... listened to a prompting and obeyed, though he knew not the reason why.

"listened to a prompting and obeyed, though he knew not the reason why."

This week we had our visa secretary relate the following story about a trip he and one of our new missionaries took to the Mexico City Airport in trying to locate a missing passport....

  "we arrived at the Mexico City Airport Tuesday afternoon in hopes of finding a lost passport of one of our newest Elders. Immigration and customs had no signs of it being turned in and as we were trying to gain information on how to obtain another one or directions on what to do at this point I had the strongest impression I needed to go to the other terminal. So I explained to my companion for the day that we needed to detour to the other terminal though our errand was done. As we arrived there we ran into an Elder who was returning home to his country (Peru) after the completion of his mission and immigration wouldn't let him leave as his VISA had unknowingly expired. Having served as the Mexico Pachuca Mission Visa Secretary I have had to deal with all sorts of situations and problems and am familiar with the officials in the airport. I took this sweet Elder and assisted him in finding a later flight, resolved the VISA issues, bought him dinner, and  left him in better shape then we found him. Though we arrived back home hours later than we had planned a feeling of peace and contentment filled my soul as we both crawled into our bunk beds after 1230 am. I know Heavenly Father sent me to that terminal specifically to help this Elder who was stranded- proof that we can be the answer to someone else's prayers if we will but listen for those promptings and then act upon them." Elder Campuzano

Elder Dove (Utah), Elder Arnett  (Arizona), Elder Menedez (California), Elder Nilsson (Idaho)

Elder Gastelum (Mexico), Elder Rubalcava (Mexico), Elder Rodriquez ( Dominican Republic), Elder Enriquez (Mexico),

Elder Duran ( Mexico), Elder Zamudio ( Mexico), Hermana Perez (Mexico), Hermana Peralta ( Mexico)

Departing Missionaries November 13- 2013

"Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end.

 They simply mean I'll miss you... until we meet again."

We sadly said goodbye to twelve magnificent missionaries.
Many served as Zone Leaders, Trainers and Assistant and so again we felt a large leadership gap ... and we sent our first two sisters off as well. What amazing young woman! We have the ut- most love and respect for these missionaries and we know they will be great assets to their wards and branches back home. 

 P.S. Bishops: They all need a calling ASAP.

Just relaxing and playing games together as President is interviewing one by one. I have a feeling the girls are going to beat these boys! Where is Elder Dove? Probably playing Ping-Pong outside on the patio... good luck to whoever is outside taking him on!

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....when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Our Newest Additions To The Mexico Pachuca Mission....

 Our 11 morning arrivals from the Mexico City MTC at the bus terminal with 2 of our assistants on the outside.

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Our 10 night arrivals from the Provo MTC- They are starting to get a little glossy eyed and delirious after being up since 1:00 am. 

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Picking up our night batch from the Mexico City Airport and ran into our friends President-Sister Hall (orange top) from the Mexico Mexico City Northwest Mission, and other missionaries (secretaries and assistants) picking up missionaries for their mission Presidents. So fun to talk with them while we were waiting for our missionaries to clear immigration. Then we loaded up and headed home to Pachuca where we fed starving missionaries, President interviewed each one, and then we called it a night.

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Every 6 weeks when new ones come and seasoned ones leave us for home- it creates a domino effect of change through the whole mission. We call it "Cambios"= changes. So here are the faces of all those cambios.

"You are good. But it is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something. You must contribute good to the world. The world must be a better place for your presence. And the good that is in you must be spread to others..." 

Gordon B. Hinckley

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After transfers, everyone picks up "pouch", "keys" and "phones" for their new areas and head out in taxis or buses until the next cycle. We then gather the new missionaries #21 and their trainers and have a 2-3 hour orientation. We cover the essentials in this training... Presidents assistants, the secretaries and President are involved. 

I add my two cents and bring the treats!!!

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Thursday Zone Conference in Mezquital

We enjoyed our day with this group of missionaries... it was very chilly and we about froze to death in the chapel after 6 hours but I eventually un-thawed after returning home. This zone had the most amazing turnout as the Stake President, Bishops, Ward Mission Leaders and the High-counselor over missionary work all made an effort to attend. These zone leaders did a great job as we had changes two days prior and so they had to adjust to new missionaries and to the new area themselves. Kudos to all...

 Great teaching by the Zone Leaders & President Lozano -Stake President

 This was an awesome musical number in English/Spanish.

Is that the cutest smile from Elder Reese after 2 days in the mission?

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Friday Zone Conference in Tulancingo

What a great spirit attended this Zone Conference and though this is a smaller group it made it even more intimate and cozy. Two ward mission leaders attended this conference and we appreciate their sacrifice as we know their time is so valuable. Our new Elders in this group are working so hard and rocking the language. Elder Ferrin was a champ!

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Making Memories...

These converts wrote a message to Elder Mijangos and Elder Kinsley who were key in their conversion even though they were moved from this area. Hermana Diaz and Hermana Laguna were able to finish up with their progress and share in this special event.

 Is this not the picture of happiness in the Mission?!

 District of Elders from Tecamac 1 in front of the famous leafless tree!

 Waiting for the bus after transfers... headed to their area with suitcases in hand.

 This was quite the fun group... and now after transfers... pictures like this are so priceless.

A little Pizza on P-Day...

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 So proud of our missionaries! Look how busy they have been. If you only knew how hard they have worked as companions in some of these areas you would appreciate these investigators dressed in white. Each has a unique story...

Four of Mexico Pachuca's Best

Hermana Ramirez, Elder Flores, Elder Lastra, Hermana Diaz

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Pachuca Mx Zone activity before transfers. Got to love these happy, sweaty, and excited missionaries! 

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 Elder Unamuno and Hermana Diaz celebrating 9 months in the mission. Congratulations!!!

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Just love these boys...These Elders never complain-rather just work hard.

(Left) Elder Sanders and Elder Smith with tired eyes... they have been working so hard. (Right) Elder Stewart loves training his new companion and commented that he is an incredible young man. So that makes 4 of them in this picture collage. Elder Stewart did you steal that microwave from the office kitchen?!!

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Saying good bye to my friend "Lu" who came to visit for 5 days. She flew in with the new missionaries on Monday night ... they were so grateful to have her aboard and she gave them a "heads up" about this crazy Mexico Pachuca Mission! Her little grandson Josh who is 4 was so excited she was on a mission in Mexico. Lu asked about the abbreviated version of the 12 week program. We tried to condense it down to a 5 day program. After her experience with us as we had missionaries arrive, depart, training, and endless phone calls day/night and then two days of traveling for zone conferences I think she is needing a vacation from her vacation. She cooked up a storm while she was here and arranged all my pantry and cupboards so perfectly! Thanks so much Lu for all your help... I could never repay you! 

Her remarks when it was all said and done was- "I had no idea!". 

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Testimonies of our Missionaries who just went home...

 President and I feel if each missionary returns home converted themselves to the Gospel of Jesus Christ with an unshakable testimony then our work here in Mexico will have been a success. If they baptize real converts along the journey then we consider that an additional blessing. Our motivation comes from the desire to impact each missionaries' life so that for generations to come their own families will benefit from their service and growth here in the Mexico Pachuca Mission.

President/Hermana Egbert

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Me encanta la Misión México Pachuca......

Como Todo debe de terminar algún Día, en verdad presidente puedo testificar que la misión es muy corta ahora veo que las cosas pasan muy rápido, que uno cambia su forma de ser y de actuar y lo mas importante que ama uno mas a las persona pero mas a Dios si un misionero no aprende amar a las personas en realidad no esta en una misión y solamente esta perdiendo tiempo eso fue lo que aprendí yo en mi misión la verdad gracias a mi Padre Celestial que me ama e cambiado mucho gracias a El y se que muchos misionero están cambiando ahorita gracias a Dios y a usted que es nuestro líder en la misión y también nuestro papá por 2 años y gracias por eso no se que mas escribir pero le amo mucho presidente y gracias por todos sus consejos muchas gracias y nos vemos mañana martes en las oficinas y esto se lo comparto en el nombre de nuestro amado hermano Jesucristo. Amén             Elder Enríquez 

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I am grateful for the privilege to serve in this country. To be able to serve in this mission. I'm especially grateful for the two extra weeks to be apart of the Lord's work. This has been just the beginning of missionary work for me. I have learned many things while serving for these two years. I have learned things that will help me when I return home. I will never forget that special and rewarding feeling of helping others. The feeling when you truly put others in first place and do everything you can do to help others feel the love of Christ. 

One of the greatest miracles of my mission wasn't the blessing that healed, or finding the last minute golden family who was ready for baptism. For me it was feeling of the remission of my sins. It was when I felt like my heart was accepted by the Lord. God gave me the blessing to see peoples potentials. What I wanted everyone to know was the power and the true purpose of Christ. The feeling that I feel about our Savior is what I wanted everyone to feel. The love that I feel from our Lord is what i want everyone to feel. 

I now understand that the gospel is made for families. So that our families can be united. And boy are we one great big family. Our Heavenly Father is just waiting for us to come back to Him. I know and testify that this plan is real. That God lives and that He truly loves us. He wants us to be happy. He has blessed us with this gospel and with prophets to guide us. What a blessing that he gave me the privilege to serve a full time mission. To see the many miracles each day. To see the way the many different ways that the gospel blesses our families.  

It's true when they say that the time flies, but you have to get rid of that calendar with the count down. Stop thinking so much about how much time you have left. It was when I got rid of these thoughts when I realized that the time does fly by. Simply just enjoy the mission. Enjoy that blessing and feelings of being obedient and dedicate your time to help others. BE YOU. BE YOURSELF. 

With love, 

Elder Menendez      Los Angeles, California. 

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No soy un hombre de muchas palabras, pero lo que he vivido, visto y hecho en estos meses que dura la misión, he podido ver cómo es que el evangelio realmente bendice a las familias. He sentido el espíritu del señor cada vez que testifico que el Señor Jesucristo ha restaurado su evangelio, incluso ahora, y que no hay nada que sea más importante que dar a conocer estas cosas a los habitantes de la tierra.

La manera de vivir que adquirimos en la misión, guardar las normas y reglas, realmente permite que tengamos el espíritu con nosotros; en lo personal no me imagino viviendo sin estas cosas aun en mi casa, así que no dejare de levantarme temprano para tener un estudio de las escrituras.

Yo sé que esta es la obra del señor y de nadie más, que tenemos que hacer nuestro orgullo aun lado para no estorbar la obra de Dios, que a veces, es difícil pero no imposible; sé que el libro de Mormón ha sido revelado en estos días para destruir cualquier artimaña de satanás, y que hoy existe un profeta de Dios sobre la tierra que fue llamado como lo fue Aarón.

Todo esto lo se porque unos misioneros hace cinco años me invitaron a preguntar a Dios el Eterno Padre, si el libro de Mormón era verdadero y si debía unirme a la iglesia. Y recibí una respuesta del Espíritu Santo y no lo puedo negar.

Este es mi humilde y sincero testimonio, y lo comparto en el nombre de Jesucristo, amén.

Elder Zamudio

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Estoy muy agradecido por esta oportunidad que tengo de escribirles. Nunca pensé que este día llegara. Yo sé que La Iglesia de Jesucristo de Los Santos de Los Últimos Días es la única iglesia verdadera sobre la faz de la tierra y que fue restaurada por conducto de José Smith. Sé que Jesucristo pago y sufrió por cada uno de nuestros pecados y que únicamente por medio de el podemos llegar a ser limpios. Sé que tenemos un profeta de Dios sobre la tierra hoy día y el se llama Thomas S. Monson. Sé que El Libro de Mormón es verdadero, que es la clave de nuestra religión y al seguir sus preceptos acercaríamos más a Nuestro Padre Celestial que por cualquier otro libro sobre la tierra. Sé que el sacerdocio es real, que es el poder y autoridad para actuar en el nombre de Dios para ayudarnos en nuestras vidas aquí sobre la tierra y para recibir las ordenanzas necesarias para nuestra salvación. Sé que los mandamientos son para ayudarnos y protegernos. Sé que al obedecerlos con exactitud cada día de nuestras vidas, seremos bendecidos en todas las cosas y que podremos regresar a la presencia de Nuestro Padre Celestial, Nuestro Señor Jesucristo con nuestras familias y vivir con ellos por toda la eternidad.

De verdad, estos dos años han sido los mejores de mi vida. Yo sé sin duda que esta obra es del Señor. Nosotros fuimos llamados por un profeta de Dios de ser Discípulos de Jesucristo para predicar el arrepentimiento a nuestros hermanos aquí en la Misión México Pachuca para que tengan la vida eterna! (3 Nefi 5:13) Se que la clave para tener éxito es ser obedientes con exactitud! Si lo hacemos, tendremos El Espíritu con nosotros y nada será imposible! Eíderes y Hermanas aprovechen este tiempo! Sera el único tiempo en sus vidas donde podrán servir al Señor por tiempo completo sin preocupaciones de casa. Den todo por El Señor y el les bendecirá por toda la eternidad! La misión aun no ha terminado, sino que acabar de empezar! Les amo Eíderes y Hermanas. En el Nombre de Jesucristo, Amen. - Elder Austin Kent Arnett

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Ha sido una maravillosa experiencia la mision. Mucho más de lo que yo me imaginaba. El poder llevar el nombre del Salvador es un gran privilegio. Disfrútenlo y hagan todo lo que esté a su alcance por magnificarlo. Hagan lo que Él haría y se darán cuenta más y más de Su carácter. Échenle ganas y ÁNIMO!!! 

Elder Nilsson

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SE QUE CADA UNO DE NOSOTROS ES UN HIJO ESPECIAL DE NUESTRO PADRE CELESTIAL, SÉ QUE ÉL VIVE Y QUE JESUCRISTO ES NUESTRO REDENTOR Y SALVADOR, SÉ QUE EL LIBRO DE MORMON ES VERDADERO, QUE FUE ESCRITO Y TRADUCIDO POR EL DON Y PODER DE DIOS, SÉ QUE EL PRESIDENTE THOMAS S MONSON ES UN PROFETA DE DIOS Y QUE SI SEGUIMOS SU CONSEJO TENDREMOS PAZ Y GOZO EN NUESTRAS VIDAS Y EN VERDAD PODREMOS LLEGAR A LA PRESENCIA DE NUESTRO PADRE CELESTIAL.

SE QUE ES UN PRIVILEGIO TRABAJAR HOMBRO A HOMBRO CON NUESTRO SALVADOR JESUCRISTO EN ESTA GRAN OBRA DE SALVACION, Y SE QUE NO SE NOS HA LLAMADO POR SER TALENTOSOS SINO PORQUE DIOS SE VALE DE LO DEBIL Y LO SENCILLO PARA REALIZAR GRANDES MILAGROS EN LA TIERRA Y PARA ENSEÑARNOS QUE SOMOS SALVOS NO POR OBRAS SINO POR GRACIA... POR ESO UNICAMENTE ESTAMOS AQUI, PARA PERFECCIONARNOS EN CRISTO EN LA MEDIDA DE NUESTRA HUMILDAD, PARA QUE CUANDO LLEGUEMOS A CASA PODAMOS DECIR QUE HEMOS SIDO CONVERTIDOS AL EVANGELIO Y QUE TENEMOS EL COMPROMISO DE PERSEVERAR HASTA EL FIN.

EN EL NOMBRE DE JESUCRISTO: AMÉN -  Hermana Perez

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no tengo palabras para describir lo que siento por que ni yo misma se que siento hahaha. pero algo si se y eso es que mi salvador Jesucristo  me ama y se que su expiación es infinita y que abarca toda mi vida llena de imperfecciones, este momento en la misión he conocido mas de mi padre celestial que en cualquier otro lado, me encanta saber de la existencia del plan de salvación, es un ancla que mantiene firme de esperanza y alimenta mi fe en Jesucristo mi redentor...Se que la misión es el espacio en donde encontré el propósito de mi vida y la de mi familia, este tiempo me ha ayudado bastante para tener mayor amor por mi familia amo a mis hermanos y mi mamita y amo la obra misional, amo a mi padre celestial y a Jesucristo, que Jose Smith fue un profeta de Dios y se que el libro de mormón contiene la plenitud del evangelio se que la iglesia de Jesucristo de los santos de los últimos días la dirige Jesucristo por revelación, y se que Thomas S. Monson es un profeta de Dios, nuestro profeta actual...en el nombre de jesucristo amen.     Hna Peralta