Thanksgiving with the Hollands

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Or in Spanish Feliz Dia de Accion de Gracias...kinda translates awkwardly...

Anyways, I just want you to know first off that I am so thankful for you. I’m bummed that I can’t be there with you today, but in a way I still can be. If it’s possible I’d like it if maybe you could take this letter to dinner and share some of it with the family because most of what I say comes from Elder Holland’s talk that we just heard earlier this morning.

Well, I've been blessed enough to listen to five apostles at the MTC. Pretty amazing. Elder Holland and his WHOLE family came to the MTC for the devotional and it was truly amazing. He got up first and said that he wanted to make it like a family program because Thanksgiving was a day for families. So, don’t worry about me, I had Thanksgiving with the Hollands today!

Elder Holland said that he wants this to be the happiest day of our lives, and honestly this is probably one of the top ones I’ve ever had. He called a couple of missionaries to come and bear their testimonies so that we could all be involved in the family program. One Elder from a South American country bore his testimony of the restoration and how grateful he is for the restored gospel. Another Elder with cystic fibrosis got up, who Elder Holland was very emotional about because he was involved with his mission call. He got up and spoke about the wonderful opportunity of being able to serve in the MTC call center. An Elder from China bore his testimony about how lucky we are to have temples and to be able to worship how and wherever we may because they don’t have that ability in China.

After this, Elder Holland’s grandchildren got up to sing a primary hymn. This is the part that I think really got me. It was a little chaotic and funny, just how family gatherings usually are, and I felt right at home. The Spirit was so strong as his cute little grandchildren brought the Spirit.

Elder Holland said after this that virtually everything we are grateful for has to do with another person. Virtually everything we rejoice in and love comes from someone else, mortal or divine. He said, "Of all the mortals in my life, I am more grateful for her (Sister Holland) than any other. I'm grateful today for Sister Holland."

It was amazing to feel the love that Elder Holland has for his wife and grandkids and it made me think that families truly are one of the greatest—easily the greatest—blessing we have in this life. Why do you think Heavenly Father wants HIS family to return back to live with Him? How can you not know that we have a loving Father in Heaven when you see the smiling face of a child singing a primary hymn? I am so thankful for you, family. I love you more than words can describe. I'm especially thankful for you, mom and dad, for all that you have taught me and for helping me to get where I am today.

Sister Holland's talk was very touching. She said, "Do you have any idea how much the Savior loves you? Please, know how much the Savior loves you. Referring to her children and grandchildren she said, "They are my blessing." She referred to the primary hymn that the kids sang and how we have so much to be grateful for. She expressed how grateful she was for her husband and what a great man that he is. She gave a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ and testified that we will have the angels of heaven on our side.

Elder Holland then got up to speak again. The reason that I want to share so much about his talk is because everything that was expressed in it is exactly what I’m grateful for myself. Elder Holland said, "I wanted my grandchildren to see you." And let me remind you of how amazingly powerful his talks are (this was not an exception). He said, “My mission meant EVERYTHING to me. I’ve said it on every continent. And when these children saw you, I wanted them to want to serve a mission.”

He said, “We are not at liberty to destroy the tradition of missionary work. This is the only tradition in the church. If we had a symbol it would be two Elders or sisters.” He went on to say something like, “Thank You. Remember when you are tempted to not do your very best on your mission, remember me standing here this day with my grandchildren times a million who expect you to be nothing but perfect.”

So family, I hope that I can live up to the expectations that you have for me. And remember this, if you remember anything from me, brothers, sisters and cousins...That you are children of God. You have all been chosen by Heavenly Father to do great things. To the boys: Don’t even ever ever ever think of not going on a mission because it is the greatest responsibility and the greatest blessing of your lives. To the girls: Don’t you ever settle for anything less than a temple marriage and to be the very best person that you could be. I hope and pray that i can set a good example for you.

Elder Holland went on to say what he was thankful for—and I ditto what he said completely—this is what I’m thankful for this day as a missionary:

1. I am grateful that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost know us by name. Elder Holland talked about the importance of names in the scriptures and that even though this church has so much grandeur and continues to grow rapidly, Heavenly Father knows US personally. I know that to be true. I know that my calling is a personal one and I know that our lives are so important to Heavenly Father individually. I’m so thankful for all the blessings that He has given to us on this earth.

2. I’m grateful that the Savior, Father and Holy Ghost have always had compassion on the poor. This part of Elder Holland’s message really struck me because I know of the poor people in the world there are many in Nicaragua, the place that I will be in in less than four days. He said in this day of abundance most of the world will not eat. He talked about how feeding and helping the poor is such a common theme in the Book of Mormon and in being able to retain a remission of sins. I’m even more thankful to be able to serve in Nicaragua now because I have an opportunity to serve those people. He said something very important. "This is the most abundant time in the history of mankind...Let’s remember where it all came from. I've been to some of the poorest places on earth. I want you to identify with these people. It could be the greatest blessing of your mission. Maybe nothing will change you more than to suffer, work and eat among those people. So many children go to sleep hungry every night of their life. Go live with them and love them, come home and never forget it. The Savior spent most of his time with these people."

3. I’m grateful that the Savior could perform the Atonement alone. My mission will be hard but the Atonement was the only thing that anyone ever had to do completely alone. In the amazing way that Elder Holland does, he described how everyone betrayed Jesus, and even when He thought that He would still have His Father, he had to leave Him too. I am so grateful, even though I cannot comprehend it, for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We would literally be nothing without it. We have an obligation that goes along with that! He doesn’t want to carry us alone any more and that is why I’m so grateful to be a missionary, to have the opportunity to help Him in that great work. I love you so much family. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know that the Lord will protect me in Nicaragua and I’m so so so excited to get down there. Be grateful today for everything!

Love so much,
Elder Trevor Ward

My District: Elder Galvan, Elder Waite, Elder Rose, Elder Amis, Elder Durrant (my companion), Elder Ward

GOT MY TRAVEL PLANS!!!

I'm leaving Sept. 29 as expected and here's the plan:
(I'm assuming Trevor means November 29th)

LV: SLC 8:20 AM
AR: Dallas 12:10 PM

LV: Dallas 2:10 PM
AR: Miami 5:50

LV: Miami 7:00PM
AR: Managua 8:40 PM

So, there it is! And yes I will want a calling card probably. Anyways, I'm pretty sure I can call you at both airports when I'm there.

Gotta go, love you all BYE!!!

Finish Strong!

Elder Trevor Ward and Elder Jacob Myers (A friend form our CA days)

Que Pasaaa mi familia?

So. I'll be honest. I dont really know what to write right now so we'll see how everything turns out. I didn't have time to write down what I wanted to say so here comes some random thoughts.
First off, I ran into a couple people this week! I saw Aunt Karla in the temple this morning which was way awesome! It's weird seeing people from the outside world. The MTC is like a bubble inside the bubble that is Provo. Weirdest experience though was TRC on Thursday. We go in there and sit down to begin teaching an "investigator" who is supposedly a raging alcoholic and was just divorced about a couple of weeks ago. We get in there and knew we'd had this volunteer before (he's one of the old timers). Right when I say my name he says, "Elder Ward, do you have family in California?" and I said "Yeah, my grandma and grandpa Ward live in Long Beach." He then said, "JOHN WARD?!" and then the whole raging alcoholic thing was out the door. He just started going off in English about how Grandpa Ward was one of his good friends and how much he admired him even though he hadn't seen him for 50 years or so. Afterwards, we talked for a while and he gave me a note to give to grandpa. I'll probably be writing them soon to send them the note and to say hi! It was pretty funny though.
Well, I think I'm going to leave some e-mail time to write later today because there's a good chance that we will get our travel plans today. I'm pretty excited about it, so I'm hoping that I'll get to write you about it later tonight. If not I'll let you know as soon as possible.
Thanks for sending my Christmas package Mom. Its super weird to think that you already had to send it. I had a feeling mail would take forever to get down there. Thanks for sending stuff for my companion also. I was going to tell you that today even though it was probably too late. Thanks for your's and dad's letters as well. I receive multiple witnesses every day that this is where I'm supposed to be, and it is such a great feeling. I'm glad that you were able to feel that same feeling in the temple. Looking back at the experiences and trials I've been through, I'm so grateful. I'm so grateful that my trials have brought me closer to Christ so that I can testify from personal experience that the Atonement really does work. Dad, I loved your story about the lady working to get the stains out of the clothes in the temple. It truly is the greatest miracle that we can ever witness...that even the vilest of sinners can experience a change of heart and be cleansed from sin.
I am SO excited to leave for Nicaragua! This tends to be a time where missionaries start to slack, especially if they feel like they've worked hard in the MTC. Our big focus for the last part of the MTC and for me as district leader is to finish strong. I think that is a principle that we can all apply to ourselves. In order to really consecrate our lives to Christ, we have to give him literally everything. We can't hold back anything, and that means any of our sins or anything that would take us away from Christ. I'm learning more and more that living a righteous life is a constant process. True disciples of Jesus Christ try to devote more and more time and effort every day to Him. So, that's what I'm going to do on my mission. I haven't challenged you guys anything this week but that's the challenge for this week. Devote a little more time every day to the Lord. I promise that it will bless your life, and I'm pretty sure that is why being a missionary is such a blessing.
Devotional was great this Tuesday. Kevin Pearson of the Seventy came and gave a great talk. We all kind of went in with low expectations since it wasn't another Apostle but I learned something this week. It doesn't matter so much who is speaking as long as they are able to bring the Spirit because the Spirit is really the person that teaches us EXACTLY what we need to know. One thing I've been doing is writing down spiritual thoughts and acting on them and it's amazing how subtle those promptings can be. Anyways, he spoke about how we are not average missionaries and that we have been called to succeed. He talked a lot about what I just talked about up above about devoting more and more time to the Lord each day.
I got to host yesterday (meaning I was one of the Elders that welcomed new missionaries arriving to the MTC, took bags, etc). We really do live an amazing culture, one that only the true Church of Jesus Christ would have. It was hard to see families say goodbye to their sons and daughters, sometimes even having to almost literally pull them away from each other. We always said "He/she is in the Lords hands". A sweet old grandma once turned to me with a big smile and tears of not sadness, but joy in her eyes and said, "I know He will, that's why we send them". I know that the mission is the best possible thing I could be doing right now. In just two months I have felt my testimony grow so much and I have learned so many life lessons. I love the Lord and I know that this gospel is true. I know that Christ is our Savior and that His gospel and His atonement allow us to have wonderful, blessed lives. Im so excited to bring that to the people of Nicaragua.
I love you family. I miss you, but this is just a short time compared to eternity. Aubrey, Collin thanks for your letters too. Don't beat yourself up too much about now writing me all the time guys. I do love to get your letters though so keep sending them.:) I will hopefully e-mail you tonight about my travel plans and stuff!!!!
Haha, what the heck is the MT salt water lake? (This is what Ava called the MTC last week.) I love it. Miss you and love you Ava!
Love your brother and son,

Elder Trevor Ward

Sheri Dew and Elder Bednar in one week!!!

HEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

 

Mi familia, debe escribir toda de esta carta en español? Haha just kidding I won't write it in Spanish. Thanks for your e-mail though, dad. It's kind of cool that we can talk Spanish to each other. I never thought of those discolored bananas in that way but thanks for the reminder. I've thought about that a lot here in the MTC. My time is limited right now, so I won't try to write everything in Spanish, but maybe we can talk when I get to call from the airport in 2 1/2 weeks or so. :)

So, it's here again! P-day. Seriously, I CAN NOT BELIEVE how fast the time is going in the MTC!  I hope that all of you are doing well. So, what's new? Honestly, I don't have anything super exciting to write about. I mean, every day is exciting and testimony building things happen, but it really is so hard to explain everything that happens in 30 minutes of e-mail. I have already grown so much here and I can't even begin to explain some of the things that I have experienced thus far.

Anyways, I'll make my best attempt. Sunday was amazing! Elder Durrrant and I had the opportunity to bless the sacrament, which was pretty neat because it was in Spanish. It kind of made the fact that I will be speaking Spanish ALL the time in the next couple weeks more real. I also bore my testimony and it was so awesome because the Spirit was so strong and everyone was bearing powerful testimonies in Spanish. I feel so blessed looking back at where I was my first week here and how much the Lord has strengthened my testimony and how much he has helped me with Spanish. I taught our district the plan of salvation after sacrament. This really got me thinking...about what?... just life, just everything. The plan of salvation truly is an amazing thing. The fact that we know why we're here, where we came from, and where we're going is amazing. We know exactly who we are and what we need to do. Part of my lesson included asking everyone if they wanted a Lifesaver. Elder Rose said, "OH YEAH!!!", and I said, "OK, well Elder Durrant has to do ten push ups". I asked Elder Amis and he, a little more hesitantly, said yes. Elder Durrant then did ten more push ups. Elder Weight then said he didn't want one, but I said, "OK, well here is one anyways in case you want it later", and Elder Durrant did 10 more pushups. This went on the same way as we watched Elder Durrant struggle throught the pushups. No, I was not trying to get back at my companion or something, but I think that this is a miniscule fraction of what the Lord went through for us. He suffered for all of us, beyond what we can imagine, so that we can be cleansed from sin and so that He can carry our burdens. Whether we except the lifesaver or not, he already suffered for it, so we NEED to take advantage of the blessings of the Atonement. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and I'm so happy that we have the Atonement in our lives. It's the thing that makes the whole plan of salvation work.

Anyways, kind of got sidetracked there, but Sheri Dew came and talked to us on Sunday night. It was pretty awesome because it went along with what I was thinking about all day. She talked about how this life is so short compared to eternity, and that what we do here and what we help people do here determines the rest of ETERNITY. She also talked a lot about how we were chosen to come forth in the last generation to battle in the hardest of times. What a responsibility! Let's stand up to it because we promised to do it before we even came here!

Well, would it surprise you if I said that yet another Apostle came to speak to us? Yeah, well Elder Bednar came this week. Let me just say that it was amazing! He is such a great speaker and the Spirit was so strong. He talked a lot about doctrine, and how "doctrine is always the answer". We talked about how a lot of the time we focus on the applications of the gospel rather than the principles and pure doctrine. He said that nobody will be truly converted until they truly understand pure doctrine in their hearts. This talk really hit me hard because it was an answer to my prayers. Earlier this week I just wanted to know all the scriptures and know exactly what could help someone at the exact time. He talked a lot about following the Spirit and preaching simple and pure doctrine. One thing he said that was pretty amazing was, "I just don't have what it takes to be an Apostle, but in His strength I can do all things." To think that Elder Bednar, one of the Lord's Apostles, feels this way is very comforting. I love that he referred to my favorite scripture in Alma 26:12.

I got called to be the branch president on Tuesday, and I feel so blessed to be able to serve my awesome district. Honestly though, I don't think they need much help. If anyone is going to learn anything, it will be me. I just hope that I can lead the way to step it up for the last couple weeks that we're here in the MTC being diligent and obedient in everything.

Well, I miss you guys a bunch! I hope your'e all doing well. Brothers and sisters, please know that I really love you and really want to write but I still have like no time on p-day. Maybe it will change in the field. I"ll try to write you soon. That"s so awesome that you guys are doing well on scripture reading. Can you tell the difference it makes?

Connor and Colllin, I heard about the Preach My Gospel mutual activity. Thats just a very small fraction of what it really feels like and what goes into being a missionary. I STRONGLY encourage you to start reading PMG and to build on your very strong testimonies. Love you bros, and remember how happy you were that night. You get to feel that every day on a mission!

All of you strive to be the very best that you can be and hope to hear from you throughout the week.

 

Much love,

 

Elder Trevor Ward

I actually do have a Mission President!

Holaaaaaa mi familia!!!!

Man, it seems like just yesterday that I got to write all of you (or I guess just mom for her birthday, sorry guys :) ). Seriously, the time in the MTC is just flying right now. Well, first I'll answer your questions, mom. Yes, I've had an approximate departure date since I've been here and it's Nov 29.  I won't get travel plans for about 2 weeks so I could leave before then. I'm seriously getting so anxious to get out and start teaching real people with real needs. I'm sure it will be here before I know it. I've definitely got a lot of work to do with Spanish though :)  Hmm...honestly I don't have any goody requests. In fact, you get kind of tired of goodies in here because when other elders leave you get goodies passed down since that's what all the packages are. Don't get me wrong, I really do appreciate it. You don't have to send me packages, but if you do, real snacks would be an idea (beef jerky, pretzels, chips, whatever). How's the food? Uh.....haha. Honestly, it gets super old after a while. We actually went to the temple this morning instead of in the afternoon and bought breakfast there.  It's probably not even that good, but it tasted as if it were made by angels. Haha! The food is actually ok...yes, similar to the Cannon Center, but probably a little worse. No joke, there was a sign the first couple of weeks here next to the sickly looking bananas that said "the bananas may be discolored, but they're still GOOD!" right...

Guess what? I got a letter from my mission president today, well an e-mail. So, I do actually have a mission president, cool huh? It was all in Spanish but I could understand it all. He basically said that he's excited for us to come to the best mission in the world, and that they have three goals to have success in the mission field: 1. bautizar 2.bautizar 3.bautizar (baptism). I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty stoked about that.

Soo...a LOT happened this week!  I'll try to remember everything and try to type really fast. GUESS WHAT?!  Man, oh man, this work must be super important because we had yet ANOTHER apostle come and speak to us for devotional for the 3rd week in a row. That just doesn't happen here. Elder Ballard came and spoke on being a "master communicator".  It was interesting because it was a very specific topic. It was awesome a couple hours before then he had met with the top executive of Burkshire Hathaway (I think that's what its called) and is supposedly going to be the next biggest businessman in the world. The fact that one of the richest men in the world wanted to talk about religion goes to show that the gospel can bless absolutely anyone's life, and that is the only thing that can make you TRULY happy, and for forever too! You don't get to here about missionary experiences from apostles much but he bore his testimony to him, and of his own calling as an apostle, and set up a time to talk to him for 4 hrs with his wife to answer any questions he has. It was really powerful, and he related all his stories how communication plays a huge part in our work.

The thing that I think made this devotional even better though was what happened before on Tuesday night. I might have mentioned this in my last letter but we're teaching a "progressive investigator" in the TE center. We had our first lesson with her on Tuesday, which was crazy because we also had to teach in the TRC earlier that day. Basically with the investigators in the TE, they're teachers that act exactly as a person that they taught from their mission, so its as close as you can get to teaching a real person. I think that this is why it was such a spiritual experience, because in a sense, we were teaching a real person. Her name is Veronica Mendez and she lives in Mexico. Her husband has lived in the states for the last 5 yrs working and was recently baptized. When we first contacted her she was very reluctant to hear our message. It was amazing though, because when we taught her this week she had a complete change of heart. We shared the story of Lehi partaking of the fruit of the tree of life and then wanting his family to partake and related it to her husband. Halfway through the lesson, Elder Durrant asked, "How do you feel right now?", when we both knew that the Spirit was very strong. She said that she felt happy and felt peace, and that she didn't want to believe us but that it "felt" right. We then explained the feelings of the spirit and read Galatians 5:22-23 to her. It was amazing to literally see and feel Veronica find hope in the gospel and to soften her heart. That is why I'm so excited to get out and do that for real. She agreed to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it and Elder Durrant and I were so happy after that we literally ran out of the TE and talked about how stoked we were to be missionaries. The truly amazing thing was that this entire lesson was in Spanish. I know I always mention this, but I'm amazed every day at the enabling power that grace has. It's amazing what the Lord can do with us when we follow the Spirit.

Honestly, we're all finding it a little harder to be super happy and excited all the time as we get towards the end of the MTC experience. Satan, that dufas (dufis?...i dunno). But there are lots of little blessings every day that help me to keep going. Spanish is coming along pretty well, but it is tough, which its supposed to be. Its helping me learn a lot. We play this game every day called "El Nativo" (the native) and we all have to speak Spanish (at least what we know how to say) all day. It's super tough to do, but it helps. Crazy to think that I only have a few more weeks until I'm in Nicaragua!

I love hearing from all of you guys! Ava-you sound happier than ever and thanks for saying that I will learn Spanish :) sometimes that's hard to remember. I'm glad to hear that you are still "in charge".

Aubrey-Thanks for telling me the stories about what goes on at home! It's alright that you haven't written a ton.  I'm glad that you're doing well in school.

Coll dawg-Dude, I love you! I loved hearing that you're carrying on the Ward tradition of wearing weird clothes for spirit week and stuff. LOVES!

Connor-Glad to hear homecoming was good and that you're volleyball team is rockin!!! Believe it or not, our MTC volleyball team is getting a lot better. Thank goodness for Polynesians!

Mom-As you already know, I love you more than anything. People always come ask who made that blanket? Then I always go on about how much I love my mom.

Dad- Seriously? You wore my leather pants for Halloween? Sick! They are MY pants! Ewww. Anyways, be patient with work. It's kind of like learning Spanish in the MTC, sometimes you don't see your progress for a long time. It's like a tree though, the roots have to grow strong underground before there is visible progress. 2 Cor 4:16-18 is one of my new favorite scriptures. Thanks for all the great stories from home.

Love you guys so much!!! Keep being good and the challenge for this week is I dunno....CTR, HLJ!!!!!

Elder Ward