Elder Jeremy Ashton Boyd

Hello sweet family and friends. Yes, another week down, I'm basically a veteran. Almost. Not really. I wish. But everything in time and the fifth principle of the Gospel IS endure to the end, so we must adhere to what we're taught and press forward. This week kinda flew by, but it was FULL of some experiences for sure, and maybe a few missionary milestones.. (DUN DUN DUUUUNN) stay tuned as we enter into... CHALMETTE CHRONICLES: WEEK THREE EDITION.

WOW, what a week. I'm gonna do my best to remember the highlights cause quite frankly, stuff just happens down here, and you don't know whether or not you should retain that information forever, or if it's best never to remember it again.

Louisiana is quite the wonderland. BUT I FINALLY GOT TO EXPERIENCE THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG PART OF NEW ORLEANS AND OH MY LANTA WAS IT ENCHANTING. My dear friends, we went to Downtown, and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. We toured the French Quarter (Spoiler Alert: they're all Vietnamese and if you speak French to them they get quite wound up) and enjoyed a grand tour of Jackson Square. It was a real New Orleans experience. Everything from the wacky weirdos to the dazzling architecture- the aroma of gumbo amidst the sounds of Cajun haggling. It was wonderful. And I took a plethora of pictures so you all could experience it with me!

Now on to the missionary fun: Elder Orison and I conquered our, "Safeguards for Using Technology" training this week in preparation for technology in our mission! I'm very excited to make use of technology in furthering the work of the Lord!

We also did some insane tracting this week- like, we met some CHARACTERS let me tell you. I've never been condemned for preaching about an illusion in a reality of time that is only an illusion if I establish my reality and the foregrounds of Jesus, before. (didn't make sense to me either.) So there's a first for everything I suppose. And I encountered my first "laughing door approach." Mr. Washington opened up the door, and right when I was about to LAY DOWN the principles of the Gospel- he laughed at me. He called me a scrawny white boy (true) who, "a'int know nothing about the word" and proceeded to question my qualifications as a minister of Jesus. If that wasn't enough, he said the Bible didn't talk about an apostasy... so imagine his surprise when this scrawny white kid opened his eyes to Amos 8: 11-12. Not so scrawny anymore, eh Mr. Washington. 😊

Definitely learning to be agreeable, patient, diligent, and compassionate out here in the Bayou. Among a multitude of other things. Our journey's continued as we scavenged the Earth for the less actives and ripened fruit of the area- and stumbled upon this sweet old lady with Parkinson's who gave us an orchard of apples. We also met this less active who said he needed food because all he had was a pomegranate and two boxes of Cheez-its (fine dining). So I proceeded to offer him the Nature Valley bar from my bag. However confused he was, it felt good to serve. I also gave a dollar to these kids who said they needed it to ride the bus, but we later found out that I was bamboozled as we saw them frolicking across the highway with my dollar in hand. But hey, intention right?

Then we get to the milestones.. ladies and gentleman.. Elder Boyd has OFFICIALLY INVITED SOMEONE TO BE BAPTIZED AND THEY ACCEPTED. But wait.. there's more.. WE HAVE A DATE. DECEMBER 30TH. But we a'int stopping there y'all.. ANOTHER ONE. We meet a former investigator, T.B., on Thursday- he apparently messages Janet Jackson on the daily and builds baby bottle cleaners- but we had an epic lesson of magical proportions, and I felt prompted, so without permission from Elder Orison I WENT FOR IT AND HE ACCEPTED. And we're gonna get his son in on it too.. who is also named T.. AND, with all glory to the Spirit, I invited our investigator C to be baptized contingent on his finding of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon- and HE said yes. AND they both agreed to come to church.. So yes, people in Louisiana are actually NOT impossible to convert, and we're hoping for the best with our home-boys T and C.

I also experienced my first, "mission exchange" this week as the Spanish Zone Leaders came to visit. We had a grand ole time with them, and I have NOW taught four ukulele chords to TWO Elders. Mark my words, this will be a ukulele mission when I am through with this bayou. But that was awesome.

I'm learning a gargantuan amount in the Book of Mormon, have started reading Jesus the Christ, and am thoroughly appreciating the constant companionship of the Spirit in my life. This week was actually really hard, but with hard things come great miracles, and we're appreciative of that.

I've had a bit of a physical limitation this week- my stomach and head have been a bit achy of sorts. But through grandiose prayer and fasting, I've been able to persevere. I definitely feel the delivering power of the Lord in my life. He is quite the merciful friend, and I really appreciate him.

Yesterday we had fast and testimony meeting in our branch, and it's basically over when everyone bears their testimony. We got another Sister, Sister Banner, yesterday and so now we have seven missionaries in the Branch. That's half the branch. We always have the blessed opportunity of bearing our testimonies and sharing with the other seven people our love of the Gospel. It's great!

I think i'm adjusting more? But I definitely feel the struggle of acclimation. It'll just take time as I'm told, and the more I preach, the faster it flies. SO I'm gonna keep preaching. :)

Now to the normal people details:

We've had some crazy meat this week. Meat that hasn't made me feel the best, and so I;m gonna be much more cautious with Walmart expiration dates.

I have officially had gumbo AND jambalaya, and lemme say, they know how to food down here. I got another pillow from Elder Hernandez this week, and so that was a blessed tender mercy. Mr. Fluffy and me are just chilling.

We listened to some legendary devotionals this week, so I'd challenge you all to get on LDS.org and experience the greatness!

My companion loves Elder Klebingat... LOVES HIM... let me tell you! He quotes him every chance he gets. I've definitely identified some weaknesses that I'd like to overcome on this mission. I know that with the help of the Lord and Ether 12:27, I can turn them into strengths.

IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE LIGHT THE WORLD INITIATIVE YOU TOTALLY SHOULD. Its one of my favorite things when we get a door approach to watch the video with us.. I love the Christmas season, and although it's a sauna down here, I can feel the Christmas Spirit that y'all have with you up there. Remember why we celebrate, and always remember to look outwards!

I think that's about all that I can curmudgeon this week, so thank you all so very much for reading. Your diligence will be rewarded! I love you all so very much, as I say every week, but it's true. I'm giving y'all a big Southern hug from down here in the sketchlands. Actually.. it's more like the ChalESTIAL KINGDOM am I right? Hehe, make the most with what you're given, I've learned that very quickly.

Anyways, I hope you all are having such sensational holidays and have some gnarly weeks, ya hear? Elder Boyd loves each and every one of you and prays for y'all fifty times a day. You're infinitely more than you can possibly imagine. Keep the faith and trust in the Lord- he's a pretty great guy. I'll talk to you guys next week!

With copious amounts of appreciation and adoration,

Elder Boyd

Oh, Blessed Jesus (Alma 19:29) it's P Day!

You know, I've never really appreciated Mondays so much before. Maybe this mission is changing me? CAUSE YOU BET YOUR DARN TOOTIN' CRAWDAD SCALES this is perhaps one of my more favorite days of the week. Another week full of wacky experiences, even kookier people, and a gospel..that really hasn't changed much, seeing as it really is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and it's HECKA RIGHTEOUS AND AWESOME AND THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW THAT. But yes, that's right ladies and gentleman, it's time for this weeks edition of THE CHALMETTE CHRONICLES. *Cue epic-ly spiritual intro music*

My dearest friends and family, your prayers have been felt. I've felt the thoughts and love of those in my regard so fully, it brings a grown man to tears. Thank you. I pray for each and every one of your precious souls with every humble prayer I offer- we are so incredibly blessed of our Father in Heaven, and I know that it is through the comfort and guidance of his Holy Spirit and his mercy on my wandering soul that this mission is happening. I wish upon all of you that same blessing of sanctuary- may you all find the utmost peace in knowing that this gospel is true, and God loves you. Okay. Tender moment over. Thank you again.

HOW Y'ALL DOING? I tell you what, out here in the bayou we getting some work done. This week has once again been hectic and wild and bizarre and a tad bit smelly, but nothing I haven't been able to overcome through the impeccable grace and love of our Savior Jesus Christ. This past week has been filled with some nitty-gritty work and some spectacular miracles, so Let's GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD SHALL WE?

Firstly, Orison is still a legend. I've evolved into calling him dad (though he could never replace the most humble, hilarious, and handsome man on the planet, the one, and only Ward Carson Boyd III) and it brings me great joy. He even calls me son occasionally, which gives me verification that he doesn't think I'm that weird. ANYWAYS, we've had some legendary spiritual discussions this week, and through the scriptures and our time proselyting, we've come to be pretty swell friends. We've continued to teach our investigators last week. We actually likened our tracting efforts to basketball terminology. We have our Rookies: C., A., The Big Three (T, C., and Ta), R, O, V, and some other awesome people who actually gave us Jesus People a chance. We have our Draft Picks (Potential Investigators), our Retired Players (Former Investigators) and our D-League (People who don't know they're investigators, but they're destined for the big leagues, just you wait.) However, despite this awesome system, we encountered quite a bit of rejection this past week. No-one was home, lot's of people weren't too amused with our door approach, lots of rescheduled appointments, and even someone who decided that reincarnation was the life for them. All in all, it's been a week full of learning and experience, to say the least. Really what kept me going this week was ONE: Thanksgiving TWO: Thoughts of all of you and my purpose for serving a mission.

Thanksgiving: My first Thanksgiving away from home was pretty magical. We went Downtown in New Orleans which is a lot more like Princess and the Frog and everything Chalmette and the East side are NOT) and had a grand Thanksgiving Palooza where we did service for a few hours. The missionaries were tasked with regulating the clothing department and let me tell you, it was so humbling to work among these people. I felt so much unconditional charity and love for the children of God who needed something as simple as clothing. It got me thinking, maybe this is what Christ feels for all of us? He knows how desperately we need happiness in this life, and he just radiates with excitement at providing us salvation and comfort through him. I gained a redefined love for our Savior and his sacrifice that day. I also got to know the other Elders and Sisters in the Zone and dance with a Zulu man, so, all in all, it was a rather smashing morning. We then made our way over to the local Relief Society President's sisters house to have Thanksgiving lunch (I ate turkey cause Louisianans love butter.) And we closed the holiday with one of the greatest expressions of care and best meals I've had in Louisiana thus far. The Branch President's wife, Sister F., created an entire dairy-free Thanksgiving dinner for me. Now if that's not service, that woman has a seat reserved in the highest place of my Southern heart. Goodness, it was yummy. We ended that night as I shared a spiritual thought by singing and playing the guitar to Come Thou Fount. It was a good second option to home. The people out here are incredible. I still feel a little anxious, fatigued, and scared at times, but I'm trusting in the Lord to deliver this missionary eventually. We keep stumbling upon these crazy crime stories, cause everyone loves to talk about how "thug" they are out here, and each one warrants a little prayer for safety in my heart. But all things are possible through Christ, and I just gotta REMEMBER THAT. I treasure my time spent reading scriptures about Book of Mormon people who struggled with some iniquity themselves and find comfort in the Lord and his promise of EVENTUAL REST.

Okay, I had another extremely cool opportunity last night. So Orison and I are the only English Elders in the area- the other missionaries being Spanish. And because Spanish people speak Spanish, they don't really understand the English meetings. SO, they meet later in the evening on Sunday in this Hermana's apartment mansion (seriously it's so big you wouldn't even believe) and they have sacrament meeting there. Well, we went last night, and the entire meeting was in Spanish. I didn't understand a word- I know very limited Spanish and so I was the welcoming committee (Hola. Bienvenidos) I sounded like a broken Spanish robot, but I loved every minute of it. I EVEN.. wait for it... BLESSED THE SACRAMENT IN SPANISH. That's right. I read straight out of the Spanish Moroni and exercised the gift of tongues, and blessed the Sacrament. It was the cooliest. The church is the church no matter where you go, and as Jesus states in the New Testament, "where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them." That is truer than true. I feel the Savior's love for all of you, and I know his Spirit was at that meeting last night. I couldn't understand a single word, yo soy gingo, but I understood the Spirit it was all said in. These people love Christ. And I do too. We are all part of one eternal family, spirit children of our Heavenly Father, and are all preaching the same gospel. Orison and I got a little feel for that while we proselyted this week. We did everything we could to refine our approach, cause these people think they believe what we believe, only they're Baptist. They literally agree with everything we say, but they don't understand any of it, and then quickly usher us out the door. We don't often get return appointments because they think we're believing in the same thing. The perfect antidote to this, I've discovered, is to bear plain, simple testimony. Whether or not they believe what you're saying, if you're feeling the Spirit they are too- they just don't know it. This work is not done at ALL by us alone. We are yolked WITH the Savior and it is through His Spirit that we carry this doctrine UNTO the hearts of the children of men. Notice that phrasing, "unto." We can only bring it to their doorstep, but it's their choice whether or not to let it in. This is a true principle people. Besides, what harm does it do to let people know the only way in which they can receive salvation and how much they are loved by a loving Heavenly Father and his Only Begotten Son? None. When in doubt, testimony out.

On to normal people details; The water here requires filtering, but we bought a Brita and now we're enjoying our hydrated paradise. In fact, I drink so much water down here, that we've developed a "bathroom approach" where we go up to a house, and whether or not they want our message, they usually let me use their bathroom, and Orison takes it over from there. It's quite effective. :) I had my first gumbo the other day, and it IS as wonderful as it's jazzed up to be. At least I think it was gumbo.. you never know here in Louisiana. The sunsets only get prettier out here, seriously. YESTERDAY actually, we visited an infamous landmark here in Chalmette. You know that part in Forrest Gump where he runs through the swooping oak trees? Yeah. We visited that. And took pictures. It was kinda sketchy cause it's right off the highway, but we played a little Frogger and got some righteous tree pics. (see attached photo). Orison and I are listening to some bomb talks recently in the car- His Grace is Sufficient by Brad Wilcox is a MUST READ if you haven't read it. It will change your life and perspective on everything (maybe not exactly, but it's pretty rad.) Um, I like to belt out children's songs while we tract. Our apartment is definitely a refuge away from all the chaos of the world. As soon as we step through that holy door, I immediately feel more comfortable and protected. Some wise words of wisdom I've lived by this week are, you can be what you want to be, but why not be better? The Lord is always looking out for his children and has overbuilt us with the potential of becoming greater than we can even fathom. Remember that next time you think you're not good enough. The Lord trusts you with one of the greatest works he has ever bestowed upon his children: sharing the gospel with the lost sheep. Just because we are of his fold, doesn't mean we are meant to be idle: get comfortable being uncomfortable share your happiness. What did Lehi want to do after he partook of the fruit of the tree of life? He wanted to share it with his family. Don't be selfish with your happiness, we're all part of the same family.

Yes, missionary work is hard. I feel quite anxious most of the time and I'm definitely not in Washington anymore- but when you're doing the Lords work, you are qualified and preserved to accomplish everything he asks you to do. He really does help the man who helps himself. I know that to be true. I know that in time, things will get better. Hopefully. If not, at least we have the gospel, right? And ukuleles. Ukuleles are awesome.

I appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers and PLEASE know that they're all felt. Please continue to pray for this little lad, cause he's working solely on faith and trust right now. I hope you all had an absolutely RIVETING holiday season and remember to channel the spirit of gratitude and character of Christ always. I love you all so much. Go soak in nature, Go appreciate life's gifts. Walk your neighbor's dog. Give your sister some of your chicken nuggets. Do SOMETHING this week that lets other's know you love them. I know if you do, you'll never regret it. I know I never regret having such an amazing family and support group cheering me on from the mountains of the PNW. Your cheers are heard. I hope you all have incredible weeks and always remember that Christ and Elder Boyd loves you!

With so much gratitude and confidence in brighter and better days,

Elder Boyd

Thanksgiving Day: