Sabadell – Week 6…One Transfer Done and Feeling better 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Hello to everyone again! How has the week been? This week went by kind slow, I guess because it was transfers and we were expecting calls. I was so nervous about it....

So, I wasn't sure if I was getting transferred or not. It's always possible to get 6-week shafted. I did not want that to happen to me. So, I was nervous. Anyway, I was dying from anxiety throughout the week. I was asking paths elders and sisters what do you think is going to happen to us? I was so petrified and that I could leave that I had a dream where I got the call that I was leaving and I started telling people about it. This was all in the dream of course. Man, the mind can really play tricks. Long story short, I'm not leaving. I'm staying here with my companion Elder Newman. I'm excited because that most likely means that I will be here for Christmas next transfer, Yay! 

The trio of hermanas is getting broken up. Hermana Lighten will stay and finish her mission here with Hermana Fowler while Hermana Richardson is leaving and going to Marratxi. If that sounds familiar to you, it's because it was my last area. Yep, they are taking out the elders and putting hermanas in the area, so it doesn't matter to me. I trust hermana Richardson completely to take over the area. So, I’m not worried. 

This week I have been feeling better. My body is slowly working on getting back to where it should be and learning to process foods again.  I saw the doctor and she wasn’t too worried but did recommend some medicine to help.  So, I bought some medicine that she recommended me. One is probiotics and the other one is for bowel regularity. I always feel like I am going to throw up or like I could. But it's not too serious. I just have to watch what I eat and how I feel so everything goes well. I'm still moving though. I'm still working. God has answered my prayers everyday of giving me the strength necessary to go out and work. God is very aware of us. So, if you feel like he is not, you are sorely mistaken. So, try again.  He is there.

We were able to meet with a man named Gustavo yesterday. He is Catholic but doesn't practice. But says he believes in his church and will stay Catholic. Well, we will see what happens when he feels the spirit more. He has met with missionaries before and always likes to hear them share their message. So that's good at least. We taught him The Restoration. Something amazing happens that I now realized. The more you teach others of the Gospel and why it is the true gospel of Jesus Christ, the more it is written in your heart. And I felt that. It felt so good and I was so thankful to be able to have that special moment. I can truly say without doubt or fear that I KNOW that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church on earth today. Joseph Smith was called to restore it by the power and holiness of God. 

Stake Conference is the 18th of November I believe. This will make the 4th Stake Conference that I have gone to as a missionary. I Love it. 

Answers to questions.... 

Are you able to read emails during the week?  Do you?

I can read emails anytime of the week. But I save family emails for preparation days because I like to just sit and focus on it. It makes me feel like I'm more connected to you all. 

Did you get any mail this week?

I will be going to the office today to see if I have some mail. 

Where are you in your readings in the Book of Mormon?

I finished reading the book of Mormon in English. I have 2 Nephi-alma 19 to finish in Spanish and then I will be done with that.

Do you think there is any way that you will be able to go to the temple with Roberlando?

Unfortunately, no, very sad but I am excited for him

Do you think President Galli will let you have time to write essays for scholarships?

I believe so. President Dayton let it happen, I know that. 

What is the greatest act of service someone has done for you while on your mission?

The greatest act of service has been from the hermanas being food for us when we were sick for a member give us a cake each week. So yes, if you give food to me, I will count it as one of the greatest services done to me, haha! 

Have you gained any insights from reading your patriarchal blessing?

9. These blessings come from obedience. And when you take the time to read and understand it, you will feel the power of its promises and will have a desire to do your part. 

Well I think that's about it everyone. Tonight, there is a special Family Home Evening in the mission home. We are going with a recent convert. It will be fun. But it's starts at 6:00pm and we have to leave by 5:00pm, so my writing time has been moved up.  I’m trying to write as much as possible with time to write to the family as well. I love you all though. Thank you for the prayers about my health and work. I have noticed a big change for the better because of you all. Thank you again! 

Love Elder Maybury 

Call Me Elder "Cook"

A Chinese Buffet

We Found the Hermanas Piso...

...we just walked up to their window! 

People live in the Attic - Spooky

Found! One Tootsie Roll...on a window sill

I didn't eat it, but I was tempted (ask my family)

This would make a good cover to a book I think

Me and Elder Newman

Just in case we find rats in our piso, I'm ready!

Finally saw my old companion from the CCM - Elder Cheever

Note: In the CCM in Madrid, Elder Maybury and Elder Cheever were companions.  Elder Maybury was in the Barcelona mission and Elder Cheever was in the Madrid mission.  It was not likely that they would see each other again until after the mission.  Then, the mission boundaries changed in July.  Elder Cheever was now in the Barcelona mission.  This past week, they saw each other at the train station as Elder Cheever was being transferred to a new area.  These are lifelong friendships for sure.  

Well, I am happy to have heard from my boy, but mostly happy that he is staying in Sabadell AND more importantly, that he

is feeling better, bit by bit.  Again, as he said, thank you for your prayers on his behalf.  He could feel them and he is getting better. 

This week I received a personal letter just to me from my son.  I don’t often get one that is just for me.  He and I exchange emails back and forth on his P-day, but in my email to him, I had shared some things with him that he felt warranted a separate response.  I appreciated so much his compassion that he would see the tuggings on my heart and write to me.  I will share one part of what he wrote because it is probably the BEST part of any email he has ever written since the beginning of his mission. 

He said,

“I don't know if you have been able to tell the growth I have had, but it has been a lot. I am happy with who I am and I hope I will be able to serve in God's kingdom someday.”

The BEST part about all of that is that he said, “I am happy with who I am.”  My heart overflows with love and joy for this.  He said so many wonderful things to me in that email and there were tears flowing from my eyes because yes, I do his growth.  I see his depth.  His maturity.  Isn’t this one of the greatest wishes of any parent?  To have their children be happy with the kind of person that they are?  For me, it is. 

In part of my response to him, I said this:

My heart misses you so much, but this mission has done more for you than I EVER could.  You are learning, doing and becoming EVERYTHING I had hoped for you!!! Thank you for being a willing servant of the Lord.  Thank you for letting him mold you!!!  As I have said many times, A mission is hard, but it is ALWAYS worth it!

This is one of the many great blessings of serving a valiant mission.  The growth.  The personal development that comes from sacrificing everything – all your comforts, your luxuries, your time, your energies, your friends, your family time, your worldly cares – and giving 100% of who you are to serving the Lord.  It HAS to change you.  There may be tears.  Illness.  Slammed doors.  Difficult encounters.  Worn out shoes and tired knees.  Your heart may break as you see people that you didn’t know you could love, sacrifice everything as they learn to love and invite the Savior into their lives.  And finally, and probably the most important, the view of your own nothingness in comparison to everything that the Savior has done for you, will bring you to your knees in humble, soul-shaking gratitude, ever aware that every single day of life is a gift from above. 

I am so grateful for my son’s service and the change it gives me to acknowledge my love for him and for the Savior who is molding him to be his best self.  Sacrificing this time with my son, while hard on some days, is 100% worth it.  No doubt.

As always, thank you all for supporting my son through prayers, letters, cards, emails and sparkly dust.  He loves it all.  He loves you all.  As do we.  If you feel like sending him a letter or card of encouragement, you may do so at the following address:

Elder Alexander J. Maybury

C/ Calatrava 10-12, bajos

08017 Barcelona

Spain

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

Emailed: October 23rd

Sabadell – Week 5 …Still sick and down 16 pounds! 🤢

Hello everyone, how are you all doing? 

Well the week has finally come to a close. It’s been a bit interesting. Mostly because I have been fighting being sick. I'll tell you all about it.

Nothing has been staying inside me. Nothing is solid. It all just leaves. Well, this past Saturday at zone conference, I took 2 diarrhea pills. And then I was eating again. Well by the night I felt like nothing was moving. I went to bed, and then woke up to go to the bathroom. Nothing. I tried to throw up hoping that I could get the bad stuff to leave. Only a little came out. Went back to bed and some time later, I emergency woke up. Stomach did not feel good. I threw up terribly. But what was kinda funny to me was that I knew it had to happen so when it did, I wanted to make sure that it all went out. I found myself saying, "Come on, is that all you got?!" Then I threw up some more and was over with it. Went back to bed and woke up feeling terrible. But I still wanted to go to church and take the Sacrament and share my testimony. I got ready and left. As missionaries, before we leave the piso, we say something we know. I said, "I know God will help me get to church so I can take the sacrament." And he did just that. I was extremely grateful and humble to have been able to make it to church. 

We then ate at a member’s house. But not me. I only had a banana and some crackers. I have to start the BRAT diet which is bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast. But I am supposed to start that in the evening, not at 3:00 pm. So I’m a little worried. The mission nurse says if I don't get better, I'll have to go to the doctor. Bummer, don't want that. 

Last Saturday, I forgot to mention that we attended and interfaith fair. We were there for an hour and we were there to answer questions and what not for anyone who stopped by. I'll send a picture. 

This past Saturday was Zone Conference. We got there a bit late, but everyone was singing so we didn’t disrupt anything. I received some inspiration about one of the changes from General Conference about the change to 2 hour church now. It helped me understand the mind of God more and I was able to accept it more readily and testify of its importance. It was pretty fun, and I took pictures with some people which I will send. 

My companion’s back has been hurting him, so he bought a heating pack for it. But all is well. 

Oh, with me being sick and all, I finally asked for a blessing and I take comfort in the words shared in the blessing. I was told the the Savior will heal me so I have complete confidence in it. I will do my part in following the health instructions given to me. I feel a bit better. We will see what happens and hopefully each day is a bit better. 

Transfer calls come this Saturday. It is only 5 weeks because of the mission President conference coming up. Oh, and the hermanas from my group already have their itinerary for going home. Lol. I am super trunky now. Haha.  I really don't want to leave. Roberlando will be have one year as a member the 29th of November. Then he will go to the temple on December 6th and 7th for the ward temple trip. He was also set apart as the Young Men’s second counselor. I was able to be part of the circle to set him apart. He is happy in the church. Really happy! I also gave him a blessing of comfort and counsel for his upcoming interview. I pray he does well. 

For preparation day, we didn’t do much on account of me not having energy to go and my companion’s back. We were gonna go bowling as a Zone, but we both just didn't have it in us to do it. I think the traveling would have killed me. 

We are trying to build up this area. It’s kind of hard and I don't know what will happen. Sometimes I feel alone but then I think back at how blessed I have been and really there was always another set of footprints right beside me. 😁

We had a talent show at the church this past Friday. It went really well. We, as the missionaries sang a song. It was the Jesus version of Hallelujah. I’ll have to get the video from someone and then I will send it over. 

Answers to questions...

How was Zone Conference?  Did you get any mail?

Zone Conference was great. I got letters from mom and Joshua

How have you been feeling?  Any improvements?

I think I will feel better this week. I have to.

How did your musical number go this week?

It went great. Everyone loved it.

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

I would have dinner with Nephi and my grandma

What is the best part of your day?

The best part of the day is coming back to piso after working hard

What is the grossest thing you have eaten in Spain?

The grossest thing I have eaten was a type of fish/eel thing. It as small and nasty. 

If could change one thing about how you prepared for your mission, what would it be?

I would have gone out with the missionaries more. The work is too important to decide not to help out. 

Well that's about it everyone. I hope that everyone has a great week and I'll let you all know how I'm feeling soon. I love you all and keep the faith! 

Love Elder Maybury

A Few Self-Reflective Pictures

Our Missionary Group on Talent Show Night

(People said I looked like Elvis from the side)

Pictures from Zone Conference

 (me with President Galli)

 (me and my former companion, Elder Vargas)

 (me and Elder Adcock)

(me and Elder Doman)

Picture from the InterFaith Fair

What A Difference A Year Makes!

(L: Zone Conference in Mataro (2017) / R: Zone Conference in Sabadell (2018)

Well my heart was hurting a little bit this time around.  It makes me feel sad to see that my son is still so sick.  He has lost 16 pounds in just over 2 weeks time.  But through it all, I love his attitude and I can still see the happiness in his eyes.  That is what matters the most to me.  I love that he is looking forward to serving the people in his area of Sabadell.  Finding joy in service is one of the key ingredients to a happy life, I would say.

I am also so happy that my is getting the opportunity to see the fruits of some of his labor in seeing Roberlando flourish in the gospel and helping to confirm him into the Young Men’s presidency.  It is amazing to have this opportunity and I am so happy for my son.

As he mentioned, transfer calls are coming up this weekend, but I am hopeful that Elder Maybury will be able to stay in Sabadell and continue to work hard in bringing souls unto Christ.  When the work is difficult, it tests you in a variety of ways.  It tests your diligence, your obedience, your patience, your faith, your testimony and several other things.  But it is important to remember that, as missionaries, they are called to SERVE and that comes in a variety of ways.  Baptisms may come, but conversions are more important.  And being an example of the Savior by loving and serving his sheep and those in need is the greatest act of service that may exist.  I am honored by my son’s service.  For every single day that he is away from us, I am grateful for it. 

Last week, Elder Maybury spoke of a youth activity where he allowed the winners of the youth activity to throw “pie” in his face.  Of course, this was just whipped cream on plates.  He sent home the video of this part of the activity and it is great fun to watch.  This is who Elder Maybury is deep in his soul.  He loves working with the youth and he loves doing whatever it takes to keep them active and help them have a good time.  And, true to form, Elder Maybury is not shy about eating something that most of us wouldn’t!  LOL!

Fun Youth Activity with Elder Maybury

Also, the Majorca islands were inundated by flooding waters last week.  There were several deaths.  The area that my son just left in Marratxi on the islands, was asked to go and help with some of the clean up in the affected area (which was Manacor, an area where Elder Maybury had done some exchanges).  Here are a couple pictures of those missionaries and that effort.  As I understand it, the town was just about wiped out.  Quite sad.

Thank you all for your love and prayers on behalf of our son.  I know he feels them and he appreciates them.  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: October 15^th