Pamplona – Week 5…A Baptism and a little Treasure

Hi everybody!!!!! Wow, it's been some time. How are we all doing today!  

The miracle this week was that we had 5 investigators at church today!  [Our new investigator] was able to come even though she lives really far. We just got in contact with her again. It has been pretty hard, but we were able to meet with her, teach her, and invite her to the baptism we had on Saturday and church and she came to both. She does have a fecha (date) for the 31^st  of March for baptism!  [Our other investigator] was also able to come. It has been a little hard for him because he has been moving and was out of town, but we invited him, and he was able to come. 

We also had the baptism of Victoria!!!!! Yay!!!! Wow, this has been a long time coming. I am very happy for her because it is something that she needs in her life right now. She needed to let go of all of her cargas (loads) from her previous life. It was so good to see her get baptized and be in the confirmation circle for her. 

We are still trying to teach all the rest of our investigators. Let’s just say it’s a work in progress, haha.  I’m a little nervous for transfers (coming April 3^rd). Elder Eiguren has been her for now his 3rd transfer. So, he can leave after this transfer. That will make It my 4th one transfer companion. Sigh. All well. It all happens by the will of the Lord. So, if I get a new companion, it's because it is for the work of the Lord to go forth. So, one must have confidence of course. 

Respuestas a sus preguntas... 

1. Si, mi carta de cumpleaños era fantástico. Me alegré muchismo! 

2. Puede hacer cualquier cosa que quiera. No he cobrado mis dólares ya. Pero, pude hacerlo en un día de preparación. 

3. Tengo muchos sellos. Necesito ser mejor en enviar más cartas. 

4. Tengo bastante dentrífico. 

5. Pienso que el mejor cosa que ha hecho para mi es enviar mi paquetes, y correos electrónicos. Pienso yo que tengo suerte en mi vida con usted y mi familia. 

6. Creo que llevé algo verde. Mis calcetines probablemente. Lol. 

7. Ahora, lo sé.  

Truth be told, I am getting trunky…kinda. Not because of anything that home has sent me or told me, it's just that I miss it. I look at a car driving by at night and think of myself before the mission, with some music and the windows down, coming back from grabbing some food. So, it's not even me, it's my mind. But it's okay. I'm out of it.  It’s just thoughts but I move on pretty quickly.

For preparation Day, we went to Vitoria to do our Zone Activity. We went to a giant gymnasium and played basketball, ultimate Frisbee, soccer, and volleyball. Let’s just say Elder Maybury can still pull a move or two. Wow, now that made me trunky, just remembering the good old days, playing soccer, and church ball. Super fun stuff. I am so blessed. Really, I am. I have no reason to complain whatsoever. Always count your blessings. We then came to the church and the hermanas cooked hotdogs for us. Super good. I even put some ketchup on my dogs. Not a normal thing for me by the way. 

This week has been interesting. We do not play monopoly anymore because we are sick and tired of it. We have probably played it a total of 10 or more times I would like to think. Haha. Now, we just relax, write in our journals and charlar (chat). Oh, by the way, I now weigh 177 pounds. I used to be 185 pounds. I did this diet thing. No extra sugar, no eating after 10:00 pm except for one orange, and only two slices of bread a day. And I do P90X every other day. But, I'm not sure how much I weigh now with all the food that I got for my birthday and promptly ate. I think it's necessary weight because it's birthday food. Whoo-hoo!!!! 

Well, I think that's it for now. It comes to a close, but it will open up again next Monday! Hahaha! But I can't wait for it! I love this work and I love the Lord, I will forever keep the faith. I pray you all will as well. I love you all!!!! 

Love Elder Maybury 

Elder Eiguren, Victoria and myself.  Very happy for her!

Playing some volleyball on P-day!  My mom would be so proud.

After P-day activities – eating some hot dogs

Vitoria / Bilbao Zone Conference Pictures (March 9^th)

We send him questions every week.  This week, these were the questions he was asked and answered above.  So proud of his Spanish! 

QUESTIONS:

1. Did you get your birthday card from me with stamps and money?
2. Is it okay that I sent you US money?  Can you exchange it easily or is it too hard?
3. How are you doing on stamps?
4. How is your supply of toothpaste?
5. What is the best/your favorite thing we have done for you while on your mission?
6. Did you wear green on Saturday?
7. 50 Pushups every night will help your core muscles, mmkay? (see how I made it a question? Hee hee!)

As always, I am super proud of my son and all of his efforts to not only serve the people of Spain, but also to work through his own weaknesses.  We all have them.  I am proud of him for admitting them and then working through them.  One thing that I absolutely love about my boy is that he is determined.  He sets his mind on something and even though he hits some obstacles, he focuses on meeting his goal ‘no matter what’.  I have seen him make some impressive progress in his life with this determined spirit.  He gets it from his father. 

Being “trunky” is a term that is related to the idea of having your trunk (luggage) packed and ready to go home.  It is a common lingo used amongst missionaries – even all the way back when I served my mission.  Of course, I don’t believe that he is really “trunky”.  I think he just thinks of things at home that he misses, which is normal.  It is easy to see that he is happy and working hard. 

“Transfers” are when missionaries are transferred into or out of their areas of assigned work.  There are 6 weeks in-between transfers. Elders are often transferred more often than sisters simply because there are often double the number of elders to sisters.  Being transferred helps the work in each area to stay fresh and active by bringing in new missionaries who will have new ways of connecting with people, etc. 

Finally, the greatest gift that I received this week was a video from my son.  Well, actually I received two of them.  One of them he recorded when I graduated back in August.  He just now figured out how to send videos…hahaha!  So that one is personal.  BUT, he sent this other video below and I have to tell you…I have watched it multiple times and have cried many times.  I cry because my heart is full.  I cry because I love seeing my son.  I cry because I absolutely LOVE his voice.  I cry because I can see his growth and development over these past 9 months.  It’s a priceless gift that we, as families, get to have for the sacrifice of sending our children out into the mission field.  It is a gift I gladly accept. 

Enjoy!

My duet at the Baptism: Fuente de la Vida Eterna

(Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing)

Wasn't that wonderful!!!!

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Please note, this link will send you to YouTube

Lyrics to the song:

Fuente de la vida eterna

Y de toda bendicion

Ensalzar tu gracia tierna,

Debe cada corazon.

Tu piedad inagotable, 

Abundante en perdonar,

Unico ser adorable,

Gloria a ti debemos dar.

Toma nuestros corazones,

Llénalos de tu verdad;

De tu Espíritu los dones,

Y de toda santidad.

Guíanos en obediencia,

Humildad, amor y fe;

Nos ampare tu clemencia;
Salvador, propicio sé.

If you would like to write to Elder Maybury, you may do so at the following address:

Elder Alexander J. Maybury

Spain Barcelona Mission

C/ Calatrava 10-12, bajos

08017 Barcelona

Spain

Each letter will require one international stamp = $1.15 / up to one ounce.

Emailed: March 19