I would first and foremost love to hear Grandma, and Aubrey and Amber, they are the talent of the family and they deffinately invite the spirit. If they could sing a song about missionary service, or there's a song that they have in seminary by a lady and it's called "I am" some of the lines go "maker, creater, life sustainer....when I am weak unable to speak, still I can call him by name, and he says I am." I don't know who it is by. Or if they could sing, a song that goes something like" nations fall before him, the rivers crawl to find him, mountains move just to let him through,...come and never leave him." However these are just suggestions. Whatever they put together I'm sure will shake the very ground, and I can't wait to hear it. Whatever you find if it is one of these, or something else, make it a surprise, I don't want to know what it is until I hear it on that day. I love the topic that I was given to speak on though. I might be able to write you something next wednesday, I don't know though. It has been great writing to you though. I will miss this, bearing my testimony through the written word. I wrote most of everything that I have time for. Today we were in the city and now I need to get to bed. Today was amazing in the city. I talked to some great people on the train, I just love sharing the gospel and getting into conversations with people. It was incredible just talking to people. I loved seeing the city again, this is my home, this is my home. I loved it. The day went by so fast, like these two years, it's insane. The day with Bill was awesome, some great last memories in the city, and reminiscing with Bill. Well I'm off to Bed. I wrote dad more. It's been a pleasure writing you and this is the last one,......1 Timothy 3:14 and 2 John 1:12.
Love Elder Adams
P.S.-Tear it up Josh, love every minute of it. Time is so precious especially as a missionary. I love you Bro.
Really good weather for the rest of the week and next week.... I love it!!!! Let's tear it up and light it up. Everybody is going to hear me shout it from the roof tops. We go down into the vineyard to labor for the last time here, to be in this vineyard, and then I go to labor in another part. I've gotten an idea that I have to think of it as another transfer that I'm just getting a new area. Thanks dad for your consolation and words of encouragement. I'm sorry I can't write a whole ton more, I've been down in the city today for our last trip. We went and met bill and we had a good time. It was awesome weather. I have some good pictures and today went by so fast. I'm so stoked. Sunday night I was chanting at my companion, "lets do it" it's the last hooray!!! I made him put his fist in and give a chant. We're coming around the corner and it's the straight away. Oh man can you feel it,..... this is when it all comes down you can put it all out there. I love it its like a surge of adrenaline. It feels so good. The angels of God are behind and pushing forward, I just feel the chanting and surging. At the same time, whenever I have an incredible contact or a meeting with someone it's hard because then I think how hard it will be to not have these experiences or to not have these feelings all the time. I had one the other day and it was hard. I actually started crying while we were out tracting as we walked away from this man who had taken a copy of the Book of Mormon and after I'd shared my testimony and told him about some interesting war chapters which made him interested in the book of Mormon. I love this work and the feelings so much. Today in the city was especially incredible. Remembering times with Bill and how we met him. He recounted how we met and the different times teaching him and how he accepted baptism and that was two years ago. It's come and gone. Today went by like it was nothing. It was such a good day though, such good memories. I love this city and being down there oh it was so good. I also had my last interview with President Doll and he said how he liked how I am a good example of a missionary working hard up to the end. He said he's notice one thing about me how I've been consistant all throughout my mission. It was a good interview. I also spoke on sunday and they had one of the speakers not show up so they asked me and my comp to speak about 20 min before sacrament started. It turned out awesome. There was so much praise from the members, I think they were touched, it went well, not bad for no notice, plus I had a cold. Well this will probably be my letter home as it's late right now and I need to get to bed. I don't know If I'll write anything to mom so be sure and share this. I love you Dad, family, and all. You've been an incredible support and I love you all. This is the last hoorah, the final days, my last week in the mission field. Here we go, go, go!!!! We're gonna make it happen!!!! It's the last week though.... it's the last of everything, it's hard to think of and then it will all be over. I love you all. 1 Timothy 3:14 and 2 John 1:12. I love you.
Love Elder Adams, The last letter home,..... The last Chapter.......My closing remarks.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
May 12, 2010
We had a lot more success this week in finding new investigators. This week has been a good start as well. On Monday we met with this new investigator, Jennifer. She has been sober for 3 years last october, about a year and a half ago. It was at this time that she felt that something was missing and so she began to search. She went back to her catholic church to see if it was there, but she didn't feel it there. She looked in other places, and had heard from the Jehovahs witness but nothing came. She then was having a hard time with life and her husband began to drink again and she was praying. He was then taken to jail. It was shortly after this happened that we knocked on her door. After we had presented the restoration to her and the Book of Mormon, she told us that she had felt something when she first talked to us at her door, and that that was why she had agreed to have us back, because normally like with the Jehovah's witnesses, she tells them all no. Our situation was different. When we came by for our appointment she was ready to meet with us but we didn’t have another male with us. I had to use the bathroom and my companion chirped up and said so for me. I went in and used her bathroom and after I was relieved I got on the cell phone and called Brother Berry, the member that we live with. While I was in the bathroom!!!!!! He was home and was willing to hurry over. It was a miracle, I just thought we had to meet with her right then, and it all worked out. The day that we came by to meet, at the end of the meeting she said that she was having a really hard day, but when we started to talk she said that she felt a peace and serenity start to come back again. This is so incredible she was feeling the spirit testify to her!!! The spirit was with us!!! It was working through us to touch her. I love seeing miracles like this and seeing how God leads us to people and people to us.
We have also met with Sister Sepsey last night and her 12 year old daughter who is not a member, and we talked about baptism. This little girl started to cry as I asked her when she wanted to have the Holy Ghost in her life. She said that she did want to be baptized. Something was wrong or had happened I think that prevented her from being baptized because her mom is divorced. She kept the tears in the corner of her eyes and I think she tried to hide them. She’s a smart girl though and knows a lot about the gospel. Brandy however looks like she has hit a brick wall. Her significant other wants to do the wedding his way, so regardless of her most earnest desires to get baptized she won't be able to because she is held back by someone elses decisions. This is the saddest things to see. Her is a young lady who knows it is all true and wants a remission of her sins and new life for herself and wants to marry the one she loves, but can't do it because he has reservations, even though they have 2 kids between them. It's sad to see. I don't know how to help them, it's up to her boyfriend. What's even more complicated is that they are living with his parents who are active members. He is not active at all and wants nothing to do with the Church. I don't know.
There's a lot of good to be done here, and things are starting to really get rolling. We’ve had a couple of other really neat experiences. Like Juan and his daughter just bringing out this older copy of the Book of Mormon. He had no idea where it came from. He’d never heard our message either. I don’t know. The only thing I can say is that the Lord is leading and guiding us. We have also ran into a number of these people that used to be members, well still are, but they don’t attend and we get to talking to them. These are The Lord’s lost sheep. These are the saddest when you have to walk away from their doorstep, because these are the ones that once had it, that knew of the truth and lived it and for one reason or another have forsaken the path. It’s sad, but it’s more of an instilment for me to stay true to my testimony and hold to the iron rod. Things are looking like they are really starting to get going here. It's too bad we don't have just a little more time. Especially to see what happens to some of these people.
This is my first part of my email, more to come.
Next week I might not email much. We are planning to meet Bill down in Chicago for the day. We are taking the metra train down, the big double decker!!!!! I'll check my email and try to write something though when we stop by the apple store in downtown. Next wednesday, the last P-day, it's going to be a fun one.
Love Elder Adams
This was something President sent us that I guess was in the Chicago Tribune. I love you Mom. Mother's day is important.
Mormon moms prepare for special day
Missionaries can call home on Mother's Day
By Manya A. Brachear, Tribune reporter
May 8, 2010
For children who leave home and move on, Mother's Day is often marked by the much-anticipated long-distance call home.
For mothers of missionaries in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that anticipation lasts months, making the time-honored tradition particularly meaningful.
In addition to sending weekly e-mail notes or handwritten letters, young Mormon missionaries can talk to their families only twice a year. The cherished semiannual ritual falls on Christmas and Mother's Day, holidays when either Jesus Christ or family is the focus. The calls also serve as reassurance and mile markers for mothers who aren't there to witness their children's transition into adulthood.
"My mom is the best mom in the world," said Elder James Hilton, 21, who is nearing the end of a mission in Sapporo, Japan. (A missionary is addressed as elder during an assignment.) "Me and my brothers were everything to her and still are. For her, my getting to go to the place I've always wanted to go was great. But at the same time, it means I'm growing up and leaving her."
While the imposed absence from mom and dad serves to foster a deeper appreciation for parenthood among young missionaries, parents often have the hardest time letting go, making the ring of the telephone on Mother's Day the greatest gift.
"You spend the couple weeks before the phone call mapping out your questions, any concerns you have," said Alysia Hilton, of Glenview, who is eager to make her second Mother's Day call to Japan on Sunday. "I go back and forth between being the first and letting my husband say goodbye, or last. I don't know if I'm going to weep the last 15 minutes and make him upset."
More than 50,000 full-time missionaries — mostly men — ages 19 to 30 serve as missionaries for the Latter-day Saints. Young men can serve 24 months beginning at age 19. Young women can serve 18 months beginning at age 21.
Based on Jesus' instruction in the New Testament to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations," the church's missionaries introduce people to Mormon teachings, including the church's code of health and nutrition, the Book of Mormon and its beliefs about reuniting with family in the afterlife.
Missionaries maintain only weekly written communication with their family in order to focus on their ministry. The semiannual telephone calls are usually limited to 45 minutes or an hour.
"The mindset of a mission is it's not your time, it's God's time," said James Hilton.
But the regimen is often more taxing for the mothers than the missionaries.
"To be physically separated from so far a distance, I didn't know what that ever would feel like," Alysia Hilton said. "I really love my boys. They're my whole life."
While two years may seem like an eternity for moms, the time often flies for missionaries.
For Elder Jonathan Scott, 19, who just began his mission in Fullerton, Calif., two years is just a sliver of time, considering the church teaching that he will be sealed to his family for time and eternity.
But as the days slowly tick down to her son's return in 18 months, Auralee Scott, of Northbrook, wishes she could be her son's sounding board as he faces the rejection Mormon missionaries often encounter. Reading about his struggles in letters only seems to widen the distance.
"I worry about him," she said. "I want him to feel successful. I just have the faith that he's where he should be and God is watching over him. Basically, I believe there must be some kind of lesson he'll learn from this."
Scott has already prepared a care package for her son's 20th birthday this month. It includes a roster of missionaries on both sides of the family, including his father, grandfathers, uncles and cousins. She hopes it will provide some encouragement.
"It's the sort of thing he can take pride in," she said. "He's one of them."
Though Auralee Scott never did a mission — she was engaged at age 21 — her son credits her with instilling a mission mindset. Since age 4, he has collected money for the assignment. She taught him lessons that supported him on the mission field and helped him pack his bags.
"You can see how much we value motherhood as a sacred responsibility," Jonathan Scott said. "My mother is my example to me growing up. Her knowledge and testimony of the gospel, that's partially why I'm here."
President seems to be pleased with what we are trying to do here with the Belvidere Branch. There wasn't much when we got her but things are getting up and going. It's frustrating that we don't have enough time to see things play out or to work it a bit more and see if we can't surely see some results and the fruits of it all. Here's what President wrote this week.
Reply From President
Thank you for reporting to me about your proselyting activities and the various people that you\'re working with. I can see that you continue to work hard in contacting people and talking to everyone. That\'s a great. It\'s a wonderful example to those about you. I can see that you are working hard right to the end of your mission. Thank you for working hard to help Elder Larkin to have a positive and his mission also. I\'m sure that the people in your branch appreciate all that the two of you are doing.
Yeah I have no idea how things are going to get home. Some are saying that they charge you even for your first bag!!!! I have no idea. I might see if I can send the bike home and just ship it. I don't know I'll have the members look things up for me. Next week we are going to the city to be with Bill, so that is going to be an excursion by train. I won't have a lot of time. I have a feeling that I'm going to get charged for bags no matter what, unless I leave stuff here. I think I can take a backpack and my small bag on as carry on, but then I don't know what they are going to charge me after that. I'm trying to figure things out, but honestly I have no idea. I wish that I didn't have to worry about it all and it would all just happen. It's like you said that it's all inevitable now, it's happening, I'm coming home, and now there is so much stuff to take care of and to worry about. Time sweeps by so quickly, and that day is ever on the forefront of my mind. I just want to be here and do the mission and not have to worry about everything, but the fact that it is coming so close makes it difficult. I guess this is a good reason to call it a push. It's almost like someone is pushing me towards that date, days go by fast and it's inevitable. Tell Josh Congrats on his calling as a zone leader. He's going to do awesome. I've heard it's a lot of paperwork and meetings though.
Like I said I'll probably check my email down at the apple store in downtown really quick next week and write you for the last time. Wow, for the last email, that's intense, it will be a lot of last times for everything after that. Oh, when I talked to Bill he said that he finally got a wedding announcement from Elder Purdie, and his is this Friday. He's been engaged since like January. Anyway, I love you all so much and I hope that you had a great mother's day. You're all in my prayers,
Love your,
Elder Adams
I finally got to look at the pics of Josh, Nice. It's good to see my bro. He's so lucky. This morning I was thinking about it, and he has a whole year still ahead of him. It goes by fast, especially after the year. This whole 2 years has gone by fast. This morning I thought about how lucky he is, he still has a whole year ahead. Tell him I love him
Love Elder Adams
We have also met with Sister Sepsey last night and her 12 year old daughter who is not a member, and we talked about baptism. This little girl started to cry as I asked her when she wanted to have the Holy Ghost in her life. She said that she did want to be baptized. Something was wrong or had happened I think that prevented her from being baptized because her mom is divorced. She kept the tears in the corner of her eyes and I think she tried to hide them. She’s a smart girl though and knows a lot about the gospel. Brandy however looks like she has hit a brick wall. Her significant other wants to do the wedding his way, so regardless of her most earnest desires to get baptized she won't be able to because she is held back by someone elses decisions. This is the saddest things to see. Her is a young lady who knows it is all true and wants a remission of her sins and new life for herself and wants to marry the one she loves, but can't do it because he has reservations, even though they have 2 kids between them. It's sad to see. I don't know how to help them, it's up to her boyfriend. What's even more complicated is that they are living with his parents who are active members. He is not active at all and wants nothing to do with the Church. I don't know.
There's a lot of good to be done here, and things are starting to really get rolling. We’ve had a couple of other really neat experiences. Like Juan and his daughter just bringing out this older copy of the Book of Mormon. He had no idea where it came from. He’d never heard our message either. I don’t know. The only thing I can say is that the Lord is leading and guiding us. We have also ran into a number of these people that used to be members, well still are, but they don’t attend and we get to talking to them. These are The Lord’s lost sheep. These are the saddest when you have to walk away from their doorstep, because these are the ones that once had it, that knew of the truth and lived it and for one reason or another have forsaken the path. It’s sad, but it’s more of an instilment for me to stay true to my testimony and hold to the iron rod. Things are looking like they are really starting to get going here. It's too bad we don't have just a little more time. Especially to see what happens to some of these people.
This is my first part of my email, more to come.
Next week I might not email much. We are planning to meet Bill down in Chicago for the day. We are taking the metra train down, the big double decker!!!!! I'll check my email and try to write something though when we stop by the apple store in downtown. Next wednesday, the last P-day, it's going to be a fun one.
Love Elder Adams
This was something President sent us that I guess was in the Chicago Tribune. I love you Mom. Mother's day is important.
Mormon moms prepare for special day
Missionaries can call home on Mother's Day
By Manya A. Brachear, Tribune reporter
May 8, 2010
For children who leave home and move on, Mother's Day is often marked by the much-anticipated long-distance call home.
For mothers of missionaries in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that anticipation lasts months, making the time-honored tradition particularly meaningful.
In addition to sending weekly e-mail notes or handwritten letters, young Mormon missionaries can talk to their families only twice a year. The cherished semiannual ritual falls on Christmas and Mother's Day, holidays when either Jesus Christ or family is the focus. The calls also serve as reassurance and mile markers for mothers who aren't there to witness their children's transition into adulthood.
"My mom is the best mom in the world," said Elder James Hilton, 21, who is nearing the end of a mission in Sapporo, Japan. (A missionary is addressed as elder during an assignment.) "Me and my brothers were everything to her and still are. For her, my getting to go to the place I've always wanted to go was great. But at the same time, it means I'm growing up and leaving her."
While the imposed absence from mom and dad serves to foster a deeper appreciation for parenthood among young missionaries, parents often have the hardest time letting go, making the ring of the telephone on Mother's Day the greatest gift.
"You spend the couple weeks before the phone call mapping out your questions, any concerns you have," said Alysia Hilton, of Glenview, who is eager to make her second Mother's Day call to Japan on Sunday. "I go back and forth between being the first and letting my husband say goodbye, or last. I don't know if I'm going to weep the last 15 minutes and make him upset."
More than 50,000 full-time missionaries — mostly men — ages 19 to 30 serve as missionaries for the Latter-day Saints. Young men can serve 24 months beginning at age 19. Young women can serve 18 months beginning at age 21.
Based on Jesus' instruction in the New Testament to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations," the church's missionaries introduce people to Mormon teachings, including the church's code of health and nutrition, the Book of Mormon and its beliefs about reuniting with family in the afterlife.
Missionaries maintain only weekly written communication with their family in order to focus on their ministry. The semiannual telephone calls are usually limited to 45 minutes or an hour.
"The mindset of a mission is it's not your time, it's God's time," said James Hilton.
But the regimen is often more taxing for the mothers than the missionaries.
"To be physically separated from so far a distance, I didn't know what that ever would feel like," Alysia Hilton said. "I really love my boys. They're my whole life."
While two years may seem like an eternity for moms, the time often flies for missionaries.
For Elder Jonathan Scott, 19, who just began his mission in Fullerton, Calif., two years is just a sliver of time, considering the church teaching that he will be sealed to his family for time and eternity.
But as the days slowly tick down to her son's return in 18 months, Auralee Scott, of Northbrook, wishes she could be her son's sounding board as he faces the rejection Mormon missionaries often encounter. Reading about his struggles in letters only seems to widen the distance.
"I worry about him," she said. "I want him to feel successful. I just have the faith that he's where he should be and God is watching over him. Basically, I believe there must be some kind of lesson he'll learn from this."
Scott has already prepared a care package for her son's 20th birthday this month. It includes a roster of missionaries on both sides of the family, including his father, grandfathers, uncles and cousins. She hopes it will provide some encouragement.
"It's the sort of thing he can take pride in," she said. "He's one of them."
Though Auralee Scott never did a mission — she was engaged at age 21 — her son credits her with instilling a mission mindset. Since age 4, he has collected money for the assignment. She taught him lessons that supported him on the mission field and helped him pack his bags.
"You can see how much we value motherhood as a sacred responsibility," Jonathan Scott said. "My mother is my example to me growing up. Her knowledge and testimony of the gospel, that's partially why I'm here."
President seems to be pleased with what we are trying to do here with the Belvidere Branch. There wasn't much when we got her but things are getting up and going. It's frustrating that we don't have enough time to see things play out or to work it a bit more and see if we can't surely see some results and the fruits of it all. Here's what President wrote this week.
Reply From President
Thank you for reporting to me about your proselyting activities and the various people that you\'re working with. I can see that you continue to work hard in contacting people and talking to everyone. That\'s a great. It\'s a wonderful example to those about you. I can see that you are working hard right to the end of your mission. Thank you for working hard to help Elder Larkin to have a positive and his mission also. I\'m sure that the people in your branch appreciate all that the two of you are doing.
Yeah I have no idea how things are going to get home. Some are saying that they charge you even for your first bag!!!! I have no idea. I might see if I can send the bike home and just ship it. I don't know I'll have the members look things up for me. Next week we are going to the city to be with Bill, so that is going to be an excursion by train. I won't have a lot of time. I have a feeling that I'm going to get charged for bags no matter what, unless I leave stuff here. I think I can take a backpack and my small bag on as carry on, but then I don't know what they are going to charge me after that. I'm trying to figure things out, but honestly I have no idea. I wish that I didn't have to worry about it all and it would all just happen. It's like you said that it's all inevitable now, it's happening, I'm coming home, and now there is so much stuff to take care of and to worry about. Time sweeps by so quickly, and that day is ever on the forefront of my mind. I just want to be here and do the mission and not have to worry about everything, but the fact that it is coming so close makes it difficult. I guess this is a good reason to call it a push. It's almost like someone is pushing me towards that date, days go by fast and it's inevitable. Tell Josh Congrats on his calling as a zone leader. He's going to do awesome. I've heard it's a lot of paperwork and meetings though.
Like I said I'll probably check my email down at the apple store in downtown really quick next week and write you for the last time. Wow, for the last email, that's intense, it will be a lot of last times for everything after that. Oh, when I talked to Bill he said that he finally got a wedding announcement from Elder Purdie, and his is this Friday. He's been engaged since like January. Anyway, I love you all so much and I hope that you had a great mother's day. You're all in my prayers,
Love your,
Elder Adams
I finally got to look at the pics of Josh, Nice. It's good to see my bro. He's so lucky. This morning I was thinking about it, and he has a whole year still ahead of him. It goes by fast, especially after the year. This whole 2 years has gone by fast. This morning I thought about how lucky he is, he still has a whole year ahead. Tell him I love him
Love Elder Adams
Sunday, May 9, 2010
May 5, 2010
Here's what my mission president sent me this week.
I love your Ammon story and mowing the lawn. That sounds like a great experience that will lead to help a family be activated and their daughter to be baptized. Good job. It sounds like you and Elder Larkin are working very hard to find people and to get things moving along in Belvidere. The stake president recently told me that the branch only lacks about 26 more members in order to go forward as a ward. You can certainly help move this along. And, as you pointed out, there are 26,000 people in Belvidere. Finding 26 people to be baptized is 0.10% of the population in Belvidere. It seems very plausible that those 26 people are there right now and could be moved towards baptism.
Have an exciting week!
Well this has been another great week, Fast sunday was this weekend, my last one in the mission field. It was powerful. I had forgotten to tell you that we had to give our departing testimonies at zone conference on the 22 of april. I ended up getting called up first and I hadn't planned anything. It was tough to make it through it, but it didn't seem as much like a departing testimony as when I bore my testimony in sacrament this Sunday. This one in fast sunday was really hard, I cried a lot through it. I had some interesting comments from one member, but several thanked me for my testimony(I can't write a lot right now). Anyway, Thursday we had dinner over at Brandy's home, with her significant other. After dinner we met with her and she had followed our commitment to ask him about why they had never gotten married. They have two kids together after all. To her surprise he said that he wants to wait until he has enough money to give her a grandeos wedding. She couldn't believe this and didn't know what to say. She told us how she of course has her reservations as well. But she said that she knows that this is the one true church and that salvation is something that is important to her. She said that she wants to be baptized. This is what she told us. We told her that she should tell him exactly what she is telling us, and bear her testimony. She had a lot to think about, and we had planned to teach fasting as it would be fast Sunday in a few days. We did and she loved it. It was so perfect for the situation and the timing. We didn't even have to commit her to fast. Before we even got done teaching her the principle, and had made mention that it was this Sunday, she was excited and said she couldn't wait to do it!!! It was such a good lesson, the power of the spirit there was incredible. She was all ears and was listening so intently as we showed her scriptures about what she could fast for and what the blessings are. She wanted to break her fast with us on Sunday and we had it all arranged to do so, but she ended up having to go to her nephews 3rd birthday. She came to church though. She had a lot of decisions to be fasting for, marriage, baptism, etc. When we told her that she could get married and that branch president could marry her at the church and that the branch could put together a 'grandeos' wedding and reception for her, FOR FREE, she was thrilled!!!! She found out that we would be leaving soon and she thought how great it would be to have this all happen in May!!!! That would be such an experience if she got married and then baptized and we got to be a part of it all. The branch would do an awesome job. So she had a lot to fast about. We haven't been able to get back in contact with her since Sunday, she's busy with those two kids, but how cool would it be if a wedding took place!!!!
We've been finding and teaching others, sometimes those we teach won't set return appointments, or it's difficult to get in contact with people we meet. I'm just so happy though. There aren't a lot of investigators or baptismal dates, but just to be out on a warm day with your companion talking to people, teaching them on their doorsteps and then praying with them. This is the life, a daily dose of this would carry me happily to the end of my days.
We have met a less active and his friend Nick has expressed desire to get baptized. The thing is he's been to the church before and played basketball so this isn't the first introduction. He wants to get baptized before he goes into the military.
Also a member posted my printer on ebay for me in a 20 day bid.
I love you all so much,
Love Elder Adams
I hate this limited time on the library computer. I have to send to separate emails because there isn't enough time to do it in a half hour before it runs out and I have to renew. I only get an hour.
Yeah I'll deffinately have to think about that house sitting. What an opportunity for grandma though. So bishop wants me to speak, does he have a topic that he wants me to speak on or does he want me to decide. Usually I thought they gave out topics. Let me know next week. I'd love to be able to study whatever out and give it some thought if he does have a topic that he wants me to talk about. I only have 10 minutes so I have to write fast.
I forgot to tell you about this lady from england that we met who was baptized at 15 and is now 80, she was a lost sheep. Her husband is atheist, and she goes to the Lutheran church now. We've met with them twice, we just tracted into them. We sadly won't be meeting anymore. The story is more incredible than this and we did learn some amazing things about her. Maybe I can tell you this sunday. You know it's odd being one of the oldest in the district, there aren't any other missionaries that have been out as long as my comp and I in the district. They look to and listen to what I have to say and really like it. It's odd. Also last sunday we had dinner at a castle of a home it was huge.
This fast sunday was an important one for me and for one of our investigators as you probably read from my email. I was fasting for a lot of things. This being my last in the mission field, it was a like a fast for the rest of my life, for help, for the future, for the transition. It was and insightful time. My studies that night were incredible as well. I felt like I'd been on a ride at an amusement park when I got done.
I love you so much mom and I will call you this week. I had to see what you would say. I love you so much though, and your support has been second to none. I love you so much words can't even express it. You are amazing. Don't let anyone tell you any different. I want you to have a wonderful mother's day. There's so much that I want to write about but no time. I guess it's a good thing I 'll be able to call this sunday. I don't know exactly what time though. Who knows??
Love Elder Adams
I love your Ammon story and mowing the lawn. That sounds like a great experience that will lead to help a family be activated and their daughter to be baptized. Good job. It sounds like you and Elder Larkin are working very hard to find people and to get things moving along in Belvidere. The stake president recently told me that the branch only lacks about 26 more members in order to go forward as a ward. You can certainly help move this along. And, as you pointed out, there are 26,000 people in Belvidere. Finding 26 people to be baptized is 0.10% of the population in Belvidere. It seems very plausible that those 26 people are there right now and could be moved towards baptism.
Have an exciting week!
Well this has been another great week, Fast sunday was this weekend, my last one in the mission field. It was powerful. I had forgotten to tell you that we had to give our departing testimonies at zone conference on the 22 of april. I ended up getting called up first and I hadn't planned anything. It was tough to make it through it, but it didn't seem as much like a departing testimony as when I bore my testimony in sacrament this Sunday. This one in fast sunday was really hard, I cried a lot through it. I had some interesting comments from one member, but several thanked me for my testimony(I can't write a lot right now). Anyway, Thursday we had dinner over at Brandy's home, with her significant other. After dinner we met with her and she had followed our commitment to ask him about why they had never gotten married. They have two kids together after all. To her surprise he said that he wants to wait until he has enough money to give her a grandeos wedding. She couldn't believe this and didn't know what to say. She told us how she of course has her reservations as well. But she said that she knows that this is the one true church and that salvation is something that is important to her. She said that she wants to be baptized. This is what she told us. We told her that she should tell him exactly what she is telling us, and bear her testimony. She had a lot to think about, and we had planned to teach fasting as it would be fast Sunday in a few days. We did and she loved it. It was so perfect for the situation and the timing. We didn't even have to commit her to fast. Before we even got done teaching her the principle, and had made mention that it was this Sunday, she was excited and said she couldn't wait to do it!!! It was such a good lesson, the power of the spirit there was incredible. She was all ears and was listening so intently as we showed her scriptures about what she could fast for and what the blessings are. She wanted to break her fast with us on Sunday and we had it all arranged to do so, but she ended up having to go to her nephews 3rd birthday. She came to church though. She had a lot of decisions to be fasting for, marriage, baptism, etc. When we told her that she could get married and that branch president could marry her at the church and that the branch could put together a 'grandeos' wedding and reception for her, FOR FREE, she was thrilled!!!! She found out that we would be leaving soon and she thought how great it would be to have this all happen in May!!!! That would be such an experience if she got married and then baptized and we got to be a part of it all. The branch would do an awesome job. So she had a lot to fast about. We haven't been able to get back in contact with her since Sunday, she's busy with those two kids, but how cool would it be if a wedding took place!!!!
We've been finding and teaching others, sometimes those we teach won't set return appointments, or it's difficult to get in contact with people we meet. I'm just so happy though. There aren't a lot of investigators or baptismal dates, but just to be out on a warm day with your companion talking to people, teaching them on their doorsteps and then praying with them. This is the life, a daily dose of this would carry me happily to the end of my days.
We have met a less active and his friend Nick has expressed desire to get baptized. The thing is he's been to the church before and played basketball so this isn't the first introduction. He wants to get baptized before he goes into the military.
Also a member posted my printer on ebay for me in a 20 day bid.
I love you all so much,
Love Elder Adams
I hate this limited time on the library computer. I have to send to separate emails because there isn't enough time to do it in a half hour before it runs out and I have to renew. I only get an hour.
Yeah I'll deffinately have to think about that house sitting. What an opportunity for grandma though. So bishop wants me to speak, does he have a topic that he wants me to speak on or does he want me to decide. Usually I thought they gave out topics. Let me know next week. I'd love to be able to study whatever out and give it some thought if he does have a topic that he wants me to talk about. I only have 10 minutes so I have to write fast.
I forgot to tell you about this lady from england that we met who was baptized at 15 and is now 80, she was a lost sheep. Her husband is atheist, and she goes to the Lutheran church now. We've met with them twice, we just tracted into them. We sadly won't be meeting anymore. The story is more incredible than this and we did learn some amazing things about her. Maybe I can tell you this sunday. You know it's odd being one of the oldest in the district, there aren't any other missionaries that have been out as long as my comp and I in the district. They look to and listen to what I have to say and really like it. It's odd. Also last sunday we had dinner at a castle of a home it was huge.
This fast sunday was an important one for me and for one of our investigators as you probably read from my email. I was fasting for a lot of things. This being my last in the mission field, it was a like a fast for the rest of my life, for help, for the future, for the transition. It was and insightful time. My studies that night were incredible as well. I felt like I'd been on a ride at an amusement park when I got done.
I love you so much mom and I will call you this week. I had to see what you would say. I love you so much though, and your support has been second to none. I love you so much words can't even express it. You are amazing. Don't let anyone tell you any different. I want you to have a wonderful mother's day. There's so much that I want to write about but no time. I guess it's a good thing I 'll be able to call this sunday. I don't know exactly what time though. Who knows??
Love Elder Adams
Sunday, May 2, 2010
April 28, 2010
Yes we do do a little biking here in Belvidere when we can. I'm thinking that I will send my bike home, unless someone wants to buy it for a really good deal. I have sold my winter coat thought as well. I am now going to try and get the printer put on ebay. Which reminds me did you get the money for my backpack that I sold in Byron from the member. The new address is,
214 Rebecca Rd.
Belvidere, IL 61008
As for calling home on Mothers day, I don't think that will really be necessary after all mothers day is like a week and a half before I will see you. I'm thinking I'll just use the time to talk to a few more people, teach a few more lessons and try and share as much of the gospel as possible.
Things have been going amazing. We were able to do some service in mowing the lawn of a single new move in and newly activated lady. She has a daughter that is 12 years old that is not a member. They have come to church but they have been really dodgy in us trying to get an appointment. After we mowed the lawn for her we were able to talk with her and her daughter briefly. We found out that her daughter wants to be baptized and mom is all for it. We told them that we have a few lessons that we teach in order to prepare for baptism and we could start those next week when they get back from Michigan if they'd like. The mom agreed and said that she even had a copy of preach my gospel. This is like a blessing and a miracle from heaven. That service that we did was so good, I think it really softened their hearts. It's like the story of Ammon.
We have also been having some amazing success in our finding efforts. We started using the Gospel art book yesterday, and this really helped Elder Larkin. He liked it and he was smiling!!!! I was too, and singing "Hope of Israel" It was such a good day. People are captivated when we show them these pictures and then teach and testify, and then they allow us to have a prayer with them. It's incredible. One of us picks a picture and the other doesn't get to see it, then when they come to the door you see the picture and you just have to start your door approach and then link it all back to the restoration. It's AWESOME, I was so happy and felt so good out doing this with my companion.
We have also got in contact with a former investigator that Soares had been working with. We should be able to teach them next Tuesday.
Our finding efforts have really been blessed as we get out to talk to people. I talked with Elder Larkin about things, and about how I want to finish my mission strong. Things are going awesome now. I feel like we have a stronger relationship since we had companionship inventory. He's more willing to go out and knock doors now, we're just doing the work. Before he was really quiet, but now we talk with each other so much more, and we laugh and we share insights. Oh, it's just so good. The way I see it with this new Gospel art book plan that we are doing we are going to be the busiest missionaries in all of the mission. We have and appointment with all 26,000 people that live in Belvidere. We're going to teach them all, and then if it be the Lord's will some of them will get Baptized!!!! I love it!!!! When we were out going door to door using this art book, I was so happy I was singing outloud "Hope of Israel rise in light, with the sword of truth and light, sound the war cry watch and wait vanquish every foe today... " Oh it was amazing.. I love my mission I feel so blessed. I have so much this is the time of my life,and I can't get enough of it. I don't want to give it up. I love it and want more. I told dad it's not fair that you only get 2 years, I should be able to pull a sons of mosiah and serve a 14 year mission. How awesome would that be. Things are going awesome here though. WE are settled in and tearing it up. The excitement and the sparks of the ward members are about to fly. WE are going to baptize. Pray for us. Pray for me. I love you all and you are in my prayers.
Elder Larkin knows a lot about the gospel and the scriptures so studies are a really good time for me to learn. I can ask him questions and he's got all sorts of resources to find answers. This is like a huge learning time for me from him.
. The work will surge forward here in Belvidere. A miracle will happen here!!!
No more time left.,,
Love you all Elder Adams
214 Rebecca Rd.
Belvidere, IL 61008
As for calling home on Mothers day, I don't think that will really be necessary after all mothers day is like a week and a half before I will see you. I'm thinking I'll just use the time to talk to a few more people, teach a few more lessons and try and share as much of the gospel as possible.
Things have been going amazing. We were able to do some service in mowing the lawn of a single new move in and newly activated lady. She has a daughter that is 12 years old that is not a member. They have come to church but they have been really dodgy in us trying to get an appointment. After we mowed the lawn for her we were able to talk with her and her daughter briefly. We found out that her daughter wants to be baptized and mom is all for it. We told them that we have a few lessons that we teach in order to prepare for baptism and we could start those next week when they get back from Michigan if they'd like. The mom agreed and said that she even had a copy of preach my gospel. This is like a blessing and a miracle from heaven. That service that we did was so good, I think it really softened their hearts. It's like the story of Ammon.
We have also been having some amazing success in our finding efforts. We started using the Gospel art book yesterday, and this really helped Elder Larkin. He liked it and he was smiling!!!! I was too, and singing "Hope of Israel" It was such a good day. People are captivated when we show them these pictures and then teach and testify, and then they allow us to have a prayer with them. It's incredible. One of us picks a picture and the other doesn't get to see it, then when they come to the door you see the picture and you just have to start your door approach and then link it all back to the restoration. It's AWESOME, I was so happy and felt so good out doing this with my companion.
We have also got in contact with a former investigator that Soares had been working with. We should be able to teach them next Tuesday.
Our finding efforts have really been blessed as we get out to talk to people. I talked with Elder Larkin about things, and about how I want to finish my mission strong. Things are going awesome now. I feel like we have a stronger relationship since we had companionship inventory. He's more willing to go out and knock doors now, we're just doing the work. Before he was really quiet, but now we talk with each other so much more, and we laugh and we share insights. Oh, it's just so good. The way I see it with this new Gospel art book plan that we are doing we are going to be the busiest missionaries in all of the mission. We have and appointment with all 26,000 people that live in Belvidere. We're going to teach them all, and then if it be the Lord's will some of them will get Baptized!!!! I love it!!!! When we were out going door to door using this art book, I was so happy I was singing outloud "Hope of Israel rise in light, with the sword of truth and light, sound the war cry watch and wait vanquish every foe today... " Oh it was amazing.. I love my mission I feel so blessed. I have so much this is the time of my life,and I can't get enough of it. I don't want to give it up. I love it and want more. I told dad it's not fair that you only get 2 years, I should be able to pull a sons of mosiah and serve a 14 year mission. How awesome would that be. Things are going awesome here though. WE are settled in and tearing it up. The excitement and the sparks of the ward members are about to fly. WE are going to baptize. Pray for us. Pray for me. I love you all and you are in my prayers.
Elder Larkin knows a lot about the gospel and the scriptures so studies are a really good time for me to learn. I can ask him questions and he's got all sorts of resources to find answers. This is like a huge learning time for me from him.
. The work will surge forward here in Belvidere. A miracle will happen here!!!
No more time left.,,
Love you all Elder Adams
Sunday, April 25, 2010
April 21, 2010
Not a lot was happening when we first got here last week. I called the ward mission leader on Wednesday night to get oriented. Since it was a whitewash and all. Not a lot happening when I get to an area has been the story of my mission, and this is the second time I’ve been whitewashed into some place. The ward mission leader asked what our plans were for the night and I told hime we were going to go and knock some doors. He said that this is why he was so excited and told us to sit tight, and then he left his family and came over to meet with us for a minute. The impression that I got was that the last missionaries didn’t do much. They were both ending their missions. Then on Sunday He plopped down next to me and put his arm around me and leaned in and asked who the lady was that I was sitting next to in Sacrament. I was sitting next to our investigator, Brandy, a referral that we had received and had just began teaching. The first Sunday and we had someone at church only being here 3 days. I told him who she was and about the lesson we had had on Saturday and then he said as he expressed gratitude, “You’ve done more in these past 3 days then has been done here in the past 3 months.” That was a booster that I needed to hear, with having to leave Elgin and all.
We've bee blessed with almost immediate success here in Belvidere. We've had a referral that we are now teaching. Her name is Brandy, she came from the Rockford Zone leaders. She is the significant other to a member who is inactive. They have two little kids together, but they aren't married. She wants to be baptized, but they are living with his parents who are also members. So they will have to get married or move out. Other than that, we continue to have success in having small lessons with people that we meet on the street or that we talk to on their doorsteps or in businesses, the Lord is just placing people in our path. We just need to find that one who is ready right now. Who knows maybe we've already found them.
You are absolutely right about this Branch here. They are like extended family, they opened up in love to us the first week. They are incredible, especially the members we live with. They are all so giving and loving. This branch really is amazing. We've got to get to know them fast. We already have the trust of the ward mission leader. He really likes us, I guess he didn't feel like the previous missionaries did much. We met with him last Wednesday night and he was already excited to talk with us and to hear of our enthusiasm. This will be a great place.
The older couple we live with is awesome. They are so giving and kind. We do live in an unfinished tiny room though. My comps desk is under the stairs. We have a couch, bunk beds, and 2 desks in a small room with insulation sticking out. It’s interesting, and she’s not the most organized, but she loves us missionaries and she can sow and she’s already repaired a button and my backpack for me. I can’t be too picky. I’m blessed. We have also been taking advantage of how small the town is and been able to conserve miles on the car and we’ve been able to get out and use our bikes. So that’s been nice. Sorry this email is sort of scrambled, I don’t have a lot of time, and a lot of what I wrote got deleted, so I had to retype it.
I really am so excited for zone conference, which is tomorrow. I think this one will be the best one yet. I feel like something big is going to happen for the mission and I'm going to miss out on it. There’s some big plans for this zone conference. Anyway, I love you all very much. We’re just going to try and push as hard as we can here in Belvidere and try to make something happen. We’re going to need a miracle and the help of the Lord big time. I’m just going to try and talk to everyone, even though my companion sometimes doesn’t. In fact the first night we went out tracting, he had me do all the doors. He takes a little while to get ready as well, but I’m trying to be patient and know that the Lord will bless us. I’ve just got to do the best I can each day, and work as hard as I can, really push it. There are people here that need the gospel, someone is waiting. Thank you for all of your love and support. I think I’ve finally unpacked and gotten somewhat settled. I love you all.
Love Elder Adams
I don't have a lot of time, the internet here keeps kicking me out. I wish I had more time to write. There have been so many times of prayers being answered. I've seen how when I ask for something, the Lord gives it. Exactly what we pray for before we go out tracting, we witness miracles in this way every day. I pray and ask to meet someone or that their hearts will be softened or that we will have an interesting conversation and it happens. It's awesome. Sorry I only have time to share something brief.
Love Elder Adams
We've bee blessed with almost immediate success here in Belvidere. We've had a referral that we are now teaching. Her name is Brandy, she came from the Rockford Zone leaders. She is the significant other to a member who is inactive. They have two little kids together, but they aren't married. She wants to be baptized, but they are living with his parents who are also members. So they will have to get married or move out. Other than that, we continue to have success in having small lessons with people that we meet on the street or that we talk to on their doorsteps or in businesses, the Lord is just placing people in our path. We just need to find that one who is ready right now. Who knows maybe we've already found them.
You are absolutely right about this Branch here. They are like extended family, they opened up in love to us the first week. They are incredible, especially the members we live with. They are all so giving and loving. This branch really is amazing. We've got to get to know them fast. We already have the trust of the ward mission leader. He really likes us, I guess he didn't feel like the previous missionaries did much. We met with him last Wednesday night and he was already excited to talk with us and to hear of our enthusiasm. This will be a great place.
The older couple we live with is awesome. They are so giving and kind. We do live in an unfinished tiny room though. My comps desk is under the stairs. We have a couch, bunk beds, and 2 desks in a small room with insulation sticking out. It’s interesting, and she’s not the most organized, but she loves us missionaries and she can sow and she’s already repaired a button and my backpack for me. I can’t be too picky. I’m blessed. We have also been taking advantage of how small the town is and been able to conserve miles on the car and we’ve been able to get out and use our bikes. So that’s been nice. Sorry this email is sort of scrambled, I don’t have a lot of time, and a lot of what I wrote got deleted, so I had to retype it.
I really am so excited for zone conference, which is tomorrow. I think this one will be the best one yet. I feel like something big is going to happen for the mission and I'm going to miss out on it. There’s some big plans for this zone conference. Anyway, I love you all very much. We’re just going to try and push as hard as we can here in Belvidere and try to make something happen. We’re going to need a miracle and the help of the Lord big time. I’m just going to try and talk to everyone, even though my companion sometimes doesn’t. In fact the first night we went out tracting, he had me do all the doors. He takes a little while to get ready as well, but I’m trying to be patient and know that the Lord will bless us. I’ve just got to do the best I can each day, and work as hard as I can, really push it. There are people here that need the gospel, someone is waiting. Thank you for all of your love and support. I think I’ve finally unpacked and gotten somewhat settled. I love you all.
Love Elder Adams
I don't have a lot of time, the internet here keeps kicking me out. I wish I had more time to write. There have been so many times of prayers being answered. I've seen how when I ask for something, the Lord gives it. Exactly what we pray for before we go out tracting, we witness miracles in this way every day. I pray and ask to meet someone or that their hearts will be softened or that we will have an interesting conversation and it happens. It's awesome. Sorry I only have time to share something brief.
Love Elder Adams
Sunday, April 18, 2010
April 14, 2010
I witnessed a lot of miracles and the work really went forward there. I saw that area transform. In the Elgin 3rd ward I developed the strongest and closest relationships with some members in the ward. It was really good to come close to them. Elder Layton as well has been my favorite companion, and he really seemed like a friend. I loved serving with him. For all of these reasons, this transfer change was hard. I'll miss all of the above. Thank you for the opportunity and the blessing.
I know that there is someone in Belvidere that is waiting for me to talk to them. I'm going to find them and speak to them. I have six weeks to do all that I can in Belvidere, and I am going to rise to this new challenge. I feel a surge of inspiration to conquer this task ahead. I'm just at the mission home right now on Sis. Dolls laptop, so I'll try and write more when I get to the area. I'm being whitewashed into the area, so hopefully we have time. A last big challenge lies ahead at the end here.
love Elder Adams
Yes I did get the Easter package that you sent me. Thank you so much it was nice, and I am glad that you didn't send a bunch of junk or spend a lot of money. It sounds like Josh is falling apart. With the big toe hurting and what not. I want to say what hurts on my body too. I have these callases that are on the bottom of my feet on the balls of my feet that have gotten huge, and so it has hurt for quite a while now to walk on them. I've been wearing two pairs of socks for a while to DEAL WITH IT. That's what you have to do Josh, gut it out. Let any pain and suffering be swallowed up in the work that we do for Christ, for him. I had a rash a month or so back that lasted for a month. It was on my chest and arms and I couldn't sleep some nights, but then I got this special cream from a member and I'd put that on and it helped. I think it was stress as well, it eventually went away though. Sometimes I would scratch it so much that it would bleed, it was nasty and red. It looked like the blood had come to the surface. The reason I don't tell you about things though is because I know that you'll call the mission office. A while back ago I was bit by another dog, did I tell you...no.... why....because you call the mission office and make a big deal out of it. See I'm still living today, and I didn't have to waste a bunch of time at a doctor's office when I can be out finding those the Lord has prepared and talking to people and teaching the Gospel. I only have two years to share this message as a full time missionary with the power and authority of my calling so I'm going to do it all out. Well I guess I don't have 2 years anymore, but we're not going to talk about that right now. I might have to have surgery on those callusses on my feet though, for now I might just get some better insoles and keep wearing 2 socks.
Anyway, I'm here in Belvidere with my new companion Elder Larkin. He as well goes home the same time as me, which is odd. Belvidere is out in the middle of nowhere again, but it's not as bad as Byron. We have a Wal-Mart and there's a lot more businesses. I don't know much about the area right now. However we live with members. We live in the basement in "The Batcave," that's what I'm terming it. My companions study desk is under the stairs, it's small and cramped, and really messy. These members are not the tidiest housekeepers. The fridge is super cluttered, but they say we can have anything that we want, but there's not much room to put our things in. It's going to be difficult living arrangements. When I got this call about being transfered It was hard. I had a lot of feelings of sadness, anger, resentment, and it was hard. Especially to say goodbye to people, and to leave Elder Layton, especially after we'd spent 2 transfers knocking doors and tracting our butts off and finally we had people to teach. We even had a baptismal date for Hellen Locket on May 8 and the night before we got the call we set a date for a 9 year old boy of a part member family for May 22. (The mom still wants to see if I can come to his baptism). Things were starting to happen, and now transfered. It was hard, but it's a challenge and I will rise to it. It's the last hoorah. Elder Layton said that I'm a sower. So that's what I've got to do. 6 weeks to find that one whom God has prepared, the reason God has sent me at the end of my mission. That's what a member said is the reason I'm going here. So this will be my challenge, 6 weeks to do it. Build the kingdom here. We're going to hit it hard, even though I know this companion doesn't like to tract, we've got to find these people and make it happen here. I thank you all for the love and support from home, keep those prayers going up in my behalf, because I'm going to need them here. I love you all but I don't have much time and I have to go, I'm on a time limit here at the library.
Love Elder Adams
I know that there is someone in Belvidere that is waiting for me to talk to them. I'm going to find them and speak to them. I have six weeks to do all that I can in Belvidere, and I am going to rise to this new challenge. I feel a surge of inspiration to conquer this task ahead. I'm just at the mission home right now on Sis. Dolls laptop, so I'll try and write more when I get to the area. I'm being whitewashed into the area, so hopefully we have time. A last big challenge lies ahead at the end here.
love Elder Adams
Yes I did get the Easter package that you sent me. Thank you so much it was nice, and I am glad that you didn't send a bunch of junk or spend a lot of money. It sounds like Josh is falling apart. With the big toe hurting and what not. I want to say what hurts on my body too. I have these callases that are on the bottom of my feet on the balls of my feet that have gotten huge, and so it has hurt for quite a while now to walk on them. I've been wearing two pairs of socks for a while to DEAL WITH IT. That's what you have to do Josh, gut it out. Let any pain and suffering be swallowed up in the work that we do for Christ, for him. I had a rash a month or so back that lasted for a month. It was on my chest and arms and I couldn't sleep some nights, but then I got this special cream from a member and I'd put that on and it helped. I think it was stress as well, it eventually went away though. Sometimes I would scratch it so much that it would bleed, it was nasty and red. It looked like the blood had come to the surface. The reason I don't tell you about things though is because I know that you'll call the mission office. A while back ago I was bit by another dog, did I tell you...no.... why....because you call the mission office and make a big deal out of it. See I'm still living today, and I didn't have to waste a bunch of time at a doctor's office when I can be out finding those the Lord has prepared and talking to people and teaching the Gospel. I only have two years to share this message as a full time missionary with the power and authority of my calling so I'm going to do it all out. Well I guess I don't have 2 years anymore, but we're not going to talk about that right now. I might have to have surgery on those callusses on my feet though, for now I might just get some better insoles and keep wearing 2 socks.
Anyway, I'm here in Belvidere with my new companion Elder Larkin. He as well goes home the same time as me, which is odd. Belvidere is out in the middle of nowhere again, but it's not as bad as Byron. We have a Wal-Mart and there's a lot more businesses. I don't know much about the area right now. However we live with members. We live in the basement in "The Batcave," that's what I'm terming it. My companions study desk is under the stairs, it's small and cramped, and really messy. These members are not the tidiest housekeepers. The fridge is super cluttered, but they say we can have anything that we want, but there's not much room to put our things in. It's going to be difficult living arrangements. When I got this call about being transfered It was hard. I had a lot of feelings of sadness, anger, resentment, and it was hard. Especially to say goodbye to people, and to leave Elder Layton, especially after we'd spent 2 transfers knocking doors and tracting our butts off and finally we had people to teach. We even had a baptismal date for Hellen Locket on May 8 and the night before we got the call we set a date for a 9 year old boy of a part member family for May 22. (The mom still wants to see if I can come to his baptism). Things were starting to happen, and now transfered. It was hard, but it's a challenge and I will rise to it. It's the last hoorah. Elder Layton said that I'm a sower. So that's what I've got to do. 6 weeks to find that one whom God has prepared, the reason God has sent me at the end of my mission. That's what a member said is the reason I'm going here. So this will be my challenge, 6 weeks to do it. Build the kingdom here. We're going to hit it hard, even though I know this companion doesn't like to tract, we've got to find these people and make it happen here. I thank you all for the love and support from home, keep those prayers going up in my behalf, because I'm going to need them here. I love you all but I don't have much time and I have to go, I'm on a time limit here at the library.
Love Elder Adams
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
April 7, 2010
All right well then I'll tell President that you will not be coming to get me. They were calling this morning because they were trying to book the flights. It's scary when all of this starts happening, because then you realize that it's for real, ..... that it really is all about to come to a close, and time continues to go by faster and faster. I can't believe it...I can't believe it's really happening. It's like I'm in a twilight zone. I don't even feel like we had General conference. This one went by faster than all of the others. I don't even feel like I sat down to watch it. It was insane how fast it went by. That was my last one in the mission field. And now they are talking about booking plane tickets home, it's all ending. It's stressful to think about. It's like it shouldn't be happening, because I don't feel like I've been gone for two years. It seems like just yesterday I left. I don't know where the two years has gone. I love it out here though, especially as the weather is warming up.
Last Friday was crazy. I was on exchanges here in our area with one of the spanish elders, and come to find out the morning of when we woke up: he can't drive because his license is expired and neither can I. So we didn't have a car, and the other Elders didn't want to switch up the exchange. So we ended up getting out the bikes. Except I couldn't find my pump or bike lock (until later that night when I looked again), so I had to ride this other old bike that was in their apartment. The seat hurt so bad and these tires were flat too so we had to go to a gas station and get air. Then all of our appointments that day fell through. This missionary that I was with didn't want to go out tracting, so it was like he didn't even care, he didn't want to do more than two hours, so when everything fell through I could tell he wasn't happy, and we ended up tracting the whole day. My butt felt like I was riding on a rock between my legs. By the end of the night I felt like I'd been kicked between the crotch all day long, both figuritively and litteraly. I was hurting, it had been a long time since I'd been on a bike and my butt was not used to sitting. It was a rough exchange. I was glad to have Elder Layton happy and smiling back.
Then Like I said on saturday Conference was amazing as always. I took notes this time focussing on things that I want to do for the rest of my life, things that will help me for life after the mission and to be able to make the transition back into the world. I had been praying for this to be answered in the talks. I wrote down a lot of things that I want to do and remember to do throughout my life. Especially things that will make me better.
Then during the Break between sessions on Saturday my companion and I gave blood. The lady said that my companion looked like he was heating up and she told him to loosen his tie. He looked at her and she said it again, demanding him to loosen his tie. Then she put an ice pack behind his neck. She was making a big deal out of it, but he said he felt fine. So we donated blood. Sunday was awesome as well, and we had easter dinner over at the Geigle family's home. It's just been raining like no other here, its ridiculous. Thanks for all of the love and support from home. I did buy some shoes last wednesday, a 39.00 pair. I'm trying to slowly break them in. I didn't want to have you get me another pair of echos because those are super expensive, so I'm just hoping these will hold up. Thank you for all that you do though family. I love you all so much. I hope to hear more from you next week, especially about spencer's soccer. Love ya tons.
Elder Adams
Last night we met with a less active family. It's been a while since we've been able to get in with them, the Ralphs. Their 8 year old daughter who is unbaptized, there sophmore Brock and the the father and mother were there. All but their senior, Shyler. The father is really disinterested and wouldn't commit to coming to church, he says it's his day of rest. But we sat together and read from the scriptures, even the little girl read. It was just like the brethren had counciled in conference. It was so good to see them all reading. When I asked Brock what he thought of reading scriptures as a family, he said that he liked hearing his dad read. He said he'd never heard his dad read. It was incredible to see the whole family reading together. 3 of them should be at church this Sunday. Elder Layton and I both felt so good after that lesson last night.
The other day I studied the laws and ordinances, and when we were out business contacting a lady said, "Oh I've used the family history search." I was then able to talk about families and temple work and family history. What I studied I got to use. What's more is I had prayed for this before we left the apartment that we would be able to teach what we had studied. My prayer was answered. She had a relative that was sealed and she didn't know what that meant so I explained that to her, right there in the eyeglasses shop. I was Awesome!!!
This conference went by way too fast. Faster than all of the other conferences, I don't even feel like we had it. I took notes this time focussing on things that I want to do for the rest of my life, things that will help me for life after the mission and to be able to make the transition back into the world. I had been praying for this to be answered in the talks. I wrote down a lot of things that I want to do and remember to do throughout my life. Especially things that will make me better. Elder Layton and I have been going over notes with each other and sharing testimony together of these things and it has really invited the spirit. He has a bright optimistic view of life after the mission and shares some great insights during our discussions. These are making for some great companionship studies.
I’m going to put all of these things that I found and wrote to myself, these little exhortations , I’m going to put them all in a list form. I want to write them all down as goals or things I want to do and make a part of my life when I’m home. That’s what I got from conference and there’s a lot of good things. It was deffinately some revelation to me, and I have an outlook on what I need to do with my future. I’ll deffinately have to share some of these with you all because a lot of this conference as you probably noticed is about family. So a lot of the things I want to do involve you. I do want to let you as my family know that I love you and that God has a plan for our family to be together forever. I love you all, don’t you ever forget that. You're my family, and are so important to me. We have to become strong together and help each other. I want to do everything I can to help and support. I love you all.
Love Elder Adams
P.S.-Next week is transfers as well. It’s the last one, next Tuesday morning I will know how I am spending my last transfer. I’m hoping to stay here in Elgin with Elder Layton to finish it out.
As well I'll inform the mission office now that you are not going to pick me up.
Make sure this gets to Josh: I don't think I have his new email address, or did his not change like mine. Just forward this to him please.
As one of my companions used to say, "You're part of the dub club" That's what happens when you turn 20. I don't know it's a little weird. I'm so sorry that I didn't write and say happy birthday last week. I hope you had a good one. What did you do for your birthday, did you do anything fun, or go anywhere to eat. I hope it was a good one. Do you feel older. 20 deffinately felt different for me. 21 not so much. Keep tearing it up out there. This is the greatest time in our lives, we're in the Lord's hand, what more could you ask for. These are the times of blessings and prosperity. I love you Bro. Write me next week. Love you tons.
Your Elder Elder,
Elder Adams
Hope you had fun with Jury duty. I love ya
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