Elder Ryan Hawkley: June 3, 2011

Hey Family,

Well it has been a week of ups and downs. This last Saturday we had to get a bus to a neighboring city for lunch. It was me, my comp, and Elder Lau and Elder Harris, the financeiros. We actually had fun and laughed a lot. It was a small city and the air smelled great. It seemed a lot fresher. But we got back to Ribeirão around 4 and our day was shot. Saturday and Sunday are the only days that we have to work in the areas all day. We did some stuff and dinked around in the office for a bit. I felt bad because we hadn't worked in the area. I was frustrated because we tried to get a bus to see some people around 7, but we couldn't figure out the buses and ended up not doing anything. It was definitely a low. Elder Ramos and I talked for a bit and we felt like we needed to change our focus to the area more. We made a goal to get out of the office at 5 and to start working with our numbers more. As secretaries we aren't charged for our numbers and so we have just done our best. But as we measure what we do, we can make goals to do more. It was an experience that strengthened us.

We had a mission tour this week. Elder Carlos A. Godoy of the seventy came to the mission. Yesterday our side of the mission had a conference with him. It was awesome. It started at 8 with a meeting for the Zone and District Leaders. At about 8:10, We (secretaries) were studying and the assistants came and told us that Elder Godoy wanted us in the meeting too. He asked a lot of questions about the mission and I learned a lot. He talked about how the way we will finish our mission is the way that we will start our lives. So it is important that we finish strong. He talked a bit about how as leaders we leave a legacy and that we will be remembered for good or for bad, that we leave an impact sometimes not even knowing it.

Then at 9 started the conference for everybody. President and Sister Prieto talked a little bit and then Elder Godoy talked. He talked about many things. He started off talking about how we were called to our missions to learn from our Mission President and his wife. He said that as a dad he was praying for his son to be sent to the right mission, but a fellow leader told him that he should pray to be sent to the right Mission President and Sister, because it is they that will leave the greatest impact. I can agree with that. It is such a blessing to be able to work alongside Pres and Sister Prieto and get to know them and learn from them.

Then Elder Godoy told us about his conversion story. The Spirit was very strong. He said that he went to a church activity just to accompany his younger sister, who was invited. He said that they played some dumb little game and popcorn and juice (he said church juice is "you know the color but not the flavor" HAHA) were served (very simple) but that the members were happy. That was something that hit him. As they were going home the sister missionaries asked his sister first if she wanted to know more about the church. She said no. The sisters asked him and he accepted. His family didn't approve so he was taught alone. He told us that he had hair as long as what would be rachels and didn't look like somebody who would be interested in the church. But the sisters believed in him. He was baptized and the sisters went away, never knowing if he stayed firm. He said he went to church for another month and then fell away. The members talked about how he probabaly wouldn't make it and he fell away. He then went to a summer camp that the youth go to for Carnival. He said he went all alone and that it was hard. But he met a girl (who eventually became his wife). He served a mission and eventually became a mission president. He said he eventually found the sisters who baptized him and was able to seal one of the daughters of the sister that baptized him. He told us that we cannot judge who will be willing to accept the gospel. "Who are we to judge?" "Your judgement can be dangerous" were some things he said. If those sisters had judged him, he wouldn't be here he said. It was very powerful and I was taught a great lesson. That is something I can improve. The gospel can change anyone. We must talk with everyone, because we never know who will accept.

After the conference, Elder Godoy came to the mission office and we had a little sit down with him. He asked us a couple of questions and talked a little too. He said that we as secretaries are leaders in the mission at least at the level of a district leader. That was why he invited us to attend the leadership meeting in the morning. It was something cool to think about. That is not the stereotype (how the secretaries are viewed). He let us ask some questions. One of the assistants asked how he could know that his mission was accepted by the Lord. Elder Godoy then said, with tears in his eyes, that he (the assistant) didn't even have to ask, that his mission was accepted. Then he said that all of us (the assistants and secretaries) didn't even have to ask. That because we are in these positions, our missions are accepted by the Lord so far. The spirit testified of this. It was amazing to hear that the Lord has accepted what I have done despite my weaknesses and mistakes. Elder Godoy said that we can always pray and ask, but that at this moment we don't need to.

It was great to get to know Elder Godoy. He knows how to joke and was funny, but also very spiritual. We thought (and Pres Prieto had said) that he was going to be very serious. But it was a lot better than we thought.

Glad to hear that everyone is good. I can't believe that school is already over for Rachel. Time is flying. I will make a year this month that I have been here on the mission. That's a scary thought. The mission is the best. Thanks for supporting me. It is a blessing to be able to focus on the work and helping others, to not have to worry about school or work.

I hadn't heard about the family reunion. When will it be and what are you guys going to do? Who is in charge?

I will attach a picture of us with Elder Godoy.

I love you guys. Thanks for everything. Have a great week.

Elder Hawkley

Pictures

1. The office and Pres and Sister with Elder Godoy