Email from 12/22/14

Another week passes. Last week was fairly good with Christmas conference and such. The conference had a couple of songs, talks from President-assistants-counselors and so on. They were all very excellent, exspecially President Clevelands on humility. After that spiritual section we had lunch and watched a funny video made by some missionaries. Then we had bingo and other little games like that. To finish we had a talent show with was pretty good and funny, and then we received the packages from the mail (to be refered to later). The night ended with Elder Latu nearly falling asleep at the wheel and us eating mcdonalds that night. So overall pretty good.

 

We also had a Christmas sunday program which while very small was very cute and nice (total members 30, total who show up/are in area 15-20). The highlight of sunday though is eating at the Hortons house (branch president), they are kind of like the temporary family I got out here.

 

In reference to packages I received two from Nicole with the snowman and Christmas, I received the two boxes that say Christmas from mom and dad and the one with my blanket(thank you so much). Along with the boxes came mail from mexico that I didn't get in time. Also a box from Mrs. Jamie Bryan you will have to tell her I love her so much for that. I love you guys so much for all that you have done. It truly makes a mission easier with the love and support from family.

 

Also I guess I never mentioned this but here is a average day for me. Wake up before six and go to YMCA (bishop cramer runs it) and work out for a hour. Go home shower, eat, prepare for morning studies. Personal study (scriptures, preach my gospel), companion studies (lesson prep/training) and if there is time language. After that we will sometimes take a break if we have no appointments, which often we don't. Then we usually go track, teach, do listing, other paperwork, check on members, etc. Around six unless we have a dinner we take another break(by that time its so dang dark President doesn't want us out) then we have a few options of another companion study, language study, lesson, check on members, or a little family history to finish the night. Go home at 9, plan for the next day, and then that's it.

 

But this week will hopefully be busy with Christmas and New year rolling around the corner, hopefully. I don't think I have missed anything.

 

Except my love for my family and friends who I miss more than anything. You guys both help to make Christmas easy and hard for me. I love you and I will see you soon.

 

Sincerely from brother, friend, relations, someone you met on the street, son, Elder Ryan James Trapp

Home in Lafayette

 

Elder Latu

Hey, Ryan does know how to make a bed.

Letter from Ryan - December 15, 2014

Dear family,
 

First I am alive and well. Second it is fairly cold in Indiana but the time is quickly coming that we might have a major storm. Third it sounds like the west coast is getting destroyed by that huge storm, especially California. Hopefully it will go away and life will return to normal, sort of.
 

But we have been trying to stay busy out here. Lots of service projects and stuff to fill up alot of our days this last week. In terms of teaching we have had only a few opportunities, but we have a couple of potential investigators that could be good. We are currently working with a man named Salvador, though he is having a lot of housing and financial problems so we shall see with him. He is really the main investigator we have right now.

But here in Indiana the weather has been fairly mild. Kind of like Medford weather during late November, lots of clouds and wind but not much moisture. They say though in the coming weeks that will change as we have a sizable storm inbound. We shall see how long this "nice" weather holds.

Its great to receive letters and stuff from you guys. So in terms of mailing stuff you all can mail it to my place at Lafayette, sending it through the mission home delays it but guarantees safe/secure travel. In terms of boxes those can also be sent, but again sending it to mission home delays it but grantees safe/secure delivery. But either way will work I'm not to worry about not getting anything. So send it, either way will work.

It is always another testimony to me that the work I am doing out here is true, and that I am meant to be out here due to all the support and love you guys give. I miss you, but the seasons will pass and I shall return soon enough.

I love you all so much.

Sincerely, Elder Ryan James Trapp

Ryan's first Sunday in Lafayette.

 Sunday night dinner with members.

 



Ryan's with his new companion Elder Latu

Ryan's first assignment is in Lafayette, Indiana

Ryan's first day in Indiana

Ryan arriving at the airport in Indianapolis

 

 

Ryan made it to Indiana

2 December 2014

 

Dear Brother & Sister Trapp,

 

Your son, Elder Ryan James Trapp, arrived safely in Indiana.  It was a pleasure to meet and welcome him to the mission.  He has a solid testimony of the gospel and is excited to be doing the Lord’s work.  Sister Cleveland and I look forward to serving with your son during this special time in his life.

 

I know Elder Trapp will appreciate letters from home, but I discourage phone calls or visits except for emergency situations, and with prior coordination with me.  I recommend that you send all mail and packages to the office.  We will forward items to your son's apartment address.  For your information, due to postal regulations, packages can only be forwarded when they are sent Priority or First Class mail.

 

Sister Cleveland and I will love, care for, and watch over Elder Trapp as if he were our own son.  Thank you for the love and support you have given, and will give him on his mission.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Steven C. Cleveland
Mission President

 

 

 

A few pictures before Ryan left Mexico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ryan and Spencer just before Ryan leaves for Indiana

 

Ryan with his teacher

Leaving for Indiana

Mom and Dad i miss you. But things have slowly improved with my experience so far being a missionary. I have mentioned most of the things that you would want to hear i believe. I am so excited for the field, there is a joy in service, there is peace in working, and there is diligence when you feel you need to, not for yourself but for someone out there who needs you.

Its fun and excellent to hear that President Cleveland talked with you, you guys should become friends. But Bobbie was telling how cold it was, and the few weather reports i get does heavily indicate that it is extremely cold (like snow storms, and 15 degrees). So it probably is a good idea to prepare to send that package with the heavier jacket, it also it sounds like boots are a necessesary(though the book said that i could get them there so that might be a p day). And while it didnt say i needed to, there is a small chance that i may need to purchase a bycycle though i also may not need to, it seems to be a little confusing about that. But i will find out and report back.

Tuesday 7:15 appears to be my departure date to return to the country. I will send a email with my flight plan monday just so you guys can know.

At times i find myself wondering how i am going to complete this mission, one month was really hard, i still have 23 to go. But i remember what you taught me and how you raised me, and that preparation tells me that it will be difficult but that i can do it. The preparation here at the MTC has taught me to focus on the work, and worry about the difficulties later. I know i can do it, but i wont lie that i am nervous for this huge exspanse of time dedicated to the work. I dont fear the field (i am super excited) and while i worry about spanish i know i will get it down eventually.

But i know that with the spirit and christ they will support me through the difficult times that lie ahead, they will push me to reach that finish line. It truly isnt that far away. 

From Ryan November 19th, 2014

 

 

I heard a talk from Elder Bednar one that he gave several years ago to the provo MTC about the Character of Jesus. The character was never, and to stop looking inward but outward to others. Never had a Devotional message struck my soul, and gave me joy like this. The great secret that has been continuely shouted to every elder is focus on the people, focus on loving the people. Truly that message has given me the strengh this week to continue going forward.

Some more pictures from Ryan from November 19, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of Ryan's early feedback from teaching

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some pictures from the Mexico MTC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ryan's Companion, Elder Ryan from Brookings.  He is also going to Indiana.

 

Time for a selfie

 

The District

His Room

 

Ryan's Daily Schedule for the first two weeks

 

 

 

 

 

October 28th letter from Ryan

Video made just prior to leaving for Mexico

Unedited version of video shown at Stake Conference.  This was done the Sunday evening just prior to leaving for Mexico.

 

Leaving for Mexico

At last it is time, I'm off to the airport.

 

 

 

 

Selfie with Grandpa & Grandma

 

 

Brian sharing some wisdom

 

Lisa and Kaison

 

Richard

 

Joe and Kelly

 

 

Ryan, Nancy, Jacque & Spencer

Mom only wants her eyes to show

Now its time to board

Mom is having a hard time saying goodbye

 

 

 

Hey Mom & Dad I made it to Mexico safely and am at the MTC I miss and love ya guys.