Rosita, Coahuila week 5

Well this week just flew by. It was a bit of a difficult one for me, but a great one as well. More and more Im realizing things about other people, who their true character is, and it helps me to know that certain decisions IVe made in the past are correct, and has I made them another way, I would have been in a world of problems.
Sunday was great. One of our recent converts who moved out of her house was there. Her family didnt know where shed gone to, nor did they really care, but she came and told us her whole story. Man it was so great to see her there, and she came all by herself. She is still staying faithful, even though there are certain things she still has to clear up, but she will make it all right.
We had one investigator at church that is really surprising us. She understands everything. The Mexican Culture as a whole doesnt put a whole lot of importance or stress on education. Therefore, they are not as intellectually in tune as some others would be. But this lady jsut captures everything perfectly and understands and makes the connections. We will be working with her all week to prepare her this Sunday for baptism.
My letters are kind of boring, but I cant really remember all the things htat happened haha.

Thank you to my mom, dad, and sister fro writing me. They say that near the end of the mission people just stop writing. And its 100% true except for these three people. I thank you for all the support you've given me and how much you r weekly letters, no matter the size, have helped me spiritually.

Much Love
JAmes

Rosita, Coahuila week 4

This week went by really fast. I spent Tuesday and Wednesday in an area called Barroteràn on divisions. The whole zone had divisions, or one companion from each of the six areas went to a different area. IT was a really fun experience. Its a really tiny coal mining town, so everything is covered in black soot. I thought a lot of the guys were "weird" because they all had black eye liner on, but then I realized it was because they are down in the mines and the soot gets stuck to their eye lids haha. But I worked with a great missionary, and we worked really hard. It is said to be the "toughest" area in the whole mission, because thats where the old mission president sent all the bad missionaries for like a punishment, so all the people there think know how the Mormon missionaries work, but they've only known the less motivated ones. Now, the new mission president is trying to get things started back up there. Its a great area honestly, but the thing that would stop them from having success is support from the branch. There are 10 active members, and only 2 or 3 have the priesthood, so there's no real support there. But were are trying to help them out as much as we can.
Friday and Saturday were spent going around to 2 areas to do baptismal interviews. Each area is about an hour away from here, so when we got to these areas, the missionaries hadn't verified well with the people and they weren't there for their interviews, so we had to go back Saturday. Saturday we went and had to stay there for a few hours with the missionaries in one area because one of the companions was way sick, so we went around visiting people that were committed to go to church, then got back to our area at about 5 Saturday night. So there went that week haha.
Id like to comment on something. All the Mexicans here think that Arizona is a Mexican-hating-beating-killing area because of some law that was passed. Now, I dont know about that law, but theres no way its what they say it is haha. They think people from Arizona are like hunting Mexicans for the fun of it and throwing them out of the states. Im guessing they passed a law enforcing the immigration laws more strictly and taking out all the illegals because there were too many creating some kind of economical problem. Thats just my guess. I dont think our President would just say, "Alright, all them Mexicans outta Arizona!"
Here's my address (again) so all you people who just love me so much can show your dedication for me by writing me a letter:

Calle Chiapas 2202
Colonia Roma Sur
64700
Nuevo Leon, Mèxico

Besos!

Much Love
JAmes


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: James Ted Hawken
Date: Mon, Aug 16, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Subject: blog 8/16
To: 1thawken1@gmail.com, dthawken@gmail.com, jacobhawken@gmail.com, logangogarty@hotmail.com, matthewhawken@gmail.com, sallyshifflet@gmail.com


Elder Hawken
Rosita, Coahuila
week 4

This week went by really fast. I spent tuesday and wednesday in an area called Barroteràn on divisions. the whole zone had divisions, or one companion from each of the six areas went to a different area. IT was a really fun experience. Its a really tiny coal mining town, so everything is covered in black soot. I thought a lot of the guys were gay because they all had black eye liner on, but then I realized it was becasue they are down in the mines and the soot gets stuck to their eye lids haha. But I worked with a great missionary, and we worked really hard. It is said to be the "worst" area in the whole mission, because thats where the old mission president sent all the bad missionaries for like a punishment, so al the people there think know how the mormon missionaries work, but theyve only known the stupid ones. Now, the new mission president is trying to get things started back up there. ITs agreat area honestly, but the thing that would stop them from having success is support from the branch. There are 10 active members, and only 2 or 3 have the priesthood, so theres no real support there. But were are trying to help them out as much as we can.
Friday and Saturday were spent going around to 2 areas to do baptismal interviews. Each area is about an hour away from here, so when we got to these areas, the missonaries hadnt verified well with the people and they werent there for their interviews, so we had to go back Saturday. Saturday we went and has to stay there for a few hours with the missionaries in one area becsue one of the companions was way sick, so we went around visiting people that were committed to go to church, then got back to our area at about 5 saturday night. So there went that week haha.
Id like to comment on somthing. All the MExicans here think that Arizona is a Mexican-hating-beating-killing area because of some law that was passed. Now, I dont know about that law, but theres no way its what they say it is haha. They think people from Arizona are like hunting Mexicans for the fun of it and throwing them out of the states. Im guessing they passed a law enforcing the immigration laws more strictly and taking out all the illegals because there wer too many perhaps taking over other jobs or creating some kind of economical problem. Thats jsut my guess. I dont think Barac would jsut say, "alright, all them Mexicans outta Arizona!"
Heres my address again so all you people who just love me so much can show your dedication for me by writing me a letter:

Calle Chiapas 2202
Colonia Roma Sur
64700
Nuevo Leon, Mèxico

Besos!

Much Love
JAmes

Nueva Rosita, Coah. week 3

Crazy week! Last Monday I checked all my BYUI stuff and realized I didn't get assigned to the semesters I thought Id get on. All the planning Id done to make it all work out went down the drain haha. I had to really think if this was the right choice for me to make at this point in my life. Upon pondering and praying, I decided that it would be best for me to just get home and take a few classes at PCC or CSUP for a little bit, to help me get adjusted to normal life. I feel really good about this decision because there are many things Id like to do in Pueblo before going on to other things and going to BYUI wouldn't have allowed me to do those things. This means Ill be coming home the 5 of January. Whenever anyone asked me when I served my mission I can say, "from 08 to 11. That's how dedicated I am" haha!
We had interviews this week and they were awesome. President Romney is seriously like my father here in the mission. No one will ever replace my father father, but if there was anyone else that I had to be under that wasn't one of my fathers from the Mesa Ward, it would be Pres. Romney. he just makes us all feel so comfortable and like he really knows us and cares bout our situations. WE had a great talk and he helped me clear some questions I had.
We've been working with a girl for a couple weeks now who hasn't been able to get baptized because her mom wouldn't let her, and so Saturday night we called her to see if she was at least going to be able to go to church. She responded by saying, "Well tomorrow I'm getting baptized!" we were like, what? haha but she had a good talk with her mom and she finally supported her decision so we had a wonderful baptism yesterday. We were so happy for the patience the Lord gave us to keep working with her, and we can see the blessings.
Elder Andersen has been wanting to shave his arms for a good while now, but hasn't because of nerves. So Tuesday morning he grabs me and has me take pictures of him shaving his arms. I got bored of just taking pictures, and basically of not doing anything crazy and random, so I grabbed my razor and off I went. Its a strange feeling I'm not going to lie haha but at least I can say Ive done it. I just don't know how long it will take or how trashy it will look in the process for it to grow back out haha.

Have a great week everyone!!!

Much Love
JAmes

Rosita, Coahuila week 2

Man this week was loco. We were in a Zone leader meeting from Tuesday morning to Thursday afternoon. There were almost no activities, so we were basically seated all day for 3 days straight. That was really difficult for me haha when my body feels like Im relaxing it starts to doze off, so I spent the better part of these 3 days standing up haha. But it was a great time! At nights we stayed in the house of some other missionaries and played lobos y aldeanos, or like cops and robbers. Pretty much the funnest game ever made!!!
We had 2 people that were going to get baptized this week, but didnt go ti church Sunday. The weekends they stay at the house of their parents about a hour away, but for their baptism they were going to come in. Well, Sunday morning their mom started telling them a bunch of stuff lie theyre not ready and they were already baptized int he Catholic church, all the normal stuff. But the parents had said before that there was no problem, so we were a little confused. Anyway, were going to talk more with them this week so theyll be ready on Sunday.
Heres a cool story- so we are teaching an investigator, and of course we invited her to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. She told us about an experience she had where she was laying down and she asked God that if this was the right decision that He would raise her arms towards Him. He did, So that was her answer. Anyway,we go back to her house a few days later to see if she was still stoked for her baptism, and she said she wasnt sure, and she just looked really sad. She tells us that in the time we didnt see her she hadnt read nor prayed. We explain that she needs to do both to get spiritual strength and all that and she just leans forward and starts to cry. At the moment I remember that in Preach My Gospel it says to not be afraid of silence, so we gave her a minute. Suddenly her arms start dropping slowly and the Book of Mormon slips from her grip. She slowly sits up, while drooling, with a blank look on her face. Suddenly her arms start raising up and she starts crying again. She came out of her trance like thing 8 minutes later and says she asked God again if this was the right decision and he raised her arms up again. Sweet. Afterward me and Andersen are talking and realize the Spirit wasnt really felt too strong in that moment haha. WE still dont really think it was an "Answer from God" but that if she keeps reading and praying, shell get a good one haha. During those 8 minutes I was just like, " This is going to be a great journal entry".
All is awesome here in Mexico. I have like 140 some odd days til I come home. In a store theres a giant banner that says how many days till Christmas, and me and Andy saw it and were taken by suprise haha.

Heres my mailing address SO YOU CAN ALL WRITE ME:

Calle Chiapas 2202
Colonia Roma Sur
Nuevo Leon, Mèxico
64700

Have a great week!!!
Much Love
JAmes

Rosita, Coahuila week 1

WEll we had transfers and Elder Leyva left. But I got basically the greatest blessing I could have received... my comp is Elder Andersen!!!!!!!!! My comp from the MTC! Monday night when they told us I just ran around the house screaming haha Its something I Ve wanted since I began my mission. The Lord has given me this great opportunity to grow, so I have to take advantage!
This week was great. We spent a good part of the whole week in the house making a map of the area and putting colored pins to indicate where the members live. their are 428 members so it took a good deal of time haha. But this way we see where an appointment is and we write down the 6 or 7 names closest so we can visit the inactives and ask for references and contact their neighbors. It was a sacrifice this week of literal proselyting time, but it will pay off greatly in the long run.
We had a wonderful baptism this week. Her name is liliana and she was simply prepared to receive the Gospel. I was kind of nervous though because she is a bit of a big lady and she chose me to baptize her haha. But at first she said she wanted us both to do it because shed feel bad just choosing one, so we decided to do it, the both of us. The ordinance was absolutely beautiful. Even being her size, she went in the water and came out wit no problems or difficulties whatsoever. Its like on the church movies where they re members who are actors so they've done it a million times so they know exactly how its going to happen. People usually panic a little when they feel their whole body go under and kick a little or something, but this one was absolutely beautiful.
Being with Elder Andersen had been a very humbling experience. Ive always wanted to work with him again because I knew there was so much I could learn from him, and now 19 months later theres even more to learn. Is just like working with a friend. Theres no tension or fights or anything, just equality. Its a great blessing for me.
Well, I know I said I was wanting to wait till fall to start school but I think its better if I just go ahead and start. But its still something Im thinking abut. but the most sure plan is that Ill start in January. But Ill do some more praying to see what the Lord thinks I should do.
I love you all and Ill try next week to put up my mail address so you can all write me letters. Im sure thats the only reason you haven't written me right? :)

Much Love
JAmes

Rosita, Coah. week 6

This week was great. We worked hard this week and the Lord blessed us. We havent had any baptisms this transfer, even though we've been working really hard, and we were beginning to get a little down, but we kept working and we had 2 people at church whoa re going to get baptized this Sunday. One is Liliana, a lady we just contacted who wants to change her life. The other is a11 year old son of an inactive lady. He really likes video games haha so we tole him getting baptized is like going up a level in a game and that the Holy Ghost is like a hardcore map that guides us in life haha. He also really liked the church and is ready to get baptized.
So the other day we scheduled divisions to do baptismal interviews I had to go to a place called Muzquiz which normally is about an hour away, but with the crazy rain and flooding, the bridges got taken out and we had to go a crazy route. I took one bus about 20 minutes to where trains cross the river. It was the only bridge that didnt get wiped out. We had to walk across this bridge to get to a bus on the other side. While I was crossing, I could see how high the water had risen. It almost reached to top of the bridge I was on about a week earlier. All the trees were bent to wads the flow of the current because it had been so strong. Al the houses on the banks were wiped out. I looked down at one of the posts and about 3 feet down there was a whole tree bet around the support beam, thats how strong and high it went. Then from the other side,IT was about 45 minutes to a place called Barroteran, and from there another hour to Muzquiz. From one hour to two and a half, and from 23 pesos to 50. It was a crazy journey haha.But they just popped up another bridge so its all back to normal.
I ran over a dog this week. This stupid little chihuahua thing started chasing my comp on his bike. When this happens i get ready to do a kamikaze from behind maneuver to catch the dog off guard, yell at it,and scare the crud out of it. Well, I positioned myself,but the dumb dog didnt see me, and ran under my tires haha. I didnt hurt it, just surprised it pretty good. I didnt feel bad because one, It was chasing my companion, and two, I hate chihuahuas haha.
Well thats all for this week. Tonight we have transfers but its almost 100 percent that Were both staying. But we'll see.

Much Love
JAmes

week 5 Rosita, Coahuila

This week was great. Another rainy one. It didnt rain like the last week, but we still got a good amount. We didnt have any ponchos so a member cut up a couple of trash bags and we threw those on haha it was great. We got completely wet, except our torsos haha.
The work here has been going all right, a lot different than in other areas. We havent had any baptisms yet, and my comp and I are figuring out new ways to better filter out the good from the bad. We had a few committed to go, but at the mera hora (at the exact hour) they simply dont come. They appear like they're going to progress really well, then simply dont come. So thats what were going to be working on this last week.
I had a pretty bad day of allergies on Saturday. My nose was running and I had a headache, the normal stuff. So, a member decides to take me to get a shot that supposedly would help me with allergies. So we go to the Pharmacist, and she takes my comp and I to the back. I sit down in a recliner and pull my shirtsleeve up. She says no, that I have to go to the table further back. Odd, I thought, but whatever. So I ask her if I need to sit down, she says no, I can do it standing up. THen she tells me to untuck my shirt.Then it hits me. This shot aint going to the arm. She grabs my pants haha and pulls them down a TEENY bit and throws that sucker into my right cheek. Never, in my life, has a shot hurt more than this. HAha but the pain went away after about 5 minutes. I can now officialy say that the first woman other than mom to see part of my tooshie was a 60 year old Mexican lady in a sketchy pharmacy while on my mission.
Well, 18 months without getting sick, then it hits me. Saturday night (the same night as the shot haha) we ate some lonches de barbacoa which are like sandwichy things with roast beef in them. Well, these bad boys did me damage. Sunday I had a bad stomachache and was tired all day. That same member took me to the doctor, and apparently I have a stomach infection haha. I got some medicine that should make me feel better here soon.
Sunday after church we went to a nearby town that the had been hit by the hurricane. The river runs through the city and flooded almost 100 percent of the city. We went and it was really sad seeing everything. Houses were totally ruined by the water. Al their belongings were destroyed, and the whole place smelled like an old basement. We went and helped a little bit there with the other missionaries in that area.
The Canicula, or the 40 hottest days in Northern Mexico, are about to start. IT starts the 15th I think and goes to the 31 of August. Its ridiculous how hot the sun can get!!!!! But well make it through haha.
Thats all from Mexico.

Much Love
JAmes

p.s. To logan- dont let your head get too big that Spain won the world cup. :) ¡FUE COMPRADO! haha!