Happy Pioneer Day

Querido Familia!

Well, I am gonna give this a shot in English. Forgive me if I spell something wrong or use the wrong phrase. It gets harder and harder every day to speak in English - more on that later! - but that’s alright. I don’t need English so much here. It’s going to be great fun to try and get used to hearing and speaking it after the mission, but I’m not worrying about that so much right now. If only Google could translate better! Oh well. It’s was great to hear about this week for y’all! It sounds like things went really well! It was great to get a couple of emails from Nana and Papa, Grandma Lynn and Ken, and a letter from Sister Dunst. THANKS!!!!!! I really love each and every letter I get! It’s amazing to hear how life is going for everyone. Speaking of life in the outside world, I saw my friend Chase Murphy from BYU in the Liahona issue of General Conference. Page 63 or something like that. It was a great surprise! Also, I met Elder Severs (spelling?) from Orem Utah, who is Jake Watson’s buddy. It was fun to talk with him a little bit today. Another good surprise from our zone meeting today is that I got to talk with Elder Sorensen, one of the missionaries from my old district. That was definitely fun too!

Alrighty. This week. Well, I am going to talk about my English experience for the week. We were doing our daily contacts, and we started talking with a guy... who responded to me in English. I don’t know if I didn’t realize it or what, but I kept talking in Spanish. He told in perfect English, ‘You’re still not talking to me in English.’ It was a little bit of a shocker and I had to talk to him in English. Nothing came out of it, but that was my fun with English for the week.

What’s next... oh! We are going to have another baptism this week! He’s the brother of someone we found tracting and he is amazing! He’s one of the smartest kids I’ve met here! He’s really intelligent and the best student in his class at his high school. I love teaching at his house because all of his cousins and family members (the kids) come to listen and learn. I’ve found that I’ve had some of my best experiences teaching when there are kids present. For some reason, it’s just always better! :)

Well, I think I’ll end this here. I know that it has been such a blessing to be serving here in Paraguay. I learn so much every day. I love reading the Book of Mormon, Bible, and Preach My Gospel every day. There is so much to learn! It doesn’t really matter where I read, whether it’s something I’ve read 100 times or never before, something always calls the attention. I know that this is the Lord’s work. I can feel the Spirit testify every time we teach. It’s amazing when I get to see how the gospel blesses someone’s life! There is no doubt that this is the Lord’s work! It’s amazing to know that we have a loving Heavenly Father, and that he has placed a prophet to guide us! Thomas Monson is the man called to lead us in our days, and he has the power and authority of God to do so. He receives guidance for us! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church! I also love that we have the opportunity to talk with our Heavenly Father through prayer. It’s not just a one way street! He does listen and answer. We just have to be ready to accept His answer. It may not be right away, but He will answer. Of this I testify as a representative of Jesus Christ.

Well, I love you all! I wish I had more time to talk about everything that happens. I appreciate all of your love and prayers! Everyone I know has made an impact on my life! There are just too many people to name them all! But first and foremost I am so grateful for my family. Immediate and extended. There’s so much I learned from them! I’d never be who I am today if it weren’t for them. I love y’all more than I can express! Take care of yourselves! TE QUIERO!

Con mucho amor,

Elder David Watson

Cold and Rainy

M´baechapá familiakuera?

Espero que todo bien! Ésta semana no fue tan purete (bueno) que los otros porque tuvimos muchismo lluvía. Cuando hay lluvía y hacía aquello tipo de frio, nadie quiere estar fuera. Pero, todavía enseñamos mucho y tuvimos un bautismo! Le encontramos tocando puertas y él escuchó, y aunque su padre fue un antiguo investigador a quien no querría escuchar, él aceptó y quiere ayudarnos con la obra! Qué purete!

Sábado fue un día muy díficil porque casí ninguno de nuestros investigadores estuvieron en casa. Pero, cómo el otro Elder Watson, vimos ´La Restauración´ con un investigador y la experiencía fue muy bueno. Estoy muy animado para trabajar con él y su familia.

No tengo mucho para decir este Pday. Les dije la mayoría el otro día. Tambien había cambios en mi horario de las conferencías de zona y de entrevistas, el mismo en verdad. Tenemos los dos cada tres meses. No significa mucho, solamente que voy a ver los otros misioneros con menos regularidad. No tenemos un reunión de distrito esta semana, entonces, voy a enviar mi paquete la otra semana.

Creo que la cosa quiero que sepan el más es que les amo mucho! No hay una cosa mas importante a mí que a mí familia. Estoy aprendiendo cada día cuan importancía tiene la familia y como el evangelio puede ayudarla. En actualidad, el evangelio puede bendecir a las familias muchismo. Podemos tener mas felicidad, unidad, y éxito con el evangelio de Jesucristo. Los miembros de la familia pueden tener mejores relaciónes uno al otro. Todos van a ayudarse a mejorar y progresar hacía perfección. No significa que las familias van a ser perfecto, pero van a mejorar cada día. Van a saber el plan de Díos para nosotros y que necesitan hacer para vivir con Él después ésta vida. Y éste plan es que enseño cada día - que Díos tiene un profeta en el mundo hoy, y que por medio de Él, podemos saber que La Iglesía de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días es la iglesía que tiene la autoridad de Díos en la tierra. Testifico que esto es verdadero.

Whoops! No más tiempo. Les AMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CHAU!

Elder David Watson!


M'baechapá familiakuera?

I hope all well! This week was not as good as others because we had a ton of rain. When there was cold type of rain, nobody wants to be out. But still we taught a lot and we had a baptism! We found him when he heard knocking on doors, and although his father was a former investigator who would not listen, he approved and wants to help with the work! Sweet!

Saturday was a very difficult day because almost none of our investigators were at home. But just how the other Elder Watson, watched 'The Restoration' with an investigator and had a very good experience, I'm very excited to work with our investigator and his family.

I don’t have much to add this PDAY. I said most the other day. There were also changes in the frequency of my zone conferences and interviews, the same as the other Elder Watson. We have two every three months. It doesn’t mean much, but I'm going to see the other missionaries with less regularity. We have a district meeting this week and then I will send my package home next week.

I think the thing I want you to know the most is that I love you very much! There is nothing more important to me than my family. I'm learning every day how important family is and how the gospel can help. In actuality, the gospel can bless families a lot. We can have more happiness, unity, and success with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The family members may have better relationships to each other. Everyone will help each other improve and progress unto perfection. It does not mean that families are going to be perfect, but getting better every day. They can know God's plan for them and what they need to do to live with him after this life. And this plan is what I teach every day - that God has a prophet in the world today, and through him, we know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the church that has God's authority land. I testify that this is true.

Whoops! Out of Time. I LOVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CHAU!

Elder David Watson!

A letter in Spanish, Translated, Again

Hola todos!

Las primeras cosas primeras - me quedé! Todavía estoy aquí en Lucerito con Elder Silva. Estamos animado por nuestro oportunidad para trabagar juntos uno cambio mas con los investigadores que tenemos. Tambien tenemos un bautismo mañana. Estamos muy animado!! Tambien recibí la paquete ayer! Muchas muchas gracias. Tengo que escribir un monton de cartas para incluir con mi paquete. Ahorra, necisito escribir a Wendy Bentley, Aunt Wendy, Elder Jalaty, Elder Spencer Brown y Elder Grant Getts, Michelle, Amy McGreevey, y Joanna. Creo que sí estoy extranando, pero, por favor, perdonanme. Estoy intentando!

Ésta semana pasada fue muy bueno! Tenemos muchos investigadores quienes estan progresando y encantando el Evangelio de Jesucristo. Creo que vamos a tener muchos bautismos éste mes y vamos a trabajar a full! Estoy muy animado para ser un siervo del Señor. Puedo ver Su guía en mi vida cada día en las personas que encontramos y las lecciones que enseñamos. Tengo un testimonio aun mas fuerte que la Iglesia de Jesucristo de Los Santos de Los Últimos Días es la iglesia de Dios en la tierra. Tenemos un profeta a quien recibe revelación cada día para nosotros. El Libro de Mormón hace un cambio en las vidas de la gente quien quiere cambiar para seguir el camino de Jesucristo. Todo esto es verdadero! Hay que preguntarle a Dios si quiere saber por sí mismo tambien! :)

Ahorra mismo, hace frio aquí en Paraguay! Especialmente con el viento y humedad. Hace una semana hacía tanto calor, pero, ahorra... brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Hay que amar el clima aquí! :). Pero, en actualidad, la vida es el mejor como un siervo del Señor! No puedo creer que 6 meses ya pasó y solamente tengo un año y medio para el resto de mi misión. Quiero hacer el mejor con que tengo! Les amo todito! Espero que Dios esta con todo! Chau!

Con muchismo amor!

Elder David Watson

Hello everyone!

First things first – I’m staying! I'm still here in Lucerito with Elder Silva. We are encouraged by our opportunity to work together through one more change with the people we are teaching. We also have a baptism tomorrow. We are very excited! I also received the package yesterday! Thank you very much. I have to write lots of letters to include with my package. Right now I have letters to write to Wendy Bentley, Aunt Wendy, Elder Jalaty, Elder Brown,Elder Spencer, Grant Getts, Michelle, Amy McGreevey and Joanna. I think that I'm doing well, but please forgive me, I'm trying!

This last week was good! We have many investigators who are progressing and delighted to learn the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I think we will have many baptisms this month and will work hard! I'm very excited to be a servant of the Lord. I can see His guidance in my life every day, in the people we meet and the lessons we teach. I have an even stronger testimony that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the church of God on earth. We have a prophet who receives revelation every day for us. The Book of Mormon makes a difference in the lives of people who want to change to follow the path of Jesus Christ. This is real! We must ask God if you want to know for yourself too! :)

Right now it's cold here in Paraguay! Especially with the wind and humidity. A week ago it was so hot, but, now… brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! We have to love the weather here! :). But, in actuality, life is better as a servant of the Lord! I cannot believe that six months had passed and I have only one and a half years for the rest of my mission. I want to do the best of my ability! I love absolutely everything! I hope God is with everyone! Chau!

With a ton of love!

Elder David Watson

Happy Independence Day

Hola Familia!

This letter will be a little shorter than normal. I was writing to the Argentina Elder Watson. I was glad to hear that all things are good with Dad. Also I was glad to hear about Elder Jalaty’s mission call! I know he's going to have the best time of his life because his mission is the best - for him. Paraguay is still the best - for me. I love my experiences here and I'm learning a lot every day. I got letters from Joanna, Michelle, and Elder Jalaty. I will wait a bit and send all my letters with my package. This will give me time to write to everyone, because I do not yet know which cards have arrived. Now, I have to write to Wendy Bentley, Aunt Wendy, Michelle, Joanna, and Elder Jalaty. I hope I do not miss anyone. If I have, please let me know. I do not want to forget anyone this whole Paraguay mail has made me really confused. Thanks!

Well - I will tell you about one of my very good experience. We were knocking on doors, giving short lessons to all those who were willing to listen. A young man would not listen, but one sister (25 years old) came to the door.  We shared with her a pamphlet on how the Gospel of Jesus Christ can help our families to have more joy and happiness. She liked it very much and wanted to spend the next Saturday (long for an appointment!). Well, we and his father told us “that's another day.” Very common to hear that, but we talked a little about the game (Paraguay who lost  ). He left us and called his daughter. We had a very special lesson! She told us that “we were the answer to my (her) prayers.” We talked about how the gospel can give us faith and hope. She has many problems with his family (her father is a chronic alcoholic) and needed God's help. By the end of our lesson, she told us that she didn’t need to pray about the truthfulness of our message “I know it is true.” She wants to be baptized without delay. We didn’t say anything about baptism until she told us she wanted to be baptized. What Purity! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know that this work is the work of the Lord. We had the guidance of the Holy Spirit to find and teach. I wanted to dance and sing with her after the lesson. Indeed, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, called to serve the people of Paraguay.

I’ve run out of time. I love you!

Elder David Watson

July is Upon Us Now...

Querido Familia,

Quiero empezar con decirles que tu carta me ENCANTA.. Estoy sonriendo muchisimo. Me gusta las cuentas acerca de la vida de ustedes. Me puse un poco ‘trunky’, pero, hoy es Pday, todo bien. :). La parte sobre me puse trunky es en broma, no mas. :). Hay que reirse. :). Tambien la traduccion de Google me encanta. Quería decir: If someone has sent me a letter, and I haven’t responded yet, please tell me parents so that I can know. Pssh... ‘that I might taste good.’  HAHAHAHA. Paul ya está poniendo sus papeles para la mision? Qué loco! No puedo creer! El tiempo esta volando! (The time is flying!!). Estoy muy animado para él! Quiero que venga a mision! Estamos teniendo mucho éxito! Un companerismo justo ha tenido 78 lecciones esta semana pasada - 33 con miembros (a investigadores)! Nuestro misión va a tener muchos bautismos y mejores miembros! Lecciones con miembro van a ayudar los miembros a tener un testimonio más fuerte y los nuevos miembros van a tener muchos amigos y una sistema de apoyo ya en un mundo que está un poco diferente. Estoy muy animado! :) :). Just in case Google doesn’t do its job right, or more likely if my Spanish is bad, I wanted to say that lessons with members to investigators will help the members have a stronger testimony and the new members to have lots of friends and a system of support in a world that is a little different.

Si! Yo puedo recordarme perfectamente la experiencía de mamá con sus libros. Qué loco ésta día. Demaisado libros. Pero, igual, no más.

Well, where do I start? I was going to write an all Spanish letter again, but I started thinking in English. Or I started typing in English. One of the two. Anyway, it threw me off a little, so I might as well just keep writing. This week was pretty good! Hot, but good. So much for being winter here. Well, right now it’s a little chilly, but phew - I was sweating pretty good during the week. I was actually running around trying to keep on top of everything - literally! The other missionaries in my ward had a baptism, and we brought some of our investigators to it. But our other investigator lives on the other side of the church, so we jetted over to his house. But he had left 2 MINUTES before we got there. MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But he came to church on Sunday. I had to remember the word Sunday. Haha. Anyway, things are great here. We’ve been treking all over our area to find the people who are waiting to hear the gospel. And the truth is, they are out there! We found a couple yesterday while roaming around (well, I shouldn’t say roaming but to me it seemed like it! En realidad we were being led by the Spirit! :) ) and we hope to work really well with them. If this wasn’t the Lord’s work, there is no way we could have found the people we have found and started teaching. They are out there, ya just gotta find them. It seems difficult in the moment, but when you are trying to do the right thing, and you are worthy, the Lord will guide you with what He would have you do. It’s not like I’m having an experience with ‘Oh, we gotta talk with these people.’ It’s more like, ‘Hey, let’s try contacting by the houses instead of the main road so that we can teach some lessons.’ And we find people! It works! It really is the Lord’s work. There’s no doubt about it.

I’d like to end with telling you how much I love reading the Book of Mormon. I was reading this morning in 2nd Nephi - and man, how inspired are his words! Lehi with his sons! He tells them to be men and have the courage to follow the Lord and His prophets. Rise out of the dust, I think exactly. It made me think of a two year old wailing and crying, rolling around in the dirt cause he doesn’t get what he wants. The most important thing is that we follow the guidance of those who know the way - and that’s what we should do. I love 2 Nephi 4. But I can’t go into detail - out of time.

Well, I love you all! I can hardly believe I’ve been on the mission for 6 months. Almost 6 months, I should say. I love hearing from ya! I encourage you all to read the Book of Mormon every day, at least a few verses, and try to imagine the situation in your mind. It really brings the scriptures to life and helps us make ourselves better. Love you!

Con mucho amor!

Elder David Watson

A letter in Spanish, Translated

David's letter this week was in all Spanish.  We have translated it to the best of our ability.  We have included both the English translation along with his original Spanish email.

Hi Family!

I only have a small amount of time today – I had to go to the office for an interview with President Callan. As always, appointments are not always on time, but I have to take advantage of the opportunities given me.

This last week was very good. We had six investigators in the church yesterday, one that already has a baptismal date. We will work with others who are interested this week.  They are very good, and I am encouraged to work with these families. They are very interested in how they can improve their lives and the status of their families. I have seen the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives already. They are more happy, united, and have a reason to strive to live with our Heavenly Father after this life. We have five things we need to accomplish during our lives. These things are faith in Jesus Christ, repentance of our sins, baptism for the remission of our sins by someone who has the authority and power of God, receiving the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands and endurance, or being faithful to the end of our lives. I know these things make a difference. This can help us become closer to our Savior and our Heavenly Father also. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Church of Jesus Christ. Indeed, there is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. These can be performed only in the true church of Jesus Christ. You just have to prove the Lord’s promises. A promise that we read in the Book of Mormon (I like both 2 Nephi 31 and Moroni 10) and pray for an answer on whether the Book of Mormon is true. Another is that we attended the Church of Jesus Christ where we can feel the Holy Spirit. And then, we must pray about the truthfulness of these things with sincerity and true intention. I know this Church is true. Everyone may know this for yourself too.

I’m learning a little Portuguese. It’s a bit more useful than Guarani. Unless they send me back to the country, Guarani sentences are sufficient. I don’t have much news, but every day I can make a difference in my life. Every day I learn a little more about the Lord. I’m still getting accustomed to life in the city. But this has been a good change for me. I love being a missionary of the Lord. There are many blessings in missionary work. Can I give you a suggestion? If you help in missionary work, you, yes, you, will receive more blessings. I promise. I also pledge that your ward, branch, stake, district, community will improve and everyone will be happier and have more joy. It may be a bit difficult in the beginning, but you have to persevere. You can experience the happiness and love that we have in this work. I’m experiencing this every day. I wish you may experience these feelings too.

Your week sounds like a good week. I was glad that all is well with you. Thank you very much for all the cards. Please forgive me if I cannot answer quickly. I’m trying to answer everything. But with the missing letter and the time it takes to write and send is difficult for me. But I will try and do my best to answer. Please, if you sent me a letter and I haven’t answered, tell my parents that I can be better informed. Thanks for all your love and faith in me. All of you make a big difference in my life. I love your letters and news. Have a great week! Much love !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

With hope of Paraguay,

Elder David Watson

Now... for the Spanish...

Hola Familia!

No tengo mucho tiempo hoy - tuve que ir a la oficina por una entrevista con Presidente Callan. Como siempre, horarios no estvieron en horario, pero, tengo que aprovechar del tiempo que tengo.

Ésta semana pasada hubo estado muy bien. Tuvimos seis investigadores en la Iglesia ayer, uno que ya tiene un fecha bautismal. Vamos a trabajar con los otros investigadores que tenemos. Ellos son muy buenos, y estoy animado para trabajar con estas familias. Son muy intersados en como ellos pueden mejorar sus vidas y el estado de sus familias. He visto las bendiciones del Evangelio de Jesucrito en sus vidas ya. Ellos estan mas feliz, unidas, y tienen una razon para esforzarse a vivir con nuestro Padre Celestíal déspues esta vida. Ésta razon es que tenemos cinco cosas que necesitamos cumplir durante nuestras vidas. Estas cosas son: fe en el Señor Jesucristo, el arrepentimiento de nuestros pecados, el bautismo para la remision de nuestros pecado por alguien que tenga la autoridad y poder de Dios, la recepción del Espíritu Santo por la imposición de las manos arriba de la cabeza, y perservar, o ser fieles, hasta el fin de nuestras vidas. Sé que estas cosas hacen una diferencía. Esta diferencía puede ayudarnos a acercarnos más a nuestro Salvador y tambien a nuestro Padre Celestíal. Sé que la Iglesia de Jesucristo de Los Santos de los Últimos Días es la iglesia de Jesucristo. En verdad, hay un Señor, una fe, un bautismo. Estos puedan ser realizados solamente en la iglesia verdedera de Jesucristo. Solamente hay que probar las promesas del Señor. Una promesa es que podemos leer el Libro de Mormon (una parte, no más. Mi parte preferidos son 2 Nefi 31 or Moroni 7) y orar para recibir una respuesta sobre si el Libro de Mórmon es verdadero. Un otro es que asistimos a la Iglesia de Jesucristo, podemos sentir el Espíritu Santo. Y déspues, hay que orar sobre la veracidad de estas cosas con senceridad y verdedera intención. Sé que esta Iglesia es verdadera. Todos pueden saber por si mismo tambien.

Estoy aprendiendo un poco de Portugues. Es un poco mas útil que Guarani. A menos que me envie otra vez al campo, frases de Guaraní son suficientes. No tengo muchas noticias acá, pero cada día yo puedo distinguir una diferencía en mi vida. Cada día estoy un poco más acerca del Señor. Todovía estoy acostombrándome a la vida de la ciudad. Pero, este cambio ha estado mi cambio preferido hasta ahorra. Me encanta ser un misionero del Señor. Hay muchas bendiciones en la obra misional. Puedo dar una sugerencía? Si ustedes ayudan en la obra misional, ustedes, si o si, van a recibir más bendeciones. Les prometo. Tambien les prometo que su barrio, rama, estaca, distrito, comunidad va a mejorar y todos van a estar mas feliz y tener mas gozo. Quizas va a estar un poco díficil en el principio, pero, hay que perservar. Hay mucho feliz y amor que podemos tener en esta obra. Yo estoy experimentando esto cada día. Me gustaría que ustedes pueden experimentar estos sentimientos tambien.

Su semana suena como una buena semana. Me alegré que todo está bien con ustedes. Muchas gracias por todas las cartas. Perdóname, por favor, si no puedo contestar rapido. Estoy intentando a contestar todo. Pero, con la carta perdida y el tiempo que toma para escribir y enviar es un gran dificultdad para mí. Pero, voy a procurar y hacer mi mejor para contestar. Por favor, si alguien me envió una carta y todovia no le contesté, diga a mis padres para que yo pueda saber bien. Gracias por todo de su amor y fe que tienen en mí. Todos de ustedes hacen una gran diferencía en mi vida. Me encanta sus cartas y noticias. ¡Que tengan una semana excelente! Mucho amor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Con esperanza de Paraguay,

Elder David Watson

I love it here in Lucerito!

Quierdo Familia,

Gracias por la información! Me gustó mucho la carta. Siempre me encanta leer las noticias de la familia. Por invierno, hace mucho calor ahorra. Aun la gente tiene un poca de sopresa. Usualmente, hace mucho mas frio durante estos meses. Pero, creo que tengo un poco de suerte (por una vez!) que no hace tan frio. Sin embargo, probablamente va a hacer muy calor este verano. Ay! Vamos a ver.

Hoy, paraguay va a jugar contra italia. La gente tiene mucho animado para este partido. Todos quieren hablar sobre el partido y la copa mundial.. Pero, es un asunto que la gente en le gusta tomar. Entonces, para hablar con la gente, especialmente después durante la noche, es muy intersante. MUY intersante... :).

Well, update. I love it here in Lucerito. True, it is much harder to work in the city than out in the campo, but all the same, it’s great! Elder Silva is a great companion! It seems I have made more progress with Spanish, teaching, and learning in the past two weeks than in the past three months! It really is a blessing to be here in the mission. I have learned so much about who I am and who I can become. That is the beauty of the message that I share every day. How amazing it is to have prophets in the world today! Imagine following a Moses, Noah, Abraham in our day! How easy it would be to listen to the word of the Lord! Prophets are God’s spokespeople - these men have God’s authority and power. They speak with God face to face. And we have a prophet today with the same authority and power of God. I know that this is true - and his name is Thomas S. Monson. As always, with everything I teach, we can know the truth through earnest prayer to our Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Well, I am really excited to be here. Really excited to help the people of Paraguay come closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am truly grateful for everyone that I have known. Everybody has had an influence in my life that has helped me become a better person. There is no way I can thank all of you, but please realize that I am truly grateful. I hope that life is great for each and every one of you. Enjoy the summer! Love ya! God Bless!

Con mucho amor!

Elder David Watson