Sprint to the Finish

Elder Beal,
Oh how I love Missionary Mondays! I love receiving updates from you. Perhaps this tradition can continue on after your mission. As I prepared for gospel doctrine class this week. I thought a lot about how Mormon must have felt writing to his son and how Moroni must have felt receiving the letters. How Moroni considered what would be of the most value as he wrote his final letter to us in the latter days as he wrapped up the Book of Mormon. I have so many thoughts and emotions that are all just jumbled up inside of me. I am struggling to know what is the one needful thing. (Martha and Mary) Know that I love you and am proud of you. Know that Heavenly Father will see us through the storms of life. That through these storms he blesses us beyond our comprehension. Know that all your friends, family and sweetheart are here anxiously awaiting your arrival. The Lord has his hand in this timing. Bishop invited the ward to join in a fast for you. My heart aches for your sorrows and pumps for your joys. Enjoy serving in whatever capacity you are permitted as you sprint to the finish of this marathon. Smile often, laugh often, light up a room, and love always. I am so excited to talk to you on Christmas. Do you know what time? Will it be Facetime?
Your birthday present arrived back here today. Attached is a picture of the package. I figured it was long gone! Gavin returned on Wednesday and gave a wonderful fireside message at his house around the fire. Jared returned Saturday, soon for a short season you will all be together again. I love you. Mom

To keep me from worrying, he sent this video about why he won't be able to write until Wednesday.  

On Wednesday, I received his weekly letter.

Beunos días Padres, 

We went to the temple this morning. It was really spiritual and I felt really lifted from the circumstances that were around me. I've been reading and praying a lot and I've received a lot of amazing impressions about the future. There is so many things that I want and need in my future and I'm glad that God loves me and wants me to happy here on this earth. I have been hanging with the Assistants this last week because if I go in shock they can get me to the hospital. One of them is Elder Boyd whom I've already served with before, in Fuerteventura and so now again it's pretty much just us two working together and it really makes me feel like I'm going hard to the end. On Sunday we will be FaceTiming and I hope that y'all would be able to do it at 6:00pm my time and 9:00 am your time. If you can. I would like to see every one if it's possible. I am coming home as I know now on Tuesday at night, but I'll let y'all know in case it changes. I'm super excited to see y'all on Sunday and in person next week.

Muchas love, 

Moroni 

By the way did y'all pay for the rest of my mission already? 

I owe the mission 100 euros and I need to pay for it before I leave.

I'll be home for Christmas...or a few days late.

Upon learning from Sister Pack on Friday, that Moroni's health would not permit him to continue his mission, I simply sent him this scripture found in the Book of Mormon:
Alma 17
Then patiently waited for Monday when we could exchange emails, however on Saturday he sent me this email plus video:
Hey Mom I know that it's weird getting this Email because it's Saturday but I just wanted to give you a weeks notice:

New Haircut & Comrades RWH

Elder Beal,

How wonderful that you were able to visit with Enrique! I love him and I haven't even met him in person :)  Some people brighten the world immensely and he is one of them.

We had a family over for dinner who is new to our ward, they have a few little ones. The little boys reminded me so much of you and Christian when you were small. Christian turned 24 last week, as I hung up my treasured ornaments with all your little faces, I reveled in the memories of all of you when you were young. 

Today was the primary program, they are all so sweet! It is one of my favorite Sacraments every year I look forward to it.  Their spirits are amazing!  Malachi gave such a great talk about missionary work and what our job is as member missionaries. He got a new suit for it and looked so handsome. He even let Nauvoo cut his hair. She did a nice job. I realized it is probably his last primary program and shed a tear.  Time flies ever so quickly!

Speaking of time flying by quickly, Gavin, I mean Elder Mapel returns with honor this Thursday! And Jared, ahem Elder Dabel on Saturday, mind blown! I know it feels like you still have a ways to go, but I promise you will blink twice and it will be time to come home and you will wish to stay and tarry a little longer. 

I am glad you were able to attend the temple last week.  I will work on names for the temple after this week passes.  I have finals for school and it is the last week of work before Christmas break.  It would be super awesome to have our ancestors from Spain done in Spain.

I have been posting the Light the World campaigns everyday on FB and trying to consider each particular one of the day. It is great to have a focus on making the world brighter. Thank you for extending the challenge to us.  I am really looking forward to our Christmas phone call!  I hope we don't get cut short again, that was tragic! I love you!

Love, 

Mom

Hey y'all. Today I got a haircut by a Ecuadorian and I look like a Spaniard, but it's alright. We have a Christmas party tomorrow as a zone. We are doing a white elephant party, and then lots of food. I'm jealous that Rick, Gavin, Jared, and Donavaghn are home but I'm glad that they all returned with honor. I can't wait to talk to you and them on the 25th. At the beginning of this next month I'm gonna have 8 months left. I can't wait to get home and spend time with all the family and the ward. This week we had a Noche del Hogar and we made some Salchi Papas. Which is hot dogs with French fries, with a ton of sauce. We almost got in a fight with the Relief Society President, because she made an activity at the same time as us, but it's all worked out. By the way I am feeling better and I'm going to be going to the hospital in the coming week. I hope that y'all have a white Christmas that would be sweet. Tell the guys to make some videos and send them to me. I really do miss all y'all and I'm super excited to see y'all on Christmas. Karly told me that she's gonna be in Oregon so you'll have to invite her. I love you guys a lot and I'll talk to you next week. 
Love Moroni.



(He sent a video for the boys,which I shared with them.)

A couple of days later when I learned he was admitted to the hospital:

Moroni,
I just wanted to take a moment and send some extra love your way. I am so grateful to be your mom! You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Much Love,
Mom

Madrid Temple-Families are Forever

Elder Beal,
Thank you so much for the wonderful letter last week! I loved every word! I knew leaving Gijon was going to be hard for you. I also know that you will fall in love with every ward you serve.  I am glad you will have an easier form of transportation while you are building your strength back up. Good to hear your potassium level has balanced out.
I am glad you like your companion. It is fascinating that you are both from Oregon, what part is he from? Where is his Spanish ancestry from? Your grandfather's is just southwest from where you are now. I wonder if there are any Mendoza's or Perez's where you are serving now?
I love the light the world campaign, it really helps me to focus everyday on what the Savior did and how I can 'go and do likewise'.   The First Presidency Christmas Devotional is on right now. I love hearing the words of our prophet and apostles.
We went and got some trees yesterday. It was so much fun, even though there wasn't snow.

Here is a beautiful picture of your sister with her quote "Nothing has brought me more joy than to learn of my Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ."

Rick is a temple worker right now, I thought you'd like this one:

How wonderful you were able to go to the temple this week, I hope we get a picture! I just found a FB page for the parents of missionaries in your mission. It is great to see all their smiling faces.  I love you with all my heart! Have an amazing week!
Love,
Mom

Hey Mom and Dad,

I hope that you had a good week this week. I loved your email about ilumina the world. Our p-day was moved to Wednesday because we went to the temple today it was so spiritual. I went there fasting for Brandon, Greg and Wayne, I know that the lord will protect them. We did the session in Spanish, it was super fun. By the way, I need the names and birth dates of ancestors names and dates so that I can go to the temple and do their work. I'm super excited to do names for my ancestors. I already have like 30 names to do, but I can't do sealing, so I'll send you them. I love God so much, I'm so glad that I can repent of my sins and be worthy to go to the temple. I really love Madrid. It's super easy to get around. I called Enrique today and it made me cry. I also talked to one of my old investigators from Fuerteventura. I read these scriptures last week and it really takes me back to my family and friends. I love you Mom Dad and my amazing family. 

With all my love, 

Moroni

Alma 27

16 And it came to pass that as Ammon was going forth into the land, that he and his brethren met Alma, over in the place of which has been spoken; and behold, this was a joyful meeting.

17 Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth.

 18 Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness.

Chastisement from mom...feeling guilty now

Listen son,
You know I love you and always will. When you don't write a decent letter or send a video, I wonder about how you really are. So at the end of this letter will be a series of questions that I expect honest answers to.

Thanksgiving was lovely. We enjoyed time with grandparents and all the yummy side dishes to your dad's delicious smoked brine turkey. Tasted like ham. We played a new game afterwards and shared lots of laughs.
Spain does not allow food to be shipped in. I placed extra money in your account for you to treat yourself to a nice Christmas. I tried to find sour candy on Amazon Es. No go. Sorry😓Hopefully, you'll get the other things we sent for Christmas. I am doubting you'll ever see your birthday gift.
If you don't want me to share your letter or parts of it with the world just say so, but write me. I can't wait to talk with you on Christmas. Always the best gift ever!!!! I love you!


How are you physically feeling?
How was your last Dr appointment?
What is you new companions name?
Where is he from?

Love Always,
Mom

Hey Mom,Dad and Fam, 

This past two weeks have been pretty good, I'm so sorry for not telling y'all anything. First of all, I'm in Alcorcón Madrid, I'm doing better I'm just a little tired, but it's okay. My companion is awesome, his name is Elder Lopez. He's actually a Spaniard but he is from Oregon. What a coincidence. Anyways my first week was super sad because I miss Gijón, but when I went to church for the first time, I found out how awesome the members here are! I've been fed so much food and the members really take care of and love me when I am sick. Thanksgiving was awesome, I ate so much turkey it was crazy, and then of course I slept an amazing night. I went to a hospital about a week ago to draw some blood, and it turns out that I don't have a problem with my potassium so that's a good thing. Hermana Pack is getting me another appointment, with a thyroid specialist. Madrid is super cool they have the metro and and a train. It really helps me when I'm like this. I hope that y'all like this email there is so much more to tell so I'll just give y'all everything on Christmas also you have to watch the video of #LIGHTtheWORLD or in Spanish #ILUMINAaelMUNDO. It's on Mormon.org. Also, I would like to invite you guys to watch the 25 videos every day leading up to Christmas. And do the invitaciones on there. I love you guys and I hope that y'all can share this Christmas spirit with all of your friends on social media. I will be doing it too- sharing it with all the people that I can here in Spain 🇪🇸. Lots of love from your son, Moroni.

Dad, I will try my best to email Greg, Branden, and Wayne. I love them dearly and you too. And it saddens me to hear these great men suffer so much. Please send them my love, and let them know that I'll be fasting and praying for them. I'm going to the temple next week, so I will be sure to put their names on the prayer roll. Thank you for all of your wisdom and the love in your words you and Mom are my heroes and it means so much to me to hear from you. I wish that I could go and visit Greg, Branden, or Wayne, and do my best to serve them. I'm worried about Katie, Lisa, and Wayne's wife, and their families. I know that God love us and he takes care of us and we know this because He sent his son Jesus Christ to save us from this world of sufferings. Christ knows what those men are going through and he will help them. Thank you for being a worthy priesthood holder. I love you dad. Moroni

 🇪🇸 Élder Moroni S. Beal 🇪🇸

                              Madrid,  España 

                                        Gijón 

                                          

Shopping vs. writing home

Elder Beal,
I am bummed out that you have not received your birthday gift. Now that you have transferred, I'm afraid you never will. This is a poor start to a letter I titled 'Thanksgiving'. I am so grateful for the time you spent in Gijon. Enrique has taught me so much about the joy we should share. Laughter does not come naturally to me, but I want my eyes to twinkle like his, so I am laughing more. It feels strange and I cry when I laugh too hard, but it makes me feel young. I am so proud of you and pray that you will continue to meet people whom you will cherish forever.
Tell me about your new companion. What is his name? Where is he from? Tell me about Alcorcon. It appears to be a very busy metropolitan area near Madrid. What is your piso like? What do you see from your window? How is your ward?
Most importantly, how are you feeling? Crappy, better, same, worse, weary, excited? Have you received a priesthood blessing?
I am grateful for my family. Grateful for forgiveness. Grateful that I can teach the gospel every Sunday.  I am certain I always learn more than I teach. It is such a blessing to learn something new every time I read the scriptures.
Family update-
Malachi is growing his hair out. I suppose he will out grow this stage just like you and Christian did.
Nauvoo made Varsity basketball. That means another season of missing her at home.
Camilla's last day at work is Thanksgiving. She is going to focus on school for a month.
Sariah seems happy when we visit. We FT yesterday and it was fun to laugh with her.
Christian and Aleesha have their divorce court the first week of December. They both have new lovers in their lives. I wish them both the best.
Same ol same ol for Dad and I. He makes the best meat on the Treager for dinner and I am crazy busy.
I love you more than my words can express!
Hugs and kisses,
Mom

I loved your letter mom I can't wait until I get home and enjoy the holidays with y'all. I don't have time to write, everyone wanted to go shopping today so we just go back I wanted to tell you that I love you and that I promise I will write more next week. Tell dad I love him and I loved his email.

                    🇪🇸 Élder Moroni S. Beal 🇪🇸

                              Madrid,  España 

            Gijón 

Transfers and packages :(

Moroni,
Even with the flu you look good! Are you feeling better from the flu? You probably won't be able to tell if the other medicine is working until you are healthy from this. Still wondering what you would like or need for Christmas. Did you get your birthday gifts yet?
Maureen Jones and many others send their love. People are always asking about you and prayers are constantly being said on your behalf. Jodi and Lisa often put your name in the temple.
Dad was released from the Stake YM today and was called to serve in our ward EQ as 2nd counselor to Wayne Ogle. They are sure to get into mischief, those two! Just teasing. (a little)
I was able to sub in seminary this week. The lesson was Mark 11-12. More than anything, I love the story of the widow's mite. I love that even though her 💯 %  was significantly less than the monetary value of others, it was 💯 % nothing sparing. Our devotion and effort in the gospel should be like the widow's mite, 💯 % nothing spared. In your scriptures next to Mark 12:38-44 write "Our willingness to sacrifice is a reflection of our devotion to the Lord." The sacrifices you make are not lost. The Lord is aware and will bless you. I love you and want to know what you want for Christmas!!  🎄
Love,
Mom
ps. This pretty picture should lift your spirits! ;)

Hey Mom, this week has been pretty good I love the members in Gijón so much. I had changes this week and right know I'm in Madrid in Alcorcón.  I m sorry I don't have much time but I'll tell you everything next week I love you so much and the family and the ward. For the package anything Christmasy and sour candy. I haven't received the one from my birthday. I love you lots.

 Moroni

                    🇪🇸 Élder Moroni S. Beal 🇪🇸

                              Madrid,  España 

                                        Gijón