February 17, 2014 Aeropuerto

Whats Up Family?

This week has been pretty laid back with not a bunch to talk about, but I did have two or three cool events happen with some lessons that we had this week. I want to talk about them really quick before I answer questions.

The first was last night actually. We went to go teach a boy named Luis Angel and his girlfriend Ferina. Luis has a younger sister who is 15 and has a form of Down-Syndrome where she cant speak but she can understand everything that is said. She loves it when we come over and sing hymns with them and she always has a smile on her face. Luis is a member and was baptized not too long ago but his girlfriend isnt. So thats why we went to go teach her. We started teaching the lesson about attending church and why it was important. Ferani had a lot of questions about the creation of the earth though for some reason... kinda weird but oh well. At the end of the lesson, when Ferani had no more questions, the little sister of Luis grabbed Elder Smith's picture book that has pictures of the entire book of Mormon in it and opened it up to a picture of a young girl being baptized. She pointed at it and gestured it to Ferani... It was so cool to see it. We hadnt even been talking about baptism at all during the lesson, yet this young girl with down syndrom opened the book and showed this nonmember this picture of a young girl getting baptized. It was so awesome. We didnt do anything about it because it was the first time teaching her, but we plan to invite her to be baptized this week sometime. 

A local or 'loco' minivan

The second cool experience I had this week was that I got to travel back to Barrio Carmen! I got to see Hermana Alejandra (17 years old) and Hermana Julia be baptized! oorah! It was super cool because I had been the one that initiated the teaching with them when Elder Gray and I arrived there. I saw the both of them be baptized on Saturday night. It was awesome to see them. Alejandra came up to me after the baptism and wanted to take a picture with me and even wanted me to give her my contact information so that we could stay in touch after I return home. How cool is that? I never thought I was that big a deal with her because she always had a little crush on Elder Gray, but I guess I was wrong. Pretty cool experience for me. The two of them are such nice people and I am happy that I was able to witness there baptisms and not just hear about it through the missionary grapevine.

Apart from that, I invited a young boy named Fabian to be baptized on Thursday night and it went really well. My confidence with everything is really picking up and I feel that I could talk to almost anyone without having problems. I am pretty excited about that. Its becoming a lot easier to speak my thoughts to people when youre more confident with it. My New Years Resolution is coming through pretty well! We planned his baptism for the 22nd of March so we shall see what happens. He didn't
seem too excited about it, but we will see when we teach him this week. 

Well, that's about it for this week. Nothing amazing happened other than those two events. We are still just pluggin away trying to figure out the houses and what not. The life of Senior Companion is a lot different and I am liking having the responsibility of everything. Its nice to be able to make the chouices for once. I hope things are all going well for you. I understand everyone is staying busy like normal, dating, school and work! Way to be. Keep it up! Stay strong with it and keep moving forward. I love you guys to the stars and back and as deep as the ocean blue! 

-Kia Kaha

-Elder Proctor

February 10, 2014 - Aeropuerto

Well...

Elder Smith (from Santa Clara, Utah) & Elder Proctor

Hey everyone! Another week has passed and we are back here writing again. This week has been pretty decent. Transfers went well and I am now the Senior Companion with Elder Smith from St. George! Pretty cool being able to finally be in the drivers seat for the first time. I get to make all of the calls with making visits to certain people and I get to finally have the phone and the keys to the house now! Oorah! Its pretty exciting. Elder Smith is a really cool guy. We get a long a lot better and have about the same time in the mission so it makes things a lot easier for me because we can struggle together. Its not just me making a fool of myself anymore. I am super happy about that. The house we live (we also live with two other Elders. Elder Castillo has about 21 months and Elder Ricks is new and has about 1 week in mexico.) We have a lot of fun together and I get along with Elder Castillo really well. He was the zone leader while I was in Deportiva, Villahermosa. Pretty cool how things worked out there. I really am glad that we hooked up again and have the next transfer to hang out a bit more. Hes a super cool guy, along with Elder Smith and Elder Ricks. 

We havent really done a whole bunch this week so itll be cut a bit short this week. We have just been trying to figure everything out with the area book, where people and members live, and what needs to be done. I am only about fifteen minutes away from my last area so I know the area, relatively, so it makes things a tad bit easier, but still pretty difficult not knowing where the people live. The directions for houses here are pretty screwed up. Yes we are white washing again. Its become a routine for me now so its not a huge deal. I have white washed every area Ive been in... haha. Oh well. We have a couple of investigators that are progressing a little bit, but we still have to work on teaching more with unity. I like to push a little bit faster with the information and Elder Smith takes things a bit slower, so we need to find a good balance between the two. We are working on it. Its a bit frustrating at times, but itll work itself out eventually im sure. 

Well, I haven't gotten any packages yet because we haven't had a zone class but we are having one this Friday so I will probably get it then with the other things that have been sent. I think we will get along really well this transfer so I am pretty stoked about it. Elder Castillo is awesome and hed be someone Id hang out with after the mission. Hes a pretty cool guy. (from Guatamala) But other than that, we dont have much as far as teaching goes because everything is new and we havent been able to teach anyone consecutively yet but we are definitely working on it. Thats our only goal for this week. 

Thats about it for this valentines week! I hope everyone has a great week! HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! Love you guys! Keaton, Sadie, Dad, Mom, Rider, Zoey, Grandma Susan, Grandpa Reese, Grandma Ruth, Cousins, and all of those who have contributed to my mission. I truly think about all of you each and everyday. You guys are in my prayers every night and I seriously cannot thank you enough for the generous contributions that have helped me get here.  =) I am so very grateful to have each and everyone of you behind my back helping me out along this journey.  Until next week...

Kia Kaha!

-Elder Proctor

February, 2014 - Carman

Hey Everybody!
I hope life is treatin you well! This week wasn't all that exciting so this letter is going to be a bit shorter than normal. The only special part was that we baptized and confirmed Hermana Johana and Hermana Alejandra! Oorah! It was super cool to see both of them be baptized after working with them for such a  long time. I didnt get to baptize either of them, Elder Gray baptized Johana and A priest named Nefi baptized Alejandra (they're related.) It went really well with the things that we planned out for them, the program and everything, but overall it was really cool to see them make that step in their lives.

I am being transferred! Transfers are today and I found out last night that I am being moved about fifteen minutes away to a place called Areopuerto. Its still on the island but its not too far from the house we are at now. Elder Gray is going to be Zone Leader with Elder Brewer, Elder Haglunds trainer. I am being moved 15 minutes away to this new place with an elder named Elder Smith. No idea who he is, apparently he is an American... (never woulda guessed) but he seems to be a good guy. We shall see. I leave tomorrow which means I have a long night of packing my things. I will still be in the same Zone as Elder Gray, Larsen and Sepulveda, but just in a different area and district. I will still see them every Tuesday so that will be nice. After four months with Elder Gray, its tough to have to say goodbye, but eventually it was going to happen. We will see how it works out tomorrow.
Apart from that, we had the chance to teach Henry again... completely in English... wow it was super weird. I have only taught people in Spanish so it was really awkward having to speak English and using different ways of describing things.  He is such a cool guy. I love teaching him. Its a lot of fun. Normally with the people that we teach, we only teach... thats it, but with Henry, its like a conversation. I love it. He has such a strong desire to turn his life around from his alcohol problems. Unfortunately, we haven't had the chance to teach him since last Tuesday and he didn't come to church this last week, but I am hoping that Elder Gray  and Elder Brewer are able to get him baptized. That ll be the best news ever. He reminds me a lot of Monica from Tenosique. The two of them have that fire in their eyes that they want to change. So far, the two of them are my favorites.  We will see what happens though.
Well, that's it for this week. I know its not huge, but its better than nothing. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in the journey. I truly appreciate the donations and the kind words that I receive from you guys each and every Monday. I couldn't do this without you guys. I honestly mean that. I wouldn't be able to. I love all of you so much.


Thank you for everything. See you guys soon!
-Elder Proctor
Kia Kaha!

January 27, 2014 - Carmen

Hey Guys! Howre we doing back in the states? I hope all is well for you guys!
This week has been pretty dull because Elder Gray was only here about two or three days total. He and Elder Larsen had to travel back to Villa to sign for their visas otra ves and so I went with Elder Sepulveda to his area for two or three days. We went on divisions with the Zone Leaders so Elder Urbina came with me to our area and Elder Gray went back with Elder Brewer on Thursday. We had a good time. I had the chance to be the senior comp for the day and it was more difficult than I thought having to teach about 90% of each lesson. I definitely learned a lot that day about how the senior comps work. I had a good time though! After that, on saturday, we had the baptismal interviews for Hermana Joanna Elizabeth and Hermana Alejandra Delgado. The Zone Leaders had to come down to visit us again for the second time that week just to give the interviews but the good news is that both of them passed and we hare having two baptisms this coming saturday! Oorah! I am super stoked to see it happen. Super excited to see them be baptized!
I had a really cool experience with a new investigator that we got on friday night though. We recieved a reference a while ago from some other elders about a guy who lived in Wyoming for a long time and was a bull rider while he was there. His name is Henry. He is still mexican, but he lived in the states his whole life. So, we went to go and contact him on friday night at about 8. We met him outside the hotel he lives at. He speaks great english and was very open to talking with us. He told us that he works only three hours each day and then comes home and drinks the rest of the night. How sad is that. No family because they left him because of the drinking problem. He started to tear up in certain parts but he was super sincere with us. We told him about our job as missionaries, in english, and why we are here in mexico. He gladly accepted our invitation to come to church and so we went to go pick him up on sunday and he was there ready to go to church. I was his tour guide through the entire thing, telling him about the enitre sacrament meeting and the classes that we have afterwards. He has such a strong desire to change his life and wants to be a better person. He is super cool and I cant wait to teach him again. We meet with him tomorrow night and that will be our first official lesson with him. Wish me luck teaching him in English!
Apart from that, those are the major events of this week! Nothing overly special, but it wasnt a bad week.  I am really excited for these two baptisms that we hare having on saturday. We plan to have a bunch of people there and lots of stuff to do. Its gunna be good.
Alright, well imma wrap up this letter for the week. Wishin you all an amazing week! Stay strong and push forward in everything! You guys are the greatest and i am super happy to know that you all are behind my back helping and supporting me through this! You guys mean the world to me! Dont ever forget it! Good luck in your adventures this week! I will be thinking and praying for you all!
Kia Kaha,
Elder Proctor

January 20, 2014 - Carmen

Whats up everyone!

This week was pretty insane. We set a total of SIX baptism dates for the month of february in about three days time. How crazy is that? I have to tell you about what happened on wednesday afternoon though first. 

So Elder Gray and I were companionship studying and Elder Gray noticed a small mouse run through the crack in our front door. We both were freaking out so we called over Elder Sepulveda and Larsen to come help us get the mouse out from behind our refrigerator because thats where it went. We opened the front door to try to coast it back out side if it made a break for it. We had it cornered. Low and behold, our monster of a dog, Chester, decided that he wanted in on the action. He knew that the mouse was there so we moved the refrigerator and the mouse booked it out and ran under the couch that we have in the front room. Elder Gray and I lifted the couch up and Chester saw the mouse. Chester grabbed it in about 3 seconds and had its tail hanging from his mouth as he walked out the door like nothing happened... We have a monster of a dog! Haha. Oh it was so funny though. He just ate it like it was his morning breakfast... I wish I could have gotten a picture of it. But that was the huge event for the week.

Apart from that event, we set a baptismal date for Fernando (He is the 18 year old that works at hotel victoria) The only problem is that he lives in a different wards boundaries so that baptism wont count for us even though we taught him. Oh well, we still got five. So after him, we have Johanna Elizabeth. Shes about fifteen and came up to us with her mom on sunday and told us that she wants me to baptize her on the first of february! Her mom is a recent convert, but Johanna used to be an active Jehovas Witness.... She said she liked our church more and the doctrine of it is a lot more well rounded. So, we have her for the first! After her, we have Alejandra (Ally) and her mom Maribel. We had a family home evening with the Guttierrez family on saturday night and it was probably one of the best lessons that I have had while being out here. We decided to watch the resoration video with them and the family because Alejandra (17 years old) goes to school with Hermana Pilar in the Guttierrez family. Theyre really good friends. So we watched the video and we looked over after the video was over and Ally was in tears, along with her mom. The spirit was super strong there... I couldnt believe it. I asked her how she felt and if she could feel the spirit in the room. They both said they could. Elder Gray and I bore our testimonies and so did Hermana Pilar. They were crying almost the entire time. So, we asked them if they would seguir el ejemplo de Jesucristo al ser bautizado por alguien que poseo la autoridad de Dios. They both agreed right away... It was insane. It was a complete miracle because her mom hated the sister missionaries that were there before us... but we had something unique about us is what she told us. So we put their date for the 8th of february. That makes five. The other two are waiting to be married but as soon as they get their birth certificates, they want to be baptized as soon as possible. Julia and Jose. They are pretty cool and super receptive of the things that we have to teach them. They have a nephew that is looking for work down here but he lived in Houston for about 14 years and speaks english! So we have been communicating with him in english when we teach the lessons. Its super weird because I only know how to teach in spanish. Loco! Pero, todas formas, everthing is going well with the baptism dates and we hope that everything goes to plan with each of them. Hermana Dulce is a fantastic convert. She has come to all of the activities and has been adopted by the ward just fine. No problems at all. I am so happy to see it because she doesnt have much... very humble lady. But she gets up to go to church every sunday and is there during every lesson we have to teach. Shes amazing. I love her and her family to death. Im now just hoping that the rest of the baptisms that we have ready will work out. Im scared that theyll fall through last second, but Im hoping for the best.

Those are the amazing events this week.

I hope you all will have an amazing week this coming week! I hope to do the same! You all mean the world to me. I know I say it every single week, but its the truth. les quiero mucho. I have been blessed to be out here on the mission learning the things that I will need for the rest of my life. I am happy to know that I have such a strong family back home that will support me with anything that I do. Grandmas, grandpas and extended family. You all mean the world to me also. I wouldnt be here in the position that I am without the support and strength that you all offer me each and every day. I cannot thank you enough for the generous donations towards my mission. I truly appreciate it. I cant see it happening but my prayers are with you. Heavenly Father will bless you for the things you have done to help me. I wish you all the greatest week. Stay strong with all you do. Always keep your head up and smile. You never know who may be watching you that day. Say hello to someone you have never met before. That person could have been having a rough day and smile and a handshake is all that they needed. Just do it =) I miss you and love you at the same time. Im praying for you all in the things that you do. I just hope that you all have an amazing week and that things work out to your pleasure. 

Kia Kaha!

-Elder Proctor

January 13, 2014 - Carmen

A 'golden' baptism

Whats Up Everyone!
This week was full of some exciting news! Hermana Dulce got baptized on Saturday night and was confirmed a member of the church on Sunday morning! Oorah! The first baptism that I have had since October! She was super prepared already and had such a strong desire to be baptized. It almost felt like we weren't even the ones teaching her anything. She already knew everything we taught her and went he question came up to ask her to be baptized, she happily accepted! Ah! It was such a cool experience to finally see her step into that covenant with God. So many people were there! The room was super small, but we managed to fit a bunch of people in it to watch her be baptized. I honestly think the entire ward was there for it. It was pretty cool to watch. Elder Gray was the one who baptized her. Believe it or not, he has only done the ordinance twice in the mission... I happily gave him the chance to do this one haha. So he did it, and did a great job with it too. No problems. Hermano Colby (from Utah) confirmed her on Sunday and you could just see the excitement on her face after the confirmation. She was super excited to finally be a member. She is such a blessing to the both of us, her and her entire family are. 
On top of that, we had a part member family that showed up to the baptism. The mother was baptized about a month ago by the sister missionaries, but she had a daughter who was an active Jehovah witness that's 15 years old. She came up to us after the baptism and told us that she wanted to be baptized! What in the....! It was insane! She told us that she wants us to meet with her every night at about 7 to start teaching her so that she can be baptized in two weeks! Crazy right?  So we plan to teach her every night when we have time and get her ready to be baptized in two weeks. Her name is Joanna Elizabeth. Shes super cool!

Elder Proctor welding?

Apart from that,. we literally have a baptism set up for every weekend until valentines day.... that's never happened before. We are going to be baptizing every single week until then if everything goes to plan. How awesome is that!

I am doing good though here. I really love the area if you cant tell. We always have something to do. I wish the time would pick up a little faster though. Days still seem to take forever, but weeks fly by like its no big deal. That's my only complaint, that and the heat. If those would work to my favor, then life would be perfect.  I don't really need a whole lot because we are in a pretty decent area where I can get the things I need. 

I am doing good here. No complaints. This area is really a goldmine of baptisms just waiting to happen. We are having so much success here and we are loving every minute of it. The people are a lot nicer than Tobasco and I have had a lot more fun being a missionary in this area. I have mentioned to president that I would like to stay here as long as I possibly can. I just don't want to be transferred right as everything gets going for me. Not many missionaries have the ability to say that they've been in three areas in six months. I surely can. I cannot wait for the day that I get to see you all again. I miss you all so much. But I know, that for the next 18 months, I need to do this. Whether I complain or not, I need to do this. For myself and for the people that are here for me to find. I know it. I've seen miracles happen, a lot of which happened this week alone.

I want you all to know that I love you so much. More than anything in this world. I pray for each and every one of you each and everyday. Know that. I am so happy to be able to be a part of such a strong family. Thank you! 

Kia Kaha- Elder Proctor

PS- HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY KEATON! You are such a stud! I wish I could be there to wish you a happy birthday in person, but I will definitely be thinking about you this coming Sunday! DONT START DATING YET! I HAVE TO APPROVE FIRST! Nah, im kiddin. Do what you want. Be smart though! Good luck with all your games this week. Knock em dead, cross em up, and show em what ya got. Thats all I gotta say. "Show em how bad ¨us proctors¨ can be on the court!" -Glory Road Happy Birthday bud. I love ya.

January 6, 2014 - Carmen

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A typical street in Carmen

Hey guys! Well I have a lot to say this week even though we didnt do a whole lot, we still had some crazy stuff happen. To start off the week we had our new years eve dinner at a members house... she gave us SO much food. I felt like the fat plump girl off of willey wonka and the chocolate factory after she chewed that gum stick thing... I was stuffed like I've never been before. After that we had to be in the house by 8 because of all the drunk people that were out and about. So we headed home and went right to bed after we finished a little bit of the cake that the sister had given us. I couldn't sleep because it sounded like the world was exploding outside with all of the rocket launchers and bombs going off. The fireworks here aren't like the ones in the states. They just explode. They don't shoot up in the air or anything. So, imagine a bomb blowing up right next to your house for 10 hours... It was awesome. 

Looking over the Gulf

The next big event is that we have finally set the date for this coming Saturday for Hermana Dulce's baptism! She is super excited and cant wait to get baptized. The ward knows all about it and its going to be huge! They made an announcement yesterday in church for it, even though she wasn't there in church, and everyone was asking us about it afterwards. We both are super stoked to finally help her make that sacred covenant with God. Shes super ready and deserves the peace and tranquility in her life and for her daughter and son. We love her a lot. So, right now, she is our only focus. We have others that are progressing, but they haven't progressed enough yet. They have to come to church 5 times before they can be baptized so we still have a while with each of them. 

I got super duper duper duper sick on Thursday night. Probably something I ate. Not entirely sure because it only lasted a day. It started raining super hard on Friday and it lasted all day long. President called us and told us that we didn't have to go out and work because all of the streets were flooded and we couldn't get anywhere. (it was terrible) But it worked out to my favor because I was sick =) It turned out to be just a lazy day in bed, but I still had a nice time catching up on some sleep and reading. 

Rainy days flood the streets

Apart from that, its rained a lot here this last week and it is still raining today. I am loving the rain because it cools things off and Id rather be wet from the rain than wet from my own sweat and sticky from it as well. Things  are going well. NO complaints. Still learning the language and trying to adjust because its an ongoing process... It doesn't just happen quickly, even after 6 months. 

Anyways, I hope you all had a great week and a happy new year with all the things you did. I know you all set some great goals for this coming year and I hope you stick to them. Don't just lettem fly off after two or three weeks. DON'T BE LAZY! My new years resolution is to be more confident in the things I do and say. That's the only one I've got because I really need to work at it with the stuff that I am doing here. I am working at it everyday with Elder Gray and Sepulveda. They're both great guys and great role models so I am glad that I have the chance to learn from them. But that's what I am working on this year. I will let you know what happens at the end of the year if I am still alive trying to make it. 

Cinderella from Villahermosa

I love you all and wish you a happy new year! Keep up the good work and stay strong with all that you do! I am praying for each and every one of you each and every day. Never forget it. Les Quiero mucho!

-Elder Proctor

Kia Kaha

Elder G. in the colorful Carmen streets