23 September 2010

Well, I figure that it's probably time to update this blog. I am now home and adjusting to life. It's been a lot of fun. For those that knew of the situation of the girl I was dating before the mission,we're back together, and I'm very excited about that. This Sunday is my homecoming talk, which I'm very excited about as well.
I miss being on the mission so much, but I'm excited to get back to school and work, and all that again.

Monday, September 6th

Hello family!

Well, this is my last email home from the mission! It's been an amazing two years. It's been ridiculously hard, but I've learned so much, and have grown a ton. I can't believe it's come to an end so fast.

I love you all so much, and am so excited to see you all again. Tomorrow I go down to the mission home, and then we fly out on Wednesday.

So, P-day today should be good. The Villareal and Reina families are going to be feeding us which is great (they're recent converts in my old area. It will be so sad to leave, but I'll be able to keep in contact with them, which is great. Well, I love you all. Thank you for all of your prayers and support on the mission. This is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. He lives, and He loves us.

I love you all.

Love,
Elder John H. Meservy
(that's the last time you'll be seeing that...)

Monday, August 30th

Well, this may be my last week emailing, seeing as next week is a holiday, I'm not sure if the places will be open to email.

Well, this week went great for the most part. We had a LOT of member-present lessons, and a lot of new investigators. There's one family that we've been working with that we're extremely excited about. Last week the two boys came. This week, their mom, little sisters, and their little sister's friend came. Next week, the dad should be coming (he had work yesterday, so he couldn't make it). Unfortunately, I won't be here to see them get baptized, but they're a great family that really is trying to do the best that they can.

This letter home this week is probably going to be really short. I really don't have a lot to say.
This really is the true church of Jesus Christ. Through His atoning blood, and in no other way, can we be cleansed from sin. As we are obedient to the gospel, and we do everything that we can to follow Him, we find true happiness. I am grateful for this opportunity that I've had to represent Him. He is the way to salvation. There is no greater work in this world.

Love,
Elder John H. Meservy

Monday, August 23rd

Hello once again. This has been a really stressful week for me. I'm working as hard as I possibly can. We've seen a lot of miracles this week. I guess I'll talk about just a couple of them. The first one is about the kid that got baptized last week. We didn't have any contact with him throughout all of last week, and he had moved down to Zapata, but we had been praying and fasting for him to come to church so that he could get confirmed. Well, yesterday he showed up 15 minutes before church, and he told us how he's going to be coming up every weekend to Laredo so that he can keep coming to church. God does hear and answer our prayers.

Another miracle we saw was yesterday night. We were out tracting, and we knocked this door. Well, a man answered the door holding his newborn baby in his arms. Well, he told us that they'd love to talk with us, but that the wife was asleep, and that we should come back in an hour.
We came back an hour later, and we knocked the door. This time the wife answered. She told us her husband just went to the store and asked if we wanted to come in. We told her we couldn't come in without a man, and we set an appointment for tonight. Then she started telling us about how she wants to get her baby blessed. We automatically assumed that she meant to get her baptized. Then she was asking if it was the first Sunday of the month that they do baby blessings. At this point we thought there must be something else going on. We asked if she was a member. She told us she wasn't, but her grandma (who lives in our area) is. Her grandma is active, and loves to feed the missionaries. We're really excited to work with them.

The theme for our companionship has been all about miracles for the last while. We love Moroni 7. "Has the day of miracles ceased?" No. They haven't! How grateful I am to know that God still works miracles.

I love you all so very much. I hope that things continue going well at home.

Love,
Elder John H. Meservy

Monday, August 17th

Wow. The weeks keep rolling on by. I'm enjoying my new area. It's been a lot of stress, but it's good. I'm excited to be able to work with these missionaries. It's been a crazy week. We had a baptism this last Saturday. The first time that I met the kid was at his baptism. He was really excited about his baptism, and he's very solid. I'll try to get a picture to ya'll next week. It's not wanting to work right now. Anyway, things are looking up for us here. We set 4 new baptismal dates this last week. We've found some great people. I'm really sad that I won't be here to see them get baptized, but that's alright. I'll do whatever I can do help build up the work here.
I really don't have a whole lot to say. Things really go about the same every week here. One thing I'll say, it certainly is nice to be in a car. It was the hottest week this year, and it's supposed to be even hotter this week.

Yesterday and Saturday we had district conference (Laredo is still a district.) I was able to see recent converts from other areas, and also a couple investigators that we were working with in my last area. It was so great to see everybody again. There really is nothing like seeing recent converts still active and going to church!

This work really is the greatest blessing that we could have in our lives. How very grateful I am to be able to serve the Lord for the rest of this time, however short it may be. I am working hard, and am sprinting to the end. I love the Lord. I love this work. It truly is His work, and His glory. What a blessing we have to participate in it.

Love,
Elder John H. Meservy

Monday, Aug 9th

Well, I have a bit of news for everyone. I got a call from President Trayner last night that apparantly I'm being transferred during these last four weeks, and that I'm going to be a DL. I'm staying in Laredo, but just going to another part...again. I love Laredo, and I'm excited to have the opportunity to serve here for the remainder of my mission (I at least think I'll finish here...unless something like this happens again). So, I'm nervous, but I know that the Lord will sustain me. I must say, I don't like packing.

Let's see. Oh, so about the trainings this last week. It was a long week, but we learned alot, and we've seen alot of miracles. The trainings were things that the First Presidency is implementing throughout the world. They're things that were already in Preach My Gospel, but we have new focuses. We focused alot on helping investigators learn to receive revelation for themselves, and how to invite the Spirit more strongly into our lessons. We talked alot about not just teaching lessons. We're slowing down alot as we share our message. It's amazing how you just kind of get into a habit of just talking instead of teaching. I don't know if that makes alot of sense, but that's what I've got in regards to that.

We had an amazing week this last week with some amazing things that have happened. One of our investigators had been wanting to get an answer for a while and had been praying alot. Well, as we were practicing her lesson during our companionship study, Elder Anderson got the strong impression that we should sing "Let the Holy Spirit Guide." Well, when we sang it there, we invited her to kneel down with us and ask God if it's true. Well, we knelt down and during her prayer she didn't ask. She said something along the lines of, "Thank you for giving me my answer." We were SO excited after that lesson. However, on Sunday morning she called us and said that her husband didn't want her coming to church anymore. The mission is such an emotional rollercoaster. Oh well.

Anyway, my new address is 8107 Estate Dr. Laredo, TX 78045. Now you all have less than a month to write me.

Well, I'm sending a couple pictures with this...

The first is with a couple investigators in my area. They're awesome.

The next is the district with those same investigators. They had us all over to eat there the other day. Such a great family!

Well, I love you all.

Until next week.
Love,
Elder John H. Meservy

Monday, August 2nd

Into August. I really can't believe we're in August now. Today is my 23 month mark.

This last week wasn't nearly adventurous as last week was. We did have some tough moments, which I suppose is just life. We found out a recent convert from this area that's been really strong had a problem with the word of wisdom this last week, which was tough. But, that's why we have repentance, right? How grateful I am for the atonement of Jesus Christ and the opportunity we have to be cleansed from sin. The opportunity to change our lives really is the most wonderful thing that anyone could ask for.

This last week we spent quite a bit of time tracting. It's definitely one of the least effective ways of finding people, but, when appointments fall through, there's not a lot else that you can do.
We had a really great attendance at church yesterday. 5 people came, which was awesome! They were all people that had never come before. They all have baptismal dates, and I hope to be able to see at least a couple of them be baptized before I come home.

All of this week have trainings. The trainings will be all about the 10 new lessons and stuff that they're introducing, so next week I should be able to give you a better idea of what they're about. Tuesday-Friday this week we'll be having the trainings from 11-5. Then we have about a half hour drive back to the apartment, so that will leave us with even less time to work. It's going to be tough reaching our goals this week, but I know that the Lord will provide a way that we can accomplish the things which he has commanded us.

I love you all very much. You only have 5 more weeks to write me while I'm a missionary.

Love,
Elder John

Monday, July 26th

Well, I suppose this letter will start off with my trials with my bike this week. As the following events happened, I had the "Standard of Truth" going through my mind with a few added words... here it is..."No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, tubes will go flat, and Elder Meservy may crash, but the truth of God will go forth boldy, nobly and independent....." So...I had 6...yes...six flat tires in four days. It was really frustrating. I finally got a pair of higher quality tubes. I haven't gotten a flat with these new ones yet. However, six flats takes a lot of time out of the week. I definitely had some frustrations with it. Anyway, so I got that fixed and then on Saturday I crashed pretty bad on my bike. My bike is perfectly fine, and I'm doing reasonably well for how bad I crashed. I really don't know what happened. I was getting of my bike...I swung one leg over it to get off, and next thing I knew I was pushing my bike out of the way and rolling on the ground. Well, I jumped up, and turned around to see Elder Anderson laughing about it. He's not sure exactly what happened either, but I think it made his day. We both got a good laugh out of it. I got a couple of scrapes, and a lot of bruises, but came out of it a lot better than it could have been.

My next story has to do with our four baptismal dates that were going to be baptized this weekend. Well, I shouldn't write some of the details on here, (I'll tell you all more about it when I get home) but the kids are back with their mom, and the dad moved back to Mexico. That was tough. The mom doesn't really want anything to do with the church, and doesn't really want the kids to have much to do with the church either.

We had one person come to church yesterday. Unfortunately the other 6-7 we were planning on didn't come, but I guess there's not a whole lot that can be done about that.

Well, this week is that start of my last transfer. I found out I'll be staying in this area, and that Elder Anderson will be my companion for another transfer. It looks like I'm going to be on bikes for the hottest part of the summer. That's alright though. I am looking forward to this last transfer and working harder than I've ever worked before.

This truly is the work of the Lord. I love my opportunity to be in His service. I love you all.

Love,

Elder John H. Meservy

Monday, July 19th

Alright, well. This week has been pretty normal. Nothing too exciting has happened to me this week. Elder Anderson and I continue to work our tails off. The Lord certainly is blessing us as we do everything that we can. Either this weekend or the following, we should have 4 baptisms (Juan's kids).

So, yesterday we were planning on having about 8 people that would be coming to church for sure. Well....we had 0. That was tough. I know that there's only so much we can do, but I wonder what we did wrong, or how we can fix that. We had been averaging about 4-5 people at church the last few weeks before, but for whatever reason, it just didn't happen this week.

On Friday, we helped out the the Laredo Youth Conference. We went and did service for a few hours getting stuff ready for the hurricane victims. We sorted clothes and food and all sorts of things. It was a good opportunity to serve. It was also nice to get out of the hot Laredo sun for a few hours.

One day this last week we didn't do the best at planning lessons close together. Well...we figured we ended up biking over 30 miles that day. I got a little sunburned...not too bad.

I've really realized how much I love the Book of Mormon. I've now read it 4 or 5 times on the mission, and am wanting to finish is at least once more before I come home. I swear that it must change every time that I read it, because I find new things every time that I read it that apply specifically to the challenges I'm facing at the time. How grateful I am for the scriptures in my life.

Well, I'm attaching a few pictures from the flooding. Some people's homes were flooded. When I took these pictures was a few hours before we actually got evacuated.

The first picture is America. She's one of Juan's kids.

The next picture is the flooding up on the street by our house.

The next picture is of a gazebo in a park that got flooded.

The last picture shows where the river normally is. Do you see the trees in the middle of the river? That's the bank usually...So, it was really high up.

So, one more quick story. President and Sister Trayner came to church up in Laredo yesterday, and Sister Trayner asked me if Dave had written me since they had gotten down here. I told them that Dave hasn't written me ever... They thought that was funny. I love you all...even though some of you don't write me :)

Love,

Elder John H. Meservy

Monday, July 12th

This week things have been pretty hectic. I'm assuming most of you have heard about the flooding of the Rio Grande. Well, we live within a block of the Rio Grande. Swat came through and we had to evacuate. That was pretty exciting. We got pictures of the river, but I accidentally left my camera in the car...Maybe next week. Luckily, we are on a top floor apartment and nothing happened. It's amazing that we got evacuated, because the river had to rise a LOT in order for that to happen. Well, it rose to the point that we had to. It covered parks, and streets, and all sorts of stuff. As far as I know, on the American side of the river, there were no deaths. However, the evacuation made it difficult to get to interviews. We were stuck in bumper to bumper traffic for quite a while. We also had to spend the night at the other elder's apartment. My companion and I got to sleep on the tile. It was probably the worst sleep I've gotten on the mission.

The church has put out some lessons in addition to Preach My Gospel. So, we spent part of interviews learning about that. The one we learned about was teaching the doctrine of Christ. As we've applied that even in the last few days, we've been able to set 6 new baptismal dates. It's really a blessing from the Lord.

When I first walked into the chapel for interviews, Sister Trayner came up to me and the first thing she said was, "You look just like your brother, Dave." I don't know if that was a compliment or not, but I'll take it as one. It's interesting to already see some differences between the Trayners, and the Millers. I definitely love them both, and I will do everything I can to assist in this great work. It's amazing to feel the Lord talking through you to the blessing of others. I know that it's nothing that I've done. I feel like Ammon in Alma 26. I really am grateful that God can use someone even like me to assist in this great work.

I love you all.

Love,

Elder John

Tuesday, July 6th

My dear family and friends,

This week has been a pretty good week over all. I suppose I should start with the most important news. This last week we had the baptism of the Juan (the Jehovah's Witness). It was great. The Spirit was really strong. It was great to see another baptism.

Well, over this past week we've found and have been teaching some great people. As a matter of fact, we had 7 people come to church this last week. That was probably the most people I'm had at church during my whole mission. We weren't even expecting that many to come, but a couple of former investigators randomly decided to show up, which was great.

Today is Elder Anderson's birthday. It seems to be going pretty well for him I think. I hope it turns out well for him.

I certainly missed the family during the 4th of July celebration. I'm wondering who won the game of Pit. Hopefully someone beat Ryan.

My birthday last week ended up being great. It was SO fun to see those families again. It really was a great birthday.

Regarding Hurricane Alex. We just got a little bit of rain up here in Laredo. I didn't even know any missionaries had been evacuated until I read my emails today. None of them got evacuated up here. It was nice to have a few cooler days with the rain, however. But, it's on it's way back up heat-wise.

The first picture is on my birthday. On people's birthdays, after they sing, and blow out the candles, you're supposed to bite it without utensils.

The second picture is Juan's family. His kids are coming to church now, so we've started working with them as well.

The third picture is Juan's family, and his brother's family. His brother's family are members of the church, and his brother is actually the one that baptized him. That was neat.

The 4th picture is of Me, Hno.Martinez,Juan, and Elder Anderson.

Well, I love this work! How grateful I am for all of my many blessings. I hope you are all doing well. I love you all very much!

Love,

Elder John

Monday, June 28th

Happy birthday to me! Woohoo!

It's been a great day (Thanks mom and dad for the birthday package!)

Well, unfortunately our baptism didn't happen this last Saturday like it was supposed to. He had been having alot of doubts we were trying to resolve all throughout the week, and I guess he just didn't feel ready. He told us yesterday that he's ready now to be baptized. We read over 2 Nephi 9:8-9 with him, and Mosiah 4:10. Also, during personal study I felt I should read Isaiah 55:8-9 with him. Anyway, it went well, and he's excited to be baptized this coming week.

Things are going great with my companion. We get along really well.

Apparantly a hurricane is headed toward our mission. I probably won't see any of the effect of it because I'm so far inland, up in Laredo, but it's still pretty crazy. Also this week we get our new mission president. Today, actually. I'm excited to meet him. I sure will miss the Millers though.

Today will be fun. The Villareals from my last area invited me over to go eat with them this afternoon, which will be fun. I'm actually going to be able to go because I'm still in the same zone that I was before. I'll also visit with some other members, and the Reyna family.

Anyway, I still can't believe how fast the time is going. I'm attaching a few pictures. I'll write just a little bit about each one as well.

1) Elder Anderson and I holding three dolls. This is at a member's home. It's where we're teaching the man who will be baptized this coming Saturday. He's the brother of the member.

2) Elder Anderson and I took this picture this morning. I thought that it was really funny, so I figured I would sent it.

3) This is at the same home as where we were holding the dolls in #1. This is Kaylee. She wanted to try combing my hair. (I'm pretty sure it was because I don't have much...)

4) This is us after playing table tennis with our BYU hats on (shortly after opening them from the birthday package).

5) This, believe it or not, is sandilla amarilla (yellow watermelon). This was at a less-actives home. She brought us some agua de sandilla (watermelon juice pretty much) and it was yellow. Well, we asked her about it, and she pulled out this yellow watermelon. We were surprised. Never had I seen it in yellow before. It was great though. Tasted just like red watermelon. Now I have to distinguish between the two.

Well, I hope you enjoy the pictures and the letter this week. I love you all tons!

Love,

Elder John H. Meservy

Monday, June 21st

Wow. Late June. Well, I guess I'll give you all the most exciting info first. I got transferred. I was shocked. I was really hoping not to go, but oh well. Saying goodbye to people that you've grown to love is always tough. Luckily, I didn't get transferred too far away. I'm down in South Laredo. My address is 134 Alicante #2 Laredo, TX 78046. Ryan actually served in this area (I saw his name in the area book, and on some teaching records, so that was fun.) I'm assuming that I will be here until the end of my mission. I can't imagine being transferred again. Anyway, that's the update. My new companion's name is Elder Anderson. He's from Richfield, Utah. This is the start of his third transfer. Apparently his best friend back home was in my zone in the MTC. It seems like there's always some sort of a connection out there.

I'm trying to think of what else is going on. Well, we'll be having a baptism this next weekend. His name is Juan. He was an active Jehovah's Witness, but read the Book of Mormon and knew it was true, and so he'll be getting baptized. That's pretty exciting. We're also working with a couple of other great people that are doing well at quitting drugs and smoking. How grateful I am for such wonderful blessings from the Lord.

So, it's been ridiculously hot here lately, and it will only be getting hotter, so that should be fun. I do enjoy it here. I'm continuing to learn and grow SO much! I really am trying to make the best of every moment.

Well, I love you all. Next week, I'll be 21! Woohoo! Well, take care!

Love,

Elder John H. Meservy

Monday, June 7th

Wow, already June 7th. Just three weeks until my birthday. I still can't believe how fast the time goes.

Well, the baptisms didn't happen this last weekend, but we're hoping that they will go through for this weekend. All that we're waiting on is permission from the dad. We have been fasting and praying that his heart will be softened enough to allow his children to be baptized. We've had some really amazing lessons with the mom and the kids. She has some great fellowshippers from the branch.

Unfortunately I don't have any exciting pictures this week like I had last week. I'm a little disappointed :P. You can all rest assured that I am working hard, and that I am learning and growing a ton.

Transfers are coming up next week. I guess I'll let you all know asap. I'm definitely hoping to stay in Laredo, but again, we'll see how things turn out.

Well, I don't know what else to write really, so I'm going to share with you a few of my feelings. I have really come to understand as a missionary how little I know about the gospel. I don't know everything, but I know enough. The Lord is pleased as we keep his commandments, and our best is enough for Him. I know that I can't do everything that everyone else can, but I can do all that is required of me. As we follow the Savior, we truly can find the peace and happiness that we want in this life.

I love you all.

Love,

Elder John

Tuesday, June 1

Hello my dear family. Things are going well for me in Laredo. We're supposed to be having a baptism this coming Sunday, but we'll see if that happens or not. The dad isn't sure if he wants the kids getting baptized yet, but we'll see what happens.

We saw a lot of success from this last weeks efforts. We had 4 investigators come to church. We had two less-active families come as well. It was remarkable to see them come in one after another after another. What a blessing from the Lord.

Alright, well, to explain the pictures.We were visiting one of the said less-active families, and they just had hair extensions lying around. Well, I took the liberty to have long black hair, and look like a rockstar. (Don't worry, I didn't play Guitar Hero, it's the only guitar they had around). I also just played with the extensions in other manners as well, as you can tell.

Well, we're working hard, and I'm loving the work. I think I'm more focused and driven than I ever have been on the mission. It's been great. I feel like I'm receiving a witness after a lot of trials. Ether (12:6)

Well, I love you all. Can you believe we're already in June? Only three months until you all can see my beautiful face in person again :)

Well, again, I love you all.

Love,

Elder John

Monday, May 24th

Hello my dear family and friends. We've had another really good week here in Laredo.

This last week we had zone conference. Elder Meservy and I performed a musical number for it. He sang while I played the piano. It was a very powerful song. We were also asked to sing for the English Ward yesterday. Several people thanked us afterward for the musical number.

Last night we had a really powerful lesson with a semi-active family. I won't go into too much detail for the sake of how spiritual it was, but, suffice it to say their 17 year old daughter who had been planning on getting married right after high school, is now thinking that she wants to serve a mission. It was a great lesson.

This week we have interviews. These will be the last interviews we'll have with President Miller. We'll still have one more zone conference. Anyway, I love the people here. They are an amazing family, and I know that I'm where I should be right now and that I'm doing what the Lord would have me do. I have definitely felt uplifted and strengthened in my day to day activities. I know that the Lord is able to heal us of all wounds.

I love you all!

Love,
Elder John H. Meservy

P.S. I also got my green papers at zone conference. My release date is September 8th.

Monday, May 17th

Hello, my dear family and friends.

I am doing well here in Laredo. I think I'm probably the happiest that I've been on my whole mission. It's hard to explain. I definitely feel that this is where the Lord wants me at this time.

We are going to teach a lady name Ana, and her kids. She came to church with her kids for the second week in a row. We met her husband Sunday night, and he is going to let us come by and talk with him as well. She really is THE most prepared investigator I think I've ever met. She was already living the word of wisdom, and the law of chastity. Which are probably the two biggest hurdles for anyone down here, and I'd imagine in most parts of the world.

We're also working with a partially less-active family (family is active, husband is not). Last night we went over and played on their piano, and sang songs. It is a blessing to have a musical companionship. I feel that that is part of why we're together as well. Basically, I know that the Lord's hand is at work it my life, and I'm so very grateful for that.

I have learned and grown SO much on my mission. I am nowhere near the person that I was when I left. I hope, and pray that I can maintain that progression, because that is what God expects of us, and what I expect of myself.

Today should be a pretty relaxing Preparation Day. I'm planning to go home and sleep. We also might go to some shops down town just to look around, and maybe to a bodega. A bodega is basically a used clothing place. Pretty much it's D.I. but for 35 cents per pound of clothes. I'm excited. I'll see what treasures I can find, if any. We may go back over to the less-active family that has the piano, and play the piano and sing some more, and just spend some time with them. We'll see.

Wow, this is turning into one of the longer weekly emails that I've sent home. That's pretty crazy. I hope you all enjoy it. For as you may know, I am not mighty in writing, like unto speaking. (2 Nephi 33:1) But I'd say that this letter was pretty mighty.

Well, I love you all, and I hope things are going well for you all.

With love,
Elder John H. Meservy

Monday, May10th

Well, I don't have much new to report today. Not since yesterday on the phone. I will give a quick update for those of you who weren't there for the phone call yesterday, which is probably like 2 of you.

Things are going well for me here in Laredo. Transfers were this last week, and I am now with my first cousin James Meservy. It's been pretty intense. It's fun to introduce ourselves to people. Most people don't even catch on. We've found that it's actually easier to explain to people that we're cousins than to try to explain how "Elder" is a title, and all of that.
We are working hard, and we had one of the best weeks number-wise that I've had my whole mission. We seem to work well together. He is really good at contacting everyone, and I keep us to our appointments on time. We're still working out small differences, and trying to find a better middle-ground to be the most effective and efficient that we can.

By the way, Elder James Meservy says hello.

Well, I love you all very much. I'll try to get a picture to you all next week of us as companions.
Take care, and write me letters. (There's not a WHOLE lot of time left to do so) "....do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end, for after this day of life....." Alma 34:32-34

I love you all,

Love,
Elder John Meservy

Elder Meservy #1 of our Meservy companion-ship....er...Meservy-ship.

Monday, May 3rd

Hello again from Laredo. This week is transfers, but it's pretty much a positive thing that I'll be staying here in Laredo. I guess we'll find out in a few hours.

We've had a decent week. We've been out working hard. It's been in the 100's this last week, and it's only going to get hotter. It's definitely quite the experience to bike around in the heat, and then tract once you lock up the bikes. But, it's been good.

So, something interesting to me this last week is that one of the less-actives that we contacted is really into magic. That's been a lot of fun for me. We had a nice long discussion about it, and I think that it will help him get back into church. The Lord works in very mysterious ways, right? He's in high school, but I think that this can lead to him coming back to church, and to his family joining the church. Again, strange, but the Lord knows what He's doing.

Other than that, nothing really sticks out to me about this last week. I'm really grateful for this opportunity that I have to serve as a missionary. I only have 3 transfers left, and that's a pretty scary thought.

Well, I have several more emails that I need to write. But, I love you all, and hope that things continue to go well for ya'll.

Love,

Elder John

Monday, April 26th

Hello family and friends,

I guess for a lot of you, you'll be on a cruise right now reading this. I must say, I am very jealous. For the rest of you, I'm sorry you're not on the cruise either.

Things are going well here in Laredo. I got the pictures to work this week I think, so....now you'll have to long awaited bear pictures that I've mentioned.

I can't believe we're already almost into May.

Well, we didn't have any investigators at church yesterday. We had a ride set up for one, but he didn't answer his door Sunday morning. It was a little bit frustrating, but what can you do, huh?

This last week it was 95+ degrees. This is more the weather I've been expecting....not really longing for, more of a loathing for, but nonetheless, expecting. Biking and walking around all day in it really starts to wear you out.

I look forward to a good week this week. I trust that everything will continue on in the best possible way. After all, this is the Lord's work. And when we're on the Lord's side, all things are possible.

I've been doing really well emotionally this last week, which has been really nice. It's been a big change. I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to serve.

Well, I love you all, and will talk to ya'll in a couple weeks on the phone!

Love,

Elder John

Monday, April 19th

Well, it's been a pretty good week for me this last week. A lot better than it had been previously.We had zone training/interviews this last week. I had a really good interview with President Miller.

Yesterday we found an amazing family. Well, everyone, except the dad was there. They seem receptive. It'll be good to continue to work with them.

I was thinking the other day, and realized that this area could well be my last. Transfers aren't for a couple weeks, but I only have a few transfers left. I am still working hard, and enjoying my time as a full-time servant of the Lord.

I think I'll explain the pictures that I'm sending. We got the bear from a member's house a couple of miles from where we live. Elder Ang held onto it and biked back home with it. We ended up giving the bear to a recent convert for his birthday (he was turning 23). Alright, well, I guess not this week. My thumb drive is acting up. Ugh. I don't know what the problem is. Maybe next week. Sorry!

All in all, it's been pretty good. I have received a lot of personal revelation in the last little while as I've been studying the scriptures.

I love you all.

Love,
Elder John

Monday, April 12th

Already time for emails again. Things have been moving forward here in Laredo. We continue to work with some great people, and we're really excited about their progress.

I was going to send a couple of more pictures home, and I even remembered my camera...however, I left the cord for my camera in the other elder's truck. Perhaps next week.

I've been struggling a bit the last little while, but I'm continuing to push forward. I guess the Lord won't let us stay in a comfortable position. We always need to be growing, and changing. That's the way the great plan works though, right? Eternal progression.How grateful I am for the opportunity to grow and change.

This last week we found a few great new investigators that we're really excited about.

Well, I appreciate everyone's prayers for me. I don't have much to talk about today.

I love you all!

Love,

Elder John

Monday, April 5th

Well, conference was amazing. How great it was to hear from the prophet and apostles. I think the best part about conference weekend was the fact that we had a baptism between sessions. It's been the first baptism I've had in a quite a while. Her name is Andrea. Her family is great, and her mom was baptized just a couple of weeks back. It really is a great feeling to be able to participate in this great work. I've attached a picture of that baptism, and then a random photo of me in the apartment. That's my hat, and my companion's sunglasses. It's pretty exciting.

We're working with some great people that are really progressing. They're a part member family, and are working towards a baptism for the 25th of this month.

I'm doing fairly well over all. I continue to learn alot and to grow. I really wish that I had more to talk about, I just can't think of much to say. So, I'll tell you a story of something that happened yesterday.

We taught a man that was going to be the head drug boss here in Laredo. He and his wife had investigated some time back. During that time he had got put in prison of a $75,000 cash only bond. It was pretty intense. He wants to change his life though. It's a pretty interesting situation.

In other news, we had zone conference this last week as well. It was great to hear from President Miller again as well. Myself, and three other elders sang in a quartet "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy." How grateful I am for the gift of music. It really does have an amazing power that goes with it.

Well, I hope you all enjoy the pictures. For those of you that have neglected writing me on my mission thus far....Now's your chance to repent. I only have 5 months left.

Ok, Well, I love you all!

Love,

Elder John

Monday, March 29th

Well....are you all ready to hear about transfers.... I...... got transferred. I'm now about an hour north of where I was. I am in Laredo, and my area is really small, and it's on a bike. Exciting. Especially since summer is coming. (It's been in the high 90's this last week). My new address is 1903 Main Apt. #6 Laredo, TX 78040.

There are some really great people that we're working with here in Laredo. A part member family had the mother baptized last week, and confirmed yesterday, and the 9 year old daughter will be getting baptized this week in between conference sessions. We also have several other people that have come to church, and they're progressing quite nicely.

I'm doing fairly well overall. I've definitely had some frustrations this last little while, and have been in a little bit of a slump, but I'm hoping that General Conference will help out. I love the opportunity that we have to listen to a living prophet and apostles. This is going to be my last General Conference as a missionary.

Let me see what else there is to talk about. I don't think I really have too much new to report. Again, it's been a tough week for me. Please keep me in your prayers.

I love you all.

Love,
Elder John

Monday, March 22nd

Well, here we are once again. The time continues to fly.

First things first; I have a new email address. They're transferring over to a new system, and they needed us to change our email addresses. Letters to the other address will still be forwarded for a time, but ultimately will be shut down. My new address is john.meservy@myldsmail.net.

Alright, now that I've updated you all on that. Yesterday we had branch conference. The district presidency came down. We spent a few hours after church with them visiting less-active members. I'm really excited about the work that is going on here in Zapata. Hopefully I'll get to stay here. We will find out later on today whether or not we're getting transferred. I really do want to stay here. The area has been changing, and I'm really excited about that.

We found some really great new investigators this week, which we're excited to be working with. They have a lot of potential, and I really believe that they will progress, and become leaders in the church here in the future.

I have been learning and growing a lot. I can't believe how much things have changed. I continue to give it my all, trusting that the Lord will strengthen me, and support me. It really is amazing to see His hand in my life, and in the lives of those people with whom we're working.

We had a really spiritual lesson yesterday with a guy in his 20's, and his cousin. We invited him to say the closing prayer, and he did. The Spirit is always so strong as investigators pray out loud for the first time in their lives. It really is so pure, and sincere.

Well, I love you all. I'm sorry that I don't have much more time to write.

I trust that all is going well at home.

I love you.

Love,

Elder John

Monday, March 15th

Well, hello again from Zapata. It's been quite the week here. They had a county fair here on Friday and Saturday. We set up a booth to distribute pamphlets and what not. We talked to a LOT of people. We got some good referrals, and we're excited to be able to work with them this week.

Church yesterday was a little disappointing. We had 17 people there (I think). No investigators. Oh well, all we can do is continue forward, right? I'm definitely being tried right now, but I am doing my best to keep on going. The baptism that we were supposed to have yesterday didn't end up happening. Hopefully sometime here in the not-too-distant future it will happen.
I've been a bit under the weather this last week, which has been tough. Yesterday I think was the worst day of it. I took a much needed 3 hour nap. A member made caldo de pollo (chicken soup), and brought that over for me. I really do appreciate the love of the members. What amazing people.

We are working hard, and we trust that the Lord will provide a way that we may accomplish the things that He has commanded us. It really has been great working with Elder Hargrave.
I can't believe that another week has ALREADY come and gone. The time goes faster and faster the longer I've been out. 6 months is definitely not enough time to do all the work that is left to do. However, I will continue to do everything that I can in order to help bring about the work here in Zapata, and wherever I'm assigned to serve of the next several months. Speaking of which, transfers are next week, so, we'll see what happens. Either here or my next area will most likely be my last area, which is a crazy thing to think.

Well, I love you all.

Sigue adelante

Love,
Elder John

Monday, March 8th

Well, this week has had it's ups, and it's downs. I guess that's the way it is.

On the upside of things, we had 29 people at church yesterday, 2 of which were investigators. We've found and are teaching some really great people.

This last week we had interviews with Pres. Miller. It's always good to sit and counsel with him. We talked a bit about grandpa and grandma Moulton (He grew up in Bountiful). He talked about how good of a man Heber was, and that I should continue doing everything I can to live up to my name.

Well, the baptism we were going to be having this week doesn't look like it's going to be happening. Her mom had some sort of issue with something, and told her she can't get baptized yet. We still haven't had a chance to talk with the mom about the issue, so...hopefully we can resolve it here, and set another baptismal date for her. That was definitely hard to deal with. Oh well...not a whole lot that can be done about the situation. We'll just keep moving forward.

It has been fun to see the improvements here in Zapata as I've worked here. I continue to give it my all. I know that as I do that, the Lord will fill in the rest.

There's been some other stresses that I've been having lately, that aren't fit for the blog, but suffice it to say, I'm doing well. I've learned more and more to rely on the Lord. Everything happens for a reason afterall, right? It has been challenging, but I will deal with it, and continue forward.

I'm trying to think if there's much else to tell about this week. Not much is coming to mind right now. I've had some really good studies this week, and have learned alot about how simple yet complex the gospel really is, especially in respect to baptism.

Well, I love you all. Press forward!

Con Cariño,

Elder Meservy

Monday, March 1st

Hello to my dear family, and friends.

First off, this week, I hit my sister mark... (18 months as a missionary). It's amazing how the time continues to fly.

Things are going really well here in Zapata. Yesterday we had 25 people at church. We had 2 investigators there...well, 4, but we can't count two of them because we don't have a return appointment set. It's been amazing to see the hand of the Lord. As we do our best, he will, and does prepare the hearts of the people to receive our message.

Just last night, we found an amazing family. Father, Mother, and 3 kids. They invited us right in, and we had an amazing lesson. Unfortunately, the husband works on the oil rigs right outside of Laredo, and so he's gone every other week. We will continue to try to visit with the rest of the family while he's gone.

So, in two weeks, March 14th, we should be having a baptism. Things are still lined up, and moving along really well. She came to church again yesterday. It was so great to see them.
One of the less-actives we're working with is a part-member family. His wife is not a member. Well, they've now been to church two weeks in a row. It's been so much fun to see them there, and to see their excitement about church. They called us on Sunday morning and let us know that they were coming to church, "just so we wouldn't worry."

I continue to be tried and tested, but I continue to grow. I love this amazing opportunity that I have to be here in Zapata. The people are amazing, and it's really become one of my favorite areas.

I love the opportunity that I have to be here, and to work in the Lord's vineyard. My time is quickly passing. However, I am continuing to give it my all. I love you all, and hope that all continues to go well for each and every one of you.

Love,
Elder John

Monday, February 22nd

Alright...where to begin?

Well, we are working with some amazing people. A few less-active families. We had a REALLY good day for church yesterday. We had two investigators, and at least 5 less-actives that came. It was exciting to see them all there. It's been great to be working with these people.

We have a baptism lined up with an 8 year old girl for the 14th of March. Her mom is not a member, but her grandmother is. She's really smart, and knows a lot about the church. Her older brothers are members, and are good examples for her. We're excited for her progress. It's been a while since I've seen this kind of progression...(back in Weslaco).

We are doing a lot of work with the ward list, and updating it. We have changed a LOT of information. It's been many years since it was last updated. We have found some good teaching an re-activating opportunities from working through the ward list.

It's been in the mid-80's here lately, which is nice, but then I think forward to the summer and how hot it's going to get if it's already in the 80's. Oh well, I guess it will be the last summer on the mission.

Elder Hargrave and I get along really well, and we seem to be united in our teaching and finding efforts, which really has helped out a lot.

I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the opportunity that I have to know of the truthfulness of the gospel. It really is an incredible opportunity to help out in the spread of the gospel to the people here in South Texas.

I love you all.

Love,
Elder John

Monday, February 15th

Hello again from Zapata. It's another week already. Transfers were this last week, and Elder Peterson got transferred. So, I have a new companion. His name is Elder Hargrave. He's from Orem, he went to Timpanogos. We have a lot of mutual friends, which is fun to talk about.

Well, we've been working with a lot of less-actives, and working on the ward list. It's been a lot of work, but we've been able to get in contact with some really great families that have a lot of potential of coming back to the church.

This week we had about 10 people at church. Our branch president and his family couldn't come because of an illness. And we were missing a couple of other families. So, suffice to say, it was small, but it was still good.

I continue to lose weight, and get into shape, which is really exciting. My goal weight is 175, I'm about 7-8 pounds off of that, but I'll get there eventually.

I love the people here in Zapata. I'm including a couple of pictures, and I'll explain the stories behind them.

The first is an egg cracked over my head. Well, we were at a less-actives house (the one that's starting to come back), and one of them cracked an empty egg-shell over my head. Well, another kid thought that was funny and ran and grabbed a real egg, and cracked it over my head.

The second is another kid in that family. Her name is Sarahi. She made a face for the camera, and we thought it was funny. The other is a more normal picture of her (with me in the background).

Well, I love you all. Continue forward!

With Love,
Elder John

Monday, February 8th

Wow. Already the 8th. That's so crazy.

Well, things are going well here in Zapata. Transfers are this week, but I'm pretty sure I'll be staying here. I'm hopeful that I will anyway. I really do love it here in Zapata. It's already becoming my favorite area.

Well, yesterday was a decent day at church. We had 18 people come, and we were even missing a few of the regulars, which was exciting. It's so good to see people coming out to church. With time, I know that we'll see it grow here. I'm just grateful for the opportunity that I have to work here, and to help out the branch in whatever way I can.

We're working with some great people, but they're struggling to keep commitments. I'm hopeful that we can help them better understand and accept what we're teaching.

The weather here this last week has been about 80 degrees. It's been really nice - driving around with the windows rolled down. It's a good feeling.

I'm trying to think of anything else to talk about. It really is just the same things pretty much every day here. Just different people, etc.

I have been amazed to see the hand of the Lord at work here in Zapata. I've definitely seen people's lives been touched, and changed.

Well, I don't think that I have much else for this week.

I love you all.

Love,

Elder John

February 1st

Wow, it's already February. Can you believe it?

Well, the most exciting news for this week is that the less-
active family that came to church last week came again
yesterday. Also, yesterday, we had 28 people at church. It's
been great to see more and more people coming. I'm so
grateful for this opportunity I have to work here in Zapata.
I really feel that this is where the Lord wants me.

I have learned and grown so much, especially in this area.
I've found that I really just need to be myself, the best me,
but still me. I think that too often we become robotic in the
things we do. I've found that the Lord works through our
personalities to bless the lives of those among whom we're
called to labor. For example. This less-active family that's
coming back to church used to be very active. They told us
that one of the reasons that they're coming back is because
we have fun. We're not just robotic I guess. Like, we're
ourselves. We're just ourselves, our best selves, but still
ourselves. It's kind of hard to explain, but that's how I feel.
I hope that made sense. If not, I apologize deeply. :)

Well, the weather here in Texas has been pretty fickle. One
day it was 85, the next, it was 45. Bizarre. Oh well.
Currently, it's overcast, and rather cold. We'll see how
things go. I'm just glad that it's not in the 100's yet. Give
it a few weeks.

Well, I love you all, and wish you all the best this week.
You're all in my prayers.

Love,
Elder John

Monday, January 25th

Hello family!

Well, the most exciting thing this week is that the less-active
we've been working with came to church with her family! It
was SO great to see them there! We stopped by about half an
hour before church just to see if they were coming and the
little boys answered the door in white shirts and slacks. It was
awesome. Yesterday, we had about 25 people in the branch,
which is very exciting! We'll continue to work with the
less-active members and getting them back to church, as well
as finding and bringing others into the fold from our own
finding efforts.

I can't believe how fast the time flies! I've learned, grown, and
changed so much even since the start of this year.

So, we were looking for a part member family that lives
about 30-40 miles from our house, and we got lost, and we
ended up right on the border. Like, about to cross into
Mexico. It was crazy. I got a picture by the "Welcome to
Texas" sign. (included)

My spider bite continues to heal. However, at zone
training/interviews this last week, Sister Miller looked at it
and felt like I needed more antibiotics, so they called in some
more. So, I am once again on antibiotics for it. Exciting, huh?

Well, I think that's about it for this week.

I love you all, and pray for you daily.

Love,
Elder John

Monday, January 18th

It's been a pretty good week. I want to share an experience
about one of the investigators that we found this last week.
We called a less-active family, and we set up a time for us to
go over. Well, they cancelled on us, but rescheduled for the
next day. We went by the next day, and we sat down and
talked with a non-member sister that was living there. Well,
her less-active sister came outside and listened in as well.
Their understanding was incredible. I don't think I've ever
had a lesson where they understood as well as these two did.
It was a great spiritual atmosphere, even though we were
outside with dogs barking, and right next to the highway.
It seems as though the things that would typically distract
a lesson didn't have any effect with them, and I believe it
was because of the spirit that was there with us. I am
excited to continue working with them.

Yesterday at church, we had a part-member family come
for the second time in 3-4 weeks. We'll be going by this
Wednesday, and we're going to set a baptismal date for
sometime in February. There were several families that
came down from Laredo, which was nice to see. It gave me
an idea what this area can look like as we put in all our
effort, and rely on the Lord. I'm excited for the day when
we have that many people attending from Zapata.

My spider bite is healing well, which is good. Still not fully
healed, but that's alright. It's on it's way, and I'm glad that
it's looking as good as it is.

Hm... other news. I'm down 15 pounds from Harlingen,
which is great. Also Elder Peterson is big into working out, so
we've been working out in the mornings, and I'm noticing a
difference, which is really exciting. I'm seeing the benefits
of working out and eating healthy, both physically, and
mentally.

Um...I don't know too much more what to talk about today.
Things are just going alright.

Well, I appreciate all the love and support from home. I love you all.

-Elder John

(These pictures are from a birthday party for a less-active member.)

Monday, January 11th

(Subject line of email was: 01/11/10)

Look at the date. It's a palindrome today. That's exciting.

Well, things are going well here in Zapata. Not a whole lot
has changed. We're still working and teaching and all. We
didn't have any investigators at church yesterday
unfortunately. We aren't sure why our investigators didn't
come. I guess we'll find out tonight when we go over again.

This last week we had zone conference. We were focusing on
chapter 8 of Preach My Gospel; "How Do I Use Time Wisely?" I
was amazed to find insight into this chapter. More than just
updating area books and teaching records, and what not.
There's so much that can be learned from it. It's one of
President Miller's favorite chapters of Preach My Gospel.
President Miller brings up chapter four of Abraham a lot
when we talk about planning. How our goals are our
spiritual plans before the actual creation. It's amazing to see
some of the parallelisms. It's hard to explain in writing, but I
really like chapter 8.

Well, I can't believe it's already mid-January. The time
seems to go by faster and faster.

My spider bite is healing very nicely...(see picture) It looks
like I'll have a pretty good scar, and a great story to go along
with it. (Take that, Joe! :P) Well, I love you all.

Love,
Elder John

Monday, January 4th

Wow! 2010! How crazy. I come home this year. That's nuts.

Well, this week was good. We kept busy. We're working hard,
and finding some great people.

I'll give a little update on my spider bite. It's definitely
healing, as you can tell from the picture. I'm glad that it
didn't get any worse than it did. How grateful I am for
medicine!

It was so good to talk to you all on Christmas. It was great
to hear from y'all again. It sounds as though everyone is
doing well, which as always a great thing to hear.

We're working with some great families here in Zapata.
One of them, Carlos and Bertha, were attending another
church when we found them. Well, they told us on
Saturday that they're other church closed down. We
didn't know whether to celebrate, or to give our
condolences. However, they weren't there yesterday, so
we'll need to find out what happened with them.

We did have an investigator come to church yesterday
though. Apparantly this part-member family moved up
from Brownsville just recently. He's a member, his wife
isn't, so we'll be working with them.

Well, I guess pictures are worth 1,000 words, so this will
be a really long email.

I love you all!

Love,
Elder John

P.S.The longhorns are mine. I got them this last week.
Now I need to figure out shipping them home.

There's an updated picture of my spider bite.
The others I think are self-explanatory. :)