I love email!!

(A Little Q&A from Elder Goodman… I absolutely LOVE seeing pictures and his amazing smile!!)

Are you going to 'skype' us on Christmas Day? YES! I WANT TO WE ARE FIGURING OUT DETAILS.  When do you think you will be able to call/skype? I think I can at like 5 or 6 here...depending...hope that works?:/   How long will you get to talk/skype? 1 hour!  What do you need us to do to be ready? Just need your skype address!  Also, did you get the Christmas package I sent about a month ago?No.  (So sad!) But I am sending one to you guys. I am saying sorry in advance that it doesn't have presents...I couldn't save enough money to send one with objects...you should get it this week!  
How are your families this week? Families are soooooooo good! We have a new Family, the Family Valdez, who are listening and interested. They were the ones who we found hitch-hiking! They are wonderful, and really fun! Also, Rebecca, has gone to church 4 Sundays and is close to baptism. She loves the gospel and she has recieved so many blessings.  Are they feeding you well? They feed me well! In Mexico, you eat only a little in the morning, huge meal at like 2pm, and then a little at night....I eat! No worries! Have you stopped losing weight? It isn't bad! I just can't work out long enough to keep up with everything. I do like 200 push ups and 300 situps and what not (dad) but I dont have enought protein to gain....so I lose...haha! Also, My claves are tiny because I can't run, but my thighs are big because we are speed walking all day...hahahaha! That is why I needed pants! 
Thank you so much for everything!  This week has been wonderful. The biggest blessing was people coming to Church. We were able to focus on the people more this week, and it helped! We had like 12 people! Not as much as before, but we are out of the slump! We are going to be killing it  this next week. We are really excited for the baptisms coming up. Saul and the family Valdez and Rebecca….so yeah! 
So awesome story... before church, we went to go talk to Saul to remind him.  After we entered, there was a knock at the door. This man was there.  Saul said, "What's up?" And the man said, "Is it ok if I talk with them?" We went outside and he talked to us about all kinds of things.  He said how when we had passed, he knew he had to talk to us. He had been praying and when he looked up we were crossing the street. He followed us for like 2 blocks and saw us enter the house..haha! But he then talked about how he needed to talk to us. My comp was speechless, and so was I! We were like...uh....sure! As I and my comp testified of the atonement and how he could be clean, we all felt really good. It was soooooooo sick! To know that the Lord trust us with his children is a really wonderful feeling. It is something special to know that He trusts us even when we are not missionaries. So maybe that is a challenge I have for you... Somebody is in your life who needs the Gospel. Be bold. Find them. Pray for help and go for it! I love the Gospel. I love it out here:)

Love you allll!So excited to see you on Christmas!

Love,

Elder Lincoln Ellis Goodman:)

"And this is my friend the iguana named Kid Cudi. I caught it when walking to a members house. It wasn't really happy...but it is all good!:)"

"And sometimes, we ride in the back of fruit trucks for fun. So I took pics with the avocados. hahahaha! Love you!!"

 "I found a McDonalds. -worthit-"

 "This is Betty. The Cocodrilo. She is a beautiful Crocodile that I tried to touch and almost bit my arm off. That is a duck. in the picture for comparison. She is quite large. about 10 ft long. And she likes to eat people. She lives behind walmart, in a place that is like the scout park. hahahahahahaha"

 "This is me killing it beach style."

"Merry Christmas!!!!! from Mexico! (This is a different area...really rich and has a mall):)"

"Anxiously Engaged"

I thought I would include this personal letter to Lincoln's Little sister Lizzie…to cute to pass up!  I can tell how excited this Elder is about his mission and ALL the experiences he is having, just by all the exclamation marks!  Love 'reading' his enthusiasm for sharing and teaching the gospel…AMAZING!

LIZZZZZZZZZZZIE!

This letter is JUST FOR YOU. I wanted to say Happy Birthday! I hope it was soooooooo wonderful:) I heard you ate chicken at Chick-fil-a and played tons! Is that true?! You are 5! Oh my goodness! Basically a woman, like Faye and Ashley! I want you to know I showed everyone my picture of you on your birthday and like 100 people in Mexico say happy birthday to you! I hope you are so awesome! We will go on a date when I get home ok?:) I love you! I miss you Beautiful! And hope you are safe:) 

Love,

Elder Lincoln Ellis Goodman:)

Fam!

Mama! I love you! Hahahahahahaha! Thanks for the letter! And Dad! And Faye! And Ash! D! I miss you bud! I hope you are doing well and kicking butt! How is your friend with the Book of Mormon?! How are your Girlfriends?! I hope you are killing it stud:)

This week was sick…. in both ways!!!!!! The bummer stuff first. hahahahahahaha:) Just that we haven't been able to teach Jesus and his wife in a while. That is why I haven't talked about them. They are a little busy and have been in Guadalajara. But we will teach them soon:) Yeah....that is it for the bummer stuff!

The Romero FAmily has a date to go to the Temple! We helped them figure out their budget and they will be sealed in February! If I am still in this area I will be able to go with them! I AM SO STOKED. They are amazing!!!!!!!!!  We have also, a investigator named Rebecca. SHE IS SOOOOOO SICK. She works nights:) Just like Mom!  She has gone to church 3 times and has a baptismal date for the 4th of January! So sick!  She is so cool. We recieved a reference from a member and just asked her what she had heard. She said, "Oh....well my friend gave me this book (Libro de Mormon) and said I should read it.... I am in the book of Alma!  I feel like this Book is true." WE FLIPPED BISCUITS MAN!  It was so cool! She testified how it always brought peace and helped her relax before she went to sleep. I wanted to freaking cry! It was so awesome! We also have a sister named Ramona, who is straight up separating with her husband so she can get baptized. (Talk about conversion) And we are excited for her too!!!!! Anyway, That is what is up with our investigators. 

We have lots of fun here. Today, we went to the main town. We are about an hour away so the pics are a little different, but super cool! I ate a McDickens. It was like 70 pesos but so worth it. Also, I have letters for the fam! And I am sending them! We only have a UPS, and it is crazy expensive, so I have been saving up for the last couple months!  It should be coming... like a package of a bunch of letters! Haha! 

Also, the Christmas Devotional was amazing! I hope you guys watched it! It was so awesome. I realized I've gone real soft when I start crying at just that. hahahahahahaha! But it is all good! I love the Gospel so much and really, I love being a missionary. -storyofmylife-. 

I hope all is well with all of the family! How is the Christmas tree?! And I hope Christmas music is playing all day every day!

I believe Ashley jinxed me this week. I did get attacked by a dog. Well.....like 6. But one in particular was a little nasty. We were in a part of my area that is a little bit rougher than the other parts...and two dogs watched as we passed to a house at a dead end.  After we contacted the house, the man shut the door. Then the dogs booked it towards us! My comp straight up shoved me forward and flipped out! Hilarious!!  I kicked the one of the dogs in the face (sorry dog) and the other just kept barking. My comp is freaking! I just stood there, and the other dog did too. Then it just walked away. It was hilarious! And wonderful... and straight mexico. I loved it! Reminded me of the German sheppard I used to walk by every day on Dolphin Ave. and ran away the first 3 days.  Then just got mad and yelled at it the 4th day and never had problems after that. The things you learn as a kid:) That is it! Hope that is ok! Sorry if things are a little short, but it was wonderful! Love you!!!! Tell Sister G. I hope she is ok!!:)

Love you tons.

Elder Lincoln Ellis Goodman.)

 Show message history

I am thankful for missionaries!!

Another Q&A with me…I think Lincoln wants to make sure he answers my questions- or think of something to write!! haha  Love that some of his answers are so descriptive! (Totally being sarcastic here!)

So questions for this week…How was your week?(mom)

Really good! This week, we had Zone Confrence and it was SOOOOOOO sick. I love it and I wanted to go share the Gospel with everyone and their dog after!! hahahahahaha! We have a new investigator named Silvia, and she is so awesome! Also Rebecca is new and Saul will probably be baptized next week!!!!!! It is awesome!!!!  How is your companion?(mom) My comp without fail always comes home tired:) It is all good!!!!!!  How are you losing weight, yet need pants that are bigger in the leg?(mom) I have no idea.   Do you have a bug of some sort…not surprising if you are eating raw chicken!(mom)   Let's hope not. How is the work?(mom) So good!   So Rebecca is a reference. A member called her a 'sinner', and she wanted to know why. hahahahahaha! That member actually helped out and gave her a Book of Mormon. We have only known her a week but she has already read to Alma... SOOOOOO AMAZING!! And Silvia hated the church. She had some problems with people in it, but wanted to hear about how that applied to the actual teachings of the chruch. After the first lessons, she commited to baptism. THE SPIRIT IS MY FAVORITE.  How did the in-actives do this week?(mom) They were a little harder. The family Romero has a date to go to the Temple in February... SO STOKED. But the other families are having problems understanding why it is important. We are going to be teaching and working with them, because they are having a hard time! Did more people come to church?(mom) No.. less- it was really sad.  What was your favorite moment of the week?(mom) Contacting a whole soccer game. hahahaha! Or... being able to talk with a new family!!!!! It is a really cool story. 

So it was close to us needing to be in the house, but we needed one more contact. Me and my companion decided to pray. We prayed, and right after, I felt like we needed another Book of Mormon...  I had given them all away. So we ran to the house. After, we walked out of our house, turned the corner and there was family. Literally they were just standing there and looking around, like they weren't sure what to do. WELL THAT WAS A SIGN! We contacted them and they were really accepting, and we will be teaching them this next week. It was sooooooo awesome. If we hadn't gone to get a Book of Mormon, they wouldn't have been there. They would have been walking, and way far away. The Spirit works in so many ways. It was so awesome!!!!  What was the hardest or most challenging?(mom) I wanted to give Faye a hug this week. It was what I missed. And also the less actives. They sometimes don't understand how important church is... or getting our members to understand how important member missionary work is. They have a way of getting in a rut and thinking that the missionaries should just have baptisms every week. And they think we aren't working if we don't. It is hard to help them realize it is up to them! How are the missionaries in our stake?! How is the missionary work?! I hope all is well. I love you all! And was really thankful for a lot of things this Thanksgiving (I remembered that night at like 6pm) hahahahaha! I love you all and miss you tons! And when I get back, I'll hug you all 100 times:)

Elder Lincoln Ellis Goodman

Zone Conference!!  At least he got some pumpkin pie!!

Elder Goodman's Zone…he is on the far left :)

 Show message history

Week of Thanksgiving…a little late :)

So at the beginning of the letter, Lincoln is simply answering the questions I asked in my letter. A little Q&A if you will :)

How was your week?(mom)

Week was sooooooooooooooooo good! So,  I have lost about 24 lbs! Whoooooooo Hooooooo! My legs are becoming that of a chicken and it is sad. But I can only work out 30 min every day….and my companion hates running. hahahaaha-- but yeah!   How is Jesus and his family?(mom) Jesus and his wife are wonderful. She was sick with her baby, which is due in January (for you mom) and he worked all week, but he is reading and really wants a lesson... tonight I think!  How are the Romero's?(mom) They are doing well, they are going to everything, and they are one of the best family missionaries in our ward! And they love calling me bad man instead of 'goodman.'   How is the couple with the husband that prefers English and wife that speaks Spanish?(mom) The hermana doesn't like it much… In the beginning, I was on changes when my comp taught her. He kind of taught her about babies and baptism...don't know how well that went...hahahahahaaha!  How is your newest little convert and his family?(mom) He is so good! Primary Program was this week....so awesome!  Ok…now for a different type of question…what was your favorite moment/moments of the past week?(mom) Favorite moment was finding a family after these people called me the bad word....and teaching Saul!  What has been your favorite thing to eat? I love everything here. But the wierdest is raw chicken legs, or raw pig skin, or cow eyeballs....whatever you think!    Next week I go to Guadalajara, so don't know if I can write. 

This week...the interesting stories, I went on Divisions and I decided to really try and be like Jesus Christ (picture), I almost got in a fight with one of our contacts. And then the Jehovah Witnesses decided to go into all out war against us. I will explain...  First, the man I contacted was looking for something and well I asked if he needed help. He said "No," so we went to talk to his friend. But during that he yelled, "Do you have my phone?!" I said..."uhh....no, you need help finding it?"  Then he came really nice and close grabbed my tie and said "If you don't have my phone, you need to leave." Well....that wasn't very nice. So I kicked him where it hurts and ran… NOT! No, I said, "We just wanted to share a message of joy and happiness....seems like you need something like that in your life!" (No, I wasn't sarcastic, they don't get that here) And he said, "Would you like to fight?" Then I said, "If you really want, but that probably wouldn't be a good idea. We are representatives of Jesus Christ and we don't want to hurt people. We want to help with peace." Well....he just let go. I gave him our number....but I don't think he will call.....haha! The Jehovah witnesses...so during personal study, they knocked on our door...There was about 20 of them with one leader.  In the end, I gave him a pamphlet....therefore we have been called many names by the congregation as they drive by in cars...haha! One of these times was with a contact. Some of the Jehovah Witnesses (just a guess) drove by calling us choice names, while I was hitchhiking...but then the car after gave us a ride. It was a family, and when we talked to them, they wanted to hear more! They were so awesome and we are so excited to teach them! The Lord blesses us a ton:) Primary program this week was so cool! I loved it, and it was so simple and sweet. I loved hearing everything! And lesson with Saul....Well with him he has been having a problem with knowing if God really exists. We started unsure and not having a plan. (We had been trying to have one all day) Well...I just turned to 2 Nephi 31 and we started reading... then he asked, "Well...how do I know?" We were like... BRO. YOU PRAY. THAT IS HOW YOU KNOW! hahahaha! We had told him this before but it finally clicked as we shared Alma 32 about the seed of faith, and working with an experiment. It was wonderful! And then he prayed. He prayed perfectly really wanting to know, and I felt so good. That is why I am here! It really doesn't matter about the Jehovah Witnesses, or fights, or contacts that reject. People like Saul, who are humble enough to pray and figure it out. It was worth it. Valle le pena. I loved every minute. I love it out here. Although I miss you guys, I really love it. I know that God does love everyone. No matter how hippie that sounds. I love that so much. I know the Gospel is true, and that we have a companion, the Spirit, who is there every step of the way. It is beautiful! Well, I will try to send pics. Love ya!

Elder Lincoln Ellis Goodman

Best picture so far!  This Elder knows why he is there and is willing to make his stand as a witness of Jesus Christ! Something for us all to remember…to share the gospel with our other brothers and sisters, showing them the way home.

Lovin' this missionary!

Did not get the pics he was trying to send :(  Just have to imagine his smile this week!!

Familia! 

Hola Familia! Hey! So, I sent pics. This baptism was Benjamin....I don't remember if I explained him, but his mom is a convert and his dad is an investigator. Benjamin really wanted to be baptized, so we taught him the lessons! It was really special and sweet, and I felt so crazy! It was so cool just seeing his excitement, and being able to say the words for my first time, cheesy things like that! It was so cool for me to feel that, at that time, I was exactly where I needed to be! And I wanted to do so much more! My comp thought it was so funny that I almost said consecrate, not commissioned. because they are close in Spanish, but it was all good!!! No re dos:) 

The other thing, is Senior Comp! Yeah! So my comp is the same, but he is now district leader! So while he is taking care of stuff for district, I help with the plans for our area! Also, when we do divisions, my comp goes to check their area, and I take the menor (new/younger) companion and we work in our area! It is crazy! I'm not ready for that! But with the Lord, all is possible and just know it isn't that big! Don't worry... I'm still in training...haha!

Also, before I forget, I have the letters that I wrote. But the problems is finding a Fed Ex in this area. We haven't found anything, but we are trying and it does take about a month for a letter...I'm sorry! But we are searching!

Ok...well, this week was ok! We have a pilot program in the area, that an investigator has to go to church 5 times before being baptized (sorry for repeated info, please let me know what parts the next week, so I don't do it again),  and we have quite a few who have gone 4 times! It is so awesome! But also, we have been working on finding new investigators...this leads to interesting stories...haha!  One is Ron. Ron is a wonderful man, but he speaks English. This week I realized I don't know how to teach in English…haha!  But really, it has been ok! His wife is Mexican, and she prefers Spanish, but he is from the states. So we teach and translate the whole time! It is really fun! She (the spouse) flipped when I started speaking Spanish too. That is the best look! So they are new and we are helping them, but not much has started. We also found a man named Jose, who lives by chedaui, which is like a Walmart. He doesn't have a house, but as we were walking by, we felt like we should talk to him (the fact was we were in front of a catholic church). He asks, "Are you Jehovah Witnesses?!" And I said.. "Uh...no! We are missionaries…yadayada."  Well he decided he really wanted to change, so we have been teaching him. My comp was blunt with him, and said something like,  "Jose, do you really want to change? Because if you don't we have places to be and things to do.  But if you do, we will stay and talk... your choice." I was impressed! I think my comp was a little upset about a visit that had fallen through...but it worked out. With tears in his eyes, Jose said, "Of course I want to change. But I don't know how." OHHHHHHHHHMAN! What a perfect question. I got to testify we have a perfect way, and that God loves him and is so ready to help. That is another start! 

Also, finally, we got one of our menos-activos (less actives) to church, named Juan Jose! The guy has had some problems in the past, and had been drinking with his buddies at work. But we met him and he said "Hey! You guys should visit." I don't know if he was serious at the time, but we did! And anyway, we have been teaching him, and he wanted to change, starting with church. He talked to his boss for Sundays off, and his boss didn't believe him. So us, being missionaries, had to prove it... and we also got to talk to them about the Gospel! But the best part- JUAN JOSE IS COMING TO CHURCH! 

Anyway, we have had a lot of work, we had supposedly 30 people coming to church, less actives and investigators on Sunday, but they didn't come. In fact, only 4 came. That was rough. But we are gonna fix that.:)

Anyway, that was the week! Really awesome, and full of all kinds of things! But also, I was almost kissed (as a greeting) and I just about peed my pants. That was so scary. And I've realized when I return...I really won't know how to talk to girls. It will be like I'm 12 years old.  And, I got a solo in this huge missionary activity. Whoopee! Shoot me now! Thanks for everything! Hope I answered some questions! The pics took forever! Love ya!

Love,

Elder Lincoln Ellis Goodman

One Busy Elder :D

I just have to say what a blessing it is to have a missionary and to hear the experiences of these young men (in my case) bear their genuine testimonies with the love of the Savior.  I know they influence many with their words as well as their actions, both in Mexico and hear at home.  I am feeling so much gratitude for this great 'Plan of Happiness' which continues to bless my life!  Ok, enough from this missionary mom who is probably too emotional! haha……..

Christmas! You don't have to send anything.  I am ok thanks:) Plus don't want you to pay a bum load for it! No worries!!!! But thanks!!!!! I actually do have one thing...a pair of pants...like dress pants! Ok, 2 things- A pair of pants...same size and things...but regular fit if possible.   Also bottle caps and that is about it! And pics if you want! But the pants were something that if possible would be awesome! Thanks for everything! Also, I don't neeeeeeed anything! But like...in the next year that would be sick! Thanks!!! I love you!!!! Sounds really busy! I hope all is well!!! Hope you guys still do a bunch of stuff as a fam....because those are the things I miss most!!!! The most important:) Like watching family home videos or playing games. haha! Anyway, hope all is well! I love the weekly updates! And I hope I respond to questions! If I need to make the letters shorter, longer, more in depth, about other things, I don't know! Let me know! I will share whatever!!! 

Sooooooo... This week! It has been a party. The goal was to get my companion so tired that he couldn't excercise the next day, and mission was accomplished. We have been teaching a bum load, and finding more people!!!! It has been great! Just talking to everyone, lots of funny experiences that way. One part, we were asking for rides and I asked the man politley in Spanish. His reply was, "I don't speak English." My response was, "I know! That is why I am speaking Spanish right now." He said.." I also don't speak Spanish." hahaha! We went on to explain the Gospel to him. Another experience was some fun men who had gotten off of work and decided to party! They were in the street, and one of them needed the Gospel. Don't know which one, but I went and contacted them. They all got really quiet and listened,  and a couple wanted to hear more! So it was all good! But there was like 20 men....so we gave out a bunch of pass a long cards and pamphlets also. They were loving it! And my companion decided I'm a freak. hahaahahaha! 

Also, on the less actives, it has been awesome! We have finally gotten families to understand the Temple, and a lot of them have that goal. When they remember what they believe and why, it is so wonderful! We have helped them come to church with rides, and setting budgets and things. It has really helped! And we always love family home evening!

Investigators have been wonderful! We have a lot of work, and are always teaching. Sometimes they have a problem thinking it isn't just a religion that they want, but that it is the true church and why that is important! It is so cool when the investigators finally gain testimonies and realize how awesome the Gospel really is... or recieve help from God. It is so cool! And I really really love these people. Each is so amazing and sometimes during a lesson it clicks, and I feel like I am teaching a brother or sister of mine, and I just want to go crazy and say "Do you understand who you are?!" haha! But I love it. I love it so much and I am so glad! Jesus is the one with a baby on the way. He is one of my favorites and he is so crazy awesome. He loves his family and has been prepared so well. He is in our gospel priciples class, which is taught by a man who is really enthusiastic but explains things in a difficult way.  Anyway, after the class Jesus asks, " So....we can't have tattoos or donate blood right? I never want to violate my body if it is a temple of God." And we had to explain is was perfectly fine. ahahaha! 

Anyway, this was a testimony to me. That yeah, the Lord wants us to preach the Gospel but it isn't all on us. He has prepared those people, so it is ok if sometimes we mess up! It has been a great week, and really busy! I love the work. If you want to know how it is going, it is always wonderful. The things that bug me or are hard don't matter by now because at the end of the day I take a step back and understand that it is ok! I love this work! I love you guys! And hope all is well!!!! Thanks for all you always do!!!!!! Also....I have baptized a couple people! Didn't know if you wanted pics! But the newest one was just  8 years old...his dad is our other investigator but he wanted to be baptized...so yeah! It was really cool! The other baptisms have been wonderful! Hope all is well!

Love,

Elder Lincoln Ellis Goodman!

Oh, and changes...transfers happened. I'm new senior comp....SHOOT DOG. OUR AREA IS SCREWED. haha

Elder Goodman at the last of interviews by President Wagner

(Yes, Lincoln…we want more pictures!!!) :)

Can't get enough of his smile :)

Another week :)

Parentheses added for interpretation by this missionary mom…trying to decipher what Lincoln is saying can be super fun! haha  I love this missionary kid of mine!

Hey! Of course I got a what do you call them.....those thinks that crush stuff up?? I forgot...you make smoothies...yeah!  (Lincoln couldn't remember the name of a blender, haha)  Anyway...got one of those! 

The costumes were really sick! D was awesome! And That is awesome about the whole week! Well, this week was a little different. We had to go to the church a lot, which is about a 30 minute ride if you have money for a bus...but if you use a crazy driver that gives you a ride, it can go a little faster! Anyway, we had interviews during the day, and I'm in a missionary choir,  so I decided that meant we would have to go crazy at night trying to contact people....we always got home dead tired! No worries! Well! This week we didn't get to teach Jesus, his wife is having her baby...stinking birth....no excuses for Salvation! hahahaaha! The English girl went to a different area this week...so nothing on her also. But we have a bum load of others we worked with! Saul and Amelia, they are awesome! Amelia gave me a haircut and she is basically my mom here....she is always worried, and she makes sure my tie is straight....haha! They are accepting the lessons really well! Also, a menos activo se llama Juan Jose (less active member)...he got dengue (mesquite disease), so we went to go give him a blessing! We brought the Elders quorum President and it was really good! I gave another blessing...the words aren't perfect, and it is simple, but they help, and I think he was better after! Sometimes I think I get too worried about the language! 

Then we had this awesome new investigator! Her name is Aurora. And she is so stinking ready. We opened up with a prayer, and she just started talking about feelings of peace! Then how she was so glad we were there, and that we had something... and she basically taught that God is our Loving Heavenly Father and we need prophets.....she was so bomb! She also has a restaurante, and she cooked fish! It was super good! 

Well, I think I answered questions ma! Hopefully! My companion doesn't like contacting, and we have to do 10 a day, where we talk, and teach parts of lessons. It is a little different. Or sometimes, I just stand up in a bus and we start teaching everyone! Anyway, one time, we hadn't done much contacting throughout the day, and we had about 30 minutes. I decided to pray about it, because I didn't want to just rush and contact 10 random people.  I wanted 10 people who were ready for the Gospel. So I sat there, and prayed, and my comp thought I was a freak. But after that, we went out and almost every single person we talked to gave us an opprotunity to meet with them again and gave us phone numbers! It was pretty cool! When the Lord helps with things like that, you know you are doing his work! 

Also, I don't know what  people have heard about my comp…the kid is a doof! But he is a good kid! I just wanted you to know he isn't horrible! haha! He works hard.....yeah....ok...and he is really good kid! He is way into technology and is from Columbia! But I just wanted you to know he is a good kid! He has a lot of patience with this 18 year old who is always going at it and being a psycho about the Gospel...haha! I love you! Hope all is well!

Love,

Elder Goodman!

 Show message history

The blessing of family!

This week was a short one…but also good to here from him as always!

Well..I'm gonna bookit. So sorry if you have to correct a lot! 

This week has been one of a kind. What week isn't on the mission? Well, I had to travel all day Monday. I had to drop off one of the Assistants in Tepic, and then went to ´Puerto Vallartas. That is where I am, Puerto Vallartas. They have colonies. I have an area of about 4 of the colonies. That is why I hitchhike all the time! We live in Valle Dorado and It is really fun! 

Well, one of the coolest things, we had an awesome week! One of our days, Wednesday, we walked around the whole of Valle Dorado, not teaching one lesson. We visited over 30 people and contacted like 20 people. It was hilarious,  my comp was dying in the sun. He kept saying "I have never worked this hard my whole mission." That was his motto for the week! haha! We have been having a great time. Anyway, that day, we set up like 20 appointments, and then we were booked the rest of the week. So the whole day we were pretty down, but then we figured it out. It was the day of 'set up.'-- haha! Also, we had a baptism! It was a family from Alaska. Pierce needed a testigo (witness).....what is that word in English? Anyway…. yeah- but they decided to feed us and kill us with kindness. They then left to go celebrate in a private room, while me and my comp stuffed ourselves. It was great! Couldn't figure out if it was a night of blessing or cursing, but it was all good! Also, the investigator who speaks English, is coming along great. She is going through some hard times with her family, so Heavenly Father is a blessing to her. 

But my favorite moments this week was Jesus. He is an investigator, with a wife who was baptized, but hasn't gone to church since she was 8 years old. They are seriously one of the sweetest couples. Jesus was traveling all week, so we couldn't teach him, but he came to church for the second time this week. So that was special. He was looking forward to it! He actually texted us....haha! And, he is like 40 btw....just in case. His wife is pregnant also. Anyway, so he comes to church and he just goes crazy! He loves using hermano and hermana siempre (always using 'brother' and 'sister'), and he enjoys everything about it! We got to teach him about the Plan of Salvation, and his face lit up when we talked about eternal marriage and the temple.  Another family, the Romeros, who are inactive, we also had a lesson with them. I got to teach about the temple and how special is was to me....how neat! It was so cool for me! They had set a goal to go to the temple by December to get sealed. I'm so freakin excited. They are amazing.

 Well, not too much-- Sorry! But we have had some big news from president...don't know what it is, but i have to write him more this week! Hope you got the photos! Enjoy Halloween! If you want, send pics! Love you guys with all my heart!

Family... I just wanted to say I am SO happy we get to be together forever. i just wanted to let you know.

Love you!

Elder Goodman!:)

  it poured for days. the water was up to my knees in the streets! So yeah….

 This is one of our less active families! They are kicking butt. and we are cleaning their house...it is a different kind of cleaning in Mexico..

Me and Elder Farmer....We were the demolition squad for many a pieces of furniture.

This is visiting Guadalajara! it was beautiful. hopefully these are right pics...I can't see 

them.

These are my friends the cows...They are camera shy.

 This is the baptism.  I had to go in the water to witness...

So we had a baptism...in the mar... the ocean. It was bomb! But before, the people payed for a beach front buffet.  So we stuff our faces and had a great time!

Working hard, doing well!!

Loving the fact that he doesn't know if he is typing in Spanish or English!! haha

Hey! 

Today, we don't have any time. I had to go to Guadalajara, 6 hour bus drive, and do some stuff, and don't know if I will have the chance tomorrow! I have like 10 minutes, so get ready to get overloaded by a bunch of random stuff.  

Well, first..... I am really happy I know how to work, because I do it at our house, and in the field! It is getting to be better weather! We don't wake up sweating as much! I love it!   Also, I bought a soccer ball and the most expensive cologne they have....Axe.... I don't think it was much! But I'm just letting you know what I bought! 

Our investigators this week were amazing!!!!!!! We have been working hard.....or at least trying, and it is really paying off. We went from having 0 to 5 investigators and menos activos (less active) to 20! That is like a third of the ward....haha! So it might not sound like a lot, but it is really good! My comp always asks when I'm going to run out of energy......haha! It is really funny! The sun seems to wear out a lot of the missionaries! Also, we have some awesome baptisms coming up! Since it was a new area, they are all people we have taught from the beginning, which is so awesome. And they are amazing! Also, we have a rule in the mission, someone has to go to church 5 times before baptism, so it takes a while, but this week has been great! 

Also, all the people in the ward, know me as Elder HombreBueno ('Good Man'),  and it was funny... we received two referrals because the investigators said "I wish I knew a good young man." One of the people in the ward said "Yeah! I know one! That is his name! You should listen to them!" haha! The members just laugh and we have a great time when we eat with them, they are always surprised that I get all the jokes....not like I had a dad that did the same thing or something....:) They are happy I can hold my own and I think it helps when we are getting referrals! I love the mission field! It is so awesome!!!!!!!! The coolest thing is when people change their lives completely for something they start knowing as truth. 

One was, we are teaching a girl and she loves listening, but she speaks English....Btw, forgot how to pray out loud in English and teach, I suck at both languages. What a bomb skill! But as we bore testimony of how the evangelio (the gospel) helped us, and changed my life, it was so cool! She was so ready. And she wants to be baptized! The Lord helps us EVERYDAY. 

I know this week is short, but not much time. Love you! Know the Lord is always there. I was reading in D & C, where it is talking about all the people that went on missions, traveling all the way to England or Canada, or other states by foot. All they wanted to do was teach what they knew! The joy they had! That is what I get to feel everyday! A joy as others change their lives, and we try to be good Representatives of Jesus Christ. I love missionary work!   We have a lot of investigators! The time I told you it was all less actives was only the first week! So just know we do all kinds of work!  Sorry if it is short! Thanks for everything! Love you! Love hearing from you!

Love,

Elder Lincoln Ellis Goodman! 

Pictures next week!

Doing Great! Little Crazy, but great!!

Love reading this kids e-mails!  Although very challenging, I know his faith is strong and that he is in the Lord's care- especially with his last little revelation!  We just pray MORE!! :)

To Who it May Concern:

   I needed to practice my buisness letters for when I get back! Hence the intro. Well, what a week.  Also, hope life is so good for everyone! This week has been awesome! At the beginning, which is like Tuesday, you wake up dead tired. And I think...HOW?! But it is all good. I think it is just because first thing in the morning I'm translating the words my companion is saying. haha! But yeah! So we have been teaching this wonderful family with a boy who has 16 years, name Saul and his mom! They are awesome! It has been so cool, and I think they are really fun! We got chased by dogs this week. I now carry around a sling shot and a packet of dog food. Both have helped me in more than one situation. haha! I love it here!

  Also, Mom and Dad, I have to warn you about virtual kidnapping and regular kidnapping. It has been happing to quite a few missionaries, and both are likely happen to me in the next two years....but don't be scared! Virtual kidnapping, they usually use just the first name on my tag, and they try and get information. They might call or something, and say they have me. But they don't! It is just a scam! So don't answer or worry! Or just hang up. And real kidnapping, you will hear from the President! They haven't had a problem yet...They always end up finding the person! So don't freak! I'm a messanger of the Lord, all is well!

   So, the coolest things! I don't know....Well, this Sunday was amazing. It was testimony meeting, and with many new converts, they were simple and sweet. It was wonderful, seeing how proud they were about what they knew. It was really cool! After, I had to teach a lesson to the Principles of the Gospel class, because the Ward Mission Leader liked that I was actually listening during one of our meetings....haha! This class is for the investigators and recent converts, or less actives! So, I'm teaching about obedience, really fun, and this man had many questions and doubts, and kind of went way off subject.  He then got mad when I answered one of his questions with the scrip from the bible.....Anyway, class was great! Then priesthood, he shows up again, and starts sharing all of these problems he has with the church. Me and my comp had left and we saw him outside, he said he was angry his questions weren't answered. So we started talking, and he actually preferred english, so I spoke to him that way. It was amazing as the Spirit became stronger and stronger.  As we talked, his face changed from angry, to thinking, to listening, to pondering and wanting more. It was wonderful! After, he said he wanted to hear more, and that he understood a lot of his doubts! It was awesome! After, my comp says "Wow, you teach español good, but you teach english really good. I be impressed" (he was speaking english) haha! It was so funny! The kid is a dork, it is so funny! Well, after that, we went to a house where the sisters had contacted about 5 months previous. We got to talk to him, and he had read the pamphlet, and understood. As we taught, he understood, and I loved answering all the questions. It was awesome! I think it was a little different for my comp because it wasn't rehearsed, and I think he has realized how much I like talking to people just because! But yeah, so in the end, we asked him to be baptized, and he said of course! IT was bomb! The Spirit is freaking amazing. And through God, all things are possible. I loved it! Well, those are just a couple things! Thanks for all you do!! You guys are amazing! I pray for you! If you want me to write anything specific, please let me know!

Love,

Elder Goodman!

 "First cute dogs I saw!" 

 "My companion falls asleep during weekly study" (At least he is smiling!)

The Beach!

First from Mexico!!

I am LOVING this kid and his letters!!

I don't know what start with....so we will go with first day. Also, sorry for any grammatical errors...different language on the computer keyboard and I'm in a shack....haha! Ok....so....first day was sick, we went to eat at the Mission President's home...it is like a 2.5 million dollar home....and it was sick! Then went and taught, which was really fun and I got to tell people about General Confrence and the good missionary stuff,  Books of Mormon, contacts, the whole jazz! And then ate these bomb tacos! Then went to the mission office! I forgot my camera this week...so sorry no pics along with the stories!

 Second day, I met my companion, Elder Monsalve! He knew how to count to ten in English....and that is about it! We have been assigned to open a new area, so we have been killing it, but we didn't recieve a map, directions, an area book, or a ward directory. Nothing. We knew one family because they said "hi elders"....that is about it! But later, we recieved an area book, so that helped! An area book has info on who the missionaries teach, investigators, or less-actives, things like that. Oh, and our house is sick! So I made sure to clean it up first (just for Mom) and the next morning, I go to the room where the hose is, or the shower, and about 30 large sewer croaches had climbed up the drain and into the bathroom. That was really cute. But we have nothing, so I smashed every single one (again for Mom) and threw them outside...We have 2 rooms. One is the kitchen and our bedroom! And the shower is in the kitchen! and the toilet is a stinkin' hole in the ground. So, we continue on.

 We have to go shopping, and we have a great time!  I got cookie crisp....just to splurge....and we went to work! They are doing a new pilot here, were you can't knock doors, but you can contact and knock when you feel prompted. It is a lot more of relying on the Lord, and referrals! And we also try to reactivate the less actives- which there are TONS.

 Later in the week, I had been having troubles breathing, and had some problems with asthma...I won't go into detail becaus it isn't important....but my eyes were always swollen shut and I was killin, and I wasn't sure why, because I took my meds! But, we found the answer! A couple cats, had decided they wanted the house, and had kittens. These aren't even slightly cute cats. These things were big and evil. so my companion recorded me beating them out of the house with a broom.....now they just sit outside our house every night...staring at us....haha! but my eyes are a little better!  Also, we bought some cheese....and it was bad....remember that hole in the ground? Yeah...it got a beating! hahahahahaha!:) but it is totally chill!

 Also, the weather! It is about 104 degrees at night, and pretty humid! Lucky enough we have a fan.That is chill, but I guess it never changes...no real winter!

Anyway, that was just the dorky stories.....share them if you want! also...I think pics are on the Guadalajara blog.

But the Spiritual part has been killer amazing. The tender mercies of the Lord are wonderful. As we have tried to contact people, we have been able to get little by little! We understand a lot more now, and it has been amazing! Everyday, you just feel the Spirit and it is always helping. We have a couple investigators. One is Benjamin, who is 8, who is just getting to understand the Gospel, with his less-active parents. The best part is, as we explain the Gospel, in a child's way, and with my crappy simple spanish, the parents I think remember why they were baptized, and want to come to church. Church is hard for people here. There is only one church in Puerto Vallarta and it costs about 200 pesos for a family one way, so it is a sacrifice. But to realize why it is important, and how wonderful it is, has been amazing. We have another, Nicole, who is 14. Her mom is the same. They listen, and they don't always give, I can't speak very good spanish. They just feel. And I think that is what the Gospel is all about! Also, because there are lots of mesquitoes here, there is a disease called Tenge, which is horrible for the people, and so we have had quite a bit of practice with blessings. But that sweet Spirit, not always stressing about what I'm saying, or if the people understand, is so amazing. I love it! We have quite a few other investigators, but I don't think I have time for all of them. But one other is awesome. That is George. We thought we were knocking on a less-active door, but he answered it. We had been a street off! But he says "You guys are missionaries? Well since you have a lesson prepared, you can teach me!" It was probably the sickest thing ever. So he is really a tender mercy for me, because that had been a rougher day. At times, it gets rough, just because people don't have time. And you say "Which is more important? Salvation or wanting to finish the soccer game?" Yeah.... i don't think that is what my companion or those people thought the gringo was going to say....and I felt rude...but they came to church though...so I'm going to count that one as the Spirit.... haha! Things like that. When you know the Spirit is with you, is so crucial and helpful. I love being able to testify everyday about things I know and that bring so much hope to other peoples lives. I got to ask quite a few people to be baptized....we try to in the first lesson...and when they figure out they want to change life, and they look at you like they are ready....it is one of the coolest things ever! Living here might be crazy, but I love life. Thanks for teaching me how to work....my companion was wigged I could clean the house in under and hour...AND IT LOOKED GOOD!  Thanks for everything! Love you, and thanks so much for the pictures! They are so bomb! Again!

 Also...you can send to the mission home....and they say everything makes it here....I had an idea not to put any Virgin Mary stickers on...and don't put elder! The people are smart! also...it takes like a month....anyways, yeah! And one time in my mission, not right now...but sometime...if you could send bottlecaps....the candy...that would be sick....they don't have those here...haha! just like for Christmas of my second year or something...but I didn't want to forget to ask! Thanks! Love you!

Love,

Elder Goodman!

New Companion- Elder Monsalve! 

4 Elders arriving in Guadalajara from the U.S.

Last email before Mexico!!!

Hola Familia!

   Yo quierro compartir me experiencias con Ustedes! 

It has been a pretty crazy week! We have 7 investigators, and 2 more that we only teach 2 times a week! By the way, I figured I might need to tell you guys I'm not on the Main MTC campus! I'm at a different place! Sorry....totally forgot about that! We have been doing HSI, or Speak Your Language every day all day! It has been so wonderful!!!!!

The Lord has really taught me a lot about tender mercies! Whether it is just getting a Letter from somebody, or read a scripture, or something reminds me of why I am here. The best part of being here is just being able to teach investigators and bring happiness to people! There is something called TRC, where we get to teach real investigators, or new converts. This woman's name was Hermana Romero, and she was talking about how she isn't super "experienced" in the church, and she was embarassed that sometimes she had to watch videos in order to understand the Scriptures. In my brain I was freakin out! I wanted to scream out "Hermana! We are CHILDREN of God! We aren't grown ups! God is the only grown up! Don't you dare feel bad for not knowing everything!" But I didn't say that.. I held back! But as me and my companions explained to her that NOBODY knows everything about the Church, she got tears in her eyes. And it was so awesome as I shared and testified to her, that the point was, God is so happy she was just trying! That as long as she was doing her best, God was so proud of her, I know the Spirit was testifying. The Spirit does that everyday for me. My favorite companion. There are such random times, and I think depending on the Lord, isn't really understood, until you get put in a situation where you have no idea what to do, and you just pray, and the Lord helps you.

    We are always busy, with class, idioma (language), personal study, and studying and preparing for our different things, sometimes taking a break. Praying. It is so helpful! I know that with the help of the Lord, everything is so possible. How could it not be?! Also, Dad would be proud of me....I fell asleep on my knees three times this week. After praying, I just like to sit and listen, and then I sack. haha! My knees hurt so bad this whole week. It was so great! Also, pictures, SO AMAZING. I love just looking at them! I know. It has only been like a month, but we do things all day, sometimes at night it is like "oh wait, I have a family?" haha! I got our whole district to do a FHE in the CCM (Family Home Evening in the MTC). We all shared pics, and I think it was real good for some of the kids, they chilled out a little bit after that. People here are sometimes wound way to tight. But we fix that right up:) No worries! I think things here are awesome, but really, I'M SO STOKED FOR MEXICO. It just seems cramped here! I'm ready to be out, doing things! Teaching people a message of wonderful hope and love. I am really crazy excited! You don't even know! And I found out 2 areas have washing machines...that's chill! 

     I just wanted to say thanks for everything! From everyone, but especially my family! I love you so much! And I got letters! I responded! But it is in mail! Love you so much! If you have questions, let me know! I hope this isn't too boring for you, but it is my life! Hope everything is good and everyone is safe! Loved hearing from you! Love. Amor. Wonderful:)

Love you!!!

Elder Lincoln Goodman!

 Leaving for Guadalajara on MONDAY!!! Looks like Elder Goodman got his backpack :)

 So Typical...

 " I drew on Elder Swenson's face...he fell asleep during study time. that is what happens!"  (Notice the tape and JaKelle bracelet, never without)

 His companions

 "apparently the temple sky was cool...idk...but I took a pic anyway." (Lincoln can't see the color, but knows the beauty just the same....good picture, Elder Goodman!)

 Having too much fun!!

          This made me laugh, still has tape on his finger... old habits :)