Subject: Well, this will be an eventful week!!
Hi!
I know that you have heard of the events that have taken place since I have been out in Albany to be honest that was no really what I was hoping would happen but, two trips to the ER in one week are really not fun. The trials are tailored to me so I will be ready for whatever, I mean whatever is in my path to come. I can truly say that I am as sure as the sunshines that the Lord is there for me. I truly love Him and I Love you for the feelings and support that I receive from being here on my mission. My prayers for the last month may seem weird since I was finding out I have asthma and that it is really just a huge change in my life was "How can I help benefit someone else through the struggles I am going through?" I am also praying to grow and be made a better whole being one that is close to the Savior that I might be able to find a way to grow to be a new creature unto Christ. I know that he is my Savior he suffered greater then I can image or even want to imagine yet, I know that it was so personal that no matter how far I look to Him the more vast His Love becomes. When I was talking on the phone to you dad I can say that I am so thankful for that short opportunity, it was a good thing to do I can tell that President Young put a lot of thought into letting us talk since He understood that it was going to be good for both of us. I was talking to President Young this morning and on Wednesday when we are in Eugene, President Young will be giving me a blessing. I feel strongly this was one reason I am being stopped in Albany is I am not suppose to be here and that Madris is where I am suppose to be. I am at the point where I know that what faith is, when I was talking to President Young yesterday he said to me "Elder Delis you know what faith is, I can see that as you work in the field you understand what faith is and don't question it. Work to build others faith!" I am not going to be in a leadership position in Madris but, I am going to be able to help my others feel the joy I feel. I am sure that no matter what happens then the Lord is able to be there for each of us I am just grateful to be in the Lords service.
In the upcoming week we will be doing a ton! So on Wednesday Elder Snow of the first quorum of the will be there and I will be going to go to Madris and go to be with Elder Hawkins, and that will be really exciting to see why I am needed there. Then on Friday I will be going back to Eugene to have a meeting with Elder Neil L Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that is really interesting to me the fact that you just saw him and that he will be talking to us as a mission on Friday makes me wonder what it will be like. Well, that is really thoughts about what is about to happen and I am just thankful to be in the service to my Lord and know that my service is well, loved!
Love,
Elder Christian James Delis
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Week of August SIX--Elder Delis has a new MIX! (...good rhyme?) :)
Subject: Family! Sad news!
I have sad news!
I have been transfered to Albany. I was moved from Coquille back to Albany. I hope that the package was sent to the mission office. This was really the hardest " 'til we meet again's" I have had to say truly I am not sure why it was but, really it was gut wrenching. I am starting to really feel that I am coming to a different point in myMission. My thoughts are much more of how I can make the truth simple and as simple as can be. I am praying that I as I am doing all that can that the Lord will bless me in a way that will help Him more effectively in the work. I feel weird being in Albany though, a little out of place really to be honest it seems to me really surreal. The thing that is really weird is that I am only 3 blocks from the Three Lakes Ward in Albany. I was thinking that I must be needed here for a reason. My new companion is Elder Bagley he came out with Elder Hamblin. He seems to be a good missionary and so I will need you continued help through your prayer that we will see success!
Something that I am starting to feel more and more the longer I am out is the power of each and every single soul. The spirit of each person is so distinct that as I sit and talk to people you begin to feel more and more the power that each and every single soul begins to the table. You can see what it means in Doctrine and Covenants 19 when the lord says "every soul is great in the eyes of God." I am really wondering more how we can be more like the Savior in all things that as we strive to do all that he asks of us we begin to feel the manifestation that he loves every single one of His children. The reason that I say that is when I was leaving to get in the car to go to Albany the member that was taking me from Coquille to Eugene looked me in the eyes and said "Elder, I love you and please come back." He then starred into my eyes for a moment and the spirit was so strong and as I was there I said "I will be back, I promise .... I promise." I said that and tears filled my eyes and so great was my joy that I am truly moved to have the greatest opportunity that I have had to be truly changed and to grow in such a short period of time. I am sure that I am here to be refined in a way that Lord would like me to be refined so that I can be more like Him.
Sorry my email today seems so over the place.
So that is the reason that this email is late I have been running around all day! Well, I am sure that Duck is blast! I am in need of an Email address from Katie Delis, I would love to keep in contact. To me that would be awesome! I would also like to hear from Nicholas that would be a huge help I miss being able to hear for him.
--
Elder Christian James Delis
I have sad news!
I have been transfered to Albany. I was moved from Coquille back to Albany. I hope that the package was sent to the mission office. This was really the hardest " 'til we meet again's" I have had to say truly I am not sure why it was but, really it was gut wrenching. I am starting to really feel that I am coming to a different point in myMission. My thoughts are much more of how I can make the truth simple and as simple as can be. I am praying that I as I am doing all that can that the Lord will bless me in a way that will help Him more effectively in the work. I feel weird being in Albany though, a little out of place really to be honest it seems to me really surreal. The thing that is really weird is that I am only 3 blocks from the Three Lakes Ward in Albany. I was thinking that I must be needed here for a reason. My new companion is Elder Bagley he came out with Elder Hamblin. He seems to be a good missionary and so I will need you continued help through your prayer that we will see success!
Something that I am starting to feel more and more the longer I am out is the power of each and every single soul. The spirit of each person is so distinct that as I sit and talk to people you begin to feel more and more the power that each and every single soul begins to the table. You can see what it means in Doctrine and Covenants 19 when the lord says "every soul is great in the eyes of God." I am really wondering more how we can be more like the Savior in all things that as we strive to do all that he asks of us we begin to feel the manifestation that he loves every single one of His children. The reason that I say that is when I was leaving to get in the car to go to Albany the member that was taking me from Coquille to Eugene looked me in the eyes and said "Elder, I love you and please come back." He then starred into my eyes for a moment and the spirit was so strong and as I was there I said "I will be back, I promise .... I promise." I said that and tears filled my eyes and so great was my joy that I am truly moved to have the greatest opportunity that I have had to be truly changed and to grow in such a short period of time. I am sure that I am here to be refined in a way that Lord would like me to be refined so that I can be more like Him.
Sorry my email today seems so over the place.
So that is the reason that this email is late I have been running around all day! Well, I am sure that Duck is blast! I am in need of an Email address from Katie Delis, I would love to keep in contact. To me that would be awesome! I would also like to hear from Nicholas that would be a huge help I miss being able to hear for him.
--
Elder Christian James Delis
Monday, September 10, 2012
Week of July Twenty-NINE: missions are DIVINE!
ELDER DELIS
Subject: Well this feels weird...
Well this is not feeling normal,
Well family it feels weird to me to starting thinking about all of these things, school and everything in between. Weirdest of all is that my sister is not going to be on a mission much longer. It to me is hard to think that I am that close to the end and that she is really close to a new beginning. OH and if she finds some prince charming while I am in Oregon she is not allowed I repeat NOT ALLOWED to get married while I am gone. That is against the rules! Enough of that, moving on, that is good to hear that she is going to be home it is sad to hear that I will be the only missionary in the home for the next 5 or so months so, the blessings maybe a little less then with two sorry :/ My health is better I am hoping that it will all come to be one hundred percent soon.
Well, this week was good we were doing some service we helped a lady who had a death and it asking the members that live above us questions so we helped her with her yard and we were able to get a good lesson we have another one tomorrow we are excited about that. We have been finding a lot and really it is getting hard when you have been through the town a lot, but we are finding people. The Less-active work is coming along and really cool thing is that we are having the ward to expand and that the Lord is blessing this ward for there willingness. I pray that this all will continue that is really all that we need to do to be successful. We are spending time doing service as well and it was really quite nice the weather is perfect to do it and I am not even kidding I really enjoy splitting logs. We helped Y-- he is an older man in the ward he is awesome! We are splitting some myrtle wood for him, myrtle wood is really hard to split but, it is well worth the spiritual rewards.
Well, not a whole lot has happened this week but, I am still well.
Love!
Elder Christian James Delis
HERMANA DELIS
Subject: HEY!!
Hey, you guys!
Subject: Well this feels weird...
Well this is not feeling normal,
Well family it feels weird to me to starting thinking about all of these things, school and everything in between. Weirdest of all is that my sister is not going to be on a mission much longer. It to me is hard to think that I am that close to the end and that she is really close to a new beginning. OH and if she finds some prince charming while I am in Oregon she is not allowed I repeat NOT ALLOWED to get married while I am gone. That is against the rules! Enough of that, moving on, that is good to hear that she is going to be home it is sad to hear that I will be the only missionary in the home for the next 5 or so months so, the blessings maybe a little less then with two sorry :/ My health is better I am hoping that it will all come to be one hundred percent soon.
Well, this week was good we were doing some service we helped a lady who had a death and it asking the members that live above us questions so we helped her with her yard and we were able to get a good lesson we have another one tomorrow we are excited about that. We have been finding a lot and really it is getting hard when you have been through the town a lot, but we are finding people. The Less-active work is coming along and really cool thing is that we are having the ward to expand and that the Lord is blessing this ward for there willingness. I pray that this all will continue that is really all that we need to do to be successful. We are spending time doing service as well and it was really quite nice the weather is perfect to do it and I am not even kidding I really enjoy splitting logs. We helped Y-- he is an older man in the ward he is awesome! We are splitting some myrtle wood for him, myrtle wood is really hard to split but, it is well worth the spiritual rewards.
Well, not a whole lot has happened this week but, I am still well.
Love!
Elder Christian James Delis
HERMANA DELIS
Subject: HEY!!
Hey, you guys!
Happy today!
Thank you so so much for your emails. I feel like Heavenly Father is so proud of me, and it means the WORLD to hear it from you guys. Haha, I can't believe I'm coming home. I barely even think about it actually happening. But hearing you guys say that you have been so proud of me just let me read what my Heavenly Father has been telling me for almost 6 weeks straight. Man, I am so thankful. Thank you for being proud of me.
Okay, let me tell you about some rockin awesome miracles that happened this last week.
We taught SO MANY PEOPLE this week--I kid you not, we were teaching in a Baskin Robins, on front porches, with investigators who invited their friends over, with investigators who just happened to have friends over....(haha), in shops, in basements, members homes...just everywhere. I felt like everywhere we walked there were miracles to be found. Obvious miracles. It was so awesome.
V----- M----- is getting baptized on the 11th of august, and this kid ROCKS!!! My favorite lesson of the mission was last night in his home about the Plan of Salvation. MAN--it was the perfect teaching experience. It was such an awesome discussion. He has learned SO much since we started teaching him, and he is just SO READY to be baptized. My favorite comment that he made was about death. He said "Me gusta que la muerte sea parejo" which basically means that he likes that death happens to anyone and everyone--it doesn't matter who you are: big, tall, rich, poor, funny, a goober, WHATEVER--it happens. So we asked him why he liked that, and he said because he knew that his Heavenly Father was like that, too. His plan happens to all of us--we live as crucial parts to His plan whether we believe in Him or not. So we when we start to believe, that is when we change. AHH!!! It was the BOMB. So we talked about how when we live like Christ, we come to love our Heavenly Father like He loves us. MAN IT WAS THE BEST. I have LOVED teaching V----- and watching him change and open up to us. The gospel was an answer to his prayers. And I cannot tell you how incredible it feels to have been someone who got to speak the answers he was searching for. Alma 26!
He gave me a little going away present that I will forever cherish. It's this little bandera with a poem on it. The poem talks about little prayers being answered in huge ways. That is exactly how I feel on a daily basis--it just kind of defines the mission for me. I would ask for something, and the Lord would not only give me what I had asked for, but He would move mountains for the work and for me. I had no idea what I would receive for being here. I can't even tell you how awesome it feels to know that I served Him well. He feels so close. I want that to stay. I know life is not the mission. It will end, ha. But I want the relationship with my Father in Heaven to just get better. And I trust His promise: Ask and ye shall receive! So I am praying big time that He just stays with me. I PROMISE I will do my part, I just want this peace.
And that has been probably the coolest thing I learned this week: WE CHOOSE THE PEACE WE WANT IN OUR LIFE. If we want peace, choose to have faith. Believe in His promise in Matt 11:28-30, give up your worries and troubles to Him. He will take them! That helped a lot this week. But He will never leave us alone if we just want, ask, and live worthily. Ah, we are so blessed.
This week I spoke in church, too, about diligence in our discipleship. I was so nervous to speak, and I have no idea why--I love this ward. But I was prayig so hard that it would be okay. And then it was. :) I am positive my companions were praying so hard, too. I am graetful for them. They are awesome. In the talk I talekd a lot about putting our trust in the Savior and diong our part consistently and faithfully. We can't do everything all at once, but we can ALWAYS do our part TODAY. Mosiah 4:26-27. I love those scriptures.
Also, EVERYONE wanted to have us over for dinner, lunch, brunch, snacks, dessert...haha, in like 3 days we had almost 8 dinner appointments planned. We asked a few to let us just come by and share a message, ha. Hahaaa oh man, it was kind of gross. But they were so kind. EVERYONE was so so so nice, anytime anyone talked to me, that were giving me advice for the future, thanking me for the service I'd given, it was just incredible. I felt like a queen.
My favorite "thank you" was from S------. She was a less-active that moved into the area when Hna Riddle, Williams and I got together as a companionship, and in this one appointment we just helped her through some tough struggles. Man, I can't even tell you how cool it was to hear her talk to me like she did this Sunday, she was just so grateful. I hope so bad I told her well enough how grateful I was for her.
My favorite guy in the ward is hno E------- --I want you guys to meet him so bad. He said so many great things about you guys this sunday--he wanted me to make sure I gave you a big hug. DOYYY I was gunna anyway...haha. So many people this week talked about how much they were grateful for MY PARENTS--you were prayed for by our investigators and members all week long, especially Sunday. They just thanked you for sending me. It was so tender. I hope you felt those prayers. I did big time.
And Spanish. It felt like everyone this week kept complimenting me on how well I'd learned Spanish in the past months. I was grateful to hear that. Mostly I was grateful ALL week long for the Spanish that I have learned. Man, I love that language so much. I just learned so much from Spanish and I am excited to keep studying it.
You guys, this week was great. I cannot believe how blessed we've been. Hoy and the whole 18 months. Man. I love my calling. :) DyC 123:16-17 defines how I've felt these 18 months and this week, too. I have cherished the time I have had to serve the Lord and just watch His work unfold here, and funnily enough, in me, too. MAN.
What a ride.
I just couldn't be more grateful. This work is true. I love The Savior. I love that He has let me be His hands and His mouth. I love that He has trusted me. I'm excited to see what's coming up next--I trust He'll keep guiding me. :) Alma 26:12
I love you, and I will see you in TWO DAYS!!!! :)
Hna Delis
Friday, August 3, 2012
Week of July Twenty-TWO: Elder D is HEALING and Katie has one week of service to DO!
Elder D!
Subject: Hey, I am well and I am starting to feel like myself!!
Howdy,
Well, I am starting to feel normal. The steriods the doctor put me on made it hard for me to think anything through. I was not fun to deal with for such a long period of time. I am just glad that I can think without loosing my train of thought! I am down to the last few days and I am grateful it is coming to a close. I am so grateful for doctors that know what they are doing so I can breathe.
This was a good week, we were able to have another baptism! J---, is now a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! YES! That was an awesome and a long time coming! It is such a blessing that he recieved the Gift of the Holy Ghost. That to me is truly the greatest thing. I am glad that people will always have the gift if they are willing to do all that the Lord asks of them. The power of the message that we have is able to help give all souls true joy. The greatest joy I feel is when we are able to help people find true joy. We were able to do a lot this week. The many people that we see are able to see the whole outlook on life, that is truly amazing. I am so glad though that Savior loves each of us so much that he is able to bring us back to His presence. I am so thankful for all that I HAVE! I wish I could be able to express in words all that I feel but time doesn't allow.
Sorry today I am uber short on time. I was reading everyone's email and I am still going to write President. :)
Love,
Elder Christian James Delis
--------------------------------------
Hermana Kate Delis
Subject: D&C 123: 16-17
Hello, hello!
Happy today, mi familia! I am so excited to be writing you today. It's been a great week.
Elder Delis, I am so happy to hear that you are doing well. I'm praying for you big time. :)
Welp, the work is so great over here. Every time we set a goal, we've been given a way to accomplish it. It's been incredible to see our prayers fulfilled. I know that all our success in the work this week was provided by our Father in Heaven. He loves us. He loves these people. He loves this work.
J---- is our new friend with a baptismal date, and him and his mom came to church this week! They are soaking everything up, and I LOVE being in their presence. V----- too!! He is the BOMB. He is such a pure, pure guy. He reminds me of when we got to teach J--- C----- in Carpentersville--remember him? They are both just so open to truth and recognize it easily. It's so fun to help him learn it all. He is a light in our week!!
The comps are rockin' it as always. Hna W-------- is such a little fireball--she's so fun to have around because everytime she opens her mouth she just testifies, testifies, testifies. I LOVE IT. It gives me strength all day long. Hna R----- is great because she LOVES EVERYONE. She's good at recognizing other people's worth and helping them see it, too. She is a very loving missionary. Them put together have been this crazy blessing this last grand transfer. They have taught me so much about the gospel, about how missionaries work and think, about helping others reach their potential, about love. They are good girls, and I will forever be grateful for them.
We had our zone meeting for the transfer this past week and it was great. I am so grateful for our mission President. I have prayed so much for him and his family, and I just heard the voice of the Lord through him this past week in such personal ways. I am so thankful for the process that I went through to see him as a servant of our Heavenly Father. It taught me SO MUCH about leadership in the church and the power of supporting Christ's chosen leaders. Ah, I will forever pray for the leaders of the church now. I see their role in our Heavenly Father's plan SO much clearer. It was such a special experience for me.
Also, I was asked to give my departing testimony this week at the meeting. All the missionaries that go home give a small testimony before they leave about what they've learned/loved/how they've changed. The only l thing I could think or say was how grateful I was. That's actually the emotion of the transfer. I thought it would be SO different coming home--I thought there would be more sadness for some reason. But I LOVE this calling, I love and appreciate the role I've played in this great work, and I am SO grateful for the role my Father in Heaven has played in my life and the lives of the people I've grown to love. I am so grateful for the blessings I've recieved and, in fact, I actually feel a little bit selfish. I can't believe how much I've been given. I see how much I lack, all the weaknesses I have, all the ways I've failed, but that doesn't make me sad because I have seen the strength of the Savior. He lives, and He works in our lives if we just let Him.
You guys, I am so happy. This work is true. Thanks for always helping me live it.
Love you loads, give you big hugs soon :)
Hna Delis
Subject: Hey, I am well and I am starting to feel like myself!!
Howdy,
Well, I am starting to feel normal. The steriods the doctor put me on made it hard for me to think anything through. I was not fun to deal with for such a long period of time. I am just glad that I can think without loosing my train of thought! I am down to the last few days and I am grateful it is coming to a close. I am so grateful for doctors that know what they are doing so I can breathe.
This was a good week, we were able to have another baptism! J---, is now a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! YES! That was an awesome and a long time coming! It is such a blessing that he recieved the Gift of the Holy Ghost. That to me is truly the greatest thing. I am glad that people will always have the gift if they are willing to do all that the Lord asks of them. The power of the message that we have is able to help give all souls true joy. The greatest joy I feel is when we are able to help people find true joy. We were able to do a lot this week. The many people that we see are able to see the whole outlook on life, that is truly amazing. I am so glad though that Savior loves each of us so much that he is able to bring us back to His presence. I am so thankful for all that I HAVE! I wish I could be able to express in words all that I feel but time doesn't allow.
Sorry today I am uber short on time. I was reading everyone's email and I am still going to write President. :)
Love,
Elder Christian James Delis
--------------------------------------
Hermana Kate Delis
Subject: D&C 123: 16-17
Hello, hello!
Happy today, mi familia! I am so excited to be writing you today. It's been a great week.
Elder Delis, I am so happy to hear that you are doing well. I'm praying for you big time. :)
Welp, the work is so great over here. Every time we set a goal, we've been given a way to accomplish it. It's been incredible to see our prayers fulfilled. I know that all our success in the work this week was provided by our Father in Heaven. He loves us. He loves these people. He loves this work.
J---- is our new friend with a baptismal date, and him and his mom came to church this week! They are soaking everything up, and I LOVE being in their presence. V----- too!! He is the BOMB. He is such a pure, pure guy. He reminds me of when we got to teach J--- C----- in Carpentersville--remember him? They are both just so open to truth and recognize it easily. It's so fun to help him learn it all. He is a light in our week!!
The comps are rockin' it as always. Hna W-------- is such a little fireball--she's so fun to have around because everytime she opens her mouth she just testifies, testifies, testifies. I LOVE IT. It gives me strength all day long. Hna R----- is great because she LOVES EVERYONE. She's good at recognizing other people's worth and helping them see it, too. She is a very loving missionary. Them put together have been this crazy blessing this last grand transfer. They have taught me so much about the gospel, about how missionaries work and think, about helping others reach their potential, about love. They are good girls, and I will forever be grateful for them.
We had our zone meeting for the transfer this past week and it was great. I am so grateful for our mission President. I have prayed so much for him and his family, and I just heard the voice of the Lord through him this past week in such personal ways. I am so thankful for the process that I went through to see him as a servant of our Heavenly Father. It taught me SO MUCH about leadership in the church and the power of supporting Christ's chosen leaders. Ah, I will forever pray for the leaders of the church now. I see their role in our Heavenly Father's plan SO much clearer. It was such a special experience for me.
Also, I was asked to give my departing testimony this week at the meeting. All the missionaries that go home give a small testimony before they leave about what they've learned/loved/how they've changed. The only l thing I could think or say was how grateful I was. That's actually the emotion of the transfer. I thought it would be SO different coming home--I thought there would be more sadness for some reason. But I LOVE this calling, I love and appreciate the role I've played in this great work, and I am SO grateful for the role my Father in Heaven has played in my life and the lives of the people I've grown to love. I am so grateful for the blessings I've recieved and, in fact, I actually feel a little bit selfish. I can't believe how much I've been given. I see how much I lack, all the weaknesses I have, all the ways I've failed, but that doesn't make me sad because I have seen the strength of the Savior. He lives, and He works in our lives if we just let Him.
You guys, I am so happy. This work is true. Thanks for always helping me live it.
Love you loads, give you big hugs soon :)
Hna Delis
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Week of July One-FIVE: Kate is almost home & Christian is THANKFULLY still ALIVE!!
Elder D!
Subject: I am fine and I can feel your prayers.
Hey,
As you have already heard from Sister Y----, I have asthma. It sounds like I am going to be in need of an inhaler for the rest of my life, in case something happens. I know you are worried and this is not what you want to hear, but I am healthy, I just have to be careful. I am grateful for your concern. I am on a steriod called Prednisone, it is used to help build up the immune system. I have been really energic for the last few days and that has not been really fun to deal with when you are trying to relax, my brain and my body is going t fast to slow down. I am more energizes than normal. :) Oh well, it happens I guess.
This week is all about doing all I can to make sure that I am healthy. I feel an overwhelming calm and I can testify that it has been from prayers from home and from those that I love. I am certain of it! I am thankful for every single day. As I read my scriptures I begin to realize more of the true principles that pertain to the happiness that comes to the freeing souls to know that the gospel is true. I say, "free" since it isn't truly saving unless they think they are bringing them to a better place. The one thing I fee that we are freeing souls from the sadness that comes from the adversary. The best thing about the conclusion of this week was we did have a baptism. E---- was baptized and confirmed a member of the church. I am certain that we are blessed through our willingness to serve the Lord and put our whole might, mind and strength. The power of the spirit is able to testify the change and we are able to spark that fire, what we feel is joy, the joy is truly eternal! The happiness is eternal. The way to be happy is through all that we do and knowing when we do the Lord is going to bless us immediately. I may not be 100% yet, I am more than able to say that every single moment that we are doing what we can to bring or help change one soul, freeing them from the bonds of mortality. That truly comes from the powerful saving strength of the Savior Jesus Christ and that is my greatest happiness and greatest joy.
Love,
Elder Christian James Delis
------------------------
Hermana Kate Delis
Subject: ASTHMA?????
What the heck? Christian, we are praying for you. I cannot believe that. I think you might be a version of Job with all these illnesses, my friend. I cannot believe that. Thank heavens they know what's up, that is so crazy. We're praying hard NOTHING ELSE HAPPENS. As if there was something else that could happen--honestly, what more is there? Haha.
Great news: V----- M----- set a date to be baptized!! I can't tell you how excited I am about that. It's been so awesome to see him progress. He does literally eveything we ask him to, and always gets awesome answers to prayers--so simple, but awesome because he knows from where the answers came. AWESOME. Pray that he keeps going strong!
A--- F-----, my favorite guy that got baptized recently said something cool last night. Background: We had his FIRST NEW MEMBER LESSON (WOO!!) yesterday, and he asked awesome questions about the priesthood. It was so great. At the end we asked if there was anyhting we could do to help them before we left, and him and his mom (another recent convert) just said "KEEP COMING!!!" like at the same time and way excited--such a good feeling as a missionary. And then Abel said something that I was just so grateful to hear: "And hermana Delis, when you go home, just get on a plane and come back Saturday and sunday nights to come teach us more! I am almost positive that is your personal commandment from the Lord. You gotta do it." I laughed and we all teased about it for a minute, it was cute. But man, I left so grateful to know that he appreciated the message I had the priviledge to bring to him. I am so grateful to serve these people, and I realized last night that some of them are grateful for me, too, and it was so so sweet for me. I love being a servant of the Lord. I love His message of hope and redemption. I love His children.
Life is too cool. :)
Okay, to Chicago we go! I love you lots and will see you soon!!
Hna Delis
Subject: I am fine and I can feel your prayers.
Hey,
As you have already heard from Sister Y----, I have asthma. It sounds like I am going to be in need of an inhaler for the rest of my life, in case something happens. I know you are worried and this is not what you want to hear, but I am healthy, I just have to be careful. I am grateful for your concern. I am on a steriod called Prednisone, it is used to help build up the immune system. I have been really energic for the last few days and that has not been really fun to deal with when you are trying to relax, my brain and my body is going t fast to slow down. I am more energizes than normal. :) Oh well, it happens I guess.
This week is all about doing all I can to make sure that I am healthy. I feel an overwhelming calm and I can testify that it has been from prayers from home and from those that I love. I am certain of it! I am thankful for every single day. As I read my scriptures I begin to realize more of the true principles that pertain to the happiness that comes to the freeing souls to know that the gospel is true. I say, "free" since it isn't truly saving unless they think they are bringing them to a better place. The one thing I fee that we are freeing souls from the sadness that comes from the adversary. The best thing about the conclusion of this week was we did have a baptism. E---- was baptized and confirmed a member of the church. I am certain that we are blessed through our willingness to serve the Lord and put our whole might, mind and strength. The power of the spirit is able to testify the change and we are able to spark that fire, what we feel is joy, the joy is truly eternal! The happiness is eternal. The way to be happy is through all that we do and knowing when we do the Lord is going to bless us immediately. I may not be 100% yet, I am more than able to say that every single moment that we are doing what we can to bring or help change one soul, freeing them from the bonds of mortality. That truly comes from the powerful saving strength of the Savior Jesus Christ and that is my greatest happiness and greatest joy.
Love,
Elder Christian James Delis
------------------------
Hermana Kate Delis
Subject: ASTHMA?????
What the heck? Christian, we are praying for you. I cannot believe that. I think you might be a version of Job with all these illnesses, my friend. I cannot believe that. Thank heavens they know what's up, that is so crazy. We're praying hard NOTHING ELSE HAPPENS. As if there was something else that could happen--honestly, what more is there? Haha.
So today. We are goiong to the city city real soon as a little "Goodbye hermana delis" adventure...haha. Details to come about that later. But my fav girl Hna D-- is going to be there, and I am so excited to see her. But that also means that this little email is going to be a bit brief. But alas, I will see you SOON. :) (Side note: so weird, huh?) TOTALLY WEIRD.
Great news: V----- M----- set a date to be baptized!! I can't tell you how excited I am about that. It's been so awesome to see him progress. He does literally eveything we ask him to, and always gets awesome answers to prayers--so simple, but awesome because he knows from where the answers came. AWESOME. Pray that he keeps going strong!
A--- F-----, my favorite guy that got baptized recently said something cool last night. Background: We had his FIRST NEW MEMBER LESSON (WOO!!) yesterday, and he asked awesome questions about the priesthood. It was so great. At the end we asked if there was anyhting we could do to help them before we left, and him and his mom (another recent convert) just said "KEEP COMING!!!" like at the same time and way excited--such a good feeling as a missionary. And then Abel said something that I was just so grateful to hear: "And hermana Delis, when you go home, just get on a plane and come back Saturday and sunday nights to come teach us more! I am almost positive that is your personal commandment from the Lord. You gotta do it." I laughed and we all teased about it for a minute, it was cute. But man, I left so grateful to know that he appreciated the message I had the priviledge to bring to him. I am so grateful to serve these people, and I realized last night that some of them are grateful for me, too, and it was so so sweet for me. I love being a servant of the Lord. I love His message of hope and redemption. I love His children.
Life is too cool. :)
Okay, to Chicago we go! I love you lots and will see you soon!!
(for real!)
Hna Delis
Week of July EIGHT: Another email from Elder D & Hermana KATE
Elder D!
Subject: Hey!!...That's not fair I was dancin' there!
Hey family!
Well, from all your emails I can tell you are wondering how I am doing. I am fine. I am not 100%, but I am doing better than I have been. Sorry for the email delay, I was at the beach all day yesterday (Monday) and that's why you are hearing from me today. Yes, don't worry I have pictures for you guys, a member took them for us and they will be in 3D, it will be really cool.
Here's a quick run through on the week and then I will tell you what happened on Saturday. To begin with, it was a funky week.
Monday: we did not have a P-day...that threw me for a loop...it was moved to Wednesday because of the 4th of July. We did spend time meeting with our less-actives, we can never get a hold of them, so that was pretty awesome.
Tuesday: tracting was hard because most people were out of town for the holiday.
Thursday: was meeting day and we went to Coos Bay and had District meeting, tracted and then did splits.
Friday: did some finding, but we are not seeing new people right now, a lot of old investigators are appearing out of nowhere.
Saturday: was a interesting day. In the morning we helped a newly wed couple in our ward with their yard. We helped them mow their yard with a weedeater (that was my job). After running back to our apartment to change, we left for Myrtle Point. We had planned to see K-------, but she wasn't home, so we left and visited people with Brother O'C------. We got to his house for dinner and while we were there I had a hard time breathing. Throughout the day I was struggling, it just felt hard to breathe. I had just finished eating dinner and I was having a hard time talking. I started to cough uncontrollably and as I sat there it got worse, so went outside and tried to see if that would make a difference. It didn't. So we went to the ambulance and they looked at me and gave me, what is called an updraft, it is like a shot of adrenaline, just to my lungs. We then drove to the ER and I didn't have pneumonia or mono so they were unsure. The doctor was told I had an updraft and then he assumed it was allergies since I don't have asthma. So we got back and we talked to Brother W----- in our ward, he is a doctor, and he said it was my allergies to grass that caused my lungs to close. And he said it doesn't help since it is hay season either. I am fine. I just have to be careful!
I love you and you are always in my prayers!
Love,
Elder Christian James Delis
----------------------
Hermana Kate Delis
Subject: WHAT A CRAZY WEEK!!
Hey family, HAPPY TODAY!
Okay, super short on time once again over here, but I will try to give you a wrap of our cool week.
1. A--- is a member!!!! His baptism was beautiful. Absolutely crazy behind the scenes, but great. Absolutely wonderful. I am so thankful for his conversion. It was an absolute privilege to have been a part of. He is going to be such a strong priesthood holder. One of the members came up to me and told me that after the baptism, and I just swelled with pride (as if he were my son or something, haha)--but it is so so so true. He will be a faithful, strong priesthood holder. :) I am so thankful for that man.
2. We found so so so many people to teach this week!! I am so grateful for that. I feel like we just walk in all the right places these days, and it's been such a blessing to meet so many people who are so interested in learning more. We recently started teaching Lupe, and she is just the sweetest little blessings for me. I feel like every time we go in to teach her, she is just open and ready to learn. She's fun. We would totally be friends outside the mission. So grateful to be teaching her.
3. The best thing I learned this week: We must RUN back to the Lord to thank Him for ALL we have been given. Our trials are just that--JUST trials. Don't focus on them! Focus on ALL that He has given you. You will be happy. :)
4. The trio is rockin' it as always. I can't wait to tell you about some of the miracles we've seen in each other this transfer. IT's been pretty cool. :)
Okay, love you loads and talk to you all soon! Hey! I'll even give you a hug in a few days! WEIRD!!
Keep smiling,
Hna Delis
Subject: Hey!!...That's not fair I was dancin' there!
Hey family!
Well, from all your emails I can tell you are wondering how I am doing. I am fine. I am not 100%, but I am doing better than I have been. Sorry for the email delay, I was at the beach all day yesterday (Monday) and that's why you are hearing from me today. Yes, don't worry I have pictures for you guys, a member took them for us and they will be in 3D, it will be really cool.
Here's a quick run through on the week and then I will tell you what happened on Saturday. To begin with, it was a funky week.
Monday: we did not have a P-day...that threw me for a loop...it was moved to Wednesday because of the 4th of July. We did spend time meeting with our less-actives, we can never get a hold of them, so that was pretty awesome.
Tuesday: tracting was hard because most people were out of town for the holiday.
Thursday: was meeting day and we went to Coos Bay and had District meeting, tracted and then did splits.
Friday: did some finding, but we are not seeing new people right now, a lot of old investigators are appearing out of nowhere.
Saturday: was a interesting day. In the morning we helped a newly wed couple in our ward with their yard. We helped them mow their yard with a weedeater (that was my job). After running back to our apartment to change, we left for Myrtle Point. We had planned to see K-------, but she wasn't home, so we left and visited people with Brother O'C------. We got to his house for dinner and while we were there I had a hard time breathing. Throughout the day I was struggling, it just felt hard to breathe. I had just finished eating dinner and I was having a hard time talking. I started to cough uncontrollably and as I sat there it got worse, so went outside and tried to see if that would make a difference. It didn't. So we went to the ambulance and they looked at me and gave me, what is called an updraft, it is like a shot of adrenaline, just to my lungs. We then drove to the ER and I didn't have pneumonia or mono so they were unsure. The doctor was told I had an updraft and then he assumed it was allergies since I don't have asthma. So we got back and we talked to Brother W----- in our ward, he is a doctor, and he said it was my allergies to grass that caused my lungs to close. And he said it doesn't help since it is hay season either. I am fine. I just have to be careful!
I love you and you are always in my prayers!
Love,
Elder Christian James Delis
----------------------
Hermana Kate Delis
Subject: WHAT A CRAZY WEEK!!
Hey family, HAPPY TODAY!
Okay, super short on time once again over here, but I will try to give you a wrap of our cool week.
1. A--- is a member!!!! His baptism was beautiful. Absolutely crazy behind the scenes, but great. Absolutely wonderful. I am so thankful for his conversion. It was an absolute privilege to have been a part of. He is going to be such a strong priesthood holder. One of the members came up to me and told me that after the baptism, and I just swelled with pride (as if he were my son or something, haha)--but it is so so so true. He will be a faithful, strong priesthood holder. :) I am so thankful for that man.
2. We found so so so many people to teach this week!! I am so grateful for that. I feel like we just walk in all the right places these days, and it's been such a blessing to meet so many people who are so interested in learning more. We recently started teaching Lupe, and she is just the sweetest little blessings for me. I feel like every time we go in to teach her, she is just open and ready to learn. She's fun. We would totally be friends outside the mission. So grateful to be teaching her.
3. The best thing I learned this week: We must RUN back to the Lord to thank Him for ALL we have been given. Our trials are just that--JUST trials. Don't focus on them! Focus on ALL that He has given you. You will be happy. :)
4. The trio is rockin' it as always. I can't wait to tell you about some of the miracles we've seen in each other this transfer. IT's been pretty cool. :)
Okay, love you loads and talk to you all soon! Hey! I'll even give you a hug in a few days! WEIRD!!
Keep smiling,
Hna Delis
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Week of July ONE: Partying without Power was not FUN!
Elder D!
Subject: Well ... I am glad all is well!
Hey family,
It was really hard for me to hear on Friday that the East Coast was going through a lot of bad weather. It about broke my heart that I couldn't do anything to help. And that I was not able to go to you and be with you while it was happening. On Sunday a lot of people were coming up to me to asking if everyone in my family was alright, and not knowing and truly I wasn't sure was a real shock to my system. For me, yesterday, that was a major part of my fast. I am glad all is well. It was hard to continue to do missionary work when I could feel that you were in a ruckus. I spent most my spare time praying all would be well. The funny thing is, that on Saturday morning I was not feeling so good and normally I am alright. I couldn't think straight and while I was doing my scripture study, I felt like I should just relax. To be honest, I had no idea what that meant, but I just sat there and thought about the things that can and DO bring joy to my life...and I thought about my FAMILY. The most incredible feeling of peace came over me and I felt the most blessed person to know that my family is safe. I felt like it couldn't hurt to fast that all other problems at home would be resolved. PHEW!
Well, our week was pretty busy. We were trying to make sure that we did everything needed to be sure Elder F----- knows the area. This is his last transfer as a missionary, he goes home at the beginning of August. Please pray that I stay for another transfer after his departure so this area does not get doubled transferrred. That would stink because this area is having so much success.
I am so glad the Lord is able to direct us. I am grateful for the Gospel. And I am glad to have such a loving family!
Love,
Elder Christian James Delis
------------------------------------
Hermana Kate Delis
Subject: PRAYING FOR YOU!!
Hey fam!
I cannot believe that you had a storm that crazy and are still without power--what a crazy week. You are in my prayers. I am not surprised that it happened on Friday. I had knots--HUGE knots I tell you--in my back literally all day long. All day! They actually still haven't totally gone away. I got a blessing the next morning because I was pretty sick and stressed out, and it talked a lot about you guys. I know you are safe. And I am praying hard for all of you. :)
This email is going to be pretty short--I am so sorry that this won't be a very lengthy letter after a stressful week! But let me tell you about some fun things happening over here:
A--- is actually getting baptized this Saturday! Cool changes. It's at 7 o'clock and it's going to be the bomb. :) He is a changed man. MAN it is so cool to talk with him. He was talking yesterday about goals and what it means to have a goal that is big enough to capture your focus even when trials are hard. IT WAS INCREIDBLE to hear him talk about the power of humility and coming to trust the Lord and follow Him. INCREDIBLE! He gives me hope that even I can change, too. Haha. The gospel is true!!
This morning I finished my almost 16 month study of the Book of Mormon in Spanish. :) Yes! Can you believe it? It is a true book, even in another language! Haha :) I will forever be grateful for the Book of Mormon. And Spanish, haha. I get so teary-eyed when I think about how much I love Spanish, haha. I can't wait to show you my book of mormon in Spanish. I remember opening a Book of Mormon that W--- B--------- let me borrow before my mission and looking at the words in there and just wondering how on earth I could ever learn this language. And in the start of my mission, I would read it all the time and not really understand what it was telling me. So I would pray to just PLEASE one day be able to REALLY study and learn from the Book of Mormon in Spanish. Now, literally just a bit later, I feel so blessed to be watching all of these little, heart-felt prayers be answered. My gospel study is completely in Spanish, and I can communicate what I love about the gospel in a different language. I feel like I have talked about this my whole mission, ha, SPANISH SPANISH SPANISH. It's that I feel like Heavenly Father just HANDED me this priviledge of knowing another lanugage--He just gave it to me. Cake. I didn't do a thing to earn it, deserve it. But as my faith in Christ grew, so did my Spanish progress. I can't explain to you how grateful I am. It has taught me so much.
ANYWHO, fun little moment in the life of Hna Delis. :) Also, V----- came to church again and he is reading and praying!!!! I LOVE that he's praying. He's pretty open about his experiences with prayer and it ROCKS. He was like "It was weird the first time I did it, but then I did it every day before I went to work and before I read the Book of Mormon and I like it." YEAH!! We were so excited. He's reading the Book of Mormon like CRAZY too! :) We've got lots of friends who are having experiences like that these days, and it's been so fun for us to be apart of it all. We are loving on our investigators big time these days, they are too great. :) TOO GREAT!!
Well fam, you are in my prayers. :) I love you lots and lots, and please keeping praying for us here--we ALWAYS feel your support. You can expect the same from us. :)
Love you,
Hna Delis
Subject: Well ... I am glad all is well!
Hey family,
It was really hard for me to hear on Friday that the East Coast was going through a lot of bad weather. It about broke my heart that I couldn't do anything to help. And that I was not able to go to you and be with you while it was happening. On Sunday a lot of people were coming up to me to asking if everyone in my family was alright, and not knowing and truly I wasn't sure was a real shock to my system. For me, yesterday, that was a major part of my fast. I am glad all is well. It was hard to continue to do missionary work when I could feel that you were in a ruckus. I spent most my spare time praying all would be well. The funny thing is, that on Saturday morning I was not feeling so good and normally I am alright. I couldn't think straight and while I was doing my scripture study, I felt like I should just relax. To be honest, I had no idea what that meant, but I just sat there and thought about the things that can and DO bring joy to my life...and I thought about my FAMILY. The most incredible feeling of peace came over me and I felt the most blessed person to know that my family is safe. I felt like it couldn't hurt to fast that all other problems at home would be resolved. PHEW!
Well, our week was pretty busy. We were trying to make sure that we did everything needed to be sure Elder F----- knows the area. This is his last transfer as a missionary, he goes home at the beginning of August. Please pray that I stay for another transfer after his departure so this area does not get doubled transferrred. That would stink because this area is having so much success.
I am so glad the Lord is able to direct us. I am grateful for the Gospel. And I am glad to have such a loving family!
Love,
Elder Christian James Delis
------------------------------------
Hermana Kate Delis
Subject: PRAYING FOR YOU!!
Hey fam!
I cannot believe that you had a storm that crazy and are still without power--what a crazy week. You are in my prayers. I am not surprised that it happened on Friday. I had knots--HUGE knots I tell you--in my back literally all day long. All day! They actually still haven't totally gone away. I got a blessing the next morning because I was pretty sick and stressed out, and it talked a lot about you guys. I know you are safe. And I am praying hard for all of you. :)
This email is going to be pretty short--I am so sorry that this won't be a very lengthy letter after a stressful week! But let me tell you about some fun things happening over here:
A--- is actually getting baptized this Saturday! Cool changes. It's at 7 o'clock and it's going to be the bomb. :) He is a changed man. MAN it is so cool to talk with him. He was talking yesterday about goals and what it means to have a goal that is big enough to capture your focus even when trials are hard. IT WAS INCREIDBLE to hear him talk about the power of humility and coming to trust the Lord and follow Him. INCREDIBLE! He gives me hope that even I can change, too. Haha. The gospel is true!!
This morning I finished my almost 16 month study of the Book of Mormon in Spanish. :) Yes! Can you believe it? It is a true book, even in another language! Haha :) I will forever be grateful for the Book of Mormon. And Spanish, haha. I get so teary-eyed when I think about how much I love Spanish, haha. I can't wait to show you my book of mormon in Spanish. I remember opening a Book of Mormon that W--- B--------- let me borrow before my mission and looking at the words in there and just wondering how on earth I could ever learn this language. And in the start of my mission, I would read it all the time and not really understand what it was telling me. So I would pray to just PLEASE one day be able to REALLY study and learn from the Book of Mormon in Spanish. Now, literally just a bit later, I feel so blessed to be watching all of these little, heart-felt prayers be answered. My gospel study is completely in Spanish, and I can communicate what I love about the gospel in a different language. I feel like I have talked about this my whole mission, ha, SPANISH SPANISH SPANISH. It's that I feel like Heavenly Father just HANDED me this priviledge of knowing another lanugage--He just gave it to me. Cake. I didn't do a thing to earn it, deserve it. But as my faith in Christ grew, so did my Spanish progress. I can't explain to you how grateful I am. It has taught me so much.
ANYWHO, fun little moment in the life of Hna Delis. :) Also, V----- came to church again and he is reading and praying!!!! I LOVE that he's praying. He's pretty open about his experiences with prayer and it ROCKS. He was like "It was weird the first time I did it, but then I did it every day before I went to work and before I read the Book of Mormon and I like it." YEAH!! We were so excited. He's reading the Book of Mormon like CRAZY too! :) We've got lots of friends who are having experiences like that these days, and it's been so fun for us to be apart of it all. We are loving on our investigators big time these days, they are too great. :) TOO GREAT!!
News as well: We have new mission presidents! Pres. F--- and his wife. :) We meet them in a few days! Crazy. :)
Well fam, you are in my prayers. :) I love you lots and lots, and please keeping praying for us here--we ALWAYS feel your support. You can expect the same from us. :)
Love you,
Hna Delis
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