The week after Thanksgiving.

Oh man.  Thanksgiving.  Let me tell you what.  We had a lovely lunch of turkey and apple crisp from some members.  Man, these PRs know how to make turkey.  Yet, as I was stuffing my face, I realized that we were still not in our area.  And we didn't have a car.  And our area is 7 miles up hill.  Talk about a great day.  Food ride barf.  Food ride barf.  Great cycle, let me tell you what.  Man, this area is growing so well.  I just hope the Lord will continue to put His trust in us, His servants.  Saturday, we had a luau here and it's so funny.  These people were like, "I know your mom.  Can I get a picture?"  I was like, "Oh man, alright."  It's just going on Facebook and I won't see it for two years!  One missionary got to dance with fire, it was amazing, until the side of his face got burned.  That was not nice at all.  And I grabbed an electric wire riding my bike.  Talk about stupid man!  But, all in all, this week was amazing.  I can't believe it's so close to Christmas, I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Man, I suck at writing things.  If only I could just talk in person everyday.  Everyone knows the stories would be way way better!

 

Love all

 

Remember who you are

 

Elder Stout

Thanksgiving

Well, talk about an interesting week.  We have been so blessed to have found two new families in our area, yes the area which makes me cry everyday due to the bike ride. 

First lady was so nervous.  I mean, I would be, too, seeing a huge guy and a small Dominican walking towards your house at 8 at night drenched in sweat........ yet the moment we said the Church's name, she got a huge smile and told us about a commercial she saw as a child about our chruch and how she always wanted to learn more.  Yeah, that's straight up Holy Ghost right there.  Same situation with this new family, Danny y Nany.  As soon as the first prayer closed, he was crying.  I know the Holy Ghost is true and the only converter in this mighty work.  But, since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and we have no dinner citas which is probaly best for my health, I would like to take time to write what I am happy for. 

1) I am happy for the Atonement of my Savior, Jesus Christ.  For all those who know me now and before, I was not the best example.  Yet, I am so blessed that I can be given forgiveness for what has happened.  Though I still do not understand fully this magnitude, I cherish it forever with all my heart

2) I am so very thankful for my family and all their support for me throughout my life.  I have never done anything to please them (ask my mom how high school grades were), yet they always showed forth love, always.

3) I am so blessed for all of my friends that I have.  Be it from a baby to on the mission, every person I have ever talked to has changed my life for the better, and every encounter I have with anyone always makes me grow.  For all who read this, you are a true friend of mine.  I love you, cherish who you are individually, and as a friend.  Thank you.

4) So thankful for a good smile.  Though it sounds selfish, I am so happy that at least my teeth are perfect.  Don't care about my body or my brain, just as long as my smile still glows. :)

5) I am so grateful for ....... Jeez man, so much.  I don't have much time.  But I am so very thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I know who I once was, and I still don't know what I can become.  But I want all to know that I know that there is a Father in Heaven, a God, and that His son and our older brother, Jesus Christ, came and was sacrificed for all of us here in the universe.  May you always remember what you are thankful for, especially this Thanksgiving. 

Love, 

Elder Stout
-- 
Remember who you are 

Short one today.

LET'S JUST SAY.............. I LOVE YOU ALL.

 

 

Bonus, got to drive the mission van to Ponce today and back.  Broke the record for miles per hour.  Guess I am becoming more Puerto Rican.

 

 

Elder Stout

-- 
Remember who you are 

Fast and Quick

Hello my beloved family and friends.

This letter will be fast and quick.

I have been transfered again to Toa Baja.  Mother, I am not sure if I can see the family, they have to ask, but I will ask also.  Man, I am so tired but so happy to still be a missionary.  Father, please, I need more information on the Board of Review.  If you can call President Alvorado, that would be a great blessing, if you have the time.  So very happy for all my friends, I hope all are well and enjoying their life and time.  Can you believe it's been 8 months!!!!!  So fast, I cannot believe it.

I love you all so much, please stay strong.

Love, Elder Stout

-- 
Remember who you are 

Camera and clothes missing?

Oh good golly folks............  What a week to remember and forget, if you know what I mean.  I would first like to talk about Thursday.  As sad as it is, I realized I now do not want to marry a flight attendant.  After trying to talk to one, in English, for 25 minutes about the gospel, I came to the assumption that she is permenantly jetlagged.  I hope not............  I got my camara stolen!!!!!  Man, these Puerto Ricans, when they can't get what they want by paying, might as well steal.  I love stare downs with them............  Yeah Yeah Yeah I am so hard! These glasses are amazing!  Hopefully I can get a picture and send it home for all to see.  Man, I feel like my daddy now hahaha.  Nothing big happened until Halloween.  I woke up crying.  For the first time, I missed home. man.  HALLOWEEN YOU PULL AT THE STRINGS OF MY HEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!  All I could do was try my hardest all day to recite word for word the entire movie of The Nightmare Before Christmas to stop from crying.  We went trick or treating and some lady was like. "Oh que bello Mormones, con un plaque y todo."  After laughs and jokes, we tried to give her a Book of Mormon.  She then realized we truly are Mormons.  Then the smiles went away.................... :)  Man, I love this work.  I got my lab results back, and so far I am in the clear, just gots to wait until the doctor here says something.  Man I feel so sore.  So, transfers are next week.  I wonder what's going to happen?  Any guesses?  Stay tuned to find out!  In other news, somehow my clothes have gone missing, too.  We live in a haunted house, I swear. (Actually right next to the cementary) YEAH :) Well hope all are well, know I love you, and keep praying for all who are close.

 

 

Remember who you are

Much love for Puerto Rico! :]

MAN.  So if you don't already know, I love Puerto Rico.  One thing I love about it is how cheap everyone here is.  I was walking down the street, and I saw this cologne I wanted to buy.  It costs 50 dollars.  Go across the street, buy it for 2 dollars.  Same smell, but a different name.  Love it.  I bought like 3, so I should be set now for the rest of my mission and beyond.  Yes, the work of the Lord is still going forth here on Caguas.  On average, since we are in the mountains, it gets up to 89 to 93 degrees during the day and 81 at night. It is freezing cold at night around here now, I can't stand it.  I don't even want to know what Washington feels like now.  So for all who read this, I hope it is sufficent enough.  If there is anything specific you want to know, just let me know :) Oh man, we had service yesterday, painting a women's shelter.  It was a way amazing experience.  But I met some elder named Elder Fogging, who knows The Tollestrups.  He is a way cool elder. Honestly nothing super big happened this week, but I know that something big will happen soon......... and once it does....... it comes right.... here .......... on.................................. THE BLOG!!!!!!!

Elder Stout

--
Remember who you are 

Week of Honesty

ALRIGHT!!!!!!! WEEK OF HONESTY!

 

So, here is the situation.  Last Saturday, I was with President Alvorado all day.  Had a test on my heart in Hato Rey.  Right now, I am in Caguas, if you did not know, and Hato Rey is about 30 minutes away.  So, after the appointment, we headed straight out to San Sabatian to get my eyes checked.  Yes everyone, I wear glasses now 24/7.  It's so funny how I totally got screwed over.  I hear the Cardinals made it to the World Series........ tight....... TYLER THAT IS SO TIGHT ON YOUR CALL!!!!!  I am so proud of you.  I need to give a shout out to Wendy Stitch.  I don't have your address, that is why I can't write you.  So give me your address please!

 

Ok, so Thursday comes around.  Nothing big is going on, you know, same with Friday.  Saturday we go on a split so i can check on how the other Elders in the district are doing.  We are contacting a letter (A what?  Don't understand...-Symone) with Elder Duclos ( harry potter) and she is all like, what the heck is that?  I look behind me and there is a cow in the middle of the road.   Golly, these Puerto Ricans, man.  Okay, so Sunday roles around, nothing too crazy happens.  But I had another episode with my comp.  It's getting really difficult.  So we called President to talk to him about a question, then he tells President all these things he doesn't like about me that I never knew.!  That's why it's week of honesty, cause then the real me came out.  And after words, I felt bad, but hey man you know, keep it real.  I am going to baptize this cool guy tonight, his name is Randy!  He is 15 and is 6 foot 4.  This should be fun........... Oh mom, I mailed the pictures home to you so you can see them all, I hope you like them.  Man, PR is hot.  I am not the biggest fan of this blog cause I really don't have all that much time to write, but here ........ you........... go ...............................

Oh yeah...

 

 

 

Remember who you are:)

HE IS ALIVE!!!!!!!

ALRIGHT FOLKS!!!!

LET ME LET YOU KNOW HOW THE BIG PR IS DOING!

First off, I love and miss you all.

Got transfered to Caguas, as a district leader.  So weird, I don't feel I should have this title, but I will keep going.  I got the same comp, Elder Geronimo.  He has changed amazingly.  But I know it is the Holy Ghost that has changed him, and not me.

DUDE, i love a baday. ( i dont know if thats how you spell it) [it is spelled bidet haha] Man, toilet paper is a thing in the past now.

I haven't changed clothes for the past 3 days. (Ladies, don't think less.  I am a man of hygiene.)

Okay, pedo para la obra.  We had 2 baptismal dates last week before we got transfered.  I hope they were able to fulfill.   I am down now to 230 man, not good.!!!!!!!   I feel so fat, it's a joke.  I love, too, with how brown I have gotten, I tell people I am from Arroyo.  It's perfectly marvillas.   All we are doing in the house now is singing "For longer then forever" from The Swan Princess.

SO in the house we have 7 americans and one dominican.  And actually, one is good friends with Diego.  His name is Elder Griffen from Utah.  It's way tight that we are comps.

Had a doctor's interview with president.  Looks like we both got medical problems.  Keep president Alvorado in your prayers, please.  Man I miss you all, but please know I love you all.

 

 

Conference was amazing!!!!!!!!

Priesthood Session, Elder Holland ripped a new one.  Man, is he a beast or what?!

I loved all the talks, but one that stood out to me was from a 70, who talked about revelation, and God knows all.  Such an awesome thing to understand that the Lord loves all and knows all equally.

 

 

GOD BLESS ALL

 

 

Elder Stout
-- 
Remember who you are 

Letters requested!

Elder Stout has requested that letters and emails be sent to him!!  If not, there will be no new blogs, according to him.  SO, if you read this blog, check out his email and address on the side and send him a letter! :]  Thanks, everyone!

One More Transfer

Well hello, one more transfer.  I am now a trainer haha.  My new comp is Elder Geronimo from the Dominican Republic.  He does not know a thing in English.  It's crazy.  President bore his testimony about me yesterday.  He said from the moment he met me, he knew I was a leader from and of God, and that's why I was called as district leader and now trainer.  It's very humbling to think of, I just need to keep my head straight.  I would love cookies.  All types of cookies.  And if you could also send ho-hos, that would be awesome.  I haven't been able to sleep lately.  The work is going great, the area we are in is full of caserios (the projects), but it will improve.  Had my first baptism from the family that I found with my first trainer, Elder Vicil.  Their names are Lilian and Jason.  I was so happy to be a part of such a wonderful experience.  Jason wants to become a missionary!  And Elder Anderson of the 70 gave me a hug and said thank you for your efforts.  All in all, it was a pretty crazy week!  Ian, I hope you get better bud, I am sorry that happened.  I hope your arm isn't messed up for your whole life.  I miss you all like crazy.  I should be writing a hand written letter soon to send home.  Miss you all like crazy.

-- 
Remember who you are 

FINALLY I HAVE INTERNET!

Happy Birthday, Symone, hope it was one well worth it.

Okay, so a lot has happened these past 3 weeks.

We had a seventy come and lead our zone conference, Elder Wilford Anderson.  President asked me to bear my testimony at the last minute, I was so nervous.  But a testimony is your own belief, so then my fears left me.  I have a new companion, and I'm living in a house of Dominicans.  I get so mad, man, cause the house is never clean, and other things.  But I got to cowboy up.  But all is well here.  Man, I love this gospel, the Holy Ghost is so strong.  I know this church is the only true church.  I know that Thomas Monson is our prophet here in these times to lead and guide us. 

God bless all.

-- 
Remember who you are 

Time to be Honest.

My dear friends who read this blog, 

I wish to be honest with you all for a bit.

The lord God loves all.  Repentance is key.  I feel small now, and it's funny how little things or things you forgot about come back to haunt you when you least expect them.  I remember a story about a father and his son who were short on corn for the month.  The father told his son, "We are going to go to that pasture over there and get some corn, but I need you to be the lookout."  His son said, "Alright daddy."  That night, they went to the corn and the dad said, "Am I clear?"  The son replied, "No cars are coming, but God is always watching."

In the last days of the prophet Joseph Smith's life, in sections 121 and 122 of the Doctrine and Covenants, he, in a sense, asked Heavenly Father the same question Jesus asked our Father as He was dying on the cross.  "Father, Why hast thou forsaken Me?"  To Joseph Smith he replied, "The son of Man has come before thee, art thou greater then He?"  The answer is no.  No one is greater then The Savior, Jesus Christ.  It's not that I felt better then Jesus, it is that I was not willing to own to what the truth is. 

Our life here is small.  I like to compare it to a line, (as found in Our Search For Happiness) a 12 foot string.  One end of the string represents your eternal life before your birth and the other end represents your eternal life after death.  There is a little knot smack dab in the middle.  The little knot is your life on the earth, from your birth to your death.  

My beloved friends, I plead for your love.  I am sorry for not being the best example or person, I am only human.  I only wish that you will trust in God.  Follow Christ's example and not man's example, for no man is perfect.  If you want to know of an example that will never waver, it is Christ.  If you want to know you can always trust in a man, it is solely Christ.  I just humbly ask for forgiveness, for all I have done wrong unto all whom reads this blog, and those who do not get the chance.  I got to make a change, but this is for salvation.  The same for you all.  Love the sinner, not the sin.  I love all, as I hope you will love me.  But it is also for a love to have for everyone in the world. NO ONE IS PERFECT.

This is my prayer and testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Elder Stout

-- 

Remember who you are 

Okay, WHAT A WEEK!

I have a new companion, Elder Putnam, from Spokane, Washington.  He's a really cool guy, we are pretty much the same person.

Um, we had a great lesson with a family this week, Raymond Gonzalez. He all of the sudden doesn't want anything to do with us, but his wife wants to be baptized. But, the thing is, we were doing an object lesson, AND I LIT THEIR TABLE ON FIRE!!!!!  IT WAS SO INTENSE.  I was so afraid that that was going to be the last lesson.  What a story for my kids, huh?  Um, we also taught Alexis and Mili, and we finally made a break through.  God is putting people in our way, the hand of God is showing us we just have to keep going.  We were contacting yesterday on the ghetto, next to literally a river of blood.  Man, I love the ghetto haha.  No matter here or in the US, it's all the same.  Not going to beat around the bush, the mission is really hard.  But I know it's for people's salvation, not mine.

God bless you all.

 

Elder Stout

-- 
Remember who you are 

Pictures from the mish!

Quote from the missionary: "Man seriously, I have lost so much weight.  I feel unhealthy here, but it is all well as long as I drink water, ya know."

Stories and a Challenge.

So, we have a wonderful family in our ward.  They are less active only because of health problems with the man's wife.  Before we started the lesson, I felt prompted to ask the man a question.  I asked him "Usted recurden un hombre y un mujer, Diego y Elba Peña?"  And Hermano Colon got a huge smile on his face.  Yes, Hermano and Hermana Colon, the family that baptized Grandpa, mom!  How wonderful of an experiance that was for me to be in the house where you played as a child and to talk to the people who helped me be born into this gospel.

This last week was pretty slow.  We haven't been able to find as many families, but the ones we are teaching are making great progress.  People here are calling me Flaco (I think that is how you spell it).  Not good man, not good.  Oh, and turns out I might need glasses.  This sun is killing my eyes, man.  It's getting harder and harder everyday.  But I am improving on my Spanish, people say.  Haha it is only through God that this is possible.  Only through Him that I am able to continue in this work, learn more in this language to one day be able to speak it without pausing.

The Gospel is true, my friends.  If you are a member and are active, figure out if the Gospel is true.  If you are less active, figure out if the Gospel is true.  If your an investigator, figure out if the Gospel is true.  If you're one of my friends reading this blog, figure out if the Gospel is true, and see the real reason why I am giving 2 years of my life to serve God.  The only way to find out is to read the Book Of Mormon and take the challenge in Moroni 10:3-7.  That is my challenge to all of you who read this.  And if you truly want an answer, I promise with my heart and soul that you will obtain your answer, and find that eternal happiness. This is my prayer and testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Stout
Remember who you are

Note from Mom: The Colons introduced her family to the Church, but the elders were the ones who baptized them. :]

Another Week in Puerto Rico

Almost another transfer down.  MAN!  Haha crazy how fast it goes.  This week has been amazing.  Please pray for Hermano Donetui and Familia Gonzalez.  SO what is new.  It got up to 112 the other day.  I can't even walk without dripping in the heat.  But it's funny because evey moring when it's 85 degrees, I am freezing.  This humidity is killing me.  I am a district leader now.  It's got a lot of responsibilities, but through God, I will be able to accomplish it.  Um, there is this one kid who I call gordito and he threw a slushy at me when we were riding bikes.  I was like, "Que paso, gordito." and he said, "MORMONS!!!!!!!"  And then he punched me when we rode by.  Come on, man.  I learned how to make rice now since I am the best cook out of me and my companion.  He doesn't think so, but you got to try the differences.  Um, the work is great.  It is better then I thought.  We have an ant infestion though everywhere.  And I have to give a talk this Sunday in Church!  Blah it's so intense.  Continue to pray for others.

-- Elder Stout
Remember who you are 

Who wears short shorts!

Okay, this was one week to remember.  We taught two new families, and they seem so ready.  The Gonzalez family and the others are just a boiling pot of people.  I crashed my bike bad!  It's a nice bike, too.  A car pushed me off the road.  It was my first day on the bike, too!  Okay, so during study, a cockroach ran right past me.  Literally 4 inches long.  I almost puked.  We killed it, pulled off it's head and it would not stop twitching for hours.  Then the ants came and literally took all of the meat in that bad boy.  Ants here are vicious and all over the place.  Everyone thinks I have lived here my whole life, I love it.  They're like, "Y tu de donde eres?"  "Soy de Washington" I have to say, but soon I will say "Cabo Rojo" or something, I dont know.  Yeah, still have not had the chance to eat great food yet, but I am waiting patiently.  So many beautiful trees and flowers here, it is amazing!  I can't wait to hopefully take pictures.  I never get the chance, man!

Anywho, love you all.  Keep on the sunny side of life!!!

-- Elder Stout

Remember who you are  

HOT HOT HOT

Two down for baptism!  Haha I love this work.  Okay, so the first day was a little different, but it feels so natural.  Everyone here says they're impressed with my Spainsh, yet I still feel lost haha.  We are teaching I think five families right now, our main focus here is families.  Like i have said earlier, families are failing, you guys need to stand strong.  Elder Vicil y yo are going to be doing a lot of work, but it will be worth it.  Big difference here, we don't get to eat dinner.  And we had no food this week either.  I feel proud but then not, if that makes any sense.  Really staring to like malta down here, it's all they have.  We had a cool session with members and investigators where we watched the Testaments (five times in a week) and you could just feel the sprirt in the room.  Oh, I killed a massive fly one day, and left it on the wall.  We came back and all the ants took the meat of the fly.  There is a little lump on the wall and it's the fly's bones.  It's gross haha.  I will take a picture and send it home when I have time.  It's so different, every morning we are up by 6 o'clock and go to bed at 10:45.  But the work is so amazing, it is so worth it haha.  Love you all stay safe.

-Elder Stout
Remember who you are 

First email from Puerto Rico!!

SO it is beautiful here!  Haha I love it.  Last night, we set two people for baptism, and tomorrow we are going to tract into new families that should be getting baptized!

My first area is Caroline in Pontezuela.  My trainer, Elder Vicil, is Puerto Rican and is the Zone Leader here haha!  He speaks such broken Spanish, but I love him to death.  I got the package and the letters, and I will be writting back to the people who wrote me.

I love our new president, he is so alive and animated.  I can't wait to continue to serve here!  Seriously, this island is so beautiful, but so Americanized also.  I can't believe it.  Hahaha um, I am using Spanish the best I can.  Some say I speak well, others say I suck.  I will leave that for my family to decide. :)

P-Days are Wednesdays now, so I will reply on Wednesdays.  I lose about 10 pounds a day from sweating, and gain 6 to 8 back sometimes.  Pretty good ratio in my mind.

Anywho, anyone who has questions, send me a letter.  I will try to send some pictures home on the SD card soon.

God bless all.

Elder Stout

ELDER STOUT IS IN PUERTO RICO!!!

Malcolm, Presidente Alvarado y Hermana Alvarado.  Isn't he just looking so shnazzy?

Last P-Day here in the MTC!

Haha did that time go by fast or what?  So, new things for this week.  First off, congratulations Tyler Heaps, Tyler Ottensen and Mike for your jobs at Subs!  Okay, so we went tracting around the Dominican Republic, and my companion only spoke solid spanish so that was a little difficult, yet I also got to use some Creole!  Haha it's so funny, I would have never thought I would use it yet.  Now I am happy the Haitians taught me so I could get someone interested into the church!  It's so beautiful here, and so poor.  I can't believe they get by like this.  I can not wait to see what Puerto Rico is like and meet my trainer haha.  I hope he only knows Spanish.  Oh, and we as missionaries are teaching all the Latins here English!  It's so crazy, I would have never thought I would learn Spanish, let alone know enough to teach English while speaking in Spanish.  The Lord is amazing.  For all those graduating, good luck, congratulations and stay safe.  Continue to do missionary work, talk to your friends or members of your family who aren't members.  Invite them to church.  Be that example.

LOVE YOU!  Next time, I will be in PUERTO RICO!! :]

-- Elder Stout
Remember who you are 

Another Week.

I am downloading a voice clip, hopefully it works!  But I will type also.  I can't believe it has been almost two months.  Feels like yesterday that I opened my call haha.  Dad, sad news about the Lakers.  I know Kobe will be fine though.  Um okay, funny experience this week.  All the Latins think I am a translater.  I got to stop going out in the sun i guess :) haha no it has been a blast.  We have an Elder from Espana, he says I am his favorite American.  Told him I count, but not really cause I am only half.  It is going to be so hard to say goodbye to all of these Elders.  I can't believe that there are only 12 more days until I am in sunny San Juan!  With my luck, I will be in the jungle playing with the insects for 8 months.  First year I come back into civilization, I'll have solid yellow teeth and speak a mixture of languages.  There is my imagination for ya all.  Everyone who reads this, continue to count your blessings.  We have an Elder here who has one pair of shoes, but a smile that could light up the world.  The moment you think you are humble, you are not!  I love all of you.  Tomorrow we go tracting with real missionaries here in the Dominican Republic.  I'm a little timid, but it should be awesome.  I cant wait!  Oh yeah, my friend back in Provo and I wrote a remix to Turn My Swag On.  It's a Mormon version.  It's pretty impactful.  Can't wait to share it with you all in two years.

God bless you always, be safe this week.

-- Elder Stout

Remember who you are 

There is a voice clip, but I will try to put that up later. :] -Symone

Week 6!!

WEEK 6!  Haha

Okay first.  John Burdette, you're right.  My comp is always singing, but he isn't that great.  It stinks, man.  The Haitians left this week.  It was a sad day.  I gave one a pair of nikes and the other a pair of my church shoes.  He (the Hatian Elder) came in with a pair he has had since he was 6.  He is 25 now.  I knew I packed too much for a reason haha.  Now the Latins are here in the MTC, so it's solid Spanish.  This is going to be fun.  This week has been the hardest, I think.  But now it has gotten better, and I am re-focused.  We went to a mall here, and the mall was first floor food and second floor a normal mall.  What sucked was that there was no candy there.  I almost cried because that's all i wanted :[ hahaha.  I am just munching on Peach-O's, the greatest gummy candy ever.  I can't believe it's only 3 more weeks and then I am going to be in the field in Puerto Rico!  We met the second counsler of the Puerto Rico mission and he was talking to us about the situation down there with the church.  It is not pretty.  Time to do work, you know.  I would also advise you to continue to read the Book of Mormon.  It's just such an amazing blessing.  My favorite book now is Alma.  Yes, it's the longest, yet so full of amazing missionary work.  Oh, hahaha, also you know it's bad here when every missionary companionship has Jesus the Christ as their reading material in the bathroom hahahahaha!  P.S. Mom, all i eat is pegao here.  You know, the burnt rice on the bottom.  Greatest lucnh and dinner ever!

God bless to all, I keep you in my prayers.  But please keep all those around you in your prayers.  Things in the world are become a lot harder, especially when it comes to families.  I pray that all will make sure family is first, forever. It is very essential on this Earth.

-- LOVE, Elder Stout
Remember who you are 

Week 5

Okay week 5!  Down the train fast.  First off, I am learning French also hahaha.  We have Haitian Elders here who speak Creolo and they teach me because, to them, I am a freak of nature.  They have never seen someone so strong, they say hahahaha.  I just love it here.  Please do not use DearElder, let all the other people know that also.  I will not be able to recieve any in the Dominican Republic.  If they need to write me, let them through letters or e-mail and give them my address.  Mom, please tell Bishop hi and that whatever is going on in his life, it will all be fine.  I miss you guys so much, but I just love it here.  We have been locked up in a building for so long, but I can't believe it has been 5 weeks already.  Almost a whole transfer, you know!  I am so sorry about the news about Cronk.  I was just thinking about him before I read the e-mail.  He will learn the gospel, though.  But I still pray for him and his family.  Okay, heads up, the deodorant you bought me doesn't work.  I smell like a loose gorilla, it is so gross.  Not all the time, but today it is so bad.  Like, i don't want to raise my arms.  Even for me.  Ugh.  But I love this work.   Just got to keep strong so I will impress some beautiful Daughters of God when I get home :].  I am, like, the interpreter here.  It's so weird.  And my Spainish used to be so bad, just ask any of my high school teachers hahahahaha.  I am so happy that Joey (Williamson) got home.  He seriously was an inspiration for me, and for everyone else.  I love you.  But, most importantly. God loves you.  I lost every address, so please e-mail me the home address so i can get the Christmas cards ready hahaha. 

-- Love Elder Stout

Remember who you are 

The Blog!!! From the Dominican Republic

Email to Mom:


I have been a missionary for exactly one month!!!  Hahahaha I know, I know, but it has gone by so fast, it's amazing.  I have a new companion in the Dominican Republic, his name is Elder Pola.  He is Samoan and he is pretty huge... big boy.  Pero I love him to death, he is so funny.  This weather is so beautiful.  We got off the plane and the bumper on all the cars had a shield on them!  Ahhh so scary.  But there are only 21 people here total.  10 americans and 11 haitians.  I met one Elder Lindor.  He is like my brother.  He tells me he wants to be as strong as me by the time he leaves the MTC, but he is so small. :)  I love this place, the MTC is on temple grounds, and to top it off, i met President Burk, your old branch president.  He was like, "I can't believe Julie had a son this big."  Okay, I am heading to the temple right now.  I will write you more later.  Love you a lot.


Elder Stout




Email to Symone:


Thanks for bringing me that tie last Thursday.  The Dominican Republic is so beautiful, I just can't wait to see what Puerto Rico looks like.  I can officially say I am the most fluent Spanish speaker out of all the missionaries here!  That means I got a lot of work to do haha.  But it's awesome, I placed my first Book of Mormon yesterday.  Easter is coming up and I guess its huge over here in the islands.  God bless.


Elder Stout

In the Dominican Republic!!!

(Email written to mom)

I am here, it is beautiful.  Talk to you on Thursday, that is my P-Day now.  Love you.  I know why you miss the islands now.  They are so amazing.

Elder Stout

THE BLOG (email #3)

Well, okay, since this is going on a blog I might as well write a lot, right?! Hahahah 


The MTC is amazing, but it's so sad that I leave all my friends to go to the Dominican Republic in two days!  Blah it's gone by so fast.  I feel like just yesterday I got my badge.  Anyways, I can't believe how amazing this place is, and there are SO many beautiful Daughters of God.  WOW!  But seriously.  I had to go to  the emergency room during conference, and before they got to me i gave a blessing to a man going into surgery and taught the lesson of Eternal Families in Spanish to a lady whose son was ill.  Talk about the gift of tongues hahahaha.  I was so scared, but it just flowed straight out of me.  It was awesome.  Oh, and i lost weight in the MTC.  Everyone gains weight, but I am the only one who has lost any.  But the worst experience was getting 3 shots in the same spot and wanting to just pass out.  All for the Lord, though.  I know I will get blessings once this is over. 
I love everyone.  Remember to be an example, no matter what you are doing that day. 


God bless.

Elder Stout

Hey (Email #2)

This was written to our dad.

Hola Papi,

Para el M.T.C. es elspirito santo es fuertan aqui.  The language is coming so fast, it is such an amazing blessing.  I feel so loved and cared for.  My companion is amazing.  His name is Elder Thomas and he is from Indiana.  He has such an amazing spirit about him.  So many great things have happened here it is unimaginable.  I can't wait to head to the Dominican Republic.  How are you?  How's work over there?  The weather here is kinda bi polar, but it is great none the less.  Trust in God, I'll write you next week.  Love you.


Elder Stout

What Up!!!!!!! (First Email!)

So, everything here is AMAZING!!!  I have never felt the Spirit so strong.  I saw Ammon, he looks great.  I also need about 200 dollars for shots i never got, unless you have the information somewhere cause it was in none of the pockets.  Also, I needed to send my passport to get a visa, so I hope I will be able to go.  I learned how to bare my testimony in espanol and pray!!!!  Well, god bless mi familia.  Remember who you are as sons and daughters of God.  Oh, I also found the driving record and birth certificate.  It was in a different pocket.  Again, love you all, ttfn.  God be with you in all you do.


Elder Stout

Wednesday, March 23rd

Elder Malcolm Stout will be reporting to the MTC on March 23rd.  From then on, I will be putting the emails we receive up here, along with pictures and whatever else he chooses to send.  If you want more information on missionaries, click on the link here.  I will post his address and other information shortly.

:]