Monday, December 5, 2016
December 5, 2016....."The Book of Mormon is True".......My Final Email
Well friends and family the time has come for me to send my final email. I'm not going to make this some cliche last letter but then again maybe i will lol. i cant believe today is my final p day. i remember my very first p day in the mission i was so trunky and wanted to come home haha. the time has flown as i'm sure all you who have served are aware. I'm so grateful for the people i have met on my mission and the opportunity i have had to be apart of people coming closer to Christ. i have been blessed with great areas and great wards my whole mission i cannot choose a favorite area or ward because they have all been such a blessing to serve in. I have also been blessed with great companions. although i didn't get along with a few of them they have all helped me become who I am today and I'm grateful for the chance I had to serve with each of them. I'm grateful for President Clark for being willing to listen and understand when a missionary is struggling instead of condemning them, for understanding that all missionaries have talents and should be given the opportunity to share them with others in whatever way shape or form that may be, and for helping me see that no matter what someone else says or does that the only thing i can control is my attitude and I am eternally grateful for him and his council. I am grateful for the missionaries i served around who weren't my companions that made my mission into such a great time, and I'm grateful for my Savior , Jesus Christ. I have learn to rely on Him on my mission. His atonement has carried me through these two years. there is no way I would have been able to finish my mission without the divine grace and mercy of Christ. He is our advocate to the Father and if I take anything away from mission it will be a strong belief and knowledge that Jesus Christ is the son of God, the Redeemer of the world. Now I was not a perfect missionary, not even close , but, I loved working and teaching people more than anything. My knowledge of the gospel has increased immensely and I have learned things things that I would have never learned had I not served a mission. I have loved every minute of it even the hard times and the times I wanted to quit and go home. There are so many things a missionary can get caught up with in the mission whether its numbers, leadership, transfers, etc. But I've come to realize the only thing that matters in the big scheme of things is how we served our Savior Jesus Christ, if we loved Him. If we did, and we do, then no matter how many baptisms you had or if you were AP or Jr comp, He will be proud of you for your effort and for loving Him. This is getting kinda long so I'll end it with a last testimony that is simple but is as strong as those prophets of old who bore witness of the Savior. I know that God lives and that He loves us. He wants the best for us and because of this He provided a way for us to return to Him and that is through Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior of all mankind. The only possible way we can be forgiven of our sins and return to our Father is in and through Jesus Christ. I know that Joseph Smith was called of God and that he did see God the Father and his son Jesus Christ. He was and is the prophet of the restoration and through him the Lord restored his church and has allowed us to again receive the fullness of the everlasting gospel and all the blessings which come with it. The Book of Mormon is true. The only way one can come to know this is by reading and asking God if it is true or if it is not true. Because quite frankly its either a complete load of crap or it is the truth, but I testify that it is the truth. Finally, I know that we are guided by a prophet of God today, Thomas S Monson. His spirit is sweet and I can feel the love of God as he speaks to us. This is Christs Church, I know it. As a missionary you testify of these things daily and you either keep doing so convince yourself its not true or as you testify daily the spirit testifies to you that it is true. I love my Savior and I'm grateful for the opportunity i had to serve Him. I love my family and am so grateful for their support and love as well as that of my friends. I have some pictures to send of this last week. I love you all and will see you in a couple of days! Elder Armijo
Wednesday!
Monday, November 28, 2016
November 28, 2016......."Just pics today"
Well friends and fam its ya boy. Today marks the beginning of my very last week in the mission. I decided that I'm not going to type a long email this week just send some pics then next week for my last Pday I will send a super good last email lol. so enjoy the pics. We had our departing temple trip this week so that was super cool i have some pics from that
so here's a selfie with elder Crockett today we wend to these sick mountain bike trails and jumps. ill have more pics of that later. then me and the homie sister Mickelsen who goes home with me. and then some old pics from zone conference with elder Oswald and elder Campbell
Me and Sister Mickelsen from Colorado
Monday, November 21, 2016
November 21, 2016...We got stuck"
Hey friends and fam another week down here in Leesburg. It was a
pretty normal week. We were able to meet with Sylvester again and we
taught him the Word of Wisdom and he committed to live it and made a
deal with God that if God would give him the strength and will to not
buy any more tobacco he would stop haha so not the best way to do it
but he did go to prayer and tell Heavenly Father his plan so we have
faith that he will. Then we were on our way to a less actives and
Elder Taylor was like let's take a short cut haha so we went on this
dirt road and we got stuck Hahahaha so a member had to come with
shovels and help us out. Then this week we had zone conference which
was my last zone conference ! Elder Schweitzer of the 70 came and it
was really good. I got to see a lot of former companions and mission
friends for the last time. I got a lot of pics. But this week is
Thanksgiving and then Friday is our departing temple trip! So all the
missionaries going home with me we will all go to the temple with
president and sister Clark and the APs. So this week will be good and
then next week is my last week in the mission. Love you all I'll talk you
guys next week!
So here's the pics of us getting stuck and some homies at zone conference
pretty normal week. We were able to meet with Sylvester again and we
taught him the Word of Wisdom and he committed to live it and made a
deal with God that if God would give him the strength and will to not
buy any more tobacco he would stop haha so not the best way to do it
but he did go to prayer and tell Heavenly Father his plan so we have
faith that he will. Then we were on our way to a less actives and
Elder Taylor was like let's take a short cut haha so we went on this
dirt road and we got stuck Hahahaha so a member had to come with
shovels and help us out. Then this week we had zone conference which
was my last zone conference ! Elder Schweitzer of the 70 came and it
was really good. I got to see a lot of former companions and mission
friends for the last time. I got a lot of pics. But this week is
Thanksgiving and then Friday is our departing temple trip! So all the
missionaries going home with me we will all go to the temple with
president and sister Clark and the APs. So this week will be good and
then next week is my last week in the mission. Love you all I'll talk you
guys next week!
So here's the pics of us getting stuck and some homies at zone conference
November 7, 2016.....""God has answered his prayers"
Hey friends and fam its ya boy elder Armijo! I don't have much to
write about this week but only because elder Taylor and I were sick
for most of the week! Being sick on the mish is not the biz. But there
were some good things that still happened. Despite being sick we were
able to Meet with our investigator Sylvester 3 times this week! We
taught him about the Book of Mormon and Joseph smith and he was super
into it. Then on Sunday he bore his testimony and it was sick! He
pretty much said all other churches had tried to force him but that
our church didn't do that and he feels like God has answered his
prayers and that's is where he needs to be. He was like " I've been
meeting with the missionaries in hopes of becoming a member " hahaha
so that was super dope. He probably won't be baptized this transfer so
I will most likely not be here for his baptism but that's okay as long
as he keeps progressing! Then we also were able to meet with our other
investigator who is 10 haha his grandparents are members and he is
going to be living with them for good so we've been teaching him he's
super cool and very well mannered for a 10 year old. So when we teach
him he understands everything which is good. We hope to have him
baptized soon as well! But other then that our week was sorta slow!
But another week down! That means I only have 4 left but who's
counting? ( my mom and curt are ) love you guys have a good week!
Elder Armijo
write about this week but only because elder Taylor and I were sick
for most of the week! Being sick on the mish is not the biz. But there
were some good things that still happened. Despite being sick we were
able to Meet with our investigator Sylvester 3 times this week! We
taught him about the Book of Mormon and Joseph smith and he was super
into it. Then on Sunday he bore his testimony and it was sick! He
pretty much said all other churches had tried to force him but that
our church didn't do that and he feels like God has answered his
prayers and that's is where he needs to be. He was like " I've been
meeting with the missionaries in hopes of becoming a member " hahaha
so that was super dope. He probably won't be baptized this transfer so
I will most likely not be here for his baptism but that's okay as long
as he keeps progressing! Then we also were able to meet with our other
investigator who is 10 haha his grandparents are members and he is
going to be living with them for good so we've been teaching him he's
super cool and very well mannered for a 10 year old. So when we teach
him he understands everything which is good. We hope to have him
baptized soon as well! But other then that our week was sorta slow!
But another week down! That means I only have 4 left but who's
counting? ( my mom and curt are ) love you guys have a good week!
Elder Armijo
November 14, 2016....."God Bless the United States of America"
Well friends and family another week down in Leesburg. First and
foremost let me start off by saying God Bless the United States of
America. We don't discuss politics much here but we are aware of what
has been happening and the result of the election. No matter who would
have won, we know the scriptures are clear and these are the last days
So, if they are, at least we will get to keep our guns during
them ;-) #Trump. Anyway this transfer is flying bye! We're already on
week 4! This Friday we have zone conference and Elder Schweitzer
from the 70 is coming. This past week was pretty good we were able to meet
with Sylvester 3 times again and he's grasping the gospel so well! He
looks at things in a logical perspective most of the time and it's a
good thing most of the gospel can be proven logically lol. He super
cool I'm excited for him to be baptized in the coming months. I love
the ward here. Although it is filled with elderly people they are just
as cool as the young family wards lol the elderly people are so funny
I laugh so much in church hahaha. I'm not laughing at them, I'm laughing with
them. Had to make that clear........ I love this gospel man. As my time
is coming to an end here in the mission field I keep reflecting back
on my mission. How great it has been and how grateful I am to have
served here and now. The Lord has blessed me so much I can't even try
to explain how lucky I am. Service has helped me see he bigger
picture. There is more to life than myself. 3 more weeks, 23 more days
and I will be on a plane home, never to serve in the capacity I have
served here again. I hope the Lord will be pleased with the effort I
have put in these last 2 years. I love you all and I'll talk to you
guys soon!
So the pictures are me and my random bloody nose I hope it doesn't
gross anyone out it got on my glasses too haha and was bleeding for
like 10 minutes straight non stop lol had to bleed into a sonic bag
;-) And some funny signs we saw while driving . Shoutout to Trump
foremost let me start off by saying God Bless the United States of
America. We don't discuss politics much here but we are aware of what
has been happening and the result of the election. No matter who would
have won, we know the scriptures are clear and these are the last days
So, if they are, at least we will get to keep our guns during
them ;-) #Trump. Anyway this transfer is flying bye! We're already on
week 4! This Friday we have zone conference and Elder Schweitzer
from the 70 is coming. This past week was pretty good we were able to meet
with Sylvester 3 times again and he's grasping the gospel so well! He
looks at things in a logical perspective most of the time and it's a
good thing most of the gospel can be proven logically lol. He super
cool I'm excited for him to be baptized in the coming months. I love
the ward here. Although it is filled with elderly people they are just
as cool as the young family wards lol the elderly people are so funny
I laugh so much in church hahaha. I'm not laughing at them, I'm laughing with
them. Had to make that clear........ I love this gospel man. As my time
is coming to an end here in the mission field I keep reflecting back
on my mission. How great it has been and how grateful I am to have
served here and now. The Lord has blessed me so much I can't even try
to explain how lucky I am. Service has helped me see he bigger
picture. There is more to life than myself. 3 more weeks, 23 more days
and I will be on a plane home, never to serve in the capacity I have
served here again. I hope the Lord will be pleased with the effort I
have put in these last 2 years. I love you all and I'll talk to you
guys soon!
So the pictures are me and my random bloody nose I hope it doesn't
gross anyone out it got on my glasses too haha and was bleeding for
like 10 minutes straight non stop lol had to bleed into a sonic bag
;-) And some funny signs we saw while driving . Shoutout to Trump
October 31, 2016......."Adam fell that men might be, and men are, that they might have joy"
Hey friends and family it's ya boy elder Armijo. Man this past week
was super crazy but good! I don't feel like typing it out but let's
just say We had an experience my first night that will be one of those
times I was glad that I have a strong testimony and faith in Jesus
Christ. ( no mom I'm not going to type it out and explain it to you
either ) but it was a legit crazy experience and situation but we came
out okay. This week we have just been visiting everyone so I can meet
and get to know them. There are some awesome people here in Leesburg.
The average age in this ward is like 65 hahaha so it has a lot of life
experience let's say that. My new companion Elder Taylor is the man!
He's pretty quiet and reserved but I'm gonna try to open him up as
much as I can these next 5 weeks. We get along pretty great. We've set
some good goals and are going to do all we can to accomplish them. We
hope to get at least one baptism this transfer which would be a good
way to end the mission but if we don't that's okay too because I know
I will have tried my best and did all I could. Sorry this email is
kinda short like I said this week was crazy and just introducing me to
everyone so this week we will hopefully have some good miracles I can
tell you about. I love you all! It doesn't feel like I only have 5
weeks left I feel like I still have 2 years! Haha but I know that's
not the case so I'm going to work as hard as I can and have as much
fun as I can cuz if you're not having fun on your mission then you
aren't serving right. Adam fell that men might be and men are that
they might have joy. So have fun and be happy. I love you all!
Here's some pics of the district at district meeting!
was super crazy but good! I don't feel like typing it out but let's
just say We had an experience my first night that will be one of those
times I was glad that I have a strong testimony and faith in Jesus
Christ. ( no mom I'm not going to type it out and explain it to you
either ) but it was a legit crazy experience and situation but we came
out okay. This week we have just been visiting everyone so I can meet
and get to know them. There are some awesome people here in Leesburg.
The average age in this ward is like 65 hahaha so it has a lot of life
experience let's say that. My new companion Elder Taylor is the man!
He's pretty quiet and reserved but I'm gonna try to open him up as
much as I can these next 5 weeks. We get along pretty great. We've set
some good goals and are going to do all we can to accomplish them. We
hope to get at least one baptism this transfer which would be a good
way to end the mission but if we don't that's okay too because I know
I will have tried my best and did all I could. Sorry this email is
kinda short like I said this week was crazy and just introducing me to
everyone so this week we will hopefully have some good miracles I can
tell you about. I love you all! It doesn't feel like I only have 5
weeks left I feel like I still have 2 years! Haha but I know that's
not the case so I'm going to work as hard as I can and have as much
fun as I can cuz if you're not having fun on your mission then you
aren't serving right. Adam fell that men might be and men are that
they might have joy. So have fun and be happy. I love you all!
Here's some pics of the district at district meeting!
October 24, 2016......"I'll be what you want be to be"
Hey everyone it's ya boy Elder Armijo. Man this past week flew by. It
was the last week of the transfer so it's already been 6 weeks that
I've been in Conway. And since this transfer is over it marks the
beginning of my final 6 weeks here in the mission field. Yes this is
my last transfer as a full time missionary. But don't worry I'm still
going to work hard and have lots of fun. This past week was pretty
good actually. We did a lot more this week than we have all transfer
I'm not sure why but everyone we planned in actually kept their
appointments and everyone we stopped by was actually home. We were on
bikes so we got to talk to a lot of cool people. I wish I could
remember all the things we talk about with people haha. We had
exchanges with the winter park elders which was a fun time. And also
with our zone leaders.
We also found out transfers this past Saturday and it's been kinda
weird haha. So to preface this I should let you know we had interviews
with president Clark. And I had a good interview with him and in the
interview he asked me if I could take on a weaker companion and help
him out and I said yeah president I think I can. So he said okay we
will see what happens. So Saturday rolls around and we get calls and
find out I'm staying in Conway and getting elder satchwell. So elder
satchwell is one of the most solid missionaries I know so I was a
little confused so I texted president Clark and asked him if he has
changed his mind about putting me with a weaker companion and all he
said was " yes , I did " hahaha so I was like oh okay that stinks. But
later on that night I get a call from president and he says "elder
Armijo I know we had a great interview and I know I spoke about
putting you with a weaker companion and that didn't happen but I need
your help in another aspect. " and I was like okay president and he
then proceeded to ask me to be a district leader in a new area for my
last transfer. I had to make sure he was talking to the right elder
lol I said president are you sure? I haven't been the most obedient
and I've made quite a few mistakes on my mission. And all he said was
" elder we have all made mistakes, you haven't done anything on your
mission you can't repent of" and I was like oh dang okay. I told him I
would feel very hypocritical accepting this assignment because my
whole mission I have struggled to support the leaders assigned by
president berry but then he said " I've been struggling with this
decision for the last week now and I feel this is the lords will. The
lord has prepared you for this. I know it's easy to say yes and it's
also easy to say no. So I want you to think and pray about it tonight
and call me back tomorrow " so I stayed up all night just thinking and
pondering and praying. Thank the lord for prayer. And I read my
patriarch so blessing. So the next morning I woke up and I felt like I
still hadn't received my answer so I was going to tell him I couldn't
do it. But as I was studying a familiar hymn came into my head and
lyrics are as
There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide
Where I may labor through life's short day
For Jesus, the Crucified.
So trusting my all to thy tender care,
And knowing thou lovest me,
I'll do thy will with a heart sincere:
I'll be what you want me to be.
Now I'm making his seem like a big deal when it really isn't, this is
not why I came on s mission my whole mission I have tried to avoid
this type of thing. But I have felt more love and support from
president Clark in these last 3 months than I ever did my first 18
months. So I truly believe that he is inspired of the lord. So if the
lord will have me do this is then I will follow. Not because I want to
or because I desire the glory of being known as a district leader but
because according to president Clark it is the lords will. I'm gonna
try to have the most fun I can in these last 6 weeks. I'm grateful for
the time I've had here in Conway. Hopefully this will just be a new
experience I can look back on and think " WHAT THE HECK, HOW " Lolol as I'm sure
all the missionaries in the Mission will think when word spreads about
this hahaha. I love you all and I can't wait to see you guys in a few
weeks.
Elder Armijo
was the last week of the transfer so it's already been 6 weeks that
I've been in Conway. And since this transfer is over it marks the
beginning of my final 6 weeks here in the mission field. Yes this is
my last transfer as a full time missionary. But don't worry I'm still
going to work hard and have lots of fun. This past week was pretty
good actually. We did a lot more this week than we have all transfer
I'm not sure why but everyone we planned in actually kept their
appointments and everyone we stopped by was actually home. We were on
bikes so we got to talk to a lot of cool people. I wish I could
remember all the things we talk about with people haha. We had
exchanges with the winter park elders which was a fun time. And also
with our zone leaders.
We also found out transfers this past Saturday and it's been kinda
weird haha. So to preface this I should let you know we had interviews
with president Clark. And I had a good interview with him and in the
interview he asked me if I could take on a weaker companion and help
him out and I said yeah president I think I can. So he said okay we
will see what happens. So Saturday rolls around and we get calls and
find out I'm staying in Conway and getting elder satchwell. So elder
satchwell is one of the most solid missionaries I know so I was a
little confused so I texted president Clark and asked him if he has
changed his mind about putting me with a weaker companion and all he
said was " yes , I did " hahaha so I was like oh okay that stinks. But
later on that night I get a call from president and he says "elder
Armijo I know we had a great interview and I know I spoke about
putting you with a weaker companion and that didn't happen but I need
your help in another aspect. " and I was like okay president and he
then proceeded to ask me to be a district leader in a new area for my
last transfer. I had to make sure he was talking to the right elder
lol I said president are you sure? I haven't been the most obedient
and I've made quite a few mistakes on my mission. And all he said was
" elder we have all made mistakes, you haven't done anything on your
mission you can't repent of" and I was like oh dang okay. I told him I
would feel very hypocritical accepting this assignment because my
whole mission I have struggled to support the leaders assigned by
president berry but then he said " I've been struggling with this
decision for the last week now and I feel this is the lords will. The
lord has prepared you for this. I know it's easy to say yes and it's
also easy to say no. So I want you to think and pray about it tonight
and call me back tomorrow " so I stayed up all night just thinking and
pondering and praying. Thank the lord for prayer. And I read my
patriarch so blessing. So the next morning I woke up and I felt like I
still hadn't received my answer so I was going to tell him I couldn't
do it. But as I was studying a familiar hymn came into my head and
lyrics are as
There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide
Where I may labor through life's short day
For Jesus, the Crucified.
So trusting my all to thy tender care,
And knowing thou lovest me,
I'll do thy will with a heart sincere:
I'll be what you want me to be.
Now I'm making his seem like a big deal when it really isn't, this is
not why I came on s mission my whole mission I have tried to avoid
this type of thing. But I have felt more love and support from
president Clark in these last 3 months than I ever did my first 18
months. So I truly believe that he is inspired of the lord. So if the
lord will have me do this is then I will follow. Not because I want to
or because I desire the glory of being known as a district leader but
because according to president Clark it is the lords will. I'm gonna
try to have the most fun I can in these last 6 weeks. I'm grateful for
the time I've had here in Conway. Hopefully this will just be a new
experience I can look back on and think " WHAT THE HECK, HOW " Lolol as I'm sure
all the missionaries in the Mission will think when word spreads about
this hahaha. I love you all and I can't wait to see you guys in a few
weeks.
Elder Armijo
Monday, October 10, 2016
October 10, 2016......"This week was pretty interesting"
Hey friends and fam its Elder Armijo! So this week has been pretty
interesting. After 22 months I finally experienced a hurricane. And
honestly it wasn't too bad where we are but man the coast of Florida got
pretty messed up! We were in our apartment from Wednesday to Saturday
doing nothing lol but playing card games and board games. So once it
passed we got to go out to the coast and do some service on Sunday!!
It was an all day thing so we didn't go to church service, here are
some pics! Love you all
Here are some pics from the past week.
Here is us cooking quesadillas during the storm
interesting. After 22 months I finally experienced a hurricane. And
honestly it wasn't too bad where we are but man the coast of Florida got
pretty messed up! We were in our apartment from Wednesday to Saturday
doing nothing lol but playing card games and board games. So once it
passed we got to go out to the coast and do some service on Sunday!!
It was an all day thing so we didn't go to church service, here are
some pics! Love you all
Here are some pics from the past week.
Here is us cooking quesadillas during the storm
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
October 3, 2016....."We cannot pray away another's agency"
Well friends and family it's your boy Elder Armijo. Another week has
come and gone here in Conway and I can't believe how fast it is going!
I've been here 3 weeks already man and September is over! That makes
me a little sad because that means I only have 2 months left but don't
worry I'm still pushing and working hard well trying to at least.
This past week was pretty good we were able to set a new baptismal date for
2 new investigators named Jennifer and Julian who I may have talked
about before but idk. They are a mother and her son and they are super
cool! Julian is one of the most well mannered 10 year olds I've ever
met haha and he really understands everything we teach him and he says
he has received his witness through reading and praying about the Book
of Mormon. Then we also taught a new lady named Tina and she was super
dope her sister is a super active member and is such a good member
missionary and has prepared he sister to hear the gospel. We went over
and taught her and she said everything makes sense to her and she also
invited one of her friends to sit in and her friend wants to take the
lessons as well! So things are picking up here slowly but they are
picking up. And we got fed everyday this week which was a miracle but
sucked because I'm gonna come home fat and no one will recognize me
when I get off the plane lol. And of course we had conference which
was good as always. So many great talks I can't wait to listen to them
all again in a few weeks when they are on gospel library, one quote I
loved was from Robert D Hales and he said " we cannot pray away
another's agency ". which is one of the hardest things as a missionary
is watching someone use their agency to turn away from the gospel and
the message of the restoration and also watching family members
willingly chose not to follow the Savior anymore. But he is right we
cannot pray away their agency we can only pray that they will one day
receive their own witness and we can help them most by loving them no
matter what their choices are. I love my Savior and the opportunity I
have daily to repent and become better, only in and through Jesus
Christ can we return to live with our father in heaven. Have a good
week love you guys.
Ps. I was super bummed my man Elder Holland didn't speak but we did
get to hear from him in priesthood session and he threw down on home
teaching so everyone do you're home teaching and love those you serve.
Elder Chidester and I
Watching conference/in between sessions.
come and gone here in Conway and I can't believe how fast it is going!
I've been here 3 weeks already man and September is over! That makes
me a little sad because that means I only have 2 months left but don't
worry I'm still pushing and working hard well trying to at least.
This past week was pretty good we were able to set a new baptismal date for
2 new investigators named Jennifer and Julian who I may have talked
about before but idk. They are a mother and her son and they are super
cool! Julian is one of the most well mannered 10 year olds I've ever
met haha and he really understands everything we teach him and he says
he has received his witness through reading and praying about the Book
of Mormon. Then we also taught a new lady named Tina and she was super
dope her sister is a super active member and is such a good member
missionary and has prepared he sister to hear the gospel. We went over
and taught her and she said everything makes sense to her and she also
invited one of her friends to sit in and her friend wants to take the
lessons as well! So things are picking up here slowly but they are
picking up. And we got fed everyday this week which was a miracle but
sucked because I'm gonna come home fat and no one will recognize me
when I get off the plane lol. And of course we had conference which
was good as always. So many great talks I can't wait to listen to them
all again in a few weeks when they are on gospel library, one quote I
loved was from Robert D Hales and he said " we cannot pray away
another's agency ". which is one of the hardest things as a missionary
is watching someone use their agency to turn away from the gospel and
the message of the restoration and also watching family members
willingly chose not to follow the Savior anymore. But he is right we
cannot pray away their agency we can only pray that they will one day
receive their own witness and we can help them most by loving them no
matter what their choices are. I love my Savior and the opportunity I
have daily to repent and become better, only in and through Jesus
Christ can we return to live with our father in heaven. Have a good
week love you guys.
Ps. I was super bummed my man Elder Holland didn't speak but we did
get to hear from him in priesthood session and he threw down on home
teaching so everyone do you're home teaching and love those you serve.
Elder Chidester and I
Thursday, September 22, 2016
September 19, 2016....." With hard work and a little fun"
Well Friends and fam first week in Conway has come to a close and it
was a long one! Whitewashing is so fun ;-) we still haven't met that
many people other than ward members. Our week was filled with us
stopping by everyone and I mean everyone in our area just to try to
meet them but we've only met like 5 less actives haha. This week we
have a little more planned and it's more organized so it should go
well and we are on bikes ;-) so we should be able to talk and teach a
lot more people than we would in the car. That's the idea at least. I
try not to think about going home but EVERY TIME we meet someone they
always ask " so how long you guys been out " lol so I'm constantly
reminded how much time I have left which is very little so I think the
lord is trying to keep me working hard and focused by reminding me
that I don't have much time left so I better work hard these last 11
weeks. This is definitely a new experience and also pretty stressful
but we are pumped and want to turn this area around. We know it isn't
gonna happen over night but with hard work and a little bit of fun ;)
we can have a good time here and ultimately help improve the ward and
the area.
last Beach P-Day in Cocoa :(
Zone Conference with President Clark-He is a blessing to this mission.
was a long one! Whitewashing is so fun ;-) we still haven't met that
many people other than ward members. Our week was filled with us
stopping by everyone and I mean everyone in our area just to try to
meet them but we've only met like 5 less actives haha. This week we
have a little more planned and it's more organized so it should go
well and we are on bikes ;-) so we should be able to talk and teach a
lot more people than we would in the car. That's the idea at least. I
try not to think about going home but EVERY TIME we meet someone they
always ask " so how long you guys been out " lol so I'm constantly
reminded how much time I have left which is very little so I think the
lord is trying to keep me working hard and focused by reminding me
that I don't have much time left so I better work hard these last 11
weeks. This is definitely a new experience and also pretty stressful
but we are pumped and want to turn this area around. We know it isn't
gonna happen over night but with hard work and a little bit of fun ;)
we can have a good time here and ultimately help improve the ward and
the area.
last Beach P-Day in Cocoa :(
September 12, 2016......"Only after a trial of your faith, do you receive a witness"
Well friends and fam the end of week six has come and along with that
is transfers. I will be getting transferred on Tuesday and
whitewashing an area with Elder Oswald. I am pretty sad about leaving
Cocoa but I know this is what the Lord wants. I have more faith in the
inspiration in this mission than I ever have before and I know that
the Lord guides and directs President Clark to make these changes. And
it was confirmed to me when in sacrament I prayed for comfort and
peace as this transfer happens and the closing him for the meeting was
I'll go where you want me to go. No hymn could have better answered my
prayer. I've been so blessed to have served in Cocoa. Coming here I
was very upset to leave Kissimmee but I have repented of my pride and
the Lord has humbled me to know that he has chosen where we will go. I
have met great people and was able to be apart of my friend Doug
Sniders baptism and more importantly his conversion. And to see my
friend Tom grow so much in these last few months. As I told tom I was
to be transferred he immediately started to cry as did I and we
embraced each other and he looked at me and said " you have taught me
so much and I will never forget that " and at that moment , as I have
many times already on my mission, I knew why I was here, not only in
the mission but why I came to cocoa. I have faith that there will be
many more "toms" in this new area and it will be even more bitter
sweet leaving because this will be my last area where I will finish my
mission in just 3 short months. God is so good and has blessed me with
so many things I am no where near worthy of but yet he continues to
show his love and mercy to me daily. I'm so excited to go to
Conway because that is where Courtney , the first person I baptized
almost a year and a half ago in Olympia, is now located so I will be
able to see him for the first time since then. I have learned that
attitude determines everything, and as a missionary, positivity is key
to staying happy. I know I will continue to struggle and I know there
will be hard times in my new area but my testimony is that faith
precedes the miracle. Ether 12:6 says only after the trial of your
faith do you receive a witness. And I know God can do no miracle among
the children of men unless there is faith. I love you all and thank
you all for your support.
Elder Armijo
is transfers. I will be getting transferred on Tuesday and
whitewashing an area with Elder Oswald. I am pretty sad about leaving
Cocoa but I know this is what the Lord wants. I have more faith in the
inspiration in this mission than I ever have before and I know that
the Lord guides and directs President Clark to make these changes. And
it was confirmed to me when in sacrament I prayed for comfort and
peace as this transfer happens and the closing him for the meeting was
I'll go where you want me to go. No hymn could have better answered my
prayer. I've been so blessed to have served in Cocoa. Coming here I
was very upset to leave Kissimmee but I have repented of my pride and
the Lord has humbled me to know that he has chosen where we will go. I
have met great people and was able to be apart of my friend Doug
Sniders baptism and more importantly his conversion. And to see my
friend Tom grow so much in these last few months. As I told tom I was
to be transferred he immediately started to cry as did I and we
embraced each other and he looked at me and said " you have taught me
so much and I will never forget that " and at that moment , as I have
many times already on my mission, I knew why I was here, not only in
the mission but why I came to cocoa. I have faith that there will be
many more "toms" in this new area and it will be even more bitter
sweet leaving because this will be my last area where I will finish my
mission in just 3 short months. God is so good and has blessed me with
so many things I am no where near worthy of but yet he continues to
show his love and mercy to me daily. I'm so excited to go to
Conway because that is where Courtney , the first person I baptized
almost a year and a half ago in Olympia, is now located so I will be
able to see him for the first time since then. I have learned that
attitude determines everything, and as a missionary, positivity is key
to staying happy. I know I will continue to struggle and I know there
will be hard times in my new area but my testimony is that faith
precedes the miracle. Ether 12:6 says only after the trial of your
faith do you receive a witness. And I know God can do no miracle among
the children of men unless there is faith. I love you all and thank
you all for your support.
Elder Armijo
Me and Pearson helping Doug clean out his work shop
Me Pearson and Doug
Tom brother Adams and I
Me and the rosendorfs
I'll miss all of them so much!!
Me Pearson and Doug
Tom brother Adams and I
Me and the rosendorfs
I'll miss all of them so much!!
September 5, 2016..."Happy Birthday to Me!"
Hey friends and family it's ya boy elder Armijo! Thanks to everyone
that wished me a happy birthday! This past week has been slow BUT we
had one thing happen that made it all worth it and that was we met
with Tom who if you remember was being taught by us and the senior
couple the Taylor's and has been coming to church for the last 4
months and was supposed to get baptized on August 6th but because of
family issues had to postpone it. And he stopped coming to church for
a few weeks but he came the last 2 weeks and we went over on Tuesday
for dinner and it was so sick! He is such a good man and I'm grateful
I've had the opportunity to see him progress and gain a testimony. His
wife also met with us and shared her concerns and why she was so
hesitant for him to be baptized. Tom tells us he is still working his
way towards baptism and wants to eventually get to the temple. Then
Thursday evening he texted us and said " are you all available for
dinner and a lesson for next Wednesday?" Hahaha so not only is he
texting us to schedule appointments but we also get to eat food LOL.
So although things are still slow and things still fall through on us
every day we have some positive things happening that we are excited
about. This past week we also went to the temple. I gain such a
stronger knowledge and testimony when I am in the temple and things I
am worried about seem to be comforted and Gods plan for me seems a lot
more clear after attending the temple. I'm grateful for my savior
Jesus Christ and the tender mercies he gives to us. I find myself
feeling grateful for such small blessings that I know I wouldn't be
able to have if it weren't for my savior. With weeks 13 weeks left,
having served 21 months, I can testify that God lives and loves us and
is there for us if we willingly and diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
says: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that
cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of
them that diligently seek him." Faith is so vital in our existence
here on earth. Moroni tells us this in ether 12:6 "And now, I, Moroni,
would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the
world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen;
wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness
until after the trial of your faith." So we see before we obtain a
witness or an answer to prayers we must first have the faith and then
and only then will we receive the things we are seeking for. I love
you all I'm so glad I am here serving the lord and I'm so grateful for
the people I've met. This is without a doubt the greatest decision I
have ever made. Have a good week I love you all!
Elder Armijo
that wished me a happy birthday! This past week has been slow BUT we
had one thing happen that made it all worth it and that was we met
with Tom who if you remember was being taught by us and the senior
couple the Taylor's and has been coming to church for the last 4
months and was supposed to get baptized on August 6th but because of
family issues had to postpone it. And he stopped coming to church for
a few weeks but he came the last 2 weeks and we went over on Tuesday
for dinner and it was so sick! He is such a good man and I'm grateful
I've had the opportunity to see him progress and gain a testimony. His
wife also met with us and shared her concerns and why she was so
hesitant for him to be baptized. Tom tells us he is still working his
way towards baptism and wants to eventually get to the temple. Then
Thursday evening he texted us and said " are you all available for
dinner and a lesson for next Wednesday?" Hahaha so not only is he
texting us to schedule appointments but we also get to eat food LOL.
So although things are still slow and things still fall through on us
every day we have some positive things happening that we are excited
about. This past week we also went to the temple. I gain such a
stronger knowledge and testimony when I am in the temple and things I
am worried about seem to be comforted and Gods plan for me seems a lot
more clear after attending the temple. I'm grateful for my savior
Jesus Christ and the tender mercies he gives to us. I find myself
feeling grateful for such small blessings that I know I wouldn't be
able to have if it weren't for my savior. With weeks 13 weeks left,
having served 21 months, I can testify that God lives and loves us and
is there for us if we willingly and diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
says: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that
cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of
them that diligently seek him." Faith is so vital in our existence
here on earth. Moroni tells us this in ether 12:6 "And now, I, Moroni,
would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the
world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen;
wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness
until after the trial of your faith." So we see before we obtain a
witness or an answer to prayers we must first have the faith and then
and only then will we receive the things we are seeking for. I love
you all I'm so glad I am here serving the lord and I'm so grateful for
the people I've met. This is without a doubt the greatest decision I
have ever made. Have a good week I love you all!
Elder Armijo
Friday, August 26, 2016
August 22, 2016....."I Love teaching so much"
Well friends and family another week down here in Cocoa.
I've been here 15 weeks now which is crazy to think about.
My mom sent me a picture of my flight plans she received this past week lol
pretty dope. This week was okay like usual we had about 12 visits with people
fall through which is always a huge disapointment. But we were able to meet with a lady
named Stacey who was a Bible referral and when we brought her the
Bible she was super nice and we taught her a little about the
restoration. After we left she went on to Mormon.org and requested
more stuff so we went back again and gave her some DVDs and a pamphlet
and we are now going over there every Friday and Saturday to teach her
all about the church and go through the lessons with her. She is
really nice and very open. It's always a good sign when you ask what
they've heard about the Mormon church and they say " well not a lot of
good things but I don't like when people try and say bad things about
another church I never listen to them " haha so we will see where that
goes, it's nice to actually teach someone. I love teaching so much
it's one of my favorite rolls as a missionary. I will miss teaching
immensely once I finish this mission. I love you all I will try and
write more stuff in the coming letters!
Here is a pic of the senior missionaries that went home.
I've been here 15 weeks now which is crazy to think about.
My mom sent me a picture of my flight plans she received this past week lol
pretty dope. This week was okay like usual we had about 12 visits with people
fall through which is always a huge disapointment. But we were able to meet with a lady
named Stacey who was a Bible referral and when we brought her the
Bible she was super nice and we taught her a little about the
restoration. After we left she went on to Mormon.org and requested
more stuff so we went back again and gave her some DVDs and a pamphlet
and we are now going over there every Friday and Saturday to teach her
all about the church and go through the lessons with her. She is
really nice and very open. It's always a good sign when you ask what
they've heard about the Mormon church and they say " well not a lot of
good things but I don't like when people try and say bad things about
another church I never listen to them " haha so we will see where that
goes, it's nice to actually teach someone. I love teaching so much
it's one of my favorite rolls as a missionary. I will miss teaching
immensely once I finish this mission. I love you all I will try and
write more stuff in the coming letters!
Here is a pic of the senior missionaries that went home.
Cocoa /Vero Beach Zone-First Zone Conference with President Clark
Monday, August 8, 2016
August 8, 2016...."Know Thyself, Control Thyself, Give Thyself"
Hey friends and fam its ya boy Elder Armijo. And as drake says " I'm
back and I'm better "
These last couple of weeks I seem to have fallen
into a rut that I either could not or would not get myself out of, I
guess you could say I hit the " wall " that a lot of missionaries do
right before they go home. But this past week I've reflected on the
last 20 months that I have been serving a mission for the Lord and I
realized the way I have been feeling is exactly how I felt when I
first came out; concerned about things that I shouldn't be concerned
about at this point in my mission. I've had to realize for the 100th
time that this is not my mission. This is the Lords mission and I just
have the opportunity to serve as a missionary on the Lords time. I
have experienced so many miracles during my time here and I'm so
grateful for the people I've have been able to meet and form relationships
with that will last forever.
The atonement has carried me through my
mission just as it has through my life. We are going to have
weaknesses, we are going mess up, but it's how we react to these
things that will shape us into the individuals we are meant to become.
I have a favorite talk that I listen to often and it's a pretty old
talk. It's called " Know thyself, Control thyself, Give thyself" by
Paul H. Dunn who makes a few good points that have helped
me these past weeks and throughout my mission. He says, " Someone has
said that success consists not in never falling, but in rising every
time you fall. Get up one more time than you go down, young people,
and you will win. Stay down, and you lose. My father used to say,
Paul, there are dozens of rules for success, but none of them work
unless you do"." I love how blunt and straight forward it is. Get up
you win, stay down you lose. And I don't know about you guys but I
love to win so I'm going to keep getting up every time I fall down. He
also says " That means, if I understand the gospel correctly, that
there isnt one single failure among us. The word can't is false
doctrine in the Mormon Church. When a young man says to me,I can't
do it, I become concerned because in a sense he is saying, I
don't understand the gospel. He may not be motivated; he may have
discouragements; there may be barriers in his life; but you can
succeed"
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1972/07/know-thyself-control-thyself-give-thyself?lang=eng#
I love you all and I hope you all have a great week, see you soon!
Elder Armijo
These are 3 of my boys from the MTC. There are six of us left who will all go home in Dec. I love these guys!
Elder Carver
Elder Palmer
Elder Chidester
back and I'm better "
These last couple of weeks I seem to have fallen
into a rut that I either could not or would not get myself out of, I
guess you could say I hit the " wall " that a lot of missionaries do
right before they go home. But this past week I've reflected on the
last 20 months that I have been serving a mission for the Lord and I
realized the way I have been feeling is exactly how I felt when I
first came out; concerned about things that I shouldn't be concerned
about at this point in my mission. I've had to realize for the 100th
time that this is not my mission. This is the Lords mission and I just
have the opportunity to serve as a missionary on the Lords time. I
have experienced so many miracles during my time here and I'm so
grateful for the people I've have been able to meet and form relationships
with that will last forever.
The atonement has carried me through my
mission just as it has through my life. We are going to have
weaknesses, we are going mess up, but it's how we react to these
things that will shape us into the individuals we are meant to become.
I have a favorite talk that I listen to often and it's a pretty old
talk. It's called " Know thyself, Control thyself, Give thyself" by
Paul H. Dunn who makes a few good points that have helped
me these past weeks and throughout my mission. He says, " Someone has
said that success consists not in never falling, but in rising every
time you fall. Get up one more time than you go down, young people,
and you will win. Stay down, and you lose. My father used to say,
Paul, there are dozens of rules for success, but none of them work
unless you do"." I love how blunt and straight forward it is. Get up
you win, stay down you lose. And I don't know about you guys but I
love to win so I'm going to keep getting up every time I fall down. He
also says " That means, if I understand the gospel correctly, that
there isnt one single failure among us. The word can't is false
doctrine in the Mormon Church. When a young man says to me,I can't
do it, I become concerned because in a sense he is saying, I
don't understand the gospel. He may not be motivated; he may have
discouragements; there may be barriers in his life; but you can
succeed"
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1972/07/know-thyself-control-thyself-give-thyself?lang=eng#
I love you all and I hope you all have a great week, see you soon!
Elder Armijo
These are 3 of my boys from the MTC. There are six of us left who will all go home in Dec. I love these guys!
Elder Carver
Elder Palmer
Elder Chidester
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