RIP 2013

1. Christmas Eve! waiting for Papa Noel!
2. We gave the nerf basketball hoop you sent me to the Bracamontes family, and they absolutely loved it! :)
3. one of the thousands of meals I had this week!
4. Today for Pday we went and climbed the cerro de la campana with our zone and the grandkids of hermana Moreno

Dec 30, 2013


this week was an excellent week. this christmas will definitely be one I will never forget. I was so grateful for the love i felt on our Skype call! you guys are hilarious and I felt like I hadn't missed a beat. I think my favorite part of our call was sharing a special moment with my younger sisters and talking about their future missions. oh and also seeing how enormous my older sisters stomach is! haha I have been so pleased with the way the year has ended and I cant wait for this next one to start. 2014 brings so many new opportunities, trials, friendships, jokes, memories, and ways to improve.

finishing off christmas day, we made a few visits to our favorite families and investigators and ate. then we ate, and before we left, we decided to eat. and finished our week of pretty well. Like always we are in the "stop teaching some, start teaching others" stage of missionary work. Our teaching pool nearly doubled this week. Lots of new questions to answer, stories to hear, and faces and names to memorize! these are all good things :) one of my favorite things to do on a first lesson is directly ask them to be baptized. this really helps us with the weeding out process. Most of the time you are able to tell if they will progress based upon their reaction to a simple, clear and direct invitation to be baptized.

our zone is working so much better, each weekend we report dats to the offices and we have seen huge numerical improvement in these last 3 months. its been fun to be a part of the motivation and capacitation part of helping the zone. Our zone motivates Elder Joyner and I to do our very best work and not waste any time doodling around, and to focus ourselves the people we teach.

This week should be a fun one too. we will try our best to stay out of trouble with the pachangas going down on every street. they tell me Hermosillo is a party town. we shall see. This week I have plans to combat the temptations satan throws with a word of wisdom pamphlet in hand. I love the safety that comes from obedience to living gospel principles. I love my God, my Savior and my Church! Have an exceptional week my good family. Love you all tons

-Elder Farrow

Away in a silent night!

Dec 23, 2014

I titled this email Away In A Silent Night because I have sung Away In A Manger and Silent Night soooo many times this month! I love singing and using the hymns as tools to invite the spirit before talking about Christ :) La Navidad is great here in Hermosillo, and there is a very special Christmas spirit with us as missionaries finishing up this year. Like always lots happened this week. Tuesday Morning the assistants invited us to sing with them at an pre-school. We sang, Silent Night haha, Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, and randomly the church hymn, Choose The Right.The schools principal was a precious old woman and gave a heartfelt 10 minute pump up speech to her 50 young students and their parents. Then we sang :) We got a standing ovation. haha just kidding, maybe half of the people there were paying attention but we really had some fun with it.

Elder Joyner and I were assigned as baby sitters this week because we were accompanied by 3 different Elders. (Bush, Sierra and Perez) the 3 of whom finished there missions Wednesday and needed a place to stay, so prez asked us to quidar them until their departure. I had fun hearing the testimonies of these Elders in their final week of the mish. I am now considered "old" in the mission and it scares me to think that I am in the final transfers of my mission. Also my companion Elder Joyner is finishing up his last weeks here in Sonora and I'm trying my best to keep him from gettin trunky and help stay positive. I want to send him home on a stretcher because we worked so hard here. This week we also did some service and painted a house.

But really, this week was legit! Our dats weren't super high, but we were able to see good progress with our investigators. Also we we able to give 3 baptismal interviews! All of the DLs baptised this week, it was cool. I was really impressed by Laura, who I interviewed Friday night, who quit smoking after her 1st lesson with the missionaries. She said she felt sick just thinking about smoking and once the missionaries left her house after the 1st visit she never picked up another cigarrette. Also This week we had our Posada, or Christmas Ward Party. Sadly, nothing here in Mexico starts on time and we had to split right when it was pickin up, but we were able to see the cutest real nativity play put on by the primary. You know the church is true when you see the shepards sword fighting with their canes, while the angel is telling them Jesus is born! :)

We have a newish investigator named Anamaria, who accepted a baptisimal date for the 25th of January. She couldn't make it to church this Sunday but what she told us Thursday Morning has been running through my head all week. She said "I think I have found what I was looking for". She loves praying with us and there is always a powerful spirit with us while we teach her. Anamarias countenace is changed every time we visit and both Elder Joyner and I have a good feeling about her!

I have tons to tell you all but Ill save it for Christmas Day when Ill see you again. casi no extraño mi familia pero en estas fechas si la extraño. espero que estén felices y que se sientan la paz y gozo que yo siento en esta temporada tan bonita. Que siempre recuerden la razón de la navidad, que recuerden Cristo y Su nacimiento y ejemplo! I love my Savior Jesus Christ, and I am grateful for the patience He has excercised with me. I have had an entire year to reflect upon His love and to understand the magnitude of His infinite atonement. I know that through Him we are happy and by Him we will be saved. This Christmas it is my only wish that we might all draw closer to Jesus Christ, by repenting of our sins and looking forward with hope and faith. I know that enormous changes are the results of a humble heart. I love being a representative of Jesus Christ and declaring the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ every single day of my life. There is no greater gift or reward this Christmas season!

I love you all so much! Have a very very merry Christmas and Ill see you soon :)

Con Todo Mi Corazón,
Elder Farrow

1. With stake pres and his fam
2. My favorite Grandmas of Hermosillo
3. Ari and Samantha :)

Chug some Eggnog for me!

Dec 16, 2013

After reading all of my families emails my heart is filled with so much joy and happiness! I am so thankful for the family that I have. this week seemed like it was an incredible one for all of you and the same went for me. mas que nada, Lexi Im so happy for you, love you lots and know that Elder Farrow was including you in his prayers everyday last week. Camden, congrats on finally meeting Santa, and welcome back to the mainland Brooklyn.  today was cambios and it looks like ill be hangin in Satelite for Christmas. there is some good work coming up and we look forward to these next few weeks with lots of hope, and jolliness. Hermosillo seems to be a little more americanized than Cananea and every day I see more and more Christmas lights on the streets and I have enjoyed helping members and investigators put up their Christmas trees. I guess we can count that as service right?

This week, like all other weeks, had its up and downs. I would like to think that we as a world grow closer to Christ at Christmas time, but we had some very slow hours this week trying to contact some new people to teach with little success. Caminando como locos. I had a sweet experience Tuesday night. After only having one lesson all day, at 6pm Elder Joyner and I were a little wiped. All plans had fallen through and we were brought to the "now what?!" part of the day. We crossed our arms and bowed our heads and right there in the street, and I offered a little prayer. I asked God to give us a little of His grace, and lead us to someone that was willing, able and wanting to learn about His gospel. The prayer wasn't longer than 15 seconds. We started walking, in what direction we don't know, and arrived at little home with a single light bulb lit up, only to illuminate a humble nativity scene in front of their front door. We knocked, Francisco answered, we taught, and our simple prayer in the street was answered! We finished the night teaching 3 other lessons. But I just loved that little prayer. It made a real turnaround for us that afternoon. We learned to never lose hope and to keep on keeping on.

I know the spirit guides, protects, and enlightens us. I know that grace is Gods divine power, help and support, that is offered to us only through the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. I also know that this support will only be gifted to us based upon our obedience and diligence. I love Moroni´s testimony at the end of the Book of Mormon, when he teaches us that grace will only come after we have loved God after our 100%. With all our heart, might, mind and strength. I love being a missionary and serving my brothers and sisters here in Mexico. Please pray for them :) I treasure in my heart, the testimony I have of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, His church, in the Plan of Salvation, and especially the love and saving grace of my Heavenly Father. This week brought so much progress and know I grew closer to our Savior. I know He lives!!

This week should be another great one. The zone has seen so many changes in these last few months and we will be seeing many miracles and baptisms this week. Things are pickin up. Merry Almost Christmas :) I love you all!

Les Amo a Todos,
Elder Farrow

First Baptism in Satelite

Keepin it classy with President and Hermana Hernandezn

Baptismal night. Joel, Hna Bracamonte, Elder Joyner and I

Dec. 9, 2013

Where do I even start, this week was legit. Ok, I know where to start, its beginning to looks a lot like Christmas. This week it definitely dropped below 65 degrees. Elder Joyner and I had a very memorable moment walking back to our house Tuesday night. We both looked at each other at the same time and said " I'm cold" haha those words haven't come out of my mouth since Cananea, so I'm stoked to start seeing some more cold weather. I'm sure in these upcoming days Joyner and I will head up to the tianguis de palo verde and pick up some cheap sweaters. with the colder fronts now our shower water is chilling, and since we don't want to pay the gas bill that hasn't been payed in like 2 years, we warm up the water for our showers in a 5 gallon pale bucket with a metal rod called a resistencia. Mexico livin keeps us young.

Wednesday we had the opportunity to go through the temple with Jina! She had prepared a couple family names and asked us a while back if we could go with her. after asking permission form pres it was go time Wednesday night. I loved the new video and was really inspired in the celestial room. There is no spirit that can compare to the spirit that dwells in the temple. I felt so close to the heavens!

Friday we had a multi zone conference! It was awesome, and we started the conference out with a bang. My comp, 2 other elders and I sang "Santa La Noche" or "O Holy Night" right at the beginning of the conference. I swear we were singing with angels cuz we sounded like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! Just kidding we weren't that good, but we did have fun practicing and performing that special number. President Hernandez asked Elder Joyner and I to give a brief 15 minute capacitaion on keeping a positive attitude through missionary trials and especially adjusting to the mission. I flipped when I heard what our topic was going to bee, because that's what I love talking about and after reading Dads fireside speech 2 weeks ago I had plenty of info and scriptures to work with so yeah thanks dad!! It all turned out very well and we all went home pumped and ready for this Christmas season.

the end of the week we spent preparing for the baptism of Joel! Friday afternoon we had his interview and Saturday night his baptismal service. Joel Bracamonte is a pretty crazy 9 year kid. We actually had a lot in common. A little ADD, lots of energy and a love for the gospel. It was cool to see his interest in a lot of the gospel topics when he was only 9. (The Brocamonte family had been in active for 2ish years and once finding them on our ward list it was a piece of cake getting them back to church. Later Hermana Bracamonted told us, when Elder Joyner and I rolled up to her doorstep she could feel and see something different. Something so different that she let us in. Many missionaries had previously told us that this family wanted nothing to do with the church anymore and that the Mom had turned down the missionaries for 2ish years. So it was definitely something special for us to be instruments in the Lords hands. I know they were just waiting for the church to strike again) But yes, Joel is a stud and was soooo excited for his baptism from day one. Once in his baptismal clothes he was so anxious to get in the water. I had trhe privilege to baptise and confirm him the next day!

I love the mission and its changing power. I grow stronger everyday and have such an attitude of gratitude this Christmas season. This week was incredible! and what a way to finish it off the the Christmas devotional last night. I'm having the time of my life out here and cant believe time is flying so fast. Thank you family for your constant love and support. I'm working hard and learning lots.

I love the quote mom sent me this week. "you have had an eternity to prepare for your mission and an eternity to reflect on it! But you only have 2 years to live it!", Ill take that to heart this week and enjoy every minute of my time here in Mexico. I know Jesus Christ is the foundation of our lives, is the reason for the season and is our Lord an Savior. He never abandons us or leaves us behind. Look to Christ in times of comfort and you with feel His infinite love! Please remember the nails this Christmas season :)

Much Love,
Elder Farrow

P.S. Ms. Lexi Kunze, I couldn't be more excited for you and your special week ahead. You are like a sister to me and I wish I could be there with you on the 15th! Never forget that the sky is the limit and that baptism is just the start. love you too Lex :)

1. Keepin it classy with President and Hermana Hernandez
2. Baptismal night. Joel, Hna Bracamonte, Elder Joyner and I

We made it to December!

Dec. 2, 2013

Each new months offers so much growth and to think of everything that has happened since last Christmas. A year ago I was just mumbling my Spanish, freezing to death in Cananea, biking up and down hills like a crazy person. I am thankful for the changes that have taken place in me, and especially for the opportunity I have to serve as a missionary here in Mexico. but yeee this week was great.

Tuesday night we had a huge meeting with all the the Bishops, ward councils, Hermosillo missionaries and Elder Benjamin De Hoyos from the Quorum of the 70. We we once again reminded of the urgency and necessity of missionary work and how the ward leaders and every ward member has a special part in the work. It was fun to see some old friends Quautemoc and other missionary buddies from other parts of Hermosillo. That night we started another interchange with Elder Treuhauft and Elder Huerta. Like I had said last week, it was the plan for me to stay and my area, and I was priveleged to work with Elder Treuhauft. On Wednesday morning I studied Dads devotional speech on staying positive and being cheerful and it helped me a ton and I was able share lots of my thoughts with my temporary companion. Later in the day our food appointment suddenly canceled on us but they were generous enough to give us 150 pesos to go buy some lunch. We decided to split the money 50/50, put it in our wallets and kept on working. We didn't eat until night time because we were still pretty full from the banana pancakes I made for us in the morning. We had an awesome day and had a ton of fun teaching 7 lessons! In one of these lessons we made up a song to the tune of Happy Birthday to help 9 year old Joel understand the Word of Wisdom, "No tomamos café o te, no tomamos alcohol, no fumamos ni drogamos, pa que tengamos salud!" hahah we had fun.


Thanksgiving isn't just the same without family and a pickup football game, but Elder Joyner and I managed to get by. Actually we were treated like kings at a royal feast with Jina and her family! They were super nice to us and made us feel like family. Thursday turned out to be a super slow day, and we were rejected soo much. You just have to laugh it off and stay positive and be cheerful I guess ;) But we had an awesome lunch so we were good.

Friday, I don't really remember what I did, but I did rip my pants jumping a fence. To finish up the day we had an awesome lesson with my best buds, Jesus and Alonzo. They invited us to mutual as their special guests and talked to all the youth about how cool it is to serve a mission, and the blessings that come from serving the Lord. At the same time we gave a solid 40 minute lesson about the Plan of Salvation. We had every participated and it was great. We got all spiritual tat the end and Alonzo gave the closing prayer! We want to help them enter the waters of baptism here at the end of the month, we pray and fast that their mom will understand, and accept the gospel.

Saturday ended up being another pretty slow day, but we found an awesome new investigator named Carlos. Hes single, super rich, respects missionaries, and wants to read the Book of Mormon. What more could you ask for. We will see if Carlos progresses, he has a jammed packed schedule and only is free on the weekends.

Sunday was a very edifying day. We saw lots of our investigators at church and pretty much everybody was in tears during the testimony meeting the 1st hour. The spirit was definitely there. Lots bore their testimony and even Elder Joyner and I got up there.

We pray and fast for miracles, then look for them every day. I believe God grants miracles based on His children's diligence and obedience. But having a belief is only half the battle, the other part is staying strong and holding to the rod. I know now that faith is a whole lot more that hope for things that you cant see. Its living day to day with real desire and having the drive, dream and determination to reach your goals. I give my thanks to my family, your support and prayers strengthen me hourly. I love my Father in Heaven, and I love my Savior. I feel their love every single day. Have a great week!

Love, Elder Farrow

1. starting off the intercambios, driving home from the meeting with De Hoyos
2. washin dishes with Jina!
3. A turtle