Dec 28,15

What an awsome way to step up the christmas prank! (He is referring to us hiding a gift under McOmbers tree of a santa Jesus nativity)And a very clever way to do it too! They'll never find out how it was done :) And thank you so much for your advice for what I should do. I will do my best to apply it so that we can improve! 

I love the chance I had to talk to you guys! It was so much fun and so awesome! I loved being able to actually see you guys and talk with you and everything! I ican't wait until the next time!

How Awesome! I love the pictures and the wonderful picture that Megan drew for our cousins. It is a true master piece. It was so wonderful to talk to you all on Christmas Eve! It was so great to see you all! To actually talk to you guys! How great that they all got presents for everybody! It seems like after I left everyone became better people... but I'm sure that there's no actual relation between the two things. Right?

Another thing, I'm still not convinced that I have an accent. I think you're just messing with me. There is no way that after 8 months I have an accent! Although that would be cool... Can you imagine what it'd be like after 2 years? Wow! Crazy thought!

In the internet you can probably find this video: It's called "Concierto Navidad 2013". From Chile with David Archuleta. It has loads of the Mexican Culture and their songs and stuff. I Love It! It's a bit over an hour long, but totally awesome!

We got snowed out Saturday! We got about 9-12 inches dumped on us! It started out for a few hours just drizzling and raining a bit, but aroung 6:00 it turned into a bit of snow that continued through the night. Plain snow would've been wonderful, but with the water underneath it got ugly. Loads of slush and wet feet. On Sunday, Church got canceled and our President confined us all to our houses. However, W were already at church by the time they told us. In our sacrament meeting it was just us 4 missionaries, our 1st counselor and stake president (he's in our ward). Even their families stayed home! So we had a quick meeting and took the sacrament, and afterwards went to visit various members that needed our help. around 2, we went back home and my comp slept while I watched mormon messages (about a thousand times!) while playing solitaire. Seriously, Solitaire for 5 hours straight!!!! I'm basically a pro now, but I'm super sick of it. so today I taught my comp how to play war and scum. so we'll have fun the next time we get confined to our house. fortunately, we were given loads of tamales by the members on christmas, so we had a wonderful Lunch! And dinner! and breakfast! And we still have more! My companion is a bit sick of them (actually, he got sick), but not me! And we still have posole too!

So anyways, that was our Christmas! The Members are wonderful and always give us loads of food during the holidays. Thank you so much for sending me thermic clothing and a deck of cards! Those two things saved me from death!

I want to send you pictures of everything, but I can't! Next week I'll send you loads of them!

I love you so super duper much!

Elder Phillips

Have a happy new year!

December 21, 15

HeyMom!

Thank you so much for the wonderful package! Christmas came a little bit early this year, and I couldn't wait to open the presentls! So I opened them :) And they're super awesome! Light sabers and stockings, Talking Yoda and a christmas trree, Loads of wonderful ties cookies and candies! Elder Carreon (an elder in my district) was super impressed with the caramel chocolate cookie bars that you sent. Because they were delicioso. And Kats cookies were awesome too! all in all, it was amazing!

Just so you know, we'll begin our Skype at 5:45 or 6. Dad sent me the info, So I'll contact you guys. Just remember: 5:45 or 6 In Juarez time. I dont know if its a different time back in boise.

Megan: That is a really awesome picture. You are very good at drawing. And your senior pictures!!! You're going to graduate!!! How crazy!!!! 

So the good stuff from the week!

We had a baptism yesterday! 3 kids ages 10, 10, and 13. There parents recently came back to church. However, only 2 of the kids actually got baptised. The little girl 10yrs old got scared right beforehand. Her dad had told her that it would be safer if he baptised her, but she wanted me to do it (and her dad still has a few problems to work out). However, hearing that it wouldn't be safe she began to worry. She had never been swimming before and was super scared that she would drown. So after trying to help her for a half hour,we gave up and rescheduled the baptism. 

So parents, theres a lesson here: Dont tell your kids that a baptism isn't safe. And please take your kids swimming every now and then. Please share that with the ward. 

In other news, we had a mission christmas party that was super awesome! We all went to the North stake center, ate turkey, sang hymns, and relaxed a bit. It was truly wonderful. The members are very generous and always help provide for the missionaries.

Have A Wonderful Merry Christmas! 

And remember to write down all your questions for me!

Elder Phillips.

And here is the letter to dad. I am sure he copies and pastes parts of the letters, so sorry for the repeats!

First of all, I want you to know thet I am dying inside because I cant see that movie yet. I opened my package the other day and it is amazing!! So much jerky! My companion and I have had a few legit light saber fights over the past few days.

Anna is so awesome and funny!! And Ellie Peed her pants? HAHA!!!! How hilarious!

Being senior companion is difficult. Honestly. Im not sure if its ´the senior comp or the training part, but its hard. My companion is 100% Mexican. From the state of Mexico. Here they call them 'Chilangos'. he has a weird accent too. But it's all good. He's still trying to get used to the mission, and I hope that ill be able to help him. Honsetly, I don't know what to do most ofthe time. I'm like a fish out of water here. The worst part is that I know that I'm gonna have a big influence on his mission experience. 

I need your advice on something: He is a bit prideful and reluctant to obey and be diligent. Should I straight up tell him that he has a problem there? I think I have to. Of course in a super nice and loving way, but to have success as a missionary he has to learn. And learning hurts. Ok,it doesn't hurt, but I think I have to tell him.

But other than that, it's all been going well. Christmas and Birthday package was amazing! Witha load of new ties and an awesome BSU Magnet pin for my tie and suit jacket. My companion will be converted to BSU by the time his training is over.

I've started to realize how much of an impact my trainer had on me. In a good way. And how far I've truly come. I really want to help my companion to feel the same.

And some spiritual stuff too!:

We had a baptism yesterday! 3 kids ages 10, 10, and 13. There parents recently came back to church. However, only 2 of the kids actually got baptised. The little girl 10yrs old got scared right beforehand. Her dad had told her that it would be safer if he baptised her, but she wanted me to do it (and her dad still has a few problems to work out). However, hearing that it wouldn't be safe she began to worry. She had never been swimming before and was super scared that she would drown. So after trying to help her for a half hour,we gave up and rescheduled the baptism. 

So parents, theres a lesson here: Dont tell your kids that a baptism isn't safe. And please take your kids swimming every now and then. Please share that with the ward. 

In other news, we had a mission christmas party that was super awesome! We all went to the North stake center, ate turkey, sang hymns, and relaxed a bit. It was truly wonderful. The members are very generous and always help provide for the missionaries.

So that's all for today! 

Thank you so much for everything!

Merry Christmas!

Elder Phillips

14 Deciembre 2015

Hey Mom!

I hope you get well soon! Eat a lot of pineapple to avoid more stones! 

I'm kinda glad to hear that there aren't many good movies coming out, but sad at the same time. Also, it's so super sad that you had to cancel your trip to Utah to see The Lower Lights :( But hey, they'll come around again.

This week a member gave me a book. It's called "Una Obra Maravillosa y prodigio". or "A marvelous work and a wonder" It is super good! I also want to read the miracle of forgiveness, history of the church, and the teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith. But I might have to wait until after the mission. For now, I think it's best to focus on the Book of Mormon and Bible. I still have a long way to go.

This week we kinda had a party in our house. We had the zone leaders and my comp's trainer(and his comp) over for breakfast. Personally, I thought it was a bit of a waste of good study time, but it was still fun. we ate sausage and eggs and of course, tortillas. It surprises the mexicans when i tell them we don't eat with tortillas. They always ask "Then what do you eat with?" "Well, nothing really. A fork? sometimes bread, but not often." and they still don't understand. They imagine that we eat everything with bread instead of tortillas. they're kinda strange and can't imagine eating without tortillas of bread.

So we have transfers! My companion is leaving, and I'll stay here as Companero Mayor (for my first time!) and I'll be training a new missionary! Super crazy! The mission goes by so fast! Can you believe that I already have 7 months in the mission? I can't!

So saturday we had a baptism, super awesome, and tomorrow the other missionaries in our ward are going to have a baptism too! So next week I'll send you the photos from that one! 

Tell Anna I love her Christmas list!

I Love You! I hope you get better!

Elder Phillips

Holy Guacamole! Mom should know better by now that kidney stones are not a good idea. But hey, at least you don't have to raise another kid! What movie did you guys go see? Star wars? Some other awesome movie that just came out? I hear a lot from the investigators and members about movies that are coming out. They say that there's even a new tarzan movie coming out! I'll have quite the list of movies to see after two years!

So news time! 

My companion is getting transferes! I'll be recieving a new elder, Elder Procopio. I don't know if he's american or mexican, but his name is wierd, so Ï think he's mexican. Honestly, I don't feel ready to train anybody. I hardly know the area and feel like I just barely finished my training! I've never even been companion mayor!

But hey, what can I do. I'm going to try my best to help this newby out! So wish me luck!

Tell Mom to stop hurting herself!

Elder Phillips

 

December 7, 2015

Hey mom!

So good news! Yes, Pictures this week! So here are a few of me and my companion! I'll make sure to send you a list of the package. I don't think that they always check them, but most of these things are for safety purposes. Just in case they feel like searching our christmas packages. I don't really get along with my companion. I try to, and I try to be patient, but it is hard. Seriously hard. He's very prideful and not very diligent with the rules. I know that I'm not perfect either, but it's hard. I have been able to learn a lot though. I think that's the value of this type of companion. They say that "God puts you with each companion for a reason, so learn the reason and learn from your companion", I think it's a reminder to me that I need to be more humble too. I've learned that when patience is needed, a prayer is your best friend.

I'm learning to like this area a lot. We've had good things happen and bad things happen. It's been quite an adventure. In the holiday seasons, people usually fire a lot of guns to celebrate. No, it isn't legal. But no, they don't care. Most nights we hear gunshots nowadays.

We weren't able to actually celebrate thanksgiving, but in all of our lessons we taught them about gratitude. We taught shared a lot of scriptures about christmas too! They may not celebrate thanksgiving, but they are a very thankful people. The husband of one of our investigators invited us over to eat chinese food (chinese food in mexico is a dangerous thing), and we were super worried -being poisoned by angry anti-mormons or narcos is unfortunately a very real possibility down here- I am still new here and don't know him very well, but I've heard some stories. He doesn't want anything to do with the church and is currently separated from his wife (he was abusive when she told him that she wanted to get baptised). So we were a little worried and said a few extra prayers in our hearts before eating the possibly poisoned food, but it was all good. actually it was really good. And afterwards we played a fun little game called "WWJD?", all about real life situations and the teachings of jesus. More than anything, we just got to share a bit more about our religion and our faith with him. It turned out to be a really great visit.

One Investigator had both her kids baptised (ages 13 and 17), but she couldn't because her husband didfn't want to get married. She has faithfully gone to church every week for the past several months with her kids. Well this week, he left. She had tried the "Ultimatum" before, but he hadn't married her or left, but suddenly: POOF. He's gone. It was bad, but good. She can now get baptised, but they were together for 15 years. It's been hard on them.

Fun fact for ya: We eat a load of chicken here! I really love chicken, but eating it every day gets a little old. Fortunately there are thousands of different types of salsa that we can use to spice it up a little (or a lot!).

To answer your questions: Yes, I got both ties :) I do have to be careful in using them though, because our president is very strict about our ties that we use.  But Yes, They are awesome! My companion wants to trade ties with me for them, but I told him "Psh, Now Way José!". Get it? It's funny because his name might actually be José :) haha

And thank you so much, I really don't have time to write group letters. When we change areas, we have to write to all of the people we baptised every week (or at least 1 or 2 a week), so I don't get much time. Thank you!

And that super legit mini frisbee is super awesome! I bring it with me to entertain little kids. Unfortunately, they all want it. So that's a problem. But it's awesome!

I Love Love Love Love You!

Elder Phillips

Tell the girls I love them! And Kate too! And Dad too!

(Dave and I got just a little different letters, so here is they part of his that was different (I think))

How awesome! We don't have any snow down here :(.  It gets really cold, but no snow. My companion was asking me today if we really go sledding like they do in the movies and I had to laugh, "Of course we do!" I told him. But he's from an area super warm and has hardly ever even seen snow! I love the snow! The cold weather, standing close to a warm fire, roasting s'mores... it's the best!!

I don't really get along with my companion. I try to, and I try to be patient, but it is hard. Seriously hard. He's very prideful and not very diligent with the rules. I know that I'm not perfect either, but it's hard. I have been able to learn a lot though. I think that's the value of this type of companion. They say that "God puts you with each companion for a reason, so learn the reason and learn from your companion", I think it's a reminder to me that I need to be more humble too. I've learned that when patience is needed, a prayer is your best friend.

Have a great week! I LOVE YOU!!!!

Elder Phillips (pronounced down here as Peeleeps or Feeleex)

Nov 30, 2015

Aww, I miss you guys! The holiday seasons are difficult so far from home without you guys. But it's a great time for preaching the gospel! In this season many people are willing to make their christmas more christ centered, and this makes it a wonderful time to teach them. But no, we didn't celebrate thanksgiving. It isn't really a holiday down here. But some of the sisters in our ward have asked for all our secret recipes for cooking ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Do you think that we should give away all of our secrets? I told them that I'd ask you. As well as that lemon cake that's super delish. They don't have lemons here! How strange, right? I really want to make a few lemon cakes this year though, what kind of lemon stuff do you need for that cake? You may have to send it to me. :)

Unfortunately, I seem to have forgotten to bring my camera... again. But not much has been happening lately, so you're not missing out on much. This week I got to know the ward and our investigaters better. Our area is pretty average sized, but we have a few subdivisions (called fraccionamientos) out in the middle of nowhere too, so we occasionally have to take the bus. 

This week we had a meeting with our president and here are some Christmas package guidelines and info: 

1.With all packages, write MISSION on the box, as well as the contents. If you don't, they will open the package and search it at the border.

2.For clothes, you can't send used clothes. All clothing must have a price tag attached and a reciept in the box. otherwise, it will be removed at the border.

3.All packages will be delivered on the 19th of december.

4.Advice from president: do not include any cooked food (like ham and potatoes with gravy) because it will most likely not arrive well. Cookies are fine. Brownies or other desserts are fine too. Chocolate covered pretzels are great. more or less, be smart about sending food. 

5. About our call home: It will be on the 24th, before 7pm (remember that here we have a 1hr time difference.) It is his advice that we make a list of questions and things we want to say beforehand, because we only have 1hr. And it will be by Skype. no exceptions. If skype doesn't work, by telephone. 

That's all I remember. 

I hope that everything goes well with your surgery and that you get better quickly! 

I hope that every time you see my naked bum elf you think of me!

I miss you guys so much! I love you all!

And of course, Happy Holidays!

Elder Phillips

Hey Dad!

All is good here in the new area! Honestly, it was rough adjusting to this ward and my companion, but now it's getting better. My spanish is almost fluent, and I rarely ever have to repeat myself (there is nothing worse than having to repeat yourself. Seriously. I was talking with a lady in our ward one day and she had to ask my companion "what did he say?" It made me a little upset honestly. I almost threw a burrito at her. But I didn't, cuz I'm a nice guy. See, I have learned something in the mission!) and understanding others is super easy. Sometimes I talk in my sleep in spanish!

How awesome that you got to see your cousin after all these years! How's he doing? What is he like? Does he have kids? Where is he from?
And how great with all that wonderful food! Here in our mission eating sushi is forbidden, because this is mexico. And eating raw fish bought from a mexican/chinese man in the streets? not a smart idea. But we can eat pizza! We shouldn't, but we can! Soda is also now forbidden :( it was a sad day when our mission president gave us that rule. 

That museum looks super mega legit! I don't think i've ever actually seen a dinosaur in a museum. maybe I have, But I don't remember! Did you give Sue a kiss? 

How awesome! Sounds like your week was a blast! When I get back, savannah will be 2 yrs old! And kat could have 2 more kids!  Crazy, right?And thank you for everything, and for the reminder of my setting apart. I had forgotten entirely, and it was exactly what I needed to hear.

 I love you! Show everyone back home how awesome you are!
Have a great week

Elder Phillips

Nov 23, 2015

Hey!!

 This week was a lot of getting to know the members and investigators in the area. We invited Mayra (an investigator) to get baptised, and she accepted! We´re now working with her and her husband more to help prepare her for her baptism. 

We also recieved a reference from other missionaries this week, and trhe family turned out to be super awesome! The mother is very receptive and her son (15 yrs old) has gone to many different churches searching for the truth. We taught them about the Restoration of the gospel, and then invited them to the mutual activity and Church on sunday. They are very enthusiastic to hear about the church and I hope that they progress a lot in these coming weeks. It is wonderful to see how the gospel can touch the lives of those around us. 

We had a stake conference yesterday, so I had a second opportunity to listen to our local leaders and hear their guidance. It was super awesome and a very spiritual experience for everyone there. 

Don´t be afraid to spread the gospel with those around you! 

Elder Phillips

Heyyo!

How awesome! The wedding sounds like it went great and they had a blast! And you helped prepare for it? where did they have the reception? anywhere fun and fancy?

So they don´t actually celebrate Thanksgiving down here. Nope. Just America celebrates it. So it´ll be a regular turky-free week=( And I recently found out that we can have playing cards, it´s just that we can´t gamble (nothing new there). So I´m super excited and ready to teach my companions how to play some games =) And because we can´t leave our house during christmas, we´ll have a lot of free time!

I wish I could help you with the tree, Make sure to send me a picture when you get it set up! Haha, how´s the family doing? Everyone excited? I hope so. Anything fun going on in school or in sports? 

And Brian was named by Elder Navarro (the trainer of my trainer, who was here in Mezquital right before I was), after Elder Rian, who finished his mission about 2 weeks ago. Personally, I´m not a huge fan of the name. So I call him Chorcho.

So these computers here wont accept my SD card to send you guys photos, so I won´t be able to send them today. But next week hopefully I´ll be able to!

November 16, 15

Yup, transfered. This new area is really big and at the edge of the world. It´s Desert. We´ve been having some pretty cold days lately too, but fortunately we were prepared. And the members here are super nice and offer us avena, maizena, atole, or one of their many other hot beverages.

My new companion is alright. Elder Escobar was super awesome and we had a great time so it´s hard to adjust. But Elder Gonzalez is cool, and likes to sing and stuff. So we´ll see how it goes. 

And the package did arrive! And just a few days later, It vanished! That´s right. Gone! Because we ate it all :) It was super delicious! And the photos are wonderful, and the t-shirt is super cool, and all-in-all It was awesome! I´m still working on your package, but it will arrive late. There are some things that I have purchased through our Mexi-mission black market that I won´t be able to get until Nov 30th, so we´ll see. I´ll send it as soon as I can, but it will most likely be late.

And surgery! Crazy! How did you end up growing a cyst on your thyroid? And the size of a golf ball! Does it hurt? i hope that the surgery goes well! 

Maren is working on her mission papers!!!! She emailed me today, and holy guacamole! They grow up so fast. 

And how´d the band concert go? will Ellie be in High School next year?

And of course, Ellie´s manners. Oh boy, what are you going to do with that silly kid :) Just about everything is a fingerfood around here, they eat it all with tortillas too. Haha, here in the mission we only have a certain budget each month. And this month, let´s just say that I´m running short on money. Fortunately, potatoes are really cheap and warm and tasty! So I too will be enjoying a plethora of papas (potatoes in español) :)

I´m super pumped for this Christmas! Not for parties or celebrations or anything- because we spend 2 whole days in our house- but because it is a wonderfully fabulous season! We celebrate Christ´s birth, something that I haven´t been too focused on these past weks. We focus on his life, but I haven´t been putting much thought into his birth. I love the christmas season!

We will have our meeting on the 7th of December. And This year I would love a pair of thermal underwear (1 top and 1 bottom), and a deck of regular playing cards :)

Remember, I am out here far away preaching the gospel, but you have oportunities to preach the gospel every day back home too! Make the most of these opportunities!

I Love You!

Elder Phillips

Oh, here´s a picture of our puppy. His name is Brian. Somebody left him here about a week ago and we´re trying to find him a home.

November 9, 15

Hello Everyone!

It has been another wonderful week down here in Juarez, with a somewhat sad ending. That's right. Transfers. For those of you who don't know, transfers are like a disease. Sometimes you get it, sometimes you don't. And there's no vaccine. And yes, I'm afraid that we have once again been struck by transfers. I will be leaving the Chapultepec 1st Ward and the Juarez South Stake, to join the Mezquital (Mosquitoville?)Ward in the Las Torres Stake. I have today to pack up all my things and then yea I leave in the morning. I hope everything is awesome over there. From what i've heard, it's on the edge of Juarez. Basically the edge of the world. I Can't Wait! I'm super pumped and can't wait to meet my new companion: Elder Gonzalez! 

In Chapultepec, we have a baptism this weekend! That's right! Ana Maria Rojas Dias will be baptized by her husband this Saturday! I'm a little sad that I won't be able to see it though. 

It's a sad thing to leave an area, but it's the will of God. Remember: there is always a purpose. Sometimes we can't see it from the start, but with a little bit of time, it will become clear. This doesn't just apply to transfers in the mission, it applies to life in general. As humans, we want to see the end from the beginning. We want to walk by sight and knowledge. However, that just isn't how God works. And as the apostle Paul said:  "For we walk by faith, not by sight."  2 Corinthians 5:7

So although it may be difficult, put your trust in God. Accept his will in your life, for this is how you will obtain the blessings and happiness that God has in store for you.

So take a step of faith this week.

Elder Phillips

My letter to John mentioned that we went and saw Crazy For You at Centennial. He loved his music teacher, Mr Blackwell, and I sent him a picture of him and some of the cast he would know.

How awesome! I do miss my old Musical days. Was it High School Musical? or a musical put on by our high school? Either way, I bet it was super fun! 

And yes, I'm afraid that we have once again been struck by transfers. I will be leaving Chapultepunk and heading over to Mezquital(Mosquitoville?) 2. I have today to pack up all my things and then ya. I leave in the morning. I hope everything is awesome over there! The bad news, I have not gotten the package yet. Our zone leaders are in our district and we're pretty tight so I was asking them about it. Unfortunately, they didn't get any packages for our zone :( I'm hoping that tomorrow when we go to the offices They'll be waiting for me. But who knows.

We had a primary program down here too! It was super awesome! They sang about 8 different verses of "Follow the Prophet" and some other awesome songs. All-in-all, It was great!  

Our zone meetings are held in our stake centers, once a month. I would still love some thermals (Thermal underwear!) because yes, it gets really cold down here too. Not quite as cold as idaho, but it has been known to drop below 0. The Americans send their packages to El Paso and our president brings them down for us monthly.

Thank you so much mom! I Love You!

Elder Phillips

Nov 2, 2015

To my dear friends and family,

Only 1 week left in this transfer! It's crazy how fast this time has flown by! Things have been going well down here in Juarez, And Halloween was a blast! No, we didn't actually do anything for Halloween, but we pass by a lot of kids with fun costumes!  This year I was dressed up as a Mormon! During the night, a few cars drove by and we could hear the kids yelling out "Look! Mormons!", so I think I nailed my costume too :)

This week the thought on my mind has been about our trials and our faith. I was reading a quote that I had in my scriptures (one of those nifty little things that you get in seminary) and it was talking about such trials. It more or less said, "When we are struck by an extremely difficult trial, we will find out what it is that we truly believe. And these beliefs are what either anchor us, or betray us."  So pray. Read the scriptures. We know that trials will come, they always do, but how will we prepare ourselves? Will we be able to respond with an increase of faith? Or will our faith diminish eventually fade away?

So I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, and I hope that all will remember me while eating your Halloween candy.
Sed de buen animo! Dios provera.
Elder David Phillips

First off, let's talk about all them rules!

1) That's difficult, because I'm not trying to sell off my sister. I just have a photo in my wallet and when the other missionaries see it, they suddenly decide that after the mission they want to visit Boise. Honest, I don't even have to try. 

And yup. That's it. But oh well. I guess i just won't show off photos of my wonderful family :'(

Haha, ok. And yes, we have our Zone meeting this Monday (not today, but the 8th i think). 

It is super sad that Sister Nettles passed away this week. I'm glad that you're helping take care of Kate and I hope that everything goes well for them!

Thanks for the photos too! It's crazy how fast everyone is getting married! I've only been gone a few months but everyone's getting hitched! And happy Halloween! Did you know that here on the border they celebrate Halloween too? It isn't nearly as big, and it's a lot more dangerous, but you can still see groups of people going door to door in their costumes. I love the pumpkins and all the costumes this year, they're super awesome! And tell the girls that they look super adorable in their outfits! 

And a bit of bad news. We did not have a baptism. It is difficult when this happens. We've been trying to help this family so much, but It's time for us to let them go for a while. They still have problems that they need to sort out, but in time, I hope that we will be able to help them again.

Wish Katie and Connor andTom and Kelsey the best of luck for me!

I Love you mom! Thanks for all your help and support! 

Elder Phillips

Heyyo Daddyo!

It is a real downer. But I'm kinda glad. Not in a mean or rude way or anything, but because she's not suffering anymore. And like you said, there are some good things coming out of it too. Parker learning more about the church, Hunter going to the BSU Ward. I'm glad that they're looking towards Christ in these difficult times for them. I remember going with you one time to give Margi a blessing too. It was a very spiritual experience. I am glad that she is now resting.

And Halloween! This year I was dressed up as a Mormon! During the night, a few cars drove by and we could hear the kids yelling out "Look! Mormons!", so I think I nailed my costume too :)

That family sounds awesome! I'm glad to hear that ours isn't the only nerdy family out there :)

This box of yours sounds pretty amazing too! But unfortunately, it has not arrived yet :( I believe that it may be here already, but I won't get it until next monday at our zone meeting. I Can't Wait!!

Also, Our mission president gave us permission to grow out a mustache this past week. So Here's a picture of your son: An official fat mexican.

I Love You!

Elder Phillips

On Sun, Nov 1, 2015 at 9:19 PM, Dave Phillips <boisedwp@gmail.com> wrote:

So this has been s tough week. Margi nettles finally passed away. It has been a long time in the making. I think that it was a year and a half ago that I first went over there to help Greg give her a blessing. I still remember it. The spirit was so strong. Unfortunately she never got better. Just last Thursday Greg asked me again to come over and give her a blessing one last time. She actually looked pretty good. She was weak and had lost a lot of weight, but she looked good and was talkative and had some energy.  I blessed her to be comforted , able to sleep, able to rest, and have peace.  It is crazy that less than 5 days later she had passed.

During the past year or two Greg and I have met for lunch many times while Margi has been fighting the cancer. It has been known for some time that she would not get better. Many times he cried and we would just talk about things that are really important. It is crazy to think now that he has kids to raise by himself. We try to help all we can. Kate and Tadman come over a lot. It is great to have them here.

A few good things are already happening though, Parker has asked to take the discussions to learn more about the church. And hunter has asked for when and where the BSU student wards meet. I hope they come back. That would be great. Also, Greg has never been stronger in the gospel than he is right now. He is a great guy.

Sorry for all that stuff. Kind of a downer. The important take away is that it is only through our savior Jesus Christ that we are able to return to our Heavenly Father, be forgiven, and be together as families forever. This is all so much more real now after watching the nettles go thru this trial.

Now for a change of pace:

Halloween was great. I dressed up as a middle-aged curmudgeon. Yup, I nailed it!!  The buckners had us and others over for chili and then we hung out in the saints driveway with a campfire while we gave free candy to all the beggars that stumbled by. There were a lot this year. It was a good time. There was one family that came by with 3 little girls. They were like 6, 4, and 1 year old. The 6 year old was dressed and Dr Who, the 4 year old was a Dalek, and the 1 year old was an Adipose baby!  They were AWESOME. After the 4 year old got candy from mom, here mother said, "and what do you say?"  Her reply: "EXTERMINATE,". It was the best ever.

So it was about a week and a half ago that I shipped a box to you. Has it arrived?  There is lots of good stuff in it that will be tasty. Be sure to let me know what specific stuff you want:  I do take requests!

Have a great week. Keep up the great work. You are awesome!

David Phillips

October 26, 15

Hey Dad!

I'm glad that my letter was able to help you guys out, How have they been progressing? Do they still go every week to church and activities and stuff?

And I saw some pics from Annas birthday and it looks like she had a blast! And that bike of hers is super genial too. That's Mexican for Awesome or cool. And how was the zoo? did you go too? Did you get to pet the goats?  

And that pizza joint sounds awesome! Down here they have little ceasars, but it isn't quite as good. After eating about 5 slices you get kind of bored. And that should never happen while eating food! But how hot do you think that oven is? doesnt the cheese burn or something?

El Centro just means The Center. Kind of Down town. They have a lot of markets and stuff that are pretty cool and you can find a lot of stolen goods there too. Super cheap.

Hahaha, don't worry! Those photos arent in our house, but in an investigators house! Ours is super nice and cool. Actually, it's really cool. Freezing in the mornings according to my companion. But the weather here is practically the same as Idaho. A bit warmer, but nearly the same.

However, yes. Sometimes we do need to use the "Light Switch Gloves" when messing with the lights. 

Have a wonderful week full of rainbows, flowers and butterflies!

Elder Phillips

Hey Everyone! 

  

      The Area is good, we are seeing much progress in our investigators. If all goes well, we will also have a Baptism this Saturday! Our investigators understand the importance of reading and praying, we just have to get them to church. I don't know why, but nobody wants to go to church down here. Maybe we need to offer refreshments after sacrament meeting or something :) This week I will be Ponderizing:

Jacob 1:19

     19 And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.

I feel like it is a wonderful scripture that reminds us that we need to do all we can to help others to come unto christ.

      I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a missionary here in Juarez and there is so much I can learn during these two years. I know that I am here in this mission for a reason. I know that there are people here who need my help, and I just need to find them. I know that I will be able to. 

Hechale Ganas!

Happy Halloween!

Elder Phillips

Hey Mom!

Thank you so much for all the photos! They are undoubtedly the best part of Pday. I love seeing the family so much! I hope Anna had a fantastic birthday! And from the looks of the photos, I believe she did :) I hope that you are able to fix your Camera too. That's a pretty Schnazzy bike that she got! You say that the zoo has improved, in what way? I still think the zoo is super awesome, but then again, I haven't been to many others. Are there more animals or something? The petting zoo part sounds awesome! And lots of goats :) Do they have the screaming or fainting goats too? Because they are hilarious. Funny story about goats: There's a guy in our ward down here who works with leather and is going to make us covers for our scriptures out of goat hide. They look super legit and hopefully will help preserve our scriptures. I'll make sure to send you a few photos when they get finished :).

My companion was so excited to see the photo you took for him! He wants me to tell you that he loves it very much. He loves it and loves you all too. He says not to worry, because he will take care of Elder Phillips and protect him from all the mean racist Mexicans. And that one day, he will come to Boise Idaho to visit us.

And Elder Sanchez (From Guatemala) says that he will protect me and come visit us someday too.

If you remember Pedro's cousins from Napoleon Dynamite, that's basically Sanchez and Escobar for me.I truly miss Kneaders. French toast just isn't the same down here. Tell Megan that the photos are awesome and that she's half the reason that they're going to visit us after the mission :)​

Tom sant in December! And Katie too! And Kim! Crazy! Send me photos of all those crazy kids and their lovers!

I Love You!

Elder Phillips

October 19, 2015

Hey! Super awesome! Does Colton still have that mullet? I sure hope not. And does he plan on serving a mission? I love the poster (I made a great monkey poster of Megan for D3) and miss the sushi and soccer playing :( I'm sending you a photo of Elder Escobar's face when I told him what happened to your camera and that he wouldn't be getting any pictures soon. (I dropped my D300 off the back of the truck while trying to take a picture for him)

And another of Elder Sanchez (El Gordito) with the train. I'm vey proud of my photography skills :)

I Love You Mom!

Elder Phillips

Hello Everyone!

This week was really awesome. I really feel blessed for the opportunity I have been given to serve a mission. My testimony grows daily and I can truly testify that we have a prophet in our day and that the Book of Mormon is true. We are not left here alone in the earth to stumble our way through this life. God loves his children.

And so, we get to this week. It was awesome. We went to visit some members, who gave us some jackets to help keep us warm this winter. For those of you who don't know, it gets cold down here. Really cold! Like Idaho cold. My companion is from Tropical Honduras, where the weather is always wonderful and there's a double rainbow every morning. Pray for him. I don't think he's going to make it.

Anyways, These jackets are super awesome! So I included a few photos of them.

We have a wedding coming up this week! Rogelio and Anabel are going to Samalayuca for their wedding. I've heard that it's really cool down there, hopefully I'll get to see it some day! 

And if all goes well, we'll be having a baptism the 31st of October! 

 I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child, Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name to the end.

Moroni 8:3

~Elder Phillips

October 12, 15

John's letter to his dad cracked me up this week! here it is!

"So I am curious about some stuff. You have not said anything about being in sketchy places, dodging drug dealers, bull lets, or roving gangs of gradient on robbers. Is that because my little pony land is part of your mission and that is where your are stationed or are you just not talking about that kind of stuff?  I am just curious about the sketchiness that your see and what kind of craziness you witness down there." Dad

Ok, so about all that, this week some major sketch went down. More or less this is one of the nicest parts around here, but the pony land parts are where the Sister missionaries get sent. This week outside the church (monday at 4 PM) two guys from rival gangs got into a fight. One lives right in front of the church and is almost always drunk, and really super tattooed. The Tattooed guy stabbed the other a few times with a knife and now is in jail. The guy who got stabbed walked down the road a little bit before he collapsed dead.

We had a killer storm too! loads of wind and rain, it was crazy! In another part of the city, it was hail the size of a golfball. Those with the wind caused many broken trees and hundreds of broken windows and windshields. it was all over the news down here. In our area we just had loads of rain. just for about 20 minutes, but the streets were flooded afterwards.

This morning we got followed home after out daily run. Fortunately, I have seen about 100 episodes of Psych, NCIS, and Burn Notice, so I was able to ditch him in a nearby park. I'm kind of a professional spy.

That's really all that's been happening down here this week. But yeah, stuff happens occasionally. Not much, but occasionally. you probably shouldn't tell mom about the murder or the guy following us. But the storm, was cool.

Great to hear about The BBQ and all the kids getting sealed together! 11 in total? Any others on their way? And how many were adopted? I hope that everything goes well for them. I really miss BBQ. They have Carne Asada (grilled meat) down here, and they all love it, but I find it's not nearly as good as the ones back home. Nor do they use BBQ sauce much.

What up with dat?

And my companion says that he'll take you up on that offer. And he is my favorite companion yet. He is super fun and really spiritual too. He wants more pictures of Megan, but I think mom is intentionally avoiding them. She sends photos of everyone but Megan, and Elder Escobar is not amused.

Love you Dad!

~Elder Phillips

I will have to take a super BAD picture of Megan to send to him :)
Here is my letter
Hey Mom!

Happy Birthday! Did you really think that I'd forget my Mother's Birthday? No Way! Any presents that you'd like me to send to you guys? 

That car is pretty super legit, I hope it lasts even longer than the durango did! And Tom's engaged! What happened! When? He's only been back 5 months! To Who? send me some photos!

So today is our Zone meeting. Sorry, but now you'll have to wait another month to send anything :'( But that's ok. When you send the next package can you include something for my companion? His family is super far away and it's super expensive for them to send packages. so maybe you could help him out a bit.

 Elder Escobar asked me for a special request from the family this week and I told him that you could help him out. He wants a picture of my family (You, Dad, Megan, Ellie, and Anna [and kat if she's there]) holding a sign (a poster or something) that says "We Love You Elder Escobar". 

If you can, It'd be awesome! 

I'm glad you're meeting with the Buckners, and I hope that they are able to decide soon. Chris wrote me this week. I was so excited! He doesn't currently plan on serving a mission. Really, just show him love. No matter what he ends up choosing, show him Christlike love and help him feel wanted.

GUESS WHAT!! PHOTOS!

1. Yup, Elder Escobar and I had a blast this week, and we have many photos to show you. The first one is of our river crossing. It rained a lot one day this passed week and we had to cross over a a stream using a big old pipe. 
2. The second is of the train tracks. He had never seen a train before so he was super excited. We took loads of pictures down there!
3. The third photo is because we found Cream Soda. And everyone knows that the best way to end your day is with a bottle of cream soda. 
4. And one more of my companion.
5. And one more with Diego, the son of one of our new investigators!

I Love you Mom!

~Elder Phillips

and the one to ALL (those letters are not as exciting as our are)
Hey Everyone!

We had a fun week down here in Juarez, Full of rain storms and other parties.Things have been great this week, but I can't believe we are 3 weeks into the transfer. We are working hard, and partying hard. Yesterday we had a most excellent fast & Testimony meeting, and all of us missionaries went up and bore our testimonies too. 

 

Our main highlights this week were: Finding and teaching Diana and Sophia. 

Diana is 18 years old, has a new baby, and is the daughter of one of our contacts. We met her when we came to visit her mom, and had a super awesome doorstep lesson. She doesn't really know what to believe right now in her life but is searching to find the truth. Fortunately, that's kind of why I'm here. We began talking and put another appointment to teach her about God's plan for us. The second visit went great and she better understands her purpose here on the earth. 

Sophia found us and asked us about our church one day, and invited us to visit her. She already wants to get baptized after just 2 visits! She knows that our messages are true and wants her family to hear it too.

Keep them in your prayers!

Also, enjoy a few photos of your favorite Missionaries having a cowboy party and trying to cross a flooded street!

Love you all!

~Elder Phillips

AND I GOT LOTS OF PICTURES!!!! I didn't take the time to put them in order that he numbered them, so just figure it out!

October 5, 15

Hey Mom!

I love all of your photos! And I am super thankful that I get to miss this diaper stage (more or less) and get the super fun toddler :)

So I have a bit of happy news: Transfers! Yup, that's right. I am now here with Elder Escobar, from Tegucigalpa, Honduras. And he is awesome! He has 6 months in the mission (only a little more than me!), and is great at teaching, contacting, and he is super friendly! He loves the US and already has requested permission to marry Megan. He is probably my favorite companion. But I don't know, it's only been a week.
His family is from Honduras and he has a twin brother serving his mission down by Cancun. He's pretty awesome (and loves American candy ;D).

This week we did a lot of contacting! a lot!! However, it all paid off as we found new investigators, People who are ready to hear our message and make the necessary changes in their lives. We have made so much progress in this area (Still Chapultepec 1.2) in just this week, I love it! I know that we're going to have success!

Sorry, once again I have no photos. But Next week! We have some great plans coming up!

And sorry the letter is short (again). If you start feeling down, just remember:

I Love You!

Elder Phillips

Hey Hey Hey! (DAD) 

 

General conference was really amazing! Super powerful talks. I truly learned a lot! I am glad that the Buckners are listening to conference. With the spirit that they undoubtedly felt, I believe that they will make the commitment to be baptized soon.

Did you see that priesthood session? It was awesome! It was in Spanish, so I missed a few things (mostly jokes), but it was really excellent. And then Sunday too! The afternoon session was three or four short powerful talks, one right after the other! I have really developed a higher appreciation of general Conference.

 

Thanks for sending pictures of the Katherine, Ryan, and The Little Beast! Super funny :) I think that child is going to be hilarious! But what did you do for 4 days at home? Working out back? Watching the NFL?

 

So who are the elders in our ward nowadays? do I know them? Do you have any pictures of them? What are they like? My new companion is Elder Escobar. He's from super far away, Honduras. He is super awesome and he's a hard worker too. We are going to have a great time together and a super successful cycle! I don't have pictures today, but next week i'll have some of us together.

 

Love You!

Elder Phillips

Hello Friends and Family!

 

This week we started things off with a little something that I like to call: Transfers. Yup. But guess who gets to have another 6 weeks (and hopefully more) here in Chapultepec? That's right, Elder Phillips does! My new companion is Elder Escobar from Tegucigalpa, Honduras. He is super chill and fun, has 6 months in the mission, and has a twin brother serving in southern Mexico, in Yucatan!

 

General Conference was awesome! If you didn't see it, I would highly recommend that you watch it. Right now. Literally, I mean right now. Stop reading this and go watch it, then you can finish reading my letter and write me back. Why? Because It was super awesome and I love you. That's why.

 

This week we spent a whole lot of time contacting. and it paid off. We were able to find the people whom God has prepared. Many times, we were rejected. However, it really doesn't matter. What matters are those few people (Because yes, they are few) who have made room in there lives to learn of Christ.

 

So it has been a good week. The Lord has blessed us in so many different ways. And he will bless you too. Just go out of your way to share the gospel today.

 

With Love,

Elder Phillips

Sept 28, 15

Hey Everyone! 

This week I´d like to start by extending an invitation to all of you: Watch "Ephriam´s Rescue" and if you enjoy it, share it with somebody else!

 I had the opportunity to see this movie this week and it was really good. We watched it with a family and we could see them as they were touched by the spirit. It was so good and spiritual!

Today marks the last day of this cycle in the mission. My companion is getting transfered to some other part of the city, and I will be put with Elder.... Ok, I already forgot his name. But I won´t actually meet him until tomorrow.

This week was a good one. We met a new family this week, Familia Dias. They are having a few troubles in their lives right now and really need the gospel. The mother is Christian but I believe that she´s willing to open up and listen to us. I know that the gospel can help them in there lives and all of you too. No matter what your problem or your trial, The Gospel Will Help. And by holding firm to that which you know is good and true, you will be upliften and guided in these times of need. 

D&C 6:36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

A little something to help you remember. Look to the scriptures when you need a bit of help. You´d be surprised in all the ways God is willing to help you.

With another investigator, he had many questions. So many questions. And in truth, questions are wonderful things. The most important revelations have been given as the result of honest questions. However, We need to remember to ask God for the answers. Because when God gives you an answer, you can be sure it´s good.

Well, that´s it for today. Have a good week everyone. Do something different this week to help someone else. Give your mom a hug. Pray for the Investigators.

Elder Phillips

Just thought I would throw in MY letter to him just in case I ever need to remember what I said :)

Hola eldero philipo!!
Como Estas? Como eran los crepes? Tan bueno como sus madres? sus imágenes eran divertidos! Pensé que tu compañero se veía como un niño!
Enough Spanish for me!
I bet the rain felt awesome! I LOVE a good rainstorm!
We had Wild West night Friday, missed having help me decorate. I only have one more Wild West night to do....EVER! Next year Anna will be in 5th grade and then I graduate from elementary school. They served the best food of all Wild West nights, delish pulled pork. Mmmmm.  Saturday was the kick off for general conference, women's conference. This will be a fun general conference for you, remember how they started broadcasting people in their native language? You will actually get to listen to some in Spanish! Also, I think you'll also finally figure out why we all love conference so much :-) I doubt kids understand that very well. I've been listening to a lot of talks by elder Holland, he is such a rockstar! I can't wait to listen to him this time. On Thursday morning I am driving to California to see Katherine! I will take the kids and aunt Sally maren and Emma.  Since we will be driving on Sunday back home I'm not sure if we will be able to hear the broadcast :-( good thing we have it on the Internet! I still haven't got on your Facebook, sorry. It's the busy season of fall with all the sports, and photography, and school events! I barely survive the fall.
Today was Parker whiting, and Sterling Boelter farewell. I only got a picture with Sterling but you will just have to imagine what Parker looks like :-)
Did u see the eclipse tonight? It was pretty cool, just thought it was fun that we could all be staring at the same moon!
Well, we all miss you, but not so much that we want you to come home!!
BE A GREAT MISSIONARY!
Love, mom

And now for his reply! He always writes me, that good little missionary of mine!

Funny story, I did see the eclipse! We were with familia Gallardo watching "Rescate de Efraim" (Ephraims rescue) and we went out and watched it for a while! I took some pictures but learned something profound: When taking photos of a lunar eclipse during the night, it´s all just going to look black. yup, who would´ve guessed. Oh but that movie is so good! I love it so much!

The Elder from the photo is Elder Brazell, and  he´s from Nevada. He´s going home tomorrow! He is an awesome missionary and was our Zone leader. And yes, he still looks like a child in those pictures :)

I´m afraid that i´ve just realized something, I won´t have any other Wild West Nights! I´m crying a little now :´(

So tomorrow we have transfers. And I´m staying here again! And my companion is going off to who knows where. This will be 4 transfers here with 4 different companions! Crazy! This means I have 6 more weeks of Chapultepec 1.2! Wahoo!

So recently I started thinking about family history work, how much do we know? how far back has it been traced in our family? Who were the first members on your side and dads side? Any awesome stories? I´d really love to hear anything that you have! I really didn´t do any family history work before the mission, but I´d love to get working a bit after if I can! 

I love hearing from the family every week, I love the stories and the photos and everything! I love hearing about all the little things that happen back home. 

I still haven´t heard back from chris. He´s gotten my letters these past months but I haven´t heard anything.

I Love You Mom!!!

Elder Phillips

AND Dave's letter:

On Sun, Sep 27, 2015 at 7:48 PM, Dave Phillips <boisedwp@gmail.com> wrote:

Hey --

So it was a good day at church today. Sterling boelter and Parker whiting both had their farewll today. Sterling is going to Florida Tallahassee and Parker is going to riverside California is speaking Spanish. The both leave this week.

This weekend will be general conference   It will be great. It always is. The buckners were out of town this past week so we did not teach them, but we are scheduled again for Monday night. It should be great. They are coming to church for all 3 hours for a few weeks in a row and seem to be liking it. It will be awesome when they join the church!

So Thursday is official slack off day here at the Phillips home. Megan whines cuz she doesn't want to get up early, mom whines cuz she doesn't want to do 2 leg days, and so I decided to go to the temple early on Thursdays. So I got up at about 5:10 -- earlier than a work out day! I went and did a session at the temple. It was great, but the.on the drive home I got rear ended by a driver not paying attention. So much for blessings for going to the temple!!

The guy who hit me was a nice guy. He is a construction worker who used to do MMA fighting and has trained with Phil Lott. He was a great guy. We were sitting there for an hour waiting for the police to come so we just talked about stuff while we waited. I spent about half the time talking about the church and stuff. It was kind of cool!  He was a nice guy. He lives in the neighborhood by the Neal's.

The bummer about the accident is that it jacked up my neck and head. Not as bad as the time when the semi truck smashed us, but it is sore. Bummer. So I did not work out on Friday. Not sure I am going to tomorrow or not. I am afraid of not having it heal quick. That would suck.

We had the ward chili feed last week. There were so many people there!  About 50 non members were there. It was a great event with lots of good people. It seems to get bigger and better every year.

I hope,you have another great week. We love you and pray for you every day.

David Phillips

Holy Guacamole! 50 non members! That´s awesome! Down here a real struggle we have is that the members are afraid of inviting people to events. It´s great to see that you guys don´t have the same problem! Haha, think about the potential temple blessing here: You met someone new and can send the missionaries to visit him! Those sound like some pretty awesome potential blessings! Good luck with your Head, not that you used it much anyways :) I hope you get better soon! 

One thing we did new this week was watch a church video with a family and it really brought the spirit. It may be a good thing for you to do with The Buckners. Just a fun little movie night or something. We watched Efraim´s Rescue. I had forgotten how amazing that movie is! Super good. 

In our ward the members got challenged to assist the temple more frequently. In the talk of my companion, they were compared to children asking their parents for a toy. Begging, and asking every day until they get it. And they use it and enjoy it for a while, but soon enough, they set it aside. I´m so glad that you´re not doing this with the temple! Keep going often! 

I Love You! Share the gospel today! Slack off next Thursday!

Elder Phillips