5.1.11
Thank you for the email and for always being there to support me. Mothers' Day is coming up soon as you mentioned and my plans were to call after church on Sunday the 13th. I get out of church at 1pm and would probably be home to call around 1:30pm or 2pm. I'm going to try and do the same as I have done before, borrow a member's phone and buy minutes here. I need you to send me the number again depending on which phone you want me to call. I'm excited to talk with you all here soon.
I cant believe that the kids are done with school here in three weeks! Time is flying by so fast I can't believe it. The kids are growing up so fast. I'm excited to be able to see everyone again in a few months and by the way it sounds everyone is staying busy. You hadn't mentioned anything before about Zack but that's great to hear that he is doing better and recovering quickly. How'd he get the hernia? How's Kort doing? and Brooklyn?
That's great that you are having lots of work mom. I know that many times you feel like it's too much, but I know many people that would love to trade you places. Thank you for being the most excellent mother and showing me how to keep going even when times get tough. You have been such an amazing example to me over the years. Don't give up on the boys, they'll turn around here soon.
My card says that it is good thru May. Thank you for getting me another card. I'll let you know when I get it.
This week was a great week. My first full week working in a trio and my last. It was really weird getting used to being with two other missionaries but on Friday night the Mission President called and said that Elder Loayza, my companion from Peru was going to another area. There was a missionary who was here in the mission waiting for his visa and it came last week so he went to his mission and Elder Loayza was sent to the coast. Elder Mejia and I are here in Panorama and we're working hard doing all we can to bring people to Christ. This Sunday we had a meeting with the bishop and he is really excited to work with us. He asked all the members of the Ward Council to pick a day when they want to do a fireside in their house and we now have planned every Wednesday and Saturday from the 9th of May to the 16 of June planned. Working with the members is the most effective way and we are going to give it all we have with the members here to bring more souls to Christ. I have never been in an area where the members have such a desire to work with us. I know that we will have success and I'm looking forward to bringing more people to Christ. I love the Lord and His gospel. I know that opening our mouths is part of the promise that we have made with Him and I'm doing all I can to be obedient. I love the Book of Mormon. I just finished it again and I know that it is true. The promise is the same everytime we read it. We just have to have a desire to know if it's true and if we pray with a desire to know then the Lord will reveal the truth of it unto us by the power of the Spirit.
I know that I have to be better. I have to step it up. Overtime is ticking away and I'm going harder than ever. I won't look back, let up, slow down, or be still.
Love,
Elder Turner
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Before everything, I want you to know that the church is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and he did what the Lord asked him to do. I love the Book of Mormon and know that it is the most correct book of any here on the earth. I love reading the scriptures and following the guidance that they give us. I am so grateful that I'm a missionary and that I have the privilege to carry the Lord Jesus Christ's name on my chest. I'm proud to know the truth and to be able to preach it here in Guatemala. Happy Birthday Mom. Thank you for being my mother.
My new area is Panorama which is right next to San Cristobal where I started my mission. I feel privileged to be able to train my companion right next to where I was trained and started my mission. I love working hard, but I don't think that my new companion that I'm training is too fond of it. Oh well, his legs will heal. I'm constantly thinking of something that Dad taught me, you gotta have a sense of urgency. There is urgency in the work and we can't rest until 10:30pm. I walk a little faster than my companion likes, but I think of my trainer and how much it bothered me when he left me in the dust and how grateful I am that he taught me to have a sense of urgency in missionary work since day 1. I love training and it gives me the fire to work harder and harder each day. I'm in a trio like I mentioned and I'll just say that it's quite the adventure. Not only do I have one new missionary to push, but 2. My other companion apart from the one I'm training has 4 months in the mission and so I have to give him some pushes sometimes, although he is a real great guy. My trainee is from Nicaragua, the second I have trained from Nicaragua and the third comp from Nicaragua. I think I have something special to do with Nicaragua. My other companion is from Peru and he is a genuine guy. Real humble and with a desire to share the gospel. Us three together will be a true force to challenge Satan, and that's the way I like it.
I'm glad to hear about all of the great things that went on this last week at home. I'm sure it was a bit crazy but that's what vacations are for right? I'm proud of Kya and the great example that she has been for me in my life. Ryan truly is a lucky guy and I'm sure he knows it, but I'll just say he better treat her right. I may be little but I don't fear much :) Life's great when we follow the example of Christ. Be obedient and keep on following the Savior. He will bring us home.
Times up I'm sorry, but know that I love you so much and that I'm doing great, happier than ever.
Love,
Elder Turner
My new area is Panorama which is right next to San Cristobal where I started my mission. I feel privileged to be able to train my companion right next to where I was trained and started my mission. I love working hard, but I don't think that my new companion that I'm training is too fond of it. Oh well, his legs will heal. I'm constantly thinking of something that Dad taught me, you gotta have a sense of urgency. There is urgency in the work and we can't rest until 10:30pm. I walk a little faster than my companion likes, but I think of my trainer and how much it bothered me when he left me in the dust and how grateful I am that he taught me to have a sense of urgency in missionary work since day 1. I love training and it gives me the fire to work harder and harder each day. I'm in a trio like I mentioned and I'll just say that it's quite the adventure. Not only do I have one new missionary to push, but 2. My other companion apart from the one I'm training has 4 months in the mission and so I have to give him some pushes sometimes, although he is a real great guy. My trainee is from Nicaragua, the second I have trained from Nicaragua and the third comp from Nicaragua. I think I have something special to do with Nicaragua. My other companion is from Peru and he is a genuine guy. Real humble and with a desire to share the gospel. Us three together will be a true force to challenge Satan, and that's the way I like it.
I'm glad to hear about all of the great things that went on this last week at home. I'm sure it was a bit crazy but that's what vacations are for right? I'm proud of Kya and the great example that she has been for me in my life. Ryan truly is a lucky guy and I'm sure he knows it, but I'll just say he better treat her right. I may be little but I don't fear much :) Life's great when we follow the example of Christ. Be obedient and keep on following the Savior. He will bring us home.
Times up I'm sorry, but know that I love you so much and that I'm doing great, happier than ever.
Love,
Elder Turner
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
I saw on the calendar that Tax day was Sunday and it made me think of you Mom and I imagined that you were pretty happy for that. Well this email confirmed that. I'm glad that you were able to get done what you needed and I'm sure that with all the crazy stuff going on around the house you were just beat, but that comes to show you that the Lord loves you and He will always support His children when they are righteous. I know that the Spirit can truly renew our bodies because I have felt that here in the mission.
This week was crazy for my companion and I, but I am grateful for the love the Lord has shown me by giving me trials and refining me. Last Monday night I was talking on the phone to the other Elders in the district when I heard that another call was coming in on the phone and as I looked at the caller ID it was the mission president. Normally when he calls it's not just to chat so ya I was a bit nervous but I answered and he said to me "Elder Turner I'm worried." That was probably the last thing I wanted to hear from him, but the conversation got better as he asked me if for the next 12 weeks I was willing to be 100% obedient. I said that I was absolutely willing and he told me that the Lord had called me to be a trainer this coming change. He also informed me that I will be in a trio for at least 5 weeks with a missionary that has had some struggles in his mission. I love that president trusts me. I had a meeting on Wednesday last week to be trained to train so I had to leave at 4 am and lost some precious hours of sleep. We don't get naps so this week was hard to recover from that loss of sleep but I was definitely rejuvinated by the spirit in order to keep working hard each day. Saturday was a rough day because we knocked so many doors, 71 in fact, and only got into 2 houses. Needless to say it was a very long day. Tomorrow I will be leaving my area at 3am, which means 2am wake up, in order to be in the capital at 7am.
I love what you wrote on repentance mom. I feel like a prime example of repentance. I have changed more than I even thought possible and like the example of the piece of wood where a nail is removed and the hole stays, true repentance closes that hole and it is no longer visible. I know that in my youth I did many things contrary to the will of God and I caused many tears to be shed not only by myself, but by many loved ones. Along with those tears came many prayers. That is what saved me. The prayers of others, especially you, are what kept me alive and running through the years and now I've repented I'm going strong and I'm never looking back. The Lord knows who I am and He knows all and gives us always the opportunity to change. I know that I'm different and I'm grateful for being different because I'm happier now than I've ever been. The gospel is real and I have seen it change the lives of many. Mother know that you have done your part with me and the Lord will repay you for that. Don't give up with the boys. They need your prayers more than anything. Like with Alma the younger it was for the prayers of his father that God sent him an angel. Keep praying Mom. I love you for all that you have done for me. I can't wait to be in the Celestial Kingdom with you and dad! Time's a tickin and I'm going hard. The decision has been made; I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ. This is Forever.
Love,
Elder Turner
Being gangster or something?? :) (input from Kya)
This was after the bird pooped on me. Gross.
This week was crazy for my companion and I, but I am grateful for the love the Lord has shown me by giving me trials and refining me. Last Monday night I was talking on the phone to the other Elders in the district when I heard that another call was coming in on the phone and as I looked at the caller ID it was the mission president. Normally when he calls it's not just to chat so ya I was a bit nervous but I answered and he said to me "Elder Turner I'm worried." That was probably the last thing I wanted to hear from him, but the conversation got better as he asked me if for the next 12 weeks I was willing to be 100% obedient. I said that I was absolutely willing and he told me that the Lord had called me to be a trainer this coming change. He also informed me that I will be in a trio for at least 5 weeks with a missionary that has had some struggles in his mission. I love that president trusts me. I had a meeting on Wednesday last week to be trained to train so I had to leave at 4 am and lost some precious hours of sleep. We don't get naps so this week was hard to recover from that loss of sleep but I was definitely rejuvinated by the spirit in order to keep working hard each day. Saturday was a rough day because we knocked so many doors, 71 in fact, and only got into 2 houses. Needless to say it was a very long day. Tomorrow I will be leaving my area at 3am, which means 2am wake up, in order to be in the capital at 7am.
I love what you wrote on repentance mom. I feel like a prime example of repentance. I have changed more than I even thought possible and like the example of the piece of wood where a nail is removed and the hole stays, true repentance closes that hole and it is no longer visible. I know that in my youth I did many things contrary to the will of God and I caused many tears to be shed not only by myself, but by many loved ones. Along with those tears came many prayers. That is what saved me. The prayers of others, especially you, are what kept me alive and running through the years and now I've repented I'm going strong and I'm never looking back. The Lord knows who I am and He knows all and gives us always the opportunity to change. I know that I'm different and I'm grateful for being different because I'm happier now than I've ever been. The gospel is real and I have seen it change the lives of many. Mother know that you have done your part with me and the Lord will repay you for that. Don't give up with the boys. They need your prayers more than anything. Like with Alma the younger it was for the prayers of his father that God sent him an angel. Keep praying Mom. I love you for all that you have done for me. I can't wait to be in the Celestial Kingdom with you and dad! Time's a tickin and I'm going hard. The decision has been made; I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ. This is Forever.
Love,
Elder Turner
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Thanks for the email this week. I love reading about how everyone is doing there at home. It's great to hear that all are staying busy and having a good time. Good thing you got some more chickens. I won't feel too far from Guatemala when I get home :) I truly love this country and the people here. I'm trying to the best of my ability to share the gospel with these people and apply it to them. Every day we have to contact at least 25 people that we aren't teaching and so we are opening our mouths as the Lord asks in D&C 60:2-3. I feel that the Lord is pleased with me. I can answer well that question, What thinks Christ of me? I know without a doubt that Christ is smiling at me because I'm trying to work harder every day. I don't say this to boast but rather to show you the change that Christ has made in me. In one of the CDs that I got in the package there is a song that says "This prodigal son is doing things I've never done." I feel like the prodigal son. I was lost for quite some time, but I'm back where I need to be and I'm better than I was before. Thank you for your love and faith in me.
Yesterday I took some time to think about what I want to do with college and going to Utah and all that. I looked over some goals I had put in January and I had written that I want to start studying in Jan of 2013. I felt the spirit telling me that I need to start studying then, but I thought to myself that there might be some sacrifices included with that. My heart is set on wrestling and I'm going to wrestle in college so the biggest sacrifice might be tuition or athletic elegibility. I've been talking a lot with my companion and he made a good point in the fact that I can probably get a good amout of financial aid so that would be one thing that I need to look into. He also mentioned to me that I can get a good break on tuition if I'm "independent" as far as taxes go. I think that I would like maybe two weeks at home before going to Utah if that would be possible, and of course we will talk more on Mothers' Day.
Here in the branch for fast Sunday we had people talk rather than share their testimonies. One person spoke on the Atonement and another spoke on the Resurrection. Wwhat a joy it is to know what Christ suffered for us. The world is lost in traditions of their fathers which in some ways liven this time of year and in other ways distracts from the true meaning of Holy week. I past my last holy week as a missionary and in all honesty I'm glad for the fact that the people here go nuts with the processions. I know that Christ is my Savior and that He died for my sins. Only in and through Him can we receive salvation. I love this gospel and I love the truth that we know. Let us not rest easy until we know that we have done our part sharing the gospel with God's children. The Lord has called us. Let us answer His call.
Love,
Elder Turner
Yesterday I took some time to think about what I want to do with college and going to Utah and all that. I looked over some goals I had put in January and I had written that I want to start studying in Jan of 2013. I felt the spirit telling me that I need to start studying then, but I thought to myself that there might be some sacrifices included with that. My heart is set on wrestling and I'm going to wrestle in college so the biggest sacrifice might be tuition or athletic elegibility. I've been talking a lot with my companion and he made a good point in the fact that I can probably get a good amout of financial aid so that would be one thing that I need to look into. He also mentioned to me that I can get a good break on tuition if I'm "independent" as far as taxes go. I think that I would like maybe two weeks at home before going to Utah if that would be possible, and of course we will talk more on Mothers' Day.
Here in the branch for fast Sunday we had people talk rather than share their testimonies. One person spoke on the Atonement and another spoke on the Resurrection. Wwhat a joy it is to know what Christ suffered for us. The world is lost in traditions of their fathers which in some ways liven this time of year and in other ways distracts from the true meaning of Holy week. I past my last holy week as a missionary and in all honesty I'm glad for the fact that the people here go nuts with the processions. I know that Christ is my Savior and that He died for my sins. Only in and through Him can we receive salvation. I love this gospel and I love the truth that we know. Let us not rest easy until we know that we have done our part sharing the gospel with God's children. The Lord has called us. Let us answer His call.
Love,
Elder Turner
4.3.12
Well to start off, I just got my birthday package yesterday. It was a great package and I am so so so grateful for the thought and love that you and Deb put into it and and for the cards from the ward. Salt and vinegar chips are so amazing! Red hots are just great! And the
family calender well no need to say, but it made me a little baggy. No worries some good scriptures from D&C helped get me focused again. I can't express how grateful I am for the love that you all show me by sending me things. I don't know if you read any of the comments that
were written in the cards from the ward but some of my favorites were, "Feliz Navidad", "Happy Birthday Kort", and "Happy birthday, you're another year older. Happy birthday you didn't achieve much this year. At least you didnt die so that's good enough". The ward is great!! Hahaha those really made me laugh.
Conference was so amazing. I'm not sure if I understood correctly, but what I got from conference is that I need to get home, get married and be a great husband. I think that's what I got out of conference with a few other important counsels such as keeping up my spirituality and
magnifying my callings here in the mission and when I'm at home. There were a lot of great things taught and I know that as we study the things we learned from conference the Lord will bless us with a desire to be more obedient and to share the gospel with others. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God and that he wants us to be happy. I know that He is the only true and living prophet on the face of the earth. He holds all of the priesthood keys and is God's mouth piece here on the earth. Conference was great. I don't know if you caught it, but this passed through my mind and I find it to be true that Kort needs to develop more hope and faith.
Santiago, although hardened to the truth, is treating me well. I am becoming refined in the Lord's fire and He is making me what He wants me to be. I love this area and as I try harder and harder to share the gospel with these people I am loving them more and more whether they accept me or not. I know that I will be lifted up at the last day for doing what the Lord expects of me and I know that my joy will be full when I am in the presence of the Father again. I love the people of Santiago and I love the language. Part of the refining fire of this area is the language because I'm learning to rely on the Lord and on the Spirit to be able to communicate. The language is not latin based and seems to have very little structure, but in reality it is very complex and even after 5 months of being here there are many things I struggle to understand, but the Lord is by my side bearing me up and helping me to understand these Lamanites. Miracles are happening here in Santiago. I have come to understand a lot better what it means when the scripture says that we are saved by grace after all we can do. I think last week I told you about the family that we have been working with to prepare for baptism, well because the problems that the father of the family was facing, the whole family wasn't able to get baptized, but the mother and the 2 kids were. My companion and I had done all things possible but Satan got into the problem and it was lost. I didn't know what else to do to help this family accept baptism. I kept praying and last Tuesday when we passed by the mother of the family told us that she was ready to get baptized. I'm not sure what the difference was, but the Lord had answered our prayers. I have never worked so hard for anything in my life and I was able to realize how real faith is. The district is doing well also with the miracle of the Lord they too were able to bring people to repentance this weekend. The Lord loves us so much :)
I love the work of the Lord and I will die proclaiming the truth.
Love,
Elder Turner
Well to start off, I just got my birthday package yesterday. It was a great package and I am so so so grateful for the thought and love that you and Deb put into it and and for the cards from the ward. Salt and vinegar chips are so amazing! Red hots are just great! And the
family calender well no need to say, but it made me a little baggy. No worries some good scriptures from D&C helped get me focused again. I can't express how grateful I am for the love that you all show me by sending me things. I don't know if you read any of the comments that
were written in the cards from the ward but some of my favorites were, "Feliz Navidad", "Happy Birthday Kort", and "Happy birthday, you're another year older. Happy birthday you didn't achieve much this year. At least you didnt die so that's good enough". The ward is great!! Hahaha those really made me laugh.
Conference was so amazing. I'm not sure if I understood correctly, but what I got from conference is that I need to get home, get married and be a great husband. I think that's what I got out of conference with a few other important counsels such as keeping up my spirituality and
magnifying my callings here in the mission and when I'm at home. There were a lot of great things taught and I know that as we study the things we learned from conference the Lord will bless us with a desire to be more obedient and to share the gospel with others. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God and that he wants us to be happy. I know that He is the only true and living prophet on the face of the earth. He holds all of the priesthood keys and is God's mouth piece here on the earth. Conference was great. I don't know if you caught it, but this passed through my mind and I find it to be true that Kort needs to develop more hope and faith.
Santiago, although hardened to the truth, is treating me well. I am becoming refined in the Lord's fire and He is making me what He wants me to be. I love this area and as I try harder and harder to share the gospel with these people I am loving them more and more whether they accept me or not. I know that I will be lifted up at the last day for doing what the Lord expects of me and I know that my joy will be full when I am in the presence of the Father again. I love the people of Santiago and I love the language. Part of the refining fire of this area is the language because I'm learning to rely on the Lord and on the Spirit to be able to communicate. The language is not latin based and seems to have very little structure, but in reality it is very complex and even after 5 months of being here there are many things I struggle to understand, but the Lord is by my side bearing me up and helping me to understand these Lamanites. Miracles are happening here in Santiago. I have come to understand a lot better what it means when the scripture says that we are saved by grace after all we can do. I think last week I told you about the family that we have been working with to prepare for baptism, well because the problems that the father of the family was facing, the whole family wasn't able to get baptized, but the mother and the 2 kids were. My companion and I had done all things possible but Satan got into the problem and it was lost. I didn't know what else to do to help this family accept baptism. I kept praying and last Tuesday when we passed by the mother of the family told us that she was ready to get baptized. I'm not sure what the difference was, but the Lord had answered our prayers. I have never worked so hard for anything in my life and I was able to realize how real faith is. The district is doing well also with the miracle of the Lord they too were able to bring people to repentance this weekend. The Lord loves us so much :)
I love the work of the Lord and I will die proclaiming the truth.
Love,
Elder Turner
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