I received a little change for a while!

This is a photo that I got Thanksgiving morning from Sister Watts. She and President Watts had been with Hayden and his zone all day the day before for district interviews. She snapped this photo of him then.

Hi Mom,

Yeah everything is going great! Elder M. is definitely feeling a lot better that's for sure. I do have some news though...Ha ha ha! I received a little change for a while!  I am now in an area called ––––––––––with two elders, Elder Y. from Maryland and Elder M. from Lima, Peru (from Jordan's mission). It is still in the zone and everything though, and I'm not sure how long I am going to be here with them. Yesterday was stake conference and it was incredible!!!! But right after the conference I just went home and got all my stuff ready and the taxi came to take me over there, so we'll see....but that's the update of this weekend. Ha ha!

Well, me and Elder M are technically still together. Like we are still the zone leaders together. It's just kinda had to turn into a long-distance relationship....in a non weird way......Ha ha ha! Just kidding, but yeah. Tomorrow is concilio so Elder M. (he is still there with Elder C) is going to pass by in the taxi in the morning so we can go. So I'm going to leave them for the day tomorrow and then me and President Watts are going to talk about how long I'm going to be there.

I don't get to work in my area at all while I am here. But it's OK . Elder M. is awesome! He's takin' good care of things over there. We have super good news about the area! There are so many people that have been super prepared to receive the Gospel it is ridiculous! We have truly seen miracles!

But hey, I have an honest question but I want you to be completely, completely honest with me. What do you think of me extending? BE HONEST! Well I have been praying a ton about it because I honestly don't know. I just feel like I have waited two years, what's another 30 days more, and this chance is once in a lifetime and I love it! But I got the answer that I need to just talk to President and see what he says about it before I make a decision and I have no idea what he is going to say so I just wanted to see what you had to say before I talk to him. I am going to be talking to him tomorrow— so honestly what do you say?

Alright, well I better be going. My timer's about up. sorry, I was going to send some pictures but these computers are super slow!!! So it will have to be next week. But I love you all A TON!!! I hope you all have a great week and I'll talk to you next week.

The Gospel is amazing. It is the answer to everything, every problem there could possibly be. And it's amazing to see the results of living it.

Con amor,

Elder Welch

PS. We forgot completely about Thanksgiving until at like 10:25 PM. I was like, "Hey! Elder M. Happy Thanksgiving man!!!! Ha ha ha! It was super funny!

But alright mom. Thanks a ton for everything! I love you so much! And I will let you know next week what the scuttle butt is!!! Ha ha ha! LOVE YOU!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey dad! 

It's super good to hear from you! Sorry, I don't have a ton of time cuz I used quite a bit writing to President Watts. But anyway, sounds like you're just a straight up plumber now! Ha ha ha! Just as long as you don't have the low pants to go along with it that's awesome! Ha ha! Also  it sounds like Mom is turning into quite the seamstress. I am super stoked to see all the stuff she's making. But I don't even know if I am going to be able to see it all though because our service project isn't going to be in an orphanage this year. It's going to be an old-folks home! But that's alright. I love old people. Especially Guatemalan old people! Think of how funny they are when they speak English.....now think of them speaking Spanish! Ha ha ha! But yeah, we'll see how it goes. But Sister Watts is so appreciative of everything that you guys are doing. Truly! She tells me every time she sees me! And it was super funny this week Elder M. got a package from his mom and in it was a letter that was talking about all the stuff she was diong for the service project and stuff and she was like "the lady we are working with is named Carol Anne Welch. Do you know her son?" Ha ha! Little did she know we were going to be companions! Super funny!

But anyway, so Elder M hasn't been anywhere for the past two and a half days other than on the toilet or in his bed! He got hit bad with something! We think it was something we ate. But I just got like one round of diahrrea and a fever through in the night and I was good to go, but he got hit super hard! We've got him on SIPRO now and he's feeling better but he's been in a bad way. Well I gotta get going. I was planning on telling you more about the work and about the branch we're trying to get put in but my timer just came up and told me I'm almost outta time. I love you a ton dad. And don't worry. It's kinda unevitable thinking about how close that time is getting! Tomorrow I am going to have my last normal interview with president before my final interview! I cannot believe it! But, still workin hard! Don't you worry about that! Love you all! Have a great week! And I'll talk to ya next Monday! Happy Thanksgiving!

Con amor,

Elder Welch

Letter to Mom—written Oct. 13,1012

Hey Mom,

So I've got a minute to write while Elder T. is typing up some stuff for his final interview. I'm really sorry I haven't ever written a ton throughout my mission, but you know that I love you right?

Well mom, I just wanted to write you and tell you once more how grateful I am for you and all that you have done for me. Now having met and known so many people and so many families it has just assured me that you are in fact, the perfect mom. I know I've said it so many times before, but I don't know where I would be if it weren't for you. You have taught me so much. There's not a day that goes by that I don't recognize something that you have taught me that has helped me throughout my life. Thank you Mom. I love you so much. In just three short months I'll be able to give you a big huge hug and tell you how thankful I am in person, and I promise I'll give you a big old foot rub too. Ha ha! But until then, I'm enjoying Guatemala! Sorry it's not too long of a letter but I've gotta get going. We've gotta go teach G. and her family!

Con amor,

Elder Welch

Letter to Grandma and Grandpa Murdock—Written on 10/13/2012

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

First of all I am so sorry for not having written until now. I have wanted to for a long time, but I have been running so crazy that I truly haven't had time until right now that my companion has to write up his goals and spiritual experiences and stuff for his final interview with the mission president. We are just sitting here in an internet cafe about three blocks form out house. He's typing his things up and I have a little minute to write some letters. Thanks so much for always writing. Your letters really make my week. I love hearing about how things are doing back at your house and what's going on with the family. It is great. so I thought I'd just let you know a little about what's been going on with me here in Guatemala although I'm sure that you've already heard plenty from my mom and her blog thing she has been doing. I am in a ward that is called Llano Largo. It is really an interesting ward how they have the boundries set up and things. It is on the main highway form the capital to the northern parts of the county, The ward covers the whole highway form kilometer 10 to about the kilometer 30 (a litle farther) and all of the colonies, residential areas and basically anywhere anyone lives off the highway within that limit. When I first got here the ward was split up in three areas, us an two companionships of Sister missionaries, but not too long ago they took out one of the pairs of Sisters and re-did the areas. Now there are only two. The sisters have from Kilomenter 10 to Koilometer 13.5 and we have from Kilomenter 13.5 to past Kilomenter 30! our area is pretty enormous, but I love it! The ward is one of the most developed and best working wards I have been in. And we have so many members that love to help the missionaries and actually all of the leadership positions are filled. It is a really nice ward.

Lately we have been working in an area called A. It is at tlike kilometer twenty-something. We heard that there were a lot of members that live out there that have gone inactive so we decided to go check it out. There is only one family that is still active out there. The wife is the second Councilor in the Rielief Society and I guess one morning she started praying and asked that the missionaries would go out and visit them and help them and help all the members out there, and that was the day we decided to go out there! We showed up at her door and she was so happy. She showed us where all the members live and all of them were super happy too. They all said they had gone years without seeing Elders out there. The active sister, Sister R, also told as about a family that she had been preparing to receive the missionaries for years and told us that she was going to talk to them and set an appointment to visit them and they accepted, so we went and taught them and they loved it! We visited them twice and invited them to General Conference. They said they would be there, but we weren't to sure because the Stake Center is twice the distance form their house even than the Ward Chapel and the Chapel is super far. It's on KM> 12.5. But, sure enough, they showed up and they loved it! Also this week, without us even knowing about it, some sisters from the Relief Society went and visited the wife of the family, G and also Sister R. have organized a family night with them this Monday and everything. They basically seem like members already. Today G and Sister R are going to Relief Societ activity and then this afternoon we have an appointment with the whole family and we are going to try and set a date for them to be baptized. I sure hope it all works out!

But anyway, I really love that new area we found. It is like a little farm-town kind of and it reminds me of being in Peten, just not as hot. The other night we were walking to one of our lessons and we were just walking down the little dirt road under the moonlight and I looked up at the big grassy hill we were walking past and it was filled with fireflies! It was really neat. I hadn't seen that for almost a year now. I love it!

Well anyways, I'm sure I've probably bored you to death by now. Sorry, I know it wasn't the most interesting letter. But Guatemala is incredible it is so beautiful and the people are amazing. I would love to bring you all back someday so you could get to know it all and see all I've been able to see., I better get going though. I love you all so much. Thank you for everything. And in three short months I'll be seeing ya. Take care!

Love,

Elder Welch

THANKSGIVING DINNER FROM HERMANA WATTS BABY!!!!!!

Mom,

So......Ha ha ha!...... I am great! Sorry about yesterday! We did not write 'cuz we got to go to the temple this week and the temple is closed on Mondays so we had pday today. But, yea, I am doing super great! And I'm hoping that was an exaggeration about Taylor's room....Ha ha ha ha!

The temple was great! It was super special! We got there and we went through the session and everything and it was super good and then when we left, we had been doing a fast with L's husband because he set a date for his baptism and he needs to get Sundays off. He didn't think that they were going to give them to him, especially because he is new where he is working, so we taught him about the fast and he was super excited. It was perfect cuz we were going to the temple today! But anyway, so after the temple we were going to go to lunch as a zone so we had to end our fast. So I just went and asked the worker at the front desk and he said, "Oh, of course, come with me." And he just showed us to this door that led to a staircase and just said, "Go on up!" So we went up and it was like this meeting room way up in the temple! It was super cool! So the three of us got to kneel up there and end our fast! It was super cool!!! Then we went to the distribution center across the street and guess who was there!!! A!!! E's mom! she is the best!!! I love her so much! She said to say hi to you mom! She sure does love you! You will definitely have to meet her someday. And then we all went to Taco Bell for lunch and everybody loved that! That Taco Bell is so fancy! And... yes...I said "FANCY"! The soda fountain is a touch-screen!!! Like a straight up touch phone touch screen with a menu of what drink you want and stuff! It is so nuts! WHAT?!?!?! alright, well in my opinion mom, THAT is a sign of the times! hahahaha that is insane!

Oh yeah, so about Christmas. No, honestly. I am fine. Don't worry about sending me anything.You don't have to send a package or anything. Elder M, and I have been talking about how we are going to make Christmas here! Ha ha ha ha! So don't worry. You can save it for the kids Christmas. And for sure if you put some in my account I will have fun for Christmas bringing stuff home. Ha ha ha!

So anyway, about our new branch!!!! So this Sunday we had a meeting with the Bishop and we pitched our idea and we showed him the success we are having and he loved it! Also that night we had our stake correlation meeting with the Stake Presidency and we pitched it to them and they absolutely loved it! They are so excited! And it is going to work so well because the plan we have made we made with the growth in the future in mind instead of the plans they had before just to facilitate the current members and growth within the next six months. The way we have it planned out, it could easily become it's own ward really soon and easily it's own stake in the future also! It is so awesome! But so anyway, the Stake President has an interview with the Bishop this week and they are going to talk about it all and then in two weeks the Stake President has a meeting with the Area 70 and they are going to talk about it and everything. Then in three weeks we have a "noche de hermanamiento" it's like a huge family night thing with everybody in the area planned. It is where the whole Stake Presidency is going to come with us and visit less active members for an hour before and then they are going to give the message in the meeting. And..... we are going to have the meeting in the P. Family's house! The family we just baptized! I am SOOOOO excited  and SOOOO happy!!!! But yeah, I am kind of getting scared though that it is going to be like every other area and that it will all happen right after I leave. I have really been thinking about that lately. It really is kinda scaring me. 

As for Thanksgiving I am pretty sure that we are going to be MORE than set. We have concilio that week! Ha ha ha ha! THANKSGIVING DINNER FROM HERMANA WATTS BABY!!!!!! 

I love you mom! Thank you for everything! You are the best! Alright, well I best be off. I love you so much! Thank you for everything! I can't wait to hear from ya next week! I'll let ya know how everythings going next week here in the area and in the zone. I love you all so much! HAVE A GOOD WEEK!!!!

Con amor,
Elder Welch

My own NEW little DOLORES!

Hayden's letter is short today. He basically just answered a few questions. It is true that the longer missionaries are there the shorter the letters seem to be. However considering how long Hayden's letters were to begin with....we may be getting two words by January! :) I am happy to know he is doing so well and is busily engaged in the work! Only two months and nine days left! But who's counting? 

CA

Is the work in the little town going well? 

Yeah, the people are doing great! There was a stake bishops meeting this Sunday and bishop L was going to ask about the new branch and everything. We were there at the meeting because the stake president asked us to give a presentation on a new system about how to work together as missionaries and members, We didn't stay for the whole meeting though so we're not sure how that went! I really wanted to hear! But we'll find out!  I feel like I am back in Dolores, just not a stick shack village! Ha ha! But I love it so much! 

Have you heard anything about the presidential election over there?

Yeah, I heard today that Romney was losing this afternoon by a little. But if it is the will of the Lord that Romney is president, we know nothing can stop it. All we can do is pray.

Are you getting along with Elder M?

Yeah, he is a stud! Were getting along super well! That is so awesome that you are email friends with his mom! Ha ha ha! These are going to be two of my favorite changes! Not to mention that I am developing my own little new Dolores! 

OH .....and holy cow! that is so crazy about all of the damage from the storms! 

I sent you some pictures of the week.

Sorry, I gotta go though. Love you!  My times up! I love you so much! Bye!.

Elder Welch

Me and Elder M. my new zone leader companion

This is a pictures from concilio. Me, Elder M. and Hermana Watts and Hermana Watts' sister. She came to visit! She is just like Hermana Watts! This picture was taken during the lunch, it was SO good I just walked past Elder Proctor with a plate of seconds and I said, "Wow, she is an angel sent from Heavan" talking about Hermana Watts. He replied "Yeah I know! And now there are TWO of them!!!!!!" Ha ha ha!  It was so funny! But they just grabbed Elder M. and me while everyone was talking after the lunch and were like, "Oh we have to take a picture with you two!" Ha ha ha!  They are amazing! Oh, and mom Hermana Watts wrote me today and said that she can't wait to meet you and that you and I seem a lot alike!

I have no idea what Hayden is eating but judging by the crazy face it must be something gross! What a goof! 

Pictures from L.'s birthday party!!!!

A Wonderful Baptism

I got this photo from Hayden's new companion's mom. I was so excited that she sent it. It is of the baptism of the P family last Saturday. 

Hey Mom, 

Holy crud!!! that is so nuts about the hurrican!!!! Keep me updated! How do you know he's gonna be safe though, if he's right there? Holy cow!!! This is straight up "The Day After Tomorrow"!!!!!!! Ha ha ha ha ha!  This is so nuts! So, any updates on the storm?

If we could come back to Guatemala that would be so fun! I am super excited about just the thought of it! I wanted to send you pictures of the baptism but they are on Elder M's camera and he is using it. Next week...

I know! that stinks! But hey so I was just talking to my new comp Elder M and he said his mom just sent a ton of packages for the service projects too. Are you working with his mom?!?! He is the new zone leader. I sent a picture of the two of us that we took last week without even knowing we were gonna be comps! He was one of our district leaders in the zone! Did you get that email at all that I wrote about him with the pictures? He says he wants to come back with us if we come next year!!!and he is definitely going to be my last companion.. We are already planning Christmas and everything! Ha ha ha! We are going to have a great time! and we are doing some great things here in the ward together. He is a stud!

Yeah, I dont have a USB adapter anymore so I have to connect my camera and a lot of the time it doesn't go through. I also sent you some pictures from conference and the 7 layer dip I made a while ago and idk if they ever went through.

Alright, because I have been so interested in the "Day After Tomorrow" story this is going to be a little short. I wanted to report a little on the week. So this was one of the best weeks ever! The P family got baptized yesterday!!!!!!! It was SOOO special! And I got to baptize all four of them! We really wanted the member that gave them as a reference to us to do it but I guess G prayed about it one night to see who she wanted to baptize her before we had even asked her about that and I guess she had a dream of me baptizing all four of them so they all four said they wanted me to do it. It was so neat! And when G came out of the water she just started crying and looked at me and said "I feel so good. Thank you so much." it was so amazing!!! and then that same day the bishopric confirmed them. It was so amazing! And also this week we got the most incredible news! We might be making a branch it Azacualpilla!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That makes me SO happy! When we started going out there there was only one active family and now I might be able to see a branch there!!!! I love that area SO much! and we just keep finding person after person that has been so prepared it is crazy! 


Alright gotta go! Love ya!

Elder Welch

The following is what Hayden wrote about the photos he sent. The photos did not come through but I thought some of what he wrote was interesting even without photos. 

Here is a picture of me and Elder T on his last day and also Elder V and me. He went home with Elder T. And the last one is of me and my new companion. We took this picture last week at the central park not having any idea that we were going to be companions! Ha ha!  He was one of our district leaders here in the zone. His name is Elder M. He is a stud! He is from South Jordan. My last companion is a straight up gringo from Utah baby!!! Ha ha ha...... it is so funny! It is so weird! But we get along super well. He reminds me a ton of Joseph Wendell. He's a motocross racer and everything! Ha ha!  But I really like him. We are definitely going to have a great time! and our other companion is Elder C from Honduras. He is actually a really good guy too. He is a great teacher. He is a recent convert. he got baptized and left on the mission a year later. He is twenty six years old. But he's a really good guy. We are all getting along well.

Some more pictures of the central park. I got some of some cute little kids playing with the pigeons and a lady that walks around and sells stuff. I thought you would like that one. And don't tell Grandma Murdock but I got something for her from that lady. I thought she would love it and that she would love it even more when I showed her who I bought it from! So, Grandma Murdock....pretend you did not read that :)

Alright here are some pictures. The first two are of a giant grasshopper that flew in through our window one night when me and Elder T were planning! The others are of when we went to central market last Monday for our p-day. They are all of the central park.

Wish we could see them all don't you!!!