Christmas! Our Savior's Birth

December 19, 2016

​Dear Mom, Dad, Family & Friends,

Mom I hope you get the message, but at 6:30 today Bolivian time I get to call you for 5 minutes and let you know more when I can Skype you on the 25th - Christmas!! (*Editor’s Note:  This did happen and it was wonderful. Mamacita actually only heard the conversation via phone because she was running one too many errands, while Matthew’s sisters, Mary and Sarah, conducted the Skype run through.  But things are now a go and ready for 4 p.m. Christmas day.)

Wow, Cousin Jeanna´s baby is big and has tons of hair.  I sure loved your poem mom; it made me simile. And that is so awesome you saw Mr. Hansen in Richfield.  It is so amazing to see how interconnected Richfield and Cedar is.  Thank you for the pictures.  I sure liked seeing Mr. Byers and Mr. Jordan conduct the famous CV Christmas program!  I bet they sounded amazing.  Thank you everyone for your emails.  My internet time goes so fast.  First, we email the mission president and then our families.  By then most of the time is gone so I am sorry I don't get to write to everyone individually.  I did get my first letter in the mail.  It was from Aunt Joyce and written around Thanksgiving time.

All Geared Up For The Bolivian Summer Rains

Mom you would love the weather down here. This week we didn’t quite have the crazy rain storm and streets with a flood of water, but this week was hace caloooor! In Bolivia, December through February is the wet, hot season.  March is the really cold season, and because of the humility, it is extra cold.

This week, has been wonderful and challenging.  For one, the heat and humidity sure made me appreciate water and sometimes an ice cream cone!  But this week we had many miracles.   Also, this week, it was a blessing to be able to give a blessing with Elder Salas to a baby of an investigator family.  The feeling that enters my heart when we give blessings is so sacred and is a constant reminder to me that I need to work and do my very best to be worthy to exercise the Lord’s Priesthood.  The blessing was full of the Spirit as I anointed the baby and as Elder Salas blessed the baby with health particularly for her eyes because there was a problem with them.  It is such a miracle to see that baby this week has had better health and her eyes are working good.  I am so grateful for the Lord’s Priesthood on the earth today and that I have the opportunity to exercise his priesthood.  Also, this week, I had the opportunity to go on a companion exchange with Elder Gonzalez.  He has only been out a transfer more than me, and he sure helped me realize what I can become at the end of my 12 weeks of training.  He has such enthusiasm for the gospel and a sincere love of the people.  During our companion exchange, I learned that you can be a very effective missionary and teach others through your example even if you are a new missionary.  This week, my goal is to have more enthusiasm for this great work of the Lord, especially on days that are very hot and to love and focus my attention on the people.  

Also, this week Elder Salas and I gave out lots of the illuminate the world cards of Navidad.  It was wonderful to be able to give people a card and testify of our Savior and that he lives and has a plan for us and then invite them to watch the video.  It sure is precious!  

I know Jesus Christ is our Savior and He lives, and I love every moment I get to testify of Him and help all of Heavenly Father´s children return to him!  

Here are some pictures! 

 

 

Missionary Breakfast

Mary I got one in a torito just for you!

 

Love and Service - 1 Month In Bolivia

December 12, 2016

Mom and Dad (Family and Friends)!

This week, Elder Salas and I had many miracles.  For one we had a interview with President Rodriguez.  During this interview I felt so much of the Savior’s love for me.  I expressed how sometimes I felt homesick, and he said this was completely normal and that he was homesick for his son who just left on his mission.  In the interview, President counseled me to make sure everyday I was having language study as sometimes we wouldn’t because of district or zone meetings.  I applied his counsel this week, and my Spanish knowledge has grown so much!  I know that President Rodríguez is called of God to preside over the Santa Cruz Mission, and I am so grateful I get to work with him.

President Rodríguez challenged our whole mission to have one person enter the waters of baptism by the end of January.  Elder Salas and I prayed really hard to be able to find the people we need to find who are ready for the gospel and who we can baptize. This week, a young man named Adrian contacted us, and we started lessons with him.  He has attended seminary and institute and has read portions of the Book of Mormon and said he would like to be baptized!  Wow, what a miracle. This week, we teach him on Tuesday.  I know the Lord answers our prayers when we trust in

him and when we work. When you have time, if you would pray for Adrian and that Elder Salas and I can teach him with the Spirit, I sure would appreciate this!

Also, the primary program was wonderful.  It was so amazing to see how the testimony of the children illuminated the hearts and faces of all present in the room.  Heavenly Father sure helped me to play my best.  Through the piano, it has been such a blessing to gain the trust and love of the ward.  Oh and our ward is the Fortaleza Ward, Pirai Stake!  

This week, I tried also to focus and loving the people and to focus my study and my thoughts on them. As I did this, I felt the Spirit so strong and my feelings of homesickness left and I felt the strength of the Lord and a desire to serve. Each of us are Children of God, and as we see each other as Heavenly Father sees us, it is amazing to feel the same love Heavenly Father has for us.  I know this is the Lord’s work and that as we put him first in all things, in our thoughts, actions, words, deeds, that He blesses us with peace and happiness.

Muchas gracias for all your prayers mom and dad and everyone.  I love you so much and am so grateful that through our Savior Jesus Christ we can be a forever family!  

Love your son,

Elder Matheson!

Oh and one cultural experience that I had that was a little bit funny was in Bolivia, the women greet each person with a kiss on the cheek and in return you do the same.  As missionaries though we just give them a firm handshake, but in one lesson, I was trying to stand up to shake the hands of a sister and accidentally she thought that I was going to shake her hand and greet her with a kiss so she shook my hand and kissed me. That surprised me a little!  Elder Salas sure laughed hard after the lesson and let me know that if that happens, accept the greeting and then just explain after why we can’t greet with a kiss. 

PS.  I am sorry I don't write to everyone.  This email time flies so fast.

Also here are some pictures of my first really rainy day in Santa Cruz.

Week 3 - The Blessings of Fasting!

December 4, 2016

Mom and Dad - Family and Friends!

Wow the co-op is becoming the Shakespeare Center of Midvalley!  It is so exciting that so many people can see the beautiful building and use it.  Dad your vision is coming to pass!  Also, that is so awesome the Madrigal choir sang at our ward Christmas Party. I bet they sounded amazing.

Thank you for the update at home and letting me know it is normal to feel homesick.  It was a blessing this week to have Heavenly Father help me realized that just because I can’t talk to you everyday you are always there and love me.  Also, I tried to look for different ways that Bolivia was similar to home.  One thing similar in Bolivia is ice cream is just as delicious. In the stores on the street, they have big bins of drumsticks called Coco Chocos. They are chocolate ice cream cones on top with coconut. You sure would love the coconut mom, and dad the ice cream I know you would like it for sure!  :)  

Another blessing, my diarrhea went away. That was a big relief! This week, I practiced the piano with the primary for their primary program. We are singing Praise To The Man, I Love To See The Temple and other primary songs.  The ward is sure appreciative of my piano knowledge, and I am so grateful for you and Grandma Polly and Mrs. Pressgrove for helping me learn.  Next Sunday we perform in Sacrament meeting.  Also, our zone is preparing for a mission conference on the 22 or 23 of this month. I sure am excited, and they even found a violin for me to play and another sister missionary they have a saxophone for her to play.  We are going to be telling the Christmas story with hymns in between scriptures, just like at Grandma and Grandpa’s! To conclude we will sing Holy Night.  It is so amazing to see in every culture, music is a language of the Spirit.

This week, Elder Salas and I found Hermana Jaquoline. She is a wonderful sister who has a sincere desire to learn about the gospel and to be baptized.  Her husband is in jail for a long time so we need to work with the Bishop and President Rodriguez on what to do, but if you would pray for her that she will continue to have a desire to learn and come to church, I know Heavenly Father will bless her.  Also, yesterday we taught the Limachi Roce family. Elder Salas baptized this family a few months ago, and now we are working with them to go to the temple.  Last night we taught them about The Family: A Proclamation to the World.  They each felt the spirit and had a sincere desire to attend the temple and to become a forever family.  At the end of the lesson, I was able to testify about the importance of family and how I know our family will be together forever, and this makes me so happy and grateful for my Heavenly Father´s Plan of Happiness for all his Children. And how through the temple we can become a forever family.

Mom and dad,  I love you so much and look to your example and can´t express in words what a blessing you are in my life and how grateful I am sealed to you forever and that we are a forever family.  How the Lord has blessed me richly with the choicest parents. Each day, I try and work my very best to honor you and things you have taught me and the son of God you want me to become!

Dad, thank you for your example of hard work and for always honoring your priesthood and for your missionary stories.  They give me so much strength as I try to find the Wallace Marshes and the family in the trailer who is looking for the Book of Mormon. I love you Dad.  And I know my mission is refining me to be an honorable father like you.

Mom, thank you for your nurturing hand and love.  How I am so fortunate to have you as my mother, and just like the Stripling Warriors, I know my mother knows the gospel is true and raised me to serve the Lord and each day I promise to serve with my whole heart.  Thank you mom for your counsel and your example of service.  When I get tired or worried, I remember your counsel to put the Lord first in my life and everything will fall into proper place.  

How I am so blessed to have you as my parents mom and dad!

I pray for you and our family and Sarah daily, and I know the Lord will bless you.  Thank you for all your love, prayers, and support!

Love your son,

Elder Matheson!

P.S. You asked as for anything I need, some chocolate, Snickers, Resees, or any candy would be awesome!  Oh and some morning exercise ideas would be helpful. Does Michael have any ideas for how many sit ups or push ups is a good amount or how long to exercise then have a rest period? But your prayers and letters mean the most!

Here are some pictures of a mango tree. There are 4 or 5 different mangoes and they are massive.  They are like elm trees and grow everywhere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Día de Gracias!!

November 28, 2016

Mom and Dad, Family and Friends!

Thank you so much for telling me about the annual Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas tree hunt, and the family activities. I am sure Mary and Jason will find a great new car, especially a mission car. Wow and it is so wonderful to hear how Dad´s vision for the Co-op is coming to pass. I sure love you very much.

This week was full adventures, miracles, trials, and blessings.

For one, my stomach adjusted to the culture here this week through the means of the trial of diarrhea. Sometimes, Elder Salas had to make an emergency stop here. I know though, Heavenly Father was mindful of me for every time I had to use the bathroom, we were at home or close by a member’s house.

On Tuesday, I was able to go on a companion exchange with our district leader. I learned so much! For one, as a missionary, you need to learn to walk fast (thanks to you mom and Grandma Polly, I was able to do it! ) Also, I learned the importance of sharing the gospel with everyone you pass. We are all children of God, and every person needs to know they have a loving Heavenly Father in Heaven and a Savior, Jesus Christ.  One funny story though was we were passing a lady on the street, and I was so excited to talk to her. I told her that we were missionaries and asked her (Usted le gustaria comprar un mensage con usted) it turns out that “comprar” means to buy and actually I meant to say “compartir” which is to share. Oops! But the spirit spoke to her and she agreed and we taught her and her mom! I am so grateful for Heavenly Father. I know that this is his work and he is in charge, and if we will do our very best He will work miracles through us.

One miracle was teaching a man named One. He was outside chopping some weeds, and Elder Salas offered to help him while I talked to him. After talking to him and letting him know that we would like to share a message about our Savior Jesus Christ and our simple service, he let us in and was very receptive to the message of the Restoration, and I was able to give him a Book of Mormon and testify to him that this book is true and that this is why I am here to bring this knowledge to other families so they can know these things are true and that they have a loving Father in Heaven who as a plan for them and that Jesus Christ is central to that plan.

That day I had been feeling just a bit homesick, but serving and testifying of our Savior Jesus Christ help me overcome those feelings and remember my purpose to help others partake of the greatest gift of Heavenly Father - the gospel of Jesus Christ!

I was wondering mom and dad if you or Mary or Sarah or Michael had any advice to help me when those feelings of homesickness enter.  Sometimes in the night, I have dreams about the family or friends and then I wake up and I miss home just little.  

Dad how did you overcome your feelings of homesickness and be a tracking machine?  We sure walk a lot in the day and my feet get sore, but I often think of you dad and how you were a tracting machine and I want to be a tracting machine who serves the Lord with my whole heart.

Those were a couple of the trials this week, but I know this is where I am suppose to be and that my Savior, my Heavenly Father, and my wonderful family and friends love me very much and this helps me serve with vigor and purpose.

Thank you for your stories, your prayers, your examples!

I am so grateful for my eternal family!

Love, your son,

Elder Matheson!

P.S. Here are some pictures of these two amazing weeks!

Oh, and the mission office said if you want to send packages to send them in the bubble wrap envelopes instead of the boxes!

My address is:

Elder Matthew Keith Matheson

Bolivia Santa Cruz Mission

Calle Independencia #610 Esq. Lemoine

Zona Central

Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz

Bolivia

Catching the Trax from Provo to the SLC Airport

Illimani Mountain, the highest mountain in the Andes in La Paz, Bolivia

Arriving in Bolivia early in the morning

President & Sister Rodriguez at the Mission Home

Views of Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Our second night in the mission all the new missionaries had Papa Johns Pizza!  It was so delicious.

The corn here is massive

Last Sunday we had lunch with a family that lives across from us.  In our ward there is Elder Salas, me, Elder Escobar from La Paz, and Elder Fabria from Brazil.  The members in our ward are very kind to me and patient with my Spanish. Sometimes they refer to me as the Gringo, which means North American.

Companions - Elder Matheson & Elder Salas

Hola From BOLIVIA!!

November 21, 2016

Dear Mom and Dad and my wonderful family and friends!

Bolivia is amazing! The people here are so amazing, and almost every person here is of Christian Faith and loves Jesus Christ.

It sure was wonderful to hear you voice mom and dad and Mary when I called. Sorry about how blurry the connection was, but hearing you voice warmed my heart and gave me courage to serve with my whole might so other families can be together forever just like our family!

The plane ride to Bolivia was awesome. I sat by a man from Germany going to Bolivia to go hiking, and I set by a minister of an Evangelical Church. It was an awesome experience to talk with this minister and express how even though we were of different churches, we both wanted to help others to come unto Christ. This man was named Larry. I pray that some day Larry will join our Church and receive the fullness of the Gospel!

From Miami, we flew to La Paz where the aircraft refueled, and then went to Santa Cruz. On this plane ride, I sat by another man who was from Wisconsin but grew up in La Paz and was on his way home. He was Methodist. We talked about the culture of Bolivia, and here and there we would talk about our Savior Jesus Christ. He told me that he loved Latter-day Saints and how strong we believed in the importance of family and that we were examples to the world. What a blessing it is to have the gospel and knowledge that families are forever and that we have the opportunity to share this knowledge with others through our words and examples. This experience taught me that people of all other faiths look to the Lord´s church as an example, and how important it is to represent our Savior, Jesus Christ everyday through our actions.

When we arrived in Bolivia, the humidity hit me. Wow, it is a lot warmer and more humid than Cedar. My favorite moment in the airport was when we were able to meet President Rodriguez and Sister Rodriguez. They gave Elder Gooch, Elder Tillet, the other Elder from the Colorado Mission, and I a big hug. When we met President Rodriguez and Sister Rodriguez, I could feel this is the mission the Lord needs me to serve in, and the President and Sister Rodriguez are called of God to lead this mission.  From the airport, we went and were able to go and sleep in the missionary residence halls for new missionaries and from there we had our first Bolivian meal in the President’s house.  Sister Rodriguez is an amazing cook, and the food was so delicious. Here in Bolivia, they eat a lot different dishes of rice, chicken, and potatoes.  Also, there is fruit juice and Fanta soda in every type of fruit. The mango Fanta and grape juice they have here is especially yummy.  That night, we had a testimony meeting, and they asked if anyone knew how to play the piano. I volunteered, and we sang Come Follow Me. President Rodriguez thanked me for playing and said I did well. That made my day.

Thursday was a wonderful day. This day, the assistants to the President and the Presidents secretaries took us to a park and we placed our first pamphlets and pass along cards. The people of Bolivia are so receptive to the gospel and love to take time to learn more about Jesus Christ, our Savior.  One man and his family where over by a bench, and Elder Van Horn told me it was my turn to lead the discussion. I was a tiny bit nervous but trusted that the Lord would help me, and He did. It is so amazing every time we open our mouth to testify of Christ, it is filled with the words that Heavenly Father needs us to say. The man understood our Spanish and was very kind to us and freely gave us his contact information so we could visit him again.

Later that day, we received our trainers. President Rodriguez lined up all the new missionaries on one side and all the trainers on the other and then he read of who our trainers would be. In my heart, I was praying that I would receive the trainer who would be obedient and help me learn Spanish. How my prayers were answered. My new Companion and Trainer is Elder Salas. He is from La Paz, Bolivia and is very obedient, kind, and patient. I know Heavenly Father hears our prayers and knows what is best for us. We are serving in the Fortaleza area in Santa Cruz. For travel in our area, you use the micros (buses), taxis, or toritos (it is kind of like a 3 wheeled slug bug). The members here are very kind to the missionaries, and every visit whether they are an investigator or member they always share some food or some juice or water with you.  We never eat dinner at night because every house feeds us. Wow, sometimes after appointments it is hard to walk.

I know that this church is true and that the gospel of Jesus Christ is going to all the world, and that the Lord´s hand is constantly at work in our lives and that He loves his children.

Thank you for your love, prayers, and support.

I love you mom and dad and our wonderful family!

My new trainer and companion, Elder Salas, from La Paz, Bolivia

The Elder Has Arrived

November, 15, 2016  

6:55 a.m.

Good Morning,

On account of President and Sister Rodriguez we would like to let you know that it is a great blessing to receive your son, Elder Matheson, safe and sound here in the mission of miracles. We know that he is already becoming an amazing missionary. It will be an honor to serve at his side for the rest of his mission. We know that as he serves the Lord, your whole family will be greatly blessed. We humbly testify with certainty that the mission will change his life and yours for the better from here on out.

Sincerely,

 

The three Elders from the Provo MTC and another who joined the travelers in Dallas, Texas were warmly welcomed to the Santa Cruz Bolivia Mission by President and Sister Rodriguez  early this morning

Open Your Mouth!

Dear Mom and Dad and Family and Friends!

I can't believe it;  I am finishing up my final week at the MTC! For one, I got my flight plans, and I leave for Bolivia on Monday, November 14th. We report to the mission travel office at 6:50 a.m. and then we head up to the Salt Lake Airport, where we will catch a flight to Dallas, Texas and arrive around 3:38 p.m.. From there we catch another flight to Miami, Florida at 4:25 p.m. and arrive at Florida at 8:10. There we have a two hour layover until we catch one final flight at 10:06 p.m. all the way to Santa Cruz, Bolivia! Wahoo! I am so excited. We should arrive in Santa Cruz at 8:16 a.m. on the 15th. I am so grateful that this is where the Lord needs me to serve and that He would provide a way for me to get a VISA. My goal on the airplane is to give one Book of Mormon away in English and Spanish to someone who is searching for the Gospel!

Also, a really awesome part is that in one of the airports we get to call home! I wasn't sure what time would be best for you and dad, but I was thinking either calling in the Salt Lake airport in the morning before we leave at 12:00 or calling when we are in Florida around 8:00 or 9:00. If you have a preference just let me know mom and dad. I love you very much and can't wait to talk and hear your voice.

As for the rest of my week, on Sunday, we had a special speaker come and not just speak to us but perform with her family. It was so amazing to hear Jenny Oaks Baker's story of violin success and how before every single one of her major performances she would ask her father, Elder Dallin H. Oaks to give her a blessing. Sister Baker would go back and forth between talking to us over the pulpit and performing some of her amazing compositions, and the amazing thing was one of her daughters accompanied her on the piano, another daughter harmonized on the violin, another daughter played the cello, and her youngest, a boy of 11, played the finger style classical guitar. Wow, it sure reminded me of Uncle Kent's family playing at family reunions and everyone joining in and Christmas Eve at Uncle's Brett's house and all of our family singing, playing instruments, and bearing our testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ! 

On Friday, we had infield orientation where we learned that effective missionary work is accomplished when a ward and the missionaries work together and counsel with the Lord and follow His divine instruction to do His work. One particular quote that really motivated me was this: "Believe that you can Baptize." When we have faith in the Lord and we then have action and do our very best to work hard, listening and following his spirit, we will have success and be able to find the Lord's lost sheep. Also, our spiritual sword in this battle of good and evil is the Spirit. He testifies and teaches Heavenly Father's children. In order for us to wield this spiritual sword, we need to open our mouths and testify of Christ. It is so amazing in the practice lessons that we do at the MTC, when you open your mouth, the Lord fills it with his words and touches the hearts of all in the room with his Spirit. I know Jesus Christ lives and we are all engaged in doing His work and bringing Heavenly Father's beloved, glorious sons and daughters, our fellow brother's and sister's, back to Him!

I love you so much Mom and Dad, and Sarah, Cameron, Mary, Jason, Michael, Delaney and all our wonderful family so much.

Thank you for the candy mom and dad. It sure is yummy, and to thank our teachers Hermana Johnson and Hermano Nash, we all contributed from our candy stashes and gave them a bag full of candy along with a "Muchas Gracias" card. Hermano Nash and Hermana Johnson are such spiritual giants, and I am so grateful Heavenly Father blessed me to be able to have them as my teachers.

Oh and one last thing. Today we are packing for Monday! And I got a couple more books than I thought so I think I might send some things home to you.

Thank you for all the letters throughout the week!  I love you very much!

Love,

Elder Matheson!

Two amazing Elders who are in our Zone.  The one on the left plays the violin!  Both are dear friends and Spiritual Giants. 

Our District with Hermano Nash

Hermano Nash, our teacher, served in Chile on his mission.  He has helped our District learn so much about teaching and planning with the Spirit.

This is our District with Hermana Johnson.  Herman Johnson is an angel teacher and teaches with so much love and spirit that we have grown so much!  She reminds me of Cambry Jensen and has strengthened our district and each of our testimonies by teaching us to rely on Christ.

This is Elder Ziebler (middle) and Elder Stone (right).  These were the amazing Elders who I was able to perform Savior Redeemer of My Soul with while in the MTC.