FINALLY!

Man, I first have to say, I really miss Ella and Ruby. I was thinking about your family all day yesterday, Uncle Colin and Aunt Kate. I hope you're doing well and know you have a beautiful family and I can't wait to see you all very soon!

Ok, I got pulled over. Man, was I livid. Ironically, I was listening to the song " I'm trying to be like Jesus." Shoot me in the foot. He came and said, "Like to drive fast, huh?" I said "No." Of course he didn't believe me. Anywho, I got a 110 dollar ticket, but he got a pass along card and I think was shocked that I left with a smile on my face. I guess you smile until you feel it, and that's what I needed to do. Mom and dad know to well all my run ins with law enforcement.

:)

Ok, but the work is great. Still reaping TOA BAJA. The greatest zone. I love the Levittown ward. I feel like a part of it. We have brought back like close to 20 people to church. And it has all been by the spirit. Like, I know for a fact I have done nothing great. There is this one guy we are teaching who still does not understand the concept of agency. We been teaching him for 4 months now, and Elders before have been for 5 years! Please pray for him that his heart will be softened. His name is JOSE ORTIZ. He is a great guy.

I am with a Dominican again! Elder Tapai. He is a great guy, super tall and funny. We get along really well. I hope my spanish can improve also with this haha. It's sad the our greenie, Elder Nadauld, is leaving. He is off to do better things.

I hope all is well with everyone out there. See you in months ( I will not reveal specific date yet :)  )

Remember who you are,

Elder Stout 

February 25, 2013

This week was a very crazy one.  We had 3 baptisms this week, and I  had the great privilege of preforming them.   The water was so cold, but the Spirit that day was great.  It was truly a great day.  Today we are moving tons of people around the zone and preparing for zone interviews so it's a bit hectic, but all is well that ends well.  I have realized that I still need to work on biting my tongue, and also following the Spirit.  I can feel it leave me when I say something rude or offense.  I hope if any of you have felt bad after doing or saying something, you just stop doing it, before your sensitivity to the Spirit goes away.   Anywho, I have just been trying to keep up with the great pace of mission life.  I can't believe I am 21 in a week.  I can't believe I get to spend it out here on the mission, I am jacked!  I hope you all have a great week.  Sorry, no time!

Elder Stout
Remember who you 

What's up! Feb. 18, 2013

What's up, Family!  And friends and everyone that is here.  I am doing great.  I am so excited to write you. My new comp is Elder Pola!  He is the same one I had in the Dominican Republic.   He is going home this transfer, it's rather sad to see that, but it's okay.  I know I am doing the Lord's work and I am SO excited to be here.  But yeah, this week has been intense.  I am still in Levittown, but we just had tons of meetings this week.  But I am so glad to be here.  Really, I am repeating myself, but it's the best.  Please go out on your missions.  I want to explain something.  Everyone is always asking, what's one thing I wished I learned before the mission.  There are many, and I want to share two for everyone.  1) Realize, and know, that everyone is a Child of God, and no one is perfect.  So please look for your imperfections before you call on others.  2) The Atonement is for everyone, and it is eternal.  It's not only to confess your sins, but it's to find a joy and happiness that can only come from true love.  Please search for talks on grace and this, for it is key to anything pertaining to God.

Remember who you are,

Elder Stout

The Last Three Weeks

Hey guys!  Symone here.  Sorry I have been kind of... bad at this whole blog thing. I promise I will get better!  For now, here are the last three weeks from Malcolm!!

January 28, 2013

Estamos. What more can be said this week.  Folks.  I am at a loss for words, it seems finally.  I literally will just ramble on.  I will say this, thank you all for your thoughts on my behalf.  My comp is sweet, and I found out a cool secret this week.  Man, we just had a really great week, but really tiring.  Like as in biking 8 to 10 a day really wears someone out.  Erik Boud, I am so happy for you!  Sorry I won't be there for the wedding, but congrats!  Man, it's like we are doing so many great things,  I can't even explain it.  And worse, I am not writing it in my journal either for my family hahahaha.  They will hopefully still love me.  It's just something you need to do.  You need to try.  You will understand.

Elder Stout
Remember who you are

February 4, 2013

Hello everyone.  I will write this letter, and I hope you all read it.  I am really really sick right now.  I hope to be getting better soon.  I better not get any phone calls mom to the mission!  But no, it's been a long struggle.  I let my pride get the best of me (what's new?) and decided to work for 3 straight days, when it turns out those were the days I was supposed to be in bed.  Go figure. 

Anywho, we have had some sweet success.  3 guys were baptized this Sunday and all received the Aaronic Priesthood!  It was a great Sunday.  Our stake president said, "Today is a perfect Sunday."  Hahaha.  That was so awesome to hear.  The Lord's work is going super strong.  We just have to keep pressing along, you know?  Nothing can stop it.  So what's new out here?  Man last night I was just so flipping hot.  Like, I felt I was in an oven, like that scene from Taladega Nights when he thinks he is on fire.  I literally had that happen.  I was thinking I was on fire hahahaha it was horrible.  But we also had a good meeting.  I was invited to go to a council that president has once a month.  It was a way cool invite, and man those zone leaders eat good, I'll tell you what.  I hear Les Mis is a really great movie.  10 more months hahaha :)  No, I don't wanna stop.  I do want to stop being sick, but I do not want to stop being a missionary.  Shout outs this week go to Becca, congrats on your mission call!  Your going to do great things!  Also to the AFC North division for the great Superbowl win.  Weird thinking that a year ago I came home........................ 

Well, with all these marriges and people going on missions, all I can say is really, congrats.  I am glad to be counted as one of your friends and to be able to hear this great news that's passing in your lives.  God bless you all. 

Remember who you are, 

Elder Stout

February 11, 2013

Oh man, this week is one to remember, folks.  That is all I want to say.  Let's start with Monday.  Had a pretty swell p-day, nothing fancy.  Oh yeah, wait, I was in bed rest.  But while there, I had this way great conversation about the Atonement with Sister Visker, the mission doctor.  She really helped me open my eyes and to see the little things I truly need to change in my life.  I promise this, as we strive daily to change, we can bring a new found light in our lives.  I was so happy to have realized that and I am happy to strive to place these things in practice.  Then Tuesday and Wednesday, we worked normal, but man, I had such a fever.  I literally felt like I was burning up all over the place.  It has died down, but not all the way.  But we have had some pretty impactful lessons with the youth here and trying to get them on missions.  But man, the coolest thing happened this weekend.  We had a special mission conference, with Elder Anderson of the Quorom of the 12 and President Rasband of the 70 and Elder Zivic and Elder Martinez.  It was a way powerful experience.  I was asked to sing a special musical number with seven other Elders.  It was like, man hahaha.  I would have never envisioned this happening in my life.  Elder Anderson touched a topic of great interest about the Atonement, but more in depth.  He shared a great scripture I wish you all can read, and really focus on the last words. 
Alma 29:5 Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desire the good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience.

It really struck a cord with me, for it is true.  Once you know good from evil, you will have this always on your mind.  He then shared with us some stories of missionaries who went home and why, and asked us who have experienced this to stand and share their testimonies.  I felt impressed to stand, but I couldn't do it.  I looked at the face of all the other Elders who passed through it also, and I just was so happy, yet remembering the burden it provides.  I am happy for Elder Anderson's talk, but more importantly, happy for the atonement of Jesus Christ, which has allowed me to be made whole, and continue to be made whole.  I love you all.

So Sunday, everything was going great, and then BAM.  I got hit by a car while riding my bike.  just floored me.  Hahaha my ankle is killing me, but I am going to the docs today.

Anyways to everyone, thank you for always supporting me, as I have tried to always support you.  I really do miss and think of you often, but just know, as God lives, I will always try my best to be an example. For that is what we need now.

Remember who you are,

Elder Stout

The last three weeks from the eyes of Elder Stout

Jan. 7, 2013

Well, mom needs lots of details and I don't have a lot of time!  Go figure. :)  I will share a little of it.  I am so thankful, first, for the package.  I got to say, I ask maybe next time we can send different dried fruits (not a big berry or apricot fan!) but thank you so much.  So, what's happened this week?  I have a stud comp in Elder Nelson.  Really, he is great.  Just a hard worker and has taught me so much about my potential even this late in the mission.  But we have had such a strong spirit in all our lessons and, on top of that, we are just growing so much.  Best food was ate this week.  Thanks to Three King's Day, we had tons of pork and fruits and goodness, I wanted to throw up, and then just eat more!  We finished off with singing and I am grateful for that time.  I really learned a lot about the importance music has on people and also on our souls.  Makes me want to keep singing after the mission but I am not sure. :)  So we have tons of missionaries coming to the mission, and I am so nervous that Becca or Allyssa are coming to the mission.  I go to the incoming board like every time I am in the office, just to look, and so far, nothing.  But it's great to see the Lord's work growing.  It's go time, baby!!!!!  Kalen Rounds, God bless you.  I don't have time to respond much, but God bless you.

So, our area is massive, and it's all bike.  Yeah, I need to lose weight, I guess hahaha.  But it's a beautiful area and there are beautiful people here.  I am just grateful to be back here in the mission. 

Well, good luck all this week, and I will hopefully be getting letters from you soon:)

Elder Stout

Jan. 14, 2013

THANK YOU RICKS FAMILY FOR THE GREATEST SHIRT THAT ANY MISSIONARY HAS RECEIVED.  EVERYONE WANTS IT, BUT............... THEY CAN'T!!!!!!!!   THANK YOU:),  I'll send a pic soon.  You all are awesome!!!!!!!!!!

Jan. 21, 2013

So, this week was fun.  Really, I am beyond tired.  Beyond tired.  I am so happy though!  We had a baptism, and on top of that, the work just continues to grow.  I feel really fakey not writing much, but I just am so darn tired!  Hahaha but so many great experiences.  Yeah and I just am so so sore.  Hahahahahaha but the Lord's work will go on.  Other cool experiences.  I passed a kidney stone.  The baptism was amazing!!!!!   The first two people to show up were people listening to the lessons.  They both showed up 30 minutes early and we had a great lesson on the importance of baptism and why it is necessary.  The spirit of God testified to them through the holy scriptures.  But the key was the baptism.  There was a spirit I felt much like at Mary's.  A strong calming presence.  When Alberto left the water, he did not want to get out.  I was so happy for him to understand why this is so important.  It's not cause of me, or my comp.  He received his answer through the Holy Ghost, and again it testified to him on the day of his baptism.  It's such a beautiful gift, I can not believe how many times I take this guide for granted.  But he is great, and the Lord's work is continuing without abatement.   A great quote, "Is what your living for, worth Christ dying for?"

Remember who you are

The last two weeks from Elder Stout

December 24, 2012: Christmas Eve

Hello family!!!!!!

Man, I am so sorry, I have been packed this past month.  Literally, no time to write, sleep, eat.  Those who have wrote me letters, I love them!  They mean so much, I just lost time!  But anywho, here's what has been going on.  I have had the sweet time to tour the islands and sing with a choir.  What a humbling experience.  Literally, we open our mouths and the Spirit just goes and enters everyone.  It's so hard to explain, but it comes from all the preparation from before we sang.  And the sunsets were beautiful!  Also, I figured out where I am going on my honeymoon:) hahahahaha

Okay, but this next week is transfers!  It stinks, I have a feeling I am leaving TA, but it's okay, I will see where the Lord needs me!  I have just been running around with Elder Udall and the other elders!  Man, I bought a great hat that is a Vi hat.  You all will see it when I get home!  I can't wait to talk to you, family, on Tuesday!  I will call you before, though, so you can know.  MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL, a blessed New Year.  I love and think of you all as often as I can!:)

Remember who you are!

Elder Stout

December 31, 2012: New Year's Eve

This week, nothing is really new.  I did get transferred.  I am with Elder Nelson, from Logan, Utah.  He really is a great guy.  We are very similar, it's kinda creepy.  Anywho, we are preparing ourselves to receive Elder Anderson of the 12 Apostles in February.  It's going to be a great cleaning process and the spirit will be felt, I just need a lot of prep!!!!!!  I have really been focusing on what more I can do as a holder of the priesthood.  I have studied and prayed and really asked the question, "What thinks Christ of me?"  I know that in the end, other opinions don't matter.  I just need to try to focus on what the Lord provides, and what more I can do to be like Him.  I can't believe it has been 3 months!  I do not want this to end anytime soon, but I also know there is so much more I need to change.  We had the great experience to sing at different wards for Christmas.  I was singing at Trujillo Alto, and it was my turn to sing the solo.  I just looked into their faces and remembered all the great experiences we had, and I cried.  I stood there in front of the ward and cried for the whole song.  I felt the spirit so strongly, it was phenomenal. 

I am very happy for you all.  Happy New Years!!!!!!!!

Elder Stout

The Last Two Weeks

December 3, 2012

Man, i have not sang this much since high school!  So, this week was a crazy one.  First off, how are you family and friends?  How is school or work or your families?  Excited for the Christmas season, or as for the folks in Washington; dreading another winter storm?  I hope all goes well.  22 more days family!  SKYPE!  Hahahaha

Okay, so let's start with this week.  We've been singing.  Around the island.  And it. Is. Awesome.  I have never felt the Spirit so strong in music before in my life.  We, a group of elders and sisters, went to Caguas and to 2 wards in Ponce.  So Friday we arrived, warmed up, and preformed for the stake Christmas activity.  Everything was going well, until we had an announcement to move the kids out of the front row.  Like, during the middle of the concert.  It was announced twice.  That was a huge game changer.  There were some problems (not a lot of details now, this is for a mission story once i am home).  We finished, and had some really, really good food.  They decided to do a culture of foods from different Latin American countries.  And hot dogs from America. :)

 But we then sang in Ajuntas, and I want to share this experience.  This chapel is in the middle of Campo, and it is beautiful.  I walked into the place and was completely overcome by the Spirit.  It was beautiful.  Evidence to me that P.R. will have a temple one day.  But we got to sing our performance for this ward, and we sang the song "O Holy Night" in Spanish.  We have a sister missionary out here who sings it, and she brings the Spirit so strong.  It's crazy how words can be sung daily, but the difference can truly be the personal understanding of the words.  As in the difference of how many lives can be impacted.

 

This part here is what I included in my letter to President, I hope you enjoy.

"This week, we received some crazy blessings.  So this Saturday we began our fast.  I asked the Lord to please lead us to the elect, or put them in our path.  That night, we returned to the chapel to find a man waiting outside.  We talked for a bit and I asked him how we could help.  He said he wants to see our chapel.  We took him on a tour, and then we arrived at the baptismal font.  He was looking at two pictures, one of a man getting baptized, and another of receiving the Holy Ghost.  We opened the doors to the font and his eyes got wide.  He said it was beautiful and he wished he was baptized here.  We then just felt the Spirit so strong, and we invited him on the spot to be baptized.  He accepted.  I said, "How do you feel?"  He said, "Paz."  I said, "Would you like to feel this forever?"  He said, "No doubt."  Later on he asked us, "How can I be baptized in your church, when I was already baptized there?"  Before the words left my mouth, he took my hand and said, "I am going to talk to the pastor of the church, because I have my own agency, and tell him that this is the correct church and that this is the path God needs me on."  And he left.  I just started to cry and thank the Lord in my heart for that beautiful experience.  I know the Lord is watching over us.  Say hello to your family for me."

I love you all.  Thank you for your support.  Please, I ask you, to continue thinking about what more you can do for someone else throughout your days.

 

Remember who you are,

 

Elder Stout

December 10, 2012

Man, my voice is fried.

 

Haha okay, so this week was fun!  We had the great chance to sing, and sing, and sing and sing and sing.  It was impressive!  I am so tired haha.  Physically i am drained!  We really haven't had much time working in our area, but we have had some great spiritual talks and, on top of that, chances to grow.  I just have to say, mom and dad, I am happy for the way you raised me.  I am happy for the fun times and difficulties we have had.  You shaped me to who I am.  And I really am this guy because of you two.  Thank you very much.  Not much to say, though.  I have to say, it's always great to talk to Elder Udall, to help us both relax in our daily lives here hahaha.  He is a great guy (the one who I served with on the islands).

 

Really, not that intense of a week. but work was done.

 

Remember who you are,

Elder Stout