The Return

June 22, 2009

On March 6th ,2009, Preston was told he would be coming home to have surgery on his knee. He tore his meniscus on P-day, and went weeks walking in pain until he finally saw a doctor. After having x-rays and a CAT scan done there in the Domincian Republic , they could see it was torn, and would need surgery. When I got the call from SLC, my heart went numb not knowing what was going on! So..long story short, Preston was sent home to the United States on March 9th, 2009 to have surgery, and recover. His mission President made S.L.C. church head quarters promise that Elder Merrell would be sent back to the Dominican after his recovery.

We spent a couple of days seeing doctors, and I of course was adjusting to him being home! It was so good to have him around! He had his surgery March 17th, and everything went perfect, and we figured he’d be back out no later than 6 weeks. That didn’t happen, as he had to do weeks of physical therapy, and some other things asked by the church leaders, and Salt Lake City headquarters. His recovery was perfect, and he walked around like he never had it done! Preston ended up being home for 2 ½ months! I felt so bad for him, as he was anxious to get back out and serve the people he missed so much! He was home for Mother's day, his 20th birthday. He really enjoyed his time together with his family!

Finally he was cleared, and was sent him back out May 15th! It was hard this time, sending him out to the mission field! He brought so much joy and calmness to our home, that I wanted him selfishly to stay! He was able to see 9 weeks of all his sister’s softball games, and meet everyone in our ward, and be a part of our daily lives here at home. It was such an incredible blessing in many ways having him home! He spoke in several Sacrament meetings, played the piano for the Spanish branch the entire time he was home, and went on missionary splits. I realized more than ever what a great young man Preston is! His integrity speaks volumes, and his love for everyone, and his tender heart touches all!

Preston arrived safely back to the Dominican Republic, and was put back out in the field as zone leader the next day. He is doing great, and says he loves being back serving the people there! We love you Preston...so very much!

Boca Chica

November 10, 2008

This last week was..kinda crazy. It was good because we have some good investigators, we have 2 that are getting baptized soon. Im leaving the area tomorrow! Im going to a place called Boca Chica. Its not that far from where Im at now. There was a ward service project this morning where surprisingly quite a few members showed up, and we cleaned the church. And so I got to see alot of them for the last time and say bye which was good. When I was helping at it I felt a strong love for the members here. I started to get a lump in my throat thinking how lucky I was to be a missionary here. They are awesome awesome people. The two that we baptized, Fiordaliza and Carmen got callings in the church yesterday! I was so happy to see them stand up in church! Oh just to let you know...Ive played the piano in church the last two sundays...with it being a little rusty:) The last song we sang yesterday was pretty hard and when I looked at it I decided to just let it go unaccompanied with the piano. But...I promised myself to never to do that again! Ask Chad how bad the singing can be outside the States and he´ll tell you..haha well it´s bad. So I decided i´d be better off trying anyway than to let it goo free singing! The new comp Im getting only has one transfer. It´ll be interesting to see how it goes! Im excited for a new area! Oh I have two things I thought of that you could send in my Christmas package. A watch! Now an expensive one. Just one like from walmart that has a good alarm and the date and all that jazz. And also a CD that has all the Hymns on it. Without words. Just the regular, organ played, hymns. I like listening to them. I could use it for like prelude or something too. Could you also send me one or two more of the stamps papers? That would be good too. Everything is going great here. I love the mission everyday. Im SO thankful for the Savior. I know He wants to bless us. Im thankful for the family! I love you all! Tons and tons! Ill let you know how the new area is and everything next week! I love you mom so much! So MUCH!! I hope all goes well this week! Love you!:)

September 8, 2008

That hurricane wasnt really a hurricane..well here at least. Just some rain and a little wind. THe worst part though is that we havent had power in 7 days! We havent been able to take a real shower for a while until this morning because the power came on last night for a little enough to fill a tank on the top of the roof. 3 days ago it was rianing during the night at about 3 oclock and we took advantage of the opportunity to try to get clean by the water falling from the roof. So we did and boy it felt good. So the hurricane was benificial. SO these Dominicans...I dont know how they even communicate to eachother. Thats seriously like what it is...como tu ta. It´s so frustrating...but thats part of it all. I´ll learn...hopefully. IWe actually havent had too many opportuities to serve. WEre trying to look for opportunities but...i dont know why we havent. Were really busy with citas I guess. People are always willing to listen to us unlike your mission it seems like. But thats something we need more of. It´s so humid! I´m in this little place that has no power and no fans and im dripping sweat. But im getting usd to it. Its awesome here. So sweet.

First P-Day in the field

August 20, 2008

I can´t believe that I am here! It is SO ghetto. Incredibly poor and thesepeople have seriously hardly anything. My area is awesome! It is one of the mostcampo areas in the mission and is so poor. There are only about two pavedstreets in the area, and the people live in tiny homes, and I guess they arejust used to living like this because most of them really are so happy andupbeat. I can´t wait to get to know everything and our investigators betterthese weeks coming up. My companion/trainer is way awesome. He is one of thebest in the mission. He and I are getting along really well and it´s justawesome with him. Last night we taught about 7 lessons, some longer than others.And I got to teach most of about three of them. The ones that I taught was alady that is getting baptized next Saturday, and then two other members that wevisited. It was surprising to be doing that the same night I got here. So I loveit here! It is a culture shock, but I know that I will just love it here.There´s a good chance I´ll be in the same area, and maybe even with my samecompanion for a while. I can´t wait to tell you more of what´s happening here.

Testimony Time

July 24, 2008

I love missionary work. It really is one of the funnest, hardest, most rewarding work I've ever done. I was reading in D&C Sec. 138 about missionary work after we die. There's one verse in there that says "all of the faithful elders in this dispensation will continue their workafter this life" Or something like that. And that really really hit me. That sentence right there made me have a strong feeling of determination to live my life faithfully so that I can continue this work. Because I have nodoubt it's true. No tengo dudas! Christ is the Master of the work and we are His servants.

Elder Merrell