Hello Ya'll
Its that time again. Six weeks is up and another transfer is down in the books. This time I'm getting bounced, but I'm going to the coolest place in the Mission. Niceville, FL. (BTW; my new address is 724 N Palm Blvd, Niceville, FL 32578.) There are too reasons why this is the best place. One is its another military base. Eglin Airforce Base is there. I believe the Blue Angels fly a lot over there. I get to serve with military once again. I'm so excited. The second reason why Niceville is the coolest, is Clark's brother lives in Niceville. That means when Clark gets his call I'll be listening!!! Haha. Tender mercies, tender mercies. I'm so stoked.
I talked a little last week about the changes in my own life that are going to be made. They will still happen and its the perfect time to get a new area and take off with what I know. I am really sad that I'm leaving Tallahassee. I feel at home here and leaving is so hard. We were at the Martin's last night saying goodbye. I thought I was going to cry. I've been here for so long and to leave some of these people is going to be hard. I've worked so hard with some of them. Some have progressed, others haven't moved and others went backwards. But I was trying with my heart the whole time. I'm glad President Campbell sent you an E-mail. He is one of the finest men in the World. He has the biggest heart. When we have to do trade off's with other companionships and he can't meet with me, I get to hear all about it the next week. He loves the missionaries and I love President Campbell. I will get to see him and Sis Simmons on last time on Tuesday. It's going to be hard to leave them.
I don't know what else to say for this week. We have had 4 or 5 lessons fall through. The longer I'm out the more I realize how much I crave teaching. When we have no one to teach it really wears on me. Not because I don't feel productive, but there is no feeling in the world like the one you have when you receive revelation for someone else during a lesson. Or feel the pure love of God that he has for his child sitting right next to you. I'm sure it happens to those of you who are parents. I crave it so bad! Hopefully that will continue in the near future.
I really don't know what to say. I'm glad you got your package and unless you sent it already, you should probably wait and send it to the Niceville address. I got a wonderful letter from the Craig branch. I also got Weston's baptism announcement! Actually, I got it a while ago, but forgot to tell you. Its great to hear how all of you guys are doing. It gives me strength to hear your own life events. No matter how small. Its really weird how that happens, but hearing about someone else's success is really invigorating for me. I love it when I get letters from you guys. Thanks.
I'm really sorry its short, but I am really excited for Niceville. I'm sad to leave Tallahassee, but its time to go.
I love you all,
Elder Call
Elder Call
Off to the MTC
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
FSU - BYU
Hey everyone,
Sorry that I didn't write last week. It's been a crazy week. Last Monday we had a Zone Conference were Elder Pearson came and spoke to us (i'll write about that in a minute), but because Monday is our P-day, I didn't get a chance to write. Also because of the BYU FSU game, President Jensen told us that we would be taking our p-day for that week on Saturday. So today is my second p-day for the weekend. Its really weird.
I didn't get to see anyone from our stake. I did however meet with Autumn Nelson (I think her mom runs Shannon's Dance class) and Buck Mendenhall and his wife. Autumn is a cougarette and travels with the team. The Mendenhall's are team parents (well kind of) and were following their two boys on the team. I met a lot of people from other parts of Florida. Most of the people there not from our stake were from Florida. Orlando, Tampa, Pensecola, Miami, Gainesville and Jacksonville. Some were from Utah, those were the dedicated fans. The Fireside was on Friday night and was great. Two members from the team spoke, one of which was a Tallahassee boy. He grew up here and played for Lincoln High, then went on a mission before he went to BYU. I don't remember the other boys name, but he served in Tennessee. The last speaker was Bronco Mendenhall. He was great, talking about how its just a game and how there are more important things. He trough out a couple of statistics so we would know what he's doing is working. Stats like; "BYU has had more 10 win seasons in a row than any other time in BYU history." Then he talked about the type of conduct he expects and the level at which the players must perform on and off the field. He told us about the Air Force game and how he knew the fans were looking at the score, but he was more concerned with the type of language that was on the field by the BYU players. Bronco has definitely changed the BYU football program for the better. Did you know he didn't serve a mission? Yet, he encourages all of the players to go on a mission. Pretty cool.
The BYU tail gate was Saturday afternoon. Elder Shumway and I took tickets for the food line and talked to everyone who walked by. A lot of people were surprised to see us there. It helped out that the guy who runs the tail gate has a son serving in our mission. That's how we got the invite. But members were still surprised that we were there in our shirt and ties saying hi to people. Some asked if we were going to the game and when we told them, they were really surprised. To be honest, when I first found out I was surprised.
The BYU FSU game was great. We sat where ever we wanted. Our tickets were in one section and we found a nice place a couple of seats down where no one was sitting. So we just sat there the whole game. We saw a bunch of members there at the game. Some of them were wearing BYU shirts, others were wearing FSU shirts. I think my favorite was Ben Pope's shirt. "Go Lamanites"
It was a crazy weekend and I feel like I'm recovering from it. I was so tired and ready to go home afterwards. I slept good that night.
Ok, now on to missionary things. :) Elder Pearson came to our mission last Monday. It was amazing. He is not an apostle and he told us that a couple of times. Elder Pearson holds no keys, none at all. However, because he was on assignment, given to him from President Packer, he had full access to the keys that he needed. It was incredible. We got there at 8 and had a meeting with him, just the Zone Leaders. Then the District Leaders had their meeting with him. We took a zone picture after that. We all were in the chapel. First we listened to President and Sister Jensen, then Sis Pearson. Then Elder Pearson got up. He spoke to us the rest of the day. All except for a 45 min lunch and a few talks prepared by us missionaries, Elder Pearson spoke for 5 hours. He did it in no general order. He knew what he was supposed to get us to learn, he knew what we were struggling on as missionaries (that's why he met with the Zone and District leaders) and he spoke by the spirit. Going in no general order, it felt like we went right through Preach My Gospel. He spoke about our identity. He mentioned a scripture that I had forgotten about. 3 Ne 5:13. It is Nephi declaring that he is a Disciple of Christ. I don't know if I ever told you, but I bore my testimony about that very same thing in a sacrament meeting in the Singles Ward and I used the very same scripture. He talked about why we do what missionaries are supposed to do. You could come up with all the excuses in the world, but the one that fits the best is, "I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ". That is the reason behind my purpose. I find, teach, baptize and retain because I'm a Disciple. I read from the Book of Mormon every day because I'm a Disciple. I wake up every morning and go to bed every night because I am a disciple. Every thing I do, I do because I'm a disciple. It was the perfect rebuke that I needed to hear.
It is so fascinating to me. How quickly we forget who we are, what we have learned. and why we do things. I told President Summerhays before he left that I felt that way. I felt as if I was caught in the 'dulldrums' of my mission. Others refer to this as the 'Black Hole' in the mission. I was definitely feeling that way and I could not get out of it. When the Mission President changed I had nothing to hold on to. President Jensen is a great guy, but he doesn't know me like President Summerhays did. When Elder Pearson came to teach us, it felt as if President Summerhays was in the room reminding me of why I was there. As I made that connection, so many other thoughts came back. As if it unlocked something that I didn't know was locked. Memories and knowledge have been coming back every day. I decorate my planner each transfer. Its only fitting that I put a picture of all my friends from Tim's farewell on it. The ties that bind is something that I had forgotten about. I know I write something and receive a big packet each month, but I forgot what it felt like to be with my friends. Those and other feelings have all come back in the last week. I am so grateful that Elder Pearson came to teach me and I'm working on remembering what I forgot. Its been great and I know the next 9 months are going to be amazing.
I love you all and I keep praying for you.
Elder Call
Sorry that I didn't write last week. It's been a crazy week. Last Monday we had a Zone Conference were Elder Pearson came and spoke to us (i'll write about that in a minute), but because Monday is our P-day, I didn't get a chance to write. Also because of the BYU FSU game, President Jensen told us that we would be taking our p-day for that week on Saturday. So today is my second p-day for the weekend. Its really weird.
I didn't get to see anyone from our stake. I did however meet with Autumn Nelson (I think her mom runs Shannon's Dance class) and Buck Mendenhall and his wife. Autumn is a cougarette and travels with the team. The Mendenhall's are team parents (well kind of) and were following their two boys on the team. I met a lot of people from other parts of Florida. Most of the people there not from our stake were from Florida. Orlando, Tampa, Pensecola, Miami, Gainesville and Jacksonville. Some were from Utah, those were the dedicated fans. The Fireside was on Friday night and was great. Two members from the team spoke, one of which was a Tallahassee boy. He grew up here and played for Lincoln High, then went on a mission before he went to BYU. I don't remember the other boys name, but he served in Tennessee. The last speaker was Bronco Mendenhall. He was great, talking about how its just a game and how there are more important things. He trough out a couple of statistics so we would know what he's doing is working. Stats like; "BYU has had more 10 win seasons in a row than any other time in BYU history." Then he talked about the type of conduct he expects and the level at which the players must perform on and off the field. He told us about the Air Force game and how he knew the fans were looking at the score, but he was more concerned with the type of language that was on the field by the BYU players. Bronco has definitely changed the BYU football program for the better. Did you know he didn't serve a mission? Yet, he encourages all of the players to go on a mission. Pretty cool.
The BYU tail gate was Saturday afternoon. Elder Shumway and I took tickets for the food line and talked to everyone who walked by. A lot of people were surprised to see us there. It helped out that the guy who runs the tail gate has a son serving in our mission. That's how we got the invite. But members were still surprised that we were there in our shirt and ties saying hi to people. Some asked if we were going to the game and when we told them, they were really surprised. To be honest, when I first found out I was surprised.
The BYU FSU game was great. We sat where ever we wanted. Our tickets were in one section and we found a nice place a couple of seats down where no one was sitting. So we just sat there the whole game. We saw a bunch of members there at the game. Some of them were wearing BYU shirts, others were wearing FSU shirts. I think my favorite was Ben Pope's shirt. "Go Lamanites"
It was a crazy weekend and I feel like I'm recovering from it. I was so tired and ready to go home afterwards. I slept good that night.
Ok, now on to missionary things. :) Elder Pearson came to our mission last Monday. It was amazing. He is not an apostle and he told us that a couple of times. Elder Pearson holds no keys, none at all. However, because he was on assignment, given to him from President Packer, he had full access to the keys that he needed. It was incredible. We got there at 8 and had a meeting with him, just the Zone Leaders. Then the District Leaders had their meeting with him. We took a zone picture after that. We all were in the chapel. First we listened to President and Sister Jensen, then Sis Pearson. Then Elder Pearson got up. He spoke to us the rest of the day. All except for a 45 min lunch and a few talks prepared by us missionaries, Elder Pearson spoke for 5 hours. He did it in no general order. He knew what he was supposed to get us to learn, he knew what we were struggling on as missionaries (that's why he met with the Zone and District leaders) and he spoke by the spirit. Going in no general order, it felt like we went right through Preach My Gospel. He spoke about our identity. He mentioned a scripture that I had forgotten about. 3 Ne 5:13. It is Nephi declaring that he is a Disciple of Christ. I don't know if I ever told you, but I bore my testimony about that very same thing in a sacrament meeting in the Singles Ward and I used the very same scripture. He talked about why we do what missionaries are supposed to do. You could come up with all the excuses in the world, but the one that fits the best is, "I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ". That is the reason behind my purpose. I find, teach, baptize and retain because I'm a Disciple. I read from the Book of Mormon every day because I'm a Disciple. I wake up every morning and go to bed every night because I am a disciple. Every thing I do, I do because I'm a disciple. It was the perfect rebuke that I needed to hear.
It is so fascinating to me. How quickly we forget who we are, what we have learned. and why we do things. I told President Summerhays before he left that I felt that way. I felt as if I was caught in the 'dulldrums' of my mission. Others refer to this as the 'Black Hole' in the mission. I was definitely feeling that way and I could not get out of it. When the Mission President changed I had nothing to hold on to. President Jensen is a great guy, but he doesn't know me like President Summerhays did. When Elder Pearson came to teach us, it felt as if President Summerhays was in the room reminding me of why I was there. As I made that connection, so many other thoughts came back. As if it unlocked something that I didn't know was locked. Memories and knowledge have been coming back every day. I decorate my planner each transfer. Its only fitting that I put a picture of all my friends from Tim's farewell on it. The ties that bind is something that I had forgotten about. I know I write something and receive a big packet each month, but I forgot what it felt like to be with my friends. Those and other feelings have all come back in the last week. I am so grateful that Elder Pearson came to teach me and I'm working on remembering what I forgot. Its been great and I know the next 9 months are going to be amazing.
I love you all and I keep praying for you.
Elder Call
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
BYU-FSU
Hey Ya'll,
Ok. BYU is playing FSU on September 18. BYU is doing a fireside on September 17 @ 7:00. It will be at the Stake Center in Tallahassee. 312 Stadium Dr. is the address. The church is right next to the stadium, hence Stadium Dr. Members can park their cars at the church for free for the game, but don't spread that around too much. They charge 20.00 per car during home game days. If they have to fill it up with members who don't have to pay anything then the youth, singles ward and other activities can't happen for their Stake. That's how they raise money for their events.
Second thing. BYU is also having an Alumni tailgate party at the Civic Center in Tallahassee. Its $15 per person. That includes food and a bunch of games. For those people who have not been to Florida for a game, tailgating is huge. Everyone in Utah just shows up right before game time. These guys get their at 7:00am and stay until late in the night. Because BYU is an early game, they shouldn't be out too long. The other tailgate parties include a lot of Beer, college kids, older people who act like college kids and of course a grill. BYU won't have any alcohol, but they will have food and games.
Third. President Jensen has allowed us to go to the game. So some may see me there, at the football game. Bro and Sis Martin have gotten us some tickets. It was their house that we re-roofed. Sis Martin is the one who called home. :) We really like them. If you see any missionaries on TV. I know them. They are in my mission.
If you have any other questions you will have one more week to ask them, then its game time!! Bro Martin is providing an FSU tie.
This week has been great. Yesterday was supposed to be our Preparation day. It was the opposite. Ward members needed help moving, investigators were free to have lessons, and all the libraries were closed in Tallahassee. That's why I'm e-mailing today.
Yesterday was one of the greatest days in a while. We had a lesson with Wallace Brown. Elder Faalogo and I had tracted into him a while ago and began to teach him. Wallace knew and worked with Bro Poole in our ward, so we took him to a lesson with us. We also have been taking Keith with us. He is 16 and loves to teach. Last week I told you that it was Stake Conference. Wallace was their and Sis Walker spoke as one of the speakers. She used to be a die hard Catholic, but found the truth and couldn't deny it. Wallace really liked her testimony and felt something as he was listening. This Sunday Wallace came to church and we took him with us to the High Priest group. They ended up breaking into their groups. Redeeming the Dead, Missionary, and one other. We were in the missionary group and we brought Wallace with us. Bro Jones was there and just started talking with Wallace. It was like they had known each other for ever. We were supposed to be talking about missionary work and how we could help the High Priest, but instead we just had our own lesson in class. Bro Jones bore testimony about, well everything. He was 20 when he found the truth and has stuck with it ever since. Wallace really liked that. We went to Wallace's house yesterday with Keith. We talked to him about Temples and why we have them. Afterward we asked if he knew the Book of Mormon was true. He said yes. Then we asked him if he knew Joseph Smith was a true Prophet. He said yes again. We asked him what he thought about baptism by the proper authority. He said yes, but there was one problem. He is on the Deacon board at his church. That means that he has to do everything there. I mean everything. We works hard so the Preacher doesn't have to do it. Its like if dad, just the way he is, had to do the deacons job, teachers job, priest job, Sunday school, primary, sacrament and fast offerings and anything else I missed. All because no one else would do it or help. Wallace does it all and has been there for 25 years. He feels like he would be abandoning them by leaving. He knows our church is true and he wants to be a part of it, but he feels so much responsibility has been placed on him at his other church that he would be abandoning them. I told Wallace that I loved him and that we would be here for him as he prays for strength to make a decision. At the end of the lesson we all said a prayer. Elder Thurston, Me, Keith and Wallace. Wallace said the most heartfelt prayer I've ever heard. Asking for strength, knowing that this church is true because of how he feels, but then letting the Lord know how he feels about leaving his other church. It was like he was having a conversation with God. It was incredible. Wallace knows its true and will be getting baptized soon.
That's really all that happened this week. We have a few appointments that we hope to be having with less actives and part member families in the ward. We also just got 4 new ward missionaries to help us out.
I love you all and I'm grateful you are all at home supporting me.
Love Elder Call
Ok. BYU is playing FSU on September 18. BYU is doing a fireside on September 17 @ 7:00. It will be at the Stake Center in Tallahassee. 312 Stadium Dr. is the address. The church is right next to the stadium, hence Stadium Dr. Members can park their cars at the church for free for the game, but don't spread that around too much. They charge 20.00 per car during home game days. If they have to fill it up with members who don't have to pay anything then the youth, singles ward and other activities can't happen for their Stake. That's how they raise money for their events.
Second thing. BYU is also having an Alumni tailgate party at the Civic Center in Tallahassee. Its $15 per person. That includes food and a bunch of games. For those people who have not been to Florida for a game, tailgating is huge. Everyone in Utah just shows up right before game time. These guys get their at 7:00am and stay until late in the night. Because BYU is an early game, they shouldn't be out too long. The other tailgate parties include a lot of Beer, college kids, older people who act like college kids and of course a grill. BYU won't have any alcohol, but they will have food and games.
Third. President Jensen has allowed us to go to the game. So some may see me there, at the football game. Bro and Sis Martin have gotten us some tickets. It was their house that we re-roofed. Sis Martin is the one who called home. :) We really like them. If you see any missionaries on TV. I know them. They are in my mission.
If you have any other questions you will have one more week to ask them, then its game time!! Bro Martin is providing an FSU tie.
This week has been great. Yesterday was supposed to be our Preparation day. It was the opposite. Ward members needed help moving, investigators were free to have lessons, and all the libraries were closed in Tallahassee. That's why I'm e-mailing today.
Yesterday was one of the greatest days in a while. We had a lesson with Wallace Brown. Elder Faalogo and I had tracted into him a while ago and began to teach him. Wallace knew and worked with Bro Poole in our ward, so we took him to a lesson with us. We also have been taking Keith with us. He is 16 and loves to teach. Last week I told you that it was Stake Conference. Wallace was their and Sis Walker spoke as one of the speakers. She used to be a die hard Catholic, but found the truth and couldn't deny it. Wallace really liked her testimony and felt something as he was listening. This Sunday Wallace came to church and we took him with us to the High Priest group. They ended up breaking into their groups. Redeeming the Dead, Missionary, and one other. We were in the missionary group and we brought Wallace with us. Bro Jones was there and just started talking with Wallace. It was like they had known each other for ever. We were supposed to be talking about missionary work and how we could help the High Priest, but instead we just had our own lesson in class. Bro Jones bore testimony about, well everything. He was 20 when he found the truth and has stuck with it ever since. Wallace really liked that. We went to Wallace's house yesterday with Keith. We talked to him about Temples and why we have them. Afterward we asked if he knew the Book of Mormon was true. He said yes. Then we asked him if he knew Joseph Smith was a true Prophet. He said yes again. We asked him what he thought about baptism by the proper authority. He said yes, but there was one problem. He is on the Deacon board at his church. That means that he has to do everything there. I mean everything. We works hard so the Preacher doesn't have to do it. Its like if dad, just the way he is, had to do the deacons job, teachers job, priest job, Sunday school, primary, sacrament and fast offerings and anything else I missed. All because no one else would do it or help. Wallace does it all and has been there for 25 years. He feels like he would be abandoning them by leaving. He knows our church is true and he wants to be a part of it, but he feels so much responsibility has been placed on him at his other church that he would be abandoning them. I told Wallace that I loved him and that we would be here for him as he prays for strength to make a decision. At the end of the lesson we all said a prayer. Elder Thurston, Me, Keith and Wallace. Wallace said the most heartfelt prayer I've ever heard. Asking for strength, knowing that this church is true because of how he feels, but then letting the Lord know how he feels about leaving his other church. It was like he was having a conversation with God. It was incredible. Wallace knows its true and will be getting baptized soon.
That's really all that happened this week. We have a few appointments that we hope to be having with less actives and part member families in the ward. We also just got 4 new ward missionaries to help us out.
I love you all and I'm grateful you are all at home supporting me.
Love Elder Call
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Roofed a House....
Hello Everyone,
It was a fantastic week. We taught a lot, found a lot, got to rip apart a roof and then build a new one, and Alan Espinoza got the Melchizedek Priesthood. It was great.
Tuesday we drove to Crestview for ZLC. We didn't have any problems on the way or coming back. Good thing because you probably remember me telling you about how we didn't get the van fixed. It was a good day. I got to see my father and grandfather (mission family) at ZLC. I also got to talk to Elder Bond and Elder Merkley. They told me that they had the pleasure of meeting Bro Manwearing!!! Clarks brother is in Niceville and when he went out to see them the missionaries were there. They said you're doing fine and looking good Clark! President Jensen mentioned in our meeting about Elder Pearson coming to our mission. He will be here Sept 12, just before the BYU game. We will be going over a lot of things while we're there. We just got a huge list from President about what were supposed to prepare for.
Elder Thurston and I had a really good week finding people and teaching them. We were out working on Wednesday trying to find some potentials and new investigators. We were walking when a girl called out to us. She asked us if we were teaching Bible lessons. We were, kind of, and she invited us over to her home. It was a couple of blocks away, so we talked with her. She was in social services with a focus on Christianity. She things that only through God can you overcome certain things. I think she's on to something. We talked with her and when we got to her home we pulled out our Book of Mormon's. She got excited and said, "I'll go get mine." She had taken it from a Hotel, but she didn't know much about it. We talked with her for a while and set up another time to come back. She called us later in the week asking to reschedule, but she should be coming to church next week. It was a great lesson and we will bring the FSU sisters with us to the next lesson. While walking to our car from her apartment we ran into another girl, Kristen. She asked us if we go to church next to FSU and what time they started. We told her that it was us and we took her info down. Again, we gave her to the Sister missionaries. Two investigators for the Sisters, oh well, schools back in.
Friday was the ward's annual Southern Spread. "A Potluck on Steroids," as Bro Barabash would say. There were so many new faces there. We have a big hand full of newly weds moving into our ward. Its really weird when the girls are younger than the missionaries, but married with a kid. Its also very weird when you're the missionary serving and teaching them on campus, then they come to your family ward, because they got married. Its weird being a missionary here. Anyway, the southern spread was good and we met with a few new families who were less active. Bro Nathan has invited us to his home. He is the only member in his family, so we're excited to be working with him.
Saturday was long. We went to the Martin's for service. Sis Martin was the one who called home asking for my favorite meal. We ripped apart Bro Martin's roof and re-roofed it. We started at 7:00am. There were 8 missionaries. South, FSU, Spanish and us. We started to rip the roof apart. There was so much mold and rotted wood. We were surprised that the roof held our weight. Well almost. Elder Smith kind of fell through, and Elder Newin did fall through. We had to replace three of the existing beams and rip out all of the add-on's. It was a big project. Elder Smith and I decided to go work on the floor to clean it up a bit. There was so much stuff that had water damage. We through all of it out of the door. It was a nasty job, we found a rat skeleton. We continued to work and put up the new ribs for the roof. I took a lot of pictures. It looks really good. Elder Thurston and I had to leave early to go to a lesson, so I didn't get to see the end where they put all of the plywood down. Next week we're going to put on the metal roofing. More pictures!
Sunday was my favorite day. Our van key died. Not the van, just the key. We have one of those fancy electric ones, but it broke and our van wouldn't accept it. So we called Sister Harber and she gave us a brand new one! It feels like I just got a new car. It feels so good. :) Sunday was our Stake Conference. Since we didn't have to be there until 2 we went to see Sister Simmons and Glen. I'm not sure what to do with them. Sis Simmons really really wants Glen to get baptized and become a member. Glen wants to move to Gaddsen County and work with the Episcopal Church doing Evangelist stuff. I don't know who's going to bend. I really think that Glen should come to church, but at the place he's living he can't and he still has his ankle bracelet on. Its a tough situation, but we like Sis Simmons. Something good will come as long as she stays close to the Gospel. Guess what!! Next week is Fast and Testimony meeting. That means a testimony from Sis Simmons. Maybe I should bear mine too. Just to match it. :)
After our lesson we went to Stake conference. I've been to both Stake conferences in Tallahassee while I've been here. That was most than some! I felt at home being there. I knew almost everyone there and they knew me. I don't know what I'm going to do when I leave Tallahassee. During Stake conference they announced those who would be receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood. Three were from the Singles ward. Alan Espinoza was one of them. It was so cool to be there and watch Alan take the next step. Elder Perkins and I watched as Jared Anderson gave him the Priesthood. After we were talking and realized something. This time last year, at Stake Conference we met Jared and Alan. It was our first meeting and we gave him a Book of Mormon, a month later Alan was baptized and now, yesterday, he received the Melchizedek Priesthood one year later. And Elder Perkins and I were there with him for all of it. Alan is a true friend and will be forever. He is by far one of the greatest people I've ever met. He has the biggest heart, and the desire to serve. I love Alan so much.
That's it for my life on the Mission. I think its so cool that we can transition quickly from one priesthood leader to the next. It was a little rough for me in the beginning with President Jensen, but he has really taken the reins and is ready to go. Me too.
I love you all,
Elder Call
It was a fantastic week. We taught a lot, found a lot, got to rip apart a roof and then build a new one, and Alan Espinoza got the Melchizedek Priesthood. It was great.
Tuesday we drove to Crestview for ZLC. We didn't have any problems on the way or coming back. Good thing because you probably remember me telling you about how we didn't get the van fixed. It was a good day. I got to see my father and grandfather (mission family) at ZLC. I also got to talk to Elder Bond and Elder Merkley. They told me that they had the pleasure of meeting Bro Manwearing!!! Clarks brother is in Niceville and when he went out to see them the missionaries were there. They said you're doing fine and looking good Clark! President Jensen mentioned in our meeting about Elder Pearson coming to our mission. He will be here Sept 12, just before the BYU game. We will be going over a lot of things while we're there. We just got a huge list from President about what were supposed to prepare for.
Elder Thurston and I had a really good week finding people and teaching them. We were out working on Wednesday trying to find some potentials and new investigators. We were walking when a girl called out to us. She asked us if we were teaching Bible lessons. We were, kind of, and she invited us over to her home. It was a couple of blocks away, so we talked with her. She was in social services with a focus on Christianity. She things that only through God can you overcome certain things. I think she's on to something. We talked with her and when we got to her home we pulled out our Book of Mormon's. She got excited and said, "I'll go get mine." She had taken it from a Hotel, but she didn't know much about it. We talked with her for a while and set up another time to come back. She called us later in the week asking to reschedule, but she should be coming to church next week. It was a great lesson and we will bring the FSU sisters with us to the next lesson. While walking to our car from her apartment we ran into another girl, Kristen. She asked us if we go to church next to FSU and what time they started. We told her that it was us and we took her info down. Again, we gave her to the Sister missionaries. Two investigators for the Sisters, oh well, schools back in.
Friday was the ward's annual Southern Spread. "A Potluck on Steroids," as Bro Barabash would say. There were so many new faces there. We have a big hand full of newly weds moving into our ward. Its really weird when the girls are younger than the missionaries, but married with a kid. Its also very weird when you're the missionary serving and teaching them on campus, then they come to your family ward, because they got married. Its weird being a missionary here. Anyway, the southern spread was good and we met with a few new families who were less active. Bro Nathan has invited us to his home. He is the only member in his family, so we're excited to be working with him.
Saturday was long. We went to the Martin's for service. Sis Martin was the one who called home asking for my favorite meal. We ripped apart Bro Martin's roof and re-roofed it. We started at 7:00am. There were 8 missionaries. South, FSU, Spanish and us. We started to rip the roof apart. There was so much mold and rotted wood. We were surprised that the roof held our weight. Well almost. Elder Smith kind of fell through, and Elder Newin did fall through. We had to replace three of the existing beams and rip out all of the add-on's. It was a big project. Elder Smith and I decided to go work on the floor to clean it up a bit. There was so much stuff that had water damage. We through all of it out of the door. It was a nasty job, we found a rat skeleton. We continued to work and put up the new ribs for the roof. I took a lot of pictures. It looks really good. Elder Thurston and I had to leave early to go to a lesson, so I didn't get to see the end where they put all of the plywood down. Next week we're going to put on the metal roofing. More pictures!
Sunday was my favorite day. Our van key died. Not the van, just the key. We have one of those fancy electric ones, but it broke and our van wouldn't accept it. So we called Sister Harber and she gave us a brand new one! It feels like I just got a new car. It feels so good. :) Sunday was our Stake Conference. Since we didn't have to be there until 2 we went to see Sister Simmons and Glen. I'm not sure what to do with them. Sis Simmons really really wants Glen to get baptized and become a member. Glen wants to move to Gaddsen County and work with the Episcopal Church doing Evangelist stuff. I don't know who's going to bend. I really think that Glen should come to church, but at the place he's living he can't and he still has his ankle bracelet on. Its a tough situation, but we like Sis Simmons. Something good will come as long as she stays close to the Gospel. Guess what!! Next week is Fast and Testimony meeting. That means a testimony from Sis Simmons. Maybe I should bear mine too. Just to match it. :)
After our lesson we went to Stake conference. I've been to both Stake conferences in Tallahassee while I've been here. That was most than some! I felt at home being there. I knew almost everyone there and they knew me. I don't know what I'm going to do when I leave Tallahassee. During Stake conference they announced those who would be receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood. Three were from the Singles ward. Alan Espinoza was one of them. It was so cool to be there and watch Alan take the next step. Elder Perkins and I watched as Jared Anderson gave him the Priesthood. After we were talking and realized something. This time last year, at Stake Conference we met Jared and Alan. It was our first meeting and we gave him a Book of Mormon, a month later Alan was baptized and now, yesterday, he received the Melchizedek Priesthood one year later. And Elder Perkins and I were there with him for all of it. Alan is a true friend and will be forever. He is by far one of the greatest people I've ever met. He has the biggest heart, and the desire to serve. I love Alan so much.
That's it for my life on the Mission. I think its so cool that we can transition quickly from one priesthood leader to the next. It was a little rough for me in the beginning with President Jensen, but he has really taken the reins and is ready to go. Me too.
I love you all,
Elder Call
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