2 Traits of a Great Missionary

Last Week In Peru! It's a Sprint to the Finish

All of us missionaries who will be going home next week after we went through the temple in Lima with President and his wife.

We went to a place called Parque de las Aguas. It is like a giant park with different water fountains and water shooting out of the ground and light shows with water. It was really cool. It's in San Isidro which is where President lives.

This is all of the missionaries that will end with me.  We are at President's house.

Dear Mom,

Mom, I am coming home in a week! AHHH!!!

Elder Hackleman

On Mon, Mar 16, 2015 at 8:46 AM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder,

I can't wait to hear all about your day with your mission president. How has your week been

This past week was a crazy one for me. Monday Nathan did something to his ankle and by Tuesday it was really swollen and giving him trouble so I took him in to have an x ray done. It came back most likely broken, but the doctor wanted radiology to take a look at it. He had a floating bone. Basically a little tiny piece of the bone was broken off from the rest of the foot. To make a long story short, they do not cast for it because it is such a small piece so we were told to just treat it like a sprain. 

He used crutches from Monday through Friday, but then on Friday we had the Siler's in town staying at our house. The Sidney boys basketball team made it to state so they came to watch the games. Thursday evening Sidney won so they were playing again on Friday. We couldn't go to the game on Thursday because Tim and I both have school, but I decided to pull the kids out of school and go support the old team on Friday. Nathan didn't want to have to try and maneuver around on crutches and his hands had blisters already, so he asked if we could just wrap it real tight and let him try to walk on it. By Friday evening, after he had been walking on it, the swelling went down immensely. So much so, that he was even able to perform on it Saturday during his show choir competition.

Sidney ended up winning on Friday so they played again on Saturday for the championship game. They lost by 9 in the final game, but overall had a wonderful season. It was crazy because they lost in the first round of the playoffs and only made it to state in a wild card spot, but then ended up taking 2nd place over all. It was sure fun to watch.

Saturday, Nathan went to a competition in Iowa. A little town about 2 hours away. There were 31 teams from 4 states competing at this competition. His team made it into the finals. Only six teams went on to compete in the finals and his was one of them. They took 6th place, so basically last place in the finals, but 6th out of 31 teams. Not bad

Ryan Shields got engaged over the weekend. He is going to school at BYU. The girl he is going to marry is from Cheyenne. She looks real cute and nice.

I sure love you!

Love Mom

Dad....It is so surreal. I am so excited to get home and see you guys. But I will miss my mission something fierce. Ya we had a baptism last week and we have 2 more this Saturday. 

I am going to work this week like I have never worked before. 

I sure love you dad. I will save what I have to say and teach you all for next week.

Your son,

Elder Hackleman

On Mon, Mar 16, 2015 at 8:29 AM, Tim wrote:

Dear Elder,

How was your week?? Were you really teaching a super-big family? Didn't you have a baptism lined up for a couple days ago too? How did all that go? Also, did you get to go the Temple and hang out with Pres. Archibald?

I ordained Grant to be a Teacher yesterday and he's scheduled to get his Patriarchal blessing the 2nd week in April. He's so dang excited to be in the teachers Quorum.

Well, my son, you made it! I hope while you are working this week you take a moment to breathe in the smells on the wind, taste the flavors of the food and commit to memory the faces of those you serve. Words cannot describe the joy and love I have for you. I'm not going to write you next Monday because you probably won't have a chance to check email anyway!

Well done, thou faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Te amo,

Papá

Baptism This Week!

We had a baptism this week!

This is my zone.There are quite a few of us huh!

Dear Mom,

I am glad you guys are having fun with Grandma Polly. Send her my love. I am stocking up on some cool stuff to bring home to you guys. I know every single thing that is on that list. I will see what I can do to get him hooked up. We had a baptism this week! We also found a family of like 15. That is the hard part about ending my mission. I am contacting and setting baptismal dates for people that I won't be able to baptize =( 

Tomorrow I have my going home party with president Archibald. We are going to the center of Lima, to a really fancy restaurant, the temple and his house. I am excited for that.  I sure love you!


Elder Hackleman


On Mon, Mar 9, 2015 at 4:17 PM, To Grant

First off, FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS GRANT!!!


On Sun, Mar 8, 2015 at 10:43 PM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder,

The last email was the shopping list, this one is the weeks events. Grandma Polly arrived here safe and sound. She forgot her suitcase on the plane, but we were able to find it so all is well.

We have been having a good time together.

Nathan's show choir took first place at the competition yesterday. He did awesome! He is quite the performer. Grandma Polly loved it. She could hardly stay in her seat she wanted to get up and dance:)

Nathan is on the right.

Friday we went to the temple. Grandma Polly did a great job even though it does scare her since she struggles so much with her memory.

The Sidney boys basketball team made it to state. They will be coming to Lincoln this week. I think the Siler's might be coming and staying with us. It will be so nice to see them. I haven't seen them since right before you went on your mission.

I'm still sticking it out with my math class although each week is more painful than the last. My class has a facebook group page and this is what I posted on it:

"If I had the choice of ice picks being shoved under my fingernails or doing Algebra, I would pick the ice picks. Ha Ha. 

Did I tell you I broke my pinkey finger. Seriously, what is my deal? I think it might have happened while I was having a nightmare. Tim said he heard me mumbling in my sleep, something about x's and y's were chasing me. Those darn Algebra terms are coming after me in my dreams. What's next, the parenthesis and fractions joining the gang of thugs? It's scary stuff ha ha.

Thank goodness I have four boys who do not have my brilliant math skills. I can't get my homework done at night until my own personal tutor helps me along the way, thank you very much Nathan.

The worst thing is I was working on a sewing project and I realized I could use an Algebraic term to figure out the dimensions of the cut I needed to make, but since I like to cut off my nose to spite my face, I did it the old fashioned way instead. Maybe someday, when my math class is over and I stop having nightmares about it, I will actually use some of what I am learning:)

I thought you would enjoy a meme I created. The picture in the background is one Seth took in Mexico. Just a little milk humor.

I sure love you. Tell me all about your week. Even though you are getting home in two weeks, I still love to hear the stories.

Love,
Mom

Letter from the mission office

Dear Hackleman Family

We write to inform you of the return of your missionary. We are so grateful for his dedicated service during these past two years. If you have any questions, please let us know or ask your missionary on Monday. Their itinerary is attached.

Thanks,





Elder Lara

Secretario Personal

Misión Perú Lima Oeste

Obedience to the Ten Commandments

Lima West Mission - My District

My District

They're The Best!

Guess which one is me?

My companion and I work hard

But we also remember to have fun along the way.

The Day in the Life of a Missionary in Peru

Hey mom! 

We have baptisms planned. That's what we do out here. =) hehe I am doing great. 

I can't believe it's March.....It is so surreal. 

I hope there is still snow when I get there!!! PRAY FOR SNOW! 

Jake told me he's gonna get his ticket. You´re gonna love him. Haha is he gonna get there before or after me? 

I didn´t know Tayson was gonna have a baby. Good for him. Kira as well. haha 

I can´t believe Grant is gonna be 14! That kid is growin up too fast. 

I wanna go to the zoo. =) 

I love you momma!

Elder Hackleman


On Mon, Mar 2, 2015 at 11:16 AM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder Hackleman,

How is it going? What is new in your neck of the woods? I can't believe March is here! What do you have planned for your last month in the mission field?

It is still very cold here, but I guess it is supposed to warm up a little during the day at least later on in the week. We still have a little snow outside in patches. We might get some snow today and tomorrow, but just flurries.

Mom get's here on Wednesday. I am hoping all goes well with her flight. It's always a bit scary having her fly by herself.

I forgot if I told you that Tayson and his wife are expecting a baby and so is Kira and her husband. Both due this summer I believe.

I have still been chatting with Jake. He is booking his ticket this week for coming out.

Just a reminder, it is Grant's birthday next Monday. He will be the big 14.

Nathan had his one Saturday off yesterday. The rest of the month of March he will have performances every weekend. 

We ended up going to the zoo. It was very cold so we stuck with the inside exhibits and the movie. I love going to the zoo. I could go every day ha ha.

I sure love you!

Love mom

Elder Hackleman's Coming Home!

Wrong is Never Right

On Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 8:48 AM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder,

What was your week like? I would love it if you could get some more pictures of the scenery of Peru.

Nathan has an appointment today to get his wisdom teeth holes checked. He is having a rough go at it. I think he has infection. His cheek is bruised on the outside. He looks like he's been in a boxing match. Hopefully he will turn the corner this week. He ended up only going to school on Friday last week. He did go to the show choir competition this weekend. His choir took second place. They really did a great job. It was so fun to watch.

Grant had his last church basketball game on Saturday. He really stepped up. Nathan and Adam weren't there so Grant had big shoes to fill. As I was watching the game I kept thinking, who is that getting all the rebounds, boxing out, and controlling the pace and then I would realize it was Grant. I can't believe two months ago he told us he wasn't going to play church ball because he wasn't good enough. I made him and Nathan go to the church and practice dribbling, shooting, bounce passes, and drills. I did a drill that he would run toward the basket and I would throw the ball from the 3 point line with him on the run. He would then need to grab the ball, take one bounce and make a layup. I made him and Nathan practice this over and over from all different angles. He would get so mad at me and couldn't figure out what good it was doing. Many days we left the gym with Grant not even talking to me he was so mad. Well, it really paid off because during the games he would recognize fast break opportunities all the time and feed in some great passes. His game play and coordination really have come so far in a short amount of time. Before Nathan had show choir on Saturdays the two of them were unstoppable. They both could pass and receive fast break moves to the board with ease.

I was the lead teacher this week at my Pathway gathering. It turned out fine. It wasn't as comfortable as teaching seminary, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be either. I of course started with an object lesson because that is how I roll ha ha.

Your dad is in the thick of things with his classes. He is doing such a great job.

The bishop has asked that you speak the first Sunday after you get home:)

I sure love you! I hope we get your flight information soon.

Love Mom

Hey mom! It is so funny to read your letter when you talk about basketball. I have come to realize that I failed you and dad cuz I never even gave basketball a shot and you guys both played. Oh well. Haha I will get some pictures of everything I can this week. I will tell you what. I am pushing myself so hard to end. I am leaving Perú Monday night at like 11 at night so you will expect me Tuesday in the afternoon. I sure love you mom! I can’t wait for you to meet Jake. You are gonna love him.

Love

Elder Hackleman

On Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 8:37 AM, Tim wrote:

Dear Elder!

How was your week? Have you been able to teach any families? How has church been going? I've been meaning to ask you if you're still playing the piano?

We had a great Sunday yesterday. We had some wonderful talks in Sacrament meeting about the difference between home teaching and ministering. How ministering is way more in depth than just visiting. Also, about how you have to be in tune with the Spirit in order to know when and how to minister. Then we had a lesson in Gospel Doctrine about Christ's miracles. It was a great Sunday all the way around.

I hope you have the best P-Day ever today!!

I know this is short, but I know you are super busy. Just tell us what's happening and maybe send some pictures!!! ;)

Te amo hijo.

Papá

Hey dad! I have had more spiritual experience these last few weeks than in all of my mission. I can´t even begin to explain them, but I got them down in the journal so don’t worry, you guys will hear all about them in....a few short weeks! Can you believe it?? I do play piano once in a while.

Love Elder Hackleman

The Pride Cycle

Teachings from the Book of Mormon Study Guide

3 Nephi 6:12. Prosperity and Peace Can Lead to Pride

During the years immediately prior to the Savior’s personal ministry among the Nephites, the people enjoyed a period of brief prosperity. Unfortunately, this temporal success led to “pride and boastings because of their exceedingly great riches” (3 Nephi 6:10).

President Henry B. Eyring warned about such challenges in our day: “A little prosperity and peace, or even a turn slightly for the better, can bring us feelings of self-sufficiency. We can feel quickly that we are in control of our lives, that the change for the better is our own doing, not that of a God who communicates to us through the still, small voice of the Spirit. Pride creates a noise within us which makes the quiet voice of the Spirit hard to hear. And soon, in our vanity, we no longer even listen for it. We can come quickly to think we don’t need it” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2001, 16; or Ensign, Nov. 2001, 16).

Several times in Book of Mormon history the people passed through a cycle of righteousness, prosperity, riches, pride, wickedness, destruction, humility, and righteousness again. For more information and a diagram depicting the pride cycle, refer to “The Cycle of Righteousness and Wickedness” in the appendix (page 414).

My Companion and I Right Now

My companion Elder Rivera and I....right now. Haha

On Mon, Feb 16, 2015 at 9:58 AM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder,

Ok, so now you can tell me, what is your new companion like? Where is he from etc?

We had a good week. Nathan had his first show choir competition on Saturday. He did a great job. I can't believe I didn't get a picture of him. I was videoing the entire production but didn't take a picture. Don't worry, I will get one next week. He performs again on Saturday. He wore a blue tux with a green tie and the girls wore green dresses.

They sounded and looked awesome.

Church yesterday was great. We were sitting on the front row during sacrament meeting and I had my head bowed. I saw out of the corner of my eyes the deacons walking past and I noticed one of them was wearing pants that were way too short. I thought, boy who is that, so I looked up and to my utter amazement it was Grant. It appeared he had grown a couple of inches in a week, either that or he has been wearing high waters for a while and I just haven't noticed. I guess we are going shopping this week for some new church pants for the poor guy.

Grant played great during the church basketball game. He actually played center for a while. He has never played that position before so he didn't really know where to stand but he is one of the tallest players on the team when Nathan isn't there. It worked out perfectly, because Nathan performed first thing in the morning so I was able to hurry over to the church after Nathan's performance and still catch most of Grant's basketball game. Anyway I was looking at Grant out on the court and thought to myself, he seems taller than last week, but then I shrugged it off almost as fast as I thought it. Obviously I should have considered it further. I hate to say it, but he might be taller than Seth already.

Well, we are getting ready to head out for Nathan to get his wisdom teeth removed. His appointment is at 11:00. It's nice because the boys don't have school today because it is President's Day so Grant gets to go with me.

The big thing happening this week is I am the lead teacher at Pathways. I never usually get nervous teaching, but I have been having anxiety about being the lead student since it is math and it's not my favorite subject. Luckily we are discussing spreadsheets and I am not too bad at that. We'll see how it goes. One good thing is I have learned a formula for calculating Celsius into Fahrenheit so I can figure out the temperature for you if you ever need me to. I am supposed to be able to transform pesos into dollars as well, but I'm not as good at that. Sorry. If you ever wanted to know the formula for temperature conversion is: C=5/9(F-32). 

Temperature Conversion Formula

I sure love you. Have a wonderful week!

Love, Mom

Mom, I love you so much. I hate to be a jerk, but I have known that formula since I was but a wee one.....=) I am so proud of you though. Next time I need the temperature converted I will definitely consult you before taking the time to do it myself. I can’t believe grant is so tall. He hasn't past me has he?

My companion is awesome! He is one of my favorite companions. His name is Elder Rivera. He is from Guayaquil Ecuador. We were best friends from the get go. We teach and contact so well together. I would love to have 2 or more transfers with him instead of just one. =( Mom. My mission is going by so fast! They are buying my plane ticket already. AHHH!!! I can’t wait to see you guys though. I love you!

Elder Hackleman

I got a few pictures of Nathan before and after his wisdom teeth surgery. Crazy kid wanted to show me he wasn't in pain so he ran around the car the second after the nurse put him in the car after his surgery. I was so mad at him. The bleeding had clotted and stopped before we left the Dr. office but due to his run around the town, it started bleeding profusely. Dang it all. He thought he was so funny. Ya, he won't be laughing when he gets dry sockets. I thought of letting the pain meds wear completely off to teach him a lesson, but then after thinking about it for a while I realized he was still under the influence of the meds so I need to give him a break. He claims he counted down to 94 before he fell asleep. I forgot to ask the nurse so I can't confirm that number. I will double check on our follow-up appointment.

Love Mom

He was goofy before they even gave him any Meds.

Ice Packs!

On Mon, Feb 16, 2015 at 8:55 AM, Tim wrote:

Dear Elder,

How were transfers?!?!?!? Tell us all about your new companion! You have the opportunity to show him what going out in style really means!! I know you have a lot of Zone work to do, but were you able to teach anyone this week? Something that came to me at church yesterday. I was sitting in PEC and we were talking about home teaching and the struggles that we have doing it and reporting it. Then we started talking about the people who request no contact with the Church. How do we deal with them? The church strongly discourages and dissuades names being removed from the records. My thoughts turned to the parable of the lost sheep of course. But then it occurred to me that, much of what we need to learn is the "process of seeking." So much of the time we go to an address and find that they've moved. So we diligently try ways that seek them out to have their records follow them? Anyway, I just thought it was interesting that sometimes it's not just the act of doing, but learning from the act of doing.

On the home front, Nathan is getting his wisdom teeth out for real today. We'll let you know how that went next week. I attached a couple pictures of your silly brother. One is while he was at the kitchen table over the weekend. He was working on one of his many "experiments". The other is of him at the UNO hockey game with me on Friday. And by the way... I gave him a haircut on Saturday after I saw these.

I can't wait to hear all about your week!!

¡Te amo tanto!

Papá

Grant at the UNO Hockey Game

Hey dad! I got my new companion this week. His name is Elder Rivera. He is from Ecuador and is one of my favorite companions of my entire mission. From the second we were put together we just clicked. He is so awesome. We love to work hard but have fun doing it. We have been in meetings almost all week but we are going hard this week because the people we find this week will potentially be my last baptisms. =( I will send a pic of him in a sec....p.s. I am living in a peruvian oven right now but I still love life. How can that be......Haha Love you dad!

On Mon, Feb 16, 2015 at 4:04 PM, Tim wrote:

It's only 80 degrees there!! :) Plus, there's no way it's worse than two-a-days in Buenavista, VA!!

Dad

That thermometer is lying. It’s gotta be 110. Haha and air conditioning doesn't exist here. I have two of my buddies writing me from SVU right now saying they walked on at Weber state. One of them is in Jake Kitchen`s Spanish class! Haha