Maybe I'll Just Stay Forever 9/23/13

Well you wanted to know several things so I'll answer them. Yes there are 5 elders living in our house. It's a little cramped haha but a lot of fun. We live with the zone leaders so on Mondays we have a car to go places. They are training too so that's why there are 5 of us. There are 2 branches in my area. I am in the 2nd branch. We meet in a normal building. We have a stove that runs on propane that we refill every 3 weeks or so. Yes we have a shower that is super ghetto and it only sprays cold water. We mostly get referrals, but when we are riding our bikes we stop and talk to people so we are always over flowing with people to see. People here love to talk about Christ so it is easy to set up appointments. 

Well another week has come and gone. I think the weeks are starting to go faster. I will often times catch myself thinking that 22 1/2 months is a long time and my thoughts are toward home. But I am really trying to turn my will over to the Lord and as I do he makes the day go by even faster. Something I have discovered too is that as we turn our will over to the Lord he makes us way more than we could ever make ourselves. I look over the last month or so and I can see how much I have grown, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and in every way. So turn your will and desires over to the Lord hold nothing from him, and in turn he will make you much more than you could ever hope to be. I love you all I know he will protect you as you follow his commandments.

   

Well this week there isn't much to tell. Sunday was extremely disappointing, we only had 1 investigator there. But on the bright side she is getting baptized this coming Saturday. So we are ecstatic about that! Our other two who were supposed to be baptized on Saturday, we had to change the date for them because they DIDN'T SHOW UP!!!! GGGGRRRRRR..........oh well. We will just have to try harder this week. 

   

Oh and there is a story that I actually discovered. A few weeks ago we visited a family for a dinner appointment. (the McClean family) We ate and one of the daughters Joann came up to us before we left and asked for a blessing; she wasn't feeling very good at all, she didn't look very good at all. She asked me to be voice. I gave the blessing and I kind of forgot about it. But yesterday we went back to the same house and she recounted the story. She said that after we left they got in the car to take her to the doctor when they got to the doctors she no longer was sick. No trace of the sickness. I feel very humbled and fortunate to have been a tool in the Lords hands to bless one of his children. 

   

Yesterday was kinda different because Elder Mathewson had a super bad pain in his kidney. We went to the doctor and he said he thought it was a kidney stone but to have it X-rayed. So that is on the list to do today. I also am wondering dad, my face is a little swollen and I have a few spots all over my body that itch. I think it's an allergic reaction but I don't know to what. It hasn't gone away either over the last 4 days. Should I keep waiting? What do I do?

  

 Well I thought since I don't have a lot to write home about I will try to attach some pics. So you can see who I'm with, what I'm eating, etc. Mom by the way I am always hungry, like for real I don't think I've been full since I've gotten here but maybe that's good for me. At least I won't get fat right? hahahaha I discovered something this week that blew my mind. So my companion, Elder Mathewson, turns 21 this next month right before conference. He was talking about how we were told by an apostle of the Lord that we should be married a year after we return home. It hit me like a ton of bricks, when I am Elder Mathewson's age I am supposed to be married. UUUUHHHhhhhh.......what?!? come again?!? Yes married, I now have a bigger desire to stay out here forever. Don't worry I don't think about that hardly at all but when I feel hopeless I think of that and I feel much better. I am not even close to being ready. Oh well I got 22 months to love life then.....game over. I don't think I'm mature enough to hold that responsibility. Yeah enough of that dark though. ;) Just kidding

   

Please send longer emails I like to know what you are doing just as much as you like to hear from me. I love you all and I think you are all awesome. I love you all and I can't wait to hear from you next week. Stay strong and live the commandments of God, no matter what the cost. God will bless you all. You are all in my prayers everyday, all day, day and night. Keep the faith.

Elder Henderson

 chicken foot soup                                  

 district                                                     

hey! everyone loves me!                        

treat overload                                          

a cute visitor. wish we could keep him.

         

From an Island in the Water 9/16/2013

   Hi Family!!! I miss you all so much and it always brings tears in my eyes when I read the kind of experiences you have had the last few weeks. Dad, Mom I don't want to be a burden but I would like a couple of things: I could use my jump rope ( I get up at 5:30 every morning and run at least 2 and a half miles to like 3 and a half.....it kills my legs!!!! haha Then I come back with Elder Nelson and we work out. Lifting cinder blocks, jump roping, jumping into the bed of the truck, etc.) Some more green 2o/crave/go. I use that green 2o everyday it helps refuel my body and I am growing accustom to the taste (finally...) Some recipes ones that are cheep. Cheese and milk and peanut butter are very expensive. Some music, I love listing to the hymns and other up lifting songs. Maybe you could burn a disk or send my mp3 with the music on it. It doesn't have to be hymns and I would prefer that there would be a little of both. Also there's a song I would like you to put on it in particular it's called "Living In Jamaica" by Elder Romney Elder McCloud. It's stinking awesome I'm sure you would love it too. (Just so you know it can be basically any song it just needs to be uplifting and invite the spirit. NO SONGS WITH BAD LYRICS OR BAD MESSAGES), My Race Rx paper/Work outs that I could do (if you could please laminate them) Pictures of home/friends/family. My bands in my drawers, A hair cutter for my hair (there's no barber shops here at least not cheep ones) and a small pencil sharpener. I know that's a lot so if you can't find or send it with out a stress don't worry about it. I hear it's fairly cheep to send things to Jamaica so I guess we will see. 

   Mom I want you to know, that even though you think about me all the time, I am on the Lord's side and I am about his work. I will always be your son and you will always be my mother. Two years seem like a long time but take it a day at a time. Enjoy the younger ones because they soon grow up.

   Dad same goes with you, I will always be your son and you will always be my father. You will always be my best friend and I know that even in the deepest darkest moments of my life I can turn to two people no matter what. Jesus Christ/Father in Heaven and you. I love you and I hope that work continues to pick up and go well. You promised me that our finances would increase as I serve faithfully. I want to know how they are doing because I am being as faithful as I can be. I am doing everything in my power to progress this work. So please tell me next week okay? I love you.

   Carter I love you keep up the good work. I would encourage you to get you patriarchal blessing it is a great source of knowledge and comfort. Also keep reading your scriptures. Do it with a question and you will receive answers I promise.

   Joshua your a stud keep working hard and doing what is right. Live the way your mom thinks you live and are. Because if you do that you will live in line with Christ's teachings. Pray everyday all day, pour your soul out to God. 

   Nikayle I expect when I get back for you to be up to my level with softball. I am working hard every single morning (except for Sundays) to keep in shape so that I don't fall too far behind you. 

   Siri every time I look at a picture I smile to myself because I know no matter what the circumstances you always have fun. I admire you and ask that you stay that way. Listen to momma and daddy they know what's best. Even if they ruin the fun sometimes.

   Brixen guess what?!?..............NOTHING!!! HAHAHA you my princess are very beautiful and I admire the kind sweet spirit about you. I smile everytime when I see you picture too because you have a very fun laugh and I love to see you happy.

   In short this week was hard but the most edifying experience of my life so far. You will find out later. We basically have too many people to teach because we have referrals out the wazooooo!!!! Nuts huh? People are turning their lives around. We had 4 investigators at church yesterday so we now have 8 progressing investigators with baptismal dates for later this month and early next month. I can't wait!!!!!

   So yesterday I was sitting in Sacrament and this lady walks into the chapel. She looks around welcomes Elder Egan to Jamaica, he's been here for over a year now, then she walks straight to where I was sitting and squeezes next to me. There was absolutely no room for her to fit but she did, I swear Jamaican's are better at packing things that Mexicans. She started to tell me how George Washington was her husband. She said that he beat her and took the keys to her house, which she purchased under her father's name. She wanted me to deliver a letter to George in Texas, where the White House is (I guess???), so she could get her keys back. To which I told her that I was busy this week but I might be able too next week. To which she responded, "Perfect, but bring a companion when you come because, George will try to beat you up when you come to get the letter from me." HAHAHAHA She was a mad person (as the jamaican's say) It took everything I had not to burst out laughing during church!!! hahaha oh man I was in tears.

   Next story. We were eating at President Briton's house for dinner. His son Neff was playing with a white ball, he lost the ball and started playing with a black one instead (he's only like 2/3). President Briton asked him "Where's the white one?" To which Neff pointed to Elder Mathewson and I. HAHAHAHA It made me laugh, There is a lot of racism here. SO where's my compensation?? I want help man. People are dumb, but any way.

   People tell me often that I am a kid and I agree but I know that in Matthew 18:1-6 Christ says let the children come to me and that we must all be like a little child.... I feel very blessed because even though I am still a child I am coming to Christ and he is using my mouth to teach others here with the spirit. It has humbled me quite a bit, and then I read D and C 4. It hit me pretty hard. And as I sat and  thought about this question i have had. And I came to the conclusion that Grandpa and hundreds of my ancestors have faith in me. Therefore I will have faith in myself to do this work. The Lord has called me to do this sacred work and I responded. I am here to serve the Lord, I will always respond when he calls. I know that he lives. I know that he can do all and that he will help us in every endeavor. I will become completely converted to him one day. 

   I want you to know that I am very grateful for the support you give me. I am very grateful for you being an example to me and striving to help those around you and you becoming closer to Christ. I invite you to rekindle you fire and to become even more devoted. Pray every day that the Lord wont let Satin tempt you more than you have power to bear.

   There have been several time in my mission so far that I have felt the Spirit speak through me. I don't even remember what I said sometimes but I have people come up too me days latter saying they can't get my and Elder Mathewson's words out of their head. They keep playing over and over. I know the Lord's work is going forth and no one will stop it. Get aboard and join the battle. Again I love you all.

With Love,

Elder Henderson

P.S.- If that package is more than 50 dollars I don't want it. I'll send it back if you send it too me. hahha :) I think very highly of all of you. Until we meet again in 22 and 1/2 months. Wow it goes by quick. Bye.

Hello White People! 9/9/2013

Hello white people,

Hahaha yeah I've gotten that a lot this last week. I guess it's supposed to be a racial slur....wierd I've always been the majority it's different. Sorry I wasn't chewing you out last week I was kidding. Remember I'm in Jamaica.

   Okay where to start? Well I'll start with Sister McCalla's baptism. She was baptised yesterday. We woke up at 5 am and got every thing ready. Right before the baptism was about to start we discovered that there was no baptismal suits!!!! AAAGGGGGG so Elder Brimhall and Elder Egan raced home and got our white pants and white shirts. Sister McCalla is great she didn't even care! She was just so ready to be baptised.......I may or may not burn my shirt and pants. hahaha I have some pictures I'll send you.

   But Sister McCalla's baptism isn't the only highlight of the day. We went to church right after the baptism and guess what?!?! NOTHING....Jk (that's for you Brixen). We went in to sacrement and we had 7 investigators show up to church!!! This is nuts according to Elder Mathewson, he said he usually only gets one if he's lucky. AND WE GOT 7!!!!!!!! AAAAHHHHHHH so awesome. We were excited and talked to all of them after church. Every single one of them had their testimonies strengthened and their desire to be baptised increased. Like I said before we should have a couple of baptisms on Sept. 28. Once again, this is not the only thing that we were excited about. We sat down last night and did our numbers. We had 23 lessons. Elder Mathewson said again he only gets 16. We are killing it thanks to Heavenly Father.

   Something else of intrest was we went to our only dinner appointment every week and Sister Mac was asking me if I could understand her. (she was speaking patwi) And I said yes and she was blown away! I guess it takes missionaries 2 months before they start understanding what people are saying. The Lord has really blessed me in every aspect but especially with this one and I am so grateful.

   Well we had our first down pour....finally! There were literally rivers running down the street. Mom you would have loved the thunder it is increadably loud!!!! I took some pictures of that too so I'll send them if I can. There's so many things that I have experienced and learned I can't write them all!

   Dad you would hate the driving here. They step on the gas pedal and brake any time they can. There is no speed limit anywhere here and they make 2 lane roads into 4....some how, I don't know how but they do. Jamaican's have got to be the best drivers in the world.

Elder Henderson (far left),  (?) Sister McCallah (third from left), (??) Elder Matthewson (far right)

Something that's been bothering me is that I heard the 30% of missionaries once they come home go inactive. I so badly don't want that to happen to me. I reflect on that day after day. I am doing my best to not only prepare for my investigators and learn and have revelation for myself, but to also prepare myself so that I do not fall when I come home. PREPARE NOW!!!!!! I know that if we truly turn to god he won't leave us. He has done everything He can so that we can succeed! God is always there. Just give Him time to answer and He will. He is my God and I refuse to leave his side. I invite you all to make the same commitment. Know that as you come closer every aspect of your life will change for the better and you will be blessed I promise you. Know that when you are in those moments when you are backed up to the wall of faith there are two ways you can turn. Either to God or to fall. Turn to him. I am always on your side I don't care if the whole world is against us! There are more of us than there are with them and as we become more united with God and our family we can accomplish all.

   I look up to all of you. You are all my hero's and someday I hope to be able to walk off that plane and see your smiling faces and know I did everything I could to make you proud. I love you all. Keep going, carpe deium live in the moment and love it.

   Elder Henderson

P.S. I ate chicken foot. It's like biting your own finger that has been in the water too long. And well my fingers are pretty tasty

Wagwon Everyone! 9/2/2013

WAGWON EVERYONE!!!!

HAHA that means what's up in patwi or (pat-t-w-awe) It's like a broken english and very hard to understand but the Lord has blessed me to be able to understand it. Okay first things first.

   

My first companion is Elder Mathewson, he has been out 15 months, he is from Las Vegas NV. This young man is a spiritual giant!!!! We have had some very profound talks in the last few days. He always continues to blow my mind. Jamaica is hot!!! Like you don't even know the definition of hot! It takes on a completly new definition. Imagine that you are in a steam room and you turn the temp. all the way up. Okay your not even close times it by 2 for the heat and times it be 26.679 for humidity. That stickiness you feel when you sweat. Yeah...I never get away from that. You go to bed sticky wake up sticky and preach sticky. hahaha but you get used to it after a while. The money here is super inflated so one dollar there is 100 bill here. I am looking for a ukulele and a nice on is like 20 dollars or 20,000 so we will see.It is very poor here it is really humbling and sad. So many people though live on 70 dollars a year (US dollars) and they are still happy and joyful! We can all work on that, that no matter what the situation we can be joyful and happy about it. I'll really try better. We ride Bicycles around every where....my butt hurts.....but I'm getting used to it. I am stationed in Spanish town. Mom you were right here is where the first stake is going to take place in a few months. You were right.....

   

The people here are ssssooooooo prepared it's not even funny!!! For example, everyone loves to talk religion for one but when we start teaching about the true gospel they usually recognize it and want more. We already have a baptism for next week, 2 the week after, and on Sep. 28 We are expecting 6 just in our companionship!!!!!!!!! WOW! Dad for the next letter you send or package will you send copies of your patriarcle blessing? Also include Mom's and Grandpa's and Grandma's. Same with the Wells side. If you can will you put together a apostle talk book? Stuff to ponder about, because we can't print here. I really want a bunch from Elder Holland and I want "His grace is sufficent" Brad Wilcox, and "How to get personal revaluation" Bruce R. McKonkie (this one is an institute talk so please look thanks), and also the institute guide to the Docterine Covanants. 

   

Okay now the good stuff. The baptism we have next week is a Mother, Sister McCallah. She is a stud!! Every time we go to teach her, she does the teaching. She is so prepared aaaahhhhh!!!! I can't wait till next sunday!! She has a vision for the branch and that's to fill the whole building on Sunday with people/members. She's right we have to have a vision so we can strive to achieve it.

  

We meet another man yesterday named Daniel. He is an older man but smart. He wanted to bible bash with us. And I'm sorry to say I did for a bit but we got sick of it and invited him and bore testimony of the Book of Mormon. He took it and said he's going to prove us wrong. But before we left he said something that made me wonder. He said "Have a good day, you have a certain light around and in you, but have a good day." WHAT!?!?! Are you kidding!?! We have a light in us but you aren't going to believe us? Man I felt like banging my head on the wall! It just didn't make sense. So I came to the conclusion that we probably just planted seeds for that man. I hope he comes around.

   

Well I hope to hear from you all this week MOM. DAD, CARTER, JOSHUA, NIKAYLE, SIRI, BRIXEN. I was so excited to recieve an email from you but I got none. Nathan and Gregg came through though so it's ok. :) I love you all. Keep the faith. Something profound that I learned is that we have a right to see the eternities in this life. Just that most of us are unworthy!!! Become worthy and seek revalation from God. Elder Mathewson taught me that. He said it's in Bruce R. McKonkies talk so read and see. I love you all again you are my heros and I want to be like you when I grow up. 

Elder Henderson