tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4814662628905220352024-02-07T19:37:45.491-08:00Elder Ryan LehikainenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-63757172042105953352013-02-12T17:00:00.001-08:002013-02-12T17:06:05.394-08:00February 11, 2013 Holaaaa!!!!!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Ahhh what another amazing week here in Mexico!!! We were able to baptize
again. We baptized two jovens Anakarina and Carlos. They are so great and so
excited to be in the church and to now have the gift of the holy ghost. We are
still working on getting the rest of there family baptized. Their dad is
awesome and should be baptized in
two months. The Lord continues bless us with families. We found a single mother
with 4 daughters this past week and they were at church Sunday. Adriana and her
2 oldest daughters (twins) have a baptismal date for the 23. They are so
awesome mom and dad they just read and read the chapters we give them and have
so many questions. They are so awesome and cute. We also have a baptism planned
for this upcoming Saturday. His name is Brando and he is 16 years old. His aunt
and cousins are members. This past Sunday we gave him a challenge to pray
during the sacrament to see if this baptism is what he needs to do and if it is
what his heavenly father wants him to do. He did after sacrament he told us
that he prayed and that he wants to be baptized this Saturday. So we are
waiting to see if his parents will sign so that he can be baptized. Oh I gave
another talk this past week. I spoke on how daily prayer, reading our
scriptures daily and attending sacrament meeting weekly will enable us to stay
firm in the gospel and endure to the end. There are a ton of less active members
here so I hope I made my point that they have to pray, read the Book of Mormon
and go to church. </div>
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No, I haven't had anyone ask me about my teeth and lets
be honest my teeth aren't as good as Nate's, ha ha. So the language is coming. I still have a ton to learn, ha ha ,but this past
week Elder Charles had to give an interview in a city about 30 minutes away so
we had divisions. I showed the area and pretty much taught all of the lessons
by myself which was pretty cool to see how much I have grown in my Spanish the
last 8 weeks. Dad transfers are this next week but Elder Charles and I will be
staying here because I am training and more then likely I will stay here
another transfer after that to show the area. But I am more than fine with that
I love Cosamaloapan it is home. Its weird it just feels like home now. I cant
really put it into words. I have really come to love my converts and
investigators and the members here. I think that has what changed everything
for me down here and why we have started to have some success. Because Elder
Charles and I have really started to love the people here and one another. I
think that truly makes the difference with the spirit you are able to have with
you and bring into the houses of those you teach. So this past week Elder
Charles and I bought some hammockas and we have been sleeping in them haha.
They are so comfortable in the heat. Everyone as hammocks down here so we
thought we would do as the natives do. When in rome right. So I haven't said anything about
the heat yet down here but it is flipping hot I am in one of the hottest areas
in the mission and the most humid. We are always wet its weird lol.</div>
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I am in 3 Nephi 20 now and let me just say 3 Nephi is
amazing there is nothing better than reading the words and teachings of christ.
I love chapter 18 and how it speaks of sacrament and pray. If you would like to
read that, That would be awesome. I have been using some versing in there alot
this past week and used some about prayer in my talk. We truly have to pray
always and partake of the sacrament weekly. I found 3 verses in D&C 58 that
I really like verses 26-28. Other than that I have been studying alot about how
we all can recieve answers to our prayers. And what I got out of my studies
more than anything is that we must have the faith necessary to receive
the answer. Faith is so important in this life and in all that we we do. In
Jesus the Christ Elder Talmage talks a lot about the faith of the people Christ
healed. Jesus Christ himself could not of healed the people he did if those he
healed didn't have the faith necessary. I have been thinking about that a lot and
if I really have the faith I need to have to do this work. I would like to hope
so but I continue to try my best and put my trust in both my savior Jesus
Christ and my Father in Heaven in all that I do. </div>
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I love you all so very much and I am so very
glad for all of the emails you send me every week and the prayers that you all
offer for me. I pray for you all every night and like I say often I cant wait to
see you all in the temple one day. I know that this work in the work of the
lord and that he is with me everyday here in Mexico. I know that this church is
true with all of my heart and soul. I know that Christ is at the head of this
church and that he lives. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of god and
that as we live by its precepts we will come to know our savior and gain a
testimony of him. I love my heavenly father and I know that he loves me. I love
my savior Jesus Christ and I am eternally grateful for the willing sacrifice he
gave for me. I love all of you so very much and may god be with you till we
meet again.<br />
</div>
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Love Elder Lehikainen</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-18831463615447110612013-02-12T14:31:00.002-08:002013-02-12T14:31:22.135-08:00February 4, 2013<br />
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Ahhh mi familia!!! This week was another great week full of miracles.
The lord blessed as again this saturday and we were able to baptize
Oscar!!! He is such a stud and I feel like he is my brother. I gave him a
giant hug after I baptized him. He calls Elder Charles and I his best
friends. He has set the example for his Dad,Mom and Sister and I hope
and pray that they will take the step of faith and act as there brother
and son has. We have another Baptism planned this upcoming sunday for
the kids of Javier and they are so excited. We passed for them again
this sunday and they were already walking to church in the rain and so
excited to feel the spirit there again this week. We ended up having 6
investigators at church what a blessing. Growing up in the church I
havent really noticed the spirit that is in sacrament meeting. But these
past four months on the mission my eyes have really opened and that is
propably my favorite part of the week. <br />
Dang so tyler is beasting at baseball atta boy. Work, Work, and Work
at the fundamentals and you will tear it up bud never be satisfied. So
the superbowl was a good one. I am glad the 49ers lost I dont like niner
fans haha. So I have been thinking that I havent really told you all
very much about my area and thought I would today. So Cosamaloapan is
the name of my area and we have about 65 sq miles in my area but we stay
near the city most of the time. I am in a cowboy town lol they grow a
ton of sugar cane down here like a rediculous amount. It is kinda cool
cause everyone is kinda involved in agriculture and I can talk to them
about it and what you do for a living dad. There is a sugar cane plant
in the next town over and the ash from the plant is always raining down
on us. There are soooo many dogs here like a rediculous amount of sick
and diseased dogs. They are always fighting in the streets pretty crazy.
We saw 3 dog fights yesterday like big dog fights 4 on 4. I am never
going to complain about the dogs in america again even charlie boy dad
haha.<br />
Dang I am sooooo pumped for Colton he is going to be such a stud. His
family is going to be very blessed for his willingness to serve the
lord and I cant imagine how very proud his father is of the man he has
become.<br />
Soooo this week I hit 3 nephi 11!!! Nothing is better than reading the
words of Christ to us. This morning I was studying in chapter 14 and
15. I really love in the end of 14 when the lord is talking about where
we need to build our house upon the ROCK. He is our rock and we must
build upon him. When the storms of this life come upon us he will help
us stand firm and we will come out of our trials stronger and firmer in
Christ. He will never let us down when we put our trust in him. I dont
know there is such a different in the people that truly want Christ and
this gospel in there lives here. They will do what ever they have to for
the opportunity to make it to church. Like Javier who walked to church
in the rain with his 2 children.These people are truly putting there
faith in the lord these are the people that truly want to have the lord
in there lives. This kinda reminds me of President Eyrings talk this
past conference. The lord is always there for us and when we can not
feel him in our lives it is because we are the ones that have changed.
This has helped me this past week. I have really been searching for the
lord and what it is he want Elder Charles and I to do down here in
mexico. <br />
Dad that is so awesome that the zwhalens have that. I cant wait for
the day when we are all in the temple together. I cant wait to see you
and mom in the temple again. That is going to be the greatest day in the
world when all 8 of us our in the temple together. I love you all so
very much and I know that families are forever there is not a doubt in
my mind. I know that this church the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints is Christs church on the earth again. I know that
Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that Christ restored his church
through him. I know that the book of mormon is the word of god. I read
it everyday and my testimony is strenghtened each and everyday by its
wordss. I have a challenge for all of you. The next time you are reading
in your personal studies read moronies challenge and pray again if the
book of mormon is true. In preach my gospel it says to do so. Every once
in awhile. I love you all so very much and may god be with you till we
meet again.<br />
love your son, Brother and friend,<br />-Elder Ryan Thomas LehikainenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-49776706549001142842013-02-12T14:07:00.002-08:002013-02-12T14:19:25.420-08:00January 28, 2013 Week #6 in Cosamaloapan <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"GOLDEN"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happiness</td></tr>
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Hola hola mi familia!!! So this week was awesome!! Mari was baptized
and I am so happy for her and her family. I told her and her husband
carlos that a year from this day her baptism Elder Charles and I want to
see both of them in white at the temple. They are so great and she
definately is truly converted to this gospel how we all should be. She
says it feels so right and like she already knew the things that we were
teaching her were right. bueno so we had a great sacrament meeting this
past week. 4 of our investigators were at church and the young man
Oscar didnt get baptized saturday because he wanted to wait and be
baptized with his mom. The both were at church last sunday and we had a
great lesson with them last night. And let me just say Oscar must have
been inspired to wait because his mom is going to be baptized this
saturday as well!! We had two more investigators at church this past
sunday and they are so awesome. Javier and his son are so excited about
the church. We actually met javier in the street and it is a pretty cool
story. He walked past us and he said hello like everyone does here lol
but we continued walking about another block and then my comp and I
looked at eachother and we were like we have to turn around and talk to
this guy. So thats what we did and he turned out to be a member a super
inactive member but his son oscar and his daughter Anacarina are going
to be baptized the 9th of feb. The lord has truly blessed me this past
week. I have been really been trying to submit to his will in all that I
do. Which is pretty hard for me I know at times I can be pretty proud
and stubborn. But today I was trying to find what becoming as a child
really means and I dont know if I found for sure what it means but one
thing that I took out of my studies was that we must always be humble as
a child is and truly depend on our heavenly father for all of our needs
just as a child depends on its parents for all of its needs. So that is
something that I have been working on.<br />
So the ward here is still struggling we have been teaching a ton of
non active member trying to strengthen the ward. There are nearly 800
members here and only 75 that are truly active and the majority of them
are women. It is saddening how lazing the men here are. The bishop and
one of his councelors do just about everything. Dad what is the
percentage for sacrament asistance back home? So we have really been
trying to strengthen the ward because what good is it to baptize if the
ward isnt going to help retain the converts. So we are going to have an
activity in 2 weeks and we hope that it will help. We will have to wait
and see. <br />
So I have really started to miss the temple.....It was such a
blessing in the MTC to be able to go to the temple cada semana. I
definately think I took it for granted. There is nothing like it and I
cant wait to see all of you there. That is going to be a great day. I
definately wish that I could be there when emily and tyler are sealed
but the lord needs me here in mexico :) I will definately be there in
spirit. So I am in 3 nephi 10 in the book of mormon and I cant wait to
get to ch 11 when christ comes. And I am just past half way in Jesus the
Christ and yes it is still blowing my mind. After planning at night
that is what I do till I go to bed read. Who would have thought I would
love to read lol So D&C 50 is amazing and I really love verse 24. Oh
3 nephi 9 is awesome as well. Where are all of you in your studies? I
love all of you so very much and thank you so much for writing me
everyweek. It really does mean so much. I love you all so very much and I
know with all my heart that the work that I am doing right now is the
work of the lord and that he is with me every day here in the streets of
mexico. It is such a blessing to be his representative and to be able
to testify that he is our savior and that only through him and his
example of baptism may we return to our father in heaven and live with
our families for all eternity. I love you all and may god be with you
till we meet again.<br />
love your son, brother and friend,<br />
-Elder Ryan Thomas Lehikainen<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-81218644175075310972013-02-12T10:34:00.003-08:002013-02-12T10:34:51.497-08:00January 21, 2013 Week #5 in Cosamaloapan<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Very Special Day, Elder Lehikainen's first Baptism</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet is the work, bringing souls unto Christ.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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hola hola mi familia como estan?? I cant believe that this week has
already gone by but what a wonderful week it has been. MARISOL was
finally baptized and I was able to baptize her. What a wonderful
blessing that was this week. She was confirmed yesterday by Obispo and
the spirit was definately there with all of us. Her mom Margarita who we
have been teaching as well was there and she asked us after the
confirmation why she filled so warm and peaceful during the baptism and
during the confirmation as well. It was so nice to be able to testify to
her that the feeling she felt was the holy ghost testifying to her. She
is a great lady and has alot on her plate but I just have a feeling
that she is going to be baptized here pretty soon. So we had another
great week with Mari and Carlos and there family. They are so great and
lately I have been thinking about the people here in cosamaloapan I am
supposed to find. My friends from our pre earth life that werent blessed
like I was to grow up in the church. I know that Mari and Carlos are
two of those people. Last night we had a great lesson with them at the
church and we were just finishing up la ley de castidad y diezmo but
there was such a strong spirit there. We got on the topic of fasting and
Elder Charles and I were able to share with them that they were and are
an answer to our fast and prayers. That was and will be a tender mercy.
She is going to be baptized this saturday. We also have another baptism
this saturday and his name is Oscar. Oscar is great we have been
teaching him and his parents. He came to church this past sunday without
his mom and dad but he told us how great church was and how excited he
is for his baptism. The lord has blessed me so very much this week.<br />
Dang poor Nate. Dengay or how ever you spell it has been a scare of
mine because of all the musco bites. I will keep him in my prayers and
yeah I have been thinking about how all of us can speak spanish that
will be really fun. I have been thinking how great it will be to see
eachother in two years and know that we have given our all to the lord
and have truly become men of god. Como the sons of mosiah. Tyler you
stud you are probably bigger than me know I walk and sweat so much I
have been losing all my muscle haha and because most of my diet is beans
and rice lol the weather here has been kinda crazy one day it will be
crazy hot and the next day freezing. There is a saying here about the
weather for this time of year "februero loco y marso tampoco" lol. I
love it down here and the people. <br />
We had zone conference this past week and Elder Alonso of the seventy
was there that was pretty cool. He actually interviewed my companion
just to get a view of how the missionaries are doing down here. He gave a
great interactive talk. He said we need to get everyone of our
investigators to truly live the doctrine of Christ and once they start
to do that they can truly become converted. Soo I am in 3 nephi now and
it is like waiting for Christmas to get to chapter 11 and read the
teachings of the savior. I have been reading Jesus the Christ as well
and am about halfway through. That book is awesome and to be honest it
kinda blows my mind. Today I was re-reading my patriarchal blessing. And
it is crazy how things show themselves to us as we need them and are
searching for answers in our lives. My patriarchal blessing talks a alot
of things in my life but this morning I read a line that really stuck
out to me it says ryan put your faith and trust in him. Ask for his
guidance and inpiration and as you do so remember that you must trust
and follow that inspiration. This morning that is exactly what I needed
to hear and more and more I find that I must continually humble myself
and put my trust in the lord. He truly is always there for us. I have
been using alot of verses from helaman lately and I have really enjoyed
helaman 11. I would love it if you would read it. <br />
I love my mission I love the joy that we are able to recieve in this
life when we serve. Yesterday we gave 5 blessings and it made me
remember that we are here to serve and love the people. I love my savior
more and more each and everyday. I know that he died for me and I know
that he lives. I love all of you so very much and may god be with you
till we meet again. <br />
love your son, Brother, and friend,<br />-Elder Ryan Thomas LehikainenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-25296668541129096812013-02-12T10:28:00.003-08:002013-02-12T10:29:53.864-08:00January 14, 2013 Week #4 in Cosamaloapan<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qQxh1Apa8rDilx2ytyTcLThjKhnhIS0DCP00J2DyxgaF312tKV3Iqae5dA_SqQGmE3LoD2T1nIL7n3cX5UqjFMXlfUGXyF8AL66wWSEWQkB53XMPr7IyRYoCvLJ5PfW31tsYhIKo6Lw/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qQxh1Apa8rDilx2ytyTcLThjKhnhIS0DCP00J2DyxgaF312tKV3Iqae5dA_SqQGmE3LoD2T1nIL7n3cX5UqjFMXlfUGXyF8AL66wWSEWQkB53XMPr7IyRYoCvLJ5PfW31tsYhIKo6Lw/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Lehikainen and His trainer and AWESOME companion, Elder Charles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFWjQoBymDTpTtD71e93B5hdJlz8uIxw55GZ1Cd1goJh8MoJFx_bUDzsPczuNZ4BUhZz7QOZarK6drean6Le0Csu9BR__BkOBf2NB3lpHTAxckOuyxJ_o6Rbwvb7Kgb12uw4JhpJrXk4/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFWjQoBymDTpTtD71e93B5hdJlz8uIxw55GZ1Cd1goJh8MoJFx_bUDzsPczuNZ4BUhZz7QOZarK6drean6Le0Csu9BR__BkOBf2NB3lpHTAxckOuyxJ_o6Rbwvb7Kgb12uw4JhpJrXk4/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feasting upon the words of Christ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
hola hola mi familia!!! This past week was amazing even though we didnt
have any baptisms. We had a family at church this past sunday and
Marisol was at church as well. These past couple of weeks have been very
humbling and I have really had to start really on heavenly father and
our savior Jesus Christ more and more. So Elder Charles and I have been
working very hard and we havent been seeing the fruits of our labors
until these past 5 days. This past miercoles another baptismal date fell
through with felipe and he doesnt really want to talk to us anymore
because of his family traditions of being catholic and what not. So we
went to our next lession after we found out he didnt want to meet with
us anymore and that fell too. I felt like we needed to pray so we went
behind this house and more or less poured our hearts out to our Heavenly
Father. That is really when things started to turn around. We have
started really working with the members oh and yeah we have a building
that is a year old dad. So we have really started working with the
members here and trying to bring inactives back into the ward. We have a
new goal to increase the asistance by 10 percent every month and this
week we went from 70 people in sacrament to 101. What a miracle and a
blessing that was because the ward here is slowly dieing. <br />
So this family that was at church sunday the father is a member his
name is carlos and he has been inactive for about 10 years. His wife
Mari is not a member and she is going to be baptized this 26th of enero.
She is soo awesome and they have 3 little kids. More than anything I
cant wait to see them in the temple in a year and that is there goal as
well after mari is baptized. After our first lesson last sunday I
couldnt help but see them in white going to the temple and I think for
now on that is going to be my goal to picture our investigators in
white. We found another family last night there names are Ana Louda,
Acerdo and oscar all three of them have accepted a baptimal date for
this 27th and the same with them I cant wait to see them in white the
27th and a year from now. The son Oscar is 18 and he just gets it. He
understands already why this gospel is so very important for alll of us
in this life. We had another miracle fall into are laps we were having a
lesson with one of our investigators named gui and her friend was there
here friend told us about her neighbor named Alexis he is 14 and had
been talking with the Elders before and we some reason or another he
fell in the cracks and hasnt been meeting with the Elders anymore over
these past 2 years. Anyways yesterday we went over and talked to him and
his mother he is getting baptized this saturday and he and his mom told
us that he wants to be a missionary some day. Marisol is getting
baptized for sure this miercoles and she was at church. Every lesson
with here we have been going with a member and that has really helped.
Ahhh this week has been Awesome and my testimony has grown so much. I
gave a talk yesterday and I spoke on faith, hope and charity. I tried to
explain in my baby spanish that we all have faith in our savior Jesus
Christ and that we have felt his love throught the atonement in our
lives. Then I went on to talk about how this has giving us hope in this
life and then I shared jacob 2:19 and it says after we have recieved
this hope in our lives we must help those that are hungry and afflicted
physically but we must also be charitable to thoughs that are afflicted
spiritually and share the hope that we have in our lives with those that
have no hope.<br />
I have eaten this soup called manuto and it is cow stomach soup and
it tasted like a cow stomach haha I ate chicken feet this week and that
wasnt that bad. President I am sure knows we dont have any hot water lol
and the language is getting better. Last week in a taxi I had a decent
regular converstation with the taxista that was pretty cool I felt like
elder calhoun. I am doing great I love this work and I thank my heavenly
father everyday for the opportunity to serve him and his children here
in veracruz. It truly is a blessing. I have been reading Jesus the
Christ and have been trying to come to know my savior more and more. I
truly want to become his friend over these next 2 years and I want to
tell him yea lord I love thee when I am able to see him again. I am in
helaman 12 in the book of mormon and in nefi 16 in spanish. Where are
you all lol? oh mormon 9 is amazing and you all should read it this
week.<br />
I love this gospel I have to go but I want to leave you with my
testimony that I know with out a doubt this church is true. That our
heavenly father loves us so very much. That our Savior Jesus Christ died
for us and he knows us. When we are in or having a hard time we need to
remeber that he is always there. I love yoou alll and may god be with
you till we meet again.<br />
Love you son, brother, and friend<br />
-Elder Ryan Thomas Lehikainen<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-60462993198070590432013-02-12T09:48:00.000-08:002013-02-12T10:08:52.247-08:00January 7, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snack time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oB9LrPloclyD36ipwJt1FpRb9OIYd3C5HLBK_1B1vOpPG1eY7MsopZI8YZhkA5AXVKXOubaaBNzUTS6-01iEGwNeKIqc8G1JLbiVLAfMvnokcVv3iYujXMJAZDPu4UErAgiUSxUtMQY/s1600/115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oB9LrPloclyD36ipwJt1FpRb9OIYd3C5HLBK_1B1vOpPG1eY7MsopZI8YZhkA5AXVKXOubaaBNzUTS6-01iEGwNeKIqc8G1JLbiVLAfMvnokcVv3iYujXMJAZDPu4UErAgiUSxUtMQY/s320/115.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Lehikainen outside his house in Cosamaloapan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hola Hola!!! mi familia!!!, <br /> So marisol bailed on us again
ahhhh she left for 2 weeks to the port of veracruz but I think the lord
is trying to tell us something but we still had a great sunday. We
actually had been really thinking and pondering about how we can find a
family to teach and needless to say fast sunday couldnt have come at a
better time. So we fasted to be ablle to find 2 families this upcoming
week and yesterday bishop had recieved 2 referances and we went and
visited one of them last night with him. First let me tell you how
blessed I am to be working with Bishop Rodriquez he is a spiritual stud
and is so so so pumped for missionary work. So we had a great lesson
with this part member family and the spirit was very strong. The
husbands name is carlos and he is a member but his wife and 4 kids are
not and I cant help but picture them in the temple with there children
being sealed. We also have been teaching this man named felipe he has
had a hard life but his heart is truly looking for what his heavenly
father wants him to do. His family is very catholic by tradition and
there has been alot of opposition from them. But last night the spìrit
was able to touch his heart and he accepted a baptismal date for the
20th. Yesterday really got me pumped again for this work and even though
we did not have the baptism we planned it was a great day. Elder
Charles and I have been working really really hard. oh dad here is my
usual day 1.Arise at 6:30 and until work out read and eat and shower
until 8. second personal study until 9 and from 9-11 comp study then
11-12 estudiamos nuestro idioma. then from 12-9 we have lessons accept
for 2-3 we have lunch with a sister. We have been really trying to
squeezeas possible
every day dad and a couple days this past week we have been running from
lesson to lesson. The people here in veracruz are very opèn and kind
but they seem to lack the desire to act. This upcoming week we are going
to work on being bolder and I think that is what our heavenly father
wants us to do. <br />
<br /> This past week was a little crazy they party like crazy down here
during the holidays there have been drunks all over the streets and I am
thankful for the promptings of the spirit to know what streets to walk
down and what streets not to. Oh mom there has been fireworks everywhere
haha like ridiculous fireworks on New Years and pretty much all week.
We have been saying its almost like a war at night haha. It has been way
fun I love it down here. But I have been safe and I know that the lord
has one or many have his angels walking next to Elder Charles and I
every night. Bishop has a dog and that has been a blessing. I have felt
safe here every night.<br />
I have been studying more and more for our investigators every morning
and trying to find scriptures that can help them. Scriptures that
explain what we need to do plainly and simply. This past week I came
across alma 5:26-29 it talks about we need to prepare ourselves quickly
(pronto in spanish). I love that and if you would can you read alma 5 :)
I also have been reading Jesus The Christ and I love coming to know my
savior little by little. He loves us so very much and I absolutly love
testifying of him and the atonement he made for us. Oh this past week we
gave about 8 blessings and mom and dad and the power of the priesthood
is real when we have faith and the person recieving the blessing has
faith anything is possible. Although I dont know the language very well
still I can still feel the spirit and the spirit testifies the same way
in every language. I love that and I love you all so very much. I am
happier than I have ever been in my entire life and I am so very
grateful for the opportunity to serve my Heavenly Father and our Savior
Jesus Christ for these two years. I love this gospel and this church I
know it is true with my entire heart. I can testify that the Book of
Mormon is the word of god. That Jose Smith is a prophet and he restored
the church of Christ back onto this earth. I know that my Savior and
Redeemer Jesus Christ lives and I love him so very much. I know he died
for us and I know because he died for us we can return as an eternal
family to our heavenly father. I love you all so very much and I am so
grateful for the support that you give me. God be with you ´till we meet
again.<br />
love your son, brother and friend,<br />
<br />
-Elder Ryan Thomas lehikainenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-32860924047321682532013-01-06T19:18:00.001-08:002013-01-06T19:18:35.429-08:00December 31, 2012 Week #2 in Cosamaloapan<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Hola hola mi familia,<br />
How is everything going at home I still cant believe that emily
and tyler are engaged that is flipping crazy!! But tyler is an awesome guy and I am very happy
for them. Do they have a date or anything like that planned? What temple does
emily want to get married in? Mom that is awesome the new program for the youth
I was interested to see what they were going to come out with and it sounds
amazing. Rachels talk sounds like it was pretty amazing and I am sure she had
some amazing amazing experiences in D.C. and I love that she talked about faith
and how we all have to act and take that leap. That is the hardest thing to do
to put our trust in the lord completely but when we do we come to truly know
him and that is when we see his immense love for us. <br />
Soo didnt get to baptize yesterday :( We walked by her house
(marisol) in the morning and she wasnt there for church so after sacrament we
went back and she still wasnt there. So we finally got ahold of her after
church and she said yeah she still wanted to get baptized and so we told the
whole ward so she would be welcomed into the ward. So we walked over to her
house around 7 and she said her mom wasnt going to make it then we shared a
scripture with her in mosiah 18 and she still said no next week. Her mom waited
until an hour before her baptism to say she wasnt going to make it ahhh. So we
had to go to the church and tell the whole ward that it wasnt going to happen
and it was raining so I felt even worse because they had walked to the church
in the rain. But something cool happened when we started our sad walk home in
the rain. A man named Williams who has been going to church but in the past
didnt want to act and didnt have the faith to act drove by and oh he is a taxi
driver anyways he gave us a ride back to our house. We already had an
appointment with him for this wed. But we were able to share a quick
message with him and leave him with some reading to do. So more and more I am
learning that the lord always has his reasons and it wasnt just coincidence<b><i><span id="yiv1393901695taw"> </span></i></b>that he was driving by and offered to give us a
ride home. The lord truly does work in mysterious ways. We did have one
investigator make it to church sunday her name is Erika and she came with her 1
year old son luis. We have been teaching her with her aunt who is a member and
actually is endowed. She stayed for 2 hours and I know that she felt that special spirit that is in the church.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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enero. I am really excited for that. <br />
The language is pretty tough haha but it will come I need to be
patient and it will come with hard work. We study 4 hours every morning which
is pretty awesome I have been studying preach my gospel side by side (other
side of heaven style lol) every morning for a half hour or so and then study in
the Book of Mormon. Then we do companionship study for 2 hours because I am
being trained and them we do language study for about an hour. Its pretty funny
how much I hated studying before my mission and how much I love it now. These
past 2 weeks I have come to love the teachings of king benjamin and his counsel
to us. I really love chapter 4 and I guess that is the chapter for this week
lol. This morning I was studying in practicad mi evangelio and I realized that
I need to start being more real with the people here I need to share more about
how much this gospel has blessed my life and how our savior Jesucristo has
truly saved me. And how I have felt his tremendous love for me.</span><br />
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I will leave you with this testimony that I know our savior
Jesus Christ died for us for your sins and mine and that he knows us, he knows
the pains we go through each and everyday. I know that he lives. I know that
the book of Mormon is the word of god and I am so blessed to have it in my
life. I know that our heavenly father loves us so very much and when we are in
need we can turn to him in prayer and he is always there to listen and to love
us. I love all of you so much and may god be with you ´till we meet again.<br />
<br />
love, <br />
<br />
Elder Ryan Thomas Lehikainen.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-80541980395459954682013-01-06T19:11:00.001-08:002013-01-06T19:20:07.374-08:00December 24, 2012 Veracruz !!!!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--> Hola hola mi familia como
estan!!! Como
fue el cabin. I can skype you all around 4!!! I dont know your skype info so I
need you to add me my skype name is elderryanlehikainen so pleaseee add me
=).These first few days have been crazy but I absolutly love it here in
Veracruz my first area and my area for the next 12 weeks is Cosamalopan in the
southern part of the mission. It is a great area and we have a baptism for the
30th I guess we baptize like crazy down here. We have a baptism once a week
which is sooo awesome. We we with alot of referals because that is safer I
guess and that is what the brotheren want us to do so that is what we are doing
and with referalls it helps the members have a relationship with the new
converts which is really good. We teach around 6 lessons a day and walk all day
from lesson to lesson which I am not used to any more lol My walking legs are
gone. But they will come back soon enough. I love it here the people are so
loving and so very humble they have nothing but seem to give us the very best.
We dont eat dinner with the members we eat lunch every day at 2 with them and
the hermanas are just sooo giving they are really an example to me. The poverty
here is kinda shocking I knew that I was going to a poor country but it is a little
different living in it. We are so very blessed to be living in america and to
have a father who has an amazing job. Most of the families here dont even have
hot water to shower. I dont know I just realized how good and how blessed we
are back home it has really opened my eyes. The spanish here is not the spanish
that they taught me in the MTC lol it is kinda overwhelming but it just takes
time to get used to. Thank goodness my trainer is a stud his name is Elder
Charles and he is from Arizona.
He does most of the talking and teaching which is normal but I just want to
help do my part and know what is going on lol Yesterday was better I was able
to add a little bit in our lessions. The ward is great there is a ward here and
there are about 85 members that attend regulary. So I lucked out and didnt have
to bare my testimony mom but I taught actually my comp taught gospel principles
and I added a few things here and there. But Elder Charles says we do
alot alot for the ward so I will talk or bare my testimony pretty soon =) Oh I
blessed the sacrament sunday I hope they could understand me. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how have you all been how was the cabin? I bet you had a
blast the pictures look awesome. Tyler
how does my jacket feel lol just playing you look like a stud and you are so
muscular now. Anyways I have been studying in preach my gospel more here in the
field and reading in the book of mormon. This morning I read in alma 54-56 about the 2000
strippling warriors and what great men of faith they were. I was brought to
tears as they spoke of there mothers and the reason the had there faith in
there heavenly father was because there mothers had taught them to do so. I
then looked at the CTR ring mom and dad got me and read what they inscribed in
it ´´ryan trust in the lord with all thine heart love mom and dad´´ that is
exactly what I needed to hear and to ponder about this morning and I just
wanted to thank you mom and dad for raising me how you did because I have been
raised of goodly parents and I know what I must do. Can you read that chapter
this week guys that would be awesome if you did. The lord is always there for
us with his hand out stretched we just need to reach back or jump and he will
catch us. But by making that attempt we show him that we have faith in him and
in his son Jesus Christ and we are blessed for doing so. I think that is one of
the biggest things we do as missionaries is help the people act and once they
act the lord blesses them and they are filled with the spirit and they cannot
deny what they have come to know in there hearts. <br />
I cant wait to see and talk to you all tomorrow it is going
to be AMAZING. I will leave you all with my testimony that I know our Heavenly
Father loves us all sooo very much. He loves us so much that he sent his son
Jesus Christ to this earth to die for us. I am so very grateful for that
because I sin daily and without Jesus Christ comoing to this earth and
performing the atonement there is no way that I would be able to return with
our Heavenly Father and live with the family that I love so very much. I am so
very grateful for all of you and may god be with you till we meet again.<br />
<br />
Love you son, brother and friend,<br />
Elder Ryan Thomas Lehikainen</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-77853193119570547582012-12-20T09:20:00.000-08:002012-12-20T09:20:27.498-08:00December 20, 2012Elder Lehikainen called us (his Familia) this morning from the Salt Lake City airport before his flight to Denver. From Denver he will fly to Mexico City and from Mexico City he flies to Veracruz Mexico. His long day's journey has begun and he couldn't be happier or sound better. It was wonderful to visit with him and have his siblings all here to talk and catch him up on whats going on in each of their lives. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-90328443634490353252012-12-20T08:56:00.000-08:002012-12-20T08:56:37.573-08:00December 18, 2012VISA DAY !!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!! or YEEEEEE as Elder Lehikainen said. <br />
Elder Lehikainen called bright and early this morning with wonderful news, his VISA has arrived and he has travel plans for this Thursday. He is so relieved that he has the opportunity to go to his assigned area to serve the people of Veracruz and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-52780980023644541652012-12-13T21:29:00.000-08:002012-12-13T22:36:02.066-08:00December 12, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIIYg1LgfaXRvWJG54c6evFJIBU5O60AFfReGGFy-p80M-rv5uKGH-zfcI5XseR8Y_b52I0D-JSb2aLRMzX-hUxAkQJamd-rQHZVylMpnD7kwkRmxmn03UoHYCVSlS6zHetVSkxz3yvM/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIIYg1LgfaXRvWJG54c6evFJIBU5O60AFfReGGFy-p80M-rv5uKGH-zfcI5XseR8Y_b52I0D-JSb2aLRMzX-hUxAkQJamd-rQHZVylMpnD7kwkRmxmn03UoHYCVSlS6zHetVSkxz3yvM/s320/048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxge4IKULs7xXbUP4cv2XL8x9WDD0ma9rs9AtgdYPUYU3VsokiEw6cmZnLD0hM-ADsH_KRgRHfdgIXtAZJqVnI8_miVA72-9jcPFF2qX9UIvqH8hoP2Ht9xAZc5-ghFz1pOqEkxHYuHE/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxge4IKULs7xXbUP4cv2XL8x9WDD0ma9rs9AtgdYPUYU3VsokiEw6cmZnLD0hM-ADsH_KRgRHfdgIXtAZJqVnI8_miVA72-9jcPFF2qX9UIvqH8hoP2Ht9xAZc5-ghFz1pOqEkxHYuHE/s200/046.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu83ESlUVnQMmv4FxLis2D8IU9UrDa0wZOPPIQyz5_4uHz5V7cY-kfzUKKOwFRFWOZHOeEK51TBfrXubzDJ7EZfUk99Uo-AlUPECMreuO3v-FnPgS4oz74Va4y77jmAY6wKzO5HmOOyg/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu83ESlUVnQMmv4FxLis2D8IU9UrDa0wZOPPIQyz5_4uHz5V7cY-kfzUKKOwFRFWOZHOeEK51TBfrXubzDJ7EZfUk99Uo-AlUPECMreuO3v-FnPgS4oz74Va4y77jmAY6wKzO5HmOOyg/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a>Hey SOOOOO I went to the Mexican
consulate yesterday so I can leave here any day. Ahhh Im soo excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sooo other sweet news that has happened this
week is I have my first baptismal dates and they are both from Mexico and Anita is from Veracruz. There arent any missionaries in
her area right now and I know that finding and talking to her was one of the
reasons I stayed here in the referral center. It is nothing short of a miracle.
JoJo is from mexico city
where the other half of my district are going and he is getting baptized
January 10th. The lord works in his own way and I have come to realize that
when we submit ourselves to his will we will be blessed and I feel like I have
seen those blessings here in the RC. I am doing awesome needless to say my
spanish is not the best by any means but that isnt what is most important being
able to bring others unto Jesus Christ and I feel like my Spanish will get
there as I study and do what our Heavenly Father would have me do and that is
feed his sheep. So I have been studying the Book of Mormon and The New
Testament at the same time recently trying to read 2-3 chapters from both a
day. I love the New Testament and I feel like I am coming to know my savior
more and more by learning who he was and how he acted. I love how much faith
plays a role in everything we do and that has really been made evident to me in
studying about Christ. In the Book of Mormon I am in Alma
42 and I love reading the counsels of Alma to his sons. Alma 40 is awesome you should read it this
week. <br />
<div class="yiv1401603500msonormal">
I love you all so very much and I will leave you with a short
testimony that I know with out a shadow of a doubt that this is the true church
in the earth today and that Jesus Christ himself is at the head of it. I know
that Jesus Christ lives, I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and I
know that because I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know
that our Heavenly Father Loves us so very much and he desires all of us to
return back into his presence. I know that Christ died for me and you and that
his atonement is the only way we can. I have felt the power of the atonement in
my life and I love my savior even more so know because of it and I cant wait to
tell him face to face how much I love him and how very grateful I am for all
that he has done for me.I love you all so very much and may God be with you
till we meet again.<br />
Love you son, brother, and friend Elder Ryan Thomas Lehikainen</div>
<div class="yiv1401603500msonormal">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-34873755706976018432012-12-13T21:14:00.002-08:002012-12-13T22:27:31.662-08:00December 5, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Lehikainen and Elder Medina and the Man in the Red Suit. lol</td></tr>
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<div class="yiv1401603500msonormal">
Hey Pops its so good to hear from you I can
feel all of your prayers and I am so grateful for them. I love you and I am so
grateful that I have the family that I have. Don't know what I would do without
everyone. The RC is actually great I get to talk to alot more people
about the church then I think any other missionary out there and the cool thing
is that they are coming and talking to us. We do get some goobers on chats that
want to bash on the church but is always nice to leave them with my testimony
because no matter what anyone says about the church or joseph smith I know and
I can testify that it is true because unlike any other church I have found out
for myself. There is power in that and I have come to love it. Ok so here is
what my normal day is. 1: wake up at 6:30 go run and do pull-ups and push-up oh
and cant forget abs lol for about 45 min and then shower and make it to
breakfast by 7:30. 2: from 8-9 we take chats from <a href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span id="lw_1355460911_0">mormon.org</span></span></span></a>.
3: we have personal and companionship study from 9-10:30. Then we teach if we
have appointments until 2 when we have chats again then we can teach who ever
we have planned then at 6 we have chats again. then we finish off the day
teaching!! so that is a day in the RC.<br />
So we teach lessons either on Skype or facebook if they dont have
a skype and we also email or talk on the phone with people from all over the
world. I love talking to people and I love sharing the light of the gospel with
others. This past sunday we met a girl named Monica from argentina and she is soooo ready
for the gospel and to change her life. She has already started reading the book
of mormon and prayed to know if it is true and if Joseph Smith was and is a
prophet of god. She told us that she felt so much peace as soon as she asked
her Heavenly Father these things. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met
this man named Scotty on chats as well and we have been emailing. He seems so
ready for the gospel in his life and I know he needs it because all of us do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is sooooo awesome to be talking to real
people and seeing changes in lives. We are able to talk to friends and family
that are not members of the church. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like the RC started as a trial of my
faith and I was so bummed but now I love it and I hate having to go back to my
residency and not talk to people on chats about the gospel and more
specifically about their heavenly father and our savior, brother and friend
Jesus Christ. My testimony I feel has already grown so much. When we are able
to see our savior Jesus Christ I cant wait to look him in the eyes and tell him
that I love him face to face and give him a hug. I know that he lives and I
know that he is watching over us daily and when we feel down or when we feel we
cant go on I know he is there behind us waiting for us to make the baby steps
we need to make and he will help push us back on path and help us continue on.
It makes me think of 2 nephi 31: 20-21 where it talks about pressing forward
with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love
of god and all men. (I'll will let you read the rest lol) I love this gospel, I
love my Heavenly Father for allowing me to serve Him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May God be with all of you till we meet again.
love your Son, Brother, and Friend,<br />
-Elder Ryan Thomas Lehikainen<br />
<br />
p.s. I dont know if I had you read 2 Nephi 31 yet but I went back and read it
and it is soo amazing it is one of the two times or three heavenly father and
jesus christ speak in the same chapter. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-37179278941257857002012-12-13T21:10:00.000-08:002012-12-13T22:17:57.070-08:00November 28, 2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Lehikainen (left) with his district. They trained together approx 8 wks and then left the MTC to enter the mission field. </td></tr>
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Hola!! how are you all how was thanksgiving?? My
thanksgiving was awesome Elder Holland and his family came and talked to us. He
and his wife told us that we are all there adopted grandchildren and there is
nothing that we can do about it he said agency does not apply today lol. I
loved hearing his wife speak as well as him but I recently have realized that
the wives of these great men are just as close to god as there husbands are and
what sweet testimonies they have. My testimony has really grown this past week
I was able to receive a blessing from President Wilkins (my branch president)
on Sunday and he gave me a very sweet and heartfelt blessing. He talked about
me having to trust in the lord and this temporary assignment being a trial of
my faith. I truly felt the love of my heavenly father when president Wilkins
placed his hands upon my head and I think that is one of the biggest things
that I needed to feel. So I am doing alot better and my heart has changed about
the referral center and I think it is going to be a very big blessing for
me. Another thing that helped me a ton was D&C 11 it talks about trust and
trusting the spirit of the lord. I have come to realize how very important
faith is through faith all things all possible and it all makes sense why it is
the first principle of the gospel. I have started to study Matthew and I have
noticed I dont know why I didnt notice this before but before or after every
miracle Christ works he talks about how through there faith they have been made
whole. I love in Matthew 8:10 when Christ is talking and he talks about faith.
You should study it this week. I still love learning about Christ and I love
how everything in this gospel related to him. In our devotional last night it
the speaker talked about that and I have really been trying to do that so it
really hit home I guess you could say. <br />
So I had my first chat on <a href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts"><span id="lw_1355460493_0">mormon.org</span></span></a> today
and it was pretty sweet. I was pretty excited to talk to real people that arent
our teachers. I am in a new companionship with Elder Medina and Elder Tovar
they are both native speaker and waiting on there visas as well elder medina in
headed to veracruz with me. It is a blessing to be with 2 spanish speakers I
think my spanish is going to improve tremendously. I love how much I am
changing I dont even feel like the same person spiritually anymore. I feel as I
even more better prepare myself here in the referral center I will be able to
go out into the field running full sprint and I still am so excited for that. <br />
I got the fudge mom and the cinnamon roles and my jacket thank you
sooooooooo much you know how I love your cooking. The food here at the MTC is
ok but it is nooo where near mamas home cooking lol. I love you all sooo very
much and I am so grateful for the family that I have and how close we are. I
know that this is where I am supposed to be and I dont know exactly why the
lord wants me here in the R.C. but I dont need to I will have the faith to
serve him where ever he desires me to go because this day I choose to serve
him. <br />
love you again and may god be with you until we meet again.<br />
-your son, and brother<br />
Elder Ryan Thomas Lehikainen<br />
<br />
p.s. I get to use my facebook to look for people so if you see that I am on it
is allowed lol and I am in alma
30 in my book of mormon where are all of you at even you Haley girl?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-47003822744844935012012-11-14T13:32:00.000-08:002012-11-14T13:38:10.511-08:00November 14,2012.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSDdkljUmaBoqaC31K9x0djhzFlCaEI-qnz4dssxEg01GotJ0V3DkT1q4EXNd0Zq_MFtGaJ2np-LCVQ71vQWc3AHj862HkvZik3THHQW6miRJLbQbsbW5R_JRCF5v5l9kzlWLYlbC82g/s1600/Ryans+Pictures+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSDdkljUmaBoqaC31K9x0djhzFlCaEI-qnz4dssxEg01GotJ0V3DkT1q4EXNd0Zq_MFtGaJ2np-LCVQ71vQWc3AHj862HkvZik3THHQW6miRJLbQbsbW5R_JRCF5v5l9kzlWLYlbC82g/s320/Ryans+Pictures+029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Lehikainen with one of his favorite teachers, Hermano Purnell.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka3qx86toEG69xQ33QHDuDtn0hgV_0LnSkBtGcE_5OTaoAWseubn3XvlpX2EeNdAvHxvrGj5rxJDRD-eO0c6sltjAvN08ju4IeOygYPJX9eHilhQx2sOVuyN4fXIsS5o_jyYukknmpAo/s1600/Ryans+Pictures+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka3qx86toEG69xQ33QHDuDtn0hgV_0LnSkBtGcE_5OTaoAWseubn3XvlpX2EeNdAvHxvrGj5rxJDRD-eO0c6sltjAvN08ju4IeOygYPJX9eHilhQx2sOVuyN4fXIsS5o_jyYukknmpAo/s200/Ryans+Pictures+030.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Lehikainen is on the bottom getting quite the workout !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the MTC in Nov. Brrrrr...Mexico will be warmer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hola mi familia!! Como estas? That is so exciting for Aaron and
Brandi. I actually just got a letter from Brandi and the Boys and Emma girl
yesterday it brightened my day to hear from them. Make sure to give them hugs
from me and give baby Mary Donna a hug and a kiss for me. My companion, Elder Talmage,
is great! He is the great nephew of The Elder Talmage. He has such a powerful
testimony and I am very grateful to be his companion. <br />
This week I have been studying alot about baptism and the
doctrine behind it. The first couple of weeks I was really gun ho about baptism
almost like Elder Calhoun from the best two years and I kinda strayed away from
that I dont know why lol. So this week I have been trying to get back into that
and relay the importance behind why we are baptized beyond the fact that we are
made clean from all of our past sins. Soo Monday I went back into Mosiah and
ended up in Mosiah 18 ( the whole chapter is awesome and can you read it this
week please and thank you) but in verse 13 it says " I baptize thee,
Having authority from the almighty god, as a testimony that ye have entered
into a covenant to serve him until you are dead as to the mortal body"
this really touched me this is one of the reasons I am serving a mission
because I promised I would serve my god when I was baptized by you dad when I
was 8 years old. this isnt very applicable for an investigator (but it could
be) but for me it is very applicable and I think it is for all of you as well.
My whole outlook has really changed here at the MTC in the past 7 weeks and am
so very grateful it has. This past Monday we were having one of our night
lessons and we were teaching one of our teachers Hermano Galvez ( he is such a
great man and I am lucky that he is my teacher, I will have to tell you about
him some other day) anyways we were teaching one of his investigators he had on
his mission named Christian and the lesson went well but not good enough and I
was frustrated that one Elder <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who is
happy with just doing ok and being ok when I don't want to be just ok or average
the lord doesn't need average missionaries he needs the very best and he
deserves the very best. The sports mentality dad instilled in my brain as a
young man has really helped because it is not ok to be mediocre. I'm a
passionate person about whatever it is I am doing. I put my all into it or I
don't do it and that is who I am. <br />
Like I said, last week I have been continually been studying the atonement
and this week I went to Mathew, Mark, Luke, and john I don't know the specific
verses or chapters except in Matthew 22 I love reading about the savior and
learning more and more about him and what he did for all of us. When I am down
lately I think about Christ and I know he is there with me every step of the
way and what joy that brings me. I know that this church is true without a
shadow of a doubt there are many things we can say about why this church is so
amazing but personally I have learned that it is because Jesus Christ is the
head and it is his church and that is all I need to know. I know that Joseph Smith
had a genuine question for his father in heaven and that question was which
church is true. I know that heavenly father and the son came and appeared
to Joseph Smith in the sacred grove. En la palabras de Jose Smith Vi una
columna de luz mas brillante que el sol direcrament ariba de mi cabesa vi en el
airre ariba de mi a dos personajes cuyo fulgo Y gloria no admiten discription
uno de ellos mi hablo llamando me por mi nombre Y dijo senalondo a otro este es
mi hijo amado escuchalo!! I know that brother Joseph is a prophet of god. I can
testify that the Book of Mormon is true and I can testify that our Heavenly Father
answers prayers. I know that Jesus Christ our savior our redeemer and our older
brother took upon the sins of the world for you and I so that we can return to
our loving heavenly father one day. I know that he knows me personally and
knows the pain and the sorrow that I have gone through and continue to go
through. I love my savior so very much. I love you all so very much and I
keep you in my prayers every night and throughout the day. Thank you for all the
love you send my way through your prayers. God be with you until we meet again.<br />
<br />
- Love Elder Lehikainen<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-88790897454371922132012-11-14T12:40:00.003-08:002012-11-14T12:40:58.834-08:00November 7, 2012<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> Hola mi familia!! como estan? How is everyone doing? you all
must be busy I didnt have an email from anyone but alyssa today. thanks alyssa
for writing me I love you. How was fast sunday? Did anyone besides Dad dan un
testimonio? I was able to bare my testimony in spanish which was pretty special
to me. I have been studying alot about the atonement I try to move on and study
other things during my personal study but I always end up returning to the
atonement. I guess I need to better understand it. I love learning more and
more about the savior and what he has done for me. At times I have felt pretty
down and alone but each morning I study the scriptures and I can feel the
spirit and I know that my father in heaven loves me and I know that my savior
Jesus Christ loves me. I have been thinking and talking alot with Brother
Monson about the savior being more then our savior we should strive to become
his friend. I have been thinking alot about that and how Christ is our older
brother and it had me thinking that he is our biggest fan so to speak he is up
in the heavens rooting us on every step of the way. This is one of the reasons
baring my testimony this week was so very special. I can honestly say that I
can testify that Jesus is The Christ and that he died for me and bleed from
every pore of his body for me and for my sins. He knows what I go through and
what all of you go through. Christ knows how it feels to be all alone he went
through that in the garden of Gethsemane (sorry if I spelled that wrong) he did
that so we don't have to be alone ever when we are going through a trial. He
will always be there for us. sorry I am blabbering on but I am so passionate
about the savior now and I didn't know that I was capable of it 7 weeks ago.
The greatest blessing we of the MTC and going on a foreign speaking mission is
that I have 9 weeks to become more converted myself and through that I can look
my investigators in the eye with my baby spanish that I know and testify to
them that whatever they are going through there is a way out of it and there is
a way to happiness and I know for myself that the way is and can only be
through Jesus Christ. ( I think that is in 2 Nephi 31) <br />
<br />
All in all I am doing great and I am absolutely loving the mission so
far and I can not wait to get out into the field and invite others to come unto Christ. This is the work the lord wants me to do and I am so grateful for
parents that raised me the right way. Can you all read Mosiah 3 sometime
this week I have come to love this chapter and how it talks about salvation
comes through Christ. Who would have thought that I would come to love the
scriptures the way that I have. In my Spanish scriptures I will have to send
you a picture next week because I am getting them engraved right now but I have
a whole system worked out and tabs everywhere. I have come to realize that
there is a scripture for just about everything lol I have to ask you all again
this week where are you in your Book of Mormon. I am in Mosiah 18 this morning
and I just finished reading about Abinadi we all should dare to be as bold as
he was. I love you all very much and would love to hear from you. God be with
you till we meet again.<br />
<br />
Love Elder Lehikainen <br />
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-17977602320891623742012-11-13T22:06:00.001-08:002012-11-14T12:20:33.397-08:00Oct. 31, 2012<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br /></div>
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Hola mi familia, como estan? I loved getting the package you
sent, mom, and I haven’t gotten Alyssa’s yet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, I should, my estimated departure for Veracruz is November 26
but we will see when I get my visa. All of the mexican elders have to go meet
with a chancelor in person so I might be headed to salt lake, vegas, or idaho here in the next
couple of weeks. This past week has been pretty crazy; Elder Dow left to Alabama until his visa comes for Peru and I am back in a trio with Elder Hill
again....and Elder Talmage they are both going to Mexico City. Elder Talmage is very cool and
is a baseball player as well so that is always a plus. My gospel Spanish is
becoming pretty good and I can teach the first two lessons pretty well now
which is kinda shocking. I know that it is the Lord’s hand because Spanish is
pretty tough for me. But this past week we took a Spanish evaluation test
and I scored the highest in the class which was very surprising.<br />
This week spiritually I have found myself coming closer and closer to my
savior Jesus Christ. In my personal study I have been focusing on the atonement
and how important it is for us as members of the church, even more so
missionaries to testify of Christ and make known to the public our friends,
even our family that is not active how very important Jesus Christ is in our
lives. Even more important is how he paid the price for us, the ultimate price
and then some. With a progressing investigator named Jorge this week I tried to
convey the importance of that. We shared Alma
34: 8-10 and then went on to share in Luke 22. The spirit was very strong and
even though it is just a teacher being a person from their mission I know
without a shadow of a doubt that the </div>
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Holy Ghost testified to Hermano Beeston that Jesus is the Christ
and he is our savior. That has to be the best feeling in the world for me the
only way I can explain it is that it is like a rush of adrenaline, and this may
be apostate to say but it is addicting and I love it. Last night we had Elder
Clark of the seventy speak and the Tuesday devotional and he spoke on how we as
missionaries can invite others to come unto Christ when we are in the field. He
started off challenging us everyday to at the end of the day look in the mirror
and ask ourselves how many souls have we helped come to know their savior
today. He then went on to give 5 steps on how to teach them to do so. He
started off by saying teach them the doctrine. Second, he said the center of
our teaching must be the atonement of Jesus Christ. This touched me and I
challenged myself last night that with every investigator I am going to testify
of Christ and share my testimony of the atonement with them. Third, he said do
not challenge them to do something that you would not do yourself. Fourth, help
them learn how to repent. Fifth, he said make sure that they have the opportunity
to gain a love for the Book of Mormon and always, always ask them how their
daily reading is going. Reading the book of Mormon should not be a check, he
went on to say it should be a heart changing experience. <br />
I want to end by testifying that I know that this is the church of god
on the earth today and it was restored through Joseph Smith. I know without a
shadow of a doubt that the Book of Mormon is the word of god in these latter
days and it testifies of Christ our savior. I know that I am a child of God and
because of this he has a love for me that I cannot comprehend. I know that
Jesus Christ bled from each and every pore in his body for me and for you. I
love you all so very much and I say these things in his holy name, the name of
Jesus Christ, amen.<br />
<br />
Love, Your son and Brother <br />
-Elder Lehikainen</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-47952684270840144612012-11-13T21:41:00.001-08:002012-11-14T12:21:35.036-08:00October 24, 2012<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Hola mi Familia como
Estan? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past week we have had some
really great lessons. Of our four "investigators" two of them are
being baptized come the first of the month. The teachers play the roles of the
investigators which is pretty cool. They play people that they taught on there
missions and they are still in contact with today. But as we teach and pray for
these investigators the people that the teachers are playing are being blessed
which took me awhile to realize. It is amazing how the spirit works and how
much he testifies of Christ and the love of our heavenly father in our lives.
For the past couple of days I have been finding myself trying to keep my heart
softened I don’t know if I told you but our district combined and so we have
like 8 teachers and each one is different. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This last week I was sick with that throat
thing I always get. Anway, I usually stray away from asking from help from
others and asking for a blessing but this past Sunday I felt like I needed one
so I asked Elder Dow and Brother Monson if they could. I think asking for and
receiving a blessing for being sick is <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just what I needed. Brother Monson gives
awesome counsel as well and it was my interview with him prior to the blessing
that made me want to receive one. In our interview first he promised me if I
had the faith that I would feel better and that is hard for me sometimes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am trying to work on that because I want to
have that strong faith but it cant just appear I feel that comes over time and
continually working on becoming a more converted servant of the
lord .Second he explained that (this is his own thought) sometimes when we
are sick physically it opens up space in our soul to become weak and that is
the time that the adversary can make us feel bad and bring us down. But I guess
this time the faith was there because in 30 or so minutes after I felt peace
and so much better.</div>
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Last Night Elder Echo Hawk and is wife came and
spoke for our devotional and they shared there stories with us. Elder Echo Hawk
is a convert to the church which was a supprise to me and he baptized his wife
at the age of 19. He has so much love for the elders that baptized him and he
could barely speak there names. What really changed his life was football he
sat the bench until his senior year. Going into his senior year he wasnt very
active in the church. His priest adviser knowing how much he loved sports went
up to him one sunday and told him he wanted to train him. So he went to work
and won the starting QB spot. Before the season started he got hit in the eye
with a football and was told that he would possibly lose the sight of his right
eye I believe. So he missed the first half of football. During that time he
made a promise with his father in heaven and said lord if I am able to have my
eyesight back I will read ten pages out of the book of mormon everyday until I
finish. He received is eyesight back won over the QB position and recieved a
scholarship to play at BYU where he played free safey all four years. That is a
cool story he went on to say but the best story in there is the story of his
conversion things do happen for a reason and through losing his eyesight he was
brought to his father in heaven. Elder Echo Hawk went on to read ten pages a day
or more all four years of college. </div>
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This really touched me it reminded me of when I broke
my leg and how you mom challenged me to turn to the lord. I didn’t do all that I
should have then but I know that that happened to me for a reason. I shared
some of that with the branch President last night in our post devotional
conference and I said at first I was pretty angry with the lord for letting
that happen to me and when I look back now that is the best thing in the world
that could have happened to me. </div>
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The scripture for this week is going to be 2 Nephi 2
I have been studying this a lot this week and it talks about the plan of
salvation. I hope you can enjoy it as I have. </div>
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I know this church is true, there is not a doubt in my mind.
I know and I can testify that Jesus is The Christ he is our savior and
redeemer. I can testify to you that the book of mormon is true it is the word
of god and I can testify to you my family that families are forever and our
family will be and I say these thing in the name of our lord and savior jesus
christ amen. </div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-80445410323394922692012-11-13T21:15:00.001-08:002012-11-14T12:22:35.502-08:00October 17, 2012<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Hola mi padres y madres,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> I have only
been here for 3 weeks but it seems like I have been here for a couple months .Dad
no my companion Elder Dow is going to Trujio, Peru and the other elders in my
district are either going to Mexico City north west or Veracruz. We just
combined with our sister district last night and no more Elder Hill. Half
of our district left to the Peru MTC and that is why we combined. My esponal is
muy mal at the moment lol but my lessons are getting there. You all know
how much I hate to be bad at something so it has been very humbling but I have
come to know that I must trust in the lord. As I have been struggling to
learn the language I have found peace once I realized why I am trying to
learn spanish. It’s not for me but for those people of VeraCruz that the Lord has prepared to
hear his message. Once I finally understood this my lessons started
to come right along. I finally memorized the first vision in spanish and
as a companionship we were able to quote it to our "investigator" which
was very nice. There is something about quoting and looking at the person
in the eyes that enables the spirit to be there just that much more. In my
personal study this morning I was in D&C 34 and I replaced my name in for
Brother Pratt’s and It was very inspiring. Emily and all of the family
should look it up when you have the time. I have been studying alot about God’ s
love for us as well and how we become refined through the holy ghost. I
shared some stuff I had been studying about "baptism by
fire" and the holy ghost with our district last night after our
devotional and I though I would share it with you. I was reading in 3 Nephi 24
and I think verses 5 to 7 and it kinda hit me how through the holy ghost or the
refiners fire and trials in our lives we are molded and cleansed to become
the men or women that our Heavenly Father and our savior Jesus
Christ desire us to be. Through time and refinement we all become closer to our
heavenly father and become more Christlike by developing his attributes. Also
this morning I ended up in 1Nephi 11:22-23 and it says that the love
of god or word of god is the most desirable thing to feel and most
joyous to have in ones life. I know that this is one of the many reasons that I
am serving a mission for my heavenly father so that I can be the tool in his
hands so that some of his children may have is teachings in there life and feel
of his love.I Love you all so very much and I am very excited for Emily and to
see her here in the MTC. I know that this is the work that I am supposed to be
doing and I KNOW that we are all children of our heavenly father and he
loves us so very much. Yo se que atreves de jesucristo nosotros puedemos volver
con dios por eteridad. Yo se que el libro de mormon es verderadero Y palabra de
dios. Yo se que Dios ama todos personas en la tierra. Yo se que Jesucristo
es el hijo de dios Y es nuestro salvador.
Yo se que atreves de jesucristo nosotros puedemos estar limpio. Amen That
is some of my testimony in spanish I dont know if I spelled some stuff right
but I hope you can get some of it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want you all to know that I can feel the
prayers you say for me and that I know we can be together forever and
I am so grateful for that gift and blessing our heavenly father has
given us. I love your letters and I cant wait to get to Mexico and
start teaching. God be with you until we meet again love your son, brother
and friend.</div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-2846293679360202842012-11-13T20:57:00.001-08:002013-02-12T10:21:32.481-08:00<h3>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scriptures of the Wee<span style="font-size: large;">k</span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">1<span style="font-size: large;">0/3/12 Helaman 12:23 - 24</span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">10/10/12 John 4<span style="font-size: large;">:7 - 11 & 3 Nephi Ch<span style="font-size: large;">apter</span> 12</span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">10/17/12 D & C 34</span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">10/24/12 2 N<span style="font-size: large;">ephi Ch<span style="font-size: large;">apter</span> 2</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">10/31/12 1 Nephi Ch<span style="font-size: large;">apter</span> 1</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">11/7/12 Mosiah Ch<span style="font-size: large;">apter 3 & Jacob 5:72</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">11/14/12 Mosiah Ch<span style="font-size: large;">apter</span> 18</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">11/21/12 Alma Ch<span style="font-size: large;">apter</span> 22, Alma Ch<span style="font-size: large;">apter </span>24, D&C 50</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">11/28/12 <span style="font-size: large;">D & C 11</span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">12/5/12 Alma <span style="font-size: large;">Chapter</span> 24, <span style="font-size: large;">2Nephi <span style="font-size: large;">chapter 31</span></span> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">12/<span style="font-size: large;">12/12 Alma Chapter<span style="font-size: large;"> 40</span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1</span>2/19/12 Alma Chapter 48</span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">12/24/12 <span style="font-size: large;">Alma Chapters 54 - 56</span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">12/31/12 <span style="font-size: large;">Mosiah Chapter 4</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/7/13 Alma Chapter 5</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/13/13 Mormon Chapter 9</span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/2<span style="font-size: large;">1</span>/13 Helaman Chap<span style="font-size: large;">ter 11</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/28/13 D&C Section 50 (verse 24) & 3Nephi <span style="font-size: large;">Ch. 9/13</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">2/4/13 3<span style="font-size: large;">Ne<span style="font-size: large;">phi Chapter 14</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">2/11/13 3Ne<span style="font-size: large;">hi Chapter 18</span> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-20782976729957753392012-11-02T20:11:00.003-07:002012-12-20T08:25:08.295-08:00Mission Address<b><br /></b>
<b>Elder Lehikainen was called to serve in the </b><b>MEXICO VERACRUZ MISSION</b><br />
<b>Beginning Sept 26, 2012 and Ending Sept 26, 2014</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Mission address:</u></b><br />
<b><u></u></b><br />
<b><u></u></b><br />
<b><u>Letters:</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Elder Ryan Thomas Lehikainen<br />
Mexico Veracruz Mission<br />
Apartado Postal 103<br />
91700 Veracruz, Veracruz<br />
Mexico<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<br />
<b><u>Packages:</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<br />
Elder Ryan Thomas Lehikainen<br />
Mexico Veracruz Mission<br />
Altamirano 27 entre 1 de Mayo y Carranza<br />
Col. Flores Magon<br />
<br />
91700 Veracruz, Veracruz<br />
Mexico<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-38531927803815706892012-11-02T19:18:00.001-07:002012-11-14T12:23:43.398-08:00October 10, 2012<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Hola mi familia!! P-day
numero 2 lol Emily yes I have my own personal shower. Dad we still practice HSI
or SYL. My day consists of arise and prepare at 6:30 to 7 then personal study
from 7 to 8 and then breakfast. Usually after breakfast we have language study
with one of our teachers then we have additional language study from 10 to 11.
then we teach one of our "investigators" then lunch. After lunch we
have an hour of gym. We get ready for the day again. Then we have more
companion or personal study. Then some more language study. Then dinner. After
dinner from 6:30 to 9:30 we have class and teach our other investigator.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">So How about general conference
I never thought that I would enjoy conference so much and now I cant wait to
hear from the leaders of our church again in 6 months. My favorite talk had to
be Elder Holland. Last night we had our regular tuesday devotional and Elder
Bednar came and taught us how we should study the conference talks after they
had been printed in the ensign or online. He taught us to do these three steps
as we look and the talks first: what<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Doctrine</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>is in the talk Second: what is the
speaker<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Inviting</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>us to do thirdly: what<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Blessing</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>are we going to recieve if we do live
the doctrine they are teaching us and complete the invitation that they give
us. He went over some 3 of the conference talks with us and we did this for all
of them. It was surreal that I was being taught directly by an apostle of the
lord.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;"> My Spanish is finally coming along pretty
well as I started to focus on just learning the gospel terms and lessons that I
needed know to become a tool in the lords hand my spanish started to come. Even
though we are teaching practice investigators the spirit is still there with us
testifying to me as well as my companions that our Heavenly father does love
each and everyone of us and that Jesus is The Christ. As I continue to
study and search the scriptures and literature that the Brethren have put out
for us my testimony grows and I become more and more converted to the gospel of
Jesus Christ. I love you all so very much! <b>Scripture
of the Week</b> <b>John 4: 7-11</b></span></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-8316394380741774022012-11-02T19:00:00.001-07:002012-11-14T12:37:29.320-08:00Sweet MTC memories<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-25909768031089636582012-11-01T22:32:00.001-07:002012-11-01T22:32:02.186-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">First
Week at the MTC October 3, 2012<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Mom, Dad and family what an great first week here at the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="yshortcuts">MTC</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>it has been. I had no idea how much we
study until I got here. We are in class pretty much todos los dias except for
when we have an hour of gym or are at lunch dinner or breakfast. My district is
pretty cool we all get along pretty well. Spanish is pretty tough right now for
me especially because we already have been teaching practice lessons in Spanish
ahh. Although spanish has been super tough we have been able to get our
message and goal to our "investigator" Monday we taught of gods love
for us and challenged him to read 3 Nephi 11 and I would invite you all to read
as well it is an awesome testimony builder of Christ's love for each one of us.
We have gym everyday like I said and we have been playing soccer lol I
want to be a beast when I get to Mexico and we have been doing pull ups and
push ups and abs everyday trying not to gain that MTC weight. I saw <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">tyler</st1:city></st1:place> and gave him a big
hug on Saturday and have been seeing him like everyday since then. Thank you
for your letters and the cupcakes loved them. I will try and send some
pictures. I love you all so very much.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I
know that my Heavenly father loves me and I know that families are forever I am
so grateful for this. Love, Elder Lehikainen</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-25526297419080645882012-11-01T22:03:00.001-07:002012-11-14T12:26:20.205-08:00First Companion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Elder Lehikainen (left) and his first companion, Elder Dow. They were companions for almost five weeks. They were a great companionship!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14871654313847420770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481466262890522035.post-70005911495918077492012-11-01T21:23:00.002-07:002012-11-14T12:30:19.318-08:00September 26, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcHAgvDIzA6jWbbkpoQKeXbPia6eFdblHnTvKx8pIeMvXSg2ic3A2ZhA82_0i3xe4UPAQj-e09vdLREnVODLCdCiH11k11dC6lIkoIHyV7p2KXOGBhVMfT6xiGvEasgswWSq5cfopstE/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcHAgvDIzA6jWbbkpoQKeXbPia6eFdblHnTvKx8pIeMvXSg2ic3A2ZhA82_0i3xe4UPAQj-e09vdLREnVODLCdCiH11k11dC6lIkoIHyV7p2KXOGBhVMfT6xiGvEasgswWSq5cfopstE/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
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