"Weekly Update~ Elder Hazen's First Baptism"

RJ's First Baptism~ Raymond and Dennis

Filling Up the Baptismal Font

Hey everyone!
It's crazy that I'm already a good part of the way done with this transfer and I've already been out a month! Time flies when you're having fun! Honestly haven't been home sick since the first day. It's been awesome. I haven't gone through any culture shock or anything either, I just see stuff and roll with it. Weather is unbelievable. I love it, It's just like San Diego. The humidity doesn't bother me at all. It's so green here. Mom and dad, I think you'd like the streets, it's like a farmers market everywhere you go with fresh food. Elder Oliphant my companion, is a really good guy. He's been a member since he was 13. First missionary from his family. He goes home this month, President hooked me up by putting me with him! My apartment is really nice, especially compared to the area it's in. We live right by the slums, It's kind of sad.
This Saturday I have my first two baptisms. Raymond and Dennis were two referrals from sister move Mufabi. They all live in Kisugu which is about an hour walk from my apartment, but it's so worth going there because the members are absolutely amazing. Sister Mufabi he keeps flooding us with referrals so we are constantly teaching new investigators. Her and her family are such amazing Missionaries, it makes our job so much easier! When we go to Kisugu, we usually take a missionary or two with us. They are all about 20 to 22 years old and are such powerful Missionaries. They are all preparing to put in their papers within this year or next year. I feel so blessed to have them because they know the area so well and have kind of taken me under their wing. I get along with all of them really well. The ones who work with the most are Henry, Zeffa, Julius and Bob. Raymond is going to start coming with us too because they're all pretty close friends! For the most part, I speaking English to everyone. Everyone can speak multiple languages which is nice! It all depends on where they are from in Uganda because they speak the language of their tribe and also English. Sometimes we have one of the ward missionaries translate for me.
The baptism which one of the most coolest things I've ever been a part of. I was the one who performed the baptism ordinance It was neat to see the atonement working right before my eyes because as they both came up out of the water, you could see their countenances change and see the burden of sin being literally lifted from them. I am so blessed to be in this wonderful area with such amazing people.
This week I got my first real taste of African food! I had five meals at members' houses. I mostly had posho with beans which is a super good. Posho is basically a mashed up ball of rice and when you put beans on them it gives them a really good flavor. I also had steamed sweet potatoes with this purple paste stuff that I don't remember the name of. It kind of had a peanutty flavor. It was pretty good! Don't worry about me when it comes to food because I am well fed! Usually Elder Hart and I (the Elder staying in my apartment) cook together. We've made hashbrowns and eggs (the potatoes are super cheap and nice) fried noodles, pasta, etc. The pineapple and bananas are amazing. The fruits are super cheap at the market, it's really nice. And the street food… Not the healthiest, but is too good not to eat :-) They have this thing called Rolex, which is basically a Beto's breakfast burrito on steroids...Unbelievable! I had like 4 this week.
Right now we are teaching a family between to Kisugu and the church. They're so amazing. The mom and dad are called Mary and Dan and Dan has a brother staying with them named Charles. They're all taking the discussions and are progressing well. We will probably baptize them at the end of the month.
Funny story… This morning, I was supposed to wash all my clothes. But, the member we pay to do it couldn't come until this evening. But, she asked us to soak all our white shirts. I literally put all my shirts in the wash basin forgetting that we had to be in church attire when we left the apartment for P-Day. All of our power went out this afternoon so obviously I had no way to dry any of my shirts… So currently, I am writing this email in a damp white shirt… Ha ha!

I love and miss you all, The church is true here as well as anywhere else in the world!

Love,
Elder Hazen

First Letter From the Mission Field

Je Bale Family and Friends!

(That's Luganda for hello). I'm currently writing from Uganda! Sometimes I wake up and have to remind myself that and it's the weirdest feeling ever. I absolutely love it here. So much has happened so far it's hard to believe i've only been here less than a week! I guess I'll begin from when I got here.  

We got in to the Entebbe airport at around 10PM local time and were greeted by President Chatfield, his wife, a senior couple, and one of the AP's. Elder Hatch, Packer, Owen, and I hopped into a truck with the AP and he drove us to one of the apartments in Entinda, which is a short way from the mission home. On our way there, we were pulled over by a Cop on a Boda-Boda (which is basically just a motorcycle...they're so annoying i've been almost hit so many times). Elder Peterson, the AP, pulled out the restoration pamphlet and bore quick testimony to him and gave him the pamphlet and he let us go! Super cool experience. That next morning, our group and the group of elders from South Africa got up and we had training at the mission home. President Chatfield is a powerful guy. I'm so excited to be able to work with him for the next year until he's released. After training, we got our assignments and our companions. I got assigned to the Kololo area which is closest to the Stake Center. Just a short walk from our apartment which is nice! That's where we meet for church Sunday. The biggest ward in the stake is in my area which is pretty sweet. My companion's name is Elder Oliphant. This is his last transfer before going home so im going to be trained by two elders. He is somewhat quiet but he is such a powerful teacher and is so patient and kind to me. We white-washed our area so after we dropped our bags off and consulted the area book, we began getting to know our area. Our area in Kololo covers the regions, Naguru, Kololo, and Kisugu. The living conditions range from relatively nice to very poor. There's not really a middle class in the area. We spend most of our time proseltying in the slums because that's where all the families are. My first lesson came that night. Haha I was so nervous at first but then when I began teaching, the spirit of peace came over me and I felt very calm. The work is progressing very quickly here. This weekend, we have two baptisms with many more to come in the following weeks! The people in Kisugu are unbelievable. Every day we have two young ward missionaries named Henry and Julius working with us and showing us around the area and they sit in on our lessons. They're preparing for missions as well they're going to be unbelievable. This week we had dinner with Bishop. He only got back from his mission in 2010 and has a young family. He is an amazing man. I can't stress to you all how amazing the people are here. Without fail, everyone invites us inside their homes and I can walk down the street and wave to anyone and they'll wave back with a smile. The food here is awesome too haha im not gonna die of hunger.   I havent had too much authentic but the street food is amazing haha they have these thick tortilla things called kikomando that is amazing.  It's mostly fending for ourselves at night. I come home at around 9:30 every night beat tired haha. I've been working hard. Tonight we have appointment with relief society president. shes from utah. We dont know her story yet. Shes making sphagetti for our district so we're super pumped. In my area of Kololo, and in my apartment/district there is 2 companionships so its me my comp and 2 oither guys. one from logan utah one from zimbabwe. theyre studs I love them. Elder Hart, the logan guy, played baseball. He's helped me so much. I had a really hard time the first night. only slept 2 hours and I just sat and talked to him and it made me feel a lot better.   

I want to tell you about an experience I had last night.  At around 6, Oliphant and I went tracting. We taught a good lesson to a family, then made another appointment with another family for later this week then we went to a house and were invited in by a family. We got midway through the restoration then the father began asking doctrinal questions about baptism and marriage etc. We thought we were having a good conversation and I was getting really excited and then he began asking about the monetary benefits he'd get if he joined the church and literally went on and on about how he was a business man and he wouldn't join the church unless it had other benefits. We wasted literally two hours there because of how much the guy was talking and we couldn't get away. So we left feeling really discouraged. We decided to knock on one more house and a guy answered and let us in. His name is Bennett and he is a father and is separated from his wife and family who life up north. He told us how much he was stuggling because he wasnt with his family and because his wife is always at work, the kids are on their own and aren't making the best decisions. We then shared with him the Plan of Salvation and midway through the lesson I felt prompted to tell him that all his struggles he was going through, his Savior and Heavenly Father are both mindful of them and of him and his family and I just reassured him everything would be okay. I can't describe how relieved he look. As I looked into his eyes, I could see his burdens being eased. The spirit was the most powerful I've felt in a lesson so far. After we left, I began to cry and just said a prayer of gratitude. It's times like these that make me so grateful I made this decision to serve. I really do love it here.

There are so many other things I want to say but I don't have much time. I love you all so much! If any of you have questions throughout the week feel free to ask I'll have more time next week! 

Love, Elder Hazen

RJ's Apartment

View from RJ's

Stake Center

The Mess the Previous Elders Left 

RJ's Bedroom

Missionary Selfie

Today's The Day!

Hey everyone!

Today's the day, in a few hours I'm finally heading out to Uganda! My experience at the MTC is one that I will cherish forever. I've learned so much, made so many memories, and made so many new friends. And the fun part hasn't even started!! Here are some of the highlights...

I don't know if i've told you, but throughout this week, Elder Packer and I have been teaching two progressing investigators. It's basically a big role play with teachers posing as people investigating the church and we teach full length 25 minute lessons with them. I've learned that it's important to teach based on particular people's needs, not teach cookie cutter lessons that are sometimes impersonal and emotionless. We as missionaries aren't the teachers. It's all about humbling yourself enough to let the spirit work through you to touch the people's hearts. We committed both investigators to baptism friday and the spirit was so strong during all the lessons throughout the week. I'm so excited for the real thing! 

We had an in-field orientation which is basically a pump up for the mission field for all the elders leaving. There was a portion of the time devoted to explaining why using members of the church is important to finding investigators and we got to do a role play where we shared a short message with a family then ask if they had any referrals. Really cool experience and it got me so excited to work with those amazing people out in Uganda. 

We had two new districts come in and Elder Packer and I had the opportunity to conduct an orientation with them. There were some really cool stories from them. One sister is deferring a softball scholarship from Kansas to serve. One Elder is a convert of barely a year and brought the most energy and excitement out of anyone of the group, there's a few Elders who were baseball players so I had a good time talking to them:) and then one Elder played football in Australia and is a lineman. He is being recruited by Texas A&M, Nebraska, and many other prestigious football programs. He's a moose. 6'7 315lbs haha there are few times in my life where I've felt small standing by someone and that was one of those times. It's awesome to see the amount of faith people have to put aside their lives for two years even when they have amazing opportunities that would give them a valid excuse not to serve and do it anyway. Every night as a zone, we pray together and the new districts are 2 floors below us. The last few nights, Elder Guffey, (the football player) has made me carry him on my back up the stairs. Last night I was finally able to get him up the two flights of stairs haha. 

Last night we had an awesome musical devotional. A musical group called the Nashville Tribute band performed. They sang a bunch of original songs about the Restoration, Joseph Smith, the pioneers, and their missions. It was like a gospel Mumford and Sons concert because they had a country/folky flare to them but the spirit was so strong. My favorite part was when the choir was able to join in singing with them about serving in all parts of the world and kids from missions all around the world sang in their native languages. so cool. 

Well I leave in a few hours but I just want you all to know how much I love you and that you are all children of a Heavenly Father who loves you beyond comprehension. No matter what you are going through in your lives, know that your Savior, Jesus Christ understands your trials and times of hardship and he will be with you every step of the way. 

Love, Elder Hazen

RJ's Missionary Countdown

Matt and Nicole Petersen gave us the best surprise tonight…A Mission Countdown hand made especially for RJ.  Nicole is so talented, it is adorable!  Matt was a missionary who lived with us while serving in our ward in San Diego.  RJ loved being around the Elders and Matt was such a great example for RJ to follow.  He was one of the reasons RJ chose to serve a mission.  We are so grateful we have stayed close.  Matt and Nicole have always been a presence in his life by going to baseball games, BBQs and always visiting whenever in town.  We just love these two!

Pictures From the Provo Missionary Training Center

First Week in the MTC Done!

Hey everyone! 

My first week in the MTC is in the books! It's crazy that a week ago I was one of the wide-eyed Elders walking around campus overwhelmed and wondering what I got myself into! First I want to say that I'm doing great. I feel more and more like a missionary each day and I love the feeling of being on a schedule and being busy all day! I'm kinda bummed that you'll only get a single update from me while in the MTC but the next time you'll hear from me I'll be in Uganda! The MTC is an interesting experience because though I'm on my mission and I'm teaching lessons, being somewhere in Africa teaching real people is going to be a whole new ballgame and a whole new adjustment. I'm getting stir crazy and I'm ready to just get into the field. I can only imagine what people like Elder Burraston are feeling being stuck here for weeks are feeling because a week and a half is enough for me!

My first day in the MTC was a little bit of a shock and it was weird being on a strict schedule. We just went through a bunch of orientation stuff and got to meet our district, teachers, and zone.Our first devotional was given by the MTC president. Let me tell you... the first time singing Called to Serve after being set apart as a missionary with a bunch of other kids from around the world with my same calling was one of the coolest things I've ever done.We finished up the night by being taken on a tour by our zone leaders around campus and we unpacked our stuff at our residence hall. Crazy that I'll be the one giving tours to new missionaries tonight! In our room there are 3 set of companionships so 6 kids to a room. The other elders have been here for 3 weeks and are learning Russian. I believe all of them are going to the Ukraine. Really nice guys!  Being stuck in classes was hard at first but i'm beginning to understand the importance of learning the fundamentals before being thrown out into the real game...kinda like baseball;) I feel like I'm improving as a teacher and making sure my investigators understand our purpose as missionaries to invite all to come unto Christ by faith in Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. My companion's name is Elder Packer, and he's from Kaysville Utah. He went to Davis High and is a trombone player. (I'm not sure if you all got my first letter update from my mom telling you about him) He and I work really well together teaching and I enjoy being around him a lot. Our district is so much fun. I'm currently laughing and joking with them as I'm writing this email. Elder Packer, Elder Hatch, and I are the only ones from our district going to Uganda. The rest are going to Irvine California and Federal Way Washington. 

I currently have two investigators I'm teaching lessons everyday. One is a role play, where a teacher poses as a real investigator they had on their mission and you have to teach them like a real person, and another, we believe, is a real investigator. Her name is Carolina and she is from Mexico and moved here to Provo to learn English to study medecine. She's really sweet. I've seen so many friends it's crazy! It's really nice to see familiar faces around. I've seen Elder Burraston, both Elder Goeckeritzes, Elder Clark, Elder Savage, Elder McDonald, Elder Hall, Elder Smith, Elder Searle, Elder Ingersoll, and so many others.

The food is alright, I try to eat a ton and I think I'm actually putting on weight which is nice:) I play volleyball with my district every day so I can't wait to destroy every one when I get home because I can actually pull off a jump serve now;)

I love you all and I appreciate all of your support as I embark on this crazy two year adventure. The church is true and there is no way I'd rather devote my life these next two years.

Love, Elder Hazen

Pictures From the Provo Missionary Training Center

RJ Sightings

   We've had some great "RJ Sightings" the last couple of days!  So grateful to friends who take the time to send us updates about our boy when they see him in the MTC.  We have been waiting in such anticipation to hear anything from RJ after we dropped him off at the MTC.  The first sighting was by Elder Stephen Burraston, he said he saw RJ the day he reported to the MTC.  He said in his letter, "I saw RJ yesterday and talkded to him for a while.  He seemed kind of overwhelmed.  I just told him to get to Sunday and then it will fly by."  I emailed him to say thank you for the RJ mention in his letter and to give RJ a big hug from his mama when he sees him again.  This was the first news I had heard about him since dropping him off.  He emailed me back, "Will do Mama Hazen! He looks like a champion! He'll convert all of the Ugandites!"  My mama heart was filled with love for both those boys.

  The next day Rob was surprised with a text from Bishop and Michelle Stevenson saying they saw RJ, Rob being the sweetheart he is said to send me the text because that would make my year.  So here is what the text said,  "I was so happy to run into RJ.  It was my first time walking through the MTC with Mike.  I was so excited to see my former Seminary Student Elder Hazen eating lunch.  When he recognized us he jumped up and came over to visit.  He looked so happy and just radiating!  He said, "It's so good to see familiar faces!"  I asked to take a picture to send to you.  He said, "My mom is going to LOVE this!!" RJ was right, it put both Rob and I in tears to see our boy in a picture with the biggest smile on his face.  And the cherry on top was Michelle also sent me a recorded message from RJ in his own voice.  It said, "Hi Mom and Dad, I miss you and love you.  Tell everyone I said Hi and I'm doing really well so don't worry about me!"  What a sweet surprise.

  The last sighting was by Jeremy Rios who is a teacher at the MTC.  He's been keeping an eye out for RJ and he finally saw him yesterday.  He sent Rob this picture.  RJ has always looked up to Jeremy he has always been a good example for him to follow ever since hes was young and Jeremy used to baby sit for us.  Jeremy has always been good to RJ and even employed him at his Book Exchange business so he could earn money for his mission.

We Finally Got Our First Letter From the Mission Training Center!

Dear Mom and Dad,

  Holy crap, these have been the longest, yet shortest days of my life. I've only been here for a little over 24 hours, but it feels like I've been here forever. I feel like I'm a pro at this mission thing already. 

  I guess I'll start from the very beginning when you dropped me off. Elder Clark was my missionary host which was such a blessing because the first hour in the MTC was crazy and it was nice to have a familiar face to answer all my questions. 

  After I drop my bags off at my room I was shipped straight off to my classroom and I met my companion. His name is Elder Packer and he is from Kaysville, Utah. He went to Davis Highschool and he's in the band. He played the trombone. He's a nice kid and I think we'll get along well. Dad your description of my first companion couldn't be more accurate. 

  After get to know you games with my class (my district).  We went to the new missionary orientation. Nothing is cooler than standing there with a bunch of Missionaries singing "Called to Serve".  After orientation and hearing from the MTC presidency we went to dinner. 

  I've already seen so many people I know including both Elder Goeckeritz',  ELder Burraston, Elder Norton (who's on my floor in residence hall)  Elder Searle and Elder Ingersoll.  I also saw Elder Spencer Larson and Elder Josh York. 

  I slept surprisingly well for my first night. My district and zone are awesome.  I have moments of missing home. Then I'm reminded,  you'll be OK. 

  Thank you for all your love and support. I loved all your letters. I'm doing great, tell Justy to stop crying. Tell Tyler it's hard to work out and tell everyone in the family I love them. My P- Day is Wednesday so I'll email you all then.  My address is on the letter envelope so please give it out and tell everyone to write me. I'll talk to you guys soon. I'm so glad I'm here and I know this is what I should be doing. 

Love,
Elder RJ Hazen

Saying Goodbye to Our Missionary, RJ Reports to the Provo MTC

Last Thing RJ Wanted to do Before He Reported to the MTC
Was To Throw Ball With His Dad

RJ's Last Meal at Bam Bam's BBQ 

Spending Some time at the Provo Temple before the MTC

Elder Ben Clark was RJ's Host, 

They Are Good Friends From Lone Peak

He's Ready to Report

Last Family Picture All Together for 2 Years

Our Last Goodbye Hug, 

None of Us Want to Let Go!

And There Goes a Piece of My Heart

I know we have been preparing him from the day he was born to serve a Mission but, this is literally the hardest thing Rob and I have had to do.  Letting our boy go.  For a brief time he was entrusted to us, but now he will soon belong to the people of Africa.  We are Humbled to watch this sweet boy begin to go his own way.  It makes us proud and breaks our hearts.  So, I say to my son, "Say Yes to life, just do it, get out there and work hard and make your own memories.  Don't be afraid, don't fear the rejection that can come from putting yourself out there teaching the true Gospel.  This Mission is going to surprise you and will be worth every second, your knowledge and testimony will grow everyday.  This will make you interesting and give you so much to talk about when you return to us.  It will make your mind and heart fulfilled forever."

RJ is Set Apart As a Missionary

  This evening RJ was set apart this evening as a Missionary by his Father, Grandfather and President Carpenter.  His blessing was beautiful, he said RJ is going to be an Angel to the people he teaches in Africa.  He blessed him with the power of discernment and revelation.  He said RJ will have the Spirit with him to know what exactly to say to the people he teaches to help them.  He said RJ is a leader and will guide others and help them know the truth. 
  Pres. Carpenter also shared my favorite scripture, D&C 84:88 and said Angels will always be round about him to bear him up.  He told RJ Grandpa Melendez will be one of those Angels bearing him up.  It was such a special time we will never forget as a family. After the blessing we opened our home to friends and family to give their last goodbyes.  It was a bitter sweet night, RJ is going to be missed.