Letter #10 (Bermejo, Argentina)

         Well General Confrence was great. If you didnt see the Saturday sessions I urge you to look them up. Elder Holland gave a great talk concerning depression and Elder Ballard came and dropped cane on everyone. He gave us a challenge of every member sharing the gospel with one non-member friend by Christmas. Imagine if every member did this and only 5% of the friends got baptised. This would be 300,000 new members in a matter of about 3 months. This would be an inconcievable growth. When president Hinkley gave this challenge years ago, we had 300,000 new members baptised that previous year. I promise, if we treasure up in our minds the scriptures and sincerely pray to God for a situation, He will bless us with one and with the words to say. We need to constantly listen to the words of the Prophets, Apostles, and Scriptures. This week we had exchanges so it kind of interrupted the work in bermejo with our investigators who have baptismal dates. However, I learned a lot from Elder Soler, Elder Oliviera, and Elder Bulva, especially with my spanish. It was wonderful. Elder Wilson and I set a baptisimal date with an 18 year old guy for the 26 of October. I am praying he will come to church and continue to have the desire to better his life. I know Heavenly Father hears our prayers and with him on our side, we can not fail. He loves us too much to not give us success. We are His children and he wants to hear from us. Imagine if your kids didnt talk to you. He wants to help us but cant until we ask for it. He will also talk to us if we are patient and listen for it.
      ~ Mucho Amor, Elder Maddox II

 I think the Elders must have come upon a demonstration.  This is what Travis wrote...
"We have no idea who Mario is, but he needs his justice"

Travis' Companion Elder Wilson 

This was a special area for those who didn't speak spanish so well yet,
 they can go and listen to General Conference in English.  They called it the Green-Go room.
"This is the Green-Go and one-chilean-trying-to-learn-english room."

Letter #9 (Bermejo, Argentina)

                 This week was great with everything. The language continues to improve everyday and I got the opportunity to bless the sacrament in spanish for the first time yesterday. It went well and I got it on the first try. We also helped a member put carpet down in his work shop. He is a leather shoe maker and Italian so we will hopefully get a nice Italian dinner out of this. It was also the first time, since I have been in Argentina, that I have served. Its not that me and Elder Wilson arent looking for service, the Argentines are just against letting White boys help. The tactic we have tried is I go up and ask if we can help, if they say yes, I will do the work, which consists of usually watering the dirt, sweeping the dirt, or something unneccasary like that, and Elder Wilson will teach them. We do this cause my costallano (spanish) is not great. But we have about 5 steady investigators which is a lot for here cause people dont usually let you in a second time and its great. I love the work even if I cant quite understand whats going on, I usually just sit there and smile my happiest smile because this is a VERY happy message.
         --Elder Maddox II



         This week Travis let me know that he was actually cooking!  He went to Wal-Mart (yep even in Argentina!) and got froze ravioli, boiled them, and then added butter and mozzarella!  Wow!  He really had been paying attention all of these years.  This is one of the quick meals I would make for the kids that they absolutely loved!  Way to go Elder Maddox.  I also made him send me another picture of himself from the internet cafe today.  He said he didn't think he had changed much since the last time I made him do it.  But he sent it for me anyway.  And no, he didn't look any different from two weeks ago, but it does my heart good to see his sweet face.  I love this sweet boy! He, of course, is making a cheesie face because it is nearly impossible to take a picture of Travis without him making a goofy face!  And this week I finally received Travis' Missionary pictures.  I love them!                  ~Lisa

Travis' ravioli he made.  Hey, this is no Top Ramon!

Cooking in Argentina!

Travis' weekly trip to the internet cafe.
  One more picture for Momma!

I think he is so handsome!

Letter #8 (Bermejo, Argentina)

                                                                                                                                Week 2 in Argentina
                  Argentina is wonderful. We have a lot of opportunities to teach and to find new investigators. The problem is getting in the house a second time. People are fine if you teach them once but rarely will they let you in again. They always say they're busy. We call ahead to see if its ok if we come by and they say it is, so we go over, clap on their gate, they answer and say they're too busy. We will then reschedule and ask if anyone in the area needs help with anything or wants to here the message. We get a lot of new references everyday and try to visit them in an hour. I have been reading in Doctrine and Covenants. I recently read in section 42 where it talks about missionary work. In verse 4, we receive the commandment to serve. All of you back home, who are worthy and ready to serve get going and prepare. For those of you who aren't worthy, get worthy and then serve the Lord. In section 35 verse 15, it says the Lord calls the weak, to go and thrash the nations with His word. We all need to be prepared to serve the Master. Somewhere else it also says, the Lord will forgive us of our sins when we serve whole heatedly. How many times, does this happen. Not many. When Elder Holland came and talked to us, he said we have been called since the Pre-Existence to serve where we are called. We have two years out of eternity to fulfill this Celestial calling. We will look back on this section of our life for all of eternity, So lets make it count. I know Heavenly Father loves us and wants to give to us. Section 38 verse 39 tells us this very plainly.
              ~Elder Maddox II

Letter #7 (Bermejo, Argentina)

Bienvenidos a Argentina Elder Maddox II
           Well I am finally here doing what i have prepared my whole life for. The only unfortunate thing is I cant understand what is going on most of the time... Something I keep on thinking about is when in
The Best Two Years  (a popular Mormon movie) , the new elder says ¨this isn´t the language they taught me in the MTC¨ and let me tell you this is exactly how I have felt the past 4 or 5 days. Yesterday at lunch, the members asked what I studied in college (we have lunch with members every single day, its so awesome) and I told them I am only 18. Santa Vaca, you´d have thought I told them I had a couple wives back home (Mormon's don't really have a bunch of wives, that is Travis being funny!)  cause they absolutely flipped!!! It was a great laugh for me and my trainer. I have been blessed to be with Elder Wilson in an area called Bermejo which is amazing!!! I often find myself wondering why I am so blessed to be where I am, who I am with, and at the rate of speed I was able to get here. For those of you who don´t know, Me, along with about 60 other missionaries for the Provo MTC, were able to come straight down to our different missions in Argentina. When we got to Buenos Aries, we split off and joined up with about 14 other missionaries from the Argentina MTC and flew to Mendoza. So in total, there were about 25 of us who came straight from our MTC training, the biggest group in years. We are so blessed to be here, all of us, so make sure to thank your Heavenly Father often.
        ~Elder Maddox II

(Italics above added by Lisa)

Elder Maddox at the internet cafe where they go to use the computers!

His first home in Argentina!

Inside

Arrived in Argentina!

Don't you just love e-mail?  I do!  This morning bright and early I received an e-mail from the Argentina Mendoza Mission Home...



Dear Maddox Family,
 We are happy to inform you that your Missionary has arrived here in Mendoza alive and well! Following a short orientation and a dinner with President and Sister Avila, the new missionaries were then brought to the mission home to eat dinner, recuperate from the flight and have a brief testimony meeting. Today they will meet their trainers, receive trainings from the assistants to the president, and have their first individual interview (in Spanish!) with President Avila. After this they will be off to their first assignment area. I am putting with this email a few pictures we took the first day in Argentina and you can even follow the blog of the mission at http://argentinamendozamission.blogspot.com.ar/ May the Lord continue to bless you and your family for all that you do in order to support your missionary.
Sincerely,
Elder Wells
Secretario Misión Argentina Mendoza

Sis. Avila, Elder Maddox and President Avila

New Missionary Arrivals
(Travis is on the far left peeking his head in)

It is always such a relief to know that they have arrived there safe and sound and that they ended up where they were supposed to be instead of wondering the streets!
    ~Lisa

Heading to Argentina!

Wow!  Yesterday, Travis left the MTC heading to Georgia and then on to Argentina.  We were able to talk on the phone a couple of times.  He sounded so happy and excited.  He bore his testimony to us in Spanish and it was so amazing!  His Spanish teacher in the MTC had served a mission in Argentina so he taught them the proper accent even!  I am so proud of him.  He was traveling with a large group because they were picking up other missionaries that had been waiting for visas in other states.  So now it is a waiting game...I will hopefully hear soon how life in Argentina is!
        ~Lisa

Letter #6 (MTC)

Hey mommy,                                                                                                             Sept. 3, 2013
            It was a wonderful week, full of the normal ups and downs. There is a lot buzz here in district 140-A cause we have single digit days left :0!!! super exciting!!! I'm not sure what else to say besides, I know the Lord blesses His missionaries even if they don't deserve the blessings. I have been able to speak Spanish since about the 3 week I got here and I have no idea how it happened cause I have never had the patience to sit through an Hour and twenty minute class in High School without walking around the school a couple times during class, but I am now able to sit through all the class with excitement and an ability to retain the words the teacher teaches. We have been blessed with the best teachers in the WHOLE MTC. Dad, you need to tell Mark Lords to come be a district president. With the new influx of missionaries, we need a fiery leadership for a fiery missionary force.
   ~Much love, Elder Maddox II

Travel Plans (MTC)

                                                                                                                                      Aug. 31, 2013

I received a quick email from Travis today.  It is a Saturday so it was very unusual. Before Travis left on his mission he needed to obtain a passport and visa.   The visa application process took us almost 3 months just to get finger prints and FBI clearances etc.. We finished and submitted the visa application just before he entered the Missionary Training Center.  There is typically a waiting period of several months for missionaries before they receive their visas.  They often spend several months in a State side mission before heading to Argentina.  Travis was prepared to do that but was so excited when he go this news... 
        ~Lisa


 Mom,
       I got my travel plans. I leave the 9th from Salt Lake City Air Port  for Georgia  at 11 AM, then from Georgia to Buenos Aries at 4:40 pm and arrive at about 8:30 am. then probably a bus or train to Mendoza. We're going in on travel visas. We are the first complete district to go straight to Argentina in a couple years. Blessed does not even describe my thoughts right now.
       ~Elder Maddox

Letter #4 (MTC)

                                                                                                                       Aug. 28, 2013
                   This week was one of the most challenging and most rewarding. I feel like I say that every week but this one truly was. Yesterday, I had the lowest-low of my mission, but also, the highest-high, if that makes sense... We will start with yesterday and work back. Yesterday morning, me and my comp were teaching our investigator, Aclicio, who the time before, we set a baptismal date with. He was really excited and progressing at an amazing rate. However, this lesson took a turn for the worst and he said he didn't have a good feeling with us today. This was so hard on me, cause I have started trying to see my investigators as though they were being led into the waters of baptism and this has helped me grow an immense amount of love for them. I walked out of the room we were teaching in and back to the classroom holding back tears and feelings of anger for an unknown reason. Maybe anger because I know he knows our message is true and he's hardening his heart. But I walked to class sat down holding back tears. We then heard over a phone message one of our other investigators moved to Ogden and we don't have lessons with him any more. I was absolutely fuming at this point because I'm a teenager and can't see the bigger picture of God's plan. But one of our teachers took me and my comp into another room and coached us on our teaching. He is a big happy Poly and sensed my anger so he asked with his big happy smile whats wrong. I explained my feelings as best I could and he and my comp started crying as well as myself. We cried and tried to talk for about half an hour and then we (me and my comp) went into another room and hashed out our feelings, the teacher Hermano T. came in and said we have a visitor and so we tried to compose ourselves and walked into class, where Elder Holland was sitting with that big, genuine smile he has. We ended up being taught by him and my whole day was turned 180 degrees in a matter of minutes. I also learned we might go straight to Argentina on travel visas with a stop in Paraguay (Aunt Debbie, tell Zacky to look out for the short blonde kid with a smile on his face) I love this work, and I'm excited to serve the Lord another 23 months.

                     ~Elder Maddox II

Travis (Far left standing) and Elder Holland (seated center right)

Travis (far left) in the MTC

Letter #3 (MTC)

       So this week in the MTC, I had an amazing opportunity to teach my investigator and commit him to baptism. Me and my companion are really clicking and hit the ground running from day one. It is crazy how much the Lord has blessed me up to this point in my life. I constantly find myself wondering why I have been so blessed, and the answer I keep returning to is that He wants me to return the favor and live my life accordingly. I need, as do many other worthy young men and women, to serve full time a mission  in the name of our Heavenly Father, we need to raise righteous eternal families, and be a constant example of the believers. I heard a quote from one of my many teachers today and it goes as such "Have a light so that through you, others can see Him." (more or less) but this hit me really hard cause I have been a decent kid most of my life but not to this extent. We need to always have him on our mind and be mindful that the kid sitting next to us isn't LDS, the person on the bus was just fired from his or her job and has no hope, the 'terrible' neighbor was offended and just needs a hand extended. I recently read in Doctrine and Covenants section 104:80 and it says the Lord will soften the hearts of our debtors, if we just have faith in him. I have personally gained an immense testimony of faith these past two weeks. Elder Stephan and I taught the district meeting on Sunday and it was on faith. We found the best definition and examples of faith are found in Hebrew's chapter 11, I challenge you all to read it. I have a testimony and I know this church is true. I know, through Joseph Smith, the only true church and the truest book on this world are here today. I promise as we stay true to the covenants we made with the Lord at baptism, our lives will be blessed ten fold. I know through the Atonement, we can all return to live with our Father in Heaven. I love this work and the joy it brings into my life. Thanks family for supporting me through all of my endeavors and being a constant source of love for me, you're the best.
            ~Elder Maddox II

Letter # 2 (MTC)

                                                                                                             Aug. 9, 2013
          Well the first week of the MTC was unreal and filled with so many amazing experiences. For those of you preparing to go on a mission, I will warn you, Friday is usually the hardest for most so be ready because Thursday you're filled with the emotions of excitement of all the new things around you, but Friday, you fall into a routine and your thoughts will drift from the Gospel to home. The only way, I have figured out, is to work that much harder :) I have an amazing companion who is amazingly strong in the Gospel and very willing and ready to learn. Sunday, we listened to a talk by Elder Bednar called Characteristic of Christ. It was absolutely amazing and changed the outlook I have on the mission, the Gospel, and on life its self. He brought up many amazing points but I don't have my notes in front of me so I can't quote them but it was the most amazing talk I have ever heard. I hope everything is awesome at home and am constantly praying for you guys. Remember I am doing the Lords work and how quick you got over Steven leaving. I cannot wait to hear from all of you, its going to be amazing. I would still love to hear from everyone so write me, send stickers, do whatever, I will do my best to write you back. Yo se Jesuchristo vide hoy y el libro de mormon es verdadero, amo mi familia con todo corazon. Until we meet again in two short years :)
            ~Elder Maddox

A Note From The Mother:
           Just so it is very clear...We did not "get over Steven leaving" quickly.  This is either Travis' sarcasm or memory loss...probably both. 

Letter # 1 (MTC)

Hola Mi Familia! (Cliche, I know Dad)                                     Aug 2, 2013          
          Well, I am sitting at my dinner table, with my companion.  He is from Hurricane and is amazing.  He had an older brother who served in Chile and has an awesome spirit about him.  We taught our first lesson today.  Our whole district is struggling with the language, pero we make great strides in the right direction every day.  In our district we have eight missionaries, four Elders y four Hermanas.  I am very grateful for each of them.  In the 2.5 days I have been here, I have learned more spanish than in my three years of High school, been tested more mentally and somewhat physically than ever.  However, and this is where the Spirit has contributed the most, I have never been more happy and excited to wake up int he manana.  From the time I wake up to the time my head hits the pillow, I am immersed in the spirit and love from everyone. I am able to understand when I have he spirit con yo, but when It leaves, it is much much tougher.  I have little fear  when teaching the investigator!  I can set up lessons lickety split.  For that I have to thank you guys,  Dad, Mom, Alec, Makayla, Sabrina, and Katrina.  You guys raised me into who and where I am today.  I  know this won't fulfill your desire to hear from me but I need to go to bed.  I love you all y you se Jesus Christo y espiritu is con yo para todos tiempo.
        ~Con Amor Elder Travis J. Maddox


Travis sent home pictures and was excited to see so many familiar faces in the MTC!

Sis Sperry and Elder Maddox

Wes and Travis

The MTC

                                                                                July 31, 2013

   Well we dropped Travis off at the MTC today,  after a crazy morning of packing and lunch at The Pizza Factory, of course.  It always seems to be a day filled with mixed emotions; it is such a happy, exciting and anticipated day, yet it is so hard to part, that it is hard not to drag your feet.  Travis made a phone call as we drove to say one last goodbye to his cousin Spencer who was leaving the next morning for his mission, it was very sweet. We also received a letter from Caleb their other cousin who is already in the MTC. Caleb said that he was in charge of  putting up the different Nation's  flags so he was sure to put up the Argentine flag and the Dominican Republic Flag in honor of his cousins.  We also heard that Spencer's visa has come through so he will leave for the Dominican MTC tomorrow morning!  We were hoping that he might get to go to the Provo MTC with his cousins...But we also found out that Travis will be reporting to the MTC West, the new section that was converted from the Y View Terrace because of over crowding.   So the boys wont be at the same MTC anyway.  We headed to the MTC West to drop off Travis but decided to swing by the Provo MTC to see the flags that Caleb put up for the boys.  But there was so much traffic that we just took the picture from the parking lot next door.  When we got to Travis' drop off point, they told us that there was a mix up and we would need to drop off our luggage here but take Travis to the Provo MTC for his orientation.  So we drove back to the Provo MTC, through all the traffic and made it to the right drop off area. We were hoping that we could see Caleb as we drove through the parking lot but no luck.  It was so sad to say good bye but we did get a minute for pictures so that was great! Travis seemed so excited to begin his new adventure!   As we drove off it was hard not to feel the emptiness, especially with all of the open seats in our once packed car.  Some times its hard to believe that we have two missionaries out now.  Its even harder to believe that our little boys are old enough to be missionaries!  Later that after noon, we got some great news...Travis' cousin Caleb was studying in area that the new missionaries come through and found Travis.  It was Caleb's P-day so he was able to write us and tell us all about it.  Here is part of his letter:


       Hey Family!
 So to start out my day I was able to see Elder Travis Maddox! I knew where all the missionaries walked through the MTC so I did my study time out there and waited for him! He was nervous but seemed pretty relieved that he saw someone he knew! I began giving him all the ins and outs of the MTC when he told me he was at the West Campus! Darn! what a bummer! I talked to him for about 15 minutes and then took his host's spot and escorted him to orientation. We said goodbye there and some tears were shed. But man was it great to see him! He Looked great! Spencer my man! I heard you got your VISA! Thats awesome man! The Dominican needs you! Not gonna lie though, I was secretly hoping you wouldnt get it so I could see you! but thats alright, I think Ill make it! Just know that I love you man. But more importantly the Heavenly Father loves you Spence. If there is one thing that I have grown a greater understand about, its that. He knows you. He will do his part if you do yours. His grace is sufficient. Pray always. That stuff really works man. I cant wait to hear about the MTC down there! I look forward to some crazy stories! I Love you and will be reppin my tie for you!!
            ~Elder Reber

 What an amazing end to an incredible day! We will miss our sweet boy so much but we look forward as a family to hearing about his incredible two year journey and about his life changing experiences. 
             ~Lisa

Lunch at the Pizza Factory

The Argentine flag in front of the MTC

MTC West

 

    

See you in 2 years Elder Maddox!

Our sad ride home...

     

Caleb and Travis inside the Provo MTC!

The Setting Apart

                                                                                                                         July 30, 2013
          The night before Travis left for the MTC, Pres. Anderson came over to set Travis apart as a Missionary!  It was so exciting.  As Pres. Anderson went around the room to shake hands with our family; each person told him how many missionaries they had currently serving.  His eyes seemed to get bigger as he realized that we had so many family members on missions.  Then he took a minute to explain the importance of being set apart as a Missionary of the Lord.  Then layed his hands on Travis' head and set him apart to be a missionary for the next 2 years.  Wow!  It was such a special blessing, I am so glad I was able to share in that with Travis.  After that Travis opened a special letter that Elder Maddox I (that is how my boys are differentiating between the 2 Maddox Missionaries the I & the II ) But Boo sent Travis a special letter with a name tag he had made for Travis.  The letter said.."Know that when you first put your name tag on, I will also and every day after that I will be putting mine on with you.  You will never be alone brother"  It was so touching to hear Travis read aloud the letter from his big brother.  It was a very sweet evening.

Saying Goodbye for 2 Years!
Elder Hulsey and Elder Maddox

Saying goodbye to his baby brother...

Grandpa and Grandma Maddox

Travis and Grandma Honey

Who will be the tallest in 2 years???

Saying goodbye to Spenc...

Travis and Parker

Travis and Eli

The Family!

Cousins and Missionaries!

lmmadd's photostream on Flickr.

I had so much fun taking over 850 pictures of these guys! It was a very fun morning with some great pictures. I love these boys!  There are even some pictures with all 7 of the missionary cousins!