Badal and Kreyling Backroads Tennessee
"Ammon said unto him: I am a man; and man in the beginning was created after the image of God, and I am called by his Holy Spirit to teach these things unto this people, that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true; And a portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge and also power according to my faith and desires which are in God."
Alma 18:34-35



Saturday, April 20, 2013

One year ago yesterday



Hey y'all!!!  One year ago yesterday, I came home from the Great Tennessee Knoxville Mission. Upon my return home, my mother asked me to write a final entry for this blog.  I put it off for a while.  Then, I thought of making a post one year after returning home.  This way I can express my feelings about serving a mission for the Lord and share some things that have happened in my life and the lives of certain people in the Great TKM during the last year :). 
               
 First, allow me to express my love and gratitude for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  Without them, I would not have been able to serve.  They gave me strength and direction.  Serving a mission was definitely challenging.  Yet, I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. 
               
 I learned many important lessons from serving a mission.  I came to know how to trust in the Lord and follow His Spirit.  Before receiving my mission call, I prayed every day and told the Lord that I would go anywhere and speak any language he wanted me to.  I also told him that it would be really great if I could learn another language.  Then, I got called to the Great TKM, English speaking.  Everyone I talked with always said that I pretty much be going foreign and learning another language.  Pretty much haha :).  It took some getting used to, but I quickly learned to love my mission and the people there.  I remember having an interview with President Griffin about six months into my mission.  I hadn't seen was sad and concerned that I was doing something wrong.  He told me that the only thing I was doing wrong was that I was getting discouraged.  The interview with him really lifted my spirits.  He is very good at that sort of stuff :).  Anyways, I was called to finish training a new missionary (Elder H.) that next transfer.  Three days into the transfer I received a call from President Griffin.  He asked if I still wanted to learn Spanish and I told him yes.  I was transferred to Fort Payne, AL as a Spanish Missionary a few hours later.  That night we had a dinner appointment with the M. family.  The mother was a member but the daughter, V., wasn't.  After dinner we were about to share a spiritual thought when V.  tells us that she wants to be baptized!  It was then that I received a strong testimony that the Lord hears our prayers and answers them.  V.  was baptized soon after that.  I think of it as a tender mercy from the Lord.  She probably doesn't realize it, but meeting her and having that experience has changed my life.  The Lord has blessed me through many people like he did with V. 
               
 Well, I suppose that some of you may be interested in what's been going on in my life since I've been home, so I'll fill you in on that :).  It took a good while for me to get used to being home.  Don't get me wrong, I loved being with my family again.  It was just strange to be alone at times, hug women, etc.  About five weeks after returning home, I took my parents to the Great TKM.  I felt the humidity after arriving in Atlanta and it felt so good--I was home!  We toured the mission, seeing all of the areas that I had served in.  It was great being back :).  We saw all of the great investigators, converts, members, and missionaries that I'd met while serving.  It was so good to see all of them!  I mentioned before that it was weird being able to hug women again.  Yeah, it was like double that for hugging women in the TKM haha.  But, I started getting the hang of it after a while :).  In December I was able to see the S. family get sealed in the Atlanta, GA Temple!  Also, earlier this month I had my first mission reunion!  It was great to see my old companions and missionary pals :).
                 
After returning home, I resumed my position as an Assistant Girls Soccer Coach at Snow Canyon High School.  I also became a math tutor at Dixie State University.  The girls on the team were very good and all of us coaches were very confident in their abilities.  We trained them hard and they worked hard throughout the season.  We were very excited as we began the state tournament.  We made it all the way to the Finals where we faced Park City.  We've always kind of had a rivalry with Park City.  Some of the girls had to deal with some very difficult challenges, of which I won't go into detail, shortly before the State game.  We gave them blessings.  The prophet gave them a little motivational speech!  I felt confident that they would be able to perform well even with what they were going through :).  They did.  The girls took the state title with a 1 to 0 win!  It was a great experience in which we saw and felt the Lord's help :).
                 
During the past two semesters I've been working on becoming and EMT.  I earned my Basic EMT certification last semester and am currently working on my Advanced EMT certification.  I love it and I can't wait to start working on an ambulance :)  I'm planning on going into the Paramedic program here either next year or the year after.  I'm going to submit an application for next year's program and see what happens.  The one thing that I know for certain is that I want to be in the medical field.  For a really long time I was dead-set on becoming a doctor.  That is still an option, but I have other things that I'm looking into as well: RN and Physician Assistant in particular.  Time will tell.  But, I'm excited with what I'm doing right now :).
                 
Well, there you have it.  I hope that I've provided enough info.  I know that I haven't covered everything.  That wasn't really my intention.  I hope that you've been able to understand that serving a mission has meant everything to me and that I love life.  To those of you who are considering serving a mission: do it.  Well, I can't really give commandments haha.  So, I strongly encourage you to sincerely and diligently think and pray about it.  If I could do it all over again I would.  Also, to any of you who may be investigating the church or who are less active: I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint's is the true church of Jesus Christ.  I invite you to allow the missionaries to share their message with you.  Then, ponder and pray about it. 
                 
Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me before, during, and after my mission.  You're help is greatly appreciated.  I love y'all!!! :)
               

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

A Note From Elder Kreyling's Parents

We have had enjoyed making this blog for those interested in following Barry's mission these last 2+ years. What has added more to our joy has been seeing Barry grow in so many ways. As we read his last e-mail, which is posted below this one, we can see how service to his God and his fellow man has caused him to grow closer to the Savior. It has also developed in him charity for all. We can feel the strength in his testimony. We are grateful that we have had this opportunity to share in Barry's missionary experience. Our testimonies of the gospel have grown through this experience. We thank all who have supported Barry through letters and prayers and those in the field, his mission Presidents and their wives, members and investigators who treated him kindly, companions from whom he learned so much and anyone he came in contact with that treated him good, may God bless you all. We give thanks to our Heavenly Father and our Savior for we have been truly blessed.

Monday, April 16, 2012

E-mail #16 of 2012 4/16/2012 Week 104

Elder Kreyling Two Years Ago As He Starts His Mission

Elder Barry Kreyling's Last E-mail From The Mission Field

Hola familia!!!
Nelson and one of his sons were at church yesterday! I don't doubt that their family will join the church in the near future Everyone else is about the same.
Well, I received a letter from dad on saturday. It said, " I know that you're having mixed feelings. That's normal" Dad, you were spot on. As excited as I am to see family and friends again I wish that this experience could be prolonged. Good byes are hard... It is a very bittersweet feeling. Well, in zone leader council and a couple of conference calls that we've had I've been asked to share my testimony and I'm glad to do that again...
I have loved being a missionary. I will always love and appreciate this opportunity that I've had to serve the Lord and his children here. This is the greatest cause that the Lord has allowed me to be a part of. I know that this is the Lord's work and that he is the master and author of it. I know that this is the best thing that I could have done these past two years. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and. They have done so much for me. I am eternally indebted to them. I know that they love us all and that their love is eternal and perfect. Jesus is the Christ. He atoned for our sins. I know that Christ invites all men to repent and to come unto him He has the power to cleanse and heal us. He knows us personally. I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for everything they have done for me and for everyone. I know that the Restoration of the Church and Gospel of Jesus Christ took place through Joseph Smith. The spirit has testified to me on several occasions that he indeed is the prophet of the Restoration. I testify that this Church and Gospel are true. I have seen them change the lives of many people. They have changed my life. I know that the coming forth of the Book of Mormon took place as part of the Restoration. I know it is true scripture as is the Bible because it has brought me closer to Christ. I testify that the Plan of Salvation is the Lord's work and glory that provides the way for us to return to his presence after this life. I know that because of this plan our families have the opportunity to be eternal, to live together forever. I'm so grateful for this knowlege. I love all of you whether I know you personally or not. I know that these things are true and I testify of them in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thank you all for everything that you've done to support and help me. I love and appreciate all of y'all Take care and I'll see you soon!!!
Love,
Elder Barry Kreyling
Q. ¿Qué ha pasado con Lauren, está progresando?
A. Esta progresando lo mismo.
Q. ¿Saben algo de las M.?
A. No.
Q. ¿Cuántas corbatas tienes? Necesito que las traigas todas porque quiero usarlas para un proyecto con los Presbíteros de nuestro barrio.
A. 30 mas o menos.
Q. ¿Necesitas dinero para mandar las cajas y tu bicicleta? Yo deposite más dinero en la cuenta para que mandes tus cosas.
A. Si, conseguire mas.

Monday, April 9, 2012

E-mail #15 of 2012 4/9/2012 Week 103

One more letter and his journey will be completed.

Carta # 15 de abril 8 del 2012

Hola familia!

Well, today I'm emailing you from Morristown, TN! On the same day that we found out about the problems with our last investigator, President I. told us that two missionaries up here were sent home. One of Elder S. old areas is here in Morristown and it just happened to be the area that those two Elders were sent from. So, we have done a few exchanges to get the work going up here. Elder S. and I picked up another Elder and headed up here. I stayed the weekend with Elders T. and R. in Bays Mountain, which is one of the two areas in Morristown, Elder S. and the other Elder went to Cherokee lake, the other Morristown area. There are several investigators close to baptism that Elder S. was working with while he was serving here. But, because of the lack of work they came to a standstill in their progression. So, Elder S. has been seeing them and one of them now has a date!

We are having Family Home Evening tonight with family in the ward. They speak Spanish and they have invited a couple of Spanish families, including N. and his family! N. and his family came to church a few weeks ago. I think the wife has family that is members. I spoke with N. on the phone this past Saturday and he told me that they want our help to learn about the church. Perfect! They were also given a Book of Mormon a couple of months ago. N. said they've liked what they've read so far we are excited for this family!

L.is still progressing gradually.

I was thinking back on experiences that I've had on the mission. I remember one time when I was in the south Pittsburg area around Christmas of 2010. I was there on an exchange. We went to visit a couple. I believe the wife was less active and the husband was excommunicated. We had a good visit with them. I remember that as we were leaving their home the husband said, "There’s just something about you... You'll do fine". When trying times have come like with what's happened last week, I think back on experiences like those. There have been things like that that people have said and done, that help me know that the Lord's promise in D & C 84 is true ."88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." I have felt the Lord's support during this time and many others. I know that although those girls haven't been baptized yet that, "all things have been done in the wisdom of him who aknoweth all things." As stated in 2 Nephi 2 : 24. The Church is true. Our Heavenly Father lives and is ever mindful of us. I love you all!

Love

Elder Barry Kreyling

Monday, April 2, 2012

E-mail #14 of 2012 4/2/2012 Week 102

Carta #14 abril 1, del 2012

Hola familia!

Feliz cumpleanos a Mom y Shan!

Well, I think I told you last time that we'd had some of the most up and down days ever. Well, since then we had one of the most up and down weeks since I've been serving. We went to talk with one of our investigators like I said we'd be doing. We resolved the concerns. Then we went over to Bishop's to talk about it and we had things straightened out. Then, this investigator called the next morning (Tue.) and was kind of upset because some of the family was throwing a surprise birthday party for the girls' grandmother on Saturday at around the same time as the baptism was scheduled. She said she got mad at them for doing it on short notice like that because we'd had the baptisms planned for about two weeks now. So, she asked if we could do the baptisms another day. After thinking about it and talking with Bishop and others we decided to have the baptisms on Wednesday. She was a bit hesitant at first, but then she agreed to it. So, we were so excited for them to be baptized! Then, Bishop called us back. He asked us to put the phone on speaker so we could both here. There was a problem which I cannot share. The baptism was being postponed indefinite. My heart dropped. That was one of the hardest things that I had to hear. Because of all the mess, the baptism is off and I'm not sure what will happen to them or if we'll be able to see them again. Right now I'm just praying for the Lord to take care of them because we've done everything that we can. Well, I told you this first so that I can end this email on a good note haha

So, we were able to teach L. again. She's still doing well. We gave her the D & C DVDs and encouraged her to watch the Joseph Smith movie as she is still seeking to know that he's a prophet. In preparation for general conference we encouraged her to have questions in her mind and heart like "was Joseph Smith a Prophet" and " is Thomas S. Monson a Prophet". We promised her that she'd receive answers to her questions as she watched conference and the movies. She seemed to like the idea. We'll be seeing her this Wednesday so I'll let you know how that goes.

My favorite parts of conference were Elder Holland’s and Elder D. Todd Kristofferson’s talks. I want to say this to L. The thought that came to mind when I heard them speaking was, "L, be baptized!" haha. Conference was great over all.

Well, I think that's everything for this week. I hope y'all have a great week. I love y'all and you're in my prayers!

Love,

Elder Barry Kreyling

Q. ¿Se bautizaron las niñas M. el viernes?

A. No...

Q, ¿Y qué ha pasado con los otros investigadores, están progresando?

A. L. está progresando. Ella vio la conferencia general.

Q. ¿Consiguieron un apartamento para moverse?

A. Todavía no.

Q. ¿Necesitas dinero para mandar tus cosas?

A. A lo mejor sí. Conseguiré un poco de la tarjeta de dad.

Q. ¿Tienes preguntas para nosotros?

A. Creo que no.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Flight Plans and Release Date

We received Barry's release date and travel plans today. He will be coming home April 19th. Even though he would like to stay out longer we are exited that he will be home soon. We have been richly blessed while he has served the Lord.

E-mail #13 of 2012 3/26/2012 Week 101


Hola familia!
The email today will be fairly brief because we have things that we need to get taken care of. This week has been an eventful one. We had quite a few lessons with the M. Those girls are so smart! As we went over "honor thy father and thy mother" during the lesson on the ten commandments H. asked us about Heavenly Mother! They ask some pretty deep questions haha. It has been a great experience teaching them. They came to church yesterday and seemed to enjoy it. Before church started they were interviewed for baptism and they passed! We think the baptisms will still go through but we will be speaking with the mother about something right after we finish emailing. We are praying that all goes well for this family. They mean a lot to us.
On saturday the M. came to the church building for an easter egg hunt. The whole family seemed to get some really good fellowship there. Also, N. and his family were there. They seemed to enjoy themselves too.
We weren't able to have a lesson with L. this past week. It was spring break. We thought we'd be able to teach her a bit more since she didn't have to worry about school. But, we weren't able to work out a time to see her. But, she came to church yesterday so she is still progressing little by little.
Overall things are going well. I'm pretty sure y'all have already been doing this but if you could pray for the M. family (J., H. and A.) that would be great! Especially J. as she's been having some opposition recently. Thanks so much for everything y'all do to support the work. Thank you for your prayers on my behalf and for others. We need to get going but I love y'all infinity!
Love,
Elder Barry Kreyling
Q. Como les va con las niñas M.

A. Up and down. The girls are progressing well. There have been some miscommunications and misunderstandings between the mother and some members. She feels like she's being judged. So, we will be talking with her right after we are done emailing today.

Q. Como les va con L. & S.?

A. Bien. No tuvimos una leccion pero ella asistio a la iglesia ayer.

Monday, March 19, 2012

E-mail #12 of 2012 3/19/2012 Week 100

Hola familia!!!
Well, we had several exciting things happen this week! The most exciting thing is that H. and A. M.l have accepted to be baptized on the 31st!!! Yay! We are so excited for them and they are super excited to be baptized. So, we taught them on Thursday. We were talking about love and how we show our love to others by doing certain things. We related that to Heavenly Father and keeping his commandments with an emphasis on baptism. They were expressing so much desire to be baptized. J. said that if they want to be baptized they can So, we set a date with them for the 31st. They were so happy! We made a baptismal calendar to help them see everything that needs to happen before they are baptized. These girls are so smart it's incredible. Our team up said as the lesson was going on he thought of scriptures that speak of children prophesying. I thought to myself, " yeah and they don't even have the gift of the holy ghost yet!" These girls are just amazing. I'm so grateful that the Lord has blessed Elder S. and I with them. So, we were hoping to see them on Friday as well but J. texted us and said that they were down in Athens for the weekend. We asked her if they wanted to come to church. She said that she'd ask them and let us know. Just before 1030 that night she texted us and said that she needed to go to Athens the next day to get the girls because they wanted to meet with us and then go to church on Sunday! I think their grandparents actually got them but we saw them on saturday and had another good lesson with them. Our teamup was a kid named C. M. He was baptized in Montana about 15 months ago. We are working on helping him serve a mission. We're confident he will especially after helping teach and baptize H. and A. So, yesterday the M. were supposed to come to church. We texted them and they said they were getting ready but they'd be late. After some time had passed and they still weren't there we got a text from J. She expressed having car problems. We called her up and their car was acting up so they weren't able to make it yesterday. But, the girls were pretty sad because they weren't able to be at church. They are so committed we just need to help them get there! We are so excited for this family. The Lord has truly blessed us.
I can't remember if I've already mentioned a girl named L. or not. Well, the sister missionaries have been teaching her. She and some other members, including her boyfriend S. who has the same birthday as I do, had expressed a few times that they wanted us to teach her. We put it off for a while because we didn't want the sisters to feel like we were stealing their investigator or something. The members brought it up again so this past week we talked with the sisters about it. We made the transition and we taught L. once this week. She is studying to be a lawyer so she is very intellectual. We taught her about faith. We left her with a Restoration DVD and with scriptures from the Bible and the Book of Mormon showing how they speak of each other. The next morning we asked S. how he thought it went. He sent us several texts saying how excited they were. He said that they read the scriptures together after we left and it was her idea. She liked them So, she is progressing well right now. This week is spring break here and they aren't going anywhere. So, no school and no work= lots of teaching!
Overall things are going great here! We are really excited. Oh, just a side not the zone has eight baptisms so far and with the current commitments we have we will end the month with 13 baptisms in the zone! We are so excited!!!
Well, that's everything for this week. Thanks for all of your support it is much appreciated! Well, I am on my last minute on the computer so I gotta go! Love y'all!!!
Love,
Elder Barry Kreyling
Q. ¿Como estas hijito?
A. Muy bien!
Q. ¿Qué ha pasado con la familia M.? Todavía tienen planes de bautizarse?
A. Todavia estan alli. Y las hijas tienen animo para bautizarse
Q. ¿Recibiste los dear elders?
A. Si! Muchisimas gracias!
Q. ¿Por qué tienen que moverse de apartamento?
A. Basicamente apartamento que tenemos ahora es viejo, pequeno y huele feo. Las personas que vivian en este apartamento antes de los misioneros fumaron. No es un lugar donde el espiritu puede morar facilmente.
Q. ¿Tuviste cambios y ya tienes un nuevo apartamento?
A. Ya tuvimos traslados. Todavia no tenemos un nuevo apartamento.
Q. ¿Están progresando los investigadores que estaban enseñando?
A. Si! H. y A. y L.
Q. ¿Ya mandaste las cajas con tus cosas, o necesitas dinero para mandarlas?
A. Todavia no. Creo que tendre bastante dinero pero les dire si no asi es.
Q. ¿Tuviste tiempo para comer en un restaurante?
A. haha todavia no.