The Value of Hard Work

Monday July 8, 2013.

 

Hola La Familia Hardy!

 

Como estais?! Yo espero que todo esta bien ahora. I love you all!

 

I hope my Spanish comes when I get to Spain, I know it will be hard though, its so different than other Spanish!

 

Alright so this week! Its been really awesome. I can really feel a difference between this area and last area. With Elder Wright, we have been working extra hard, and we have been seeing the most amazing miracles take place. I've learned the value of hard work, and that's the most important thing I've learned this week.

 

So it's been a great week overall. My llama issue has been taken care of, thanks mom for the set of remedies. I went and bought bananas and apples and tried some things! I also used two pepto bismol tablets, under dire circumstances. But all is well my friends, no need to fear. Its funny though, the day that the llama issue cleared up, I was using a Q-Tip...and to make a long story short, I was deaf out of my left ear for two days...so yeah, that was fun. But one day, I went into the shower deaf, and came out fully able to hear. I have no idea how it happened. But I was pretty excited. So there's my health story of the week :)

 

We have been working very hard in our finding efforts. The Elders in this area before us didn't really leave us with anyone...so we are starting from scratch. But we have three investigators now! One's name is Yulia, a 16 year old girl. Her mom is Brazilian, and dad is Japanese, so I think she speaks both languages! Anyways, we taught her the restoration, and she was just so prepared to hear it! She explained to us that she felt as though we were there as signs that God was calling her back to him. Pretty cool thing to say. I invited her to be baptized on August 4th, and she agreed! So I'm excited for that, hopefully all works out.

 

We also met a family from Grenada, and they are super nice! We met them once and just got to know them for a bit, taught a little of the basics, but we're going to meet with them more! So I'm excited for that, they even have four little kids, so great opportunity!

 

Yesterday was fast sunday, so we went to church and had the opportunity to bear our testimonies and introduce ourselves! It was pretty fun to do that for the first time! Anyways, after while walking around, I noticed that all of the kids and youth were like staring at me and whispering..so I was a little weirded out. But finally at the end of church, the bishop's little son came up to me and was like, "Elder Hardy, are you the guy on YouTube?" And I just laughed so hard! Then like ten of them came up to me and shook my hand, it was hilarious! So they quoted their favorite lines and stuff, we just talked. It was a funny experience!

 

After church, we ate lunch at a members house, they are moving to Magrath. They are also looking for a small place to stay, so ask around! After dinner we went to visit former investigators. Talked to a 20 year old guy with Schizophrenia, he was really nice. But on our way to the next, we found a woman on her front steps, so we stopped to talk to her! She was from Chile! So we spoke Spanish, and talked with her for about an hour. Taught her the whole restoration right then and there, and I gave the first vision to her in Spanish. We have a return appointment, so I'm excited for that!

 

So that was basically my week. Food is good, I'm learning to do some real cheap cooking with ground beef and such. I'm loving it. Tell Chad that Sister Mendenhall from Raymond says hi, she knows him!

 

I love you all so much. Stay happy, there is strength in numbers.

 

Love, Elder Hardy

 

 

Elder Hardy sent these pictures in with a Reply to Aubrey who has been sad to see NO pictures of her brother wearing the special tie that she helped to pick out for him.

 

 

"Aubrey I'm sorry I didn't wear your tie that day! But I will wear that super duper cool blue tie tomorrow okay? I still remember going to the store with everyone and we were all picking them. You gave me like 50 different ties to choose from! And that was the one that we both liked best. I love that tie from you, and I'm so happy when I wear it, because I think of you! I love you so much Aubrey, I hope you are staying safe and happy!"

 

 

 

Llama Problems

Wednesday July 3rd, 2013.

Dear Dad, Mom, Chad, Bethany, Carson, and Aubrey!

It's so nice to be able to hear from you guys! Thank you so much for all of the emails, I love being able to read them. I'm sorry if I forget to reply to something, or don't give enough detail. Also taking pictures isn't something that I do very often, so be patient with that!

  

Dad, those pictures of the flood are CRAZY. HOLY. That's got to be the most insane thing I've ever seen. Especially the Saddledome, its just surreal to see something like that that I never would have expected. You are all being great disciples of Christ by giving service to your fellow men. What's going to happen with work now? Do you still have to make it up there somehow?

 

It sounds like you guys had some fun in Magrath/Raymond too hey? I'm jealous, but not really. I hope it was an awesome time! I actually have an Elder Cook here from Magrath, he knows grandma and grandpa! Also Elder Gibb from Lethbridge is my zone leader, cool hey?

 

Okay so biiiggg update for you all. Lets see. Ready for a funny story? It will make you "poop your pants".

 

So. One day we went to a Bolivian family's house for dinner. Lo and behold, we ate llama. With weird giant corn things. It was kinda gross, but I enjoyed it and ate it all. I thought I was fine, but I always had the lingering thought of Elder Grigor's Bolivian bowel problems. Anyways, two days later, I woke up. At three in the morning. And oh boy, did I ever have to go! long story short...I spent lots of time making a new friend with the toilet. It wasn't pretty. I could barely walk without being scared of pooping myself. Even to this day, still having problems. That was five days ago! So that's one update. I've been getting made fun of quite a lot actually because of it, but its pretty scary. I lost five pounds in two days. Its not healthy. So if it doesn't fix itself soon...I might go see someone...hahahaha  That's my story for the week.

 

Alright, update time. So transfers came, and guess what? I had to stay at Elder Campbell's apartment with my companions for a night! So that was pretty cool. He should be home now, there to talk about my llama problems. So I was supposed to stay in Blackcreek area, and I got a new companion. But that night, I got a call! It was the Assistant to the President who said I was needed here in Cambridge, which is an English speaking mission! So now I'm here for two weeks, doing English with Elder Wright. Pretty crazy turn of events. But fun! So I'm doing pretty good, having fun serving people and getting to know people.

 

We had an exciting experience back in my last area (Blackcreek) right before I left! The sisters had a 9 year old girl, Laura, to be baptized! Her mom is inactive. So pretty hard situation. But she got baptized, and her mom just felt the spirit so strong. It was amazing. Beforehand she was quite against the baptism from happening, but after her whole countenance just changed. It was incredible! So many cool stories.

 

Spanish is coming along, but it's hard. People talk so fast, so its hard for me to understand and participate in a real conversation. That has been a bit of a struggle for me here, but its okay, it happens with everyone. Now that I'm in English, it's going to be even harder though. But great opportunity for teaching that I fully understand!

 

I love you all so much. Thank you for all that you do. You're amazing. Never forget that you are all children of Heavenly Father, and he loves you. He knows you. He knows your struggles. He knows your weaknesses. Become humble, and he will make weaknesses become strong unto you. This is a promise. I'm learning these things slowly here, and I'm going to test them out. I want you all to do the same. Pick something you struggle with, and work on it this week! We'll do it together. I love you all, stay amazing.

 

Love, Elder Hardy

 

It was Golden!

Monday, June 24, 2013

Hey there Hardy Clan!

 

Well this is some crazy news. Thank you for all of the details, it's hard not knowing these things. I found out by seeing a newspaper here about it all...for the past few days it's been on the front cover, so I only see crazy pictures. Anyways, I'm happy you are all safe. Stay that way. I love you all so much, and I think about all of you individually. haha Chad I remember how much it sucks to have DAYS of work just ruined by nature. Most annoying thing on this earth. ahh crazy crazy crazy. I'll be keeping everyone in my prayers, especially Rob Nelson's family. That is unbelievably devastating. I hope his family will be comforted in knowing that they will be together again. Times like these are when the gospel really can be a strength. Use these humbling circumstances as an opportunity to share the happy message that we know to be true.

 

Well lets see what things I can update you guys on...mostly everything has been pretty typical. Or as typical as missionary life can be. I am used to being stared down, fingered, simply stared at, ignored, yelled at, and every other thing. I am beginning to love it though ;) haha  It all makes it worth it when that one prepared soul makes that decision to have a real talk with you and shows real interest in the church. We teach ESL classes, and the people who come are beautiful in spirit. I love seeing how humble they are, I can relate, learning a language is tough! And being humble is one characteristic of someone ready to accept the gospel! One time I had a guy kind of ask if I could talk with him for a bit. he said "The real reason I came to these classes is to know more about your church." It was golden! That gave me an opportunity to talk to him about it, and leave him with a Book of Mormon! I just love people who are actually interested in hearing our message.

 

Mom I miss your cooking ;) hahaha We are so dirt poor out here...making a good meal just is barely realistic. I love going to members houses though, the Spanish culture is so kind, they never let you leave hungry. And the food is so awesome, I love it! Dad I think I'm going to start making the dinner that you always made, which was actually my favorite.  Rice, chicken, and corn. mmm that sounds so good right now.

 

Well thank you for the update everyone. I love you all so much, I cant say that enough. Make sure that you all stay safe, and help others in their time of need. I look forward every single week to hearing from you guys. You are all amazing.

 

No update on the visa ps. But one crazy cool update, we went to a broadcast yesterday for the new mission  presidents. And they said that throughout this next year, they will be implementing more technology, like allowing us on Facebook, and ipads, and phones, and other cool things! It blew my mind! So we'll see what happens with that! By the time Carson leaves, he'll be tweeting on his mission ;)

 

I love you all. Have an awesome week, congrats on the start of the summer :)

 

Love, Elder Hardy

 

OH PS I ATTENDED A BAPTISM YESTERDAY AND I SANG AT IT AND I ALSO TAUGHT A LESSON AT THE FRONT TO EVERYONE ALL IN SPANISH. YES I NEARLY PEED MY PANTS.

Missionary Work Is So Cool - Lots of Work to Be Done Here.

Monday June 17, 2013

 

 

The Best Family In The World!

 

How are you all?!  I'm sure that you are all doing so well, and having so much fun!  I'm happy that you received my letters, I never feel like I can trust the mailing system.

 

Mom I'm going to try to answer your questions now, let's hope I get to them all!

 

Tell me all about who you are serving with!  Companions from where and tell us all about them? 

1. I'm serving with Elder P (Uruguay/Utah) and Elder S (Idaho). Awesome guys, really funny, both fluent in Spanish which is fun! I really like them, couldn't have asked for better!

 

Chathum...tell me about how you got there.  And how was your flight to Toronto?  Did you have any adventures on your way there?  You made your connection ok?  Do you know where Chathum is on a map?  You are right by the US border and Michigan I think!  Cool spot.  Quite far away from Toronto really when your visa comes.  (This is where we were told Elder Hardy was sent to in the original letter from President Scott - glad we didn't mail anything there since he never really was there!)

2. No idea what Chatham is?  I'm in Blackcreek.  Right near downtown Toronto. The ghetto part of Toronto...I'm safe, but lets just say people aren't so friendly...there's been some scary stuff.  haha  But it's all good.  Mostly everyone is Jamaican or East Indian or Asian or African American...maybe 5% white people.  So I stick out even more.  But I love them all, everyone has the potential to become a disciple of Christ.

 

Tell me about your Mission President and your time at the mission home.

 

3. Mission President Scott is awesome!  Super nice guy, went out to dinner with him and his wife my first night I got here!

 

What was your first week of missionary work like?  Are you speaking Spanish?  Are you tired out? 

 

4. It was crazy, but fun. Yes, lots of Spanish. I'm in the Spanish ward, and we teach ESL, so lots of Spanish.  I'm improving, but it's still so hard.

 

Do you eat healthy?  Are you buying healthy food and eating it?

 

5. Trying.  It's hard on a budget.  But we are doing our best. Members feed us a decent amount!  Lots of rice and beans, I love it.

 

What awesome experiences can you share with us from your week and a half? 

 

6. Too many crazy stories, lots that I won't have time to share.  haha.  We've been like verbally attacked by many people, I received my first "flip-off" by some guy in a car, the CONSTANT stares on every bus ride, old ladies completely ignoring you when you say hello.  That one was awkward...and lots lots more.  But it's all good.  haha

 

So yeah, its been a pretty good week though!  I love it here, it's so different, and lots of work to be done here. We had a lady just this morning who was rambling to us about how "everyone in Toronto is drained, I can see it in their eyes".  She wore glasses so she wouldn't get drained.  Long story short, she was not in her right mind.  You wouldn't believe how crazy the world can be, till you get out there and see it.

 

We have taught lots of lessons with tons of cool experiences! One guy named Tom came into ESL (English classes) one day, and said "I'm a catholic, but I had a feeling to come in here". He later said some cool stuff about how he feels a good spirit every time he sees us and stuff! He just has trouble with the Book of Mormon still, but it will come.

 

Missionary work is so cool.  I've learned so much already.  I just really want to get this language down!  It can be very tough sometimes, I'll be honest, but I am someone who keeps on trying and never gets discouraged, that's what I've learned.  Anyways, I love you all, and I really hope you are all doing amazing.  I cant wait for the letters!

 

Talk to you soon :)

 

Love, Elder Hardy

 

Elder Hardy sent this picture this week of
Hermano Davis (with his wife) and the District at the MTC

 

 

 

Safely in Canada Toronto Mission!

It appears that Elder Hardy did indeed safely arrive in Toronto Canada sometime today as we received this email from President Scott.  As far as we know, Elder Hardy will still plan to go to Spain when his Visa arrives, but in the meantime it seems that he is in a great place.  We look forward to hearing from him on his next Preparation Day though we don't know for sure when that will be.  We will patiently wait until we hear from him next.

 

 

Dear Brother and Sister Hardy,

 

We are grateful to receive your son, Elder Bryce Hardy as a new missionary in the Canada Toronto Mission.  We are including a picture that we took with him at the mission home when he arrived.  His testimony and enthusiasm for the work are evident.  As his mission president and wife, we thank you for the sacrifice that was made to prepare him to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  As parents who have sent children on missions, we recognize the feelings involved in sending a son or daughter on a full-time mission for the Lord.

 

A dedicated service to the Lord brings many blessings to many people.  As a full-time servant of the Lord, Elder Hardy will be blessed with a greater knowledge of the gospel, as well as a stronger testimony.  He will touch the hearts of many people, and those whom he will teach will be able to change their lives as they receive the peace and knowledge that comes through the gift and power of the Holy Ghost.  King Mosiah related the comforting message from the Lord that he received when he inquired about sending his sons into the service of the Lord: “Let them go up, for many shall believe on their words, and they shall have eternal life.” (Mosiah 28:7).  The Lord relates in Doctrine and Covenants 84:80-85 that His Elders and Sisters will be taken care of well.  It requires a lot of faith, but we know that the Lord is watching over us all.

 

After prayerful consideration, Elder Justin Steele and Elder Brian Polite, two of our outstanding missionaries in the mission have been called to be your son’s first companions and trainers. 

 

We are sure that Elder Hardy will love his mission as he stays dedicated and focused on the Lord’s work.  We promise to love and care for him.  We testify of the truthfulness of this marvellous work of bringing souls to a knowledge of the Savior.

 

Serving a full time mission can be the most significant and rewarding experience in a young person’s life.  It is rigorous and challenging and requires great spiritual focus.  Successful and happy missionaries abide by a strict code of conduct and obedience.  Thank you for supporting and sustaining your missionary in this great work.

 

Once again, we thank you for the faith you have shown to the Lord and the sacrifices that you are making.  We feel it a great privilege and responsibility to care for your missionary while he serves the Lord and pray daily for his happiness, well being, and success.

 

With love and gratitude,

Brent L. Scott

President

 

 

Elder Hardy with President and Sister Scott in the Canada Toronto Mission

 

Our missionary.  That we love.  Beyond words.

Big Man at the MTC

Thursday June 6th, 2013

Hardy Family!

How are you all doing?!  From these cute pictures, it seems like you are all doing awesome!  Still beautiful and handsome as ever.

 

I seriously look at the photo album every single day, and I share it with everyone to look at. You are all so good looking.

 

Hey Grandma and Grandpa Baril, you guys are so great!  I've shared those 19 boxes of Smarties with so many people.  I went out of my way to give them to people who looked like they needed it.  They were all soooo grateful and surprised, it was hilarious.  Just know that those Canadian candies are a hit!  ;)  And I think I already wrote Grandma Joyce a card before I left, but make sure she knows how grateful I am for her and her support. I love you Grandma Joyce!

 

Thank you all for the dear elders, they are a highlight of every day for me.  It's so nice of you guys to take time to write me and keep me updated!  Dad, I seriously CHERISH that story you told me about the temple and Grandma.  That's such a powerful story to hear!  I love stories like that, it's really a powerful testimony builder.  I hope you will always keep it dear to your heart, because I know that I will.  

 

Chad, thanks for your letter too!  I loved your words of support, they really lifted me up!  And its cool to hear you say you actually love and care about me, deep down I already knew it, I was just waiting for you to say it.  I care about you, and love you so much.  I pray for you daily Chad.  I love you so much my brotha, I miss our wings nights.  When I get back, we better do that stuff again!

 

Alright, let's talk about some stuff that happened this week. An elder left today. Elder -, he came in just last week and I became pretty good friends with him  He's a really nice guy.  Anyways, yesterday he just broke down and said he would have to go home. Turns out that he's an atheist, and couldn't continue teaching.  Really a sad story, I feel really distraught over it.  But I talked with him for a bit, and tried to give him some courage and support.  I hope things work out for him.

 

We can't do things on our own.  There is a purpose for us in this life.  We gotta get through it, and endure.  We're supposed to have joy, and I know that the only true way I could find that was by leaning on Heavenly Father and the atonement.  The only way I was able to feel happy was through my Savior.  I know, without a doubt, that we are here to find joy.  Wickedness never was happiness, I've found that out.

 

I also am continuing with the "singing in the shower tradition" here.  All the new guys who have come in like it too, so I'm basically just Michael Buble in the shower. If only I sounded that good all the time.  ;)  But I love it.  I really miss music, I barely ever get to hear it here!  I really want some way to listen to it, so I've gotta figure that out!

 

Yesterday, I was the big man at the MTC.  I was in charge of directing all of the traffic for the new missionaries getting dropped off.  And it was a record, most cars in history at the MTC.  Over 900! Anyways, I ended up getting burnt, bad.  I'll send a picture.

 

Hey I've got a testimony building scripture for you all!  Just a cool relation between the New Testament and Book of Mormon. So in Matthew 17:11, Jesus is talking to Peter, James, and John! And it actually says that Elias (John the Baptist) will come to "restore" all things!  THAT IS THE PRIESTHOOD!  How cool is that you guys?  The restoration of the gospel was foretold.  If that isn't sweet, I don't know what is.

 

Okay so guys, I'm getting my travel plans today! Ill be calling sometime after 12 I think, for five minutes. Not sure exactly when. Will anyone be home? 

 

I love you guys so much. Stay strong, you're all great. 

Love, Elder Hardy

 

 

I asked Elder Hardy the name of the other missionary besides Elder Stolk. 

His response:

His name is Elder Miller, from North Ogden Utah. He is going to Malaga Spain!
They both got their visas.

 

Elder Hardy is 19.  Time to take him seriously!  

 

 

We had happy birthday donuts sent to Elder Hardy for his birthday.

 

From Wednesday, June 5th when Elder Hardy got to be the "big man"

at the MTC directing traffic as all the new missionaries of the week were being dropped off. 

The other pictures had little too much white skin to post them here!

 

 

On Thursday June 6th, we got a phone call from Elder Hardy saying that on Monday morning he will be flying out to Toronto where he will begin his mission and say until his Visa arrives.

 

We also got a call from Renee Boehmer from the Diamond Valley Branch who had just returned from dropping off their daughter at the MTC for her mission to New Zealand.   She said that they saw Elder Hardy there directing traffic and looking so great and happy.  They knew Elder Hardy from working together on the Youth Celebration for the Calgary Alberta Temple.

 

Smallest District Ever!

 

"We have sisters in our zone now, four. We got three new ones yesterday too. I don't really know any of them though, we are never with other districts except for meals and sacrament meeting."

 



FAM JAM AND MOMMMAAA!!!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!  I really hope that everyone spoils you today, because you deserve it.  I love you so much.  Do you have any plans at all?  I hope you do. Treat yourself okay? I will send you a birthday letter when I can, so just be ready for that!

 

Thank you all for the dear elders! I love hearing everything. Bethany I loved yours! Yes, boys are stupid. Just stay away from them alright? ;) You're the cutest one around, so make sure you stay safe :)

 

Alright, let's see what I can tell you about this week.  I sprained my ankle in gym on Saturday!  So I had to get it checked out, it was a stage 1 ankle sprain. Guess what? Completely healed two days later.  It's cool those little miracles and blessings that we recieve daily, how amazing our bodies can be! So that was fun, I'm back to playing volleyball and basketball again!  Oh, here's a crazy story for you!  So in my district on the very first day, we had 7 people. 5 elders, 2 sisters. The two sisters were too good at spanish, so they switched classes the first day. That left us with 5. Then one elder left to the Madrid mtc, so we were left with 4. Yesterday, an elder went home, because he had things he needed to get sorted out. So now we are left with 3. SMALLEST DISTRICT EVER. I'm now in a triple companionship, so basically we are just one district. It's so crazy. But I'm so grateful for them all. And I hope the elder who left yesterday will get things fixed, it was an emotional goodbye and I'm so happy he is using the wonderful gift of the atonement that has been provided for us. Keep Elder - in your prayers!

 

We had a devotional the other day, and in it we sang Come, come ye saints.  The spirit was so strong. I could hear the angels singing with us, I promise you guys that.  It was incredible.  Also, we watched Sister Monson's funeral after.  I don't know if you guys have seen it, but I think it was her grandaughter who sang in it!  And Beth, she reminded me of you.  The song was "Whenever I hear the song of a bird".  Go and read those lyrics.  They are so cool!  I felt the spirit very strong then too.

 

Hey I'm so happy you guys recieved my letters! I love you all. Carson, you better write me back dude ;)  I hope everything is going good, stay strong! Aubrey, how cute are you. I could just picture you reading it all by yourself, you're a smart girl! Learn Spanish now okay?

 

I love you all so freaking much! I have a few scriptures I want you to read. Matthew 10:19-20. This one is more for me, it explains how i need to go about teaching! Teach by the spirit, fear not, becuase my mouth will be filled! Such a cool gift as a missionary, and I've experienced it...in Spanish. Also, read alma chapter 32 as a family. All about faith. Its such a great chapter!  I love it.

 

Last one is Ether 2:24-25. This is for all of you, Dad, Mom, Chad, Beth, Cars, Aubs.  Jesus Christ is explaining that he gives us trials, winds and waves in our sea.  He watches us and how we deal with those waves. Will we sink?  Or will we swim?  This is a test.  He is our light, and He will help us calm the seas.  I challenge you all to swim, no matter how high your waves might be.  Some are higher than others.  Through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we can all be healed.  Matthew 11:28-30. He already atoned for our sins. Repent, lift those burdens!  He didn't suffer, so that we could hold them on ourselves.  Lighten your loads.  He wants us to.  He loves us.

 

Sorry for that...my missionary side came out..haha. perdon me por favor?  I love you all so much.

 

Love, Elder Hardy

 

In response to my mentioning that his visa is not ready yet and I thought that sending him to Toronto would make sense since he has to fly there anyways on his way to Spain to pick up his Visa in person:

 

I hope it will get here soon. If not, serving in Canada for a bit would be pretty fun! Back to the homeland for a bit, I wouldn't mind!  That's so true, Toronto Spanish speaking would just make sense. But exactly, who knows where I'm needed. I guess we'll see hey? I'm just excited, and nervous. Missionary work is not easy, I'll tell you that! I can't imagine how hard dad must have worked to learn the language!  So impressive. Dad, you're such a boss. Or in Spanish, "como un jefe" (like a boss)

A link to a beautiful rendition of  "Come, Come ye Saints":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ia3gYSvG8M

Here is a link to Whenever I Hear the Song of a Bird:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxMREbfujFA