Woops....sorry!

Hello Family!

How are you guys?  Well first of all, I'm extremely sorry that I didn't write this week.  I sent pictures...I hope that was a little interesting!  First of all, the pictures of the beach--don't worry, we had permission!  I'm sure you were all freaking out--but, we had permission.  How is life back in the good, ole valley of cache?  Things here in the Mission Office are just as crazy as ever!  I honestly don't remember the things that happen in the week--so I'm going to apologize in advance.  My letters are probably more and more boring as the time goes on, but I really just don't remember things that happen in the week!  A good chunk of our time is spent pretty much running errands.  We have to buy things for houses, take care of sick missionaries, run errands for President and Hermana Rodriguez, and all of that stuff!

This week we didn't have hardly any time to work in our area, and the time we did have, we mostly spent contacting.  Contacting here in the capital is a lot different than in San Cristobal.  We do a lot of contacts by intercom.  My first contact by intercom had to have been one of the top 10 awkward moments of my life.  I really felt like a Greenie all over again.  I was like, "Uh uh uh uh, we're missionaries and we want to share a message with you!"  She said, "Okay, but in another moment."  So I said, "Can that other moment be tomorrow?"  She said no :(   Ha ha.  Anyway, life is just a lot different here in the office, but as I learn more about my responsibilities, and the more time I spend learning from President, the more I love it.  One of my favorite parts of being here is really getting to know President.  He is such an amazing man, and I really hope to become more like him. 

Yesterday I did an intercambio with Elder Mejia, one of the assistants, and we went to his area.  We were working literally right next to the temple, when we saw 2 guys with some sweet four-wheelers.  Elder Mejia asked me if I knew anything about four-wheelers, and if I wanted to talk to them.  I said sure thing.  We went over and we just started talking to them about four-wheelers and riding and all sorts of stuff.  Somehow or another the conversation changed to the church.  We asked them if they knew what that big building (the temple) was.  They told us that it was something with the Mormons.  We then started talking and explaining a few things about our beliefs, and why that building was so important to us.  It was an extremely powerful experience to view how the spirit worked within them, and they accepted a visit. As they roared down the street on their four wheelers they waved and yelled, "We'll see you!"  It just made me think of a saying that I always saw in Doyles' (yes Doyle soccer coach Doyle) classroom.  It says "They don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care."  This experience just confirmed the truth of that saying for me.  Had we entered and right away fired away with the gospel, it is possible that they would have told us to get out of there.  Elder Mejia encouraged me to talk about four wheelers, which at first seemed weird to me, but it's possible because we showed that we were interested in their interests, they listened to us. 

I have realized that as missionaries sometimes we are a little over zealous.  Yes, we want to share the gospel with the whole world, but it has to be the right time.  When we see someone struggling with their groceries, should we run over and say "Hey, we are missionaries, can we share a message?"  Or should we run over and say, "Hey, let me help you out?"  Obviously, the second.  The more we look into the real needs of the people, and look at them as children of God that we want to help, and not as someone "disguised as a baptismal statistic" (as Elder Holland says), the whole way that we work changes.  The joy of living the gospel is incredible.  The joy of sharing the gospel is something extremely special.  

On Sunday, we got to go to the CCM with President and the assistants to talk to the new missionaries, and to take a few pictures with President.  Well, we got to the CCM, took a few pictures--and BOOM emergency.  We then converted our truck into an ambulance and were off!  We spent the rest of the night shuttling people from hospital to hospital, doing x-rays, sonografias, all of that stuff.  Hospitals in the D.R. are not happy places. 

Monday, SUPER P-DAY!  Super P-Day was awesome because we got to go to Barahona!  Barahona is the furthest zone from the capital, so I got to see a lot of the country!  I drove through Bani, Azua, and a whole bunch of the country.  It was extremely weird to see mountains, and mostly just open country--some of it even somewhat resembled Utah.  It was something that made me realize just how much there really is in this little country. 

Well, here in the D.R. people don't obey any of the posted signs, even stoplights, so to keep people from speeding they use tons of speed bumps!  Well, speed bumps have a different name here--policia acostada--which translates to lying (as in lying down) policeman.   Well, as we were driving rather rapidly towards Barahona, on the FREEWAY Elder Brimley (who was in the truck in front of me) found one the hard way.  Hitting a speed bump at about 120 KM/H makes a little Toyota Hilux get some air!  I had to pull over I was laughing so hard after seeing the little Hilux go airborne.  Moral of the story:  Be careful driving in the D.R. because they just throw out a speed bump in the middle of the freeway!  Once at Super P-Day, we were in charge of a bunch of games, the food, and activities.  For us, it was more of a super work day, but it was still a lot of fun. 

Another exciting thing this week, THE 4TH of JULY!  Happy 4th of July!  The 4th of July was quite fun for us because we got to spend it with President's son.  He and his family were going to interviews in San Juan, but he had to get his cast off, so he came to spend the day with us!  It was an extremely fun day.  President's kids are awesome, and we had a lot of fun hauling him around the city. 

I'm sorry I haven't been the greatest writer, but I'm trying my best!  I want you all to know that I love you!  I'm so grateful for all that you do and the support you give me.  I hope you have a great week! 

Question:  I know I shouldn't worry about this....but I saw a billboard the other day advertising the new Batman.  Is that truth?  Please tell me that it isn't....

Problem:  My electric razor bit the dust this week.....but it has a 2 year warranty!  So, I'm going to send it back to you guys and if you would be so nice, you can replace it at Best Buy.  As for now, I'll hack at my face with the Gillette.  I think I need a lesson on shaving or something, ha ha.

Comment:  Mark and Lori sent me a package--please tell them thanks!  I'm going to try and write a letter, but time is a little short! 

Mission Electrician?

June 30, 2012

Hello!

So....I was going to write you a letter when we got home today....and then we got home....and they turned off our electricity!!!!  (Yes, they "Cut" our light, because the financial secretary--forgot to pay the bill.)  Well, our generator didn't want to cooperate, but after some nifty Elder Reeder / Elder Brimley tag team generator work, we now have electricity again.  But, I'm now extremely tired.  What I'm trying to say is, I'm going to write to you tomorrow! :) 

Riley

July 1, 2012

Hello!  Well, mother, I am 90% sure I won't have time to write today either!  I am only on to send reports to President Rodriguez.  Tomorrow, I am going to Barahona!!!  Clear out in the booneys....like a 3 hour ride.  I'm way excited.  I will write tomorrow! 

Riley

Sorry I Didn't Write.

June 23, 2012

Hey Guys,

Sorry about last week, and the fact that I didn't write a letter!  I'm sorry that I made you nervous Mom....just know that my letters come...when there is time!  I'm sorry, but that's the way it is here in the office!  

Mom, it was great to here that you got a letter from Elder Day.  He is a great guy, and someone that I will respect and remember my whole life.  Things from this week...I'm going to be honest..... I don't remember anything!  I'm glad to hear that the funeral for Sister Anderson was good.  I would love to read the letter that Sam wrote, and also if you could find his E-Mail address, I would like to e-mail him.  It sounds like Leslie is having a rough time.  I'm sorry to hear that.  I'll be sure to keep them in my prayers.   How is Spencer?  How is Tyler Lemon?  Doesn't Andrew come home this week? 

It sounds like you guys saw another tender mercy of the Lord with the graffiti incident.  It's amazing how much the Lord blesses us!  It's little things like that that remind us how interested in our well being He really is.  In a conference that we had, a senior missionary said something that really made me think.  She said, "I know you guys can't truly understand the love that a parent has for their children, but just imagine how much your parents do and think about you.  Every night when you go to bed your parents think about how much they love you.  Now think about how much our Father in Heaven loves us."  I think the love of our Heavenly Father is one of the sweetest gifts we have.  I know that our Father in Heaven loves us.  He wants to bless us.  He will bless us when we obey the commandments.  I have learned recently that living the gospel really is the easiest way to live.  Sometimes we think that it is hard, but it really is the easiest!  When we live correctly, we have the Lord's help, His Spirit, and His Guide!  I know that if we truly desire to have His help, He will give it to us! 

I just remembered something we did this week--We did a service in the Bishops Storehouse with the A.P.'s!  It was sweet.  Also, I got the package you sent, Mom!  Thanks!  Mail gets here super quick... :)   

Today, you get pictures! 

I love you all so much!

Elder Riley Ted Reeder

Answers to Mom's Questions (Cause I don't want to get chewed out ;) 

1- The golden family is doing great up to this point!  They are just working on papers to get married!

2- Not sure if I will get to go to the baptism, I think so.  President wants me to call them and talk to help give them more ánimo.

3-Every single baptism record passes through my hands. 

4- I have taught 2 lessons :)

5- We still haven't delivered mattresses yet....It's going to take a year.   Our pickup is just little!

6-I have pictures!!!

Excuse me.....The Office is a Little Busy!

June 17, 2012

Hello Family!!!

Well....this is the office for ya!  E-Mails that will come to you....when I can find time!  I have never been so busy in my entire life!!!  I thought senior year when I was working, and playing soccer I was busy....that was nothing compared to the office of the mission!  Well, I'll start off with the highlights.  I'm not a teenager anymore.  Weird.  I'm old.  And now in the office, I'm kinda nervous my hair isn't going to see 21!  Ha ha.  It is kinda stressful here.  But....my birthday was a weird but very cool experience!  We started off the day with a meeting with Presidente, Hermana Rodriguez, and the senior couples in the mission.  They started off by singing happy birthday--in English and Spanish!  That was kinda fun to have Presidente sing happy birthday, and in English!!  Ha ha ha.  Hermana Ford made an upside down pineapple cake, and it was delicious!  I'm sorry, but I haven't had time to make the cake you sent me yet...but thank you very much for the package...and the Texas Roadhouse gift card Dad.. I was hoping it was a scratch and sniff or something, so at least I could smell ribs and mashed potatoes, ha ha ha.  But, it was a good birthday!!  Grandma and Grandpa Thomson sent me Brownies...and wow!!!  They were amazing!!  Thank you!  Also, Grandma Reeder sent me some great candies!!  Thanks to everyone. 

This week has been a learning experience--in a different way than the rest of my mission. Now, I am learning to love the missionaries.  We are basically in charge of the temporal well being of the missionaries, and with 200 missionaries, there are quite a few things that come up!  Our phone is always ringing off the hook.  But, it really is a great experience to get to know lots of missionaries, and try to help them out in whatever way that I can. 

This letter is going to be a little bit different than almost all my others, I'm just going to tell you a few crazy things that happened this week! 

#1-  We were in the office, trying to figure out a problem with a contract for a house, when the intercom rang.  I picked up the phone and the guy told me, hey we have the mattresses you ordered.  I asked, how many are there?  40.  The next thing we knew, about 12 guys dropped 40 mattresses in the driveway of the mission home.  I just kind of sat there and thought....uh....what now?  Well, about 1 hour and a half and 1 liter of sweat later, we now have a house full of mattresses!  But the plus, I have a nice comfy new mattress.  Down side....it's a lot harder to get out of bed at 6:30.

#2-  I saw a Lexus LFA.  Dad will be the only one who understands this one.  We took our Hilux to get the oil changed, and I glanced over and BOOM!  Lexus LFA.  I couldn't believe my eyes!  I left my companion in the dust as I went to check it out.  Wow.  Okay, I still love cars. 

#3- Saturday night, some Sister Missionaries called us and told us that they didn't have any water.  Not even one drop to bathe themselves or do dishes....so it was office elders and assistants to the rescue!  We got about 200 gallons of water in tanks in the back of our trucks and headed to their house.  Well, as we were driving, an aguacero came!  (Basically a flood.)  Well, we then spent the next hour and pico hauling up 5 gallon buckets of water to the 4th floor, while it was raining!  :)  Service is great. 

#4- Saturday morning on P-Day, we played basketball at President's house with him.  He is dang good!  He dominated us in the paint!  He was throwing up no-looker hook shots, reverse layups, you name it--he did it.  We got schooled by our mission president at basketball.  Embarrassing?  I think we just have an awesome President!  Hermana Rodriguez then cooked us pancakes for breakfast.  mmmmmmm

#5- I went bowling!!!  Yes, that is a big deal!  I didn't think that there was a bowling alley in the D.R., but there is...and we went!

#6- I have survived over a week of driving in the D.R. 

#7- On Friday, to celebrate my year mark....we went to Johnny Rockets!!!  Yes....bacon cheeseburger with BBQ sauce.  (It was super expensive, can you look at my card to make sure it charged right?)  (Also, today I had to buy some medicine for a sister missionary because it was an emergency, and we didn't have the mission credit card....)

Well family, thanks for everything!  Your letters really keep me going when the weeks are long.  Please let the Anderson family know that they are in my prayers.  I just want you to know how grateful I am for the opportunity to share the gospel here in the Dominican Republic.  I am so grateful for the things I have learned, and the changes I have seen in my life.  I know that Jesus lives.  He is our Savior, Redeemer, and our best friend.  I know that The Book of Mormon is the word of God.  I have received comfort from the words of the Book of Mormon countless times in the mission.  I know that God has a plan for each and every one of us.  I know that if we are faithful to our covenants, we will be able to live as an eternal family!  

I love you all so much! 

Elder Reeder 

Week 1

Today is Riley's 20th Birthday!!

Hello Family!

Well I'm sure you are wondering why I put the title One Week....well I put that because I feel like I started the mission all over again!  I'm now a greenie again.  Green Green Green.  I know I say this every week, but I learned a ton this week!  I'm now learning how the mission works-and boy is it an experience.  So here is what happened.  Monday, I got to the office at about 10 o'clock at night.  We started working right away, taking phone calls about houses, about problems, about everything!  We finally got to bed around 1 o'clock.  We were then up and at it at 4 o'clock to take a missionary to the airport.  After, we worked with transfers.  Taking people from here to there, buying food for the new missionary orientation, you name it, we did it!  I'm not gonna lie, I was a little overwhelmed.  We worked in that stuff, and in the office the whole day.  We got done at about 12 AM.  Then, it was to the airport again at 4:30!  We took all the missionaries that were finishing to the airport.  Two of my really good friends from the mission were in that group, so it was fun to get to see them off.  Thursday, we had to take a missionary to catch a bus, then to get food for a conference, then take the Zone Leaders home, and then work on Registros Bautismales, and I had to prepare the newsletter for the mission.  Yesterday, we had Zone Meeting, and we had to do car checks, and wash Presidents' cars.  And today, P-DAY!!!  Yes, this week was a little bit overwhelming--but an amazing experience. 

I really am blessed to have the opportunity to work here. I'm learning and doing things that not everyone has the opportunity to do, and I'm grateful for that.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with President Rodriguez, and the Assistants.  I really have to utilize this time and learn all that I can.  So now--what do I do in the office?  My biggest thing I'm in charge of is records.  Baptism records, vehicle records, pretty much all the records (besides the houses, my comp. does that).  I also do the English Study Program for the Latinos, and I will be learning how to do the finances because the Senior Couple who is here right now is going home in August--and they still haven't called a replacement.  The office is a pretty hectic place, but it is fun to be surrounded by such strong missionaries and leaders. 

As for mail, the mail comes right to me--we have to distribute it--so I get it really fast!  I got the package from Grandma Reeder and from Grandma and Grandpa Thomson.  Thank you all very much!  I haven't opened them yet, because well, it isn't my Birthday yet!  I really wish I had more exciting things to tell you, but I really don't.  I would just tell you about the errands that we ran, and things that we did, but that wouldn't be too exciting!  Oops, someone just called and we have to go take a missionary some money!  I will send answers to your questions, and a few more things later (I hope)!

Love you all! 
Thanks for all the Birthday Wishes! 

Elder Riley Ted Reeder




P.S.  Answers to Questions:

Yes, I'm solving computer questions!!!  The Hermana already scheduled me 3 hours to go to her house and do a bunch of stuff. 

The truck rocks!!!!!!

We alternate driving, one day him, one day me.

We cook our own food...but usually there isn't time, so we just eat bread...ha ha.  I ate a frosty the other day.  From Wendy's..... Yeah, that was a big deal.  I'm going to eat Wendy's on my birthday!

We play basketball con President every p-day at his house, and then we eat breakfast with them.  Don't know besides that.

We work with a senor couple, the Fords, in the office.

Yes, we are in charge of mail.

I do not answer the phone of the office, that is Hermana Ford, but we get about 7,000,000,000 phone calls in a day.  My Spanish vocabulary has already like doubled in a week. 

My Best Buy job really did prepare me for this.....it is so similar that it's scary.

I love you so much mom!  Thanks for everything you do, did, and I'm sure always will do for me!!!  I'm so very grateful!  I love you so much!

Riley

TRANSFERRED!!!!

Hey Family!

Well, just when I find the most amazing family in the world, it's transfer time!!!  Just to let you know, I'm leaving San Cristobal.  I'll tell you where I'm going.....later!  

 

So last week was another amazing week!  We got Carolina all ready, and we had the baptism!  She asked me to baptize her, so I got the opportunity to do another baptism, which is always a special experience!  We were extremely nervous for her because she doesn't talk very much....but she passed the interview just fine!  Also, we saw a miracle.  I'm not joking when I say that I saw after her confirmation she is now a different person.  She went from being a shy, timid girl, to talking with everyone!  It is just more evidence that indeed the Lord blesses those who follow Him.  

 

The family of gold....is still golden.  They all came to Church again yesterday, and they loved it!  They are totally stoked for their baptism on the 23rd of June, and I'm hoping I will be able to return to see it!  Funny experience with them, yesterday we had a visit with them and Pedro said "Reeder, I have a question for you.  Is the mission thing required?  Because I was thinking, I'm willing to do it, but it would be kind of hard with my wife, because she doesn't work, and the kids are really young!" I about died.  We have visited him for two weeks, and he is just taking everything in.  He really is an amazing man and future Priesthood Holder.  He came to church in a white shirt and tie.....that never happens!!!  Basically, I am just super happy that the Lord allowed us to be able to find a family so prepared.  It just reminds me that indeed the field is white and ready to harvest.

 

So now for the news, and the reason for a short e-mail.  I got called Saturday morning with the following 3 questions:  Do you have a driver's license?  Do you know how to drive stick?  And do you know a lot about computers?  Well, I have been transferred to the Office.  I will now be working as an Office Elder.  I am not going to lie, it is extremely difficult to leave my companion and my area.  At first this area was so hard, but I learned to love it.  Especially Pedro and Josefina!  Ha ha, also Elder Cabrera has been great!  I love him so much and am grateful for what he has taught me!

 

I am 99 percent sure that my P-Day is now Saturday, just an FYI.  Also, Mom, I got the Birthday Package!!!  Thanks so much!!!!  I'm gonna bake that cake!!!  Thanks for the Gift Card Dad...I started drooling.  Well, I have to go pack because they are coming to get me so I can help with transfers tomorrow.  Wish me luck driving in the D.R.!!  I love you all, sorry it was so short!!! 

Elder Riley Ted Reeder  

 

P. S.  

 

Yes, I have a companion, Elder Taveras.  He is Dominican.  We will live in the Office.  Hot water and electricity 24/7, someone to wash my clothes, and a truck!  The truck is to haul missionaries stuff on transfers.  But, I will work my butt off.  I will see the entire mission.  I will visit every house in the mission.  We are in charge of all the houses....all sorts of stuff.  Basically we do whatever President says.  We are with President everyday.  

Elder Cabrera stays in San Cristobal.  Elder Leon is coming.  I don't know anything about him.  I'm hoping that he is good!  Ha ha.  Yeah, I'm more sad about leaving the family.  It is really hard to leave them.  But, I'm off to the office.  A new adventure in the mission!  Love you mom! 

 

WAHOO!!

May 28, 2012

Hi Family!

This week was absolutely wonderful!  Let me explain why.....  Reason 1-  We had 5 investigators in Church!  For this area it was an absolute miracle.  These past few weeks I have just been praying and praying to be able to find people who would have the desire to visit the Church, and to partake of the blessings there!  Well, last week we found a family who I think is more prepared than any I have ever seen.  They told us that the day before we came, they were talking about how they really need to find the true church so that they can be closer to God.  Then we came.  They absolutely love everything we teach, and they made the sacrifice to go to Church with their two small children.  When they got there, the ward did their part perfectly!  Everyone was so excited to see a family investigating the church that they were maybe a little over zealous to help them out!  Later, our ward mission leader told us that it was the first complete family that has been to Church in years!  It really was an amazing experience to see the ward so excited, and their desire to help this family!  I know that it wasn't anything that I did as a missionary, but rather the work of the Lord.  I know without a doubt that the Lord has people prepared to accept His Gospel.  We have a lesson with them tomorrow, and we are going to put a baptismal date with them for the middle of June.  

 

Reason 2- We have a baptism this Saturday!  We are going to baptize Carolina this Saturday!  She has finally opened up to us, and she is ready to be baptized!  All along she was ready, but she was so shy that she wouldn't talk to us!  (She is the niece of a member, and lives with her because she has had lots of family problems)  Anyway, because of the problems she had earlier in her life, she was extremely timid, and wouldn't talk to us.  Well, after fasting and prayer, she opened up and talked!  The first time she said the prayer was one of the most amazing moments of my life.  It truly was a humble daughter speaking with her Heavenly Father.  It was an experience I will never forget!  

Needless to say, I am hoping that I get to stay in this area.  After all the trials and everything, I was ready to leave.  Well, now I'm ready to stay!  Ha ha. We will see if the Lord lets me stay here, or if he has other plans for me!  

Anyway, elections were extremely non-eventful.  Nothing crazy happened, it was just a precaution of the mission to leave us in the house.  It sounds like all the eventful things are happening at home!  I couldn't believe the story about the shed.  Dad, I think it is time to take a saw to that shed.  I don't have very nice feelings toward that shed!  Ha ha.  I'm just glad it didn't do too much damage, that could have been a lot worse than it was!  I'm happy that the Raptor is still alive and well, and everything else as well!  Sounds like the usual this year......rain rain rain for memorial day!  Seems like every time we go camping it likes to rain! 

This week I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have to serve the Lord, and the people here!  I remember the first time that I read the Missionary Handbook of rules, it says that our time to serve the Lord with all of our time and energy is extremely short.  I remember when I had 3 days in the mission, I felt that was the biggest lie I'd ever heard!  Two years is forever!  How would I ever make it for two years?  Well, now I understand that it is true.  It is such a privilege and opportunity to serve the Lord as a missionary.  I am so grateful for the things I have learned, but most importantly for the testimony I now have.  I know without a single doubt in my mind that this is the true Church.  It was restored by a prophet of God, and we have it to bless us!  I know that if we are faithful to the covenants we have made with the Lord, we will be blessed!  The Lord is bound when we do what He says.  I know that is true.  The Lord always tests our faith, and if we remain faithful we will see miracles!  I know that is true!  I love you all so very much!  

Elder Riley Ted Reeder