Note: I am sorry that I fell behind in updating this blog forum. Here are 3 weeks of emails which catches us up to the New Year (2018)!!
December 18, 2017
Hello again!!!
How are you doing today!!!!
I am super pumped to be writing to you again. Let me just say that
I did receive my mail!!!! (High-pitched girl scream) I am so excited!!! I did
not receive a letter from you mom but maybe I will get it next Zone Conference
or something. I also did get a package that says women's dress on it. It is
addressed to me. So, we will see what happens. Zone Conference was great as
usual. We played some Christmas games at the end of the conference. Each
district against the others. One was we had to walk a certain distance and back
with a book on our heads, a coin in our eyes, and an orange between our knees.
Super fun. Another one was the old Oreo on your forehead and you have to get it
in our mouth. The last one was we put some Vaseline or some oil on our noses
and we had to get the cotton ball on our noses from the chair and put it in the
cup. Good old Elder Maybury wanted to be first so I picked up 3 at a time and went
for it. Haha. When we play games, I'm in it to win. But mostly to have fun of
course.
We got the Barcelona Christmas card with all the elders and
hermanas in the mission. They are in groups as to when they leave the mission.
I had 18 in my group.12 hermanas and 6 elders. The Hermanas go 6 months early
of course than the elders. They are actually in my companions group. So that
group now has 20 people leaving!!!! And then my group of elders is just us 5.
(One went home because of health issues). And one of our elders is, saving a
transfer early for football and school so I have just 3 other Elders that I am
going home with. Just 4 elders leaving in one transfer. That's so small! But it
will also be nice since we all know each other and we are close.
Have you gotten the package that I sent home yet? I really want to
know if you got it yet! Also about Skype. So, I can log on. Thanking for doing
that for me. I am not a technically advanced person. Also, apparently, I can
only call one person (you) but you cannot add people to the group to make it a
group chat. Its not allowed apparently. BUT, I can call you on one device and
you can have a separate device up in the same room that that can see me I
believe. So it's not a group call but I can still talk to everybody. So there
will be separate devices with people on it. I hope that made sense.
The miracle of this week or at least one of them is when our
investigator said he wasn't able to show up, but he actually did and he brought
his Dad and his nephew as Well! Amazing!!!! It was very exciting to see that
happen. Gustavo's (our investigator) mom was in the hospital but we have been
praying for her and she is out right Now! Yay! Blessings and miracles all
around.
I would love to say the prayer at the end of the Skype call. I
will probably do it in Spanish as well just to show the progression I have made
form nothing to something, sabe?
I found a tree in our piso. It's a fake one claro but I didn't
have to buy one. I decorated it and put my gifts under there. It’s not felt
just a bit more festive of course.
Zone Conference was great! Some neat and funny things happened.
One, Elder Eiguren is in the same zone as me so we saw each other. I love that
elder. We want to be companions some day in the mission. So we were both pumped
to see each other. I saw another Elder from my group. He came 3 weeks late in
the mission because of visa I think. He is a native but speaks English. He is
fantastic, we are pretty close as well. I had my interview with Hermana Dayton
and she told me that President was excited and loves to see me at Conference!
Wow, well I love to see them both as well of course. I guess I have made a good
impression on them. Really I just try to be myself. We do something called
Greet the Daytons, that is something where all the missionaries line up and
greet them, and I was the last one. When I greeted Hermana Dayton she said to
me, "Wow Elder Maybury, have you
been working out?! You look huge!” I said that I had been some night
workouts for about 45 minutes to an hour. She said, "Well it shows. You look great." I said thank you of course.
Looks like my night time workouts are working. Great! I had an interview with
President after conference and he told me that I was just what Logroño needed
and that I bring a new spirit and animo (excitment), to the area. He also said
that he loves meeting with me as well. Sometimes my presence is strong enough
that he can feel it. Now I am not saying any of this to brag or lift myself
night than others. I am only saying this because it made me feel great about
myself and helped me look at my time here as something more than just a
transfer. That's all. So it was a good day for me.
I didn't take a whole lot of pictures but I tried to get some in.
I can't wait to see everyone for
Christmas! I am so excited. I love you all, keep the faith, and will see you on
Christmas!!!
Love forever, Elder Maybury
Missionaries need hugs too!
Posing like professionals
Lunch! Cinnamon drink with cheese & ham toast. Yummo!
Elder Bristol, the new Ayudante (AP)
Elder Eiguren and yours truly
Is that...Don Quixote!?
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December 26, 2017
Hi mommy!
How are you today?!
I hope Christmas was amazing and fantastic for you all! What did
Isa and J get from Santa Claus? I hope they had a good day, full of laughs,
love, and fun. And for you and pops as well. Thank you for the money! It is
greatly appreciated. I am trying to do better about my spending and I have
been going over in my mind of the things I have been wanting to buy and I think
if I actually need them or not. Suffice it to say, I don't really buy anything.
Haha. I guess I don't need it. The office did give me the refund for the
luggage. They put it in my account when i was in Mataró. My stomach is fine. It
doesn't hurt. My tooth(s) bothers me from time to time. I brush, floss, and
mouth wash longer to make sure I get everything. Basically, my teeth go through
a deep cleaning. Lol.
When I first did splits with my district leader, he asked how we
were doing. I told him my first impressions and what I know. He told me that [they
were aware that they work had slowed down, and he relayed it to the] the Zone
Leaders and even President. He told President that he is going to have to send
someone who is ready to work and bring the thing that is lacking in Lorgroño.
So I guess that Elder is me. I will work more on getting [my companion] pumped
to do the work. He is someone who wants to work, but he is just not going to
motivate himself to do it. So that's
usually when I come in. We work to keep
each other motivated.
My shoes are scuffed up a bit but I think they will last for quite
some time. I think they will both last to Mother’s day and my year mark as
well. They are good shoes. Thank you!!!
Regarding the cereal in my Christmas Package:
Pfft! I kept the cereal and I am enjoying every bit of it. Well,
when my companion remembers that he can have some, I'll let him, of course.
Honestly, I didn't want to give it to him. Didn't think he deserved something's
from y'all. *haha* And I just would have
gotten a piece of beef turkey in return. It's the wrong way of thinking. So I
tried to change it and gave it to someone else who NEEDED it rather than me
keeping it. She had told us that she didn’t get anything. But she just told us
that her mom did just send something so that's good. The hermanas are preparing
something for us. Haven’t gotten it yet but I’ll let you know when we get it. I
will send a picture of the Christmas card.
I have been thinking about you two coming here. And quite frankly,
I wouldn't mind at all. I do want to experience that feeling of going down
the escalator with everyone down there waiting for me. But if you both would
like to come and grab me, I don't have a problem with that. Lo que quieren.
Haha! Tell me what you think. Concillio is coming up so when the Zone Leaders
come back from Barcelona, they will bring all the packages from the office.
Would you still like me to call though? Do you want to tell me what's
inside?
I have gotten letters from Evie, Chrissy, Maren, Grandma and you. That’s
about it. Don't worry, write me when you can. 💖 I love
your long letters. They are the best! Make them longer if you want. I get so
excited when I see them that I read fast so I end up blowing through it. Dang,
I got to do better and remind myself to breath. Haha.
I'm glad you all could feel the Spirit during the prayer. I loved
praying with you all again. I felt really close to the family ya know. Thank
you for that.
This week has been an anticipated one. I loved all the Christmas
gifts and packages I got. They were amazing! They sweaters and socks are just
stinking out of this world neat! Love them, thank you so much for them. The week
has kind of flown by. Christmas Eve we ate with two member families. One day
was Colombian. That was some good food. We then ate with Los Dominguez. They
are the family of my teacher in the CCM. We had seafood for starters which was
divine! Spicy oysters and shrimp with dipping sauce. Then some vegetable soup
and some type of Spanish dish that I did not like. Then some nice meat and
chicken. Suffice it to say, I ate a lot and was stuffed. My companion asked how
I could keep eating! Hahaha! It’s a good trait that I have. They had BYU Vocal
Point on while we were eating so my desire to sing was rekindled. But just so
you all know, I sound terrible. I am going to have to work hard to sing well
again. I look forward to it! We had the Ward Christmas party which was pretty
fun! Lots of members showed up so that was good! I won at a game which is you
have to blow the ornament across the floor to a certain distance. It was fun to
play and to win. Good times. The poor elders in Burgos didn't have a Christmas
party to go to. So sad! But I am glad I am here in Logroño.
The miracle I saw was that party. I didn't think many people were
going somehow up. But they did and everyone was just into it. We were all
unified and it was just great. Church was just an hour long on Christmas Eve
but we got some food to take home and the talks were good. I am assuming they
were good. I couldn't really understand them, oh well. Soon though.
I am some fantastic news. I FINISHED THE BOOK OF MORMON IN
SPANISH!!!!! I finished it on Christmas day. It was a fantastic feeling to know
that I met my goal. So I had refinished the Book of Mormon twice in English and
once in Spanish. I will definitely co time to read it often in my
mission.
The Skype call home was just simply fantastic. Honestly, 45
minutes is not enough what so ever. But at the same time it felt like I caught
up with everything over that 6 months. It's strange. I can't wait for Mothers
day call though. I am not counting down the days or anything but it's something
to look forward too.
It's been a wonderful week and a year. I can't believe it's been
over 6 months already. I truly love where I am right now and wouldn't want to
change any of it. These experiences are heavenly treasures from Father in
Heaven and I absolutely love them, I truly do.
I hope everyone has a fantastic week and a happy New Year. I'll
see you all next week. Keep the Faith!
Love Elder Maybury
Elder Tuttle and I at the ward Christmas party!
SANTA!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...in a carriage!
A motorcycle gang...or vespa-cycle gang!
The Mission Christmas card with all the missionaries on it (large view) and then a close up of yours truly! Can you find me?
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January 1, 2018
How are you doing?!
So let's say that this past week hasn't gone exactly to plan.
Elder Tuttle is pretty sick. We have stayed in piso for 3 days now. He has a
high fever, a virus, and he now has to go to the hospital. Oof. So we won't
being go out for a while. I have done a lot of cleaning in the piso. I'm mostly
the one that does but it's getting better. I am kinda taking things in my own
hands since that's how it's going to get done around here. I work with him of
course but, I feel like the main driving force behind us. But whatever. We
didn't do anything for Preparation Day today because everything is closed. It's
festive today because it's Año Nuevo.
I am trying to study Spanish more. I kind of expected to
understand or speak bastante ahora pero it's not the case. Getting the gist and
interpretation of tounges requires lots of work, failure and recorrecting. Not
something I like to do but, if that's what it takes then so be it.
I am so sad to hear about Zacharis mom. It just kills me. It
really does. Zachari is a tough cookie. Both of their parents are gone now.
Zachari will be a good example for his brother Joshua. I pray for them
heavily.
Why I never defied or talked back to my parents? Well that's
pretty easy. 1) If I did, I was gonna get [in trouble] for sure. 2) I would
feel so bad about it, that it would drive me to my sick bed. 3) It's not the
lifestyle I want. It's not the relationship I want. I have realized that
everything a child has is because if his/her parents. Why do you think that
kids without parents are so tired of life and have to look out for themselves?
Well it's because they didn't have parents to provide for them and teach
them. And if they do have parents, and are raised right, then they turn
out well. But a lot of it also has to do with the influence. I saw that living
by my parent’s standards brought the most desired happiness. Sure, I could live
the other way and be happy, but for a very very very short amount of time.
Eternal happiness is pretty long. So, if I can feel the best for all time and
eternity, I'll do what it takes to get that. I know the goal, I know what I
want. And the gospel is the key to getting it. You can't want big muscles and
then not work out for them. It doesn't work that way. If you want to have TRUE
happiness, you have to work for it, and that means honoring your father and
mother, learning what they have to teach you, having standards and keeping them
– NOT doing the things the world wants you to do. That is momentary happiness, not eternal
happiness.
WOW, that's a lot. Sorry. I can't wait to see my baby girl Isabella
again. She is probably going to hit me for being goon so long haha! But I will
gladly take it if I get a big squeeze from her. She is going to be so smart.
And so athletic. If anybody wants [to date] her, they are gonna have to bend
over backwards for her. I will not make it easy. I have high expectations for
the boys. It will be something like this...
Isa:" Zander, meet Isaac.
Me: Hi Isaac, how are you?
Issac: Fine, how about you man?
Me: Good, good. Hey isa, can you see if my phone is upstairs. I
think I left it in your room.
Isa: Yeah no prob. (Leaves)
Me: Listen here you little punk. Its “sir” to you. That is my sister.
You may have a fun time with her but I guarantee you that you won't last a day
with me. If I see you so much as look below her chin level, I will ripe your
pupils out and stick them up your nostrils. I will break every fiber of bone in
your body, drink it's marrow. Then I will turn you back to your parents in
a casket. I sure hope you got repenting with the bishop because you are gonna
have to do some serious repenting if this happens, do you understand me,
man?
Issac: (Wiping sweat from forehead) Yes sir, of course sir. Whatever you
say sir.
Isa: It wasnt there.
Me: Oh I found it on the nightstand. Ok you two have fun okay and
stay safe.
Isa: Thx, Zan, bye!
So yeah like that. Haha.
I am so excited for you mom!!!! I pray that all goes well for
you. I know you will do well. You were able to find your presentations so that
should say something. I can't wait for Mother’s day. I just simply can't wait.
I love you a lot mom. Sorry, it's not much of an email but I hope it suffices.
I love you a lot mommy! Good luck!!!
Love Elder Maybury
Flexing with Christmas power!
Disgusting. No thank you!
Also disgusting...yuck!
A beautiful sunset in Lorgroño
Thank you one and all of catching up with Elder Maybury's adventures in Spain. I'm sorry that the updates were delayed, but life happens and it was Christmas. It was FABULOUS to talk to him and see him! We all felt the Spirit very strong as he prayed. We love him so very much and miss him, but we can tell that he is exactly where he needs to be. His growth and development are evident, and it has only been 6 months. Most of all, I am glad that he is happy.
If you would like to write to Elder Maybury, you may do so here:
Elder Alexander J. Maybury
Spain Barcelona Mission
C/ Calatrava 10-12, bajos
08017 Barcelona
Spain
All letters require one international stamp = $1.15.
If you couldn't tell, he loves getting letters from home and is only getting very few. What a nice treat it would be for him to get a few more letters from his friends and family. You can also send greeting cards, as they too, only require one international stamp.
As always, thank you for supporting our son!
