A Message to Youth (and everyone else)

Our ward asked Bryce to send a quick message to the youth. Something they should remember as they're working through tough times. He had a few answers but this one was my favorite. I think it's good for all of us to remember.

"Recognize your individual importance and the love that our Heavenly Father has for each of you. It is simple but it still takes time to fully understand. Jesus did not die for the whole world as a group. He died for the world in a process. He went through each person, saw their face, and went through their life. He knows every joy, every pain, every triumph, every struggle. He knows how you felt after that boy said that mean thing to you at school. He knows how you feel when you strike out to lose the game. He knows how you feel when you feel alone. In times when you feel no one can help you, turn to your parents because they have that similar love for you. And of course, always turn to your Heavenly Father. Talk to him like you are talking to a friend. Because that's what he is. Our best friend."

 

"The Reyes family. Mario is on the top left. He's my boy."   -Bryce

Quote #2

"Isn't it great that I don't have to worry about girls, school, or a job for two years? This is the only time in my life that I'll have that. 2 years may not be enough..."

Transfers

Sorry everyone for the lack of updates lately. We've been in the process of moving and haven't had internet for awhile. But now, we're back in business.

Here are a few highlights of the last couple weeks.

First of all, Bryce had his first baptism two weeks ago! Her name is Alina and Bryce said she's doing great.
He also got transferred last week and sounds really excited about this new area. He will now be in Centreville with a new companion, Elder Gubeli. This is not far from where he previously was so his address has not changed. All letters just go directly to the mission home.

A few words from Bryce:

(August 25th) "I will say this though, I wish I talked more specifically about the church with my friends at home. It is something that has been such a blessing in my life, and I want it to have the chance to do the same for those I love. I think that this chance that I have to be here and proclaim truth is wonderful. I am truly growing in my understanding of the gospel and God's love for us. It is the first principle of the first lesson, but it so simply complex!"

(September 8th) "This week was the best week as far as the success we saw for the whole mission. And on transfer week, that's pretty sweet, but it wasn't all us. No no. On Sunday a guy named Blake walked into church in basketball shorts and a t-shirt (It's actually nice as missionaries because it's easy to locate). He sat down in testimony meeting. Then about 20 minutes later he bore his testimony on the spirit of the meeting!! Unbelievable. He stayed the rest of church and 12 hours later, we taught him a lesson and he has a baptism date set for September 25th! (I know, Happy Birthday to me). That's actually one of two happening that day for us. The second story will come next week.

I am really learning how to stretch myself. It is so easy to just relax and take things easy because so many missionaries do. Peer pressure all over again. I have decided that I am no just going to make the mission a good experience or something that I learn things from, or think fondly of,  but something that immensely changes my life in perspective and knowledge of our savior's sacrifice for me. The mission is as hard as you want it to be. My goal is to have it almost kill me.Then how great will it be to live!"

Bryce says: "There are deer everywhere here! They come into the neighborhoods all the time and are actually considered pests because they're overpopulated. Ha."

"Secadas. They are related to locusts and are so noisy all the time."