I Am Now On an Island in Spain.

Tuesday, October 15^th, 2013...at the very end of Elder Hardy's day...it was two long days wondering where his email was...we didn't know it was transfers!

Hey Family!
So I have no time, I hope I will get to email you tomorrow or something, but for now just an email to let you know that I'm here and safe.

So super quick update, I'll tell you all about my week later!  But transfers were today, and I am now on an island in Spain. La Palma de Mallorca. The same island the king of Spain goes to for his vacations! I am in a city on the east I believe called Manacor, you should google it! Haha  I am super excited. We just landed in plane a few hours ago, and I met my new companion, Elder West. He is from West Virginia, and I don't know him too well yet...all that I've seen in an hour or so is that he speaks very loud, and he is very different than me! This will be a different transfer, but I am so excited for the new opportunity, and to always look for the positives in people and situations!

I love you all so much, and i hope that all is going well! You are all the best :)

Love, Elder Hardy

CONFERENCE. I LOVE CONFERENCE!

Monday, October 7^th, 2013.

Hola Familia!

Well before I forget, let me answer those questions that you have! 

1. I shop at a grocery train called Mercadona. It's very good, like a small version of Sobeys or something!  I really like it, it has pretty much everything you would ever need!

2. We watched only two of the sessions live, in the stake center of Barcelona, because of the time difference. It was in Spanish, but English in another room. I watched a little of both, but I like it more in English!  It was nice to think that we were all watching the same thing at the same time!

3. Haha hmm...I'd say that its about a 6? Like I could survive here by myself if I had to through my Spanish, but I can't express everything I want to.  (I asked him on a scale of 1-10 how he feels his Spanish is coming along.  6 is not bad for only being in Spain for two months I think)

4. The family from Ecuador: Mari the mom, Victor the 15 year old, and Elvis the 6 year old! They came to conference, and hopefully getting baptized this Friday! So excited for them.

Wow there is so much in this letter I would like to reply to, but I only have about 1 hour of email time. Anyways, super fun week for you all hey? Dad, can you still speak Japanese? That would have been such a fun thing to relive that experience hey? I tell everyone here that my dad knows Japanese, they think it's so cool.

Yes I'm still with Elder Escobar, who was comps with Elder Archuleta haha. We get along great, we work suuppeerr hard, and we laugh. We are both pretty funny guys, and get into the funniest laughing fits ever, it's the best. 

Well a little about my week! CONFERENCE.  I LOVE CONFERENCE. There were so many quotes that I love, but the one about faith and doubts is the answer to my prayers. I went in with the question of building my faith, and that was the perfect thing that I needed to hear! Also I loved Elder Holland's talk about special needs people.  Interesting fact is that I got hugged earlier that day by a special girl, didn't know who she was or anything, but she ran up to me and just HUGGED me. I think for some reason they know and recognize me...I will figure out in the next life though hey?

Hmmm what else...I'm seriously blanking here, it's horrible. I have it all in my journal, I can just never remember! One thing, we had to drop John David this week. Super hard, he was a good guy. He just wasn't doing anything, but I hope he figures things out soon.

Have a told you about all the kids around here in Santa Coloma? How they all recognize me? I think I have...but it's so funny. 

Well I'm not too sure what else to report this week to everyone! I just hope that things are going great for everyone, and that you know I pray every night, individually for you all, and your needs. I love you so much, and I hope this week is amazing! 

Love, Elder Hardy

Famous Christopher Columbus Statue "Who is inspired by God, says the Book of Mormon!"

A quote by President Hinckley I sent to Elder Hardy:  

"In his reports to the sovereigns of Spain, Columbus repeatedly asserted that his voyage was for the glory of god and the spread of the Christian faith.  Properly do we honor him for his unyielding strength in the face of uncertainly and danger."

 Yummy Meal Coming up!

"Even Sister Tyler from California with blue eyes doesn't get red eye in pictures"

Elder Hardy seems to like the little lizards! 

I like Elder Hardy's face!  Reminds me of when

he was little and loved the frogs!

 

Someone Placed a Pole in My Walking Path!

Monday September 30, 2013.

Hardy Family!

You all look so much older already, it´s only been about five months but you all have changed so much! Especially Aubrey and Carson, wow. Two good looking siblings. Another great week for you all hey? Aubrey in her race, looking like she worked hard! She could probably run farther than me i think! Carson and his football, Bethany keeping on with volleyball! Too fun. AND AUBREY IS NOW 6, HOLY MOLY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CUTIEPIE!

I love Dad´s idea of driving down to Cardston on Sunday! Little family memories like that just make life great. Alright, I will make sure that when I get the package, I'll open it very carefully. Thank you so much! And to be honest, I don't really know if I need anything. The missionary life makes you realize that...the worldly things don't matter...haha  I just like surprises, sorry to make that hard on you all ;)

Well I guess I can tell you a little bit about my week now! There were lots of things that happened, lots of funny things too. One of those funny things, is one day I was walking to the church down this walkway thing. Kids were just on the street playing soccer as usual, and I got distracted by watching them. To my surprise, someone placed a pole directly in my walking path. hahaha  Totally just ran into a pole. Luckily no one else saw, but it gave me a good laugh for sure. 

We have still been doing lots of teaching! We found two new golden people, totally prepared. They are from Ecuador, a mom, and her two sons. Ones name is Elvis, and he turned 6 yesterday! But anyways, they have a date for the 11th of Octubre to be baptized, so excited for them. 

Hmm, seems like I have been doing lots of singing lately. I got to sing with my district at our zone conference, I sang acompañe me, or abide with me I think it is in English. I also sang is at a seniors activity at the church, and that was very fun. Spanish seniors are hilarious, they are so great. But I loved one thing there, they all got to say one word that has meant the most to them in their life. And the three most common things were family, love, and the temple. It is so true, and what I love about it is that they all are really one thing. The eternal plan of happiness that God has for us. Truly, He knows us, and what makes us happy.

We also had a pretty crazy experience this week, maybe don't let the little ones read this part! We had to go to a house, to where the mom is a recent convert. She has two daughters who aren't members, and don't want anything to do with us. But this day we went over because she saw an evil spirit next to her bed every night. So we had to bless the home to try and cast it out, and we also gave her a blessing. Personally, I think we cast it out of her. I saw a literal immediate change in her face, from the minute to the next of the blessing. Satan is real, that's one thing I've learned this week!

Hmm...what more...oh, want to hear about the amazing deals here in Barcelona? Chad, if you ever want to buy some guay (cool) skinny ties, come here. I bought like 15 ties for 30 euros. 2 euro ties! ISNT THAT INSANE? Ahh, best day ever as a  missionary! haha I also bought a sweater for the cooler days, if we ever have one! 

I will send you some pictures, I didn't take too many this week. But I will try to take more...I really am super busy at all times with the Lord's work, and taking pictures doesn't always fit into his schedule. But I will do my best! One is of a family, they are seriously the best. We go over a lot during the night to teach them, and they always feed us something. They aren't baptised yet because they aren't married, but very soon they will be when they get papers!

Alright, well time is running out! I love you all so much. Oh wait, Chad I've had some crazzyyy dreams, and you are always in them. haha you are always here in Barcelona with me, its interesting. Not sure why, but just so you know ;)

okay for real now, adios, les amo mucho, y yo quiero que puedan divertirse un poco esta semana, vale?

Love, Elder Hardy

 

 

  We LOVE this missionary!



   Cute little park overlooking the city.

Christ Will Take Care of the Hard Things in Life

Monday, September 23^rd, 2013

 

Dear The Best Family In The World!

 

Sounds like another successful week for everyone, still alive and learning everyday!  Mom you´re funny, I still enjoyed those little details that you gave, I liked how they were in point form too, gives me more time to reply to you all!  I love replying individually too. 

 

Bethany sounds like she's doing great with her volleyball, keeping on the legend. I'm sure even improving on it ;)   Carson still being the stud hey? Football is going great it sounds, and you are going to have a good school year with some great teachers! Keep working hard, and sticking up for what you believe!  Aubrey I'm just imagining you speaking French, that's so incredible. Learning a new language isn't easy, so don't get too stressed like I do sometimes alright? Keep working hard and looking beautiful!  Chad, sorry to hear about Kayla´s grandma. I hope it was a good service, and I know that she will see her again one day. Mom always gives the best haircuts, I miss not having to pay for them!

Okay well my week!

 

There were lots or great things that happened this week, as a missionary I have learned that I experience every single type of emotion possible on a daily basis! There are funny things, sad things, crazy, fun, spiritual, just every single thing. 

 

Felix was baptized this past week. Before the baptism when we picked him up. He said he stayed in his house all day just watching the clock, so that he wouldn't miss his baptism. Now that's what I call a man of faith who really understands the importance of this life. I love him so much, his service was so perfect, and just seeing his face so happy made every hard moment worth it. He is already seeing the blessings. Receiving clothes from others, and getting help with papers. I'll attach pics! 

We saw some pretty crazy things this week! Saw a fight between a Muslim lady and a Spanish man, talk to two drugged up guys on a bench who wanted my glasses, thought I was from Finland, and told us to go save free willy. We had some good laughs with them. We also went to mass yesterday with one of our investigators...pretty interesting. Very different. Hmm what else...OH LAST PREPARATION DAY! We played sports, and it was super fun! But when it came time for volleyball, things got bad...you get competitive when you haven't played for a while. Long story short, I hit an elder where it hurts, and even an Hermana right in the face. I felt soooo terrible, but I made sure she was okay. Dang I'm so dumb sometimes. Haha but that was basically my week this week. The main points that i can think of. 

I love you all so much, and I hope that you are all recognizing the miracles in your lives. Counting your blessings. We truly are blessed, the state of some people here, both temporally and spiritually, is just devastating. One of the hardest things to do, and requires so much faith, is promising them that if they do what we say, that Christ will take care of the hard things in life for them. But I know he will. If we first seek the kingdom of god, all other things will be added unto us. And that's a promise. 

 Hey I love you all, but I gotta go :)

 Love, Elder Hardy

Part of a Missionaries responsibility

is teaching a new convert how to tie a tie!

 Elder Hardy and Elder Escobar with Felix and his friend.

An exciting day for everyone!

 Tough looking, soccer jersey wearing, Elders on a train!

All Experiences That Make Us Grow!

Monday, September 16, 2013.

Que Tal Familia!

Thank you so much for the wonderful email, as always!

I really enjoyed all the stories, whether they be good or bad. All experiences that make us grow!

BETHANY I WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN SOME VOLLEYBALL! I am going to the stake center to play volleyball with the whole zone after emailing, so I’m super excited for that! But I’m sorry about your bag, that is no fun at all. You are a good sport about it, I’m proud. Carson starting piano...good luck my friend!  A piece of advice, practice because you want to get better, not because you have to practice. Just think, in five years you could serenade people with your skills! Chad keep up the good work. Aubrey, already understanding French, baby genius over here? Good work Aubs, I hope school is very fun for you!

Well here’s just a little bit about my week. Let’s see...

We had a karaoke night with the ward, it was pretty hilarious for sure. I didn’t get to sing, but that’s alright, I would have made a fool of myself anyways!

We are baptizing Felix this Friday, and I am so excited. He is the most prepared man I have ever met, I love him so much! He is so excited to be baptized too, I just love it! We taught him the Word of Wisdom and Law of Chastity yesterday, and he was just so good about everything! It’s amazing to see, I can’t even express how excited I am for him.

We have had lots of amazing visits this week. One was with a Dominican family...there were 8 people there, all adults. We taught them the restoration, and the spirit was super strong. Literally there was one point when I could feel just a wave hit the room, the spirit was working hard. We invited them all to be baptized, but they didn’t say yes...yet. They want to learn more. They are all so great!

We also are teaching a 23 year old guy named Jon David. He doesn’t live in the best circumstances, his piso is where all of the young people go to smoke drugs and do other things..so he is struggling. But super strong Christian, lots of faith, has a young daughter. We gave him a blessing one day, and it was so amazing. He changed at that moment, and I was so happy for him. We also went to teach him one day, and by the end of the lesson, everyone in the whole piso was listening. Like three others girls and boys, and we all prayed in a circle together. It was a fun experience!

I have so many things that happen daily that are so normal to me, that I just like forget to write them down! But I don’t know exactly what else to write! Pray for Felix that all will go well!

I love you all so much, and I hope that things will get better, in any way that they need to. Remember to count your blessings!

Love, Elder Hardy.

PS There are lizards in Spain!

 

 

 

There are lizards in Spain!

 



 

Funny he sent a picture of this! 

Great time, worked hard. That's How You Do It!

Monday, September 9, 2013.

 

Buenos Dias Mi Maravillosa Familia!

 

YOU ALL MAKE ME SO HAPPY. Ahhhh  I love seeing all these pictures and seeing how happy everyone looks. You are all so ridiculously good looking, makes me a little jealous! I literally take pictures of the computer screen so I can take the pictures home to look at. Anyways, about your week! 

 

Sounds like life in the real world is starting to get busy for all hey? Everyone at school, running around from place to place, trying to fit in work and fun within it all. Sometimes we got lost in the craziness of life, and forget to remember why we are here. TO ENJOY IT. TO BE HAPPY. TO GROW, AND TO LEARN. That is literally why we are here. So no stress everyone, alright? ¨Just take a chill pill¨ -Elder Hardy.

 

Okay so my week this week! I had a great week, with all sort of experiences! I’ll try to share a little bit of each type of experience. On Tuesday and Wednesday I was chosen to help train one of the new 44 missionaries! So I got to take Elder Wilson out to Barcelona, and show him the ropes a little bit, how missionary work is done. He told me after how grateful he was for me as a temporary companion, because before he was struggling emotionally a bit, but I helped him out. We had a great time, and we worked hard. That’s how you do it! 

 

I also got to help register everyone, so I personally talked with all the new ones, and met them a little! So I loved that opportunity, maybe I’ll get to do the same with joss!

 

One funny story...when I was with Elder Wilson, I contacted these 3 girls sitting in front of a shop. They were all about my age, which was a little sketchy. Let’s just say that the contact went downhill, and by the end they were all just calling me guapo and ordering me to ¨deme besos¨ which means kiss me. Sooooo we had to leave haha. There’s your bad story of the week.

 

We are still working hard with our investigators. Felix is receiving amazing blessings, and I’m so happy for him. He is the most faithful man I have ever met in my life! We also found 7 new investigators this week, a family of five last night, and two the day before. I’m so excited to teach them. One of the two, his name is John David from Dominican. He is 23, and has a girlfriend or wife, and a 4 year old kid. He told us that he has had dreams about Christ, and how he has seen him in his dreams, descending from the heavens in white robes. Pretty amazing!

 

Well that’s about it for today! Any questions, ask me! I love you all so much, you mean the world to me.

 

Love, Elder Hardy

My Heart Just Hurts For Some People.

Hola Todos! 

 

Well it has been another quick week over here on the other side of the world...I think the sun must move faster in the eastern hemisphere or something? ;) Haha no, but it has gone by quick. 4 months already, crazy.

 

Well there is soooooooo much in this email, that I don’t even know what to respond to! It's hard to organize thoughts and reply to everyone! But here we go. You guys seem to be doing so great back at home, all of you. You guys have been promised blessings back at home, both in the scriptures, and directly to me by President Pace. I can tell you are doing so great, so remember to count those blessings.

 

Dang I just want to reply to everything but I literally can't.  Like seminary starting, school starting,  Sunday, all this fun stuff I want to talk about! I guess just one of those sacrifices! But one thing, Aubrey and her leopard pants literally made me laugh so hard. Such a little fasionista little Aubs! I love you so much.

 

Okay well my week here in Barcelona. 

 

I went to the Sagrada Familia last Preparation Day. It is beautiful. And huge. I will send you pictures! 

 

We are now teaching a man named Felix from Nigeria. My heart just hurts for some people. Let’s just say that I think nearly 25% of the population here live on the streets...and it hurts me to see. But I love talking to them, they are great people. Anyways, Felix is from Nigeria, and he escaped here after running away from a bomb that went off in a church in Nigeria. He lost his mom during the bomb, so he doesn’t know where she is, or if she is alive. And his dad died a few months earlier from that type of bomb set off. But he opened up to us about this the very first lesson, and it was so hard to listen to. I just imagined if that was me. It would hurt me so deep if something ever happened like that to one of you guys...SO STAY SAFE. But he now has a baptismal date, and we are gonna help him out. I’m going to give him a white shirt, cause he literally has nothing. He doesn’t know what to do. 

 

We have a few more investigators with baptismal dates, so we are continuing to work hard with them. I love everyone we visit with; they are all so wonderful and nice. One family in particular really likes to feed us...haha the dad from Argentina is such a good cook...mmmm :)

 

A few nights ago we were walking around a little later at night, and we contacted a family on the street. They are from Romania, and around here they are known as Gypsies..if you’ve ever heard of them. But I made great little friends out of their three little kids, we ended up like running and skipping and jumping and just doing fun crazy stuff together...the whole time they were trying to steal my stuff, and take my wallet and such...so instead I just gave them a book of Mormon and a pamphlet of Jesus Christ. They loved it.

 

Well that is the main part of my week. Today we visited an Egyptian Museum, which was fun.  Its Elder Escobars birthday today, so we tried to have some fun! Then we went shopping and sightseeing and such. I’ll send you lots of pictures! CARSON I BOUGHT A BARCELONA JERSEY.  I took a picture, I know you like soccer, so I thought you would like it! 

 

Hey we started a Book or Mormon challenge as a mission. Started today. Finish by December 1st. So I’m in it with you guys. Let’s do this! I love you all so much. Each and every one of you. I will continue to pray for you all, even if you don’t need it ;) Keep growing, keep learning, and remember that it’s through our trials that we learn, not through our good times. So chin up!

 

Love, Elder Hardy