Sacsuha-May 30, 2011

The subject line for this email was "Heartbreaker"Me and "Thack Attack" coaching our teamAnother one of us coaching This is the team plus just some random two kids who wanted to be in the photo.So this week was a week and a half!!! There are two things that really stuck out so I'm only gonna focus on those and then get the little details maybe later. So first things first, We had district conference up here in Sacsuha this week. So that was seriously awesome. It was President and Hermana Torres last run through this place. The people seriously just love them. They talked a ton about how the men need to take care of their wives here, And vice versa. That's a big problem here. I hate that. But many people are trying to change and get better. I love that. We had 3 investigators there. One of them is getting baptized the 25th of this month for sure.His name is Victor. Hes 19. He said he wants to go on a misison. Hes a stud. So after the conference, a miracle happened! Hermana Torres called me over, and says, "Elder Fast meet me over by the car I have something for you." I was thinking maybe letters? maybe a package from someone? NO!!! She said she was cleaning out her cupboard and she thought of me, so she brought up all the things she wouldn't need anymore!!! She brought me a HUGE box of vienna sausages, A BRAND NEW PACK of caramel apple suckers!!!!!!! A HUGE box of unopened caramel popcorn, 2 macaroni and cheese boxes, 3 Mrs Fields cookies, And a bag of 27 homemade brownies!!!!!! I seriously was in awe!!! I couldn't believe it. She made me promise "to share a little" direct quote. Everyone was seriously so jealous of me. But, that's just fine. I had good food. I shared a ton. It was just so nice of her to think of me like that. It truly was a miracle like I said. That was the last time I'll see them I believe. That's hard. But they need to go. And I'm positive President Watts will work hard here with his wife. So....on to the heart-breaker.... (I stole a lot from Thack's email to spend less time writing it, and give more detail.) Last week one of the kids from one of our investigator families was telling us that there was a basketball tournament between the schools here in Polochic and that Sacsuha had 6 kids that wanted to play, but no coach. So for our service time last week we decided to meet them twice and teach them a few things about basketball! The first practice thing was okay, the Q'eqchi youth get really intimidated by us so they didn't really get into it. They all just kinda half way tried and felt awkward. But, the second practice they opened right up! We taught them how to play a 2-3 zone, how to set screens and we taught them a full court press. And they actually picked it up really fast. The coolest part is it changed our relationship with the majority of the youth in Sacsuha, they all say hi to us now and stuff. For example after the second practice they went and bought us both drinks! that was seriously awesome. Anyway the tournament ended up being this morning in the Tinta so we were able to watch and coach them!!! So after a morning of games the number 1 and 2 seed ended up playing and the winner of that we would play for the championship! That game ended 27 to 3 for the number one team here from the Tinta. They seriously were just stacked with players. So we came into the championship game as the number 7 team against the number 1 and nobody thought we had a chance. We had just been upsetting teams all morning it was awesome. The winner got the opportunity to go to Coban and play there for a title as well. And so that brought in a lot of emotion for these kids. Honestly most of them from where we are won't even have that opportunity for a really long time, if ever. (go to Coban) It felt like the movies, we had our 6 scrubby lookin fellas that come from stick houses, and the rich kids from the Tinta rolled in on their motorcycles before the game, And live in nice houses for this area. So the game started and we shook this number one team in the first half! They had no idea what hit them. We seriously just came out fireing it was awesome!!!! Our press shut them down and we started the first quarter 4 to 0!(remember where I am.) I seriously got SOOO into the game though. After the first lay- up we made I was jumpin and pumpin my arms and seriously got so excited i got light headed haha. Then Wwe lost a little composure in the 2nd quarter and at half it was 4 to 2. We still were surprising everyone! Things were looking really good for us. The crowd was goin crazy for us as well. I was pumpin' them up with my arms and everything. Then the third quarter started out with a horrible reffing mistake (This guy was bad) but he didn't tell the teams which way they were going and just gave them the ball and they got a lame free lay-up, which tied it up. Then after a few scoreless possesions, our big guy just randomly dropped a 3 from deep!!!! I serioulsy was going crazy. Right when it went in, the crowd errupted! Everyone was going for these guys. That put us up 7 to 4! At this point we had the crowd completely swung our way. This court was completely surrounded! ( I think you can see in the photos.) The 3rd quarter ended with a 7 to 4 score. It was awesome cuz the crowd just kept getting bigger. And at every time out or quarter these kids would run to us and just wait for us to teach them something And see how were were going to help them....just studs.....but, This is when our weakness came into play. The others had a huge team of about 17 and we had 6 guys, our team started getting tired. They put on a press and we didnt really have a ball handler to get it down the court. The hacking started getting more intense in the fourth and after a few hack steals and easy lay-ups the other team went up 8 to 7! Which the second one that put them up was a fluke because after they scored the ref made a terrible call and gave it back to them and they just put it right back in to go up. We only were able to get the ball up the court a few more times but never got any good shots. They were just exhausted. (there were 4-10 minute halfs.) They got a few more lay-ups and we lost the heartbreaker 12 to 7. It was rough cuz these kids wanted it bad. It was hard to see them lose. But all in all, it was a cool experience cuz it is something they will never forget. We had a good talk with them after how it didn't matter. They seriously did amazing. The defense we taught them just shut the other team down. That other team had put up about 30 against everyone else exept us. It was really good overall. We have a lot more confidence with all the youth. They serioulsy like seeing us now and treat us as all really good friends. We had tons of opportunities as well to teach them about our church and how missionaries really are normal. They liked it. Im excited to see where their relations with missionaries continue to grow. I love this gospel and the knowledge we have. I'm so grateful for the little things we can do in life to help people trust us to learn. And no matter who we are we can become a helper to someone. That's my story! I love you all tons! Fun times in the mission. Love you guys tons!!!! Keep on chuggin' no matter what. Elder Fast laj ISO-MAX Mother.... I just wanna let you know I love you. I'm doing really well. My mission is perfect. It makes my stomach hurt when I know how much time I have left. I don't want to come home until I have finished with all my strength. I love you more than anything!!!!!

Sacsuha-May 23, 2011

Branch Mission Leader and me near the home of our investigators Chulak-today for our Zone Activity Our Zone today!! This picture is from Elder Smith-Our Zone at our Activity today. FAM!! Well, wierd cuz I feel like I just wrote you guys!!! I'm a little bummed about that cuz I really dont have much to tell! My week was not the best. But! Still good for what we had to work with. Our family of 5 had fechas. But they all fell because they weren't there the Thursday we went up. So we didn't get to invite them to church. And if Q'eqchi's don't get invited they don't go....So weird haha. But it's okay we still got hope in them. It's a Dad of 30 years, Mom of 31, Son of 14, son of 12, daughter of 9, and son of 7. Gangsters. They live way up there. The first picture I sent home is me with my mission leader right next to their house. (of the investigators). That was last week though. This week I'm not plannin' on writin' a ton because I broke my left hand pinkie today haha. I'm fine. We were playing some water balloon game and the new Elders are just still a little too hyper.....so yeah. haha. I'll tell ya after the mission. But we went up to this place called Chulak today. (pictures included) It was fun. We played bump, or knock out...whatever you call that game for a good 30 minutes as a zone. It was fun. I played with a broken pinkie and still won...no big deal. Kinda like that time my sophmore year I broke my foot and still scored off a free kick.....that was me totally tootin' my own horn. :) This really is the worst email ever sorry. I'll write you guys good next week. (I feel like I say that every week haha) I love ya'll!!!!!! Elder Fast Laj Iso-max Shout outs.... MACIIII!!!!!! Youre going to be 2!!!! What in the world!?!?!? I didnt even know you were one. haha. Time's just cruisin right on. Keep learning fun stuff so we can play when I get back! Leora!!!! That seriously was the most rockin' letter ever!!!!! Thank you so much! That was good to hear what you are doing over there!!! Claire seriously sounds adorable still. Haha I love how she likes the mud and bugs. Shes so cute. Randy...good ol "Shug"! I can't believe how big he was in that picture you sent me!!! That seriously blew my mind!! Hes the man. I bet he will grow up and be all buff like Mike. Thats way cool youre doing a website sells thing. That sounds fun. I like how Claire is the model haha. Awesome seriously. You're the best Sis. K, I gotta go my finger is killin'. It'll be fine next week! I love you guys!!! Elder Fast!!!

Sacsuha-May 18, 2011

Lin Junkab´al!!! So, this week was good. One of the better ones of my mish. First of all-yes the Cap was amazing to get some American food. The Capital seems so fast pace and rich to me. But, I was able to get back here about Wednesday at 3 in the afternoon and get a little work done. Thursday we had our planning session and it went really well. We made a lot of goals that I really believe will take us to the next level as missionaries. I feel super Blessed to be With Elder "Thack Mack". Friday was a good work day. We were hit with a lot of hardships, and then the blessings followed, like always. Saturday was the same, but even better blessings. Then Sunday was decent, Hard day of work but we got the investigators to church, so I can't complain. Monday was Interviews. It was my last one with President Torres. I didn't even realize it. But he was just seriously awesome. He just loves us as missionaries and treats us how our parents would if they were here. But, as I was leaving my interview, he hugged me and told me he loved me. Then it hit me he was leaving. Dang. I was pretty upset. But, I get to see him one more time for a district conference here in Sacsuha :) esooooo. Shoot I already wrote President my letter for the week, And I took forever on it, So...Sorry. I have really been trying picking up the pace. I'm super grateful for this work and the understanding I have of the Gospel. And more than that, the fact that all my family shares and lives His Gospel. Anyways, Cool saying President said this week: ´´If your future wife says ¨I don't like to cook¨, It's like you saying as a husband and father, ¨I don't like to work¨´´ haha Hes totally inspired of Heavenly Father for sure. There was a ton more... This week will be good. We are going to visit our Family of 5 this week. Twice actually. Might not sound like a lot but they are about 2 hours away in truck. The way we found them was by a reference. And they asked us if they could get baptized. Seriously amazing. Today I'm doin' my first baptismal interview. I've been usually dodging those my whole mish. I'm a little nervous too cuz its in Q´eqchi´. But it'll go smooth. Friday I'll be doing Divisions with Elder Snow...It'll be a good week. I love you guys! Have the best week ever. Shout outs.... Daniel- When is your next bball game? I wanna hear about every single one dude!!!! That's sick Tommy did good as well....I'll have to show him up when i regresar. Aubs- Youre slackin' on the pics of the backyard. But I'll wait. Thanks for writin' me! I wish you coulda seen the guy hiding behind the bushes hahaha They always do that when we walk by and the ask us what our names are. hahaha So randomly you just hear a voice ´´Ani lak´ab´a?´´ right next to you ahahah. Creepy sometimes haha. Ryan- Dont let the updates on Softball hermano!!!!! Siga entregando los datos!! Kal- Your story about your change was awesome Kal. My first change scared me to death. I was shaking when I got to my new area haha. Guarantee you tear it up in that area as well. Make sure to have some photos sent this way :) Keep it up Kal! Dad- Hahahaha your email was awesome. Everyone here says it was well. Thanks for makin me laugh. Love you Dad. Take care of your knee. Mom- Thanks for all the updates on what went down last week. That's fun that all the Polochik moms got to get together!!! Oh, When I got off the phone with all you, I just felt content. It's a lot more relaxed as more time goes on. It really wasn't thought about much after....Just the Ceasar salad, garlic bread, And pie....mmmmmmmmm. :) Sorry I didn't tell too much about Zone Conference. I'll try and let you know more next week. Thanks for everything you do Mom. I love you MA!! Love you fam, Have a good week. Elder Fast Laj Iso-Max

Mother's Day Phone Call-2011

As parents of missionaries, we are blessed to receive phone calls from them every Mother's Day and Christmas. We look forward hearing our son's voices. Not only do we hear them, but we also learn their spiritual experiences, their growth, how they see miracles everyday and how much the love what they are doing-teaching the word of God. Here are just a few highlights or questions from friends and family from Evan's phone call: *Does someone do your laundry? Yes, a woman in the branch washes and folds my clothing the best I have ever had in my life. She is so sweet and good. The woman uses a tube to get water from the running river for water. She washes my clothes in a cement bowl with soap. My clothes are spotless. *Where is the nearest market? It is about a 15 minute walk. The best food sold there is cheese, ham and bread. *Do you ever get or feel clean? No :) *What is your diet like? Ham and cheese sandwiches, corn flakes, pancakes (sometimes), beans, rice, eggs. I never really eat dinner. Just breakfast and lunch. Usually I will buy a bag of chips as a snack for dinner time. *Do you cook your own meals? Yes. *How do you hear the news? Everyone here gets something that is like a newspaper. Everyone reads it, and tells the missionaries everything that is happening in the U.S. Especially sports. *How do you say Polochic? Polo cheek *We meet in a chapel that was built about 25 yrs ago. It is two-stories high, with air conditioning. Sacsuha has a large branch. But only about 96 attended on Sunday. *What is your house like? It is made of cement with holes for windows (no glass) and a doorway. Four of us live in this house. *How far do you walk to email us? I walk about 15 minutes. *Do you preach the Gospel everyday? Yes, to everyone I can. *How is the Q'echi' coming along? I was struggling-then one day, BOOM! It was more clear to me. I have a long way to go. But I can actually carry on a conversation. *How do you say Senahu? Sena oo *How far are you from Senahu? Two hours riding in the back of a truck. We pay them 3 quetzals-about 30 cents. *What is your favorite thing about Polochic? EVERYTHING! This is how I pictured my mission. These are the people I wanted to teach the Gospel to. *Talked of school plans after the mission. *Discussed his love for his mission companions and buddies. *We were looking for a house to live. There were miracles in finding in. I see miracles everyday on my mission. That's how the mission is. *The time is going too fast. I have so much more to do here. *I love these people with all my heart. *I hope to be half of what they are. They just love. *I love the children. They like to play games. *Evan bore his testimony in Qe'chi'. He talked of his love for Joseph Smith. His appreciation of the Atonement. He had trouble speaking in English and describing where he lives and his experiences. Thanks to Elder Smith for all these pictures of Evan!!

Sacsuha-May 9, 2011

Entonces.... Well I just chatted with you guys Sunday But now it's Tuesday and I have a ton to tell you! I'm in the Capital right now. Crazy how that happened but I have a little problemita and now I'm here just getting b'an-medicine (...b'an... being in Q'eqchi') So I'm all better now and I'll be taking the 9 hour bus ride back tomorrow. esoo. But you guys wont even believe what I've gotten to eat/do!!! I ate Pizza Hut, Wendy's, and Subway!!!!!! AAANNDDD!!!! (drum roll please.........) I layed on CARPET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't even know that existed here!!!!!!! It was in President's house of course. So good. So.....This Monday and Tuesday we've got Zone Conference and interviews. Rumor is I'll be the next president of the mission. No, but in all honesty rumor is President Watts (he will be the new mission president beginning in July) is the man!! I'm so excited about that. So,Yeah I dont have much to say other then that. OH!!!!! My area has its first fecha for baptism that its seen in 9 months. His name is Rolando. He's 36. He's the man! I'm stoked about that.....mind you he only speaks Q'eqchi' so I'm all happy Thack Attack and I are just tearin in up rik'in (with) la ayuda (the help) of the Qaawa (Lord)..(q'eqchi' english spanish talk right there.) But yea...Thacks the best comp ever. So yeah... Short email...but thanks for everything you guys do for me. I would send pictures but this place is lame and I can't. Sorry. No more new news then that other then I weigh 185 now, got my 6 pack back, and am just tearin' it up with my new boots! (Thank you mother!!!!!) I'd say I was a man if I so pleased. haha. The only thing I'm missing is maturity. dang. Anyways...Neekexinra muchisimo!!!! Elder Fast Laj Iso-Max (chaabilin)

Zone Conference Pictures

Again, Sister Torres has posted some pictures of our missionaries! She is so amazing to do this for the missionary's families. We appreciate her very much!Getting ready for the "Zone" picture. They all look so happy to be together! There is always such good food served at the conferences. Pres. and Sister Torres really spoil them. How do you like Evan's new glasses? I thought this picture was so perfect. It is exactly how Evan decribes where he is serving his mission right now. The green foilage, the dirt roads, the dust, and how the Q'echi people, (while they are barefoot) carry everything they own, or that they might find useful on their backs.

Sacsuha-May 2, 2011

Me and "Thack Attack" A meal last week.The scorpion I showered with. Some other weird bug...but I killed this one after.So this week was like boom....boom...badoom...boom...BOOM!!! and then boooooooo. So my new Comp is Elder Thacker. This guy is a STUD!!! hes 5´8´´, from Utah and seriously a STUD at basketball... I love him. I needed him. He knows less Q´eqchi´ then me haha. So we will learn quickly. We´ve been jelping eachoder out a lat u knuw? (said with mexican smoker voice haha) So what's all this junction I hear about Bin trodden? I love that America got all American prided out over that....Our country is amazing. I just realized I say a lot of So´s in my emails...sorry. SOOOOO, now in my AMAZING house here in Sacsuha. Literally the best house with in a 50 mile radious...It's me, Thack Mack, Elder Tanner, and Elder Zalaya. Things are good...My Q´eqchi´ is coming temil temil. I am excited to have you guys here it on Mother's Day. This is basically my last call. That's weird to me. My area just got cut in half and it just so happens that 80 percent of our investigators were in the other area, haha. But we still have Maria and All my favorite ones so it'll be good. We just gotta be looking for news this coming week. Which seriously is the best part of this work...so fun. (I'm bein' for real) Also...Man I can't think af anything. What were your questions? Shoot..lame email... Oh! This new house has some intense bugs in here. While I was showering on Friday I went to grab my soap but I saw this big black thing...I didnt have my glasses on...So I squinted and got all close and realized it was a HUGE scorpion!!!!! It scared the bageezees out of me!!!! So I caught it to take a picture and then we let it go in our backyard. There has just been a ton of weird bugs in the house. So that's about it... I get to chat with ya'll in a little...So we´ll save it for that. I love you guys!!! Write down the questions you got for me!!! Elder Fast