Still an American!

Wow. I can't believe that another 4th of July has passed.... at least this year was easier than last year's 4th of July... a little bit more busy :) but even with the weird things happening in the States, I am so grateful and proud to be an American. You guys have no idea. I love Nicaragua with all of my heart. But there is nothing quite like America! Where at least I know I'm free!

This week wasn't quite as exciting as the last... but it was definitely rewarding! It all started tuesday as I went down to beautiful, hot as crap Rivas to work with the companionships down there a little bit! That was super awesome but so unbelievably hot. I also got to give a baptism interview to a guy that I started teaching back in March. He was the typical "golden investigator" but had left Rivas because of work (my life in a nutshell down in Rivas). But he came back a couple weeks ago and was ready to get baptized! I interviewed him, and he wanted me to baptize him! So Friday we went on down and I baptized him on Saturday! That was really cool. He was crying when he came out of the water, even though he wanted to hide it :) and I wasn't there, but on Sunday after being confirmed, he got up and bore his testimony! Fruits of the work right there!

Another thing that happened on Tuesday, it that the owner of our house kicked us out and gave us five days to find a new house. So we basically spent all of Wednesday and Thursday looking for houses, kind of boring and a waste of time. Friday as I said we went back down to Rivas to work with all the people that are going to get baptized this month. There are some awesome people in this world! And Saturday I baptized Edy!

This 4th of July could have been one of the best, and this is why. That kid I told you guys about last week? Named Angel? He was supposed to get baptized on Saturday. And he got baptized without any problems! It was so freaking cool. I don't know how I was lucky enough to have been able to teach this guy and find him, but somehow, the Lord blessed us and he was able to make one of the best decisions of his entire life. I will send pictures next week sorry :) But that was super awesome!

Well another dumb email... but this was a great week and I am so grateful to be here in the best mission in the world! And to be an American and to be a Mormon! Love you all!

Elder Merrill

P.S. Keep praying for one of my great friends, Taylor Gulbransen.... love you Tay.

P.P.S. I love Coach Occie Evans and President Packer.

Longest email ever!

First off, I want to apologize for not saying anything last week. We really were so busy, but this time all is good to write about everything that happened last week. Which is a lot!

This week was probably the craziest, fastest, most tiring week of my entire mission. But let's start with the craziest news. Big Jonathan is out of the Bishopric! Ah that is sooooo crazy! I'll have to admit, it is super weird to think that the big three of Bishop Beynon, Dad and Dan are not there anymore. Those three have been an incredible help in my life, as they helped me so much in my preparation to serve a mission. I will always be grateful for them, especially Dad obviously. But I am sure he is not too sad to be free of that calling for a little bit! And I'm excited for the new big 3!

So... this week. Tuesday was a bit of a normal day, but we found out who the changes were going to be. My 6 week son Elder Sanchez had changes, and I was called, once again, to train a new missionary. I wasn't too excited because I have done it so much at first, but then I got my new son and got super pumped to work and teach him the ways! 

Wednesday, the day of changes came. And we had to do something super awesome. The mission did something a little different this time. Rather than just everybody meeting up in Jinotepe and then taking paid bus to Managua for the meeting, Elder Naisbitt and I had to go around and pick up all the missionaries that had changes in the bus and then take them all the Managua. So we woke up at 2AM, and left at 3AM to pick up the missionaries in Rivas! We were driving (not actually driving obviously but in the bus) from 3 until about 8:15 when we arrived at the church in Managua! So needless to say we were pretty tired. Then we had the change meeting, which went by really fast. Afterwards we had a training meeting for all trainers and new missionaries. There were only 5 new Elders that came in this change so it was a little weird, but it was a good meeting. Then I got my son! And his name is Elder Lopez. He is from Guatemala, and he is like a professional chef! He is awesome. Super humble, a very quick learner, and about 1/3 of my size! He is awesome. Then we went back home and worked to finish out the day.

Elders Merrill and Naisbitt

You would think that would be all, but nope, Thursday we had Leadership Council with all the Zone Leaders back in Managua! So.... another early morning for Elder Naisbitt and I. But the meeting was awesome! Now Elder Mataalii, Elder Shephard, Elder Hironaka and I are all Zone Leaders. We were in the same district in the MTC if you didn't remember :) and Elder Hartley, my little brother as well! We talked about the needs of the mission, shared presentations on each of our Zones (our Zone is doing awesome), and learned a little from the APs. And we learned a little about the importance of the Plan of Salvation. Question. Where would we all be without the knowledge that we have of the Plan of Salvation?! It is always awesome to learn from President and Sister Russell as well.

The Furious Four from the Mexico City MTC

Elders Hartley, Merrill, Collado and Kleiner

So, from there hopefully we would get a little sleep, but no. That night we were up really late preparing for the Zone Meeting that we had on Friday. Which was also great! Then Friday I went down to Rivas again and worked a little there. Traveling is really tiring. But it was fun down there! And.... Elder Rushton (he is from our stake and went to high school with Sam and they left on the same day) is finally in my zone! He is opening up an area down there. He is still as crazy as ever, but he is very obedient and an absolute workhorse so we are happy to have him here.

Elders Merrill and Rushton at the SLC airport back in June of 2014

This week will be awesome, because we are gonna baptize Angel! He is 17, and has an incredible story. He was like the assistant to the Father in the Catholic church, and grew up doing everything catholic, but one day a friend invited him to church, and he decided to visit. He didn't feel a huge difference, but his friend convinced him to just pray that night asking for direction from the Lord. This is what he did. "I prayed to God asking him for a dream or something (Nicas love dreams), anything by God to tell me where I should be. That night I had a dream that the Savior was guiding me through the halls of this church. And here I am." From that moment, he gave up everything Catholic. That is something very hard to do. And what an incredibly obedient spirit that he has, to be able to ask God for a dream and answer and get it that very night. He is awesome. He'll be baptized this Saturday :) 

Well there is a little more. I hope you all enjoy my favorite holiday back home. I can't believe it's already the 4th of July again. Time goes by so fast! I am so proud to be an American! Love you all!

Elder Merrill

Mission baptism record for May

His new Nicaraguan suit!!

Not much today :(

I´m sorry but right now we are incredibly busy, because this week we have changes and leadership council and we have to prepare something, so this is about all that´s coming. But next week I promise there will be a lot because I had some good experiences this week!

One thing... happy father's day yesterday to the best dad in the entire world. The John Merrill! I am so grateful for his example, and I´m very sad that I didn´t really notice it completely until I was here on the mission. You are the best Johnny! Love you!

Love you guys! Have a great week!

Elder Merrill

It's about time!

Wahooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This week was another awesome, wickedly fast week. And yes.... I have officially been out for over a year. It is absolutely crazy. I guess that I´ll try to give a lil update on what happened this last week. It was a fun one.

Tuesday.... Tuesday... Tuesday..... I literally cannot remember what happened on Tuesday. We worked, and it was a lot of fun! Hahahah we have been having more success here in the area, so that has been fun! Wednesday was the same hahahah.

Thursday was June 11th.... And I honestly can´t believe that. As I woke up I began to think of my first day back in the MTC exactly a year ago, and it just blew my mind how fast it has gone, how much has changed and how much I have grown. I think. I have tried so hard to improve myself and help others do the same, and even though I have fallen many times, ya just gotta get back up. I have learned so much about the Savior, and have gained an even greater relationship with him. But I have so much to learn and sooooooo much to grow in. A feel like time is just going by way too fast... so it´s extremely important to keep working and learning and growing. As my companion says.... Keep on keepin on!

We didn´t do anything to celebrate hahaha just worked... that´s the best kind of celebration I guess!

Friday I went around doing some baptism interviews and then...... Dennis. Our main man. Maybe my favorite person that I have met here in Nicaragua. Friday was his marriage! He´s 82, and he got married to a 40 year old. No you did not read that wrong. It was a little weird, but they really love eachother and it was a great experience.

And then Saturday.... his baptism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ah it was so awesome. He is sooooooo humble, and he has been so grateful for the help that we have offered him. After going so long without baptizing... the drought could not have been broken in a better way. Nor with a better man. I am so grateful for that opportunity, and for the chance to baptize Umberto this Saturday as well! 

 

On Sunday we had 21 investigators at church.... a record for this area! 

That is a really bad email... I´m sorry hahaha. But just know that I am doing awesome, and more importantly working hard! Enjoy every day and Come Unto Christ!

Love,

Elder Merrill

Investigators!!

Goooooood luck with Drill this week Annie :) hahahahaha that should be a fun life for her. And hello family and friends. This last week was another super fast, awesome week. Let's see if I can contarles un poco en cuanto a esta semana.

Tuesday we had interviews with President Russell!!!! Those were super fun... but very stressful as is every single aspect of my life right now. First my companion Elder Naisbitt and I talked to him about the Zone and what we were looking for. We also focused a lot on the importance of our area. There's been some struggles, but we are working on that. In my personal interview, we basically just talked about the frustration that I've had these last few months. Because it's been super hard with the lack of success that I've had since about January. He just advised me on the importance of keeping working. The only way is to work my way out of it. Even though I've been working very hard and he acknowledged that, I just need to keep working harder. So that's what I gotta do. Put all the faith in the Lord, put the head down and go to work! The Zone is doing really well, thank goodness.

Wednesday, I can't remember what happened. We worked hard and had a good day I think!

Thursday I went down to Rivas.... and guess what? My favorite and best investigator that I have had on my mission finally got baptized on Saturday!!!!!!!!! His name is Carlos. The only problem that he has had is that he's been waiting for his divorcement to come out, and it finally did last week! He has got such a strong testimony, and has been waiting for this day. I was able to visit him and take a few pictures, because two of his sons got baptized as well! Sometimes you just gotta see the fruits of work. I'm so happy for this guy. He is someone that I will never forget. Now we just gotta get his wife in the water so that they can go to the temple! I also love working with one of my best friends Elder Copeland.

Carlos!

 

Friday was great. I think. I know that in District Meeting Elder Copeland talked about the importance of the Book of Mormon. I love the Book of Mormon and I love the Restoration with all of my heart. This book is the central part of our conversion to Jesus Christ and the Atonement. Read it, and live the precepts that are found inside of it!

Saturday we worked hard in a new part of the area, and found some awesome people. Blessings of work!

Sunday we brought 14 investigators to church, which was great. One of them being... Dennis. Let me tell you a little bit about Dennis.... he is 82 years old, and he is a reference from a recently returned missionary. And he is pretty much my favorite person in the entire world. Honestly though. He is so kind, funny, and willing to follow God. He has learned so much and we have gained a great relationship. I will send you some pictures of him next week because this Saturday HE IS GETTING BAPTIZED. I AM SO HAPPY FOR HIM AND SO EXCITED FOR THIS SATURDAY. I LOVE YOU DENNIS!

Needless to say, it was a great week! I am so grateful for the Gospel, and for every blessing that I have seen in my life. I'm grateful for the opportunity not to work for blessings, but to serve the Lord and just see how he works miracles in my life. Love you all, thanks for the support. 

Love,

Elder Merrill

Elders Copeland and Merrill and Carlos and family

Go Sisters!!

And so the weeks begin to go faster and faster. This weeks passed like.... I don't know something really fast hahahaha. Let's try and see what happened.

Tuesday we had Leadership Council with all the Zone Leaders and Sister Trainer Leaders, APs and President. It was a really great experience. We did it at President's house, which is really nice because their house is so nice! Each Zone had to do a presentation on how their area and how their Zone is doing. Our area is super hard and it's not doing too well, but President was happy about how our Zone is doing, because it is doing really well! The missionaries here, the majority of them being Sisters, always complete what they are supposed to do, bring people to church and they baptize! We also learned about the importance of keeping the commandments. Friends and family, we keep the commandments because it's what God says to do. We don't drink coffee because it's bad for our health, we do it because it's what we need to do and because we love God! And for only that reason.

Wednesday and Thursday passed like nothing, but we worked really hard!

Friday we had Zone Meeting, and that was awesome! Animating the Zone, as we work to have another great month in June. Our Zone consists of 2 Districts. Elder Naisbitt and I are the District leaders as well, and Elder Copeland is the other District Leader. The 3 Musketeers! We are trying to throw some fire. We talked about doing absolutely everything you can to get what you want. Go watch "The Quest for a Go Getter" to see what it really means to give it your all. Whether it be baptizing or anything else, ya gotta do everything that you can, and a little more. Then we talked more about the commandments and how to be the best Zone in the entire world!

Elder Merrill and Elder Naisbitt

Elder Merrill and Elder Copeland

Saturday we almost had a baptism... but the guy didn't want to do it. Me and Elder Naisbitt spent about 2 hours trying to talk him into doing it, and I felt like we were completely guided by the Spirit, because I had no idea what I was doing, just saying whatever came to the mouth! But there's this thing called agency. Hahaha. Yes... that is almost 3 months straight without baptizing... and yes it has been really hard. But that hasn't stopped me from working. Gotta keep working.

Heard that Utah State is going to play at Duke this year.... awesome! Happy Birthday this last week to my amazing mother, and the 30th was Mother's Day, so happy Mother's Day to all my Nica moms! Congrats to all those that are graduating this week!

Love you all with all of my heart! Keep up the great work!

Elder Merrill

Interesting...

Try every day to make someone else's life better

Hello family and friends. First and foremost Happy Birthday to my incredibly already old youngest lil sis, the Annie Merrill. That is crazy that she is already 14! The day that she turns 15, in exactly one year from now, I will be in my final day in the mission. Crazy! But I hope you´ve had a great day Annie. And even more important... Happy Birthday this Friday to my number 1 fan and amazing mother! She is one of the main reasons I try to work so hard, and I am so grateful for the blessing to be in the amazing family I am with the rock of a mother that I have.

So this week. What happened? Well this week was pretty uneventful and pretty stressful. Like I said, this month is an opportunity for this Zone to have the best month that it has ever had! And let´s look at our basketball team last year... lots of expectations, the chance of disappointment! So here we have a lot of pressure. Which makes it so much more fun! So basically we just spend the whole time trying to keep up our own area while at the same time trying to help out the Zone. On Friday I was able to visit my old area in Rivas to work with Elder Copeland, and that was a lot of fun. It was also great to see some of the amazing people that I came to love in that area. And there are a lot of them. As we all know, everything other than the life after this is going to end. So the best that we can do is try to leave a stamp of doing good for others. Trying every day to make someone elses life better. If we´re not doing that at least.. then what is the point? That was a great experience. It also rained down there for the first time since I´ve been there, and it rained hard! Which was great... until it made me sick hahaha.

So yeah the last few days I have been pretty sick. With a lot of pain. I´ve been resting when I can and working when I can, but it´s all good because ya gotta just keep working! 

Tomorrow we have a leadership meeting with all the leaders of the mission, something that goes on once a month. It should be a lot of fun... but we´ll see hahaha. It´s just a good thing that our Zone is doing pretty well, because if not it´d be rough! 

Today is Memorial Day? That´s crazy. This always makes me think about my amazing Grandma Joan and the amazing example she gave to our family in her life. Knowing that we have people supporting us on both sides give a great comfort, and more motivation to work! I love my family and friends.

In answer to the questions, my new companion is Elder Naisbitt, the one from West Jordan and like my best friend in the mission. But we also have our two ¨sons¨ Elder Sanchez and Elder Rodriguez, who are both in their training. They are both from El Salvador and they are awesome. Technically my companion, or trainee is Elder Sanchez who is in his second change, but it´s all interchangeable!

Thanks so much for the love and support! Keep up the good work. Love you all!

Elder Merrill