October 17, 2016 - Week 69

Mom,


Whats good errybody? So you're all on fall break? This is an unheard of concept by me, but that is really cool. Is it for a whole week? It sounds like you all got a much needed, and very heavy rain yesterday?? I'm glad that didn't deter you from beating Dad in the steps contest lol. To answer your question about the seasons here, no there isn't much changing in the color of the leaves, nor are there many trees with leaves like we´re used to in the states. But wow that's true you're entering that season of fires and pumpkin flavored things. Also, yes you're right the pumpkin spice flavored things are totally not a Mexican tradition. There are other things though, hot chocolate, fortunately is a popular choice. Although we´re still a ways from thinking about that haha. We stayed in the triple digits this week. Which I'm fine with, I take the heat 100x over the cold haha.


But wow this week was really great!! It seemed like people were almost always available to recieve us and accepting of our message. We ended up with 7 people in church! It was great. We are working with 3 families. I don't remember if I told you about them before or not. But they are reading the BoM and they went to church yesterday and really loving the church. We also kept working with the two brothers and now their mom is listening too, she actually went to church too. They have some problems in their lives but nothing the true and restored gospel of Christ can't fix. Aside from that, Rosie and Jared got back from Tijuana this week and we are trying to get all the details of their baptism worked out for this month. Many times we need lots of divine help, but so often it comes and its a real testament to the truthfulness of the work we are here doing.


This last week we also had our zone conference... We had had so many things to do leading up to that and it was kinda the end of all the business, and the conference went really well. President Myers spoke to us and I honestly wish I would just absorb every word he says when he speaks and teaches. He motivates me really well to be a good missionary for the right purposes. He shared a scripture from the book of Revelations chapter 3 that talks about how Jesus knocks at the door and calls to us, but it's us that have to let Him in. A good scripture to reflect on. Anyway, I am just really really grateful that we have such awesome mission presidents like him and Hermana Myers who really are inspired leaders for us.


I'm glad that you guys are also taking initiative to share the gospel. Really it is the best gift you can give someone. Maybe you guys could do like a family home evening or just an activity and invite a family and the missionaires over to just do something simple. That helps people more than we sometimes realize. But I have no doubt you guys will continue to be great member missionaries. Also, congrats on finishing the book of mormon!! I'm coming up on finishing it too. I wanna do it in the next month!


Oh and as far as the Christmas package... I like the candy like Starburts, and Tootsie rolls. I would also like to receive some solid ties. We are allowed to wear skinny ties as well so don't be afraid to send those. Haha but anything you guys see fit, will be perfect. I think I'm good on deodorant. I love you all, and will be praying for you. Keep up the great work!!! The church is true!!


All Love,


Elder Stockard

October 10, 2016 - Week 68

Mom,


How is everyone?? I'm so glad to hear about your guys Fast Sunday being an enjoyable experience. It really is a special time and a wonderful opportunity to receive blessings from our Heavenly Father. That I am very sure of! Wow today I was thinking about it being Tommy´s birthday and how old he is getting!! I have a brother who´s 24 haha pretty crazy. Big birthday shoutout to him. I told him that since I've been out of the country for his last 2 birthdays, we will have to do the next one super big. I remember the first snowfall on his birthday a few years ago too. I imagine that wasn't the case this year but you're probably not too far off. I am really liking the weather here as of now.. Its low 90´s but seems a lot cooler with the stark contrast of the last several months climate.


I can imagine that everything is getting kinda hectic with the election. The other day there was a former missionary who returned here to Navajoa, Elder Hilton who was in my district at the beginning of my mission, and his parents were with him. They went to an activity at the church and we talked to his parents for a bit and it was funny to hear about everything that's going on in the US. It was also just really funny to be having an all English conversation with two Americans while being in Navojoa Sonora. Super random lol.


As far as the work goes with our investigators, there were definite positives and negatives. Lots of times, the investigators you have that feel the spirit and start off so well, and then other things start to happen, most the times things they hear or their family or for 100 other different reasons, they start to get tempted to stop the thing that will bring them so much good. And many times they fall into that temptation which is really sad to see. But the investigators that stay strong despite of all the outside forces are so awesome to see progress. We had a little bit of the both this week and we´re really grateful for the blessings of seeing the gospel work effectively in the lives of those we´re blessed to teach. On Saturday night, we found Emilio and his son, Juan Pablo. They were very excited to hear from us, and they went to church yesterday and it was really awesome to see. We´re gonna continue working hard to find those who the Lord has prepared for us!!


Today we got together with the zone and played some card games, a little bit of sports, and then we made hamburgers that were really delicious. Ive been in this zone for more than the average amount of time, according to whats normal so its been funny to see how it changes over time. I really like the new people who have arrived here though. Lots of great friends to be made thats for sure.


So for Tommy´s birthday make sure you guys do something really awesome. It's always a little hard to think back and know that its a day of so many great memories from years past. But I'm so happy to be here doing exactly what I'm doing now! Just as long as you promise to keep the new car for me when I get back ;) Lol. Well I love you all so much, I'm so lucky to be blessed with each of you as my family! Have an incredible week and know that you're in my prayers :) Love you all.


Elder Stockard

October 3, 2016 - Week 67

Mom,

What up family??! How are you all doing? Well yesterday, we received the transfer info and I am writing you all from....... Navojoa Sonora! I'm gonna be staying here for another transfer and with Elder Osborn again, I am very pleased with it. I will tell you more about what's going on in Navojoa. But how are things back in good old Fallon?? Sounds like you haven't missed a beat. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSSA!! Wow i was just kinda reflecting yesterday when I knew it was her birthday about how she was 16 and  a half when I left, and now shes 18!!! And now Tommy is gonna be 24 but I left him at 22. I sometimes meet ´people here on the mission who are those ages and it is so weird to think to myself that my siblings are that age now. But, a very warm birthday wish to the both of them. Are you all going to see Tommy for his birthday? 

So I would like to touch on what happened a little bit this week.. We were able to find two amazing families. The first one was funny, we actually met them a couple weeks ago, but really started teaching them this past week. We met them because we knocked the wrong door, and then as we were leaving, I asked her if I could use her bathroom. (it was right after a large lunch, so you can imagine that beg would probably be a more accurate verb choice, considering my urgency level). So anyways, we returned this week and the mother, Lupita, has been doing everything we´ve invited her to do and is seeing the results. She is praying, reading and loving the Book of Mormon, and wanting for all of her family to do them same. The husband is coming along too, I have no doubt that he will do the same. And they have 3 kids too. The other family was a friend of another convert. She invited us to go over to eat at her house, and also invited her friend and her kids. They went to church together and heard the words from the apostles and prophet, which isn't a bad way to start off her journey in the church. As for the baptisms we had planned this week, well they had to go out of town and we haven't been able to see them the whole week. I really am not sure when they'll be back but I know that it will all work out no matter what. 

So with the conference, wow what an amazing experience, Like always to hear the words of the living Prophet of God and His apostles. It is interesting to see and hear our dear prophet speak to us. It reminds me of a piece of advice that Elder Bednar received from Elder Hales that he mentioned a few conferences ago. when you can no longer do all you want, you only do what matters most. We see that Pres Monson can no longer say all he once could, but his short messages are exactly what God wants His children to hear most. Interesting the two topics he chose to give to the whole world, and undoubtedly the blessings are unimaginable if we can take heed to his words, and those of the apostles. I really enjoy hearing those words and seeing my testimony grow of the Living Christ that directs His church. I enjoyed the messages from Elders Christoferson and Renlund. Very wise insights. I feel like there was a little BoM theme and plan of happiness theme. I couldn't help but remember all the times you read us the book of Mormon, and this conference during the talk about the little boy telling his mom that he wasn't listening, and his mom telling him she was doing it for his benefit, I really realized what a huge act of love that was when you so lovingly read the book of Mormon with us every single day. Thank you, Mom. 

So other than that everything here is pretty business as usual. This weekend I had to say goodbye to some of my very good friends I've met here, who are returning to their homes today after finishing their missions. Although they're scattered all over the western hemisphere, I am glad to be able to be in contact with them for what I hope will be a long time. Many of the missionaries who left today were some of my earliest friends here and had very little time as I was starting, it is really kinda weird. Haha the mission is kinda like high school where it all just goes by quickly and you see your good friends finish and move on. I hope that I can make the most of the time that I have left. 

Well I love you all so much, I miss you and pray for you. But I know you're doing awesome!! Keep striving to be more like Christ everyday. 

Sincerely,

Ryan 

September 26, 2016 - Week 66

Family,

Hey whats up ya´ll !! How is errybody going with school and work and everything? We are now officially in fall right? Big shout out to all the pumpkin flavored sweets that will be eaten in these weeks. It sounds like Matt´s surgery went well. That's super cool that the ward, and his family and friends could all give him and his fam a lot of support in a moment where I'm sure it is much needed. Definitely some blessing for them living such great lives. 

So this week was really great, to start, Diana and Alejandra were both baptized on Saturday and confirmed on Sunday! They were both really happy as were we and the rest of the ward that was supporting them. Its always a race trying to get everything prepared for a baptism, usually with very little time. It can be stressful finding clothes, cleaning and filling the font, making programs, inviting people, and doing interviews. All things that the missionaries have to do here haha. Then on Friday, in the middle of the craziness, there were a few other wards in our zone that were preparing an activity and needed us to hunt down a bunch of stuff last minute. So it got pretty hectic but at the end it all worked out and all parties were very happy. But the happiness makes it all worth it at the end !! Rosario and Yered were also able to attend the services and are preparing for their baptisms on Saturday. So we are fully prepared for another week of busy preparations, but lots of joy at the end of it!!

As far as the other investigators that are doing really well... We have this family we are teaching, that is Rosario and Lupita and their 2 daughters. They're both really smart and enjoy talking with us. We told them about general conference this week after teaching them about living day prophets and they seemed very interested at hearing what the prophet and apostles have to say. Really I think that this is one of the best 4 weekends in the entire mission because of general conference. I really have been counting down the days since the last one 6 months ago. A blessing that I never realized back when I was at home, but I did realize that the homemade cinnamon rolls were a blessing now that I don't get to eat them while watching GC. haha.

So how do you feel, all your children will now officially be 18. You got them out of childhood, and without any of us being arrested. (That you know of) I'll see if I can't get a felony now when it counts being an adult ;) No but in all seriousness, you've done a fantastic job as a mother. I notice it now more than ever being far away from you and although I could never thank you for that, I want you to know I am sooo grateful for you and dad. I love you both very much. Also very happy 18 th to Alyssa, go live it up kid and get ready for the next one back at BYU!! Well I love you all so much, have a great week! 

Love,

Ryan 

September 19, 2016 - Week 65

Mom,


Hey what's goood everyone?? Wow I'm hoping that as you guys read this that you're not feeling as much heat as I am!! Haha I keep waiting for it to cool down a little bit, and it has a little bit, but it's still reallllly hot! How is the weather in Fallon and Utah? I was talking to Elder Osborn the other day about when it snowed on Tommy´s birthday. I've really loved having a comp that can relate to a lot of common experiences from growing up. We are starting our 5th week together and I'm on my 17th here in Navojoa. So we will see what happens going forward!


So this week we saw a lot of really cool things. I told you about Alejandra last week, and this week we also met her cousin who is also planning on being baptized on Saturday if all goes well! And then yesterday we had two investigators who showed up to church after awhile without going and they told us that they did what we told them to do (pray, ask for guidance, repent, study scriptures) and that all of a sudden their lives got a lot better and that they want to be baptized. We were very surprised but obviously it was a very pleasant surprise! But wow, it was really incredible to listen to their sincerity and desire! The gospel works, and they are living proof.


So during the week, with the Mexican Indepence day falling on a Friday, we kinda got to see a 3 day, whole weekend celebration. To answer your question, yes the food was incredible and very very abundant haha. We had a stake activity on Friday night, and it had a really great turn out. I was thinking about it and it has been a very indescribable experience to be here for 15 months and see and experience the Mexican culture. I think the most special part about experiencing a culture is seeing the passion of the people who so very much love all the traditions and history of their country/family/etc. I was thinking about it and I've worked with people from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatamala, Peru, Honduras,and even Korea. A pretty wide variety, haha. And it also makes me gain a greater appreciation and love for my own culture and traditions that I've been accustomed to for so long. But it was really neat to see such a great tradition up close and see how special it was for the people here.


Well it sounds like you're gonna have a lot on your plate in these days coming up. Matt and Adge's family will definetly be in my prayers and thoughts this weekend. Mom I'm also glad that you could get a functioning phone, I kinda forget what it was like to have the world in the palm of my hand lol. I'm super glad to hear that you're all doing great, you all make me so proud! I love ya´ll! Have a great week!!


Love,


Ryan

September 12, 2016 - Week 64

Dearest Family,


How is everyone doing?? Today we have had a pretty relaxed Pday, we actually went bowling again which is pretty fun. I had never really played much at home, but now I'm pretty good. I bowled a 167 today haha. And last week was full of ups and a few downs but it ended up really great. I'm glad to hear you're keeping yourself busy as well, the time seems to fly by when we have a lot of things to do, something I had always heard and now I am really starting to see that it is 100% true!


So I'm gonna tell you a little bit about our week! So many kids in this area have been sick and incapacitated in these past few weeks, and during the week it hit my companion. He had the flu for like two days so we were pretty limited on time spent outside the house. Then later in the week we started working really hard and found some great people. But it was so weird, 5 of our best investigators had to leave town this week for a variety of reasons. it was disappointing, because a lot of them couldn't go to church, but we did have one who went. Her name is Alejandra, and all of her family are members, except her. She just moved here from Guadalajara (Think the distance from Reno to Phoenix) and she is ready to be baptized. It was amazing how the Lord put her in our path and prepared her and is helping us meet our goals that we set. She will be baptized next week!


Later in the week, we had a conference with like 75 missionaries and were able to listen to elder Jose Fernandez from the 70, who told us about his conversion story and how we can help so many kids like him to find true happiness in their lives. There were also many missionaries there that I don't normally see, but we got to see them and catch up, which was a positive. I saw missionaries who are finishing their missions, who were still relatively new when I first met them, which was really weird. I've made some awesome friends in the mission, that I hope to keep up with for a long time.


Did you tell me where Thomas Robertson is serving his mission? Is it Japan? Wow, that's really cool, it´s great to see other kids leaving and knowing that they're getting themselves into a whole lot of great experiences. So when my comp was sick it gave me a lot of time to study and to think of all the ways that the Lord has blessed me, and then people around me in these months as a missionary. We usually don't have so much time to think and reflect, but it was a nice little switch up. The mission has been, and I know it will continue to be a blessing in my life forever.


This week coming up is the Mexican independence day, my 2nd one here in Mexico! Its the 16th, this Friday. Our ward is planning an activity and It should really help us to get our investigators out there and meeting the other members. And its always a huge plus when food is supplied, and fortunately, that will be the case at this event lol. It really is so hard to believe that yesterday marks the 15 year anniversary of 9/11. I was only 5 but I still do remember that day, and running into your room and seeing you crying and then hugging me.


Well family, I'm doing great and loving the work. This week, a hurricane hit the Gulf of Mexico, and we saw some of the effects, mostly just rainstorms, but the streets were all filled with water. So at 8:45, Elder Osborn and I treaded through knee level water to get back home as the rain drenched us from above and just laughed at how it was such a unique experience to be having! I hope you know I'm doing great, and I do miss you all and love you all. Thanks for the support and undying love!


Love,


Ryan

September 6, 2016 - Week 63

Mom,

Wow, what a week! I'm super tired and a little bit exhausted from the heat, but today we´ve been able to rest a bit, and get ready for another week. So it´s already Labor day huh? Did you guys make it up to Midway at all for Swiss days, or when will the next Midway trip be? It feels a little weird to be missing all of these patriotic holidays haha. The Mexican independence day is actually coming up in a week or so, so that will have to suffice for the next few months lol.

So how is the whole 5k planning going? That sounds like something that's right up your alley. I'm sure your keen planning skills are helping you get everything organized, I'm sure it has a lot of moving parts to it, but it will also turn out great. What else do you have going on in school? Do you feel like a vet this time around in the HS level classes? It is funny how a little bit of time really can help us feel a lot better in a new task. I have no doubt that you're a popular and effective teacher there at Oasis.

This week, it was really nice to have the opportunity to fast, knowing that I was one of many joining in for uncle Matt. Wow, they have a tonnnn going on, but the Lord will bless them tremendously during this time, I have no doubt! 

So this week was really busy, and tiring, and hot, but it ended up having good results. we are working with a lady named Rosario, and her granddaughter. They are neighbors of a member, and they just started showing up to church. They have their fair share of difficulties, but I guess everyone does, right? We are also working with some of the family members of the lady who just got baptized last week. We have also been working with some of the less active members in the ward. There was actually this day a few weeks ago, when I was still with Elder Chichia, it was raining sooooo hard, and this family called us into their house. They then told us that they were members and just hadn't gone to church for a long time. But for the 3 weeks since then, they've come to church every week, with their whole family. 

Today we all got together as a zone here in Navojoa and played volleyball and ate some pizza. There's been a lot of changes in the zone, so it was fun to get a lot of people together and get to know each other better. This week we are going to have a zone conference, but there will be an Area 70, the stake president, and the mission president there, so we´re really excited to hear from such spiritual giants, but a little nervous as well to be honest haha. 

Well, I hope you guys have a killer Labor Day, enjoy the moments as a family and know that you're all in my thoughts and prayers. I love you and miss you all.

Love,

Ryan