July 8, 2013 letter

Dear Family,

Quick update about the guys from back home at BYU. JAKE JARMAN IS GOING TO THE RUSSIA NOVOSIBIRSK MISSION!!! 

Another week finished in the misión field! Wow it went by fast. Today we are having a zone activity at a restaurant and playing volleyball afterwards. It`ll be the best food I’ve had in a while ha.

This week we have had two joven con fecha. (I’m starting to forget words in english so sorry if some of this  is in spanish today…ask dad to translate!) But when we went to pick them up only one of them was at their house. So we decided to give the kid 14 bolivianos to take a moto and find his brother and then meet us up at church. The kid didn’t show up for sacrament with his brother….Stole our Money! And we’re poor! Luckily a member in the Ward knew him and his brother and was able to go track him down for the last two hours of church. But we never found his brother so we have to wait another week before we can baptize him. ¡Pucha! (My new favorite spanish Word ha.) We also had another joven at church with us this past Sunday, Pedro, this guy is super smart, loves to think so we have to ask him lots of really good questions when we teach him. Its a challenge for me in spanish but i’m enjoying it. Learning the language is fun.

Had two service projects this week. Built a fence for the president of our branch and moved tons of bricks, dirt, and other stuff for a family in our area. Service is good cause we get to wear p-day clothes and always get chocolate afterwards ha.

We had intercambios this week! (splits) I went to Mamorè with Elder Limon. He is from Santa Cruz, he’s on a temporary misión here til he gets his visa for Venezuela. It was really good to see how other people teach, and he gave me the opportunity to teach the lessons and take the lead. It was awesome! I was able to communicate completely with the people andhave a great lesson with everyone we taught. I really felt accomplished afterwards and I can see the improvement I’m having every day. Oh! And when I was with Elder Limon I got to hold a Parrot! It was awesome. Oh, and I ate cow intestine with Elder Limon. Woo-hoo. It actually wasn’t that bad but still, cow intestine. Nasty.

It was weird spending Independence Day here in Bolivia. I remember last year at this time I was heading off to Spain with Dad. I’m grateful for those memories I have. On Independence Day I was able to offer my very first blessing in Spanish. It was incredible! The Spirit was crazy strong. It was a blessing for the sick and afflcted to a very old lady who is probably super closet o death. During the blessing she was shaking and talking/mumbling and I felt the impression to tell her to “be still and know that God loves you” and she literally stopped shaking and talking/mumbling. I’m so grateful for the Priesthood that I hold. I know that I can work miracles through the power of the Lord.

We were with a member this week and we had just finished teaching a family when I asked him how his misión was for him. He said that as a missionary we are literally angels. I truly believe that. We live our lives on such a higher level than the world and our thoughts and actions are so different than those around us. We walk 15-20 miles a day easy and never feel fatigue. Our bodies are filled with the strength and power of God. I know that what I am doing will affect so many peoples lives. I am grateful that I am worthy and knew the góspel when I was younger so that I now have the opportunity to serve so many people here in Bolivia.

Yesterday after church we Heard the songs “bulletproof” in spanish and “Love You Like a Love Song” in English. Talk about freaking trunky afterwards! Me and Elder Spitale were singing songs the rest of the night! Ha.

Love hearing from you guys every week. My birthday is soon! Woo-hoo! Only one more after this and I’ll be heading home. 19 years old. Wow. Ha.

Love and Miss You,

Elder Neuhaus

p.s.- I've enjoyed the opportunity to write Brad each week, I'm sure he's struggling with the move, I'm sure all the kids are in their own little ways. But just make sure they are reading the scriptures and going to youth activities. All will come together and everyone will be happy. Only through Jesus Christ can we feel true happiness. No matter how many great and spectacular things we have in this world. That's why only the meek will inherit the kingdom of God. The meek and humble understand this concept. I'm grateful to be surrounded by so many meek and humble people right now. Never forget how blessed we are as a family. Serve others.

On Sun, Jul 7, 2013 at 6:58 PM, <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Elder Neuhaus,

Sorry we did not get letters off to you last week.  We were moving back from Utah and trying to find a spot for everything in the house in TN.  It has been a huge mess.  The kids have all jumped in and been great helpers.  We had so much stuff in Utah and brought it all to Tennessee.  We are definately in a transition state.  

Brad has appreciated your letters.  He is having a very tough time with coming back to TN.  He could really use some positive words of encouragement from you.  He has a great opportunity to play basketball at Ravenwood and really shine and be an example to the kids there.  I think it scares him.  There are tons of new kids in the ward.  Brad doesn't seem to want to give anyone the time of day though.  

On a brighter note.  I spoke to Remington today and he is way excited to hear about Bolivia.  He is not going to enter the MTC until October.  Tough wait for him.  He says he was called to the Bolivia Santa Cruz Mission.  He hasn't heard which one he will go to.  He is going to the Peru MTC.  You should send him a couple pictures and share some crazy stories with him to get him excited.  His email address is remlohmeyer@gmail.com

So our big excitement this week is buying a little farm.  We should close on it Friday.  The kids are excited to get some chickens.  I think we will also get a cow or two, sheep, bees, maybe a goat and the girls are begging for a horse.  We will send some pictures next week.  I am not quite sure what we are undertaking but it will be a new adventure.  

Mark is a big kid now, using the potty.  He is almost potty trained.  Still needs some consistency but he is very proud of himself.  

We see the missionaries in the ward now and think of you.  You are doing a great work.  It is fun to gather the kids together and read you letters.  We are sending a birthday package to the mission home address that was included in your call for packages.  Maybe you will get it in August.  So glad to hear you are busy and seeing people get baptized.  It was 4 or 5 months in spain for me before I had anyone I was teaching get baptized.  It is fun to see how your testimony is growing through your letters.  You are doing the Lord's work!  We love you Ryan.

D&C84:19-22   I taught Emily's Sunday school class today and we had a good discussion about the priesthood and the importance of ordinances and covenants.  The priesthood you hold comes from your Heavenly Father and through it all things are possible.  Have a great week!

Dad.

Sent from my iP

July 15 letter to/from Mom

Sounds like life is good. That's always good to hear while I'm i don't know, 20,000 miles away from home? haha. I hope you get the horse you've dreamed of, I can't wait to see the barn when I get back! I'm excited to work on it too, working outside is always good hard work. I know they can't get enough of it. They'll always remember that place as the best place ever. It's good that they had a great experience there. They can use it as a guide for there children when they are older. Andrew is gonna play golf huh? His baseball team in Utah must really have been bad. Make sure he doesn't mess up his swing! He's got a ton of potential for baseball! And every other sport, that kid is a natural athlete. I'm glad Brad will start. I have a feeling he is gonna tear up TN. It's nothing like Utah. Just make sure he keeps his head straight and is confident, not cocky. A dry mormon family huh? Glad to hear you guys are doing some missionary work. Work hard with them, it's not easy to commit someone to reading the scriptures or attending church on sunday! People have agency! I'm learning that it's not a fun concept, but necessary for us to grow and progress in this life. I feel bad for the little girls, I hope they grow close this upcoming years. They can learn to rely on each other because when they get older it won't be any easier. I hear you post some of my pictures, I'm glad to hear people are interested in how things are going! I love you Mom, I miss you! I can't wait to see you again! Make sure you're wearing that blue ralph Lauren dress we bought together when I get back. I'm working out every morning. Goals are good to have, they push us to new levels and help us accomplish things that we never thought were possible. Love and rely in the Lord. :)

Love,

Elder Neuhaus

On Mon, Jul 15, 2013 at 2:23 AM, Matthew Neuhaus <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Dear Elder Neuhaus,

 

It has been another very full week for the family.  We are still unpacking and organizing.  We will be for a while.  But it's all good!  The Stanley's have arrived, he is going to work with Dad and she is going to be the teacher.  It should be interesting.  I will send you some pictures.  Hopefully we will have the barn fixed up by the time you get home.  We are excited to get some animals out there.  Maybe I will get the horse I have always dreamed of.  

So we got the kids back, they helped us unload, washed all their clothes, set up their rooms and Brad, Emily and Andrew flew back to Utah.  They just can't get enough of that place.  Brad will then fly on to FIJI!  He is really looking forward to it,

I think the high school transition will be a big change for both of them.  Keep them in your prayers.  Andrew is going to have a big change too,  Middle school is a rough place.  Andrew has decided he wants to try out for the golf team, I hope he makes it.  He learned a lot from Gina Higbee in Utah,  

Emily is going to run cross country,  Dad really hit it off with the coach, they are our missionary family to work with.  They are expecting their fifth baby and dad said they are dry mormons.  

Brad should start on the basketball team, they are not very good. We sure do miss a team like Lone Peak and a coach like Lewis,  I hope he tries out for the baseball team too,

Natalie and Laura are trying to adjust to not having the Hunt girls across the street, but at least they have each other.

The four little guys all get along great and have fun together.  They talk about you all the time,.  

We are so proud of you!  You look so happy in the pictures.  I post some of them and so many people are interested in what you are doing,  Thanks for being such a fine son!

We llove you!

Have a great week,

Love Always,

Mom

July 15 kids letters to/from Ryan

Dear Laura, 

I miss you too! Yeah I saw some cool tucans and parrots! My companions name is Elder Spitale, I hope the kids feel better soon!

Love you Laura!

Elder Neuhaus

On Sun, Jul 14, 2013 at 6:18 PM, Matthew Neuhaus <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Dear Elder Neuhaus,
I miss you so much.Is there any
thing new.we just got back from Church,
we just stayed for Sacrament today.Some kids are sick.
I hope your having a good time.  What's your
commpanyons name? Did you see any cool animals this week?

Love Laura

 Dear Nathan,

Church is like our church back home! Except no air conditioning, benches, or white people that can speak english. Thanks for the birthday wish! The money looks similiar, I'll bring some home with me when I come back so you guys can see it!

Love you!

Elder Neuhaus

On Sun, Jul 14, 2013 at 6:08 PM, Matthew Neuhaus <mattneuhaus@me.com> wrote:

Dear Elder Neuhaus,
What  is your church like?  Happy early birthday! What dose the money look like?
Love, Nathan

 Dear Natalie,

I miss you too, I'm sorry you are sick! :( I love the mission! But it's going by fast! I eat bad food all the time, my stomache hurts alot. But it's okay! I'm not here to worry about my stomache, only about others!

Love,

Elder Neuhaus

On Sun, Jul 14, 2013 at 6:23 PM, Matthew Neuhaus <mattneuhaus@me.com> wrote:

Dear Ryan,
I miss you so much. I am sick and I was sick yesterday too. Are you liking the mission?  I love you. Have you ate any bad food?
Love,
Natalie

 Dear Markers,

For the most part the food was normal! But it's all gross here, not like the food you get back home. You're lucky! Eat lots of fruit! It's good for you buddy :)

Love you,

Elder Neuhaus

On Mon, Jul 15, 2013 at 2:27 AM, Matthew Neuhaus <mattneuhaus@me.com> wrote:

Dear Ryan
 I love you. Did you eat any thing grose this week. I miss  you.

love,
Markers

July 15 letter from Ryan

Dear Family,

Seems like everyday that is passing by now is a blur. I can remember the first day I walked into the CCM. 3 am in the morning with a bunch of random kids from the United States that knew about as much as I did. Nothing. And now, 12 weeks later I have taught over 130 lessons in Spanish and have baptized one person and am trying as hard as I can every day to bring as many people to Christ as possible. It’s crazy to think that the mission is only 104 weeks. It’s going to fly by quick. I’m realizing the urgency of teaching the people with the spirit as much as I can everyday because we have transfers this week and I don’t know if I will be able to stay here or leave on Thursday. Right now we have two teenagers scheduled for a baptism this weekend. I want to stay here and baptize them so bad! But I know that whatever happens I’m where the Lord needs me to be.

                This past week we got to meet our new President, President Zambrano, he is a complete opposite of our old President. This man is one of the nicest and most caring men I have ever met. He has such a Christ-like view of this mission and he and his wife desire to get to know each and every one of the missionaries here in the mission. He is from Peru, and has two children. One of which is kind of mentally slow so he’s asked us to be gentle with our words and actions with him. But from what I know of his son he’s a super chill dude! During my interview with the President I asked him what the investigators need most to feel the spirit during the lessons. Because I desire more than anything for my investigators to feel the spirit during the lessons because I know that only through the spirit can they become truly converted. Sure, we can be great with our words and be awesome teachers so they understand all of the principles but we’re never going to convert them to the gospel without the Spirit in their heart. President told me that when he was with Elder Holland (yeah, Elder Holland. Super Jealous) he told him that 50% of all the investigators say that they felt the spirit for the first time when they look into the eyes of a missionary bearing their testimony and can see the light of Christ. I hope that every investigator I testify to can see the Light of Christ in my eyes.

                When the President was here last week the assistants pretty much preached to us about how we needed to improve our area. In the past two years Guayaramerin has only baptized 38 people. The amount of people that our still active after these past two years is 7, 3 of which were baptized this past month. My area has only had 2 baptisms in those past two years. Mine, and a youth named Ezekial last year. We’re fasting every week and praying harder than ever before for people who are humble enough to change their lives to follow their savior. What we really need more than anything are men who can hold the Priesthood. We only have 12 men with the Priesthood in our branch. 18 in all of Guayaramerin. We need to suffer, and plead to our Father in Heaven each and every day for men who can live worthily to hold the authority to use the power of God. Here the big problems are adultery, law of chastity, and the word of wisdom. We only have about 40 members in our branch right now and about half are children, the rest women.

                This past week on P-day we went to a restaurant and played volleyball and saw a ton of parrots and tucans! Then after I had to go get a haircut because my hair was starting to touch the tops of my ears and I needed a trim. So imagine this, you’re in the process of learning Spanish and really most of what you know has to deal with the gospel, futbol, or everyday life. But not how to cut your hair right? So I decided to trust my companion and I described to him how I usually cut my hair so he could tell the brasillero. BAD IDEA. My companion told the brasillero, a good missionary haircut, short, “cortita”. Pucha! I thought “cortita” was a type of hairstyle here or something, when the guy started to cut my hair it was super short! Turns out “cortita” is just short. Gracias a mi companion I know have super short hair. Woo-hoo! Oh well, at least it will grow back. But never again will I trust in my companion ha.

                Today I get to buy a hammock because we just found out we can use hammocks instead of a bed. How freaking cool is that!? Pucha, I’m loving the jungle, but these upcoming months are gonna be rough. It’s gonna get super hot super quick. Agosto-Deciembre son mucho calor. Hopefully I’ll live to write you every week haha.

               About the postcards, I've gotten a few but not many. I think It's probably because the mail here takes forever. I haven't gotten the package yet either. Hopefully I will get it soon. I can't believe I'll be 19 next Wednesday! Only one more birthday after than and I'll be coming home! Wow! Sounds like a normal summer for the family, always busy. I'm sure everyone is having a blast. Can't believe Brad is going to Fiji! I'm jealous, make sure he knows to take lots of pictures! Yeah the farm is gonna be alot of work. But it'll be worth it in the end. We have service out in the fields here, imagine cutting grass with a machete...be grateful you guys have lawnmowers! The people here work so hard every day and make nothing. We're truely blessed to be American. Can't believe you hired another doctor!? How many is that, 5??? You'll be reeling in alot of money quick! Never forget to thank the Lord for all the blessings we have. Without him we have nothing!

             Have you guys heard about this Eduardo guy in Bolivia? Supposedly He's causing alot of trouble with the United States and has alot of secret information? Bolivia put out an internacional accusation that the U.S. is spying on Bolivia. Doesn't sound to good for us American missionaries. We're kinda worried about it! Let me know if you hear anything about it!

Love and Miss you Guys, Stay Close to the Lord.

Elder Neuhaus

On Mon, Jul 15, 2013 at 4:10 AM, <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Elder Neuhaus,

So glad to hear you are doing well.  Everyone loves your letters.  I am glad to hear you are having so much success so quickly.  I was wondering how big the city is you are in?  How many wards/branches are there?  How many missionaries are in the city?  How big is the zone?  How many baptisms are in the mission each month?  Have you met your new president yet?  Where is he from?  Have you gotten any post cards from me?  I have sent 5-6.  I figured I would not send them if you don't get them.  Let me know.

Life is still crazy here.  Andrew and Emily left yesterday to go to Utah-Emily at time out for girsl and Andrew for scout camp, a week of fun and Jimmer camp.  Brad left today.  He will stay with Gabe for the next week then be off to Fiji for HEFY.  He returns August 8 at midnight and has to start school the next day.  He will be tired!

Life is busy for me at the office too.  We hired a new doctor-Dr. Hasler.  He starts tomorrow.  We have a couple new employees starting this week too.

We are hoping to wrap up the purchase of the farm this week.  It has been one problem after another getting this to work out.  I do feel it is the right thing for us.  Hopefully we will be able to get it fixed up pretty good before you get back.  It is a big project that will take some time.  It should be really fun once it gets going though.

We look forward to monday because we know we get a letter from you.  You are such a great example for the other kids.  They pray for you every time there is a prayer.  Love you lots.  We mailed a birthday package to the mission home this weekend.  I can't believe you will be 19 this month!

Love ya!  Keep working hard and being obedient!

Dad

Sent from my iPad

July 8, 2013 Kids letters to/from Ryan

Andrew, I have a baptism next week! Yep I'm changing alot I know, but it's only for the better. I'm still your bro! Love you man! The weather is super hot, always ha. Just imagine every day outside in 100 degree weather in jeans and a t-shirt ha. Thats every day for me.

Miss you too.

Elder Neuhaus

On Sun, Jul 7, 2013 at 8:55 PM, Matthew Neuhaus <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Dear Ryan sorry I haven't sent you a letter yet. But I know by all your other letters you are changing alot which is good also you are growing in the gospel.What is the weather like?

Do you have another baptisim coming up? I hope to hear from you your bro Andrew. I miss you.

Laura,

Thanks Laura! I can't wait for my birthday! 19 years old! I hope I get to read them some day! 

Miss you and love you!

Elder Neuhaus

On Sun, Jul 7, 2013 at 4:10 PM, <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Dear Ryan,
Happy early b-day.  At Church we learned about missonarys  and we  wrote
notes to missonarys and some  people  wrote notes to you.
I love and  miss you

Love Laura
To Ryan

 Nathan,

Oh I'm holding on super tight nathan! No worries! I hope you are too! I love and miss you too! Lots of chicken and rice! Yep, cow intestine and chicken feet! Yuck! I will send you a picture of my house next week! I miss you too Nathan, no worries, know that Christ is with me :) I love you!

Elder Neuhaus

On Mon, Jul 8, 2013 at 12:04 AM, <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Ryan,

I hope you are holding onto the iron rod.  I love you and I miss you.  What do you eat in Bolivia?  Do you eat anything gross?  Can you send me a picture of your house?  When we were at Utah I missed you so much that when I was at fish park I was so sad I sat on a bench and Anna came up and asked why I wasn't playing and I told her it was because I missed my brother.  I told her it was my brother Ryan.  I miss you so much.  Hold onto the iron rod.

Love,

Nathan

 Natalie,

I am glad you are doing good! Wow hard work! I've seen thousands of people and talked to hundreds. Everyone needs to hear the gospel! Tell all of your friends about it Natalie! I miss you too, I'll be home soon! Time will fly by!

Love you,

Elder Neuhaus

On Sun, Jul 7, 2013 at 8:55 PM, <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Dear Ryan,
How are you.I am good we are not bad.We have been unpacking all week. Now how many people have you seen. I miss you so much. I wish you were here.
Love,
Natalie

 Mark,

I miss you too! Woo-hoo! Such a big boy!

Love you too,

Elder Neuhaus

On Mon, Jul 8, 2013 at 12:06 AM, <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Ryan,

I miss you.  I do poop in the potty.  I am a big boy now.  I love you.

Mark

Preston, yep we hear fireworks all the time! Especially on sundays, thats when the people here like to have parties.

I love you too,

Elder Neuhaus

On Mon, Jul 8, 2013 at 12:01 AM, <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Ryan,

What are you learning on your mission?  This week was the 4th of July and we watched fireworks at dads friends house in the governor's club.  Do you have fireworks in Bolivia?  I hope you are teaching lots of people.  In primary today we learned about missionaries.

I love you.

Preston

June 24 Letter from Ryan

Dear Family,

Well this week has been pretty good! I was sick Monday after P-day, ate some bad Picole. Picole is like a popsicle! It was copa sur flavored, not the best flavor ever. On Thursday after lunch I had a really bad stomache ache. Think I ate something under-cooked. But i feel great now! And the rest of the week was good! This Saturday we have our first baptism, Paul Guarena. He’s  an 11 yr old kid we have been working on for a while now, his family is inactive but we have gotten them to come to church alot recently. I’m excited to have my first baptism.

                The language is getting easier and easier as the weeks go by. Last night we had a broadcast for all the missionaries around the world, it was cool to hear that there are 70,000 active missionaries right now and 40,000 with their papers in. That’s 120,000 missionaries. Wow. I’m proud to be one of them! It was hard to understand completely what was said last night because it was all in Spanish but I could feel the spirit and understood what they were trying to convey to us. Work with the members and follow the guidance of the Spirit. This week I definitely fell asleep in two lessons because my brain just shut down because of how tired I was and how hard i was trying to understand the language, it was funny. Thank goodness the man we were teaching understood and there was no problem. I’m studying as much as I can with the language, it’s difficult but I know that the more and more work I put in the more and more stronger I will become in conveying the spirit through my words. That’s all I desire right now, to convey the spirit so strongly that no one can say no to the góspel. It will take time but it’s gonna happen. I’m determined!

                Guayaramerin is pretty amazing, it rained every day the past week. And when I say rain I don’t just mean like a rain back in the U.S. it really pours down here. Hard. It’s pretty dang cool, and fun to be running through the streets while it’s pouring down rain on you. The sunsets here are gorgeous, I could sit back and watch them day after day. With the jungle tree-line and the colors of red and orange I’ve never been more star-struck by the sky.

                There are rumours going around right now that Bolivia might be entering into a war with Chile over some territory of land. I don’t know how valid it is but if it’s true we’d all be sent home. I really hope it isn’t true, I just started the work here and I can just feel the blessings of working hard everyday pouring into my life. I’m loving every minute of this misión. It’s hard, but it’s the best thing I think I’ve ever done.

                I’ve only got three more weeks with my companion! It’s crazy to think I’ll have my first transfer so soon. I love Elder Spitale, he is the coolest guy ever. I’m really gonna miss that dude. Never been able to joke around with someone and be so spiritually in tune at the same time. It’s pretty great being a missionary.

Well I miss you guys and hope you are doing great. I love you and love hearing from you each week. Keep following the Savior. I know you will be blessed!

Love,

Elder Neuhaus

July 1 Letter from Ryan

Dear Family,

This past week has been full of fun and funny stories. On Saturday we had our first baptism here in Guayaramerin, Beni in six months! Elder Spitale and I successfully broke the drought! Woo-hoo! We’re  working hard each and everyday and fighting through the difficulties we have with our investigators.

Willy- Willy is currently our investigator closest to baptism right now. He has atended church with us for three weeks and knows that the church and book of mormon are true. The only problema he has is that he is addicted to alcohol. Elder Spitale created  a plan of acción for him but so far he hasn’t been following it this week. 4 out of the seven days we passed his house he was drunk, the other three he wasn’t home. Hopefully we can conquer this problema and solve this issue and get him baptized before transfers in two weeks when Elder Spitale probably leaves!

Hmna Nena y su esposo – Hmna Nena is the sister of WIlly, she also has a testimony of the góspel and its truthfulness but we are having a hard time getting her to attend church with us. We just started teaching her husband this week and he seems really interested, hopefully with her husband being involved it will push her to come to church as we can teach her that the góspel blesses families.

RIght now those are our two closest investigators to baptism. Alot of people here struggle with the problema of living together with the opposite sex and not getting married because it is expensive. Oh, and so many people believe crazy things. Yesterday Elder Spitale and I were contacting and we met a man who was reading a book and we asked him for a minute of time. He agreed and I started to tell him about our message and the joy it can bring us in this life and in the next life as well. He cut me off and said its okay I know your message, but I already have a church. We asked him if he wanted to learn more or if we could just share a short message about Christ with him. I don’t know what happened in his mind but he decided it was his turn to teach us. He told us that the first church of Christ was the Catholic church and that it was founded by Christ. Okay…wrong…and then he told us that he wasn’t Catholic, but has joined a different church that was founded by some lady 25 years ago and that she is a prophetess. He then told us that anyone can start  a church because we all have the light of christ in us. This guy was crazy, it was hilarious. I’ve met tons of people like him here. Some of our contacts are in a church that believe in a prophet with two heads….the stories are just too good.

On Sunday during church a Little kid had to pee so he told his mom right? Well the Mom decided to be lazy and not get up to take him to the bathroom and just pulled his pants down right in front of everyone. The Little kid walked outside to the front door of the church and just started peeing. I’ve never laughed harder in the middle of a church meeting. I couldn’t hold it in, it was just too funny. The people here are super lazy, but they all have good hearts.

On Friday night we atended a baptism for a different area in Guayaramerin. Elder Spitale thought it would be funny for me to direct the music. It was awful. It was during that awkward period of time when the people are changing clothes and we have to sing like 4 songs in a row while waiting for them to get back. I don’t know how to direct music or how to start the songs in spanish because they have different meoldies and when the people sing them they sound like dogs are dying. Well anyhow, while I was directing I got super embarrassed and started sweating like crazy, my face got super red and I just looked flat out stupid. Elder Spitale was dying laughing. I think I sweated more in that room during those 4 songs than I have during my whole misión here in Bolivia. It was awful haha.

Oh and our misión was just extended!!! We have a part of Peru in our misión now! RIGHT NEXT TO CUSCO!!!! WE GET SOME COLD AREAS!!! Haha woohoo! Got a new President too, some of the elders here are being moved to the south mission but me and my comp get to stay. It's been good here. I'm excited to meet our new President. Those guys are so powerful. I hope Dad and Mom have the opportunity to be a Mission President like Uncle Lyle. Such a cool job.And you bring so many people to Christ! Ahhh the mission is just too good.

Didn't get to here from you guys this week. But I hope you all are doing good. I miss you guys and keep you in my prayers. I'm sure you all are busy with all of the moving. I love you! Stay strong in the gospel! Know that I'm working hard and my Spanish is increasing every day! I'm acting as the older companion for today and tomorrow, just a little practice to take things to the next level for me. Remember that all things are possible through Christ! 

Love you and miss you,

Elder Neuhaus

Luke 1:37

Ryan Letter June 17, 2013

Dear Neuhaus Family,

We are so close to getting our first baptisms in Guayaramerin. This place hasn't had a baptism in 6months! We need to kill this drought. This past week we had 251 contacts and 25 lessons. We worked hard. And we didnt even get to work on thursday because my companion got super sick. I'm pumped for this week. Hopefully we'll be able to commit the two people that are sooo close to baptism here. I got faith. Just need a little action from the investigators and we're set.

Man, I've never hated dogs more in my life. I've ran away from more dogs here than ever in my life haha. There's freaking rotweilers and pitbulls everywhere and man they are mean!!! It's hilarious, my companion thinks it is super funny that I'm scared of them. I even had to kick one in the face the other day because it came running at us. Not gonna lie I felt like a stud ha. Oh and then the other day we saw some making love....we just looked, laughed, and then ran as fast as we could to the next street over because these people started looking at us like "what you've never seen that before?" it was pretty funny.

Talk about stress. Not about my own problems but others. This week we made a plan of action for one of our investigators who is an alcoholic, hopefully he sticks with it and breaks his habit. He's a great guy who has the desire to be baptized, just gotta break his trial. We have faith! I know all things are possible through Christ.

This week I got to see a MONKEY!!!!!! A menos activo flia in our branch has a pet monkey, how sick is that?! It was going crazy, I don't think it likes being tied up too much. It wouldn't let me pick it up which was too bad ha. And when the families son tried to pick it up it bit his finger. Not cool. OH and lots of people here have pet Parrots. They are tight! We find dead animals all over the road too. This place is too cool. Love the jungle, just wish it was just a little less hot! ha.

All in all I've been loving the mish. The language is coming along fine, I can teach half of the lesson now and let my companion teach the other half. I know this is only because of my faith in Heavenly Father and the Gift of Tongues. It's hard to be out here and away from you guys. I'll have moments where I imagine what each one of you will look like by the time I get back (I'm sure Dad will probably be bald hahaha) it's pretty sad. Just know that you guys are in my thoughts and prayers each and everyday. Only 22 more months til you get to see me! I've already got a pretty great farmers tan going, I'm sure I'll be crazy dark by the time my mission is over. Oh and I'm in great shape, I've never enjoyed working out in the mornings more. It kills all of my stress...and theres alot of stress out here.

I've never loved the Latino people more, I know that life here is incredibly hard. Some of the rules stink like I can't give the little kids a hug when they come up and grab my leg, I know that's all they want and need to make their day. But rules are rules. And when we are obedient to the rules we will be blessed so I gotta follow them cause we definitely need those blessings.

Last week I bought two soccer jerseys for 50 bolivianos. That's like $7.05. I love it. I'm falling in love with the sport of Futbol. My companion is good enough to play for the Argentina team, he turned it down because they play on Sundays, his dad played professional futbol and he saw how playing on sundays wasn't worth it. Big testimony builder. It's too bad I'm not in Sao Paolo, Brazil for the world cup next year. Theres rumours going around that the missionaries are gonna be able to go because literally everyone in the whole city will be there or watching the games so proselyting won't be possible. Jealous. ha.

Stay close to the gospel while you guys are in TN. I know that because of the gospel I am who I am today. Study the scriptures as a family and have family home evening each week. Only through Christ

can we acheive true happiness in this life.

Love and Miss you guys alot, Stay close to the Lord, he's the only path to happiness in this life.
Elder Neuhaus

On Mon, Jun 17, 2013 at 11:43 AM, <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Dear Elder Neuhaus,

 Sorry didn't write to you this week we didn't have a home computer.  We love you and were getting ready to go home to Tennessee. I hope this catches you well you still sitting at the computer so you know your mom loves you!

Have a great great week Elder!  We are so proud of you. Love you lots, mom

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 17, 2013, at 8:22 AM, Ryan Neuhaus <ryan.neuhaus@myldsmail.net> wrote:

dear Laura,

It is freaking awesome! I will definitely let you ride it with me. I miss you and love you too!

Elder Neuhaus

On Sun, Jun 16, 2013 at 10:44 PM, <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Dear ryan
I think  it is cool  how you get to ride a motorcycle.

And if  you do  get a motorcycle you  have to let me ride with you.

 mark sent you a  letter then  Andrew pussed send and sent it to  the wrong 

persen.Ryan IIove you and miss you so much.

Love,Laura
 Sent from my iPad

On May 29, 2013, at 7:40 AM, neusflash@aol.com wrote:

Dear  Ryan, I have miss you so much .why do they call the MTC theCCM?we all love you! Do good!
Love ,
Natalie.                                            Sent from my iPhone

On May 28, 2013, at 3:21 PM, Ryan Neuhaus <ryan.neuhaus@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Hey Family,

I have had a good week. Only 5 more days in the CCM! Yay!!! ha.

Umm do you mind looking it up in the past emails i have sent you? i dont have much time to send emails and i have about 10 different people writing me right now so i'm trying to split up my time so that i can at least send everyone a line or too.

I bet that was still an awesome time. I'm jealous you guys got to be on the beach and in the water. I won't have that for another 23 months at least! Haha i bet brad was bummed out. I hope he was still grateful they got to go. He'll definitely treasure that memory like i treasure going to Spain with dad.

That dude is huge!!!! No steriods?!?! wow. Maybe i'll get that big by the end of my mission. 150 pushups and 300 situps every night so far :)

I went to the temple for the last time for 23 months today. Really felt the spirit. Put your guys names in the temple one last time today. I hope you feel the Lords love and blessings in your life each and everyday. You guys are constantly in my prayers. Teaching investigators has helped convert me to the gospel even more than i was before i came out here. ive realized that even if i dont baptize a single person throughout my entire person i need to be converted to the gospel more than when i was here.

I'm almost done with the book Jesus The Christ. Did you that Christ did not even know that he was the savior of the world until he was 30 years of age? He understood that he was Gods son but did not realize his purpose until he was baptized by John the Baptist. Incredible. Such an amazing book.

Spanish is coming along as it comes. I understand everyone no matter how fast they are speaking and I can read with a great fluid accent but coming up with words in my head is hard on the spot. I'm ready for a latino companion so i will be pushed harder everyday.

So far the mission has been everything I have needed and more. I am grateful for every opportunity I have gotten here and have made lots of friends. Tell Mom that I might have even found my next girlfriend when I get back ;) Hermana Adams. Really nice girl from Conifer, Colorado. She actually knew Jon Layne when he lived there.

Today we got to go to Pizza Hut. We managed to convince the Mission President to allow us to since it was our last p'day and we miss american food. Pizza has never tasted so good. Bought a watch, a CTR (HLJ) ring, and a Peru soccer jersey. Everything is super cheap here. It'll be even cheaper in Bolivia. 1 american dollar is 7 bolivianos.

I hope you guys have been enjoying your excursions lately. Sounds like you have had alot of fun. I miss you guys alot and tell everyone about you and all of your little adventures. Everyone thinks i'm just a little rich kid but i see how the Lord has blessed my life. I am grateful for the example you guys have set for me as parents and i hope to replicate that with my own family someday. I've had to give 3 blessings to sick people here so far. I've kind of played "doctor" here as well. I never realized this but by watching how you, bishop lifferth, and other doctors have treated people i've picked up some stuff. Maybe it's the Lord encouraging me to become a doctor like you. I dont know, we'll see. I have lots of time. People around me call me "Doctor Neuhaus" its funny.

Love and Miss you guys alot. Stay safe and live the commandments of the Lord. He will bless you.

Elder Neuhaus

On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 9:48 AM, Matthew Neuhaus <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Elder Neuhaus,

Hope you had a great week.  We really enjoy your letters.  I know you told us before who your companions were but I'm a little slow.   Can you tell me again so I can add it to the blog we have started for you?

This past weekend I took brad, Gabe, josh and Andrew to California.   I would have sent a picture of a huge fish but we didn't catch one.   We were 50 miles off the coast and saw lots of dolphins and sea lions.  We caught 39 fish, all small rockfish.  Brad only caught one.  He wasn't very happy.   It was fun though.

We spent Saturday morning at Venice beach.  They were having a powerlifting competition and the picture I attached is the kids with a world champion power lifter named CT Fletcher.  At one point he bench pressed 710lbs.  He is 52 now.  Oh, and he is 100% natural.  No steroids.  He was huge.

Other than that not a lot to report.  We are heading back to Tennessee in a couple of weeks.  About the time you get to bolivia.    I bet you are excited to get to the field.   Enjoy your last couple of weeks at the MTC and going to the temple.  You will miss it.   I'm impressed that you are reading Jesus the Christ.   Reading the books you have will definately help you be a better missionary and will strengthen you understanding of the Savior.

You are in our prayers!   Love you Ryan.

Dad





Matthew Neuhaus, DPM FACFAS
Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery
Board Certified, Foot Surgery
Board Certified, Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery

Neuhaus Foot & Ankle
Offices in Smyrna, Brentwood, Hermitage, and Lebanon

615-220-8788 office
615-220-8688 fax

www.neufoot.com
www.heelpain101.com
www.nashvilletoenailfungus.com
www.explainthepain.com

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privilege

June 10-Arrival in Bolivia

Dear Fam,

 

Well It's good to finally write you guys! It's been two weeks! I am in Guayaremerin, Bolivia. Santa Cruz Norte Mission. I'm living in the Jungle!!! Woohooo!!!!! haha.I'm literally right next to the Amazon River. We aren't allowed to go anywhere near it though. President won't let us, too dangerous. Hopefully the new one we get soon will let us explore it a little.  It's been really hard but super fun. I'm gonna send you guys some pictures of some of the city. In Guayamerin the only mode of transportation is by Motorcyle.So us missionaries ride on the back of Moto-Taxis when we need to travel to the bank or central part of the city. So with this experience i have decided I'm definitely buying a motorcycle when i get back home. They're freaking fun!

 

Guayarmerin is literally on the border of Brazil and Bolivia. Here we don't knock on doors. We clap, like in Fiji! Then we yell out beunas tardes or whatever time of the day it is so they know that someone is outside. Some people I have met here speak Portugese so we can't talk to them. I don't think I will have the opportunity to learn portugese on my mission. Oh well, Spanish is a sweet language! There was one time this week I was introducing me and my companion, Elder Spitale, to a girl outside of her house and she just looked at me with a blank stare, turned around and ran. I was super confused. I looked to my companion and asked him if i said something wrong and he said no and then she came running back telling us that she didnt know how to speak spanish. Well hey, me too! ha. it was funny. The language is definitely harder here. THe people mumble words and don't look at you when speaking so it's hard to understand them. I have been teaching as much as I can but since my spanish is rough and limited right now sometimes people don't completely understand me. Thank goodness I have a companion that understands what I'm trying to get across.

 

My companion Elder Spitale, is from Argentina. He's a stud. Only been out in the field for 3 months and half of it has been here in Guayaramerin. He's not the best trainer since he hasn't been out here for very long and doesn't know a lick of english but he helps me as best as he can with my spanish. I love the way he teaches, he uses lots of examples and shares personal experiences so that the messages are simple and the people fully comprehend the message. Since he is from Argentina he doesn't always finish his words and he has a slight lisp. But i try my best and rely on the Lord to give me the gift of tongues so that I can speak with him and prepare the best lessons for our investigators. So far me and him together have set records for our zone. In the past 3 days we have had 102 contacts, 9 baptismal invitations, 14 lessons taught, and are working really hard. He's really happy to have someone willing to work hard as his companion because for the past 6 weeks his last companion was super lazy. This area baptizes about 2 per month. In the past 6 weeks they haven't baptized anyone. We are gonna break that drought soon. We are teaching alot of families and a few people who truly do want to change their lives. It's cool to see how someone can have such a desire to become a better person and fully follow the example of Christ.

 

The past 3 days have been the most bipolar days of my life. Never had so many ups and downs in my life before. There are moments where I just want to give up and go home because my spanish is so rough, however I know with fervent prayer and study Heavenly Father will bless me with the gift of tongues. I'm thankful that I grew up with the gospel in my life so that I can now have the opportunity to share it with the people of Guayarmerin. THese people literally have nothing. THis morning for breakfast we bought 2 3 liters of soda and a 6 pack of cookies for 22 Bolivianos. Thats about 3 american dollars. I told my companion we needed to start eating better and he agreed. So now i get to cook for us cause he doesnt know how. Last night I made some omeletes. TOnight I'm gonna try to make some quesidillas. It'll be fun to mess around with food and experiment with the stuff they have here. The soda here is called "Trinny" my favorite flavor is Papaya. I've ate lots of weird things already. I had a full chicken foot with claws and everything in my soup yesterday. Just gotta close you eyes and eat it. SO gross. Pero, I can now say I'e ate a chickens foot. Chevre!

 

This past week I have been called a liar, a devil worshiper, and have talked to some of the drunkest people I have ever met in my life. Lots of stuggles on the mission but I know it will all be worth it.

 

I hope all is well for you guys. You're in my daily thoughts and prayers. Be thankful for all that you have in America. You guys are so blessed! I love you and miss you, work hard and be obedient to the commandments of the Lord and he will pour out his blessings upon you.

 

Love you Guys,

Elder Neuhaus

Matthew 5:13

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 2:17 AM, Matthew Neuhaus <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Elder Neuhaus,

Another week has gone by.  You said you were leaving the MTC this week.  We have been thinking about you and your travels.  Wondering what part of Bolivia you will start out in.  With your mission splitting this area will more than likely determine which mission you end up in.  Pretty exciting!  I hope you have a great companion.  Remember, there is no perfect companion.  Hopefully, he will be a hard working and obedient elder who will teach you well as you start your mission.  The Lord will bless you!  Enjoy every minute of your experience there.  Love the people.  Study the language, especially the correct tenses of past/imperfect and subjunctive.  Once you master subjunctive you will be fluent.  Give it a couple months.  You are fortunate that the peruvians and bolivians speak some of the clearest/slowest spanish around.  Wait until you speak to your first cuban/puerto rican or dominican, or even spaniard!  Then you will realize all spanish is not the same.  We look forward to hearing from you and learning about your new companion/area.  The real work has begun!

Not much to report this week.  Mom took the girls to San Francisco last thursday/friday for a quick girls getaway.  they had a great time.  We are packing up the Utah house and I will be taking a truck back to TN with the majority of our stuff this next weekend.  I will be driving with the twins.  Should be an interesting trip!  Life is an adventure.  Other than that life is pretty boring.  Emily is at EFY this week in Provo.  Brad and Andrew are doing Lone Peak Basketball camp and the twins start Tball this week.  

Love ya!

Dad

May 29 email from Laura

To: Ryan Neuhaus <ryan.neuhaus@myldsmail.net>
Sent: Wed, May 29, 2013 09:22 AM
Subject: Laura

Dear Ryan,                                     

I love you.I miss you so much. 

I'm glad the Langwage is easy.

Tell your Compandmen thank you

for the song.it is exited that you

alny  5 more days. I love you.

Sent from my iPhone

May 21 email from Nathan to Ryan with reply

On May 21, 2013, at 12:40 PM, Ryan Neuhaus <ryan.neuhaus@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Dear Nathan,

The MTC is awesome! Here in Peru its called the CCM. Its really pretty around here, I sent Mom and Dad some pictures of it, you should ask to see them. Most of my friends just left for their missions this morning so i'm sad about that. I only have two weeks left here. I'm super excited to be out! It's almost been a month....crazy! Miss you little bud.

 

Love you,

Elder Neuhaus

On Wed, May 15, 2013 at 9:41 PM, <neusflash@aol.com> wrote:

Dear Ryan,
I love you!  I miss you. I hope you are having a good mission. Tell me all about the MTC. You will be a great missionary, I know it.
Love,
Nathan

May 21 letter from mom and reply from Ryan

Hey Fam,

 

That's awful news! I've been trying to follow the news here as best as I can. Sounds like an awful tornado. Heard that a couple states have gotten into the gay rights movement. Our country is really going downhill. The Second Coming is close, I can feel it. We all need to stay as worthy as we can and prepare for the time that the Lord will come back and return to the Earth to bring Celestial Glory to those who are worthy of it. I have learned so much while being here. Jesus the Christ is my favorite book, I can't stop putting it down. It's starting to affect the time I put into learning grammar for Spanish. I love my Lord and am so glad to be serving him. I know that he will admonish many blessings unto you and me as I spread his word to the people of Bolivia that are humble enough to accept his teachings.

 

I love hearing about Brads basketball, he's such a stud. I hope his leg gets better and he continues to succeed. Everyone around here knows his name and that he's truly my best friend. I miss him alot.

 

Spencer. Spencer. Spencer. It's strange to think that by the time I will get home Emily will be 16...dating and driving...guess I'll have to really step it up as a big brother when I get back. Keep her away from boys. She's gonna be gorgeous.

 

Thats incredible. You should send me a video of it. Andrew is a stud. He'll be one of the best baseball players our family has, I know he'll be better than me for sure.

 

Natalie is a level 3 already? wow! There is a new elder here now named Elder Grover that did gymnastics for 14 years, he was gonna go do it in college but I think I heard him say he decided not to anymore.

 

 Laura...June 1st. That's a big day for her. I'll be sure to mark it down on my calender so that she will know that I am thinking about her. Proud of her... John 3:5

 

Twins/Mark/Tyler....sounds like they are growing up quick. Hurts my heart to not see them in these stages of their life. Love those boys.

I hope you (mom) and Dad are doing good. I'm sure the move is stressful. Pray to the Lord for help, he truly does hear your prayers. I know that you guys are following his will. You guys are great examples to me right now.

 

I heard about that! I hope I get to train him, that would be fun. I'm going to send you guys some more pictures of the things I've been up to out here. One of them is a picture of 4 ties I have bought. I'm not going to wear them because 3 of them are for Dad, Brad, and Andrew. They can decide which they want. They're pretty cool. Handmade by a member out here in Peru.

 

It's sad to hear about sister Monson passing away last week. Remember to keep President Monson in your prayers. He is a great man and I'm sure the passing of his wife has been hard for him. He is leading us by inspiration and revelation every day. I know that to be true.

 

Love and Miss you guys,

Elder Neuhaus

Ether 12:6

Dear Ryan, how are you? We love you and think of you often. We hope you have fully recovered from your sickness I'm sorry you had to have that happen. It sounds like you are really enjoying your mission, good to hear.
Yesterday in Oklahoma City there was a terrible tornado. It was 2 miles wide and on the ground for 40 minutes. It hit two elementary schools and 91 people are dead. Very sad.
Brad is working hard in basketball he did great in the last tournament but in the last game he did get his leg injured again, not as bad this time though.
Emily is still pretty upset that we are moving back to Tennessee. I think a boy named Spencer is part of the issue :)
Andrew just memorize the entire document of the living Christ I videoed it maybe we can send you the video he did a great job.  He is definitely the superstar on the baseball team, not a good team.
Natalie finished her last gymnastics session she is now a level III gymnast she will be excited to start again in Tennessee.
Laura is still just a sweet and happy girl she is looking forward to her baptism June 1.
The twins are finishing up preschool and learning how to read they also love to just have fun.
Mark is still the same little crazy self and Tyler is everywhere he is a speedy little crawler.
I have been busy getting everything packed and ready to go, it's a big job.
So proud of you and the service you are giving.
Oh and the big news of the week, do you remember Remington Lohmeyer from church?  He is going to be serving in the Bolivia Santa Cruz Mission,can you believe that!  He reports to the Peru MTC in October so maybe by the time you get to Bolivia you can train him. Anyway I think it's neat that someone else from Brentwood Tennessee will be serving with you in Bolivia!
Have a great week, work hard, and know  that we love you!
Love Always,
Mom

May 21 letter from Dad

Elder Neuhaus,

I hope you have had another good week.   It has been fun for us to get your 
letters.  It sounds like you are having a great experience.   

We are getting ready for the move back from Utah.   I think Emily is having the 
hardest time with it so far.   She has really enjoyed American heritage and has 
found some really good friends she doesn't want to leave.   As far as Nashville 
goes we have a contract on our little farm property and should have a new 
adventure ahead of us with that.   Looks like it will officially be ours July 1.   
Works out well because that will be our first day back in TN.

We heard this week that Remington Lohmeyer received his mission call this week 
to the bolivia Santa Cruz mission!   He goes to the Peru MTC in October.  Ill 
have to get you his address so you can write him a letter or two and help him 
know how to pack.   :) I'm sure he would love to hear about your experiences and 
get some tips about how to prepare.    

This weekend I'm taking brad, Gabe, josh, and Andrew to California to go 
fishing.   Ill give you an update next week and let you know if we catch 
anything.   Should be fun.  Wish you were able to go with us but I know you are 
where The Lord needs you in Peru. Keep working hard.   I was going to tell you 
to be sure to study the correct grammar and sentence structure.   Don't learn 
that from the people on the street.   You will be working with uneducated people 
and will develop bad habits if you do.   Make sure you learn correct Spanish so 
you can come back and test out of all the classes you need.   If you do you will 
realize you can speak better Spanish than the natives.   

I'm so excited to hear about your experiences.   Have a great week!   Enjoy your 
time in the MTC.   You are in our prayers.

Love ya,

Dad

Reply from Ryan

Hey Dad,



Well it's almost been a month away from home now. Seems like forever but also feels like no time has gone by at all either. The mission has been just what I have needed so far. Happy to be out here, I can already see myself growing up and maturing as a person.



I'm sure Emily will struggle, let her know that it's all going to be okay and that she has my prayers. I put all of your guys names' in the temple this morning. You guys are constantly in my thoughts. I hope Emily knows that the move is what is best for her at this time. Heavenly Father will help her with whatever she needs if she prays for help and guidance. Heavenly Father truly does answer prayers.



Last saturday I got to go on my first adventure. Proselyting. I went with an Elder named Elder Garcia. He is from Lima, Peru and just left for his mission this morning in La Paz, Bolivia. At first it was really hard because I was nervous to just approach someone with the little Spanish I knew. However, the Elder I was matched up perfectly for me. We were guided by the Spirit to so many different people. Sometimes we were called names because we were Mormon but it didn't phase me at all. At first I would only testify to someone of the lesson we were teaching or read a few scriptures but by the end of the day I taught an entire lesson to a lady and her daughter. Elder Garcia had me introduce us like he had every time we knocked on a door so I did and then he decided to turn the lesson over to me by saying that I had a message to share with them. At first I was taken off guard because I wasn't expecting it so I started off by saying "Yo no se mucho español, pero yo se que la iglesia de Jesucristo es verdadero..." and then I didn't stop talking. I listened to the needs of the two women and was guided by the Spirit to scriptures and topics I needed to discuss during the lesson I was teaching. By the end of the lesson I had committed them to come to church on sunday and read the Book of Mormon. Well the younger daughter, the older lady said she would come to church but wouldn't read the Book of Mormon because it was too big and she didn't like reading. So I just let her have a phamplet instead. It was amazing because she said that she had been a member of the Catholic church for 73 years. If someone really is looking for the truth I now know that they will accept it when they find it. That experience was a testament to me of the gift of tounges and that Heavenly Father prepares people for us and ourselves for certain points in our lives. 

Wow! I may have the opportunity to be Elder Lohmeyers trainer! That would be great! Get me his email or his parents and I will for sure write him. I can look back now and just see so many opportunites to prepare that I didn't take advantage of that I wish I did now.



I'm sure the past weekend has been a blast. Brad probably caught a huge fish and you guys have had aton of fun. I'm jealous. Did Gabe and Josh ever raid my closet? Those guys are good examples for Brad. He'll be around good kids while he's in Utah without the rest of you guys. I don't think you have anything to worry about with him living alone.



The Spanish is coming quickly to me. I understand about 95% of everything I hear and can respond about 70% of the time. Most of the kids in the CCM are saying that at this point they aren't learning anything new in spanish but I still feel like I am increasing. Any tips on how to become better at spanish so I will test out of the classes when I get back? I study vocab often, learn new words all the time. I also try to take advantage of every moment I have to talk to someone in my room, on the street, or just in the halls if they are Latino. They Spanish language feels natural to me in a way, I'm comfortable with it and people tell me I have picked up a good accent quick. My teacher says I should be completely fluent by Christmas. I hope that's true.



I've also heard that since the Santa Cruz, Bolivia mission is splitting into two parts it is now taking some of the Cochabomba mission away. What I've heard so far is that my mission will receive the southern part of the Cochabomba mission so now part of the Santa Cruz mission will have Argentina in it as well. That means the Santa Cruz Mission will have 3 countries in it. Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. That'd be cool if I got to see all three. But with the split to a North Santa Cruz Mission I'm not sure where I'll end up. Wherever I end up I will be excited to serve and meet all of the people. They are some of the most humble and loving people I have ever met. It's amazing to hear their stories and how they accepted the gospel. Most of the Latino missionaries are only 1 year members.



Last night all of my friends left for their missions. Elder Leavitt, Colton, Walker, Dority, and Hess are gone. I'll miss them alot. We all became really good friends during the time I was here with them, it's crazy to think I only have two weeks here left. Time has gone by quick. The mission will be short I have to take advantage of every second I have here. My testimony is growing each and every day. Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ gave their lives for this gospel, so I'm going to give two complete years of mine.



I love and Miss you guys alot.

Elder Neuhaus