August 18, 2015 – My last email as a missionary

Dear Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Ian,

Wow, this is something weird! My very last letter home as a missionary. I'm not sure if I should talk about my last week here or how I feel. How about both?

Well, this past week my companion, Elder Walters and I spent a bit of time learning a few more songs for another choir activity. But I only needed to learn one song so we didn't spend much time working on that :D But the activity was a graduation for a Self-reliance class the church is doing. This class is one of the first in the world and they earned degrees from BYU so this was a pretty big deal! There was a news team from the country covering the graduation. If you look it up you might see me on the piano. ;D Anyway, the activity went great! I played well and everything was all good.  ^_^

Well, after that whole thingy, Elder Walters and I turned our attention to finding those 60 references we have received over some time through the English class we were teaching. We had 30 people come to the class!!! We had the highest number of references received and contacted in the zone. We were happy with that.  :D Unfortunately, not one of them came to church because it stormed and Dominicans are terrified of the rain. But that's ok, because something that would happen the next day would cheer me up.

So, I got a call from my ZL's asking if I could come to the capital and help in translating for some US Navy doctors coming to visit the country. Boy, it was an amazing experience!!! The troops doing this service project were all fantastic! Also, there were different jobs for different translators. Some were translating for the doctors, but I was assigned to translate at triage. Basically, I was the welcoming sign in. So, I got to meet every single person that came in. That day something like 250 or 300 people came in. I had to sign them in and ask what the problem was. Man, I heard some interesting things. Mom, I'm leaving it to you to include what you think should be included with what I heard. XD But it was a great experience! And I will never forget it! (This is Elder Froude’s mom…I decided not to include his stories of his triage experience as most of them were inappropriate for this blog. Funny, but still inappropriate. Just ask him when you see him. J)

So, this one is a little random, but I thought it was really cool! So, Elder Walters and I went to go to a member's house to pick something up. When we got there the member went into his house to get it and Elder Walters and I were joking around and talking, as we usually do, while we waited. When the member came back and saw us, he told us that we didn't look like normal companions. We asked him what he meant, and he said that we look like we don't just bear one another's presence. He said we looked more like great friends that just happened to be companions. I guess he meant that there are two types of companionships, one that just kinda works together and one that are the bestest friends. I thought it was the coolest thing! That not only am I a happy missionary, and Elder Walters too, but other people can see it too. It was a neat little moment!  ^_^

Well, this letter and my mission is coming to an end. It's a very funky feeling. I felt like I have been doing missionary work for as long as I can remember, and loving it, and now it's coming to an end. I'm sure any returned missionary knows how this feels. And I guess now it's my turn. It's been an extraordinary experience. The miracles I have seen, the happiness I have felt, the things I learned from my mistakes, they all have come together to make me a better person than I was before the mission. I'm nowhere near perfect but I think I'm a little closer to it, much more than I would be had I not served. It's weird, I can notice a difference in myself but at the same time I cannot. It's like piling up hay. Each piece of hay is almost weightless and I can carry it like nothing. But with time, the hay piles more and more and before I even notice, I'm 10 pounds heavier without realizing it.

I know I have changed; I'm just not sure how much. What I know for sure is that my testimony has grown and so has my love for the Savior and His work that He has called me to. And I have learned things that I probably would not have learned had I not served a mission. I have loved every moment of being a missionary and I hope to be able to apply what I learned out here in the world so that I can be able to let my light shine before the world, especially with the state the world is in. It will be harder than before but I feel that the mission has prepared me to be the best disciple of Christ that I can be.

Well, that was my little emotional splurge. X) I hope it makes a nice final entry for the blog. It's been a great two years! For the last time, thank you guys so much for being on and chatting with me on my p-days and for all your love and support! I love you all! And God be with you till we meet again!

-Elder Froude

Our apartment is on top of this chicken restaurant. 

You want to buy an ax?

Pres. Corbitt's birthday

Found this cane-brella and just couldn't resist buying it. Cool, right?

August 10, 2015 – Second to last letter home

Dear Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Ian,

Great, you all have me counting now too! X) Anyways, it's weird but I'll only do this long letter one more time and then I'm home... Waaahhhhh! But fortunately, I have quite a bit to write about! I can go about it day by day because we had quite an eventful week. Even though it was eventful, again, we didn't get to go out to teach much :( I'll start from Tuesday since I already wrote about last Monday.

Tuesday was getting ready for moving day which meant spend the day cleaning and packing not only our house but the house we were going to move into as well. So that’s exactly what we did. And since the new house was just down the street, we figured we'd just carry all the little stuff on over so that the people coming to help could just focus on the big stuff. We spent all day doing that, so we didn't have much time for teaching. In fact, we didn't teach at all that day :( Same with the next day, but different story! O:

So Wednesday was our moving day but I didn't get to help move. I was asked to go to a leader's meeting to share my last testimony for all the leaders. President Corbitt does that for any missionary that has been a ZL before in their last transfer. I went with 18 other missionaries. It was awesome! I felt like I was at a high school reunion. I took lots of pics and even some videos! It's always nice to see other missionaries! ^_^ But it took us a while to get back to our apartment though. We arrived at the meeting about 8:30am and we got back to my area about 8:30pm. Again, not able to go out and visit some people.

But not only that, the district of San Pedro asked if I could play the piano for the choir for the District Conference that same weekend. I said sure, and then they picked 4 songs that I didn't know how to play. Great, I thought, I have to take the time to learn these songs. They were “Come Come Ye Saints,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Peace Be Still,” and another one that Elder Walters ended up learning. I'll get to how I did later.

Thursday was our District meeting, so no teaching that morning. And then we went home and took a little power nap before we went out, but I woke up with a cold! I had felt it the day before, but I didn't think anything of it. Well, it got a little worse and it gave me a bad sore throat and I lost my voice! So, we didn't go out that afternoon but used the down time to continue learning. The process repeated for Friday and Saturday.

Friday though, we were able to go visit a progressing investigator to get at least something. And I was able to talk a little, so we toughed it out for the appointment and then went back home. Well, the investigator wasn't there, but his wife was, who, till that point, had been a little quiet during the lessons. Well, we got to know her and it turns out that she is incredibly smart and so cool! AND she wants an eternal family! We went there planning to talk about the Proclamation and she told us that she said that she had a feeling that when we came over that the family would be discussed. It was INCREDIBLE!! The Spirit was very strong and we could tell that she really did want it. She said that she'd keep the copy and give her husband a stern talking to so that they could get baptized and sealed. Yay!!!! We're going to visit them more often :D

Now comes Sunday, the day we have to play for the choir. I played “Come, Come Ye Saints” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” just fine. Then I had to play “Peace Be Still.” The first verse went off without a hitch. The second verse, my right arm started to hurt. The third verse, not only does my right arm completely cramp, my fingers lock in place! So, not only am I in a metric ton of pain, I can't play correctly! I just moved my arm up and down trying to hit the right notes and it didn't work too well. XD The fourth verse my arm relaxed and I tried to play something that resembled the hymn. It was so embarrassing! DX But I tried X)

Then today for P-Day, we took a much needed break and just stayed home and played some dominos ^_^ I'm enjoying what I have left of the mission. And at the same time, working hard! It may not be in the missionary work, but it's stuff people needed us to do. And that's what Jesus Christ's ministry was all about, wasn't it? Serving others? I hope that we can keep serving people as much as we can. Hopefully, this week we can balance them both. We'll see what happens! I love you guys! Thanks for being on!!

-Elder Froude

My previous companion, Elder Tillman!

August 3, 2015 – The Not So Long Letter

Dear Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Ian,

Well, this might be a little short seeing as how there won't be much to report on this week, but I have a piece of good news though!

Well, the reason why there isn't much to report is because we haven't gone out a single day this past week. Elder Walters was still recovering from the burn on his leg and when he made some progress, he got sick with a bad cold. So, we were kept in all week last week. We talked a lot about stuff though, being best friends and all.

But on the bright side of things, we had a fruitful fast yesterday!! We knew we were a little low on investigators and had been meaning to look for more but we just haven't been able to. Well, there's this guy in our branch that runs a radio show and he's been inviting people to come to our English class, which has been a little short on students. Well, he's been finding people all week and on Sunday he comes to us with like 31 referrals for us to meet on Saturday when we can get their info!! With that, we'll be busy for the next while. Thanks miracles!!

Well, that's about it unfortunately. But this next week should be much longer! Promise!! Love you guys!!

-Elder Froude

July 27, 2015 – Tough Week

Dear Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Ian,

Boy, this week has been a little tough! It seems that life is trying to slow me down! A lot of our plans fell through for other things and errands we had to do. Now granted, I don't regret doing those errands/things because they helped other people. Perhaps that's why things kept coming up. But allow me to explain in full.

So this week, Elder Walters and I planned to do some hardcore contacting, looking for more people to teach. There is a certain time of day we do this because during mornings almost no one is available, and nighttime is too dangerous to contact so we usually take a chunk of our afternoon to contact. Well, almost every day this week when we had gone to contact, an errand would come up and we would have to drop our plan and run that errand. It happened so consistently that I was suspicious of the universe being aware of our efforts to do missionary work. Then, when we thought we were clear to work again, my poor companion drops a super hot pan on his leg and gets an almost third degree burn on his thigh, so then we couldn't leave often because his leg hurts so bad he couldn’t walk.

After some reflection, I came to realize that my desire to work had been a little selfish. That perhaps I wanted to work hard just so I could say I worked hard my last few weeks here in the mission and not that I was working and doing the things the Lord needed me to do.

Other than that, Elder Walters and I are still best buds and trying our best! Hopefully, this coming week will be a better week for us. Sorry, I don’t' have much to share, nothing much else happened, haha! Oh by the way, it was my birthday this week! It was a nice and quiet celebration. My comp and I worked like normal, but we came back to a cake and a mini-celebration with the other two elders we live with. It was nice. I purposely didn't tell anyone it was my birthday. If I did the branch would have thrown me a giant party and you know how I am. I get uncomfortable when I have a lot of attention on me. Haha!

Oh, and I got my birthday package! Thank you so much! It was awesome!!So good! I haven't tried the Teriyaki Spam before though but it was so good! ^-^

I can’t believe I only have 4 weeks left on my mission and I’ll be home! But until then, I'll continue going at it till the last day of being a missionary! Thanks for all the support, guys! Love you all!

-Elder Froude

Can't believe I'm 20!!!

My favorite soda here in the DR

July 20, 2015 – Last Transfer But Not Done Yet

Dear Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Ian,

So it was the first week of transfers and it was a little nuts. My companion and I were only able to work like 2 days in our own area. Even though we didn't do a whole lot in our area, we still did a whole lot! XD

There were two elders coming into the area. Oh by the way, I'm staying with Elder Walters this transfer! Yay! Anyway, they were supposed to come on Tuesday, but they didn't show up until Thursday due to a strike that wouldn't let them leave their areas until it settled down. But we didn't know that so we basically waited in the house for two days until they came. XD Then after, we had to do an emergency intercambio (exchange) with the Zone Leaders for a certain meeting, and then we had more meetings. Bleh. But now we're in the normal flow of things!!

Something cool that happened this week was at a birthday party we got invited to. It was for this little girl in the branch turning 5. It was Doc McStuffin themed, and the little girl was dressed up and looked JUST LIKE Doc McStuffin!! It was so adorable!! I wish I had gotten a picture! DX

Also, I'm getting better about Vlogging! Since it's my last 6 weeks, I'm gonna get at least one in every week until I go home, highlighting the week's activities and adventures and such!

About the work here, it's speeding up again! We're working mostly on completing families in the branch. There were a few that we didn't know about. So we'll be working closely with them. One of them is Manuel's father-in-law who apparently is a tough brick. But we shall see! They want us to teach him and teach him we shall! We have an appointment with him on Tuesday, so we'll see what happens!!

I saw all the pictures you sent from Tita Nora’s funeral. It was nice that you all could see each other again. Though no lie, the pics were sad. But I'm glad that you were all there to support each other. ^_^

Thanks for the birthday greetings! I actually haven't gotten the package yet, but I will soon! ^_^ We're so far from the capital, they only bring stuff from the office like twice a transfer :P Hopefully, they bring them  this week.

I hope you all are doing ok. Even though I have little time left, I'm still not done! Here's to my final sprint to the end!! Talk to you all next week! Love you guys! Thanks for all your support! :D

-Elder Froude

Crazy rain in the DR

Me and my companion, Elder Walters

Yummy fish! 

Happy birthday, Elder Froude! From your nieces Laney and Hannah.

July 13, 2015 – Till We Meet Again, Tita Nora

Dearest Family,

I send all of my love and regards to you. The passing of Tita Nora is not easy for any of us, especially because of the kind of person she was. She had been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. She was as loving and caring as a grand aunt as anybody could ever ask for and more. I remember her always being there for our family’s special or grand occasion as she was able.

Tita Nora was the third person who has had a place in my life that has passed away during my mission, and second family member. The first was Tito Chuck, who tragically and unexpectedly passed away last October. The second was an old high school friend of mine, who about 7 months ago, took his own life. If I’m being honest, I don't know how I would still be out here had I not known what I know now. My mom sent me the news of Tita Nora's passing written by Tita Lulu, and in it she wrote that Tita Nora was describing what she was seeing in her final moments.

Death isn't the end for anybody. It's just another path in our journey; one that we all must take. Our life here on earth, as well as our death, is all part of our Heavenly Father’s plan. That being said, we should all take comfort that Tita Nora really is with her loved ones, waiting for us to join them when it's our time as well.

As sad as it is that she isn't with us now, she isn't gone, nor will she ever be. She's in a much more beautiful place, a paradise where her diseased body no longer has a hold on her. And when it's our turn to pass on, she'll be there with arms wide open and a beautiful smile on her face. I, personally, cannot wait for that day!

You all are in my prayers and I love you all so much. I miss you and I'm sorry that I cannot be there with you at this time. I'd like to share with you all a favorite scripture of mine, and I hope that it brings you comfort as it does me. Isaiah 41:10 reads: 

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Love,

Elder Ryan Froude

At my graduation. Tita (Aunt) Nora on the left and my grandma on the right.

Tita Nora and my dad

July 6, 2015 – 4th of July and Happy Birthday, Richard!

 Dear Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Ian,

It's pretty interesting how just one day makes an entire week of struggle seem like it didn't even happen!  I say that because this week was tough! Nobody was around to be taught! Appointment after appointment would fall through, even with members! We dealt with that all week. Usually, it would be pretty discouraging, but with what was coming up that Saturday, I told myself that Saturday would make it all worth it. And it did.

On Saturday, Elder Walters and I traveled to the temple to be at Felix and Santa’s sealing and arrived at about 8 am. We were told that the session would start at nine but it turned out that it was moved to 11. I hadn't seen them at this point because I wanted to surprise them. So we hid in the MTC and ended up helping a teacher teach a class of 3-day old missionaries! Boy, it brought back memories :) Anyway, 11 came around and Elder Walters and I changed into white clothes for the session. We waited in the sealing room and in came Felix and Santa, happier than I’ve ever seen them! It was such a sacred and happy feeling, one that I have never felt before. And that moment they were sealed together forever.

To finish off the day, we baptized Manuel!! A spiritual feast, Saturday was. It's also such a special feeling to complete a family. That day was a very good day :) We couldn't celebrate with food or soda because we were fasting, so we're doing that today.  ;)

Next week is transfers! Let's see where the Lord will take me for this last transfer for me. I hope I stay honestly. But we shall see! Thanks for being on and for everything! Love you guys so much!

-Elder Froude

Felix and Santa's sealing

 

Manuel with his wife on his baptism day

June 29, 2015 – Awesome Week

Dear Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Ian,

Whew! This has been an awesome week of work and good stuff! A lot has happened and we did a lot!

So last Monday, a member asked us to visit her house to meet her husband who wasn't a member and we said sure! Well, we got there the next day and met Manuel, a Dominican Thor, with awesome tattoos and the nicest guy ever! He's actually lived in the States longer than the DR so he knows perfect English. Anyway, we were getting to know him and he told us that he wanted to marry his wife in the temple. We were shocked at how prepared he was!! We spent almost every day of last week teaching this man and preparing him for baptism this Saturday. We originally put it for the next week but he wouldn't be in the country by then. It was nuts how prepared this guy is. Literally no problems with anything! No Word of Wisdom or Chastity problems and is so willing to pay tithing! I haven't met somebody so prepared in a very long time. He's been coming to church without fail and we will baptize him this Saturday! They're very happy ^_^ and we are too!

Also about this Saturday, I'll be going to a sealing session. :DDD Remember Felix and Santa? They are over a year of being members and this Saturday is their sealing session!! Waaaahhhhh!!! I'm so happy for them! From what I hear, they are stronger than ever. It will be such a pleasure to see them again! I'll be sure to take lots of pics!

This past Saturday was Elder Walter's birthday! He turned 20. It's funny; I'm the youngest missionary in my house, but at the same time, the missionary with the most time in the mission. Oh, the irony!! Lol! But it was a good day! We didn't have a huge celebration, of course, but I was able to buy a little cake for us 4 missionaries. Birthdays aren't really a big thing for a missionary. XD

The Pew family came to church again this Sunday! They took us out again, but also asked us for help for a shoe donation they wanted to do in a Haitian village close to where they were staying. So after church, we went to their place and we all went over to the Haitian village. We didn't have many shoes to give out, only two suit cases full, and they were gone in less than 5 minutes. It was interesting to do that kind of work around here, mostly because we ourselves have nothing to give to them, except the gospel. I'll send pictures along with the email so you can see what I mean.

Other than all of that, Elder Walters and I are doing fantastic! He has become one of my best friends out here. We work well together and we're both just super happy to be here! It's nice having that as a companion so far into my mission. Other missionaries don't get so lucky, KNOCK ON WOOD!!

Well family, that was my week ^_^ We've got lots more for next week! I'll write all about it and send it with pics! I'm glad to hear that everything on your end is going well! I'm praying for Tita Nora as well. Write you all next week guys! Love you tons!! Until Next time!

-Elder Froude

June 22, 2015 – The Little Things

Dear Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Ian,

Welp! We had a big week planned out, but I got sick. DX I was sick from Monday to about Thursday evening. I got the flu but a weaker version of it because apparently my body did well fighting it off. Sister Corbitt said that the others that got it got it pretty bad. So we only went out to work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Not enough time to put our plans into effect, or do much, for that matter. Everything we tried to do fell through, mostly because it consisted of apologizing for not coming on the day we planned and scheduling another day to come back. So that was basically our week. XP But! There were some cool things that made the week pretty cool!

Elder Walters and I were walking on the street, when this guy said “hi” to us in English. Usually, we just kinda say hi back and keep walking because they usually don't speak English well, but he called us Mormon Elders which caught our attention and we turned around to talk to this guy. He asked us in English, “Are you angels?” That made us feel so fuzzy inside. Haha! He said that he had read some of the Book of Mormon before but never finished it because it was his brother's copy. Well then, we went back to the house to get him his own copy of the Book of Mormon. When we came back with it, this guy was, literally, as happy as a kid on Christmas! I do believe that that moment was the happiest I have seen anybody receive a Book of Mormon. I hope he reads it. ^_^ Unfortunately, he doesn't live in our area, so we have to pass his address to the sister missionaries -__- but that's ok! They're awesome missionaries! ^_^

Also, as I'm sure you already know, we met a lovely family, the Pews from Kaysville, Utah on Sunday! They were nice enough to send a picture and video to you guys for Father's Day! It was such a blessing! ^_^ They also treated us to a lovely dinner in their resort and in return, we shared a nice Father's Day message. Though we can't remember their names, it was a delight to have met them!

Hopefully, the sick dealio won't happen this week. We have a lot to make up for! Wish us luck guys! Love you all!

-Elder Froude

June 15, 2015 – A Very Long Letter

Dear Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Ian,

Buckle up; this might be my longest letter to date!

Where do I start? I suppose I'll start with my super awesome new companion! His name is Elder Walters, from Utah. So far, he and I are pretty much being awesome together. I actually met him before in another zone, and we hit it off ever since! And now we're companions. This is either president's best idea ever or worst idea ever. ;D Best Idea ever because Elder Walters is a super solid missionary of great faith and enthusiasm. Or worst Idea ever because we're both complete goof balls! XD No, I'm kidding! I'm glad he's my comp now. He's an impressionist as well and we like all the same music and TV shows! Very often we're quoting movies and jokes to each other, surprising ourselves more and more how in common we two knuckleheads are. It's getting to the point where we say the same thing at the same time. Strange, but true! As for impressions, you know that I have a few. But recently, I have unlocked a rather decent President Monson impression. Imitation is the highest form of flattery ;) But that's us so far. It should be a good transfer. ^_^ What else to put?

So all last transfer we've only ever had 1 investigator at church, if at all. And members are always too ``busy`` to go out with us. Well, Elder Walters and I fasted (because we forgot to last week XD) to change some of that a bit. That same Saturday after lunch we started.  Other missionaries were going to have a baptism. Whenever we invited people before, they never came. Well, that night 3 investigators came and they loved it. AND they had questions they wanted answered. My companion and I like questions! So we put a date with them this week and I'll tell you about it later.

Then, we get a call also that night from a woman member from Canada visiting the country, saying she wants to come to church and bring a friend with her as well. Awesome, we say. They next day, they come and the friend turned out to be an old investigator we stopped visiting because he never came to church. Funny how that works, isn't it? Anyway, this member from Canada will be staying here for the next month or two and wants us to teach him and maybe even baptize him, depending on his progress. Other investigators came to church, and members all of a sudden were ''available'' to go with us. We ended up having  at least 2 appointments every day for this week with a member. Awesome!

Oh, so big news. Apparently for the past six months, a group of missionaries and I have been illegally here for the past 6 months. O.O When I got the call, I was told to just come to the office. When I got there, I saw a big group of missionaries, all of whom I knew, and we all went for a drive. Turns out they were taking us to the National Migration Department. I asked why we're here and they told us that we have been illegal aliens and we're going to get a green card. Well that's interesting! I've also decided that I don't like the process. XD Not because of anything bad, but because I was bored out of my mind waiting there! Elder Walters and I had an awesome day planned out too! Nope! Chuck Testa! But it's all good. I'm not breaking any laws anymore. ^_^

You know, 21 months I've been writing these emails, and I don't think once have I ever addressed the people that are possibly reading this other than my own family. Well, this part of the email is addressed to you, reader. Hello! My name is Ryan Froude. As a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we're referred to as Elders. You've probably read a few of my experiences here in the DR, some of them quite miraculous. Whether or not you are a member of our faith, I'd like for you to know that being out here is a gigantic confirmation to me that God is real and that He loves us even though life tries to convince us otherwise. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me personally on my missionary email address. I'd be more than happy to do what little I can to help. My personal email should be on the blog, but if you can't find it, it is ryan.froude@myldsmail.net.

Well family, that's about all I can write for now. My hands hurt! XD I hope that it made up for when I didn't write last week. Also, good luck on the move, Mom, Dad, Lauren and Richard! And good luck on your huge tests brody!! I'll write you all next week. Peace be unto thine souls! Love you all!

-Elder Froude

June 1, 2015 – Hey, I’m sticking around!

Dear Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Ian,

Transfers are around the corner, and for the first time in 6 months, I'm not moving! Yep! I'm going to be sticking around San Pedro for the next 6 weeks. Elder Valdez will be moving out to Villa Mella, and my new companion, luckily, is a super good mission friend, Elder Walters from Utah. I met him when I was in Santo Domingo and the man is a stud! This should be a fun transfer! ^_^

In other news, I watched Meet the Mormons finally! All the missionaries have been waiting to see it and just this past weekend all the stakes in the country received their copies to show to their wards and branches. We took advantage.  ^_^ It was awesome!! Did the part where the missionary was leaving the airpòrt make you cry mom? I choked up a little bit at that scene, haha!  But other than that, this week was pretty ok! We had an investigator come to watch Meet the Mormons with us, a pretty well prepared investigator. She even came to church as well! Her name is Dolores and so far she's our most progressing investigator. She has awesome questions and so far keeps up with the commitments. She's very interested as well and wants to know more! We'll be working closely with her. Hopefully, she'll accept a baptismal date within this transfer :D

It's pretty weird to think that I have only three months left. It seems like forever ago that I got here, that I've been doing this for a long time. For me, it switches between feeling like the mission is an eternity and that it's too fast. Right now it feels like the eternity is ending. Not to say that I didn't love every moment of it but it felt like I'd do this forever and that I have been. But in three months I'll be changing back to non-missionary mode and the change will be weird. One of the missionaries I was living with this transfer, Elder Vazquez, who was in my very first district, will be finishing his mission tomorrow. Seeing him and how he felt this transfer made me realize that I'll be going through similar things when it's my last transfer. Boy, it's funky! But whether or not I have three months or three days left, I'll still be a missionary with missionary like duties. I'm not done yet!

Here's to using every moment I can to bring souls unto Christ! I don't have much of it left, lol! Write you guys next week! I'll be sure to take tons of pictures! Love you guys so much!!

-Elder Froude

May 25, 2015 – Lots of Birthday Greetings!!!

Dear Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Ian,

First, I want to wish Tita Jona and Tita Cris a wonderful Happy Birthday!!!  50 and 75…WOW! I saw all the pictures and it looked like everybody had a fantastic time! I promise I'll be there for the next big one! And I'll prepare something special for the “program.” ^_^ Also, I want to congratulate my cousin Randall for graduating from high school!! Sorry I couldn't be there but I'll be sure to be there when you graduate from college or when you're leave for your mission!  And a Happy 18^th Birthday also!

We're already in the last week of the transfer, which is pretty dang crazy. Didn't I just get here?? Well, possibly I'll stay. Since I have only a few months left, President will either let me finish my mission here, or move me one more time to finish my mission in another area. I could guess which it would be but I'm always surprised with transfers, so I won't bother…haha! Anyways…these past 2 weeks were pretty normal, no cool trips or adventures out of the area...just working with my companion in a good area. We are doing a lot of contacting member referrals but it's a little slow because we had contacted so many new people. We've spent last week and this week doing follow-up with these people, seeing who will progress and who will not. So far, we're finishing up the second round of follow-ups and the sift is working well!

Actually, there was a pretty cool surprise that I did with one of my Zone Leaders. After the District Meeting one day, they show up at our door and tell us we're doing a quick exchange. It turned out that they needed the original birth certificate of an investigator that was going to be married the next day and baptized the day after. But the record is in a place called Hato Mayor, an hour away from this area. But at the same time, one of the zone leaders had a dental appointment in the capital, two hours away. So I was taken to Hato Mayor to get the birth certificate and my companion went to the capital to accompany my zone leader to a dental appointment. We pretty much had to drop our day, but it was cool to go to an area I've never been too. Afterwards, we met up and went to our own areas, but it was already 8:30 pm by the time we got home and here contacting at night isn't too safe, so we just stopped by a member's house to visit and then went home.  An interesting day indeed!

Today, we had a zone activity and we played a bunch of games and a quick skit kind of thing. One of the games was a Church Trivia question game and the person who answered wrong got chocolate frosting smeared on their face. I was one of them, because of an open-ended question!!!  It was fun, though!

Btw, I got the package and the snacks and treats were delicious! But you know me, always sharing, it's almost gone. Haha! But thank you so much! I loved everything in it! Also, yes the dengue is completely gone, so I'm in the clear. ^_^

Next week, I'll tell you all about transfers! I'll see if I'm staying or going. We shall see. Thanks so much for all the pictures! It's great to see everyone and how they are doing. Can't wait to see you all again in 3 months! Love you guys! Miss you all!

-Elder Froude

May 11, 2015 – Happy Mother’s Day Call

Dear Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Ian,

Happy Mother's Day to Mom and Lauren!! It was so great to talk to you guys yesterday! That'll be my last one before I finish and come home. It's so crazy to think about. I definitely needed that call. This transfer hasn't been the easiest so far.

I feel less trunky after this call. Maybe because I won't have to wait another 6 months to see you guys again. I'm excited! But I still have a ways to go. I'll do all I can to finish strong! I can't stop now, just 2 and a half transfers to go! Haha! Now that I think about it, I don't write about how I feel about going home much. With it being so close, it comes to mind every now and again, I guess.

And like I said yesterday, don't worry about the Dengue Fever. I got it mild and the doctor said I will be fine. I'm taking antibiotics for it. I am back doing the Work.

Welp! I’m out of time! Next week I'll have more time to write! And hopefully, it’'ll be a better week too! Talk to you guys next week! Again, Happy Mother's Day!! Love you guys!

-Elder Froude

Google Hangout with Elder Froude!

May 4, 2015 – May the Fourth be with You!

Dear Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Ian,

Happy Cinco de Drinko! I mean Mayo! Haha, I dunno why I wrote that…they don't even celebrate it here. But in any case, they drink like it is every weekend, without fail.

But anyway, I'm glad to hear that mom and dad are moved in, only to get ready to move again! XD Now you know what I've gone through for the past 4 months! Taking everything down only to pick it back up a few weeks later! Only not nearly as much stuff as you guys! ^_^ But it's still super tedious! But, moving on (ba dum pst)… this week went pretty well. Elder Valdez and I are working on contacting a list of 43 referrals that our branch gave us. So far, none are progressing though :( But that's ok, we still have a handful of people to find. I like being comps with Elder Valdez! He's quite a responsible missionary! He's on top of the work here. I was impressed! It makes me feel bad for not doing more. XD

We also went to the temple!!! We went with two other Zones, La Romana and Santo Domingo, the recently popularly acclaimed ''best-looking zone” and I don't disagree! But I digress. That morning, I was actually pretty dang sick like something I got near the beginning of my mission. It came back and I thought I wouldn't be able to go to the temple. But I said a prayer, begging that I'd be able to bear it long enough to be able to enjoy the temple and not feel so miserable inside. After I finished praying, I felt even worse. Bleh. But I forced myself out of bed and got ready. It was at some point on the way to the temple that I noticed that my fever was gone, I wasn't thirsty, and that I didn't have a headache or any pain. For the 4 or so hours that we were there it was like I was never even sick. I talked happily with friends and felt a great Spirit there.

But of course, on the way home, I felt like a train hit me. My fever came back and I was dying for a drink and had a pretty bad headache. But even though I felt really sick I was still super happy that the Lord had answered a prayer so fast and so specifically. Yet, I think that had I asked for it any other way or for anything more, it wouldn't have happened.

Being a missionary is just so cool! I can't even begin to describe it with words. I wish that everyone one day can become one. Even you, mom and dad! When I'm out of the house, go serve a mission! Lauren and Richard have a big job right now, but as soon as that's done, go serve a mission!

Well, I will see you all this Sunday!! Happy Mother's day next week!  I'll make sure all the tech stuff works fine so that we can chat without problems. Love you guys! See you all super soon! Bye now!

-Elder Froude