Week 6 - To Max - Mom

Wendy Bassett

Dear Max,

First a question.  What scripture do you want for your ward scripture plaque? Doreen Lindsey is ready to get it done.  And speaking of . . . Today I FINALLY got the scripture board in our ward caught up.  You are the first person on the next row!  Next will be Elizabeth and Jenna.

So I went to 5 hours of church today.  Nick and Stef and family were with us so I went with them to our 3 hr block mtgs.  Then at 2 pm was the YSA stake conference in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square where dad was sustained to the high council.  I sat by Rosey and afterwards met quite a few fellow adults in the stake.  It was interesting because they even had refreshments afterwards (a sack of snacks). Oh and there was the most wonderful YSA choir who sang.  The music was a highlight.

And speaking of, I loved the video of you all singing in front of the temple!  I thought you all sounded great and it was just especially fun to see your face in the bright sun.  Course it made me all teary when they panned over to your face.  Thanks.

One thing I forgot to tell you last week.  Van Hathaway passed away and the funeral was last week.  All his kids spoke, along with bishop Wynn and it was a very nice service.

I'm sure Nick and Stef will tell you about their fun Hawaii trip.  They were so generous and brought us fun gifts - pineapple, chocolate covered macadamia nuts, tiki salt and pepper shakers and Wicked Wahine perfume.  Love it.  We had fun watching their video and pictures on Saturday night when they stayed here.  We celebrated Bret's birthday that night out on the patio with pizza and brownies.

Backing up to Friday, they all came to Warner's graduation.  Hurray for Warner!  We cheered so loud for him.  Dad and I went to both the Thursday night commencement and the Friday convocation.  We sat by Janey and lots of his family. Then we took lots of photos (think Roseys graduation at UVU). Afterwards we ate at JDawgs. My first time and it was tasty!

On Saturday morning dad and I went to Saratoga Springs to watch Ben and Ivy play soccer.  That was fun.  Pretty much Ivy is still trying to figure out what is going on.  But Ben got a few good kicks at the ball.  Course the best part for them was treats at the end.  That made it all worth it.  Chelsea Applegate is tending them until Friday when Rosey and I will take over for the weekend. (Blaine and Kristi are on their big adventure)

Also on Saturday I went out to lunch with my freshman BYU roommates.  Some I keep in touch with but one I hadn't seen since 1977!!!  We talked for hours and reminisced and caught up on our families.  It was fun to be together.

Did I tell you how much we all loved the personal letters you wrote to all of us?  Okay, I admit, I read them all.  If you don't want me to, next time just tape them shut or put a "don't read" on them and I will respect that.  I guess the amazing thing was how different each letter was and how personalized they were.  That was so kind of you.

So Elder Curtis' mom called to invite me to lunch on Tuesday with a bunch of missionary moms. I feel bad I can't go because of work.  She sounded very nice and said she would call if they did it again.  Sounds like it wasn't just Malaga missionaries but Madrid MTC missionary moms so she didn't know if it would be ongoing.

I think that covers it.  I can't wait to hear about your new adventures.  We will definitely be checking that mission blog.  Can't wait.  Sure love you.  We are praying hard for you.  We are so pleased with your efforts.  Keep up the good work and happy attitude!

Lots of love,
Mom

Sent from my iPad

Week 6 - To Max - Dad

You are constantly on our minds and in our prayers.  It's wonderful to think of where you are and what you're doing.  You're not just the jazz trumpet player wowing Jr. High classmates, but you're also out trusting the lord to fill your mouth with Spanish when you go out handing out TBOMs...and being blessed with 5 recipients.  Hurrah for Israel! 

To Tell Max -

• I was sustained today in our YSA Stake Conference as a member of the High Council.  Wow.  The energy.  The excitement.  The spirit of the leaders and the youth.  The food.  It was all so amazing and in some ways so different than the excitement and spirit we felt in our stake conferences.  It will be nice to be set apart and to receive my new assignments.  I need to connect with Uncle Bruce since he also is a HC in his YSA Stake.

• Nick and Stef came over last night for spending the night.  We ate outside cuz the weather is spectacular and we sang Happy Bday to Bret for his Birthday party.  Mom made his favorite (brownies) and got him his favorite gift ever - Lincoln Logs.  So even though Mom and I and his family were the only ones there, he seemed delighted anyway.
• We spent time with Janey and Warner at Warner's graduation ceremonies.  It was fun to see Warners family again.  It was fun to be able to congratulate Warn-doggie on this big accomplishment.  Since Warner and Janey went to Michael's graduation as well, they couldn't join us, but Rosey, Nick and Stef introduced mom and I to J-Dawgs.  Very good.  Very unique.  And Very wonderful. 

• Ziggy signed on with the Detroit Lions.  The boy from Africa who hadn't played football just a few short years ago is now going to be making something like $30Million.  Rosey would know the numbers.  But it's a fun story to think of how his family and friends must be thinking.  I hope he'll not let it destroy him...like money does to so many.

• We love your letters.  It was fun to hear about your experience last week going out with the Italian to place book of mormons.  Please let us know how youre doing.

• I was curious about Zach.  Is he in the advanced class for Spanish?  I never hear you talk about him and his experiences much… so I was just curious if he's in a different class or something.

• We absolutely loved and went nuts over the video of your guys singing in front of the temple.  It has been all the rage.  We watched it again tonight as Warner hadn't seen it yet.   It was fun to see you out there in the Spanish Sun trying to read the hymn even though you were caught in the sun.  IT was fun to see how many people are in the CCM.  It was fun to find your companion and Elder Berry who you travelled over to Spain with.  It was just an allaround treat to see you doing your thing.  We anxiously await your SD card.  We will definitely share it all with Easton so she can print what she wants to there in Austin.

• Well Nick and Stef got back from Hawaii.  Blaine and Kris are in Mexico.  Janey and Warner finished school and Big W graduated.  Rosey threw a fun surprise party for Amber who also graduated. 

• Easton got her new iPhone 5… we know that because she subscribed to our PhotoStream.

• You should know that Easton arrived safe in Austin and B&K stayed with them last night.  We're anxious to hear the report from both of them.

• Life is great!

To Share with Max

• Our Stake Conference this week had 2 focuses.  For Saturday Evening the focus was on Family History Work.  For Sunday the focus was on being better Disciples.  Since I didn't know if I would be called upon to speak or not, I decided I better come prepared with thoughts I could share as part of an extemporaneous talk.

• On Family History I was going to tell a few Grandma Bassett Spiritual Ghost stories.  You know the ones.  The phone call.  The voice that told Mom not to go to Tennessee.  Etc. etc.  I'm kidding.  I wasn't going to tell any of those.  But I was going to say that FH work is like snorkeling.  If you go to the beach, you enjoy the beauty of the sands, the waves, etc.  But you never know what you miss, if you don't put a facemask on and put your head under the water...even if only for 1-2".  When you stick your head under, you suddenly realize that there is a whole other world down there that is absolutely incredible.  It is so vast and amazing, that the only way to see it is to explore it.  The lord doesn't want just a few snorkelers out there in the bay… he wants all of us to grab a snorkel and jump in with all our might.  Discover the new world.  And save a few eternal lives.

• On Discipleship, I was going to share the story about the tsunami in Indonesia that killed nearly 200,000 people when it struck in 2004.  There was a tribe there where almost no one died...why?  Because they had traditions that when the water on the bay receded, rather than wonder and stand there and look at it, it meant you needed to turn away and run for high ground.  So the Elders of the Tribe (not missionary Elders) saw the water receeding, they started yelling to everyone to get to higher ground.  Since none had seen a Tsunami, many thought the old elders were crazy, and many wanted to ignore them.  But the elders were psersistent, and so the young people obeyed and ran and climbed nearby hills etc.  When the Tsunami actually pounded the land, they were all high enough that they weren't killed.  My point about discipleship is this.  We have prophets now who are warning us that we need to get to higher ground.  That the floods are rising fast, and if you don't get to higher ground (meaning live higher standards etc.) you will be swept away.  You are out there crying for everyone to get to higher ground!!!  And that this direction is coming from the Elders of God's true church.  Those who are true disciples will heed the calling and find themselves protected when others are being swept away! 

Questions to Ask

• Let us know as soon as you can where you land!  What your experience is with the new Mission President and his Wife.
• Tell us all about the MTC while you can still remember it.
• Did you receive your package when you arrived in Malaga?  Hopefully it arrives soon.  It has letters and the SD card.
• Tell us about music and if you want us to send music.
• Mom has to work the day when several of the Mom's who's kids are in Spain get together this week.  She wishes she could go...but probably not this week.
• We love you.  We think of you constantly.

May the Lord bless you!

We love you so much! 

Keep the Faith, Brother.

Dad

Week 6 - To Max - Rosey

Rosey Bassett	11:21 PM (8 hours ago)
to max.bassett, me, Wendy

Happy Monday Max!  I seriously cannot believe you are in the field!  You are no longer being trained, you are doing the real thing.  How awesome.  I bet Malaga is super different than Madrid, I'm excited to hear all about it.  I just finished cleaning little La's bowl.  Oh La, still alive and kicking.  Who would've thought.  Tonight I got La out of the bowl with a soup ladle, rather than a measuring cup, just to mix things up.  It was pretty hard to do.  Well, here's my letter, sorry that I can never remember exactly what my letter format is, but I will take a whack at it...

1. A few exciting things from this week.  First of all, Ziggy was drafted to the Detroit Lions. He was the number 5 draft pick and is officially a millionaire (times 30), it seriously blows my mind.  Chelsey Luekenga is kicking herself for ever breaking up with him :)  I am way excited for him and hope to go with Amber and Chelsey to see one of his games someday.  This past Friday Amber and Warner both graduated.  I went with Mom and Dad and Nick and Stef to Warner's graduation.  That's always a party sitting there for 2 hours listening to random names.  I am super happy for him though.  Afterwards Mom and Dad had their first ever J-dawg.  I bet they don't make em like that in Spain!  After all of the festivities with Warner, I went to Amber's house where her sister and I had planned a huge surprise party for her graduation.  She was literally 100% surprised which was way fun.  The party turned out great and I was glad that we did it.  I am way proud of both of them for graduating (Amber got her master's degree). Another fun event from my week is that I went shooting with Schyler Jolley, Chanda Higginson, Joe Brady, and a couple of other people in Eagle Mountain somewhere.  We went and bought like 20 2 liter bottles of soda and a giant watermelon and used those as targets.  It was actually really fun. I enjoy shooting hand guns much more than rifles and shotguns. The other fun event from my week was going on a 25 mile bike trip with Nick and James who also bought road bikes, I am really excited about our purchases...we hope to ride to fountain green by the end of the summer.  

2. Spiritual thought for the week.  This week in my social skills class that I have been teaching we talked about communication and how Christ was the perfect communicator.   I got thinking about how Christ was the perfect communicator because he had perfect empathy.  He truly understands how we feel, all the time.  It is such a cool concept to me.  Also, we talked about how our spirits are able to communicate with each other (outside of our bodies).  That is why it is so important that we are humble and allowing ourselves to really try and connect with others.  Our spirits know each other and want so badly to communicate with one another.  This is a really cool concept which I had never really thought about.  

3. My scripture and exercise goals went HORRIBLE this week.  Man, it's crazy to me that if I do great on one, I do great on the other.  They are so connected.  I did not spend quality time to do either.  Mostly because I busied myself with other things.  I am going to try harder to give myself more free time so that I can do better.  Ugg, I hate disappointing myself.  I know that the little things really count.  

4.  Random memory for the week...Remember how when you were little I would get SUPER anxious about knowing where you were all the time because I was always worried you'd get kidnapped or something absurd?  Thank heavens I got over that or this mission thing could really be a struggle for me.  I do think about you lots though Max. And of course, I pray for you when I do think about you, that you can be safe and that you can have the spirit, and that you can feel happy.  

5.  Okay, so normally I like to end with something funny but Dad just told me I have to send my letter now in order for you to get it.  I had a pretty classic story about me pantsing myself in front of Louie but I guess that will have to wait for another day. 

Keep up the good work Max.  You are changing lives! Wow!  

Love ya, 

Week 5 - From Max

Dear FAM BAM!

¿Como Estais?! Its been another successful week here in the CCM. This is my last PDAY here!! So CRAZY!!! Ive loved being here so much! I love being with all the missionaries, and love being one! You know youre a missionary when you get super excited for the end of the day when you can shine your shoes. Haha I LOVE shining my shoes! Making them look all nice! Its pretty great!

Well Ive had a great week!

Last Thursday, we got to go to this HUGE lookout over Madrid. Im sending my SD card home today, so hopefully you will get it. I have a ton of pictures from that! I love Madrid! But I know im gonna looove Malaga even more

We got 5 new Italians this week! I love them all, theyre all just so innocent and happy! Haha I love chatting with them, even though most of them aren’t super great at English! One of them, Anziano (Elder) Del Dotto is literally one of the biggest men I have ever seen in my life. Just picture the giant from Princess Bride. He´s such a funny guy! And pretty athletic too. Hes a way good goalie! Haha Quick on his feet, but literally the biggest man of all time! Hahaha

On Saturday, I got paired with one of the Italians for proselyting! His name is Anziano Lopez and he is from Rome, going to Milan. I loved going out with him. He is such a good man. Even though he doesn’t speak the greatest English, this was probably the best time ive had yet for proselyting! It was seriously so fun! This was his first time ever going out and contacting people so he was nervous as heck, but I had a goal that I was going to talk to everyone! The night before, I was super discouraged because we had this big practice for  proselyting, and when it came my turn, I just sucked! I couldn’t speak or really say anything. I went to bed just mad at myself. I thought “If I cant even do it in the practice, theres no way Ill be able to do it in the Park!” But then I read the scripture D y C 82-3 and it helped a ton! For unto whom much is given, much is required. I sat there and thought about that. I thought about how much I am blessed with, my supportive family, the gospel my whole life, friends, and everything else! I then made a goal that I was going to talk to EVERYBODY! I fully put my trust in the Lord because I know I owe him so so much! So as soon as Anziano Lopez and I got on the Metro, we talked to everyone! He is pretty fluent in Spanish, so it helped a lot! It was amazing to see how much the Lord blessed me when I was willing to open my mouth! We placed 5 Book of Mormons! It was great! Im so happy for those people that accepted the gospel! They will be so blessed in their lives! In the middle of it, Anziano Lopez thanked me for being his first trainer and told me I did a very good job! I felt happy about that. He is such a good man! Saturday was such a blessing!

This week I got to play futbol with some little niños on this awesome court! They were only about 14 years old, but we challenged them to a game! They were super good! It was crazy. They were all just messing with us too, they weren’t even really palying. Half of them were smoking while playing anyways. It was a very humbling experience. ;) But our team actually did pretty good! I seriously loooove futbol so much! It really is becoming one of my favorite sports! Its so fun!

My Español is coming along very well. As you might be able to tell, my English is going down hill. I hate it, but at the same time I love it because I know my Spanish is increasing! My teacher, Hermano Tyndale says I should be in the advance class! That was a huge compliment! But what really matters is knowing it out in the field. We´ll see how good it truly is next Tuesday! Haha

Sad to hear the news about Merrill! I love that man so much! He helped me out so much through my scouting. He is such a wonderful example to me. Ever since I was little, Ive always wanted to have as solid of arms as he does. Haha I know that the Lord will bless him though. There is a reason for all things. How nice it is to have the Plan of Salvation at times like these! He will be missed, but I know they will see him again! The whole Hutchinson family is so strong. I am always impressed with them. Big things await them! I know it! J

Dad, just like you said, Im locked in and loving it! I love that quote because its so true! Im sorry I haven’t had tons of time to write lots of personal letters and sent them, but just know that I am really locked in! This work is a lot easier to get lost in than I thought! I love emailing time and Pdays, but I also love the work! Its so great! When you show the Lord you are really willing to work, He helps you out a ton!

So we head out on Tuesday morning for big Malaga! I CANNOT WAIT!!! Its gonna be so fun. Im a little nervous, but not too much! I get to email on Monday, but not sure what time. Please send any packages(would be nice) haha jk ;) and letters to the Malaga mission home. Mom, will you look up that address for me and add it to this email? I didn’t have much time to look it up! Sorry! Thank you!! J

Well, I love you all , and Im so pumped to talk to you on May 12th! Wish me luck on our big futbol game today. We are doing Zone 1 vs. Zone 2! Ill be sure to play nice against zach, I mean Elder Hansen, as he is in the other zone! We both got put on the A team, so were going up against the big leagues! ;) Itll be fun!

Thank you all for your support and your example! I love you all so so much!

Carry On!

Love, Elder Bassett

Week 5 - To Max - Blaine

Max,

Well, one more quick letter before I go radio silent for a couple weeks. I have one more week of finals with three more finals. I took two last week. Heaven help me. This has been the hardest, busiest month of my life probably. I can't wait for Friday when we will leave on our vacation to Mexico. I am sad that I once knew Spanish very well but I feel like I am back to square one at this point, at least as far as speaking. I can still understand pretty well, but I don't think I'll be able to speak much at all. And, unfortunately, I feel more nervous than excited to try to talk to people and get around. Luckily, Kristi is very confident in her Spanish. She is sitting here in the car next to me rattling off all the Spanish she knows to convince the kids that she will be fine: "Quiero la bana." "Donde esta la estacion de autobus?" "Quiero la mejor guacamole de todo la isla." "Quiero una playa. No pechos (breasts—I had to help her with this one…) en la playa. AGH! Mi Americana ojos!" "Soy cansada de hablo espanol."  And so forth. It is really cute. I'm sure we'll get around just fine… :) 

After that, it is straight to Texas and my new job for me and back home for Kris. That will be an interesting month. I will be living with a family like I did last summer. I would have preferred to live alone but it is a little cheaper and it makes Kristi feel better to know that if I choke there will someone there to give me the Heimlich. I'll let you know how that is going when I get there. In the meantime, I'm just trying to get through this tough time. Anyway, have a great week. 

Blaine

Week 5 - To Max - Kristi

Hey Max!

I refuse to be outdone by Blaine :) I also don't have too much to say, except that I think one of the big tragedies of my personality is that I was blessed with an intense wanderlust and adventurous spirit and cursed with extreme anxiety. I mean, I am going to Mexico yet I stay up at night biting my fingernails and worrying about what awful things will befall me. It's a curse I tell you. 

You'll be happy to note that Saturday was the best day of Bentley's entire life. He made sure to point that out repeatedly throughout the day. He already knew it would be the best day of his life when he woke up because it was his first soccer game. Imagine the thrill when he realized that I was also making german pancakes! He was bouncing off the wall. I've never seen the kid so happy. Then after the soccer game we took them to the store and let them not only pick out a post-game treat but also their own box of cereal for when Chelsea is here babysitting. The day just kept getting better! Then I made the BEST LUNCH EVER, according to Ben. Which was chicken salad sandwiches (who knew?!), then we went to trafalga (!!!!!), then ice cream for dessert. It was so cute how much he loved it. 

A few more details about the best day ever --

*The soccer game was probably the most hilarious thing ever. Ben and Ivy are on the same team. It was freezing so Ben had his coat on under his jersey and he looked a lot like the incredible hulk. Their team was white and he could be heard exclaiming "WHITE POWER!" (a racial slur...in case you didn't know). There was a kid who picked up the ball, ran to the goal, put the ball down and kicked it in, and then did the cutest victory dance ever. Then not two minutes later the same kid scored a legit goal -- for the opponents team. Yeah, it was awesome. We were super excited that Janey and Warner were there to support the kids. Ivy mostly just stood in the middle of the field and looked rather sullen. Oh well :)

* Every time I go to the grocery store or anywhere around here I have a secret fear in my heart that I will run in to Calley (You remember, Blaine's other girlfriend from highschool?). She lives in the next neighborhood over and we ran in to her on a day that was just...not my finest hour. Anyway, I wasn't even worried about it on Saturday because we were going all the way over to Trafalga. I was still wearing my sweat pants, no makeup and I was quite frustrated (turns out that just because it is Bentley's best day ever doesn't mean it will be mine too). So, basically I looked like a total slob grease ball. And yep, Calley and her family were at Trafalga. Yippeee. Blaine doesn't get why I care, and you probably won't either, but I mean... I shower like 95% of the days, why have the two times I had to run in to her had to be when I look like a homeless person? 

Anywho, we are pumped for our trip and SO excited for Blaine to be done with finals. I am stressed about being a single mom for a month, but I can't even stress about that right now because I am too stressed thinking about how to escape from Mexican drug lords, should the need arise. 

Anyway, We love you Max and hope you are doing good. I hope your Spanish skills are better than mine! 

Love, 

Kris

Week 5 - To Max - Dad

Week 5 - Dad

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

9:35 AM

Querido Elder Bassett,

You are constantly on our minds and in our prayers.  It's wonderful to think of where you are and what you're doing.  You're not just the boy who sang the star spangled banner in your acappella group in high school, but you're also out singing in voz alta with the Missionaries in front of the Spain Temple.  Hurrah for Israel! 

Things to tell Max

• Hace tanto que he tratado a escribir en Espanol.  Ojala que su Espanol es mejor que lo de mio.  Pero desde que solamenta un pequeno groupo de los que reciben estas cartas se pueden leer en espanol, voy a escribir el resto en ingles.  Pero, estoy tan feliz que tu eres aprendiendo este idoma celestial.  Espero que algun dia yo puedo hablar otra vez como pudiera hablar cuando yo era un misionero.
• Wow...now that was painful.

• Anyway - the big news of the week for mom and I are that we again have received a new church callings.  And again, any who are reading this message, please note that we won't get sustained until this Sunday.  So please shhhhh.    I've been called to serve on the high council of the YSA Stake.  It's the same calling that Bruce has.  I'm really looking forward to serving here since the hand of lord really is focused on the 'rescue' effort and I love to be where I can be involved.  Also,  I really love all the YSA from our Stake...and if I love them from our Stake, then I'm sure I will love the YSA from all the stakes around here.  The Stake Presidency of the YSA Stake have called mom to serve with me.  She will help me on all my assignments.  And she will attend all the YSA wards and YSA Stake events with me...which is so perfect...because she is by far my better half.  And so I feel like if they know mom, they can't help but like me just a little bit better!  So that goes into effect this Sunday.  That means unfortunately that my Deacon's quorum Advisor calling has been short lived and for mom, it means that she won't be doing the choir anymore.  I don't suppose they'll miss us much since I only taught the deacons 2x, and mom never had a choir practice.  But I will miss the chance to teach those New Youth Curriculum lessons each week.

• The other fun news is that we had dinner with Nicole and Easton on Monday night.  Nicole came into town last Thursday and swung by the house to meet Nick and Stef and the boys.  She was genuinely delighted to meet the boys and N&S.  She's a lot like Easton in how easily she shares her love and how fun she is to just jump in and have a good time.  After they left our place Easton took her on a tour of the Dairy and the cemetary.  We asked if she took her mom up the tower.  And then we had this big conversation about how when you and easton walked over to the dairy when she first came to our house, how everyone asked if you'd taken her to the towers...and how you hadn't...but how she wondered what she had missed.  Perhaps when she comes back this summer we can convince Rosey to take her to the tower, and we can have a fun swim at the Winder pool.
• Mark and Margaret Spoke in Sacrament Meeting.  They both did such a fabulous job.  I especially liked a comment that Mark made when talking about Elder Ballards talk from Conference.  He pointed out that the world tries to say that equality between men and women is only demonstrated by what a woman or man can do when the other one is not involved.  But the Lord's plan is that neither man NOR the woman can do anything of eternal significance without both of them working together.  That they must be equally yoked.

• We had Nick and Stef's kids this week while they were in Hawaii.  N&S were so fun to post photos of their trip so the boys could follow along with them in their adventures.  It's been awhile since we've had little ones with us over a period of days like that, and it reminded me of having you guys as little kids again.  It reminds me of why you have kids while you're young!  Cuz it does take energy!  It also requires time.  I guess you learn how to have time both for the kids and yourself, but pretty much being a parent is a selfless endeavor and a reason why so many people choose not to have kids...because for the most part people are pretty selfish with their time, and they don't have time for kids.  We are sooo pleased that our kids have chosen to have children even though it is difficult and time consuming.  And we are happy we can enjoy being close to all the action.  The scariest part of it all, is today mom realized that she had handed off the boys to Karen Morris on Sunday, and she found the Captain America costume that Clay wears all day everyday.  The fact that it is now Wednesday and we just found it tells me that this trip may be the beginning of clay breaking that habit that he's had for at least 6 months.
• This week was also the tramatic events from the Boston Marathon.  On Monday the two bombs went off killing 3 and injuring (some seriously) over 200 people.  Within 2 days they were flashing pictures around of the 2 boys who did it.  Within 1 day they had killed one of the two boys.  And by the next day they have caught the 2nd boy.  It was wild how quickly all of it happened.  It would almost make me think there is a conspiracy at work here since it all resolved so quickly and neatly...but I can't go there yet… no reason for a conspiracy.

Thoughts to Share with Max

• I love this quote from President Hunter...

"In light of such wonderful counsel, I think it is incumbent upon us to rejoice a little more and despair a little less, to give thanks for what we have and for the magnitude of God's blessings to us, and to talk a little less about what we may not have or what anxiety may accompany difficult times in this or any generation.

"For Latter-day Saints this is a time of great hope and excitement . . . We need to have faith and hope, two of the greatest fundamental virtues of any discipleship of Christ. . . . We must believe that God has all power, that he loves us, and that his work will not be stopped or frustrated in our individual lives or in the world generally. He will bless us as a people because he always has blessed us as a people. He will bless us as individuals because he always has blessed us as individuals" ("An Anchor to the Souls of Men," BYU Devotional, February 7, 1993).

• And then I love all that was said about missionary work… Here's a great meme from confernce…

• 
  

Questions to Ask Max\

• Take some time to tell us about life in the CCM.  It will become just a dream in about a month...so the more details you share, the better you'll remember it.

• Let us know once you land in Malaga, if you can do FACETIME.  We would like to facetime with you on mother's day if possible.  If not facetime, then perhaps skype. 

We love you so much. 

Keep the faith, brother!

Dad

Week 5 - To Max - Mom

Dear Max,

Today is my day off - hurray.  After writing you so late at night last week, and forgetting half the stuff I wanted to share, I decided to write you first thing,  I haven't been running yet (or even at all this week - dang!) but that can wait.  I have lots to share:

- Lynn and Jennifer brought over a check for your mission for $50. It was made out to me so it was easy to deposit.  Remember how I sent you some thank you cards?  Can you take time to write them one?  Address is: 4207 South Deno Drive, WVC 84120.  Please, please include some little separate note to Christopher.  I know it would mean the world to him.  He is really into cooking these days, new hobby, and he loves it so mention something about that.

- Something I forgot to write last week.  Grandma Winder was helping a nice couple at the family history library to get their four generation sheet for their daughter going on a mission.  Turns out she was heading to the Madrid MTC and then to the Malaga mission.  The couple wrote down your name and got all excited when grandma told them about you being in the same mission.  Grandma didn't ever get their name but later was in the break room and the Ensign was on the table open to an article by Elder Paul V Johnson of the Seventy.  It was then she realized that was who she had been talking to.  She said they were so kind and genuinely excited to make the connection.  So be nice to Sister Johnson!

- It was announced in sacrament meeting last week that Katie Bell has been called as Granger High Seminary president next year.  I saw Jeff Fulton at Alex Nelson's wedding reception this past week and he commented how sad he is to see the year come to an end.  That makes 4 in a row from JN Stake!

-How is your complexion?  It looks good from the photos. Remember lots of water and fruits and veggies!

-I loved tending Nick and Stef's three boys this last week.  Dad took them to the airport on
Thursday and we had them until Sunday night. They were so good.  Little Neddy is at the cutest age and smiles and giggles and is so sweet, even at 3 am!  Now grandma Morris has them and I miss them. Clay is into wearing his Captain America outfit over his clothes.  It is getting small (think Spider-Man)  I had to mend it and he stood next to the sewing machine as I did so.  The 2 boys slept on the floor in our bedroom and are good little sleepers.  They loved playing out on the trampoline and Bret was big into Lincoln Logs.  Fun times!

-I'm sure dad has filled you in on our new calling.  (Dad and I are writing our letters at the same time so I don't have the benefit of reading his first). The Young Single Adult Stake Presidency specifically asked me to attend church with him.  That means no Jordan North Second Ward:(  It also means no ward choir calling! It took me weeks of faith and prayer and courage to face this choir challenge.  I had our first practice planned this coming Sunday at Karyn's and had chosen simple songs for Mothers Day.  Now I don't have to do it.  I won't lie, it is a relief, but it does feel weird not to have a specific calling but just to support. I have such mixed feelings.  I will greatly miss going to our ward.  I attended Relief Society last week for the first time in seven years and loved it.  Nanc is pres you know.  I will miss that but feel a sense of relief as far as choir is concerned.  I especially feel bad dad doesn't get to teach the Deacons.  I love those boys fresh from Primary (Harrison Wynn, Joey Combs, Peyton, Scott Nelson, on and on). There is a huge group and I thought they were so lucky to have dad!  Oh well.  Life is about change and we move forward.

-Uncle Kent is officially engaged to a woman name Suzy.  He will get married the end of May.  She lost her husband to a heart attack several years ago and has two boys, one married, one a junior in high school.  They came to our ward and he blessed the sacrament!  (You are very missed in that regard!). Last Friday all the siblings went to dinner for grandmas 83rd birthday and we got to know Suzy a little better.  Kent seems very happy and we love her.

-We loved getting together with Easton and her mom (on Nicole's birthday) this past Monday.  We ate Mexican food and had a great time.  Nick's family and Warner couldn't make it but she met everyone else.  (Easton had brought her by the house to meet Nicks gang on their way home from the airport.)  It's fun to see Easton with her mom.  They are a lot alike.  And Nicole makes no secret about how much she loves you!  We had birthday gifts for both of them and let Easton open the one from us early.  Dad had done the shopping and got Nicole hand soap in a pretty dispenser and Easton a pedometer!  Plus he got them fun treats for their drive home.  Easton is so fun to give gifts to as she gets so excited.

I think I could ramble on and on, but you have important things to do!  We love hearing from you. I miss you more than words can say, but I KNOW you are exactly where you should be.  Keep smiling Max.  Keep your positive spirit.  Keep praying and reading and studying and eating and sleeping and doing your best.

Lots of love, mom

Week 4 - To Max - Rosey

Hi Bro,

It is 11:45 here in West Valley City, Utah which means it is 7:45 AM in Spain where you are.  What a crazy thought, it's tomorrow for you.  Cool.  Anyway, I wasn't going to write because I am tired, and it's late.  But when I realized you were awake and likely to be on a computer soon, I just couldn't help but write!  Exciting news of the week is..

 

I BOUGHT A BIKE AND A BIKE RACK.  Wow, I have been wanting to buy both for such a long time, it was exciting to finally do it.  Your awesome friend, Joe sold me the bike and was so fantastic to work with.  I have gone on one ride so far and it was fantastic (I went up to 32 MPH).  The bummer part is that my wee little bottom will take some adjusting...man those inner bones hurt!  Something random that happened while I was buying the bike was that the Boston Marathon bombings occured right at the time that I was purchasing the bike.  Joe somehow heard the tragic news in the back and showed me on the computer screen as he was selling the bike to me.  So, we had a little sad moment together.  It's amazing how tragedy brings us all together, because it invokes similar emotions in all of us, regardless of our background or current situation. 

 

Besides the bike, things around here have been mostly the same for me.  I have slowed down on my weight loss which is very unfortunate.  My goal is to lose as much as you gain while you are on your mission...so keep me informed :)  Remember, you were the one who said you wanted to gain while you were out.  Ha!

 

Other fun and random news....hmmm, I am still playing on soccer and basketball teams.  We got killed in both games this week.  Man, sometimes it seems as though I am destined for losing!  One thing for sure...I am a pretty solid loser.  I think I handle it well.  Schyler Jolley and company came to watch my soccer game which was hilarious since there are never really any fans.  Of course Schyler had everybody chanting my name, it was super awkward.  Funny guy.  Maybe that should be another commitment while you're gone...if Schyler and I are both single when you get home, we're tying the knot :) 

 

Lame news of the week...The Jazz were tied with the Lakers to get the final spot in the playoffs...Kobe got hurt last week and things were looking bright for us, a chance to boot the Lakers out of the playoffs!  All we had to do was beat the Memphis Grizzlies, who's ever heard of them, right?  Wrong...we lost, and the Lakers have the final playoff spot.  So lame!  I'm mad at the Jazz right now...

 

Well, my spiritual thought for the week is the theme of the class that I am teaching to my fellow YSA's (it is a confidence/social skills class).  It is found in Philippians 4:13 - "I can do ALL things through Christ which strengtheneth me."  What an awesome scripture.  ALL things!  Wow!  When we have faith that his atonement has that kind of power in our lives, we are destined for greatness.  How awesome. 

 

Whelp, I'm exhausted, so I'm off to bed.  Man I love you bro.  It really is quite shocking how often I think about you.  We are praying hard for you.  Keep up the good work because it truly is GOOD work.  Love you, carry on!

 

-Rosey

 

p.s. I am proud to announce that I signed up to feed the missionaries this Saturday.  I really signed up in honor of you, so they have you to thank if the meal is any good! 

Week 4 - To Max - Mom

Dear Max,

I think there is a chance you are writing while I am writing.  It is almost midnight on Wednesday night.  Nick and family arrived a couple hours ago and we had a fun evening.  We celebrated Nick's birthday (a few days late) with some lemon cake.  You would not believe how big Neddy is getting.  He smiles and goos and is so sweet.  I bought the three boys matching shark pjs and they looked pretty cute going to bed.  Nick and Stef leave tomorrow for Hawaii and we will have the boys four days and grandma Morris will take the next four days.  Should be fun!

Today dad and I went to the Brigham City Temple and then to Maddox for a late lunch.  That's a beautiful temple and I swear there were more bird sounds in the movie.  I don't know if it seemed that way because of the bird painting in that first room or what.  Lunch was delicious and we called it our 33rd wedding anniversary celebration.  Tomorrow is our 33rd wedding anniversary.  I love dad more than ever.  He is so good to me.

I had fun last Friday on my day off.  I went down to Saratoga Springs and went to Gwen's school and had lunch with her and then visited her classroom.  Then after school Kristi, Ben, Gwen and I went to the children's gardens at Thanksgiving point.  All the tulips and spring flowers are blossoming and it was really beautiful.

I don't know how much world news you get to hear.  Most likely you heard about the bombs at the Boston Marathon on Monday.  There were two bombs, close to the finish line, that went off that have killed several people and hurt many more.  Lots of people lost limbs and they said it looked like a war zone.  I was glued to the news on Monday night after work.  No runners were killed but many spectators injured.  There are 22,000 people who run that marathon and thousands more who line the streets.  We have been thinking lots about two years ago when we were there.  It's so tragic.

As usual dad did a great job covering lots of our activities in his letter so I think I will sign off.  I did want to say that I was finally released from primary on Sunday and sustained as choir director.  I am very stressed about this new calling and feel very inadequate. In fact, I just get a pit in my stomach every time i think about it.  The fact that you are doing such a hard thing inspires me to at least try.  I think I am going to have to wait another week to start practices since the stake music chairman can't meet until next week to help me find music. We were spoiled in our choir that Sarah was both the ward and stake director who had access to everything.  Oh so much to learn.

Can't wait to wake up and hear from you.  Sure love you.  Love your smiling face on our fridge.  We pray for you in every prayer.  Keep up that happy spirit.  Your example is a blessing to me.

Love, mom

PS Is Elder Jacobsen related to Florence Jacobson, a past General Young Women's president?  (I just read an article about her.  She's over 100 years old)

Sent from my iPad

Week 4 - From Max

Week 4 - Max

Thursday, April 18, 2013

8:21 AM

HOLA MI FAMILIA!!! How is everyone?!

Life here in the CCM is still great! Im loving it. Its so crazy that im leaving in about a week and a half!! (April 30) Lots of cool stuff has happened this week!

On Saturday,  we were once again able to go proselyting in this HUGE park. It is probably the prettiest park Ive ever been to! I was temp comps with Elder Eskelson and we had a great day. Numbers wise, we didnt place any BOMS or get any referrals, but it really was such a successful day! We found this Spanish guy who spoke PERFECT English. I kind of ended up giving him the whole first discussion! haha But they really weren't my words at all, they were all the Spirits. The guy seemed really interested but he wouldnt accept a BOM. He thought he had to pay for them and when I told him that it was a free gift, he still wouldnt accept it!

haha Its like when Mom and Dad would try to offer uncle B some money to pay for something and Uncle B just wont accept the money. This guy was just super nice and didnt want to jip us! Little does he know..........hahaha oh well...He got the website of the church and said he would look us up. He seemed really interested and curious about the Church. So hopefully something will come out of it, but who knows! Haha

On Sunday night, they had all the Elders and Hermanas get together to sing out in front of the temple.  A lot of the Elders couldnt carry out a pitch, but we ALL sang out as loud as we could. Even though sometimes the pitch was a little off, that was probably the most I've felt the spirit while singing...EVER!!! We all just belted our message out to the streets through song! A bunch of people stopped and listened to us. I know that they could see the light in our eyes. They could see that we had something different! It was such an awesome experience. I know the Lord loves music!

Well...funny story...the other day, I got called out of class because I had a phone call. I was like WHHHHAAAAA!!!! Getting a letter was big enough, but now a phonecall?!?!?!? I was so confused and pretty nervous! I get on the phone and it was some lady saying (in broken english) that she was my babysitter. She said she knew me when I was about four years, so I probably dont remember her. I literally dont know the last time ive been so confused. I really thought Mom and Dad had maybe hired someone from Spain to come Babysit...or something! I just kept saying, "i dont really rmember you, Im sorry!" haha and then she said "Your name is Redford, no?" ......and then everything just clicked! HAHAHAHA I was like OOOOHHHH! I really am loving how much connection Red and I are having! I had no idea. I love it!

Well I got my scriptures! I cant even tell ya how nice it is to have my own. I LOVED having grandpa Bassetts sciprtures with me, but it is so nice to have all my markings in them and stuff. And it was especially nice to have little messages from home! I have to admit, I just went through the whole book and found every post it note I could. Thank you for that fun idea, and thank you all for your little messages! Even jsut the simple little things help me like CRAZY!!! haha I loved hearing about the Mari leaves. Dad, I do agree with you though. Hahaha

So some random things Ive thought of:

• When you write, please please please put the date at the beginning of the letter so I know when you sent it.
• Oh! I got the Easton shirt! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! I wear it ALL the time! haha Its my good luck shirt for soccer!:)

• Dad, I bought a 4 gig thumb drive where I want to put all my pictures from my SD and then send the SD card, that way, if something happens to the SD card, I dont lose all the pics. I plan on sending the SD card after I leave the MTC! I would love to get pics of the fam with Easton! ;) hahaha

• The first councillor in the MTC presidency has a blog with his wife where they post pictures up. Feel free to look it up! Its called thesullivansinspain.blogspot.com or something. I dont know if im in any pictures, but you can go out and look!

• haha it sound like Louie is truly becoming a part of the Bassett family, (my guess is, her and Tanner will be married with one daughter by the time i get back) HAHA  jk jk...i would laugh VERY VERY VERY hard!!!! Hahahahaha

• We got 5 new Italians this week here in the CCM! They are classic! One of them is literally like 6 foot 9 inches! Haha

• Heard about the Boston Bombings! Thats so so sad! They are in our prayers over here in Spain.

Well to close, here is a spiritual thought that I heard from Elder Eskelson on Saturday.

• Discouragement is Satans number 1 tool against missionaries. We cannot become discouraged! We, as missionaries, are the frontline of Gods army and we truly are the defenders of this amazing gospel! We cant be weak! We cant let Satan penetrate the forcefield that we help create!

I love being a missionary so so much! I can feel the Lords hand with me every step of the way!

Thank you for your letters! Im sending some personal ones to everyone! Sorry its taken awhile! Just know that I love you all so so much!

Thank you for being so supportive. I know the gospel is true!

A vencer!

Love yall!

Love, Elder Bassett!

Week 4 - To Max - Dad

Week 4 - Dad

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

10:01 AM

Max - you are constantly on our minds and in our prayers.  It's wonderful to think of where you are and what you're doing.  You're not just the boy who rocked the Junior High School with your rendition of bumble boogie, but you're out on a mission where miracles happen all the time - like your courageously going up to speak to strangers whose language you don't know...and sharing your spirit with old ladies who can't stand up.  Hurrah for Israel! 

Meanwhile at Home:

• Last Sunday Mom was released from her Primary calling and sustained to be Choir director. I'm sure she'll share with you the trauma that has set off.  But we're praying that she will be able to adapt quickly and this will be one of her favorite calls she's ever had.

• I taught my first lesson to the new JN 2nd Quorum of Deacons.  We have about 9 in our quorum, and I think I will really enjoy it.  We talked about the restoration, and I'll share with you some of the cool things I felt as I taught the lesson.  It's the new Youth Curriculum which has lots of media.  So I bought a new projector so I can show videos to the boys all the time.  It's sweet as it is battery powered, and I can put the video on a thumb drive, so theoretically, I don't have to have a single cable to play the videos.  Sweet.
• At the end of the lesson, Merril Hutchinson hung around after the boys left so he could tell me his bad, bad news.  He went to the doctor on Friday and found out that all the treatments he's had haven't done him any good.  They say it has spread everywhere and that he only has between 3-8 months to live depending on how much time he puts into new treatments.  I feel so bad for him.  I hugged him and just sobbed for him. 
• I wish there was something I could do to help him know how much we love him, and how much good he's done.  I will probably ask all of you boys to write a paragraph about Merril and what he meant to you as you went through your scout years.

• I have taken all the Max Mission letters written by you, and the family (including Easton) and put them out on the Bawb.  Mom and I thought that would be a great record of our lives during the next 2 years.

• It was so fun to have Easton share the letters she has written to you with us so I could post them on the BAWB.  Her fun personality just shows through doesn't it.  All the 'hahaha!!!!s' you put into your letters hardly scratch the surface to her fun personality.
• Speaking of Easton, she asked if she could come by last Sunday for dinner.  We were delighted she would ask, and so we invited everyone else in the family to join us.  So we had a big family dinner last Sunday.  Rosey taught her first 'confidence' class so the rest of us sat around and played games.  It was fun.
• Nick and Stef are coming up tonight to drop off their kids on the way to Hawaii.  We'll have to see if they write or not.  But we're excited for them.
• Blaine finished 2 weeks of grueling final exams and papers next week and then he and Kristi will be off to Autin and then to Cancun.
• Warner finishes his finals next week and then he graduates.  He got a job as a traveling bank teller...working mostly in Murray, but going wherever they need him.
• Rosey got a new bike and rode the new Mountainview Expressway trail.  Wow.
• I'm still looking for a job. 
• During our FHE lesson this week (We're still going through the LDS online checklist) we talked about Indexing.  Mom and Rosey signed up to be indexers and did their first few indexing records.  It was very positive learning experience, and I think we were going to stop at that.  But the next day Sister Janet Padget from our stake called to ask if she could help us since she is the stake leader for indexing.  So we're locked in and loving it.  Kind of like you as a missionary… locked in, and loving it.

Thoughts for You

• So the Restoration is the topic I teach the boys this month.  First week was to talk about Why and What the Restoration is.  Second is to talk about Joseph Smith and the TBOM and the role they play in the Restoration.  And last is to talk about the priesthood and the importance of it in the restoration.
• While I was thinking prayerfully on what to share a cool metaphor came to mind…
• Remember something you have built which took a lot of effort...what did you make it with?...how long did it take you to build?  Who got to benefit from it?  How would you feel if your little sister came and kicked it over?  How would you feel if bullies broke it up laughing at you the whole time?
• Now imagine how the Savior felt after he had spent his whole life building the Gospel and doing the atonement.  It took everything he had...he even gave his whole life to build it.    He suffered unbelievably to build it.   It is something he had been working on from the foundation of the world and he finally was able to build it and make it complete - with (Eph 4:11-14) prophets, apostles, patriarchs, bishops, teachers, etc.  It had the priesthood to perform all the required ordinances.  It was perfect.  And the amazing thing was that he did it alone.  He had to feel pleased that it was soo worth doing because it would benefit everyone.  Everyone would be able to live forever, and everyone would have the chance to live forever with their families in Celestial glory.   What an amazing gift!
• Now imagine how he must have felt when after giving all he had, bullies came up and kicked it over and destroyed it.  They killed off all the priesthood leaders so that no one on earth had the priesthood.  They killed off the prophets and apostles.  They even killed the savior himself.  They made it so that no one had the needed ordinances that he had put in place.  And they took the truths he had recorded and changed them so that even the basic truths were not to be found anywhere!  Imagine how sad, disappointed and frustrated he must have felt.
• So rather than just give up, he rebuilt it.  But this time He wasn't on the earth to do it himself.  He had to restore it through his chosen leaders that were on the earth.  All the conditions had to be right… or else the bullies would destroy it again.   So he waited 1820 years until Joseph - the foreordained prophet of the restoration was born and ready to start the work of restoration.  And this time, he came with His father, who appeared beside him, to tell the boy Joseph (and the rest of the world) that Christ was HIS SON, and that the work He had done was pleasing to him….
• So that's how it got started.  And during the last 193 years he has been restoring his work through prophets and apostles again!  The ordinances are here again.  The priesthood authority is here again.  The true doctrines which had been changed are here again.  It's all here including the power to save all mankind.
• Cool!  In fact it was so cool, that as prophets have foreseen the great apostasy and the restoration, they called it a Marvelous Work and a Wonder.  One of the greatest miracles ever performed.   Perhaps only ecclipsed by the Atonement itself and the Creation of the world.
• What a blessing we all have to participate in it's restoration.

Questions for Max

• No real questions this week, except we love hearing about your Saturday proselyting experiences, we love hearing about breakthroughs in the language, and things with your companion which let us know that you're getting along well and helping each other move ahead with the work.
• BTW - Travis N was over at the house and was asking if your Elder Curtis is the same Elder Curtis that was the QB for East High Varsity football team 3 years in a row, and graduated as an all-american?  That's pretty cool. 

Keep the faith brother!

Dad.