Pitch Raise

Today was nice.  I got to do a half step pitch raise and tune the piano of our host.  It is better to give than receive, and we have been receiving more than giving for some time now.  Here is the video I made for them based on the "music of their home".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zARc8Hjtww

It was good to see Gerry Young and her father Brother Wright.  We knew them back in San Mateo Stake, were neighbors in Provo, and have kept in touch ever since.

Priorities

We alternately acquire more, then rearrange the suitcases to make it fit the weight limit. As a result, there will be a shipment of stuff back home to be put in storage. The storage shed is packed from the back to the front, from the top to the bottom as tight as can be. Be careful when you open the door that it does not all come crashing down on you.

Tonight the Lord has been trying to get my attention with a series of vivid dreams about priorities. Apparently, I don't need stuff to carry out this mission, I need love. I need to pay attention to the needs of others and love them and serve them.

I don't remember the details of the dreams. Maybe that is the point.

"Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Chaymanta mana allikunata ama rantishpa kullkita tukuchichikchu; imapipish nullity japan kashpaka, ama ruraychikchu. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness. Alli alli uyawaychik; ñuka nishkakunata yuyarichik; Israelpak Achillpakman shamushpa mana tukurinatapish mana waklinatapish mikuichi; chayka tukuita charishpa tukui-kashkawan kushik'uichik. Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Riki, ñuka k'uyashka waukikuna, kikinkunapak Achill-Taytapak nishkakunata yuyarichik; punllapi payta mañanak'uichik; tutapi paypak chill shutiman kushik'uita rikuchichik. Let your hearts rejoice. Shunkuwan kushik'uichik" (2 Nephi 9:51, 52).

Shopping

We are trying to find shoes and a few other special clothing items we need for the temple.  Janeen has been working one hour each day on the phone with the MTC Spanish Tutor.

The Wrights are giving us lots of attention and help.  It has be 32 degrees and snowing like crazy all day.  We had pork burritos at Café Rio, the best, fresh, customer approved Mexican food in the nation, according to the sign.

I wish they had Mexican music.

Salt Lake City

It is cold and snowing all week. We have been well received by our missionary friends. We certainly enjoyed all the attention and meals and help given by our family and friends We have been chatting all night with the Wrights about how the spirit guides us and directs us to where we can be of service.

Set Apart

We are officially set apart as missionaries and sent off in grand fashion by family and friends.  Thank you everyone for your help and support and good will and prayers.  We have shed many tears of gratitude as we enjoy our final moments with you before leaving.

We have also shed many tears as we felt the spirit.  We had a very special time last night with President Rawson.  He blessed us so we can learn the languages and fulfill the assignments we may receive in Guayaquil. 

We also appreciate all the opportunities to share testimonies in church, at the lake, in homes, and with everyone.  Now we will share our testimonies with you on this blog.

First we go to Salt Lake City to get what we need, and do some visiting.  Then 2 weeks in Provo for training.  We go to Ecuador the middle of May.

Gracias por todo
Elder and Sister Howard

Plant Good Seeds and nourish them

"And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight" (John 19: 39).  "And there were some who died with fevers, which at some seasons of the year were very frequent in the land—but not so much so with fevers, because of the excellent qualities of the many plants and roots which God had prepared to remove the cause of diseases, to which men were subject by the nature of the climate" (Alma 46:40).

Originally from Africa, Aloe Vera is among the most widely used substances in the U.S. for the treatment of burns and bruises. Additionally, it is used in a plethora of cosmetics, and consumed as a healthful drink. 

Although Aloe Vera is a tropical plant, the root can survive freezing air temperatures, so long as the ground is not frozen and the root destroyed. The plant need not be destroyed for damage to occur. The leaves may be damaged and vital nutrients may be lost at air temperatures of forty degrees Fahrenheit. Such damage may be severe at thirty-five degrees. Conversely, the plant can grow at temperatures as great as 104 F. It will survive temperatures higher still, and can withstand even severe drought. Nonetheless, it will thrive in humid jungles, so long as the root itself does not stand in water and drown.

"Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves - It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me... Kunanka, chay shimiwan tarpuna muyuwan imashna kakta rikushunchikmi; riki, kinkinkuna shuk alli shinapacha muyuta kikinkunapak shunkupi tarpunchun sakishpa Apunchik-Taytapak Kausay-Samayta uyankapak na shina kankachu yayaykunata mana charishpa, muyuta mana shitakpika, kikinkunapak shunkupi wiñay kallarinka; chayka shina wiñak'ukta yachashpaka, kikinkunapak ukupika shina ni kallarinkichikmi: Kay muyuka allimi kana kashka; ñuka tukui-kashkata jatunyachi kallarishkamanta kay shimika allimi kashka; ari, ñuka yuyayta punchallayachi kallarin; ari, ñukapakka mishkimi. (Alma 32:28).

Baptism

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). 

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31, 32). 

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me... If ye love me keep my commandments" (John 14:6, 15).  "...if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments" (Matthew 19:17). 

"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter  into the  kingdom of God" John 3:5).  "ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God... Kankunata kutinpish ninimi, k'uchakunamanta nanarinami kankichik; ñuka shutipi bautizarishpa uchilla wawashna kana kankichik; na shinashpaka, mana Achill-Taytapak llaktata chaski ushankichikchu" 3 Nephi 11:38)

The Messenger

Since we are about to become missionaries in a foreign land, this warning of the Lord seems appropriate for us.

In Luke Chapter 20, the Lord tells a parable in which the Lord of the vineyard sends his son, expecting the servants there to receive him well.  They kill him, because they wanted to take over the place for themselves.  It does not go well for them in the end.  We should learn to recognize and receive the messengers that are sent to warn and teach us, but to reject them is a natural tendency.

Edgar Rice Burroughs uses this theme in a book called, "Tarzan the Terrible".  Tarzan is searching for Jane in the lost land of Pal-ul-don.  He succeeds by assuming the character of "Dor-ul-Otho", the son of the Great God "Jad-ben-Otho".  However, he has many battles, because the priest of the temple leads a conspiracy against him to kill him and the king and take control.  In the end, Tarzan and Jane are captured and about to be sacrificed, but are saved at the last second by their son, Korak.

We should be alert to opportunities to defend the missionaries and teachers of truth, and to help them whenever they are in need.  They do need saving from time to time, because people of today are no different from the people of Jesus's time, or Tarzan's time either.

The prophet warns us: "how long will ye choose darkness over light... ima punllakamanshi michata akllana rantika yana mankatarak akllashpa katinkichik?".

In the days of your poverty ye shall cry, llakinayachispa shina ninkichik: Ay ñuka k'uchakunamanta narashkayman karkani; amapish achill-willachikkunata waznnuchishkayman karkani; amapish rumikunawan pegashkayman karkani; amapish kanchaman kallpachishkayman karkani; ...O that I had repented and had not killed the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out" (Helaman 13:29, 32, 33).

Today's solution: read the scriptures.  "For I did liken all the scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning" (1 Nephi 19:23).

By the way, Tarzan's story ends happily.  In the last chapter he ends priestcraft among the people, terminates human sacrifice, and ends a long civil war, and installs a benevolent king, then leaves them better off than he found them.

The Book of Mormon

I have been quoting the Book of Mormon in every posting so far, because it was written to persuade the people of our time to believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and come unto Christ... "Runakuna kishpiri ushachun Abrahmpak Issacpak Jacobpak Achill-Taytapakman shamunata yuyachinkapak munani"1 Nephi 6:4).  I am including quotes in Ecuadorian Quichua (Kichwa Ecuatoriana or Runa Simi) to prepare myself for the mission I am called to.

I hope you can enjoy the family photos and reports about what we are doing, but I write to please God, not man... "Chaymanta mana kay allpapikunata kushichinkapak killkanichu; ashtawankarin Achill-Taytata kushichinkapak killkani" (1 Nephi 6:5).  The words of the Book of Mormon will be familiar to those in tune with the Spirit of God "Israelpak wasipuakunaman imashna katinata rikuchinkapak ñuka nishkakunaka allpa tukurikunakamanmi uyarinka" (2 Nephi 29:2).

The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ, and is evidence, that Christ is the Savior and God of all the earth, that that he is mindful of all nations... "Kinkraypi chaynipi uraypi wichaypi mama yakupi tiak allpakunapi kausakpipish tukui runakunat ñuka nishkata killkaychik nini; k'paman killkashkakunata rikushpami tukui  runakunata paykunapak rurashkakunamanta rikushpa chaskichisha" (2 Nephi 29:11).

An easy way to read the Book of Mormon is online at http://scriptures.lds.org/  You can also download it for free on iBooks.

I have a testimony that the Book of Mormon is a true record of God's dealings with the ancient people of the Americas, and that the doctrine of the creator therein will bring joy to us today if we follow Jesus as it says.  The Apostle's testimony of the veracity of the Book of Mormon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkKblIMfmjI

Believe in God

"Achill-Taytata shinapacha yuyaychik" (believe in God).

"Apunchik-Taytata tukui punllakuna mañashpa" (Call upon god).

"Kikinkunapak wawakuna yark'achichun lluchullayma purichun mana sakinkichikchu" (Do not suffer your children to go hungry).

"Paykunapura k'uyarishpa ruachun yachachinkichik" (Love and serve one another).

"Kikinkunallatami minishtik runakunata shinchichinkichik" (Help those in need).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TndfX1JvsU

The Lord's Health Care Plan

King Benjamin saw that the Lord would come "healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the  lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases"... but that the people would reject his plan, "scourge him and crucify him..." (Mosiah 3:5,9) Those who felt His plan would gain popularity and give Him political power told lies to turn the people against Him, "because Satan stirreth them up continually to anger one with another... Satanska paykunapura p'iñanak'uchun yuyachik'unmi" (Moroni 9:3).

Why do they fight against the Lord and His plan? "For the natural man is an enemy to God... Yanka runak Achill-Taytata mana rikunayachinchu..., and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the  Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.... Achill-Tayta payman ima nishkatapish katik, wawashna mana tukushpaka, ima punllapish shinallatami kanka" (Mosiah 3:19).

What is the solution? "And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you - that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God - I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants... Kunanka ñuka nishkakunata uyarkankichik; Achill-Taytapak ñaupapi punllan punllan k'ucha illak kankapak tukui runakuna paykunapak charishkata kushpa, yark'achikkunaman karashpa, lluchukunata churachishpa, unkushkakunata rikugrishpa, uku-samaypi tullu-aychapi minishtirishakunata rikushpa paykunata shinchichishpa kikinkunapak charishkata wakchakunaman karachun munani" (Mosiah 4:26).

"And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift... Chayka tukuikunapak kachun tukuita tantachirka; chaymanta charikkunapish wakchakunapish wichashkakunapish kacharishkakunapish mana tiarkachu; ashtawankarin tukuillami paykunapak munayta ruray ushashpa jawa-pachamanta karayta charirka" (4 Nephi 1:3). 

Do what Tino would do

My friend Tino was sad when he heard I was leaving Kansas.  He admonished me to treat well his people, the Hispanics of Ecuador.  I said that whenever I encounter the poor I will ask myself "what would Tino do?"  So Tino told me a story.

On one of his annual visits to México he saw a man with no legs pumping gasoline.  The man pushed himself along with his bare hands while sitting on a home made platform with hand carved wooden wheels.  Tino was so impressed with the great effort and tenacity of the man to be self sufficient and cheerful in the face of adversity, that he promised to bring him a wheelchair when he returned the next year.  The man was astonished with the offer.  Tino told him that he spoke with his heart, not his mouth.

The next year after filling his tank, Tino helped the attendant into a wheelchair, and outfitted him with new leather gloves, a hat, and a shirt.  Every year since he has brought him new gloves and hats and shirts.

By the time he finished the story, Tino and I were both in tears.  He said that we had been friends before, but now we are brothers.

"And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants... Kunanka  ñuka nishkakunata uyarkankichik; Achill-Taytapak ñaupapi punllan punllan k'ucha illak kankapak tukui runakuna paykunapak charishkata kushpa, yark'achikkunaman karashpa, lluchukunata churachishpa, unkushkakunata rikugrishpa, uku-samaypi tullu-aychapi minishtirishakunata rikushpa paykunata shinchichishpa kikinkunapak charishkata wakchakunaman karachun munani" (Mosiah 4:26).

Tino would do what Jesus would do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYrNBpJly9s

Oklahoma Temple

The sun rose bright and clear at the Oklahoma City Temple as the Bel Aire Ward youth temple trip got underway.  The four kids did 112 baptisms.  Everyone had a wonderful time.  The temple is a great place to be with friends and family, and to be of service to those who cannot serve themselves. "shinakpi llaktapurakunaka achill-wasiman shamurka" (Mosiah 2:1).   "I tell you these things that you may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God... ashtawan alli yachak'uchun ninimi, shukkunaman ruranak'ushpaka kinkinkunapak Achill-Taytaman ruranak'unkichikmi" (Mosiah 2:17).

Write

Oprah's life changed ten years ago when she read "Simple Abundance" by Sarah Ban Breathnach and learned that "the authentic self is the soul made visible". Her transformation took place when she exercised the discipline of writing about gratitude every day. Every day she writes about five things for which she is grateful.

This makes her more alert to the world about her. She notices and appreciates if someone holds a door for her, or if the sun shines, or the moon rises.

Writing is a practice that defines and clarifies the thoughts of the writer. The Lamanites and Mulekites did not write, so they lost much. The Nephites who obeyed their fathers' commandment to write gained much.

We are enlarged as we record our own thoughts. My father's sermoncitos teach us that we can also grow by reading the ideas of others. My grandfather wrote in my copy of his autobiography: "An ounce of ink on the spot is worth more than a river of unguarded memory".

I challenge each of you to write. I invite you to use our mission blog for your ideas and updates about personal and family activities.

Elder Roy E. Howard
Yachachiq
Guayaquil Temple Mission
http://www.cantos.org/rnjhoward

Obey the commandments

The bible says, "Ve por el país a todas las fuentes de agua y a todos los arroyos... Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks" (1 Kings 18:5).  We had better be prepared at all times and places for every situation that might arise.  


You never know when you might have a chance, or as the senior apostle said: "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately..." (John 21:3).


The Jaredites were prepared for their long journey: "...they did also prepare a vessel, in which they did carry with them the fish of the waters" (Ether 2:2).


We can learn much while fishing, like Lehi, who said "O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!  Chay yakushna kashkankiman; tukui alli kashka pukyuman chayak'ushakankiman." 1 Nephi 2:9).


Keep your tip up, keep your line in the water.  Good Luck.  Have a nice day.
http://cmcpescaecuador.blogspot.com/
http://fishitah.blogspot.com/

We will return

 We are working hard to prepare for our departure, counting on the promise of the Lord that "...I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord..." We leave our blessing on each of you.

Prayer

"Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it... Imatapish shinapacha yuyashpa Cristopak shutipi chaskisha yuyashpa mañashpaka, chaskinkimi" (Enos 1:15.

This is the Red Devil Sushi that Troy treated us to, along with the green mustard paste that clears your sinuses.  Maybe that is why his prayers for us were so important!

Actually,  Troy's prayers for us have been greatly appreciated, as he is a man of great faith.  He has learned over the past 10 years that prayer is not only essential and effective, but that he is much happier than any time before in his life.

Brigham Young was asked to bless the sick, so he asked, have you tried every remedy you know?  The people said they had not, that they just wanted a priesthood blessing.  President Young replied, "asking God to heal you without first doing all you can to get better is like asking Him to plant and harvest your wheat for you.  If you want a blessing from the Lord, you must be willing to do your part".

The next day, Troy treated us to breakfast, and prayed us a safe journey.  We ate well, talked, hugged, and cried, and had a wonderful journey.  While Janeen was driving, I read the Easter story from all four Gospels.  We really felt the Spirit.  Prayer is a wonderful tool.  Use it along with reading, pondering, and doing the will of the Lord. and you will gain great insights and have joy.

The spirit of compassion was demonstrated by Jesus as he reached out to lift others.  Our job is not to preach, but to reach.  What good is our service without love?  As we contemplate how the Savior lived for us, let us love others.

The Savior completed the Atonement alone by taking upon himself all the temptations that Satan has ever used to tempt any of us.  We can repent fully and have peace, when we desire so much to be free of temptation and sin that we believe that Christ can take our burdens, and learn to follow Him.  "Come unto me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

We can bless others by loving and serving them until they turn to the Lord to alleviate their pain.  Jesus suffered the pains of all men. Celebrate Easter by a firm determination to follow Him so you can go where He is.  Reach out to others and you will connect to the saving principles that are the whole purpose of the creation of this earth.

 "All thy children shall be taught of the Lord and great shall be the peace of thy children... Chayka Apuchchi-Taytaka tukui kanpak wawakunata kayachinka; kanpak wawakunapak alli lushilla kausayka ninan jatunmi kanka") 3 Nephi 22:13).

The Passover supper prepared the people to understand the blood sacrifice of the Lamb of God.  As He fulfilled this law, Jesus instituted the Sacrament as our way to accept His sacrifice, to promise to live the Law of Sacrifice by obeying the commandments, to remember Him always, so that we could always have the Spirit with us.

The Story of Easter

Carlene gathered the girls for a special Easter treat after Conference and Dinner.  They went out into the warm spring air, surrounded by the fragrant and colorful blossoms of the trees.  They were so excited to find plastic eggs and put them in baskets.

They came inside for story time.  Each egg had a number.  The girls were so enthused about having the right number, and finding a token inside, such as a donkey, a cross, a stone, a cloth, a whip, etc, and finally the empty one, representing the empty tomb.

Little Annie said, Easter is about Jesus.  He died so he could conquer death, and bring us all to life everlasting.  We will live again!

"I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father... Ñukapakman shamui; miraywan chaskinkimi; ñuka taytapak ninan wasipika shuk pushtu kanman allichishkami. Shina kapashkachun" (Enos 1:27).