November 19, 2018
Hey everyone, how are you all doing today?
Well the week has finally come to a close, and a new one begins!
There have been some interesting things that have happened, so I'll take the
time to tell you them. I mean, I presume that's why you read this thing anyway.
It's either or that you like looking at how handsome I am in the photos I send
home. Just kidding (maybe).
So, this past Sunday we had our Stake Conference. I personally
love going to Stake Conferences in the areas I serve in. I have been in 4 stake
conferences so far in my mission.
1. Barcelona
2. Bilbao
3. Islas Baleares (Baleric Islands)
4. Lledia
This past one a member of the Seventy came, Elder "Cziesla".
He was called to be a Seventy last conference I believe. He is German and very
happy! Haha. At the end of the Stake
Conference, he held a meeting for recent converts, friends of the church, and
members who are now returning to activity. He asked me to say the opening
prayer, and he said my name very well. My name must be German then since no one
(Spanish or American) gets it right in the first try, or second or third. At
the end of the meeting, he desired to shake everyone's hand. Wow, what a great
moment it was.
The day before (Saturday), he also came along for a meeting with
all the members. It was great, inspired, and answered a lot of questions and concerns
that I had (about how to keep the missionary work going).
In the Sunday meeting of Stake Conference, me and my companion
sang in the Stake choir. It was really fun. The only thing that I realized a little bit to
late was that everyone can see you. And I was starting to fall asleep! Here's
why... We had to wake up at about 6:00 so we could get to the church at 7:30 to
start getting in the bus. Well I didn't sleep a wink on the bus ride to Lledia.
We took a taxi with some members and made it just in time.
It was about 2 hours so I spent most of it talking with members.
But the ride back I spent all of it sleeping in the bus. Man, was I tired!
Anyway, I stayed up the entire time during the conference. Accomplishment
achieved! My prayer is that after going to all of these Stake Conferences, I
will enjoy going to the Stake Conferences back home. Before the mission, I
couldn't stay focused unless I had pencil and paper to draw, and my grandma by
my side to give me fruit snacks. Those were the good ol' days.
This past Tuesday we had our district meeting and we went to go to
a restaurant called Viena to eat and meet with Alberto, our ward mission leader
to have a coordination meeting. Man, that place is expensive. And the portions
are small. Good but small. Me and Alberto joked that you can spend the same
amount of money or less for more food at McDonald's which is right next to us.
Haha. It's true.
Thursday was English class and I played a song on my ukulele for
them to help with their English. We also helped set up for the Young Women's
activity that was on Friday. I'll explain that.
So, on Friday was the Young Women's Activity called, "Nuevos
Comienzos" (New Beginnings). It was an activity, so members came to
support them and us missionaries as well. They explained what Young Womens is
and sang some songs. They welcomed a new young woman who will be going the
program and said good-bye to one who was graduating the program. It was very
interesting and fun. The food was great. And there was a dance afterwards in
one of the rooms after. I didn't dance, well... Of course I didn't dance. But I
did act like a goober, like always. And I have to say, I was quite handsome
that night. (See attached photo). Oh, and that day was also the birthday of
Marvin, a youth and recent convert. We took him out to McDonald's (smart boy)
and that was fun as well. I have learned to love hanging out with the youth.
And besides, he is a good kid.
We got our haircuts today. They didn't turn out that bad. Well
mine didn't turn out that bad, I can't say the same for my companion (chuckle,
chuckle). I decided to get my haircut on sides as usual but this time not too
much on the top, and I got a little part on the side as well. I'm trying things
out while of course keeping it missionary appropriate.
Man, it is getting colder here. I think I am going to finally get
my jacket. I don't know if I'll live to see next week without a jacket for the
winter. It's raining more often now which puts a damper (unintentional joke) on
sports. Oh, and that reminds me of what happened on Saturday.
So, we were going to play sports. First, Sheyla was there who is a
friend of ours and asked for a blessing of health. So that was a plus. I have
been keeping oil with me everywhere I go now because there have been too many
close calls where a blessing was almost needed, and I didn't have oil. Now my
companion usually has his, but I should be prepared to give a blessing in
whatever moment. Anyway, we started playing, and I was scoring goals and we
were playing pretty good, which isn't the most amazing part. That comes right
now. I got put in as goalie for the other team. We start playing when all of a
sudden, some man (a member) comes driving on the court while we are in the
middle of playing I remind you, parks the car, almost hits me with the car. He then gets out of his car, apologizes… but
it was one of those apologies where it was just something to say. I dont think
he meant it what-so-ever. He said we couldn’t play soccer because the stake
patriarch was there giving blessings and we could not play. Basically, he
kicked us off.
He said that he messaged our bishop the night before saying that
we couldn't play because of said circumstance. And well the bishop didn't tell
us. I then told him nicely if he could message us, the missionaries, next time
so we can handle it. He repeated by saying he messaged the bishop and that he,
the Bishop, had to tell us. I then asked him again to message us because we are
the ones who organize this activity. He then went on to say that "In the
directory, which you missionaries have access to, you can look and find that
the building has been reserved and that you cannot play. It is reserved
every time for a stake conference." I left it at that because I was
frustrated that this man talked to me like I was his underling. Not to mention
as well that he drives on the court with no respect for the people who were on
it.
Now for those of you who don't know my mother, she would have been
a lot more fierce with this man to the point that he would have backpedaled out of that situation with nothing more to
say because my mother wouldn't give him a chance to speak until she would have
finished what she wanted to say, and there would have been no question for him
as to what to do in the future. She
would have made it crystal clear for him.
And I have seen it enough times to where I was at the point of doing it,
lol. I think it's a good trait. Some people have to learn. Another reason why I
was upset was because a less active finally had come to soccer and then this
happens and the man regards him as nothing. I fear that he won't come back to
soccer for a while now let alone church. Sigh.
And there's a lot more things I could say about that person from
what has been told me by members, but I'll leave it at the fact that I have
repented for mine anger and I'm sad to say it, the hatred that I held for that
man. But I have gone to the Lord for repentance, guidance, and comfort. It's a
thing of the past now.
Answers
to questions....
Any
plans for Thanksgiving?
Good preparation day, we all got together as zones (for the ones
that are close) and we are having a giant thanksgiving feast. Wow it's super
good and I am stuffed! I played
basketball and got elbowed in the face. That hurt!!!
Will
you forgive me/us for not sending you a Thanksgiving card?
Of course, I will forgive you. I havent done to well on writing
letters to anyone either.
What do
you want to be when you grow up?
So I am still hoping onto the sports idea for rugby. Because I
gotta go as far as I can. If it doesn't work out, then I guess I'll try
dentistry or find out how to operate my own business. Sorry Little Caesar's but
I'm not going back. Hahaha!
Where
are you in your Book of Mormon reading?
5. So I finished the Book of Mormon in English. I am in 2 Nephi
(almost Jacob) in Spanish, but I am reading til Alma 14, because that's where I
started last time. I am doing President Nelson's challenge of reading the book
of Mormon till the end of the year and finish it. Wow, it's so amazing!
Would
you like me to send you some Christmas music – ukulele tabs?
I would love some Christmas music for the ukulele. I was actually
going to email you about that, Hahaha.
What is
the name of the person you said served in my mission (Ecuador Guayaquil)?
His name is Joel Neira. He says that your name sounds familiar. Oh
man, it would be so amazing if you two served during the same time. He was also
a Zone Leader. And he was a native, as you have probably assumed.
Well everyone, that's it for this week. I hope you all have a
Happy Thanksgiving and you can find the blessings and be more thankful than
normally, because we really have no reason to complain. We are too blessed to
focus on the negative. I love you all so much! I can't wait to talk to you all
again! Keep the faith!
Love
Elder Maybury
From a while ago - when the youth hit me in the face with a pie. FUN!
Me and some of the youth, who are AWESOME!
Me and Elder Jara and some, ummm, cookies?
My new haircut. I like it!
Stake Conference with Elder Cziesla
November 26, 2018
How is everyone doing today?!
Well it's been a week of mixed feelings, but like always, God is
with us. It’s a never-ending fact. It also helps that we do our part to be with
him. So, let's get talking.
The miracle of this week that I would like to talk about was on
Sunday night. We didn't have much to do after 5:00 pm so we went to go visit a
less-active family. As we were walking by, I had a feeling to visit another
less-active on the street and his family. So, we stopped and did so, and they
were home! It was a "Hey, how's it going" visit. Then we passed by
the original family we wanted to but they were busy with another visit. So, we
went to pass by a point and ended up knocking the entire building. As we
finished, we walked down the street, but then I felt as if we should go left to
the original street with the less-active people on it. So, we did, and we found
another less-active family just arriving and they invited us up for some hot
chocolate. It was nice to visit them and see them again. Miracles are the best!
Today I almost died.... Not really, but It felt like it. I was
walking with my church pants on down around my ankles because I was wearing
sweats underneath because it was cold. Anyway, as I was walking into my room,
my pinkie toe full on went into the corner of the door frame. I tried to fight
it, but right after I took two steps, I fell on the ground with all hope lost
for me. I was going to die as a missionary and wait in Spirit paradise until
the resurrection. I began to question why God made us have pinkie toes. I
survived after some time, but I don't think I'll ever fully recuperate from
that traumatizing experience, lol.
I bought myself a winter jacket. Its €79.95 so about $82.00 but
it’s worth it because I have had my eye on this jacket for a while and I am
freezing every day so it was a necessity, haha. Now I am toasty and warm. 😁
We did a little shopping today for our ward mission leader’s
birthday. I got him a card that says, "There's a party in my heart and you
are invited." It’s perfect.
We received the phone number of a less-active member so we put
ourselves in contact with them and visited them. Found out that she is a member
while her husband is not, and her niece is a recent convert. Their names are
Carmen and Yolanda and I love them so much! They are funny, warm-hearted and
accepting of us. I surprisingly know almost all of the missionaries that they
have had contact with so that was really fun. I was able to show them pictures
of those missionaries because I have been with them at one time or another.
They came to church this past Sunday and it was really good to see them.
We are now planning for the Christmas dinner. We are in charge of
the videos, so it will be a great opportunity to share the gospel while still
having the Christmas Spirit around everyone. We are trying to strengthen one of
families here in the ward. The two daughters are amazing, and the mom is so
sweet hearted. The littlest daughter just turned 4 and she loves me, or at
least plays with me from time to time, haha. The oldest son is a good friend
and I hope to just see more of him. The father is dedicated to his family and
does what he can to be a good father. I love that family.
For thanksgiving, a family threw a Thanksgiving dinner for us
which was a first for them! And we loved it! Haha! Success! It was really fun,
and I was so thankful for it. I really was.
Answers
to questions...
What
did you end up doing for Thanksgiving?
One of the families did a Thanksgiving dinner for us. It was super
fun and I really enjoyed, and I ate like a beast! Haha!
Are you
planning to do anything special for Roberlando?
I will have to do something for him. He is going to the temple to
do his endowments. I am really proud and excited for him. I wish I could go
with him, because I would definitely do it!
How is
your health, your pinkie, your appetite mijo?
My health is great, the pinkie is fully recovered, and I am eating
more and more now! Yay!
How is
the Primary there? Is it the size of
Hurley ward or larger or smaller?
There are a couple kids. Not as much as the Hurley Ward but there
some.
What is
the greatest obstacle you have had to overcome while on your mission?
The greatest obstacle has been fighting sickness. Its not fun and
it kills the excitement to work. But every time that I have gotten sick, I have
been able to fight of the "depression" and continue working. God has
lifted me up every day to do the work. I mean it is why no am here, right? Of
course!
If you
could have one General Authority come to speak at your Zone Conference, who
would it be and why?
Ummm, I think it would be Elder Halstrom because he gave a general
conference talk about my High Adventure trip and the amazing Clark Fales! So, it would be neat to present myself as one
of the youth on that remarkable trip.
Well that's about it everyone. Thank you for reading these weekly
emails and asking about me. I love knowing that I have a great group of support
for me. I love you all so very much! Keep the faith!
Love Elder Maybury
Me and my companion out on the streets of Sabadell
(and an elevator)
Our Thanksgiving Dinner with some members
We visited with a member who has been sick. He had some Katanas that I HAD to try out!
Our Thanksgiving Dinner Zone Conference with FOUR Zones
First, we were spiritually fed. Then we were turkey fed! I was stuffed!
Then some Hoops!!
Loving my new toasty warm jacket!
December 3, 2018
Hello
everyone, how are you all doing today?!
Well
let's get to it...
For
preparation Day, we went to a cathedral high in the mountains and it's like a
tourist attraction with mountains to climb and stores and things like that. We
woke up at 6 and went to grab the train at 7:00 but I couldn't find my ticket
so we missed it, …but we got a new one. We actually ended up getting to the
town that would take us to the cathedral before the other companionship which
is funny because we left later than them. We took a trammy to get us up there,
and then we took pictures when we got there which we really fun. We did the
small hike as well but it was gonna take too long so we found a middle point,
rested and ate some food, and then we turned back down. We took the trammy back
down as well and we didnt get home till almost 5:00pm. We still hadn't showered
or emailed so I was stressing out. I ended up writing at about 6:00 so here I
am writing like there's fire on my hands. Lol. Reminder – we only have 2
hours to write emails (from 5-7pm).
This week
we had a really spiritual lesson with a family. I was crying and one of the
family members was crying as well. That family means a lot to me and I would do
anything I can for them. I am really glad that they are going to the temple
this Saturday. The teenage daughters will do baptisms and the mom will do her
endowments.
I think
above all I am very excited about Roberlando going to the temple. He is going
to take out his own endowments. I think it's every missionary’s dream to watch
someone they helped baptize grow in the church and here I am living it and
having this dream which is now a reality. It has been one of the greatest
blessings that the Lord has given me in the mission.
Roberlando
and Marco Antonio went to Rome and they brought back a Catholic necklace for
me! Hahaha! I don't think I will ever wear it though but it sure is nice to
have, I think 😅.
We had a
visit with Andrea and we brought a young sister with us to help, Vielka. It
turns out really good and they are good friends now. Andrea came this Sunday to
church! A family picked her up and it turned out really well.
Tomorrow
we will have the last District Council of the transfer and we will be holding
the funeral of Hermana Lighten tomorrow, lol. It's been a fun two transfers
with her, even more so because we are from the same group. It will be even more
weird to know that I am or will be officially under the 6 months left in the
mission mark. I didn't think I would get here, but I did. I guess I have to
burn some pants according to tradition, no?
This past
week, we had the Light the World campaign and world day of service. We did
service for the residency home on Friday, then helped a member change the tire
on his car, that was an experience, and then we helped a family move on Sunday.
It was all super fun and I can't wait to be able to do more service when I get
home! 🏋🏽♂️
This
Saturday, the whole Ward is going to the temple. I really wish I could go and
be with Roberlando, but it's out of our mission (in Madrid). I think I would
give up a phone call home so I could go with him. But hey, a phone call home is
precious so maybe not that, hahaha.
Answers to question
What is your goal for the
Light the World Campaign?
My goal
is to get more members excited and participating for it. Of course, I want to
do it as well and complete it. And grow while in the process.
Any upcoming singing opportunities?
We are
singing this next Sunday. It will be "Dear to the Heart of the Shepard"
Have you been able to
upload your last music performance yet?
I have
not. It says I am out of space still. Completely full. Hmmm?
Did you get an email from
Grandma Darlene? She has been trying to
send it to you.
I did get
one from here and I loved it.
What are the TOP 5 things
on your Christmas wish list?
1) Money 🙂
2) Photos
from home
3) Ties
(or some temple pins including the Madrid temple)
4) Mexico
soccer jersey
5) American
cereal
Did you get to the watch
the First Presidency Christmas Devotional?
I have
not but I want to download it and watch it.
Where do you think the
River Sidon is? It is mentioned 28 times
in the Book of Mormon.
I am
going to say by the Gulf of Mexico
Well I
think that's about to for today. My hands are sore and I can't remember
anything else, haha, sorry. Know that I love you all! Keep the faith and talk
to you next week!
Love Elder Maybury
P-Day Excursion to a Cathedral
Well folks, it has been over 3 weeks since I have updated the blog. It all started with Thanksgiving and the natural state of wanting to relax that that holiday brings!
But, as you can see, my son is doing well. He is enjoying his mission and loves the service. He struggles with the difficulty of the mission, at times, but that only comes from his desire to serve and have as many people as possible benefit from the glad tidings that he has to share. We pray for him constantly. Specifically, that people will be receptive to the message and that the members will work with the missionaries to further the work.
The holiday season is a great time to spread the light that comes from the message of the Savior and the great plan of salvation. I hope that those who are searching for this joy, will find the missionaries.
If you would like to send Elder Maybury a Christmas card, he WOULD LOVE IT!!! You may send it to the address below:
Elder Alexander J. Maybury
Spain Barcelona Mission
C/ Calatrava 10-12, bajos
08017 Barcelona
Spain
PS: We get to talk to Elder Maybury in 15 days!!!! So excited!
