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 :)

Working hard!!

Thanks for sending that package! And thanks for all your help! I'm leaving the 30th! One more pday in Utah! I know this will be all over....but it is crazy stressful sending back messages in only 30 min...so get ready! haha!

My comp's are Elder Ashby and Elder Waite. They are sick.  The district is super fun! We are the oldest! So we help out a lot of other people! Most all of us are going to Guadalajara! Have Cassie email or Dear Elder me if she wants me to come see her and stuff! I have pday on Wendnesday! but I am at the other campus. Not main! So I have to kind of plan it out! This week was really good! It is wonderful. Spanish is so good. Just constant syl (speak your language-spanish) all day! That is what we do! If we can't say it in Spanish we don't say it at all! Soccer helped me understand when people are machine-gunning spanish, but I now also have bad grammar from listening all the time....haha! Life is bomb! We have 5 investigators. Brenda and Raquel have commited to baptism, and Enrique is close. Then we have Adam and Perry, who are college frat boys! haha! They need the Gospel, and I think they are going to love it! This week devotionals were on not backing down when you teach the Gospel and who you are. They said something really cool, when Alma says in the scriptures, "Oh that I were an Angel, to trump the Gospel to all the world." Then, I kind of linked it to 2 Nephi 32:2-3! It is really cool how we have that power to speak with the Tongue of Angels as long as we listen to the Holy Ghost! It has been pretty nuts. During lessons, you say things that you aren't sure about, but they are what the investigator needs. In Spanish none the less. I think the coolest part, is realizing the name on my chest. I was teaching a lesson and explained, that if Christ came to their door, if they would let him share a message, then sharing that we represent him. And realizing it isn't just on a plaque. Cheesy, but I think there is a difference when it is in your heart. As I study every day, I learn more and more about how much I really love my Savior Jesus Christ, and how lucky I am. I love this Gospel. That is the reason I'm out here! And one of my teachers during coaching was explaining that to me, that she could tell. And I was so glad! Because there is a difference in the kids that are here to convert people and do a mission, or the people who want to bring people closer to Christ, and serve a mission. Not saying I'm one or the other, but I definitley hope I'm the latter. At least I feel like it when I'm teaching.

Well, there is always the other things......that I decide to do for about 30 minutes where we have free time. We made a burrito caja. A box that holds our iron, and we cook mac and cheese, or burritos, or pizza, or tortillas. Because we don't have a microwave. haha! I'll send pics! And we had a lightsaber fight. And I scared the crud out of my comp with these beedy red eye nerf goggles that glow. Random things. But totally fun. Sometimes, people need a little bit more smiling, so I'm happy to help....haha! Ties are a huge thing. It is psycho. people are crazy. 

I don't really know what else to tell you about! We do about the same things everyday! I've been studying Acts and also the book of Alma, just about the Missionaries, and it always makes my day. I love praying and reading. Sorry alot of this is Gospel...but that is kind of my life! Please keep let me know how everything is going! I guess once I get to Mexico, it is a lot more difficult, and pouch mail is ridiculous slow! Thanks for all you do! love you!

Love you all so much!!

Elder Lincoln Goodman!:)

 Ties, Ties, and more Ties!!

 His District, not having fun at all!! 

 Loving all the smiles!!

"Burrito Caja"...microwave!

He has his VISA!!!

This is the e-mail, but a hand written letter should be coming this week that he sent off last week...Loving this missionary!!!

Madre and Fam!!!!! I WAS GETTING MY VISA LAST WEEK. ALL DAY TRIP.  I wasn't able to email basically at all! But I got my Visa! I love hearing from you guys! It is so awesome!  THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PANTS. And for the food! Everything was so awesome! and the Dear Elder Package! It has all been so awesome! Thank you so much! I've loved it all!! I love you guys tons! Hope Faye's Bday was a blast! Maria agreed to get baptized, I'll be sending you pics soon! Also, I have two new investigators Raquel and Brenda! They are good people and love their families a ton! The Gospel is so awesome in the way if fixes all problems! I love teaching in Spanish! And when I pray, it is really cool to pray in Spanish! It is more intimate! I can say a ton, but I'm not all that good at grammar....like English too much in High School or something! haha! Everything here is so awesome! I love life! But I miss you guys a lot too! Every day I look at the picture of us all! I sometimes wish I had a couple more...just of life and stuff..but I am SO grateful to have that one to look at and I'm so glad you put it in my bag! I miss you guys a ton! Lizzie's laugh and squeeling, or Dailynd's letters, or just being able to talk with Faye and Ash all the time! And sleeping over. Or you and me watching the newest Bones or CSI, and Dad talking about his seminary class....I love all the memories, and I think we are a lot closer that we think Mom! At least I am. I love you all! And I think about you everyday! Not to the point were it is distracting, but when I'm sitting in my bed, EARLIER THEN 11, and think about things like that! I know it has only been like 3 weeks, but days get really long, so it seems longer! I love hearing from you guys though! And I love getting chewed out for getting my visa and not being able to email:) Hope life is good for everyone! Sounds like you guys are having a blast! Ash and Faye are kicking butt! And Liz and D are being amazing as always! I hope work is good and things for you! And Dad is done with his rush time at the beginning of the school year! I love you guys! Thanks again for the packages and things! Our schedule is pretty awesome here. Work out. Study. Eat. Study. Teach. Plan. Study. Eat. Study. Play basketball for an hour. Teach more. Study more. and if it is Sunday or Tuesday, a Devotional! This last devotional was given about member missionaries, and using them to our benefit! I thought about how our family always shares the Gospel with our friends and things! I think it is good! I loved that. Also, so many kids here are way to sheltered, or don't know how to talk to people. It is ridiculous. But totally chill. Lately, I've been studying the life of Christ, and trying to know him as a person. It helps so much when you are talking to somebody, and realize, "God is giving me the responsiblity and opprotunity to teach one of his children of the hope and happiness life has to offer, and bring them closer to Christ." And when I see them as my brother or sister, and a person with so much potential, it is a wonderful experience. I might not be able to speak very well or explain everything perfectly, but that isn't my job. My job is to listen to the Spirit, follow promptings, and love those people. Easiest job of my life. Because people are amazing! I love it all so much! I know Christ lives. I know he is my Savior. And I know anyone, at anytime, can be comforted when praying to the Lord. My favorite time of the day is when I get to pour out my soul. And I do it so much! Before lessons, before meals, before study, after lessons, after meals, after study, and at night, in the morning. Basically, all day. And it is so wonderful how merciful the Lord is. I already knew that before the mission, but definitley in a different way now! Anyway, my letter says more too, so hopefully you get that! Is this letter long enough?! What do you want to know?! I love you all! And I'm grateful for all you have done!  Love you so much!  I am SO grateful for all you guys have done already! I miss you tons! And I hope you are all doing well! I love you so much, and am so happy we get to spend eternity together:) The Lord cares about you and is watching! Something I am sure of:) Because I pray for it multiple times a day! Love. Love. You think I kind of love you guys?:) Hope this next week is awesome!

Love,

Elder Goodman:)

At the Marriott Center!!