FORWARD!!!

Dear Family that I love so much!

  I got my visa yesterday! So as you know (b/c I called you last night) I'm back at the MTC where there is SNOW! Crazy! I don't know how Aleksi lives a normal life with this weather! It's literally freezing cold! Thank goodness for sweaters and that coat. By the way, the gloves that you sent me were both right hands haha, so I left them in Tucson. Sister McCue joked with me that I needed one glove, just to cover my ugly scar hand. She says I'll never get married with it ahah. I loved saying goodbyes to Erika and Kassia (thank goodness Kassia had been sick and couldn't go to school). Kassia made me a card. This week I helped her name her new puppy. We decided on Toadette (after the Mario Kart video game). But actually Toadette decided. We put out three fingers, each representing a name (toad or princess peach or toadette). And on all three hands (mine, kassia's, and aryk's) the puppy licked toadette. I wish I could play with all these kids I am teaching, like I used to play with Emree, Rett, and Rye. PS Happy Birthday RITA!!! I wish i could send photos of the flan! I know that Sister McCue is going to. I'll send photos as soon as I can. Well, I also got to say goodbye to Ramon. I hope to keep in contact with him. Thank goodness I felt I should pack on Saturday, or else I wouldn't have had ANY time to say goodbye. Anyway, I'm super excited to be back in the MTC. Who gets to do that?! And it's SNOWING. I love it. I'm taking photos! Well. I love you all so much. I want you to know that I'm really loving being a missionary. On the plane here I was SO sad to leave Arizona, which really surprised me. I had such a wonderful experience there: good times and hard times. I really grew a lot and have already learned that this mission is as much for me as it is for those I come in contact with. This week I was pondering obedience. It's really hard to be 100% obedient. And then you see other disobedient missionaries who are having TONS of baptisms. You ask, "what's the deal?" But i figured it out. Obedience doesn't affect who you baptize, that's in Heavenly Father's control and plan. It affects whether you let Heavenly Father make you into the missionary, the man, that He wants you to be. Being in Arizona has really humbled me. I've learned patience and submissiveness. There were a few times where I literally felt like I'd been beat up- so humbled, just in tears. But then there were times where I was in tears on my knees in gratitude for all the Lord's mercies. I love this mission. I love the people. I know this church is true. I know that Heavenly Father loves me. He has a plan for me.

 I love you all!!!!!!

   Love,

     Elder Mitchell Poirier



VISA!!!

I GOT MY VISA. I LOVE YOU ALL

Elder Mitch Poirier



Feliz Ano Nuevo 2011

Dear Mom, Dad, Aleksi, Max, and Cassie,

  A few things: thanks for the chicken pot pie and flan recipes. This Wednesday we're eating at the McCue's again. We eat there at least once a week. They wanted someone else to cook, but I'm the only one who can.  And Sister McCue is super excited to try our family flan!!! Also, I'm sending home a package filled with letters that I've received in these three months, plust things I've been given (like Kassia's stuffed animal). Please don't open the package, but just put it in my closet. I'd appreciate it. Next, how were the chili lollipops? Did you wonder how people actually enjoy those? And finally (before I actually get to the good stuff), I hate to report the death of another dog: Tiny. The same stupid chihuahua that urinated on Elder Glenn's backpack last week. You know what they say about karma...

 

Now, this week has been really good for me. I've been able to refocus on being a better missionary. I finally figured out a way to study with the Preach My Gospel. I've just started from the beginning and am highlighting and making notes in the margins. It's working well for me. Plus, I'm doing it all in Spanish. I'm also in Helaman 14, so I'm getting excited to get to 3 Nephi in Spanish. So with studies and missionary work, I'm enjoying myself. We're teaching a lot of people, but one that is really progressing is named Clarissa. She's 32 but sounds like she is 16. We really like her because she REALLY wanted to learn what we taught and see for herself if it was true. In all other churches she has felt incomplete, but as she's been reading and praying and meeting with us, she says that she's found what will make her complete. She's going to be baptized the 29th, but it's possible that I will have my visa by then. According to President Walker, I'll be getting my visa in these next couple of weeks. Of course, he hasn't told me that, but told Elder Muniz.
 On Friday, IT SNOWED!!! (Refer to pictures above)...
 I'm excited for all the photos Max is sending me. I hope I get them today or tomorrow. But I won't be able to look at them until next Monday anyway.. Actually, the McCue's loved looking at my photo album, maybe they'll want to see some of them!!! If it gets there in time.

I'm embroidering a memento of each area I have been in...

I left my list of things to say at the apartment, so that's all for today. I love you all. I love being a missionary here in Douglas. Being in Tucson was miserable, but looking back, it was really good for me to learn to endure it well. And I'm glad that it was first. Everything in comparison will be wonderful. So just know that I love being out here despite really wishing I wasn't missing out on so many memories with you all and my friends. But time's flying. It only seems like a long time if I say, "I have all of 2011 left and then most of 2012." ahah    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Cookie Dust(Thanks Eva)

 I love you all!!!!!!

                                                          Love, Elder Mitchell Poirier

HOLA FAMILIA

Ugly Sweaters from Goodwill

 Elder Poirier, Elder Bowen, Elder Glenn

Ramon's Day

 Joseph F. Smith

"Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, by one having authority, is a true principle, because Christ taught it; Christ obeyed it, and would not fail, for anything, to fulfil it— "



Dear Family!

  I hope you had a merry Christmas! I loved calling you all! Thank you for making sure Reagan was there too (Shout out to Reagan! Thanks for being there!). I really love you all. It was great to hear what has been going on with you all. I do miss Bentley a ton! So after I called, I got a killer headache (from the tears "o'course" [as Hagrid would say]) that lasted until I had about 9 mates. That's mah-tay. I loved having dinner at the McCue's that night! They're such a fun family and we all really felt part of it. It felt like a Christmas dinner (if you remember, Thanksgiving was kind of awkward somewhere else). Mom, you need to look her up on facebook haha. Has she emailed you yet? After the phone call home was the baptism. Ramon is baptized!! WOOHOO! Again, such a special time. It was incredible; his family even came. I'm so happy that I got to be a part of his conversion--it really was an honor. He's overjoyed! His life has completely turned around and he actually is feeling true happiness. I love being a missionary! And NOW I'm ready for my visa!

  So this past week was transfers. Elder Bowen left for Bisbee (ugh Bisbee). He's our district leader now. Elder Muniz (with a tilde over the n) has filled his spot in our companionship. Elder Muniz has five weeks left before he goes home! Crazy! He's a really good teacher. But. He's from Utah. So now it's me and two utards haha. He says things like "oh fetch!" and "he totally biffed it!" Aye aye aye.

  Well, the other day we met a girl who told us her name was "um..here? uh.. Blanca." We saw her again and she said, "Hey guys!"I said, "Hi Blanca!" She responded, "You guys remember my name? That's nice.." Well, did you try the chili lollipops?! How were they?! What are you all doing for New Year's? We have to be safe in our apt. at 6PM. Oh, and what does a tear drop tattoo mean if it's not solid? We met a guy who had it. Elder Sharp gave him five dollars for "gas" which is the only reason the guy listened to us.

Well, I love you all! I'm excited to call again at the airport (hopefully soon). Have a happy New Year! And to all my friends and family reading this as well!

Love, Elder Mitchell Poirier

 

Feliz Navidad!



Dear Family!

  Merry Christmas!!! I am so excited to be here still for the holiday. I've read all your emails and am so happy that you're all together again! It makes me feel better knowing that. I'm also glad that everybody is doing well. This week was pretty strange. I had to go on a week-long exchange because our district leader got to go home a few days early to be there for a few days before Christmas. So someone had to fill his place before transfers. I was in Bisbee (actually their area also covers Elfrida, Sunsites, and Naco). It was super boring because there was SO much driving to do. I got SO sick of all the music we had, so we went to Walmart and bought Christmas music. But I'm sending the disc I bought home. Max will like it. Last time I emailed you was a monday. Later that day, Roger, one of our investigators, went insane. The story is that we went to go give his friend a blessing (who is a member), but Roger also put his hands on Randy's head... So Elder Bowen (who just got transferred to become the new district leader) politely told him that the priesthood was something he would get after baptism. Well, after the blessing, Roger wanted a word with us outside. "To chastize the @*%$ out of [us]" Apparently he had just been annointed a priest in the Cherokee Nation and had "more power to give blessings" than we do. He was getting in our faces like he wanted to fight. It was bad. I don't know how he doesnt understand that his authority in one church doesn't apply to another church. He wouldn't let us explain. It was bad. So we had to drop him. He wasn't getting baptized for any other reason other than to marry Sister Farhendorff in the temple. Well, as he would say, that's "WRONG". Anyway, Ramon is still doing awesome. We can't wait for his baptism! Also, this week we were tracting in Bisbee. We met a kid named BJ. His mom came to talk to us at the door and said she was really busy at the moment. I briefly described the message of the Restoration and asked if she'd be interested in learning more another time. She was hesitant, but BJ cut her off and said "I am!" And that was that. We set a time to go back and teach them! BUT it's not my area. The exchange ended today. Transfers were today. Elder Glenn and I now are companions with Elder Munice. This is his last 6 weeks. Well, I'm doing well. I love being a missionary. I'm trying to be better everyday, to be more Christ-like. I really wish all my friends and family a merry Christmas. I hope that they'll take the opportunity to read Luke 2: 1-14 and to meet with missionaries! Let them teach you! But family, I love you and look forward to calling you at 2PM your time!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Love,

Elder Mitch Poirier

Elder Nystrom

Living Life in Arizona!

MOM! I love you!

 Well, I taught gospel principles this Sunday. My lesson was on agency! I didn't make a pie recipe (b/c elder glenn would've been tired of it) but instead used a quote from Harry Potter: "Soon we must all make the choice between what is right and what is easy" It's by Dumbledore, but I had everyone guessing. They thought it MUST be a prophet. ahah. Well I'm glad that you're taking care of all the missionaries. I hope they love coming by our house. I feel that way with the McCue family. We're going there for Christmas. Should I call home in the morning? What's a good time for you all? And remember, if it's possible, I'd like Reagan to be there. We did get together, two zones, for Christmas. President Walker and his wife each spoke about Christmas time. They told some pretty neat stories. I really enjoyed being there. He doesn't really know me since he hasn't had a conversation with me since the day i got here, but he does know my name. I hope that I get my visa the day after Christmas!! I will miss Douglas though, and all the people here. I love you mom! I love what you said about the Prophet! Isn't he such a sweet and amazing man? I'm so glad that Ramon was able to hear him speak and know he is a prophet. Well, I hope you have a wonderful week! I really am grateful I get so many letters from you! Mom, this mission is exactly part of my purpose in life, and part of the plan for me. I can feel it. It's building me up so much that even I can tell. I can't imagine not being here to see the change in the lives of Erika and Ramon, and our other converts. It has really struck me in my mind and heart. I love you mom! Thank you for being so wonderful!

Love, your son,

Elder Mitch Poirier

Dad!

Thanks for that bit of world news! Very interesting.  I'm super glad to hear that sister is doing so well. It really is wonderful that you spoke with the spirit that night. That really was a powerful night. When i think about it, tears come to my eyes. How awesome is it that the Lord works through people like us? I feel so young and weak, and yet continually I'm blessed with miracles and the spirit to guide me. I'm very happy to hear that you are home teaching haha. Do you have a companion? My gospel principles class is going well. I really don't have time to prepare for it except for Sunday morning, but Heavenly Father really has helped me to do a good job and teach with the spirit. I like getting the class involved, asking questions, and learning about their personalities and interests. We talked about agency and the creation this sunday and I asked a few people which creation makes them feel peace and contentment. For me it's being underwater, especially under Kados Bridge. And I love when it's thunderstorming. It is SO good to see all of our converts and investigators becoming friends! I can't even describe it!

Well, I can't wait to call home on Christmas! I look forward to speaking with you all! Thinking about it reminds me of when we went to go hear Joe Brown's call. Am I really that old? Am I really a missionary? It's so crazy. I want to cry again thinking of how happy I am to be a missionary. I love it out here. I love the gospel. I know this is where I'm supposed to be. The mission is THE place to be at this age. Satan is working with all his angels to get young men unworthy to go. I pray for Max, that he'll prepare for his mission and prepare to fight Satan as the days get closer.

Well, I love you dad! I hope I didn't make you cry too much! ahah! Save those tears for Christmas!

Love, your son,

Elder Mitch Poirier

Dear Friends and Family,

Well, I'm running out of time! But this week was pretty cool! My favorite part was on Thursday when we went to the McCues for dinner. She's the one that's from Chile. Well, guess what. We made EMPANADAS! And I actually put them together (with all my expertise). Pictures included! She even made the dough herself! We had three different kinds: shrimp and provologne, cheddar cheese, and the meat/egg. They were ALL fried! And they were all delicious!! The other four elders didn't like it at all! Can you believe it?! We even had pastel de choclo and chilean salad! I was in HEAVEN. So good, but they are all so picky. When we left, Sister McCue told me, "Yo se que le gusto, elder" (I know that you liked it, elder). She likes me the most!!! She's funny too. When the others don't like something, she says "You're offending my country!". So this time I said, "you're offending our country." The other elders got mad at me haha "You're hardly Chilean!" Well, I have no more time than that! But I love you all and look forward to a phone call home!!!!! LOVE YOU LOVE YOU MISS YOU!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Love, Elder Mitchell Poirier
1840 E. River Rd. Suite 102
Tucson, AZ
85718

Still in Douglas!

 Big Ray in his "cranberries"

Querida Familia!!

  It has been kind of a lame week, all starting from when that little boy told me, "It's my turn on the computer" last Tuesday. We still have been able to see Ramon everyday to teach him and see how he is doing. Tonight he has his interview for baptism. It's incredible how much he knows this is the true church. I wish everyone would sincerely find out for themselves the way he did. Because his prayers really have been answered. He knows it's real, it's true. I really hope that I'll be here for Christmas to see him be baptized (and honestly I hope that he'll ask me to baptize him). He does like me the most. I can tell. Seriously. It's just they way it is; I don't mean to sound at all snobby. But anyway, besides Ramon, our week was pretty uneventful. I'm excited for Christmas! We've finally started listening to Christmas music in the car. I want to listen to the Christmas CD Aleksi made me.

Also, as I may or may not have told you, I suggested that we teach a Gospel Principles class for our investigators and recent converts. I've been able to teach both Sundays! I love it! The other elders tell me that I'm a good teacher! I took each lesson and made it a recipe, a pie recipe. And (shout out to Reagan) in each one I used the pie bird as an analogy for something. It's super fun. What makes me really happy is that our investigators and recent converts are all getting to know each other. They're even becoming friends! I do hope that you are all reaching out to help the missionaries and get to know their investigators and converts! And, mom, I was wondering what we could do to get the addresses of the two missionaries who taught you. I'd really like to write them and tell them what a difference they've made in our lives. Well, there's not much more to write, so I'll just put one short, random, funny story.

1) Today we were all five walking down G Ave where a bunch of shops are. A woman walked past us saying several times to us, "Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" What?

Well, I love you all! Merry Christmas! 19 days until I can call home!! Crazy!!

Love, Elder Mitchell Poirier

 Ho, Ho, Ho

 McGraw's cousin?

 My Apartment (top right)

 My "room"

At the border

"Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed—the courage to say no, the courage to say yes. Decisions do determine destiny."  Thomas S. Monson

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