No Visa and New Companions! Email from Isabella

hola familia. i hope that everyone is well and in health. i only have 24 min to write so i write to everyone. sorry it cant be more personal. but thats whats required of me so thats what i do the rules here at the mtc was written by the apostles so i know its what the lord wants us here to go by. So this week has been a bit crazy and fun. i had a bit of a blow up with my companion dont worry it was an internal one and one that led me to much prayer and fasting and repenting and once i came to my heavenly father in prayer it was resolved. and i can honestly say that i miss the two of them now that they are in sunny florida. i on the other hand have been delayed because i dont have a visa yet well actually boliva right now is not granting visas because its in political turmoil. and my branch president told me that they might reassign me to st george in the meantime or that they might beputting me for good somewhere else. im not going to lie when they gave me my travel plan and i held it in my hands i was so excited. and it turns out that they just do that weather people have visas or not. and when i was told on saturday that i didnt have it and would just have to hang tight i cried. i really wanted to go to the land of the little people with sweet round faces and tiny hats. then i stopped and thought okay didnt you just learn this there is no point in murmuring or being sad everything happens for a reason. meeting your husband before you serve, getting companions that are very different from you. and having your visa delayed everything happens like the lord wants it to and he wants it the way that he does because its whats best for you. i am now okay with hanging tight like the president asked. and once i know i will be able to call all of you again so please answer the phone. the only thing thats a bit sad is that all my beloved district has left and now i dont know what my schedule should be i am a "solo sister" but see even thats not sad because the field is white already to harvest and they are out there now thrusting their sickle so yay! i hope that i go sometime soon too. also the sisters that i room with are so much more like me its awesome they are the calm after the storm they are super sweet and considerate. and one of them is even in the same boat as i am in kinda her comprometido is serving right now just as she is. they are very mindful of my needs and they pray for me its the best. On saturday i had the most interesting experience every week we need to write a talk for sunday and they randomly ask for an elder or sister to come up and speak. well for personal study i thought i should write that talk. the topic is a christ like attribute so i sat there for a second and into my head clear as can be i think obedience. so i thought i should see if that attribute is one of the ones i can choose from and then i thought how dumb you were just impressed to do it so DO IT so i open my scripturtes and it opens right up to 2 nephi 31 or 33: 7 where it talks about the savior not having to be baptized but doing it anyway to show his father love and humility and to be an example to us his younger bothers and sisters. then i thought you will be called to talk about this tomorrow. i got a bit of a stomach turn then i thought the lord asked me so he will put the words in my mouth. so that made me feel better right after my eyes just happened to glide to the next page where verse 13 where it talks about if you are humble and obedient having faith in christ then you would be granted a tongue of angels. then after i read it i felt "that's all" when i thought that i reread the versus and then i put the scriptures away and then on sunday going in i thought to myself Lord help me with what you want me to say. they called me to the stand and when i got up there i spoke about being obedient not just to avoid judgment from others or to simply follow the rules but to be like jesus humble meek willing to submit to the will of the father just to show love and respect and then as missionaries we too would be granted the tongue of angels that we can baptize many. it was great i felt to guided so inspired to humbled. well i have to go


les amo mucho

H. Florido

Ps chris would like us to pray so that we can use the language better with help of the father and son we think he will.

"Obra, Obra, Obra" email from Christopher

Hola padres!

How are you? I miss you. I'm sorry for not sending acutal letters during
the week. I get so busy here, and I only have time to write emails for
a half an hour, and a couple of hours to do laundry and write physical
letters to everyone. Which is honsetly a cop out but I try. I'm going to
try harder and remember everyone today. All I do is work, work work.

Obra, obra, obra.

His "work" is truly work. And mom, I want you to know how happy your
letter made me that you're praying. You need to learn to rely on the Lord
because you need him, because we all NEED him. The more you rely
on him in all things, like you experience with your workshop, the stronger
you will always be in all things. I've found this to be true here, especially.
I can't learn the language superfast, just at the Lord's pace. But if I first,
remember God, remember he made me and made this happen for me,
I ask him for help with the language, and then I have very spiritual experiences
of growth in Spanish. The other day I was teaching for the first time in
Spanish. My companion doesn't speak much right now, so I taught most of
the lesson (include him in your prayers, please). I was teaching most of the
lesson as naturally as possible in a role play, and when I began to bear my
testimony as we were running short on time, all of the sudden I had more
words from vocabulary that I've studied than ever before, and I could freely
speak spanish, which felt like the first time.

Also, padre;

Gracis for sus obras y su emosionado sobre de libro de mormon. estoy
apreniendo espanol muy rapido a veces, and y a veces yo creo que no
estoy aprendiendo nada. jaja. Te amo. Te extrano. Recuerdas a cuidar
a su salud. Come mucho cacao! y cocos y mushroomitos y mucho mas
salados. Don't submit to eating junk. Please. Please, Please. Por favor.
Para mi. Tu puedes cambiar todos cosas! Yo se, yo se! Tiene fe en
su dios cada dia. Como estan los peros? Como estan Saide Mae?
El otro dia, yo fui mirando a algunos fotos de peros, y les extrano mucho.
Pero, yo ecribire mas en papel.

Padres!

Yo necesito cacao! Haha. Chiste, chiste. Pero... Yo quiero mas pejates(packages, no se)
I would also like... a hug. Oh! Yo recorde algo. Voy a salir en cuatro lunes! Whoa!
I can call you on the 27th when I leave at the airport, but I don't know my leave time exactly.
Which I'll write more when I get my plans. So plan on that.

I miss Isabel a lot. And sometimes it's really hard to not be with her and have a real
conversation with her. Sometimes I worry that things aren't going to work. Sometimes
I get seriously scared. I know she loves me and I her. But I just realized how much
we've probably, already changed and it's a little breath taking. I think that I'm going
to be a lot different. But the lord will quickeneth all who thrust their sickle in his field.
I pray and hope that the love is the same, and we're just better people.

Also! I got another letter from the assistant of our MP. I think that we might acutally
be living/serviing in tegucigalpa. I've seen a couple of fotos around here of Honduras.
And no quedo esperar much mas a salir a Honduras! Whoo!!! Hasta luego, en serio, MTC.

I'll write more of my experiences on paper so you know a little more about the last
few weeks. I've only got about 2:25 left on this thing. Hold on.
Please write letters. I haven't got a letter in forever and they mean so much.
And treats mean so much. Right now I'm super thirsty. I don't need them and if you
can't you can't and I just want to hear from you at least once a week.

I know that God lives. That he's here. That the priesthood's real. The other day
we had a district meeting. OH!!! WAIT I totally forgot to mention that we got to
see Elder Jeffery Holland speak, which was wonderful. And Elder Uchdorf was
visisting here the other day. Anyway, back to what I was saying. Long story
short, we all bore testimony of our exp. with prayer. Bear your testimonies every
chance you get for your sakes and others.

I love you so much! Te amo Ciao!


Note:  I wish Chris could read this blog right now and know his Isabel is feeling much the same way.  My heart aches and celebrates with them both.  Please pray for them...that they will find peace and comfort and understanding that Love can travel a great distance and when put in the Lord's hands is eternal.  It has been a hard day for this Mom.  The first "LONG" day at school and yet my mind never leaves my children, my missionaries.  I cry when I don't hear from them, I cry when I do hear from them, and today I just so very much miss them!!!  Oh and yes this boy has his parents tied around that little finger of his as always....the package of goodies is on its way Son!!!

More letters, the First Pictures, and a Phone Call from Isabel!

We received the two emails I posted earlier on Monday and Tuesday.  On Thursday we received this letter and two pictures from Isabel.

Hello,
Janice thanks for writing.  I know that I need to love.  You would be proud of me for all the loving I am doing, but since pride is a sin I'll just be content.  I remember all the council I got on the night I was set apart about loving & companionships.  I thought wow this is a giant sign on the road from God if I have ever seen one & all the words have helped me.  It doesn't mean I don't murmur.  I try not to and if I do I try to repent so I can have the comforter again & I pray all the time here and it works.  The other week I was trying to get a letter to Chris & the guy that runs the mailroom said I'm sorry I can't mail anything for you to the opposite sex.  My heart sank.  What he's my friend?  What are you saying sex for here at the MTC anyway!!!  & I had been waiting all week for Pday just to write to Chris so I started to feel my eyes water.  I immediately prayed.  I said Lord I have been waiting to check in with my love & buddy all this week.  What do I do?  I want to follow the rules & so I thought out loud in front of my comps, who haven't ever dated anyone seriously and who have been in college gefore the MTC so they don't understand homesickness & said they won't mail this for me to Chris.  What do I do? And one looked annoyed & said well its only 3 weeks you might just have to not write while you are here and threw her hands up.  The other sister said well I'd give it to him at lunch & then I said byt that breaks rules & she rolled her eyes.  I felt so alone.  At that moment I prayed to contain my tears & the Lord did this...instead he sent me three sisters who were in the mailroom to surround me & ask me about my boyfriend & to praise us both for serving him & they gave me hugs which I so sorely needed & my compas wouln't give & they gave me words of encouragement & mostly they gave me love and understanding.  Then I prayed in thankfulness to my Savior, Father, & Comforter.  They knew what I needed & all I had to do was Pray.  Jan & Dave thanks for your love & support.    <3 Isabel

On the front of the card was this picture....

On the back of her letter was this picture...

They look wonderful and it was so fun to see them there....doing what they do.

We received another letter from Isabel on Friday.  She needed a few more things in the way of some clothes, her Hep A shot, pictures and things and needed some help getting them.  She got to go shopping on Friday for 3 suit jackets to go with her skirts.  She teased that maybe we all could meet there.  She had received travel plans to go straight to Boliva and was to leave early Tuesday Morning, August 31st.  Dave and I were scrambling to get a package to her with what she needed and a couple of surprises....

we actually made it I think!

Then just before I left work on Friday I received a phone call on my cell....again I was startled to hear our Isabel's voice.  She sounded wonderful and said it was so good to hear my voice.  I can tell she is struggling with being homesick and away from everyone and everything.  She told me that her Visa for Bolivia has been delayed.  She is waiting for Salt Lake to reassign her until the Visa comes through for her.  She said she was a little sad about it...so everyone pray for her that her Visa comes quickly.  She told me was going to call her family as well.  She also told me that she will be able to call again when she knows where she is being assigned.  She told me that some Elders had been reassigned to Seattle and Mexico.  She also said that she is the only sister there going to Bolivia right now, so she suspects that a lot of her companions will be from Central and South America as well.  So as soon as we know what is happening...we will let you all know.

Also below is an updated address for Christopher:

Elder David Christopher Hill

MTC Mailbox 234

Hon-Com 0927

2005 North 900 East

Provo, Utah 84604

Pray for both of them...to learn, to have patience, to overcome the homesickness, to learn the language, to recognize the Spirit, and for their Visas to come so they can go where the Lord needs them!

Isabel's 2nd Email "Experiences and Travel Plans!"

Hola amigos, mas que eso mi familia. another prep day another week and tonight we have a devotional i cross my fingers its Elder Erying or Holland. Also i leave from the Mtc aug 31 st at 8:25 and i am not sure where i am going b/c i dont recognize the airport so google it for me and let me know. but i am going from slc to dallas to miami then to viru viru international on sep 1st. I am in the laundry room right now trying to email you i only have 19 min left. i dont know why chris isnt writting as often sorry. i will ask him and see why today he said that he had written you. this friday i go out to the university mall in provo to buy two suit jackets and i wont say when b/c i wouldnt want to see any of you there even though i would love to see all of you there. I have 3 teachers Garcia from Chile, Johnson Americano, Blazzard Americano. they are the best i learn so much from them. i have also rc time where i contact people over the phone and confirm that they have recieved what they ordered from the church visiting centers i have a 74 year old who wants to learn more about the book of mormon and a 34 year old female that wanted to get off the phone with me but i made her realize that as busy as we all are we can spare 30 mins with the missionaries to learn more of her creator. luckly everyone that i have spoken to believes in God. thats reassuring. i also had a gentlemen who denied himself on the phone and i politely said its okay that you are not Jesus, because you are still a child of God here trying to find his way back home and the message of Christ is for everyone because he loves everyone, wouldnt you like to learn more about how you could come to feel his love? it worked we spoke for a while. and thats all i want. as a missionary thats all we want. we want all of Gods children to know that they are Gods children that they may exercise their free agency. making an informed decision. I always say that and hopefully this will lead to more people developing a relationship with their Savior. the only reason that i practice being bold is because its just that important its their salvation or misery and my shyness simply cant get in the way. after people have told me they are not interested i ask them to let me share the message of the restored gospel first before they tell me they are not interested (my boldness i thank to brother blazzard who served in DF Mexico)  after i do and they still tell me they are not interested i repeatedly thank them for letting me share something to dear to me and then tell them i respect them and love them. i try to be tactful that i learned from brother Johnson served in Washington spanish speaking sweetest most honest guy ever. and the being loving and respectful i learned from brother Garcia served in Uruguay. have learned many things here Jonathan your next at the MTC buddy and belive me its worth it the small uncomfortable stuff is bearable when you see what the lord wants from you. and really as Elder Holland said salvation is not a cheap experience. and we are not his disiples if we ask for the easy way. I love you all Mam y Papi, Mom, Dad and Brothers and Sister y pequnas los amo! Isabel

Chris shares his MTC experience....2nd Email!

Hola!

Como estas, madre?  Yo soy muy... busy.  No se como se dice busy en espanol.
Hoy estoy limpiando mi ropas y escribiando cartas a mi familia y mi amigos
mayoriamente familia.  La MTC es muy bien.  A veces es muy emosionado y
a veces no puedo a salir a Honduras.  En serio. Tengo amor para mi compañero
y estoy feliz. Algunos dias son muy intersante.  Yo veo Isabel cada dia cuando
nuestros comemos, el qual es dificil para mi.  Llevo a ser triste cuando nostros
no puedemos hablar uno al otro, pero esta bien.  Dos años es nada para nosotros.

Anyway!  My spanish is ok.  Thank you for your letters, your packages.  And again,
I apologize for not sending letters for almost two weeks.  Being here, I study ALL the
time.  ALL the time.  Todos veces.  All day I´m trying to do something meaningful,
which is usually studying or reading scriptures.  Lately I´ve been trying to compile
a study journal on different subjects related to the gospels, questions I have, questions
others might have, specific subjects that I´m interested in, and then making goals
based off of what I´ve learned via revelation.  One thing that makes scripture study
more enjoyable is a having a goal when studying the scriptures, instead of reading
just to read.  

Also, I feel so young here and yet so old.  Hanging out with my district is like having
coffee with a pack of wolfs in a locker room after a football game.  It's fun, but not
really my scene.  It's a flash back of high school and all of the things I never associated
with; however, I know that through Devine Revelation that I am in this district of boys
trying to become men.  In that very lesson we all need to learn, we are put together.
Sometimes I've taken to criticizing to much, and it's hard to know
when to put your foot down.  Luckily, whenever I've chastized them I've had the spirit
with me, and I'm never mean -- just correct.

I want you, mom and dad, to know that I feel blessed here in abundance.  I want you
to know that I'm safe.  I want you to know that it's really difficult to be here sometimes,
but everytime it is, and I remember God in some way -- even just praying, things get better.
Like on Sunday, I was blessed to have the spirit with me almost all day when the week
before was a bit of a trainwreck at time.

Yo se que Dios vive, que Jesucristo vive ahora.  Tengo un testimonio que Jose Smith
fue un profeta verdadero.  Yo se que el Libro de Mormon es una palabra de Dios.

This place is amazing because we're missionaries right now with gifts of discernment
and many blessing that can bless others' lives.  I've had some amazing experiences here
that have strengthened my testimony in the Atonement, chances to love people with
all of your heart.  And those times, you know that you want more for others than for yourself.
That the Atonement is real, and that we need it always in our lives.  And that as we
embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we'll become freer than ever before.

I'm glad Maddy got baptized, that's amazing.  I wonder when they all will return to the Gospel.
They would be so happy.  So happy.  God loves all of us so much.  We are His Children
and I've never felt the spirit so consistently in life.  I've been able to hear from two of the
presidents of the seventy, so far.  There's talk of the prophet coming in September, and 
I'm really excited for that.  Today, I got some travel info and my home address in Honduras.
Today, I'm also going to write my mission president, who's address I just received. 
I have a hard time not being able to talk to Isabel longer than a few minutes, and it breaks
my heart.  Sometimes it's hard not to cry or break down, but you just keep working
and the spirit comforts you.  God speaks to someone to bear their testimony to you in a 
language that you can't understand.  It's incredible.  And then you, who needed that
love through a testimony of God, know that God lives.

I'm sorry for not writing more.  I can only write once a week, and for e-mailing, I'm allowed
thirty minutes a day.  I love everyone for their prayers, their support, and for being my family.
Te amo mucho.  Con amor.

Also, as a request, if you could send more cacao, goji berries, pecans, pumpkin seeds,
coconut flakes, and.... mangos and avocados and apple cider vinegar and... medicinal
mushrooms.  That'd be cool!  I don't need it.  I just enjoy.  Um.

I love you all so much.  Write me.  It's always wondeful to hear from you.
I love you, mom.  I love you, dad.  Thank you for your sacrifices.  Really. <3
-Elder Hill 

Note: Dave promises to translate the Spanish in the comments! I wonder if I will ever receive a letter in which I am not reduced to a rubble of tears! I love this boy! I hear the excitement and love in his voice...also the challenges he faces. Please pray for them and write them! Con amor .... Until the next letter!

Letters from Jared!

As most of you know who read this, Christopher has a brother Jared.  Well yesterday when we visited with Jared we took him to the MTC so  he could see at least where Chris and Isabel currently are.  Most of you know that Jared has multiple disabilities and all of this is a little bit of a challenge for him to understand.  After we ate yesterday to pass some time, I pulled out a notebook and told Jared that we needed him to write letters to Chris and Isabel.  There are times when Jared's simple and yet scattered outlook on life has to make you smile!  I could not resist putting these letters in the blog.  I also can't wait to here responses from Chris and Isabel.  Almost every trip this past year and a half down to see Jared, Chris and Isabel came with us.  The first thing Jared asked yesterday....where's Chrissy Bear?  So here are the letters Jared wrote:

Dear Chrissy Bear,

He's so nice to you.  He loves you!
Dad has a weed whacker.
I like Barney.
I want to watch a movie.  I like movies too.
Where's Kevin?  Is he going to mow his lawn?
Write me a letter back on Monday.
I love you!  We'll see you in a minute.
Love,
Jared Hill

Isabella,

I like Saddles the old goat.  He's got big old horns.
I love you very much.
We've got to find the truck.
I want to see the trimmer.
I want to go on a mission.  Not right now, on Monday.
Flip it!
Write me a letter next week.
Love,
Jared Hill

Are you smiling yet?  These are so Jared and how he thinks!!!

Another letter to Jonathon from Isabel! (She loves these brothers of hers!)

"Hey Man Hows It Going?How Is The Highschool Thing Online Going? Have You Talked To Crystal Yet? Have You Hung Out? It's Crazy Here Its Not Your Time Its The Lords & There Will Be No Slacking!! & The Trio Companionship Is A Bit Of A Drag But I Guess Im Learning Always... Hopefully! I Have See Chris... Sorry Elder Hill At Lunch & At Dinner And We Chat Like Mailman & Neighbor To Its Awkward Having Said That I Would Also Like To Say That I Have Never Felt This Close To My Creater I Feel Like Him When I Pray I Feel Like Him When I Home Sick Of Chris... Elder Hill. I Wish You Were Here To See What I See. Young People With Huge Testimonies & Faith That Some Profets In The Old Testiment Didnt Ever Have It Crazy Please Read The Book Of Mormon Please Pray To Know If Its Right & Then Please Pass It Along. How Is Mechas? No Puppies Please Not Untill I Get Home Chris's Spanish Is Improving I Have The Feeling Hes Trying To Make His Companionship Work As Well Its Hard You Dont Get A Moment To Yourself & Together You Cant Really Agree On Anything Which Makes You Wonder... If United We Are Zion & Ununited We Arent His Then Whose Are We? & If We Cant Agree What Do We Do To Be United? Anyway Let Me Know. I Hope In Peru I Get More Of The 1 On 1 Companionship Instead Of Three But For Now I Will Learn Whatever My Thickhead Can Grasp. Anyway I Should Go How Are Mom & Dad Hows Joeson & Gina? Tonight We Have A General Authority Speaking At 7 Ill Tell You All Abouf It. Please Pray For Me. Sometimes I Feel Tears Swelling Up & I Dont Know Where They Are Coming From. I Pray For You Everynight Not B/C I'm Worried About You But B/C We All Need A Little More Love From God In Our Life.Lo Quiero Mucho Hermana Florido"

Thanks for sharing Jonathon!

Also, Isabella's email is  isabella.florido@myldsmail.net  Their computer time is short (30 minutes a week) so if they don't respond quickly be patient.

Snail Mail from Isabel and a Drive Around the MTC!

We got this letter on Thursday from Isabel!  None from Chris yet....I think he is going to need a talking too!!!  On a side note we went to see Jared today in Orem.  We took him to drive around the MTC so that he can start to understand where Chris and Isabel are.  Missionaries everywhere....crossing the street....walking through the parking lot....walking to the Temple.  Can I tell you they ALL look the same...my heart raced...I didn't know if I should look for Chris or Isabel....so I tried to do both.  No handsome boy or beautiful girl to be found.  Truly I think that if I had seen one of them I would have crawled out the truck window to get to them.....I think David knew all too well to keep moving!!! Ha!  That would have been quite a scene wouldn't it?  Oh I miss my children, all three of them....I think this afternoon I left my heart in Orem and Provo!  Oh and also...no amount of begging would convince the father of those said children to drive back to the MTC for one more go around before we left!!!  He knows me too well!  Please also note that while I miss them, I know with out a doubt in my mind they are where they should be!  Okay enough from me....here is Isabel's letter:

Dave & Janice
Hola Roy parents I just emailed you but only 30 minutes it's like here & gone.  I left somethings out like here at the MTic (this is a nickname Chris gave to the MTC) they (only here) tell the Elders to be mindful of the sisters & kind like letting them go in front of the line or picking up their tray for them.  We even get two dollars more on our allowance blue card a week than they do.  Chris is wondering when his dad will be writing him just as a side note okay.  Thanks for sending me my temple recommend.  i went to the temple today it was nice.  The hardest things is that my hermanas don't like Chris coming around & I don't understand why?  He's very much like an elder should  be.  He doesn't do anything inappropriate but in that way I feel alone.  they have never had a relationship like that so they don't understand where I'm coming from or why I might be a bit homesick at breakfast time.  On top of that they tiptoe around everything & then frown, you know how I am and how I don't understand that at all.  So funny we just had a pair of Elders testify that companionships were guided by God.  See thats what happens here, all the time tender mercies, constant communication & I think the only thing that changes is that I have learned to listen & seek while not in the hustle & bustle of work and errands.  I love your son.  I miss him & can't write that much so I will end this here & I will write him now.  Love you guys.  Love you Heramana Florido

(Hopefully these two missionaries will start sending me some pictures....so you don't have to listen to the mother ramble quite so much!  :0)

Isabella's Email

Today while at work I had just finished a training for some of my co-workers when I received this email from Miss Isabel.  It about brought me to my knees and definitely to tears.  I promise it will you too....and what Mom would not want to here those feelings and emotions about her son from the beautiful, sweet, strong girl who loves him!  This Mom is so very glad the Lord provided this tender mercy and an answer to Isabella's prayers!!!

Here's her letter:

So i havent fallen off the face of the earth although sometimes to be honest it feels that way. i am really on someone elses time not mine. i wake up at 6:30 and get ready and go go go every hour doing something meaningful till 10:30 at night. there are so many rules here even not chewing gum i'll explain later. i am tired like always but we cant take naps will also explain. i have a cold that my companion gave to me... so im tired especially after staying up the night before i arrived here at the mtc i still dont think i've caught up with sleep. this is probably the hardest thing i have done in my life but why would it be easy its the lords work. My companions are hermana Wright from Oregon and hermana Lopez from Utah both going to serve spanish speaking to florida. i was asked to be senior companion that same night that we arrived. thats been interesting. i think that if i had a elder as a companion we could make up our mind faster. do you want to, no i feel that, well i say we... all that would be cut down to zip. even though i have a independent personality i when a leader in the church speaks i listen even if its our distrcit leader even if hes wrong. but not these hermanas today i finally told them look you want me to lead you ask me what we are doing and the moment its out of my mouth you decide theres something else that you would like to do. i rather there not be a leader aslong as we are unified otherwise we cant have the spirit and if thats the case then it doesnt matter how much anyone of us know. be of one heart. well i said that and anything i say now they disagree with. so its interesting there. But beside all those things that have been happening. learning really is what has been happening and the Lord is such a wonderful teacher. i feel the spirit here at the MTC sometimes more than when i'm at the temple. the spirit cant help but be here b/c even if we are all so different we all have something in common. We speak of Christ we teach of Christ and we rejoice in Christ that our children( in this case humanity) may know by which means they can repent of their sins and be saved. so even when im tired the discussion starts rolling. how can we teach this, how can we have the spirit with us always, what are the investigators needs? and then you feel it, a lightness of spirit, strength and love swelling in your heart, for all men. i really hope that we can make this companionship work b/c nothing make the spirit flee like contention. OH Oh another thing i prayed to see the "Boy" wed when i came all day long and then when we got a tour by the training center on thur i felt a burning in my bosom. like intense and i turned to my left, really there was no reason for me to look that way but i did. and there he was sitting in the door way. hes mine. hes my comfort and friend what a tender mercy that the Lord would answer my prayer in such a way. I pray always and can feel my heavenly fathers ears opening just for me. I Love the gospel! please email this to jonathan and tell him to email it to crystal and also to grandpa and grandma finch please ask everyone to send you their email and then please send it to me janice. i can only write on tuesday and email only for thirty mins. if you have any questions for me write me janice has my address. also if you want to email do it through dearelder.com its free while im at the mtc and they print it out for me so i can read it. well i should go. love you! hermana Florido

Isabel and Chris
Salt Lake Temple for
their own Endowments!

Even though the road traveled is done alone, may the Lord continue to unify and strengthen them and bless them with his tender mercies!

An Email and Letter to Jonathon (Isabella's Brother)

Yesterday Jonathon received and email from Christopher and a letter from Isabella!  He emailed them and said it was okay to share with you all!!!

From Christopher:

"Hola, johnathon
como estas? estoy bien, gracis. el mtc is es magnifcico. yo quiero a servir mucho mas que antes
estaba aqui. es muy interesante. hermana florido esta aqui ahora, pero veo ella cuando comemos
usualmente, pero no mucho. a todos dias estudio del manana al noche. estudio espanol y doctrina
solamente. Me encanta a encantar en espanol, especialmente "Senor, te necesito." Como se dice
"since" en esapnaol? No. Since we've been learning Spanish, occasionaly I forget how to spell
certain words in english when I write. It's kind of funny. I hope all is well. I love you. I hope that
you prepare now to go on a mission because it's the best experience ever. Remember God in all things.

Become a missionary now, because when you're called Jeffery R Holland said that you're apotalic.

An apostle with a lower case a, he said. Tell everyone hello for me. I 'll hand write a letter to you all

in my best spanish possible (although what I know is mostly for proselyting. Jaja.). Te quierro. Ciao. "

From Isabella:

Queridos Florido Y Avendano Estoy Bien Tengo Mucho Que Contar Si Escriben Por Favor No Por Email Sino Por Carta Oyo Jonathan Asi Lo Recibo Cada Dia Email Solo Los Lunes Por Media Hora. Solo Puedo Escribir Los Lunes Son Escritos Sobre Eso. Pero Los Quiero Recibiran Noticia De Mi El Meircoles Ya Que Toma Dos Dias Para Llegar Por Favor Llamen A Crystal Y Dejenla Saber. Y A Joeson Y Gina Con AmorIsabel

Maybe David or Isabella's brothers can translate these in the comments!

Isabella's 1st Letter!!!

We received our first letter from Isabel today.  You can write to her for the next 3 or so weeks at the following address:

Sister Isabel Michel Florido
MTC Mailbox #160
Bol-Coch 0901
2005 North 900 East
Provo, Utah  84604

I will post her email as soon as we receive an email from her.  I hope everyone is writing them and encouraging them.  We just sent a care package to Chris and now I will have to think of some things for Isabel!

Here is her letter!

Janice & Dave Mom & Dad in Roy its 10:15 "quiet time" here at the M-tic.  I have taken pictures like a mad person.  My three companions just grin when I say  "Can I take a picture?"  I have breakfast at 7:45 am & lunch at 12:30  & dinner at like 4 something.  I wake up at 6:30 lights out at 10:30.  We have 13 missionaries in my district 3 of which (including me) are sisters and we are companions.  It's strange to be three & keep track of two others instead of just one.  Their names are H. Lopez and H. Wright.  Again I have pics I'll send.  Tonight they let us write home.  I only have 8 minutes left.  Surprisingly after staying up late last night and driving all day yesterday I'm not tired.  NO Elder Hill today.  I kept my eyes peeled all day especially in the cafeteria, but no BOY to be found.  Don't worry Dad I still payed attention in class and orientation.

They do live skits that help you observe real life scenarios and then they hand you the microphone & tel you "Hermana what would you tell this investigator" & on the spot you just say what ever comes to mind that could help them come unto Christ.  It's really cool.  We had 393 or 397 missionaries come in today.  Our Big Wig President (I mean no disrespect I just don't know his title) is Brother Smith.  You get 8 dollars on a blue card they give you here a week for your needs.  They gave me a pack today with another set of Spanish Scriptures & Preach My Gospel & a water filter.  Anyway they just announced lights out.  Good night.  You'll probably hear from me next Wednesday.  They only let us write Monday.  Love Isabel  Aug 11, 2010

Isabella's 1st Phone Call?????

Yesterday morning as I was waking up about 8:30, my cell phone rang.  On the other end I heard, Janice.  At first I wasn't sure who it was, but the voice was familiar and I think in my mind very unexpected...so it took me a second.  On the other end of the line I heard, "It's me Isabel!"   I sort of went into the panic mode of what's wrong?  She said I kind of made an oops....I asked her what was wrong and she told me she had forgotten her temple recommend in her temple clothes bag.  She said she needed it by Tuesday.  I promised to get it to her.  I told her we loved her....and she said "don't cry!"  I told her I wasn't and she said you must be a little groggy.  I told her I would get her recommend and mail it down to her so she would have it in time!  It is kind of funny,  I wanted to ask her a million questions and yet I couldn't think of one nor did she have much time.  We overnighted the recommend to her...so she should have it today and in time to go to the Temple on Tuesday!  It was so nice to hear her voice!  She sounded very calm, peaceful, and happy!!!  Love that girl!!!

Isabel Enters The MTC

Last night Isabella came home from a visit with family and friends in Las Vegas!  Her brothers, sister-in-law,  nieces and a long time friend came with her.  We all got ready and left for the church house so she could be set apart as a full time missionary. This is our Isabella just before we left.

This next one is for Elder Hill and we will be emailing to him.  She loves you Chris....still!!!

We went to the church and the Stake Presidency, Our Bishop, Our Home Teacher, Chris' Family, and Isabel's family were given the opportunity to give her advice and bear their testimony to her.  Many things were shared with her and the Spirit was strong there just as it was when Chris was set apart!  Isabel bore her testimony of the Gospel, her love for it and her Savior, and her gratefulness for having the knowledge of the gospel and her excitement to serve a mission.  President Pendleton then set her apart. 

After she was set apart we all went out to eat at Christopher's and Isabella's favorite Indian Restaurant in Ogden called Bombay Grill!  That is one of the fun things about our Chris and Isabel...they are adventurous eaters!

A sleepless or little sleep night and we were off this morning to the Ole Pancake House in Salt Lake again!  We all enjoyed their pancakes, french toast, omletes, and fresh squeezed Orange Juice.  It was great company with family, friends, and those sweet baby girls nieces of Isabella's! (Just a side note...the little one is so sweet and wonderful to hold and cuddle and her sweet big sister who mind you is starting school soon....listening to her speak Spanish is like music to my ears! )  Aunt Isabella loves you girls!!!

After breakfast we were off to the MTC!!!  We parked in the same place as when we took Chris and took the long walk down the hill.  This time though a gentleman stopped us at the corner.  We had to say our Goodbyes there.  They had started construction at the MTC.  The sign across the street that you see in previous posts....well....it is gone.  As soon as the nice man (and he was nice) told us that this was where we had to say goodbye it became very emotional for all of us.  I was so impressed with the emotion and love expressed to Isabella by her brothers and sister-in-law.  It was so apparent how much they love their sister!  Isabella hugged each of them.  Her best friend Crystal was with us.  Isabel hugged her and shared with her a Book of Mormon, tears, and her love of the gospel, and her love for her friend!  It was the most touching moment of the day.  We love you Crystal!  She hugged Dave and I!  She truly has become the daughter we never had!  And yes I cried again!  She was met with her Hosts, two dashing young Elders (don't worry Chris, they were cute but not dashingly handsome like you!), they took her bags and across the one crosswalk, and then the second crosswalk, and with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes she was gone.  Here are a few pictures.

We love you Sister Florido and are so very Proud of You!

So it is official and the Tale of Happily Ever After is being written.  Christopher and Isabella serve the Lord well! and "Lord, hold them safely in the hallow of Thy hand and bring them home again!"

The map of our ward missionaries, we have 8 now with Christopher and Isabella, our ward is literally all over the world!

First email!

So we got our first and somewhat short email, but it made this Mom's day. Isabel also got an email today. He wrote to her in Spanish! On a side note Isabel will be home tomorrow and be set apart! We take her to the MTC on Wednesday! And Chris has been gone two weeks almost!

You can email Chris at:

hill.david@myldsmail.net

The following is most of the email he sent!



Hello!  I only have six minutes to send you something.  I miss you guys.
By the way, two things where is the tooth care
package that we ordered?  Also, my second pair of pants is still at home.

And... I love you. Everything is really well here.  It's P-day.  I'm doing
laundry right now.  Tell dad hello.  I love you. I I'm going to close this and check
it later tonight with a few minutes.  Te quierro. Ciao!

Write me!  Send me cacao y goji y hemp seeds! haha. love you bye

First Letter has Arrived!!!

So we (Mom and Isabel) are so relieved the first letter from Chris has arrived!  Dad is just calm cool and collected (or at least so he says)!

You can write to Chris at the following address:

Elder David Christopher Hill

Honduras Comayaguela Mission

Provo Mission Training Center

2005 North 900 East

Provo, UT 84604

United States of America

I hope you all of you will write to him and encourage him in what he is doing!

Here is the letter he sent:

Prepared by:  Elder Hill
Date:  07/28/2010

Mission Day 1 of MTC 1

Dear Everybody,

     After the first day at the MTC, I am extremely tired yet restfully alert (now in my dorm room).  There are four persons per dorm bunk bed style.  I can't wait till breakfast tomorrow.  A walk a way from our dorm/room is a set of vending machines that are stocked with a few different microwave pizzas, soda, gatorade, candy, and ice cream, which makes me wonder, how in the world will I lose weight here with only 30 minutes to work out?  Who knows?  But I do know that God is graceful and loves me.  It will test my faith.  Please pray that I won't get fatter (for the sake of my clothes' sake).

     Today we did an orientation in three parts: 1) on the computer, 2) a meeting much like a devotional by the MTC Presidency & Relief Society.  In which we found out that there are with no exaggeration hundreds here, from all over the world.  The Lord's work is real & moving forward;  3) a late-night tour of the campus (which led straight to our rooms.)

     My companion's name is Elder Delahunty, who's from Draper, Utah.  He's nineteen and has a bright spirit, a sociabely pleasant personality, and a smile all of the sisters comment upon how much they like it.  Ha ha.  We did a variety of things today:  had our first Spanish lesson, spent time in 3 rooms, each with prospective investigators, volunteering to try to create a spiritual experience for them.  For lunch, we were served "Malibu Chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, a pasta salad, cantoloupe, greens with 1 (one) cherry tomato.  Of all the vegetable & fruit salads i took three.  And  tomorrow I'll probably take five.  The "standard" is all-you-need-to-eat, and the salad bar is three things:  greens, ranch, carrots, celery, & croutons....weird, but remember that I am still so grateful to be here.

     We learned today that the most important word in the Book of Mormon was to:  remember.

_________________________REMEMBER__________________________


Remember your purpose, your savior, his death, his sacrifice, where you came from, and you are, were, & have always been.  It's short, sweet, simple, and beautiful.

It was a good day.

Love,  Chris

P.S.  Call Isabel and read this to her.  I love you all so much.