Sunday, July 18, 2010

July 14, 2010

Thank you for the package! It was great. I love the shirt you sent, it is pretty funny. I got the package on Monday, perfect timing. I had a really good birthday. Elder Kowallis bought me Sizzler, and my buddy, Elder Francis, and Elder Bishesar (They are in our district) meet us there. So it was a fun lunch. Then in the night time, Jose and Ivelisse threw a party for me and Elder Kowallis, his birthday was last Monday. They invited over some members and some of their family. There was like 20 people there. They made one of my favorite foods. It is called Lechon (lay-chone). It is pretty much smoked pork. I love it. Then they bought a huge cake that had our names on it. They are extremely nice people. They do too much. It was really good because we were able to talk to Ivelisse's family a lot. they are also really nice. Her sister in law is going to become a pentecostal pastor, so we talked about our churches a little. It was good, just asking questions about each others churches. So it at least broke the ice, and maybe will open a door. They live in another Pueblo.
So lastSsunday wasnt a huge conference for everyone, so I didnt see my family. But they did announce that Fajardo district is a part of the San Juan stake now. I feel that will be good. President Alvarado asked the stake president when is the most important thing to do right now, and he told him to make Fajardo a ward. President told us we have to make it happen in 60 days. We need to have 15 worthy melchizedek priesthood holders who pay tithing, and 100 hundred active members. Getting the priesthood wont be too hard. We have about 12 active right now. But we only have about 50 active members in church right now. We have to double attendance. No time to mess around, we have got to work hard. One of the biggest things is home teaching. We got to talk to president Ocasio to see what we can do to get people to do their home teaching, it is pretty weak sauce. We are also going to try and have a bunch of activities to try and get less actives to come and get reactivated. It is going to be hard but we are going to work hard.
When we go to the beach we cant get in the water. Duh. But we can play volleyball, or football or whatever we want. Last week we played horse shoes playing with coconuts. It was way fun. its called "Coco Loco", pretty catchy I know. Look for that in the stores in a couple of years.
President Alvarado served a mission in the states, he speaks perfect English. He is a very upbeat guy, and seems like a hard worker that is going to get things done in Puerto Rico. I think he is perfect for Puerto Rico, and is going to get a lot of progress done here.
Transfers hasnt happened yet, so I am still with Elder Kowallis. Nothing has been said yet, but I would imagine that everyone is "mixed" next transfer. In the conference a few weeks ago, president said there is no East or West only North, that is the direction we are heading as a mission.
One cool story. Ivelisse has a bunch of illnesses, and is always feeling bad. She had a really pain in her stomach for a long time, and the doctors couldnt figure it out. All of the medicine wasnt doing anything. She asked for a blessing, and ever since that blessing she has not felt anymore pain. She also gets really, really, really bad migraines, and she has to take strong medicine for it. Last week she was getting a really bad one, but she didnt have her medicine. So she asked for another blessing, right once we gave her the blessing it went away, and she was able to make it through the day until she could get her medicine the next day.
It is a testimony to me that God really does exist, and most importantly, loves his children. He hates to see us in pain and sorrow. If we have the faith, he will bless us. It also reaffirmed the power that we have with the priesthood. When we see the power of it, our faith and confidence grows stronger. It is like Nephi and Lehi, how when they saw they were encircled in fire,and the lamanites couldnt touch them, they gained courage. (Helaman 5)
Well I got to get going. But I love you so much. My appreciation for what you do and how much you love me keeps growing. Have a safe week, and pray for missionary opportunities every day.
Love Elder Jared Hardy
p.s.- Briley looks so cute in the pictures, I cant wait to meet her. Jake also looks really different. Hailey looks super skinny, you got to feed that girl yuh check. I didnt even recognize Daniel at first. It has been a while since I ahve seen him with long hair. Dad, i got to say it, your hair is so grey! Haha, but you still look classy.

June 30, 2010

My week has gone good. President Alvarado became the president on Monday. I think president Dewsnup leaves today. I have heard a lot of good about President Alvarado. He is only 40 years old with a young family, and very energetic. I cant wait to meet him. Which will probably be July 11. There is going to be a big conference for the whole east side of Puerto Rico. The new area general authority is going to speak, and I would assume president Alvarado. I am excited for the conference, because I am going to see my family from Puerto Rico, Edwin, Patricia, Alexander, Edylis, and Ninoshka. They got my phone number a couple of weeks ago and called to tell me that Edwin baptized Ninoshka, and they are planning on going to the temple in Florida in July or August. I was so happy to talk to them. And I am going to see them exactly one year after I baptized them, July 11, at the conference.
We didnt teach Ray and Nick because the ferry broke down, so they couldnt get over. And there was some kind of youth camp thing going on over there with the youth from our branch and another one from puerto rico. So they got to be apart of history, they had the first sacrament meeting ever held in Culebra. I heard it was really special. They did it right on the beach. But we are goin over to culebra on thursday, and we are goin to teach ray's grandmother as well.
Well i already bought myself a birthday present. I couldnt help it when i saw wiffel ball (dont know spelling) at the store the other day. I also need some new basketball shoes, mine are falling apart pretty badly. I have had those shoes for 4 years, and they have served me well. The only thing i need from home would be a box of home made caramel popcorn. I never got it when you sent it when I was in Antigua. It might be a wierd time for you to eat it, but there is no change in weather over here, so it doesnt make a difference if it is Christmas time. I would love some home made caramel popcorn please.
Know that your son is doing better than ever, and that I love you, and I lvoe the Savior with all my heart.
Love Elder Hardy

June 23, 2010

It sounds like a lot of fun is being had over there. Vacation after vacation huh? Thats nice. The bus floating out in the bay sounds really cool. I would like to get me one of those some day.
On Sunday we taught Nicholas and Ray after church, it is so fun to teach them. We taught the plan of salvation, and it just blew them away. THEY UNDERSTAND! A couple time Nicholas would just, and "say wait wait wait, I get it, it is just like..." Haha, and when we talked about eternity it was great. I totally saw it just sink into them. Yesterday we went to Culebra to teach them. Leaving the ferry from here was funny, some members come up to us, "Hey you guys heading to the beach?" They probably thought we were disobedient missionaries, because Culebra is a huge tourist Island. They thought it was so cool that we were able to go to different islands in our mission. The ferry ride was a little intense. Some really rough water. There was 5 people throwing up in little barf bags in our room. When we got to Culebra Brother Dickson (member on the island) picked us up and he already had Nick and Ray. So we headed over to a really beautiful spot next to the beach. We taught them there at a wooden picnic table underneath a tree with the sound of the waves crashing. It was so cool talking about the gospel and just being surrounded by Gods beautiful creations. Then after the lesson they took us on a tour of the Island, not very big, but extremely beautiful. I love it there. Not a lot of houses or stores, really hilly and green. And there are a bunch of little islands surrounding Culebra. I am jealous of nick and ray because they go kayak to the other islands, or take a small fishing boat over and just explore them. Culebra is on of my most favorite islands. We definitely have to head out there one day.
Nicholas is still a little worried about what his parents are going to say when he tells them he is going to get baptized, so I shared with them how you were young when you got baptized with patty, and how your parents were talking with the missionaries for a couple of years, until one day you were just crying on your bed and your mom asked why you were crying, and you told her that you wanted them to join the church so badly. And how now they are super strong members in the church. That really hit them deep. And I explained how them joining is going to be a huge example and influence on their parents. So thank you for your example mom, you not only blessed your parents and family, but are now an example for my investigators and giving them comfort.
Elder Seuvaái is getting transfered. I am going to miss him a lot. It was a really fun transfer, the funnest transfer I have had in the mission. Today we heading heading up to El Yunque (the rainforrest) to go have some fun. Elder Seuvaái and Elder Kowallis have never been.
Hope you have a good rest of the trip, I am sure all the people in Boston are pretty bummed about the Championship. Be safe and enjoy it to the fullest.
Love Elder Hardy

June 16, 2010

A lot is going on over there. A lot is about to go on over here. Yesterday we had our last Zone Conference and interviews with president Dewsnup. He went out with a big impression teaching some really interesting stuff about dispensations. It wouldnt surprise me if he will be a generaly authority. He already told Elder Losee that he will be transfered next week, which is a bummer. I was hoping to end the mission with Elder Losee in my district. I really don't know what is going to happen next week. President Alvarado comes in the 28. I hope they dont send any of us to the west the first transfer of the new mission. It is hard to think about another president other than president Dewsnup, I really am going to miss him.
One funny story I forgot to tell you about was that Elder Kowallis got bit by ants, fire ants, and his arm swelled all HUGE. It looked really gross. So he took a bunch of benedryl, more than he should of, and was all LOOPY in the night time when we went over to the branch presidnts house, Presidente Ocasio. It was like Elder Kowallis was drunk, and president and his wife were just meeing with him the whole time. They would yell "Earth Quake", and start shaking him. Then he would just freak out. Poor kid, I kept trying to leave, but they jsut kept talking and wouldnt let us go. It was good stuff.
Nicholas and Ray went to church, but they had to go to the Guaynabo chapel, because the family that takes them had to go there for something. But we are going over tomorrow to teach them the plan of salvation. We talked to them on the phone the other day and they said, "Hey we already finished that chapter you gave us, do you have another good one you want us to read."
Got a new senior couple on Vieques, the Buttons from Mesa, Arizona. They are really nice people. Young too. We have spent some time with them yesterday and the day before. and while they were waiting for the ferry they bought us dinner. I have got to take you to this place in Fajardo that we go to. Best shrimp ever!
Oh and I think we should go to Vieques, maybe, but not stay there. It would be cool for a day, but there is a lot more to do on Puerto Rico. and it would suck having to take the Ferry over, 1 and a half hours in the morning and back in the night. But the buttons stayed at the Fajardo inn the other day and it didnt seem bad. Check it out.
Well I love you, you are in my prayers.



Love Elder Hardy

June 9, 2010

Me safe. I am doing really good. Last week I went on a tradeoff with my best bud in the mission Elder Losee, we were in the same district when I was in arroyo. It was really fun, he is in my district again here. He serves over in Vieques, a small island off the coast, but comes in every week for district meeting. So I took the ferry over there on thrusday morning. It was a really fun day. Last sunday we taught one of the sweetest lessons. The sunday before we talked to some kids that came to church with a member family from Culebra (Super small island off the coast). They are both 15, they would seriously be my best friends before the mission. I love the kids. But it was a great lesson, they have been coming to church on and off for almost a year. They really participated. At the end I asked them if they would read and pray to know if it was true, and Nicholas tells us, "yeah, I've gone to seminary for almost a year and a couple of times some verses would just hit me really hard, and I would feel the spirit so strong, I know it is true." Then the other one, Ray said, "I started reading the Book of Mormon a couple of weeks ago, and then I prayed to know which church is true and I jsut had this crazy tingly feeling about this church, I know its true. Haha, then Nicholas says, "I would get baptized right now, but I am just afraid to talk to my parents." So we talked a little bit about that and how he can talk to his parents. They are so golden it isnt funny. I wish I could find people like this every week. We are going to teach them every Sunday after church,and starting next week we are going to take the ferry over to Culebra once a week to teach them.
Haha, that is so funny about the super activity. Papa Bear is always doing crazy stuff that kills everyone. Like the time he told us not to bring water to Mount Graham and we almost died. it was fine while we were still on the mountain, there was a little stream to drink water, but once we got down they had piped the water and every was just complaining about thirst. Or the time he told us not to bring a jacket when we did some stake campout in the mountains and every froze. Me and Zack dees still talk about those times, funny stuff.
I hope you have a great Fathers Day, I will be thinking about you. Have a great week.


Elder Hardy

June 1, 2010

I dont have a lot of time this week. The threesome is really fun. I am really enjoying it, we are all good buddies. It will at least go till the end of this transfer, 2 or 3 more weeks, whatever it is. Jose and Ivelisse are doing good. They came to church last week. it was District Conference. it was really good. I loved President Dewsnups talk. Great stuff, he just talked about how we have to live the celestial law if we want to go to the celestial glory, and if we dont want to live it in this life, then we wouldnt want to live it after this life, we wouldnt be happy where we would be because it is the same rules. Elder Galindo emailed me and he said that he has already been called as the ward mission leader in his ward. how cool is that? I would love to be ward mission leader after. I miss that kid.
Well I want to let you know how much I love you and appreciate everything you do for me. Try to find a moment everyday to think about the savior. Also try to laugh every day. Those are two very important things.



Love Elder Hardy

May 26, 2010

So I got a call on Saturday from President Dewsnup, he told me that me and Elder Kowallis were going to Ceiba, just a town over, to form a threesome with Elder Seuvaái. There was an emergency transfer and his companion went to Salinas (Another City). Elder Seuvaái (Say-oo-va I) is way cool. He is from our group too. He is from American Samoa. I am way happy and excited. It is really fun being in a three some, especially since we are already friends. We work in Ceiba and Fajardo. Ceiba is a small, small town, and they go to the Fajardo Chapel. The reason we moved there is the apartment is bigger, A LOT BIGGER! It is the coolest apartment I have had so far.
Jose and Ivelisse went to church, they are way cool.

May 19, 2010

I am doing really good. I love Fajardo already. It is a cool town, a lot bigger than Rio Grande (Population wise). The city has a bunch of cool statues and water fountains. It is just a pretty town. Elder Kowallis is really nice. he is from my group, he is 6ft 5in and 240 pounds. I dont think too many people are going to mess with us. I did know about the water that glows. it isnt far from my apartment. Speaking of our apartment, it is really nice. They spoil the sisters. We have a real water heater, we ahve a dryer in our apartment complex, and we have air conditioning.
The branch is really strong here, there are usually 70 to 80 members in church, a lot of priesthood, and a lot of people who love the missionaries. This is my first area where they have made a list to feed the missionaries. The priesthood is also really excited to come out with us, because there were sisters here before,a nd they mostly used the reliefs society.
Last week we taught a really cool lady named Nexida (Blue). She found a pamphlet in her apartment because a member used to live there and had interest. She asks a lot of really good questions, and is really interested. She came to church the week before we got here without talking to missionaries. Her neighbor is a member and talked to her and told her where the church was at. She also came this past week with us. She has two twin girls that are 2 and CRAZY! They were too much for the primary and the teachers gave them to her, so she couldnt pay attention in gospel principles class, i wasnt happy about that. And during sacrament they ran around the whole time up on the stand. Blue was crying the whole time. But we are going to work something out this week.
We have two other investigators named Jose and Ivelisse. They have been taught everything and are just waiting for some papers so they can get married and baptized. This is the first time i have walked into a baptism. Feels great.
It has been a little stressful whitewashing, just not knowing where all the members live, but not too bad. Some members have gone out with us and shown us around.
Well everything is safe with me. I am loving Fajardo. Stay safe now.

Love Elder Hardy

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

May 11, 2010

It was great talking to you guys the other day. I really enjoyed it. Haha, mom, you are really trunky huh? Well have patience, be the one to wait 15 mintues for the marshmallow. Well president surprised us all, Im going to Fajardo. They are combining Rio Grande with another area. I am going to miss the district (Missionaries) but I hear that Fajardo is sweet. So I am excited. I will be white washing with Elder Kowalis, he is from my group, really nice Elder.
I am going to miss Elder Galindo, we are good friends. He is excited to go home though, especially to teach and baptize his family. He is the only member in his family. I really liked that story you sent me. I especially like how you can a decision on life, or react to it, something to that effect. You always taught me that. I would get mad and yell or do something wrong, and my excuse was that I was mad, but you never let me use that excuse. it taught me to control my temper.

May 5, 2010

So it has been a good week. Last night we taught a really cool guy named Vicente. He is a very animated guy who talks a lot. He lived in New York most of his life, and was always in a church, but always left for another one because he knew it wasnt the true Church. he told us he isnt looking for faith in Christ, he already has a strong testimony in him, He is looking for the Church of Christ. Way cool guy. He has a date for the 29 of May.

April 28, 2010

Hello,
I am doing pretty good. Nothing better than the mission. Today we are going to go check out a waterfall in Luquillo. I dont know how it will be but it should be fun. Well my appointment was today with the dentist, but they didnt accept my insurance card, so i am going in next week. The mission is going to pay for it, and then try and have the insurance company pay them back. Michelle couldnt go to church because she was wroking last week, but she is still progressing strong. Yamilis is her 7 year old daughter. Yamilis and stefani and really funny and quite. That is awesome that Jeff is going to the Dominican Republic. Dominicans are so awesome. He is going to baptize a lot too. The only downfall is that the DR is kind of Ghetto and he is going to get sick. But I would serve a mission is the DR any day. It does take some patience with Nelson. He is old and timid. We have to really try hard to get him to talk. I cant remember if I told you last week but he is afraid of cold water. He is really old and hates to get cold. So one option is that we could try to throw boiling water in the faunt, or go to the beach. You know which one I am rooting for.

April 7, 2010

So I made the account, but it wouldnt let me sign in. But thank you for sending me the number, I am sure I will be able to get on next week. But just send it to this email again next week. And I think I will be getting the card today, because it is SUPER PDAY! That is where all the missionaries in Puerto Rico get together and we play sports all day, then President fires up the grill and cooks burgers, I am pretty excited. but I should be getting the mail from the office.
That is too bad that Jake broke his arm. Crazy kid. That picture is pretty cool though, he is going to want to hang on to that. I hope he is doing ok, tell him to not use his arm, and let it heal. that is the hardest part of getting hurt, not being able to do anything, and being forced to chill.
I Loved conference. Elder Uchtdorfs talk on patience was one of my favorites too. I can always be more patient. I also loved his talk on how we need to be the hands of Christ. It is great symbolism and is so true. The majority of the time God blesses other through us. And it is amazing to recognize that God is using us to bless others and be apart of that. I cant tell you how many times I have heard people call us angels because of some way God was able to us us to bless them. it is a good feeling.I will write a letter with more stuff I learned from conference.
WOW! I cant believe Nick is getting married. So many of my friends have gotten married, I feel so old now. Well Easter in Puerto Rico is sweet, I love it here. Because it is not really the easter we know, it is more centered on Christ. They start celebrating on thursday till sunday. it is called the Holy week (Semana Santa) and all the church's are jammed pack those days. I didnt see anyone with candy eggs of anything, But they dont eat any meat on Friday, which comes from the Catholic church, they eat fish. but everyone does it out of tradition. We ate a lot of fish of fish on friday. WAY TOO MUCH! We were stuffed and starting to feel a little sick. They also eat this really good soup with it and arepas. Easter is not so commercialized here, it is nice, i can actaully focus on Christ for a holiday.
That is nice that Lesty and her kids went to visit you. I was thinking about them the other day, they really are a nice family. I was thinking that I need to stop by their house when i get back and spend some time with them, a long with the rest of our family in California.
Well I hope i dont get too sunburnt today like last year. I dont think so because I got a nice tan going right now. But i hope jake lets his arm heal, and that you guys are all safe and doing well.

March 30, 2010

Hey,
Me safe, we went to El Yunque today. It was beautiful! Very green as you can imagine. A lot of really cool trees and beautiful waterfalls. I am trying to be able to just enjoy nature as it is, and not have to do anything but look at it, but it is still very hard for me. I just want to swim in the waterfalls and rivers, and launch of the rope swing. But there is always after the mission. For now i just need to learn how to enjoy nature by looking at it.
Well me and Elder Galindo are staying together again, but this is the last, because next transfer Elder Galindo goes home. Bummer.
The saying means, "You are cool."
That is good to hear you had a good ward party. Family events are always sweet. Today I was thinking about our family, because there was so many tourists with their families, just doing what families do. And it made me think of all our family trips together. They were always so fun. Alright well you take care now.

March 23, 2010

Dear Family,
As usually everything is good. We had our investigator Michelle and her two young daughters in church. Dont know if I told you about michelle, but she is a reference from a member in Fajardo. The member was always talking to Michelles about the Church, and Michelle agreed to have us come over. She read a lot the first time we gave her the Book of Mormon. We gave her 2 nephi 31 to read. She read it, and also the introduction and witnesses, and also did some study on Baptisms for the dead and infant bapstisms, because the member talked about that. She loves the Book of Mormon, and says that she understands baptisms for the dead, and said that she feels bad that she baptized her daughter when they were babies. We reassured her that God isnt going to find fault in her for something she didnt know. She loved Church and said that she wants to come every week.
I got the CD, thank you som much, it is sweet! Haha, I am not going to lie, when I first saw it I thought it was a joke, some 14 year old girl with braces, but I love the songs, they are really good, especially in Spanish. I dont know if I am bias now, but I like listening to songs in Spanish more than English, they have more power to me.
Haha, that is really funny that you cant make it on your own dad. I was in the same boat when I started the mission. I had no idea, I made macaroni and cheese for the first month. Now I have an idea, and I make some pretty good rice.
I know what you mean about hiring people to do work, I learned that the other week. We tried to put in a door for a bedroom for one of our investigators, but we learned really quickly that it was a lot more work than we could handle. The frame and door had to be measured and cut to fit. We had to shave the door, and do all this work to get it to fit. We ended up having to drop it, because I was afraid we would screw up the door, we would have had to drill a hole in the door to put the door knob. Hiring people is the way to go.
Last week was really fun. It was really close to the beach where we were at, so we had a nice ocean breeze coming off, pushing us in our hammocks. I will have to take you guys there, it is a little hike in, so nobody is there. There are also some really good waves to surf, we would have the beach all to ourselves. We didnt bring any water with us, so we had to crack open coconuts caveman style on some rocks to get the water. It was a really fun day.
Hey I need a couple of things, I need you to send a medical insurance card. I have a couple of cavities I need to get taken care of. You can send it to the office, and I will get it in a week at transfers.Well off to El Morro and a fun day in Viejo San Juan, I am pretty excited. Have a great week, and take care. One Love.



Love Elder Hardy

March 17, 2010

Buenos Dias,
It sounds like a lot of fun back home. I cant believe Jake painted the house. That kid knows better. Well I hope the paint comes out. Mom it sounds like you are doing a lot of traveling huh? That is fun. Hey do we get to fly for free as a family from nate, or we just get buddy passes. That would be sweet to just go and visit some of my converts over the weekend every now and then.
Yeah, I kind of just assumed that the saliva of Iguanas was nasty, but dont worry I am a trained professional when it comes to Iguanas. I just got to get me a machette here to kill them. I left my machettes with Elder Ralston before I went to Antigua. I did not know there were Boas here. That is good to know. But Boas dont really have poison do they? Either way I am not going to try and catch them, snakes dont interest me too much.
That is way cool that Nick is your home teacher. He is such a stud. That is way special that you get to see his new and bright tesimony. New members always have really awesome testimonies.
This week we are going to hike to a really beautiful spot in Luquillo. We are going to bring our hammocks and just kick it. Everyone says that it is super pretty, so I hope to get some nice pics. yes I do need to send my memory card. I have almost 400 picks that you havent seen. Some real nice ones too. But I want to wait after El yunque. Which wont be this week, or the next week (we are going to old San Juan, which has the cool castle), but the week after that. I actaully have a bunch of stuff to send you that I dont want to lug around. I picked up some cool stuff in Antigua.
Teaching is still slow. One of our strong investigators called us and told us that her husband doesnt want us to pass by anymore. It is always really hard. Especially when she erally wants to learn and come to church. But she said that she is going to let him cool down, and try and talk to him. So we are trying to do a lot of finding right now. What we mostly do for finding is first we have a list of scriptures in the book of Mormon. Starting from the Introduction and then it will say at the bottom of the page where the next marked scriptures is. It goes all the way through the Book of Mormon, hitting all the really important scriptures. We give the list to the members to mark, and then invite them to think about someone to give it to. We have gotten some good investigators through that. I need to send you guys the list. We also work in the area book, we search all the old investigators and then contact their neighbors after.
We had Zone conference yesterday, president Dewsnup is amazing. I love learning from him. He shared soemthing really cool about obedience. How Christ said that in the days of his second coming it would be like how it was in the days of Noah. Then we read how it was in the days of Noah. The righteous people willfully left the sons of God who hearkened (listened and Obeyed) and wen to the sons of man who didnt hearken. And how as missionaries we know exactly what we should be doing, but we choose not to hearken, and follow the sons of man. It hit really hard to me. I have never been that person that has been Anal. For example how at stake conference we shouldnt meet in groups of missionaries and talk, but we should talk to the members. Now I am going to be that annoying missionary who tries to brake up the group.
Well I love you all, got to get going. But thank you for the recipe, and I hope you guys have a nice relaxing week.


Love Elder Hardy

March 10, 2010

Another good week. Nothing too big, but nothing bad. We had an investigator named luis in church. He has been taught for a long time and wants to get baptized, but he has a trial to get taken care of. Someone accused him of doing something, so we have to wait till after the trial to see if he can get baptized. I did get you package, thank you so much! I wasnt greedy and shared with the district. We all loved them. And the tie is really nice, I love it. You guys really know how to pick ties.
That sounds good that Daniel wants to be independent and work, and also that he chose to try and have good roommates. That is too bad about lance, I hope everything woorks out and that he is ok, he will be in my prayers.
We were going to El Yunque today, but it has rained a lot here, so it is closed. It rained for 3 straight days. It is hard to work when it is raining. But at least we have a car, that is a huge blessing. So we are going next week to El Yunque. Last week we played a little basketball as a district at the church in Luquillo. Haha, and I caught a HUGE Iguana. It was sweet. I have a video and everything of catching it. I thought about eating it, but it looked pretty old and kind of gross. People in Antigua told me that Iguana meat is awesome. So the next one I catch I will definitely kill it and eat it. There are a lot of iguanas here. You dont see a lot of dead road kill like dogs or cats, but mostly iguanas, kind of cool.
Oh, I need a favor, can you send me your favorite cake recipe. We met this lady who makes cake for a living,a nd she wants a mexican recipe from Elder Galindo, and whatever us Americans make. She made us so much food the other day. At the end I almost threw up. But she also showed us how to make some really good carrot cake cinnamon roll things. I will send you the recipe. You should see the cakes she makes, she showed us some pictures and they are unreal! I have never seen cakes like them before. My favorite was this huge dragon. It didnt even look like a cake, but some kind of toy. And the cakes actaully taste good too. Every monday we are going to pass by and she is going to teach us how to make a cake. I cant remember what next week is, but the week after is cheesecake, I love cheesecake.
She is really cool, here mom is a member, she is married, here son ahs downsyndrome. So we are going to work with here.
Well thanks again for the package, you guys are awesome.


Love Elder Hardy

March 3, 2010

Hey,
Another good week in Rio Grande. The members are really nice, we have been feed a lot here. More than any other area I have been in. Hey, I forgot to tell you about when I first got to Puerto Rico from Antigua. So I flew over (All by myself, it is really scary) and I got to the airport and waited out on the curb for the moving elders to come get me. 3o inutes passed, 1 hour passed, so I figured they werent coming. So I decided to take a taxi to the guaynabo chapel where they hold transfer meetings ever tranfer. When I went to get into the taxi, I realized I didnt have my scriptures, which had my money in them. So then I had to go back into the airport and look for someone to help me. Finally I talked with a lady and she called some people and found out that my scriptures were still on the airplane. So then I had to wait an hour for them to get through customs and security and all that. I had to sit there, by myself with out a phone or a number to call for help (The next time I travel I am going to bring a number to call) When I finally got my scriptures I walked out of customs and I saw three missionaries standing there asking if anyone had seen a missionary walking around. So it all worked out, they finally remembered me. Sometimes things are a little crazy in the mission.
When I fisrt started driving it was a little crazy too. Sometimes I would be driving in a neighborhood and be driving on the left side of the road (Because thats where they drive in Antigua) and then a car will come down the road and I would have to get back to the right. But dont worry that has already passed, I am good now.
I have heard a little bit about Jorge Alvarado. He is from Puerto Rico, and I heard that he is nice. That is it.
That is fine if you want to go in the summer. No worries. The islands are still going to be here, they arent going anywhere.
Well got to get going, but I love you very much. Stay classy.



Love Elder Hardy

Sunday, March 7, 2010

February 24, 2010


This is in Antigua, looking out from an old Army Fort, I love this picture

February 23, 2010

Dear Family,
Well I am doing good here in Rio Grande. I really like my new comp Elder Galindo. He was in my district in Arroyo, and we are already good buddys. It is going to be a really fun transfer. The work is going good here. We have a few investigators with dates. But those dates arent really set, more just like goals. The people still have a lot to learn, and still have to gain testimonies. We had three in church last week. One is Melisa, who is really cool, and really ahs a desire to learn. She asks somereally good questions. Abigail and Katy also came to church. They dont really know too much about the scriptures, but want to start. Katy is Abigails daughter, and she is 15.
The Members are really nice here. We have been feed some really good food already. The Branch is a little older here, but they are willing to help the work.
Yes Rio Grande has a bunch of resorts and golf courses. I heard Coco Beach is really nice. It is owned by Donald Trump, so you know its good. I am really excited to go to El Yunque. It is the biggest mountain in Puerto Rico, and it is in our area. I have seen pictures, it is beautiful, with a lot of water falls and rivers. A lot of people go there to hike the trails and swim.
Of course I miss getting a package here and there from you. I finally got that Christmas package from you and the ward with the tree and ornaments. I really enjoyed all the ornaments and what everyone had to say. Those ties are also SWEET! Well done, I like them a lot.
I do need something, I need another white tie for baptisms. I do have an address that you can send me letters and packages to:

Alturas de Rio Grande
Calle 1 # A36 apt 4
Rio Grande, PR 00745

I do miss Antigua, it was a really special area. But I did get to enjoy it for a while, so I cant complain. My Spanish is too horrible. It is better than I thought it would be, but that isnt saying much.



Love Elder Hardy

February 16, 2010

Well it is official, my time is up in Antigua. I am pretty bummed about it. I really love the members here, and we have some pretty solid investigators we are teaching right now. I will also miss the people here, they are so friendly and willing to talk to us. Maybe not about the church for too long, but you can just go up to anyone and start talking to them and within 5 minutes it is like you have been best friends for years. I will be serving in Puerto Rico again, in a town called Rio Grande. I heard that it is a lot of country, so that will be good. The people in the country are so much nicer than in the city. And I am excited about my companion, Elder Galindo. he is from Mexico. We were in the same district when I was in Arroyo. He is a very nice guy, and pretty funny. Doesn't speak a lick of English, so I will be getting back into Spanish pretty fast.
I will also miss Elder Bailey. He is really nice and funny. He is a little shy, but I feel I was able to help him a lot with that. Last night we taught two investigators over at a members house, and that member invited a bunch of other members. There was 12 of us there, and Elder Bailey was not timid at all. He probably talked more than me.
It was a really long lesson, since all the members wanted to share their testimonies and conversion stories. the spirit was really strong there. And then after the lesson we had some really good Roti and chicken Curry. Wow, that is some food I am going to miss bad boy. Then we took some pictures, haha, we got home WAY TOO late.
I have been getting spoiled as late, we got fed huge meals last week. One of them was a member surprise birthday party. It was really good, the Tiwaris always invite the missionaries to their birthday parties so we can talk to their friends about the Gospel. And the food was amazing! Sister Tiwari made a huge feast. Fried Chicken, Chicken wings, potato salad, Goat Curry and Roti. There was way too much food. That was the first time I have had Goat. It was actually really good. It is like roast beef with bones. The only problem was that it made me feel kind of sick, I just kept burping, and the burps tasted really nasty. I ate so much food that night, it was probably the most I have ever eaten, I wasnt even hungry the next morning, didnt even think about eating breakfast.
Well I love you all very much, I will probably be finishing out my mission in Puerto Rico now, it is good, I was just hoping for one more transfer here.


Love Elder Hardy

February 3, 2010

Hello,
I am doing very well. The work is starting to pick up again. We still have those investigators that I told you about before. It is definitely interesting teaching people who arent of Christian Backround. But it is a good experience. Yes Mom I am learning how to cook some of the food from out here. I made some really good bakes, or Johnny cakes, the other day. Those are really easy to make, and I love them.
Zone conference was fun. We learned about the Apostasy from president Dewsnup. He also told us that our mission is not going to exist as of July 1st. That is when he ends the mission, and also President Martineu of the west mission, so they are just calling one president and combining the missions. We are losing Barbados, and the west mission is losing the ABC islands. But both of our missions are going to double in missionary size. I am excited about it. I can finally see the other side of Puerto Rico. That is where are the good surf is, So I am very excited, RINCON! It will just be called the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission. It just doesnt make sense having a mission with only 70 missionaries in it.
Sue and Neso are actaully being welcomed very nicely. At first it was a little shaky, but I guess they are making friends and everyone is being more friendly. Teenage girls are funny.
Haha, Jake is the best. That means a lot to me that he prays for me. He is such a stud. "E a Bad Noah!" as they would say here.
Well I love you all, stay safe. We taught a member missionary class last night, trying to help the members be better missionaries. We focused on ways to invite people to church or family night. That is something easy that any member can do. If we really have a testimony of the church, and truly understand what that means, then we should be going crazy trying to help out our families and friends to receive these blessings. I know something that you guys can do for sure, talk to your neighbors! I know I dont know their names, and they have lived there for a long time. So invite them over for dinner, brake that wall down! invite them over for Family night. it all starts with becoming friends.


Elder hardy

January 23, 2010

Good day,
The baptism went great on Sunday. It was raining all day, but we didnt care. Haha, the waves were a good size and it was pretty funny with those young girls screaming for their lives. I swithced into rescue mode and saved them. A member, Carlos DeFreitas, baptized Sue first, and she had the hardest time getting back into shore. She was tossed all over the beach, so I had to help her in, she was clenching on to me for dear life. When we made it to dry ground I yelled, "Run, run, run, here comes another one." And in a panic of trying to run she fell over again. It was extremely funny. Then Neso came out and I baptized her. She kept popping her foot, so it was on the lucky 3rd time that she kept her foot down. Haha, then we all battled the waves out there for a while. I have some great pictures.
We have actually been having a drought here. Sunday was the last time it has rained in a long while. They are turning the water off every day.
I actually eat amazing waffles at my favorite Ice cream shop, Australian. They make really good waffles, and combined with the worlds best ice cream, its amazing.


Love Elder Hardy

January 17, 2010

Yes-I Yes-I,
Haha, those are just greetings people yell to eachother, or you can just say yes with an I at the end of it, like Do you like Roti? then you could answer Yes-I. Well It has been a good week. We are just preparing Sue and Neso for this sunday. We are going to do it after church. So i am very excited for that.
Elder Bailey is really nice. I really like him a lot. He is from Boise Idaho. He got in last wednesday, and yes i am trying to show him around. Especially since there is a good chance i could leave next transfer.
I havent heard anything about a tsunami, but im sure the normans will let us know. And yes we have a Cell phone.
Wow, so the Wardrops moved in huh? That cool. Yeah the twins are pretty cool kids. Thats good you got to talk to Kyley, good that she sounds good.
That is awesome that Daniel is so willing to read the scriptures. It sounds like he is doing very well, I am so happy for him. Yes reading the scriptures is one of the most important things to do.
Well i am getting kicked off, but I love you all very much. keep the Lord in your thoughts.

January 5, 2010

Hey!
Well I am staying in antigua, and Elder Harvey is going back to Puerto Rico tomorrow. Bummer, I really like Elder Harvey, we really get along, and we teach very well together. My new Comp will be Elder Bailey. When i was trainging elder ralston we had to go to new missionary meeting every other week, and elder bailey was a greenie then, so i seen him before, not never really talked to him. We will see how he is, i am optomistic. I am super happy that i get to be here for Sue and Niso's baptism, that will be awesome. they are ready for it, we just have a few commandments left to teach them.
Last week we played 4 hours straight of Cricket. I really like the sport, we will have to get a set when I get back. I will teach you all how to play. I picked it up pretty easy just from playing baseball. It is a little akward at first, but i got to be pretty good. I was voted the best bowler of the day. We got pretty burned though, we played from 10:30 till 2:30. And there are a lot of places that never see sun till we wear normal cloths. Like my legs and my neck. But i only pealed a little bit. It was super funny, haha, we went over and taught Sue and Niso that night, And I was pretty pink, but Elder Harvey was SUPER red. So they just kept staying at us with amazed looks on there faces. They havent seen too many white people in real life, so it was amazing to see us so red.
Well that is about it, I will get my new companion tomorrow night, so i will be kickin it with the Normans all day. Stay classy, dont get lazy on your personal studies. Hey is Allison and the kids going to church every week. One Love, Yes'I, Guidance, Respect, Yes"I, Cool'I, Yes'I, Cool Runnings, Rastafar'I, Yes'I. Haha not an uncommon greeting sequence.