So, Maura's baptism and confirmation went great this Saturday and Sunday. We are working on getting others to the same point, although everyone of course has their own individual barricades that block the way to the font .... Maura's mother, Leticia is not a member, though all of her kids now are. By going to Maura's baptism and feeling the spirit strongly, she came a lot closer on her personal journey. I very much enjoy working with personal concerns and needs. One of the advantages of being an English missionary would be a wider variety of concerns from investigators. In answering concerns, missionaries learn. But I am happy and love that the Gospel of Jesus Christ makes sense and is not confusing. Confusion is not of God, and we work to teach with the Spirit specifically to avoid confusion.
We have been blessed with beautiful weather this week, including some unseasonal rainstorms and surprisingly cool temperatures. To top off the good week, today we have a special reward for each companionship in our Zone achieving our goal of 20 lessons last week. We will be watching a few movies and enjoying our P-Day at a very wealthy member family's home.
Among other notable events, I finished the Old Testament yesterday, a wonderful feat that I enjoyed very much, and from which I learned a lot. I am excited to move into the New Testament again and attach the fulfillment of many prophecies and completion of the laws from the ancient church with the birth and life of Christ, the promised Messiah. I am very grateful for the scriptures and love to read from them.
That's pretty much all this week, sorry I don't have much to say. I am approaching 9 months since I began my mission, which feels very significant, though I'm not sure why. I love you all, and I hope that as time continues to move, I'll see you all again before we realize the time has come. Stay true, and testify of the Gospel.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
108 degrees
Yep, we reached the high so far of 108 degrees in Chandler. It was a blow. More like a blowdryer, because that's what all wind felt like as we rode our bicycles through the heat. The only comfort is that it wasn't the worst it is going to be ... and really that's not comforting at all.
There is an advantage to being on bike, and it isn't the exercise or the fresh oven air, but rather the thinking time. Driving in a car, there is always music and conversation with your companion and, in all honesty it is a bit more productive, so the blessing of a bike is being able to ponder more often. I have thought about a lot of things. I have thought about why I am on a mission, in what ways I could improve myself as a missionary and help our investigators better, and even from time to time, what life might be like upon returning home after my two years are up. Good thing that is a long ways off, and I don't have to waste too much time thinking about it. Whenever I have time to think, I think of Becca who taught me important things about taking and using time to think when I was a kid. Now, the words of Church leaders add on to my memories of Becca's lectures (okay, not lectures, but I can't think of a better word) about being too busy. I realize how important it is to have down time. Where before, I hated to have extra time, because it meant I wasn't doing enough, I treasure a few minutes after lunch to sit and think. I may not be learning much in my down time, but I feel more balanced, more orderly, and that is important. Thanks Becca.
We had another exciting week with many good lessons and a trip to see the Joseph Smith movie with some investigators. I cry every time I see the sights of Nauvoo over the Mississippi, and hear or watch the stories of those who sacrificed so much near the birth of our Church. Particularly, the stories of Joseph touch me and make me want to know more, and bear stronger testimony of his mission and purpose as a window to our Savior. I love the Spirit I feel calling from the history of the Church, and was grateful that that Spirit was felt by our investigator, who will be getting baptized on Saturday! I am excited for Maura, and know that she will be a good and strong member of the Church, and most importantly a mother who will teach her children righteous principles and begin a legacy and heritage of gospel faithfulness.
I love working hard, and overcoming challenges. Thanks for being a wonderful family. Keep the faith, and keep feeding the faith with faithful action. I love you all but, sorry, I don't miss you. Maybe the little kids, but not the big kids. I know that after my mission, it will be sweet to rejoice with you after two years of rich and wonderful experiences for all of us. Elder Bostwick, signing out!
-Elder Sam Bostwick
There is an advantage to being on bike, and it isn't the exercise or the fresh oven air, but rather the thinking time. Driving in a car, there is always music and conversation with your companion and, in all honesty it is a bit more productive, so the blessing of a bike is being able to ponder more often. I have thought about a lot of things. I have thought about why I am on a mission, in what ways I could improve myself as a missionary and help our investigators better, and even from time to time, what life might be like upon returning home after my two years are up. Good thing that is a long ways off, and I don't have to waste too much time thinking about it. Whenever I have time to think, I think of Becca who taught me important things about taking and using time to think when I was a kid. Now, the words of Church leaders add on to my memories of Becca's lectures (okay, not lectures, but I can't think of a better word) about being too busy. I realize how important it is to have down time. Where before, I hated to have extra time, because it meant I wasn't doing enough, I treasure a few minutes after lunch to sit and think. I may not be learning much in my down time, but I feel more balanced, more orderly, and that is important. Thanks Becca.
We had another exciting week with many good lessons and a trip to see the Joseph Smith movie with some investigators. I cry every time I see the sights of Nauvoo over the Mississippi, and hear or watch the stories of those who sacrificed so much near the birth of our Church. Particularly, the stories of Joseph touch me and make me want to know more, and bear stronger testimony of his mission and purpose as a window to our Savior. I love the Spirit I feel calling from the history of the Church, and was grateful that that Spirit was felt by our investigator, who will be getting baptized on Saturday! I am excited for Maura, and know that she will be a good and strong member of the Church, and most importantly a mother who will teach her children righteous principles and begin a legacy and heritage of gospel faithfulness.
I love working hard, and overcoming challenges. Thanks for being a wonderful family. Keep the faith, and keep feeding the faith with faithful action. I love you all but, sorry, I don't miss you. Maybe the little kids, but not the big kids. I know that after my mission, it will be sweet to rejoice with you after two years of rich and wonderful experiences for all of us. Elder Bostwick, signing out!
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
it's been a while ... not
It was so great to talk with the family on Sunday for Mothers' Day. And also to all the extended family that I got to talk with as well. I was pretty glad to hear that everyone is well and happy, at least as far as they were willing to tell me.
For all the rest who might read this, I have enjoyed my time so far in Chandler very much. Things are so different here than in Queen Creek, and the work comes in very different forms. We teach a lot more here, and I get pumped up by the strong spirit that we always feel in every lesson. I really am growing in my testimony, and I hope my ability to be a teacher is also growing.
Grandma Lunt says I sound like Uncle Jason when I talk Spanish, and I don't know about that. I think I still have a lot of work to do with my abilities to speak the language, but I do become more comfortable as time goes on. I am already praying for ways to preserve this gift after my mission, knowing that we don't get to keep gifts of the Spirit for free. But even better is the gratitude I feel for being able to communicate now, on this mission I've been called to.
We are working with people who are so close to baptism, they just need to seek out their testimony more firmly and get their witness and increase of faith to take a step in darkness. I am grateful for the relationship of openness that had already been developed before by Elder Guernsey and Elder Nauman (if you're reading closely, yes this is the same Elder Nauman from the MTC) with the investigators. I love being able to talk about things without shyness to get to the core of different doubts that people have about the Gospel. I feel more like a for-real missionary than ever before here in Chandler and it is because of the people we work with and the success level that has been established here before. We invite people to come to Christ by obeying His commandments and making covenants with Him. That is what we do, and it feels really good.
The thing that has changed I think most of all is that being in Chandler is a lot missionary work, but it is fun! We have a lot of fun, and we laugh a lot while working. I think I always had the false impression that work was work and fun was fun and they were separate--but fun is more fun when it is worked for and work is more effective and bearable when being enjoyed. I have been really grateful for the new lessons learned since the transfer of areas. I hope I can always apply this to my life and other lessons that I learn as I serve.
I should go, but I hope you all know that I know the Church is true! It is so important! It is worth changing our entire lives for. In essence, it is the only thing that matters in this life. I am so blessed to know that and so grateful that I am called to tell others about it. The Atonement is real. Our relationship with our Father in Heaven is so personal, we just need to remember to talk to Him. He is eager to bless us in the ways He knows are best for us. I testify that the doctrines of this church are true and beautiful, and the only logical answer to the questions of life. I know these things because of the testifying power of the Spirit, and you can know it to if you seek for it with a willing heart in fervent prayer. I love you all, take care of yourselves and do good.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
For all the rest who might read this, I have enjoyed my time so far in Chandler very much. Things are so different here than in Queen Creek, and the work comes in very different forms. We teach a lot more here, and I get pumped up by the strong spirit that we always feel in every lesson. I really am growing in my testimony, and I hope my ability to be a teacher is also growing.
Grandma Lunt says I sound like Uncle Jason when I talk Spanish, and I don't know about that. I think I still have a lot of work to do with my abilities to speak the language, but I do become more comfortable as time goes on. I am already praying for ways to preserve this gift after my mission, knowing that we don't get to keep gifts of the Spirit for free. But even better is the gratitude I feel for being able to communicate now, on this mission I've been called to.
We are working with people who are so close to baptism, they just need to seek out their testimony more firmly and get their witness and increase of faith to take a step in darkness. I am grateful for the relationship of openness that had already been developed before by Elder Guernsey and Elder Nauman (if you're reading closely, yes this is the same Elder Nauman from the MTC) with the investigators. I love being able to talk about things without shyness to get to the core of different doubts that people have about the Gospel. I feel more like a for-real missionary than ever before here in Chandler and it is because of the people we work with and the success level that has been established here before. We invite people to come to Christ by obeying His commandments and making covenants with Him. That is what we do, and it feels really good.
The thing that has changed I think most of all is that being in Chandler is a lot missionary work, but it is fun! We have a lot of fun, and we laugh a lot while working. I think I always had the false impression that work was work and fun was fun and they were separate--but fun is more fun when it is worked for and work is more effective and bearable when being enjoyed. I have been really grateful for the new lessons learned since the transfer of areas. I hope I can always apply this to my life and other lessons that I learn as I serve.
I should go, but I hope you all know that I know the Church is true! It is so important! It is worth changing our entire lives for. In essence, it is the only thing that matters in this life. I am so blessed to know that and so grateful that I am called to tell others about it. The Atonement is real. Our relationship with our Father in Heaven is so personal, we just need to remember to talk to Him. He is eager to bless us in the ways He knows are best for us. I testify that the doctrines of this church are true and beautiful, and the only logical answer to the questions of life. I know these things because of the testifying power of the Spirit, and you can know it to if you seek for it with a willing heart in fervent prayer. I love you all, take care of yourselves and do good.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
unexpected
When I came to Queen Creek, if you remember, it was part of a new split in the Queen Creek Spanish area of the mission. As I'm sure everyone has taken note of from the past few months of emails, there has not been a great amount of work in Queen Creek. In fact, the last person to be baptized by any missionary in Queen Creek, was Rosalia. Although Rosalia is really cool and should count as at least four baptisms, the numbers were not satisfying the evil statistic god (sorry Tommy) and the areas of Queen Creek have once again been joined.
This, however, is not the unexpected part. After having been in Queen Creek almost exactly six months, and having served in both of the areas, I was officially the standing authority of missionary work in the area. I knew almost every investigator or potential investigator in both areas personally and knew each member by first and last name, including their children. I had a calling in the ward, as you all know, and had been pretty settled in for quite some time. For sure, I would have to stay in Queen Creek to oversee the combination of areas to make sure everything went smoothly.
But the Lord had other plans. I think after being in one place for so long, I had become a little less on top of missionary development and I was needing change, though I didn't want it. So yesterday, a missionary from the other Queen Creek companionship and I packed our things and we have moved to Chandler. My new companion is named Elder Guernsey.
The cool thing about Chandler, though I really don't know anything about it yet, is that they have had ridiculous amounts of work. As badly as Queen Creek was lacking on work, that is how much Chandler has been bursting. Things are going well here, and I am excited, really really excited, to start teaching more and become more of the missionary that I want to be. I loved Queen Creek, and I will love Chandler.
Chandler is also a Spanish ward, in fact, the only other one in the mission, and I will at last get to be a normal missionary in the ward, rather than a primary pianist. And so, although it was sad to say goodbye, it is really relieving to say hello. And my mission goes on.
My time is coming to a close. I love you all, and I am excited to get to talk to many of you on this Sunday. Be examples, and I will talk to you later.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
This, however, is not the unexpected part. After having been in Queen Creek almost exactly six months, and having served in both of the areas, I was officially the standing authority of missionary work in the area. I knew almost every investigator or potential investigator in both areas personally and knew each member by first and last name, including their children. I had a calling in the ward, as you all know, and had been pretty settled in for quite some time. For sure, I would have to stay in Queen Creek to oversee the combination of areas to make sure everything went smoothly.
But the Lord had other plans. I think after being in one place for so long, I had become a little less on top of missionary development and I was needing change, though I didn't want it. So yesterday, a missionary from the other Queen Creek companionship and I packed our things and we have moved to Chandler. My new companion is named Elder Guernsey.
The cool thing about Chandler, though I really don't know anything about it yet, is that they have had ridiculous amounts of work. As badly as Queen Creek was lacking on work, that is how much Chandler has been bursting. Things are going well here, and I am excited, really really excited, to start teaching more and become more of the missionary that I want to be. I loved Queen Creek, and I will love Chandler.
Chandler is also a Spanish ward, in fact, the only other one in the mission, and I will at last get to be a normal missionary in the ward, rather than a primary pianist. And so, although it was sad to say goodbye, it is really relieving to say hello. And my mission goes on.
My time is coming to a close. I love you all, and I am excited to get to talk to many of you on this Sunday. Be examples, and I will talk to you later.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
up in the air
In this past week there has been a lot of talk about changing the two Spanish areas in our Ward into one, taking it back to how it was just before I arrived. Although this might be a bit of a downer for some members who love having four missionaries in their ward, with the amount of work we have, we really feel it would be best. It is possible that the change would take place this Saturday, likely leaving me here in Queen Creek with a companion that is not my current companion. We will see, and I will keep you all informed.
The highlight of the week was definitely a special temple trip that I got to take. I was invited to go to the temple with Rosalia's brother, who was baptized just about a year ago. I love their family very much and I was honored to be able to accompany him to go through the temple. Something that made it an interesting trip was that President Craig told us that we should find an exchange for Elder Johnston to stay in Queen Creek and me to go with another brother to the Temple. So I went to the Temple outside of our mission, without my companion. And then ate at an El Salvadorian Deli, outside of the mission, without my companion. It was a very strange morning, but a special event nonetheless. Plus a little part of me was really glad to finally not have a companion that I had to stay with. The other exciting note was that we went to the Spanish Session. I loved it, and I love learning Spanish. I hope that I am learning it as well as I would outside of the States. I have lots of people helping me to learn "correct Spanish." And I thank them very much. I do, after all, have to be able to speak with Jackie when I come home. Who knows, after living in Juarez, and then learning Portuguese, she'll have forgotten her "proper Spanish" and we'll both be lost together. I doubt it ...
It's been a good week, with lots of things a bit up in the air. I'm glad to hear you are all well, and I keep praying for you. Pray for me, I need extra help with all the things I should know, but don't. I miss you a little, and I am excited to be able to talk with some of you on Mother's Day coming up. Cecily, I love you, good luck. And Happy Mother's Day in advance. My time is up, I have to go. I'll write again next week.
-Elder Sam
PS--By the way, we reached 100 degrees yesterday ....
The highlight of the week was definitely a special temple trip that I got to take. I was invited to go to the temple with Rosalia's brother, who was baptized just about a year ago. I love their family very much and I was honored to be able to accompany him to go through the temple. Something that made it an interesting trip was that President Craig told us that we should find an exchange for Elder Johnston to stay in Queen Creek and me to go with another brother to the Temple. So I went to the Temple outside of our mission, without my companion. And then ate at an El Salvadorian Deli, outside of the mission, without my companion. It was a very strange morning, but a special event nonetheless. Plus a little part of me was really glad to finally not have a companion that I had to stay with. The other exciting note was that we went to the Spanish Session. I loved it, and I love learning Spanish. I hope that I am learning it as well as I would outside of the States. I have lots of people helping me to learn "correct Spanish." And I thank them very much. I do, after all, have to be able to speak with Jackie when I come home. Who knows, after living in Juarez, and then learning Portuguese, she'll have forgotten her "proper Spanish" and we'll both be lost together. I doubt it ...
It's been a good week, with lots of things a bit up in the air. I'm glad to hear you are all well, and I keep praying for you. Pray for me, I need extra help with all the things I should know, but don't. I miss you a little, and I am excited to be able to talk with some of you on Mother's Day coming up. Cecily, I love you, good luck. And Happy Mother's Day in advance. My time is up, I have to go. I'll write again next week.
-Elder Sam
PS--By the way, we reached 100 degrees yesterday ....
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
new changes
Because of the recent "death" of my late companion, Elder Samuel Wood, I have stayed in Queen Creek yet another transfer. I wonder if I will be here my entire mission. At the large transfer meetings, I find that I hardly know any missionaries in the mission, as I have not had as much opportunity to mingle with as much variety as most missionaries have. But at least I get to stay in Primary.
My new companion is Elder Johnston, personal details to come... He was trained by Elder Wood about a year ago and just came from being Elder Rutt's companion (Elder Rutt, who was my MTC companion). On a side note, Elder Rutt is now on cruches after partially ripping a tendon in his muscles. We don't know how that will end up... I really haven't had a chance to talk to Elder Johnston yet, but I know that he is very interested in what's going on in the mission. I will be a disappointment I'm sure, since I know nothing of the goings on about anything. I just stay in my Queen Creek corner not bothering anybody.
I have new goals for this transfer of increasing my personal study. I don't know what to do better, but I know I am lacking. I will be putting highest efforts into formulating the best possible plan of action. I am deciding now to be the kind of missionary I want to be. I have been out long enough to stop wishing, and start doing. Keep me in your prayers, I will need extra help.
I hope that fresh blood in the area will improve the work. Maybe a different approach is exactly what our investigators need to progress toward baptism. I have been praying long and hard for something to lift the spirits, and sincerely hope that it is right around the corner. In any case, I think this will be a great 6 weeks for me. I continue making progress, and know I can do anything the Lord needs me to.
I love you all. I pray for you, my family and friends. It is always good to hear news, and comforting to hear no bad news. Let me know what is happening anyways. Cecily and Tommy, be safe and smart as you head out for a new and exciting adventure. I love you. Take care everybody, and let others know that the Church is true.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
My new companion is Elder Johnston, personal details to come... He was trained by Elder Wood about a year ago and just came from being Elder Rutt's companion (Elder Rutt, who was my MTC companion). On a side note, Elder Rutt is now on cruches after partially ripping a tendon in his muscles. We don't know how that will end up... I really haven't had a chance to talk to Elder Johnston yet, but I know that he is very interested in what's going on in the mission. I will be a disappointment I'm sure, since I know nothing of the goings on about anything. I just stay in my Queen Creek corner not bothering anybody.
I have new goals for this transfer of increasing my personal study. I don't know what to do better, but I know I am lacking. I will be putting highest efforts into formulating the best possible plan of action. I am deciding now to be the kind of missionary I want to be. I have been out long enough to stop wishing, and start doing. Keep me in your prayers, I will need extra help.
I hope that fresh blood in the area will improve the work. Maybe a different approach is exactly what our investigators need to progress toward baptism. I have been praying long and hard for something to lift the spirits, and sincerely hope that it is right around the corner. In any case, I think this will be a great 6 weeks for me. I continue making progress, and know I can do anything the Lord needs me to.
I love you all. I pray for you, my family and friends. It is always good to hear news, and comforting to hear no bad news. Let me know what is happening anyways. Cecily and Tommy, be safe and smart as you head out for a new and exciting adventure. I love you. Take care everybody, and let others know that the Church is true.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
not a lot
Not a lot has happened this week. Elder Bull (my trainer who was transferred back into our Ward) and Elder Wood are both making final preparations to leave for home. The mission requires a lot of papers--letters to the President, forms, records, and other stuff--as well as interviews and special testimony meetings, temple trips, and the final night in the mission home. I think it makes ending your mission unecessarily tedious. I know there are good intentions in all of it, but maybe the mission office to be more considerate and just let missionaries be missionaries until the day they go home. Depending on when the BYU semester begins in Fall 2009, I might be lucky enough to leave two or three days early and miss a lot of the tedious business when my time comes to go home. In any case, I have a lot of time to think about all of that.
Dad, you especially will appreciate the humor that an investigator told me I should be a lawyer. It is interesting to think of the impression people get of missionaries in comparison to who the missionary actually is. For example, I was always under the impression that missionaries were perfect and never made mistakes and were completely obedient all the time. The tragedy is that this is not true. I am always saddened to hear stories of "apostate" missionaries who forget the purpose of their short time of service. I will never understand the selfishness behind these actions and hope I can keep myself and my companions far away from trouble.
We are making good progress with people. In fact, the investigator who thinks I should be a lawyer (a lady who moved from Mesa, so we received the referral from the Mesa missionaries) apparently had a lot more doubts than we had known. She opened up to us rather unexpectedly and has made a huge jump in the progress of her testimony. Her future daughter-in-law also explained a lot more clearly than ever before her hesitations to plan her wedding so that she can become baptized. The more people trust you, the more they will tell you what they need. God prepares the way, and I have no fear. I just wish other missionaries weren't so focused on achieving numbers rather than just working hard with what is given to you.
Rosalia, the blind convert, gave a talk in sacrament meeting on Sunday. That was rewarding. She shared her feelings on her first General Conference in the Church. She is an example to the ward, and a rapidly progressing new member. She, and her brother and sister-in-law asked Elder Wood and me to come by and visit, even though they don't live in our area. Brother Toledo, who was baptized a year ago, just receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and he is making preparations to go through the Temple. They invited me to go with them and accompany them in the temple for his first time. What a great family. They also explained, in great faith, how they are waiting for the approval of ex-spouses for all their children to be sealed in the temple. They have truly set examples to me in my life.
Well, take care. I love you all and miss you. I am doing well, and anticipating a new change coming this next week. I'm sorry I am so bad at writing. It is not because I don't want to. Missionaries are a lot more social than I ever would have expected, and it is impossible to focus to write enough letters. I miss you all, but not too much. Let the kids know I love them and think they are great. I love you all.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Dad, you especially will appreciate the humor that an investigator told me I should be a lawyer. It is interesting to think of the impression people get of missionaries in comparison to who the missionary actually is. For example, I was always under the impression that missionaries were perfect and never made mistakes and were completely obedient all the time. The tragedy is that this is not true. I am always saddened to hear stories of "apostate" missionaries who forget the purpose of their short time of service. I will never understand the selfishness behind these actions and hope I can keep myself and my companions far away from trouble.
We are making good progress with people. In fact, the investigator who thinks I should be a lawyer (a lady who moved from Mesa, so we received the referral from the Mesa missionaries) apparently had a lot more doubts than we had known. She opened up to us rather unexpectedly and has made a huge jump in the progress of her testimony. Her future daughter-in-law also explained a lot more clearly than ever before her hesitations to plan her wedding so that she can become baptized. The more people trust you, the more they will tell you what they need. God prepares the way, and I have no fear. I just wish other missionaries weren't so focused on achieving numbers rather than just working hard with what is given to you.
Rosalia, the blind convert, gave a talk in sacrament meeting on Sunday. That was rewarding. She shared her feelings on her first General Conference in the Church. She is an example to the ward, and a rapidly progressing new member. She, and her brother and sister-in-law asked Elder Wood and me to come by and visit, even though they don't live in our area. Brother Toledo, who was baptized a year ago, just receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and he is making preparations to go through the Temple. They invited me to go with them and accompany them in the temple for his first time. What a great family. They also explained, in great faith, how they are waiting for the approval of ex-spouses for all their children to be sealed in the temple. They have truly set examples to me in my life.
Well, take care. I love you all and miss you. I am doing well, and anticipating a new change coming this next week. I'm sorry I am so bad at writing. It is not because I don't want to. Missionaries are a lot more social than I ever would have expected, and it is impossible to focus to write enough letters. I miss you all, but not too much. Let the kids know I love them and think they are great. I love you all.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
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