Marraxtí – Week 18 … Will I be transferred??? 🤔🤔🤔

Hey everyone, I hope you all had a great week! This week has been pretty good, so I can't wait to tell you all about it. 

So first I have to tell you something that happened two weeks ago. We went to eat with a member who usually feeds us on Sundays. Well, there was one thing that just didn't look quite right but "I don't bite the hand that feeds me". But I noticed that there was some hair or something sticking out of the meat that was served. But I was hungry and if any of you know me well enough, you know that I eat just about anything. So, I kept eating and about 10 minutes later I realized that I was eating "jamón" or pig. And that explained the hairs. For all of you to know, cured pig here is a big thing. You can find giant pig legs with the hoof still attached. I cannot eat it if I see the hoof. It's so gross to me. UGH! 😰🤢

So, this week....

Well, it's gone by super-fast. Again! What is happening?! Since it's the last week of the transfer, everything is being labeled as Elder Maybury' s last weekly planning or last district council in Marratxí for Elder Maybury. My companion thinks I am leaving this transfer, too. I have basically accepted it and I am fixing visits with members to say good-bye😢.  But I am still trying to do my best and be exactly obedient. Our situations can change our actions. But whether they are good ones or bad ones is what we decide. It's one thing that I have learned here. Our personal actions will affect the lives of so many people, not just ourselves. 

We have been teaching some new people who seem really promising. One person is named Harold. He is from Colombia and his family are all members. Well, he came to Palma and we have been teaching him since then. He passed through a difficult moment, but he kept on learning. This last visit we had, he wanted something to read about baptism. So, we gave him a chapter (2nd Nephi 31) to read. So, we will see what happens this next visit. 

For this preparation day, we went to Palma Jump. It was Super fun. Wow everyone loved it. The plan was to do a hike in Soller again, but it rained and kind of no one wants to do the same hike again. So, we decided to go to Palma Jump. It's an indoor trampoline park, by the way. We all had fun, some were doing tricks, others playing basketball and others jumping 8-10 feet in the air. There was also a ninja course to do as well. And a little fighting bar with the padded bars. That's the best I can explain it, haha! So fun! Although I did eat it pretty hard a couple of times, it was still super fun! 

We went to the Port of Soller this last week to visit a member. That's where we took some pictures by the port. I liked it so much that I made it my Facebook profile. I try to have a profile picture from each of my areas so I doing good so far! 

Answers to questions.... 

How are your shoes holding up?

My shoes are making it, although they will be completely destroyed by the time I get back I imagine. The inside heels are breaking, the sides are chuffed up, the rim is jagged and there is a hole or two on the sides. I have had to replace the shoe laces on one pair because then others got worn and torn, ya know! 

What is the strangest thing you have seen on your mission?

The strangest thing that I have seen on a mission? Well that's a good one. Some weird things are missionaries giving massages to another. But I am guilty of receiving them and giving them as well. Also, just the people you see in the street make you question the fate of humanity. The haircuts that some girls get, such as shaving the sides of their head but keeping the long hair on top. 

What is your favorite thing about being a missionary?

My favorite thing of being a missionary is meeting with so many different people. It's the best. And that's saying something since I am or at least used to be a shy person, lol. 

If there was one thing you could change, what would it be?

If there is one thing that I could change, it would be in the hours that we study. I like leaving at 11:15 instead of 11:00 because I am not used to it. 

What is your favorite story in the Bible?  In the Book of Mormon?

My favorite story in the Bible is of Job. His faith is very moving and his obedience to give God glory and praise inspires me. In the Book of Mormon, it would be the war chapters because I like hearing of Teancuk and Helaman in Alma. Also, the brother of Jared is very good. 

How do you deal with disappointments as a missionary?

With disappointment, I deal with it by accepting it, asking myself what can I learn from it and I always include the Lord. He makes everything so much better. 

The miracle of this week was that I felt the Spirit really strong when I read Malachi 3:10. It's super good. "Prove me now herewith..."  Ah!  So, good!

Well I love you all so much. I keep learning every day! And you can too. You just have to leave the front door with faith. Keep the faith and talk to you all next week! 

Love Elder Maybury 

P-Day Shenanigans:  Palma Jump

I like candy...so does my companion

Yummy food!

Dinner with members

I cooked this meat

Beautiful Spain

I drew some Power Rangers for fun

My Facebook Profile Picture

This was such a great check-in from my boy.  In part, because there was so much contact – it felt like – from this this week.  He added a new profile picture to Facebook, a church member uploaded a video of him singing, and he sent us a personal video just talking to us.  So, this was a good week for me. 

And I am happy to report that I see my son’s JOY again!!!

His face and his eyes are bright and happy again, and that makes me smile all the more.

I have added a few video clips to this blog.  These first two are excerpts from his video to us.  One of them was funny and one of them are just the words that a mother wants to hear. 

His “advice” to his brother who now has his driver’s permit at age 15 ½

"Advice" on driving

The best report I can get from my son who is 5,200 miles away

Status Report  

This final video is the video that a member uploaded of a little performance that the missionaries did with some Disney songs.  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!  They did a marvelous job!  And more than that…LOOK AT MY SON’S FACE!!!!  You can see the PURE JOY and HAPPINESS in his face.  I smiled so hard when I saw this that I started to cry.  Hahaha!  Not tears of sadness, but tears of love.  Enjoy!!!

 Elder Maybury Sing-A-Long

As you can see, he is doing well, and he loves his mission and absolutely loves the people that he gets to serve.  If you would like to send him a card of encouragement, please feel free to do so at the following address:

Elder Alexander J. Maybury

Spain Barcelona Mission

C/ Calatrava 10-12, bajos

08017 Barcelona

Spain

Each letter requires one international stamp = $1.15 / up to one ounce

Emailed: Sept 10^th

Marraxtí – Week 17…Time is flying by! 🕰

Hey everyone, how are we doing this week?! 

Wow, this week has gone by so fast that it is crazy. I guess that I now understand what missionaries mean when they say that the second year goes by so much faster. And I testify to it!!! Madre mía, it's so crazy. I don't understand it at all. But all I can do is make the most of it and continue to work hard. Yeah! 

This preparation day we went to the center again. Elder Apodaca wanted to take pictures so that's what we did. I had fun. We ate at Pizza Hut which is something I have never done before. Just because it's not the best pizza establishment but we tried it and it wasn't that bad, so I am happy. We did some more shopping and went by the coast again. I couldn't find the exact thing that I wanted to buy so I bought the next best thing. Although my sister wants a unicorn, I couldn't find one and if I did, it was crazy expensive. So, I bought here a little bracelet with her name on it. Now you may ask, "Elder Maybury, why would you say that on here?" And I would say, "Well I doubt my little sister will read these things so I'm taking my chance." Lol. I love you little girl! 🦄

Answers to questions.... 

What have you received by way of mail?  Letters?  Packages?

All that I have received is the packing cubes for my suitcases. I'm super excited to use them (soon?) 

What sheet music do you still need?

I don't have sheet music for Come thou Fount and praise to the Man I believe. 

How have you applied the Atonement in your life while on your mission?

The best way to use the Atonement is to recognize that you need it.  I have found that I understand it more as I ask for forgiveness in even the small stuff. Like not talking to people (contacting them), waking up late, staying inside even a minute later, harboring negative feelings, all of it. Because these things lead me away from being as the Savior is. It's hard, but I always feel better and I am stronger in resisting the moments where I would have been weak otherwise. 

Do you consider the Savior your friend?  If so, why?

I consider the Savior my friend. Why? Well, because He still talks to me and is concerned about me after the many times I have left him. And He is always ready to help me to be better. 

What is your favorite thing about Spain?

The thing that I like most about Spain is the food. You get such a big mix of everything that you can always eat something new and different. The trick is knowing where the good type is at. And it's usually in people's houses 😉

The miracle of this week was that we one of our friends of the church has gotten an answer from God that he does care about her and is helping her. It's such a huge step for her and it's a step in the right direction as well. 

“David” is doing well. He and his parents went to Alicante to visit Elder Salazar in his hometown (in Spain) so his dad could get information about his grandparents, so he can do temple work for them. Wow, conversion in the church shows, "And by their fruits he shall know them." Who knows that scripture? 

We are still practicing for our musical numbers. They are turning out really well and I am so excited. I am learning so many things! It's the best. 

Well, that's it for now. I love you all and I pray for you all daily. Keep the faith an always do your best! 

Love Elder Maybury 

Hola from España

Some fairy lady

My companion likes to take pictures 

Just an interesting tree 

SWEATIN!!! We ran to catch the train!

It's a 20 minute walk.  We made it in 7! 

With Juanma - a great member

I can attest to the fact that when my boy says that “time is flying”, it is true!  These weeks are seeming to go by so much faster than the first year.  And I love it!!!!  As of the date of this post (Sept 10^th), my boy is 63% done with his mission and has 260 left.  But who is counting?  MEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!  *LOL*

What I am learning to appreciate more is seeing his face.  A few weeks ago, I told him that I didn’t see the “joy” in his eyes.  This week he asked me how I could see it.  I told him that I have known him from the very second he was born and I know his face.  I know his smile.  I know his eyes.  I told him that it is blessing that we mothers have to be able to see deeper into our children at times.  Make no mistake, my son is happy.  I just think that with the combination of a couple of changes that have occurred, he is adjusting to them and it takes time for him to warm up to them all.  But in the videos, he sends me each week, I can see who he really is.  I can hear the maturity in his voice and the depth in his introspection.  And, I can still hear his heartfelt laugh, as this week he was afraid to cross the path of a horse for fear that it would pounce on him! 😂😂😂

In all things, what I love the most is watching my son grow in knowledge and grow in love.  This is one of the great things about serving a mission.  You learn to love, to study, to serve, to put one foot in front of the other, to adjust, to adapt, to get along with others, to be obedient, to speak, to be silent and listen, and to humble yourself enough to know that all things come through and by a loving Father in Heaven and if you will submit yourself to Him, it will all work out in the end.  I know, above all else, my son will come home a changed person.  He will be changed for the better and I couldn’t be more proud of it.

My son extends his gratitude to all of you for your love and prayers.  If you would like to write to him or send 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 will require one international stamp = $1.15/up to one ounce

Emailed: Sept 3^rd