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

These Things Shall Give Thee Experience

I have been way sick this week but I have also had a very special experience. I have never felt so close to Christ all day. I felt like I was walking with him to the hill Golgotha as he carried the cross and felt as if I helped him carry the cross. I felt what it is like not be loved for my comp wasn't very patient with me but I still loved him. I also can say brother Joesph is amazing. For I have never felt so miserable in all my life. As Elder Holland said, "Before our lives are over we may all be given a little taste of what the prophets faced. We will be called upon to face trying times. When that happens we can sometimes fear that God has abandoned us, and we might be left, at least for a time, to wonder when our troubles will ever end. When lonely, cold, hard times come, we have to endure, we have to continue, we have to persist. Remember that God has not forgotten you and that the Savior has been where you have been and heaven’s kindness will never depart from you." We must remember, "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high" I also felt the pain of Grammy and have felt her close by. I know there is much to learn from my suffering and pain and I also know it will come to an end.

I am starting to understand about 60% of Spanish but it is still very hard to speak but I am speaking better each week. I think my journey to learn another language is beginning. We have a new family and they only speak K'iche'. Our first lesson with them is tomorrow and will have to bring a translator with us. I also gave out another Book of Mormon. Something I have learned is that the very best missionaries don't always have to say a lot during the lesson. Sometimes their presence in a lesson is all that matters. Those missionaries are ones that have submitted to the Father's will and truly listens for the promptings of the spirit as to when to speak and is willing to do what the Father asks without hesitation. Those are the best missionaries.

I have a funny story. So this sister hasn't been to church in a month, she has a new born baby that is about a month old. Elder Bonilla said we need to get her to come to church. I was like wait a minute, she has a baby that is a month old and hasn't been to church in a month. Then I tried to explain back home new Moms don't go to church for about month and a half and a lot of Moms don't leave the house because of the babies health. He then said they don't do that here. I said let's go visit her and share when Christ blesses all the children. So we did and the sister and her husband have been to church every single week since we visited them. 

I received your package. Boy did it make my day. Thank you so much for everything in there. I just wept when I opened it and read the letter. It was amazing. I took pictures of it!! So this morning I made apple pancakes. They were way good. I had my first street food. It was good but I kind of had to eat it because it was an inactive family and I didn't want to offend them. It was their last corn on the cob and then they gave us Arroz Con Leche (Mexican rice pudding). I'm starting to like the tortillas now. Which is good since we have them every time we eat with a family. We eat a lot of eggs and beans not much rice, when we do it is so good. And let me just say I have eaten a lot of beans this week. When we eat with the members I help them cook. I love it because I kind of get to talk with them and I get to cook and learn new things for them. They are so surprised when I help; I don't think they have many missionaries help with cooking. It is so awesome. Anyway I have a sweet wallet now. It is made out of chip bags. An elder in my district makes wallets, it is sweet! This coming Saturday I will be teaching an English class at 3 o'clock. Wish me luck. Mom with the Spanish be patient and don't worry about memorizing every verb. I am still learning and memorizing. The temple will help you and you learn everything that you need to learn. 

Chip Bag Wallet

 

I have also learned if your not obedient you will be unsuccessful, we have returned home late, more than 20 minutes late multiple times this past week and it has effected us a lot. I want to share with all of you again: Numbers Will Never Truly Show Your Success. Don't let numbers bother you. Submit to the Father's will and when you do--You Will Have Success With Families and Those You Teach. 

What I love about Mom and Dad is the package they sent!!!!!

Ducks forever!

Love,
Elder Mcilmoil

September 23, 2013

Total tortillas for the week: 35

 

Scripture of the week:  Doctrine & Covenants 122:7,9...all these things shall give thee experience and shall be for thy good. And will give us light. The Church is true and Christ is our Savior, we need to come to him and be perfected through him. 

Ancient Ruins In Chichi

 

Chichicastenango, Guatemala

Chinese Food For Lunch In Chichi, Guatemala

My Homemade Apple Pancakes

Eathquake, Soccer And The Spirit

"Hangin' with Sully"

"Me and My Minion"

I experienced my first earthquake last week. It is the weirdest thing in the world; it is so cool but beyond weird. It was crazy, all the lights went out for an hour and it was dark! Feeling the earth shake and the building move is something else. Just so strange. So I went to the clinic on Tuesday and I may have 2 parasites. I go back to the clinic tomorrow for my results of the another test called cultivo. I have a strong feeling there is a reason I'm having to go through this trial. I don't know why, but there is a reason. As Elder Neil L. Anderson said, "During a trial, we are spiritually refined and strengthened." And Elder D. Todd Christofferson explained what he learned from a personal trial: “Though I suffered then, as I look back now, I am grateful that there was not a quick solution to my problem. The fact that I was forced to turn to God for help almost daily over an extended period of years taught me truly how to pray and get answers to prayer and taught me in a very practical way to have faith in God. I came to know my Savior and my Heavenly Father in a way and to a degree that might not have happened otherwise or that might have taken me much longer to achieve. … I learned to trust in the Lord with all my heart. I learned to walk with Him day by day.” I am trying to eat, it is just hard because it just goes right through me. Anyway here is the food update for the week. I had a tres leches cake, let me just say Costa Vida and Cafe Rio have way better tres leches. I was so disappointed. There is a Chinese Guatemalan Restaurant where we have district meetings. WOW it is dang good. On Monday we ate with the members and they made us some great soup. Then on Saturday I had a huge ice cream thing called a Bomba. It was so good.

Saturday we had an activity with members and non members, we played soccer. There is nothing like being the fastest kid out there. The funny thing is that I'm not even running. I will admit I schooled a couple of them and that was funny since they don't like it because I'm a gringo. I am able to keep my cool and not be competitive which is very nice. I'm so grateful for that blessing. When I was on divisions I mowed another lawn with a machete. It was sweet. By the way Mom, I just let you know I make my bed every morning.

We went to visit a lady that hasn't been able to walk for 7 years. We weren't expecting her husband to be home but he was there when we came. He had the smell of beer, he could understand everything were saying so I know he wasn't drunk. He expressed his feelings of pain and sorrows; when he was done I was holding back tears. I have never felt so much love and compassion for people in my life. He asked me if I suffer back in the States and I told him I did. Then I told him with tears in my eyes, "I feel your pain Hermano." I gave him a huge hug and we wept for a little bit. I gave him a Book Of Mormon. I saw a hint of hope and light in his eyes when I talked about the Book Of Mormon. I feel very strongly he will be baptized in this life and so will his wife. It is amazing what you can do thru the spirit. The spirit can guide you to do amazing things. Words can't describe what it feels like saying words that are not yours. It is amazing. Acting upon the spirit is the greatest gift in the world. We always have to stay strong and have faith. The Lord is blessing us and has people for all of us to teach. The Priesthood truly has power. It is a power from God and it is the greatest gift. It is so amazing. ALWAYS LISTEN to the SPIRIT. 

What I love about Mom is the charity she has and what I love about Dad is how he magnifies his calling.

Love,

Elder Mcilmoil

September 16, 201

Tortillas this week: 15

Scripture of the week: John 14:27

Nachos I made for dinner.

"The Bomba"

"Breakfast of Champions" (drinking OJ from a bowl)

Two Months, Parasites, And No Root Beer!

I can't believe 2 months has gone by. It seems so fast yet forever. I ate at a restaurant in some huge warehouse, it was dang good! So I do have a parasite. The nurse in the mission office had me go to a clinic here in Chici and I had some tests done. The results came back which said I have a parasite. I'm not being treated, I have to go back to the clinic on Tuesday for another test and then then the nurse will determine the treatment I need. It has been a rough week because of my illness. I have no idea how I make it thru each day, I pray to receive strength and I go to work. I'm greatly blessed to make it thru the whole day. To be honest I have never experienced so much pain. Sometimes I think this could be a glimpse of being in the garden, I cannot comprehend how much Christ suffered. How he didn't turn back is amazing. The tender mercies of the Lord provide so much strength. Elder Bednar said, "The persistence and the fortitude that enables us to press forward with cheerfulness through physical limitations and difficulties are examples of the tender mercies of the Lord." Our hearts should be filled with gratitude for His abundance of tender mercies given to us. I received a priesthood blessing from an Elder who spoke English. In the blessing he said I would be healed according to my faith. I have learned that we can only do the Father's will and if the Father's will is to have me suffer for the rest of the month or my entire mission then I will suffer. So I have worse news than the parasite. It is heart breaking and I bawl like a baby every time I think about it! NO ROOT BEER!!!! Zero, none, zilch!!! Ok only one place in Xela has some but if your never called to serve there you won't get Root Beer. Truly heart breaking. And there is also have zero Pop Tarts here! Hey at least they have peanut butter. So one morning we had bad milk like bad bad. We bought it the day before and it was bad the next day. Both jugs were bad. Crazy. The bread here is amazing. I have never had such good bread I think I need to talk to Bishop because I eat the bread way to much. It is just so good. And there are so many different kinds of bread. Its so weird. Anyway I to got my haircut for the first time here, they trim your hair with a straight razor. It is sweet.

The talk I gave on Sunday went good or at least I think. My topic was repentance. I didn't speak for very long but I believe I said what I needed to say. I said something I was not expecting but I was given an impression in my mind during the very first hymn we sang. The Hermanas spoke with me. They both spoke a long time, it was all good. This was my first talk in Guatemala and in Spanish. I never had the opportunity to speak in the CCM. The members feed us on Sunday. I had rice and some chili stuff. It was good.  

Well I can say I am an amazing chef. Guy Fieri would be impressed with what I can pull off with what we have. I should be able to dominate on Iron Chef when I come home. I have also had a frozen banana covered in chocolate and cream with nuts on it. It was good but it's way different. I liked it but I didn't like it at the same time. Here is my recipe for the Best Breakfast Soup: rice, water, milk or soy milk

Boil the water then add milk and bring that to a boil then throw in the rice. Cook it until the rice is just the way you want it. You can add cinnamon, chocolate, vanilla, maple or whatever you want with it. It is so good. (you will have to experiment with it at first but it is way easy, I can't give exact measurements, it is just by hand)

I have learned from all the missionaries that we walk way to fast. We need to slow down. We represent Christ and he would never walk fast. When we walk fast we are not in tune with the spirit as we should be. We can't hear those tiny promptings. As President Monson said, "There is always time for pancakes." We need to take that advice and slow down. Take your time even if your going be late, who knows what the Lord has in store for you in your next 3 to 11 steps.

We set a baptismal date yesterday. It feels good to have a date set but I think to many missionaries are to concerned with numbers. Elder Bednar taught you truly need to think why you want to serve. You should never think about numbers. Your here so that families can be together forever and you should do whatever it takes for them to achieve that. Don't be concerned with dates and baptism be more concerned for their salvation and how you can help them achieve eternal life. 

This is great, I cut this guys yard with a machete!! And of course I forgot my camera. It was so cool. it is way hard but its sweet. You have to tell Shortie not to mow his lawn for 2 years and I will cut his yard for 100 bucks with a machete. It will be the best looking lawn in the neighborhood.

What I love about Mom is her testimony. What I love about Dad is that he is a worthy priesthood holder. 

Love ya,

Elder Mcilmoil 
September 9, 2013

Tortillas this week: 7

  

Scripture of the week: Doctrine and Covenants 133:50--We Will Never Be Alone

Go And Serve Everybody

 

So lets see what happened this week, I read a talk by Elder Neil L. Anderson, this is his promise, "I promise you, as you pray to know with whom to speak, names and faces will come into your mind. Words to speak will be given in the very moment you need them. Opportunities will open to you. Faith will overcome doubt, and the Lord will bless you with your very own miracles." This talk isentitled, "It's A Miracle" http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/its-a-miracle?lang=eng Such a great talk, everyone should read it. I find such great comfort and joy when I read conference talks, they are full of guidance and comfort.

I also went to the capital for visa stuff and was reunited with my old district. They are amazing. I like to call us the sons of Mosiah. It was a long trip so we had to stay the night in a hotel. We had good experiences as we are all together. I went on divisions (splits) with one of the zone leaders. I learned so much from this experience. He taught me so much. It is good to see how others teach. When I was on divisions with one of the zone leaders I helped give a blessing. I was able to speak Spanish as I asked to anoint.I have handed out a total of 6 Books of Mormon. My companion has suggested we need to fast for our investigators that they will be committed in keeping their baptism dates. We have fasted many times. So I'm able to understand and speak Spanish better each day. I had an experience with the gift of tongues, I had no idea what I said but words just filled my mouth.
 
Just to let you know the food is good. I had potato tomatillo on Sunday with a member family. I'm sick again with the same thing like I had in CCM. My experience this time wasn't as bad since I didn't throw up. Everything just runs right through me and I still haven't gotten over my dumb cold. Needless to say I don't feel so swell right now. The week has had its ups and downs but a good amount of ups. I have learned that if you don't have the spirit you might as well not show up to the investigators house for your appointment. You cannot teach without the spirit no matter how good your knowledge is. It is better to follow the spirit more than anything because the man upstairs knows everything. I have also learned the Lord loves to give you little tads of revelation like little sticky notes.
 
The world is so full of wickedness the time to teach as the ancients is now and we must serve the Lord. As Elder Holland has said, "In this battle between good and evil, you cannot play for the adversary whenever temptation comes along and then expect to suit up for the Savior at temple and mission time as if nothing has happened. That, my young friends, you cannot do. God will not be mocked. I ask for a stronger and more devoted voice, a voice not only against evil and him who is the personification of it, but a voice for good, a voice for the gospel, a voice for God." GO AND SERVE EVERYBODY!!!!

What I love about Mom and Dad is that Mom has a soft love and Dad has tough love and I have learned so much from both of them 

Tortilla count this week: 15 

Love Elder Mcilmoil
September 3, 2013

Scripture of the week: Doctrine and Covenants 88:73

My CCM Comps: The Sons of Mosiah