12.25.11

We had a wonderful visit with Tyler on Christmas day! Thanks to modern technology, we were able to talk to him via skype! He looks great and his countenance just shines! We had the whole family gathered around the computer and it was just so much fun to interact with him along with everyone else! Jordan and Kristyn were not there because they had to head back to Carlsbad for their Christmas gathering with her family but luckily Tyler was able to skype with them after he finished his visit with us and they had a great visit also. He was able to see his little Brooklynn too so that was great! Tyler did not write a letter, but he sent us some pictures. He has become very attached to the people in Rye and he is going to be very sad when he has to leave that area. He says it is such a beautiful place! We are so proud of Tyler and his commitment to serve a mission. Next Christmas he will be with us! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!
Love,
Tammie

12.19.11

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has been a week of miracles. We have three new investigators. One who is about 26 yrs old and is from Chicago and he is progressing really well. It is so beautiful to see him receive answers to his questions by reading the Book of Mormon. He is Native American so that history is really cool to him.

Thank you so much to everyone who has sent me cards and letters. I am so grateful and love you all !!!!!!!

I dont have a lot of time today because it is snowing and President Anderson wants us to travel to Pueblo as soon as possible so we dont get causght in the worst of the snow storm because we have our Christmas conference tomorrow !!! We are doing a "white elephant exchange." I am very excited !!!!!
LOVE YOU ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Hathcock

12.12.11

Hello everyone !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot put into words how grateful I am for all of those birthday wishes. You all touched me heart (Irish accent) HAHA !!! But seriously it was amazing, I love each and every one of you !!!!!!

It was a great birthday ! The Hamlers found out it was my birthday and they had us over that morning for a birthday breakfast, and it was AMAZING !!!! German pancakes and homemade syrup, and sausage and bacon !!! Mmm mmm a fat kids dream !!!!! And the Smiths (bro Mickey Smith is our ward mission leader) even got me a little something. A bag of "Snickers" and a scented candle since I'm always sniffing theirs ! HA !! And that day we found a new investigator !!!!! SO SWEET !!!!!!!!!!

The "Christmas in the Valley" was that night and we sang in the choir and it was great ! We had a great opportunity to pass out "Joy to the World" dvds to those who came and hopefully we will see some miracles from that. I love you all and want to leave you with a scripture that is perfect for the season (2Nephi 19:6).
Elder Hathcock

[referencing some family pictures tammie sent him] P.S. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAA !!!!!!!!! That picture is so great of dad. I am jealous of Bens beard. Thats legit!
P.P.S. It was so awesome that you got to talk to Ben. I came into the store right after he talked to you and it made me so happy ! He said that he never answers the phone too, but when he did it was MY MAA !!!!

12.5.11

Cant wait for my birthday surprise!!!!!

It was a pretty good week, we are still trying to find those who are prepared. We are excited because we have an appointment tonight with a woman who is deaf. We have a sister in the ward coming to translate.

The Rye wards Bishopric was released yesterday and a new one called. I am gonna miss serving with Bishop Golly but am looking forward to working with Bishop Crawford.

This Friday is the wards "Christmas in the Valley" where the ward invites people from the whole community to come and watch /participate in a musical performance show. Guess what? I'm in the church choir !!! HAHAHA Its pretty fun but I have no idea what I'm doing but its Christmas songs so I am all about it !!!

Its sad because the Denver Temple presidents wife was killed in a car accident recently and as a result we are not going to be able to hear from Elder Richard G. Scott. Its OK though. I feel so sorry for the Temple president.

I cant believe widdle Racho is gonna be 17 !!!!!!!!!!!!! She is growing up so fast !!! Love you Racho !!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!! We have been getting some snow the past few days. Love you all !!!!!!!!!

Elder Hathcock

11.29.11

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!!!!!!!!!!! I had a great Thanksgiving but I did miss the fam!

We got to watch a movie that day so we watched "The Christmas Carol" (the one with Jim Carrey). I ate way too much and was miserable the rest of the night. HAHAHHA ! But it was worth it!

Elder Chaput and I got football cleats at Ross when we were down for a meeting in Pueblo earlier that week. It was fun getting some cleats again. They were only 20 bucks (originally 85).

So Thanksgiving morning we were set and ready to play some football. WOO WEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was awesome ! My left knee was kind of bothering me from wrestling with some other missionaries a few days earlier but Elder Chaput taped it up for me and I was good.

It was a good turn out and we had two games going on. I played quarterback just about the entire time, and I must say ... I had some sweet passes (and on the run too ! There should have been some NFL scouts there) HAHAHHAAA !!! Ricky came too and had a great time. He is moving back to the Springs but he is excited about being in a "singles branch."

We are having trouble "finding" in our district and we needed some motivation. So what better to do then to have Elder Matt Foley 'Motivational Speaker" come and talk to our district ! HAHAHA !!! I told our district that we have someone special here to talk to us today about baptism and that he is used to a bigger crowd, so make him feel welcome. I proceeded to go out of the room and I lowered my glasses and put on this tiny suit jacket and came back in as "Elder Matt Foley." He has been on his mission for 14 years, so he has experience. HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAA !!! It was great !

I got my contacts Maa !!! Thank you so much ! And I got the big ol' package from the Larsens and Tolleys !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is so AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A present for each day from Thanksgiving until Christmas !!! And each one has a scripture on it and after reading it we try to guess what it is !!!! I LOVE IT !!!! Happy to hear everyone had a great Thanksgiving !!!! Thank you for your prayers and support!

I love you all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh I almost forgot !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We get to go hear Elder Richard G. Scott talk to us on the 10th of December !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOO WEE !!!!!!!!!!!!! BOOMSHOT !!!!!!!!


Elder Hathcock

11/21/11

Hello everyone !!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a great week !

Yesterday we had two young men who are getting ready to leave for there missions come out with us and we split up and went knocking doors. I took a young man with me who just came home early from the MTC, I really wanted him to commit to get back out and his mom said she is very grateful for our efforts. All together we taught 5 lessons !!!!!!!!!! The one young man and I committed this guy to baptism and he accepted. It was really cool cause the young man said coming out with me made him very motivated !!! HA-LLE-LU-JAH !!!!!!!!!!!!!! hahaha he is going to the San Jose CA (spanish) mission. The other is going to the San Fransisco/Oakland mission. A whole new world for this kid. HAHAHA !!!

Things are great, thank you all for your support and prayers !
LOVE YOU ALL !!!!!!!!

Elder Hathcock
AkA "Soldier of God"

P.S. HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11.14.11

HAHAHA !!! I can just hear the Bubbas saying all those things! I am glad to hear little Bkua is all better.

We have been invited to a families house for Thanksgiving. The Newitt family. They are a great family with like 9 kids (all girls and 1 boy). Brother Newitt is a really funny guy so we are happy to be there that day.

It's been a tough week but we keep on trucking! Elder Chaput and I are committed to start working out consistently so that we feel better and are healthy. Don't have a lot to say this week, I love and miss you all !!!!

I need contacts ASAP ! And that electric razor doesn't work very well but it might need new blades... not sure.

Thank you for everything Maa, love you so much. By the way I got the letters from the Mia maids and they were so cute. Little Jordie really touched my heart, she really loves you a lot Maa. Tell her how grateful I was for her letter and that I love her.


Elder Hathcock

PICTURES!

Ty and Elder Chaput

chris farley and his halloween goodies

Ricky Prince's Baptism

11/7/11

Things are going great !!! Elder Scott Chaput (Shap-you) is an awesome companion !!! He has that "greenie fire!" It is amazing ! He is 25 yrs old, he actually served in this mission a few transfers a couple years back. But he had to leave for health reasons but now he's back. He is a very cocky guy, but he is also very funny and we get along great ! He fought MMA professionally for the past 5 yrs or so which is really great ! He is from Sedro-Whooley Washington. He is 6 ft 5 inches and 240 lbs. HAHA He's a big guy and he loves this area. I look forward to the miracles we will see together.

Ricky was confirmed yesterday and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. I had the honor of doing so. Being DL (district leader) is a great opportunity to serve others, we have a great district and I am grateful.

We are getting snow off and on. It is pretty cool. Some kind of bad news is that Johnaley is not coming back from North Carolina ! But she still knows the church is true and wants us to send her some missionaries where she is so she can be baptized ! So that is AWESOME !!!!

I love the ward here so much and it is going to be really, really tough to have to leave someday. But I don't need to think about that now.

I love you all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

p.s. Hey Elder Lawrence ! I heard its your birthday on Saturday ? ... HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you !!!!!!!!! Finish strong my man !!!!!!! HERMANOS EN BRACOS !!!! :]

Elder Hathcock

11/1/11

The package was so great Maa !!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much !!!!! That book is so cool !!!

I dont have much time to write cause I have to leave for a meeting. I was informed by President Anderson that I will be training and will be the new District Leader. I have to be at a meeting tonight and tomorrow morning in the Springs.

Rickys baptism was ... AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Afterwards I had asked him how he felt. He said, " I feel great ! I feel like I made the right decision." So amazing !!!

So grateful for the gospel. It is continuing to change my life. I got sweet Halloween cards from the Parkers, the Bentleys and from JoJo, Kbua, and Bkua !!!!!! Thank you all !!!! Love you all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Hathcock

10.24.2011

Man ! My heart was pounding when I started reading the part about Aidan and the pool !!!! I'm glad he's OK.

Glad to hear everything is well . Sounds like a good visit with Papa Gary and Grandma MaryAnne and Grammie Adeline. Tell them I love them!!

It was a great week! The conference with Elder Johnson was really great. I also had another trainers meeting and that went well. Church was awesome yesterday. Sacrament meeting was about missionary work and there were some great talks !!! Then the young men and we missionaries sang "Army of Helaman" and Ricky even sang with us !!! HAHA I was pumped!
Our other investigator and her mom came too and they had an awesome experience. Her mom is the LA (less active) who is so amazing ! She made us tamales the other day !!! So good !!!!

Ricky is getting baptized next Monday !!!!! He is really excited and things are going good.
I love being a missionary !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love you all !!!!!!!!!

Elder Hathcock
AkA "Soldier of God" BOOMSHOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PICTURES!!!

10.18.11

That's so cool that Ana was in CO Springs !!! I was there yesterday for a meeting.

I found out that I am training another new missionary and ... I am staying in Rye, looks like Andersen has lost that revelation touch HAHA !! JK brother, love you ! I'm pumped that you are friends on facebook.

I will miss Elder Bentley but I am excited for him, change in the mission is exciting. He will find out where he is going Nov 1st.

Our investigator Ricky is getting baptized on Halloween !!! He wanted it to be a day he would not forget. HAHAHA !!! I love this guy !!! With his South Carolina accent and all. He is totally turning his life around it is beautiful !

Also our other investigator is preparing to be baptized and her mom just moved in with her and she is starting to come back to church as well as the brother/son. We are seeing miracles !!!!

I found out that a missionary that came out with me is training Kerry Clegg's nephew. He is in good hands. I am excited that I will be here in Rye for the holidays ! It is a great ward and so beautiful !!!

We have a lot of great missionaries in this mission and our mission President is so in tune with spirit. We have matching moles on the left side of our noses... so we were best buds immediately !!! HAHAHA

Tell Stacy I love her SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much and miss her everyday !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love you all !!!!!!!!! Thank you for your prayers and support !
p.s. Heather sent me a great Halloween card ! Love you Heath !!!!


Elder Hathcock
AkA "Soldier of God" BOOMSHOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10.11.11

I felt so bad cause I had Widdle Bwookwynns birthday in my mind all day last Monday until I came to e-mail and I forgot !!! I am so glad that it was a glorious celebration, I wish I could have been there !!! But that's OK. She is so precious !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't have a whole lot of time cause we have an appointment so I am sorry Maa. I will have to tell you more about our investigators later. I did get a package today but have not opened it yet I am pretty sure it is the journal ! Thank you so much !!!!

Things are going great ! It looks like I will be training again next transfer ... ... I know its what the Lord wants but I am not looking forward to the stress !!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll be alright. I am gonna miss Elder Bentley, but he will be a great missionary and has a lot to offer this mission.

The chances look pretty good that I will be staying in Rye, so I am pumped about that !!!!!!!! It snowed up in the mountain tops here already a few days ago !

We had a straight up "Amittyville horror" situation up here this past week and a half. Some of the craziest things I have ever seen but I will not get into detail. I love being a missionary !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The truth will go forth BOLDLY!!!! (with love) ;]

It is cool to see our investigator "Ricky" prepare for baptism and to see the change that has come about him. He has made a complete 180 and it is amazing !!!!!!! He is getting baptized on Halloween ! HAHA A day he will never forget.

I love you all and miss you all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Hathcock
AkA "Soldier of God"

Oh Maa, I need two more sweaters... I forgot to tell you back in Colby I washed my sweaters and dried them too !!! I didn't know they were wool ... so the turned into sweaters for an infant. I gave them to Elder Darley HAHAA (Elder Darley is the little guy who was his companion in the MTC)

10.3.11

Well it sounds like you had an amazing trip Maa ! Glad you got home safe. That's awesome that everyone got to get together for Travis' B-DAY !!! And TOOTS was even there ?!!!!!! ;] Things are going really great, we have 5 new investigators right now. 2 of which are being baptized on the 16th of this month !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love being a missionary, and to be able to share Gods great message of eternal families and how Jesus Christ Atonement allows all of us to be able to return to live with our Father and Heaven and savior Jesus Christ. General conference was incredible as always !!!!!! Seeing the primary kids sing was really cool. What a blessing it is to have a living prophet of God on the earth and 12 Apostles. The Book of Mormon IS the word of God and IS another testament of Jesus Christ. And proves that He lives and that He is the savior of the world !!! The Book of Mormon is a testimony that the Bible is the word of God as well ! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is essential for eternal life !!!!!!!!!! I am so grateful EVERYDAY for my Father in Heavens mercy and for my Savior sacrificing for ME personally, it has changed my life !


I LOVE YOU ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Hathcock

9.26.11

It was a ... (the public library here is at the middle school and one of the younger boys in the ward just peeked in and saw me as he was going to the bathroom and we had a quick "light saber fight" and he went on his way) HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA !!!!! The kid loves Star Wars ! So anyway, we had an amazing end to our week !!!! We were having a lot of opposition but through it all we had a miracle. We were trying to see an LA that we have been trying to get in contact with but she wasn't there/it wasn't her place. So then we felt impressed to knock on these apartments even though I had many times before. And we found Johnaley and her mom. Her mom just moved there and hasn't been to church for years and Johnaley who is 23 was the only one in the family who was never baptized !!! She is so sweet and we have had a few amazing lessons where the spirit was so strong. She is now preparing to be baptized !!!!!! She has two really cute little ones (a boy 4yrs and girl 2yrs). I am always reminded of how this is the Lord's work and that Heavenly Father's children who are here on earth are seeking the gospel and are being prepared. I pray that you all prepare for conference and heed the words that we hear from the prophet and the apostles. Their counsel is the most important thing to apply in our lives at this time. Elder well... now its Kevin Ansersen (my trainer) :] He sent me a very inspired and awesome letter right before he went home and I am so grateful for his service and the good man he is. Keep a look out for him cause i know he will probably try to contact the fam. But we'll see cause he will be busy with school. I love that man !!!

I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH !!!!!!!!

Elder Hathcock

9.20.11

It has been so great getting all the mail that I got last week. Thank you soooooo much !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Things are going good. I didn't write yesterday because today was transfers and so p-day was today and the library was open from 4-6 today. I loved the pictures Ana sent of Bubbas 3rd birthday !!!! I love that he always say,"your turn!" HAHAHA I miss my BUBBAS !!! We haven't been able to get in contact with Josh this whole week. It is a real bummer but I pray that he and his family will be able to all be sealed together someday. The weather has been so nice here lately. I am really looking forward to fall.

I LOVE YOU ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Hathcock
AkA "Soldier of God"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT MONICA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!

9.12.11

Josh and the kids didn't come to church. :[ We are working hard and keeping the faith !!! We are going fishing with Ricky today and so I am pumped about that.

Thank you so much cousin Jeni for writting, it means so much to me. To answer your question: Yes, we do get a lot of opportunities to serve in the area I am in. Things like helping build a barn, chopping fire wood, helping people move, paint etc. Its really great ! I am happy to hear your family is doing well, thank you SO MUCH for your prayers. Love you !!!

Sister Wright !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for writting me as well !!! HAHAHHAA I died laughing when you said you call me "Elder exclamation point" Its so true !!! Then when you pointed out that my Maa does the same thing I again was reminded how much I am like my Maa. Not that thats bad ! ;] But thank you so much, it really touched my heart. Thank you for your love and support.

This is for the unbelievers. Stacy did pick me up before ... It blew my mind and I thought she would have permanent back problems from then on ! She is as strong as an OX !!! HAHHAA

I love serving my God !!!! The mission is the best thing I have ever done !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love you Maa, miss you a ton. Tell Stace that I got her letter on Saturday.

"Elder Bentley's dad sent me a post card since Elder Bentley has been getting so many. HAHA That was really cool of him and I look forward to trying one of his milkshakes someday!"


Elder Hathcock
AkA "Soldier of God"

9.6.11

Things are going great !!! We finally were able to teach Josh's kids and it went really good !

There is this guy who we have been trying to sit down and share our message with since June and I have been able to build a good relationship with him. The only time we ever get to talk to him/when he is home, is when he is working on his diesel truck so we will help him and share some principles with him but never got to sit down and have a lesson until yesterday ! He is now preparing to be baptized !!! I really love this guy a lot he is a really genuine and humble guy.

That picture of Bwookwynn is so CUTE !!!!!!! Its funny how much she looks like JoJo ! Little Logan is such a cute kid too !!! And the bubbas with his baseball bat!

Rye is a wonderful place and the members are amazing. It was really nice the other day. I am looking forward to fall here, they say it looks like the mountains are on fire from the color change. SO SWEET !!!

I now know how Elder Andersen felt when it comes to training a new missionary in regards to the amount of mail they get. Every time we check the mail, its for E. Bentley ! He gets a ridiculous amount though. HA

I love you all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Hathcock
AkA "Soldier of God"

PS: Sorry Maa, once again i didn't send that package yet. But I am going to try to today. I haven't heard from Stacy in a bit. How is she? Oh and tell cuz Staci CONGRATS on the new baby girl !!!

8.29.11

Well Josh got sick this past week which was a bummer and so he didn't make it to church. But the good news, is that he has Sundays off of work from now on !!! Thank you for the prayers on his behalf. His 9 yr old daughter is such a character. He told us a story about her the other day. They went somewhere and there was this guy who I guess was looking really grubby and Haylee says,"Look at that dirtball dad." HAHA So Josh says to her,"Thats not nice Haylee, you shouldn't judge people." She looks up at him and says,"Gosh dad, you've been talking to the Mormons too much." HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I about died laughing !!! If you knew her it is so much funnier. She has the cutest little raspy voice and she is just awesome !! We had this old guy that came to church yesterday and we were pumped that he came !!!! He had a great experience and knew a lot of people. Mr. Fields is his name. I had an amazing experience yesterday concerning the sacrament. The past few days I was just feeling really empty like the spirit was just not with me and it was rough. Then yesterday right when I took the bread and bowed my head to give thanks I was filled with the spirit so strongly !!! It was amazing and strengthened my testimony of the Lords promise, that as we take the sacrament we are able to have his spirit to continue to be with us. I am so grateful for the blessing of being able to partake of the sacrament that has been blessed by Gods priesthood authority. I now know that I dont ever wanna miss being able to partake of the sacrament every week !!!! It was like the Lord said,"You're forgiven! Now keep pressing forward and work hard !" :] Some other cool news is that I have a second cousin in the ward here !!! Sister Porter, I think her first name is Denise. Her Grandad is Virgil Hathcock !!!! It is a small world ! Her kids were talking about grandma Hathcock and it was so cool. I was like "I have a grandma Hathcock too !" Sister Porter went on to tell me about more family that lives in Alamosa and Monte Vista. I know I will be sent there sometime during my mission !!! Tell Derek that I said thank you for his example and that I love him and am glad he is home safe ! I love you all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. HAPPY B-DAY PAPPY AND KIMMY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE YOU BOTH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Hathcock
--
I keep forgetting to tell you Maa ... I eat onions now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its a miracle !!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAAA !!!! Its so funny cause I was just forced to eat then and then all the sudden I was like,"This is really good!" If onions are available for a meal I put them on ! I love purple onion !!! :] thought you'd like to know. Love you !!!!!!!!!

8.22.11

So sweet that Ben got a job !!! Prayers have been answered ! Its so cool to see how the Lord blesses his missionaries. Elder Bentley lacks confidence and talking with people, but I promised him that the Lord would bless him to learn quickly and gain strength and confidence and it is amazing to see his progress already in just 2 weeks. I have been counselled to keep my mouth shut and let Elder Bentley talk and learn by experience and I was having a tough time keeping my big yapper shut !!! Finally I did really good yesterday and it was awesome to see what Elder Bentley was capable of. I am loving being a trainer, it is a huge responsibility but I love it ! I am learning and growing so much from it as well as Elder Bentley. Josh is preparing for baptism !!!! He did not make it to church yesterday but I am not letting it get me down. My leaders have helped me realize/understand that I need to stop beating myself up, and to remember this is the Lords work and things will happen. So I am really trying my best not to and I am feeling a lot happier cause of it. I love being a missionary !!!!!!!!!!! We had a really cool experience with Josh. He has been doing really good and he said something that really touched my heart. Since he has come to church and been reading the scriptures and keeping commitments, he has been so happy and has been over coming his "demons"/temptations. He said that the other day he was sitting there and all the sudden he had this feeling that he has never had before in his life. He said, "I felt like I knew everything was going to turn out alright, for the first time ever in my life." The spirit was so strong as he shared that. His kids are so awesome and we are looking forward to start teaching them. That's crazy that Derek will be home in a few days !!! I'm so proud of him !!! Little Ellie is so cute !!!
Love you all and thank you all !!!!

Elder Hathcock

pictures!

Rubye's Baptism
elder hathcock and elder bentley
the Boomshot Shirt

8.15.11

Sounds like a great week !!!! That is so amazing about the Bentley connection with us. This is so the Lords work. I am so grateful for the sacred trust that the Lord has put in me to train and I will NOT let him down. Elder Bentley is a great guy and is humble, which is great !!! He jams on the piano like no other, its really cool. He is learning quickly and he will be a great missionary ! He couldn't ask for a better area to start in. We had our investigator Josh at church yesterday, FINALLY !!! It was such a glorious day !!!! He had an amazing experience and said afterward, "I gotta bring my kids next time." WOO WEE !!!!!!! Brought so much joy to my heart !!! Josh is such a good guy but has had some major struggles but we are helping him see the strength that God gives him when he makes righteous decisions. I love serving my Lord and am so grateful for the strength that I receive everyday. There is NO way that I could do this if it was no the Lords work. That in itself is such a great testimony to me ! It was cool cause Elder Bentley got to confirm Rubye yesterday ! I love you ALL and my prayers are with you as I know yours are with me, I feel there strength !

Elder Hathcock
AkA "Soldier of God"

p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRENDA !!!!!!!!!!!!! What are you, 30 years old now ? ;] Love and miss you very much !!!!

p.p.s Congrats to you Camille !!!


Better wish it to you while I have the chance ...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MAA and PAA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for loving each other and sacrificing for each other, allowing us as your kids to be raised with love and with truth.

8.8.10

Little Rubye got baptized yesterday !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so amazing !!! It was in a creek here in Rye. Bro Moyer baptized her and it was an incredible experience for him as well. He recently started coming to church again after about 17 years. He is Rubyes step dad. It was the first time he has baptized someone and I am so thankful to have been apart of it. I'll send pictures next week.

Your not gonna believe it ! I am training a missionary from Lancaster CA !!! I told Pres Andersen that and he had no idea that was where I was born !!! Another testimony that this is Gods work. Elder Bently is his name. I'm sorry I missed wishing a happy birthday to Ana and Ben! So ... Happy Belated B-Days !!!!! YAY !!! HAHA

I am excited to train but also very stressed! I will be staying here in Rye and I am very happy about that. This ward is so special. I will be here for sure until October! There are miracles waiting to happen and are happening. Love you all and am grateful for your love and support and prayers as always !!!

P.S. Thank you so much Parkers for the card, I miss and love you all so much !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love, Elder Hathcock
AkA "Soldier of God"

8/1/11

That is awesome that you finished reading the B.O.M that quickly ! Its amazing the strength it gives you huh? Sounds like a busy month.

Its been a tough few weeks, its tough when you have a "trunky" companion who is about to go home. I am looking forward to a new transfer but also very stressed ! I found out that I am not going to be DL ... but that I am training a new missionary !!!!!!!! I am trying not to get too stressed, but I want to make sure I do the best job I can to prepare this missionary for the rest of his service.
We had a meeting last week where we learned about some new training material and we are the first mission in the world to do it, so thats pretty cool.

I got my package ! Thank you so much !!! I also got the P.O.S teaching cards today. Tell Stacy I got her package and letter too !!!!! So grateful !!!!!!!

We are teaching a single dad who has three little kids and he has a drinking problem and has the true desire to change his life and know if the gospel is true. He hit some rough times this past week but we are helping him learn to rely on the Lord and do his part in receiving guidance and blessings.

I gotta go but thank you for all your prayers and support as always !!!!!!

I LOVE YOU ALL !!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Hathcock

pictures...

Abert squirrels

the church building

7.25.11

Those pictures are so great !!!! I love that Bubbas loves to play baseball !!!! He is getting so big ! And Bkua is sooooooo ADORABLE !!!!!!!!!! She needs to be in commercials !!!! HAHAHA

Things are going good !!! We have a young lady who is being baptized on the 7th of August. Her mom is a recent convert and is an amazing woman !!! She is already doing missionary work, it is cool to see.

I have to go to a meeting in Springs on Tuesday and I am a little nervous cause everyone in my district says that it is probably leadership training and that I will be called as a district leader since our district leader now is going home in a week and my comp is going home the 17th of August. So needless to say I am a little stressed out but I know the Lord will help guide me. I love and miss you all and am so grateful to be here in Rye.

Love, Elder Hathcock
AkA "Soldier of God"

PS: The stake center is about 45 minutes away. Could you send some more contacts in my package please? And a bandanna for when I do service so I don't get a bunch of nasty stuff in my mouth like I have been. And if possible a little CD case holder (like the ones with a zipper around it) thank you so much Maa !!! Love you

7.18.11

here is a letter in response to tammie's email:

Thanks Maa, it has been a pretty tough road but the life lessons I am learning are priceless. Especially the things I am recognizing about myself and the growth that is coming from it. It is amazing how the mission is structured. It is totally of God, seeing the way the gospel is such a blessing in life and how you truly do find out who you really are when you are serving the Lord. Thank you for your prayers, I truly do feel the power from them cause there are some days I have no doubt that the only way I made it through was from prayers and the Lord carrying me on.

Tell Rachel I miss her so much and that I think about her all the time and what a great example she has been to me in being a faithful daughter of God.

LOVE YOU RACHO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

--
here is his letter for the week:

It was a great week of finding those prepared for the gospel. We are currently teaching two families but neither made it to church. :[ Its alright though cause I know the Lord will help them. I got a letter from some of the girls at "girls camp" from the Murrieta stake. It was really sweet and wanted to thank them: Thank you Marlene(very funny letter), Callie, Julia, Lili Solis, Mackenzie Arnold, and Janessa C. Very sweet of you girls to write ! I am glad that Wes is ok !!! Had me worried for a minute. I told you to stop rubbing your eyes after you go # 2 !!! HAHAHA j/k, love you brother !!!!!! The Rye ward is amazing at fellowshipping and coming to lessons ! I am going to send some pictures of the building next week cause I forgot to bring the connection. It is the most beautiful surrounding of a building I have ever seen ! They had the youth "Trek" this past week and yesterday they shared their experiences and testimonies and it was a very sepcial meeting filled with the spirit. Oh ya, we had milk straight from the cow given to us and it ... is ... AMAZAZAZING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So good ! But at first the after taste tasted like hay. So that was interesting and made sense. But I have had the best tasting bowls of cereal ever this past week ! It has been very warm for this area and we are praying for rain. The picture of the guy with no teeth is David, he never would listen long enough when we tried to teach him but we had a good friendship. He is a character !!! JoJo would have loved this guy. I love you all and am always grateful for your prayers and love.

Love you all,
Elder Hathcock

pictures!!!!

7.11.11

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The big 53 huh ??? How do you feel ? ;] I hope you have a great birthday Mama !!! Well the reunion sounded like a great time, Im glad everyone returned home safely. Well... things are going good, we have two investigators that we are meeting with and miracles are in the making. Yesterday at church I taught the "Gospel Principles" class and it was on "Eternal marriage." There is a couple where the husband just started coming back to church and his wife was baptized right before I got here and they are amazing !!!! He is such a cool guy and makes the best bbq I have ever had in my life ! haha But it was really cool to see there testimonies being strengthened as they are preparing to be sealed in the temple some day. It also made me so thankful for the gospel and the opportunity I will have someday to be sealed to Stacy for not just this life but for eternity. The blessings that are available through a temple marriage is beyond our comprehension. It is without a doubt ordained of God. Then we were asked to talk about missionary work with the deacon and teacher quorums. It was a great experience and strengthened my testimony to see all these young men choosing the right and following Jesus Christ. The youth here are preparing to leave for the "trek." They leave on Wednesday and it is in Wyoming. The church is true and God is our loving Heavenly Father who has provided a way for us to be happy in this life and return to him someday.

Love you all and appreciate your prayers !
Elder Hathcock

I forgot to tell you ! We had interviews and President Anderson is incredible !!!! I love him and am looking forward to serving under his direction !!! He gave me some great counsel in my interview and he said he is so excited to serve with me and it made me feel great !!! His wife is a little shy but that will change Im sure.

7/5/11

Glad to hear everything is going good ! To answer your questions: There are a lot of less active members, we don't have any solid investigators right now, but we keep on trucking along. Elder McCord has 7 brothers and 1 sister and he is the third youngest. He goes home a month from today !! I'm gonna miss him cause we are having a good time together. The ward here is amazing !!! Tell Stacy to not worry cause we get fed a ton here and I am gaining weight back !!!! HAHA But we hike mountains when we tract and the elevation is not too shabby. I finally saw a bear !!!!! It was awesome !!!!!!! One of the families in the ward have a cow who just had its baby calf yesterday, it is so cool to see this little cow already walking around and stuff, and its really soft too ! For the 4th of July the ward had a breakfast and then we stopped by a few get together and basically got fed tons of food. While we were tracting yesterday, people were like, "its too hot for you boys to be out!" It cracks me up cause its amazing weather for July !!! It was a really good day for me yesterday because the 4th of July took on a whole new meaning for me. As we celebrate the day of our Independence I came to understand that, this day made it possible for the Restoration of the gospel to come about. This promise land was prepared for the great truths that we have today and I am so grateful to be an American and am grateful for those who serve in our military to defend our country. I love you all and am so very,very grateful for your love and support! Have fun at the reunion !!! Tell everyone that I love and miss them !!!

Love,
Elder Hathcock

More photos!

Tyler has been transferred to Rye, Colorado so here are some last shots of Kansas and some first few shots of Colorado, in no particular order. ENJOY!

6.27.11

Rye ... is ... AMAZING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe that I am here, it is so beautiful !!!! I guess it is the driest it has ever been here but it is still beautiful. There are deer everywhere ! There are also black bears all over but I have yet to see any. I have seen like 30 deer already, it is so cool ! They have a ward here !!! (about 150 active). Its weird being in a ward again but I'm loving it. Everyone is very nice, we get fed every night, and did I mention how beautiful it is ?!!!! HAHA

The ward is very missionary minded too, it is a whole new world !!! We have a family that we are teaching ! The church building is surrounded by trees and the mountains, it is GLOOOOOORIOUS !!!!!!

Elder McCord is the MAN !!!! He is a big ol' guy from Seaside Oregon. I could not ask for a better companion, we get along great and he is a funny guy who loves to sing all day long. I am so happy that the Lord has blessed me to be where I am. Our apartment is really nice, I have a view of trees and the mountains from my desk.

We drive a truck cause we hit a lot of dirt trails. But I am going to get in pretty good shape because we straight up hike when we go tracting, it is something else. There are a few beautiful lakes in our area as well.

I have met a few people in the ward who know some Hathcocks ! Its crazy ! A sister knew a Brandon Hathcock in Cedar City Utah. Another brother with the last name Reidhead was raised in Mesa and knew a Jim Hathcock and thinks he might know Pops, but he is a few years older than Pops. And another older brother knows some Hathcock's that are members in Colorado. Its a trip !

That's awesome about Cory possibly playing ball for BYU.

I love being a soldier of God and am so grateful for all the blessings that the gospel brings into my life and my family's !!! Those pictures of my niece and nephew are so cute !!!! The pool looks so refreshing ... (sigh) ... someday ! :]

LOVE YOU ALL !!!!!!!!

Elder Hathcock

6.21.11

Tammie sent Tyler a picture of Ellie Sue (her nephew Lance's new baby girl). Tyler also wrote his dad for Father's day and that note has been included.


Ellie Sue is so precious !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't have much time to talk, I am being transferred to Rye Colorado !!!!!!!! It is where Elder Darley just came from ! He was there for 10 months !!!!!!!! But I am very excited !!!!!!!!! Its a small place of like ... 600 people, but I hear it is in the mountains and very beautiful !!!!! It is tough leaving Colby, I love these people. But I know that Rye is where the Lord wants me. Girls camp sounded amazing !!!!! So glad it was a success !

Love you all !!!!!!
Love, Elder Hathcock
--

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY POP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you so much Pops, and am always mindful as a missionary of the great example you have been to me and what an honorable priesthood holder you have always been. Sunday I was touched by the spirit thinking of how humble of a man you are. I all the sudden realized how humble you are and how much that means to me and how it has been an example to me. I love you Pop !

Your son and soldier of God,
Elder Hathcock

6.6.11

It was a good week. Brent was confirmed yesterday and also ordained a priest and received the Aaronic priesthood ! His father Brad was there and things have been going really well with him. The Lord prepares those who are ready to receive this message. It has finally warmed up here in KS ! The branch is doing well and we are getting fed frequently now so I have gained back some weight !!! :[ HAHAHA but its good to have the branch's trust. That is so cool about Kerry's nephew getting called to my mission ! He is going to love it !!!!! Billy, one of our recent converts, bore his testimony yesterday at church and that was really cool to see. He is a very humble man, with a big heart. I continue to be amazed by the lessons you learn on a mission, it is the best thing I could have ever done !!!!! Home teaching/visiting teaching is so important !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please make sure that you all are making your very best efforts to accomplish these assignments from the Lord. The Trails moved to a new house in a smaller town about 8 miles from Colby. They are very excited about it ! That is so great that Yaya and Ben are moving to Murrieta !!!! Im so pumped about that !

Well ... I love you all and am so grateful for your love and support !!!! I am honored to be a soldier of God and want to remind us all how important prayer is (2 Nephi 32:8-9)... pray always !!!

Love, Elder Hathcock

HI YA'LL !!!!!!! Both my companions have been district leaders Maa, so there is no difference. My new comp kind of looks like cousin Clyde. It trips me out. Brent was baptized on Sunday !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is such a great kid ! His dad came and had a really awesome experience and we are now teaching him !!! I am so pumped ! The Lord has blessed us here in Colby. Yesterday it meant a lot because we went over to their house [Brent and his dad (Brad)] and had dinner. Brad told us that he considers us family now, that really meant a lot. He is really proud of the decision his son Brent has made. Brad is a very humble man and I know that the spirit will confirm to him that the gospel is true. We had zone conference yesterday and it was a very memorable one. It was the last one we will have with president and sister Pfile. It was an emotional one but very spiritually uplifting. There is an Elder Hansen in my district who is going home in 3 weeks along with president and sister Pfile. He is such a character, I love this guy. He has been through a lot on his mission too... one thing is that the apartment he and his companion were living in burnt down along with everything that they owned. He comes from a very big family with not a lot of money. He is a farm boy from Idaho. Anyways I am gonna miss him a lot. He bore his testimony at zone conference and it touched my heart. I can't express how grateful I am to be a missionary and to be numbered among these amazing young men who are serving the Lord right along with me. We have a very united district, and are seeing miracles through hard work, obedience, and prayer. I gave a talk this last Sunday on one of my favorite talks by Elder Joseph B. Worthlin, of the quorum of the 12 Apostles. It is titled, "Come what may, and love it!" I talked about the importance how we react to adversity in our lives. Depending on how we react can determine how happy and successful we will be in life. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have to learn and grow from adversity in my life as a missionary. Sister Pfile said that when you are going through adversity, you need to turn to God and ask, "what would you have me learn?" I know it is so true, when we go through tough times the Lord wants to see who we will turn to. I have had many of these growing experiences within these past 2 weeks and I am grateful !


I love you all !!!!


P.s. tell Ryan and Julie thanks for the letter but I didn't get it ! HAHA It got damaged in handling, so they sent it to me but there was no letter ... just the envelope :[ thank you though Ryan and Julie !




Love, Elder Hathcock

5/23/11

YELLOOOOOOO !!!!!!! My new comp is awesome !!!!!!! He is from Wisconsin (near the Milwaukee area). He is also our new district leader. He has been out 18 months, and he was in his last area for 10 months !!!!! A town called "Rye" in Colorado, a town of only 600 people but he loved it there ! He is excited to be here in Colby, it is about the size of the town he is from in Wisconsin. I have been stressing a lot though cause it feels like I'm training in a way because I have to help him get acquainted to the area and the mission out here in KS is different from ways in Colorado. He is very humble, very easy going, very positive, very happy, and it helps out things a lot ! I love this guy ! Brent was not able to be baptized yesterday because of a situation in the branch but he didn't let it get him down. This kid is so smart and is so humble and is so excited to be baptized !!! I love him !!!! His dad is totally supportive which is awesome !!!!!! His brother and his girlfriend are thinking about getting married so that is sweet ! We will see how things continue with them. Kathy is really awesome and we have had some really great lessons with her , I know she will get baptized someday if its not next week. Oh ya !!! My comps name is Elder Darley ! I call him Harley Darley !!! He is awesome and made me feel real good cause he said, "Its weird being with someone who is good at teaching, I'm not use to it." He told me how well I was trained and said that he thinks I'll be training very soon... and that thought stressed me out !!!!! Its funny how stressed I've been getting lately, I'm not use to that feeling. But I love it cause it helps me know how important this work is to me. I was praying early on in my mission to the Lord to help me love the work and now I am seeing how truly important it is to me and that I do love it ! I am forever grateful for this opportunity to serve the Lord at this time in my life.


JoJo looks good in that cap and gown !!!!! Bkua looks adorable ! I love the picture with their little family. We've had a couple of rainy and cold days in the last two weeks !!! Its crazy, but it looks like it should be staying warm from here on out. Oh ya, it was crazy ! So when I went to transfers, there was this Elder Smith who was there who is in KS too. It turns out he is from Fredericksburg VA, and he knows the Browns and others from there. I kind of knew his older brother ! Its a small world.


Anyways, love you all and am grateful for Y'ALL in my life !!! I am catching myself say "ya'll" a lot lately ... ... crap HA


Love, Elder Hathcock

5/16/11

Well I don't have much time to write because Elder Andersen is getting transferred. I am staying right here in Colby, but I am pumped because we have some great miracles going on right now. We had seven investigators at church yesterday !!! I think it might be a record in Colby ! Elder Andersen said that's the most people he has ever had at church. Elder Andersen is heading to the city !!! CO Springs area, the 1st time he will have ever served in the city after 20 months in the missh. He is a little nervous. But he has been called as zone leader for the northeast zone and I am pumped for him. Things are going great ! I am excited to meet my new companion Elder Darley, he will be our district leader. My testimony grows stronger everyday ! That's crazy that Derrick goes home in August ! Very proud of him and his hard work, he is a great example to me. Love you all and am grateful for your love and support.
Love, Elder Hathcock

5/9/11

This week's email is short because he got to call home and chat with the family for a little bit for Mother's Day. Missionaries get to call twice a year, on Mother's Day and Christmas. Only two more phone calls and then he'll be home!!!
--


IT WAS SO GREAT TO TALK TO EVERYONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE NO IDEA ! Racho, you look absolutely BEAUTIFUL !!!!!! I love the pictures !!! I LOVE YOU STACE !!!! I forgot to tell you Maa about this place we go eat at called "J&B's" ... the BEST double bacon cheese burger I have ever had !!!! Love you all !!!!!!!!!!

5/2/11

HI YA'LL !!!!! HAHAA We had a great finding week ! A lot of great potential investigators. I thought it was really cool that you felt impressed to share Bishop Burk's letter because I bore my testimony yesterday about (John 14:15) and how that scripture really hit me hard. How obeying Gods commandments is our way of showing Him that we love him, and I want to show my Father in heaven how much I truly do love and appreciate him. I had a great sabbath day yesterday, we had an excellent lesson in priesthood about "gratitude" and read from President Monson's talk, "The Attitude of Gratitude." It was so humbling because as a missionary I have found myself constantly giving thanks to God in my prayers more than I ever have before. It is so important that we make sure we remember to thank God everyday for the things we are blessed with and not just focus on what we need or desire. There are so many everyday, little things that we are so lucky and blessed to have that others don't that we take for granted. Be thankful to the Lord. OK, so about calling on Mother's Day ... I'm not going to be calling you, sorry .... ...


HAHAHHAHAAAA just kidding ! I can't wait ! Sister Rose is giving us a calling card and we are going to be calling from the church. I am going to be calling at 4:00 pm my time, so 2:00 your time. We couldn't get access to skype :[ but maybe on Christmas I will be able to. I get 40 minutes to talk. Glad as always to hear everyone is doing great !!! Hope Ben gets the job ! I love and miss you all !!!!!!!!!!!!!


P.s. Heather sent me an EASTER PACKAGE !!!!!! It was so awesome !!!!!!!!!! Love you Heath !!!!
P.s.s the pictures you sent were tiny, I could barely see them HA

4/25/11

Hey !!! Things are going good. We are struggling a little bit to find investigators right now but I know there is a miracle right around the corner. Amanda was confirmed and received the gift of the holy ghost yesterday !!! It was gloooorious !!! Our Easter service was pretty desolate yesterday. :[ But the talks were excellent !!! We didn't have anyone set up to feed us on Easter but we gave sister Laburtus(an older lady in the branch) a call and she ended up making us dinner which was really nice of her. We were very thankful and we were starving ! Its been kind of tough lately cause we have been doing a lot of tracting, well... we always do a lot of tracting but we did even more this past week. But we keep on trucking !!! Tell Amanda Tusa, it might be a bit before I write her back but I did get her letter and loved it ! Tell Stace that I have been really busy the last two weeks but am writing her today(love you Toots). I feel bad cause I dont have much time to write everyone back immediately when I get there letters but I will write back eventually ! I PROMISE !!! ... I miss Zoey !!! HAHAHA ! I think I am gonna buy some short sleeve white shirts today even though it still hasn't warmed up much here and is raining right now. President Anderson is from what I've heard "a big man," and is a spiritual giant ! President Pfile was actually his bishop a long time ago. President Pfile told me in my interview that there isn't a better man that he would want to take over this mission. So I am excited to meet him. This Easter was a special one for me cause I actually realized the importance and special day Easter is. The time that we remember the Saviors resurrection and what I pondered on and was thankful for was the opportunity that I will have to be resurrected because of my Saviors sacrafice as well as everyone who has lived and ever will live. We all have been given the gift of being resurrected. I never thought my faith would be so tested while being here on a mission... but it has also been strengthened. I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ everyday and know that by living his gospel we will have happiness in this life and even more happiness in the life to come ! We can't even comprehend !!! We can use skype but Im not sure if I will have that available, I will let you know when it gets closer. Glad you all had a good Easter ! Thank you for all your prayers,love, and support.
Love you all !!!!


Love, Elder Hathcock

4/19/11

Had a good week. They asked Elder Andersen and I to both speak on Sunday and our talks went very well. The branch gave us a lot of love afterwards. It has been an awesome experience to see the branch build unity and gain trust in us missionaries. They have been doing a lot more in helping the work move forward. It was funny cause the branch president (President Rose) came up to me Sunday and said, "I have been thinking about what I can do to fix your ears the past couple of weeks... and I think I have figured it out." HAHA Im was pumped and told him my Maa would be so happy if I came home and my ears were fixed (He is a doctor, if I haven't mentioned that). But we'll see. I really love the Rose family, they have us over for dinner every Tuesday and it is always delicious. We had our last interviews yesterday with President Pfile. He gave me some really good council and told me how great the new mission president (President Anderson) is and I am looking forward to meeting him. My testimony grows stronger everyday through the tests of my faith. I am so grateful for the scriptures and the strength and power we are able to have in life by reading and pondering them. I have really been strengthend by (1 Nephi 3:7) lately. It helps me when things get tough, knowing that God would not ask us to do anything if there were not a way provided to accomplish it. Im so glad to hear that youth conference was a great experience. I am not surprised to hear that Stacy was there helping, she has been a great example to me in the importance of serving. It was so great to have my patriarchal blessing finally !!!! So many things that I needed to be reminded of and guided to do. Love you all !!!!!!!!!!! Remember to do the little things everyday that will give you strength and keep God smiling down upon you :]

P.s. It was so great, I got a package of goodies and a letter from the Parkers !!! Laura knows the key to my heart is through keeping me fed ! :] I love and miss the Parkers a lot.

P.s.s I weighed 308 lbs in the MTC and yesterday I weighed 270 !!!!! GEE GOLLY HUH?! HAHAHA

4/11/11

We had a really great week ! We started teaching a less active members (Sudden) friends. We taught his girl friend and two of his friends, they are all 18 to 19 years old. Really great kids with good hearts. None of them made it to church yesterday though. :[ Its ok though, they'll make it next week. Amanda was baptized yesterday !!! It was a gloooorious service ! She had to get dunked 5 times because the baptismal suit kept floating up ! Poor thing, but she was a good champ about it. Its been so cool to see the change that has come about her. She is just always smiling. Elder Andersen and I both woke up sick yesterday with sore throats and all that good stuff. I'm feeling worse today, I'm glad its P-day. We think we got sick from helping this lady move a bunch of stuff out of her basement that had RAT POOP everywhere !!!!!! She is a "hoarder". I was trying so hard to show love... it was tough. I'm freaking out now, because someone said you can get a disease from in-hailing rat poop !!! Anyways, this newly married couple (Charlie and Stephanie Overbay) that have been here in the branch visiting his parents for the past few months, made me my "greanie meal" yesterday(I took pictures). They have been on break from school. They go to BYU, Idaho. Everything they made was green. It was funny, they are a nice couple and it was sad to say good-bye because it was there last Sunday here. Everything is going good for the most part other than being sick. I love being a soldier of God ! I love and miss you all everyday !!!!!!!!! This is the church of Jesus Christ, and it blows my mind everyday how much joy it has brought into my life ! Love, Elder Hathcock

4/5/11

That is so cool that aunt Jill passed through Colby !!! I miss Bubbas and Bkua sooooo much !!!!! I love that Aidan hugged Zoey ! Conference was AMAZING !!!!!! The first time I have ever watched all sessions and actually payed attention too ! HAHAA I can't believe how much I have missed out on !!! We watched them at the church building on a big screen, it was cool. The sessions on Saturday were just Elder Andersen and I all alone, but it was nice. Then on Sunday we had three investigators at the 1st session !!!! It was great and afterwards the branch had a pot luck ! Soooo good ! It was so cool to hear one of our investigators (Amanda) say that when the Prophet spoke, she got chills and knew that he was the prophet of God ! Loved hearing that !!!!! She will be getting baptized this coming Sunday !!!! WOO HOO !!!!!! I just found out that I am staying in Colby with Elder Andersen !!!! So pumped cause we have work to do and miracles are happening here in Colby ! Tell Racho I love and miss her soooo much !!!!!! That will be a great experience with the youth and is really cool that aunt Monica, Cory and Erica will be there with you. Really cool you met Tristen's parents, that was really nice what they said. Well I gotta get going, I love you all so much !!!! Conference really helped me realize how important it is that we serve others and DO NOT miss opportunities to share the gospel with others ! Love, Elder Hathcock Check out CONFERENCE Here!!!

3/28/11

Sounds like you and Pops had a great weekend for his B-Day. I'm glad to hear that. I am really bummed cause the Trail girls didn't get to watch the broadcast cause they were sick ! We had a pretty intense week. Skyler(the 12 yr old boy who is the PM family I told you we were working with) was all set to be baptized, you could see the change in the kid and he bore testimony of the B.O.M and Joseph Smith and was excited to be baptized. He had his baptismal interview on Thursday and was good to go. They were even having friends from the Colorado Springs area to come and baptize him. Anyways, long story short, we get a call from Skyler's mom (sis Gee) and she says that the baptism is postponed, Skyler talked to his grandparents and isn't sure now. We can't believe what were hearing (and there's a lot more to this story but I am not the fastest typer in the world and don't have all day to write details but anyways) ... Skyler basically got anti'd by his grandparents and we were asked to help them start their garden Saturday morning, not the grandparents but the Gee families garden. HA! So we get there and we ask to talk to the family together before we start the garden stuff. Long story short, the Lord guided us through the visit, the spirit was strong, Sis Gee made it clear to Skyler this is his decision and for him to do what he knows God wants him to do ! ... Skyler was baptized yesterday !!!!!!!! WOO HOO !!!!!! It was a wonderful service and the Mayfield family from Colorado(their friends) made it for the baptism. I am so grateful for the guidance given to me and my comp. through God, that's the only reason this all worked out. It was a very trying time but righteousness prevailed !!!


Now I've got a funny story to tell :] So Elder Andersen and I are outside in front of the church after the baptism talking to a younger newly wed couple in the branch (Charlie and Steffani) and all the sudden Charlie says, "look at that turkey!" We turn around and there is a big Ole turkey running through the parking lot and into the grass area of this "old folks home" next to the church. So without thinking twice Charlie takes off after it (HAHAHA and I'm thinking to myself, "that's country living") So I'm laughing and saying, "get him Charlie !" Then I'm thinking to myself ... I'm gonna get in on this and I take off in my suit after the turkey ! The turkey gets kind of cornered in by this old folks home and thinks a window is open and smashes into it and then bounces off it !!! HAHAHAHAAA !!! So then it starts running again and I'm right next to it running along side it and I'm going pretty fast and I'm all pumped like, "Ya baby, I'm gonna grab this thing by its neck!" and I'm getting close when all the sudden I get to the grass with a little snow on it and ... WHOA, WIT,WHOA !!!!! I'm down sliding on my belly for like 10 feet !!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHHAAAA I was so bummed and we were all cracking up ! The dawg gawn turkey got away ! And the best part is ... Elder Andersen had his camera on him and recorded the whole thing !!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAA Can't wait for you to see it someday. Well I love you all and please don't let anyone write to my exact address- you need to have them write to the mission address please (that goes for Stacy too !!!) Love you Toots ;] And thank you so much Maa for the package !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so awesome !!! Contacts, vitamins, Emergen-C, all kinds of wonderful things to get, I was very thankful !!!
Heather Parker sent me an awesome package too with the perfect things that I wanted( love you Heath !!!)


I'm working hard and have a feeling I am getting transferred which is sad but ill be alright. I love Elder Andersen, he has been a great trainer. I love you all and am grateful for all your love,prayers and support.

P.s. well I don't know where my patriarchal blessing is but I'm pretty sure I looked everywhere, ill check again

pictures!!!

with his companion, elder andersen

picture for stacy's birthday

st. patty's day

the whole mission