December 1, 2014 Letter

Hi family!

 

Joanie and Ryan congrats on another one! I am glad to hear that Griffin is doing better now. I hope I get some pictures next week. Also happy birthday this week to Luke, Thomas, and Mason! I can't believe they are already turning one! Karen, Liberty square sounds great!

 

Well Elder Tino is off now. I am going to miss him. He was a really good companion. Today I found out who my new companion is. His name is Elder Boychuk. He is the one I lived with on the Gold Coast. He is from Lethbridge Alberta Canada! Its a small world. He is a funny guy. It should be a good transfer.

 

Well we had one baptism in our area. Yesterday we had Ayla Fletchers baptism. It was awesome! There was a lot of people there to support her. Some of Ayla's family is in the church. Her grandparents are strong members, so they were very happy with her decision to be baptized. Ayla even bore her testimony at her baptism. She has made some very big decisions in this past month and she knows she is on the right track now. It is amazing to see. We will be having Addy Pyles baptism in a couple of weeks. Elder Tino is actually planning to fly back for that as well.

 

I can't believe it is already Christmas again. This year has gone by so fast. If you haven't already heard, you should all take a look at christmas.mormon.org. There is a great video on there that the church is trying to get everybody to watch. It is amazing. It talks about the true meaning of Christmas. Often we get caught up in all the commercialized side of Christmas when really we should focus on Christ. It is because of Him that we can be with our loved ones forever. It is through Him that we can find true lasting peace. It is through Him that we can be healed. He is the gift. I am so grateful for the sacrifice He made. It is real! I love you all and hope you have a great week.

 

Love,

Elder Low

 

 

November 23, 2014 Letter

Hi family!

 

It seems like everybody is always on the move. It is good to keep busy. Joanie I am so excited to see little Griffin! Is that really his name? That is awesome! Make sure to send me some pictures when he comes. Robbie and Cammie, Grant is so cute! I love his red hair. He is getting big. Also Dad I am glad to hear you enjoyed your trip over to Quebec. That would be a really good experience to visit the places you served. I wouldn't mind going over there one day.

 

I can't believe that alumni is already coming up. That was always one of my favourite times of year. Is Cardston going to be any good this year? Justin aren't you getting too old to play basketball? Just kidding. Just wait until next year. Hopefully my body isn't completely broken.

 

Mom as far as my Christmas package goes, I did have something in mind but I can't remember now. Obviously it wasn't that important. To be honest though, I wouldn't mind some healthy snacks. I am trying to be healthy. It is tough in an area full of Samoans.

 

This week has been amazing for us! Last week I told you the mission was going for 100 Baptisms convert baptisms in November. Apparently we are at about 45 right now and the mission has about 54 solid dates for this last week. So it is coming right down to the wire! We saw some miracles this past week though. Addi Pyle came to church! We found out why we haven't been able to get ahold of her. She works for the Government and this past week is Brisbane was the G20. President Obama and other world leaders were all here. So she has been busy! But we are meeting with her tonight and her baptism will possibly be on November 30th. Also Ayla Fletcher has received some very powerful answers to her prayers. She was having some struggles, but she has found her answers. It was amazing to hear. As a result, her baptism may be this Saturday or Sunday. She just needs to talk to her Grandparents who really want to make it. They are members of the church and her Grandpa will be baptizing her. So 2 baptisms that were looking like they would be later may actually end up happening this weekend. It is a miracle.

 

This week was a really battle for us. We have been working/praying so hard trying to see a miracle with our investigators and now it is happening! It has really made me realize that the Lord is in control. We could have done everything within our power, but without the Lord's help it would have been impossible. When we do our part, He will always do His part. And he does it in a way that is best for us. As long as we are diligent and faithful, things will work together for our good. It is because of Him. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a full-time missionary. It is amazing to witness these miracles. The Gospel is true! He is in control. I love you all and hope you have a great week!

 

Love,

Elder Low

Novemer 16, 2014 Letter

Hi family,

 

It sounds like it is pretty cold back home. I could use a bit of that here. People are starting to comment on how sweaty I am when I knock on the door. The humidity is crazy! Dad and Justin it sounds like you have enjoyed your time over in Quebec. Dad that is awesome that you get to see some of your old areas. I hope you get to see some of the people you taught. Mom they have something similar to Rememberance day over here, it is called anzac day. And I actually have heard a little about ISIS and also what happened in Ottawa. It is sad. Lots of people we knock into talk about stuff like that.

 

Well this week has been a very interesting week. Our mission is going for another 100 convert baptisms in November and it has been a battle. We are still working with a few investigators. Addi Pyle has been crazy busy so it has been 2 weeks since we have been able to catch up with her. Josh Kerr actually came to church again yesterday. He really enjoys it. He is starting to recognize the Spirit but he might take a little while. We are also teaching another girl named Ayla Fletcher. Her Mom is a less-active member and she is not a member. Things are really going well with her. We actually found out yesterday that her boyfriend wants to learn about the Gospel as well. Ayla wants to be baptized but she wants to be baptized with her boyfriend who lives down in Melbourne. So we will see how this one is going to work out.

 

My companion Elder TIno goes home in two weeks and it has made me realize just how short a mission is. TIme goes by so fast! It is hard to believe. It has also made me realize that we need to enjoy the time we have on the mission but also the time we have in life. Life is short and God wants us to be happy. That is one of the reasons why Adam and Eve ate the fruit, so we can experience joy. I am so grateful for all of the blessing I have in my life. I know it is all made possible through our Savior Jesus Christ. Through this Gospel we can find true lasting peace and joy. It is true! Thank you for all your love and support. I love you all and hope you have a great week!

 

Love,

Elder Low

November 10, 2014 Letter

Hi Family,

 

I am glad to hear everybody enjoyed their week. Sounds like their is some exciting stuff going on back home. Robbie that is funny that you might be declining interviews now. All your hard work has paid off. Karen I remember Elder Posadas! It is a small world. Was he shy? He was really shy when I first met him. Jason I forgot to say happy birthday last week! I hope you got some time off work and were able to do something special for your birthday. Also happy birthday to Cammie this upcoming week on the 16th I believe! I hope Robbie does something nice for you.

 

Well it has been another great week for us! Lots of teaching. Josh is still searching for his answer about the Book of Mormon. He came to church yesterday though and seemed to enjoy it. As for Addi, she has been crazy busy. Unfortunately we were unable to catch up with her this week. She is still reading the book of Mormon ALOT though. She is keen to learn. Her baptism is scheduled for November 29th. Also Marie and Danyah both have temple recommends and we are just trying to find a time that we could go to the temple with them for baptisms. They love the Gospel! It is great.

 

The highlight of the week would definitely have to be Robert's baptism though. He was so excited all week. Lots of members came out to support and even a lot of his non-member family were there. We got to meet some of them. The baptism went really well! Robert was so happy. The water was a bit chilly but when he came out of the water he was smiling and saying he wanted to do it again. It was pretty funny. He is a good kid!

 

There are so many miracles happening here. It is a good time to be a missionary. It is just a witness to me that the church really is true. Christ is at the Head of His church and He called a Prophet in Joseph Smith to be an instrument through whom he could restore His truths. We have evidence of that in the Book of Mormon. I know that if we take the time to prayerfully read the Book of Mormon every day, the Lord will bless us with inspiration and revelation to guide us every day. I am so grateful for that. It is true!!! I love you all and hope you have a great week!

 

Love,

Elder Low

 

 

November 2, 2014 Letter

Hi Family,

 

Well I only wrote home a couple of days ago because we had P-day on Thursday last week. Hopefully I can think of something to say. I am glad that Richard and Leslie enjoyed their holiday in Banff. Mom and Dad it sounds like you had quite a good time as well. I have never been to Banff. That is awesome to hear about Aaron babysitting. Sounds like he needs a permanent job. Just kidding. Joanie that is so exciting that your due in a couple of weeks! I can't believe how many kids have been born in this last year and a half. It sounds like everybody had a good time at Halloween. Halloween is starting to catch on over here. I actually saw people out trick-or-treating this year. That is probably because I was in a very run down area last year. I now live in an area with a lot of young families.

 

Mom I actually got an email from Shaun Quinton a little while ago asking about BYU housing next year. I am not sure when we need to start looking, but yes I want to live with Shaun again. I would really appreciate it if someone back home could help me and Shaun with that. Maybe you could coordinate with Shauns Mom and Karen and Alvin may be able to help out?

 

I think as we get closer to Summer, the weather is going to just keep getting hotter. That is alright though. We just need to find more solid people to teach so we aren't knocking doors all day. We aren't having much of a problem with that though. We found another great guy to teach. His name is Josh Kerr. He is 21 and really tall. Apparently his sister use to have missionaries around a lot. Anyway we have been teaching him and we challenged him to be baptized on November 22nd. He was pretty keen on it but of course he wants to continue to learn more. So we are working towards that day. He is a great guy though! We are excited that we knocked on his door.

 

Addi and Robert are still going strong! Robert's baptism is next Sunday. He is so excited! It is great to see. His non-member Mom even made a commitment to bring him to church every other Sunday when he is baptized. She has really seemed to warm up to us. We are hoping to teach her soon. Robert's sister will be bringing him to church the other weeks. We had another great lessons with Addi as well. Danyah and Marie will be getting their temple reccomends this week also. Things are going great!

 

I am so grateful to be a missionary! True happiness comes when we serve others and thats what missionary work is all about. I love it! This Gospel is true. God is real! He knows each of us by name and He loves us. It is such a special message. I love you all and hope you have a great week!

 

Love,

Elder Low

October 29, 2014 Letter

Hi Family,

 

I am glad to hear that things are still going well for everybody. Dad that youth temple conference sounds like it was amazing for the youth! That is good to hear. Richard and Leslie I hope you enjoy your little holiday. You deserve it. Robbie congrats on getting into another school! That is awesome. When do you have to make the final decision about where you are going to go? I hope you and Cammie enjoy your time in Utah. Julie that is awesome that your neighbours finally came to a church activity! Keep up the good work. Kalvin I am glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to Texas. Good luck with your primary program. 

 

Well it is starting to get ridiculously hot here now. It has been up between 40 and 42 degrees celcius the past couple of days and it isn't even summer yet! It is going to be a hot Summer in Ipswich. The humidity makes it even worse. But it is for a good cause! Lots of people think we are crazy when we knock on their door. At least they give us water.

 

We are still seeing miracles here! We taught Addi (Marie's daughter) yesterday. We had a really great lesson with her and she shared some of her experiences she has had recently. She has had some powerful answers to her prayers. The Lord has really prepared her. We were able to set a baptismal date with her for November 29th. She is great! Marie and Danyah are doing good as well. They are making there way to the temple now. They are really progressing in the Gospel. At the same time as all of this we are preparing for Roberts baptism on November 9th. He is the 9 year old boy we are teaching. He has really set an example for his family. It is amazing!

 

Things are getting tough here in the heat, but that is a part of missionary work. I remember growing up Dad would always say "nobody said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it." Dad I can't remember where you got that from, but it is so true. Most things in this life that are worth achieving take work. The Gospel is no different. We have to strive to strengthen our testimony every day. At times it may be tough, but when we make it back to our Father in Heaven we will be so happy we put in the effort. I am grateful for the chance that I have to do the Lord's work each day. It is strengthened my testimony so much. This Gospel is true!! I love you all and hope you all have a great week!

 

Love,

Elder Low

October 21, 2014 Letter

Hi Family!

 

Well this email is going to be short because it has been a pretty hectic day. It was transfers and we have been driving missionaries around. Fortunately Elder Tino and I are both staying in the area. I was really excited about that! Robbie congrats on getting in to Texas A&M! I hope the good news keeps on coming. It is good to hear that things are going well with the triplets. Also happy birthday to Benson this week!

 

It was another great week! Last Saturday was Marie and Danyahs Baptism. They were so excited for it! Things went very well. The ward supported them and they had a great experience. Elder Tino baptized Marie and I got to baptize Danyah. I have pictures but I will try and send them next week. Marie's daughter Addi, who is also Danyah's Mom, came up to the baptism as well. I think she might actually be living with them now. She was having some struggles and we are actually going to start teaching her now. It is amazing how the Lord works.

 

I am so grateful to be a missionary. The Lord truly blesses our lives each and every day. Sometimes we don't realize until we take a minute to reflect and see what He has done for us, but He is there. It is real! The Gospel is true. Thank you for all your love and support. I love you all and hope you have a great week!

 

Love,

Elder Low