Week 17 First Transfer

Chase is now moved north near Tegucigalpa.  He is very excited and positive in spite of changes.  I think he is an amazing man with the ability to roll with change and see the positive.  He shared that he is in La Kennedy which is a colony just south and east of Tegucigalpa.  Looks like all one big city to me.

He is doing great.....enjoy.

Dear Family,

I cant believe that happened to Cody haha I hope he is doing better and loves serving the Lord. He really does have an amazing opportunity to serve the Lord for two years. AHHHH man I miss Jeff!! I am glad he is serving though! I cant wait to see him later. Sounds like you love your laurels and Modest is the Hottest is kind old, but its good. Some advice for girls on modesty is dress modestly because you can focus more on the personality of the girl and really see who she is rather than focusing on what the girl is wearing. From my own personal perspective the most distracting for a guy is what the girl wears in general. I love it when girls are modest! This past P-day we had a multi zone activity with basketball, soccer, and I got to pepper with some Elders who knew how to play vball. I was so excited. I miss playing vball all the time. Hey did Josey understand the spanish I left her?? lol

Well I changed to Tegucigalpa!!! I am in the area called the La Kennedy and I am soo stoked to be here. My companion is Elder Maza and he is super awesome. He is from California and he was in the same district as Elder Neher in the MTC!! I was pretty stoked to be with him. He has really good spanish and loves the work. He is a DL and I love this area!!!! I cant believe I am in the city. The city is so much different than the south because the people are smarter and its really hard to get into houses. My area is a ward called la Kennedy. The area is more civilized and every street is paved lol. no more dirt roads!! The city is not thatt hot at all and its actually really cool here. The area is a whole different game than the south. We went out and met some families and members that are super awesome. I just cant believe how different it is here compared to the south because when we explain a scripture or teach something the people understand. The only difficult part is finding people to teach and getting into the houses. Contacting and opening the mouth is easy but not effective at all because everyone here is either Catholic, Evangelica, or Mormón. Our new game plan this week is family nights with the members to meet new investigators and families. The missions focus for this month is baptizing families because they are the future of the church. We still baptized regularly, but we are trying to find 2 new families a week. Anyways the mission is sooo awesome and I love every second of it. I have a feeling this change is going to be sweet with Elder Maza and we are going to find those families!!!! Well I am not sure what else to say but that this is going to be a sweet change. Tell Chelsey to rip it up with EAC they need a beat down for sure!! Any ways thanks for the love and support like always. Also I am going to get fat in this area because the members feed us food practicly everyday. I am good though with everything and still enjoying those treats. Well I hope you have a good week though.

Con Amor,

Elder Hall

Week 16 Honduras

Another week gone by and he is settled very nicely

Dear Mom,
Well I finally received the package you sent!! It was soo awesome to see some pictures and these amazing treats. Is the iPod in the Muddy Buddies? I gave some muddy buddies to an Elder in my Zone, Elder D´lubiano from Mexico, he was instantly addicted hahah. Latins are funny to feed American treats because they dont really make any that I know of. Well I am suprised school starts over again!! That is soo weird and only Josey is going. Hopefully Josey takes spanish seriously because I did not lol. But I can send a paragraph of spanish to her through email. Thats awesome mom that you Open your Mouth, one thing I learned when talking to people is to be excited and fun. Open the Mouth doesnt have to necessarily have to be gospel based it can just be small talk about there life and who they are as a person. Once you give a good first impression the spirit will always say something to say that relates to the gospel. My teacher in the MTC taaught me that the first 15 seconds in talking to someone can show whether the person wants to talk to you or not. The first thing is always giving a good impression with your name and asking for theirs. I have learned to have fun with it because some people are funny to talk to. Yeah its crazy that I have 6 months already!! and Steven and Jeff have a year!!! I cant believe how time flies by. I am glad you are trying though mom you are such an awesome mother. I can remember the many times I talked to you about my high school problems and such lol I would have never made it through high school with out your help.

Hey Dad  I actually have not noticed that though with me saying the same things back to you lol. I guess just your advice and such helps a lot in the mission. Anyways hope you are doing fine with everything.

Well this week was normal nothing really excited. We just worked really hard on teaching some new families that we have and getting them to progress. I know Satan is trying to keep all of our investigators from coming unto Christ. I am not sure what else I can do. Maybe its a test but all I can do is be happy and smile and keep going. I would love these people to come unto Christ but as missionaries we can only invite and if they make the decision to not follow Christ then we cant do anything though. Everyday we try to find new people always have an eternal perspective. Elder Thatcher told me that to always look for new investigators to teach. Anways we didnt teach as much as I wish we could have, but it was hard. I swear we have walked to every part of our area and contacted every person. But the fact is we have to keep doing it, so when those people do need  help we are ready to help. We did have a cool experience yesterday with teaching an American in English lol. His name is Michael and he is from New York. He is 17 and said he comes to Honduras once a month because his parents live down here. He is really fun to talk to and the lesson we gave was so spiritual. He leaves this friday but we invited him to pray if these things are true and he said he would do it. It was different teaching in English lol. Anyways we had some fun this week because we made pizza with a member and Orchata with another. Both those things were so good to eat lol. Well changes are this wednesday and the ZL´s told me that I have a high chance of changing to a new area. We will see what happens though. I just don´t want to leave though because I love the area that I am in. Well if I am called to a new area then its what God wants me to do. I will obey. Another than not much else to say. Hope you have a good week and are safe. I pray for you all everyday. Thank you for all that you do.

Con Amor,
Elder Hall

Josey P.S.-¿Qué tal está? Estoy muy animado para usted por que está aprendiendo español. el Español es díficil a veces pero posible por que pueda recibir el don de lenguas. En las escrituras dicen los dones del Espíritu Santo entonces en sus oraciones pidala Dios para ayudarla en español. Segun su fe el Espíritu Santo pueda ayudar con español. Un consejo para usted es hablar en español cuando tiene las oportunidades. Eso puede ayudar bastante en aprendiendo la idioma. Pues si hay preguntas digalas preguntas.

Su Hermano Siempre,
Elder Hall

 

Week 15 Honduras

Another Great Letter

Dear Mom,

Well this week has been busy for both of us. I remember going to Utah for family vacation sometimes and we would have a blast driving up there in the truck. Sounds like you had fun cleaning the house and making sure its ready for the new comers. I am glad that the iPod made it back to the USA lol I am suprised too! Elder Urbina and I made that box for it. The Package I still have not seen yet but I should get it this week hopefully. Well my week has been fast and frustrating this week.

 

This week we had a lot of citas set up to go teach some new investigators but everyday all of our citas would fall and we would be stuck with taling to people. We have new clue why they keep falling but it seems like some of the investigators dont want to listen or they dont seem so positive. The first time we taugh thtem they seem really positive and want us to come back but what happens is they are gone or to busy to talk too. We were getting frustrated. But I know I have to keep being positive and pressing on with the work. I know the  Lord will help us find and teach those people who are prepared for the gospel. We jsut need to keep moving on and doing everything we are supposed to do. I do remember that Dad and Bishop Farnsworth told me when it gets hard in the work that means we need to work even harder. Well changes are coming up soon we will see what happens. This is the last full week in the change. Also some great news that I found out was our mission broke the record in the most baptisms in a month for our mission. We had 225 baptisms I think. So yeah the mission is working really hard. Well thats about it for this week I am pretty sure.

 

Something funny we had happen to us was we were walking back to our house one night and walked past a few bolo´s and they were talking to us and wanted 5 lempìras form us but we didnt have anything. Then he hugged us both and said Twani´s, which is slang for like cool. It was a funny experience talking to them. Well I hope all goes well this week and you all are safe. You guys are always in my prayers.

 

Con Amor,

Elder Hall  

Week 14 Honduras

Letters are great!  He is doing well.  Catching up.

Dear Mom,
I am glad you love my letters ha. I hope you guys had fun at Powell this past week. I remember the YMYW activity those were always fun to go to. Yeah I would send a picture to Elder Brooks mom for the heck of it, I know my companion didnt send one lol. Well I hope the move goes well with Aunt Jen and all of them Lehi is a little more calm. Pleasant Grove has to many problems lol  

Well this week was good we worked really hard and were busy everyday getting ready for the baptism this past week and also we are going to marry a family this next week. Our baptism were really awesome with these two kids. They are super smart and nice. There is a lot going on in our area ha. The only problem is we found out that Alexis has a problem with the Word of Wisdom so we have to work with that. I think Satan is trying everything he can to stop this family from getting baptized. I cant wait to sucker punch him in the face for it. Also we had a sweet day with one of our AP´s last Tuesday he went with us to citas and wanted to get to know our area. He also helped us with Alexis and Alba a lot with making the decision to be married. HIs name is Elder Quirk he is super awesome and nice to everyone. He is the biggest goofball but he loves to serve the Lord. The work keeps pushing forward and it makes me feel happy to serve here. We had interviews with President Hérnandez and he is a huge servant to the Lord. He was a missionary and loves to Preach the Gospel. He told me some good counsels and to baptize all. I am really excited to work with him. 

The weather here is always hot and then rains really hard in the afternoon. My spanish is improving I guess I have no clue. The people understand me for the most part and I am excited to keep learning more and more. Our Zone is working hard to go forward and baptize everyone. We are just busy busy everyday. I love it though I know when I get home I will be really bored all the time. Not sure if there is anything else to say. I am doing good and keeping myself healthy. I am still going forward everyday trying to help the kingdom of God. I think that is all thank you for the letters and stuff your awesome. See you later and be safe.

Con Amor,
Elder Hall

Week 13

More good letters from Chase.  We were a bit concerned that missing his first Lake Powell trip would cause some homesickness.  He certainly doesn't show it here.  More pictures as well this past week.  He seems to continue to do great work and loves serving.

Dear Mom,
I am glad you love my letters ha. I hope you guys had fun at Powell this past week. I remember the YMYW activity those were always fun to go to.   Yeah I would send a picture to Elder Brooks mom for the heck of it, I know my companion didnt send one lol. Well I hope the move goes well with Aunt Jen and all of them.

Well this week was good we worked really hard and were busy everyday getting ready for the baptism this past week and also we are going to marry a family this next week. Our baptism were really awesome with these two kids. They are super smart and nice. There is a lot going on in our area ha. The only problem is we found out that Alexis has a problem with the Word of Wisdom so we have to work with that. I think Satan is trying everything he can to stop this family from getting baptized. I cant wait to sucker punch him in the face for it. Also we had a sweet day with one of our AP´s last Tuesday he went with us to citas and wanted to get to know our area. He also helped us with Alexis and Alba a lot with making the decision to be married. HIs name is Elder Quirk he is super awesome and nice to everyone. He is the biggest goofball but he loves to serve the Lord. The work keeps pushing forward and it makes me feel happy to serve here. We had interviews with President Hérnandez and he is a huge servant to the Lord. He was a missionary and loves to Preach the Gospel. He told me some good counsels and to baptize all. I am really excited to work with him.

The weather here is always hot and then rains really hard in the afternoon. My spanish is improving I guess I have no clue. The people understand me for the most part and I am excited to keep learning more and more. Our Zone is working hard to go forward and baptize everyone. We are just busy busy everyday. I love it though I know when I get home I will be really bored all the time. Not sure if there is anything else to say. I am doing good and keeping myself healthy. I am still going forward everyday trying to help the kingdom of God. I think that is all thank you for the letters and stuff your awesome. See you later and be safe.

Con Amor,
Elder Hall

Week 12

A little late on my posting due to vacation etc.  He still sounds great and I have a few more pictures to share.


Dear Mom,
Sounds like you and Elder Brooks mom will hit it off. He is super funny and loves to follow the spirit. I have never heard a person have so many stories to tell lol. They are all super funny though. Sweet I will look for the package with everything. Does the iPod have music on it? Thank you sooo much for the treats and such !!!! Sounds like big changes for our house in Utah though. I hope they settle in well. They are seriously my second family, I enjoyed my summer living with them lol. Also tell Chelsey congrats for passing! Mrs. Lew will probably be super excited! I didnt pass it but oh well lol Well I hope you guys are safe with your travels and I pray for you guys everyday because you are all my inspiration in being here. Thank you so much for your help and prayers. Hey when do you guys go to Lake Powell this summer??

Well this week was a bit rough because we are having trouble finding new people for to teach. We have investigators to teach its just they are kind of on the edge of falling or not. We are trying everything we can to help them come unto Christ. Its so frustrating sometimes because people have their agency to choose. We just have to make sure we are doing our part. One family we are trying to help and get baptized is Alexis and Alba they are super positive and love having us over. The only thing holding them back is receiving an answer if this is what they need to do. Anyways I am still going forward with a smile and trying everything we can to help them come unto Christ. This work is so amazing to be apart of. We also met our new President of the mission on Friday. He is so awesome and nice. I am excited to work with him more and more. I am not sure what else to say. If you have any other questions let me know.

I also realize how much opening my mouth helps us get to know people. We have this thing called Abrir La Voca or Open the mouth. We set a goal to talk to 20 people a day at least. It is really good opportunity to spread the word of God. I wish I would have opened the mouth more when I was in high school and around the non member friends I had. That is one thing I need to do more when I come back. I have found to love talking to people and talk about their lives and what they find is precious to them in their life. One thing I have noticed is everyone here believes in God. I have not met one person who does not believe in God. Anyways you all should try it because its super simple. Just start with doing small talk and then work into where do they come from. It is amazing what kind of people you meet. Well yeah love you all! See ya next week.

Con Amor,
Elder Hall

Week 11

We finally received some pictures this week.   He looks great.....a little skinny but great.  This will be his first companion change as Elder Thatcher goes home from his mission.  We will be forever grateful to him for helping Chase through the hardest part of his mission.

Hey Family,

This week was better with health wise. I think I have been sick because of the rain everyday and the misquitoes everywhere. We had another Elder who has been sick for 4 days. It sounds like you had some fun going to California and seeing some old friends. I miss California. When we went to San Diego during fall break those were always fun. Sounds like you have been busy with everything. I hope Chelsey takes school seriously because its seriously nothing like high school. Anyways its great to hear that you guys are doing great and everything. Also cambios arent till this wednesday and Elder Thatcher left today! He doesnt leave from Honduras till Thursday so yeah. I cried when he left. He was such an awesome companion to me. He is an awesome companion to me. I definitely will miss him a ton. 

Well this past week we worked hard till the end and Elder Thatcher has been telling his goodbyes to our area. Everyone here really respected him and love his presence. The reason is because he is himself when he teaches and talks to the people. Then the people realize how much he cares for these people. We didnt have baptisms but we are teaching some sweet families though. I am excited to baptize these families this next month. I am hoping for a sweet companion and we can get to work. 

 

The rainy season is really cool because everything is so green and really pretty. This past week I had the chance to see an area called San Marcos de Colon. That area is super pretty. I think a lot of the Elders are getting sick down here because of all the rain and bugs everywhere. It basically rains in the afternoon and pours our rain. We had to walk through a river of water in the road to get to a house. We were soaked. But yeah I am happpy and pushing on though. I am sad that Elder Thatcher left but excited to because he is moving on with his life. Anyways the work is going forward and strong. The changes that are happening this wednesday are going to be interesting because a big group of gringos leave that were big leaders in the mission. Also we lose President Chaverri and receive a new one. Lots of excitement this week with the mission. Well thank you for the support and prayers. see you next week. 

 

Con Amor,

Elder Hall