Jeopardy, Baptisms, and Surprise Transfers

 Family and friends,

This week was a roller coaster, truly. We made it on the front page of the Grand Island Independent Sunday paper yesterday, we had two baptisms in the district this past weekend, and we were having a grand ol' time. I even blew away the competition in Bible Jeopardy on Thursday, in case any of you didn't see it. And, the thing I personally am most proud of, we even made an incredible introduction video for all eight of us missionaries in Grand Island, modeled after the intro for the show Family Matters. See the link below. It was SOOOOO fun to make, and very satisfying to see completed.

Then transfers hit. And I'm leaving.

This is exceedingly confusing on many, many levels. Firstly, I was a district leader and a trainer, which I thought would keep me here for at least one more transfer; second, Elder King, my co-trainer, already left three weeks ago, so I naturally presumed that I would stay for longer to compensate, maybe even until the end of my mission in three months. As it stands now, Elder Crowley will have lost both of his mission "dads" in the same transfer - I guess we just REALLY needed some milk, you know? Enough for it to require both dads to get some... But also, the Elder who will replace me is Elder Duffy. Sound familiar, perhaps? It's because that is the same Elder who took my place last transfer. He is a zone leader in Lincoln, as I write this, and tomorrow he will be a district leader in Grand Island. He just can't stay away from me! He was also only a leader of that zone for a single transfer, which is strange. And Elder Harwood, my previous companion in Lincoln, will now receive his fourth companion in his four transfers in this mission. That is so weird! In my letter to President Ence today, I expressed my confusion to him, and he even responded and expressed the same right back! He had planned to have me in Grand Island for longer, but instead he was inspired to move me. Thus, instead of me leaving my trainer after one transfer, as I did in Argentina, I'm leaving my trainee after only one transfer. What goes around come around, right? Weird times to be living in, these are.

But I also take consolation in what President told me, because that means that, insomuch as he would have kept me there but I was moved regardless, that means that there was indeed inspiration involved, and I am grateful for all that God still does for me to guide me to where I am needed. I know that this is His work, and He can place His instruments where He wants them. Thus, I am going to.... [cue drum roll]... Omaha! I will be in the Rio Vista ward. I don't know where that is, but I know I am needed there. God is so good to me.

Love,

Elder Hill

Fotos: Elder Crowley siendo Elder Crowley; yo en un campo de maíz; y también yo esta mañana, luego de peinarme - estuve bueno, pero en verdad no me gustó.

Also see the newspaper article below Elder Hill's video and pictures.

                              This is the Grand Island Missionaries video

[Ben told us last Friday night that the interviews for the following article had taken place that day, and that the photography was to be the following day as they worked at a Habitat for Humanity project.  Ben wasn't at that project, so isn't in those pictures, but is in a picture taken at a local church's supper event (in the picture with sister missionaries carrying boxes -- he's kind of behind the tree, and he's wearing a black tie.)  The article appeared on the front page of the Sunday edition, 13 September 2020.]

In-Person Meetings, and Eating Jalapeños

 Family and friends,

This week was also a bit hard. It has been a bit more difficult to keep my spirits up, but I'm making it through with God by my side. I am truly grateful for everything He always does for me.

This weekend, we visited the State Fair here in Grand Island for a bit, and it was a cool time!  See the picture taken in the huge cattle barn.  We plan to return today to explore it more thoroughly, as time did not permit, last time. But there was a burger place called Cactus Jack's, which was the typical place to go at the fair. I got the most spicy burger there, the "Ragin' Cajun", which is described as follows: "A spicy Cajun blackened burger smothered in pepperjack cheese, jalapeños, jalapeño crisps and our sriracha aioli". It was not actually nearly as spicy as I had been expecting, but it was most certainly a very tasty burger. And the best part? I didn't pay for it! A member appeared out of nowhere and ordered us to use his credit card to pay for all eight of us who were there. What a kind man! And even as we waited in line, another member of the ward found us and tried to hand Elder Crowley a $100 bill, but we convinced him not to because someone else was already paying for it. We felt very loved.

Speaking of spicy foods, though, all eight of us in Grand Island were together for dinner on Wednesday night, and we each ate a jalapeño, all at once. It was quite the experience. I'll leave it at that, and just send you the video. Good times.  [Note from Ben's mom:  the video is way too big to include, so let me just say that almost everyone was in great distress.  Ben was stoic, but still in pain.  One elder kept eating jalapeños until there were no more on the table.  😀😀😀]

Last Saturday, we heard from our mission president that our restrictions are now loosened a tiny bit! The only difference now is that we can meet with people in person, as long as it is outside their house. We already could meet with them at the Church, but now we can meet there as well as anywhere outside any other building. It's a step forward. We're excited to begin meeting people in person again, even though we have nearly nobody to teach but members.

In the end, I want to reiterate that I know God lives, and that He is still so good to me. I love my life, and I am glad I have a few more weeks of being a missionary before December.

Love,

Elder Hill

Fotos: muchos servicios que hicimos, comiendo jalapeños, los misioneros de Grand Island en las festividades, y yo extendiendo mis alas.

Organ Pain and Angels

 Family and friends,

This week felt quite long, actually. We did a lot of service, painting the house we've been working on with Habitat for Humanity and laying concrete for the same. Last week, I was told by a doctor I visited to take it easy so as not to aggravate my abdominal pain. She said that it was probably either a random muscle pain or a randomly swollen section of my intestines - and due to some service for the Lutheran Church here, for which I was lifting many boxes for a long time, I know that it isn't a muscular pain because my abs were not in any kind of discomfort afterwards; so, it must be something further inside. That's a bit concerning, but I'll just keep taking anti-inflammatory pills to see if it helps, as the doctor told me to.

We did not get much teaching in this week, aside from members, but I still feel we are doing good work here, spreading our name around in the community via our service.

I am honestly still very happy here. God is so merciful to me despite all my enormous weaknesses, and I am so grateful for all the prayers that you all offer for me, because I know they are all fulfilled, according to God's good will. I have been feeling angels around me to bear me up. God is good.

Love,

Elder Hill

Fotos: los servicios que hicimos; un partido de fútbol americano que asistimos con un investigador y su novia; y esta mañana en el parque.

Fishing, Transfers, and my Organs Falling Out

Family and friends,

So, this week was a bit of an interesting ride, as we had interviews with President as well as Zone Council. While we were in Kearney for those things, President Ence loaned me a new phone to use because apparently mine is no longer supported by certain Church apps. We also had exchanges with all the other Elders in the district, and there is only one other area I am concerned for, which is a good start amid the five areas in the district.

Then we were told on about Friday night that Elder King will actually be transferred, despite our only having had three weeks with him. But hey, that means I get the SIM card for this companionship! I have been sorely missing that, to be honest. This will be an interesting few weeks, as now I am the leader of a district of six areas, which is two more areas (and five more missionaries) than the entire zone in Mendoza where I became a Zone Leader. This zone is growing enormous due to the insanely huge surplus of missionaries being reassigned here. I am realizing that I have a truly important purpose here. Even President Ence said directly that I was sent here to "love the district into obedience." I feel my efforts are worth particularly much, right now, especially in the lives of the missionaries I lead.

Another interesting part of this week is that my abdominal pains from June came back in about equal strength as before, and this time I got to the doctor while I still felt discomfort. They took urine and blood samples, and they will probably be getting back to me soon. They said there was no obvious sign of an umbilical hernia, but that it could be small, or could simply be intestinal inflammation. One way or another, I'll try to take it easy until I get to feeling better.

In the end, I just want to reiterate that I am loving my life, and I have no regrets at all in anything. I am grateful for my chance to be here in a place where I am truly needed, and where I was sent by revelation and because President trusts me enough to help this district to learn the true doctrines of the Gospel of Christ. I think of Isaiah when he said, "They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine." In short, God needs me, and I am so happy to be where He needs me to be! God is good.

Love,

Elder Hill

Fotos: pescando esta mañana (el pez grande de Elder Crowley había tragado otro pez) y algunos servicios que hicimos esta semana.

I Got Shingles and the Ceiling Power

Family and friends,

This week was FULL of service. 21 hours of it. Yes, really. It was actually so fun, particularly on Saturday, because our first service that day was for the Multicultural Coalition in an international pancake fundraising event, and we appeared in the video of the event on the local news for it! The second event we helped with was distributing food for free with the Messiah Lutheran church, to those who need it most. That one was especially cool to me, because as we entered the church we could hear some murmuring, like, "Why are THEY here?" But once we had helped for a long time, basically quadrupling their work force and working hard, they warmed up to us, and they are such nice people. I understand there's just a lot of bias and stigma around missionaries, but I'm glad we were able to help them via our service to move past those biases. We're leaving a mark in the community! We even got a shout-out from one of those men serving there, thanking us for our service!

Aside from the Multicultural Coalition and the Messiah Lutheran church, we also have worked a lot with Habitat for Humanity, putting panels on the sides of houses and also putting shingles on the roof of a shed - hence, the subject line for today. Thus we served with three of the biggest charity organizations in Grand Island, all in the same weekend! That is something worth remembering.

The District Council I led this week was a huge success, and the Spirit was strong for a full ninety minutes! I'm not sure the missionaries understood what was said, though, because I have seen no evident change in anyone in the district. I pray they can see their calling with purer eyes and stop seeking only whatever entertainment they can find, because they are missing out on so much joy. I wish I could show them everything, but that is a power only God has, so I will be patient, always striving to be full of charity towards them. I am still loving life, though, because I can feel so clearly that God accepts my efforts and sacrifices. I still need to continue working to improve, of course, but I know my heart is right before Him, and that is what brings me joy, even among many missionaries that do not understand the eternal things. God is good to me beyond my understanding. The only thing I can say for sure about the reach of His infinite grace is that it reaches even as far down as I am. God is Good.

Love,

Elder Hill

Fotos: los varios proyectos de servicio y la reunión del distrito.

Sincerely, A Clueless DL

Dear family and friends,

This week I felt like I was back to square one again, as I always feel when I enter a new area. It was compounded by the fact that I changed district, zone, city, house, companions, and everything else, and being a District Leader on top of that. It has been an interesting first week. But I'm loving it so far! We have done so much service, and it feels good. Attached are some pictures of Saturday morning, when we helped to build a house with Habitat for Humanity for a few hours. We put up sheetrock on the ceiling and walls, and lined the window frames with the same material. I really loved doing that!

Elders King and Crowley are cool, and we've been having a good time together, so far. They are a bit more sports-oriented than I am, but we get along well enough. I am excited for the future!

Today I truly feel overjoyed for all God's goodness and mercy toward me, especially because He has saved me from ignorance and has given me a truly good family, and has surrounded me with more good people. I thank Him for that.

Sincerely,

Elder Hill

(A Clueless DL)

Fotos: Yo y mis compañeros (sí, mamá, ya llevo casco, no te preocupés); y el proyecto de construcción, durante y después del servicio.

A Homeless Woman

Family and friends,

This week went by very quickly, especially since Thursday when I found out I'm being transferred to Grand Island! That wasn't completely unexpected, but there was still a small element of surprise. I will be in the area Grand Island Spanish 1, though, so I'm excited to be back to speaking Spanish! I will be a district leader and co-trainer (with Elder King) of Elder Crowley. I know nothing more than that at this time, so I'll fill y'all in later.

Yesterday was an interesting last Sunday for me in the YSA ward. We arrived at Church about ninety minutes early to attend Ward Council, but we had forgotten that it was only the bishopric meeting that day; but Bishop Terry had us give a report on our work, regardless, and then we were excused. We were about to find something else useful to do when another guy (who had also come, forgetting it wasn't a ward council day) asked us if we could help a woman who had just walked in, explaining he wasn't sure what to do. She was right there on the other side of the room, an African-American woman a bit shorter than I am, clutching tightly to a small nacho tray full of chex mix. We went up to her and greeted her amiably, but she didn't respond at all, staring off into space. A moment later, she wandered slowly away still with a blank face. Elder Harwood and I shrugged, not thinking overly much about it, so we sat down, pulling out some scriptures to read. But as we began, she came back and asked very timidly, voice trembling, "Do you guys do Deliverance?" I immediately felt a chill. When we asked, she clarified that she wanted "deliverance" from an evil spirit. We explained briefly the Priesthood of God, and that we possibly could help; but we definitely felt out of our depth. We got the Bishop from his meeting for a moment to see what he thought, and after a bit of failed attempts to communicate with her and some discussion with us, he managed to have her sit down and he returned to his meeting, leaving her in our care and that of the other man.

We sat with her for about an hour. She kept a firm grip on her chex mix the whole time, never showing any sign of unclenching her hand. At one point, I felt I should read the scriptures to her, and I thought of Mosiah 3, which testifies of Christ (which is strange, because I generally don't think of Mosiah 3 before other chapters like Mosiah 14 and Alma 7); I asked if I could read her some scriptures, and she nodded. I read a couple of verses, but then suddenly she she looked pained and told me to stop, seeming agitated, and said she needed to be able to hear "him". For a while, every time we spoke she shook her head slightly and pointed to her ear. There was only silence. Elder Harwood asked if she wanted to hear some music, and she alternated between saying yes and no multiple times until she said it was alright. She seemed soothed by some hymns, but eventually we stopped the music and offered a blessing, which she accepted after much patient coaxing. It seemed not to help at all, however, and she continued to stare fixedly off into space, unwavering. The meetings had to start at about that time, so we invited her to join the services, and she did, though at times during it she randomly got up and shuffled toward the door only to turn around and come back. She even seemed to want to speak at one point - it was a testimony meeting, so I suppose she saw others going up to the podium and naturally followed suit; but the bishop actually led her gently back to her seat, instead, which was good.

After the meeting was over, she spontaneously spat up a bit of something, and a couple of people helped clean it up, but even so she remained stone-faced. She then got up and walked directly put of the room in her slow shuffle and continued straight outside, then turned around as though she were lost (we followed her to make sure she was safe). We ran to get a member or two to help, and as she walked away we managed to keep her in the parking lot area while someone called the police to come pick her up. Other members took over so we could leave, but we were informed later that she was actually from a homeless shelter here in Lincoln, and had disappeared. How she somehow found the Institute building is beyond me, and whether or not she knew its location beforehand I can't say; but one thing I do know is that the shelter she came from is over a mile away, and is not in a straight line from here. Nobody knows how she made it all the way there, especially considering her slow shuffle and her seeming loss of direction. But I'm glad it all turned out well.

So, that was easily the most interesting thing that happened to me this week. I feel like her ailment was most likely a combination of mental illness and something else, because I felt something was spiritually off about her. But I hope she manages to find the help God wants her to have.

Anyway, back to happy thoughts, I'm training! I make so many dad jokes already that Elder Harwood keeps yelling at me to get a child already; now I'm getting one. I hope my trainee doesn't assassinate me. But God is good, and I am so happy He has considered me worthy to train another Elder in this great service.

Love,

Elder Hill

Fotos: intercambios con los Élderes de Beatrice, un "wrap" de jalapeño y sardinas, una mantis religiosa que vimos durante un servicio, y unas ardillas.