Emails from Mitch from the last three weeks.

6/22/15

Happy Father's Day! You're the best dad! For all of you out there celebrating Father's Day, I am sorry that your dad isn't as funny, hardworking, dedicated, determined,   self-less, happy, wise, generous, giving, humble, witty, supportive, determined, a friend, good father, loving and faithful husband, fearless, brave, a true disciple of Jesus Christ. I mean, I am sure your dad is great and all, but he doesn't have anything on my dad. He is the BEST! Dad, I love you. 

Thanks for always making me do hard things and teaching me not to back away from a challenge. Thanks for always making me mow the lawn and set up the tent with you. Thank you for making me help with building the basement. Thank you for teaching me to work smarter, not harder. Thank you for teaching me that when I enjoy my work, it isn't work. Thank you for teaching me that nothing that is easy is worth very much. Thank you for teaching me that when you hesitate, you die.  Thank you for being the best example I could have ever asked for. Thank you for loving my mom. Thank you for loving me, Maddie, and Makenna. Thank you for always putting our needs above all else. Thank you for teaching by deed, not just word. Thank you for giving me the kind of role model that a young boy needed. Thank you for always being an example of a worthy and dedicated priesthood holder, who always offered self-less service, who always took the time to fulfill his responsibilities, who always lifted the hands that have hung down. 

I said it, but I am going to say it again. If your dad isn't Chris H Morris, sorry. There is no one like him. He is like the Dream Team packed into one. All the competition just doesn't matter, it is a joke. He is like the 1972 Dolphins, UNBEATABLE!

 I love you Dad.

 Have a great week!

Elder Morris

6/29/15

This week was a great week! We were able to work real hard and see the hand of the Lord working with us. There have been some faith building experiences. We have had some trials, but the good always overcomes the not-so good. Just like the darkness can do nothing but flee from the light. It has no choice. 

For starters, WE FOUND AN INVESTIGATOR OF GOLD!!!! And when I say gold, I mean like the 24K gold. So 2 weeks ago, she came to church with a friend. So her friend introduces us to her. Her name is Andree (it is pronounced like fault in California, San Andres, just take of the s). So we talk to her and she seems pretty nice. So we take her address and we pass by the next week. She lives in a florist place.... una Florería. But there is no man that lives there so we can't teach her there. So we just talk and get to know her, win her confidence and stuff. So this last Tuesday we had a lesson with her in the church. IT WAS SO AWESOME. I am not going to lie, we talked for like an hour and a half. A lesson should be at the most 45 minutes and usually like to keep them to 30. But it was just so cool! She told us pretty much her whole life story. How a year ago she hit rock bottom. She was overweight, doing things that a girl of 17 should not do, just a mess. Then her mom got cancer. She realized that she was just completely lost. Some Christians gave her a pep-talk and she decided that she needed to change her life. (Good thing she didn't go with them, right?) Wrong, she did go with them! And then the JWs, and the Catholics and the whole list of religions, but she felt as if she was just going to a play. That they were all just fake. And then she came to our church and BOOM!!! OH THE DIFFERENCE!!! Thank you Holy Ghost!!! WHOO HOO!!! Okay, anyways, she is awesome. She wants to get baptized, but she has to go to school on Sundays. She is trying to change it, but she says the chances are slim. Wait just one second there missy, I just ate a slim Jim this morning (thanks mom) and I don't believe that! So I whipped out 3 Nephi 13:32-33. BOOM! So she is doing all she can to change it and she came to church yesterday too!!! And then after, she came to us and was like, "Hey, you told me you were going to give me something to read in the BOM. What was my homework going to be?" "Uh... Alma 32.. Uh, yeah, that is a good one." It totally caught me off guard! She is just awesome!! Please pray for her so that she can change her schedule and assist church!!!

Also Ninfa came to church again. She is looking really good for baptism as well! Just a ton of blessings this week! We had 4 investigators in church!! And 2 we have just met and invited. Life is great! The Lord works miracles. If we just let Him work in our lives, He will give us the blessings that we may stand in need of. And He WILL work miracles. 

Have a Great Week!!!

-Elder Morris

Also, Cause it's 'Merica!

7/6/15

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!! Oh America, how I miss thee. But I always have you in my heart!!!  But we won't be apart much longer...

Anyways, how was this week? I hope it went really well for all of you guys! I hope all your wildest dreams are coming through cause of your firm faith in The Lord!

This week was good. We worked hard, but stuff didn't turn out as well as we would have liked. But that is alright, just keep chugging along!

Our Investigator of Gold, Andree, (See last week) has to go to school on Sundays so she has to wait 8 weeks before getting baptized....... But everything happens for a reason. So, oh well.  

We also went and contacted a family who not too kindly told us to leave. Then the Bishop calls us into his office and explains that this family was baptized a couple years ago but the thing is that the dad was a cop. Normally that isn't a problem for church members, unless that is that you decide to start working for the drug cartels.... So yeah, we aren't going to visit that family anytime soon!!

Hmm what else? We went to the center of Monterrey today and I bought some pretty sweet stuff to take home. My mom is going to love it.

Anyways, I was studying the other day (I know, a missionary studying, oh weird), and I was Reading about the 2,000 Stripling Warriors. A scripture stuck out to me and I would like to share my thoughts about it with you all.

So the scripture that stuck out to me was Alma 57:21. It says this: "Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them." Okay, let's take a look at it, shall we? We find in the chapters before that they were saved by the miraculous power of God. The simple answer to the reason that they were saved is because of their faith. But this scriptures gives a Little bit more insight in the reason. It says that they "DID OBEY AND OBSERVE TO PERFORM EVERY WORD OF COMMAND WITH EXACTNESS." They were obedient. They had all the faith in the entire world, but if they would not have acted, well we all know that "Faith without Works is dead." And in this case it would have been literal. They acted upon the faith that their parents had taught them. It talks about Words of command. What are the words of command that we receive today? Scriptures, prophets, parents, etc. These are the Word of command that we must live by to be able to be saved spiritually. And how did they obey them? WITH EXACTNESS. We cannot say that we will only be obedient as long as it suits us. It doesn't work that way. It is like Pres. Bird always says, if we are almost exactly obedient, the Lord is almost blessing us. If we want to live through the ugly war waging around us, we have to be EXACTLY obedient. We cannot afford to leave anything on the table. Only then will we see the blessings in our lives. Only then will we be saved by our faith. Only then will we reach the Celestial Kingdom as eternal families. Of this I testify to you and of this I testify to all the people of Monterrey that are in my reach. There is no other thing I would rather do at this point in my life. I love this work and I love the Lord. That is why I try to be obedient. Just try it, the Lord will help you out. I know he will. 

Love you guys a lot!!!!! Have a Great Week!!!

-Elder Morris

Here she is, my trusty steed, Pink Power! That's right I'm riding in style.

Well, this week was pretty normal. We walked, contacted and taught. Hmm, not much more happened this week. It is pretty slow going to find those interested in listening to our message. But, little by little we found people. This week we found a husband and wife that are really great. We passed by and we talked with them for a little and got to know them. They feel the need for something more in their lives. It is something cool to see the people recognize that this really is a fulfilling thing for their lives. I don't know if that made sense. The gospel completes our lives. It helps us grow and through following the precepts of our Savior, our lives are literally completed, or fulfilled. I don't even know which sounds right in English anymore. But through living like our Savior, all our faults, shortcomings, and difficulties are changed for the better. We find out more of who we are and we understand who our Father wants us to become.

Well folks that is all I have! Have a great week!

Elder Morris

This was a good week! We worked hard and we had an investigator to come to church!! And she liked it! So that was cool. We had some pretty sweet lessons this week also. 

Let's see what happened this week? Well, on Saturday my companion got hazed by Mother Nature. We were sitting in a park waiting for a member who was going to accompany us to a lesson when all of the sudden it got really windy. My companion was like “that is weird". I didn't think it was weird. I just started running for the nearest tree. Then it got dark and he realized what was going to happen. He got so nervous when we saw the wall of rain coming. It literally was just a wall. One second we were dry and the other we were super wet. It was nuts. We were just getting drenched and drenched. It was probably one of the hardest rain storms I have ever seen. Luckily the member got there WITH A CAR!!! I was so happy. We went to the lesson and had just a super spiritual lesson about the restoration of the gospel. We talked about the Apostasy, Joseph Smith, and the first vision, and the Book of Mormon. SO COOL! The spirit was so strong. It was great experience for my companion. He said that it was the strongest spiritual lesson that he has had in the mission field. It was great! Then the sister came to church!!!! We were happy! All in all, things were great. Time flies. I can't even remember most of the week. Time can't go by this quick, but that is what happens I guess. 

Anyways, have a great week!!

Elder Morris

My awesome Comp Elder Fernandez

Toe meets chard of glass.

Chard of glass that was under the sink, WHAT!

Wow, what a week. Well, I am back in Cadereyta. haha I went from Cadereyta 2 transfers ago and now I am back! But in a different area. Now I will be working closer to the center, with less hills. I am also training!!! WHOO HOO! So I will be here till the end of my mission. Wash clothes by hand!!! Ha-ha it isn't actually too bad. Also, we don't have hot water. BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER!! Because it is going to get super hot soon!! Until then we are using an electric water heater contraption. So we have a bucket of hot water to use. But, like the last time I opened an area training, they left us with nothing. Not even progressing investigator forms. It looks as if they didn't even make them. Also, we just barely got a map so this last week we were just walking around knocking on doors and contacting. But it was so cool to see the Lord working with us. 

First, we found a really cool family! The mom appears to have been baptized as a little girl but went inactive early and doesn't remember anything. They are awesome. A family of 5 who all have potential. 

Second, we found a father and son (and maybe wife). They have a tienda and they gave us soda and chips after our lesson. The dad is super interested and is reading the lesson one pamphlet.

Third, we were walking to an appointment when a little girl comes running up behind us and says that some people want to talk to us. Usually the only people that want to talk to us are drunk guys! So I was a little suspicious as we follow this girl to a couple of ladies sitting on their porch. Soon we found out that 2 of them are members less active and the third is a friend. All three have kids of the age of baptism that haven't been baptized and they want us to come by every week and teach them. Ha-ha All righty then, you tell me when and where and we will be there!!! We are seeing some really great stuff happening here.

Every day that I wake up I am inspired by my companion. Every day I thank my Father in Heaven for him and for his dedication, for his love, and for his desire. You see, my companion isn't like all the rest that I have had. My companion has a muscle disease that keeps him from correctly controlling his muscles. The doctors were negligent when he was born and he wasn't given the care he needed. Because of that, neurons in his brain died that control his muscles subconsciously. So basically, every movement of his arms or legs is a concentrated effort.  Of all the missionaries that I have known, not one is even close to the great example that he is. He is one of the most humble and most dedicated missionaries I have known. He is just awesome. He doesn't care about setbacks or limitations, he just wants to serve the Lord. I am so glad that he is my companion. I really feel it a huge honor to be his companion. Every second that I have with him gives me motivation to give it my all. I don't know what else to say about him, other than this kid is the motivation that I need to finish running 110%. Missionaries always talk about "Dyeing" their last couple transfers. This kid deserves everything that I have got because he is sacrificing so much. I know that the Lord put him with me to impact my life. He already has in just 1 week. 

Remember, the Lord knows what happens, He knows what we can do. We are the ones who limit ourselves. Folks, give it your all, not just because that is what others expect, but because you want to dedicate yourself to the Lord.

Have a great week!

Elder Morris

Mitch's letter home 5/11/15

Well, not much to update. I am getting transferred. That is something new. The mother's day call was great. I love making my mom laugh, I hate when she makes me cry. (Because of the spirit folks). We will see how this week goes, where in Monterrey will Elder Morris go? Who knows, but everything has its purpose. Wherever I end up and with whomever it is, it will be because the Lord wants me to be there. Last week I shared my testimony of the Book of Mormon with a sister from my home ward. I enjoyed sharing my testimony with someone besides an investigator and so I want to share it with you guys too.

You can't testify enough. They say that the convert that really matters is the missionary. I truly believe that. Our mission president challenged us to read and study the Book of Mormon, marking every reference of Christ, His words (said by Him or His prophets), His attributes, and His doctrine. As a missionary you hear all the time "The Mormon Bible". While doing this challenge, I was able to gain a personal and first-hand testimony from the Holy Ghost testifying to me of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. The BOM is exactly what it says, "Another Testament of Jesus Christ". Folks, Read this book!!! Love this book!! People that have a serious interest in finding out if the BOM is the word of the Lord don't have to wait until they get to Moroni 10:3-5. They don't have to read of the Savior's personal ministry here in the Americas. They don't have to search and look for truth and wait more time to be prepared. If they read it with "Real intent, a sincere heart, and in faith in Jesus Christ", the Holy Ghost will tell them. The Book of Mormon is the Keystone of our religion. If we make it the Keystone in our lives, only then will the FULLNESS of the Restored Gospel make a profound and lasting change upon our hearts, changing the very nature of the carnal man into a dedicated and converted disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. I love this book. I can't even begin to describe it. This book has to be true. There is no other option, there is no other way. I know it because I live it. And if others want to know it, they have to do the same.

Love ya!

Elder Morris

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!

May 4, 2015

First,  Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!!!! WHOO HOOO!! Wow, you guys are old! 25 years? That is pretty neat. I want to be like you when I grow up!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!

This week we had some cool stuff happen. Okay, who am I kidding. This week was pretty normal. We just had leadership counsel and a zone conference and exchanges with the assistants. Nothing too crazy. It was really funny. President Bird was talking about how they were waiting to hear from their daughter because she was super pregnant. Then he started telling the graphic story about how their second daughter was born, making all the sisters go woozy, it was so funny! Then a little while later he went on a rant for like 25 minutes about how men can't multitask and women can. With many stories from his personal life. I was just dying from laughing so much!! Good stuff!

Well, I don't have any more time. Life is good. Missionary life keeps moving, even when you don't want it to. For example, the mission secretary just called me asking me what my home airport was. I told them Hawaii so Mom and Dad, you have to pick me up in Hawaii. (hehe) No, just kidding. Well I got to go!!! LOVE YOU!!!!

                                                                           Love the Temple- My Zone

Great week.

April 20, 2015

Wow, tomorrow I hit 20 months in the mission. I don't like it, but what can you do about it? That is super nuts.... Life is good. We had a good week! We had a whole family get baptized! The Sanchez family got baptized on Tues. It was pretty much the best baptism I have had on the mission. The spirit was just super strong, pretty much tangible. The talks were great, the family were just so happy, the members came to support them (even if they showed up late.) It is something super special to be able to see an entire family enter into the waters of baptism. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives, but it especially changes the family because the family is the central part of the Plan of Salvation. The true happiness comes from having the gospel bless our lives through blessing our family’s lives. I am so glad that my family is eternal. I know that the Lord always helps those who serve and love Him. Those of broken hearts, and contrite spirits.

This week I had my testimony of Charity, Faith, and Hope strengthened. We have a missionary in our zone who is struggling. He doesn't have a good hold on the language. He said that he isn't really studying Spanish because he doesn't feel the desire. He said that he just reads from the dictionary looking for new words. I thought about what my desire was for learning Spanish. It wasn't too hard. The only thing that got me through learning Spanish was my desire to understand and talk with the people that I loved, that I was trying to help. I expressed my feelings of that and he told me that he was having troubles with loving the people, that he was having troubles with loving Mexico. D&C 4 instantly came to my mind. Verse 5 says "And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work." If we don't have these things, then we won't be able to really be the missionary or the disciple, that the Lord expects and hopes of us. Truthfully, I don't really remember what else I said. I read some other scriptures with him and  I explained some things, but the Spirit really was just guiding the whole thing.  We set the goal of studying the attributes of Faith, Charity, and Hope to help him feel the love for the people and the place. I then had the chance to give him a blessing. I could feel the Spirit really strong as soon as I laid my hands on his head. Just another testimony builder of the Priesthood. We really do nothing. We aren't the source of the power, just the conduit by which the power is given to others. I am having just a ton of testimony building experiences and I feel that I have progressed a lot in these last few months and I know that I am progressing every day with the help of the Spirit. Life is good, the work moves on, lives are changed, miracles happen, hearts are softened, and eternities are made. Love you all, have a great week!!
Elder Morris

p.s. I saw Pres. yesterday and we talked to him for a min. As we walked up he was like "That is just my favorite name!" He really likes calling me Mitchell Dee. He then told me that a missionary who went home 2 transfers ago is engaged. He then turned to me and said, "Your goal is to beat him. Before 2 transfers." I just laughed because girls are still weird and have cooties. Ha-ha LOVE YA TONS!!!!!!!!!

Great General Conference!

Wow, what a week. This week was SUPER awesome!!! Definitely one of the most spiritual weeks of my mission. What I am going to share is just a portion of what has happened. We had Leadership counsel this week. We all went in fasting and prepared ourselves to be fed spiritually. Oh boy, did that happen. It was AWESOME!!! We talked about the atonement. How and why the Savior did what He did for us. It is amazing because he has done so much for us and asked so little in return. It is a huge comfort to know that I have someone like that cheering me on. It was super powerful and we were reading scriptures and we were feeling the spirit and watched a video of Pres. Eyring and Elder Holland talking with a video presentation of scenes from the atonement from the church's bible videos. Boom, the spirit is palpable. And then we end by singing I know that my Redeemer lives. There was not a dry eye in the room folks, let me tell ya. Very few time have I felt the spirit that strong on my mission. It is something that I will never forget. Also when we got home we found 2 families just super chosen and super awesome!

Then with Conference, it just topped off the week. I loved the talks and the counsel from our living prophets on the earth. I know that those men and women with their messages were inspired just as I know that I am sitting here writing. Man, good stuff!!!

Some of the quotes from Conference that I loved:

"It is supposed to be hard" L. Whitney Clayton

"Actions are the evidence of our belief and the substance of our faith". L. Whitney Clayton

"I can teach you to dance, but not to hear the music." Wilford A. Anderson

"A saint is a sinner that keeps on trying." Dale G. Renlund

"All I want to do in life is to please my Fathers, both temporal AND eternal" Michael T. Wringwood

"I know what time it is at home" Quentin L. Cook

" I am here to become a better man because I love my Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ." Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"You can build on whatever strength you have"  Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"We cannot embrace the choices they make, but we can embrace them" Brent H. Nelson

"God loves us deeply, perfectly, and everlastingly" Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Living the Gospel is not a burden, but a joyful rehearsal for eternity" Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Family, I love you. Just know that I am forever indebted to you for all you have done. It is weird to think of, but I will be with you guys for the next General Conference! LOVE YOU!!!!!
Elder Morris

ACTION FIGURES FROM MY EASTER PACKAGE FROM HOME. LOVE EM!!