December 27, 2010

I'm so grateful to have talked with you all this Christmas. It was such a blessing to hear your voices and to hear how you are doing. I love each and everyone of you and pray for you each day. The blessing of being a ForeverFamily is so amazing and I love knowing that no matter what happens in this life I wil be able to be with all of you for eternity.

It's great to hear of the fun you had on Christmas and the time you got to spend together. It's great that Kya was able to make it home and spend time with you all. It's cool that Mark was there too and that he translated my testimony. It was cool to talk to him for those few seconds cause it was kind of like a test to see how well my spanish has been coming along. It's hard to tell sometimes because you just speak it as much as you can and pick it up little by little but i know that the Lord is helping me so much in learning spanish.

Let Brother Sparks know that i say hi and tell the ward thank you for all the cards i got. It's great to have support from the home ward. That is so crazy to think that there are Elders there now because for the past few years there have been sisters. Hopefully they will work hard and do the will of the Lord. There is a reason they were sent to our ward/area, help them figure it out.

We have what is called a cocinera that we pay that cooks lunch for us almost every day of the week minus monday and tuesday but we don't really eat dinner because that is prime proselyting time and so we are out working then. The members usually offer us food tho whenever we go over there, usually morecaf (coffee of cereals) and bread.

It's weird to think that 2010 is almost over, but the good thing about it is that we are given the opportunity to evalute our past a little bit and work to improve from where we were at. If wetruly have a desire to be better than we can change and improve thru the help of the Lord. I know that if we all focus on trying to develop the attributes of Christ in our own lives we will be able to see the amazing blessings of the Lord and we will have a desire to be the best we can. The Lord knows what we need and if we try our best to become like Him He will give us the opportunities we need. Always remember to rely on the Lord and He will sustain you.

I'm so grateful to be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ and to be a modern day strippling warrior fighting for the salvation of others. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that Joseph Smith was called as a prophet in this last dispensation to restore the gospel and church of Jesus Christ.

Elder Turner

Christmas Day 2010

We got to talk to Kasey this morning for about an hour. It was so awesome to hear his voice and see how he's doing. Last night, Mom had us write down a few questions we could ask him so that when the time came to talk to him, we would have things to talk about since his time was limited. We each got to talk to him for about 5 minutes.

Some of the questions we asked and answers we got:
What is the weather like? Right now it is cold and will get a little colder in the next few months. It doesn't rain very much.
Have you seen a banana tree? No banana trees, but there are avocado trees all over.
How many pounds of beans have you eaten? Well they are measured in kilos so at least 350 kilos of beans so far.
What is the weirdest thing you've eaten so far? I haven't eaten too many strange things yet but for Thanksgiving there was this dish that was absolutely disgusting. It was a mixture of everything you could think of: broccoli, hot dogs, chicken, cheese, and beets...the beets turn everything purple and it was the grossest thing I have ever eaten.
Is your mission a walking mission? Yes we don't have bikes or cars so we either walk everywhere or take the bus. Imagine a yellow school bus packed with over 300 people...the busses rule the roads so you have to be careful because the drivers drive crazy and don't look for people.
What is your area like right now? I am in a pretty poor area right now. I am in the mountains and the people live in tiny little shacks. In my last area, the people were pretty rich and my bishop had 6 cars!! In my neighborhood right now, 48 out of the 50 houses are member homes so we are usually somewhere other than our neighborhood during the day. There are inactive families though that we work with in our neighborhood.
How many times have you gotten sick? 2 times so far. I am trying to stay healthy!
How many companions have you had? 2 and my companion right now is Latino so I get a lot of spanish speaking time.
Are your neighbors scared of you? No because 48 out of the 50 neighbors are members.
How much weight have you gained? 10 lbs, that's why I asked for exercise bands and a jump rope!

Kasey is doing well. He is loving the area and the people. His spanish is getting so much better! He bore his testimony in spanish for us and Mark (Kya's boyfriend) was able to translate what he said. The spirit was really strong and even though we couldn't understand everything Kasey was saying, we could feel the love that Kasey has for the gospel. He is a great missionary!

From Monday December 20, 2010

Its great to hear that all is going well with the family and that everyone is enjoying the break. I love you all and pray for you every day. I know that the Lord is with you and that He will always sustain you if you put your trust in Him and do what He asks.

Its great to hear that the boys did well in their match and the tourny. 5-2 is not bad at all and hopefully they will start seeing more success the harder they work and the more they put their trust in Heavenly Father to strengthen them. I am jealous that they are having so much fun wrestling :) I miss it, but nothing compares to the work of the Lord. Wrestling truely helped prepare me for the mission and i'm grateful that i wrestled all thru high school.

That's great to hear that the ward is having a good time this Christmas season and that you were able to invite people to the activity, mom :) It makes me so happy to hear that you are putting your efforts into the work of the Lord and inviting others to come unto Christ. The vision that one day they will be members is great, mother :) We should all have the desire to share the blessings of the gospel with others. I miss the Christmas songs in english but they are good in spanish too :) this sunday the primary did their program and it was cool to see and hear all those righteous children sing. I loved the spirit i felt from those children.

So i am assuming that all will be there Saturday on Christmas. I'm sorry mom but im not gonna have any time to precall or anything this week because im gonna be super busy. Tomorrow we are having a super p-day with half the mission so i won't have time tomorrow and the rest of this week we are going to be out contacting and teaching. I'm just gonna call around 11 am Guate time Saturday the 25th. I hope all can be there. :) I'm excited to talk to you all. The missionary handbook says 40 min max so i need your help to follow that rule. I will call you first and then you call me back on that number.

This week was an interesting one and i think i only slept at my house 4 of the 7 days this week because i was on divisions 4 days. On wednesday i was with Elder Forbush, one of my companions from the MTC and that was sweet. We worked hard and i got to lead my area for the first time alone :) it was interesting, but thankfully we didnt get lost. On Thursday i was with one of the Zone Leaders Elder Gonzales and that was cool to be able to work with him and get help from him on how i can be a better missionary. Then on Friday and some of Saturday i was with 2 other elders in San Lucas Toliman which is right near the lake Atitlam, the supposed waters of mormon. It was such a cool place and i got to see some cool views. Oh and i turned 4 months old this week too. That was this week. another great week in the service of the Lord.

Elder Turner

Lots of info this week :) it's great to hear of all that great things going on in the family. The Lord is truly blessing you as you are obedient to His commandments. It's so true that our obedience shows our love for the Savior, and like you said mom its not about getting as close to the edge, but walking right down the middle and being exactly obedient. Im grateful for all the mission rules because when I obey them the Lord gives me success. That is how all rules and commandments are, when we obey them the Lord is obligated to bless us.

That's so great to hear that you talked to Elder Hatch. I really have learned, in these 2 weeks not being his companion, how great of a missionary he was. I feel like I took everything I could out of him that would help me in my mission and im so greatful for his example and love for me. My new companion is different but still a good missionary and there is stuff that i can learn from him too. Here in Patzicia there is work to be done. Im excited to work and have the fire to work hard and serve the Lord. The people can be pretty stubborn but I just have to press forward with a love for them and the Lord will bless me with His words to soften their hearts.

It's cold here and its gonna keep getting colder till about mid January or beginning of Feb and then it will get a little warmer. I have a jacket and gloves so that keeps me kinda warm and i bought a blanket for at night so im dealing with the weather as far as that goes :) I always just think that it could be worse and that keeps a smile on my face :)

It's great to hear that the kids are staying busy and active with sports. It makes me miss wrestling hearing of all the boys' experiences but i love hearing about them. It's crazy that the kids are already coming up on break!! Time is flying by faster than ever for me and it's not slowing down one bit. I kinda like it like that because i miss everyone but at the same time it's sad because i have already lost 4 months of serving the Lord that I can't get back. That makes me work hard everyday knowing that i will never get this time back.

Well i just wanted to let you know that i got my first case of the mission's famous sickness last pday. It was quite a bummer throwing up but all is well now :)

Be examples of the believers in all things. I know this gospel is the way to salvation and eternal life and it is the only way to true happiness on this earth.

Elder Turner

Tis the Season in Guatemala

Hello :)

I cant believe it is December and as i look thru my agenda this month is going to fly by just as fast as the others have. It is great when time goes by fast because that means that you're working hard and staying busy and thats how i like to feel! I love working hard for my Savior.

Im in Patzicia in a little colony called Zarahemla. The people who live here are mostly members of the church and they believe that it is Zarahemla from the Book of Mormon. Its pretty cool. I am about 45 min away from lake Atitlan which are to be believed as the waters of mormon. Its is cold here because im up in the mountains. Its about 50 degrees during the day with some wind, and at night it gets to be almost freezing. Its nice but sometimes too cold with the wind. My companion is Elder Calona and he is from Honduras. He has been on his mission for a year and is a District Leader. He has been in Patzicia for about 6 months and by the time we finish this change, 7 and a half months. Im pretty sure that he will be leaving the area after this change but we will see. On Thursdays and Friday we have classes of Kaqchikel and wow it is rough! haha it is like nothing i have ever heard in my life! The words sound like ebonics and im amazed that people can understand it. I will learn patience with the language, thats for sure. :) The good thing is, its not mandatory to learn and most people speak spanish also.

Thats sad to hear of the losses for the boys but in our times of trial is when we learn the most. That will be a good way to refocus and work on what counts and what works. Always look for the positive in everything and have gratitude in your heart because there is always something to be grateful for :)

Oh man how great was that Divocional Navideño!? I loved it and was so happy that i got to go. We had an investigator that came so we were able to go. It was hard to understand all of it because it was in spanish but i felt the Spirit very strong. Usually they have a room set up to listen to the devotionals and conference in english, but they didnt this time :( The great thing is, is that it is the same message in english and spanish or any other language because its the spirit that speakes and He speaks to the understand of men and to their hearts. I love the Christmas season and have developed a newfound love for the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Not only did He die for us, but He was born for us also.

Love
Elder Turner

Every Day is a New Adventure

Hello!! :)

Well i have to be honest, i shouldnt know my change but i do because of the connections my companion has. I guess its just all about who you know :) normally we would find out the monday night before changes (tonight), but my companion called the assitants and found out. They are putting sisters back in the area, and Im headed up to the mountains to a place called Solola and my area is Patzicia. Ill be learning Cachikel, a native language. Thats about all i know and im still in San Cristóbal for now, so thats where i need to stay focused.

Its kinda sad to know that you are leaving an area especially when you are just falling in love with the people. My companion said that thats pretty much the mission life. Right when you are finding success and feeling comfortable, the Lord in His wisdom makes a change. Pres Stiemle in the CCM said that when you are comfortable, you're not progressing, and i feel that he is very correct. When we are comfortable, often times we become complacent and that is a way that satan works on us, thru compacency. If we arent moving forward, there is only one other way we can go and thats backwards. We must always put our shoulder to the wheel and press along.

Kort thats great to hear about your successful match. Im proud of you, but like i just said if your not moving forward, your falling back. Always keep trying to do better and keep working hard. Zack, sometimes forfeits are nice but dont float on it. Move forward and work hard. You have to always work to the best of your ability because in the end you're the one looking back in the mirror and you cant lie to yourself, let alone youre Father in Heaven. He expects the most out of us in everything we do. Zackary, listen to your mother. She knows!! Trust me i've been there and girls are trouble. Get your grades up boy!!!

Thats great to hear that Kya and Mark are doing good and its good that he got to know the family, and that dad was in a good mood :) Its good to hear that Kirsten is getting married too cuz i dont want Gpa Bench counting on me for great grandkids like he said! There's plenty before me!!

We have been blessed in this area and yes we are having success getting some people to church. Yesterday we ahd 3 families :) How awesome! I love to see families in church because that is where happiness is found, when the whole family is working together in a great cause. We're still working with a family, moreso the father of the family, because he hasnt come to church yet. Its very hard for him to make the decision between work and church, because if he doesnt work, his family doesnt eat. The circumstances for some people here are very hard. Imagine working for 12 hours a day and earning maybe 2 dollars for the entire day. Thats how hard it is here. In my area i see both ends of the spectrum tho and that makes it even harder.

Well theses Chapines (thats what Guatemalan people are called) sure know how to party!! Yesterday we went to a party for an investigators child who was turning 1, and let me just say, it was crazy! The piñata was the best part because they have a piñata for the kids and a piñata for the adults :) they made us hit it. When the little kids where hitting the piñata, there was a mom who was near breastfeeding her baby and when the piñata broke open she was the first one getting the candy. It was probably one of the funniest things i have ever seen.

Well this week has been great and we are seeing success, but of course i have to leave the area. I have began to fall in love and now my hearts going to break, but thats the cycle of a missionary. Im so grateful for you all and i love you all.

Elder Turner

Coming Unto Christ

I have to admit it made me a little sad when you talked about the boys wrestling. I really miss it. This is the first year in 8 years that I wont be on a wrestling mat and it really bumbs me out. Especially cuz im getting chubby!! One of the sisters that was in my district in the CCM told me that I am looking a little gordo. I couldnt tell until she told me but now that i notice it i gotta start working out more!! Anyways, enough of my chubbiness.

I was thinking about it this past week and thats right that Angus is going out soon. Angus goes in i think the day that my companion goes out. Thank you for that quote from President Eyring mom. I am trying each day to really focus on the importance of my calling and the power i have to change lives. Its so true that as missionaries we have been called of God to be a mouthpiece, to declare His word and be a light to the world. I dont say this to boast but I know that the Lord has placed His trust in me and now it is up to me to do with it all I can. I made it a goal to make my mission mean EVERYTHING to me and as i serve diligently, the Lord is blessing me with the feeling to know that my mission is becoming everything to me. Thank you for being an amazing mother who has taught me the truth. Thank you for having faith in me and praying for me when I steered myself from the path because I have now tasted of the sweetness of the Tree of Life and desire that everyone must taste the same! Jeus Christ is the way and He will ALWAYS be standing there with open arms to recieve His lost sheep even until the last one comes. He is calling us, all we need to do is follow His voice.

Our investigators are doing good and progressing but the challenge is getting them to come to church. The two familes that are progressing are pretty humble so the dads are usually working on Sundays so they will be able to buy food. Thats the biggest challenge is getting them to come to church. Our other challenge is just finding families. I guess this is my taste of what it might be like to serve in the states because everyone in this area drives so its hard to contact people when they are driving by you. But the great thing is that no matter how hard it might be to contact people, the Lord blesses us with members who are willing to support us and give us references, and in fact one of these references just got baptized yesterday :) The first baptism :) Its so great to see people come to Christ.

Kort and Zack i need you to do me a favor. When you step on that mat tomorrow you be relentless. Like you have been coached, become a machine.

Love
Elder Turner

Today in Guatemala City

I was reading in Mosiah today, how Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah were converted to the gospel and i was thinking about the conversion happened. They were visited by an angel. Wow! how awesome would it be if we could all be visited by an angel and become converted to the gospel like the Sons of Mosiah and Alma the younger!? But I was then drawn deeper into the story. What really was the cause of their conversion? The prayers of their fathers. Because their fathers were praying for them the Lord in His infinite mercy allowed them to repent and come unto Him. The prayers of parents and those who are righteous can truly work miracles.

Ill be waiting for the package mom. Thank you so much :) You are the most amazing missionary mom! My companion says thank you for the package too. (hahaha he enjoyed sharing the rules that when you get a package, you share with everyone :) We have been getting along great and he has been teaching me so much in regards to the gospel and also in regards to life. He told me the other day that he is hard on me because he knows what potential i have and it reminded me of dad. We have people put in our life who have more experience to teach us so that we can be better and reach a little higher. In the moment i never understood why dad was so "mean" but now i know and i am so grateful for it. I wish i could be there to help out the boys sometimes because i know what it's like but now it's their turn to see what they will make of themselves. To see if they will work to the top or just fall to the side and quit like satan wants them too. Satan knows that if he can get us to quit something small that he will be able to work at us and get us to quit something big.

That's great to hear that you are working on the Ward Mission Process. Remember that it is revelation from our Father in heaven on how we can really feed His sheep. We're trying to get it started here in San Cristóbal and i know that if we do that's when were really gonna be seeing the fruits of our labors. Keep working to push it mom, I know you will see success too if you do :)

Oh man :( im gonna miss the Christmas program. I love singing those songs and feeling the Spirit of the Lord through the beautiful music. Christmas is gonna be different this year, but not too bad because me and Elder Hatch bought a Christmas tree and decorated it last week :) It's never too early to start the Christmas spirit!

That makes me so excited to hear that the work is progressing and that the Gilbert Temple is started! Here in Guatemala, the Quetzaltenango temple is getting closer and closer to being done and from what i have heard it will be dedicated in 2011. How amazing is it to know that the Kingdom of God is growing here on the earth!! I love the gospel so much. The gospel truly is the only thing that can bring happiness in a world full of sin and troubles. The Book of Mormon is amazing and so true. I dont find it the least bit ironic that it was composed onto plates of gold because it is the most precious thing that we can have and read and share with everyone.

This week has been great and i am loving every second of my mission. I know this is where i need to be and the Lord is blessing me for it.

Love
Elder Turner

Learning and Growing

Hello All :)

Well to start off, i have to be honest, this week was a little rough for me. There were a few days where I was just wonder what i was doing wrong or what do i need to do better and like you said mom, i realized that i just need to serve. I was too focused on me. I was struggling with the language and speaking and it was frustrating, and so i decided to pray for help. I got my answer. I was too focused on learning the language for my own benefit and trying to make myself sound more fluent to gain the confidence of people. I heard the Spirit speak to me and tell me that when i realize that im learning spanish so that i can share the gospel and not to be a native, thats when i will find success. So far the Spirit has been right and the great thing is, the Spirit will ALWAYS be right. Thank you for teaching me the importance of prayer, mom.

I know that the boys are having a tough time now because of wrestling but i can tell you that wrestling has helped me be a better missionary because i finished every season strong. I had coaches and a father who pushed me because they knew i could give more and i cant thank them enough for making me work harder. The boys will get there one step at a time.

Mom i got my greenie package!! Thank you sooooooo much!! it was uplifting to get that and have some candy to snack on :)

Well about the dogs, i havent had too bad of a problem. I only had one incident where the dog of the people living above us tried to attack me and i just kicked it and ever since then he has kept his distance. There are alot of nasty dogs around and my companion said that these are good looking dogs for Guatemala.

This week has been great and very helpful to my growth. Thursday we had a Zone conference with Elder Martino of the 70 and that was edifying. He told us that we need to step up our baptisms and focus on getting people to make and keep that commitment. Friday as me and my companion were walking home from the bishops a lasy who was driving by stopped to asks us when church was and said that she had been thinking about church all week. She is a less active who wants to start coming back to church and wants her family to come also. She came to church Sunday :) What a blessing that the Lord just placed in our hands.

The Church is true and i know without a doubt in my heart that this is the Lords church. The Book of Mormon is the most true book on the earth and by reading it anyone can come closer to God and Jesus Christ.

Love, Elder Turner

He really is in Guatemala!

Always a show-off... :)

This Week in Guatemala...

Hello :) Life is AMAZING. I couldnt have it better!! I am growing so much and learning so much everyday. I have seen blessings so much in these past two weeks that i have been able to recognize and i know that is because i am growing closer to the Spirit. We can truly learn so much when we center our lives on Christ and do as He said "come follow me."

Pinares, and Balcones are all part of my area, but i think you might get closer with Sector B-1. It took about 15 min to get to my area from the chapel where we did change conference so im not too far from the main "hub". And the good thing is, is that since my companion was in the mission office he is friends with everyone who has a car so the secretaries gave us a ride to the house. My intestines are holding up great and i thank the Lord for my health because i truly rely on Him to sustain me. This work is tough but I know that i am able to do all the things i have to do because it is the will of the Lord and He is counting on me. We have to ride the bus so much and Wyron and Danielle were right, they can fit about 200 people on a 50 person bus. The other night we were on our way back home and we go up a big hill to get there and the bus just shut off about 3 times (on the third time we just got off and walked cause it was faster).

The families we are working with are doing good and we are just doing the best we can to help them understand how important this is for them. One family in particular, not the family we commited to baptism, a different one, are doing great and we almost got the whole family to come to church, but the husband had to work. This family is very humble and lives in very humble circumstances so for him to not take the job wasnt even an option. It broke my heart because he really wanted to go to church but he had to support his family. Its amazing how satan works to keep families from the gospel because it doesnt even have to be something bad to pull people away. Like it says in the scrìptures, with a flaxen cord he will lead us away until he has us bound with chains.

Thank you Sumners and Gwinners, i love you so much and thank you for your support!! Last night as i was walking down the street at 8pm i realized that it was halloween and it made miss being with the family and kids but i knew that you were all having a great time and loving your candy :) They dont really celebrate halloween here because they dont understand the meaning or so behind it and they think we worship the devil on that day. kinda crazy if you ask me.

Mom i was wondering if you were doing anything in ward mission with the Mission Process? If not i think it is something the ward should really work on because it is revelation on how we can work more effectively, missionaries and the ward.

I love you all so much and i am so grateful for your support!! Serve the Lord.
Elder Turner

Elder Turner with President and Sister Baldwin

Elder Turner's 1st Letter from the "Field"

Hello Mother and all :)
Well this is day 5 in the field and im happy to be writing you all. I, from here on out will be emailing on Mondays so maybe you could just have an Elder Turner email reading time for family home evening :)

Wow!! this week is has been crazy and i cant believe im almost done with my first week in the field. My companion assures me that the time will only go by faster the farther i get into the mission. My companion and trainer is Elder Hatch and he is from Plain City Utah. This is his last 6 weeks of his mission, so i have been blessed with a trainer who really knows the ropes here, not to mention he has been working in the mission office for the past 6 months as an Assitant to the President. He is amazing and i learn so much from him each day.

So the moment we have all been waiting for, to know Elder Turners location!! My area is called San Cristóbal in the stake of Mariscal Zone 8. We are opening this area as the first Elders for about 5 years. The Sisters moved because they thought that is was dangerous but Elder Hatch was shocked to see that this area is the safest area he has ever been in on his mission. Every house here has a fence about 10ft tall with razor wire around the top and to enter the communities you have to get thru security. I feel pretty dang safe to be honest!! Safer than being at home considering the house has razor wire all the way around.

We've spent alot of these first days getting to know the ward leaders and gain the trust of the ward memebers because that is how the work is going to get done here. Its difficult to contact in this area because of the security and also because everyone here drives so we are really counting on the ward to support us and help us out. The ward is pretty big, yesterday there were 180 people at church and one of the families the sisters we're teaching made it too!! it was so awesome to see them there and when we called to see if they were coming to church they were already getting ready. We visited them after church and they are a super pilas family. (pilas is a word here that means great so if i ever say a family is pilas, it means they are great) We commited them to pray for a baptismal date of Nov 7th and we will see how they progress.

The work here is amazing and the people are amazing to too. I love the blessing i have to serve the Lord each and everyday with every ounce of energy i have. Its crazy how tough it can be to work with all you can physically and spiritually but the blessings are abounding!!

A little info:
Mondays are district meetings and after we write emails
Tuesdays are Pday
Everyday is a blessing

Serve the Lord with all your hear might mind and strength

Elder Turner

New Pics!

Elder Turner in Guatemala...

 

Elder Turner leaves the CCM to start preaching in Guatemala City!

Mom and all,
Thank you for the love :) I get to write today before i get out to the field tomorrow so here it is. I will be in the mission home tomorrow around 9 am and i wont find out who my trainer is until wednesday. im thinking tomorrow will be alot of training but im not sure, we have to bring a 24 hour bag cuz we wont see our luggage til wednesday.

Grandma Turner, i was curious if your brothers name was Craig? my mission President at the MTC shared a journal entry of his and he mentioned an Elder Ririe. i asked him where he was from and he said California. He was serving in Argentina not sure what years. President Stiemle is my mission presidents name. Lemme know what you find out, Thank you.

So just a little of my life here in the CCM (MTC). Nothing has really changed for me, but every day gets better because everyday i learn a little more and the Spirit edifies me more. I grow everyday because the Lord loves me and i recognize Him in my life. So each Sunday we are to prepare a talk because for Sacrament meeting they call the speakers at random, and this Sunday was my turn. I spoke on the importance of listening. We need to realize that if we listen to those who are speaking with a real desire to understand them, the Spirit will speak thru us and help to meet any needs that the investigator might have. PMG teaches to not be afraid of silence and that is so true because that is how we can hear the sweet whisperings of the Holy Spirit. For some reason, the podium was broken this Sunday and was stuck all the way up so i was blessed to be able to hide my nerves behind the podium. Everyone was laughing at the beginning of my talk because i said the Lord has blessed me with the broken podium to hide.

Mom im thinking that the dear Elders will be better rather than emails as far as friends and siblings go because i really just dont have much time. please let people know.

Thank you for all of your help and love and support and prayers. I truly feel them.

LOVE
Elder Turner

Time in the CCM is coming to a close...

Elder Turner is leaving the CCM (Missionary Training Center) this week...he will officially be "in the field" sharing the gospel with the people of Guatemala. We are excited for him to begin this next part of his adventure!!

Mom updates Elder Turner:
Hey Kasey,
We missed you last weekend at Brooklyn's baptism but are so proud of you and the work you will do to bring many people into the waters of baptism. It is such a blessing to be able to share that knowledge with people. There are many that are kept from the truth only because they know not where to find it.

Grandma Turner flew in on Wednesday and stayed until Sunday. It was nice to have her here. The Baptism was really nice. There were 3 other kids from the stake that were baptized as well. I got to give the talk on baptism and the Holy Ghost. They only do one talk now since the wards split off for the baptisms. The Olmsteads, Wells, Br. Gallagher, Aunt Robin and GG and their families and Deb and kids were there. Then we had a little luncheon afterwards at the house. It was really nice.

The kids are on fall break this week. Kort is up in Utah with Brig and the girls have been at Cam's. It's nice to have a break from the school routine.

Can't wait to hear what you've been up to.
Love,
Mom

Elder Turner writes:
Hello all,

The work is going great ands yes i only have 6 days left in the CCM!! finally!! it has been such an amazing experience, but let me tell you i am ready to get to the real deal. Brooklyn im so proud of you and so happy for the decision you made. Its so great to have the gift of the Holy Ghost with you forever now. im jealous i missed it but i know it was great. I hope all the kids are having fun and being safe. they are always in my prayers. Im so grateful for the family and all you have done for me.

My 2 cents of conference.... I loved It!!!! I found out that the very first talk by president monson was not off of the teleprompter and that talk moved up to my second favorite talk. he spoke about missionaries and it was very genuine. I also loved the talk given by Elder Holland of course. Elder Holland is amazing and everytime i hear his words it livens me up.

Yesterday, Tuesday, there was a CCM devotional and Elder Martino of the 70 came. it was a really good devotional and the coolest part for me was that the scripture that he chose to base his talk on was Alma 26.22, my mission scripture. I feel like i have just been coming alive in these past few days because of the spirit i have been able to feel.

This monday my companion, Elder Santos and I went to the parque central to proselyte. It was one of the best experiences i have had so far, but ive been out for 2 months so im not sure if i can categorize best experiences and more, im so old :) The parque was the test for me to see how much being in a latino district helped and im glad to say it really has. My campanion was really shy because this was his first time at the parque so i got to help him out a little. We take these crazy city busses that look like they are gonna fall apart, and actually sometimes they will just die in the middle of the road (its happened twice). By the time we got off the 15 min bus i had already talked with 3 people and had given them all pamphlets of the restoration. If you are willing to open your mouth and talk with people the Lord will fill your mouth and i can testify of the truth of that. once we got to the parque its was even more fun. we just walked and talked with everyone. the people are so great and are willing to listen. the last man that me and my companion talked to was Josue and before we were even done bearing our testimony he asked when and where church was. it was awesome and the Lord is preparing his children.

The next time you get a letter from me, i will be in the field :) if you could just look up the address to the mission home in City Central that would be great because i dont have it now.

I LOVE you all thank you for everything,
Elder Turner

Way Back When, In the Provo MTC

So Elder Turner shared this experience he had in the Provo MTC about a month ago, and I never wrote it in on here. He wanted me to share with everyone and I totally spaced it until I was reading his letter again! Here it is:

"On Tuesday the 31st (of August), my trio had a TRC, a teaching experience with an "investigator." Upon finishing, the man told us that we were going to be great missionaries. He said he felt the Spirit and the genuine love we had for him. He told us that he taught German AP and Spanish AP at Mountain View High School in Utah and is now retired, but shared with us that we reminded him of his top AP students. It was a great compliment. I love knowing and feeling the power of the Spirit."

What a cool experience with the power of the Spirit! It truly inspires us to share what Heavenly Father would have us share, and it teaches us that we can love even those we view as strangers because Heavenly Father loves all of His children. When we are instruments in the hands of the Lord, the Spirit can connect us to others on a deeper level, and helps us discern truth and righteousness in any situation we are in. Love you bro! Keep up the great work!

Time Flies When You're Serving the Lord

Weeks go by so fast when you have a missionary out! It's already P-Day again??

Elder Turner writes:
Mother!! another pday with out an email :( jk :) everything is alllll good. It has been a busy week and I am changin companions tomorrow. I'll be getting paired up with a latino companion because my spanish has been increasing tremendously.

This paragraph is specifically for Brooklyn and if you want to save it for her bday, you can do that.
BROOKLYN!!! Your time has come and you are going to be baptized soon! I am soooo proud and happy for you :) I can't express to you how happy I am for you. I am smiling from ear to ear thinking of you being baptized. The Lord is so proud of you for this amazing decision you will be making. Remember that no matter what you do in your life, your Savior Jesus Christ has paid the price for it, good or bad. You are amazing and I pray for you to be the best you can be. I love you so much and you are going to be an amazing member of the church. Be smart and know that you can go to your Father in Heaven for ANYTHING. Happy Birthday girl :)

Today we went to the market today and that was cool to get out in to the city. I was able to hold my own with all those fast speaking vendors and made some good deals. Hey Dad, I got you something from the market for you and I'll be sending it home in a while. Did the family get that package I had my comp in utah send home? We also went to the mall today in the city, and I have to admit, it is better then the chandler fashion center. I was shocked! Anyways I didn't enjoy it much because it was an extreme distraction.

There's not an awful too much to write about, but I want everyone to know that I love them. I am soooooo grateful for all of the support that everyone gives me, and the prayers really do help. I have been healthy this whole time!! I sent Kort and Zack letters a week ago, so watch for them.

Mom I love you so much. I cannot explain to you in a sentence of words how much you mean to me and how much I appreciate all that you have done for me. You are the most amazing mother ever and without you and your selfless loving example, I wouldn't be half the person I am today. I love you so much and pray for you always. You are the best mother anyone could ask for.

I love you all,
Elder Turner

Still Lovin' the CCM and Guatemalan Life

Mom's letter to Elder Turner:

I am sorry I missed emailing you last week. I was going to email Tuesday night so you could get it Wed., but I was at work Tuesday and your email popped up. It had already been about 30 min. since you had sent it, so I guess you were already done on the computer. There was a big thing in the paper last Wed. about the Mexican Independence Day, so it was neat to learn a little more about it.

So glad to hear that you arrived safely. That's funny that you had Domino's pizza when you got there. I guess you know that at least when you come into the city you can get something "American". I am glad to hear that your bowels have been good so far. We are praying that you won't be too affected by the change in food. Sis. Winter's son-in-law, John, that served in Guatemala said be careful of the meat. If you can eat lots of fruits/veggies and rice/beans it should be easier on your body.

That's great to hear that you and your companion are Zone Leaders. What is your companion's name and where is he from? Who else have you made friends with there? Do you have any pictures that you can send? Are you able to upload them onto the computer and attach them to your email?

I sent you some stamps last Friday. I taped some to the inside of a letter and sent it pouch. We'll see if it gets through. I also sent some just regular mail. Watch for them- I want to see how long they take to get there. I am assuming you wanted just regular US stamps to put on the letters you are going to send through pouch - is that right?

Kort got his permit today. He is really excited to go out driving. We watched a video clip for FHE tonight that our insurance agent sent to us about a 19 year old boy that was texting while he was driving. He crossed the center line and hit another car and killed the 2 men inside. It was pretty sad, but hopefully it makes the boys think and realize they aren't invincible.

Dad and I are going to Wisconsin this weekend for DeForest's 20 year reunion. Too bad you aren't here to stay with the kids! jk The girls are going to stay with Geri Jean and Robin and the boys will be with Francois' and Reisterer's probably.

Love you son! Know that we pray for you everyday and are proud of you!
Mom

He responds:

It's all good I figured that's what the situation was. I love you so much mom. Thank you for all of your support. Every night before bed I pray and give thanks, and it seems like every time I pray the Lord tells me that you are the most amazing mom and that you and dad have been the most amazing parents for me. I honestly couldn't ask for any better parents. I love you so much and thank you so much for allowing me to make the decision for myself to serve. I will forever be indebted to you and dad.

I have found that the veggies really do help. I've had a salad at dinner every time the serve it and I am sure to eat all my beans and rice:) My companion was also hoping you could pray for healthy bowel movements for him too. His name is Elder Walls and he is from Colorado Durango area. I would upload pics but we can't do it on these computers...not really sure why, I think it's just rules so I need to be obedient.

I will be sending a card home soon with pictures on it and if you could make sure they get to Kya for the blog, that would be great. We can only take pics on wednesday here too so I haven't had too many opportunities to take pics.

YIKES!!!!!! get off the roads! They are no longer safe!!!! jk :) That's way cool Kort, I will write you a letter today; should be there in 2 weeks. Always remember that if you are righteous, the Lord will protect you, but also keep in mind, Alma 60:13.

I did end up getting a few stamps here, but thank you so much Mom, I'll let you know when I get the letters. Thank you so much, I love you.

So yesterday, Tuesday, we went to the central parque to go proselyting and that was awesome! So humbling too. It's amazing how the spirit works thru us especially how weak and frail human beings we are. I love D&C 1. Anyways at the parque, we gave away 2 LdM to some amazing people who were so prepared. The old man we first gave to wanted to know what the difference was between Catholics and Mormons and I was able to tell him that we have prophets and that we have the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and he said he wanted to know what was in El Libro de Mormón. It was sooooooo awsome. There was a crazy fight in the parque while we were there too! Also there were people in the parque walking their goats and selling fresh goat milk.

We were supposed to have an area 70 last night but he is coming tonight. Not sure what the mix up was but it will work out. I got a cool shirt with llamados a servir on the front with a picture of Lehi's dream for 5$. I hear that coca cola in latin america is super good and I'll get to find out next week :)

I love you all so much. Life is busy here and I have to go. Keep it real and SERVE THE LORD!!!!! He is our master and thru him we can do all!!!

Love Elder Turner

Before He Left

Elder Turner gave his farewell talk on August 15 and many family members and friends were there to support him. He also had the chance to visit some temples before he left for the MTC. We'll continue posting pictures as Elder Turner sends them...we can't wait to see what he's up to in Guatemala!!
Elder Turner
Proud Mom and Dad
Proud Mom and Dad part 2
Sorenson Family
Rob, Eric, Stefan, and Andrew
Grandma and Grandpa Bench
Mesa Arizona Temple


Salt Lake Temple

New language, new calling, new place, new...last name???

Elder Turner is enjoying his time in the CCM (Guatemala's MTC) learning LOTS of new things. He writes:

Famila y Amigos!!!

Lo siento por que hoy, martes esta mi dia de preparacion, por que mañana es la dia de independencia en Guatemala. (tuesday is my pday cuz tomorrow is Guatemala independence day, i guess its crazy in town so they dont want us to be out of the CCM gates really at all tomorrow.

Wyron was so right! there are totillas at evey meal and you can also almost always count on beans with that.

Good news, me and my companion are Zone Leaders as of Sunday. we are in charge of the 2 new distritos de Norte Americanos nuevos. It was kinda crazy when we found out because the whole meeting was in spanish and the started anouncing callings and we had no idea what they were and the all the sudden we heard our name and stood up having no idea what we just got assigned to do!! It is way cool to be in a leadership position to serve even more my fellow companions friends and elders.

On wednesday a bus load plus more of latinos got here in the afternoon and that has been quite the experience. i have made so many new friends and my efforts desires and abilities with spanish have been growing immensely! the Lord truly calls us where us as servants specifically need to be and He prepares a way for your success. My name to all of the latinos is pronounce Elder Toornair. Its so funny to hear them always ask how to say my name. i love it!

The president here is so nice, and his wife is too. They make this experience feel like im at home. Sis Steimle is so sweet and loving. Pres Steimle is so inspirational and he make me want to be better every time i talk to him. he has given me an even better outlook on obedience.

The gym at this CCM is way better than provo believe it or not. i love it! we get 45 min a day to workout minus Saturday and Sunday. I love my teachers too Hma Sosa, Hma Leonardo and Hmo Estrada. They are way nice and i love how much they care about their job to serve us.

In 3 weeks we get to go to the Central Parque and proselyte!! its going to be crazy, but i am so excited. i know that the gift of tongues is real and i have seen it in my everyday life here!! i love you all!!

1 nephi 9

Elder Toornair

Elder Turner is now in Guatemala!

Elder Turner has finally arrived in Guatemala. He left Tuesday September 7th in the morning and flew to Texas where he spent a few hours waiting for his flight to Guatemala. He called home to talk to the family (and called me too!!) and it was so good to hear from him. The next time he'll be calling home is Christmas. We are so proud of him and the things he has already accomplished in his service to the Lord. He said he'll be sending pictures soon, so that will be nice to actually see what he's up to in a foreign country! He absolutely loves what he's doing and he is learning a lot. That little gringo will be speaking spanish fluently in no time!!

This is his first letter from Guatemala. He'll spend 6 weeks in the MTC there before he actually gets out into the city and really goes to work. His experience is unique because he spends time in the Provo MTC and the Guatemala MTC, whereas most missionaries spend all of their introduction time in the Provo MTC (unless you're special and go to the MTC in Brazil or England or the other ones).

Elder Turner writes:
I am in Guatemala now. we arrived about 930 and got to the CCM (mtc) about 1030. We had dominoes pizza for dinner and that was kinda a comforting thing to know that there is a little more than beans and rice here. jk jk :) The real food is actually great. I loved my beans and eggs for breakfast. I can already feel my spanish picking up because thats all you hear. I love this place. As i type this email i am looking out the window at the temple and it is magnificent. So beautiful i cant put in words. My p-days are wednesdays and i will be emailing then for the next 6 weeks. Every 3 weeks the president and his wife will take us to the market to shop and get goodies. There is a teacher here at the CCM that takes care of our letters and gets them mailed, so i wont have to do the pouch for the next 6 weeks at least.
Today was good and everything has gone well so far. I really do love it. It's different than provo, but pretty much better. I love everyone who supports me. I am so grateful for you all. I know that this gospel is true and that i am where the Lord not only wants me, but where he needs me. Love and prayers are with you all.
Elder Turner

Elder Turner goes to Guatemala on September 7th!!

Thank you so much for the email!! i love hearing how the family is doing! Elder Holland was such an amazing speaker and i'm blessed, truly blessed from my Father in Heaven to have heard the words and counsel of one His apostles.
This tuesday elder Richard G Hinkley of the Seventy spoke to us. It was as tho President Hinkley was speaking to us. He is a disciple of the Lord and i testify of that as well as is Elder Jeffrey R Holland.
This week we got new teachers in out district and they are great. They not only teach by the Spirit, but they teach us to also teach by the Spirit. I added to the front of my Preach My Gospel, "by the Spirit" as it says in D&C 50:14 so that everytime i open my PMG i am reminded that it is by the Spirit that i am to preach.
Elder Hinkley shared that ward missions are thriving and better using the missionaries in the are to do the work of the Lord. i just wanted to share how important it is to continue to do the work of the Lord within the members!! Keep up the GREAT work ward mission and missionaries!!
Thank you for the package, i got it and everything seems like it will work! Thanks for the Hot Tamales haha :) The letters were soooo great to get and i will be writing the kids letters! i have a pic of the family up on the wall and it is great to see you all everyday. I testify that families are eternal and i am so greatful for the gospel that teaches us of this.
Each week we have the opportinities for TRC or teaching experiences and those have been going great. i have learned how important it is to listen and to let the investigators "teach themselves". My trio and i got to
teach missionaries as a teaching experience and they told us that we truly magnify our calling to teach by the Spirit.
Prayers are amazing and i know that our Father answers us. I prayed a lot that i would stay healthy and i have not been sick at all!! the bronchitis is gone :) im not sure if Elder Kauffman is related to the Kauffmans that were in our ward, but i will ask him. other than that Elder Kauffman is great. He is strong in the gospel and we are a lot alike.
Elder Forbush and i are the only two of the total 11 in our district going to Guatemala and everyone is jealous that we only have 5 days left in Provo. I am so excited to get to Guatemala, cuz once i'm there the work is going to be abounding. i love the mtc and it is so spiritual, but i'm ready to get to the country!
Elder Turner

Elder Turner's Time in the Missionary Training Center

We're starting this blog for any and all of you that want to keep up with Elder Turner and his mission. He is serving in the Guatemala Guatemala City Central Mission and he entered the MTC on August 18th. Elder Turner has been in the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo for 12 days now! He is enjoying his time thus far, and he will be heading down to Guatemala on
September 7. This is the first letter he's sent home.

It is so Amazing here at the MTC. The Spirit is so strong here and i know that we are doing the work of the Lord. The days are so busy and every minute is used. Thank you so much for that scripture in Mosiah 2, it really hit home with me for everything that has been going on this week. Obedience is key and i am so blessed when i follow the rules. i cant fathom to think of sleeping in not even 1 min because over two years that 1 minute really adds up. I dont know anyone here that i have known previouly, but i have made tons of friends. i am now in a trio because an elder got her on Monday. he had previously been out, but went home and is now back. His name is Elder Kauffman and he is from Scottsdale AZ. One thing that reall sucks tho is that he got here monday afternoon and wednesday morning he was sick. we went to the health clinic and found that he has bronchitis. :/ yikes. but the Lord is keeping me healthy thankfully!! Elder Kauffman along with the other 8 in my district are going to Concepcion, Chile. Elder Forbush and I are the only 2 going to Guatemala. its kinda a weird arrangement but it works. It always does when the Lord is on your side.
I have been soooooooo busy. Sleeping is good im so worn out that it doesnt matter that im sleeping on a metal bed and i cant tell when i wake up so it works out. Thank you for the DearElder letter. I cant express enough how good it is to get written letters. I only have 30 min to email so i wrote/mailed an idea of my schedule to you. It great to know that ward mission is doing great and tell Sam and Scot to do all they can to prepare their lives to serve the Lord. on Monday Elder Forbush and I were interviewed for the Salt Lake Magazine and they said we will be in one of the editions for the next following months possibly Oct. Nov. or Dec. please see if there is a way you can get a hold of the magazine. I have been informed that to travel to Guatemala i will not need a Visa, I will be traveling on my passport alone so my departure date will most likely be Sept. 7. Ill be looking for those camelpack thank you! I love you all so very much and remember to SERVE the LORD. Se que Jesucristo murio por nuestros pecados. Jesus is the Christ.
oh btw i wanted to let you know that at the Tuesday night devo, i was blessed to hear an apostle of the Lord, Elder Jeffery R Holland. He is a man of God and Loves the Lord. He told us to remember that "This isnt Burger King and you do NOT get it your way." be a missionary in all you do
I LOVE YOU, Elder Kasey Marshall Turner