Weekly Update~ "Rwanda Bound!"

Dear Family and Friends,

    It's crazy how within one week, how many things can change when you're on a mission. I went to bed last Monday night thinking I'd probably spend another transfer here in Lugazi and finish Tesch's training. However, when I woke up Tuesday morning with 5 missed calls from the AP's, I figured something was up. Elder Ruell notified me I needed to be in Kampala the next morning before 10 so I could go get a police report done. When that happens, it means two things-either you're going to Ethiopia, or you're going to Rwanda. I spent the rest of the day with the thought I was leaving the country, in the back of my mind and I felt mixed emotions all day.

Taking in every last bit of Uganda

    On Wednesday, when I went in for the report, and I found out I'd be spending the next few months of my mission in Rwanda. I am so excited for this next chapter of my mission.  I am excited for the experiences I will have that will contribute to my growth even more. I feel sad to be leaving Lugazi which has become another home to me and the people who have added to my Ugandan family. I'm also going to miss the people in my district during the time I've served in Lugazi- Elder Ray, Elder Ward, Elder Tesch, and Elder Dowdle included. They've become some of my very best friends but, I know as we continue to do what we're supposed too in our new areas, we'll receive many blessings. I will miss Uganda but I know I'll be back soon and I'll build many more relationships with the people in Kigali, Rwanda.  Kigali is the capital and largest city in Rwanda.  Rwanda is very close to becoming a first world country.  It is by far the nicest area in the Mission.  It will be a 45 minute plane ride to Rwanda.  I heard nothing but good thing about it, I will be one of 8 Missionaries in Rwanda!  

Elder Ray, Ward and Tesch

    This week, aside from that curveball (yes, I still love baseball) we had some really neat experiences with a few investigators. We have been teaching a guy named Edward for about 3 weeks now and he has come to church twice in a row. Last week, he was complaining of some stomach issues he's been having and we decided to give him a Priesthood blessing. We followed up with him a few days later and he was feeling tons better. Elder Tesch will begin working on the full family when I leave but, the foundation being built with Edward is becoming very strong. We also had a good experience with Priesthood blessings with Rema. She was supposed to be baptized yesterday but, was unable to come to church because of an emergency with her sister in the hospital. We visited her Wednesday evening and we found her in bad shape with sickness. She was worried she wouldn't be okay for her interview so she asked for a blessing as well. She ended up being okay for the interview. Miracles don't build faith but, it's always neat to see when faith produces blessings in people's lives.

    This week we began teaching a man named Khasada that we found while tracting. When we went and greeted him while he was sitting in a lawn chair outside his home, he just looked at us and looked puzzled. A few seconds after us talking to him and him not really responding, his brother came outside and he told us about how he was in an accident when he was working with the police force up north in Gulu. Apparently, a mortar shell exploded near him and messed up his ear drum so, he is unable to hear very well but, can read lips and can speak clearly. So after we found that out, he pulled out a notebook and he made us write to him and he would answer the questions we were asking. After we got to know him, we gave him a short version of the Restoration and gave him a pamphlet and bore testimony on it. We went back 2 days later and he gave us a list of about 20 questions about the church, it's origins, us, etc. We took a picture of them and answered them that night and gave him the Plan of Salvation pamphlet and bore testimony on it as well in writing. When we came back the next morning, he told us about all the people he had been talking about the pamphlets with and how he was answering their questions. He also asked for a copy of the Book of Mormon and we gave it to him. These lessons were some of the coolest lessons I've been able to teach. I am thankful that the Spirit doesn't necessarily have to be heard but, it can be felt by everyone no matter what difficulty you have in life. I took a few pictures of the notebook from our lessons and here they are if you want to see them. We meet with him again tomorrow.

    This week was a difficult week for food and water. Hahaha, we didn't have water in the apartment for days so, we utilized our outdoor shower and used buckets filled by our backup water supply, pooped in holes, and all kinds of fun stuff (sorry tmi).  Also, with it being the end of the month, we were a bit low on our budget for food so here's Elder Ray and I enjoying a humble meal of posho and beans.

    Last night I began saying good-bye to some people in the branch. Here's me with Sharifah, the family of Dennis, Bruno, Gertrude, Everline, and Sharon, and the family of Winnie, Sheila, and Margaret. 

    My P-Day today we went to Jinja and went sight seeing at the Nile River!

I'm grateful for my mission thus far and for all the things I've learned. I love this gospel and I love being one of the Lord's missionaries. 

I love you all!

Elder Hazen

Weekly Update~ "Happy New Year!"

RJ found Santa in Uganda!

Christmas Morning

Christmas Morning Breakfast

Elder RJ Talking with His Family, Just Look at that Smile!

Area Christmas Party

The Way They Roll

Some of Elder Hazen's Christmas Gifts

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families and I hope all you with Missionaries out were able to enjoy your time communicating with them! I was lucky enough to talk to my family for a good chunk of time and hearing their voice was the cherry on top of a perfect Christmas in Uganda. 

In the morning, after spending the night in our living room with my district and telling stories all night, we woke up at 6:30 and opened our packages. 

I wanted to let everyone who took the time to write a letter or share a few uplifting words with me this past week to know how much I appreciated it. The letters and pictures I was able to receive from my family and friends made Christmas away from home all worthwhile. I was so overwhelmed with the gratitude I have for you all back home supporting me while I am here. I may not be able to reply to them all, but I thought I'd take the time to answer a few questions that I received in the letters. 

• Biggest Adjustment?- I'd say my biggest adjustment was learning to adapt to the culture here and sticking out like a sore thumb. The people here definitely don't mind reminding us that we are different by yelling out to us on the side of the streets, but at the same time, most people are very kind here.
• What is President Chatfield like?- I'm thankful that this mission is being led by President Chatfield. He is a great leader and is very uplifting and encouraging to us Missionaries. He reminds us to stay focused on our purpose, have faith, and to be obedient. 
• How is the church here?- In Lugazi in particular, the Branch is still fairly new. However, it is growing stronger week by week. I'm so excited to see what this next year has in store for this branch because the work is really beginning to pick up. 
• Favorite part of Africa?- My favorite part of Africa right now is how ready these people are to receive the Gospel in their lives. Many people are beginning to see the blessings the Gospel brings and are eager to share the happiness they've been able to feel.
• Are you having fun?- OF COURSE. I love my mission so much and it's brought blessings to my life I can't begin to describe

This week, aside from talking to my family, I think the biggest highlight was being able to extend baptism dates to a family of 7. We are very excited to see what the future has in store with them. This week, Elder Dowdle and I have 4 baptisms planned. I'll talk more about the people next week.

I hope you all have a wonderful New Years. Take the opportunity to start the New Year right by making goals to improve habits with scripture study, prayer, keeping the Sabbath Day Holy, and temple attendance. 

I love you all!

Elder Hazen

"Merry Christmas from Africa!"

Dear Family,

Merry Christmas, first of all. Again, I have to continue on with the tradition of writing a small letter for the holidays with all of you gathered together. I just wanted to express my love for each and every one of you and I want to thank you all for making positive impacts on me throughout my life and playing a role in getting me to where I am today. As I reflect on where I've come from a year ago today, I realize I've grown up so much and have begun to realize what's truly important in life. It's not about the Instagram likes, or the High School drama, or how many runs I gave up in a game, or other things like that. It's about seeking to improve each and every day to become more like our Savior, strengthening our families to combat the evils we find in the world today, maintaining our temple worthiness and striving to keep the covenants we've made, and the list can go on and on. I'm so grateful for what I've learned on my mission so far. It's brought so many blessings to my life, more than I can describe. 

As we celebrate the birth of the Savior this Christmas season, I want to encourage you to turn outward. In the MTC, I was able to hear a talk by Elder Bednar on the Characters of Christ. In the talk, Elder Bednar described a few key events in the Savior's life where instead of falling victim to the natural man, and focusing on himself, he turned outward and was more concerned for the welfare of others. I'm not going to lie, I am nowhere near perfect in trying to follow the Savior's example in this aspect, but I know that as we rely on the Savior and the merit's of his sacrifice, we can become better.

I love you all so much and want nothing more than to be with you all today, but I know that I am where I'm supposed to be. Have a wonderful Christmas, enjoy the food and the gifts, but remember to say a prayer of gratitude thanking your Father in Heaven for the gift of His Only Begotten.

Love, 
Elder Hazen

Weekly Update~ "It's Begining to Look a lot Like Christmas!"

RJ- "I'm Going to Wear a Christmas Tie Every Day This Month!"

P-Day Golf

RJ and Village Kids

Public Bathroom

Family and Friends,

This week was a pretty normal, uneventful week.  But, we did have a great turn out at church this week.  The branch is still new. We get about 60 people at church. we're still trying to grow it.  The area we serve in Lugazi is much closer to church, so we don't have to walk too far. We try to proselyte close to the church so its easier for investigators to come to church.   And we have 3 baptisms planned next week! 

  

 Yesterday, I got a package from my family full of Christmas decorations, Advent Calendar, Gingerbread House Kit, a Christmas Tree, Stockings and a "Twelve Days of Christmas".   We were able to decorate the house which brought the Christmas Spirit a bit more!  My district and I loved it!! My family got so many "shout-outs" on how awesome they are;) It made me so happy, i feel like its finally Christmas now!

   It's hard for it to feel like Christmas when its 80 degrees outside every day.  But, it's allowed me to try and focus on the true meaning of our celebrations this time of year. For me personally, I've been trying to find little ways to serve my companion and my district.  At my home every year during the month of December we do "Manger Elves", where we do small acts of service for each other.  I've thought about it so much these last few weeks as well as our other family's traditions. By doing things for my Companion Elder Dowlde and the District, like make his bed and do the dishes etc. helps a lot.  I miss the little things.  So, by doing small things like that it makes me still feel like part of the family, it makes me happy. 

    I just wanted to express briefly my appreciation for my companion, Elder Dowdle. Yesterday, I got sick again and I was feeling super frustrated because we had a lot of people to see last night. I didn't think we'd be able to see them. We decided that we would go on an exchange and I rested at a member's house while he and another went and taught the remaining lessons for the week. I'm grateful for him and his desire to work hard and am lucky to have the opportunity to serve with him.

I hope you are all finding opportunities to serve others in preparation for this Christmas!

Love,

 Elder Hazen

Weekly Update~ "Best Thanksgiving Feast in the Mission!"

RJ in the Sugar Cane Field

Chad the Turkey

Poor Chad!

Plucking the Feathers off the Bird!

Feast Prep

Homemade from Scratch!

Proud Elders

Dinner is Served!

RJ at the Field

Helping Out at the Baseball Field

RJ and Elder Chabra (Mission doctor)

Elders Wearing Traditional African Walle-Walles

Dear Family and Friends,

   I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and had a great break from school. As for me, having an all American district living together definitely has it's perks because we did Thanksgiving right. Thanks to recipes from home, day trips to Kampala for supplies unavailable in Lugazi, Elder Ray's cooking wisdom, Andrew, our guard's wisdom with cooking turkey, we were able to pull off the greatest feast in Uganda history. The final menu included mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade rolls, macaroni and cheese, a full turkey, green bean casserole, creamed corn, and a banana cream pie and a pumpkin pie. We literally made everything from scratch. We spent literally all Wednesday night and Thursday morning cooking.

   For exercise Thursday morning, we slayed Chad, our turkey, in our backyard and it was one of the more gruesome deaths I've seen of an animal given the fact that we did it with a dull machete... sorry for the details. After proselyting Thursday, we came home in the evening, invited a few of our ward missionaries and Andrew, and feasted. We were even able to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers the next day.

   In Lugazi, Henry Odong who is a baseball coach of a local little league team in town. I don't know how many of you followed the Little League World Series this year, but there was a team that qualified from Uganda. Henry was trying to get a visa to be able to attend, and my Dad was able to read his story on facebook and they began talking. It eventually came up with him that I got transferred to Lugazi and my Dad got his number and gave it to me a few weeks ago. Last week, I was able to meet him and he showed us where he and his team practice and this Friday, our district was finally able to go to a practice.  It's going to be a common thing going over there to help out with practice and serve them in that capacity.  A year ago, never in a million years did I expect to be in Uganda on a baseball field, pitching to a bunch of kids in a pick up game. It was literally one of the best days of my mission and it made me so happy to be able to play the game I love and grew up playing with a group of people I've grown to love in a place I love. I'm looking forward to more opportunities to be able to serve them in the future!  I also dropped a pamphlet for him, I'm talking to him on Wednesday about it:)

   Yesterday, we were able to see the organization of the second stake in Uganda in Jinja! It was one of the coolest things I've ever been apart of. It was neat to see the overwhelming joy and feeling of accomplishment in the congregation. Many people have been working for decades to help organize this stake and the spirit was so strong when people bore testimony about what becoming a stake meant for them. There is going to be another application submitted for a second stake in Kampala in a few months. I consider it such a blessing to be able to be here during such an exciting time for the church in Uganda. I'm excited what the next few months has in store for the people here!

   Lastly, today I was able to go golfing again with the district and Elder Chabra. We all decided to wear Walle-walle's to rock the African style. After, we had the most amazing Indian food I've ever had in my life. Elder Chabra lived in India for many years and he said the lady who cooked our food makes the best Indian food he's ever had.  I love you all!

Love,
Elder Hazen

"Happy Thanksgiving!"

To Family, Friends, and all,

Happy Thanksgiving. I wish more than anything I could be with my family preparing to eat right now, but I send all my love from Uganda.

My older cousins, Michael and Daniel, usually sent emails to read to the family on Holidays, and though I won't be able to write a powerfully-worded letter like they were always able too, I'll do my best.

Before we ate Thanksgiving dinner, one tradition both the Hazen and Melendez families had was going around the table and saying something they're thankful for. I'd like to still participate even though I'm thousands of miles away, and say just a few things I'm thankful for.

I'm thankful for a family who raised me in the church and taught me what's right and what's wrong from a young age. Though I mess up a lot, and make mistakes, I'm thankful to have a family who loves me and supports me in everything I do, especially while I'm out here on my mission.

I'm thankful for friends who still take the time and see how I'm doing while I'm out here. Thank you all who have taken the time to write me at all in these 4 months, your support is greatly appreciated.

I'm thankful for a Savior who suffered for all of my sins and never leaves me alone even during my loneliest times. 

I'm thankful for modern day prophets and apostles who lead and guide the church through these difficult times of the Latter-Days. Though they are older, they are inspired by the Lord and are able to do what's best for us with countless years of wisdom.

I'm so extremely grateful for the simplicity and purity of the Gospel and I know if we focus on the simple things and do the easy things like pray every day and read the Book of Mormon and strive to keep our covenants, we will be exalted in the next life.

I'm thankful for the Book of Mormon and the blessings it has brought into my life and the blessings I've seen it bring into my investigators' lives. 

I'm thankful for the role angels play into this work (Moroni 7:29-31) and I'm thankful that I have my Grandpa Melendez helping me each and every day.

Lastly, I'm thankful to be a servant to our Heavenly Father and our Savior and devote all my efforts to him this year.

As we go into this Holiday Season this year, let us remember the things that matter most. I love you all.

Love,
 Elder Hazen