Week 5 in Veracruz

Jaden's email 11/21/2016:

"Hey everyone!! This week has been pretty good. Sadly, we didn't have the baptism of Robelia that we had planned. It got pushed back to next week. We almost lost our investigator Robelia because she told us she won't be able to come to church any more. That it wouldn't be possible to attend church because she has to babysit her 5 grandchildren. What did we do? We walked her and her 5 grandchildren to church. haha! Not only does she get to learn more in church, but drop them off with another person for 2 hours. haha! In the gospel principles class my friend Elder Parkes talked about the importance of baptism, keeping the sabbath day holy, and taking the sacrament. Basically the whole lesson was taught with the help of translators. However, Robelia was so happy about the idea of baptism and being cleansed of her sins that she started crying. Its and interesting thing to note, though the language barriers at times seem inpenetrable, the gospel always finds a way in. Light always overcomes darkness. I'd like to share a few scriptures I found in Doctrine and Covenants."

The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth

DC 65:2

37 And this gospel shall be preached unto every nation,and kindred, and tongue, and people.

DC 133: 37

 "I'm so grateful for the opportunity that I have to be here in Panama and share this gospel. During my time here I have honestly seen miracles. I've experienced the gift of tongues as well as the interpretation of tongues. The more I study, the more I realize how blessed I've been to have been born into a family that knew about the gospel. To a family where I have seen many blessings of following the gospel and not just doing what others say is "cool." This gospel gives our lives purpose, and I plan to do all that I can to stay worthy of the blessings the lord has in store for me. I will also do all that I can so that I can return back to the presence not alone, but with all of the family and friends that I can. I don't really have a lot to report on this week. It rains every day and I cant find a place that sells umbrellas. I don't like loosing time either so I just walk through the downpours. haha! Well I think that's pretty much it for this week. I hope all of you have a good week! Love you guys!!"

-Elder Hawes

"Here are some pics I'm attaching. One is me with a baby chick that I found in the street while walking one day. I moved it away from the road." 

"Below is a picture of me standing by some chickens that were bred for fighting. Chicken fighting is pretty big here in Veracruz. I see them as I walk sometimes. I think its kind of sad..Anyways. Love you guys!!"

Actually, the picture [below] is me wearing the mola tie I sewed. Its not that great but I wanted to try it. I like it, I didn't pay money. haha! 

 I also have a picture of something I tried. Its called ceviche. Its seasoned octopus that I bought in a chinese convenience store. I like trying new stuff.  I didn't even get sick..bonus. haha! 

This was the edition of  the Liahona that I was in. I'm in both of the pictures.

A video of me cutting some jungle with my machette/sword. I figured out how to send these videos