Returned with Honor

Elder Trevino returned home from his mission on June 6, 2013.

The Final Letter

Well, as the remaining quickly passes, and as the return flight approaches, and seeing as how this we will be my last communication to you all before said return, I would like to write a final letter. Please ignore anything that sounds dumb, as I'm still used to talking in Spanish.

I will be eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father for having given such a wonderful opportunity to serve in a part of his vineyard here in the beautiful country of Paraguay. I have be extremely blessed in inumerable ways. In this incredibly short span of two years I have matured, learned Spanish, learned to teach the gospel, seen many unforgettable sights and had many unforgettable moments as well. But most importantly I have grown closer to my Eternal Father, and have helped some of his precious children grow closer to Him as well.

Many things happen to a young person during their service as a servant of the Lord. One learns to cook, clean, makes their bed. One learns to study the scriptures with diligence. One learns to pray, for guidance, strength, hope, faith, charity. One prays to make it through another rainy day. For the chance to just find that one person willing to listen to two young Americans who don't really know how to speak their own language on a hot dusty afternoon. One prays for forgiveness, for errors in the past, and from the small mistakes made everyday. One prays for their family who wait back at home, and knows that they too are praying for them One prays constantly for inspiration, trying to get along with a companion whos way of thinking is just different than yours. One prays everyday, that perhaps the Spirit might accompany them, and that the same Spirit will touch the heart of some desperate soul.

If there was anything that I have learned here during these past two years, is that God live and does aswer prayers. He give the guidance, the strength, the hope, the faith, the charity, and everything thing that we wask of him. He leads us as missionaries to those willing to listen and to follow, and He forgives us of our petty errors as we strive to improve daily.

I know that I never really have shared many of my own thoughts or feelings, as I generally am a bit more reserved in that regard. But one thing I would like to share is my testimony. Although it be simple, it is firm. I know that God lives and that we are His children. He loves us more that we can ever imagine. Because of this undying love he sent his Son, Jesus Christ to the earth. He taught us his perfect gospel, the perfect plan and path. He willingly sacrificed himself, and suffered beyond belief for us, that if we be willing, we can live again with him in His eternal courts above.

I know that this gospel was lost for a period of time, but that it has again been restored in its fullness. I know that Joseph Smith was called of God to restore his true church, and that he also restored the Holy Priesthood required to act in His name. I know that the evidence of this restoration in the Book Of Mormon. I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and like Joseph Smith said, if we read and live by its precepts, will will grow closer to God. I know that a prophet lives today, and that he is guided by Jesus Christ. I know that the promises that he and his apostles give will also be fulfilled. I know that the covenants that we make with God, enable us to live with him again. I know that God wants us to live happily. I know that obedience to his commandments allow us to live with much gladness and joy.

I know that all of these things are true, and that The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living church on the face of the earth.

This testimony I have shared with many of my fellow brothers and sisters here in Paraguay, and I hope that I have been of good use as a servant of God in these past two years. I know that as I return and move on to other "missions" in life, that I will miss this time, but I will be happy, know that I was able to do some good while it lasted. May God continue to bless each of us, and inspire those future missionaries, so that they too may bring about much good in his vineyard.

See you soon.

Elder Treviño.

Week of 20th May

whoowee. another week has passed incredibly fast. Last week on monday night, we traveled by bus into asunción for my last zone conference. It was really great and i was really grateful for the chance i had to be there. It was also Pres Madariaga´s last conference too, so it was pretty sad. Many were tearing up. I was able to share my testimony cause it was my last zone conference, and that went pretty well.

We got back on wednesday and headed back to work and doing some preparations for the wedding and Baptism of Gerardo and Andrea. The service was great and everything went pretty smoothly. The water was pretty cold, but not so bad. it was really cold outside on saturday, but that didn't stop anything from happening. They are probably the last investigators that will be baptized while im here, and it was a great way to end. They are a great couple.

Other than that, the week was really normal. This next week probably will be too. just work work working,

have a good week.

elder Treviño

hola hola hola

Well this past week was full of work like normal. We found a couple of sweet investigators and hope they keep progressing. One of the marriage/baptisms fell but the other is still progressing pretty well. The weather is slowing getting colder, and I hope that it doesn't get too cold before i part from here.

Today I am in Asunción for the mission leader counsel, and it was awesome. Like normal. I was able to visit one of my old areas as well. Good old times. It's great to visit and see converts that are still strong.

I don't got much time right now, but I love you guys and will talk to you on Monday!

Elder Treviño

Hola from the heart of Sudamerica

The week passed by very fast. Time just keeps speeding up i swear. its difficult to remember all that happens in that time, but still the work is going well. We ended the week with another baptism. The service was fantastic and our new member friend is very happy with his decision. Yesterday we went out with a member in his car to a neighboring colony i guess you could call it. Its called Santa Clara, and it is part of our area, as our area is very large, but mostly forest and farmland and stuff. anyway, out it this colony there are about 25 active members,and some children over 8 that need to receive the lessons, so we went our there. Let me tell you guys what, its a very very very pretty place. i will try to take photos next time we go. we left there at night, and because we are out in the middle of nowhere, the stars shined really brightly and we could see a great many of them. a cool experience for sure.

Anyway, not much is going on that is super exciting, other than that the work keep son progressing and time flying by. Love you guys, and have a good week!.

Week of April 15

whoowee. THe week just flew by like nothing to it. I don't really remember much that happened either. just lots of work and not a lot of time to do it. we are planning some more baptisms and some weddings as well in the coming weeks, so i hope that with the transfers that are coming up, i can stay here and end well. But i know that it is up to whatever the Lord wants. this week we were contacting around the area and we found a really nice couple. so we were talking to them and they invited us for lunch the next day. We weren't able to go, but it was a sweet contact. hopefully we can find them again and that they will be able to progress.

Today we hit up the waterfalls again, so i will send those fotos as well.

News item. we can now write all friends and family by email, and we get 2 hours instead of one. so if anybody wants to write me by email feel free to do so. (antonio.trevino @ myldsmail.net)

That's about it for this week,

have a good one!

Elder Treviño

Week of April 8

Well the week just flew by absolutely fast like normal. Here in Pedro Juan Caballero, it rained almost everyday for the past two weeks. For now it has stopped, but the temperature has dropped significantly, meaning that we have officially entered into Fall. Hopefully it does not get too much colder before I end, cause working out in the cold is not very fun.

We ended the week with another baptism, of a young lady named Hermelinda. She was super excited to be baptized and is really happy now having entered into the waters. I will attach a photo.

Other than that not much is going on here. We are still working really hard, trying to find those that are prepared, and the Lord is definitely blessing us more that I could ask for. He is very very merciful.

Last night I intended on making tinga, and it turned out really good. I didn't have poblanos or anaheims, but I did have chipotles from a can, and I made some Spanish rice as well. Super good. Made me miss home food though :( At least I don't have to wait too long now though.

Love you guys, and I hope you have a good week!

Elder Treviño.