Well, Here are some picture that I took over the last couple days. I got scratched by this cat named "Gillette". It didn’t hurt, but looks cool. We also went today to play flag football with our zone and some other Elders from Puente Alto. I got to remember to be careful out there. My legs are killing me. I feel like I’m 40 years old. I pretty much limped all the way here the internet place. The picture of the Temple, we were playing around with the color options to make the sky stand out, but it is a beautiful temple. The last one is of Elder Rasmussen and I. The one that I am running, looking back reminds me of Josh. I thought I was him when I looked at it.

We tried the brownies. They ended up tasting like chewy burnt popcorn. I greased the pan with butter and we only have fire ovens so it doesn´t cook to evenly. We ate them all anyway. The other missionaries really liked them, but I knew better. OH MOM. This past week, we had a mission activity to celebrate the 18th of september. We talked about the gifts that we are going to give the Savior this year for Christmas. We sang a Christmas opening song and everything. I love Christmas. Im excited to have one here. Im going to try to make fun memories here and traditions here. We have baptismal dates for Pedro, Daniela and Sandra Astudillo this coming sunday, the 19th. We are trying to help Sandra stop smoking. We told her yesterday to go home and take all her coffee and cigaretts and throw them away. Pedro just started to work on Sunday, so we are going to have to see whats´s happening there. We are really excited for them. They are really good friends. We really want to help them and it hurts when they choose not to progress. We are excited for them. Please pray for them. The Colonia Adrain family is doing well aslo. They are from Peru. Yesenia got a date to get married this last week. They are getting married the 19th of November, so we are going to set their date for the 21st. I was hoping it was earlier so that I might be able to go to the Temple with them. Those are they who have baptismal dates. We are working here and there with some others, but are putting more of an effort to find more this next week. Also Sandra Ibocache and her son Ignacio have a date for next Sunday because it fell threw this last week. I love Elder Rasmussen. In my interview with President, he said that he felt that I needed to be with him to help him as he ends his mission. Elder Rasmussen told me that President expects him to teach me how to be a leader. President always tells me that I need to be preparing to be a leader of the mission. Last week, Pablo Sanchez was baptized by President Guffra, the stake president. We have a family night, Noche De Hogar with them tonight. This 17th we have a ward activity and the 18th is like the 4rth of July, except for a lot bigger it seems. I love you so much. Keep these wonderful people in your prayers. They need the blessings and lives that come from living the Gospel. I just wish everyone could have a family like mine. I love these people. I really do and just want them to be happy. I love you,, Elder Tilley

Last night we got the call change.......I didn´t think I was going to be moving. I have a new companion, Elder Rassmassen and moved back to my other pesion, where I moved out from when we had special changes. My companion is from Fruit hights Utah. His dad is from Idaho Falls. He has about 20 months in the mission. I really like him. I got a haircut today and listened as he taught one of the ladies in the shop. Ive heard he is a super hard worker. I felt last night that Heavenly Father was going to bless me to be able to enjoy this change. Elder Whitney is training.

The Astudillo family needs lots of prayers. We taught the law of chastity and they found it at first to be rather funny. Not funny, but just funny because they all have problems with it. They understand that it is a commandment and what they need to do, but I think they are scarred to tell their boy and girl friends. Please pray for them to have strength to do what needs to be done and that we may know what and how to teach. Maybe, we can teach the boy and girl friend too.
These last couple weeks, there hasn´t been a time on my mission where I was able to step back for a second and feel how incredibly blessed I am to be the Lord´s servant. I actually represent Jesus Christ in my sector and my companion and I are the only ones authorized by God to teach his people despite the megaphones and little rallies that claim to know Christ. I know it also has been really really hard as well, but am thankful for it.
I love being a missionary and know that Heavenly Father is blessing this ward. This last Sunday, I really enjoyed being with the ward. We are growing in numbers and in unity. We had a record assistance this past Sunday...81. Bishop asks me to sit at the door and count during the meeting. I know this is the Lord´s work, and I’m being obedient to qualify for his wonderful blessings. I have been studying the Book of Mormon chronology these last two weeks and I love it. I´ve known the stories growing up, but have never seen how they all played in together. I have felt "scripture power" in my life these last two weeks as I have really dug in to understand how it all works. It is so so interesting now. We have talked to investigators recently that have been faulting on their scripture reading, specifically the Book of Mormon. They have both expressed how different their weeks have been when they read and when they do not. Daniela said that the whole week she didn´t read, she just got mad easily. It can be as simple as that. It keeps her from getting mad. I love them and miss them. Love you Brother, Elder Tilley

August 30, 2010

Josh, I don´t know exactly what your seminary kids would like to here, but I’m so glad I lived like I did. I honestly don´t have to worry about the big temptations that many missionaries have, because I forced myself to be chaste in my mind and actions. Please just tell them to live what is in the Strength of Youth pamphlet. It´s too bad we can´t see the blessings that come from our righteous efforts right away, but it is worth everything...it is worth everything. They can´t see it now and I couldn´t see it then either, but I promise its worth it. It´s worth every time someone made fun of me or called me goody goody etc...It felt sometimes like I was on bottom, but I didn´t realize that I was flying on top. So many blessings come from living the gospel. Many times, we don´t see it till its done, but it matters because I fight for the Savior. Elder Tilley

Mom, Sandra Ibocache didn´t come to church, but we set a date for the 12th for her and her son. The Colonia´s came yesterday, but their dad is in Peru for 3 more weeks. We gave Juan a blessing because he has been really sick.

Rach! How did that feel to get home? I don´t know if there are many sweeter feeling than on the face of the earth:) I’m glad your home and getting settled down and all. That is so cool that you get to stay at the house. Our home is a little heaven on earth. We are so blessed. Thank you so much for praying for our investigators. I need to do a better job telling what each one needs so that you can pray more specifically. I love you so much and can´t wait to hang out again. Tell Joe he is awesome and am glad you got him. love you Sis. Chow,,,Elder Tilley

mom-I wanted to send this journal entry first. It talks about when Venessa bore her testimony to Pedro and also the next lesson that we and with Pedro. This was the fastest week I think. Yesterday, it was a wild experience. Pablo Sanchez was baptized. It was a beautiful service. The Stake President was able to baptize him and it was done at the Stake Center because Pablo helped build the font. Cool huh.

August 30, 2010 (Jayce) It feels good to share you testimony huh. My zone leader, who is leaving next Monday told me that only bearing your testimony (specifically of the Savior) is the most powerful rejuvenating tool that we have. When you are down in the mission, he said, just go bear your testimony to someone about the Savior. I thought that was pretty cool. It feels really good to share testimony. With all the bad that is in the world, it is just a powerful experience to share pure truth to these people that are just swimming in all kinds of......... It is good being a missionary brother. I’m really excited for you. There is just nothing like this. It is really cool to see people change their lives and be so involved and just hope and pray that they will grasp the message and take it to their hearts. Our job is to get the spirit there and teach with clarity. Like mom always says, they have to let it in. I’m starting to see though, that I think we can make it easier for them to open their hearts. Do you remember the parable of the sower? The Savior talks about 4 kinds of ground I believe. Previously, I always thought that it was just to show that some people are ready and some aren’t (I believe that too though). I’m learning that maybe the Savior taught this parable to teach the sowers that they need to fix their ground. Either take out the rocks and weeds, or add more dirt.etc...Of course, we can´t open the heart, but maybe we can make it more easy for them to do so. I thought about this parable thinking about the experience that I was able to enjoy in the letter I’ll send with the pictures.

Please pray for our Investigators

The Astudillo family is coming slowly but surely. We found them about a month ago. They come from a rough family and have some rough backgrounds. There are 3 that are preparing for baptism the 5th of september. Sandra, Daniela and Pedro are working. Pedro went with us last night to a YSA (JAS) fireside with Elder Scott. When we got there, there was an announcement that He couldn´t come, so we heard from Elder Corbridge and Costa and their wives. One thing that Elder Costa said that really stuck out was that "I don´t have faith, I have a perfect knowledge, that Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ in the Sacred Grove". Interesting huh? After the fireside, Venessa Venegas came up to greet us, which was really cool seeing her and I asked her to share her story with him. That was a wonderful experience, to see someone I taught, teach the gospel to someone that we are currently teaching. Pray for the Astudillos to be able to have the strength to keep the commandments ( W of W, Law of Chastity etc...) The Colonia Adrian family didn´t come to church yesterday. The husband had to leave for 4 weeks; she is working from 8 to 8 and has 3 kids. She will need some help and you´ll know how that feels more than me. They are the main ones we also have Pablo Sanchez with a date for next week. We going to have to work out some kinks with that one. Those are our closest and progressing investigators. Please pray for them,,,Astudillos, Ibocaches, Colonias, Pablo Sanchez. I love being with Elder Whitney. We get along great. Of course I’m learning a lot and known as the Goody Goody in the pension, but hey,,, what’s wrong with being good. ("). I love you family. Time is flying. I’m loving it and enjoying the work. I wouldn´t rather be anywhere than Chile Santiago Este in my life right now. I love being a missionary. Chow family and thank you so much for your prayers. They help so much. Keep them up and with faith. Love Elder Tilley

Investigators Sandra, Ignacio and Franchesca Ibocache

Ill start with Sandra, Ignacio, and Franchesca Ibocache. They were investigators of Elder Whitney and are closest to baptism. Sandra is the mom and the two others are the kids. We took them on a temple tour and she really loved it. She struggles with stress and depression, recently being separated, without a job and two kids. Her fall back, is cigarettes. She knows that she can´t smoke to be baptized, but we still haven´t taught her that yet. We have a Family Night (Night at Home) tonight with a member in our ward. In the pictures, she is the blonde one with the little girl.

It´s good to hear that you are staying busy with the work. I can´t wait to be able to enter that Temple with you and mom and the rest of the family. … I had an interesting realization talking to a less active lady about our lunch this Tuesday over the phone. We now can´t enter the houses and be alone with Sisters of the church or any other female. We have to have a responsible adult with us. I listened as she explained how stupid that rule was. It hit me, no wonder this sister is less active. Maybe it is a hard rule and it may offend some sisters, but it is given from the leaders of the Church. She obviously can´t see all the good that is coming from this new rule and don´t blame her but just thought it interesting. When the prophet tells us to pay off our house or get a food storage or pack an emergency pack, we have two options,,,,do it or not. I like the saying the way we do anything is the way we do everything. This was just a little observation I made and felt like you when I made it. I just wanted to share with you what I’m learning. I really enjoy being a missionary and especially teaching the Gospel with the Spirit. There is nothing that helps me feel more peaceful and filled than teaching the Gospel to these wonderful Chileans. I wish I could have been there for the Book of Mormon class. I’m going to need an overview in some future day. I´ll be praying for Bec. That is pretty cool that she has two 5A schools fighting for her (smile). In my dreams! Thank you for writing me. I sure love reading your letters. Did you ever get to talk to Sam about working? He sent me an email last week, but didn´t say anything about work. I love you Dad and will be praying for you. Please keep us and our investigators in your prayers. Elder Whitney and I have been here for a few months a piece, but with our other companions. Now they put us together and also all the people that we both have and have half the time to do it all. We need a blessing of the Spirit to be with us in our teaching and with the investigators. We have a few that are preparing for baptism here soon, but need a confirmation that what we are teaching is true.
Oh, Bishop Gonzalez asked me to speak in church next week. This will be my first talk in Spanish. It is 15 minutes and on whatever I choose from Predicad Mi Evengelio. I have thought that I would give it on "Receiving Revelation through prayer, scriptures and church attendance" Pray for me. I still struggle with the language to share stories and experiences. I love you Dad and will be praying for you. Love you son, Elder Tilley

August 16, 2010

We talked to this one lady outside her door and she started to tell us about all her problems and how difficult life is. She was a little closed, we could tell. We listened to her and tried to understand her. Then we promised her that she can have help to solve her problems because God has restored his gospel to the earth through a living day prophet. As we bore sincere testimony, I could almost see her wall breaking away and the spirit just surrounding her heart. She told us she had lots of questions and wanted us to come back. It was fun being excited with the missionaries from the MTC. It was just us three. I felt like an Older Brother. It was really fun. We felt the spirit strong and also were able to watch The Book of Mormon bash the walls of skepticism that surrounded the heart of the one other lady. She said she had talked to missionaries before, but none of them were able to "convince" her that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true and living church on the earth. There is a saying here that "todos caminos llegan a Dios". The truth of the matter is that (All caminos DO NOT arrive at God). Heavenly Father gave the plan, and the Savior set the example. 2 Nefi 31 The road is straight and narrow and few are they who enter there in. I opened to Alma 7:11-12 and read these verses to this lady and her daughter. Their hearts were softened hearing about the sacrifice that the Savior made for them. The lady said that she believed that The Book of Mormon is true. She still didn´t understand what that meant though. We turned to the introduction of the Book of Mormon and read the last paragraph. (If The Book Of Mormon is true, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the Kingdom of God on the earth in preparation for the Second Coming of the Messiah. Wow! Powerful. My testimony of the Book of Mormon is growing so much. It is growing because we are trying to learn it ourselves and apply it to us and our investigators. I know that it is true because I have had life changing experiences with some of my "gem" scriptures. Ether 12:27 Senior year during basketball. Mosiah 4:11-12 in the MTC and a few others. The scriptures are just full of lessons that can dramatically change our lives. My testimony is strong because I knew that I had a problem, I know that I tried to apply the teaching, and I know I got over it. It really works.

Good-bye to Elder Maxfield

Wow, my world has been flipped upside down. Well, our teaching pool just got a lot bigger. (Are you just jumping up and down). The Colonia Adrian family is going to get a marriage date here soon and will have a baptismal date after. We found out that Juan, the dad is leaving to Peru for a couple weeks. We are not sure that is going to play into the picture, but pray it will be for the best. He was going to leave today, but changed and is planning on leaving Friday. The family Astudillo is progressing. We have set a date with one of the daughters, Daniela (22) for the 22nd of this month. She expressed how she just wants to change her life. She wants to start over and be clean. We talked to Sandra (35) and Pedro (21) yesterday outside their house and really bonded well with them. We have mentioned baptism to them, but will get further down to business this next week. We had a miracle happen on the day that we really set a goal to focus on our purpose and do everything … everything … for that purpose. This purpose is to baptize and confirm for the remission of sins and to receive the Holy Ghost that will guide them to Eternal Life. As we walked down a passage way, a less active lady in the ward stopped us and said that her husband wanted to talk to us because he wants to be baptized. Wow. We are excited, but unsure about that one too, because there has been previous marriages and relationship this and that and wooooo. Pray for them...Pablo and Miledy.
(Preston)-Thank you for praying for me. This last week has been my best week in a long long time. Thank you brother. I love you and will be praying for you too.
(Dad) Though this past two changes and a half have been super super difficult, I’m honestly going to miss them. There isn´t a price I can stick on the lessons learned. ...I just pray that Heavenly Father will help me to apply what I have been able to become. I don´t want to ever loose what I have experienced in the last few months. ..."It’s better to be united on a lower level then to be divided on a higher plane". I´ve thought about that a lot. As we were walking to our pension, Elder Maxfield told me that I was put with him specifically because of all the hard things that he has been going through personally. He said if Heavenly Father wouldn´t have given me someone strong than it would have been bad. I’m thankful for him and all that we have learned together. I’m happy that he was able to leave the sector, for his sake. He has been here for a long time and just needed a change. ...Keep Elder Maxfield in your prayers. I know he is excited, but still is having a rough time. I love you and pray for you. Thank you for caring about me so much to help me overcome my challenges. I am so grateful for how small they really are.
1:38-(Jayce) ...This last week has been great with my companion. It was the best one, numbers wise that I have had on my mission and really bonded well this last week with my companion. Mom told me that usually the rule seems to be that you will be there until you learn to love it, then when you do…it’s gone. Interesting huh? My companion, Elder Whitney thought that you were me in those pictures. ...I wish I could have been at the encampment with you. I sure loved the Camp Helaman trip. Tell some cool things that you did and learned. Thank you so much for your payers. They really meant the world. I love you brother. Keep up the Good. Work, Hang On…Your almost here. Love Elder Tilley

Jessica and Kay haven´t gotten baptized yet. It hurts to think of them because there is not much support in the family. We have to call and go get Constanza so that she comes to things. It has been hard to have contact with them too because the rule that we can´t be in a house without a another man was just put back in place in our mission. They don´t have a man in the house and its difficult to get one there. Kevin and his mom told us they didn´t want us to come anymore as well as Claudia and her kids. Gladys and Feliciata both have hard times with their cigarettes. They aren´t willing to act and I don´t know what to do if not drop them. We have 9 pretty solid progressing investigators. We are teaching a few more, but these are the ones that are really making efforts to know if the Gospel has been restored and acting on the message. (Like I said, we got to step it up. The Colonia Adrians are doing awesome. Juan and Yesena are the mom and dad of that family. We are not sure what is going to happen here soon, because he told us he is leaving for three weeks to work on a house. If that really happens, it will push off their marriage date and baptismal and confirmation date back. We are not sure. Yesena said she will be going soon to set up a wedding day. They are so awesome. Though. They just gobble everything up and their kids are angles. They remind me of us... kind of. They all love each other and are happy. Elder Jacobs is the new missionary. He is from Kanab and I really like him. We don´t live with them though. We live with Elders from a different stake.

Elder Valverde finished his mission and went home to Ecquador

(Note from Braden's mom: We emailed Elder Valverde, he replied on his 3rd day home and said his favorite part of his mission was the end because of Elder Tilley and the Diaz family they baptized. Elder ValVerde is helping Braden's dad find an one of his missionary companion that lives in the same city...he was so excited to hear form us).
(Jayce) There were 8 investigators in the chapel yesterday. They are a mix of two different families. The Colonia Adrian and the Astudillo family. I really enjoyed sacrament meeting though. The Spirit was strong. I know that Heavenly Father chastens those who He loves. I know He knows what is best for me and I will grow the most as I obey with happiness. I don´t think accepting the will of the Lord means to just go through it, but to go through it and make the absolute best of it that we can. I know the Power of the Atonement is real. It is interesting that Alma and Nephi broke the bands they were in by the power of the Atonement, (Elder Bednar says). Actually power is available through the Atonement. I know that Heavenly Father has blessed me much these past few changes. I don´t know what could have happened without the tender mercies and change of heart He has been helping me to gain. I love the Lord and the Gospel. I hate sin. It is so sickening. Our purpose on the earth is to prepare to stand before God by receiving a remission of our sins so that we will stand before him without spot. Everything we teach is to this end, that we may be clean to live with God again. Sometimes I forget this and the importance of it. It is a hard fight sometimes to not fall into the motions. Sometimes everything seems good and its easy to pray fervently and work with all we have. Other times Jayce, its harder. I pray that Heavenly Father will apply the Atoning Sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ in me, so I can be clean to stand before him with a perfect hope in Christ, clean from my spots. I have been praying for you on the job this past week and hope it all went well. Keep being awesome and listening to mom about the council she is giving you because of the massive muscles that protrude out of your body :) Learning to deny the natural man now will help you so much on your mission because their is a lot of natural man all around, worse than ever. Have a good start to school... next week I think. I’m praying for you brother. Que tengas un buen dia. Te amo hermano.
Elder Tilley

(Bec) …I defiantly can´t make that decision for you, but I can tell you what helped me make mine and what I have learned from it. My summer after my 8th grade year, I was for sure going to Gilbert High. That´s where everyone had gone before and that´s where I always thought I would go. I remember when Rachel and I were driving in a car down Lindsay road and we started talking about changing schools. As we talked, one of us said, "Let’s just do it". I remember feeling really excited about it but not really sure why. I remember after being at Mesquite for a week, I was having a bad attitude and didn´t want to be there. Dallin Gillette said "You really wish you were at Gilbert hugh?" Take that thought, and compare it to this thought..."Changing schools to Mesquite has been one of the best decisions of my life!" I’m sure you are asking why. Bec, it wasn´t because of basketball, it wasn´t because of school, it wasn´t because the classes pushed me harder. The reason why is because of the relationships I needed to make with certain people. I have this dream that one day (they) will be baptized into The True Church of Jesus Christ that has been restored to the earth. I know (they) need it. This is what (they) deserve. I want for (them) so bad to see as we see. I feel that Vova Stirling, Jessica Simons and Brent Hatch were people that were examples to me and helped me build my testimony. I will always have a special place for Coach Salt in my heart. I have learned so much from him and look forward to be able to learn and grow from him more. I feel that for me Bec, changing schools was the best for me because of the relationships I was able to make with certain people. I hope this will help you. Seek the will of the Lord. You are a very special girl and the Lord can do much with you in His hands. I know he really listens and really wants to help you. He really loves you and is anxious to help you. Test out prayer and personal revelation. This has helped me most on my mission. Sometimes, if it is right, Heavenly Father lets us decide what we want. I have found that to be the hardest for me sometimes. I am learning now that when this option is given, we go and do with all our passion and trust that He will guide us. I will be praying for you little Sis. Let me know how it is going. Listen to the advice of your parents in finding this answer. They will help do the will of the Lord. I love you Becs and will be praying for you. Love Elder Tilley

(Jayce)…I love you and the Lord has tons He is going to teach you through hard times and good times. That story about the water truck was pretty good. Don´t feel bad. I think I felt a little part of what you felt when I took out our white fence. When I look back at it now, I just can´t help but smile. That is what I am talking about Jayce. When we have struggles, we go to the Lord. He is the sure way of help, divine help. Little experiences like that and the feeling you had after praying build a testimony line upon line to become stronger and stronger…I woke up feeling really really bad. I have never in my life felt physically sick because of spiritual things...until today. I think we will all go through times like this to kick us into shape. …Thank you for your charge at the end of your letter. It pumped me up big time. I love you, keep up the hard work no matter what happens. The Lord is with you and will help fight your battles and struggles! I Love su hermano, Jayce. I am doing well and excited to go make things happen. I feel good and ready to go bring souls truth and crush Satan’s evil minions at the same time. I love you Jayce and will be praying for you.

(Preston)…In the family of 5 that we are teaching. They have a little girl in the family that said she is trying to read the Book of Mormon, but sometimes she falls asleep at night when she reads it. I told her the story about what you did when you were scarred. Hopefully that will help her in the future. Thanks for being a good example and living the gospel. Keep reading those scriptures. They are very powerful and I know they are true. … Maybe you can´t tell right now why the scriptures are so important to read, but I promise if you keep reading them every day, you begin to see why and have much more help in your life from Heavenly Father. … Let me know how your reading is going and how the talk goes… Love you Pres. I will pray for you. Talk to you next week. LoVE Elder Tilley...XXooOxxXXooXoo. Chow hermano y amigo.

(Mom)…My health is really good at the present moment. When that will change, I have no clue. This past Friday, I woke up with a really bad stomach ache…it may have been the peanuts I bought from the nice sales man. I bought because I was impressed by how bold he was approaching us. I felt that is what I need to do out here. …Felicita, Im not sure how she is doing. She just won’t come to church. She just sleeps. I’m not sure if we should keep going or let her go. I hate saying that but I just don’t know yet. We did have 5 people at church, and none of them were from the Colonia Adrian family. We would have hit our goal to have 10 investigators in the Chapel. That’s ok. We went to the Temple with the Colonia Adrian family. I love them so much. Like Elder Maxfiled said "I didn´t know the Lord prepared people so well". …(a) sister of Yesena Adrian (might) start living with them, so we hope to start teaching her too. Her name is Juana. She has a son, the littlest one, named Joseph. We reset Felicita’s date for the 15th I believe. Well see how it goes. Pray for Yesena to be able to get her Carnet. She should be getting it here in the next week or so. As soon as she has it, they can be married and be baptized and start a new life!!!! … We are in one ward, El Valle. We have 4 Elders in this ward. … I will be praying for you. I sure love you and am so grateful for all that my family does for me. Keep it up family and never give in to the temptations of the adversary. He walketh as a lion destroying those who he may. I love you so much. Keep us in your prayers and especially the family Colonia Adrian. I am praying for you and love you. Elder Tilley

(I'll update the blog if I get explanations for the rest of the pictures)
-(Jayce) Wow, is sounds like your having a fun and righteous time. That is so cool….Yahoo, you get to work on the Temple. What a "neat" thing to do. …. Advice for stake youth council? Enjoy it and get to know everyone. Each one of them is one the council for a reason and maybe it´s to be loved. Be friends with everyone, even if they don´t seem to be too friendly or outgoing. Being nice goes a really far way. Thank you so much for praying for me. We have had some more talks this last week. I have been praying too. You will be in my prayers. Have a great week Jayce man and keep our investigators in your prayers. I love you. Elder Tilley. Holy muscles, who is that in the picture? Honestly, Im getting kind of chunky if you can´t tell by me cheeks and neck. That looks like fun and also really hot. It is supposed to get super cold in the next couple days. I better bundle up. …

We had a baptism date with Felicita for the 25th, but she didn´t come to church yesterday. We are going to need to help her a lot. She doesn´t have tons of will power. She really doesn´t understand. She says she wants to be baptized and has done much better with the word of wisdom, but she just still doesn’t understand. We are really excited about the family Colonia Adrian. Mom Dad and three kids. Juan, the dad was going to go to the civil today to check on marriage laws. They have to be married before they are baptized, but are progressing well. When we taught the Word of Wisdom, they both jumped on our side and started teaching their kids. We have found some more and have taught them a few times. We don´t have any one else that we have talked about baptism. …We have still been walking in and out of our sector. … Transfers are this coming week. Please pray for me to have the strength and determination, faith to accept the Lords will. I was thinking about this as I was praying and realized that I don´t really have a choice to accept or not. It comes either way...so, pray for me to accept (uphold, sustain, and support with enthusiasm my next test). I love you and am praying for you. Dad, Im so excited that you are getting going again. I can´t believe you got to experience what you did this past week. I can´t wait to do something like that with you (Guatemala). Keep praying for our investigators. … I love you family... Chow,Love Elder Tilley

Missionaries on Preparation Day

(Becca). That tournament sounded really fun. Good Job. Keep pushing yourself even if the Coach doesn´t push you. College Athletes push themselves, that´s why they are able to go to the next level. Way to be a good example to those girls by not participating in the inappropriate things they may say or do. Just keep being Becca Tilley, the strong, the faithful. That trip sounded like so much fun. I hope we will be able to do some more fun things like that in the future before we all grow up too fast. Keep studying the scriptures and praying. Reading the scriptures is good, but studying them is much better. Ask yourself. "Out of all the tons of things that Mormon could have included in the Book of Mormon, why this?" "What is he trying to teach me?" The Book of Mormon was written for us in our day to prepare for the second coming of the Savior. Figure out why from the parts that you read. Use your imagination and follow the spirit. I love you Becs. If you have any questions, let me know. I sure love you and miss you. Elder Tilley

Sunset in Santiago

(Pres) … It sounds like you had a really fun week. That is so cool. I remember doing things like that before I was old enough to go on the trips and everything. Make sure you take time to enjoy how much fun it is. We had a stake conference and a member of the 70 spoke. He talked about how building faith in Jesus Christ starts with the parents doing all they can to create an environment of the spirit. I liked it because that´s what mom says. Anyway, I was thinking about all the funnest times in my life and all that came back to my mind was all the fun times I had with my family. Watching movies, renting games, going camping and the lake and theme parks and family nights and family prayers. It’s interesting that I really missed those times that I didn´t know I enjoyed so much. Make sure to be grateful for those fun times. I love you Preston and miss you. Keep up the good work and have lots of fun and learn a lot about the scriptures, they are so cool. Try to do something this next week like one of the Book of Mormon Heroes would. Love you favoritist littlest brother, Elder Tilley

Not sure what this is . . . But Elder Tilley obviously thought it was pretty cool. (He forgot to attach an explanation).

(Rach and Joe) Thank you so much for the update. ...I will enjoy that conversation so much, when we can sit and just talk. …My companion and I had a pretty good inventory. We worked out some kinks… Joe, if you have some ideas for getting the members more involved that really worked for you, let me know. I would really enjoy that. Our mission is doing experiments right now to better use them in the work. …Have a great week and don´t worry too much. I know its way hard to get any free time. I love you two and know you are doing great. Until we write again. Gracias Joe por cuidar a mi hermana. Se que tengo ningun problema sabiendo que este con ti. Chow Hermano y Hermana, Elder Tilley

(Jayce), you are so awesome… I’m so glad we will be able to see each other for a couple months before you head out on your mission. It´s really not that far away… What you are doing is worth it Jayce. The way you are living is worth it and brings many blessings. Keep being a good kid. Heavenly Father will help you when you have struggles with your companion. I will be praying for you. I love you Jayce and Miss you. Love Elder Tilley PS Everything here is going well. It´s always not easy. It´s like a roller coaster sometimes. My MTC teacher said that there aren´t any flat rollercoasters that are fun. It has to be kind of crazy to make it enjoyable. I love you Brother.

Mom-Wow mom Wow. I’m so excited for you… Guatemala! … We have a date for the 25th as the next baptism. Felicita needs a lot of help. She needs to stop smoking. … We haven´t moved yet but are still hoping. … Have a wonderful trip and will look forward to hearing about it. Chow family Elder Tilley

Dad-Does this remind you of YOUR missionary years?

(Dad), ...I will be praying for (the Encampment) and I know it will be really really fun. Thinking back on my life (as if I´ve lived for a long time) I think the Helaman’s encampment had the first real life changing affect on me. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to be able to be there. I could only imagine some boys there that will have life changing experiences for them. … Did I understand right that you are doing the Temple? I’m glad work is starting to climb back up. I am so grateful that the Lord will always take care of us. I love you Dad and am praying for you. Let me know how the camp goes and some life changing experiences from it. Love you Dad, Have a wonderful week. Con Amor, Elder Tilley

Native Peublo Fair

We went to a native peublo fair. It was a small little deal, but only happens twice a year. I enjoyed it.
(Pres) … Thanks for pumping me up about teaching. Thanks for your testimony about them listening. Sometimes I don´t always feel like that, and it makes me sad that people just fight against the truth. It is so important to ask Heavenly Father when things are right and when things are wrong. If all the people would really ask and really do what Heavenly Father wanted them to do, they would all be baptized and confirmed into His church. Being members of the church is such a great blessing. It is The Kingdom of God on the Earth. Keep up the good scripture reading and praying every day. I remember Dad telling us when he was the Bishop that he never met anyone that was falling away from the Church, while reading the scriptures and praying. It hasn´t surprised me, but it interesting that of all the less active people that I have met, none of them are praying and reading (scriptures). I think 1 Nephi chapter 8 shows that this is true. There were some people that clang to the iron rod (read sometimes) there were people that didn’t even find the iron rod (never read) and then there were some that continually clang to the iron rod (read everyday). Only the last group was saved, all the other ones were lost and drowned or had the great and spacious building fall on top of them. Yikes. I love you little brother. Keep up the good work. If you starting to learn Spanish yet, I’ll teach you something cool you can say to mom and dad when you go to bed and kiss them on the cheek. Te Amo (it sounds like "Tay Ahmo") Te amo Pres. Con Amor (with love), Elder Tilley

Elder Tilley and Maxfield

(mom)We are still in the pension that we moved into last week. It is pretty far away. We use lots of our money for the bus, so we are hoping to be able to move in to the new one soon… If you would include that in your prayers according to the Lords will, that would be great. We had the mission conference last week. The thing that stuck out to me most was a quote by President Laycock. He was talking to us about the parable of the virgins, and how they represented members of the church, in like manner, they also represent missionaries. He talked about how to get oil in our lamps. He told us there is one way. "You buy oil in the market of obedience". I really liked that, especially how it is gospel mixed with business. I have put an extra effort in getting up on time and getting into bed on time, (to the minute). I was 7 for 7 getting up, but only 1 for 7 going to bed. I’m trying to fine tune to "buy more oil". It has been more difficult getting into bed because we live pretty far away and have to walk many times each week. (Next) week, we have interviews with the President and the last week of the change, we are going to the Temple again as a zone. I didn´t know that Rach came home. I thought last night, that "one year ago right now, I was in downtown D.C. at the firework show". That was really really fun. I hope Rach and Joe are doing well. …

Ximena at her house

. This is Zimena at her house. She gave me a really nice note yesterday that said that she thinks of me as the "hijo de corazon" - child of her heart. We don´t have any baptisms scheduled. We had a confirmation this last week of a 10 year old girl named Constanza. I am pretty worried about her and her 14 year old sister Katy. They don´t have much support at all and have rough examples from the family members. On top of that, they told us that they really liked us. (AWH that’s not good) I’m not worried about us, but you just can’t be participating in the church just because you like the Elders. If they aren´t set upon the Rock, they will fall when the Elders leave and the tempests blow. We are most excited about the family Colonia Adrian. They aren´t married, so we have to figure that our first. We have a family home evening with them tonight. I love them a lot. I find myself worrying about them sometimes, because they are so good, that I don´t want anything to go wrong. I know the Lord is in charge and He will take care of them as we do our best. We had a "Sector Slam" this past week in our sector. It´s when the whole zone will come to one sector just to find new people to teach. I think we found 13 news or so. We haven´t been able to contact them all, but that helped us a bunch. I went with Elder Evans, one of my zone leaders. I really like learning from him. He is really bold...just an in charge guy. We found 6 news. Of course not bragging, but it is so good to get a boost and feel that fire, like when you sell a couple neighbors (Moxie Pest Control) and it just seems that everyone wants it. …TELL (everyone) they are awesome and I love them. I am happy, but still wish sometimes that I could sit down and laugh with you while reading our brothers missionary letters. Thank you for everything. Have a safe trip back. Chow If I have any friends, that need someone to write a letter to, tell them I have an address to an Elder who would like to know how they are doing (SMILEY). Chow, I love you all. ...Thanks for everything. Elder TilleyI

I LOVE MI FAMILY!

(Dad) Wahooooooo! You are doing the temple job! That is so great. It is wonderful to know that the Lord trusts you building His House. Wow. I absolutely love reading your letters. I get so much from them… This change we are working chapter 9"How to find people". My companion asked me to use the sales stuff I know to get us into doors and talk to people on the street. The quote that you sent and the one in PMG about not putting your own talents, experience, and abilities above the Lord´s really help me to keep that experience in perspective. It’s so good to hear that Jayce is doing well. He´s got to keep being dominant and it starts in your mind. … Thank you for the spiritual boost. I really love reading your letters… Thank you for being the best dad ever. I love you so much and thank you for staying strong even through this hard time. I have learned much from your experience. I love you and am praying for you. Have a good week Paps. … Te quiero papi. Chow, Elder Tilley

It's getting cold . . . below 40 in the evenings

(Jayce)- That’s what I’m talking about. Way to play ball. I laughed when you said "I felt cool". Keep being awesome. That is such an awesome experience. That is something that you can tell people on your mission one day. The Gospel has to do with real people that receive real blessings in real life, just like that. I’m glad you like your coach. If he is as disciplined as it sounds, you are going to be good. Keep being awesome and let that confidence fly. Heavenly Father will help you. Turn your life to him and he will direct your paths. Also know that faith without works in dead. Faith, without hard workouts, is dead. You’re an awesome brother. I’m so glad you are living a wonderful life that is going to bless many. I’m really excited for you. I love you Brother. Pray for our investigators, specifically the family Colonia Adrean. …I love you Jayce!!! Keep it up. Your Brother, Elder Tilley

How's my Spanish you ask????

Ximena at her house

Bec-This is Ximena at her house. She gave me a really nice note yesterday that said that she thinks of me as "hijo de corazon" child of her heart.
Becs, just keep being a great example. Always speak dignified and live what you know is right and others will see your example. Ammon became the friends of the servants and the king and then many many many were converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I remember one time on a tournament; I talked to (a friend) in our apartment. It was probably one of the hardest things I had to decide to do. Recently, he told me that at that time he was wondering if God really existed and what he should be doing. We never know what a compliment, smile, pat on the back, kind and loving word can do for our friends. Keep being the example and your will be given the opportunity to cut the arms off and save the servants. I love you Becs. Keep up the hard work and stay humble. Only with Heavenly Father can you reach where He wants you to be and where you want to be. I love you Bec. Type at you later. Elder Tilley

Missionaries Having Fun!

Elder Tilley learned to do this when we were living in an apartment while we built our house. If anyone knows how to rotate it . . . I'd LOVE a lesson. (mom) …Our apartment closed this last week, so we had to move to a different apartment about 10 minute further out of our sector. It is a little bigger but a lot colder because it doesn’t have any carpet. We got everything moved in an afternoon and just finished unpacking yesterday morning. No kidding, two hours after finishing unpacking, we got a call from a lady in our sector that wants to rent her house to us. We went there that same day with the Elders in charge of the pesions. Their first words were, "Sketchy". It is pretty run down on the outside, but it is actually pretty nice on the inside. It is in a set of apartments. I didn´t feel good about it at first. We were instructed to pray about it and let them know that night. As I prayed, many thoughts just came to my mind like "You have asked for one, now I’m giving one to you". President Laycock approved it, so we have been trying to get a hold of her today to ask her when we can move in… I’m not needing anything right now except for some prayers for some investigators. We found a family! two weeks ago and they came to church yesterday. They stayed for all the classes and even for the baptism of Constanza Leyton. We love them so much. The only problem that we have seen so far is that they aren´t married. Out of nowhere this past week, they asked us how weddings are in our church… They are very clean people. Their kids are so wonderful. …We have a family night with them tonight and are excited. Ariana, the 9 year old girl came and sat by me during the baptism and we sang the songs together. I couldn´t help but just have such hope and love for her and for her family. I think this is what Golden Investigators are. … I found a lot of joy in bearing testimony of the Savior this past Tuesday. After reading Elder Mickelson´s letter and praying, I was pumped to go share with people on the streets. We talked to 6 or 7 people as we walked down the street and related the gospel to the world cup and whatever we could. We have learned that All Things bear testimony of Christ. I expressed to two young adults that when Chile wins we feel good, but when we loose, we feel bad. there is also a game that is being played inside of us. When we win, we feel happy...when we lose, we feel sad. We teach how we can win through Jesus Christ…. I can hear the radio playing in the background, The Chile vs. Brazil game is just about to start. Its´ pretty crazy down here. I love you family and am praying for you. Have fun this last week of ball! I love you all and think of you often. Gracias por todo apoya. Les quiero mucho!!!

Elder Whitney, Tilley, ValVerde, Maxfield

Many people say that Elder Whitney and I look like brothers. I started to realize that he kind of really looks like Josh.
We still haven´t found a place to live yet. I think we are going to be moving in with four other Elders that live in another sector until we find a place. The thing is that our sector is pretty dangerous and we are white and appear to be rich. I wouldn´t feel comfortable living in the majority of our sector. We might just have to keep camping on the outskirts till we get something safe…. Last week we found 11 new investigators and this week we found 10. The weeks before that was around 1. Thank you so much for praying for us. We found a family from Peru this last week that we are really excited about. A whole family!!! We have been praying for them in every prayer. We had a baptismal date for the 4th, but they weren´t able to make it to church yesterday so we are going to have to push it off I believe. Their names are Juan, the dad, Yeseña, the mom, Juan, son, Carlos, son, and Ariana daughter. They are ages 14,11, and 9. I love listening to the little ones talk, because it is so much easier to understand. Chilenos speak really slurred. People from Peru speak very very clear…. Please tell me if I should just focus on writing experiences that we had during the week or just taking pictures of my journal or whatever is best. I want to help people mostly. I remember feeling so excited to read letters from Josh and see pictures. I was really pumped up to do what was right knowing that my brother was out there teaching people about the gospel. I want the letters I send home to be a blessing. Let me know how I can improve them.

Elder Mooney and Tilley (both from Gilbert Arizona)

Rach and Joe … From conference there was one phrase that really stuck to me and I am trying to figure out how to apply it more fully. One of the General Authorities said "Happiness, Peace and Joy do not depend on circumstance...but upon faith in Jesus Christ". I don´t know how to apply it when you are working in a secretaries office and am working on it here. When you figure it out, please let me know. I’m sure the way to do it is the same in an office or serving in the field. I sat next to Elder Mooney today in a cafeteria and we talked about Arizona. I didn´t know him before, but he said that he knew who you were. I sent mom a picture of us. I have been praying for you a lot this last week. I hope all is going well. …I love you so much Rach. I am excited to get to know Joe better….tell him thank you for taking care of my sister. Love you two! Have a great great week. Love Elder Tilley

If you know Elder Tilley . . . you KNOW he LOVES sunrises and sunsets!!! (This is a sunrise)

I sure love President and Hermana Laycock. They are so inspired. We will have the opportunity again this change to go to the Temple. I hope this will be a once a change program. I loved going last time. I got the package. I’m wearing the warm tootsie socks right now, and I’ll have to say my tootsies are pretty warm. Thank you…. The cliff bar, I am saving for safe keeping. That made me happy. Thank you for the snacks and the frequency. Getting packages from my family kind of feels like I picked up an extra med kit on the Nintendo games.

Ximena Catalan was baptized!

Our ward is doing well and investigators too. Ximena Catalan was baptized yesterday. That felt so good for us and for her. There were many people there to support her. We sang "I’ll go where you want me to go". Constanza Layton has a date for the 27th of this month. She is 10 and has a really difficult time understanding what we are teaching. We are trying to get members over to her house for support and who can speak better Spanish. She needs prayers to be able to understand and we to be able to teach simply simply simply. This past week, we found more investigators. We have been struggling with that the last couple weeks. This next change we are focusing on Chapter 9. "How to Find People". We went to the change conference this morning to hear President for fun and see what is all going on. Elder Maxfield and I will be in El Valle for at least 6 more weeks. I believe that Elder Valverde is our district leader!!

Elder Maxfield and I at the Metro

We found a house this last week, but are still not sure. I think we have to be out by the end of this week or the beginning of next. We still aren’t sure what to do, but are glad to be missionaries anyway. Elder Renshaw leaves today, so we got a new assistant. I really looked up to Elder Renshaw even though I didn’t know him well. I am also really excited for the new one, Elder Livingston, He was in our zone this last change. Elder Maxfield and I are focusing on lessons with members, finding news, and having them assist on Sunday. Pray for our efforts here. We need extra excitement and faith to apply what we learn from Chapter 9. It’s not easy to just talk to anyone and everyone on the street, but I did find that I am much more happy when I do it. Please pray for Elder Maxfield. He has had it rough his mission with companions and with people. He is willing to change, but is not sure what to do. Don’t worry, everything is usual, but some blessings from Heaven would help him much. This last change has stretched me so much. I feel like I’m changing. I have really tried to focus on helping him this change, and in so doing, I have become more myself than ever before. Elder Holland said in his talk "the divine companionship" that "if you haven’t learned that helping someone else is more important than focusing on your own success, than please start learning that lesson now. You will understand the Atonement and many other lessons that have come down to us through the generations. It’s more or less like that.

Becs, you sneeky young woman you. I thought that was really cool that you helped fix everything after you pranked. It sounded like camp was really fun. I had no idea that Dad kissed mom on the stage last year. I think I would have been embarrassed too. It’s a blessing that we have two parents that love each other and love us. We are really really blessed. There aren´t many that have it as good as us. Good job with the b ball. Keep up the hard work and smart work. Always be striving to keep the spirit with you; it will teach you "all things" that ye should do. All things Bec. I sure love you and know you are doing awesome. More importantly than basketball and most importantly, keep striving to develop your testimony. Keep praying and reading, working and loving. The adversary is real and we need to have our spiritual game face on when he challenges us. I sure love you Becs. Keep being a great example to all those girls. You are a very special. Love you, Elder Tilley

Basketball and Ping Pong Missionaries

(Pres) We had a zone activity this morning and were able to play some basketball and some ping pong. The scriptures are really powerful aren´t they. One night a couple months ago, I was really scarred too. I talked to President about it and he told me when you feel scarred read the scriptures. I did and it works. Anytime I am scarred I think about the words the Savior said "Blessed are the meek, etc... its the sermon on the mount … That is a really neat experience. From little experiences like this, our testimony of the Book of Mormon grows into a rock. I love you brother. Is the family still having gospel donut moments? I am praying for you. Please pray for Ximena. Her baptism is this next week. She didn´t come to church this last Sunday though. We are praying for her too. We set some high goals for this next week.The scriptures are really powerful aren´t they. One night a couple months ago, I was really scarred too. I talked to President about it and he told me when you feel scarred read the scriptures. I did and it works. Anytime I am scarred I think about the words the Savior said "Blessed are the meek, etc... its the sermon on the mount … That is a really neat experience. From little experiences like this, our testimony of the Book of Mormon grows into a rock. I love you brother. Is the family still having gospel donut moments? I am praying for you. Please pray for Ximena. Her baptism is this next week. She didn´t come to church this last Sunday though. We are praying for her too. We set some high goals for this next week. We want to find 10 new investigators and have 8 lessons with members and have 5 people in Sacrament meeting for next Sunday. Pray for us. I sure miss you buddy. Love Elder Tilley I sure miss you buddy. Love Elder Tilley

Elder Bollough (our district leader) and Elder Valverde

(Mom)My health is doing well. There have been a lot people get sick with the weather like it is. It´s really cold at night and in the morning, but warmer during the afternoon. … Well, Gladys doesn´t want to be baptized. She is having a hard time with her husband and just doesn´t want to be baptized right now. Ximena Catalan has her fecha for this next Sunday. We are excited for that. Please pray for her. I feel like everything will go through well, but I still don´t feel like I totally understand her needs. She will need lots of help. …. Felipe, Tamara and Claudia had a bad experience this last week and they are very hesitant to let us back in. We have though made huge progress with a less active family here that we really love and are really excited about. There are a couple families in are ward that are less active. We have felt that if these families would come back to the gospel, the missionary work would be exponentially increased. We had a beautiful lesson with one of them Saturday night. The spirit was so strong and we just had love pour over us for them. …We are so blessed to live in the United States in our home. I haven´t seen anything like where we live.

Elder Maxfield

. I sure hope all is going well. I have learned an interesting lesson this past couple weeks. Even though they have been really hard, I have made a conscious effort to help Elder Maxfield. With my mind always on him, I didn´t have time to think about myself. I have had really peaceful, full of learning weeks. … I believe this is what Lehi experienced as he followed the man in the white robe. I wondered why he would be lead into darkness if he was following the Savior. The wording in the scripture is very interesting. Lehi says that he beheld himself in the dark and dreary mist. He must have taken his eyes off the Savior. When we begin to worry about ourselves, life seems to be really hard. That’s when we go to our knees in prayer, just like Lehi and his vision was opened. I’m praying for the family. Please keep the investigators in your prayers and the ward "El Valle". We have a ward FHE this Friday night at 8. Thank you for all you do for me. …We are still looking for a house. Thank you for being so good everyone. It is such a blessing and well all see it more and more as we keep going through life. I love you all. Love Elder Tilley