Nov 25, 2013

Alright family so this week was a little bit tougher than the last. Funny how that works right? One week you are on Cloud 9, and the next week you are falling from it and feel like you have face planted it into the earth. (Shout out to Katy Perry haha). Alright no but seriously, it was tough. ONly part of our family were able to go to church with us this Sunday. But I will tell you why in a second. One of the boys, Jefferson, who uses the wheelchair. Lost a part of his wheelchair that is pretty important. He doesnt know where it went. We had it in the Taxi when we got to the church but then when we returned and found the taxi driver he also didnt know where it was. So it honestly is a mystery what happened. But me and my comp know where we can get this part. Its not expensive so I will get him another one. SO the entire family didnt go because their church is talking lots of smack. Its okay, I am not worried. Its easy to see by what the family says everyday that they know the church is true and that the BOok of Mormon is the word of God. We will help them with their doubts and questions. We found some great people to teach. We were teaching them all week long but then out of nowhere they just decided they didnt want to go to church....What the freak! RIght? Its sad. But its all part of the missionary work. We can only do as much as we possibly can. Andwe have to repsect their agency. Something that isnt always super easy to do. Lets see...what else happened this week....President Andrezzo walked with us and made some visits last night. That was pretty cool. My comp is continuing to pregress with the language. He is a smart kid. I am not too worried about him. There have been quite a bit of shootings, more than normal, in our area this week. So we are having to be extra careful. We just need to be smart and go into the areas we know are safer. Its all good. This week really wasnt super exciting. We found lots of great people who ended up falling on the last day....sad but also normal. The family is doing great. We have other investigators who are also doing great. It would take me five hours on here to explain about them all. I dont have much time to do that. haha. But anyway, thats how my week was. I love you all. Remember to continue to listen to the Spirit in your everday lives. I often think to myself on the mission...Maybe there were tons of times throughout my life where I didnt pay attention to Him because I was busy doing something else. Maybe I missed an opportuity to help someone? Just be mindful and know that the Spirit will guide. We just have to let Him. Love you all. ELder Hadley

Nov 17, 2013

Family,

What a week for me and my companion!! It was amazing!

Sorry mom, I will try and write more. The truth is.....I dont know what to write. I want to share experiences with you guys. But I get to the computer and I just forget all of them. haha. Then we leave the computer and I remember them all. Or there are some that I would like to share with you all face to face. You know what I mean? But Thats lame of me! I will try to write more. So I will tell you about this week.

Something about me on the mission is that I talk to everybody I feel even the slightest urge to talk to. And I always pay close attention to everybody in the street. Always. If you pay close attention to them. The Spirit will help you discern if they are wanting to talk to you or not. For example, Saturday night we were walking to a recent converts house to share a message with her. As we were walking I saw three kids sitting on the sidewalk. They were looking at us closely. And I felt the urge to talk to them. So I told me comp to invite them to church. He did. They accepted and said they would go. Thats normal. As we started to leave I felt the urge to teach them. So we turned back around and taught them and reminded them about church. We said a prayer then left. 30 feet later I hear a women talking to a man. As we were walking by I heard her say to the man. ( I will go to any church that I get an invite to, I am trying to find God in my life) So after 10 feet past them I turned around and walked back to them. haha. It was like one of those smooth spin turns. It was funny. haha. I went back there to where they were. I pretended to be lost. To try and not make it be awkward. haha. So I pretended that I was lost and need directions to the street of where the church was. After they explained it to me and making them laugh a little bit. I invited them to church. Keep in mind, this was all Saturday night at like 8 at night. ha. Also keep in mind that everybody accepts to come to church to try and be nice. But its hard to get them there. haha. Anyway Sunday morning comes a long. And who do I meet? 2 of the three kids and the woman who said she would visit any church she gets an invite to. My family, pay attention to those around you. Pay close attention and the Spirit will see your desire to help and will let you know what to do.   

Second week of training my homeboy Elder Elliott from Springville Utah. He likes to work hard. That is good. We work well together. He has no fear. Which is great. 

So one experience. ME and my comp were walking home to eat lunch on Thursday. We had some appointments in the morning. When a girl who we had talked to earlier in the week stopped to talk to us. She wanted to know more about the Book of Mormon. I gave her one. Explained it and gave her a part to read. We got her address and promised to stop by on Friday. So we stopped by on Friday. She met us out on the street. I looked behind her when we were talking to her and saw her house was full of people. So, doing what I literally always do when I talk to a child or a teenager. I asked her if we could go inside and teach everybody. That is something I would suggest to you Pat and April. I dont know how things are in Canada. BUt always ask if you can teach the whole family. First get to know the person you are teaching. Show that person that you care about them and want to get to know them. Help them feel that you are focused just on them. Create trust and a friendship with them. THEN ask about their family and if it is possible to teach them all. I always say to the kids. Take us to your house. LEts go teach your whole family. haha. They love it. So anyway, we got inside the house and started teaching the whole family. It was awesome. The mom lives alone with her 9 children. 2 of them are paralyzed from the waste down. One has 18 years and the other has 14. The mom has a tough time but she is a good woman who loves God. The kids all are so obedient and payed such close attention. Anyway we taught them a lesson and The Spirit testified of what we were teaching. It was a wonderful lesson. Really was. Saturday after our baptism, me and our Bishop (he is the most amazing Bishop in Brazil, not a doubt in my mind) ran to find a member to give them a ride to go to church. So we show up to their house and they are all ready to go. The mom couldnt because she had to work. So the mom dropped the three little ones at a friends house and the other 6 came with us in the van. When I saw that whole family standing at the door waiting form me and my comp to get there I couldnt help but start to cry. Its a good thing I was sweating also so you wouldnt be able to see the tears haha. It was just a very humbling experience for me. So we pushed Eduardo (Boy 18) and Jefferson (Boy 14) in their wheelchairs to the car. While Jose (Girl 16) Beth (Girl 10) Edimilson (Boy 11) and Levi-Kywan (7) walked right next to us. We hauled everybody to church and they loved it more than I have ever loved a three hour block of church. haha. They told me that they will never miss a Sunday in their lives. So we will continue to teach and help them understand more about the Gospel. We are for sure going to focus on the Plan of Salvation this next lesson with them. And of course. Read out of the BOok of Mormon with them. (Another side note. Pat and April. You will have missionaries who only want to use the bible to teach. That is great! The Bible is amazing. I LOVE it! But....help them gain a testimony from the Book of Mormon. That is the gathering tool of Israel. I use the Book of Mormon to teach until they tell me to use the Bible. haha. Use the Bible. I use it a lot. But use the Book of Mormon more....That book has more power than we can understand). So now I ask my family, pray for this little family. There might be some kind of a rule in the missionary handbook about asking your family to pray and fast for investigators. Like we cant do that. But You dont need to fast. Just pray for them. Thank you. 

So Today is Pday right?; We got up early to get my comp to the airport to get his ID. Well he went with other missionaries. I am waiting for him in the office with my boy Elder Bestor. haha. Anyway. We get to Bom Preço. (Wal-mart). To take his photos. We get there and the photo center is not open!! A lady that worked there told me that the lady that works in the photo center always shows up super late. Later than 830 Well we had to be at the bus stop by 8. And it was already 715. So I said a prayer. Asking for help. The lady that works at the photo center showed up at 730. Then took his pictures. Then printed them off in 10 minutes when she usually makes people wait an hour. Game Ball goes to the Photo Center Lady at Bom Preço. hahaha. She was clutch. And also, the power of prayer is REAL.

ALright that is how my week was. Mom I love you and I am sorry I have been lame with emails. I will try and be better. They probably wont be this long again. haha. But they will be longer. And about the Camera, Just buy one that works. haha. And send it whenever you can. Talk to a doctor about my hives. Love you all. Pat and April, remember this. The Lord WILL bless the missionary who is obedient, works hard, and works SMART. We were able to be blessed with 14 people in church with us this Sunday. It was amazing. The Lord is the head of this work. That is true. Love you all and have a great week. 

Elder Hadley

Nov 10, 2013

I would like to share my testimony with all of you and declare with all of my heart that Jesus is the Christ. I have no doubt of that. I have no doubt of the power of the Atonement. My Brothers and Sisters. It is real. The Beloved Savior of the world did what no other child of our Father in Heaven could do. He satisfied the demands of Justice by taking on the sins of the world and permiting each of us to return to live with Him and our Loving Father in Heaven again. Our names are engraven upon the palms of His hands. He knows you. He loves you. Our Father in Heaven also knows you and He also loves you. The Prophet Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration. President Monson is our Prophet today. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. That Book has the power to change lives. 

Let us all remember our testimonies this Christmas season. And by doing so, let us give the greatest gift we as members of The Church have. The Gospel of Christ, and all that falls under that category. Give to others what they are seeking; Eternal Happiness and Peace. Brothers and Sisters remember who you are. Remember what you know.  Declare it to the world. Christ was born, He died, and lives again. I know that is true. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.   

Elder Hadley

Oct 28, 2013

Family,

I love you all and it is great to hear from you. 

Things are great here in Brazil. We are working with a great group of investigators right now and I am loving it. Its just one reference after another. The members have really come to love and trust us. As well as our recent converts. Me and my comp have three transfers in this area. I am blessed to have this much time here.  Our bishop is also an amazing man. He is 32 and he does it all. Accounting, school, visits everybody in the ward. Probably the best bishop in Brazil. 

We had zone conference this last week. That was awesome. I love the chance to hear from President Andrezzo. He is a great example and a great man who is truly inspired from God. 

I am missing football.....I wont lie. I dont know why but I was thinking more than I should about football this last week. haha. I am a missionary not a Saint. (Ya sorry we cant all be Saints, Jerry) NAME THAT MOVIE!! haha

The heat is a bummer but I am getting used to it. I am sweating all the time so its impossible not to get used to it. haha. 

THis week was a great week for our dupla. We worked hard and got a lot done. These last three transfers have been great for me. I have learned a lot about missionary work and about myself. 

I love you all. I pray for you all. Carsons Headstone is absolutely amazing. Couldnt have been more Perfect. Keep being amazing!!

Elder Hadley

Oct 21, 2013

Family,

What an amazing week I was able to have these past 7 days. I have been able to see the hand of the Lord in my life and in the life of others in very real and special ways. Its great to hear all is well. I hope Pat, Sharia, and Michelle are not stranded on some island. ITs been away since I have heard from their ugly selves.

This week was great. Except it rained a ton!!! Rain like I have never seen before. Rich it was exactly like that one night in the car when we were driving through Missouri...I think?... When that huge rain storm hit and we couldnt see anything. It was raining like that for three days. It was tough to work but the Lord helped us. What made it so tough was the fact that we are climbing up and down stairs all day. Huge waterfalls were taking us over. haha. But we were still able to have success. 

We have two more weeks of this transfer left. I hope I have the chance to stay in this area for at least one more. It will be a great fourth transfer in this area. We are teaching very many elects. What I noticed this week was how we can find people in so many different ways. I will have to tell you all the stories when I get home. And I will show you some pictures. 

I hope all is well with you guys. Keep on loving the Lord and showing Him that you love Him through your actions. Make right choices. I had the chance to talk in sacrament meeting yesterday and I talked about the Atonement. It was a great opportunity to help the ward. 

I love you guys and dont forget to get involved with the missionaries. Help them. Give them references. Go with them to teach. I wish I would have done more of that. Kepp being awesome. I am praying for you and love you all. Be safe. 

PS My birthday was awesome. My district surprised me with a cake at district meeting and we played dominoes in the church until the rain calmed down. Then went to lunch. Had a great teaching day. Then afterwards President and Sister Andrezzo called me and said they wanted to pass by with a cake but they are in Itabuna at a Zone conference. So they sang to me on the phone and we talked for a while. It was a great day. Once again, Love you all and be good. 

Elder Hadley

October 7, 2013

Family,

Happy Birthday to everybody that has a birthday this month. I love you all and wish you an amazing birthday wish. Mom no need to put money into my account. To be honest I havent even used my card one time. haha. No need to use it. 

So This week was fantastic. Like you all had the chance to see and listen to conference was amazing. I listened to about 75% of it in english. I was able to understand everything in portuguese I just wanted to watch it in English because its just not the same in another language. 

What a weekend. We traveled to Amaralina the chapel there is right on the beach and it was gorgeous aka (very hot) weather. BUt We were indoors so it was okay. I had the chance to talk a lot with my mission president about conference. We both were very grateful for the talks on enduring through challenging times. I dont think being a mission president would be the easiest thing. Especially one as amazing as mine. He talked a lot to me about the rareness of our family. How we are very united. This is something I have always been very grateful for.  

What an emotional and dominating performance by so many of our leaders of the church. The Spirit was touching the hearts of everyone that was listening. To this I have no doubt. 

Family, please continue to heal. The year of 2013 hasnt exactly been the number 1 most fun year for the Hadley and Clyde family. It has been full of many trials and hardships. I loved Elder Hollands and the Prophets talk because I feel like at times we hear these great powerhouse men speak to us and we think they dont have problems. And if they do ever have a problem. It doiesnt even bother them. I loved what President Erying said ( I think it was him i forgot my notes in our apartment) when he talked about how nobody is safe from trials and sin. Nobody. Its part of like my sweet family. I was reading about a pioneer family in Our Herritage the other week and it talked about the sweet story of a family on the trek to Salt Lake. They had 12 kids in the family to start the voyage and the sweet mother was ready to deliver another. When the trail became horrible for the saints this family suffered. in one week time 7 children had died. And over the next couple of days 3 more died. Then a couple of days after. The mother passed away giving birth. Along with the baby. 

Trials are meant to come. Because we are the chosen for these latter-days. The Lords would not have placed us here if He didnt know that we were ready for it. Obviously we had proved ourselves in the life before. So let us prove ourselves again. And continue on. As Elder Holland said onSaturday. 

If the bitter cup will not pass, drink it and be strong.

I love you and I am here to tell you that all things will come to pass. All things will pass. Hold onto what you know is true. Dont ever let go of that. If we do this then the Lord will bless us with our own palace in the Kingdom of Heaven. Together Forever. 

Elder Hadley

Sept 16, 2013

Mandi
LOVED the pics! You girls look fantastic. Get me pics of the family thing if you can.

hahaha. I know you love your power. That is great about your job. I am praying for you and G every night. Trust in the Lord and he will deliver. 

You better keep talking to her about me. She cannot forget me. My little princess. I email April every week giving advice about the mission. ha. OUr missions will be probably complete opposites. but o well. It will help her. 

I think its a boy. Name him Matthew. Matthew McCoy. Thats legit. Thats a cowboy name. Anyway. I love you and am pryaing for you. Be safe.