My Family,
It was so good to talk to you all for Christmas! It seemed like the short hour flew by in seconds! But it surprised me that after the call I wasn´t depressed or sad or even trunky! Thank you for motivating me to work hard! I felt like we could have talked for hours. This time of year is so special. I love the feeling in the air. Old year finished, and new year to come. I had the chance to sit back and ponder on the goals I set a year ago from right now. It was about this time that I received my mission call. I thought back on the progress that I have made in this year. I am not the same person as I was before. I´ve changed in ways I don´t even recognize or know how to explain. I feel like I know more intently who I am. What my purpose is here in this life. I have gained a feeling of peace and calmness that I hadn´t before had. I wasn´t perfect before the mission, but nobody was. I love the promise found in Doctrine and Covenants 31. It says that he who is called to the work and gives all he has to the work of the Lord, that his "sins shall be forgiven." That is a promise and blessing I would like to receive! I love my mission. It really is the best two years I will experience.
With the new year coming I have set a few goals! I thought I would share them with my family, because even though I am not there for the Ricks Family Goal Planning Session, you can see where I want to be and the goals I want to achieve! I took a picture of the goals I made and attached a copy. You´ll probably have to zoom in to see better! This year I want to:
1) Read the Book of Mormon 3 times
-Read 30 minutes every day, in personal study or before bed every night.
2) Memorize scriptures
-Every week I will focus on memorizing a scripture to use in the work.
3) Lose weight!
-Exercise every day after waking up. 15-20 minutes.
-Eat healthy and smaller portions!
-Think positively!
4) Write more handwritten letters!
-Every p-day write at least two handwritten letters to family, friends or converts.
5) Write in journal daily
-Write in journal every day in personal study or right before bed every night.
6) Baptisms...
-I have fixed a goal with the help of the Lord of the number of baptisms I would like to have in my mission. I am not going to share it with anyone other than the family. I know I can do it and there is nothing that can stop from reaching this goal but myself.
These are some of the things I want to achieve this year. I enjoyed being able to step out of place for a minute and examine what I need to do to make this mission the best two years of my life. I thought a lot about regrets. Not that I have one single regret right now, but that I want to do everything I can, so that in the end of two short years, when the plane takes off to return back to Texas, I can pray in my heart and tell my Father in Heaven that I gave everything I could. That I won´t have one single regret. I love my family so much. I am thankful for parents who taught me how to set goals. I would not be here right now if it weren´t for you all. I know that this is the only true church of Jesus Christ. I know that through the teachings and gospel of Him, we as a family can be together forever. What a blessing that is to me. I love you all! Know that I think of you always and you are always in my prayers! Before we know it, it will be time to talk on the phone again! I can´t wait! :)
Elder James Reed Ricks
P.S: Give Alma 29:9-10 a read. I love it! :)
Monday, December 27, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Merry Christmas!
My Dear Family,
Wow.. So much has happened this week! This week has been so so so amazing! So many miracles that I saw. Members calling us with refernces of people who want to be baptized! I love the work of the Lord! President emailed me today and told me that he thanks the Lord daily, because he sent me here to Veracruz! We baptized and fulfilled our goal of a WHITE CHRISTMAS! The goal was that every companionship in the mission have a baptism in the month of December and our companionship did it! His name is Antonio Valente Pascaul and is an AWESOME convert! This week we went to the mission offices to pick our "son"! His name is Elder Harmon from Idaho, and he is like 200 feet tall! He was serving in Utah as well waiting for his visa, for three months! We let him baptize Antonio and it was an amazing service!
Not much time today because we have had 100,000,000 things to do. Yesterday I broke the sink in the house we are renting and water started squirting every where in the bathroom! We called the owner of the house who is a member and she sent a guy over to fix it this morning and we had to wait in the house because we couldn´t leave him there alone. So all day along we have been running behind.
Important things to answer:
I recieved the package! Holy smokes there are so many things! We put them under the tree and I am so so so so excited to open them! I still havent received the package from the ward! I am not sure if it will arrive before christmas but if not its all good!
The telephone call is still on track. Nothing has changed. We will talk Friday, the 24th at 6pm. It would be better if you called like 5 minutes before, but not too early because Elder Harmon will be talking with his family until 5:45! I am so excited and can´t wait!
We aren´t allowed to Skype here in this mission. Bummer. Every mission has different rules.
I feel bad becuase this weeks letter won't be too hot but we will get to talk and hear voices in 5 days!! I am so excited and love you all so much! I hope you know that especially during this time of year, I have been thinking about each of you so much. I would not be here if it weren´t for my family. I love you all and can´t wait to talk!
Elder James Ricks
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
December 13, 2010
My Family,
Wow! Christmas time is here! I cannot believe how fast time has gone by! So much has happened and there is so much I could tell you but not enough time to say it all. I bought a new amazing camera today and I love it! It is a Canon and is amazing! Glad to here that everything is good and happy at home! Sounds like a lot of changes in the ward back home! About the phone call: I will email on the 16th of December with the information (the phone number you will need to call).
This week has been hard. Monday night this last week, the branch presidents daughter called us screaming and crying begging us to come to her house and give a blessing. Knowing of the evil there is here in Catemaco and the satanic things that happen, I was scared. Elder D looked at me and told me to prepare myself. I felt like Joseph Smith felt when he began to pray in the grove. I felt like I couldn´t talk. Elder D and I went to our house to drop off the backpacks and by this time it was 10:00pm. We knelt down and said a prayer before we left to the house. As we got up from the prayer, I began to sing Be still My Soul in my head. I will never be able to explain how I felt when I began to sing that song. I felt a peace that I can´t describe. I knew that everything would be alright and that I have the power of God. We arrived at the house and there were 10 or so people in the house and all the members of the family crying. They informed us that the mom fainted and when she woke up she started saying things. Bad things. Things that mothers don´t say. I couldn´t help but think that she had something evil inside her. She isn´t the first I have seen with evil spirits. We entered her room where she was laying because she saw we had entered the house. She pointed at us and told her family she wanted to see the missionaries. When we entered her room, she calmed down and stopped shaking, and then she fell asleep. Now.. from this I learned that there is no need to be scared of anything evil like this that happened when we are doing the right things in our lives. The other thing I learned is that the power of the Priesthood is real. The Mother we later found out suffered a severe nervous system attack. She is doing much better and nothing to serious happened. I don´t tell you this story to scare you. The work I am in is real. I am fighting face to face with Satan. But the power I hold, and especially as a representative of Jesus Christ, is real and there is no reason to fear. I will always be protected here in the service of the Lord. I am thankful for prayer and for the scriptures. I am thankful for the hymns of the church. I learned there is power in them.
We had a baptism that fell through the 4th and we rescheduled it for the 11th, but it also fell through. The mother talked with her husband who is working in the United States and the husband denied permission to his wife and son to be baptized. It was so hard. They were golden. They didn´t have any problem that kept them from receiving the blessings of baptism. When we found out that they weren´t going to be baptized it was really hard. I felt like it was something I did wrong. I wanted to see that family in white more than anything and it was hard to except. But we just remounted and got back to work. Then came a blessing. A man named Antonio came to church with a member two weeks ago and loves the church. He is 29 and is also golden. He will be baptized the 18th! This Tuesday President called us and gave us a Christmas present! He told us that 6 North American missionaries who have been waiting for their visa, will arrive this Wednesday and he wants Elder Dominguez and I to be his trainers! We are really excited to have a "son" :)
I haven’t received the Christmas package yet but its because the area where I am serving is 3 1/2 hours away from the Offices. This Thursday, Elder D and I have to go to the Offices to pick up the new missionary so I will receive the package then! I am super excited!
Today, we changed houses and oh my gosh, we are living in a mansion! It has a boiler for hot water and a complete bathroom but get this.... THERE IS A MIRROR! Now we can see ourselves when we are doing our hair, shaving, and tying ties! We are really happy! I will take tons of photos (with my new Camera!) and send them! About my new camera, there is a date stamp feature which the old camera didn´t have! I turned on the feature so all the photos have dates! :) Your welcome Mom!
I love you all so much! Time to go for this week but I will talk to you soon! I believe the day will be either the 24th or the 25th in the afternoon. Like I said, we still aren´t sure and on the 16th, I will send an email. It would be awesome if on this day, you are watching our for this email so you can send me a quick reply confirming that you received the information. We only have 15 minutes to email on the 16th!" I love you all so much and can´t wait to talk to you! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Elder James Ricks
Wow! Christmas time is here! I cannot believe how fast time has gone by! So much has happened and there is so much I could tell you but not enough time to say it all. I bought a new amazing camera today and I love it! It is a Canon and is amazing! Glad to here that everything is good and happy at home! Sounds like a lot of changes in the ward back home! About the phone call: I will email on the 16th of December with the information (the phone number you will need to call).
This week has been hard. Monday night this last week, the branch presidents daughter called us screaming and crying begging us to come to her house and give a blessing. Knowing of the evil there is here in Catemaco and the satanic things that happen, I was scared. Elder D looked at me and told me to prepare myself. I felt like Joseph Smith felt when he began to pray in the grove. I felt like I couldn´t talk. Elder D and I went to our house to drop off the backpacks and by this time it was 10:00pm. We knelt down and said a prayer before we left to the house. As we got up from the prayer, I began to sing Be still My Soul in my head. I will never be able to explain how I felt when I began to sing that song. I felt a peace that I can´t describe. I knew that everything would be alright and that I have the power of God. We arrived at the house and there were 10 or so people in the house and all the members of the family crying. They informed us that the mom fainted and when she woke up she started saying things. Bad things. Things that mothers don´t say. I couldn´t help but think that she had something evil inside her. She isn´t the first I have seen with evil spirits. We entered her room where she was laying because she saw we had entered the house. She pointed at us and told her family she wanted to see the missionaries. When we entered her room, she calmed down and stopped shaking, and then she fell asleep. Now.. from this I learned that there is no need to be scared of anything evil like this that happened when we are doing the right things in our lives. The other thing I learned is that the power of the Priesthood is real. The Mother we later found out suffered a severe nervous system attack. She is doing much better and nothing to serious happened. I don´t tell you this story to scare you. The work I am in is real. I am fighting face to face with Satan. But the power I hold, and especially as a representative of Jesus Christ, is real and there is no reason to fear. I will always be protected here in the service of the Lord. I am thankful for prayer and for the scriptures. I am thankful for the hymns of the church. I learned there is power in them.
We had a baptism that fell through the 4th and we rescheduled it for the 11th, but it also fell through. The mother talked with her husband who is working in the United States and the husband denied permission to his wife and son to be baptized. It was so hard. They were golden. They didn´t have any problem that kept them from receiving the blessings of baptism. When we found out that they weren´t going to be baptized it was really hard. I felt like it was something I did wrong. I wanted to see that family in white more than anything and it was hard to except. But we just remounted and got back to work. Then came a blessing. A man named Antonio came to church with a member two weeks ago and loves the church. He is 29 and is also golden. He will be baptized the 18th! This Tuesday President called us and gave us a Christmas present! He told us that 6 North American missionaries who have been waiting for their visa, will arrive this Wednesday and he wants Elder Dominguez and I to be his trainers! We are really excited to have a "son" :)
I haven’t received the Christmas package yet but its because the area where I am serving is 3 1/2 hours away from the Offices. This Thursday, Elder D and I have to go to the Offices to pick up the new missionary so I will receive the package then! I am super excited!
Today, we changed houses and oh my gosh, we are living in a mansion! It has a boiler for hot water and a complete bathroom but get this.... THERE IS A MIRROR! Now we can see ourselves when we are doing our hair, shaving, and tying ties! We are really happy! I will take tons of photos (with my new Camera!) and send them! About my new camera, there is a date stamp feature which the old camera didn´t have! I turned on the feature so all the photos have dates! :) Your welcome Mom!
I love you all so much! Time to go for this week but I will talk to you soon! I believe the day will be either the 24th or the 25th in the afternoon. Like I said, we still aren´t sure and on the 16th, I will send an email. It would be awesome if on this day, you are watching our for this email so you can send me a quick reply confirming that you received the information. We only have 15 minutes to email on the 16th!" I love you all so much and can´t wait to talk to you! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Elder James Ricks
Monday, December 6, 2010
December 6, 2010
My Dear Family,
Wow... It is December! El tiempo esta volando! First and foremost, I received the cd´s and the PEN! I have used the pen every day since I got it! I love it! Chandler... I cried when I opened it. I love this pen and I will use it every day of my mission. I can’t explain to you how grateful I am for that. Mom and Hannah... Thank you so much for the CD´s! I´m listening to them right now as I write this email! I absolutely love the songs on it! It really means a lot! I will use the money to buy a camera! Thank you so much! Before I forget! Yes Elder Dominguez will be with me until he goes to his house! He will go to his house January 21st! I have thought about my family a lot in the mission, but even more in this month. It is such a special month. Even down here in Mexico, everyone seems to be more happy and more focused on living a good life. I would be lying if I didn´t tell you that this week was hard. Our baptism for the 4th fell through for this week because the mom needed to talk to her husband but her son will be baptized on the 11th. We have a baptism for Christmas night too! We are planning a Bauti-mission! That means that every companionship on Christmas day, the 25th, will have at least one baptism! Lots of opposition here in the work of the Lord. Lots of obstacles that our investigators were faced with this week. OH! Before I forget! The number or code you will need to call Mexico for the Christmas call is: (it is the number in red!)
México to U.S.A. 00+1+ número telefónico
U.S.A. to México 011+52+ número telefónico
They haven´t told us much yet, just that this is the code you will need. This week we will find a member that will let us use their telephone and I will email you their number next week. With this code and number (that I will email you) we will be able to talk! As far as the day that we will talk and at what hour I am not sure yet but I will let you know! President emailed us today saying that we should try to keep the call under 40 minutes. Think about what you want to talk about! :) I have some things ready! I can´t wait!
It is hard to see pain, but there is someone who is stronger than the Enemy. The feeling I feel when I say the words, "Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ, and be baptized by someone holding the Priesthood power of God?", and they respond "yes" is a feeling that I cannot explain. I feel like I have helped this person recognize their Father in Heaven, helped them remember something’s they knew a long long time ago in the preexistence. I feel blessed to be a part of this work and experience all these amazing feelings. I know I will never be the same person again because of what I have seen here. I am 100% committed to do what EVER it takes to return to live with Heavenly Father. We are so blessed as members of the only true church to have the standards and blessings that we have. I have thought a lot about this lately. I would NOT be the person I am right now if it weren´t for my family. Each and every one of you is who I am. What a blessing to be born into a family with the gospel, with parents who love each other and who don’t fight and aren´t separated, for a father who holds the literal power of God, and a mother who would give her life for her children. My Christmas gift this year is a gift from my God, and it is my family. I love you all.
I am sending photos of some cool things so watch for a separate email with those! I love you all. Please know that I am perfectly fine here in Mexico still sweating my butt off even though it is Christmas! I haven´t had stomach problems or anything for about a month now so please don’t worry about that! I am LOVING what I am doing here and I know this is where I should be.
Tell Jamie Pirrello and Dave Murtagh that I´m 100% Mexican now and loving every minute preaching! Dad, I will get something special for my investigators! What a great idea! Thank you for your inspiring words and thoughts. I love you! I love you all! Thank you for all your gifts and all that you have done for me. I can´t wait to talk to you!!!!!!
Elder James Reed Ricks
Monday, November 29, 2010
Cascadas de los Toucanos!
My Dear Family,
WOW! What a crazy week it has been. I have learned so much and it seems like I just barely logged off last week. To answer questions first, the mission will provide a phone to call from when the time comes. I haven’t heard when or where we will do it but Hna Hansen will make sure that every one of her missionaries talks to their parents! :) I am thinking about buying a new camera. There is a super sweet one here that is Sony so it will accept the memory cards that I have and it is about $100 US Dollars (1000 pesos) Let me know if that would be okay. I was thinking about something else I could use for Christmas! I have a Gillette razor to shave but here in Mexico, they don’t sell replacement blades! Could you look for some there? They are called Gillette Fusion and they are blue and orange! I don’t need the handle, just the blades! Guess what girls?!?!? There is a tiny little Christmas tree in our house! We put it on top of the fridge! We are going to buy each other gifts and put them under the tree!
Now for a little of the mission life... This week we have worked our butts off. There is not one single second to waste being disobedient or waste time here in Catemaco. Satan is SO strong here. The members are afraid. We are the strongest light sometimes that they have here. It is SO powerfully encouraging to know who we have on our side. Elder Dominguez is an amazing missionary. I think he will be one of my favorite companions. We teach so powerfully together and we are starting to see the success. Two weeks ago, the area we are in right now was part of another mission. The Presidency of the Church in SLC, changed the mission boundaries again, and we once again received this sacred ground in the Mission Verdadero! This is the literal walking grounds of prophets from the Book of Mormon. The final battle in the Book of Mormon, happened about 30 minutes from my front door of our house. The people here are so prepared to hear the gospel and THAT is why Satan is working so hard here. This last Sunday we had district conference (ask Dad to explain what a district is... :) and a random person and her children showed up. We wrote down their directions and went later after church. She is what we as missionaries like to call, GOLD. She will be baptized the 11th of December with her son, Felix. She has 5 small children, the oldest is only eight! All of her kids get so happy when we arrive! I love the work of the Lord. I have seen miracles and they are just starting. I cant believe how fast the time is flying! Seven months... gone. I have learned so much. So much that I cant summarize it all in one email. We will have many, Many, MANY, FHE's when I get back to share all the experiences I've had!
Today we went as a zone, to some of the coolest places I've been in my life. There is a waterfall (in Espanol its called cascada!) called Cascadas de los Toucanos! Its 40m tall and amazing! I'm going to attach or send an email with photos that we took! After that, we went to a beach that is called Playa Escondida. It means hidden beach and it was BEAUTIFUL! I went down to the sand after climbing down like six million stairs and drew my name in the sand. The smells of the ocean brought back some of the strongest memories I have. So many family experiences that I will never forget. I found a sea shell and am going to keep it!
I will get going for now, but I want you all to know that I have thought a lot about all of you lately. I am so thankful for my family. I would NOT be here at a computer in Veracruz, Mexico, serving a mission if it weren't for my family. Each and every one of you is an example to me and I am so thankful for that. Oh before I forget... I haven't received the package with cd's or the pen. I hope they come. I'm sure they will. It just takes a while. If there is something that I have forgotten I apologize. I wait all week long for this sacred hour to talk with you and when I get here at the computer I get a little excited! :) I love you all so much! Many many cool and spiritual experiences to come! This week, we are most likely changing houses and the new house is super awesome! I'll be sure to send more photos! OH! Today, I bought a hammock! Almost every house here in Mexico, has installed in the walls inside the house, hooks to hang hammocks. Today I bought a sweet huge hammock that is green and black! I'll send pictures this next week! Love you all! Thank you for your blessings, prayers, and support! I love you all! Hasta la proxima semana! Que la venga rapida!
Elder James Ricks
Monday, November 22, 2010
My First Transfer, Catemaco, Los Tuxtlas
My Dear Family,
WOW! What a crazy couple of days it has been. As you found out they messed up with the new change plans but everything is great! My new companion is Elder Dominguez and I will be his last companion. I feel like I have known him my whole life. He is amazing! Secondly, I am in THE coolest place in the world. Google the city, "Catemaco, Los Tuxtlas" and you will find out why. This is the capital of Mexico for witches! Satan’s presence is so so so strong here. I have given three blessings on homes since I got here! But the work is AMAZING! I feel everyday different then I have felt before in my mission. The fight is real here! Real fast, before I forget to answer your questions..
1) For Christmas (holy shnikees, I cant believe its already Christmas) I would like.... A photo of my family, small portable (cheap) speakers that can plug into a cd player (I have a cd player). They sell cheap ones in Target and preferably ones that don’t require batteries. Also, I need socks! Ones that go high (not super high) up your leg they will stay up all day long. Black or gray probably is best. As for now, I can’t think of anything else.
2) I received your package and the shoes are amazing! I’m using them right now! Thank you so much! I loved all the treats and letters! I loved all the little funny sayings. But one question... Was this package the one that had the pen Chandler made? I couldn’t find it in the box. Also, I haven’t received any packages with cd's. I will look/ask for it.
One more thing I thought you guys would like to look up. Here in Mexico there is a song that is SOOOOO popular. Every day, all day long we here this song blasting in the city. I love this song! It is called "Pa-Panamerico!" Look it up on YouTube! I think the girls will like it. I am way bummed but this week I need to get going. We were running super super late today and writing home got cut short. Much much more to come next week with more photos! I love you all so much! Thank you again for the fun package! It really meant a lot and it kinda smelt like home! I love you all!
Elder Ricks
Monday, November 15, 2010
Big News!
My Dear Family,
Wow... What a week it has been. As you know, Elder Butler and I received a missionary fresh from the MTC. He is and has been being trained by Elder Butler and my role has been, "to set a good example..." Last Wednesday, Elder Butler had a meeting for leaders in the mission and in this meeting they told him that the following Tuesday, something called "cambios rarros" or "rare changes" was going to happen and that we would all know the outcome on Monday. Eight visa-waiters arrived from the MTC this week and President had to do some switching around. This last Saturday, the three of us had to go to the mission offices so that our new companion could receive his money because his credit card from the church hasn´t arrived yet. When we were there President came up to me and asked me "How you doin Elder Ricks?" I told I was perfect and couldn´t be better! Then he told me... "Pack your bags!" He didn´t tell me anymore than that but I knew that this Tuesday (tomorrow) I would be leaving Volcanes.
Saturday night, the Zone Leaders called me with more news. Elder Gardner (he is from San Antonio Texas!!!), our ZL told me to sit down because he had important news. He told me that this Tuesday I would be leaving. And then... he told me..... that... I will be a trainer! I have less than seven months in the mission. Only two of these months in Mexico. I went from being a junior companion, skipping completely being a senior companion, and jumped directly to being a trainer. I was so surprised, but SO excited! It was my goal to train new missionaries in the mission and now I get to! This means further down the road I could be a district leader and zone leader! How cool is that!? I´m so excited to be a "father" and teach him all I know. The funny and horribly scary part is that he will be an American and not know hardly any Spanish! I will take control and improve so so so much! The other scary thing is that the area where I will go (I still don´t know... Tomorrow they will tell me) will be white-washed. Or in other words, there won´t be a missionary in the companionship who knows the area, knows the people. or anything! How cool is this! President has put ALL his trust in me that I can handle a new area, Spanish, and a new companion! I am so excited to get to work and see the miracles that this work brings.
I thought saying goodbye in Salt Lake was hard. I cried today. I went to see a family (the family whose son just entered the MTC to go to the SLC mission) and when I left the mom, her daughter Viviana (21), and their grandma, were all bawling like crazy. They told me that I have become a part of their family. When I was sick, they brought me food and water, and made special soups to take care of stomach problems. When ever we had to use the bathroom but were far away from our house, we went to theirs. We went this morning to take pictures and to have them write a message in my journal. I gave them a tie that I bought in SLC and wrote a message on the back. Viviana has become a life long friend. It is so interesting the way the Lord works. I never knew that I would find these people, but all along, he knew that I would be here at this time in the history of the world and knew the friendships to be made. It will be so hard to leave here in Volcanes, but I am excited to move and have more of these experiences.
Sounds like always, that things are doing amazing at the Ricks home! Mom it sounds like you are super super busy with all the training you are receiving! But what a cool field to be involved in! I bet you will see a bunch of cool (and gross) things! Thank you so much for the shoes you are sending! I´m in need of them! Ha ha Brother Rodriguez is so awesome!
I will go for this week and try to send some photos real quick! More information to come in next week’s letter! New companion, new responsibilities, and new area! I can´t wait! I love you all! Never forget that! I´m going to write a letter a get it in the mail tomorrow! I feel bad I haven´t been to good at that lately. I love you all! Thank you for your prayers and support! Till next Monday!
Elder James Reed Ricks
Monday, November 8, 2010
Another Baptism & Lots of Changes this week!
My Family,
ANOTHER great amazing week! This week I baptized! Her name is Paula Yepez Mendez. You all know her story but there is a little bit more. The morning of her baptism, she called our ward mission leader and told him that she didn´t want to be baptized. Me and my companion said a prayer. We decided we would act on our faith and leave to go to the church and set up the baptism and fill the font anyway. We waited for her to come. And she came. She told us that she changed her mind and knows how important it is to be baptized. This Sunday she was confirmed. She had a member of our ward do the baptism. He helped her realize the importance of baptism.
Lots of changes this week. Elder Gutierrez left up north to a city called Martinez de la Torre. Its really cold up there! Elder Butler arrived and is great. He is from Tucson, AZ and is the district leader. He will be a great companion and loves to be 100% obedient just like me. I prayed the night before changes that the Lord would bless me with a companion who loved to be obedient, and he did. I love being so close to the Savior in this work. I see his hand in one way or another every single day. Saturday we had a special visit to our house. President Hansen came and told us that he had a special assignment. He told us that there was a missionary who was going to come Monday (today) and that he is brand new. He told us that he would like Elder Butler and I to be his trainers! His name is Elder Hernandez and is Mexican and from the state of Aguascalientes (Hot waters...haha) I´ll be training him this change and after this change I should be moved here from Volcanes. Dad is right... It is so hard to say goodbye to members and companions that I´ve had. They all have and will become parts of my mission and I will never forget them. I write in my journal every day! I try not to write specifically what exactly we did all day long but its more a collection of miracles I´ve seen, experiences I never want to forget (like when we took off all our mattresses and layed them on the floor to make a wrestling ring and had wrestling matches, or when we went hunting for cockroaches in our house) and other special things. I also have a journal for all my companions and special people to write in.
Lots of changes and exciting things happening in the house! Hannah is off to Disney! HOW AMAZING! Her dream has come true! Mom is now a cast member of her favorite show, "ER!" Too cool! I want to hear all about these two big changes.
Every week my love for my family grows. I actually cannot believe how fast time is flying. I cant believe how much weight I´m losing. I love life. I have talked to two sisters in the ward. One is altering my white shirts and the other my pants! Both for free! Too cool! I still need shoes and haven’t found a good way to buy good quality shoes here in Mexico. For now I would say it is best to send a good pair or two with Bro. Rodriguez. I talked with the mission offices and they said that is fine if he drops off the package in the offices. The address that you have to send me letters is where the mission offices are. I haven´t had any stomach problems for about two weeks now! Life is good! I love the food here! I ate a hot dog the other day and I didn´t like it. You Americans eat weird food! hahaha I love Mexico. Everything about it. I can see myself coming back time and time again with you all to show you where I worked for two years. To close this letter I thought I would bear my testimony in Spanish. I´m about 92% fluent right now!!!! I love being able to speak two languages!
Pues como podria empezar... Ya, mas que todo yo quiero compartirles mi testimonio, un testimonio lo cual que yo se, sin duda en mi corazon, es verdadero. Nuestro Señor Jesucristo nos ama. Mas que sabemos. El murio para que nosotros podamos tener la vida, nuestras familias, y las bendiciones que disfrutamos cada dia. Ahorita estoy in Mexico, en el servicio de El. Yo se que este mision esta cambiando la vida mia. Cada dia yo me levanto, listo para ver los milagros del Señor. Estoy aqui para bautizar. Yo comparto este testimonio con las personas que se encuentran en las calles desde se levanta el Sol hasta que se baja. Tengo conmigo constantament, su compañerismo divino, El Espiritu Santo. Se que mi familia esta protegida. Nuestra familia es fuerte y somos una familia eterna. ¡Que un bendicion tenemos! Les amo cada uno de ustedes. No puedo explicarlo. Nunca se olviden eso. Hasta la proxima semana!
I love you all so much. Thank you all for everything you do. I feel strength and I know it comes from your prayers! Enjoy the photos of the baptism and of our house! Love you!!!
Elder James Ricks
Monday, November 1, 2010
November 1, 2010
My Dear Family,
I’m a little sad that this week I won’t have a full hour to write. I look forward all week to this hour and sometimes we have to make changes to the schedule. Today is my last day with Elder G and we have been running around all day saying goodbye to his friends he has made here. This week has been amazing. Yesterday I witnessed a miracle. The spiritual story this week is the story of a little old lady named, Paula. Paula is the maid in a house of a member. We have been teaching their cousin, Dalia for about three weeks now. Paula never wanted to listen. Every time we began to teach, she would leave the room almost a little upset. I could tell she had something that was bothering her. Time passed by. Saturday night it was this family’s turn to feed us. We committed Paula to come to church ( this past Sunday happened to be Stake Conference and 2 Elders from the 70 came! ) and she told us she would. The speakers were amazing and talked a lot about baptism. After the meeting we scheduled an appointment to go to the home of Paula and talk individually with her. Little did we know what the Lord had in store for two missionaries in Volcanes, Veracruz Mexico? We began the lesson with a prayer. My companion offered it. After he finished the prayer, we opened our eyes to Paula, streaming with tears. She began to pray out loud, thanking the Lord for finally sending her a sign. She has a son who is living in the United States (who just was baptized) and she prayed for the Lord to protect him. After she told us that we don’t understand the pain a mother feels for a son living separate of her. Immediately I thought of my own Mom. I began to cry. She said that the feelings are the strongest when she makes dinner and no one comes to join her at the table.
I can only imagine it is the same with my mom. For 19 years I came to the table. And now, I’m in Mexico. The spirit was strong in the lesson and we taught amazingly! We gave her a date to be baptized and she wanted to do it sooner. Paula will be baptized on November 6th 2010. She is what us missionaries like to call pure gold. Little did we know that she was listening to everyone of the lessons we taught just from another room. She told us she had been praying so hard to receive an answer that this is the right church. I hope you can feel the spirit as you read this. I have never been so happy, rewarded, and filled with the spirit in my life. The Lord works in mysterious ways. Never in my time in this area, did I think I would see Paula receiving the lessons and being baptized. Never. The Lord has a plan. I love what I am doing and know it’s the right thing.
I love each of you. Dad, I deeply appreciate hearing about your journal entries. I love you and look up to you so much. Thank you for the reassuring guidance you are to me. I love you all and want you to know that. I will be sure to write more next week and I have a ton of photos of our house on the way next week too!
***Mom: About the parting of the hair. In the Veracruz Mission this part is called the "LINE" and it is something that every Elder in this mission does. President has asked us to do it! I love it!***
Till next week! Remember that I love you all! Talk to you soon on the phone!
Elder James Reed Ricks
I’m a little sad that this week I won’t have a full hour to write. I look forward all week to this hour and sometimes we have to make changes to the schedule. Today is my last day with Elder G and we have been running around all day saying goodbye to his friends he has made here. This week has been amazing. Yesterday I witnessed a miracle. The spiritual story this week is the story of a little old lady named, Paula. Paula is the maid in a house of a member. We have been teaching their cousin, Dalia for about three weeks now. Paula never wanted to listen. Every time we began to teach, she would leave the room almost a little upset. I could tell she had something that was bothering her. Time passed by. Saturday night it was this family’s turn to feed us. We committed Paula to come to church ( this past Sunday happened to be Stake Conference and 2 Elders from the 70 came! ) and she told us she would. The speakers were amazing and talked a lot about baptism. After the meeting we scheduled an appointment to go to the home of Paula and talk individually with her. Little did we know what the Lord had in store for two missionaries in Volcanes, Veracruz Mexico? We began the lesson with a prayer. My companion offered it. After he finished the prayer, we opened our eyes to Paula, streaming with tears. She began to pray out loud, thanking the Lord for finally sending her a sign. She has a son who is living in the United States (who just was baptized) and she prayed for the Lord to protect him. After she told us that we don’t understand the pain a mother feels for a son living separate of her. Immediately I thought of my own Mom. I began to cry. She said that the feelings are the strongest when she makes dinner and no one comes to join her at the table.
I can only imagine it is the same with my mom. For 19 years I came to the table. And now, I’m in Mexico. The spirit was strong in the lesson and we taught amazingly! We gave her a date to be baptized and she wanted to do it sooner. Paula will be baptized on November 6th 2010. She is what us missionaries like to call pure gold. Little did we know that she was listening to everyone of the lessons we taught just from another room. She told us she had been praying so hard to receive an answer that this is the right church. I hope you can feel the spirit as you read this. I have never been so happy, rewarded, and filled with the spirit in my life. The Lord works in mysterious ways. Never in my time in this area, did I think I would see Paula receiving the lessons and being baptized. Never. The Lord has a plan. I love what I am doing and know it’s the right thing.
I love each of you. Dad, I deeply appreciate hearing about your journal entries. I love you and look up to you so much. Thank you for the reassuring guidance you are to me. I love you all and want you to know that. I will be sure to write more next week and I have a ton of photos of our house on the way next week too!
***Mom: About the parting of the hair. In the Veracruz Mission this part is called the "LINE" and it is something that every Elder in this mission does. President has asked us to do it! I love it!***
Till next week! Remember that I love you all! Talk to you soon on the phone!
Elder James Reed Ricks
Monday, October 25, 2010
¡CARTA DE SEIS MESES!
P day in Malecon Mexico with Elder Guiterrez and
two other missionaries....we need their names.
Elder Ricks & Elder Gutierrez
Look how thin Elder Ricks face is! Is that a part in his
hair? They are wearing their hair the same. Funny!
Elder Ricks October 25, 2010 Malecon Mexico!
It is a part in his hair...wow its been years since he
wore a part...too cute!
This one is for Hannah.....Broadway Theater in
Malecon Mexico!
Wow, is he happy!
MY FAMILY,
Big news! This week about to start is the end of my first Change here in Mexico!! Time has flown by and I have learned so so so so much. President wrote me in his letter this week, "Prepare yourself. I have plans for you Elder Ricks." Saturday night President called my companion and informed him that he will be transferred. I have loved Elder Gutierrez and of course it will be hard to see him go. I have grown attached to all my companions and they are all lifelong friends. Elder G after one change as a DL is moving up to ZL. I will be left alone in my area and receive a new companion. Elder Gutierrez told me that he thinks I will be the senior companion in my new companionship which means I would be training. We will see but I am so excited for the future! We have 3 solid dates for baptisms on the 12th of November. We have been devastated by sacrament attendance. It is the biggest challenge an investigator faces. Our ward starts at 8am and there are not many Mexicans who want to wake up at 8am on Sundays, their only day that they don’t work from sun up to sun down. We have prayed a lot lately to see miracles and I believe they are coming.
Today was an awesome p-day! We went to a place called Malecon and it is near the ocean! I have pictures that I will attach! We went with two members who both are I think 22. They are brother and sisters and I love love love their family so much. Their mother is practically a member but hasn’t been baptized because her husband won’t let her. The brother leaves this coming 2nd of Nov. for Salt Lake City to serve his mission! He will be in the North mission though. I have been a little sick again this past week but right now I’m feeling perfect! The weight is continuing to melt off me. I am having a personal weight loss competition with Drew Carey. Speaking of him... About three days ago, we entered a house to teach a lesson. Their TV was on and low and behold it was Price is Right!! But get this... here in Mexico, they have their own version. It made me think back to watching Price is Right with Mom after I got back from my classes. Good days and even better memories. Every week my memories of home bring less homesickness and more sweet sweet emotions.
Mom! Congratulations on the job! Way to go! I want to hear about how it goes! Man! I can’t believe all the missionary work that each of you are doing! How amazing! I cried when I read in Dads email about Monique. Can you send me her address? I don’t have it with me. She will be baptized. Vickie will be baptized. Mom the family you met at Claire’s if they continue following the good news of the gospel, will be baptized! WAY TO GO! This is the RICKS FAMILY! Six months ago, I left you at the curb on a rainy morning and embarked on a journey. Time has flown by at a sickening speed. But I’m not the least bit trunky. I am filled to the brim with motivation, excitement, enthusiasm, and love for this work. I am in constant companionship with the Holy Spirit of God. I love to wake up every morning and breathe in Mexican air! I will close for this week with these words, I love you. I know I say it in every email like 100,000,000 times but I can’t help it. I try to write my letters with the guidance of the spirit and it seems like every eight words, "I love you" pops into my mind. But its because I really do, and I can’t express it enough. I love you all. Dad, Mom, Hannah, Michael, Chandler, Claire, and Grace. Press forward and continue to enjoy the abundant blessings that this gospel gives us. WE ARE THE RICKS!
Dad!
Thank you so much for the Priesthood Line document! I saved it on my flashdrive! Thank you thank you! I love you so much! Thank you for your letter with inspiring words of advice. Not much time today, but I wanted to ask you something. Can you give Mom a hug for me when you get back to Texas? After you give her a hug, tell her, " That was from James." I love you so much Dad. I love what I'm doing here. As you know, I am learning so much and becoming the man I want to be. I love you!
- - Elder James Reed Ricks - -
This one is for Hannah.....Broadway Theater in
Malecon Mexico!
Wow, is he happy!
MY FAMILY,
Big news! This week about to start is the end of my first Change here in Mexico!! Time has flown by and I have learned so so so so much. President wrote me in his letter this week, "Prepare yourself. I have plans for you Elder Ricks." Saturday night President called my companion and informed him that he will be transferred. I have loved Elder Gutierrez and of course it will be hard to see him go. I have grown attached to all my companions and they are all lifelong friends. Elder G after one change as a DL is moving up to ZL. I will be left alone in my area and receive a new companion. Elder Gutierrez told me that he thinks I will be the senior companion in my new companionship which means I would be training. We will see but I am so excited for the future! We have 3 solid dates for baptisms on the 12th of November. We have been devastated by sacrament attendance. It is the biggest challenge an investigator faces. Our ward starts at 8am and there are not many Mexicans who want to wake up at 8am on Sundays, their only day that they don’t work from sun up to sun down. We have prayed a lot lately to see miracles and I believe they are coming.
Today was an awesome p-day! We went to a place called Malecon and it is near the ocean! I have pictures that I will attach! We went with two members who both are I think 22. They are brother and sisters and I love love love their family so much. Their mother is practically a member but hasn’t been baptized because her husband won’t let her. The brother leaves this coming 2nd of Nov. for Salt Lake City to serve his mission! He will be in the North mission though. I have been a little sick again this past week but right now I’m feeling perfect! The weight is continuing to melt off me. I am having a personal weight loss competition with Drew Carey. Speaking of him... About three days ago, we entered a house to teach a lesson. Their TV was on and low and behold it was Price is Right!! But get this... here in Mexico, they have their own version. It made me think back to watching Price is Right with Mom after I got back from my classes. Good days and even better memories. Every week my memories of home bring less homesickness and more sweet sweet emotions.
Mom! Congratulations on the job! Way to go! I want to hear about how it goes! Man! I can’t believe all the missionary work that each of you are doing! How amazing! I cried when I read in Dads email about Monique. Can you send me her address? I don’t have it with me. She will be baptized. Vickie will be baptized. Mom the family you met at Claire’s if they continue following the good news of the gospel, will be baptized! WAY TO GO! This is the RICKS FAMILY! Six months ago, I left you at the curb on a rainy morning and embarked on a journey. Time has flown by at a sickening speed. But I’m not the least bit trunky. I am filled to the brim with motivation, excitement, enthusiasm, and love for this work. I am in constant companionship with the Holy Spirit of God. I love to wake up every morning and breathe in Mexican air! I will close for this week with these words, I love you. I know I say it in every email like 100,000,000 times but I can’t help it. I try to write my letters with the guidance of the spirit and it seems like every eight words, "I love you" pops into my mind. But its because I really do, and I can’t express it enough. I love you all. Dad, Mom, Hannah, Michael, Chandler, Claire, and Grace. Press forward and continue to enjoy the abundant blessings that this gospel gives us. WE ARE THE RICKS!
Dad!
Thank you so much for the Priesthood Line document! I saved it on my flashdrive! Thank you thank you! I love you so much! Thank you for your letter with inspiring words of advice. Not much time today, but I wanted to ask you something. Can you give Mom a hug for me when you get back to Texas? After you give her a hug, tell her, " That was from James." I love you so much Dad. I love what I'm doing here. As you know, I am learning so much and becoming the man I want to be. I love you!
- - Elder James Reed Ricks - -
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