The Missionary Song

Posted by Henry's sisters and Mom :)

Snow in Illinois

Posted by Henry's sisters and Mom :)

What's with the sunglasses?

Is this some new look that people in Illinois are wearing? Or is it just someone with no TV to watch and nothing to do in the evening?
Posted by Henry's sisters and Mom :)

Alan's river baptism

This is the St. Francis River. Henry baptized a new member named Alan in this river. Henry was very close to Alan and really happy for him to be baptized. It was a wonderful experience for them both. Even though it was really cold.
Posted by Henry's sisters and Mom :)

Henry's Desk

Look how organized he is! Note the picture of Lucky and the Jeep and the Book of Mormons. You can tell that he is working hard.






Posted by Henry's sisters and Mom :)

Here's Henry in his cool hat that his mother sent him because she thought he might get cold.





Posted by Henry's sisters and Mom :)

Here's Henry standing by his car. We always knew he would be outstanding in his field!



Posted by Henry's sisters and Mom :)

Missionary Fun

Smooshing Elder Melendezs' head...


Posted by Henry's sisters and Mom :)

Elder Adams and Elder Melendez celebrate Christmas 2009

Christmas Day was a good day on the Mission! Henry received a big box from home filled with a ton of little individually wrapped gifts for both he and his companion, Elder Melendez. Each little gift inside the "Missionary Stocking" had a scripture reference to go with it. For example, in his stocking was a wrapped tube of deodorant with a scripture saying something to the extent of "Thou shalt not offend." We thought it was funny and Henry loved it.

Here is Elder Adam's Christmas Tree! They went out and got it on a P-Day.

We were glad their house had some festive decorations.

Elder Adams opening his Christmas presents. Lots of goodies, a few necessities and some fun things too...

Elder Melendez opening his Christmas presents from his family.

Of course, they made a Christmas Breakfast Missionary style...Looks like Alta Breakfast Burritos, yum!

After a fun Christmas Morning, it was off to do some visits and make some special phone calls to the family! We were so excited to 'hear' Henry's voice on the phone. He sounded great and we could tell he's growing up a little. It was very apparent that the Spirit was with him, even in a family phone call. We talked for a long time about the work he is doing and how he is feeling about it - he loves it. Merry Christmas our little missionary!! We love you and are SO pleased and proud with what you are doing!!

Posted by Henry's sisters and Mom :)

Somebody's Eating a lot of squirrel...

Posted by Henry's sisters and Mom :)

...transfers...

Henry had transfers about 2 weeks before Christmas and guess what, Elder Martinez got transferred! So Henry stayed in Farmington, Missouri and got a new companion, Elder Melendez from California. Elder Melendez has only been out on his mission about 5 weeks longer than Henry has so they are both still 'new' to being Missionaries. We got a tape from Henry (I hoping to find a way to put parts of it on here) In the tape, Elder Melendez and Henry SING!!!!! It was completely hilarious and had us all rolling, and crying tears from laughing SO hard! They sing "I Need Thee Every Hour" in a lovely duet of extreme bass and extreme soprano...it was great. Elder Melendez is funny. He and Henry have gotten along great.

Posted by Henry's sisters and Mom :)

Mr. C, A great day...

Probably one of the most special experiences Henry has shared with us since he left is the story of Mr. "C". Henry describes him as a big gruff kind of guy, but a complete tender heart within. In fact, Henry compared him to Dad! Mr. "C's" story is particularly special. He was engaged to his sweetheart who sadly passed away from cancer. She was a member and her testimony touched Mr. C's heart. He had been having the missionary discussions prior to her passing and continued them after her passing. Henry said his baptism was especially touching. (Again, I will find the letter discussing Mr. C and put some direct quotes in there soon). The Bishop of their ward baptized Mr. C.

Henry just loves Mr. C. He said that from the very beginning, he had a bond with Mr. C and felt like he really understood him. He also loves that right after Mr. C was baptized, he begin being an amazing missionary member bringing friends and investigators to church. Henry also loves him because Mr. C loves to have the missionaries over and feed them.


Posted by Henry's sisters and Mom :)