Hey Everyone,
Happy Birthday Dad!!
If the girls are calling me old, you must be ancient. ;) I'll be home for your next birthday. We'll have to throw down a big party. I'll be grillin'.
That's too bad that it is still snowing in June. Its blistering hot in Florida. We've hit 90 degrees everyday this week. And we have been as high as 98. It doesn't sound too bad, but if you add the humidity and 15 for direct sunlight. We were tracting in what felt like 120 degree weather. Very different from you guys. In fact, I feel sticky just sitting here typing to you guys.
This week was crazy. Our van has had some break issues, the 1st Ward Sisters totaled their car and the TCC Elders need a lot of rides because they're both on crutches. There was a lot to do.
Tuesday was our busiest day. We had District Meeting, then we went to go get some things out of the sisters car. We drove over to the Junk Yard where it had been towed and went through the car looking for a few personal and mission related items (like the gas card). Their poor little car rear ended a truck going 35 miles per hour. The car didn't make it. Stuff was every where in the car, including what looked like their lunch. It was bad. We got the few items we needed and took off to go fix our van. We went to the Dodge Dealership to see if they could fix it. They could, but they included all these ridiculous things we didn't need and they were going to charge us about $800!! We told Sis Harber, who is in charge of the cars, and she freaked out. With good reason too. She made a few phone calls and told us to go back to get the van and bring it up to a shop near the mission office. They could fix it too, and it only cost $200 dollars. Note to self, never go to a dealership. They're blood sucking.
Well we got our van back, but while it was in the shop we had to go to a members house for dinner. So we pulled out the bikes. Its been a while since I've ridden, but it felt good to feel the air on my face again. The problem was when we got to the members house. As soon as we stopped biking the breeze quit as well. So we started to sweat, a lot. It was terrible. My body just kept pumping it out trying to cool me down, but because of the humidity, sweat doesn't work, so my body pumps even more to compensate. It was awful. I feel so bad for the campus missionaries. How did I survive last summer? I have no idea.
Tomorrow is President Summerhays' last Zone Conference. I've been preparing for two weeks. He has given us some things to study, ponder and prepare. That's all I have been doing these last two weeks. He has us preparing by having us read some quotes by Elder Bednar during a Leadership conference with a lot of the Churches Managers. I've been listening it on my I-pod every chance I get. In the van, at home, during lunch, whenever. It's so great to have technology that can let me learn so much. Thank you mom for sending the i-pod. I've put some new media on it, so now the i-pod is pretty tricked out. With Gospel stuff of course. I'm really excited for this week. Its going to be a great one.
Love you all. Happy Birthday Dad!!!
Elder Call
Elder Call
Off to the MTC
Monday, June 14, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Year Mark!!!
Hey Y'all,
This week has been full of so many things. New investigators, powerful lessons, zone leader council, my year mark and a massive amount of rain, lightning and thunder.
The weather here has gone crazy. Just like last summer, it rains everyday at about two or three. Well Saturday was different. There was six different storms all filled with lightning and thunder. The first was at 11:30 while we were playing basketball. The second was at 12:30 while we were helping Brother Ohlen move some stuff into a storage bin. A third one at lunch. The next while we were teaching Sis Simmons. The fifth while we were at Wesley's apartment. The final one came at about 8:00. It was by far the biggest one of them all. For 20 minutes strait it rained and thundered and rained and we saw some lightning with more rain. The parking lot at our apartment was completely filled with water. The trees were shaking and getting thrashed around (nothing like a hurricane though). The sky was filled with a show of lightning bolts. It was the first big one of the year. Florida is crazy. Usually it rains at about 2:30 every day. Well its been so hot lately that the storms start before noon. We have had a storm with lightning and thunder everyday for the past 2 weeks! I'm really glad that I'm not on a bicycle like the campus missionaries.
My year mark was this last week!! I am officially over the hump and on the down slide. Every week seems to be going by faster and faster. Zone Leader Council fell on the same day as my Year Mark. I got to celebrate with some of the coolest missionaries in the mission and President and Sister Summerhays. There were 3 other Zone Leaders who hit there year mark with me. They were just called to be Zone Leader last transfer. It is so crazy to think that a year ago I was in the MTC freaking out like Matt probably is. Hopefully he won't get sick. I took one of my MTC shirts, decorated it and started to have all the missionaries sign it. Its easy to get it signed when you see 20+ missionaries twice a week. Thanks to the 8 on campus and the 8 in our ward.
President Summerhays is going home soon. This will be our last Zone Conference with him. President Jensen arrives on the 29th of June, President Summerhays leaves on the 30th of June. There is going to be a lot of changes with a new mission president. There always is. We're preparing for him as a mission, taking down all the 'remember this' banners so President Jensen can use his own judgement and revelation to run the mission. President Summerhays is so smart. Think of if the President of the United States would prepare for the new guy coming in. Transitions would be so much smoother. I'm excited to meet and get to know President Jensen. To take everything I have learned from President Summerhays and lay it as the foundation for President Jensen to build on top of. Its going to be awesome, but scary at the same time.
This week Elder Tew and I met a really cool family. Scott and Stephanie. They are siblings from Perry, FL and are living in Tallahassee because their parents were no good. They moved out and are living together helping each other out. They are looking for a church when they met the Spanish Elders. They got referred over to us and we went by on Monday. It was a good lesson. Neither of them know a lot about religion in general. Stephanie is pregnant, but not married. She feels terrible about the sin and feels like she needs to find something to hold on to. Church is all she could come up with, so Scott and her are looking. We shared with them the Book of Mormon and invited them to read just a little bit. They agreed and we set up a time to come back on Thursday. We came right after Zone Leader Council, perfect because of the spiritual high we were on. We began asking questions about the chapter we gave them to read. They didn't read much, but they had a lot of questions. So many questions that we couldn't keep up and answer them as fast as they were coming out. We slowed it down and shared another scripture with them. Showing that if they had a sincere heart, they could know of all things. Maybe not lottery numbers, but they could know who God is and what they should do. This led to prayer. Stephanie felt that she needed to pray. That if she wanted to know, she should ask God. Perfect, right!
Stephanie asked us how we pray. We taught her about addressing Heavenly Father, expressing the feelings of her heart, and closing in the name of Jesus Christ. Sounds simple right? She couldn't do it. Stephanie knew that she needed to pray, she knew that if she prayed she would receive an answer, she knew that God would listen to her prayer, yet, she could not bring herself to do it. Elder Tew prayed first out loud, asking that God would give her the strength to pray. We waited patiently as Stephanie built up the courage. Going back and forth, deciding to pray, then backing out. "I can't do this," was all she could say. We waited patiently some more, giving her bits of encouragement, pleading with her to pray, explaining that God hears all prayers and loves the humble heart. Stephanie finally prayed. It took her three times until she felt comfortable with what she said, but it was simple and beautiful. Kind of like the King of the Lamanites who prayed after Aaron taught him. Simple, humble, sincere, with real intent and a desire to know. It felt so good to listen to her pray. She felt a lot better after. Trusting God isn't always easy, even when it seems like a simple thing to do. This I learned from Stephanie.
I love you all and can't believe I only have a year left. Time flies when you're having fun.
Love Elder Call
This week has been full of so many things. New investigators, powerful lessons, zone leader council, my year mark and a massive amount of rain, lightning and thunder.
The weather here has gone crazy. Just like last summer, it rains everyday at about two or three. Well Saturday was different. There was six different storms all filled with lightning and thunder. The first was at 11:30 while we were playing basketball. The second was at 12:30 while we were helping Brother Ohlen move some stuff into a storage bin. A third one at lunch. The next while we were teaching Sis Simmons. The fifth while we were at Wesley's apartment. The final one came at about 8:00. It was by far the biggest one of them all. For 20 minutes strait it rained and thundered and rained and we saw some lightning with more rain. The parking lot at our apartment was completely filled with water. The trees were shaking and getting thrashed around (nothing like a hurricane though). The sky was filled with a show of lightning bolts. It was the first big one of the year. Florida is crazy. Usually it rains at about 2:30 every day. Well its been so hot lately that the storms start before noon. We have had a storm with lightning and thunder everyday for the past 2 weeks! I'm really glad that I'm not on a bicycle like the campus missionaries.
My year mark was this last week!! I am officially over the hump and on the down slide. Every week seems to be going by faster and faster. Zone Leader Council fell on the same day as my Year Mark. I got to celebrate with some of the coolest missionaries in the mission and President and Sister Summerhays. There were 3 other Zone Leaders who hit there year mark with me. They were just called to be Zone Leader last transfer. It is so crazy to think that a year ago I was in the MTC freaking out like Matt probably is. Hopefully he won't get sick. I took one of my MTC shirts, decorated it and started to have all the missionaries sign it. Its easy to get it signed when you see 20+ missionaries twice a week. Thanks to the 8 on campus and the 8 in our ward.
President Summerhays is going home soon. This will be our last Zone Conference with him. President Jensen arrives on the 29th of June, President Summerhays leaves on the 30th of June. There is going to be a lot of changes with a new mission president. There always is. We're preparing for him as a mission, taking down all the 'remember this' banners so President Jensen can use his own judgement and revelation to run the mission. President Summerhays is so smart. Think of if the President of the United States would prepare for the new guy coming in. Transitions would be so much smoother. I'm excited to meet and get to know President Jensen. To take everything I have learned from President Summerhays and lay it as the foundation for President Jensen to build on top of. Its going to be awesome, but scary at the same time.
This week Elder Tew and I met a really cool family. Scott and Stephanie. They are siblings from Perry, FL and are living in Tallahassee because their parents were no good. They moved out and are living together helping each other out. They are looking for a church when they met the Spanish Elders. They got referred over to us and we went by on Monday. It was a good lesson. Neither of them know a lot about religion in general. Stephanie is pregnant, but not married. She feels terrible about the sin and feels like she needs to find something to hold on to. Church is all she could come up with, so Scott and her are looking. We shared with them the Book of Mormon and invited them to read just a little bit. They agreed and we set up a time to come back on Thursday. We came right after Zone Leader Council, perfect because of the spiritual high we were on. We began asking questions about the chapter we gave them to read. They didn't read much, but they had a lot of questions. So many questions that we couldn't keep up and answer them as fast as they were coming out. We slowed it down and shared another scripture with them. Showing that if they had a sincere heart, they could know of all things. Maybe not lottery numbers, but they could know who God is and what they should do. This led to prayer. Stephanie felt that she needed to pray. That if she wanted to know, she should ask God. Perfect, right!
Stephanie asked us how we pray. We taught her about addressing Heavenly Father, expressing the feelings of her heart, and closing in the name of Jesus Christ. Sounds simple right? She couldn't do it. Stephanie knew that she needed to pray, she knew that if she prayed she would receive an answer, she knew that God would listen to her prayer, yet, she could not bring herself to do it. Elder Tew prayed first out loud, asking that God would give her the strength to pray. We waited patiently as Stephanie built up the courage. Going back and forth, deciding to pray, then backing out. "I can't do this," was all she could say. We waited patiently some more, giving her bits of encouragement, pleading with her to pray, explaining that God hears all prayers and loves the humble heart. Stephanie finally prayed. It took her three times until she felt comfortable with what she said, but it was simple and beautiful. Kind of like the King of the Lamanites who prayed after Aaron taught him. Simple, humble, sincere, with real intent and a desire to know. It felt so good to listen to her pray. She felt a lot better after. Trusting God isn't always easy, even when it seems like a simple thing to do. This I learned from Stephanie.
I love you all and can't believe I only have a year left. Time flies when you're having fun.
Love Elder Call
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Year Mark!!
Hello Everyone,
Another week has flown by and I'm looking at my year mark right in the face. It's on Thursday. Then the downhill slide is next. I've already learned everything I need to know. How to study, how to teach, how to learn, how to ask the right questions, etc. I know how to find the answers I need for my investigators, my companion, and myself. The hard part is just sticking with it and doing what I learn. Walking the walk.
This week was as crazy as I thought it would be. Tuesday was our last District meeting of the transfer, but instead of going, we went to help a member with service. Their school is coming to a close and they were having a field day. Sis Martin was the PE coach and wanted some help, so we agreed. We got there, helped set up a couple of relay's and waited for all of the 6th and 7th graders to come. They fit both grades on 2 buses!! Not a very big school.
Elder Tew, Elder Rosenlund, Elder Chidester and I all did our best to run the relays and make it fun. It was hard. Some of those kids didn't want to do anything, and the teachers didn't care if they did anything. So they would sit on the swings, chairs or ground and do nothing. Sometimes it didn't matter, but when playing dodge ball, tug-of-war, or crab soccer they needed more than 5 people playing. There was also a lot of drama. I didn't know that there could be so much drama at that age. Boys were mad at boys, girls were mad at girls, girls were mad at boys and boys were mad at the teachers. It was terrible. Then to top it off, a random truck showed up at 10:00 and a middle aged fat guy came out and started to set up a stage. I had no idea what was going on, but apparently it was supposed to be a karaoke stage. He was the most obnoxious man I've ever heard. All the kids loved him though, or at least they loved to get up and singing. All of the other activities were pretty much done once he came. It was a terribly planned event, but we did our best to help out the Martin's. She was grateful we were there to help out.
Wednesday was transfer day. The night before we went to pick up everyone's stuff to take it to the mission home. Elder Brian, Elder Bond and Elder Buticofer all got transferred. In the morning we woke up at 6:00 and left at 6:30 to pick them all up, take them to TCC, and then to take those being transferred to the mission home. We picked up Elder Tidwell and Elder Chidester at the mission home and drove back to TCC, picked up Elder Marshall and took off for FAMU. We then took Elder Chidester, Elder Tidwell and Elder Marshall to a lesson appointment that Elder Chidester had at 10:00. Dropped them off there and left to go to the Ronald McDonald House to do service. Crafordville Elders came up and picked up the three-some and dropped FAMU off at home, then brought Elder Chidester to us to finish service at the Ronald McDonald House. We took lunch and our studies, then quickly drove back to TCC to help Elder Hansen and Elder Capel switch apartments. Elder Capel and his new companion are having surgery tomorrow, so they need an appartment where they won't have to walk up and down stairs. So we helped make the switch. We had to be back at the mission home by 4:45 to pick up Elder Prince and Elder Hamblin. We shoved all of their stuff into our Dodge Caravan and once again drove to TCC. Dropped off Elder Hamblin at TCC, took Elder Hansen to FSU with his new companion Elder Prince. Got everything settled there, then had to hurry across town to a dinner appointment that we thought was at 6:30, but it was really at 6:00. To top the night off, we went to the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital to give a prayer and a blessing to a sick non-member woman. It was the craziest day, by far, on my mission. When its my turn to play parent, I will know exactly what to do.
Our apartment is so different now that Elder Rosenlund is gone and Elder Shumway is here. They are very different missionaries and the mood has changed, in a very good way. Elder Rosenlund was more on the rebellious side. Elder Shumway just wants to work hard and he is so nice to everyone. Elder Chidester is getting used to being the one in charge, calling the shots and introducing all of the people. He has been very scared and spotty the last couple of days, but he will do well. Elder Tew, my companion, is ready to go home. This is his last transfer and he is very 'trunkie'.
So this letter is kind of fast and scattered, sorry. I'm sending the camera home today and the card is with it. I will also be getting a new camera soon. I love you all and pray for you too.
Good luck at youth conference!!
Elder Call
Another week has flown by and I'm looking at my year mark right in the face. It's on Thursday. Then the downhill slide is next. I've already learned everything I need to know. How to study, how to teach, how to learn, how to ask the right questions, etc. I know how to find the answers I need for my investigators, my companion, and myself. The hard part is just sticking with it and doing what I learn. Walking the walk.
This week was as crazy as I thought it would be. Tuesday was our last District meeting of the transfer, but instead of going, we went to help a member with service. Their school is coming to a close and they were having a field day. Sis Martin was the PE coach and wanted some help, so we agreed. We got there, helped set up a couple of relay's and waited for all of the 6th and 7th graders to come. They fit both grades on 2 buses!! Not a very big school.
Elder Tew, Elder Rosenlund, Elder Chidester and I all did our best to run the relays and make it fun. It was hard. Some of those kids didn't want to do anything, and the teachers didn't care if they did anything. So they would sit on the swings, chairs or ground and do nothing. Sometimes it didn't matter, but when playing dodge ball, tug-of-war, or crab soccer they needed more than 5 people playing. There was also a lot of drama. I didn't know that there could be so much drama at that age. Boys were mad at boys, girls were mad at girls, girls were mad at boys and boys were mad at the teachers. It was terrible. Then to top it off, a random truck showed up at 10:00 and a middle aged fat guy came out and started to set up a stage. I had no idea what was going on, but apparently it was supposed to be a karaoke stage. He was the most obnoxious man I've ever heard. All the kids loved him though, or at least they loved to get up and singing. All of the other activities were pretty much done once he came. It was a terribly planned event, but we did our best to help out the Martin's. She was grateful we were there to help out.
Wednesday was transfer day. The night before we went to pick up everyone's stuff to take it to the mission home. Elder Brian, Elder Bond and Elder Buticofer all got transferred. In the morning we woke up at 6:00 and left at 6:30 to pick them all up, take them to TCC, and then to take those being transferred to the mission home. We picked up Elder Tidwell and Elder Chidester at the mission home and drove back to TCC, picked up Elder Marshall and took off for FAMU. We then took Elder Chidester, Elder Tidwell and Elder Marshall to a lesson appointment that Elder Chidester had at 10:00. Dropped them off there and left to go to the Ronald McDonald House to do service. Crafordville Elders came up and picked up the three-some and dropped FAMU off at home, then brought Elder Chidester to us to finish service at the Ronald McDonald House. We took lunch and our studies, then quickly drove back to TCC to help Elder Hansen and Elder Capel switch apartments. Elder Capel and his new companion are having surgery tomorrow, so they need an appartment where they won't have to walk up and down stairs. So we helped make the switch. We had to be back at the mission home by 4:45 to pick up Elder Prince and Elder Hamblin. We shoved all of their stuff into our Dodge Caravan and once again drove to TCC. Dropped off Elder Hamblin at TCC, took Elder Hansen to FSU with his new companion Elder Prince. Got everything settled there, then had to hurry across town to a dinner appointment that we thought was at 6:30, but it was really at 6:00. To top the night off, we went to the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital to give a prayer and a blessing to a sick non-member woman. It was the craziest day, by far, on my mission. When its my turn to play parent, I will know exactly what to do.
Our apartment is so different now that Elder Rosenlund is gone and Elder Shumway is here. They are very different missionaries and the mood has changed, in a very good way. Elder Rosenlund was more on the rebellious side. Elder Shumway just wants to work hard and he is so nice to everyone. Elder Chidester is getting used to being the one in charge, calling the shots and introducing all of the people. He has been very scared and spotty the last couple of days, but he will do well. Elder Tew, my companion, is ready to go home. This is his last transfer and he is very 'trunkie'.
So this letter is kind of fast and scattered, sorry. I'm sending the camera home today and the card is with it. I will also be getting a new camera soon. I love you all and pray for you too.
Good luck at youth conference!!
Elder Call
Monday, May 24, 2010
Basketball as a teaching tool.....
Hey Everyone,
Another transfer down in the books. Today we got transfer information. I'm not going anywhere, neither will I leave anytime soon. Our zone is getting changed up a lot though. Every campus companionship is getting moved around. That means that Elder Tew and I get to shuttle everyone around on transfer day. We have to pick up Elder's Brian, Buticofer and Bond's stuff so that they can put in on the transfer van. Then the next morning we will pick up everyone and take them to transfer spots. I feel like a dad getting everyone ready for the big trip, but I don't get to go. I just have to pack up everything and take them to their destination. It's going to be a hectic day.
I meant to send the camera home these last couple of weeks, but I've been lazy. Sorry. I will send it with the card this week. I promise. I will go get a new camera, maybe you can fix mine and give it to Megan or Shannon. I do need to take more pictures. Not a lot happened this transfer, but it still would have been nice to have some pictures.
This week has been a very short one. We have done a lot of service lately. It's been great. On Friday we went to Loretta's house to help her paint. She is friends with the Matkin family. Bishop Matkin is our bishop in 4th ward. We go over every Saturday to help work on her house. It's really old. They use limestone as bricks for the outside wall. It's not the sturdiest foundation. The inside is falling apart too, but they have been working on it for years. It does look very nice and has a lot of potential. Loretta home schools her kids. That takes up most of her time and makes it hard to work on her house. Sis Matkin called us and told us to go over and help. It gives us an opportunity to serve and she can ask questions while we work. It's been great so far.
Saturday we did some more service. We went to a garden in downtown Tallahassee to pull weeds. Two Senior Sister missionaries invited us to help them with other volunteers. It was pretty boring, but after we got to go look at the art exhibit. There was a crazy painting called 'The Preacher'. It was a black preacher with hair going everywhere, and what looked like condemning someone. Maybe the on lookers. It was nuts.
After service we went to play basketball in the park. We found this place to play by the Ronald McDonald House. We've been by a couple times, and the guys there are getting to know us better. We're getting to know them better too. We play for about two hours, talk to the guys and almost every time the church comes up. So by the end of basketball we're telling them about our mission and they're telling us about how they got shot at and almost got killed. One guy, DC, asks us every time we're there. "Have you ever been shot at? It'll change your life. You won't sin anymore." I don't know how accurate his statement is, but he sticks with it nonetheless. I wear the BYU shirt that Kristen gave me for my birthday. It also brings up good conversations. This week was kind of like a Utah tribute. Chris, one of the players, claims that he doesn't play flashy, instead he plays like John Stockton. Solid and basic. DC, after losing a battle with me under the rim, called me a cougar and said something about Jimmer Fredette. (SP?) It was great to hear some Utah references. Basketball is a great way to talk to people. I beat them on the dribble, then tell them I'm from Utah. It's like a double confused look.
We taught Phil on Saturday too. We shared a couple of scriptures and got on the topic of "giving everything to God". He told us the story of Job and how that has happened to him about 3 times. We asked him if he could do it now? He said "yes". We continued and shared with him the story of the King of the Lamanites, who would "give away all my sins to know thee". We again asked Phil if he would give everything to God. "Yes", he said again, gaining a little more confidence. "Will you give up your time, energy and effort to come to church and worship God." He wasn't ready for that. It's a lot easier to say "I will give up everything" rather than "I will do everything". Giving up is passive and usually is confused with Laziness. Patience and Enduring Well does not include laziness. Work is the difference. You can lose everything, but will you work to get it back. Like Job. Will you do everything you can to get it all back? Keep the commandments, love your neighbor, pray, read, go to church, etc. Phil said "yes", and we told him he would be blessed. That Sunday, Phil didn't come to church. No work, no blessings.
It's sad to see, but it happens a lot. The more I'm out here the more I see myself doing that in high school and college. Sad Memories. It does help to have these two years to get everything back together. I continue to remember the words of my parents. Its surprising how much I remember when I'm out here. I'm grateful to you mom and dad, for everything that you have given me, everything that you have shown and taught me, and everything that you will continue to show me. It's the best blessing to have. A happy home.
I love all of you,
Elder Call
Another transfer down in the books. Today we got transfer information. I'm not going anywhere, neither will I leave anytime soon. Our zone is getting changed up a lot though. Every campus companionship is getting moved around. That means that Elder Tew and I get to shuttle everyone around on transfer day. We have to pick up Elder's Brian, Buticofer and Bond's stuff so that they can put in on the transfer van. Then the next morning we will pick up everyone and take them to transfer spots. I feel like a dad getting everyone ready for the big trip, but I don't get to go. I just have to pack up everything and take them to their destination. It's going to be a hectic day.
I meant to send the camera home these last couple of weeks, but I've been lazy. Sorry. I will send it with the card this week. I promise. I will go get a new camera, maybe you can fix mine and give it to Megan or Shannon. I do need to take more pictures. Not a lot happened this transfer, but it still would have been nice to have some pictures.
This week has been a very short one. We have done a lot of service lately. It's been great. On Friday we went to Loretta's house to help her paint. She is friends with the Matkin family. Bishop Matkin is our bishop in 4th ward. We go over every Saturday to help work on her house. It's really old. They use limestone as bricks for the outside wall. It's not the sturdiest foundation. The inside is falling apart too, but they have been working on it for years. It does look very nice and has a lot of potential. Loretta home schools her kids. That takes up most of her time and makes it hard to work on her house. Sis Matkin called us and told us to go over and help. It gives us an opportunity to serve and she can ask questions while we work. It's been great so far.
Saturday we did some more service. We went to a garden in downtown Tallahassee to pull weeds. Two Senior Sister missionaries invited us to help them with other volunteers. It was pretty boring, but after we got to go look at the art exhibit. There was a crazy painting called 'The Preacher'. It was a black preacher with hair going everywhere, and what looked like condemning someone. Maybe the on lookers. It was nuts.
After service we went to play basketball in the park. We found this place to play by the Ronald McDonald House. We've been by a couple times, and the guys there are getting to know us better. We're getting to know them better too. We play for about two hours, talk to the guys and almost every time the church comes up. So by the end of basketball we're telling them about our mission and they're telling us about how they got shot at and almost got killed. One guy, DC, asks us every time we're there. "Have you ever been shot at? It'll change your life. You won't sin anymore." I don't know how accurate his statement is, but he sticks with it nonetheless. I wear the BYU shirt that Kristen gave me for my birthday. It also brings up good conversations. This week was kind of like a Utah tribute. Chris, one of the players, claims that he doesn't play flashy, instead he plays like John Stockton. Solid and basic. DC, after losing a battle with me under the rim, called me a cougar and said something about Jimmer Fredette. (SP?) It was great to hear some Utah references. Basketball is a great way to talk to people. I beat them on the dribble, then tell them I'm from Utah. It's like a double confused look.
We taught Phil on Saturday too. We shared a couple of scriptures and got on the topic of "giving everything to God". He told us the story of Job and how that has happened to him about 3 times. We asked him if he could do it now? He said "yes". We continued and shared with him the story of the King of the Lamanites, who would "give away all my sins to know thee". We again asked Phil if he would give everything to God. "Yes", he said again, gaining a little more confidence. "Will you give up your time, energy and effort to come to church and worship God." He wasn't ready for that. It's a lot easier to say "I will give up everything" rather than "I will do everything". Giving up is passive and usually is confused with Laziness. Patience and Enduring Well does not include laziness. Work is the difference. You can lose everything, but will you work to get it back. Like Job. Will you do everything you can to get it all back? Keep the commandments, love your neighbor, pray, read, go to church, etc. Phil said "yes", and we told him he would be blessed. That Sunday, Phil didn't come to church. No work, no blessings.
It's sad to see, but it happens a lot. The more I'm out here the more I see myself doing that in high school and college. Sad Memories. It does help to have these two years to get everything back together. I continue to remember the words of my parents. Its surprising how much I remember when I'm out here. I'm grateful to you mom and dad, for everything that you have given me, everything that you have shown and taught me, and everything that you will continue to show me. It's the best blessing to have. A happy home.
I love all of you,
Elder Call
Monday, May 17, 2010
from Tallahassee
Hello Everyone,
I have really know idea about what happened this week. It seems that everything is becoming a blur. The days are all one. I wake up, exercise (P90X), get ready(shave, shower,get dressed), eat breakfast (something easy like eggs and black beans), Personal Study (always filled with the Book of Mormon), Companionship study (not as good as personal, but sets a nice tone for the conversations the rest of the day), and then it's out the door. Everyday is the same, with a few exceptions, and it all seems like one big day. The weeks seem like they go faster than the days go. I don't know how to explain it, but that's what it's like. Monday - Sunday is one big day, then the weeks over. Its really weird.
This week we had zone conference. It was fantastic. We always begin on course, doing the things we have planned and prepared, then we take a detour and find ourselves exactly where we want to be. Its really a profound doctrine. We let go of our pride and let the spirit take over. Everyone is invited to share what they have prepared and what they are thinking and feeling. The spirit is present as we prepare to do the things we learn. And all the tangents we go on are led by the spirit. It was a spirit packed meeting that left us in awe, wanting to work harder than before. Thats usually what zone conferences do.
In my interview with President Summerhays, he told me that I was right on track. Just doing good things. Sounds like a good compliment, but to me it just feels like another part of the 'blurr effect'. Nothing to focus on, just keep doing the little things. Wake up, exercise, etc. All the days are becoming one. My hope is that when it's all said and done, I can look back and see the progress. Kind of like looking at the canvas from far away after its completed.
I'm really glad to hear that Megan is doing good. It's going to be sad when I come home and still can't beat her in tennis. Someday though, I'll win. I talk with Lauren McCreless a lot (her husband is the Ward Mission Leader). FSU tennis is now in the sweet 16 and Lauren is the most winningest player in Florida State History!!! In both singles and doubles. It's her senior year and she is going out with a bang! I'll have to send you something cool. Lauren will coach for the Lincoln High school tennis team next year.
Anyway, being on the mission is awesome. It seems like I've been here forever. 4 of the boys will hit their year marks in the next couple of weeks. Including me!!!
I love you all.
Elder Call
I have really know idea about what happened this week. It seems that everything is becoming a blur. The days are all one. I wake up, exercise (P90X), get ready(shave, shower,get dressed), eat breakfast (something easy like eggs and black beans), Personal Study (always filled with the Book of Mormon), Companionship study (not as good as personal, but sets a nice tone for the conversations the rest of the day), and then it's out the door. Everyday is the same, with a few exceptions, and it all seems like one big day. The weeks seem like they go faster than the days go. I don't know how to explain it, but that's what it's like. Monday - Sunday is one big day, then the weeks over. Its really weird.
This week we had zone conference. It was fantastic. We always begin on course, doing the things we have planned and prepared, then we take a detour and find ourselves exactly where we want to be. Its really a profound doctrine. We let go of our pride and let the spirit take over. Everyone is invited to share what they have prepared and what they are thinking and feeling. The spirit is present as we prepare to do the things we learn. And all the tangents we go on are led by the spirit. It was a spirit packed meeting that left us in awe, wanting to work harder than before. Thats usually what zone conferences do.
In my interview with President Summerhays, he told me that I was right on track. Just doing good things. Sounds like a good compliment, but to me it just feels like another part of the 'blurr effect'. Nothing to focus on, just keep doing the little things. Wake up, exercise, etc. All the days are becoming one. My hope is that when it's all said and done, I can look back and see the progress. Kind of like looking at the canvas from far away after its completed.
I'm really glad to hear that Megan is doing good. It's going to be sad when I come home and still can't beat her in tennis. Someday though, I'll win. I talk with Lauren McCreless a lot (her husband is the Ward Mission Leader). FSU tennis is now in the sweet 16 and Lauren is the most winningest player in Florida State History!!! In both singles and doubles. It's her senior year and she is going out with a bang! I'll have to send you something cool. Lauren will coach for the Lincoln High school tennis team next year.
Anyway, being on the mission is awesome. It seems like I've been here forever. 4 of the boys will hit their year marks in the next couple of weeks. Including me!!!
I love you all.
Elder Call
Monday, May 10, 2010
Happy Mother's Day!
Hello Y'all,
I loved talking to you guys. Probably just as much as you did with me, I hope. The Christmas call was a little weird. Not knowing what to say or what was going to happen. This time was a lot more productive. I loved the feeling I felt after I talked to you guys. I didn't feel homesick at all. I just felt like I took a pit stop in the family station and I'm back on the road. Perfect.
So there is not much to add onto what we talked about last night. However, there are always stories to share.
Last Tuesday I went down to Crawfordville with Elder Waters. We had a great time working. It was also really hot. Anyway, we had a lesson with a girl named Heather. The Hollet family invited us to their house and Heather was there too. Lesson Time! We shared with the Ether 12. Just a few scriptures on faith, then left the rest to them and the spirit. Allowing everyone a chance to speak after each verse. Testifying and teaching after each comment. Learning all at the same time. It was great. At the end I bore my testimony. Nothing crazy. Just, "I know that these things are true, because they make me happy. I read because it makes me happy. I go to church because it makes me happy. I follow the commandments because it makes me happy. I know these things are true because they make me happy." Nothing much, right? If you were to bare your testimony right now, what would you say to answer the question, "How do I know?"
I didn't think about it too hard. I just said what I felt. Heather felt it too. She had been investigating for some time. She has read most of the Book of Mormon and has been to church very frequently. However, during the entire time she has been learning about the gospel, she has never heard a missionary say 'why he knew that it was true'. Sad huh? We know that the Book of Mormon is true. We know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet. But why do we keep following? Why do we work when we already know the results. Church doesn't change. The Book of Mormon doesn't change. God doesn't change, he continues to reveal his word, but he doesn't change. If we already know the out come of all of these, why do we keep going? There can and should be a lot of answers. Mine is because it makes me happy. Not as the world views or gives happiness, but as He gives it. I love this gospel and follow the counsel of Prophets from ancient times as well as these times, because it makes me happy.
I love you all, Happy mothers day mom. I love you.
Elder Call.
I loved talking to you guys. Probably just as much as you did with me, I hope. The Christmas call was a little weird. Not knowing what to say or what was going to happen. This time was a lot more productive. I loved the feeling I felt after I talked to you guys. I didn't feel homesick at all. I just felt like I took a pit stop in the family station and I'm back on the road. Perfect.
So there is not much to add onto what we talked about last night. However, there are always stories to share.
Last Tuesday I went down to Crawfordville with Elder Waters. We had a great time working. It was also really hot. Anyway, we had a lesson with a girl named Heather. The Hollet family invited us to their house and Heather was there too. Lesson Time! We shared with the Ether 12. Just a few scriptures on faith, then left the rest to them and the spirit. Allowing everyone a chance to speak after each verse. Testifying and teaching after each comment. Learning all at the same time. It was great. At the end I bore my testimony. Nothing crazy. Just, "I know that these things are true, because they make me happy. I read because it makes me happy. I go to church because it makes me happy. I follow the commandments because it makes me happy. I know these things are true because they make me happy." Nothing much, right? If you were to bare your testimony right now, what would you say to answer the question, "How do I know?"
I didn't think about it too hard. I just said what I felt. Heather felt it too. She had been investigating for some time. She has read most of the Book of Mormon and has been to church very frequently. However, during the entire time she has been learning about the gospel, she has never heard a missionary say 'why he knew that it was true'. Sad huh? We know that the Book of Mormon is true. We know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet. But why do we keep following? Why do we work when we already know the results. Church doesn't change. The Book of Mormon doesn't change. God doesn't change, he continues to reveal his word, but he doesn't change. If we already know the out come of all of these, why do we keep going? There can and should be a lot of answers. Mine is because it makes me happy. Not as the world views or gives happiness, but as He gives it. I love this gospel and follow the counsel of Prophets from ancient times as well as these times, because it makes me happy.
I love you all, Happy mothers day mom. I love you.
Elder Call.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Mother's Day is Coming......
Hello Everyone,
Another week down and I'm at 11 months!! Today is my 11 month anniversary. Yay! Only 13 more months to go.
That is so cool that so many of the young men are going on missions. Chase is an old one. Argentina will be good to him. Creole for Tim. That will be fun to speak in Florida. All we have are English and Spanish in Tally.
I miss trek. I was so young when I went. I do remember sleeping through the testimony meeting. Good thing you were there mom. That would have been a rough week without you. Being a Ma and Pa sounds so much fun. I can't wait for a calling in young mens. What would be better than to spend my time with boys. I've been thinking that when I get home I want to coach. Baseball or Basketball. That would be so much fun to be with young boys and teach them how to play.
Well this week has been crazy. We have received a lot of referrals from members, finding new investigators and trying to work with less actives. All of which has increased dramatically in the last week. It could have been because Elder Tew and I went to Crestview this week. That took a full day out of our week. So it was like a 6 day week.
Kevin is getting baptized this week. He is so excited. At church his brothers and him were smiling, really big. His grandfather is coming from Wisconsin to perform the baptism. Its going to be great. Everything is ready, and I don't have to do anything but sit and watch. We will also be doing the confirmation the same day. Usually they do it during sacrament meeting the following Sunday for converts, but his Grandparents are leaving for North Carolina the next day. So Baptism and Confirmation.
We have had a couple of really great lessons this week. Both on Tuesday. First was supposed to be with a man named Rich, but he wasn't there. Instead we taught his roommate, Milton. Milton is a really nice man who knows a lot about the Bible. He has also been to a lot of churches. He was naming them off and I think he got to a dozen different churches. He's still looking. We shared a few scriptures with him and he shared with us his thoughts a feelings. It was amazing. He told us about how he is struggling with his girlfriend; he believes that everything we receive in this life is a gift from God; how he has been to so many churches, that they talk the talk, but fail to walk the walk; he knows that we talk the talk AND walk the walk. Milton is great. He is an Elder for his church and travels all over, but at the same time he knows that there is something missing. We're going back this Tuesday.
Our other lesson was with Sheila. She works for the Martin family (members) as their secretary for their Vending Company. Old Bro Martin gave her a Book of Mormon the other day. She had been reading bits and pieces here and there. She has also been to a lot of different Churches. She has a young son and they are looking together. She said that she went to a Jewish church and had a bad experience. Not only was it different for her, after the service a woman came up to her and told her she didn't belong. We have heard some crazy stories of churches out here. I hope no one sees our church as that way. Everyone deserves to have a good experience. We taught Sheila with younger Bro Martin. (Father-Son business) We gave her a chapter to read and asked the Martins to bring her to church. We don't know if she has read yet, but she didn't come to church. We are going back this week to teach her again.
We have also received a referral from Bishops wife, Sis Matkin. Bro and Sis Matkin are Professors at FSU, I think, at least Bro Matkin is. They have some friends who are professors too. One actually taught at University of Utah! About 15 years ago though. We went over to see her (I'm blanking on her name). Sis Matkin asked us to help with service. Her friends home is falling apart and they need some help. So on Friday we will be doing a lot of house work. We are just supposed to be friendly and answer questions.
Its been a great week. Zone Leader Council was great as well. President Summerhays is going home soon and we're preparing for the new mission President. Its going to be a big transition.
Love Y'all,
Elder Call
PS Do you guys know by chance any Rogers? They moved to Alpine last summer. Elder Rogers, their son is out here. He'll be playing football for the University of Utah. Random, but just wondering.
PPS I can't wait to call you guys.
Another week down and I'm at 11 months!! Today is my 11 month anniversary. Yay! Only 13 more months to go.
That is so cool that so many of the young men are going on missions. Chase is an old one. Argentina will be good to him. Creole for Tim. That will be fun to speak in Florida. All we have are English and Spanish in Tally.
I miss trek. I was so young when I went. I do remember sleeping through the testimony meeting. Good thing you were there mom. That would have been a rough week without you. Being a Ma and Pa sounds so much fun. I can't wait for a calling in young mens. What would be better than to spend my time with boys. I've been thinking that when I get home I want to coach. Baseball or Basketball. That would be so much fun to be with young boys and teach them how to play.
Well this week has been crazy. We have received a lot of referrals from members, finding new investigators and trying to work with less actives. All of which has increased dramatically in the last week. It could have been because Elder Tew and I went to Crestview this week. That took a full day out of our week. So it was like a 6 day week.
Kevin is getting baptized this week. He is so excited. At church his brothers and him were smiling, really big. His grandfather is coming from Wisconsin to perform the baptism. Its going to be great. Everything is ready, and I don't have to do anything but sit and watch. We will also be doing the confirmation the same day. Usually they do it during sacrament meeting the following Sunday for converts, but his Grandparents are leaving for North Carolina the next day. So Baptism and Confirmation.
We have had a couple of really great lessons this week. Both on Tuesday. First was supposed to be with a man named Rich, but he wasn't there. Instead we taught his roommate, Milton. Milton is a really nice man who knows a lot about the Bible. He has also been to a lot of churches. He was naming them off and I think he got to a dozen different churches. He's still looking. We shared a few scriptures with him and he shared with us his thoughts a feelings. It was amazing. He told us about how he is struggling with his girlfriend; he believes that everything we receive in this life is a gift from God; how he has been to so many churches, that they talk the talk, but fail to walk the walk; he knows that we talk the talk AND walk the walk. Milton is great. He is an Elder for his church and travels all over, but at the same time he knows that there is something missing. We're going back this Tuesday.
Our other lesson was with Sheila. She works for the Martin family (members) as their secretary for their Vending Company. Old Bro Martin gave her a Book of Mormon the other day. She had been reading bits and pieces here and there. She has also been to a lot of different Churches. She has a young son and they are looking together. She said that she went to a Jewish church and had a bad experience. Not only was it different for her, after the service a woman came up to her and told her she didn't belong. We have heard some crazy stories of churches out here. I hope no one sees our church as that way. Everyone deserves to have a good experience. We taught Sheila with younger Bro Martin. (Father-Son business) We gave her a chapter to read and asked the Martins to bring her to church. We don't know if she has read yet, but she didn't come to church. We are going back this week to teach her again.
We have also received a referral from Bishops wife, Sis Matkin. Bro and Sis Matkin are Professors at FSU, I think, at least Bro Matkin is. They have some friends who are professors too. One actually taught at University of Utah! About 15 years ago though. We went over to see her (I'm blanking on her name). Sis Matkin asked us to help with service. Her friends home is falling apart and they need some help. So on Friday we will be doing a lot of house work. We are just supposed to be friendly and answer questions.
Its been a great week. Zone Leader Council was great as well. President Summerhays is going home soon and we're preparing for the new mission President. Its going to be a big transition.
Love Y'all,
Elder Call
PS Do you guys know by chance any Rogers? They moved to Alpine last summer. Elder Rogers, their son is out here. He'll be playing football for the University of Utah. Random, but just wondering.
PPS I can't wait to call you guys.
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