Photos of Aranjuez

February 23, 2015 Last Letter Home

Hello family.  

Well P. came back for a few days this week.  So it was nice seeing him again.  But he has already gone back to London again.  We talked about marriage with them.  They will have to wait though with him being in London and she being here.  But the both of them came to church.

We taught the guy in the bakery, named M.  He seems like a really nice guy.  We talked about the Book of Mormon with him.  He seemed very open.  It was a simple lesson since he was in the bakery, but it was a good one.  Just talked about the importance and power the book has and then invited him to read it.  

So while we were waiting for english class I set my things down on the table.  So later I moved my bag off and was going to move the Book of Mormon off as well, but just felt, oh just leave it there, so I did.  So some lady named L. came in and sat down next to the table.  She was in the room alone, and then she picked up the book or Mormon and started to read it.  She was there reading it for a good ten minutes.  So then after english class we talked to her for a little bit and then gave her the book of mormon.  She seemed excited.  

Well we weren’t able to teach M. last week.  But we did see him.  (we were bringing something to the church for his mom) And we just asked him if we was coming to church, and then he did.  We are meeting with him tomorrow.  

Today we headed into the center of madrid to look around.  

Well thats good you are doing better.  I guess there is no bone connection between the leg and the foot, so with no tendons i guess the only thing holding it together would be the skin, but under surgery that would be cut as well.  Well hopefully you'll be able to walk soon.  

Well thats good, it seems like Devon had a nice birthday.  Too bad the Brazilian place was closed.  Of all the south american food i think Brazilian is one of the best.  Its quite good.  Peruvian can also be pretty good.  by the way i like ceviche now.  

So with the other english class lady named N. she brought a friend this time.  And we started talking about being good people and our faith.  And they didn’t know if anyone had a plan for them.  If there was any purpose or if they were just here by chance.  So we told them, God has a plan for each and every one of us.  He knows us, and wants to help us.  Nothing is just by chance here.  They seemed interested to learn more.  And they wanted to talk more next time.  

We had mission tour this week.  It was with elder Dyches.  I really enjoyed it.  He just talked about how we need to be converted.  And that happens as we work hard and do everything we can here. He talked about his mission and how he felt he did everything he could, and how much he loved it.   I really enjoyed it.  Made me want to do everything i can.  

I just felt this overall since of gratitude towards god for allowing me to be a missionary.  ¨We sang ill go where you want me to go¨ And i really liked how it says (this is paraphrasing) the Lord will send me to work in the vineyard, and say words in faith.  I love being here.  I wouldn’t trade this for anything.  All of these people I've meet and helped, and all of the growth I've experienced.  And a stronger testimony of the savior.  That he lives.  And how important that fact is to make known to everyone.  

Im focused on this last week though.  There are still more people out there that need help.  And how great it would be to help some more people.  

Thats cool you had that missionary experiences.  There is so much joy in missionary work.  Sometimes I think the sons of Mosiah serves so long, for 14 years, but it would have been incredible.  And it would have been so exciting to serve alongside them.  And I think two years is really nothing to dedicate to the Lord.  Then I want to serve more. 

I really have such a mix of emotions right now.  I’m so grateful the the Lord trusted me to work with him in his vineyard.  

Thank you for all  of your support and for teaching me the gospel.  I admire you a lot.  But most of all thank you for loving me.  

Love you all.  Thanks for everything

Love

Elder Kinghorn

February 16, 2015

Hello everybody

Well this week we have been working with M. and his woman.  So M´s family owns this snack store, so we have been passing by these past few months and talk and share something with him. (and he always gives us a hot dog)  And its been cool to see him change.  At first he would just be there for the message but not he comments.  Although he hasn't come to church yet he said he would promise to go before i left.  So we also bought salmon and made it cooked it with him and his women (V.).  She is really nice to us as well.  So we were talking with them, then talked about the restoration.  She said it’s something new to her (as I think it would be to everyone) but we asked and she said she would like to know if it were true, and would be willing to read and pray.  And she also said she promised that they would all go to church together as well.  So that was really exciting.  Then also at the end M. gave my comp a Barcelona jersey and he gave me an Argentina jersey (to bad they lost in the world cup final haha).  They are both really cool. 

Well we have also tried to work with the members more this week.  As more people will progress that way.  We were at an eating appointment and we were sharing our purpose as missionaries and how important this is, and how we want to work together.  We were talking and they said they have some friends they would like to invite, so we set up a day to meet with them on Friday and then on Friday we meet with them in the members house.  That was really cool.  They are a family but the dad and the oldest son wasn't there.  Only the mom and the youngest son, but we are meeting with them again on Wednesday.  

We also finally say Ma. today actually.  We went to eat at his moms house (some other missionary that served here is also going home with me so he went to say goodbye, so we went as well)  We talked with Ma. for a bit and are going to meet on Wednesday.  

Sadly we weren't able to meet with M.  He was sick.  But tomorrow we will. And his mom will be at the bakery as well so we will be able to go to a calm place.  

There is also this women who we teach english to.  She doesn't really believe in God, but we try to share a message with her.  This time we talked about family history, and she seemed really interested in that.  So hopefully that will lead to somewhere.  

Well i wouldn't think it'd be fun to be cooped up all day long.  Not quite sure what cabin fever is exactly bit it probably wouldn't be fun. 

Well love you.  Hope you all have a good week

Love

Elder Kinghorn

February 9, 2015

Hello family

We were able to meet with some new people this week, so that was good.  M. the less active we were finally able to meet with his women.  So is really nice.  And she wants her kids to believe in God.  We didn't have too much time with them though and she got home late from work.  But it would be really good for M. if she starting progressing, because then he would as well.  

We also contacting this guy who owns a bakery.  So a few days later he told us to pass by his store.  So we did.  He was working so it wasn't the best of setting.  But we talked about the book or mormon and he seemed interesting in reading it.  I hope he does.  Thats really the best thing someone could do.  We also has a lesson with a less active women about the book of mormon and how important it is, and then on Sunday she came to church. She said she would read as well.   That was really cool. We just testified of the book of mormon and how it can change our lives.   I’ve really come to understand better how the book of mormon in the keystone of our religion.   

Well i lost my wallet on the bus one day.  I didn't even realize it until the next day.  And i had no clue where it was.  Called people looked all around our apartment.  So i prayed, and then it was at the bus station office.  

I read so cool talk the other day.  He said pre-mortal world we developed christlike attributes.  So we weren't even born the way we were just because.  We grew and progressed before as well.  So there really is no reason someone cant change.  They already have in the pre-mortal life.  So they can do it here as well.  

J. came to english class again, and we were able to talk about the restoration a little bit with her after class ended.  

M. is still doing well.  We talked about families again, next time we are planning to set a marriage date for them.  

Well is sounds like the surgery was an adventure.  Can Devon walk normally by now?  I’d assume he could.  I guess its good you finally got the surgery though.  You'll be better after its all over.  Thats nice Michael was willing to go pick up the medication. Kind of a funny story they just find him stealing the medicine.  It look pretty suspicious.   I don't know what the rave is about pain meds or drugs either.  Not being able to really function or not remembering what you did the night before doesn't really sounds appetizing to me.  Sounds like the car is really nice.  A fridge inside.  That’s crazy.  I guess its good if your not feeling the best though.  Probably a bit harder to get car sick in the car.  That's nice people have been coming over and bringing food and whatnot.  Hopefully you recover soon.  You're in my prayers when i remember.

Thats a really cool insight.  Our duty is just to love.  It’s the greatest attribute we can acquire.  It really doesn't matter what we do.  We can do every good thing in the world, but if we don't do it for love to that person and God, its just as if we didn't do anything.  Christ made no exception of persons, and neither should we.  You're going to listen to a close friend or family more than a stranger, why because they love you, and you know that they want the best for you.  

Hope you have a good week and don't go to stir crazy.

We'll hope everyone has a lovely week

Love

Elder Kinghorn

February 2, 2015

Hello Family  

We met with a really cool african this week named F. He got our number somehow and called us to meet.  So we met with him and had a really good lesson with him.  When we were talking about the book of mormon he said i cant just read it to read it, because that it wouldn't really get to me, and i wouldn't know what God wants me to know, I got to read it and pray to know what God wants me to know and ask if its true.  It sure is strange teaching in english though.  But it seemed like he really got it.  

Some other good news, so we were teaching mara in Alcorcon, from Nicaragua, and she was kind of like a roller coaster.  Seemed to have lots of potential and wanting to meet with us, then slowed down, so we dropped her, then she wanted to meet and so on.  Bu a few weeks ago she was baptized and her daughter, so that is really cool.  

So funny story, so we were playing around the world at the ping pong table after noche de hogar.  I don't know if you know how to play but you keep running around the table and have to hit it at the other side.  Well you have to run when there are 4 or 3 people.  So we were playing and the branch president was there, and he was running to the other side and he tripped over himself and hit the piano and put a good size hole in the wall from the piano hitting the wall (it was a tiny electric piano no a big one well i guess a normal electric piano.)  and the next day he had a huge bruise on his upper arm.  He was fine though.  But a bit banged up.  It was pretty funny though.   

So M. the less active that went to the game with us went to noche de hogar on Saturday, so that was good progress.  He will come to church someday.  I know it.  We shared the scripture about how we need to take upon ourselves the name of christ, and we talked about how we can do it through the sacrament in one way how we promise god we will in the sacramental prayer.  And we also talked to him and his girlfriend for a little bit.  She gave us some food.  She seems really nice.  We are hopefully going to meet with her again this week.  We were only there for like 10 minutes with the both of them.  So M´s sister is also less active, and she came to church this week.  So that was cool to see.  She lives with the parents who are active and we eat there and share a message and she is always there.  

We had a really good meal the other day from Ecuador.  Called Biche.  It was someones birthday.  It was really good.  

Thats funny Michael and Brayden and JJ were there alone.  They are funny.  JJ said he wants to live together after the mission.  That would be fun.  That is a bummer about the surgery.  I’ll be praying for you though that you'll get better soon.  

That sounds like a fun lunch.  They are all fun people.  Well i don't know Marie Mickelson to well or Joy Rios, but they both seem really nice.  

WEll that seems like a pretty cool deal.  Kind of sad the ctsv is gone.  It was a cool car.  HOw long does the deal last for?   haha.  It is sad the ctsv is gone, but i thing thats a sweet deal.  Dad, remember when i asked if i converted the pope or the king of Spain if you would get an aston martin and you said yes, well i guess you just got a bit impatient with me and the king, so i guess you'll just borrow one now.  haha.  

Well hope you have a wonderful week

Love Elder Kinghorn

January 26, 2015

Hello Family 

We got this call the other day from this random african, i couldn't understand who he was or how he got our number, but he had interest in meeting with us, so we set something up for Tuesday.  We are excited to meet with him.  

I’m kind of confused with JP.  We haven’t talked with him for a while, and he hasn’t answered the phone.  But he came to church on Sunday, so he still is interested.  But on Sunday he said he has been busy.  So hopefully we’ll be able to meet with him soon. 

Some guy said something that kind of hit me. I understood it before but it just hit me this time.  He was talking about Christ and the atonement.  And said he willingly did it because he loves us.  He knew that if he wouldn't have done it, each of us would have to have paid the price for our sins, and we couldn't have done that.  So he did it because he loves us, and knew it was the only way for us to be saved.

L. came to english class and noche de hogar.  We were going to teach her at H’s house but in the end it fell though.  It seems like her parents are Muslim though.  So we’ll see how it goes. 

The week was good, but lots of things feel through in the end.  But we are excited for this week.

The less active was M.,  from Argentina.  And the other missionaries were from Talavera and Toledo.  We are in the same district as them.  We have district meeting with them every Wednesday.  

What day is the operation?  Isn't it on the fourth or something.  Well it'll be good once its all over, and you'll be better and you wont have anymore problems.  Its amazing what doctors can do now days.  If that would have happened like 100 years ago they probably wouldn't have done anything.  with no diagnosis of what it is.  

That seems like a ton of weddings to go to once I'm home.  ugh.  Well some weddings came be fun, but if its a all day affair it gets long and boring.  OH well.  Hopefully they'll all be fun.  That is really exciting for Shana.  The lord will never abandoned us though.  He will always be there to help us, no matter what.  

well have a wonderful week and happy birthday.

Love you.

Love Elder Kinghorn

January 19, 2015

Hello family!

So we heard more good news from M.  So at first when her kids wanted to get baptized she wasn't really to happy.  She never said anything though.  And for some lessons she would say her head hurts so she wouldn’t have to come out  (and that did happen a few times)  But now she loves the church.  And we asked he is she was ready to be baptized now, and she said yes she was.  So now she completely wants to get baptized which is really excited.  When I first got here she just went into her room to now she wants to herself.  And she comes to church every week now, so its really going really well with her.  And P. wants to be baptized as well, so thats really exciting.  

We found J. because she was interested in english class.  We met with her again this week, but she also said she like to learn a bit more about the church.  And when we met with her this week she also brought a friend to english class.  His name is M. he is a pretty funny guy.  So we taught english then talked about the church for a little bit afterwards.  Then on Sunday J. came to church.  That was really exciting.  

Then another good thing that came from english class  (this is like the first time I've actually found people through english class, but for this whole time doing it then find some good people, its worth it.)  So these young people were walking down the street and i guess they saw our paper that says english class Wednesdays.  So they came on Wednesday.  They were like 16 years old.  Then one of them also came on Saturday to our branch family home evening.  And the members were really good and friendshipping her.  And they invited her to church, and she was going to come.  But something came up.  She never told us what.  But she really liked family home evening and wants to come to church.  

We went to church on Sunday (obviously) and it was like two minutes before we were going to start, and the first councilor comes up to me and says someone who had a talk, ends up cant give it today, so could you give a talk.  So i said yes.  So i was just rushing to get some ideas together, and luckily there was a speaker before me, but she took like one minute, so then i just did whatever i could.  But i think it turned out all right.  Thats the first time thats happened to me before though.  

Well we are finally going to meet with M. again.  He came to church yesterday.  So there is a man that lives there and there is always problems when he is there.  But he is leaving for some months, and so its the perfect time to meet with him.  

So we also went to the soccer game which was amazing.  A ton louder than cougar fans.  The atmosphere was really cool.  And it was super loud when 

Madrid scored.  Sometimes it was kind of hard to tell which way the ball was going when it went high in the air.  It was a super cool experience.  They tied 2 to 2.  I say madrid was the first ranked team in 2014 and Athletico the third.  It was a good matchup.  

Well hope you all have a wonderful week

Love Elder Kinghorn