I love Mesa! We just have a good time here. Week after week proves to get better and better. The Lord definitely blesses us as we are committed to serve Him.
It was our privilege to get permission to go out and eat with Grandma 'Jean and Grandpa Terry. We had a great, and perfectly obedient time with them, and of course got some pictures. It was so nice to see them and to talk about life in the gospel. I feel as though I still have yet to figure out how to be a good "normal" member of the Church. I didn't necessarily have very great desire to follow the commandments before my mission, and now that my testimony is much, much bigger, I will need to learn to live life as a regular person in accord with the testimony I've gained. I'm sure many missionaries face the same challenge when they return home.
The branch had some great baptisms on the Saturday, and then confirmations on Sunday. One of the confirmations was done by Elder Snyder's greenie, Elder Scott, who has been on his mission about four months. He was very nervous for the confirmation, but the sister had asked that he do it. I remembered the first times I was asked to give a blessing in Spanish, thankful that those occasions were in the privacy of people's homes, in the comfort of people I knew and trusted well. I thought about how much my ability to communicate myself has grown in Spanish, as well as in English, and was thankful for the gifts the Lord has blessed me with. Elder Scott did just great, though Sister Hernandez said she could feel his hand shaking the whole time. What an honor to participate in such amazing ordinances!
Elder Argyle and I teach well together, we work well together, and doing missionary work just comes so easily and naturally between the two of us. One of us is always ready to speak, at all times and we can jump back and forth between the two of us seamlessly, without breaking a smooth connection of thought. I've learned a lot from him, and it is great to work together. Plus, we jam at the beginning of companionship study on the piano and guitar in our own arrangement of hymns. Brother Brown, the man we live with, has now started coming to the kitchen or living room at that time just to listen to us--it's very fun.
We trained the zone on Monday morning, and it was a good chance to talk about how to better the work in our zone. We had great participation from everybody, and there is now a higher enthusiasm to work hard, and we see the results every night when we hear about each companionship's day.
Now, this weekend, we will be going on a branch campout (we don't get to stay the night, but we are going both Friday and Saturday) and then to a special musical missionary fireside presented by the 5 Browns (a member family of 5 siblings that play concert piano and have gotten to be quite famous) at the ASU Institute. It will be a great weekend, and I'm excited for all the events.
Well, I should go. The gospel is true and we have so much evidence. The highest proof that God lives is to do His will and see how He will bless us. Faith is gained by acting on faith--and interesting concept, but true. I love this gospel and teaching it to everybody we meet. I love you all, thanks for reading every week. I hope you feel my love for the Lord and for serving Him. Now go and do likewise!
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
warmin' up
Slam on the brakes! Time is really starting to go too fast. It couldn't have been a week ago that I was writing my last email! This has been a great week, and my enthusiasm for the work just gets increasingly larger the longer I am here. Both Elder Argyle and I agree that the end of our missions will come too soon.
The heat is coming back already! I miss Utah weather. We're getting up to the 90s .... I think I can, I think I can, I think I can ....
I am really loving getting to know the missionaries in the Mesa Zone. There are some great, powerhouse missionaries that just pump out good results. They're out meeting people and teaching and extending commitments and seeing the fruits of their efforts. I am grateful for the chance to see their work and learn from it in how I can improve my own missionary skills. And then there are others that just don't seem to understand the gospel. Their lack of understanding affects their work ethic, their effectiveness, their desire, their results, their spirit, and attitude. I often wonder how this will translate over into the rest of their lives. President Craig says that everything we do in the mission is a foreshadowing of the rest of our lives in almost 100% accuracy. I wish these missionaries would understand correct principles of the gospel, so their future will be sound with their Father. I worry for some ....
Then I begin to think, "How can I avoid falling into the same traps as other people?" This is a question that has been in my mind since the beginning of my mission with my trainer. I saw his actions and began to worry about my mission. He was teaching me how to be a missionary like him, which I frankly didn't want to be. I thought a lot about the moves and tactics I had to take to avoid the same pitfalls. "What will I do to avoid the same self-destruction?"
This introspection has helped me a great deal. As we learn truth, we must stick to it as exactly as we can. It is a tragedy every time we justify ungodly behavior. If thy hand offend thee, cut it off. Christ clearly was not teaching about self-mutilation, but rather self-discipline and self-instruction. What is the source of offense? Identify it, and cut it out of our lives. I am highly grateful for the Atonement of our Savior, that allows us to seek support in finding a better way--a more god-like life. No impure thing can enter into the presence of God, so we have great need to purify, refine, work, and beg for the mercy of God in helping us change. Otherwise, we have no hope, for alone we will never be pure.
Miracles do happen as we act on our faith. I've seen it and I know it is true. We have faith, we act on it (naturally) to pass the trials of our faith, and miracles are wrought as a result of our faithful action. It is the recipe for a miracle--that simple. We have no need to doubt the power of God, and that's the truth. There is no fear in faithful living, and no sorrow in true understanding.
There's another rant--I apologize if you want to hear about my mission .... I end up just going on spiels fairly often. I hope you gain something out of my blabbing. I love you, family. It will be joyful to see you again, even though I don't want to rush anything .... Thanks for the examples you have always given me. Bye for now.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
The heat is coming back already! I miss Utah weather. We're getting up to the 90s .... I think I can, I think I can, I think I can ....
I am really loving getting to know the missionaries in the Mesa Zone. There are some great, powerhouse missionaries that just pump out good results. They're out meeting people and teaching and extending commitments and seeing the fruits of their efforts. I am grateful for the chance to see their work and learn from it in how I can improve my own missionary skills. And then there are others that just don't seem to understand the gospel. Their lack of understanding affects their work ethic, their effectiveness, their desire, their results, their spirit, and attitude. I often wonder how this will translate over into the rest of their lives. President Craig says that everything we do in the mission is a foreshadowing of the rest of our lives in almost 100% accuracy. I wish these missionaries would understand correct principles of the gospel, so their future will be sound with their Father. I worry for some ....
Then I begin to think, "How can I avoid falling into the same traps as other people?" This is a question that has been in my mind since the beginning of my mission with my trainer. I saw his actions and began to worry about my mission. He was teaching me how to be a missionary like him, which I frankly didn't want to be. I thought a lot about the moves and tactics I had to take to avoid the same pitfalls. "What will I do to avoid the same self-destruction?"
This introspection has helped me a great deal. As we learn truth, we must stick to it as exactly as we can. It is a tragedy every time we justify ungodly behavior. If thy hand offend thee, cut it off. Christ clearly was not teaching about self-mutilation, but rather self-discipline and self-instruction. What is the source of offense? Identify it, and cut it out of our lives. I am highly grateful for the Atonement of our Savior, that allows us to seek support in finding a better way--a more god-like life. No impure thing can enter into the presence of God, so we have great need to purify, refine, work, and beg for the mercy of God in helping us change. Otherwise, we have no hope, for alone we will never be pure.
Miracles do happen as we act on our faith. I've seen it and I know it is true. We have faith, we act on it (naturally) to pass the trials of our faith, and miracles are wrought as a result of our faithful action. It is the recipe for a miracle--that simple. We have no need to doubt the power of God, and that's the truth. There is no fear in faithful living, and no sorrow in true understanding.
There's another rant--I apologize if you want to hear about my mission .... I end up just going on spiels fairly often. I hope you gain something out of my blabbing. I love you, family. It will be joyful to see you again, even though I don't want to rush anything .... Thanks for the examples you have always given me. Bye for now.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
another mesa week
Dear Everybody,
So I love being a missionary. It makes me sad when other missionaries don't love it. That's all.
This week, I had a monumental sighting--a Terry sighting. On an exchange with another missionary, we were riding past an Ace Hardware on Gilbert Road and I saw a very familiar old man. I shouted, "Terry!" and we talked for a few minutes. He assured me that he already had the mission president's number and they were going to call for permission to take my companion and me out to lunch one of these days. I can't wait to see Grandma. Terry says she is doing very well, and that the "good old MarJean is back, though she didn't say hello when she got here." In Mesa, I feel so much closer to reality than I ever did in San Luis, and I am grateful for it in many ways. I am also grateful that I did have time to take myself out of the real world and focus on what I am here for, it helps me out now that I am here, back in Babylon.
We went to the temple this morning, a privilege I didn't have in the Yuma Zone, and it was wonderful. We've got a great group of missionaries in the Mesa area, and it is great to work with them.
Elder Argyle and I have been going to a lot of meetings. Almost a month and a half ago, Elder Perry came to the Arizona Tempe Mission to talk with the stake and ward leaders about missionary work. We have now been visiting each of the local ward missionary coordination meetings to ensure that they are putting into practice the principles that Elder Perry taught. We are so blessed with strong members who are willing and enthusiastic to serve the Lord. I have enjoyed very much meeting them and learning from their examples as we help their missionary skills improve. Someday, they'll just rearrange the letters in Arizona, and change the state name to AraZion. It seems like we're getting pretty close ....
I learn a lot every week about how to be a better missionary, a better friend, and a better disciple of my Savior. It is so wonderful to be a missionary, and I thank all of you for influencing me, and tricking me to do good things, and getting me on my mission. Your influence can never be forgotten. Keep on chugging!
-Elder Sam Bostwick
So I love being a missionary. It makes me sad when other missionaries don't love it. That's all.
This week, I had a monumental sighting--a Terry sighting. On an exchange with another missionary, we were riding past an Ace Hardware on Gilbert Road and I saw a very familiar old man. I shouted, "Terry!" and we talked for a few minutes. He assured me that he already had the mission president's number and they were going to call for permission to take my companion and me out to lunch one of these days. I can't wait to see Grandma. Terry says she is doing very well, and that the "good old MarJean is back, though she didn't say hello when she got here." In Mesa, I feel so much closer to reality than I ever did in San Luis, and I am grateful for it in many ways. I am also grateful that I did have time to take myself out of the real world and focus on what I am here for, it helps me out now that I am here, back in Babylon.
We went to the temple this morning, a privilege I didn't have in the Yuma Zone, and it was wonderful. We've got a great group of missionaries in the Mesa area, and it is great to work with them.
Elder Argyle and I have been going to a lot of meetings. Almost a month and a half ago, Elder Perry came to the Arizona Tempe Mission to talk with the stake and ward leaders about missionary work. We have now been visiting each of the local ward missionary coordination meetings to ensure that they are putting into practice the principles that Elder Perry taught. We are so blessed with strong members who are willing and enthusiastic to serve the Lord. I have enjoyed very much meeting them and learning from their examples as we help their missionary skills improve. Someday, they'll just rearrange the letters in Arizona, and change the state name to AraZion. It seems like we're getting pretty close ....
I learn a lot every week about how to be a better missionary, a better friend, and a better disciple of my Savior. It is so wonderful to be a missionary, and I thank all of you for influencing me, and tricking me to do good things, and getting me on my mission. Your influence can never be forgotten. Keep on chugging!
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
week 1 in mesa
Dear Family and Friends,
I love Mesa! This last week was sooo different from all the time I spent in San Luis. We are very blessed here with a strong area, a great branch, a good zone of missionaries, and it is so nice to be in a high-population area again. It is very nice.
One interesting thing about our area is our home. We live with an old widower, Brother Bill Brown. His wife passed away over five years ago and he has lived alone ever since, until just last week when we moved into his home and it has been great ever since. He is funny to talk to, and he has a piano and everything else we could need. He even made us home-made popcorn the other day after we got home. Elder Argyle and I get along really well and we like our new place a lot. Every morning, to begin our companionship study, we sing a hymn or two, accompanied by the piano and guitar, and it is always a great new arrangement ... very fun.
The pace of life is different here and we meet completely different kinds of people- unlike Yuma, which consists of Snowbirds and Mexicans. We met some strange characters in this week, people of all kinds of faiths and lifestyles. It breaks up the monotony, and is a great blessing to see and testify that the gospel, the true gospel, is for all people, of all races, and all ages. Our message is true, and I am anxious to share it.
I have so much I could say, but I'll keep it at that. I love you all, I hope you are well. I will keep praying for you, always.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
I love Mesa! This last week was sooo different from all the time I spent in San Luis. We are very blessed here with a strong area, a great branch, a good zone of missionaries, and it is so nice to be in a high-population area again. It is very nice.
One interesting thing about our area is our home. We live with an old widower, Brother Bill Brown. His wife passed away over five years ago and he has lived alone ever since, until just last week when we moved into his home and it has been great ever since. He is funny to talk to, and he has a piano and everything else we could need. He even made us home-made popcorn the other day after we got home. Elder Argyle and I get along really well and we like our new place a lot. Every morning, to begin our companionship study, we sing a hymn or two, accompanied by the piano and guitar, and it is always a great new arrangement ... very fun.
The pace of life is different here and we meet completely different kinds of people- unlike Yuma, which consists of Snowbirds and Mexicans. We met some strange characters in this week, people of all kinds of faiths and lifestyles. It breaks up the monotony, and is a great blessing to see and testify that the gospel, the true gospel, is for all people, of all races, and all ages. Our message is true, and I am anxious to share it.
I have so much I could say, but I'll keep it at that. I love you all, I hope you are well. I will keep praying for you, always.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
transferred to the valley
That special time came again and transfers has happened. Unlike all the rest of the transfers, though, I actually got transferred this time. It feels strange to be out of San Luis, and to not be going back later today or tomorrow. I really have left, and I hope that my labors will not be for vain. Elder Rutt from the MTC went down to be with Elder Villasenor in the San Luis Branch, and I sincerely hope all goes well there. I love the Branch and care very much about its progress. And I promised to go back to visit the people I knew, a promise I am committed to ....
Elder Snyder, when he left San Luis, was transferred to the Mesa Branch. Mesa has a mission all on its own, but our mission includes one Spanish branch in the city of Mesa. He is still there, riding a bike in the great winter weather. But the branch has two areas and that is where I've been transferred to. This will be the third ward/branch of four I've served in that has two companionships—which is kind of rare. I was so happy to be transferred to a place I've heard so many good things about. Even more, my companion is a missionary I've heard great things about—Elder Argyle. We really haven't even had a chance to talk yet, we came straight from transfers to the library. I am excited to get to know a new companion and it will undoubtedly be a great transfer of great work and great teaching. I am very optimistic and enthusiastic about the future, and I am thankful for the blessings I have given so abundantly.
I was able to see many mission friends today at transfers and it feels good to be in a larger zone where we will have more missionary contact. I love it. Another cool thing—Elder Tyler Meldrum (Kelly and Kirsten's nephew) and Elder Isaac Owens are companions in my zone. I will for sure be seeing a lot of them in the coming weeks. This is going to be awesome!!!
I love you all, and I will let you know how things go in next week's email. Take care.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Elder Snyder, when he left San Luis, was transferred to the Mesa Branch. Mesa has a mission all on its own, but our mission includes one Spanish branch in the city of Mesa. He is still there, riding a bike in the great winter weather. But the branch has two areas and that is where I've been transferred to. This will be the third ward/branch of four I've served in that has two companionships—which is kind of rare. I was so happy to be transferred to a place I've heard so many good things about. Even more, my companion is a missionary I've heard great things about—Elder Argyle. We really haven't even had a chance to talk yet, we came straight from transfers to the library. I am excited to get to know a new companion and it will undoubtedly be a great transfer of great work and great teaching. I am very optimistic and enthusiastic about the future, and I am thankful for the blessings I have given so abundantly.
I was able to see many mission friends today at transfers and it feels good to be in a larger zone where we will have more missionary contact. I love it. Another cool thing—Elder Tyler Meldrum (Kelly and Kirsten's nephew) and Elder Isaac Owens are companions in my zone. I will for sure be seeing a lot of them in the coming weeks. This is going to be awesome!!!
I love you all, and I will let you know how things go in next week's email. Take care.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
blue skies
Dear Everyone,
Mom mentioned that she hoped we have blue skies like the ones that you have been enjoying up in Utah. The truth is that this time of year is the reason people live in Arizona. It is almost unreasonable how comfortable the weather is right now. It is definitely a counted blessing to feel the warm sun and the cool breeze.
I am with an elder who is preparing to go home this next Wednesday. He served in San Luis last year for six months and is now serving as a zone leader in Yuma. Consequently, he has taken the opportunity to visit San Luis various times on companion exchanges to say goodbye to his converts and friends in San Luis. This is his last day emailing and he says the term to describe it is "surreal." I am thankful I have a long time before I go through that surreal experience of going home. I definitely to not feel ready, nor do I want to come home. There is so much still to learn and do—I hope I can make good use of my time.
As you all go through a longish winter and I enjoy an Arizonan paradise, I think of the other blessings I am enjoying as a missionary. Our world is in a difficult situation. We can't help hear of the crises and of all the news that is happening around the globe. As a missionary, while wintry blizzards rage around, it seems so unfair to calmly enjoy an untroubled life. This elder next to me is about to ship off to the storm, and the interesting thing is, I'm not even sure if he remembers that he lives in a dream. Like all the Arizona natives around, we climatize to our surroundings and somehow make good seem bad and bad seem worse. Though we are so blessed and so protected, we find reason to complain and wish we were somewhere else. The grass may look greener on the other side, but chances are in this case it's just astro-turf. I hope that no matter where I am, I can be grateful to be there. Though I will someday come home to suffer, I am glad for the challenges that lie en route to help me learn and grow and overcome. As bad as the cold around us is, I know we will be taken care of. Consider the lilies in the field, they grow and are clothed by the Lord. Consider the birds in the sky, they fly and are fed by the Lord. Our worries, though legitimate, must be taken into perspective. If we have done the Lord's will to the best of our ability, we shall not fear. Let us keep faith in the promises of the scriptures and the teachings of our modern prophets. Our goals should be focused on the simple ends of preaching the gospel, redeeming the dead, and perfecting the saints. I know the gospel is true and that the Church is the Church of Christ on the Earth. I never imagined myself being so happy, or being who I am and I am so grateful for God's mercy and love in changing us into better people.
The work goes very well in San Luis. We are making big steps in improving the member missionary work in our branch, and it looks like a new branch mission plan and a new branch mission leader will be my last marks made on San Luis. We have found many new investigators with real, sincere desire to learn and know the will of God for their lives. We are continually blessed and the only unfortunate thing is that I am likely being transferred next Wednesday and my work in San Luis will end. I have loved being here and have grown oodles. San Luis is an agricultural town and I have learned that it is a cycle of sowing and harvesting. Much has been reaped while I have been here, and as for sowing, I have done the best I could, or near it. I pray the harvest of my labor here will be great and that the glory of the Lord will go on and on without end for the people here. My blessings are great; God is good.
-Elder Sam
Mom mentioned that she hoped we have blue skies like the ones that you have been enjoying up in Utah. The truth is that this time of year is the reason people live in Arizona. It is almost unreasonable how comfortable the weather is right now. It is definitely a counted blessing to feel the warm sun and the cool breeze.
I am with an elder who is preparing to go home this next Wednesday. He served in San Luis last year for six months and is now serving as a zone leader in Yuma. Consequently, he has taken the opportunity to visit San Luis various times on companion exchanges to say goodbye to his converts and friends in San Luis. This is his last day emailing and he says the term to describe it is "surreal." I am thankful I have a long time before I go through that surreal experience of going home. I definitely to not feel ready, nor do I want to come home. There is so much still to learn and do—I hope I can make good use of my time.
As you all go through a longish winter and I enjoy an Arizonan paradise, I think of the other blessings I am enjoying as a missionary. Our world is in a difficult situation. We can't help hear of the crises and of all the news that is happening around the globe. As a missionary, while wintry blizzards rage around, it seems so unfair to calmly enjoy an untroubled life. This elder next to me is about to ship off to the storm, and the interesting thing is, I'm not even sure if he remembers that he lives in a dream. Like all the Arizona natives around, we climatize to our surroundings and somehow make good seem bad and bad seem worse. Though we are so blessed and so protected, we find reason to complain and wish we were somewhere else. The grass may look greener on the other side, but chances are in this case it's just astro-turf. I hope that no matter where I am, I can be grateful to be there. Though I will someday come home to suffer, I am glad for the challenges that lie en route to help me learn and grow and overcome. As bad as the cold around us is, I know we will be taken care of. Consider the lilies in the field, they grow and are clothed by the Lord. Consider the birds in the sky, they fly and are fed by the Lord. Our worries, though legitimate, must be taken into perspective. If we have done the Lord's will to the best of our ability, we shall not fear. Let us keep faith in the promises of the scriptures and the teachings of our modern prophets. Our goals should be focused on the simple ends of preaching the gospel, redeeming the dead, and perfecting the saints. I know the gospel is true and that the Church is the Church of Christ on the Earth. I never imagined myself being so happy, or being who I am and I am so grateful for God's mercy and love in changing us into better people.
The work goes very well in San Luis. We are making big steps in improving the member missionary work in our branch, and it looks like a new branch mission plan and a new branch mission leader will be my last marks made on San Luis. We have found many new investigators with real, sincere desire to learn and know the will of God for their lives. We are continually blessed and the only unfortunate thing is that I am likely being transferred next Wednesday and my work in San Luis will end. I have loved being here and have grown oodles. San Luis is an agricultural town and I have learned that it is a cycle of sowing and harvesting. Much has been reaped while I have been here, and as for sowing, I have done the best I could, or near it. I pray the harvest of my labor here will be great and that the glory of the Lord will go on and on without end for the people here. My blessings are great; God is good.
-Elder Sam
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
the foothills
Yesterday and today I am on exchanges in the Foothills. Right as you enter into the Yuma Valley, there is a large section of town called the Foothills which is chuck-full of snowbirds. It is a rarity to meet somebody under the age of 55 here.
The concept of a snowbird seems quite pathetic to me. A husband and wife work their whole life to build up savings and establish themselves and work towards a worthy retirement only to abandon everything they have and blow their money on a ridiculous motor home or a sad trailer in a place where they have no attachments and nothing to do but go to the casino and play shuffle board and bingo with all the other old people who don't have lives either.
The gospel teaches us to establish a righteous lifestyle of service, of sacrifice, and good works and to "endure to the end." This wave culture of snowbirds works against the gospel of Jesus Christ and frustrates years of righteous service to their fellowman. Especially in the Church, it must be viewed as unacceptable for healthy, financially stable elderly people to desert their responsibilities for unworthy ends. There is a "Snowbird Branch" in the Yuma Stake which has at least 700 members who are not serving in significant callings, not serving in the temple, not serving missions and losing their last years of mortal life to selfish and useless endeavors. It is a true tragedy.
I hope that we, as a family will remain faithful until the end. That we will spend our lives, our whole lives, in the service of God is my prayer for our family. It is such a rich blessing to serve others, and anyone who wants to use their life to achieve happiness will seek in the service of their brother. I love this Gospel and know it is true. I am so blessed to be on a mission, and I love you all. Take care.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
P.S. I realize this ended up sounding strong, but I really do feel strongly about it.... In the end, the Father knows the heart of each one of His children and He will be our final judge. Where I might lack mercy, He holds it abundantly. Good thing I am not the judge.
The concept of a snowbird seems quite pathetic to me. A husband and wife work their whole life to build up savings and establish themselves and work towards a worthy retirement only to abandon everything they have and blow their money on a ridiculous motor home or a sad trailer in a place where they have no attachments and nothing to do but go to the casino and play shuffle board and bingo with all the other old people who don't have lives either.
The gospel teaches us to establish a righteous lifestyle of service, of sacrifice, and good works and to "endure to the end." This wave culture of snowbirds works against the gospel of Jesus Christ and frustrates years of righteous service to their fellowman. Especially in the Church, it must be viewed as unacceptable for healthy, financially stable elderly people to desert their responsibilities for unworthy ends. There is a "Snowbird Branch" in the Yuma Stake which has at least 700 members who are not serving in significant callings, not serving in the temple, not serving missions and losing their last years of mortal life to selfish and useless endeavors. It is a true tragedy.
I hope that we, as a family will remain faithful until the end. That we will spend our lives, our whole lives, in the service of God is my prayer for our family. It is such a rich blessing to serve others, and anyone who wants to use their life to achieve happiness will seek in the service of their brother. I love this Gospel and know it is true. I am so blessed to be on a mission, and I love you all. Take care.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
P.S. I realize this ended up sounding strong, but I really do feel strongly about it.... In the end, the Father knows the heart of each one of His children and He will be our final judge. Where I might lack mercy, He holds it abundantly. Good thing I am not the judge.
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