7 months out (yesterday) -- no time to waste!!

My beloved family and friends,

I love you all, and MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!! 8D

Weekly Presidential Report:

Dear President,

Today is my best day so far! I'm so grateful to be able to serve these phenomenal people as a representative of the Lord with my dear companion Élder Dean!! The Elves are relentless, and they never cease to surprise -- they made my companion pancakes this morning. What nerve! Our companionship is doing well and improving all the time!

This week has been completely filled with miracles and tender mercies!! This week my companion and I set out to love, serve, and fulfill our purpose, and to simultaneously attempt to reach the Standards of Excellence (3 investigators with a baptismal date, 6 investigators in Sacrament Meeting, 12 member-present lessons, and 6 new investigators).

The week started out strong, but then my companion and I fell ill, and my companion was (and still is) especially sick. Even still, we saw miracles; work was able to be done in our area, and, through the tender mercies of Heavenly Father, two of our investigators attended church!! I know that Heavenly Father will bless us if we strive to always be humble and obedient. We´re going to continue doing our best to preach the gospel by the Spirit, to be worthy of His companionship at all times, and to work with the members and local leaders in our joint-family-missionary work this week.

Our investigators that came to church (Fani and Roberto), are so receptive and sensitive to the Spirit; if it weren't for the fact that they're also leaving soon for Ecuador on vacation, they (along with their daughter) would be baptized in the coming weeks. Our investigator Ionel will be baptized the following week, since he wasn't able to make it to church either (it seems that we're all getting sick!). There are so many people who will be baptized here in Ibiza in the next month or so, when our old investigator families come back from their vacations. I'm so excited to welcome them back, and to help them truly come home to the Savior through baptism!!

I want to work on improving my relationship with my Savior. I need to be more humble and more open to Him. I need to trust more in Him, even trusting that He trusts in us. Obedience was never meant to be easy, but it's all that He asks of us, and I know that we, and these people we serve and love, are always blessed for it!!

Thank you so much for all that you and Sister Pace do for us!! I hope that you have a Happy New Year, President!! We're praying for you!!

Simply,

Élder Zubeldia

This week has been full of Christmas Spirit!! I love our job as missionaries!!! Spending Christmas with families, and sharing Christmas Spirit with everybody, is the BEST job in the world -- and we get to do it ALL THE TIME!!!!

This Christmas was a sacred day. The call home was very sacred for me. Family, thank you so much for your love, for your support. I love you all so very much. It might go without saying, but I will never go without saying it. :)

Christmas was also a wet and windy day, and it was so much fun to fill the puddly streets with English and Spanish Christmas Carols/Villancicos. Haha, I don't think my companion will let me sing any more Christmas songs in his presence ever again, though. X)

I love you all so much, and I wish you all the best New Years ever!! Here's an idea--set aside some personal time on your knees, with a pad of paper and a pen nearby, and talk to Heavenly Father for a while. Think of what you think you can do for Him this year, and write it down. Promise Him that you will do it, and ask for His help. If you do this with a sincere heart and real intent, having faith in Christ, I know that you will feel the Spirit guide you (the scriptures even agree, Moroni 10:3-6). Heavenly Father will strengthen and bless you as you do your best to become more like Him and to do something for Him in partial and loving return. Moroni 7:33

I know that Heavenly Father loves us, that He always has and He always will. I know that He truly did conquer death, because I know that He visited the Americas just like it is described in the Book of Mormon. I know this because I have read it, testified of it, and have felt the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:22-23) confirm it inside me. I know that this church is the restored Church of our Redeemer, and I´m grateful to be called by Him to share His restored good news!!

Love,

Élder Zubeldia

BON NADAL A TOTS!!!!! 8D

My dearest family,

Hey, I LOVE YOU ALL SOSOSOSO MUCH, and can you believe it´s Christmas time?! 8D I´m so grateful for the privilege it is to be a missionary during Christmas!!! BEST JOB EVER!!!!

My Weekly Presidential Update:

 

Dear President,

This week has been a phenomenal week; even more miraculous than previous weeks!! There have been too many miracles to conveniently tell you here, so I will focus on two of the most precious ones: the people we've been brought to who are committed to be baptized in the following weeks (I will write about one of them, Élder Dean the other three); our companionship and the strength and vitality that the Savior has blessed us with.

1) Ionel and his wife Carmen are from Romania. Ionel is a reference from our other Romanian investigator family. He is going to be baptized next Saturday, and he is so excited! He literally just called me, as I am typing, to meet with us before we take him to FHE tonight in a members' home. I know that this work is completely directed and enabled by God's grace, and that if we are humble and worthy, He will bring to pass miracles in the lives of those we love, like Ionel and his family.

2) Service rendered because of love has resulted in increased love between my companion and I. As you know, I've been searching for new and better ways to meaningfully serve my companion. Heavenly Father has provided a way, as He always does if we honestly seek His help. This week, "The Elves" have been running rampant doing service for my companion, leaving sticky-notes to tell him how much they love him. My companion declared war on "The Elves", and has, in vain, tried to catch them red-handed. It turned into a game, and soon he also picked up on it; just yesterday I found that my bed was made by "The Elves". This has become a great bonding experience and inside joke between us, and the strength of our brotherhood and companionship is SO much stronger than I would have thought realistic just a few weeks ago. As we lovingly serve one another in a fun way, our companionship is strengthened, and we are more able to teach and serve with the Spirit.

Simply,

Élder Zubeldia

I don't have as much time as I'd like, but I just want you to know that I love you all. Thank you for the warmth and strength that your prayers give me. :) I pray that you will all feel of our Redeemer's love for you every day, during and after this Christmas season.

For lack of time, let me say what I need to share: I know that Heavenly Father loves us, and that He is always there for us, even when we feel all alone. I know that Jesus of Nazareth truly provided the way for us to be able to become new, and that He truly understands and loves us completely. I know that Heavenly Father restored His only church again upon the earth through His prophet Joseph Smith, because the Holy Spirit has answered my questions regarding the Book of Mormon. I know that we can make covenants with Heavenly Father, and that, not only will He never fail on us, He will even give us every strength to be able to fulfill our part. I know that making covenants with God, especially through baptism, we will be blessed beyond our capacity to rejoice.

I know that as we strive to be obedient, and to share the joy that God has given us in our lives, we will have happiness and peace, despite all the difficult and painful things that come to us in life. I know these things because I've tried them in my own life; and I know that as we personally make the effort to experiment these things, and as we invite others to do likewise, God will bless us with happiness and peace.

I know these things with all the surety of my heart, and I am forever grateful for the infinite and tender love that God displays to me every day. You are all, individually, a part of what makes my life, and the lives of so many others, a reason for rejoicing.

Merry Christmas, my family. :) So few words can't describe it, but I'll use them just the same: I LOVE YOU!!!!

Simply,

Élder Zubeldia

Ibiza White Christmas!! ;D

My Phenomenal Family and Friends,

IN CASE YOU'VE FORGOTTEN: I LOVE YOU!!!!! Now don't forget, because you might get tired of being reminded. ;) (If that is the case, please forgive me, I just really do love you!)

This week has been pretty crazy!! Here is the Weekly Report to my President:

 

Dear President,

I'm doing fantastic, and I'm excited for this upcoming week here in the newly organized Ibiza A area!! Southern Ibiza (including San Antonio, Southern Ibiza-town, and San Josep, among other pueblos, etc) is Ibiza A, and I know that we're going to continue to see miracles!! We are going to follow your instruction, of course, to focus our efforts in Ibiza, where people are most likely to be able to attend church, while at the same time, we are going to continue working with the prepared people that we've found in San Antonio. This is so exciting -- we're going to learn so much with this challenge of having a two-pronged area!!

Miracle of the week: WE HAD AN INVESTIGATOR COME TO CHURCH THIS WEEK!!!!! A Romanian family that we teach brought Romanian friends (which they have a huge history of doing -- this is one of the reasons that we continue teaching them even though they're not technically progressing) Ionel and Carmen, a young couple. Ionel said that he's been hearing about us for months and has been anxious to meet with us. He asked perfect questions, and was very receptive. Thanks to the practice that we've had in teaching the Restoration (especially from this past Zone Conference), we were able to teach it with the power and authority of the Spirit, which the tears in his eyes testified to. We invited him to come to church, and were about to explain how far away it is (this meeting was in San Antonio), when he told us that HE LIVES IN IBIZA-TOWN, IN WHAT IS NOW OUR AREA!!! We called and informed all the leaders in the morning, and got some members to "hermanar" him, and he had a fantastic experience: it was the Primary Program, and in Elder Quorum they taught of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. It was a perfect day!! We have a follow-up visit with him, and he's excited to read the Romanian Book of Mormon that we've given him!! 

I KNOW that Heavenly Father puts prepared people in our paths if we are cheerfully obedient and continuously diligent!! I'm so grateful for the testimony of the Book of Mormon which gives authority to our words; for the guidance and presence of the Holy Ghost which gives power to our imperfect efforts; for the love of our Heavenly Father which motivates us to keep going when difficult moments arise. We are so blessed to be missionaries!! We have the best job EVER!!!!

I want to repent of not being the greatest companion for Élder Dean -- I want to more fully fulfill my goal of inspiring, elevating, motivating, blessing, serving, and loving him. I know that he is the most important person on this island. I want to help him really value and love himself as a missionary man. I know that as I continue fasting, praying, serving him, and being obedient, Heavenly Father will help me learn how to better help Élder Dean.

I'm also excited for this next week because Heavenly Father gave me an idea of how we, along with the local leaders, can help the members turn to the Branch Presidency for guidance instead of always to us. We're going to meet this week and discuss how we can do this. The idea that came to me was through Home and Visit Teaching. As missionaries, we visit people and represent the Savior; as people come to feel of the Lord's love for them through us, they come to seek more of the Lord's guidance (not ours, but His) in their lives. It hit me that Home Teaching is really a parallel-structured program: the Home Teachers represent the Presidency, and through prepared and loving Home Teachers, people will gain more respect for the leaders of whom their Home Teachers represent. I have brought it up to the Branch Presidency, and they think it's an interesting idea, so we're going to discuss it more later on this week.

I forgot which prophet said this, but his words were to this effect: "To achieve what has never been achieved, we must do what has never been done". I´m looking for ways to either do what hasn't been done, as guided by the Spirit, or do correctly do what we should already be doing. :) I know that Heavenly Father will guide and direct and bless us in our efforts to really bring about long-term progress in our Ibiza Branch Family.

Thank you for all that you do for us President!! Merry Christmas!!

Simply,
 
Élder Zubeldia

Funny things of the week: well, the crazy hobo with the fishes found us again yesterday (I'm pretty sure my companion and I are mania magnets X) ); a drugged-up Czechoslovakian man stopped us on the bus (smoking an electronic-cigarette, which are really weird) and spent the whole time telling me that I am crazy (with less-appropriate words), and that I need to leave missionary work and "eat life" -- when he was done (at intervals) I got to respectfully defend our purpose and God's work, basically teaching to the entire bus (sadly, we didn't have any pass-along cards -- we had just handed out the last ones -- but at least we planted a HUGE SEED in the hearts of a good 40 people -- haha, as we got off at the stop, I made sure to remind the people that we aren't Jehova's Witnesses, WE ARE MORMONS); and OH RIGHT, there is an amazing experience that happened to us three nights ago that is kinda funny but at the same time totally spiritual!!

We had an eating lesson with a family (I love teaching about the Restoration of this fantastic Gospel!!), but it ended late. We were a good 40-50 min missionary-speed walk (over an hour when contacting) away from the bus station, where the last bus leaving that night would be leaving. We had 20 minutes, with no realistic hope of making it. I was sure that we'd have to walk back across the island AGAIN (2.5 hours at night), but my companion had faith that we could make it. I laughed, thinking he was joking. Wanting to show him that I take him seriously, I agreed to try. After Olympic Missionary Walking for 5 minutes, we quickly realized that we wouldn't make it at that pace. So we ran. It had already been a long, hard day, and I was exhausted, but I didn't want to admit it to myself. 5 minutes of running later, and our heavy dinner was starting push on our intestines. I thought I was going to explode!! Things began to look grim. So what did we do? We ran faster. 10 minutes of running later, and I was sure I was going to die -- why on earth were we doing this to ourselves to miss the bus that we were surely going to miss anyway? We were a good 20 minutes distance from the station, and there was no way in my burnt-out brain that we were going to make it. My companion suggested a short 20 sec walking break. He told me we could do it. Somehow, it came into my head that if I want to be the kind of missionary that God expects me to be, based on the small decisions of every day, I can't be the kind of person who gives up to walk at the end. I prayed for forgiveness of my weakness, and began sprinting. I don't know how far behind my companion was -- I just knew that God would help us catch the bus, getting us home on time, being obedient, if I put my all into overcoming my weak body. Long story short, haha, we made the bus, and had (on top of it all) an amazing lesson on the bus ride home about the Restoration, with our Spanish and Filipino fellow bus riders. It was a miracle. I know that it couldn't have happened without the faith, on part of my companion, and God's power to strengthen us and answer prayers.

I know that, in the desperate and intestinally painful moments in our lives, God will give us strength if we have faith in Him and KEEP RUNNING.

I love you all so much. :) Have a great week!!! Merry Christmas!!!

Simply, with love,

  

Élder Zubeldia

White Christmas!! :D

Beloved family and friends,

This week has been pretty crazy!! :) This is how I explained it to my Mission President:

Dear President,

I'm doing fantastic, and we're having a blast out here finding, teaching, and hoping to baptize!!! 
  
Élder Dean and I are working together better every day. I'm focusing on serving and loving him, President. I'm trying my best, and I'm giving the Lord my all. I want to know how I should change so that I can better serve Élder Dean, and help him to become a baptizing missionary throughout the rest of his mission. If it's not too much of a bother, I will ask for your guidance at Zone Conference this Thursday.
 
I want so dearly to show my love to my Savior by helping families come to Him through faith, repentance, and baptism. Nothing is more important to me than the eternal life and joy of the families of my people.
 
This week we've seen many miracles while contacting. I know that the Spirit can touch the hearts of people and influence them to let us into their homes. By inviting the Spirit through singing Christmas Carols, we've gotten into several homes this week. The gospel of Jesus Christ makes us happy, and we're trying to make our enthusiasm something that everyone around us can participate in. While virtually all of our investigadors have left on vacation, we are vigorously searching for the prepared families that are still here.
 
The Spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of God, which is the spirit of joy! When other people can feel of our genuine joy, then we know that the Spirit is there, and that we are doing our job!!
 
I hope that everything is going well for you and Sister Pace. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and effort that you both do for our mission. Thank you so much for loving Élder Dean. He needs to know that he is loved, accepted, and appreciated; thank you for helping me in my efforts to help him feel that way.
  
Simply,
 
Élder Zubeldia

 
I'm so excited to get to stay on Ibiza for Christmas!! :D We're working hard, talking to everyone, and knocking-doors up a storm searching for families who are prepared to hear the great news of the gospel of Jesus Christ!!
 
The programs of the Branch's Continual Fast for this month, and for really turning each member into a missionary, are going great!! We're reminding the members, and they're all super excited to tell us their stories of sharing their testimonies and copies of the Libro de Mormón with their friends and co-workers/bosses!! I'm so grateful to be able to work alongside such humble and faithful people out here!!
 
People who've let us into their homes because we sang Christmas Hymns this week: An old Spanish couple from Granada; a hippie/adventurer Spanish guy from Valencia; a Catholic smoker lady and her family from Sevilla; a less-active muslim man from Ceuta; an unemployed evangelical Colombian; a less-active Jehova's Witness from Brazil; and right now I can't remember the others! :)
  
Whatever it takes to bring the Spirit--DO IT!!! We all NEED the companionship of the Spirit of God if we plan at all to share messages of joy from God.
 
I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is God's way for families to be together forever, and that it is to help us progress and to become happy. I know that God lives and that He loves us. I know that Heavenly Father is preparing people around all of us, through His angels, to hear and accept our message of glad tidings and great joy. Heavenly Father will take care of us as we do our best to cheerfully obey and follow His guidance.
 
I love you all so much. Please don't forget how precious and important you are!! I'm praying for you!!
 
Simply,
Élder Zubeldia

Week 25

Beloved friends and family,

 

First off, as always, I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!!I have officially been out for 6 months--WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?!?!?

 

My Letter to President:

 

Dear President,

 

I´m doing fantastic, and our companionship is more united than ever! I´m trying to make clear communication a more comfortable and sincere practice between us--I know that as we work to strengthen our personal relationship with the Savior, and our united relationship with the Spirit, we will be able to help families strengthen their relationships of love between their loved ones--including our Father in Heaven.

 

Many of our promising investigators are leaving on vacations for the winter and will be gone for a couple of months. Accordingly, we have increased our finding efforts. We have seen miracles in contacting, and especially in knocking/caroling, and we have several families that we plan on visiting with this week. We want so badly to be able to give our Savior the best Christmas gift we can give Him--entire families through baptism!

 

We have organized a Branch effort to give Jesus a gift for Christmas. The idea that came during Personal Study became a reality yesterday. We called up the Branch President, and worked with him and other key members to put together a sort of devotional for the last hour. We watched Élder Ballard´s Saturday Afternoon talk; invited the members to follow the prophets; kneeled down as families and made lists of people who they could invite to church; and then we totaled it up.

 

The Ibiza Branch´s goal is to help 45 people come nearer to Christ this month, through invitations to come to church activities, and casual conversations about what they love about the restored gospel. We've also got a voluntary calendar for a Continual Fast for this month--the next two weeks are practically booked already! Whether or not we end up baptizing 45 people this month isn't the issue. I want to help my Ibiza Branch family--if we can't get any fishes in into our Boat from our conjoint efforts, at least we will grow in the attempt, and become a Branch where everyone's Fishing line is actively searching.

 

Baptism--the fish that won´t get away THIS month! Not on OUR watch!

 

Simply,

Élder Zubeldia

 

Small talk: It's fantastically humid and wintry! I think I might be the only person enjoying winter over here!! We had Thanksgiving with the Smiths--an American family who is living in our area (Spanish law has required all schools to teach 1/3 of the material in English, and teachers who speak English are in short supply, and so are imported). It was great!! Our zone of the Islands is setting a goal of contacting 30 people a day (low goal, right? it's actually harder than it might seem, especially in our area, where the people seem to be hiding--but that's easily solved by *), and it's great because the number is something that I can use to motivate my companion to try and speak to Spanish more.

 

*We've been contacting up a storm here on Ibiza (almost literally--it's raining a ton!). We find people on the street (young, old, man, woman (except young girls who look our age -- I don't want to play to all of my companion's strengths), muslim or otherwise), and we knock doors. The latter is especially fun, because people live in apartment complexes, and you can only get in if the portal is open at the bottom. Miracles happen though, and every once in a while, we feel prompted to push (my companion thinks I just randomly try to barge into doors), and we find ones that are open!! When people try and close on us, we tell them that we just want to sing a Christmas song for them; to share the Christmas spirit with them--works almost every time! We even do this for Muslims, even though there are obvious reasons to not even try with them, AND GET THIS: we have a visit with a less-active/non-practicing muslim next week! We also have some visists with ACTUAL Spanish families next week!! Miracles happen when we cheerfully work as hard as we can, focus on our purpose, and let our happyness and love for what we do show.

 

We had some hardened Albanian hobo try and fight with us, and then he ended up giving us a bag of about a dozen fishes that he had just caught. Our favorite Romanian family gave us an enormous fish as well, and probably 6 pounds of Romanian bread (my companion doesn't like fish, but the bread is amazing!!). We don't have hardly any money because of bus fare and lack of reimbursals, but Mami, your prayers are working -- people are still giving me food in the streets and in visits!!

 

Other fun: our investigators drove us home when we missed the bus -- they took us the whole 45 minute drive, even so late at night! But since we don't want to bother people, and we need to learn from our own mistakes somehow, when we missed the bus the other day (it being the last bus), we walked. Turns out it takes about 2.5 hours to walk from one side of the island to the other. Now we know! From now on, we will make a more concentrated effort to get to the bus on time. :)

 

I'm so excited and grateful to be a missionary, and to serve with such wonderful people (leaders, companions, our little branch). Our loving relationships in life are the most important--especially those with our family, earthy and celestial. To improve our relationships we need to improve our communication. We can do that by reading the Book of Mormon, praying, listening, and coming to church. Take time to do these, and to invite someone else to do the same this week. You will be blessed!!!

 

Final question: what do YOU want to give Jesus Christ for Christmas?

 

I love you!!!

 

Simply,

Élder Zubeldia

I love y´all, and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Dear and beloved family and friends,

 

I love you!! Don't forget it!! :)

 

I want to share some special moments of the week. We met with a Colombian lady named Merari and her friend Doris (also Colombian), and ate lunch with them. It was the first time we had met Doris, and we were teaching the Plan of Happiness that God has for them. As we were teaching, the Spirit was strong, and we asked them if they could feel of God's love for them. They both had tears in their eyes, and we invited them to be baptized. They both said yes, and they want us to meet with their families.

I love you all so much!! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Give my love to the family!!

Simply,

 

Élder Zubeldia

In 3 days, I will have been out for 6 months?! D: Where does the time go?!

My dearly beloved ones,

I will be back on in about two hours to finish writing (haha, the locutorio randomly has a new schedule), in case any of you are awake and would like to "chat" live. I think that in the future, I will be writing earlier in the day, to help my companion stay "on-purpose"; but I will pray about it and see.

Real quick, here's part of what I wrote to my mission president this week:

Dear President,

I am doing well, and I am excited to continue working in San Antonio with Élder Dean. I love Élder Dean's ability to press forward, even when things are difficult! I'm so grateful for the tender mercy of being able to continue being his companion -- he is the first companion that I will have yet had for more than a transfer!! I know that we will be able to serve even more effectively now than before, and that, through mutual trust/support/service, we will be able to improve as faithful servants of the Lord!

I know that if I am focused on using every moment of the Lord's time to it's fullest use, by being diligently and cheerfully obedient, that the Lord will bless us for our efforts and that we will have the Spirit's power, authority, and guidance with us at all times. I feel full of new resolve to work harder and more effectively, to be more constant and obedient, to become more humble and loving! I want to work hard so that Heavenly Father will be pleased with our joint efforts to bring my spirit family back to Him for this Christmas. I can't think of a better Christmas gift for God than the baptisms of members of my spirit family on our island.

Miracle of the morning: this morning I was praying for guidance, and I felt prompted to call up Branch President Horacio. I want to get the whole branch, not just the leaders, inspired to express their love and gratitude for Christ and what He has done for them by helping bring their friends and family on our island to Him. I feel that we all need to be on the same loop, from our new District Leader to the Primary children. We can give Jesus the best Christmas present ever by adding more members to our branch family. President Horacio will give us the last hour of church to put this together for the members. I know that as we all work together as a branch family to bring more people to Christ, He will bless our family and our efforts, even for us in San Antonio. I know that Heavenly Father loves us, and I know that He will bless us as we share His love with the wonderful people of our island, as a branch.

I need to work on humility, President. Last week we set 5 baptismal dates (Élder Dean will give that report), but none of them came to church, so we will have to begin again with them. I also decided that, in order for us to work with greater love and effectiveness this next transfer, I need to be more direct with Élder Dean, letting him know that we will be blessed as we both work. I previously taught uniquely by example of cheerful obedience, which wasn't perfect and still isn't (though I will never stop trying!), without much direct/verbal correction; I've decided that, in order to see real progress, I really need to pray for the Spirit to guide me to provide loving and direct correction. I want him to become a great missionary so that he can feel the happiness that will come from successfully finding, teaching (in Spanish), and baptizing throughout the rest of his mission. For this to work, I need to be more humble, and to work on strengthening my relationship with the Savior; I need to repent, and to humble myself. I know that if I work on being more humble, and work on being even more diligently and cheerfully obedient, Heavenly Father will bless our companionship, the families of our branch, and the families that are waiting for us in our area.

Thank you so much for all that you do for our mission, and for my people. We pray for you always!

Simply,
 
Élder Zubeldia

San Antonio, Ibiza

Dearest Family and Friends,

 

Time FLIES!!! Vaca Santa!!! ;)

 

I got the package that you sent, family, and HAVE I REMINDED YOU THAT I LOVE YOU PEOPLE?!?! Thank you so much for the PICTURES, the LETTERS, and the american food (my companions and investigators love it!!)

 

This is the saga that I wrote to my mission president:

 

Dear President,

 

I am doing well: I am happy, and I am grateful to be a missionary. I´m learning so much, President. Something really stuck out to me from what you said in the Specialized Training: that I don't have to conform myself to the habits/traditions/standards of missionaries who've come before me; that it's alright to make a change for the better. I don't expect it to be easy, but I know that it is going to be a huge blessing for our branch! 

 

I've already spoken to [said] family -- I explained that we won't be in their house for more than an hour, that the amounts of visits are going to be less frequent, and will no longer be at set days of the week. I explained to them that you (President) are not to blame -- that if we, as missionaries, do what you counsel us to do, it is not our your "fault"; WE make the decision to be obedient because we know that the Lord will bless us, the families of this branch, and the people of this island for it. The Spirit was strong, and they took it well.

  

I am looking for other ways that we can change how missionary work has been done in the past in our area. We worked with the members to create a "Disponibilidad" Chart -- now we know which of the members we can count on for visits in our area, and when they are available. Visits with members in the past were really the sort of visits that Home and Visiting Teachers should be doing; from now on, I'm going to try and turn our visits into mini-district meetings, to check-up on and facilitate members's missionary work. As we try this out, and simultaneously get members more involved into the Lord's work for us all as a branch in San Antonio, I know that we will be blessed with miracles!!

  

I'm sorry for the constant stream of questions that I have usually asked in the past. They might have seemed annoying. I'm learning that I don't have to try and be Elder Rockwood or Elder Archibald or any of the other missionary legends; I know that Heavenly Father will help me to become Élder Zubeldia, and that I, with His guidance, will be able to be a useful instrument in His hands if I sincerely listen to the Spirit and act on it. He will give me the answers to the questions I have.

  

When it comes to reporting our efforts, it's better to be honest than to have there be big numbers. I know that, as I strive to be cheerfully obedient, enthusiastically diligent, loving, and humble, Heavenly Father will help me to honestly be a servant of His who effectively finds, strengthens, and baptizes. I might never be the perfect missionary, but I'm never going to stop trying to become the best missionary that I can be; that is how I will reach Heavenly Father's Standards of Excellence.

 

We love and pray for you and Sister Pace every day. Thank you for all that you do for us!!

 

Simply,
Élder Zubeldia

P.S. Sorry for the epistle!

 

The missionary work in here on our part of the island is going well -- our investigator family of Romanians keeps bringing more and more family to the lessons (we teach in Spanish-Romanian-Hungarian, between my companion and I, and the investigators, and the Hungarian and Romanian Books of Mormon that we have given them, and the Spirit :) ). Our other families seem to all be going on vacation soon, and will be back in a month or two. A huge chunck of our investigator base is all leaving for their respective home countries for their off-season breaks. This will be an interesting challenge. :) It's a good thing that this is the Lord's work, and that everything will be alright!! :)

 

I pray for each of you, by name, every day, even if I don't hear back from you. Why? Because I love you!!! Read the Book of Mormon every day -- you WILL feel happier!!!

 

Y esas son las noticias!! Les quiero un montón!!!

 

Simply,

Élder Zubeldia

 

Alma 26:15 IBIZA!!!

Wonderful Family and Friends,
  

I love you people, just so you know. :) Don't forget it!! Sorry if this is going to have to be brief and to-the-point. :)
  

This week has been so much fun! MISSIONARIES HAVE THE BEST JOB EVER!!!!!

Read Alma 26:15
   

Nice quote from President George Q. Cannon:

No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, [God] will never desert us. He never has, and He never will. He cannot do it. It is not His character, He is an unchangeable being; the same yesterday, the same today, and He will be the same throughout the eternal ages to come. We have found that god. We have made Him our friend, by obeying His Gospel; and He will stand by us. We may pass through the fiery furnace; we may pass through deep waters; but we shall not be consumed or overwhelmed. We shall emerge from all these trials and difficulties the better and the purer for them, if we only trust in our God and keep His commandments.

Letter to President Pace:

Dear President,

The work out here is going so well!! We are making so much progress with our investigators!!

I know that prayer, fasting, and exact obedience bring miracles, President, and I know that Élder Dean and I are being surrounded by miracles. We are having so much fun working together, and I know that as we are continuing to work on our personal goals of obedience and humility, we are going to continue being blessed, and our prayers will be answered and we WILL help families be baptized in the coming weeks!!

When investigators love the Spirit they feel around us so much that they keep inviting us to birthday parties, then we know that we're doing something right. When we find less-active members who had no idea that the church existed on our island, and find entire families who are interested in having us visit them, then we know that the Lord is blessing us for our efforts and obedience.

We love you, President!!

Simply,
Élder Zubeldia

Family, (I consider you my family if you are receiving this), I love you. Read Alma 5:12, and share it with someone who needs some hope. The Spirit will bless us if we are obedient!!

LOVE YOU SO MUCH I'M PRAYING FOR YÁLL!!!!

Simply,

Élder Zubeldia

P.S. No, I haven't gotten the package yet, because it's too big. I´ll be getting it in pieces over time, I suppose. I love yáll!! I will send pictures and videos, soon!!

The Work on the Island of Ibiza, Spain

Beloved family and friends,

I love you all so much!! I am doing great!! Missionary work is so much fun (and the not-as-fun parts are SO GOOD FOR US!!!)!!!

 

This week has been a little weird--we spent almost half of it in Palma de Mallorca for Zone Enfoque, and then President Interviews, and then for the Halloween party in the Stake Center in Palma. It´s hard to set visits with people when you can't meet them ("Yeah, I'm sorry, we won't be able to make it because we'll be on a different island for the next few days. See you at church on Sunday?"). 

 

You know, even though getting people to come to church on Sunday is a challenge, I know that as Élder Dean and I work on being worthy of the Spirit´s companionship, we will be guided to find prepared people, and to help our investigators really progress and come to realize their eternal potential as God´s children.

 

This is my President´s Letter for this week:

 

Dear President,

 

The work in San Antonio is progressing, if not as quick as Élder Dean and I would like, it is progressing nonetheless. We´re visiting a few families (Milton and Aileen, and their two children Antony and Shirley from Ecuador; Merari and her daughter Dayana from Colombia; Oscar (Milton's nephew), his family and his nephew Joel; Amparo from Colombia, and perhaps her Ibizenco husband and stepdaughter in the future; and Verónica and her daughter and son-in-law Georgiana and Luis, from Romania) who are all interested in learning more about the restored gospel. We are also trying to work with the few less-active families here, paying particular attention to Luis and Paola's family. 

 

We love these people, and I know that they love when we visit them in their homes because they always tell us how peaceful they feel--they love the Spirit!! I know that as we are worthy of the Spirit, and continue trying to cheerfully and obediently love-find-love-teach-love-baptize-love these people, we will see even more miracles here!! I´m so grateful for the gifts of fasting, prayer, studying, planning, and teaching!!

  

I have been praying that Élder Dean would be able to see a baptism this month. I sense that it´s a little frustrating for him that other missionaries that came out at the same time as him are seeing so much success, and I want so badly for him to know that he can also be an instrument in the Lord´s hands that helps people decide to be baptized, too. I pray for miracles to show him, for him to see. I know that Heavenly Father will answer the prayers of humble and obedient missionaries.

 

Scripture that defines our work in San Antonio, Alma 26:15 -- "Yea, they were encircled about with everlasting darkness and destruction; but behold, he has brought them into his everlasting light, yea, into everlasting salvation; and they are encircled about with the matchless bounty of his love; yea, and we have been instruments in his hands of doing this great and marvelous work."

 

I'm striving to continue focusing on serving Élder Dean, as you suggested. I love my companion -- he has such a sense of humor, and a sincere desire to do his best! Our numbers might not satisfy us, but our efforts aren't always captured by the numbers we report. President, I know that there is a standard of excellence, and I know that Élder Dean and I can get there. This week we will work even harder than we have been working in previous weeks. This is the work of Salvation for my people, my family, and we will NOT slack off or take this work lightly!!

  

With love,
Élder Zubeldia

 

One of the miracles of this week is that there is a newlywed couple from Layton, Utah that just moved into San Antonio!! San Antonio is one of three bigger towns on our island, and something that has been a problem the last couple of months is that the national education system just established a requirement for all schools in Catalunya and the Balearic Islands to teach equally in Spanish, Catalán, and English. This has made our free English classes a much more popular option, and we're seeing a LOT more people attending!!

  

Justin Smith, from Missouri, and his wife Chelsea, from Layton, came because Justin was selected from a program at the UofU to teach English here in San Antonio!! He's apparently been here since September, and we just discovered each other the other day!! He served in San Diego, California, and I know that he will be a HUGE help in San Antonio!! What are the odds that, on top of them being Mormons on Ibiza, they happen to practically be from my hometown? God works in mysterious ways, even through people who went to Layton high!!

 

Speaking of which, when I went to the Trainer Training meeting in Barcelona a couple of weeks back, I found FOUR other missionaries that are now in our mission who I went to school with!! On Palma are a couple of missionaries that came out with Elder Dean that are from Farmington, Utah. Davis County people are gathering for the Lord's Reconquista of Spain!!! We have the BEST JOB EVER!!!!

 

Thank you so much for you emails and letters!! I love hearing about how you're all doing, and how you're all accelerating the work where you are!! I'm so grateful to be serving shoulder-to-shoulder with you wonderful people!!

 

I love you all, and I hope to hear more about how you're all doing. Preach to the choir moment: READ THE BOOK OF MORMON EVERY DAY. PRAY. FAST WHILE YOU PRAY. And when you feel happy (because doing these things cheerfully/sincerely guarantees you will), notify your face -- nobody wants to join a church of grumps!!

 

Love you!!

Simply,

Élder Zubeldia

Week 20

Beloved Family and Beloved Friends,

I love you so much, just so you know!! Sorry for not writing on Monday--it was a rare combination of unforeseeable ridiculousness that will NOT become a habit!

Alright...I don't know if I've got much time, but let me try to sum things up for you all:

I love it out here; my companion and I are two fresh missionaries excited to get to work, and we're seeing miracles!! Investigator families keep inviting us to birthday parties and dinners, and my stomach is applying for Ecuadorian citizenship. ;) We're really striving to be worthy of the divine companionship of the Spirit, and we know that it is possible through fasting and prayer; it is in our most humble moments that we have the greatest miracles. We're having a sort of crisis here in our branch, but it is okay, because the Lord is on our team and we and our leaders are being guided on how to help and bless this island.

I'd get into more detail, but I've got to go.

I will DEFINITELY write more next week, and pictures are already on the way. :) I'm sorry for my imperfections and my lack of diligence in writing back letters to you all, but I want you to know that my companion, my fellow Ibiza Elders, our branch, and our investigators are being blessed and I'm trying my best to help them feel how important they are, and what God has in store for us all.

I'm safe, I'm happy, and I'm committed--don't worry about me!!! I love you!!!

I love you!!!

Elder Zubeldia

San Antonio, week 1! :)

Hey beloved family!!!

 

Haha, well, I don't have any time left but I just wanted to say

 

I LOVE YOU ALL SO SOSOSOSOSOSO MUCH, ¿VALE?

 

Read D&C 58:28, and if you can, rewatch/reread Edward Dube's Conference Talk. Heavenly Father has given YOU the power to do much good. Trust in God, and trust in yourself, because He trusts you!!

 

San Antonio is great. We're working hard, and we're doing a lot of walking and contacting. :) I probably would've felt discouraged at how it's going a week or two ago, but now, I just feel like everything is going to be alright, and that we really are going about the Lord's work. :) We see miracles happen all the time; little packages from heaven that light up our days. :) My companion Elder Dean is a stud, and he also wants to work hard. His spanish is doing well, and it's always getting better, and I know that as we're obedient that we will be the missionaries that Heavenly Father desires us to be.

 

Have a fantastic week!! INVITE SOMEONE YOU LOVE TO CHURCH!!!!!!!!! READ THE BOOK OF MORMON!!!!!!!!!! PRAY TO HEAVENLY FATHER AND ACT ON THE ANSWERS THAT COME!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Simply,

Élder Pablo Zubeldia

Lord, I would follow Thee

My cherished family and dear friends,

I love you all. :) I just needed you all to know, in case you've forgotten. :) What's more, Heavenly Father loves you, even if you feel like don't always deserve it. So, remember, and remind yourself often!

This week has been insane, and I will start with last Saturday night: apparently, without any of us four missionaries here on Ibiza (a small Mediterranean island -- again, please don't look it up) realizing, this week was Transfers week (every six weeks the mission switches missionaries around, according to where Heavenly Father needs them -- so I am now in my fourth transfer in Spain, my third transfer on Ibiza). 

The surprise came that our district leader was assigned to work back on the peninsula (mainland Spain); that I will be moved to the new area of San Antonio, Ibiza (which was opened last transfer by my district leader and his trainee-companion, Elder Dean), and that I will be finishing the training of Elder Dean this transfer. It didn't really hit me that night, or those next days. My previous companion will be assigned to work with the Elder who came yesterday, who was part of the first pair of missionaries who originally opened Ibiza almost 2 years ago ¨(the members are so excited that he's back!), who will also be our new district leader of the "Ibiza and Menorca District" of the Balearic Islands Zone.

Sunday, we had to break the news to the branch, and there were many tears. One of our recent converts was so overwhelmed with sorrow that she had a panic attack and fainted; I caught her in my arms and laid her on her back on some chairs, and then (as calmly as I could) asked for the other elders to give her a blessing (I was still trying to steady her and keep her conscious). The Priesthood power and authority from God is on the earth today, and I felt the change happen right below my hands. She suddenly relaxed, and was strengthened. We spent the next hour comforting her, singing hymns, and bearing testimony through the scriptures. The Spirit does have the power to guide and comfort us.

Monday, the members wanted us in their homes, and so we spent the day with them sharing scriptures, fond memories, and extending commitments to really read the Book of Mormon as families. (Mondays technically aren't Preparation Days during Transfers -- they make the day that the missionaries will be doing traveling (Tuesday) a Preparation Day so that the traveling doesn't interfere with proselyting hours. But, since we had forgotten about transfers, I had set up a ton of appointments in Ibiza for Tuesday, and so had the San Antonio elders. So...we didn't really have time for Preparation Day this week. We did try and write our families-friends on Tuesday, but my keyboard was on the fritz, and I didn't realize how to make it work until I had already tried to sign in about 10 times and got locked out. That's why I'm writing so late in the week. :/ Hermana Pace said that it is a commandment that I write every week (haha, I'm not complaining!), and she told me to use this time to write.) That night, the branch put together a farewell fireside for Elder Bozarth; there was so much love and appreciation felt there. What a sign of a missionary who is on-purpose!! Afterwards, we had our own private party amongst ourselves in piso. I love my fellow Ibiza Elders, and the wonderful members and people of this island!!

Tuesday, we took Elder Bozarth to the airport, more tears, and then we came back home wanting to get even more work done here. I went with my previous companion, Elder Lindsay, and visited our investigators, to let them know that I was leaving for San Antonio, but that I will see them at the church on Sundays and for activities. We had beautiful experiences with our investigator families; they felt the powerful peace and love of the Spirit, especially as we sung hymns for them, and testified of the merciful plan of happiness that Heavenly Father has for us, of the reality of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and of the veracity of the Book of Mormon. It was starting to sink in that I really was going to be assigned to be Elder Dean´s companion: that my responsibilities would be, in effect, different. I didn't feel ready or worthy, and to be honest, I´m still dealing with that, but the Trainer Meeting the next day was a huge blessing and comfort to me.

Wednesday (yesterday), I flew into Barcelona and went to the meeting. I don't have tons of time left, but here is a couple of the things that came to me as I was listening: 

There is no greater blessing than participating in the Lord's Work--There's no way we can do this sacred work our way; we must do it His way by KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS.

Heavenly Father, I don't feel ready, but if you will help me, then I will do my best to do everything you ask of me.

The Lord has sent us here to bring people unto Him -- WE CAN DO IT; it'll happen as I'm dedicated, obedient, and focus on finding, teaching, and baptizing.

How successful our mission is depends on how we use our mornings... so it is in the little things that we accomplish great things (Alma 27:6-7) We will be exactly the kind of missionary that we want and work to be.

This really will be a wonderful time on the mission. I need to teach by example and through love--merely telling will never be enough. So if I need to teach by example, I need to try and follow Christ's example -- as His representatives, He doesn't ask anything less than our best efforts.

Everything will be alright; Heavenly Father will help me be worthy of this assignment, and we will help people come unto Him through the waters of baptism together!!

I love you all so much!! This work is so much fun!!! I feel like I'm receiving the strength and joy and love that I need, and the problems that we had before seem so small now. Thank you so much for your support, love, and counsel. I love you all so much!! We are going to see so many miracles in San Antonio, I can feel it!! We're going to have so much fun going about the work together!!!

I pray that everything is going well for you all, and I'm so glad to have you all in my life. This week's challenge: put the words of the prophets (from Conference and from the BoM) to the test--see if you don't get blessed by your sincere efforts to invite people to come unto Christ. I know that you will be blessed and helped by God as you labor in His work.

Simply,

Élder Pablo Zubeldia

This week in Ibiza

Here is what I wrote to my Mission President this week:

Dear President,
 
I am doing well, and I know that Heavenly Father will always help me when I'm doing less-well. We are seeing miracles in contacting--we have been contacted by several people who seem sincerely interested in learning more about the church (we just got three more investigators on the way to write these e-mails), and I know that it is because of the Spirit of cheerful obedience, gratitude, and hope. 
  
Our members here are amazing!! Because of the loving relationship we share between ourselves and the Lord, they want to help us out in the Work of Salvation here on Obedience Island. From what they keep telling us, we are going to have at least 20 nonmembers coming to the activity we're all planning for this Saturday. Miracles are all over the place when we've got the Spirit and the strength to share a smile!!
  
With the Lord´s help, NOTHING is impossible. 

 

Thank you so much, President, for responding to my last e-mail! I´m so grateful for everything that you and Sister Pace do for me and our mission. We´re always praying for you both!!  

Simply,
Élder Zubeldia

Now I want to tell you about the spiritual experience I had on Oct 4th, as written in my journal this morning. :)

  

I now realize that bearing testimony is a powerful tool in bringing the Spirit, not only into lessons and into the hearts of others, but also to our own hearts and lives. The power of the Spirit, and the sharp piercing of the truths that He guides us to express, can burst through, and clear away, any darkness that tries to settle in an chain down our spirit.

Mosiah 23:21-24 (yeah, you should take a moment to read it :) This is one that stuck out to me because of the study I´m doing with Katie. :) Heavenly Father is so incomprehensibly good to me!! Best life EVER!!!!)

We must never compromise our trust in God´s promise and powers of deliverance. Only He can deliver us from failing hearts and all forms of bondage. He only asks us to put our trust in Him, to show our love for Him by turning to Him always, and by helping others to choose the same. Only with Him will we feel the everlasting joy and peace that comes from His deliverance.

He loves me. I love Him. We will be happy forever as we all come home, together, to Him.

...

Haha, I learned so much this week, and I haven't even talked about the portions of Conference (Saturday and Sunday Morning, and Priesthood meeting) that I've been able to see so far!! Well, time is of the essence -- and Conference is on the internet!! If you, like me, haven't seen parts (or any) of the recent General Conference, INVEST 15-20 MIN OUT OF YOUR DAY TO DRASTICALLY IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE!!! With practically no barriers to having your deepest doubts and fears concerning God resolved, really LISTEN TO THE WORD OF THE PROPHETS, and put God´s truths to the test in your life. 

I know that you will feel the difference, if you sincerely give it a chance.

Only you can take your steps towards everlasting happiness and peace. The promise isn't that it will always be easy; the promise is that you will never be alone as you keep moving forward. :)

I love you!!

Simply,

Élder Zubledia

Tender mercies

My dearest family,

I love you so much. :)

This is what I wrote to my Mission President just barely (that which is in bold wasn´t originally there):

Dear President,

Thank you so much for this last Zone Conference. I really needed the spiritual manna that was there. Thank you for letting me know about my cousin, Élder Ward (Did you all know that he´s BACK IN SPAIN?!?! 8D). Thank you for the Gardeners (They are the senior couple who has just arrived in Palma and they are FANTASTIC--Mami, expect an e-mail from them sometime)--they are such a blessing to us all, and they bring so much spiritual strength and wisdom!! I need the strength that the "pleasing word of God" gives, whether from the Spirit, the scriptures, or from my leaders like yourself and Sister Pace.

I know that nothing is impossible. I know that Heavenly Father is happy when His children come closer to realizing how intrinsically valuable they are. I know that we all have supernal potential. I know that the Spirit, and the love of Christ, are necessary for us to progress, and to help others progress, on our paths towards our eternal self-actualization. I know that Heavenly Father lives. I know that He loves us all. I know that that is the reason for everything. I know that if we keep that in mind, and act accordingly, everything will be okay.

Thank you so much, President, for all that you and Sister Pace do for the Lord, the mission, these people, these islands, and for me. I´m praying for you, both. If there´s anything at all that I could even hypothetically do (Other than trying my best to be a hard-working, obedient, miracle-worthy missionary out here in Ibiza) for you two, please don´t hesitate to let me know.

Simply,
Élder Zubeldia

We´ve had a slow week here in Ibiza (investigador-wise and progress-wise-in-relation-to-other-aspects-of-the-work-in-general), but you know what, that´s okay. I feel that, if this time is the time that Heavenly Father wants me to focus, then this time is being really well spent (in fact, it is probably being really well invested in future miracles that will come when we work as a united team, together with the Spirit). I know that there are no accidents, and that Heavenly Father´s plan is perfect. As long as I put all of my trust in the Lord, continue striving for obedience, and continue happily expressing love to my companion, I know that the Spirit will be with us, that we will see miracles, and that peace and joy will abide in our hearts.

DON´T EVER GIVE UP!!! If you read the Book of Mormon, ponder, and pray, every day, then you will have the Spirit with you, and you will be able to make miracles happen in your days. LISTEN TO GENERAL CONFERENCE AND TRY TO GET AS MANY  PEOPLE TO DO THE SAME!!!

God is real, He is our Father, He loves us, and He wants us to be happy. He has all knowledge, and has things to tell us so that we will be happier, because He loves us. It´s convenient, then, for us to listen to the things He has to say to us. We can come and listen and see for ourselves just those things He has to say to us this weekend. Everyone deserves to have the happiness that comes from having the knowledge that He wants us to have. PLEASE LISTEN TO ALL OF CONFERENCE AND INVITE OTHERS TO WATCH IT WITH YOU!!! 

Thank you so much for your e-mails!! I love you all so much. I am praying for you all!!

I love you all, so much.

Simply,

Élder Zubeldia

Baleares Zone Conference

This picture was posted in "El Faro" Pablo is in the back row.

Rayos de Clemencia

My beloved family & co,

I love you all so much!!!

Turnips...I just realized that I am completely out of time. I'll write more next week!!

So: quick sum up--this week was emotionally tough (I had a little moment where I had the most absurd thought that I couldn't do anything to help these people), but through the grace of God (los Rayos de Clemencia), the Spirit, the scriptures, and the loving response of these members (I love these people) towards me, I am being given the strength and happiness to keep helping others. :) I'm able to work with my companion, we're becoming closer as friends every day.

Don't worry, Mami, I'm getting plenty of food. :) There are lots of members/investigadors who give us tons of rice and beans and meat, and there is a Nigerian sister who gives us interesting African food, and then there are some members who go out of their way to make sure that we are always eating very healthy meals. :) We are fed every day, usually multiple times a day.

The weather is gorgeous, and the tourists are invading for the closing parties of the discotecas. The insanity that has been pretty constant my whole time here will die down at the beginnings of October, so I'm told.

Speaking of which--CONFERENCE IS COMING!!!! :D We've made flyers, and we're going to put ads in the newspaper to invite people to come and listen to the prophet's voice!! I'M SO EXCITED!!!

We're also going to restart our English classes, and reannounce them throughout the city. We feel like there are lots of people who need this service (aside from, but including, the even more important message of the Gospel!!)

We're still working with those two families I spoke to you about, and the members are bringing many more coming!! Miracles are happening every day, and I'm humbled to be a servant and representative of the Lord out here on the island!

I'm so glad to hear that the family is reading the Book of Mormon together!!! Keep it up!!! However, don't forget to READ IT BY YOURSELF AS WELL!!!

I want everyone who gets this to know that I haven't forgotten them. I love you, and I think about you all INDIVIDUALLY every day, especially in my prayers.

I love you, and I will be writing actual  letters soon!! And I will send pictures for the blog!!

-Élder Pablo Zubeldia

I love you! :)

My family,

 

I love you! :)

 

This is some of what I wrote to President Pace today:

 

Dear President,

 

In relation to the work, we are excited! We have a couple of families (A family of four; they are already hinting at being baptized; and a family of five; their case is a little more difficult, but I know that with the Lord, NOTHING is impossible!!!) here in Ibiza, and we have found miracle families also in a nearby pueblo Santa Eularia (we're planning on going there with members once a week). I love these people, and I know that we're going to continue seeing miracles!!

Thank you for all that you and Sister Pace do for these precious people and for the Lord's work! If there's ever a way that we can thank you two more effectively than this, please let us know! Also, if there's anything that we can do for you, we're at your command!

As for now, we'll continue keeping you both in our prayers. :)

Simply,
Élder Zubeldia

 

I am doing well, and my companion is doing well, and our companionship is doing well. :)We're pressing forward, focusing always on unity, obedience, being ourselves, and having fun as representatives of the Lord. :)

 

I will definitely write more actual letters home. :) I'm already almost out of time. X)

 

Thank you for keeping me updated!! I'm so excited for you all!

 

Susana -- Ánimo!! Hermana, when it's hard, remember why you're there, and decide to be cheerfully obedient. Missionary work is supposed to be fun -- if you're not enjoying what you're doing, then you're doing it wrong. :) I love you!!

 

Sarah -- you are such a great example of reading the Book of Mormon! Keep your foot on the pedal! Drew Beard is already back?! What?! Tell him I love him, if you see him! Anyway: have lots of fun, keep being responsible you, and remember that I love you and I'm praying for you!

 

Daniel -- I love hearing about you being the older brother!! Keep up the good work!! You are such a stud! READ THE BOOK OF MORMON all by yourself. Try it and see the changes. :)

 

Levi -- if you don't become one of the leaders of the Nerd Club, I am going to be disappointed. ;) I love you so much, buddy!! READ THE BOOK OF MORMON all by yourself. I love you the way that you are -- keep being you, and try to serve your siblings!!

 

Cuco -- You are such a Pokémon Master!! Don't get frustrated with speaking -- you CAN do it!! Do you know what would help? READING THE BOOK OF MORMON out loud all by yourself. Do it and you'll see!!!

 

Sofía -- I love you so much, Beatiful!! :) I'm so proud of you for being a missionary!! READ THE BOOK OF MORMON--it will help you know what to say, and will make you feel happy!!

 

Soraya -- Guapa, I want to give you squishy hugs and kiss your squishy chocolatey cheeks!! Ask Mami or Papi to READ THE BOOK OF MORMON with you!! I love you, honey!!

 

Parents -- I'm safe, I'm chock full of energy, and I'm working hard. Every day is my best day yet. :) I love you, and I'm not letting a minute of the Lord's time pass me by!

Week 13 - Ibiza :)

Beloved family and friends,

 

I love you. :)

 

Everyone in this branch knows that I love you, too. :) I say it all the time, and I incorporate it into my lessons with members & investigators. Papi, your asking for obedient children every Christmas and Birthday has helped me explain to parents that that is all that Heavenly Father asks for, too. There´s so many other lessons that I teach based on you all, and how the gospel applies to us all in relation to how we've come to love each other so much. I love you. :)

 

Like Papi noted, we did have some crazy thunderstorms the past couple of weeks. On an island of insane parties and discotecas, it seemed appropriate that there seemed to be a discoteca in the clouds. The clouds were gorgeous, and looked like dangerous strobe lights. The rain and clouds that we've been having haven't dissuaded tourists--they're still very much here. I think they're trying to come en masse for the end-of-summer bashes that they apparently throw here. I've walked past the biggest discoteca on earth (Privilege), and the front doors of the most famous discoteca on the island (Pacha)--don't worry; in this island where "clouds of darkness" seep through the pavement, we are still missionaries, we are still seeing miracles, we are still finding prepared people, and we are still protected by the angels that your prayers bring.

 

Before the new elders came this week, Elder Bozarth and I spent a lot of time preparing. We DEEP cleaned piso, and we threw so much extra junk out. We went to IKEA, and paid for new beds and tables and drying racks and the suchlike (they will be arriving soon, I hope--good thing I've spent a good amount of time sleeping on the floor ;) oh the seemingly hidden ways we all prepare for missions). I didn't fly to Barcelona to pick up my new companion (Elder Lindsay from Boise, Idaho). I stayed here in Ibiza. The only missionary on the island. :) It's not my first time, but it was the best, because it was so fruitful -- I went contacting with the Elders Quorum President here, and we found "almas" right and left. It was a miracle. I plan on taking members "alma" searching much, much more often. :)

 

Élder Lindsay, my new companion, is an interesting missionary. What I have out on the mission, he has until he goes home (He´s going home in December).

 

This is what I wrote to President Pace this week:

 

Dear President,

 

I am doing well, and I´m excited to work with Élder Lindsay. He´s funny and mild-mannered. I know that I have a lot to learn from him, and that the Lord will teach me how to succeed, as a companionship, in bringing souls unto Him. We´re already seeing miracles from working with members to teach their friends, and I know that this ball is going to keep moving forward. We are in a momentum moment, and it´s because of these fantastic members. We are seeing the fruits of our love for them, their subsequent love for us and "ganas" to share that love with their friends. I am so glad to be serving with these people, as a missionary of God. Best. Life. Ever!

 

We´re praying for you and Sister Pace. :) Thank you for all that you do!!!
Simply,
Élder Zubeldia

 

I LOVED the package that you all sent!!! 8D The inside-jokes made me so happy!!! :) I have been handing out the candies to the little kids in the branch, and to the investigators and their children. :) Nobody can resist the offering of American candy, and it helps to smile. ;) I love you, I love you, I love you!!!  Élder Bozarth brought me the package when he came back. A blessing of having Elder Lindsay as my companion was when he gave me the letter with all the stamps that they sent me!!! Holy Cow, so many stamps!! I need to use them to write back and thank them. :) I love our Santander family!! Another blessing of having Elder Lindsay as my companion, he explained to me how to use the hard drive and the card reader to save my pictures so that I can send the memory cards to you. :)

 

I hope that you get the letters I sent. :) I love you all so much! You give me such strength and motivation and such fire and such joy!!  The Eternities are going to be so much fun!!!! I want everyone to be there with us. :)

 

These two years are just flying by. Before we know it, we will all be kneeling together in the living room, giving thanks to Heavenly Father, and giving hugs and kisses to each other (not just the chocolate kind). :)

 

Love,

Élder Pablo Zubeldia

Response to a long letter

My Beloved Family,

First off, thank you so much for compiling it all into one e-mail!! This will make things a lot easier!! (Of course, if you have something that you want to share with me privately, I would still love to get your e-mails!)

Soraya,

That´s right, I AM a baby, just like you, in that picture! I love Barney, too -- did you know that your Barney doll is the same one as in that picture of baby Pablo? Isn't our house beautiful?! I would love to see the heart you maded! I keep you in my heart all the time. :) I am going to come home soon enough, honey! I want to give you a squishy hug, and to make you fly, because I love you so so much and I miss you!!

Sofía,

I'm doing great! How are you? How is school in Spanish? What are your friends' names? What do you play with them? What is your favorite class? I love you SOOOOO much, too!! Hey, Gorgeous, will you please read the Book of Mormon, all by yourself? I promise that you will feel even happier as you take time to read it every day. I love you!!

Caco,

What are your friends like? What are your favorite 3 things to play at recess? What is your favorite part of going to the Spanish school? I hope you are having fun, and that you are still reading the Book of Mormon, like you said! How is the reading? How far are you? What have you learned?

Squeeves,

I was going to ask about your weeks of silence. ;) What is the most different part of being at this new school? What problems are you having with the weird schedule? What are the names of your new friends? Levi, I promise you that as you read the Book of Mormon, you will be able to enjoy the company of new and other people, and you will be happier than ever, and will be able to make a positive impact on those around you. It starts with you, Shquivi. I'm doing well. The most common thing I have is rice and meat. I asked my companion, and he doesn't know, but he just got some Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in a box from home, and HE LOVED IT!!!!!! Oh, and he also likes ceviche from Ecuador, and goat brain soup from Nigeria. ;) Water hydrants full of love  -Me

Shpaniel,

Bud, can I just say that, even though you've forgotten all about me this summer, I love you? ;) I'm sending some letters today, but I haven't yet written real letters to you, Levi, or Cuco yet, but don't worry or feel bad, please--I will send those ASAP. But if I could send you a letter, this is what it would say-- 2 NEPHI 31:20 READ THE BOOK OF MORMON ON YOUR OWN STARTING TODAY. In fact, that is the message to everyone who asks about me -- spread the word, buddy. :) My companion and I are doing great. What did I do tomorrow? Uh...well, I´m going to Barcelona to pick up my new companion. :) It hasn't happened yet, but I know that it will build me up spiritually; everything about the mission does. :) I'm so proud of your indexing efforts!!! Keep your foot on the pedal!!! I love you, and I want all of the details of being a king of the school 9th grader at FFJH, and going to school without any siblings, etc. I love you, bud!

I will respond to Sarah privately. :)

Mami,

Thank you so much for giving me the scoop on what is going on in the details of the family life. :)

When it comes to goals, Mami, it's important that you remember the difference between "visions" and "goals". A vision is, for example, "I will run a marathon, this time, next year". A vision is the desired end result at the top of the ladder; metas (goals) are the rungs of the ladder. The 3 M's of metas are: meaningful (something that you really want), measureable (progress is reportable), and meat-able (realistic). The goals we set for ourselves, according to Preach My Gospel, reflect our personal desires and expectations--set small goals, and use discipline to achieve them. Diligence and discipline will be the hands that carry us up the ladder to our vision. When the family is united in a vision, "look[ing] forward with one eye"(Mosiah 18:21-22), miracles will happen. I've learned this for myself in our companionship, our branch, and our mission.

I will pray for you and your goals. These two years are a time for all of us to grow. Here's another quote for you: "It is better to suffer the pain of dedication than to suffer the pain of regret."  Hope that's not too fuerte. :)

I'm so grateful to be your son, and to have been raised by such a wonderful mother!!! I'm working hard to be the missionary that you would be well pleased in! I love you!!

Papi,

 I love you so much. :)

Here is my letter to President:

Dear President,

I am doing well, and our companionship is doing well. Élder Bozarth and are are working better together than ever--we're focusing on teaching to the needs of these wonderful people as a team with the Spirit, and asking inspired questions.

What has been a huge help is sharing our personal goals, and committing to help each other reach them.

For example, Élder Bozarth loves basketball. I have a personal goal of learning as much as I can from my companions and leaders, and I also want to get in shape. I realized that everything I needed to have better unity, and thus spiritual power, was right in front of my eyes -- I asked Élder Bozarth to teach me about, and to coach me in, basketball. It makes sure that we get up for physical exercise in the mornings, and it increases our unity. We're having fun, and I'm learning so much (relating to basketball and serving others). Basketball is something that reaches him, and it is something that has helped us communicate even more. I'm grateful for Heavenly Father's help in helping me see this. 

I love it here. I love these people. I´m so excited to get to share this with two more missionaries here! (I hope they play basketball!) I know that if we continually strive to be obedient, that we will be useful unto the Lord in the saving of many souls here in Ibiza.

Miracles keep coming, and I know that we're going to see even more pretty soon. I just read over your e-mail responses -- thank you for responding to me! Thank you for your reassurance and trust. I will try to be the best me, and I won't give up on being intense and excited about this work.

Thank you so much for all of your support and effort; when I read about it, I hear "I love you".

We're going to Barcelona (tomorrow, I believe) to pick up our new companions. Élder Bozarth is training, and my companion has a lot of experience. With all of the new missionaries surging in, and all of the old ones going home, by December, the majority of the mission will probably have 6 months or less here in Spain. I'm grateful for this opportunity that I have to be with one of those experienced missionaries, and to soak up as much as I can, before I become one of the older missionaries out here!!

I'm almost out of time, and I'm glad I wrote a lot of what I want to say to you in the letter I will send today. I love you more than you know.

Simply,

Élder Pablo Zubeldia

Week 11 in the Field

My beloved family,

  

This is what happened last week:

Monday-- we cleaned piso, found a great supermarket with great fruit and great everything, and spent the day with members and less actives. I love these people. For lunch we went to Burger King, and the cashier was an 18 year old guy who asked me about the Church. His name is Pablo. We are SO going to teach him!!! :)

Tuesday-- We had an intercambio with the elders on Menorca (our district includes Ibiza & Menorca--one set of missionaries on each island). My companion left for Menorca, and I was, for my first time, the Senior companion!! I was in charge of everything--the phone, making sure we didn't get lost, etc. It was crazy! My companion for the day was a missionary who had been out for a year.

Wednesday-- This was the day that we were going to switch back. We tried to have District Meeting (which we do via Skype), but the connection was bad, and so we didn't really have it. Before he went back, he showed me how to make cheesecake--our investigators here are going to love it (I still haven't given it to them. I hope it's good!). He said he would give me more recipes.

Thursday-- Élder Bozarth and I organized a Talent Show for Thursday night. We announced it last Sunday. Haha, if we didn't give them a lot of time to prepare, it didn't show--IT WAS A SMASHING SUCCESS!!!!!! We had about 55 people there, and more than half were nonmembers who the members had invited!!! We are going to visit these people in the coming weeks. It was so much fun! My companion and I both participated in various acts (the branch made me play the piano, since one of the acts didn't make it). I think that there are videos on the Rama Ibiza facebook page.

Friday-- I learned (like I learned on Tuesday) that an older companion really does influence the younger companion. I know that this mission is, if you think about it, kinda like a 2 year fast -- if we want to fully benefit from it, we've got to have the right attitude. We worked hard that day.

Saturday-- English class was SO much fun!! We hadn't had a bunch of time to prepare, but I felt (at the last minute) that we needed to prepare a game to play, to help them learn the material. I prepared it real quick, and then started the class. We had another new student show up! We had such a BLAST!! If every class from now on is that much fun, we are going to have tons of people flooding the church, I know it. :) Which means that if I want that to happen, I need to make sure that our English classes are well prepared. Miraculously, the Mission President called us that night. He wanted to talk to me. He told me lots of stuff, which I don't have time to write about, but basically he told me to not be afraid to insist on obedience. There was more to it, but that was one of the most important bits. I needed that call.

Sunday-- Church was great! I love these people!! Yesterday afternoon...Well, I wrote a little bit about it in my letter to President Pace.

  

This is what I wrote to my President this week:

Dear President, Thank you so much for your call two nights ago. It meant a great deal to me. Thanks to the Spirit, I was given things to share from my notes that I had been prompted to bring, and I was given words and experiences to share. Obedience brings blessings. Exact obedience brings miracles. We will be seeing more and more miracles here, President.

I have the best life ever -- I have such an AMAZING FAMILY and such AMAZING FRIENDS who all love me at home; I get to BE A MISSIONARY FOR THE LORD here in Ibiza, an isle of the sea; and I have a Heavenly Father who is aware, and who I know is aware, of me, and He gives me strength and guidance every day.

It´s just the best, is all. :) I love you guys!!

Thank you for your emails, those of you who've had time to write. For those who still haven´t written, why procrastinate the day? ;) I understand if you don´t have time--just know that I am still thinking about you, and that I love you. Why else would I work so hard and use so much time to stay in contact with you, when I´m on a crazy island in the Mediterranean? ;)

God WILL bless us for our dedicated and constant obedience!! Take the Grand Canyon, for example. We might not see the effects of a trickle of water along the ground, but if we give it a chance, it WILL, over time, leave a mark, and if we increase the flow, it will carve deeper and deeper, writing itself in our hearts, until it is obvious and beautiful.

How do we set the water running? READING THE BOOK OF MORMON. How do we increase the flow? LIVE WHAT IT TEACHES. I´m still learning, and I´m not 100% there yet, of course, but this is what I´m finding out, and what I´m inviting strangers to find out; so why not share it with those I love?

Simply,

Élder Zubeldia