Aug 22nd - CLUB GOING UP ON A P.DAY!

YO fam!

Hey whats up everybody? How's everyone doing on the last couple week of summer?  Freaking kids going back to school...I can't believe Syd is going to be in High School.  She's definitely gonna be the coolest kid there, hahaha!!  But I hope you all are good and had a good week. 

Alright so this week was super long to be kinda of honest. Me and my companion Elder K are opening up a new area and to be completely honest our area is super hard filled with ignorant hard headed people.  Its super hard to get into their house and if we are lucky we get passed the first lesson...the struggle.  Pretty much everyone here is Catholic and Jehovah Witness so everyone in our area has got BEEF with us, Hahaha!  We walk like 12 miles everyday because our area is huge with a lot of houses.  But this week me and my comp have a bigger pool of investigators so we can pick and choose....last week we couldn't do that.  But right now, we currently we have a family who we are teaching that have come to church a couple of times...we have placed their baptism for the 3rd of September.  But as far as teaching thats all I can think of, sorry!

We confirmed A. yesterday and guess who confirmed him?? This guy.  It was my first confirmation in English so I was super scared.  But I did really well...and he was so happy.  But I have a cool story I would like to share with you guys about A for you to better understand his progress.  We have a guard in our church that stands watch over the church every night...and he goes up to us and says,

"A couple of years ago I was riding my bicycle and this gang of 5 men jumped me and beat me up and stole my bike.   After your baptism last week,  I couldn't help but notice the man you were baptizing, A., was one of those guys.  After the baptism,  A. approached and shook my hand as if we have been friends for years.  I was so shocked.  You guys changed this man completely.  

Looks like he's in the right path." 

WOW!!  I was amazed by the this story.  It was a huge testimony builder to me and it makes me feel like I'm doing good in this world and helping people change.  Seeing the change is an incredible feeling...the ATONEMENT IS REAL. This gospel really blesses the lives of other people...and the truth is we will never really understand the effect we have on certain people.  I love this story and I'll hold on to this one for the rest of my life.  I love A. and I'm so happy the man that he is becoming.  I hope you enjoyed and felt the spirit of that story like it did to me. 

I love you guys and hope all is well. I pray for you guys all the time and know that nobody can officially repent and change without the Atonement and baptism.  You'll never fully understand this gospel but all I know is that it is perfect and it changes lives...and touches hearts.  The gospel is the best cure and medicine in the whole world.  I love it!!  I'm literally just on cloud 9!  I hope to hear from you all soon.

Livin the Dream

Belizedat

True Happiness

Elder Kyle Gee

Aug. 8th - FREAKING EARL!!

Yo fam,

This week was crazy....it was both cool and sick.!! But for the most part it sucked because my house has no power or water...hahaha!! Freaking Earl had his way with us!  I have a ton to talk about not only the storm but some funny stories....

SO we get a call saying we need to get evacuated out of Belize City because basically its the splash zone...hahaha!  We left 3 hours on a bus all the way up to Benque Viejo...a low key town where we stayed the night with the missionaries who are living there...it was a blast staying the night there...it was 6 gringos in a small house but we made it super fun.  SO in the end, the Hurricane didn't do a whole lot like people thought...a lot of broken trees and power lines and a couple of wooden houses...but it didn't flood the streets which is good. Not too bad. We found out our house doesn't have water so Elder and Sister Adams, the senior couple offered their apartment to us and feed us....it was awesome their house, food and AC!!! I was so grateful for them that they could to do that for us. It was a blast. But as for offering our help nobody wanted it....we went around all day asking people if we could help...but we just ended up teaching lessons because they preferred that instead. 

Also our Church got robbed.  A couple of men broke in...stole a couple of computers and cut the water supply...and to finish it off...they went to the bathroom in chapel. Freaking jerks!  I was so mad about that...we were supposed to have a baptism but because they cut the lines it was impossible to do that...I WAS SO MAD!!  But we rescheduled Andrew's baptism for tomorrow.  All in all it was kinda sad...here in Belize a lot of people are homeless...and begging for food and money.  Its so sad...because all you can do is teach lessons and not really give them money. 

But me and my companion Elder K. are doing so well...we get along good and he's super funny.  He works super hard and we are starting to find a lot of investigators...its cool to see. At the end of the day I couldn't have asked for a better time then what I've been given.  I am so grateful at the Savior's guiding hand in all of this...he's helped me go through a lot.  He has helped me have faith and keep going...even though its super hard and we just want to give up and go home...he's always there. I look at His example and it gives me courage to press on...no matter what happens. The Lord is looking for true followers and true followers don't quit and  give up...its what makes us more like him.  I think people now days forget that He sends us these trials.  Its the requirement to become more like Him...if we didn't have hard or crazy times....we wouldn't be able to lift others who need to be lifted. A quote by Joseph Smith...its a quote that well help guide me the rest of my life...I think I've already shared it but I can't remember.

"Sometimes the Lord brings us low.....so he can lift us even higher."

Remember that....

Love you guys....and a special Happy Birthday to Momma!!! 46...is the new 26!!!

LiftOthers

True Happiness

Livin the Dream

Crazy times

BestTImes

Elder Gee

Elder K., my new comp

At Brother and Sister Adam's while our apartment is getting fixed 

Our church in Abu Dhabi.  It's in Abu Dhabi Stake and I attend the Sharjah ward.

A house after Hurricane Earl

Belize version of the Last Supper

Aug 1st - ANOTHER CHANGE!

Yo fam,

Hey ya'll whats up?  I was just looking at all the wedding pics...sounds like it its going pretty great for the newlyweds...CONGRATS Emily and John.  I couldn't help but see the cute girl that was with Josh...hahaha!  Thats sick!!  I was really excited when I heard from Mom saying that she talked to a lot of familiar faces. Send them all my love.  Well this week was kinda crazy so I'm going to just start....

So, Elder Hallman is going back to El Salvador to be General Secretary to the president...he was kinda pissed because he didn't want leave Belize because he just barely got here, but the Lord makes the calls and for that we need to be obedient.  Also Elder Cope is leaving to go to Melchor....that's sick because its a little area in Guatemala...he can now say he was in 3 different countries in his mission.  Yeah as for me,  I'm staying and getting a new comp...he will be Elder K...he's from Arizona and he has the same amount of time as me.  Elder J is moving over to the area of Cope and Hallman...with Elder R, also from our group and from Arizona.  I'm in a house of all ARIZONANS!! It will be good change for me though...I'm excited to see the things that me and Elder K. can accomplish. 

As for the work....its getting sweeter and sweeter. It's honestly picking up so fast now.  We finally have investigators that are coming to church.  Me and Elder J had 10 come.  New record for me...it was amazing.  We have 3 Baptisms on Sunday after church....pray that they all go through.  Elder J was kinda bummed because he wanted to be apart of our baptisms that were lined up....but he will still be able to see them and for that he was super excited for me.  

Its amazing how the Atonement is changing our investigators....its changing them from being a regular person listening to another Child of God who has actually been waiting. We were teaching A the man in our last baptism pic.  He's awesome....we tell him when can we come back and visit...he responds back..."TOMMORROW!" I remember specifically what he told me that touched me a lot...He said, "Elder I'll be here waiting to hear an inspired message that the Father God has in store for me, thank you for changing my life and I'm starting to see my purpose in life."  Those small and simple words made it all worth it.  It makes me kinda emotional to talk about it...because there was a lot more of what he told us...but for the sake of time I'll make it brief. 

Well, there is not much more that needs to be said. The church is so true. If only you could be out here with me....seeing the miracles I'm seeing.  It would bring you to tears.  Or maybe I'm just getting more and more emotional...or maybe I'm becoming more and more what the Father in Heaven has had planned for me this whole time.  I'm speechless, its amazing....I NEVER WANT TO LEAVE.! Its honestly just getting better and better.  Like what people say, "When you love your work you never work a day in your life." and thats whats happening to me.  Its so special.  No place I'd honestly rather be than right here.

Pure Joy

True Happiness

Livin the Dream

Eder Kyle Gee

Pics from last P.Day when we went to San Pedro Island.
We changed our clothes once we got there.

July 25th - BLESS BLESS!

Yo Fam,

OH!! and Good Morning from San Pedro Island! I realized that yesterday was Pioneer Day and I was thinking of the family shooting off fireworks and stuff...we actually had the chance to see some fireworks go off by the house.  It was nuts.  But this week was a lot more eventful than last week for sure.  We saw a lot of miracles and blessings....so I'm gonna get right in to it. I also have a ton of pics.

Alright so every Thursday night we have a basketball night and me and Elder Cope beat them finally, hahaha!  It was literally only me and Elder Cope that was white playing and we balled it! They dropped a few "f" bombs....but me and Elder Cope just laughed and went to bed satisfied! Also I burned my year shirt that night as well. On my shirt is a marked out all my areas...comps...and titles if you will.  I just talked to Elder Hallman and Cope about it and we all remember how fast it was...imagine how fast this year will be....UNREAL! I don't like to think about it too much because it distracts you and makes you homesick. 

So the highlight of the week was our BAPTISM.  We baptized an 11 year old girl named K...she's awesome. We actually ran into to her this week....and she was an investigator by some elders in the past but for some reason she didn't get baptized....she went up to us and said, "Elders, BAPTIZE ME THIS SUNDAY!" We were like, "uh....OK!"  And we did...it was my first Baptism in English and in Belize City.  All in all it was special...words cant describe.  I was so happy.  At first I didn't think of how I could keep getting happier in the mission...but every week I get a little bit more and more....ITS SPECIAL. I love it so much.

Well, you already know...I'm so happy and full of joy as I talk more and more about my mission...its changing me so much.  I'm truly in the best mission in the world....NO JOKE.  I love you guys and I miss you more than you know...but I know I'm doing miracles here.  Just do me a favor and always smile!!  Always be happy...because He is ever so near. Always remember to pray and give thanks, always.

BE LEADER!! BUT TO BE A GOOD LEADER...YOU MUST BE A GOOD FOLLOWER.!!

LES AMO

LIVIN THE DREAM

SO MUCH HAPPINESS

ELDER GEE

K.'s baptism

"12 Months in the Best Mission in the World"

BURNING OF THE SHIRTS!

Today on the way to San Pedro

July 18th- BC3

Yo fam,

Hey y'all what's up? I know this is an awkward time in the day to do my weekly emailing but my zone had plans to catch a bus and go up to the zoo this morning. I have some gnarly pics to show!!! But how's everyone doing? Really if you think about it we are so blessed. Life is soooo good right now for me.!!! Every Week in Belize is a adventure....filled with so many stories...everyday!! The Belizean people are special people man...hahaha! I told a couple of people this but I'm not sure if I've made it known to all...the Belizean Culture when it comes to religion they believe Moses when he was talking to God there was a burning bush. So apparently you have to get high to talk to God. Because they believed Moses was high with the burning bush...hahaha!! Man, I love these people. And getting them to church is even harder man.!! But all in all...I'm just having fun doing what I've found I love to do the most.!!! Preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.!!

My house is super fun. Its four of us...me, Elder Cope, Elder Hallman, and Elder Johnson who is my comp....its super fun here! We play Scum, Clue and have a good time chilling in the house. Its the best. This transfer has flown by because of this. It's unreal how fast the time goes. You don't even feel the weeks now!?! It literally goes...Pday, District Meeting (which is on every Thursday), Church....and then repeat.!!! It's quick!! And we need to save some people while were at it!!! 

Honestly though...this week wasn't too eventful. But I will say is that we play basketball every Thursday with the branch. It was super fun...playing ball again. I did not do too shabby...I mean we were playing with all black guys. I couldn't really drive on them or they would block you!! So basically all I was good for was shooting 3's hahaha...Steph Curry!!!  After going home from playing ball...I forgot how outta shape I was. I slept, I think the best I've ever have in my mission. My legs and arms were a little sore the next day. Man I'm losing so much strength, hahaha! MOM send me some perfect pushups or something hahaha.  I mean my spiritual strength is growing but not the body hahaha! I got a knarly farmers tan...if you look closely to my pics. You can see my shirt tan...and my preachers collar!! Oh and a watch tan as well.!! But pretty much that sums up my week.!!

Well fam, another week down. I am so happy and blessed to be here serving in Belize teaching a different culture and teaching in both Spanish and English. I'm so very blessed with my comp...we work so incredibly hard. Sometimes we don't get the results we deserve but we keep going. I love this work and I'm starting to see some small miracles and its blessing and changing my life. Sometimes those small blessings make all the difference in a those days that are so tough..and nobody wants nothing to do with you.!! Or no one is home and there is no one to teach. But he blesses us. and keeps us upright. I like that conference talk by Christofferson, where he talks about cutting us down. "How can you do this to me God, I've tried so hard and no you've cut me down, " He says, "Look here my little Child, I am God, and I know who you are and who you can become," and one day you going to say thank you God for loving me enough to cut me down, for loving me enough to hurt me!! I love that, I think we can all learn from that talk. Sometimes we don't want trials but God sends them to us so we can grow stronger from them. I remember when Mom and Dad would yell at us or get mad at us...and at the time I would think they were just big jerks but I understand a little bit more now that they did it because they love us enough to hurt us...same with our Heavenly Father. I love you guys...just be happy and help others be happy. If we look for complaints than we for sure are going to find them...but if we look for the blessings in life than we for sure are going to find them....EVEN MORE!!!

Living the dream

True Happiness

Pure Joy

The Belizean Way is the Only Way

Elder Kyle Gee

P.Day at the zoo!

Making pancakes for my roomies!

July 11th - BALL SO HARD!!

Yo Fam,

Whats up y'all!!  I hope everyone's 4th of July and summer break is doing good.  I know about this time of year means the "suns out buns out" hahaha.  I saw a couple of the pics that mom and dad sent me. Sounds like its a lot of fun. 

I had the opportunity to meet my new mission president. President Adams...he's a freaking stud. He's a good example to be a consecrated missionary. He's super cool and has a lot of respect for all...he has the personality like "if you respect me I respect you," He is super humble guy.  I know we are gonna accomplish big things.  In one of the pics he has  matching ties with all the Belize City elders...he loved it.  I saw some familiar faces too...I'm sending more pics of that.

Well here in Belize it couldn't be better. I'm starting to get used to all the drugs and Belikin Beer we see on a daily basis.  Its the best, hahaha!  We have a lot of progressing investigators but as far as going to church...its a struggle.  Its harder than I thought, bringing people to church.  All the time we would call our investigators an hour before the meeting and remind them...they say yeah elder were coming don't worry. They never show up.  Kinda breaks my heart.  The thing that breaks my heart the most is that...they know what they should be going and get baptized but they don't want to do anything about it..."lazy, but really funny people".  We only had the opportunity to speak in sacrament...yeah we got the news 5 mins before the meeting started, hahaha!!  Those are the best kind.  I spoke on one of my favorite scriptures,  John 14 about the Holy Ghost...how he never leaves us comfortless...he will come to us.  "Peace I leave unto you...not as the world giveth but I giveth to you"  I love that scripture. Whenever I feel discouraged or feel crappy...I just remember that..and it brings me right back.

I love this gospel and I love being a missionary.  I've grown to love this gospel so much. And now for myself I know the miracles and changes it brings to peoples lives. Its AMAZING! 

Livin the dream.

Its the best!!!

Elder Gee

President and Sister Adams (and notice the matching ties!)

Zone Conference...with my buds!

Elder Harris, Cope and myself!

Elder Rigby and Eggers!

Raining buckets!

LA BELLA VITA...Belize Style!!

July 4th - MERICA!!

YO FAM,

What's up y'all... Happy Merica Day!  You all better be at the Kaysville parade throwing water balloons....hahaha, good times!  I can't believe its July already.  The mission is on cruise control, I swear.  But I hope you all enjoy the good weather and cool fireworks. The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. MAKE SOME MEMORIES!

This week was pretty fun. I love the Belizean culture, it grows on me more and more as I'm here. Teaching the gospel here in Belize is so much different than El Salvador....the people here act so different.  IT'S THE WEED MAN, hahaha!!  They seriously smoke so much here. T he missionaries that have experience always say...you may or may not get second hand high when you teach, hahaha...its pretty ghetto.!!  

The people here are so awesome. They are so accepting to basically anything we have to say about the gospel, but having them to commit...well, that's super hard for the culture here.  But me and Elder J managed to get 2 investigators to church.  They are super positive...they really liked church.  There names are R and M.  Its kinda hard with them because they are super busy and we can only visit them ever so often. But good blessings are in store for them. 

Church is super fun here...we attend two branches.  The first one is in English at 8 :00 and the Spanish branch is at 10...its super fun. We get the best of both worlds.  I gave a talk last week about worthiness influences the Priesthood...it was in Spanish but I thought I did a pretty good job for only having 2 nights to prepare.  The English branch is about 99% black people and then the 8 elders who are in the city...2 DLS...2 ZLS and then the APS.  We get around average 140 people attending in the English branch. But in the Spanish branch is about 50 more or less.  But its fun to see the progression through the years...in a couple of months they told us that Belize the country will receive its first stake.  THATS HUGE.! The first stake means...stake presidents and future missionaries...Belize membership is a little less than 5 thousand members...super small. But the potential is ever so great. 

Well fam, I love you more than words can describe...this gospel is true.  This work is perfect.  Nothing is more important than preaching the gospel...and I get to do it in both languages.  It's so humbling...I'm so very blessed every where I go...I feel your prayers as that spirit makes witness to me..that I'm here and I'm here for the right reasons.  Thanks for all your prayers, emails, love and support.  It means the absolute world to me...and enjoy your Merica day.!!!!

P.S: We play scum every night...its so fun...I always win.!!!

"Sometimes the Lord brings us low, so he can lift us even higher." Joseph Smith!!!

Livin the dream

White Belizean

Bless Bless
Elder Gee

Hitting the streets with Elder J.!

Writing our emails on p.day at a senior couple's apartment.
It's great because it's air conditioned!!

Playing "SCUM" with the boys!

Here are "fried jacks" that we eat...they are like scones 
filled with chicken, beans, cheese.
Also, fried chicken.  I miss papusas but I like the fried chicken!

Elder Cope and I sporting the Belize flag

Enjoying our new home!