Mann's In Mexico

 One of our fabulous missionaries is Elder Osorio from Puebla, Mexico.  He is as energetic as they come...most have to run to keep up with him.  He is always cheerful, friendly and positive. But when he talks about his family, particularly his Grandfather, Marcelino Osorio Perez, he speaks in a reverent tone.  His Grandpa has always been a source of great inspiration to him.  (I will refer to him as Grandpa Osorio.) Grandpa Osorio was born and raised Catholic.  He had a good friend who knew how to drive a car - who happened to also be a member of the Church.  He asked this friend to teach him to drive, which he did, as well as sharing the Gospel with him.  Grandpa Osorio read the Book of Mormon, became converted and was baptized.  He became a pioneer of the Church in Puebla.  He served faithfully in the church for years and raised a large family who are all members of the Church.  Eventually he was called to ...

Just like Helaman's young stripling warriors, the mothers and grandmothers of our missionaries have taught them many important lessons "We do not doubt, our mothers knew it." This interview cycle my question to each missionary was:  What is one important thing your mother (grandmother, important mother figure) has taught you?  Interestingly, an almost universal response was, first a smile, a soft look in their eyes, then the comment "oh, so many things".  Almost all had an instant answer for me...and some had a story to tell.  It is clear that our fine missionaries were taught well by their mothers.  Thank you Moms!  Here are some of their responses: 1.  Power of a mother's love.  I know she loves me!  She worried about me and cared for me. 2.  Do your best always!  Even in elementary school - don't slough off the homework - always do your best.  She always supported me and helped me to be successful. 3.  ...

Did you know that 30% of the missionaries in our mission joined the church as a youth or young adult?  One of our young adult converts is Elder Montoya from Peru. I like sharing his conversion story because it shows how powerful, yet simple, invitations made by members are!  In his own words - and with his permission - I share his conversion story: "A friend from my University, who used to live very close to my house, invited me to a missionary activity of her ward.  Even though I didn't understand the purpose of this activity....she promised me free food and games.  The food convinced me, so yes, I went!   I never knew I could have so much fun on a Friday night in a church.  I was surrounded with wonderful people and they treated me as an old friend.   I felt as I just entered into a huge family.  The games were so much fun.  I hadn't had that kind of fun since I was a kid; I loved it. The next week, my friend invited ...

In our mission we have lots of duplicate surnames.  In fact, right now, I am pretty sure we have 5 missionaries with the last name "Lopez".  So, when we get duplicates we always have to add where they are from - so we can keep everybody straight.  So, today, I want to tell you about Elder Lopez - from Alcapulco. Elder Lopez's family convertedto the church so time ago.    It seems the missionaries knocked on their door - actually they were looking for another address, but their family listened to their message and joined the church.  ("Teach when you find; find when you teach") He has siblings and a niece and nephew that have already served missions. I knew there was something different about him the first day he arrived here.  During our orientation of all new missionaries, he was attentive and smiled encouragingly as I gave my part of the presentation.  Usually new missionaries are quite anxious and nervous about everything on that first day...

Today my husband had other meetings to attend to without me, so I attended one of the wards in our mission by myself.  I have chosen not to drive long distances in our mission, because driving and traffic is very difficult here and Uber/taxis are pretty cheap.  So I just call an Uber and take the 45 minute ride to one of the closest chapels on days like this. Today I attended in the Oriental Stake, Fovissste (yes, there are 3 s's) Ward.  We have now served here for 9 months so I am beginning to recognize a few people in each of the 55 wards/branches in our mission, which is so nice.  Plus, I always know the missionaries in each ward, which is great! In each meeting I didn't understand a lot, but appreciated the fellowship and Spirit.  As far as understanding what is said - I get about 80% of what an American says speaking Spanish and maybe 30% of what Latin Americans say in Spanish.  Of course, singing the hymns is one of my favorite parts of any meetin...

This is our wonderful Elder Palacios!  He is one of the 30% of our missionaries that are converts to the church.  At our last zone conference he shared his conversion story - which I will always think of as "Galletas" (Cookies). When Elder Palacios was 14 he lived next door to a store called "OXXO" (very similar to a 7-11).   He loved cookies (galletas) and went to this store to buy them anytime he had a craving (even at 1AM or 3AM!).   The clerk, Joel, a returned missionary, took an interest in and developed a friendship with Elder Palacios.   As they got acquainted Joel began to talk to him about the church and eventually invited him to come to Sacrament Meeting. The next Sunday, Joel knocked on his door at 8:45 AM ready to take him to Sacrament meeting - but Elder Palacio was asleep and would not wake up and go to church.  This same Sunday routine, went on for at least 5 or more Sundays, still he wouldn't get up and go.  Joel,...

It is always concerning when the President's phone rings at 5:30AM.  This time it was Elder Crandall on the phone saying his companion Elder Rivera had been enduring a host of stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting since 2AM.  I grabbed our "Manual de Salud" (a fabulous health manual created by the LDS Mexico Mission Doctor listing symptoms, home treatment and "When to call your Mission President or Wife" for ailments common to missionaries.)  President and I were both on the phone with Elder Crandall as he described everything that had been going on, then proceeded to ask him more questions. (By the way, these elders had only been companions one week.) After hearing all the responses, we both thought it was appendicitis and it was time to get him to the hospital.  They live about 45 minutes away from where we live.  (None of our missionaries have cars...they use public transportation or walk.)  So, we ordered an Uber to pick them up - quick.  "T...