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