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.