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.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
October 1, 2008
OH ok. That makes sense. Thanks dad. It is really cool. I haven't been able to mess around with all of the cool features but I love it. Tell Amber tons of thanks, since I can't read or write emails to or from her. I love you dad. Oh and talked to one of our investigators and a member of the ward, and apparently the Rock River which is right down the middle of Beloit, has some huge flathead catfish. One guy caught a 25 lb and another a 51 lb catfish. Yeah that's pretty sick.
I'm Online. I'm going to write Zach today because I haven't heard back from him. His papers were supposed to go in the 1st of september so he should have had his call the 14 or 15. Do some investigating, and get back to me on what's up. If Zach asks why you're asking him tell him I told you to, and it's because I love him.
I'm way excited for my first General Conference on my mission. It's going to be awesome. I've been looking forward to this for a while.
Yeah I read that article, it's by John Bytheway. I got the package with the personal trainer. What did you think of my pictures that I sent you? And yes it is getting a lot cooler. The trees are changing, everything. Last week it was really warm, but monday it rained and yesterday it was cold and I was back in a sweater. We were on exchanges and on bikes and my nose kept running. K and mom, I CAN'T READ OR WRITE EMAILS TO ANYONE BUT IMMEDIATE FAMILY. I GOT SPECIAL PERMISSION FROM PRESIDENT TO BE ABLE TO READ AND WRITE TO GRANDMA. (Because of the situation, and seeing her for the first time at my farewell etch). Yeah I know the cubs are in it. If we are out tracting and a packers, bears, or cubs/sox game is on, we are not wanted, and not in the normal sense either. This especially happens when a packer game is on. One guy even told us, packer game is on you guys won't have much success tonight. We push on though. I'm excited for this package. I've decided that either I'm reserving my birthday night for dinner at the craves, or I'm crossing that date out on the dinner calendar so that My comp and I can go out. I don't know yet, but spending it at a members house for a dinner appointment doesn't sound like a celebration. It's crazy to think it's already been almost a year since you took me to Cafe Rio and Shopping at the mall for those skate shoes and that newsprint snowboarding jacket. I'm going to be 20, that's insane. So on sunday we were out tracting and I got stung by this bee. I shook my hand because I felt this pinching feeling. When I looked at my hand there was this little black thing and a strand of mucus that looked like a booger. We mixed some water with dirt and made some mud to put on it. My hand started to swell up and I had this big white welt. It got worse monday and tuesday. My hand was swollen and red. At night I woke up itching it and had to ice it. I've been taking benadryl, I've sprayed it with the avon spray, wiped it with an insect wipe, put hydrocortisone cream on it, and called sister Stoddard. I've done everything. Last night it was huge and it really is annoying when I'm in appointments. It's gone down a little today but it's still red. The only times it feels better is when I'm running, biking, or outside in the cold air. What gives me comfort though, is that I know that that bee DIED by stinging me. I love you tons mom. P.S. Winter is coming and I am exceedingly fearful.
That's so cool that you have your braces off. I'm surprised that they were able to get them off, because when I left your gums were about to overtake your braces. Make sure you brush. You're a teacher now too!! T-bone ordained you!! Now that's exciting. Captain or the Varsity team, that's my reef, keep it up bud. Remember the best way to lead is by example. Always work hard at practice and in games. Play every game like it's your last, because those days go by so fast. What I wouldn't give for another week in high school. Others will see your hustle and hard work and will step up. One guy working his guts out does make a difference. Out here on my mission most of the Elders have been out longer than me including all of the companions that I have had. That doesn't mean that I have to lower my standards for work ethic though. I push them and work hard. They recognize that and follow. I can tell you that they don't always like it, but the Lord blesses us everytime for our hard work and obedience. You can do the same with your soccer team Bro. Love you tons and keep writing me. I love your testimony. Stay steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works. Love ya.
I'm Online. I'm going to write Zach today because I haven't heard back from him. His papers were supposed to go in the 1st of september so he should have had his call the 14 or 15. Do some investigating, and get back to me on what's up. If Zach asks why you're asking him tell him I told you to, and it's because I love him.
I'm way excited for my first General Conference on my mission. It's going to be awesome. I've been looking forward to this for a while.
Yeah I read that article, it's by John Bytheway. I got the package with the personal trainer. What did you think of my pictures that I sent you? And yes it is getting a lot cooler. The trees are changing, everything. Last week it was really warm, but monday it rained and yesterday it was cold and I was back in a sweater. We were on exchanges and on bikes and my nose kept running. K and mom, I CAN'T READ OR WRITE EMAILS TO ANYONE BUT IMMEDIATE FAMILY. I GOT SPECIAL PERMISSION FROM PRESIDENT TO BE ABLE TO READ AND WRITE TO GRANDMA. (Because of the situation, and seeing her for the first time at my farewell etch). Yeah I know the cubs are in it. If we are out tracting and a packers, bears, or cubs/sox game is on, we are not wanted, and not in the normal sense either. This especially happens when a packer game is on. One guy even told us, packer game is on you guys won't have much success tonight. We push on though. I'm excited for this package. I've decided that either I'm reserving my birthday night for dinner at the craves, or I'm crossing that date out on the dinner calendar so that My comp and I can go out. I don't know yet, but spending it at a members house for a dinner appointment doesn't sound like a celebration. It's crazy to think it's already been almost a year since you took me to Cafe Rio and Shopping at the mall for those skate shoes and that newsprint snowboarding jacket. I'm going to be 20, that's insane. So on sunday we were out tracting and I got stung by this bee. I shook my hand because I felt this pinching feeling. When I looked at my hand there was this little black thing and a strand of mucus that looked like a booger. We mixed some water with dirt and made some mud to put on it. My hand started to swell up and I had this big white welt. It got worse monday and tuesday. My hand was swollen and red. At night I woke up itching it and had to ice it. I've been taking benadryl, I've sprayed it with the avon spray, wiped it with an insect wipe, put hydrocortisone cream on it, and called sister Stoddard. I've done everything. Last night it was huge and it really is annoying when I'm in appointments. It's gone down a little today but it's still red. The only times it feels better is when I'm running, biking, or outside in the cold air. What gives me comfort though, is that I know that that bee DIED by stinging me. I love you tons mom. P.S. Winter is coming and I am exceedingly fearful.
That's so cool that you have your braces off. I'm surprised that they were able to get them off, because when I left your gums were about to overtake your braces. Make sure you brush. You're a teacher now too!! T-bone ordained you!! Now that's exciting. Captain or the Varsity team, that's my reef, keep it up bud. Remember the best way to lead is by example. Always work hard at practice and in games. Play every game like it's your last, because those days go by so fast. What I wouldn't give for another week in high school. Others will see your hustle and hard work and will step up. One guy working his guts out does make a difference. Out here on my mission most of the Elders have been out longer than me including all of the companions that I have had. That doesn't mean that I have to lower my standards for work ethic though. I push them and work hard. They recognize that and follow. I can tell you that they don't always like it, but the Lord blesses us everytime for our hard work and obedience. You can do the same with your soccer team Bro. Love you tons and keep writing me. I love your testimony. Stay steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works. Love ya.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
