Blessings From Heaven

Hey everybody! Another week has gone by, it is crazy how fast time has been flowing! I can't believe this transfer is almost already over! The next time you hear from me, I may be in a different area of the mission!

So this week we had a couple pretty cool experiences. Last Saturday, the Mormon Battalion historical sight that is in Old Town had its annual celebration to commemorate the pioneers who volunteered to change course on their migration to Utah, and join the U.S. army to march to California, where they helped settle and develop the city! But anyways, they have some really cool activities you can do and learn about the Battalion all at the same time. We were able to take the girl we are teaching, Banessa, to the event as well as on the guided tour they do at the historic sight, and she loved every bit of it!

A little more about Banessa, she is 11 years old, and she lives here in the U.S. with her uncle Niel. The catch is, Niel, does not speak Spanish, and Banessa does not speak English. We found Banessa through the English Elders who are teaching her uncle. But we have been working with her. The first time we met her was early January, and she's been with her uncle since September. She was so excited we could speak to her! But, the most exciting part is that Banessa is a very smart girl and really loves the idea that we have a Heavenly Father that loves us and Jesus Christ, our brother, who has made it possible for us to live with our Father again. She is set to get baptized with her uncle on Saturday! It has been so amazing to see the lives of people, all kinds, come unto to their Savior and find happiness in his gospel.

I have recently finished the Book of Mormon for the second time since I have left on my mission and have started to do all of my Book of Mormon studies in Spanish and it has been a somewhat tough, but at the same time, wonderful experience. It opens up new views to the scriptures and their meanings because of the change in language as you read, and it's wonderful to see that the Lord has provided a way for me to learn and grow in the Spanish language so I can share this wonderful gospel to the Hispanic people. I invite everyone, whether you are of my faith or not, to read the Book of Mormon, study it, and seek guidance for your life as I have done for mine, and if you do so, I promise, you will receive divine revelation sent from our Father in Heaven.

Elder Nate Hanna

Poway Days

Hey all! It's so crazy! I have already been in Poway for over a month! Time is flying!

I do have some sad news, Sandrelli, the girl we have been teaching from Peru, returns home on Saturday now, unlike the original plan for March. We are sad to see her go, but we are confident that she will remember the way the gospel made her feel as she learned about it while here in Poway.

On the bright side of things, Banessa, the 11 year old girl we have been teaching has a date for baptism! She and her uncle are set to be baptized on the second of February! It's so exciting to see people progress and take those steps to prepare themselves to return to their heavenly home.

Today for Pday, one of the members of our Branch Presidency called us and set up a big game of laser tag with us and a bunch of other elders in the mission. He has these super cool, high tech guns that we can use anywhere. So we found a spot in Mira Mesa, which is just south of Poway, that is just full of thick foliage and played a giant game of laser tag! It was a lot of fun and a good way to bond with the other elders as well as someone in the branch we serve in!

It's so fun to be engaged in the work of the Lord, to meet so many new people, and create so many lasting memories. I love you all and hope you have an amazing week!

Rain!!!

Hey everyone, how's it going?

This week we have gotten a lot of rain up here in Poway, and it's supposed to keep coming all week! It makes goat service super interesting because we have to fix everything that is broken, in the mud, while goats are running around. It's so funny!

This week we have started teaching a twenty year old from Peru. She is here until March visiting her dad until she continues law school!!! What?? She's twenty! She is super funny and she is super prepared to hear the message of the gospel.

We have also had a lot of service opportunities as a district. We have helped someone remodel their home, as well as helped someone completely clear their home out because they are getting married and moving.

It's been a super fun week here and Poway and I hope everyone is having so much fun and success in school and work at home! Love you all!

PICTURES: A fresh haircut (done by an Elder in his zone) ~ The Elders breaking their chicken nugget record, they bought 200 nuggets and each Elder ate 35!

text message from member

Text message from a member/investigator: Grateful for your missionaries this morning! They helped us move 130 sheets of drywall!

Goats!

Hey everybody, it's been a cool week here in Poway!

Tuesday: So Tuesday we went to a BBQ that a member invited us to and we met some really cool people. We met a girl from Peru who is super interested and wants us to teach her!

Wednesday: We did goat service! We didn't have to bury one this week which is good.

Thursday: We went to talk to an 11 year old girl who lives with her English speaking uncle Niel, but she is new from Mexico and doesn't speak any English. So we got to give her some relief.

Saturday: Saturday we got to hear from an apostle of Jesus Christ! Elder Anderson of the quorum of the 12 apostles came and spoke to all the missionaries on Saturday along with other general authorities. It was one of the best and coolest experiences I've ever had!

Sunday: I went to church with one of the English elders who doesn't know Spanish so my companion Elder Dudley could translate for the same little girl down in Mira Mesa. I was pretty nervous but my comprehension has slowly been improving the last few weeks.

Moday: We had district meeting and got to talk with the ZLs about the missions goals for the new year. Then we went out and met with some of the people we are teaching and had really good lessons!

I've had an awesome week and I hope you have all had a wonderful, safe holiday season! I can't wait to hear from some of you guys!

Love you all!
Elder Nate Hanna

PICTURE: (left to right) Elders Hanna, Campbell, Russell, Dudley, LeBaron & Payne

¡Feliz Navidad y Feliz Año Nuevo!

How is everyone doing on this wonderful New Year's day? I hope it's been a wonderful Christmas season for you all! 

So I have officially been in Poway for two weeks! It's for sure a lot different that San Ysidro. It's a lot of fun though and I'm adjusting pretty well. I miss all the friends I made in my last area but I'm really starting to enjoy it here too. 

Christmas was fun! We spent it with other missionaries and at the Martinez family home. They gave us both scarfs. We have had a fun week of getting to know members and getting used to the area. Unfortunately we had a lot of time in the apartment because Elder Dudley was sick for a few days. But I got a lot of great studying in and I'm learning so much from the Book of Mormon. 

How has everyone's holiday season been?? Let me know! 

Tomorrow I'll be doing goat service for the second time. Basically, a lady here in Poway has about 50 goats, and we help care for them once a week. My first time, I buried a goat. So we'll see how this goes. 

Sorry I dont have much for you guys, but not much has happened! I love you all and pray you have had a safe weekend!

Elder Nate Hanna