THE SIGNING

Well everyone this is it. It has been two years out here. I still remember everything from the MTC in Guatemala, to my first area in Valle de Sula and my first companion Elder Chapeton. That was 2 years ago. My Companion Elder Vasquez in Las Flores. That's when I felt like my mission really started cooking. That's when I got the language down a little better as well. Oh man did I love my time with Elder Vasquez. Two of the best changes from my mission from Elder Vasquez to Elder Olaveson. He will forever be one of my best friends and we just happened to serve in Copan. "The Dream" 3rd Nephi 11. Those 2 areas, Las Flores and Copan will always be my favorite areas. I fell in love with those people. Just like my other areas as well, but there is just something special about those 2 areas:) Next up Elder Lorenzana and Elder Toolson, two other amazing companions. In my personal opinion I think Elder Toolson is the best missionary who has ever passed through this mission. I learned so much from him. He really is the man. I love this country. I love these people. I love San Pedro Sula. The best two years…. They were the hardest two years, they were the most trying two years, they were the two years where I was stretched the most, they were the two years in my life that I was focused and dedicated to something like no other in my life! I have tried to  help others change their lives and in the process I have been changed also! I have become sanctified as promised in the oath and covenant of the priesthood. That sanctification comes as we selflessly serve and faithfully obey the spirit as it reveals, guides and directs us. During these two years I went from a boy trying to become a man to becoming a Man of God! A man who knows who he is, where he is going and most importantly how I am going to get there from here. “there” is any place or endeavor I decide to embark upon and the paths that God will call me to. How we do things is more important that what we do. God will reveal to us how we are to do the things he asks us to do and inspires us to do. I know this church is true. I know God lives. I know this Gospel is his. I know he owns and directs this work. I have loved these past 2 years. I love My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He Lives. He is the Christ. I testify of all these things. In the holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

For one last time, Elder Hess

GOOD WEEKEND

Well I had a great weekend this week. I love General Conference so much. I received answers to questions that I have been having for awhile now. Now I can just say that I feel at peace. I went into Conference with a prayer in my heart hoping that I would get an answer. And just like always I did. I know that our Prophet Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet of God. He is the only man on this earth that has the keys to all the powers of the Priesthood. I also know that the 12 Apostles have been called of God. I love our leaders in this Church, but more than anything I sustain them. They are all servants of God. I know that Jesus Christ directs his Church through his Prophets and Apostles. I testify that all of the men who talked to us during this last weekend are called of God. I love this Church so much. It is insane how a testimony can constantly grow in these things. Little by little we all can get closer to Our Father and His Son Jesus Christ if we follow the Savior. I know this Church is true, I don't have one doubt in my heart about it. I didn't bring my notes that I took in Conference but my favorite quote was this. "God knows ALL of the things that we don't want anyone else to know. Even so, he keeps on loving us with a prefect love." When I heard that it really hit me how much our Father in Heaven loves us. We are all imperfect people trying to live such a life that we´ll be in the presence of a Perfect God. "Life is not fair and I am thankful for that because if life were fair none of us would even be close to living with our Father and his Son."  Christ suffered for all of us. So much that he bled from every pore of his body. He made it all possible for all of us. That is why He is called the Savior. Christ has done his part. Now it is our turn. I Love my Savior, I know that He lives and that if we live life in his Gospel we will all be saved. We will see loved ones that have past on to the next life. But more importantly we will walk and live with The Creator of all things, with perfect peace and with perfect joy. This is the Church of Jesus Christ, He is at the head of this Gospel. God is the author and Director of the Plan of Salvation. We are all Children of a God who has all Power and all Knowledge. I love you guys. Remember to serve our savior as often as you can. It will put a smile on his face.

Just so everyone knows. My favorite part of conference was the end of the Saturday morning session. When the Mormon tabernacle choir sang Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. I had tears flowing down my face. When the Hymn was over I looked at everyone else and everyone was crying. It was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. Everyone go look it up when you have a chance.

Love Elder Hess