July 27, 2011 - hello

Hey Family,

Well this week was busy. We had transfers which is always a lot of work. On monday night we had the dinner with the missionaries that were going home. Elder Viana and Elder Mendonça went home and so did Elder Reffatti, older secretary and district leader, and Elder Jeppson, an assistant. It was pretty hard to say goodbye to these guys. It is amazing the love and friendships you find on the mission. On Tuesday we received the new missionaries which is always fun. Man am I tired. We went to bed late Sunday, woke up early Monday, went to bed late Monday, and woke up late Tuesday haha.

As far as our area goes, things are alright. It is hard in the office, because we have so many things to do that some things are forgotten. Elder Ramos and I are trying our best, but we are struggling to help our investigators progress. I feel like we are doing our best, but not sure what else we can do. We have a good list of investigators but not very many are coming to church. Its hard because I'm not sure if the problem is with me our if the Lord wants me to learn and grow or what. But we keep on going. There are always lots of things to be done in the office that HAVE to be done, which makes it hard at times. We don't always get to the area on time.

We found out today that we didn't get that new apartment, so we are back to square one as far as that goes.

That will be fun for Rachel to go to EFY. Tell her to take lots of pictures.

As far as frisbee goes, we were just playing on an open field minding our own business. We didn't bug anybody. Before we played, we sung "hark, all ye nations" haha.

The mission is definitely a growing experience. The hard times lead to growth although they are not always fun.

We got a new bishop in our ward this week, finally. We were waiting for about 2 months. Our old bishop was called into the new stake presidency. It will be good to be able to work with him. We are still trying more and more to get out and teach with the members. They make a difference.

One day this week, President had me answer his phone for him and it was Elder Mazzagardi, of the Seventy haa. He pretended to be an elder and joked a bit. I didn't talk to him for very long, but it was cool.

I love you all very much. President Prieto said something the other day as the mew missionaries arrived that I thought interesting. He said that while we are in the mission, the Lord sends all the blessings to our families. When we get home from our missions, he starts throwing the blessings to us. I love you and hope you are being blessed with all that you need. The church is true and we are always blessed for obedience. The spirit guides us, we just have to recognize it!

Elder Hawkley