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 

June 29, 2021

Hi everybody!

It's been another awesome week, so let's get right into this, shall we? First up, we've got a new Elder in town, brand new, as it happens. He's fresh out of the MTC, and as far as I can tell, he's having a great time here so far. Plus, he's American, so it's nice to have someone to chat with in English. Much as I enjoy speaking two languages, given the lack of other English speakers, it sometimes feels like I only speak one. :P So that's been really fun. I suppose on some level, everyone enjoys not being the newest person around. It did make me stop for a second, though, and realize that I've already been here in Mexico for three months. Crazy. I've been enjoying it so much, though. It's still so cool to me, actually being here, instead of just hearing about other people on their missions, or travels. I always try to express my gratitude to God for the opportunity to be here, helping people.

Speaking of, we had the pleasure of bringing one of the families we're teaching to take a tour of the Visitor's Center! It's always a great day when we get to go see the temple, and it's even better when we're bringing investigators with us! Even better, after the tour was over, we extended the invitation to be baptized, and they accepted! So the current date set for their family is the 24th of July. We couldn't be more excited for them, and we can hardly wait! It definitely makes you realize, even though the baptisms don't measure your success as a missionary, they sure as heck feel awesome. That's another thing I'm very grateful for. As I'm sure anyone will tell you, helping people feels good, and I won't tell you any different. Still wish we could go do, like, actual service projects, or maybe meet with people in their homes, but until then, we'll make do with what we've got. And what
we've got is still quite a bit, honestly. We've been able to meet people that we most likely never would have found if we were still
just out on the streets. It's proof to me that God is driving this work, and it won't stop for anything. It's very encouraging, and I'm
just happy to be a part of it. :)

As far as food goes, I've been learning to make as many different Mexican dishes as I can, including but not limited to: Chiles Rellenas (as mentioned previously), Enchiladas Verdes, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Tamales, Oaxaqueños, and Huevos Rancheros. So no need to worry about me starving down here. If anything, I might finally gain a pound or two. :P

And lastly, a spiritual thought, as a reward for your avid reading of my emails. ;) One of the things that has stuck out to me this week from my personal study is the power of the Atonement in our everyday lives. As I'm sure you all remember from even way back in Primary, the Atonement is the ultimate gift to man, given to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and it is the only means by which our sins can be forgiven, and we can make it back to live with our Father in Heaven. Now, basics aside, the Apostles and Prophets often talk about how they use the Atonement every day in their lives, and we mere mortals are often left confused as to how we can do the same. Well, I'm a big fan of sharing the secrets to success, so here's my two
cents on the matter. The Atonement is not just for our sins. We should not look at it as the last resort, when we feel bad about having failed, and oh man, now we have to repent, how embarrassing. That's not the point of the Atonement. When our goal is set on returning to heaven, and we are constantly working towards it, the Atonement is what drives us forward, moving past mistakes, helping us pick ourselves up after falling back. That's the real power of the Atonement. It helps us to change, to grow, to reach the potential that God knows we have, and to feel good about ourselves, even in the midst of adversity, and a world that tells us we are never good enough. From a talk by Neal A. Maxwell - "While so striving daily, we will fall short. Hence the avoidance of discouragement is so vital. So where is the oft and much needed resilience to be found? Once again, in the glorious Atonement! - Furthermore, by applying the Atonement we can continue to access the other nurturing gifts of the Holy Ghost, which will comfort us and reassure us. The burdens not lifted from us, He will help us to bear. After all, the Father and the Son truly and constantly desire our everlasting happiness."

I also testify that our Heavenly Father loves us, perfectly and infinitely, and truly desires our happiness, both in this life, and in
the Kingdom of Heaven where we will return. I promise that as you take advantage of the amazing gift of the Atonement, even if you can only improve on one single thing every week, you will see a powerful difference in your life, and the Holy Ghost will help you feel an increase in hope, and strength to endure the trials you face every day.

And thanks for listening! Sorry for waxing a bit long-winded there, but who am I to argue with what I feel like I need to say? I hope you all have a great week, and I'll see you on the other side of it!

- Elder Blankenbiller

Photos:
1: Rooftop dining
2: Epic hat
3: Just chilling
4: Trip to the temple with Gabriela and Regina
5: Street crepes

June 22, 2021

Hello again everyone!

First and foremost this week, we had transfers! And since I'm sure everyone is just dying to know, I'll be sure to tell you... at the end of the email. ;) 

So before we get into that, let's talk about how the work is going. We're actually teaching four different families right now, and they're all amazing. We've got Gabriela and her daughters, Abigail and her kids, Johnny and his family, and Yazmin and Carlos. All super awesome, and they love having us teach them. It's been so cool to see them all grow closer as families while learning more about the Gospel. It also makes our weekly numbers look absolutely amazing, since they're all families of four or so. It adds up pretty quick when we're trying to contact everyone every day. So as far as numbers go, I'm quite the missionary. :P But as I'm sure you know, that's not the real measurement for how well a missionary is doing. The focus is, and should always be, on the people, and how they are progressing along the covenant path. 

And that leads into my spiritual thought for this week. I was recently reading the talk President Nelson gave in April, 2019, where he talks about the Savior's invitation to all to follow Him, and to make and keep sacred covenants. President Nelson powerfully invited us to do the following:

"Pour out your heart to God. Ask Him if these things are true. Make time to study His words. Really study! If you truly love your family and if you desire to be exalted with them throughout eternity, pay the price now—through serious study and fervent prayer—to know these eternal truths and then to abide by them."

I bear testimony of the words of our prophet, and invite you all to accept his promise. Take time to study and pray, and you will have truth revealed to you. I have seen it happening for me already, as I have dedicated time to searching and pondering the words of the prophets. I promise you that as you do the same, you will feel the love God has for you and your family more powerfully, and understand how much He wants you to return to live with Him. When we understand that simple truth, all of our challenges and struggles in life are put into perspective, and made that much easier. Believe me, it is so worth it. 

And lastly, food! This week, as usual, was not lacking in delicious food. A personal favorite of mine was chiles rellenas, which is essentially the Mexican version of stuffed peppers. And man, they're good. Also on the menu, homemade mango ice cream, which I'm proud to say went very well. Even better, fresh fruit is really easy to come by down here, I got about a kilo of mangos for 24 pesos, or a little more than a dollar. Good times. 

Oh yeah, and transfers. Nothing much, me and my companion are sticking around for this one. So that was quite the relief. And yeah, that's all from me everybody. See you next time!

- Elder Blankenbiller 

Pictures:

1: Chiles rellenas 

2: Elder Muñoz and I about to brave the rain 

3: Mango ice cream

June 15, 2021

Hey there everyone! 

If you've been following along with your calendars at home, you already know that a week has gone by! And, of course, that means it's time for a missionary email! Since I've completely diverged from maintaining any kind of organization in my emails, let's start with the food, why not? On this weeks menu: Chicken sandwiches, Tortas, Carnitas, and more of my new favorite fruit, mangoes. Delicious. I've decided to buy a bunch of fruit and freeze it to make smoothies, because they don't have very good smoothies here. They normally just toss some powder into water and milk, and call it a day. Very disappointing. So that's my new mission in the food department.

As for the Spiritual department, things are going really well. We've currently got three families, the Pinzons, the Villanuevas, and the Britos. They're all super awesome, and we're planning on inviting them all to be baptized this week! So definitely wish us luck with that! I've also really been enjoying my study of the Bible. There's so much amazing historical context that adds a ton to the scriptures themselves. If you ever feel like studying it, I highly recommend using the Seminary and Institute manuals that are on the church's website to help you study. Obviously, the Book of Mormon is still the most important to be studying constantly, but it's been such a cool experience learning about the context behind a lot of the teachings and events. Like the Law of Moses, the Israelites, and all the prophecies of Christ that have been given since the beginning of the world. Super cool.

Other Spiritual things, we had a whole bunch of meetings this week, with a Zone Conference on Friday, a special fireside with Elder Pingree, the Area Seventy who's finishing his service here at the end of the month, and an awesome District Council yesterday with the Zone Leaders yesterday. Zone Conference was unsuprisingly much more interesting when you can understand what is being said. :P It was definitely much better than the last one, at any rate. We talked a lot about how we can better use the Book of Mormon in teaching, which is obviously crucial to our message, as it's really the thing that sets us apart from other religions. The fireside with Elder Pingree was similarly awesome, the message I took from it was that we need to dedicate ourselves to the work, and remember that we aren't here on our time, we're here on the Lord's. And finally, the District Council, where we talked more about the big picture ideas, like why we chose to serve, why we're still here, and what we want to become by the time we finish. It was really nice to take some time to step back, and remember why I'm here.

And that's gonna lead right into my Spiritual thought for you guys this week. Having a purpose is super important in all aspects of life. We need to have something to focus on and remember, something that motivates us, and keeps us going. Especially when things get hard, like on a mission, or when the world shuts down, times like those. All the feelings of being lost, alone, or wandering can all be made that much easier when we have a 'why' behind what we do. I've felt that especially during the hard days down here in Mexico. When I focus on why I'm here, everything is so much better than when I am only thinking about myself. So my challenge to you this week is to take some time and think about your own 'why'. Write it down, put it somewhere you'll see it often, and try to remember it when you're having a bad day.

And that's a wrap folks! I will see you all here again this time next week! 

- Elder Blankenbiller

Pictures

1: Chicken sandwiches

2: Special meeting with Elder Pingree

3: Tortas - Only $2.50!

4: The Louis Vuitton x Nike collab everyone's been waiting for

5: And some more off brand stuff for your entertainment