Saturday, August 1, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Hey! Thanks for all the pictures of the weekend. I'm not going to lie, the lake Tahoe pictures made me a little trunky. Looked fun, especially with the sobrinas y familia. We had a really good week last week. Many appointments and got in contact with many good people. Manuel y Manuela came to church and Eduardo also. Anet didn't come but she is still going good. We've been feeling that the less actives know how to get back to church, so instead of trying to help them we'd just do the same with all members and have them do missionary work cause that is what will help a lot. I have some baptismal interviews I have to do for the other elders tomorrow. I'm looking forward to them. A mother and her two kids. Almost like the ones I did before. On Monday we began getting calls from different members of a non-member that needed help and wanted a blessing. We went by and talked with them a little and I guess she has been really depressed lately and she was just crying and so before doing the blessing I read Alma 7:11-13 and there was a lady from another church there and she had a scared look on her face when I said "it wasn't in the bible", and the members say that this lady is trying to get this woman to follow her but we'll take care of that. But anyways I read the scripture and that invited the spirit and also to help her realize that Christ suffered these things and you can turn to him for help. Gave her a nice blessing and we are going back today. Hopefully all goes well and that she feels better. Manuel and Manuela are good. Their kid just has a bruise now. They are cool kids. This past week went super fast! Probably one of the fastest weeks ever. I really don't know what happened. I'm falling behind a little on keeping up with journal entries so that's one thing I need to improve on to remember all this stuff and time.Thanks for everything. Take care! Later!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Hey! This past week has been amazing! With Anet already planning for baptism on the 29 of august we have been able to help her and we had an amazing lesson with her on Monday. We had a prayer and while elder Montez was praying it is as if the Lord opened my eyes in how to start the lesson, I simply started by reading Mosiah 2:41, about how those who keep the commandments are truly happy and blessed beyond measure and it opened things up to go ahead and teach the commandments and help her begin to follow them. Manuel and Manuela are doing great. We had an appointment with them Wednesday night and then on Saturday. On Saturday they committed to be baptized on the 29th of august! The same day as Anet if all goes well. They are super cool and humble as well. Really right now I am learning from our investigators probably more than they are learning from us. They all came to church and enjoyed it, well maybe not the baby of Manuel and Manuela. During sacrament meeting he hit his head on the bench super hard and was crying super loud. I couldn't see him but after the last prayer, I saw him and he had the biggest goose bump I have ever seen, let alone on a little kid. They went and put ice on it and I think he was fine. Yesterday we had 6 lessons. It seemed like everything just went perfect and smooth. Taught an awesome new investigator named, you guessed it, Maria. It was a great powerful lesson, the spirit really guided us in that lesson, and she was super ecstatic about learning. I think she understood it well also. We have her again tomorrow actually so hope all goes well. Love you all, and take care! Later!
2 Nefi 1:15
1 Nefi 20:16
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Hey! On Saturday we had a great spiritual lesson with Anet and she committed to baptism on the 29 of Agosto. She is super cool, wants to be baptized but isn't married and her spouse doesn't want to listen and doesn't really support her. She came to church and also another awesome family, Manuel and Manuela, who has the kid with half an arm. We have an appointment with them today and we feel like we can give them a baptismal date as well. We'll see how it turns out.The other day a drunk dude came over to us and started talking with us. He was cool and reminded me of a drunk Michael Jackson. But it is always fun to get drunk-man wisdom and the wisdom he gave us this time was: "Ha'lla at the people, if they don't listen, giv'em a reason TO listen." -Drunk-Man Wisdom 101 It is always fun to hear drunk people go off. Man I love weird people! That's why this mission is the best. It is amazing how the Lord guides His work and how things work out cause we contacted a ancient investigator while contacting in front of some stores and we had been trying to contact him for a while and we just barely taught him this morning and he seems like he will do good. Came to church a lot before and has been taught a lot but began working on Sundays but we had a good lesson about the Sabbath day and how the Lord will help him complete this commandment. So he is going to talk with his boss and see, so hopefully something works out.Hope all is well. Take Care!
Oh- p.s.- careful w/ the ping-pong table. It’s not that strong. I'll need it when I get back to dominate Brian and Anna, and well... everybody, in ping-pong like I did all the many times before. Ha! Later!
Alma 43:45-50 (read this part the other day and then you sent that title of liberty picture)Psalms 1:1-3 (one of my favorite scriptures)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Hey! This past week has been alright. We were able to find 7 new investigators last week so things are going alright. We've had some good lessons with investigators and with others in the area. We have an investigator named Maria who is really cool and she seems like she will be really good. She seemed super interested and excited to come to church. Hopefully she comes. Now come to find out Magdalana was going to come to church but then her husband wouldn't let her. FREAK! We have been trying everything to get him to soften up. I contacted this guy the other day and he ended up saying he was pastor of another church and it's always fun talking with them. They are really lost! He wants us to come over to his house some time and I want to go but Elder Montez doesn't want to. We were going to go to the temple today but President Doll said too many had already asked, I guess cause he changed the rule about how now we can go every-other month instead of every three. So we get to go more often. Great to hear about Lucy and all. Crazy Daniel took a spill. Man it will be crazy to be back there with all those sabrinas running around. It will be fun.Can't think of everything else. Thanks for everything. Take care! Later! Matthew 11:28-30
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Hey! So transfer meeting this morning was super spiritual but also super hard. We were able to say good-byes and all have some last good laughs with good 'ol President Stoddard. His funny personality can't be beat. We will definitely miss him.So with transfers. They did shut down our area and combined it with the zl' and palatine, where the hermanas were, so now there are only two areas in this ward. There are a lot of cool members in this area so I am pretty excited. President Stoddard said he'll get home, do whatever, and take the name badge off, and then he paused and said, “well, maybe I’ll leave it on just for a few days more." It was pretty funny. He is definitely one that another aspires to be.Monday was like the last stand for Des Plaines, because we had many appointments and with the best investigators. On Tuesday we cleaned out our apartment which was crazy, found many more cockroaches. Ha we were able to visit some people, and packed. It definitely was a sad time cause a legend area was coming to its end. That place held many years. You should check out the statistics of the Reno rodeo cause I think it's this week if Stuart is right but I’m sure his dad was in it. This weekend Stuart will be in a rodeo competition already and then has more throughout the summer and more things. Later.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Hey! Yesterday we taught a guy who has an aunt in Guatemala who is member. He seems pretty cool and interested. He's about 25. Magdalana's husband is still not wanting to cooperate. Taught some cool people that had talked with the hermanas before but they can't read so we'll see what we can do. We had to get an oil change this week and were able to talk with a Seventh - day Adventist for a while, while we were waiting. He was cool and had a disorder with his legs and used a cane but still could barely walk. He was a cool guy though. Said he knew some Mormons and has some friends that are so I guess he is in that 55% that knows someone. The other day we were knocking some apartments late, about 8:45, and I really didn't want to go home, but as we were leaving there were some guys in a truck we kind-of passed, but I felt to turn around and talk with them. Come to find out the guy I talked with would always go out and help the missionaries in Mexico, asked if he was a member and he said "todavia no"(still not) , so I don't know what that means but he seems really cool and offered to help us right then and offered to buy us a drink or something. We have an appointment with him Saturday so we'll see who this guy really is then. I'm pretty stoked. Thanks for everything and have a fun weekend! Take care!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Hey!Well we had our last interviews with President Stoddard last week. He's so cool. Something pretty cool but random, is that, first of all I translated the paper of instructions for the ward area book, to give to my ward, when we started to get things going with it. Come to find out none of the other missionaries had one in Spanish. So at interviews I showed it to President Stoddard in case that it would help in the other wards as well. He said recently that two Zone leaders just finished translating it as well, so we are going through them to see which one we should use.
Then on Monday, 15 min. into District Meeting, guess who walks in, President Stoddard! Freak man, I’m not going to lie, I was pretty nervous. But everything went well, we talked a lot about things we could do to help the missionary excitement in the ward, such as activities or what-not, and he was able to give in his input. He stayed for about 30 min. I'm going to miss President Stoddard, that's for sure. President Stoddard leaves at the end of this transfer, which is in about 2 weeks already.
So the other night there was a thunderstorm, don't know for sure cause I only heard a few, but there were two that I heard and woke us up, but honestly it sounded like a plane blew up right above us, cause they fly right over our house and shake it a lot. But it really sounded abnormal and not like a normal thunder strike. It was CRAZY but AWSOME! Well things are well, hoping they can improve, but we'll see what we can do. I accidently hit a button and changed the font and don't know how to reverse it. I think we are going to pull out the bikes soon but these roads are horrible here for it. Maybe we'll have some good stories from it though. That's what's most important, right! Hope all is well. Take care! Later!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Hey!
Zone conference was super good but hard cause it was President and Sister Stoddard's last one and it was super hard for everyone. I had never seen President even come close to losing it but he struggled at the end this time. They are awesome! It will be super hard without them. The Lord comforted me and kind-of smacked me across the face at ZC, because after that hard week and thinking that I wasn't doing much, come to find out the familia Acosta was there as helpers serving lunch so I was able to finally see them again and really see the joy and change they have experienced. The scripture of how great of joy will be yours in the kingdom of God if you only bring one soul kept coming into my mind and I was greatly humbled for having the privilege of teaching them and being able to feel that great joy that comes from nothing else. They are the family that we met on the corner of the street in Hermosa Park when I was with Elder Stuart. They are super cool! They were super excited to see me and helped me realize why I’m here. It was the best thing that could have happened at this time.
Things are picking up again and going well. Loving it here, and also the special experiences that I am receiving daily even if they come as a smack to the face from the Lord. No matter what, it feels good. You just always need to be diligent and humbly serve the Lord, no matter what, cause the blessings are too great to pass up. Be diligent..."it's an outward expression of an inward commitment." -President Stoddard
Thanks for everything, all the letters. I'll try to write back as soon as I can.
Take Care!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Hey!
What's up! Starting on Sunday, up until now, we have 25 appointments set, one for each hour of the working day, and about ALL canceled! Out of them all we only had 3 lessons. It was a disaster. One of the lessons we did have was with an awesome family. Hilario and Patricia. They are a younger couple and super cool. So we just barely received those new pass along cards here. They still don't have them in Spanish but at least in English. They have been super hard to use cause I’m not used to them. But we actually were going to have an appointment with a guy this morning in his restaurant but guess he wasn't there. But on the way back to the car there was a garbage man guy collecting the big ones and I overheard his radio that was talking about "gospel stuff" and about the grace of God and all. So I felt like I should just give him a card. I didn't say much just that I overheard his radio and how we share a message about how the truth has been restored, and how he can go to the website to learn more. And then left. It didn't feel right to fully contact him mainly cause he was working but I just didn't feel it. So who knows what will come about of it but it has really started off the day well.
But after reading those letters and reading mine, it seems like my mission is boring or that I’m not accomplishing much. I'm not one to say much about what has happened or about experiences cause they seem normal to me. But when I compare them they seem lame compared to the things the others are experiencing. It kind-of feels like I haven’t changed much. It is hard sometimes cause everyone is having these experiences but it seems like I am not. I'm afraid to come home and look back and this time, which everyone remembers and shares experiences of throughout their whole life, and not have much to share or say. I can see coming back and really feeling like it was a dream and as a dream nothing much was accomplished. I guess if this is a struggle I have to pass through to reach success later on then I’ll do it cheerfully but it is just hard not to see results or even feel results now. But these things are true, and they are burned into my heart. I just hope it's good for something.Have a great week. Lift someone up over there in Nevada for me this week. Later! D&C 81:4-5
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Hey!
We have had some good lessons this past week and have started off the week well. Found some new investigators as well. I have really received a lot of strength recently. I feel like I really am being supported by something.
Last night we were knocking some houses and we knocked the street and were headed back to the car. We parked on the corner of the street perpendicular to the one we were knocking and it was about 8:45. There was a huge house on that corner, and we were approaching the car but I felt like we should knock it. Don't know why, wasn't where we planned, probably cause it was huge and they'd be kingdom builders, but I knocked it and a cool young family came to the door and I introduced ourselves, talked a little about families and how the gospel blesses families, she then said, " oh, we are catholic, but you actually just caught us while we were praying." Nothing came up of it but gave them a Book of Mormon card and went on our way. They were humble and cool but it just made me think, about how maybe we were supposed to knock that door, but why, cause they didn't really except it. Maybe they were praying for something but then didn't recognize an answer. I don't know it just made me think for a while and made me wonder "why?” It was cool to have an experience like that, hope they except it later, but just weird to think about. "Why them/why then?" Congratulations Daniel. Hope it doesn't sound rude but I’m pretty glad I wasn't there. Graduations are pretty boring especially when you are the one that has to sit down there in a dress in front of tons people. I felt like such a Sasquatch in my graduation. Later!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Hey!
Yesterday was a pretty long day. We had about 7 appointments lined up and all of them canceled. I hate that so much. Francisco and Cleotilde came to church on Sunday with some of their noisy kids and we found another less active that was baptized and moved here and stopped going. We'll see how she progresses. So a funny quick story. We have a less active woman who is about 70 years old and looks older. She is kind-of apostate and doesn't come to church anymore cause she has bad arthritis and says she can't get to church. Well, while driving on the road, my companion spots someone who looked like her and it ended up being her. But guess what she was doing? She was riding a BIKE! And wearing a backpack. We were like 'what the heck' and couldn't believe it. So we stocked her for a while. She kept on going in and out of different liquor stores, we think buying lottery tickets, cause she would sit on the curb and stare down while fiddling with something. It was super funny and we had a good time watching her not believing our eyes. I told Elder Stuart, cause he served here before coming to Hermosa Park with me, and he couldn't believe it. We had a good laugh. We have a cool couple we are working with, Patricia y Hilario. They are pretty cool and humble. I really hope they progress. Some other good people as well. Magdalana didn't come to church cause she took her kids to what?...... CHUCKIE CHEESES! How lame. Later!
"Pain is inevitable, misery is an option." -Hyrum H. Smith
Yesterday was a pretty long day. We had about 7 appointments lined up and all of them canceled. I hate that so much. Francisco and Cleotilde came to church on Sunday with some of their noisy kids and we found another less active that was baptized and moved here and stopped going. We'll see how she progresses. So a funny quick story. We have a less active woman who is about 70 years old and looks older. She is kind-of apostate and doesn't come to church anymore cause she has bad arthritis and says she can't get to church. Well, while driving on the road, my companion spots someone who looked like her and it ended up being her. But guess what she was doing? She was riding a BIKE! And wearing a backpack. We were like 'what the heck' and couldn't believe it. So we stocked her for a while. She kept on going in and out of different liquor stores, we think buying lottery tickets, cause she would sit on the curb and stare down while fiddling with something. It was super funny and we had a good time watching her not believing our eyes. I told Elder Stuart, cause he served here before coming to Hermosa Park with me, and he couldn't believe it. We had a good laugh. We have a cool couple we are working with, Patricia y Hilario. They are pretty cool and humble. I really hope they progress. Some other good people as well. Magdalana didn't come to church cause she took her kids to what?...... CHUCKIE CHEESES! How lame. Later!
"Pain is inevitable, misery is an option." -Hyrum H. Smith
Friday, May 1, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Hey!
Kind-of in a rush today so I’ll make up for not much info next time. Things are well and teaching quite a bit. So for one story, which is awesome, is that the other day, on Saturday, we went to an appointment we had set with an investigator named Magdalana. We thought she was the most bogus investigator and always trying to pass by and she not being there and having to re-schedule, well on Saturday we went to her door and right when we were about to knock it a bunch of JW missionaries walked by and so I kind-of said hi and didn't want to contact them cause you know they aren't going to listen. They stopped and began to talk with us, and for a long time. So finally they leave and we knock. She comes to the door and has the happiest look on her face and begins telling us how she felt this amazing feeling while reading the Book of Mormon, we were so surprised but disappointed cause we couldn't go in cause her husband left. We had a great lesson with her and had her pray about baptism. She came to church last Sunday with one of her daughters and they both loved it and are going to come back with more of their family, or try to. So we were going to commit her to be baptized soon, but when I went to extend the commitment, but for some reason I said "in a month" and not the specific date we planned, but I guess it was the spirit cause she opened up and said that she isn't married with the guy she is living with and father of the kids. So we'll have to work with her on this but who knows what would have happened if I said what we planned, I guess we'll never know. She is super awesome and really her countenance has completely changed. You can tell she just hungers for more.
We finally got back in contact with Dyra, she's amazing, we taught her in the library cause we couldn't go into her house cause no members were available to help. It was a good lesson and she hungers to learn more about when Christ came to the Americas. So we'll see with her. A lot of good things going here. Oh yeah, and this morning me, my companion, and the zone leaders (Elder Wetstone and Stuart), went to the temple. It was sweet. They have begun to plant TONS of stuff so it looks great as well. The whole back side of the parking lot was full of ready-to-plant stuff, with some Hispanics relaxing in the shade ready to plant them. Things are well and I really hope I can push myself more. I really feel weak, and it just seems like the more you feel like you've improved, the more you realize how much more you need to improve. It seems like it never ends. I guess that is why it is called enduring to the end.
So this last week I have been feeling really sick with some kind of cold or flu, and I hate being sick. It hasn't impeded the work but feels like it is getting worse. Who knows? Usually things like this haven’t bothered me and I can brush them off but this one is not treating me good. It even kind-of makes me shake. Oh well, it will probably be gone after I take a nap or something, lets hope. Well everything is good and everything’s fine so you really don’t have to believe what I just said cause it was a joke. I really am not sick or anything. I've heard about some pig flu or something so I wanted to try and scare you. Hope it worked. Anyways take care! Later!
Kind-of in a rush today so I’ll make up for not much info next time. Things are well and teaching quite a bit. So for one story, which is awesome, is that the other day, on Saturday, we went to an appointment we had set with an investigator named Magdalana. We thought she was the most bogus investigator and always trying to pass by and she not being there and having to re-schedule, well on Saturday we went to her door and right when we were about to knock it a bunch of JW missionaries walked by and so I kind-of said hi and didn't want to contact them cause you know they aren't going to listen. They stopped and began to talk with us, and for a long time. So finally they leave and we knock. She comes to the door and has the happiest look on her face and begins telling us how she felt this amazing feeling while reading the Book of Mormon, we were so surprised but disappointed cause we couldn't go in cause her husband left. We had a great lesson with her and had her pray about baptism. She came to church last Sunday with one of her daughters and they both loved it and are going to come back with more of their family, or try to. So we were going to commit her to be baptized soon, but when I went to extend the commitment, but for some reason I said "in a month" and not the specific date we planned, but I guess it was the spirit cause she opened up and said that she isn't married with the guy she is living with and father of the kids. So we'll have to work with her on this but who knows what would have happened if I said what we planned, I guess we'll never know. She is super awesome and really her countenance has completely changed. You can tell she just hungers for more.
We finally got back in contact with Dyra, she's amazing, we taught her in the library cause we couldn't go into her house cause no members were available to help. It was a good lesson and she hungers to learn more about when Christ came to the Americas. So we'll see with her. A lot of good things going here. Oh yeah, and this morning me, my companion, and the zone leaders (Elder Wetstone and Stuart), went to the temple. It was sweet. They have begun to plant TONS of stuff so it looks great as well. The whole back side of the parking lot was full of ready-to-plant stuff, with some Hispanics relaxing in the shade ready to plant them. Things are well and I really hope I can push myself more. I really feel weak, and it just seems like the more you feel like you've improved, the more you realize how much more you need to improve. It seems like it never ends. I guess that is why it is called enduring to the end.
So this last week I have been feeling really sick with some kind of cold or flu, and I hate being sick. It hasn't impeded the work but feels like it is getting worse. Who knows? Usually things like this haven’t bothered me and I can brush them off but this one is not treating me good. It even kind-of makes me shake. Oh well, it will probably be gone after I take a nap or something, lets hope. Well everything is good and everything’s fine so you really don’t have to believe what I just said cause it was a joke. I really am not sick or anything. I've heard about some pig flu or something so I wanted to try and scare you. Hope it worked. Anyways take care! Later!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Hey!
Thanks for the package and the pictures! They really touched me a little bit more this time. It has always seemed like the pictures you send are pictures of an imaginary world, but then the pictures with them in the shirts that I gave them made it become more real. It was weird. Freak it will be crazy! So with Vegemite. I really have no idea what you can do with vegemite. I don't know its limits, all I’ve heard is that you can put it on bread or toast, not a lot though, and eat it. But who knows? Just take a big bite of it mom to see what it's like. Our numbers for this week were off the charts. We found 10 new investigators and 7 of them were found Sunday morning before 11:00. Rogelio y Alicia came to church with their kids and they seemed to enjoy it. From the numbers from before, ours this week is basically three-times as much as what they used to be in this area. There are so many cool people here and fun to work with. It will be super sad to leave it and especially if they don't progress farther. The other day we drove around the complete airport to see what was down there. That airport is HUGE! It was super cool to have plane flying super close to you landing and taking off while you were driving around. Unlike Reno’s, with two different direction to go, this one is like a hexagon or sometimes even seems like an octagon shape where they are coming from everywhere. So the other day we stopped at taco bell, mmm true Hispanic food, but anyways I ordered in English, I thought, but my companion said I was mixing Spanish and English together. Luckily the guy was Hispanic; he didn't say anything about it. One thing my companion said I did was say "y" instead of "and" but I swear I said "and". Oh well. Pretty funny. We might ride our bikes to the church tonight for coordination, just for fun because I want to. My companion isn't too excited about it because it is about a 7-9 mile bike ride. I'm stoked! Hopefully it doesn't rain. It is the weirdest feeling to basically know everyone in your area. To walk around and see a guy on the street and remember his name, or see people in the stores and act as if we were friends because we may have taught them before. There are so many times were I’ll see somebody I recognize and not remember who it is or where I remember them from. It bugs me a lot.
"Use the difficulties and afflictions of ours to bless the lives of others."
"We must be willing to be wounded in the work of the Lord."
Thanks for the package and the pictures! They really touched me a little bit more this time. It has always seemed like the pictures you send are pictures of an imaginary world, but then the pictures with them in the shirts that I gave them made it become more real. It was weird. Freak it will be crazy! So with Vegemite. I really have no idea what you can do with vegemite. I don't know its limits, all I’ve heard is that you can put it on bread or toast, not a lot though, and eat it. But who knows? Just take a big bite of it mom to see what it's like. Our numbers for this week were off the charts. We found 10 new investigators and 7 of them were found Sunday morning before 11:00. Rogelio y Alicia came to church with their kids and they seemed to enjoy it. From the numbers from before, ours this week is basically three-times as much as what they used to be in this area. There are so many cool people here and fun to work with. It will be super sad to leave it and especially if they don't progress farther. The other day we drove around the complete airport to see what was down there. That airport is HUGE! It was super cool to have plane flying super close to you landing and taking off while you were driving around. Unlike Reno’s, with two different direction to go, this one is like a hexagon or sometimes even seems like an octagon shape where they are coming from everywhere. So the other day we stopped at taco bell, mmm true Hispanic food, but anyways I ordered in English, I thought, but my companion said I was mixing Spanish and English together. Luckily the guy was Hispanic; he didn't say anything about it. One thing my companion said I did was say "y" instead of "and" but I swear I said "and". Oh well. Pretty funny. We might ride our bikes to the church tonight for coordination, just for fun because I want to. My companion isn't too excited about it because it is about a 7-9 mile bike ride. I'm stoked! Hopefully it doesn't rain. It is the weirdest feeling to basically know everyone in your area. To walk around and see a guy on the street and remember his name, or see people in the stores and act as if we were friends because we may have taught them before. There are so many times were I’ll see somebody I recognize and not remember who it is or where I remember them from. It bugs me a lot.
"Use the difficulties and afflictions of ours to bless the lives of others."
"We must be willing to be wounded in the work of the Lord."
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Hey!
Como le fue su semana? Gracias por los fotos de las sobrinas, estan chidos. Are stake conference broadcast was pretty cool, they basically repeated everything they said in conference and if I remember right they even shared some of the same stories and examples. Elder Steven S. Snow, Margaret S. Liffereth, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, and President Thomas S. Monson spoke. Elder Oaks talked about that people just need to open their perspective and realize that the world is not about you. It is the worst thing in the world to bring people to church, investigators/ less actives/ or anybody and no one fellowships them or the ones who do anything only shake their hand and say welcome. THAT'S BOGUSS!! The reason we go to church is to lift each other, if we go for ourselves trying to obtain something we went for the wrong reason. We need to go to the church with an attitude of 'Who am I going to lift up or help today', 'Who needs me today'. If we go to church with that attitude, about lifting others, we will grow and things will be great! Selfishness is a form of pride, pride is a sin, and is what brought down the nations of old. JUST SERVE! From you talking about taxes and all it made me realize how much I do not want to go home and how much I really don't know about the real life. I don't know how to do jack! Freak! We've found 8 new investigators this past week, many cool ones, can't wait to get back with them. We have an appointment with Rogelio and Alicia this night and might give them a baptismal date. We'll see. "Hope for the best, plan for the worst", right? That's an awesome line from The Bourne Supremacy. We taught the second lesson to Francisco y Cleotilde and they ate it up! We thought they were pretty bogus but they have really turned around recently and probably will give them a date soon. On Monday we gave a date to a woman who has been progressing quietly. Not firm worth a darn though but something for her to work towards, but most likely will be moved. Right now she is shooting for the 9th of May. Angelica is her name. Only have a couple of minutes more, but hope all is well, time doesn't exist and things are improving. Take Care! and HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA SMITH! Later!
3 Nephi 13:14-15
Como le fue su semana? Gracias por los fotos de las sobrinas, estan chidos. Are stake conference broadcast was pretty cool, they basically repeated everything they said in conference and if I remember right they even shared some of the same stories and examples. Elder Steven S. Snow, Margaret S. Liffereth, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, and President Thomas S. Monson spoke. Elder Oaks talked about that people just need to open their perspective and realize that the world is not about you. It is the worst thing in the world to bring people to church, investigators/ less actives/ or anybody and no one fellowships them or the ones who do anything only shake their hand and say welcome. THAT'S BOGUSS!! The reason we go to church is to lift each other, if we go for ourselves trying to obtain something we went for the wrong reason. We need to go to the church with an attitude of 'Who am I going to lift up or help today', 'Who needs me today'. If we go to church with that attitude, about lifting others, we will grow and things will be great! Selfishness is a form of pride, pride is a sin, and is what brought down the nations of old. JUST SERVE! From you talking about taxes and all it made me realize how much I do not want to go home and how much I really don't know about the real life. I don't know how to do jack! Freak! We've found 8 new investigators this past week, many cool ones, can't wait to get back with them. We have an appointment with Rogelio and Alicia this night and might give them a baptismal date. We'll see. "Hope for the best, plan for the worst", right? That's an awesome line from The Bourne Supremacy. We taught the second lesson to Francisco y Cleotilde and they ate it up! We thought they were pretty bogus but they have really turned around recently and probably will give them a date soon. On Monday we gave a date to a woman who has been progressing quietly. Not firm worth a darn though but something for her to work towards, but most likely will be moved. Right now she is shooting for the 9th of May. Angelica is her name. Only have a couple of minutes more, but hope all is well, time doesn't exist and things are improving. Take Care! and HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA SMITH! Later!
3 Nephi 13:14-15
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Hey!
This past week has been awesome. After the baptism on Wednesday, there was a family that showed up looking for the church. The husband is super cool, about 25, and is a member, and the family is super cool as well and not members. Come to find out where they live, we had just knocked those houses the week before, and the only go-back we got on that street was in their same house, just on a different floor. So I guess we needed to find them. It will be great to teach them. We had one spirit-filled lesson already and they came to one session of General Conference. We were able to guide Elias, the less active, to Conference for one session as well. Got to listen to Elder Christofferson's translation and his Spanish is amazing! Then for the Sunday morning session, Rogelio and his Family came! It was awesome and an awesome session. FREAK Elder Holland is good! Then for the last session our other big family came! With half of their family, 4 little boys each wearing a suit. It was pretty cool. We also got Cesar to go to a member’s home to watch it. So we had some good success this past Sunday. Next Sunday we are having a special stake conference which is going to be another broadcast from Salt Lake to all the stakes in Illinois. I can't wait. We taught a humble little family on Monday who just had their first baby a couple of weeks ago. They are awesome. A guy just sat next to me here and was talking on his phone in Spanish and it wasn't even until after his conversation that I stopped and said to myself "I understood that conversation". It is so weird! Also after the conferences they have those news things, well many were of people from Spanish speaking places and me and my companion looked at each other when they were talking cause we understood perfectly and didn't even look at the subtitles. Then we realized that everybody else in the room had no idea what they were saying. We also realized how the people from Spain have the best Spanish. We decided that we were probably going to marry someone from Spain cause they look more American but speak great Spanish. It's cool because we realized that from some spots in our area we can see the Chicago sky-line with the big towers. I love the restaurants here as well. SO GOOD! I think I am just rambling on now about lame stuff to make up for last week but now I can't remember anything. Take care! Later!
"El que dice que permanece en el, dede andar como el anduvo." -1 John
2:6
This past week has been awesome. After the baptism on Wednesday, there was a family that showed up looking for the church. The husband is super cool, about 25, and is a member, and the family is super cool as well and not members. Come to find out where they live, we had just knocked those houses the week before, and the only go-back we got on that street was in their same house, just on a different floor. So I guess we needed to find them. It will be great to teach them. We had one spirit-filled lesson already and they came to one session of General Conference. We were able to guide Elias, the less active, to Conference for one session as well. Got to listen to Elder Christofferson's translation and his Spanish is amazing! Then for the Sunday morning session, Rogelio and his Family came! It was awesome and an awesome session. FREAK Elder Holland is good! Then for the last session our other big family came! With half of their family, 4 little boys each wearing a suit. It was pretty cool. We also got Cesar to go to a member’s home to watch it. So we had some good success this past Sunday. Next Sunday we are having a special stake conference which is going to be another broadcast from Salt Lake to all the stakes in Illinois. I can't wait. We taught a humble little family on Monday who just had their first baby a couple of weeks ago. They are awesome. A guy just sat next to me here and was talking on his phone in Spanish and it wasn't even until after his conversation that I stopped and said to myself "I understood that conversation". It is so weird! Also after the conferences they have those news things, well many were of people from Spanish speaking places and me and my companion looked at each other when they were talking cause we understood perfectly and didn't even look at the subtitles. Then we realized that everybody else in the room had no idea what they were saying. We also realized how the people from Spain have the best Spanish. We decided that we were probably going to marry someone from Spain cause they look more American but speak great Spanish. It's cool because we realized that from some spots in our area we can see the Chicago sky-line with the big towers. I love the restaurants here as well. SO GOOD! I think I am just rambling on now about lame stuff to make up for last week but now I can't remember anything. Take care! Later!
"El que dice que permanece en el, dede andar como el anduvo." -1 John
2:6
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Hey!
So we are not getting transferred. I am pretty relieved, I’m not going to lie. We have had fun this week getting investigators animated for general conference and our awesome family, Rogelio and Alicia, are super stoked to come and they are going to bring some others with them. Saturday we had a pretty good day, we found 9 new investigators! Things just continue to improve. Everyone at transfers, especially the ones who served here before, where all asking us what we were doing and that they had heard that things were going well. I think one of the Hermanas in our district has been telling a lot. Sorry but don't have much time today. I’ll try to say more next week to make up for today. I’m disappointed because the Russian elder is out and now in the city so I can't have fun with him anymore. He was a stud. We have a baptism today of the Hermanas. Hope it goes well. So we did get a new Hermana in our district because one is done with her mission, and it is Hermana. Patterson, I don't know if you remember but she was the one from Elko that I first met in the MTC on the first day. She was in the English program but was switched over about 6 months ago. She has picked it up quick also. She's super cool and I hear she has an awesome attitude. Things will be good I’m sure. Thanks for everything, I’ll write more next time. Take care! Later!
So we are not getting transferred. I am pretty relieved, I’m not going to lie. We have had fun this week getting investigators animated for general conference and our awesome family, Rogelio and Alicia, are super stoked to come and they are going to bring some others with them. Saturday we had a pretty good day, we found 9 new investigators! Things just continue to improve. Everyone at transfers, especially the ones who served here before, where all asking us what we were doing and that they had heard that things were going well. I think one of the Hermanas in our district has been telling a lot. Sorry but don't have much time today. I’ll try to say more next week to make up for today. I’m disappointed because the Russian elder is out and now in the city so I can't have fun with him anymore. He was a stud. We have a baptism today of the Hermanas. Hope it goes well. So we did get a new Hermana in our district because one is done with her mission, and it is Hermana. Patterson, I don't know if you remember but she was the one from Elko that I first met in the MTC on the first day. She was in the English program but was switched over about 6 months ago. She has picked it up quick also. She's super cool and I hear she has an awesome attitude. Things will be good I’m sure. Thanks for everything, I’ll write more next time. Take care! Later!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Hey!
So, to let you know, transfers are next week. We really think that Elder Colvin is out but who knows. This past week has been uplifting and exciting. On Thursday we taught this awesome couple, Vuadel y Mili, who were super stoked to read the Book of Mormon and the wife also made a comment about how she knows there are prophets and people that receive revelation but don't know where to find them. it was almost TOO good of a comment. We explained things to them and they were really interested. On Saturday, things worked out to where I could go to the temple to see the Delgado family, from Hermosa Park, be sealed as a family. It was a really neat experience and great to see everyone from the Chicago 3rd ward again. It was awesome! Such a great experience, nothing could top it. They are an awesome family. We finally taught Rogelio y Alicia again. Their family is awesome. Had a good lesson and they are super stoked to come to General Conference, so we'll see. This family is SO COOL! Yesterday I was able to carry out my first, second, third and fourth baptismal interviews. It was a fun experience, especially interviewing the kids. Just ask them simple questions, and just easy things that they can understand. Can't expect too much from them. I was really nervous at first and so to start off the first interview with the mom, I said something like, “up until now, still nobody has passed my interviews." It kind-of freaked her out and than I told her I was joking and really it was my first so it kind-of broke the ice and we were able to have a goo interview. I ended up having a good time with them all. Another cool experience. Today we are going to have a barbeque at the mission home and then play volleyball I think. If everything works out. Sounds fun. What's new there? The weather here is nice, sometimes perfect, but I am super disappointed cause I wanted a full-out, heavy blizzard, long -lasting, super cold winter, but no luck. I don't want the heat to come! Time to get rid of all my winter stuff. Nothing much to say, other than it is fun to torture cockroaches with Drain-o and what other stuff we can find. O and remember the family with all the cockroaches? We passed by and looked into the window and there was nothing in there, They got up and moved themselves. ha, I wonder why. Anyways, that is all. Later!
One of mye favorite scriptures: [D&C 104:82]; "Y SI VOSOTROS SOIS
HUMILDES Y FIELES, E INVOCáIS MI NOMBRE, HE AQUí, OS DARè LA VICTORIA.
So, to let you know, transfers are next week. We really think that Elder Colvin is out but who knows. This past week has been uplifting and exciting. On Thursday we taught this awesome couple, Vuadel y Mili, who were super stoked to read the Book of Mormon and the wife also made a comment about how she knows there are prophets and people that receive revelation but don't know where to find them. it was almost TOO good of a comment. We explained things to them and they were really interested. On Saturday, things worked out to where I could go to the temple to see the Delgado family, from Hermosa Park, be sealed as a family. It was a really neat experience and great to see everyone from the Chicago 3rd ward again. It was awesome! Such a great experience, nothing could top it. They are an awesome family. We finally taught Rogelio y Alicia again. Their family is awesome. Had a good lesson and they are super stoked to come to General Conference, so we'll see. This family is SO COOL! Yesterday I was able to carry out my first, second, third and fourth baptismal interviews. It was a fun experience, especially interviewing the kids. Just ask them simple questions, and just easy things that they can understand. Can't expect too much from them. I was really nervous at first and so to start off the first interview with the mom, I said something like, “up until now, still nobody has passed my interviews." It kind-of freaked her out and than I told her I was joking and really it was my first so it kind-of broke the ice and we were able to have a goo interview. I ended up having a good time with them all. Another cool experience. Today we are going to have a barbeque at the mission home and then play volleyball I think. If everything works out. Sounds fun. What's new there? The weather here is nice, sometimes perfect, but I am super disappointed cause I wanted a full-out, heavy blizzard, long -lasting, super cold winter, but no luck. I don't want the heat to come! Time to get rid of all my winter stuff. Nothing much to say, other than it is fun to torture cockroaches with Drain-o and what other stuff we can find. O and remember the family with all the cockroaches? We passed by and looked into the window and there was nothing in there, They got up and moved themselves. ha, I wonder why. Anyways, that is all. Later!
One of mye favorite scriptures: [D&C 104:82]; "Y SI VOSOTROS SOIS
HUMILDES Y FIELES, E INVOCáIS MI NOMBRE, HE AQUí, OS DARè LA VICTORIA.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Hey!
Another week gone. Thanks for the picture, it is pretty sweet. Are week was the best one we've had so far in Des Plaines. We finished off the week finding 9 new investigators. And we've started to get things back in line with all the families that we couldn't get in contact with. (Rogelio and Alicia) They are super cool! There was a baptism last Saturday of the other elders, was Amy, and she is about 21 and is super cool. She has a super strong testimony and went through a lot to get to this point. So we went by la familia Sanchez, our recent convert/less actives and there is a 2 year old daughter of the daughter, and I have never heard her speak until last night and guess what her first word was.......b*tch! And she kept on saying it! We got after them but they didn't really do anything about it. They were really loud as well so I just decided to sing some hymns with them instead of trying to share anything, so we did and then Elder Colvin shared the scripture in Eph. about using good language. We kind-of let them have it. But they said they are coming to church this Sunday. We are starting to re-teach Cesar, our 400lb investigator that comes to church every week but doesn't know really anything cause the past missionaries didn't teach him well. so we are starting all the lessons over and continue to see if he will be baptized but just worries a lot about the economy and not having a job. Oh and last Thursday, Minnini, the crazy woman, came up to ME and shook my hand and then started talking to me as if I was her best friend. It was such a joke. Elder Wetstone was with me on exchanges and she still doesn't talk with him so she ignored him. He would then sometimes ask me to ask her something and tell her stuff and it was pretty funny. We have some good appointments tonight with some cool people so I hope all goes well. Things are fun. Hard but fun. We finally played volleyball! It was pretty fun. Definitely lost a lot on my game though. So, anything crazy happen? How's the ward? Can't think of much this week to talk about but I still have a little time so if I think of something I’ll write again. Later!
Another week gone. Thanks for the picture, it is pretty sweet. Are week was the best one we've had so far in Des Plaines. We finished off the week finding 9 new investigators. And we've started to get things back in line with all the families that we couldn't get in contact with. (Rogelio and Alicia) They are super cool! There was a baptism last Saturday of the other elders, was Amy, and she is about 21 and is super cool. She has a super strong testimony and went through a lot to get to this point. So we went by la familia Sanchez, our recent convert/less actives and there is a 2 year old daughter of the daughter, and I have never heard her speak until last night and guess what her first word was.......b*tch! And she kept on saying it! We got after them but they didn't really do anything about it. They were really loud as well so I just decided to sing some hymns with them instead of trying to share anything, so we did and then Elder Colvin shared the scripture in Eph. about using good language. We kind-of let them have it. But they said they are coming to church this Sunday. We are starting to re-teach Cesar, our 400lb investigator that comes to church every week but doesn't know really anything cause the past missionaries didn't teach him well. so we are starting all the lessons over and continue to see if he will be baptized but just worries a lot about the economy and not having a job. Oh and last Thursday, Minnini, the crazy woman, came up to ME and shook my hand and then started talking to me as if I was her best friend. It was such a joke. Elder Wetstone was with me on exchanges and she still doesn't talk with him so she ignored him. He would then sometimes ask me to ask her something and tell her stuff and it was pretty funny. We have some good appointments tonight with some cool people so I hope all goes well. Things are fun. Hard but fun. We finally played volleyball! It was pretty fun. Definitely lost a lot on my game though. So, anything crazy happen? How's the ward? Can't think of much this week to talk about but I still have a little time so if I think of something I’ll write again. Later!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Hey!
What's Up! Sounds like the blessing/get-together was great. Things here are well. Last week was super slow and not much success. Already this week though we have matched the number of lessons we had last week and already doubled the number of new investigators compared to how many we found last week. So things continue to improve. It was so cool last Friday cause we usually eat with a member for lunch and we had been teaching her friend, Dyra. We hadn't been able to get back in contact with her for the longest time but we show up to eat and Dyra was there. She is super cool and super golden. We were able to talk a little bit more and how she loves the Book of Mormon and how her husband was a little iffy with it all, but the Sunday before they were talking about "spiritual things" and she mentioned to him that Christ had come to the Americas and that intrigued him so he started to read 3 Nephi 11 where we left her to read and he ended up reading a lot more and she said he liked it. They are super smart and know a lot about the bible and she has said that she knows the Book of Mormon is true. She was going to talk with her husband to find a time for us to come over and call us but they work a lot and haven’t called yet. Hopefully soon. Dyra is SO sweet and nice. She is SUPER cool. I imagine that her husband is as well. Our zone conference was fun and it was a Spanish zone conference so even better. Finally had a different home-meal also...baked potatoes with chili and sour cream and cheese and salt and pepper with rolls and just to top it cheesecake. It was SO nice to eat that and not Hispanic food for a day. it is so crazy cause my trainer is going home this transfer. We'll see about this week. I don't know if you would remember about the Delgado family in my first area, but they are going through the temple soon and then will be sealed as a family. Pretty sweet! I can't think of anything else, so good luck with everything and have fun! Later!
"TO BE A MISSIONARY, YOU DON'T HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR COUNTRY OR CITY, YOU
JUST HAVE TO LEAVE YOURSELF."
Hey!
So I remembered a few things. Last Wednesday we taught a cool family and we watched the "finding happiness" video and basically all the kids from the neighborhood came in when we were about to start, so we just watched it with everyone, and taught them how to pray. It was cool, all except the fact that cockroaches were crawling everywhere! And I mean EVERYWHERE! it was disgusting and we went home and took a shower cause we were just itching all over. It was nasty. Then the other day we passed by, no one answered but outside their door were tons of cockroaches as if they swept their floor and swept them all out. Nasty! I think that's all.
Later!
What's Up! Sounds like the blessing/get-together was great. Things here are well. Last week was super slow and not much success. Already this week though we have matched the number of lessons we had last week and already doubled the number of new investigators compared to how many we found last week. So things continue to improve. It was so cool last Friday cause we usually eat with a member for lunch and we had been teaching her friend, Dyra. We hadn't been able to get back in contact with her for the longest time but we show up to eat and Dyra was there. She is super cool and super golden. We were able to talk a little bit more and how she loves the Book of Mormon and how her husband was a little iffy with it all, but the Sunday before they were talking about "spiritual things" and she mentioned to him that Christ had come to the Americas and that intrigued him so he started to read 3 Nephi 11 where we left her to read and he ended up reading a lot more and she said he liked it. They are super smart and know a lot about the bible and she has said that she knows the Book of Mormon is true. She was going to talk with her husband to find a time for us to come over and call us but they work a lot and haven’t called yet. Hopefully soon. Dyra is SO sweet and nice. She is SUPER cool. I imagine that her husband is as well. Our zone conference was fun and it was a Spanish zone conference so even better. Finally had a different home-meal also...baked potatoes with chili and sour cream and cheese and salt and pepper with rolls and just to top it cheesecake. It was SO nice to eat that and not Hispanic food for a day. it is so crazy cause my trainer is going home this transfer. We'll see about this week. I don't know if you would remember about the Delgado family in my first area, but they are going through the temple soon and then will be sealed as a family. Pretty sweet! I can't think of anything else, so good luck with everything and have fun! Later!
"TO BE A MISSIONARY, YOU DON'T HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR COUNTRY OR CITY, YOU
JUST HAVE TO LEAVE YOURSELF."
Hey!
So I remembered a few things. Last Wednesday we taught a cool family and we watched the "finding happiness" video and basically all the kids from the neighborhood came in when we were about to start, so we just watched it with everyone, and taught them how to pray. It was cool, all except the fact that cockroaches were crawling everywhere! And I mean EVERYWHERE! it was disgusting and we went home and took a shower cause we were just itching all over. It was nasty. Then the other day we passed by, no one answered but outside their door were tons of cockroaches as if they swept their floor and swept them all out. Nasty! I think that's all.
Later!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Hey!
WAAZZZZZ UUPPPP! The week has been pretty fun. We had a lot more work and found more investigators. After taking numbers down for last week, I looked back in the records and noticed that our numbers for that week were the highest this area has had in about 6 months! So Elder Colvin and I are feeling like things are going well and we still are thirsty for more. none of the families came to church. But I’m pretty sure they will come this week so pray for them and that the services will be good as well. You always have to worry, especially in these wards. It is funny how my perspective has changed in that before I would show up and not care about surrounding stuff but now it is like all I focus on is a spiritual meeting and that everything needs to be in order to allow that. It is like Elder Dallin H. Oaks talked about in his conference talk, everything should planned and focused on making sure the meetings are spiritually up-lifting and focused on the Atonement. When I was on exchanges with Elder Stuart, we knocked into a guy, named Elias Espinoza that said we could come back and made mention that he had listened to missionaries and come to church before. We weren't sure exactly when we left what he meant. But we finally went back to him and come to find out he is a member, was baptized in Mexico moved here and couldn't find the church. (basically the story of them all...puhh) He had been less active for about twenty years, and one cool thing is that the Elder that baptized him in Mexico was an Elder Smith. He is a stud and fun to talk with. The big family is doing well though. The wife continues to eat everything up and understand, but the husband still has a few doubts. They are super cool though. Well sounds like everything is going well. That was a good picture with the car shot and dad in the background. Hilarious! I just compared the picture with Ellie and the one of me holding her in the MTC, and all I can say is...THAT AIN'T RIGHT! FREAK! Well time is picking itself up and leaving, and I don't know where it's going. WHAT THE FREAK!
Later!
"EVEN IF YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK, YOU'LL GET RUN OVER IF YOU JUST
SIT THERE." - (was on a picture, in the background of one of my companion's pictures)
WAAZZZZZ UUPPPP! The week has been pretty fun. We had a lot more work and found more investigators. After taking numbers down for last week, I looked back in the records and noticed that our numbers for that week were the highest this area has had in about 6 months! So Elder Colvin and I are feeling like things are going well and we still are thirsty for more. none of the families came to church. But I’m pretty sure they will come this week so pray for them and that the services will be good as well. You always have to worry, especially in these wards. It is funny how my perspective has changed in that before I would show up and not care about surrounding stuff but now it is like all I focus on is a spiritual meeting and that everything needs to be in order to allow that. It is like Elder Dallin H. Oaks talked about in his conference talk, everything should planned and focused on making sure the meetings are spiritually up-lifting and focused on the Atonement. When I was on exchanges with Elder Stuart, we knocked into a guy, named Elias Espinoza that said we could come back and made mention that he had listened to missionaries and come to church before. We weren't sure exactly when we left what he meant. But we finally went back to him and come to find out he is a member, was baptized in Mexico moved here and couldn't find the church. (basically the story of them all...puhh) He had been less active for about twenty years, and one cool thing is that the Elder that baptized him in Mexico was an Elder Smith. He is a stud and fun to talk with. The big family is doing well though. The wife continues to eat everything up and understand, but the husband still has a few doubts. They are super cool though. Well sounds like everything is going well. That was a good picture with the car shot and dad in the background. Hilarious! I just compared the picture with Ellie and the one of me holding her in the MTC, and all I can say is...THAT AIN'T RIGHT! FREAK! Well time is picking itself up and leaving, and I don't know where it's going. WHAT THE FREAK!
Later!
"EVEN IF YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK, YOU'LL GET RUN OVER IF YOU JUST
SIT THERE." - (was on a picture, in the background of one of my companion's pictures)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Hey!
Que Pasa? So this week has been different but fun. With the new changes and responsibilities it has been kind-of a blast. Elder Colvin is a cool kid. He is from Utah and has been out a little over a year on his mission. I have about one transfer more than him. We work well together and I think we'll do good. On Friday we were knocking and found an awesome family that are pretty interested. They said they were going to come to church last Sunday but something came up. They have about 6 kids and one that died as a baby. We had a good first lesson and the spirit was strong. I hope they can come to church and feel the spirit super strong. So pray for them. Also pray for Rogelio and His family cause we haven’t been able to teach them for awhile cause he is working a lot now and on Sundays. Things have continued to improve. We found two more new investigators on Monday and some less active lessons. We went to our recent converts, the familia Sanchez, who have not come to church for about 3 weeks cause there relatives in another area but same ward have kind-of caused some contention but we are working with them and had a fun time with them yesterday. And once again they pulled out "The Bourne Identity" and said how I look like him and were comparing me and his picture and said everything was the same, moles and all. Ha So I joked with them and hinted that it was really me and stuff, they all gave me note cards and told me to sign them. I asked if they wanted my real name or fake name and they said real, so I signed "matt damon" on each one and each signature was a little different so my cover was blown. It was fun messing with them a bit, even though I’m sure they knew I wasn't him. At least I hope. At night you can see plane lights all around you. the airport is huge! it was cool to have the planes go right over only some hundreds of feet above you. It was at sunset so it looked pretty sweet and got some alright pictures. I'll probably definitely try to miss the turn again. It was super weird after seeing Wendy's picture to think that she'll be about as old as Ellie was when I leave. It is crazy to think how much Jenna has changed looking back. As well as Ellie. AAAH! Sounds like everything is going well, Keep rockin' on! Later!
"ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS, FOR ONE DAY YOU MAY LOOK BACK AND REALIZE THEY WERE THE BIG THINGS." -?
"ONE WORD FREES US OF ALL THE WEIGHT AND PAIN OF LIFE: THAT WORD IS LOVE." -Sophocles, (I have no idea who the heck that is!)
Que Pasa? So this week has been different but fun. With the new changes and responsibilities it has been kind-of a blast. Elder Colvin is a cool kid. He is from Utah and has been out a little over a year on his mission. I have about one transfer more than him. We work well together and I think we'll do good. On Friday we were knocking and found an awesome family that are pretty interested. They said they were going to come to church last Sunday but something came up. They have about 6 kids and one that died as a baby. We had a good first lesson and the spirit was strong. I hope they can come to church and feel the spirit super strong. So pray for them. Also pray for Rogelio and His family cause we haven’t been able to teach them for awhile cause he is working a lot now and on Sundays. Things have continued to improve. We found two more new investigators on Monday and some less active lessons. We went to our recent converts, the familia Sanchez, who have not come to church for about 3 weeks cause there relatives in another area but same ward have kind-of caused some contention but we are working with them and had a fun time with them yesterday. And once again they pulled out "The Bourne Identity" and said how I look like him and were comparing me and his picture and said everything was the same, moles and all. Ha So I joked with them and hinted that it was really me and stuff, they all gave me note cards and told me to sign them. I asked if they wanted my real name or fake name and they said real, so I signed "matt damon" on each one and each signature was a little different so my cover was blown. It was fun messing with them a bit, even though I’m sure they knew I wasn't him. At least I hope. At night you can see plane lights all around you. the airport is huge! it was cool to have the planes go right over only some hundreds of feet above you. It was at sunset so it looked pretty sweet and got some alright pictures. I'll probably definitely try to miss the turn again. It was super weird after seeing Wendy's picture to think that she'll be about as old as Ellie was when I leave. It is crazy to think how much Jenna has changed looking back. As well as Ellie. AAAH! Sounds like everything is going well, Keep rockin' on! Later!
"ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS, FOR ONE DAY YOU MAY LOOK BACK AND REALIZE THEY WERE THE BIG THINGS." -?
"ONE WORD FREES US OF ALL THE WEIGHT AND PAIN OF LIFE: THAT WORD IS LOVE." -Sophocles, (I have no idea who the heck that is!)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Hey!
Sounds like everything went well with the baby. Felicidades! The pictures were great! Thanks! This last week was pretty good before transfers. Last Friday was pretty fun cause I went on exchanges with Elder Stuart so it was fun to relive past times. It is fun to work with him. With transfers, I am staying but my companion is out. I am also the district leader now as well. It is going to be fun but crazy! My new companion is Elder Colvin, he is pretty cool. I served in the same ward as him in the city so we kind-of know each other. He has about one transfer less than me in the mission. So we'll see what happens. Also one of my favorite missionaries is going home this transfer. Elder Anderson. He was such a stud. He was my first district leader and was my zone leader recently. Freak time flies! So we taught probably the coolest investigator ever on Monday. Her name is Dyra Medina and she is super cool. She basically told us everything we said was true because of how focused we were in what we were saying and our intent. As if we truly knew. She said she could see it in our eyes and like always said my eyes son preciosos. She is SUPER cool. The spirit was so strong in the lesson and the member we brought with us gave good testimony as well. This lady is a friend of a member and she also made comments on how her company she works for works with another in Utah that is run by LDS people and how nice they are and everything. She's so sweet. So things are continuing to improve here little by little. Hopefully we can continue the rise. Happy Birthday Dad! I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. I thought I just remember saying that a year ago. Crazy! Hope everything goes well and that everyone gets you something good. All I can offer is a broken heart and contrite spirit cause of how stupid of a teenager I was. I can't stand some of the youth in the world. Well everything is well and changing but thanks for the support and all that you do. Take care!
3 NEPHI 19:9 (I love this scripture!)
Sounds like everything went well with the baby. Felicidades! The pictures were great! Thanks! This last week was pretty good before transfers. Last Friday was pretty fun cause I went on exchanges with Elder Stuart so it was fun to relive past times. It is fun to work with him. With transfers, I am staying but my companion is out. I am also the district leader now as well. It is going to be fun but crazy! My new companion is Elder Colvin, he is pretty cool. I served in the same ward as him in the city so we kind-of know each other. He has about one transfer less than me in the mission. So we'll see what happens. Also one of my favorite missionaries is going home this transfer. Elder Anderson. He was such a stud. He was my first district leader and was my zone leader recently. Freak time flies! So we taught probably the coolest investigator ever on Monday. Her name is Dyra Medina and she is super cool. She basically told us everything we said was true because of how focused we were in what we were saying and our intent. As if we truly knew. She said she could see it in our eyes and like always said my eyes son preciosos. She is SUPER cool. The spirit was so strong in the lesson and the member we brought with us gave good testimony as well. This lady is a friend of a member and she also made comments on how her company she works for works with another in Utah that is run by LDS people and how nice they are and everything. She's so sweet. So things are continuing to improve here little by little. Hopefully we can continue the rise. Happy Birthday Dad! I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. I thought I just remember saying that a year ago. Crazy! Hope everything goes well and that everyone gets you something good. All I can offer is a broken heart and contrite spirit cause of how stupid of a teenager I was. I can't stand some of the youth in the world. Well everything is well and changing but thanks for the support and all that you do. Take care!
3 NEPHI 19:9 (I love this scripture!)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
HEY!
Congratulations Brian and Anna! That is so cool! Another little girl. I'm sure Ellie is really excited. Time is flying by. This past week has been pretty good. Since last Wednesday we have found 8 new investigators so things are improving around here. Yesterday we had a lesson at 7:00 in the morning, that was pretty rough but she is super cool. I really think she'll progress well. We also taught two 25-30 year olds, (English speaking), in a smoke filled room but they were fun and cool. They had a good laugh when they found out the truth about us not being polygamists and such and all the other conspiracies we cleared up. Elder McCurdy sounds like he is doing great. I received a letter from him yesterday. I can't believe he's been out for almost a month already. So we haven’t been able to visit with Rogelio and his family for awhile because he has been working more. They didn't come to church also cause of work. They will someday though. They live right next door to the very first McDonalds. I'll have to get a picture of it. It is fenced off but they built a modern right across the street of it. On the first one the sign says over 1 million served and on the modern it says over 1 billion served. Either 1 or 10 billion can't remember. We found them knocking doors on my first day here. He eats everything up. They really opened up at first cause they said they had lost a kid and his cousin recently died so we helped them understand the plan of salvation and taught from the Book of Mormon and they really opened up and grew interest in it all. We talked with some missionaries in Georgia on Thursday cause we had a call back number but it was wrong apparently cause they answered. It was pretty cool to talk with them, doing the same work in another part of the world. Freak! I don't know what to write. We are going to have our tournament today. The top Spanish vs. top English elders. It will be fun. Congratulations again and I hope everything is well. O- and Anna, about your comment in your letter. It's between you and me. wink wink. No one else has to know. Ha Well, take care!
"The foundation of all happiness is thinking rightly." -Benjamin Franklin
Congratulations Brian and Anna! That is so cool! Another little girl. I'm sure Ellie is really excited. Time is flying by. This past week has been pretty good. Since last Wednesday we have found 8 new investigators so things are improving around here. Yesterday we had a lesson at 7:00 in the morning, that was pretty rough but she is super cool. I really think she'll progress well. We also taught two 25-30 year olds, (English speaking), in a smoke filled room but they were fun and cool. They had a good laugh when they found out the truth about us not being polygamists and such and all the other conspiracies we cleared up. Elder McCurdy sounds like he is doing great. I received a letter from him yesterday. I can't believe he's been out for almost a month already. So we haven’t been able to visit with Rogelio and his family for awhile because he has been working more. They didn't come to church also cause of work. They will someday though. They live right next door to the very first McDonalds. I'll have to get a picture of it. It is fenced off but they built a modern right across the street of it. On the first one the sign says over 1 million served and on the modern it says over 1 billion served. Either 1 or 10 billion can't remember. We found them knocking doors on my first day here. He eats everything up. They really opened up at first cause they said they had lost a kid and his cousin recently died so we helped them understand the plan of salvation and taught from the Book of Mormon and they really opened up and grew interest in it all. We talked with some missionaries in Georgia on Thursday cause we had a call back number but it was wrong apparently cause they answered. It was pretty cool to talk with them, doing the same work in another part of the world. Freak! I don't know what to write. We are going to have our tournament today. The top Spanish vs. top English elders. It will be fun. Congratulations again and I hope everything is well. O- and Anna, about your comment in your letter. It's between you and me. wink wink. No one else has to know. Ha Well, take care!
"The foundation of all happiness is thinking rightly." -Benjamin Franklin
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Hey!
We are going to have a big basketball show-down next week I believe. The AP's are setting it up. The best 3 English elders vs. the best 3 Spanish elders. Can't wait to dominate! The baptism was good. It was cool to see everyone again and even some of my old investigators cause they came. So I’m fine with being here, or at least getting better. So some good Spanish dishes are: pazole (mm mm good), mole (sometimes good), tacos, tostadas, pizza (not Spanish but good), and other normal stuff. Rogelio and his family are doing alright. They called us Sunday morning and canceled our usual appointment at 9am., and they weren't able to make it to church but are planning to this Sunday. They are SUPER cool! In our ward mission plan they set an alright goal to have the members give at least one referral each month. Really members just need to open their eyes and see that it's them that can help the missionary efforts excel or stay flat. One reason is cause they are scared and nervous to share the gospel but our mission president in a stake conference talked about the scripture about obtaining the word before declaring and you shall be given what to say in that moment. He then made a promise with everyone that if they just take the time to read chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel, just chapter 3, they would be completely prepared and ready to share and that they won't be afraid to do so. Seems pretty easy and it makes a big difference. STUDY PREACH MY GOSPEL EVERY DAY! One thing you can do that we have done, if the missionaries haven’t had you do it yet, is YOU teach the missionaries when they come over. By doing so it also helps you in many ways but then will help you gain desires to accompany the missionaries in appointments. That is probably the biggest help. But do the finding, accompanying, and fellowshipping (not just saying hi or welcome). All victory comes through being humble, diligent, and through prayers of faith. (D&C 104:82) Well things have been well. Can't think of any crazy stories. I don't need anything. Good luck with everything!
Later!
"A LITTLE CRAZINESS ONCE IN A WHILE PERPETUATES SANITY."
"NO GOALS, NO GLORY."
We are going to have a big basketball show-down next week I believe. The AP's are setting it up. The best 3 English elders vs. the best 3 Spanish elders. Can't wait to dominate! The baptism was good. It was cool to see everyone again and even some of my old investigators cause they came. So I’m fine with being here, or at least getting better. So some good Spanish dishes are: pazole (mm mm good), mole (sometimes good), tacos, tostadas, pizza (not Spanish but good), and other normal stuff. Rogelio and his family are doing alright. They called us Sunday morning and canceled our usual appointment at 9am., and they weren't able to make it to church but are planning to this Sunday. They are SUPER cool! In our ward mission plan they set an alright goal to have the members give at least one referral each month. Really members just need to open their eyes and see that it's them that can help the missionary efforts excel or stay flat. One reason is cause they are scared and nervous to share the gospel but our mission president in a stake conference talked about the scripture about obtaining the word before declaring and you shall be given what to say in that moment. He then made a promise with everyone that if they just take the time to read chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel, just chapter 3, they would be completely prepared and ready to share and that they won't be afraid to do so. Seems pretty easy and it makes a big difference. STUDY PREACH MY GOSPEL EVERY DAY! One thing you can do that we have done, if the missionaries haven’t had you do it yet, is YOU teach the missionaries when they come over. By doing so it also helps you in many ways but then will help you gain desires to accompany the missionaries in appointments. That is probably the biggest help. But do the finding, accompanying, and fellowshipping (not just saying hi or welcome). All victory comes through being humble, diligent, and through prayers of faith. (D&C 104:82) Well things have been well. Can't think of any crazy stories. I don't need anything. Good luck with everything!
Later!
"A LITTLE CRAZINESS ONCE IN A WHILE PERPETUATES SANITY."
"NO GOALS, NO GLORY."
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
What's up?
So I am really hoping today is finally the day when we are going to play volleyball. Every time we plan to, it doesn't happen. I really think we will this time. I HAVN'T PLAYED FOR ALMOST A YEAR!! We were knocking and right when we entered a apt. complex we heard someone praying through the door and from what we heard thought it was a JW about to leave and knock doors, but we knocked and it happened to be a woman visiting another because she was having difficulties in life and they said a pray for help. They didn't really act surprised but kind-of made a connection with us showing up. But we showed the video "Finding Happiness" and then talked about it with the restoration mixed in a little. It seemed like it gave them peace and comfort and we have a go-back appointment with them so we'll see what comes of it. It was a pretty powerful short lesson. So I don't know if I already told you but Gustavo is going to be baptized this Saturday and the President gave me permission to go to it so I am pretty stoked. Gustavo's a stud! We had zone conference way out in Rockford. It was pretty fun and enlightening. Well HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANIEL AND ELLIE! I'll try to write but I never seem to find time anymore. Ellie's two!! What the freak! Anna is probably going to kill me cause I never write her back. Someday I’ll try. Well things have started to improve and just to clear up, the crazy lady was a different dinner appointment than the one I almost threw up at. And she also invited us over again to eat. She is weird! Things are improving and hopeful an awesome family we are teaching will come to church this Sunday. Fingers are crossed! They are super cool! Well, Happy Birthday to the two again and others that may be near or passed. I can't remember things about home well out here. But keep it real! Later!
"ATTITUDE DETERMINES ALTITUDE!"
So I am really hoping today is finally the day when we are going to play volleyball. Every time we plan to, it doesn't happen. I really think we will this time. I HAVN'T PLAYED FOR ALMOST A YEAR!! We were knocking and right when we entered a apt. complex we heard someone praying through the door and from what we heard thought it was a JW about to leave and knock doors, but we knocked and it happened to be a woman visiting another because she was having difficulties in life and they said a pray for help. They didn't really act surprised but kind-of made a connection with us showing up. But we showed the video "Finding Happiness" and then talked about it with the restoration mixed in a little. It seemed like it gave them peace and comfort and we have a go-back appointment with them so we'll see what comes of it. It was a pretty powerful short lesson. So I don't know if I already told you but Gustavo is going to be baptized this Saturday and the President gave me permission to go to it so I am pretty stoked. Gustavo's a stud! We had zone conference way out in Rockford. It was pretty fun and enlightening. Well HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANIEL AND ELLIE! I'll try to write but I never seem to find time anymore. Ellie's two!! What the freak! Anna is probably going to kill me cause I never write her back. Someday I’ll try. Well things have started to improve and just to clear up, the crazy lady was a different dinner appointment than the one I almost threw up at. And she also invited us over again to eat. She is weird! Things are improving and hopeful an awesome family we are teaching will come to church this Sunday. Fingers are crossed! They are super cool! Well, Happy Birthday to the two again and others that may be near or passed. I can't remember things about home well out here. But keep it real! Later!
"ATTITUDE DETERMINES ALTITUDE!"
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Hey!
So the address here is: 648 COLONIAL LANE #17, DES PLAINES, IL 60016 It is hard to admit but I am really getting down here. I really don't like it especially after coming out of Bloomingdale. I guess that means there is really someone good here I have to find because it stinks here. Let’s just hope there is. I'm afraid that I’ll be here awhile as well. Oh well, we grow from adversity and the hard times, right? I did get some good news from Bloomingdale that our investigators are still coming to church and still want to be baptized. Some are still coming that we were afraid would stop coming. We are teaching a cool family that we found on our first day together here in this area. They are super cool and interested, especially the husband. He really understood and liked the "cups of apostasy". I really like using those. Did you ever use those Brian or Daniel? it has been good playing basketball here cause I have been able to improve skills playing with better players. Today I think we are going to play volleyball. I haven’t played that for so long I almost forgot what it was. Well, Happy Birthday Auni! Rock on! Later!
So the address here is: 648 COLONIAL LANE #17, DES PLAINES, IL 60016 It is hard to admit but I am really getting down here. I really don't like it especially after coming out of Bloomingdale. I guess that means there is really someone good here I have to find because it stinks here. Let’s just hope there is. I'm afraid that I’ll be here awhile as well. Oh well, we grow from adversity and the hard times, right? I did get some good news from Bloomingdale that our investigators are still coming to church and still want to be baptized. Some are still coming that we were afraid would stop coming. We are teaching a cool family that we found on our first day together here in this area. They are super cool and interested, especially the husband. He really understood and liked the "cups of apostasy". I really like using those. Did you ever use those Brian or Daniel? it has been good playing basketball here cause I have been able to improve skills playing with better players. Today I think we are going to play volleyball. I haven’t played that for so long I almost forgot what it was. Well, Happy Birthday Auni! Rock on! Later!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Hey!
So, so far it has been good here. This area has been known for being cruddy and not much success but this past week we have found about 5 new investigators and have had other success as well. We've been doing a lot of shoveling service because we have been getting a lot of snow. We were thinking about making a huge snow fort like we did at the card shop on porter lane. O, and once again my companion thinks I look like Jason Bourne. The ward here is pretty big and there are rumors that it is going to be divided soon, but who knows. Things are well, I miss Bloomingdale, and I hope we can get some good things started here. The apartment isn't as nice as well. We have fun torching cockroaches. I think that's it but I’m on for another 23 minutes so if I remember something I’ll right again, or if you are on. Later!
So I forgot to put in a quote or something so here are a few:
"SATAN TREMBLES WHEN HE SEES THE WEAKEST SAINT UPON HIS KNEES." -William Cowper
"GOD GAVE US MEMORIES THAT WE MIGHT HAVE JUNE ROSES IN THE DECEMBER OF OUR LIVES." -James Barrie
"A HUMBLE PAIR OF MISSIONARIES IN INNER CITY CHICAGO ARE JUST AS CLOSE TO HEAVEN AS IS GORDON B. HINCKLEY IN THE UPPER ROOM OF THE TEMPLE, REMEMBER THAT!" -Elder M. Russell Ballard
So, so far it has been good here. This area has been known for being cruddy and not much success but this past week we have found about 5 new investigators and have had other success as well. We've been doing a lot of shoveling service because we have been getting a lot of snow. We were thinking about making a huge snow fort like we did at the card shop on porter lane. O, and once again my companion thinks I look like Jason Bourne. The ward here is pretty big and there are rumors that it is going to be divided soon, but who knows. Things are well, I miss Bloomingdale, and I hope we can get some good things started here. The apartment isn't as nice as well. We have fun torching cockroaches. I think that's it but I’m on for another 23 minutes so if I remember something I’ll right again, or if you are on. Later!
So I forgot to put in a quote or something so here are a few:
"SATAN TREMBLES WHEN HE SEES THE WEAKEST SAINT UPON HIS KNEES." -William Cowper
"GOD GAVE US MEMORIES THAT WE MIGHT HAVE JUNE ROSES IN THE DECEMBER OF OUR LIVES." -James Barrie
"A HUMBLE PAIR OF MISSIONARIES IN INNER CITY CHICAGO ARE JUST AS CLOSE TO HEAVEN AS IS GORDON B. HINCKLEY IN THE UPPER ROOM OF THE TEMPLE, REMEMBER THAT!" -Elder M. Russell Ballard
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Hey!
Nar-harloskee? That is how are you in Tarasco. So transfers have come and gone and I am now in an area called Des Plaines. It is where the airport is and so now I can watch all the planes fly over. That will be sweet. I’m not really happy because I LOVED Bloomingdale and we had tons of awesome people we were teaching and about 4-5 that were going to be baptized in the next couple months. I really thought I was going to stay, but no. So one thing that really is on my mind from after talking with you all and seeing pictures and also leaving Bloomingdale is to remember the moments. Don't take for them granted. Just like President Monson said. It is hard not to be there to watch them grow up, so enjoy those moments for me. I wish I would have enjoyed being in Bloomingdale more now that it is gone.
Nar-harloskee? That is how are you in Tarasco. So transfers have come and gone and I am now in an area called Des Plaines. It is where the airport is and so now I can watch all the planes fly over. That will be sweet. I’m not really happy because I LOVED Bloomingdale and we had tons of awesome people we were teaching and about 4-5 that were going to be baptized in the next couple months. I really thought I was going to stay, but no. So one thing that really is on my mind from after talking with you all and seeing pictures and also leaving Bloomingdale is to remember the moments. Don't take for them granted. Just like President Monson said. It is hard not to be there to watch them grow up, so enjoy those moments for me. I wish I would have enjoyed being in Bloomingdale more now that it is gone.
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