Monday May 29th, 2017

Hey guys! This week was pretty good! but it was quite difficult to get new investigators. We made quite a few contacts that appointments for this week, so hopefully they still want to listen to us this week haha. 

One of the coolest experiences, that turned into a spiritual experience, was having the Valenzuela family come visit. Last Monday we were early to our District Meeting, so we swung by their house to say hi. Rubèn was working, so we just talked with Wendy for a little while. At one point I told her that we didn't have any food because we were waiting for the money for June. We were just talking and joking around, but my companion and I were pretty hungry some mornings and some evenings. Well, the Valenzuela family came to visit us in Navolato! It was pretty awesome! That family is incredible! 

Valenzuela family from Culiacan

Just a fun photo of Elder Radmall's and Elder Azarte's bikes with Wendy and Ruben's daughter, Naylea.

And it just so happened that we got asked to give talks about Missionary Work. The bishop wanted to have a missionary focused Sunday. My talk went pretty well, but it was pretty cool to have the Valenzuela family there. After Sacrament Meeting, they told me they had to leave, but after the 3 hour block, Wendy came walking into the building and told me that they had bought us breakfast. It was really cool, but it was Sunday. Oh well haha.  When we got to their car, the trunk was filled with groceries for us. Cereal, juice, hot-dogs, bread, ham, PEANUT BUTTER, and yogurt. It was incredible! We actually had food in the house haha! This family is amazing! 

So nice that the Valenzuela family traveled 45 minutes to visit Elder Radmall and bring him groceries!  Elder Radmall served in the Valenzuela family's area until a few months ago.  Elder Radmall was able to baptize Ruben on January 4th, 2017.

Isabel is still progressing quite a bit. She´s bringing her friends to church with her, and they want to hear from us! It´s a rule in the mission that we have to teach the every member a missionary lesson to recent converts, and we taught it to her, but she was living that commandment before her baptism. I hope the members of this ward can see her example and follow suit. We get a lot of help from the members with the lunch appointments, but we lack help with the missionary work. 

If you remember, we've been working with a member named Ricardo Abitia. He is continuing to change a lot! One day this week we went to help him paint his house, and ended up spending a lot of time with him talking about the gospel. He knows a lot! 30 or so years ago he was bishop. But yesterday Ricardo came to church in a white shirt and tie for the second Sunday in a row, and on Saturday, he invited us over in the middle of the day just to eat fresh shrimp with him. It was amazing! He is changing so much!

The mission is an awesome experience! The time is going by so fast! I love you guys! Have a great week!

- Elder Radmall

Questions:

Dad: They farm with tractors. They're actually harvesting a ton of corn right now.  (In talking with Jose Martinez, he gave me a good question, do they farm with tractors or animals where you are?)

Mom: I come up with a question, write it down, then search for the answer. Sometimes the answer takes up pages. But at the end of that study, I have the answer, with the references of where they are in the scriptures. (What strategies are you using for your personal study time?)

Holly: Be the example. If you want them to be nice, be nice. If you want them to speak kindly to others, speak kindly to others. If you want them to pray and read the scriptures, pray and read the scriptures. They're looking up to you whether you know it or not. Whatever you do, they will most likely do.  (How do I be a good older sibling?)

Sam: Great question! It's one of the hardest things to teach, because people can feel the Spirit in many different ways. This is an awesome question, but I'm not going to answer it directly. With this question, I want you to look up the word Spirit in the scriptures, and see what the scriptures say first, then tell me what you found. The answer won't come in 5 or 10 minutes, you're gonna have to really study and pray, but by the end, you'll have your answer. Next week you'll have to tell me how we can recognize the Spirit. ;) good question bud  (How do you teach people how to recognize the Spirit?)

Dylan: Yes! They have snickers! and that's all I need haha They have almost all the candy bars that we have.  (Are there any treats like candy bars that you recognize from home...if not what is there that you like?)

Monday May 22nd, 2017

Hey guys!

This week was pretty good. We had a multi-zone meeting on Tuesday that was awesome! One thing that President Gabaldòn hounded on was the use of Facebook. I guess there´s a lot of people using Facebook in the mission, and he can see when our Facebooks are active. He said that the next time someone uses Facebook he´ll call them out on it in the multi-zone meeting haha

Elder Nef and Elder Radmall

The meeting was pretty good though. President went over a few new rules to clarify some things, and he talked quite a bit about contacting and talking with everyone. I don´t remember how it came up, but he shared something with us that was quite interesting to me. He said that the English Language is the language of the Restoration of the Gospel, which is somewhat obvious since the United States was needed to have religous freedom, which was in English. And the Spanish Language is the language of the gathering of the Tribes.  After the Restoration occurred, where did the Pioneers go? To Utah ... nope, to Mexico. When the pioneers migrated West, the traveled to Mexico, which is now known to us as Utah. When the United States bought the land from Mexico, the headquarters of the church was then in the United States. According to President Gabaldòn, when the United States bought that land, President Brigham Young sent members of the church to Mexico to look for land to establish the church quickly. For that reason, there are many towns in Chihuahua with Mormon names. He said that for this reason, the Mexican People accept the gospel faster than most. He said that in the European missions, the missionaries look for Mexican people living over there to teach because they accept the gospel faster. It was quite interesting.

(Looks like Elder Radmall needs a new name tag.  :) )

We also had a baptism on Saturday! On Saturday morning, we received a text message from Isabel saying that she wanted to wait for a few days to be baptized. So we went to her house so we could talk to her face to face so we could understand her a little better. Turns out she was super tired, but wanted to get baptized. I guess she hasn't been sleeping well for quite a while, and she just thought that it was too much. Satan works in many ways. We explained the importance of baptism to her again, and she told us that she wanted to be baptized that day. Her baptism was pretty good, there weren't too many members that could come because there was Seminary Graduation the same night, but it was okay, she didn't want very many people there anyway. Then I confirmed her yesterday, which was Ward Conference, so there was a lot of people there haha

Ward Council was pretty good. They drilled this ward! The Stake called them out on their laziness, and how they need to step it up, and support their leaders. After Sacrament Meeting, they had a class with all the members minus the Primary, and drilled the youth and their parents on the topic of dating. And how there are tons of talks about how the youth should not have a boyfriend or girlfriend. That the age for a girl to have a boyfriend is when she´s 18, and for a guy, it´s when he´s returned from his mission. There´s a young man in our ward who should be getting ready to go on a mission, but doesn't want to. This young man asked the question, ¨If you don´t want to go on a mission, at what age can a guy have a girlfriend?¨ the answer was awesome, and direct. ¨Repent, and go on a mission.¨ haha it was awesome!

 

         

This week I also received letters from my siblings, Grandma Tucker, and the Higginsons. Thanks for all the support!

Have a great week!

-Elder Radmall

Desde Navolato Vengo = Since Navalato I have come

Questions:

Mom: I honestly find joy in sharing the gospel with people. It makes me happy.  (What are ways that you find joy in your journey as a missionary?)

Holly: Not a whole lot haha  (Does your new area have anything fun for you to do on p-day?)

Sam: ummm Probably seeing the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ change the life of Rubèn. It was awesome! (What has been your coolest spiritual moment?)

Dylan: Usually nothing haha (What do you have for breakfast usually?)

Monday May 15th, 2017

Hey guys!

It was awesome to be able to talk to you after 5  months! It was awesome to hear your voices! It was quite hard to think in English almost 100% haha The time went by super fast though!

Elder Radmall bearing his testimony in Spanish.

Translation:

"I know that the Church is true, that it is the Church of Jesus Christ, it is His Church. That it isn't a church of men, but of Jesus Christ our Savior. I know He is our Redeemer and Savior, that He suffered and died for us, and that through His Atonement, we can receive forgiveness for our sin. I know that God is our Heavenly Father, He is literally our Father, and we are His children. He loves us, and we can pray to Him and He listens and answers, always. We can always speak with Him any time we need Him. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that he translated the Book of Mormon. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and that it is literally the power of God, and it can give us power. I know that Thomas S Monson is a prophet of God in the latter days, that he receives revelation for the Church, and that he is a guide for us. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen"

  

 

Mother's Day Skype session

This week was pretty decent. Earlier this week I was super sick. My stomach hurt like crazy, and I couldn't find a comfortable position, it was awful! A guy in our ward, Hermano España, gave me a blessing with Elder Arzate, as well as some pills to take. I slept well, and in the morning and since then I haven't had any more stomach pain. But, about a month ago, I had an ingrown toenail, so we went to the Red Cross to have it taken out, but it was still swollen, and still hurt this week, so I called Hermana Gabaldon, and she had me go back in to the Red Cross. There was still a lot of nail that was ingrown that they had to take out, and the doctor told me that I needed to rest for 5 days, but we have an investigator getting baptized this Saturday, so I couldn't rest 100%. With the sickness and my toe, the work was quite a bit slower this week.

The person getting baptized is Isabel. We taught her the last lesson this week and confirmed her baptism. She's pretty excited, but a little nervous as well. She feels like she's not ready because she's not perfect, she has a few minor things every once in a while, which we all do, so we just had to explain that.  He baptismal interview is this Thursday, and her baptism is on Saturday. We're super excited!

This is also the last week of this transfer, and my companion and I are both hoping that we don't get transferred. 

Two weeks ago, we had Ward Council, and it was awful! Everyone wanted to talk at the same time, the bishop wouldn't say anything, and he didn't follow an agenda either, which was really frustrating. Elder Arzate and I both know how Ward Council should go, so we talked with the bishop and gave him some ideas. Yesterday we had Ward Council again, but this time it was amazing! The bishop took charge, used an agenda, and the ward actually progressed. It's amazing what happens when you follow the handbook haha

I love you guys! Have a great week!

-Elder Radmall

Questions:

Dad: I've really learned to be patient with myself, and those around me. (What have you learned about yourself in the last year that will have the greatest impact on your life in the future?)

Mom: I've received a lot of revelation from reading my Patriarchal Blessing. (What have you learned from or about the Holy Ghost?)

Holly: Ummmm good question. I'm not sure. I haven't had anything that I just don't like yet. But I'm sure that day will come haha (What is your least favorite food in Mexico?)

Sam: It's awesome! Just make sure you take care of it! (What do you think of my new gun?)

Dylan: The best thing is that I actually get to hear your voices, the worst is that I can't really interact with you guys.  (What is the best and worst thing about Skyping?)

Monday May 8th, 2017

Hey guys! This week was pretty good!  It's really starting to get hot, and the sun is really intense so, we bought hats  haha   I've really missed having dad pop my back, because I've really needed it!   The other day, we were walking down the street in front of a chiropractor office which is owned by Hermano España. As we were walking in front of it, he told to come in, and he popped our backs in all sorts of ways for free. It was awesome!

On Thursday I was pretty sick. I was super tired and in the bathroom almost all day. When I wasn't in the bathroom, we were talking with Hermana Gabaldòn on the phone. It sucked. I honestly think that I lost some weight haha After I slept for quite a while, I felt a ton better. A sister from the ward also brought over a chicken soup for me which was super nice of her!

Apart from being sick, the week was pretty good. Miguel Angel still has his baptismal date of June 3rd, but didn't go to church yesterday.  So we need to see what's going on there. Isabel has her baptismal date for May 20th, and is still going strong. She's started inviting us to eat dinner with her after the lessons which has been nice!  We made a contact last week, and went back to teach a lesson this week. Her name is Norma, and is super Catholic. She says that she has a lot of faith in the Virgin Mary. She sells popsicles and she gave us some for free after the lesson which was really cool. We started teaching the Plan of Salvation, which she understood pretty well.

My Spanish continues to get better and better. My companion and I are doing pretty well. Sometimes it's kinda funny to hear what he says in the contacts or the lessons because he runs out of things to say, but he's learning, and progressing a lot!

Sorry the email is short this week. 

The picture of the water, is a canal.  

I plan on skyping on Wednesday at 5 pm. if that works for you guys!   (May 10th is Mother's Day in Mexico, no matter what day of the week it falls on.)

This week I challenge you to read Ether 12, and pay attention to how many times it says the word faith,and what happens because of faith. I love you guys! Have a great week!

-Elder Radmall

Questions:

Dad: Okay, I'll see what I can do.  (No, question, but try to get a pic with a cop!!! but you can answer the ones in our email!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Mom: Because it's the opposite of humility, which is a chief attribute of Christ.  (Why are we warned about pride so many times in the scriptures?)

Holly: I've really missed the Spirit that is felt in the Temple.  (Tell what you have missed about going to the temple since you don't have one close by.)

Sam: Twin Falls, within a day or two of when I get home.  (What is the first temple that you want to go to when you get home?)

Dylan: The only difference I felt, was that the kids didn't have school haha  (How was Cinco De Mayo in Mexico? )

Monday May 1st, 2017

Hey guys!

This week was okay. We splits two times which sucked. On Tuesday we went to work in our District Leader's area. I went with Elder Buitrago, and Elder Arzate went with Elder Macias. We had a pretty good time, it just sucked not being able to work in our area. It's an hour bus ride to their area, so we spent the night there. In the morning that I started working with Elder Buitrago, we tried to make a contact with this older guy who was sitting outside of his house. We started to just talk with him about things, and then Elder Buitrago asked him if he believed in God, and he said, "I believe more in the devil, because he's more powerful." I was like, why do you think the devil is more powerful than God? and he said, "Because I've seen a lot of the things that the devil has done, but I've never seen a miracle done by God." It was one of the weirdest moments of my mission. That night I read a talk by Larry R. Lawrence entitled "The War Goes On", and it talked about that contact. It was awesome! This talk is amazing! It talks about how we can better resist the temptations of Satan. I encourage all of you to read it!

On Wedensday, we had splits with our Zone Leaders. Elder Arzate went with Elder Slocum, and Elder Pizarro worked with me here in Navolato. It was an okay day. I wasn't feeling super great and we had a lot of appointments fall through, but we made quite a few contacts. He was really quiet which was weird. Unless you asked him a question, he wouldn't talk, so that was a little difficult. He's been in the mission for 21 months.

One of our investigators, Isabel, is progressing a ton! She wants to get baptized, and is ready, but just needs to get divorced. She awesome though! 

She goes to church every Sunday, reads the pamphlets, and the Book of Mormon, prays, and invites to eat dinner.  haha  She's about 38 and has 2 little boys.  

There's a family in this ward who helps us a ton! The España family. Whenever we need help, they always help us, whether that's with food, the bathroom (really important haha) a drink of water, everything! This week we helped them quite a bit with cleaning their patio, and putting up a cover above a small pool. Their boy just turned 11 this week, so we got invited over to eat cake since we helped them get their patio and pool ready. 

Earlier this week, I ate the best food I've had on my mission so far! It was amazing! They were fish tacos, but way better than the ones I've had before. The guacamole was amazing! I ate 5 flour tacos, and 2 corn tacos. It was a ton! But it was amazing! 

I love you guys! Have a great week!

-Elder Radmall

p.s. sorry, no pics this week....

Questions:

Dad: We don't do much. Elder Arzate and I talk a lot about deep doctrine stuff, which I enjoy.  (What fun things do you guys do back at the apartment, games? anything?)

Mom: Gardens like ours, they don't really have, but they have gardens where they just plant stuff. Lots of stuff that have needles.  (What kinds of things do they plant in their gardens in Mexico?)

Holly: It's really helped me find out the different gifts that I have, and how I can apply them to help other people. ( How has your patriarchal blessing helped you on your mission?)

Sam: All the farm fields. I love them! haha  (What is the biggest/coolest difference between your last area and this one?) 

Dylan: None, we can't even go to museums right now.  (What cool historical places have you seen?)