Week #35- "We had to cross the street, the shoes got a little wet."

​It rained and we had to cross the street. haha the shoes got a little wet. The pictures suck because I'm still not very good with a camera and I guess that my companion isn't either hahaha.

I almost got attacked by a man selling icecream 

Walking, walking, walking..

The other elders washing a dog. Goofs!

Momma,

Well this week has been good! This time has gone by so fast its crazy! I feel like I wrote home yesterday. I have been really good lately even though my companion hates me I have been feeling super alone but then I just keep remembering Jesus Christ and how his mission wasn't all pleasant. 

I also remember a talk by Jeffrey R Holland that said if we didn't suffer in our mission then we couldn't even become anything close to a deciple of Jesus Christ. I know that this is to help me grow and that I have grown so much from this situation. 

Looks like you guys had a fun time on your vacation! Happy Regan day to dad I sure he spoiled himself haha! 

Can't believe that Abbie is a senior I have no idea where that time went. I remember when she came to Westlake and was a freshman. That was crazy mindblowing for me aswell! Yesterday I comleted 8 months in the mission, I don't know what to do... the time is going by so fast.

Anyways thanks so much for being my mom! I´m happy I really am. I just am sad that my companion doesn't want to be obedient, the worst part is that he gets mad about it. Please pray that he will be able to have a change of attitude. He knows why he needs to be obedient and he knows that we will be blessed but he doesn't do it. It's just frustrating to see him practically wasting his time here because he is not happy. Oh well one week left if its the Lord's will. 

-Elder Stockman

Hey Dad,

Happy Birthday this week I hope you felt my birthday spankings haha just kidding. 

Glad to see that you are having a fun summer! Can you believe that your daughter is a Senior? nuts huh? even weirder for me is that I am a third of the way done with my mission I didn't think of that until you said that haha! or the fact that it has been more than a year since I graduated High School. 

That's cool that you are going to Puerto Rico haha I cant believe that they are having you go for a whole week!

Thanks for putting my name in the temple I'm glad that you are doing that it really means a lot to me. 

I can't believe how fast this last week has gone by but I only have one week left of this transfer that is nuts. I hope that your doing ok and i'm glad that you are my dad. have a good Week!

-Elder Stockman

Week #34 I'm on Gods team !

Home of a less active family that feed us the best food. 

Having fun with wigs. This family is cool they have 5 daughters and the dad just received the Aaronic Priesthood. 

Graffiti in my area.

Hey Momma,

Thanks for your message! Crazy to think that on Sunday I will complete 8 months in the mission. I don't feel like I have that much time but hey what do you know. ever since I finished my training the time has gone by like running water it blows my mind. I still feel like I'm companions with Elder Garcia sometimes but then I realize that I have had 3 other companions since him haha and he has been in his house for like 5 months!

Anyways I don't know Elder Arambaru but I have seen him in person before. I didn't talk to him but he is a zone leader in Monclova and I saw him at the leadership council. 

I don't know why but I keep having the wierdest feeling that for some reason I will be going to Piedras Negras soon. I hope that I can stay here at least one more change because The ward is decent. And because the area is progressing a lot aswell. There is a TON of potencial here. There are 10 or more investigadores here that have been to church more than 5 times and could get baptized tomorrow. 

I have been studying the New Testament more because especially as a leader I want to reflect all of the attributes of Jesus Christ. So I am studying his life with a lot of detail. I was reaing in John chapter 4 and I came across this story that I have heard a bunch of times but had never payed much attention to. The spirit hit me so strong when I read that he is life. if we drink of this water( the gospel) we will never be thirsty again.

It's raining crazy here and the streets are rivers. When I was still in the Cañada I forgot to tell you but it came up to the mid thigh and almost to the knee one time. And Elder Johnson is shorter so he was struggling haha! I love it here in the Mission sooooo much and I never want to come home, but i guess one day I will have to! haha love you mom and have a great week!

LOVE YOU TONS

-Elder Stockman

Dad,

Hey HAPPY BIRTHDAY hahahaha in 5 days...

Super sad that Im not there for Regan week but then again im over it. Maybe ill make pancakes on your birthday and eat them in your honor. Man I miss those cookies and Pancakes. UN BUEN. hey I went to the spanish ward this week too what a coincidence haha. the culture shock will be going to the English ward and then have to talk. It's like the first sacrament meeting in the mission all over again haha no!!!!!

I heard that Lagoon has a new epic ride super excited to try that one out. 

The dog whistle does work the truth but the problem is that sometimes they don't like it ( well they never like it ) but that they get mad, more mad then before haha! 

 The truth is that this change has gone by super duper fast I only have 2 weeks left. I hope I stay at least one more change here there is a ton of potencial. But I will accept the will of the Lord. 

Hey what ever happened to the Neighbor's house did anyone buy it?

Anyways thanks for keeping me updated on that Fam, and when I get home I will be more then willing to keep you updated in the Spanish. It is a talent that I never want to lose. I was thinking how nice that would have been to know spanish in High School to get easy A´s. But I will take it when I go to UVU its probably hard aswell but a lot easier because I know the language. 

Love you and have a great Regan Day!

-Elder Stockman

Week #33- "I'm pretty much to tall for all beds down here"

The house we are living in. 

Cactus garden. 

Layering the meat, veggies and bacon. 

Gettin ready to cook. 

The finished product "El Pastor"

I'm pretty much to tall for all beds down here. But... There are guys worse off than me. 

"We're hitch hiking... It's totally legal down here and we were hot and tired of walking."

(edited again this week)

Hey Momma, 

Glad to hear from you this week! I have been thinking a lot about you guys and Miss you a lot. I wish I could say that I don't miss you but that would be a lie right now. I don't know I'm just in a mood right now. There have definately been times where I completely forget about home and then when something reminds me of home I'm like... oh yeah home. 

The truth is this change has gone by super super fast. I'm ok I really am luckily this change has gone by really fast. Whew it has definately been a learning experience. 

We are really struggling to get investigators to go to church they seem super excited to go to church and then Sunday comes along and something happens ( El Diablo ) and they don't come. I also recieved a phone call from Elder Johnson today who is still in this Zone. He needed to ask me a question about something and I used it as an opporotunity to ask him about Isaac and he said that He isn't doing to well. He has started to drink again and he hasn't been going to church very much. It's kind of been a dificult week but I know it's just a phase. I can't have a perfect 100 percent happy mission because then I wouldn't learn anything. 

On the bright side we have a Zone conference this week and we will be joining the three zones in Saltillo because Elder Pieper of the seventy will be visiting us. That should be really cool to be able to meet him!

Please send me a picture of the deck I would like to see how it turned out! thanks momma and have a great week!

-Elder Stockman 

Dad,

That's cool to hear that President Wilkinson is home kind of crazy. Those mission presidents are some pretty spiritual men. Every time I see President Rodriguez I feel like he sees my sins haha probably because he does!

I'm sure he has some pretty cool stories to tell too aswell as President Wilkinson.

Can't believe that Quinn is leaving and JR next week that is so crazy!!!

would you do me a favor and tell me what the letter from President Rdz says. I would like to get in on that secret.

The Spanish is good I don't have any problems with it now. Obviously its not perfect but at this point I worry for my English! haha

this week we were in the house of a less active member and he was super excited. He told us that the Elder that baptized him was in Monterrey and that he was going to come to Saltillo and visit him. He was baptized about 2 years ago by Elder Austin Watts from American Fork. He was talking about him when all of a sudden guess who walked in... Austin Watts man that was a super duper cool experience and you could see the hermano's countenance change! But the coolest part of all od this is that he was accompanied by his Father. The Hermano told me to tell the dad of Elder Watts some stuff and some pretty big

thank you's and testimonies and how great his son was. Everyone was crying it was a super cool experience that had me thinking that I would like do the same with you when I get back. And then I would like to take you to Bolivia. I have determined that we are going to do it Dad we could go to the Temple in Bolivia how cool would that be. Anyways Love you and thanks for being my Dad. I'm sure mom will tell you that I have been having a little bit of a hard time but I'm ok I promise! keep me in your prayers! love

-Elder Stockman

(Letter from Elder Stockman's Mission President)

"Dear Stockman Family:

It is my pleasure to inform you of a recent leadership assignment given to your son, Elder Stockman. He has been assigned to serve as a district leader in the Mexico Saltillo Mission.  Elder Stockman has demonstrated fine leadership qualities and a strong testimony of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

A district leader sets an example for the missionaries in his district through his study of the scriptures and the gospel, obedience, hard work, proselyting skills, and other aspects of missionary work.  He carries a full proselyting load in his assigned area and strives to baptize weekly.  He supervises, teaches, and inspires the missionaries during district meetings and companion exchanges.  He also interviews baptismal candidates. He practices Christ like love, looking after the well-being of missionaries in his district.  He demonstrates effective planning, and teaches how to work with local priesthood leaders and members.  He also follows up with the missionaries, holding them accountable for their efforts.  We depend on our district leaders to motivate the other missionaries and to be good examples, setting their own goals higher and “going the extra mile.”  A conscientious and hard-working district leader has an immense impact on the entire zone, in fact it has been said that the success of a mission depends on its district leaders.

 

Sister Rodriguez and I appreciate Elder Stockman, for his efforts to carry forward the work of the Lord in this new assignment.   We express our appreciation to you for having raised such a fine young man.  One who loves the gospel, loves the Lord, and serves him with all of his heart, might, mind and strength.  It has been my pleasure to get to know him and to work with him in this great and important work of the latter days.

 

May the Lord bless you while your son is away serving in this marvelous work.

Sincerely,

Pdte. L. Fernando Rodríguez Trejo

Mexico Saltillo Mission

Week #32- "Doing wheelies like the old days."

​

The Zone Leaders have a wheel chair in their house and I started doing wheelies like old times.

Hey momma!

Happy to hear that you have a new calling even though I bet you loved being in activity days!

Can't believe that Quinn Robbins is leaving on his mission!!!!! that literally blows my mind mom. Lucky that you could go to the temple I'm jealous of that haha definately miss the temple!

Jake is a great guy ask him how he felt about the whole process going home and the flight and all of that. Sense you asked about what to send. 

I would like some hair gel the kind that I like if you don't mind. Just started using the 3rd and final one. And a tie if you would like. And letters from everyone. but I think thats it thanks mom. 

AHHHHH I miss Tecnologico so much I want to go back and do divisions in that area that would make my life! haha

Love you tons mom! this week I was invited to a leadership meeting with all of the leaders in the whole mission. It was intense. President is pretty good at putting on the spiritual heat. I wish you could hear this man when he speaks mom its amazing. Speaking of inspired men we will be recieving a visit from Elder Peiper from the 70 next week. We will be joining the 3 zones of Saltillo to go and hear him it will be pretty cool. I heard that Elder Packer passed away that makes me sad, but I'm super curious who will be in the new quorum...

I have been doing divisions with Elders and the Zone leaders and having a fun time!

Nothing new to report but I love you and have a great week!

-Elder Stockman

Dad,

I sincerely thought that capacitations was an english word. Oh well. That Oven mit cracks me up haha I miss that dang kid sooo much all of you!

I didn't really understand the tooth fairy thing I have to be honest. if you coul dumb it down a little that would help me out. haha (explanation from dad: "The tooth fairy thing was him asking for an exam and a picture of a cavity if he had one. Then his insistence that flossing caused his tooth to fall out.")

When you were in the mission was it a rule to speak in Usted to everyone? This has definately been the hardest change of the mission. I have grown a ton in patience and understanding. I remember a talk from last conference that talked about a companion trying to do the work in his own way and that we should change our attitude. 

Wish I would have been there to set off fireworks with you guys but there is always in 2 years right! haha

love you have a great week!

-Elder Stockman

It's been raining a lot here. 

Found snakes on divisions... Moms going to love this!! 

View from the top.. In Saltillo.

Week #31 Mind Blowing

Mom,

AHHHHHH that is probably the wierdest thing that I have ever seen! I cant believe that he is home. This is even wierder then when the familia Velez went to Utah. That is absolutely mind blowing.I really hope that he is happy that is going to be hard to adjust back to non missionary life. He is such a stud and im proud of him. AHHH cant get over it...

Dad, Mom, Zach and Elder Townsend at his Homecoming. 

Anyways I have been losing a little bit more sleep having to fulfill my calling but it's going super great so far. I will be giving my first capacitación Tuesday in the morning keep me in your prayers. 

 I feel like I have grown a ton in just a week that I´ve been district leader you can really feel the pressure of all of the other people that depend on you. But I'm happy and even though the companion situation is a little but unfair I know that the Lord has put me with him for a reason so that we can help each other grow. 

I can't believe that Abbie went to Mexico She has come the closest to seeing me but even then she is a lot further south than I am. Tell her it's too bad she didn't have any flour tortillas. Those are really only in the north. Even being here in Saltillo which is the south part of Cuahuila they are hard to find they are mostly corn. (edited)

Super happy and I'm doing good staying obedient and I'm pushing through. Love you and I hope that you have a great week momma!

love

-Elder Stockman     

Dad,

first of all Im going to keep you around I love you too much. But when I left Grandpa seemed normal so its kinda hard to imagine him like that for me right now. I hope that everything is okay with him. Glad to hear that he is doing better. I can't believe that you met Jake. He is one of my favorite people, and such a great friend. I forgot that's what his name was because I know him as Elder Townsend. 

I thought you would have gone to Mexico with Abbie that would have been really cool. I know that she is having a blast. Or had a blast because I really didn't understand a what time period she would be there or when she would get back. I`m grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that hears and answers my prayers. I know that he lives and that he loves me. I will definately need his help as a leader it's kinds hard. But I know that the Lord will provide a way. 

1 Nephi 17:8-10 and 50-51

Anyways I hope that you are doing great and I love you and thak you for being a great dad. I thought of you a lot this week remembering when you were called to be a bishop. There really isn't a step by step manual that I would really love to have right now but Its totally depending on personal worthiness and if you have the spirit of revelation. I invite you to watch a video that I have no idea what it is called in English but it reminded me a lot of you. its called Padre Terrenal Padre Celestial algo así. Probably Earthly Father Heavenly Father. have a great week love you!!!

-Elder Stockman

Week #30 I've literally taken over Elder Townsend's life"

Elder Townsend and Elder Stockman. (Elder Townsend's family is only 15 minutes down the road, so life long friends made even easier. Can wait to meet him at his homecoming this week) 

​Elder Aguirre who was in the offices when I came to the mission, Me, Elder Smith who is my brother of my same generation, Elder Ceron, and Elder Romero.

Awesome zone leaders!

MOMMA!!!! that scripture totally helps me right now especially because I just got moved up to be a district leader. I have never even been a senior comp yet that scares me!! but I know that is what the lord has called me to do. I love getting all of these pictures you guys all look soooo great!!!!

by the way my suit is like a dark gray. I love you and I am sending a letter home with Elder Townsend. He is a really great missionary and a really great friend. It blows my mind that he is going home and he says he still feels like he has a ton of time left. But thats going to happen to me before I know it which kinda makes me sad. I have grown to love the mission sooo much and I will miss it a ton. But I cant think of that right now. I will focus and keep working hard.

I will be going to Lomas de Lourdes 1 with Elder Martinez. He is a really great friend so that is kinda cool to be able to work with him aswell.

I have had some fun getting flooded down here its super crazy. It will start raining randomly and all of the sudden you are standing in a river and then 5 minutes later it stops. But the stops have begun to stop its getting more consistant. Its kinda funny Elder Johnson will be in my district and 5 hermanas. 2 companionships. one companionship of 2 and the other of 3. The hermana training leaders are also in my district. They are the female leaders of the mission. }

Anyways Im having fun and I wish you a happy happy summer! love you mom and have a great week!

-Elder Stockman

(the scripture was Philippians 4:6-7)

Hey dad!

having fun in the sun down here... not i should replace that word with rain. Although I am having a ton of fun! this week the streets literally flooded and I filled my shoes. There was one point where the water was up to my mid calfs. Crazy fun but that doesnt happen in Utah!

So Im getting transferred out of La Cañada 2! nooooooooo!!!!

I love this area so much and we have like 7 people who are on the orilla de la pila. jajaja. So I will be changing areas within the zone, and actually the same district. We have all heard that Elder Townsend will be going home which still blows my mind but what blows my mind even more is that I will be replacing him in his old area, with his old companion, with his old bed, and wierdest of all with his old calling as district leader. Yeah thats what I thought too! WHAT!! hahaha i guess I am going to be a district leader. Definately surprised me a little bit. I still think that I would have liked a little bit more preperation but I guess el Señor knows better. Thats a pretty heave calling. 

I will be doing the baptismal interviews for my district (which includes my old area with my investigators that are going to get baptized), calling for a bunch of dats twice a week, and the scariest of all is give a capacitation every week for like an hour and a half! bahhh

Anyways im super animated and excited for this new major responsability well see how it goes! love you and have a great week!!!

-Elder Stockman

Week #29- I am not normal for my shoulders.. Saw that coming.

Elder Merrill and I have the same tie. 

(Look how crazy big Spencer's Suit is on him)

Momma,

Elder Townsend said that he would take one of the suits home for me. I thought that was really nice.

I get along with my companion really well. He is great and super obedient. He is a really great example to me and he is a character. He does the funniest little things. For example he bought not one but 2 coconuts and was eating one while we were planning. What a goof. He is always singing and dancing and laughing.

 The suit shopping was pretty good. Really quick. The lady told me that I was not normal for my shoulders. Saw that one coming...

I miss Dom and wish I could see him race. You will have to send me a picture of that. I miss all of my cousins!

That place will be completely different when I get back mom its going to blow my mind. 

I had a funny thought this last week. I remembered when I went to scout camp for a week and when I came home I hardly recognized you guys, or when you went to England or on your Cruise aswell. I was just thinking how crazy that will be when I come home after 2 years! its the hardest thing ever but definately vale la pena. totally forgot how to say that in Elglish. We have a couple of investigators that just randomly went to church this week and it surprised me. This area is super great and I really hope that I can have at least another change here. We have changes again next tuesday. I really hope that your week has been good and have a great week for the coming one. There is probably a better way to phrase that but my brain doesnt work.... Love you!

-Elder Stockman

(Translation for Spencers letter.. 

"Vale la Pena" it's worth the effort)

Elder Johnson eating a fresh coconut while we do our planning. 

Random bike race on the freeway. 

Dad,

Whoa that's crazt that you got to do all of that on your first day at the temple. I practically don't remember any of that stuff I feel like I'm inactive or something. I havn't been to the temple in 7 months. Can you believe that I have been gone for 7 months? that's really cool that you have gotten this far on the deck! According to Brian Gibby you won't have it done by the time I'm back. But I know you will. I'm proud of you dad and I'm super happy that you guys are my family. I also want carrot cake thanks... I hope that you have a great week Dad and remember that I love you!

-Elder Stockman

(Spencers dad started working in the Timpanogos Temple Saturday mornings at 5:00am if you want to join him. He's there until 11:00am.)