August 17, 2021

Well. It's now been a full six months since I started this whole mission thing. Only gotta do it three more times, and then I'll be home already. Kind of crazy, huh? I bet you didn't even notice I was gone. ;) 

In all seriousness, I can't believe it's been that long either. But here we are. Honestly, I don't have much to say this week, I hope you'll forgive me for it. I think making it to six months has made me realize that I've still got a whole lot of mountain left to climb. So this week, I'm gonna have to take a break from the usual humor, and just get straight to the point. That doesn't, however, mean that I don't have time for a spiritual thought. (Because let's face it, as funny as I am, that's always the most important part).

As I've been continuing my study of the Old Testament (yeah, still. It's kinda long), I recently read through Hosea. Now, I'm sure most people have no idea who that is. Suffice it to say, he was an ancient Israelite prophet. Anyway. He compares the Abrahamic Covenant to a marriage, between Jesus Christ, and His people. An interesting metaphor, to be sure. But the point was, our relationship with Christ isn't just a contract. We don't just show up to church, pay tithing, etc. It's about the relationship we have with Him. He loves us a whole lot. The very least we can do is love Him back, right? 

Anyway. I really liked the comparison, because it's very true. Sometimes it can feel like a chore, all the assignments and things we do as a church. But when we have that love for Christ, and for our fellow men, it all feels a lot more like what I think Christ had in mind for us. 

And yeah, that's all for now! I'll be here again next week. :)

- Elder Blankenbiller

Photos:

1 - Waiting for interviews with President 

2 - Some sushi. It was delicious

3 - Our very safe, totally mission approved staircase to get to our apartment

August 10, 2021

 Hey, how's it going?

This past week has been a bit of a blur, so bear with me here as I try to remember what's happened. First up, obviously, it's been a full week in my new area! Pretty exciting, it's always nice to see a different part of the city. Keeps things interesting. Either way, some cool things about this new area, there are, not one, but two massive shopping malls. So we are definitely never bored on P-Day. 

Also, as mentioned last week, it definitely feels much more city-like. Lots of people, everything is much more packed together, stuff like that. There's even a metro station down a few streets from our apartment. Also, lots of airplanes taking off and landing in the airport. Kinda reminds me of home a bit. 

Either way, the work continues same as ever, even if I'm not in the same place. We've got lots of great people to teach here, and I'm excited to get to work with all of them! We've also had lots of opportunities to teach members, and get them involved in the work as well. Even if we don't get to have meals with them (I know, it's sad), we can still do our best to help them invite people to learn, to come to church, etc. The dream being, of course, that the members do the work, and we're just here to support them. But that might just be wishful thinking. :P

Anyway, a quick spiritual thought, and then I've got to head out, we've got a lot of running around to do today. The thought I wanted to share today is about service. Every calling in the church is a call to serve, in some way or another. And our responsibility is to do our best to serve people. That doesn't change. However, the way in which we serve people is subject to change. Whether that's due to individual circumstance, or an everlasting global pandemic, the way we serve is always changing. So don't get to focused on the things you can't do, instead, try to find the new ways that you *can* give service. 

Just some food for thought. :) Anyway, enjoy your week, keep on keeping on, eat some great food for me, and I'll see you all next week. 

- Elder Blankenbiller

1 - I found ramen!
2 - The view from the rooftop is pretty nice 
3 - Oh look, I'm there too. What a surprise.

August 3, 2021

Wow, another week already? I could have sworn I wrote my last email just yesterday. Huh. Well, since we're here now, I might as well tell you a bit about what happened this last week! 

First up, and probably the question on everyone's minds: what happened with transfers? Well I tell you. Having been in the same area for three cycles now, the powers that be finally decided it was time to kick me out. So I'm in a brand new area now, closer to the mission offices, called Aguilas. It's much more like what I expected from Mexico, to be honest, lots of small streets with houses packed together haphazardly, and a good deal of... questionable wiring jobs. But hey, we've got a huge mall in our area, so I can't really complain about that one, now can I?

Either way, I haven't really seen too much of the area yet, I've only been here for a little over a day. So by next week, I'll be sure to have more pictures and stories about where I am now! But to tide you over, I'll tell you a little bit about my new companion. His name is Elder Taukeiaho, he's Tongan, taller than me, and could probably take half of México in a fight with one hand tied behind his back. In other words, I think he's awesome. He served for one cycle in the States, in Oakland, and then another cycle down here in Mexico, so I'm only one cycle older than he is. Should be quite the adventure, as we're both still learning Spanish. We'll see how that one goes. 

Lastly, a quick spiritual thought. Honestly, I try to keep a pretty positive attitude about everything that goes on here, but getting transferred for the first time really hit me hard. It's difficult to have spent so much time coming to love the people of an area, and working with them, only to get sent somewhere completely new, and have to figure it out from scratch again. But we can take comfort in knowing that this isn't our first time doing something like this. Before we lived here on Earth, we all had a pretty good idea of who we were, and what we wanted. But when we got sent down here, to live our lives, we lost all of that knowledge, and had to build it back up from square one. And hey, look where we are now! So whenever you feel like you're lost in a new place, and you'll never get the hang of it, remember that this is the first thing you ever did in life. You can do it again. :)

Anyway, that's all from me, I can only write so much before my fingers get tired of trying to type on a Spanish keyboard. (it's not that different, but it's different enough) So for now, I bid you all farewell, and hope you have another fantastic week, I'll see you in the next one! 

- Elder Blankenbiller

craig.blankenbiller@missionary.org

Photos:

1 - Me and the boys on the last night of the cycle

2 - My new apartment

3 - Some crepes I made one day 

July 27, 2021

 Good evening ladies and gentlemen, boy whatta turnout, hey? Gotta say, I just don't know what keeps you folks comin' back every week. Other than my wits and good looks, that is. ;) But since you've done me the honor of showing up, I suppose I'd better give you a show in return! So let's get this party started!

Speaking of parties, our Stake started their FSY this Monday, so our church building has been a bit loud as of late. But it's all good, because I got a great story out of it. So there we were, minding our own business and walking down the hall back to our office, when one of the counselors pulls us aside, and asks us to help their group come up with a name. So we go to their room, and they present us with the scripture they were assigned, and from which they must create a name. Since the scripture was about prayer, we turned to the Book of Enos, and read his story, before asking them what they thought about the name "The People of Enos". Being youth, of course, this suggestion was met with noncommittal shrugs and half-hearted nods. So we asked them what they wanted to be called.

As they sat there thinking, one of the youth asked me how to pronounce my name. Of course, that immediately drew the attention of the entire group, and they loved it. So now there's a group of youth who are not named after a prophet, or a scripture. They are named after me. The Followers of Blankenbiller. And it makes me laugh every time I say it, but there you are. I'll try to get a picture with all of them to send by next week. But yeah. Perks of being American, I suppose. *shrug*

Moving on from that, as we begin the last week of this cycle, I'll admit it's been hard to have to think about the high chance I have of moving away from this area. After all, I've been here nearly four months now in this same area, and I've grown rather attached to it. However, something I've learned already, and that I want to share with you all, is that we are not like trees. We don't grow stronger from staying in the same place, and never having new experiences. We need those changes in order to become better than we were before. So my message today is this: don't be afraid of change. Embrace it as the opportunity it is, and do everything you can to make the best of it. 

And with that, this has been your host, the only Elder named Blankenbiller currently serving a mission. I bid you all goodnight, and hope to see you here next time! Until then, enjoy life!

The one and only,

- Elder Blankenbiller 

Photos:

1 - The now traditional taco place

2 - Birria, a very tasty beef stew sort of thing

3 - Just hanging out I guess *shrug*

4 - The fanciest Little Caesers I've ever seen 

July 20, 2021

Hey everybody! 

It's been another week! I'm not sure quite what to say about it, if I'm being honest. A lot of things have just started feeling routine, so it's a bit more difficult to think of interesting things to say. Fortunately, there were still some highlights from the week that I'd like to share. 

So first up, and most exciting, my grandma opened her mission call today! It was really cool, we all got to hop on a Zoom call together with everybody from my mom's side of the family, and watch her open it! (Ah, the marvels of modern technology. What would we do with out it? Probably see people in person more often. Hmm.) She has been called to serve in the Washington DC North mission, and will leave on the 13th of September! I'm super excited for her, I know she's gonna do great things. And it'll be a cool story for me to tell, I don't know too many people who have gotten to serve at the same time as their grandparents! (Though if you have, I'd love to hear your story) So yeah, that was awesome.

Other interesting things, we had our Zone Conference last week on Thursday, which was quite the spiritual downpour, as per usual. We got to hear some great messages about the importance of never forgetting to pair action with our faith. They really do go hand in hand. And we also talked about how we can apply that to our investigators, in helping them to act on their faith. And we also got cake, because it was our mission president and his wife's anniversary that Friday. So that was pretty great too. 

And last on the list, we now have seven people in our area with dates to be baptized! I'm super excited to keep working with them, and helping them grow in the Gospel. (At least until they most likely move me out of the area at the end of this cycle. But we can just pretend that'll never happen) It's so cool to see how important these teachings are to people, and to see that different perspective, of not having grown up your whole life in the church. Very cool stuff.

And lastly, a quick spiritual thought, this time, from the missionary's best friend, Preach My Gospel. I've been studying it (obviously :P ) a lot, and one of the things that drew my attention is the last section in the Intdroduction, titled: "Use by Church Members". It states the following: "Preach My Gospel is as much for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as it is for the full-time missionaries of the Church. The principles and doctrine taught in this guide are applicable to all members as they seek to build the Lord’s kingdom. Frequent study of this manual will help members better answer gospel questions, learn and teach the doctrine of Christ’s gospel, fulfill their responsibilities as member missionaries, and foster unity with the full-time missionaries." 

And you know, that got me thinking. Why on earth don't we study this more in the church! I mean, it basically says to right here! And sure, some of the topics don't really apply when you aren't a missionary, but for the large part, there's a ton of great stuff in here! Now. I know you all lead busy lives, and you've already got lots of church stuff going on. Callings, studying for Come Follow Me, reading Scriptures as a family, etc. So I don't want to add too much to that workload. So here's my challenge. Take at least five minutes a day to read from Preach My Gospel. Maybe a paragraph or two. That's all you really need, after all, it's my full time job, not yours. But I promise that the additional inspiration and knowledge you can gain from even just a short five minute study make it more than worth your time. :)

As always, thanks for listening! Have a great week, do something that makes you happy, and don't forget to be nice to your local missionaries! Au revoir!

- Elder Blankenbiller 

Pictures:

1- More Hamburgers (Because to be honest, is there such a thing as enough?)

2- Chilling at Zone Conference 

3- Our new and improved upstairs snack refrigerator 

4- Me and the guys getting lunch

July 13, 2021

 Me again everybody! 

I mean, I don't really know who else you were expecting. I'm the only me, after all. And quite possibly the only Elder Blankenbiller out serving a mission at the moment. I'm so unique. ;) 

Either way, let's get right into it, I can't ask for your attention every week without making it worth it. So here we go. Another excellent week this week, full of lessons, miracles, and rain. This past Sunday, we met someone new while contacting our list of referrals, and ended up talking to this guy Yonatan. He's been Catholic his entire life, but he expressed to us that he felt like he wasn't getting the whole truth there. We were of course delighted to share with him that we are a church built on receiving continual revelation, not just for the church, but people as individuals. He also asked us if we would be willing to teach some of his friends as well, and how much he would have to pay us. And so even more happily, we informed him that our services come free of charge, as well as the Bibles and other religious texts we share. I honestly think that's what really won him over. That, and the Spirit of course. Can't do much work here without it. 

It really got me thinking, though, about how amazing it is to both have the true Gospel in our lives, but also that we can continue to learn and receive inspiration whenever we need it. I think it's something we sometimes take for granted, most of us having spent the better part of our lives being taught about and constantly hearing and having experiences with it. But it really is such an extraordinary gift that we have. So that's my spiritual thought for you all, and my challenge to you is to take time to actively ask to receive personal revelation this week, for a problem you have, or a question, or just something you would like additional confirmation for. I promise you that as you make that increased effort to seek revelation, it will come to you more quickly and more abundantly. 

Other things that happened this week, we had companion exchanges on Friday, and those were amazing as always. I was with our District Leader, working in his area, and we almost managed to get three people on date for baptism. We only managed two, the third still wanted more time to consider the decision, but we felt like they would be ready soon. And hey, two out of three is pretty solid, if you ask me. Back in my area, we're currently working with six people who have baptismal dates, and we're working on adding more to that list. So there's my mission work report. 

And lastly, I want to ask you all to do a big favor for me, and include Johnny and his family in your prayers this week, his family is going through a hard time with a lot of health issues. Your help is greatly appreciated! :)

Thanks for listening, and as always, I will see you all again next week!

Pictures:

1- Free is my favorite flavor

2- I still can't believe how green it is here now - that lot was all dirt a few weeks ago

3- Glasses gang 

July 6, 2021

Hi again everyone! 

Busy day today, we've been bouncing around all over the place, hence why this email is a touch later than usual. We played soccer for like four hours this morning, which proved to me that I'm still not quite used to being at nearly 8000 feet. The air is a bit... lacking, here. Either way, on the way home from that, we ended up coming across some couches on someone's driveway, so we asked if they were throwing them out, and if we could have them. One slow trip back to the house, and we became the proud owners of two new couches for our apartment. Very exciting stuff, up until now, we've just been using hard folding chairs. 

Other exciting news, we had sixteen of our investigators show up for church this Sunday! It was a miracle that they all made it. Now, to be fair, there are four families in there, which make up about fourteen of those attendees, but it's still really good! Plus, that number makes us look great in the mission reports. ;) Were very happy they were all able to make it, though, coming to church is one of the best things people can do to draw nearer to God. Which leads right into my spiritual thought for the week!

As I'm sure most of you know, last year was weird. And for a long time, we didn't have the opportunity to go to church in person. Even when we did start in-person meetings again, we still couldn't meet very often, or indoors. I, probably like the majority of people, had a lot of complaints about how limiting it was, and how much harder it was than when we could meet at full capacity. However, looking back on it, I can see how my life was blessed by attending church anyway, even with the difficulties. I know that God put us into our wards for a reason, to learn, to grow closer as a ward family, and to serve each other. Don't let those opportunities escape just because you don't like the way things were run for a while. I promise that as you make the effort to befriend your ward, and to serve and uplift your fellow members, you will be happier, and better able to deal with the challenges of today.

And finally, one more cool thing about Mexico. So when I arrived here, there were quite a few different places just covered in dirt, and dust, rather sad things to look at. But since the rain has started, over the course of a few weeks, it's completely changed, becoming incredibly green, full of plants, and much, much prettier. So for the first time, I'm sharing a second spiritual thought! (So exciting, I know) Our testimonies are like these dry, dusty fields and byways. When we nourish them with spiritual rain, they will grow, and grow, and become more beautiful than we could have thought possible. So please, don't give up on your testimony because it still looks dry and barren. Just keep on watering it, and it *will* grow. 

And that'll do it for me, for this week, at any rate. Hope you all had a great Fourth of July! Though I would imagine if you had one at all, it was more of a party than I got here . :P Oh well. Until next week! 

Pictures:

1- Tacos for dinner

2 -Our new couch that we got from some guy on the side of the road for free

3- Hamburgers made at home

4- An Hermana in our ward who just started her mission