January 26, 2015

HELLO EVERYONE - YOU ARE ALL AWESOME I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH AND AM DOING SO GOOD AND I AM TYPING IN ALL CAPS TO SHOW MY HAPPINESS!!

 

Did it work?

 

How is everyone?! Hopefully SO, SO good! :)

 

Let's just jump right into it, yeah?

 

I started the week off by getting offered a fruit smoothie...people here in Ecuador are so giving and loving to us missionaries...not to mention it was a MANGO smoothie...pretty sweet, right? I took the first sip and nearly lost it...I have NO IDEA what they put in there or what was in the glass before they poured the smoothie in there...ah geesh...that was bad news bears. And the worst part is that the sweet worker lady sat with us at the table while we drank them so we were forced to finish. I think I will be able to throw down whatever, whenever, and however when I am back in the states! Haha! So I guess my testimony is not the only thing getting stronger out here! ;)

 

We went to one of my favorite families on Monday night and had a family night with them which is always a blast! They have the 3 cutest little girls! The youngest is always crawling all over me...haha...love her to death! And she is obsessed with coloring...but she had no paper...so I went home that night with blue ink all over both of my arms! Definitely a worth while sacrifice when it is for any one of these kids here. 

 

One of our investigators was really sad that he didn't have a white shirt and tie...good thing us missionaries have quite a few of those! ;) So we hooked him up...it was so cool to see him walk in the chapel on Sunday with a huge smile on his face wearing a white shirt and tie...doing everything he could possibly do follow in the footsteps of our Savior. It was especially humbling to see him get baptized and receive the Holy Ghost...he was brought to tears...as was I. We gave him a little picture of Jesus Christ with His hands extended to the multitude when He visited the Americas...our convert took the photo ever so gently and held it to his heart and wept as he bore his amazing testimony. I can't explain the changes that are occurring in my life...I can't explain the light that this Gospel can bring to others lives...that this Gospel can bring to your life if you let it. It is just unreal.

 

Elder D is the biggest stud ever! It is so awesome to be working with him. He is one funny dude...he has some of the most LEGENDARY stories! He is super into boxing which is tight...I can't imagine all 4 feet of him punching another dude but I am just not going to mess with him. I still make him get up to go to the gym with me. Haha! His first day he nearly passed away...he is kind of accustomed to it by now though. 

 

Saturday was great! I thought it was going to be really really bad when our investigator didn't show up to his own baptism...I guess that is kind of crucial when it comes to baptisms...you know...having someone to baptize?? But he did end up showing up! :) 

 

It is still just Elder D and I living in the house...it is kind of lonely with just the two of us...but all is good in the hood! We are still working hard with the family who lives below us. Hermana J has somewhere around 60 years and Hermano E probably has 65ish but Hermano E isn't a member. The missionaries have been teaching him for over 26 years! NUTS! We are working super hard with him though because we love their family so much. They are so incredible and loving. We love them so much that all we want for them is to be dressed in white and sealed together for time and all eternity. I think I love them so much because they remind me so much of my own grandparents. And I have full faith that the outcome of Hermana J and Hermano E will be the same as my grandparents. That outcome is the temple. That outcome is eternity. Happiness. I know it'll happen!

 

President is super strict with wanting the North Americans to teach the native companions English. It is kinda fun actually! I am helping Elder D with the mission objective and...a few other things...haha. As of now he can say ''Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive'', ''I am a DIRECTIONER'', and ''what's cooking good looking?'' haha! We decided to have a little fun while studying language.

 

So that was basically this past week in a nutshell!

 

This weeks message starts with some questions:

 

Why on earth was the prophet Lehi commanded to leave his home/possessions and take his family into the depths of the wilderness? Wouldn't that be kinda hard? 

 

Why was Nephi, who was EXACTLY obedient to The Lord's commandments, still held bound and afflicted by his brothers? 

 

Why was Abinadi put to death when he was dedicating his life to The Lord?

 

These are just 3 examples in the beginning stories of the Book of Mormon of bad things that happened to good people.

Joseph Smith dedicated his life to our Savior and to bring forth the Book of Mormon but was still tarred and feathered and lost child after child. 

Why would The Lord allow such things to happen to such good people? To people who were giving everything to Him?

Obviously as a young and inexperienced boy I don't have all of the answers...but the scriptures sure do! 

 

ACTS 14:22- As hard as it is to realize and comprehend...we pass through trial and tribulation to bring ourselves closer our Heavenly Father. We pass through these hard things because we can not enter the Kingdom of God without them. The Kingdom of God is for the best of the best and we can only become the best through overcoming the worst. 

 

1: Afflictions are your boarding pass to Eternal Glory.

Hosea 5:15- The Lord knows that if He takes everything and leaves us with ''nothing'' we will have no choice to progression save it be through seeking and trusting in Him. In a sense He tears us down so that He can heal us...and He only wants to heal us because His medicine outdoes all others and makes us stronger in every aspect of our lives through it. He can't, however, heal someone who is not in need of mending...a strong heart must be broken first. A firm testimony must be tested. A healthy body must endure difficulty. A King or Queen, which is essentially what we are and what we will become, starts at the bottom before they are raised to the thrown to reign in glory.

 

2: The Lord's healing power takes a wounded soul and makes it stronger.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:6- This is just another testimony that those who fall are lifted higher. When we fall or when we are hurt...it is time for us to understand something. And that something that we are going to understand is going to help someone else. Our Savior suffered every possible pain for us...that He might know and understand us PERFECTLY. If we are truly striving to be like Him we will strive to overcome and learn from our afflictions for the well being of others. Christ asked why too. He had pain too. He asked our Heavenly Father if there was any other way. But there wasn't. And there is not another way for you either. Keep your head up. Endure it well. Endure with faith. Endure with a heart that is ready to rush the the rescue of someone else. Because when you overcome your struggle, your doubt, and your grief...because it will pass...you will be prepared to help someone when they are experiencing a similar situation and a similar struggle. 

 

3: You are preparing to help someone else. You are becoming more like your Savior.

Take comfort when you are passing through the whirlwinds and tribulations of life. Challenges and affliction are a sure sign that the Almighty God of the Universe has trust in YOU and that He knows that YOU are STRONG enough to ENDURE. 

STAND TALL!

 

I find myself touching on this subject almost every single week...the love that our Heavenly Father has for you...but it is something that I always feel deeply in my heart and something that I love to share. 

 

Romans 8:38-39- Brothers and Sisters, the love that God has for YOU outdoes all life and all death. The power of His love overpowers all things in the present and all things to come. Nothing that this life brings can separate you from this love. Your insecurities, fears, and your doubts don't stand a chance against the love that our God has for you individually. Your weakness, pains, and struggles literally can not survive the power of His love. His love is inseparable and everlasting. How is this kind of love even possible?

 

Only in and through our older brother, Jesus Christ, who descended below all things. I testify that this kind of love is possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the Universe. 

He truly did face all pain, struggle, and more...so that He could know and succor you perfectly. 

 

And where He is now is your destiny and your foreordination. Get there! It is going to be tough...but we can do hard things...especially when God the Father and the creator of the universe are right by our side each and every step of the way. 

 

Keep moving forward. Keep becoming more and more like our Savior. 

Every tear, every doubt, every drop of blood, and every pain is preparing you for what God has in store for your soul. And what He has in store is a whole lot more than you or I can offer in this life. It is a whole lot more than anyone can offer.

Elder Noll

Jessi and Elder DeLeon, his new companion - still in Ventanas

 

January 19, 2015

Hey Hey! ¿Que mas?!

I am doing so so good! It has been an incredible week! 

 

Wednesday was a little interesting...

   I HAD MY FIRST CAMBIO! I am not exactly sure what they use in English...my first change? Not sure...but after our studies in the morning I got a call from the assistants informing me that we had emergency changes and that I needed to pack my bags and be in Guayaquil as soon as possible. YIKES. I was kinda freaking out. And so sad...I did not want to leave Ventanas...AT ALL. But you gotta do what you gotta do. So Elder G and I lost our minds a bit and packed everything up and headed out in about 30 minutes...I forgot so many things...my towel, protein shaker, and even my plaque for my suit. I might need those! Haha!

 

   But we made it down to Guayaquil and talked to President for a bit...So, when Elder G left, I was assigned to serve in Kennedy, Guayaquil. Right in the middle of the big city. By that time it was about 8ish so my new companion (Elder G, California) and I went and taught an English class... then headed to the house and unpacked my bags and what not. THEN...we get a call when I am all settled in telling me that I have changes...AGAIN! And that I need to be in the office at 11 the next morning!

   So I pack up...AGAIN...haha...and then we headed to the office at 11 the next morning to wait for further instruction. President told me that my new companion would be there soon...so there I waited! Finally the door opens and in walks Elder P and Elder D! Our Ventanas homies who we shared a house with! So, the final result of the whole thing is that Elder G went home. Elder P is now with Elder G in Guayaquil. And Elder D and I made our way back to Ventanas to re-unpack my stuff! Haha! So, now it is just me and D! He is such a stud! He is actually from my same group...he went to the Columbia MTC and was the first Elder I saw at the Air Port...I helped him translate an English letter from a friend the first time I saw him...we slept in the same temple hotel room our first night in Ecuador...both got assigned to Ventanas...the same house...and now we are companions! Pretty legit I´d say! ;) 

 

   I can not even express how hard I prayed that night I was in Guayaquil. I knew that the Lord had work for me to do in Ventanas still. We had progressing families and people that I knew were ready for me and me ready for them. I got on my knees and BEGGED the Lord to let me return and finish the work there that was going so well. And look where I am now...The Lord is so merciful and so understanding. He knows every want, need, and desire. He is so mindful of our souls and our spirits. If you truly want something or desire something...ask Him! I am so grateful to be here in Ventanas still...I absolutely LOVE it here. Elder D and I are working hard! Harder than ever before! There used to be 4 Elders in our sector but now, with the changes it is just us two so we have twice the families. But hey! Busy is BETTER! Especially when you are busy in the work of The Lord!

 

   It was really touching to say bye to people in Ventanas. People who I have not known for that long but who I feel so close to. Definitely shed some tears and quite a few members and investigators shed some tears when I told them I was leaving. I love how close the Gospel of Jesus Christ can bring two people together. Apart from the sadness from saying goodbye...the happiness I felt when I saw them again after returning was unreal! I love the people here so much! They are the most caring and amazing people! Let's just say that church on Sunday was a whole lot of hand hugging because I am not allowed to give out real hugs...haha!

 

   Had a little dinner with Hermana K again...she is always giving us dinner! It has become a weekly tradition! I got to cook the meet again...and use some type of spray stuff as a blow torch to bring out my inner fire within which is always a good time! It was probably the most "rebelsome" thing I have done in the past five months -  besides wearing the same church shirt twice in a week...

 

 

   Yesterday morning we got up SUPER, SUPER early...we have the early morning church now so we have to get up even earlier to go pass for all of our investigators. The problem was that when we got up it was POURING: UNREAL amounts of rain. The streets were flooded pretty badly...so Elder D and I got on our knees and prayed that we would have a successful turn out at church. That those who we are teaching would make their way to The Lord's house. That we could find new people to teach...

we made it to church without stopping for anyone...and we didn't have to. The majority of our investigators were there...tons of less actives...and we got two amazing references! Once again...The Lord answers a prayer...like He always does. But He can't answer to nothing...PRAY! ASK! I promise you will receive! :) The Lord promises that you will receive!

 

AHHHH...what else can I tell you about my awesome life!!!??

   Spanish is getting better and better every day as I pray harder and harder for the gift of tongues. Many times I don't even know what I am saying to people...but when the Spirit is working nothing else matters...no other words are important. It is the neatest thing to feel the Holy Ghost work through you to touch someone else. It is something indescribably perfect...something that I hope nobody gives up the chance to do! 

   

   Things here are just awesome...but I want to know what is up in the ville? What is up with life in Utah! Someone - help a brotha' out!

 

I hope all is well and hope you all know that each of you are in my prayers!

   "But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the Kingdom of God."

I have read this scripture HUNDREDS of times but it never really hit me until I got out here on my mission. What really matters in this life? Is it the sick new car? Or is it giving someone who is walking home from school a ride? Is it the new iphone 6? Or is it calling someone without a friend to hang out on a Saturday night? Is it trying to be rich in popularity and worldly possessions over being rich in spirit? The list could go on forever...

and as hard as it is...no matter the choice, who is involved, or what is at stake; SEEK YE FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Be rich in spirit!

 

   Nothing is more attractive to me in a girl than when she carries the same attributes that our Savior once carried and still carries. And the only thing that a beautiful daughter of God should be seeking for in a man is someone who she can see someday holding a little newborn infant in his arms and giving them a name and a blessing under the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood and being a worthy holder of that Priesthood. Being rich in spirit is so, so much more valuable than having temporal things, having a temporal mind, and a temporal heart. 

 

   You have an eternal soul. An eternal purpose. And an eternal destiny. Doesn't it just make sense that you put all things in an eternal perspective? The things in this life are so temporal...but the results of being rich in spirit are so eternal.

 

We know that God's Kingdom is glorious above our comprehension and more.

"For no man hath seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God."

 

   As human beings, we LITERALLY cannot withstand the glory that God has and that His Kingdom is made up of. That is being rich. That is what we should seek after. Someone whose "brightness and glory defy all description" should give us hope as to what we can become and where we want to go. And we are not going to become what we were foreordained to become or end up where we were destined to go if we are more worried about the things of this world than we are about seeking for God's Kingdom and doing whatever it takes to get there.

 

   It has taken me 18 years and a trip to Ecuador to realize that I don't need a warm shower, air conditioning, or a carpeted home to be happy. The church is still true here. The Spirit still pierces. And Jesus Christ is still my Savior. The majority of people here are so poor...yet some of the most rich people I know. Rich in their spirits. And that is what really counts! 

 

   Nothing else in all of existence matters besides the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and it's teachings along with the Eternal Family. As you come to realize this and live this principle, I testify in the name of our Savior, whose church this is, that you will be more happy and blessed than you can possible imagine.

Every doubt, worry, stress, or fear will be replaced with a surety, courage, peace, and love. 

You will start reigning in the cash...the cash that actually matters! 

Love you all so much! Have an amazing week!

Elder Noll

January 12, 2015

Hey All! 

   How is everyone?! Hopefully SO SO good! I am doing great out here! As usual! 

This past week was a normal one...caminando y predicando and predicando y caminando! ;) Nothing better! 

 

   I was super sick on Monday and Tuesday...I will say that part of the week was not so great! I actually had to end up going to Quevedo to have an appointment with the doctor and run a bunch of lame tests...but here I am! Breathing! Living! And obviously LOVING every second of every day that our Savior gives to me! But The Lord managed to, yet again, take a weak servant and give me strength to fulfill His promise and sound this perfect message in the ears of those who are ready for it. How blessed I am. :)

 

   On Wednesday I got to give Hermana J a blessing! She is the member that lives below us and always hooks me up with smoothies! ;) It was a really neat experience...I am not quite sure what her illness is or was...but she had to go to Guayaquil the next day for an appointment. So we ran down to her house really quick to administer the blessing and she woke up the next morning feeling great! Good enough to not need to go to her appointment! How cool? The Lord's power is real and it is powerful. I was feeling kind of down because I felt like I couldn't express myself and say exactly what I wanted to say in Spanish...but I had to take a step back and really think...is this my power? does it really matter who I am? does it really matter what I say? THE ANSWER IS NO! All that matters is that you perform saving ordinances under the sacred name of Jesus Christ and have un-waivering faith that our Heavenly Father will do the rest. I know that when we do that...answers will come...and miracles will happen.

 

   Thursday was cool! Elder M and Elder P were in an intercambio so that night there were 3 Gringos and only 1 Guat! It was like a homie sleep over back at home all over again...minus the staying up all night...and eating good food...and talking about girls...and causing a ruckus...okay it was nothing like a homie sleep over...haha! But it was a good time! :)

 

   We have been teaching an investigator who is having problems with the Word of Wisdom. We have been working so so so hard with him but we have not been seeing any progress. FINALLY...he showed up at church. He was so quiet...like he was thinking so deeply about something. When we saw him later that night he told us he felt like he needed to change. He decided to enroll in a recuperation program for alcoholics. What faith? So off he went...for THREE whole months he will be living in a new home to help get over his addiction all because he has faith and knows that it is a commandment of The Lord. I want to be like Him when I grow up. Something that I have found on my mission is that those who I am teaching are actually teaching me more than I am them. 

 

WHY IS THE MISSION SO AWESOME!?!?

   On Friday the Ward Mission Leader and I visited a particular family...and the father is a punk! Haha! I love him to death...but he never wants to pray. So we went into the lesson with the intentions of getting this dude to talk to his Father in Heaven. And our prayers were answered! :) He offered one of the most heart felt prayers I have ever heard. He reminded me that we need to pray like it is the first time every time.

   

   On Saturday we got to do some service! One of the families in the ward have some family from Utah that just moved here to Ventanas. Man was it strange to converse with adults that knew English. And they have the CUTEST kids! So we helped them unpack and what not and got to play with the kids for a little bit. This family is incredible though...they lived in Utah...in a beautiful home in a beautiful area but felt like they needed to change. They prayed to their Father in Heaven and felt like Ecuador was their answer. So they packed up and here they are. Holy smokes...how hard would that be?! Let us all try to be 100% reliant on The Lord and His plan. He KNOWS.

 

Yesterday was a little interesting...

   We were gathering people for church, Hermano N and I, and we stopped to see an elderly man. He is very, very sick. He can't walk. Has no food, and has nobody to take care of him. So, N and I had to change his diaper...which was a little startling...there was no fear in this mans eyes...haha...but we fed him and then got him to the church and carried him up the stairs so that he could take the sacrament and listen to the word of God. I think we are all kind of like this man. We are all kind of sick and unable. We need to rely on God's messengers...on His son...on the Prophets to guide us to happiness and eternal life because we can't do it alone.

 

   Ah! So many awesome experiences this past week! I love how every day is so new here...but I am in the same arms of my Heavenly Father. On many occasions I am exhausted from this work. I am beat. Completely. To the point where I fall asleep on my knees...but what better place to fall asleep than literally in the arms of your Heavenly Father. I love falling asleep on the phone with the God of the Universe. I am not advising you to do so...but advising you to offer your heart and soul up to Him every night and every day like it is your first time ever doing so and like it will be your last time to ever do so. I promise He will answer...because He LOVES you. 

 

Which ties into my message...da da da da!

   Last week I talked about the pure love of Jesus Christ and how we need to give our all to Him and serve and love others. With the little time I have left I thought I would switch from the love that we should have for others to the love that our Heavenly Father has for us.

''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.''

Our Heavenly Father loved us and still loves us enough that He sent His firstborn son to the earth, knowing PERFECTLY well the sacrifice that His son would have to make and the pains that He would have to feel. But he sent Him off anyway. He sent Him because we needed an example. A light. A hope. He sent Him because we needed a way back to Him and that is all that matters to our Heavenly Father. 

''For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.''

This scripture blows my mind every time I read it. What could God's glory possibly be? Perhaps His kingdom? His authority and power? His ability to create universes? The fact that He is God? The truth is that He does not glory in a single one of these things...in fact...He glories in us. And His only purpose...his only objective as our Heavenly Father...is for us to return to Him. And this purpose and objective is something that He made for himself! The God of the Universe glories in His sons and daughters. The Almighty and infinite being of all existence glories in YOU...because He loves you. Perfectly and Infinitely.

His glory is our Salvation and when we reconcile ourselves unto Him.

He loves us enough to give us a two way communication between us and Him.

He loves us enough to have restored, through His power, the true and everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ.

He loves us enough that He sent us here to live with the people we love and He loves enough that He made a plan so that we could live with those same people forever.

He loves us enough to grant us daily breath and to give us life.

He loves us enough that He will always be there.

ALWAYS.

Our Heavenly Father is ALWAYS there, Brothers and Sisters. That I testify of. And He will continue to always be there for time and all eternity. 

This life can bring the most negative feelings and thoughts. And they are from Satan...who is also real and powerful. But these feelings only have power if we let them. We can feel worthless, hopeless, helpless, and without a friend. At times we can feel like we are drowning and like we don't have a chance in this world and that we have no escape. GET ON YOUR KNEES and KNOW...that your Heavenly Father is kneeling right beside you. That you are in His constant care. That you are in His constant watch. As you talk to your Father know that His arms are around your broken heart...and He is holding you ever so softly and loving you more than you can possibly imagine.

A simple prayer will make all the difference in the world because we mean all the Universe to Him. 

 

   I testify that His love is endless and eternal. He loves you as His only child because that is exactly what you are. He loves you infinity times more than anyone in the world has the capacity to even comprehend or let alone match. 

Raise your shoulders up. Stop dropping your head and raise your chin. Wipe away your tears. Take the world and throw it away! The only thing we should feel is confidence and love...we have Heavenly Father on our side...and He always wins.

Keep keepin' on!

Sending all my love from Ecuador...but it is not NEARLY as much as our Heavenly Father is sending you and has in store for you each and ever day.

Love, Elder Noll

January 5, 2015

Brothers and Sisters!!!

   I sure hope all is well with all of you! HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you all had an amazing time! It was such a great week here...that is for sure!

But what's new?

EVERY SINGLE DAY IS LEGENDARY!

   Last P-DAY was super cool...before proselyting at night, we played soccer with all the homies from the ward which was really fun. They are all the biggest studs...super fun hanging out with them. Then we went to a families house for their little girls birthday. We bought her a cake and some other things. She turned 10 and I told her that I have a little brother that is 10, too. That's right Al...I got you! Best wing man ever. I got you homie! ;)

   After that we went out to our appointments. On our way back home we witnessed a murder...it was the most awful thing I have ever seen. Poor little pig. LOL. Did that frighten you mom?? ;) We saw some people kill and then gut a pig. A GIANT one. It was so so soooo nasty! I won't go into details about that nonsense!

   I went on an intercambio with the leader of the zone which was really cool. All their investigators are sooo incredible! They were really confused though when they saw me because my name had changed??? Turns out...Elder P from Logan was in their home the day before and they just thought we were the same person. I think it might have something to do with our white skin...just a guess??!! ;)

   Later that night all of the missionaries from our zone met up at our house. Elder M and I wanted something to drink so we ran down the street really quick to buy some juice. It tasted sooo good...especially because it is soo hot right now...so I definitely enjoyed it...until a drunk man came up to me and told me to give it to him. Haha. I figured I would avoid any contention and try not to escalate the situation so I just gave it to him. Then Elder M and I went and bought him some bread to go with his juice. It is the little things like that in my mission that have given me the most joy and happiness. Simply helping others brings more joy in this life than anything else. 

   New Years was okay! Other than the fact that it was really hard to share the gospel because nobody was home :/ So we did our best...we were not allowed to stay out too late because it is super dangerous in the streets so we just ate with the members below us. They have a fun tradition here in Ecuador where you eat 1 grape every minute starting at 11:48 up until 12:00. It represents the 12 months of the year and every time you eat a grape you think of one thing that you want to do better. One goal. One wish. Something like that. It was really cool and fun! Especially because Elder P and I thought it would be funny to not eat the grapes as we put them in our mouths. So by 12:00 we both had all 12 grapes in our mouths trying not to bust up laughing. Everyone who was with us thought we were pretty strange...but that's okay! Worth the fun for sure!

   We did manage to come across some fireworks! So after dinner we went up to our balcony and shot off Roman Candles at birds. Haha! So fun! One backfired though and singed the top of my head! I guess that will have to be another story...but that explains why I had to cut my hair so short today! ;) Haha!

   
   New Years Day was absolutely DEAD: Nobody was in the streets...except one person. One super old and super drunk woman. As soon as she saw us 4 elders walking in the street she lost it. She got soooo excited! She noticed Elder P first...

"Oh my! You are so handsome!" Then to Elder G - "I guess you are okay."  To me -  "AND YOU... You are most beautiful. So handsome!" (That's right...winning the hearts of old drunk women like it's my job)... then finally to Elder D - "Oh dear...Que Feo! In other words...you are ugly." After she said that she just walked away...How sad is that!?!? It was SO SO SO SO funny and Elder P nearly died from holding in our laughter...but I still felt bad for Elder D... Nobody likes to be called ugly by an old drunk woman. ;)

   

   Hmmm...what other small details...

I got pooped on by a bird...I think it was revenge for shooting all his little flying friends with fireworks...

   I got burnt super duper bad on my hand...I will leave out the details with that one...just know that it was my Gringo moment of the week...Haha! 

   The stories could go on forever...but I have to get to what is most important!!

   I have honestly learned so much over the past five months it is unreal...especially how to love and what love really is. We learn from the scriptures that CHARITY is literally the pure love of Jesus Christ and that without it "we are NOTHING". As human beings we are nothing to begin with...and it is only through Jesus Christ and His love, which is charity, that we can become something. The work of the Almighty God, our Eternal and Infinite Heavenly Father, is to develop His sons and daughters into Kings and Queens...and we can't make it there without charity.

   Our infinite souls depend on an infinite number of things...one of those being acting for ourselves. Personal prayer and scripture study, going to church, attending the temple, etc. Another being acting for others. Giving to others. Loving others. Living the life that Christ lived and walking the path that He walked. Those two things are all that we can do...we can only do TWO out of the INFINITY things that our souls rely on...SO DO THESE TWO THINGS. And the Everlasting and Only Begotten Son of God and His Atonement will make up for what we lack. He will make up for our nothingness...but he needs that something! He needs that fraction of your eternal soul! That CHARITY! And after we give ourselves to others...He fills in the blanks. 

   Christ´s ENTIRE life was dedicated to others. His life ended when He was in YOUR service. So let's dedicate our lives to HIM and live in HIS service. There is no better or greater joy that I have experienced in my life than while serving my brothers and sisters who are desperately searching for truth. Christ cured the blind, fed the multitude, healed the sick, and suffered in every way humanly and Godly possible...and He did it all for others.

We need to help others see. Help others be fed spiritually. Help others be better and feel better. Sacrifice every single ounce of every part of your soul to The Lord´s work and to loving others. Our Savior is counting on US...He is counting on YOU.

I testify that there is no greater love than the pure and unbreakable love of Jesus Christ. And that love is Charity. It is the same love that our brother had for us when He descended below all and endured everything. 

What are you willing to descend below and endure for Him who endured it all for you and more? 

Love you all so so so so much! Have an incredible week!

Elder Noll

Christmas tree - missionary style :)

Jessi and Jake - together again

Jessi's favorite gift...sweet potatoes

modeling the new pj shirt...inside joke with his little brother

December 29, 2014

HEY HEY HEY!

   How is everyone?! I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas! And hopefully my prayers are being answered and everyone is happy and safe as can be! :)

The past two weeks have been incredible! Here is the brief rundown...

   We had an awesome Family Home Evening with Hermana K...and dinner was included! She made the rice and bananas and P and I were in charge of the chicken and papas! Here in Ecuador they have something really popular called Papi-Pollo...TOO GOOD! The US is missing out for sure! 

    

   Last week Elder P and I were walking home from the cyber and this drunk dude came up to us...he was selling Tortillas...and he was very persistent! To the point where we were starting to feel a little threatened so we gave in and bought...and then he insisted on watching us...long story short it took my stomach a while to recover from that one...don't buy from drunks!

   Still working on the house of one of our converts...still playing football with bricks! Way too much fun! We still have a ways to go with their house but it is so fun to help out such and incredible family! I love serving the members and people in general here. It is one of the grandest blessings as a missionary.

   Kinda a cool story...The Lord works in mysterious ways! I was with the ward mission leader and Elder G was with a member on a split...we were supposed to meet back up at the house of the mission leader at a specific time so we could leaved from there to our house together. The time rolled around but I felt prompted to just keep walking...so I did. We ended up running into Elder G quite a ways away...and we walked far enough that we didn't need to take a taxi to our house so we just decided to walk...and on our way we found TWO amazing families who we are now teaching. They are AMAZING! And had we not have kept walking, we would not have had to walk home...and would not have found these two families who The Lord has prepared for the message of this true and restored gospel. FOLLOW THE PROMPTINGS OF THE SPIRIT! He will guide you to the path that you need to take...more importantly he will guide you to others paths that need YOU.

   I was with Elder P and we were teaching a woman who runs her own little store. She sells candy, toiletries, drinks, etc...and we were teaching her about the word of wisdom. THE INSTANT we told her that coffee was against the word of wisdom she responded, "Oh no, I am a sinner". After learning that she was breaking a commandment of our Heavenly Father she decided to stop drinking coffee...and even cooler...she does not sell it in her store anymore! How neat!?? She is such a humbling example to me of what it means to sacrifice and what it means to rely on and follow The Lord and His teachings. I have full faith that the window of Heaven will open over her head and the blessings will poor out upon her and her family.

   We also had another BBQ with K...she is always asking to feed us! And of course we always accept! Haha! She was in charge of the rice and bananas again and P and I cooked the meat...I accidentally burnt a piece :/ She just laughed it off and made sure to give it to Elder G! Haha! SSHHHHH ;)

   Our ward had a Christmas party...it was Disco Themed! SO neat! To bad I couldn't get down with my bad self as a missionary! Haha! It is hard to go from buck wild to nothing...but I did it! Tons of our investigators ended up going and having a good time...it was really an awesome activity.

   We got to go to the temple with the youth in the ward too this past week! Such an awesome experience! Elder P and I did confirmations! How cool it was to see our converts make it to the House of The Lord. One of the best feelings in the world by far. Indescribable. Unreal. The joy of seeing people change through becoming closer to our Savior is my most favorite thing in the whole world.

   I had to lend my suit to one of our converts for a party of his two weeks ago...still have not got it back...haha! Hopefully it shows up sooner or later...but I have been wearing Elder P's...and I am sure it would have fit me 5 months ago but now it is a little baggy...haha.

   The final between Barcelona and Emelek was this past week too. They are two teams from Guayaquil...and the rivalry is INSANE! Emelek ended up winning and the streets went wild! Wild to the point of danger! Flipping tables, throwing chairs, parades, drinking, and moshes. If only the people here were as passionate about conference as they are about soccer! ;)

   Last week was the BOMB! We got to spend P-DAY in Guayaquil...we saw HUGE paper sculptures. A big thing here on new years is to make paper sculptures and stuff them with bombs and fireworks. As soon as it is the new year they light them off..I am pretty pumped for that! I hear it is pretty awesome! And the sculptures are pretty impressive...

   On the 23rd, we had our mission Christmas party fiesta thingy...with all 250 missionaries! It was awesome! We all stuffed in one chapel so it was pretty packed. And I reunited with Elder J! It was so tight to kick it with the homie for the night. And we both spent the night at the temple hotels so we spent that whole day together...love that dude! We had a quick conference with the President on the 24th and then headed home.

   We got back to Ventanas around 6ish on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve here is a whole lot bigger than Christmas day. We had tons of dinners and visits with members. So much fun! The streets were wild! It still did not feel like Christmas...it was hot, humid, and the trees branches flow up instead of down! ;) Elder P and I had our own little Christmas with the packages that our fam bams sent us which was fun...we went out on Christmas day and gave candy and toys to the niños, which was the highlight of the day by far! Did my laundry, studied, and ate some rice. So it was a pretty normal day in the mission...but a normal day in the mission is the best day ever not in the mission. I still got to put a plaque over my heart and represent our Savior! Which is the greatest gift ever!

   A member bought me a coconut...when I was drinking the milk I accidentally dropped it...they have so much built up pressure in the coconuts that when it hit the ground it exploded all over me! haha! SO there is my moment...

   Obviously seeing the family was amazing. Man do I have a beautiful mother! So good to see how happy my family was! And it made me more and more grateful for them every second I was talking to them...and more and more excited to work hard and help other families have what I have. We ended our Skype session with a prayer...half way through the prayer I felt something on my leg...I looked down and there was a MASSIVE Cockroach...I had to swallow my fear and finish strong though...as soon as I said amen I lost it! I swiped him off my lap and finished the sucker...so i thought...but, the next day I reached in my back pack to get my camera and the first thing I felt were little fuzzy legs and scraggly antennas. These cockroaches are endless!

We got 2 whole hours to chat with our sweet missionary! It was so good to see and hear him - he is doing well and is so happy. :)

 

The kids prepared a One Direction song to sing to Elder Noll and he LOVED it!

Elder Noll Happy, Happy, Happy! 

A Missionary Mom's favorite gift...all her kids together :)

   I am honestly having such an awesome time here! There are so many other stories I have but we would be here for days! And I do not have a whole lot of time!

   This time of year I am always overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift of repentance. With the new year we have the chance to set new goals and start the year out fresh...how blessed we are to have the chance to start fresh every day of our lives through the Atonement of our Savior. I love the end of the 10th chapter of 2Nephi. We are told to "cheer up our hearts"and to choose for ourselves everlasting life or death. In today's terms...HEY! Lighten up! You are making your own decisions! Don't blame anyone else. YOU have the chance to make your OWN decisions...and your decisions will lead you to your destination.

The choice is yours.

It follows by inviting us to be "reconciled to God". To remember Him. To be like Him. And there is NO WAY that we can be even somewhat similar to Him with the spots of the world...being the sinners that we all are. That is why being reconciled to God through repentence is so important. It will make the difference between happiness and misery. Light and dark. It is the difference between life and death, Brothers and Sisters. Reconcile and repent. With every fiber of your soul every single day. Through repentance we can become cleansed from the spots of the world. We will become more like our Savior. Every time we kneel before our Heavenly Father and BEG for His forgiveness we are one step closer to coming forth on the morning of the first resurrection and inheriting the Kingdom of God.

It is not too late! It is never too late. Repentance is always available to anyone...and it is only made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ which was, is, and alway will be eternal. Never feel like you are hopeless or helpless...because if we have two things in this life with the Atonement it is HOPE and HELP. No matter what. NO matter the situation, who you are, where you are, or what you have done. The Lord´s only invitation for YOU is the come unto Him.

Choose TODAY. Our Savior is waiting to embrace you fully with His everlasting love.

I love the focus on Jesus Christ this time of year. His birth is so important...He was and still is the greatest gift that the world has ever known...

But, the baby grew up, Brothers and Sisters.

Rather, let us focus on the life that our Savior LIVED. Not just the fact that He was born.
Focus on the fact that the God of the Universe descended below all so that He could know, feel, and succor YOU perfectly. SO that you could be forgiven. So that you could return to live with your Heavenly Father again. So let's go there! Let's reconcile ourselves! Let's accept His invitaion and come unto Him through repenting daily and be cleansed through the Atonement and grace of God.

Choose TODAY!

   I testify, in His holy name, that the only way to inherit the Kingdom of God is through repentance which is made possible through the most loving, powerful, and eternal act in the history of the world; the Atonement.
He is ready for your return...He always is.

Love you all so much! I know I say that every week but it is so true!

Happy New Years!
Elder Noll

December 22, 2014

Hey All!

I do not have any time at all really! :/ We are headed to Guayaquil for the next couple of days and we have to head out in a little bit! That being said...I will have to update you all about this past weeks adventures next week. But that means twice the stories, twice the awesomeness, and twice the GRINGO! I do want to leave time for a spiritual message though!

   How incredible is the life of Jesus Christ? I can´t even begin to wrap my head around all that He did and continues to do for me. We could start with, ´´and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room in the Inn´´. That is pretty humbling...never mind the fact that He is the first born Son of God, creator of the universe, and sent to the earth to take upon Himself the sins of all existence. With all this in mind...Baby Jesus just kicks it in a manger. It does not matter where we are from or where we are now...only where we are GOING. Only what we do with the circumstances that we are given. The Savior understands ALL circumstances...so when there is no room in the Inn and you are forced to stay out in the streets...when you feel cast out, hurt, and alone...remember who was born first in those circumstances...and look to Him with faith.

   Now everyone think back to what you were doing when you were 12 years old...

Probably nothing very productive! I was more than likely watching the Vikings lose a football game while obsessing over my new Facebook account! Haha! And what was our Savior doing at the young age of 12? ´´Going about His Fathers work´´. This is not only for 12 year olds, but for all of us! It does not matter how old you are, where you are, if you are scared, or if you don´t feel ready...Go about your Fathers work! He needs you! And to be honest...you need this work! One thing I have come to find in these short 4 months is that I need this mission, this message, and these people a whole lot more than they need me! You are old enough. Don´t be scared. And when it comes to being ready...who is EVER ready? That´s what The Lord is for!

   A little later on in Christ´s life He is Baptized. WHAAAAATTTTT??? What an incredible example. Our LITERAL PERFECT Brother was Baptized.
´´And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfill all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!´´

   For those who have been Baptized...continue to take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ every day by living EXACTLY like He did, in EXACTLY every way, in EXACTLY every moment. Live in a way that when people think of you...they think of Him. For those who have not followed in the footsteps of our Savior and been Baptized, (EXACTLY how He was Baptized) the invitation is the same. Take upon yourself His name. There is always room in the Kingdom of God. I testify that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true and restored Gospel. I testify that it is the ONLY true church on the face of the earth.

´´ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism.´´

I testify that the Heavens will open as they did for Jesus Christ and as they did for me...and as they do for all whom are Baptized in the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS:

The heavens will open and the Holy Ghost will descend upon you. The heavens will open and you will receive blessings in every single aspect of your life. Blessings beyond comprehension. The heavens will open and you will forever have a home in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

The lists of amazing things that our Savior did could go on forever. Literally...forever. How many times did He heal the sick, cast out spirits, or comfort the poor? He walked on water and raised a man from the dead!

I guess the moral of this message is to remember Him in all things. ESPECIALLY DURING THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON. Remember why we are celebrating and what we are actually celebrating. Remember who was born and what He did for you. Above the bikes, clothes, cell phones, and toys...remember the best and most greatest gift of all...Our Savior. His life. His Atonement. He is the best thing that ever happened and will ever happen to the universe.

Remember Him by remembering others. Remember your friends...your family...and every human being to walk the face of the earth...besides yourself. Above all though...remember your Savior and His life. Remember your Heavenly Father.
Look to The Lord´s light...the light that was gifted to us. There is no greater gift. There is no greater light.

Nuestro Salvador y Redentor nació. El vivió. El vive...y Su amor es para siempre.

Merry Christmas from thousands of miles away!

I love you all so much!

Have an incredible holiday! Be safe!
Love, Elder Noll

December 15, 2014

HOLA!

   What a week! On Monday and Tuesday everyone in our house was super sick. We can not figure out what it was though! We think it has something to do with the millions of mystery bugs flying around the house...just a guess though!? I will let you all know after further investigation! :)

 

   So, we ended up going to Quevedo again for another conference which was awesome! It is so good to hear from Presidente Riggins...he is such an incredible man! And seeing your #1 homie since Kindergarten is always a plus! Elder J is still doing great! Still a stud! Still a goof and I am still better looking...but he is doing great!

 

   Good grief...I was on a split with the Ward Mission Leader and walking in the middle of the street was a HUGE man. Absolutely GIGANTIC...and I guess he was so big that the dude on the motorcycle did not see him! This giant got DRILLED by the motorcycle from behind and went FLYING. I thought he was dead. NO LIES. After causing a shock-wave after hitting the ground he bounced right back up and just strutted his stuff off. What on earth does he put in his rice? So that was quite the visual experience!

 

   On Wednesday night there was a big soccer game...we were walking back to the house and passing a restaurant right when Barcelona (a team from Ecuador) scored. Everyone in the streets and in the restaurant...and everywhere really...went absolutely nuts! Throwing tables and flipping chairs! They take things pretty seriously here! Haha! We made it out of the rush and I felt a little tickle on my arm...when I looked down there was a huge cockroach crawling on my arm. I tried to swipe it off but it eventually made it up onto my shirt, up to my neck, and DOWN MY COLLAR! I lost it! Luckily it crawled right back out and I eventually smacked it off...Unluckily...I think I peed a little...those things are scary.

 

   The other day Elder P and I taught a guy from the 666. I was really timid at first...but we should NEVER judge. This man was INCREDIBLE! He was the nicest and most receptive guy ever! He already has a testimony of Joseph Smith! How cool!?

 

   Ah man...I woke up the other day with painted nails...PINK! Haha! Freaking Elder P! I couldn't scratch it off so I had to go ask around for nail polish remover...you can imagine the looks I got when they saw me with my pink nails...I am going to get him back though! Don't worry! ;)

 

   We got to do service again! I was kind of back in the football days! I was on top of the roof and the Hermanos below would chuck the bricks from below up to me and I had to catch them and put them in place. So that was a good time. I got to throw a couple up too...lets just say I should stick with Receiver! 

 

   We had a super fun family night with a super cool family with all 4 of the Elders in our house. When we were on our way home Elder P snuck up behind me, un-tucked my shirt, and then took off down the middle of the street...such a punk! But I went after him. Gringo VS Gringo...We were getting all sorts of stares! Haha! I eventually caught him...I could not do a whole lot so I just un-tucked his shirt too...hahah. Then we bought a role of toilet paper and played football on the way back to the house. People from Guatemala should probs stick to soccer! Haha! But it was super fun and super funny!

That was pretty much this week!

The mission had cambios...I honestly can't remember the word in English...but I am going to kick it with Elder G for a little longer! We are pumped to still be working together! 

 

   This weeks message is on our obligation to sacrifice...and boy is it hard! How can we possible be expected to "straightway leave our nets, and follow Him." or to "offer up our whole souls unto him"? Brothers and Sisters, I believe it is pretty simple. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has and ALWAYS will require sacrifice. In the history of the church some pretty incredible people have been asked to do some pretty incredible things. Incredible things that require incredible sacrifice. Let's take a massive hike into the wilderness with murmuring brothers and as soon as we make it to our destination let's turn around and put our life on the line to obey the Lord...pretty tough right? Without hesitation though ... Nephi proceeds forward and sacrifices. Joseph Smith gave everything to this church. Eventually his life. He was tarred and feathered, beaten and scourged...and it was all for our Savior. I am sure at many times "their hearts were depressed, and they were about to turn back." -Alma 26:27. However...continue on in this verse and "The Lord comforted them" and "promised success". I know that The Lord will guarantee you the same promise if we sacrifice our all for Him. Your depressed heart can turn into a successful one with The Lord. Don't fear sacrifice! Look for it! Desire it! We LEARN as we DO. We can not progress as spiritual children of God without exercising our spirits and our willingness to follow our Redeemer.

Presidente shared this awesome quote with us in the conference the other day...it translates to...

´´Vision without action is a waste of time. Action without vision is a sleep. The two together work miracles.´´

ACT, Brothers and Sisters. Sacrifice. Sacrifice with a vision and with a purpose. When asked to sacrifice 2 years or 1 1/2 years to save souls accept it gladly and willingly! We should feel honored that our Heavenly Father trusts us with so great a call. Sacrifice everything you have for your family, your friends, and for others. Sacrifice everything you have for everything but yourself. More than anything...sacrifice your soul to this Gospel and to our Savior...because he sacrificed his entire soul and every ounce of spiritual, physical, and emotional pain for you.

Take a moment to enter Gethsemane...watch as your brother cries out to our Father in Heaven in pain for you. Watch His trembling hands clench as He endures your excruciating pains, deepest fears, and natural imperfections. Watch as His white robe turns to red after bleeding from every poor. Watch as He is ridiculed, beaten, and spit upon...and crucified. Watch as He begs our Heavenly Father to forgive those who have afflicted Him, Now after watching your Savior do this for you...what are you willing to do for Him?

And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

To sacrifice is to struggle. To sacrifice is to willingly endure challenges because you love. To sacrifice is to become more like Jesus Christ. And at times we are going to feel cast into a pit with fierce winds against us...but it is for an eternal purpose. When we are forced to endure a fraction of what our Savior had to endure or have to suffer a fraction of the physical or mental pain that Jesus Christ had to feel...endure it well. 

The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

I testify that the Son of Man did indeed descend below them all and did, in fact, atone for us all. There is nothing greater than His love...His example...or His light. After all that He has done for you, me, and mankind...it is our sacred obligation...and a privilege...to give it ALL back to Him. All that is in our power. Devote your heart and soul to this truth and to this faith. Sacrifice! Sacrifice! Sacrifice! 

The more you give the more you will get!

Love you all! 

Have a stellar week! And stay safe during the Holiday season!

Elder Noll