Some of you might have heard the news already...

But for those who haven't, I'M HOME!!!

To keep things short and simple, due to some health issues, mental and physical challenges, and lots of prayer and professional advice, my mission President and the doctors who were able to work with me, came to the conclusion that it would be best for me to be home. 

I received the word that I would be heading out on Friday at 2, and was on my flight to SLC at 8pm that same day. As fast as things happened, I feel that God has helped me with the challenges that I have faced, and has comforted and supported me and my family. 

To let you all know, I'm doing great and my health is improving. 

Now, even though I may have only served for 15 months, there is a scripture that I love that helps me to remember the true meaning of service and why we serve the Lord. 

In Doctrine and Covenants 124:49 we read, 

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings." 

For those 15 months that i was able to serve in Concepcion, I know that I served with all my heart, might, mind, and strength, and I know that the work that I did was good, hard, heartfelt work. I feel so happy to be able to say how content I feel with the work that I was able to do there in Chile. The experiences that I had, the knowledge that I attained, the friendships and bonds that I was able to make, and the lives and people that I was able to help and change, will never be forgotten. And I know that the Lord has accepted this offering, and is well pleased with the work that I was able to do. 

I am thankful for my mission President and his wife, Presidente and Hermana Catala, the office couple, Elder and Sister Gibby, for the mission nurses that helped me through all of my health trials, Elder and Sister Meese, and for every missionary that I was able to meet and serve along side with during my mission. I'm so thankful for the opportunity that I had to serve, and for all of the knowledge and experience that I was able to gain in that short time. 

I would like to quickly share my testimony that I know that this church is true, I know that God has restored it through his servant Joseph Smith, and that it is full, complete, and perfect. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, it is the most true book on the face of the earth, and I know that it was translated and given to us by the power of God through Joseph. I know that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, that He lives and that He suffered and died for every one of our sins. I know that our Heavenly father is a loving, caring, and understanding Father, who loves each and every one of us as His special children, no matter who we are or what we do. I know that the Lords work is the most important work on this earth today, and I will continue to build up the Lords kingdom on the earth. I love this Gospel, and I love everything about it. I know its true, and I loved being able to share it diligently for the last 15 months. 

I love you all and I thank you for your love and support. Onto a new chapter in life, as I follow the plan that the Lord has for me. Thank you guys, love you!!!

-Grant C. Lewis

Another transfer is coming to a near close, ladies and gentlemen! 

One more week for this transfer, and we will see what God has in store for your favorite office elder here in the mission Chile Concepcion. 

This week was started off on a rather soggy, cold note. 

We had a brutal summer rain storm one day, and got absolutely drenched here in Conce. 

The good thing is that there are lots of apartment building that we can go and knock doors in, to escape the rain for a while. 

NOT a big fan of rain as a missionary, but at least it keeps the street dogs somewhat washed. 

We celebrated my companions birthday this week, and got him a nice cake and I gave him some nice new socks because he always wore these demolished, smelly old wool socks everyday and it was making me nauseous. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

Other than that, this week was more of the same. 

Knocking doors, talking to everybody in the street, teaching lessons to people who want to learn, trying to teach lessons to people who don't really want to learn, and a whole lot of praying, planning, and eating when we can. 

That's the life of a missionary! 

Our old pal Israel is preparing for a baptism date, but only after he stops with his smoking habit. We've been working with him and helping him kick the vice, and on Saturday, he only smoked 2 cigarettes, and none on Sunday. Good progress from a pack a day if you ask me. 

We continue to give him support, teach him the lessons, and help him understand the importance of his life to Heavenly Father. 

I will keep you updated as he progresses!

*a pic I painted of Isreal*

Our friend Patricia is doing super, she hasn't been smoking and is so excited to be a member of the church and is very excited to be able to start paying her tithing, even though she doesn't have much. I'm so excited for her and the choice she was finally able to make by being baptized. 

Anyways, I'll let you guys know whats going on with transfers next week, all the new things, and all the stuff that goes on in my life here in the land down under. 

(not the same land down under from Men At Work, but close enough). 

Love you all, thanks for everything! Have a great week!

much love,

-Elder Grant Lewis

Some of you may have been wondering, 

"Where is Elder Lewis´s awesome weekly email this week? Why is he slackin?". Well, I promise you it was NOT my fault! I'm sure you all know by now, but I have been RAVAGED by a mysterious Chilean stomach bug, 

and actually ended up in the hospital, and didn't get to write last week.

SO. Here's a DOUBLE GENERAL to cover for last weeks email! 

Lets get into it.

We started of the weekend of last week with Patricia´s baptism!!! 

Saturday afternoon, we got the ward together, filled up the font, and after 3 years of investigating and trying to ditch cigarettes, Patricia became an official member of the Church of Jesus Christ! 

We were so excited for her, for her decision to make the change in her life, and that she was able to kick the habit of smoking. 

It was a great service, and we had a really great turn out. One of the other Elders in my house was doing bad healthwise as well, so we stayed home Sunday and got to rest a bit (between regular bathroom stops). Sunday night, after a week of stomach problems and far too often bathroom trips, I said to myself, "Elder Lewis, you're going to get better so that you can go play soccer tomorrow with the zone and enjoy P-Day". My self pep talk didn't work. I woke up Monday morning and started throwing up. I called the mission medics, and they brought me right over to the hospital. After getting checked in and getting some blood work done, a nurse came in and told me that I have KIDNEY DAMAGE! 

I was a little confused, because Mckay hasn't been punching my kidneys for at least 15 months, and I hadn't been drinking alcohol, so I had no idea what would have caused this problem! 

They told me I'd have to stay in the hospital for about 3 days so they could do some tests and get me fixed up. My good house pal Elder Bailey stayed with me the whole time, and we passed New Years together in the hospital. I got out of the hospital Thursday, and got back to work Friday. We found a man named Israel. He's a guy who has some family members who are members, he has a lot of health problems, lives in a wheelchair, and lives alone. We visited him this week, and we asked him if he'd like to come to church with us. He said he would love to, and Sunday morning, we passed by to pick him up in his wheelchair and ran to church. 

He LOVED the 2 hours in church, and accepted a baptism date right away. We will continue to work with our new friend Israel so that he can be baptized.

Well, these past 2 weeks have been extremely challenging and difficult. It was a tough experience and I passed through some tough moments, but my mission president shared with me some scriptures that I would love to share with you guys. 

D&C 122 talks about the challenges that Joseph Smith was experiencing while he was in Liberty Jail. Verse 7 spoke to me. Its says: 

" And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." 

We will always pass through challenges, difficult times, and hardships. But as it says in verse 7, these moments will serve us for experience. 

As we push through those tough times, we will grow in our knowledge and understanding, and we will be able to confront even more new problems and experiences, and we can help others that go through those some moments. 

I know that God loves us, that He wants the best for us, and that He gives us challenges so we can grow and progress. Never give up when things get hard, just remember that God is giving you that challenge for a very specific reason. 

I love you all and thank you for your prayers and letters, you guys keep me going out here!! LOVE YOU GUYS! 

Stay safe and keep grinding!

con amor,

-Elder Grant Lewis

Not the typical email from Elder Lewis this week. 

This is what I got from him late Monday evening.....

Mama, 

Soy el Elder Lewis, tu hijo. Bueno, aquí estoy en el hospital de Concepcion. Estoy un poco enfermo, pero nada muy grave, entonces no te preocupes. No tengo mucho tiempo para escribir, pero no te preocupes, mama. Te amo mucho!!!

Amor,

-grant 

*basically saying, "I'm in the hospital. I'm a little sick, but don't worry."

Cutest guy, he knew I would worry, so he made sure to reach out.

We woke up to a phone call early Monday morning letting us know Grant had been admitted to the hospital in Concepcion. 

Severe stomach pains, dehydration, vomiting and poor coloring. (He’s yellow, they tell us)

The Dr's are running tests, a little worried about his liver and keeping him in the hospital hooked up to IVs and having him rest until they figure out what’s going on or until he’s feeling better. 

The nurse has been so good to keep in touch and reach out. Still no answers, but we hear he's feeling and looking a little better. This is probably the most downtime he's had in 18 months.

It’s hard to be far away and feeling helpless, but prayers are heard no matter where we are. 

So we are asking each of you to please keep Grant and the Drs in your prayers. 

Thank you for your love and support, it means the world to him (and to us) he’s blessed to have each of you in his life. 

We will keep you updated! 

Seriously, the BEST part of Christmas day!

Seeing this face, hearing his voice and soaking in THAT SMILE!

He has always been honest with us with this whole mission experience, 

"HARDEST thing I've ever done" is what he tells us.

And so with that, I worry.

Then I get to VISIT with him, and all my worries melt away.

NO DOUBT it's the hardest thing he's ever done. I certainly didn't have the courage or strength to do something so selfless and difficult at that age.

And look at him, he's doing hard things!

Just a reminder that hard things aren't a bad thing...

He's EXACTLY where he needs to be, where he's supposed to be.

Stretching and growing and learning.

He was all smiles and fun to visit with while we talked, 

and then he had to go so we asked him to say family prayer with us.

In Spanish!

He's fluent in the Spanish language but the thing I noticed is how very fluent he was in the communication with his  Heavenly Father, it was obvious he has spent a lot of time pleading and counseling with Him.

There wasn't a dry eye during that prayer... I don't speak spanish, but I know what it feels like when the spirit speaks.

So proud of this boy, Elder Lewis!

Merry Christmas to us all.

Feliz Navidad mis queridos amigos y familiares!!!

Elder Lewis wishes you all a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Chile! 

Even though its about 90 degrees here and I'm sweating like an old street dog, I'm enjoying the Holiday cheer and the free food. 

Hopefully all you guys have enjoyed the Holidays and the time together. 

This week has been a rather eventful one, with lots to share, so, lets get into IT!

We started off the week with a long awaited, long wanted visit to the new Chile Concepcion Temple! 

We got to go do a session there in the morning with all of the missionaries from the inside part of the mission and President and Sister Catala. 

It was a very spiritual and warming experience, and I got to be with my MTC pals Elder Barney and Elder Gumm.

It was an experience that I'd been waiting for ever since I got here in Chile, and it's been a huge dream come true. 

Obviously, we were closing in on Christmas this week, so we had a TON of activities in Concepcion with lots of singing, handing out cards, and lots of spreading of Good Cheer. We built some Light the World card towers in some free time.

One of the neighbor wards was doing a live manger and we had the opportunity to be a part of it!!! 

With our missionary tags as well, as always. 

This week we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, but we also celebrated the birth of our beloved pal Elder Gumm! We planned a little fiesta for our bud, and we got him a Colombian cake, set up some balloons, and made up some completos to share. 

We surprised him when they got home at night, at it was a really fun time. Living with 6 is a good time, even though we only have 1 functioning bathroom. 

Yesterday, we had the Christmas Conference! All the missionaries from the inside got together and we got to hear from President Swenson, the temple president, President and Sister Catala, and we got to do some competitions!!! 

And of course, the ZONE of LEGENDS WON!!!! 

LETS GO CONCEPCION!!!

We got lucky, and the whole MTC district was there, so we of course got some photos together. And also with my twin Elder Evans. We did not plan to match either. HA! 

All in all, this was one of the better weeks of my mission. I found that, as a missionary, there are 2 options for Christmas time, you can get down about not being with the family, about having to work, and about now getting gifts, or you can look at it how Christ would look at it. A time to share love, joy, and hope with the people that don't have easy access to those feelings. 

We represent Christ, and we need to share as He shared, love as He loved, and feel as He felt. I tried to choose the latter option, and it ended up turning out like a pretty great Christmas. I hope you all have had a great Christmas, and I wish you all a happy and safe New Year. I love you all, and I invite you all to try to spread the true joy of Christmas, by loving Christ and living as He did. 
See you all next week, after MY SKYPE CALL!!!!

-Elder Grant Lewis

Today marks 14 months in the mission! 

It sounds like a lot, but its just a LITTTLLEEE over half way. So don't get TOO excited.

I didn't have much time to email last week (we had transfers and it was WILD) so I'll get you all caught up on what's been going on in the life of little Elder Lewis, or Elder Jerry Lewis, or Elder Levis Jeans as the Chileans like to call me most of the time. 

I continue working in the mission office. This will be my 4th exchange here in the office, but I'm now working as the pencionista. I'm in charge of houses, phones, and CARS! 

Speaking of, guess who's back behind the wheel 😎 YA BOI!! 

My companion is from Brazil, Elder Alencastro, and he cant drive, so by default, Elder Lewis is back on the streets!

I have also changed sectors. I was in Lorenzo Arenas, but I have made the move into the heart of the city, Concepcion Centro B! 

I'm literally in the heart of the mission, in the heart of the city. 

I didn't get to take many pictures this week, mainly because we were working in the office all day, all week long. We didn't have much time to work in the sector this week, but you'll get to see a bit more next week. On the bright side, I'm living with my good pal and ex MTC comp, Elder Gumm! We have a good time together in the house. 

This Sunday morning, we were getting ready for church and elder Gumm was in the bathroom, getting out of the shower. I heard him struggling to open the door, so I went to help him out. After about 5 minutes of trying to open the door, we realized that Elder Gumm was stucK! We tried everything to open that door. Credit cards, jiggling the door knob, i even took the doorknob off of the door, but that lock just didn't want to come out! As the time ticked away and we needed to get to church, we decided to call in the SWAT team. AKA the Brazilian, aka my companion. He came in swinging with a dumbbell and we freed our trapped friend elder Gumm. It was quite the experience with lots of emotion and action. 

Being in a new sector in a "whitewash" or when the 2 missionaries are both new to an area, is a bit of a challenge. Luckily, we have something to look forward too. We have a woman named Patricia in our area, who now has a baptism date!! She's been battling with cigarettes for years, and she's now taking it upon herself to quit for good. And, BE BAPTIZED! 

We've been trying to help her in every way we can, and she's very excited. We are excited for her as well. 

I'll be back with more exciting news in the next week, but for now, this will have to do! 

Hope all is well, love you guys and your prayers are felt. Keep going!!!!

Much love,

-Elder Grant Lewis