This Past Week In Mexico:
Monday, December 16, 2013
Dear Mom (and family, too),
One of the pictures is me with Elder Randall, one of our Zone Leaders. He got changed (transferred) to Chihuahua. Elder Randall is going to be going to Utah State. His family also lives in Logan, Utah. There are some other funny pictures. The bakery we ate at, all of that I got for 18 Pesos. The other was just a huge Christmas house I decided to take a picture of.
Yeah, I gave away the gifts you sent for the little kids. They were some kids who are investigators of the Hermanas. I gave it to them because we are teaching their dad.
Their Dad is not Javier. We dropped Javier because he hasn’t been telling us the truth, so we aren’t visiting him anymore. We actually dropped a lot of our people because they weren’t progressing. No matter how hard we tried, they weren’t fulfilling their promises; but that’s okay because we have received about 10 or more people to go and visit since Thursday. I found a lot of them with Elder Womack when we had divisions. We are also working on helping the Ward out because it is kind of failing right now. Elder Wiscombe and I think this is the main reason we were sent here to this part of Delicias – to strengthen the Ward first. We are going to have our Visitors Center every Saturday, and we are also starting to teach English every Wednesday for 1 hour.
I have actually gained weight…I’m pretty sure about that. Ha-ha-hah, I’m not too proud of it, either.
Thank you, Mom. I'll let you know how things go this week. I love you. I hope you have a good week, too. Adios.
Love,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Monday, December 16, 2013
Dear Mom (and family, too),
One of the pictures is me with Elder Randall, one of our Zone Leaders. He got changed (transferred) to Chihuahua. Elder Randall is going to be going to Utah State. His family also lives in Logan, Utah. There are some other funny pictures. The bakery we ate at, all of that I got for 18 Pesos. The other was just a huge Christmas house I decided to take a picture of.
Yeah, I gave away the gifts you sent for the little kids. They were some kids who are investigators of the Hermanas. I gave it to them because we are teaching their dad.
Their Dad is not Javier. We dropped Javier because he hasn’t been telling us the truth, so we aren’t visiting him anymore. We actually dropped a lot of our people because they weren’t progressing. No matter how hard we tried, they weren’t fulfilling their promises; but that’s okay because we have received about 10 or more people to go and visit since Thursday. I found a lot of them with Elder Womack when we had divisions. We are also working on helping the Ward out because it is kind of failing right now. Elder Wiscombe and I think this is the main reason we were sent here to this part of Delicias – to strengthen the Ward first. We are going to have our Visitors Center every Saturday, and we are also starting to teach English every Wednesday for 1 hour.
I have actually gained weight…I’m pretty sure about that. Ha-ha-hah, I’m not too proud of it, either.
Thank you, Mom. I'll let you know how things go this week. I love you. I hope you have a good week, too. Adios.
Love,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Elder Ian's Weekly E-Mail Home:
Monday, December 09, 2013
Dear Family,
Hello! I’m going to try to cover the past two weeks because of the shortage of time I had last week. Here I go.
Actually, nothing really crazy or that important happened this last week. We saw a dead dog in the back of a pickup truck, but that was about it. We had 3 investigators at church. It was my 3-month mark in Mexico. One of our Zone Leaders left to Chihuahua -- Elder Randall from Logan, Utah. We visited with a lot of druggies, and now we are never visiting them again. The Jehovah’s Witnesses tried to give us a lesson on “families can be together forever” with one of their pamphlets, but we told them that is what we already know and teach, so they didn’t know what to say. We also watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.
I will have some pictures next week. I forgot my cable back at the house, so I can’t send photos this week.
I had postnasal drip for 2 days and that is the farthest I have been sick my entire time here. It didn’t even affect our work.
Javier didn’t have his baptism. He fell and ended up drinking the night before, but we are working with him and have another date with him. We are also trying to get the support of his family. Most of them are members but don’t trust him, and have basically rejected him.
I wish we had snow here. The sun is seriously a big difference here. When it comes up you feel it, and when you stand in the shade there is a significant difference in temperature. I wanted to tell you all that I love you. I hope that Christmas is something fantastic this year, but at the same time I know that you all will miss me. I am looking forward to the call on Christmas Day. I don’t get to use Skype, unfortunately.
Have a good week.
Su Hijo, (Your Son)
Elder Ian Hansgen
Monday, December 09, 2013
Dear Family,
Hello! I’m going to try to cover the past two weeks because of the shortage of time I had last week. Here I go.
Actually, nothing really crazy or that important happened this last week. We saw a dead dog in the back of a pickup truck, but that was about it. We had 3 investigators at church. It was my 3-month mark in Mexico. One of our Zone Leaders left to Chihuahua -- Elder Randall from Logan, Utah. We visited with a lot of druggies, and now we are never visiting them again. The Jehovah’s Witnesses tried to give us a lesson on “families can be together forever” with one of their pamphlets, but we told them that is what we already know and teach, so they didn’t know what to say. We also watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.
I will have some pictures next week. I forgot my cable back at the house, so I can’t send photos this week.
I had postnasal drip for 2 days and that is the farthest I have been sick my entire time here. It didn’t even affect our work.
Javier didn’t have his baptism. He fell and ended up drinking the night before, but we are working with him and have another date with him. We are also trying to get the support of his family. Most of them are members but don’t trust him, and have basically rejected him.
I wish we had snow here. The sun is seriously a big difference here. When it comes up you feel it, and when you stand in the shade there is a significant difference in temperature. I wanted to tell you all that I love you. I hope that Christmas is something fantastic this year, but at the same time I know that you all will miss me. I am looking forward to the call on Christmas Day. I don’t get to use Skype, unfortunately.
Have a good week.
Su Hijo, (Your Son)
Elder Ian Hansgen
This Past Week In Mexico:
Monday, December 2, 2013
Dear Family,
Sorry I don’t have all that much time this week. I had a big survey to fill out.
1) Did you ever get our Thanksgiving card yet?
No.
2) Did you ever receive this last package that I sent? It has some Christmas items for both you and Elder Wiscombe in it.
Yes we got them. I love the Ensign that we got. It is already marked up.
3) How was your Thanksgiving? Did you ever print off the note I wrote for the Hermana?
It was great. I didn’t print it off, but I told her basically what it said.
4) How is Elder Wiscombe? Are the two of you still enjoying each other’s company?
No… Just kidding. Yeah everything is great, except for a part of our District right now that adds a little stress to us.
5) Would you like me to send you some of that “powdered” peanut butter?
No, its fine -- I just thought it was cool.
6) Is there anything else (food-wise or otherwise) that you would like me to send to you?
I’ll let you know when I think of something – haha.
7) How are "your people" doing?
Our people are doing great. We work with a lot of less active members and we have new people that we are teaching. Our first baptism should be this next Sunday at 4:00. His name is Javier and he was a heavy drinker. So far he has stopped, and this whole thing has been his decision. We are basically just helping him out and visiting every day.
Love you all,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Monday, December 2, 2013
Dear Family,
Sorry I don’t have all that much time this week. I had a big survey to fill out.
1) Did you ever get our Thanksgiving card yet?
No.
2) Did you ever receive this last package that I sent? It has some Christmas items for both you and Elder Wiscombe in it.
Yes we got them. I love the Ensign that we got. It is already marked up.
3) How was your Thanksgiving? Did you ever print off the note I wrote for the Hermana?
It was great. I didn’t print it off, but I told her basically what it said.
4) How is Elder Wiscombe? Are the two of you still enjoying each other’s company?
No… Just kidding. Yeah everything is great, except for a part of our District right now that adds a little stress to us.
5) Would you like me to send you some of that “powdered” peanut butter?
No, its fine -- I just thought it was cool.
6) Is there anything else (food-wise or otherwise) that you would like me to send to you?
I’ll let you know when I think of something – haha.
7) How are "your people" doing?
Our people are doing great. We work with a lot of less active members and we have new people that we are teaching. Our first baptism should be this next Sunday at 4:00. His name is Javier and he was a heavy drinker. So far he has stopped, and this whole thing has been his decision. We are basically just helping him out and visiting every day.
Love you all,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Staying Put In Delicias (No Transfer):
Monday, November 25, 2013
Dear Family,
This week was actually a little weird. I don’t remember much because I was in Meoqui for part of it. I was on divisions there for a little while. It was my 4-month mark yesterday. (YAY!!!)
It has been pretty cold but we have been fine. The sun came out an hour ago and it’s actually really hot again. There was a guy who was talking with us that said something very funny. He asked us why Jesus never married, and told us it was because he didn’t want to be run by a woman. He then went off on a huge tangent about how women wear pants and are trying to take over and control us. It was really strange. I have had a lot of more crazy experiences, but I will have to share those another day -- probably when I return -- haha.
Nothing really big happened this week. This was seriously all that I had to say.
Love you all,
Elder Hansgen
(Below is an email Elder Ian sent to his Dad today. They have been talking back and forth the last couple of weeks about Shahbaz cooking the turkey on Thanksgiving Day this year (which is over 17 pounds) and Shahbaz teased Elder Ian: “I wonder if the turkey will also have chili or, instead of stuffing, if they will stuff it with chilies.” Elder Ian has told us in the past that he will be eating Thanksgiving Dinner with the lady/Hermana whose son makes the T-Shirts for all of the missionaries. He is really looking forward to eating at her house on Thanksgiving Day.)
“Dad--
That’s good – 18 lb turkey, huh? That’s huge! The lady in our ward said she wasn’t able to find turkey, but we told her it doesn’t even matter. Just the idea that we are eating with her is the best. She is preparing some kind of big meal, though. We can only eat 1 hour, though, so it will be a fast one.
The chili is actually really good. I bet I could take you on when I get back. I have only had about 2 types of chili that were a little bit strong. The one I can remember is called Chile de árbol. Elder Wiscombe had a seed and just about died – haha. Its great! It will be weird not eating as much chili when I return.
Everything is great down here. It was cold the past 3 days. I think it’s because Delicias is really windy, and the rain was pretty bad before the storm, but the sun came out in the past hour and its already blazing hot again.
Hope your turkey tastes the best. Try to find some chili to throw on it – haha!
Your son,
Elder Ian Hansgen”
Monday, November 25, 2013
Dear Family,
This week was actually a little weird. I don’t remember much because I was in Meoqui for part of it. I was on divisions there for a little while. It was my 4-month mark yesterday. (YAY!!!)
It has been pretty cold but we have been fine. The sun came out an hour ago and it’s actually really hot again. There was a guy who was talking with us that said something very funny. He asked us why Jesus never married, and told us it was because he didn’t want to be run by a woman. He then went off on a huge tangent about how women wear pants and are trying to take over and control us. It was really strange. I have had a lot of more crazy experiences, but I will have to share those another day -- probably when I return -- haha.
Nothing really big happened this week. This was seriously all that I had to say.
Love you all,
Elder Hansgen
(Below is an email Elder Ian sent to his Dad today. They have been talking back and forth the last couple of weeks about Shahbaz cooking the turkey on Thanksgiving Day this year (which is over 17 pounds) and Shahbaz teased Elder Ian: “I wonder if the turkey will also have chili or, instead of stuffing, if they will stuff it with chilies.” Elder Ian has told us in the past that he will be eating Thanksgiving Dinner with the lady/Hermana whose son makes the T-Shirts for all of the missionaries. He is really looking forward to eating at her house on Thanksgiving Day.)
“Dad--
That’s good – 18 lb turkey, huh? That’s huge! The lady in our ward said she wasn’t able to find turkey, but we told her it doesn’t even matter. Just the idea that we are eating with her is the best. She is preparing some kind of big meal, though. We can only eat 1 hour, though, so it will be a fast one.
The chili is actually really good. I bet I could take you on when I get back. I have only had about 2 types of chili that were a little bit strong. The one I can remember is called Chile de árbol. Elder Wiscombe had a seed and just about died – haha. Its great! It will be weird not eating as much chili when I return.
Everything is great down here. It was cold the past 3 days. I think it’s because Delicias is really windy, and the rain was pretty bad before the storm, but the sun came out in the past hour and its already blazing hot again.
Hope your turkey tastes the best. Try to find some chili to throw on it – haha!
Your son,
Elder Ian Hansgen”
Possible Transfer Ahead???:
Monday, November 18, 2013
Dear Family,
I am really low on time today because my computer is having problems with my camera. Anyway these are the highlights from this past week.
Last Monday: We went on a visit with the Patriarch and found 2 new investigators. One of them wants to be baptized, and the other wants to change his life and stop drinking with his friend.
Wednesday: There was a lady we gave a blessing to in the hospital and she was back in her house. We blessed her that she would have the opportunity to see all of her family. She is 99 years old.
Friday: We went to Chihuahua and I worked with another Elder in his area, and prepared for Elder Oaks.
Saturday: We listened to Elder Oaks in the morning and in the evening. I took some really good notes and have them for you in some pictures.
Sunday: We visited some people with the Bishop, Mission Leader, and President of the High Priests. It was awesome going around visiting less active members and investigators.
That’s all from me for this week… I need to take more pictures, and that is something I am working on because I want pictures with some of the ward members.
Adiós para ahorita, (Bye for right now,)
Elder Ian Hansgen
Original Letter:
Presidente,
Esta Semana fue bien. Encontramos con Hno. Ruiz de nuestro barrió dos más investigadores. Uno de ellos quiere bautizar a su nieto. Muchos de su familia son miembros y su Hija se casa con el hijo del Hno. Ruiz. El amigo de este Hombre tiene deseos de cambiar también. Los dos de ellos tomar y están en el progreso de quitar. Visitamos con mucho más miembros. El otro día visitamos algunas personas con obispo, Líder misional, y Pres. de sumo sacerdotes.
Los padres de una familia que visitamos fueron muy feliz con nuestra bendición a su tía que estuvo en el hospital. Ahora ella está en su casa otra vez y con su familia. Tiene 99 años y casi es tiempo para ella. Elder Wiscombe y Yo bendecimos ella que ella puede tener la oportunidad a ver su familia una vez más.
Estamos muy agradecido para la oportunidad de escuchar a Elder Oaks en sábado. Nosotros tenemos mucho para aplicar a nuestras enseñanzas y mismos. Estamos hablando más en reunión de districto y zona.
Muchísimas gracias para todo Presidente. Estoy en la última semana de 12 semanas y estoy listo para cualquier cosa que tiene para mí.
Hasta Miércoles,
Elder Hansgen
Translated Letter:
President,
This week went well. We found two more investigators with Brother Ruiz from our ward. One of them wants to baptize his nephew. Many of his family members are members and his daughter married Brother Ruiz's son. His friend wants to change, too. The two [investigators] drink alcohol but are making progress on quitting. We visit with more members. The other day we visited some people with the bishop, the ward mission leader, and the high priests group leader.
The parents of a family we visited were very happy with our blessing we gave to their aunt who was in the hospital. Now she is at home again with her family. She is 99 years old and it is almost her time. Elder Wiscombe and I blessed her that she could have the opportunity to see her family again.
We are very grateful for the opportunity to listen to Elder Oaks on Saturday. We have a lot to apply to our teachings and ourselves. We are speaking more in district and zone meetings.
Thank you for everything, President. I am in the last week of 12 weeks and I am ready for anything you need me to do.
Until Wednesday,
-Elder Hasngen
Monday, November 18, 2013
Dear Family,
I am really low on time today because my computer is having problems with my camera. Anyway these are the highlights from this past week.
Last Monday: We went on a visit with the Patriarch and found 2 new investigators. One of them wants to be baptized, and the other wants to change his life and stop drinking with his friend.
Wednesday: There was a lady we gave a blessing to in the hospital and she was back in her house. We blessed her that she would have the opportunity to see all of her family. She is 99 years old.
Friday: We went to Chihuahua and I worked with another Elder in his area, and prepared for Elder Oaks.
Saturday: We listened to Elder Oaks in the morning and in the evening. I took some really good notes and have them for you in some pictures.
Sunday: We visited some people with the Bishop, Mission Leader, and President of the High Priests. It was awesome going around visiting less active members and investigators.
That’s all from me for this week… I need to take more pictures, and that is something I am working on because I want pictures with some of the ward members.
Adiós para ahorita, (Bye for right now,)
Elder Ian Hansgen
Original Letter:
Presidente,
Esta Semana fue bien. Encontramos con Hno. Ruiz de nuestro barrió dos más investigadores. Uno de ellos quiere bautizar a su nieto. Muchos de su familia son miembros y su Hija se casa con el hijo del Hno. Ruiz. El amigo de este Hombre tiene deseos de cambiar también. Los dos de ellos tomar y están en el progreso de quitar. Visitamos con mucho más miembros. El otro día visitamos algunas personas con obispo, Líder misional, y Pres. de sumo sacerdotes.
Los padres de una familia que visitamos fueron muy feliz con nuestra bendición a su tía que estuvo en el hospital. Ahora ella está en su casa otra vez y con su familia. Tiene 99 años y casi es tiempo para ella. Elder Wiscombe y Yo bendecimos ella que ella puede tener la oportunidad a ver su familia una vez más.
Estamos muy agradecido para la oportunidad de escuchar a Elder Oaks en sábado. Nosotros tenemos mucho para aplicar a nuestras enseñanzas y mismos. Estamos hablando más en reunión de districto y zona.
Muchísimas gracias para todo Presidente. Estoy en la última semana de 12 semanas y estoy listo para cualquier cosa que tiene para mí.
Hasta Miércoles,
Elder Hansgen
Translated Letter:
President,
This week went well. We found two more investigators with Brother Ruiz from our ward. One of them wants to baptize his nephew. Many of his family members are members and his daughter married Brother Ruiz's son. His friend wants to change, too. The two [investigators] drink alcohol but are making progress on quitting. We visit with more members. The other day we visited some people with the bishop, the ward mission leader, and the high priests group leader.
The parents of a family we visited were very happy with our blessing we gave to their aunt who was in the hospital. Now she is at home again with her family. She is 99 years old and it is almost her time. Elder Wiscombe and I blessed her that she could have the opportunity to see her family again.
We are very grateful for the opportunity to listen to Elder Oaks on Saturday. We have a lot to apply to our teachings and ourselves. We are speaking more in district and zone meetings.
Thank you for everything, President. I am in the last week of 12 weeks and I am ready for anything you need me to do.
Until Wednesday,
-Elder Hasngen
My Week In A Nutshell:
Monday, November 11, 2013
Dear Family,
Well ...I forgot my camera cable, so I can’t send any pictures again this week; but that’s OK because I didn’t really take any – sorry! (haha)
Anyway…
Last Monday: We met a really awesome guy and he was a member of the club "The Jonathan.” He is on the front page of their magazine for the March 1964 edition. He has a REALLY nice house. He is super humble and knows a little bit of English.
Tuesday: We had our meeting with President Chavez and he had his presentation about hands. I could tell those were your hands the second they were on the screen. It was actually because of the book at first, but then I could recognize your fingers and your rings. ♥
Thursday: We met with our Stake President and he is super excited to be working with us. He is so ready to wake everyone up down here and get the members involved in the missionary work.
Saturday: I gave some American candy to some really awesome kids and all they could say for the rest of the visit was “Dulces Americano!” (American sweets). Now every time I see them in Church, or we visit, they ask for more. (haha)
Sunday: We worked with our mission leader and Hermano Covorrubias, and we visited three houses. We also gave a blessing in the hospital.
Monday (today): We got all ready to get prepared for the visit of Elder Oaks on Saturday. Our suits are being cleaned and I got another 20-peso haircut. Seriously, that is so cheap…haha!
This is my week in a nutshell. I skipped a few days because they were just pretty regular.
I got my step counter working by Thursday and we average about 9 miles a day. We have walked 35 miles in total so far. I’m keeping track every day so I can see how far we walked my entire mission.
Love you all - got to go,
Elder Ian Hansgen
P.S. -- For Ryjel while working on your Faith In God - Look for the opportunities to serve anyone when the chance comes. This will help you to develop Christlike attributes. Something really cool I learned about Preach My Gospel in the MTC from one of the Apostles was that Preach My Gospel was a book written in Heaven for the use of man here on earth. I challenge you to get one and study it like scripture. It is seriously full of some of the most wonderful things I have ever read about the Gospel, and just in general.
Original Letter:
Presidente,
Está semana estuve bien. Muchísimas gracias para su presentación de manos y también para la seguridad. Lo siento para que paso en la noche de martes. Nosotros debemos ha tenido explicar por celular mejor. Estuvo interesante.
Nosotros visitamos con alguien en miércoles que tratando de atacar nuestro testimonio. Explicamos acerca de oración y cómo podemos saber por el espíritu santo y él fue enojado y salió. Testificamos a él y su esposa acerca de la oración y fue muy poderoso. Nosotros hablamos por el espíritu en el momento.
Visitamos con Pres. Arteaga y él es muy animado para animar los barrios de trabajar en total para la obra misional. Estamos muy animados también y estamos visitando con más miembros del barrio.
Trabaje en divisiones este semana con Elder Ante y Fue fantástico. Un Investigador que tenemos tiene un problema con nuestra iglesia porque él es católico. Él digo que él no puede bautizar 2 veces. Elder Ante relato a este investigador perfectamente. Ahora yo y Elder Wiscome podemos enseñar él e invitar él de cumplir más cosas.
Trabajamos con Leder Misional y Leder de sumo sacerdotes ayer y visitamos 3 casas. Cuando hay miembros en una lección está mucho mejor. Fue fantástico. Damos una bendición en el hospital también.
Todo está bien con nosotros. Estamos listo y preparado de ver Elder Oaks en Sabado.
-Elder Hansgen
Translated Letter:
President,
This week was good. Thank you for your presentation of hands and also for safety. I'm sorry for what happened on Tuesday night. We should have explained better on the cell. It was interesting.
We visited with someone on Wednesday that was trying to attack our testimony. We explained about prayer and how we can know by the Holy Spirit, and he got angry and left. We testified to him and his wife about prayer and it was very powerful. We spoke by the Spirit in that moment.
We visited with Pres Arteaga and he is excited to excite the Wards to start working full force in missionary work. We are excited, too, and are visiting more Ward members.
I went on divisions this week with Elder Ante and it was fantastic. An investigator that we have has a problem with our Church because he is Catholic. He says he cannot be baptized 2 times. Elder Ante related to him perfectly. Now, me and Elder Wiscombe can teach him and invite him to make more commitments.
We worked with the Ward mission leader and the High Priest group leader yesterday, and visited 3 houses. When members are in a lesson it is much better. It was fantastic. We gave a blessing in the hospital, too.
Everything is fine with us. We are ready and prepared to see Elder Oaks on Saturday.
-Elder Hansgen
(In reference to “what happened on Tuesday night” I received the following explanation: “We just didn’t explain something over the phone as well as we should have and we worried President Chavez, so he drove down to our house, but everything was fine. He was in Delicias at the time. It was actually pretty funny.” Anyway, for whatever that is worth…that is the only information I got. LOL!!!)
Monday, November 11, 2013
Dear Family,
Well ...I forgot my camera cable, so I can’t send any pictures again this week; but that’s OK because I didn’t really take any – sorry! (haha)
Anyway…
Last Monday: We met a really awesome guy and he was a member of the club "The Jonathan.” He is on the front page of their magazine for the March 1964 edition. He has a REALLY nice house. He is super humble and knows a little bit of English.
Tuesday: We had our meeting with President Chavez and he had his presentation about hands. I could tell those were your hands the second they were on the screen. It was actually because of the book at first, but then I could recognize your fingers and your rings. ♥
Thursday: We met with our Stake President and he is super excited to be working with us. He is so ready to wake everyone up down here and get the members involved in the missionary work.
Saturday: I gave some American candy to some really awesome kids and all they could say for the rest of the visit was “Dulces Americano!” (American sweets). Now every time I see them in Church, or we visit, they ask for more. (haha)
Sunday: We worked with our mission leader and Hermano Covorrubias, and we visited three houses. We also gave a blessing in the hospital.
Monday (today): We got all ready to get prepared for the visit of Elder Oaks on Saturday. Our suits are being cleaned and I got another 20-peso haircut. Seriously, that is so cheap…haha!
This is my week in a nutshell. I skipped a few days because they were just pretty regular.
I got my step counter working by Thursday and we average about 9 miles a day. We have walked 35 miles in total so far. I’m keeping track every day so I can see how far we walked my entire mission.
Love you all - got to go,
Elder Ian Hansgen
P.S. -- For Ryjel while working on your Faith In God - Look for the opportunities to serve anyone when the chance comes. This will help you to develop Christlike attributes. Something really cool I learned about Preach My Gospel in the MTC from one of the Apostles was that Preach My Gospel was a book written in Heaven for the use of man here on earth. I challenge you to get one and study it like scripture. It is seriously full of some of the most wonderful things I have ever read about the Gospel, and just in general.
Original Letter:
Presidente,
Está semana estuve bien. Muchísimas gracias para su presentación de manos y también para la seguridad. Lo siento para que paso en la noche de martes. Nosotros debemos ha tenido explicar por celular mejor. Estuvo interesante.
Nosotros visitamos con alguien en miércoles que tratando de atacar nuestro testimonio. Explicamos acerca de oración y cómo podemos saber por el espíritu santo y él fue enojado y salió. Testificamos a él y su esposa acerca de la oración y fue muy poderoso. Nosotros hablamos por el espíritu en el momento.
Visitamos con Pres. Arteaga y él es muy animado para animar los barrios de trabajar en total para la obra misional. Estamos muy animados también y estamos visitando con más miembros del barrio.
Trabaje en divisiones este semana con Elder Ante y Fue fantástico. Un Investigador que tenemos tiene un problema con nuestra iglesia porque él es católico. Él digo que él no puede bautizar 2 veces. Elder Ante relato a este investigador perfectamente. Ahora yo y Elder Wiscome podemos enseñar él e invitar él de cumplir más cosas.
Trabajamos con Leder Misional y Leder de sumo sacerdotes ayer y visitamos 3 casas. Cuando hay miembros en una lección está mucho mejor. Fue fantástico. Damos una bendición en el hospital también.
Todo está bien con nosotros. Estamos listo y preparado de ver Elder Oaks en Sabado.
-Elder Hansgen
Translated Letter:
President,
This week was good. Thank you for your presentation of hands and also for safety. I'm sorry for what happened on Tuesday night. We should have explained better on the cell. It was interesting.
We visited with someone on Wednesday that was trying to attack our testimony. We explained about prayer and how we can know by the Holy Spirit, and he got angry and left. We testified to him and his wife about prayer and it was very powerful. We spoke by the Spirit in that moment.
We visited with Pres Arteaga and he is excited to excite the Wards to start working full force in missionary work. We are excited, too, and are visiting more Ward members.
I went on divisions this week with Elder Ante and it was fantastic. An investigator that we have has a problem with our Church because he is Catholic. He says he cannot be baptized 2 times. Elder Ante related to him perfectly. Now, me and Elder Wiscombe can teach him and invite him to make more commitments.
We worked with the Ward mission leader and the High Priest group leader yesterday, and visited 3 houses. When members are in a lesson it is much better. It was fantastic. We gave a blessing in the hospital, too.
Everything is fine with us. We are ready and prepared to see Elder Oaks on Saturday.
-Elder Hansgen
(In reference to “what happened on Tuesday night” I received the following explanation: “We just didn’t explain something over the phone as well as we should have and we worried President Chavez, so he drove down to our house, but everything was fine. He was in Delicias at the time. It was actually pretty funny.” Anyway, for whatever that is worth…that is the only information I got. LOL!!!)
This Past Week In Mexico:
(Disclaimer: Elder Ian included a copy in this week's email home of a weekly email he sent to his Mission President, President Chavez. The original is in Spanish, and the translated version follows. Elder Ian has a very great relationship with his Mission President, and I have been very impressed with the love, support, and care he gives to Elder Ian, as well as the other missionaries. Please read his letter/email at the bottom of this post.)
Monday, November 4, 2013
Dear Family,
I don’t have any new pictures...so sorry about that.
Tuesday: We had pigskin soup for lunch that day. It was pretty weird, but alright. We also met with Rojelio again and he thanked us and told us our work is not in vain. He is trying to quit drinking and is looking for what he needs in his life right now. He also expressed that he has found some answers while reading in the Book of Mormon.
Wednesday: It started raining again, but not as bad as the last time. It was a very slow day and we only visited 4 people.
Thursday: We were talking a lot this day in the morning, planning and discussed the importance of the members. We decided that one of the reasons we were sent to Delicias was to strengthen the ward. We talked about it and wrote it down to share with the Zone Leaders.
Friday: I had divisions with a new Elder who is having trouble with the language, Elder Woods. I had to take over another day in our area and we had one of the most powerful lessons with this inactive lady. She said she wanted to come to church on Sunday. I also had to present what Elder Wiscombe and I were talking about on Thursday to the Zone Leaders in Spanish. It was about the importance of members and how we think we need to start working with them more.
Saturday: Today was the Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. It was pretty cool, and there was a lot of candy and bread left over in all the stores. We had some kind of meat soup for lunch and I’m pretty sure it was a heart...
Sunday: Today was the most rainy day we have had. We woke up to it raining and it was pouring all day. We basically had to walk through rivers again. The Hermana who feeds us on Mondays turns 90 on Monday (tomorrow) and we had lunch with her after church.
Monday (today): We got up and washed our clothes. We ate breakfast in a bakery for 26 pesos ($2) for the both of us. We probably had about $10 worth of bread and doughnuts. I ate a bread skull covered in sugar. I should have taken a picture.
Anyway, those are the highlights of my week.
Love you all,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Original Letter:
Presidente Chávez,
Hola. Esta semana fue fantástico. Nuestro barrio está empezando de trabajar con nosotros. Ellos están estudiando Predicad mí Evangelio y nosotros enseñamos cada primero domingo.
Yo y Elder Wiscombe enseñamos un día a Elder Randall acerca de que aprendemos un día. Fuimos hablando acerca de la importancia de los miembros en PME y hablamos sobre las citas de los profetas en la página 12 de PME. Después explicamos que es nuestro responsabilidad de animar nuestro barrio y ayuda ellos. Los promesas de El Profeta, Los apóstoles, y la setenta sobre, “si ustedes trabajan con los misioneros, yo puedo oír cientos.” Fuimos enfocados en los números y no en los miembros. Ahora estamos trabajando más con los miembros. Los números vendrán. Yo explico esto a Elder Randall El otro día y Elder Wiscombe en Meoqui.
Tenemos algunos de las mejores lecciones con personas cuando hay miembros. El otro día un investigador explica que nuestra obra está trabajando. Él está tratando de cambiar.
Esta semana nosotros estamos aplicando que aprendemos. Estamos hablando con más y más miembros tratando de enseñar con ellos.
Elder Hansgen
Translated Letter:
President Chavez,
Hello. This week was fantastic. Our ward is starting to work with us. They are studying Preach my Gospel and we teach every first Sunday.
Me and elder Wiscombe taught Elder Randall one day about what we have learned. We were talking about the importance of members and talked about the promises of the prophets on page 12 of preach my gospel. Then explained that it is our responsibility to encourage our ward and help them. The promises of the Prophet, Apostles, and, seventy about "if you work with missionaries, I can hear hundreds." (Page 12 in PMG are quotes from every Prophet of this dispensation about missionanry work, I couldn't find the quote Ian references here) We focused on the numbers and not the members. We are now working more with members. The numbers will come. I explained this to Elder Randall and Elder Wiscombe the other day in Meoqui.
We have some of the best lessons to people when there are members present. The other day an investigator explained that our work is working. He is trying to change .
This week we are applying what we learn . We're talking to more and more to members trying to teach them.
Elder Hansgen
(Disclaimer: Elder Ian included a copy in this week's email home of a weekly email he sent to his Mission President, President Chavez. The original is in Spanish, and the translated version follows. Elder Ian has a very great relationship with his Mission President, and I have been very impressed with the love, support, and care he gives to Elder Ian, as well as the other missionaries. Please read his letter/email at the bottom of this post.)
Monday, November 4, 2013
Dear Family,
I don’t have any new pictures...so sorry about that.
Tuesday: We had pigskin soup for lunch that day. It was pretty weird, but alright. We also met with Rojelio again and he thanked us and told us our work is not in vain. He is trying to quit drinking and is looking for what he needs in his life right now. He also expressed that he has found some answers while reading in the Book of Mormon.
Wednesday: It started raining again, but not as bad as the last time. It was a very slow day and we only visited 4 people.
Thursday: We were talking a lot this day in the morning, planning and discussed the importance of the members. We decided that one of the reasons we were sent to Delicias was to strengthen the ward. We talked about it and wrote it down to share with the Zone Leaders.
Friday: I had divisions with a new Elder who is having trouble with the language, Elder Woods. I had to take over another day in our area and we had one of the most powerful lessons with this inactive lady. She said she wanted to come to church on Sunday. I also had to present what Elder Wiscombe and I were talking about on Thursday to the Zone Leaders in Spanish. It was about the importance of members and how we think we need to start working with them more.
Saturday: Today was the Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. It was pretty cool, and there was a lot of candy and bread left over in all the stores. We had some kind of meat soup for lunch and I’m pretty sure it was a heart...
Sunday: Today was the most rainy day we have had. We woke up to it raining and it was pouring all day. We basically had to walk through rivers again. The Hermana who feeds us on Mondays turns 90 on Monday (tomorrow) and we had lunch with her after church.
Monday (today): We got up and washed our clothes. We ate breakfast in a bakery for 26 pesos ($2) for the both of us. We probably had about $10 worth of bread and doughnuts. I ate a bread skull covered in sugar. I should have taken a picture.
Anyway, those are the highlights of my week.
Love you all,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Original Letter:
Presidente Chávez,
Hola. Esta semana fue fantástico. Nuestro barrio está empezando de trabajar con nosotros. Ellos están estudiando Predicad mí Evangelio y nosotros enseñamos cada primero domingo.
Yo y Elder Wiscombe enseñamos un día a Elder Randall acerca de que aprendemos un día. Fuimos hablando acerca de la importancia de los miembros en PME y hablamos sobre las citas de los profetas en la página 12 de PME. Después explicamos que es nuestro responsabilidad de animar nuestro barrio y ayuda ellos. Los promesas de El Profeta, Los apóstoles, y la setenta sobre, “si ustedes trabajan con los misioneros, yo puedo oír cientos.” Fuimos enfocados en los números y no en los miembros. Ahora estamos trabajando más con los miembros. Los números vendrán. Yo explico esto a Elder Randall El otro día y Elder Wiscombe en Meoqui.
Tenemos algunos de las mejores lecciones con personas cuando hay miembros. El otro día un investigador explica que nuestra obra está trabajando. Él está tratando de cambiar.
Esta semana nosotros estamos aplicando que aprendemos. Estamos hablando con más y más miembros tratando de enseñar con ellos.
Elder Hansgen
Translated Letter:
President Chavez,
Hello. This week was fantastic. Our ward is starting to work with us. They are studying Preach my Gospel and we teach every first Sunday.
Me and elder Wiscombe taught Elder Randall one day about what we have learned. We were talking about the importance of members and talked about the promises of the prophets on page 12 of preach my gospel. Then explained that it is our responsibility to encourage our ward and help them. The promises of the Prophet, Apostles, and, seventy about "if you work with missionaries, I can hear hundreds." (Page 12 in PMG are quotes from every Prophet of this dispensation about missionanry work, I couldn't find the quote Ian references here) We focused on the numbers and not the members. We are now working more with members. The numbers will come. I explained this to Elder Randall and Elder Wiscombe the other day in Meoqui.
We have some of the best lessons to people when there are members present. The other day an investigator explained that our work is working. He is trying to change .
This week we are applying what we learn . We're talking to more and more to members trying to teach them.
Elder Hansgen
This Week In Seven Minutes:
Monday, October 28, 2013
Dear Family,
I don’t have that much time to type but I hope that this rundown is sufficient. I hope all is well.
I translated bits and pieces of the letter you sent me for the lady in our ward and she said she would read it. I wrote a little message of my own, and so did Elder Wiscombe, at the bottom of the page.
We had divisions the other day and I was in charge because the other missionary was more new than me. I had to take charge of the lessons and our area for a whole day. It wasn’t that hard, but it was my first time. I know our area well enough now that it wasn’t much of a problem.
We had an activity yesterday with some families in the ward. It was like a Family Home Evening and we just talked about ways we could work together. We shared an example which we learned in Stake Conference.
Anyway, I really have to go because we have a meeting and I’m sorry that I don’t have that much time to write this week -- until next Monday.
Adiós!
Love, Elder Ian Hansgen
Monday, October 28, 2013
Dear Family,
I don’t have that much time to type but I hope that this rundown is sufficient. I hope all is well.
I translated bits and pieces of the letter you sent me for the lady in our ward and she said she would read it. I wrote a little message of my own, and so did Elder Wiscombe, at the bottom of the page.
We had divisions the other day and I was in charge because the other missionary was more new than me. I had to take charge of the lessons and our area for a whole day. It wasn’t that hard, but it was my first time. I know our area well enough now that it wasn’t much of a problem.
We had an activity yesterday with some families in the ward. It was like a Family Home Evening and we just talked about ways we could work together. We shared an example which we learned in Stake Conference.
Anyway, I really have to go because we have a meeting and I’m sorry that I don’t have that much time to write this week -- until next Monday.
Adiós!
Love, Elder Ian Hansgen
Elder Ian's Weekly E-Mail Home:
Monday, October 21, 2013
Dear Family,
So, this week was actually pretty interesting. We visited this really nice lady in the Ward, and her dog died the other day. It was still a pup but had tumors, or something, in its head. This is like the 5th dog she has had after the death of her husband and she is always really lonely. She is a really sweet old lady, though.
I had to give a blessing on Wednesday in Spanish and it went pretty well. I have never given one in English before, so Spanish was my first one.
We met a guy named Julio who really enjoys reading and, when we asked him to read the first two paragraphs in the Book of Mormon, he read the entire introduction and more while we were still in his house. He has been so prepared for this gospel.
The weird dog/cat lady (I think I told you about her before -- she has a million stray dogs and cats), her hand is broken now because she was bit on her wrist. She has infections....
We had Stake Conference and it was awesome. It was all about how the Stake needs to get involved in the missionary work. Every member a missionary. It was fantastic.
We also blessed the lady who cooks really well, and her daughter, after lunch on Sunday. I want to talk more about everyone we talk to, but I don’t have all that much time. I want to, in my free time, write a description of everyone here and hopefully start writing the email from the paper, instead of from my head, to save time.
Anyway, I love you all, and I am grateful for the photos and the information about how everyone is doing. I have trouble remembering which questions to answer, so could I ask you all to number them so I can answer more easily?
Talk to you all later.
Love,
Elder Ian Hansgen.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Dear Family,
So, this week was actually pretty interesting. We visited this really nice lady in the Ward, and her dog died the other day. It was still a pup but had tumors, or something, in its head. This is like the 5th dog she has had after the death of her husband and she is always really lonely. She is a really sweet old lady, though.
I had to give a blessing on Wednesday in Spanish and it went pretty well. I have never given one in English before, so Spanish was my first one.
We met a guy named Julio who really enjoys reading and, when we asked him to read the first two paragraphs in the Book of Mormon, he read the entire introduction and more while we were still in his house. He has been so prepared for this gospel.
The weird dog/cat lady (I think I told you about her before -- she has a million stray dogs and cats), her hand is broken now because she was bit on her wrist. She has infections....
We had Stake Conference and it was awesome. It was all about how the Stake needs to get involved in the missionary work. Every member a missionary. It was fantastic.
We also blessed the lady who cooks really well, and her daughter, after lunch on Sunday. I want to talk more about everyone we talk to, but I don’t have all that much time. I want to, in my free time, write a description of everyone here and hopefully start writing the email from the paper, instead of from my head, to save time.
Anyway, I love you all, and I am grateful for the photos and the information about how everyone is doing. I have trouble remembering which questions to answer, so could I ask you all to number them so I can answer more easily?
Talk to you all later.
Love,
Elder Ian Hansgen.
Elder Ian's Weekly E-Mail Home:
Monday, October 14, 2013
Dear Family,
It is the end of my first cycle and Elder Wiscombe and I don’t have to change areas! It is mainly because we started a new area. Hermana Gomez has to change, as well as a few others in our zone. We receive a new batch of missionaries this Monday (today) and I think there are about 30. The first 4 American Hermanas are coming too -- kind of interesting. Thirty is really big for new missionaries.
I am accustomed to the food now. My body has finally caught up with the rest of me – ha-ha. It was actually pretty funny, but by the third week I haven’t had any problems, and nothing ever since.
This last week we had what was called the Feria de la Salud, which is a health fair. Basically, it was a free doctor, dentist, optometrist, and overall health visit. We talked about the church, too. That was the biggest thing but, yeah, it was pretty cool. I got to hold the smallest Chihuahua I have ever seen, but I couldn’t get a picture with it fast enough.
You know the candy here, right? It’s all covered in chili. There isn’t a thing here that I eat that doesn’t have chili in it, even the candy. Also, they sell Royal Cola here. I can’t drink it now, but at least we know where it comes from.
Family home evening spiritual thought/scripture for the week is 1st Corinthians 12.....Have fun.
I am low on time, but the biggest thing that happened this week was the Feria de la Salud.
Adiós!
Love,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Monday, October 14, 2013
Dear Family,
It is the end of my first cycle and Elder Wiscombe and I don’t have to change areas! It is mainly because we started a new area. Hermana Gomez has to change, as well as a few others in our zone. We receive a new batch of missionaries this Monday (today) and I think there are about 30. The first 4 American Hermanas are coming too -- kind of interesting. Thirty is really big for new missionaries.
I am accustomed to the food now. My body has finally caught up with the rest of me – ha-ha. It was actually pretty funny, but by the third week I haven’t had any problems, and nothing ever since.
This last week we had what was called the Feria de la Salud, which is a health fair. Basically, it was a free doctor, dentist, optometrist, and overall health visit. We talked about the church, too. That was the biggest thing but, yeah, it was pretty cool. I got to hold the smallest Chihuahua I have ever seen, but I couldn’t get a picture with it fast enough.
You know the candy here, right? It’s all covered in chili. There isn’t a thing here that I eat that doesn’t have chili in it, even the candy. Also, they sell Royal Cola here. I can’t drink it now, but at least we know where it comes from.
Family home evening spiritual thought/scripture for the week is 1st Corinthians 12.....Have fun.
I am low on time, but the biggest thing that happened this week was the Feria de la Salud.
Adiós!
Love,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Elder Ian's Weekly E-Mail Home:
(Disclaimer: When Ian refers to "Orin" below, he is referring to Orin Voorheis, the LDS Missionary who was shot in the back of his head while serving in Buenos Aires, Argentina, back in 1997. Ian got to know Orin while we lived in Pleasant Grove as we were building our home in Alpine. Orin is a paraplegic now and cannot speak (among other things), but communicates through sign language. Orin's wife, Chartina, was a childhood friend of mine).
* Elder Ian did not send pictures this week. I have posted some below from his last email, and from his mission Facebook site. *
Monday, October 7, 2013
Dear Mother,
I will tell you this now: Mexico can either be a really great and terrific place, or it can be one of the worst places in the world. I have not told you about all the negatives I have witnessed here. I focus on the “Light.” There is so much here that I could tell you that would pierce your heart, but I tell you about the Spirit and Light that I witness every day. This past Conference was great. I am not sure there was a single talk that didn’t speak to Me, my Companionship, our District, Zone, or Mission. This was one of the most fabulous General Conference sessions I have ever seen. There is so much I would like to tell you but, for the sake of time, I would ask you to please review every talk from this Conference; specifically the ones of Carole M. Stephens, D. Todd Christofferson, Jeffery R. Holland, and Henry B. Eyring (Priesthood Session). I love you all and never stop praying for the success of everyone back home. Please look for the blessings that you have received; 1st Nephi 3:7. I wish that I had more time to write, specifically to you, Mom, but I want to spend time writing Aneeqa and Ryjel a little. I love you and miss you more than I can describe.
Quickly, though, because I only have 10 minutes left -- the highlights of the week are:
1) I had my first hot shower last Monday. Before, it was practically ice coming out of the wall.
2) I got to have Honey Bunches Of Oats for breakfast. The box barely lasted one day.
3) An old lady called us “Guapitos Gringos,” which is basically “handsome white kids.”
4) We met with a guy who was thinking of killing himself and shared a visit and lesson with him. We invited him to General Conference, too.
5) There was another earthquake but it was small, and Elder Wiscombe was freaking out. He was half awake and half asleep and started packing, yelling “We need to leave!!!!” and “Elder, did you feel that?!?!.” I got him back to bed and he was out in a couple of minutes. It was 5:00 am., haha! Sometimes he talks in his sleep, too -- not too often, and only a few words, Spanish and English.
6) General Conference was a blast. It was the best one I have ever watched. We watched it with a guy named George, who is like Orin. He can talk perfectly in both English and Spanish, and when the talk of Elder Nelson came on the Spirit filled the room like nobody could believe. This guy has been born with some of the biggest difficulties, and I got to talk to him in Spanish in the hall for about 10 minutes. He is awesome, and I consider him a friend and someone to look up to. He has lived in Salt Lake, Provo, and Fairfield, Utah.
I got to go. That was my week really fast.
Love,
Elder Ian Hansgen
(Disclaimer: When Ian refers to "Orin" below, he is referring to Orin Voorheis, the LDS Missionary who was shot in the back of his head while serving in Buenos Aires, Argentina, back in 1997. Ian got to know Orin while we lived in Pleasant Grove as we were building our home in Alpine. Orin is a paraplegic now and cannot speak (among other things), but communicates through sign language. Orin's wife, Chartina, was a childhood friend of mine).
* Elder Ian did not send pictures this week. I have posted some below from his last email, and from his mission Facebook site. *
Monday, October 7, 2013
Dear Mother,
I will tell you this now: Mexico can either be a really great and terrific place, or it can be one of the worst places in the world. I have not told you about all the negatives I have witnessed here. I focus on the “Light.” There is so much here that I could tell you that would pierce your heart, but I tell you about the Spirit and Light that I witness every day. This past Conference was great. I am not sure there was a single talk that didn’t speak to Me, my Companionship, our District, Zone, or Mission. This was one of the most fabulous General Conference sessions I have ever seen. There is so much I would like to tell you but, for the sake of time, I would ask you to please review every talk from this Conference; specifically the ones of Carole M. Stephens, D. Todd Christofferson, Jeffery R. Holland, and Henry B. Eyring (Priesthood Session). I love you all and never stop praying for the success of everyone back home. Please look for the blessings that you have received; 1st Nephi 3:7. I wish that I had more time to write, specifically to you, Mom, but I want to spend time writing Aneeqa and Ryjel a little. I love you and miss you more than I can describe.
Quickly, though, because I only have 10 minutes left -- the highlights of the week are:
1) I had my first hot shower last Monday. Before, it was practically ice coming out of the wall.
2) I got to have Honey Bunches Of Oats for breakfast. The box barely lasted one day.
3) An old lady called us “Guapitos Gringos,” which is basically “handsome white kids.”
4) We met with a guy who was thinking of killing himself and shared a visit and lesson with him. We invited him to General Conference, too.
5) There was another earthquake but it was small, and Elder Wiscombe was freaking out. He was half awake and half asleep and started packing, yelling “We need to leave!!!!” and “Elder, did you feel that?!?!.” I got him back to bed and he was out in a couple of minutes. It was 5:00 am., haha! Sometimes he talks in his sleep, too -- not too often, and only a few words, Spanish and English.
6) General Conference was a blast. It was the best one I have ever watched. We watched it with a guy named George, who is like Orin. He can talk perfectly in both English and Spanish, and when the talk of Elder Nelson came on the Spirit filled the room like nobody could believe. This guy has been born with some of the biggest difficulties, and I got to talk to him in Spanish in the hall for about 10 minutes. He is awesome, and I consider him a friend and someone to look up to. He has lived in Salt Lake, Provo, and Fairfield, Utah.
I got to go. That was my week really fast.
Love,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Elder Ian's Weekly E-Mail Home:
Monday, September 30, 2013
Dear Family
I think the thing you want to hear the most about is the Centre de Visitantes. Not too many people came but we were in charge of the whole thing. It wasn’t supposed to be that way. We were only supposed to help, but nobody really came to the meetings. It was pretty good and it was a little break from our weekly routine.
I had to go to Chihuahua the other day for fingerprints and my signature. We had to go to the Immigration Office, and we visited the Mission Offices. It was really easy and they didn’t really give me any problems.
I had to give my first talk yesterday in church in Spanish. People told me it was really good and that my Spanish is very well.
I sent pictures of our Presentations at the Centre de Visitantes and others for you all to view.
I got to go -- I’m almost out of time.
Love,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Monday, September 30, 2013
Dear Family
I think the thing you want to hear the most about is the Centre de Visitantes. Not too many people came but we were in charge of the whole thing. It wasn’t supposed to be that way. We were only supposed to help, but nobody really came to the meetings. It was pretty good and it was a little break from our weekly routine.
I had to go to Chihuahua the other day for fingerprints and my signature. We had to go to the Immigration Office, and we visited the Mission Offices. It was really easy and they didn’t really give me any problems.
I had to give my first talk yesterday in church in Spanish. People told me it was really good and that my Spanish is very well.
I sent pictures of our Presentations at the Centre de Visitantes and others for you all to view.
I got to go -- I’m almost out of time.
Love,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Elder Ian's Weekly E-Mail Home:
Monday, September 23, 2013
(Disclaimer: When Ian says "That is my church" below he is referring to a picture I emailed to him which I got off Facebook, which was posted by someone from his mission home. I have posted this same picture for all of you below. It is the first picture in the slideshow).
Dear Family:
That is my church. This Friday and Saturday we have a kind of open house thing where anyone can come and learn more about our church. We are in charge of it and have been working with the ward members for about a week now.
Anyway, I have finally been able to send some more pictures, but it took up a lot of my time. So, I will try to write as much as I can for you guys.
This past Monday, after writing emails, Elder Wiscombe told me that we had a companion exchange that day. I had to go and teach with another missionary and guess who it was...Elder Goldsberry! We both have the same amount of time here in Mexico and we were in the MTC together. We were both a little freaked out, but it went fine. We biked because his area is gigantic. That night we only had time to visit one family and then return to his apartment. The family was awesome. The father had been fasting and praying for help to quit smoking and they were baptized this last Saturday. The next day we visited 7 houses and nobody was home. After this, Elder Goldsberry and I switched back to our regular companions. We went with Hermana Valentina in our ward to go visit her nephew who was in the hospital that night. The security would only let one person in and we had to leave Hermana on her own. When we went outside, we felt that we could get in if we tried again. So, we returned and the Guard let us in and told us 5 MINUTES! We walked into the hospital and were halfway to the room and felt like we shouldn´t be there, so we returned to the front. Another security guard stopped us and said he would help us find the room. So, we were escorted to the right room and he told us we could have 25 minutes. We met with the guy and gave him a blessing. I had to annoint for my first time in Spanish and it was pretty hard. Thursday was the day it was raining really hard. It was raining for about 3 days before, but the hardest was on Thursday. The streets were literally rivers! We just walked through knee deep water for about half the day. Friday there was a small earthquake. The first one I have ever experienced. It was scary and a little strange. The whole State of Chihuahua had an earthquake alert.
I hope everything is going well and Dad doesn’t hurt himself anymore.
Love you all,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Monday, September 23, 2013
(Disclaimer: When Ian says "That is my church" below he is referring to a picture I emailed to him which I got off Facebook, which was posted by someone from his mission home. I have posted this same picture for all of you below. It is the first picture in the slideshow).
Dear Family:
That is my church. This Friday and Saturday we have a kind of open house thing where anyone can come and learn more about our church. We are in charge of it and have been working with the ward members for about a week now.
Anyway, I have finally been able to send some more pictures, but it took up a lot of my time. So, I will try to write as much as I can for you guys.
This past Monday, after writing emails, Elder Wiscombe told me that we had a companion exchange that day. I had to go and teach with another missionary and guess who it was...Elder Goldsberry! We both have the same amount of time here in Mexico and we were in the MTC together. We were both a little freaked out, but it went fine. We biked because his area is gigantic. That night we only had time to visit one family and then return to his apartment. The family was awesome. The father had been fasting and praying for help to quit smoking and they were baptized this last Saturday. The next day we visited 7 houses and nobody was home. After this, Elder Goldsberry and I switched back to our regular companions. We went with Hermana Valentina in our ward to go visit her nephew who was in the hospital that night. The security would only let one person in and we had to leave Hermana on her own. When we went outside, we felt that we could get in if we tried again. So, we returned and the Guard let us in and told us 5 MINUTES! We walked into the hospital and were halfway to the room and felt like we shouldn´t be there, so we returned to the front. Another security guard stopped us and said he would help us find the room. So, we were escorted to the right room and he told us we could have 25 minutes. We met with the guy and gave him a blessing. I had to annoint for my first time in Spanish and it was pretty hard. Thursday was the day it was raining really hard. It was raining for about 3 days before, but the hardest was on Thursday. The streets were literally rivers! We just walked through knee deep water for about half the day. Friday there was a small earthquake. The first one I have ever experienced. It was scary and a little strange. The whole State of Chihuahua had an earthquake alert.
I hope everything is going well and Dad doesn’t hurt himself anymore.
Love you all,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Elder Ian’s Weekly E-Mail Home:
September 16, 2013
¡Buenas Tardes!
Entonces, my second week here was fast. The days are actually super fast down here. We had our monthly Zone Activity last Monday and I have pictures of our whole Zone. I also got some with Elder Matthews who is from our Stake. We played soccer and then it started pouring rain. When I thought the rain was as big as it could get, it rained even harder. Really, all the other days have just been filled with walking, visiting, and more walking. The food down here is just amazing. The only thing even closely related to the food down here is that little place across the street from the Olive Garden and the Asian Buffet.
We are planning this giant activity for this Saturday. It is for the public to come into our Church and just see what our Church is like, and what we believe. The Missionaries are a big part of this and we have been working with the members a lot.
I didn't bring my Journal with me, so that’s really all of the big highlights I can give you at this moment. I have pictures to send, but no more news from me for now. I have to go now. We are needed for our District meeting today.
Love,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Email #2: The computers here are way too slow...I might not be able to send any photos this week. Sorry if you don’t get any. I really don’t have all that much time to write, gather my thoughts, and send pictures.
Adios.
September 16, 2013
¡Buenas Tardes!
Entonces, my second week here was fast. The days are actually super fast down here. We had our monthly Zone Activity last Monday and I have pictures of our whole Zone. I also got some with Elder Matthews who is from our Stake. We played soccer and then it started pouring rain. When I thought the rain was as big as it could get, it rained even harder. Really, all the other days have just been filled with walking, visiting, and more walking. The food down here is just amazing. The only thing even closely related to the food down here is that little place across the street from the Olive Garden and the Asian Buffet.
We are planning this giant activity for this Saturday. It is for the public to come into our Church and just see what our Church is like, and what we believe. The Missionaries are a big part of this and we have been working with the members a lot.
I didn't bring my Journal with me, so that’s really all of the big highlights I can give you at this moment. I have pictures to send, but no more news from me for now. I have to go now. We are needed for our District meeting today.
Love,
Elder Ian Hansgen
Email #2: The computers here are way too slow...I might not be able to send any photos this week. Sorry if you don’t get any. I really don’t have all that much time to write, gather my thoughts, and send pictures.
Adios.
¡Hola!
September 9, 2013
Hello Family,
I really don’t have that much time.
My first week here has been fast and full of lots of different things. Our main objective right now is to get to know the ward members. We have found a few less-active members, and a few investigators as well. Anyway, I will try to highlight what I think would be important to tell.
Our days here are actually really cool, and the people are easy to talk to and have conversations with. The only person from my District in the MTC to be in my area, and actually is in my same Zone, is Elder Goldsberry. As for the rest of our District, I don’t know how they are doing.
We have to wash our clothes by hand with a washboard, and we have a pet stray dog on our porch. There are sooo many stray dogs! Our apartment is on the second floor of a building, and the dog sits up there in the mornings. Every time we eat at a members house the food is FANTASTIC. It is amazing! I have had quite a few spiritual experiences, but one that really stands out to me is the one I had yesterday. I know for a fact that the Gift of Tounges is real. My ears are keen in listening, and the words come to me as I need them by the Spirit. It is really amazing.
Elder Wiscombe is really great. He is awesome at helping me know what to do and trains me really well. I met with President Chavez yesterday and he is an awesome guy. He basically told me that he can tell by my presence and spirit that I am a really good leader. He also told me about the conversation Mom had with him. He said it was his fault because the American missionaries arrived later than the others. He said to thank Mom for raising such a great man, and also told me to keep the spirit I have about me. I do want to thank you, Mom; and I also have many other people to thank that have been there in my life to help me. I have learned something important from every person I have ever met.
I don't know what else to say.
Love, Elder Ian Hansgen
September 9, 2013
Hello Family,
I really don’t have that much time.
My first week here has been fast and full of lots of different things. Our main objective right now is to get to know the ward members. We have found a few less-active members, and a few investigators as well. Anyway, I will try to highlight what I think would be important to tell.
Our days here are actually really cool, and the people are easy to talk to and have conversations with. The only person from my District in the MTC to be in my area, and actually is in my same Zone, is Elder Goldsberry. As for the rest of our District, I don’t know how they are doing.
We have to wash our clothes by hand with a washboard, and we have a pet stray dog on our porch. There are sooo many stray dogs! Our apartment is on the second floor of a building, and the dog sits up there in the mornings. Every time we eat at a members house the food is FANTASTIC. It is amazing! I have had quite a few spiritual experiences, but one that really stands out to me is the one I had yesterday. I know for a fact that the Gift of Tounges is real. My ears are keen in listening, and the words come to me as I need them by the Spirit. It is really amazing.
Elder Wiscombe is really great. He is awesome at helping me know what to do and trains me really well. I met with President Chavez yesterday and he is an awesome guy. He basically told me that he can tell by my presence and spirit that I am a really good leader. He also told me about the conversation Mom had with him. He said it was his fault because the American missionaries arrived later than the others. He said to thank Mom for raising such a great man, and also told me to keep the spirit I have about me. I do want to thank you, Mom; and I also have many other people to thank that have been there in my life to help me. I have learned something important from every person I have ever met.
I don't know what else to say.
Love, Elder Ian Hansgen