Feliz Ano Nuevo!

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

The "Car Elder's" Apartment has a view

Merry Christmas

 It was great seeing and talking to Mitch on Christmas.  He is doing well.  We got to meet his ward mission leader and his family.  They are great people and seem to really be taking care of Mitch.  The tamale Mitch was eating looked amazing.  Brett broke the news and told Mitch that we sold his turtle, Toby.  He seems to be taking it in stride.  To be safe Elder Speth and Mitch ended up staying at the "Car Elders" apartment for Christmas.  What an adventure.

Mitch and Elder Speth with the "Car Elders"

Madre!

I don't think I have ever read as fast as I do when it comes time to open up emails. I just soak them up so fast and love them even more!

Feliz Ano! (sorry I can't type the accent)  Nothing seems better than to start the New Year off then a Skype call from home!  Seriously that was so awesome and so refreshing. I had no feelings of homesickness just gratitude and laughs! Thanks for being so awesome :)

So, first things first, we have returned back to our original apartment and haven't heard or seen anything with concern to danger.   So thankfully we can get back to work!  Our numbers really tanked because of it but, I have no regrets in how we reacted or handled the situation.  Nevertheless Christmas was spent on a couch at the Car Elders pad. I will never forget it :)

I really wanted to get a lot out of this Christmas because of all I have heard from other Elders and even Return Elders about how life changing Christmas in the field can be.  But to be completely honest with you, it was just another day.  No snow, no temple lights, no Christmas books...just missionary work.  I came to a great realization while we were out on the street about 7 o'clock Christmas night. There were no cars, no people and the night was super quite.  It reminded me of the nights back home when it would snow really hard and people would stay inside (but just minus the snow).  I thought about what made Christmas special in the past: family, Christ, gifts, friends.  Then I realized that everything that makes Christmas so great is what we do as missionaries everyday.  We think of Christ always.  We visit with families and try to offer happiness and eternity.  We find friendships in those we serve with...men and women who are in the same boat as we are. We give gifts that don't come in boxes but rather that come from study, hard work and life experiences.  Christmas was perfect this years.  Truly...so, so perfect.

It was great to hear how Steph's farewell went!  I wish I could have seen it but it sounds just as good as I pictured it would be.  Farewell's are a hard thing but seeing all your friends and family means the world.  I don't think I can remember a time when I have felt more supported and loved!  Thanks for being a part of that for Steph.

Dad said you sold my roommate...bittersweet moment right there.  Kind of hit me in the childhood but, Toby will always have my heart...even if she could care less haha.

We had a double baptism week in our district and it was a really great experience.  It was nice to see that missionary work as a whole continues on even if personally it feels otherwise.  We had 0 investigators at church and had to drop 3 investigators throughout the week.  It is a hard thing to drop an investigator but if you see it as clearing a path to the field that IS white and IS ready to harvest it becomes a smaller pill to swallow.

Our district leader, Elder Norman, was hit by a car yesterday on his way to the baptism. He broke his hand and sprained his knee but all is well.  He made a traffic mistake and unfortunately paid the price.  Also this is his first bike in 14 months...bad luck haha. I am grateful for the blessing of safety Elder Speth and I see everyday being on bikes.

I have made some goals to help manage my headaches and hopefully will start seeing some results. I am drinking more water, packing snacks and watching out for the situations that seem to trigger them.  Sorry I haven't mentioned them before.  They really hurt and put a huge damper on my work but honestly I know I can figure a way to get rid of them.  I'll let you know how it goes!

I am so hopeful and excited to face this new year.  2014 will be a year of growth and faith!  Our President has challenged us to make a goal for this next year (and for the rest of our mission).  And that is to picture the kind of missionary you want to be when you return home.  What do you want to look like, sound like, and say?  What kind of stories will you have and will they be of regret or success?   Will you be eager to become part of the world you left behind or will you become fully converted to living a life full of the gospel and Christ like attributes?  I am excited, oh so excited for the future.  How could I not be?  I have a Father in Heaven who loves me, truly loves me and loves what I am doing.  I have a family who supports and uplifts me. I have the scriptures and a living prophets to guide me and show me the way to eternal happiness.  Whatever 2014 brings it will be embraced :) Love you Mom.  Can't thank you enough!

Con Amor

Elder Bagley

The best hot chocolate ever!

I love packages...thanks for all the love!

Best companion ever!

"Quick warning for this next part"

My talk Sunday went fine.  I made it through with only a few voice cracks and no real tears.  I am just glad it's over with.  Mitch had a very eventful week.  I am very grateful that he is safe and I can't wait to talk to him Christmas day.

 Madre,

 

Wow.  Two days until Christmas.  I can hardly believe that it is almost here.  Nothing about this month has felt anything like Decemeber should feel like.  No snow, no Temple Square, no Christmas movies. Its been a weird sensation.  The closer Christmas gets the more and more things, unimportant to the true center of Christmas, are peeled away and I become closer and closer to Christ.  I've loved it.  Can't wait to spend Christmas day in the streets of California bringing glad tidings of great joy.

This is the gingerbread house we made out of the kit Nana sent

But anyways, here is a bit of what went down for the week.  It has been one for the record book.  First off, "Temple trip!"  I cannot tell you how much of a blessing and tender mercy being able to go to the temple was.  I have missed it so, so, so, much.  My heart was on fire as I went through a session with my beloved friends, in my own language (the last times it was the old video and in Spanish), with 100's of missionaries all in white.  It was amazing.  Simple amazing.  I can't wait to go again for my birthday :)

Los Angelos Temple

My district

 

I am becoming quite the cook.  Not to toot my own horn but I am on "homemade tortilla" status.  Next step, PUPUSA!

 

We have been having some rough times with our investigators.  We have dropped a few because they are just not progressing and after yesterday when only one of our 9 investigators shows up for church it really makes you ponder the blessing of agency.  But, never the less we were proud and happy for Elder Spears and Elder Smith who baptized Gilberto yesterday.  Gilberto was the first person baptized in the Elders area and it was Elder Spear's first baptism after being in the field for almost 9 months.  We were so happy for everyone involved.

 

I can't express how blessed I feel upon receiving all the packages that I have.  They have meant the world to me.  It gives me comfort and humility to know how many people truly are supporting the Lords work!  Gracias gracias gracias!

 

Okay, so quick warning for this next part.  One, we are alive and safe.  Two, I have the Lords promise that I will not be harmed (D&C 24:16).  And three, you said you wanted to know everything so here goes...

 

Elder Speth and I returned home from the baptism and headed out to contact one of our potentials.  Upon leaving the street we live on we saw a couple leaning against the fence and it appeared to me that they were kissing.  I hate PDA.  It's nasty and rude.  SO, naturally I ride by having no intention to speak with them.  As we got closer I realized that the girl was not there on here own free will.  She started to yell "Help me Help me" and was crying and struggling.  Elder Speth and I dropped our bikes and ran to help.  The second we got there about 6 other people showed up on bikes (everyone in this story is under 25 years old).  I thought they were coming to help but turns out they were friends of the boy who was abusing the girl.  Elder Speth and I talked with the group and they told us that the couple was just fighting and had been drinking and we should leave before anyone got hurt.  They said they would take care of it, that they had seen us around and that this was none of our business.  One of the men put his hand on my chest and told me to back away.  This whole time my mind was clear and all I could hear in my head was "You'll be safe.  I am here.  Be wise."  Elder Speth and I had no intention of fighting these people or causing anyone harm but upon a third question to the man who now had his arm around the girls neck he said with unclean language that we should leave or he would stab us.  It was dark but I could make out a knife in his hand.  At this point the spirit told both Elder Speth and I to leave.  So we did.  We turned the corner and called the cops.  After that one of the friends yelled "Hey man their calling the cops".  Long story short we were chased and had to hide and wait for the Hermano we live with to pick us up.  The cops came but we don't know if they caught anyone.  We called President Hall and he told us to sleep at the district leaders house because the event happened right by our house and the people knew where we lived. 

 

I have never been more protected and fearless in the my life.  I had the Lords promise that everything would be okay.  I hope this story doesn't scare you Mom or cause you worry.  That's not my intention all I know is that God watches out for his servants.  Man I can't wait to see you in two days.  Talking with you is going to be the greatest gift.  We'll call around 1 or 2.  Love you Mom. 

 

Proud to be your son.

Elder Bagley

Bike safety...I'm just glad he is actually wearing his helmet.

Giving Himself a hair cut...he says it's sooo short

Elder Speth fighting Satan (aka a large opossum)

 

12 days of Christmas

Madre,

 

The Christmas package we sent Mitch

12 days of Christmas?  What have I done to deserve such an awesome Christmas?  Thank you so much for the package. I love getting them and I can see the time and thought that goes into them all.  Love you Mom!  I only hope you don't feel like this kind of standard has to keep up for the rest of my time.  Don't feel pressured or anything.  All is well :)  I have the best family.  Elder Speth ate all of his candy in about 3 minutes no lie...He has a bit of a sweet tooth but was very thankful of the gifts.  He wants to propose adoption when we return. 

Thanks for the advent scriptures. They really help me focus on Christ throughout the day. I love it! 

I am so happy to hear about news from home. Amy's farewell sounds like it was a success. She'll be a great missionary. I have the Bagley boy's pictures they sent hanging on my wall. I hope they don't have to spend too much time in an apartment.  Maybe we'll be able to swap crappy apartment stories!  (also don't worry we got our power back! It was only out for 3 days...) We didn't know his power was off...what else isn't he telling us?

We picked up 3 new investigators this week after last weeks dry spell but unfortunately we dropped about 3 as well.  Olga and her family are progressing so well.  Every lesson is just better and better.  Adrian, her 3 year old son was praying by himself right before bed asking God to watch out for his family and saying he was sorry for the bad things he did. Such a tender mercy.  Juventino came to church and seems to be getting a hold on things with his life!  We are hopeful for him.

How awesome you get to speak in church! I wish I could see it.  First off though I know you will do great!  You have all the tools to be an amazing speaker and people will feel the spirit and desire no matter what you say.  We are promised in the scriptures that if we just open our mouths, they will be filled with the portion that every man needs to hear. This counts for church talks too :)  With the three of you (Lanette Johnson, and Jen Brown) speaking I can't even imagine how strong the spirit will be.  Feel free to share whatever you would like to share.  Don't hold back.  You can talk about how much of a punk I was too!  Put it all on the table so that the spirit has more to work with.  He's a big part in all of this.

Please share how much I have come to know of the atonement.  I cannot express in words how close I feel to my Savior everyday.  Not just in the things I do, but who I am.  I have never been more obedient, more blessed and felt more cared for in my entire life.  I am starting to get a taste of what Christ truly went through as the Savior of the world.  I understand what it means to love everyone, to be rejected and to dedicate my life to the will of the father.  But must of all what it means to repent and change.  I am not the same Mitchell I used to be.  I have already given up trying to hold on to who I was.  Just know that I am going to be different, for the better, when I return home.  Mom you will be great on Sunday.  Don't worry :) I am so proud of you and will be with you!

I can't wait to speak and see you on Christmas!  I'll skype sometime around afternoonish. It's still up in the air.  Just be ready and we'll have no problem.  I can't wait!

Con Amor

Elder Bagley

Mitchell with his zone.  He is the tall, handsome one in the back row.

Found a sweet 66 Ford Pickup on the street just like Dad's.

WHAT THE HECK IT'S DICIEMBRE! That is crazy.

Mi amaroso Madre,

 

WHAT THE HECK IT'S DICIEMBRE!  That is crazy.  Time is flying by so fast!  I have got to just get use to it and except it.

 

Sounds like things at home are pretty cold!  It's pretty cold here too but honestly I miss the snow.  I am grateful we don't have it here because that would make things so much harder but I do miss seeing the leafless tree branches with soft snow tips.  That sounds beautiful.  Thank you so so so much for the package!  It was just what I needed.  The jacket and gloves are sweet!  Super warm and fits perfectly.  Thanks :)  I really have the best family in the mission.  Don't worry about sending any more, we got our heater to work!  It was such a tender mercy to wake up and not have to turn on the stove to try and get warm.  Snug as a bug!  Now we just have to work on having constant power...baby step by baby step I guess.

 

This last week was pretty busy and crazy.  We had our 6 week follow-up meeting for all the newer missionaries which was awesome.  The President basically had the trainers and the trainees split up and then we talked about what was good and what we wanted to see more of.  I honestly started to realize how good I have it with Elder Speth.  Other missionaries were talking about not having opportunists to lead in lessons or contacts.  All I could think of was my second day taking the lead teaching the Law of Chasity to Veronica!  My first 6 weeks have been awesome.  I can't wait for more.

 

Also sorry if my spelling is not correct. I have the hardest time remembering some words in English. Kind of weird but I hope its a good thing. (I try to catch most of his errors)

 

That's nuts about the Crammers.   5 boys sounds like quite the party!  Be sure to let them know you're there to help them out!  With Brother Crammer's calling I'm sure he is starting to feel the heat.  Support the ward!  Our ward (Parkview) really is so awesome, I took them for granted.  Out here we have a lot of drama between families and some of the work isn't getting done because of it.  Be a blessing not a burden.

 

So the sad news of this week is that Juventino didn't end up getting baptized.  Satan really put overtime this week and ended up prevailing.  Juventino's son lost his job, the family is getting kicked out of their house, and one of his other sons is trying to cross the border, which is super scary and deadly.  All of this happening the week before one of the most important covenants of his life.  It was hard to take it.  But we did all we could. We gave it the faith we had and he has chosen his agency.  We plan to be patient with him and reset the date but after this week it's hard to see things getting better.  I hope they don't move out of our area.

 

Hope things are well Mom!  I love you and think about you all the time.  Hopefully as time goes on I will be able to get better at these emails.  I still feel so scattered and spacey but just know how much you mean to me!  I can feel your love and prays everyday!

 

Con Amor

Elder Bagley 

What I have for lunch every day

 

He sounds great and best of all he sent lots of photos!!

My famous self taught homemade frijoles negros

Walking through a construction sight

Fun with the stick on mustache mom sent...I "must ache" you a question.

This is called avena.  It means oats in Spanish.  Its like watery oatmeal.  I put my own twist on it and added hot chocolate.  It's pretty yummy but needs some polishing.  I need to learn how to make Salvadorian hot chocolate.  That stuff is gold!

Study time with the stache

The district--Elder Speth is the one with the "una brow"

 

Pan de pavo

Hola Madre!

My first Thanksgiving away from home was really not that bad!  Ya, I missed seeing the family and the warm nap after dinner but honestly it's a different world out here.  The days don't feel like normal days and the time I spent for Thanksgiving just felt like a normal meal.  We ate with the Lico's and had pan de pavo (turkey loaf).  Which is like a big roll stuffed with pavo (turkey) and all sorts of good stuff.  It was really yummy.  I had three...but it really doesn't compare to an American Thanksgiving.  I miss mash potatoes and gravy.

That's awesome you made gingerbread houses already.  I love doing that!  Maybe we'll find a way to do that here.  Sorry about the Christmas list but I actually forget it at the apartment.  I have it all written out though.  I hope next week won't be too late to send stuff or whatever.  Good basic stuff to send though is food, ties, office supplies, post it notes, Spanish study stuff.  Idk, I'll get you the legit list next week!

That is awesome Xav still did the Black Friday deal!  Here we tried to track around the shopping center because a lot of people were out but everyone was in too much of a hurry.  One lady even ran away from us, ha ha I guess missionaries are pretty scary.

We went to the Zoo and it was a lot of fun.  A good break from the work but it meant we didn't get a lot of time to clean or prepare for the week so that was a little stressful. As things continue on I will try and take a lot of pictures so you can kind of get a feel for what it is like here!  Also I bought a new bike seat so no worry there.  It is actually way more comfortable than the last.

This week was really, really hard work wise.  We only picked up one new investigator but lost 2 because they just picked up and moved.  One day Elder Speth and I were tracking for 4 hours in the rain.  I wish I had pictures but, man it was terrible.  I was so cold.  No one was listening and we only got the chance to get 9 potentials.  Which turned out later no one wanted to continue to take lessons.  I am giving this seed placement though.  We have a new month and a new transfer  to start new and keep working hard.  We will see success.  By the way Elder Speth and I are still going to be companions for transfer #2--transfers are every 6 weeks.

Juventino didn't come to church this week...which means he might not have the testimony he needs to be baptized this Sunday.  We will see throughout the week and discern with the spirit what his hold ups are.  I pray things we be okay.  His family is going through a lot.

Love you lots mom.  Things are picking up around here and each day I get better and better.  I love you and I am so thankful for all you have been doing to support me; emails, packages, prays.  I receive them all!  Happy thanksgiving :)

Con amor

Elder Bagley

P.S. I got the camera!  Thanks so much.  It was so thoughtful with the cord, card and case.  All is accounted for thank you!  I haven't had time to take a lot of pictures yet but here are some of my house.  Where I sleep, study, and eat.

The camera he took with him didn't make it to California so we sent him a new one.  It was great to finally see where he lives but I would have loved to see his smiling face. 

Stolen bike seats, and lights

We sent a November survival package to Mitch.  It didn't contain a turkey dinner but it did have a few things to get him through.  Including the sweaters he didn't think he would need.  I will have to take pictures next time.  I am getting pretty good at cramming everything into those flat rate mail boxes.  That is one thing I am thankful for...the US postal service.  In my last email to Mitch I shared an experience I had trying to share the gospel.  I felt very inadequate.  And amazed that he is doing it 24-7.  I also asked him a lot of questions about an up-coming lesson I am teaching in Young Woman.

Mother

I am getting close to ending my 1st full transfer in the mission field.  Where has the time gone?  Everyday passes in a moment and I can't help but understand what returning missionaries mean when they say "it flew by".  I already feel that way.

I had such a crazy week with some crazy stories.  For example, we lock our bikes the best we can but low and behold our seats and lights got stolen today.  Actually in the last 20 minutes ha ha. California is crazy.  I wonder what they plan to do with my seat?  But anyways that sets the stage up nicely for the rest of the email :)

It has actually been getting really cold out here.  At night it is close to 45 degrees.  I thought it was suppose to be sunny and hot?  Also the lyric that states it never rains in Southern Cali is a lie.  It rained.  Not a lot but I am counting it.  Elder Speth says if you knock doors in the rain the hotter your wife will be.  I'm not buying it but here's hoping.

I got your package this morning!  I loved it so much.  The scriptures were awesome and I could really see the work you put into it.  Thank you so much!  How grateful I am to have a Mom like you.  I love the framed quote the most.  That was so thoughtful and personal I put it on my desk and it looks great.

I loved reading about your missionary experiences!  How awesome it is that God trusts you enough to place situations in your life where you can share the gospel.  I know you might have felt doubtful or overcritical but God gave you that opportunity because he knew something you and only you could say.  Mom missionary work is hard.  Our testimonies are tested everyday and it is easy to give into doubt.  But don't worry about what you say or know.  God loves you.  He will present the opportunities to make it possible for others to hear what they needs to hear.  This week study the atonement and prayerfully search for answers. The Atonement contains deep and powerful doctrine but simple put, it is a demonstration of Christ's love through his sacrifice so we can overcome sin and death. Because Christ was perfect and emulated the will of the father he gained power over sin and death and paid the price for all of our imperfections.  Both parts of the atonement, the garden and cross, are part of the same sacrifice. 

I am so proud of you Mom for trying to share the gospel. Don't give up and always remember people have agency. They might not listen or agree but they can't forget our message if we share it with love. You're amazing.

This week in church I wrote a list of things I was grateful for.  I was able to see just how much God has blessed me even in times when I feel I have been forgotten by him.  At first it was hard to come up with things to write down but as I started to I recognized more and more how much I really have been blessed. Things like Family, Prophets and Scriptures were first on the list.  But then items like Sunsets, Covenants, and Temples began to come to mind.  All are blessings that I will have forever, that I can look towards in times of weakness.  What a great time of year this is.  Its a bummer I can't be home to share it with you but I still feel ever so grateful.

Standing as a witness definitely means being able to share and speak of the gospel when the time comes but more importantly it is about being an example and having your own personal conversion.  As members of the church what are we witnesses of?  It is scriptures, doctrine and covenants.  Yes.  Completely yes.  But the thing we can all personally witness comes from our own personal conversion. 

Also things with investigators are slow.  Juventino came to church though and is on track to be baptized on the 8th of December.  Hopefully we can make some more progress this week.

I love and miss you everyday. I was sent a scripture last week that really sunk into my heart.  Philipeans 1:3.  Please read it and know how true it is for me.  I can't tell you how much your support and the support of my friends means.  I can feel your prays every day.

Con amor

Elder Bagley

Riding a bike can be hard

Just to give you a little background...this is how I ended Mitchell's letter this week.  Remember, "God is preparing people to receive YOUR TESTIMONY of restored truth.  He requires your faith and then your action to share fearlessly what has become so precious to you and those you love."--Elder Henry B. Erying.   Don't worry to much about the bad days.  Seek for the tender mercies.  You'll find them all around.  And remember what Alexander (from Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day) said, " My bath was to hot, I got soap in my eyes, my marble went down the drain, and I had to wear my railroad-train pajamas.  I hate my railroad-train pajamas. When I went to bed Nick took back the pillow he said I could keep and the Mickey Mouse night light burned out and I bit my tongue.  The cat wants to sleep with Anthony, not me.  It has been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  My mom says some days are like that...Even in California."  Here's Mitch's letter...

Es used mi madre?

Hi Mom :) I just love hearing from you and the love you have for me.  I am a ways away but I can feel you with me all the time.  Thanks for always seeing the best in me, I am sad I never could.  But I am grateful for the opportunity my mission has given me to see myself becoming better everyday.  I love how well you can quote libros de ninos (children's books)!  Alexander and I have a lot in common when it comes to having bad days but it seems so silly to let them get you down, they will past.

Thank you so much for the package with the Ensign! I have been waiting and waiting for the mission to get a shipment.  So thanks, that was an awesome spiritual pick me up!  The CD is great too.  It's hard to judge mission approved music sometimes but I don't think there is anything wrong with some Cannon in D.

This week I had a couple problems with my bike tires.  First on Wednesday I had my front one blow out.  Which wasn't good but we weren't too far from home.  So we called around and I got a patch kit.  I patched it up perfectly thanks to my Discount Tire experience and boom we were good to go.  Next morning, we are riding around and hiss, there is a thorn sicking in the same tire I just barely patched.  Woof.  So we called the "car elders" and I dropped 20 bucks on heavy duty tubes, here's hoping they hold up better.

So I am coming to the realization that movie stars and movie shootings happen all around here.  I found out that last transfer my companion tried to give a BOM to Jay Leno while he was in his Ferrari.  Leno responded "Please don't leave that book in my car."  So that's chill.  Also they were shooting an episode of Teen Wolf outside the "car elder's" apartment.  They tried to get in the shot and spread the good word but security was tight.  And even more, they blocked off the street next to ours for a "Disney production".  Lots of lights, semi trucks, and crew members just showed up over night.  So that was cool.  Hopefully over the next 2 years I will be able to sneak into a shoot...one day.

I have been learning to budget very well out here and honestly Mom I don't go without anything that I need.  At least twice a week we have dinner at the Lico's and Veronica our recent convert has been feeding us some too!  You would be so proud though.  I buy all this healthy food and what not when I shop. Yesterday I made firjoles negro in the crock pot we found hidden in our kitchen.  They taste so good.   Straight pisano.  I'll send you a list of things I might need for Christmas though.

Things here have been going pretty well.  I am starting to build some good relationships with the ward members in hopes of aiding them in missionary work.  I feel so grateful to even have a ward I can work with because the members can truly be the difference in a lasting conversion.  On Sunday we were asked to bless the pan y agua (bread and water) last minute.  I have never done that in Spanish but I was so grateful for the learning opportunity it was.  Sitting behind the table listening to the hymn being sung I couldn't help but be engulfed in the spirit.  My body was on fire and my mind was clear as the spirit showed me how important the sacrament is for all members of the church around the world.  I started to see members of the my home ward sitting in the congregation. Browns, Lewis, Lloyds, Willsons, and more.  Sitting and smiling at me as I waited to bless the tokens of our Savior for the members of the North Hollywood 4th ward.  I will never forget how I felt during that meeting. I truly came to know the love God has for all of his children no matter where we are.

Olga is progressing very well and we have really high hopes for her and her family. They both work on Sundays though so that is a bummer and a obstacle we are going to have to overcome.  Juventino (el esposo de Veronica--Veronica's husband) hasn't come to church for the last two weeks but during our lessons he is progressing a lot.  We need to get him to church though.  He has a baptisimal fecha por Dec 8th. Yay!

Love you Mom to the moon and back.  Reading your emails give me strength and power! Give the girls and dad my love.

Con amor.

Elder Bagley

Better later then never

Monday was Veteran's Day and after checking my email all day it finally hit me that libraries are closed on Veteran day.  What is up with that?  Don't Veteran's go to libraries?  Anyway I woke up to a wonderful surprise this morning...an email.  I guess because of the holiday they let them write on the next day.  He sounds good and so grown up.  I am ever amazed at how much he is growing.  He went through a physical grown spurt when he was 15 were he grew 6 inches in a year.  He was always tired and he said his body hurt.  Well, he is definitely going through a spiritual growth spurt now.  I can hear the pain and discomfort in his words but I can also hear the joy.  He is amazing!

Mother,

Sorry about not responding yesterday. It was a holiday so the library was closed.

Things here just keep...moving.  Everyday I struggle to find time to just slow down and enjoy the amazing work that is going on all around me.  The work that I am a part of.  It's crazy to think how grand and powerful what we are doing as missionaries really is.

I am sorry about how spacey and scattered these emails always are.  My brain is so use to flying by that when I have time to slow down and compose my thoughts, it often comes out forgetful.

The weather here is fine.  Nothing unbearable.  It gets a little cold at night but I finally got around to buying a blanket so I don't have to bundle up at night.  Also as you know I got a new bike that has really been a blessing in my life.  Things with the camera are still at a standstill.  I don't have time on the means to get to a store that sells good cameras. I may just need you to buy one for me and just send it.  Use my card or whatever and then I'll just get it when it gets here.  I'd love to do that camera challenge.  I feel bad you can't see some of what's going on.  

Side-note...I had my first dream in Spanish. It was nuts.

I can't tell you all about what happens with my investigators because honestly its so much.  There are lessons, and visits and phone calls, and commitments and miracles and a whole list of divine things.  But I do want to tell you that I am keeping a very detailed journal (two actually) of everything that is happening.  These experiences will never escape me, I won't let them.

One story I do have though, about one of my investigators, her name is Olga.  She is a young mother and her family is just kind of getting use to life.  Getting use to being a family and searching for some direction.  Elder Speth and I had been trying and trying to get a cita con ellos but it is hard because they both work.  After finally praying and praying we were rewarded with a visit.

We taught the first lesson which contains the story of Joesph smith and the restoration. As we taught I gave the parts I had practiced and timidly tired to explain and teach in the best Spanish I could.  Olga was trying her best to be present and attentive but Miguel (her husband) was often getting distracted.  I noticed this and prayed that the Lord would help me as a teacher portray the power I had in my heart that wasn't coming from my mouth.

 As the lesson progressed we came to the story of the First Vision. I started to teach and testify of the truthfulness of this event hoping that Olga or Miguel would pick something out of what I was saying.  I then came to the actual describing of what Joesph saw and then what happened next was truly a miracle.  Word for word I recited the entire First Vision.  Both Olga and Miguel couldn't take their eyes off me.  I knew that what they were feeling was the same sensation I was feeling.  The spirit truly was present in that lesson and really did allow me to become the teacher that God wanted me to be.

Things out in the field are...uncomfortable.  You are constantly being pushed pass your limit and things are just, different.  I am still learning a lot and I am coming to the realization that the phrase "Con tiempo" will never cease to be relevant. The language will come with time.  The comp unity will come with time.  The baptisms will come with time.  Con tiempo, cada dia.

I love you Mom.  Saying goodbye to you at the airport is probably the closest I will ever get to remembering what it was like in the pre-earth life.  Neither of us knowing what laid ahead. Pain, disappointment, mistakes, guilt,happiness, growth, faith, love all would be part of the experience.  But one thing we knew then and we know now is that everything will be ok.  Everything will be for our good and for our eternal growth.  Thanks for letting me be your son.

Con amor

Elder Bagley 

Brett received this email too.  It gives a glimpse into Mitchell's everyday life.  If he would have study as hard in high school as he is now he would have gotten full ride scholarships anywhere he wanted to go.  Oh well, I am glad he knows when hard work and study really counts.

 

Como esta Padre?

Sorry, I never talk much about my situational circumstances.  Things like my house and the weather just take a backseat to what I really think about.  But I would love to let you know about my life!

I first start the day at 6:30 every morning. I exercise, eat breakfast and shower until 8:00.  At which point I have personal study.  I study Predicad Mi Evangelio and topics for my investigators.  Its a time of personal revelation and growth.  Next at 9:00 is companion study. Elder Speth and I read the white bible and practice our lessons we have for the day.  Doing role plays and refine what we want to teach.  Next at 10:00 is an hour of Idioma study, where I work on my Spanish.  We usually eat tortillas covered in hot sause till our tongues turn numb.  This really is painful but helps with the pronunciation of some of the words.  Then we have lunch for an hour and leave the house at about 1:00.

Then we are in the street heading to appointments and what not...we talk with every person we see.  Giving out tarjetas and folletos.  Sometimes even el libro de mormon, if the spirit prompts us.  During this time of the day it is usually the meat of missionary work where we have our lessons and visits of various sorts. There is a lot of "fall through" but a lot of miracles too.  Also a lot of yappy dogs and gates.   Everyone here has a gate. Its the worst. We do this until about 5:00 at which point we have dinner back at home. We'll make mac and cheese or whatever and then head out again to keep working until 9 o clock.  Sometimes we will have dinner at the Licos, usually twice a week and that is awesome.  Hermano Lico is our ward mission leader, his mom is from Salvador and is a great cook.  I love the food there.

But, anyways we come home and plan for the next day.  This usually takes 30 minutes and then we get ready for bed.  Write in our journals, clean the house, read the Liahona. Stuff like that.  Night time is the only real time I have to myself.  The only time to relax and savor what happened in the day.  I love it.  Then its bed by 10:30, rinse and repeat.

Our house is kind of a connected guest house.  A member lives in the other half.  We have a kitchen with a microwave, stove and fridge. No dishwasher or oven. Also it comes complete with a army of ants.  We have a bathroom and two other rooms.  One is the bedroom and the other is the study.  Its not big or nice by any means but its home. Can't complain.

One funny feature of the house though, (you can choose whether to tell mom this or not) every other morning about 8 or 9 these two high school kids do drugs right outside our study window.  The Sun Valley High School is 3 houses down the street so they come from there and light up.  Its really funny because we have a big picture of Jesus tapped to the window. Hopefully one day they will see it and change their ways.  One of these days Elder Speth and I are just gonna pretend like they aren't there and go read are scriptures on the porch.  The hood around here is pretty hoodish.  Not a lot of nice houses or nice people but it isn't dangerous or anything.  A lot of homeless people and the occasional alien abduction victim.  All is well though...todos bien.

I have a missionary debt card that is funded with 140 dollars a month for food and supplies.  I use this at the store when I need something.  The rest of your 400 a month goes to rent and other things.  Our rent is about 1200 a month and so somewhere in the mix of tithing and church funds it all gets paid.  Sometimes I need things that I can't afford to budget with the mission card so I will use my personal debt card...like office supplies or my new blanket.  Don't worry though, the church is really on top of money issues.

Love you Dad.  I think about you and the girls all the time.  I can't wait to get home and share all the amazing things I am seeing out here.  Thanks for your constant example even when you didn't know I was watching.  Keep being the hero I always saw you as.  Le quiero.

Con amor

Elder Bagley

Two weeks in the "field"

We recieved a letter from Mitchell's mission president through snail mail last week.  The letter included these pictures of Mitch.

Elder Bagley with his trainer Elder Speth

Elder Bagley with President and Sister Hall

Now for this weeks email...

Time here is flying by. I honestly feel like it was just yesterday that I was in this stinky library writing these emails.

 

Well, I have officially been in the field for two whole weeks now. That is so crazy but I love the progression I am seeing:  in the work, in myself and in the language.  Granted I am not a perfect teacher or missionary but I know that with constant obedience I can get closer.

 

This week we saw so much success in the work we are doing. We found 4 new investigators and had lessons to teach all through the week. Our hard work is truly being rewarded.  Which is comforting because it is hard to do.  Not everyone is prepared to hear our message but we continue to talk with everyone we see.  One skill we have picked up is to discern if the houses we see will have Pisanos (country men, its what Mexicans call each other) in them or not. Three sure signs are, no lawn, beat-up truck, and Christmas lights.  Latinos never take down there Christmas lights!  It's the closest thing to a game we have out here. 

 

I am getting into the hang of things physically around here. We jog every morning and I cook myself really great food.  I don't feel too drained in the day but at the end of the night I am grateful to get into bed.  My bike still is a piece of work.  Hopefully I will figure out that situation but until then I will just have to stick it out.  Maybe the bike will get rid of my chicken legs.  Who knows.

 

We had another baptism this week for an investigator the Hermanas (Sisters) were teaching named Miguel.  It was an awesome service and two of our investigators came to watch.  Hopefully they were able to feel the spirit and gain a stronger testimony that baptism is the right path to take.

 

Church this week was great cause I was able to fast and meet more of the members. I also confirmed Veronica a member of the church, in Spanish, in front of the whole ward, with only 20 minutes notice.  But at the end of the day I couldn't help but be saddened because of what happened.  Here are all these amazing members who truly have a desire to help and aid the missionaries and I just can't clearly express my gratitude to them.  It is such a humbling experience.  I love people.  I love to visit and get to know people and I truly feel blessed with the personable talents God has blessed me with.  But once again Spanish gets in the way.  I feel like I have a sea of love and testimony and it is just getting drained though a small hole.  I can not wait for the day that my hard work and studying will be rewarded with the ability to truly express what the spirit dictates...one day.

 

Mom, thank you for your constant support and love.  I can't imagine doing this without you standing behind me.  I had an amazing dream the other night where I came down the escalator in the SLC airport after my mission was over.  I was tried and happy. In the dream I saw you, Dad, Alexis and Lauren standing at the foot of the stairs and all I could do was fall to the ground and cry.  I can't wait for this dream to become a reality. Where I will be able to return home after knowing I did all I could to be the best missionary I could be and finally return home to the greatest reward and blessing I could ever have, my family.  I love you all so much.  All the trials and afflictions we face will be but for a moment.

 

Con amor

Elder Bagley

Week 7

Mondays are my new favorite days.  I sent Mitch a "greenie" package to the mission home and it got there safe and sound.  We don't have an address from his apartment yet so if you want to send him a package just mail it to the mission home.  Without further ado here is the latest letter from Mitch.

 

So I have made it to Cali, made it to my casa, and made it to the real part of missionary work.  I wish I could just soak all of this up and remember all the details and experiences.   P-days are so stressful cause I always remember something I wanted to say and the time I have to write, do laundry and what not is so limited. P-days are suppose to calm you, not stress you!  Oh well, I am grateful and happy I get to hear from family and friends anyways.  My p-days are Monday now just FYI.

 

So first off I got your package and I loved it.  I could tell you put so much thought into it and I felt so loved to get it. Thank you!  Those animal cookies were devoured in no time. SO good.  It was a perfect house warming gift.  And trust me our house needs some warming.  Not that its cold just that its...sketchy.  Second day here we found a roach...he must have been hanging out with the ants in the kitchen.  Hopefully putting an end to him will put a wrench in the critters operation but I'm sure they will be back. My bed is as close to a rock as it can get without actually being a rock.  It's good that I am so exhausted by the end of the day or else I don't think I would be getting any sleep. Also there is the standard mission food situation.  Dinner with members is basically mana from heaven but I am getting pretty creative with Ramen and Macaroni.  But all in all I count my blessing every night to live in such an amazing house...hot shower, stove, carpet.  It's the little things.

 

My companion/trainer is Elder Speth.  He is from Sandy Utah and was a Jordan beet digger.  He is super loving and hard working.  Our personalities are different.  He is a complete goof and has the goofiest sense of humor.  But we work well together and that's what matters.  He is training me really well and I can honestly say we have been obeying every mission rule with exactness since day one.   And I intend to keep it that way.

 

Mission work is just moving along like it should.  We are in a biking area which is hard because I got the hand me down bike of the mission and it is a beater.  My butt is SO sore.  Hopefully I'll get some jacked legs though.  I like biking though because we can talk with everyone on the street.  I am so surprised how unafraid I have been in talking with everyone I see.  And I mean everyone.  A couple of times we have even passed someone and both gotten a feeling to turn completely around and talk to them. The Spirit is a great GPS.

 

Everyone says my Spanish is amazing. One of the members asked if I had been out for a year but when I told her it was my second day she about dropped the plate she was carrying.  That being said I need to learn so much more.  I can teach and talk in Spanish but I don't feel like I am getting close to the people I meet.  I want to be part of their lives.  Be their friend and confidant but my Spanish just isn't letting me get to that point. Con tiempo. Con tiempo.

 

So I'm going to be honest with you Mom.  This week has been hard.  Physically I am tired, sore and hungry.  Emotionally I miss my family, my friends and my support system. Intellectually I don't know the street names, the people, or their background stories.  I am trying to learn everything so fast it is like drinking from a fire hydrant.  SO much is just loaded onto you.  Elder Speth is trying to take some of the burden, I know that, and my Spanish helps my get by...but honestly at the end of the day I just don't know how I got through it all.  All this being said, I love it.  I love working and pushing myself.  I am becoming the person I know my Father in Heaven wants me to be.  It's hard, it really is. There is a lot to take in, but I love it.  I love the moments in the day when there is only one set of footsteps in the sand.  When I am no longer the only one pulling the handcart and my yoke isn't just on me.  A successful mission won't come quickly or easily but it will come if I work hard and continue to be obedient.

 

Don't get me wrong we are seeing a lot of success.  So much so that yesterday was my first baptism.  I say that not because I was the one that baptized but that I was part of the teaching process.   Honestly, when I find, teach and baptized someone all the way through that will be when I can say I got my first baptism. The investigator's name is Veronica and she is amazing.  She was found by Elder Speth and Elder Robinson two transfers ago and has just been soaking up the lessons. I was able to teach her about tithing and the law of chastity but before that she was basically ready to be baptized.  It was awesome seeing her make her first covenant but I want to see the process full circle. That is what I mean by I don't feel part of these peoples lives.  I am new and basically a stranger.  I pray that, that part will come with time though.

 

I have been here a week but I have seen so many miracles already.  And I mean miracles in the fullest, split the Red Sea kind of sense.  I wish I had time to tell you all about them but maybe in future email's when things get settled down and I can actually calm down and think.  I love you more than you know. I pray for our family everyday and I feel so thankful I have you as support.  Thanks for all you've done.  Stay strong!  And I'll do the same.

 

Con Amor

Elder Bagley

Mitch with Veronica and Elder Speth at her baptism.