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.
Monday, February 14, 2011
February 14th...
Hey,
Its been freezing here. Its about -3 degrees Fahrenheit today. Eat your hear out. So its been a pretty busy week. Way more busy than last. I have lots of stories. First one. When I was in Tallinn last September I lost my planner. I could never find it and then it left my memory. Well a couple of weeks ago a man walked into the Tallinn church, gave my lost planner to some misisonaries, and said God bless. Then a missinoary went to chase after him and he was gone. They are claiming he was one of the three nephites. But how crazy is that?! I was way excited. But that was just way weird to me. I told them to call every phone number inside the book becasue someone must be ready to hear. Next story. I was able to go on splits with Elder Elmer this week. We went and taught a guy named hanes. We read Alma 7 with him and talked about baptism. So I committed him. He said he wasn't sure. So I committed him again. Still he wasn't sure. So we talked a little bit and an idea came to me. We needed to give him a date, and then let him pray about it. The date would show God his willingness and then he would have something more specific to pray about. So I committed him again. We also had a member with us and everytime we would committ this guy the member would open his mouth and give him an out. So when I committed him again the member went to speak and I just put my hand on him. We sat silently for like 30 seconds, and the guy said okay. It was really cool just to see the spirit work on this guy. I felt like we had to give him a date and push him. Normally i'm not so pushy, but I felt he needed it. It was a way cool experience. I hope the member also learned too. Next story. We were teaching Vend Vilpo. He is so awesome. He wants to be baptized but his wife won't marry him. So we shared the intro with him in the Book of Mormon showing him how he could introduce the book to people. Then he told us a way rad story. He says he doesn't hide the fact that he's a mormon-haha-at work. So he was working one day and a friend came up to him in a panic saying he couldn't find his keys. So Vilpo said 'well ask God, he'll tell you.' So 15 minutes later the guy came back and said 'Hey, you were right. I prayed and found the keys!' I just love that story because he is such a member missionary and not even baptized. Then he brought his two kids to church with him on Sunday and they loved primary. So that was just way awesome. I was so excited. Then in church the Branch President asks me 'hey can you translate for Laura' laura is a member from Finland who speaks english. So I just figured I would translate sacrament meeting for her. I said sure. Then I realized that Laura wasn't sitting with the congregation. She was sitting up front where the speakers sit. Then it dawned on me that he wanted me to translate her talk from English to Estonian. So I was freaking out. I said a prayer to calm myself and I got up and did work. It was my first time ever translating this way-especially in front of a crowd. It was a way cool experience. It made me realized that we have way weird saying in english. But it was very good. Also, I found a sewing machine at the church. I got permission to take it home. So on my lunch break I sew some sweet book covers. I will attatch some pictures. They are awesome. We went to visit a less active on Saturday out in Elva. Its about an hour away. It was freezing by the way -17 or for Fahrenhiet users 0 degrees. We got there and she was so happy we came. She was so grateful and smiling so much. She is less active becasue its hard for her to get to Tartu for church. But she still has a lot of faith. I felt really good that we went out and visited her. We then found out her neighbor is also a member. So we were able to visit with him too. He was way nice, but didn't seem interested right now. But hopefully it left an impression on him. We committed him to start reading again. We'll see what happens. I hope we can go out there again next month. Wow. Okay. I wrote a lot this week. Oh!!! One more thing. I was reading the book of Mormon this morning and something caught my eye. In Alma 24:15-18 the anti-nephi-lehis or whatever there names are are preparing for an attack by the lamanites. Instead of fighting they bury there weapons in the ground 'making them bright.' They also feel that this is a 'testimony' to God. Well I got thinking about this and the verse in 3 Nephi 18:24 where Christ tells us to hold our light high. I realized this is exactly what the people did. They were being examples to their ´attackers even unto death. And through their actions to follow and be like Christ thousands of Lamanites were converted. I just love this story. Because if we hold our lights high, we could affected many people. I love you all. SO MUCH!! Keep up the good work.
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
Its been freezing here. Its about -3 degrees Fahrenheit today. Eat your hear out. So its been a pretty busy week. Way more busy than last. I have lots of stories. First one. When I was in Tallinn last September I lost my planner. I could never find it and then it left my memory. Well a couple of weeks ago a man walked into the Tallinn church, gave my lost planner to some misisonaries, and said God bless. Then a missinoary went to chase after him and he was gone. They are claiming he was one of the three nephites. But how crazy is that?! I was way excited. But that was just way weird to me. I told them to call every phone number inside the book becasue someone must be ready to hear. Next story. I was able to go on splits with Elder Elmer this week. We went and taught a guy named hanes. We read Alma 7 with him and talked about baptism. So I committed him. He said he wasn't sure. So I committed him again. Still he wasn't sure. So we talked a little bit and an idea came to me. We needed to give him a date, and then let him pray about it. The date would show God his willingness and then he would have something more specific to pray about. So I committed him again. We also had a member with us and everytime we would committ this guy the member would open his mouth and give him an out. So when I committed him again the member went to speak and I just put my hand on him. We sat silently for like 30 seconds, and the guy said okay. It was really cool just to see the spirit work on this guy. I felt like we had to give him a date and push him. Normally i'm not so pushy, but I felt he needed it. It was a way cool experience. I hope the member also learned too. Next story. We were teaching Vend Vilpo. He is so awesome. He wants to be baptized but his wife won't marry him. So we shared the intro with him in the Book of Mormon showing him how he could introduce the book to people. Then he told us a way rad story. He says he doesn't hide the fact that he's a mormon-haha-at work. So he was working one day and a friend came up to him in a panic saying he couldn't find his keys. So Vilpo said 'well ask God, he'll tell you.' So 15 minutes later the guy came back and said 'Hey, you were right. I prayed and found the keys!' I just love that story because he is such a member missionary and not even baptized. Then he brought his two kids to church with him on Sunday and they loved primary. So that was just way awesome. I was so excited. Then in church the Branch President asks me 'hey can you translate for Laura' laura is a member from Finland who speaks english. So I just figured I would translate sacrament meeting for her. I said sure. Then I realized that Laura wasn't sitting with the congregation. She was sitting up front where the speakers sit. Then it dawned on me that he wanted me to translate her talk from English to Estonian. So I was freaking out. I said a prayer to calm myself and I got up and did work. It was my first time ever translating this way-especially in front of a crowd. It was a way cool experience. It made me realized that we have way weird saying in english. But it was very good. Also, I found a sewing machine at the church. I got permission to take it home. So on my lunch break I sew some sweet book covers. I will attatch some pictures. They are awesome. We went to visit a less active on Saturday out in Elva. Its about an hour away. It was freezing by the way -17 or for Fahrenhiet users 0 degrees. We got there and she was so happy we came. She was so grateful and smiling so much. She is less active becasue its hard for her to get to Tartu for church. But she still has a lot of faith. I felt really good that we went out and visited her. We then found out her neighbor is also a member. So we were able to visit with him too. He was way nice, but didn't seem interested right now. But hopefully it left an impression on him. We committed him to start reading again. We'll see what happens. I hope we can go out there again next month. Wow. Okay. I wrote a lot this week. Oh!!! One more thing. I was reading the book of Mormon this morning and something caught my eye. In Alma 24:15-18 the anti-nephi-lehis or whatever there names are are preparing for an attack by the lamanites. Instead of fighting they bury there weapons in the ground 'making them bright.' They also feel that this is a 'testimony' to God. Well I got thinking about this and the verse in 3 Nephi 18:24 where Christ tells us to hold our light high. I realized this is exactly what the people did. They were being examples to their ´attackers even unto death. And through their actions to follow and be like Christ thousands of Lamanites were converted. I just love this story. Because if we hold our lights high, we could affected many people. I love you all. SO MUCH!! Keep up the good work.
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
Monday, February 7, 2011
February 7th...
Hey guys!Well this week. Wow. Its been a bit of a big one. haha. Zone conference. Yes, it ended up being my last one. It was so weird. Its weird thinking that some of those missionaries I may never see again. President informed me it was my last and when I heard I get sad. Its weird that things I never thought would end, are ending. Its a good feeling, knowing that I truly have given my all. We talked alot about Faith and aligning our will with Gods will. I love zone conferences. They just get me really excited to go out and teach. So you know the home front commercials the church does...the whole...'family, isn't it about..time?'. Well they have some translated into Estonian and Russian and they are trying to get them on TV here. It was really cool to see those at zone conference. It means the church is growing. We had a slow work week. Everyone kept jaking us or canceling our mixing up days. So that was a little bit bummy. But we contacted a lot and tried to find. It was slow. Just one of those weeks. We did end up contacting a man that had talked to missionaries before but only on the streets. After inviting him to come talk five times and him offering us coffee and to sit at a kohvik it wasn't going anywhere. So I said *fine if your to scared....' to which he replied, 'I'm not scared im....well fine lets go!' So we got him to come in. That was awesome. Also Saturday night Elder Jenkins was a little ill. So I called the whole branch list and found a ton of less actives willing to meet. It's my goal to get one active before I leave here. We visited one last night named Armilda. Her building was locked up like fort Knox. Seriously. But luckily a guy let us in. Then we got to her hallway and that was locked. So I called her and she gave me some sob story how she couldn't come but then the same guy that let us in before lived down her hall. So I told her we'd see her in a second. So we finally got to her door and she let us in. She was a talked, and pretty much blind. She said that she thinks her baptism was a joke, but she is willing to talk with us and listen. So it wasn't a wasted effort. Hopefully we can help her. We helped a member move out of her apartment today. She lived on the fifth floor. So me and Elder Jenkins were the only ones moving stuff. I am tired. haha. But its worth it. She is awesome. Oh, I slipped!!! Dang it. I almost made it all winter without slipping but I ate it the other day. Elder Jenkins just laughed. Well that is all for this week. Next week, ya?Elder Boyce
Monday, January 31, 2011
January 31st...
Tere,
Well this week has just been awesome!! We have been knocking a lot. I am tired of contacting in center all the time, so we just knock in the evenings now. Its been a lot of fun. I had a cool miracle. We had been knocking and it was freezing and nobody was letting us in. We were just finishing up a building when I looked across the street to another building. The porch light turned on. So I thought to myself...sign from God? Well after I thought that I knew I had to go knock that building. So we knocked it but nobody answered. The second to the last door though a man answered. He seemed kind of interested. Then he shouted into his house if anybody wants to talk with the Mormons. We heard his daughter squealed with laughter. But once she came out and saw us, she wasn't laughing anymore. She was flirting. haha. But anyways, the mom and dad let us in. We taught them and it just went very well. They were very hesitant about us coming back though and wouldn't set up a direct time. But we left a Book of Mormon with them as that was really all we could do. But it was fun to see that if you follow the lights, you find a family. haha. Also we found out that the branch president in Pärnu is getting married!! He has been dating one of the recent converts for a month and they are getting married!! We are way excited for him. It will be so awesome. Pärnu needs it. Also I was cutting my hair and guess what I saw.....GRAY!! Flip. What is that all about. Granted there were like four pieces, but still. They are in existence now. So I cut them all off. But i couldn't believe it. On Sunday a few members came down from Tallinn so it was really fun to see them. I also spoke on Sunday. My topic was Mosiah 2:21-22. You should be there in the reading if you are doing my challenge correctly...or be there soon. But that was really fun for me. Tiina-our Estonian teacher and member-helped me with all my grammar. But people told me that I pronounced stuff very well. haha. So that was really fun. We haven't really found any new investigators this week. Our pool is getting shallower but we are trying to find like crazy. So we'll see what happens. I am really excited to be out of January. I just am not a fan of it. You have to get used to the new year, and writing 2011 not 2010. Its cold, and long. But its over now. haha. Happiness is coming in the form of February. When we get 0 degrees here, I am feeling warm. What's happened to me? haha. We got a lady that's been kind of less active back to church so that was exciting. She missed one Sunday, then another, then another. So she felt stupid coming back. But we taught with the branch president here and she was there on Sunday. That was exciting. Transfers...I have no idea what's going to happen. I really haven't thought about it. Its not for another few weeks..17th...we'll see. I hope I stay the same but who knows. Zone conference on Thursday...it may be my last one! Now that's scary. Anyways. I love you family. Keep being awesome!!
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
Well this week has just been awesome!! We have been knocking a lot. I am tired of contacting in center all the time, so we just knock in the evenings now. Its been a lot of fun. I had a cool miracle. We had been knocking and it was freezing and nobody was letting us in. We were just finishing up a building when I looked across the street to another building. The porch light turned on. So I thought to myself...sign from God? Well after I thought that I knew I had to go knock that building. So we knocked it but nobody answered. The second to the last door though a man answered. He seemed kind of interested. Then he shouted into his house if anybody wants to talk with the Mormons. We heard his daughter squealed with laughter. But once she came out and saw us, she wasn't laughing anymore. She was flirting. haha. But anyways, the mom and dad let us in. We taught them and it just went very well. They were very hesitant about us coming back though and wouldn't set up a direct time. But we left a Book of Mormon with them as that was really all we could do. But it was fun to see that if you follow the lights, you find a family. haha. Also we found out that the branch president in Pärnu is getting married!! He has been dating one of the recent converts for a month and they are getting married!! We are way excited for him. It will be so awesome. Pärnu needs it. Also I was cutting my hair and guess what I saw.....GRAY!! Flip. What is that all about. Granted there were like four pieces, but still. They are in existence now. So I cut them all off. But i couldn't believe it. On Sunday a few members came down from Tallinn so it was really fun to see them. I also spoke on Sunday. My topic was Mosiah 2:21-22. You should be there in the reading if you are doing my challenge correctly...or be there soon. But that was really fun for me. Tiina-our Estonian teacher and member-helped me with all my grammar. But people told me that I pronounced stuff very well. haha. So that was really fun. We haven't really found any new investigators this week. Our pool is getting shallower but we are trying to find like crazy. So we'll see what happens. I am really excited to be out of January. I just am not a fan of it. You have to get used to the new year, and writing 2011 not 2010. Its cold, and long. But its over now. haha. Happiness is coming in the form of February. When we get 0 degrees here, I am feeling warm. What's happened to me? haha. We got a lady that's been kind of less active back to church so that was exciting. She missed one Sunday, then another, then another. So she felt stupid coming back. But we taught with the branch president here and she was there on Sunday. That was exciting. Transfers...I have no idea what's going to happen. I really haven't thought about it. Its not for another few weeks..17th...we'll see. I hope I stay the same but who knows. Zone conference on Thursday...it may be my last one! Now that's scary. Anyways. I love you family. Keep being awesome!!
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
Monday, January 24, 2011
January 24th...
Hello everyone!!!
I have a Funny story (well funny to me!!!)-whenever I show pictures of my family to people I hear 'models, actors, beautiful, classy, or just very nice.' But the other day I heard 'your family looks like they are from a soap opera!' It made me laugh. Well this week has been good. First off, my thoughts have changed. So for a long time I thougth it would be awesome to get home, possible move away, go travel and study etc. I did not want to get married right away as well. But something has totally changed in me. Maybe I am growing up (ha) or maybe, I don't know, I am just realizing other important things, but I am really excited to get home and get married. haha. It just sounds really fun for me. Anyways, that was my big huge epiphony of the week. We had a cool miracle. We had a lesson set up and a member ready to come to it. We all got together, but the lesson didn't show up. So as we were standing there a guy walks up to me and stares at me for a second and starts to walk away. So I said Hello, we started talking, I invited him in to talk and he agreed. That was on Wednesday, and we have already taught him 3 times now. The member did awesome in teaching him-I was way surprised and proud. His name is Sergei and he is way cool. He is way religious and he is Russian Orthodox. Our second lesson he had read 69 pages of the book of mormon. How awesome is that!!! He doesn't really understand authority and I think its partly because he doesn't know Estonian the best, so we teach in english, but he doesn't understand 100 percent in english either. We have been trying to get people there that speak Russian to translate and its been helpful. So we are really excited about him. But sadly we have to pass him to the other Elders because he lives in there area. But its all good. We have a lot of people in the pool righ tnow, and everything is going good. So that was my big, cool news this week. We are going to paint a members place today for Pday. So that will be something different to do, and I finally get to learn how to paint. Anyways, I love you all. Have good week and pray for Estonia!!!
Armastusega,
Venem Boyce
I have a Funny story (well funny to me!!!)-whenever I show pictures of my family to people I hear 'models, actors, beautiful, classy, or just very nice.' But the other day I heard 'your family looks like they are from a soap opera!' It made me laugh. Well this week has been good. First off, my thoughts have changed. So for a long time I thougth it would be awesome to get home, possible move away, go travel and study etc. I did not want to get married right away as well. But something has totally changed in me. Maybe I am growing up (ha) or maybe, I don't know, I am just realizing other important things, but I am really excited to get home and get married. haha. It just sounds really fun for me. Anyways, that was my big huge epiphony of the week. We had a cool miracle. We had a lesson set up and a member ready to come to it. We all got together, but the lesson didn't show up. So as we were standing there a guy walks up to me and stares at me for a second and starts to walk away. So I said Hello, we started talking, I invited him in to talk and he agreed. That was on Wednesday, and we have already taught him 3 times now. The member did awesome in teaching him-I was way surprised and proud. His name is Sergei and he is way cool. He is way religious and he is Russian Orthodox. Our second lesson he had read 69 pages of the book of mormon. How awesome is that!!! He doesn't really understand authority and I think its partly because he doesn't know Estonian the best, so we teach in english, but he doesn't understand 100 percent in english either. We have been trying to get people there that speak Russian to translate and its been helpful. So we are really excited about him. But sadly we have to pass him to the other Elders because he lives in there area. But its all good. We have a lot of people in the pool righ tnow, and everything is going good. So that was my big, cool news this week. We are going to paint a members place today for Pday. So that will be something different to do, and I finally get to learn how to paint. Anyways, I love you all. Have good week and pray for Estonia!!!
Armastusega,
Venem Boyce
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
January 17th...
Tere Tere kallikesed,
I don't know if I told you guys but Estonia changed over to the Eruo the first of the year. It is annoying. I hate change. Change used to be worthless but now its worth so much money and I have so much!! haha. But I have been collecting some of the old Kroons to keep as a souvenier. They are awesome. haha. How is the Book of Mormon reading going? I hope well. I am loving it. Honestly 2 Nephi and all the Isaiah chapters are way hard to understand, but its fun to try. I have found it interesting when they talk about the Devil and the flesh together. Because we always hear that man is weak in the flesh. I have never really understood that until lately. We all have our weaknesses and they all come from Satan. Since we have bodies we can experience those and the Book of Mormon just says over and over again to be careful. I really like it. So I hope you guys are learning something too. haha. I printed off a couple of pictures of Avery and showed them off. Everyone thinks she is adorable-which she is. haha. This week was really busy. I don't remember if I mentioned this, but we recieved a temple square refferal. So we tried calling the number forever but nobody would answer. So we went and visited the address and a guy let us in. He had visited Utah but not Salt Lake City. His name was different from the referral we recieved and the number was different. Yet he lived at this address....MIRACLE!!! So he is a professor and he collects bugs and he is way spritual and humble and awesome. We taught him at his museum place and the lesson went so well. We are really excited about him. We also are teaching a lady named Tiiana. We have taught her twice and the last lesson went so well. It was one of those where they just had tons of questions. Some were way hard to answer in Estonian like how does this next prophet get chosen etc. But it was really fun. She is doing really well. We taught english. We have moved it to Satudays and its two hours now. So it is a bit of a pain to teach. We have to just entertain for two hours. But it went really well. We also taught a members 7 year old son. He's getting ready to turn 8 but his dad doesn't want to push him to baptism. So we did a vision example...I can't remember how to say it right in english...with a nail and you have to balance 9 other nails on top. Yes, Its possible, and they loved it. So that was really fun. This next Saturday I am going to teach the branch how to make my amazing book covers. haha. They want to do them for primary so I have to go teach about scriptures and show them how to sew. Yesterday at church was awesome. I taught Sunday school all about the Savior and why we need a Savior and how we are all on the right path because we all chose to live the correct plan. It was really fun for me. But ya. I wrote a lot. So that is all for me. That is all that is happening in my life so far. Oh flip. The weather has been cold, then warm, then cold again. So the snow keeps melting, freezing and melting. Well today the city is like a giant ice skating ring. I haven't fallen yet this winter, but I fear it will happen today. Wish me luck. I love you guys. I hope all is well.
Until next week...
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
I don't know if I told you guys but Estonia changed over to the Eruo the first of the year. It is annoying. I hate change. Change used to be worthless but now its worth so much money and I have so much!! haha. But I have been collecting some of the old Kroons to keep as a souvenier. They are awesome. haha. How is the Book of Mormon reading going? I hope well. I am loving it. Honestly 2 Nephi and all the Isaiah chapters are way hard to understand, but its fun to try. I have found it interesting when they talk about the Devil and the flesh together. Because we always hear that man is weak in the flesh. I have never really understood that until lately. We all have our weaknesses and they all come from Satan. Since we have bodies we can experience those and the Book of Mormon just says over and over again to be careful. I really like it. So I hope you guys are learning something too. haha. I printed off a couple of pictures of Avery and showed them off. Everyone thinks she is adorable-which she is. haha. This week was really busy. I don't remember if I mentioned this, but we recieved a temple square refferal. So we tried calling the number forever but nobody would answer. So we went and visited the address and a guy let us in. He had visited Utah but not Salt Lake City. His name was different from the referral we recieved and the number was different. Yet he lived at this address....MIRACLE!!! So he is a professor and he collects bugs and he is way spritual and humble and awesome. We taught him at his museum place and the lesson went so well. We are really excited about him. We also are teaching a lady named Tiiana. We have taught her twice and the last lesson went so well. It was one of those where they just had tons of questions. Some were way hard to answer in Estonian like how does this next prophet get chosen etc. But it was really fun. She is doing really well. We taught english. We have moved it to Satudays and its two hours now. So it is a bit of a pain to teach. We have to just entertain for two hours. But it went really well. We also taught a members 7 year old son. He's getting ready to turn 8 but his dad doesn't want to push him to baptism. So we did a vision example...I can't remember how to say it right in english...with a nail and you have to balance 9 other nails on top. Yes, Its possible, and they loved it. So that was really fun. This next Saturday I am going to teach the branch how to make my amazing book covers. haha. They want to do them for primary so I have to go teach about scriptures and show them how to sew. Yesterday at church was awesome. I taught Sunday school all about the Savior and why we need a Savior and how we are all on the right path because we all chose to live the correct plan. It was really fun for me. But ya. I wrote a lot. So that is all for me. That is all that is happening in my life so far. Oh flip. The weather has been cold, then warm, then cold again. So the snow keeps melting, freezing and melting. Well today the city is like a giant ice skating ring. I haven't fallen yet this winter, but I fear it will happen today. Wish me luck. I love you guys. I hope all is well.
Until next week...
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
Monday, January 10, 2011
January 10th...
Hello Everyone!!
Its been really really good to be back. The first week has been kind of interesting. I kind of had a freak out this last week with Elder Jenkins. He just laughed at me. But I had a couple of days where I was just thinking 'wow, this is really coming to a close' and 'i don't want to face reality' or 'i like money just coming out of the ATM every month.' But I was standing on the bus and just told myself to suck it up. Enjoy the time I have. So its been really good. We have just been talking about how we need some excitement though. So I was thinking I would share a secret with you. The thing that makes missionaries most happy; Do you want to know? If I tell you though, you are obligated to fulfill it. Okay. Tangible PICTURES and LETTERS. I am dying for some family/friend pictures and not just through email. Some printed so I can show you all off. And I am dying for some letters. I don't even care who they are from. I need someone to write. Its sad going to the mailbox and having nothing. Somebody do me a solid and have a random girl write me. It would just make my life and Elder Jenkins life more complete. Okay enough of that. I have stories to share. First off, its nice to be back and teach a lesson. I missed teaching people in Estonian. I just know how to do it. We taught a female member (i have to leave out names) and she is so awesome. Her husband is divorcing her because she has sicknesses which is way lame. But even though she is going through a ton she is still just so positive. We taught her and she was so happy. She is planning on trying out for Estonian Superstar (which is like American Idol) and she wants to go to America. She just has plans. We went to the market to help her shop and carry groceries. On the way she slipped and fell, but she got up, laughed it off, and said it happens and kept smiling. I was just really impressed by her. Then Elder Jenkins and I found a guy and pulled him to the teaching center. We taught a great first lesson with him and committed him to baptism. He immediately said yes. Then by the end of the lesson he just changed. He got all hard and wouldn't give us his phone number or anyway to contact him. We asked him how he was going to be baptized if we can't contact him. He said 'well God put us together once, if its his will, he will do it again.' You would be surprised at how often we hear that. They just don't seem to realize that maybe that was their chance. So it was to bad, but at least we tried to help him. Then funny story. After church yesterday we went to visit a less active member. We walked for about 30 minutes to get there-sliding everywhere on the snow and ice. We got to her apartment just in time to see her get into a cab, wave at us, and drive away. Flip. What are the odds. It was pretty funny though. Thats a good thing about being with Elder Jenkins. When something happens, we just laugh. We hit our 1.5 years in the field mark. So we celebrated by have frozen hot chocolate. It was delicious. So I have been doing the Book Of Mormon challenge. I have noticed everywhere in 1 Nephi that it says over and over 'keep my commandments and you will prosper.' Its that simple. We need to head that council. I love you all. I am grateful for your friendship and support.
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
Its been really really good to be back. The first week has been kind of interesting. I kind of had a freak out this last week with Elder Jenkins. He just laughed at me. But I had a couple of days where I was just thinking 'wow, this is really coming to a close' and 'i don't want to face reality' or 'i like money just coming out of the ATM every month.' But I was standing on the bus and just told myself to suck it up. Enjoy the time I have. So its been really good. We have just been talking about how we need some excitement though. So I was thinking I would share a secret with you. The thing that makes missionaries most happy; Do you want to know? If I tell you though, you are obligated to fulfill it. Okay. Tangible PICTURES and LETTERS. I am dying for some family/friend pictures and not just through email. Some printed so I can show you all off. And I am dying for some letters. I don't even care who they are from. I need someone to write. Its sad going to the mailbox and having nothing. Somebody do me a solid and have a random girl write me. It would just make my life and Elder Jenkins life more complete. Okay enough of that. I have stories to share. First off, its nice to be back and teach a lesson. I missed teaching people in Estonian. I just know how to do it. We taught a female member (i have to leave out names) and she is so awesome. Her husband is divorcing her because she has sicknesses which is way lame. But even though she is going through a ton she is still just so positive. We taught her and she was so happy. She is planning on trying out for Estonian Superstar (which is like American Idol) and she wants to go to America. She just has plans. We went to the market to help her shop and carry groceries. On the way she slipped and fell, but she got up, laughed it off, and said it happens and kept smiling. I was just really impressed by her. Then Elder Jenkins and I found a guy and pulled him to the teaching center. We taught a great first lesson with him and committed him to baptism. He immediately said yes. Then by the end of the lesson he just changed. He got all hard and wouldn't give us his phone number or anyway to contact him. We asked him how he was going to be baptized if we can't contact him. He said 'well God put us together once, if its his will, he will do it again.' You would be surprised at how often we hear that. They just don't seem to realize that maybe that was their chance. So it was to bad, but at least we tried to help him. Then funny story. After church yesterday we went to visit a less active member. We walked for about 30 minutes to get there-sliding everywhere on the snow and ice. We got to her apartment just in time to see her get into a cab, wave at us, and drive away. Flip. What are the odds. It was pretty funny though. Thats a good thing about being with Elder Jenkins. When something happens, we just laugh. We hit our 1.5 years in the field mark. So we celebrated by have frozen hot chocolate. It was delicious. So I have been doing the Book Of Mormon challenge. I have noticed everywhere in 1 Nephi that it says over and over 'keep my commandments and you will prosper.' Its that simple. We need to head that council. I love you all. I am grateful for your friendship and support.
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
Monday, January 3, 2011
January 3rd...
Hello my wonderful family!!
Well I assume by lack of email I may have a little niece!! I am way excited about that. Well I received a Christmas Miracle. I got a call that said I was going back to Estonia, to Tartu, to serve with Elder Jenkins. Now let me just say that this would be something that I would dream about, but it would never happen. But it did. I have never been happier. Elder Jenkins and I never thought we would be able to serve together and here we are. I can't tell you how awesome this is. Well I would like to just talk about my last week in Latvia. So we visited an active member to just say hi and try to get a referral and just strengthen her. She asked me if I had been to the temple the day before I got to Liepaja. I said no and asked why. She said that when I spoke in sacrament that the whole room was lit up by my light and that that light only come from people that have just been through the temple. She said that I really brightened her spirits. Now this was really a shocker to me. Because I wasn't the happiest person at that time and just because speaking that day wasn't anything big I thought about. It really hadn't affected me, but even 6 weeks later, it still affected this member. I was really grateful to hear that. Then another surprise. I was walking out of the church and a member stopped me and started going off in Latvian and I didn't understand. So my companion translated. She told me that when I speak Estonian I sound like a really pretty bird (she may have said mockingbird? Do those sound pretty?) and that she was grateful I was in Liepaja. So my one night we were going to teach a guy with the branch president but he was worried about having 4 of us in the lesson. So me and Elder Koltko split off and went knocking. So he knows a little more Latvian than me, but not much. So we thought it would be interesting. The first door we knocked on a Russian lady answered and all three of us realized we didn't understand each other, but she invited us in. Her husband spoke very slurred Latvian and we just laughed and tried to talk. So we ended up getting there number. We went back the next day with Elder Johnson because he knows some Russian. We asked if we could pray with them and she said 'Yes, Americans and Russians will unite together in Prayer!' She was so excited about it. Way funny. Then I told you about a less active family that let us in on Christmas eve; well we had another lesson with them. They let us in happily and didn't even cancel. So that was something. We found out that the wife has cancer and we offered a blessing. She said 'if I am going to ask for a blessing from God I better do my part by reading, praying, and going to church.' She knew exactly what she had to do, she just wasn't doing it. I really hope they came to church yesterday. Then getting back to Estonia was just awesome. I spent new years in Latvia with an Elder and we had a lot of fun together. Then the next day I was on a bus. We stopped in Pärnu and I saw a couple members there. They were way happy to see as was I. They both just told me how much they prayed about me that I was happy and could come back. Then I got to Tartu and talked to Nadezda and Maarja, and they both said the same thing. I really didn't/don't realized how much people pray for me or for missionaries in general. It was a good reminder. Sunday church was way fun seeing everybody. I loved it. I love being back. I understand stuff. Its awesome. I am very grateful to be here, and I am grateful that I can serve the Lord for this time. I hope everything is good at home. I haven't gotten emails for two weeks now. But I am sure everything is good. I love you all, and I cannot wait to see my little niece Avrey!!
Armastusega,
Vanem Boyce
The pictures are me saying goodbye to elder adams, the Liepaja church, and Tartu town square in winter!
Monday, December 27, 2010
December 27th...
So this Christmas was definitely full of suprises and just way fun. I saw miracles, I played ping pong with a 69 year old man, and we pushed several cars out of snow. I got to share Christmas joy and give people cookies that we baked, and I even went caroling. Our little companionship totally felt like sister missionaries because we wrapped cookies up all nice and attached pictures of Christ. Totally a sister thing. haha. And of course I had a blast talking with my family. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas as well. I love you all and hope you have a Happy New Year. If you guys are into making new years resolutions may I suggest making a missionary goal for the year? We are all missionaries with our without name tags. So go out there and spread the Gospel and make it a great new year! I have enclosed some miracles for you all. Nothing huge, but huge for me.
Miracle 1.
This transfer we have been trying to visit a less active family. My companion had also been trying in previous transfers but with no success. Every time we knock they ignore our visits even when we hear the TV playing. So Christmas day we decided to go by a try again. We knocked on the door and waited not really expecting much to happen. Then we heard the handle move and found ourselves face to face with a toddler whose eyes were huge from all the Christmas excitement. We said hello then came face to face with the father whose eyes were huge because missionaries were standing in his doorway. He was polite and let us in. We were able to share a little thought about Christ, pray with them, sing to them, and leave a Christmas treat. Definitely a miracle.
Miracle 2.
We were harvesting a few weeks ago and talked to a nice old lady that wasn't interested. We asked her if she knew of anybody that would be interested and she said maybe her neighbor. She mentioned that his wife had just passed away and he was all alone. So we knocked on his door, he answered, growled at us, and shut the door. So it wasn't the warmest welcome. But for whatever reason we remembered this man and put him on our list of people to visit for Christmas. We went back Christmas day with smiles on our face and Santa hats our our head. He answered the door, we said Merry Christmas and gave him a picture of Christ and some homemade cookies. He smiled, said Merry Christmas, and shut the door. Although it was small, it was still another Christmas miracle.
Armastusega,
Elder Boyce
Suur Aitah sulle! Selle ullatus oli suur ja hea. Ma armastan teid vaga. Head uut aastat. Maleta et teie olete misjonarid. Siis jaga selle evangeelium inimestega alati. Meil on kutse jumalalt kui me saame liikmeks. Ara unusta and Jumal armastab teid ja ma armastan teid ka!!!
Miracle 1.
This transfer we have been trying to visit a less active family. My companion had also been trying in previous transfers but with no success. Every time we knock they ignore our visits even when we hear the TV playing. So Christmas day we decided to go by a try again. We knocked on the door and waited not really expecting much to happen. Then we heard the handle move and found ourselves face to face with a toddler whose eyes were huge from all the Christmas excitement. We said hello then came face to face with the father whose eyes were huge because missionaries were standing in his doorway. He was polite and let us in. We were able to share a little thought about Christ, pray with them, sing to them, and leave a Christmas treat. Definitely a miracle.
Miracle 2.
We were harvesting a few weeks ago and talked to a nice old lady that wasn't interested. We asked her if she knew of anybody that would be interested and she said maybe her neighbor. She mentioned that his wife had just passed away and he was all alone. So we knocked on his door, he answered, growled at us, and shut the door. So it wasn't the warmest welcome. But for whatever reason we remembered this man and put him on our list of people to visit for Christmas. We went back Christmas day with smiles on our face and Santa hats our our head. He answered the door, we said Merry Christmas and gave him a picture of Christ and some homemade cookies. He smiled, said Merry Christmas, and shut the door. Although it was small, it was still another Christmas miracle.
Armastusega,
Elder Boyce
Suur Aitah sulle! Selle ullatus oli suur ja hea. Ma armastan teid vaga. Head uut aastat. Maleta et teie olete misjonarid. Siis jaga selle evangeelium inimestega alati. Meil on kutse jumalalt kui me saame liikmeks. Ara unusta and Jumal armastab teid ja ma armastan teid ka!!!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
December 20th...
hey Everyone!!
So we had a way fun week. A guy invited us to go cut down Christmas trees with him so we got to see the woods. It was really fun. Then we got TWO baptismal dates this week. The weird guy from last week is well, still weird. Freaking people out. But we got Gints, and Vistors. Ones thirty, vistors is 15. So we will see how it goes. Unfortunately nobody came to church-bums-but we are keeping the hopes up! I am just so excited to talk to everyone on Saturday!!! The language-i really can;t speak much, but I surprisingly can understand a lot. So its way fun. We have a few people i can talk in English with which helps me from going insane. But, i pray, with the help of a prayer card. Way funny. haha. They speak Latvian and Russian here. We occasionally get cursed out in Russian. Last night people were way mean as well, but its all good. We are giving them chances. There are 5 missionaries in Liepaja right now and about 80ish in the Baltics. Crazy little. We seriously got a foot of snow last night. I cant see out our window. Its so fun. I am starting to like snow. So remember the mom and daughter with the baptismal date, well they kind of disappeared. We found out that the little girl has a tumor, and she could die. They need to get her an expensive operation, so we are hoping all goes well. She is so cute though. Man, its heartbreaking. Oh ya, I got my Latvian tags. That was way weird. I am officially Elders Boye. ah! But cool news, we got a snow plow at church. Yay! It reminds me of Dad driving around all winter. We have some fun things planned the next week. We are going to carol in town square with the branch, we have a hristmas party planned, and we have fun less actives planned for Christmas eve and Christmas day, and of course, phone calls!!!! I am so excited. Remember, Give a gift to Chrst. Perform a miracle. I love you all. The church is true!!
Elder Boyce
Ps. All mail needs to go to the mission home. I dont have an address that I am aware of here in Liepaja. Haid Joule minu eestlastelle. Ma armastan teid niiii vaga!! Ma loodan et te olete onnelikud. Mul on. Ma ei tea miks aga ma tunnen nii hasti. Minu meel on tais!! Loodan et see on aru saadav. Armastan teid.
Boycei
So we had a way fun week. A guy invited us to go cut down Christmas trees with him so we got to see the woods. It was really fun. Then we got TWO baptismal dates this week. The weird guy from last week is well, still weird. Freaking people out. But we got Gints, and Vistors. Ones thirty, vistors is 15. So we will see how it goes. Unfortunately nobody came to church-bums-but we are keeping the hopes up! I am just so excited to talk to everyone on Saturday!!! The language-i really can;t speak much, but I surprisingly can understand a lot. So its way fun. We have a few people i can talk in English with which helps me from going insane. But, i pray, with the help of a prayer card. Way funny. haha. They speak Latvian and Russian here. We occasionally get cursed out in Russian. Last night people were way mean as well, but its all good. We are giving them chances. There are 5 missionaries in Liepaja right now and about 80ish in the Baltics. Crazy little. We seriously got a foot of snow last night. I cant see out our window. Its so fun. I am starting to like snow. So remember the mom and daughter with the baptismal date, well they kind of disappeared. We found out that the little girl has a tumor, and she could die. They need to get her an expensive operation, so we are hoping all goes well. She is so cute though. Man, its heartbreaking. Oh ya, I got my Latvian tags. That was way weird. I am officially Elders Boye. ah! But cool news, we got a snow plow at church. Yay! It reminds me of Dad driving around all winter. We have some fun things planned the next week. We are going to carol in town square with the branch, we have a hristmas party planned, and we have fun less actives planned for Christmas eve and Christmas day, and of course, phone calls!!!! I am so excited. Remember, Give a gift to Chrst. Perform a miracle. I love you all. The church is true!!
Elder Boyce
Ps. All mail needs to go to the mission home. I dont have an address that I am aware of here in Liepaja. Haid Joule minu eestlastelle. Ma armastan teid niiii vaga!! Ma loodan et te olete onnelikud. Mul on. Ma ei tea miks aga ma tunnen nii hasti. Minu meel on tais!! Loodan et see on aru saadav. Armastan teid.
Boycei
Monday, December 13, 2010
December 13th...
Hello my friends. Well you would think that not much could happen in 5 days, but in the life of a missionary you would be wrong!!! So this week we didn't have a whole lot of time to work, we were short 2 days, but that didn't stop us. One night we only had 15 minutes to go knock but instead of bagging it, we went ahead a did it and found a way cool guy. He's a little rough around the edges, but he seems way good. We are meeting with him tonight. Then another day we were contacting in center, and I saw an old guy with a beanie on that had the american flag. So I waved to him and his friend ran over and started talking to us. So we set up a meeting with him and taught him and he accepted a baptismal date for the 15th. So that is exciting. But he came to church on Sunday and the longer we were around him the less sure we were about his sanity. (there are a lot of crazies in the baltics). So he stayed for two hours and in the second hour he kept staring at people and it freaked a girl out so bad she started crying. haha. So ya. We will see what happens with that. So that is pretty much my big news for this letter. We are just working and serving and doing our best. I am way stoked about Christmas. It will be so good. Oh ya, so the baptism the other Elders have for Christmas may have to be pushed back. They didn't come to church yesterday and her oldest daughter (who is a member) is freaking out saying sheš not ready. She is a way bossy daughter and needs to back off a little bit. Let missionaries do there thing ya know? So pray for them that it will all work out. They also have another kid who wants to be baptized but he is just waiting for parent permission. So pray for them all!!!!! Well that is all from my poolt. I love you guys. We will talk next week. Go out and make a miracle happen. Hearts are softened at this time. People are more willing to listen to the spirit, and God is more willing to perform miracles, so go be apart of one. I love you. Armastusega,Vanems BoycePS. Kui keelelgi on Maarja Liis Ilus j6oulu plaat palun saata neid filid mulle v6i selle plaat mulle. Ma tahan kuulata. Ma armastan teid vaga ja ma loodan et k6ik on hasti teiega. Ma tean et teie olete palvetanud minu eest. Suur aitah. Ma ei saa olla siin v6i 6ppida lati keelt ilma teieta!! Ma loodan ka et ma kirjutan 6igesti. haha. Armastus minu poolt. Vanem B.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
December 8th...
Hey My companions are so much fun. They are finally opening up and we are just having a blast!! I am loving it. We went to Riga this past few days for zone conference and our Christmas celebration. I have never enjoyed myself so much on my mission as I did the past few days. It was so much fun. We just had amazing training and discussions and the elders we stayed with were so much fun. I love all the missionaries here. Its crazy. Yesterday we did a nativity play and white elephant gifts. It was just so much fun. Really got us all in the spirit. We are going to buy a Christmas tree (hopefully) today. So that will be really fun. They made a Christmas slide show and I got so emotional during it. I just saw all my Estonians, and the members and Elders and sisters that have gone home. It was really fun but just hard. Its incredible how so many people have become my family and how much I love them. I have learned a huge lesson in just being grateful with what you have because I didn't realize how much I loved Estonia until I didn't have it anymore. But all is well. The work here is going so good. I have made it possible to teach woman because of the three some, so the other Elders now have a woman being baptized with her daughter on Christmas day. She has been taught by missionaries for 12 years and is finally doing it. So that is way awesome. We are just way excited. So that is what is going on. I am happy really. Things are going great. The language is slow because I only have an hour a day to practice, but I am not really worried about it. It will come when it comes. I have seen it work once. haha. Thank you for all the prayers. I love you. Until next week.Elder BoyceMa armastan teid. J6ulu paev tuleb varsti. Mul on hea meel. Muidugi ma tahan olla koos teieige ja pidutseda teiega, aga pole midagi. Jumal vajab mind siin. Ma teen too. haha. ps. Ei vaja midagi. K6oik on hea. Armastan.Boyce
Monday, November 29, 2010
Latvia...
Hello everyone.Latvia. I still can't really believe I am here. You are right, this town is beautiful. Theres no doubt about that. We have an old church right out our window and the bell rings all the time, the streets are all cobble stone, and they have a delicious bakery. But the language is completely different from Estonian. I don't have much time to really study it, so I just pretty much sit in lessons all day. Day dream a lot. haha. But it is going good. I do a lot of hearing and copying. I still can't tell the differnce between latvian and Russian, but I am sure it will come. I have enjoyed seeing how I dont need to speak the language to make friends with people. There is a member named Gunars and he is hilarious. We have never spoken a word, but we are way good friends. haha. Its crazy how that works. I will admit I was pretty down this week. I mean it snowed, its freezing, and I should be in Estonia during all of that, but we got to work and I slowly just forgot about it, and felt a lot better. We got a trainee. So my companion is pretty much training two people-but I got the missionary part down. Its funny. Our companion is Elder Koltko from Ithaka New York. He reminds me of a hallmark card the way he talks. But he's way good. We had 2 baptisms on Saturday here!!!! Wahoooo!!!!! Two men actually. They both recieved the priesthood on sunday which was completely awesome. So that was very exciting to see. We had a huge thanksgiving feast last week full of turkey and mashed potatoes. I love it. haha. Like I said it snowed and got freezing here. It went from 12 degrees two weeks ago to minus 12 degrees. Crazy. So its that time of year again. haha. But everything is going so good. Don't forget me in your prayers. I need them for this language. I want to do all Gods wants to me to do here. So I will do my best. Armastusega,Elders Boyce****Eestlased. Armastan teid. Ma tulen tagasi kunagi. Ma luban. Ka, tervita Helmi, ja Nadezda minu eest. Armastusega,Boyce
Monday, November 22, 2010
November 22nd...
Sveki!!Well hello. Boy do I have so huge news! So last week when I wrote I was in Riiga. I was doing some training with the Assistants and President wanted to meet with me. So we met. He informed me that I was being called to Liapaja (lee a pie a) Latvia, Latvian speaking. I was, and still am shocked about it. I, in the beginning, was not comfortable with the idea at all. Not at all. I have 18 weeks left, and this is the time of my mission where I should be rocking it with the language, loving it, and baptizing everyone. So I was just shocked. President gave me a few days to think about it. So in the mean time we had a General Authority visiting the mission President Schwitzer. He taught us for zone conference-which I spent in Latvia. At this time I was struggling and so I was able to meet with him. We talked and he told me that I needed to follow my mission president because he is called of the Lord. So I went home, prayed some more, and had my interview with President Dance again. I asked him why. He said he had been asking the same question and the only answer that came was "there is someone for you." So how could I say no to that. So I am not in Liapaja, Latvia. My language has been switched to Latvian and I am now learning it. I am one of the first Estonians to ever get switched to Latvian, so it is a huge surprise to everybody. I am in a three-some companionship again which is really nice. We can teach whoever we want now. Liapaja is beautiful. I haven't really gotten to see much. I got here on Saturday night and we were at church during the daylight, so its still a mystery to me. It is a coastal city like Parnu so that is way fun. You know how much I love that. The church here is beautiful. It was built a year ago and its really impressive. Nicest building I have seen. The branch is quite small. There are 40 active members and apparantly hundreds of non actives. I was told that the church was persacuted pretty heavily so a lot have fallen away. So this week has definitely been a faith tester, and a faith builder. We say that we are willing to follow the Lord, but I didn't know if I could really do it. Its going to be so hard. Yes, I know how to teach and be a missionary, I have those skills. But speaking a new language is going to be brutal. Yes it isn't as hard as Estonian, but still. Its another language. I was able to speak on Sunday, and my companion just translated for me. They seemed to enjoy it. So ya. That is my big news. My faith has definielty been strengthened though. I got the call, and I had to take it ya know? I am really sad not to be in Estonia, but what an adventure this is. I am trying to just keep the positive and move forward with it. As far as Tallinn and all the work there, I have no idea. I can't have contact with anyone because we are in seperate countries now and I can't call. We have two baptisms here on Saturday and a few more coming up in the next month. We are celebrating thanksgiving today, so happy thanksgiving!!! haha. I am excited about that. I am grateful I am out here even though you sometimes get slapped in the face. But its good. I love the work, and I love the church. Have a great week and we will definitely talk next week. Armastusega,Vanem Boyce or now Elders Boyce My address. Elder BoyceBaltic MissionCesu iela 31-2k2Riga, Lv-1012LatviaIts just the mission home address. So there ya go. Send me letters and love. I am going to need them. :)Ma kirjutan oma eestlastele. Ma armastan teid nii v 6ga ja igatsen teid. Ma loodan et ma saan tulla tagasi kunagi ja et ma saan n6ha teid veel. Kirjuta mulle ma tahan kuulda kuidas teil elud on. N6aeme tulevikus. Jumalaga,Vanem Boyce
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