To sum up my mission in a letter is, I think, impossible. From the beginning to the very end I have seen myself continually change, be affected by the work, and I've seen the effect that i have had on others. In the beginning, this work was difficult; yet I had amazing teachers and companions in the MTC who helped me grow in the knowledge of my Savior and helped me grow my testimony. But once I ended up in Estonia without those people around me, I didn't know for sure if I was going to stay. The work was difficult, the language was even harder, and I missed my family. But I stuck it out. Not because I wanted to, but because I knew the Lord wanted me to. He is the reason I'm on a mission. He gave me the call, I accepted it, and I couldn't turn back no matter how much I wanted to. Luckily the Tartu branch and my fellow missionaries helped me pull through. People were endlessly patient with me, especially when I spoke Estonian. I quickly made many friends and memories. I remember my first lesson and just thinking 'Wow, I am really a missionary' followed by 'Wow, I have no idea what they are saying!' I had an awesome trainer who had lots of faith in me and was always encouraging me to push on even though it seemed like everyday we had doors slammed in our faces, we were wet from all the random rain storms, and dogs tried to have me for lunch. But again, I just got up the next morning to do it again. Slowly but surely, my language got better and I made my way to Pärnu. There, I was finally able to see the fruits of hard labor. Zoja was baptized into the church. She was baptized in a little tub with water barely reaching her shins. Yet miraculously, Heavenly Father saw her courage and made the little tub work for a baptism. Now to see her as an active member preparing for the temple makes me so grateful that I had a part in that. Pärnu was my family during my first Christmas away from home and the members really brightened my spirits every time I heard their testimonies and saw them arrive for Sunday services even though it was -25 C and a blizzard. That was always a testimony to me that this church is true. I again made my way back to Tartu and there I grew so much. I was finally able to teach and converse without worrying. I had some hard times there, especially with companions, but I am so grateful for those now. Without that I would have never learned patience. My 'I want what I want now' attitude changed. I learned to rely on the Lord more and call on him in my hardest times and also in the easiest times. We had lots of success in Tartu and I really love all the people there. I was then sent back to Pärnu where I was lucky enough to teach a beautiful family. I saw them get married, and be baptized. I also saw the miracles of another young woman being baptized after I followed the promptings of the Holy Ghost. From there I made my way to the big city of Tallinn. A city I hoped to never serve in, but one that taught me to grow up. I was able to lead, grow, and develop my talents that the Lord has given to me. I saw how a strong branch functions and was able to work closely with the leaders. I had to learn to love knocking in a city with man eating dogs as well. I remember saying prayers at every gate with a 'kuri koer' sign, asking for protection and feeling my adrenaline kick up a few notches. I am glad that part is over. :) Then came the turning point of my mission. I was asked to change languages and serve in the Latvian city of Liepaja. This was a heartbreaking experience for me. I had so much love for Estonia, the people, the members, and the missionaries. I didn't want to say goodbye to them. I didn't think I could. This is the first time I think I ever 'wrestled with the Lord' like Enos. I was scared to leave and I really didn't want to. But after having the help of missionaries, my president, priesthood blessings, pondering, prayer, scripture reading, fasting, and the efforts from others I realized this was what the Lord needed of me. I realized it was his work, not mine. I am here to do his will, not mine. So I went. At first it was hard to be upbeat but I was greeted by a beautiful, strong branch and amazing missionaries who took me in as family. The transition was very easy, but the language change was hard, and I missed everything about Estonia. But I loved my experience there. I can't even explain all the ways that I grew up and changed. I really learned to appreciate what I have. I learned that it can all be taken away so quickly. I loved Latvia and all that it gave to me. Then, amazingly, at the new year, I was sent back to Estonia. I was sent once again to serve my beloved friends in Tartu and work with an awesome companion. We taught so many great people, worked hard, and had a blast the whole time. It was a really rewarding transfer, one that I won't ever forget. We were able to help many members in need and to really show true service and love for them. And finally, for my last six weeks I have been serving in Tallinn. The work here has again helped me grow patience. Its been very slow here, but very exciting when we have lessons show up and go through. I have loved being back. Its incredible to think about all the experiences that I have had and how this part of my life is coming to an end. A couple years ago, I was just a kid, living my life in Utah. I almost rejected the call to serve. I almost told God no. I am so grateful, eternally grateful, that I answered the call to serve a mission. Many things have happened in two years, and I have missed a lot of things. But it has been completely worth it. I don't regret anything. Everything that has happened, happened for a reason. I feel like the luckiest person to have been sent here and to have met and loved so many wonderful people. I am so grateful for all the missionaries whom I have had the opportunity to serve with. I looked up to every one of you. You all offered something different and you all have affected little parts of my life. I am grateful for all my friends that have stayed in contact with me and all those that have followed my mission. Your prayers, and letters, and faith have helped keep me going. I am so grateful for my amazing family. You have all been amazing for helping throughout my mission. I also received encouraging words from you when I needed them the most. I have seen change in you all and I am so excited to once again be with you. I have really missed you. I am so grateful for this church and everything it had given me. I am grateful to have seen peoples life's change because of the happy message we proclaim. I am so honored to say that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We are so lucky for the knowledge that we have. That there is life after this one, that we have a loving Father in Heaven and an older brother who cares about us, who has and does anything for us if we just follow them. I am so grateful that I have been able to grow closer to the Lord and learn more about my Savior. I have never felt this close to him. But I am so grateful for all the things Heavenly Father has taught me. I am grateful for all the prayers that he has answered and for all the strength that he has given me to press on. I am grateful to have served a mission for the church. I am a missionary. Those are wonderful words. It is a bittersweet feeling to have it all come to an end. But I feel like I have done everything that I could have. I have given it my all. I love you all. I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I love this church.
Armastusega,
Vanem Spencer Mark Boyce
Monday, April 4, 2011
March 21st...
Well this week was really busy. We had 11 lessons go through-the most I have had in this area-with many others that cancelled. So we are making some progress. Its just sad seeing people not accept what we offer them. But its okay. I was again able to go on splits which was very fun. I got to teach and work in differenct areas this week and I really enjoyed that. Its been nice using the 'well I will be in America that week, so we will have to meet earlier' excuse. It works every time. I have been calling alot of people and they have just been busy but whenever I use it, they are suddenly free and ready to listen. Way funny. So the deaf guy we have been teacing Erik finally came to church. We had one Elder sigingin to him and another member typing everything that was being said. So hopefully he enjoyed it. I didn't really get to talk to him. We had President and Sister Dance with us on Sunday and they spoke so we had a lot of people to sacrament meeting. It was just a really good afternoon. Funny story. I was with Elder Broby and we were knocking and I rang a door. The lady answered and wouldn't let us in because she didn't know us. I explained that we are young, polite, nice boys from America wanting to talk about God and that she doesn't need to worry. She said 'hold on, I am going to ask Jeesus' so she did and the line went dead. So I called her door again and she said that she prayed and didn't get a sign. So I explained to her that we were the sign and that God had in fact directed us to her. She said okay, and let us in. So we taught her and she was way nice. Crazy religious but it was definitely a good experience. They are going to meet with her again tomorrow so we will see how that goes. I am loving my Book of Mormon reading. It is going so good. I hope you are all learning something from it. Well I guess that is all from me this week. My email next week will be loooong! So watch out. I love you all. Pray for me this last week that we can be successful in finding those souls that are ready to hear our message.
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
March 21st...
Well this week was really busy. We had 11 lessons go through-the most I have had in this area-with many others that cancelled. So we are making some progress. Its just sad seeing people not accept what we offer them. But its okay. I was again able to go on splits which was very fun. I got to teach and work in differenct areas this week and I really enjoyed that. Its been nice using the 'well I will be in America that week, so we will have to meet earlier' excuse. It works every time. I have been calling alot of people and they have just been busy but whenever I use it, they are suddenly free and ready to listen. Way funny. So the deaf guy we have been teacing Erik finally came to church. We had one Elder sigingin to him and another member typing everything that was being said. So hopefully he enjoyed it. I didn't really get to talk to him. We had President and Sister Dance with us on Sunday and they spoke so we had a lot of people to sacrament meeting. It was just a really good afternoon. Funny story. I was with Elder Broby and we were knocking and I rang a door. The lady answered and wouldn't let us in because she didn't know us. I explained that we are young, polite, nice boys from America wanting to talk about God and that she doesn't need to worry. She said 'hold on, I am going to ask Jeesus' so she did and the line went dead. So I called her door again and she said that she prayed and didn't get a sign. So I explained to her that we were the sign and that God had in fact directed us to her. She said okay, and let us in. So we taught her and she was way nice. Crazy religious but it was definitely a good experience. They are going to meet with her again tomorrow so we will see how that goes. I am loving my Book of Mormon reading. It is going so good. I hope you are all learning something from it. Well I guess that is all from me this week. My email next week will be loooong! So watch out. I love you all. Pray for me this last week that we can be successful in finding those souls that are ready to hear our message.
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
Monday, March 14, 2011
March 14th...
Dear friends,
I am doing teriffic. I really do feel great. We are finding, and teaching, and well, trying to baptize. haha. Thsi past week flew by. I really don't know where the weeks go anymore. They go way to fast for my liking. I have had the opportunity to split off with a lot of missionries becasue my companion is the district leader so that has been a blast. But the coolest thing that happened this week-well I haev two stories. First one. On Saturday, a man named Keio was baptized. He is 21 I believe and taught by the other Elders. We had the baptism after our english classes. But that is not the miracle. Our english class is amazing. They are the first class that I have taught that actual participates in the spiritual thoughts. So I told them how today was a very special day and we taught and explained baptized. And guess what, all 7 stayed for the baptismal service!!! How cool is that? I have never had that many investigators to come to a service. They all loved it. It was just such an awesome feeling there. Then the next miracle. We have some Russian sisters that work in part of our area. They had a lesson set up with an Estonian woman whom they taught in Russian so they wanted to pass her off to us. So Elder Lane and I went to teach with them. The first lady was just hilarious and so confused. She kept thinking that we prayed to the holy ghost and that we thought Joseph Smith was Christ but in his body. She just had some way whacky beliefs. But she was a sweet heart and really wants to learn. She will definitely be a project, but it was a blast. Then afterwards we stopped at another house in the same building and they let us in. We taught them about the Restoration. They liked it, but kept saying they were 'to old to change' ya ya. We have heard that a lot. So it was really fun. We have retrun appointments with both of them next week, so that is exciting. 3 new investigators thanks to the Russian sisters. haha. But the work is going good. The weather is getting better and sunny and warm and people are getting happier. We'll start seeing changes soon. Well I hope you are doing well. You are all in my prayers. Remember to keep Estonia in yours.
Love ya,
Elder Boyce
I am doing teriffic. I really do feel great. We are finding, and teaching, and well, trying to baptize. haha. Thsi past week flew by. I really don't know where the weeks go anymore. They go way to fast for my liking. I have had the opportunity to split off with a lot of missionries becasue my companion is the district leader so that has been a blast. But the coolest thing that happened this week-well I haev two stories. First one. On Saturday, a man named Keio was baptized. He is 21 I believe and taught by the other Elders. We had the baptism after our english classes. But that is not the miracle. Our english class is amazing. They are the first class that I have taught that actual participates in the spiritual thoughts. So I told them how today was a very special day and we taught and explained baptized. And guess what, all 7 stayed for the baptismal service!!! How cool is that? I have never had that many investigators to come to a service. They all loved it. It was just such an awesome feeling there. Then the next miracle. We have some Russian sisters that work in part of our area. They had a lesson set up with an Estonian woman whom they taught in Russian so they wanted to pass her off to us. So Elder Lane and I went to teach with them. The first lady was just hilarious and so confused. She kept thinking that we prayed to the holy ghost and that we thought Joseph Smith was Christ but in his body. She just had some way whacky beliefs. But she was a sweet heart and really wants to learn. She will definitely be a project, but it was a blast. Then afterwards we stopped at another house in the same building and they let us in. We taught them about the Restoration. They liked it, but kept saying they were 'to old to change' ya ya. We have heard that a lot. So it was really fun. We have retrun appointments with both of them next week, so that is exciting. 3 new investigators thanks to the Russian sisters. haha. But the work is going good. The weather is getting better and sunny and warm and people are getting happier. We'll start seeing changes soon. Well I hope you are doing well. You are all in my prayers. Remember to keep Estonia in yours.
Love ya,
Elder Boyce
Monday, March 7, 2011
March 7th...
Hello!
We had one of the coolest lessons of my mission this past week. A russian elder here knows American Sign language, so he contacted a deaf estonian on the bus. Well we ran into him as well and were able to get his number and meet up. So there was the Russian Elder signing in English, the estonian deaf man, my companion and I writing out a lesson to him in Estonian, and us translating it for the Elder back into English. I think that broke some language barrier record or something. It was truly amazing. He is from the Pentecostal church and there are about 30 deaf members. We are going to baptize them all! :) We also taught a guy on Saturday about the Restoration, and he loved it. He committed to be baptized right there for 3 weeks. But then the sadness. We were leaving and noticed that he started to smoke. He says he has been smoking for 40 years and can't quit. So we figured we would work with him, but on Sunday he was drunk and didn't turn up to church. Then he dropped us over the phone saying our commandments were to hard to follow. So that was hard. But maybe we made a difference in his life that when missionaries come a knocking he will be more open. We'll see. We also have been working with a less active guy named Renauld. He is 20. This past week he jaked us and didn't turn out to our lessons and Sunday he didn't answer the phone, but he showed up in a suit and tie and even bore his testimony. So we are really hoping he is ready to come back. Everyone remembered him and were really nice to him. It was good. We have also been playing some gator ball. Way fun sport. We have a blast. So everything is going really good here. We are finding and teaching and getting less actives back. Miracles are still happening. I love it. I love seeing how much Gods hand is in our work and how random things to me are really small miracles from him. We are very blessed as missionaries. The weather is a lot better. hanging around 0 degrees. Its a lot warmer and makes life easier. It is getting slippery though. Ah! I haven't fallen yet, but close. Well I got to go and work. Have a good week, and I will bring more stories for next.
Love
Elder Boyce
We had one of the coolest lessons of my mission this past week. A russian elder here knows American Sign language, so he contacted a deaf estonian on the bus. Well we ran into him as well and were able to get his number and meet up. So there was the Russian Elder signing in English, the estonian deaf man, my companion and I writing out a lesson to him in Estonian, and us translating it for the Elder back into English. I think that broke some language barrier record or something. It was truly amazing. He is from the Pentecostal church and there are about 30 deaf members. We are going to baptize them all! :) We also taught a guy on Saturday about the Restoration, and he loved it. He committed to be baptized right there for 3 weeks. But then the sadness. We were leaving and noticed that he started to smoke. He says he has been smoking for 40 years and can't quit. So we figured we would work with him, but on Sunday he was drunk and didn't turn up to church. Then he dropped us over the phone saying our commandments were to hard to follow. So that was hard. But maybe we made a difference in his life that when missionaries come a knocking he will be more open. We'll see. We also have been working with a less active guy named Renauld. He is 20. This past week he jaked us and didn't turn out to our lessons and Sunday he didn't answer the phone, but he showed up in a suit and tie and even bore his testimony. So we are really hoping he is ready to come back. Everyone remembered him and were really nice to him. It was good. We have also been playing some gator ball. Way fun sport. We have a blast. So everything is going really good here. We are finding and teaching and getting less actives back. Miracles are still happening. I love it. I love seeing how much Gods hand is in our work and how random things to me are really small miracles from him. We are very blessed as missionaries. The weather is a lot better. hanging around 0 degrees. Its a lot warmer and makes life easier. It is getting slippery though. Ah! I haven't fallen yet, but close. Well I got to go and work. Have a good week, and I will bring more stories for next.
Love
Elder Boyce
Monday, February 28, 2011
February 28th...
Hey Everyone!
Well this week was a lot better than last. I don't feel so lost anymore. Its always hard coming from a companionship than switching to a new city. But it was fun. We got jaked a lot. By members and investigators. We had so much set up but it just didn't go through. But that is the life. All we can do is move forward. We taught a lot of less actives so that was good as well. We got one to church!!! Her name is Mai and she is way nice. So that was way excitign to see her there. We also started meeting iwth a kid named Ranauld but he didn't make it to church unfortunately. Its sad though, so many people just quit coming because they get forgottoen. There missionary leaves then they miss a Sunday and then they just don't come back. I see it so much here. I wish the members would just be more friendly and branch out from their little clicks that have developed. I know its now just here too. I saw it in Latvia and at home. People just need to branch out more. Ya it may be unocomfortable but we can really change somebodys lives if we make ourselves uncomfortable every once in a while. Thursday was Estonias independence day. That was such a blast. We got to see a parade and everyone was just so happy. It was a fun day and a fun thing to be apart of. The work here in Kristiine is a bit slow. But we have some investigators that have been gone coming back to town, so hopefully things will pick up. I have been reading the war chapters in Alma and man they are ridiculous. When the nephites are righteous they win, when they aren't rigtheous they lose. Its that simple. Its just made me reaalize that the problems that were plagueing the people in the book of mormon, are still plaguing us today. People just need to stop beign so proud and do what God says. Life would be that much easier. But the chpaters are fun rto read. I used to find them boring but I am really trying to apply them and change. I love it. II hope everyone is doing good. I lvoe you all and miss you and I am grateful for all your letters. Until next week.
Elder Boyce
Well this week was a lot better than last. I don't feel so lost anymore. Its always hard coming from a companionship than switching to a new city. But it was fun. We got jaked a lot. By members and investigators. We had so much set up but it just didn't go through. But that is the life. All we can do is move forward. We taught a lot of less actives so that was good as well. We got one to church!!! Her name is Mai and she is way nice. So that was way excitign to see her there. We also started meeting iwth a kid named Ranauld but he didn't make it to church unfortunately. Its sad though, so many people just quit coming because they get forgottoen. There missionary leaves then they miss a Sunday and then they just don't come back. I see it so much here. I wish the members would just be more friendly and branch out from their little clicks that have developed. I know its now just here too. I saw it in Latvia and at home. People just need to branch out more. Ya it may be unocomfortable but we can really change somebodys lives if we make ourselves uncomfortable every once in a while. Thursday was Estonias independence day. That was such a blast. We got to see a parade and everyone was just so happy. It was a fun day and a fun thing to be apart of. The work here in Kristiine is a bit slow. But we have some investigators that have been gone coming back to town, so hopefully things will pick up. I have been reading the war chapters in Alma and man they are ridiculous. When the nephites are righteous they win, when they aren't rigtheous they lose. Its that simple. Its just made me reaalize that the problems that were plagueing the people in the book of mormon, are still plaguing us today. People just need to stop beign so proud and do what God says. Life would be that much easier. But the chpaters are fun rto read. I used to find them boring but I am really trying to apply them and change. I love it. II hope everyone is doing good. I lvoe you all and miss you and I am grateful for all your letters. Until next week.
Elder Boyce
Monday, February 21, 2011
February 21st...
Hello,
Well the big news. I have packed my bags again. I am up in Tallinn now. Wow. I was really surprised. But it is actually very fun here. I like Tallinn a lot. It was really weird saying goodbye to people in Tartu though. I mean I could never see some of them again. I already miss Tartu a lot. I am in Kriistine with Elder Lane. I helped train him about a year ago when he first came. So its fun to be back together. On Saturday we were able to go to the Sepps for family night. We had so much fun. They were so excited to see me as was I them. They are so much fun. We ate, had a spiritual thought, and played games. It was way good. The weather has been freezing. It was -32 degrees celsius on Friday. -32!!!! Crazy. But I am surviving...somehow. I thought it would be a good idea to make my companion apple crisp one night. Well the brown sugar was hard so I put it in the microwave and I reached in to grab it and burnt my finger off. Who knew that brown sugar melts? So i had to sleep holding a bag of frozen peas in my hand. But its already way better. But so far I don't really have much to say. The week has just been busy and it was just hard saying goodbye to people. I am so excited to just work. I have 6 weeks to find someone to be baptized!!! Pray for our success and that the peoples hearts will be softened. Again in my reading of the Book of Mormon I have noticed how often it still says 'if you keep my commandments, ye will prosper in the land...' It is just a constant reminder of how everyday we need to do our best to follow God and keep him in our minds at all time. I love you all. I am grateful for you.
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
PS...My homecoming will be April 17th for all those curious.
Well the big news. I have packed my bags again. I am up in Tallinn now. Wow. I was really surprised. But it is actually very fun here. I like Tallinn a lot. It was really weird saying goodbye to people in Tartu though. I mean I could never see some of them again. I already miss Tartu a lot. I am in Kriistine with Elder Lane. I helped train him about a year ago when he first came. So its fun to be back together. On Saturday we were able to go to the Sepps for family night. We had so much fun. They were so excited to see me as was I them. They are so much fun. We ate, had a spiritual thought, and played games. It was way good. The weather has been freezing. It was -32 degrees celsius on Friday. -32!!!! Crazy. But I am surviving...somehow. I thought it would be a good idea to make my companion apple crisp one night. Well the brown sugar was hard so I put it in the microwave and I reached in to grab it and burnt my finger off. Who knew that brown sugar melts? So i had to sleep holding a bag of frozen peas in my hand. But its already way better. But so far I don't really have much to say. The week has just been busy and it was just hard saying goodbye to people. I am so excited to just work. I have 6 weeks to find someone to be baptized!!! Pray for our success and that the peoples hearts will be softened. Again in my reading of the Book of Mormon I have noticed how often it still says 'if you keep my commandments, ye will prosper in the land...' It is just a constant reminder of how everyday we need to do our best to follow God and keep him in our minds at all time. I love you all. I am grateful for you.
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
PS...My homecoming will be April 17th for all those curious.
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