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

April 27, 2015 – San Pedro de Macoris

Dear Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Ian,

So you all remember how I was in Amalia? Well, after being there a transfer I was called to another area, again. This time, as a normal missionary doing normal missionary things! Elder McCombs will still be ZL but he too was called to another area. As for our house with all of its problems? Well, we fixed it all. It has running water now, is super clean and all organized, only for 4 sister missionaries to move in! We have gone through a whole transfer with a house with problems, fix them all ourselves, and as soon as it's perfect, we have to move out! Oh the irony!! Haha, but that's ok, at least the sisters will have a nicer house and an amazing area. But that P-Day, we spent almost all of it helping the sisters move in to the house, with the help of the AP's, of course, and then we showed them around their new area a bit before we headed out. Elder McCombs would take their old area, and I've been sent out to San Pedro, another zone quite far away.

So far, it's pretty ok here. But I'm having a bit of trouble getting used to the area. I think it's because I may not like it as much. But I do very much enjoy that I'm no longer a Zone Leader X) And it sure made me feel better to know we have an amazing beach in our area! So it is a big city, but a little different from Santo Domingo. And so far it's pretty safe. At least some parts O: And the house is tiny and has no water XD But it's comfortable, actually. The beach is a bus ride away, but it's part of our area because it’s by a pretty countryside part called La Guinea. I'm sure in a few days I'll adjust.

My companion is a Dominican named Elder Valdez. He's hilarious and suuuuuuuuper black XD But he knows his stuff too, so that's good ^_^ We get along pretty well ^_^ Everyone in my district are so relaxed, even the sisters! XD I love it! I also live with an Elder from my first district, Elder Vasquez from Peru! Not my comp Elder Vasquez, a different one. We're working right now on finding 46 referrals that our branch gave us :DD As soon as we find them all, we can focus on the ones who progress ^_^

 Well, I hope that San Pedro will have plenty of adventures and new experiences for me. Let's see what this week has in store for me. It's also pretty nuts that I have only a few months left. Which is weird because I feel like I just got here and at the same time I feel like I've been here forever! It's weird to think about, so I just choose not to until I'm done, haha! But I'm up for the adventure!

I sure hope, Mom and Dad, that you get the house, though it will be sad to come home into a different house than what I grew up in. But I'll come home being the new kid in the ward!

Talk to you all next week! Love you guys so much! I'm always praying for you and dad and Lauren and Ian ^_^ Also, we'll see each other on Mother's Day!

-Elder Froude

With my companion Elder Vasquez