HEy spencer, I'm glad that you liked the present. I used your little dog the other night as I sat and wrote in my journal. It was like having Jack sit on my lap, nice and toasty. It's good to hear that you are snowboarding, you piece. I've talked with my comps a few times about that and speculated that that is what you guys were doing. So you got these cars... I never heard what all you got for Christmas, I heard a few things of what Josh got. Tell everyone to write to me what they got for Christmas. Dad and mom included. The work is going good. Sometimes it can be tough, but the Lord rewards and blesses me and those we teach. There is nothing greater than missionary work, it provides the greatest satisfaction. I love it, but it's a good thing that you are preparing right now. You'll be way ahead of me. I love you Spence, know that I try to do good work everyday.
Love ya, Elder Adams
So just Ricardo's Baptism will be going forward this Saturday, HOPEFULLY. Eddy has to go in to get surgery on his back, so we have to push his baptism way back to the end of January. I hope I don't get transfered. He's way excited but he's got to have the surgery. For the past week and a half we have been driving around the only truck in the mission because ours is being worked on. We have a truck!! It's nice and we get our car back on monday. I bought this pack of journals and some pens and such-$46- memories to last a lifetime-priceless. I figured it was Merry Christmas to ME!!!! One thing I have forgotten to tell you about since I've been in this area, is that 4 or 5 times we have had the cops called on us. We had one just last week while we were out tracting. There's this city NO Soliticing policy, even though that is not what we are doing. People get worried also. When I was with Elder Rainey, He wore this black leather trench coat, and when the police came they said they had gotten a call of 2 suspicious men, one wearing a trench coat. I told him he couldn't wear that anymore. People worry a lot here. The cop that came out last week, was the nicest cop of them all though. HE was black!! After he had checked our licenses and talked to us he told us we didn't have to leave because we were doing the Lord's work and then he asked if we had any literature that he could take with him and read back at the station. How cool!!! So on Sunday we had a lot of tracting and only one appointment. Elder Brown seemed down, he didn't seem to care at all when he talked to people. I took it upon myself to talk to most of the people. Then we were walking and I stopped and talked to this coupld heading into their apartment, they agreed to meet with us. Was I glad that I talked to them, even though he was wearing his biker gear and everything. You see the Lord is constantly placing people in our paths, but if we don't open our mouths and share the gospel with them they don't have a chance to hear it. We don't know who the Lord has prepared, they don't all have Arby's signs over their heads. I was so glad I spoke with them, because last night we met with them. The Lord has led us to another one of his Children prepared for the gospel. This is the kind of stuff that I'm talking about when it seems as if the Lord is right there. I think his wife had had a dream about the lesson we were going to teach to them because she asked all of these questions that our message of the Restoration answers. She talked about how she had been to other churches and studied different things, but was sitll searching. How she felt like she was still on the journey, she said there were so many questions other churches left unnanswered. She was tired of searching. She loved what we shared, and her husband too. They understood it, and want to come to church this weekend and read the Book of Mormon!!! This is why we are obedient. This was so powerful it was unreal. She needs this gospel and I know she will find answers and find the truth, it was a great lesson. They are the sweetest couple ever. So Sunday as we continued tracting at night, the spirit was not with us, Elder Brown was not happy, so I told him that we had forgotton to pray and that is why we were having a rough time. The people were rejecting us also. This could have had a great deal to do with the fact that the street we had picked to tract was basically solid Jewish. Sunday night was also the Last night of Hannukah and so every home was lighting their final candle on the menorah as we came to the door. That made it difficult. Anyway, Elder Brown refused to stop and pray together. This cut me. I tried to talk to him but that only made him mad at me for thinking there was something wrong. I then proceeded to speak at every single door the rest of the night. I was praying silently to have the spirit with me, that the contention would leave, and that I would know what to say to these people, that I would be able to speak to them. It started to get cold and I trudged from door to door. It challenged me, but at the same time I felt a charge inside me, I felt invigorrated. I didn't care if I had to speak at every door I was going to put forth the effort to speak to these people with sincerity. This companion has these ups and downs sometimes. I'm trying to be patient, and to love him. We taught this quit smoking program to Sherlene, Eddy's girlfriend we'll see if she makes if, we are praying. I want to teach it to Grandpa
The work is going forward though. Things are better with him now. Tomorrow is going to be too cool. THE CHICAGO BULLS.
Love Elder Adams
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
December 23, 2008
So the Libraries are closed on Christmas and New Year's Eve, so President said to do email on Tuesday. You can look for me next Tuesday, though I don't know what time, and I'll only have an hour, so it'll be tough. Anyway I'll probably call you at 7:00 pm on Christmas, unless I can call at our meal appointment which I don't know what time that is at. I would just plan on the 7:00 pm. Then we can talk for 30-40 minutes is what the rule is. Well this week has been another incredible one, filled with blessings from the Lord, and incredible teaching appointments. Our investigators are those the Lord has truly prepared for us. I thought is was cold before, but now the icy gates of an unknown world have been opened to this Chicago area. On Sunday we heard reports of it being in the negatives with a 20-30 Degree windchill. It was frigid. It continues to snow about every other day also, and the snowplows just pile it up on the side. This city is turning into a frozen wasteland. We continue to perservere, because the more you suffer the more the Lord can bless us. This principle holds true daily. However one of my favorite things is when people tell us we shouldn't be outside in this weather, and then we tell them why we are out here, and then they say, "Oh, I will pray for you." I want to say back, "Well faith without works is dead, let us in and you can answer that prayer." Oh well next door. Our teaching appointments continue to be incredible. The Lord will welcome 2 souls into his arms coming up next weekend. What a gift for these two, what a way to start off the new year. One of these that is preparing for baptism. Eddy, the man I told you about who we had such a great lesson with, was in Elders Quorum, and the Elder's Quorum was sharing missionary experiences. Eddy finally spoke up and told every one how he had been talking to his friends about it, and how his friends couldn't believe the change in him, much less that he was talking to them about the Book of Mormon and not about Hip-hop. He was so excited when he was telling them about his experiences and how some of them he is working with to meet with us. He then expressed how lucky the members were to have this, and how glad he was that he now had it. Then the punchline, he told everyone, "You need to pass this around!!!!!" OH SNAP!!! Eddy was calling out the members on member missionary work. It was so exciting. The ward loves Eddy, we love Eddy, you can't get enough Eddy. We have also started teaching his friend, and he brought her to Church. If you think about it; this is all because the Lord led us to this street and his apartment. He blessed us with the spirit to teach, this is all because of the Lord. "Who can glory too much in the Lord" as Alma would say. We also had a man from Belise at Church with us. I pretty much serve a mission and teach people from half the world around, Jamaica, Haiti, Belise, African-Americans. We had a great Zone conference also. Sister Stoddard really did a great Job. There was a talent show afterwards. I got the pillowcase, but have not opened it. The two other packages you sent came Friday. I hope the package that I sent to you guys got there ok. I marked all of the packages inside to who they go to, but there is one bag that is unmarked and a few things that are not wrapped. These are souvenirs for me, that you are welcome to put out at home and enjoy. Don't open this bag though until you open your gifts. Hopefully nothing is broken. I also sent in there the Obama election papers, and a button, keep these. These are History.We also had our ward Christmas party this Saturday, and we were able to stay for the whole party, not just an hour, because we had an investigator there with us. She brought her granddaughter, and she was in the primary nativity as an angel. She loved it and wants to come to Church. This black lady is Beverly, she is the sweetest, happiest southern lady. She has all the stereotypical characteristics of the Hollywood Southern African American. I love her. You know how I love black people. The Party was cool because they did it like a typical night in Bethlehem. We had middle eastern food, and listened to (I believe the word is "Jiggaboo music." It was a good twist to the typical Christmas party. Oh on saturday We had Elder Hicken an Area 70 come to a teaching appointment with us. Yeah it was awesome. Our investigator said she could feel or recognize something different about him. Then I told her who he was and she said wow I feel like the president was just in my house. Yeah he can have that effect on people. Well this year has been the fastest year of my life. It went like nothing, and the holidays have come and gone so fast. Nonetheless it has been the happiest year of my life. It's been great. A lot of things are marked at a year ago this time. I got my patriarchal blessing last year on Dec. 23, the same day I finished the BOM for the first time. It just went by so fast, I can still remember everything like it was yesterday. These Hollidays are also flying past. As I've reflected on how I will be spending this Christmas, I can't help but think that there is no better way. I am in the service of My Lord and My God, I am sharing the message of why we have this holliday and why he came into this world, and that he came to a young boy prophet, Joseph Smith and restored his Church. I am in his service, telling his story, bearing testimony of him. What better way to spend Christmas. My thoughts, efforts, and actions are focused on him. This is what Christmas is all about. I see it as a blessing. This is how it is to be. Christ has given me the greatest gift of all, his blood, so that I could be clean so that I could change my life, so that I could serve a mission. He got me out here and now I have the opportunity to serve him this season. He has given me the gift to be out here. What more could I ask for. I will enjoy serving my Lord this Christmas.
-In Gratitude,
Elder Adams
P.S. - Merry Christmas. I'll talk to you on Thursday.
-In Gratitude,
Elder Adams
P.S. - Merry Christmas. I'll talk to you on Thursday.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
December 17, 2008
Yeah it's way cold the other day. And we had a huge storm, but snow makes it warm. It's deffinately getting down there. Keep me posted on how cold it is here, the only way I tell things is how bad things hurt.
Love, Yo son!!!
NOt much time today, so quickly. It snowed a ton yesterday, traffic was insane. Snow makes it warm though, because monday was frigid. It was a frozen wasteland that day. I need another journal I forgot to tell you in past weeks, I am down to the last pages, see what you can do, otherwise I'll try and buy one out here. Oh and I talked to bill the other day and he's going to be getting the Melchezidek Priesthood soon. It's awesome to watch his progression in the gospel and in the church. It's like watching a new life unfold before you. We went to the temple today, which is part of the reason I only have a little time. It was an incredible experience. I got some great pictures of the temple with all the snow. The temple truly is a place where the Lord dwells and you are so lucky to be able to go as often as you want. It's been six months for me. I needed it. The Lord can truly speak to you there, it is so powerful, and the spirit is overwhelming. It's just so peaceful and can really strengthen you at the same time.I am sending the family home Christmas presents I bought probably tomorrow or the next day for sure along with some other things souvenirs, pictures and such. Hopefully it makes it by Christmas. I don't know a specific time yet when I'll be calling home. I love you all so much. Your support and love is great. Sorry I couldn't write more this week. I'll write ya' next week though, we'll be on schedule. 10:30 my time.With Love, care, and faith
Elder Adams
Love, Yo son!!!
NOt much time today, so quickly. It snowed a ton yesterday, traffic was insane. Snow makes it warm though, because monday was frigid. It was a frozen wasteland that day. I need another journal I forgot to tell you in past weeks, I am down to the last pages, see what you can do, otherwise I'll try and buy one out here. Oh and I talked to bill the other day and he's going to be getting the Melchezidek Priesthood soon. It's awesome to watch his progression in the gospel and in the church. It's like watching a new life unfold before you. We went to the temple today, which is part of the reason I only have a little time. It was an incredible experience. I got some great pictures of the temple with all the snow. The temple truly is a place where the Lord dwells and you are so lucky to be able to go as often as you want. It's been six months for me. I needed it. The Lord can truly speak to you there, it is so powerful, and the spirit is overwhelming. It's just so peaceful and can really strengthen you at the same time.I am sending the family home Christmas presents I bought probably tomorrow or the next day for sure along with some other things souvenirs, pictures and such. Hopefully it makes it by Christmas. I don't know a specific time yet when I'll be calling home. I love you all so much. Your support and love is great. Sorry I couldn't write more this week. I'll write ya' next week though, we'll be on schedule. 10:30 my time.With Love, care, and faith
Elder Adams
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
December 10, 2008
Bro. Thank you for your inspiration and love. I can't believe you look up to me though. The thing you have to understand and you will soon once you're on your mission, is that it's not me that's making these things happen. It's not me that is saying these things to these people. There is something different about when you are a missionary,and you will feel it. Like I've said before it's like you walk with Savior each day. There is just a different feeling about you when you are a missionary, and being obedient (That is the key obedience, don't you ever let your comps tell you differently) the spirit is the key it's the spirit that makes things like this happen, and obedience is how we have the spirit with us. I can't really tell you how it is when you are a missionary, but you will understand. Why do you think I love being a missionary so much, and fear going home and not being a missionary, because of how you feel. The closeness you have with the spirit, it's different. I'm glad that you are excited for your mission, because you should be, it's the greatest time in my life. You really touched me with your words though. AS for the cold, I'm doing ok. Those boots are great so is everything else. I just bundle up like I'm going to Everest and do the work. It's awesome, I'm surviving the cold. Plus like I told you, the Spirit is the greatest heat source!!! Thanks for picking out some great gear Bro. I look forward to hearing from you. Love you tons.
Elder Adams
No I do not have a fax machine, and I can't go to any other websites. You'll have to send me this 21 days of Christ thing. Write me back I'm online, but I don't have forever today, we are going Christmas Shopping!!!!!!
Well you're my hero for dealing with all those rugrats at the school. Anyway I paid my ticket and I bought my ticket for the Bulls Game. It was about $55.
You asked last week why I was buying thermals. I actually didn't buy any yet. I'm doing pretty good, so I'll hold out, but I imagine in Jan. or Feb. (Everyone says this is when it gets bad), that I'll have to double up on the legs.
Bud, is that the only thing that you are looking forward to this Christmans is talking to me. I've only been gone a couple of hours. It's good to hear the mullet is shaven though. That's also way cool that Bro. Brighton is your visiting teacher. The snow on all the trees and the buildings is really cool, actually. I've also decided that snow is a good thing, it's warmer then. It kinda looks like a scene from the show Seinfield with all the snow and the busy streets. The Holiday's deffinately are different on a mission though. Thank you for your testimony, it is an added strength to me. You are a good little bro. I think I'll keep ya. I wouldn't trade ya for anyone. Keep working hard in school, and just know that you are always in my prayers. Love your Big Bro. from the frozen arctic of Chicago,
Elder Adams
Yeah that was hilarious. He wouldn't have found my dead body though. He would have found me in someones home teaching or smiling on someone's doorstep all bundled up like a hermit. I just put a bunch of stuff on and zip all the way up and put my hood of my south pole coat on. I'm packed in, and those boots are killer. Then I go out and I testify. I love it!!!
Yeah they did. A bunch of other missionaries from the city are going. We all got seats on the same row, it's going to be a party!!! President has approved city missionaries to go to the game.
The snow continues to fall, and it never gets above freezing during the day so it doesn't really melt. Last night was intense the snow was blowing and the roads were slick and weren't getting plowed. Most days it's in the teens, the temperature usually stays around 15 Degrees!! So the baptism this past Saturday didn't go through. We are having problems with the bishop allowing her to be baptised into his ward. I've spent several nights the phone for a long time with President Stoddard. President has been speaking with the Stake President all sorts of business. She lives just outside the ward boundaries, but when we started teaching her we got it all approved with president and he went and talked to the Stake president and got things worked out and gave us the go ahead. So I was lost as to why the bishop didn't like it. He canceled the baptism and said it was because there were too many events at the church that weekend, and now has told our ward mission leader that he doesn't feel comfortable with her being baptised into the ward when she lives outside. (Key NOTE: she's also moving into this ward in April, and president told this to the Stake President when we got the ok). It's a huge hastle and she keeps asking me when the baptism is so I don't know what is going to happen. On the bright side though this Saturday Ricardo, a 22 year old Haitian will be baptised into the singles branch that we are over!!! It should be awesome. This guy is amazing, his spirit and faith are incredible. He doesn't even want to take the sacrament until he is baptised. He wants it to be special. He has told us some stories about life in Haiti. He asked me to baptize him and my comp to confirm him. This is going to be an exciting baptism. As for the Question about baptisms, I have no baptisms. The spirit has converted people though. As for me though I have not baptised anyone. It is the spirit, and our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that have converted people.At Church on Sunday, Rosali, the lady I told you about last week. She got up in Testimony meeting and bore her testimony!!! I was sitting there looking at the ground and then I looked up and she was a few feet from the pulpit. I thought "No way, she's going to bear her testimony." I was surprised because she is shy and doesn't like to pray when it's just us in our lessons. Nevertheless in her beautiful Jamaican accent she recounted the Night Elder Rainey and I knocked on her door and how she was searching for something. It was incredible. She was the most popular human being in that chapel after sacrament. Everyone was basically forming a line to go up and talk to her. She then told us after what had made her go up. She said she was sitting there and she started shaking. (My comp and I were a few rows in front of her) She didn't know why she was shaking, but her daughter asked her, "Mom what's wrong?" and then her daughter told her, "You need to get up there and testify." So she did. I mean the things the Lord does for people are amazing. She felt the spirit, that was the spirit testifying to her, it moved her, and acted on her body. I'm so glad she felt it. She came to the Prophets Christmas address with us that night, so we were able to go!!So that man that I wrote about in my letter last week... we have met with him two more times and the lessons have been incredible. He has said some incredible things, some funny things too (You have to keep in mind that he has Chicago 'Blackness') I love it he's awesome. He said, " This Church has to be cool" after he had just ended talking about how he loved some of the points of doctrine we had shared with him. He went on to tell us "I've been waiting for you for a long time." He said, "For the 1st time I feel like I'm close with God." "It's a Euphoric high when you guys leave." Josh said he felt the spirit when he read what I had recounted in my letter. Now imagine being there. Eddy has felt the spirit, the things that he is describing the spirit, I wish he knew it isn't us. I'm so happy that he feels the spirit and recognizes it. He aslo talked about wanting a change and being thirsty in his search. I feel like this whole experience is something out of an Ensign magazine. We taught him the Plan of Salvation last Week and he had a lot to say about how much he loved it, how he had been pondering it for days, how he had been calling people and telling them about it!!! He also told me to tell you something mom. He told us what he was thinking when I pulled out the Plan of Salvation puzzle to begin teaching he said he thought, "Hey they got some Legos like my kid." He told me to tell you, mom, that "That made and impact on my life." He loved the Puzzle! He also said, "If you'd a pulled that puzzle out I know my mom woulda got that." I could tell he wished that his mother had heard these things and could have found the joy that he has found. Thank you so much for that mom, from Eddy and I both. He then told us, "I'm an inch away from being a Mormon." We had a great lesson after he had expressed his excitement and then I extended the commitment to him to be baptised. He paused for a while and there was silence, then quietly he said yeah. Another quiet pause, and then repeatedly said yeah, yeah, yeah. It was incredible. His baptismal date is on January 3rd. What a way to start off the New Year. What better Christmas gift could someone get than the gift from our Savior of being clean through the Atonement and the waters of Baptism. He's so excited. I am humbled to see the work of the Lord, and to see the joy that it can bring into one of his children's lives. He told us something his grandfather used to say that I thought was profound. He said, "What is it for a soldier to go onto a battle field and forget why he is there...You gear up with the sword and the Shield." He then related this to us, and told us how we were in a fight for people's souls. This is so true, I know why I'm here, I know what the Lord has done for me, I know this Church is True, and that the message I share is true. I know it will bless peoples live's. I know I'm on the right battlefield, fighting for the right side. I know why I'm on this battlefield. The Lord will not let me forget, I will not forget. I really am out here fighting a war. I have been given a sword and a shield. The Lord has prepared and equipped me, I am geared up and ready. For Eddy's sake, for those out there like Eddy, for the Lord's sake, I am out here, I will fight. All those who enlist will be qualified and Lord will direct his valiant soldiers in the field of battle. I leave this Testimony with you, from the mission field, In our captain of our salvations name, Jesus Christ. Amen.
You could deffinately send me some Herbal tea. Ive been looking for some. You have to get the fruit ones that dad has, raspery, strawberry, those ones. I think sometimes they are "Zingers" also. Pres. sent us a letter about calls today. HE said they are canceling them this year, but that we will be able to call home now on Halloween and April Fool's day. Did you get that. Ha ha ha. No he said we have to do it before 7 am or after 7 pm if we are using a mission cell phone. I need to ask him what if we are to use a members phone.
Ok. I gotta get going we got a busy P-Day ahead of us. Good to write to ya. Say high to everyone. Oh and see if you can't get me Andrew and Russels mission office addresses. I should probably write them for Christmas. See ya and Love ya tons.
Elder Adams
No I do not have a fax machine, and I can't go to any other websites. You'll have to send me this 21 days of Christ thing. Write me back I'm online, but I don't have forever today, we are going Christmas Shopping!!!!!!
Well you're my hero for dealing with all those rugrats at the school. Anyway I paid my ticket and I bought my ticket for the Bulls Game. It was about $55.
You asked last week why I was buying thermals. I actually didn't buy any yet. I'm doing pretty good, so I'll hold out, but I imagine in Jan. or Feb. (Everyone says this is when it gets bad), that I'll have to double up on the legs.
Bud, is that the only thing that you are looking forward to this Christmans is talking to me. I've only been gone a couple of hours. It's good to hear the mullet is shaven though. That's also way cool that Bro. Brighton is your visiting teacher. The snow on all the trees and the buildings is really cool, actually. I've also decided that snow is a good thing, it's warmer then. It kinda looks like a scene from the show Seinfield with all the snow and the busy streets. The Holiday's deffinately are different on a mission though. Thank you for your testimony, it is an added strength to me. You are a good little bro. I think I'll keep ya. I wouldn't trade ya for anyone. Keep working hard in school, and just know that you are always in my prayers. Love your Big Bro. from the frozen arctic of Chicago,
Elder Adams
Yeah that was hilarious. He wouldn't have found my dead body though. He would have found me in someones home teaching or smiling on someone's doorstep all bundled up like a hermit. I just put a bunch of stuff on and zip all the way up and put my hood of my south pole coat on. I'm packed in, and those boots are killer. Then I go out and I testify. I love it!!!
Yeah they did. A bunch of other missionaries from the city are going. We all got seats on the same row, it's going to be a party!!! President has approved city missionaries to go to the game.
The snow continues to fall, and it never gets above freezing during the day so it doesn't really melt. Last night was intense the snow was blowing and the roads were slick and weren't getting plowed. Most days it's in the teens, the temperature usually stays around 15 Degrees!! So the baptism this past Saturday didn't go through. We are having problems with the bishop allowing her to be baptised into his ward. I've spent several nights the phone for a long time with President Stoddard. President has been speaking with the Stake President all sorts of business. She lives just outside the ward boundaries, but when we started teaching her we got it all approved with president and he went and talked to the Stake president and got things worked out and gave us the go ahead. So I was lost as to why the bishop didn't like it. He canceled the baptism and said it was because there were too many events at the church that weekend, and now has told our ward mission leader that he doesn't feel comfortable with her being baptised into the ward when she lives outside. (Key NOTE: she's also moving into this ward in April, and president told this to the Stake President when we got the ok). It's a huge hastle and she keeps asking me when the baptism is so I don't know what is going to happen. On the bright side though this Saturday Ricardo, a 22 year old Haitian will be baptised into the singles branch that we are over!!! It should be awesome. This guy is amazing, his spirit and faith are incredible. He doesn't even want to take the sacrament until he is baptised. He wants it to be special. He has told us some stories about life in Haiti. He asked me to baptize him and my comp to confirm him. This is going to be an exciting baptism. As for the Question about baptisms, I have no baptisms. The spirit has converted people though. As for me though I have not baptised anyone. It is the spirit, and our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that have converted people.At Church on Sunday, Rosali, the lady I told you about last week. She got up in Testimony meeting and bore her testimony!!! I was sitting there looking at the ground and then I looked up and she was a few feet from the pulpit. I thought "No way, she's going to bear her testimony." I was surprised because she is shy and doesn't like to pray when it's just us in our lessons. Nevertheless in her beautiful Jamaican accent she recounted the Night Elder Rainey and I knocked on her door and how she was searching for something. It was incredible. She was the most popular human being in that chapel after sacrament. Everyone was basically forming a line to go up and talk to her. She then told us after what had made her go up. She said she was sitting there and she started shaking. (My comp and I were a few rows in front of her) She didn't know why she was shaking, but her daughter asked her, "Mom what's wrong?" and then her daughter told her, "You need to get up there and testify." So she did. I mean the things the Lord does for people are amazing. She felt the spirit, that was the spirit testifying to her, it moved her, and acted on her body. I'm so glad she felt it. She came to the Prophets Christmas address with us that night, so we were able to go!!So that man that I wrote about in my letter last week... we have met with him two more times and the lessons have been incredible. He has said some incredible things, some funny things too (You have to keep in mind that he has Chicago 'Blackness') I love it he's awesome. He said, " This Church has to be cool" after he had just ended talking about how he loved some of the points of doctrine we had shared with him. He went on to tell us "I've been waiting for you for a long time." He said, "For the 1st time I feel like I'm close with God." "It's a Euphoric high when you guys leave." Josh said he felt the spirit when he read what I had recounted in my letter. Now imagine being there. Eddy has felt the spirit, the things that he is describing the spirit, I wish he knew it isn't us. I'm so happy that he feels the spirit and recognizes it. He aslo talked about wanting a change and being thirsty in his search. I feel like this whole experience is something out of an Ensign magazine. We taught him the Plan of Salvation last Week and he had a lot to say about how much he loved it, how he had been pondering it for days, how he had been calling people and telling them about it!!! He also told me to tell you something mom. He told us what he was thinking when I pulled out the Plan of Salvation puzzle to begin teaching he said he thought, "Hey they got some Legos like my kid." He told me to tell you, mom, that "That made and impact on my life." He loved the Puzzle! He also said, "If you'd a pulled that puzzle out I know my mom woulda got that." I could tell he wished that his mother had heard these things and could have found the joy that he has found. Thank you so much for that mom, from Eddy and I both. He then told us, "I'm an inch away from being a Mormon." We had a great lesson after he had expressed his excitement and then I extended the commitment to him to be baptised. He paused for a while and there was silence, then quietly he said yeah. Another quiet pause, and then repeatedly said yeah, yeah, yeah. It was incredible. His baptismal date is on January 3rd. What a way to start off the New Year. What better Christmas gift could someone get than the gift from our Savior of being clean through the Atonement and the waters of Baptism. He's so excited. I am humbled to see the work of the Lord, and to see the joy that it can bring into one of his children's lives. He told us something his grandfather used to say that I thought was profound. He said, "What is it for a soldier to go onto a battle field and forget why he is there...You gear up with the sword and the Shield." He then related this to us, and told us how we were in a fight for people's souls. This is so true, I know why I'm here, I know what the Lord has done for me, I know this Church is True, and that the message I share is true. I know it will bless peoples live's. I know I'm on the right battlefield, fighting for the right side. I know why I'm on this battlefield. The Lord will not let me forget, I will not forget. I really am out here fighting a war. I have been given a sword and a shield. The Lord has prepared and equipped me, I am geared up and ready. For Eddy's sake, for those out there like Eddy, for the Lord's sake, I am out here, I will fight. All those who enlist will be qualified and Lord will direct his valiant soldiers in the field of battle. I leave this Testimony with you, from the mission field, In our captain of our salvations name, Jesus Christ. Amen.
You could deffinately send me some Herbal tea. Ive been looking for some. You have to get the fruit ones that dad has, raspery, strawberry, those ones. I think sometimes they are "Zingers" also. Pres. sent us a letter about calls today. HE said they are canceling them this year, but that we will be able to call home now on Halloween and April Fool's day. Did you get that. Ha ha ha. No he said we have to do it before 7 am or after 7 pm if we are using a mission cell phone. I need to ask him what if we are to use a members phone.
Ok. I gotta get going we got a busy P-Day ahead of us. Good to write to ya. Say high to everyone. Oh and see if you can't get me Andrew and Russels mission office addresses. I should probably write them for Christmas. See ya and Love ya tons.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
December 3, 2008
Tell Cameron that's not funny. Put a naked gay guy in front of you and the door out and then have him tell a joke!! Yeah the game should be pretty cool. I need to talk to the other two elders who are going to figure out the situation. You also don't have to tell me that I know that your turkey is the best. That's just a given. Sounds like Thanksgiving was great. I love you dad. Thanks for all of your sacrifice and support in making it possible to come out here and serve the Lord. It is a blessing and I love it. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Love ya,
P.S.- Onward through winter we go!!!
Hey Bro It sounds like you are getting ready to serve. Yeah I did get the stuff that you sent me and it is awesome. I feel like Rambo in those boots you got me. I really like those they are solid, they really keep my feet toasty. That package came monday just in time too. We woke up that morning to our car covered in snow. I didn't put on the boots till yesterday though. I was worried it wasn't coming. I haven't had to bust out the gloves yet though. Yes I did get the letter from Chelsea, which I thought was weird, but it was a good letter. As far as your class schedule goes, take what you think you can do and do your best. You deffinately want to get as much school as possible done before you go though. Just keep working hard and stay focused, if you don't worry about what Chelsea or Mitchell are doing I know that you can do it, you might just have to buckle down a bit though. I love you dude. You just wait till you get into the MTC and out in the field. You will feel the spirit stronger than you ever have before. I'm sending out a big email to mom. It's been another incredible week and I've got some more great missionary experiences to share with you so make sure you get that from her. Keep up the good work, and continue to prepare for your mission. As I often say "Somos missionarios" (We are missionaries.)
Spencer, 1st Place that is way awesome. Thanksgiving for me was good. It was just seven of us together, and no YAMS. Anyway defence, eh? That sounds cool, how do you like it. It's good to hear Jack is ok and the Christmas tree is up. We want to get a small thing for our apartment. Right now my comp found this little piece of a christmas tree that has a few lights on it and attached it to my dresser lamp, it looks ridiculous. Well bud, can I just say once again that I love your testimony. I'm glad to hear things are going well for you. I love you, you are my little bro. I wish that we had gotten along a little better during the early years. Anyway, I keep you in my prayers morning and night as I go about the Lord's errand. Love ya tons.
About time. Thanks tons for the package it came monday afternoon. Any news on bulls tickets?
If everything goes as planned we are excited to announce the baptism of Karren D'Andrea. This Saturday. She's great, she came to church the first time and said that she felt something different and when we met with her that week she said she wanted to be baptised. It's now going to happen this week. I just wish Elder Rainey could be here to see it.
Thanksgiving was just seven people, including us, at the Stowells. The table setting was "Really nice," but the food wasn't really hot. There was only about 4 dishes, including turkey. NO YAMS. Yeah I almost wanted to preach a sermon on repentence. So it was an ok Thanksgiving, better than nothing. On Sunday though we had reheats with a family and they had some sweet potatoes, and your pretzel crust jello. This was an even better meal and it was reheated on paper plates. So yes I did miss your yams.
I did get your package and It was great. It came just in time too (Monday afternoon). Sunday I got out my big down filled south pole coat and went out tracting for around five hours in that. It was nice and warm. Monday we woke up to our first big snow. Our car had to be scraped so that we could go to district meeting. Those boots are solid, I busted them out on Tuesday. I just wore one pair of church sox and my feet were sweating. I'm not going to complain though it was really nice. I really like them, solid black, they're not ridiculously huge, and I feel like Rambo in them. The gospel needs solid feet to take the gospel forth, I'm prepared. I guess you just have to wear the right clothes, and get the good stuff.
Until recently we haven't received much of anything about the Proposition 8, that was going on in California. Until this week. We had a guy that we met while tracting ask about it. Then the worst one was while we were contacting people on the street in Downtown Evanston, two guys that I approached, said "we're not haters." They were mad because our Church had done a lot of supporting for marriage to be between a man and a women. Another guy the other day, once again on the street, told me "Thanks for killing prop 8." The gay community is not too happy with us right now.
So I had forgot to tell you that the two Friday's before Thanksgiving we had a missionary concert with all the missionaries that were serving in the city and North Shore areas. All of us had to sing a few numbers and then there was some special numbers. We also had the testimonies of 2 recent converts at each of the nights of performance. Guess who was on the first night? That's right Bill Murray. He got up and gave his whole conversion story, of How he had met Elder Purdie and I, the teaching appointments that we had with him, the thoughts that he had going through his head, he recounted the whole thing, and then bore his testimony. Do know how awe inspiring it was to hear someone I taught, who is now strong in the gospel and flourishing, get up and tell how it all happened. Do you know how great it makes you feel, how blessed, how humbled it makes you feel, to hear him mention Elder Purdie and I's name. It was incredible.
Well this has been another incredible week, I almost don't know where to even start. I am once again broken down in awe and humility at the will of the Lord to have us find and teach people. We have had some incredible experiences. It's amazing how the Lord answers our prayers to know which street to go out and tract. He leads us right to people who have been prepared to hear the gospel, and sends the spirit to testify.
We had an incredible lesson with Melissa. She had a rough Thanksgiving with her husband. She told us though, how ever since Elder Rainey and I had starting coming by, that her daughter has wanted to pray. Then in her closing prayer for our lesson she said, " I know there's a reason Elder Adams and Elder Rainey came to my door on Halloween." Her testimony is growing, she is making leaps and bounds. She recognizes the truth.
This week Rosali came to church! She is a Jamaican lady that we have been teaching. This is the same lady that we had the incredible teaching appointment with about two weeks ago. I had talked to her about how sometimes we make sacrifices and then the Lord is able to bless us. No sacrifice goes unnoticed. She ended up coming, and then after Church she talked to me and said, "I'm glad that you said that to me, I'm glad that you were honest with me in telling me to come to Church." She had a great experience, and so did her little 5 year old boy De'Jore. I love the Jamaican people, I love her accent, How cool would that be if I could pick one up. The most incredible thing about Rosali actually happened later that night when we went over for a teaching appointment. At the end of the lesson on the Plan of Salvation, she told us how she liked to pray in the middle of the night and she said, "I can feel god when I pray in the middle of the night." She then told us, "If you guys weren't true I would feel it." She recognizes us as true messengers of the Lord. She then described how she knew by saying "Just the way you showed up on my doorstep, I knew it was God. I had been praying to find a Church." I coulnd't believe what I was hearing. Rosali was searching, and we were searching, Elder Rainey and I. We were praying and had had an additional fast, and our prayers were answered. The Lord answered both of our prayers and guided us to each other. Then she really lifted me when she told us, told us ,"There are people waithing for you to show up at their door like you did mine. Continue trying, you can break any barriers. Some people are out there that will listen. One word, one sentence, and They'll go back and think about it. Continue doing what you're doing." She went onto say, "It wasn't easy for Jesus Christ." This was an incredible testimony from her. There are people like this out here that I am searching to find. These are my brothers and sisters, I have to find them all!!!Then Monday, early evening we were out tracting and a lady let us in. A big happy, southern lady. She even had a shirt on that said GRANDMA, and a list of her qualities. She told us at the end of the lesson that when she had talked with us she thought, "Christ is knocking let him in." Once again one of God's children recognized us as his servants. Durning this same session of tracting we set up a return appointment with a man named Eddy to meet with on Tuesday (Yesterday). He has an interesting story. His mother who passed away a year ago at 92, had once met with sister missionaries about 10 years ago, but never was a member. He said that when we knocked he remembered his mom meeting with the sisters ahd he felt this was his chance. We then began to share the message of the restoration. I had just finished talking about the Atonement and my testimony of it. He interrupted to say some things that almost knocked me off my seat. It hit me so hard, I think my jaw was on the ground. My whole body almost became weak. He said that he thought there always had to be more than just the few parts that some ministers focus on. He said "I'm looking for the fullness, I feel like my glass is half full, I want the fellowshipping. He said, "I want something that's going to make me a better father, a better son, a better brother to others." He said, " He'd studied out other religions, but said that something felt like it was still missing. He then pointed at me and told me that he felt something when I spoke, he said that he could tell something about me in my sincerity. He said, "I felt something when you were talking." After he had finished, I paused to collect myself and took the time to tell him and help him recongnize that this was the spirit that he had felt. I told him that all his desires and questions he had could be answered with this gospel. I then told him that he had already hear this message before this life once before. I told him that I was called to this area because this is wehre I needed to be, because this is where there were brothers and sisters fo mine living whom I had made promises to, to come and find. This is where those who I said goodbye to because I knew I would be born into a family with the gospel. I promised them I would come and find them. This is where they are living. I bore this testimony as tears rolled down my cheeks. I was sitting in the presence of one of these brothers. I was sitting in the presence of one of God's Chidlren. In the presence of one who God had prepared and led me to. The spirit confirmed to me that I am where I am to be, finding and teaching the people that I need to teach. Confirming to me my mission call, and my decision to serve. I have to work as hard as possible to find all of my brothers and sisters, they are here. I don't know where they live, but the Lord is answering my prayers and leading me to them. I think back to my times when I lived in anger and troubled times. The Lord had to shake me to wake me up, he was not going to let me stay the way I was. He wanted me to serve a mission, because there were people out here waiting for me. He needed me, so he called to me. I'm here. He needed me to get my act together so I could find these people I had promised to find. Last night the Lord used me as a conduit for the spirit. He gave me the words I was to speak. I touched the hearts of all of us in that room in that 3 story apartment building. At the end of the lesson when we gave him 3 Nephi 11 to read as homework he said, " Is that it, give me some more!??" I gave him a few mor chapters in alma. Then he flipped through the BOM and asked how long it was. We said about 500 pages, he said I bet I could finish that in a week. He was so humble and grateful for us coming, and was anxious to meet with us soon. Experiences like these have been incredible. The Lord is with me and my companion. He loves us and is leading us by the hand. This is his work, his kingdom, his children, and we are his servants, his agents, on his errand, and we are entitled to his blessing. He truly has blessed us and I cannot glory enough in the Lord and his blessing us and allowing us to have the spirit with us. I know this Church is True, beyond doubt, the spirit confirms these things to me and sears them into my soul. I love this work. I love being a missionary. It is the greatest calling. I leave you with this in the Sacred name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Elder Adams
May the Lord watch over you all as he does us.
P.S. Mom these are sacred personal experiences, they mean a lot to me. I am sharing them with you, but if you could just share them with dad, Josh, and Spencer I would really appreciate it. Thank you so much for all that you do.
YOu have no idea about my gratitude for those things. I think it will be awesome. I am equiped as I possibly can be for winter. With the Lord's blessing I will make it.
Sorry I was writing a big letter to you.
HEre's something for now for the newsletter. I'll write more next week if I can.
I love my mission. I have been called by a prophet of God, to serve the people of Chicago. I have had some great experiences. I love being a missionary, the scary this is though that time goes by so fast. This is the happiest time of my life. I thank you for all of your prayers and support. My first Chicago winter is here. It will deffinately be intense, but with faith in the Lord, Mom's care packages, and a brother who works at an outdoors store, I will make it.
Diligently Elder Adams
I found the attachment, but it won't open. I might be able to get it next week. This week we have combined District meeting with the other Districts in the city, and the Zone leaders are running it, so I get a week off. OH and my comp is from a tiny town in New Mexico, called Elephan Butte. Yeah it's different, and he's probably my most different companion. Are you still saving all of my emails?? I hope so.
Right now my comp found this little piece of a Christmas tree that has a few lights on it and attached it to my dresser lamp, it looks ridiculous.
Love ya,
P.S.- Onward through winter we go!!!
Hey Bro It sounds like you are getting ready to serve. Yeah I did get the stuff that you sent me and it is awesome. I feel like Rambo in those boots you got me. I really like those they are solid, they really keep my feet toasty. That package came monday just in time too. We woke up that morning to our car covered in snow. I didn't put on the boots till yesterday though. I was worried it wasn't coming. I haven't had to bust out the gloves yet though. Yes I did get the letter from Chelsea, which I thought was weird, but it was a good letter. As far as your class schedule goes, take what you think you can do and do your best. You deffinately want to get as much school as possible done before you go though. Just keep working hard and stay focused, if you don't worry about what Chelsea or Mitchell are doing I know that you can do it, you might just have to buckle down a bit though. I love you dude. You just wait till you get into the MTC and out in the field. You will feel the spirit stronger than you ever have before. I'm sending out a big email to mom. It's been another incredible week and I've got some more great missionary experiences to share with you so make sure you get that from her. Keep up the good work, and continue to prepare for your mission. As I often say "Somos missionarios" (We are missionaries.)
Spencer, 1st Place that is way awesome. Thanksgiving for me was good. It was just seven of us together, and no YAMS. Anyway defence, eh? That sounds cool, how do you like it. It's good to hear Jack is ok and the Christmas tree is up. We want to get a small thing for our apartment. Right now my comp found this little piece of a christmas tree that has a few lights on it and attached it to my dresser lamp, it looks ridiculous. Well bud, can I just say once again that I love your testimony. I'm glad to hear things are going well for you. I love you, you are my little bro. I wish that we had gotten along a little better during the early years. Anyway, I keep you in my prayers morning and night as I go about the Lord's errand. Love ya tons.
About time. Thanks tons for the package it came monday afternoon. Any news on bulls tickets?
If everything goes as planned we are excited to announce the baptism of Karren D'Andrea. This Saturday. She's great, she came to church the first time and said that she felt something different and when we met with her that week she said she wanted to be baptised. It's now going to happen this week. I just wish Elder Rainey could be here to see it.
Thanksgiving was just seven people, including us, at the Stowells. The table setting was "Really nice," but the food wasn't really hot. There was only about 4 dishes, including turkey. NO YAMS. Yeah I almost wanted to preach a sermon on repentence. So it was an ok Thanksgiving, better than nothing. On Sunday though we had reheats with a family and they had some sweet potatoes, and your pretzel crust jello. This was an even better meal and it was reheated on paper plates. So yes I did miss your yams.
I did get your package and It was great. It came just in time too (Monday afternoon). Sunday I got out my big down filled south pole coat and went out tracting for around five hours in that. It was nice and warm. Monday we woke up to our first big snow. Our car had to be scraped so that we could go to district meeting. Those boots are solid, I busted them out on Tuesday. I just wore one pair of church sox and my feet were sweating. I'm not going to complain though it was really nice. I really like them, solid black, they're not ridiculously huge, and I feel like Rambo in them. The gospel needs solid feet to take the gospel forth, I'm prepared. I guess you just have to wear the right clothes, and get the good stuff.
Until recently we haven't received much of anything about the Proposition 8, that was going on in California. Until this week. We had a guy that we met while tracting ask about it. Then the worst one was while we were contacting people on the street in Downtown Evanston, two guys that I approached, said "we're not haters." They were mad because our Church had done a lot of supporting for marriage to be between a man and a women. Another guy the other day, once again on the street, told me "Thanks for killing prop 8." The gay community is not too happy with us right now.
So I had forgot to tell you that the two Friday's before Thanksgiving we had a missionary concert with all the missionaries that were serving in the city and North Shore areas. All of us had to sing a few numbers and then there was some special numbers. We also had the testimonies of 2 recent converts at each of the nights of performance. Guess who was on the first night? That's right Bill Murray. He got up and gave his whole conversion story, of How he had met Elder Purdie and I, the teaching appointments that we had with him, the thoughts that he had going through his head, he recounted the whole thing, and then bore his testimony. Do know how awe inspiring it was to hear someone I taught, who is now strong in the gospel and flourishing, get up and tell how it all happened. Do you know how great it makes you feel, how blessed, how humbled it makes you feel, to hear him mention Elder Purdie and I's name. It was incredible.
Well this has been another incredible week, I almost don't know where to even start. I am once again broken down in awe and humility at the will of the Lord to have us find and teach people. We have had some incredible experiences. It's amazing how the Lord answers our prayers to know which street to go out and tract. He leads us right to people who have been prepared to hear the gospel, and sends the spirit to testify.
We had an incredible lesson with Melissa. She had a rough Thanksgiving with her husband. She told us though, how ever since Elder Rainey and I had starting coming by, that her daughter has wanted to pray. Then in her closing prayer for our lesson she said, " I know there's a reason Elder Adams and Elder Rainey came to my door on Halloween." Her testimony is growing, she is making leaps and bounds. She recognizes the truth.
This week Rosali came to church! She is a Jamaican lady that we have been teaching. This is the same lady that we had the incredible teaching appointment with about two weeks ago. I had talked to her about how sometimes we make sacrifices and then the Lord is able to bless us. No sacrifice goes unnoticed. She ended up coming, and then after Church she talked to me and said, "I'm glad that you said that to me, I'm glad that you were honest with me in telling me to come to Church." She had a great experience, and so did her little 5 year old boy De'Jore. I love the Jamaican people, I love her accent, How cool would that be if I could pick one up. The most incredible thing about Rosali actually happened later that night when we went over for a teaching appointment. At the end of the lesson on the Plan of Salvation, she told us how she liked to pray in the middle of the night and she said, "I can feel god when I pray in the middle of the night." She then told us, "If you guys weren't true I would feel it." She recognizes us as true messengers of the Lord. She then described how she knew by saying "Just the way you showed up on my doorstep, I knew it was God. I had been praying to find a Church." I coulnd't believe what I was hearing. Rosali was searching, and we were searching, Elder Rainey and I. We were praying and had had an additional fast, and our prayers were answered. The Lord answered both of our prayers and guided us to each other. Then she really lifted me when she told us, told us ,"There are people waithing for you to show up at their door like you did mine. Continue trying, you can break any barriers. Some people are out there that will listen. One word, one sentence, and They'll go back and think about it. Continue doing what you're doing." She went onto say, "It wasn't easy for Jesus Christ." This was an incredible testimony from her. There are people like this out here that I am searching to find. These are my brothers and sisters, I have to find them all!!!Then Monday, early evening we were out tracting and a lady let us in. A big happy, southern lady. She even had a shirt on that said GRANDMA, and a list of her qualities. She told us at the end of the lesson that when she had talked with us she thought, "Christ is knocking let him in." Once again one of God's children recognized us as his servants. Durning this same session of tracting we set up a return appointment with a man named Eddy to meet with on Tuesday (Yesterday). He has an interesting story. His mother who passed away a year ago at 92, had once met with sister missionaries about 10 years ago, but never was a member. He said that when we knocked he remembered his mom meeting with the sisters ahd he felt this was his chance. We then began to share the message of the restoration. I had just finished talking about the Atonement and my testimony of it. He interrupted to say some things that almost knocked me off my seat. It hit me so hard, I think my jaw was on the ground. My whole body almost became weak. He said that he thought there always had to be more than just the few parts that some ministers focus on. He said "I'm looking for the fullness, I feel like my glass is half full, I want the fellowshipping. He said, "I want something that's going to make me a better father, a better son, a better brother to others." He said, " He'd studied out other religions, but said that something felt like it was still missing. He then pointed at me and told me that he felt something when I spoke, he said that he could tell something about me in my sincerity. He said, "I felt something when you were talking." After he had finished, I paused to collect myself and took the time to tell him and help him recongnize that this was the spirit that he had felt. I told him that all his desires and questions he had could be answered with this gospel. I then told him that he had already hear this message before this life once before. I told him that I was called to this area because this is wehre I needed to be, because this is where there were brothers and sisters fo mine living whom I had made promises to, to come and find. This is where those who I said goodbye to because I knew I would be born into a family with the gospel. I promised them I would come and find them. This is where they are living. I bore this testimony as tears rolled down my cheeks. I was sitting in the presence of one of these brothers. I was sitting in the presence of one of God's Chidlren. In the presence of one who God had prepared and led me to. The spirit confirmed to me that I am where I am to be, finding and teaching the people that I need to teach. Confirming to me my mission call, and my decision to serve. I have to work as hard as possible to find all of my brothers and sisters, they are here. I don't know where they live, but the Lord is answering my prayers and leading me to them. I think back to my times when I lived in anger and troubled times. The Lord had to shake me to wake me up, he was not going to let me stay the way I was. He wanted me to serve a mission, because there were people out here waiting for me. He needed me, so he called to me. I'm here. He needed me to get my act together so I could find these people I had promised to find. Last night the Lord used me as a conduit for the spirit. He gave me the words I was to speak. I touched the hearts of all of us in that room in that 3 story apartment building. At the end of the lesson when we gave him 3 Nephi 11 to read as homework he said, " Is that it, give me some more!??" I gave him a few mor chapters in alma. Then he flipped through the BOM and asked how long it was. We said about 500 pages, he said I bet I could finish that in a week. He was so humble and grateful for us coming, and was anxious to meet with us soon. Experiences like these have been incredible. The Lord is with me and my companion. He loves us and is leading us by the hand. This is his work, his kingdom, his children, and we are his servants, his agents, on his errand, and we are entitled to his blessing. He truly has blessed us and I cannot glory enough in the Lord and his blessing us and allowing us to have the spirit with us. I know this Church is True, beyond doubt, the spirit confirms these things to me and sears them into my soul. I love this work. I love being a missionary. It is the greatest calling. I leave you with this in the Sacred name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Elder Adams
May the Lord watch over you all as he does us.
P.S. Mom these are sacred personal experiences, they mean a lot to me. I am sharing them with you, but if you could just share them with dad, Josh, and Spencer I would really appreciate it. Thank you so much for all that you do.
YOu have no idea about my gratitude for those things. I think it will be awesome. I am equiped as I possibly can be for winter. With the Lord's blessing I will make it.
Sorry I was writing a big letter to you.
HEre's something for now for the newsletter. I'll write more next week if I can.
I love my mission. I have been called by a prophet of God, to serve the people of Chicago. I have had some great experiences. I love being a missionary, the scary this is though that time goes by so fast. This is the happiest time of my life. I thank you for all of your prayers and support. My first Chicago winter is here. It will deffinately be intense, but with faith in the Lord, Mom's care packages, and a brother who works at an outdoors store, I will make it.
Diligently Elder Adams
I found the attachment, but it won't open. I might be able to get it next week. This week we have combined District meeting with the other Districts in the city, and the Zone leaders are running it, so I get a week off. OH and my comp is from a tiny town in New Mexico, called Elephan Butte. Yeah it's different, and he's probably my most different companion. Are you still saving all of my emails?? I hope so.
Right now my comp found this little piece of a Christmas tree that has a few lights on it and attached it to my dresser lamp, it looks ridiculous.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
November 26, 2008
Nice. Well I need you to look on Ebay for some tickets to the Chicago Bulls game on New Year's Eve @ 1:00. My comp (Elder Rainey) Who got transfered by the way, is also having his parents look so don't purchase until we can IM back and forth about it. So yeah I have another new companion.
My comp and I have to split the cost of a $75 ticket that I got for turning right on a stop light without stopping. I don't know if I did this. But they have pictures and we have to pay. So it's a bummer. I have to pay by Dec. 4
NO we just want to start looking, so we can get them as soon as possible. There will be probably four of us going. Elder Rainey, His new comp, Me, and My new Comp. It should be an exciting day. We figure it should be a hot game, so the sooner we can get them the better. Just let me know next time. When did you guys get out of school?
OH yeah it's not I big deal. I'm still able to drive. I don't know if they will take a debit though. I think we have to mail it in. Before Elder Rainey left he gave me $37 to pay his portion. I'd have to look at the paper to see if it's done through the mission office or the city. I think it's the city.
That was a weak sauce Email Spencer. I would expect that from Josh. Anyway you got one thing right, but I love to hear it from you, I am out here for a reason. You got that reason right to do the Lord's work , to serve him, to help other people find the truth that you and I know. It was good to hear you say that though. Tear it up bud at your tournament. I expect a recap of each of the games you play, and I want to know about the goals you scored, and the moves you pulled, and how your team did. Go out there and give it your all. I heard that Utah won so they are undefeated. Does that make them 12-0. I want to hear about your Thanksgiving also, so you'll have alot to write next time. Let me hear about the soccer tournament especially. I want details Daniel son. I was able to juggle a soccer ball last P-day,and then to play with a bunch of the other missionaries. Most of them hadn't played but there were a few good ones. One Elder was quite good. When I first started juggling the ball it was awkward, then it all came back. It felt so good to play again. There was a ton of us together for P-day. Probably about 20, a bunch of us played out in the Church Parking lot in Chicago. It was really cool. A bunch of the spanish speaking missionaries were there to. It was a big get together P-day. I even put on my ballin shorts and played a game of b-ball. Playing outside in the parking lot was cold and all I had on was shorts and a t-shirt, but I didn't care, I WAS PLAYING SOCCER. It was a lot of fun. I had a few good goals too. Love you tons bud. I hope you do great in your game, and have a great Thanksgiving. You are in my prayers and I love you and I love the work that I have been called to do by God.
Love Elder Adams
That's funny you should say that about my companion's names. This ones name is Elder Brown! Not the same Elder Brown That I had for an MTC companion, because he's in Talahassee Florida. There's not really anything you can get me. Maybe a tie or two. Other than that, just a letter and your prayers and love. I'm a missionary right now so there isn't much you can get me, just prayers. Christmas as a missionary will be different so don't worry about it.
I just read your letter, and the scarfs sound genious. Josh is also right about mittons, I have heard the same. Sister Ray (Rachel Ray), and her husband took us to this little cafe to say goodbye to Elder Rainey and gave us each our birthday presents (his early, mine late) His is today. She gave us each 10 sets of handwarmers. How nice. Things that keep my hands and feet warm are good things, so I like the idea of the thicker scarves. I'll look forward to this package.
Well I continue my quest to hold on to a companion for more than six weeks. I have had a new companion every transfer of my mission. At the end of this transfer I will have been out 7 1/2 months. This makes companion number 5!! I think that could be a song!! I was really hoping that Elder Rainey and I would stay together, he has been my most obedient, hard working companion. If I said there was a rule we needed to follow, but he hadn't heard it, he didn't argue he went along. It was great not having to fight the obedience battle. We really witnessed some miracles together too, and felt the influence of the spirit and the Lord's hand in the work. He was a great companion, I'll miss him. President even said in our interviews "We'll just leave you two alone and let you work." What happened to that. Anyway yesterday was transfers, and Elder Brown is now my companion. They did another "switch" transfer. Elder Rainey went to Wrigleyville (so he is now on a bike, I will pray for him), and Elder Brown came from Wrigleyville. I get the impression that President is putting me in places or with companions where there was a problem before. Before I wnet to Beloit an Elder went home early from his mission so I took his place. Then I came to North Shore where before Elder Rainey had had rough transfer with his companion like I had once had. His companion had almost went home, he had talked to Presidnet and everything. Elder Rainey had told me how they hadn't gotten along too well, and about some of the things his companion would do. Now I'm with Elder Brown who I've heard, and I now get the impression (as he gives little hints), also had a rough transfer with his companion before in Wrigleyville. I hope Elder Rainey does well with this other Elder in Wrigleyville. I see a pattern here, I'm either going or being put with missionaries that have have had a hard time, or where there is problems. President is essentially sending me straight to the fires. Elder Brown seems to be an obedient missionary, and willing to work hard also. It should be a great transfer. We are still preparing for a couple baptims here in December, it should be great. I was hoping to baptise with Elder Rainey though. We are also now teaching this young single adult, who is 22. He's from Haiti, and speaks Haitian, he also speaks English. He's incredible and he is really moving along, and we've only taught him twice. He wants to have us over with his family for Haitian food. We have also had African food twice since being in this area. This is deffinately an interesting cultural experience, and Haitian should be great. The work here is moving along. I wish you could all see the changes in people's lives and in their families. We are teaching one lady, Melissa, who used to be Jewish then converted to Christianity. She is in a horrible marriage right now, her husband only says 10 words to her a day, and they sleep in different rooms. She has three kids though all six years and younger. The kids love us, and always ask their mom "When are we going to the Mormon Church?" They also can't wait to see us again to sing us a church song that they've learned. (Blessed be the little children.) The husband now doesn't care if she comes to our Church, but did guilt her in to going to theirs one week. Just this Sunday her and the Kids were throwing up, so satan is really making it hard for her to come. We've never met the husband, but he doesn't like what she's doing but doesn't really care. I feel really bad for her, she is a great mom, and is so kind to us. She's awesome and she has a baptismal date now for the 20th of December. There are so many great people here of all walks of life, and of all races, all are children of our Father in Heaven. I love teaching them and feeling the spirit, and seeing the joy it brings into their lives. The light it brings to there faces. If only... If only you could witness it... If only we could all have this joy our whole lives. The Lord truly blesses us. Elder Rainey and I were instruments in the hands of the Lord, we fasted, we prayed, we were obedient, and hard working, and Lord showed us his will. Even though this transfer Elder Rainey and I came close, but did not baptise, this was by far the most successful transfer of my mission. I hope this next one with Elder Brown will be great also. We will carry on the work and strive to have the spirit. With the Lord beside me, I will be able to survive this first Chicago winter, but only with the Lord. "The arm of the flesh is weak," and Elder Adams is a nancy when it comes to the cold. So only with the Lord will I perservere the cold. Thanksgiving will prove to be a great experience, as I said before we are going to Villa Stowell. I'm going to make sure my suit, hair, and manners are "Spot on" as they would say in England. I was going to send you pictures from my camera, but I think I'll wait to take pictures of this little experience. The Stowells truly are great, and I will make sure to give them your thanks. Oh and no we do not get all of our P-day off, it is more like P 8hours. P-day begins at 10 and ends at 6, which is when we go back to work. As for the Sherpa hat, is it ridiculously obnoxious. I like the idea of the beanie like spencer's that he got from Aeropostale last year with the yak fur inside, that thing was warm. If Josh really likes the sherpa hat though you could get it and then if I don't like it I can send it back to him. I love you family and friends, and you are in my prayers. With Love, Faithfully and Diligently, Yours Truly
Elder Adams
Nothing changed with my leader ship calling. I'm still district leader and senior companion. If you have any other cool ideas for district meetings that I have to organize every monday send them my way. I think this week I'll read the Green eggs and ham book to them as a short part of it. I usually like to have some short 5 min thing like that at the end. The rest I pull from Preach My Gospel. Love you tons.
My comp and I have to split the cost of a $75 ticket that I got for turning right on a stop light without stopping. I don't know if I did this. But they have pictures and we have to pay. So it's a bummer. I have to pay by Dec. 4
NO we just want to start looking, so we can get them as soon as possible. There will be probably four of us going. Elder Rainey, His new comp, Me, and My new Comp. It should be an exciting day. We figure it should be a hot game, so the sooner we can get them the better. Just let me know next time. When did you guys get out of school?
OH yeah it's not I big deal. I'm still able to drive. I don't know if they will take a debit though. I think we have to mail it in. Before Elder Rainey left he gave me $37 to pay his portion. I'd have to look at the paper to see if it's done through the mission office or the city. I think it's the city.
That was a weak sauce Email Spencer. I would expect that from Josh. Anyway you got one thing right, but I love to hear it from you, I am out here for a reason. You got that reason right to do the Lord's work , to serve him, to help other people find the truth that you and I know. It was good to hear you say that though. Tear it up bud at your tournament. I expect a recap of each of the games you play, and I want to know about the goals you scored, and the moves you pulled, and how your team did. Go out there and give it your all. I heard that Utah won so they are undefeated. Does that make them 12-0. I want to hear about your Thanksgiving also, so you'll have alot to write next time. Let me hear about the soccer tournament especially. I want details Daniel son. I was able to juggle a soccer ball last P-day,and then to play with a bunch of the other missionaries. Most of them hadn't played but there were a few good ones. One Elder was quite good. When I first started juggling the ball it was awkward, then it all came back. It felt so good to play again. There was a ton of us together for P-day. Probably about 20, a bunch of us played out in the Church Parking lot in Chicago. It was really cool. A bunch of the spanish speaking missionaries were there to. It was a big get together P-day. I even put on my ballin shorts and played a game of b-ball. Playing outside in the parking lot was cold and all I had on was shorts and a t-shirt, but I didn't care, I WAS PLAYING SOCCER. It was a lot of fun. I had a few good goals too. Love you tons bud. I hope you do great in your game, and have a great Thanksgiving. You are in my prayers and I love you and I love the work that I have been called to do by God.
Love Elder Adams
That's funny you should say that about my companion's names. This ones name is Elder Brown! Not the same Elder Brown That I had for an MTC companion, because he's in Talahassee Florida. There's not really anything you can get me. Maybe a tie or two. Other than that, just a letter and your prayers and love. I'm a missionary right now so there isn't much you can get me, just prayers. Christmas as a missionary will be different so don't worry about it.
I just read your letter, and the scarfs sound genious. Josh is also right about mittons, I have heard the same. Sister Ray (Rachel Ray), and her husband took us to this little cafe to say goodbye to Elder Rainey and gave us each our birthday presents (his early, mine late) His is today. She gave us each 10 sets of handwarmers. How nice. Things that keep my hands and feet warm are good things, so I like the idea of the thicker scarves. I'll look forward to this package.
Well I continue my quest to hold on to a companion for more than six weeks. I have had a new companion every transfer of my mission. At the end of this transfer I will have been out 7 1/2 months. This makes companion number 5!! I think that could be a song!! I was really hoping that Elder Rainey and I would stay together, he has been my most obedient, hard working companion. If I said there was a rule we needed to follow, but he hadn't heard it, he didn't argue he went along. It was great not having to fight the obedience battle. We really witnessed some miracles together too, and felt the influence of the spirit and the Lord's hand in the work. He was a great companion, I'll miss him. President even said in our interviews "We'll just leave you two alone and let you work." What happened to that. Anyway yesterday was transfers, and Elder Brown is now my companion. They did another "switch" transfer. Elder Rainey went to Wrigleyville (so he is now on a bike, I will pray for him), and Elder Brown came from Wrigleyville. I get the impression that President is putting me in places or with companions where there was a problem before. Before I wnet to Beloit an Elder went home early from his mission so I took his place. Then I came to North Shore where before Elder Rainey had had rough transfer with his companion like I had once had. His companion had almost went home, he had talked to Presidnet and everything. Elder Rainey had told me how they hadn't gotten along too well, and about some of the things his companion would do. Now I'm with Elder Brown who I've heard, and I now get the impression (as he gives little hints), also had a rough transfer with his companion before in Wrigleyville. I hope Elder Rainey does well with this other Elder in Wrigleyville. I see a pattern here, I'm either going or being put with missionaries that have have had a hard time, or where there is problems. President is essentially sending me straight to the fires. Elder Brown seems to be an obedient missionary, and willing to work hard also. It should be a great transfer. We are still preparing for a couple baptims here in December, it should be great. I was hoping to baptise with Elder Rainey though. We are also now teaching this young single adult, who is 22. He's from Haiti, and speaks Haitian, he also speaks English. He's incredible and he is really moving along, and we've only taught him twice. He wants to have us over with his family for Haitian food. We have also had African food twice since being in this area. This is deffinately an interesting cultural experience, and Haitian should be great. The work here is moving along. I wish you could all see the changes in people's lives and in their families. We are teaching one lady, Melissa, who used to be Jewish then converted to Christianity. She is in a horrible marriage right now, her husband only says 10 words to her a day, and they sleep in different rooms. She has three kids though all six years and younger. The kids love us, and always ask their mom "When are we going to the Mormon Church?" They also can't wait to see us again to sing us a church song that they've learned. (Blessed be the little children.) The husband now doesn't care if she comes to our Church, but did guilt her in to going to theirs one week. Just this Sunday her and the Kids were throwing up, so satan is really making it hard for her to come. We've never met the husband, but he doesn't like what she's doing but doesn't really care. I feel really bad for her, she is a great mom, and is so kind to us. She's awesome and she has a baptismal date now for the 20th of December. There are so many great people here of all walks of life, and of all races, all are children of our Father in Heaven. I love teaching them and feeling the spirit, and seeing the joy it brings into their lives. The light it brings to there faces. If only... If only you could witness it... If only we could all have this joy our whole lives. The Lord truly blesses us. Elder Rainey and I were instruments in the hands of the Lord, we fasted, we prayed, we were obedient, and hard working, and Lord showed us his will. Even though this transfer Elder Rainey and I came close, but did not baptise, this was by far the most successful transfer of my mission. I hope this next one with Elder Brown will be great also. We will carry on the work and strive to have the spirit. With the Lord beside me, I will be able to survive this first Chicago winter, but only with the Lord. "The arm of the flesh is weak," and Elder Adams is a nancy when it comes to the cold. So only with the Lord will I perservere the cold. Thanksgiving will prove to be a great experience, as I said before we are going to Villa Stowell. I'm going to make sure my suit, hair, and manners are "Spot on" as they would say in England. I was going to send you pictures from my camera, but I think I'll wait to take pictures of this little experience. The Stowells truly are great, and I will make sure to give them your thanks. Oh and no we do not get all of our P-day off, it is more like P 8hours. P-day begins at 10 and ends at 6, which is when we go back to work. As for the Sherpa hat, is it ridiculously obnoxious. I like the idea of the beanie like spencer's that he got from Aeropostale last year with the yak fur inside, that thing was warm. If Josh really likes the sherpa hat though you could get it and then if I don't like it I can send it back to him. I love you family and friends, and you are in my prayers. With Love, Faithfully and Diligently, Yours Truly
Elder Adams
Nothing changed with my leader ship calling. I'm still district leader and senior companion. If you have any other cool ideas for district meetings that I have to organize every monday send them my way. I think this week I'll read the Green eggs and ham book to them as a short part of it. I usually like to have some short 5 min thing like that at the end. The rest I pull from Preach My Gospel. Love you tons.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
November 19, 2008
Joshua Tyler Adams, it is so good to hear from you. I was just talking to my comp in the car last night as we were driving in between appointments about how I worried what you were up to. I didn't know if you had gotten involved with some girl, if you were still going on a mission, if you still knew that I was on a mission. It's good to hear that you answered all of my questions and deterred all of my fears. You will be so much more prepared for your mission than I was. I made the decision just before, so quickly. Things happened so quickly for me, I only attended a handful of those mission prep classes just before. You've been reading your scriptures and everything though. You truly will be a servant of the Lord, a weapon in his hands, and the ax that is laid at the root of the tree, (Alma 5:52). A mission truly is the greatest blessing. I'm glad that you've made the decision. It deffinately is something that has to be each missionaries decision to come out and serve. To put your whole heart and soul into it. Me, I had to gain a testimony of this work, to repent, change, to make that decision. You're a good kid, You'll be ready to wear this badge, and labor alongside me as brotheren in the Lord. You don't know how lucky you are josh to have your whole mission ahead of you. Getting your call, waiting, packing, ESPECIALLY THE MTC, and then your full two years. You are so lucky, mine is already a fourth of the way over. I will hit my six month mark this FRI. I can't believe it's been six months. It's good to hear from you though. We have had an awesome transfer here in North Shore. We did a special fast at the beginning for the work in this area and to find people. Then we set a goal to get a baptism. We are now preparing a few people for baptism. One of them will probably be baptized in two weeks. We'll just miss our goal of getting it this transfer, but it has been a miracle and Lord has blessed us. This lady that is getting baptised just fell into our laps. She came twice with a member and then in talking to her we found out she wanted to be baptized. There are a few others we found through tracting. You see, if you are obedient and do all that you can, and pray and work with faith and determination, the Lord will take care of the rest. If the people won't listen to you, and it's getting close to crunch time-THE LORD WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN. He rewards his righteous servants, and if the Lord wants something done, it will be done. Keep studying, preparing, and praying. You need all the armor, protection, firepower, faith, testimony, you can to fight this war. You will be ready I know it. The Lord knows it, and he needs you in the mission field.
With Diligence and Love, Elder Adams
It's funny that you should mention that about reading Gavin's Email because president talked to us about reading attached email that isn't from immediate family. I got permission from him to read what Grandma Froelich writes to me, but everything else has to be printed off and mailed to me. If you still want to do that, that would be awesome, since I don't get letters anyway, because it is good to hear form Gavin. Other than that I probable shouldn't read it online, President's Rules. > It's good to hear from you though dad. I have some scriptures for ya. For me scriptures that have to do with missionaries are really interesting. Maybe that's because they apply to me right now. Seeing as you are the father of a missionary though maybe it will be cool to look at. Look at Doctrine and Covenants Section 68 and section 75. Pay special attention in section 75 to verses 2-5. I see this as my calling, and what I am to do. Then in verse 5 the lord gives a promise to us if we are faithful. In section 68, this is Orson Hyde's mission call. I insert my name where it says his. Start in verse one, but focus on verses 2-5 here also. Paricularly look at verse four. I think this is incredible what is promised to us missionaries. It's almost overwhelming to think about the responsiblilty that I hold, it's and honor. I'm not going to spoil verse four for you, you'll just have to read it. It blew me away! I love you so much dad. I'm glad to hear that you're pleased with what I'm doing. I left a boy, and I will return a man, filled with the Spirit of the Lord.
Well Spencer, I hope you take better care of your teeth, you know brush them, use mouthwash, salt and hot water, maybe the occassional dosage of turpentine. Anyway, I've heard that Utah is undefeated. If there is any truth to that then I'm with Utah. I'd like to see them have a perfect season. You've got to root for history. Anyway I love your testimony bud. The mission is awesome. I don't know if I told you this last week but my comp almost lit our apartment on fire. He was cooking eggs, had the unit on high. Then he went to wipe the stove off with a wad of PAPER NAPKINS and he touched the red hot unit with them. It caught on fire and he held it in his hand just watching it. Then he started to blow on it and this just fueled the fire. He finally threw it on the ground and watching it like a deer in the headlights. I dropped what I was doing and decided I needed to take matters into my own hands. I grabbed a cup and filled it with water and began chucking water across the kitchen onto the fire. Then the smoke detector went off. Yeah it was intense. Well I love you tons bro. I'm glad that at least you write me. I never hear from Josh and I don't really get letters so I love hearing from you. Take it easy bro.
HEy so we had snow, I wrote you in my letter a list of things I'll be needing to keep me from dying!
NO this is not the Rachel Ray from t.v. this our ward mission leader's wife. She is still a good cook though. She does go to the Oprah Show though. She just went recently and got one of those digital book readers. Oprah gave one to everyone in the audience, they are about 250 dollars, but that's pocket change for Oprah. Speaking of famous people, tell the boys about this one. WE met with this rapper yesterday. His name is Ross, rapper name Young Ross, he's working on signing to a label right now. He has an album that if everything works out you could look for to see if he's for real. It's called just getting started. He said that he had met with Kanye West. He told us he wanted to make a movie of his path up to his big start, and he wanted to include the meeting we were having with him. What can I say I'm in Chicago with my brothas. Last week my comp almost lit our apartment on fire. He was cooking eggs, had the unit on high. Then he went to wipe the stove off with a wad of PAPER NAPKINS and he touched the red hot unit with them. It caught on fire and he held it in his hand just watching it. Then he started to blow on it and this just fueled the fire. He finally threw it on the ground and watched it like a deer in the headlights. I dropped what I was doing and decided I needed to take matters into my own hands. I grabbed a cup and filled it with water and began chucking water across the kitchen onto the fire. Then the smoke detector went off. Yeah it was intense.So monday and tuesday it snowed for the first time. My days of running outside are over. We found out from one of our investigators, the starting D-lineman for Northwestern, Adam Hahn. That in the morning when he had practice it was like 5 or 10 Degrees with wind chills. We were out tracting monday and it started to snow, so I got a little taste of what winter was going to bring. So we have had our first snow. I have decided that a little piece of leather around my foot is not going to work as effective warmth for my feet. I'm thinking boots. I'm going to buy some thermals at target today. If you could also get me some thick scarfs. I've learned from the other elders that that is the secret. You have to have a scarf and wrap it around your neck and tuck it in your jacket so you can cover your face. This winter is really going to test me. The sooner you can get me those gloves and socks and boots and scarves, that would be bueno. Yeah it is deffinately getting cold here. I figure I have about five months of the cold to endure. I've been dreading when Chicago winter would come since I got my call, but now it's time to face it.As far as Thanksgiving goes. The richest family in the ward signed up. We've been to there house once for sunday dinner. This house is like Buckingham Palace, and I feel I should be in an apron in order to set foot in there. I'm hoping for some yams though (Love ya mom). I mean Thanksgiving is Thanksgiving, there's not much you can do to make the food different, but it's going to be the atmosphere and the environment that I'm in this Thanksgiving. It has the potential to be the nicest one I've ever had. I guess that's how it's done here in North Shore though, where the homes are millions of dollars. Tracting these areas is tough as all else, we've done it a couple times. Transfers are this tuesday and Elder Rainey's Birthday is Wednesday so he's hoping to stay. Rachel Ray actual requested to celebrate it on monday though. The family that is having us over for Thanksgiving is the Stowells. So for the sake of the Stowells he's really hoping he doesn't get transfered. I feel pretty confident we are both staying, but I feel really good that I'm staying. We are now preparing a few people for baptism. One of them will probably be baptized in two weeks. We'll just miss our goal of getting it this transfer (like we had set), but it has been a miracle and Lord has blessed us. This lady that is getting baptised just fell into our laps. She came twice with a member and then in talking to her we found out she wanted to be baptized. There are a few others we found through tracting. You see, if you are obedient and do all that you can, and pray and work with faith and determination, the Lord will take care of the rest. It truly has been a blessing. The Lord makes things happen.
Elder Adams
I gotta get going. Thanks for the whole family writing it was great. Have a happy thanksgiving. Well I guess i'll write you next week just before.
With Diligence and Love, Elder Adams
It's funny that you should mention that about reading Gavin's Email because president talked to us about reading attached email that isn't from immediate family. I got permission from him to read what Grandma Froelich writes to me, but everything else has to be printed off and mailed to me. If you still want to do that, that would be awesome, since I don't get letters anyway, because it is good to hear form Gavin. Other than that I probable shouldn't read it online, President's Rules. > It's good to hear from you though dad. I have some scriptures for ya. For me scriptures that have to do with missionaries are really interesting. Maybe that's because they apply to me right now. Seeing as you are the father of a missionary though maybe it will be cool to look at. Look at Doctrine and Covenants Section 68 and section 75. Pay special attention in section 75 to verses 2-5. I see this as my calling, and what I am to do. Then in verse 5 the lord gives a promise to us if we are faithful. In section 68, this is Orson Hyde's mission call. I insert my name where it says his. Start in verse one, but focus on verses 2-5 here also. Paricularly look at verse four. I think this is incredible what is promised to us missionaries. It's almost overwhelming to think about the responsiblilty that I hold, it's and honor. I'm not going to spoil verse four for you, you'll just have to read it. It blew me away! I love you so much dad. I'm glad to hear that you're pleased with what I'm doing. I left a boy, and I will return a man, filled with the Spirit of the Lord.
Well Spencer, I hope you take better care of your teeth, you know brush them, use mouthwash, salt and hot water, maybe the occassional dosage of turpentine. Anyway, I've heard that Utah is undefeated. If there is any truth to that then I'm with Utah. I'd like to see them have a perfect season. You've got to root for history. Anyway I love your testimony bud. The mission is awesome. I don't know if I told you this last week but my comp almost lit our apartment on fire. He was cooking eggs, had the unit on high. Then he went to wipe the stove off with a wad of PAPER NAPKINS and he touched the red hot unit with them. It caught on fire and he held it in his hand just watching it. Then he started to blow on it and this just fueled the fire. He finally threw it on the ground and watching it like a deer in the headlights. I dropped what I was doing and decided I needed to take matters into my own hands. I grabbed a cup and filled it with water and began chucking water across the kitchen onto the fire. Then the smoke detector went off. Yeah it was intense. Well I love you tons bro. I'm glad that at least you write me. I never hear from Josh and I don't really get letters so I love hearing from you. Take it easy bro.
HEy so we had snow, I wrote you in my letter a list of things I'll be needing to keep me from dying!
NO this is not the Rachel Ray from t.v. this our ward mission leader's wife. She is still a good cook though. She does go to the Oprah Show though. She just went recently and got one of those digital book readers. Oprah gave one to everyone in the audience, they are about 250 dollars, but that's pocket change for Oprah. Speaking of famous people, tell the boys about this one. WE met with this rapper yesterday. His name is Ross, rapper name Young Ross, he's working on signing to a label right now. He has an album that if everything works out you could look for to see if he's for real. It's called just getting started. He said that he had met with Kanye West. He told us he wanted to make a movie of his path up to his big start, and he wanted to include the meeting we were having with him. What can I say I'm in Chicago with my brothas. Last week my comp almost lit our apartment on fire. He was cooking eggs, had the unit on high. Then he went to wipe the stove off with a wad of PAPER NAPKINS and he touched the red hot unit with them. It caught on fire and he held it in his hand just watching it. Then he started to blow on it and this just fueled the fire. He finally threw it on the ground and watched it like a deer in the headlights. I dropped what I was doing and decided I needed to take matters into my own hands. I grabbed a cup and filled it with water and began chucking water across the kitchen onto the fire. Then the smoke detector went off. Yeah it was intense.So monday and tuesday it snowed for the first time. My days of running outside are over. We found out from one of our investigators, the starting D-lineman for Northwestern, Adam Hahn. That in the morning when he had practice it was like 5 or 10 Degrees with wind chills. We were out tracting monday and it started to snow, so I got a little taste of what winter was going to bring. So we have had our first snow. I have decided that a little piece of leather around my foot is not going to work as effective warmth for my feet. I'm thinking boots. I'm going to buy some thermals at target today. If you could also get me some thick scarfs. I've learned from the other elders that that is the secret. You have to have a scarf and wrap it around your neck and tuck it in your jacket so you can cover your face. This winter is really going to test me. The sooner you can get me those gloves and socks and boots and scarves, that would be bueno. Yeah it is deffinately getting cold here. I figure I have about five months of the cold to endure. I've been dreading when Chicago winter would come since I got my call, but now it's time to face it.As far as Thanksgiving goes. The richest family in the ward signed up. We've been to there house once for sunday dinner. This house is like Buckingham Palace, and I feel I should be in an apron in order to set foot in there. I'm hoping for some yams though (Love ya mom). I mean Thanksgiving is Thanksgiving, there's not much you can do to make the food different, but it's going to be the atmosphere and the environment that I'm in this Thanksgiving. It has the potential to be the nicest one I've ever had. I guess that's how it's done here in North Shore though, where the homes are millions of dollars. Tracting these areas is tough as all else, we've done it a couple times. Transfers are this tuesday and Elder Rainey's Birthday is Wednesday so he's hoping to stay. Rachel Ray actual requested to celebrate it on monday though. The family that is having us over for Thanksgiving is the Stowells. So for the sake of the Stowells he's really hoping he doesn't get transfered. I feel pretty confident we are both staying, but I feel really good that I'm staying. We are now preparing a few people for baptism. One of them will probably be baptized in two weeks. We'll just miss our goal of getting it this transfer (like we had set), but it has been a miracle and Lord has blessed us. This lady that is getting baptised just fell into our laps. She came twice with a member and then in talking to her we found out she wanted to be baptized. There are a few others we found through tracting. You see, if you are obedient and do all that you can, and pray and work with faith and determination, the Lord will take care of the rest. It truly has been a blessing. The Lord makes things happen.
Elder Adams
I gotta get going. Thanks for the whole family writing it was great. Have a happy thanksgiving. Well I guess i'll write you next week just before.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
November 12, 2008
Spencer you forgot, I have no idea about sports or anything for that matter. I have no newspaper, no tv, no radio. I don't really know who will win. It is deffinatelly starting to get colder though. I still go running with my comp in the morning though. I heard you guys have already had snow, is that true. It's good to hear from ya. Is Josh still talking to Katelyn or Katie or whatever her name is?? Keep me posted, and if he is give him a hard time for me, you know run down in his room when he's on the phone with her and scream like a banshee. Yeah those were some good times. Love ya Reef, and keep me in your prayers as you are in mine.Love Your Brother "The Missionary"
It's going great. The zone leaders came to our district meeting this week. They told me it was a great meeting. (I have to plan out district meeting and conduct it, and give out assignments of who is talking on what). I'm always open to suggestions. Yeah this back and forth works pretty good, I'm just at a library. I can have as long as I want. The Leadership positions are working out great. It's just another opportunity to serve those around me. It's a service position, I love it!!!
How is the Blog page going. Hopefully you're still saving all of my emails. Well it sounds like things have been great at home, congrats to spencer getting to go to St George. It is getting cold, I've busted out the earmuffs, and I found a pair of brand new gloves that I had brought from beloit. There was frost on the ground the other morning when I ran. I wanted to write you and tell you I need more face cleaning pads, a beanie, and have Josh find the best gloves he can find. Oh I also want some thick wool socks. It's time to prepare, for the day soon cometh when I will suffer the wrath of my first Chicago winter. It's coming, it is coming... I should be sending home some pictures and I managed to get three Chicago Tribunes from the election, IT WASN'T EASY! So I'll send those home too. I figure it's history, so save them and keep them nice. You can't just get these papers in any city or state. The birthday was good, but it feels so weird. We didn't make the cake though, because this lady in the ward invited us over for dinner and wanted to know what I wanted for my birthday cake. I told her a carrot cake would be ok. Down in the city was great with Bill. I think I told you Bill Murray took my comp and I and also Elder Purdie (my trainer) and his comp out to lunch. We went to the 95th floor signature room restaurant at the Hancock building. The view was incredible. Bill paid for us all!!! We also went to this sweet Lamborghini dealer downtown and checked out some sweet cars. It was a great day. Especially since it was warm and clear. A day in downtown for my birthday was awesome, it was a good way to celebrate. You'll be glad to know that even though it's not something I would usually do, I put up the decorations that you sent me. We are going to leave them up until Rainey's birthday on the 26th, that is if he's still here, transfers are the day before. I wrote dad all about my thoughts on the gps, it's amazing. Thank you so much, I wasn't expecting anything, maybe a tie or something. I just thought there's not much a missionary could use. I'm 20 though, and that is weird. This birthday really does feel different, and I do feel older. The teenage years are gone. It doesn't just feel like another birthday, or another year. This past year went by so fast. I still remember going shopping with you, when you bought me the skater shoes and my boarding jacket, then we went out to cafe' rio. This was an incredible week for finding and teaching, and this week is turning out to be great also. Just yesterday Rainey and I set a baptismal date for one of our investigators, with the Lord all things are possible. We have had investigators coming to church, we have been having incredible lessons with them, in which the Spirit has been overwhelming. The Lord is blessing us in a way I thought was only possible to be read about in Preach My Gospel, or copies of the Ensign. The other day we had a lesson with a Jamaican woman, who stopped the lesson and interupted and told us how she thought we were here for a reason. She said she had been looking for a church in which she could feel the Spirit, she had been searching. It literally seemed as if I was witnessing a portion of Preach My Gospel taking place. This woman truly had been prepared by God. We were led by the Lord to her. What's more is this was a neighborhood where we had received a referral , who was not interested. We decided to tract in the area and found this woman, Rosali. We set up a return appointment, and look at what took place. The spirit was so strong after she told us of her search and us being there for a reason. I know she recognized us as servants of Jesus Christ. I bore my testimony in tears, and I don't recall ever crying during the first vision, but I did this time. This was such a powerful experience, Rainey and I could not believe what we had just witnessed after. The work is really moving along. It's all in answer to our prayers: The Lord is with us, and blessing, and ministering to us daily. It's incredible the turn around that is taking place in this area. I firmly believe that it has everything to do with the Lord answering our special fast at the beginning of the transfer, and the Lord rewarding us for hard work, obedience, and faith. I wish you could feel and witness this for yourself. What is happening is one of those missionary stories that you hear the apostles talk about at conference, or those rare stories you read about in the Ensign that really inspire you and build your faith and testimony. It truly is the work of God taking place. I know this because I know that what is happening is something that is impossible for me or my comp to do. It is completely and entirely on the Lord. He truly is my savior, my redeemer, my rock, my salvation, my shephard, my friend. I don't know where I would be without him. Everyday he walks the streets of Evanston beside me, he goes before my face and testifies to the people I meet. He carries me when I am scorned by atheists and non-believers. His countanence and aid are with me. He is with me everyday. I feel like I walk I hallowed ground everyday, because he is here. This is the blessing of being a missionary. His name is over my heart and his footsteps beside me. I can bear solemn and humble testimony of his divinity and reality. In Jesus Christ's sacred and holy name, Amen.
Elder Adams
So yeah the sushi thing was a while ago sorry I forgot to tell you about it. I was going to sit down and order things for us, and then Khobby (pronounced Hobbie) said he'll just bring stuff out. I had to show my comp how to use chopsticks, he'd never used them before. He looked ridiculous for a while (Head turned upside down, hand all twisted, half the time he would murder the piece of sushi on the plate trying to pick it up). Anyway this place is high class. Most of the rolls are 15 to 18 dollars. They come out looking like art. He just kept bringing them out, all different ones. It was really good, and fresh too. I had a lobster one, a freshwater eel one. They were all so good. Probably my favorite one was this freshwater eel one with mango in it. It had a really good sweet taste to it. A lot of them also had thes tiny little red fish eggs on top. They looked really cool like fancy beads and they were good too!! He brought out about 8 Different rolls. Then he brought out the most amazing desert ever for us to share. It was mango ice cream with this rice floor crust on the outside of it. It was amazing. My comp officially loves sushi, his first time trying it. We haven't been back again yet, but we pretty much have an open invitation there. This meal he fed us was well over a hundred dollars, he wouldn't even let us leave a couple dollars as tip. > As far as snow goes, we haven't had any yet, and that is just fine with me. Sounds like you guys have had some snow. The Gps is way cool, I am a high tech missionary now. We always say the Standard of Truth at the beginning of district meeting it starts out "The standard of truth has been erected, no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing..." I'd like to add to that now, "Or a thousand unexpected one way streets or dead ends." Yeah this thing owns the city driving business. Thank you so much. So it's time for Timberline again, it seems like you and Spencer just got home. That would be tight if I could do it with you. I've been thinking how cool it would be if I could get back into scouts when I get back home. I love camping and scouts. I love my mission dad, this is the greatest decision that I have every made. I never really appreciated what you and mom did for me. You really did sacrifice for me and love me. Even though I didn't always want to serve a mission, I realize now that the Lord was preparing me to do this great work through you and mom. I'm so greatful for all that you have done for me, and are doing. I really appreciate you. The mission is going by so fast, The greatest descision in my life, I could stay out here forever. I love you and the Fam. Press onward.
Love Your eldest son
It's going great. The zone leaders came to our district meeting this week. They told me it was a great meeting. (I have to plan out district meeting and conduct it, and give out assignments of who is talking on what). I'm always open to suggestions. Yeah this back and forth works pretty good, I'm just at a library. I can have as long as I want. The Leadership positions are working out great. It's just another opportunity to serve those around me. It's a service position, I love it!!!
How is the Blog page going. Hopefully you're still saving all of my emails. Well it sounds like things have been great at home, congrats to spencer getting to go to St George. It is getting cold, I've busted out the earmuffs, and I found a pair of brand new gloves that I had brought from beloit. There was frost on the ground the other morning when I ran. I wanted to write you and tell you I need more face cleaning pads, a beanie, and have Josh find the best gloves he can find. Oh I also want some thick wool socks. It's time to prepare, for the day soon cometh when I will suffer the wrath of my first Chicago winter. It's coming, it is coming... I should be sending home some pictures and I managed to get three Chicago Tribunes from the election, IT WASN'T EASY! So I'll send those home too. I figure it's history, so save them and keep them nice. You can't just get these papers in any city or state. The birthday was good, but it feels so weird. We didn't make the cake though, because this lady in the ward invited us over for dinner and wanted to know what I wanted for my birthday cake. I told her a carrot cake would be ok. Down in the city was great with Bill. I think I told you Bill Murray took my comp and I and also Elder Purdie (my trainer) and his comp out to lunch. We went to the 95th floor signature room restaurant at the Hancock building. The view was incredible. Bill paid for us all!!! We also went to this sweet Lamborghini dealer downtown and checked out some sweet cars. It was a great day. Especially since it was warm and clear. A day in downtown for my birthday was awesome, it was a good way to celebrate. You'll be glad to know that even though it's not something I would usually do, I put up the decorations that you sent me. We are going to leave them up until Rainey's birthday on the 26th, that is if he's still here, transfers are the day before. I wrote dad all about my thoughts on the gps, it's amazing. Thank you so much, I wasn't expecting anything, maybe a tie or something. I just thought there's not much a missionary could use. I'm 20 though, and that is weird. This birthday really does feel different, and I do feel older. The teenage years are gone. It doesn't just feel like another birthday, or another year. This past year went by so fast. I still remember going shopping with you, when you bought me the skater shoes and my boarding jacket, then we went out to cafe' rio. This was an incredible week for finding and teaching, and this week is turning out to be great also. Just yesterday Rainey and I set a baptismal date for one of our investigators, with the Lord all things are possible. We have had investigators coming to church, we have been having incredible lessons with them, in which the Spirit has been overwhelming. The Lord is blessing us in a way I thought was only possible to be read about in Preach My Gospel, or copies of the Ensign. The other day we had a lesson with a Jamaican woman, who stopped the lesson and interupted and told us how she thought we were here for a reason. She said she had been looking for a church in which she could feel the Spirit, she had been searching. It literally seemed as if I was witnessing a portion of Preach My Gospel taking place. This woman truly had been prepared by God. We were led by the Lord to her. What's more is this was a neighborhood where we had received a referral , who was not interested. We decided to tract in the area and found this woman, Rosali. We set up a return appointment, and look at what took place. The spirit was so strong after she told us of her search and us being there for a reason. I know she recognized us as servants of Jesus Christ. I bore my testimony in tears, and I don't recall ever crying during the first vision, but I did this time. This was such a powerful experience, Rainey and I could not believe what we had just witnessed after. The work is really moving along. It's all in answer to our prayers: The Lord is with us, and blessing, and ministering to us daily. It's incredible the turn around that is taking place in this area. I firmly believe that it has everything to do with the Lord answering our special fast at the beginning of the transfer, and the Lord rewarding us for hard work, obedience, and faith. I wish you could feel and witness this for yourself. What is happening is one of those missionary stories that you hear the apostles talk about at conference, or those rare stories you read about in the Ensign that really inspire you and build your faith and testimony. It truly is the work of God taking place. I know this because I know that what is happening is something that is impossible for me or my comp to do. It is completely and entirely on the Lord. He truly is my savior, my redeemer, my rock, my salvation, my shephard, my friend. I don't know where I would be without him. Everyday he walks the streets of Evanston beside me, he goes before my face and testifies to the people I meet. He carries me when I am scorned by atheists and non-believers. His countanence and aid are with me. He is with me everyday. I feel like I walk I hallowed ground everyday, because he is here. This is the blessing of being a missionary. His name is over my heart and his footsteps beside me. I can bear solemn and humble testimony of his divinity and reality. In Jesus Christ's sacred and holy name, Amen.
Elder Adams
So yeah the sushi thing was a while ago sorry I forgot to tell you about it. I was going to sit down and order things for us, and then Khobby (pronounced Hobbie) said he'll just bring stuff out. I had to show my comp how to use chopsticks, he'd never used them before. He looked ridiculous for a while (Head turned upside down, hand all twisted, half the time he would murder the piece of sushi on the plate trying to pick it up). Anyway this place is high class. Most of the rolls are 15 to 18 dollars. They come out looking like art. He just kept bringing them out, all different ones. It was really good, and fresh too. I had a lobster one, a freshwater eel one. They were all so good. Probably my favorite one was this freshwater eel one with mango in it. It had a really good sweet taste to it. A lot of them also had thes tiny little red fish eggs on top. They looked really cool like fancy beads and they were good too!! He brought out about 8 Different rolls. Then he brought out the most amazing desert ever for us to share. It was mango ice cream with this rice floor crust on the outside of it. It was amazing. My comp officially loves sushi, his first time trying it. We haven't been back again yet, but we pretty much have an open invitation there. This meal he fed us was well over a hundred dollars, he wouldn't even let us leave a couple dollars as tip. > As far as snow goes, we haven't had any yet, and that is just fine with me. Sounds like you guys have had some snow. The Gps is way cool, I am a high tech missionary now. We always say the Standard of Truth at the beginning of district meeting it starts out "The standard of truth has been erected, no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing..." I'd like to add to that now, "Or a thousand unexpected one way streets or dead ends." Yeah this thing owns the city driving business. Thank you so much. So it's time for Timberline again, it seems like you and Spencer just got home. That would be tight if I could do it with you. I've been thinking how cool it would be if I could get back into scouts when I get back home. I love camping and scouts. I love my mission dad, this is the greatest decision that I have every made. I never really appreciated what you and mom did for me. You really did sacrifice for me and love me. Even though I didn't always want to serve a mission, I realize now that the Lord was preparing me to do this great work through you and mom. I'm so greatful for all that you have done for me, and are doing. I really appreciate you. The mission is going by so fast, The greatest descision in my life, I could stay out here forever. I love you and the Fam. Press onward.
Love Your eldest son
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
November 5, 2008
Hey bud. Yeah last night at about 10:00 when I was running stairs we heard yelling outside, down on the street, people yelling "Obama, Obama" We weren't allowed to go to the acceptance ceremony in Grant Park. Today is more insane though, all of the Chicago Times are sold out at all of the stands, I want to get one even though I can't read it on my mission and send it home. Every stand is sold out. People have shirts and buttions and are reading the papers all over. I want to get some stuff. It sounds llike life for you is going good. Hang in there bro. I love you and I love hearing your testimony, for me at least, You'd make a great companion. We'd be like Alma and Amulek.Love ya tons.
I sent Zach a letter yesterday, I guessed he was going to peru. That's way cool though,but it's a ways away. So I did get my ballot saturday and I voted and sent it away. It just had to be postmarked the day before the election so I was ok. My candidate won. I got your package but I was waiting till closer to my birthday to open it so I just opened it last night and saw what I was supposed to do. I caught up, and opened 006 today. That's a clever idea, you always know how to make something interesting. I can't wear the polo though so I'll send it home. I still have to be in proselyting attire for p-day. The only time I can change is for workout, or service, and I don't want to use that shirt for those. Either Josh can have it and wear it, or you can return it and put the money in my account or get something I can use. I appreciate it though, it's nice, I just can't use it, and it will just sit in my suitcase for the next year and a half. Today I'm at the apple store doing email again, because our libraries internet is shut down. We're downtown, none of the stands have a Chicago times, I want one to send home since I can't read it....I'm going out to lunch someplace nice with Elder Purdie my trainer, my comp, and his comp. Bill Murray is taking us. He's arranged and set everything up, so it should be exciting. Wicked was awesome last week, I'm not a big musical fan but this was incredible. The effects were awesome, and those witches can wail. I love you tons mom. That salt thing is really cool. The work is starting to move forward. We've been blessed with some great investigators. We had one freshmen from Northwestern at Church this week, he's 18. I think how much this gospel will change his life. I think about myself at about that stage, and my conversion and how it has changed my life. It's unreal to think I'll be 20, I look back on my life, and I feel I lost a chunk of my teenage years with my family, with all the trials I faced. I'm not going to be a teenager anymore, it's time for me to become a man. This is a huge change. Thanks for the birthday stuff. I love you mom. This church is true, and I am doing the greatest work known to man. It's incredible. I have a divine calling, and the lord trusts me with his holy priesthood. Keep me in your prayers as I do the same. With love from the City
Elder Adams
I sent Zach a letter yesterday, I guessed he was going to peru. That's way cool though,but it's a ways away. So I did get my ballot saturday and I voted and sent it away. It just had to be postmarked the day before the election so I was ok. My candidate won. I got your package but I was waiting till closer to my birthday to open it so I just opened it last night and saw what I was supposed to do. I caught up, and opened 006 today. That's a clever idea, you always know how to make something interesting. I can't wear the polo though so I'll send it home. I still have to be in proselyting attire for p-day. The only time I can change is for workout, or service, and I don't want to use that shirt for those. Either Josh can have it and wear it, or you can return it and put the money in my account or get something I can use. I appreciate it though, it's nice, I just can't use it, and it will just sit in my suitcase for the next year and a half. Today I'm at the apple store doing email again, because our libraries internet is shut down. We're downtown, none of the stands have a Chicago times, I want one to send home since I can't read it....I'm going out to lunch someplace nice with Elder Purdie my trainer, my comp, and his comp. Bill Murray is taking us. He's arranged and set everything up, so it should be exciting. Wicked was awesome last week, I'm not a big musical fan but this was incredible. The effects were awesome, and those witches can wail. I love you tons mom. That salt thing is really cool. The work is starting to move forward. We've been blessed with some great investigators. We had one freshmen from Northwestern at Church this week, he's 18. I think how much this gospel will change his life. I think about myself at about that stage, and my conversion and how it has changed my life. It's unreal to think I'll be 20, I look back on my life, and I feel I lost a chunk of my teenage years with my family, with all the trials I faced. I'm not going to be a teenager anymore, it's time for me to become a man. This is a huge change. Thanks for the birthday stuff. I love you mom. This church is true, and I am doing the greatest work known to man. It's incredible. I have a divine calling, and the lord trusts me with his holy priesthood. Keep me in your prayers as I do the same. With love from the City
Elder Adams
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
October 29, 2008
Spencer the Important thing is I didn't always live my life the right way. I made a lot of mistakes, and didn't always do what I was supposed. You're right though, now I'm living my life right. That's the miracle of the Atonement. Prepare to serve a mission bud, that's one thing I didn't do. This is the greatest decision of my life. It's the greatest thing you could do. The Lord needs us. Tell Josh he better be getting ready. I'm glad you look up to me though, that means a lot, considering where I came from. Love you tons. Your big bro.
So I bought a wool coat filled with down, and a south pole coat (also down filled valued at $225). The Wool one is not a big one, but I figured I'd make my own super two in one coat. It's quite stylish, I'll send pics. Today we are going to Wicked. It's a play in downtown. My comp has already been so I'm going on exchanges with my Zone leader. There's a drawing that you enter a couple hours before to win up front tickets for 25 a piece. Both me and my comp won, so my comp bought his, and I sold mine for 35 and 40. I paid for my ticket, with the profit. Our seats are on the front row in the middle. It's going to be intense. I'm way excited. I'm emailing you at the apple store. My comp doesn't have a bike so we can't do the bike path. It's been getting cold and windy, and then the people don't want to talk to you on the streets. We had one guy really go off on us at his door, (All sorts of colorful language). My stomach has gotten better. We had a ward halloween party friday, we didn't have an investigator there so we only stayed for about an hour, just long enough to eat. On halloween we aren't allowed to knock doors, and pres. wants us to set up lessons with investigators, less-actives, and members, or we can street contact. In contacting though he wants us to "Not interfere with those participating in the traditions of halloween". I take that to mean those getting wasted. As far is voting is concerned that might not be happening. You sent me the paper to request the ballot. All I had to do was put my name on it. I thought you were going to do that. No worries though, I love ya. So next week we are going into the city to celebrate my b-day, probably with Bill Murray. I've heard Obama is planning a huge thing for his acceptance, maybe we'll catch some of the excitement. I would like to see obama win, he's a brilliant man, great speeches. He's from where I'm at too. You've got to understand there's a lot of excitement about it here, in support of obama. Thanks a ton for the poem mom, it means a lot. I'm glad it reminded you of me. That's exactly how I want to be, what I try to be. The only way it's possible is with the Lord though. "As to my strength I am weak," Alma 25:12. I rely on the Lord. It's the spirit that makes all things possible, and the strength of Christ that lifts. The spirit in missionary work is the key. I love you tons mom and family
sorry gotta go to Wicked
Good to hear from ya. Just remember that You'll be on a mission someday, and you'll want me to write you so I suggest you respect!!! You'll know what it's like to not hear from people. Remember excuses are the nails that build the house of failure. It sounds killer though. Keep tearing it up.
So I bought a wool coat filled with down, and a south pole coat (also down filled valued at $225). The Wool one is not a big one, but I figured I'd make my own super two in one coat. It's quite stylish, I'll send pics. Today we are going to Wicked. It's a play in downtown. My comp has already been so I'm going on exchanges with my Zone leader. There's a drawing that you enter a couple hours before to win up front tickets for 25 a piece. Both me and my comp won, so my comp bought his, and I sold mine for 35 and 40. I paid for my ticket, with the profit. Our seats are on the front row in the middle. It's going to be intense. I'm way excited. I'm emailing you at the apple store. My comp doesn't have a bike so we can't do the bike path. It's been getting cold and windy, and then the people don't want to talk to you on the streets. We had one guy really go off on us at his door, (All sorts of colorful language). My stomach has gotten better. We had a ward halloween party friday, we didn't have an investigator there so we only stayed for about an hour, just long enough to eat. On halloween we aren't allowed to knock doors, and pres. wants us to set up lessons with investigators, less-actives, and members, or we can street contact. In contacting though he wants us to "Not interfere with those participating in the traditions of halloween". I take that to mean those getting wasted. As far is voting is concerned that might not be happening. You sent me the paper to request the ballot. All I had to do was put my name on it. I thought you were going to do that. No worries though, I love ya. So next week we are going into the city to celebrate my b-day, probably with Bill Murray. I've heard Obama is planning a huge thing for his acceptance, maybe we'll catch some of the excitement. I would like to see obama win, he's a brilliant man, great speeches. He's from where I'm at too. You've got to understand there's a lot of excitement about it here, in support of obama. Thanks a ton for the poem mom, it means a lot. I'm glad it reminded you of me. That's exactly how I want to be, what I try to be. The only way it's possible is with the Lord though. "As to my strength I am weak," Alma 25:12. I rely on the Lord. It's the spirit that makes all things possible, and the strength of Christ that lifts. The spirit in missionary work is the key. I love you tons mom and family
sorry gotta go to Wicked
Good to hear from ya. Just remember that You'll be on a mission someday, and you'll want me to write you so I suggest you respect!!! You'll know what it's like to not hear from people. Remember excuses are the nails that build the house of failure. It sounds killer though. Keep tearing it up.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
October 22, 2008
Well it sounds like you're doing good, remember to stay humble so the Lord can continue to bless you. Don't be like the Nephites and become prideful. If you think that the Rocky picture is cool, wait till you see what I got you for Christmas!!! I picked it up in Chicago last Wednesday on our way through. Just wait. We'll have to see how good you are. I might be able to go and play with this Hatian guy from hati that we met. I'm still deciding how interested they are in the gospel, but he invited us to play soccer with him and his Carribean brothers on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00. It's very tempting. Anyway I love you so much bro. I want to let you know of My testimony of the power of prayer and fasting. The Lord is very mindful of us, and wants to bless us. He is my Saviour and Redeemer, the head of this one and only true and living Church. Being a missionary is a divine calling, and the greatest decision I've ever made in my life. This is where the Lord wants me to be. I love being a missionary. Through our faith and prayers may the Lord watch over both of us. In the name of him who is the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ, amen.
This area is beautiful. I'm right by Northwestern University, and the starting D Lineman is one of our investigators who is married to a member in the ward. It is deffinately getting colder, and I'm going coat shopping today. The last thing I want is to get caught by surprise. I've been wearing my underarmour. I refer to it as my ninja skin to my companion. He thinks I'm insane with underarmour on and the heater cranked up. Every morning we go out running. I'm going to get a picture one of these mornings. The shore is right by us (I don't know if you've google earthed it). So we run along this path by the shore, and there's waves and the sun comes up over the horizon. I also watch the city as I run. It's a beautiful sight, the Chicago skyline, I'm so close to Downtown!!! So we run out for 10 min. and then my comp stops, and I run back and forth on a little stretch of the path. Being a missionary is the life. We can also contact people in downtown Evanston. Talking to people on the street is something I love but haven't been able to do in Beloit. It's the hustle and bustle again. Speaking of which driving here is insane, in my tank of a Ford Fusion. We tried contacting on Northwestern Campus the other day and got the boot from a faculty member. So we contacted outside that. There are some extremely rich people in this area, who inhabit ridiculously huge houses. It's alot different from the hood in beloit. Tracting these houses is deffinately an experience. You should see some of these places. One of the members in this ward lives in one, and we had dinner there Sunday. I felt like I should have had an apron and a silver platter in my hand to set foot in there. There's a little of everything here, city, suburb, rich, everything. This area has a lot of orientals, I got my wish, I'm serving in the orient. They're tough though, because a lot of them are buddist. There is also a lot of African Americans (another dream come true), and Jews (not a dream come true). The Jewish population is probably the most dominant, that and atheist. It's really sad to think they don't have a faith in Christ. This makes it tough because we really have nothing in common, and they are usually not a very happy people. Which makes sense, without Christ, life is tough. Oh also, I've met an unusual number of Hatians who speak Creole and English. I love the diversity. This is deffinately a tough area. My comp has told me there hasn't been a lot going on here, and this was soon confirmed when we had our first planning session. There are only a few investigators. It's nothing like in Beloit where I had appointments almost all day, and baptisms on the way. We fasted and prayed on Sunday though, for the work in the area and for our finding efforts. Also for a special fireside put together by my comp for about 2.5 months. Our prayers were answered!! It was incredible. We worked diligently and hard. We've met some great people. My comp has told me repeatedly that the success we are having is three times what it's been. He's had some tough comps like the one I had. Mom, it's as if the Lord is sitting right in the middle of downtown Evanston and guiding each and every one of our moves. He's guiding us to the people and the people to us. I wish you could witness this miracle brought on by faith, prayer, fasting, diligence, hard work, and perserverance. I had and incredible conversation with a Black gentleman who teaches at Northwestern. He told me his 17 yr old daughter is about to make him grandfather and that he is about to lose his job, and has to train the guy that will take his position. I spoke with him, bore my testimony, and shared scriptures from a copy of the BOM. It's incredible how we met he said he already had brought a lunch for the day, but had the impression to go out and spend the last 10 dollars in his pocket and get a sandwich and go for a walk. My comp and I had decided to head back for lunch because we had an upcoming appointment. Because there were so many people I said let's just hurry and walk back. I then told him, no I feel guilty not talking to all of these people. Just then he walked into my view by the Northface Department store. I had to talk to him. After talking to him as I said. He told me how much I had helped him. How he was feeling a little down. He was so grateful to me for what I had shared with him. It made me feel so good. He was anxious to purchase the BoM I had shown him and to meet with us. I told him I would bring him a copy for free. We have an appointment with him at Barnes and Noble!! As he walked away, I had the thought "What if I never see him again" I ran after him and gave him the copy of the BOM, and wrote a short message in it. It was getting really windy and cold as I spoke with him. This was an incredible meeting. The Lord is answering our prayers word for word, for what we have asked for. The Lord is blessing the work in this area. I know that it is because of the Lords hand that the work is progressing. Things are happening. While on the line of stories. The other day we were walking down the street and a Japanese man shouted to us from across the street, "Missionaries, Missionaries." We said no way, no one calls to us. We ran across traffic and met him. He corralled us into this fancy sushi restaurant where he was working. He told us to "sit down, I feed you." We had just eaten dinner and plus it was Sunday, so I persuaded him to let us take a raincheck and we would come back on Thursday. He agreed and told us he wanted to feed us because he had served a 2 year mission in Utah, and people had fed him. He then went on to tell us that he is now excommunicated. We didn't ask questions about this. His name is Hobbi, from Japan, and he was really excited to see us. So tomorrow we are having dinner at Kansaku, a really nice sushi restaurant in downtown Evanston, on Hobbi. On a not so great note....the past to nights have been painful. Monday night I had a horrible stomach ache but it soon went away. A couple days before that I had wrenching pains hit me while tracting, I almost doubled over. Then they were gone. Last night was the worst. After dinner I felt something coming on. Shortly after I was in intense pain. It was so intense, It hurt so bad. We continued to tract and finish out the night, and go to our appointment,(which fell through). Finally I said we needed to go to the store and get some pepto. As soon as she rang it up I drank some of it. I had to hold on to my comp to make it into the store. I was dying. The pain pursisted throughout the night, and finally I had to get up. I went to the bathroom #2, then I got on my knees and gripped the toilet. I couldn't take it anymore. I made myself throw up 3 times. My stomach still hurt and I was debating whether or not to wake my comp up and have him take me to the hospital. I decided to lay down though, still in pain. After a while the pain finally went away and I was able to sleep for a short while. Last night was intense. If it happens again tonight then something is wrong, because that will be three nights in a row. That was so hard though to make myself throw up. Being sick as a missionary is not fun at all. At least I didn't have to sacrifice the work in this area though.Oh and I got your package. It was awesome. Except I'm possitive that you know that I don't eat candy corns. Not even when I'm home. My comp says they're the best he's every had though. The granola is great, thank you so much. His mom also sent me some stuff for halloween, including candy corns!! Yeah, I got the package yesterday so I love it.I love you mom. I love being a missionary. Yesterday was my 5 month mark, and as much as I love you and the rest of my family, this mission is going by fast. It scares me, I don't think I'll be able to take my name badge off. Choosing to go on a mission has changed my life. I love this work, and I love serving the Lord and serving others. This Church is true, the BoM is true, and Joseph Smith is a Prophet. I hold the Priesthood of God, what and honor. I'm a missionary, what a priviledge. I leave you with these words, my testimony, and prayer, in the sacred name of him whose name I bear, my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen.
I just sent a letter and we have to go to give a boy a blessing in the Hospital, Write me back really quick.
Hey mom are you still there. We're trying to see if I can stay and talk to you. OH and tell day that our ward mission leaders wife is Rachel Ray. We had dinner there the other night.
Hey mom sorry, we need to go. Duty calls. I love you and maybe we'll stop back by later. If not look for me next week in the mornings now. Probably around 10:30 or 11 My time. Email will be the first thing we do. See ya later.
This area is beautiful. I'm right by Northwestern University, and the starting D Lineman is one of our investigators who is married to a member in the ward. It is deffinately getting colder, and I'm going coat shopping today. The last thing I want is to get caught by surprise. I've been wearing my underarmour. I refer to it as my ninja skin to my companion. He thinks I'm insane with underarmour on and the heater cranked up. Every morning we go out running. I'm going to get a picture one of these mornings. The shore is right by us (I don't know if you've google earthed it). So we run along this path by the shore, and there's waves and the sun comes up over the horizon. I also watch the city as I run. It's a beautiful sight, the Chicago skyline, I'm so close to Downtown!!! So we run out for 10 min. and then my comp stops, and I run back and forth on a little stretch of the path. Being a missionary is the life. We can also contact people in downtown Evanston. Talking to people on the street is something I love but haven't been able to do in Beloit. It's the hustle and bustle again. Speaking of which driving here is insane, in my tank of a Ford Fusion. We tried contacting on Northwestern Campus the other day and got the boot from a faculty member. So we contacted outside that. There are some extremely rich people in this area, who inhabit ridiculously huge houses. It's alot different from the hood in beloit. Tracting these houses is deffinately an experience. You should see some of these places. One of the members in this ward lives in one, and we had dinner there Sunday. I felt like I should have had an apron and a silver platter in my hand to set foot in there. There's a little of everything here, city, suburb, rich, everything. This area has a lot of orientals, I got my wish, I'm serving in the orient. They're tough though, because a lot of them are buddist. There is also a lot of African Americans (another dream come true), and Jews (not a dream come true). The Jewish population is probably the most dominant, that and atheist. It's really sad to think they don't have a faith in Christ. This makes it tough because we really have nothing in common, and they are usually not a very happy people. Which makes sense, without Christ, life is tough. Oh also, I've met an unusual number of Hatians who speak Creole and English. I love the diversity. This is deffinately a tough area. My comp has told me there hasn't been a lot going on here, and this was soon confirmed when we had our first planning session. There are only a few investigators. It's nothing like in Beloit where I had appointments almost all day, and baptisms on the way. We fasted and prayed on Sunday though, for the work in the area and for our finding efforts. Also for a special fireside put together by my comp for about 2.5 months. Our prayers were answered!! It was incredible. We worked diligently and hard. We've met some great people. My comp has told me repeatedly that the success we are having is three times what it's been. He's had some tough comps like the one I had. Mom, it's as if the Lord is sitting right in the middle of downtown Evanston and guiding each and every one of our moves. He's guiding us to the people and the people to us. I wish you could witness this miracle brought on by faith, prayer, fasting, diligence, hard work, and perserverance. I had and incredible conversation with a Black gentleman who teaches at Northwestern. He told me his 17 yr old daughter is about to make him grandfather and that he is about to lose his job, and has to train the guy that will take his position. I spoke with him, bore my testimony, and shared scriptures from a copy of the BOM. It's incredible how we met he said he already had brought a lunch for the day, but had the impression to go out and spend the last 10 dollars in his pocket and get a sandwich and go for a walk. My comp and I had decided to head back for lunch because we had an upcoming appointment. Because there were so many people I said let's just hurry and walk back. I then told him, no I feel guilty not talking to all of these people. Just then he walked into my view by the Northface Department store. I had to talk to him. After talking to him as I said. He told me how much I had helped him. How he was feeling a little down. He was so grateful to me for what I had shared with him. It made me feel so good. He was anxious to purchase the BoM I had shown him and to meet with us. I told him I would bring him a copy for free. We have an appointment with him at Barnes and Noble!! As he walked away, I had the thought "What if I never see him again" I ran after him and gave him the copy of the BOM, and wrote a short message in it. It was getting really windy and cold as I spoke with him. This was an incredible meeting. The Lord is answering our prayers word for word, for what we have asked for. The Lord is blessing the work in this area. I know that it is because of the Lords hand that the work is progressing. Things are happening. While on the line of stories. The other day we were walking down the street and a Japanese man shouted to us from across the street, "Missionaries, Missionaries." We said no way, no one calls to us. We ran across traffic and met him. He corralled us into this fancy sushi restaurant where he was working. He told us to "sit down, I feed you." We had just eaten dinner and plus it was Sunday, so I persuaded him to let us take a raincheck and we would come back on Thursday. He agreed and told us he wanted to feed us because he had served a 2 year mission in Utah, and people had fed him. He then went on to tell us that he is now excommunicated. We didn't ask questions about this. His name is Hobbi, from Japan, and he was really excited to see us. So tomorrow we are having dinner at Kansaku, a really nice sushi restaurant in downtown Evanston, on Hobbi. On a not so great note....the past to nights have been painful. Monday night I had a horrible stomach ache but it soon went away. A couple days before that I had wrenching pains hit me while tracting, I almost doubled over. Then they were gone. Last night was the worst. After dinner I felt something coming on. Shortly after I was in intense pain. It was so intense, It hurt so bad. We continued to tract and finish out the night, and go to our appointment,(which fell through). Finally I said we needed to go to the store and get some pepto. As soon as she rang it up I drank some of it. I had to hold on to my comp to make it into the store. I was dying. The pain pursisted throughout the night, and finally I had to get up. I went to the bathroom #2, then I got on my knees and gripped the toilet. I couldn't take it anymore. I made myself throw up 3 times. My stomach still hurt and I was debating whether or not to wake my comp up and have him take me to the hospital. I decided to lay down though, still in pain. After a while the pain finally went away and I was able to sleep for a short while. Last night was intense. If it happens again tonight then something is wrong, because that will be three nights in a row. That was so hard though to make myself throw up. Being sick as a missionary is not fun at all. At least I didn't have to sacrifice the work in this area though.Oh and I got your package. It was awesome. Except I'm possitive that you know that I don't eat candy corns. Not even when I'm home. My comp says they're the best he's every had though. The granola is great, thank you so much. His mom also sent me some stuff for halloween, including candy corns!! Yeah, I got the package yesterday so I love it.I love you mom. I love being a missionary. Yesterday was my 5 month mark, and as much as I love you and the rest of my family, this mission is going by fast. It scares me, I don't think I'll be able to take my name badge off. Choosing to go on a mission has changed my life. I love this work, and I love serving the Lord and serving others. This Church is true, the BoM is true, and Joseph Smith is a Prophet. I hold the Priesthood of God, what and honor. I'm a missionary, what a priviledge. I leave you with these words, my testimony, and prayer, in the sacred name of him whose name I bear, my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen.
I just sent a letter and we have to go to give a boy a blessing in the Hospital, Write me back really quick.
Hey mom are you still there. We're trying to see if I can stay and talk to you. OH and tell day that our ward mission leaders wife is Rachel Ray. We had dinner there the other night.
Hey mom sorry, we need to go. Duty calls. I love you and maybe we'll stop back by later. If not look for me next week in the mornings now. Probably around 10:30 or 11 My time. Email will be the first thing we do. See ya later.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
October 15, 2008
So this last week was awesome. Teresa and Devanna both had their baptismal interviews and are good to go for baptism next Saturday. Also I forgot to tell you this last week, but in between Conference sessions Saturday, My comp, Elder McCleery, wanted to go to Burger King to get something. Josh will enjoy this!! We went there and he had been talking about eating a monster hamburger sometime this transfer. He proceeded to do so. He order the bk stacker, and ordered it with 6 patties!!!! This is about six inces of meat, cheese and bacon. It was disgusting. The black lady at the register asked him, "Are you serious." And the entire place looked on in anticipation and amazement. Everyone was looking at us (as if that is different), and he finished the whole thing in about 5-7 minutes. Then he polished off his fries and drink. He's a carnivore. I'm pretty sure I could hear the gears in his heart grinding to a stop. I asked him if he was still alive later. He still ate dinner that night also. I thought I would never see a fire pit or roast a marshmallow on my mission. Saturday at our dinner appointment I was able to do both. It's also been a little warmer this week. Ok I'll stop stalling.......There are 3 people that are going to be baptised next Saturday, that My previous comp and I had found and taught, and now I've been transferred out of Beloit. Yesterday I had just finish running and I was about to pour my cereal, when Elder McCleery handed me the phone and said "You're going to need this, President just called and he's going to call back in a minute, and wants to speak to you." When he said this my stomach dropped, and crunched. President called back and gave me the word that I was being transferred and that I would be Senior Companion, and would be called also as a District Leader, asking me if I excepted!!! I didn't think this was possible, I've only been out just over 4 months!!!! The whole day I felt sick to my stomach. I was going to miss Beloit, thinking of all of the memories I had, the people I had taught, and the Crave family. I felt like "oh say goodbye to that, oh I'll never see that again", it was a little difficult, but I will go where the Lord wants me to go. I know the Lord has a work for me to do. I am now in North Shore. Which is just outside of Chicago. I can still go downtown in this area!!! In fact It's more city than my first area in Chicago!!! I'm basically back in the city again. Our apartment is right on the edge of Chicago. I love my new apartment, it's on the third floor. Like I said this is more city than when I was in Norwood Park Here's the address,
1410 Chicago Ave. #306
Evanston, IL 60201
There are some huge buildings all around us in this area. This is city life. There are also these huge old churches and things like that. It was raining today also, so it reminded me of Europe. You'd love it mom. Also Northwestern University is in this area. I was worried about going back to the city and being on a bike. The good thing about that though is we have a car. I drive a 08 Ford Fusion!! No freezing to death with handlebars in my grip. So I am excited about that. My Companion is Elder Rainey. I think he's had a tough time lately, but he's obedient and wants to work hard. I think he's had a downer companion. He's filled with desire to go out and work, so at least I don't have to fight that battle. He's obedient, another plus. Also he wants to run in the morning but his past companions haven't wanted to!!! Things look good, but as far as the work, there is nothing going on right now. This part is going to be tough. I know that I'm going to need the Lord's help more than ever to find and teach people. As far as the work goes this will be a challenge. With obedience, sacrifice, and faith in the Lord nothing is impossible, The Lord is on our side. Because we are his agents on his errand. I've also got District leader responsibilities; this time it's for real. I'm not in the MTC anymore, although I feel like I just left. Anyway my comp. also says that we are right on the lake and so we can run on the running path and look at the Chicago skyline. How cool running on the lakeshore path and watching the sun come up. This will be a great and interesting transfer. So now I'll celebrate my birthday downtown. I look forward to hearing from you. Anyway love you tons.
OH I'm glad you reminded me. I don't know what you are talking about, me sending a letter. I did send one to Zach though. Yesterday I did send home a package. Fairly large!!!! The large item in the package is for spencer to HOLD ON TO, until I return. The small item in the package is for dad to add to his collection. Hope you enjoy both. I got the Large item from a house that we knocked on. We talked and he showed us his sweet cars in his garage, and then he gave this to me. How cool is that, receiving gifts from tracting contacts. I love you so much mom. I found some wool fleece lined gloves at our apartment with tags still attached. I love you and the family, and all the support that you give me. Know that I am under the Lord's protection. I love you and Pray for you. We are blessed to be members of this Church. I wish you could see the changes that this gospel makes in peoples lives. I know the change that it made in mine. Love you and write ya, next week.
p.s. what happened to everyone else writing me, it's just you.
1410 Chicago Ave. #306
Evanston, IL 60201
There are some huge buildings all around us in this area. This is city life. There are also these huge old churches and things like that. It was raining today also, so it reminded me of Europe. You'd love it mom. Also Northwestern University is in this area. I was worried about going back to the city and being on a bike. The good thing about that though is we have a car. I drive a 08 Ford Fusion!! No freezing to death with handlebars in my grip. So I am excited about that. My Companion is Elder Rainey. I think he's had a tough time lately, but he's obedient and wants to work hard. I think he's had a downer companion. He's filled with desire to go out and work, so at least I don't have to fight that battle. He's obedient, another plus. Also he wants to run in the morning but his past companions haven't wanted to!!! Things look good, but as far as the work, there is nothing going on right now. This part is going to be tough. I know that I'm going to need the Lord's help more than ever to find and teach people. As far as the work goes this will be a challenge. With obedience, sacrifice, and faith in the Lord nothing is impossible, The Lord is on our side. Because we are his agents on his errand. I've also got District leader responsibilities; this time it's for real. I'm not in the MTC anymore, although I feel like I just left. Anyway my comp. also says that we are right on the lake and so we can run on the running path and look at the Chicago skyline. How cool running on the lakeshore path and watching the sun come up. This will be a great and interesting transfer. So now I'll celebrate my birthday downtown. I look forward to hearing from you. Anyway love you tons.
OH I'm glad you reminded me. I don't know what you are talking about, me sending a letter. I did send one to Zach though. Yesterday I did send home a package. Fairly large!!!! The large item in the package is for spencer to HOLD ON TO, until I return. The small item in the package is for dad to add to his collection. Hope you enjoy both. I got the Large item from a house that we knocked on. We talked and he showed us his sweet cars in his garage, and then he gave this to me. How cool is that, receiving gifts from tracting contacts. I love you so much mom. I found some wool fleece lined gloves at our apartment with tags still attached. I love you and the family, and all the support that you give me. Know that I am under the Lord's protection. I love you and Pray for you. We are blessed to be members of this Church. I wish you could see the changes that this gospel makes in peoples lives. I know the change that it made in mine. Love you and write ya, next week.
p.s. what happened to everyone else writing me, it's just you.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
October 8, 2008
That's right I'm on. hopefully for a hour or two. Hop on and keep hitting refresh. Hopefully we can chat a bit. Love ya tons.
Yeah conference was amazing. It went by so fast. They had a huge projector set up in the chapel. Most people watched it at home. It was us and a couple others for most up it, we had one investigator come. The last session on sunday it was just me and my companion in the chapel. Yeah it was a little weird. As for seeing naked guys, lets just say partially naked. It was just yesterday in fact. We were tracting a 3 story apartment complex. It was a pretty rought set of apartments, deffinately not the marriot. Anyone this black guy answered the door in a pair of white briefs. (Whity tities). I started talking to him and he actually let us in to teach him. There was one black guy sleeping on the floor and another smoking, hunched over on the bed. When we sat down he decided to put some pants and a shirt on. Not a bad lesson though. Tell Peedy, Gus, Rufus, Punchanello, Gunther, Stinky the Clown, Jack, Sprat, woofy, or whatevery his name is that I love him too, and in a little while here I'm going to wish he was here to keep me warm. There's a couple nights I come home and I'm pretty cold. Our heater hasn't worked for a while, so we would study the scriptures as a companionship around the oven with the door open. You'll have to make sure that you print off all of these emails that I send you and keep them in a binder ok bud. I love you tons and I hope school is going good.
That's ok. I'm glad you're on. I really wanted to talk to you. These last couple days one of our investigators had a fight with her daughter and then she started telling us about how she had been in abusive relationships. It was horrible, really sad, I won't go into details. It made me feel sad. Then One of our recent converts was abused by her boyfriend and now he's in jail. He threw her to the pavement and choked her. They did not prepare me for this side of missionary work, I'm only 19, not a psychiatrist or a social worker. So its been tough hearing these things, but none the less good.
Wow! That's awesome. Tell amber good job. Conference was awesome. It was usually just me and my comp in the chapel watching on the projector. I took notes and it was so inspiring. Every talk had something for me that I could apply. It was as if they were speaking to me. We did have an appointment sunday to eat lunch at the craves and to watch one of the sessions, but then Del wasn't feeling good so we couldn't go over. We had one investigator come to one of the sessions. The last session on sunday it was JUST ME AND MY COMP in the chapel. Yeah it was different. The priesthood session was amazing. It went by so fast, I was looking forward to this one (being my first in the mission) and now it's already over. Oh well the way time flies the april session will be here next week. So your car is totalled. I hope everything works our financially. I pray for you and dad. Don't worry about sending a gps though because my comp bought one last wednesday. In interviews president said that he wants to try and keep us together so hopefully I'll have at least one more with him. Especially since we have 2 baptisms scheduled in the next 2 weeks or so, and possibly more on the way. Then I'll be pushing it because I'll have been in beloit for 4 and a half months. Oh and I need you to send me an ABSENTEE BALLOT SO I CAN VOTE that's the first week of november and this is a big ellection. I'm thinking next week on p day I'm going to go coat shopping so that I can be prepared. There's a couple nights I come home and I'm pretty cold. Our heater hasn't worked for a while, so we would study the scriptures as a companionship around the oven with the door open. Yeah it's ridiculous.We had exchanges with the Zone leaders last friday and The Zone leader actually ran with me. I didn't have to run back and forth. He said his legs hurt bad during study though, and he didn't want to get on the bike. We talked a lot and my door approaches really improved. He said I have a lot of charity for the people, and he said that my door approaches were good. He also told me that I was doing good and to not be too hard on myself, just keep trying to improve. I felt charged after that exchange, I really learned a lot. We have great Zone leaders.
Yeah so I sent Zach a letter on saturday, because I was worried and hadn't heard from him. Tell him I love him. My hand got better finally but it took clear till about Friday before it really went down and stopped itching. You should have seen it sunday, monday and tuesday. It was huge and itched so bad. The only thing that made it feel better was the cold. So either I had to be cold or itch??? Hmmmm.
Wow good luck with the oz costume. And a mazda 3, zoom zoom. Tell josh that it sounds like college sports are fun. I know they were for me when I was running with them. Man alive though, that scholarship is important. Tell him to put on his game face and get to it. I know they have labs to help with writing and all sorts of stuff. I know that's what you do in college is just write papers everyday. What time is his first class every day?? The canning sounds awesome. Which reminds me for birthdays or christmas or whatever the occassion, I don't need candy or sweets. I want to be able to run when I get home. I did think of something that I want to see sometime on my mission, not necessarily now. I thought about your homemade granola, but don't put the sunflower seeds or the pine nuts that you and grandma put in there that one time. The nuts in it are weird. Stick to the raisins and craisins. I love you so much mom. You are my mom. Oh so we started telling the members to start inviting nonmembers to dinner appointments so we can meet them. Needless to say when the dinner calendar went around for october there was a substantial decrease in dinner appointments. So I was able to bust out the cookbook you gave me. I'd like to tell you kudos and my companions are pretty jealous I think as they eat their ramen and spaghetti and cold cereal. I made your 5 min fried rice bowl. It was awesome!!! (I bought stuff for these last p day). Last night I made the chicken wrap with the romaine lettuce. It was awesome but I had my comp helping me shop and he had grabbed a can of creamed corn!!! I took a couple bites of it to taste it, but it was not worthy of the creation. So I had to minus that out, and I thought I'd save some money and I had ceasar dressing so I used that instead of Ranch. I took a picture of this, it was so good. It was fun cooking, and I loved it. I love you mom. That book is genius. I sat there eating and said "I love my mom." It was as if you had been there and cooked me something from the heart. So those two recipes deffinately get an A++ and can go in the missionary food archive. I loved it. You're the best mom!!!! IN fact I would challenge what I made to what we had at the craves the night before.
I don't know. We went out to this 3 story apartment complex when it was raining and tracted. Hard work is the best remedy. We were inside so we didn't have to deal with the rain. All the testifying that I did of my savior made things better. We knocked doors for probably close to 2 hours or more. We actually got let into one and taught a lesson so that was good too. KNocking doors and testifying and teaching thats where it's at. Being a missionary thats where its at. I wrote you about this it's in the letter I just sent, but also I made one of your recipes and that was good. Honestly by the end of the night last night I was fulfilled, happy, and I knew the lord was on my side. I felt good at the end of the day.
That's crazy to see my name written. That sounds good though. I hope your day is going good.
to see Devin written, and not elder adams. I might have to leave right now so write me really quick one more time. We are going to Rockford to play basketball with some other missionaries I love you tons. Mom. Write back again really quick.
Yeah conference was amazing. It went by so fast. They had a huge projector set up in the chapel. Most people watched it at home. It was us and a couple others for most up it, we had one investigator come. The last session on sunday it was just me and my companion in the chapel. Yeah it was a little weird. As for seeing naked guys, lets just say partially naked. It was just yesterday in fact. We were tracting a 3 story apartment complex. It was a pretty rought set of apartments, deffinately not the marriot. Anyone this black guy answered the door in a pair of white briefs. (Whity tities). I started talking to him and he actually let us in to teach him. There was one black guy sleeping on the floor and another smoking, hunched over on the bed. When we sat down he decided to put some pants and a shirt on. Not a bad lesson though. Tell Peedy, Gus, Rufus, Punchanello, Gunther, Stinky the Clown, Jack, Sprat, woofy, or whatevery his name is that I love him too, and in a little while here I'm going to wish he was here to keep me warm. There's a couple nights I come home and I'm pretty cold. Our heater hasn't worked for a while, so we would study the scriptures as a companionship around the oven with the door open. You'll have to make sure that you print off all of these emails that I send you and keep them in a binder ok bud. I love you tons and I hope school is going good.
That's ok. I'm glad you're on. I really wanted to talk to you. These last couple days one of our investigators had a fight with her daughter and then she started telling us about how she had been in abusive relationships. It was horrible, really sad, I won't go into details. It made me feel sad. Then One of our recent converts was abused by her boyfriend and now he's in jail. He threw her to the pavement and choked her. They did not prepare me for this side of missionary work, I'm only 19, not a psychiatrist or a social worker. So its been tough hearing these things, but none the less good.
Wow! That's awesome. Tell amber good job. Conference was awesome. It was usually just me and my comp in the chapel watching on the projector. I took notes and it was so inspiring. Every talk had something for me that I could apply. It was as if they were speaking to me. We did have an appointment sunday to eat lunch at the craves and to watch one of the sessions, but then Del wasn't feeling good so we couldn't go over. We had one investigator come to one of the sessions. The last session on sunday it was JUST ME AND MY COMP in the chapel. Yeah it was different. The priesthood session was amazing. It went by so fast, I was looking forward to this one (being my first in the mission) and now it's already over. Oh well the way time flies the april session will be here next week. So your car is totalled. I hope everything works our financially. I pray for you and dad. Don't worry about sending a gps though because my comp bought one last wednesday. In interviews president said that he wants to try and keep us together so hopefully I'll have at least one more with him. Especially since we have 2 baptisms scheduled in the next 2 weeks or so, and possibly more on the way. Then I'll be pushing it because I'll have been in beloit for 4 and a half months. Oh and I need you to send me an ABSENTEE BALLOT SO I CAN VOTE that's the first week of november and this is a big ellection. I'm thinking next week on p day I'm going to go coat shopping so that I can be prepared. There's a couple nights I come home and I'm pretty cold. Our heater hasn't worked for a while, so we would study the scriptures as a companionship around the oven with the door open. Yeah it's ridiculous.We had exchanges with the Zone leaders last friday and The Zone leader actually ran with me. I didn't have to run back and forth. He said his legs hurt bad during study though, and he didn't want to get on the bike. We talked a lot and my door approaches really improved. He said I have a lot of charity for the people, and he said that my door approaches were good. He also told me that I was doing good and to not be too hard on myself, just keep trying to improve. I felt charged after that exchange, I really learned a lot. We have great Zone leaders.
Yeah so I sent Zach a letter on saturday, because I was worried and hadn't heard from him. Tell him I love him. My hand got better finally but it took clear till about Friday before it really went down and stopped itching. You should have seen it sunday, monday and tuesday. It was huge and itched so bad. The only thing that made it feel better was the cold. So either I had to be cold or itch??? Hmmmm.
Wow good luck with the oz costume. And a mazda 3, zoom zoom. Tell josh that it sounds like college sports are fun. I know they were for me when I was running with them. Man alive though, that scholarship is important. Tell him to put on his game face and get to it. I know they have labs to help with writing and all sorts of stuff. I know that's what you do in college is just write papers everyday. What time is his first class every day?? The canning sounds awesome. Which reminds me for birthdays or christmas or whatever the occassion, I don't need candy or sweets. I want to be able to run when I get home. I did think of something that I want to see sometime on my mission, not necessarily now. I thought about your homemade granola, but don't put the sunflower seeds or the pine nuts that you and grandma put in there that one time. The nuts in it are weird. Stick to the raisins and craisins. I love you so much mom. You are my mom. Oh so we started telling the members to start inviting nonmembers to dinner appointments so we can meet them. Needless to say when the dinner calendar went around for october there was a substantial decrease in dinner appointments. So I was able to bust out the cookbook you gave me. I'd like to tell you kudos and my companions are pretty jealous I think as they eat their ramen and spaghetti and cold cereal. I made your 5 min fried rice bowl. It was awesome!!! (I bought stuff for these last p day). Last night I made the chicken wrap with the romaine lettuce. It was awesome but I had my comp helping me shop and he had grabbed a can of creamed corn!!! I took a couple bites of it to taste it, but it was not worthy of the creation. So I had to minus that out, and I thought I'd save some money and I had ceasar dressing so I used that instead of Ranch. I took a picture of this, it was so good. It was fun cooking, and I loved it. I love you mom. That book is genius. I sat there eating and said "I love my mom." It was as if you had been there and cooked me something from the heart. So those two recipes deffinately get an A++ and can go in the missionary food archive. I loved it. You're the best mom!!!! IN fact I would challenge what I made to what we had at the craves the night before.
I don't know. We went out to this 3 story apartment complex when it was raining and tracted. Hard work is the best remedy. We were inside so we didn't have to deal with the rain. All the testifying that I did of my savior made things better. We knocked doors for probably close to 2 hours or more. We actually got let into one and taught a lesson so that was good too. KNocking doors and testifying and teaching thats where it's at. Being a missionary thats where its at. I wrote you about this it's in the letter I just sent, but also I made one of your recipes and that was good. Honestly by the end of the night last night I was fulfilled, happy, and I knew the lord was on my side. I felt good at the end of the day.
That's crazy to see my name written. That sounds good though. I hope your day is going good.
to see Devin written, and not elder adams. I might have to leave right now so write me really quick one more time. We are going to Rockford to play basketball with some other missionaries I love you tons. Mom. Write back again really quick.
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