Lleida – Weeks 5 & 6 … Everyone is getting sick, but the work continues

January 7, 2019

Hello everyone, how has your week gone by?! 

Well I'm excited to tell you mine! 

Well, unfortunately this past New Years NIGHT I got sick, again. Sigh, I can't wait to get back on the American diet, even if I don't ever get a six-pack, lol. It was our preparation day and I was feeling pretty okay, but when it was around 8 or 9 at night, I started to feel hot and so I went to the bathroom, but nothing happened. This occurred once more at the church before we left to go to piso. The dinner that the members threw for us was so nice and kind of them! The ward had a News Year’s party but it started at 1 in the morning! So, they gave us a little celebration. Elder Clarke and I did karaoke together. I now have major respect for singers because I realize that I cannot sing at the starting note. I need to sing an octave lower or something because it ain't just gonna work like that, hahaha 😂. We sang "In the Jungle", "Falling In Love", and "Billie Jean". All were sung terribly but we had fun. 

So Rene takes us home and my stomach is just killing me, we finally get home and I’m [although I feel terrible, I am not able to alleviate the sick feeling]. I knew I was gonna throw up that night so I went to bed with a garbage can next to me. I woke up about 1-2 hours later, went to the bathroom and everything came up! I was expecting it, but it still always hurts. I went to sleep and the next day we had district meeting and I then went to Andorra for our intercambio. Oh, and because it was a holiday, nothing was open so I couldn't get food or drinks to help me. LAME!!! 

The intercambio was great. I interviewed someone for their baptism this week, so it was really fun and nice to meet another person. Elder Harris got sick as well as Elder Lyman and now my companion. It seems that Elder Harris has what I have, and Elder Clarke has what Elder Lyman had. Hermana Donahey is recovering from being sick as well. So, Hermana Delange is the last to be taken over, lol. 🤢🤕🤧 

During most of the week I have been feeling like garbage, but me and Elder Clarke have been fighting through it. We are trying to meet with members more because everyone was preparing for Tres Reyes, (3 Kings). It's basically like another Christmas. But it was on Sunday so at least everything was like normal. 

The miracle of the week was that we got in contact with a less active. She hasn't been to church in about a year, but she was so thankful to have the missionaries over again. It’s been about 6 months since she talked with the missionaries. But she is just so nice and the sweetest thing ever. We are going to visit here weekly from now on and help her out more. 

Answers to questions... 

What do you think will happen at this next transfer (Jan 22^nd)?

I don't think a whole lot of it. Not sure if Elder Clarke would stay but I would like him to of course. He is a good chap, lol. 

We are debating the people in the picture on the train. Dad says it’s you.  I say it’s not.  What’s the answer?

It is not me. I was sitting there but we switched spots on the train cause I had to practice singing with Elder Gomez. 

How do you rate your Spanish language skills?

I don't know like an 8 I guess. Can I be better, yeah. Have I come a long way, yeah. 

Why do you think the Lord gives us such challenging experiences?

The Lord gives us challenging experiences because it's part of God's nature and ours. God is all loving. Therefore, he does all things according to his love for us and for our benefit, including those hard moments. It's our nature to have them because as we accepted God's plan, we accepted what came with this mortal experience. Progression comes from moving forward. The hard moments force us to move out of our comfort zones and expand it. That's just one of the answers though. 

What is one characteristic of the Savior that you would like to work on this week?

I was gonna say perfection but I'm going try another one instead. Umm, I want to try virtue. I am always trying to be better at this because Spain is just a cast pool of nastiness. And virtue is something that is lacking here. So I don't want to fall into the "normal". 

We went and got some haircuts today. Mine looks pretty good. I am happy with it. It only cost me 5 euros as well. We went and got some clothes and shoes. EVERYTHING IS ON SALE!!!!! I am finally getting my suit, I hope. I'll send a picture of our outfits today. 

My old companion Elder Salazar (Roberto) is in Lleida visiting his areas. He'll be here for 3 days and then go to Zaragoza. It was so good to see him again. He is a lot less stressed out now and is actually nice to me, hahaha. He has always been nice to me. 👌 We are now in the church and he is visiting the youth here. I missed him a lot, lol. 

Well that's about it for this week. Ill try and survive the cold and I hope that you all are doing well this week. I love you all, I am feeling better and I am praying for you every day. Stay safe, share your love and keep the faith! 

Love Elder Maybury

Our new outfits and some mirror selfies! 

One of the hermanas left her sweatshirt.  Mine now!  Haha

Trying to make brownies! 

Tres Reyes Cake (3 Kings)

Lovely Lleida

January 14, 2019

Hey everyone, how's this week going for you all!? 

Well this week has flown by as they say. I can hardly believe that it is Monday again. All well, they come and go. 

Today, we all went to Zaragoza to spend preparation day together. We went and did paintball! Wow it was so much fun although I do think I jammed my thumb and my pinkie though, because they hurt so bad. I was running and sliding everywhere and trying to win of course. It was so much fun I have to say. 

This week we saw a big miracle. It was that we were able to meet with the family of a recent convert and now we are meeting with them more frequently. They mom isn't working as much anymore so now we can see her and the older brother. It was a powerful miracle for us. 

Tomorrow I will be doing an intercambio with Andorra. I'll talk about that next week though. 

We saw a lot of less-actives return to church this past Sunday. Working with them has really paid off. Of course, we aren't going to stop or anything, but it was nice to see them come of course. We keep meeting with more and more every week, so the Lord has been blessing us in that way. 

We are both feeling better now. We are working hard and doing our best. I have had more desires than ever to work even harder and spend my time wisely or rather use the Lord's time wisely, ya know. 

We played soccer this past Saturday and it was fun, it got heated a bit as well. We KILLED the other team. Scored a couple of goals, saved some as well. It's just what I’m into I guess. But it was really fun! 

Answers to questions

Did you get my message about restricting your dairy intake to help your tummy?  How is that going?

I am eating less dairy now

So next week is transfers, any thoughts? 

I think that Elder Clarke will stay with me. He is going 4 transfers here and then I will go 4 transfers here as well

Have you been able to drop the video into the family gmail drive yet? 

Ok I’ll get that going. And can you explain the whole signing into your account again. I forgot. 

Did you watch the video of Joshua’s birthday song?  What did you think?

I thought it was so hilarious, it got me laughing so hard. I didn't even expect it! 

Are you going to be performing at this upcoming Zone Conference?

No musical numbers 

Anyone that you would like us to pray for right now?

For the family of the new recent convert, Jhor. 

Elder Clarke bought some sweaters and gave me his old polos so it was a win. The sweats I bought are so good for me, but I haven't found an under garment fleece to keep me warm. So, I wear a sweater or two on top, lol. 

I love you all alot! I hope to hear from you all again next week!!! Keep the faith! 

Love Elder Maybury 

Paintball Fun! 

 Posing by the fountain

With Elder Gomez and a youth from Cataroja

Me, Elder Gomez and Elder Clarke

Service Project - An Elderly Folks Home

We are so happy to hear from our son each week.  We can tell that he is healthy and happy and loves to serve the Lord and the people of Spain!  What more could we ask? 

I am sorry that I have been so deficient in keeping up with the blogs.  My apologies.  Time just flies sometimes. 

Please, take a minute or two this week to send Elder Maybury an email.  He would love to hear from you. 

Here is his email:   alexander.maybury@myldsmail.net

If you would like to mail him a card, 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/card will cost one international stamp = $1.15 / up to one ounce

Thank you all for your love and support for our son!

Lleida – Week 2, 3 & 4 … Feliz Navidad! 🎄And Happy New Year! 🎉

December 17^th

Hey everyone! How has the week been for you all?! 

Well this week has not been that bad. Getting used to another area can sometimes take time but I think that this week will just roll on by. We had district meeting this past Thursday. I was nervous because it was my first time as district leader, but my companion really helped me be calm. And it all turned out well!  I recognize the sustaining hand of the Lord that helped me during time and that He blessed me with an understanding and loving companion who is Elder Clarke for those of you who didn't know it yet. 

We have been visiting members which has been nice. There are some really good members here and I will have fun. They take care of us and you can definitely tell it as well. 

We had the Ward Christmas party and it was fun. We did a little Nativity presentation and sang a song after it as well on behalf of the missionaries. It was really good too. We played Soccer on Saturday and my body is just killing me still. I guess I played too hard. 

Sunday was good. We are in the choir now and we practiced for the special sacrament meeting on the 23rd. The chorister asked what I sang, and I said bass and tenor, so she had me go to sing bass. My companion sings bass and two other people who arrived who also sing bass. There was only one tenor and they were freaking out because there was a giant difference. I wanted to slam my palm to my forehead and say, "I TOLD YOU I CAN SING TENOR!" Maybe they just didn't understand my Spanish then. Hahaha. So, I switched, and it sounded nice.

Elder Clarke bought a harmonica because his old companion left one and a Disney book of songs to play. We went to the music store and he bought one and some other books as well. He figured out how to play a small part of Stevie Wonders "Isn't She Lovely" Hahaha. Cracks me up. 

Well there's not a whole lot to do in Lledia but we are servicing some how. Lol. I love you all. Keep the faith and have great week! 

Love Elder Maybury  

Me and Elder Clarke 

I somehow dropped my ring into my water bottle 

It was so cold that I covered my face 

Out in the open plains 

A castle picture with me in it

The nativity scene that we put on

We also had Zone Conference in Barcelona

 This is me teaching with Elder Lyman about involving the youth.

December 26^th

Hello everyone! How are you all doing today?! 

Well it has been interesting this past week, especially with Christmas and all. 

We have been working with members for most of the time, trying to present myself to them and form good relationships with them as always. But some of them left for the holidays so that's understandable. We did an activity where we go visit members and ask them what's does Christ mean to them. We took photos and made it into a video and posted it on Facebook. It was really nice to do and I loved seeing their responses! 

Christmas Eve was fun. We got to eat with members, and it was really great to feel the Christmas spirit in everyone's lives. I opened a letter for my Christmas Eve gift. Then in the morning we did our exercise and opened our gifts. I had a really good time and I am glad that I spent it with Elder Clarke. He is a good elder. 

For preparation Day, we played some soccer again. It was good but we got our buns handed to us. I am sooooo tired now. We are just chilling in a bakery right now using the Wi-Fi during P-day to email home. 

But I'll go to the best part. My Christmas call home!!!! It was so good to talk to the family and see that they are still my family. I played a song for them as well. I wrote the lyrics and an hermana in my district put the ukulele chords together so shout out to her. I am always happy to talk to my family but a face to face call is even better ya know. 

We went to eat with a family on Christmas eve and they had us do Caga Tio. It's a Catalan tradition and basically you get a log with a face and a Christmas hat on it. You feed it nasty things and then it gets stuffed. Then you beat it with a stick, and it pops out candy and things like that. And it surprisingly doesn't smell. Lol!

We had Zone Conference last week and I gave a teaching on working with youth and I had Elder Lyman with me as well, because in Andorra it works really well there. We did a white elephant gift exchange, I also sang "What child is this?" with other missionaries for the musical number and then sang with Elder Gomez "Homeward" for the talent show. It was all a fun day. 

We will have District meeting tomorrow and the Zone leaders are gonna come to our area as well. We will also do an intercambio with them. Sigh, so many things to do, but I would rather be doing the Lord's work than doing nothing. 

Well that's about it for this week. I like it here in Lleida, it's just cold, lol. I love you all! Have a great week and keep the faith! 

Love Elder Maybury 

My companion and I wearing doo rags, not sure why :o)

A cathedral here 

Eating with a family for Sunday night 

High up in Lleida 

Got whipped in soccer today pose 

Beating the Caga Tio 

December 31^st

Hey everybody, how are you all doing? 

Well it's been a quick week with some interesting things and others not so but that's not important because one must be fully focused on the work! Which is always my goal. 

Tonight we have a New Years party at the church. Its going to be fun and we are going to do the tradition of when the bell strikes, we eat a grape. And so in until the bell stops striking. 

I don't know how much I'll be able to write because me hands are super cold bit I'll give it a go. You k nkw the song where it says, "Jackfrost nipping at your nose"? Well jackfrost is beating up my entire body right now but I'm still fighting. 

We spent the day with a youth member called Brandon. Its been really fun and he helped me pick out a pair of jeans to wear. We went shopping some more and the discounts are alot more attracting since everything is actually in price range, lol. 

We went to the bishops house to teach them to make cookies. It was really fun and the cookies were so good! It reminded me of home actually. The members had there temple trip this Friday and Saturday so there were hardly any members in Lledia. We had district meeting that Friday and the Zone leaders came so we could do an intercambio with them. I stayed in Lledia with Elder Gomez who also served here. We had fun. We were able to give some blessings that were asked for so I was really glad that I was able to participate in that. 

Answers to questions...

How many missionaries are in your district?

We are 6 missionaries in the district 

What is the hardest thing about the area of Lleida?

Not a whole lot of people at some points of the time 

What is your favorite thing about the area of Lledia?

I love waking up in the morning, looking out the window and seeing Lleida.

What has been your favorite area to serve in thus far? 

I think my favorite area was Pamplona. They call it Pamplona Paradise for a reason. 

What is the best thing about your companion, Elder Clarke?

He blesses my life by always giving me courage in the day and helps me smile all the time. 

After the mission plans…

Going back to Spain

Getting back to the gym

Working to earn money

Going to school

I am excited for the New Year to start. It’s basically the wind down of the mission I guess you could say for me. So, I am giving it more than ever before. The work is still work but it is what I enjoy. I love you all so much! Keep the faith! 

Love Elder Maybury 

Intercambio with Elder Gomez in Lleida

At the train station

 At the train station with a ukulele

Eating cereal in a restaurant that only sells American cereal

Eating arroz y carne (rice and meat)

Me and Elder Clarke

Lovely Lleida

Selfie Time 

Eating with members who have really taken care of us during the holidays
(Note: these are all pictures that these members posted online on Facebook)

Well, as you all know, the holidays have kept us busy and so I literally found no time to update Elder Maybury’s blog page.  Please forgive!  The most important thing is that he still writes to me once a week!  Kidding J  The most important thing is that he is healthy and happy and working hard.  Yes, he still has tummy troubles and I have asked him to cut out all dairy for a while.  The milk/dairy in Spain is different than here and so it may just be that he needs a break from it.  It will be hard for him to give up his beloved cereal and ice cream. 

He is happy but contemplative, as well.  As the district leader, he says that he tries to always be in a position wherein he can receive needed inspiration.  A district leader is one who is the lead for all the missionaries in that area.  In his case, there are 6 total missionaries in Lleida.  He leads their weekly meetings, keeps track of their stats (contacts, calls, lessons, etc), prepares and sends reports up the chain on a weekly basis, conducts baptism interviews, and deals with any issues that might arise in the district.  It is much more than the daily work on missionary work.  He should also do his best to help motivate the missionaries and inspire them, as needed.  I still remember all of my District Leaders from my time as a missionary and I would consider them to be my friends. 

And, he is working hard.  Lleida is a difficult area.  But one thing that he loves is working with the members and the youth.  So, to all of us who are members, I would tell you to invite the missionaries into your home.  Allow them to connect with you and work with them to find people would love to hear the beautiful message of the gospel.  The hardest days in the mission are the ones where you feel like no one will talk to you.  You have given up everything, including all the comforts of home to come and serve the Lord and are so eager to share His message and when no one wants to hear it or even talk to you, it feels like an icky day.  We all have them as missionaries and so we have to learn to accept the challenge, change what we are doing, and rely heavily upon the Lord.  This is why any missionary who puts in his/her full effort on the mission, cannot come home the same person when they left.  The mission can be a refiner’s fire, if you allow the Lord to mold you as He needs you.  I smile when I see those changes in my son.  He has grown in so many wonderful ways.  Some are clear and specific.  Others are minute and I get hints of in his letters or in the way he reacts to something.  I am so proud of his desire and continued desire to serve the Lord and the people of Spain. 

Of note, he has not yet received his Christmas packages from home.  He did receive one package from a very smart family member who sent it early (shout out to MCS) and he loved it.  But because he is so far from the mission home, he will not receive his packages until the next transfer (January 22^nd).  And the beautiful thing is that, it doesn’t matter to him.  He is learning to be content with what IS instead of wanting and wishing for more.  What a beautiful life lesson.  Be happy with what you have, and you will always have enough. 

We had a WONDERFUL Christmas call from our son.  He even got to talk to the family in California, which is a nice treat for them as well as him.  It is so good to hear them all laugh together.  For us, it was wonderful to talk with him and simply enjoy being a family, if that makes sense.  We got a little extra time because of some logistics and we used it to include him in some fun family time.  James and Joshua (and Daniel when he was here) enjoy slapping each other with a small towel.  I know, I know, it's quite crude, but they are boys and they enjoy it.  Hahaha.  Anyway, Alexander really wanted to witness some of those shenanigans first hand.  So, James and Joshua dutifully participated.  There were a couple of decent hits, but one of them got James so good that we all died laughing.  James, for his part, dropped to the ground and scooted on his back into a corner.  LOL!  This picture below is how Alexander responded.  

 It was THIS enjoyable interaction of laughing and fun that made it so our Christmas call was truly enjoyable and none of us had tears upon departing, like the previous two calls.  We were so uplifted by our call from Spain! 

I would encourage you to write to him.  As he said, he is in the wind down time of his mission.  He has just 145 days left, or just less than 5 months.  He could use all of the letters or emails that you might want to send.  Send something uplifting and encourage him.  Let him know that his friends and family at home are cheering him on.  He will have a lot of feelings as his time winds down.  While most missionary miss home and certainly want to return, leaving the mission field is ALWAYS difficult for those who immersed themselves in the work. 

Please, write to him.  It would brighten his day!

Email: alexander.maybury@myldsmail.net

Mailing address:

Elder Alexander J. Maybury

Spain Barcelona Mission

C/ Calatrava 10-12, bajos

08017 Barcelona

Spain