9/26/2011- "We are busier than ever."

Hi familia,


    We have been busier than ever. Tell dad I got his letter and it was freaking awesome. Tell him it helped me a lot. I was thinking about a ton of things and a ton of things were on my mind, and he answered all of the questions I had. It was awesome tell him thanks a ton. I have been thinking about Connor a lot lately and I'm wondering how he is. Tell him to do the little things. I didn't start playing football because I was the best or the most talented, I just did the extra little things. I was throwing when other guys were with girls and partying, running when they were resting and practicing when they were sleeping. You have to do the extra things. Tell Connor I love him and that I know he can do it, tell him to get ready to have his adventure like I am having right now. 

 The place where I am at is soo chill and safe. They don't have a lot of dangerous places but some aren't that safe for white folk. We had a bautismo and her story is awesome!  I got in this new area and I was looking at the information about people they had in the area. And there were people that had been going to church for a ton of time but didn't have the discusions with the misioneros. President said that's why I was sent to this area.  But she and her sister started listening to us and she has a sister in the church and her other sister that we were teaching had already been baptized but she doesnt remeber her confirmation and the record had it as 3 weeks later on a Saturday...that's really weird so we are still lokking into that. But her sister that got baptized has known the church was true forever but she just never acted on it. But  she has grown to love us and listen to our words. She started to have that desire and she wanted me to baptize her. It was really amazing.

So, I love my shoes and they look really nice.  I will take a pic of my old shoes and send that pic next week.  I just had a haricut and they use tijeras here. I dont know the word in english anymore. Haha, I'm really sorry. (scissors)

 Anyway, I have to get going. Tell Connor at times we think we are alone. But remember we are never alone. . Do whats right no matter the concencuencias. Mom, I know that I have to be healthy so don't worry. I know that our Padre Celestial loves us so much. I love you familia,  I love you con toda mi corazon. Cuidete y sepas que estoy en las manos del Senor.

Te amo
Your Elder Anderson

9/19/2011- "I Love what I am doing."

Hola familia,

     Well, we have been in our house for 2 days because we both were sick so the work is slow but we moved the dos bautismos for this semana (week). But we are working hard to find more people and we are focusing on the work. You asked about my mission president, He has 3 daughters and he speaks very little english but he is learning.  My president is awesome. He is like my best friend, he is a ton of help and wants the best for eveyone. Our new place is not an apratment it's a house. It's tiny and we found the BIGGEST cocroach ever outside, you would have screamed. Hahaha, but its funny. We don't have doors to any room including the bathroom so if some one needs to go do the "business," the other person waits in the other room, but we got doors today so que bueno. haha! So, don't worry about finding me some shoes. I found some shoes and they were 349.... in pesos, haha so they were about 35 bucks. I had to go to the factory to buy them and they are flexi. They are really really famous in mexico because they last forever but we will see. I have a winter jacket but mom trust me, there is no winter here. haha so dont worry. . Dont worry too much about me. I am in the Lords hands always. So Know I am always doing whats right and he's protecting me. I have been a little sick and I lost a little bit of weight. I bought some protein....haha its cheep ok! haha but I eat a lot and drink a lot I think its from the affects of the stomach ache I had but its getting better. It will continue to get better so I'm not worried.  The picture included is of our last baptism. We are hoping to have the next bautismos this week. I love what I'm doing mom. I always have since I have been on the mish. I miss you all. I love you and don't worry too much, I'm almost 20 so I'm learning how to take care of myself. I love you. Have a great week and Ill talk to you next monday

 

Your Elder Anderson

 

 

9/12/2011- "1,1 and 5, hopefully"

Hey Familia,

    It has been a very hectic week. We have been doing a ton of work and with being lider de distrito there are so many things to do. I can't believe how many things happen in the mission that I didn't know about until now, ha ha. But, everything has been going good. We have had one bautismo since I've been here, we will have one this week and we have 5 more next week, hopefully. The bautismo we have this week has been kind of tough because she technically is not in our ward but it is the only time she can come because of her work. We have had to work with some people and are now going to do it. We moved houses because our dueno was a crap head and we had tons of cucaraches so we have been moving this whole week. I am working hard and learning a lot. This calling I have has been a bit hard but I am learning and growing up. I love you all for everything you have done for me, especially you mom and dad. Thank you both so much. I love you and I hope you have a great week.

Elder Anderson

9/5/2011- "I know I am doing what's Right."

Hi Familia,

  So, I am in Leon! I am in a new area called parques del Sur, South Park, ha ha. It is a huge area and it's like the States just a little more Mexicano. We have a 2 story  house and they have every store you can think of here from the USA. They have Walmart, Cosco, everything! It is pretty awesome but the area is kind of hard. We are starting to have success though. We had a baptism. It was the daughter of a recien conversa who told us the she had been praying for the moment where her daughter could feel like she feels now everyday. So we taught her a lot and after 2 weeks of assitiendo the cappila, she got baptized. She is an amazing person. She has 2 little kids and her husband isn't very supportive but she has so much fe. It's hard to have fe sometimes but when we do, we can do anything. I have grown to love their family and it's great to just click with a family. I'm still learning more about myself and how I can be an example to others. I am learning my strengths and weaknesses and things that I can do better. I know it is hard sometimes, but I have learned to control my mind, thoughts and acciones. I have learned to love others more than myself. It's something that Dios has given me, a chance to be better in everything, a span of 2 years that I can grow up more than I could in 50 years. I have learned so much about others and how the Lord trusts me to help others come unto Cristo. It has been hard at times, I'm not going to say it  hasn't, but I know with the help and instruccion that I have received, I can do anything with the help of the Lord. I know I am doing what's right. I love you all and tell Connor to keep up the great work. I love you all!

Your Elder Anderson
    
P.S. Today we played soccer and FOOOTBALLLLL! It was sick. Tell Connor he is a stud for paying attention and getting the ball. That's Awesome!

8/29/2011 Letter- "Cockroach Village and Mexicanos have tiny feet."

Hola Famila,

    So, this week has been a very hectic week. I changed areas. I am now in Leon in the area Parque de Sur and now as district leader. Weird huh? I'm excited but it is a ton of work. I got here on Tuesday and I'm trying to learn more about the area. When I got here, our house was filthy and there were cockroaches everywhere, mom you would have screamed, it was like cockroach village! Ha ha, but I killed them and we cleaned today so it is better. I have met some people but it's just more about learning where they live and how they are. I am with Elder Valencia, he is from Mexico City. He is very humble and we teach each other a lot. Also, my new area is huge so it's a little different but it's better walking here because there are not as many hills. I had my first interview for bautismo, it went well. Also, we have another bautismo this week and I challenged 2 more for next week so it will be interesting. Every night I have to prepare a ton of talks and  I have to check the number of cada compenerismo in my distrito. So it is a little extra work. My Spanish has taken a hard turn for the worst. For some reason, I am having trouble with it in my new area. I guess it's adapting. It was amazing in San Miguel but not anymore. But I hope I can keep working hard to become better at it. I know the Lord challenges us but this is a little hard, ha ha :). It will pass. But, I am good, I feel healthy but just kind of frustrated with the language. Umm, I could use another pair of shoes though, mine are pretty much DEAD. I tried looking here but Mexicanos have tiny feet and they do not have my size!:) ha ha. Anyway, thanks for all the help and support. I love you all so much. I'm sorry I don't have more to write, I am still learning about the area. Thank you for everything. Love you.

Your Elder Anderson

8/22/2011 Letter- "Know that I'm safe, healthy and doing great."

Hey Family,

    I'm sorry sorry sorry but I do not have a ton of time today. We have division so I am getting ready to leave right now to go a different city to work. Real quick, we had our 3 bautismos that we planned. It was sooooo hard. The kid in the picture did not want to get baptized at first. His primo is a cholo and said that he would beat us and the kid up if he got baptized but he is baptized so the cholo has nothing on us.:) It was an amazing experience. Other then that, things are good. I love you all. Know that I am safe and healthy and doing great. My spanish is a ton better and I know that I am doing what's right. Thank you for everything. You have taught me so much and I thank you for everything. I love you.

Your Elder Anderson

8-14-2011 letter- "I love the mission and wouldn't trade it for anything."

Hey Family,

   Mom, you knocking on my "puerta" would be funny! I laughed so hard, everyone looked at me funny. I am sorry my letter have been short but I will get better. I am sending some pics that will explain what we did this semana. All of our investigators are great and we are going to have 3 bautismos this week and 3 the next. One of the pictures is of my 2 bautismos I had. But, we will have 3 this week. I am pumped. We both are going to baptize them and so it's going to be a great experience. Well 2 of the 3 are family. It's the mom and the hijo of Ella. She is really awesome and ever since she came to the capilla she has wanted to change her life. She said she felt something that she hasn't ever felt before, so it will be awesome to see her in white and in the water. Second, su hijo, He is only 13 years old and he doesn't have a lot of friends. So pretty much, we are his friends. He is really awesome but timid, we are trying to get him to loosen up a bit. After him, we have a guy named Sergio. He had a family and they left him. It was a sad story but he loves the church and the idea of how a family can be together forever, he is going to be baptized. He use to smoke but he said after he went to church he would get sick everytime he felt like he wanted to smoke. It is awesome. He is really awesome and I am glad to see the change in his life right now. Me and my comp are working hard. We have had some problems, I think it is due to different cultures but we work it out. My health is a lot better. I haven't been sick for a very long time and I hope that continues. I have been working out every morning on my balcony. It's awesome and I have felt a lot stronger and healthier. I love the new house. It didn't take a ton of time to move us because it is pretty close to our old house and we don't have a lot but it's a ton better. We had a Seventy come visit us. His wife was really funny because she had a HUGE english accento, but it's all good. He was really awesome and I learned a ton, like always. You always learn a ton on the mish. I love the mission and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have learned how to be a man and to care for others and I only have almost 7 months, ha ha. I am growing more in my life then I ever thought I would. I have seen changes in me, I am caring more about the people I am helping then my own problems or concerns. My prayers are focused on them and that's how it should be.  I love you all and I hope everything is great. Thank you for everything you have done for me and the times I wasn't the easiest to deal with. I am sorry momma for that time. I have realized what's important in life and what's not. I love you all and thank you for everything. I love you!
Tu Hijo,
Elder Anderson

8/7/2011- "I love Mexico!"

Familia,

   Hi, how has everyone been? Well mom, I can't find that equipment for my camera so I can not send pictures. It kind of sucks. So I am sorry there is no pictures but we are going to look at another store this week so hopefully I will have some next week. So now I understand, get new carpet and Tv's after I go on the mission, I get it. Ha ha. I guess I will be able to enjoy it later. I had to get a few things with the credit card but I love Mexico, everything is freaking cheap! I am good health wise but I think I have lost a little bit of weight just because of the heat. It has been awful here but I love the area. My comp and I sometimes have our differences but we seem to work through them. I know that I have to be humble enought to admitt when I am wrong too. This week we are having a member on the Seventy come talk us in Irepuato. It should be cool, every missionary in the area will be there. Well I better head out. I will have pictures next week, I promise. I know I better send them or mom will be booking her trip to Mexico. Thanks for everything. I love you all and I will talk to you next week.

Your Elder Anderson

8/1/2011- "We have been having a ton of success."

Hey Familia,

    Yes, I am still in San Miguel so no worries there. We are moving this week to a new apartment. We had 6 new personas en la capilla and I think we are going to have 7 baptisms. We have been having a ton of success. On Prep days we usually play ball. No, we can't play football because of the contact. Missionaries were getting hurt. But I still have my basketball! We have tons of fun. Later we are going to eat and later this night we are going shopping for food. Also today we wash, write and buy! That is the usual Monday. Well, we have to get going. Have a great week. I love you all.

Your Elder Anderson

7/25/2011- "The Mission has changed my life."

Hey Familia,
   I am glad everyone liked what I send. I am glad you got the package. Well, my week was kind of rough, the person we were going to baptize this week had segunda thoughts so right now it is kind of difficult to work. But that's ok, we will just keep moving forward and keep teaching. The mission has changed my life. I have never met people who are so happy but don't have anything. I have met a ton of people that I have just fallen in love with. I am able to be me and have fun, just as a servant of the Lord, I am enjoying my time on the mish. Nothing too much has changed, only that we have cambios and I might get transfered, it is a possibility. We are going to go play some ball with some investigators today so I hope it goes well. I hope all is well with everyone. I love you all and I will talk to you later.

Elder Anderson

7/18/2011 Letter- " I am Fantastic"

Hey Familia,

   Well, I don't have a ton of time but I want to hit the basics...

   I am fantastic! I had a baptism and it was freaking awesome!!! She is an awesome lady and she has changed from a person who didn't want anything with her life, into someone that has a light about her. She just loves us and it feels great to have helped her change her life. Then, someone tried to break into our house and so we are moving to a better house. It will be a ton better. It's still in San Miguel but it's a lot safer. It's awesome to see all the blessing you guys are having. I think and pray for you often. I love you all and sorry it's so short, we have a ton to do. Talk to you next week for sure, it will be mas largo. Love you!

Your Elder Anderson

7/11/2011 Letter- "This week has been the best week of my mission!"

Hey familia,

    Wooooooooooooooow. That's a ton of things that have went on this week. I feel so bad for my bro. I hope he can recover soon. That sucks about his ankle. Tell him to keep his head up and don't let himself think he can't come back. Work hard to get back stronger than before. For me, this week has been the best week of my mission! That was until I heard about everything going on at home, I feel bad for having so much joy, ha ha! But we have a baptism this weekend and 2 more next week. So we are working a ton! I love the feeling of success. I have felt sometimes in my mission that I am failing but my Heavenly Father has helped me a ton. I want to tell you about 2 experiences from this week. First, we went to a hospital to bless a sister of one of our investigators. It was very spiritual and I was able to bless her. After the blessing, I felt like I was going to pass out. I ran outside and had to sit down and really calm myself down. My comp asked me what had happened. I had no idea, I just felt as though all my strength was gone and I could not stand or anything. It was really weird but such a strong experience. The second experience is we talked to a lady we were planning to baptize and we challenged her to pray right then, while we were there, to see of the Libro de Mormon was verdad (true) and to see if Joseph Smith was a prophet. During her prayer, on our knees, I felt the spirit so strong and after she said amen, no one moved, we just sat there for 5 minutes. We all felt the spirit and then she said, "It's true." It was the coolest experience I have had on my mission. And she is getting baptized this week. I'm stoked but I hope it all goes well. I love you all and keep praying for guidance. If we want to talk to God we must pray and if we walk God to talk to us, we have to read the scriptures. I grow stronger in His service. I love you all.

Your Elder Anderson

7/4/2011 -" We have had lot of success"

Hey Familia,

    My week was awesome! My comp loves to work so it's been really good. We have had a lot of success and are working a ton and my spanish is getting better. I feel when I focus on the work, my spanish becomes better and better so that's what I am doing. I do study a lot but I realized that if I focus on the work, He will bless me. My comp also loves to cook and so we eat a lot. So, It's the 4th huh. It's weird not being at home looking at fireworks with the fam but I know I am doing something much better, it is an awesome experience. The weather here has sucked, well not sucked but it has rained every day this week. Raining means there is no sun, which means it's not hot, but it's really wet and tracting in the rain is not my favorite. But, with all the rain, a day this week, we were hiding under a balcony and I felt that we needed to switch sides of the street so I ran across and my comp followed. This lady came out of her house and told us to get inside her house. We didn't fight her and we ran inside. While there, we told her a little about what we do and about the first discussion. Now she has accepted everything and we are just waiting for this Sunday so she can come to church and then have a fecha (date). Also, we have another fecha (date) for next week but she wanted to cancel it but we are keeping it and are working toward it. Well, I hope all is well and remember, we are blessed more than we can imagine when we are doing what is right. Thanks for all you do. I hope everything is great and I'll talk to you all next week.

 Your Elder Anderson

6-27-2011 "I had some hard tests this week in my mission"

Hey Familia,

  Yeah so, me and my comp are GREAT. My comp is freaking awesome. He works freaking hard and is layed back. He is hilarious and I'm starting to be myself now as a misionero. He has already made my language and teaching better. It's really awesome all the things I have learned from him already. He teaches with power and authority and it has been awesome this week.We had 2 nuevos in the capilla. I have not had that my whole mission. So it was pretty awesome. My health is good and I feel stronger but I had some hard tests this week in my mission. My spanish was really really bad. I couldn't figure out why it was so bad. But I think it was a test and a challenege that my Heavenly Father wanted me to have faith in. So I asked for a blessing to loosen my tounge and after that everything else was great! It was a very spiritual moment in my mission. Also we had a funny moment where we knocked on a door and the guy said through the door, "what do you want." I said we are missionaries and have a message about families and how we can strangthen them through Cristo and he yelled back, "Im Satanico." (I'm Satanic) hahaha then I said well I'm going to write down your address and we are going to come back when you aren't a Satanico anymore! haha it was hilarious. I am glad the reunion went well, I still think dad should of whipped out the Book of Mormon, hahaha. Thank you all for your support and love. I'm not thinking about football everyday but this thought just popped in, that through weight lifting, running, throwing, swimming, and yoga or stretching, I can get what I want. But I know I can already see the blessings in my life I just need to focus on the Lord and do His will without saying why or anything like that. I won't give up on this dream but I know why I'm here and I'm going to do whatever it takes to grow in the ways He wants me to. I know our Heavenly Father loves us. Sometimes it's still hard because he has put tests in front of me to overcome but I know He is right there with me teaching me how to get through them. I love you all. I hope all is well and I will talk to you next week.

Your Elder Anderson

6/20/2011 Letter- "He is Awesome and I am so pumped to work."

Hey Family,

  I'm am sorry it's later, we had changes..
I GOT A NEW COMP HE IS MUY CHITO! Haha, chito means like cool or awesome. I'm staying in my area with my new comp and he is the leader of the district. So it's pretty awesome. He is Latino and his name is Elder Lopez. He is awesome, I'm so pumped to work.
   Dang I just read about what happened. Holy freaking crap what is happening to Norman! I heard about all the crazy weather and tornados you've been having. That's crazy.
  Well, I do not have much time because of transfers but I have been good. Everything is going by so fast and I dont know how to act. I have 5 months in my mish! WOW!My spanish is a ton better, Mexicans think I have been out for like 9 months because of my spanish. I have been blessed so much with the gift of tongues, it's ridiculous, and I have been so blessed in so many ways. Sorry I can not write a lot, next week I will bring my diario so I can write a huge one I promise. Today is just a little weird because we have to go pick up another elder and everything but sorry, I love you all. Talk to you next week. I hope all is well and that the weather is better. Love you all,

Elder Anderson

6/13/2011-"We are actually having a lot of success right now which is sweetness!"

Hola Familia,

   Things in San Miguel are a lot better. I fixed the problem with my comp so things are better. We are actually having a lot of success right now which is sweetness! We are getting a lot of refrencias from the members and others so right now we have tons of people to teach. Also with knocking doors we have found some great people that I hope will accept the gospel in there lives and we can baptize them.  
    So yeah, the blender is a huge blessing, it helps me out in ways you can't imagine. We walk everywhere and it kind of gives me an extra boost in the day, so thank you momma.  Sounds like you have been really busy. I hope connor is having enough time to live life and have fun, haha. The weather always...HOOOOOOOOOOT here! haha my skin actually matches my hair type, haha!
    Well, time is flying freakin fast. It's kinda scary at times. But I just keep working so I can't really tell only when I really think about it. I am just blown away at the time. But my spanish is getting a lot, a lot better. I bore my testimonio en testimonio meeting. It was awesome! It was kind of scary but it went really good. I just keep working hard on it so I really have no problems. I'm getting to the point where I don't have to really think about what I'm going to say, I just say it but I need to get my mouth better so I don't sound so much like a gringo. I just keep praying and working and I know it will come.  I love the mission and yeah, it's tough sometimes but I am learning a lot. For your talk on modesty mom, be straight up with them. It makes you look bad and the church look bad when people dress immodestly. When we are baptized we take the name of Cristo on us. To act as he acted, to say what he said, to help as he helped, and to represent our Padre Celestial like Cristo represented Him. That's my advise, if we want to follow Cristo we have to follow him in everything because he is our best example. But I love you all. I hope everything is great and know I'm working hard and growing more and more everyday. I love you!
I love you momma
Su Hijo
Elder Anderson

6/6/2011- " I just keep my head up and work hard."

Hey Family,

So, we were suppose to have a meeting today but we really didn't have the meeting, we just played soccer. It was still fun. Things are good, I just want my companion to be changed. That's what I'm hoping for in 2 weeks. He just wants to go home and really hasn't taught me a ton. I have had to learn all on my own. He also has NO fe (faith) in the people here. I know I am here on my mission to learn the things I need to do in my life but still it's really hard sometimes. We had a baptism, which was awesome. She is an awesome girl that has a strong testimony about the church. But it seems like all our baptisms are free. That's why I want to work more to get investigators in the building but my comp doesn't have faith in them or does he want to work so it is rough right now but I just keep my haed up and work hard.
  Nothing new has happened, the same old same old here in San Miguel. I have talked to most of my family so I don't have a ton to say in my long email, Only that I love you all and I hope the best for everyone. Thank you for all the support you have given me and the love you have shown me. I love you all. Also I'll be sending the package soon with the camera chip in it so you can have the pics.
I love you all,

Your Elder Anderson

5/30/2011- "It's like Football training, with the Spirit... I Can do this"

 Hey Familia,

   Sorry this is so short, we took a tour bus around the city today and it was awesome!
 I hope everything is good in Ok. Things are better here so don't worry too much about me. I am still learning everyday what I need to do and have as a missionary. I am learning mas and more about the language and myself and the people around me. This experience is not like any other evperience I have had in my life. It's kind of like football training but with the mind and the Spirit and that you learn more and more every second of every day.  I am grateful I am here. I am grateful I am learning more and more. Many members have told me my spanish is a ton better but I still feel I have a lot to work on so everyday I try to work on something that can help me speak and teach better. I have a baptism next week so I will be sending you the pic of it. She is really awesome so it will be cool. I hope everything is going good at home. Pray always. Without our Heavenly Father and our Savior's help we can't do anything in this life. Thank you for everything. Hopefully in three weeks I will have a new companion and a new start to my mission. Right now, it's a little hard to find people and to work but with the help of my Savior and this calling as a missionary I can do this. Thanks for everything.

Love you all,

Your Elder Anderson

5/23/2011- Letter to Mom "Don't Worry"

Hey Mom, 

    Ok,... yes I was in the ER because I had a stomach infeccion. But I'm all good now. They just gave me a shot yea...a shot, in Mexico. I don't like shots in the States and I for sure don't like shots in Mexico. But I feel a ton better. Yeah, that's why I needed a little bit of extra money. But Really, I feel a ton better. I am eating a lot better and so don't worry too much. I've got the Lord on my side. My body is not my body for two years. Yes, I have to take care of it and yeah, I am not as huge as I was, but I am here teaching His Gospel so don't worry. About my compa, so I told Pres and nothing happened but I had a long talk with my comp and everything is good. He apologized and I am helping him with English and I told him that I really needed him to complete the work so I think that lit a fire in his tracero. So I think it's a lot better now. 

    I have a couple of favors....Ok one I need you to keep an eye out for a package I'm sending you next week ok, dos, I lost my oil holder...I feel terrible because it was Joseph's. I was walking and I looked down and I just had the top clipped to my pants not all of it. I feel so bad mom I really do. So if you could buy another one for him and maybe another one for me that would be awesome. But focus on him really, I feel terrible. Also my compa is buying me somthing before I leave and so I was thinking of getting him an Oklahoma jersey if you could send one of those that would be great too. I'm sorry to burden you momma. But other than that I'm good. 

    So I have another baptism on the 4 of Junio. I am pumped! And I will take pics so don't worry. I love you momma and thank you for everything. Te amo y te es el mejor mama en el mundo. Te amo

Su Hijo

Elder Anderson

5/16/2011 "Good times but hard times."

Hola Familia
So things here have been pretty good and sometimes bad. This week has been one of those weeks. The good part is, we baptized someone. Her name is Alicia. She can't hear very well and it is really difficult for her to communicate. Also, she can't read. We had to teach her things like tithing and chasity, screaming it to her. So I think we taught all the people in the City through our voices that Chasity is a good idea, ha ha ha. But no it was awesome to see how happy she was to be baptized and everything went well. Well, I have been gaining weight back by asking for more food at the members house and buying more food. I feel a lot bigger and stronger. With my excercise in the morning I feel a lot bigger and healthier and prepared to work. So don't worry about that. I am continuing to grow espirtually and physically. This week I also got to talk to the esposo of Maria. I baptized Maria's daughter Abeilene. But her son and husband are still not members and still have problems making commitments. But I got him to start reading the Book of Mormon. It was an awesome experience. I got to talk to him real sincerely and I told him if he would read only 3 to 4 verses a night and ponder about what they mean, he will be blessed and he started to read. It is an awesome experience to feel the Spirit when someone starts to act in Faith. However, also this week has had it's weird experiences. We met a guy while we were walking a borracho. He was drunk and he was high but wanted to hear something of Jesus. It was the weirdest feeling in the world to have a person, that the light of Christ is not there. And the Spirit hasn't been with him for a very long time. It was a very strange experience. We hurried and left though. I kept praying he would leave us alone so we could leave and he did so we pretty much ran away from him. Also this week has had it's problems. My companion is being way lazy. He is waking up at 7:15 or 7:30 and is always telling me what I need to to do and where I lack. Also he gets on facebook and other things so I reported him to the President and I hope this gets fixed. The area I am in is really hard to find people. We dont have a lot of investigators and the ones we do get, fall through. So it sucks. But it's the work. Everyday I learn something different. Something about myself or the people that are in the world. Everyday I want to continue to grow in my spanish. Some days I will wake up at 5:30, just to study. Yea it's a bummer that I don't get sleep but I gain knowledge that can help me teach the Gospel to those that need it in their lives and are ready to hear it. I am sending you pics of the baptism and some cool things I found. The buildings here are really cool and I found OU, whoop whoop. So I am sending those things to you. It takes awhile to send things so I don't send a ton but I am taking a lot of pics. But I love you all and I hope everything is going great. I think of you all and keep you all in my prayers everynight. This mission is hard, it's not easy to serve the Lord. But the Atonement of Jesus Christ wasn't easy. So I can't expect my mission or my life to always be easy. Everyday I want to improve something, either my spanish, my studying, or my scripture usage. It's about making goals and completing them. Thank you for all you do in my life. Thank you for the examples you all have been in my life and the way you have influenced me in my life to serve a mission. I love you all and hope all is well in Oklahoma. I will keep trying to work with my compaion but I hope we can get this fixed.

 I love you all,

Your Elder Anderson

P.S Momma I have a gift for you I might be sending it next week or the beginning of next month. So keep an eye out for it.
Love you:)

5/9/2011 Letter- The Day after Mother's Day

Hola,

 Here is a pic of the big cathedral in San Miguel for you. Yea, it was awesome to hear from the family last night. It's fine to get emotional mom, you are my momma, you are suppose to and yes I finally got my package today. I loved everything that was in it. And thank you for everything. I'm glad my spanish is getting better. You are right I just need to have confidence in myself and it will come out fine. If I keep working hard I know the Lord will bless me with my work because its not my work, it's His. All I am is his mesajero. I love you all and thank you for the phone call. Honesty, it was amazing! It made my day very special. And no we weren't late, we walked home from the obispos house  and he lives about 15 minutes away so it wasn't too bad. But yea I am good and thank you for everything. Thank you for all your help and support. I love you all. Sorry it's so short, only por que I said everything yesterday. But next week will be bigger, and no my companion wasn't mad so no worries there. I love you, thank you for everything. You are all great examples in my life.

 

Your Elder Anderson

(Here is a picture of the big cathedral, just down the street from my appartment)

5/2/2011 Letter-"They are starting to like the Gringo"

Hello Familia,

I love you and miss you and can't wait to hear from you in a few days. Nothing really happened this week. It's been kinda of boring. But I did send a gift for mothers day so hope you will like it. I will probably send it Sunday because this member can also send packages and letters so it's going to help a lot. Don't worry momma I'm safe. So I got a little bit sick and my companion also got the same sickness. I think we ate bad food, but we are all good now. We know this doctora that is a member in our barrio. She gave us some medication and told me I have to eat a lot more, which is weird because I feel like I eat a ton. But I have to eat more and start taking weight supplaments because I have lost ten pounds walking everywhere. It sucks but I think this is going to help a lot. Everything is going pretty good. I still haven't received your package but it is probably in Leon, so I should get it soon. Make sure you put pics of Jesus and the Virgin Mary on the packages. It keeps people from stealing stuff.  You can find them on line. Ha, it's kinda weird how many people believe in different idols here. It's one challenge that is kinda hard to show them different. But we have another baptism this month hopefully it all goes through. We find a lot of people but they just don't progress and so it's kinda hard to work sometimes. Also we got a new program that makes us study for 4 hours. So I am studying and learning a lot. My companion situation, is a little bit better. We aren't fighting but it's just a difference in cutlture. I pray everyday for guidance and patience. So also I will be in San Miguel for 3 more months with this new program. Also, I am in the Aldea ward. I still dont know my address, ha ha, but that's the ward I am in so you can google it up on the computer. Know that I am well and I love you all. I wish I could have been at Chelsea and Derrick's sealing. I bet it was very special and spirtitual. But I am here, serving the Lord. I am starting to fall in love with these people and I love it. They also are starting to like the Gringo. Ha so it's all good. I love you all,

Your Elder Anderson

"The Church is True!" 4/25/2011 letter

Hola Familia,

Ok, this letter is for my whole family! Thanks for the emails. So I had my first baptism this week and it was an awesome experience. She asked me to baptize her. I think because my compañero is so tiny she trusted me more. Ha! But it went well, the spirit was so strong. It was hard to remember the name too. Her name had 5 names and then I had to remember the prayer in spanish so overall it was scary but went really well. I loved every bit of it. I am sending a pic of it. The computers here are super slow so I am only going to be able to send one. Sorry mom, I know how you like the pics.

So me and my companion had our first problema.. He kinda treats me bad sometimes and it ticks me off. He will roll his eyes when I don't say something correctly or he treats me like a child. So I staight up had enough and kind of went after him about it and he has changed. I tried to think of ways I could help him. I have been studying more and focusing on learning the Charlas in spanish so I can help him teach better. So that has helped a lot. We have been really working hard after our little discussion. We have 4 new investigators and we are getting a lot of contacts.  Sometimes I feel like I know nothing but that is straight-up satan trying to put me down so when I stay positive everything really goes great. I do know a lot but I have a ton to learn. I love this work and some days I feel like running and yelling it ¡El Evangelo es Verdad! (The Church is True!) Ha ha.

But everything is great, no sickness, no gang problems, nada. That is awesome about Chelsea and Derrick I hope all goes well and they have an amazing time going through the temple and getting sealed.

 Yo querro compartir mi testimonio en Español. Se que esta Iglesia es verdadera. Yo amo ser un Misionero. Esta experiencia ha sido una de mejor experiencias en mi vida. Si, Yo no hablo español muy bien y Soy un Gringo, pero mi testimonio es el poder a enseñar personas y traerles a el Evangelo. Yo amo este evangelio con mi todo corazon. Mi Salvador me ama. Yo servire mi Salvador con mi toda alma y le reprento con mis acciones y decciones. Este es la verdad. Soy un mesajero de JesuCristo. I love you all and thank you for the support and everything you do. I can't wait to call on Mother's day.

Your Elder Anderson

First Baptism on Wednesday

Hey mama y familia,

Como le va? I hope everything is going great. So this week was full of stuff I can write about. First I will be having my first baptism on Wednesday! She asked me to do it so I'm stoked. It's going to be awesome and don't worry mom, I will take tons of pics. Ha, ok so if Dewey hasn't already told you, I was hassled by some cholos or gangs last week. But everything is fine. We had another encounter with them, and I finally said Somos mensajeros de JesuCristo. They freaked and ran!!! Haha it was hilarious! Haha, so they don't mess with Jesus. I asked my companion why it really doesn't rain a ton here and he said it's because we are in central Mexico and it's desert...not two hours later a huge rainstorm and hail came and we took pics standing in it and ran to the apartment. Ha ha, it was a blast! So there is a huge problem with dogs here. And the owners, if they don't want them will throw them on the street. They don't take care of them and they just go around repopulating. So, we had a street contact and we were talking and in the background were these two dogs...doing da buisness...I tried so hard not to laugh. Haha it was hilarious, I had to remember I am a missionary.
  So, the language is coming a lot better. I think a lot of speaking spanish is all about confidence. My district leader said that I am one of the best he has seen, new, speaking spanish and also his compa said the same thing. So, I feel a lot better about it. But right now I am in Celaya for two days because we have a conference and then a huge conference with the President. It should be awesome. I got to do a cambio or exchange in dololres this week. It was awesome, the missionary I was with is from Utah and is our district leader. He helped me a lot with the language and everything and it was really awesome. Everything is going great here. I hope everything is great and I love you all.
Love you,
Your Elder Anderson

"It's Awesome to be a Missionary." 4-11-2011

Hola mi familia,

Ok, so to answer your questions. Yes we have running water but it's cold. Yes the store carries milk and we use it a ton. Ha ha. No they do not have a walmart here but they have supermarketos that have everything, so no worries. Yes I was sick the last week just because I was getting adjusted to the food but everything is great now. I usually have 30 minutes to email and I am not timed but I do need to hurry today becasue we have a junto with the zone today. Yes, the mission car is a big white van ha so yes you saw what I rode in. Everything is great here and thanks for the package. I hope I will get it soon. It's awesome to be a missionary but sometimes it can be difficult and I will keep doing what I am doing like dad said so I can learn this language. Most of it, I feel, is confidence in the language and myself. So, I will get it. Not much else happening. I am looking like a Mexican with the skin. HaHa! People get black here so when I get back my skin will really match my hair. Haha! I've gotta head. I love you all.
Elder Anderson

-sorry for the email being so short. Next week will be huge.


Hey mom,

 I have some more time. My days are like this:
 I wake up and I work out then I eat something. Mostly cereal or two pbj's. Then I have personal study for an hour and then companionship study for an hour. Then Elder Ortiz helps me with pronunciation and stuff in spanish for an hour. It helps a lot. Then after that we tocar las puetras or tract in a certain areas. It gets so hot, its crazy and we walk everywhere. But we do that for about an hour and I talk a lot because my companion says that's the best way to learn to speak is to speak. So I talk a lot which is hard but helps a lot. Then we will go eat at a members house at around 2 and the food is pretty darn good so I eat a ton, so no worries there. Then after we will go to our appointments we have with invertigators or members. We have a lot of investigators and one committed to baptism this Saturday so it will be awesome. After that we either go shopping for little things or head back to the casa. Then I study and we plan. Then I shower, eat and sleep....then it repeats, and repeats. Haha! That's the life of a missionary. It's crazy to be here and I am really starting to fall in love with the people here. They help me alot when I speak and they like my humor. However, some are pretty rude and have to turn their face because they are laughing at me when I am trying to speak spanish. But, I take it lightly, so no worries. But yea, everything is going pretty well. Everything is going quickly and I'm trying my best to learn the language. It can be lonely at times, but I feel I really am getting it. After a while, it's like a matching game with some words, but I really feel I can get it. Other then that that is everything. Sorry again for it being really short. I love you mom. Next week will be better promise.

Your Elder Anderson

"My Head Hurts." 4-4-2011 Letter

Hey,

  Yea I am really excited to let you all know Im here!! Haha its absoultely crazy. Ok to answer all the questions.

  My area is San Miguel, it is in the Leon mexico mission, so it's a town in my mission. It is a famous town so a lot of people from America, yea I said America, come here. Haha! So my companion's name is Elder Ortiz. He only speaks spanish. Haha. He is kinda hard to understand because his spanish is really fast and my head hurts at the end of the day pero its all good. I am teaching him English while he is teaching me Spanish, so it works. Haha so my "apartment" is tiny and kinda gross but that's ok. It's crazy how much I've adapted. We wash our clothes by hand and dry them but it's all good in San Miguel! We are cleaning the apartment today so hopefully it will be better. There is a lot of dirt here so my shoes are taking a kicking. I'm glad I brought my old shoes because we are walking a ton! We walk about 12 miles a day probably but I haven't lost any weight. We eat a lot actually. The members feed us everyday. The language is hard to understand because they talk so fast and like dad said, I feel sometimes alone but I know my Heavenly Father sent me for a reason so I am trying my hardest to learn and comprehend. I got fried my second day but now I'm all good. Also I am freaking spoiled. My life isn't hard at all. These people live in tiny houses and barely have anything. They have bugs crawling up their walls and flys everywhere but they are so happy. They are happy because they have the gospel. It's absolutely crazy and I feel ashamed of how much I have. Everything is pretty good though. I am starting to really fall in love with the people. I just wish I could understand them better and talk to them. Ask dad if he has any advice for studying the language. I am ok but I would love to have advice. It's not too hard here, I am just ready to speak Spanish. The mission life is pretty nice. You have one worry and that's to find people that are ready to hear the gospel. We might have my first baptism already, her name is Abeliene. Her mom got baptized and cousin but now we are teaching her so it's awesome. Yeah, conference was good, all in spanish so my head hurt trying to understand it but its all good. The connection here wasn't that good so it was kinda annoying but all good.

 

Ok, the mail thing. It takes a while for mail to get to me. But if you are gunna send things, send them always to the mission office which is the address you have

 

Calle Torre Vieja #128

Col. Arbide

37360 Leon Guanajuato

Mexico

 

So that's where you send mail. So send the stuff! Haha what ever you want to throw in there throw in there. But mom, they give us a card with money on it so it's ok, no worries, I have plenty. We have a grocery store really close to us so it's pretty nice. Out of everything, I'm fine, everything is great and I am staying strong. I just can get a little lonely from the language but it's all good. Press forward with faith nothing wavering. Thank you all for everything you have done in my life. I love you all.

 

Your Elder Anderson

Letter to Mom From Mexico!!!

Hey mom,
Ok, so I am leaving right now to my first area. It's San Miguel and it's going to be awesome. The Mission President said it was the prettiest place in the mission. Also, mail takes ten days to get here so send it to the mission home. Email is the best way to communicate. I can always talk/email every Monday, that's my P-day. Well, I've gotta go. I love you Mom

Call Home- by Raschelle

We were so blessed to hear from Elder Anderson (Chad) on Monday. He sounded so great and it was wonderful to be able to talk with him. He spoke about his experience in the MTC and how he loved it but he is ready to get out in the field. He spoke a little in Spanish and was even having problems remembering some english words. Although you can tell he has grown up a ton, he is still his fun-loving self, which we were all glad to hear. He talked about how he was a little nervous about the unknown but that mostly he was just pumped to get out there and get to work. You could tell his Testimony has grown and that he is excited serve the people of Leon. We laughed and mom cried but it was so wonderful. We were able to talk to him for about 40 minutes, even though it seemed shorter than that and I think it all eased any worry we may have had. We are so very proud of him and his decision to serve a mission. We are excited to see how he grows and the things he will learn about the gospel, life and about people. This experience will be something he will NEVER forget and we are all a little bit better because of what he is doing.

3-22-11 Letter- Getting Ready for Mexico

Hey mom

   Ok, concerns. Send today 3 boxes of contacts, 2 bottles of gel and I think other than that I am good. Yea I really am excited to leave. Also I am gunna try to call you when I get to Salt Lake airport and also when I land in Dallas. Ok I am sending my blanket home, basketball shoes, wrist stick because tell dad I found a better way to work the wrists. And anything else I can think that I can deal without. I really think I will be set. Also, I will send maybe a little bit of clothes home. Because I won't need to wear athletic clothes everyday of the week like I do here. Also, I need to have my Preisthood linage because I need that on my mission. Sin Embargo. Is there anything else you can think of? I really cant think of anything. I have everything I need, I'm not to worried about leaving. I know my Heavenly Father is ready for me to get there. It will be an awesome experience. I shruck my Patriartical Blessing down and lamanated it so I am sending the copy home. Thank you for everything. I really have figured out how much you all really do for me and I really did take it for granted. Thank you for all your support and love. I am ready to bless the people of Leon. Este oppurtunidad vences una vez y estoy muy feliz por lo. Gracious por todas cosas ustedes han hacido. Te amo todos. Yo se que mi salvadore vive. Mediante su expiacion, nosotros podemos salvar y podemoes regresar con Dios. Yo se que este evqangelio es por todas personas en la tierra y con lo, nosotros podesmos mas como Cristo.

Te amo,

Elder Anderson

ps. I will send you a letter with funny pics and also something hilarious how even missionaries have problems with authority. love you all

3-15-11 Letter- "The Holy Ghost is Real."

Hola Famila,
How is everything going? One tell dad thanks for writing me. That's exactly what I needed right now. I am glad his words are so powerful. It was amazing the feeling I got to read his words and his testimony of focus. Thanks Dad for all you do in my life. Ok so yeah, I've got some more news now....I'm zone leader with Elder Hadley...Yea I am trying to avoid the positions but the Lord keeps pulling me back into them. It's pretty awesome though. I just got your package today thank you for all of the letters and food. I will be sending some stuff home this week and next week for sure. Also yes mi madre dinero is right also efectivo is cash so both work. With Spanish, seriously if you start reading the scriptures in spanish and working on the vowels it helps so much. You'll do great mom no worries. Prayer, I have learned, is so much apart of recieving blessings so don't forget to pray. The time here has flown by, it seems like yesterday I was getting in and now I will be leaving in 13 days. It's kinda scary to think about however, I am ready for it. I am ready to start actually teaching people and not just people who are already miembros. I will call you at the airport and I have a calling card and we can talk as long as we want as long as I catch my flight so I will tell you all that information when I get it. So I've been sick here the last couple of days but have been feeling better, they have a medical centro here and so I got a z pack and its helping a lot so I am fine. So just wanna share a story about the Holy Ghost, so me and Elder Hadley were teaching a lesson to a fake investigator and I was talking and I didn't know how to say something so I paused and it was like a rush of words out of my mouth. I had never spoken that fast in spanish. They just kept coming and asking questions and now I still can't talk that fast. The Holy Ghost is real, It will help you become a better servant of the Lord in so many ways. I love this Gospel con mi todo corazon. Esta muy importante ser ejemplos do este Evangelio. Por que en la tierra, el evangelio es por todos persona. I love you all and thank you for being amazing examples for me and for all your help. Thank you and I love you all.
Elder Anderson

3-8-11 Letter- Don't Worry

Dear madre y mi famila

How's everyone doing? Yea Im glad you got those pictures Because I didn't have a card to take them. Yep my visa is set and I will be heading out on March 28th, we are set to go. Me, Elder Hadley and Elder Monson are all set. It's an amazing blessing to have it this early. So thank you for all the prayers. Also thanks for the envelopes. I need them badly but not a ton, just about 20 because after that I will be in Mexico. Also don't worry about me being over weight in my luggage. I will be sending stuff home and so don't worry about that. Also I have my backpack so I can stuff stuff into it so it won't weigh my luggage down. Also I will be getting a calling card so really dont worry about it. I will for sure have time to call you at the airport and they sell the cards here so no worries at all. That is absoulty crazy about Mikey coming tomorrow I'm really pumped about it. It will change his life in ways he won't know until it actually clicks. It clicks that this life and this work is not about one's self. It is about the people who need to be reminded of this plan and this Gospel that sometimes we take advantage of having. It will be really cool seeing him. Also that is crazy about Connor blessing the Sacrament. And especially Patrick passing it. I bet the spirit was so strong. I feel so much joy in my heart about those two. Connor is an amazing brother and will be set to do amazing things. I know it. He just needs to follow the path he knows is right. Tell him to hurry and write me btw because I freaking miss that kid. Also Patrick will do great. He knows why he got baptized. He has a huge heart and will feel the Savior's love always. I will keep taking pictures too so don't worry. Well nothing much has really happened here, same old missionary day in the MTC but thanks for all of you. Your letters and thoughts are always loved, I never get tired of hearing from anyone. I love you all

Tengo amor para todo de Ustedes.

I love you

Your son and brother

Elder Anderson

 

 

 

 

3-1-2011 Letter- TV Star

Oh yea I forgot to tell you, I am a Missionary TV star. I know, don't be too surprised, I'm a studly missionary, haha just kidding. Sorry I didn't write a ton last week, honestly, it gets to a point and each day gets to where it blurs with the others and you don't have a ton to talk about. Sorry though. I wrote down somethings to remember. Ok packages... I've gotten a ton from you and Raschelle and some from Anna and Carly. That's about it. Thanks you for all of them. I love everything I got. Ok, the snow here is absolutely crazy. It snowed a ton and we went on our temple walk, like we do every Sunday and we built a snowman and put our tags on it. I didn't have my camera card yet so Elder Hadley took some pics. They are funny. Spanish is getting a ton better. I've never learned so much in so little time. It's absolutely crazy how the Lord works with missionary work. I am so glad Patrick got baptized, I heard it was really spiritual. That is so awesome! I'm glad I could have been some what of an example to him. I know he will continue on with faith and press forward. So yea, you know about the DDL....so it switched Sunday and guess who now is distract leader...yea its me. He made it more of a calling but I know my job is nothing more than a tiny bit of responsibility and I'm not there to babysit missionaries. So it's all good in the hood of the MTC. Ha! So in my class we are going to take an English fast. It will be very interesting to see how it goes. My prayers have been amazing and I can  say what I want to say in Spanish. Yea praying in Spanish is awesome. Its awesome that Mikey gets to be here. I will have to show him the ropes. It's an amazing blessing to be here. Ive learned so much about life and how somethings just aren't worth caring about or putting feeling into.Well mom I've gotta head out. Also don't worry about your Spanish, I was pretty awful when I got here but now look at me. There is always espera por todos cosas. Te amo mi madre. Yo se mi redentor vive. Yo se que Yo neccisto mi familia y mi Padre Celestial siempre. Yo se que este iglesia es verdadero y que Jose Smith es un profeta verdadero. Yo se que este con me tod corazon. Yo amo me familia.

Your Elder Anderson.

p.s thanks for everything in my life

p.s.s I lOVE YOU ALL

TV star!!!

KSL, a news station in Utah, did a 50th Anniversary Special for the MTC. They went inside and interviewed missionaries to see what their thoughts and feelings were about the MTC. My mom kept saying that she hoped we would see Chad and we all kind of laughed at her. Well, look who is laughing now. They had a slide show of pictures on their website and sure enough, there he is, in a huge group of missionaries. It is a wonderful site to see, not only because we get to see Chad, but also to see how many wonderful, faithful young men and women there are ready to serve the Lord. What a wonderful blessing and joy!

Here is the link- http://www.ksl.com/?nid=460&sid=14504817&pid=32

2/15/2011 Email Day

HOLA Familia

How are you mom? I’m good, everything is going great right now. How’s everything at home?  I am sending you a package today full of things that one; I don’t need and two; the tape recorder and my camera card. Hope you like the pics and the recordingSSS. The instructions to everything is in the letter.

    So nothing much has happened that’s new. My hair is short but I kind of like it. It’s pretty easy to take care of now. Two of the missionaries in my District Elder Hatch and Elder Pritchett are leaving for the Peru MTC so, tonight is their last night so, we are going to have a "missionary party.”It will be tons of fun. Yesterday I did a TE with my companion. It’s like a practice teaching with people who volunteer to be investigators. We spoke the whole lesson in Spanish!!!! It was awesome! It’s unbelievable how much the Lord blesses you and how much the Spirit really does guide you and tell you exactly what that person needs in their life. I am so blessed to be here. I also want to thank you for the package. I love  it!  My roommates already love my mom.( ha, ha ) I am so grateful to have a family as I do. I have learned so much about being patient with people and giving them the benefit of the doubt. It’s amazing to look at yourself and see how you can change instead of pointing the finger and telling people they need to change.

   So, visa’s are becoming easier to get for Mexico so, that’s really good news to everyone going to Mexico.  We got a new teacher and she’s from Mexico. It’s kind of hard to understand her but it’s getting a ton better. We had a sub from Argentina and she spoke sooooo fast I sat there with a dumb look on my face wondering if I just pooped myself or if I had drool coming out of my mouth. It was ridiculous! But most likely I will be headed to Mexico on the 28th. Weeks are going by so fast. It’s crazy how fast 3 weeks have already gone by. I miss you all a lot. But, I know this is where I’m supposed to be. The talks that have been giving at each devotional Tuesday and Sundays nights are always awesome and it’s like they are talking directly to me. Bednar spoke about some missionaries questioning;  Is it the spirit talking to them or just they are making it up. And he said we as missionaries need to stop worrying all the time. If we are doing what’s right and obeying our covenants then we will be given the things we need. It was an awesome talk. You know he has kicked 2 missionaries out of his house???  Because, they were there too long .And where not about the work but, about relaxing and chilling at his house. Then they asked for referrals and he said; he would never give referrals to missionaries like them because they had stayed over too long and were not focused on the work. It sounds awful, but he did it really nice. It is not our time to wait around for things to be done but, to act now and be the missionaries on the Lords time. I am so thankful for you all. I love all of you. Know I am safe and sound and that I love being a missionary but I am still the half-black corky Chad. Ha love you all,

Your Elder Anderson

With the Spirit I know I can do anything. He won't let me down.

Hey mom

  

     I'm doing really well. I already sent you another letter today and now I'm writing an email. How everything at home? Everything is great here. My schedule is pretty crazy, I just got back from the temple, we go every p-day. My companions are great. I have been getting packages from you, Raschelle, Anna and one from Carly. So yes, I have been getting a ton of stuff. The MTC is an amazing place mom, it's a place I love being. Tonight we have a devotional and Elder Bednar is coming to. It will be amazing. We have a fireside every sunday and devotionals every Tuesday. The language is coming a lot better. It's the most studying I've ever had to do in my entire life, however it's also been the best studying I've ever done. It's not studying for my own knowledge, that is what is special, but that I am studying for the people I will be teaching. It will be an amazing experience. With the Spirit I know I can do anything. He won't let me down. Days are starting to blend together and this week has flown by. It's an amazing experience to be a missionary. My letter will have more info. Also I need more lifesavor breath mints and just to write me everyday. :) I love you mom and tell connor he is ok. I know he will write me soon. Love you guys. 

Elder Anderson

p.s I will send you the camera chip after Valentines day cuz there will be a ton of pics by then and video. Love you all.

Letter to the Dewey's

Feb. 1, 2011 Chad wrote:

Front= Raschelle      Back= Deweys

Hey Sister Anderson/Dewey... Haha, just kidding. Hey Sis, how are you? Thanks for the packages and advice and directions for laundry. It's P-day on Tuesday so I'm sitting in my room writing the fam. In my district there are ocho personas elderes. Mi uno companero es muy simpatico. He is awesome. It went from Elder Hadley and Monson, to just me and Elder Hadley. But, Monson and his companero es still in our room so it's pretty awesome. Our schedule consists of studying, studying and... studying some mas. It's been differente pero it is awesome. The most spiritual place I have ever been. You can see by me having a hard time remembering English words! Ha, the language is hard to get but studying a ton and relying on Espiritu es muy importante porque no espiritu no ensena los investigators. The spirit is so important. I love being a missionary, it's one of the coolest things. You are so in tune with the spirit, you don't even know how much you are learning sometimes. Mi testimonio es que El Dio vive y El hijo vive y El hijo es Jesu Christo. Jesu Christo muerte por los pacados de mundo. El libro de mormon es verdad. Jose Smith es a Profeta verdad. Yo creo en Cristo. testificar de Cristo y de servante de Cristo. I think it's getting better the more I study but hopefully it does. Ha. Thank you for everything you have done. Yea, sometimes you have been hard but I needed it. Thank you for the watch, it has been a ton of help! You are an amazing sister. Keep sending whatever you want, I will eat anything. Also, I am still working out so not fatness. Ha ;). Thanks for everything. Love you sis.

Elder Anderson
Districo ocho

Dewey, thanks a ton for the info. That has helped me be sane from all the studying. And no Tiger Time, (Ian told Chad to write Tiger Time on his letter if his companion was a little goofy.) My companion is really good. We have an awesome district. And Bro, the chocolate milk is for sure the best thing I have ever tasted! Thanks for the story too. It picked me up and kinda showed me not to be frustrated because the spirit is always with me, it's just my job to let it teach me and teach investigators through me... The MTC really is an amazing place and you can really learn a ton while you are here. My companion and my companions in my room all have a sense of humor so it's a ton of fun to learn the language and also the Gospel with them. I am glad to get to serve. So, grade me on this.. Mi testimonio es de iglesia de Jesu Cristo vive y el amarnis. Yo se el libro de mormon es verdad y la expacion de Jesu Christo es mucho importante porque diganos a camino hacia Jesu Christo y el Padre Celestial. En el nombre de Jesu Chisrto Amen. Bueno? Ha ha, I hope so. I am trying to pick up the language. Thanks for all the support you've given me. I love you bro. Talk to you next week, gotta go do laundry!

      Elder Anderson

Chad's Farewell

On January 23rd, Chad gave his farewell talk at church. These are some pictures we took after.

Chad getting ready for church

Mom and Chad

Connor and Chad

Uncle Billy, Grammy, Chad, Mom and G.G. (Great Grandma)

Proud parents

Chad's temp companion

Chad and his friend Patrick

Chad and The Dewey's

Chad and his Sis Shell

First Email Home

Hey mom its going good,  my trio compaionship split up and now its me and just Elder Hadley but me Elder Toone, Monson, and Hadley all share a room so its pretty awesome right now. Monson is also going to Leon, and Toone is going where Mikey is going. Im doing really well. I can feel myself growing spiritually and emotionally as a sevanrt and representative of Jesu Cristo . Its been an amazing week and I cant wait to keep going. I am sending you a letter where you can take bits and pieces out to send to other people so it doesnt matter to me what you give out. But thanks for all you have done for me. I never quite really realized the love you and dad have for me, but if its anything close to Heavenly Fathers love for me, I am so blessed to have you as parents. Hopefully you'll get my letter soon.

Your son

Elder Anderson

Yo tengo muchas amar por tu:)

Chad's Farewell by Raschelle

Well, Chad is officially in the MTC and I still can't believe MY LITTLE BROTHER'S IN THE MTC! I am so excited for him. He's going to do so much good and we can't wait to see the man he becomes.

Sunday, January 23rd was Chad's farewell at church. A missionary that just returned home spoke first and then my mom spoke. We all thought that she was going to not be able to make it through with out crying. In fact, Chad even said when my mom was saying she needed to finish writing her talk, "how long does it take to write blah, wahhh, bloo (crying)." Too funny!  However, she did an amazing job. She made it until the very end to get emotional. We were all so very proud of her. Then my brother and I sang a very "missionariey song" I think it turned out pretty good but I was shaking a ton, trying not to cry. Then chad got up to speak. It was so crazy. Normally I look at Chad as my little brother, always needing help with things, always coming into my room naked, pretending to be batman, cape and all, while I am on the phone with this really cute guy (true story, when he was like 4). But, while looking at him speak, I couldn't be more proud in the man he has become and the man he will becoming serving those searching for the truth in Mexico. He is such an amazing example and I always thought that, but while he was speaking, I KNEW it! He spoke about the things that have helped him prepare for his mission and in my opinion, he is so ready. He called me the night before he entered the MTC and I asked him if he was nervous. He said a little, because of the unknown, but mostly he was "pumped." I know he will do amazing things in Mexico.

On Sunday night, my parents had an open house for him so people could come wish him luck on his mission. There were so many people in my parents house, we probably could have been shut down by the fire department! It was so great to see all the people that love Chad and were so proud of him making the decision to serve a mission. After people started to leave and there were just a few people  left that were invited to stay during, Chad was set apart as a missionary. It was so great and beautiful. My dad jokes that he wasn't calm until Chad was blessed with safety because he knew my mom wouldn't be calm until she heard it too! It was so spiritual and sacred.

After everyone left, we stayed up for a little longer and finished packing and then we were off to bed! Such a long but wonderful day!

Monday morning, Chad got up early and went to work out with with his "companion, my dad" and then came back. We all went to eat breakfast and had a wonderful time laughing and reminiscing. It was so great to be together as a family. We finally had to get home, finish packing and finalize everything.

Finally we HAD to head off to the airport and Chad was very quiet and contemplative, I think we were all freaking out!!!

We walked very slowly through the airport to the check-in counter, only to find out that Chad bags were both 57 pounds and they were going to charge us $200.00 extra dollars. Luckily my mom is a very smart lady and she packed an extra bag and we were able to stuff 15 pounds into it and check the rest. We were all trying to stall, trying to delay the inevitable. Finally it was time to say our "see ya laters." My mom began, I don't think she planned on losing it, but she did. Chad was so sweet. He just hugged her and smiled. He went down the line hugging the family, we all kind of lost it, including me. He was starting to get choked up too. He kept saying, "be a man, I'm a man." He's so cute! We watched him as he walked through security, until he was completely gone from our sight. It was emotional, but so great. My mom said, " you raise your boys to get to the point that they are ready to serve a mission and then when they do, it's hard to let them go." I just try to remind her that we wouldn't want him anywhere else.

Chad left on a Monday but didn't need to report to the MTC until Wednesday so he was able to relax and we were able to hear from him again before he entered the MTC.

I can not say enough how proud we all are of him. He is an amazing person and I learn that more and more everyday. We can't wait to hear how he is progressing through his letters! We love him so much and know the people of Mexico will too. He is such a fun and loving person. Chad is a missionary, a servant to the Lord! A missionary is someone who leaves their family for a short time so others can be with theirs for ETERNITY! We will gladly miss him so others can come unto Christ through him.
 We love you Elder Anderson!

Chad at the MTC

Elder Anderson and the elder Anderson at the MTC

Chad and Connor being goofy

The over-weight luggage

Silly Sisters. Oh how we love our Brother!!!

Chad and Grammy and G.G.

Mom losing it!

Elder Anderson and proud Dad

Brothers being goofy again!

Love this pic of my brothers

Chad and his best friend Patrick

The Crazy fam!

Chad getting emotional saying, "I'm a man, I'm a man."

One last hug!

On his way!! We love you Chaddy Boy!