Transfers this week!!!            
  Saying Goodbye to all my ward members and
friends in Frontera!Hey I am doing great. I am in Minatitlan across,and to the side of our mission in Veracruz. I took ADO,it took four hours going high speed. I am exactly in Hidalgo part of Minatitlan. My companion is Elder Zuniga. He is from El Salvador and has been out for 14 months. He is very calm but we will see. The apartment is pretty rough, I am about the bucket shower life some days ha ha!!! Crazy huh! The city is very nice and busy but it is a little more north so it is a little less safe but our area is way out from the city. Our area is tiny! but it has four missionaries in it. General Conference was great, I saw three of the four in English. I watched it in the stake center and Spainsh in our ward. I am kind of nervous for sure and I have practically no time to study and my companion is all about numbers and he doesn't even really know it but I am going change that and make our goal conversions. He is amazing don't get me wrong but he just pushes the gospel on people sometimes. He really is great and outgoing though. We didn't link up last week ha ha! The transfers are crazy with President Morales usually I am suppose to stay in my zone for at least 3 transfers but he has changed everyone out of their zones. Pretty crazy! I saw elder Smith when I got off the bus it was really good to see him. I will be hear til November 10th at least if not til Christmas.

Goodbye to good friends and companions.

Saying Goodbye!

Primary in Hildalgo.

 I have two Americans in my apartment while they are looking for a house because their area got split and the sisters got their house.  No, not even the church has hot water.  Our fridge here is the size of carry on luggage.  So I just keep my milk and tomato juice in there.  Mom my apartment will get changed this month, I am just enduring to the end!!! ha ha!  It is fun but the bathroom schedule is messed up.  The members here feed us lunch and dinner.  The Relief Society sets our meals up.  There is also a return missionary who does our laundry. I love it here!

The roads here are not nice for my shoes because we walk on gravel, trash, cement and everything else under the blue moon.  They will last though.  The weather is amazingly cooler here, it is raining right now.  The city has more people, our area is like 1/20th the size of Frontera or less.  It is really small town but the church is bigger now than in Frontera.

The best part about General Conference was the promise that if members prayed exactly for people and acted then we could bring millions in by Christmas.  K CYA Love you!!!

What can I say about this week? Honestly I just wanted to die but I just thought to myself I know I am not going to die…. Alright let me explain. So we had a great week full of ups and downs but yet I cherished every moment. Tuesday was filled with appointments and Wednesday was the same in which we put down a date of baptism for a young man named Yoshmar, taught our last baptism lesson to a young lady named Alma Ruth, and taught two parents of a young man who aren't members.

Honestly, everything was going so great and smoothly which is usually when lightning strikes. That night my companion and me got some kind of virus or infection from some substance from one of our lessons through the water or food they offered us. At about 12:30 AM my companion was throwing up and I gave him a blessing and thought that we would just wait it out til morning but sometimes the Lord wants us to be cured by seeking wisdom in others. So around 1:30 AM my companion had thrown up and had diarrhea at the same time 8 times. In which I was starting to feel sick also, I called my Zone Leaders and they told us to talk to the former Bishop and his son. I called them up in my very broken Spanish and they said they would be on their way. I then called my Zone Leader again starting to feel extremely sick and said “I called them and you don't have to worry but I will have to let you go now because I am about to throw up.” Then I threw up and how great of experience that was. Then as I was trying to use the best of the few minutes I knew I had to grab everything we needed to go to the hospital before they came. I then looked out of the apartment door and saw our best friends in Frontera and truly knew that these men weren't only members of the gospel but were living the gospel as members.

They soon came up stairs and walked in the door and found that my companion was very dehydrated and that we needed to go the hospital. As we quickly and weakly left the apartment we made our way down the unoccupied street at 2 AM and walked towards the street corner in which the church sat. There my companion and me meet well our first test of patience. I went into the church to have my first go at the toilet while my companion was literally lying on the street because he didn't have energy while the former bishop was trying to find a taxi at 2 o'clock in the morning and his son looking after my companion. I came out and he asked if I was alright, I responded by saying “YES” and then throwing up 3 times for each letter. We finally got a taxi and made our way to the scariest hospital I had ever seen. It was painted in white and looked very inviting but that was soon dismissed when I went to throw up in their bathroom and found that their was no soap, no toilet paper, the toilet that does not flush, no air conditioning, and the bugs the size of a quarter. That is on top of waiting for twenty minutes in an emergency room. Then once we got called back they told us that we would be helped… Boy did I feel the exact opposite.

First of when you get a call to a foreign country, especially a third world you are like I hope I never go to a hospital. When it happens you think well hope they don't stick me with a needle. This is what happened to me right off the bat. They open my mouth and within seconds are getting a needle and IV thing ready. The IV was full of a fluid called Suero. It is like gatorade, full of electrolytes. Well I didn't know, so I was like what are you doing to me? Then I was like is this clean pointing to the the needle unwrapped from a new container. Honestly I still don't know if they rest was clean, so I pray I don't get anything ha ha! They stick the needle into my arm and they put two full IV bags full into my body. I was just laying there thought to myself  “What a Wonderful World.” To be completely honest I had to go to the bathroom, now I am a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints so I can only tell the truth so please bare with me when I say I can't tell you. But let me describe the situation. There I was once again holding my IV with one hand, and with the other trying to use the bathroom in which I was blessed that my Ward Mission Leader brought me toilet paper. Somehow Louis Armstrong came into my head again and was singing that same song. I then returned to my bed and finished my IV and loved life. We were released at around 5:30 AM and our great friends of Frontera got our medicine and took us two exhausted missionaries back home.

Now you are thinking, well that is it all, right? Wrong. Ha ha for the next day we were literally confined to our beds, only having a enough strength to use the bathroom or drink more suero. It was the worst day ever, pointless, boring, tiring, and humbling. We wanted to study, we wanted to clean, etc. but we couldn't. We were literally told by our doctor to stay in our house for two days. Thursday turned into a very pointless but humbling day in which we hoped we would laugh about later.

Friday was a great day to be alive. We were able to have strength to eat, to walk around, and to be able to study. We were told not to leave the house but we wanted to make sure that everything was getting ready for the sister missionaries that our coming to our area. We wanted to thank the former bishop and his son for his help. We wanted to try and do something instead of being confined to a two room and bath apartment. But we soon found that we were still very weak. Friday wasn't the greatest successful day in the mission.

Now what are you are probably thinking, Why are you still on our mission and not coming home? Well to all those who thought this, my answer is because this mission isn't about me. I have been set apart to be a missionary or a representative of Jesus Christ for two years. What was the purpose of Jesus for his three year mission, nothing but to serve other which ended him bearing the sins, pains, afflictions, and sorrows of the whole world who has ever, will ever, or is right now living on the earth in Gethsemane and ending this Atoning Sacrifice on the Cross. How can I complain? I did not die, I did not suffer for more then myself, and I did not do it alone. He did, our Lord and Savior bore the pains of the World alone. In which He asked the Father in Mark 14:36 “And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me:....” The Christ in this moment asked the Father if he could take it from him because of the pain he felt but finished by saying. “....nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.” He did not complain but rather said I will do what you want me to do. He did know that I would go and suffer in a hospital in Mexico and he did comfort every second of it. I can not help but plead that you offer thanks for this some call “Ultimate Sacrifice” but for me I call the “Ultimate Gift”. Do not ever, ever, ever, ever think that  you are alone. That you must bare this difficult time in our life alone. That is Satan, be a willing to receive help and if you have fallen into sin then all you have to do is ask and you will be forgiven. Now you must sincerely want to change, to literally tear away that former life, and start a new one with Christ in it. This is humble prayer and I know that he will help you! 

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Sincerely,

Elder DeVries

WHEN EVER THING IS SAID AND DONE JUST MOVE FORTH WITH FAITH

Honestly this past week was just filled with so many things that made it very hard for us to have time to study, to have appointments, and everything you are suppose to do. But yet everything worked out because we moved forward with faith. This week my companion got sick three times but we kept working and now we had a baptism last Saturday and two this next Saturday. Spanish is still very frustrating, but I know that Heavenly Father doesn't give us things that are special for Free, we have to work for it. Much like you, you have to work as a family to build a better relationship. Also I keep praying and try to have the faith that Jesus Christ will do the rest. Much like the woman who gave all she (oil and bread) had to the man, after the man was feed he said check your oil and bread. It was full. When you give your all to the Lord you will find that he will fill in for the rest. I try not to worry, it is all a part of the mission. I try to give my  testimony, and sincerely try to help them. We had a baptism this weekend, and it was amazing. The family truly felt the spirit and it was great to see a former missionaries prayers come true, in which his Mom was baptized. He did the baptizing and the confirming of the Holy Ghost. Pretty special experience for us as missionaries to see because for Elder Shuler and me, we both pray for certain people to one day receive the gospel. For them to be baptized, to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and to  prepare to be always worthy to enter the Temple. We pray for them because we know how much this can bless their lives for not only this life but for the eternity. This mission for me is such a eye opener, I can see how gospel blesses lives and if they were to only just pray, read, and to show only a little faith to the Lord  they would also know. I humbly ask each and everyone of you just go forth with faith and ask our Heavenly Father specifically if this church is true and then show your works of faith by just taking the first discussion with the missionaries. If you don't know how to get in contact with them just ask a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or visit mormon.org and click Chat

I weathered the storm! It was not anything big just two nights of hard showers which was nice but I heard Veracruz got hit pretty bad. In our area nothing happened though so we won't be doing any big service. Good to hear that Bailey had a fun Homecoming! Tell her to stop being frustrated and stressed and just love life! Tell Luke I miss the little man a Lot!!!! Crazy to think that I have been out for so long! Haven't heard anything about transfers. My ward is great ! We did have our baptism and we are having two more Saturday! Crazy huh!!!! 

Mom and Dad, 

This email is only to tell you that there is a storm coming and they told us that since we are on the coast that we might have to stay in our house for a few days IF the storm gets serious. The mission President specifically called our zone leader to tell us in Frontera. So he is aware of the circumstances. Mom if I dont send you a email this monday it is because everything is flooded. Dont worry I am in Gods hands and he has a plan in which I believe is for me and Elder Shuler to help them repair their homes and give them hope and Christ like love and charity,  IF it does Flood. Mom tell everyone I love them and do not WORRY!!!! Literally I will be fine, we are going to buy extra food just in case we have to stay in for a few days. Mom I love you and I promise that this is my opportunity to help this people if the storm does come!  But It may or MAY NOT happen. But just watch the weather and dont be worried. 

Le amo muchichismo, este es mi oportunidad para todos personas en Frontera ven La Iglesia de Jesucristo de Santos de Los ULTIMOS DIAS es por ellos. Yo espero no, pero si sÏ daremos nuestro servicio por todas personas.

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Sincerely,

Elder DeVries

 Hey Mom and Dad,
My week was great!  We are
having a baptism this Saturday!!!
Our baptism is for the mom of
a return missionary from this area.

Studying at the apartment.

My talk on Sunday was alright.  I think the ward understood probably about half,  which is better than I expected.  ha!ha!

This is our apartment!

It is a Mexican holiday today like their Independence Day.  Here the celebration  looks like lots of singing about Mexico and a parade.  It is pretty crazy!!

 Glad Shelby is having a great birthday week!! Tell Shelby Happy Birthday!!!  Tell Luke Hi!  Tell Bailey to enjoy high school and not be stressed.

 Nobody usually gets married here and it is very unusual to be married in the temple.  On a good day it only takes and hour and a half to drive to the temple in Villahermosa.  We never know when we will be going into the city.  The pouch works it is fun to get a stack of letters tell Grandma DeVries thank you for them.  Thank you soooooo much for sending a package I can't wait to get it.  I might be transferred in October so not sure where I will watch conference.  I will probably get a Mexican companion which will help my Spanish.  There is a young man in our ward that is getting his mission call hopefully before we leave.  Everybody pretty much keeps monday as p-days.

The language is coming slowly but surely.  The gospel is good.  Dad, Thank you for everything you have taught me and working so hard to give me a great life.  Dad I have recognized so many things, that I didn't know, truly know before the mission.  I love you!!!

Life As A Missionary
Feel the grips of Satan on your hand as you lift your arm and hit your alarm at the terrible hour of 6:30 a.m.  Then you stumble out of bed but have faith as a waterfall of terrific hot water comes down and washes the sleep off you and prepares you to enter another great day of service.  Then you get dressed, pray, eat breakfast and study.  You then go and have gospel study in which you SHOULD learn something new everyday.  Then you get hungry and have cereal because that is a missionaries best friend.  Then you study your new language and make notes in your little notebook you keep safe always in your pocket.  Then you pray and go to work.  You strive to speak to everyone clearly but really it is clear as a dirty window but as you work at it everyday it gets cleaner and cleaner.
Love You!!! Gotta GO!

 Love you Mom!!! I'm here!  Sounds like you had a fun week.  I used my credit card today for the first time today and it worked!  It worked great!  I pick up my card tomorrow!

     It was a great week here in Frontera, we had another baptism!  We are just killing everybody in our zone by bringing souls unto Christ!  Now it isn't us but it is Amazing!  The little girl is eight and she cried after saying the closing prayer and receiving the Holy Ghost the next day!!!  Pretty sweet, my companion looked away so he wouldn't cry.  Got some vegetables today.  Carrots!  I don't wash them because the water is so contaminated so we just pray that we won't get sick.

We are making ward activities happen on Fridays.  We are having an activity in a few weeks.  We are watching the June conference from the MTC, and the new 10 minute video" mormons at a glance".

My companion and I made it through transfers!  But my Spanish definitely needs a native speaker.  I have been on two splits my whole time here, we have no one really helping us just me and my companion.      How is Shelby and Luke?  I'm sure Bailey will make the play what part is she trying out for?  I really wan't to watch it when I get home.  If Bailey is sick make sure she takes the oils at Bella's and some honey and ice.  It will help!  Those oils really work you can hook me up with some more.

Baptism this Saturday!

I told Hunter I was getting ready to send a package and asked if he needed anything.  Almost immediately he emailed back.  Ummm Yes!!! I need the following small books of mormon in English and Spanish, DI ties, pocket translator it is like 30 bucks at Amazon and on my mission wish list, candy in a plastic bag so it won't get soggy, caramel werther's, duck tape, super glue two bottles, pens, oils, ecco insoles, floss, one axe deodorant, hole puncher, crystal light packets and scripture markers.  Anything else made in the USA!

        Right then my internet connection went down for about ten minutes, when I got back on Hunter had sent an email that said;  "Sorry, it was a long list, but you asked."  I had to laugh.  

BAPTISM THIS SATURDAY!

Baptism YEA BOY!!

HEY!!! I BAPTIZED!!! Bro. D is a really good man who is really ill.  He doesn't show much emotion but when he received baptism and the Holy Ghost he cried.  Other family members would like to be baptized but some in the family do not like us and are spreading rumors about us.  Bro. D really loves the gospel and when he talks it is a humble testimony.  He is simply amazing and I got the baptism prayer right the first time.  NO BIG DEAL!!! He was the first person I ever taught in the mission. His family is more eager to listen to the Mexican missionaries than us white ones.  Because when I was on splits they totally listened to my Mexican companion.

I am doing great mom!!!  My week was fantastic!!!  My companion is a lot better and if he doesn't get transferred next week we will be together until October.  Tell Shelby and Luke I love them!  Tell the ward Hey, and I send my love!

My tan is not getting very dark because it is starting to rain here a lot more.  Spanish is coming....The ward is great!  I am restarting the Book of Mormon and learning how the Atonement is for everyone!

We have many baptisms set for this weekend!!  I don't think I had a parasite, they decided to treat me for one.  I try to be smart when I eat ha ha!  The medicine I take is to prevent it.

The people here in town think we are crazy, that is why we always try to teach with references.  We have only baptized people who were references in the past three months and they are all still active in church!

It has been raining so much this past week!!!  It is starting to be cooler at nights, which is amazing!!  I love that!!  I am eating pasta(noodles) almost every night so I know I will survive for two years!!!

Love You Guys!
K CYA!!!