Happy New Year!

My first white Christmas

Elder Butters and me on Christmas morning

 

 

It's so nice to feel love not only from my family back home, but also from the members here. They know that we're away from home and they have reached out to make us feel loved, especially during this holiday season. What a blessing this has been!

Christmas Day was certainly eventful. We were able to call home of course, and what a great experience that was. I don't think I ever truly realized how much I love my family until I came on this mission. I've gained a greater appreciation for them and a resolve to always strengthen the eternal ties we have to each other.

The four of us Elders here in Lowell were invited to three different homes for large meals that day - one for a big breakfast at 10:00 AM, another for dinner at 3:00 PM, and ANOTHER for dinner at 6:00 PM. We ate so much food...I don't know if I've ever felt so stuffed in my life. We walked around downtown Lowell between the dinners and caroled to try and spread some Christmas cheer (and burn some calories).

Our mission is putting together a musical fireside, and I've been asked to be part of it! The planning and rehearsing is officially underway, with our first performance on the 27th of January. This is going to be such a great opportunity for us to bear our testimonies through music and to help others feel the Spirit. I'm so grateful to be included in this project.

I had the wonderful privilege yesterday to sit in and translate for an elderly Cambodian member's tithing settlement interview. (For those of you former Elders who served here, it was Om Yoeuth!) It was an honor to be able to use the gift that God has given me to bless her life and to help out in such a special way. I was definitely humbled by that experience - the Lord is always finding new ways to ensure I'm "sufficiently humble" (Alma 5).

It's strange to think that today is the last day of the year. I've been a missionary during the entire year of 2012, and it's odd to know that I won't be a missionary for all of 2013; most of it, but not all. This has made me ponder and reflect over the past 13 months of my life and the service I've rendered. Of course, I've also been thinking about some New Year's resolutions, and I've resolved to give my all to the Lord every moment of every day. Sometimes I get so caught up in becoming the husband and father I need to be (especially with all these great talks from October's General Conference), and I focus too much on making the changes I need to make in my life. I just need to realize that as I serve my Savior with all my heart, might, mind, and strength, He will transform me into the man He wants me to be.

While reading Moroni 8 yesterday with Elder Butters in companionship study, verse 16 really stuck out to me:

"Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear."

It's difficult to avoid discouragement, but I am a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, and if He be for me, who can be against me? No regrets, no fears - only His love shining through me to others as I serve Him.

Happy New Year!!!

Love,

Elder DeLong

Merry Christmas!

 

 

Christmas tree that is actually a smokestack on top of a building with lights

 

Well, we're all still here. I guess the world didn't end, after all. =P

Things were a lot better this week - our numbers in a few categories are the highest they've been since I've been serving in Lowell. Elder Butters and I are both really excited about that, and we're happy to report that the Lord is blessing us to turn this area around; slowly, but surely.

I think part of our beginnings of success has been our improved planning. This last week, our weekly planning session was MUCH more effective than any planning session I've had in my mission thus far. Not only were we able to figure out what would be best to teach the individuals and families we're working with, but we were able to truly determine what will help bring them closer unto Christ. We were more open to revelation and inspiration from our Heavenly Father through the Spirit, and after all, He's the one that knows them (and their needs) the best.
We have a very small handful of investigators who would be attending the Lowell ward but don't have much, if any, real intent to change their lives. Elder Butters and I have decided (after counseling with Elder Maldonado, our district leader) that we should shift our focus to the Heritage Park YSA ward. Our efforts there are going well, and while no "harvesting" has yet occured, we feel that we're on the verge of something incredible.
I truly feel like the Lord has been humbling me these past few weeks. Serving in Lowell has been a trial of my faith, and I realized that I was not "sufficiently humble" for the Lord to work through me. I then asked Him to help in humbling me, and He definitely delivered. Through this I have come to trust Him in an even deeper manner than before, and I've also developed a greater determination to work hard and give Him my all each and every moment as I serve Him.

On a side note, I had REAL maple syrup for the first time this week. That "Aunt Jemima" and "Mrs. Buttersworth" stuff is all fake! I had no idea what I've been missing out on my whole life. I feel like I've been cheated. I've since gotten over it and have come to appreciate the enlightenment. =]

We had a great experience the other night at Chili's - one of the members gave us gift cards for a Christmas present to feed us on one of the nights when we didn't have dinner on the calendar. So the four of us went, and naturally, four young men in suits and nametags is going to raise questions. We had a few really great conversations with our waiter. Needless to say, we left him a mormon.org card with his tip. =D

I don't think it hit me until yesterday that Christmas is coming so soon. Elder Butters and I sang in BOTH ward choirs as part of the Christmas programs in their sacrament meetings, and that was really great. For the Heritage Park ward, in addition to being in the choir, I sang a duet of "O Holy Night" with the sister who was coordinating the program, and got a lot of compliments. I'm so glad that by me bearing my testimony through music and using the talents God has given me, I can bless the lives of others. Both programs turned out well, and the Spirit was so strong yesterday during both blocks of meetings. I'm so grateful for this beautiful season and wonderful time of the year, and I'm even more grateful to be serving Him of whose birth we celebrate.
Merry Christmas!!!
With love,
Elder DeLong

The 2 CPs: Christmas Parties and Choir Practices

Picture before end of transfer

 

This past week wasn't a very good week for teaching. We haven't had much luck in that department recently, but we're doing the Lord's work and we're loving it! Things are also pretty busy this holiday season, and I'm sure it's the same for each of you. The Lowell ward had their Christmas party this last weekend, and we actually had 2 investigators come to that, which was great! Neither of them came to church the next day...but that's alright. One step at a time, right?

Last night, we were at a member's home for dinner, and the father of the family was quizzing us on all these obscure doctrinal questions and early Church history stories. His kids knew the answers, but they were things that I didn't know. He was very surprised that we didn't know these things, and quite honestly, I felt pretty unintelligent. He said his intent wasn't to embarrass us, but that's definitely what I felt like. Our lesson with them after dinner went very well, so hopefully this brother bases my worth as a missionary from that and not from my lack of knowledge pertaining to things I've never heard of before. Even if he doesn't, I know that I'm of worth to my Father in Heaven, and it doesn't matter what any person thinks of me as long as I'm doing what He would have me do. I don't need to know about seer stones or what's been written on the sword of Laban or what's in the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon to be an effective missionary, or even to receive eternal life and exaltation. It was interesting to hear about, but it's also not something I should be concerned about. I just haven't ever had the chance to learn or study any of that information.

We're singing in both the Lowell ward choir and the Heritage Park ward choir, and that's been fun. It's given me a great opportunity to both sing and play the piano, for which I am thankful. One of my favorite parts about the Christmas season is the music, but I'm sure any one of you could have guessed that on your own.

We had our mission Christmas party this last week as well! We went to the temple, had a powerful and inspiring devotional, and then had much joy and merriment afterwards. Each zone performed a skit, and also a musical number. We also watched the 2012 Massachusetts Boston Mission DVD (a 30-minute slideshow of pictures from the year set to music), which was awesome, and generally enjoyed each others' company. I had a really great time, and at the end of the day, I felt so GOOD about everything; spiritually refreshed, happy, and filled with a love of God, my fellow missionaries, and the people I'm serving here in New England.

Transfer texts also came this weekend - Elder Butters and I will be together for another transfer! This will take us to the beginning of February, I believe. We're happy and excited, and loving every day as servants of the Lord!

Merry Christmas!!!

Love,
Elder Justin DeLong

As we teach, we learn

I realized today that this is my last Christmas on my mission...which is a weird thought. Speaking of which, this last Friday, I hit one year of serving as a missionary. It's a strange thing to consider, but I'm loving being here and serving. I want it to last as long as possible - I have a year left, and I plan to magnify my calling as long as I'm privileged to wear this name tag.

Tomorrow, we'll be going to the temple, and then gathering as a mission (well, half of the mission) for our Christmas party. Each zone made a video, and we'll be watching those, performing musical numbers (I'm playing piano for a couple of Elders from our zone who are singing), and enjoying each others' company. It should be an awesome day!

This last Tuesday, we went on exchanges with our zone leaders, Elder Winegar and Elder McQueen. Elder Winegar came here to Lowell to serve with me for the day and Elder Butters went up to their area in Nashua, NH. Elder Winegar and I planned out and organized the "rescue effort" for the YSAs of the stake. We cover the YSA ward in the stake, the Heritage Park ward, as well as the Lowell ward, and so we'll be heading out this effort. I'm really excited - ever since I got here, I've felt the prompting to do something to help this ward, but I haven't known what to do. Now, we have a plan of action, and I feel like we'll finally be able to accomplish something!

If you haven't had a chance to check out the new youth material on lds.org, do so! It's fantastic. The new theme song and video are great, and even more so, the new curriculum is going to do amazing things to help the youth of the Church prepare to serve missions. What an exciting time to be living in! I'm so glad to be serving a mission right now.

I had an interesting experience with my prayers this week. I've felt like I've needed to improve them for a while, and I haven't really known what to do. One night during this last week, I had what I felt like was a "real" prayer - it was from the deepest part of my soul, and I didn't have to struggle with what to say. I didn't have "vain repetitions" and I felt like I was able to truly commune with my Heavenly Father. It was such a wonderful feeling, and I want to have prayers like that every day. This morning, I studied Preach My Gospel and the scriptures, and found ways to keep my prayers on that higher plane of communication with God. It's been an enlightening experience for me, for sure.

I also learned a lot about charity recently - the best way to learn is to teach, and that's what we did. The Sunday School teacher for the Heritage Park ward was unable to make it to church yesterday, and we found out early Sunday morning. She asked us to teach her lesson that day from the Gospel Principles manual on charity. We were happy to take over the class and fill in, but it became a more special experience for me than I had anticipated. We've been struggling in the work, and I've been down about it the past couple of days. However, we went in to teach Sunday School, and a quote from Pres. Monson really stuck out to me: “Let us ask ourselves the questions: ‘Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?’ What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace." That's my problem - I've been too focused on myself and my needs and desires, when I should be focusing on serving others and having that true, Christlike love. I was also reminded of Pres. Hinckley's father, who told him to "forget [himself] and go to work." So, that's my plan. To my surprise, that small attitude adjustment cheered me up before I expected it. I know that helping others and developing charity is the way to true happiness in this life and in this great work. May we each have an "attitude of gratitude" an a focus on the needs of others this holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

Love,
Elder Justin DeLong

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...."

The first day of December also brought us the first "real" snow of the winter here in Lowell! It "stuck" as they say, but it's mostly melted by now. There's another Elder here from Gilbert, Arizona - he's never seen snow until this last Saturday. He's been having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that the half-inch we got was hardly anything. I'm glad I got a bit of cold weather experience at NAU before this!

We got a couple of new investigators this week - one was a referral of a YSA from the Portuguese Elders, and the other was this lady named Bernadette who we found about a month ago. We were finally able to sit down with her and talk about the Restoration this last week, and she seemed really excited. We'll see where that goes! There's a lot of potential in this area, and I'm determined to work hard and make it happen. Also, Sam (one of our investigators) came to church this week for the first time! He and his son Peter loved it and said they'd come again next week. I'm really happy for them, but it's also kind of a bummer - he's moving back to Cambodia in January. Turns out he's running for congressman for one of the provinces there. It's awesome for him and I hope he does well, but he probably won't be baptized here. No worries, I've already informed Elder Ang to keep an eye out for him! Sam does want to keep learning though, and so we're going to get him in touch with the missionaries over there.

We had a "Return and Report" meeting with all the trainers and new missionaries this last week as well, which was really great. We talked about what's working, what's not working, and how things are going in general. We also received training on better ways to plan and help people progress in the gospel. I love hearing from Pres. Packard - he's an incredible man and I'm so thankful to have him as my mission president. He has truly inspired me to be the best I can be.

Yesterday, we were at the church for 10 and a half hours: ward council for the Lowell ward, the Lowell ward meetings, choir practice for the Lowell ward Christmas program, Heritage Park ward meetings, and a potluck "Break the Fast" dinner for the Heritage Park ward. It was crazy!

The First Presidency Christmas Devotional was wonderful last night. I love hearing from our modern-day prophets, seers, and revelators. I really like Pres. Uchtdorf's message on receiving graciously and with gratitude and enthusiasm, and of course, the music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square was beautiful (especially that version of "What Child is This?" - I loved that). If you weren't able to watch it, go to LDS.org and be sure to do so!

Not a whole lot to say this week, except that I love being out here and I love what I'm doing! Merry Christmas!

Love,

Elder Justin DeLong

Happy Thanksgiving!

My apartment is on the middle floor just to the left of the green awning.

 



Did you know I have a twin in the Boston area?

 



I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving, and that things are going well with each of you in the beginning of this holiday season. This is such a great time of year, and I'm excited to be part of the Lord's work as Christmas fast approaches! It's strange to think that I've been a missionary for almost a year - I want to be sure to give my all for this next year as I serve!

We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner with a family in the Lowell ward - they invited 2 or 3 other couples to join us as well. Quote from Elder Butters: "Tight like unto a dish...with turkey and mashed potatoes on it!" I thought that was hilarious (brother of Jared reference). =D

That morning, we volunteered at a local Presbyterian church that was making a meal for the homeless/poor people of Lowell who couldn't afford Thanksgiving this year. It was a great opportunity to help out in the community, even though it was for another faith. I'm sure that our Heavenly Father recognizes and appreciates their service and sacrifices just as much as ours.

We got our car back (and got new hubcaps for it!) this last Tuesday. What a luxury it is to have a car in the mission field. I'll never take that thing for granted ever again.

This week, the office elders came to our apartment, took the extra bed and chairs that we had, and gave us a dresser and some weights! Some other elders in our area gave us their bench-press thing...I'm not sure what to call it. I'm just so glad to have the exercise equipment in our apartment! I've been missing it. Elder Langford really got me into working out, and I'm glad that I now have the materials again to do so. Hopefully I'll get in better shape and loose some of this extra weight I've gained since being on my mission.

Danny (our ward mission leader for the Heritage Park ward) took us out to lunch at Outback Steakhouse on Saturday, and then spent the afternoon with us trying to visit some of the members of the singles' ward. No success, but we're grateful for his time, effort, support, and money (for lunch)! He's a great guy and a fantastic ward mission leader. As I mentioned last week, we're focusing more on the Heritage Park ward now, and I'm excited for the potential there. I gave a talk in sacrament meeting yesterday, which went well, and I think it helped. We're going to be talking to more of the members and going to the activities, including the upcoming ward variety show, designed to be more fun-based than talent-based...needless to say, I'll be performing something to make people laugh! No worries Mom, I'll be sure that Elder Butters records it. =]

Not a whole lot to say this week. It's tough to battle discouragement when you're struggling in the work, but I love being a missionary no matter what's happening. We're working hard, getting along well, and having a blast. This past week has been tough, trying to find new people to teach, but the Lord is blessing us and opening doors for us in unexpected places. I'm thrilled to be here and I'm looking forward to the many miracles I have yet to see.

With love,
Elder Justin DeLong

The Legend of the First English-Speaking Elder to Serve in the Lowell Ward

Elder Butters, my new companion

The "greenie" cake

Okay, the title is a little more "epic sounding" than this email actually is, BUT things are going really well with my "greenie" here in Lowell. His name is Elder Dallin Butters, from Bountiful, UT - he's 6'5" (a whole half a foot taller than me!) and he's a really great guy. Easy-going, chill, hard working, and happy. We're getting along really well, and I'm excited to have him as my "son!" Aside from my deeply personal prayers, I don't think I've ever prayed so earnestly in my life as I have preparing for my new missionary to get here. I want to give my all and be the best companion and trainer I can be for him, while learning all that he has to offer and teach me as well. I so badly want him to be successful, almost as if he really is my own son. Training is a really special experience, and I'm grateful for the call to do so.

I baked a cake for Elder Butters the night before he got here, and dyed the batter green! I frosted it with choclate frosting, and surprised him after we had lunch on his first day. When he cut into it and got his piece out (the first piece, of course), he freaked out that it was green. Get it? He's a "greenie"...haha! I thought I was being terribly clever. It's crazy how I've only been with him for a few days and I already love the guy as a brother. I guess that sort of thing happens when you're serving the Lord and laboring with someone to serve other people. Powerful friendships are forged in the mission field, and I've made many friends with other missionaries here so far.

It's been a bit of an odd start to Elder Butters' mission, since we had to take the car down to the auto body shop that the mission uses in Natick (about an hour's drive or so from here). There's a dent from an unknown source in the front right side of the car (remember the story from about 3 weeks ago?), which is now getting fixed. It didn't impair the functioning of the car, but I guess the Church likes to keep its vehicles in good condition since they're constantly selling the "old" ones (I think the oldest car in the mission is either a 2009 or a 2010 model) and purchasing new ones. Despite not having a car, we've been working hard and having a good time. I took Elder Butters out tracting on Saturday afternoon - he did a pretty great job! We got a couple of potential investigators, including someone who let us in to start teaching him right then and there, so that was cool.

The work is always progressing, even if it's at a slower rate than other areas. One of our investigators' father passed away about a month ago, and she had the funeral and post-service luncheon this weekend. She had the funeral at her current church, and the luncheon at our church building, so we helped set up and clean up for that. Another one of our investigators committed to baptism - Elder Butters extended the invitation, of course, and did a much better job in the lesson than he gives himself credit for. In reality, we as the missionaries are merely the conduits for the teaching of the doctrine, but the real learning and testifying comes through the Spirit. It's such a privilege to be serving the Lord as instruments in His hands to bring to pass His will for this area.

All of that being said, I'm now the only Cambodian Elder here - translation of sacrament meeting each week falls to me, and only me. It's been a great opportunity for my language skills to grow, though, and it's actually getting to be kind of fun!

I had this feeling yesterday that we should be focusing more on the Heritage Park Ward (the singles' ward that we cover in addition to the Lowell Ward). I'm not sure how exactly we'd go about finding investigators specifically for the HP ward, but we're going to give it our best shot. The only thing that immediately occurs to my mind is to go and visit each member of the ward, but they live all over the stake, some as far as 2 hours from here, and we simply don't have the miles to accomplish that. Despite potential difficulties in this work, we're going to press forward, because I feel the Spirit urging us to do so. We have a fantastic ward mission leader who was just called a couple weeks ago, and he's been doing a fantastic job in his calling already. We're working closely with him to come up with ways to help build and strengthen the ward.

Soon, I'll be hitting the mark of one full year of missionary service. It's hard to believe that I've been a missionary for that long already; it seems like it's gone by so quickly. Knowing that, I'm sure my second year will pass all too quickly as well, which breaks my heart to think about. It also makes me want to get off of this computer and get out there and work even harder. I pray that the Lord will bless us as we seek those whom He has prepared to receive His gospel, and that we may be able to fulfill our purpose here in this area.

With much love,
Elder Justin DeLong

Elder DeLong is excited to announce the birth of his second-born son!

Quick background/explanation of missionary slang:

When a missionary first arrives in the field, their first companion is their trainer. This is a calling from the Lord to teach and train this new missionary. That trainer is the new missionary's "father" or "mother" and in turn, the new missionary is the "son" or "daughter" of the trainer. This also applies for the trainer of your trainer being your "grandparent" or the new missionary that someone you trained is now training as a "grandchild." Follow me here? Okay.

All of that being said, I got a call from Pres. Packard Sunday morning. He said, "Elder DeLong, the Lord wants you to train." I'm training these next two transfers! I'm beyond excited for this. Of course, this is a sacred and serious responsibility, and I'm a little nervous, but I'm more excited than anything else. He (and the other new missionaries) arrived yesterday here in the field, and I get to meet him tomorrow. I can't adequately express my joy and anticipation. I knew I'd be getting a new companion, since Elder Ang leaves tomorrow, but I wasn't expecting the call to train. I'm humbled, and thrilled at the same time. Training Elder Langford was such an awesome experience, and I'm looking forward to doing it again! For those of you who are curious, he'll be an English-speaking Elder - no more Cambodians in our mission, remember? And on that note, I'll be translating sacrament meeting all on my own from now on...well, the Lord qualifies those He calls, right?

The first snow of the winter came last week, in the evening on the 7th. It was just a light "flurry" of snow then, but we woke up in the morning with a good half-inch or so on the ground. Not much, but still snow nonetheless! We had to scrape the snow off of our car, and all that. It was pretty cool! Ask me how I feel about the snow in a couple months, and my answer will probably be different. The weather this past monday, the 12th was PERFECT - upper 60s, light breeze...and then it rained yesterday. New England weather is all over the place. Cool thing from yesterday though - there was a full-arch rainbow in the sky during part of the afternoon. That was the first time I've ever seen one!

On Friday, we drove down to Madison, CT for a mission devotional (which I was asked to sing at by Pres. Packard!) and dinner. We took a mission picture, and the devotional itself was powerful. We don't ever get to have the entire mission in one place, even for transfer meetings, and so this was a special experience. It was such an awesome feeling of unity to have all of us together. We found out that over the next few months, our mission will be growing by 44 sisters and 20 elders! That's HUGE! Not only that, but our first 19-year-old sister and our first 18-year-old elder are on their way in the next couple of transfers. It's an exciting time to be part of the work of the Lord! After the devotional, the sisters all left to surrounding members' homes for the night, and all the elders slept in the Madison chapel. We had an awesome scripture study session with Pres. Packard - it was such a powerful feeling to know that each of us there held the Melchizedek Priesthood of God, and that we were all there for the same purpose and cause in a brotherhood as missionaries. Aside from all of that, it was really great to see all of the friends I've made in this mission, all together in one place. As for the real purpose of us ALL being in Connecticut, the next day, we all took part in service and clean-up efforts to help out with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy! We worked in the New Haven area, and my group was in Milton, next to the beach. We helped with moving things, taking out damaged insulation, and even a little demolition! It was a long, but fun day, and a really great opportunity to help those in need. It was an unforgettable weekend.

I've been thinking a lot about who I used to be before my mission, who I was at the beginning of my mission, who I am now, and who I am becoming. It's amazing to see the changes that have taken place and are currently taking place within me. Looking back on myself, I was so prideful, selfish, impatient, etc. Of course, I'm still battling these things, but I've come so far in the strength of my Savior. I'm eternally grateful for His guidance and His empowering grace that is helping me to transform into the man that He wants me to be. I'm happier than ever before. I love this work, and I love being part of it! I can't wait for this next transfer. Who knows how the Lord will bless us? =]

Love,

Elder Justin DeLong

Winter has set in!

Fall in New England

It hasn't snowed yet, but it's definitely getting colder. Saturday night we were filling up the gas in the car, and it was the first time I felt that "bone-chilling" cold. Sunday was chilly too, and this morning has been the coldest, I think. The line at the Starbucks next to the library here is pretty long...almost out the door!

Well, things here in Lowell are fine and dandy, I guess. Working hard, trying to get things up and moving in this area. Not too much of interest to report. We had our quarterly interviews with Pres. Packard this last Friday, which went really well. I love that man and I'm so grateful to have him as my mission president. He's already been a guiding force for me in my life and has helped me through some tough spots.

I went to the dentist this morning! It's been almost a year, and I decided I wanted a cleaning since it's been so long. Since missionary insurance doesn't cover any of that, I had to get everything figured out myself - it wasn't that difficult, and my family's insurance was able to cover all of it. The hygienist said my teeth are "gorgeous" and the dentist said my bite is "perfect." They even both suggested that I get my teeth looked at again by an orthodontist, because I may not need retainers anymore. I don't know, we'll see. Maybe I'll get them checked out when I go home. The hygienist was very impressed with how clean my teeth are, and I'm continuing my now 20-year streak of no cavities. =D

We updated and cleaned out ALL of the records in our apartment on Saturday. It took a while, but I'm glad we did it. Everything is more organized, and the effort was definitely worth it.

I've begun to notice that my journal entries are getting longer, more detailed, and more spiritual. I've been told by several people back home that my letters are different, that my writing style is shifting, and they can note my spiritual growth. I went through a month or two ago and read my journals since the start of my mission, and I've noticed some changes. I'm extremely grateful for my Savior and His grace that enables me to change to become the man He wants me to be.

Yesterday was a pretty special day for me, I'd say. It was the first time where I had actually been looking forward to fasting, for starters. I always do it in faith and with a willing heart, but this time something was different. I'm reminded of D&C 59:14, where fasting and rejoicing are placed together as synonyms. While we were in ward council early in the morning, I realized that a true love for these people and a concern for their welfare has been developing in my heart. I though I would never love an area as much as I loved Revere, but Lowell is really beginning to grow on me. Once I decided to let these people in, so to speak, a real desire to serve them came naturally. I'm determined to do all I can for both the Lowell ward and the Heritage Park ward in my time here. In the Lowell ward, translating during sacrament meeting came more easily for me than it has been. There's a Cambodian Sunday school class that we attend, and at the end we had a mini testimony meeting - I got up and bore my testimony, and I was surprised at how fluently I spoke. It was almost effortless, minus 2 or 3 times when I had to pause to think of the right word. I'm so thankful for the gift of tongues and the help that my Heavenly Father has given me as I have learned this incredible language. In companionship study yesterday, we were reading 3 Nephi 11, and I had a really powerful spiritual experience. As Elder Ang read the verse that depicts Christ descending from heaven, I was slammed with a witness from the Spirit that testified to me of the truthfulness of those words. The Savior truly did minister among the Nephites. And of course, as such things are with me, I couldn't help but cry. It was so unexpected and powerful. I'm eternally grateful for the Book of Mormon and more so for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I'll never forget the feelings I had yesterday.

Thank you all, so much, for the continued love and support. This is the best thing I've ever done, and it continues to be an experience that I will treasure forever.

Love,
Elder Justin DeLong

I survived Hurricane Sandy!!

I've been in Lowell for over half a transfer already! It's hard to believe time is going by so quickly. It also makes me a little nervous for next transfer - Elder Ang will be going home, and I'll be left on my own to handle this area. I've GOT to get to know all the members in that time! Thank goodness for the gift of modern technology, because without a GPS I'd never find my way around this place. Thoughts of next transfer are beginning to plague my mind...will the Lord, through Pres. Packard, send another Cambodian-speaking missionary here? They've all served here already, but you never know. Will I get an English-speaking companion and be alone in my Cambodian? Will I get a new missionary and be training? Will I get transferred out and they'll put two missionaries here? It's been done before; you really never know what could happen. I don't need to worry though, because the Lord truly does guide this work and every aspect therein.

My love and best wishes to my friend Shailene, who was married in the Mesa, AZ temple this last Saturday!

We got a ward mission leader in the Heritage Park ward (the singles' ward)! He's a really great guy, and he just got home from his mission (to Tempe, AZ) 2 weeks ago! I'm so excited to work with him and to get this ward up and going. This last Sunday was my first time in sacrament meeting there, and it was so empty in that chapel...I think there was maybe 20 people in attendance. I really want to strengthen this ward in my time here, and I'm praying for the Lord's guidance in how to do that, especially with Elder Ang leaving in 2 and a half weeks.

On Saturday, we (as in, the two of us with the Portuguese Elders who serve in the ward as well) had lunch with one of the newlywed couples in the Lowell ward - turns out that they're both from here, but the wife spent some time in Mesa, going to MCC-Red Mountain! The two of them want to move to Arizona, so it was cool to get to talk about my home for a while with them and Elder Maldonado (one of the Portuguese Elders, who's from Gilbert). Also on Saturday was the Lowell ward Halloween party, which went well. It was a fun time for the young ones, and we had an investigator come with his 3-year-old son! That was pretty exciting.

Earlier this week, we went on exchanges with the Elders serving in Littleton - I went to their area and served with Elder Taylor for the day. The reason I mention this is because, at our member dinner appointment, I come to find out that this family (the Parker family) lived in Mesa for 8 months, and just moved here in March! This family was not only in my home stake of Citrus Heights, but was in a neighboring ward, the Cooley Park ward. I then find out that their kids went to Highland Arts Elementary, where my mom teaches 2nd grade. Her 2nd oldest son (Ethan) knows my brother Colton, and one of her daughters (Emma) knows Treyton and was in his grade. She was in Mrs. Millet's class, and had MY MOM as her teacher for science class (they did a rotation system for some subjects). Talk about a small world!!!

And now, on to the "main event" of this week's email...Hurricane Sandy. Oooooooooohhh...it really wasn't that bad, up where we were. We got some rain, some strong winds, and that's it. No damage or anything. We didn't even lose power. On Saturday, we received notice from the mission of the impending storm. We were instructed to purchase water, non-perishable food, candles, batteries, etc., and to get some cash and fill up the gas tanks in our cars, just in case. Missionaries serving along the coast had to move further inland. I'll be honest, upon hearing word, I was pretty freaked out. I had a really beautiful experience though - I prayed for peace and a level head through this experience. The Spirit brought to mind the words "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." I wanted to know where that verse was, and so I found it in Doctrine and Covenants, section 38, verse 30. It starts out with, "I tell you these things because of your prayers" - in that moment, I knew that this verse was an answer to my prayers. It goes on to say, "wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms," which I took to be emotional wisdom in this case - being able to handle things well and keep a cool head. I knew in that moment that if we prepared, we wouldn't have to be afraid, and the Lord would protect us. We got the needed supplies and "bunkered down" in our apartment with the Lowell Portuguese Elders for the storm. We were confined to our apartment from Sunday evening till Tuesday morning, but we had a good time together, and the weather really wasn't that bad. Now, it's beautiful and sunny, with white, puffy clouds in the sky. All is well.

I'm healthy, happy, and loving life as a full-time servant of the Lord. Godspeed, everyone!

Love,
Elder Justin DeLong

A new investigator, a crazy lady, and a surprise baptism

Ginette and Roberto's baptism

 

Yesterday I had the immense privilege to attend the baptism of Ginnette and her son, Roberto. I am so happy for them both, and I'm grateful to have been part of their lives and their journey unto Christ. Some of you may be saying to yourselves, "Wait, Elder DeLong, wasn't that your LAST area?" Yes, yes it was. This is where it gets interesting. We were in Sunday School at church yesterday, and we receive a text from the Revere Elders:

"Are you going to be able to make it to Ginnette and Roberto's baptism?"
Us: "Absolutely. When is it?"
Revere: "12:30."
Us: "Today?!"
Revere: "Yeah."
Us: "Well, shoot. Give me a few minutes to call and get permission."

...nice. Way to wait until an hour and a half before it starts to invite me, Elder Langford. I had no idea they were getting baptized! I mean, I knew they would be, but I didn't know the day or the plans or anything. I frantically called the APs and got permission to go, we made the drive down in about an hour, and we got there just in time. We missed the majority of the singles' ward in Lowell, but that's okay. I had a very warm welcome in Revere, and I was able to witness two people I personally taught enter the waters of baptism and covenant with our Heavenly Father. It was a wonderful experience.

This last Monday was "Deep Clean P-day" - we got to spend our whole day cleaning the car and the apartment. Good times...the apartment really needed it though. I blame the last Elders who were here. Haha! But we got it looking (and smelling) great!

We've been all over the place this week...about two months ago, Elder Ang injured his hand. It's been bothering him lately, but he didn't want to get it checked out. Sis. Packard found out about it last week, and needless to say, she sent us right to a walk-in clinic. There we found out it's a hairline fracture, and we had to go to appointments this week with hand specialists and a radiologist. Driving all over the place isn't that fun, but I finally learned how to use cruise control! Credit for that should go to Elder Langford, since he showed me one time...I've just never used it until now. Open highways out here are absolutely beautiful, just for the record.

I've been thrilled to hear about a few friends and one of my cousins (all female) who have decided to serve missions since the announcement was made in the last General Conference. I am beyond excited for them, as I am for all the multitudes of new missionaries the Church is sure to receive in the coming months.

Two really good stories for you guys this week: one scary, one inspiring. Scary story first. This is honestly the most in-danger I've ever felt on my mission. The other night, we decided to go see an inactive woman who lives in what is probably the most sketchy part of Lowell. This part of town is more frightening than the worst parts of Lynn, if that says anything. REALLY ghetto. So anyway, it's like 8:30 PM, our last stop of the night. We pull up in front of the apartment building, and there's 3 or 4 people loitering out front. We park the car, but stop before getting out to double check the name and apartment number before we go inside. In that short period of time, one of those people decided we were a threat and hastily walks over to the driver side window - right by me. She yells, "WHO ARE YOU? WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" Of course, Elder Ang cheerfully replies, "We're missionaries!" She yells, "GET OUT OF THE CAR." I carefully and slyly reached up and locked the doors, and then told her that we weren't going to get out of the car. By this point, it was apparent that she was drunk, high, mentally disturbed, or some combination of the three. She then demanded that we roll down the window, to which I said, "I can hear you just fine!" Her face then contorted in pain, and she yelled, "MY MOTHER DIED YESTERDAY." I'm not sure where that statement came from, but I figured that maybe she wanted some money or something. I told her that I didn't have anything to give her and that I was sorry I couldn't help. She said "I don't want any of that! I don't want any of that! OPEN THIS DOOR!!!" I got a really bad feeling inside, and turned to Elder Ang and said that we needed to get out of there. Then, she tried to get in the car. She yanked on the door handles and attempted to pull on the window. I was seriously freaked out. She screamed again, "MY MOTHER DIED YESTERDAY!" and I said that I was so sorry to hear that. When I still didn't open the door, she yelled, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!?!" I said, "Well, we WERE going to go visit someone in those apartments, but..." she interrupted me, pointed up the street, and screamed "GET THE *%#$@ OUT OF HERE!!!!!!!!!!" Well, she didn't need to tell me twice. I threw the car into drive and sped out of there as fast as I could. I honestly felt like our lives were in danger, and I don't want to even think about what might have happened if we had gotten out of the car right away. I know that God watches over His missionaries. I've felt that divine protection on multiple occasions, and I'm so thankful for that.

Alright, now the inspiring story! On Saturday, we went to visit this guy named Chris, one of the inactive members of the singles' ward. He's a nice enough guy and he likes the missionaries, he just hasn't been to church in a while. His friend Ian happened to be there when we got there, and so Chris asked us to teach the first discussion - you don't have to try and convince missionaries to do that! We had a good lesson with him, but the whole time Ian seemed a little skeptical. He said things like "I think it's great that this book has had such an influence on the lives of others," and so we tried to ask him questions and see what his concern was. Turns out, we didn't need to. Chris took over and bore a powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon, and you could just see Ian softening. And so, long story short, he accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon, committed to read Moroni 10 and pray about it, and to meet us again this week. We're excited to have a new investigator and grateful that the Lord is answering our prayers. I love seeing the Spirit work in people, and it's an honor to be part of this great work.

Love,
Elder Justin DeLong

Lessons of Faith and Dedication

I'll start this week's email with a funny story - they teach you to "hook" your audience from the start, right? Anyway, we were teaching this Cambodian woman a few days ago - it was my second time going over there to teach her. After starting the lesson, I pulled out my Cambodian scriptures to read from. She seemed surprised and asked me if I knew how to read and write in Cambodian. I responded that I did. Mind you, the last time I was there we spoke in Cambodian the entire time, and we had been speaking Cambodian the whole 5 minutes or so we had been there that evening. So, a couple minutes later, she stops mid-sentence, looks at me quizzically, and says (in Cambodian), "You know how to speak Cambodian?!?!" I'm not sure why it took this long to register in her mind. We tried to stifle our laughter, and we laughed pretty hard about it afterwards in the car!

The Lowell ward is so unique and multicultural! There are Sunday School classes in Cambodian, Portuguese, Spanish, and of course, English. Sacrament meeting is also translated into Portuguese and Cambodian. Guess who does that? Yeah, we do. It was really difficult. Elder Ang did most of it...I tried a few times, though. I did one of the sacrament prayers, part of the announcement of the program, and the closing prayer. I'm definitely going to be adding "practice translating" to my list of things to do for language study.

As for the work here, things are going alright, I'd say. We've got a great Cambodian investigator who, unfortunately, wants us to speak English when we teach him. He's really interested in the gospel though, especially in eternal families. I'm excited to see how he progresses. One of the recent converts here, who's also Cambodian, has finally agreed to go to the temple! She's had some fears about it, but she made the decision to go, so we're happy about that. We've also been trying to visit less-actives and we've been some detective work for our Bishop.

These last few days have built my faith and taught me a lot. I got sick in the middle of last week, and for a couple of days it was rather minor. It got worse on Friday, and I had the prompting to ask for a blessing. I shrugged it off, telling myself that it wasn't "bad enough for a blessing" yet. I then "felt" the words, "Have you done EVERYTHING you can?" This made me stop and think. Yes, I took medicine, and yes, I was going to bed on time, and yes, I was drinking plenty of water...but I hadn't asked for a blessing. I then got the distinct feeling that I was going to have to show my faith if I wanted to be healed. This time, I listened, and I asked my companion and the other Elders in our ward for a blessing. They gave me a blessing that night, and I woke up Saturday morning feeling differently. I felt more sick than before, but strangely enough, I felt like I was in the stages of getting over a cold. It was like my body had just skipped the two or three days when the cold is in full swing. I know that was because of the blessing I received and the faith I showed. My lesson doesn't end there, though. We worked all day Saturday, and yesterday (Sunday) morning I woke up feeling absolutely awful. We went to ward council first thing, and I struggled to get through Church. By the end of the second hour my condition had worsened dramatically, and I realized that I wasn't going to be able to make it and that I should be resting. We organized an exchange - Elder Maldonado came with me back to the apartment do that I could sleep, and Elders Ang and Stradley covered the appointments for both areas the rest of the day. From this I learned that we need to be sure that we're taking care of ourselves before we can take care of others. I also learned that we need to do EVERYTHING we can first and act in faith, and then the Lord provides the miracle. I didn't take the time I needed to rest to allow my body to recover, and so I didn't get better. When I woke up this morning, I felt immensely better than I did yesterday. BUT the story doesn't end there! I had another miracle happen to me last night - we switched back to our companionships around 5:30 PM, and we got a call at 6:10 from an investigator who wanted us to come and see him since he wasn't able to meet last week. I decided that I was going to "man up" and go to the appointment, and so I prayed and asked my Heavenly Father to allow my sickness to subside so that I could teach for this appointment. I mustered up the strength and drove to the appointment, and as we walked up to his door, I felt my symptoms melt away. We had a fantastic, Spirit-filled lesson, and as we left and walked back to the car, I started feeling sick again. I know that that was a miracle, an example of the Lord's tender mercies in our lives.
Elder Ang and I had an interesting discussion during weekly planning this last Thursday as we had our companionship inventory. He said to me that he can tell that I want to help "rescue" Lowell, and complimented me on that. He told me about how he and his last companion didn't plan effectively and didn't get much done during their time together, and as a result, this area kind of "died," so to speak. As he was telling me these things, I thought back to the goal I set for myself when I found out that I was being transferred. I was just in a very busy area, with tons of potential investigators and a small handful of progressing investigators, with a large number of recent converts. The active members there are great, and I had the opportunity to serve with my best companion yet. I loved the work, and I was excited to be a part of it each and every day. I told myself as I prepared to move up here that I wanted to take that same excitement and joy with me up to Lowell, and so I set the goal to do so. As Elder Ang spoke with me, I realized that I'm really passionate about this work. I love being a missionary, and even though I've only been here just over a week and a half, I really want this area to become successful. I determined right then and there that I was going to do everything in my power to make that happen, for both the Lowell ward and the Heritage Park YSA ward (almost no work is being done there). I see absolutely no reason why these two wards can't be as successful in their missionary work as the Revere 2nd ward, and that has become my approach to the work here. After all, Pres. Monson just spoke to us about seeing people as they can become in the Priesthood session of General Conference. For me, that includes investigators, members, and entire wards, and I'm really looking forward to helping this area reach its full potential.

Love,
Elder Justin DeLong

Greetings from Lowell, MA!!!

The last time all of the Cambodian elders will be together- all but 3 go home by Dec. (Elder Ang is the one with the sunglasses- my new companion)

Transfer day and saying goodbye to Elder Langford

Well everybody, I'm up in Lowell now! It's been crazy...I've already been able to use more Cambodian, and having a native-speaking companion has helped a TON! I'm getting a lot better at Cambodian, speaking AND writing. Hopefully that helps as I translate during sacrament meeting this Sunday. Yeah...that should be fun. The ward here has to translate meetings into Cambodian, Spanish, and Portuguese! It's so multicultural, I love it. We're actually also over the local singles' ward, so that'll be an interesting experience as well.

Trying to keep up with all of these new names, faces, and places has been tough, but it's been a good experience so far! I'm really starting to like it here. My first night though, I woke up and freaked out for a split second because I couldn't figure out where I was or how I got there...and then I remembered that I got transferred.

Up until Thursday morning, I was nervous and upset about having to leave Revere...but then once transfer meeting started, I was filled with this sense of peace and this "knowing" that me going to Lowell was right. After that, I just got excited for my new area! Plus, I had been in Lowell for a mere couple of hours on my first day when we started planning for this week, and I was taken by surprise to realize that I was already receiving revelation for this area. I know that the Lord has a purpose for me here - now it's my job to figure out what that purpose is!

As a quick sidenote, the missionary that Elder Langford is now training is named Elder Yu, and he's from Hong Kong, where my dad served his mission!

Driving from transfer meeting to Lowell took us through a couple of country highways, and my goodness, the leaves out here at this time of year are absolutely breathtaking. I've never seen anything like this in person. Trees everywhere are all shades of red, orange, yellow, and green...it's incredible.

In addition to the language, I'm already learning a lot from my new companion, Elder Ang. He goes about this work in such a relaxed, jovial, carefree, yet dedicated and genuine way, which is definitely something I need to work on. I really like that, and I hope to be able to apply those attributes to my own missionary service.

As of this last Sunday, I've been on my mission for 10 months, which is crazy to think about. It feels like I've been out for a long time, but then again, it feels like time is just flying by. I hope to be able to accomplish all the work that the Lord has for me to do in my time here.

General Conference was amazing! I was pretty excited for the temple in Tucson - that makes 6 in Arizona!!! There's an Elder serving here (there are 4 Elders in this ward), speaking Portuguese, who's from Gilbert - he and I were pretty happy about that. But then Pres. Monson made the announcement of the ages changing - I'm STILL absolutely thrilled about it. There's going to be so many more sister missionaries serving, which is an enormous blessing. Sisters are powerful missionaries. Elders are great too, but there's just something about sister missionaries in this work. Both the extension of ages is going to greatly advance the work of the Lord. I'm excited for my own little brothers and many others who will be able to serve at younger ages! I feel honored to be serving my mission at such a historic time. In addition to the announcements, conference was exactly what I needed to hear. I had many prayers answered through the words of the prophets and apostles, as I always do. There was a lot of fantastic counsel on raising children (hey, I'm going to be a father someday, I need to know these things!) as well as on serving others.

We got to go to the temple yesterday, which was really nice. It's been about 5 months since I last did an endowment session, so I was very grateful for the opportunity. I'm also grateful for this opportunity to be serving the Lord as one of His chosen missionaries. I'm healthy, I'm happy, and I'm doing well. May God bless you all as much as He's blessing me!

Love,
Elder DeLong

My First Transfer

Me with the Sens and their grandchildren

 

It's official, everyone - I'm leaving my first area. It's my first transfer ever! I'm going to Lowell, and Elder Ang will be my companion. I served with him for 2 weeks in a trio with Elder Wayne when I first got here. I'll be honest, I was a little shaken when I found out I was going to be leaving. I knew it would have to happen sometime, but I didn't know it would be this difficult.

Elder Langford and I are on our last day as companions here in Revere 2. I hope I've been able to help, lift, support, teach, and love him as much as he's been able to do for me. I'll miss him a lot, but I'm not worried about it - we'll see each other again, both on the mission and after. He's been an answer to my prayers, and a major influence in my life. I doubt that he'll ever understand the full impact he's had on me. I'm so grateful to have him as a friend and to have served with him in the Lord's work.

Well, the past few days have been rough. I've been here for close to 8 months, and I've really fallen in love with this ward and these people. It's been really difficult to say goodbye, not knowing when I'll see them again. The good part about it, though, is that I've been able to see how I've helped these people. It's crazy to see the effect you have on peoples' lives as a missionary, and your love for them is extraordinary. You really do learn to see them as our Heavenly Father sees them; it's such an incredible feeling. I feel so privileged to have been part of the lives and conversions of these people, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.

That being said, it's time for me to move on to a new area, a new ward, and a new companion. I can't say that I'm not nervous, because I definitely am, but I know this will be a good experience for me. Hopefully I'll be able to quickly pick up on the lessons that the Lord has for me to learn there in Lowell.

We (Elder Langford and myself) received notice last week that one of our investigators who moved to North Carolina (in the middle of us teaching him) has just been baptized! We were thrilled to hear from him, and to know that we had been the beginning of his experience in the Church. What a blessing it is to be part of this work!!!

The Primary chorister in the Revere 2nd ward invited us to come in and sing "We'll Bring the World His Truth" for the kids - I'd say we did a good job! It was fun, and Elder Langford held his own as I sang a harmony on the last verse. It was also a really great experience as we sang those words to think about who we are as missionaries of this Church; ultimately, of our Savior. It makes me want to be the best I can be and give my all as I serve Him.

With love,
Elder Justin DeLong

Of music, transfers, and speaking Spanish

Missionary humor

Firstly, I wanted to mention that Pres. Packard has officially changed the mission's regulations on music! We're now allowed to listen to anything that goes with the rules in the missionary handbook: no romantic lyrics, no driving beat...anything that brings the Spirit, uplifts, and encourages us in the work, according to our judgement, is now approved! I'm excited to be able to listen to a LOT of the music I haven't been able to listen to. Before this, it had to be a hymn, classical/instrumental music, or from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. There's still a ton of great music under that umbrella, but I had some very inspiring and uplifting music that I wasn't able to listen to before (EFY songs, stuff by Rob Gardner, etc).

Transfers are next week...we'll find out this Saturday what will happen. I'm fairly certain I'll be transferred this time around - it makes me sad and excited at the same time.

On a side note, we had lunch at Five Guys one day this week. It was my first time there, and it was pretty good! I don't know if there are any in Arizona, but I know there's some in Colorado (according to Elder Langford) and I would assume there's probably some down the East Coast and maybe California.

This week we did exchanges with the Spanish-speaking Elders that share our apartment with us - I went to their area and one of them went to ours. It's been really interesting...growing up in Arizona I gained a simple and basic understanding of Spanish, as well as a limited vocabulary. Since I've been here in the field, I've learned a LOT more from other missionaries. I actually get compliments from Spanish members on my accent and speaking ability...apparently I'm really picking up on it! I'm just lacking the extensive vocabulary I need to converse and understand people as well as teach the gospel. We'll see what happens with my efforts here, but for now, it's something cool I'm learning on the side.

Also this week, we had a legit zone conference with Elder O. Vincent Haleck of the 70 (he gave a talk this last general conference). It was an awesome experience. The work in our area continues to explode and race forward, almost faster than we can handle it! We've been meeting with the auxiliary presidents in our ward, and the work we've been able to do for them has been really successful and fulfilling. We're really gaining their trust and working hard! No super cool stories this week, aside from the fact that our only progressing investigators, Ginnette and Roberto, are doing VERY well. =]

Being a missionary is absolutely incredible. If there are any young men or women reading this who are considering serving a mission, follow the counsel of the prophet and the whisperings of the Spirit. You'll never regret the decision to serve.

Alma 5:49

Love,
Elder DeLong

On the up and up!

Sergio's baptism in Lynn, MA

Happy birthday to a couple of my good friends from back home, Alison and Will - I would have sent you guys something but I don't have either of your current addresses. =/

Good news for Dale, the inactive man we've brought back into activity - he's coming to church every single week, he quit smoking after 40 years (with the help of the Stop Smoking Workshop we taught), AND he has a home teaching assignment now. We're really excited for him!

My companionship with Elder Langford is better than ever. We're really getting along well, and I'm so glad to have a friend in him. He's driving the car now, which We've had a lot of progress in the work recently, too. Ginnette and her son Roberto are doing SO well and have a lot of faith, which is inspiring to see. We also had dinner with a part-member family last night - both the mother (LDS) and the father (Evangelical) are firmly rooted in their faiths, and they're raising their kids in both faiths. None of the 5 kids are baptized. The father is very supportive of the Church and of us missionaries. It was really interesting to see how they've worked together in their marriage and as they raise their kids with both of them very active and very strong in their respective religions. There was an atmosphere of total respect and trust in that home, unlike any other part-member family I've ever seen. I wonder what's going to happen there.

Yesterday, we were able to attend the baptism of a 9-year-old boy named Sergio who we started teaching a couple months ago - we had to hand him off to the Spanish Elders though. His mother speaks mostly Spanish, and his dad (who's actually an inactive member) was hardly ever around when we were there. We knew that in order for Sergio to progress, he would need to have his family on board as well, and in order to get the family on board, we'd need to be able to communicate in Spanish. Plus, he lives in Lynn, and the Lynn Spanish Branch is closer to their home than the Revere Ward is. It was an all-around better fit...then lo and behold, they taught him and he was baptized yesterday! It was so great to be there, and to know that we helped to plant that seed in him. His parents were really happy to have us there as well. =]

I got to have an interview with Pres. Packard this week as well. I feel so good about everything right now! I've been having a hard time with some things recently, but his advice, encouragement, support, and prayers have really lifted me up. It was definitely a mission-defining experience for me. Pres. Packard is an incredible man, and I'm so grateful to have him as my mission president! I feel closer to our Savior than ever before, and I feel His hand working within me to change my life. I love being here, and I love what I'm doing! It's truly amazing to be a part of this great work.

Love,
Elder DeLong

Well, it's official.....

Boston temple trip Sept. 2012

Boston temple trip Sept. 2012

The Cambodian program of the Massachusetts Boston Mission has officially been closed. Actually, I'm not sure what it takes to "officially" close a language program...but we found out that the Church will no longer be sending Cambodian-speaking missionaries to this mission. Elder Cannon, the newest Cambodian Elder, was transferred to Cambodia and left a couple weeks ago. This means that Elder Langford will be the very last Cambodian Elder to ever serve here, making me the second-to-last, and his trainer. It's pretty crazy to think about. They'll keep us here in this mission, but no more will be called here. It's going to be interesting...by the end of this year, there will only be 3 of us left (add in my trainer, Elder Wayne). I'm not exactly sure what's going to happen to us...only time will tell.

The weather here has been cooling down, and it's absolutely beautiful! This is the kind of weather that I love the best - high 60s, low 70s. Summer's over, and it seemed to go by really REALLY fast! I'm getting scared for this winter...this last winter was very mild, and according to natives, this winter should be pretty intense. I'm trying not to think about it!

Ginnette and her son Roberto are our two newest progressing investigators! They're solid, and we're really excited to be working with them. Roberto is 12 and he really loves coming to church and going to Young Men's activities. He AND his mom accepted a baptismal invitation this week! Also, another one of our current investigators, Rob (not to be confused with Roberto) came to serve with us at the soup kitchen in Lynn this week! It's really cool to see how getting people to serve WITH us rather than just serving them helps them to learn more. As people serve alongside us, they are able to feel the Spirit testifying to them of their kind actions and good deeds in a unique way that they wouldn't be able to feel from anything else.

We've been doing a LOT of "detective work" for our Bishop these last 2 or 3 weeks, and it's going really well. We met with him this week and he was very impressed with our efforts. We've also been meeting with the presidents of the priesthood quorums and auxiliaries to see how we can help each of them in their missionary work and in their callings. The results from our push with the members of the ward here to do more missionary work and to have us over to teach these "Member Missionary Lessons" has been pretty incredible! I really love this ward, and Elder Langford and I are having a blast helping these members as they strive to share the gospel with others.

On Saturday, our ward had a temple trip for the youth and recent converts to do baptisms for the dead, and our zone leaders gave us permission to go. It was amazing! We had 7 recent converts there, 3 of which haven't even been members for a month yet! They all loved it, as did we. Elder Langford and I got to help out by doing confirmations. I really, really love the temple. Even though we didn't get to do an endowment session, we still felt the indescribable Spirit that is always present in the House of the Lord.

This last Friday, I hit my 9-month mark. I can't believe I've been a missionary for that long already! What's even more crazy is that if I was a sister missionary, I'd be halfway done now. Time is going by so quickly, much faster than I'd like. I hope to learn everything I'm supposed to learn and become who I need to be in the time I'm here. I love our Savior and I am so thankful to Him for the changes that He is making in me.

Godspeed, everyone!

Elder DeLong

Yes, this email is coming on a Tuesday...

The libraries were closed yesterday, and we aren't allowed to use members' computers...so we were given permission to write emails today. It'll be short, since I don't have much time, but I'm grateful that I get to have email time nonetheless!!! =D

Speaking of Labor Day, though, we had an AWESOME ward BBQ yesterday! We helped out a lot, and had a really great time! Elder Langford actually grilled all the burgers for everyone! He was right at home in front of that thing. He later got to toss a football around with a few guys, so he's a happy camper. =]

Since getting a gym membership with my apartment of missionaries a couple weeks ago, I feel like I've actually been getting good workouts in each morning! Along with that, my muscles have been really sore...but all is well! Hopefully I'll be able to make my fitness goals!

I saw a great quote on a billboard this week - "Sooner or later, we all quote our mother." It really made me smile. I thought of my own mother, and then I thought of the army of Helaman - "they did not doubt their mothers knew it." =]

Things are cooling down out here on the east coast...not chilly yet, but the heat is definitely less. The mornings and evenings are really nice now!

This last month, we had zone conference, visited Frank (a recent convert) in Bedford (a 45-minute drive), AND went to Lowell for the Water Festival...but somehow, we managed to stay under our allotted mileage for the month! Not sure how we did that...but I'd say that's an accomplishment. =D

I've been learning so much out here as I serve. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I wouldn't trade this for ANYTHING. I'm so thankful for this chance I have to learn and grow, to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord, and then to allow myself to be changed by those same hands. It's incredible to see the lives of others change, but it's just as incredible to feel the same changes taking place within yourself. There's a lot that I'm trying to work on, but with the Lord by my side, I know I'll succeed. I'm doing my best to be the righteous Melchizedek Priesthood holder, husband, father, and man that He needs me to be.

That probably wasn't all that interesting...more of a random compilation of thoughts and occurrences. Just know that all is well, and I love being a missionary!

Godspeed!

Elder Justin DeLong

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has 3 new members! =D

Cool shirt I got from the Water Festival

Our district before transfers last week- I am standing right next to Elder Langford who is still my companion

Elder Hanberg is gone, serving in Nashua now. Elder Castellano is training now, and his new companion's name is Elder Croft. He's from Vancouver, WA - he's a really nice guy, and guess what? He has a sister with cerebral palsy, like my own sister. It's been cool to talk to him and share experiences. His sister's condition is different (and arguably better) than Keira's, but it's still CP nonetheless. It's really awesome to have someone who has been through a lot of the same things I have in that regard. Elder Croft also happens to be the oldest in his family, like me.

We had dinner with a woman named Dolly (nicknamed Lala) this week, who is not a member but loves the Church and really loves missionaries. She's a sweet elderly woman, and being in her home reminded me of my own grandmothers. She fed us very well, and we got to talk to her for a while. She considers herself a "dry Mormon" - a member in word, thought, and deed, just hasn't been baptized. She claims that she will join the Church when she decides to of her own accord, and that we won't convince her otherwise. She had missionaries living in the apartment that is the floor above her in her home for over 18 years, and 3 or 4 years ago the mission office changed the apartment, and last year changed it to the apartment where we are now. Lala is really a wonderful person, and I truly think she'll join the Church someday...if not in this life, then definitely in the next.

We had a couple from the Avalon Ward in the Citrus Heights stake visiting in our ward...that's my home stake!!! It was cool to meet them, even though I didn't recognize them at all. Also at church yesterday, Hans gave a GREAT talk, and last but certainly not least, Atong, Arnold, and Esther were confirmed members of the Church and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I'm so happy and excited for them! They also had interviews for temple recommends to go and do baptisms - our ward is having a temple trip in a couple Saturdays, so they'll be able to go to that! The best part? Our zone leaders have given us permission to go to the temple with them (along with all of our other recent converts)!!! I'm beyond thrilled. =]

I know it's short today, but it's only been a few days since I last wrote, since P-day was on Wednesday last week. No need to worry about me - I love this work, I love this area, I love this ward, I love these people, I love what I'm doing, I love who I'm becoming, and I love my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and my Father in Heaven, who leads and guides me each and every day.

Godspeed! =D

Elder Justin DeLong

Drumroll please....

All the Cambodian missionaries in the mission at Water Festival

Baptisms on August 19, 2012

me, Arnold, Esther, Elder Langford, Atong, and Bro. Mangelson

Well, I assume everyone wants to know about transfers first, so I'll hit on that topic right off the bat. Our district leader (him and his companion share our apartment), Elder Castellano, played a trick on me - he pretended like he was talking to the APs on the phone about me and my language-learning capabilities. When I walked in the room, he asked me how my Cambodian is doing, and then asked if I felt confident learning new languages. He then left the room and I later overheard him "talking on the phone" about Haitian-Creole. He totally had me fooled though, and for a whole week I was worried and stressed about leaving Revere and having to learn a new language. I was excited for the idea, and I had even told some people about it in preparation to leave. Elder Castellano waited until right before transfer texts came to tell me that he had been pulling my leg the whole time. He had me going for the whole week, thinking that I was getting transferred into the Creole program! Anyway, I'll be honest, I really was prepared and ready to get transferred this time. I had written down the addresses and phone numbers of all the members I wanted to keep in contact with, told people, had some people sign in my journal (sort of like a yearbook for missionaries!)...and then the transfer texts came - I'm staying here in Revere 2nd for another transfer, with Elder Langford! I was ready and willing to go wherever the Lord sent me, and He decided to keep me here for a little while longer. We've got some awesome investigators that we've started teaching, and Elder Langford and I have set some goals for what we're going to get done this transfer. I'm pretty stoked. =D

Elder Hanberg is getting transferred to one of the wards in Nashua, and Elder Castellano is staying here and will be training a new missionary!

Zone conference was this last week, which was pretty great! Pres. Packard has been helping us a ton as we strive to work more with the members and find the best way to do so. He gave some really awesome trainings on that, and he also talked about the Book of Mormon for a while - where it comes from, how all the different peoples and populations relate to each other in location and time, and how all the different plates fit together. It was really cool!

The Water Festival this last weekend was a great success - we had many contacts and referrals that came from it, and it was really great to be immersed in the Cambodian culture for a whole day! We had a really great time, and I feel privileged to be called as a representative of Christ and of the Church to these people. It was so fun - our booth had a huge sign with the name of the Church in Cambodian, and also two GIANT wooden books: the Bible and the Book of Mormon. It was pretty legit! I sent my mom some pictures, so hopefully one of those will make it up on the blog!

On Sunday, Esther, Arnold, and Atong were baptized! It was a wonderful service, and it was so special to see them making this sacred covenant with our Heavenly Father. They asked me to sing for it, and I did so. It went well, and I'm honored to have been asked to sing! I also personally baptized Arnold; Elder Langford baptized Esther, and one of my favorite members here, Bro. Mangelson, baptized Atong. I'm so happy and excited for them! Esther described it as like she had a heavy weight lifted from her back - she feels so light and free, and loves being a new person, with a new slate. When we talked to Arnold yesterday over the phone, he said that they are doing very well. I forget his exact quote, but it was something to the effect of "wonderfully amazing" or "amazingly wonderful" - that's so great to hear. We saw Atong yesterday, and she said she feels the same way as Esther does. It's life-changing for me to be able to be a part of these individuals' lives as they change! There's still more to teach them and a long way for them to go, and we get to be here for the beginning of that as well. =]

Much love and Godspeed!

Elder Justin DeLong

Water, water, everywhere

This upcoming weekend is the yearly Cambodian event known as the Water Festival! It's a huge cultural gathering of Cambodians from across the nation that takes place each August in Lowell, MA. Needless to say, all the Cambodian-speaking missionaries in the mission go and help out! I'm pretty stoked. We'll be heading up Friday afternoon/evening and spending all day Saturday at the Festival. We're going to help set up, take down, and do everything in between. Plus, we have our own booth to help spread the gospel! It's going to be awesome!

Also dealing with water - we have not one, not two, but THREE baptisms this Sunday!!! Esther, Arnold, and Atong are all getting baptized. We showed them the baptismal font yesterday after church, and they were getting all excited. I'm beyond thrilled. It's truly amazing to see people's lives change as they come unto Christ. I've said it many times and I'll say it again - being a missionary is the BEST!

We had a total of 29 lessons this week - 16 to investigators, 13 to members. That's the most I've ever had in one week on my mission! This week will be pretty high as well. We're just so busy...I count myself extremely blessed to be here. Serving here is such an honor. Not only that, but the ward is fantastic - I will forever love the Revere 2nd ward. I'm scared, because we'll find out about transfers this Saturday. I've been serving here for 6 months, and I really don't want to leave!!! I know the Lord has a plan, though, and I'll go where He wants me to go with a willing heart. We got a new Cambodian-speaking elder this last week, which none of us expected, but he's going to be trained in Lowell...that shook a few things up, so maybe I'll be staying here for another transfer. I certainly hope so!

We've been doing some detective work for our Bishop during our few moments of free time between appointments. It's fun to track down inactive members or members that have recently moved into the ward and haven't shown up to church after several months. I feel like a special agent of some sort - we stop at nothing to find out if these people are still living there!

We've taken on another weekly service project - we now serve at a soup kitchen in Lynn for the homeless. It was a great experience the first time we went this last week.

There's this guy named Rob who showed up at church yesterday - we've taught him once, and it was a totally random, unexpected lesson. We were waiting for Sergio, another investigator, and his mom to get home (he's 9 years old, and they were late for a lesson), and this 19- or 20-year-old guy named Rob walks by. We stopped him and talked to him a bit, and invited him to the lesson. He agreed! We watched The Restoration movie with him and Sergio, but the funny thing is, Sergio fell asleep and didn't remember much afterwards, but Rob loved it. I firmly believe that lesson was for Rob, not Sergio! Talk about being in the right place at the right time. We invited Rob to church, and he came! We also taught a couple of new investigators named Theresa and Howard - they're married, and they're about as ready for the gospel as anyone I've seen! They're excited, and they want to learn more and come closer to God. Good thing that that's our job!!!

Elder Castellano and Elder Hanberg have an investigator who's currently in jail. Elder Castellano was uncomfortable going to visit him, so we did an exchange and I went with Elder Hanberg to see the guy. It was an experience I'll never forget. I am so thankful for the gospel and for my Savior - He keeps me out of trouble and out of places like that! It was more sad and depressing than anything else, though. There was this one little girl, probably about 4 or 5 years old, who was visiting her father with her mom. She put her hand on the plexiglass window as she talked to him through the phone, and her father put his hand where hers was on the opposite side. I teared up as I realized that that's all she knows of her father. That's not how it should be, and that's not what I want to have happen in my family. Not that I was about to go and do something to put myself in prison, but all the same, it was a powerful moment.

We had an amazing lesson/conversation with Ed last night - it was a very special and emotional experience for me. Only the changes that Christ has been making in me can explain the amount of love I feel for this man and his family. Once you see someone the way our Heavenly Father sees them, you'll do anything to help them realize and achieve their eternal potential. It's truly an honor to be a servant of our Lord in this great work - Ammon in Alma 26 does a great job of describing how I feel right about now.

Godspeed!

Elder Justin DeLong