A Long Wait

What a week! Or two! Or ... a few more than that. Sorry about the wait, but it's been a good few weeks. I've said goodbye to Elder Jarman, and I'm now serving in Sloan's Lake. It's an interesting area; the missionaries that were here last transfer were taken out because the members were encouraging them to disobey some mission rules, so we get to go in and reopen the area. It's been good so far; this area has a ton of potential, but I'm still on bike. Seems I'm destined to stay that way my entire mission. Lastly, as I read through the beginning of Helaman, I read how after the wars with the Lamanites there was some contention among the Nephites, but by preaching the gospel they converted thousands which ended the conflicts. This was only possible because the Nephites were "continuously rejoicing" because of the gospel. I have found joy in keeping the commandments. I have found joy in coming to understand the character and love of my Savior. I encourage you to do whatever you need to in order to have that for yourself. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ amen. 

All my love, 

Elder Leary 

* * * * * * * * * * 

Nate hasn't been great about keeping us up to date with emails or phone calls. He is serving in a mission where his Leary grandparents have a cousin serving there as a senior couple. They will take photos and post to their blog. I am grateful for them and for any bit of information I can get about Nate. The photo above is a photo I was able to grab from them. I think this was a training meeting for trainers. Maybe he is now a trainer?? Hopefully I'll find out tomorrow in an email or phone call.

A Few Weeks

Hey! 

It's been a few weeks, which I'm sorry about, but they've been good weeks. Transfers came and went, and I am still in Aurora, but I'm now with Elder Jarman, who's an absolute stud. His words, not mine. He really is a cool guy, he's from Washington, and he was just serving in our Mission President's ward, so I think so far it's been a little less stressful for him here. 

We had interviews, which was awesome. I have so much respect for President Blake, and just being able to sit there and talk with him one on one is cool. It's not every day that you have the chance to talk to the CEO of Frito-Lay, so I enjoyed that. 

A little update on those we're teaching: Caroline was not baptized yesterday like she should've been, she's in quarantine after being exposed to Covid. The Oroy twins are no longer scheduled to be baptized on the 8th, their dad asked them to stop meeting with us even though he was ok with it earlier. That one was hard. Donna is still on date to be baptized in the 8th, but a family emergency prevented her from coming to church yesterday. Felix is scheduled for the 15th, and he came to a baptismal service on Saturday, but he didn't show up to church and we couldn't get ahold of him. Kyle accepted a date yesterday to be baptized on May 22, but he's still a little unsure if he's ready. It's been going pretty well, and May is looking like it'll be a crazy month. 

The last thing is I had Korean food! A Korean member made us dinner one night, and it was the same food that we have for Christmas dinner every year! Maybe not exactly the same, it seemed a touch more authentic, but it was really good. 

Love you all,
Elder Leary

* * * * * * * * * *

He's back . . . sorta. I get the feeling he won't eat much and those clothes might stay the same for awhile.

Nate's Latest

3/29/2021
Conference is Coming!

Good morning everyone!

This week we had a mission tour with Elder Valenzuela, the second counselor in our area presidency! We had three devotionals with him, and he joined different companionships for study sessions, teaching appointments, and some district councils. It was so cool, and we learned so much about our purpose and how to find people that are ready more effectively. He also shared some cool stories from his mission, as well as about some of the apostles he's interacted with.

I want to share a talk with you all that my mom shared with me. It is called Unleashing the Dormant Spirit. He gives us many thoughts at the end that we can use to access the Spirit better, and I want to share two.

• Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.

• Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church

I know that gratitude, combined with an eternal perspective, will change every hard situation into feelings of peace. We cannot sink lower than where Christ has gone for us. I challenge each of you to prepare for General Conference this week like you never have before. Prepare your hearts and minds to Hear Him, and you will find all you need to continue pressing forward. I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

All my love, 

Elder Leary 

* * * * *

4/5/2021
Easter

The highlight of this week was definitely conference. I loved Elder Corbitt's talk in the priesthood session as well as Elder Bednar's about abiding by good principles. My favorite part is that they announced 20 new temples! 

If you aren't prepared and excited for temples to be reopened to full capacity then I'd encourage you to do what you need to to be ready. There's a great BYU speech called “As Long as the World Shall Stand” by Elder Bednar about the early saints and their opportunity to receive temple ordinances before their westward trek. Listen to it if you get the chance. I know that the Lord's work is moving forward on both sides of the veil, and I'm so grateful for that. I testify that missionary and temple work both bring great joy. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

All my love, 

Elder Leary 

* * * * * 

Nate's not so good about sending photos. Maybe he doesn't take them, but I did get this one forwarded to me in an email this last week from a very distance family member who is also serving in the Denver area and working with the missionaries in come capacity.

This is Nate with his companion Elder Rosenlund.

Exchange

The highlight this week was going on an exchange with my zone leader Elder Swallow. We had a really good time, and it was fun to work with him. He has been out for 17 months, and never once ridden a bike, so he was really excited we got to ride bikes to one of our lessons. We ended up leaving a little late, and when we got there we found out Eli had to go into work early the next day so he canceled on us. I'm glad Elder Swallow got to bike, even if it didn't end up being for anything.

The other cool thing from the week is they started opening up vaccines to faith leaders. We were able to get scheduled, so I'm going in tomorrow for the first shot. From what I've heard vaccines haven't actually had an effect on us going back to our original assignment, but maybe that'll change.

Lastly, I'd invite you to read this talk I read this last week:
Watching with All Perseverance
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/watching-with-all-perseverance?lang=eng

He gives some great counsel on how we can help others gain and strengthen their own children. I know that the Apostles and all other speakers for conference give wonderful counsel, and have been called of God to help strengthen and support us. I'd invite you each to come to conference with a few specific questions, and I promise if you do you will gain the answer you need. I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

p.s. look at this crazy snow fort we made as a zone after shoveling snow for seven hours. It includes a slide, an arch, a throne and a dungeon in the back that the only way to enter or exit is through a tunnel in the wall. 

Snowstorm

The craziest part of this week was the snowstorm over the weekend. I don't know if or how much other places were affected, but here it snowed for a day and a half straight. I know some places got around two feet of snow; I'm not sure exactly how much we got but it definitely could've been that high. Church was canceled in person, and we did it virtually over zoom. We also got to go help three people get their cars unstuck. The other Elders and us kept seeing people out our window start sliding, and then their wheels just start spinning without going anywhere. We  would go out and push them into parking spots and out of snow drifts that they slid into. It was cold, but still pretty fun.

This week I read a talk from Elder Bednar called, Therefore They Hushed Their Fears. Here's the link if you would like to read it. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/04/therefore-they-hushed-their-fears?lang=eng
He talks about how Christ can take away our fears as we trust in Him. My favorite quote from it was, "Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace." He truly can bring us peace, no matter the circumstances. I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Elder Gong

The highlight of the week was by far Elder Gong! He came and visited us on Saturday, but when I say visit I mean we had a zoom call. It was amazing though! We got to hear from him and his wife, Elder and Sister Jaggi, our Area 70, Elder and Sister Balli, and Sister and Brother Abuerto from the Relief Society General Presidency. We prepared all week by reading Elder Gong's talks, cleaning our apartments, and praying together as zones to be ready and for him to be blessed with revelation.

It really paid off. He gave us some amazing advice to answer questions we came with. He talked about our calling, how to be united as companions, how to listen with love, and miracles. The others that came also got to talk for a minute, and they had some amazing quotes and ideas. My favorite quote was from Sister Gong, "gratitude is not a gospel truth, it's the gospel core." She talked about how gratitude leads into every other good attribute that we desire, and I loved that. We also found out yesterday that Elder Gong loved our preparation so much that he is coming back tomorrow to join our weekly Tuesday Training call. We're very blessed to have an extra hour with him, and I can't wait to see what else we learn.

Lastly, something I focused on this week is the Savior's name. Reading over Elder Gong's talks, I noticed he always says the full name of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. I thought about how we can make sure that He is at the center of everything we do. I'd encourage each of you to read Elder Anderson's talk from last conference, "We Talk of Christ." I know that as we make Him a greater focus we will be able to feel His love more in our lives, both for us, and for those around us. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

All my love,
Elder Leary 

Transfers

Hey all, this week was transfers, although I am staying with Elder Rosenlund. It snowed again, and we got to bike through that which was fun for sure, but definitely harder. We've had some really nice weather since then, and so most of it melted, and we even went disc golfing again today. We got a bunch of new missionaries in our zone, and it's been fun to get to know new people.

We get to hear from Elder Gong, who is coming to visit our mission on Saturday. It's been cool to go back and read some of his talks. I'd encourage each of you guys to go back and read or listen to conference talks in preparation for upcoming general conference. I want to testify that each of the apostles are special witnesses of Christ and receive revelation for the church, and for you. I hope you all have a great week!

Love,
Elder Leary 

My First Blessing

It got really cold this last week, we even hit negatives, but I hear there's crazy storms hitting the whole country. It sounds like Texas got destroyed, but we don't get a lot of news, so keep the whole state in your prayers I guess. I've started teaching piano out here as service, which has been awesome. It's been fun to do that again, but I have to see if it'll last because we have transfers this week.

On Saturday, our district had three baptisms, which was our goal for the transfer so that was awesome. The sisters taught a kid named Rovan who was one of the three, and I got to confirm him on Sunday in Sacrament meeting,  which was a really cool experience.

I also gave my first blessing on Saturday to a couple who have been staying at the children's hospital. They were so nice, and it's hard to see them go through a hard situation like this, but I know they'll be ok. I know the power and authority of the Priesthood are real. I know the Holy Ghost guides what we say when we are worthy. I'd challenge you to all read a talk called Ask in Faith by Elder Bednar, it really shows us what we need to do to receive answers to our prayers. I love you all!

Elder Leary 

It's Now Officially Winter

This last week we met a guy named Thang (tong) who's from Burma. He's a really cool guy who's going to college nearby. We did a bible study with him, and he asked if we could do one every night. He has tons of questions, and is so anxious to learn, but he's 19 so we ended up passing him off to the YSA Elders. It's cool to see the people that the Lord places in our path, for however long we get to be a part of their lives.

It also got down to the negatives this week. In fact, Sunday was so cold and it was still snowing so they canceled church to keep everyone safe. We ended up still meeting as a district to do the sacrament, but it was interesting trying to bike through that.

I hope you're all doing well. I want to say that whatever you're going through, and whatever you will go through, there is hope and happiness ahead. Elder Holland has a great talk about this, about still trying when everything seems hopeless. When it comes down to it, life can be hard, with twists and turns we didn't expect. However, there is always hope when we put our trust in God and hold to what we know. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Couple emails from Nate plus a bonus Facebook post he made

FEBRUARY 8, 2021
Exchange

Hey!

The highlight of the week by far was on Saturday. I was asked to play a musical number at a Spanish baptism again, and once again, nodded and smiled when people tried to talk to me. We got a call right afterwards from the ZL's saying that we were going to do a mini exchange. Elder Spilsbury came and joined us for the rest of the day, and it was amazing. We prayed specifically to find someone in the park, and we both thought of someone with a blue hat. We walked outside our apartment and the first person we saw was wearing a blue hat and walking towards the park. We went and talked to them and got their number, and they're going to come to church this Sunday!

We also put on a ward zoom call so people could get together during COVID since the majority of our ward is older at-risk people. We've tried it in the past, but no one showed up. This last week though, we really worked hard to invite people to come and we had 15 different families on, and you could tell some of them hadn't talked to friends from the ward in months. It was really cool to see how happy it made them.

Lastly, I want to promise that the power of prayer is real. If you are worthy of the Holy Ghost, and give a specific prayer for a good cause, and do your part, your prayer will be answered. The Lord is bound when we do what He says, and he has promised to answer those prayers when we do our part. I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Leary 

* * * * * * * * * *

FEBRUARY 1, 2021
Cop Craziness

Hey!!

Sorry I didn't write last week, we had a hard situation come up that we had to deal with. This week was kind of crazy. We had zone conference on Wednesday, which was really awesome. I got to play a musical number and we were taught some really cool things. On Thursday night I called the cops for the first time. A man on the floor below us was arguing super loudly with a woman, and we were concerned about what was going on. Then, he ran to the balcony and screamed help, and we figured that was probably a good enough excuse to call the cops. They sent someone, but I don't think anyone was actually in danger. I'm pretty sure he was just trying to look like the victim, we never heard any signs of violence.

On Saturday, our zone had five baptisms, which was amazing. I got roped into doing a musical number at both of them at the last second, even though the second one was a Spanish baptism. And when I say last second, I mean they had us bring some baptismal forms a half hour before because they didn't have any and they said they had forgotten to ask someone to play the hymns, and then asked if I could accompany two people that were already planning on doing a musical number. It was a lot of fun honestly, and that night since the baptism was when we had dinner planned they let us steal their truck to go grab food real fast. It was the first time I've driven in almost six months.

Lastly, we've heard prophets and apostles say that we will not survive spiritually in this day and age if we do not learn how to receive personal revelation. I want to share a few quotes about following the Spirit and the miracles that will come. Elder Bednar said, "Personal pride is the greatest obstacle to walking in the meekness of the Lord's Spirit." President Eyering, when talking to Elder Bednar, said, "President, if you have not been rebuked lately by the Holy Ghost as you were praying, then you need to improve your prayers."  We need to improve our prayers and stay humble. As well President Monson promises that "miracles are everywhere to be found when Priesthood callings are magnified. When faith replaces doubt; when selfless service eliminates selfish strivings, the power of God brings to pass his purposes." As we focus on following the spirit and serving others more, we will see additional power in our lives to overcome challenges, you will see additional strength in your marriages and family relationships, and we will become the servants that the Lord needs in these final days. I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

-Elder Leary

* * * * * * * * * 

FEBRUARY 10, 2021
Bonus Facebook Post

Over the past few years, but this last one in particular, I've seen an increase in the number of political posts and messages on social media. I've seen great friends bash on each other's views, once-friendly neighbors at each others throats, and a great discord and lack of peace and harmony in our nation. The trend and direction of this increased contention cannot lead to any good outcome; it has become an increasing danger in our day that will lead to the destruction of the relationships we hold most dear. 

Prophets centuries ago saw our day, and this danger looming on the horizon, and included history relevant to our day to help us combat this. Alma 51 shows us the danger of political strife, and the inevitable outcome if it continues. We read in verses 2 and 3 that there were those that desired the law to be changed, but the chief judge, named Pahoran, would not change it. 

Verse 4 reads: 

Therefore, those who were desirous that the law should be altered were angry with him, and desired that he should no longer be chief judge over the land; therefore there arose a warm dispute concerning the matter”

Later, in verse 9, we read that “this was a critical time for such contentions to be among the people of Nephi; for behold, Amalickiah had again stirred up the hearts of the people of the Lamanites against the people of the Nephites, and he was gathering together soldiers from all parts of his land, and arming them, and preparing for war with all diligence. 

 Likewise, in our day, Satan is gathering soldiers and preparing for war with all diligence. He is battling for our hearts, our minds, our virtue, our love, our peace, our families, our hopes, our dreams, and our relationship with God. We cannot be the king-men that sit idly by while this great war rages on. (v. 13) We MUST take steps to prepare as Moroni did, and fortify where we are most weak, as well as help those around us do the same. We cannot help them if we are also fighting over political views with those whom we should love and care for. 

 In verse 27, we read that Amalickiah, by way of his numberless hosts, took over the strong fortifications  of Moroni, and used them to continue to attack other cities. In our day, our fortifications are under attack. Our strongest defenses, namely, our families, church attendance, scriptures study, and prayer, are under attack. Satan continues to try to pull apart families, to change the nature of what a family is, and distracts us from spending time with them. He overwhelms us with choices so that we have no time for what really matters. 

In addition, he seeks to invade our place of refuge and safety (v. 30), or in other words, our homes. Our homes should be divine sanctuaries where we can feel the Spirit and be protected from the evils of the world. Instead, we are being attacked by distractions that leave us with no time for family home evening, by technology that wastes our time and makes us forget to serve our loved ones, and by plagues such as pornography that force the Spirit out of our homes. If we allow Satan’s influence in our home, however small, we allow him full control to “harass [us] on every side” (52:9). 

Our relationships with our family, our church members, our neighbors, and our God are the most important part of our lives. Do not let politics or technology distract you from what really matters. Do not contend with others or do things that drive the Spirit away. I’d encourage each of you to pray and write down three things you can do over the next week to better serve those around you or invite the Spirit more into your home.  I know that as we do this that we will have more joy, for "heaven is a continuation of the ideal family." (Preach My Gospel, pg. 89) We may not have an ideal family or home life, but I know that as we strive towards that, we draw closer to our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. I say this in His name, the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Transfers!

 Hey Everyone! 

Sorry, not much time today. Elder Gulbransen fell through the ice trying to get a disc during disc golf and we spent a lot of time getting him cleaned and warmed up, and then washing his clothes and cleaning the apartment he tracked mud through. He is also leaving today to go to Brighton, and since he had packed his clothes, he was in his suit pants and shirt from yesterday. Transfers was Thursday, and I am staying with Elder Rosenlund. Elder Gulbransen thought he was staying but got a call from President Blake and is going to Brighton to be with my trainer, Elder Hales. Hope you're all having a good week! I want to close by saying that God loves answering our prayers. I know He will always answer, but we have to do our part by following His counsel of "studying it out in our minds", or doing all we can first. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Exchanges and Eli

This week we had an awesome training by Elder Wong, a General Authority, on coordinating with the ward more. I also went on an exchange with my district leader, and we put someone on date for baptism!

Elder Wong was super cool. He had some great insights, but a few times he called out some companionships who answered questions and gave them some very personal advice in front of the whole mission. He told one companionship to go reread their patriarchal blessings because they had a future in church leadership and we just kind of sat there wondering what was going on, but it was super cool.

My exchange was fun, and also, in Spanish. Turns out if your district leader is in a Spanish area one of you gets to speak Spanish for the day. Well, try to speak it anyway. I read the Book of Mormon in Spanish during my study and said a lot of prayers in Spanish. I even ended up giving one in a lesson and bearing a simple testimony at the end. It was a lot of fun, although I really didn't understand much of what was said.

Lastly, we put someone on date, although they're not really committed. They grew up religious, and have a big issue with our claim to Priesthood authority. We talked about acting in faith and setting a date, and promised that he would get an answer to his prayers if he did so. Please pray for him, his name is Eli.

I know that this is the Lord's work, that He loves each of you, and that He blesses us with feelings of His life and of peace through the Holy Ghost. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

All my love,
Elder Leary 

2021!

Happy New Year!

This was the first year in a long time that I did not actually stay up for the new year. We got to watch the ball drop in New York at 10:00, and we celebrated and went to bed. Our mission president told us that we would be grateful for that trick when we have kids who want to stay up but we're finishing school or working two jobs or something like that.

We had zone conference this week, and we combined with the Brighton zone, so I got to see my trainer again! (Although he showed up 20 minutes late when we were supposed to be half an hour early) He thought it started at a different time apparently. Zone conference was awesome though! We had a ton of cool trainings, but my favorite by far was President Blake's. He gave us some great advice and then we did an activity.

He had us each go stand in a spot to show where we were assigned. (Africa, Asia, North America, etc) He then had us rearrange to show where we needed to go based on the population of the world and how many missionaries we need there. We had 45 missionaries in that meeting, which he said was the number of missionaries in the two missions in India, which contains a quarter of the world's population. We only had 2 missionaries in there that were assigned somewhere in Asia, so he had 28 of the 45 missionaries go stand in Asia so we could see how much we needed to change.

We're really starting to change missionary work because we need to be way more efficient about it. We need to take 90% of our missionaries here in North America and send them out while still doing the work here just as well. This means we need every ward to be missionary minded. There's a few things that you guys can do to become great member missionaries!

Use your social media to spread the Gospel by posting something you learned in church, a video, a favorite talk, or by liking pages with gospel content so that Facebook will recommend them to your friends. Minister to those going through hard times: they need to feel cared for, and many who dislike the church for one reason or another may change their hearts through your efforts to love them. Lastly, invite people to come! You have the opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to support you anytime you give a talk, do a musical number, or participate in any way. This has never been easier than now because of technology: many will say no, but " how great shall be your joy with [the one]" who comes!

I want to close by saying I know it's easy for me to focus on this while I'm out here, and I know all of you have a lot going on. However, I have seen miracles come from members participating in the work in any way. Your Heavenly Father has put you where you are now for a reason, and you can be the light that someone needs in their life. I ask that you just pick one thing to do better on this week, and I can promise that you will see your own personal miracle come from it if you're looking. I know this gospel is true, that it brings joy, and that it can bless the lives of those around you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

A couple of Nate's emails

12-21-2020
Almost Christmas

It is almost Christmas, although it sure doesn't feel like it. That part of being out here is definitely strange, but in a good way. This last week was awesome! 

Tuesday we had interviews with President Blake, which was really cool. He talked with me and Elder Gulbransen about some ways we could reach out to people in our area since they haven't been very responsive. Then, we spent the whole week inviting people to church for our Christmas program in church.

I got to do a musical number for church which was really fun. We also got a family and two other people to come to church in person, and a bunch over the zoom link. It was awesome to be able to invite people to come and learn about Christ during the Christmas season.

Lastly, we had a baptism Sunday afternoon. It wasn't our ward, it was the YSA, but our zone leaders asked me to do a musical number for it. I told them that the sisters and I were doing one for sacrament meeting, so they asked them and we did the same number at the baptism. It's been really cool to see all the success we've had. Both of our zone leaders have a ton of faith, and it shows by what they've helped us as a zone to do. There's been 4 people that got baptized in that building in the last 9 days, and we have more to come in the next few weeks.

I know that my Savior lives, that He was born in Bethlehem to Joseph and Mary, and that His birth fulfilled all the prophecies of the coming of the Messiah. My favorite part of the Christ Child is seeing how much the wise men were willing to sacrifice to come to Christ. I know that as we sacrifice more of our time to Him, by learning of Him and ministering to His sheep, that we will have the same joy that they did. I know He loves you, and wants you to be happy. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

-Elder Leary 

* * * * * * * 

12-28-2020
Christmas!!

This week we got to go caroling in downtown Denver! On Wednesday we went downtown and sang while some people handed out wrapped Books of Mormon. (Book of Mormons? There's been quite the debate among my district about that) Anyway, that was a ton of fun to see the Capitol building and all the lights. We also went caroling on Christmas Eve, but just through some neighborhoods.

Christmas we had some zone activities and called our families, and it was such nice weather. I even went and played tennis a little bit since it was so nice. Needless to say, it was a very different Christmas than I've ever experienced, and I'm sure that can be said for almost everyone.

Lastly, with New Year's coming up, I'd encourage everyone to set some goals. Part of our nature is to continually grow and learn, and setting goals is a big part of that. My friend Elder Bishop put it best in his email so I'll let you read what he put.

If you don't feel like setting any goals, read this quote by Russell m Ballard:

“I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don’t set goals in our life and learn how to master the techniques of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our full potential. When one learns to master the principles of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life.”

So set goals. (Elder Bishop, email entitled "In these troubling times...buy our product," 2020)

I want to ask each of you to set at least one realistic, measurable goal that will help you become more like Christ this year. I know that as we set goals and work towards them, we discover we are happier during the process before we even finish them. I know that goals motivate us, and above all, I know that as our goals involve becoming like our Savior, we will discover heavenly help when we most need it. You will not have to be perfect, many days you may not succeed in your attempts, but in the words of our Prophet, "The Lord loves effort." He will help you as you consistently strive to become like Him, no matter how often you may falter on that path. I testify of this in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, amen. 

Goodbye Brighton

Good morning! I hope you all had a fantastic week!

We had transfers on Thursday, and I am now serving in the Peoria ward in Aurora. I didn't realize how nice my other apartment was until coming here. It's still pretty good, but I now wake up at 2 in the morning to hear our neighbors screaming at each other, or the cops show up at our complex. We don't have a washer or dryer, the shower randomly switches back and forth between scalding hot and ice cold, and I'm back to not having a car. It's honestly been a lot of fun, but it's a very different place than where I was just at.

I'm now with Elder Gulbransen and Elder Stastny. I came in with Elder Gulbransen; we actually spent the first night in a hotel together. Elder Stastny is leaving on Thursday to go back to his original assignment of Durban, South Africa.

The ward here has a lot more older people, so it's very difficult with COVID because many can't go to church. Many of the ward members won't answer calls from us either, so it will be a lot harder to get the system going that we did in my last area. We're going to have to be more creative, but it will be good to have that challenge.

The Christmas devotional was awesome! For those that didn't watch it, I'd encourage you to go back and do so. I loved all the talks, about "swaddling" others during hard times, about appreciating the true Gift of Christmas, of how the Savior's birth brought about the reality of many people's hopes and dreams, and of our Prophet's message about the symbolism of His birth. I am so grateful to celebrate His birth, the birth prophesied of by countless prophets throughout history. I know as we ponder on the gifts He's given us, and on how He is the Gift we can give to others, that we will feel more peace, and that our Heavenly Father will help us find opportunities this Christmas season to share about Him with others. I promise that if you are bold this season in testifying of your love for the Savior, then our Heavenly Father will help you feel His love and you will have joy in Him. I say this in the name of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, amen. 

- Elder Leary 

Thanksgiving!

Last week we got up do some fun service. On Wednesday we got to go to Barr Lake and put up Christmas lights all over. I generally don't think Christmas decorations should go up before Thanksgiving, but this year was definitely an exception. Thanksgiving morning, we got to go to the cemetery and get all the snow off the graves and dig out the grass covering them so they'd look nice. On Friday and Saturday we had the awesome idea of taking around plates of cookies with Light the World calendars to the ward members. We left them at the door and ran, and had a little note on them that said to do the same thing to three of their neighbors. It was a lot of fun, and we're hoping that they'll help light up their neighborhood around them. 

Thanksgiving was super cool. We had that service, and then had a devotional as a zone which was a lot of fun. The stake had ward members bring food, and the Stake President dished us all up and sent us home since we're no longer allowed to eat in churches with COVID restrictions. That night, we got to watch The Fighting Preacher over zoom, and it was kind of weird to watch a movie again, but it was a lot of fun. 

It is now December, and that means today kicks off Light the World! We have our p-day today because we used yesterday to get as many people as possible to sign up for Light the World. I want to share something I came across this week, and I'd encourage you all to go read Daniel chapter 5 to read the whole story. The king throws this feast, and during it, this writing shows up on the wall. He asks all these wise people to interpret it, and none of them can. His wife, the queen, ends up telling him to ask Daniel, and Daniel is able to interpret it. However, what I love about this is that the king, when he goes to ask Daniel, says that he knows he is a man of light and understanding. I LOVE this idea that Daniel's reputation had preceded him as a man of light. He had stood out by how he acted and his devotion to God, and it was seen as Light. I'd invite you all to be known as People of Light this Christmas season. Serve others, show them love, be an example, and invite people to learn more about Christ this Christmas season. I know as you do so, the Lord will pour out blessings upon you and those you serve, and I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

All my love,
Elder Leary 

We got a car . . . and a companion!

This week has been so much fun!

Last week, we challenged all our members in our weekly message as a family to go serve someone who needs it. The Vera's did that for some people, but also showed up at our apartment with Crumbl cookies and an entire cheesecake! We ended up giving some of it away by dropping it off at the doorstep of a family who is in quarantine right now, but I can't believe how nice people have been to us.

We also invited them to do Come and See Me- to invite 10 family or friends to come watch their son speak in church- and they invited Brother Vera's brother and his family! His brother is inactive and his family aren't members, but they all came and brought a friend that was visiting them for the weekend!

Thursday night, right before a lesson, President Blake called us and asked if our apartment could fit three people. We said it could, and he said that's all he needed to know, so we thought maybe at transfers we were going to get a new companion, or two new ones if one of us left. However, the AP's called later that night and said we were getting a new companion the next day, and what do you know, but it's Elder Ogden!

Elder Ogden and I went to high school together, and ran cross country together, so I was super excited. He's two years older than me, so he's finishing his last 3 weeks, and I'm finishing my ... last 22 months. Sorry to my mom if that sounded like a long time, but I'm still super excited to be out here. Anyways, the AP's were on an exchange with the zone leaders, so they drove me to the mission home the next morning on their way back to their area. I got to have waffles with President and Sister Blake, and then me and Elder Ogden drove back to our apartment. That's right, we drove. It's been so nice to have a car the last couple days.

Anyways, we had an awesome couple days with him, and then we received another call from President last night, and Elder Ogden was transferred to Aurora to be a zone leader for his last two weeks. He packed up his things in twenty minutes or so, and then he was gone as fast as he came. I did learn some things from him so I'm so grateful for that. And ... we kept the car! So we now have a 2020 equinox with only about 2000 miles on it. We'll keep it at least until the end of the transfer, but then it might go back to its old area. We also kept the new mattress we got, and the bunk bed, so Elder Hales sleeps on the top bunk (he likes being high up, he tends to just chill out on top of our fridge) and I get a double decker bed.

I want to testify that I know families are central to our Heavenly Father's plan for us. I'm so grateful to all of my family who have all supported me in coming out here, and for all they've done for me. I'm grateful to know that we can live forever with our families, that we can be sealed together. I know our Heavenly Father loves us as His children, and wants us to return to Him, just like any father would with his kids. I bear testimony of that in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

All my love,

Elder Leary 

Taco Bell and Roger

Hello everybody!

We got out of quarantine last Monday, and it has been so nice to have a normal week again. We're both feeling back to 100% normal by now, and we had a crazy week!

On Wednesday we got to go to Barr Lake State Park, where we helped build a split rail fence and lay down some decomposed granite for a trail. I think it was decomposed granite anyway, don't quote me on that. It was so nice to get out and just do something physical for once.

On Thursday we went and raked some leaves for people, and I got to go to my first district council with my new district because Elder Hales and I have been quarantined since transfers.

Friday we found out we had surprise interviews with President Blake, and afterwords we went to Taco Bell with Elders Beal and Ellis. We pulled out from the street next to Taco Bell and made a left turn into the middle lane, but another car from a street on the other side didn't see us and tried to make a left turn as well and hit into us. The streets were a little off center so we were both turning through that lane in the same spot, but we had actually turned and slammed on our brakes when we saw him. He had just started to turn and didn't see us until the last second. We're all fine, it was just a little bump, and he didn't really have any damage. He hit the front and twisted his license plate a little, but we were turned already and he put a dent in our front bumper. We had turned first and actually tried to stop so I think he's at fault, but I don't know what that'll mean for fixing the damage, or if it's even necessary. It was the first "wreck" any of us had been in, but it was an interesting experience. We filed it online and exchanged insurance information, but we're still waiting on the mission office to hear about what will happen.

On Sunday Brother Thatcher brought someone to church! His name is Roger; he works with Brother Thatcher and approached him about our church because he's trying to change some things in his life. Brother Thatcher invited us over to his house after to talk with Roger, and it was so much fun. We taught him about our church and answered some questions, and talked a lot about what changes he wanted to make and how he was going to be able to do that. It was the first time that I've taught someone since coming out, and the first members house we've been in. It was so much fun!

In closing, with Thanksgiving around the corner I want to say how grateful I am for all of you, my friends, family, neighbors, and examples in life. I am so grateful to be out here serving and to have the chance to meet all these new people. I'm grateful for the chance to live in this time where we have so many blessings that we too often take for granted. Above all, I'm grateful for my Savior, for His teachings, His atonement, and His death and resurrection. I can't imagine a world where I couldn't lean on Him to support me as I try to change, and where I would live without the knowledge of life after this one and eternal families. I know He lives, He loves you, and He's reaching out to you. I say that in His name, Jesus Christ, amen.

All my love,
Elder Leary

p.s. I think all you Utahns got a bunch of snow but it hasn't hit us yet so we'll see what we're in for.

p.p.s. Also some missionaries are leaving for their assigned country, I'm not on that list yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Australia!
 

Cold Weather and Corona

What a strange week it's been!

Last Monday night, Elder Hales started feeling mild symptoms of COVID,  and we went to get tested the next day. They couldn't find our results in the system when we called, so we went back to get retested, and on Saturday morning we got the news we had tested positive. We were honestly not that surprised; we've both been super tired all week, and Elder Hales has had 9 of the 11 symptoms. He got worse throughout the week but started to feel a little better Saturday and Sunday.

We've quarantined from Tuesday on, and we'll continue until next Tuesday as far as I'm aware. With that being said, it has been a frustrating week. I haven't felt super sick, so I've still tried to do some missionary work, but with almost no success. With all our member lessons last week, we asked if we could call and share a quick testimony instead since Elder Hales was sick, but out of 30 lessons we now have set up, we only were able to call 4 of them, everyone else cancelled or just didn't answer. It's been super strange to be out on a mission and to want to serve and share the gospel, but to have no energy and be unable to leave our apartment. This week I have definitely turned to prayer more, though, and I'm grateful for this challenge and what it's done in strengthening my relationship with my Father in Heaven.

In other news, our zone leaders called yesterday to check on us, around 11:00, and I heard someone in the background say how cold it was. We opened our blinds for the first time that day, and what do you know? There was SNOW everywhere. I'll admit, I did not see that coming! My first thought was maybe we could shovel the sidewalks at the church, but then I remembered I'm kinda in this quarantine thing.

I realize this might have sounded a little depressing which isn't really what I want. I honestly had some of the happiest or most peaceful moments of my mission this week. They were kind of random little moments and reminders that I still have a Heavenly Father that cares about me. I know even in our hardest trials that He is there for us, and that you can still feel joy! I testify of that in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Love you all!
Elder Leary

Transfer/Exchange/Fishies

Hey guys!!

A lot happened this week: I had my first exchange, we had transfers, we had some cool service opportunities, and my family got to visit!

On Tuesday I had my first exchange with my district leader, Elder Borla. It was a lot of fun, he's a really funny guy, and we got a lot done. We contacted some people about service, had four member lessons, went shopping for some things for district council, and he gave me some good advice.

On Thursday we had our first transfer, but only a few sisters changed, and we got a new zone leader. Our districts got rearranged, but just about everyone stayed in our zone. The new zone leader has really been cracking down on some things, and we could be more efficient with our work, but I feel like some of the rules they're making don't matter, and it's driving missionaries away from wanting to obey them on the one's that should matter. We'll see how it all plays out here over the next week.

We also got to go to Barr Lake on Thursday to do some service, and they had us pulling out carp since they ruin the ecosystem. We got waders on and pulled out these giant fish and chucked them in the back of a truck for a couple hours, which was so much fun. We also planted about 50 trees on Friday at a cemetery to replace one's lost from arson, and we helped out with a food drive on Saturday and then went and moved some dirt for someone in our ward. We were really struggling to find service the last couple weeks before this so it was super fun to get out and help people.

Lastly, my family came to Denver for UEA this week, and they got permission from my mission President to see me! We got to go to Ihop and hang out for a while. It was a weird feeling to have said goodbye for two years and then to see them just three and a half weeks later, but I'm so glad I got to see them.

I just want to close with my testimony; I know that Christ lives, that he suffered and died for us. I know, without a doubt, that Joseph Smith was called of God to restore His church. I know this because of the study I've been able to do in the Book of Mormon. No man could have written what is in there; it is the product of centuries of prophets' accounts of their knowledge of the Savior and their efforts to bring others to Him. I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I love you guys, and hope you had a great week! Let me know how your lives are going!

Elder Leary