Congratulations to Curtis - He's a new district leader!

Hello world,

 

It's been a crazy week.  We haven't done much work, but nobody really could with everything that's happened..... ;).  I can't help marveling in the power of the letter.  You all have to just listen while I ramble. :P

 

I'll cut to the chase (for your sakes).  After I wrote Wednesday we had a decent night of work, including our ward mission leader meeting.  Thursday morning, while I was sitting downstairs studying someone started shaking the door as if trying to break the door down...Then someone started knocking on the window...I recognized the distinctly white color of the skin of the person's arm who was knocking...it was my district leader Élder Griffiths! :)  He had special news for Élder Bryant and I.  Eight elders from the US had gotten their visas approved after several months of waiting, so the mission was undergoing a lot of changes.  The elders were going to be flying in Friday so the mission was going to have special changes Saturday.  Élder Bryant was changed to a delegation in D.F. called Iztapalapa.  Furthermore, they decided to send two more elders to Cuatro Vientos...not to replace us, but to join us :).  I was in charge of dividing the area, getting the new elders a house, and a couple other things...So now our district has six elders in it, two of them are brand new, and they had the crazy idea of making me district leader :P.  So, in the course of a few days, I got a new assignment, new companion, two new elders in my area and to boot I had to give a talk on member missionary work in sacrament meeting.  I'm exhausted. :P

 

After these changes I really do think I was primarily Élder Bryant's companion to get him well.  I'm excited for this change and to find out why God wants me as district leader at this time. :)

 

Other than that...nothing really new. :P  I finished memorizeing The Living Christ.  That's exciting.  We met the husband of Rousse last night.  He seems really nice and said that he, along with his family would come to church next week.  I hope so, as that's one of the only things keeping that family from progressing.  We haven't gotten much done, arranging for a new house, getting it approved, moving as well ourselves, and changing companions.

 

My new companion is Élder Carver, an elder I knew from Volcanes.  I'm excited to have a chance to serve with him.  He's a good elder, very excited, has a lot of experience, and loves soccer as well.  I'm excited to serve with him.

 

This letter brought to you by the song Remember the Promise

 

I hear the echoes from the ancient battlegrounds

As clear as if it were today

Familar voices echo, rising from the dust

I can almost hear them say

 

One thing you cannot forget

This war is not over yet

 

Remember the promise

Remember who it's from

Remember that its keeping

Is tied to what we've done

Breaking down the walls of pride

Listening to realize

That there's a love that's strong enough

Strong enough to lift us up

The message rises from the dust

Beckoning to all of us

Remember the promise

 

Ironclad in covenant our captain and our king

Come to wash the flood of filth away

Waiting for freedom only He can bring

How much longer Lord we pray

 

The day the family doesn't lie down in defeat

Is the day we win the battles in schools and on the streets

 

Remember the promise

Remember who it's from

Remember that its keeping

Is tied to what we've done

Breaking down the walls of pride

Listening to realize

That there's a love that's strong enough

Strong enough to lift us up

The message rises from the dust

Beckoning to all of us

Remember the promise

Remember the promise 

 

  I remember the many promises I have recieved from the Lord.  I know of their surety.  I trust in my Lord that is "ironclad in covenant...come to wash the flood of filth away."  I have felt that redeeming power.  I know He is there.  I know this is His Church and Kingdom.  I know that there is a law in heaven, and we receive blessings by obeying that law.  I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God with His authority on the earth today.  I know, more than anything else, that God Lives and Jesus is the Christ, the very Son of the Immortal God.  I couldn't be happier knowing that. :)

 

Happy Halloween,

Élder Sudbury

 

PS Mom, the package got here, I'm getting it from the offices tomorrow.  Dad, I'm glad you're well.  Melanie, Tim, Zoë, and Ryan, I hope you are all well and safe an that all is going well in your carrers and in carving pumpkins.  SalleeAnn, Matt, Hannah, and Sammy, tell me what you dress up as for halloween.  Noella, I hope you enjoyed the 5K.  What was your time?  Ju and Chris, let me know how the school selection is going.  I love you all!

October 20, 2010

Dear Family and friends,

Well, the first on the list is that last week, after all Élder Bryant's test results came back negative, ruling out parasites, vitamin deficiencies, and a host of other diseases, our mission doctor sent us to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor).  He was a particularly good one (the mission only recommends doctors that have practices in the Ángeles hospital in the Federal District, the best in México).  After a rather thorough exam of Élder Bryant's ears, nose, and throat, the otolaryngologist found that the bone and cartilage in the middle of his nose was bent to one side quite a bit.  He feels quite certain that it is this that is causing Élder Bryant's apnea.  To be certain, he suggested running a test by the name of a polysomnogram. It's a rather complete test and we should get the results in about a week and a half.  If that deviation is the only problem, Élder Bryant will probably undergo a very simple surgery to correct the passage which should solve any problems he has with apnea for the rest of his life.  I'm quite certain that, more than anything, God wanted me in this area at this time because very few other missionaries would have noticed and known what sleep apnea was and commented it to the doctor.  I'm very grateful to be able to be an instrument in the hands of God in this and any other manner.

Layman's terms: we're making progress with Élder Bryant's health issues and I'm grateful to help.

We haven't done much work with investigators, due to the continued correction of Élder Bryant's health, but sometimes that is important as well.  This is a benefit that will last him the rest of his life, and if I can have a hand in that, I'm happy to do so.

I've learned a lot from God this week.  He had a lot to say :P.  The culmination of the many things I learned are found in a talk by Neal A. Maxwell by the name of "Meekness -- A Dimension of True Discipleship."  I have learned, by and large, to serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength wherever I'm put.  God has a purpose for me being wherever I am.  All I can do is put myself in His hands and trust in the Hands of the Master Sculptor.  If I truly try to trust Him, He will make me whatever I need to be.

A song on one of the CDs Mom sent me has a line that I really like.  I couldn't find the lyrics online, but the line I like is:

The mistakes you make don't define you,
They refine you.

I know that I have made lots of mistakes, for which I do need to repent and have repented.  The reason I mention that, however, is to show the refining process that I know I'm under.  I know that serving a mission and the entirety of my life is to refine me to make me more pure.  Gold must go through an intense melting process to burn away and separate all impurities; this process is called refining gold.  The furnace of life and the kiln of repentance in which I have put myself is a process that all must pass through throughout their lives to become the pure soul that God wants.  I thought I'd share with you that process in me.  I know I'm not perfect, but my mistakes don't define me, they refine me.  I know that every mistake, experience, and event can be used by the Master Refiner and Craftsman to make us better.  I know I'm in that process.  I know that following Living Prophets is one very good and distinct way to put yourself in His Hands.  I know that there is a living prophet on the earth.  I know he guides--under the direction of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost--Their church.  This is the True Church of God created in the last days of the world to refine all humanity who would diligently follow God.  I know the work I'm in is vital in that Work.  I know that Jesus Christ is the Immortal Son of God.  He is my redeemer, my pastor, and my friend.  I know it with all my heart and will hold fast to it.

All my Love,
Élder Sudbury

Mom, got the card, thank you :).  Dad, feel better.  Well done in Ticket to Ride ;).  Melanie & Tim, do let me know how my biggest neice and littlest nephew are doing.  SalleeAnn and Matt, let me know how the tests go and when you match.  I just sent a letter off to you.  Noella, I hope the letter got to you safely.  JuleeAnn & Chris.....don't let the bedbugs bite ;).  To all, I love you dearly.  I hope all is well.

With Love,
Élder Sudbury

Helping with the remodel of their ward

Are you lonely--hold a meeting!

Letter, October 6, 2010

Well...an interesting turn of events...little did I know...

 

In the fantastic movie "Stranger than Fiction" one of the characters rambles for some time about that phrase, "little did he know."  The quote is as follows:

 

"Little did he know, That means there's something he doesn't know, which means there's something you don't know, did you know that?"

 

You'll of course forgive the ramble, it builds something some writers refer to as "suspense" and others "shilly-shallying" or "beating around the bush."  A good friend informed me in a letter of the remarkable power of letters.  No matter what you write, the person or persons to whom you write feel completely compelled to keep reading, although, by all rights of human dignity they should just skip to the end...Ah, the power of words, letters and writing...hehehe. :)

 

A brief summary of recent events include the following, in chronological order.  We found a couple really good people this last week and invited them to conference, but for one reason or another none of them could come.  Conference was AMAZING :).  I am planning to download it.  I didn't get to see a few things because we caught a ride to our stake center with some less active members and got there late, but what I saw I loved :).  I was told Saturday that I needed to travel to the mission offices to sign for my visa, so I didn't have a preparation day this last monday.  I was there all day and got home at about nine.  Yesterday we had district meeting and went on exchanges with my district leader.  I went to his area and his companion came to mine.  We returned late to my house in my area to meet up and rest.  We found one of the elders outside the house and asked him what was up.  He then proceeded to inform us of the mysterious nature of the door being open when they had arrived at the house an hour earlier...having gone inside they found the house in complete order with nothing seeming to be out of place...nothing, that is, except for my iPod that I thought I broke, the one I bought to replace it, my MP3 player I brought from home, my bank cards, Elder Bryant's camera, and all the money we had left in the house.  That last comma is called an oxford comma...fun fact :).  I have officially, for the first time in my life, been robbed.  To say I don't feel a little shaken would be an outright lie.  Someone seemed to have found a window that wasn't locked (I was barely conscious of its existence), climbed through it, taken the things of value they found on the desk, and left quickly out the front door.  So...we're going to move.  We're fine, a little shaken, but fine.  God was merciful with us.  I had pulled out, by accident, extra back-up money from the bank.  They took my back-up money, but I was carrying most of my monthly funds and my back-up back-up money with me, so we have plenty for now.  Other than that, life's good. :)  We had a wonderful conference today with the mission president and his wife about a lot of things...primarily about working with the wards.  It was really good.

 

This week's going to be rather short for us, as we didn't get to work monday, not much yesterday nor today, tomorrow we're going to a specialist of some kind for Élder Bryant, Friday we have weekly planning, and Saturday we're going to take for our P-day...So yeah :P

 

This week's letter is brought to you by, the letter 'R'...I don't especially know why...but also the song "Keeper of the Flame."

 

Believing, receiving the burning inside
Learning and yearning for greater light
Melting the frost
Moving the lost

Through the winds of change
Encircled by the clouds of pain
I guard it with my life
I need the warmth I need the light
And though the storm will rage
I stand against the pounding rain

I remain a keeper of the flame

Inspiring fire blazing in truth
Living and giving
Leading to You
Filling my soul
Willing to go

 

Through the winds of change
Encircled by the clouds of pain
I guard it with my life
I need the warmth I need the light
And though the storm will rage
I stand against the pounding rain

I remain a keeper of the flame

 

It is that flame that I have in my heart.  I know of a surety the truth that I bear to the world because of the flame that burns in my heart.  I have asked, and for that reason, I know.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Kingdom of God on the earth.  It is the only church that has all of the authority so required by the courts of heaven to make eternal covenants.  It has been restored by God Himself.  Thomas Spencer Monson is a prophet of God, called by Him to be a special witness of Christ.  I Know in my heart it is true.  I Love my Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, and I know They love me.  That makes all the difference.

 

All my love to you all!

Élder Sudbury

Letter from Curtis September 26, 2010

Hello dear family,

 

It's been an interesting week.  For some reason this week felt like we weren't doing as much as other weeks.  We have been working with a couple cool families, but a lot of people haven't been getting to church.  I can't help but somehow feel responsible.  Nonetheless, I feel we've been doing our best.  The more we work, the more we feel the adversary working against us, and I can't help but feel tired.  Élder Bryant still is not sleeping well, and it seems to be getting worse.  This week I just feel tired.  I know, however, that I must press on.  God is with me and helps a lot.  A scripture comes to mind from Alma. 

 

Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success. (Alma 26:27)

 

All I can do is sit and wait and work my head off :P. 

 

By and large that's all the news I have for this week.  It was a slow week, catching up with people after not seeing them for a full week.  We got a new district leader that will be leaving at the end of this change (5 weeks) that seems like a good guy.  I hope this change goes well.  Élder Bryant and I have been working through some difficulties due to our different ways of thinking.  We're getting there ;).

 

This week's letter is brought to you by Healing Waters

 

I've built a bridge
All of my strength cannot cross over
I stand at the edge
The end of a road that I have followed
Sinking from the weight of my own world
Wanting the waves of Your ways to wash my feet

Healing waters
Healing waters
Solace flows
Through the river of forgiveness to my soul
Oh, I need You
Healing waters
Pour over me
Water to clean all my intentions
Baptising streams
I swim in the freedom of redemption
Floating on the sea of purity
Knowing I can dive in the love that rescues me
Healing waters
Healing waters
Solace flows
Through the river of forgiveness to my soul
Oh, I need You
Healing waters
Memories are raging high
Floods so deep they touch the sky
All the things I've done to You
All the parts of life untrue
Healing comes from outstretched hands
Saving me from what I am
Carry me
Carry me
Healing waters
Healing waters
Solace flows
Through the river of forgiveness to my soul
Oh, I need You
Healing waters
I have felt, time and again, the power of those healing waters.  I know that my Father will always be there to guide me and direct me.  I know that I can never deny the truth of the things I have felt.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Church and Kingdom of God on the Earth.  God is directing us through His Prophet.  I'm SO excited for general conference next week...the chance to listen to a prophet's voice!  I know that is true and the blessings related to it are wonderful.  I hope to live up to my Father in Heaven's expectations, to be the person He would have me be.
All My Love,
Élder Sudbury
PS I hope you're all excited for GC :).  Happy B-Day Ryan!  I hope all is well with the rest of you.  You all have my best wishes and prayers.  Melanie, good luck with the class; Tim, work; Matt, matching; SalleeAnn, twins; JuleeAnn, Chris, and Noella, with the new houses, and Mom and Dad with dealing with all us crazy kids. ;)  I love you all!

Curtis in front of a tiger

Letter September 20, 2010

Dear World,

 

I'm fairly certain that Élder Bryant has sleep apnea...unfortunate thing is that there aren't very many treatments for it...he could lose a little bit of weight... :P

 

Other than that, all is well.  Today ended the first 6 weeks of being in Cuatro Vientos, which means the end of a change, which means one of us could go...but we didn't :).  Two elders and a sister left from our zone, but that's about all. :)

 

This last week was mexican independence day.  It was the Bicentennial of their independence and the Centennial of the revolution (during which, I believe, my great-grandparents were run out of the country).  Due to the possibly dangerous situations that could arise from having two americans preaching a gospel that many associate with the United States, we stayed home wednesday and thursday last week.  Due to the festivities, Tuesday was rather slow, Monday we never get much done because it's our preparation day, Friday most everyone was still half-drunk, and Saturday we were instructed to stay inside due to the possible danger of the hurricane (nothing happened...barely even rained here...at 2 in the morning... :P).  I celebrated by reading the scriptures and wearing my fake mustache :).

 

Due to our staying inside 3 out of 7 days last week, we don't have a ton of news.  Things are going well, just slowed down a bit.  I hope we can do some good work this week.

 

This morning we went by a restaurant, the owner of which a few elders know.  This restaurant is a little unique in that it has two lions, two tigers, and a panther in cages next to where you eat, a climbing wall and a zipline.  It made for an interesting morning, but it also made us late. :(  That's about all I have by way of stories.  Enjoy the picture :P.  I'll try to send more stories next week.

 

I started reading the Old Testament again.  I'm actually rather enjoying it.  I'm using the Institute manual to help me out.  It's actually very interesting :).  All is well.

 

One last thing.  This week we watched a movie called "Gordon B. Hinckley: a giant among men" and many things hit me.  One of which was his desire and covenant he made with God to forget himself and go to work.  That is my desire and covenant.  I hope I can live up to it. :)  Another thing that stuck out to me was a lesson President Hinckley learned as a boy.  He and a few classmates took a day off school and called it a "strike," and the principal wouldn't let them back without a letter from their parents.  President Hinckley's mom gave him the note and told him, essentially, "off to school with you, remember who you're trying to be like."  President Hinckley said it lifted him to higher ground while correcting the problem.  I need to learn better how to do that.  A few lessons recently learnt.

 

This week's letter brought to you by the song Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

 

Come, thou Fount of every blessing,
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,
mount of thy redeeming love.

Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
hither by thy help I'm come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger,
interposed his precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor
daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart, O take and seal it,
seal it for thy courts above.
 

I know I'm far from perfect, and I know, like most of humanity, I am prone to wander and be a mediocre servant and person, but that is not my desire.  I want God to take my heart and seal it His.  I want to be His servant to bring about His work.  I want that because I know it is true.  I know God lives, that he is there, and that He answers!  I know that it is only by His grace that we can be saved after all we can do.  I know that I have been saved, rescued, and redeemed countless times in my life and I cannot help but be eternally grateful for that.  This church is the Kingdom of God on the earth.  All who seek the blessings and covenants of God can and will find them within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I know it's true, because I've prayed and asked after properly investigating myself.  I invite you to do the same.

 

All My Love,

Élder Sudbury