The Last General Epistle of San Webb to the Alpiners

1 Elder Webb, a disciple of Jesus Christ, grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Greetings
3 Wherefore my beloved bretheren, he that hath tasted Mexican candy, knoweth it's flavor, for it is bitter and sweet.
4 And thus tasteth the end of a mission, for it is bitter and sweet.
5 But mostly sweet.
6 For behold my beloved bretheren my heart swells full in the joy of Christ.
7 Verily, Verily, I say unto you, the mission is likened unto the young man and his new talent.
8 Now it came to pass that there was a young man who left far from home, yea, he was sent away because he had no talent.
9 And while he was in the midst of a strange people he learned many things and became well known for his knowledge and understanding
10 And it came to pass that the young man recieved a new talent and his joy was full.
11 And whenst the young man returned home he didst not hid his new talent or forget it, nay! He didst show it unto his family, yea, and his friends, yea, and all those around him.
12 And thus it is my beloved friends and bretheren. Wherefore he that hath recieved the gospel must live it, and share it with all those around him.
13 For what is it good if it doth not save us, nor those around us.
14 Wherefore lift up your heads and rejoice, yea, repent ye, repent ye, so that ye shall be made whole, for he that forsaketh his sins, the same shall be forgiven, he that trades sorrow for joy will certainly enter into the kingdom of God.

*Elder Webb is not responsible for any apostasy included by San Webb

W is for winner and Webb (bowling)

T minus 2

Hello all,
This has been another good week. It was pretty average nothing too exciting happened. I've been trying to work hard to leave the area in good shape. This week we found a few new investigatores with a lot of potencial. This week we also had a few family home evenings with a few members and some new investigatores as well, so that was pretty good. One of the family home evenings was with sweet little Sister Ovalle. She's like the Grandma of the missionaries, and she had invited a bunch of people to come, but as usual almost no one showed up. But the next door neighbors, who are kids, came, and we taught them the plan of salvation and everything was great. And today Sister Ovalle told us that those kids have been coming over to he house to learn more about the church.
Sister Rebeca has not been progressing too much. She says she hasn't received an answer to know that the Book of Mormon is true, and this Sunday we were going to fast with her but she didn't make it out, so who knows what happened.
This week we had a funny experience with a less active. He shared with us the parable of the lost sheep and told us here in Pabellon it's the opposite. There's only one sheep in the fold and the 99 are lost, I couldn't help but laugh, then we sorely rebuked him and told him to get back on the old ship zion, haha just kidding.
Tomorrow is the all exciting "ultimo testimonio" in the zone conference, so I'd like to share my testimonio with you. It feels weird to almost be done, I can't believe or imagine that I'll be out in the real world, and that I won't be a full time missionary. But all of that doesn't really matter, because my name tag is written on my heart forever. The commitment to serve the Lord and his children is a commitment for my whole life. If you'd ask me what is the most important lesson I've learned here I would say that I've learned and come to know that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world, and that this is His church. I know it's true, for I have felt the confirmation from the Holy Ghost again and again. Every single doctrine and principle in this church is true, the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and Joseph Smith translated it by the power of God and sealed his life and testimony with his blood. I know the Lord loves me and has helped me to learn and grow, because he's put me in the best circumstances to have learning experiences and become a little bit more like his son Jesus Christ. And I always want Him to know that I love Him too, I always want Him to be able to count on me. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

I ran out of titles like 20 months ago

Howdy amigos,
So I'm trying to remember anything significant that happened, but all I can remember is that it was another good week. Hmm, well this week we had divisions with the Elderes from El Encino. They were pretty good, this time I went with Elder Muñoz. Elder Muñoz goes home with me so it was like 2 zombies wandering around.
On Friday we had interviews with President. He asked me how the branch was going and so naturally I commented on the problems that the branch has had for a long time with leadership and the branch presidency. So Presidente talked with the Stake Presidente and now I have to train the Branch President on how he's supposed to do his job, what a mess! Presidente also told me that my last interview is going to be on the 8th of March, ooooh.
On Thursday we had a lesson with an investigator named Pedro and a member, who is Pedro's friend accompanied us. And so we started the lesson with power and authority, we were going to invite him to come to church because he hasn't made it out yet. But I don't know what happened but the question about why little children don't need to be baptized came out, and Pedro was like, "well, my mom baptized me when I was a baby, and I really think my mom always tried to do what's right." And so before we could even respond hos friend said, "I'd like to share a scripture", and he whipped out famous Moroni 8 where it says baptizing little children is an abomination, and I was just like nooooooo. So Brother Pedro got offended and told us he was going to talk with some priests of "confidence" to figure out the situation. What another mess!
On Valentine's day my companion and I went out for a cone while the rest of the world was in a smooch-a-thon. Ya but things are going pretty good here, things are wrapping up quick. So this week I'd like to invite everyone to find someone in need and help them. I hope you all have a great week.
Love Elder Webb

...ah man there will be no photos this week

Happy Valentine's Day

Howdy y'all,
Welp, another good week has passed by. Maybe it's a bad idea but I've started using a different tie for every day left in my mission. If you want to know how many ties I have so far, I've used 3. Other than that nothing has happened, haha just kidding. This week was pretty normal, we've kind of been working with the same people, and we have been looking for new investigatores, but nothing interesting has shown up yet.
Hermano Jose is doing good too, he's getting ready to receive the priesthood. Sister Rebeca is doing good too, but not much has happened. Oh so on Sunday we showed up, and at 10:05 (church "starts" at 10) The branch president was like, uh Elders could you help us out with a few talks for 15 minutes. So for 15 minutes my companion and I were winging it, but the good new is there's only like 30 people that attend, so it wasn't too bad. I've never been very good at winging it, I need my personal preparation everyday in the morning or things don't turn out as good.
Other than that everything's been the same. On Friday we went out for ice cream. The weather's pretty nice, time is flying by, the food's good, I can't complain really. Today for P-day we went to Aguas and I bought a bunch of souvenirs, heh heh. If anyone wants anything from Mexico, let me know.
Anyway, this week I've been studying a little bit about the restoration and especially about the prophet Joseph Smith, and all I can say is wow, he really was a prophet of God. I already knew that, but another confirmation from the Spirit doesn't hurt. The Prophet gave his whole life to the work of the Lord and sealed his testimony with his blood. How many of us would be willing to do that? When asked about his mission and ministry as the Prophet, he said he only wanted to do good unto all men. I'm trying to develop that form of thought in my life, and I would invite all to do the same. Have a great week.
Love-
Elder Webb

Happy Valentine's day too😍

Hmm... what should I put here?

...And it came to pass that on the day before yesterday Elder Webb and Elder Aquino started their fast, and 3 minutes later they already were hungry. But they were determined to endure to the end. But behold, on the morrow the sister that was supposed to give them eat, said: Behold I shall not give ye to eat today (and Elder Aquino intermediately shook the dust off his feet). And it came to pass that the Elders returned home without food in the spirit of fasting. But lo! Elder Webb saw something on the shelf... the bag of noodles that has been there since who knows when. And they did pour out their souls unto the Lord their God in giving thanks, and their stomachs were filled... well more or less.

Oh, howdy friends, this has been another exciting week. It passed by extra fast, but that's ok. Nothing extra special happened this week. We are still working with Sister Rebeca and if everything goes well, perhaps she'll be baptized this transfer. And we are looking for a lot of new people to teach, this week we found 10, so that was pretty good. What else? On Saturday, my companion got his patriarchal blessing. I thought they were going to give me the boot, but I got to hear it. In these past few weeks I've been studying my blessing long and hard, with the Spirit of prayer.

I have definitely felt weird. Pretty much everyone knows I'll soon be going home, so it's been constant pestering. But it's also been a good chance to think about my future plans. I just want to keep doing what's right. I hope to have the desire to continue doing good unto all men. I know the Lord loves me, and I always want Him to know that I love him. I hope everyone has a great week>

Love-
Elder Webb

Rompimos la racha

Oh Pabellon, Pabellon, "great city which has fallen, how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you! Oh ye people of the house of Israel who have fallen, yea, Oh ye people that dwell in Pabellon, yea how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not!"
Well another great week has passed by, when I opened my email there was an email from Presidente "week 1 of your last transfer" (Elder Webb wipes a tear away). Yep so I'm in my last transfer how exciting. Anyway, so this week was filled with all kind of action, on Tuesday was the always exciting meeting for new missionaries. We had to get up here in Pabellon at like 5 to arrive on time to the meeting that started at 8. But the good news is that hot cakes and eggs were provided, so it wasn't all in vain. So that was good, then on Wednesday was the district meeting, I have long since been released from my duties as district leader, and the district meetings are so much more enjoyable again.
Then the other days were all dedicated to the preparation for Jose's baptism, then on Saturday was the big day, I was worried that no one was going to show up, but then a less active family came and later the branch president showed up with his family, and the other missionaries that did the interview stayed too, so it was pretty well attended. Jose is a great guy, on Saturday my companion bautized him. It was his first time- how awesome! And on Sunday I was able to confirm him a member of the church. The power of God is always made manifest through the sacred ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord has power to take away sin and make one clean again, what a blessing!

I would send more but this thing is dang slow.. I'll show the other photos to yall in 6 weeks
Love Elder Webb

I never know what to put here

Welp, another week has come and gone. Of course, it was a great week. This week we had a lot more time to teach and preach, and the good news is that Jose's baptism will be this Saturday at noon. Hopefully Satan gets his grubby mits out of here and doesn't interfere with anything. About 21 months have passed by here in Pabellon without any baptisms.. pretty much my whole mission, so we are really hoping that everything goes well.
We also had the opportunity to see the transmission from the temple of the new Prophet and all that. I was impressed and felt the confirmation from the Holy Ghost that President Nelson and his counselors have been called by God. It's nice to know that we have inspired leaders to guide and direct us in these difficult times. Aw man the internet connection dropped and this is all that got saved.
Hmm but that pretty much sums it up. Other than that this week has been pretty normal. Elder Aquino is doing great. He's doing a good job of reminding me how much time I have left as a missionary. I'm doing great too, I feel very blessed, my health is great, my Spirit's going strong, and everything is just fantastic. Welp, I hope everyone has a great week.
Love Elder Webb
I would put some pictures here, but this place looks pretty sketchy, so until next week...

Holies a todos

Welp, another precious week in the mission has passed by. This week was really busy. On Tuesday and Wednesday we had intercambios with the elders in El Encino, and I had the privilege to go with the almighty Elder Bair from Iowa, who has barely 4 weeks in the mission field. He reminded me of my humble beginnings as a missionary, no Spanish, no nothing. I still have a long way to go, but that's what forever is for. Then on Thursday we had an exciting zone conference with Presidente. It was weird; in my next zone conference I have to give the dreaded ultimo testimonio (last testimony) chun chun chun!
We put a baptismal goal as a zone for February and March. Rut Roh. On Friday we went out to San Jose de Gracia to search 2 referrals from the church, only to leave empty handed. But we discovered a hidden mystic lake with the famous Cristo roto there, so at least it wasn't in vain. The other bad news is that José didn't make it out to church this week so we'll have to postpone his baptism. He got a new  job this week unloading chickens on all the farms here in Aguascalientes, and they call him like 5 hours before and tell him if he has to work or not, so we are hoping he can find a solution to always make it to church. But everything's going great here in Pabellon. The front room in the house of prayer is bursting, and we will soon be opening the curtains in back.
So this week I've been thinking about the importance of living a Christ centered life. Sometimes we get distracted by other nonsense like our school or our job, or some hobby, and without us even noticing, that suddenly becomes the center of our lives. I think the best solucion to avoid that is to forget ourselves in the service of our God and our fellow men, just like Christ did. Remember "lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust doth corrupt, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, for where your treasure is there will your heart be also. " May Christ always be our treasure.
Love-
Elder Webb

oh mama

Zoinks, like let's bust outta here Scoobs

Jenkies! I wasn't expecting to receive my Return Travel Plans. I feel like crying but really happy at the same time. And at the same time I'm kind of ready to start with the next part of my life. Everybody here in the branch is doing "bulling" to me. Here in the mission some missionaries and members say to the old missionaries that they are dying, and the other day a family took us to the cemetery to eat lunch, give me a break!
Anyway, this week was pretty intense. On Wednesday Sister Ovalle who is a little old grandma and the missionaries' best friend, took us to visit all her friends in Rincon. She walked at about -5 MPH but was super powerful. Every door that we knocked with here turned into a new investigator. We found like 5 new investigatores with her in 2 hours, it was pretty awesome. Then in the afternoon our ward mission leader accompanied us as well,.. and then, after that we ran out of members, haha.
Pabellon in headed for the good side again, there are a lot of less actives that have been coming out to Church. We also have a lot of promising investigatores. Jose and Rebeca made it out to church again, so hopefully they will be able to get baptized. My goal is that they open the curtains to open the back part of the casa de oración before I go. In the front there's room for about 40 people, and in the back there's room for like 30 or 40 more. And after that they can start planning to build a temple here in Pabellon...
Today we had an exciting zone activity. There was a bar-b-que, and some team games. In case you were wondering, my team totally dominated.
Anyway I wasn't expecting the death of the Prophet, I will miss him. In our fast and testimony meeting a member got up and said, "I know President Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of God." After that someone had to awkwardly tell them that the Prophet passed away. I think there's a lot that we can learn from the life of the Prophet of God. Something I really liked from the movie "On the Lord's Errand" is at the end President Monson is sharing his testimony, and then he says, "and I always want the Lord to know that if he needs an errand run, Tom Monson will run that errand". There is so much we can do to be on the Lord's errand, everyday there are people that are sad, confused, depressed, or maybe that just need to hear a joke, or see your smile. The Prophet also says "One of the sweetest feelings I know, is feeling a prompting, and acting on that prompting to later find out I was the answer to someones pray". I would just like to invite you to think about how you can always be on the Lord's errand, be a friend, be kind, help someone in need, do something good in the world today. I hope everyone has a great week
Love-
Elder Webb
I would send some awesome action shoots but this thing doesnt have a USB port... Well this place was a rip off...

¿2018?!

Where are the flying cars? Where are the people living on the moon? Where's the end of the world? I was lied to as a child...by now we should be time traveling and flying into the rainbow. What a sham! But the good news is, there's always next year. :) I remember when Kendall and I were wee little lads, we were reading some magazine and there was an article about futuristic cars with their futuristic release dates. There was like a hover car, this train that looked like a centipede and like a rolling motorcycle, and all the release dates were like 2015, 2018, 2016 y por allí.. I don't know how it's looking in the United States, but there's definitely none of that action here in Mexico.
Oh well, I remember when I was a wee little lad, I also planned to come home from my mission in 2018, so at least something came true. 2017 was a pretty awesome year, and 2018 looks pretty promising too. My goals for this year are pretty simple, read the Book of Mormon everyday, pray every day, and a few other things.. and loose those extra 30 pounds!
To be honest, I don't even remember what my goals were last year, and I'm sure I didn't achieve them, but this year I'm committed to remember and achieve my goals. I think it's good to make goals, but if we don't have a plan and if we don't do anything, our goal is just another flying car that still doesn't exist.
Elder Ballard said: "I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don't set goals in our life and learn how to master the techniques of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our full potencial. When one learns to master the principles of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life". I know the Lord wants us to reach our goals, he didn't put us here to fail, he put us here to triumph gloriously.
Anyways this week was pretty good, yesterday we went walking around for about an hour looking for a ciber, but every single one was closed, so that's why I'm writing you today. Things are going good here in Pabellon. The week of Christmas and New Years are pretty much the hardest weeks to be a missionary during the whole year. Everyone is at the party, out of town, or drunk. But we did manage to find a few people to teach. One of our investigatores is going great. He's called Jose, and if everything goes well, we'll have the first baptism in more than a year and a half here in Pabellon, on the 20th of January. We also have some other great investigatores. Rebeca has gone to church 2 times, and is praying to know that the church is true. Pedro knows the church is true and is reading the Book of Mormon. He even promised us that he's going to get baptized, but first he has to make it out from Rincon to church. And we found another investigator named Miguel this week who accompanied us to church.
I hope everyone has a wonderful week and a happy new year.The secretaries told me today in the district meeting that in the morning they bought my plane ticket, rut roh!
Love Elder Webb

This is the what the bag of gummies looked like when the package came

Feliz Navidad

Howdy Pardners,
It was so good to talk and to see everyone. I'm glad everyone is doing great, and enjoying the shindig. So yesterday after the exciting phone call the Quinonez family invited us to stay for dinner. They had an exciting gift exchange too, and every though we didn't bring anything, they gave us a scarf, some ear warmers, and candy. And after that, there was a delicious Christmas dinner. It was nice to spend Christmas eve with them.
I remember last year they told us we had to return to our home at 6 so Elder Hernandez and I ate quesadillas in the house and went to bed at like 8. It was pretty sad and boring. Today Christmas day, we went bowling as a district, you'll be happy to know that I won, 129 heh heh.
And after that we went looking for a ciber for about 30 minutes because everything was closed. But we all know the that Christmas is for remembering Christ, I like the hymn silent night I reminds me of the holy and sacred moment at Christ's birth:
Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace;
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heav’nly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
 Jesus, Lord, at thy birth; Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
I'm grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ, The world would be a sad and lonely place if he had never been born, but thanks to him we can all be filled with his light and love, I hope everyone of you has yourself  Merry little Christmas.
Love Elder Webb