Week 42 - We have to be creative or we get bored.

Howdy y'all

This week was cool! We did a few things that stuck out. We did some service at the animal shelter, we mostly cleaned dog bowls for three hours. It was fun to talk and get to know the other missionaries better, but dang it was basically endless dishes HAHAHA! Other than that nothing much has changed. Life is crazy as a missionary during COVID, we have to find creative ways to get through each day, because without creativity life gets really repetitive.

But yeah, that was this week, nothing too great. If yall want to email me my email is andrew.delgado@missionary.org and I will try my best to respond to you on the next P-day.

-Elder Delgado

Week 41 - Howdy Y'all!

Howdy Y'all 🤠


It's another great day here in Texas, besides COVID 19 getting worse and it always being in the 100°F every day, we are having a great time.

I was just transfered to a different area and different zone. So it was pretty sad to say goodbye to all the amazing missionaries I met in the last zone. I especially miss being with the Tongan saints. The Tongan people are so amazing, and I love them with all my heart. I have a feeling I'll be serving back in Euless with the Tongan people later in my mission. (Probably because I'm the only person in the mission who speaks "fluent" Tongan).

Anyways, my new companion is Elder Robbins. He is super cool and a really obedient missionary. Missionary work still awkward due to us not being able to see as many people in person, so we try to do the best we can through the means of technology. We still find ways to have fun and releive the stress of cabin fever.

Everything's doing good down here in the south. I truely love y'all and I hope y'all know that God and his beloved son, Jesus Christ love each and every one of you personally. I am so grateful for the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and I would urge you guys to get lost in the scriptures and enjoy them. The scriptures God has given us are here to bring peace, guidance, and to be an anchor in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

-Elder Delgado

Week 40 - I'm Going To Be a Zone Leader

Hello!

I've only been in Texas for 3 weeks and I'm already getting transferred. I'm really going to miss the Tongan wards and being companions with Elders Fifita and Taukeiaho. I'm going to the Fort Worth zone and where I will be a District Leader.  (That means I will oversea the work of about 6 other missionaries.) It'll be fun and a great new experience to be a leader in the mission. I'll be serving in an english area which is a bummer, but I have a feeling I'll be back in the Tongan areas again.


This week has been a good one. We tought a lesson about the restoration of the priesthood to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in 1829. The lesson was good and the spirit was there! Other than that it's all been same old same old.

For P-day (our day where we have free time and catch up on shopping and chores) we played sports in the gym. It's fun to "get your wiggles out" every so often.

Sorry for the short email, but I love you all lots, and I hope ya'll have a good week.

-Elder Delgado

PS: I forgot to mention it was the 4th of July this past week and we were in a parade.

Week 39 - We Went To Buc-ee's!

Hey Y'all!

It's another wonderful day here in Texas. Not much has changed since I have been here. The Corona virus is getting worse in Texas, so that stinks. That being said, we have to be more cautious about wearing our masks and stuff like that. As for the missionary work goes it's same old same old. We still use Facebook as our number one way of contacting people. It is difficult at times but also super rad.

For P-day we went to this gigantic gas station called Buc-ee's. It has over 100 gas pumps and looks like a mall inside. It is huge! We also got together with our zone and played sports.

I just wanted to leave you guys with saying that I love this work. I love serving others and sharing the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope you all have a splendid week, and I'll catch y'all on the flipside!

Love,
Elder Delgado

At Buc-ee's

A photo from when I left Tonga via Fiji.

Week 38 - I'm In Texas!

Hi everybody!!!


It's been a while since you all have heard from me so let me tell y'all whats been happening.

So last you've heard from me I was probably in Tonga and as many of you know because of COVID-19 I had to come back to America where I could be safe and stay with my family. I had a great time back home. I had the opportunity to see my family, work, and be anxious to find out where I would be reassigned.

So drumroll... If you don't already know. I was reassigned to the Texas Fort Worth Misson, Tongan speaking! I arrived on Wednesday, the 17th and the assistants to the mission president picked us up and dropped us off in our areas. The first thing one of the assistants said to me was, "You're going to be Tongan speaking," and that made me so happy! I'm so happy I can be able to keep up with my language and also continue serving the Tongan people.

I'm currently in a trio with Elders Taukeiaho and Fifita. They're super awesome and are both from Utah. We live in a dapper appartment in Euless, Texas. It's super nice. I may be saying that because in Tonga I was in a brick hut. That means I have A/C, a kitchen, washing machine and dryer, nice bathroom, and a lot more "wiggle room". I feel like I'm in a mansion!!!

So as far as the work goes it's a little different. Because of the restrictions we have because of the virus we use Facebook as our main source of contacting people. I'm not going to lie it's a little difficult but we've video called a couple people and shared a scripture and then we refer them to missionaries near them. It's a pretty good process. PS: follow me on Facebook - Andrew Delgado is my name. In the picture I'm holding a coconut and a machete... it's pretty hard to miss. :) And if any of you have questions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints light up my DMs.

Heres a scripture from 2 Nephi 2:6 that I like:
 

"Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth."

Jesus is the way to redemption hence one of his given names is 'The Redeemer'. As we come unto Christ we can feel his love and guidance and be at peace.

I love you all and hope you have a spectacular week. I challange those who have not, to read the Book of Mormon. Its pretty cool!

Love,
Elder Delgado

Week 26 - Farewell to Tonga

This letter is from Mom (Missy) this week. 


Hi Everyone,

It's been a crazy couple of weeks. Here's the short of it: It was decided that all non-native missionaries in Tonga would return to their home countries. Through lots of planning and I'm sure, some miracles, Drew returned home last night to Utah. He can't currently come to our home in Kosovo because the borders are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we hope to see him soon. Gratefully his sister and her wonderful husband have opened their home to him until he knows what's next.

We're sad that he had to leave Tonga. He loved it there. My hope is that he can return when the pandemic is no longer a threat, but we will see what God has planned for him.

I've been receiving messages from the people in Tonga whose lives he touched and people he has served with as well as family and friends. People mention his happy and positive personality, his kindness and how fun he is. I love these messages. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for loving and supporting Drew. He is happy and well.

Ofa atu!
Missy

Week 25 - I Might Be Leaving Tonga

This letter is from Mom (Missy) this week. 

On Monday we received an email from Drew saying that he was asked to pack his things and make plans to return to the main island of Tonga. He was told due to the COVID-19 crisis they were making preparations for all missionaries to return to their home countries.

It's our understanding that Drew is now on the main island of Tonga awaiting a flight to the U.S. There are many logistical and political issues involved - as is the case in most countries around the world - including the country where we live, in Kosovo.  Planes in and out of Tonga have been suspended, as they have also been suspended for us.  For everyone it seems things change almost by the hour. We will keep you updated on Drew when we learn more. 

Two things are certain and bring us great peace:
1) He was excited to have faith-building and learning experiences when he left for Tonga. He's getting those. We like to call them adventures and we know he's enjoying them.
2) We are 100% certain he is being well cared for and is safe. Currently Tonga has no cases of the Corona virus, so that's encouraging. 

Please keep Drew and all of his fellow missionaries in your prayers this week. All positive thoughts and vibes are welcome too! Thank you for supporting him!

Ofa atu,
Missy