anywho…I got to talk to the old mission president of Mex City East.  He said it is more technological advanced than any city in Utah, (shooting down Elder Hoyt), and you can buy whatever you want, he said to use the pouch for letters and money and don’t even worry about packages unless your using Fedex cuz you can get whatever down there and its cheaper, said were gonna love it…can’t wait! ok paz