Ryan's Christmas Week Letter

Well this was one interesting week. We had perhaps the worst week possible in terms of numbers. But and this is where I really thank heavenly father. I had a pretty good week. I mean sure the numbers are really bad but honestly that's going to be expected, especially around the holiday season where no one is home, and that its cold making door contacts more difficult. But I really actually had a happy week, I would of liked to of worked a little harder, but I follow the lead of my trainer.

 

In fact the fact that I didn't work as hard a I would of liked to in mission work and spanish studies are really the only downsides to the week.

 

This week I had the great pleasure of meeting the Vega's family who consist of Miguel(brother i think), the old mom, and her daughter with her son and daughter. They fed us a excellent meal and I absolutely love them so much. They were so kind, and patient with my occasional one work I would say. They are also just fun to be around. They were the big highlight of the week for me.

 

After that nothing very significant happen, except on Saturday, the sisters left of a meal at the church consisting of mcdonalds chicken wraps and french fries. I think in part to help us on that day and also because I had bought them food for when they had run out of money and were starving.

 

Then we had fast sunday which was good. We had break the fast but before, during the preparation we got a snow blizzard that froze the roads, and covered them. It made driving home a little tricky. And another companionship even swerve out and damage their bumpers. After that the zl's grounded all cars.

 

I have a feeling this month we will have alot of free time on our hands.  I am now planning to keep all of my spanish study books and scriptures with me wherever I go. That way I can be working on something.

 

I also have to say, I have grown to love Lafayette. I love the members, the district, the people, I just really like it. It really does have a lot of potential to grow in terms of spanish and english. Its just like a bubble that has yet to be burst.

 

But I will end this letter by saying thank you all for the support you all show and the love you give. I really couldnt do this without you. Dont worry about me, I return soon.

I love you,

Mom and Dad,

Grandparents (Trapp),

Muffels,

Brownites,

Laugh a mans,

The Duke's,

Bryan's

Y Yo amo Ustedes abuelo y abuela Rojas.

I love you all.

Sincerely, Elder Ryan James Trapp

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