Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Final Days in Hungary and Homecoming

































1/2/2016

Hello Family and Loved Ones! 

I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season and that you are ready to go for 2016! Because I am! I honestly never thought I would actually see 2016! Just because I came on the mission in 2014, and 2016 seemed so far away! It was quite the celebration over here in Hungary. I hope that you all had fun, and that you all stayed safe! 

It was so good to see you guys last week! :) I can’t believe that only in a short 6 weeks I will actually be home with all of you and be able to see and talk to you in person! It feels so surreal to me that it sometimes doesn't feel real that I am actually coming home! Every once in a while it hits me though! 

This last week has been really cold! But, as I have been informed.. Nothing like it is back in Utah! It just feels a little bit colder than it is here because of the humidity. It cuts you right to the bone! and well.. when you have to be outside in it every day.. after a few hours of tracking outside it gets to ya! But it still hasn’t snowed! I miss it! 

This week was a pretty normal week for us. Monday and Tuesday we just were finding.. and meeting with our investigators.. then on Wednesday we went on splits with the kis pest zone leaders.. I spit with elder cannon. It was a good split. then we met with our recent convert Matyás! and drum roll please........... MATYÁS is officially engaged to Luca! ( president Szabadkai daughter! ) they are planning to get married in May. It’s really exciting:) Building eternal relationships over here! Midas-well just call us Heavenly Hitch 1 and 2! ha That was probably the most eventful thing this week! We are all really excited. Then on Wednesday night there was a new year eve party for the youth here in Buda.. and I was able to stop in and see some of my győr friends including alaudin! one of the kids that we found while being in győr. It was really rewarding to see how far they have come from the very first moment I saw them standing outside the fence of the győr branch house watching us play soccer. ha Its true that out of small and simple things ( acts, feelings, changes, etc ) great things come to pass. And usually it takes time. 

On Thursday night we were able to be at another party here in Buda with the young single adults. That was really fun. There I was able to be with more of my győr, szeged, and kis pest friends. They had tons of games.. music. foosball. The senior couples here in Buda ran the music and provided the food. They had to stay here till 1 in the morning poor things. ha We had to return to our houses at the regular time.. ( I was super tired anyway )  so we weren’t allowed to see the fireworks over the duna.. but funny thing happened.. that night I had a dream and I dreamed about them! so that’s the same right? But we did here fireworks going off all night! it felt like we were sleeping in a war zone! Then on Friday we had district meeting and then we met with klara and her family for the first time. They took a little bit of time to warm up to us but then we became good friends. We had to be on our A game that day. and it was successful :) 


only 6 weeks left and for us.. those 6 weeks will be busy. I guess that’s a plus being AP at the end of your mission. But I still have days where they are super long. ha sadly. But all is well here in Buda:) 

Here is my quote for you this week: 

" The most important work that you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes. " 

never forget what matters most. This quote also connotes the importance of missionary work. This " work within the walls of your homes " falls under the definition of MISSIONARY WORK. and missionary work is the greatest work that we can possibly do here on earth. For it is God’s work and His glory! 

Have a great first week of 2016! Don’t forget to set new resolutions to come closer to Christ throughout this next year! 

I love you all! 

Watson Elder 



1/9/2016
Dear family and Loved Ones, 

I enjoyed everyone's emails this week and I am so happy that everything is going well! :) Bri and Ash you have prayers coming your way. :)  But This whole experience reminded me of something that actually just yesterday we taught to our investigator who is really close to baptism. We talked of faith along with many other things. But we taught her that where Doubt.. Discouragement.. and Fear is.... Faith cannot be. But where faith is.. Doubt and discouragement, and fear cannot exist. That they are complete opposites of each other. Not saying that any of us have fear or doubt of discouragement in our hearts.. but my experience tells me that most of us do at one point or another, especially when trails beset us. I also learned.. that if we fear.. or have fears in our hearts.. It’s not of God. But I have also learned.. that if we have fears, whatever they may be.. , Maybe we don’t know God as well enough as we should. Because if we would perfectly know God.. then we wouldn't need to fear because we would perfectly realize.. that GOD.. the creator of all things.. including ourselves.. This perfect being who we call our Heavenly Father.. is perfectly watching over us. His hand is more in our lives than we even know. He is closer to us that we even know. And he will protect us and watch over us if we put our faith in him and fear not. He has said countless times in the scriptures to fear not.. and believe in him. and to come unto him so that he can make our burdens light. He has also said through his prophets that: 

 But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

or

Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.

or

And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

or

And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.


These are only a few of the MANY examples where God has told us that he would help us and comfort us and strengthen us.. IF we put our faith and trust in Him. He is in our lives. He takes care of us. and everything will work out! EVERYTHING! and on a side note.. fear is something that is MAN MADE. SELF MADE. we create it. in our minds. It’s something that could NEVER EVER EVER come to pass. It’s not real! We make it real. So. what I’m trying to say.. is that to fear.. is the most pointless activity we can engage ourselves into.  instead let us choose to believe and have faith. Because there is special peace that we only receive when we totally rely on the mercies.. and the merits.. and the power of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. 

 This week for us was another busy one. we went on two splits, we visited szeged for the last time before I come home, we visited kecskemét.  It was kind of weird to see people for the last time! ha Insane. Time is truly flying! We had New missionary training this week and I saw some of my best missionary friends who are out here right now for the presumably last time! It makes me really excited to come home:) ha But this week was really good! busy, but good. We taught some great trainings to the missionaries about obedience and "the shield of Fatih" :) We had a fun object lesson to go with it as well! It was fun. :)  

Only 5 weeks left! pretty crazy!  :) Im just finishing strong out here and preparing to come back home!:) 

Have a great week this week and be safe!

I love you all! 

Watson Elder 



1/16/2016
Dear Family and Loved ones, 

I was really glad to hear that everyone is doing much better this week. And I was also Really happy that bro is out of the hospital and is back at home!:) 

This week was a wonderful.. busy week in the mission field. Full of lessons.. finding miracles.. life lessons, trials, and the most random things you can possibly imagine! The weather was as if spring was on the brink. But then tonight the storm clouds just came in, it dropped a few degrees.. and now it’s snowing again. haha. Almost. 

Outside of splits this week with the Miskolc Zone leaders, Elder Evans and Mortensen, ( Evans was the student body council pres. at bear river for 2014 and we had a lot of funny jokes to share with each other and he apologized for all the bad stuff that he yelled at me during the years that I played. ha It was pretty funny. We also had to deal with a couple of emergency transfers, several other meetings, and unexpected requests. Outside of these things we had a phenomenal  week that boosted our work out of the roof. We found a lot of new investigators and people are popping up left and right wanting to meet with us. 

This week I would like to share with you 1 miracle that happened to me and Elder Mortensen as we conducted splits here in Budapest. Through this experience I have learned so much about how the spirit works and I have also used it to teach others how the spirit works. 

On Thursday morning we left our apartment at 11 o clock after studies and preparation for the day. Elder Mortensen and I stood on the corner of the street and decided to take a left that lead us up the to the hills of Buda. We only took 3 steps when a very clear thought came into my mind that said " go towards Széll Kálman Tér. ( which was in the opp. direction.) " It was accompanied with a freeing of peace in the heart that one cannot perfectly describe but only can experience.  I told elder Mortenson that instead we should go towards this Tér. We turn directions and we get to the other corner and cross the street. As we are walking on the sidewalk along next to these 4 story buildings that lead to this tér.... at the very first building I get another one of these very clear.. clean... as if it was written in my head.. sentences that came into my head. It said "This is the house, there is someone that is in need of you two."  And this time with this one accompanied a warm feeling in the heart. To myself after receiving this I thought " wait, we are supposed to go to széll kálman tér. That’s what the first one said. " So I kind of shrugged it off and continued to walk. about 3 minutes later another one came into my head as clear as ever and said " Go back, someone is in need of you two in that building." with the same feeling of warmth in the heart. As we stood at the lamp waiting to turn green so that we could cross into the Tér I told my companion that instead it would be better if we tract all of these houses on this street. ( he probably was like " elder watson! make up your mind! " ha but he didn’t really say that. -- So we started with that first house that was closest to us. We talked to a nice man who accepted a book of Mormon. We went to the next house.. nothing. The next... nothing. The next.. nothing. The next. everyone just slammed the door. Then.. we finally reached back to that first house where this prompting, inspiration and revelation came into my mind. This one was interesting because there was a gate at the front.. then the front door. So we had to door bell in and ask someone to let us into the building. The first person didn’t answer.. the second one though did. It was an older lady and she let us in. We caught her on the stair way and I introduced myself as "Watson Elder, a Mormon missionary who has brought a very special message about Jesus Christ." and I asked her if she had a couple minutes. She said that it didn’t really interest her but to try the rest of the people. We tried everyone and got a couple people that was interested. But, as we arrived to the last door this 27 year old man named Richard answered the door. He was a short.. buff little man. He just opened the door and smiled. I introduced ourselves again and he immediately invited us into his house. After we declared ourselves as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ and that we had a special message about Jesus Christ.. he paused us and explained that just recently he had had a really terrible, eye-opening experience and that he was in the process of changing his life for the very first time. He explained that he has been trying to get off drugs and that he wanted a better life. He said that he had just started to read out of the bible for the first time and he, for the first time in his life, learned of Jesus Christ, and that he has been waiting for something to happen. He then explained how interesting it was that we showed up the exact time that we did because he usually works at that time every day.. but for some reason just happened to be home ( because he had ACCIDENTALLY slept in.). He then told us that he took this as a sign that Jesus Christ really does live. --- we went on and told him about the book of Mormon and testified to him that Jesus truly does live. And that the fact that we met this morning wasn't an accident but that God had lead us directly to him. -- He believed it and accepted to learn more. Next week we will be teaching him again. 


This whole month I have been studying the topic of personal revelation and obedience. This example that just happened to me is a perfect example of how we, most of the time, receive revelation from the spirit. But most of us are too blind to see, or too deaf to hear the voice of the spirit for one reason or another. ( loud music, un-virtuous thoughts,  word of wisdom problems, other sins, or just a lack of faith and desire.)  --- Most of the time we won’t receive everything at once.. just like I didn’t in this example. But instead like Nephi " I was led by the spirit, not knowing beforehand  the things which I should do."  in other words, " go left, go right, stop. don’t do that, do this, wait a little bit, have faith, write a letter to your grandma, don’t forget to say your prayers or read your scriptures! Go to church. clean up your language, make your bed, obey your parents, etc." These "words" that we "hear" from the still small voice are actually like pure intelligence flowing through your mind accompanied with a warm, peaceful feeling in the heart. and instead of "hearing." it’s more.. "feeling". The more one man gets familiar with recognizing and then following these revelations from the spirit, the more powerful he will feel them. But if ignored.. the spirit will withdraw. As baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ.. God has given us this gift. The call it the Gift of the Holy Ghost. He promised that it could be with you always.. if you are worthy.. humble.. and sensitive to the promptings that it gives you. It is also called the "comforter" To comfort in times of trial or sorrow. I met with an 88 year old man, who has been a member of the church for 38 years today. After 58 years together.. his wife died and he deeply misses her it pains his soul every day. I’ve never seen an old man cry like this one did today. We taught him about this spirit.. and he paused us and said.. " I KNOW.. I know..  Every morning.. I get home.. ( the mornings are the worst ) and I come out here in the front room and I kneel down.. and I pray. I cry every morning because I feel this warm.. powerful feeling that gives me goose bumps, every morning. I know that she is here and watching and is with me. I know that the spirit is real and that we will live after this life."  --- With him, I want you all to know that it is real. The spirit is real. And it is there. All we need to do is ask, seek, and pay attention. If you haven’t felt it yet and you are like most youth and say "what are they talking about?!??! holy ghost?! I’ve never felt anything like it. is it real? how do I feel it?" 1. Pray to God and ask him to help you recognize it. 2. study it. read the talk I just gave you. read the scriptures more. pray more. be still more and " know that" he is God. Listen. practice. Avoid evil places. Avoid hard, swearing music. don’t sit on the computer or game or phone or TV all day.. that will dual your spiritual senses.  3. Go out and look for opportunities to serve and teach others about the gospel. Go to the temple. You will find that as you go about planting righteousness.. that the spirit will give you feelings of joy and warmth in your heart. You will also find that the Lord, through the spirit, will lead you to those who are in need. 4. Be patient. Over time you will become better and better at recognizing those "written sentences" that come into your mind that will lead you, guide you, and protect you. And eventually it will lead you step by step.. back to your heavenly father. 5. Have faith. Don’t doubt. don’t fear. 

If you are like me. and you ask " how can I feel it more?" .. ask yourselves how many time s a day do you stop. pause... and pray? how many times do you turn and look to god in your hearts? How often do we read from the scriptures? How often do we serve others? How often do we go to the temple? -- One of the biggest tricks satan will play on you in this modern day is to help you think that " I’m just too busy... I just have too many things to do... I just have too many kids... I just have too many duties." or that " just skipping scripture study today because I have to.. iron the clothes... or something practical like that. These are all.. along with several more. big lies. The greatest thing that you need to study is the gospel and the scriptures. It takes priority over chemistry, math, health, history, business.. etc.  For the Iron rod represents the word of God that leads us to the tree of life. If we let loose our grip or completely let go.. WE WILL BE LOST and walk down forbidden paths. Don’t let yourself do that. IF you have.. grab that rod before it’s too late. 

Christ Lives. He personally guides this church. He sends his spirit.. along with us.. to gather his elect! open your mouths and share the gospel! 

I love you all! 

Watson Elder


1/23/2016
Dear Family and Loved Ones, 

This week in Budapest the weather dropped again below freezing, but still there was about sunny skies every day. Nothing too special happened this week other than I had my last zone conference! President traveled to Miskolc and we traveled to Győr. As I was sitting there in the Győr chapel it dawned on my half way through the training that this is my last zone training. Actually this is my last training at all! There will not be any more zone conferences.. no more missionary leadership trainings.. no more New missionary trainings.. because president told me that I am going to be spending my last week in Hungary somewhere else other than Buda.. Im kind of sad about that, but its oké :) And then at the end of each zone training we usually have the departing missionaries bare their testimonies for the last time in-front of everyone. And it came to the end and the Zone Leaders told me to come up and bare my testimony because I was going home and I about fell over! ha I didn’t wake up that day thinking "I’m going to share my departing testimony today!" It didn’t even cross my mind. Usually the "departing testimony" time is a big thing for missionaries. something that you all look forward to.. but at the beginning you never think it’s going to be your turn. ha Well.. as fast as it hit me.. it left. I got up there.. I had tons of things to say but I only said a few. And as I was sitting down I realized that my very first testimony in a zone training or conference was here in győr when I was a new missionary. And it was weird to think that I just shared my last one! and that it was also in Győr! One big circle! ha -- That night I was able to visit with the wounderliék.. we went to my favorite place in Győr, ate some good food. Then we spent the night at the Zone Leaders house.. which was my very first apartment here in Hungary. That was also weird. ha - Time really does move! 

On Monday we had our normal meetings with president and we spent the day planning and doing administrative things.  Tuesday we spent meeting with a lot of investigators.. We weren’t able to meet with Richard this week, because of how much he worked, but he is coming to church this Sunday. I will also be speaking in church this Sunday. :) it’s like.. my.. 7th.. or 8th time giving a talk in Hungarian during sacrament meeting. Till be easier for me to give a talk in Hungarian than it will be in English! ha  btw. apparently my homecoming talk date is Feb. 28th. Hope that all of you can make it:) Wednesday was the same.. and then Thursday we went to győr.. we came back Friday. Saturday is today and we woke up earlier this morning and went and played basketball with a member family who lives about 45 min. drive outside of Budapest. It was really fun. I was able to teach their 14 year old boy, who loves basketball, some moves and stuff:)  Then we came home, showered, ate, now we are here in the mission home emailing. Tonight we have a lesson with a new investigator over skype.. and he actually lives in Holland. The Holland missionaries got in contact with us, because they don’t speak Hungarian, and they need us to teach him. So that will be a fun experience. Hopefully the connection is good :) 

Kind-of a funny story from the week was when the office couple was trying to figure out how they were going to get rid of the old office shredder, because they got a new one for the office... and we happened to be there and suggested "Just put it out on the street. The homeless people or the gypsies people will surly take it..... in-fact we bet you that if you put it out-front.. it will be gone within 30 min.  We bet for Sister Simkins cinnamon rolls.. and WON! 30 min... it was GONE! ha just disappeared! ha Welcome to Budapest, Hungary. 

my one thought for you this week is from D&C 58 

"Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins -- behold, he will confess them and forsake them. "

wow! I forgot to tell you something. This week we had a very first.. world wide.. missionary broadcast from Salt Lake City and we received council and guidance from the apostles and the seventy. The theme was that we "Preach repentance, and baptize converts" It was a great meeting and we all learned a lot. They emphasized that we need to bare our testimonies often of the reality that Christ lives. And that when we teach and give challenges.. that we also promise blessings. They re-stated how we are the only ones in the whole earth who can do what we are doing right now. And how Missionary Work is the greatest work that anyone can do while they are here on earth. 

My short testimony to you today is that BECAUSE OF Jesus Christ... the sins, and the consequences of the sins (feelings of guilt, etc), that we have committed in days that are past.. the colored spots on our souls.. the mistakes, the slips, the trips, and the dives into the muddy water that has covered us in dirt... CAN be washed away. In Hungarian they use the word Törölni. Which means to erase. In the Hungarian scriptures God promises those who repent that their sins shall be erased. Isn’t that amazing? Im not sure if we have all noticed, or experienced the saving power of the atonement in our daily lives.. but we will all need to someday in order for us to be cleansed and purified so that we can live with God and our loved ones again. And I can tell you that the moment that you kneel and pray with a "real intent"  with "godly sorrow" and a determination to never commit past sins again.. IN THAT VERY MOMENT.. or soon after, after you have proven yourselves through righteous works, the Sin is erased and the effects of the sin is lifted. And that is ONLY because of the Atonement. And with the saving power of the atonement comes the Enabling power. That power will fill your souls to feed your fire and determination to do, to think, and to plant good in your lives and in the lives of others. It will also give you power to resist temptation and evil. -- I know that Christ lives. HE LIVES and is waiting for us to turn to him so that he can endow us with power. The power is real. You will feel it as you diligently seek, earnestly ask, and humbly work works of righteousness.

Have a great week

I love you all! 

Watson Elder 


1/30/2016
Dear Family and Loved Ones, 

Can you believe it?! 19 days! When I first started my mission I felt as if I had an endless road of days and hours and well.. doors to tract. ha. But as the end of the tunnel approaches my eyes finally begin to see the light and the truth of that the days, hours, and doors that I have to tract here in Hungary slowly, but quickly come to an end. It honestly hasn't taken full effect yet. Sometimes I still feel as if I was never going to leave. But at times here and there it really dawns on me that I really am leaving so soon. Looking back on all my experiences that I have experienced, all the miracles, trials, good times, hard times, times of joy, times of sorrow, the quick times and the slow times.... I truly just become grateful to Heavenly Father for this wonderful opportunity to share the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. To grow faster and more than I ever have before, to learn a new language, new culture, to live in Europe for 2 years! To make many new friends, to truly realize, in some fashion, what the word sacrifice means, to learn what family means, and to realize how blessed I was in my old live to be surrounded with so many amazing people who gave me everything I needed and more. But I am especially grateful for the knowledge that I have gained of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s been a miracle to me to get to know the spirit better than I ever have before. To understand better how it works, what it sounds like, and how to recognize, and act on its promptings. It’s been wonderful to have the calling and authority to represent Jesus Christ in bringing and teaching His gospel to all the world. I have learned lessons of love, leadership, patience, diligence, faith, and obedience that I will never forget but that will stick with me for all of my life. And I want to thank all of you, especially my parents for their loving, inspired support and help. Without them I wouldn't be here. neither would I know the things that I know.

A quick wrap up of my week...it was 100% normal.. to be honest. It was so normal and routine that I almost have no idea what to write. On the mission you learn to enjoy the small and simple things of life. Like.. for example. meal times. They are so very sacred.  Or.. personal study.. where each morning we get to read and learn out of the scriptures for an hour! yes! a full hour!!!! Or each night when you get to sit in your bed and take out your journal and write about your experiences. Im so grateful that I started my journal writing when I was a freshman in high school. Looking back throughout just these two years I have learned so much about myself.. and I have learned and have received strength from my past. And let me tell ya what.. you really learn to enjoy your time to be outside and to workout. ha. -- so, for my week. I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed the simple things that consist of missionary work. yes, even including knocking on hundreds of doors daily. ha 


This week I would like to point a few things out that I learned this last week as I read out of the book of Nephi. I would suggest all of you to read 1 Nephi 13 and 14. At this point in the book of Nephi, Nephi has received a vision about what it’s going to be like in the last days. He saw the church of God and he also saw the great and abominable church that whose founder is the devil. And no. it’s not the catholic church. It reads:

 And it came to pass that I saw among the nations of the Gentiles the formation of a great church.
  And the angel said unto me: Behold the formation of a church which is most abominable above all other churches, which slayeth the saints of God, yea, and tortureth them and bindeth them down, and yoketh them with a yoke of iron, and bringeth them down into captivity.
 And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable church; and I saw the devil that he was the founder of it.
 And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine-twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlots.
And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church.
We learn that The great and Abominable church is everything that is not the church of God. or, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Which we believe, and I know that its true, that it is the one and only true church of Jesus Christ. That he reigns, guides, and directs it personally. That he has called prophets, apostles, seventies, stake presidents, bishops to represent him and to minister unto his "sheep". That he has also called missionaries, to represent him to declare repentance unto everything.. and declaring that ONLY by coming unto Christ and being baptized in his name in HIS church.. and being obedient to the principles, and ordinances of the gospel ( including baptism, confirmation, Priesthood for men, and all temple ordinances ) until the day that they die, is the only way they can receive eternal life with the Father and the Son. May we be aware of the desires of our own hearts. Where are they laid? Where should they be laid? If we are to translate what Nephi said in modern day English it would be maybe something like this, that the people of the "world" or of this "great and abominable church" whose founder is the devil.. their hearts are so set upon money, wealth, position, the nicest, best, most popular clothing, Newest phones or devices,  the next best thing. video games, computers, etc. and then the last one that Nephi said.. harlots. or in other words.. pornography, lusts, players, people who are obsessed with and only search for and seek to fulfill their physical desires.  Alma strongly preached against this and said to his son: and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.
I know that I live in Budapest.. but I am assuming that the Lust of the World.. is growing ever quickly in America  as it is here. and we.. must especially be careful that we avoid allll of these things that Nephi foresaw.. We must have God at our first priority and we must resist temptation. for it is satans tool to "  which slayeth the saints of God, yea, and tortureth them and bindeth them down, and yoketh them with a yoke of iron, and bringeth them down into captivity."  
Get it? addictions, chains, tricks to drag us all down to where he is..  It WILL LITERALLY do this to us if we are not careful. instead do and ask for what Nephi saw about the saints of God in this same vision:
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.
Keep your covenants. If you haven’t made any yet with him. Make them. They only bring you power into your life to overcome all things that one day we might live with God and Christ again. I promise you that this is true. I have felt it in my life. I can promise you that you truly will feel power and the glory of God.
 I love all of you! See you in 19 days! 
 Watson Elder  

2/6/2016
Dear Family and Loved Ones,

Guys! I only have about one week left! How crazy is that?! My next pday will be next Monday (not Saturday)  Feb. 15. I will most  likelyy be spending my last week either in Pest or Kis Pest. But by the time you find out for sure I will be saying „see you on Thursday!” J This last week in Buda has been one for remembering. Today we spent the day with the Szabadkai Family up in the mountains of Hungary near Visegrad. There we explored the mountains and saw many old castles along with spectacular look out points. Hungary truly is an amazing, beautiful country that I am going to miss very much. I can only thank my Heavenly Father for the opportunity he gave me of serving the people of Hungary. When I opened my call letter back in 2013 I didn’t even know that Hungary existed, let alone become a country that I would fall in love with. Hungary has been some sort of a „Refiners Fire” in  my life. It has caused me to go through things I never thought I would go through. There was never a period of time during my time here in Hungary when there was not a trial that I had to overcome and conquer. It has taught me a lot about the virtues of patience, diligence, temperance, perseverance,  endurance, and obedience. It has taught me how to reach out to people more and express love. It has taught me the value of family, friends and loved ones in my life. It has taught me a completely new language! It has taught me another way of living. It has taught me how to push through the hard times with faith in Jesus Christ and in God. It has taught me more of how God works with his children here on the earth. It has taught me a lot about personal revelation, the priesthood, the organization of the church, and many many more things. But most of all I would have to say that it has taught me more about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The saving power and the enabling power of the atonement. I will tell you with all the energy of my heart that I would not have been able to do the things that I did here without God, Christ and the Atonement. These past couple weeks I have been trying really hard to reflect on everything that has happened over these 2 years and I have had the hardest time putting it all together and let alone getting enough words to describe all the experiences that I have been through. I don’t know if I will ever get the exact, perfect words to describe everything that has happened here. But hopefully with the help of the spirit I will be able to put together some words so that I will be able to share my experiences with others in hope of strengthen them and helping them.
All I am able to say now though is that these 2 years have been a miracle to me in my life. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my loved ones back at home, especially my parents, brothers, and Hannah. I love you guys and am so excited to see you!
If I could say one more word of encouragement to all who usually read my letters it would be this:
know that the Lord, our savior lives.  He lives. He personally directs his church upon the earth today through his ordained prophet, President Thomas. S. Monson.  I know that God loves and watches over his children. Although he might allow trials and hard times to come upon us... for our benefit and growth... he never leaves us alone. He is there right by our side. We do not comprehend all things that God comprehends. For his ways are higher than our ways. And His view is higher and greater than our view. No matter how faithful someone is in their life... it will not prevent them of going through trials or „dark hours” in their life. As Paul said to the Hebrews : „For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain for their salvation perfect through sufferings.”  He wants to see how we react. So that he may know what he can do with us. So that, proved faithful, he may trust us and put us at higher callings and higher responsibilities. Which brings me to my next word of encouragement: KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS. There is safety and peace in keeping the commandments. As the words of Mosiah go: „And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual. And if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true for the Lord God has spoken it.” All people search for peace and happiness in this life. Some of us are searching in the wrong places. We are searching too much in the things of the world. Things that will eventually „rust and thieves will break in and steal”. We are commanded instead to first search the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.. And then all things will be added unto us. And to instead layup treasures in heaven. I will bare my witness that true and lasting happiness is founded in keeping the commandments of God and following our savior and Lord Jesus Christ. All other forms of worldly happiness are to end in this life and only result in regret and pain. Now is our time to prepare to meet God. We live in the last days. The signs of the times have been and are being fulfilled. May we always remember that the greatest characteristic of love is and always will be LOYALTY. May we always grasp onto the iron rod and never let go no matter how thick the darkness becomes.. For we will all have our own hours of darkness. To that the lord says: „These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.”  With the power of Jesus Christ and his atonement, we too may overcome all things and be heirs of the Kingdom of God. The lord will make us able to overcome. It’s our job to put forth the effort. Salvation does come to those that wait. Instead it comes to those who „ask, seek, and knock”. DO.

I am excited to see all of you in just a few days!

Sok Szeretettel,

Watson Elder 


Sunday, December 27, 2015

Last Christmas in Hungary




































11/7/2015

Dear Family and Loved ones! 

This week I don’t have tons of time to write due to some technical difficulties this morning and the bad timing of programs! 

But with the time that I do have I want to share with you some events that took place this week! 

First of all, our German companion, elder Heilein, as moved to pest for his last week. So now it’s just elder priest and myself. I finally feel like I have 2 feet on the ground.. And now it’s time to run! We are projected to be together until I go home.. So... it’s pretty crazy. Time is flying by! 

Monday and Tuesday this last week was probably the two most stressful days of my (in field) mission experience!  Recently there have been a lot of changes and it seemed that everything was just pilling on top of each other and that we needed to do this, and that, and this, and that, and then this, and then this unexpected thing. And we LITERALLY did not have time to get everything done that we needed to get accomplished in one day. I recognized this and so did elder priest and so we sat down and I was like " this isn’t okay. Something has got to change"  So we sat down and we started to prioritize and simplify our life.. Tossing out all the unnecessary things that were on our shoulders. It was an amazing experience for me that I’m sure I’m going to remember for the rest of my life. So I would suggest the same to you guys. If your life seems to hectic, if you don’t have time to read from your scriptures, if there are too many unnecessary things in your life, if you don’t have time to spend time with your kids, if you don’t have time to go to church, if you don’t have time to pause for two seconds and help someone who is in need on the street, if you feel stressed or overloaded with too many activities.. If you have too many clothes or antic pots, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE! PRIORITIZE a little bit. Do those things that really matter most. There is a special beauty and peace in a simple life.  

The second quick thing  that I would like to share with you guys is this. I went with splits with elder cannon on Wednesday this week. And while we were on splits up here in Buda, we decided to go tracking, it was about 7 o’clock at night and really dark. We knocked on a few doors.. And well.. The Hungarians weren’t having any of it. We got some colorful words along with " you Mormons go back to your stink hole! " We then had an impression to change areas ( haha ) and we went to one of the most popular metro stops in Budapest. There we posted up, and took out all the books that we had ( total of 8) and we held up the book in the air while crowds and crowds passed us. Then we started to flyer at the same time. When the book was in the air everyone would look up and see it. They would do 1 of 3 things. 1) Look up, see it’s the book of Mormon, and then they would look down as if they were embarrassed. 2) Look up, see it, and then look in wonder at what the heck is this? 3) They would come up to me and say " what is this book? Can you tell me a little bit more about it? How much does it cost? " Then I would proceed to tell them about the book and about the restoration of the gospel and then explain that the book was free on conditions of a willing and open heart to read it. ( haha) Well. the end of the story is that we gave out all 8 books in less than an hour and a half, and we got 7 phone numbers out of those 4 people set up right there with us to learn more. AND.. we also ran into an old member of the church who had lost the church because of inactivity. We exchanged phone numbers and then he called me the next morning to meet that day. We met with him and I was amazed at how strong his faith was. He explained to us his story of conversion.. and then also his story of his downfall. ( a girl ) he said. ( haha ) he started getting with this  girl who lead him down the wrong path. And then that is was started the 8 year inactivity. He recognized his fall and his mistake and sins. and he expressed to us his feelings and desires of coming back. After a wonderful conversion about the atonement and about returning, he committed right there to go to church this next Sunday and start being active again. He was once, a long time ago, in the bishopric, elder’s q. pres., and served in many other important positions. His knowledge was incredible. He will be a HUGE help in this ward as he returns. The next day we helped him move into a different house that, if we weren’t there with the elders quorum pres, he couldn’t have moved.  On the way home that day I was reflecting on what just had happened these past two days, and it really touched me. All though these are really simple stories that I have shared with you, there is miracles and the hand of God in each one of them. God truly leads people to his chosen servants, those who are ready, who need to return, who need help, who need the gospel, who need to smile, who are having a bad day. God is aware of us and our needs. If we are willing and humble enough to trust him and follow him, we will never need to worry. 

I was notified about some sad experiences that took place this last week back at home and my heart truly goes out to those people. But the reassurance still comes back into my mind that God has truly gone before our faces, he has prepared the way, God is behind us, and backing us up, and he has charged his angles to be around us to bare us up. There are unseen forces for evil and for good. And I testify to you guys that as long as we trust in the graceful arm of God, we will never need to doubt, fear, or tremble in the face of adversity. He always prepares a way for escape as we put our trust in him. 

I love you guys, 

have a great week and be safe! 

max..  you can write missionaries on the Sabbath. :) ha ha 

love, 

Watson Elder.    


11/14/2015

Dear Family and Loved Ones,

Hey guys! This week was a crazy one for several different reasons! But the most recent one was about the terrorist attacks that were made in Paris just this last night. I’m sure that you will become aware of it really soon. This morning President Szabadkai received some direction from the Church for us to avoid all large gatherings, tourist attractions, and for us in Budapest all the malls, etc. It will be easy for everyone expect for us. We live in the heart of Buda and everywhere we turn or travel to.. it is a popular place. So I’m interested to see what other direction comes our way. I don’t think that Hungary is a big danger zone though.. Most people just look over Hungary. It’s not a very popular place in Europe. So that is good news.

As far as my week went it was pretty normal. I have been having slight health issues to which rest will solve all the problems. I rested a lot this week. On Thursday we drove across the whole country. We were first supposed to go to Misolc for splits with the zone leaders, and as soon as we got into miskolc, president called and needed us to go to székes ( on the opp. side of the country) to pick up a missionary, whose companion is in the hospital for 4 days due to a stomach virus, and to bring him up to Buda. I didn’t know that if a missionary is hospitalized.. that the companion can leave and the missionary can be by himself! But according to the Missionary department that is totally fine! So we picked him up and took him to Buda. We were in the car for 8 hours that day! pretty crazy!

On Wednesday we had Mission Leadership council, in which we gave a leadership training to all the zone leaders and to all the sister Training Leaders. It went really well as we talked about the responsibilities of a leader and then we also talked about what it means to show a good example and we talked about the Christ like attributes of Faith and Charity, and how they are vitally important to great leadership. Also in the meeting we got to see the upcoming new Christmas video that the church has done! IT is going to be so cool! and it’s going to be a big deal! The church really wants this to be a great missionary tool this year so they have put a lot of work into it and they are sending it to us early so that we can get ready to use it the most effective way. AND! haha, dad you will love this one! During sister szabadkai.s training she randomly asked me to tell the war story that I told while in duna in a zone conference to everyone. She said she really liked it and it touched her heart. Even though it was one the spot.. I told the story pretty well! everyone liked it:)  Also, this is a cool random fact.. meet the Mormons in Hungarian is the 4th most popular out of all the languages. 1) English 2) Spanish 3) Chinese or something 4) Hungarian! It’s pretty popular here to. ITs great that its having this much success here! Recently it has come out on YouTube for free in all the languages. It ends the 22nd of November.

Also Thursday morning we dropped our German companion, Elder Heilein off at the airport. It was pretty real for me.. realizing that I will be in the same position in just under 97 days. Still a long time.. but at the same time really short.

I heard that ball has started and this week is going to be purple and white.. max.. just go out there and kill it man! Take every game like it was going to be your last. I’m really excited to come home and watch your last couple games this season. Go represent!

My little thought for you guys come from the bible:

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right handof my righteousness. ( Isa 41:10)

Have a fantastic week this week!

Love you guys!

Watson Elder


11/21/2015

Dear Family and Loved ones :) , 

How is everyone doing this week? It was super fun to hear about your guys week this week! Max, your dunk looked pretty sweet! keep up the hard work! It was really fun to see Kyler and Randon,  you'll have to tell them that I love them and I miss them too!  Jarom, Luke, keep tearing it up as well! :) 

This week for me was really good. A lot better than the last two weeks. I’m feeling just about 100% again! So that's good:) ready to go back at it for the last couple weeks. 

Not too much happened this week although..... WE did get a NEW bap. DATE!  It is this really cool 25 year old guy, who agreed to be baptized on Dec 12! So we are really excited and happy about that. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Hungary Budapest mission.. bap. dates are really exciting. :) So that was probably the highlight of the week. His name is Matyás! 

This last Wednesday the mission had zone conferences and we were able to travel to dunaujvaros to attend theirs. It was really good and we also got fed a really good thanksgiving dinner by the senior couple. It’s insane to me that it is already thanksgiving! 

This Sunday is stake conference and it’s  a really special stake conference. 1 member from presidency of the seventy is coming. 1 member from the area presidency is coming. and 1 member from the area seventy is coming! It’s pretty rare to have this! And today President szabadkai and probably us as well, are going to meet with them! It should be a really good stake conference. 

Other than this, it was just a normal week of missionary work and missionary life! Nothing too crazy happened! 

My thought for you guys this week comes from the Book of Mormon: 

" That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."  Alma 34:38

The Lord has truly bestowed upon us so many mercies and so many blessings, and he continues to do so daily. If we would just slow down just enough to recognize the hand of God in our lives every day and then take the extra 5 seconds to say a quick prayer of thanks to God, we will feel a new spirit and a greater light in our lives. We will become happier! We will become nicer. We will become more patient. We will become more Christ-like, recognizing that everything that we have received has come from the great mercies of God.  And most of all we will be filled with His spirit; which teaches us to continually do good works, to walk humbly, to forgive, to speak kindly, and to love unconditionally.  


I hope that all of you have a wonderful thanksgiving! I am so thankful for you guys and all of the support that you have given me, not only these last 2 years.. but throughout my entire life. I am eternally grateful for you all! 

Love, 

Watson Elder. 


11/28/2015

Dear Family and Loved Ones :) 

This week in Hungary Budapest was a fun one! We spent a lot of time traveling and visiting other missionaries. Of those places, we went to Érd, and we also went on a surprise split with the elders down in Veszprém, by the Balaton Lake!  It was really fun to be down there and to see the other missionaries. The Balaton Lake, as seen in the pictures that I uploaded, is one of the most prettiest places in Hungary. It was awesome to be able to see it and to take a couple quick pics by it! Another fun thing that we actually just did today was we went to the Budapest Cave. It’s the longest deepest cave in Hungary. And you only need 4 bucks to go in! super cheap! :) I posted tons of pics and videos of it on my drive! So have fun looking at that) It was a lot of fun. 

Last week there was a stake conference, and it was a great meeting. I was able to see all of my friends from Győr, Szeged, duna, and kis pest. It was fun to see all of them. It was also MY LAST stake conference here in Hungary. It’s pretty crazy to think about it. ALSO! Christmas is coming around the corner. It finally snowed here in Buda today. We have already had a really cool family offer to let us skype at their house on Christmas day, and so we have that all taken care of. We will be going there towards the night around 5 o clock, which should be around 9 am your time! :) so be ready for that! And you don’t have to wait to open presents till after! ( your welcome brothers )  that will be my last skype! Also, not to make all of you more trunky than you already are.. The office couple called me this week and they asked me some questions because this week they are buying the flight for when I go home! So I should be getting that information really soon! be looking for that! 

Matyás is still on bap. date for the 12th! he is looking really good and I most likely am going to end up baptizing him. I’m really excited for that opportunity. 

OH! this week, every morning we have been working out with sis. szabadkai, Szabadkai elnök, and luca, their daughter. We go over to the mission home every morning at 645 and put them through a workout. Its super funny. Sis szabadkai couldn’t hardly walk down the stairs! haha It’s a fun experience. But keep president szabadkai and his family in your prayers this week. His mom passed away this last week at age 88 ( which is really old for Hungarian people)  Through the middle of the week they had a hard time and they were in pécs ( the city where he is from ) just about every day. 

Another transfer is coming our way! my officially last one! Dec 10, new missionaries come in.. old ones out. And I will be staying here! It’s going to be so fun to be in Buda during Christmas and new year’s! then I only have a month and 18 days! Time is flying! 

I love you guys! 

Here is the thought for the week! 

 22 For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.
 23 But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also.
 24 This is eternal lives—to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law.
 25 Broad is the gate, and wide the way that leadeth to the deaths; and many there are that go in thereat, because they receive me not, neither do they abide in my law.
"NOW IS THE TIME FOR US TO PREPARE TO MEET GOD, AND TO PERFORM OUR LABORS WHILE THE DAY LASTS"
Love,
Watson Elder


12/5/2015

Dear Family and Loved ones! 

Hey guys! We have so much going on and in just a few minutes I have to meet with president szabadkai to talk about the upcoming transfer and about the upcoming week. And then at 4 o clock we have a baptism here in Buda.. and then after that its back to the Lords work!  So, because of all that.. I’m sorry if this email is a little shorter this week! 

So this upcoming week is going to be crazy! starting with today! We have a baptism. This girl names Alexandra is getting baptized! it’s really cool to see her progress to this point. And then Sunday will be busy, Monday will be busy and full of getting things prepared for all the new missionaries that are coming in on Tuesday. We have 10 new missionaries coming in along with 1 new senior couple! We will be there to pick up all of them in the airport in Tuesday morning and then we will be with them.. teaching them.. taking them street contacting for the first time.. feeding them Hungarian food.. giving them a first good experience in Hungary. Then on Wednesday we have to hold training for the new missionaries and the trainers.. and then it will be transfers. MY LAST ONE! it’s insane that it’s come down to this point. My parents this week received my flight information this week, which makes things feel really real. It is for Feb. 18, 2016, and I’ll be flying in at 2:00 pm! right in time for lunch! :) All of you are invited to the airport if you would like to come:) I can’t wait to see all your smiling faces again!:) 

Max.. all I have to say.. is way to go bud. keep it up. keep killing it! You are looking really good. just make sure you keep learning from each and every game and give it you all every game. You will and can do amazing things. Rely on the Lord to overcome your weaknesses. stay humble. and keep your head on straight. Let your success speak for you. Love ya buddy! 

Luke! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! yesterday! I saw the Lego thing that you got. it looked really cool!  10 years old! crazy!

Jarom, you’re a stud. that’s all I need to say! keep up the hard work in your basketball and keep those girls away from you! lol :) 

This week was a normal week for us. Full of work.. president interviewed the whole mission this week. It was insane. We created the schedule for him and let me tell ya.. he had one busy week. We were able to help with some of it which was a great experience for us. 

Throughout this transfer.. as it comes to a close.. I have been reflecting on those things that I have learned. And one of the biggest things that I have learned ( or relearned ) is that of Repentance. There is times in our lives.. when we will feel a darkness surrounding us. When we will anxious, lonely, or depressed-  or when we feel that we are standing alone. some of us will have times when we feel far from our heavenly Father. Or when we feel that we have strayed or lost sight of the light of the Gospel. Or when we feel as if we were in chains due to some sort of an addiction. Or we will have times when we might be weak.. and we allow something’s in our lives.. that we shouldn’t have. And when we come to these points in our lives.. we might say to ourselves "where is my escape?" " how do I get out of this darkness? " " where should I turn? " "where can I find rest?" 

The lord has said time and time again unto us, for this purpose was he sent here, that as we draw near unto him.. he will draw near unto us. That we should take his YOKE upon us.. that it might be light... because he is lowly and meek in heart. He suffered so that we might need not suffer. all he requires from us is that we have a broken heart and a contrite spirit. That we recognize... confess.. and forsake. and With that he has left us a glorious promise of " and I the lord will remember them no more. " How wonderful is that? 

Time and time again in my life I have experienced this sweet joy that only repentance brings. With small and large things, the burden has been lifted, my hands been made free, the darkness dispersed, and my heart made light. The spirit has come into my life with a new, greater force. I have come closer to my savior. And he has come closer to me. 

If you are sad, anxious, down, disappointed, depressed, worried, or down trodden... I suggest to you and tell you that the way to be happy is through true, sincere, repentance. 

Then we will be able to sing: 

 Savior, Redeemer of my soul,
Whose mighty hand hath made me whole,
Whose wondrous pow'r hath raised me up
And filled with sweet my bitter cup!
What tongue my gratitude can tell,
O gracious God of Israel.

Never can I repay thee, Lord,
But I can love thee. Thy pure word,
Hath it not been my one delight,
My joy by day, my dream by night?
Then let my lips proclaim it still,
And all my life reflect thy will.

I love you guys, 

have a great week this week! 

Love, 

Watson Elder 



12/12/2015

Dear Family and Loved Ones, 

Hey guys! It sounded like your week went pretty well outside of some sicknesses! You will all be in my prayers and fasts! 

This week in the Hungary Budapest Mission was no calm week! I would be willing to say that it was one of the most busiest.. hectic weeks that I have had here in Hungary! But it was really fun and I learned a lot. Probably one of the best things that happened this week was that Mátyás got baptized and tomorrow he is getting confirmed. I had the wonderful opportunity to baptize him. Everything went well.. I said the prayer right.. and I only had to dunk him once.... ( thanks to the pre-baptism-warm up that I did :) ) haha.  It was a very spiritual meeting. The whole Szabadkai family was there with us. It was a great experience. 

On Monday this week we spent the whole day preparing and planning for the hectic weeks that we have ahead. That includes all the new missionaries coming in.. all the old ones going out... training's.. conferences.. and next week Zone Christmas Conferences every single day from 9 am -6 pm.  Then after Christmas is over it will die down a little bit and then I only have about 7 .. 6 weeks left starting January.! The year I never thought I would see! 2016! ha Oh BTW! we have schedule with a family for Christmas night to skype and have dinner at! It will be at the Demeterék.... and we will go over to their house at about 4.. 3 pm.. have dinner.. and about 5 o clock we will start skyping :) so that is about 9 o’clock in the morning for you guys:) How does that sound? I will be adding you on skype this week at the demeterék when we are at their house. Can I get Your skype info dad? just send it in an email sometime before Wednesday when we meet with them this upcoming week and then ill add you on Facebook and on skype :) I’m so excited to see you guys! last skype experience! 


On Tuesday we spent the day picking up the new missionaries from the airport.. and being with them all day.. getting their first day of streeting... and also taking them out to have Hungarian food.. getting all the things that they will need for their mission. Then we had dinner that night with the szabadkais and then we took them up to Buda castle to look out over Budapest and to read the dedicatory prayer. It was a long.. busy day! we then took them to the hotel that night. 

On Wednesday we picked up the greenies from the hotel and took them to the mission home for the training that pres. and us were giving to them. Our presentation went well. I shared with them some of the miracles that could happen in their first city.. even in their first couple weeks! like for example. splitting your eye open playing basketball.. or ( some of the more serious ones.. ) finding the 3 little kids and seeing them progress to baptism.. or finding someone tracking and having them be baptized the following week. Or just having cool moments with your companion. I also mentioned to them that your trainer can, like mine was, turn into your best friend and your closest companion! -- then we switched gears and spent the day with the old missionaries.. I’m tellin ya.. its super weird going from the fresh.. to the well seasoned. ha You see both sides of the spectrum.. and it really hit me this time.. because I remember how fast my greenie transfer was.. and now to think.. HEY.. THATS ALL I HAVE LEFT.. is a crazy feeling. But I’m so excited:) We again had dinner that night with the szabadkais and then went up to another lookout point called gelert hegy with the missionaries. then took them to the hotel. 

On Thursday we got surprised with a lot of things.. first of all we had to take a missionary to the airport to meet his parents who were flying in to pick him up. It was super weird! kind of reversed right? haha but it was fun. President was down in him home city because this day was the same day he was having his moms funeral. so we had to act in his name when we gave him over. ha Then we had to meet another missionary’s family who came to pick him up in the mission home. That was weird as well. but good experience. Then we had office work to do all day.. meanwhile.. at 9 o clock we had to run elder Jensen to the hospital and translate for him.. we took care of him and ran back and forth from the hospital and the mission home working in between. Then that night we finally got to catch our breathes. ha 

Friday was full of practicing and preparing for next week’s zone conferences. 

Today we had a baptism in the morning.. then starting at 4 we have to be here and there is going to be a huge Christmas concert and open house that the ward is doing we will be in a room where investigators from the street come in and we have to teach about the first vision. It will be fun.. but exhausting.  

Tomorrow we will be dealing with church and then we have to do office work and collect numbers form the mission and continue to get ready for  the conferences that which will consist of our whole week next week. 

I am running out of time.. but each week I choose two scriptures to memorize and study. This weeks was Alma 37:48 and then Alma 38: 5 which says: 

 And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

I testify to you guys that this is 100% true. Put your trust in God! 

Love, 

Watson Elder 



12/19/2015

Dear Family and Loved ones, 

This week was one of those very very.. hectic weeks! But it put me right into the Christmas spirit! We had Christmas Zone Conferences every day Monday - Friday from  9 Am. to 5 pm. With each of the different Zones in the Mission. It was a very cool, spiritual, fun experience. It was also interesting to see how each of the Zone Conferences were different. We gave training in the morning, because in the morning it was usually the trainings and the more spiritual things.. then we had Christmas activities in the 2nd half the day. But we gave training on Planning. Because nothing gets done without planning it first. We talked about how planning is an act of Love and Faith. 

We also talked about how Christmas is Christmas.. because of all the preparation that we do leading up to the 25th. Or that Holidays are really that which we prepare them to be. And essentially every day is that which we plan it to be. If you plan a day of celebration.. it will be a day of celebration. If you plan a day of idleness.. it will be boring. etc. Then we did a little activity with them and then showed this short film at the end in connection with planning being acts of love and faith.. which are Christ like attributes. http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/collection/come-unto-christ/christlike-attributes-2 - I encourage you to watch it and to share it. I told the missionaries each and every day, that the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING  that we will ever do or can do in our lives, when all that is said and done.. is to preach the Restored Gospel to all of our brothers and sisters. ( that includes neighbors, friends, classmates, co-workers ) and that we should teach.. with our examples.. but not let that be an excuse to not open our mouths and proclaim it. 

Faith is built in hearing the Gospel. Also, that without the Gospel.. our lives are truly pointless. Everything we do is pointless without the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Which in and through we may win Eternal life.. the greatest gift God has ever given us. ( D&C 14:7 )  If you are ever wondering what would be the most worthwhile thing to do in your life.... It is to preach the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.. To everyone.. and that includes our children. It is to do missionary work. which temple work, genealogy, temple service are all included in this great Redemptive work. In D&C 18 it speaks of how great our joy will be if we shall bring even just one soul into the kingdom of God. 

Modern prophets have said that that one soul is even us. ourselves. How do we do that? we must become spiritually self-sufficient / independent. Just as moroni in the last chapter of the book of Mormon. He was alone. No ones testimony to lean on. He had his own. All he needed was God and the Scriptures. so once again.. how? Read the scriptures. for they shall tell you all things that you need to do. There is a true force, peace, power that comes only through reading the words of the prophets. Pray, and share your testimony often. Ones testimony only strengthens as one shares it and lives it. 

Then once we are strengthened.. we MUST.. all of us... strengthen our brethren. Don’t be afraid to share the gospel. Don’t be scared because you might think you’ll lose a friend, or someone will judge you. The lord has promised all of us that he will be by us. and strengthen us.. so that we might bare record of Him. It is our Blessing and Responsibility to bare record and teach our brothers and sisters the Restored truths given through the prophet Joseph Smith. If we don’t.. who will? Especially as ordained Full- Time missionaries.. who are to go out into the world..representing Christ..  to prove the world.. and to raise our voices like a trump from heaven declaring repentance to every nation for the great day of the lord is at hand. And that the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored for the last time. NO ONE else has this message. no one in the world. and it’s our blessing to share it with boldness and love. I encourage you, as we come upon a new year, to create a family missionary plan. Create a plan to bring someone to the waters of baptism with the help of the local missionaries.( this will involve several steps) It might be hard.. and it might stretch you in several ways. It will be a wonderful growing experience for you and for everyone involved. And while you give service.. mention the gospel. Mention the church.. set a great examples.. and then be always ready to give a response for the reason of joy that is in you. 

I promise you if that you do this... you will experience more joy and love than you ever have before! Use Preach my Gospel. It’ll help! and don’t be scared:)  I can tell you this because I’ve experienced it! :) it’s a wonderful thing:) 

This was the message, excluding the family missionary plan part, that I shared with the missionaries here! Then we had a wonderful Hungarian lunch that Sis. Szabadkai made for us! after.. the 4th day I was kind of sick of it.. but it was still good:) ha Then we had a year slide show for the mission. We had a surprise Bethlehem play! The one that is on Facebook is the first time we did it.. and it wasn’t the best. There was much better and funner ones throughout the week. Some things changed. I will try to have pres. szabadkai load them up for you. and check that frequently.. I will be on there a lot. haha  Then we had a white elephant.. the senior couples gave a thing on Christmas traditions that they did in their homes.. then we had Santa come.. it was hysterical. the last day.. with pres. szabadkai.. was the best. He only posted a small clip of it online.. but that last day was the best!

It’s nice to have a break today though. now we should have a relaxing week. We are excited for a break.. without any going home.. incoming.. missionaries.. trainings.. etc. We will be spending our time with members and the szabadkais for Christmas.. and all week. I am very excited to skype and see you guys on the 25th at around 9  o clock your time:) I can’t believe I made it through 2015! ha only 8 weeks left! isn’t that crazy? 

In closing I will share the scripture that I have been studying and memorizing this week. 

1 Nephi 1:20 the last couple sentences:

But behold, I,Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of theLord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because oftheir faith, to make them mighty even unto the power ofdeliverance.

I love you guys! have a great Christmas! I miss you all so much!  

Watson Elder