The Book Of Mormon Is True And Sacrifice Brings Of Heaven

Dutch Waffle Love In Guatemala

The 18th was a very special day. I did not feel sad or anything. And I didn't miss home. That day the Lord truly lifted me up. I was so lifted up. It was amazing. I am so grateful for the Lord and the tender mercies I receive. Each week I'm feeling better, the only problem is I'm always hungry-Always!!! Food update for the week: I had some candy fruit. It's some kind of dried fruit in sugar. Its wow, so good. Loved it. I finally opened the dutch waffles and I loved them. Dutch Waffle Love. Ahhhhh so good with pancakes!! I also had some wierd vegetable thing this past week. I cant really explain it. And I had an amazing carrot cake yesterday. And finally I ate at this restraunt and in the soup I found a shrimp head. Not so sure about that. I have to say I am a great chef! I can make the best eggs, beans, pancakes, and pasta. I can also make a mean sandwich. Not much time for lunch so a sandwich it is. If I had a longer lunch I could make some mean food but I can't and that is fine. I also can pour a mean bowl of cereal. HAHA!!! I use powder milk now. It is cheaper than buying milk every week. It is a 3 liter bag and it is Nestle powder milk, it's actually pretty good. The elder I replaced left some cologne so I use it every now and then. When I do use it I have to say it feels good to smell nice and feel refreshed. And dang it smells good. Anyway yesterday the family we always eat lunch with on Sundays had this neon green vest. I loved it and she told me I could have it. Your going to crack up. Also we went to a members house and they had a bunny. The bunny lives with a guinea pig. I thought I would never see a pet rabbit in Guatemala. Definitely not as cute as Nibbles. 

Soup and Shrimp Head-YUM!

This week has been about faith and the Book of Mormon. When we don't use the Book of Mormon in our lessons the lessons definitely are not as good. When we use the Book of Mormon the lessons are great. One of the lessons we taught this week we read the Book of Mormon with our investigator, Sergio. The spirit was amazing. I can't even begin to describe how amazing it was. We didn't truly teach a lesson we just sat down and read and talked about each verse. The Book of Mormon is the most amazing book on earth. It truly is a book from God. No man could have written such a book, only if he were commanded of God to write such a book. There is no way the natural man could write the Book of Mormon. It is impossible. The words in the Book of Mormon are words from God. They are not words from man. The Book of Mormon is true. It is the only way to find out that the church is true. The Book of Mormon is the key stone to our religion. When I am feeling down, sad, happy or whatever I feel like at that moment I pick up a copy of the Book of Mormon and read it. I feel twice as good and my spirits are lifted. Every time I read I find a verse for me. Always. I want everyone to know that to know that I KNOW the Book of Mormon is true. It is the Word of God.

 

Yesterday Elizabeth came to church. She couldn't make Sacrament Meeting but she was able to come to Sunday School and some of Relief Society. She has a date set for baptism on Sunday and she needs to attend one more time which is this Sunday. I could be having my first baptism on Sunday. All I can say is it is in God's hands. No matter whats happens its OK because it's the Father's plan and we must always be willing submit to the Father's will.

My Sweet New Neon Vest

I know that Christ lives. I can say with power, I know he lives. I know that our Father in Heaven lives and he loves us. I know that Joesph Smith is a Prophet of God. I know that he is in the mansions the Father has prepared for him. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God every sentence, every verse and every page. I know the Church is true. I know we are all Children of God. I know SACRIFICE BRINGS THE BLESSINGS OF HEAVEN. "Our lives of service and sacrifice are the most appropriate expressions of our commitment to serve the Master and our fellowmen." Elder Dallin H. Oaks. No sacrifice is to great to serve the Lord and be a tool in his hands. Seeing Christ work thru me and seeing the atonement work miracles and submitting to the Father's will is beyond amazing. I want to devote my life to serving the Lord and always be on His errand. 

Just One More For You Mom!

What I love about Mom is that she posted pics and what I love about Dad is that he printed the pics for me.

Ducks forever

Love,

Elder Mcilmoil
October 21, 2013

Tortilla count for the week: 39

Scripture of the week: Ether 12:3-Strengthen Your Faith. 

Always remember you are loved, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBSwA8pMgrA

 

Families Forever

 

Fresh Grilled Corn Guatemalan Style

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOPE IT'S A GREAT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just to let you know I have finished the medication and I'm feeling a lot better! This week I went on divisions, it so was amazing. We worked very hard and I was able to share a lot and I also gave 2 messages. It was amazing. I loved it. When I was on divisions we at Domino's or Dominator. So good. The people here love pizza with ketchup. I tried it and its not bad especially if the piece your eating doesn't have much pizza sauce. On Sunday I had a very interesting salad.  It was solid vegetables. It had onions, broccoli and some other veggies with some kind of sauce. Don't worry I ate every single piece. I have to tell you I don't like plantains. I just can't eat them and I can barley eat papaya. Both are just so gross. Anyway I had some kind of fruit this week. It tasted like candy; like candy fruit. It was so good. Wow--Loved it! So the people here have to have some kind of hot drink with every meal. It is weird. I don't think they like cold drinks. I just don't get it. This is also crazy and great, you buy coconuts already opened. I don't have to use my mad coconut skills to open one, already done; ready to drink and eat. It is sweet.

Just Me and My Coconut 

I gave the message in district meeting this week. The message was way different than I have ever given. I took my name tag off and shared my first name and then I talked about Peter. "Peter was one of the greatest of men. It is true that the New Testament recounts some mortal weaknesses, but it also illustrates that he overcame them and was made strong by his faith in Jesus Christ." Bible Dictionary. Peter was, in President Kimball’s words, “a diamond in the rough—a diamond that would need to be cut, trimmed, and polished by correction, chastisement, and trials—but nevertheless a diamond of real quality." We are all like Peter. The spirit was so strong as I spoke. It is just so amazing what happens you become a tool in the Lord's hands as you teach. We have 2 dates set for baptism, October 26th. One is our investigator Elizabeth, she is just wow! She knows the church is true and the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith is a prophet. Her mom passed away 2 years ago. You can tell the gospel has brought her some comfort. I have never had such a special love for someone I barley know. It's amazing. Mom will you write her a letter and share with her how the gospel comforted you when Gramma passed away. The other person is Cristina. She said yes when we asked her to be baptized but we are going have to do a lot of praying for her. She is very shy and quite. Just a very difficult situation because she doesn't say anything. If it's the Lord's will that she is to baptized on October 26th then it will happen. 

Chichi Taxi Service: Tuc Tuc

I am getting used to the culture and everything. Since I'm feeling better everyday, I'm reciving a better attitude each day. The days are getting easier, well as easy as you can say on your mission. I'm finally getting used to the fact that I won't see my parents for 2 years. Sacrifices are to made to be a disciple of Christ. I just want you to know this gospel is so amazing. The gospel shows how much Heavenly Father loves each one of us. He has given us this gospel and his beloved Son, Jesus Christ so we can live with OUR FAMILIES FOREVER in happiness. That is all I want. I just want to be with my own family. I do not want anyone to suffer for all eternity and not live with their family forever in happiness. Giving up my family for 2 years so others can be with theirs for eternity is so worth it! I'm also learning to be patient with myself. It is so hard but I am learning and receiving patience with myself and with people. If you don't have patience well the mission will teach you patience in a very hard way. I am so grateful for patience. I know that through patience and constant study I will receive the gift of tongues.

What I love about my parents is the way they raised me.

Love You, Ducks Forever!

Elder Mcilmoil

October 14, 2013

This week I had 50 tortillas!!!

Scriptures of the week: Luke 5:10 and Mormon chapter 5- -We have a very special responsibility to gather the house of Israel. 

Just Chillin'

P-Day Fun With The District

Treatment, Conference And Help Hasten The Work

On Tuesday I got super sick with a fever of 39.50 celcius. Seriously I was super sick. I have never been so sick ever at anytime in my life. I was at lunch with our Branch President's wife and the hermanas and they said you should go take a nap and that I needed to go to a clinic. I went back to our apartment and tried to sleep, I couldn't and called the mission nurses and they said just take pepto bismol and Tylenol. I was thinking no way this bad so I went to the clinic and the doctors saw how bad I was and gave me an iv. It was crazy. I'm so grateful the clinic has such great medical care. I was impressed with them. The whole time I felt peace which was amazing because I felt beyond horrible. I'm now being treated with medication and feel so good. By the way I have fleas, you should see my calves and ankles!

 

I was able to watch conference and there was such a special spirit. There was a message in each talk for me. When we arrived they only had Spanish set up and I was crushed because I was told they would have it in English. Silently I pray and say, "Heavenly Father I will do what you want me to do." Still being upset I went to listen to the MOTAB, and as I do and my heart is slowly softened. I felt I needed to say one more prayer and express the gratitude in my heart and these words come to my mind, "My Good And Faithful Servant Thy Prayers Have Been Heard And Answered." I continue to sit there having those words repeat in my mind for several minutes. I get up and walk to where my comp is and the President of the Stake asks me do you want to listen in English and I said yes! He then asked if I had permission to listen in English and I said yes. My prayers were answered and I was able to listen to conference in English. It was amazing! I just love conference. I did listen to Elder Scott's talk in Spanish. Hey Dad don't worry I got ice cream after  the priesthood session. The most comforting words of all conference were in Elder Holland's talk. When he shared these words, "Even the Sons Of Mosiah felt depressed. Ammon felt depressed at one point." My heart leaped with joy for I have felt great discouragement and depression while I have been so sick and those words brought comfort and peace. The messages of the general authorities are amazing. After conference I decided to study the words of Peter and Paul because they were mentioned in almost every talk.

The hermanas and our Branch President and his wife bought us Domino's Pizza. That is the tradition when there are changes (transfers). We had 5 large pizzas and I had 8 slices. It was so good! I'm starving now that I feel so much better. I just have to say I had some great food this week. 

There is an investigator we are teaching and she is reading the Book of Mormon. Her name is Elizabeth. Please pray for her that she can be given the strength to come to church. She knows the Church is true and that Joseph Smith es la profeta de dios. She just needs the courage to come to church. We were also teaching this hermano and he said he wanted to be baptized but has since changed his mind--his words, "nah I've been baptized already." That bites. One day he will know the church is true. I know if people paid attention to the Bible they would know the Bible teaches God's true doctrine. Acts 2:38 teaches true doctrine. I have learned this week that the spirit will have you talk about things that you have never thought about and are able to share in a lesson.

 

We as missionaries need the members help more than EVER! President Monson said this in conference, "Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, go work together, to labor in the Lord's vineyard to bring souls unto to Him." Please do this and the blessings will be beyond great. The church is true and the Lord is hastening his work. 

I love you all the way to the moon and back,

Elder Mcilmoil 
October 7, 2013

Total of tortillas for week: 20

Scriptures of the week: Doctrine and Covenants 35:13-14 and 18:15-16

Do his work and stand for truth and righteousness.

Love Him And Take His Hand

 

Mowing The Lawn-Guatemalan Style

This week I have learned a lot and I know the Lord continues to bless me through this illness. I have had a lot of stomach pain. I was truly blessed with the Lord's help in receiving added strength. I know I'm on the road to recovery. I went on divisions and learned that you can be brand new to an area and you can still know someone needs you as you listen to the spirit. I have learned that we NEED to be obedient in all things and that includes the little things. Every night this week we have returned home past 9:50 p.m. Not good. This will be different this week and will be home on time. I have also learned the Book of Mormon is not complete without the Bible. Why because the gospel is preached by the mouth of at least 2 witnesses. Elder M. Russel Ballard said, "The Book of Mormon testifies of the Bible, and both testify of Christ." The Book of Mormon and the Bible complement and support one other. Studying them together can clarify some concepts that are difficult to understand. The Book of Mormon tells us to read the Bible and affirms that its message is true (Mormon 7:8-10). If we truly think about it, neither one is complete without the other. I know "The scriptures are essential in receiving a testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel." as shared by Elder Robert D. Hales

So this week I had the most disgusting drink in the world. It was a mashed up corn tortilla and water. I have never had something so gross in all my life. It was nasty. After words I wanted to puke for the rest of the day. Not good at all! Let me just say the tortillas are endless!! I have learned that when I put ketchup on them I can pound them. It is so good. I also had corn tamales this week, I did not like them. I had a corn drink and it is the craziest thing in the world. It was dang good. This is crazy but when we have corn on the cob we put lime juice on it and is way good. You should try it. I am learning to love chilli. Its just hot sauce or jalapenos, carrots and some other stuff  in a can. It basically is just hot stuff. Sometimes its so good.

This is an experience I had this week, as I taught this lady you could just feel the spirit take over the room and the room became dead silent. I just kept talking and words came to my mind. I understood all of them. I could feel the power of the spirit and I was the voice. It was crazy. I have learned that thru faith in Christ we will Speak his words. It doesn't matter how new or old you are or what language you speak if you are humble enough and have enough faith you will be that missionary or that person you need to become. Faith is amazing and I will admit I have felt my faith slip at times this week when I have been so miserable but we must put our trust in the Lord and we will be lifted. Take his hand. 

Take my hand and follow me,

There are things ahead for you to see.

Little wonders are all around,
And tender mercies to be found.

We’ll take our time, no need to run,
Breathe deep the air and feel the sun.

The grass is soft beneath our feet,
Sounds are soothing, the air is sweet.

Sometimes we’ll stop and just be still,
Our hearts will tell us God is real!

Small graces along our path appear,
They let us know that Heaven’s near.

So take my hand anew each day
The walk is lovely and I know the way.

This describes my week. At times he will lead us through hard times for it is for our own good. Always, always follow the spirit for when you do you gain trust from the Lord and always show your love for him. Please love him with all your heart and take his hand. 

What I love about Mom is the Greg Olsen pics sent me. What I love about Dad is that he has shown me how to act with power and authority in the priesthood.

Ducks Forever
Love,
Elder Mcilmoil
September 30, 2013

Tortilla count for the week: 20

Scriptures of the week: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 and 13:1

Cup Of Si