ONE YEAR BABY

ONE YEAR BABY!

Hey! What up! Its great to hear from you guys! This week, as you know, I will pass my one year mark on the 16th. I'm stoked! Traditionally, missionaries burn a shirt. I will be doing the same.

Weekly update: This last week me and my comp. Elder Stone baptised Augustin this last Saturday. His brother that was just recently baptised and received the Aaronic Priesthood was able to baptise his brother Augustin. Augustin is around 35 and most of his family came to support him. It was a great experience to be part of. Especially because his brother was able to baptise him. Awesome!

Also, we had transfers today. I had changes and am now in Atlixco with Elder Hernandez as my new companion. I am right by a volcano. Its pretty rad! We will be opening a new area. Just a little pueblo. We also have a sick house! 2 stories. I'm ready for this new area.

Thank you for all that you guys have done for me and for your support. I haven't received the box yet! I'm sure I will get it pretty soon though. I cant wait. I love you guys. Merry Christmas!

Love,

Elder Bailey

Hey Hey Hey!

Yo what up! How have you guys been? I liked our little chat the other day, pictures and all. Its good to hear from y'all.

Weekly update: The Sunday before last we held the baptism of Ramon and Marisela. The day before the baptism they were able to get married. It will be a very memorable weekend for them. They waited for two years for divorce to go through. I'm sure they learned the principle of patience. But it was well worth the wait. Married and baptised on the same weekend. Awesome! The baptism went great. Everything went as planned and after we went out to dinner with them. I am very happy for them and to have been apart of their baptism. Me and my comp. will still visit them. Good missionaries always pass the lessons and principles with new converts.

This coming Sunday will be the baptisms of Enriqueta and another for Auguestin. No relation, just two separate baptisms. For the most part that is all for our investigators. Also, changes are coming up here on the 12th. I might stay or go. Who knows. It is really just up in the air.

Thank you for all you guys do for me. I cant wait to get Da Box! I'm stoked! I want you guys to know that I love you and am very blessed to have you guys in my life. Happy Holidays! Thank you once again. Love you!

Elder Bailey

Baptism this Sunday

Happy Thanksgiving! Dia de Gracias. How is everyone doing? How is Provo treating you? The weather here is great. Usually in the 70s or 80s. Its great to hear from you guys again.

Weekly update: Ramon and Marisela are all ready for their baptism this Sunday. Yesterday, We planned their day. We will be having their baptismal service after church at five. Prayers, hymns, and thoughts are all ready. Two years of waiting and all ready to go. Our other investigators and progressing well. Updates on them will be next week.

Contacting and knocking doors. This past week we were knocking doors and just looking for new people to teach. When we contacted a tienda or little store. We ran into Aguistin. He is Catholic but not active. His brother is a member of our church and he has been attending with him. Taught him the first lesson and loves it. Gave him a B of M and wants us to come back. It was cool!

This Thursday we have Zone Conference. We will be having a Thanksgiving celebration at Zone Conference. Mexico pretty much celebrates ever thing. Thanksgiving aka Dia de Gracias. What I have heard is that we will be watching some kind of movie at Zone Conference. I'm stoked!

Amber and Brandon. Being Thanksgiving I want you guys to know how grateful I am for both of you. You have set such a great example for me and have helped in so many ways. I love you guys and your family. Remember to count your blessings. I love you!

3 Baptisms set up!!

What up! How you guys doin?

Weekly update: My comp and me have been working hard this past week. Knocking a lot of doors and just looking to get in and share our message and the Joseph Smith story. The street we picked this week was rough. But we did end up teaching two lessons right at the front door. One accepted for a return visit and the other denied. Also, this week we set a baptism date with Enriqueta. She accepted and her bdate is the 4th of December. I'm stoked! 3 baps set up for these coming weeks and 1 other potential bap as well.

Also, this week our street that we live on is being replaced and is under construction. The whole street is a big pile of dirt. Pretty crazy cool. I will take some pictures and send them to you guys sometime.
School and future. I will be coming to Utah after my mission to be near you guys and go to school and work. Maybe even live with guys, who knows. I know I will need to take some tests to be able to get in a school but we can check that out later. That's as far as my thought process has gone. More will surface as I get closer to returning home.

P-Days: Lately, we have been able to get some of our zone together and play soccer on a turf field. Which is pretty cool. Usually after we play we go out to eat some where, that's my doing. For the most part we have just played soccer. I haven't been able to play a lot of basketball, which blows but its all good. Its Mexico. Im not that bad at soccer and I'm getter better the more I play. That's my pdays.

Thank you for the updates on everything. I like hearing about all the cool news. Thank you for the emails and your support. No one told me that we win a vacation after we serve a mission. That's kind of cool. I love you guys! Peace!

Elder Bailey

November 9, 2010

Hey guys! Its great to hear from you once again. How is everyone doing? It sounds like Amber got a jump start on the Christmas decorations. Way to be! I love the holidays.

Weekly update: Our investigators, Ramor and Marisela had there baptismal interview and they passed. We set there bdate at the end of this month on the 28th. They will also be married the day before on the 27th. It will be an exciting weekend for them. Guillermo has been progressing but he cant make up his mind or commit to be baptised. He wants to but wont except a date. He will come through sometime. We have some other potentials that are moving a long as well.

Lately not to much has been happening. The weather is getting colder. Especially at night and in the mornings. During the day is perfect though. How is the weather back home? Well I hope all is going good. Keep me updated on everyone. Thank you for all that you do for me and for you example. I love you Amber and Brandon. If there is anything else you want me to put in my emails just let me know. Peace Out!

Elder Jordan Bailey

November 9, 2010

Hey guys! Its great to hear from you once again. How is everyone doing? It sounds like Amber got a jump start on the Christmas decorations. Way to be! I love the holidays.

Weekly update: Our investigators, Ramor and Marisela had there baptismal interview and they passed. We set there bdate at the end of this month on the 28th. They will also be married the day before on the 27th. It will be an exciting weekend for them. Guillermo has been progressing but he cant make up his mind or commit to be baptised. He wants to but wont except a date. He will come through sometime. We have some other potentials that are moving a long as well.

Lately not to much has been happening. The weather is getting colder. Especially at night and in the mornings. During the day is perfect though. How is the weather back home? Well I hope all is going good. Keep me updated on everyone. Thank you for all that you do for me and for you example. I love you Amber and Brandon. If there is anything else you want me to put in my emails just let me know. Peace Out!

My Comp passed his one year mark!

Happy Halloween! How was it? How have you guys been? Thank you for the pictures! The girls are cute! Parker is a rad dino and my favorite costum was of the Facebook box with Jim Boy or Goat boy? Im not sure... What were you Amber?

Weekly update: My companion Elder Stone passed his one year mark. We decided to celebrate by lighting one of his old white shirts on fire, symbolizing one year has passed in the mission. Also, down here in Mexico we celebrated Day of the Dead or Dia de Muertos. It is a catholic celebration but its just like Halloween. Everyone dresses up and goes trick or treating. Just like back at home. Also, they give out food to those who have passed away and set it by there grave.

Investigators: Guellirmo has been taught all the lessons and then some. He is ready to be dunked. He will probably be baptised this coming Sunday or the next. We are letting him decided. We also have two others, Ramon and Marisela. They have been attending church for a little over a year. They are around Amber and Brandon's age and way cool. They are living together and haven't been married or baptised yet. Marisela has been waiting for a divorce to go through from a past relationship. Last week the divorce was finalized! They are planning to get married as well as baptised this month. We will have a couple baps for this month.

Today we had changes. Me and my comp. Elder Stone are staying here in Puebla South, University. Which is cool. He has helped me out a lot with the freaking Spanish. He's cool and we work together well. The weather has cooled down a little bit but not much. It is cooler at night though. During the day it hangs around in the 80's. Its hot, I'm not going to lie.

Thank you for the email! I hope all is well with you and your fam. In a couple months we will be able to talk! No mangos, I almost have a year. I love you guys! Keep pushing on! Peace!

October 26, 2010

Hey! Whats up? Thank you for the emails and pictures. How have you guys been? Its great to hear from y'all.

Weekly update: My comp and me have been teaching Guillermo and have prepared him for baptism and all the lessons have been taught to him. This last week was his step of faith by talking to his parents about our church and about joining our the church. He was able to talk to them and where there is a will there is a way. They accepted his choice, not happy about the issue but accepted his decision. Through his faith things are going to work out. Faith is very important in our progression process here in this life. Faith is a principle of power. Using it in the right way opens opportunities and change in our lifes. Guillermo is excited about baptism. We will set a bdate with him this week.

Our other investigators well, arent really golden like Guillermo but we have been teaching others but they aren't progressing very well. We haven't been able to meet back Guadalupe.

Sounds like every one is doing good. Kids are growing like crazy. Keep me updated on everyone as you always do. Its good to hear from you. I love you Amber. Keep being an awesome mom and sister! I love you guys. Peace!

Elder Bailey

Planning totally works!!

What up! How have you guys been? Whats new? Thanks for the email. Sorry for the my late email, we were a little busy. Here you go though.

This week went well. Me and my comp. Elder Stone have been working hard to find more people to teach. We had another cool experience with planing specifically in what we are going to do through out the day. We decided one night that we need to plan better. But this time we were going to plan with exactness. As we planned for our next day. We were making plans for knocking doors and doing contacts. We decided to pick a street and contact that street the next day. As we finished, we ended with prayer to let the Lord know where and what we have planned. The next day we started knocking doors and about the 3rd door we met a lady named Guadluape. We contacted her and started talking, it started to rain a little and that's when she let invited us into her house. We taught the first lesson and also made another appointment to return the following week. The principal I learned was how important prayer is, even being specific in your prayers can make a difference. I like relating prayer to a phone call. If you were to meet a friend at a specific time and place, would they know where to go without your phone call? No. Just as we call our friends to be with us at a specific time and place. Calling upon the Lord in prayer to let him know our plans and to receive inspiration on things we need to do during the day is just as or more important.

That was my week.Its good to hear from you guys. Thanks for the studly pics of Parker. I hope all is going well and tell Ashlyn and Brooklyn I said Hi! I love you. Peace!
Your bro,
Elder Bailey

I found a finger nail in my soup!

What up! How have things been? How are you guys? It sounds like everyone is living the dream or at least "The Plan". Sounds like all is going well.

This week was well interesting. I have been learning much about how promises and covenants really make a difference. Trusting in our Savior and that after all we can do our Savior will make up the difference in all things.

As you know we have had a little struggle in finding investigators or someone that is truly interested. Me and my comp Elder Stone decided that we are going to fast every Tuesday to find more investigators and for our Spanish as well. Being conference weekend we also fasted to find someone to join us and listen to the prophets. Well, during the week we didn't really have any success. Until Wednesday night we got a phone call from an Elder saying that Guillermo, an investigator, wanted to listen to our message. He happens to live in our area. We set an appointment for that next morning. He liked what were teaching and at the end of the lesson we asked if he would be interested in listening to our prophet and apostles speak this weekend. He wasn't sure but said he would give us a call if he had time on Sunday. Saturday night he called and wanted to go. He liked the conference and the members that were there. We taught him this morning and he wants to be baptised. The Lord made up the difference. The difference for me is simple. We work as we should and keep our covenants. Have faith and trust that it will work out, not that it might but it will. Not my will by thin will be done. Show the Savior that you trust him and he will trust you and bless you. Cool huh!?

Just an update on what I have ate in my mission so fare. I have ate Monkey tacos, pig brain tacos, chicharon "pig skin", and also a couple weeks ago I found a freaking finger nail in my soup. Everything has been really not that bad except for the finder nail. Freaking sick.

Thank you for the pictures of the girls. Your family is adorable. Thank you for being my sister and for the relationship that we have. I love you so much and thank you for all your prayers. It works Amber, prayer works. To be honest I have felt a difference these last couple days. Just being happy with the knowledge that I have. Content that's the word. Thank you for your prayers. The church is true and things will always work out. I love you all. Brandon love you nigga! Peace!

Su hermano,
Elder Bailey

I got robbed this week!

What up! How have you guys been? What have you all been up to? I hope everyone is doing great.

This week went well or as good as we could make it. We don't have any investigators at the time. What we have been doing is a lot of street contacts, looking for references and working with recent converts and less actives. We were able to get one appointment set up for this Wednesday but that's about it. Also, this week I got robbed. Sweet! Nothing big though. A drunk guy came up to us and wanted some money, we said we didnt carry any during the day. He saw me drinking a coke and wanted that also. I just gave it to him and we took off. Stupid drunk guy.

My comp. is rad. His first name is also Jordan. He just completed one year. His Spanish is great and he is also District Leader. Hes is from Idaho Falls.

Keep me up dated with everyone and anything new happening in the world. I hope everyone is healthy and happy back at home. Thank you for all your support and love once again. Your emails are great and I love you guys. I will keep you all in my prayers. Peace Out!

Your Elder,
Bailey

Baptism Story

Que onda! What up! How are you guys doing? Brandon Congrats! Its good to hear from you guys once again.

This week, as you know, my companion and I had the opportunity of being a part of Rosa Ramirez baptism. We both watched as Hermano Maurico baptised her. Hno. Maurico is a recent convert of 4 months and was his first baptism. He has a very strong conversion story. He was able to participate in our lessons with Rosa. Through him we met Rosa and thought it would be right for him to baptise. It was all a good experience.

Story: Well, since it was Hermano Maurico's first baptism. We reviewed the baptismal ordinance with him before hand and everything seemed to be good. One detail we did miss though was how fast the baptising should go. During the baptism, it was like slow motion, Rosa goes into the water and she is in the water and now she is coming up and still coming up. Rosa happens to open her mouth before she has her head above water. Swallows a whole bunch of water and I think she even opened her eyes while she coming up too. I'm just glad I witnessed her baptism and not her death. All in all it went well. Rosa is doing good. She seemed to have cough all the water she took in.

Brandon, I'm freaking stoked for you. School seems to have found its place and you sound excited to get goin with this. Good to hear. I will keep you in my prayers. Amber I know you really want to send me a box of goodies but just save it and go to the mall with you little fam. I'm good. Keep me updated and keep up the emails. I love you.

I had Carl's Jr!!

How are you guys doing!? It sounds like everyone is doing well and Parker is doing good. Its good to hear from you guys.

This week flew by. We haven't had a lot of success in our area but we were looking at the area book, the other day and there are about 1 or 2 baptisms every change. Which sucks, but It must just be the area. Looking at the records made us feel better. Last Sunday, Our investigator Rosa came to church. Its her 2nd time in a row and she loves the church. We also attended a baptism with her that took place in the district right next to us. Just for her to have glimpse of what a baptism is like. The spirit was there and she enjoyed it and thought it was beautiful. Rosa's bdate is set for the 11th of Sept. I'm stoked. She is awesome.

Today, we cleaned the crap out of our house because for some reason is gets really humid in our apartment. Fungus grows on the walls and sometimes gets on our ties. Its gross! On the positive side, we went to Carols Jr. and it was really freaking good! Made my day.

I love you guys thank you once again for your love and support that you show through your emails. I want you guys to know that I love you and you guys are very much a part of my prayers. I hope that Parker has brought a special spirit into your home. I cant wait to see him someday. I love you guys! Peace!

Brandon! You the man! Go BSU!

Your Brother,

Elder Bailey

Baptism set for Sept. 12th

What up! Parker Brandon Read has arrived! I hope he had a nice flight in and is doing well. How have you guys been? How do you guys feel? Now that you have your little man. How are the girls doing? Is Amber recovering well? Whats up Brandon!

This last Sunday our investigator Rosa came to church. She enjoyed every minute of it and is progressing well. Her b date is the 12th of Sept. She has accepted the date and hopefully everything will go as planed. Other than that the work has been a little slow. We keep running into people that want to prove our message wrong. Its really annoying and they usually have never read the Bible or anything. Gay. It rains just about every day. We get soaked all the time. My comp. is the Zone Leader and we get a long great. We eat freaking pizza all the time. Last p day we went to McDonald's and I ate 5 cheese burgers. Why is McDonald's so good!?

Thank you for the pictures of Parker. He looks just like his Dad. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the new baby boy! I love you guys and am every thankful for your examples in my life. Thank you for the love and support. Peace!

Elder Bailey

Que honda?

Que honda? Whats up! How was your week? Its good to hear from you again.Thank you for the pictures! I loved them. It looks like your ready for the baby just get out. I know everything will go as planed this week. I will keep you and Parker as I always do, my prayers.
This week, We have our Zone Conference. Pres. Rex and his wife both spoke to us. Mrs. Rex told us how girls do like us and then gave her motherly advice and how to keep our apartments clean. President spoke to us about the consequences of flirting on the mission. These to years are for you to give all your time and efforts to the Lord. The Lord will bless us for your efforts. Also, me and my comp. have been doing a lot of knocking doors and just trying to find more people to teach. We need more people. We have only been teaching Rosa and she also has a baptism date but we haven't been able to meet back with her again. She has been skipping out or busy, who knows. We have taught the first lesson to many random people. Which is good. I always tell the Jose Smith story because its my favorite and I always feel the spirit.

Story: Yesterday me and my comp were knocking doors. We came up to this house and the door was open so, we could see there tv. We were waiting at the front gate. Elder Palomera says I think there watching the Book of Mormon DVD. The man comes to the gate and greets us, we start talking to him. He doesn't have any interest and works all the time. Before we left, I looked at the tv. It shows, some kind of green people with big heads and black eyes. I turn to my comp. and say that's the Book of Mormon DVD. We start laughing haha. Good times.

I love you guys! Thank you for all the love and support you guys show to me through your emails. Thank you once again for the pictures. Everyone looks great! Peace!

Your Brotha,
Elder Bailey

I'm in the Puebla Sur, Universidad

Amber & Brandon,

Que Honda? Whats up! How was your week? Parker is on the way! I'm stoked. Are the girls excited about this? Brandon will have his little dude at the end of this week! Sweet up!

Well, this week flew by. I'm serving in the Puebla Sur, Universidad area. My new companion is Elder Palamera as you know and is from Mexico, Mexico. We are both new missionary's to the area. This first week we knocked a million doors and just got to know the members. This area should be fun. We have a cool ward. We already have a couple investigators and one of them we set a baptism date for the 28th of this month. She is a single mother with 5 kids. Rosa is progressing well. Accept she wasn't at church this last Sunday... bummer. My Spanish is doing better and I'm learning a ton. The food is awesome we ate a Domino's twice this last week ha ha.

It sounds like life is a ball of fun with the Reads. Thanks to Brooklyn ha ha. Tell Ashlyn good job for doing her cheer clinic. I'm sure she did well. Keep up the good work Brandon. Keep on, pushing on. Thank you for your emails and love you guys show to me every week. Keep me updated with everything. I love you guys. Peace!


Elder Bailey

We have a Baptism Sunday!

Amber & Brandon-

What up! How was your week? How is the family doing? It sounds like everyone is doing well.

This week me and Elder Ayala have a baptism set for this Sunday. But we also had transfers this week and I'm out of the El Seco area. I will be heading to the University. I will miss the baptism, dang it. I will be serving in the area of the University, basically a student ward. My new companion is Elder Palamera. He is fluent in English as well. I'm stoked! I'm in the city with basically everything. Yes! Freaking fast food. Normal pizza. Gran Bodega. Which is basically a Wal Mart. It should be fun. The weather at this time is well, freaking hot! 70s 80s all the time. Its also starting to rain quit a bit and cools off at the end of the day.

Thank you for all the support and love you guys show through your emails. I love you guys! The Lord is watching over our family. Its so great to watch the blessings unfold. Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be open unto you, Amen! Keep me updated on all the sports! Any new cool movies as well. Peace Fam.

Your Nigger,
Elder Bailey

Mom & Dad,

Its good to hear from you guys once again. How was your week? How is the family? Did Brandon receive my email? I hope everyone is doing well.

This week we looked for a place in Serdan to move into. The District leaders came with us and there really wasn't anything. We spoke with some members that own some apartments and one will be open at the end of this month. We then decided to wait a month for the move. I will be in El Seco until then. We do have transfers at the end of this week. So, I do have a chance I will be freaking out of here. Who knows though. This week in El Seco and Serdan is the Fair, a bunch of flipping people everywhere. Its crazy!

All of our investigators are in Serdan. All 3 of them were at church this Sunday as well. Progressing little by little. I hope I will be able to stay in my area for the baptisms. The Spanish is doing a little better. Little by little. For me attitude is everything. If I have a good attitude my Spanish is better and guess what so is the work. If you have a good attitude and look at the good in everything, only the good will show. But if you look at the imperfections and the down side of things, the bad will show. Focus on the good things in life and you will have a ¨"Good Life".

It sounds like the fam is going to have some fun at Roaring Springs! Awesome! Have fun. Tell Aubrey, to pray always and always know that the spirit is here to comfort her. If she is busy she wont have that homesick feeling. Tell her to forget about home and don't compare. Accept it. It sucks I know. I love you Aubrey! Remember to email me, I am here to help if you need anything.

Go BSU! I hope they do good. Keep me updated. I love you Mom and Dad. Thank you for your support and your emails as always. Remember that any mistakes that we make can be washed clean through our Savior. He lived and died for us. He is here for us. Its incredible to think that all we have to do is accept him and believe in him. I love you guys. Peace!

P.S. The members said that our family is beautiful. Hermana Christina cant believe that that's my Mom in the picture. Your beautiful Mom.

Your Son,
Elder Bailey

I'm moving to Serdan!

The Read Family-

Que Honda! How has everyone been? Amber, how is Parker doing? Brandon, how is school going? How are the girls? Its good to hear from you guys once again. I always look forward to your emails.

This last week it rained a ton. In El Seco, it rains just like back home. Besides trying to get in and teach people, everything has been going well. This will be the last week here in El Seco. Me and my comp are moving to Serdan. The members are so cool here, I will miss them. But the move will be better for the work. We have 2 progressing investigators in Serdan. Everything has been going well.

It sounds like Sunday went well. Everyone gave a talk. I hope it went well. Thank you guys for your support and love that you show through the emails. I love you guys. Talk to you next week. Later

Elder Bailey

I have a new companion!! YEAH!

Amber,

Hey guys! How is everyone doing? Amber, how has the pregnancy been? I hope everyone is doing well.

Well, another week has pasted and everything is going a lot better. With my new companion Elder Ayala, he has really helped me to enjoy the mission. We have a baptism coming up here in a couple week. The baptism will be in Serdan. The Serdan area is closed at this point in time but I think it will be re opened here in the near future because there is more work in Serdan than in El Seco, where we live. The work has been good. I'm learning much more much faster.

I have learned that weaknesses are a good thing. The more weaknesses you have the more work you will have to put forth but you will taste that sweet fruit in the end. The fruit of overcoming and perfecting. Tasting the difference and what you can do through your effort. I have many weaknesses but I know the Lord has a plan for me. Right now, I think I need to understand my weaknesses and take them head on and overcome them and through my Savior Jesus Christ, he will make up the difference as long as I do my best and believe on his name.

I love this work. I love my family and all they do for me. Thank you guys! I hope you enjoyed the pictures. I love you all.

Elder Bailey

I Miss McDonalds!

Amber!!!

Que Honda mi hermana? Whats up my sister? How was your week? How are the girls? Thank you for the pictures of Ashlyn and the pics of Dad and Brandon! The pictures are awesome!

Amber, I'm still home sick. I appreciate everything that you have done and do now to support me. The scriptures that you gave and your experience with the verses really helped. I know that you love me. Your ability to show your love through the emails is awesome. I really enjoy reading your emails. But really miss you and Brandon. Its hard to not think about you guys because I love you guys so much. The happiness that I felt living with your family before my mission, I will never forget. Lately, I have been thinking, I could be chilling with Amber, eating McDonald's in the car. I love that.

Anyway, this week me and my comp have been working with Martin and his family to get them back to attending church. It has been a difficult month for them with the money issue in traveling to church every Sunday and their grandpa that is sick and has a heart problem. I hope everything will work out for the better. We visited with them yesterday and they seem to be doing a lot better. The grandpa is doing better as well.

I love you Amber and Brandon! Thank you for everything you do for me. Thank you again for the pictures and the faith the you guys have in me. I love you guys. Let me know if you what me to say anything more in my emails or something that I could do better. Much love. Peace!

Elder Bailey

Hola Hola!

Hey Amber,

HOLA! HOLA! How are you doing? How is Parker doing and how are the girls? Have you guys found a place in Provo yet? How are you and Brandon feeling about all the changes? I hope everyone is doing well.

Well, I'm still in El Seco with the same companion. Still a little home sick but I´m sure it will pass. I received the Birthday Box! Thank you! The Disney Land T is awesome! I loved the pillow case that everyone signed. Along with other the other goodies. I loved all the bday cards as well. Thank you guys for everything.

This last week, we got our district together for a pday activity. We decided to climb up Peco De Orisava! It was about a three hour drive and then we hiked about 5 miles. Read some scriptures and chilled for a while. It was awesome! We didnt have enough time to get to the snow but the view was great and it was freaking fun! Good times!

Thank you for all your support and love. I´m beginning to recognize all the many blessings in my life. Especially, for the family that I have been blessed to be in. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for the family that I have. Amber and Brandon I love you. Family, I love all you guys.

Amber, you always know what to say thank you.

Elder Bailey

Congratulations!

¡Amber & Fam!

CONGRATULATIONS! Its a BOY! I'm excited for you guys. What does Ashlyn think? Brandon finally got his boy. Parker Brandon Read sweet! I love your conversations with Ashlyn, they're so funny. Well, its good to hear that everyone is doing great.

This week me and my comp. have a baptism set up for this Saturday in Serdan. She is 8 years old and really excited. She bought her baptism dress the last time we met with her. We are excited!

Happy Mothers Day! Mom, Heather and Amber! I love you guys. You are all very Awesome Mothers! It was good hear and talk to you all on Mothers Day. Obviously, Im a little home sick ha ha. Thank you family once again for the guidance and encouragement. It really helped to express some things that I cant in Spanish. I love you guys.

Ashlyn! I didn't forget about you. Happy Birthday! Iove you! You too Brooklyn! You girls are Awesome!

Elder Bailey

PICTURES!!!

HELLO FAMILY

HELLO FAMILY!

First off, I want to thank you guys for sending the box of love! All my favorite candys and snacks. Thanks for the stupid toys too. And Brandon, thanks for the sign. My comp looked at me funny and the laughed when I showed him. Thank you for the love fam.

This week was pretty good. Me and my companion have a baptism set up for this week. Then, the week after we have 2 more! Im stoked! Hopefully we will keep it up and keep the spirit. I know we will since my comp has the record for baps in all of the Puebla mission. 83!! He has helped me out a lot with my Spanish. We get a long great! He is real funny and I´m laughing all the time.

It looks like Disney Land was blast! The hoodies are Chido! Nice touch Brandon. I would totally wear one. The pictures of the girls and the fam are amazing!! I love Brooklyn! Your girls are picture perfect. They should be on the cover of the Disney vacation! My two favorites are the Tea cups and when the girls are with Jasmine. Oh! and of course Brooklyn with the ice cream! Okay, I liked all of the pictures. Send more if you would like. I wouldn't mind.

I want my family to know that I love them and am very grateful that my Heavenly Father blessed me with such a cool family. I love each and every one of my brothers and sisters for the characters they bring to the family and for the love that we show to each other. I love my parents. You guys are pretty crazy but arent we all. If it wasnt for your faith in our Father in Heaven I wouldnt be here. I know that our Heavenly Father is watching over everyone one of you and loves you. The church is true! I love you guys thanks for the box of love. Later!

Elder Bailey

I am in Apisaco!

AMBER & BRANDON

Hola! How was Easter weekend and how is everyone doing? Are you guys stoked for Disney Land? Exciting! Send me pictures.

Well, Today the was a bunch of transfers! I am now in Apisaco! I´m kind of bummed though because back in Tecamachalco, Elvia y Fernando put off the baptism for a couple weeks... But me and Elder Christensen were able to spend some time with them before I took off. They told me to write so, I will be able to keep in contact with them and see how they are doing. I know they will get baptised sooner or later.

Easter Sunday was good.The conference talks were the best I have heard in a long time... because I never really payed attention before. It sounds like everyone enjoyed them as well.

Fast food was awesome! Just like back in the States. It was very satisfying. Loved it.

Well, I hope everyone one is doing well. I love and miss you guys. Hope to here from you soon.

Elder Bailey

Get to have fast food!!

¡Amber & Brandon!

¿Que Tal? It´s good to hear from you guys once again. How was your week? and how is everyone doing? How has your pregnancy been so far? I hope all is well.

This week was good. Nothing special, not a whole lot went on this week. We were busy contacting and trying to find new people to teach. Since we usually contact in the park. We have made friends with the shoe shine guy and his kids that work with him. Then, this last week, we met his brothers and most of his fam. Which introduced us to the magazine guy and the ice cream man. They work in the park as well. We ended up teaching them some parts of the Plan of Salvation and also received free ice cream and a drink. This week was pretty good.

Today, we are headed to Teahucon. About 2 hours away, where we will met up with 6 other elders y sisters and have a district meeting. I´m excited because in Teahucon they have fast food! We are going to hit up some Burger King and maybe some KFC. You know me.

It´s good to hear that the girls got there yearly Easter dresses. I´m sure they look adorable. Be sure to send me some pictures of course. Amber! "10 minute tidy!". I´m going to clean my apartment today and I will be sure to blurt that out for you, in memory of the good ol times.

Thank you for sending me some love through a box. I haven't yet received it but I will let you know when I do. I love you guys. I know Heavenly Father is watching over all of you and loves you and has played a part in each and every one of your lives. The spirit is real and is to help guide you and give you direction in you this life. Listen to the promptings and pray always. I love you guys.

Elder Bailey

Random Chat with Elder Jordan!

This morning Brandon was sending an email over to Jordan one came from him. So he called me over and we were able to talk via emails for a bit. So here is what we got to talk about and hear!

Jordan:

¡Que Tal! ¿Hola? How is everyone doin? Thanks for your email, the only email I got.

Well, still chillin in Tecamachalco. Me and Elder Christensen have 2 baptisms set up for the 31 of March. Elvia y Fernando. Husband and wife, also with a little 3 year old. He reminds me of Carson. Im excited for them! They are very excited as well. I will for sure send pictures after. Well, other than that not a whole lot going on. Ill keep my eyes open for a cool lookin coin for you.

Piñas! Its means hot woman or hot chicks. If there are more Piñas in Utah then, guess what, Im going to Utah. Im just chillin in the "Mr Size" internet place. After we are going to play some ball. My companion is sending me some pics. Once I get them I wil send them to you. Aight, Hit me back.

-Elder Bailey

Brandon:

Nice. So youre just chillin out for a while then? I knew you would go where the flock of hotties is. Good ol' Jord. How long do you have? Your Mom and Amber are chillin here with me now too. They say Hi.

Jordan:

Si. Well, what can I say. If your not careful the piñas greet you with a kiss. On the cheek of corse. Take a couple steps back and say Lo Csiento, means Im sorry, then go into missionary mode. Lock your heart right... Well, I got some time, what else do you want to know.

Brandon:

That's awesome. Maybe you would accidentally turn into the kiss if she was smokin hot! Are there hot chicks there, or what?! I know you're not in that mode, but you are still man enough to recognize a hot chick if you see one, right? Amber wants to know what your favorite thing to eat is. And your favorite place you've been so far. I think your mom is jumping on to try and send you an email now too...

Oh, Kansas lost to Northern Iowa!! A bunch of hillbilly looking white boys took down the homies. It was ridiculous!!! This years tournament has been crazy, tons of upsets. Are you able to keep track at all, or see highlights at members houses? Do they even get our sports?

Jordan:

Chido! Thats funny I just printed out the bracket. Well, we get a bunch of american music not so much of the tv stations but we get a bunch of sports, soccer. The final 4 is pretty big down here so I have heard though. Maybe we will sneek in a game or so... We keep track of the game through emails or at least try to. The members are awesome.

Brandon:

Amber says to answer her questions!

Jordan:

My favorite thing to eat is peanut butter and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I eat like 4 or 5 right before I go to bed. The mission leader calls me a blender because I eat so much I guess. Well, my favorite food would have to be the taco stands. Elvia y Fernando have a shop right next to one. So, when ever we are hungry we can grab those for free. Its the life - steak tacos

How is being prego? What foods are you craving?

Brandon:

Good ol' PB&J's! Amber and I sent you a package, I dont know if youve gotten it, but we wondered if we should put some peanut butter in it. Is the PB the same down there. Do you want some JIF? Creamy? Crunchy?

She says "I eat everything. Maybe its a boy?!" Yeah, pray for a weiner!

Jordan:

That's right! Well, since everything is spicy down here, everything tastes good! I eat the Aladdin peanut butter. Its good. I haven't received the package yet. I usually cheese puffs like a bag a day. I wounder if I have gained any weight yet... nope still freakin skinny

Alright, that was a good little chat. Same time next week right!? Monday at 10:30 or 12:30 depending on what we have that day. Sorry I was destracted... basketball. Anyway, peace out I love you guys. Thank you for all your support. Later

I love running water!

¡A_M_B_E_R!

¿Que Tal? How is the Read fam? Still alive? How has your pregnancy been? Bien o mal? Good or bad? I hope all is well. Thank you for your email, I love hearing from you guys.
This week, well, me and my companion didn't have running water for 3 days. Which means we couldn't shower for 3 days... We didn't have water because our water pump lost power some how. We did the best we could with the bottled water that we had. Luckily, the morning of the forth day. I woke up to the sound of the pump working!! The owner fixed it!! I jumped out of bed, woke my companion up and then pumped the water into our tank and Baodda Bing Baodda Boom. We have water!!
After this, it made me appreciate running water a whole lot more. I thank my Heavenly Father every night now for the water that I have.
Also, This week, me and my companion had the opportunity to do some service and help this lady move. When we got there we obviously had no clue what we were getting into. We thought that moving someone shouldn't take to much time, right.
We knew she was going to be late so we sat in front of her door for about 15 mins. She showed up in a police truck, along with 4 other cops... Ha ha. It gets better. Then, the guy next door comes over and tells us that everything in this lady´s house is his. Keeps talking and tells us how he lived in Utah for sometime, is baptised and went to jail for 5 years and keeps talking.
Anyway, We loaded everything up in the trucks and started to leave. I was picking up my bag and the guy comes up to me and says that "We have problems" or he has problems with me. I smiled and laughed. Left the house, jumped in the truck and left. I don't have any problems.
We finished moving her into the other house. The police were there because her neighbor was her ex husband. They made sure she got everything safe n sound. She is a very nice lady and I hope the best for her. She has settled in and is happy.
That was my week. Other than that we go contacting a lot. Every week we get and about 4 people that come up to us and ask us what we do and why we are here. Which makes missionary work a lot easier.
Thank you for the quote! I like it a lot! I want you to know that you are an Awesome Sister! and I love hearing from you. I love you and love the family that you have. Hope to hear from you soon.
Your Brotha,
Elder Bailey

Jordan made it to Tecamachalco

March 11, 2010

Dear Brother and Sister Bailey,

It has been a great pleasure for Sister Rex and me to have met your missionary son, Elder Bailey, on his arrival here in Puebla, Mexico. We had a good opportunity to get to know him and feel his enthusiasm and eagerness to serve our Father in Heaven. Elder Bailey has been assigned, with his companion, Elder Christiansen, Paul C. (SC), to labor in the Tecamachalco area.

Missionary work is very difficult and challenging. We have asked Elder Bailey to write to you each week, and ask that you write your missionary each week as well. Please make sure that all of your letters are encouraging and uplifting. Plan on receiving two phone calls each year; one at Christmas time and another on Mother’s Day.

We are vitally interested in his success and will do our best to assist in his training as a missionary. We look forward to watching his progress over the next two years as he serves diligently and obediently.

We know that you will be richly blessed because of the sacrifices and service of your son.

Thank you again.

Respectfully,

Steven G. Rex, President

Hola!

¡Hola! How is everyone doing? I just upgraded my account and was able to look at all the pictures that you have sent me in the past. HOLY COW! I love it! All the pictures that you sent me are the best. Christmas, Ashlyn´s cheerleading, Ashlyn´s big crash and of corse Brooklyn! I love that face. I hope that you guys got the pictures I sent last week, if not let me know. There will be more.
There is fireworks here in Tecamechalco every night! They shoot fireworks off to clear the air and to open a way for Jesus to come back. I thought that was funny and interesting way to get Jesus to come back...
I emailed everyone some stories of what has happened. So, be sure to check with Heather and Dad.
The food down here is really good. I had some potatoes this last week! and I always have some kind of chicken. Its always good. I also get ice cream pretty much everyday. It´s great.
I hope everyone is adjusting to the full house. I bet it´s crazy. Let me know how everything is going with you guys.I love hearing from you guys and seeing pictures.
I love you all and hope to hear from you soon.
Love your brother,
Elder Bailey

Hi Tyson, Hi Jordan!

Ashlyn has been missing her uncles lately, and asked if she could send them a message. So Brandon pulled out his phone and videoed this quick message from her. Hopefully Ty and Jord can get onto the blog and see this.

MTC Pics

I'm In Mexico!!

AMBER & BRANDON
I´m in Mexico!!! It´s beautiful and the weather is perfect. The night I was flying in, I was looking at all the lights of Mexico and I thanked my Heavenly Father for what a blessing this has been up to this point. I know that he is very much aware of me and does hear my prayers.
The first night in Mexico. Me and about 10 other elders stayed at the Mission Presidents house. President Rex and Sister Rex. They have a very nice house and are very loving. The next morning, we took pictures with the president and just to warn you, it was the morning alright. After we had a meeting while Pres. Rex put us into companionships and our areas. My companion is Elder Christenson, he´s alright and is a hard worker. We were put and are to open a new area called Tulcamachalco!! It´s awesome and beautiful as well. Everyone told me that it was rare to put greenies in to open up a new area. I´m stoked!
The first Sunday was awesome! Me and my companion bore our testimonies. Our ward is about 10 people at the most. Ha Ha. I love it. The people are very open and love the missionaries. There is a lot of work here and I can´t wait.
My address is Elder Jordan Bailey, Mexico Puebla Mission, Calle 25 Sur 907, Col. La Paz, 72160 Puebla, Puebla Mexico. The only thing I need is some money in my account. Not alot just enough to buy some snacks.
I just want to let you know that I love you and am very greatful that I am apart of your life and apart of Brandons. I know that the Jesus is the Christ the son of God and knows each and every one of us. He knows the intents of our hearts and hears our prayers. My Heavenly Father knows me so well that he knew I was going to struggle in my life and knew I would need help. He blessed my with my loving family. He blessed my with you Amber who loves me so much and would help me no matter what. I love you and I´m so greatful for your guidance and support. For you husband Brandon and everything he has done and the awesome example he is to me. I love you guys.
My next email has pics of the MTC.
Love,
Elder Bailey

Short and Sweet!

Hey Amber,
I dont have a lot of time i just want to tell you that I love you!!!

Hola como esta?

AMBER!
Hola como esta? It's good to hear that you are doing good and there is no big health issues. It's good to hear that Brandon made good impressions on the people he did work for and that he made it through the flu. That didnt sound fun.
Well, this week in the MTC is teaching week. Where we set up appointments and teach. We are not sure when we leave for Mexico. I have heard the 16th, 22nd and the 28th. I will let you know when I recieve my flight plans. It will probably be the 22nd. Other than that the MTC feels like ground hog day. Same thing everyday. I can't wait to get out of here.
I loved hearing about Ashlyn and Brooklyn. They are growing up so fast and I cant wait to get there letters and pictures.
I want you guys to know that I love you and I thankful for all the support I get each week. I'm truley blessed to have you and Brandon in my life. I know I let you know each week but it is because I love you guys so much. I love you guys I hope to hear from you soon.
Things to send me, cheese puffs, pictures, something funny and anything you would like.
Love your brother,
Jordan

An awesome phone conversation!

Amber!
Hey! how's it going? How is Ashlyn n Brooklyn doing? How is Brandon? I pray for him everynight so, he better be doing good... Well this week was actually pretty good. We went to the RC this week. Its where you call people. Not my favorite place but Sister Stevenson talked to me and challenged me to do as many calls as I could. I started calling and about the third call I this lady answered. Her name is Phoebe Silk, reminded me of the Phoebe off of friends... We started talking I ended up talking about the first vision and how to pray. Phoebe then asked me to say a pray over the phone and after sounded like she was pretty happy. It was a good experience. Then later this week Sister Stevenson ask if the class could listen to it. I could feel the spirit all over again it was cool. I just want you that I love you and am very thankful to have you in my life. I want you to know that I know this church is true, that Joseph Smith did see God the Father and his son Jesus Christ and was then called a prophet. That the spirit is real and can help us out if we listen. I love my family and am thankful to serve as a missionary. Thankful for all the examples in my life and what I have learned from them. I love you all so much and I say these this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Love your bro

Hola!

Hola! How is everyone doing? THANK YOU FOR THE PICTURES! Love them! They make me smile. Thank you for the box of goods. For the tie hanger and Heathers book and of corse blue socks. It cheered me up. It's good to hear that Brooklyn is practicing her moonwalk and Ashlyn is practicign her talents to become the next BIG Thing for Disney. I leave fro Mexico at the end of Feb. I think the 28th. So, I do have a little longer. But me and my district are so tight, it will be hard to leave them. The rest of the zone hates us because we are to loud, fag bags. Anyway, I want you guys to know that I love you and love the family that I have been born into. Everyone is awesome. Everyone in the mtc likes hearing my testimony... they say it can shatter a brick wall. They have more confidence in me than I do haha. Just looking back on all the experiences I have had in my life with my family I just love and am gratefull to have you guys. I pray for you guys everyday n more and know that success is on the way. I love you guys! Keep up the mail. Again, I loved the box of goodies. Love, Jordan

Que Tal cholo?

Que Tal cholo?
Brandon and Amber! I love hearing from you guys. I hope you have been getting my letters. I can't believe Amber is prego! That's awesome... I think. I had a feeling that would happen. That is good to hear, I will pray for your balla. The Spanish is coming a long, slowly but surely. I feel like I should know it now but I guess it doesnt work like that. I do like being here. My campanions joke around a lot, we make it as fun as we can. I can't wait for the box of a bunch of mail in it, I hear is coming. Can't wait to have pictures. I love you guys! I pray you guys all the time.
love Jordan

Que Paso Cabron?!

Que Pasa homie! Well your the only one that emailed me this week... I feel loved. Spanish right is real hard right now, but my teacher says I have a special gift for pronouncing everything, so it will come some day. My companions are cool, two of them act just like you n frogs, they are loud but it rubs off on me too. Its fun. But yes, there are a ton of freaking nerds. It sounds like Christmas was awesome. Send me pics of the bmw for sure, I need to see it. I also need pics of the fam, I kind of miss you guys. I will keep you in my prayers, I know it might seem hard right now but our Heavenly Father does have a plan for you and your family. I know he will bless you for the sacrifice you have made to guide me in the right direction. You are a great example to me and I thank you for that. Let me know how everyone is doing. Also if you can send everyone my friends my address. Hopefully you guys got that.

Love your son/BroInlaw, Jordan

How was Christmas?

AMBER and Fam! It's good to hear from you and to hear how Christmas went. Ive been looking forward to emailing you and the fam. I do miss you guys... But Christmas hear was awesome! My zone is way cool. Everyone likes to mess around a lot but we still get work done. This Christmas we had Papa Noel "Elder Paget" stoped by and give us candy canes, it was funny. I will send you pictures sometime. Not now because we are timed on our email and will shut off when the time is up. El GAYO! Anyway I loved hearing about the families Chirstmas and to hear what everyone got. I did send a letter to mom n dad Christmas day so, be sure to go check that out. The first couple weeks have been good. Everyone is way cool. All play ball and pretty athletic. I know have a ton more to learn but I love being here. I think about you guys all the time, miss going out to lunch because the food sucks here haha. Well I guess it's not to bad.. they have mashed potatoes and gravy and chicken, probably my favorite. Well I miss you guys cant wait to get pics and hang them up. I love you guys and I will keep you in my prayers. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan just for you. I know he will bless you for the sacrifice that you guys have made just to guide me in the right direction and put my on my mission. I love you guys!! Love Jordan

Family!!

AMBER & FAMILY,
Hey guys how are you all doin!? Long time no see. How is the Christmas Spirit at home? Christmas is kinda cool here. We have a midget tree in our room with presents around it. The MTC is awesome... OK you guys were right, it blows! But I'm getting use to it. My companion is Elder Patterson and yes just like the Patterson we know, but short and is a convert, use to be catholic HA. "Learning experience" Anyway, I can't get on my yahoo account so, if you have sent me anything resend it to JBailey412@myldsmail.net. Yeah that made me mad when I couldnt check my other account. Freakin homos. I also NEED PICTURES!!! Send a bunch of pics please! No hot girls here. It would be nice to look at my pretty, awesomely cool Fam N Friends. I want you guys to know that I love you all very much and being here has been a humbling experience for me. I realized what an awesome family I have and I have learned so much just from your examples and experiences. Amber & Brandon, You guys are awesome!! I love yo guys so much. I wish I could explain to you guys what kind of an example you guys are to me but words wouldnt even come close. I love you Fam!
Send letters & Pictures!!!!
Love, JORDAN