March 13, 2017 - Challenges and seeing blessings

I forgot to take pictures last week... Sorry!!!! But to make up, I'll write a longer letter! ;D But be warned, it is very long.  Cause only 4 people wrote me today....  Woo!!!!

So, we're just out here working, having fun, sweating, and teaching with the spirit. And sweating some more.  

The sun has now come in full vigor!  At least that's what it feels like right now, and I know that its just going to get worse from here.....   Good News!!!!  My clothes are now too big!  Again!  Diets and walking A LOT really does work!!!!  Still not going to buy new clothes, since there's only several weeks left.....

So, message for this week.  God gives us challenges and problems in life so that we can grow and become stronger!  This last week we literally (almost) worked holes into our shoes!  We're finding, teaching, praying, fasting, making small little ward activity cards and doing everything single thing I can possibly think of or have heard of to bring others to Christ and complete with our purpose out here in the Mission field.  We had plan after plan of how we were going to complete with every little challenge that our Mission President has given us, and it has all worked out!  Until yesterday.

We were 100% positive we were going to see some big miracle yesterday, see throngs of investigators in the seats, all enjoying (or sleeping like one of our investigators the week before....) the morning services. 

And what ended up happening?  Nada.  Zilch. ZERO!!!!!!  I was dumb-founded!!!!!!  I thought to myself, ´´Como es posible?!?!?!?!´´ (Crudely translated to, How is this even possible!?!?!?!) 

I didn´t have an explanation.  I felt like all the effort and work we had put into the week had gone down the drain.  I even felt many doubts and accusations towards my own self begin to sprout inside my head.  I felt as if I had done EVERYTHING right, and had no explanation as to what possibly could have gone wrong!

Now, I understand about free-will and that the investigators made their own choices.  I know that the success of a Missionary depends on the level of commitment he gives and if he feels the spirit as he teaches.  (All of which I can happily give the affirmative towards).

As I pondered, and struggled to control my emotions and not allow any bitter feelings to appear towards those I taught or even God, I remembered a hymn that we had sung early during the sacrament meeting.  That of ´´Sweet hour of Prayer´´.  I remembered our Lords promises in comforting us in our times in need, and I poured my soul unto my God, pleading desperately for comfort and counsel that I needed in that moment. 

Shortly after I began to pray, I was amazed at the peace that I began to feel spread throughout me.  It started as a small feeling, which quickly grew into something much larger.  I then remembered many messages I had shared to others about adversity, and how it was there to make us stronger, and grow into a being more like our Savior Jesus Christ.  I knew then that there was something special I could learn from this experience, which I didn't learn till later in the day.

As we ate lunch, (a member had given us food to eat in our house cause they had to leave town that day), I was listening to a talk of Elder Holland. (Recently I've really enjoyed listening to BYU devotional speeches in the house when we're not doing anything, its always a highlight of my day!) The speech wasn't even that spiritual of a talk, it was a speech he had given about Mark Twain.  More of a biography than anything (yes I was surprised too).  However, as I listened about the life of Mark Twain, which from my understanding was a long list of sad events and failures. I began to ponder about how, even after everything, Mark Twain was able to use everything he had learned, to make one of the greatest books that is still examined by every school in the nation till this day.   

Anyway, to make a long story short.  I came to the realization (AGAIN) that failure and adversity are just components to success in the long run.  I looked at the few goals that my companion and I still had to complete that week (goals that we had never accomplished before), and decided that we weren't going to enter the house that night until we accomplished every last goal we had.  Which we did.

That night God blessed us to find many of the Elect.  We worked hard, and did the very best we could until the end.  I can proudly say that as the week ended yesterday, I could say as Paul of old ´´I fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.´´  Even though I didn't obtain the fruits I was hoping for yesterday, I obtained a treasure far beyond compare.  

That of a resolve to always give my best effort until the end.  I hope this experience helps some, and that this lesson can be learned in the poor grammar and broken English I can muster for this letter to you all. I love and wish for a great week for all of you! 

Con Amor,

Elder Pettingill

March 6, 2017 - Paintball!

Lightsaber war... the little guy looks pretty tough!

We got to go paintballing! Wahoo!!

This week was another great week of hard work, and hot sun.

Winter never came here in Chihuahua. We had about 3 weeks of cold, then Spring, with a few cold weeks now and then. It's kinda funny, however, now its getting way too hot, and honestly I'm super glad that I won't be here when summer hits fully!  It's going to be a brutal summer for all, and I'm just barely missing it!!!!!

We're teaching lessons a whole lot more now, (thankfully) and we're finding more and more people to teach!  We have a really cool family who are preparing for baptism!  They are super sweet, and really just want to do what's right. Their name is Family Hernandez, and we'll see what goes down in these next few weeks!  They just need to get a response from God about the Book of Mormon, and then from there we will keep on going!

Shout out to my super brave sister Amber back at home!!!! Shes a true example of a Member Missionary!!!!  She stood up for her beliefs in an incredibly difficult situation, with peers on all sides mocking her beliefs. However she stood firm and defended what's right!

In the mission field we see stuff like that a lot!  People shutting doors on us, others ignoring us as we pass.  Today I stopped by a store to ask for directions to the paintball field (yes we got permission to play paintball!!!!!), and were met  with hard stares and a ´´what are you doing here?´´.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, we stand out from the crowd.   We stick to the word of God as it has always been, and we won´t deviate from that.  As we follow what we know to be true, there will be many who will make fun of us, try to shame us, and speak badly of us. 

We need to put our faith in God, and hold to what we know to be true in all situations.  Our example will be a beacon for those who desire the further light and knowledge of their Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Then, when the world accuses us of not being like them, we can proudly say ´´Good, I don't want to be like the world.  I'm trying to be like Jesus.´´  In that there is safety, peace, and happiness.

Today, we got permission to play paintball!!!!   It was great!  The last time I played was with Ammon the Saturday before I left for the mission!  With him, we were crazy, running around shooting everyone up without shirts!   

This time, yes, I kept my shirt on.  However I still went crazy running around shooting the other team up!  Haha a little bit of nostalgia of the old times....  However I am now psyched and pumped for another week of hard work in the service of our God, Jesus Christ!

Love you guys a ton!!!!

Elder Pettingill

(ps..... after today.... you'll only get 8 emails left from me....)     :(

February 27, 2017 - No news is good news...

STOP! In the name of the Lord....

Hey guys!  So this past week was pretty awesome!  it just flew by!

We're working pretty hard out here, talking with people in the streets, teaching lessons and helping people to accept the Gospel in their lives!  

We have a family of five on track for the 18th of this month!  They're super excited and they are the sweetest family ever!  

With Elder Martinez, all is well!  We're getting along great, and he's learning super quickly!  His Spanish is getting better super quickly, and we're working together on his teaching/training!  

No crazy stories this week. We are just working hard with the members, and we are prepared for the month of March, and praying to be the instruments of God to work many mighty miracles!!!!

Love you guys, 

Elder Pettingill

February 20, 2017 - Saving lives and saving souls!

Hey guys!

This last week went by in a blur!  I don't even know where all the time went!  To bring you guys up to date, this is my last 3 months, and I just got a new missionary to train this last week from Provo Utah!  His name is Elder Martinez!  He's super awesome, and honestly reminds me a lot of Martin Bunker back at home!  Martinez is just barely learning Spanish, and speaks and understands almost everything!  He's super excited to be learning, and is easy to teach!  Which is perfect cause there's a lot to teach with little time to teach it.

To let you guys know, no, I'm not getting trunky. I'm actually working harder than I've ever worked in my whole mission!  We're aiming to achieve some pretty high goals that our Mission President has given us - goals that still haven't been reached by any missionary here, so we´re going to be the first to achieve them!

That's why I haven´t taken any pictures this last week. We were crazy, running around everywhere trying to get to appointments on time talking to everyone in the street!  

One crazy story from this last week...we were crossing the street when I saw an old man leaning up against a wall trembling.  We walked up to him and asked if he was alright, and if there was anything we could do to help.  He said he had to get to the nearest Farmacia Guadalajar (Its like the Mexican version of Walgreens),  He needed to buy his medication.  We started to support him and walk with him, but he literally couldn't walk so great was his pain. I asked my comp if he knew how to do a fireman's carry, and we carried him to the pharmacy.  This old man was in a ton of pain, his whole body was trembling, and about half way there he fainted from how much pain he was in. So we readjusted, and kept on going, got him there, called for the medic, and laid him on the ground. The medic in the pharmacy then came and took over.

That's the first time I've gone into ´´Lifeguard´´ mode since I've been here on the mission.  It was rather interesting, and the first time I've had someone faint in my arms. 

 

On a better note, we´re on the good side of the ward now!  I'm starting to get everyone excited about missionary work, and getting more people to go with us in visits!  We're working on the whole getting references part, however that will come super quickly!!!  

This week I'm going to be giving a talk in the sacrament Meeting! I'm going to talk about the power that (you) the members have in bringing others unto the gospel!  For example, when Abinadi preached and taught, no one listened to him. He preached with such great power that the light of Christ shone from his countenance, and everyone was afraid to touch him fearing that they would be struck down by God. Even though he taught with great power and authority, only one person repented of their sins, and came unto Christ. Then that one person (Alma) one of the people, began to teach the gospel, (using the same words that Abinidi taught), about 500 people repented and came unto Christ. 

 

Whats the difference between the two? No one there knew Abinidi, however Alma was a good friend of many.  He had influence over many, and so their hearts were open to hearing his words. Each and every one of you have that same opportunity with those you know.  Trust that God is preparing them to listen to you, and take the first step in either bringing the gospel up to them, or passing their reference to the missionaries!

Love you guys a ton! 

Elder Pettingill

Also these are photos of some pretty cool aqueducts that I found here!

February 14, 2017 - Happy Valentines Day!

David and new comp Elder Martinez (from Provo, UT)

Happy Valentines Day everyone!!!!  

The reason I'm writing you guys a day late is because yesterday I was busy with transfers all day long!  Guess what?!?!?!  I've got a new comp!!!!!  Guess what even more???  I'm training him!!!! WOOOOO!

His name is Elder Martinez!  He's from Provo Utah, and he's fresh and new in the field with little to no Spanish!!!!  He's super awesome, and super excited to learn and work out here in the field!

The only sad thing is that training out here lasts for 12 weeks... Guess how many weeks I have left?  Yeah, as he gets closer and closer to ending his training, I get closer and closer to ending the mission...... How sad.......

HOWEVER, that just gives me more motivation to work hard!  I'm in the last 12 minutes of the fourth quarter guys!  Time to pick up the pace (Just like I heard the Patriots did this last super bowl!) and work!!!!

Love you guys,

Elder Pettingill

February 6th, 2017 - I can finally see!

Baptism of Edgar (and I got glasses)!

Package from home!

Hey guys!

So this last week was a whole lot better! I have really been focusing on working hard, and doing the best that I can, and I can say that its really been working out a ton!  We worked hard, and we've been seeing some great fruits recently! 

 

One of  those fruits is that Edgar got baptized!!!!  Woooo!!!!!  He's been ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood now, and is going to go to the temple to do baptisms for the dead this week!  Super excited for him!!!!

This week is the last week of the cycle, and hopefully there will be some big changes after this week!  

Oh, and with new news, I've got glasses now!  What a difference it is - I didn't even know I was blind before!  Also, my mother can rest assured knowing that I'm gaining weight now that I'm in the city Chihuahua..... They cook a whole lot better here.... But, I'm now on a diet.  Goals must be reached within the next few months! Love you guys a ton!

Elder Pettingill

January 30, 2017 - tough week

So this last week had more downfalls then rising successes, sadly, however, at least I can say that we did work as hard as we could.  

We had several really cool investigators drop us, along with a baptism planned that ended up being cancelled at the last second.  Its been a rough week, but happily that's why we have the Sacrament.  Another week to start over, and give it the best shot that you can.  

We still haven't confirmed it yet, however we are hoping to have a baptism this week, either the one that fell last week (a 18 year old named Clarisa, shes super awesome, and has been investigating the church for over a year now.  The only thing that stands in her way are her parents.)  Another one is another 18 year old named Edgar, hes been investigating with us for several weeks, and only needs to receive his answer before he steps into the baptismal font.  

Sometimes the little chant of Dory from Finding Nemo pops up in my head.... ´´Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming´´....  In my case, I'm learning this to be of absolute value.  

A lot of times a lot of things just happen that ruin a lot of your plans.  You get put in situations that you don't like, or the days seem to last an eternity..... In these times is when you really need to lean on the Savior.  We need to have faith that He has a plan for us, and that we just have to do our best.  In my case, I now have a similar chant.  ´´Just do the best you can, with what you got.´´  This has turned into a lesson that I've been learning the hard way these past few weeks, however, I can promise all you loved ones at home that this is exactly what I'm doing.  I'm making the best out of what I have out here. Sometimes its hardly anything, other times its with an abundance.  I make the best out of whatever comes my way.

I love you guys a ton, I'm still not dead or ´´trunky´´ out here,

Elder Pettingill

January 23, 2017 - It's all about the attitude...

I made Pistachio Oreo ice cream cake!

Any RM's know what this t-shirt means??

Hola mis amados hermanos y miembros de mi familia Maravillosa!

Hope all of you have had a wonderful week, and that all is well with your new president (Trump)!  Soon to be mine, in 4 months....   3 months after this week.... :´(  

Something interesting from last week.....  I gave a talk in church!  Also I have to capacitate [?] the zone this week.  A lot of fun, I honestly enjoy teaching and expanding the knowledge of others.

This last week was a great week of working hard, and trying to figure out what more we could do to further the work of the Lord!  We are having trouble finding new investigators, however our pool of investigators is growing by the week!  Our legs are sore, my ears are sunburned, and my watch tan-line drastically embarrassing; and I've never been happier than I am here.

 There are going to be rough days, even rough weeks.  Who knows, sometimes those rough weeks can turn into a rough month.  However, what makes the difference in the rough times, the difference that gives you the ability to keep your chin high in humility, is your attitude.  A bad attitude won't get you anywhere, a lot of times it will get you in trouble.  However, a good attitude, or the right perspective in life will help you come out on top of the hard times successful and ready to conquer in good times.

Even more important is WHERE that perspective comes from.  There's a lot of advice, a lot of counseling friends and neighbors.  Some give bad advice, some give good advice, but no one gives better advice than our Saviour Jesus Christ.

As we come unto Him, in humility, and we perfect ourselves in Him, miracles happen.  We can see ourselves grow and change into an individual who far outshines the one of before.  As we follow Him, study Him, and try to mold lives to that of His life, our perspectives change.  Our knowledge grows, and our ability to do more expands.  As Moroni of old, I invite each of you to come unto Christ, and to perfect yourselves in Him.  Then, help others to do the same.  

I love you guys a ton, hope you have a great week.

Elder Pettingill

This week we made oreo pistachio ice cream cake (Thanks Mom for the Recipe!!!)

And I'm sure that only other missionaries will understand this shirt, let me know if you figure it out!

January 16, 2017 - All is well

Ok guys, here's the promised email, with a ton of photos!!!!  These are of the last 3 weeks, I hope the links work...... [photos did not come through]

SO, this last week was a whole lot better.  I'm starting to get things rolling out here in this area, I'm starting to look at this new area I'm in like a train.  Slow at first, and steadily gets faster. Until the point where its unstoppable!  That is my hope for this area, and right now, its going in that direction!

Not much is happening here in this city.  I hear that blockades and riots are going on in other parts of Mexico, but its not affecting us out here anymore, thankfully!

I'm working hard, being good, and I guess that the best part about being in the city is that the ward feeds us super great out here!!!  So, we'll see if I end up coming back skinnier after all.....

OH!  I almost forgot...... Shoutout to Grandma and Grandpa Frodsham for the awesome little gospel package they sent, and another great shoutout to the Wayment family for the awesome Pancake Package they sent!!! You guys made it so that I had breakfast this last week so Un grande SUPER THANKS!!!!!!!

Love you guys!

January 9, 2017 - I made it to Chihuahua!

So first off I want to apologize that I haven't sent any photos these past few weeks! Lots of excuses, and this time is that the computer has its USB spots taken out..... Next week for sure I will send a ton of fotos!!!!

I made it safely to Chihuahua.  That night, I had to sleep on the floor, but its all good.  First thing in the morning I went by every single bus station to find one that would take me to Chihuahua.  The last one, thankfully had a bus that would be leaving 10 mins from when I got there.  So obviously I hopped on board.  Everything (for me at least) is pretty normal, another new area, another sad ward that needs a lot of help, and another new comp who like some old comps I've had, doesn't have great desires for missionary work....  So a lot of new challenges to conquer, all of which I (thankfully) have a lot of experience in overcoming.  So, these next few weeks are going to be VERY interesting......  

Also, with all that's going on here in Mexico, they're asking us missionaries to keep a food and water supply for a few weeks in the future.... So hello to only beans and rice for this month at least....  Honestly, here in Chihuahua everything is pretty normal, just a lot of hate towards the government here (which is completely understandable).

So, that's whats new.  You guys can be happy with the fact that I'm working 100% until the end, and that I'm happy in the work of the Lord.  The comfort I found in this situation is that even though I don't understand why I was sent here completely, I know that God sent me here with a purpose, and that He wants me to accomplish great things here!!!

Elder Pettingill