Elder Escobar 7-22-13

Hello this is Elder Escobar.
Okay so for the schedule, I just need to make a few quick phone calls today and then I can relay the info to you as to where we need to find hotels. I don't quite know how to explain this past week, it was such a rush and it was so spiritual. So on Wednesday we went to Six Flags again, had a blast. But I found myself throughout the day thinking about what I might say the following at transfer meeting. However, as I reviewed the past experiences of my mission nothing seemed to really stick out to me. There was plenty that I could say but most of it just didn't feel right to me. So fast-forwarding to transfer meeting, I still didn't know what I was going to say when I walked up to speak at the pulpit. However, I treated the situation like an investigator. Before it was my turn to walk up to that pulpit I pleaded with Heavenly Father to help me and give me the words that I should utter. I specifically explained that this testimony wasn't for me, I wanted my words to lift, inspire, and possibly to be an answer to someone's prayer. As I finished my prayer, my time had now come. As I made my strides to the pulpit, I still didn't know what to say. But I felt confident and peaceful. Right when I got to the pulpit I took a quick, sweeping look of those that were in the chapel. I saw the missionaries that I've known for quite some time: Elder Shim, Elder Jensen, Elder Lefthand, Elder Soares, Sister Crane, Elder Stone, Elder Martinez, Elder Reid, etc. Then I opened my mouth and the words just came, the Spirit took over and bore the message of my soul. I cannot recount the message in it's entirety, but I know that it was one of the most powerful testimonies that I have ever given. I was at the pulpit for 8-10 minutes, but as I was up there my perception of view changed and a more eternal perspective manifested itself within that chapel or at least to me it did. After I ended my testimony, I made my way back to the pew where I was previously seating. In the duration of time that it took me to walk from the pulpit to my seat I noticed that the chapel was completely silent and that the missionaries were all smiling and staring at me (some were crying), this affirmed to me that I had indeed touched them in some way. Even when I sat down at the pew and looked ahead of me, I found that everyone was still staring at me, even President Packard, Sister Packard, President Haight (2nd Counselor in the Mission Presidency), and Elder Bennett of the Quorum of the Seventy. It wasn't until the next missionary began bearing his testimony that the attention was taken off of me. It was an interesting experience. At the conclusion of transfer meeting, missionaries came to bid me farewell and to thank me for my testimony. After that I along with all of the other departing missionaries went to the temple with President Packard, Sister Packard, and President Haight. Going to the temple alone is always a spiritual experience. In the temple President Haight pulled me to the side and spoke to me in whispers. He explained he thoroughly enjoyed my testimony and was in awe as to how I had captivated and held the whole entire audience. He expressed that other than me, he had only seen general authorities do this. He then went and expressed to me that I have a certain spirit that very select people have. He told me that I would go far in life and that my testimony truly did project what type of missionary I was and he thanked me for even coming on a mission. After my conversation with President Haight, I went to the closest chair to pray and offer up myself to the Lord. As I began to pray I heard President Haight talking to President Packard, my name was mentioned several times. After the temple we went to the mission home where President and Sister Packard hosted a feast for the departing missionaries. In the dinner Elder Young, Elder Thompson, Sister Caulder, Sister Crane, and some other Sisters served us. After dinner everyone but the departing missionaries were excused and President and Sister Packard spoke to us on a variety of topics: transitioning to regular life, careers, dating, marriage, raising families, etc. It was awesome to receive their take and counsel on such topics. I did not have my exit interview with President Packard but I did talk to him about August 17th.

So this is the plan for the 17th, President Packard is trying to make arrangements for you to be present at the groundbreaking that will be done by President Monson.However, if that doesn't happen you will still be able to view the groundbreaking via broadcast at the Avon Chapel. President Packard and Sister Packard will be present at the groundbreaking and after the groundbreaking President Packard will give me my exit interview and after that we will start our travels (: 

I am actually running out of time, probably got to go soon. But a lot has happened this last week, even though you only heard about 2 days out of the week. Anyways, sounds like a lot is happening. The ward sounds ever eager to have us back home in grand reunion. 

Love,

Elder Everett Alan Escobar

Elder Escobar 8-5-13

Hi!

This is my second to last e-mail that you will get from me being out here in the mission field. That seems super weird. I still don't think that it's actually hit me even though I have been making all of these preparations to go home. I've been giving some of my stuff away already to missionaries. I don't think that it will really hit me until it actually happens. By the way, I did get the full amount of msf for this month so that was a relief. So I didn't give my final testimony to Avon Ward, I'm reserving that for next Sunday. This past week we have still been striving to visit everyone on the ward list in preparation for the temple groundbreaking. And we've gone on splits everyday with the Young Men of the ward. No new investigators this week, but that's not our main focus anyways. This past week was interesting visiting with both active and less-active members, just hearing what they have to say (drama, oh boy). The adversary is making his presence known with some of the members (so much pride and selfishness) as the temple is about to begin being erected. I've noticed it just intensify these past few weeks. Yep we got the pride cycle that has been apparent throughout the history of the church going on. Anyways, on a happier note, this past week we received a phone call from the non-profit organization that we do serve at. They knew that we've been trying to get involved with the community more so they asked us if we would like to attend 2 events this week that would benefit charity organizations within the community. Of course, we said YES. So the first event is a golf tournament of which they are having us take part in. Yea, we will be playing golf this week with leaders in the community of Avon, Simsbury, Plainville, and Farmington. I think it's a pretty good proselyting opportunity. We can get a lot done with all 4 of those cities leaders in just 2 or 3 hours in the morning (I think that's pretty efficient, effective work). The second is a Community Cook-Off Fundraiser for a variety of charity services. We will be helping and assisting in setting up, serving people food, and taking down for the event. Ought to be fun. Also this week we have Zone Conference. So last week was busy and I'm pretty sure that this week will be busy too as our days fill up.

 Oh Mom, about the books for school question: It sounds good to me. So I'm pretty sure that we are going to have to watch the temple groundbreaking via broadcast at the chapel. Here's the address: 27 Lawton Rd (Canton, CT)  Telling Danny and everyone else that I say "Hi!" back (I am waving at the computer screen) and tell them that I love them too. Same for me, I can't wait to see you guys, I imagine that's when I'm going to break down. But yes I will keep working hard till the end.

Love,

Elder Everett Alan Escobar

Elder Escobar 7-28-13

Hello,

Farkle!!! I like that game. I've played that on my mission. So what are Samuel's plans? Is he staying in the area for a little while? Things are getting better. I already know that this is going to be the 3-week haul of my life (as of now). I know it's going to be hard, I see it coming. It's the last and final push. This week we have been a little stunted in our efforts. We have had to join ourselves with the other elders in the ward. One of them hurt his ankle pretty bad (they don't have a car) so he can't ride a bike. So they have been with us all through the week. We've been taking care of him, but we have been visiting members this week especially the less-active members to inform them about the temple. We also went on splits with one of the young men in our ward. He seems pretty enthusiastic about going on a mission. The moment he was with us he wanted a missionary haircut. So I gave him one (he and his family liked it a lot). Maybe that's something that I could do when I get back home. Haircuts for $5, I am pretty good at it. I don't know if I told you but I cut my own hair and I cut all of the other missionaries hair. I don't charge them though, maybe I should. Just kidding. So it's looking like we might have to watch the temple groundbreaking at the Avon chapel (things aren't going quite as expected). Sounds like this week has been fairly eventful for all of you. I still haven't heard much about Danny though. So Taylor and McKenna finally tied the knot. So are either of them working? I imagine the reception was nice. Was it held at the Community Center that is in the Dayton Library?

Well Mom I kind of agree on the fact, that I hope that they give me all of this month's msf. If they don't I might have to call and plead my case haha. I read Alma 14 recently and I felt like I could really relate to the whole chapter, even though I'm not quite in the same situation and circumstances that they were placed in. Hopefully the end of my mission does turn out to be somewhat like Alma and Amulek. I have heard from Megan Loveland a little bit. I last heard from her 2 weeks ago. I'm still trying to configure how I'm going to send the rest of my stuff home. I do have a plan though, hopefully it goes through. We all have a bunch of stuff to do and don't have much time, but that's life. I will be calling Sister Needham to see if we're are still good to stay at her place in Worcester. And yes keep me updated on the hotel situation. I love all of you and hope that you have a great week.

Sincerely,

Elder Everett Alan Escobar

Elder Tellez 8-5-13 email

How are ya?? I'm good. Things are going great over here. My companion and I are having the time of our lives and we are going to baptize like crazy!!!! Today we went to the beach to play some soccer, it was fun. The picture of me with the ears is when I was in the house of some converts, it was pretty funny. Can I sleep in the washer and dryer room or the living room at least? Haha. So, I am now in my last transfer and Elder Montano will be my last companion here in Tuxpan. We have big plans this transfer. So, life is great. I hope that everyone is well. I love you all.

Elder Tellez 7-29-13 email

Hello everybody How are you all doing? I'm good. Sooooo, this past week there were some special transfers. Elder Gontes went to a different area and my new companion is Elder Montano. He is cool. He is from El Salvador. We baptized a couple this week, Armando and Miriam. I'm soooo happy. Can I sleep in the little room by the other bathroom? I'm still completely focussed on my mission, don't worry, haha. Obviously, I'm excited, who wouldn't be, haha. But for this month and a half, I will be working and giving it my all. We are going to baptize a lady this week. It is super hot right now. Everyone is getting married!!!! I'm next!!!! HAHA!!!! Time to go. I love you all.

Elder Waddell is home!!

Elder Tellez 7-22-13 email

How is everyone doing? I am doing good. Quick question, who is sleeping in that room all the way in the back? We didn't baptize this week. It has been a while since we have baptized. Thank you for the pictures. Tell Trinity and Sam that I said hi, and also Regan and the twins. Time is one of the things that we can't control and it is running out. I get sadder and sadder every day and yet anxious to start a completely new life style. Some of the many things that I have obtained in this life-changing experience are: knowledge, more common sense, a strong and firm testimony of the Gospel, helpful study habits that will help me school and work, useful house-keeping skills, and much more. I think that the only thing that I have lost is weight. I can honestly say that the mission has converted me is so many ways. I understand better the commandments of God. There is soooo much more that I have yet to learn in what is left of my mission and in the transcourse of my life. You are such a supporting mother, thank you. you have been with me every step of the way. One couldn't ask for a better mother. I think about every single one of you all of the time. I know that the many miracles the I have wittnessed and performed are not from my own strength but from God. I love this work, it is the Lord's work. I love you all. Time to go.

Elder Waddell's last email 7-15-13

hola mi mami, te extrano bastante! I figured we'd be speaking and no I'm alright haha I'm legitimately in a daze right now. I don't really know what or how to say anything.

Best. 2 Years. Ever. 

I really can't describe my emotions you'll have to read Alma 26

Thanks for all the prayers. I really felt them. The Lord has shown me many of his tender mercies. It's crazy when you're ability to feel his love expands. I really feel like I have come to know my master so much more. in Corinthians Paul says "For now we see through glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known" 

God loves us. 

I love you mom.

2 John 1:12

Elder Escobar 7-15-13

Hi!

I'm doing well. Today is going to be a hectic! It's transfer week. Both Elder Watson and I are staying in the area. However, there's a catch. We will be split off he and I will both have mini-missionaries this whole transfer, so there will technically be 6 missionaries in Avon Ward. We will be preparing the way for the ground breaking of the Hartford Temple. The date of the groundbreaking was announced and it will take place on August 17th! Go figure! It will start at 11am. So I kind of need to talk to President about that because I kind of want to be present at that event as I am sure that you do too. I'm still trying to work on finding a place to stay in Newport, Rhode Island. I need to get ahold of the missionaries who are serving down there and work through them. I think that we might have to get a hotel/motel in New York, I'll keep you updated. I am conversing back and forth with (Sister) Erika Rivera who lives there and wants to show us around. We do have a place to stay in Worcester though. This week was successful, our Meet the Missionaries event for Avon and Simsbury went very well. We will be showing this event again for Farmington and Plainville soon.

So this week is going to be crazy, okay I take that back. This whole month is going to be crazy! But this week in particular is going to be interesting. Today and tomorrow we will be meeting with members trying to promote the Meet the Missionaries event and have them invite their friends. Wednesday, we will be hitting Six Flags. I think that there is only one ride that might jeopardize my safety or would be considered tempting fate is 'Goliath'. So I won't ride it this go round, but when we as a family go to Six Flags, I'm going to ride it. Thursday is transfer meeting, where I will be giving my farewell testimony to the mission (there might be tears, we'll see) and I will be spending the rest of the day (temple, interview, dinner, and other discussions) with President Packard, his family, and all of the other departing missionaries. However, do to the lack of room and beds in the mission home, I will have to drive back to Connecticut around 10pm or 11pm. Yeah! Driving at night is fun! I'm going to be dead tired...ugh, but it's all good.

So Trinity and Samuel will be done on Thursday...wow. And I only have 4 weeks...wow. What happened? I don't even know where to start or know how to explain the way these past 2 years have come and gone. But anyways, it sounds like Aaron was pretty high on the sea base pedestal, being 1st mate and all. Those lucky ducklings who are currently in the scouting program, I never got to do anything like that (: Well it seems like everything is somewhat back to normal. Dad is back to work. Aaron is at camp being a leader/teacher. Wait what is Danny doing in all of this? Is he doing a camp or anything? Aw man, I'm going to miss out on the gong show ): The pain in my toe has gone down a little bit but it still hurts if placed in the wrong position.

Yes, I won't play sports or any other related activities /: And I will make sure to 'sttay strong, eat good, read some books, love the people, stay close to the Lord, work with all my might, mind and strength. And forget yourself these last weeks of my mission and work hard.' I will especially make sure to 'read some books' because it is from this act that I gain further knowledge and it was probably the best advice that Ignacio gave to the orphans in Nacho Libre. Anyways, work hard, play hard. Have fun and be safe. I'll see all of you soon.

Love,

Elder Everett Alan Escobar

PS I have plenty of pics to send you but the computer's not cooperating, sorry.

Elder Tellez 7-15-13 email

I can't believe that Trinity is coming home this week!! The time is going by sooooo fast. Things have been going good over here. We didn't baptize this week either. We still have the goal of baptizing 15 this month when we only have 2 weeks left, haha. I have faith that it will all happen. I just need to work super hard. I am super excited to return home, just saying, haha. I took some pictures this week but I forgot my camera, haha. Anything else new in the world up there? The weather is nice over here, not too hot but not too cold. My converts from Martinez de la Torre are going to come visit me before I end. Are you going to prepare that back bedroom for me???? I am super healthy and cool. Time for me to go. I love you all.