Change of area

Hey mom!

Sorry about last week. My emails didn't send and i had pictures attached. I think it was because the files were too big. I'm using a place where I can't send pictures right now. hopefully I can send some next week. I'm glad to hear everything is going well.

Man conference was great! the mission age announcement was crazy!!!!! Vamos a tener muchos jovenes en la mision bien pronto! 

Man, I love hearing about how much it helps to follow spiritual promptings. Thomas S. monson is such a great example to all of us. I've been praying a ton to have more promptings and opportunities to serve others. The  General Authorities really want people to understand the importance of the family. 

What I really liked was the talk from Elder Bednar. It really is food for thought do we just have a testimony or are we really converted. I can't wait for the conference issue to come out so I can study all the talks again. I thought it was amazing how literally every speaker quoted either Peter or Paul. Maybe that's a sign that we really need to put a little more time into studying all the standard works. 

I'm glad you're excited to teach the new curriculum. You've already trained two missionaries, and a third one on the way in just 6 years. Man, it would take me years to put all that I learned about conference into this email, but what really hit home to me was the importance of true conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

How did John like his first Priesthood session?

The Reds are in the playoffs! Hope they win the series. I bet Anita is just lovin' it! I miss her and the clients and all of you guys, but I really do know what I'm doing is the work of the Lord. 

My area is called Palin, in zona Amatitlan.  I'm being humble and really striving to do everything I can to continue the tradition here. We live in a really nice colonia, and we have one of the nicest houses in the mission. We even have a tienda that delivers to our house for free. Que suerte!

I was really sad to leave Peronia, but one of the Elders from my group, Elder Watts, was transferred there. He's a hard worker and a great guy, soI don't have to worry about the families and investigators that I left behind. 

By the way, Elder Yates got your letter and wanted me to thank you for it. You really made his day!

Well I'm almost through the Isaiah chapters of 2nd Nephi. Although they're still confusing, I love studying them. I always remember the promise that Nephi made at the beginning of writing that section. That we could apply them to ourselves, especially since we're part of the house of Israel. With patience I know in time I'll learn many things from them.

Well I got yelled at by one of the bus drivers today because we were contacting the bus. Guatemalan buses do not know the word, space. They truly do rival a can of sardines. The people here really don't worry about personal space. It's always really difficult for me to move up the aisles because I'm so big and there's literally no room. Always an adventure here in Guatemala. 

Love you with all my heart. Thank you for all the updates. Hope the Eagles, Reds, and Buckeyes and Bees continue to find success. Thank you for everything you do and continue to do for me. You truly are a great example of someone who has been converted to the gospel, Regan Butler. Love you with all my heart!

Con Amor Eterno,

Elder Butler

Transfers coming up-

Hi mom!

I've really been feeling like my Spanish hasn't been in full swing. I've been putting in an hour of language study everyday, and have been praying for the gift of tongues and spiritual strength.. I've only been reading the Book of Mormon in Espanol, and just putting in that extra effort all across the board. 

President sent me an email last week saying he was really glad that I was being obedient with exactness, and that when we had our zone meeting he could see how much the Spirit is changing me. It was motivational and I really bumped up my effort in inviting the Spirit. It's absolutely essential for everything. 

 We had a lesson with a really cool family, and after explaining we had to leave to be obedient to our  rules concerning time, E  told us he really admired our obedience. Que bendicion!!!!!! Literally an answer to my prayers. More than that, I can feel a change in me. I can speak better, and I feel guided by the Spirit more. I can communicate better with people. Wow! how blessed am I to be receiving all these blessings. Words can't describe it.

35  degrees already!?!?!? yikes........Glad to hear everything/everyone is doing fine. I thought W was already at his internship, so thanks for clarifying that situation. I sent J an email for his birthday. Did he read it? 

Thanks for doing all of that to help me with my license. I have a really strong feeling I need to keep my license current. 

Well right now we teach a lot of lessons. No shortage whatsoever. We've got several families that we're working with. A lot of our of them are from part member families. The people here are great. The members help out when we ask, and the Bishop is a great guy. 

Well I got jipped out of sending pictures this week. I'm using a computer without a USB port.  It's always something...... I'll send some next week. 

Just one week until changes! Every missionary speculates about changes and I'm not sure what to think. I think i'm going to stay in this area but I'm not sure.  

Trust me, time flies when you're  on a mission. I find myself always saying where did the time go! I'm really excited for General Conference. I'll be able to watch in English! I'm stoked! I've been reading conference talks everyday. Man, what a blessing. 

How's OSU doing? Has the NFL started? I need to hear how the Eagles are doing.  Keep me updated.

Well mom i love you. tThanks for everything that you have done and continue to do for me. Man, how fast have these 6 months gone by? It just baffles me. But know that I pray for you guys everyday. Know that I'm serving with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. Once again mom, thanks for everything and i love you con todo mi corazon.

Con Amor Eterno,

Elder Butler

Guatemala City

Hola mama Bootler!

A mi me gusta la organizacion de tu correro. Muchisimas gracias!  (To help get more information in the emails he sends I was inspired to ask some questions he could answer to help things along.)


What do you love about your new area?

What I love about my new area is that there is a lot of work to do.  Our goal is to have 10 baptisms this month. The mission's already got 93. We want to do out part and more. It's strange to actually have people that are willing to hear our message and do their part to know that it's true!

What has been the hardest to get used to in the new area?

Easily the hardest thing to get used to in my area are los grados, or the stairs. It's unbelievable. I'll have to send you guys a picture later on (we're using public acess, and the computers are a little outdated and i don't have a usb cord, I'll try to figure something out!). The stairs are getting easier, but the city is literally built into the side of a mountain. That's how a lot of Guatemala is. At night you can look out and see all of Guatemala lit up, absolutely incredible.

What are 3 characteristics you admire in Elder C?

 Hey, only 3 good things to put for Elder C!? He's awesome. He knows how to be a friend to everyone. He's upbeat and really diligent. He's got a lot of patience too. We're amigos, we talk, we joke, and the members like us (not trying to sound prideful or anything). We work really hard together, and we see eye to eye on a lot of things, but we aren't afraid to change our approaches. What I like about him is that he can correct me, or himself, but do it in a manner where it's not counter-productive. He really wants to be a trainer. I hope more than anything in the world that he's blessed for his efforts.

How far do you think you walk on an average day?

Wow, we walk a ton everyday. Our area isn't remote, so we walk, and walk, and walk. The thing is I've found a lot of motivation in reading "Our Heritage", and just thinking about all the sacrfices of the early Saints, and more importantly, Jesus Chirst. I really do find strength in Him and His atonement. For example, my first Fast Sunday in the mission I literally thought I was going to die. But I changed my attitude, especially reading the Savior's teaching about fasting, and how when we complain and talk about our thirst and our hunger, we have our reward. But when we really focus on why we're fasting, we're blessed in so many ways. Now I can get through a Fast Sunday with our uttering a word about hunger or thirst.

Is the food different now?

The food is food here. The only thing distinct about Guatemalan food is  tortillas are present in every meal. I eat ceral and apple for breakfast, lunch I go to the comedor and have some type of chicken, rice, and salad and to close everyday I eat beans and tortillas. The food is delicious here though. There are panaderias (bakery) everywhere. Had pache, basically a tamale but with potato, absolutely incredible!

How are your shoes holding up?

No se precupe, mis zapatos estan bien ahorrita.

Do you need anything in the next package which will probably be a Thanksgiving/Christmas combination?

As far as packages go, whatever you want to send I love everything you send! I would love to have more pictures of the family. A lot of members and people we are teaching love seeing our families, so I  guess only that. Oh, and a new calender for the next year. Anything you guys want from Guate for Christmas!?

What is your new apartment like?

Apartments fine. I have a bed to sleep on, and we're in a nice neighborhood.

Well for me I'm still focusing a lot on Jesus Christ, as far as studies go. I'm also studying the lessons a lot so I can teach more natutrally. I've been reading in 1 Nephi a lot. Man, what a great example of work ethic from Nephi, and what our attitude needs to be. I love chap. 17, and how Nephi just goes out and gets it done, and it's even a little funny how he shocks his brothers. I'm learning so much about the gospel it would literally take up all my time to write about every single thing I've learned.

Well I'm still lost in the work. I love the questions, helps me focus and give a little more detail about what I'm doing here. I love every minute here, even when things aren't exactly going our way.

But I love you! Glad to here everything is going well out there! oh by the way, tell M I got his letter! I'll try to send one soon. It's easier to just have you guys forward emails for me. Ill send you one for him next week and you can print it off and give it to him. Finally, I've decided that i want Alma 29:9 as my scripture.

Well I hope everything's going well for you guys! I look forward to your emails every week! I find strength in reading all your emails, and know that I really pour out my soul for you guys everyday! Wow,  how fast these 5 months have gone. I'm almost a quarter of the way through! santa vaca!

I wouldn't trade this opportunity to serve for anything in the world. Man, I love this mission. Thank you for every sacrifice you've made for me, monetarilly, emotionally, temporally, in time. Love you all!

Con amor,
Elder Butler

Back to the City

Hola Madre! no se precupe. Aveces, nos orbidamos muchas cosas, gracias a nuestras vida y la multitud de las cosas tenemos que hacer cada dia. Sin embargo, recuerdase que Dios es siempre primero! Ok i'm done writing in Espanol. lol 

Well I'm in the capital now, Zona Mariscal. My area's called Peronia. A lot different from Puerta de Hierro. My companion is Elder Carrillo, de Nicaragua. He's awesome! The thing i like about him the most is that he tries to be a friend with every one here. The area is really different geographically. It¡s literally built into the side of a mountain (actually a lot of Guatemala is built into the mountains) but literally everywhere we go has super steep inclines. Don¡t worry, i'm stretching and eating plenty of frijoles for my muscles to recover. But i like it here. The members are great, and the ward mission leader helps us teach everyday. 

I'm really progressing spiritually. I've really been focusing on repentance a lot, and how i can improve everyday. The power of deliverance through the Atonement of Jesus Christ is amazing! there's still so much i have to learn, but i'm enjoying every minute of it. I started reading Jesus the Christ. So powerful.

Thanks for everything mom. All the lessons you've taught me, big and small, are being applied here in the mission.I'm being obedient and trying everyday to help someone out. You sure are right about teaching by the Spirit. That's been one of my focuses, and i'm starting to see the fruits of my labors. This time I have to serve truly is a blessing.

The mission has helped me refine myself, and I couldn¡t have done ANY OF IT without Bishop W. I know that he won't be brought down by any trial or tribulations. He truly is a man of God. 

I'm going to have to send you my testimony next week. We had problems finding internet. Also, I'll send you pictures of me in Puerta de Hierro next week. I'm torn about what scripture i want on my plaque. I can't decide whether i want Alma 29:9 or Moroni 8:16. i'll give my decision next week.

Glad to hear Bethel Football is rolling along. Let me know if anyone¡s gong to Ohio State!  

 Ya you're right, time is flying, at the end of this exchange I'll have 6 months! yikes. Time flies when you're lost in the service of the Lord.

Cool fact i learned about humility. in the vision of the tree of life, there's one big difference between the first group of people who took the fruit, then left, and the second group. What's the difference? The second group literally fell down and worshiped (sorry can't quote it correctly). But isn't that true? The whole Book of Mormon is a testimony of what happens when the people take the fruit, but don't humble themselves before God. Spiritual thought of the week, and just another reason why i absolutely love the Book of Mormon.

Well time's winding down and I still have to send emails to W and R! Love you mom with all my heart. I really do mean that. I truly do pray for you everyday. Know that you will always be in my heart. Love you mom. I know Dad's proud of all of us. Rejoice in the Lord and His everlasting love, and how through him we'll always be together!

Con Amor Eterno, 

Elder Butler

pss took money out this week. Don't worry.

psss. the cable is wrong the right one should be in the box to my camera

pssss. LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!!!

Hey mom! 

Don't worry if you didn't have time to write. I know you're working, so no tenga pena lol How was your lesson this week. I know how much you love to teach, and the lessons you prepare to teach,help you learn for yourself  and are such great blessings. How's school going? Has the football team started playing yet? Wish them luck for me!

So i'm being transfered. I'm sad to leave, but ready to move on. As corny as it sounds, i know that i'll be able to see them another time, hopefully here in Guatmala, but more importantly,after this life is over. 

 I'm ready to go where i'm needed, and i'm going to continue serving with all my heart might mind and strength. I've really been focusing on the Savior and His example this week. I've been feeling the Spirit more this week, and this is my simple invitation for you. Focus on the Savior. 

Love you Mom. Manda salud a la resta de la Familia! i will write more next week. Love you mom! the Lord will help you in every thing you do because of the great sacrifices you have made and continue to make for me and the family. Thank you for being such a great friend and teacher. What would i do without you!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Love ya Forever,

Elder Butler

Aloha

Que tal? Como esta su vierno?  Que paso con Reillypalooza???? Does it kick off this week? Have fun in Idaho this week! I always loved out trips to visit the Brimhalls and the Astlunds. Gail told me about how her trip with Shannon and Linda went well. i still have to email her back...grrrrr...Managing my time while emailing is dificult, but this week we're emailing in a nice internet cafe in the mall. Much better than in Puerto, so all my emails can be dispersed in a nice, orderly fashion. Well it's chiqote (chastizing) time. You have to read your scriptures. No ifs ands or buts. Scripture study helps us in so many ways. Look how it helped Joseph Smith, where would we be without his great example of searching the scriptures. But I know that you're a diligent person, just make sure you read EVERYDAY, even if it's only 1 verse!

Well that stinks about your iphone. I could send you one from here lol but  they're actually more expensive. 

The Lord blesses us for allllll of our righteous desires, but sometimes it's in his way. Look for the tender mercies in your life. I know you'll be able to be more diligent and focus more if you read your scriptures. Every building has to have a strong foundation, scriptures, prayers, testimonies, and covenants are what should make up every strong foundation. Remember, the wise man built his house upon the rock.

Well i'm being transfered. Mixed Emotions. I really love the people here, so i feel it's natural to be a little sad to leave, but at the same time i think it's a sign i'm doing what i'm supposed to. To be a good missionary you have to love the people. The members are geniuinely great people and they treat each other like family. The environment is literally like a family of God. But i'm saying my goodbyes today, and moving on tomorrow. I wrote my name on the pole of missionaries at the house of the Perez Family, which means i have to return someday, so plan on a return trip to Guatemala in the future! Can't help but have a little regret because my Spanish wasn't up to par, so i feel like i could've had better relationships with them, but i know ill be fine. They love me, and i love them. I'm stoked to move on though. I'll find out tomorrow where i'm going, and I'm ready to start helping my fellow bretheren and sisters.   

My studies have been focused on studying better lplus a lot of focus has been put into the Savior, his life and teachings, and how i can do better personally to honor Him, and follow His example. Last week was really busy so we didn't have a lot of time to study, but I'm learning more and more every week, and i have a genuine desire to learn more and more. I often find myself sad at the end of study time because i just want to learn more and more.

So anything significant going on in the world? Guatemala is Guatemala and I had bubblegum flavored soda this week. Unbelievable. Guatemala has much better soda than the states.

My emails are boring sorry about that. Do you have the emails of Elder Bennett and Laret? if i send you an email for them could you forward it for me? Mom hasn't emailed me. I know will's busy so i don't mind, but a little concerned. I know she's at work right now. Just make sure you forward this to her.

Hope you like the pictures! Giant spiders and cockroaches! The picture with Elder L and I is with Hno. Mario Perez. His family is super strong in the church. He's the guy that I promised to come back and visit. More pics to follow, and ill try to get some funny ones. I just don't carry my camera with me much bc we don't have time to stop and take pictures much, lot's of work! But i'll actively search for funny things to photograph lol

Well i love ya with all my heart. I'm praying for you and the rest of the family everyday. I know that in no time we'll be chilling in the front room sharing stories of the past two years. I'm close to 5 months in the mission,  Almost a quarter of the way through my mission....yikes! where is the time going!?!?!?!?!?!?! Love ya sis, Cuidase!

Con Amor Eterno,

  

News from Puerta

I've been praying super hard for you guys. John's going to be in 6th grade, and you've got school starting! I pray that you'll be able to keep up with the everyday grind. se que el senor les bendicirà a ustedes con la fuerza para vencer todos!

Interviews went well with Pres. He's really pleased with my progress, and he told my companion my Spanish is really good. I told him about my goals to help us reach 300 bautismos and he was glad to hear my goal. The spirit's been putting in my mind the number 7. I really want to do my part and more.

I think I'm staying in Puerta. We find out Monday, but it's highly probable my comp's leaving. we'll see.

The past week numbers- wise wasn't great, but we've got new investigators attending church. Vamos a bautizarse!

Mi espanol is getting better and better everyday, but I can't settle. I have to study more and learn more so I can be a better teacher and respect this gift God has given me.

So we encountered gigantic spiders last week. I'll send pics next week! 

 

Got the packages! Thanks for all. I'm glad you sent the peanut butter because my comp likes it a lot! Nothing was stolen. I love the pic that you sent me! It helps me stay motivated when I'm feeling down, along with our family pic.

Gospel wise, I started the BOM again. I love the examples of Lehi in the beginning. His obedience to the revelation God sent him is perfect for our time. If he would've ignored it, literal captivity and death. He followed it, and received life and freedom, temporally and spiritually. The same applies for our lives. If we ignore revelation, it leads to spiritual captivity. If we follow revelation, it leads to spirtual and temporal freedom. Pretty general thing, there's more I could type, but i feel that point is so crucial for us to understand.

I'm really working hard to prepare for September (and for the rest of my mission).

 

1. I will accomplish all my righteous goals. 7 baptisms for my next area or Puerta is a righteous desire, and I know most of what I need to do to accomplish it. I'm willing to heed the guidance from the Spirit to better myself to be a better missionary also.

2. I want to persuade many people of the truthfulness of the restored Gospel. Simple, but bien claro that i will help lots of people.

Hopefully more funny experiences or crazy things will happen to spice up my emails a little more lol Love you guys with all my heart. You guys are a huge motivation for me to succeed and help the people of Guatemala. Love you guys!

Con Amor,

Elder Butler