Letter from Monday, December 29, 2008

Hello all!

Well, first off, it was so great talking to all of you on
Christmas! Christmas was a bit different here in Texas, but
I've already told you guys that on the phone. Thank you for
all of the gifts, and letters, etc. from all of you. I
really do appreciate it.

We spent quite a bit of time tracting this last week, but
didn't find too much in way of new investigators, but
that's ok. The work has been going really well this last
week. We have investigators that are getting super close
to baptism!

Well, other than that, not a whole lot has been going on,
so I'll tell you a little bit about our investigators.

Isabel Lozano(age 9), Belinda Lozano(age 11), and Victoria
Garcia (age 11)- The first two are sisters, and their dad
is good with then getting baptized. They've been coming to
church with their cousins (the Garcia kids) for several
months straight now. Don Lozano (the dad) has custody of
Victoria Garcia (his niece). They all have a baptismal
date for January 10th. The kids love us. At least someone
here in Texas does :)

Asusena, Yoshio, Gustavo - Well, Yoshio and Gustavo came to
church yesterday, but Asusena had work. We're working with
them for a baptismal date for January 24th. They want to be
baptized! Hooray!

Martha - Well, we're still working with Martha. I'm actually
going to go get my hair cut by her today (she owns a salon).
She came to church again yesterday! We're still trying to
meet with her about the Law of Chastity... She knows it's
wrong, but it'll just be a matter of getting her to do
something about it.

Well, I love you all. Time is short. Make the most of it.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Con amor,

Elder Meservy

Letter from Monday, December 22, 2008

Hello all!

First off, mom and dad, I'm glad to hear you traveled
safely home. It sounds like Paris was quite the trip.

I'm glad to hear people in the home ward haven't
forgotten about me yet :)

It sounds like the Christmas festivities have been well
underway, and a lot of fun. I've definitely missed that
this year.

I'm glad to heard there's a hermit crab with  my  name
now too... Thanks Michael! :)

I'm sorry to hear the Grandma Meservy fell. That's
really too bad! I hope she gets better soon.

The work moves forward. I've gotten discouraged and
homesick a bit this past week, but this too shall pass,
right mom? :)

Well, transfers were last Wednesday, Elder Sandberg got
moved, I got a new companion - Elder Brown. He's an
incredible missionary. He's actually back down in Texas
for the second time. The first time he was down here, he
found out he had a brain tumor, and had to go home and
get it operated on. He had to re-learn to walk, and to
talk, etc., but he's back out. We're working hard though!

Anyway, I'm still at the same place though, so I'll be
waiting loads of mail :)

I will try to call on Christmas at 5 our time...so 4
there, but may call just a little bit later to ensure
people get there.

We're working with some great people.

Asusena, Yoshio, Gustavo - I think I talked about them
in my last email. Yoshio is a member, but his mom and
brother aren't. They all came to church yesterday and
loved it. We have a baptismal date set with them for the
24th of January. Woohoo!

Belinda and Isabel - These are two younger kids. All of
their cousins are members, and they've been coming to
church for months now, so we just need to teach them,
and get permission from their parents for baptism.

Martha - We're still working with her, we're going to be
teaching her the Law of Chastity this week, so that
should be exciting. Hopefully that will go over well.

Well, I need to get going. I love you all and I'm excited
to talk to you on Christmas!

Speaking of calling, can you make sure there's money on
the calling card? Thanks!

Well, I love you all!

Merry Christmas!

Love,
Elder Meservy

Letter from Monday, December 15, 2008

Hello family!

It sounds like mom and dad have been having a great time
in Paris. The rain and cold definitely do sound miserable
however. I hope that you both travel home in safety.

It's been a decent week, nothing too exciting really,
but nothing terrible either.

Martha - We taught her the Word of Wisdom. She accepted
it very willingly, she says she doesn't feel ready for
baptism yet.... We're working on that. This week we'll
be teaching her the law of chastity, which should be
interesting, seeing as she has a live-in boyfriend.

Maria - We found Maria while looking for a referral we
had received. She let us talk to her, and teach her,
and we taught her with the senior couple in our area.
The lesson went well, and we extended a baptismal date
for the middle of January.

Ester - We taught the plan of salvation with her, and
with two of her two kids - Hope, and George. We're
still working on getting her to church. Her boy George
always colors something during the week, and sends it
home with us. We have a few of his pictures hanging on
our fridge.

Asusena, Yosio, Gustavo, and Nicolasa - Well, Yosio and
Gustavo are kids of Asusena. Yosio is 14 and was
baptized several years back, but has since been inactive.
The others had heard the missionaries in Mexico, but
felt they were being pushed to be baptized. However,
yesterday, we had a great lesson with Asusena, Yosio,
and Gustavo (Nicolasa wasn't there). Hermana Cantu (from
the ward) came with her kids, and helped us teach. We
committed Asusena, and Gustavo to baptismal dates for
the 24th of January.

Well, transfers are this week, but I'm pretty confident
that I'll be staying in the area, but who knows. I'll
find out late tomorrow night.

The work continues forward, obviously there are struggles,
but there must needs be opposition in all things.

I've been reading Jesus the Christ, and am at the point
of His betrayal. I've really drawn closer to my Savior. I
don't want to put the book down. Only a couple of hundred
pages left :)

The Christmas season is definitely a bit different down
here in Texas. Sometimes I miss home a lot, but I'm doing
well. I'm excited that I'm down here. Some lessons make
me never want to go home.

Well, the work moves forward.

I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers in my behalf.

Con amor,
Elder Meservy

Letter from Monday, December 8, 2008

Hello family and friends!

I'm glad that the photo came through. I was hoping it
would work.

Already a week into December. Time flies. It's definitely
crazy. I'm excited to hear that Grandma Meservy felt
comfortable enough to drive. That's exciting! Please
express my love to both of my grandmas.

Well. The work hasn't been as discouraging this week. Still
a bit of frustration, but not as bad as the week before.
I've been learning and growing so much here. I'm looking
forward to many more opportunities of growth.

We've found several new potential investigators. Some of
them that seem really good. There was one especially that
sticks out in my mind right now. So, we were looking for a
referral that we had received, and knocked their door. The
referral wasn't there, but her son answered the door. We
talked for a bit, and then before we left we asked if he
knew anyone in the area that would be interested in
learning more about our message. He referred us to a
neighbor across the street that had lost a son a few months
prior to a fatal shooting. We thanked him, and went to this
man's house.

As we were walking up the driveway, we noticed the man in
his car. We explained who we were and what we had come to
share. He gratefully let us into his home. We taught him
the Plan of Salvation. He wanted to learn more and invited
us back to share more. It was an incredible experience, and
I feel that because of my experiences with loved ones dying,
that I was able to offer some form of comfort, and to speak
from personal experience. The Lord knows His work, and what
He's doing. We are excited to continue teaching Him, and
bring the comfort that the gospel brings into His home.

The Christmas season is definitely fast approaching. It will
definitely be a different Christmas this year. Palm trees
decorated with lights,lights hung in random places in homes,
the Virgin Mary shrines all decorated, etc. etc.

I will be sending a package home here in the coming week.
It will have several things in it, and a list of what
things go where. I'm sending home some older things, some
which will be packed away, and a little something from my
mission for the family for Christmas. It probably won't do
you all much good, but it's a good example of what I see
around all the time :). The package will also have my SD
card, which will have pictures, and some videos, etc. After
you've pulled the pictures off, if you wouldn't mind sending
it back, that would be much appreciated.

Well, it's actually been surprisingly cold this last week.
The temperature is like 45 degrees, but with the humidity
as high as it is, it's a bone-chilling cold.

Anyway, I love you all! Thank you for all of your love,
support, and encouragement!

Con amor,
Elder Meservy

Campos Family Picture

“I'm going to try to include a picture of one of the families. It's the Campos family (They're members, and frequently have us over).”

Letter from Monday, December 1, 2008

Well, it sounds like things have been busy at home. Things
have certainly been busy here. It's been decent though.

Happy birthday yesterday dad! I thought of you throughout
the day, and hope you had a great day.

Congratulations to Dan and Laurie! Woohoo!

Congratulations to Monique on her mission call! That's
super exciting!  Woohoo! :) Good time to leave too :P

Well, Thanksgiving was pretty good here, we had three
Thanksgiving dinners. I'm going to try to include a picture
of one of the families. It's the Campos family (They're
members, and frequently have us over).

We had another frustrating/disappointing week. Oh well,
I guess that's part of the work. I'll give an update of
what's going on with our investigators.

Alejos and Esmerelda - Told us that they don't want to
keep listening.  That was frustrating, they said that it
would be fine if we went back when we're in the area.

Nora and Edgar - Well, apparantly Nora didn't want to get
married or baptized... We talked to Olvidio at church on
Sunday, and apparantly she left in the middle of the night
the other night with her kids, and he doesn't know where
they went. That too was frustrating.

Lydia - Still hasn't come to church, lessons fell through
this week.

Ester - Taught about the Book of Mormon. Committed to
coming to church...didn't come.

Griselda - Nothing new with her either. No appointment
this last week.  The work is long, but must go on. I enjoy
myself quite a bit, but it does get frustrating. I guess
that's how it goes.

I really do love all the support and love for me. I
couldn't do it without. I love hearing all about what's
going on at home, so, thank you mom for the blogs! It
was fun to hear.

P-days are the shortest days of the week I think :)

Con amor,
Elder Meservy

Letter from Monday, November 24, 2008

Hello again from Texas. It's been another week already...
...crazy!

Congratulations to Dan and Laurie! Next time I email,
they'll be married! Woohoo!

I was disappointed to hear Monique's call didn't come this
last week, I was hoping I'd be able to find out today. But,
next week for sure!  Woohoo!

I'm excited to hear that Joe's had the chance to go biking.
I haven't heard too much from him lately...what's going on
Joe?

Also, thanks mom for the updates from the kid's blogs. I
appreciated hearing about what's new there.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I'll miss being with you
all, but I'll get a few dinners here, so that makes up for
it! :)

That's super exciting that Bro. and Sis. Jesperson have
been called to preside over a Spanish-speaking mission.
I'm curious to see where they'll end up. Anything else new
in the home ward? Any mission calls or anything lately?

Well, things have been a little rough emotionally for me
this last week, there's been a lot of disappointment with
investigators, but I guess that's how this work goes. The
Lord definitely strengthens us, I've experienced that
without a doubt.

Well, now for the activities and such from this past week,
and the update on investigators.

Alejos and Esmerelda - Nothing new here, we haven't been
able to get ahold of them again yet. We're still working
on it.

Nora and Edgar - We met with her on Saturday, and it she
said she doesn't want to be baptized...however, she KNOWS
that this church is true, it's just a matter of resolving
doubts. Satan is definitely doing everything that he can
there...

Ivan - We set up an appointment to meet with him tonight.
I'll let you know on this next week.

Marta - Well, she came to a baptism on Saturday night, and
she felt the Spirit. We'll meet with her again Tuesday
night, and try to set up a more firm date as to when she'll
be prepared to be baptized.

Vanessa and Freddy - Well, nothing new this last week with
them. The appointments all fell through... Oh well, we'll
keep moving forward.

Lydia - Well, Lydia is making a lot of progress. We taught
her about the Plan of Salvation, and she really seemed to
understand. However, she didn't keep her commitment to
coming to church yesterday. She's getting closer though.

Ester and George - We taught these two a couple Saturdays
ago. George isn't too interested, but Ester and her kids
definitely are. We taught them on Saturday about the Plan
of Salvation. They seemed to understand it well. We asked
her how she felt about the message that we shared with her,
and she said something along the lines of, "I don't know
why, but I believe that this is true." It's definitely a
great experience to see the spirit touch people's lives.

Robert and Terry - Well, Terry was baptized when she was
8, but hasn't been active since. Robert is a truck driver.
His sister and brother-in-law are members, and have been
a great example to them. He says that his brother-in-law
drank alot more than him, and was a lot worse than he is,
and how he's changed his life around with the church.
However, he doesn't think that he can do it. We're going
to introduce him to a member in the ward here that had
the same story - truck driver, drank, etc. So, we'll see
how that goes.

Griselda - One day when we went to visit her, her kid was
sick, so we gave her a blessing. The next time we visited,
we were talking about how Christ established his church
upon the earth, and we showed her the picture of Christ
ordaining one of the apostles. She recognized that he
ordained his apostle by the laying on of hands, in the
same manner that we had given her daughter a blessing.

Well, I've decided I hate dogs here in Texas. Well, most.
They're everywhere. Mangy. Gross. Disgusting. Most look
like they shouldn't be alive. They seem to be on Satan's
side. Some won't let us even approach the door. The
worst is when we get up on the doorstep to knock a door,
and they come out from under the doorstep and start to
bark at us and try to bite us. Oh well. Yay for
frustrations with dogs! :)

Well, I love you all, and you're all in my prayers. Thank
you for all the prayers in my behalf.

The church is true.

Con amor, Elder Meservy

Letter from Monday, November 17, 2008

Well, it's already been another week here in Texas! Time is
flying bye. I did talk with President Miller about grandpa
and grandma Moulton. He remembers them. My bike did arrive,
but it's still being put back together, so, I'll have it
shortly.

My companion, Elder Sandberg, is great. We get along really
well. He's from Heather Ridge in Orem. (up by the old
Novell buildings).  Well, I'll walk you all through an
average day in the life as a missionary in the Weslaco
North area:
6:30 - Exercise for half an hour.
7-8 - Eat breakfast, shower, and get ready for the day.
8-9 - Personal Study, half of which I spend studying the
 Book of Mormon, and the other half I spend in Preach My
 Gospel.
9-10 - Companionship study, this is typically used to
 prepare our lesson outlines for the lessons we'll be
 teaching throughout the day.
10-11 -Spanish Study. Lately for Spanish study I've been
 reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish, and learning new
 vocabulary from it.
11-1 - Lessons or tracting.
1-2  - Lunch.
2-9 - Lessons, or tracting.
9-9:40 - Planning.
9:40-10:30 - Preparation for the next day, and for bed.
10:30 - Bed time.

There you have it. That's my life pretty much day in and
day out.

I have 45 minutes for emailing each week.

Texas is definitely a flat place. I miss the mountains, and
it's hard to get my bearings of which way is north, but oh
well. It's dry, hot,and humid, but that's ok. It's actually
cooled down the last few days quite a bit.

I'm excited that Monique's papers are ready to assign. I'm
looking forward to seeing where she gets called, and I'm
sorry to hear that she's been sick, my thoughts and prayers
are with her....(surprise?):)

Well, it sounds like BYU's been doing well, it sounds like
if we beat Utah this Saturday, that we still have a chance
for a BCS game. Hooray!

I can't believe Dan and Laurie's wedding is only a week and
a half away! That's so exciting! Where's my invitation?
...not that I'd be able to come or anything...

Happy birthday to Charlene this week, and happy birthday
to Abbie lastweek.

I was excited to hear that Jon and Abbie sang a duet for
the Primary Program. I just wish that I could've been
there to hear it.

One of the things I miss most here on the mission is not
being able to gather together with the family for Sunday
dinners. I've definitely missed the grandkids. Tell them
all hi from Uncle John.

Well, I'll give some updates now on some of our
investigators, and some new ones, etc.

Alejos and Esmerelda - Well, not much is new here with them.
We went to teach them on Friday, and we watched Finding
Faith in Christ with them. It went well, but afterwards,
we were talking with them and Esmerelda brought up the
fact that Alejos was drinking while we were watching
it. He got frustrated, and went and drank some more. We're
really concerned, but we'll meet with them again later
tonight. We're planning on talking to them about the
Proclamation to the World.

Nora and Edgar - Well, we're still waiting for Nora and
Olvidio to get married. Not much news here. We're still
hoping that they'll be able to get baptized this month.

Ivan - Well, we haven't been able to set up an
appointment with Ivan again yet. We found out that he's
in McAllen through this coming week, so when he gets back,
we'll set up an appointment with him.

Marta - Marta has been an investigator since about May,
but we're making alot of progress with her. We had a
lesson with her this last week,and she prayed while we
were there if the Book of Mormon was true. The Spirit was
there, and confirmed to us, and to her, that what we
brought before her was the truth. We're working towards
a December baptismal date with her.

Vanessa and Freddy - These two live right next to
Alejos and Esmerelda. The way we met them was while we
were watching Finding Faith in Christ with Alejos and
Esmerelda, their music was turned up really loud. So,
Elder Sandberg and I knocked and asked them to turn it
down. They politely obliged, and we set up a return
appointment. We came back the next day to teach them,
and found out that neither is very religious, so we
taught them how to pray. He offered the first prayer of
his lifetime while we were there. It was simple, and
somewhat difficult for him, but the spirit was there, and
they agreed to be baptized as they learn more.

Carlos - Carlos is a 71 year old man. He's a recent
convert to the church. We taught a lesson about
pornography because he had some inappropriate things in
his house. He allowed us to take them and throw them
away. I don't think he realized that it was as bad as it
was. He really is a great man, and really funny.

Well, my time is about up. I love you all, and appreciate
the letters and emails.

Elder Meservy

First Letter from Texas (November 10, 2008)

Wow. Well! I'm here in Texas! It's crazy! As you can tell,
my P-day is on Monday. Definitely more humid here than
Utah. Alright, well, I'll get to the things you all are
probably most interested in hearing about first. I'm in
Weslaco North, which covers the northern part of Weslaco,
up to Hargill, parts of Donna, to parts of Mercedez. We've
got a huge area, but it's good. My address is 608 E.
Sugarcane Rd. Apt. D Weslaco,TX 78596 - I expect letters
from all of you! :)

Well, when I got here, all of the new missionaries met at
President and Sister Miller's home. We had a wonderful
dinner, and had interviews with President Miller, found
out where we were going, and who our companions were. We
talked a little bit about the mission, and then we went to
sleep at the Assistants to the President's Place.

The next morning we had breakfast at President and Sister
Miller's, and then went to the church for transfers. I
then met my companion, Elder Sandberg (he's from Orem,
apparently he graduated from Timpanogos '06),and we were
off to our area.

We're in a car usually, but it's a mix between a bike and
car. We'll be using bikes quite a bit in our area, but
usually it's the car (which I'm not complaining about).  We
went and did service for Sister Lopez in the ward (We
helped clean out a huge truck full of metal). We went
around that day tracting, and visiting members and
investigators. We've got all types of people here,there's
many who live in trailer parks surrounded near garbage and
stuff, and there's some that live in really good living
conditions.

Right now we're working with several people. I'll kind of
go through,and give you backgrounds on what's going on
with each.

Alejos and Esmerelda - Well, these two are looking for a
true church. However, they're also meeting with the
Jehovah's Witnesses, so they're getting more confused.
We've set a baptismal date, but in order for that to
happen, they neet to come to church, and continue with
their commitments.

Nora and Edgar - Well, Nora is Edgar's mom. Her boyfriend
(Olvidio) has been a member since 1995. However, they need
to get married before she can get baptized. As soon as she
and Olvidio get married, she'll be able to get baptized.
She knows it's true, and they're trying to figure out a
wedding date.

Ivan- Ivan is an 18 year old kid that feels the spirit
very strongly as we teach. However, he's hard to keep a
set appointment with because he always forgets about them.
We're working hard on getting him to church.

Well, for church here, there are two wards, an English
ward, and a Spanish ward. Our work is about 60/40 Spanish
to English ratio. So, for church, we have the Spanish
ward at 9, and the English ward at 1. So, during church,
we go on companionship exchanges. I went with another
Elder during the Spanish ward and went to work. We
switched for the English ward. I met Bro. Weese (the one
that I met on Cougarboard who lives in my mission), and
also his wife (Dad's best friend's sister).

The mission is great. The first couple days were pretty
hard, but I feel like now I've actually gotten into the
work.

If you all have more specific questions, feel free to ask,
and I will respond.

Congrats to Julia and Brian on the new addition to their
family. (Thanks, mom, for the pictures.)

Dan and Laurie - I expect an announcement in the mail.
I'm starting to be able to understand more and more
Spanish, and I'm doing my best to speak it. With time,
it will come.

Well, I love you all, and wish you all the best. You are
all in my prayers!

Con amor, Elder Meservy

Letter from October 31, 2008

Mom’s note—John leaves on Tuesday, 4 November, not Wednesday, 5 November.

31 October 2008

Hi family!

Well, this is my last Preparation Day in the MTC! My, how time flies here!

This last Tuesday we had the opportunity to hear from Elder L. Tom Perry. I think I was quite fortunate to hear from 3 people from the first presidency and quorum of the twelve apostles while I was here. The first week we heard from President Uchtdorf, a few weeks back we heard from Elder Scott, and then Tuesday we heard from Elder Perry. How blessed we are to have prophets on the earth today to lead and guide the church!

Well, on Sunday, Elder Utley and I went to the Referral Center. While we were there I received a call. I answered the phone, and the man on the other line started ripping into the church, and talking about how he had had a vision too, etc. I bore testimony as strong as I ever have in my life. I was overcome with the spirit, and knew, without a doubt, that this church is true. Even now, as I think back to the experience, I feel the spirit in abundance. The best thing we can do when people have doubts or make fun of our church is to stand up bold, and testify. That's really all that can be done. It was pretty amazing, I felt like Abinadi testifying before King Noah of the things he knew. I actually just read about that account the other day, and found out how much I really admire and love Abinadi.

Anyway, the work moves forward. I love you all!

Happy Halloween! I'm sad I missed the party, but that's alright, I had more important things to do.

Thank you for all of your support.

Les amo!

Con amor,

Elder Meservy

Letter to Mom on Friday, October 24, 2008

24 Oct 2008

Hi mom!

I'm glad to hear you still miss me :). Is my picture still on the wall? :) I'm not able to view attachments here, so I couldn't see your talk, or the picture you sent of Monique in the name tag, however, I am curious to see both, so if you could send those, that would be great.

Yeah, it was fun to teach Brother Chase. I run into more and more people everyday it seems.

Well, on Sunday I had the opportunity to accompany Sister Keller, and Sister Kenney on a song for Relief Society. It was definitely a good experience. Also, this Sunday, I'm going to be accompanying someone else in our zone with their musical number for the new missionaries. It's been a great opportunity to play the piano still.

Well, flight plans are supposed to come today, but they weren't in the mail as of yet, I'm hoping they're still on their way today, I'll be sure to email again later if they are.

Well, this week, Elder Utley and I taught the 2nd lesson in Spanish for the first time. It went pretty well, still have a bit of work still on it, but overall, not too bad. We're talking most days completely in Spanish, and class is completely in Spanish now. 1 1/2 weeks! It's starting to feel real, and that I'm actually going to be in Texas soon.

Well, yesterday, playing volleyball, I rolled my other ankle, what luck. Oh well, this one isn't as bad, it's a little swollen, but with time it'll heal.

I'm probably going to have Sister Kummer (the one that called you) drop off letters to the house. These are some of the older letters that would just add weight to my luggage.

Well, I'm officially down 10 pounds. I'm hoping to lose another 3 or so in the next week and a half. It's been super nice to get the daily exercise.

Thank you for the family picture, it's been really nice to have.

Life has been great here at the MTC. I've had some really great personal study sessions. I have learned a lot, and am super excited to keep learning more. It's definitely something that I'll miss once I get to the field, but it will be good to teach the people of Texas .

Well, I'm going to save some time for later if the flight plans do come today, so I can email you more later. Also, I need the calling card information so I can call if that's alright. (I'm assuming that's the best way to do it).

Well, I'm doing well, and I love this opportunity that I have. I pray for you all nightly. May the Lord bless you all.

Con amor,

Elder Meservy

PS I have my flight plans now, I'm going to write a snail mail letter home as well, to make sure you get it. I'm sorry to hear you hadn't gotten this. I sent it quite a while ago.

Flight plans are as follows.

LV: Salt Lake City 8:20 AM

AR: Dallas/Ft. Worth 12:05 PM

LV: Dallas/Ft. Worth 3:35 PM

AR: McAllen 5:10 PM

I have a couple-hour layover it looks like, so either before my first flight to Dallas , or during my layover I'll be able to call for a bit. I love you guys so much!

Letter from October 17, 2008

17 October 2008
Friday

Well, another week has come and gone! Crazy. It's amazing how fast time goes! The days truly do feel like weeks, and the weeks pass like days. Well, next Friday I should get my flight plans! Woohoo! I'll be sure to let you all know, so you can know when to expect the phone call. Also, on that note, I'll probably need the calling card information.

Yeah, I did run into one of my former high school teachers. I was quite surprised! She offered to drop stuff off at home if I need anything left behind. I may have her drop off some of the older letters, not sure yet.

I haven't gotten the family picture as of yet, however, I'm hoping to get that in the mail later this afternoon (I assume that it will be in it).

Monday I spent the day in bed with a pretty bad cold. I made it downstairs twice during the day so that Elder Utley could get food from the vending machine. As of now, I still am feeling a little sluggish, but with time that will pass.

On Tuesday, we got to hear from Elder Richard G. Scott. After his talk, we had the opportunity to shake his hand. How incredible is it that we have a prophet and apostles on the earth today! It was quite the experience for me.

This last week I had another good experience in the Referral Center. It has definitely been nice to have that opportunity to teach the gospel.

I appreciate the prayers for me. They've definitely been a strength to me, and it's something I always look forward to.

The work is hard, but will go on. I have grown so much even in the short time that I've been out thus far. I'm definitely looking forward to getting out into the field!

I've been keeping busy here. It will be nice not to be sitting in the classroom for hours on end, but at this point, it's still necessary for my learning. I have had some really good times with my studying. I've learned so much from my study times. I can't believe how well I know the language! Obviously there's a lot of room for improvement, but it's coming along pretty well.

Well, in our zone, we are now the second oldest district. The one that is in front of us leaves the week before we do. There are 3 zones younger than us (as of Wednesday). I feel like it was so long ago that we were the new ones, but how quickly time goes.

I've been playing a lot of volleyball this last week. That is always fun. I've realized that I don't think I've felt this good in my life. Obviously it's hard, but it's amazing being in "the service of your fellow beings." God is watching out for me. I am grateful for all the love and support.

Well, my time is about up on the computer. I love you all, and thank you so much for your support and letters!

Love, Elder Meservy

Letter from October 10, 2008

10 October 2008

Hello family!

I'm excited to hear that you all saw me at Priesthood Session! It was definitely a memorable experience, and something I won't soon forget.

It sounds like things are going well at home. It's definitely getting cold, we went to the temple at 6:15 this morning, and it was definitely the coldest it's been in a long time!

I certainly missed being with the family for Conference Festivities, but, such is life. It was definitely quite the experience here in the MTC.

Mom- Your letter was fine! It was good to hear about what's been going on, it sounds like things are still busy for you all. What type of decorations are you working on for the wedding?

Well, last night in the Referral Center I had several more opportunities to share the gospel. I taught the first lesson over the phone a few times yesterday, and committed two people to read 3 Nephi 11, and then do as Moroni directs. One of the ladies I was talking to was running short on time, so she said to make sure that someone calls back today.

Well, the biggest news probably from this week is that on Wednesday we taught the first lesson in Spanish. It was very simple, but the spirit was definitely present. My brain keeps getting overloaded with Spanish, but that's the way it should be, I suppose. It's interesting, I have things memorized in Spanish that I'm not even close to knowing right in English. For example I have the First Vision down really well in Spanish, as well as My Purpose as a missionary. This week we're memorizing James 1:5. I can't wait to get out into the field, but alas, I still have another 3 1/2 - 4 weeks. Oh well.

It was crazy going up to the conference center Saturday. Driving past all the places I used to go all the time, but it was certainly nice to be away, even for that short time. But now I'm back into the swing of things here. The work keeps moving forward. You are all constantly in my prayers, and I appreciate the love, support, and letters.

One last thing, I'd encourage you all to re-read the sister's talk from Saturday morning's conference about missionary work...especially the part about sending letters ;). A cheer went up through the MTC when she said that. Anyway, my time is about up. I love you all, and thank you for the support.

Con amor,

Elder Meservy

Friday, October 3, 2008 Letter

Hello all!

This week has been great. I'm so glad my car passed!
Woohoo! Thank you so much for sending those things, and
for including my priesthood line of authority in this
letter.

Yeah, it will be the Priesthood Session of conference
that I'm singing in. So, sorry mom! :) Although it has
been a lot of fun to sing under the direction of
President Brenchley.

I'm glad to hear that you two rode up the canyon on
your bikes. I've been getting some really good exercise
here in the MTC. I'm down 7 pounds from when I entered.
Eating smart and exercising is the way to go! :)

Steve's last name is Cazier, however, he is now in the
MTC, so you can just pack that away with my stuff and
I'll get it to him when I get back.

Well, I'm 1/24 of the way through the mission. Crazy.
And, I'm 1/12 if you go by fast sundays! Crazy thought.

It will be weird not being around home for Priesthood
Session(or Conference in general for that matter). Tell
all the grandkids that I say hi. I know what a fun
activity would be for them while they're all down there...
Force them all to write me letters :) Oh, and I'm
calling Dave and Stacey, Charlene and Nathan, and Julia
and Brian all to repentance (they still have not
contacted me).

Mom, if you wouldn't mind sending me a list of family
addresses as well, that would be fantastic. Thanks!

Well, this past week has been fantastic! I've had a few
rough days, but the work moves forward. I've felt closer
to the Lord these last few days then I think I ever have
before, and that has been remarkable. I've loved it!

Last night I went to the Referral Center again, and had
the opportunity to call people to see if they received
the items that they had ordered. Well, one lady I had
talked to was in her mid 30's, and apparantly had a
couple daughters, and she was trying to be a better
example for them and was looking for a good religion
to join. I taught the first lesson, from Preach My
Gospel, over the phone to her. I also talked to her
about how her family can be together forever. She's
going to be meeting with the missionaries this next
week. How grateful I am for the opportunity to share
the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's
amazing how strong the Spirit is even when you're
testifying over the phone with someone.

This morning I had the opportunity to go the temple. It
always brightens my day. So, for those of you that
haven't gone in a while, I would urge you to go again. I
know that as you go, you will receive an added measure of
the spirit, and that you can and will receive answers to
any questions that you may have, for it truly is the
House of the Lord.

I am grateful for all the prayers that are said on my
behalf, please continue to do so, it really is a
strength to me.

I love you all.

~Elder John H. Meservy
(p.s. I'm at my halfway point in the MTC! Hooray! I can't
wait to get to Texas!)

Friday, September 26, 2008

Mom and Dad, and family!-

The big news this week is that I was selected as one of
364 missionaries that get to go sing at the conference
center for priesthood session.  So all the Priesthood
holders that read this, look for me! :)(I get to leave the
MTC in just over a week! Woohoo!

Life is moving forward well here at the MTC. I continue to
learn and to grow. The Spanish keeps coming. I am grateful
for the opportunity that I have to serve, and am
appreciative of all the prayers for me.

On Wednesday my companion and I taught the second lesson
in Preach My Gospel. Even though it was just a mock
lesson,the spirit was in abundance. Also, yesterday at
the referral center, I had the opportunity to talk to a
man in Brooklyn, and teach him the first lesson over the
phone.  A copy of the Book of Mormon is heading his way.
It's amazing to talk to others who don't know about the
message of the Restoration. How blessed we are to know of
the truth! I am grateful to be a part of this marvelous
work. It is quite the blessing to me.

It sounds like things are certainly busy at home. I'm
glad to heard things are going ok with Julia. I keep
the family in my prayers. I've loved the opportunity that
I've had to be here in the MTC, but it will be nice to
get out into the field.

My ankle is feeling fantastic, I've been playing ball
again, and actually losing a little bit of weight. I'm
watching what I eat here, I can definitely see why
people gain alot of weight in the MTC.

I've loved my teachers here in the MTC, they've
definitely had a lot of good stories and a good way with
teaching us.

I am very well organized here in the MTC, I have
separate binders for each of the lessons in Preach My
Gospel, and separate tabs for each of the principles of
the lessons with a whole lot of information, like; key
points,scriptures,quotes, other resources, analogies,
personal experiences, questions, and commitments. Being
organized is definitely nice. I've loved the structured
time here.

My time is about up, so I'm going to send this. I love
you all and keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Con amo,
Elder Meservy

Sept. 19, 2008

9/19/2008

Well, I'm in the process of doing my laundry right now, so I have time for a quick note. This last week has been great at the MTC. Our whole district sang in the MTC choir this last week. We sang "This is the Christ." It was fun on Tuesday to see President Brenchley conducting. I went up and talked to him for a few minutes and told him to give you my love.

Things are moving forward here at the MTC. This morning we went to the temple. I definitely felt the spirit strongly throughout the duration of the time I was there. They prayed for the missionaries and I could definitely feel the love surrounding me. I am grateful to all of you for your support and for your prayers. It's been a strength to me to know that I am in your prayers.

It sounds like things are moving along well at home. I am doing SO well here. It's already been a great experience, and I've already learned and grown a lot even in the 2 1/2 weeks that I've been here.

I've had quite a bit of a cold this last week, but am pretty much over it now. Tuesday, while playing basketball, I sprained my ankle. The swelling is pretty much down now. I've been doing some physical therapy on it the last few days, and that has definitely helped it out a lot.

On Wednesday we taught the first lesson in the Teaching Evaluation center. Even though it was a practice, the Spirit testified strongly of the truthfulness of the message. Even as I write, I feel the Spirit testifying that what I'm saying right now is true.

Yesterday we went to the Referral Center (Where people call in to get their free copies of the Book of Mormon, or videos, etc). I talked with one girl who I invited to have the missionaries come over and to share more of the message with her. She agreed to have the missionaries over. It was awesome to have that experience, I actually felt like I was doing missionary work. I can't wait to be talking to people all the time that don't know about the truthfulness of the gospel, and teaching them.

Well, time is short, so I must be going. I love you all and keep you all in my prayers.

Sept. 10 & 12

9-10-2008

Dear Family,

The work moves forward here at the MTC. The Spanish keeps getting easier and easier. I feel like I know so much, however, I know that there’s still a long way to go.

I love my district; we all get along so well! We're all very unique individuals, but we enjoy each other.

Well, yesterday for our Tuesday night devotional, President Uchtdorf spoke to us, as did his wife. I have several pages of notes from it. Most notable was the apostolic blessing that he gave to us; that those praying for us, and those we’re praying for would be strengthened and uplifted because of our service. It was so powerful.

I have seen so many people here that I know, or that know our family. Clyde Wilkinson is the 1^st counselor in our branch presidency (apparently he lived in the Sharon Stake). Other people I have seen while I’ve been here: 83^rd ward friends—Sister Deborah Weiss, Sister Sharley Holmes, Sister Angela Rideout, Brother Jonathan Miles. From the fifth ward, Sister Chrissy Keller, and Sister Melanie Kenney. I have also seen four kids that I hadn’t seen since junior high.

We just finished doing some cleaning.

9-12-08

Sorry I haven’t sent this yet, just realized it. Today’s p-day so I’ll be sending this home.

Oh, we’re no longer the new elders here. Yay!

I hope all is well!

Love, John H. Meservy

September 6th Letter

9/6/08

Family,

Things are going super well! I am so excited for this opportunity! Yesterday morning was rough, but things are going a lot better now.

How is grandma’s basement now? Thank you all for you prayers, love and support. I can feel it. I have grown so much in the few days that I have been here. The Lord blesses us! It was fun to have the printouts of the blogs. I’m still awaiting letters from all the siblings though.

The Spanish is coming so well! We’ve now learned how to pray, testify, and introduce ourselves as missionaries in Spanish. I know there’s no way I could do this by myself though. I have definitely been blessed in my study. The days are so structured and I love it. Who’d have thought?

Oh, so, family, I just remembered an easy and free way to get me letter is dearelder.com. FREE same-day MTC delivery, but if you do that, be sure to give me a return address.

I want to share a very spiritual experience that happened for me. So, on Thursday, as I said, I was having a rough day, so I told the other elders in my district about my depression—not sure why. Well, this afternoon, one of the elders in my district asked me if he could talk to me. We talked, and he brought up his concern with depression, and that he thought he might have it. We talked, and tonight we’ll give him a blessing, he said that that had helped him a lot (to be able to talk to someone about it). I shared with him a piece from my patriarchal blessing about bringing hope to the missionaries with whom I serve. He said that I had definitely brought hope back into him. It’s amazing how the Lord prepares things well before they happen. I was just thinking that if I hadn’t gotten depression and help years ago, that I wouldn’t have been able to offer the help and support and bring that hope that I was able to.

Again, things are going really well. I love you all.

The gospel is true. God loves you.

Love, Elder Meservy

P.S. I found out there’s another Elder Meservy that entered the MTC the same day I did. He’s from Corona, California. Any idea which family he’s from and how we’re related? Thanks!

1st Letter from Elder John Meservy

9/3/08

Dear Family,

I am doing pretty well, actually. I just met my companion—Elder Utley, and he seems awesome. My stuff is all unpacked, and I am officially moved in.

I just found out my companion is a computer nerd—should help me feel at home.

Things are definitely going well. I know that I have been and will be blessed as I dedicate myself to the work.

Just a quick reminder, I need a (I believe) 5x7 picture of the family.

My mission address is:

Elder John Heber Meservy

MTC Mailbox #299

TX-MCAL 1105

2005 No. 900 East

Provo, Utah 84604-1793

Well, I have some more stuff that I’m needing to take care of. I love you all, and you’re in my thoughts and prayers. I don’t know when my p-day is, so when I find out I’ll let you know. (Could someone maybe type this up and send it to Lydia to put on the blog?) Thanks! I love you all.

The Church is true. God loves you.

Love, Elder Meservy

Mission Prep - 6 days and counting...

Wow... Six days. The days are FLYING past! I've been busy getting everything ready to go. I still need to go shopping for the rest of my clothing, but I've gotten quite a few things done on my Pre-Mission 'to do' list (written up by mom) this past week. My car is listed on KSL classifieds now, I've been continually cleaning my room (for the past three or four months...sorry mom...I'll get on that), I cleaned off my shelf in the hallway to the garage, I extended my driver's license, got my bike in for a tune-up, etc. However, I do still have quite a bit to do yet... Oh well, all I can do is keep pushing forward with it.
I am definitely excited for the opportunity that I have, but I am very nervous to say the least, but I know that as I do those things which I'm supposed to do, and follow the mission rules that I will be supported, strengthened, and blessed so that I can serve to the fullest of my capabilities. I can't wait for the MTC, but moreso for the mission field.
One of my favorite scriptures as of late has been Doctrine and Covenants 128:22. "Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!"
"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?"
I love you all, and appreciate all of your support through the years. The gospel is true. God loves you.

Farewell, Mission Preparation, etc.

I figure that it's probably about time for me to update this, especially seeing as how I don't have too much longer that I can update this before I leave. I'll have to have someone else do it for me once I'm on my mission.
Well, one of my best friends went through the temple on Tuesday. That was a great experience. There is SUCH joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm always beaming after going through the temple.
On Saturday I had the opportunity to see a couple close friends get married in the temple. What an incredible experience. I am looking forward to the day when I can take a clean, lovely woman with me to the House of the Lord.
Well, yesterday I spoke in both the BYU 83rd ward and also my home ward (the Sharon 5th ward). I spoke on baptism by immersion, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Overall I thought that it went really well. A lot of my friends came to support me, and it was fun seeing a lot of my high school friends again. I even had a friend come that I hadn't seen since elementary days.
After Sacrament meeting, we convened at my house for food and interacting. How grateful I am to have such wonderful friends that are striving to do what is right. They have been a blessing in my life. So, to those of you reading this blog, thank you.
I am also so incredibly grateful for my family. They are so good to me. I want to share my life with them through all eternity. The gospel allows this to happen.
The gospel is true. God loves you.

PS - My cousin James just got called to the Texas, McAllen mission as well! We could be companions! I'm stoked.

The House of the Lord

Well, yesterday I had the opportunity to go through the temple. What a remarkable experience. The spirit I felt the whole time was incredible, and I felt brighter and was told I looked brighter later on that evening as well. I'm definitely going to keep trying to increase the brightness.
Being with all of my family in the temple is something that I will never forget; and being the youngest of nine children, six of whom are married, it is quite amazing that we have all remained faithful and were able to go through together.
After going through the temple, all of my family (minus a sister and her husband) went to eat at Crown Burger. It was pretty good, but I had heard A LOT of talk about it, and I was a little let down, but overall, excellent!
For those of you who have gone through the temple, I encourage you to remain faithful to those covenants. For those of you have have not gone through the temple - Make the necessary course corrections NOW. Continue to prepare yourself for that sacred day that you go through. Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance! Alma 34:33-35 As President Uchtdorf's talk (A Matter of a Few Degrees) from the last general conference mentions; minute errors can and will result in larger problems later on if the necessary corrections are not made. It will be faster and a lot easier if you take care of them before they develop into something larger. However, if you have let it get to the point where it's going to require major course corrections, there IS hope. Decide now to make those course corrections. The Lord has provided a way for this to be done. I testify of the reality and the power of atonement. I have seen it work miracles in my life and in the lives of so many whom I love and care about. I promise that as you decide this and confess before the Lord and trust Him with your problems (and with your bishop if needs be), that you WILL overcome your problems, you WILL feel His love for you, and He WILL be there to help you out. I so testify in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.

Temple, Scripture Study, Patriarchal Blessings, Priesthood blessings

Well, I have the sacred opportunity to go through the temple later today. I am looking forward to having all of my brothers and sisters there and their spouses.
I don't know quite what to expect, but I do know that it will be a blessing to me as I make and keep new covenants with the Lord.
Shortly after I got my mission call, I went to the distribution center and got a Book of Mormon in Spanish, and then went and bought a Spanish dictionary and verb book. I have been reading through it and consulting the dictionary and verb book quite frequently, but I am learning more.
I just got done having lunch with Grandma Meservy. We were talking about patriarchal blessings, and she had me read hers. It was quite touching. I have a lot of love for both of my grandmas. After reading hers I read mine to her. It was a special experience, and one I treasure quite highly. It is definitely something that I will remember.
Well, I gave my first priesthood blessing this last week, and had the opportunity to give another one last night. What a remarkable experience. I know that the words which came from my mouth were not my own. I now have a better understanding of what Doctrine and Covenants 84:85 speaks of.
I am so very grateful for the opportunity that I have to hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, and I pray that I might honor that sacred privilege and responsibility, that I might be a blessing and a strength to those with whom I come in contact with. I say these things in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Mission Call

I received my mission call to Texas, McAllen. I enter the MTC on the 3rd of September. I will learn the Spanish language. I actually know a couple of close friends that served in this same mission. One which got back just two weeks ago. It sounds like it's about half Spanish, and half English speaking, depending on the area that you get called to.

My parents just got back from a vacation to Guatemala, and today when they got home, I showed them the call and the packet that came with it. Well, my mom tells me, "I grew up with your mission president." "What? No way!" Apparantly his family was in the Val Verda 2nd ward (in Bountiful) as well. Crazy stuff! So, I called and told my Grandma Moulton, my mom's mom, to tell her what I just found out. She thought that was something and told me some stories about their family. It will be interesting to talk to him about the Val Verda 4th of July band. I'll have to bring pictures...

Anyway, I'm excited for the opportunity and blessing that I have to serve as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know that this church is true, that God lives, and that as strive to return to Him, that we will find more happiness in this life than we ever thought possible. I know that God loves each and every one of his children, and wants us all to return unto Him. I say this, humbly, in the name of our Lord, our Savior, and our Redeemer, even Jesus Christ, amen.