Hola,
What an amazing General Conference! Elder Card and I planned to watch on the Branch President's computer in his office (in English) while the rest of the branch watched it in the sacrament room with the projector hooked up to a lap-top, but for some reason or other we couldn't have both going at the same time, so we watched it in Spanish with everyone else. It made me feel really grateful for the men and women that translate the conference into so many languages. Hearing it in your own language is wonderful. But I still enjoyed it, took notes, and learned a lot. The Spirit still spoke and testified to me of the truth of the words of living prophets and apostles, and other inspired leaders of the Church. We have heard the will and mind and voice of the Lord.
This truly is our unique message to the world! Like my brother, Elder Fagersten said in his email last week, "The restored gospel is more than just another nice Christian religion. That is our claim. We have more, we have the Priesthood of God, we have the modern revelation, we know that the Lord speaks to us today just as he did with His children in ancient times." This is the same truth, the same gospel that was taught and revealed from the beginning, taught and administered by authorized servants of the Lord. Everything we teach and preach and do in this connection we do to invite others to come unto Christ and receive the doctrines, ordinances and covenants necessary for life and salvation, and we do so with His Holy Priesthood, the power and authority by which these ordinances and covenants are sealed on earth and in heaven.
While preparing for General Conference, I read an old conference edition of the Ensign, and saw a quote from President Hinckley from a General Conference in October of 1987. He said, "Of all our needs, I think the greatest is an increase in faith." I took that to heart as I listened to the prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, and the other apostles of the Lord. If we put our faith in Christ, and follow the counsels given to us by His servants in this Conference this weekend, I know that we will feel greater faith and security in our lives. I feel a greater desire to do better, to bare sincere testimony, and invite all to come unto Him.
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
Saturday, April 7, 2012
March 26, 2012
Hola,
Time is flying! I feel like March just began a few days ago. Such is life.
On Tuesday we had Specialized Training in Murcia. I had the chance to see Elder Shaver, the missionary I trained in Huelva over a year ago! He is now my Zone Leader. It was great. President and Hermana Clegg talked to us about a lot of things that will help us become better, especially about following the Spirit and being willing to sacrifice and do hard things.
On Saturday morning, the elders from Lorca were going to come because they don't have a baptismal font, so we set up the portable one we have here in Huércal-Overa and had it ready to go. Well, I accidentally told them the wrong time for the bus on Saturday morning, and they missed it. The next bus wouldn't get them there in time, so they asked us to start filling up the font and they would try to get a ride from some one else. About an hour after we had started the font, they called and said to turn off the water. The uncle of the boy that was going to be baptized had come the night before to take him to Alicante to see his cousins, and his mom and told the uncle to have him back that night so he could go to his baptism the next day. Well, the uncle didn't, and there was a Stake Relief Society Activity in the afternoon that everyone had committed to go to, so we couldn't do it. But, it's okay, because now the boy and the mom said they will be baptized together.
Yesterday we had some amazing meetings at church. I felt the Spirit and learned so much. In the afternoon, we visited a lady named Yuvannis who was baptized in September but can't come to church because of work. She has no control over it, and she wants to come, but she's not able to at the moment. We shared a message with her, but by the time it was over I think she taught us more than we taught her. She talked about the Relief Society Activity on Saturday, and during one of the workshops or talks they saw part of the movie "Forever Strong." I'm not positive if that was the movie, but from how she described it - movie about rugby, black uniforms, the coach and everything - I think that was it. Anyway, they saw the part where he has to crawl on his hands and feet for 50 yards with his teammate on his back. The kid keeps saying he can't do it, he won't do it, and so on. So, the coach puts a blind fold on him, his teammate gets on his back, and he goes. The coach is right there next to him. He keeps asking how far he's gone, how much farther he has to go, but the coach only says, "Keep going!" "Give it your best!" "Keep going!" When he literally could go no further, he collapses after having spent every last ounce of energy. When he takes the blind fold off he sees that he had gone the whole distance of the entire field! She related that to us that when we are influenced so much by what we see and hear, we often put limits on ourselves, on our abilities and on our capacity. But if we concentrate and focus ourselves, we will do and become much more than if we let doubts and fears debilitate our dreams and desires, especially with the help and guidance we have with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan of happiness that our Heavenly Father has prepared for us.
Everything we do reflects our desires, and when our desires are directed towards God, everything else falls into place. We are truly happy, and have a firm faith and hope in all those wonderful blessings that the Lord has promised us.
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
Time is flying! I feel like March just began a few days ago. Such is life.
On Tuesday we had Specialized Training in Murcia. I had the chance to see Elder Shaver, the missionary I trained in Huelva over a year ago! He is now my Zone Leader. It was great. President and Hermana Clegg talked to us about a lot of things that will help us become better, especially about following the Spirit and being willing to sacrifice and do hard things.
On Saturday morning, the elders from Lorca were going to come because they don't have a baptismal font, so we set up the portable one we have here in Huércal-Overa and had it ready to go. Well, I accidentally told them the wrong time for the bus on Saturday morning, and they missed it. The next bus wouldn't get them there in time, so they asked us to start filling up the font and they would try to get a ride from some one else. About an hour after we had started the font, they called and said to turn off the water. The uncle of the boy that was going to be baptized had come the night before to take him to Alicante to see his cousins, and his mom and told the uncle to have him back that night so he could go to his baptism the next day. Well, the uncle didn't, and there was a Stake Relief Society Activity in the afternoon that everyone had committed to go to, so we couldn't do it. But, it's okay, because now the boy and the mom said they will be baptized together.
Yesterday we had some amazing meetings at church. I felt the Spirit and learned so much. In the afternoon, we visited a lady named Yuvannis who was baptized in September but can't come to church because of work. She has no control over it, and she wants to come, but she's not able to at the moment. We shared a message with her, but by the time it was over I think she taught us more than we taught her. She talked about the Relief Society Activity on Saturday, and during one of the workshops or talks they saw part of the movie "Forever Strong." I'm not positive if that was the movie, but from how she described it - movie about rugby, black uniforms, the coach and everything - I think that was it. Anyway, they saw the part where he has to crawl on his hands and feet for 50 yards with his teammate on his back. The kid keeps saying he can't do it, he won't do it, and so on. So, the coach puts a blind fold on him, his teammate gets on his back, and he goes. The coach is right there next to him. He keeps asking how far he's gone, how much farther he has to go, but the coach only says, "Keep going!" "Give it your best!" "Keep going!" When he literally could go no further, he collapses after having spent every last ounce of energy. When he takes the blind fold off he sees that he had gone the whole distance of the entire field! She related that to us that when we are influenced so much by what we see and hear, we often put limits on ourselves, on our abilities and on our capacity. But if we concentrate and focus ourselves, we will do and become much more than if we let doubts and fears debilitate our dreams and desires, especially with the help and guidance we have with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan of happiness that our Heavenly Father has prepared for us.
Everything we do reflects our desires, and when our desires are directed towards God, everything else falls into place. We are truly happy, and have a firm faith and hope in all those wonderful blessings that the Lord has promised us.
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
March 19, 2012
Hola,
I love being a missionary! Elder Card and I had a great week filled with a variety of experiences. We live across the street from an animal park that has goats, ducks, roosters, hens, peacocks, and an ostrich. Over the past two weeks or so, I have learned that the time of day has NOTHING to do with when a rooster crows. They crow at 3 in the morning, at 4 in the morning, at 5 in the morning, at 6 in the morning - in short, they crow all the time.
Not the Saturday two days ago, but the Saturday from the week before, we went to a town called Vera, and a member told us that she would take us back to Huércal rather than us taking the bus. We had knocked doors at one end of town, but we needed to be at the other end pretty quickly and meet her at the Mercadona (that's the name of a grocery store). While we walked, we weren't exactly sure as to where to go, so we thought we would stop someone and ask for directions. We were passing a lady with a little dog and all of the sudden it went nuts and bit Elder Card's leg! Haha. It wasn't bad at all, and we laughed about it afterward.
On Wednesday, we went to see an English couple that we are meeting with, and as we arrived, a couple of their friends were leaving. A member who had served his mission in Australia came with us and the greetings and introductions were a mix of Spanish and English and all sorts of stuff. Then, as he was leaving, the friend said, "I speak three languages: English, Irish, and Rubbish!" I was laughing pretty hard.
On Friday we passed by to try and visit a lady that had told us to come back. I had never met her (Elder Card contacted her with his former companion, Elder Marchello, before I arrived), so I asked Elder Card about her, how old she was and stuff, and he described her as "a young, middle-aged adult..." Haha! I still give him a hard time about that one.
Apart from all of that, we also experienced miracles, as well as many dissapointments. One thing that I learned this week is that the Lord is not a fair weather friend. He's with us through it all. Think of how much we have going for us! True, there are things going against us, and they are very real, but we have all the help of heaven to lead us and strenghten us on our journey back Home. The words of the prophets, both ancient and modern, prayer, personal revelation, Church meetings and activities, families, friends, priesthood blessings, and covenants which give us access to the healing and enabling power of the atonement of Jesus Christ. The Savior said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). He loves us so much. His greatest desire is that we enjoy all of the blessings of our Heavenly Father in their fullness. His atonement makes that possible, and because He has restored His gospel, His Church, and His authority to the earth, we can enter into those covenants that, if honored and lived by, will bring us back to His presence to live with Him in families forever. That's worth working for!
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
I love being a missionary! Elder Card and I had a great week filled with a variety of experiences. We live across the street from an animal park that has goats, ducks, roosters, hens, peacocks, and an ostrich. Over the past two weeks or so, I have learned that the time of day has NOTHING to do with when a rooster crows. They crow at 3 in the morning, at 4 in the morning, at 5 in the morning, at 6 in the morning - in short, they crow all the time.
Not the Saturday two days ago, but the Saturday from the week before, we went to a town called Vera, and a member told us that she would take us back to Huércal rather than us taking the bus. We had knocked doors at one end of town, but we needed to be at the other end pretty quickly and meet her at the Mercadona (that's the name of a grocery store). While we walked, we weren't exactly sure as to where to go, so we thought we would stop someone and ask for directions. We were passing a lady with a little dog and all of the sudden it went nuts and bit Elder Card's leg! Haha. It wasn't bad at all, and we laughed about it afterward.
On Wednesday, we went to see an English couple that we are meeting with, and as we arrived, a couple of their friends were leaving. A member who had served his mission in Australia came with us and the greetings and introductions were a mix of Spanish and English and all sorts of stuff. Then, as he was leaving, the friend said, "I speak three languages: English, Irish, and Rubbish!" I was laughing pretty hard.
On Friday we passed by to try and visit a lady that had told us to come back. I had never met her (Elder Card contacted her with his former companion, Elder Marchello, before I arrived), so I asked Elder Card about her, how old she was and stuff, and he described her as "a young, middle-aged adult..." Haha! I still give him a hard time about that one.
Apart from all of that, we also experienced miracles, as well as many dissapointments. One thing that I learned this week is that the Lord is not a fair weather friend. He's with us through it all. Think of how much we have going for us! True, there are things going against us, and they are very real, but we have all the help of heaven to lead us and strenghten us on our journey back Home. The words of the prophets, both ancient and modern, prayer, personal revelation, Church meetings and activities, families, friends, priesthood blessings, and covenants which give us access to the healing and enabling power of the atonement of Jesus Christ. The Savior said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). He loves us so much. His greatest desire is that we enjoy all of the blessings of our Heavenly Father in their fullness. His atonement makes that possible, and because He has restored His gospel, His Church, and His authority to the earth, we can enter into those covenants that, if honored and lived by, will bring us back to His presence to live with Him in families forever. That's worth working for!
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
March 12, 2012
Hola,
Well, I'm back in the province of Almería! I began my mission in this part of the country and it's great to be back here. We are about an hour or two (depending on the bus) from Almería, and some of the members here used to attend church there before the branch was organized here in Huercal-Overa. Here is our address:
C/ Silvestre Martinez de Haro 21, 2ºB
04600 Huercal-Overa (Almería)
España
Our chapel is actually the bottom floor of a building that we rent, just like in Puertollano. It is on the same street as our apartment, which means it takes about 1 minute to get to church, so that's convenient. The city is quite small. I believe we have already walked from one end to the other since I arrived. There are about 12 or 13 thousand people here, which makes it the smallest place I've ever served. We also work in the pueblos, the little towns, surrounding Huercal. There is plenty of work to do.
Elder Card is an amazing companion. He's from Medford, Oregon, and joined the church three years ago. He went to the University of Oregon (the Ducks!) for one year before he came on his mission. We are having a great time. I had only briefly met him once before, but now, in getting to know him, I have found another great friend!
The gospel changes lives. It has changed mine. I love serving a mission and inviting people, every day, to come unto Christ and to learn for themselves the truthfulness of this message. Those who seek with sincerity will come to know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that Jesus is the Christ, that the Book of Mormon is true, that Joseph Smith was the prophet the Lord called and the person the Lord used to restore and establish His church and gospel once again upon the earth.
Love,
Elder Fagersten en España
Well, I'm back in the province of Almería! I began my mission in this part of the country and it's great to be back here. We are about an hour or two (depending on the bus) from Almería, and some of the members here used to attend church there before the branch was organized here in Huercal-Overa. Here is our address:
C/ Silvestre Martinez de Haro 21, 2ºB
04600 Huercal-Overa (Almería)
España
Our chapel is actually the bottom floor of a building that we rent, just like in Puertollano. It is on the same street as our apartment, which means it takes about 1 minute to get to church, so that's convenient. The city is quite small. I believe we have already walked from one end to the other since I arrived. There are about 12 or 13 thousand people here, which makes it the smallest place I've ever served. We also work in the pueblos, the little towns, surrounding Huercal. There is plenty of work to do.
Elder Card is an amazing companion. He's from Medford, Oregon, and joined the church three years ago. He went to the University of Oregon (the Ducks!) for one year before he came on his mission. We are having a great time. I had only briefly met him once before, but now, in getting to know him, I have found another great friend!
The gospel changes lives. It has changed mine. I love serving a mission and inviting people, every day, to come unto Christ and to learn for themselves the truthfulness of this message. Those who seek with sincerity will come to know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that Jesus is the Christ, that the Book of Mormon is true, that Joseph Smith was the prophet the Lord called and the person the Lord used to restore and establish His church and gospel once again upon the earth.
Love,
Elder Fagersten en España
March 5, 2012
Hola,
Suprise! I am getting transferred to Huercal-Overa, a little town north of Almería, where I started my mission. President Clegg called on Friday morning and told me. Elder Barney will be training a new missionary. Even though I have only been here three months, I really came to love the people and it was hard to say good-bye on Sunday. The people here are wonderful and I will miss them a lot. My new companion is Elder Card. I have met him before, but don't know him very well. I am excited to get to know him and work with him. I thought I would finish my mission here in Puertollano, but the Lord has something else in mind. It has been great to serve with Elder Barney. He's amazing! We have worked hard and had a lot of fun.
I am grateful that the Lord loves us. I am grateful that He gives us opportunities to love others and to serve them. Mom always used to tell me, "Love facilitates change." That is true! His love has the power to change us, to strengthen us, and to "cleanse [us] from all unrighteousness" (Alma 7:14). I love each of you and thank you for loving me. The capacity to love, the willingness to sacrifice, and the faith to obey come from God. "All things which are good cometh of God...for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ" (Moroni 7:12,16).
It is a blessing to show this love to the people here in Spain and to see that love change their lives. I know this is the true Church of Jesus Christ. He leads it, and He is very involved in the details of our lives. He's right there beside us, waiting and inviting us to take a hold of his hand so that He can "lead [us] along" (D&C 78:17-18).
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
Suprise! I am getting transferred to Huercal-Overa, a little town north of Almería, where I started my mission. President Clegg called on Friday morning and told me. Elder Barney will be training a new missionary. Even though I have only been here three months, I really came to love the people and it was hard to say good-bye on Sunday. The people here are wonderful and I will miss them a lot. My new companion is Elder Card. I have met him before, but don't know him very well. I am excited to get to know him and work with him. I thought I would finish my mission here in Puertollano, but the Lord has something else in mind. It has been great to serve with Elder Barney. He's amazing! We have worked hard and had a lot of fun.
I am grateful that the Lord loves us. I am grateful that He gives us opportunities to love others and to serve them. Mom always used to tell me, "Love facilitates change." That is true! His love has the power to change us, to strengthen us, and to "cleanse [us] from all unrighteousness" (Alma 7:14). I love each of you and thank you for loving me. The capacity to love, the willingness to sacrifice, and the faith to obey come from God. "All things which are good cometh of God...for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ" (Moroni 7:12,16).
It is a blessing to show this love to the people here in Spain and to see that love change their lives. I know this is the true Church of Jesus Christ. He leads it, and He is very involved in the details of our lives. He's right there beside us, waiting and inviting us to take a hold of his hand so that He can "lead [us] along" (D&C 78:17-18).
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
February 27, 2012
Hola,
What a week. Last Monday I found out that I have been accepted to BYU! I have decided that I will attend there, beginning in the fall of this year. Last time I was in Provo, I was going to the MTC to begin my mission. Now I will be going to begin the rest of my life! I am excited for that.
The province of "La Mancha" is farther north than most of the mission. The accent is different here, and it's a bit colder, although it has warmed up quite a bit over the past week. I have found more fans of Real Madrid here than in other areas, although Barcelona has quite a following here as well. Elder Barney and I had a great week. We continue to feel the blessings and help of the Lord. At times, I feel really tempted to focus on the things that aren't going so great and the things that I can't control. I have learned that prayer is a great blessing and source of strength for us. The words of the hymn are true: "Oh, how praying rests the weary. Prayer will change the night to day. So, when life gets dark and dreary, don't forget to pray." Heavenly Father loves us. He is very much aware of us. When we focus on the things we can control - our thoughts and our actions - and choose to make those thoughts and actions bring us closer to Christ, we find greater peace and a greater capacity to face our problems and decisions with faith and hope.
Our small branch grows little by little, and we continue to work together to invite others to come unto Christ. That invitation changes lives. It has changed mine. I am grateful to have the opportunity to extend that invitation every day.
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
What a week. Last Monday I found out that I have been accepted to BYU! I have decided that I will attend there, beginning in the fall of this year. Last time I was in Provo, I was going to the MTC to begin my mission. Now I will be going to begin the rest of my life! I am excited for that.
The province of "La Mancha" is farther north than most of the mission. The accent is different here, and it's a bit colder, although it has warmed up quite a bit over the past week. I have found more fans of Real Madrid here than in other areas, although Barcelona has quite a following here as well. Elder Barney and I had a great week. We continue to feel the blessings and help of the Lord. At times, I feel really tempted to focus on the things that aren't going so great and the things that I can't control. I have learned that prayer is a great blessing and source of strength for us. The words of the hymn are true: "Oh, how praying rests the weary. Prayer will change the night to day. So, when life gets dark and dreary, don't forget to pray." Heavenly Father loves us. He is very much aware of us. When we focus on the things we can control - our thoughts and our actions - and choose to make those thoughts and actions bring us closer to Christ, we find greater peace and a greater capacity to face our problems and decisions with faith and hope.
Our small branch grows little by little, and we continue to work together to invite others to come unto Christ. That invitation changes lives. It has changed mine. I am grateful to have the opportunity to extend that invitation every day.
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
February 20, 2012
Hola,
We had a fantastic week. Zone Conference took place in Málaga, which meant that we had to travel down there the night before. We took the AVE, which is the high-speed train, from Ciudad Real to Málaga. We got up to 300 km/hr. Zone Conference was amazing!!! President Clegg talked to us about being consecrated missionaries and doing the very best we can. Some days, our best is just getting through the day, and other days, our best is more than we ever thought we could do. In either case, the Lord accepts our efforts because He only asks that we do our best. I'm grateful for the enabling, healing power of His atonement that helps me grow and progress and learn from all of those experiences. Another part of Zone Conference is that we hear the last testimonies of the missionaries that will return home before the next Zone Conference takes place. I felt a lot of emotions as I listened to these missionaries that I have known for so long share their experiences and their testimonies of the joy and the truth of this work. What added to that was that I realized that I will do the same thing at our next Zone Conference!
On Friday night, Elder Barney and I had almost all of our plans fall through. We are supposed to be in the apartment at 9:45 p.m. and at about 9:40 we walked to the corner of the street that leads up to our apartment. We decided to go down the street a few more blocks and talk with whoever came across our path, and then come back. We walked and got totally ignored by the first person we approached, the second person quickly shook off our attempt to start a conversation, and the third person (well, it was actually a couple) told us they didn't have time. So, a little bit frustrated, we turned around and started back along the same sidewalk we had just come. We saw a couple and we gave it one more shot. The girl wasn't so excited to talk to us, but the guy, Isaías (Isaiah) was. We introduced ourselves and told him a little about the message we share. Before we said good-bye we had his number written down and we set up an appointment to meet at the church the next day, Saturday afternoon, at 5:00. By 5:10 on Saturday, we were wondering if he had forgotten, and as we were about to leave, at 5:15, he walked in. He told us that he had a little trouble finding it and that was why he was late. We had a great lesson and invited him to come to church on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. He came, right as we started the meeting. Three other investigators also came to sacrament meeting. We felt greatly blessed by the Lord, and we are grateful for those miracles, and others that we experienced during the week.
The Lord is very aware of us. He knows us personally and perfectly. He has not ceased to be a God of miracles (Mormon 9).
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
We had a fantastic week. Zone Conference took place in Málaga, which meant that we had to travel down there the night before. We took the AVE, which is the high-speed train, from Ciudad Real to Málaga. We got up to 300 km/hr. Zone Conference was amazing!!! President Clegg talked to us about being consecrated missionaries and doing the very best we can. Some days, our best is just getting through the day, and other days, our best is more than we ever thought we could do. In either case, the Lord accepts our efforts because He only asks that we do our best. I'm grateful for the enabling, healing power of His atonement that helps me grow and progress and learn from all of those experiences. Another part of Zone Conference is that we hear the last testimonies of the missionaries that will return home before the next Zone Conference takes place. I felt a lot of emotions as I listened to these missionaries that I have known for so long share their experiences and their testimonies of the joy and the truth of this work. What added to that was that I realized that I will do the same thing at our next Zone Conference!
On Friday night, Elder Barney and I had almost all of our plans fall through. We are supposed to be in the apartment at 9:45 p.m. and at about 9:40 we walked to the corner of the street that leads up to our apartment. We decided to go down the street a few more blocks and talk with whoever came across our path, and then come back. We walked and got totally ignored by the first person we approached, the second person quickly shook off our attempt to start a conversation, and the third person (well, it was actually a couple) told us they didn't have time. So, a little bit frustrated, we turned around and started back along the same sidewalk we had just come. We saw a couple and we gave it one more shot. The girl wasn't so excited to talk to us, but the guy, Isaías (Isaiah) was. We introduced ourselves and told him a little about the message we share. Before we said good-bye we had his number written down and we set up an appointment to meet at the church the next day, Saturday afternoon, at 5:00. By 5:10 on Saturday, we were wondering if he had forgotten, and as we were about to leave, at 5:15, he walked in. He told us that he had a little trouble finding it and that was why he was late. We had a great lesson and invited him to come to church on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. He came, right as we started the meeting. Three other investigators also came to sacrament meeting. We felt greatly blessed by the Lord, and we are grateful for those miracles, and others that we experienced during the week.
The Lord is very aware of us. He knows us personally and perfectly. He has not ceased to be a God of miracles (Mormon 9).
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
February 13, 2012
Hola,
Today is Elder Barney's birthday! We had pancakes this morning as part of the celebration! (We found a pancake mix in the store here - who would have thought?) This week we had some visitors. Elder Rodriguez, Elder Hatch and Elder Hamilton all stayed at least one night with us this week. They came exchanges and for residency work. That took a lot of time out of normal missionary work because we had to travel to Ciudad Real a lot to take care of that stuff, but it turned out all right. Elder Hamilton will be back this week to finish his stuff.
A while ago, we needed some new maps of the city, so we went to the office of tourism started talking to us in English. She gave us the maps and told us about how she needed to improve her English and practice for a tour that she was preparing for. So, she offered to give us a couple of tours - one about the history, in general, of the Puertollano area (in Spanish), and the other about the famous book "Don Quijote." So we went and learned a whole bunch about Puertollano and about "Don Quijote" (in English). The people used to make bread that lasted 15 days without getting hard or going bad!
Besides that, my testimony grew this week of what Elder Fagersten in Arizona shared last week - the enabling power of the grace of Jesus Christ. I studied that talk this week and it really helped me a lot. I am grateful that the Savior lives and loves us. I am grateful that Heavenly Father's plan is perfect. I am grateful that the grace of Jesus Christ is sufficient for each of us to change, to practice, to improve, and to be cleansed from all unrighteousness. The whole and complete truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth, and we have it in its fulness. It was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon contains it, the true word of God, the fulness of His gospel. Prayer is the key that will unlock the door to that knowledge, and all that comes with it - the promises, the blessings, the trials, the tests, the peace, the happiness, and the infinite and eternal love of our Heavenly Father, and his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. I am grateful to have the opportunity to share this truth each and every day.
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
Today is Elder Barney's birthday! We had pancakes this morning as part of the celebration! (We found a pancake mix in the store here - who would have thought?) This week we had some visitors. Elder Rodriguez, Elder Hatch and Elder Hamilton all stayed at least one night with us this week. They came exchanges and for residency work. That took a lot of time out of normal missionary work because we had to travel to Ciudad Real a lot to take care of that stuff, but it turned out all right. Elder Hamilton will be back this week to finish his stuff.
A while ago, we needed some new maps of the city, so we went to the office of tourism started talking to us in English. She gave us the maps and told us about how she needed to improve her English and practice for a tour that she was preparing for. So, she offered to give us a couple of tours - one about the history, in general, of the Puertollano area (in Spanish), and the other about the famous book "Don Quijote." So we went and learned a whole bunch about Puertollano and about "Don Quijote" (in English). The people used to make bread that lasted 15 days without getting hard or going bad!
Besides that, my testimony grew this week of what Elder Fagersten in Arizona shared last week - the enabling power of the grace of Jesus Christ. I studied that talk this week and it really helped me a lot. I am grateful that the Savior lives and loves us. I am grateful that Heavenly Father's plan is perfect. I am grateful that the grace of Jesus Christ is sufficient for each of us to change, to practice, to improve, and to be cleansed from all unrighteousness. The whole and complete truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth, and we have it in its fulness. It was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon contains it, the true word of God, the fulness of His gospel. Prayer is the key that will unlock the door to that knowledge, and all that comes with it - the promises, the blessings, the trials, the tests, the peace, the happiness, and the infinite and eternal love of our Heavenly Father, and his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. I am grateful to have the opportunity to share this truth each and every day.
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
February 6, 2012
Hola a todos,
The experiences of this week taught me a lot. Although many things stay the same, every single day brought something different. My whole mission has passed that way - every day a new challenge, every day a new opportunity. I am grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ, which helps me to change and learn and grow from those experiences. In the morning, it is the custom of the majority of the people here in Spain to go and buy food for the day. So, there are many people out in the streets, but the majority tell us, "Tengo prisa," which means, "I'm in a hurry." The challenge and the opportunity that we have is to stay positive despite the rejection and continue to exercise faith and look for that person who will take a moment to listen to us and invite us to visit with them later. The temptation comes to get frustrated or think that we're not doing something right, but the Spirit has reminded me more than once that the Only Perfect Missionary that ever lived on this earth was also ignored and rejected. No one loved and served more perfectly than He did, and nobody has ever been treated worse than He was. But nothing could break His faith in his Father's plan, and He submitted His will to the Father's in all things, in a perfect and infinite expression of love for His Father and for us. His love and His atonement has the power to carry us above and beyond anything we could ever hope to do or become by ourselves.
This weekend we enjoyed a special broadcast from Salt Lake City for our District Conference. Elder W. Craig Zwick of the Seventy spoke, then Sister Elaine S. Dalton, then Elder D. Todd Christofferson and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Each of them gave messages of hope and encouragement, inviting us to recommit ourselves to the Lord and to His restored gospel. I am so grateful for my Savior and for each of you. I am grateful for the great and eternal truths that have been restored to the earth by the Lord through a prophet. Joseph Smith was the instrument in the hands of God to bring about that restoration, and the Lord has provided evidence of that, a way that we can know for ourselves if this message is true or not. That evidence is the Book of Mormon. In it we learn more about the saving and redeeming mission of the Lord Jesus Christ and we read the promise that if we ask God, in faith, He will manifest the truth of it unto us by the power of the Holy Ghost (Moroni 10:3-5).
He lives and loves us.
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
The experiences of this week taught me a lot. Although many things stay the same, every single day brought something different. My whole mission has passed that way - every day a new challenge, every day a new opportunity. I am grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ, which helps me to change and learn and grow from those experiences. In the morning, it is the custom of the majority of the people here in Spain to go and buy food for the day. So, there are many people out in the streets, but the majority tell us, "Tengo prisa," which means, "I'm in a hurry." The challenge and the opportunity that we have is to stay positive despite the rejection and continue to exercise faith and look for that person who will take a moment to listen to us and invite us to visit with them later. The temptation comes to get frustrated or think that we're not doing something right, but the Spirit has reminded me more than once that the Only Perfect Missionary that ever lived on this earth was also ignored and rejected. No one loved and served more perfectly than He did, and nobody has ever been treated worse than He was. But nothing could break His faith in his Father's plan, and He submitted His will to the Father's in all things, in a perfect and infinite expression of love for His Father and for us. His love and His atonement has the power to carry us above and beyond anything we could ever hope to do or become by ourselves.
This weekend we enjoyed a special broadcast from Salt Lake City for our District Conference. Elder W. Craig Zwick of the Seventy spoke, then Sister Elaine S. Dalton, then Elder D. Todd Christofferson and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Each of them gave messages of hope and encouragement, inviting us to recommit ourselves to the Lord and to His restored gospel. I am so grateful for my Savior and for each of you. I am grateful for the great and eternal truths that have been restored to the earth by the Lord through a prophet. Joseph Smith was the instrument in the hands of God to bring about that restoration, and the Lord has provided evidence of that, a way that we can know for ourselves if this message is true or not. That evidence is the Book of Mormon. In it we learn more about the saving and redeeming mission of the Lord Jesus Christ and we read the promise that if we ask God, in faith, He will manifest the truth of it unto us by the power of the Holy Ghost (Moroni 10:3-5).
He lives and loves us.
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
A couple more pictures
1. Our district. L. to R. Elder Triana, Elder Jones, Elder Hall, Elder Seely, Elder Peterson, me, Hermana Carter, Hermana Letendre, Hermana Collett
2. Elder Seely says good bye
Some Pictures
1. Writing in journals after district meeting. It's a tradition for us to write a little note and leave our contact information with the other missionaries.
2. Elder Seely and me.
3. Hermana Letendre and I. Firmly opposed.
4. But friends in the end.
5. Elder Triana and me.
January 30, 2012
Hola,
Transfer week is always interesting. Many emotions, as usual. I will miss Elder Seely a lot. We went to Ciudad Real for transfers - all of us met there because that's where the bigger train station is in our district. So, after a delicious, nutritious lunch at McDonalds (heehee), Elder Seely left at about 2 p.m. Hermana Vega, who I met on her first day in the mission becuase I was in the office, arrived a little bit after that. The Hermanas went back to their apartment for mediodía and the rest of us, the Elders, we went to the chapel. At 5 p.m., Elder Triana, Hermana Letendre, and Hermana Collett left. Hermana Letendre also came into the mission while I was in the office. She's from Connecticut and she's a Red Sox fan, so we always gave each other a hard time about that. But anyway, Elder Barney and Elder Rodriguez didn't arrive until 8 p.m., so we spent the afternoon contacting people in the street and knocking doors. When we met up in the train station again at 8, we gave the Hermanas the information of the people we had talked to that wanted to learn more.
Elder Barney is great, and yes, he is from Boise, Idaho. He's a big Boise State fan too. He went to the MTC with his sister! She's serving her mission in Texas, also speaking Spanish. There are seven children in his family, and he is the second oldest. He's a great missionary and I'm really grateful to serve with him. Unfortunately, the first few days with Elder Barney did not go well because I came down with some sort of a mix between strep throat and the flu. So, we stayed in the apartment for a few days while I recovered. I feel better now but Elder Barney appears to coming down with it as well. Hopefully he won't.
Despite all of that, I learned a lot this week. I used a lot of the time I was sick to study and think about things. It really is important to take some time to ponder and reflect. I feel so grateful for the many, many, many blessings that I have received. I know that the true gospel and church of Jesus Christ have been restored in their fulness. The Book of Mormon is powerful evidence of that restoration. Families can be together forever. We can have hope and peace in our lives. The opportunity is ours. The invitation is extended. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I love Him. And I love all of you! I hope you're all doing well.
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
Transfer week is always interesting. Many emotions, as usual. I will miss Elder Seely a lot. We went to Ciudad Real for transfers - all of us met there because that's where the bigger train station is in our district. So, after a delicious, nutritious lunch at McDonalds (heehee), Elder Seely left at about 2 p.m. Hermana Vega, who I met on her first day in the mission becuase I was in the office, arrived a little bit after that. The Hermanas went back to their apartment for mediodía and the rest of us, the Elders, we went to the chapel. At 5 p.m., Elder Triana, Hermana Letendre, and Hermana Collett left. Hermana Letendre also came into the mission while I was in the office. She's from Connecticut and she's a Red Sox fan, so we always gave each other a hard time about that. But anyway, Elder Barney and Elder Rodriguez didn't arrive until 8 p.m., so we spent the afternoon contacting people in the street and knocking doors. When we met up in the train station again at 8, we gave the Hermanas the information of the people we had talked to that wanted to learn more.
Elder Barney is great, and yes, he is from Boise, Idaho. He's a big Boise State fan too. He went to the MTC with his sister! She's serving her mission in Texas, also speaking Spanish. There are seven children in his family, and he is the second oldest. He's a great missionary and I'm really grateful to serve with him. Unfortunately, the first few days with Elder Barney did not go well because I came down with some sort of a mix between strep throat and the flu. So, we stayed in the apartment for a few days while I recovered. I feel better now but Elder Barney appears to coming down with it as well. Hopefully he won't.
Despite all of that, I learned a lot this week. I used a lot of the time I was sick to study and think about things. It really is important to take some time to ponder and reflect. I feel so grateful for the many, many, many blessings that I have received. I know that the true gospel and church of Jesus Christ have been restored in their fulness. The Book of Mormon is powerful evidence of that restoration. Families can be together forever. We can have hope and peace in our lives. The opportunity is ours. The invitation is extended. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I love Him. And I love all of you! I hope you're all doing well.
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
January 23, 2012
Hola,
Elder Seely is leaving! I'm really sad. He is an incredible missionary and I have really enjoyed the time that we have served together in Puertollano. This has been one of the fastest transfers of my mission. Time is flying!!!! Get this, he is going to Huelva! I have already started telling him the people he needs to meet and say hi to for me. I am so grateful for the things we have learned and experienced together. My new companion is Elder Barney, from Boise, Idaho. I'm pretty sure he's from Boise. Either way, we will tell people that he's from Idaho and I'm from Iowa - they will have a fun time getting that straightened out. He was in the Sevilla Zone with me before I went to Fuengirola. He's a great missionary. I'm pretty sure he has passed the year mark in the mission, but not by too much. He comes on Wednesday - that's the travel day for transfers. Elder Ferreira is finishing his mission! He goes home on Thursday. I'm gonna miss him a lot.
Puertollano isn't a huge city, as far as square miles, but there are 50,000 people, which gives us a chance to meet a lot of different people. No matter who they are, or where they're from, they are children of God. We are all children of God and we need His gospel. It is the plan that He has created for our happiness. No other way will give us the same blessings and the same fulfillment. He wants to give us the highest of all blessings, and the only way to do that is through the Atonement of Christ and obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. Like Elder Fagersten in Arizona said last week, if our minds are firm in the faith of Christ, we will enjoy all of those blessings.
The gospel is beautiful. It is eternal. It is true. It was restored in its fullness to the prophet, Joseph Smith. Every authority, doctrine, ordinance, and power necessary for us to receive life and salvation was once again given to man through this prophet, seer, and revelator. The Book of Mormon is evidence of this. If the Book of Mormon is indeed the word of God, which I know to be the case, then Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world, Joseph Smith was His prophet, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah.
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
Elder Seely is leaving! I'm really sad. He is an incredible missionary and I have really enjoyed the time that we have served together in Puertollano. This has been one of the fastest transfers of my mission. Time is flying!!!! Get this, he is going to Huelva! I have already started telling him the people he needs to meet and say hi to for me. I am so grateful for the things we have learned and experienced together. My new companion is Elder Barney, from Boise, Idaho. I'm pretty sure he's from Boise. Either way, we will tell people that he's from Idaho and I'm from Iowa - they will have a fun time getting that straightened out. He was in the Sevilla Zone with me before I went to Fuengirola. He's a great missionary. I'm pretty sure he has passed the year mark in the mission, but not by too much. He comes on Wednesday - that's the travel day for transfers. Elder Ferreira is finishing his mission! He goes home on Thursday. I'm gonna miss him a lot.
Puertollano isn't a huge city, as far as square miles, but there are 50,000 people, which gives us a chance to meet a lot of different people. No matter who they are, or where they're from, they are children of God. We are all children of God and we need His gospel. It is the plan that He has created for our happiness. No other way will give us the same blessings and the same fulfillment. He wants to give us the highest of all blessings, and the only way to do that is through the Atonement of Christ and obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. Like Elder Fagersten in Arizona said last week, if our minds are firm in the faith of Christ, we will enjoy all of those blessings.
The gospel is beautiful. It is eternal. It is true. It was restored in its fullness to the prophet, Joseph Smith. Every authority, doctrine, ordinance, and power necessary for us to receive life and salvation was once again given to man through this prophet, seer, and revelator. The Book of Mormon is evidence of this. If the Book of Mormon is indeed the word of God, which I know to be the case, then Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world, Joseph Smith was His prophet, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah.
Love,
Elder Fagersten in Spain
January 16, 2012
Hola,
Time is flying by! We are already in the last week of the transfer! On Friday or Saturday we will probably know if Elder Seely is being transferred or not. He has been since I went to the office in August, so it is very possible that he will leave, but there is also a chance that he will stay. We will see.
Puertollano is a wonderful place. On Saturday, we went to Ciudad Real and had a little tournament of "futbol sala" which is played on a concrete court and five players on each side. The other branches in the district, Ciudad Real, Valdepeñas, and Alcázar de San Juan came and we enjoyed it a lot.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a missionary, and I am so grateful for each of you for supporting me during this time. I have never experienced something so challenging and at the same time so wonderful as a full-time mission. President Clegg has often said that salvation isn't cheap, and it's not easy. This work never has been easy for anybody, it isn't easy for anybody now, and it never will be easy for anybody. When I have felt sad or frustrated because people reject the message or because they don't listen to us, my thoughts have often turned to the Savior, who loved and taught so perfectly and was still rejected by so many. His faith in his Father's plan never wavered, and His will was swallowed up in the will of the Father. I know that He is our perfect example and He is so happy when we try to follow Him, even if we slip and trip along the way. I have slipped and tripped on my mission more than once, but when I have looked to Him, He has always helped me get back up and keep going. He's with us every step of the way.
Love,
Elder Fagersten
Time is flying by! We are already in the last week of the transfer! On Friday or Saturday we will probably know if Elder Seely is being transferred or not. He has been since I went to the office in August, so it is very possible that he will leave, but there is also a chance that he will stay. We will see.
Puertollano is a wonderful place. On Saturday, we went to Ciudad Real and had a little tournament of "futbol sala" which is played on a concrete court and five players on each side. The other branches in the district, Ciudad Real, Valdepeñas, and Alcázar de San Juan came and we enjoyed it a lot.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a missionary, and I am so grateful for each of you for supporting me during this time. I have never experienced something so challenging and at the same time so wonderful as a full-time mission. President Clegg has often said that salvation isn't cheap, and it's not easy. This work never has been easy for anybody, it isn't easy for anybody now, and it never will be easy for anybody. When I have felt sad or frustrated because people reject the message or because they don't listen to us, my thoughts have often turned to the Savior, who loved and taught so perfectly and was still rejected by so many. His faith in his Father's plan never wavered, and His will was swallowed up in the will of the Father. I know that He is our perfect example and He is so happy when we try to follow Him, even if we slip and trip along the way. I have slipped and tripped on my mission more than once, but when I have looked to Him, He has always helped me get back up and keep going. He's with us every step of the way.
Love,
Elder Fagersten
January 9, 2012
Hola,
On Saturday we had Specialized Training with President and Hermana Clegg. The La Mancha Zone is the biggest in terms of square kilometers, or square miles, however you want to look at it. The Hermanas in Badajoz and the Elders in Cáceres, which are over in Extremadura, in the west near Portugal, came all the way over to Ciudad Real. The other areas in our Zone are Puertollano, Ciudad Real, Valdepeñas, and Alcázar de San Juan. We have an amazing Zone and I love the missionaries so much. Half of us were in the Sevilla Zone at one point or another, and the other half we have gotten to know very well also. I feel so blessed to have met so many wonderful people during my mission, members, investigators, and missionaries alike.
With the New Year, President Clegg talked to us about 10 things that, during his time as mission president, he has observed and felt will help us draw closer to and become more dedicated and powerful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. Hermana Clegg talked to us about setting goals, and the Zone Leaders talked to us about prayer, and especially helping those we teach to pray with faith. I love President and Hermana Clegg so much! They are incredible. They also came and visited our branch yesterday. The members felt grateful and excited to have them there. There were 32 people there! It was great!
I am really grateful for the constant invitation that the Lord extends to us to come unto Him. That is how we find peace and purpose in our lives. I know He lives and loves each of us individually and perfectly.
Love,
Elder Fagersten
On Saturday we had Specialized Training with President and Hermana Clegg. The La Mancha Zone is the biggest in terms of square kilometers, or square miles, however you want to look at it. The Hermanas in Badajoz and the Elders in Cáceres, which are over in Extremadura, in the west near Portugal, came all the way over to Ciudad Real. The other areas in our Zone are Puertollano, Ciudad Real, Valdepeñas, and Alcázar de San Juan. We have an amazing Zone and I love the missionaries so much. Half of us were in the Sevilla Zone at one point or another, and the other half we have gotten to know very well also. I feel so blessed to have met so many wonderful people during my mission, members, investigators, and missionaries alike.
With the New Year, President Clegg talked to us about 10 things that, during his time as mission president, he has observed and felt will help us draw closer to and become more dedicated and powerful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. Hermana Clegg talked to us about setting goals, and the Zone Leaders talked to us about prayer, and especially helping those we teach to pray with faith. I love President and Hermana Clegg so much! They are incredible. They also came and visited our branch yesterday. The members felt grateful and excited to have them there. There were 32 people there! It was great!
I am really grateful for the constant invitation that the Lord extends to us to come unto Him. That is how we find peace and purpose in our lives. I know He lives and loves each of us individually and perfectly.
Love,
Elder Fagersten
January 2, 2012
Hola,
Happy New Year! I can't remember if I told you this last year, but to welcome the New Year, everyone watches the t.v. (kind of like what we do to see the ball drop in New York City) but the scene is the Plaza de La Puerta del Sol in Madrid. When the clock strikes 12, the tradition is to eat 12 grapes, one with each ring of the bell. Someone once explained to me how the tradition came about, but I don't remember. Either way, that's the Spanish new year.
Elder Seely had a nasty bout with the flu this past week. He stayed in bed for about 3 days. I was able to study a lot and do some extra cleaning around the piso. We also listened to Truman G. Madsen's lectures about the prophet Joseph Smith. Those are wonderful! We enjoyed that a lot. It hasn't gotten me yet, and I hope it doesn't.
Elder Seely is a fantastic missionary. I love him so much and we get along really well. We continue to grow and improve in all aspects of life. I'm really grateful for each of you and I hope that you always remember how much the Lord loves you. Set some new goals for the new year. The future holds many, many opportunities. We can be what we want to be.
Love,
Elder Fagersten
Happy New Year! I can't remember if I told you this last year, but to welcome the New Year, everyone watches the t.v. (kind of like what we do to see the ball drop in New York City) but the scene is the Plaza de La Puerta del Sol in Madrid. When the clock strikes 12, the tradition is to eat 12 grapes, one with each ring of the bell. Someone once explained to me how the tradition came about, but I don't remember. Either way, that's the Spanish new year.
Elder Seely had a nasty bout with the flu this past week. He stayed in bed for about 3 days. I was able to study a lot and do some extra cleaning around the piso. We also listened to Truman G. Madsen's lectures about the prophet Joseph Smith. Those are wonderful! We enjoyed that a lot. It hasn't gotten me yet, and I hope it doesn't.
Elder Seely is a fantastic missionary. I love him so much and we get along really well. We continue to grow and improve in all aspects of life. I'm really grateful for each of you and I hope that you always remember how much the Lord loves you. Set some new goals for the new year. The future holds many, many opportunities. We can be what we want to be.
Love,
Elder Fagersten
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