7/16/2012

Hello world, its me, that one red-headed kid in Brazil!

So, how is everyone? I havent heard from any of you. This makes my mouth muscles go downward. But hey, life is awesome here in Brazil! Theres been ups and downs, but isnt that life? This past week has been absolutely freezing! Yes, its colder in my neck of the woods in good old Oregon, but, there are heaters there! This place doesnt have heaters! On sunday, outside was about 2 degrees farenheit..inside the house..7. That was at the warmest part of the day. Needless to say, I sleep with lots of clothes on and blankets. Story time for you all! So, we arent allowed to give hugs, and especially kisses but its super common here in Brazil. In sacrament meeting, the kids usually take up the tithing to Bishop. Well, before sacrament, I gave my pen to a family to use. During sacrament meeting, a little girl with like 5 years took up the tithing slip, received a kiss from bishop, and then came to me. She gave me my pen, and went in for the kiss. Me, being an awkward missionary, grabbed the pen and turned my face, my shoulder, and my back to the little girl. Yeah, everyone was watching. And then she starts crying. I felt horrible, but learned that Im really good at denying girls.
Im really starting to see the importance of this gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the greatest feeling in the world is helping someone come closer to Jesus Christ. Helping families. Helping people come back to the truth. Watching blessing be poured over them. God watches us. He is happy when we do the right, and sad when we do the wrong. I know that the church OF Jesus Christ exists today. Its not a church of people, nor pastors and teachers. Its not a church of the prophet...its Jesus Christs church and He directs it. Tonight, get on your little knees and give God thanks. Watch the blessings that will come in your life. I love you all! Keep on keeping on! And try not to make little girls cry!

Loves from me,
Elder Lakey

P.S. I still accept letters... ;)

Pictures

6/18/2012

A part from our letter:
But this week we had transfers and Im still here, but Elder Hartley left. I now am with Elder Costa. A brazillian. He is way cool. He isnt the most obidient missionary in the world, but what can i do? Hopefully my portuese gets better now. I get discouraged because Im lacking a lot. I want to be more effective. Man, nobody told me the mission would be easy, but nobody said it would be this hard! I think we will have a baptism on Sunday. Keep your fingers crossed. I think I will have the honors of getting in the water. I sure hope so. Its been 3.5 months since I had a baptism!! Things are coming along though. I just keep getting fatter and fatter...But whatever.. We saw a lot of miracles this past week. I had a ton of fun with some members. The members like me, which is cool I guess!! Its been rainy, then hot, then rainy, then hot. Ta ficando louco!! Not sure if I have anything else to say...Except....I FINISHED THE BOOK OF MORMON!!!! Man, that Book is one heck of a book and contains power!!

6/11/2012

Hello world!
This week was pretty good. I have stories and we are finding success. Right now, we have a lot of good FAMILIES we are teaching. Im loving it more than ever! Just to help someone on the street bring SO much joy! In fact, let me tell you a little story. A true story, that happened to me this past week. We saw a man, VERY drunk, he could barely stand. This man probably had 70+ years of age. We wanted to help him, so we asked is we could carry him home. So we did of course! Jesus Christ would have. When we got there, we knocked and a man came to the door. We made a contact and told him who we are. Then a lady came to the door. She was out of her mind. SCREAMING her guts out. She pushed the old man down and he cut him self up pretty good. So blood was involved. And then...she grabbed a knife. And a HUGE knife. I think I was peeing my pants at about this time, but then she started coming toward us...and STABBING things in the house. The wall. The couch. The table. She was going nuts. So we grabbed the old man and fled. Moral of the story...I have know clue. I was too scared to think of a moral.
One more quick story: Today we went to some gardens. We wanted pictures, but not just any ol pictures, but jumping pictures. I jumped up, and tried to do a meditation look....it didnt work. I ripped my pants right directly in the bum. And a HUGE hole. Good thing we were there with the sisters as well. And tons of people around. Yeah, Im a representative of Jesus Christ!!
Well, its super cold. Not really, but just the house. They dont have heaters so everything is FREEZING! In fact, Im sleeping with two sweatpants, sweatshirt, and two blankets.
The work is coming along. I love it here! The Lord lives. And this is His work. I love you all! And may God be with you till we meet again!

Love,
Elder Lakey

6/4/2012

Its me, that one kid in Brazil!!

 

How is everyone doing?! I know I havent written in a while and I apologize. This area is awesome! Its hard, just like any area, but we are finding some really awesome people! This past week, we found a really humble family of 5. They came to church 45 minutes early!!! Good thing we made it there 30 minutes late! I really wish you all could eat this nut here. No, its not a brazillian nut, but its SO good! This week we marked 4 baptism dates! This next week, we have plans to mark a few more (and any others that come along) Its getting cold. Its been raining for a few days now. SUPER muddy, but hey, thats an essential to missionary work! We talked to this one guy on the street the other day..it was at a fork in the road. He asked if we were men of God and we said ´´Claro que sim!´´ and then he told us to follow him one way, but we were going the other way. He told us if we wanted to see God, then to follow him, but if we wanted to see Satan, continue down the path we were going. Crazy people! What else..? Oh, I taught a few lessons on my own this week. We went on divisions so I went with a youth. We taught a sweet family of 4! Im hoping they will accept the invitation to be baptized!! This past week, I built a table out of bamboo and scrap wood. I was told I was going to be a bad husband (crazy people again...) And today... I ATE CEREAL!!! I was tired of beans and rice, so I bought a box of cereal. It was an itty bitty box..and it was 8 reais (money) Hey, Im running low on time. But I just wanted to let you know that this past week passed my 7th month mark. HOLY SMOKES! Its going waaaay to fast! I love you all! I cant wait to hug you all. And you are more than welcome to write me...

 

Love,

Elder Lakey

5/9/2012

Hello Friends! I am very sorry that I havent written you! Things have been crazy!!! Every day, we are running all over the place! I cant remember what I wrote last, but Im still in Campina Grande do Sul. Its all mountains and this place is incredibly evangelical. Its hard. Lots of people just arent understanding the importance of a living prophet and the book of mormon. We have been told to slow down on baptisms and try to reactivate members. Crazy?! My ward could probably be a stake, but only has 90ish people coming to sacrament meeting. Pretty sad. I was able to give 2 blessings this past week. One to a sick child, and one to a sister missionary. ITs always intimidating, especially in a different language but all is well. Things are slowly getting better with the language. I can understand and talk, but I have to work my way around words that I dont know. But hey, people keep saying Im doing well. A super humbling experience happened. We taught a mentally handicapped person behind a dumpster...he was digging through the garbage to find clothes to give to people in need. He said he was doing it because thats what Jesus did and he wants to be like Jesus. WOW!!! I hate to say this, but there isnt a ton more going on. Work work work! Oh, I went to the temple today. In Portuguese! That was cool. But hey, I just want to let you all know that God is a God of miracles. If you arent seeing Miracles, change! Strengthen your faith. Make your testimony into a conversion. Remember the words of Elder Holland.. ´´Its getting late´´

Remember that..I love you!!

 

Elder Lakey

4/9/2012

Show de bola!
Its me, Elder Lakey! I forgot to write some things in my last letter. Im serving in the Area Timbu. Its awesome! mountains and delicious! Its a pretty tough area because EVERYONE is very extremely evangelical. Its a huge area but all is well! This past week was a little more difficult week. Not a ton of lessons because all of our appointments fell through. But we have been thinking and praying and we are going to focus our effort on a new part of town. It should bring great success. We feel very good about it right now. Sooo,,, HAPPY EASTER!!! My brazillian Easter was alright. Someone bought me a chocolate egg. How sweet, I know. But hey, check it out. Saturday night was sweeeet! We were invited to a barbeque so we pasted by later that night. IT was on the side of a house and there were people everywhere. But meat everywhere! There was a huge tub full of meat. Huge cakes. Oh man, the best! That was the Brazil I was looking for. Good memory! Easter, we ate at bishops house...with almost the rest of the ward. It was really good too and a bunch of desserts..my weakness. We have a few investigators really progressing...slowly. But its great. One of them was a miracle! God is a God of miracles for sure. Elder Hartley is awesome! We´ve had a lot of great times together. MY Portuguese is coming. I know without a doubt that it will be here soon. I love the dog I live with. It isnt the prettiest thing ever (Thats you Molli) but super fun. Tomorrow im building a house. Yeah, not a huge deal, just a normal activity here in Brazil. PLayed volleyball today. Man, it sure is awesome! A few weird things happened this past week. Not appropriate for the whole world to see though. Lets just say someone wants me to stay here and work with him. Enough said. This week was pretty warm. I ate a guiaba with a worm inside... And yeah, all is well! I love you all. Jesus Christ lives. He loves you. And this is His work. Hugs to each one of you. I miss them!!

Fique Feliz,
Elder Lakey

Pictures

Ryken would love pictures from all of you, so if you have any you would like to send, email them to rykenqlakey@gmail.com or bring them to our house.  We will be sending a package by Friday so please get them to us by then.

4/2/2012

Dear Strangers,
Hello my friends! Im still in Brazil and doing wonderfull! I have been TRANSFERED! I know, crazy! One transfer and now in a new place. But chech it out, im in Gods land right now. Its gorgeous! Its in the hills and we have mountains in my area. It is a gigantic area, but we only work a part of it right now. It seriously is goegeous! EVERYONE loves the missionaries! Its fairly poor, but the people are incredible. Im learning a lot from them. I talk with everyone that passes by. I love talking to them! We have tons of investigators! Its so much nicer here! The weather is starting to cool down, in fact, I have to use a blanket to sleep now! My companion is named Elder Hartley. He is...American! I like him, hes a cool guy. My language probably isnt improving, but my missionary work definately is! Hey, does anyone know where rice ends up? Is it in the muscles or the love handles? As far as I can see...its the latter of the two...not good!!!
Last night, one of the bigger miracles happened. The Lord really does bless those that are diligent in work. It was such a testimony builder! God lives. Miracles occur. And prayers are answered. He knows you personally and perfectly. He WANTS to hear from you. And he WANTS to respond. But first, we have to take a step of faith, and just talk to Him. Thats all!! How hard is that? People, I love you. Never forget it!

Hugs to All,
--Elder Lakey

3/26/2012

Ryken did not write but here are some parts from our letter:

Oh, transfers are in 2 days. I will have a new companion!!! Did you google where my area is? We also got a new ward mission leader! Super aweome guy, and speaks english! Skin is well. More freckles. Evenm under the arm. no Acne problems. Some good yummy blisters on the feet, but who cares! Not I! Send anything? I dont think so. Letters. Some candy stuff. peanut butter...you know, the essentials!! haha :) IVe found some yummy food. Fresh bread. And also some guava crumble cake stuff. Super good! And really cheap.  The language slowly gets better. I understand a ton, even outside of the gospel! I can read a bunch! Talking is hard. The other day, i just fell on my bed, and talked to my pillow in English for awhile. You have no clue how comforting it was. Just to get my thoughts out...to a pillow! Its hard. Never thought it would be this hard, but its getting better! 2 more months until mothers day! Cant wait! Hopefully by then, I will be able to speak a little bit. Are you getting my pictures or no? How is the president election? how are people doing? Any awesome new movies? Is salem growing? Hows the ward doing? Hope all is well mom. Love you tons! This week Ive really gained a love for the scriptures. They are marked up everywhere! Cant wait until I finish, the next time I read it through..its going to be awesome! I ordered a SWEET scripture case! I will send a picture next week. One of my favorite scriptures right now...Alma 31:38!! Super cool!
Love you. Keep on keeping on! Cant wait until next monday! We are down to like...80ish weeks or something! Youre the best ever! Never forget it. And never forget that I love you!

3/19/2012

Ryken did not write to the blog today, but here is a part of the letter he wrote to us!

I will share one real quick...we have a goal to make 140 contacts every week. It was sunday and I needed 39 more!!! LONG day but i kept talking and talking. As we were walking back, I needed one more but it was late and nobody was out. I couldnt find anyone. I said a prayer to just get one more contact to make the goal. I could see our house but I knew that God would anser. NOBODY was out. I looked on all side streets and behind me and everything. But a biker!! He was coming right to me but I tried talking but he just flew by. I wasnt happy. I turned around to scold him and guess what? Someone was directly behind me. I have NO clue how that happened! But I made the goal. Wow, huh?!?!

3/12/2012

Dear World,
Another week down already. Its almost transfers again. Ive been here longer than I was in Nebraska. WOAH! Time is starting to fly! I need to apologize for not telling you about whats going on here! Lets begin. Curitiba Brasil is sweet! Its a really nice city and quite rich. It is the model city of the world! It supposedly has the best bus system in the world as well (even though ive been in two bus crashes already!) BUT, Im not in Curitiba! Im in a city called Sao Jose Dos Pinhais. Im in the Jardim Ipe ward. My companion is Elder Nascimento. He is a native from a town up in Northeast Brazil. He has a strong accent but all is well. He doesnt know any English except a few slang words. This makes it incredibly difficult to communicate when I have questions, but people say that this is the best way to learn. I am now comfortable talking to anyone about the gospel. Its hard to understand outside of that, but Im working on it. Its slowly starting to come. The mission president was once asked how missionaries can better learn the language in the first couple months. He responded ´Just survive´. Thats what Im doing right now! The area im in is one of the poorest in the mission. Ive seen some things that are tough to watch and talk about. Its sad but incredibly humbling. Some houses are made with random board planks and about the size of my room. And a FAMILY lives in it. Yet, the people are so happy and grateful for what they have. Lets all learn a lesson from them! The kids love tofly kites. EVERYWHERE! The powerlines are littered with kites. Its pretty cool! Ive seen my fair share of breast feeding...uhh..yeah. My area is also one of the biggest in the mission. LOTS of walking. Some houses it takes over an hour of a very fast paced walking. We have met some awesome people and families. It is hard to baptize for the cause of people not being married. I eat lots of beans, rice, and bread. The other day, we were walking to a house and there were 2 cows in the front yard of a house eating the shrubery. uhhhh...I had to look twice. And then again. And then a few more times. I wish I would have gotten a picture! There are soccer fields everywhere! One of these days, Im going to play! The kids play in the ´streets´ as well as cricket. Its pretty awesome! Chocolate pizza is the best thing so far. I think Im going to a Brazillian meat house thing next week!!!!! Am I excited? No. My clothes are getting super dirty. The washing mashine doesnt really work at all so hand washing it is! My apartment is fairly small but plenty large enough. This week, ants decided to take over. Thousands! Grrr. And a fair amount of mold. But hey, its a ton better than other homes Ive been in. My bed is obnoxiously skweaky but I sleep just wonderfully! Everyone here plays extremely loud music and usually, its in English. Its been very hot this week. One of these days, I think it will cool down. No stories to tell this week. Look forward to next week!!! I love you all!

--Elder Lakey

3/5/2012

Hello Northern Hemisphere!

I know I havent written in a long time and I apologize. Things have been extremely demanding on me and have had a few health problems but all is well. Brazil is crazy! In both ways! Best thing thus far..chocolate pizza!! and, Corn flavored Ice Cream. Weird, I know but super good! Its hot. Our washing machine broke. Lots of strange things happen everyday. Like the gigantic beetle in church. HUGE!! There are some sweet thunderstorms! Just lots of strange things. A miracle happened. Ive seen a few. But this one in particular...Maria and Leonice have been going to church for 10ish years. The missionaries have been visiting them for that long as well. But, they cant stop smoking and drinking coffee. My first day here, I invited them to be baptized and they accepted. They continued in their bad habits but one week before, they just stopped. They felt something they never felt before and decided to go cold turkey. They said Im a very big influence in their life and decision. I didnt even know! Their health declined a little bit but were able to be baptized on Saturday!!! They ward is blown away with what happened. I was asked to speak at the baptism. Its strange how I can communicate with these people. Its a whole new world and its slowly starting to not feel like a new world. Awesome, huh? Oh, Scott and Laquesa from Nebraska were married on Valentines day and baptized. Wow. I love them so much! I miss them. I dont have much more to say. Its March already? Strange. Things are...going. Better each new day. I will write next week and let you all know what happened. Thanks for everything. The church is true. It truly is that simple. I love you all!!

Àte Segunda que vem!
Um Abraço,
--Elder Lakey

2/20/2012

02/13/2012

Bon dia mundo!!

Tudo Bem? I espero! Muito legal aqui, mas muito diferente! 

Anyway, hello everyone! Im in Brazil! It is so crazy here! Super cool, but way different. Its hard sometimes. I am understand a lot of stuff, certainly not everything though. I cant speak anything either. Everyone is so nice here! They like Americans! I had like 5 people taking pictures of me as we were talking to this drunk man. Pretty funny. Its really humid, but also pours rain randomly. I have come home drenched on many occasions. We only eat almoço here. Beans, rice, and some sort of meat. Its good stuff! We also walk like 11000 miles every day! Yikes! I fed wild monkeys with my hands. I ALMOST got eaten by 3 rabid dogs. Sunburn, bug bites, and a superly internally bruised big toe! I dont have anywhere to put my clothes so im living out of my suicase, thats different. Huge frogs everywhere. It looks like im in the jungle, its crazy! Ive set a few people for baptism. We should be having one the end of thismonth, not sure. There isnt a ton of work being done in this area and I have no clue. I wish I could explain my thought but that certainly isnt going too well. Vou aprender tudo!! I met a bunch of people that know Jacob Youngberg and Jacob Kunzler. Sweet. A bird flew into this house and my companion caught it with his hands. Strange. I think Im done for the week, sorry there isnt a ton. Its really hard right now. REALLY hard. 

-- Elder Lakey

02/07/2012

This Elder is in BRAZIL!!!! Wow. What an extremely long day or two (or however long its been) Let me tell you, SO hard. This is scary. I cant understand anything. They are rambling and I dont understand any of it. I hear that I should be fine in about 6 weeks. The planes werent too bad, but just long. The mission president and his wife are SWEET! I love them! And now to make you jealous...Brazil. is. so. amazing! I LOVE it! IT is SO clean where im at now. VERY green. Super hot today but manageable. Everyone is so friendly. And heres the best part.....today, I fed a bunch of those little itty bitty monkeys out of my hands. No, I wasnt at the zoo. I was walking through the park. Yes, you read correctly. 

Thats all. They just wanted to have me email and tell you im alive. My Pdays are monday. Tomorrow Im going to the temple. SWEET! Tell everyone Im sorry i wasnt able to talk to them. Tell them Im loving playing with the monkeys!!

02/06/2012

To whom it may concern,

 

Hello the greatest people on earth! Its Elder Lakey! Uhhh...Im not in Brazil yet. I know, I know. I promised the next one would be from Brazil. Well, I lied. Im still going, its just the flight doesnt leave until this afternoon! So, I have some time to email. My emotions are pretty strange right now. Im so excited, yet so scared. Im so happy, yet so sad. My mind is going Ballzerko (Thats for you Adam Robert C.) So here me out...Tyrone was supposed to be baptized on Saturday. It didnt happen. It was going to happen all the way up until Saturday morning. We checked in with him on Friday and he was so excited and ready to go. Then Saturday, the weather decided to dump a bunch of snow making it unsafe to drive. What a bummer, huh?! So, I wont have the priveledge of being here to be a part of it. That was a very hard day for me. When I found out I would be leaving 2 days after his baptism, I was certain the Lord kept me in Nebraska for this reason alone. WRONG! The Lord sent a storm. It caught me off guard. I was confused. I was lost. Ive found out, that I dont have to worry about everything the Lord has in store for me. I dont have to worry about His timing and His plans. So, the past few days, my testimony of the Lords Will has been strenghthened . I just have to give my life over to Him.

Ive been running a lot more. We went running Saturday morning in the snow. And then this morning in the 10 degree weather. Its been fun! Not a ton happened this last week. Mainly just transfers. And with my companions being Zone Leaders, I tag along with them and run all the errands they have. For example; Thursday we were driving from 1-10. Yeah, it was a lot. In fact, we had to stay the night up in Sioux City (Which is in Iowa) Yep, Ive been to another state! and South Dakota was right there. Never went over, but I saw it!

We have had some pretty good lessons. And some not so good lessons. Im learning! I took out a new missionary on Wednesday and went proselyting. Uh, hello?! Im 4 weeks in! Im a new missionary myself! It was really good though! I loved it. And it's good to know the President has enough faith in me. Now, if only I could get better with my own faith! I think we could always strenghthen our faith, right? The Super Bowl was yesterday. Everyone was drunk. I was teaching one of the coolest guy ever during the game. He loves sports..but he turned the game off to listen to the truth. WOW. He was drinking a little, but I was touched by his willingness to sacrifice.

I dont really have a ton more to say. Ive been busy this week and not a ton of things going on. EXCEPT IM LEAVING IN A FEW HOURS!!!!! I have really been touched by this area and these people. I love them. Some of my best friends now. I will probably shed a few tears. Scott and Laquesa and their family have some gifts for me. Laquesa told her mom that her best friend was moving. I love them so much. I wish I could be here for their marriage and his baptism. These people have taught me so many life lessons. The biggest one is that we are all children of God. No matter your background, you are still a child of God. We need to love everyone! We dont have to be their best friends, but certainly love them. I hope my love continues to grow. I hope you all have the desire to change if you need to. It brings so much happiness. Love everyone. It will bless not only their life, but yours as well.

 

I love you all! Te-Amo muito!

 

(ps. This awesome black guy is sitting next to me making up his own rap. I thought you would want to know!)

 

~Elder Lakey

02/01/2012

Whats up America?!? (And Slovakia)

 

Im writing this..still in Omaha Nebraska. But, its time to let you all know that I have recieved my Visa and will be on my way to Brasil on Monday the 6th!!! YAY! And some more awesome news, we have a baptism this Saturday!!! So, the Lord kept me here for Tyrone's baptism! Sweeeet! Today is transfer day. There are a lot of changes going on, mainly because 8 new missionaries came in and 0 left. That means at least 4 new areas are opening! So, this past week we did a lot of moving. I left Omaha and drove out to Oneill, which is about 3 hours away, and all I saw was flat land and corn fields! There is real Nebraska! There wasnt a ton that happened this past week. Meeka came to church! (I love this girl!) So happy for her! Scott is still set for baptism! and, we hit the standards 2 weeks in a row and well on our way to it this week as well!! Yeah, lots of work going on right now! Story: We have been teaching Dave and Kathy. All along, Ive thought Dave was using us for money to buy drugs and booze and that was confirmed. Yesterday, we went to see them and he didnt want to talk to us. Kathy was sitting on the porch with a knife. She was crying and told us that he beats her. Burned the Book of Mormon. He makes her "whore herself" and then beats her and steals the money for drugs. She showed us all the scars and said she would get beat up once we left. As we were leaving, she pleaded with us to call Domestic Violence...well, we got our branch president to do it so we didnt have to be involved. We wont be going back there. Scary stuff though! We met these two awesome evangelists and LOVE talking with us! Cant wait to see them again. Ive been getting pictures with a few people!

 

The following is a story that uses some risky language. If you dont want to read, Skip down!!!

The other day, we were tracting. We met this guy and he told us how he didnt want to change. Well, we got talking and he started to tell us some of his past problems that he changed through Gods love. He said, and I quote him... "I used to get 3 or 4 women and would sex them. And sometimes, men would come and I would bang them too"........ Enough said. I got nervous. The end.

 

Conestoga, you have to love it! The church is true whereever you are. God helps you no matter what stage of life you are in. True happiness comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ. Theres no other way! I love what Im doing. I love my Lord and Savior. I love you all. Thank you for everything!

 

My next email will be coming from the southern hemisphere. BRAZIL, HERE I COME!!!!!!

 

Love you all,

~Elder Lakey

01/23/2012

Hello my dear readers!

 

Its week...12? or 13? I dont even know. It feels like maybe week 5. But Im still here in Omaha!! I was thinking the other day...I turned my mission papers in almost a year ago!! (And still not in my assigned place) But hey, I have faith I will be there soon! And plus, Im really enjoying it here in Omaha! This past week, there has been a lot of really weird things take place, but more spiritual this week. Here we go:

Story 1: Right after emailing last week, we had an appointment with a random referral named Tyron. We recieved it from the mission office. Well, we headed over at 12 (the time it said to come by) and nobody answered. Is this is a surprise in my area? No, not at all. But as we turned around, a sketchy man was walking up behind us. It was his house! We thought it was Tyron so we asked and found out his name was Dave Perry. Dave Perry was an investigator about a month ago that was set for baptism and one day, his house was empty. Nothing there. He moved into Tyron's house!!! Well, the first thing he said was "Now that you know where I live, you can come teach me and pick me up for church" uhhhh, woah! Gods hand? Referral from God? Yes. It truly was.

Story 2: Its been about -1000 degrees this past week. I wear two pairs of socks and sweats underneath my suit pants and I still freeze!! But we went tracting and not much success. We went up to this one house and it had a sign posted on the door "Missionaries will be EATEN"...well, we had to see how he was going to eat us!!! So we knocked. He answered and was terrified of us! He gave a little scream and said "No....NO!!!!" And shut the door. I couldnt stop laughing for a while!

Story 3: Plain and simple...A 50 year old drug woman said I was really attractive and hit on me. Good thing she was drunk or I would have called the police!!

Story 4: I got really sick on Wednesday. Not good at all. I almost stayed home that night but I had team-ups with the Branch President. I endured and found much success. Meeka Mays!! She is SO COOL! We had a powerful lesson and we just read 3rd Nephi 11 and I testified and she was just bawling. I set her for baptism! Hopefully she keeps progresing. We took her to the trail Center and had a great time there!

Story 5: Scott Kemp. He is set for baptism. We took him to the Trail center and on a Church Tour and he loved it! He knows its true. I probably will leave before his baptism which is a bummer, but I love him and his family! He son Larry copies everything I do! And his daughter Talia colored me a picture! They are amazing!

Story 6: I met Ron Artest's cousin, Shayla Cribbs.

Story 7: I met the funniest pimp ever! He bought his suit from Goodwill and it was ripped. His bling had to have been from the quarter machine things and the grocery stores. And he thought he was the coolest man on Earth! He was hammered, but it was so funny! I love the people out here!!

Story 8: Last story. The mission president sets goals/standards for the mission. They are really tough to get all of them but we got them this week!!! Yesterday, we needed one more lesson with a member present and had 3 appointments! They all fell through. But I knew we were to get one. So I was directed to go to Anna James house and she is a less active member and her husband just so happened to be home who isnt a member. We got our last lesson with a member present. Truly directed by the Spirit of the Lord.

Thats my past week. Lots of ups and downs but more than rewarding!! Hopefully next week my email will be coming from Brazil! I love you all. You keep me going! Thanks for everything!

 

Until Next Week,

~Elder Lakey Love Shack (My companion calls me that now..I guess...)

Update

Ryken's P-Days are now on Monday and his new address is:

Elder Lakey

Nebraska Omaha Mission
11027 Martha Street
Omaha, Nebraska
68144-3107

01/09/2012

 

Hello everyone!!!

 

Well, im here! Alive and well. Woke up at 3:00am on Wednesday and headed out. Cool experience on the airplane. But I dont have time for that story. Well, I thought I was going to Brazil, but im now in Nebraska. Who thought I was going to a hick town where all they do is farm? I would be considered one of those but boy oh boy was I wrong!!! I am serving in the Conestoga Area. My ward consists of about 30 members! The Bishop isnt even from this area, but they need strong people to keep the branch alive. So, want to here all about it here? I am in the most thug/gangster/hood part of the world!! I swear this is like compton. I went to highschool with maybe 10 black people..max!! Here, I dont even think Ive seen 10 white people! Everyone is either black or asian. They are all refugees. Its gets a little scary.. but anyway; right when I got here, we went to go teach a lesson to a man named Dal and his family. They are from Bhutan and dont speak English. Dal speaks a little bit so we taught in the most simple form ever and he translated. Pretty weird. Then they said the closing prayer...it was different. In Nepali! Super crazy. Another Story!! So we were going to see this lady and we walked up tp the house and there was a man sitting on her porch. We walked up and he had a huge beer in his hands chugging the thing. He was cussing at us and such, but we got talking to him and he had JUST got out of jail. He said "If the cops see me, Im going to go back!!" Uhhhh...did he escape? Pretty weird. He said there is no wasy possible he could change because he wants to be a "(explicit) gangster" his whole life! haha, it was so funny! There are a lot of crips walking around. TONS of gangs. Im pretty sure we have the biggest drug house right down the road. Pretty crazy, huh? oh, we stopped this guy on the street and we asked if we could go to his house and teach a quick lesson. He took us to this super dark alley and then said "could you hold on, i need to take care of some business" well he ran off with a huge hand full of cash, ran around to the front, and watched a drug deal go down like...50 feet from us. It was too sketchy so we left. I see them all the time. So yeah, I thought I was coming to Nebraska but Ive been to more cultures than i could ever imagine! Another Story..and this one is the best...So we were going to teach a man named Ahchrist. He is a refugee from Burma. We walked up to his house and he invited us in. There were like 30 people stuffed in this room all sitting on the floor singing super loudly. Supposedly it was someones birthday as well as a church service. Well, I had no clue what was going on. I was saying a prayer that hopefully we could somehow get a message across. And the end, the pastor guy stood up and spoke English to us and thanked us for coming over. He wanted us to share a message about Jesus Christ and he would translate!! How awesome is that?! Such a cool experience. Then..they asked us to stay for dinner. They eat Japanese style..without the chopsticks. We all sat in a circle on these mat things and they brought out a bunch of bowls of..stuff. Not really sure what it was. Then we ate. They brought us forks but the others..they ate with their hands. Oh, I forgot to say that it was a soup like substance. Very. Very. INTERESTING! So there you have it, Ive been to Bhutan, Burma, and lots of African countries. There are so many people from Sudan and West Africa/Ghana! I love them!!! The darkest Ive ever seen in my life, but so friendly. Everyone is so friendly here! I love it! It is so stinking hard. But well worth it!!! Ive been fed well thanks to some awesome members of the church. I have soo many other stories but I dont have time to write them all. I wish I could but I have a time limit. That just means you will have to wait a couple years!

 

Out here, its a whole new world. Not just the culture, but the mission itself. WAY different than the MTC. Its real people this time! We have 3 people set up for baptism, we'll see if we can get them there though. Its so tough! Where im at, we have the most first lessons than anyone because people are so friendly. But they just cant give up their lifestyle. I went on exchanges and I taught a man from Poland. Shaky English, but he knew what I was saying. I invited him for baptism for the 21st of this month and he has been having doubts, but he accept and I really think he will! I love this work. Its hard, but worth it. I never thought I would be talking to the people Im talking to now. I never thought God had this in store for me. I didnt think God trusted me enough and knew I had enough faith. I still feel so inadequate when it comes to faith but its growing. It will come over time, but I know its coming!! I dont know my address because we just moved mission office like...yesterday. Sooo...I dont really know. I will either send it to you once I find out or...Maybe wait until next week. I dont know how much longer I will be here. Im guessing no more than 3 weeks. But probably within the next 10ish days I will leave. I dont know though because it is The Lords will, not my own. He has something planned greater than I could imagine.

 

Well, thats that for the week. I wish I could tell more awesome stories. But Im doing great everyone. Thanks for the prayers. I need them! Im praying for you all. I love you all..a lot!!! I just keep growing and I give all my thanks to my Savior Jesus Christ. This work is awesome! I love it! Its hard, sometimes I dont like my area at all but Ive learned so many wonderful lessons.

 

Until Next Week,

~Elder Ryken Lakey

(all the way from Omaha Nebraska...and no, not everyone are hicks!!)

1/3/2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR, FRIENDS!!!!!

How are you? How was the new year? Did you all party with me there in Spirit? Let's talk about my...exciting?...week. Last Thursday, I was called to the travel office. I am temporarily being reassigned to serve in the Omaha Nebraska Mission!! You are probably thinking, "That sucks Elder Lakey" YOURE WRONG!!! I am SO excited to get out of here! Dont get me wrong, I love the MTC and the people here, but Im ready to get it started! Im also very nervous but I know anything is possible with the Lord on my side! I will let you know my address when I get there. I never thought I was going to be a hick, but..here goes nothing! :) On Wednesday, I have the opportunity to do traffic control for the new missionaries coming in. I had the priveledge of working the walkie-talkies. Is the closest thing to a cell phone. Is that even allowed? I dont know but I do know that I sure had lots of fun on it! There hasnt been a ton happen. Just class and study. All day every day! We had a erally good lesson and got another investigator baptized. Cool? Yes! What else? we made a gigantic rubber band ball and these two elders were playing with it when it hit the "Maitence Request" nox and broke it... Coincidence? haha! Also, one day, the police came into our residence hall and knocked on our good friends room. They asked for Elder Toyn (this crazy elder) and well, I listened in...this is what the police officer said "Elder Toyn, we have two reports of you running naked through the sisters residence with nothing but a shaving cream thong on..." Everyone started busted up laughing!! His response "Sir, I never left the bathroom!!" And we laughed again. Why? Well, he was in the shower one day and thought it would be funny to waste a TON of shaving cream. He covered his body completely in shaving cream and said "ELDERS! I forgot my razer" Thats all. It was really funny how the whole story played out!!! Also, I took a bite of this super nasty popcorn ball from Thanksgiving because, in return, I was given a bottle of Sparkling Cider! Good trade? Absolutely! This week Ive been extremely sick. Im slowly getting better but it was really bad. Is that I surprise to people that know me? No. I always get sick! Not good! Oh well. I saw Sora Sam a lot this week! She gave me some pictures. That was really good to get. It was actually kind of hard saying bye to my teachers and friends. I grew to love a lot of people here. And now, we are off! YIKES! Brother Duerden showed us a bunch of pictures; that made me super stoked!! I cant wait for this new step! This week will be probably the hardest yet but I know I can do hard things through Jesus Christ!!

 

I love you all! If you have questions, let me know!!! I will let you know how Nebraska is and my new address. My leg is bouncing a million miles per hour and it seems like I have to pee my pants 24/7!!!! Here goes nothing!

 

Until Next Week,

Um Abraço,

~Elder Ryken Lakey

 

12/27/2011

Hello world!

 

This week? Nothing new. Its been 2 days since I last wrote! So you know all about Christmas. But I wanted to write you all and say that this is most likely my last week in the MTC. I testify that the Spirit resides here. Its incredible. I want to thank everyone for the letters, love, support, and prayers over the past 9 weeks! Now, to the field to find those seeking the gospel! Do I feel ready? No. Not really at all. Am I scared out of my mind? Absolutely! Am I excited? Com certeza!!!! With God, I can do anything. I know that I was called by God to do this work. With Him, Im ready for anything!

There isnt a lot to say except that I ask for you all to return to Jesus Christ is one way or another. I guarantee there is one thing in your life that YOU can fix that will bring more happiness. Find it. And DO it. This is a short little email this time but hopefully next one will be coming from somewhere else in the world! (most likely 60 minutes north in Salt Lake) But I want to testify that I know without a doubt that God lives. He really does. He loves you personally. He knows you personally. He placed you in my life to help me and I know it. You have done something special for me in one way or another. He sent Jesus Christ to the Earth to establish the church and a way in which we could return to live with Him again. If you were the only one on Earth..Jesus Christ would suffer for you! And I know that He didnt suffer just for your sins. He suffered for every last sickness, trial, tribulation, unhappiness, and pain you go through. HE KNOWS HOW IT FEELS!!! Turn to Him when you need help. It is my promise that you will feel happier and something you havent really felt before. That is His love. I know Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ and they told him that no churches were true. I know that he restored the EXACT same gospel that Jesus Christ established. I know he was given the authority of God and that it has been passed down and I am SO lucky to be able to hold that. I know the Book of Mormon answers any questions in life. I know the Book of Mormon contains everything you need to know in life. I know it. I have seen it in my life. This Church is true. More true that anything else on Earth. I have No doubt about it. These things I KNOW to be true through the Holy Spirit. This is my testimony!

 

I love you all!

Loves,

Elder Lakey

12/25/2011

Helo my family and friends!!

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

 

Surprise! Its a gift to you all! Hopefully you like it! ;) My Christmas has been really good actually. We woke up early this morning and opened gifts and stuff. Then we went and stood in line for sacrament meeting. In line, everyone just sang a bunch of Christmas songs. I LOVED it! Then we went in and watched "Music and the Spoken Word" which was really good! Then, guess who walked in?!? Yes, an apostle! DAVID A. BEDNAR!!! Not only was it cool to see him walk in, we partook of the sacrament with him! All 2,120 of us! Yeah, it was awesome!! His talk was absolutely incredible. One of the best talks I have EVER heard. Remember Elder Hollands Book of Mormon talk? The super powerful one? Yeah. It was like that. So, it was all about how we need to put off the natural man, learn OF Jesus Christ, not ABOUT Jesus Christ...And to turn out when you want to turn in (Selfish turning in/the natural man) I took so many notes. It truly was incredible!!! He challenged us to buy a book of Mormon and read it with ONE question in mind and mark up everything about that question. Also, every member, active or not, has a testimony. BUT, that isnt enough. We cant just have a testimony. We MUST be truly be converted to Christ. He said we are like cookie monster "I want cookie. I want it now" That is us and we CANT! When we have trials and life sucks, we need to turn out, not in and look for help. Look for people to help. That is Christ. He said 60% of the missionaries listening to him would fall away from the church if we didnt become converted. Even if we all had a solid testimony. Isnt that crazy? Look into your life. Seriously, right now.... are you converted? If you have a testimony of Joseph Smith and the pioneers, thats awesome,...but who cares if you arent doing anything. They did their part. They put off the natural man and turned out! Think about it...testimony only gets you so far. Now its time to turn your testimony into conversion!

 

Oh, last night, the MTC did the Christmas nativity for us and we all sang. Then afterwards, we watched The Christmas Carol. Such a relief! I watched a movie! :)

 

Thats all for Christmas letter. I dont have much time. I miss you all. I love you all. SO incredibly much and thank you all for the prayers, thoughts, letters, and love. It is definitely felt. I pray that you all had a wonderful Christmas and hopefully spent some time remembering our Savior. That is Christmas and that is why this is one of the best, if not the best, Christmas' Ive ever had. I love you all. Try turning out and get rid of your cookie monster self. Turn your testimony and knowledge into conversion. This is what brings happiness in life and I testify of it. I will write again on Tuesday!

 

Loves from The Gingerbread Man,

~Elder Ryken Lakey!