August 1, 2016

This week has been a great week.  The work is really coming along.  We have 6 new Investigators which is amazing!  We have helped our chuch attendance - we had 66 this Sunday.  We visited our minos activos and the people we visited came!  One even gave the opening prayer.  The Lord is seriously amazing and amazes me everyday.  We had divisions so I worked with Hermana Jara in Campo Grande which is in the City, a little bit away from San Jorge.  It was neat to see the difference in these two areas.  I met Hermana Jara's recent convert who is 13.  We read a bit from The Strength of Youth with her.  Divisions are for 1 day.  It made me realize how blessed I am to be in San Jorge.  The people are more humble and accepting.  I am learning constantly and enjoying everyday.

I am doing so well!  Utah seriously looked so fun!  Glad ya'll had a great time!  Thats kinda nice to have a couple of weeks to just stay at home and do little things before the summer ends.  That is crazy that school is going to start for them! Yah Hermana Scott is from there!  She says hi! Yes! it is such a blessing to have clean clothes!  We have like no time...always working.  Which is fun! Grateful to have 1 less thing to do haha WE GOT OUR PACKAGE THIS WEEK!!!!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU!  We sure miss American food lol and thank you for everything that was in it! I haven't seen Elder Dufort, but maybe we will see him at Zone Conference??? We have one this Weds.  Loved the girls camp letters and the family letters.  TELL EVERYONE BACK HOME HIIIIIII AND THAT I LOVE THEM AND APPRECIATE THEIR SUPPORT AND PRAYERS!  Wait... an open house for their marriage???  I cant wait to meet him.  I am so happy for Jennie.  Ellees belly is sure cute!  Thats so exciting about the McCrary family!  You will have to let me know where Emily goes.  I have no doubt that Ryan was an amazing missionary.  Tell the Kings hiiiiii!  Kimmie sent a really heart felt email.  She is seriously amazing!  We listen to music everyday and yes the pitcher is amazing!  KEEP THE PICS COMING! 

Hola Hermana Alexander,

Have you learned any Spanish?  Have you made any friends? Is your companion nice? Do you like Paraguay? I can't believe you see ostriches there! I am doing perfect. I start soccer tomorrow.  I had fun in Utah. I loved seven peaks and playing laser tag.  I love you! have fun! 

Love, Adam

ADAM! Yes I have been learning lots and lots of Spanish.  Everyday I learn new words and phrases...I am getting more comfortable going up to random people in the streets and starting a conversation. I am also improving on teaching about the gospel. There is a boy Nico who I visit and he reminds me of you.  He is 6 just like you! I will have to get a picture with him and send it to you.  I have made lots of friends as well.  I have become friends with the people in our branch and with our investigators who are learning about this true gospel.  Have you been reading the Book of Mormon? My companion is Hermana Scott!  I love her so much.  We are so much alike which is such a blessing.  We say we are pre-mortal friends.  Lots of ostriches!  They love this one specific spot and all just hangout there...there are also lots of random cows and dogs that roam on the streets.  Seven Peaks and Laser Tag are way fun!  So exciting about soccer.  In Paraguay they call soccer futbol.  Soccer is very popular here.  Lots of the people play in the streets and every sunday they have games that last all night.  Have mom take lots of videos and pictures!  You will be awesome! Love you chubs!  

hi, abby 

Its sad you did not get to come to Utah but you are happy were you are happy were you are serving the lord. I hope you learned the language well enough

to speak hope more people are in your branch. i miss you very much. 

Love Josh

JOSH! Utah seemed way fun!  Looks like you all had a great time!  What was your favorite part? We had lots of minos activos attend our church this sunday which made me so happy!  It is growing, but we sure have lots of work to do.  Helping others come unto Jesucristo is the best thing we can do and to share our testimonies.  The language is coming along, I'm always learning something new! I miss you Josh and love you so much!  Sing lots for me and have jams in the car! haha Are there new songs that you think id like? Nikki Jam is very popular here haha Everyone blasts their music in the night and even early early in the morning.

Hi Abby,

        Hi, its your "Favorite Brother" Joey! We went to Utah this week and it was fun, but its not the same without you blasting your music in the car! Anyway, We got to go to milford which I don't think you have ever been to, but if you have tell me!!! But, before we went to southern Utah we got to go to the BYU Bookstore, Seven Peaks, Park City, and ParkCity's MainStreet where they had a Family Tree Center, which I have never seen a FamilyTree Center before! Now Please Take The Time To Answer My Questions. Have you been getting better with the language? Is Your Companion Cool? Also tell her we went by Parowon! Is Your Ward or Branch Strong? Do you love the people there? IS YOUR HAIR REALLY BLOND?!?!?! if it is send a picture please! Anyway hope you do well!!! P.S. If You Have Any Questions TELL ME!!! 

 Sincerely Your Favorite Brother, Joey

WHATS UP JOE - MY FAVORITE BROTHER :) Mom sent lots of pictures! Seems like yall had a fun time in Utah.  I told josh to have jam sessions so be prepared haha I miss our car rides!  When I email they play music so I can hear some old familar songs haha  I have never been to Milford...ill have to go sometime!  So fun that you got to see where Grandpa grew up.  Park City is sure fun!  What is a family tree center? For family history? Seems fun! HEYYYYY your birthday is coming up! 

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

Yes I have been getting WAY better with the language!  Lots of mistakes haha but I'm learning! I have been able to teach better and have somewhat of a conversation with others...its hard, but I know it will come.  I LOVE MY COMPANION!!!!!  We get along super well...we are pretty much the same....I told her and she says hiiiiiiiiiii! Our branch has some amazing people in it.  We were able to have our minos activos attend.  We had the attendance go up from 45 to 60.  I LOVE THE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!! My hair is getting lighter and lighter everyday haha Love you Joe! Love hearing from you.  I will send pictures! What is something that you would like me to get you from Paraguay??????  LOVE YA

Hi Abby,

           It's Matthew what's up? Is Paraguay extremely different compared to the United States? Do you and your companion walk around in the jungle, or is it more like a run-down, dirty town? Anyways I recently went to EFY and had a great time.  I hope everything is going well for you and that as you continue to serve you are becoming more fluent with Spanish, and that language soon won't be a problem at all! Anyways have a great time, and remember your purpose while you are there.

MATTHEW MATTHEW MATTHEW

dude- stop growing! haha you are a man! I remember us when we were 2 and I was 4 haha I actually met a family and the kids had the relationship that we have....man I am getting all teary eyed wooooo Paraguay is so different hahaha no speed limits, not american food, barely any white people hahahahahaha There are some jungle parts, but also dirty roads and there is a city as well.  We are in the ghetto part....shhh we have the most dangerous area for sister missionaries, but I haven't felt unsafe.  We are smart and listen close to the spirit.  Sundays we are extra careful- lots of parties! One time we were walking and I had a strong impression to go into a shop and we did.  Nothing happened, but I know the spirit protected us.  He does constantly.  EFY seemed so fun!  Tell your friends hi. Have you gone on dates????? I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU ARE GOING TO BE A JR!!!!!!! The language is coming bit by bit , but will come! hahaha Send me pictures!!!! Also listen to music for me!

Hola Abby, 

           I hope your having a fun time in Paraguay!  Its been a long 2 and 1/2 weeks, but it was fun.  We explored some National Parks & went into the Lehman Caves.  I hope your having just as much fun this summer as I am.  How are you doing on the language? EFY was great!!!! It was very spiritual and I look forward to it next year.  Have fun!

-Michael

MIKEY MIKE HOLA 

UTAH seemed like such a blast!  Love seeing the pictures! Dude! You are becoming a man too! So crazy! But awesome! The caves looked so cool!  Was that your favorite? haha We are in our winter season, but it is sure hot, it gets so cold too!  December is going to be wayyyyy hot!!!!! Swim for me! EFY is sure fun huh?  Thats so great that you had a great experience.  The dances are the best and yes you can find the cuties! LOVVVVVVEEEE YOUUUUUUUUU

She makes me feel so tall lol

New Convert Gabriella 

Divisions with Hermana Jara!

Just a pig wandering around haha

Scenic pictures of Paraguay!

July 25, 2016

HONK FOR JESUS! hahaha Hermana Scott and I are the J LO and Shakria of Paraguay....the people here love rubias and colored ojos....anywho just had to share that.  We just don't pay any attention to the calls lol but this probably will be the most attention that we'll ever get hahaha! We feel like movie stars haha 

This week has been another great week.  Hermana Scott had some health problems, but she is a fighter.  We were able to make it through and do the best we could. The work is really coming along and we were able to teach many people.  One of the scriptures we shared a lot this week is Mosiah 2:41.  This scripture talks about the many blessings that we receive if we keep the commandments and obey the Lord.  With obedience, comes happiness and many blessings. The people we shared this with really loved this scripture and I think it was a really great reminder for them.  

We also helped a recent convert, Evert come back to church.  He hadn't been attending church due to the fact that he was embarrassed that he had to give a prayer one time in Sacrament meeting.  Hermana Scott and I were able to give him confidence and told him that if we do the best we can the Lord will help us.  We aren't perfect.  I told him that my espanol isn't perfect...heck not even close, but if I turn to the Lord and do the best I can I will be able to say what I need to say. I gave the example of me having to bare my Testimony.  When we do things that are out of our comfort zone, we learn and grow....it made us so happy to see him on Sunday and he even passed the Sacrament.  

Marlene is our investigator who has a baptismal date...seriously LOVE her! Her baptism will be on Augusto 13th.  She has come a long way and has such a great and strong Testimony.  Please pray that her work schedule will change and that she will be able to not have to work on Sundays.  She missed on Sunday, but she is coming this Sunday!  

I love our ward and have been getting closer to the families in it! 54 people attend and we had 2 more people come this week. Perfect! 

Belens Family - she has 3 niños.  2 boys and 1 girl.  Belen served a mission and is seriously so strong.  She has been having a difficult time with her husband....we constanly pray for her family.  She came to church with just her and her kiddos this Sunday.  Loved having them there.  She even washes our clothes for us.  She is just so thoughtful...we try to visit her often to be there for her and help her home have the spirit

The Blanco Family - They are the cutest old couple!  They made fun of my español, but I know it is out of love haha They speak Guarani and I have learned a couple of things from them.  Lots of people speak this language! Fun fact - Hermana Blanco has 1 eye and pulls it off so well!  She is the sweetest.  

Maria Lousia Familia - Maria is a single mother who  has a 19 year old daughter with a baby Nile! Aw he is adorable and her son who is 17.  She also has another daughter who is very active in the church and lives with her own family in Paraguay, but not in the place where we are over.  We always have a good time! 

Encena Familia - Basically my family in the mission.  Just truly feel at home with them.  They love music!!!!!! Always a good time singing with them.  

Music is a constant thing here!  People blast music late at night and even at 5 in the morning hahahahaha 

Hermana Scott is Snow White haha she brings the animals to her.  We are friends with the perros.

There are lots of perros, random vacas, and even ostriches.  Futbol is HUGE here as well.  Yesterday there was a game! 

They could just play all night.

LOVVVVVVVEEEEE the pictures!  I miss Utah! Seems like you guys are really doing well.  

The days are so busy- dont get home till 9:00. It is finally hot again.  Today for p day we have to go to the office to give the elders a bill that they need to pay haha Then I think we are going to go to Burger King lol We need to go grocery shopping! We have to work again at 6:00!  Love you all sooo much!  Looks like you guys are doing so well.  Packages dont come till thurs and the office is far, but we are going today and hopefully it will be there.  The language is coming along....still hard at times.  The people in our ward want me and Hermana Scott to teach English!  Crazy huh???? 

LOVVVVVVEEEE YOUUUUU AND CANT WAIT TO HEAR FROM YALL! 

Love,

Hermana Alexander

Mosiah 2:41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God.  For behold, the are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.  O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

Hermana Scott and I love serving together in Paraguay!

Paraguay is beautiful..but there is a lot of this too haha

Even found some graffiti..in English?!

So of course we had to take pictures haha

From us to you..We love the cyper!

More photos - Paraguay is Chilly!

All bundled up!

Playing a little ping pong!

The bathrooms aren't too bad lol!

July 18, 2016

Paraguay is SO awesome!  Loving every minute.  I will admit... the field is WAY harder than I expected, but it is making me a way better person.  My trainer companion is Hermana Scott.  2 words... LOVE HER!!!!!!!!!  I know the Lord answers prayers.  She is who I wanted and she just always amazes me.  She is from Utah!  We get along so well and always make the best out of everything.  So we are over San Jorge.  It is more in the city...but not in the city city.  Fun fact, we are "pink washing" this area, so basically we are figuring out the area together. They haven't had missionaries in our area for a couple of months.   We are in a Branch, but hopefully we will help with attendance and getting new members.  We have a baptismal date set and I couldn't be happier. I have been singing a lot.  Hermana Scott and I sing hymns everytime before we teach. It truly brings the spirit to the room.  I am improving on my espanol and I couldn't be more grateful for the gift of tongues and Hermana Scott. I try and remember that I have only been out 7 days! The people are so humble here and have so much faith.  A member in our ward had us over to teach and they told us about their son Alexander who just recently passed away.... he was 17 and was planning on serving a mission.  He didn't know how to swim and drowned.  They told me that with my last name and the love that I had for this family, they were able to have hope and know that he is with God and Jesus Christ.  It made me feel honored to know that I can remind them of him in a possitive way.  I seriously feel the love that God has for His children in Paraguay. Adjusting to the paraguay life hasn't been bad at all....just need constant patience with the language.  It is fun to experience a new life style.  It is surprisingly really cold....I mean really cold! hahaha We wear beanies, jackets, and thermals and we can't wear pants until the summer when the mosquitos are out!  The collectivos are super fun to ride on.  I feel like Indiana Jones haha there are no speed limits and babies ride on motorcycles.  My P days are on Mondays and I am able to be on for two hours.  We basically eat rice, sandwiches, lots of pan, cereal haha We should have more meals lined up soon, but for awhile we are supplying the food! Glad to hear that everything is well with the family.  I love you all so much.  The hiking pictures are amazing! We walk everywhere and sometimes take the collectivos. I'll have to check our mail.  Love you and thanks for always thinking of me.  Truly feel your prayers. Take Care! 

Love,

Hermana Alexander

Trainer companion Sister Scott..Love her!

Yummy sandwiches!

Beautiful Paraguay!

Hermana Alexander will be well taken care of!

MISIÓN PARAGUAY ASUNCIÓN NORTE                                                                                                 

Avenida Santísima Trinidad Nº 1280 C/ Julio Correa

Casilla de Correo 1871                                                                                                                                                        

Tel/Fax: (021) 280-930

Asunción, Paraguay

Dear Family of Hermana Alexander

We are so happy that your daughter has joined us here in the Paraguay Asuncion North mission.  We know that as she commits to work hard and be obedient to mission rules, and continues to study and seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost, she will have a great experience on her mission.  She will grow to love the people, she will be willing to pass through difficulties, and she will come to know and love her Savior in a more profound way than she has ever known.

Her first day here, we were able to give all the incoming missionaries some training on staying healthy, finances, mail, etc.  We were able to share some of the history of the Church here in Paraguay, go to the temple grounds, and participate in a wonderful testimony meeting at our home with all the new missionaries arriving that day.   

Your daughter was interviewed and met her trainer, Sister Scott, who was specially chosen for her.  She has been trained to help your daughter in all the skills she will need to be a good missionary.  We hope you will enjoy these pictures that we are attaching.

 We already love your daughter!  Thank you for raising such a fine young woman who is so willing to serve her Father in Heaven and be a blessing to the people here and to her fellow missionaries.  We truly pray for them every day and are committed to working diligently to help them in whatever they need to be happy and successful.

May the Lord bless you and your daughter for the sacrifices, the faith, and the love that you are extending to the people here.  Thank you for all of your support.

With much love,

President and Sister Evans

President and Sister Evans & Abby's companion Hermana Scott!

At the Temple on my first day in Paraguay with President & Sister Evans!

It has been such a great first day in Paraguay! I am so blessed to be 

serving with so many amazing missionaries!

We're all so excited to be in Paraguay as missionaries for 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!

Dear President and Sister Evans,

Thank you so much for your email. Reading it brought so much comfort and joy to my husband and I. We loved all of the pictures! It sounds like they had a wonderful first day! Everyone looks so happy! We have been praying specifically for Abby's companion and knowing that Sister Scott was chosen specially for her is such an answer to our prayers.  Abby's experience in the CCM in Mexico was amazing and we can tell that she has already grown so much spiritually. Even though we miss her, we are so excited for her to be in Paraguay and know that this is where the Lord wants her to be! We can't wait to hear about her first area and are thrilled for her to serve the people in Paraguay! Thank you for taking such good care of her and loving her while she is away from home. We appreciate you and your service so much. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do. 

Love, 

Brother and Sister Alexander

Thank you so much! I saw her yesterday and she seems to be doing good. She did a great job bearing her testimony in sacrament meeting.  Of course she is wishing that she knew more Spanish but she is doing great! She is doing much better than me.  She is going to be a wonderful missionary! We will take care of her.

With love, 

Hermana Evans 

Oh good! She did tell me that you don't speak Spanish haha! I think she finds some comfort in this! We will be praying for both of you :) 

Thanks so much!

July 12, 2016

Hey!  

All is well in PARAGUAY!!!!!!!!  I seriously LOVE it!  President Evans and Hermana Evans are the greatest!  The weather is nice for now haha it´s winter here and it's 80 degrees.  Last night and tonight I am staying in a home with trainer Hermanas, the four American Hermanas that came with me, and a couple of Latin Hermanas.  Love them!  All the others are Latin and yes I am the obvious gringa haha LOVE IT! So glad to have Paraguay be my home for the next 16 months.  We were able to visit the Temple, but didn´t go inside.  Love you all. No time. haha

On our way to Paraguay!!!

So fun meeting so many amazing Hermanas!

Asunción North Paraguay Hermanas!

Missionary Tag Photo :)

LDS Asunción Paraguay Temple

July 7, 2016

DIOS BENDICE AMERICA!!!!!!!!!

I LOVED THE PHOTOS!!!!!!!  Looks like you had a great time at Lake Almanor!  Thats seriously so fun that they slept in hammocks. Love the BOATING AND FIREWORK PICTURES!!! Miss the family so much, but it looks like you guys are happy...so I am 

happy :) Can you believe that I am finally heading out of the CCM???? We got our flight plans on Tuesday! So Hermana Brunelle, Thomas, and some other hermanas and elders are heading out THIS Monday morning.  We leave at 5:00.  We have two flights - one to Panama City AND THEN ANOTHER TO PARAGUAY!  I am beyond excited for this new adventure! The 4th of July in the CCM was so great!  We had all american meals and yes....our district dressed in red, white, and blue!  We sure looked awesome! I´ll send the pictures!  Also, Hermana Haywood turned on the lights when we were all asleep and started singing the Star Spangled Banner haha It was so great! Kimmie said that she got your letter that you wrote her! She wanted me to tell you that she loves you and that you are awesome!  She is serioulsy so happy!  I´ll have to ask her if she ran into the Smyths! THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR THE 4TH OF JULY TREATS AND I LOVED THE LETTER!  Seriously appreciate them!  This has been another great week.  Lots of teaching and preparing for the field.  We had to say goodbye to one of our teachers early since he and his wife are heading to Peru.  Hermano Martinez was seriously my dad in the CCM.  He has helped me so much with becoming the Missionary that God wants me to be.  He gave me some great advice that I will never forget.  He reminded me to not have fear of making mistakes with the Language.  He said my love and the help of the Lord will make up the rest. I can´t imagine having to say goodbye to the people in Paraguay!  We also switched some things up and did exchanges.  I got to teach a Lesson with Hermana Saling - Love her! We are roomates.  It was nice to teach with someone new and with different teaching methods.  She is going to the Missouri Independence Mission.  Super stoked for her! I don´t think I got the link to my blog? I would love to share three scriptures with you that have made a HUGE impact during my MTC experience - The first one is D&C 50:24 God is the Light in our lives  (Hermana Haywood was so awesome and shared this with me while I was having a hard time - we had an experience together that we both won´t forget ) another is Ether 12:4 I know that with hope faith develops and if we trust in God with steadfastness in him...anything is possible.  The last scripture I hold dear and want it on my plaque is D&C 15:6.  I know my greatest joy is to bring others unto Christ.  This gospel is for us to use the Atonement and to become like Christ and our Heavenly Father.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as a representative of Christ and to share this joy and light with others.  God loves us.  I also was able to experience witnessing the power of the priesthood.  Our other teacher Hermano Medina was sick and stressed with some other things so the Elders in our District gave him a blessing.  I know that they had the power of God with them while placing their hands on Hermano Medinas head.  The words from Elder Moss were from the Lord.  We were also able to have blessing ourselves on Sunday which was super comforting before heading out into the field.  Our P day got switched because we are going to the Temple at 12! Another blessing!  Tell the boys hi and let them know of my love.  Super proud to say that they are my brothers.  Have them swim extra for me! Crazy to think that the next time I email you it will be from Paraguay! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Funny story- During TRC we had taught a new convert who loves the gospel...she talked so fast haha good prep for the field.  Hope you guys have fun in Utah and DAD SOAK UP SOME CALI WEATHER FOR ME!  Its been hot, but there has been thunderstorms every night!  LOVVVVVEEEEE YOU ALLL AND CANT WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU NEXT TIME.  ADIOS FROM THE CCM  

Love, 

Hermana Alexander

D&C 50:24 - That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

Ether 12:4 - Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.

D&C 15:6 - And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my father, Amen.

Happy 4th of July from the Mexico CCM!

Wearing their Red, White, & Blue!

Enjoying an all American meal!

Loved my 4th of July treats! Thank you mtcmexicocarepackage.com!

My companion and I are off to Paraguay on Monday!

We love America!

Always have to take at least one selfie!

Or two!

Hermana Hugs!

Going to miss her!

Comfy and cute!

On the board!

Dysfunctional District picture haha

I don't think I'll be seeing one of these for awhile! 

We have the best teachers!

Knock Out..P Day Fun!