Sunday, July 22, 2018

Week 100: Josh is home!!!

Dear Brother and Sister Ballard:

Your son is nearing the conclusion of his mission in the Hungary Budapest Mission. We have appreciated serving with him.

Service in the Hungary Budapest Mission is challenging, but rewarding. Your missionary has had experiences which cannot be duplicated any other way. He has grown in his knowledge of the Gospel. He has grown in his testimony of the Savior. He has grown in his desire to serve others. We appreciate the wonderful service which has been rendered.

Sister Szabadkai and I thank you for sending Elder Ballard to us. It has been our privilege to serve with him. We commend him for his service - and we commend you for your sacrifices and prayers which have assisted him to perform this marvelous work.

Sok Szeretettel,

HUNGARY BUDAPEST MISSION

Jozsef Szabadkai
Mission President

My sweet niece, Hannah Rushton, photographed the whole event! hannahrushton.com! 
















Homecoming talk, Sunday, July 15, 2018


Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Week 99: Final Words

Kedves Családom és Barátaim,

Wow, what a week and what an incredible two years! I never thought that this day would come.
Words cannot describe the past two years nor can it do it justice. I remember being in the MTC and worrying about everything and I remember Elder David A. Bednar saying along the lines of: if you are obedient and do what is right then the Lord will always be beside you. It was hard for me to believe that at first, especially during my first couple of transfers but oh, how true that is.

Serving a mission was definitely challenging but totally worth it. I have learned so much about the church itself, how to react with others, loving others, and serving others. I learned a lot about faith and believing in miracles. I know that miracles are out there if we look for them. I am grateful to have been able to learn how to be a Christlike missionary thanks to Preach My Gospel and the scriptures. I am grateful for the general authorities and their priesthood. I am grateful for my family and all their support especially my wonderful/incredible parents and all the support/love they have given me throughout these two years. Thank you so much !!!!

The Hungarian people are a unique and special people. They have a unique culture, language, and everything. I have learned a lot from them and I am blessed to have been able to serve around them. I know that for each one of them, God has a plan. God's plan is perfect and I am grateful for the atonement of my Savior, through whom we can become perfect. I remember coming to realize that during one of my teachings and the feelings I had were indescribable. I hope that others too may feel that as well.

I know this church is true, I know that miracles exist, and I know that this work is God's work here upon the Earth. The reason why the gospel of Jesus Christ is here is to bring happiness to the children of God. Happiness that cannot be found anywhere else. I am grateful to have this happiness in my life. 

I will close with a favorite scripture of mine (I am sure you all know it ;)):

"And if men come unto me will show unto them their weaknessgive unto men weakness that they may be 
humbleand my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves
before meand have faith in me, then will make weak things become strong unto them."

In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Szeretettel,
Ballard elder







This guy once was Elder Paul. He was the first person I went streeting with on my first day in Budapest. He came back to visit this week. 

Hungarian Members



Beautiful sunset




Budapest Zone Day





Rock Marathon Peeps



Random pictures around Budapest


Friday, July 6, 2018

Week 98: Szandra's Baptism!!!


Kedves mindenki,

This weekend was a spiritually filled week! The spirit was super strong at Alexandra's baptism and many were in tears at the end of it. She was confirmed on Sunday and the spirit was also strong during sacrament meeting. I am grateful to have played a small part in this decision for her. 

Hungary is filled with sunflower fields as far as the eye can see. We were able to go up to one of these fields on Monday which was fun. We also were able to go to Kaposvár on splits. Kaposvár is truly the land of pure of imagination with the only sugar factory in all of Hungary. 

One of our star pupils from piano class, Abel, has started playing in priesthood on sundays! 

I am sorry I have to go but I love you all and I am so grateful to serve in Hungary!

Love,
Elder Ballard