Jan 6, 2014 Letter

¡Hola familia, amigos, y queridas mascotas!

¡Feliz Año Nuevo! I think it's appropriate to call this year "The Mission Year." To think I'll be spending every day, hour, and minute of this entire year serving the Lord fills me with excitement and happiness. Let the fun begin! Cheers!

Sounds like you all had a fantastic New Years! Oil fondue, lava cake, homemade ice cream, fun games, poppers, and good company make for a fantastic start to a new year! As for me, New Years was just like any other day. We didn't do a whole lot to celebrate, but we did manage to sneak out to watch all the neighbors light off their fireworks at midnight. I should have brought earplugs! ;) I blew my blowhorn thing that you sent me and imagined banging on some pots and pans. It was great fun :) 

Well, I'm happy to announce that I've introduced Honduras to The Piano Guys. As we were walking home one night with a local member family, we heard someone blasting "Paradise" by Coldplay out their window. I instantly thought of their video and started explaining them to one of the young men in the family. He went home that night, looked them up, and watched almost every one of their songs. He kept saying, "Wow. ¡Qué calidad! (What quality!)" I think I got him hooked. 

Our investigators are progressing well. If all goes well this week, we'll be having 2 baptisms this Saturday! One is an hermano named Ricardo. He's been visiting with the missionaries since August and has gone to church so many times that we can't count. He's about 50+ years old and loves to talk. He's hesitant to be baptized because he thinks he needs to know all the doctrine before he can be baptized. We've explained that baptism is only the first step to a life of learning. We fasted for him yesterday and we'll be praying for him this whole week! The other is an hermana named Marina. She's a lively older lady that lives with her daughter and grandchildren. She's been listening to the missionaries for a few months as well. She's very blunt and says what's on her mind. A week ago when we asked her how her Christmas was she told us directly, "I drank a beer and got drunk. It's the first time in my life and I'm not going to do it again." We almost burst out laughing at the bluntness of her reply, but with calmness we taught her the Word of Wisdom again. We we told her that alcohol was bad, she told us, "Yup, I sinned." She's super kind and loving and will make a fantastic member! Let's hope these two can keep progressing so they can be baptized soon!

I had an extremely touching experience this week with Wilmer, the brother of Jennifer, the sister who just got baptized. We arrived at the house one evening to find that he was drunk, but we taught a lesson to both of them and got up to leave. As we stood up, Wilmer started to cry. He said, "I wish I could be like you two. I don't want to drink anymore. I want to overcome my addiction." As we tried to console him, I felt the impression to give him a hug. As I hugged him, he put his head in my shoulder and sobbed. We stood there for about a minute as I whispered in his ear that he could stop drinking if he just put his trust in Christ. It was truly an amazing night.

I also did my very first tracting this week! When a few members didn't show up to the church for a meeting, we decided to contact every house on the street that the church is on. Out of the many houses we knocked, only a few answered the doors saying they were busy. Though nothing immediate came of our experience, we were able to plant a few seeds. It was fun and my companion and I were smiling the whole time. I think we'll do it again soon!

Ah! I almost forgot the most amazing part of the week! This Saturday, Josselin got baptized! It was so spiritual. The whole Relief Society room was full of people to support her in this special day. That's what's so amazing about the Church. Even though families may not support us, there's always the Church and our Savior Jesus Christ. We'll never feel lonely, unwelcome, or unloved in this Church. There is always someone who will love us and support us. I felt happy for Josselin and her friends that helped her make such a special covenant with God. 

Well, that's about all the time that I have today. I wish you all an amazing week! Remember, I love you mucho! 

Con Amor,

Elder Roberts

Dec 30, 2013 Letter

¡Hola Querida Familia!

I know I've said this a million and one times, but it never gets old nor loses its importance. So, without a speck of falseness and with all the sincerity I can muster, I must say that I love you. 

I love you around the world and back again. I love you through thick and thin. I love you like a monkey loves bananas. I love you from the bottom of my heart. I love you oodles and oodles. I love you more than there are fish in the sea. I love you more than words or actions can possibly express. I love you, every last bit and piece. I love you. 

You have all changed my life. I am who I am today because each and every one of you, by the divine grace of God, was put in the path of my life to love me, care for me, be my friend, and shape me. Your love, kindness, and compassion have no end. Thank you, from the bottom of my soul, for everything that you've done for me.

Now, my emotions are running on the high side today in light of the phone call that I received from President Dester today. The passing of Grandma came as no surprise to me. From the moment that I walked away from our last hug and kiss, I knew I wasn't going to see her again in this life; nevertheless, the fact that I was a little prepared doesn't ease the blow completely. I still miss her. The tears still fall. But there's something that echoes out from the depths of my spirit that I can't deny.

Death is the end of some earthly things, but it is yet the beginning of greater, more important celestial things. It is the end of aches, pains, and sickness. It is the end of sadness, grief, and heartache. It is the end of bills, meetings, and monotonous work. It is the beginning of a new life. It is the beginning of life eternal. It is the beginning of real happiness, love, and joy. It is the start of something new. 

As Elder Russell M. Nelson explains, "Life does not begin with birth, nor does it end with death. Prior to our birth, we dwelled as spirit children with our Father in Heaven. There we eagerly anticipated the possibility of coming to earth...but we regarded the returning home as the best part of that long-awaited trip, just as we do now. Before embarking on any journey, we like to have some assurance of a round-trip ticket. Returning from earth to life in our heavenly home requires passage through-and not around-the doors of death. We were born to die, and we die to live. As seedlings of God, we barely blossom on earth; we fully flower in heaven" (Doors of Death, April 1992). 

I know I'll see both Grandma Carter and Grandma Roberts again. I feel honored to know that I'm participating in the same work in which they're working. As we speak, they're bringing souls to Christ by their warm smiles, kind words, and loving spirits. They are, as Alma says, in "a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their trouble and from all care, and sorrow" (Alma 40:12).  What comfort this brings me!

Well, this week was pretty wonderful. We were blessed to be able to participate in the baptism of Jenifer. It was super spiritual. As she stood to bear her testimony after the ordinance was completed, she explained to us, "Before I entered the water I felt cold in all of my body. When I stepped foot in the font, the feeling of cold continued. But when I came up out of the water, I felt warmth in every part of me. It felt so good. I promise to the Lord that I will keep moving forward." She could hardly keep the tears from flowing for the remainder of the evening. What a special day!

Dad, thanks so much for everything you do. You've been part of the anchor that has held our family down through these past few weeks. I'm positive that both Grandma Carter and Grandma Roberts are eternally grateful for what you've done for them. I look up to you so much and one  day I hope to be like you.

Mom, I can only imagine what you're feeling right now. It's hard to lose a loved one, but to lose someone who's been there for you since Day 1 is even harder. I pray for you, Valerie, Steve, and Grandpa every day. You are all so strong. Keep the faith and never look back. Know that if you ever need anything, just ask your Father in Heaven and He'll be there. 

Callie, I hope you had fun in Ogden this past week! Sounds like things are going well between you and Kenny. I hope you had a fantastic Winter Break and that you're getting ready to go back to school ;)

Eric, what's your show called? From your description in the Skype call, it sounds like it's going to be epic! Work hard, and show them what you've got!

Well, I must be off! It was great to see your smiling faces this past Wednesday! You all look great, happy, and healthy! :) I hope all went well in the funeral today. I'm sure Grandma is happier than ever to see her loved ones united once more. It's what she loved more than anything :)

Keep being stellar! And don't forget...

I love you!

Con Mucho Amor,

Elder Roberts

Dec 23, 2013 Letter

¡Hola Familia!

¡Feliz Navidad! It seems like just last year that we were celebrating this exact same holiday. Oh wait... ;) Well, here's to another Merry Christmas to all! Cheers!

This week was fantastic. It was full of adventures, challenges, and frustrations. I guess that's what makes it so great. Every day I get to overcome difficulties, make decisions that will affect not only me but those around me, and grow spiritually. I love it so much!

Our new area is wonderful. It's absolutely massive, but it's great! We have lots and lots of work to do here. We hope to have a few baptisms in the upcoming weeks to help the ward reach there goal of 50 baptisms by the end of 2014. It's up to start off on a good foot so the missionaries that come after us will have success! 

About a week ago, 2 more missionaries moved in with us. They were taken out of their area for security purposes and they're working temporarily in our area. One of them has the same time in the mission as me, and the other has 22 months. The older missionary is ready to go home. He's, what they call here, 'baggy'. He likes to listen to rap music in the morning and stay up until 1 o'clock in the morning. The past few days they haven't done much. It makes me sad to see someone who's worked so hard just give up before the finish line. It's helped me to make a promise to myself that when I only have a few weeks or months left in the mission, I'm going to work harder then ever. I will never slack off just because I'm about to go home. It's not an option for me. 

Guess what? I got your Christmas package! I opened it up after lunch last Tuesday. You have no idea how happy I was to see all the goodies, letters, notes, and decorations. You sure know me well :) I love you all so much and I'm so glad I've got an amazing family who loves me and supports me. 

This past Wednesday we had a Mission Christmas Devotional with 4 of the 9 zones in the mission. We sang every Christmas hymn in the Hymnbook from beginning to end. I felt the Spirit so strong, especially when we sang 'Noche de Luz,' or 'Silent Night.' I can only imagine how peaceful and still the night was when Christ was born. After our sing-along, we watched It's A Wonderful Life together with President and Sister Dester. As we watched, we ate brownies and ice cream. I think that was the happiest I've been in a long time. I almost forgot what brownies taste like! ;)

I got to spend a day with a new Elder this past Friday. His name is Elder Baird and he's from New Jersey, but lives in Clearfield. He got here last week so he's still struggling with Spanish. As we visited the houses of members and investigators, I remembered my first days in the mission. Though it seems like yesterday, I've grown so much. I can speak Spanish, teach a good lesson, and enjoy it while I go. Thanks to my Heavenly Father, I've become a better person than I ever hoped I'd become. I thank Him every day for the blessings I've received. 

So the other night we were visiting a bunch of people with a member family by the name of Familia Osorto. As we were headed back to the house to end the day, the youngest girl that's about 6 years old started to cry. When her mom asked her what was the matter, she said, "I want to keep visiting people!" After her dad said that it was late and we couldn't visit anymore, she started crying harder. "I want to visit more people!" It was the cutest thing ever. Talk about a future missionary!

It sounds like you've all had a good week. You're always in my prayers, especially with Grandma being sick. Keep telling her that I love her and I'm so grateful for everything she's done for me. What a blessing it is that she's always surrounded by family in her last minutes on earth.

Dad, thanks for the pictures! Looks like a pretty good snow storm! I sure do miss the snow. I guess I'll just have to make an extra big snowman when I get back ;) I hope you get feeling better and that you enjoy the upcoming Christmas week!

Mom, you're so amazing. Keep being strong. I love you so much. Do you know why you have such an amazing family? It's because we have such an amazing mother who taught us so well! 

Eric, thanks for your help around the house. Keep helping Mom and Dad. You're such a stud. Love you around the world and back again :)

So...I'm super excited to call you Wednesday! I'll be using an account that I made with [removed]. I plan on calling sometime in the morning, since Mom said that would work best. Plan on around 10:00 AM Honduran time, so about 9:00 AM Mountain Time. Don't fret if I don't call you exactly on time. Who knows what technical hiccups we'll encounter ;)

Well, we'll talk more in a few days! Love you bunches and bunches!

Con Mucho Amor,

Elder Roberts

Dec 16, 2013 Letter

¡Hola familia!

I still remember the old cartoon that we used to watch that had the jingle, "Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?" As I sit here writing you from a new area the song popped in my head, but this time it said, "Where in the world is Elder Roberts?" It doesn't quite fit the jingle, but it works for me. :)

Well, I write to you today from a small internet cafe in the heart of... drumroll please... San Pedro Sula! I've been assigned to work in an area called La Primavera. A few months ago the area was closed and the 2 sets of missionaries were taken out. We're the first missionaries assigned to return to La Primavera and the members are pretty excited to have us back. My new, but not so new, companion is Elder Hernandez from Nicaragua. We've been in the same district for my whole mission, so we know each other pretty well. We're practically brothers ;) We're both new in the area, so sometimes we walk around like lost tourists, but we always find our way back ;) The area is amazing and my companion is fantastic. I don't know, but I might love this area more than Santa Cruz! Who knows?

I know you like to know about what life is like to live here, so I'm going to explain just a little bit :) Our house here is nice. There's water every day and there's actually a shower head in the shower! We still have a cocinera who cooks our lunches everyday, as well as a sister who lives next door that gives us free breakfast every morning. The members are still organizing dinners for us, but for now we're eating with our ward missionary leader every night. There's a few supermarkets close by, so that makes shopping easy. Let me tell you, when I stepped inside a supermarket for the first time in 6 months, I was a little surprised. Who knew that a store could be so big? ;) 

Well a lot of cool things happened this week, but because of time I can't write them all. The one thing of which I want to testify of is the power of members in missionary work. Without the members helping us this past week, we would have been lost with no direction. Thanks to a big support system from the members, we are working hard and with purpose. So my challenge for each of you is to participate in missionary work. You don't need to go out and knock doors, but simple things make the difference. Be a friend to someone who's lonely. Share a smile and a wave with the person who pulls up next to you at the stoplight. Go out with the missionaries. Make a difference! :)

I want to thank you greatly for the videos that you sent me of Grandma Carter. Tears were shed and my heart is heavy, but I'm forever grateful for the chance to be able to hear some encouraging words from her. I'm glad she made it to celebrate her birthday surrounded by family. Send her my love and my well-wishes. I'm not sure if she got my email I sent her a few weeks ago, but tell her I love her around the world and back again. "Hey Drew, I have a question for you! Who loves you?" Grandma. "Who loves Grandma?" Me.

Dad, thanks for the email and the updates! You always keep me well informed on the most recent happenings in the Roberts family. The weather sounds like typical Utah weather, but I hope you're enjoying it :) The weather here is rainy, but still hot. It feels nothing like a "Utah Christmas", but the Christmas lights and Christmas trees make it feel like an "Honduran Christmas." :) I hope work is going well and that you're keeping the house in good shape. I agree that it would probably be good to visit Grandpa. I can only imagine how lonely he is. Know that I look up to you so much for your help, support, and comfort that you've provided for the whole family in this difficult time. You're the best dad ever!

Mom, thanks for the email. I know it's hard to write when there are so many things to do, but I want you to know that I loved your letter. There are some missionaries here that don't get emails from their parents, so I'm eternally grateful for the support you've given me! You're such an example to me. You're strong, kind, faithful, loving, and much more. Keep being an anchor for the whole family. I hope you get feeling better soon. You're always in my prayers!

Eric, good luck with the upcoming winter guard season! Have fun, be safe, and win some competitions ;)

Well, I'm out of time today. I'll be sure to write more about the work here in La Primavera next week! I hope everything is going well and pray that everything will go well this upcoming week. Keep being strong. Keep being kind. Keep being stellar :)

Con Mucho Amor,

Elder Roberts

P.S. Did I mention that I love you? Because I truly do!

Dec 9, 2013 Letter

I have been bad at posting Drew's letters. I apologize but things have been busy. Vickie spent a lot of December with her parents and her Mom passed away on Dec 26. That meant I attempted to keep up on things around the house.

So... here is the Dec 9 letter...

¡Hola familia!

Would you believe me if I said that I hardly remember anything about this week? Well you should definitely believe me. This week flew by and I don't remember where it went!

I must say that I love Santa Cruz de Yojoa. The word on the street is that this Wednesday I will be transfered to a different area. I'm not sure what to think. After such a fantastic last few weeks, I want to stick around to see the fruits of my labors. I want to see the people I love enter into the waters of baptism. If I could, I wouldn't mind staying in this beautiful city for the rest of my mission! But the Lord has something else in mind. He knows that there are other people waiting for me. There are other lives I need to change. He knows best, so I will put my trust in Him and keep moving forward. :)

Yesterday was perhaps the best Sunday I've had in my mission. We had an outstanding 153 people in church, part of which consisted of 11+ less-active members and 5 investigators. We're so close to reaching our goal of 160 people in attendance by the end of the year. The ward is getting excited to be a part of Missionary Work in Santa Cruz. We've received some amazing references and the members are opening up to us. What a blessing! Great things are happening in a small town in Honduras!

This week I was asked if I could play the piano for a small Ward Christmas Choir. I went online and picked out a simple arrangement of "Cantan Santos Angeles" or "Angels We Have Heard on High." I thought it was easy enough until we started practicing it. There's a key change in chorus the last time through and no one did it. No one could hear the piano and the change, so they basically stayed on the same notes while the piano played something else. After trying a few times, I gave up and we switched to singing the hymnbook version. It's amazing that even without an arrangement, the Spirit is still very strong, testifying of the birth of Christ! I couldn't stop smiling the whole time :)

Our investigators are progressing well. We met a few new people this week who told us directly that they know this church to be true. One sister named Paola recently lost her husband, leaving her to care for her 5 month old son. We taught her about the Plan of Salvation and she soaked it right up. We invited her to be baptized and she said yes. While she doesn't have a date yet, she's on her way to seeing her husband again in the celestial kingdom :)

Now onto the more solemn thoughts. Thanks for the update on Grandma Carter. I've been thinking about her this whole week. I'm glad she's still here and I hope she's enjoying her last moments on earth with cake, ice cream, and, of course, family. :) The night after I received your phone call I wrote a little bit in my journal. I'd like to share a part of my entry that night.

"I imagine this is a little bit how Joseph Smith felt. Maybe I'm even experimenting a small piece of the trials of Job. It seems like [as my testimony grows and my faith increases], the more God allows me to be tested and tried. [I learned tonight that Grandma Carter is] close to leaving this world. She feels like it's her time to go. She's ready. She's done what she needs to do. She's fought a good fight. She's worthy to receive her reward. I love her so much. I'll miss her more than words can describe, but I know there's a better place waiting for her and that we'll see each other again. 

"May the trials, afflictions, pains, aguishes, and sorrows come, but [just like Joseph Smith and Job] I will never deny the power of Christ nor of my Heavenly Father. I'm never giving up. I'm never giving in. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. I will work harder than ever to bring people to this same knowledge and testimony. I will make my Grandma proud and I will make my Heavenly Father happy. It's what I must do" (December 6th, 2013).

I hope you all know how much I love you. You never know when our time on earth is finished and when we're needed on the other side. Our Heavenly Father knows all, and all we can do is put our trust in Him. I know that if Grandma Carter passes away, there's a work waiting for her in the spirit world. She'll join Grandma Roberts in the work of the Lord along with those who went before her. Though it is hard for us here to lose someone we love, we must know that it's not the end. This life is only the beginning of a marvelous story that has no ending. 

Dad, thanks for the update this week! Sounds like the temperature has dropped quite a bit. And snow? Brrr... I also hope you're holding up okay. I can only imagine the stress, fatigue, and sadness that you're feeling. Keep being strong. I love you so much!

Mom, I hope you're feeling okay. Your strength, stalwartness, and steadfastness never cease to amaze me. I know that you're passing through a difficult time right now. Keep your chin up. Look for the sunshine in these cloudy days. Put your trust in God and keep a prayer in your heart every moment of every day. I know the Lord is watching over you and your family right now. I love you so very much!

Eric, I hope you had a fantastic birthday! Wow. 17? I can't believe it. And congrats on your Honor Band concert. I bet it sounded great. You're a fantastic clarinetist! 

Callie, I hope Finals go well this week! Study hard and give it all you've got! Finish this semester off with a bang ;)

Have I mentioned how much I love you? Thanks for your constant emails, cards, and prayers. I pray for you every day and every night. May you all have a fantastic week this week. Keep being stellar!

Con Mucho Amor,

Elder Roberts

"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It all works out in the end. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers."  - President Gordon B. Hinckley