HOla! familia! + friends.

Today is a great day, I've been blessed witha P-day B-day. haha It will be super fun I'm sure of it.. and I'm sure I'll not tell you alllll about it next week.. as for the last weekk..

-I'm with my good buddy Elder Merrell, We're partying all the time, and getting a lot more effective work done. It's amazing. I'm enjoying it, my health is still a bugger.

- Tim Asay came to church yesterday in a suit and tie, with shiney shoes, and shiney new scriptures.... it was awesome.. He usually showed up late and in a polo and jeans.. so big jump.. Church is true.

- Tim Asay ALSO was baptized for the remission of his sins by his could be future father-in-law last night... He was seriously speachless, and I've never seen the little tyke so happy. (actually he's bigger than I am, and older, and smarter, but...)

-It never gets old to see people making right decisions, ... really reinvigorating.. Hopefully we'll see some more real soon. . . . Church is true afterall :)

-I'm the one who writes my own story.

- It appears, that the Ward loves us now. It's miraculous actually.. I don't know how to explain it. A lot more fun and optimistic. Also, the Burien ward loves us, we have dinners with them as well.....

- OH! I got to see almost all of the people that got baptized while I was in Burien.. still active, and asking for callings.. :) I love the gospel, and that is the happiest thing ever.

-Not a whole lot of excitement.... I was sick again this week..

So- Spiritually speaking, I really was praying hard for a baptism the last few weeks and trying to refocus to get work done. I think I recieved exactly what I needed. I hope I can get a lot mroe done before my time is up. (which should be not soon.)

I love the Lord and I love the Gospel. I was reading in Alma 14 yesterday, it really touched me how Alma said that they still had work, that the Lord would take care of them.... That chapter is kinda depressing, all of their recent converts and investigators get burnt.. in front of them-- but! Silver lining, they all go to heaven.. for dying in the cause of christ..

The church is true ladies and gentlemen... read those scriptures, and change your life daily.

I LOVE YOU MUCHO, ELder HiLL

Friends and Family... This week was trying..

Well- Fantastic news everyone.. We're going to have a baptism in SeaTac, hopefully this weekend. Things are looking really good with our investigator Tim. Tim texted us last friday while I was on exchange with the District leader Elder Spencer, He asked if he could meet with us (which was surprising because he has been super hard to get ahold of). He basically said that he had been talking to his member girlfriend, during a tribulation ridden week, he gained a testimony of the book of mormon.. And basically put himself on Date. for October 8th.. I can't think of a better birthday gift. it's christmas... (Pray for it to happen..)

I should probably mention what happened with transfers... I'm staying in SeaTac! Elder Fullmer was transferred to Bellevue and is going to be companions with Elder Jackson (My last comp) and Elder Merrell returned to SeaTac to be my companion. Elder Merrell was my District leader when I was trained, he was in SeaTac for 14 months, I replaced him.. now he's back. haha It's a pretty crazy series of events.. It'll be a good change of pace from Elder Fullmer.. I loved Fullmer, but man he was something. haha

The Church was so true this weekend.. Conference was lifechanging.. really revealed a lot of things I needed to know. I also got an opportunity to talk to some of the old members from the Burien ward, have Pouli and Lynn write in my journal... If I had no other accomplishments than working with Pouli and Lynn, I would say my time was WELL spent. It's amazing. I can't really express how wonderful it was. A true testimony builder, and humbling experience. I'm very very grateful.

Well, not a whole lot to report on this week, it was the least amount of actual work I've done during my mission experience.. I attempted to ride bikes, I don't think the hills are doing well to me.. almost died.

Well, I'm workin hard and striving my best to keep the faith! i'll do the right thing I promise. Keep praying for me everyone! I love you, I need mail from you. haha Remember, I'm authorized to promise blessings. -- Consider them promised.

Love always, Elder Hill

(sent sept 26)

The Last week was tough, rewarding, filled with lots of opportunities to grow :) A good week..

Some interesting things that happened...

- I finally got a nickname from Grandma, Elder Fullmer has been "Crazy Boy" for months, and I just recieved the nickname of "Handsome Boy" and she said my aura is better now than when I first left home (I showed her pictures) so, I suppose that's a positive :) haha .. Thank you grandma for being awesome..

- We accepted an invitation to go have "chinese food" with sister Wie and Brother Smith... Lets just say it was authentic. We ate Jellyfish, Sharkfin, 'cold chicken', Duck, some slimey stuff I don't know, salt and pepper fish, and thank goodness for the plate of mongolian BEEF. whew.... Elder Fullmer ate a chicken head, including the beak for 30 bucks. eek, Even grandma was grossed out. haha

- We taught the Plan of Salvation to Van and some of his buddies.. It was a good lesson, but we're struggling to get through the importance.. so maybe a lesson on Jesus in General to get the spirit going could do the trick..

- We tried to teach a 9 year old the other day, He was so distracted, and constantly kept bringing up his dead cat... oh- How my patience has grown. I love my family more than ever, ya'll were never that bad afterall.. haha.. Some peoples' kids.

- Watched some church movies with Sister Wie, Grandma.. Grandma is slowly getting closer to baptism... for the second time.. long story- but, she's getting copies of all the movies cause she loves them... if only she wasn't leaving next wednesday..

Anyhow.. I've been studying and really learning a lot... In my down time when I'm frustrated and really just wanting to work and not be bogged down with my stupid health, I find solace in the scriptures. It's such a beautiful thing the Lord has given us... Throughout my mission experience people have asked me "why does God let bad things happen"... If we take things in perspective understanding how God sees the beginning from the end, death really isn't the worst thing.... I just recently had the epiphany helping me understand Agency SO MUCH MORE... We truelly have the choice between eternal life or eternal damnation and death... The Lord cannot take that choice away. We have equal right to be damned as we have to salvation. Bad things like murder or rape happen, that's an example of someone's agency, choosing to do evil... Sadly, they have the right to that.. Anyhow.. kinda off topic.. The Church is true...

^^^ Came out as spiritual thought vomit... decipher if you dare.^^^

I'm doing my best to keep workin, I'm slow, but I'm putting the effort forth, I'm gonna do the right thing :) The Lord will abide I know it! Faith is great ain't it?

I love everyone! Keep being awesome.. I will see you all soon (not too soon..)

-LOVE, Elder Hill

(sent sept.20)

this is my quick email!

The church was true this week.. lives were changed, and Christ was testified of. :)

I know the work is true, everyone read your scriptures! I LOVE YOU WRITE ME!

hello Everyone..

Hello! This was a serious week. For serious work.

The Lord really guided us in the limited time we had.. we got some good work done. I'm soooo grateful for the blessings :) Thanks to everyone who is helping with prayers, support from home thank you so much!

We had a really rollercoastery week. but my favorite parts were on Sunday.

-We had a recent convert/investigator meeting with the Stake Presidency, President Larkin, and all the missionaries in the zone. Pan Manna, whom was one of my recent converts in the Burien ward was there, along with some chuukese people I worked with. :) We got one Burmese kid to come, his name is Van and he is 16- really interested.. When they went around the room bearing testimony, Pan Manna bore her's in Burmese.. it was so powerful, I have no idea what she said- but it was great. After she was finished, i turned to Van and said "What'd she say" he said "She like Jesus." haha.. that's good! haha..

-THEN we had a special Stake Conference with a video broadcast from SLC, Elder Holland and Elder Packer were the speakers.. along with Elder Snow of the presidency of the Seventy.. and another woman whose name and title escape me.. They were really good messages, it was really cool-- But before the conference started, Van had to leave because there was an emergency at home.. so he left.. :( We were sad that he missed the experience of hearing from modern Prophets... It was still good.. Pan Manna paid attention, and even took notes a little (She barely speaks english.. how amazing..) haha ..

-We had a dinner with a family- The Crockers.. Some of my favorite. Very smart people. I got to reminisce a little bit with Brother Crocker, as he was familiar with IT Crowd.. - Josh you know what that is. - hahaah... so funny.. They were great, and talked about psychology a lot. Very interesting.. Brains do a lot of stuff.. haha..

-After dinner, we felt prompted to go see Hatnu and Mary (Burmese members) We were in the midst of showing them a video, Elder Fullmer and I were glued to the tv, and someone walked in and sat down on the couch accross from us.. After the video I looked over- THERE WAS VAN! .. from earlier.. apparently he knew Mary from school, and he speaks more than just Hakha/Burmese.. so they can talk to eachother.. What a great miracle- There's the fellowship. haha He should be our Burmese priesthood one day.. It was so cool, to talk to them about temples.. they're excited to go one day.

Overall it was a tough week. I'm pounding vitamins like a madman, and praying like crazy. I'm confident that the right decision will be made. The Lord does work in mysterious ways.. Usually it's tough. I reaaallly hope I can retain all the knowledge I've gained out here.. One of my favorite things this week was studying D&C, with background story.. D&C 11 was really special to me this week. It was a revelation to Joseph as Hyrum asked him how he could serve the lord.. The Lord was so pleased with his willingness to help. :) There's a short verse, I don't remember which one, but it goes something along the lines of this "Your work is to strive to keep my commandments with all your heart, might, mind, and strength." Thats OUR work for everyone.. as you strive to do that, the Lord will lead you to those you can help. I'm striving my best, I'm feeling the promptings, and seeing miracles in my life. I challenge everyone to read D&C 4 and D&C 11 and choose a goal to do better on this upcoming month or so. Lemme know how it goes.

I know this church is true.. I love the savior so much... he truelly 'leadeth me' as it says in... I want to says Psalms 23.. Check it out..

I love you all so much.. Keep writing, and if you aren't writing.. WRITE. haha I love mail. I'm grateful for all the help i receive. I miss ya, I'll see ya soon (Not too soon.) haha

-Love always, Elder Hill..

Hey family and friends... how are you? good? good.

Hello everybody, It's Elder Hill again.. just another week in paradise here.. It rained, then it was too hot, then it rained, and I went 'toes' with a Born again... so much excitement..

The work was improved this week.. I got some encouraging phone calls from the mission President, I mustered the motivation to 'run from person to person' (in a limited sense, I'm sick...) We had a few pretty cool experiences...

- Contacting by a bus stop, I was talking to one person about 'finding god' in the scriptures, and saying prayers to find comfort in trials... I could sense this guy hovering around behind me... I finished the conversation, turned and talked to him.. his name was antonio, he was from federal way, and he was near tears... I kept asking what's wrong, asking how we can help, what we could do?,, He just said "I gotta get home man." I asked where home was, he said Fed. Way.. He had no money for the bus,.. so we got him a bus pass, he promised to call the missionaries and change his life.. .. it's tough, but I pray he does it.. . It was just peaceful as we sent him away, even with all the people freakin out at us (Pac Highway isn't a very nice place..)

- Trying a new tactic with the Burmese, talking to them about temples.... It was a bit of a desperation attempt at success as they have been drifting from us.. It worked pretty well.. They were very very interested, seemed to feel the spirit just by looking at the pictures. I hope they realize how important it is.. I love them, but they really just don't understand.. grrr... pray for a miracle!

- We got to give a blessing to a lady last night; I as the voice. She is having a return of breast cancer, struggling to know.. It was so tough! Such a wonderful lady, so filled with faith.. It was humbling to have the words given to me. To counsel someone almost 40 years older than I on what she should do... These are the moments when I'm so thankful for divine guidance.. I am so grateful to be worthy of such help. I love jesus.

- Had a few lessons with some of the elderly people in the ward, trying to gain good relationships with the ward, blessings of course. haha.. We love them so much.. we were invited to attend a sealing for a Recent Convert couple.. but our ZLs wouldn't let us go *womp *womp... it's sad, but we were touched to be invited... They all had such a happy look as they saw us at the door. :) That's blessing enough for me, just to know I've helped someone be happier. it's my calling in life. haha

- OH! Grandma, (The vietnamese lady upstairs who is actually sister wie's sister, but we call her grandma) is psychic, I'll have to tell you guys about her, she's freaking amazing.. so eerily accurate.. it's creepy. haha She's great, doesn't speak much english.. She's teaching me a little vietnamese.

Overall, it was a week. It was a long week at times, a wonderful week at others. The mission is so amaazing. We are doing a lot more walking now, cause our car was surrendered to Normandy Park..So.. That may not bode well. But I do love the gospel, so there's that. . . . Something interesting that I've been studying is the life, ministry of Paul.. I love that man and his conviction. What a great example.. I urge everyone to read the amazing teachings of the New Testament. learn from Christ's words :) The Bible is amazing! I love it.. The Book of Mormon is life changing, and together.. they make such a great testimony.

I love the work :) Keep me in your prayers everyone :)

-Elder Hill

Hey friends and Family

Hey-Lo everybody, I'm Elder Hill.

So- This week was very much slower than previous weeks.... pretty much the slowest of the whole mission.. we still had 7 new investigators, taught a few new families.. got back in contact with an old one.. but only taught 10 lessons.. and I was not feeling too well so, just overall inneffective. and frustrating.. However, I do still love the Lord and know the church is true! So that's wonderful. I just need extra prayers. Everyone remember me. please.. I'll remember you. haha

Anyhow.. let's see... things this week that happened..

- Our napali friends whose nicknames are cocoa and little one... were caught hiding in front of the walgreens putting makeup and fake nails on yesterday... we thought that was strange.. and as we walked to their apartment complex, we saw their mother searching for them.. so we told them they had better get home.. haha.. they had makeup all over them.. very funny little kids. I don't know how we are such good friends with them.. their family wouldn't meet with us.. haha (a while ago the little one tried to order the 'finding faith in christ' dvd from the number on the card we gave her.. and accidentally called 911, had to explain THAT to her parents.. hahaha...)

- this homeless guy in the park has all the stoners convinced that we are feds.. which isn't super good, pretty funny though?... we actually taught a lesson to one or two of his buddies...

- Sis Wie and Grandma made 'vietnames dinner'... it consisted of fried pig ear, some chewy stuff, squishy fish, "the slimey vegetable" and rice... .... pig ear... eek... tasted like ... ... yuck.. BUT! On the bright side we came home to fresh spring rolls yesterday, and we love those.. Grandma is great.

- Last transfer they didn't announce who was transferred to the whole zone.. they did a silent transfer in which each individual companionship got a call if they were transferred.. so naturally, i told our district leader we got whitewashed.. he was shocked to see us at zone meeting.. haha.. good times.. I'm terrible I know..

OK so on to bigger and brighter things.. This week I studied a lot.. I usually study a bunch- but this week i studied a lot. (Lot>bunch) Aaand I read the book of Daniel last night... It was awesome the stories of meshack shadrach and abed--nego NOT being burned in the fiery furnace.. and Daniel and the lion's den.. and.. lots of latter-day prophecy... Such awesome faith by these people.. to hold to their God in the moment of truth.. Testing whether or not they truelly believe.. and in both circumstances they come off conquerer... The Bible has really become one of my favorite things to study.. We use it all the time in the foreign community, that's all we have.. I've come to love and admire the apostle paul.. and Peter the apostle as well.. If I can find some way to have the vigor of those men.. It could be goooood. haha... I read the trial of Paul in front of King Agrippa yesterday (Acts 26:13-27)(I could be off..)... It's so cool.. how similar it was to Joseph Smith's experience, how the simple testimony changes so many hearts.. we all need to heed this and stand up for our belief.. God is good.. gotta love Him.

Well, the work was hard this week.. the work was slow.. Its tough, but we did get to have some progress in our area. I got to see Ipha from my last ward, teach her brother who lives in my area now.. he'll be attending Burien ward, but we might snatch the teaching for him. I'm excited, I'm just working while I can! I love this work, I love the gospel.. trials are hard but I'm striving to overcome them :) Everybody write me.. and I promise blessings.

I love you all, read your scriptures! Study them! Live them!... They are such a blessing. You have to know what's in them.. I miss ya tons.. see ya l8er!

-EELDERR HILL