Elder May: Chapter 91

This is my favorite time in the missionary journey.  They are so consumed with what they are doing that their letters are shorter and they are optimistic and self-assured.  Elder Hayden is doing so well and working hard.  We miss him and love him more, but we are oh, so proud of him!

Chapter 91

1) Sandy is excited for baptism.

2) Sandy came to church and so did John.

Things are going well here in Providence! We have a few people that are excited to learn and progress. A few of them are now daily reading the Book of Mormon and if anyone does that they will know it is true and get baptized. One of those people is Sandy.

After a great lesson about the restoration of the gospel she finally understood why the Book of Mormon is important and she is now reading and praying every day. She feels like she has learned Joseph Smith is a prophet and is set to be baptized on the 10th of February. She also came to church and we think she also went to a standards night afterwards. So cool!

Then we had our other really cool investigator come to church. He is really cool because anytime we meet with him he buys us Five Guys, it’s a good burger place, and then we sit and talk for a little while. We think he is reading the Book of Mormon but don’t know for sure. We are going to talk about baptism with him this week. I’ll keep you updated on that.

Other things happened too but I don’t remember all of them. That happens the longer you are on a mission. I am having fun though and enjoying my time.   

My testimony grows stronger and stronger as I continue to see miracles and tender mercies.  God love each of us and know us all.  I love you all.

Elder May: Chapter 89

We noticed with Elder Hunter that has is mission started coming to an end, the work was spending up and the letters home were fewer and fewer words.  I tried to not take it personal then and doing better this round with Elder Hayden.  The following was the highlights of Elder Hayden May’s last week.  It was a great week indeed with so many lives touched.  This type of week is what makes a momma’s heart happy for the service her son provides.  I am truly humbled.  We miss him and love him more but we are oh, so proud of him!  Enjoy!!

Chapter 89

Sunday, the majority of our appointments worked out. We had one guy tell us that he thinks Joseph Smith is a Prophets and the Book of Mormon is true.  One guy wants us to only teach him with his entire family.  We met a part member family that the non-member dad said to come by and teach his whole family - it was a good day.

Elder May: Chapter 88

 

Boy, do we miss this boy!!  I think that, like most missionary mommas and dads, I stare at my inbox on Monday mornings just waiting to hear from him, getting nothing accomplished because I am afraid I will miss my opening.  I am so grateful for his testimony of the gospel and grateful that he knows that he is a true instrument of Jesus Christ, speaking to those seeking the truth as if Jesus would if He was still on the earth.  I echo that same testimony - otherwise sending Hayden out for 2 years would be much more difficult than it already is.  We love him and miss him so much – but we are oh, so proud of him!  Enjoy!! 

Chapter 88:

1.            At least I’m getting better at Monopoly and Solitaire

2.            8 exchanges in two weeks is a lot to keep track of.

3.            I finally understand Prophets now!

4.            I want to come back to church 

These last couple of weeks have seemed surprisingly short, because we have needed to be in the apartment. Not because of the bone chilling 35 degree weather but my companion has been sick. He is doing much better now though. 

The first verse addresses that by showing a little bit of how that went. We played games that kill the most time. I have gotten better at Monopoly, solitaire, indoor snowball fights, and Rubix cubes.

Luckily, I haven’t had to stay in the apartment the entire time which leads to my second verse.
 
The assistants to the president in the mission have coordinated with different companionship’s so that I can work in their areas which have helped me not to go completely stir crazy. It has been interesting to be in so many different areas. I’ve always wanted to tour the mission and see so many of them and this was a good way to do so. I have been to Riverview, Apollo Beach, Temple Terrace, Brandon, and my area in the past two weeks which has allowed me to see many different investigator, finding and teaching ideas, and gotten to know more missionaries. 

After we were finally able to start teaching again, we were able to visit a girl we’ve been teaching and decided to start over and teach very simply. She apparently hadn’t understood what a prophet was or why we need them until our last lesson with her. That helps someone to know if Joseph Smith was a prophet of God or not. 

Finally we were in our ward council meeting and talked about what we have been able to do since being inside. Obviously it wasn’t much but right after ward council finished we received a text from a sister in the ward. It said “I want to come back to church. Since I heard the news of President Monson passing I have been listening to a podcast of his talks. Because of it I haven’t slept much because I just want to listen and feel the Spirit.” Even in the Spirit world, he is able to touch hearts here and help bring Gods children back into the fold. What a great example of service, love and missionary work. 

I do love this gospel and know that it has blessed countless individuals. Even more applicable, it has blessed my life. God is good and loves each of us and I love him. I pray for you all and hope you can feel the Spirit. I will talk to you next week. 

Love you all – Elder May

Elder May: Chapter 86 & 87

Our Christmas call with Elder May was more than we hoped for.  We spoke to him and he was in such good spirits .  We also were able to talk with him about his plans in the next coming months.  It was surreal that this was our last call with him before he comes home.  Seeing him and hearing him made me, of course, miss him more but what a very special treat which I am most grateful for.  

Here are some pics and video from the call:

In Elder May's last email, he said that they were quarantined because Elder Stockham is very ill.  He asked for any additional prayers and thoughts be sent their way so that they can get back out to the missionary work at hand. 

He sent this little video putting together a mirrored Rubick's cube.... he said "Mom, its really hard".  Good to know he is as fun as ever!  Love him and miss him, but we are oh, so proud of him...Enjoy!!