Elder Tanner Hardy: 2015

See you soon!

See you soon!

No Preparation Day today, but 1800 works! Love you!

Fwd: New Schedule For the Holidays

From: Assistants Bulgaria <assistantsbg@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Dec 8, 2015 at 1:17 PM
Subject: New Schedule For the Holidays

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanuka, Chestita Nova Godina! We have a wonderful new schedule for our upcoming holidays.

14th Monday: Normal Preparation Day: Organize with your families a time on Christmas to call on Skype!

Make sure that your internet zala will be open on Christmas. If not, you will have to call a member to use their computer and camera. If you cannot figure anything out, give us a call.

21st: Normal work day with the exception of missionaries checking their emails to confirm Skype calls with families.

If you have not checked the internet zala, do it now.

This Monday is not a Preparation day

25th: Christmas: This will be your preparation day for the week of the 21st. Normal preparation day. Skype your families, tell them that you love them. Cyber hugs, blow kisses (only to family of course.)

1st: New Years: Preparation day instead of Monday the 28th. Don't forget to have done all of the things that Sister Barclay asked us to do on the 31st.

4th: Back to normal Monday Preparation day schedule.

Thank you for all that you do Elders and Sisters. We will see you at the zone training.

Elder Howard

Elder Sharp
Bulgaria Sofia Mission

Here is the Schedule for the next few weeks! Love!

Stars and Straight Streets!

Family Mine!

I love you so much! Thank you for the great letters. I am writing on the tablet of the Senior Couple that live here in Stara Zagora, so I will probably not be able to write quite as much, but I hope I can get everything in!

This week has been crazy but great! Most of the week was actually spent in Sofia for two reasons: one, we had to wait for our new trainee (Elder Seibach, from Chicago! He is 6'7", and both Elder Hazelhofer and I are...not! Fun), and two, because Sister Barclay put together a Missionary Choir, and we went to a little hole-in-the-wall recording studio (that turned out to be very high quality), and recorded some Christmas songs in Bulgarian for the membership in Bulgaria, because all the recordings of Hymns online or on CD are English. It was fun, and reminded me a little bit of Jazz Choir, only with name tags and in Bulgarian! After that, we got back to our city, where I found out that I would actually be sering as the Second Councillor in the Branch Presidency, as opposed to the President! A weight off of the shoulders! There is still a lot of work to do, because Elder Whiting, the Senior Missionary who is the Branch President speaks very little Bulgarian, and there is only one other active Priesthood holder in the Branch (a Bulgarian), but I can breathe a little easier now. It will still be a great experience though!

Mother, the SKYPE name is Ronald.Hardy8, correct? We were thinking about doing Skype around 1800 our time--is that OK for you? Just let me know. I love you so much, you are going to do great directing. Will you be sure to capture some video for me? Keep working with those Beehives!

Father, advice is still welcome! I really agree about what you said about ministering and administering; if we truly want to show love, we need to be sure to be effective in the latter to give our full attention to the other. I will let you know if I have othe concerns as well. I love you!

Paige! You will make a good Mother! Sing your heart out, I love you.

Ronnie, I hope you get a huge mustache! I love you.

Lizzie, I love you so much, and know that you are going got do great! Smile!

Very little time, but I just hope that all of you have had a chance to watch the video "A Savior is Born". I add my testimony to the testimony of the children on that video that I too know that He was born, and loves us all!

I love you, have a great week!

Hugs,

Elder Hardy

This is a OBGYN place in Varna. Thought of you, Father!

Father...Any Advice?

Family of Mine!

I love you so much! It sounds like you had a great week! I love reading about your escapades! You truly have the Light of Christ shining in your eyes. Life is great here in Bulgaria, the work moves forward!

So, we got transfer calls this week, and I am leaving Varna, and will no longer be serving as a Zone Leader--in Stara Zagora, I will be in a Three-some (again!), but with a Missionary that just finished being trained, and a new missionary from the MTC. Also, because there is a lack of Priesthood holders in Stara Zagora, I will be serving as the Branch President. It is actually interesting because 8 or so months ago, Elder Stakebake served as the Branch President there as well! It should be a new, exciting, and interesting challenge. I am a little bit nervous about how finding a balance between Ecclesiastical Duties and Missionary Duties will work out, but I am sure it will be fine. It has driven me to my knees already, and I know it will again and again throughout these next few months, but I am grateful for the opportunity to come closer to the Lord. If we knock, he will be there. I have a feeling I will probably have sore knuckles before long, but for that I am grateful.

In other news, we had a neat opportunity to do service for an Irishman who lives in a Village near Varna--he is the second councilor in the Branch Presidency. We moved a bunch of dirt from to his garden in the backyard, and he told us about his crazy days serving in the Irish and British Armies. He had some...just almost unbelievable stories. It was a great experience.

Mother; thank you so much for sending those gifts! I should be sending my...simple Christmas gifts to all of you today, so I hope you get them in time for Christmas! They really are simple, but I hope you know that they are from the heart. I love you so much. I am excited to hear about the daily scripture study! It really does make the difference in so many ways. The Lord cannot NOT bless us for taking even the simplest of steps. In terms of Christmas, I am sure we will get it figured out without a problem. I am looking forward to seeing all of you as well. I love you so much Mother!

Father; thank you so much for sending those pictures! I really do appreciate it. So...any advice? I am really looking forward to being able to work more closely with the members of the Church there in Stara Zagora; I just really hope that I will be able to be a true representative of the Lord for them. In any case, I know that the Lord's hand is in it, and if I am humble, he will not allow me to go astray. Thanks for your example of faithful service, and thank you so much for loving my mother--it has always been such a huge blessing in my life to see how you always support her and love her and are behind every step that she takes. I hope that I can be that kind of husband one day. I love you so much!

Paige; I think of you as well--this past week (or two weeks? I cannot remember) we were on exchanges with the Assistants. and I rode in the big transfer van to an appointment that we had, and I was reminded of us talking together all those mornings going to seminary (or rather grunting to each other, but still). Serving the Lord and learning his word are worth all the sacrifices that we can make for them. I love you so much!

Ronnie; remember, no matter how mean the guy you are wrestling is, it is never an excuse to be mean back--I remember getting pretty frustrated with some people I was wrestling, but it always ended up leading to me making mistakes, not performing better. I love you so much little brother--take care of all those girls that are hanging around the house these days!

Lizzie; I love Volley-ball! Don't let anyone tell you that you are too short--just become a really good setter! I love you so much, have a great week!

As I was reading in the Book of Mormon this morning, I was thinking and pondering about what I could do to be ready for my new assignments, and wondering what I could do to be prepared--I think I was looking for some sort of hint at a skill that I should improve, or a certain topic that I need to focus on working with my new companions and area, something that I could do to improve. The Lord answers our prayers through the scriptures, but not always in the way that we think. As I read 2 Nephi 20:15, I realized what the Lord was trying to tell me; "Shall the ax boast itself against him that heweth therewith? Shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it?". We are simply the Lord's tools. He shaketh the saw, and he swings the ax, we just only need to focus on keeping ourselves sharp, being there in the Lord's tool-shed when he needs us, and the Lord does the rest. I know that he exists, and if we seek his guidance in doing good works, He will always guide us. I love you so much, have a great week!

Smiles,

Elder Hardy

Here are some that actually have YOU in them. Tell your folks we think you are as terrific missionary.

These are from the Senior Couple that serves in Varna. They are so wonderful!

I have many thanks to give!

Family Mine!

Thank you so much for the wonderful letter, and the wonderful pictures as well! I am glad to see that there is snow--there is nothing like Christmas with a dusting of white. There is no snow here, but the wind has picked up! I am doing great, and had a great Thanksgiving--we were in Sofia for a lot of the week for some extra training for Elder Wilson (and for us trainers as well), but we were able to get back to Varna just in time Thursday evening to eat Thanksgiving Dinner with a half-Russian half-American family, and there was more than enough food to go around! It was a good time--I will get some pictures, and see if I can't send them to you next week. I am so grateful for so many things...I will talk about that later.

This week, in Sofia we were on exhanges with the Assistants to the President, but we had a chance to teach one of the (now) former investigators that I worked with in Sofia--we were talking with her about how we can recognize when God is speaking to us, and how to know how he guides us, and at one point in the conversation, Elder Kanuchion and I both reached for the Book of Mormon at the same time, and, without talking about it, simultaneously opened up to Moroni 7:16-17. We both looked at each other a little bit surprisedly, but then we smiled and moved forward. The Holy Ghost DOES bring back to our remembrance what we have studied before, and if we have prepared, he will prompt us to teach in the Lord's way. It was a neat experience!

Mother; the shops are definitely getting into the Holiday spirit! They put up Christmas lights all around the whole town, so we are excited for that as well. They aren't really playing that much Christmas music as far as I know, but we also don't really spend that much time in stores, so it could very well be! They are very into Christmas, and have Santa Claus and Christmas Eve and a lot of those things--they also have some interesting traditions as well--I can't remember all the details at the moment though, so I will write them later. Thank you Mom, for all the hard work you put into Thanksgiving every year--it really is such a huge blessing to have that time together as a family. I am grateful for you Mom!

Father; thank you so much for including those pictures and stories about your Father--I feel so blessed to be one of his Grandsons, and I am so grateful for the example that he set. Thank you so much for sharing those, Dad, they really do mean a LOT to me. We had the activity about Family History this week, and it just fills me with wonder, awe, and indescribable gratitude just to think about those who came before me, who have helped so much in shaping who I am, and have done so much just by setting such a meaningful example of faith! You are that kind of Father, Father, and I can only hope to become one such in the future. I am grateful for you, Father!

Jordan! I am grateful for you because of your laugh, and your smile, and your willingness to be silly, and your willingness to put up with your goofy younger siblings, and so many other things that I cannot count, but I am grateful for you!

Rees! I am so grateful for your faithful example, and also for your gift with words--I love your poetry, I love the way to talk, and I just love being around you. Thank you for being there to listen to me, and to be dumb with me from time to time. I am thankful for you!

Paige; I love you so much! I am grateful for you because of your sweetness and for your wonderful personality--I have never met another person like you, little Archaeologist, Architect, Eco-Friendly singing Sister of mine! I am grateful for the love that I feel from you. I love you, and am thankful for you!

Ronnie; I am thankful for your patience with me, and your sincere desires--I think about the most sincere people that I know, and you are right up there at the top little brother. I am grateful for your good desires, and for your kind-nature with those around you. I am grateful for you little brother!

Lizzie; I am grateful for so many things about you, but I am so grateful for your dilligence! You have always been such a good example of doing the right thing consistently, because you simply know that it is the right thing. I am grateful for your smile, your hugs, and for the radiance that you have in your countenance. I am grateful for you!

I am sure you have seen a thousand more inspiring messages about gratitude recently than I could give you in an Email, but I want you to know that I have a testimony of gratitude! It really does bring us happiness, regardless of our circumstances.

This week, as I was reading and studying, I came across a great verse in 2 Nephi 18:6, talking about how the people of Israel refused the waters of Shiloh (see John 9:6-7), or in other words, The Savior and his power, and chose to seek after worldly power to solve their problems. At the end of so many stories that we read about in the Scriptures, Church History, and in our own lives, the Lord is simply trying to teach us that we must rely on Him, and if we do, we will overcome, we will truly be happy. I have been thinking about that a lot recently, and about what the Lord has been trying to teach me in that regard as of late. I know that if we can simply leave our pride at the door (and not just outwardly, but inwardly, down to our very core), and choose to do it the Lord's way, we will not only find true peace and happiness, but will find success. Of that I am certain. I love you all so much, have a great week!

I don't have a good picture of myself right now, and it is sort of dark where we are emailing, so I will take a good one this week, and be sure to send it to you next week--is that too late? I am so sorry! I will send the best one I have, though it may be a bit old! Maybe you could use the baptism one? I will send another next week, but that is the best I have for now. Sorry!

Love,

Elder Hardy

A Full House!

Family Mine!

Thank you so much for the wonderful letter! I am very glad to hear that you are all safe and sound, that no trees fell on anyone that I love (or anyone at all, hopefully!), and that we learned a great lesson about emergency preparedness--we loose water here about 3-4 times a week here (for the last 4-5 weeks or so because they are doing a HUGE reconstruction of the water system in Varna), and it really has made me appreciate how good it feel to be prepared, and how much of a let down it is to NOT be. Also, we talked about the Second Coming in Gospel Principles, so it was a full sweep from the Spirit about thinking ahead. I think of all the things that serving as a Missionary has taught me, that is one of the most salient. Be Prepared!

This week was good--we were on exchanges with the Elders from Ruse, but I was here in Varna. This week we had the chance to talk to a (now) less-active member, and to hear his conversion story--he went from church to church, has read the Bible over and over, has read the Koran and the Talmuda, and practiced most Eastern Religions for at least a little bit, but when he came to the Church, he just said that it felt so right, he simply knew that it was the place that he had been searching for, the place that God wanted him to end up at. However, after a couple of years, he fell out of the everyday habits, and (in his own words) fell into "hibernation" as a member (I was sorely tempted to give him Elder Ukedorf's talk about Sleeping through the Restoration, but maybe a little later). It was great to be able to help him come back to the basics, and he said a great closing prayer. Small and Simple things! It was a great week.

Mother; we were invited to Thanksgiving at the home of a half-American half-Russian Family that recently moved to live here in Varna, but we might be on a bus back from Sofia, so we'll see--it might be some cashews and banitza on the bus this year, but for that we can still be thankful! Thank you in advance for sending the package! Elder Stakebake decorated the apartment for Christmas last week, and we even sang some Christmas Songs in church yesterday (more because the first speaker went really short, but still), so we are excited. Church yesterday was a blast--we had probably 9-10 nonmembers there, including people from Algeria, Sweden, Germany, and even Bulgaria--It was a full house! It was great fun. Love you so much!

Father; that paragraph above was my first attempt--I will try to improve! Also, I was reading some of your poems this week, and they are so good, I think I am going to try and translate a few of them into Bulgarian to share with some members. I love you so much!

Paige; Every picture, you look more and more grown up. Crazy. I love you so much, share your smile with those around you! I have been thinking a lot about social pressure this week...it is a decision to live the Gospel, and it is a choice to be different. I promise you that making that choice (though I think you already have), will bring you 1000% more happiness, no matter what those around you say. Stick to those who share your standards, and love the brains out of those who don't. Read For the Strength of Youth, and live what is in it, and you will be strong in a way that no one around you is, because you will be full of the Holy Ghost, you will truly be walking tall before your Father in Heaven. I love you so much! Ronnie, Lizzie, all that goes for you as well!

Ronnie; Camp-out! Have a good time with those young men, love and serve them--what a blessing to be part of a priesthood quorum! The young men here really don't have that chance--it is such a blessing. I love you little brother!

Lizzie; I love you, little Sister! Keep loving your big brothers and sisters, and your friends as well. Listen to Paige, she is a great guide, and I know that you'll be happy. I love you!

So many thoughts this week...I have been thinking about how we can work more closely with our Branch Leaders this week, and it really has made an impression on me one, how vital it is for us to come together as ONE as Saints, in all the phases of service, but also how vital it is to really CARE about the service that we give. Do we truly, honestly, deep in our Hearts, care about those who are part of our Ward Family? Do we think about them on days other than Sunday? Do we pray for them sincerely, not just because we think that we should? Does it sting us when we see empty pews in Sacrament Meeting, not because we just want full pews, but because we know the blessings missed by those for whom our heart burns? Have WE tasted of the fruit ourselves? When was the last time that we truly felt the Spirit burn in our hearts? Those are the feelings that will truly lead us to be dedicated servants of the Lord, and that without hypocrisy, and without guile. I need to care more, I need to love more, because, while it opens our heart for more hurt, it unlocks our heart to the greatest joy. The Savior, who suffered all, truly has the greatest capacity to love, because his heart was the most open to be hurt. May we love those around us and serve more sincerely (and I as well!). I love you all so much, have a great week!

With a smile,

Elder Hardy

Time Flies...

Family Mine!

Thank you so much for the wonderful letter! I do not have as much time as I would like to write today, but I really am grateful for the time that I do have, and for all the wonderful news!

This week we were doing exchanges just in Varna, so we didn't travel this week! It was nice, and we had the opportunity to do some neat service this week--there is a Catholic soup Kitchen in our area, and we had the chance to go and help out serving the food there. Service really truly is a powerful way to feel the Spirit, it is truly the most fulfilling of all activities, and is ordained of God. God encourages us to always be serving those around us for so many reasons, but the simple joy of seeing others happier because of what you have done for them...that in of itself has no replacement, fills one with a joy that cannot be found in doing any other action, in any other use of one's time. Truly, he who is in the service of his fellow men is not only in the service of his God, but in a backwards, strangely paradoxical way, of his own soul. I am glad we have the scriptures to guide us to that course!

Mother; however you feel--my size is 9, maybe 9 and a half... a 42, whatever that works out to be. I will be happy with whatever, but I just learned that Elder Stakebake really likes Twizzlers, so that might be a good thing to throw in there. Thank you so much! We still teach English, and it is certainly fun. We do a lot of analogies and things to keep it interesting. Elder Wilson is doing well--it is fun to see him be surprised and amazed the same way I was when I got here by all the little quirks. Fun. Also, if there are any more FAmily History stories, we are having an activity soon...if there are any more, it would be appreciated. I love you so much!

Dad! I love you so much, thank you for your advice and your example. I am grateful I have this time as a Missionary to be able to learn how to follow the Spirit, so that I can be a useful tool of the Lord wherever I am placed in my Ward, and also as a Father. We have been pushing as a Mission to get back to the basics as members, including daily family scripture study. How are we doing? I love you so much!

Jordan! Wow, you are so beautiful! I am so grateful for your example of faithful and tireless service. I love you so much, you are so blessed to get to be in the Temple that frequently...it fills me with such gratitude that we live so close to a Temple...do we realize how great a blessing that is? i love you so much!

Paige, you are truly stunning. I love you so much, keep singing, have a great week!

Ronnie; pins for wins. Love!

Lizzie: I love you little Sister! Give Jordan another squeeze for me! I love you so much.

Again. so sorry that I do not have more time, but I just want to let you know how grateful I am for the time that the Lord has given me to serve. There really is no greater happiness than seeing happiness in those that you love, in seeing the here and now swapped for the eternal and everlasting, to see a guiding light shined where there is darkness, to see the Spirit illuminate one's soul. I feel so blessed that I have been able to see that light shined in my life, to know the Plan, to know how to make the most of the time given to me, by giving it to others. O how much I love you all! Много ви обичам!

Smiles,

Elder Hardy

God's Grace

Family Mine!

It is good for things to be back to normal! Also, thank you for the great letters. It is sort of weird to have this short of a gap between writing, but it happens. I love you so much!

The end of the week was fairly normal, with some good experiences teaching and tracting as well--we got let in at a few places, and talked with a lot of very friendly people, which is always good. Also, very healthy for Elder Wilson's desire to do that sort of contacting, which was a great blessing from the Lord, because, as he will find out, not every night is exactly like that one! I hope they all are that way for him--he is a great Missionary. Other than that, I played piano in our 2 1/2 member primary, mostly for the little blond Russian-American children, which was fun. They can't decide which language they want to sing in! Fun.

Give a HUGE hug to Jordan for me! Let her know that I love her, and am very proud of her!

Mother; that is an interesting thought, right? The world is a funny place, and the Lord finds all sorts of interesting ways to change our perspective. I had some other ideas for the package, but I can't remember them, so no worries! Thank you so much, in advance! I love you.Give Hailey a high-five from me, and tell her that I am impressed by her musical abilities. We do not have a primary program mostly because until a few weeks ago, we had one nursery child and one 10 year-old, but maybe in the future! I love you so much!

Father; I love what you said about your testimony being shown by how you live after your Mission--when Elder Klebingat came, he talked a LOT about how now is the time to decide how our lives will be different because we served a mission, and what we can do to protect ourselves from the temptations that will certainly come. His main message was...be preparing now! Like Moroni prepared for the oncoming Lamanites well before they arrived, and continued to prepare after they had even left, defeated, we need to choose NOW to be the time to build our defenses, to decide what sort of person we will be. I love you Father!

Paige; keep singing little Sister, I love you so much, be sure to always let your light shine! I have the picture of you in your Homecoming dress in my album, and people usually let out a little gasp when they get to that picture. I love you so much, you are beautiful!

Ronnie; ask Dad about the point system, and then just go out there and have a blast. Wrestling really does get you in good shape, and will be extremely useful in your future roll as undefeatable Uncle Ronnie! I love you, keep singing, read PMG!

Lizzie; I love you so much! Did you know that Volleyball is almost as popular as Soccer (not AS popular, but getting there) here in Bulgaria? People go crazy about it. Keep playing, it is a fun sport. I love you so much!

As a Missionary, I really can say that through work, I have changed things about myself, I really have seen some personal progress, for which I am extremely grateful, but there are still a few things that I just cannot seem to overcome, that it feels like I take one step forward, two steps back. AS I was reading and pondering the scriptures and some materials that President Barclay gave us this week, however, I came to a realization about a principle that I have read and talked about so many times, but maybe just haven't faithfully applied, and therefore did not truly understand. What does it mean to be changed by Grace, or in other words, the enabling power of the Atonement? I was really struck by 2 Nephi 10:24, where it talks about how we need to submit our will to the Father, only AFTER which his grace can work a mighty change on us--in other words, God will not help us become what He doesn't want/ knows we should not become! The first step in truly experiencing a true, deep change is to seek His council, to know what HE sees us as becoming, how we can truly progress in the most appropriate direction, as opposed to simply relying on our own wisdom. Work is a key key element in changing ourselves, but without the help of the Savior, we truly cannot overcome those biggest barriers, those most stubbornly entrenched attributes of the Natural Man, burrowed deeply into the corners of our Character. He requires us to come to him to be able to overcome them not only because they are too much for us alone, but because He, in his love, wants us to experience and be sure of his care and concern for us. I know it is true, because I have seen it, and hope to continue to see it in my life. I hope that we will all turn to the Savior to receive his Grace, to truly be able to change, to become little by little more like Him, and thus more joyful and happy.

I love you all so much, have a great week!

With Love,

Elder Hardy

Roman Bath Ruins! That one is for Paige.

An interesting Statue...that is the Black Sea in the Background

We took these pictures on a morning run. Go Varna!

What a week...and a Half!

Dear Family,

Thank you for the wonderful letter! It is so great to hear from you. Wow! It is so weird to think that I am going to be the only missionary in our family...strange. Give her a big hug from me when she gets off that airplane! Or out of the car more likely!

Sorry for the delay--these last 10 days or so have been very busy, yet fulfilling! On Wednesday we went to Sofia and picked up Elder Wilson, fresh out of the MTC--he is from the heart of Salt Lake, and is really great. I really mostly feel bad for him, because the next 9 days (i.e. his first 9 days in Bulgaria) were pretty off the wall. We had a baptism on Friday, the Halloween Party on Saturday (I will be sure to send you pictures next week--I have to get them from Sister Christensen--I went as a wizard), then a Europe East Area Broadcast, with some really great speakers on Sunday. Monday gets it's own paragraph.

We wake up early to catch a 730 bus to Sofia, so that Elder Stakebake and I can be there for a 230 Mission Council with Elder Klebingat from the Seventy, only to get there and find out that there are 2 seats free... but not 3! We frantically checked other buses and trains only to find out that there was nothing that could get us there in time, or even near enough for the Assistants to come and get us in their car. In our slight panic, Elder Stakebake jokingly looks over at the signs and says "there is a flight at 830 for Sofia!". We all laughed, a few seconds passed, then we looked at each other...a few phone calls later, we were in a Taxi going to the Airport, when we realized that Elder Wilson had no personal identification--a few frantic calls and the other Varna Elders were on the way to our apartment which they got into through a miracle, and then speeding to the Airport. At this point, we had found out that the flight, miraculously, actually departs at 855. At around 835, we hadn't bought tickets yet, because we couldn't buy one for Elder Wilson, when someone suggested that we call President, ask to be able to leave Elder Wilson for the other Elders to pick up 6 minutes later, for Elder Stakebake and I to buy tickets, and to just jump on. Thanks to a VERY kind ticketing agent and the insistence of an information lady, about a 2 minute trip through security, and a LARGE depletion in Elder Hardy's MSF for the month, we jumped on the plane at about 850, and were in Sofia by about 930. Heart Attack. We washed President's Car for the headache that we gave him (he was very kind), the Council was WONDERFUL (more on that on Monday when there is more time), and we reunited with our distressed trainee that evening. I will never forget that day.

Other than that, life is fairly normal. I can write more next week.

Mother; we do get an extra hour of study for trainees, and we study the language for an hour every day, whether we have a trainee or not (though we do our best to not cut it short for a lesson, which we may or may not have done before). In terms of a package, the Cliff Bars are great, there are good breakfast things, but I do need some more gray dress socks, and a few ties would be fun as well. Lucky Charms wouldn't be bad either, but whatever you think--I trust you! Thank you so much Mom. I love you!

Father, thank you for your good example! I learned a lot about planning ahead this week, and I am grateful for your example of diligence. I love you so much Father!

Paige; Cabin Leader...Fancy! I love you so much little Sister. Say hello to the Choir for me! Both of my companions sing, so we sang a trio for Zone Conference. Number 100!

Ronnie; pins give the team more points in the end of the Match anyway, so keep it up! I love you so much little Brother. Keep being a good example, love you friends, love your Mother!

Lizzie; I love how all of your candy is organized in that picture. So typical! You are a great example to me, and you sure are sweet! I love you.

The work here in Varna is going well--one young man hasa baptismal date for 12 December--he is a deep thinker, and likes to take things slowly, but he said the opening prayer out loud last night, he expressed a good understanding that he needs to come to church every Sunday after he is baptized, and he committed to read the Book of Mormon every day, so we are hopeful for him! He is one of the funniest people that I have met. Life is great!

When was the last time that we seriously repented? I thought about that this week--if we really can become good repenters, we can always have the Spirit to be with us. I love you all so much!

Love,

Elder Hardy

The More the Merrier!

Family Mine!

Thank you so much for the wonderful letter! It really looks like things are going well. I have a lot of things to say this week, and not very much time to write them in! I love you all so much.

This week was a crazy one--it started out with us going to Veliko Turnovo to do a baptismal interview...only to have her not show up to the interview. We then scheduled another one with her for the next day, to which again she was unable to attend. It was a little bit disheartening, but it was good to be there with the Elders in Turnovo during that time, because if it was hard for us, it was an even larger disappointment for them as well. She is still great, but she just needs a little bit time to be sure! We then rushed back to Varna to go on exchanges with the Varna Elders, which was great--We had a neat experience; one of Elder Davries's goals was to follow the Spirit to know with whom we need to talk to, and we made a goal that he would tell me, verbally, every time he got that feeling. As the day went on and we did it several times, he decided that we needed to talk with an older man. Despite hesitations about choosing an 80 year old over different candidates coming by, we stopped and talked to him, but he was not interested at all--after about 5 minutes of trying to withdraw from the conversation about Libian Bridge Building, we finally succeeded, turned around, and almost ran into a young couple just coming out of their store on a coffee break. We had a great conversation with them, and set up a lesson. If we had not talked to that Old Man, we would have walked right on by before they came out on their break. What a blessing! After the exchange, we got ready for Kremena's baptism--she quit coffee! It was such a miracle to see that answer to prayer. However, the opposition wasn't over (and actually still isn't...)--though her Husband is fine with her joining the Church, he is very hesitant about any documents, which led to some headaches the morning of the baptism, that were resolved only with the help of the wonderful 2nd Councillor in the Branch Presidency, and lots of frantic prayer. At the end of the day however, she was baptized and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. She really is wonderful, but keep praying for her--there is still more thorny path for us to walk, but we know that with faith, we can make it.

In OTHER news (so much news!), transfer calls were this Saturday, and Elder Stakebake and I are staying together as the Zone Leaders in the Third Zone, but (to our great surprise), we are going to have the unique opportunity of training at the same time! We will be in a triple companionship, with a new Elder from the MTC. I can say with confidence that that was not what I was expecting, but it truly will be a unique and wonderful experience. Both Elder Stakebake and I are excited.

Mother; Thank you so much for the pictures! It is so great to see your faces, and to be able to show them to the Branch Members and such. Thank you so much! in terms of a package, whatever you feel. just maybe without the gum--we are asked to not chew gum in public, so I usually end up giving it away. Thank you so much for it though! In terms of suits, it is fairly easy as I understand, I just haven't made time for it yet though. I will for sure though! I love you so much, Mother!

Dad; I love you so much! Thank you for the pictures and for your example!

Paige; are you in choir leadership? Fancy. I love you so much, little Sister. It is ALWAYS better to follow the Spirit, as opposed to our own judgement. I would have stayed home with you! Keep on, little Sister.

Ronnie! Happy Birthday, little Brother. I just want to start out by telling you how proud I am of you, who you were, are, and what you are becoming. You really are such a great example not only to me, but to those around you. I have WAY to many memories with you to say that I have picked the most appropriate, but here goes nothing! I think one of my favorite memories is of you when you were a lot littler, when we still lived on Wilson Way--I remember coming into the kitchen, and seeing you with your little hands in the sugar container, just loading up a piece of bread with white sugar--a carbohydrate overload! It was a picture in my mind that I will never forget. Also, remember to never slip and bump your head...because Ronnie's not dead! I hope you know that I think the world of you little brother, and will ALWAYS be proud to be counted as you Brother. Listen to Dad, he knows his stuff, love Lizzie, tickle Paige for me. Love your Mother. Ronnie, you truly are one of a kind, and for that I will always love you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Lizzie--that really is a great pumpkin! I am thoroughly impressed. I love you little Sister!

No more time, but I just want to bear my testimony--I am so grateful for serving a mission, for what it has taught me about repentance--there really is no other way to become more like our Savior, without passing through it's gates. I love you all so much, have a great week!

Love,

Elder Hardy

She did it! There are still some issues to be overcome, so please keep praying for Kremena, but I am so grateful for your prayers on behalf of her!

Life on the Highway!

Family Mine,

Thank you for the wonderful letter! It looks like things are doing great at home. I always love to hear about your comings and goings. Always remember what a blessing it is to be a family! There is no better place to feel the Spirit, there is no better place to grow, there is no better place to have meaningful enjoyment. Happy Birthday to Ronnie! More about that later.

This week was one full of travel, but also full of wonderful blessings! On Tuesday I traveled to Ruse to be on exchanges with Elder Duncan (which was wonderful!), then right from there Elder Stakebake and I met up in Veliko Turnovo to do exchanges with the Elders there! We got back into Varna Friday night, exhausted, but excited. The next day, a wonderful young man, who had been being taught by the other Missionaries in Varna, but with whom I had made friends with in Church (he is studying chemistry!) asked me to baptize him; it was a little bit of a surprise, but a happy one! It was a great experience, and it was wonderful to see his face, to see the Spirit and cleanliness that radiated in them. What a blessing it is that our Heavenly Father has given us, to be able to be born again, every Sunday if we choose, if we are desiring! We are also preparing for the baptism of our wonderful investigator this Saturday! Please keep praying that she will be able to resist the desire to drink coffee. A long, great week.

Mother; we usually do spend at least a part of our week traveling--not every week, but because there are 4 other cities in our Zone, we do have to travel at least 4 times for exchanges, not including baptismal interviews of people that are taught by the District Leader in any given city. We are VERY acquainted with Bulgarian buses and trains! They serve in Varna, Stara Zagora, Sofia, Plovdiv and Sliven. They are wonderful! The dishes that you ate are called Shopska Salad (the cucumber, pepper, tomato), the casserole thing is called Мусика, and the rolls with the feta are called мелинки, and the feta cheese is called сирене. I think the other thing is called a кашкавалка, but they make them in a lot of different ways, so I am not sure. I love you so much, Mother. Thank you for being such a faithful Mother in Zion. I will always be grateful! Also, your package got here! I should have it by tomorrow. Thank you so much!

Father, thank you so much for all that you do. We gave Branch Council a go this week, and I couldn't help but think of the Ward Councils that you have. I hope ours become a little bit more like yours, but we are making progress! I really do love the members here--they are so strong, so full of faith. I love you Dad, have a great week!

Paige, I feel your pain about AP History! It is something that you will discover more and more as you continue in your education--there comes a point where studying really makes the difference--those that read the textbook are those that really get a good, deep understanding of the topics, and those who don't survive with the surface material, but lecture alone doesn't suffice to cover the depth and breadth of the topic. I am grateful for the study skills that we learn from studying the Gospel--it takes effort to truly study a topic, but I promise it will make the whole class more meaningful and even fun, when you know what is going on. You can do it, ask for the Lord's help not only to succeed, but to have fun while doing it. I love you so much little Sister! Who is you teacher, by the way?

RONNIE! I don't have the sufficient time today to do your birthday wish justice--I will think about it this week and then write it next week. I love you so much, little Brother. Seek for the things that bring lasting joy and progression, and I promise you that you will never regret it. I promise you that, for I have seen it in my own life, and especially in the lives of not only people that we work with, but also in the lives of other Missionaries. I love you little Brother!

Lizzie; I love you little Sister! I think you are sweet enough to just go as yourself for Halloween, and you would be the sweetest thing in that building, but that is my personal opinion. I love you little Sister.

This week I have really been pondering the true meaning of humility--I sometimes take things so seriously, especially when it comes to how missionary work should be done, that I forget the importance of working together, listening to the advice of a companion. This week I really have been trying hard to do things OUR way, not just My way, and being honest...it has been hard from time time. Shamefully difficult, actually. I bear my testimony, however, that we have had the Spirit powerfully however, because we truly have had UNITY, not just agreeance or partnership. What a blessing! In relationships with those we love, we must always be willing to yield to the other, and ESPECIALLY to the Spirit. As we give our will to the Father, he makes more of us than we can ourselves. A great, tough principle! I love it. I love you so much, have a great week!

With Love,

Elder Hardy

Baptism! He truly is great!

Come Listen to a (dubbed) Prophet's Voice!

Family Mine!

Thank you so much for the wonderful letter! It really sounds like everything is going great, and that life moves on at it's regular rapid pace. Thank you for the pictures and for the love. You are really all so great!

This week was really great, as usual! We were on exchanges for the beginning of the week with the missionaries from Shumen, we had the opportunity to teach Bulgarian at a Conference for the Senior Couples in the Mission held here in Varna, which was really fun (I could only think of Grandma and Grandpa Madsen, and Grandma B). We taught about counting, which was fun--it seems so strange to see them struggle, and even stranger to remember that 8 months or so ago, I was just the same. How time flies. After that, Conference was really wonderful--I really could understand it well this time, and the talks were just what I needed to hear, on so many accounts. There is no way that these men are not prophets and Apostles, no way that they were not inspired of the Holy Ghost to speak those words on those topics. What a blessing, what a blessing. One of our wonderful investigators came with her daughter to the Saturday morning and Sunday Morning Sessions, and her little daughter (with a little help from one of the Senior Missionaries) was quiet enough that she really got to listen to some of the talks. She is so excited to get baptized, but just needs some help gathering the strength to quit drinking coffee. Prays on her behalf would be very appreciated--she truly is a wonderful daughter of God.

Mother; Things are great! I love you so much, just so you know. People do grow pumpkins here, but they are not orange...they are gray, and they have extremely thick rinds, unsuitable for carving (apparently), and there is not really any harvest celebration that I know of. We will be having a Halloween Celebration as a Branch however! It should be fun. That looks like a fun car! I am glad sad to see the old CRV go, but such is life I guess. Also, I love you so much, have a great week!

Father; thank you for the pictures! There is a Sister in our Ward who is a nurse by profession, but a comedian on the side (not really, but she is funny enough to be one), who asks me how your work is going every time I see her. I usually say something about it being joyful. She is an older lady, who is in charge of the Primary, and loves children. It is so neat to see how she just lights up around little children. Thank you for doing what you do! I love you Dad.

Paige; wow! You look so good. I love you little Sister--I hope you saw why I love the Stake Dance so much more than any School Dances that I ever attended. There is always more happiness and joy in righteousness, little Sister. I liked the talk about the Barrier and the Sharks...let us always have our binoculars at the ready!

Ronnie, it really looks like you have a great group of friends--always keep them close, and always remember to always be inviting all to join in. The Savior was always inclusive, as opposed to the opposite, and we should always do our best to follow his example. Also, bravo for scoring the touchdowns! I love you little Brother.

Lizzie! I am sorry that it is a little bit later, but I want to share my birthday memory! There are so many, but I think some of my favorite memories are of your great family Home Evening Lessons. I don't remember if I have said it before, but I still have that little Red Piece of Paper with the motto of that one Submarine Pilot who sailed under Antarctica, and always carried three sayings in his pocket. I remember how you taught us so well from the scriptures and from the words of the living prophets, even though you were so little! You always have been a wonderful, smiling presence in my life, from the day that you were born. I love you so much little Sister, you really are one of a kind, and I hope that you don't ever become any other way!

Just a quick thought about love--I was so struck not only by Elder Holland's talk about motherly love, but just by the love and care that truly radiated in the Eyes of the General Authorities and Auxiliary leaders. Love really is the key to all of our relationships--if we can truly learn to "see other people through the eyes of their parents, their Heavenly Parents", as one of the new Aposltes said. It truly will change how we live and how we act. I need to work on that, and I am excited to apply other things as well. I love you so much, have a great week!

With a smile,

Elder Hardy

Take a Step Back

Dear Family Mine!

Thank you for the wonderful letter! It sounds like a great, great week! I really cannot express how much being a missionary has helped me to realize even deeper and deeper what a blessing the Gospel has been to our Family, and how much of a difference living the Gospel makes, even when it is difficult. The Lord blesses and prospers those who follow his commandments, those who loose their life in his service. I am so grateful that I can be a missionary, that I can give this time to him. There is nothing more important not only for our eternal destiny, but also for the happiness and success of our lives in this life. Stick to it, stick to it, that is all we need to do, and it will turn out. Of that I am sure. This week in Mission Leadership Council, President Barclay bore a powerful testimony about how if we, as missionaries think our testimonies and faith in our Savior are solid now, that we have no idea what another 40 years of living the Gospel will do. He reminded us that we are still just starting out, fledglings, just stretching our wings, learning to rely on the Lord. It was a powerful experience to feel the Spirit as he bore his testimony of the Savior. He is really a great example to us, to me.

This week was a great one in some ways, and tough in others--our wonderful investigator is really looking good to get baptized on the 24th of October, and we are extremely excited for her. Also, we uncovered that her husband (kind, but not interested) may not be into the Gospel, but he IS into Ping-pong...by small and simple means, are great things brought to pass. That is all I have to say about that. We had a lot of lessons fall through, and we traveled quite a bit for exchanges in Burgas, but no worries. I have been praying for more humility lately, so it is only to be expected. However, I have definitely been feeling more humble lately, so (as usual), our gracious Heavenly Father knows best!

Mother; the package would come to Sofia, so I don't know yet, but I should find out by at least next preparation day. Thank you so much, whether it is there or not! There are not really any pine trees, but the weather has gotten got a little bit cooler, and it is very beautiful here. This really is an amazingly beautiful country, in so many ways. Ponderizing sounds neat! I am not sure how they will translate that word into Bulgarian, but I will give a try for sure--it sounds like a great idea. Thank you so much for all that you do for us, Mother. I love you so much!

Father; just to double check--you are getting lots of pictures of Ronnie scoring these touchdowns, correct? It sounds like you had a great time down there in Salt Lake. Do you remember when we went? President Monson wiggled his ears. I will remember that forever! I love you so much, Father, have a great week!

Paige; I am proud of you for making that choice! Seminary really is something that we need to get everything we can from--it will give you a base of scriptural knowledge for the rest of your life. I am sorry that I did not set a better example! You will do great, I love you!

Ronnie; superstar! I am so proud of you little brother. Always remember that the Lord has given us every talent that we possess, and we should always be seeking to use them for the benefit of others, for their spiritual and physical well being (though I don't think a stiff-arm or two is out of place!). I love you so much little Brother--always remember that you are a bearer of the Holy Priesthood of God--that is the most important team you will ever be a part of. I love you!

Lizzie; whenever I tell people that plays Футбол, they are quite surprised, but pleased that their beloved game has "leaked across the pond." You are great, keep being friends with all those around you, even the other players on the other team. I love you so much! I will write you about your birthday more next week, when I have a little more time--I want to do it justice! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Not a lot of time, but I just want to share a quick story--we showed a young man that we met of the street the Church Building late one night, and after he left, a friend of the church was coming towards the building, and heard them talking, just absolutely in wonder at what they were feeling, why they (the young man and his girlfriend) were feeling so good, why they felt so bright and happy inside. The Holy Ghost is real, and it stays with us when we follow the Path of our Savior. Happiness is a fruit of the Spirit--if you are not happy, seek the spirit. I promise that it will bring you up faster than any other influence. I love you all so much!

With a smile,

Elder Hardy

Sorry that I have to be so quick! We are doing a FH activity in the branch, and we have been asked to collect stories. If you have any, could you send just a few my way? Thank you so much!

I love you!

Elder Hardy

Preparation makes Perfect

Family Mine!

Thank you for the wonderful letter! It sounds like another successful week back on the farm. (Quite the harvest you had this year!). I love you all am grateful that you are all safe and strong.

This week we had a great Zone Training meeting, and some really great miracles. The Assistants gave a great training about becoming a Consecrated Missionary in a joyful way, without putting unrealistic expectations on ourselves--as a demonstration, that had me come to the front, and they put three onions and a cheese grater in front of me. I started to worry at that point. The task was to grate all of the onions as fast as I could, without stopping, without standing up from the chair, and...without crying at all! Needless to say, before I had barely started the second onion, despite my best efforts, I was crying pretty steadily. It was an unrealistic expectation! As we strive to become like our Savior Jesus Christ, we need to remember that we cannot do everything at once, and just because we DON'T do everything perfectly at once does not mean that we are not consecrated, that we are not trying our very best, that we are steadily becoming better everyday, which is what the Savior asks of us, not to change our natures for one day's time. As we push ourselves to be better, but then remember that it is the SPIRIT that changes our natures for the better, not our own efforts, we will not only become what the Lord wants us to become and what we want to become, but we can be joyful while doing it. A great lesson.

Mother; thank you so much for the package! (In advance). That will save me a lot of time gathering pictures and getting them printed, and so on and so on. Thank you so much. A Duchess! What fun. I will have to let him know. We have not had a chance to watch any meetings or anything like that yet, but we are looking forward to General Conference--it will be a week late, like usual, but I should understand it a lot better this time, and I am really excited to receive such much needed council. Such a great opportunity! I love you so much!

Father; thanks for the pictures! Also, thanks for the great advice (though you gave it to Mother, I will take it). That truly is a life principle, that the only person who can make you sad is yourself, the only person who can make you be angry is yourself, the only true discouragement is that which comes from the inner voice. It is a great missionary principle ("they didn't come to the appointment...what a blessing! Let's go find out why the Lord wanted us in this part of the City."), as well as a life principle. I love you Dad, have a great week!

Paige; I agree with Jordan about the stylistic appeal of modesty--it sends a strong message to not only those around you, but to your Father in Heaven, what your priorities are. I know that he is proud of you. Seth Norris...I approve. I love you little Sister!

Ronnie; you are a stud! Keep being that great example, keep showing your light. One of the greatest qualities of leadership that I think I have learned about as a missionary is that of being a grateful leader. Those who know that their work is appreciated will not only experience more joy in doing their work, in their life, and in general, but will also be more willing to push themselves to do more, to become their best selves. Gratitude, when expressed sincerely and thoughtfully, inspires trust and love in any group setting. I love you little brother, choose the right!

Lizzie; I love you! Keep your head up, and keep going--if we always win, we will never really appreciate the true value of victory. It is a blessing to loose from time to time. It also keeps us humble, which in turn drives us to improvement (not that you need a whole lot, but still!). I love you little Sister, learn from your amazing big sister, and don't be afraid of being short--it just means that you will live longer! I love you.

Just a quick thought this week, about being prepared. This week we gave a training about how we can be ready at every moment to teach simple, clear first lessons, to help those we encounter to recognize through the Holy Ghost, that we are servants of the Lord (John 4:7-29). As we taught about it though, one of the key principles that stood out to me, however, was the importance of PREPARING to have the Spirit--if we have not taken the time beforehand, we cannot have the spirit with us. I have very little time--I love you so much, read the scriptures, be prepared, I love you all so much!

Elder Hardy

They sell this fruit at the "Supermarket"...It was green inside, with little gooey seed pod things that tasted like a mix between grapes and kiwi. And it is spiked!

Banana Bread! And Elder Stakebake.

The reason why it is not a good idea to leave your camera lying around while engaged in Plumbing projects.

Walking Tall Before God...Always

Dear Family Mine!

Thank you for the wonderful letters and for the great pictures! It looks like everyone is doing great. Also, as I have come to realize again and again, I have a beautiful family! You all really are the greatest blessing that God has given me to this point in my life. I love you so much.

This week was actually full of travel again--we were in Veliko Turnovo for exchanges, and I was actually on an exchange with my companion-to-be Elder Stakebig. It was sort of strange, but it was good as well. We got a head start! He is from Utah, a singer and an actor, so this should be a fairly musical transfer, which I am excited for. He has never been a Zone Leader before, so I will be the "experienced one" when it comes to those type of responsibilities; say a prayer for me--I will be needing it. We also went on Exchanges again in Varna, which made the whole week fly by in what seemed like about an hour and a half.

Mother; what a great chance to work with those young girls! Our Heavenly Father really does trust those who work with his youth the most--it is a sacred and holy responsibility to work with those who want to learn, who want to grow in knowledge and truth. You get to be like their second mother! (Or Леля as the Bulgarians would say--it means Aunt, but it basically is anyone who is that sort of figure in a child's life). About talking to people on trains or buses...it is the best way to earn the Spirit, and I have seen the blessings of it time and time again. It may not be comfortable to turn around and try to talk to the person behind you after the person next to you turned you down, but the Lord cannot NOT bless you for that sacrifice. One time we talked to people on the Train from Shumen to Sofia for 6 hours straight--at every depot, new people got into our compartment! Exhausting, but wonderful. Love you so much, have a great week!

Father; back to the grindstone! I love you Dad, and am so grateful for all that you do for us, and for the example you set. And you even do it with a smile! That is one of my favorite things about you--your crazy laugh after you played a joke on someone...priceless! I love you Dad.

Paige; that is probably a good choice--as I am sure you are finding out, this year is an important one school-wise! Keep working hard in School now, and I promise that it will open doors for you later, and you will be grateful. You are beautiful, I love you.

Ronnie--good luck this weekend! Remember who you are, little brother, a bearer of the Aaronic Priesthood. Act like that with your friends, and I promise everything that is small and petty will eventually go into place. Read PMG, know that I love you!

Lizzie; don't worry Sister--short people live longer! I love you little Sister, keep being so wonderful, and don't talk to any boys. At all. Except Ronnie. Talk to him a lot!

We had some technical difficulties, so not too much time today, but I just wanted to share a quick thought about walking tall. I think about all the people who are described as being such in the scriptures, and they really are people that we want to emulate. Walking tall does not mean being prideful, does not mean showing off how good or how "righteous" we are, but rather is a characteristic of our relationship with our Father in Heaven. It means walking without doubts or regrets, because we know that we have done all that the Lord has asked us to do, it means that we have nothing to hide, that we have nothing to shield, no secrets before the Lord. It means that we have been honest with him, and because of his Son, we do not have to shrink from his presence, or stoop down in a vain endeavor to avoid his piercing glaze. We know who we are, and we know that we have chosen to follow our Father in Heaven, so we have no shame. I know that as we do that, we will experience true happiness. Our Savior is the best example, who did ALL things that the Father required of him, with perfect obedience.

Let's walk tall! I love you all so much, have a great week!

Love,
Elder Hardy

Pictures from Vladimir's camera

Elder Dahneke and I (and Noah!)