Mexico Pachuca Mission

Sunday, November 10, 2013

...most powerful thing you can have....

"I say to you that the strongest, most powerful thing you can have with which to convert people is a testimony." -

Harold B. Lee

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As I contemplate the Fall season and the fast approaching holiday of "Thanksgiving" for everyone at home...I remember a favorite quote -

"Being Thankful Is A habit- The Best One You'll Ever Have."

With that thought in mind I wanted to publicly list a few of our many blessings that President and I are grateful for as we serve here in the Mexico Pachuca Mission.

So Grateful for Obedient Missionaries

So Grateful for Each Amazing Stake President who serves in The Mexico Pachuca Mission

So Grateful for Dr. Daniel Carbajal who serves as a Father, Husband, Doctor, Bishop and as our Mission Doctor day and night as a resource to help me care for these missionaries

So Grateful for The Overall Health and Safety of our Missionaries

So Grateful for Two of our Missionaries who awoke in the night to escape a fire in their home

So Grateful for Honest, Obedient, Hardworking and Kind Elders that serve as our Secretaries and for the patience and attention to detail they give in being stewards over the Lords money and taking care of the monetary needs of our missionaries.

So Grateful for The Leadership of our Assistants, Zone Leaders, and District Leaders and Grateful for the Trust we have that they are watching over their sheep assigned in their care.

So Grateful for The Missionaries who do their job to the best of their ability on a daily basis without problem, complaint, or fanfare. Who realize it is between them and the Lord as they hold themselves accountable for the admirable way in which they serve as a Representative of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So Grateful for Our Family at home who are watching and caring for each other in our absence and who willingly took on additional responsibilities so that we could serve.

So Grateful for The Countless Prayers said in behalf of our mission by family, friends, and loved ones- as I testify they help strengthen the weak knees, the homesick hearts, and fortify the safety net that surrounds our missionaries.

And I am So Grateful for a Worthy and Tender husband who tolerates my spit fits, wild hair ideas, and homesick moments (which are fewer and far between)- and who faithfully serves our Heavenly Father to the best of his abilities as he watches over, cares for and teaches the young ones in our care.

Feeling Blessed -as We Consider the Blessings

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So this first group of Elders came in (2-3 hour bus ride) to get a copy of their house contract to work out a minor detail with the home owner and pick up "pouch" for their area.... (Elder Beesley always gets the biggest boxes!- Hope the gummy bears are still in the box when he finally gets it...) The second group spent their P-Day moving into a different house and came to pick up the deposit for the home owner of their new pad... Moving isn't easy in Mexico as few members have the time, the vehicle, or means to assist the missionaries in this task. To these good people we are extremely grateful. And the third set of Elders came in from Tecamac 1 for special interviews with President and to say "hello".

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Holiday Packages

Mexico Pachuca Mission

Elder ________________

Boulevard Miguel Hidalgo 4.5 Km

Col. Villas de Pachuca

C.P. 42083

Pachuca, Hidalgo Mexico

Please send through the United States Postal Service no later than November 15th if possible.

If I may be so bold: Please consider something little for their companion in case they don't get anything from home.

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Are these two faces not the cutest?!

Halloween Time here in Mexico is a several day celebration of "The Day of the Dead". I had a few little ones trick or treat for several nights in a row. I was waiting for our missionaries to show up as "Missionaries" with a pillow case to collect their candy.

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Missionaries moved out of this little house this week into another home in a more central location to their area. Missionaries had lived here for 6 yrs and so we went to meet the home owner to find out what needed to be fixed or repaired. Elder Stucki and Elder Campuzano used the rake and trimmer that happened to be in the back of the mission mini van to spruce up the front yard. I love it! Leaving the residence as best we can... Thanks Elders for your help... and PS Dad Stucki.. Elder Stucki said he misses doing yard work! Write that down in the books for later reference...

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Tibbits from Presidents Weekly Letters

This week flew by! We had some great lessons this week with 6 different people accepting a baptismal date! We stopped to buy some pan last Monday on our way home from writing letters and getting our laundry, when the man working in the bakery asked us about what we did. we set up an appointment and ended up teaching him, his wife, and his friend. him and his wife both accepted and his friend as of right now just likes to listen. we found out that he was good friends with one of the less actives that we have. when we had our second cita with him his friend just happened to be there. he shared a strong testimony of the church. hopefully we will be able to help both of them draw closer to Christ. We also had an investigator that has been an investigator for a while accept a date, the only problem with her is that she needs to get married, she wants it, but i am not sure if her boyfriend does. I fasted for her this last Sunday because she is a great person and she knows this church is true, and she wants to get baptized. The others that accepted dates are all eager to learn more and progress as well. One thing that i think we could work on would be having more member present lessons, and use the members in the lesson and not just have them there (wich happens sometimes, not very often, but sometimes) and we need to work on getting more people to church. this last Sunday was kinda a bummer, we only had 39 people there, non of which were investigators. we had 8 who said that they would come but non of the them showed up. We had planned to go and pick up one of the families, and the member friend was supposed to pick up the family that works in the bakery but for some reason that didn't work. The family we were supposed to get had a sick baby so they decided not to go. Every Sunday i have felt like we could do more to get the families less actives and investigators to church. call them on Saturday night, shoot them a text as a reminder, visit them on the way to a different families house, call the member that is supposed to bring them, stuff like that. We have the resources of a phone, two hands, two feet, and a mouth, so we just need to use them more. I would also like to see us do a service project or two for the members of the branch or investigators. i think that would help a lot because it shows that we care.

All in all it was a great week, and there is always room to improve and keep getting better. I am excited to constantly be inproving and becoming a better missionary!

Is there any way I can help you and Sister Egbert?

Oh and we also had inter-cambios this week with Elder I and Elder C.

Elder I is a fantastic missionary that works hard and teaches with the spirit, i felt lucky to get to the chance to work with him!

Thanks again for all of your support, your wonderful letters and trainings, they are great!!!!!

Elder C

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hola presidente egbert!!!
siempre es una alegria escribirle....
pues esta semana me fue excelente... ahora es cuando estoy empezando a poner en practica mis proyectos y planes para la obra (mi area) con los miembros e investigadores y menos activos... whoa! para hacer que se bautisen,retenerlos y activarlos!!! mis estudios han mejorado y ahora puedo sentir mas el espiritu santo siempre conmigo, estoy aprendiendo mucho de mi compañero y del evangelio de jesucristo para ponerlo en practica y compartirlo... estoy fortalesiendo mucho mas mi testimonio, estoy mejorando en mi actitud,mi enseñanda y muchas cosas mas hacia mi compañero y las personas de mi area y mis otros compañeros los misioneros... hoy tuve una experiencia muy genial.. hibamos en la combi hacia una pizzeria con algunos elderes y junto ami se sento una señora que es testigo de jehova y nos pregunto a todos:¿ ustedes predican el evangelio? y yo rapidamente le respondi: ¡¡¡ no!!! nosotros enseñamos a las personas a encontrar la verdad¡¡ y ella se sorprendi y me dijo: como¡ y yo le respondi: les enseñamos el evangelio restaurado de jesucristo y su plenitud y ellos por ellos mismos con ayuda de nuestro padre celestial encuentran la verdad. por eso estamos qui 2 años de nuestras hermosas vidas dedicandoselo a dios y jesucristo... y ella se quedo callada y meditando y le regale un folleto del evangelio restaurado. eso fue genial porque se que estoy en la verdad y eso me llena de gozo y animos para seguir en la mision y predicar el evangelio....

presidente estoy muy feliz y tambien por las grandes bendiciones que mi familia esta recibiendo.. whoa! quiero estar aqui por siempre... ayudar,enseñar,cambiar,acercarme mas adios y ser como jesucristo es... eso me llena mucho de gozo...

saludos a su familia presidente y le manda saludos mi mama,mi hermana y mi familia en general...

con amor: elder p

(Translation below)

Hello President Egbert

Its always a privilege to write you. Well this was an excellent week.. Now is when I have started to put into practice my projects and plans for the work in our area with the members, investigators, and less actives. WOW! So that they get baptized, so we retain them, and activate them. My studies have improved and now I can feel more strongly the Holy Ghost always. I am learning a lots from my companion and about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how to put it into practice and to share it. I am strengthening my testimony a lot and improving in my attitude, my teaching, and many other things toward my companion, the people of my area and other missionaries. Today I had a great experience. We were riding in a combi to a pizza place (P-Day) with some other missionaries and a woman sat next to me of another faith. She asked everyone “Do you preach the gospel?” And I quickly responded "NO”! "We teach people to find the truth" and surprised she said to me “how?” I responded,“We teach the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness and they by themselves with the help of our Heavenly Father find the truth. For this reason we are here for two years of our beautiful lives dedicating ourselves to God and Jesus Christ.” She sat there quietly thinking about it. I gave her a pamphlet of the restoration. This was so awesome because I know/feel that I have the truth and it feels me with joy and excites me to continue my mission and to teach the gospel.

President I am very happy for the many blessings my family is receiving. WOW! I want to stay here forever…help, teach, change, and draw closer to GOD. And become like Jesus Christ. This fills me with great joy.

Greetings to your family and I send you greeting from my mom, sister and all my family.

With Love- Elder P

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District Meeting with Elder Trent Smith...

Elder Smith (Fourth Elder from the Left) is a triplet with his other two brothers serving in missions here in the country of Mexico. We are so grateful to have him here in Pachuca.

The Elders did a great job today with practicing. Elder Sanders is progressing nicely on his language and President commented what great teachers Hermana Rojas, Hermana Escobar, and Hermana Peralta were in this practice scenario with the two Elders. We sure appreciate these sisters being a companionship of 3. It really is harder having 3 instead of two in a companionship and they did it beautifully. Thank you.

Oh this looks like a serious group of Missionaries!

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Some days are just better than others... and Elder Dover was having one of those harder days because:

Some one stole his USB drive...
He took his suit to a "Mexican" dry cleaners and when he went to pick it up today they didn't have it! What?! Oh.. its missing?!! Ugh!!!
Then Elder Dove commented that next Wednesday might not come soon enough (When this cycle flies home)- Elder Campuzano (middle) the VISA secretary reminded him that his VISA is still in limbo and they might not let him leave the country!
After a pouty few minutes... and some good friends cheering up the moment... all were smiling and giggling over the happenings of the day....

A little service project... Who needs a ladder when you have a strong, trustworthy companion to lift you up?

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This was a service project with these three Elders entire ward council. After there was a little food, relaxation, and good conversation. The Elders love love love their bishop and have a great re-pore with the ward council. Who-ever said that service can't be fun and rewarding LIED!

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This next week will be busy with twenty missionaries coming in, twelve leaving for home, and the beginning of our zone conference tours. So we should have lots of pictures on next weeks blog. But with changes we have leaders leave. And thus it is Elder Doves turn to return to his anxious family and leave our side as Presidents assistant. With much prayer and fasting President has called Elder Ceballos to serve as his new assistant with Elder Loza. What would we do with out these fine young men?

Elder Loza- Elder Dove Elder Loza and Elder Ceballos

Monday, November 4, 2013

...we will.

"Who will share the restored gospel with the people of the world?"

That answer is, "We will. The members and missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will."

So, will you help us?

The Stripling Warriors from Valle De Mezquital

The AMAZING Pachuca Sur Zone at Zone Training

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Elder Chavez and Elder Smart with two of their converts.

These two far exceeded the Standard of Excellence for total lessons taught last week. President commented to me how proud he was of them.

And mentioned specifically many companionship's that did likewise.

This is the creative work of Elder Chavez and Elder Smart. They made this poster for their ward which their ward council LOVED... Great job Elders....
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President Egbert,

We had a baptism this week!! Her name is Clemencia and she is 86 years old!!!! she does not look 86 that is all i got to say. We were filling out her information for the church records and she told us that on this Wednesday that she turns 86! She was born in 1927! on Sunday was her confirmation and my companion is the one that confirmed her a member of the church.

This Sunday was so awesome! We had our family of 4 come to church again and the whole ward was introducing themselves and making them feel warm and welcome! I know that they are going to get baptized! One of the kids is going to start taking seminary and the other wants to take institute! And they aren't even members yet! they have their date for the 16th of this month.

We also were walking in one of our colonies this last week and someone calls out to us, "elders! elders!" We look and it is people we don't know. We walked over and they asked where the chapel is. We told them that is like 15 minutes from here and we gave them the directions. They told us that they are members and moved here about 3 months ago and haven't found the chapel. We then asked if we could come by to visit them and the mom said, "That is actually what we wanted, because my daughter here is 10 years old and my son is 8 and they aren't baptized." My companion and I were like OK!!! They told us that they were coming to church this Sunday and we would put an appointment then.

In the ward council we explained this story and how we should be ready to receive them and give them a warm welcome. And did they give them a warm welcome! The dad is already going to have a home teaching companion and in front of the 200 people in the chapel the bishop announced of the new people that lived in the ward. It was so awesome. We also helped them with the secretary to pass their records over from their last ward. Then after church all the members were coming up to us and telling us they are more than willing to go to lessons with us and whatever to help the work. We were shocked to say the least.

My companion and I are really excited about the progress of the ward and the excitement that they have. When you put your trust in the lord is when you see the blessing and the fruits of your labor!

Elder S 04 Nov 2013

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Pachuca Centro Zone Service Project

The missionaries helping with the "Children's Garden". Nothing like a little service, a little sweat, and a little association with each other to bring a smile to everyone's face.

Look how cute these faces are... I love each one more than words can say. They each have such a unique spirit and talent. All contributing to make this the Best Mission in the World.

...and of course where ever Elder Dove is there is always fun and games (while everyone else is working). Seriously, the kids had more fun playing soccer with a plastic drink bottle and Elder Dove showed them how its done!

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Who's the short guy? Elder Enriquez is wrapping up his mission and will be returning home the end of this cycle. Superman (Elder Russell) has been diligently helping him prepare for his English Exam certificate. This group of Elders can have fun in an empty dirt lot with a soup can, or on the court with a basketball or soccer ball.

Below we have a "District" from the Mezquital Zone eating together.
This particular group is unique as they never complain or call with any problems. I never worry because I know they are busy working hard, being obedient, and doing what they should. So very proud of them all! P.S. Elder Fox- I want one of those bags!

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Picking up "Pouch" for their Zone.... Poutty faces because no mail for them!!!

Mondays in the office... emailing home, playing soccer, turning in receipts, dropping off laundry, and picking up a little chocolate for the road!

Sister Perez is such a good sport. She came in and took her English Language Test and while in the office endured the teasing of these two Elders. Though tiny in stature she is mighty in spirit!
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Helping Elder Smith and Elder Sanders move two blocks away. This house won't flood sewage and is in a protected gated neighborhood. A great move! Sorry that Elder Barber missed out and only experienced the nightmare flooding..... The little mission mini van is amazing. It even fits a couch... and the Elders found room to ride along!
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Tuesday morning at 0630 am Elder Campuzano (VISA secretary) and Elder Ramos (office couple) head with me to Tecamac 1 where we worked on leaking and broken sinks and toilets of two companionship's. It was an all day project getting there, finding parts, fixing/repairs, and returning home-- but job completed with success thanks to the talents of these two. Look how effective a shower curtain rod can be when waiting for the adhesive to dry to hold the sink on the wall better.
And the two (Above right) Elders "Smiths" ... well they fixed their own toilet! Kudos Elders!!!
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Elder Carlson and Elder Felsted's converts...
"From Marriage to Baptism"
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Mexico Pachuca Mission Leadership Council

Mission Leader Council
This training occurs monthly in our home with all the Zone Leaders and Sister Leader Trainers. Elder Dove (above) teaching a concept using a chocolate birthday cake for President as a visual aid. He had dirty hands from wiping the souls of his shoes and then took a hand full of cake and plopped it on the paper plate asking President, "Do you want some of this cake." President was hesitant to take it as it looked horrible how he was serving it up. The point of the concept.... "Sometime how we serve up the Gospel of Jesus Christ is much like this plate of cake. The presentation is horrible.... instead putting more interest in explaining concepts in a sliced and organized way with love; and then inviting them to make commitments and be baptized. Often we get in a hurry, skim over difficult or complex concepts and throw baptism on the plate like a handful of cake."

The Mexico Pachuca Mission A.P's and Sister Leader Trainers
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Ok... so this was not on the agenda!! President arm wrestling Elder Ceballos ( the Elder won!) and then "Rambo Leg Lifts" which President was able to do! So they are even- each won one competition.
Its only been 26 years since his mission when the only other missionary that could do them were President Egbert and Elder Keith Wills while they served together in Medellin, Colombia.
And then eating together as a family group... chicken breasts, potatoes casserole, corn, green salad, garlic bread and for dessert homemade chocolate mousse. They like the diversion from the "taco's".
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President and I went to Molango this weekend to reorganize the Branch Presidency and to visit the group. We also painted part of the Elders home while we were there. It was a good chance to spend some time with these two wonderful missionaries while improving the gray concrete interior of their home. I think I had more paint on me than I got on the walls. It was therapeutic to do something physical that had immediate results. These Elders are doing great and have been working feverishly on their piano playing skills. Elder Cabellero played all the songs in sacrament meeting. Impressive!
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"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world"
(Matthew 28: 19-20).

Sunday, October 27, 2013

...defined by his or her purpose: to invite others to come unto Christ.

Mission Life

"The breadth and depth of a missionary's experience are defined by his or her purpose: to invite others to come unto Christ."

Monday

Valle De Mezquital Zone

This group having a good time on Preparation Day... And I trust that this was after their houses were cleaned thoroughly, groceries purchased, and laundry taken care of...

Elder Oliver you are grounded from ever playing soccer..... remember?!

"High risk for Injury"

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Noah wasn't the only one having to deal with flooding waters. Poor Elder Barber and Elder Duran had to endure the torture previously together and then after transfers Elder Smith was allowed to share the pain. When the floods come it runs to their house... and up through the shower drain it flows. They have found a new place to move and hopefully this next week will be in a dryer environment, but they make the most of the inconvenience, teaching me that when you want to cry just laugh... it makes you feel better. Why cry over things you can't control! I love how creative Elder Smith is to decrease the level of the smell......

Story of Service: " It All Started With a Canceled Appointment"

On a recent Thursday as we were walking down a suburban street, we were presented with an unexpected opportunity to serve. We were coming back from an appointment that had fallen through and since we had been fairly confident that we would be occupied, we were momentarily lost in what to do next. We must have been pretty sad looking because an older fellow with a machete noticed. Now normally when some one approaches you with a large sword sized knife and starts staring you down its understandable to take a little caution, Personally I was getting geared up to start running! The man smiled however and jokingly said, "You boys are just walking around... why don't you help me cut my grass?" Though he was just teasing us I figured "Why not?". After all, service is an important part of being a member of the church. To this man's surprise, I put down my shoulder bag, took his machete and started hacking at the lawn in front of his house. He let me take a few dozen swings, then said his thanks and asked for his machete back. Obviously my cutting style was a little lacking in grace and precision. But he smiled as I handed him back the blade. From inside the house came a woman who asked, "You guys are Mormons, right?" You help the community? Come help us move our furniture!" By serving this random man, a door was opened, friends were made, and a potential investigator found.

Elder B

The mission office on Monday is a fun place to be- with an English Test being taken today by Elder Zumudio who did excellent and got a very high rating. Also we love to see the Elders who live closer and those assigned to come in and get "pouch" for their areas. President has special interviews and works on finances/visas with our amazing secretaries.

Then off I went to do a home tour......

Home # 1- "Pachuca Mex Tecnologico II"

This quaint little home sits in a perfect place for these missionaries area. They have a large area like everyone else... however, they have the most beautiful new chapel with the most amazing ward. Elder Felsted and Elder Carlson keep their place "spotless and in order". They have made it so inviting and it looks clean, smells clean and is clean. Score of 9.97 Thank you so much Elders!!!

P.S. President- They would love bikes for their area.....

Here they are with their "area book" and new "shower curtain rod"- Don't they look serious?!" And then off they head to take their laundry to be washed for $ 50 pesos which is about $ 4.00 U.S.

(Below) President and I were able to attend their baptismal service tonight (Sunday) for 6 of their investigators. It was awesome! So proud of these boys and what impressed me the most was the total support they had from all the ward auxiliary. They had the Relief Society President, Elders Quorum President, Young Men's President, Primary President, Bishop, and Ward Mission Leader. They all introduced themselves and welcomed each specific individual into their area of responsibility. The primary kids got their "Faith in God" books, and the Home-teacher was there to introduce himself to the new brother who was baptized. The Relief Society President verbalized by name who the sisters' new visiting teachers would be and the young man got his manuals to help him learn more about the youth program and his Savior Jesus Christ. I have never seen anything like it before... so impressed. With a ward that surrounds, supports, strengthens and welcomes how can these newest converts fall through the cracks? Oh... and that rambunctious little two year old boy in the front... its a good thing the nursery leader stayed home to rest! She is going to need every bit of energy to keep up with him..... Oh my!!!

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Our cute Elder Ford (Center cut out) had his sibling get married last weekend and when I asked how it went he said he was in attendance! I wanted proof.... and this is the proof. Between the bride and groom there are three missionary siblings out in the field. All three full size cut-outs of them were standing to represent how important family feels their service is to the Lord and to let them know that no one has been forgotten. Congratulations to the new couple from all of us here in the Mexico Pachuca Mission.

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We really do have the most obedient, cutest personalities, and spiritual giants of any mission in the World! I might be a little biased, but I'm being honest. I trust them explicitly.

Pachuca Mex Zone Activity Day

If this group doesn't look like trouble then I am not sure how trouble is defined... and as for the geese ... well- they should have known better when they saw these Elders coming!

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Elder Chavez going dippin' with this happy young man.

Those smiles say it all!

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Tuesday

Home # 2- "Pachuca Mex Loreto"

This home tour had two purposes... First, to replace the sink with the professional help of Elder Campuzano (who did plumbing professionally before his mission) and to bring a couple of other necessities to these two great Elders. Elder Macias and Elder Sanders have the most luscious green garden courtyard as you enter their home. It has a locked gate out front which makes it feel protected and safe. And the simple new mirror, clothes iron, and kitchen table made these two Elders happier than peacocks!

Kudos to Elder Sanders who is working so hard to learn the language and adjust to Mexico. He doesn't let the challenge of the mission ruin his spirits... instead he becomes more determined to learn the language, to love the people, and to leave "homesickness" in the gutter! So proud of both these Elders for having their place in order for my visit.

Quitting is not an option here... and everyone chips in to lift spirits when the going gets tough... because

we are all family here in the Pachuca Mision.

Special thanks to Elder Campuzano... what would we do without you?

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Home # 3- "Pachuca Centro -Pachuca"

Hermana Cerbreros and Hermana Contreras are so cute and totally let us stop by their home unannounced. They were busy studying at their study tables and everything else was clean and in order. Elders "take note"..

These two are a ray of sunshine and never complain... they giggled that they have hot water now... thanks to their big brothers (Zone Leaders) who are watching out for them!

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Wednesday

Elder Loza (AP) visiting the Actopan District for Wednesdays Meeting.

Elder Loza on "splits" with Elder Vique and visiting with Elder Zepeda and Elder Niro.

Home # 4- "Pachuca Centro- Real De Minas"

This cute "Town-home" is neat and in order and these two 'Spirited Elders' are just a perfect companionship to serve their area. They have great members that live close by and also our Area Seventy Elder Mendoza lives in their neighborhood. They have a good sized ward and sit about 20 minutes outside of Pachuca.