Last Letter #106

Yep this 2 years is finally up I am now coming home,it feels so weird but good at the same time.   Oh man ya I'm sad that I don't get to see Coleby. Man that is a good last week i was so happy to see that man ball and powder puff went good I'm glad they won!! 

Ok so the 20 lessons I have learned... well these are not in order but here goes nothing!

1. Life is not fair even when you are working 24/7 for God.

2. When you keep the commandments and live worthy blessings are promised to come.

3. Give God your very best in all that you do,( Facing the giants) 

4. Love who you are and where you come from. 

5. If you do something once you can do it again. 

6. learn how to live with and love change.

7. My temper is easier to control when I think of Jesus's face.

8. Only trust those that you know you can depend on. 

9. You learn something new everyday from people, good or bad, only take the good. 

10. No matter what you have done you can always be forgiven because of Jesus Christ. 

11. Faith can get you where you need to be not where you  want to be.

12. Enjoy the little things. 

13. Everyone has their agency and you can't make them change no matter how bad you want them to.

14. Don't ever do a job half done. 

15. Work your hardest at everything you do.

16. You have to focus on the Savior's eyes all day to never take them off. 

17. Forgive because if you don't it's on your head not his or hers. 

18. Learn to not get caught up in the stupid things 

19. Raise my future family in the church and with respect to others. 

20. Love my family with all I have and never give up on them. 

My week. 

Mon, we went to the balloon fiesta and it was awesome to see all those deals go up. I played one of the Assistants to the president in basketball to 21 in boots and jeans and won.  Then the Apodacas took us to dinner at some fancy Italian place. 

Tues. Today was a great day I got to go out with a older couple from my ward and I got to go out to Laguna and see all of the people I served with out there and it really made an impact on me and them. It took all day but it was one of the best days I have had on the mission!  Then we had a late dinner that took most of the night. 

Wed. so Alva a lady on the rez gave us these monster bufalo fry bread tacos it was ridiculous they were so big and just so much meat!! then we tried to find someone to teach. Then our dinner called us and said he would drop it off and boy he did... it was a big ol 5 guys burger I thought we were gonna die!! 

Thurs. My last time going to road runner food bank! it was ok. but we had a little Wendys and we went to do studies and then our zone a while back got called to do be on the crew for the balloon deal for wells fargo, it was good and bad, the wind was blowing and it was not a warm wind at all!! And the sisters were freezing so we gave them our jackets and and we froze. And we waited and they  didn't even take off but we did get to see the fireworks! 

Fri. Well it was my last district council and it was really good I really like to do the object lessons They like that a lot so I hope the next guy can do good too. But then a lady from the Rez Rose, came up and took us to lunch she gave me some gifts and I really grew close to her out there so it was really nice to see her again. Then we had to get a lot of stuff finalized for  the area. But we had kinda a crazy dinner where they just talked about the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings and get this, there is a actual language called elvish that they actually speak!!i I was so out of place. And no I did not burn a suit on my 2 year mark. 

Sat. So we went and moved Isa and Fernanda it was really good Isa is a stud!! and Fernanda is super funny! So they took us to lunch and we really had a good time with them. then we went to another service deal we helped this family move and it was not too bad me and Elser Tanner were on a role so we got a lot done! so Today we did like all day  service it felt so nice! Then we went to the luceros for dinner and had nachos ya it was kinda weird but not to bad at the same time! So we had a really good time there they are really funny so we enjoy going over there a lot!! 

Sun. We had a normal day at church bore our testimonies and it was funny cause half the ward had no clue I was headed home so that was pretty funny!! but ya it was a good Sunday! We then went and Elder Tanner had to get on like a 3 hour call for traning and district leader so he got them both!! Pray for that kid! But then we had a good dinner and on the way back its hard because its dark in the middle of Albuquerque on bikes so that was not the best move but nothing happened we just ended up going by some members. 

But for the last week It was not to bad nothing really to exiting but for the last one ill enjoy it while I got it!! But before ya know it ill be back on Idaho soil. have a good week. 

Elder Reiley  

#105 September 29-October 4, 2019

Hey Family,

I'm working on the top 20 things I learned from serving a mission. I'll do that thanks for the reminder. 

My mission has changed me in a way thats hard to describe, just to know that this world is terrible and you have to get the tightest grip on what you are looking for, one of the biggest things for me is how to raise my kids, but it has  opened my eyes to see what heavenly father is really shaping me to become. 

Send me some pictures of Carson playing a little man ball!!! 

Ya i really loved conference too. It was a major deal this time. Man it sounds like this week was really good. just to make sure my homecoming deal is on the 27th right?? I am glad your'e helping out the missionaries and to be honest their moms are loving you for it! 

My week. 

Mon, Boy it was awesome we went to this trampoline place and I had a riot. Me and Elder Tanner played dodge ball and it was a ball we were both dead when we left but boy i was super happy, then we walked around the mall with the sisters boy that was a mistake.  But over all it was not the worst, (but close). Then we did our shopping ate dinner then found some people. 

Tues. we did our studies then we went to a ton of members' houses and presented a idea to them about missionary work and that took up a monster part of our day with a ton of biking. Then we ate dinner and went on splits so nothing too exciting. 

Wed. so kinda the same deal... we are putting our play in action, we are going to doorbell ditch members' houses with plates of cookies and a note to spread the word about an activity that is coming up. Then we went and tracted a couple houses and I said bye to a couple cause this next week is going to be dang busy! Then we went to a youth deal and we made welcome home baskets for homeless people, ya I can picture your face now, it's ok we did too... welcome home baskets for the homeless! Only in our ward!!!

Thurs. we went to the food bank got our order done then they made us go clean the freezer and it was not too bad but at the same time it felt like Idaho. I'm in trouble when I go home!! Then we did a little more service on some guy's yard , then we went to a couple stores and we talked a couple of people, then we went to a dinner at the Taylors they are really funny we had a great time there. Then we went to a really good lesson we are having with the Garcias!! 

Fri. District council and it was raining like heck it was finally so nice. I miss the rain amd never thought I would say that. But we had a good deal there and we went to the Weathersby for a little and got some stuff they needed and then we had a awkward dinner and it was with a single guy that all he did was just talk I mean I understand but at the same time man it was a long deal!!!  Then we went and we started finding people on the list and we had a gun pulled on us. It was so stupid the guy was tipped over and me and Tanner could have put him down with a nerf gun, so it was funny! Then we decided to go call some people for conference instead! 

Sat, we had a big dinner with the Larsons they are from Idaho and are really cool. We ate with them then watched all of conference, ate lunch there and we had a really good time just spending time with them. Then we went to dinner and it was not bad the mom and older daughter left so there we were with the dad and 2 kids and a new born boy I felt bad for that dad!! But it was a good time. 

Sun. So kinda the same thing happened for the first time and we ate with them and then we talked about Idaho, haha not my best conversation as a missionary but It felt good! Then we ate dinner with the bishop and had a pretty good time there. Then a member invited us to go watch fireworks. it was a pretty good time. 

So here is a  preview of today I was going to wait till next time but im going to send some pictures of the balloon fiesta, the #1 photographic event in the world!! it was too. it was really cool. 

Anyway that's it for my week But ill see y'all before ya know it have a great week!! 

Elder Reiley

#104 September 22-28, 2019

Family,

Snow on the ground!!! that's so awesome in a way just because I haven't seen it in so long!! but the week does sound a lot like the same deal so that's pretty stinking cool! 

Questions for you: (this will take some time, so think about it this week, write some notes and answer it next week...)

What are the top 20 (or more or fewer) things you have learned by serving a mission?

How has serving a mission changed you?

OK,  I'lll take that question and do that. I remember when I was at my year mark we did the same thing.  

My week. 

Mon. So I went with Elder Mortenson and may is a big dirt biker so he asked us if we wanted to go on  a mountain bike ride. We had a blast holy cow a pedal bike is 10 times harder then a dirt bike but still at the same time it was a riot. Then we drove to the top of the Sandia and looked stuff over there and then went to a couple shops so it was a pretty cool p day.

Tues. we just did our best on this day. There was not not a ton of stuff going on so we tried going with some other members and finding with them. Then we ate a little make shift lunch:). Then we had a awesome dinner it was the guys birthday and we had a really good time there. Then we went on splits and had a really good lesson with a less active native family! 

Wed. So we got invited to lunch at 5 Guys and you know i'm not going to pass that up!! So we had a dinner with a lady and she was talking about getting her kids signed up for seminary. So we had a really good deal with her. Then we did some more finding, had another lesson with the African family... thank goodness no brutal stuff there! I had another dang good dinner and ended with a couple of stop byes. 

Thurs. We started by going to that dad gum food bank and just trying to help so it was ok, a lot of moldy food so that was not the best!!  Then we went to the Padillas and we helped cover up all the different pipes he had uncovered! 

Then came home got all cleaned up and did some more tracting. Then had another good dinner, it was her first time making Texas chili and corn bread but she did a dang good job. then had a good lesson with the Garcia family. 

Fri. Oh man today was my very last zone conference I will have in the mission, it was super weird to have.  It was all the same till it came to my departing testimony. I can tell that I still, out of all the talks I have had to do on the spot, I still do not liking talking in front of people, But I guess it went ok. That took all day. so we ate dinner then we had a couple of really good stop byes with a member that had some pretty dang good contacts. 

Sat. right when we got done with our work out we got volunteered to go help someone move so we didn't even change!! but that's alright cause it was not too hard. You become a professional mover on your mission. ( But don't get any ideas). Yhen we had a good meeting with the stake president and then we went and worked in some other elders area for the day! it was so funny - so me and Elder Shepherd went to this Mexicans house  Ronald. and talked about hunting for a while then a couple of his buddies showed up. Oh man Ronald had a bright Idea to move a piano at 8;30 with 3 drunk Mexicans. Man it was hilarious. This piano was heavy but we could have lifted it and been fine but boy they came up with some crazy ideas! haha I had the piano on the trailer and was moving it off slowly and one of the guys was on the other side and boy I guess i moved it to fast cause I plowed him right over!! and he was just panicked that I was drop the whole thing on him, I was laughing so hard, it was way to funny!! 

Sun. So Isa came to church that was a boost for us, had the new youth deal that went on, and then ate lunch and our dinner called us and said they wanted to do it now so we had to force down a little early dinner right after lunch, but turns out they want to move right to Tetonia and I said you know it snowed there the other day, and they both kinda panicked!! haha oh it was funny! Then we really hit it hard and went  finding and it paid off because we found 1 new guy to teach so that was really good!! 

Anyways that's my week not to bad the next one might be my last one so I hope this next one goes really good for yall. Love ya 

Elder Reiley

The mountain bike ride!! And the view and then the bad wreck with a little cactus mixed in to it! 

#103 September 15-21, 2019

Dear Family,

I know I thought it was really cool to see her in the temple! (My friend from high school lives in Albuquerque and was working in the temple and saw Austin) She is really. Cool!!  So for school I want to go to BYUI at first year and then go to Utah State next. Just Like dad. And for work those 2 months until January. I'll see what is around there maybe Gary or the Bish have a job? Or Gary with his guided hunts?

Can you feel how much Heavenly Father loves you? How do you know that?

Yes I can because even being on the mission I make a lot of mistakes but just. The little things that I see I know he loves me endless. 

What scripture do you like right now, and why do you like it?

Because I am getting close to ending I love Moroni 7: 22. 

How do you think that living the gospel makes us free? (Some people think that we are "trapped" or "in bondage" because of all the church meetings, "rules", service, etc.)

I look at like if God tells you to do something, hard or not. Do it. He did say endure to the end. So part of that is going to church and you're never trapped you always have the choice to do you want. So living the gospel is showing God your trying! In the end if you try your best you are free!! 

Thanks so much mom I love you to!!

My week! 

Mon so today was the temple day and that was really a good experience! Then went to the church and whipped up on a few elders in basketball!

Tues. So today we did a ton of stop byes! That was pretty good. And just did a ton of finding!! But we met a lot of new people!! Had a good dinner with the Martin family. Then went on splits and we had a really good lesson with Isa!!

Wed. Today we talked to a family totally reminds me of Rachelle. Oh my heck it was scary. Super funny!!  Then oh boy we went by a family. That we haven't been by in a while! And it was a African family and we went inside and we talked for a little then a lady came in and just started this investigation!! We just sat there just looking at each other cause at that point you can't walk out cause then the police are right there!! Once it was over they invited us to eat dinner with them and boy that was the wrong move!! We ate something called fu fu I'll tell ya. The best way I can describe it was soggy Plato oh man I'm still fighting that battle. Boy the stuff I do for a lesson!! 

Thurs. So today was suppose to be the Lugana feast and we ended up not going to it cause we couldn't get a ride. So that was a bummer! So we had some service and then we just went on the bikes again. Then we went with brother Jackson and ate at Outback, cause boy he's got money!! But then we had another great lesson with Isa.

Fri. District council was good. Ate a little lunch and then went to the Padillas and did a pile of work there we basically dug his whole sprinkler system! Then had Dinner with the bishop and we had really good time there too!  Then got of Isa's baptism stuff ready!

Sat. Isa's baptism!! Boy this was one of the best I have seen he is awesome!! I'll send a picture but boy he is such a stud!  Then we ate at a place called blaze pizza that was really good.

Sun. Well today we went to church and watched Isa be confirmed!! That was such a great experience!!  Then after we ate a little lunch there and we then found a couple of people!! Boy this dinner was a beast we had a warm up dinner that was Mexican food with a soggy salad boy we were both dying!!!!

But there is my week hope that this week goes good for yall see ya soon!!

Elder Reiley

#102 September 8-15, 2019

Hey Family,

Dang it snowed. Boy its gonna be a long winter for me. The other day it was like 60 and It felt a little chilly!! Boy that sounds like a interesting week dang!!

What are you most thankful for?

Most thankful for the people I met and taught out here on the mission; it is a crazy experience seeing all the work that you put in, in other areas work out!! 

What does "endure to the end" mean to you?

It means to me this quote " crawling is acceptable, falling is acceptable, puking is acceptable crying is acceptable blood is acceptable pain  is acceptable But quitting will never be. 

What brought you the most joy this week?

Isa said he wants to be baptized we still have a lot to do but that brought a ton of joy!! Thanks for the email mom. 

Ok my week mon. Well Monday I beat a kid in basketball then played a little soccer and a dang good dinner. 

Tues. We got up and we went to a service deal. We picked a ton of tomatoes then just turned it into a dodge ball fest it was so fun!! Then we went with the zls and helped them move one of their people. Boy it was a lot of stuff but we still made it pretty good. Then we went out and tracked a ton of good places and saw a little success. Then we had a good dinner with the Millicans and he's a big golfer so that  was cool!! 

Wed. So today we  literally did all tracting, but we invited a ton of people to this family deal that's coming up so I can't wait for that!! Hopefully there will be a lot that come. Then we went to Gloden Corral with the Taylors and just before that Elder Tanner biffed it hard on his bike, like he's got a dang good road rash. I'm kinda jealous, but he's fine just hit some loose gravel and went right down, it was awesome to watch!! But he's fine, and dinner was really good too. We had a little lesson with isa and said he wants to be baptized and just like that.

Thurs. We did the usual service at the food bank then we went out and talked to a 1000 people. Boy, we found one guy that was a little off his rocker but loved us. We were standing in the sun for about 2 hours, if you don't think that's long go do it and only get about 1 word in!! Then we went to dinner at the Jacksons and had our meeting, then we went to  a appointment with a really big dog that had a little look in her eye... kinda like the Sandlot dog. That's the dog it was!   

Fri. Had a bomb district council. then we came back did a lot of studies then did some more finding and we then really hit it hard and found 2 people to teach so keep those prayers coming I think they are working. Then we went to a place called Fudruckers Burgers the only problem was that for lunch Elder Tanner and I made these burgers at home from a cow we got form a member!! Boy it was really good but it was super hard trying to get down the burger there and then biking it off, don't picture that one!! 

Sat. we had lunch with a gal named Michell. She had a lot of questions so that was really nice to test my knowledge a little bit and I was so happy when we were done it was a great time there. Then it rained and rained and rained!! I mean flash floods all around our tires were under the water so we took cover for a while at our dinner appointment's house and it was such a bad storm - lighting and then thunder super close so I was on edge a little I didn't like that one at all!

Sun we had church and Isa came and we suffered through a deep Sunday school so that  was kinda awkward. But then we had a good day of talking to  a lot of nice people so that was really good!! Then we just had dinner with the Kunzlers the mom and dad are very nice but the kids need a good talking to to put it nicely!! But then we went to a priesthood meeting and there were some dang good talks there for sure I loved them!!  

So that's about it. Oh ya mom I met someone at the temple today that went to school with you I can't remember her name it's on my book and I'll send one later that has it. I love you hope you have a great week!! 

Elder Reiley 

#101 September 1-7, 2019

Family,

What do you think it means to be humble? When do you think you feel the most humble while serving a mission?

Being humble in my opinion is loving those around you no matter if they are your enemies or not. I feel that when I get rejected on a door step or something thrown at me on my bike, I've got to grit my teeth and let it go. 

What is a hymn or primary song that you like? 

I like the song Nearer My God to Thee

What was something that brought you happiness this week? 

Happiness was I got to go fishing!! I'll explain a little more in the week. 

The week sounds pretty dang good, I'm glad that y'all had fun and even though school is back up and going it feels like that went by very fast for me. 

my week. 

Mon. this Monday was kinda slow we didn't do much and we got to play a little basketball and just kick back for a little so it was just kinda laid back! 

Tues. We had a really good work out in the morning and then we went to a few people to stop by. That was not too bad at all we shared a few lessons and we felt the spirit so that was a good boost. Then we went on splits and then had another lesson about the Book of Mormon with a native family so that was really nice to have. Oh and we ate at this Chinese place and I'll tell ya don't eat that food in New Mexico there is a reason they are famous for just Mexican food!!

Wed. I had to do a ton of this stuff called my plan and yikes this stuff is not my favorite because they want you to stay focused on the mission but at the same time they ask you what school you going to what job you want what girls you want to date good grief there next gonna ask for my dang social security and credit card numbers!!  Anyways not the best but I got it out of the road. Then did a little more finding on the bikes it was ok but ya know;). But we had a pretty good dinner so that was kinda  a lift up for sure. 

Thurs. Oh man this day was fun!! we did the same ol thing at the food bank. ok little story here,  but then we got a call from a member that he wanted some fish out of his fish pond. SO we got a ride down there and his pond is tiny I mean no bigger than a average room, but they weren't home and had a couple of nets there and just some fish food. I'll tell ya these little guys were smart and knew exactly what was going on, so we played the game for a bit never caught a fish. It ran across our minds to just throw a stick of dynamite in there and see who's the farthest away, but we went into there garage and found some of the oldest fishing rods you could and hooks. So you put 2 red necks together and get everything laid out. We smacked em!! We ended up catching like 40 of them and when he got home he saw what we did and just laughed and walked inside so that was a really fun time!   

Fri. well we had a little district council again and it was not to bad. Then we had a heck of a time finding this area let me tell ya it isn't the best or maybe we are just in a dead spot. But then we went to a  bbq that was really good, and then we had a really funny dinner with the Luceros. We laughed so hard, just cause it was a long day and every little  thing was funny. But it ended good so we loved it. 

Sat. We had interviews with our president and he totally called me out for some of the my plan stuff, but it was ok. Then we had to get a bible delivered  in someplace that we have never even been. It was kinda sketchy, but we ended up giving a few blessings cause they were long lost members so that was kinda cool. Then we ate dinner with the bishop and his family, then came back and knocked a few close doors around our apartments. 

Sun. Had church and some really good talks. They were Navajo and they tied in the Book of Mormon really to their ancestors. I thought it was awesome and I need him to come and speak to the people out on the rez!! But then we went with one of the priests to go do the sacrament that was really good too. Then we had a really good dinner Texas tacos, just use your imagination.   Then had a little meeting with the ward mission leader so it was all pretty good. 

Well that's it for my week only a few left, but hope y'all have another good week. 

Elder Reiley 

#100 August 25-31, 2019

Family,

The reason I didn't email on Monday was because I was at funeral all day on the rez -  another person I was close too passed away. 

Dang that is a pretty crazy week, but at the same time not too bad! Boy there is a lot of people moving around. and ya the people that came are gone but as a missionary that happens so often at times so you get used to it. 

What do you think it means to "be one"?

Be one, I think it means being and doing just as the Savior did. Like a football team when you all aren't on the same page you mess up and get discouraged and lose. When you are one you have the opportunity to win and win with such a attitude that everyone wants to have exactly what you have in this. 

What is your testimony about faith? How do you think it applies to your life each day?

Faith is something that can grow and not, my testimony of faith has grown in so many ways that I never thought in this lifetime or forever would be possible. You have to believe. because you use it every day even if you don't want to.  

SO what are the flight plans am I flying into Idaho Falls?  

My week. 

Mon. today for p day me and Elder Tanner got the bright idea to hike the Sandia mountain!! I did it in my cowboy boots! We hiked all the way to the top 8 miles. It was something else!! We got to the top had a little lunch took a few pictures and then Elder Tanner had a hamock deal so on the way down we found a little spot he hung it up  and I dug out a little spot and boy that felt really nice!!  Then we hiked back down the mountain. 17 miles. nobody in their right mind does that 11000 feet up and 11000 feet down we were both pretty sore after that!! But now I can say that I did it!! 

Tues. Well nothing really to big happened it was just kinda the same ol thing it's hard on a bike. But did make up with a  heck of a dinner. The lady made cowboy spuds off of a redneck recipe I made!! oh ya our truck is gone too. They are opening up new areas so we had to give it up!! 

Wed. we got a call that said someone needed their hay bucked so that is what we did. We bucked that  stuff and I enjoyed it!!! Then we got called to move someone so we moved a lady and her million heavy things with another church so that  was kinda cool but boy it was a little too hot for me! But we then got all done and went to dinner this one was really good to so maybe there making up for last week!! 

Thurs. .we went to service at the food place and that was really easy that place is not to bad at all, you just kinda stack a pile of food!! then we  got to help a few people out and do a couple of finding games so it was ok. But then we had a meeting with brother Jackson and his kids caught a road runner so all I could really think about was wow the coyote was slacking off if he couldn't catch him!! 

Fri. Well district council I had to do 2 trainings they were ok. I did one where we lassoed chairs it's a long story but pretty good. Then we made a pile of phone calls just trying to set stuff up. then we went out in the heat for a little more finding! then had dinner with a family the Spephans and get this, they want to move right to Tetonia not the valley - Teonia so I just kinda sat back and listened but who knows,they might get there before I do!! Then we went to go and help people pull weeds and talk a little bit about what we do so I was really happy about that!! 

sat. today was good we got asked to clean the church, so we did, kinda weird but ya. Then we got a call I've been waiting for. This guy had about 186 bales of hay he needed moved and stacked so we jumped right on it!! we loaded it in the trailer and then we stacked it you know the drill, but boy the down side was we were doing it all in 104 degrees so that was really not fun but we got it all done and I enjoyed every second of it. Man I needed that kind of work bad!! Then we ate at some Italian place that was good. I had about 12 strawberry lemonades!! but it was really pretty good. 

Sun. well we had church no really big awkward deals, but we did have a family there that  was really nice it was good to see them there and she is pretty interested so thats a big time plus!! then we went out finding and we found a couple, then went to a crazy dinner (won't go into to much detail there;) but then we drove the 4 corners of our area because it was the last day with the truck! 

Anyway thats my week hopefully this week really goes good for the rest of yall. have a great week 

Elder Reiley