Hey gang,
This week has been pretty boring. No storms, not sick. Just teaching people. It's hot and humid. I will try to answer some of your questions.
Sidney: As far as El Savadorian food goes, the origonals are pupusas, fried plantane, cooked red beans, charamuscos (which are a form of popsicle), frozen bananas dipped in chocolate. If I think of anything else I will let you know. They also have nick names for certain countries here in Central America, like El Salvadoreans or Gunacos. Costa Rico is Tico and someone from Honduras is a Katracho. Just some fun little things I have picked up.
Grandma: That's really cool that you got to talk to the missionaries the other day and I can totally understand about the whole 11 ties. They are about the only change you can get in dress for a day and some wear out faster than others. Say hi to the cats for me and tell, I think it's Missy to keep her hand off the teclador.... or keyboard. My mind some days does not want to change from spanish to english and I find it harder and harder to read Ingles.
Mom, Logan, Reid and Dad: I thank you all so very much for the prayers and I thank every one else so much for their support. If you would like to know about how the work is going, well, we have been getting a lot of new investigadors. Two of them have the same name: Jose and Jose. Then, there are 6 Alex's that I am teaching. That's kind of weird. Teaching someone with your same name is a little different, but it kind of draws an interesting parable to being a missionary. In a sense, we all teach ourselves and have to convert ourselves personally.
I love this mission and am getting lost in the Lord's work is always great. I have often said that if I knew the mission would be this hard I probably would not have come and now that I am out here, I am so glad I came. Sure, there are really tough days when I just want to quit, but I carry on. Sometimes I don´t even know why, but I need to finish this. There are people here who influence me just like at home and I feel better around them. Make your friends those who build you up and build your friends up too. I am glad to hear about the service you all have done and I can attest to the power of service myself. It can turn even some of the worst days good. It goes with one of my favorite hymns:
Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped some one else in need. Have I cheered up the sad or made someone feel glad, if not, I have failed indeed. Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way.......... then wake up and do something more than dream of your mansion above. Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure, a blessing of duty and love.
I have learned a little bit of creativity and a smile can go along ways. The people react to how you feel and show your emotions. So, if I am happy and bold, adventurous in the appointment, the people will be too. I think that being a missionary is 5% attitude and 95% Spirit. I can´t tell you how many times I have received strength from the Lord and He has picked up where I have left off or has taught me something that I did not know. It is in these moments that I am so grateful for my Savior and what He did for me. I know that no matter how hard I think it is, He has been in my shoes, He has felt my pain. This past week I have read a scripture that has sunk deeply in my mind about how this person must have felt and the faith she had to do what she did. I am sure you know of the story where the prophet comes to a woman's house in the wilderness and asks for a loaf of bread. She responds and says "I have none to give, but that which I have is a handful of meal and a few drops of oil." With her faith she gives the little cake to this man, the prophet, and he promises that as long as there is no rain, the oil shall not fail and the meal shall not waste either. I think, wow, what a person to have that kind of faith to trust in the Lord. Why can´t we all have that kind of faith? We can and I invite everyone to strive for this kind of obedience and faith from the Lord. I know from my own testimony that when we listen to our leaders there are specific blessings that we may receive.
Living conditions this week have improved and at the same time, gotten worse. I know that having a cook can be a blessing, but also a curse. They cook for you, but at the same time, the food isn´t always good. I have someone washing my clothes which is nice, they are clean but they smell a little funky. The lady doesn´t use laundry detergent, she just uses soap.
Well, I have rambled on for a bit. Hope all is fine and hot in Vegas. It's a different heat with the humidity here. I love you all and take care .
Elder Proksch
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Hurricane Agatha
A lot and then again not a lot has happened this week. First, I will start with the interesting Monday. It was changes and I got a new companion. Later, we went to Burger King for a late, late lunch. We worked, came home and I had a little headache and fever. I went to sleep, woke up half way through the night and had the chills. The next day, same thing all day, but I worked cause I have faith the Lord would help me in my trials. He did and I made it through the day to get home and sleep again. Third day, same thing. After three days of high fever, bathroom problems and head and stomach ache, I decided the next day I would need to go somewhere or do something about it. So I did. I went to Hermana Laurenas place (she is licensed in a biolab for medical reasons). She told me I needed to go get an exam, so I did. 5 dollars and half an hour later, I took this info sheet to her personal doctor and he saw me for free. That was another blessing. I found out I had parasites in my system and an abundance of ameobas. With that happy news, I then went in search for the best priced pharmacy to buy my prescribed meds. Its the end of the month so I had no mission fund money to buy the stuff. I am very, very, very thankful for good friends like Hermana Laurena to help me and take care of me. I feel bad for her because of what's next.
It's rainy season and it has rained all week. Turns out we are in the middle of Hurricane Agatha. The country is in red alert status for flooding and landslides. Yesterday we had to stay indoors because of the rain. It didn´t feel like a lot of rain but what would I know coming from Las Vegas? I feel bad for Laurena because she lives right next to a river and it over filled and took out some of the houses by hers. Sunday, after church, we went to her house and found out how high the water was out front when she opened the door. All the trees by the river were gone and was now very fast moving water getting closer and closer to her house. She freaked out a bit and was in shock and unbelief. I calmed her down and got her mind busy by asking her if she had 3 back packs: one for each member in her family (you know, like 72 hour kits). She didn't, so we made quick emergency packs and my comp and I got her food and rations from the kitchen, prepared them and got them out of there. We told them to go to higher ground. Which is where our house is. Our house sits on the side of a mountain called Mt. Sianae. Just like the one Moses climbed. Today it hasn´t rained but is supposed to. We shall see. It is cloudy and if the bridges to and from town flood again, we could be stuck so President Perez has asked us all to have an emergency stash of food in the house and an emergency backpack ready to go.
I am fine, just a little tired of being sick and wet all the time. My comps name is Elder Herrera. He is from Honduras and he is quiet and does not know much about the mission yet so it's like training again.
I am still in the same area, just new companion. I battle the Evangelicals, Catholics, 7th Day Adventists and a church called Apostles and Prophets every day and I get sick of them trying to tell me my testimony is wrong. It gets old proving them with their own personal Bible that these things are true. I know the Church of Jesus Christ is true. The Bible is true too, but how can such a blessed people neglect the knowledge and testimony of the Book of Mormon? There is no other book like it on the planet. It speaks clearly and with the power of the Spirit that Christ did visit the Americas, that the prophets of old knew of Christ and with out a shadow of a doubt that he would come. The Holy Ghost testified this to them and they could not deny it. Joseph Smith was a prophet and restored such a great work here again back on this earth. I am eternally gratetful for the brave men who set off in the early days of the church: Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdry and the countless others who served an honorable mission because they were called to do so. The mission isn´t always easy. It is possibly some of the toughest times I have had in my life, but with the worst comes the very best. The Lord uses his weak to make his church strong. A president once said we do not do these things because they are easy, we do them because they are hard and we learn from our failures. I wish sometimes Dad, you could be here with me and we could teach these people together. Creativity and a smile will take you a long ways in this world. I have definitly learned that.
Pray for our leaders and the leaders of the church. They need our help. Mosiah 5:15 Be steadfast and immovable always abounding in good works. If we are steadfast and need something, after we have tried our very best, the Lord will bless us with it and make up for our slack, but first we have to do our very best.
love,
Elder Proksch
It's rainy season and it has rained all week. Turns out we are in the middle of Hurricane Agatha. The country is in red alert status for flooding and landslides. Yesterday we had to stay indoors because of the rain. It didn´t feel like a lot of rain but what would I know coming from Las Vegas? I feel bad for Laurena because she lives right next to a river and it over filled and took out some of the houses by hers. Sunday, after church, we went to her house and found out how high the water was out front when she opened the door. All the trees by the river were gone and was now very fast moving water getting closer and closer to her house. She freaked out a bit and was in shock and unbelief. I calmed her down and got her mind busy by asking her if she had 3 back packs: one for each member in her family (you know, like 72 hour kits). She didn't, so we made quick emergency packs and my comp and I got her food and rations from the kitchen, prepared them and got them out of there. We told them to go to higher ground. Which is where our house is. Our house sits on the side of a mountain called Mt. Sianae. Just like the one Moses climbed. Today it hasn´t rained but is supposed to. We shall see. It is cloudy and if the bridges to and from town flood again, we could be stuck so President Perez has asked us all to have an emergency stash of food in the house and an emergency backpack ready to go.
I am fine, just a little tired of being sick and wet all the time. My comps name is Elder Herrera. He is from Honduras and he is quiet and does not know much about the mission yet so it's like training again.
I am still in the same area, just new companion. I battle the Evangelicals, Catholics, 7th Day Adventists and a church called Apostles and Prophets every day and I get sick of them trying to tell me my testimony is wrong. It gets old proving them with their own personal Bible that these things are true. I know the Church of Jesus Christ is true. The Bible is true too, but how can such a blessed people neglect the knowledge and testimony of the Book of Mormon? There is no other book like it on the planet. It speaks clearly and with the power of the Spirit that Christ did visit the Americas, that the prophets of old knew of Christ and with out a shadow of a doubt that he would come. The Holy Ghost testified this to them and they could not deny it. Joseph Smith was a prophet and restored such a great work here again back on this earth. I am eternally gratetful for the brave men who set off in the early days of the church: Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdry and the countless others who served an honorable mission because they were called to do so. The mission isn´t always easy. It is possibly some of the toughest times I have had in my life, but with the worst comes the very best. The Lord uses his weak to make his church strong. A president once said we do not do these things because they are easy, we do them because they are hard and we learn from our failures. I wish sometimes Dad, you could be here with me and we could teach these people together. Creativity and a smile will take you a long ways in this world. I have definitly learned that.
Pray for our leaders and the leaders of the church. They need our help. Mosiah 5:15 Be steadfast and immovable always abounding in good works. If we are steadfast and need something, after we have tried our very best, the Lord will bless us with it and make up for our slack, but first we have to do our very best.
love,
Elder Proksch
Monday, May 24, 2010
BBQ Pigeon?
Today I got a new companion. Always a bitter sweet experience. I have spent most of the morning cleaning our disaster of a house because no one else wanted to. When I get back, I have to hand wash my clothes, too. For those who don´t know, it actually takes time and muscle and you can´t leave the clothes in the water too long or they rot and stink, then you have to put extra fabric softener on them.
It has rained every night this past week on our corregated tin roof. We have a river in front of our house and it is nothing but steam for weather in the day. Part of my birthday celebration has been being able to eat at many members houses and yes, I had another weird food experience. I had pigeon. Now, I don´t care where you are from in the world, but I just don´t think that bird is supposed to be eaten, period. Later in the night, when it was just the district in the house, we celebrated with a non-tres leches cake (it wasn't soggy). That's good. Oh, and a ghetto piñata.
Let me explain the second bit there. The ghetto piñata... it is when you buy a bag of candy, put it in a grocery bag and beat it with a broom. Well, first swing I wanted to break the bag wide open, but instead I broke the broom in two. With a new tact, I came back a second time with my whirling nun- chucks of fury and cut the bag in half with a piece of the broom.
Now to answer some questions. Thank you so much to all who wished me a happy birthday on Facebook. My mom copied the comments and put them in an email for me to read. I feel older now and nothing like a little latin critisism to sink it in.
Yes, we were able to marry the mom and dad and got 2 baptisms last weekend. We also had a late Mother's Day celebration. That was fun, and I got to cheer up a sad ward member. She was having a rough day, so I bore my testimony to her and share a couple of my personal mission favorite scriptures with her.
My talk in Sacrament meeting went over really well and by the end everyone was smiling and paying attention. As part of my talk, I incorporated the big backyard service project the ward did one time for the Van Ordens. Ward members really liked to hear about that and afterward I had peope come to me and say that they really wanted to do service, which made me happy. We'll see how it goes.
Anyway, sorry for the short email, I got wrapped up in this Preach My Gospel survey that took 20 mins on my p day and short on time time. So I will have to try to regain the Spirit and write you guys some letters at home. By the way, I got the package Grandma Proksch sent. Thank you so much! I haven´t forgotten about anyone. It's just my snow globe got shaken again. But I guess that's life in the mission. I promise I will write, but all I can say right now is thank you all so much for your support. It honestly makes the mission go by smoother. Also, thank you Sidney for all the letters. I don´t want to discriminate or forget anyone, so thank you ALL for the letters.
Lots of love, miss you all very much
Elder Alex Proksch
It has rained every night this past week on our corregated tin roof. We have a river in front of our house and it is nothing but steam for weather in the day. Part of my birthday celebration has been being able to eat at many members houses and yes, I had another weird food experience. I had pigeon. Now, I don´t care where you are from in the world, but I just don´t think that bird is supposed to be eaten, period. Later in the night, when it was just the district in the house, we celebrated with a non-tres leches cake (it wasn't soggy). That's good. Oh, and a ghetto piñata.
Let me explain the second bit there. The ghetto piñata... it is when you buy a bag of candy, put it in a grocery bag and beat it with a broom. Well, first swing I wanted to break the bag wide open, but instead I broke the broom in two. With a new tact, I came back a second time with my whirling nun- chucks of fury and cut the bag in half with a piece of the broom.
Now to answer some questions. Thank you so much to all who wished me a happy birthday on Facebook. My mom copied the comments and put them in an email for me to read. I feel older now and nothing like a little latin critisism to sink it in.
Yes, we were able to marry the mom and dad and got 2 baptisms last weekend. We also had a late Mother's Day celebration. That was fun, and I got to cheer up a sad ward member. She was having a rough day, so I bore my testimony to her and share a couple of my personal mission favorite scriptures with her.
My talk in Sacrament meeting went over really well and by the end everyone was smiling and paying attention. As part of my talk, I incorporated the big backyard service project the ward did one time for the Van Ordens. Ward members really liked to hear about that and afterward I had peope come to me and say that they really wanted to do service, which made me happy. We'll see how it goes.
Anyway, sorry for the short email, I got wrapped up in this Preach My Gospel survey that took 20 mins on my p day and short on time time. So I will have to try to regain the Spirit and write you guys some letters at home. By the way, I got the package Grandma Proksch sent. Thank you so much! I haven´t forgotten about anyone. It's just my snow globe got shaken again. But I guess that's life in the mission. I promise I will write, but all I can say right now is thank you all so much for your support. It honestly makes the mission go by smoother. Also, thank you Sidney for all the letters. I don´t want to discriminate or forget anyone, so thank you ALL for the letters.
Lots of love, miss you all very much
Elder Alex Proksch
Monday, May 17, 2010
Alex's Birthday Week Letter
Well, it's a sunny day here in San Miguel. We are about to head out to play indoor soccer at a church with some air conditioning. ha ha Life is so much better when you have ac. Thank you for all the pictures. They are really nice and of course I feel like I am living with a bunch of boys because when they see the pictures they just ask about the girls. "How old is she? Is she in the U.S.?......." and a bunch of other things. "Who is she?" To the last one, I replied, "That's my mom and yes, she is married." It gets a little crazy some times.
Well, yesterday I baptized another investigator. After 3 months of looking and trying to find someone, I finally found one. I am learning how to teach much better and be a better missionary. We hace two people ready for next weekend and we will see how that goes. If they get baptized I am going to have to cook pupusas for them. That is one thing I don´t get. They are from El Salvador and don´t know how to make pupusas so they are having a gringo make them. Ok, whatever works best I guess. This weekend might just be a big ol party. We are marrying some people, we are baptizing some people and it's going to be my birthday. Honestly, the best gift I could receive for my birthday is a couple of baptisms. That means the leaders stay off my case and we also have a deal with the president. As a zone, if we can break the old zone record, he will takes us paintballing. Now wouldn´t that be an awesome gift for a 20 year old missionary? Mwa ha ha ha ha ah. I shall smear them!!! I just hope the president of the mission doesn´t play. I am afraid he would get shot up. He is rather big and looks like not the most athletic type. Who knows... he could just wipe the floor with all of us!
Reid, I really liked the picture you drew me and, wow, it was really good. If you have a copy of that talk you gave Sunday, I would like a copy of it. That would be way awesome. Speaking of which, I am giving a talk this Sunday on reverence. I will have to send you guys a copy when I write it Saturday night. ha ha ha....just kidding. I will probably have to write it today so that I have time to practice it in Spanish by Sunday. Well, take care little buddy and good luck on the capstone project at school.
Logan, I brag about you all the time. I wish I had your job. You sound like you have way too much fun. You think when I get back you can teach me to back flip? Have you gotten to fly yet.¿ Have you gone on any recent dates¿ and have you learned how to drift in the truck? (that last one was a joke, Mom). I am just feeling really good today. Amazing what one baptism can do for you. Anyway, I have to go.
Please write soon. I love you all and take care my home town g-skillets. Keep it real with beans on the side.
Elder Proksch
Well, yesterday I baptized another investigator. After 3 months of looking and trying to find someone, I finally found one. I am learning how to teach much better and be a better missionary. We hace two people ready for next weekend and we will see how that goes. If they get baptized I am going to have to cook pupusas for them. That is one thing I don´t get. They are from El Salvador and don´t know how to make pupusas so they are having a gringo make them. Ok, whatever works best I guess. This weekend might just be a big ol party. We are marrying some people, we are baptizing some people and it's going to be my birthday. Honestly, the best gift I could receive for my birthday is a couple of baptisms. That means the leaders stay off my case and we also have a deal with the president. As a zone, if we can break the old zone record, he will takes us paintballing. Now wouldn´t that be an awesome gift for a 20 year old missionary? Mwa ha ha ha ha ah. I shall smear them!!! I just hope the president of the mission doesn´t play. I am afraid he would get shot up. He is rather big and looks like not the most athletic type. Who knows... he could just wipe the floor with all of us!
Reid, I really liked the picture you drew me and, wow, it was really good. If you have a copy of that talk you gave Sunday, I would like a copy of it. That would be way awesome. Speaking of which, I am giving a talk this Sunday on reverence. I will have to send you guys a copy when I write it Saturday night. ha ha ha....just kidding. I will probably have to write it today so that I have time to practice it in Spanish by Sunday. Well, take care little buddy and good luck on the capstone project at school.
Logan, I brag about you all the time. I wish I had your job. You sound like you have way too much fun. You think when I get back you can teach me to back flip? Have you gotten to fly yet.¿ Have you gone on any recent dates¿ and have you learned how to drift in the truck? (that last one was a joke, Mom). I am just feeling really good today. Amazing what one baptism can do for you. Anyway, I have to go.
Please write soon. I love you all and take care my home town g-skillets. Keep it real with beans on the side.
Elder Proksch
Monday, May 10, 2010
May 3 Letter
Where do I start? I think I will have to start with a question I got from Reid. What do the locals and people of El Salvador think of the white guy? The drunks don´t like me, in fact they hate Americans so I tell them I am Australian. The other people actually kinda like the Americans when they aren´t cocky. So they actually like the missionaries. Just as long as we stay away from politics, thats cool with me. Everyone tells me, "Oh Barrac Obama is going to be the downfall of the nation." I, of course, can´t talk about it or share my opinion because I am a missionary. In a way, it"s sort of protection. I found a new dish this week I call barrocos. It's like a mix between burritos and a taco. You take a corn tortilla, put a slice of cheese inside, a spoon of uncooked refried beans on top of the cheese and on top of that you put a little dolop of tomato sauce, fold the tortilla and fry it. Take it out and enjoy. They are really good. Number one because they are fried, and two because who doesn´t like burritos or tacos¿
Logan, you have to tell me what you think the first time you fly a plane. I'm sure it will be something you will never forget. By the way, my favorite story in Super Sonic Saints is the helicoptor story when the guys are in Iraq and they have to resupply the ground forces with ammo. They have a Cobra support and everything. I really like that story.
Dad thanks for the uplifting letter about obediance in the mission. I have been getting better with my companion still working with the president and waiting for a response as to what to do. I really don´t know what else to say right now except I look forward to writing you all on Monday and being able to talk as well. It sounds like Vegas is changing at its ever rapid pace. We have a trampoline place right by the house? Who knew? Save up some questions you guys would like to ask me for next week and I would be more than happy to answer.
Ian, thanks so much for the letter. No I have not heard from Brittney in a while and yes, Satan will do everything he can to keep you from going on a mission. It is that much more important that you go. It will build your testimony so much in the Church. The mission isn´t easy. It takes commitment and determination. You will have hard leaders hard companions and through it all people will tell you it's a learning experience even if that's the last thing you want to hear, but you will learn and you will grow to love something with a passion. You will be able to make an eternal difference in your life and in the lives of others. There will be days that doors get slammed in your face. Believe me, its happend. I never thought much of it until it happened. Don´t dwell on it. The strongest part of you has to be your mind and testimony. Through faith, testimony and the Book of Mormon, no one attack of Satan can stand its power. I love the Book of Mormon and know of it's validity more then ever now in my life. I understand why many would give their life to protect it, once you honestly know of it's truth, you can not deny it. Many other churches say they have and believe the same things as us. People spend their entire life looking for what we have. Some even deny it when they find it, but I know this church is true. We have a living prophet here on the earth today and his name is Thomas S. Monson. We have twelve apostles and we have teachers, preachers, pastors, deacons and they all hold the priesthood. This is my testimony that Christ lives, and will come again.
If you just need to feel better, bear you testimony.
love Elder Proksch
Logan, you have to tell me what you think the first time you fly a plane. I'm sure it will be something you will never forget. By the way, my favorite story in Super Sonic Saints is the helicoptor story when the guys are in Iraq and they have to resupply the ground forces with ammo. They have a Cobra support and everything. I really like that story.
Dad thanks for the uplifting letter about obediance in the mission. I have been getting better with my companion still working with the president and waiting for a response as to what to do. I really don´t know what else to say right now except I look forward to writing you all on Monday and being able to talk as well. It sounds like Vegas is changing at its ever rapid pace. We have a trampoline place right by the house? Who knew? Save up some questions you guys would like to ask me for next week and I would be more than happy to answer.
Ian, thanks so much for the letter. No I have not heard from Brittney in a while and yes, Satan will do everything he can to keep you from going on a mission. It is that much more important that you go. It will build your testimony so much in the Church. The mission isn´t easy. It takes commitment and determination. You will have hard leaders hard companions and through it all people will tell you it's a learning experience even if that's the last thing you want to hear, but you will learn and you will grow to love something with a passion. You will be able to make an eternal difference in your life and in the lives of others. There will be days that doors get slammed in your face. Believe me, its happend. I never thought much of it until it happened. Don´t dwell on it. The strongest part of you has to be your mind and testimony. Through faith, testimony and the Book of Mormon, no one attack of Satan can stand its power. I love the Book of Mormon and know of it's validity more then ever now in my life. I understand why many would give their life to protect it, once you honestly know of it's truth, you can not deny it. Many other churches say they have and believe the same things as us. People spend their entire life looking for what we have. Some even deny it when they find it, but I know this church is true. We have a living prophet here on the earth today and his name is Thomas S. Monson. We have twelve apostles and we have teachers, preachers, pastors, deacons and they all hold the priesthood. This is my testimony that Christ lives, and will come again.
If you just need to feel better, bear you testimony.
love Elder Proksch
Sunday, May 02, 2010
This Week's Letter
I just found out that this Friday I am going to be translating again, but this time it will be for the Lions Club. I don´t even know who they are or what it is but it should be fun. As far as experiences this week, I saw fire flies for the very first time. Wow, the only way I know how to describe them is magical. I was finishing up the day this past week and I was walking along a line of bushes when the bushes lit up in whiteish-yellow green light. Kinda like the pin lights for halloween we used to have. Anyway, I was like "hey, cool Christmas lights, a little out of season, but that's cool". Then the lights started to flicker and leave the bushes and take flight in the air. Then I was thinking that this is really cool and how do they do that and where's the cord? Then it hit me, "Oh, these must be fireflies. Sweet." So we ran home really fast and I grabbed a bottle and we came back and caught them. When we got back to the house, we turned off the lights and shook the bottle. They lit up like crazy. It was awesome! We let them go and I went to sleep.
Which brings me to another thing. Normally I sleep in a bed and I use a hammock for short little breaks like when we have spare time in the lunch hour. This week I decided to try and sleep like a local in a hamock for a night. Not as easy and as fun as it sounds. But it is much better than sweating in a bed. The first night I had trouble and didn´t really sleep, so the next night was a little better. Now that I have an idea down its awesome. Most people think you sleep normally in it long ways. Well, you don´t. You have to sleep a little sideways. Maybe you guys can try this, but sleep at an angle not, completly sideways but half way and you will actually be laying flat and not bent. That's just a lttle taste of life here.
I have had a little fun with my comp this past week. He started a joke war with me thinking he is funny and all. He called me outside and when I got to the door he threw a water ballon at me. I was cool with that, no hard feelings and it actually felt good and I laughed. But, when I was studying he put a spoon full of baby powder in front of the fan. You know I can joke and play too, but the rest of us in the house were like "That's it." So its been three on one. Yesterday when he was in the shower we shut off the water and filled a ballon with baby powder and threw it in the air above his head. When it was above his head one of the other guys poped it. We laughed so hard because he look like a Latin ghost. Since then his jokes have stopped.
Work here is going really well. I almost had a baptisim. The people here are really tough. This guy wanted to be baptized but at the last minute, he chickened out. His only excuse is that he has to watch his 88 year old mom who is practically paralized and can´t sacrifice and hour for church every Sunday, but he can leave for Honduras for 5 hours every saturday to be with some friends. We have another guy who is a dad of 4 and is really strong in the gospel and his family is just busy and doesn´t really make time for church, so we are hoping that if we can baptize him, he will be a light for the rest of his family. We have esplained to him how he can be with his family forever through the plan of salvation and that he just needs to get them to church. He is real nice with us.
If you could tell Hermana Brooksby that's awesome that she had chicharon and that I am sorry she got food poisoning from it. It's actually something very common down here and a lot of people treat it as a type of candy almost. I have yet to try iguana and garrobo which is like a smaller type of 'iguana. I hear the meat is very simular to rabbit. I know you all must be thinking that I'm crazy and why do I eat that. Well, if it's done right and you don´t know what it is, try it and if you like it, ask. I would have to say though, my least favorite food here is one they consider a dessert. Its cake they call tres leches. If you can talk to Raul or Fransico maybe they can help you find some and try it. Its not a bad flavor or anything, but if you know me, I don´t like soggy food like stuffing and a soggy cake is almost worse. Anyway, you might be able to find that a Mecado del Pueblo. I have a funny feeling that place might be my best friend when I get back.
I love you mom and every one else out there.
Elder Proksch
Which brings me to another thing. Normally I sleep in a bed and I use a hammock for short little breaks like when we have spare time in the lunch hour. This week I decided to try and sleep like a local in a hamock for a night. Not as easy and as fun as it sounds. But it is much better than sweating in a bed. The first night I had trouble and didn´t really sleep, so the next night was a little better. Now that I have an idea down its awesome. Most people think you sleep normally in it long ways. Well, you don´t. You have to sleep a little sideways. Maybe you guys can try this, but sleep at an angle not, completly sideways but half way and you will actually be laying flat and not bent. That's just a lttle taste of life here.
I have had a little fun with my comp this past week. He started a joke war with me thinking he is funny and all. He called me outside and when I got to the door he threw a water ballon at me. I was cool with that, no hard feelings and it actually felt good and I laughed. But, when I was studying he put a spoon full of baby powder in front of the fan. You know I can joke and play too, but the rest of us in the house were like "That's it." So its been three on one. Yesterday when he was in the shower we shut off the water and filled a ballon with baby powder and threw it in the air above his head. When it was above his head one of the other guys poped it. We laughed so hard because he look like a Latin ghost. Since then his jokes have stopped.
Work here is going really well. I almost had a baptisim. The people here are really tough. This guy wanted to be baptized but at the last minute, he chickened out. His only excuse is that he has to watch his 88 year old mom who is practically paralized and can´t sacrifice and hour for church every Sunday, but he can leave for Honduras for 5 hours every saturday to be with some friends. We have another guy who is a dad of 4 and is really strong in the gospel and his family is just busy and doesn´t really make time for church, so we are hoping that if we can baptize him, he will be a light for the rest of his family. We have esplained to him how he can be with his family forever through the plan of salvation and that he just needs to get them to church. He is real nice with us.
If you could tell Hermana Brooksby that's awesome that she had chicharon and that I am sorry she got food poisoning from it. It's actually something very common down here and a lot of people treat it as a type of candy almost. I have yet to try iguana and garrobo which is like a smaller type of 'iguana. I hear the meat is very simular to rabbit. I know you all must be thinking that I'm crazy and why do I eat that. Well, if it's done right and you don´t know what it is, try it and if you like it, ask. I would have to say though, my least favorite food here is one they consider a dessert. Its cake they call tres leches. If you can talk to Raul or Fransico maybe they can help you find some and try it. Its not a bad flavor or anything, but if you know me, I don´t like soggy food like stuffing and a soggy cake is almost worse. Anyway, you might be able to find that a Mecado del Pueblo. I have a funny feeling that place might be my best friend when I get back.
I love you mom and every one else out there.
Elder Proksch
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
This Week 4/19
Hi everyone. I hope everyone is doing well. I really like hearing how things are going back home and sometimes that can make all the difference in the mission life. This past week things have been a little rough with my companion. He doesn´t want to listen and is slacking off from the mission standards. I tried to do what we call a companionship inventory where you sit down and just talk it all out and he didn´t even want to do that. He was upset because I am still teaching him the rules and though they aren´t always fun, we need to follow them.
As for the wonderful adventures this week there haven´t really been any. My comp says I cry alot and I tell him I am feeling the Spirit, so he responds saying that he can´t cry. I've seen him cry, so I know he's just trying to be tough. Whatever.
One thing is for sure, I don´t know how the church does it, to get these young men to go out and serve, build others up and take a mountain of criticism. There are times when I feel that my testimony is my greatest strength. I still like the quote Logan sent to me about the being a ship and keeping the water out. As a missionary I try to keep the water out. I know the Lord blesses his servants with knowledge and wisdom. I have learned so much from the Book of Mormon.
Reid, I am working on that goal of getting eight baptisims in 3 months but its tough. The biggest part of it is getting people to go to church and once that happens, getting them to stay there. Logan, I know it can be very stressfull at times, but man, you have got to keep that water on the outside. The thing that helps me the most sometimes is take time to breathe or in other words: sit, medidtate, read the scriptures and most importantly...offer a sincere prayer to your Father in Heaven. Some of these things can be the best water sealant. Dad I miss talking with you too and look forward to doing so in a few weeks. Its going to be funny, I think I have a Spanish accent. On top of that, I am forgetting English. The other day I wanted to say what time is the meeting but instead I said, what time is the reunion. I had to laugh a little, because I had to look up in a spanish dictionary how to say the word meeting. Mom thanks for all that you do. I know maybe alot of times my messages aren´t specific to you, but you have been a great big back bone in my life and have been inspiration is to how to help my comps.
I think I have grown a little here in the mission because my pants are getting shorter. Either that or I am washing the fabric by hand really well. Do you guys have any questions about how life is down here? I plan to send another box for you all. I got the idea that we have all these exotic fruits here and how could I share them with you all. Thats when it hit me...we have these juice powders and I could send the flavors the same as the fruits we have here. Still working on how I can share more of this culture with you guys because I feel we are almost on this mission together.
Dad, I don´t exactly have any recipes for the yellow fin tuna you caught, but here they tend to put fish in soup, tortillas tortillas and more tortillas. The fish here is no good either. Its dehydrated and smells really bad and I have yet to try it. I am waiting to catch an iguana to eat because I hear they are really tasty. I hope so. They make them sound really good. I don´t know what the weirdest thing you ate on your mission was, but so far for me it has been different types of chorizzo, a drink thats called atol that had trantula leggs in it, and quesadillas covered in egg then fried. It is possible I have tried cat. I am not sure. The whole "don´t ask what it is if you haven´t tried it" applies here. Then, if you're not to sure about it ...still don´t ask.
I did get a soccer jersey last week because the zone went and paid a guy to make shirts for us and the only condition was he got to pick the names that go on the back. Long story short...I now have a red and blue shirt that says "porche" on the back. Its cool and I will have to take a picture of it for you all.
Well, I need to write the pres. of the mission to tell him how my week was, but I love you all ...take care.
Elder Proksch
As for the wonderful adventures this week there haven´t really been any. My comp says I cry alot and I tell him I am feeling the Spirit, so he responds saying that he can´t cry. I've seen him cry, so I know he's just trying to be tough. Whatever.
One thing is for sure, I don´t know how the church does it, to get these young men to go out and serve, build others up and take a mountain of criticism. There are times when I feel that my testimony is my greatest strength. I still like the quote Logan sent to me about the being a ship and keeping the water out. As a missionary I try to keep the water out. I know the Lord blesses his servants with knowledge and wisdom. I have learned so much from the Book of Mormon.
Reid, I am working on that goal of getting eight baptisims in 3 months but its tough. The biggest part of it is getting people to go to church and once that happens, getting them to stay there. Logan, I know it can be very stressfull at times, but man, you have got to keep that water on the outside. The thing that helps me the most sometimes is take time to breathe or in other words: sit, medidtate, read the scriptures and most importantly...offer a sincere prayer to your Father in Heaven. Some of these things can be the best water sealant. Dad I miss talking with you too and look forward to doing so in a few weeks. Its going to be funny, I think I have a Spanish accent. On top of that, I am forgetting English. The other day I wanted to say what time is the meeting but instead I said, what time is the reunion. I had to laugh a little, because I had to look up in a spanish dictionary how to say the word meeting. Mom thanks for all that you do. I know maybe alot of times my messages aren´t specific to you, but you have been a great big back bone in my life and have been inspiration is to how to help my comps.
I think I have grown a little here in the mission because my pants are getting shorter. Either that or I am washing the fabric by hand really well. Do you guys have any questions about how life is down here? I plan to send another box for you all. I got the idea that we have all these exotic fruits here and how could I share them with you all. Thats when it hit me...we have these juice powders and I could send the flavors the same as the fruits we have here. Still working on how I can share more of this culture with you guys because I feel we are almost on this mission together.
Dad, I don´t exactly have any recipes for the yellow fin tuna you caught, but here they tend to put fish in soup, tortillas tortillas and more tortillas. The fish here is no good either. Its dehydrated and smells really bad and I have yet to try it. I am waiting to catch an iguana to eat because I hear they are really tasty. I hope so. They make them sound really good. I don´t know what the weirdest thing you ate on your mission was, but so far for me it has been different types of chorizzo, a drink thats called atol that had trantula leggs in it, and quesadillas covered in egg then fried. It is possible I have tried cat. I am not sure. The whole "don´t ask what it is if you haven´t tried it" applies here. Then, if you're not to sure about it ...still don´t ask.
I did get a soccer jersey last week because the zone went and paid a guy to make shirts for us and the only condition was he got to pick the names that go on the back. Long story short...I now have a red and blue shirt that says "porche" on the back. Its cool and I will have to take a picture of it for you all.
Well, I need to write the pres. of the mission to tell him how my week was, but I love you all ...take care.
Elder Proksch
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Spiders and Such
It's P-day and there have been changes. My companion and I have been the only ones who did not have to change area or companionship, which means there is still something I need to learn or to teach him. That's why its so late to get this email to you. We had to wait for the new people to arrive.
For the most part this week, the biggest thing that happened was a super small earthquake hit us. I had just gotten up in the morning and walked to get some clothes on when I heard a really low bass-like sound and the house rumbled for about 5 seconds.I thought, "Wow, a B-1 bomber is flying over." Then I realized I am in El Salvador and that they don´t fly here. I now know it was a tremor. Next time I will run out of the house. Apparently, a neighbor of ours had part of his roof collapse. Anyway, we still left for the day. The work just doesn´t stop.
About the pictures. The parakeets bite pretty hard and can be very territorial. It belongs to a less active family. The ant-eater animals are actually pigs. We don´t have to worry about the dogs in the trash as much as we do have to worry about pigs getting into the trash. I think I have a picture in there with a little girl all dressed in white. She was one of my first baptisms. Her name is Ali...short for Alejandra. I had so much fun teaching her. She is from my first area and 1 of the few photos that didn´t get erased.
This past week I figured out how to trap trauntulas. I know you are thinking, "Does he work at all?" and, yes, we do, but with out a little fun you go a little crazy. So here's the story. If you find a golf ball size hole in the ground and pour water down it a trantula will come out. So, I decided to try it. We poured water down the hole and low and behold one came out. There are these holes all around the house so it's kinda fun to watch spiders come out of their homes when we have extra time. We also get scorpions that come in the house quite often. We always check our shoes in the morning and never walk around the house bare foot. Just things that make life different here in El Savador.
I think that I am starting to get the hang of the mission life again so I can start moving ahead. I remember the goal that Reid gave me to baptize 8 people in 3 months. It is my goal and I just have to help my companion get this goal to baptize too. We have 3 really good investigators right now that are doing really good and moving quite quickly to the road of being baptized. The only problem is getting them to come to church so we can baptize them.
Life here is always fun with the members, so much that sometimes missionaries receive or get what we call "snakes". Those are the girls and women who like the gringo missionaries because we are white and have a passport. We are something new. I am very careful to not visit those who only listen to us because they think we are pretty. It's very hard some times because right when you think you are doing well and the members seem to be getting it, you find out they are snaking you. So we leave them and find someone else to teach. It gets discouraging at times. I have had days here in the mission field where I had been walking down the street and got cat-called or even whistled at. Some times they make kissing noises. Its funny because they think I don´t understand and I throw them off when I ask them about their boyfriend who is usually standing right next to them. There is no loyalty.
I love this work so much and hope to hear from you all soon .
love Jose Alejandro Prrosch.... that's how they say our last name.
Alex
For the most part this week, the biggest thing that happened was a super small earthquake hit us. I had just gotten up in the morning and walked to get some clothes on when I heard a really low bass-like sound and the house rumbled for about 5 seconds.I thought, "Wow, a B-1 bomber is flying over." Then I realized I am in El Salvador and that they don´t fly here. I now know it was a tremor. Next time I will run out of the house. Apparently, a neighbor of ours had part of his roof collapse. Anyway, we still left for the day. The work just doesn´t stop.
About the pictures. The parakeets bite pretty hard and can be very territorial. It belongs to a less active family. The ant-eater animals are actually pigs. We don´t have to worry about the dogs in the trash as much as we do have to worry about pigs getting into the trash. I think I have a picture in there with a little girl all dressed in white. She was one of my first baptisms. Her name is Ali...short for Alejandra. I had so much fun teaching her. She is from my first area and 1 of the few photos that didn´t get erased.
This past week I figured out how to trap trauntulas. I know you are thinking, "Does he work at all?" and, yes, we do, but with out a little fun you go a little crazy. So here's the story. If you find a golf ball size hole in the ground and pour water down it a trantula will come out. So, I decided to try it. We poured water down the hole and low and behold one came out. There are these holes all around the house so it's kinda fun to watch spiders come out of their homes when we have extra time. We also get scorpions that come in the house quite often. We always check our shoes in the morning and never walk around the house bare foot. Just things that make life different here in El Savador.
I think that I am starting to get the hang of the mission life again so I can start moving ahead. I remember the goal that Reid gave me to baptize 8 people in 3 months. It is my goal and I just have to help my companion get this goal to baptize too. We have 3 really good investigators right now that are doing really good and moving quite quickly to the road of being baptized. The only problem is getting them to come to church so we can baptize them.
Life here is always fun with the members, so much that sometimes missionaries receive or get what we call "snakes". Those are the girls and women who like the gringo missionaries because we are white and have a passport. We are something new. I am very careful to not visit those who only listen to us because they think we are pretty. It's very hard some times because right when you think you are doing well and the members seem to be getting it, you find out they are snaking you. So we leave them and find someone else to teach. It gets discouraging at times. I have had days here in the mission field where I had been walking down the street and got cat-called or even whistled at. Some times they make kissing noises. Its funny because they think I don´t understand and I throw them off when I ask them about their boyfriend who is usually standing right next to them. There is no loyalty.
I love this work so much and hope to hear from you all soon .
love Jose Alejandro Prrosch.... that's how they say our last name.
Alex
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Conference Weekend
To start, the weekend was good. I got up Saturday morning and went to the church to watch Conference as planned. I caught all of the morning and afternoon sessions. During the Priesthood session, our satellite failed on us so that was sad. Then Sunday, the president of the branch wouldn´t let us in the office to watch Conference in English and I had a little girl trying to crawl all over me so it was difficult to translate and get something. I caught none of the Sunday session. Most of the members here in the branch only showed up for the Sunday morning session and didn´t even watch the rest. I don´t think they know how special of an opportunity they missed. I still try to continue and grow to love them anyhow. Sometimes it's hard. Did Soli watch Conference?
Thank you so much for watching conference. That made me so happy to hear that everyone did that. I hope all spent some time to reflect on what was said and what we need to do to better for ourselves. I took some time yesterday to read about the Savior in the Garden of Gethsamane. I have a strong testimony of Him and what he went through for us. I have been studying the Bible a lot too. It's great that it is the word of God, but it also has some problems in it due to the translations of man. For this reason, I know that the Book of Mormon is the true words of the prophets of old in the Americas and that the Lord has protected this record of his people.
Things with the restaurant owners are going really well if we can get them to church, then I believe and have faith that they will be baptized. We have taught them all the commandments before we have even taught lesson one. They even have been taught about the Book of Mormon. They are good people and have good standards. I know the Lord prepares people and if we listen to his Spirit, He will guide us to them. To be a missionary is such an awesome calling.
As for my favorite General Conference talk, it would have to be from Saturday during the Preisthood session when Pres. Uchdorf talked on patience. He always gives such good talks.
As for the earthquake, I did not feel anything. Maybe I am just oblivious. During Conference I caught a bit in Spanish when they talked about a group of people who traveled to Guatamala from El Salvador. I felt pretty proud about that.
As far as craziness, this week was one of them. Friday there was a cat that dropped down into our backyard and could not get out. We have rather steep walls and they are pretty high too. So I scared it try to get it to leave. Well, I guess I scared it so much that it left a nice present for us. Wednesday I found an iguana crawling around on top of our house and now I think it's trapped inside the roofing. We will be trying to get it out when we get back. During the week a couple times I have come across scorpions and centipeeds, crawling on the floor. Just another day in the life of El Salvador I guess.
Well, I need to write to the president of the mission concerning some matters. I love you all. The mission isn't easy but it's worth it. Like most things in life that are worth while aren't easy, but they are good in the end. President Boyd K. Packer. I always love to listen to him speak...from the heart and core values that we all need.
Take care lots of love
Alex
Thank you so much for watching conference. That made me so happy to hear that everyone did that. I hope all spent some time to reflect on what was said and what we need to do to better for ourselves. I took some time yesterday to read about the Savior in the Garden of Gethsamane. I have a strong testimony of Him and what he went through for us. I have been studying the Bible a lot too. It's great that it is the word of God, but it also has some problems in it due to the translations of man. For this reason, I know that the Book of Mormon is the true words of the prophets of old in the Americas and that the Lord has protected this record of his people.
Things with the restaurant owners are going really well if we can get them to church, then I believe and have faith that they will be baptized. We have taught them all the commandments before we have even taught lesson one. They even have been taught about the Book of Mormon. They are good people and have good standards. I know the Lord prepares people and if we listen to his Spirit, He will guide us to them. To be a missionary is such an awesome calling.
As for my favorite General Conference talk, it would have to be from Saturday during the Preisthood session when Pres. Uchdorf talked on patience. He always gives such good talks.
As for the earthquake, I did not feel anything. Maybe I am just oblivious. During Conference I caught a bit in Spanish when they talked about a group of people who traveled to Guatamala from El Salvador. I felt pretty proud about that.
As far as craziness, this week was one of them. Friday there was a cat that dropped down into our backyard and could not get out. We have rather steep walls and they are pretty high too. So I scared it try to get it to leave. Well, I guess I scared it so much that it left a nice present for us. Wednesday I found an iguana crawling around on top of our house and now I think it's trapped inside the roofing. We will be trying to get it out when we get back. During the week a couple times I have come across scorpions and centipeeds, crawling on the floor. Just another day in the life of El Salvador I guess.
Well, I need to write to the president of the mission concerning some matters. I love you all. The mission isn't easy but it's worth it. Like most things in life that are worth while aren't easy, but they are good in the end. President Boyd K. Packer. I always love to listen to him speak...from the heart and core values that we all need.
Take care lots of love
Alex
Monday, March 29, 2010
Easters Week-Alex letter
This week has been rather trying. My trying to teach my companion is going rather poor and I think I am going to have to go over the rules with him again. On the other hand, I had a great experience. 2 days ago I passed a restaurant and felt impressed to go inside. I passed it because we were busy and running to pick up an investigator. We passed it again, only this time with the investigator I had the same feeling. We took our people to the church and I promised myself to pass by after church. So church came and went and afterward, I passed by again. It's sad because sometimes I can tell my companion doesn´t have the Spirit and will even tell me I am wasting my time when I knock doors. I just listen to the Spirit and it did guide me to this person... the owner of this restaurant. She is really nice and positive about things about the church. I know the Lord has lead me there and now it's my job to not screw this up.
Teaching my companion is hard. I try to teach with the scriptures and with prayer, but you can only lead the horse to the water. You can´t make him drink it.
Enough of that. I have had a really good week otherwise. For those who don´t know, I love mangos. So super good news there! I found a mango tree. They are all over here in El Salvador. You wouldn´t believe it, but I guess there are a few different types of mangos. There are the big ones you see in the store. There are little ones the size of a small apple. Green ones, orange ones and I have even heard there are blue ones. So I have spent some time in a mango tree picking and eating mangos. I think I might have seen one of those sometimes invisible cane toads. They are big but camofluog great.
Well its week 5 of this change. One more week and I find out if I leave or teach more here. I am finding the local culture to be interesting and I think I might be changing. By that I mean picking up a few habits. My companion says I have been growing and I am like, "How would you know? You have only known me for 6 weeks." That's when he pointed out the cuff on my pants and how it is a little higher than normal. I checked and he could be right, I don´t know. It could be all the vitamins and other good things I have eaten in those pupusas. Beans and rice have once again (like eggs and milk) become a staple. We eat yogurt almost as much. Can you tell I am hungry right now?
It's the hottest part of the year here right now and I think we have hit the peak. Nothing like sleeping in a puddle of your own sweat. Everyone awaits this so-called rainy season. With it only raining once here, I look forward to having a little more water.
Well, conference is coming up and there is an opportunity I might get to watch it in English. So me and this other Gringo in my district are planning something for that. If all goes well we will watch it in the secretary's office where there is AC and a small TV. Everyone else will watch it in the Sacrament hall. Our plan is to buy a bunch of snacks for our 2 day "spirit marathon". Oh ya...this is going to rock! The best part is this office has sleeping bags that we can spread out on the floor so we don´t have to sit the whole time. Oh, its going to rock! I am super excited about this.
If I failed to mention anything else, I am sorry. I think I covered it all. Depression has been something that has been taking hold on a lot of Elders, which is probably why I spend most of my time motivating my companion. I won´t let it get to me.
I like the quote you sent me, Logan: "All the water in the world, no matter how hard it tried, couldn´t sink the smallest ship unless it got inside." Thank you so much for that quote and the others you sent.
I am going to have to go. haha If that makes sense. I guess Spanish is taking over my mind and I can´t think straight again. It happens to most of the Gringos here. We all end up speaking half English and half Spanish.
Saluuuuuuu! That's good bye.
Alex
Teaching my companion is hard. I try to teach with the scriptures and with prayer, but you can only lead the horse to the water. You can´t make him drink it.
Enough of that. I have had a really good week otherwise. For those who don´t know, I love mangos. So super good news there! I found a mango tree. They are all over here in El Salvador. You wouldn´t believe it, but I guess there are a few different types of mangos. There are the big ones you see in the store. There are little ones the size of a small apple. Green ones, orange ones and I have even heard there are blue ones. So I have spent some time in a mango tree picking and eating mangos. I think I might have seen one of those sometimes invisible cane toads. They are big but camofluog great.
Well its week 5 of this change. One more week and I find out if I leave or teach more here. I am finding the local culture to be interesting and I think I might be changing. By that I mean picking up a few habits. My companion says I have been growing and I am like, "How would you know? You have only known me for 6 weeks." That's when he pointed out the cuff on my pants and how it is a little higher than normal. I checked and he could be right, I don´t know. It could be all the vitamins and other good things I have eaten in those pupusas. Beans and rice have once again (like eggs and milk) become a staple. We eat yogurt almost as much. Can you tell I am hungry right now?
It's the hottest part of the year here right now and I think we have hit the peak. Nothing like sleeping in a puddle of your own sweat. Everyone awaits this so-called rainy season. With it only raining once here, I look forward to having a little more water.
Well, conference is coming up and there is an opportunity I might get to watch it in English. So me and this other Gringo in my district are planning something for that. If all goes well we will watch it in the secretary's office where there is AC and a small TV. Everyone else will watch it in the Sacrament hall. Our plan is to buy a bunch of snacks for our 2 day "spirit marathon". Oh ya...this is going to rock! The best part is this office has sleeping bags that we can spread out on the floor so we don´t have to sit the whole time. Oh, its going to rock! I am super excited about this.
If I failed to mention anything else, I am sorry. I think I covered it all. Depression has been something that has been taking hold on a lot of Elders, which is probably why I spend most of my time motivating my companion. I won´t let it get to me.
I like the quote you sent me, Logan: "All the water in the world, no matter how hard it tried, couldn´t sink the smallest ship unless it got inside." Thank you so much for that quote and the others you sent.
I am going to have to go. haha If that makes sense. I guess Spanish is taking over my mind and I can´t think straight again. It happens to most of the Gringos here. We all end up speaking half English and half Spanish.
Saluuuuuuu! That's good bye.
Alex
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Interesting Week
Its been a very interesting week and a lot has happend and a lot hasn´t. Well, to start off, last Tuesday I got bit by a dog. It was just laying on the ground acting asleep and as I passed it, it jumped up and bit me. My companion says I screamed like a little girl. You know I probably did. But if you got bit by a pit bull.... ya. I kicked the stupid thing and it ran off yelping.
Last night I went on splits with my district leader and the first house we hit I ran into a gay guy. I mean we're talking total quier-bait. The first question he asked was, "Hey gringo, do you have naturally blue eyes or are they contacts?" All said with a lisp. Then as we left he started making cat calls at me. Well, needless to say, I probably won´t be passing by there any time soon. As we finished the day and on the way home, I came across a 45-year old woman. My first thought was "Ok, I´ll try to share the gospel with her". When I went to shake her hand, she wouldn´t release it. Thinking "great" so I have to get out of here. I ripped my hand away and as I was walking away, she called me a few choice words and asked why I didn´t want to go back to her place. I know Satan tries, but I won't let him win. I swear there are some really interesting people in the world some days. My companion is learning the rules and he is having a hard time following them sometimes. I find myself always building him up, just like the MTC with my first comp. My spirits are high, though. I have six months in the feild and I am to finish it with 2 years. I know it will be long and i think about you all a lot.
I got a really nice email from Sister Suckoll. It made me laugh a lot. They are some really good friends. I miss being able to joke around with Rob and I think about all the stuff he told me about before the mission. You know some things I thought he was kidding about but turns out its true. I ran into MS 13 the other day. There are some privilages to being a missionary. The tag protects you alot. I went up and talked to a guy with MS on his chest and arms. I was a little scared at first then it turned out he was really helpful in finding a person for us. If you can be on their good side and be friends its awesome. We played soccer again today and I am getting much better with the Latinos. I have blisters on my feet from walking so much.
Well I think I had better answer your questions.
1 My companion is from guatamala.
2 The first councilor of the branch is leading the ward, but the people don´t have much respect for him and our attendance has been dropping. We had 8 investigators this last week and not one showed. That just means no baptisims. :(
3 I don´t know which email you sent this message to me at but I got it and so send it there.
4 We have to cook our meals yes and alot of times we don´t have much time.
5 Recipes would be nice but I can´t use them very much. Its hard to come by ingredients here. I miss certain things about the states in that aspect.
Other than that, life has been good and I am mailing some letters home to you all. I am looking forward to talking on Mothers Day and hearing you voices.
Love Alex
Last night I went on splits with my district leader and the first house we hit I ran into a gay guy. I mean we're talking total quier-bait. The first question he asked was, "Hey gringo, do you have naturally blue eyes or are they contacts?" All said with a lisp. Then as we left he started making cat calls at me. Well, needless to say, I probably won´t be passing by there any time soon. As we finished the day and on the way home, I came across a 45-year old woman. My first thought was "Ok, I´ll try to share the gospel with her". When I went to shake her hand, she wouldn´t release it. Thinking "great" so I have to get out of here. I ripped my hand away and as I was walking away, she called me a few choice words and asked why I didn´t want to go back to her place. I know Satan tries, but I won't let him win. I swear there are some really interesting people in the world some days. My companion is learning the rules and he is having a hard time following them sometimes. I find myself always building him up, just like the MTC with my first comp. My spirits are high, though. I have six months in the feild and I am to finish it with 2 years. I know it will be long and i think about you all a lot.
I got a really nice email from Sister Suckoll. It made me laugh a lot. They are some really good friends. I miss being able to joke around with Rob and I think about all the stuff he told me about before the mission. You know some things I thought he was kidding about but turns out its true. I ran into MS 13 the other day. There are some privilages to being a missionary. The tag protects you alot. I went up and talked to a guy with MS on his chest and arms. I was a little scared at first then it turned out he was really helpful in finding a person for us. If you can be on their good side and be friends its awesome. We played soccer again today and I am getting much better with the Latinos. I have blisters on my feet from walking so much.
Well I think I had better answer your questions.
1 My companion is from guatamala.
2 The first councilor of the branch is leading the ward, but the people don´t have much respect for him and our attendance has been dropping. We had 8 investigators this last week and not one showed. That just means no baptisims. :(
3 I don´t know which email you sent this message to me at but I got it and so send it there.
4 We have to cook our meals yes and alot of times we don´t have much time.
5 Recipes would be nice but I can´t use them very much. Its hard to come by ingredients here. I miss certain things about the states in that aspect.
Other than that, life has been good and I am mailing some letters home to you all. I am looking forward to talking on Mothers Day and hearing you voices.
Love Alex
Monday, March 08, 2010
New Adventures...Alex's Recent Letter
Well, a lot has happend this week. First, to answer your questions: 1) I have not received a package or cards yet. 2) My new area is hot, really hot, and my companion is, well, a nerd. I am having a hard time trying to teach him some stuff. For example, he keeps forgetting the most basic rule: don´t leave your companion. I will be doing something one minute and he will just up and leave. I think the mission is a little tough for him right now. Either way, we have a lot of work to do and we are starting to get along. Teaching is tough. 3) The food is better mostly because we are cooking this change. We have no cook, no one to wash our clothes (like the last area) and only a short time to do it. Good thing is that my companion is kind of a clean freak, or at least he thinks he is, which means he is cleaner then most. Our house is super hot. It's about 95 degrees at night and we are entering the hottest part of the year. It's a lot like Vegas just more water in the air.
In my new area I am assigned to basically open the missionary area. So right now we're looking for investigators and knocking doors. The presidency of this branch is basically just like the last area...clueless. I think they will be putting me as a councilor again. Oh, well. That helps me feel useful. The president of the branch had a warrant on his head by a gang here, so he had to go to another city. The missionaries are fine. I have yet to run into someone from MS 13 of the gang 18. (that's for you, Mom) I am working on getting another package for you guys at home and trying hard to take some pics. Every day I take pics. The trick is to do it and not look like a tourist.
Well, this past week I have had my head in the scriptures a lot too. I have been reading Alma 43 and 44. Those are the chapters where Moroni is leading his army and catches Zerahemnah. I llove it. I have been growing a lot spiritually. The hardest part about life is getting people to listen to our message. They are all from this one church here called Apostles and Prophets. How ironic. The good thing is they believe almost the same things as we do, but we have the preisthood and a few other things. So it's a matter of helping them understand that we have proper authority, not a certificate from a college.
Logan I am so proud of you going on splits with the missionaries. Its important to read the Book of Mormon. If you don´t know what you are preaching, you can´t teach. Keep up the good work at school and take care of Reid. Say hi to all the friends for me. Reid I hope your week went by a little better for you and had a little encouragement in school and at church.
Dad thank yo so much for the email. When I read it, I started to cry. Hearing about home and how well everyone is doing made me proud. As your son, you are my hero. To to be able to inspire you makes me happy. You have taught me so much and to be able to give back to you is something of a thanks that I have always tried to do. It's funny, I am training a greenie and I often find myself training him in the ways of things that you have taught me. You and Mom are two of the most important people in my life, and often times the reason why I stay out here. I am not going to lie, some days it's rough and you and the family back home are the only thing other than the Saviour that get me through. Say hi to Rob and you can tell him that I am in El Salvador for the long run. If he had a tough time with the culture for 3 months, tell him to picture me here. I love him as a friend and am very thankful for his support. I think of his honesty and how it can be funny at times, but it is true and he has influenced me to be here. I don´t have any more time but I wish a hello to everyone! Every day I find myself thinking about at least one of you guys back home. Gabby, Jordan, Taylor, Ian, Sidney, Zak, Rob, Leslie, the Greenlands, Browns and the rest of the stake and other friends like Lee, Mikey, John, Francisco, Raul. Everyone, I mean it, you are all such a big help! Grandmas and grandpa for the letters. Thanks for all the support.
Love Alex
Elder Proksch
In my new area I am assigned to basically open the missionary area. So right now we're looking for investigators and knocking doors. The presidency of this branch is basically just like the last area...clueless. I think they will be putting me as a councilor again. Oh, well. That helps me feel useful. The president of the branch had a warrant on his head by a gang here, so he had to go to another city. The missionaries are fine. I have yet to run into someone from MS 13 of the gang 18. (that's for you, Mom) I am working on getting another package for you guys at home and trying hard to take some pics. Every day I take pics. The trick is to do it and not look like a tourist.
Well, this past week I have had my head in the scriptures a lot too. I have been reading Alma 43 and 44. Those are the chapters where Moroni is leading his army and catches Zerahemnah. I llove it. I have been growing a lot spiritually. The hardest part about life is getting people to listen to our message. They are all from this one church here called Apostles and Prophets. How ironic. The good thing is they believe almost the same things as we do, but we have the preisthood and a few other things. So it's a matter of helping them understand that we have proper authority, not a certificate from a college.
Logan I am so proud of you going on splits with the missionaries. Its important to read the Book of Mormon. If you don´t know what you are preaching, you can´t teach. Keep up the good work at school and take care of Reid. Say hi to all the friends for me. Reid I hope your week went by a little better for you and had a little encouragement in school and at church.
Dad thank yo so much for the email. When I read it, I started to cry. Hearing about home and how well everyone is doing made me proud. As your son, you are my hero. To to be able to inspire you makes me happy. You have taught me so much and to be able to give back to you is something of a thanks that I have always tried to do. It's funny, I am training a greenie and I often find myself training him in the ways of things that you have taught me. You and Mom are two of the most important people in my life, and often times the reason why I stay out here. I am not going to lie, some days it's rough and you and the family back home are the only thing other than the Saviour that get me through. Say hi to Rob and you can tell him that I am in El Salvador for the long run. If he had a tough time with the culture for 3 months, tell him to picture me here. I love him as a friend and am very thankful for his support. I think of his honesty and how it can be funny at times, but it is true and he has influenced me to be here. I don´t have any more time but I wish a hello to everyone! Every day I find myself thinking about at least one of you guys back home. Gabby, Jordan, Taylor, Ian, Sidney, Zak, Rob, Leslie, the Greenlands, Browns and the rest of the stake and other friends like Lee, Mikey, John, Francisco, Raul. Everyone, I mean it, you are all such a big help! Grandmas and grandpa for the letters. Thanks for all the support.
Love Alex
Elder Proksch
Monday, March 01, 2010
March 1st Letter
Wow, how are you all doing in Vegas? For those of you who don´t know, today is changes in the mission field. Aahhhhhhh fun! Not. I got an area change this past week. I am now in a hotter, more dry area and it's really hot. It's called Santa Rosa de Lima. Look it up on a map or something and maybe do some research on it. Kinda cool area. It feels like the area straight out of Looney Lunes. You know, the one with Daffy Duck in the desert scene. Cow heads on fences and cactus every once in a while. Really all quite funny. Anyway, I am also training in my new area and they have me opening an area too which means no more 2nd councilor to the branch president. I find out who my new companion is on Wednsday. I have to get up at 2:30 in the morning to go to the capital (San Salvador) by bus and pick up my new companion. Should be fun. My new house is sweet. Mom, you asked if I was getting into a groove. Well, the key word is "was". I just got my snow globe shaken up. Time to start over, but hey, I am getting used to it by now.
I just got a letter today from the Stake Pres. talking about some of the same stuff he said in conference. Pretty sweet talk from what I hear and yes, missionary work is pretty cool. About the part of missions baptizing a lot, recieving more missionaries, yes, we are going to be receiving 50 new missionaries this year.
I feel like there is not alot of advice I can give my brothers because I am so far away, but this I can say: I know this Gospel is true. I have read the books and prayed and felt it in my heart. There have been times when I wanted to give up really bad, but I am not going to because I know the church is true and I won´t give up on the Lord. Every missionary comes on his mission for a reason and for each one it's personal. My reason is to gain more of a testimony and to help the people of El Salvador in their struggles. Never, never, never lose sight of your goals and chip away at them even if sometimes its one piece at a time. Know that I love you Reid and Logan. There is more to this Gospel that you could ever imagine. If there is any way I can help you in the least little bit, let me know.
About the earthquake in Chile, I have four good friends down there right now and I hope that they are ok. Thank you for all your prayers. Take care.
Elder Alex Proksch
I just got a letter today from the Stake Pres. talking about some of the same stuff he said in conference. Pretty sweet talk from what I hear and yes, missionary work is pretty cool. About the part of missions baptizing a lot, recieving more missionaries, yes, we are going to be receiving 50 new missionaries this year.
I feel like there is not alot of advice I can give my brothers because I am so far away, but this I can say: I know this Gospel is true. I have read the books and prayed and felt it in my heart. There have been times when I wanted to give up really bad, but I am not going to because I know the church is true and I won´t give up on the Lord. Every missionary comes on his mission for a reason and for each one it's personal. My reason is to gain more of a testimony and to help the people of El Salvador in their struggles. Never, never, never lose sight of your goals and chip away at them even if sometimes its one piece at a time. Know that I love you Reid and Logan. There is more to this Gospel that you could ever imagine. If there is any way I can help you in the least little bit, let me know.
About the earthquake in Chile, I have four good friends down there right now and I hope that they are ok. Thank you for all your prayers. Take care.
Elder Alex Proksch
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Valentine's Week letter
Felize san Valentino
Oh my gosh! Ok, yesterday was church and I totally forgot that it was Valentine's Day. When you're in the mission, you kinda forget about things like that. Anyway, the president of the branch was taking a break from directing the branch and my companion was leading the meeting. About 5 minutes in I find out I have a talk on love that no one decided to tell me about. I pulled the talk off, not as well as the sister who had all week to prepare, though. Funny though how justice is short served because after the meeting my comp and a few other missionaries were like "good talk!" half joking and half serious. Well, next week they are all talking. HAhahaha. Oh, it pays to be humble.
Thank you so much for all the tips on health and cures. They are going to help so much. I think if I can, I am going to fill the room with garlic for my mosquito problem. Just joking.
Glad you liked the package I sent. When I have a bad day or sometimes just need a good snack for a change I will eat those cookies or peanuts. I want to send you some candy. I swear they put crack in it. Some of the candies are really good its nice to have a change of flavor from beans every seven days.
Side note about the hammock ...every house here has one and I have been watching how they hang them. I figured out that the more rope that you put on the ends the more comfertable they are. More rope means further apart on you hanging points. I thought that the two post on the patio of the house would be a good spot.
Since being here I have learned how to cook a few things. Pupusas and a couple of their fruit drinks. They have one that is banana milk ice and cinnamon mixed in to a milk shake form. They call it licuado. I know how to make beans however you like. Really, I'm not kidding. The tortillas here are about a centimeter thick and about five inches wide. The fried chicken is not your Kentucky Fried chicken, but I think I'm getting used to it. You guys need to experience the buses here. Thats something else.
I love you all . Good to here things are going good back home. Three months in the field is coming up soon. I guess that means I can brag to Rob right???? I have almost 5 months out. Whooo hoo its going by fast.
I am thankful for the blessings of the Lord and protecting me out here. Always acknowlege him and he will take care of you. Take care and build your testimonies.
AlEx xxOOxXooXXoXooXxxXx
Oh my gosh! Ok, yesterday was church and I totally forgot that it was Valentine's Day. When you're in the mission, you kinda forget about things like that. Anyway, the president of the branch was taking a break from directing the branch and my companion was leading the meeting. About 5 minutes in I find out I have a talk on love that no one decided to tell me about. I pulled the talk off, not as well as the sister who had all week to prepare, though. Funny though how justice is short served because after the meeting my comp and a few other missionaries were like "good talk!" half joking and half serious. Well, next week they are all talking. HAhahaha. Oh, it pays to be humble.
Thank you so much for all the tips on health and cures. They are going to help so much. I think if I can, I am going to fill the room with garlic for my mosquito problem. Just joking.
Glad you liked the package I sent. When I have a bad day or sometimes just need a good snack for a change I will eat those cookies or peanuts. I want to send you some candy. I swear they put crack in it. Some of the candies are really good its nice to have a change of flavor from beans every seven days.
Side note about the hammock ...every house here has one and I have been watching how they hang them. I figured out that the more rope that you put on the ends the more comfertable they are. More rope means further apart on you hanging points. I thought that the two post on the patio of the house would be a good spot.
Since being here I have learned how to cook a few things. Pupusas and a couple of their fruit drinks. They have one that is banana milk ice and cinnamon mixed in to a milk shake form. They call it licuado. I know how to make beans however you like. Really, I'm not kidding. The tortillas here are about a centimeter thick and about five inches wide. The fried chicken is not your Kentucky Fried chicken, but I think I'm getting used to it. You guys need to experience the buses here. Thats something else.
I love you all . Good to here things are going good back home. Three months in the field is coming up soon. I guess that means I can brag to Rob right???? I have almost 5 months out. Whooo hoo its going by fast.
I am thankful for the blessings of the Lord and protecting me out here. Always acknowlege him and he will take care of you. Take care and build your testimonies.
AlEx xxOOxXooXXoXooXxxXx
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Four Months
Letter from Elder Proksch:
Just another day in the life of El Salvador. This week we had the wedding that a lady preformed the ceramony by law, not Priesthood. We held the ceremony in the church and it only took about 5 minutes. That was the actual event time. The rest of the time she was just reading the rights, laws and privilages of each person in the marriage. You know, what belonged to who. I am surpised Vegas isn´t out of business with it only being 20 bucks and 5 minutes. Nothing says, "I love you, honey" like "...till death do you part. Amen." Anyway, she could not be baptized because she has been drinking coffee. That part wasn't good and none of our investigators showed to church so in mission work it was a little tough this week. In the branch things are turning for the better. A lot of the inactives we have been contacting have been showing back up to church, which is good. We are still short some numbers every week to get the new stake center that is badly needed. I have been working with the president on tithing and doing math with him...and filling out forms to send in the tithing info. Glad I paid attention to math in homeschool, Mom! We have been doing some planning for activities too. One of the hardest parts is that most of the members will show up to church but very, very few will come to the activities, so we are trying to encourage some of the more popular members to show up for the fun activities and then establish things like mutual and family home evening. It's starting to work. We just need to now start passing the torch to the members, so when we leave, the program will continue.
This week I would have to say Brother Stewart was right about sleeping inside a tin oven. Man, its so hot plus the countless mosquito bites. It looks like I have a sickness when you look at my arms. I know it sounds like I have a lot of problems but I guess its just the blessings of a mission or blessing of the Lord that makes you just not care about it. It's like it just becomes a fact of life. By the way, pancakes here are actually crepes. The only cereal is Cornflakes, chocolate Rice Krispies and Frosted Flakes, so no wheat bix. They have real peanut butter. That's a super plus! I got my hands on some real sugar cane, straight from the field. We aren´t supposed to drink energy drinks but that sugar cane has got to be the closest thing to one down here that you can get. Crash includedk, but so worth it.
Have a good week!
Love, Alex
Just another day in the life of El Salvador. This week we had the wedding that a lady preformed the ceramony by law, not Priesthood. We held the ceremony in the church and it only took about 5 minutes. That was the actual event time. The rest of the time she was just reading the rights, laws and privilages of each person in the marriage. You know, what belonged to who. I am surpised Vegas isn´t out of business with it only being 20 bucks and 5 minutes. Nothing says, "I love you, honey" like "...till death do you part. Amen." Anyway, she could not be baptized because she has been drinking coffee. That part wasn't good and none of our investigators showed to church so in mission work it was a little tough this week. In the branch things are turning for the better. A lot of the inactives we have been contacting have been showing back up to church, which is good. We are still short some numbers every week to get the new stake center that is badly needed. I have been working with the president on tithing and doing math with him...and filling out forms to send in the tithing info. Glad I paid attention to math in homeschool, Mom! We have been doing some planning for activities too. One of the hardest parts is that most of the members will show up to church but very, very few will come to the activities, so we are trying to encourage some of the more popular members to show up for the fun activities and then establish things like mutual and family home evening. It's starting to work. We just need to now start passing the torch to the members, so when we leave, the program will continue.
This week I would have to say Brother Stewart was right about sleeping inside a tin oven. Man, its so hot plus the countless mosquito bites. It looks like I have a sickness when you look at my arms. I know it sounds like I have a lot of problems but I guess its just the blessings of a mission or blessing of the Lord that makes you just not care about it. It's like it just becomes a fact of life. By the way, pancakes here are actually crepes. The only cereal is Cornflakes, chocolate Rice Krispies and Frosted Flakes, so no wheat bix. They have real peanut butter. That's a super plus! I got my hands on some real sugar cane, straight from the field. We aren´t supposed to drink energy drinks but that sugar cane has got to be the closest thing to one down here that you can get. Crash includedk, but so worth it.
Have a good week!
Love, Alex
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Hey Elder!
Thats really cool that Vegas got a lot of rain. I miss it. For being as raining as they said it would be here its not. It only drizzled once all night. We have had fog. That was cool. I have been taking more and more pics with the camera.
As far as families go, I have found myself loving the families I do service for more This past week I had the opportunity to cook for a family twice. I love to cook, it makes me feel good and safer about the food I am eating. Quite frankly I could cook better then our maid, but I eat the food anyway to make her feel better. Some of the food she makes literally makes you sick. I've had diarhea, vomiting, and who knows what else. After a while you just give up and say I don't care if I am sick. I am working any way. Bring it on. I had one funny experience when I was on a bus and had food poisioning. I had a window seat for reasons. We were driving down the road and I had to throw up. Well, all the windows behind me were open, so I tried to direct it down, but at 40mph the wind just takes it and scatters it whereever. So, I think some of it came back in the bus through the windows behind me. I laughed, they cried. It was fun.
So I love to serve. It's what adds variety to the mission. My companion is starting to slack off in regular mission work and I have a hard time motivating at times. Thats got to be the worst job... encouraging him to work. The other thing I have trouble with is he is my trainer, so he treats me like a dog at times. I just try to serve him and hope he will appreciate it and remember what he is doing. Its tough at times. He is smart in the gospel and I love him a lot. Thats why I want him to do good but its like an investigator. You can lead him to the gospel but you can't make him drink.
I have been very busy. This week we are involved in having an investigator married. Then she will be baptized the next day. Thats going to be fun.
If there is one thing I have learned, that is the thing I think god wants the most is his children is to obey the commandments, read the scriptures, pray, go to church, pay tithing and fast offerings, and find others to bring to the gospel. I know it sounds easy but you would be surprised how many people can't even keep the sabbath day. It's like a drug to them, they say "Oh I don't want to work on Sunday", but when you go visit them, they are selling on the side of the street. Its like they don't trust God to watch over them and that He will bless them for not working that one day of the week. Anyway I hate to dwell on the bad but we all have our challenges, if not, what would we do and talk about.
I have been reading a book called Our Heritage from the missionary library. It's really interesting and has been building my testimony of the church and of Joseph Smith. I love the people of El Salvador. They are so nice. I look at this country and I see trash every where....broken, battered things, bum problems, but when you look closely you can see an inventor (someone who has made trash in to art). Happy people who have made the best with what they have and would be willing to share their best with you. Their spirits are strong, their faces are bright, and the children...you can see the light and face of christ. They are honest, true, and they project the gospel even if they are of a different religion. I love the children. We try to teach the gospel to the leader of the home but I always find myself relating with the kids. They always love to play. Thats one thing I think I will miss a lot about the mission, is going around to different families getting to see these different families happy and the smiles on the kids faces when they see us coming. HEY ELDER.
Thank you so much for all your letters. I really enjoy them. They lift me up.
Love, Elder Proksch
As far as families go, I have found myself loving the families I do service for more This past week I had the opportunity to cook for a family twice. I love to cook, it makes me feel good and safer about the food I am eating. Quite frankly I could cook better then our maid, but I eat the food anyway to make her feel better. Some of the food she makes literally makes you sick. I've had diarhea, vomiting, and who knows what else. After a while you just give up and say I don't care if I am sick. I am working any way. Bring it on. I had one funny experience when I was on a bus and had food poisioning. I had a window seat for reasons. We were driving down the road and I had to throw up. Well, all the windows behind me were open, so I tried to direct it down, but at 40mph the wind just takes it and scatters it whereever. So, I think some of it came back in the bus through the windows behind me. I laughed, they cried. It was fun.
So I love to serve. It's what adds variety to the mission. My companion is starting to slack off in regular mission work and I have a hard time motivating at times. Thats got to be the worst job... encouraging him to work. The other thing I have trouble with is he is my trainer, so he treats me like a dog at times. I just try to serve him and hope he will appreciate it and remember what he is doing. Its tough at times. He is smart in the gospel and I love him a lot. Thats why I want him to do good but its like an investigator. You can lead him to the gospel but you can't make him drink.
I have been very busy. This week we are involved in having an investigator married. Then she will be baptized the next day. Thats going to be fun.
If there is one thing I have learned, that is the thing I think god wants the most is his children is to obey the commandments, read the scriptures, pray, go to church, pay tithing and fast offerings, and find others to bring to the gospel. I know it sounds easy but you would be surprised how many people can't even keep the sabbath day. It's like a drug to them, they say "Oh I don't want to work on Sunday", but when you go visit them, they are selling on the side of the street. Its like they don't trust God to watch over them and that He will bless them for not working that one day of the week. Anyway I hate to dwell on the bad but we all have our challenges, if not, what would we do and talk about.
I have been reading a book called Our Heritage from the missionary library. It's really interesting and has been building my testimony of the church and of Joseph Smith. I love the people of El Salvador. They are so nice. I look at this country and I see trash every where....broken, battered things, bum problems, but when you look closely you can see an inventor (someone who has made trash in to art). Happy people who have made the best with what they have and would be willing to share their best with you. Their spirits are strong, their faces are bright, and the children...you can see the light and face of christ. They are honest, true, and they project the gospel even if they are of a different religion. I love the children. We try to teach the gospel to the leader of the home but I always find myself relating with the kids. They always love to play. Thats one thing I think I will miss a lot about the mission, is going around to different families getting to see these different families happy and the smiles on the kids faces when they see us coming. HEY ELDER.
Thank you so much for all your letters. I really enjoy them. They lift me up.
Love, Elder Proksch
Monday, January 18, 2010
January 18
Well this week was nowhere near as exciting as last week.
First to answer some questions. We don´t cook. We have a cook and she washes our clothes. My shoes are fine I should be good for now. I still haven´t received a package, but expect to get one this change. I have received letters. 1 from Stake Pres. and from grandma and the Brooks. Thank you all very much. Sidney I got your email. Thank you for writing and that's awesome about school. I hope you do well and study hard. Say hi to the gang for me. The food down here is good but nothing like origonal tj mex. They have tortillas filled with refried beans and cheese. Those are called papusas. Then its mostly beans and rice and more beans and bread. If you think its bland... its not. They put like 3 cups of salt in everything.
As far as church goes, the missionaries run the ward pretty much. We are starting things all over again and building things from the ground up. New leaders and programs. It really gives me an appreciation for bishops and their callings. We had our first mutual last Saturday. It was fun and we had the youth plan the next weeks activity.
Other than that, not much has happend. Just changes this week. I am with my same companion again. I think I might be here for six months. Thats the max amount of time you can be in one area.
Well, take care. Pray always and read the scriptures. Its key to do these things. If you keep the comandments the rest will fall in line.
Elder Proksch
First to answer some questions. We don´t cook. We have a cook and she washes our clothes. My shoes are fine I should be good for now. I still haven´t received a package, but expect to get one this change. I have received letters. 1 from Stake Pres. and from grandma and the Brooks. Thank you all very much. Sidney I got your email. Thank you for writing and that's awesome about school. I hope you do well and study hard. Say hi to the gang for me. The food down here is good but nothing like origonal tj mex. They have tortillas filled with refried beans and cheese. Those are called papusas. Then its mostly beans and rice and more beans and bread. If you think its bland... its not. They put like 3 cups of salt in everything.
As far as church goes, the missionaries run the ward pretty much. We are starting things all over again and building things from the ground up. New leaders and programs. It really gives me an appreciation for bishops and their callings. We had our first mutual last Saturday. It was fun and we had the youth plan the next weeks activity.
Other than that, not much has happend. Just changes this week. I am with my same companion again. I think I might be here for six months. Thats the max amount of time you can be in one area.
Well, take care. Pray always and read the scriptures. Its key to do these things. If you keep the comandments the rest will fall in line.
Elder Proksch
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Bus...
Well I don´t know if it gets any crazier than this week. It all started off with zone leader exchanges. I went to my leaders area and taught with them for a day and they asked questions about me and my district. Then on the way home I met up with my companion and we took a bus.
I was debating whether or not to tell you about this next part then I figured you should know about my situtation. We were standing on this overly crowded bus at the very front just in the door, when it made a stop and a bunch of people got off. So there were seats to use and we took them. 10 minutes later my comp. asked me what time it was and just as I looked down I heard a loud crash. It felt like a tire exploded. During the noise I fell to Come to find out we hit a pickup truck. We were doing about mph when we hit. We hit on the drivers side and it took the two front wheels out and left some scratches on the side.
My hands get shaky just talking about it. I am fine my companion too. No scratches. The scariest thing is we were standing at the very spot where we would have been hit but moved to the back minutes before the crash. Thank you so much for your prayers, I know the Lord watches and protects his servents. Thanks to all of your prayers. On the way home we hitchhiked with a pickup. My companion and I had no words. Just thinking it was a miracle to be alive.
Two days later we had a zone conference again and I had an interview with the mission president. It turns out now I am second councilor in the branch. It's the same as being second councilor in the ward. So my life is super busy right now. We have family home evening every Thurs. at 6. Every Saturday is mutual YM/YW at 3. I am not going to lie... being busy is not a bad thing it keeps you distracted. This branch needs good leaders and motivation and I hope I can bring both. We have about 50 come to church every week and if we can get 60 they will give us a building and turn it into a stake.
Well thats the bare bones of whats been going on. There is some much I just don´t know where to start.
I love you all and enjoy reading your emails. Thank you so much.
Elder Proksch
I was debating whether or not to tell you about this next part then I figured you should know about my situtation. We were standing on this overly crowded bus at the very front just in the door, when it made a stop and a bunch of people got off. So there were seats to use and we took them. 10 minutes later my comp. asked me what time it was and just as I looked down I heard a loud crash. It felt like a tire exploded. During the noise I fell to Come to find out we hit a pickup truck. We were doing about mph when we hit. We hit on the drivers side and it took the two front wheels out and left some scratches on the side.
My hands get shaky just talking about it. I am fine my companion too. No scratches. The scariest thing is we were standing at the very spot where we would have been hit but moved to the back minutes before the crash. Thank you so much for your prayers, I know the Lord watches and protects his servents. Thanks to all of your prayers. On the way home we hitchhiked with a pickup. My companion and I had no words. Just thinking it was a miracle to be alive.
Two days later we had a zone conference again and I had an interview with the mission president. It turns out now I am second councilor in the branch. It's the same as being second councilor in the ward. So my life is super busy right now. We have family home evening every Thurs. at 6. Every Saturday is mutual YM/YW at 3. I am not going to lie... being busy is not a bad thing it keeps you distracted. This branch needs good leaders and motivation and I hope I can bring both. We have about 50 come to church every week and if we can get 60 they will give us a building and turn it into a stake.
Well thats the bare bones of whats been going on. There is some much I just don´t know where to start.
I love you all and enjoy reading your emails. Thank you so much.
Elder Proksch
Monday, January 04, 2010
January 4th
As far as things for this week not much has happend. First week without a baptism, NOOOOO. New years was a late night again and didn´t get much sleep. Food has been awesome. I don´t know how many different versions of papussas there are but I think I had a different one yesterday. It was covered in egg and then fried, like french toast. It was good. They have cole slaw that's pretty good too. I have been to this place called Pollo Campero which is like KFC and it's just not the same.
We have spent a lot of time with members trying to build the branch. The branch is so deprived of preisthood that I am first councilor with my companion and our other two district members are second councilors . We are trying hard to build the church but I am not really sure how we're going to make that happen. The biggest challenge is to get the members involved. They just don´t want to. So we give talks in Sacrament, teach gospel principles and priesthood. Last week we tried to get the deacons to understand the importance of their calling, but they just mess around as deacons do. I would take any of the deacons in our ward any day. I am learning to be patient and learn from others. Especially with our investigators. We have this one where she knows all that we can teach and passed an interview with pres. but when the day came she just didn´t want to be baptized, so we asked why and she just didn´t think she was ready and didn´t want to be baptized. It's tough. You love the people so much especially someone you have . They know all that you can teach and they come to church and are practically a member, but just believe they aren´t ready for the first step. It's also tough because you want them to succeed. It makes you cry and hurt and feel like you have failed. I feel now like I know what Heavenly Father feels like when his children do bad or disobey or ignore the commandments. He hurts because he wants them to do good. Anyway, life has been good other than that.
I love you all and I know what I am doing is right. I love the work and it makes me so happpy to bring others to the Gospel. I feel so happy when someone gets it and they understand what we do about this life and the next.
Take care,
Alex
We have spent a lot of time with members trying to build the branch. The branch is so deprived of preisthood that I am first councilor with my companion and our other two district members are second councilors . We are trying hard to build the church but I am not really sure how we're going to make that happen. The biggest challenge is to get the members involved. They just don´t want to. So we give talks in Sacrament, teach gospel principles and priesthood. Last week we tried to get the deacons to understand the importance of their calling, but they just mess around as deacons do. I would take any of the deacons in our ward any day. I am learning to be patient and learn from others. Especially with our investigators. We have this one where she knows all that we can teach and passed an interview with pres. but when the day came she just didn´t want to be baptized, so we asked why and she just didn´t think she was ready and didn´t want to be baptized. It's tough. You love the people so much especially someone you have . They know all that you can teach and they come to church and are practically a member, but just believe they aren´t ready for the first step. It's also tough because you want them to succeed. It makes you cry and hurt and feel like you have failed. I feel now like I know what Heavenly Father feels like when his children do bad or disobey or ignore the commandments. He hurts because he wants them to do good. Anyway, life has been good other than that.
I love you all and I know what I am doing is right. I love the work and it makes me so happpy to bring others to the Gospel. I feel so happy when someone gets it and they understand what we do about this life and the next.
Take care,
Alex
Monday, December 21, 2009
Alex Christmas Week letter
Thank you for the letter and I hope I am able to answer all your questions. Baptism on the first day, I did the ordinance and the next day they confirmed her. By the way I baptized another person this past week. The mom of the Hernandez family. It is funny because when I was baptized her she is not a small girl. So the baptismal faunt overflowed. I know you're probably wondering how this is possible but the faunts here are not the same as in the states like you would think. Its like an above ground bath tub that gets filled with water and when it gets low, more or less like a pool. So it was my second baptism.
Thank the Relief Society for me, please. I got a package from them, much appreciated. There is just so much to tell you about, I don´t know where to start.
No one has done any greenie stuff yet. I think they all know how hard it is to adjust, let alone get the language down. So I think I have been greenieing myself. My companion is nice. We have our differences, but like any companion, we move through them and work the best we can. Right now he does most of the teaching and I try. I am learning.
We don´t really eat at members houses, but they give us little snacks sometimes. I have had some pretty good food. I probably told you I am sick off eggs and beans and rice, but thats life.
The people love the missionaries alot, and are so kind. I have started to slip into my trend and find a grove, it's tough but time flies tomorrow is the two week mark. Culture shock is going away. I think I am just getting used to it. I plan on bragging when I make it past the 3 month mark to Rob Suckoll.
It's sad that I am forgetting things about life before the mission. Its like if I don´t have a picture or memorando I forget parts and pieces. I try to remember, but its tough. I love you all and pray like any other missionary morning day and night.
As far as weather goes, it started raining last night about 900 and didn´t stop till about 1000 this morning. Its wet and I need to find a few things today so I need an umbrella, pillow, blanket. Believe it or not, it gets cold when it rains. P day is kind of a spurge day get some real food.
The branch is small. Alot of women it it. The only priesthood we have is the president of the branch, his 2 sons and us, 4 missionaries. My companions name is Elder Garcia. The country is very green. Lot of sugar cane. The sugar is SUPER GOOD TOO. he he We live in our own house with 4 elders. The other 2 are looking for their own house right now. They say its rare to have 4 in one house. I got a hammock. Its nice and great for unwinding. Lots of stress in the field with walking and caring for the people. Everyone has an excuse. Its all part of loving the people.
Just trying to make it into a groove right now then I can stretch my wings and grow .
Before I left the MTC, my teacher told me a story about eagles.
When a mother eagle goes to have kids she builds a nest and starts with big sticks to lay the foundation. Then she lines the nest with soft things to protect the eggs so they don´t break and when they hatch the chicks don´t get hurt. When the eggs hatch the chicks grow and slowly the mother removes the fuzz from the nest to encourage the eagles to fly, but they don´t. So the mother flies around the nest to encourage them. Still they don't, so one day she stops at the nest and the chicks climb on her back and she takes them up up and up circling till they get way up there and she turns over and drops them off her back. They fall tumbling and tumbling until the mother dives down and catches them on her back again. Scientists call this a miracle of nature. She then circles up up and up again until she gets to the top and dumps them off again. This time the chicks see mom pass them and think, "wait whats that? I have 2 of those things why can't I do that?" So they try and this is how they learn to fly.
He then related the story to us. So right now I am tumbling trying to get a hold of this. I have my wings spread and I can sort of glide right now but soon I will fly.
I know this gospel is true. I know the Book of Mormon is true also. It would not be possible for me to do what I am doing without the power of the Spirit. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for us. I know this, and I love him for this. He is our Savior and Redeemer and through Him we can return to our Father in heaven. Our Father in heaven loves us. It makes me so sad when I hear people say, "Why does God let bad things happen to good people?" He doesn´t. He is letting us learn. Like the eagle chicks people need to tumble sometimes in order to learn how to fly.
Well I have more mail to get through so I love everyone and take care,
Alex Proksch
P.S. No one knows how to say my name down here, its kinda funny.
Thank the Relief Society for me, please. I got a package from them, much appreciated. There is just so much to tell you about, I don´t know where to start.
No one has done any greenie stuff yet. I think they all know how hard it is to adjust, let alone get the language down. So I think I have been greenieing myself. My companion is nice. We have our differences, but like any companion, we move through them and work the best we can. Right now he does most of the teaching and I try. I am learning.
We don´t really eat at members houses, but they give us little snacks sometimes. I have had some pretty good food. I probably told you I am sick off eggs and beans and rice, but thats life.
The people love the missionaries alot, and are so kind. I have started to slip into my trend and find a grove, it's tough but time flies tomorrow is the two week mark. Culture shock is going away. I think I am just getting used to it. I plan on bragging when I make it past the 3 month mark to Rob Suckoll.
It's sad that I am forgetting things about life before the mission. Its like if I don´t have a picture or memorando I forget parts and pieces. I try to remember, but its tough. I love you all and pray like any other missionary morning day and night.
As far as weather goes, it started raining last night about 900 and didn´t stop till about 1000 this morning. Its wet and I need to find a few things today so I need an umbrella, pillow, blanket. Believe it or not, it gets cold when it rains. P day is kind of a spurge day get some real food.
The branch is small. Alot of women it it. The only priesthood we have is the president of the branch, his 2 sons and us, 4 missionaries. My companions name is Elder Garcia. The country is very green. Lot of sugar cane. The sugar is SUPER GOOD TOO. he he We live in our own house with 4 elders. The other 2 are looking for their own house right now. They say its rare to have 4 in one house. I got a hammock. Its nice and great for unwinding. Lots of stress in the field with walking and caring for the people. Everyone has an excuse. Its all part of loving the people.
Just trying to make it into a groove right now then I can stretch my wings and grow .
Before I left the MTC, my teacher told me a story about eagles.
When a mother eagle goes to have kids she builds a nest and starts with big sticks to lay the foundation. Then she lines the nest with soft things to protect the eggs so they don´t break and when they hatch the chicks don´t get hurt. When the eggs hatch the chicks grow and slowly the mother removes the fuzz from the nest to encourage the eagles to fly, but they don´t. So the mother flies around the nest to encourage them. Still they don't, so one day she stops at the nest and the chicks climb on her back and she takes them up up and up circling till they get way up there and she turns over and drops them off her back. They fall tumbling and tumbling until the mother dives down and catches them on her back again. Scientists call this a miracle of nature. She then circles up up and up again until she gets to the top and dumps them off again. This time the chicks see mom pass them and think, "wait whats that? I have 2 of those things why can't I do that?" So they try and this is how they learn to fly.
He then related the story to us. So right now I am tumbling trying to get a hold of this. I have my wings spread and I can sort of glide right now but soon I will fly.
I know this gospel is true. I know the Book of Mormon is true also. It would not be possible for me to do what I am doing without the power of the Spirit. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for us. I know this, and I love him for this. He is our Savior and Redeemer and through Him we can return to our Father in heaven. Our Father in heaven loves us. It makes me so sad when I hear people say, "Why does God let bad things happen to good people?" He doesn´t. He is letting us learn. Like the eagle chicks people need to tumble sometimes in order to learn how to fly.
Well I have more mail to get through so I love everyone and take care,
Alex Proksch
P.S. No one knows how to say my name down here, its kinda funny.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Direct from El Salvador!
I made it to the country. Things are way different here. It is hot. Man it is hot! Everything is in Spanish so things are a little slower here. I have to translate it all then translate again. I Baptised a little girl my first day here. Wow, right? Her name was Lupita. We are working with a few families, but it is tough. Some are faster than others. It has been a big culture shock. I have seen many beautiful things and things I don´t want to see either.
I have been taking many pictures and worry about you all a lot. I miss you so much. Sorry if this all sounds a little scattered. I just got done playing soccer with all the missionaries in the area. That was cool. I am going to come home with some many skills.
The buses here are crazy all decked out and every car has some sort of Bible reference on it. Like "Jesus saves" and "Look unto God". I have never seen so many naked people in my life. It's gross. I have seen rats the size of house cats.
But for good news: On the buses I get to hear Mana and a lot of English music some times. It's kinda cool, it makes me home sick. I am trying to adjust. I am sure I will. By the way, my p-day is Monday here. The water from the tap is not safe to drink so I filter all mine. There are alot of banana trees and coconuts too. Every meal is beans and rice. I am already sick of them but Ii am just going to have to eat them and learn to enjoy them. I am loving this people. They don´t have much, but they offer you what they do have. For that I am grateful. It seems we are both making great sacrifices.
>
Just some info for you: my first zone is in a place called Sensuntepeque. You might be able to look it up on google or something. Every house has a hammock. Being p day, I am looking for some sort of good hammock that can last me through the mission. Sugar, it has to be kept sealed cause of the ants, and hopefuly some chips.
>
> I am so proud of the United States as a country. You have it so so so good over there. Even if Pres Obama is in charge. It could be so much worse. I have learned very little about the politics, but I guess they have a Communist party. That doesn't appeal to me.
>
Oh I have had these chcolate dipped bananas. Those are so good and they have a drink- coco pina here thats super good. Its hard to type on this keyboard because its a little different then the ones in the states and the fact I am in this dark cubical in the middle of the day where the only light is from my screen.
>
> Anyway I love you all. My mailing address is:
>
> Elder Joseph Alex Proksch
> El Salvador San Slavador East Mission
> Centro Comercial 105 Local # 204
> Paseo General Escalon #105 Ave. Sur
> San Salvador San Salvador
> El salvador
> Thats my mailing address. Thanks and I can´t wait to hear from all of you.
> I love you all.
>
> Your bro, son, and to the rest friend, brother or what have you. Take care. I pray for you every morning, day and night.
>
>
> Alex
I have been taking many pictures and worry about you all a lot. I miss you so much. Sorry if this all sounds a little scattered. I just got done playing soccer with all the missionaries in the area. That was cool. I am going to come home with some many skills.
The buses here are crazy all decked out and every car has some sort of Bible reference on it. Like "Jesus saves" and "Look unto God". I have never seen so many naked people in my life. It's gross. I have seen rats the size of house cats.
But for good news: On the buses I get to hear Mana and a lot of English music some times. It's kinda cool, it makes me home sick. I am trying to adjust. I am sure I will. By the way, my p-day is Monday here. The water from the tap is not safe to drink so I filter all mine. There are alot of banana trees and coconuts too. Every meal is beans and rice. I am already sick of them but Ii am just going to have to eat them and learn to enjoy them. I am loving this people. They don´t have much, but they offer you what they do have. For that I am grateful. It seems we are both making great sacrifices.
>
Just some info for you: my first zone is in a place called Sensuntepeque. You might be able to look it up on google or something. Every house has a hammock. Being p day, I am looking for some sort of good hammock that can last me through the mission. Sugar, it has to be kept sealed cause of the ants, and hopefuly some chips.
>
> I am so proud of the United States as a country. You have it so so so good over there. Even if Pres Obama is in charge. It could be so much worse. I have learned very little about the politics, but I guess they have a Communist party. That doesn't appeal to me.
>
Oh I have had these chcolate dipped bananas. Those are so good and they have a drink- coco pina here thats super good. Its hard to type on this keyboard because its a little different then the ones in the states and the fact I am in this dark cubical in the middle of the day where the only light is from my screen.
>
> Anyway I love you all. My mailing address is:
>
> Elder Joseph Alex Proksch
> El Salvador San Slavador East Mission
> Centro Comercial 105 Local # 204
> Paseo General Escalon #105 Ave. Sur
> San Salvador San Salvador
> El salvador
> Thats my mailing address. Thanks and I can´t wait to hear from all of you.
> I love you all.
>
> Your bro, son, and to the rest friend, brother or what have you. Take care. I pray for you every morning, day and night.
>
>
> Alex
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thanksgiving Week Letter from Alex
How are you all. Thanks you so much for the box and for the letters. I can't believe that New Moon beat out Batman.? That blows. Well this week is going to be crazy. I have been learning a ton of spanish, actually tomorrow I get to teach 12 people in one day. My day is totally loaded. They are all from the area book and some of the missionaries have really bad handwriting. Plus its in Spanish so its tough, but my companion and I are really excited. Thanksgiving is this Thursday and I am real happy for that. Rumor is that Jeffery R. Holland is coming. WHAHOOOO ANOTHER APOSTLE. That should be way awesome
So our main source of entertainment around here is lds.org. They have all kinds of movies on it and we can't go anywhere else, due to the server. So I have seen just about all the movies there are and on Sundays we watch conference talks. That is really cool. This past week we got to host the new missionaries coming into the MTC. That was fun and funny to see all of the moms crying and dads and sisters too. I really got a work out. When a sister missionary arrives, 2 elders have to escort her to the sisters area where there are like 120 sisters waiting to help... so you just get mobbed. It was really fun to see some of them come. To think I was there 7 weeks ago!
I should be getting flight plans this week. I am excited, depending on what time I fly out could depend on what time you get a phone call from me at the airport. I feel like I am getting closer to being ready to go to El Salvador.
I got the mentor pin and thank you again so so so so much Logan.
I don't know quite all what I want yet for navidadas but I know I miss good food. I have had the same thing for breakfast the last 7 weeks, lunch y dinner are the about the same its like they only have 5 different meals.
Provo is super, super cold and everyone calls me a wimp. I tell them they wouldn't last in Vegas, they all think it gets hot in Utah in the summer. They have no idea. They say 90 to 100 degrees is burning and I just laugh.
I appreciate all the love and support. Thank you all so much and tell my friends to send me some letters so I have their addresses so I can write them. I love this church, this gospel. We have so much to be thankful for and should not take it for granite. We have so much knowlege that others don't have. For that I am very grateful. I have learned how big of a help Preach my Gospel is in teaching. The Spirit just as big of a help too. I have a tape with some really sweet experiences I will be sending home soon and I hope you all enjoy. Sorry I have kinda slacked off on letters. I get so busy here. I want to write but find a lot of times I don't have the time. I love you all and take care.
Thought I would write a little in Spanish: hola como esta? queirro practicar me español con ustedes. pero no se que escrito, sobre y no se quein va a tranduzcar este cartas. entoces diga mi cuando sabe escrito. con mucho amor Alejandro
> Alex
> bro
> son
> and amigo.
So our main source of entertainment around here is lds.org. They have all kinds of movies on it and we can't go anywhere else, due to the server. So I have seen just about all the movies there are and on Sundays we watch conference talks. That is really cool. This past week we got to host the new missionaries coming into the MTC. That was fun and funny to see all of the moms crying and dads and sisters too. I really got a work out. When a sister missionary arrives, 2 elders have to escort her to the sisters area where there are like 120 sisters waiting to help... so you just get mobbed. It was really fun to see some of them come. To think I was there 7 weeks ago!
I should be getting flight plans this week. I am excited, depending on what time I fly out could depend on what time you get a phone call from me at the airport. I feel like I am getting closer to being ready to go to El Salvador.
I got the mentor pin and thank you again so so so so much Logan.
I don't know quite all what I want yet for navidadas but I know I miss good food. I have had the same thing for breakfast the last 7 weeks, lunch y dinner are the about the same its like they only have 5 different meals.
Provo is super, super cold and everyone calls me a wimp. I tell them they wouldn't last in Vegas, they all think it gets hot in Utah in the summer. They have no idea. They say 90 to 100 degrees is burning and I just laugh.
I appreciate all the love and support. Thank you all so much and tell my friends to send me some letters so I have their addresses so I can write them. I love this church, this gospel. We have so much to be thankful for and should not take it for granite. We have so much knowlege that others don't have. For that I am very grateful. I have learned how big of a help Preach my Gospel is in teaching. The Spirit just as big of a help too. I have a tape with some really sweet experiences I will be sending home soon and I hope you all enjoy. Sorry I have kinda slacked off on letters. I get so busy here. I want to write but find a lot of times I don't have the time. I love you all and take care.
Thought I would write a little in Spanish: hola como esta? queirro practicar me español con ustedes. pero no se que escrito, sobre y no se quein va a tranduzcar este cartas. entoces diga mi cuando sabe escrito. con mucho amor Alejandro
> Alex
> bro
> son
> and amigo.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Alex's Letter-November 17
Well this week is our week to host, which means we get to show the new missionaries where to go to help them feel more at home. It should be crazy, because I have only been here 7 weeks and now its my job to show people what to do.
On a relations note, my roommates and I have been getting along well. We have been having a blast. My companion and I are almost as if we were best friends. I don't know what I am going to do in a few weeks when we go separate directions. That should be interesting. Funny how things work out sometimes. My district is now the oldest distric in the zone. We are the top dogs but feel like we don't know anyone anymore. I think it just means we are the ones who get to give the talks in sacrament meeting.
Not much has happened here, pretty slow week. The language is coming along but seems to get more difficult the more that you know.
I went to the RC yesterday and got a really interesting call. A lady called to ask a question about the scriptures. It was in D&C chapter 1 and verse 30. It talks about a church and she wanted to know if it was our church. I talk about this on the tape I'm sending you, but I essentially bore my testimony to her and after that it was quiet and she didn't really say much. Finally with a quiver in her voice she said, "thank you, I appreciate the message you have shared with me. Have a wonderful evening." I love those experiences, because it is like icing on the cake. Anyway, I don't know what more to put in this letter, take care.
Alex
On a relations note, my roommates and I have been getting along well. We have been having a blast. My companion and I are almost as if we were best friends. I don't know what I am going to do in a few weeks when we go separate directions. That should be interesting. Funny how things work out sometimes. My district is now the oldest distric in the zone. We are the top dogs but feel like we don't know anyone anymore. I think it just means we are the ones who get to give the talks in sacrament meeting.
Not much has happened here, pretty slow week. The language is coming along but seems to get more difficult the more that you know.
I went to the RC yesterday and got a really interesting call. A lady called to ask a question about the scriptures. It was in D&C chapter 1 and verse 30. It talks about a church and she wanted to know if it was our church. I talk about this on the tape I'm sending you, but I essentially bore my testimony to her and after that it was quiet and she didn't really say much. Finally with a quiver in her voice she said, "thank you, I appreciate the message you have shared with me. Have a wonderful evening." I love those experiences, because it is like icing on the cake. Anyway, I don't know what more to put in this letter, take care.
Alex
Saturday, November 14, 2009
We Ran!
It was a very windy, cold November morning. All four of us were out there, waiting for the gun to go off. Honestly, if we hadn't already paid our registration fees, we probably would have elected to stay in bed this particular day. You see, the night before, Erik and the boys stayed out late at an ice hockey game, so they were pretty tired as it is and I just plain stayed up late (no excuse, really). But, nonetheless, we were up and ready to run. Today was the first time our family (minus Alex on a mission) ran in a race. Erik and Reid ran the 2-mile and Logan and I ran the 6-mile. In case you were wondering, yes, the boys had faster run times than Erik and I, however, Erik and I won't be sore tomorrow morning because we run all the time. It was a great run and what made it better was that quite a few of our friends were there in the same race. Thankfully it was a success for our family because Mom just signed everyone up for another one in February!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Nov. 11th Letter from Alex
Hi y'all its that time of the week again where I get to make a ton of spelling mistakes and write like crazy. Thank you so much for those of you who have written me. Good to know that life is real outside of the MTC. To answer a few questions: We don't get to watch news. Our media is very limmited. Rightly so, I believe it helps us stay on task.
Some updates on the week. I got to meet a guy from the Ukrain. He lives in Durinca, I think that's how you spell it. Anyway we don't have a lot of research options outside of the church website, if I could get more info on that place it would be nice. He has been the only person to say my last name correctly without help. I was so happy.
This week in the RC I did some phone calls and 1 of the calls a lady just wanted to know more about the church. So through that process we got deep into discussion and in the end she walked away with, 2 Bibles 2 Book of Mormons and the missionaries in her area are going to talk to her and then go to her mom's house to teach more about the church. That was a fun RC visit. I don't know if I have told you guys any more about Tajza. She fell through and never met us again. That was sad to see her go. But with all bad comes good. Because last night we had another really good investigator. Her name is Kadie. She has been in and out of orphan homes alot in her life and things have been tough for her. She had one part in her life that just made me cry. I felt really bad for her. I can't talk about it, but we share a message about Christ to her and she was able to feel the Spirit. She is trying to pray. That was one of the commitments we left her. So we will see how that goes if she gets back on the computer tomorrow. We also talked a little about Joseph Smith and the trials he went through as a prophet...and believe me, he had a few... ok alot. So we talked about him. Ultimately, we got to the Book of Moromon. She had seen the B.O.M. in one of her foster homes and didn't think much of it. It is really interesting and cool to see how 1 little book can change someones life. I know there is testimony in this book. Having read and reading it now I know it is true. Alot of time we take for granite what the writers of this book went through to get it to us. I know that Nephi was able to accomplish the things he did due to the power of the priesthood. Alma and Amulek were protected due to their obediance. This book is all about missionary work. I know alot of you have been already challenged to read this book. If you are reading it, I encourage you not to just read it, but take time to study it out, put yourself in the shoes of the prophets. If you aren't reading it, maybe now is the time to start. I know you might have tried many times to read it as a family or by yourself all the way through and it is tough to be consistent, but it takes diligence. Set goals and reward yourself for your goal. I know that if you read the Book of Mormon and pray about it, you will be able to receive many blessings from doing so. This book was a book written for us as a people no matter how old or young you are in life. I love you all and take care.
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> Elder Proksch
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Thursday, November 05, 2009
This Week's Letter-Elder Proksch
I have had a really busy week. First, last Saturday an apostle came and talked to us. It was Elder L. Tom Perry. He talked to us about how to be better missionaries and teachers. He gave some super good advice, almost so much good advice that I didn't know what to take notes of and what not to take notes of. Then yesterday, I barely missed Uchdorf. He was in the front lobby and I was off to the side and was waiting for a friend to finish a meeting so we could go to dinner. I saw a big crowd of people but didn't think much of it. Turns out, after he left everyone was like "Hey, that was Uchdorf". I was like, "No way!", because alot of times people just say that to see what others will do. For instance, they would ask, "Who do you think is speaking at the devotional tonight?" and someone will say, "Oh, Thomas S. Monson". Everyone wishes he will come, but the odds are against us. So we kinda disregard the rumor, but this time the proof was there. Another elder walked by saying, "Oh, he shook my hand." So then I thought, "Ok, this could be real." Then everyone else just backed up what I had heard. So I almost met Uchdorf. :( So close. Anyway, outside of celebs this week, I got some packages. Very thankful for the Suckolls and the Nessens, and of course, thank you so much for the package. I can be warm now and my roommates about died when they saw the jerkey. I had to fight them back with a stick. So thank you very very much. It means alot.
I was able to meet one of the guys that went on the 500 mile bike ride here. Lehi Vega. I will be getting a pic with him soon. I saw Elder Wheeler before he left. I got a pic with him. And I have been doing alot of contacting in the Referral Center, or the rc for short. Tasha fell through . We never heard from her again, but I made my first call out in Spanish last night. That was a rush. The guy on the other end talked so fast I could barely understand him. My teacher Hermano Hidalgo was there to help me but his mic was in and out so I could not hear that well or at all. So I said a prayer as the guy was talking and asked the Spirit to help me, I needed it really bad and I eventualy made it through ok. The guy bore his testimony about the video and I bore mine and we are sending missionaries his way to continue to talk with him. I am so excited about missionary work. It is so fun. All you have to do is open your mouth and the lord has your back. It is so nice. Well, I need to go. Not much time on the computer. Elder Proksch : )
I was able to meet one of the guys that went on the 500 mile bike ride here. Lehi Vega. I will be getting a pic with him soon. I saw Elder Wheeler before he left. I got a pic with him. And I have been doing alot of contacting in the Referral Center, or the rc for short. Tasha fell through . We never heard from her again, but I made my first call out in Spanish last night. That was a rush. The guy on the other end talked so fast I could barely understand him. My teacher Hermano Hidalgo was there to help me but his mic was in and out so I could not hear that well or at all. So I said a prayer as the guy was talking and asked the Spirit to help me, I needed it really bad and I eventualy made it through ok. The guy bore his testimony about the video and I bore mine and we are sending missionaries his way to continue to talk with him. I am so excited about missionary work. It is so fun. All you have to do is open your mouth and the lord has your back. It is so nice. Well, I need to go. Not much time on the computer. Elder Proksch : )
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Letter from Alex October 28th
It has been snowing here, but nothing has been sticking. Its really cold, too. Not fun, but there has been a few memorable things happen this week. First, I got to teach my teacher the first discussion as a teacher not as investigator point of view. That was really cool and I felt the Spirit in a totally new way than before. I had a feeling of complete joy and happiness. Next, I was in the referral center this week and did some chatting with people on mormon.org. That was real cool. The first few chats were stupid questions like, can you kill a spider for me or I think I love my doggie. Just weird stuff. Then last night someone got on and asked what i think to be a golden question. Why are we here on earth and does God have a plan for me. My companion and I started typing the first discussion and the lady was taking it very well. Half way through she asked us if we could teach her how to pray. So we taught her and it was amazing. It made me refelct on the words of a prophet and "how great your joy will be if you bring even but one soul unto God". I will write more about this in one of my many letters going out today.
Thanks for printing the responses to your Facebook page about the letters. I think you started a trend here. As focused as we all try to stay, we find ourselves reminiscing from time to time. I guess we are all as focused as the least focused one here. It is like a chain reaction. I'm trying to break that chain. My companion is still very homesick. Does anyone have any ideas on how to deal with this? I know there is good in him, it just gets tiring after a while. I have two great teachers, Hermano Hidalgo and Hermano Simmins. Naturally, they make us speak the language ALL the time. They have helped me so much, though. I thought I knew Spanish before, but now I am learning to be a "local". Lots of memorization and that is tough for me. I pray alot! My knees even hurt.
I get up every morning at 6:30 and go to bed at 10:30. There is gym somewhere in between. Other than that, it has been learning on steroids. The temple has been fun. The Provo temple is alot different than the one in Vegas and every Sunday, even though we can't go in, we can walk around the outside of it. I miss you all and hope to here from you soon.
Elder Proksch
Thanks for printing the responses to your Facebook page about the letters. I think you started a trend here. As focused as we all try to stay, we find ourselves reminiscing from time to time. I guess we are all as focused as the least focused one here. It is like a chain reaction. I'm trying to break that chain. My companion is still very homesick. Does anyone have any ideas on how to deal with this? I know there is good in him, it just gets tiring after a while. I have two great teachers, Hermano Hidalgo and Hermano Simmins. Naturally, they make us speak the language ALL the time. They have helped me so much, though. I thought I knew Spanish before, but now I am learning to be a "local". Lots of memorization and that is tough for me. I pray alot! My knees even hurt.
I get up every morning at 6:30 and go to bed at 10:30. There is gym somewhere in between. Other than that, it has been learning on steroids. The temple has been fun. The Provo temple is alot different than the one in Vegas and every Sunday, even though we can't go in, we can walk around the outside of it. I miss you all and hope to here from you soon.
Elder Proksch
Thursday, October 22, 2009
October 22 Letter From Elder Proksch
Hey everyone! It has been good to hear from you all, it keeps the spirits high. Thank you. Well, this last week has been fun I have learned a lot about spanish and there are some really cool culture things that I can't wait to explore. The mission of El salvador around here sure gets a lot of respect. We had a devotional Sunday night and after we watched the movie about Joseph Smith. That movie gets me every time. Afterwards I bore my testimony as best I could to my disrict. I was only able say a few words, but my testimony was this: I personally never knew Joseph Smith but I didn't need to know him to know that he is a prophet of God. I could not say more than that because the Spirit was so strong. I know that this Church is ture. Jesus did die for us and I know that He lives again. Prophet Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet and he does talk with God and Jesus Christ. Being on a mission is truely a great blessing. There is no greater calling at this time that I cann think of.
Well being Tues we got to go to the temple again. I just love it there. We have been doing endowments and my companion brought some family names. By the way, I got a letter and it said you did not hear anything about my companion. Well, he is a little shorter then me and he has blonde hair, blue eyes. He can be tough to work with sometimes because he just likes to sit and enjoy the environment and, but he has his work moments too. I find myself being his mom and I am trying different tactics to work with him. We are both getting patience. The MTC has been lots of fun so far. The food has it's down days but most of the time it is good. My Spanish has been improving and the missionaries really teach themselves. They have a place called the resource center where you can go and talk to people about the church, call them to see if they got a video or the missionaries came to visit. They also have chat option, where you can talk to people online from the church website. Yesterday we answered a lady's question about marriage and taught a littler girl about the priesthood. The blessings are great. The sacrafice is great, but it is all worth it. Every Sunday and Tuesday night we get a devotional. Those are really fun. I love to hear the Seventy's that talk to us. Tuesdays are the big whiggs when we might have a chance to hear from an apostle. Haven't heard from one yet, but we all hope to. Jeffery R. Holland is Everyone's hero here. I love you all and will be sending more letters soon. Please write to me so I can share this expierience with you.
Elder Proksch
P.S. No one knows how to say our last name. I can only imagine what thats going to be like in El Salvador. :)
Well being Tues we got to go to the temple again. I just love it there. We have been doing endowments and my companion brought some family names. By the way, I got a letter and it said you did not hear anything about my companion. Well, he is a little shorter then me and he has blonde hair, blue eyes. He can be tough to work with sometimes because he just likes to sit and enjoy the environment and, but he has his work moments too. I find myself being his mom and I am trying different tactics to work with him. We are both getting patience. The MTC has been lots of fun so far. The food has it's down days but most of the time it is good. My Spanish has been improving and the missionaries really teach themselves. They have a place called the resource center where you can go and talk to people about the church, call them to see if they got a video or the missionaries came to visit. They also have chat option, where you can talk to people online from the church website. Yesterday we answered a lady's question about marriage and taught a littler girl about the priesthood. The blessings are great. The sacrafice is great, but it is all worth it. Every Sunday and Tuesday night we get a devotional. Those are really fun. I love to hear the Seventy's that talk to us. Tuesdays are the big whiggs when we might have a chance to hear from an apostle. Haven't heard from one yet, but we all hope to. Jeffery R. Holland is Everyone's hero here. I love you all and will be sending more letters soon. Please write to me so I can share this expierience with you.
Elder Proksch
P.S. No one knows how to say our last name. I can only imagine what thats going to be like in El Salvador. :)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Letter From Elder Proksch 10/13/09
Hey, everyone! First week of the mtc time is already flying by, the food is not what everyone at home thought it would be its not half bad. the comrodery here is great too. the first night of the mtc we all taught some investigators with out knowing what to teach. we taught with testimonies and knowledge of the savior. day two was rather uneventful we sat in class wondering how to teach ourselves and so day two was not a total waste. day three the fun began our spanish teachers came and started off the bat in spanish. and we understood most of what was being said. by day 4 we all had the missionary purpose memorized we could pray and say our testimony in spanish and sing in that lauguage too. granted it was not the prettiest but it was fun. sunday we had an devotional speaker and we relized all missionaries even the ones in the book of mormon gave up something to serve the lord. my time on the computer is short so i will have to write more to you all next week. ps having a shadow all the time is a little different. not quite use to it yet but it will work out . love you all. Elder Proksch
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Hawaii
Aloha! I managed to find some time to sit and put something on our family blogsite since January was the last time I entered anything. Thanks for being so patient! As you can tell from the photo, Erik and I managed to make it to Hawaii as part of his parents 50th wedding anniversary celebration with all the children and their spouses. We had a nice time and saw a lot of beautiful sites. I will be posting more photos of our trip soon, so stick around!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Reading and Scrapbooking are Even More Fun!
Every once in a while, I come across a website or interesting event that I like to share with others. Here are two that I stumbled upon recently: www.bookcrossing.com and www.scrapblog.com I'll see if I'm successful at putting their site descriptions or not....
BookCrossing is earth-friendly, and gives you a way to share your books, clear your shelves, and conserve precious resources at the same time. Through our own unique method of recycling reads, BookCrossers give life to books. A book registered on BookCrossing is ready for adventure.
Leave it on a park bench, a coffee shop, at a hotel on vacation. Share it with a friend or tuck it onto a bookshelf at the gym -- anywhere it might find a new reader! What happens next is up to fate, and we never know where our books might travel. Track the book's journey around the world as it is passed on from person to person.
Join hundreds of thousands of active BookCrossers daily in our many forums to discuss your favorite authors, characters and books in every genre throughout history right up through current releases.
Scrapblogging....We thought your pictures could use some online scrapping :)
We created Scrapblog because we wanted to go beyond sharing our photos and videos online. We made Scrapblog drag-and-drop-easy so that everyone can tell their stories and create beautiful multimedia scrapbooks.
Our goal is to enable everyday people to express themselves online in a creative way. We've been developing Scrapblog for over two years. However, what you see online today is only the beginning.
Check them out!
BookCrossing is earth-friendly, and gives you a way to share your books, clear your shelves, and conserve precious resources at the same time. Through our own unique method of recycling reads, BookCrossers give life to books. A book registered on BookCrossing is ready for adventure.
Leave it on a park bench, a coffee shop, at a hotel on vacation. Share it with a friend or tuck it onto a bookshelf at the gym -- anywhere it might find a new reader! What happens next is up to fate, and we never know where our books might travel. Track the book's journey around the world as it is passed on from person to person.
Join hundreds of thousands of active BookCrossers daily in our many forums to discuss your favorite authors, characters and books in every genre throughout history right up through current releases.
Scrapblogging....We thought your pictures could use some online scrapping :)
We created Scrapblog because we wanted to go beyond sharing our photos and videos online. We made Scrapblog drag-and-drop-easy so that everyone can tell their stories and create beautiful multimedia scrapbooks.
Our goal is to enable everyday people to express themselves online in a creative way. We've been developing Scrapblog for over two years. However, what you see online today is only the beginning.
Check them out!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Adventures over the Holidays
We all seemed to make it through the holidays unscathed and in good spirits. Everything was low-key, which is the way we like it.
After Erik cooked a double meal on Thanksgiving (one for us and one for a family that was in need), we celebrated Logan's 16th birthday. Wow, 16! As a parent, nothing makes you feel older than one of your children having a birthday. Logan had to go to school on his birthday, which kind of took the fizzle out of the day, but we made up for it by having friends over on another day, going out to dinner the night before and various extra activities throughout the month. Erik took him down to get him outfitted in his first suit and he looks so handsome! His brothers now have to put up with him and his "good looks".
Christmas came a little early this year as we traveled to Northern Idaho...Salmon, to be exact. You know the place...2 below zero in temperature! It was an exciting trip full of chips in our car windshield, close calls with deer, and finally a surprise doorstep arrival at grandma and grandpa's. They were very surprised and gracious to receive us rugrats into their home, unannounced. I guess the big red bows on our heads and shivering bodies convinced them to let us in! So, we stayed for a few days, had some snow fun and ate wayyyyyy too much. We were back before Christmas Day. Christmas day was quiet, but very nice. Grandma Dyer brought her neighbor friend over for another one of Erik's superb meals and numerous games on the Wii. We hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas Day and are looking forward to a new start in 2009. We are!
A New Year to be Grateful
This is from a blogger that contributes to a running website I frequent. I thought it was worthy to add to ours and to be reminded of the "usual things" in life:
Everyone get a run in yesterday?
I did. And it was the most amazing run of my life.
No, nothing outwardly amazing happened—I wasn't moving very fast, didn't find a hundred dollar bill on a deserted street, wasn't running the full Boston Marathon course, like this guy did. (Although, how cool is that tradition?) The weather wasn't even that great.
It wasn't so remarkable inwardly, either. While I ran, my mind toggled through the usual laundry list of thoughts: bills to pay, projects to start (or finish), anxieties to face. Laundry. I didn't feel especially strong. I wasn't enjoying that effortless, fluid stride that sometimes comes like a gift.
I was just out there, putting in an easy 4 1/2 miles around the neighborhood on New Year's Day.
Only later, upon reflection, did it hit me: My run today was amazing not in spite of its mundane nature, but because of it.
In other words, my run today was great because it was my run. Today.
I'm one of the lucky few (and we are few, as a slice of the population) who is in on this wonderful, little secret: Running makes you feel good. It's good for you, in so many ways. And I'm doing it. I've been doing it so long, in fact, I've managed somehow to forget how incredible it is, that on any given day I can decide to go out and run, then do it. And come back feeling clearer, brighter, stronger, more relaxed.
It occurs to me that too often we take for granted these countless, everyday jaunts. The "in between" miles. We've been conditioned to see only milestone runs or marquee events as noteworthy or celebratory—running a PR, qualifying for Boston, doing a destination marathon or a relay like Hood to Coast.
All of those things are great, don't get me wrong. But as far as I'm concerned, in running as in life, true happiness lies in finding joy in seemingly smaller, more quotidian stuff. I'm not big into New Year's resolutions, but this year I just might have to adopt one: Remind myself every single day how lucky I am to be a runner.......Mark Remy
Everyone get a run in yesterday?
I did. And it was the most amazing run of my life.
No, nothing outwardly amazing happened—I wasn't moving very fast, didn't find a hundred dollar bill on a deserted street, wasn't running the full Boston Marathon course, like this guy did. (Although, how cool is that tradition?) The weather wasn't even that great.
It wasn't so remarkable inwardly, either. While I ran, my mind toggled through the usual laundry list of thoughts: bills to pay, projects to start (or finish), anxieties to face. Laundry. I didn't feel especially strong. I wasn't enjoying that effortless, fluid stride that sometimes comes like a gift.
I was just out there, putting in an easy 4 1/2 miles around the neighborhood on New Year's Day.
Only later, upon reflection, did it hit me: My run today was amazing not in spite of its mundane nature, but because of it.
In other words, my run today was great because it was my run. Today.
I'm one of the lucky few (and we are few, as a slice of the population) who is in on this wonderful, little secret: Running makes you feel good. It's good for you, in so many ways. And I'm doing it. I've been doing it so long, in fact, I've managed somehow to forget how incredible it is, that on any given day I can decide to go out and run, then do it. And come back feeling clearer, brighter, stronger, more relaxed.
It occurs to me that too often we take for granted these countless, everyday jaunts. The "in between" miles. We've been conditioned to see only milestone runs or marquee events as noteworthy or celebratory—running a PR, qualifying for Boston, doing a destination marathon or a relay like Hood to Coast.
All of those things are great, don't get me wrong. But as far as I'm concerned, in running as in life, true happiness lies in finding joy in seemingly smaller, more quotidian stuff. I'm not big into New Year's resolutions, but this year I just might have to adopt one: Remind myself every single day how lucky I am to be a runner.......Mark Remy
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