August 24, 2015 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

(With the Tom Cruise voice and everything!)

I am homeward bound. I have my interview with Pres. Crobitt today. My comp will be training a new missionary. I talked with E. Frampton, E. Turketo and E. Aplanalp! All is well. Hno Manuel Medina took me to the offices this morning and all is well. I look forward to being home.

I feel like it´s about to be Christmas morning. The two years have been amazing and I have enjoyed the mission ¨Holiday¨ spirit but now it´s like Christmas day. Super exciting but also time to return to the normal life. It will be great though! I love you all so much. See or Skye you all soon!

See you all soon! be safe!!!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

August 18, 2015 - Hello!

Hello All!

I want to start off to say I love all of you! Thank you for all of the great support that you have each given me throughout my two years. Wow it is crazy how quickly the time has flown by. I have truly improved been changed and become better! I am so grateful for all the experiences I have had, good and bad! They really have helped me become better! I know that our Savior is Jesus Christ. That the plan of God was for each of us to come here, to progress, receive a body, make our family ties stronger and deeper and to return to his presence. He requires that we are obedient but he will always bless us. I know that his plan is perfect and that through the temple (the house of God here on earth) we can have families that are sealed or maintained throughout the eternities or for infinity and beyond!! I know that our family can be eternal and I pray that we can all be worthy to return to live with God. It requires each of us to do our part! I invite each and everyone of you to take steps and try harder. It isn`t easy I know but we can succeed!

So this week I have no regrets as we visited the last place I truly wanted to see before I leave this beautiful country. It is called La Cueva de Las Maravillas. It was pretty cool a deep cave with hieroglyphics, a coool reflection pond and what not. It was found by some Dominican boy scouts in 1926 and is now a private place. I learned a lot about the native Indians that lived here, though they are all now extinct not only in the DR but in Puerto Rico, Jamaica Cuba etc. It is somewhat mysterious their extinction they say but it was very interesting and a great bonding moment with Hno Medina who took work off just to go with us as he had never been either. We had a lot of fun and I am happy! Glad I could make it, I also passed by in the car my first area of San Pedro. It brings back a lot of memories for sure!!

It is crazy to think I have so little time left. I have come to love the people here and the culture. The food is great and I am so grateful for my time here!

I may find about 5 minutes to email next week but nothing special really so if you don`t want to send me anything don`t worry. You can just email me at chezlygreen@gmail.com as that is my email from next week on!

So the last Monday I may have time for Internet not sure but I will have my interview with Pres Corbitt and not sure what else. We are going to the temple on Saturday as well! Wahoo! I will sleep at the MTC Monday night and wait till my flight on Tuesday! Almost time to start packing!

Well I love you all. Be safe and know that God is watching over us. Never forget to pray, read the scriptures attend church but most of all just be good honest people and love and serve others. I know that God loves us all! Be super safe everyone! Thanks for all the support to the fam and extended family as well as friends. See you next week and especially Sunday Aug 30 for my talk at church! love ya ll!

In case I don`t see you, good afternoon good evening and good night! haha

Love,

Elder Chez Green

August 10, 2015 - Hello All!

So it has been a great week but busy and the work as for numbers may not have been the greatest but very satisfying. The biggest thing was that the Pimentel Family GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!! Finally! Their marriage was on Friday and Pres. Corbitt was there with them for it and then the baptism was Saturday! I got permission to go and an awesome member took us in his car, Manuel Medina. We got there and I baptized the daughter as the dad wanted each of the 5 missionaries that had taught them a lot to baptize the family! It was super awesome. It is truly gratifying to see a family I helped teach get baptized. This was the first complete family I have been able to help get baptized, husband wife and kids. So great!!! Pres came to the baptism and E. Turketo, Aplanalp and Sauceda were all there. It was a great get together really and very spiritual. They have a goal to get sealed in the temple next August! I hope they can make it for sure!

Sadly the Fam Marte couldn´t make it but it was still a great experience!!

On Wednesday I shared my testimony along with 15 other old leaders in the mission leadership meeting. It was an enjoyable experience and I am grateful I could participate. We have a big group going home, like 25 or something but not all are going the same day.

I did an exchange this week and it went well. I was with E. Empey and we talked a lot. He was a mechanic (or training to be) and we were talking about cars and stuff though I don´t know much. It was pretty cool.

We also found an Italian investigator this week. We invited him to an activity we have this Friday and hopefully he can come. I love the Italian accents so cool. Life is good really.

Today we ate at a buffet and it was less than 10 US dollars. Pretty good stuff too for the DR. I even got some sushi! yummy yummy! I also bought some good souvenirs that you guys will see when I get back. I am a happy man.

Well I have seen many miracles here in the mission and I know that Jesus lives. I have felt his presence and I know that his Atonement is real! I know the Gospel changes lives and it has changed me a lot! I love you all. This is my second to last email! be safe everyone!! I´ll see you all soon! 

--

Love,

Elder Chez Green

August 6, 2015 - Love y'all a day late but still the same!

So sorry it was a day late but we changed our Pday in order to do some other awesome stuff! The big news is we went to the aquarium, since it is closed on Monday`s we got special permission to change our Pday to today! so that is why. And oh was it a great experience. I planned ahead and met up with some old converts in Los Mameyes (with permission of course) and we had a grand time. It was great to see the family active in the church and progressing a lot! Enderson is now a Priest and is the 2nd assistant to the Bishop, Diosdery is in the Nursery and their daughter always go to Primary. I loved remembering all the great times we had and it was a true spiritual lift! It was a great time being at the aquarium for a couple hours, then I took them out for pizza for lunch (no pic sorry, forgot!) Such a great experience. One of the best Pday´s ever! We also made a bonus trip to the Faro a Colon or Columbus´ lighthouse! WoW is faro which means lighthouse!

That was fun to check it out and see what is inside, because it is always closed on Monday´s as well. It isn´t too far either, about 25 minutes walking more or less. It was fun to get some good pictures and to enjoy it all!

The week has been well. Good news is the Familia Pimentel may get baptized this Saturday. It is tentatively planned so I pray that it goes through. If so, I have permission to go and a plan so the Fam Marte can come with to see the first baptism they have ever seen. So cool! I am excited and I pray it works out. Today we also got haircuts! Mine turned out alright. My last one here probably!

Oh I made more no bake cookies last night to give to Disodery and her kids! Yummy! Hmm what else. Church went well, our bishop is a great guy, cool but awesome!  We helped paint a kitchen on Tuesday for a new investigator family. We found a family of 12, but they are super catholic sadly and not interested, but still cool 10 kids with the same mom and dad!

It has been blazing hot here holy cow! But wow so hot. Hmm we also put a baptismal date with a hno named Andres for the 22 of August. He is doing well but missed church cause he was sick sadly. Another guy named Guillermo told us ¨I haven´t been able to read much this week, and I am not good at remembering names¨ then he went on to tell us the first 10 chapters of the Book of Mormon with all the names like Lehi, Laman, Lemuel, Nephi and Laban. Wow so awesome and that was only the 3rd or 4th visit. We invited him to come to church this week! He is great because he always tries to follow his heart!

I found a spot that sells 25 pesos shakes that are amazing, premade and everything! So good. The only problem is it's in an area that is a little more poor and dangerous at night so we only go during the day!

Wow lots going on. Also we found a less active named Carolyn. We talked about the prodigal son and she cried during our lesson. Then we visited her again with some members to help her make friends and hopefully she will come to church this Sunday! Wahoo lots of work!

I think around like 30 or so missionaries are going home in this month of August! Crazy I know!!

Well I can´t think of anything else really. Oh a scripture joke. Who is the best avenger? See 1 Thess chap 4 verse 6 which says ¨The Lord is the avenger.¨ haha so the Lord (Jesus Christ) is the best avenger! hehe!

Life is good! thanks for all the love! Be safe until next week!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

July 27, 2015 - Hello Everyone

I love you all. I hope Pioneer day was great and Am`s bday! It has been a crazy week. My birthday was great and I was super blessed. Jorge and his family gave me a birthday celebration which was super awesome. They bought me a chocolate cake, made empanadas and little sandwiches for everyone and Jorge got me a gift! An awesome Platano Power t-shirt. Wow I am so blessed.

Monday night we made Spaghetti with Hno Medina and we helped him a little bit. We also found a new investigator who is interested to know more a bout the book of Mormon. That is good, especially because today we got about 8 more to give away as we were out in the house.

Wow time is flying I had a lot of emails. What else, well I got a lot of Bday wishes. They announced it in church last week which was cool.

This Sunday E. Rush and I sang a Duo of Lead Kindly Light. I am not sure that I am the best singer but I am practicing more and I`d love to learn so some day I can have a Barlow voice! WE also got surprise talks but it was good. I enjoyed it as I like talking and sharing my testimony. Oh how the mission and the Atonement have changed me. I am so grateful for that! IT is something very difficult to understand yet I know the Lord will forgive us for anything and everything if we are truly repentant. I loved the talk by Pres. Packer he gave in conference about the family and the atonement. So amazing!

Pday today we did an activity of food. Everyone bring something. I made no bake cookies (thanks for the recipes a while back) and they were delicious! It was a fun activity!

I love you all so much. I am working hard here still, but life is good. This week was a hard one for sure. The appts fell through a lot and well it wasn`t easy with he heat being very extreme right now but we keep working hard. Also some tough news that supposedly Hno Marino (fam Pimentel) decided he wasn`t ready to get married yet. Sad news but we will keep praying for them.

Overall life is well! I am doing my best to teach E. Rush everything I can so he can have a more successful mission. E. Turketo is doing great and he is a zone leader trainer, E. Aplanalp has changed a lot I've been told and is now training a new missionary, E. Frampton is also doing well. (old comps)

Hmm what else. Well I think that is it. not a lot of progressing investigators but we are finding new people to teach nowadays!

Well I love you all! Be safe till next week!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

July 20, 2015 - Hello All

I hope all is going well. I am a happy man! The baptism happened of Mariana. It was amazing and awesome to see her progress so much! She was so excited to be baptized and the service was great. We had a couple come the woman from Russia and her spouse which was great stuff. We also had some people come that are attending another church but hopefully the spirit touched them as well! It was a great service and the primary sang the song about becoming clean like the earth after rain. Perfect.

Church went well and we had some investigators but the highlight was that a less active family came to church for the first time in maybe 5 or 6 years and the first time here. So great! I was happy to see them come and we have been working with them one time every week. This Tuesday we are going to visit them. We are going to do an activity for my birthday, which is awesome! We are working hard and trying to find new families and people that really want to take the message seriously. But it was a great Sunday. We had an activity for the new converts that evening too which was a success.

My comp E. Rush is 19 yrs old and he is from Mesa Arizona. He has 8 months on the mission. He is a good guy and we get along well. He is the district leader and I am just showing him the ropes. He is fun to be around and knows a lot of Spanish. We are working hard and doing the best we can!

The lesson we had with Tatiana in the week went well. We talked about the Book of Mormon and invited them to read it. Wow super awesome. Very spiritual! I was happy to share that with them and I am excited that she can make the next step!

Like I said we are working with a sister Zulema and her family. They came on Sunday. Our last lesson was a review of the Restoration and it went very well!

Last week I forgot to mention another less active family that has come to church again. The family Mezon. Our family night with them was also super special.

I have really made a lot of friends in this ward and I love it here. I can`t believe how quickly time is flying but I see the Lord blessing us each and everyday. I know he loves us and cares for all of us. I truly see his mercy and grace each day. I know the mission is where I should be. God loves us all and the Savior Jesus Christ is always here for us.

Hmm other notes, well my comp said I look like Captain America so that was funny. Hmm what else...

Oh Happy Birthday to Am! Love you and enjoy your big day! 

Wow Saborio was traded that is crazy. Glad that RSL is winning and it looks like they are trying to make trades to get wins.

Wow can`t believe I'll be 21 tomorrow. I remember when I was a muchacho (WoW, little kid) and now I am all grown up, some what. I have facial hair and my chest hair is starting to grow. Looks like I am really growing up. But I guess that is part of life. One year older and wiser too! Wahoo! Thanks for all the Bday wishes!

Go USA!! Wahoo!

So excited for the trip to the DR with the fam! Can`t wait!

Well I think that is all really! love y'all! Sorry if I missed anything! Next week!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

July 13, 2015 - Hello All!

So as of tomorrow I will officially be in my ¨Golden Transfer¨as they say or the last transfer. I will be receiving a new companion named Elder Rush. He is from the USA. I am sad to see E. Castro go because we had a lot of fun, we worked very hard and it was just an awesome transfer. He is sad to go as well!

Today we played some basketball and my comp packed while I cleaned the house. All is well really. This week some funny and crazy stuff has happened. A couple days ago I was walking when something hit me in the head. I knew right away what it was. Yep you guessed it, pigeon poop. Right in the crown of my head. Yuck! luckily I had a bottle of water and quickly poured it on my head. Then my comp also helped me pour it while I tried to rub it out. And we were far from the house, so I just tried to forget about it and move on til I got home that night to shower ha ha. But here they say that you get rich if that happens to you so eh, maybe its worth it ha ha!

We also saw an awesome miracle this week. We have been working with Mariana. She is 80 yrs old and her daughter is a member. She has been coming to church for a while. She doesn´t know how to read, but her daughter reads with her. She committed to baptism a little while back but we found out last week that she drinks coffee so we talked to her about it. She has done it since she was 5 yrs old. But we explained that in order to be baptized she had to obey the Word of Wisdom (no coffee alcohol drugs tea tobacco). She said that she would live it and we gave her a blessing so she could overcome it. She has started making natural teas in he morning and she says that it is a sacrifice but that she is done with coffee. Her baptismal interview is tomorrow and her baptism should be this Sunday evening! We are so excited, though my comp is sad to be leaving.

Transfers are crazy but all is well really. A lot of the appointments fell through this week and it was a little tough but on Sunday we found some cool families we are going to start to teach. That is the objective of the Gospel, help families be together forever! So great.

I got the package from the Wilkinsons. So great thank you very much. Big shout out! I am doing well and I am happy!

Looks like everyone is getting new jobs nowadays eh? Congrats to all!

Well time is up and flying. I love you all. Until next week I`m over and out! 

Love,

Elder Chez Green

July 6, 2015 - Happy late 4th of July!

Go America! Wahoo it was a good day on the 4th. I ate some Venezuelan food and a recent convert also made us some Italian food. He is from Italy as well. I didn`t eat anything American sadly but it was a good day. I also ate some ice cream to celebrate the day! The only problem, Sunday morning we woke up sick to our stomachs, but we kept working though not as effectively. Such is life. All is well here and I am a happy man! The food was good, though the stomach pain isn`t. That is what we get for eating different foods than the normal!

Anyways it has been a good week! We are still working with the families, but we are trying to strengthen their testimonies first, so they will have the desire to get married and then baptized. It is all going well though. We are doing family nights and whatever we can to get the whole family involved as our message is one for families!

We have a Russian woman who is an investigator. Her name is Tatiana and she seems very interested in the gospel. We are excited for her to keep advancing! We have also found other new people, but we are waiting to see progress!

The 4th was good, though we didn´t see any fireworks but that´s alright. I taught an English class this week and it went pretty well. It is weird talking English though. I feel like it is my second language sometimes now.

This week I talked with Pres. Corbitt a little bit and that was very edifying and enjoyable. I also got my suit out of the offices. I haven´t used it since in the MTC! The pants are way too big now. I weigh 174 pounds. I don´t remember how much I weighed when I left but I think I have lost 15 to 20 lbs! I´m a little more slim and stylish! I am getting my pants re tailored by a member for about 300 pesos which is about 8 dollars. He is also making me two new pairs of pants that I hope you all will like, so I can use them at home. Pictures when they are finished!

I got McDonald's from the offices as well! Lucky me. All is well and we are working hard. We did another exchange this week. Time is flying. Another Pday has come and gone and now we are almost to the end of the transfer. Today I cleaned then we went to the Duarte where I bought the pant material and I also looked at prices for some souvenirs. I am doing well. We just keep working.

Hmm all is well really! WoW is cajón which means drawer here. I always have a hard time with that one!

Sad that Pres Packer passed away, but like it usually happens deaths come in twos and threes. Same with births usually too, at least in our ward anyways!

Wow Kevin is home! so crazy! What's up Kev bot!

Go USA woman. Awesome win for them! Wahoo!

Happy Birthday Grandpa Joe Barlow! Love you tons!

Love you all tons. until next week, Elder Green reporting live from the DR..

Love,

Elder Chez Green

June 29, 2015 - Happy 4th of July this weekend and Happy Father´s Day last weekend!

Hi Family,

First happy late Father´s day to Dad. Sorry I totally forgot. It isn`t a holiday here and time just keeps flying. But I love you tons Dad! And this week is our Independence day! (Great movie). I hope everyone enjoys it all!

A big thanks to my family for the package. I got it this Thursday. So a huge shout out as well to the MORTIMER Family! I love you guys. Thanks for the package, with Thai food and Hawaiian haystack supplies. I made Green Curry this week and it was way good. Perfect to hold me over for Thai food in a couple months. I really appreciate it Mortimer fam! Love you all, especially Jay!

Wow Kevin is home in 10 days. Crazy stuff! And Clint comes home in like 4 weeks. Time is flying by. I feel like time has passed very quickly!

The picture has a special shout out to Jeff Lynch. I am stealing his Sunday Swag or Style of basketball shorts and a white shirt! And rocking my new haircut. it is very nice! I feel like a new man! And the side view as well!

Awesome news that the tickets are booked for the DR trip in October! So excited! I hope JJ and Whitney will be able to make it!

We played basketball today, washed cleaned and just relaxed. I am happy and feeling good! We played with some of the youth of the ward.

So our ward activity went great! We got references and we shared our message. About 5 people took Books of Mormon and a lot of pamphlets and other give aways. Then we watched the movie ¨Meet the Mormon´s¨. Wow so good. I loved it and I plan to buy it when I get back. I want to watch it again, but this time in English. super good though and approved by the mission because it has the church logo!

I heard on Sunday about gay marriage being legal in all 50 states now. Is that for real? Wow how the world and the US has changed in less than two years. I am very surprised but such is life. We must be examples and testify of the truth we know at all times and in all places and be converted each and everyday. We also have the Priesthood to help protect our families and we have good values to keep us safe!

I went on an exchange this week that was cool We put a baptismal date with a sister named Mariana (about 65) who has been visiting the church for a while now. She doesn´t know how to read but her daughter (about 30 yrs old) is a member and they are reading together. We are working for the 18th of July! I also heard that a sister in Villa Liberación may be getting baptized that day as well! And I am sending a pic of a sister in Villa Lib that got baptized last week too!

Oh so this week I met a Russian who lives here. She is very open to the gospel. She has lived here for 25 years about but was born in Uzbekistan and her parents in Russia. She is very nice and we are looking forward to teaching her more!

Go USA Women's and RSL! I hope all is well!

We taught some awesome lessons about the temple to some of our investigators. We didn´t have a lot of contact with the Reyes Family this week because of work and what not, but we are working to get them to keep progressing. The other investigators are doing alight, though it is kind of a stand still. But we will keep working hard. I love you all! Enjoy the week. Happy fourth!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

June 22, 2015 - Hello All

I know the news has been back and forth crazy but this week we finally got settled in and we were very blessed for that! We had 17 investigators at church and the awesome part is a full family came for the first time. They are very interested as well. They also have a car which makes it easier to come to church as well!! The family is the Reyes Family. It is the father and his spouse and his two daughters. The mom is pregnant as well. They were a reference from Carlos` first son, named Jean Carlos who lives with his Mom and two other sisters here in the ward. They are great and we are going to teach them about the Book of Mormon this week. They participated in the classes and said they enjoyed it. A lot of other people brought their nieces, nephews and cousins which was cool.

Rafael will not be baptized this week but hopefully soon!

There is another family, the Marte family who is progressing. The father has his left side of his body partial paralyzed because of a stroke and brain problems. We are working for them to make a sacrifice so they can get married, and then we will see how else we can help them. Good stuff though.

The ward is working more with us and we are doing the best we can. This week we went to Sambil. A big mall. I ate caramel popcorn and a slushy, I also ate Krispy Kreme doughnuts! I checked out the movie billboards and we visited the sports store, the Oakley store and walked around the shops. It was enjoyable. Then up at the food court we ate Johnny Rockets! Ah a nice burger that tastes a little like home. I felt like I was back in the states there wow! It was enjoyable!

So this week I have been reading a lot in the bible about the Savior and especially his Atonement or sacrifice for us. Wow that is powerful! I know the Atonement is real and it is so powerful. The Lord has paid for our sins, worries and problems and he loves us. It is like he has paid for our plane ticket home, all we have to do is choose to be humble, repentant, willing to obey him and we can get on the plane and stay there. I know he loves us and is willing to forgive us and help us improve everyday!

I know that through the temple and the Priesthood of God it is possible to have a family sealed together forever. So I invite everyone to prepare now! I love you all!

So I was thinking about as an extended family we could all sing the song ¨Savior, Redeemer¨ at my homecoming. I love that song so much and it is inspiring. Please look it up and see if it´s possible that Steven plays a great medley of it and we can all sing as the family choir. I love the song. Let me know!

Hmm what else... Wow huge news. I am so happy for Dad and his new car! So awesome! Congrats dad. A huge shout out to Ron Green. My awesome and amazing uncle. Thanks for watching over my family while I`m gone! I really appreciate it. I love you Ron. Thank you!

Great that the US women are winning!

WoW is adios cause I am out of here. Love you all tons!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

June 15, 2015 - Surprise, I'm staying

Yep that is the big news. Tuesday afternoon when I had just started to pack, they called and said there was a change of plans. My companion and I will be staying. The other two missionaries (the zone leaders) would be changing areas. And that is what happened. Ah that was kind of nice to hear though I had come to grips with the change. But I am happy to keep working here in the area. Kind of interesting but good in the end.

The week has been hectic. On Tuesday morning I had to go to immigration in order to take out a certain citizenship card so I won`t (or the Church won`t) have to pay a tax when I leave the country. That is good. We also had interviews with President Corbitt and they went well. I enjoyed talking with him and receiving counsel from him as well. Then we had things like ward council, appointments falling through, a crazy rain storm that flooded all the streets, my comp had to do a baptismal interview and to top it off, today we got special permission to check out a national park that is popular here, called Los Tres Hojos. They are underground lakes. You will see the pictures shortly!

Hmm the week really has been crazy and not super productive with everything going on, but we are hoping that this next week will start being normal! We have a couple named Juan and Olga. They are really nice people. Juan had a stroke and some other things happen a couple months ago so the left side of his body is very weak and he is in a lot of pain sometimes but they make the sacrifice to come to church. They came yesterday. We are working to help them get married (working with the ward to help with the money side of things) and then getting them baptized. The wife believes the church is true but the husband still has doubts but we are working with them to get a testimony. We were working for the end of June but it looks like the beginning of July is more probable.

I talked to Hno Marino (family Pimentel) and they are looking to get married soon and baptized the 1st of August. I hope it all comes through. It was good to finally talk to him! Pres. Corbitt had a family night with them at the temple and he is working with them as well which is awesome! When I talked to Marino he said that Pres Corbitt asked him why he liked the church and Marino responded because it is the true one! He said that Pres Corbitt just gave him a big hug! Ah I can`t wait!

We have some other investigators but we are really working with the members so they can get involved with the work. Our area is big and we only have us 2 in the whole ward now! But we have plans in place! Hmm that is really most of the info for now!

We are focusing on finding families and helping those that only part of them are members so they can all come to church. This way we can help them have eternal families. We really want the families to be together forever, even after death. I know it is possible and in the end Family is most important!

Oh so a lot of people say that I have a Columbian accent from how I talk. I guess they would know because they watch so many novelas here. (WOW Novela is a Spanish soap opera) But that was interesting. They say it is because of how clear and precise I talk. Good enough for me I guess haha.

Hmm ya that is it really. We have started running to see if I can get back in shape. Hey any ideas on how to eat healthy and easy? I am cutting back on sugars lately and working to do more exercise but please any easy recipes with like tuna or chicken and especially what are good healthy snacks that are filling?

I am going to try and visit some other places as well in the coming weeks like the Aquarium and what not. I also have permission to visit my old areas on Pday if I would like. That would be awesome. I will have to plan that though. Time is getting short here on the mission. I am hoping we can find a lot of success here soon.

The 27th of June we are hoping to have a baptism of a young guy named Rafael. He is 18. We will also have a big ward activity that day. We are working and praying for success!

The Finals sound awesome. And go USA women's! Wow USA Mens team sounds good! keep it up Jurgen Klinsmen I want a world cup in 2018 or 2022! haha

Hmm well I think that is all! love you guys tons! Be safe and be converted to the gospel and Jesus Christ everyday. I know he lives and loves us. I know that we can be together forever!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

June 8, 2015 - Hi Fam

Hello all. I am well. I have loved the first 6 days here in my new area. My comp is great and the area is fun. The house is awesome as well. We really are working to the maximum. But bad and sad news. Apparently we will be changing wards and areas tomorrow. It is really frustrating, disappointing and ah I don`t know what to say. I have no idea why. But I guess I have to live with it. It really is going to be hard because I feel like I haven´t been able to work so hard at the beginning of a transfer before but all is well. Who knows why but there must be some reason. So we grin and bare it for now.

Hmm we have 2 baptismal dates. Some investigators that want to get baptized. We contacted an 18 yr old and he came to church for the first time. The ward is fun. The bishop is really young.We have got to know a lot of new members and what not. But ya that is the news really! I will hopefully see them another time.

I believe we will have to move tomorrow. Ah what a hassle. I just unpacked on Saturday... And I think we will be living with 4 missionaries, which sometimes is good and other times not so we shall see. But who am I to complain. In the end I just gotta smile! :)

Um the zone we are in is really small. I am not sure why it is called Oriental. That is a good question.

My comp is from Lima Peru. He has learned a lot of English in the mission. He likes playing guitar and music in general. He also plays the piano.

Tough season for RSL it sounds like but keep on keepin on!

Sounds like the Finals are fun to watch. We walked by a TV playing it yesterday. It was fun to see a glimpse. In this area, they love basketball! We played some basketball today. Just shooting around and what not. The weather is getting hotter now!

The mom and daughter in Villa Liberaciòn were confirmed by members of the Bishopric! It was hard saying goodbye to everyone in Villa Liberaciòn.

My old comp E Peña did stay. He said that Raymundo was baptized and another should be baptized on the 20th!

Congrats on graduation Shantaye! Love you!

That is great you will have the missionaries over for dinner! Tell them Hi from me! haha

Hmm well I love the General Conference messages. We have interviews with President Corbitt this week as well!

Well I love you all. Be safe please. Pray for me and as always I will keep you all in my prayers! Thanks for everything!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

June 1, 2015 - Transfers!

So the big news is I will be transferred. Saw it coming though. I actually talked to President last night. He was debating keeping me here until the end of the mission for the work I am doing but he felt that I could help more in a new area. It is in Villa Carmen, the Oriental Zone. It is about 20 minutes from where I live now, so not very far. But it is another stake. I am excited. My new companion is Elder Castro. He is from Peru and he has almost 17 months I believe. I have met him before but I will meet him better tomorrow!

Happy Late Birthday JJ!

So Leidy and Altagracia got confirmed this Sunday which is awesome. It was Mother's Day yesterday and my comp talked to his family which was cool. There was some rain so the church was relatively empty for how it usually is which is too bad, but it happens sometimes.

We have some baptismal dates set that we hope that people can get. I gave out a lot of pictures of myself with them or of our family so people can always have them. They really liked that.

Sad news to hear that L Tom. Perry passed away. Our prayers are with him and his family!

Hmm what else. I have talked to some of my old comps. E. Turketo is doing well. Actually talking to him right now on the phone haha.

Congrats to Shantaye on her Graduations! So great!

WoW is tronar sus dedos. Snap your fingers!

I had some body pains and some nausea in the week but I am feeling better now. E. Zivic came and talked to us. It was so great and I loved his message. It applies here on the mission and for after as well. He said the best way to stay strong is to share the gospel with others! He shared awesome experiences with us all too!

And go Tyler Barlow. Hope the baptism is great. Send pics please!

What else to say. I am happy. Excited to work in a new area. It brings me alive again and gets me excited!

Hmm that is all really. Be safe and remember to pray often to not fall into temptation!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

May 25, 2015 - Hello my loves!

I hope all is well with y´all today! I am happy. Rain here as well too. I can´t find my umbrella but I am pretty sure I know where I left it. But all is well really! I am a happy man. Trying to stay focused. Sometimes it isn´t easy but I am happy!

So transfers will be next week. Wow time is truly flying by! I feel like some days the time just vanishes. 30 minutes pass like 5 and that is a weird feeling. I need to take advantage of every second now! I am working to do so.

We played some dominoes this week. I love my set I bought. It is great. We are having fun and eating empanadas and just fooling around really bur working hard and having spiritual moments as well.

The Mother and Daughter (Altagracia and Leidy) were baptized. I was blessed to perform the ordinance! The daughter Leidy had some doubts throughout the week but we kept praying for her. Even Sunday morning she had some doubts but the prayers and talking to her helped and she took the big step which is great. I pray she will keep progressing! I have seen a huge miracle with this family. I have been with them since the beginning.  Wow the Gospel is great!

WoW is MIlagros which means miracles!

We had a lot of activities with the ward this week. We played games at one of them, and the other was a missionary night where RM´s shared their testimonies and we shared a message. Very powerful and great! We got new investigators from it and we also contacted a lot of people. 

I love reading talks by our prophets and apostles. We are still waiting for the May Ensign but I am enjoying it all here!

Happy Memorial day. Time is flying here! Love you all tons. Be safe and firm in the teachings of Christ always please. That is my goal. It isn´t always easy, but it is worth it!

We have water usually again! Wahoo! We went to megacentro today and I saw some cool stuff. I am happy! I ate well too!

Well that's all folks! love ya tons. Happy memorial day!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

May 18, 2015 - Down Pour

Well we were planning to go to another Internet place that is in our area but the rain just started down pouring. My pants and back are soaked. We are now at one close to the house, though it isn`t super great, it works for now. Ah the DR weather. There have been problems with the little well we have for the house, so we have had 2 days without water in the house. This morning we had to go look for some from the neighbors with our buckets, All is well in the end though. I pray that tonight we will have water!

All is good here. Working for more baptisms, living in a third world country without water and half the time without power too. The joys!

Today was a lazy Pday. We played dominoes and that was fun! I washed my clothes thankfully and I took a long nap.

Sunday night there was a BBQ outside of our house and oh was I jealous. I look forward to BBQ's at home!

So some of our investigators won´t be able to receive our message for now which is too bad. Some not progressing and others for their personal decisions, but in the end we are happy. This next Sunday at 12 noon we should have 2 more baptisms hopefully of a mother of 46 and her daughter of 27. We are hopeful that all will go well!

So one of the Elders in the house here got a Ukulele from his parents and he is teaching me a little bit. I gotta practice to keep my charm right!? hehe but I have learned part of the song. The song is Scientist by Coldplay. It is really easy and I enjoy the song a lot. It is good stuff! I am happy and still working hard.

WoW is pulmones which means lungs. It is the WoW because of a talk by E. Uchtdorf about seeing the end from the beginning. He talks about when he was a kid and didn´t have all the luxuries of life, but in the end it helped him overcome a disease in his lungs he never knew he had. It is a great talk from the 2006 may conference. Good stuff really!

Hmm we had an exchange this week and we bought empanadas again. I am happy. Not much new. Oh I got a new fan because my old one broke. I am looking forward to some small things back in the states, like warm water, AC, electricity all the time. Simple stuff!

Glad to hear that Ben is back safe and sound. I hope the graduation for Shantaye goes well for Seminary. The last weeks of school! Wahoo!

The bear in the front yard looks super cool! I am happy to see that!

Elder Peña is from Barahona which is about 2 or 3 hours from the capital. There is a nice beach there and it is famous for the huge plantains it has. From the wrist to the elbow big!

hmm not much else really. I didn´t take any pictures this week but hopefully for next week!

Well I love you all. Be safe!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

May 11, 2015 - Hello All

So this is mostly for all the rest that want to hear from me, as we just talked yesterday but I am doing well! I really enjoyed the phone call thanks for that! I am happy and enjoying life for sure! Today I got a haircut, nice and short. I also got the chance to take a nap. We played basketball and dominoes in the morning too! Way fun stuff!

The funny story I told everyone last night but for those who didn´t hear, we were walking by a building of apartments and as we walked by with the ward mission leader some water start to fell. We hurry and jumped out of the way, but not before we got hit by a couple drops. Then the ward mission leader said, ah its warm! So we looked up, and sure enough a 3 year old naked kid was peeing four stories up. His mom started screaming at him not to do it, but ah was it funny!

Hmm well what else. Oh the cool hand bell choir. That was very special. I really enjoyed that a lot and I am grateful that I could see it. Some of our investigators came as well which was pretty awesome! That is good news! 

Hmm not much else to really fill you all in on. We have had good support from the members this week. I am happy and working to stay in shape and be happy. Love you all tons. Sorry it is a short one.

May 4, 2015 - Hello All

Well next week we will be talking! I hope everyone is ready haha! 730 pm DR time. Yes 730 PM so everyone can make it! 7:30 Wahoo!

I pray there are no difficulties but we will see. So it has been a great week really. I am grateful for all the experiences had. WE got to visit the temple and I also had the chance to perform the baptism for Jose Miguel!

Today we went to Megacentro (the mall) and ate some good meat and mofongo, which is mashed up fried plantains! So delicious. I also printed photos for some of the ward members and for the baptisms that we had. It was a good day and I also got a nice nap in. The heat here is very strong but we keep on going!

I appreciate the package that arrived and a letter from dad with pictures. I thank you all so much. A great gift for sure! The package got beat up but it arrived, pop tarts are still pop tarts, even if they are crumbly! So delicious!

Well my time seems to be flying by today but it has been a great week. Truly the temple was very spiritual and I understood almost everything in Spanish. I also felt a lot more comfortable talking in Spanish in the temple as well!

Our area is progressing. We have some baptismal dates, and one investigator came to the baptism! It was a great feeling and I was privileged to perform the ordinance. Nice to get a little wet and cool off as well! We have 5 hopeful dates for the month of May. I pray we may be able to keep them going!

WE helped a family move and carried some couches and chairs a couple blocks to another house. It was nice and hot there! The sun is really beating down here lately!

So a great quote I read today from E. Holland. He said ¨I´m on the pencil, but you´ve got to do the writing¨ referring to missionaries and how we should be humble in the Lord´s work. I really enjoyed it a lot!

Wow the twins got baptized. Pictures please!!!! congrats to hem. Tell them I love them tons!

Spanish here is very different yes. WOW bostezar which means to yawn!

As for a package, nothing big. Simple stuff is the best really. But thank you!

Good luck Shantaye with the AP test!

well time is gone. talk to you on Sunday night, and then emailing on Monday haha! lots of love!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

April 27, 2015 - Hello - Happy Birthday Mom!

Hey family how is it all going! I hope all is well and everyone is happy. I am doing well. The baptism of Santico went well and we are all happy really! It was a little stressful, like all baptisms are here, because people are always late and what not, but in the end it worked out. I am dead tired this week from all the walking, and the mission is taking it´s toll on me physically I have noted the last couple of days. But we keep on going! Our house is small for 4 missionaries but we are having fun. Not getting to bed on time but such s life! hehe

José Miguel has his baptism this Saturday as well. We are very excited for him! I am looking forward to it. The other elders will be receiving one for their area, as we divided the area and he is on their side. But in the end it all counts for the same. We are very excited. We see him as a future missionary some day. He is very humble and willing to accept the gospel. A great guy and friend. He has asked me to perform the ordinance as well which I am honored to do so.

We are trying to find families that are interested now so they can accept the gospel. We will keep working with them and we will find them. The bishop here has an idea to get 1 reference every month from every member. A great plan!

So Elder Peña is my companion. He is one of about 15 Dominican elders here in the mission. Yes there are not very many. I can finally answer the question for you dad! He is from the south. A place called Barraohna. He is the only member in his family, a convert from 4 years back. An only child. He is very funny and very big. He reminds me of the bear from Jungle Book! Big blue or something like that. He makes me laugh ad we are getting along well here!

WoW is teriquito which I heard means ticklish inside, here in the DR at least! That is how an investigator described the spirit. Pretty great!

Hmm what else. We are going to the temple this week Wahoo! So today is a short Pday for that reason. But we cleaned the house and bought some needed supplies and I will get reimbursed for it!

I love the ward and the leaders here! Such great people!

Awesome that dad will be STH of the Match for RSL! I hope it is a great experience. Take pictures please! Tough they lost so bad, but missing a lot of players isn't easy. I am excited to go to the last couple of games!

Congrats to Mitch Mortimer and to Jonathan. That is great and exciting news. The mission really is an amazing experience so enjoy it and prepare for it. It will change you and make you better!

Well that's all. Time is up. Love ya tons! 

Love,

Elder Chez Green

April 20, 2015 - Hello All!

So the transfer news is that I will be staying! Wow big surprise but I am happy as we have 5 baptism dates planned tentatively now! Wahoo. This Saturday we will have one of a 16 yr old named Santico. He always goes to church, but had to get prepared really well. And he is now ready and has permission from his mom! Wahoo. My comp will be leaving and I will have a Dominican companion named E. Peña. Yep my 1st from the DR! I know him a little and he is pretty cool. A big guy but funny!

So Jose MIguel has a date for the 2nd of May and this time he should be ready. He got his shoes stolen a couple weeks ago so I gave him one of my pairs of shoes. He came to church with them and he is really solid. He always reads the Book of Mormon and said he wants to be a missionary soon! It is great news! Awesome stuff really!

So the interesting news is they are sending 2 more missionaries to this area which means that I will be dividing my area in two. I probably won't be able to keep teaching Jose Miguel as he will be on one side and I will probably be on the other, but I will be at his baptism for sure as it is still the same ward. That was a big surprise that I found out today. Good stuff though. A lot of work and I will be teaching the 3 missionaries the area now!

I made the salsa again... yes I did this time safely! It only burned a little of my mouth and throat.
I did not eat much as it was way too spicy. I have now learned how not to do it. A Mexican Elder told me I was doing it wrong and way too spicy haha. Lesson learned! I won't be messing with habinero anytime soon!

So hopefully Hna Dolores will be baptized in May as well. The area is really starting to boom now! Just in time to split it in two!

Question. Do you all remember the game Button Button who´s got the button? What are the rules again? I remember the time that Am accidentally ate the button cause JJ threw it in her mouth. Ah great memories from our old Family Nights! 

Awesome that Mom and Dad will be going to Cali. Please enjoy! I am sending a lot of pics. I have too many but I'll send what I can!

WoW is actually a phrase. llevarse como el perro y el gato. which means fight like cat and dog!

Oh so a huge miracle happened too. We had 25 investigators at church this week (yes that includes a lot of kids but still! ) That was amazing. The Lord is pouring his Spirit out on his children in this area! We have plans to keep working hard with the ward!

Well that's all folks!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

April 13, 2015 - Hello Family

Well I had an interesting week. Never a dull moment. This week I made a habinero salsa that was nice and spicy. I made it homemade. Well it turns out that touching it a lot really burns. Ya it did and it was starting to get super painful. So in desperation my comp said, ¨Put some Vicks vapor rub on it!¨ So I did it. Wow ten times worse! Oh did it burn. My hand was in a bucket of water for 3 or 4 hours until we walked to the pharmacy (with the bucket) and I bought an anti allergy pill and some hydro cortisone cream. Then I took the pill and put on the cream and went to bed. It was painful but it slowly went away. In the end I am fine and there is no permanent damage. I threw away the salsa but now I want some more again. If I do it, I'll use gloves this time!

But overall all is well! Today we played soccer. I got a little sun burnt but I am well. I am happy to be here. We had some investigators at church like always. Like 14 I think. We are just having trouble getting people to commit to baptism. That is really what we need right now. But we will keep working. 

We have some good youth to work with and they are progressing. We have also met some families but they are not progressing as of now. Hopefully soon though! I love the ward here and the members. We have great leaders! Transfers are next week but we will see what happens. I feel like I will go to a new area but we will see!

I had exchanges and that was good. A little change up which is always nice! I also gave a talk to the zone on stress and how the Area 70 President Elder Cornish put it, stress is really just pride because we are thinking about ourselves more than others. And I talked about how we need to always be serving and looking to help others so they may feel less stress. It was enjoyable. A good council that I need to put in practice as well!

Cool experience just now. I just contacted the guy at this new Internet place! Our normal one was closed. And he wants to learn more so we are going to pass by in the week. Totally worth a couple minutes of my time! The Lord always has a plan!

But cool that Duke won. Good stuff thanks for the updates. And that RSL is still fighting as always is good. Hopefully they can keep improving!

I played soccer today and that was fun too. I hope all is well and you re all happy!

Well I love you all. Be safe and keep on keepin´ on!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

April 6, 2015 - A Temple in Thailand! Happy Easter!

What great news and what a great General Conference! I hope everyone got to see it and enjoy the messages sent! Wow so awesome! Well I want everyone to know I love them tons and that God does too. He is aware of all of us. The General Conference was very inspiring. I got to see all 5 sessions, and three of them I watched in English. Two were in Spanish. It was good because I understand both, but I enjoy it in English more. Less work! I felt like they truly talked to me! I had 6 favorites. Uchtdorf´s on Sunday morning, Elder Bednar, Elder Holland! Elder Wilford Andersen, Elder Ballard in Priesthood and Brent H Nielson.

Wow Elder Holland had me on the edge of my seat with that story. He did well. And the Spirit was strong throughout the conference. A temple in Haiti is awesome too! I was with a Haitian member living here and he was so happy! Before the priesthood we went and got burritos at the same place they sell the destroyer hot dogs. Yummy stuff. On Sunday we contacted a cool new family which we hope can progress. This was after the conference. Overall 10 investigators came to one of the 5 conference sessions. We were waiting for more but all is well in the end!

I hope we can all follow the counsel given and keep improving each day. I have had an enjoyable week really! There was a huge centipede in our house and that was creepy. It is about 6 inches long. We have no idea where it came from, but it was raining so it came in. Gave me the heeby geebies! But my comp cut it`s head off (there is a video) and then we burnt it with bug spray and matches (also a video). We don´t want any more to come in! haha so great though.

So I finished the service with Hno Wilkins. It was a great success. He is a great guy! Um we have some good families we are working with, including a mom and daughter that want to be baptized. A young kid as well and a less active family where the dad is not a member. Great stuff really!

Today we went to Megacentro, I bought an umbrella, and a domino and some souvenirs. A little expensive but it is what I wanted. All is well really!

Crazy that Kentucky lost, but that is a good thing I would say! Should be a good game!

WoW is Semana Santa which means Holy Week. It has now ended!

It is raining right now, so I used my new umbrella wahoo! Good stuff. We are doing well here really, not sure what else to say!

I miss Hawaiian Haystacks. I wanted them so bad haha. We made lunch and took it to the conference. It was good. I used some Habinero peppers in a dish - yummy!

Be safe everyone! 

Love,

Elder Chez Green

March 30, 2015 - Hello All

Today has been a fine day. All is well. It started raining this afternoon. Today I got to play some soccer and pass some time with the zone. It was nice to get some time with other people and talk with other missionaries. We went to our stake center and the chapel we attend which is nice as well!

This week we did an exchange as well. E. Sauceda came here and we had a fine exchange. We practiced some English and we also bought some delicious empanadas. It was a 45 minute wait which was outrageous but all is well.

Some ants got into my vanilla wafers which was a bummer. I tried eating some but it gave me a stomach ache so I had to toss them out sadly. Ah the ants have been attacking all of my food. They got into one of my easy macs and what not haha. Everything is now in the fridge so hopefully I don´t have to eat anymore ants or get any more stomach aches from it. Ah funny stuff!

WoW is cabar which means to dig.

So it is Easter week and here that means a lot of alcohol and parties and what not but lets hope that the people can stay safe and that we can help our investigators! It is a difficult time sometimes here in the DR.

The new video, Because he Lives is pretty great. We have watched it once. I enjoyed it and we are inviting a lot of people to watch it as well. So go watch it and share it! haha.

Tough the Utes lost but glad RSL is doing alright. We are well here. Just doing my best to stay focused and keep working hard until the end. I was thinking about soccer and how much I miss it. I will need Damian to be my training coach when I get back to see if I can make it on a team, maybe.

We had a lot of investigators at church. But some are people we aren´t really teaching because they don´t have a desire. Others didn´t make it so their baptismal date may be hard to achieve but we will keep working. The ward is great and I love them. They are so willing to sacrifice and help others. I love that and I am learning a lot!

So I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter! I hope it goes well and you all enjoy it. Don´t forget to watch conference and heed the counsel of our modern day prophets!

I heard that the Pimentel Family should be baptized soon, in a month or so. Elder Turketo is there teaching them now! I hope that I can go back and visit!

Well not much else going on really. All is well!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

March 23, 2015 - Hola Everyone!

I hope all is well here! I love you all very much, everyone in your respective places!

This week has gone well. We had an activity every night and we got a lot of ward support. There are a lot of people to follow up with now and we also have a lot of new investigators. We had 18 investigators at church, including some kids. That was a miracle. We also have a goal baptismal date for Leidy and Altagracia. It is for the 11 of April. José Miguel didn't make it to church again so we will have to push his date back sadly. All is well and there is much to do!

Awesome that Utah is going to the Sweet Sixteen! Keep it up Utah! Wahoo. It has been a while but we are back! That would be sweet to beat Duke!

Today was just had a relaxing day here. I took a nap and what not but all is well really. I am a happy man! I kind of wanted to play soccer but my comp doesn't like to so we just stayed home.

Hmm what else. I have been cooking a lot and trying to not eat too much. I got a nice haircut. Really short. I want to send the pics but it doesn´t look like it will work! Or maybe I'll find the way haha!

Well what else. The activities went well. We had a day where the members went contacting and inviting their friends to church. We also had an activity where the Bishop and his wife talked about the law of Chastity. The other was where we shared a message about Standing in Holy Places, mainly the house, church and temple! They also asked us questions. It was a good activity. All is well really. Thanks for all the support and love!

WoW is fogata which means camp fire! Ah how I miss camp fires. Sometimes I smell them and they remind me of the camping trips with our ward or with my buddies. Good times!

Well I love you all. I hope everyone is staying strong to the iron rod (aka reading your scriptures!) It is super important. The Liahona this month was great. I encourage you to read it, at least the talk by Elder Bednar about the Atonement. I know it is real and it gives us power to overcome. I feel closer to the Lord each day out here and I know this church is true. I hope everyone is happy and doing well. Stay strong!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

March 16, 2015 - Hello All!

My lovely family. So I know I have been slacking on the word of the week lately so I will start with that. It is tía abuela which means great aunt! So Aunt Theo is my tía abuela! I got a letter from her this week!

We also had the opportunity to meet Elder Clayton, from the Presidency of the 70. He was there with Elder Cornish and Elder Martinez and their wives. We got to hear them bear testimony and E. Clatyon shared some cool experiences of how the work keeps growing in the world today. It was very spiritual. Then they had the missionaries ask questions which was pretty awesome. We had the opportunity to listen to some answers to questions for about 35 minutes. It is very rare to have 3 general authorities in one place but it was great. I enjoyed it a lot and I have received some good council. Like we should always be pushing ourselves more and that we should always watch ourselves, just like it counsels us in the Book of Mormon and to make evaluations often to keep improving!

We have put a baptismal date with Jose Miguel but he couldn´t make it to church because of work. We will keep working with him though! A mother and daughter of 50 and 26 came to church together. We will keep working with them as well and it should be great. There are others and we had a fair amount of investigators at church again. We are getting references as well and each night this week we will have a mission activity, starting Tuesday. So we can find more people ready to progress. Our families that need to get married still don´t have the desire but we pray that they will have it soon, and then we can work it all out.

Today we played soccer in the gym and ah was it great. It was short, maybe like an hour but it reminded me of the Red Hot FC days. Ah I miss those days and those guys. I imagine that most of them are home from their missions now! Wow time flies!

I have had a craving lately for Thai food. Ah some yellow and green curry sounds delicious. But not to be for now sadly.

My comp is from Nicaragua. His name is Elder Areas. His family are members but he is the first missionary. He is a good guy. We are doing fine. We will keep working hard here in Villa! I have no leadership position now. Just a normal missionary. He is new to the area but has 4 months in the mission.

March Madness is here wahoo. Darn the Utes lost last second and will not have as great of a seed but I hope all is well! A 5 seed is still fun, though upset watch status!

Oh crazy news. Elder Turketo is in Valiente as a Zone Leader! That is where I served as Zone Leader. ha ha he is following my footsteps. Pretty sweet!

Well that´s all for now. Love you tons. Especially those that need it extra this week!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

March 9, 2015 - Transfer Day

So the news has arrived and I will be staying here in Villa Liberación. E. Frampton is leaving and I will be receiving a new companion. He is Latin and his name is E. Aréas. Should be fun and I hope we can work well together. Today E. Frampton was packing and I have been cleaning. We also visited with our district at the Super Market and ate some tres leches. It has been an enjoyable day and I am happy to be here! It will be interesting to have a new companion but here it goes starting tomorrow!

So this Thursday E. Clayton from the Presidency of the 70 will speak to our mission. I am very excited. I hope it turns out well. They will be dividing the mission soon as well.

Well this week we had 8 inv. at church. Still great and we are seeing miracles. We have an inv. we are going to visit tonight named Jose Miguel that we want to put a baptismal date with. I hope he can make it for the end of March. We are finding new people to teach which is awesome. We are truly blessed.

Our ward is helping a lot and we will have a mission week in two weeks, which should be awesome! On Sunday I gave a talk in church. I spoke on the Restoration of the Gospel and the Book of Mormon and how we should reaffirm our testimonies of this great gospel each day. I know it was restored and I am grateful for the knowledge. Like the scriptures teach us, we should always counsel with God.

I also finished the Book of Mormon in Spanish for the 2nd time! That was a great experience and very spiritual. I am hoping to read it one more time in Spanish before my mission ends! I am in D and C 109 in that reading as well. It is very enjoyable!

I hope to hear back from each of you on my question about the Plan of Salvation. Thank you mom for replying!

Hmm all is well. we have talked about marriage and baptismal dates a lot but people just won´t accept right now. We will keep working with them. My comp was sick with stomach pains for part of the week but all is well now. We made fajitas on Sunday!

Our Sunday lesson was also on Repentance and how it truly sets us free and helps us grow. I know that is true and that the Lord can change us into better people. We should always be making small changes to be better each day!

Hmm what else. Well we are giving away a lot of Book of Mormon's and inviting people unto Christ. I hope everyone at home is doing well as well! Be safe and smart. I send greetings to all those at home and abroad! Remember to keep constant in the prayers! Lots of love!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

Silly Picture, District Picture, Empanada Picture

March 2, 2015 - Hello Family!

I love you all so much! I want to start off with a question. Why is the Plan of Salvation (or knowledge of) important to you? I hope to hear responses from each of you. It is a deep question.

This week we saw a miracle with over 12 investigators at church! Wahoo so cool! The Fast Sunday was super spiritual! I felt the spirit so strong throughout the Saturday and Sunday and I know that fasting is important for our progress. I invite all of you to do a complete 24 hour fast every month and to truly pray for a stronger conversion. It works!

But we had a lot of investigators we were waiting for, and we received references as well from people. It was great, though some people we want to progress couldn't make it sadly. But we are working well. No baptismal dates but there are some couples we are working with.

I got Dad´s letter and pictures today. Thursday I got a strawberry shake that reminds me of Grandma´s house and her pool. Amazing shakes. We also found a place with a lot of good rolls that remind me of the ones mom makes. Rhodes rolls type. So good! Delicious. I have been cooking and the stomach is better. Though the Pizza Hut today isn't going to help much. ha ha we eat out every Pday because my comp is a huge fan. But it is good to relax. I got to see my good buddy E. Jeppsen. He is doing well. I am happy and feeling well here in the DR. Crazy how time is flying like most people mention, but I don´t want to lose my focus. Just need to keep pushing and enjoying it.

Hmm what else. E Frampton is doing well. I saw a sweet goal today on the TV´s at the mall that the Liverpool soccer team scored. Crazy that March Madness is here! Sports action is always awesome.

Hmm what else. A funny story, hmmm. I can´t think of anything really. My comp just makes me laugh. He is an interesting but great man. Ah just good stuff going on that is all!

Well I don´t think there is much else to say for this week. We have walked a lot and I am mainly using just my ecco shoes now. They are holding up well because I haven´t used them much in my mission. I love everyone and hope all is well. Be safe and keep up the good work!

Love,

Elder Chez Green

February 23, 2015 - Hello All!

Fam bam! We are a little late getting to the Internet place cause my comp got an hour long haircut. Ah this Dominican guy really wanted to make a masterpiece. It looks good though!

All is well. First off we had a baptism for Anyeudy. It all worked out. His mom came and she said that she wants to be baptized. For the rain not many people showed up. Just his family and one other and then two people from the bishopric. That was too bad but all is well. I ended up doing the ordinance because no one could come. It was an honor and went well. I am happy for him. We hope that his mom can get married and his parents can get serious about the gospel as well!

Uh we didn´t have a lot of investigators at church but all is well. we are still working with some couples so they can get the desire more and what not. I hope and pray they will progress. I am grateful for all the people we are teaching and I love them a lot"! I hope they can keep going!

We had the interviews with Pres.. It went well. We usually have them every 3 or 4 months! I got the package! Wahoo thanks a ton! Delicious stuff, though I have had a stomach ache this weekend. Ah the DR.

I really enjoyed a scripture in 2 Nephi 10 23 to 25. It talks about accepting the will of God and how his Grace is sufficient to save us. I enjoyed it a lot and know the atonement is for all of us!

There has been a lot of rain lately. Ah it is not so fun preaching in the rain but part of life here. I need to get a better umbrella as my Wal-Mart one is pretty much done. Still does the job for now, with a little tape and coercing!

W o W is timón which means rudder. Reminds me of Timón and Pumba from Lion King! hehe

So we were contacting one day and I saw something in the bucket with whiskers and it looked disgusting at first glance. Then we saw it and it was a huge cat fish, looking all disgusting. Then he peeled it while we were talking to his family and the neighbors. Ah kinda gross but funny. Perks of the DR experiences! The people here are great. A little crazy but awesome!

Tell Theo happy birthday please!

Well that is all I believe. Love you all tons!

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Love,

Elder Chez Green