Hey mom I'm online right now.
Here's those recipes from sister Fomby
Monkey Bread
1 pkg frozen rolls (1lb 9oz)
1 pkg butterscotch pudding (not instant)
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 stick soften butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
-mix pudding, sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon
-Grease bunt pan. Put rolls in, sprinkle mixture over top. Put in cold oven the night before and let rise over night.
Bake 325 for 30 mins.
This should be the new Adams family Christmas Tradition.
Yam Souffle'
3 C mashe yams (I would say do a lot more than this)
2 eggs beaten
1/2 t salt
1 c white sugar
1 t vanilla
1/2 c milk
1/3 c butter, melted
Topping
1 c brown sugar
1/3 c flour
1 c chopped pecans
1 c coconut
1/3 c butter melted
1-Combine potatoes, egg, salt, sugar, vanilla, milk, and butter. Blend until smooth. Pour in 9x13
2-Mix topping sprinkle mix over potatoes
375 for 25 mins.
I would say that you are going to have to experiment with the size of pan that you use to fit more of the yams. It deffinately needs more yams.
Good to hear, I would keep everything else the same though, sugar milk etc. because hers were really sweet, I don't think they need to be that sweet.
She's a cool lady, she's from texas or tennessee or something, because she has this texan or Nashville accent.
What do you mean that you didn't get my Christmas cards. I sent them in the package with the presents. There's three pictures of me on it, I made them at wal-mart. The slippers sound interesting, and this knitting group. So do they film you ladies and put it on the evening pbs special!!! ha ha ha. Anyway, what part of my Christmas that you sent me was part of my birthday that you said that you forgot. Just curious.
Well, Elder Bryner ended up getting sick Christmas Eve, and was throwing up all night, but we ended up helping Barbara move most of the day. Elder Bryner had to sit down and rest a lot. Bro. Fomby and I had given him a blessing Christmas morning, and it seemed to me that I just had added strength to be able to continue on. We went to the Fomby's in the morning for breakfast, and I ended up working on a puzzle with Brother and sister Fomby after breakfast while Elder Bryner was on the phone with his family. For Christmas I also bought him some Egg nog and Ranch flavored pringles. (He loves ranch and Egg nog). It was simple but I think that it touched him. So we did presents in the morning before breakfast. My companion made a mess, he got so much stuff. I took pictures of this tornado. Our study room was trashed. After breakfast my companion called half of his family, then we did moving until 4. We had dinner at the Robertson's where I then called home. That was pretty much our night. My companion was sick the whole day, didn't feel too good, but he was finally able to eat something at dinner.
We have been doing a lot of service for a lady, Barbara (Who we helped on Christmas and the Thursday before) that we met business contacting. We've been helping them to move. On Sunday we even got the Robertson family involved. She has been ever so thankful for our help. We found out that she has met with missionaries before, and in the midst of all of this moving she has come across her copy of the Book of Mormon. When this all settles down she wants to take us out to dinner and discuss things and ask us questions that she has. She is getting a divorce after 20 years. She has a son who is a junior and a 21 year old daughter who has a 3yr old son that still live with her. Sister Fomby made her brownies and cookies and a pumpkin pie, which we took over to her at different times. She was so thankful, since they spent Thanksgiving at McDonald's, and moved on Christmas. They haven't had much of the holidays. They have a nice house though. Anyway the Fomby's invited us over to their house for New Year's Eve. They want to play board games, which I'm finding out if we can from President. We then invited Barbara and her son and the 3yr old to come over with us. We'll be able to stay longer and fellowship with them, it will be good for them to meet the Fomby's also. The daughter has to work though. We'll see if these plans for the New Year's eve plan out.
It was good to talk you all on Christmas, but I didn't get to hear Spencer play a song for me on the guitar. I missed that. Oh well, too late now. Anyway I love you all so much.
Love Elder Adams.
I can't believe that it's 2010, who would have saw this coming!!!!
Tell him he's going to get arrested and stop his heart if he drinks those energy drinks and then runs through the cold without anything on. That sounds like a recipe for disaster on New year's Eve. Sometimes I worry about that kid.
I never heard what you and dad got for Christmas, or what you guys did on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. What are your plans for New Years Day.
This is the slide show that they showed us at Zone conference on the 18th. President Doll put it together. If it doesn't work I have a dvd of it that sister doll gave us all for Christmas.
Elders and Sisters:
In case you want to share with your family, below are the links for the slideshow and the two JibJab segments. Copy and paste the links (no web surfing) into your e-mail to family.
http://vimeo.com/8141686
http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/5qZXLuX7QQgLDgTz
http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/Gff54vD5nsPSxgk9
....................................
President Sherman L. Doll
Illinois Chicago North Mission
sdoll@ldschurch.org
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
December 23, 2009
Hey mom I'm online. I gave the 600 check to Bro. Fomby on monday and he put it in his account he said that the 600 had been taken out of his account so I take that to mean that you have put the check into my account. Also I've been unable to sell my backpack to any missionaries so I'm having the first counselor of the branch put it on Ebay. He put it online yesterday. I took pictures of it and everything for him. I told him to post it for 2 weeks and to start the bidding at I think 10. We'll see what happens. As far as a time to call We are probably going to a members for breakfast then we have to help a lady move at 12, then we have our dinner at 4, so maybe before 4 or maybe after our dinner I don't know.
Yeah I hope it doesn't sell for that much either, but do I have any other choice, but to be stuck with it.
Yeah I don't know when I'm calling, it's all a jumble. I'm not too worried about it though.
Well Bro. Challis has probably already put it online. I gave him the pics yesterday. Plus that would mean I'd have to ship it home or pack it around with me, and try to find space to bring it home. We just hope for the best.
I'll be calling on Christmas Day. And we will probably be calling from a members home. They said that it doesn't cost them. Not for sure on the time though. Who knows I could end up calling from the cell phone, but then I'd have to do it before 7am or after 7pm.
Deffinately!! I thought about getting Zach something but I didn't know what and I didn't want it to go to waste if he wasn't writing me back. I still haven't got a letter back from him.
I'm just checking these emails from you and responding, I've already written pres. Today we are going bowling as a district then probably out to dinner, and then we are going caroling and trying to give out joy to the world dvds and then share a spiritual message. It's a great finding idea that we are going to try. We are all meeting in Dekalb. Just keep writing back I'm waiting for your emails to come through.
It's incredible to think about. 2 years ago today I received my patriarchal blessing. I read through it this morning. I plan to read through it tonight again. It's hard to believe it's been two years since then. Tell the Thomas' thank you so much, that I owe a great debt of gratitude to them for their sacrifice, so that I can continue to serve out here. The ward is so supportive. I love you too mom.
My companion is officially ridiculous with Christmas. He has received so many packages and cards. Two full size moving boxes came for him yesterday, another smaller one a day or so ago, and the table that our tree is on has a bunch of holiday cards on it. The whole table is packed with his stuff under the tree. There isn't even any room for my Christmas to sit under the tree. His stuff is even stacked, it almost covers the tree. He's also opened some of his stuff. We all got a plastic bag at zone conference, and I didn't open mine, but he opened his. We also got a holiday pillow case. I have mine on my pillow from last year. Anyway, he's gone crazy with Christmas or at least his family has, and he hasn't even got the things from his girlfriend. He spent a lot of money on gifts, well over three hundred.
I remember a lot of things. That was the same day that I finished reading the Book of Mormon for the first time, and I wrote my testimony in the cover of my copy of the Book of Mormon. It's a significant day for me. I finished reading the Book of Mormon just a little before we went over to brother Stones house for the blessing.
I remember I finished reading it upstairs in your room and that's where I wrote in the front cover of the Book of Mormon.
Tell michelle thanks for the card. Those kids have grown up, that's incredible!!! I hope that you got my Christmas cards that I sent, make sure to send one to the bullocks one for you and then you can give the others to whom ever you like. Or go to a photo place and scan it to make some more if you like.
I read of your concern mom. I had interviews with president yesterday. He won't let me extend my mission. The other thing that he is asking that is hard, is he doesn't want me to wake up early and exercise anymore. He doesn't want me to worry about time spent at members and different things like that. He basically doesn't want me to stress, I have to drop the typical missionary hat. He said that he talked to you about my papers and if I had ever had anorexia, and that my papers said no. So I know that you have been talking to my mission president mom. This is a really frustrating thing my pres trying to control me when my comp doesn't follow other rules and I'm supposed to stop doing something that I've done my whole mission. I don't think I can do it. Yesterday was frustrating interview with president. Obedience has been a thing I've preached before but I'm having a hard time with this one. There's a lot of frustration right now. I don't really want to explain it all, or know how to. I don't want to spend Christmas talking about it either. I deffinately don't want to talk about it then. Anyway I look forward to hearing from the family on Christmas.
Say merry Christmas to Josh and it sounds like he's doing great. Keep tearing it up!!!! The snow is fun, we've been getting a ton of it too.
I've sent a bunch of stuff, but we've got a big day ahead. I'm on exchanges right now with Elder Condhe, and he's been done emailing for a while and he's been waiting. I think he's ready to go, and we have other stuff to get done before we meet everyone in Dekalb. I should probably get going. I love you tons. I didn't hear from dad or spencer?
Love ya tons. I can't wait to hear what you think of what I got you. That's probably the only thing I'm really excited about for phone calls because I don't know what else to say, except hi, I'm a missionary. I just want to hear what you think of my gift. Love ya tons, talk to ya soon
Elder Adams
Yeah I hope it doesn't sell for that much either, but do I have any other choice, but to be stuck with it.
Yeah I don't know when I'm calling, it's all a jumble. I'm not too worried about it though.
Well Bro. Challis has probably already put it online. I gave him the pics yesterday. Plus that would mean I'd have to ship it home or pack it around with me, and try to find space to bring it home. We just hope for the best.
I'll be calling on Christmas Day. And we will probably be calling from a members home. They said that it doesn't cost them. Not for sure on the time though. Who knows I could end up calling from the cell phone, but then I'd have to do it before 7am or after 7pm.
Deffinately!! I thought about getting Zach something but I didn't know what and I didn't want it to go to waste if he wasn't writing me back. I still haven't got a letter back from him.
I'm just checking these emails from you and responding, I've already written pres. Today we are going bowling as a district then probably out to dinner, and then we are going caroling and trying to give out joy to the world dvds and then share a spiritual message. It's a great finding idea that we are going to try. We are all meeting in Dekalb. Just keep writing back I'm waiting for your emails to come through.
It's incredible to think about. 2 years ago today I received my patriarchal blessing. I read through it this morning. I plan to read through it tonight again. It's hard to believe it's been two years since then. Tell the Thomas' thank you so much, that I owe a great debt of gratitude to them for their sacrifice, so that I can continue to serve out here. The ward is so supportive. I love you too mom.
My companion is officially ridiculous with Christmas. He has received so many packages and cards. Two full size moving boxes came for him yesterday, another smaller one a day or so ago, and the table that our tree is on has a bunch of holiday cards on it. The whole table is packed with his stuff under the tree. There isn't even any room for my Christmas to sit under the tree. His stuff is even stacked, it almost covers the tree. He's also opened some of his stuff. We all got a plastic bag at zone conference, and I didn't open mine, but he opened his. We also got a holiday pillow case. I have mine on my pillow from last year. Anyway, he's gone crazy with Christmas or at least his family has, and he hasn't even got the things from his girlfriend. He spent a lot of money on gifts, well over three hundred.
I remember a lot of things. That was the same day that I finished reading the Book of Mormon for the first time, and I wrote my testimony in the cover of my copy of the Book of Mormon. It's a significant day for me. I finished reading the Book of Mormon just a little before we went over to brother Stones house for the blessing.
I remember I finished reading it upstairs in your room and that's where I wrote in the front cover of the Book of Mormon.
Tell michelle thanks for the card. Those kids have grown up, that's incredible!!! I hope that you got my Christmas cards that I sent, make sure to send one to the bullocks one for you and then you can give the others to whom ever you like. Or go to a photo place and scan it to make some more if you like.
I read of your concern mom. I had interviews with president yesterday. He won't let me extend my mission. The other thing that he is asking that is hard, is he doesn't want me to wake up early and exercise anymore. He doesn't want me to worry about time spent at members and different things like that. He basically doesn't want me to stress, I have to drop the typical missionary hat. He said that he talked to you about my papers and if I had ever had anorexia, and that my papers said no. So I know that you have been talking to my mission president mom. This is a really frustrating thing my pres trying to control me when my comp doesn't follow other rules and I'm supposed to stop doing something that I've done my whole mission. I don't think I can do it. Yesterday was frustrating interview with president. Obedience has been a thing I've preached before but I'm having a hard time with this one. There's a lot of frustration right now. I don't really want to explain it all, or know how to. I don't want to spend Christmas talking about it either. I deffinately don't want to talk about it then. Anyway I look forward to hearing from the family on Christmas.
Say merry Christmas to Josh and it sounds like he's doing great. Keep tearing it up!!!! The snow is fun, we've been getting a ton of it too.
I've sent a bunch of stuff, but we've got a big day ahead. I'm on exchanges right now with Elder Condhe, and he's been done emailing for a while and he's been waiting. I think he's ready to go, and we have other stuff to get done before we meet everyone in Dekalb. I should probably get going. I love you tons. I didn't hear from dad or spencer?
Love ya tons. I can't wait to hear what you think of what I got you. That's probably the only thing I'm really excited about for phone calls because I don't know what else to say, except hi, I'm a missionary. I just want to hear what you think of my gift. Love ya tons, talk to ya soon
Elder Adams
Sunday, December 20, 2009
December 16, 2009
It's 4 Degrees outside today, quite chilly. Last Thursday it was -1 in the morning. This is the temperature without windchill figured in. Chuck Crome told us that with windchill Thursday was about -43, nice! Thanks for the letter dad, that's a good one. Pray about who you should have ordain you, but that is awesome that you are going to be a high priest. I didn't get the Christmas card that the smiths tried to email me or that you and mom tried to email. I can't pull it up. I love you tons dad. I'm trying to stay warm, just have to perservere through it. I look forward to hearing from you next week.
Love Elder Adams
Did you get the check for 600 from brother Fomby so that I can give him my check. I also got your package. I have plenty of money to print off pictures the cartridge like I said serves no purpose. Email me back as soon as you can if you got the check, he said that he sent it last week. I'll be on for a little bit, check your mail frequently that's the key
I did, but I can just send you pictures. I know you're a mom you feel like you have to care and give and nurture. It's your nature. I've told members how I feel about all this and they say it's just what you have to do. I'm telling you though I don't think I will be using the cartridge. As for the tree and ornaments, I must ask why? We have a tree, fairly good size one that was left in our apartment, and it is set up in our study room. My companion also got a tree from his parents and ornaments and lights and has it set up on his desk. I love you mom.
The Check from the insurance companion that is made out to me. He wrote you a check written out to you from his account. So I have to reimburse him with this check. It was the best way, that way I didn't send my check that I had signed through the mail. Does this all make sense? I'm trying to explain it as best I can.
That's good to hear there's some news and an encounter with Zach. Keep in touch with him. I'll be waiting for that letter. I've got Christmas cards that I made last Wednesday and I'm picking them up this Friday so that's when I'll send them out and then you can take one to Zach. I love you tons, hurry and write back, times a wasting.
This is what President Doll has sent us about phone calls and about Christmas. I don't know when we are going to do phone calls I really don't.
Elders and Sisters – Here are several items for your
attention:
Christmas Schedule: We’d like you to follow a schedule similar to Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, December 23rd take the morning for e-mail, shopping, etc. The rest of the day is missionary work. Your weekly planning should be done on Thursday, December 24th but you can choose when during the day you want to do it. The rest of the day should be spent in missionary work. On Friday, December 25th you can enjoy Christmas until 6:00p.
Christmas Phone Calls: Please enjoy calling your immediate family on either December 24th or December 25th. If you’ll be using a mission cell phone then call either before 7:00a or after 7:00p. Or, you may use a member’s phone if offered. Please keep your call at 45 minutes or less. For questions or exceptions, please call me.
Spending Time With Members: During the holidays (and at other times) missionaries are invited to member homes to enjoy a meal and spend time. Let’s be sure to exhibit the highest standard of behavior and courtesy. Staying beyond two hours is probably too long (one hour for a regular dinner appointment). Let’s be sure that members continue to see us in the sacred calling we have.
Good work on spotting Zach at Wal-Mart, it's good to hear that progress is being made. I love you mom. This is the best news I've heard in a long time.
We are continuing to teach Jared Ashley. We meet with him about once a week, usually for dinner and a lesson with him and his mom. All we can do is wait until President Merrill sees that he is ready, which he predicts will probably be sometime in February. He’s already committed to baptism a while ago, and we’ve almost finished teaching him everything. We were able to pick up a new investigator this week. It is the girlfriend of a member of the branch who is now starting to come back. She is 20, has a child and they are not married, but live together. They had us over for dinner and we were able to teach them both. This is probably our greatest prospective lead. We met one man while tracting who let us in. When we had finished sharing a brief first lesson with him, he said that he had just finished praying that he would not be ignorant to the truth and that he would learn the things that he needs to. He said he feels that us showing up is a sign,and that things don't just happen, they happen for a reason. He was basically praying to God to be shown the way and then we knocked on the door. The other incredible thing about this is that before we went out to tract on this morning, Elder Bryner had prayed that we would be let into some doors so that we wouldn't have to stay out in the cold the whole time, because we had no lessons set up. This man's name is Randy, and he seems really sincere. What's more God has directed him and us to meet each other in another incredible miracle. After we taught him we went maybe one or two more houses and were let in again to teach a Hispanic man. This was a lot of success for us. I think it came because we had prepared ourselves in the morning to be sharing door approaches. I also gave some advice to Elder Bryner to try and just begin teaching and to teach as much as possible. He took my advice and we were blessed. Both of us were really trying to teach and testify, and to change up our approaches at the doors. It really was incredible.
However, I'm worried Elder Bryner has lost all faith and motivation in tracting at all. He doesn't seem enthusiastic about it in the least bit. Not even really enthusiastic in companionship study. It's more like I'm reading scriptures to him while he is reclined back. Our experience out tracting was sort of a one time deal for him in being excited. I think he’s really getting frustrated. It probably doesn’t help that we had the police called on us again on Saturday night. We also had a man following us in his van when we went back to our car. He then yelled at us, asking if we knocked on his door. When he asked who we were I explained we are missionaries sharing a message about Christ and tried to take a step towards him, but he yelled at me again and told me to stay away. It’s like when you put on the nametag you are no longer a normal human being, and you are not to be respected. We talked to President about all of this Police business, and how Elder Bryner doesn’t feel we should be tracting after 8:00. We had one policeman tell us this but that it is not against the law, it’s just that people will get angry. President says that we should try and teach members or less actives during this time and not tract. I think this is just running scared, because it’s not against the law and the Police don’t do anything. I guess what President and my companion say is that it’s bad public reputation if we do it, and it doesn’t help us. I think about it though and the Cromes were found tracting at about 8:45. Anyway, we are like some kind of juvenile delinquents to the people and the police here in Byron. We won’t be tracting anymore after 8:00. It’s just not like me to back down, especially from persecution.
The Cromes we continue to meet with once a week. They usually have us over for dinner and a lesson, and we answer questions and teach them the lessons. They are strong and are continuing to progress.
So Christmas, I don't know what the schedule is going to be. It could be different. I will probably end up letting you know next wednesday, sorry short notice. 6pm your time would be 7pm my time right? I don't think that would work, because prep day ends at 6pm. I don't know I'll talk to president this Friday and see what he says this new schedule is different. I love you tons and I will look to hear from you next week.
Love Elder Adams
PS-last Thursday was -1 air temp, and -43 with windchill, today it is 4 air temp. It's a frosty one out here.
I send you those cd's with the pictures on them so then you can go to the store and pick out which ones you want to print off and put in the scrapbook and send to others. I'll send you some though. I've got to get going though we have a lot of things to do today I love you tons.
the smiths tried to send a christmas card and I can't open it it didn't come through on my email.
Love Elder Adams
Did you get the check for 600 from brother Fomby so that I can give him my check. I also got your package. I have plenty of money to print off pictures the cartridge like I said serves no purpose. Email me back as soon as you can if you got the check, he said that he sent it last week. I'll be on for a little bit, check your mail frequently that's the key
I did, but I can just send you pictures. I know you're a mom you feel like you have to care and give and nurture. It's your nature. I've told members how I feel about all this and they say it's just what you have to do. I'm telling you though I don't think I will be using the cartridge. As for the tree and ornaments, I must ask why? We have a tree, fairly good size one that was left in our apartment, and it is set up in our study room. My companion also got a tree from his parents and ornaments and lights and has it set up on his desk. I love you mom.
The Check from the insurance companion that is made out to me. He wrote you a check written out to you from his account. So I have to reimburse him with this check. It was the best way, that way I didn't send my check that I had signed through the mail. Does this all make sense? I'm trying to explain it as best I can.
That's good to hear there's some news and an encounter with Zach. Keep in touch with him. I'll be waiting for that letter. I've got Christmas cards that I made last Wednesday and I'm picking them up this Friday so that's when I'll send them out and then you can take one to Zach. I love you tons, hurry and write back, times a wasting.
This is what President Doll has sent us about phone calls and about Christmas. I don't know when we are going to do phone calls I really don't.
Elders and Sisters – Here are several items for your
attention:
Christmas Schedule: We’d like you to follow a schedule similar to Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, December 23rd take the morning for e-mail, shopping, etc. The rest of the day is missionary work. Your weekly planning should be done on Thursday, December 24th but you can choose when during the day you want to do it. The rest of the day should be spent in missionary work. On Friday, December 25th you can enjoy Christmas until 6:00p.
Christmas Phone Calls: Please enjoy calling your immediate family on either December 24th or December 25th. If you’ll be using a mission cell phone then call either before 7:00a or after 7:00p. Or, you may use a member’s phone if offered. Please keep your call at 45 minutes or less. For questions or exceptions, please call me.
Spending Time With Members: During the holidays (and at other times) missionaries are invited to member homes to enjoy a meal and spend time. Let’s be sure to exhibit the highest standard of behavior and courtesy. Staying beyond two hours is probably too long (one hour for a regular dinner appointment). Let’s be sure that members continue to see us in the sacred calling we have.
Good work on spotting Zach at Wal-Mart, it's good to hear that progress is being made. I love you mom. This is the best news I've heard in a long time.
We are continuing to teach Jared Ashley. We meet with him about once a week, usually for dinner and a lesson with him and his mom. All we can do is wait until President Merrill sees that he is ready, which he predicts will probably be sometime in February. He’s already committed to baptism a while ago, and we’ve almost finished teaching him everything. We were able to pick up a new investigator this week. It is the girlfriend of a member of the branch who is now starting to come back. She is 20, has a child and they are not married, but live together. They had us over for dinner and we were able to teach them both. This is probably our greatest prospective lead. We met one man while tracting who let us in. When we had finished sharing a brief first lesson with him, he said that he had just finished praying that he would not be ignorant to the truth and that he would learn the things that he needs to. He said he feels that us showing up is a sign,and that things don't just happen, they happen for a reason. He was basically praying to God to be shown the way and then we knocked on the door. The other incredible thing about this is that before we went out to tract on this morning, Elder Bryner had prayed that we would be let into some doors so that we wouldn't have to stay out in the cold the whole time, because we had no lessons set up. This man's name is Randy, and he seems really sincere. What's more God has directed him and us to meet each other in another incredible miracle. After we taught him we went maybe one or two more houses and were let in again to teach a Hispanic man. This was a lot of success for us. I think it came because we had prepared ourselves in the morning to be sharing door approaches. I also gave some advice to Elder Bryner to try and just begin teaching and to teach as much as possible. He took my advice and we were blessed. Both of us were really trying to teach and testify, and to change up our approaches at the doors. It really was incredible.
However, I'm worried Elder Bryner has lost all faith and motivation in tracting at all. He doesn't seem enthusiastic about it in the least bit. Not even really enthusiastic in companionship study. It's more like I'm reading scriptures to him while he is reclined back. Our experience out tracting was sort of a one time deal for him in being excited. I think he’s really getting frustrated. It probably doesn’t help that we had the police called on us again on Saturday night. We also had a man following us in his van when we went back to our car. He then yelled at us, asking if we knocked on his door. When he asked who we were I explained we are missionaries sharing a message about Christ and tried to take a step towards him, but he yelled at me again and told me to stay away. It’s like when you put on the nametag you are no longer a normal human being, and you are not to be respected. We talked to President about all of this Police business, and how Elder Bryner doesn’t feel we should be tracting after 8:00. We had one policeman tell us this but that it is not against the law, it’s just that people will get angry. President says that we should try and teach members or less actives during this time and not tract. I think this is just running scared, because it’s not against the law and the Police don’t do anything. I guess what President and my companion say is that it’s bad public reputation if we do it, and it doesn’t help us. I think about it though and the Cromes were found tracting at about 8:45. Anyway, we are like some kind of juvenile delinquents to the people and the police here in Byron. We won’t be tracting anymore after 8:00. It’s just not like me to back down, especially from persecution.
The Cromes we continue to meet with once a week. They usually have us over for dinner and a lesson, and we answer questions and teach them the lessons. They are strong and are continuing to progress.
So Christmas, I don't know what the schedule is going to be. It could be different. I will probably end up letting you know next wednesday, sorry short notice. 6pm your time would be 7pm my time right? I don't think that would work, because prep day ends at 6pm. I don't know I'll talk to president this Friday and see what he says this new schedule is different. I love you tons and I will look to hear from you next week.
Love Elder Adams
PS-last Thursday was -1 air temp, and -43 with windchill, today it is 4 air temp. It's a frosty one out here.
I send you those cd's with the pictures on them so then you can go to the store and pick out which ones you want to print off and put in the scrapbook and send to others. I'll send you some though. I've got to get going though we have a lot of things to do today I love you tons.
the smiths tried to send a christmas card and I can't open it it didn't come through on my email.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
December 9, 2009
Hurry, we have been dumped on with snow and we are going out in it.
Transfer calls were yesterday and Elder Bryner and I have both been transferred out of Byron. No, we are both staying here in Byron together for at least another transfer. So that means that I will have spent all of the Holidays with Elder Bryner. It also means that I will have celebrated my birthday his 20th birthday was on Monday, and then his year mark is on the 17. All sorts of celebrations for us together.
We had the Christmas Devotional on Sunday broadcast at the church. I can’t believe it’s been 2 months since General conference, and a year since the last Christmas message. I can still remember it like it was yesterday. I remember the one before also.
So we’ve had our first snowfalls this past week. It’s actually been snowing for about 2 days. I have now outfitted myself in my Soreli boots, and I am ready for combat with old man winter. Yesterday my companion and I did something that I have never done on my mission. It’s called shovel tracting. One of you goes to the door to knock and to speak to the person while the other begins shoveling the walkway to the door. This with the intention that their hearts will be softened by us performing service. For me it’s also a good way to stay warm. We shovel tracted for an hour and a half yesterday. Some people don’t want you to shovel their walkway and still others reject you. One lady was kind enough to talk to us as we helped her with her walkway, since she was out shoveling. I saw my reflection in a door when we were doing this last night and my jacket was covered in snow. I looked like I’d been in a tundra. We also helped out some of the branch members to get their driveways and sidewalks taken care of. This weather certainly provides for a lot of service opportunities.
This week Elder Bryner and I have been noticing that the persecutions that we have been facing have continued. In the past couple weeks we have had the cops called on us twice, people seem to be rejecting us, and we've had two notes left on doors when we've showed up for appointments, saying that they have changed their minds and are no longer interested. Elder Bryner says this is probably the worst that he has seen it on his mission. I haven’t beat my record yet of 10 times having the cops called on me during my time in North Shore. On top of this all, the other day Shane told us he didn't have time to go to church and that he and Bambi will no longer be meeting with us. So we lost that family that we have been teaching. JR came to church but his interest when we teach him is lacking. We are just really struggling to find people to teach. It seems that everyone that we do find, and set up an appointment with, will later call and cancel the appointment. We talked about how much of these "hard times" we are facing, and we both agree that there must be some good ahead of us that Satan is trying to prevent us from reaching. He wants us to get discouraged. Elder Bryner said that anytime in his life just before something good is about to happen, there has been the worst of times. We are continuing to push through it and are striving to find some people to teach. It just seems like everyone is dropping us. It hasn't been all bad though, we have had a few very positive lessons and interactions with people that will hopefully lead us to something. We are just keeping in mind that we must be like Nephi and continue to declare the word with unwarryingness, regardless of what happens or whether or not success comes.
We met with Mary and John Whitt on Saturday. She is very angry still with her husband and the woman he cheated on her with. She has also had a lifetime, since childhood, of abuse. She's angry with God, and does not want to forgive or have the Savior forgive anyone that has wronged her. It was sad to see the grip that Satan had on her. We read a talk from an Ensign, that shed some light on these matters and we bore our testimonies of the atonement, and tried to offer guidance in forgiving and having faith, so that she can experience peace. They were very thankful at the end. They said that we seemed very wise for our age, and that we handled the situation very well. They said others didn't really know how to handle it before, that they had spoken with. Hopefully progress can be made here.
The Cromes also had a great time at the temple this Saturday. Marissa and Chuck went and performed baptisms for the dead. It's hard to believe that it has been one month since the time of their baptism and now they are already doing temple work for others. On Sunday Marissa got up in Sacrament meeting and bore her testimony. She said she only wished that she could have learned the gospel when she was younger. She also talked about the happiness that she felt at the temple. It's incredible the progress and the testimonies of these two converts. Her testimony is so pure and simple, everyone seems to quiet down and to listen more intently. There's power in her simple words because of the simple yet strong faith that she has.
As part of my personal study I am now going through all of the parables that Christ teaches and studying them. This is proving to be helpful, I was actually able to use one of them on a doorstep, and another in a member lesson. I love when study becomes applicable. I am learning so much from these parables, especially application for my own life. I think there's a reason Christ is referred to as the master teacher. It's like I'm reviewing his lesson plans, that is bound to help me become a better teacher. I am also reading through a 21 day walk with Christ for the Christmas season. As you can see I have a lot to study.
I am excited to be serving another transfer her in Byron with Elder Bryner. We just need to find a way to find some people. This last transfer went by so fast, it's incredible. I think it was the fastest transfer of my whole mission, I blinked and it was gone. Well we don't have a lot of time today, we are going to be busy. Let Josh know that I enjoyed his letter, and a Donner sounds a lot like a Gyro. Interesting although I have never had either.
Thank you so much for your emails family, and you are in my prayers always. I love you all.
Love Elder Adams
P.S.- I set up my nativity scene the other day that you gave me last Christmas. It sits right in front of me on my study desk.
Yeah I'm on too but I am just about to leave. I just finished and we are super busy today. Bro. Fomby wanted to wait to send the check to see if I got transfered so it should be coming now.
Sorry I've got to get going. If there's anything that you need to tell me, you just have to write it immediately when you get on. You can't just write I'M here. I love you and we can try again next week.
Thanks mom, I love you too. I'll chat to ya next week.
just kidding I thought my companion was done I have a few more seconds.
We also did service this past week at a food pantry and clothing resale shop. I was actually able to talk to the lady that was training me back by the food shelves. My companion was assigned to work in the clothing. When people would come into fill their orders I could even talk to them about the church. I gave our website card out to one one lady. It makes you feel good when you do service and share the gospel. That's why I don't understand why I should ever have to change all this. I'm happy, this works for me. This is working for me, I don't want to have to find some other way to be happy in life. Just doing the Lords work.
Transfer calls were yesterday and Elder Bryner and I have both been transferred out of Byron. No, we are both staying here in Byron together for at least another transfer. So that means that I will have spent all of the Holidays with Elder Bryner. It also means that I will have celebrated my birthday his 20th birthday was on Monday, and then his year mark is on the 17. All sorts of celebrations for us together.
We had the Christmas Devotional on Sunday broadcast at the church. I can’t believe it’s been 2 months since General conference, and a year since the last Christmas message. I can still remember it like it was yesterday. I remember the one before also.
So we’ve had our first snowfalls this past week. It’s actually been snowing for about 2 days. I have now outfitted myself in my Soreli boots, and I am ready for combat with old man winter. Yesterday my companion and I did something that I have never done on my mission. It’s called shovel tracting. One of you goes to the door to knock and to speak to the person while the other begins shoveling the walkway to the door. This with the intention that their hearts will be softened by us performing service. For me it’s also a good way to stay warm. We shovel tracted for an hour and a half yesterday. Some people don’t want you to shovel their walkway and still others reject you. One lady was kind enough to talk to us as we helped her with her walkway, since she was out shoveling. I saw my reflection in a door when we were doing this last night and my jacket was covered in snow. I looked like I’d been in a tundra. We also helped out some of the branch members to get their driveways and sidewalks taken care of. This weather certainly provides for a lot of service opportunities.
This week Elder Bryner and I have been noticing that the persecutions that we have been facing have continued. In the past couple weeks we have had the cops called on us twice, people seem to be rejecting us, and we've had two notes left on doors when we've showed up for appointments, saying that they have changed their minds and are no longer interested. Elder Bryner says this is probably the worst that he has seen it on his mission. I haven’t beat my record yet of 10 times having the cops called on me during my time in North Shore. On top of this all, the other day Shane told us he didn't have time to go to church and that he and Bambi will no longer be meeting with us. So we lost that family that we have been teaching. JR came to church but his interest when we teach him is lacking. We are just really struggling to find people to teach. It seems that everyone that we do find, and set up an appointment with, will later call and cancel the appointment. We talked about how much of these "hard times" we are facing, and we both agree that there must be some good ahead of us that Satan is trying to prevent us from reaching. He wants us to get discouraged. Elder Bryner said that anytime in his life just before something good is about to happen, there has been the worst of times. We are continuing to push through it and are striving to find some people to teach. It just seems like everyone is dropping us. It hasn't been all bad though, we have had a few very positive lessons and interactions with people that will hopefully lead us to something. We are just keeping in mind that we must be like Nephi and continue to declare the word with unwarryingness, regardless of what happens or whether or not success comes.
We met with Mary and John Whitt on Saturday. She is very angry still with her husband and the woman he cheated on her with. She has also had a lifetime, since childhood, of abuse. She's angry with God, and does not want to forgive or have the Savior forgive anyone that has wronged her. It was sad to see the grip that Satan had on her. We read a talk from an Ensign, that shed some light on these matters and we bore our testimonies of the atonement, and tried to offer guidance in forgiving and having faith, so that she can experience peace. They were very thankful at the end. They said that we seemed very wise for our age, and that we handled the situation very well. They said others didn't really know how to handle it before, that they had spoken with. Hopefully progress can be made here.
The Cromes also had a great time at the temple this Saturday. Marissa and Chuck went and performed baptisms for the dead. It's hard to believe that it has been one month since the time of their baptism and now they are already doing temple work for others. On Sunday Marissa got up in Sacrament meeting and bore her testimony. She said she only wished that she could have learned the gospel when she was younger. She also talked about the happiness that she felt at the temple. It's incredible the progress and the testimonies of these two converts. Her testimony is so pure and simple, everyone seems to quiet down and to listen more intently. There's power in her simple words because of the simple yet strong faith that she has.
As part of my personal study I am now going through all of the parables that Christ teaches and studying them. This is proving to be helpful, I was actually able to use one of them on a doorstep, and another in a member lesson. I love when study becomes applicable. I am learning so much from these parables, especially application for my own life. I think there's a reason Christ is referred to as the master teacher. It's like I'm reviewing his lesson plans, that is bound to help me become a better teacher. I am also reading through a 21 day walk with Christ for the Christmas season. As you can see I have a lot to study.
I am excited to be serving another transfer her in Byron with Elder Bryner. We just need to find a way to find some people. This last transfer went by so fast, it's incredible. I think it was the fastest transfer of my whole mission, I blinked and it was gone. Well we don't have a lot of time today, we are going to be busy. Let Josh know that I enjoyed his letter, and a Donner sounds a lot like a Gyro. Interesting although I have never had either.
Thank you so much for your emails family, and you are in my prayers always. I love you all.
Love Elder Adams
P.S.- I set up my nativity scene the other day that you gave me last Christmas. It sits right in front of me on my study desk.
Yeah I'm on too but I am just about to leave. I just finished and we are super busy today. Bro. Fomby wanted to wait to send the check to see if I got transfered so it should be coming now.
Sorry I've got to get going. If there's anything that you need to tell me, you just have to write it immediately when you get on. You can't just write I'M here. I love you and we can try again next week.
Thanks mom, I love you too. I'll chat to ya next week.
just kidding I thought my companion was done I have a few more seconds.
We also did service this past week at a food pantry and clothing resale shop. I was actually able to talk to the lady that was training me back by the food shelves. My companion was assigned to work in the clothing. When people would come into fill their orders I could even talk to them about the church. I gave our website card out to one one lady. It makes you feel good when you do service and share the gospel. That's why I don't understand why I should ever have to change all this. I'm happy, this works for me. This is working for me, I don't want to have to find some other way to be happy in life. Just doing the Lords work.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
December 2, 2009
Oh man....it's time to battle the winter storms again. I've dreaded these days since I opened my call letter. I've got to face them again. Here we go!! Thanksgiving was awesome. Probably one of the Best every. Everything is better on a mission, I'm just going to tell you that. I don't want you to feel like you're not loved but, it's just good on a mission. We had our Thanksgiving with the Cromes (who were just baptized), and the Fomby Family. It was so great to have the Cromes there. My companion and I actually baked 2 pies to take over there. Everyone was impressed, a lot of people don't think that missionaries can cook. My companion made a banana cream pie, and I made this pie that we got a recipe for from a lady while we were out knocking doors the day before Thanksgiving. She had just finished baking it and we commented on the smell of her house. We then asked her for the recipe and she wrote it down. We then embarked the attempt. It worked out. No one tried it though, I didn't even try it on Thanksgiving, I was too full. I tried it on Sunday though, and it is amazing!! It's called Tollhouse pie.
I really liked your testimony dad. Thanks for you love and support. This Church is so true. If only people knew this. A lot of people don't realize what they are missing. I've often times said that people look at the faith in God and religion like buying a refrigerator, you don't buy a new one unless the old one is broken. Regardless of if there is something out there that is bigger better and will save more energy. People are content to just make do with what they have, regardless of if we tell them that there is more out there, and we tell them of the blessings that their families can have. What did you think of the scriptures? I love you dad, Have a great week.
Love Elder Adams
I don't know if that's enough of a reason to buy a whole printer though. And Now to have to buy ink...I can make these homemade Christmas cards at the stores where you print off pictures. If that's all I'm going to use it for it makes more sense to just do it that way. I like the idea though, to make a homemade Christmas card!!!! Thank you so much, now that is a genius idea!!!!
The Fomby's are going to be sending you a Check for 600 written out to you. You can then deposit the check in your account and then transfer 600 from your account to mine. I then will give my check to the Fomby's to put in their account. This way I don't have to mail a check that I've endorsed in the mail and have it get stolen. Bro Fomby is our ward mission leader. I'll be online for 15 more min.
Thanksgiving was awesome. Probably one of the Best every. Everything is better on a mission, I'm just going to tell you that. I don't want you to feel like you're not loved but, it's just good on a mission. We had our Thanksgiving with the Cromes (who were just baptized), and the Fomby Family. It was so great to have the Cromes there. Ok, so mom I love your yams....they are good, but....Sister Fomby made some amazing sweet potatoes!!!! The only down side was that she made the sweet potato part thin. It was like half topping half sweet potatoe. It was amazing though. I like how yours has the deeper dish yam part. However she did make an amazing topping. Her husband is in the navy and they have traveled the world. She got her recipe from when they were in Cairo, Egypt. She used pecans, brown sugar, and coconut. The Fomby's also had a friend of there's over that had flown in from New York. She has a british accent, because she has lived in London, but she is actually from Egypt!! She's muslim also. She was really interesting to talk to. She sat by me at the table, and it is incredible how much the muslim faith has in common with us. They are closer to us than half of the other Christian churches out there that we talk to. They even believe in 3 kingdoms of glory after this life. She's really nice. The Fomby's even had a nice warm fire going. My companion and I actually baked 2 pies to take over there. Everyone was impressed, a lot of people don't think that missionaries can cook. My companion made a banana cream pie, and I made this pie that we got a recipe for from a lady while we were out knocking doors the day before Thanksgiving. She had just finished baking it and we commented on the smell of her house. We then asked her for the recipe and she wrote it down. We then embarked the attempt. It worked out. No one tried it though, I didn't even try it on Thanksgiving, I was too full. I tried it on Sunday though, and it is amazing!! It's called Tollhouse pie.
We came into contact with a less active family, the Whitts. The parents and 8 children were baptized in 2005, but fell away in 2007. The mother used to be Catholic and has now gone back. The whole family now attends a catholic church. This all happened when the husband cheated on the wife (they are still married though). They were preparing to go to the temple and everything. This led to her having sort of a mental breakdown. She was in tears as we talked with her and her husband. They said that everyone was nice when they first came into the Church but when the crisis struck they felt like they didn't have the support they needed. So It's now become the project for Elder Bryner and I to bring this family back, and to solidify the Cromes. They need to be grounded in some solid branch member friendships. As I listened to this families story I couldn't help but think of the newly baptized Cromes. I was worried for them. I don't want to see the same thing happen to the Cromes.
I had an incredible exchange with Elder Rudd. Declaring repentance and warning of the consequences of sin!! We were bold!!! It was incredible!!! We did a lot of tracting, but it was so powerful. It's this new whole idea of promising blessings, bearing testimony, and then telling them flat out what they will be missing out on if they don't do it. If they don't accept the message, or if you are teaching someone, you warn them of what will happen if they don't start keeping a certain commandment or if they don't come to Church. You be bold and upfront, you tell it how it is!!!! I love it, you feel like one of the ancient prophets of old declaring repentance!!!! You're raising the warning voice!! It feels so good. Nothing beats those feelings of testifying on someone's doorstep, and walking away knowing you've fulfilled your purpose and done your duty. You feel really good at the end of the day. I love it!!! This Church is so true. If only people knew this. A lot of people don't realize what they are missing. I've often times said that people look at the faith in God and religion like buying a refrigerator, you don't buy a new one unless the old one is broken. Regardless of if there is something out there that is bigger better and will save more energy. People are content to just make do with what they have, regardless of if we tell them that there is more out there, and we tell them of the blessings that their families can have.
Josh: All I can say is continue onward. The Lord will bless you for declaring the word with unwarryingness, as long as you are doing what you know you are supposed to be doing. Read Helamen 10:3-6, just keep this in mind. You just keep on declaring. There will be many a missionary who lacks in zeal. You know your purpose, work hard and the lord will lead you by the hand, and he will bless you. He ALWAYS recognizes his faithful servants hard work. I promise you this in all the time of my service on my mission. Stay strong brother and keep it going. Sometimes your companions won't want to obey certain rules or won't want to talk to people or won't want to tract, but you and I know why we are out here and why we have been called so we can do what we have been called to do no matter what stands in our way. We go out every day because there are countless drops of the Saviors precious blood that have already been spilt for our brothers and sisters and if they don't know about our message then they can't repent and take advantage of his gift and sacrifice and blood falls unnoticed and unnaccounted for. We have to bring this gift to them. The Savior has already felt the pain, we cannot let it go to waste, we have a duty to fulfill for our salvation and for theirs. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
I love you Elder Josh Adams.
I've got to go now we are getting together as a zone to play some basketball in Rockford. I love you all.
Love Elder Adams
I really liked your testimony dad. Thanks for you love and support. This Church is so true. If only people knew this. A lot of people don't realize what they are missing. I've often times said that people look at the faith in God and religion like buying a refrigerator, you don't buy a new one unless the old one is broken. Regardless of if there is something out there that is bigger better and will save more energy. People are content to just make do with what they have, regardless of if we tell them that there is more out there, and we tell them of the blessings that their families can have. What did you think of the scriptures? I love you dad, Have a great week.
Love Elder Adams
I don't know if that's enough of a reason to buy a whole printer though. And Now to have to buy ink...I can make these homemade Christmas cards at the stores where you print off pictures. If that's all I'm going to use it for it makes more sense to just do it that way. I like the idea though, to make a homemade Christmas card!!!! Thank you so much, now that is a genius idea!!!!
The Fomby's are going to be sending you a Check for 600 written out to you. You can then deposit the check in your account and then transfer 600 from your account to mine. I then will give my check to the Fomby's to put in their account. This way I don't have to mail a check that I've endorsed in the mail and have it get stolen. Bro Fomby is our ward mission leader. I'll be online for 15 more min.
Thanksgiving was awesome. Probably one of the Best every. Everything is better on a mission, I'm just going to tell you that. I don't want you to feel like you're not loved but, it's just good on a mission. We had our Thanksgiving with the Cromes (who were just baptized), and the Fomby Family. It was so great to have the Cromes there. Ok, so mom I love your yams....they are good, but....Sister Fomby made some amazing sweet potatoes!!!! The only down side was that she made the sweet potato part thin. It was like half topping half sweet potatoe. It was amazing though. I like how yours has the deeper dish yam part. However she did make an amazing topping. Her husband is in the navy and they have traveled the world. She got her recipe from when they were in Cairo, Egypt. She used pecans, brown sugar, and coconut. The Fomby's also had a friend of there's over that had flown in from New York. She has a british accent, because she has lived in London, but she is actually from Egypt!! She's muslim also. She was really interesting to talk to. She sat by me at the table, and it is incredible how much the muslim faith has in common with us. They are closer to us than half of the other Christian churches out there that we talk to. They even believe in 3 kingdoms of glory after this life. She's really nice. The Fomby's even had a nice warm fire going. My companion and I actually baked 2 pies to take over there. Everyone was impressed, a lot of people don't think that missionaries can cook. My companion made a banana cream pie, and I made this pie that we got a recipe for from a lady while we were out knocking doors the day before Thanksgiving. She had just finished baking it and we commented on the smell of her house. We then asked her for the recipe and she wrote it down. We then embarked the attempt. It worked out. No one tried it though, I didn't even try it on Thanksgiving, I was too full. I tried it on Sunday though, and it is amazing!! It's called Tollhouse pie.
We came into contact with a less active family, the Whitts. The parents and 8 children were baptized in 2005, but fell away in 2007. The mother used to be Catholic and has now gone back. The whole family now attends a catholic church. This all happened when the husband cheated on the wife (they are still married though). They were preparing to go to the temple and everything. This led to her having sort of a mental breakdown. She was in tears as we talked with her and her husband. They said that everyone was nice when they first came into the Church but when the crisis struck they felt like they didn't have the support they needed. So It's now become the project for Elder Bryner and I to bring this family back, and to solidify the Cromes. They need to be grounded in some solid branch member friendships. As I listened to this families story I couldn't help but think of the newly baptized Cromes. I was worried for them. I don't want to see the same thing happen to the Cromes.
I had an incredible exchange with Elder Rudd. Declaring repentance and warning of the consequences of sin!! We were bold!!! It was incredible!!! We did a lot of tracting, but it was so powerful. It's this new whole idea of promising blessings, bearing testimony, and then telling them flat out what they will be missing out on if they don't do it. If they don't accept the message, or if you are teaching someone, you warn them of what will happen if they don't start keeping a certain commandment or if they don't come to Church. You be bold and upfront, you tell it how it is!!!! I love it, you feel like one of the ancient prophets of old declaring repentance!!!! You're raising the warning voice!! It feels so good. Nothing beats those feelings of testifying on someone's doorstep, and walking away knowing you've fulfilled your purpose and done your duty. You feel really good at the end of the day. I love it!!! This Church is so true. If only people knew this. A lot of people don't realize what they are missing. I've often times said that people look at the faith in God and religion like buying a refrigerator, you don't buy a new one unless the old one is broken. Regardless of if there is something out there that is bigger better and will save more energy. People are content to just make do with what they have, regardless of if we tell them that there is more out there, and we tell them of the blessings that their families can have.
Josh: All I can say is continue onward. The Lord will bless you for declaring the word with unwarryingness, as long as you are doing what you know you are supposed to be doing. Read Helamen 10:3-6, just keep this in mind. You just keep on declaring. There will be many a missionary who lacks in zeal. You know your purpose, work hard and the lord will lead you by the hand, and he will bless you. He ALWAYS recognizes his faithful servants hard work. I promise you this in all the time of my service on my mission. Stay strong brother and keep it going. Sometimes your companions won't want to obey certain rules or won't want to talk to people or won't want to tract, but you and I know why we are out here and why we have been called so we can do what we have been called to do no matter what stands in our way. We go out every day because there are countless drops of the Saviors precious blood that have already been spilt for our brothers and sisters and if they don't know about our message then they can't repent and take advantage of his gift and sacrifice and blood falls unnoticed and unnaccounted for. We have to bring this gift to them. The Savior has already felt the pain, we cannot let it go to waste, we have a duty to fulfill for our salvation and for theirs. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
I love you Elder Josh Adams.
I've got to go now we are getting together as a zone to play some basketball in Rockford. I love you all.
Love Elder Adams
Sunday, November 29, 2009
November 25, 2009
Ask and ye shall receive. Yeah I have some great scriptures for you. I've started reading the Book of Mormon again, I don't know how many times this is for me. I was in 1 Nephi and I thought of the words of Lehi, a father. This is the tree of life vision that Lehi has. I likened them to myself calling to you, my family, but dad I'd like you to think of yourself in the situation of Lehi as he calls to his family to come and partake of the fruit. Think of you dad, the patriarch of our family leading us to the tree of eternal life. The verses are 1 Nephi 8:11-13. I thought of myself in Lehi's shoes calling you my family. I wish you could feel and taste of the joy of a mission, to see these people and have these missionary experiences. It's unlike anything I could ever describe. It's like dream, unreal, something you would read about in a Ensign magazine. It's incredible I love it. That's why I thought of myself, saying "come and try this." A mission is the sweetest fruit, most desirable. It's the greatest experience. Dad I love you. I love how you and the family have all changed since I decided to go on a mission and then when I left. It's a blessing and an addition to my testimony of the blessings the Lord has to offer to families. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Love Elder Adams,
P.S. I sent mom an awesome bread pudding recipe that Marissa made for us. Make sure and beat Tyler good at ping pong for me.
Things are still going great with my companion. I love him. Thanks for asking.
Say hi to Your whole side of the family on Sunday for me. I haven't heard from any of them in a while. I know it makes it tough because I can't email, I can only write them letters. Let them know that I love them. Say hi to the cousins for me also.
So here's the recipe for the bread pudding that Marissa has made for us twice. It's AMAZING!
The Baltimore's Bread Pudding
Prep time: 15 min. Bake: 40 min.
8cups cubed day old bread
9 eggs
2 1/4 cup milk
1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup sugar
3/4 butter, melted
3 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Caramel Sauce:
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Place bread cubes in a greased 13 inx9inx2in baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour evenly over bread. Bake uncovered, at 350 F for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Mean while, in a small sauce pan bring the sugar, water, and lemon juice to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook until sugar dissolves and mixture turns a golden amber color. Stir in butter until melted. Add cream. Remove from the heat. Serve with bread pudding. (Yield 12 servings).
You don't put the sauce over the whole batch of bread pudding, each person serves their own, then you save the sauce.
Also as far as Christmas goes. You could maybe get me 2 pair of thermal garments, but other than that don't get anything. Save it for if I need clothes or something when I get home, you can buy me something then, when I have things that I need. Don't do like last year and buy a printer that I don't even need or use. There is really nothing that you can get me, just save the money, you can get me something later. Enjoy the Bread pudding.
I sent in a paper for the insurance. She said she would only go up to 600 for the accident. It was a hard decision to make, it sort of felt wrong, but I eventually did it. She sent me an agreement for 600 and I signed and returned it. I should be getting a check here pretty soon, and I will send it home and have you put it in the bank for me (Savings account). Love ya, write back.
Nice, you're on. Yeah that bread pudding is insane. It's Chuck and Marissa's sons favorite. J.R. he's 17. So because of Thanksgiving we have a mixed schedule. Normally today is Prep day, but we only have from 10-1:00 to email and shop then our prep day ends. Tomorrow we have our planning session from 10:00-1:00 and then prep day from 1-6, so our prep day is split. It's one of a few new things president is doing.
I don't thinks so mom, that sounds a little ridiculous. I just put them on a cd, I don't know what I'm ever going to do with that thing in my lifetime. I don't want to sound ungrateful or anything because I am, it's just that I think you buy stuff just so that you can buy something. Right now while I'm on a mission there isn't need for things. Save it and you can get me something later when I'm in need. Don't just buy to buy. That's not what the holiday's are about anyway.
Also I still haven't used that applebees card you gave me last year. I haven't been near one, so ideas like gift cards to places aren't a good idea either. I have the American express cards that the grandma's gave me and I've used some of them. There's really nothing mom, I hope you will understand, it will be better if you save it for later.
Shane and Bambi are doing well. We had another great lesson with them this week. We plan to get them into a members home and be able to have dinner and teach them the law of chastity. They will have to get married or move out to be baptized, but they really love the church and what they are learning from us. They are a great family.
There are a few other prospective potentials that we hope to begin working with also.
Chuck and Marissa also received callings this week. They have been called and sustained as the new Branch Librarians, they are so excited about it. They are learning so fast also. Especially Marissa and her English is really coming along. She answers questions in Gospel Principles.
I'm plugging along at the Book of Mormon. It's great to be back in that book reading from it daily. It just makes things different and feels different. It's just as Pres. Hinkley says, that there will come a special spirit into your life, and it doesn't matter how many times you read it. It's good fuel for the day.
So president Doll instituted this new rule that when the tempurature is below 70 he wants us to have our suit coats on always, even if we have a rain coat on or a snow coat. We always have to have our suit coat on. So I'm basically going to have to wear the same pair of pants all winter of one of my suits. I also had to get out my big coat to wear so that it would cover the bottom of my suit coat. I couldn't wear my wool one anymore. That's the principle of obedience though, you just do it. President Doll told us this yesterday in a special combined district meeting. This is a tough one of obedience, and I can tell because my companion is not being to keen to keep it. I'm trying help Elder Bryner keep the suit coat rule. I've tried to say things very subtly, but I value our relationship too much to be outright "We need to keep this rule."
As far as Thanksgiving goes, I feel like people have just skipped completely over it. A week or two after Halloween people already had Christmas out. As soon as they got rid of the pumpkins for sale at the grocery stores they brought out the Christmas trees! It's insanity. So this is my last Thanksgiving in the mission, I'm hoping to make it a memorable one. It looks to be really good. Our ward mission leader brother Fomby is having us over. Marissa wanted to do a Thanksgiving with us the day before, but things got worked out so that now the Cromes, the Fomby's, us will be together. Sister Fomby has a friend from India that will also be coming over. It's going to be awesome to spend Thanksgiving with the Cromes. No offense but they do seem like family, after all we are all part of God's family. Marissa is so excited to cook and help out. They were going to spend Thanksgiving alone, just the three of them. I wasn't going to ask, but Sister Fomby asked what sort of things we traditionally have at Thanksgiving and what we like. I put in my word for yams. I was going to see if I would go two Thanksgivings without yams, nonetheless without moms yams, that would only make them taste that much better the next time I had them though. So she's going to make some yams, and I'll have to compare. My companion and I want to try and make something and bring it to the dinner. We think that would be awesome, and then everyone would question, "I don't know about that dish.....the missionaries?...cooking?..." Anyway this is going to be an awesome Thanksgiving, deffinately one to remember. This has been a good week though. We are continuing to see success and be blessed. So every 6 months I do this activity in Preach My Gospel. It asks you to think about your last day in the mission field and then asks you questions. I write a lot in my journal these days. Unfortunately it was that time again on Saturday to go through this activity, to ponder the questions and to write. Everytime I do this it is like a dagger to the heart. I read part of it to my companion and I lost it. It hurts to think about. Especially this time.
I love you all and I hope that you have a Happy Thanksgiving. (Twice, since you're celebrating it two days). I hope all is well, and you are continually in my prayers.
Love Elder Adams,
DC 98:1
Is there anything else that you wanted to say, because I need to get going. We've only got about an hour left of Preparation day.
Did you get the pictures that I emailed you last week?
I'll write you next week!!!
Love Elder Adams,
P.S. I sent mom an awesome bread pudding recipe that Marissa made for us. Make sure and beat Tyler good at ping pong for me.
Things are still going great with my companion. I love him. Thanks for asking.
Say hi to Your whole side of the family on Sunday for me. I haven't heard from any of them in a while. I know it makes it tough because I can't email, I can only write them letters. Let them know that I love them. Say hi to the cousins for me also.
So here's the recipe for the bread pudding that Marissa has made for us twice. It's AMAZING!
The Baltimore's Bread Pudding
Prep time: 15 min. Bake: 40 min.
8cups cubed day old bread
9 eggs
2 1/4 cup milk
1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup sugar
3/4 butter, melted
3 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Caramel Sauce:
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Place bread cubes in a greased 13 inx9inx2in baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour evenly over bread. Bake uncovered, at 350 F for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Mean while, in a small sauce pan bring the sugar, water, and lemon juice to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook until sugar dissolves and mixture turns a golden amber color. Stir in butter until melted. Add cream. Remove from the heat. Serve with bread pudding. (Yield 12 servings).
You don't put the sauce over the whole batch of bread pudding, each person serves their own, then you save the sauce.
Also as far as Christmas goes. You could maybe get me 2 pair of thermal garments, but other than that don't get anything. Save it for if I need clothes or something when I get home, you can buy me something then, when I have things that I need. Don't do like last year and buy a printer that I don't even need or use. There is really nothing that you can get me, just save the money, you can get me something later. Enjoy the Bread pudding.
I sent in a paper for the insurance. She said she would only go up to 600 for the accident. It was a hard decision to make, it sort of felt wrong, but I eventually did it. She sent me an agreement for 600 and I signed and returned it. I should be getting a check here pretty soon, and I will send it home and have you put it in the bank for me (Savings account). Love ya, write back.
Nice, you're on. Yeah that bread pudding is insane. It's Chuck and Marissa's sons favorite. J.R. he's 17. So because of Thanksgiving we have a mixed schedule. Normally today is Prep day, but we only have from 10-1:00 to email and shop then our prep day ends. Tomorrow we have our planning session from 10:00-1:00 and then prep day from 1-6, so our prep day is split. It's one of a few new things president is doing.
I don't thinks so mom, that sounds a little ridiculous. I just put them on a cd, I don't know what I'm ever going to do with that thing in my lifetime. I don't want to sound ungrateful or anything because I am, it's just that I think you buy stuff just so that you can buy something. Right now while I'm on a mission there isn't need for things. Save it and you can get me something later when I'm in need. Don't just buy to buy. That's not what the holiday's are about anyway.
Also I still haven't used that applebees card you gave me last year. I haven't been near one, so ideas like gift cards to places aren't a good idea either. I have the American express cards that the grandma's gave me and I've used some of them. There's really nothing mom, I hope you will understand, it will be better if you save it for later.
Shane and Bambi are doing well. We had another great lesson with them this week. We plan to get them into a members home and be able to have dinner and teach them the law of chastity. They will have to get married or move out to be baptized, but they really love the church and what they are learning from us. They are a great family.
There are a few other prospective potentials that we hope to begin working with also.
Chuck and Marissa also received callings this week. They have been called and sustained as the new Branch Librarians, they are so excited about it. They are learning so fast also. Especially Marissa and her English is really coming along. She answers questions in Gospel Principles.
I'm plugging along at the Book of Mormon. It's great to be back in that book reading from it daily. It just makes things different and feels different. It's just as Pres. Hinkley says, that there will come a special spirit into your life, and it doesn't matter how many times you read it. It's good fuel for the day.
So president Doll instituted this new rule that when the tempurature is below 70 he wants us to have our suit coats on always, even if we have a rain coat on or a snow coat. We always have to have our suit coat on. So I'm basically going to have to wear the same pair of pants all winter of one of my suits. I also had to get out my big coat to wear so that it would cover the bottom of my suit coat. I couldn't wear my wool one anymore. That's the principle of obedience though, you just do it. President Doll told us this yesterday in a special combined district meeting. This is a tough one of obedience, and I can tell because my companion is not being to keen to keep it. I'm trying help Elder Bryner keep the suit coat rule. I've tried to say things very subtly, but I value our relationship too much to be outright "We need to keep this rule."
As far as Thanksgiving goes, I feel like people have just skipped completely over it. A week or two after Halloween people already had Christmas out. As soon as they got rid of the pumpkins for sale at the grocery stores they brought out the Christmas trees! It's insanity. So this is my last Thanksgiving in the mission, I'm hoping to make it a memorable one. It looks to be really good. Our ward mission leader brother Fomby is having us over. Marissa wanted to do a Thanksgiving with us the day before, but things got worked out so that now the Cromes, the Fomby's, us will be together. Sister Fomby has a friend from India that will also be coming over. It's going to be awesome to spend Thanksgiving with the Cromes. No offense but they do seem like family, after all we are all part of God's family. Marissa is so excited to cook and help out. They were going to spend Thanksgiving alone, just the three of them. I wasn't going to ask, but Sister Fomby asked what sort of things we traditionally have at Thanksgiving and what we like. I put in my word for yams. I was going to see if I would go two Thanksgivings without yams, nonetheless without moms yams, that would only make them taste that much better the next time I had them though. So she's going to make some yams, and I'll have to compare. My companion and I want to try and make something and bring it to the dinner. We think that would be awesome, and then everyone would question, "I don't know about that dish.....the missionaries?...cooking?..." Anyway this is going to be an awesome Thanksgiving, deffinately one to remember. This has been a good week though. We are continuing to see success and be blessed. So every 6 months I do this activity in Preach My Gospel. It asks you to think about your last day in the mission field and then asks you questions. I write a lot in my journal these days. Unfortunately it was that time again on Saturday to go through this activity, to ponder the questions and to write. Everytime I do this it is like a dagger to the heart. I read part of it to my companion and I lost it. It hurts to think about. Especially this time.
I love you all and I hope that you have a Happy Thanksgiving. (Twice, since you're celebrating it two days). I hope all is well, and you are continually in my prayers.
Love Elder Adams,
DC 98:1
Is there anything else that you wanted to say, because I need to get going. We've only got about an hour left of Preparation day.
Did you get the pictures that I emailed you last week?
I'll write you next week!!!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
November 18, 2009
I like the biographical sketch. It sounds good. You're right it is good to hear from you, and have your support. Decisions are tough, so I'm glad that I'm receiving some good opinions back. Most importantly I think the Lord is showing his approval. I am so happy with this new companion. We are doing the WORK!!!! We teach together, knock doors, everything. It's going great. The Lord is showing his approval, as he is blessing us with so many more opportunities to teach and he's placing his children in our path. Things are just going great. I've forgotten these past couple weeks to send you and mom this recipe from Marissa for bread pudding. She's made it twice for us and it is amazing. It has this sauce that you put on it also. I left it at home today, so sorry about that. This Philipino lady can cook. She made asian and philipino themed last thursday. I'll try to get that recipe to you. It gets dark so early now, and it's starting to get colder. People already have had their Christmas decorations out for a while. It's insanity. Anyway I love you Dad, and I look forward to hearing from you again.
Love, Your son,
Elder Adams
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Let me know if you get these pictures and are able to open them up. They are from Zone conferences, and the Zone conference on my Birthday!!
I hope today is going well for you. So I'm wondering what would be a good settlement. My companion says 1000. If I don't have to ever go to the medical room I don't care, but if I do, then that's a problem.
That's AWESOME to hear. Thank you so much for some details. AND THEN THERE WAS LIGHT!!!! It sounds like it went really well. I'm glad to hear that Aaron still remembers me. That sounds exactly like Debbie, always looking out for everyone and trying to feed them. Good job mom, mission accomplished with the donuts, I know that at least Aaron will like them. It shows we are thinking of them. Progress, I like it.
Well we are supposed to be getting a new email service. I guess the church is going to be linking up and working with google. The switch is to take place soon and I will have to set up a new account. Hopefully this will help.
Ok then I'll try and sell for 60 on the backpack. Then I can decide what I want to do from there.
To Elder Adams in Germany
Awesome Elder!! This week has been our most successful too. We've been led to so many new people and they have been prepared. The stories the experiences. The sthe testimonies of Chuck and Marissa, they are filling pages in my journals. I wish I could tell you everything. It's so good to see us both doing the work. I'm so glad to see that you are seeing the blessings. The Lord is great!! How great our God.
I'm sorry to hear about the baptism, just keep pressing forward, and pray in faith. There's a saying: Get on your knees and pray as if everything depends on the Lord; then get on your feet and go to work as if everything depends on you!!! There's a recipe for success, apply it, live it, and it will hold you in good stead. I've seen it work in my mission. The work is going great here and the Lord is blessing us. This Church and this work is so true, what a privilege it is to be a part of this all.
I'm on board with you Elder Adams, I have no idea what to get people for Christmas. I don't know what I want, so I can't help you out. If there's something cool that you see, go for it, soccer, ties, that's all I've got for you. I'm a missionary right now, called of God, called to Serve, the things of this world are fleeting, but the salvation of souls is forever. The gift of the atonement, and sharing that with others, that's where I'm at. The world has commercialized Christmas. This is a time to serve, and that's what I intend to do, all out. Brave the cold, and love the work, and the people, here we go. Sorry I can't help you think of anything. Hey I got if, get me a couple extra months out here on my mission to go on into the summer!!!
Steadfastly,
Elder Adams
Hey mom this is a letter that President Doll sent to all of us. I think it's brilliant. How he teaches obedience and the quotes that are in it. I love it. I want you to read it and save this one. You or I or someone might want to use it for a talk sometime. I love it!
Dear Elders and Sisters:
One of the things I mentioned when I first met each of you when we entered the mission field was that I planned to treat each of you as adults as long as you exhibited adult-like behavior. I’m happy to report that in nearly every case you have each lived up to that expectation. It has made life easier for all of us. For example, our “less-locked-down” phone policy which is governed mainly on trust has worked well. We monitor the phone usage with tools provided by the Church. Few problems have occurred. Thank you. I really hate being the principal/warden/police officer.
Some of you have asked about this policy or that policy, and I almost always direct you to the Missionary Handbook. That’s the place to start to get a sense of what’s expected and allowed. Yet, some missionaries will press me for more specific guidelines than those written or the spirit in which they are presented. When this happens I quickly think of the Law of Moses. See below from the Bible Dictionary.
“[The Law of Moses] was a whole collection of written laws given through Moses to the house of Israel, as a replacement of the higher law that they had failed to obey. The Law of Moses consisted of many ceremonies, rituals, and symbols, to remind the people frequently of their duties and responsibilities. It included a law of carnal commandments and performances, added to the basic laws of the gospel … [It] was adapted to a lower spiritual capacity.”
I don’t want to be your Moses, laying down “a whole collection of written laws” to “remind [you] frequently of [your] duties and responsibilities.” Unlike the people of Israel, I don’t judge you to have “a lower spiritual capacity.”
One of the areas in which I occasionally get questions is about music. “What kind of music can I listen to?” “Is X type of music OK?” “What if the music is played with X instrument versus Y instrument?” I steadfastly refuse to give you a list of appropriate music. I refuse to be your Moses. My best guideline for you is the Missionary Handbook (page 25). Here’s what it says. I’ve changed the format a bit in order for you to see clearly how you can judge for yourself.
1. Listen only to music that is consistent with the sacred spirit of your calling.
2. Music should
a. invite the Spirit,
b. help you focus on the work, and
c. direct your thoughts and feelings to the Savior.
3. Do not listen to music that
a. pulls your thoughts away from your work,
b. merely entertains,
c. has romantic lyrics or overtones, or
d. dulls your spiritual sensitivity by its tempo, beat, loudness, lyrics, or intensity.
4. Listening to music must never interfere with your personal preparation or proselyting.
There it is, very clearly written. You decide. You govern yourself. If after being properly instructed with correct principles you still do not know how to act then I fear that you’re headed for a life of problems.
One of the things I’ve learned about rules and guidelines is that sometimes people want to fit the rules to themselves rather than seeking to conform themselves to the rules. If you pound a square peg long enough and hard enough it will eventually fit into a round hole. If you torture the rules enough they will say just about anything. For those prone to do this, I recommend the following advice from President James E. Faust:
"Staying away from the edge is an individual responsibility. Occasionally our well-meaning young people want every detail of appropriate and inappropriate conduct to be specified, perhaps so they can feel comfortable in getting closer to the edge. They sometimes seem more concerned with what the gospel prohibits than what it gives... My strong advice is, if there is any question about your personal conduct, don’t do it. It is the responsibility of prophets to teach the word of God—not to spell out every jot and tittle of human behavior. Our moral agency requires us to know good from evil and choose the good. If we are trying to avoid not only evil, but the very appearance of evil, we will act for ourselves and not be acted upon." (James E. Faust, “Acting for Ourselves and Not Being Acted Upon,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 45)
Guidelines, rules, and commandments are deliberately left simple and concise in order to see if we’re capable of governing ourselves. Happily, nearly all of you are doing well in this department. Thank you, and welcome to adulthood.
With love,
President and Sister Doll
Not really, I thought I had something last week, but I think that was maybe soreness from a workout I did. I feel good. Except right now I'm fighting a cold.
To Josh. It's tough when you have companionship difficulties. This is part of the mission. Try to show love when you bring up things that concern you to your companion. I'm no expert but I try. I've had times, days, when I've gone door to door speaking to the people. Going it alone. The thing is we are not alone at these times. "My angels round about you to bear you up." We go door to door with the Lord. Just think of it as our welcome party at the door mat might be a little smaller if our companions don't participate, but it is never just us alone. The Lord is there with us always. The Lord will bless you, be like Nephi, and "Declare with unwarryingness the words which he has given us." I'm not going to say that I know how you feel, even though there have been times I too have shed tears at night. That's because each of our situations is unique. No matter how many similarities we might think there are. The Savior though knows perfectly each individual situation, problem, and heartache, he is the heal all know all. This is where the Atonement comes in. He felt it all, he is the only one that can say "I know how you feel." Pray and he will whisper this to your heart, and you will feel his arms around you. He is there, he is here. He knows us, we are his friends (John 15:15, 18-27). I have received help from the Lord so many times, he's helped me, he'll help you. I bear testimony of this is the Name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Elder Bryner and I are teaching better and better together. We are really starting to get the hang of asking questions when inviting. This week has been really good for us. We are being led and guided to those who are prepared. It seems like there are miracles everyday, places we were supposed to go to, people we were supposed to talk to! It's incredible!!! Our finding efforts have really been blessed. We find new people to teach, or we are able to teach people and have lessons as we are out tracting. The Lord truly is blessing us. On top of this our investigators we are teaching seem to be blessed, in that they are keeping their commitments. Shane and Bambi and their two kids who are 4 and 10, came to church this Sunday. They seemed to really enjoy it, and everyone in the Branch was excited to see more new faces and to welcome them in. Shane and Bambi have already committed to come to church again this week. We even had a member out to an appointment with them this week. The fire for missionary work in this branch is getting started. On Sunday we also committed Jared Ashley to baptism!! He accepted amid a flow of tears. I think he's shocked, he didn't think that he could do it. He's so happy though, to have the blessings of the restored gospel restored to him. To see repentance take place in someones life, that is a reward. To see how the gospel worked in my own life, and then to see it work for someone else, and for them to feel of the forgiveness and love of the Savior. That's why I'm out here, this is the blessings of serving a mission.
We also taught Chuck and Marissa and their son J.R. last Thursday. We are meeting with them again tomorrow. They are steamrolling ahead. Chuck gave an incredible testimony in sacrament meeting, and was interviewed for the priesthood. J.R. is also moving along well also.
We have had great success in working with the less active members. Specifically progress is being made with Kelly Kliebe. She seems to be opening up, and we might yet see her at church.
Yesterday I finished the Doctrine and Covenants for the 2nd time on my mission. I am now planning to read the Book of Mormon. I started it today, and I will highlight it for the gospel principle of strength and enduring to the end. This will be a good copy of the Book of Mormon to have throughout my life, and a good topic to read for during the cold winter. I love finding new principles or scriptures to use, or having these thoughts come to me that I can then record in my scriptures. I fear if I were to ever lose my scriptures I would have a panic attack. There's so much in them now. I love this gospel, I love studying it, teaching it, and living it. I love being a missionary.
Elder Bryner, He's a great missionary, and we make a great team. I try to make sure and let him know that this is how I feel.
This week has been our most successful too. We've been led to so many new people and they have been prepared. The stories the experiences. The testimonies of Chuck and Marissa, they are filling pages in my journals. I wish I could tell you everything. The Lord is great!! How great our God. This Church and this work is so true, what a privilege it is to be a part of this all. I need to just photo copy all of the things that I've written down that Chuck and Marissa have said these past weeks. More and more of how they were prepared, and how the hand of the Lord played a part in us meeting them and their conversion has continued to come out. It's almost like a dream, the greatest. I've told another missionary out here about some of this and he was in awe. It is like something you read out of an Ensign magazine or church article!! OH it is incredible. I love this, teaching this message makes me so happy, seeing people happy, seeing them make changes, repent. Seeing testimonies grow. To see a man once excommunicated begin to again feel the Saviors love. To see his tears of joy, and then to be able to embrace him as one of my brothers. This is joy. This Church, this work, this gospel, my mission, the people, make me happy. It's all so true. I love it. I hope all is well at home. I love you all.
Love,
Elder Adams
The article about dad sounds really good. I don't think anything happened to my bike. I don't think there were any knew scratches. I have some small scars on my knuckles, and I think my pants were ok. I don't know my companion says that you gotta do what you gotta do. I almost feel like I'm taking advantage of them, but it's better to be safe than sorry. I think I will call them and tell them 1000.
I thought that 500 was a lot, but if you're saying that that isn't much then I don't know.
Stay in close contact with the Bullock family. The holidays are a great time to do so. Good work thus far, I really appreciate it. I haven't received any letters from them, so I will write again this week. Let them Know that I love them so much, and I keep them in my prayers. I will never be able to forget what they have done for me. Keep in touch with them and let me know.
Love, Your son,
Elder Adams
Let me know if you get these pictures and are able to open them up. They are from Zone conferences, and the Zone conference on my Birthday!!I hope today is going well for you. So I'm wondering what would be a good settlement. My companion says 1000. If I don't have to ever go to the medical room I don't care, but if I do, then that's a problem.
That's AWESOME to hear. Thank you so much for some details. AND THEN THERE WAS LIGHT!!!! It sounds like it went really well. I'm glad to hear that Aaron still remembers me. That sounds exactly like Debbie, always looking out for everyone and trying to feed them. Good job mom, mission accomplished with the donuts, I know that at least Aaron will like them. It shows we are thinking of them. Progress, I like it.
Well we are supposed to be getting a new email service. I guess the church is going to be linking up and working with google. The switch is to take place soon and I will have to set up a new account. Hopefully this will help.
Ok then I'll try and sell for 60 on the backpack. Then I can decide what I want to do from there.
To Elder Adams in Germany
Awesome Elder!! This week has been our most successful too. We've been led to so many new people and they have been prepared. The stories the experiences. The sthe testimonies of Chuck and Marissa, they are filling pages in my journals. I wish I could tell you everything. It's so good to see us both doing the work. I'm so glad to see that you are seeing the blessings. The Lord is great!! How great our God.
I'm sorry to hear about the baptism, just keep pressing forward, and pray in faith. There's a saying: Get on your knees and pray as if everything depends on the Lord; then get on your feet and go to work as if everything depends on you!!! There's a recipe for success, apply it, live it, and it will hold you in good stead. I've seen it work in my mission. The work is going great here and the Lord is blessing us. This Church and this work is so true, what a privilege it is to be a part of this all.
I'm on board with you Elder Adams, I have no idea what to get people for Christmas. I don't know what I want, so I can't help you out. If there's something cool that you see, go for it, soccer, ties, that's all I've got for you. I'm a missionary right now, called of God, called to Serve, the things of this world are fleeting, but the salvation of souls is forever. The gift of the atonement, and sharing that with others, that's where I'm at. The world has commercialized Christmas. This is a time to serve, and that's what I intend to do, all out. Brave the cold, and love the work, and the people, here we go. Sorry I can't help you think of anything. Hey I got if, get me a couple extra months out here on my mission to go on into the summer!!!
Steadfastly,
Elder Adams
Hey mom this is a letter that President Doll sent to all of us. I think it's brilliant. How he teaches obedience and the quotes that are in it. I love it. I want you to read it and save this one. You or I or someone might want to use it for a talk sometime. I love it!
Dear Elders and Sisters:
One of the things I mentioned when I first met each of you when we entered the mission field was that I planned to treat each of you as adults as long as you exhibited adult-like behavior. I’m happy to report that in nearly every case you have each lived up to that expectation. It has made life easier for all of us. For example, our “less-locked-down” phone policy which is governed mainly on trust has worked well. We monitor the phone usage with tools provided by the Church. Few problems have occurred. Thank you. I really hate being the principal/warden/police officer.
Some of you have asked about this policy or that policy, and I almost always direct you to the Missionary Handbook. That’s the place to start to get a sense of what’s expected and allowed. Yet, some missionaries will press me for more specific guidelines than those written or the spirit in which they are presented. When this happens I quickly think of the Law of Moses. See below from the Bible Dictionary.
“[The Law of Moses] was a whole collection of written laws given through Moses to the house of Israel, as a replacement of the higher law that they had failed to obey. The Law of Moses consisted of many ceremonies, rituals, and symbols, to remind the people frequently of their duties and responsibilities. It included a law of carnal commandments and performances, added to the basic laws of the gospel … [It] was adapted to a lower spiritual capacity.”
I don’t want to be your Moses, laying down “a whole collection of written laws” to “remind [you] frequently of [your] duties and responsibilities.” Unlike the people of Israel, I don’t judge you to have “a lower spiritual capacity.”
One of the areas in which I occasionally get questions is about music. “What kind of music can I listen to?” “Is X type of music OK?” “What if the music is played with X instrument versus Y instrument?” I steadfastly refuse to give you a list of appropriate music. I refuse to be your Moses. My best guideline for you is the Missionary Handbook (page 25). Here’s what it says. I’ve changed the format a bit in order for you to see clearly how you can judge for yourself.
1. Listen only to music that is consistent with the sacred spirit of your calling.
2. Music should
a. invite the Spirit,
b. help you focus on the work, and
c. direct your thoughts and feelings to the Savior.
3. Do not listen to music that
a. pulls your thoughts away from your work,
b. merely entertains,
c. has romantic lyrics or overtones, or
d. dulls your spiritual sensitivity by its tempo, beat, loudness, lyrics, or intensity.
4. Listening to music must never interfere with your personal preparation or proselyting.
There it is, very clearly written. You decide. You govern yourself. If after being properly instructed with correct principles you still do not know how to act then I fear that you’re headed for a life of problems.
One of the things I’ve learned about rules and guidelines is that sometimes people want to fit the rules to themselves rather than seeking to conform themselves to the rules. If you pound a square peg long enough and hard enough it will eventually fit into a round hole. If you torture the rules enough they will say just about anything. For those prone to do this, I recommend the following advice from President James E. Faust:
"Staying away from the edge is an individual responsibility. Occasionally our well-meaning young people want every detail of appropriate and inappropriate conduct to be specified, perhaps so they can feel comfortable in getting closer to the edge. They sometimes seem more concerned with what the gospel prohibits than what it gives... My strong advice is, if there is any question about your personal conduct, don’t do it. It is the responsibility of prophets to teach the word of God—not to spell out every jot and tittle of human behavior. Our moral agency requires us to know good from evil and choose the good. If we are trying to avoid not only evil, but the very appearance of evil, we will act for ourselves and not be acted upon." (James E. Faust, “Acting for Ourselves and Not Being Acted Upon,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 45)
Guidelines, rules, and commandments are deliberately left simple and concise in order to see if we’re capable of governing ourselves. Happily, nearly all of you are doing well in this department. Thank you, and welcome to adulthood.
With love,
President and Sister Doll
Not really, I thought I had something last week, but I think that was maybe soreness from a workout I did. I feel good. Except right now I'm fighting a cold.
To Josh. It's tough when you have companionship difficulties. This is part of the mission. Try to show love when you bring up things that concern you to your companion. I'm no expert but I try. I've had times, days, when I've gone door to door speaking to the people. Going it alone. The thing is we are not alone at these times. "My angels round about you to bear you up." We go door to door with the Lord. Just think of it as our welcome party at the door mat might be a little smaller if our companions don't participate, but it is never just us alone. The Lord is there with us always. The Lord will bless you, be like Nephi, and "Declare with unwarryingness the words which he has given us." I'm not going to say that I know how you feel, even though there have been times I too have shed tears at night. That's because each of our situations is unique. No matter how many similarities we might think there are. The Savior though knows perfectly each individual situation, problem, and heartache, he is the heal all know all. This is where the Atonement comes in. He felt it all, he is the only one that can say "I know how you feel." Pray and he will whisper this to your heart, and you will feel his arms around you. He is there, he is here. He knows us, we are his friends (John 15:15, 18-27). I have received help from the Lord so many times, he's helped me, he'll help you. I bear testimony of this is the Name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Elder Bryner and I are teaching better and better together. We are really starting to get the hang of asking questions when inviting. This week has been really good for us. We are being led and guided to those who are prepared. It seems like there are miracles everyday, places we were supposed to go to, people we were supposed to talk to! It's incredible!!! Our finding efforts have really been blessed. We find new people to teach, or we are able to teach people and have lessons as we are out tracting. The Lord truly is blessing us. On top of this our investigators we are teaching seem to be blessed, in that they are keeping their commitments. Shane and Bambi and their two kids who are 4 and 10, came to church this Sunday. They seemed to really enjoy it, and everyone in the Branch was excited to see more new faces and to welcome them in. Shane and Bambi have already committed to come to church again this week. We even had a member out to an appointment with them this week. The fire for missionary work in this branch is getting started. On Sunday we also committed Jared Ashley to baptism!! He accepted amid a flow of tears. I think he's shocked, he didn't think that he could do it. He's so happy though, to have the blessings of the restored gospel restored to him. To see repentance take place in someones life, that is a reward. To see how the gospel worked in my own life, and then to see it work for someone else, and for them to feel of the forgiveness and love of the Savior. That's why I'm out here, this is the blessings of serving a mission.
We also taught Chuck and Marissa and their son J.R. last Thursday. We are meeting with them again tomorrow. They are steamrolling ahead. Chuck gave an incredible testimony in sacrament meeting, and was interviewed for the priesthood. J.R. is also moving along well also.
We have had great success in working with the less active members. Specifically progress is being made with Kelly Kliebe. She seems to be opening up, and we might yet see her at church.
Yesterday I finished the Doctrine and Covenants for the 2nd time on my mission. I am now planning to read the Book of Mormon. I started it today, and I will highlight it for the gospel principle of strength and enduring to the end. This will be a good copy of the Book of Mormon to have throughout my life, and a good topic to read for during the cold winter. I love finding new principles or scriptures to use, or having these thoughts come to me that I can then record in my scriptures. I fear if I were to ever lose my scriptures I would have a panic attack. There's so much in them now. I love this gospel, I love studying it, teaching it, and living it. I love being a missionary.
Elder Bryner, He's a great missionary, and we make a great team. I try to make sure and let him know that this is how I feel.
This week has been our most successful too. We've been led to so many new people and they have been prepared. The stories the experiences. The testimonies of Chuck and Marissa, they are filling pages in my journals. I wish I could tell you everything. The Lord is great!! How great our God. This Church and this work is so true, what a privilege it is to be a part of this all. I need to just photo copy all of the things that I've written down that Chuck and Marissa have said these past weeks. More and more of how they were prepared, and how the hand of the Lord played a part in us meeting them and their conversion has continued to come out. It's almost like a dream, the greatest. I've told another missionary out here about some of this and he was in awe. It is like something you read out of an Ensign magazine or church article!! OH it is incredible. I love this, teaching this message makes me so happy, seeing people happy, seeing them make changes, repent. Seeing testimonies grow. To see a man once excommunicated begin to again feel the Saviors love. To see his tears of joy, and then to be able to embrace him as one of my brothers. This is joy. This Church, this work, this gospel, my mission, the people, make me happy. It's all so true. I love it. I hope all is well at home. I love you all.
Love,
Elder Adams
The article about dad sounds really good. I don't think anything happened to my bike. I don't think there were any knew scratches. I have some small scars on my knuckles, and I think my pants were ok. I don't know my companion says that you gotta do what you gotta do. I almost feel like I'm taking advantage of them, but it's better to be safe than sorry. I think I will call them and tell them 1000.
I thought that 500 was a lot, but if you're saying that that isn't much then I don't know.
Stay in close contact with the Bullock family. The holidays are a great time to do so. Good work thus far, I really appreciate it. I haven't received any letters from them, so I will write again this week. Let them Know that I love them so much, and I keep them in my prayers. I will never be able to forget what they have done for me. Keep in touch with them and let me know.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
November 11, 2009
Hey mom I need to talk to you about the settlement that I received from state farm. I need to make sure that you received a copy of the statement and that what they are offering covers all of the medical bills and expenses. They are also offering me 500for pain and suffering. Write me back. I want to get this signed and taken care of. I need to know if all is right so that I can sign these papers and mail it back to them accepting their offer.
So you got to talk to Debbie when you dropped off the donuts, or did you leave them on their porch? Did you see Aaron, How's he doing? When you say Zach slipped out, do you mean that when you showed up he left, or he wasn't home when you went over. Does is seem like he's purposefully avoiding? Did they say anything about receiving any of my letters? I've been writing one every other preparation day.
First of all you don't need to send and email to his president. He's ok, don't panic. Yes, I did get the package for my birthday. Thank you so much it was perfect. So my birthday fell on Zone conference, so we were in that most of the day. During lunch they sing to all the missionaries that have had their birthday in the past transfer. Well mine was that day so they were singing to me on my actual day, Half of the mission singing to me!!! Marissa was actually the second person to say happy birthday to me. She called at about 8:00 in the morning when we were driving to Zone Conference and wished me a happy birthday, how neat is that. The only other person to beat her to the punch was my companion. This was really cool. Then after Zone Conference the former AP who was just released came up to me with a serious look on his face and asked if he could speak to me as he pointed to a room with the door closed. He opened the door and it was packed with Elders!! They bombarded me and swarmed me in a huge group hug as they wished me Happy birthday. This was good. It really made me feel special. I have lots of cool pictures of my companion picking me up over his head and me on top of a huge human tower. It made the day special. I didn't really feel like celebrating or doing anything, I planned on the celebration being the next day with Chuck and Marissa and Bill. My companion couldn't believe it, he said- No it's your birthday, you can do or go anywhere you want. Our investigator who is excommunicated ended up calling us and inviting us over for dinner so we went and did that. 21 didn't seem as weird as 20. I bore my testimony at zone conference, because I had really come to realize and feel some things. I've recognized that in my call letter, all of the blessings promised to me by the Lord for serving a mission, in the way that he asks, have been fulfilled. I looked at a copy of it that we had been given and as I looked at each promised blessing, memories from my mission came to my mind, and the spirit to testify that it had happened. It hit me. Every thing the Lord has promised me has been given to me. How incredible. The Lord always keeps his promises.
Saturday was the day though!!!! Wow, the baptism went so well. I just finished writing about it all in my journal yesterday. There was so much support out for Chuck and Marissa. So many branch members showed up. We had to set up more chairs. We had been making phone calls on Thursday night to get everyone there. We were filling the font all through the program, almost until it was time for the baptism itself. I baptized and confirmed both Chuck and Marissa. It was incredible. Normally they do the confirmation on sunday but that was Stake conference. I can't tell you how incredible this baptism was, and what it means to me. Their testimonies that they gave were incredible. Marissa's in her Philipino accent was so humble, simple, and powerful. They are so strong. So many members said that it was the most spiritual baptism that they have been to. We had everyone write their testimonies on a card while we changed out of our wet clothes. These we gave to Chuck and Marissa later on. The Branch also presented them with their own quad. I wrote my testimony and words of encouragement in Chucks and I have to write in Marissa's today. I'm also going to give them my last plan of Salvation puzzle. These two were so ready for baptism. They both talked about how good they felt after. It's interesting to talk to people after they're baptized and hear what it feels like. Here's some of what Chuck said in his testimony:"I know the Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith is the Lord's prophet. We found the Church, this long journey we've been on, we found it through these young men knocking on our door. I thank God for these Missionaries." They really do appreciate what we do, and what we've brought to them. Marrissa's Testimony was incredible:"This is the greatest day of our life. Since I opened the door septiember 24, 2009 to Elder Adams and Elder Nowell, it opened the door to learn more of the gospel.....I testify all this.." It was incredible. I wish I had a video camera and tape recorder for this whole day. I started to cry at the end of the baptism when we sang "families can be together forever." It was the spirit testifying to me that the Lord has shown me how I can. This day was evidence of that. The Lord had shown the way to two others. I was talking to Sister Doll afterwards, and I started to cry again. I told her " I know that family is going to go to the temple." I do know it. The Chromes will be an eternal family, and a year from now they will have their marriage sealed in God's house. This baptism was so much different from all of the others, because it's a family. It will always hold special memories and feelings. They will be strong members, this is a family forever. This was such a happy time, I can't even tell you how great it was, to see all of the people, and to see Chuck and Marissa so happy.
The next item for the day was the temple. We thought it would take an hour and a half to get there, but it ended up taking 2 and I was even speeding. We got there a few minutes before 4:00, the time at which the session Bill would be going through would start. One of the workers I talked to said that he would hold the session and to hurry and change. We did, and then they said they were going to pull them all back into the Chapel and we would go through the next session. We went into the Chapel but Bill never came. When I talked to people again they said that it had already started. I was ripped in half. I had missed the most important moment on my mission. I wasn't going to be able to see Bill and to be with him. I was torn. I was so frustrated. There was nothing I could do. This was something I had looked forward to for so long, something that we intended to do from the beginning with Bill. One man gave us an offer to be able to meet him in the Celestial room. We did this. I can only tell you now that I prayed and pleaded with the Lord for the longest time on my knees. I needed comfort. I felt horrible. I hope to one day be able to recount to you all that learned during this time, and all that occured. I was instructed in the temple, even though I had not been through the session. One day when the spirit is right, hopefully I will share some of my lessons, feelings, and thoughts that I had during this time. It was a lot and cannot write it all now.
I saw Bill though, and I was the first to hug him, and I shed some tears. I had been waiting in prayer for a long time. He was just glad that I had made it, and at least I was there. I felt better after praying, but even better after talking to Bill. Eventually (think it was the Temple President) came up to Bill and I in the Celestial Room and asked if the two of us would like to take part in a sealing. We did. We got to be witnesses in a sealing. I've never done this before, so it was a first for Bill and I. There were a lot of ward members in support for Bill. We talked with a few members about how the missionaries who taught Bill were both there. I only got to see Elder Purdie (Chris) briefly and then he left. We were so long in the sealing session that he had taken off. After the temple, Bill took us to TGI Friday's for dinner. Then we had a long drive home and we got home after 10:30. I actually had my companion drive and I tried to sleep. What a day though.
The next day President Doll spoke in Stake Conference and had Chuck and Marissa stand, and introduced them as the newest members of the Rockford Stake!!! After the conference, I talked to Marissa and she says that now she doesn't seem to worry as much. What a blessing baptism and the comfort of the Holy Ghost. That's what that is that she is feeling in her life, the comfort of the gift of the Holy Ghost in her life. All the blessings that I promised them both in their confirmation will come true, I know it.
Well, that is three of the most important and eventful days of my life to date. It would be hard to string together 3 days with more in them than these 3. It was an incredible weekend. I am so thankful for the opportunities that I was given this weekend. For Chuck and Marissa and Bill. To be a part of these people's lives. That Heavenly Father has allowed me to serve a mission and to take part in such sacred ordinances with three of his choice children. I am overfilled with gratitude for this. It is such a priviledge and a blessing. I don't know where or how I could ever have chances or moments like these. I will always treasure and hold them dear. Chuck and Marissa are on the path, and Bill continues on. I'd like to think I had a part, but it's the Lord's work. He allowed me to be here. He put me here, he made sure I changed my course so that I could be here, and help them along the way. He's made me a tool in his hand. I love my mission more that life itself, it is along with my testimony the most important thing in my life. I hold and treasure it. My mission means more to me than one can ever know. I love these experiences and these feelings that I'm having out here. I am blessed in more ways than I can imagine, or deserve. Nonetheless I am so thankful for what I have been able to be a part of and to witness this weekend. I am so thankful that I was able to exercise the priesthood, in performing the baptism and the confirmation. Who would have thought that I would be worthy and trusted to do this. I am so thankful. I bear testimony of the Savior, that he lives, that he speaks with God's prophet-Thomas S. Monson on the earth today. The Book of Mormon, and the scriptures are true, and this is the Lord's work, or which I have been called to do. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Elder Adams
I need you to get online so that I can discuss this with you. I'm about to leave the library though.
Maybe you can get online next week and we can talk about the $ settlement, plan on that. Also I might be able to sell my backpack to my companion for about $60.
I'll probably send home a ton of pictures after Thanksgiving. It's going to be a ton.
All right, the ship is sailing. Catch you next week. Remember 10:30 my time is when I get on.
So you got to talk to Debbie when you dropped off the donuts, or did you leave them on their porch? Did you see Aaron, How's he doing? When you say Zach slipped out, do you mean that when you showed up he left, or he wasn't home when you went over. Does is seem like he's purposefully avoiding? Did they say anything about receiving any of my letters? I've been writing one every other preparation day.
First of all you don't need to send and email to his president. He's ok, don't panic. Yes, I did get the package for my birthday. Thank you so much it was perfect. So my birthday fell on Zone conference, so we were in that most of the day. During lunch they sing to all the missionaries that have had their birthday in the past transfer. Well mine was that day so they were singing to me on my actual day, Half of the mission singing to me!!! Marissa was actually the second person to say happy birthday to me. She called at about 8:00 in the morning when we were driving to Zone Conference and wished me a happy birthday, how neat is that. The only other person to beat her to the punch was my companion. This was really cool. Then after Zone Conference the former AP who was just released came up to me with a serious look on his face and asked if he could speak to me as he pointed to a room with the door closed. He opened the door and it was packed with Elders!! They bombarded me and swarmed me in a huge group hug as they wished me Happy birthday. This was good. It really made me feel special. I have lots of cool pictures of my companion picking me up over his head and me on top of a huge human tower. It made the day special. I didn't really feel like celebrating or doing anything, I planned on the celebration being the next day with Chuck and Marissa and Bill. My companion couldn't believe it, he said- No it's your birthday, you can do or go anywhere you want. Our investigator who is excommunicated ended up calling us and inviting us over for dinner so we went and did that. 21 didn't seem as weird as 20. I bore my testimony at zone conference, because I had really come to realize and feel some things. I've recognized that in my call letter, all of the blessings promised to me by the Lord for serving a mission, in the way that he asks, have been fulfilled. I looked at a copy of it that we had been given and as I looked at each promised blessing, memories from my mission came to my mind, and the spirit to testify that it had happened. It hit me. Every thing the Lord has promised me has been given to me. How incredible. The Lord always keeps his promises.
Saturday was the day though!!!! Wow, the baptism went so well. I just finished writing about it all in my journal yesterday. There was so much support out for Chuck and Marissa. So many branch members showed up. We had to set up more chairs. We had been making phone calls on Thursday night to get everyone there. We were filling the font all through the program, almost until it was time for the baptism itself. I baptized and confirmed both Chuck and Marissa. It was incredible. Normally they do the confirmation on sunday but that was Stake conference. I can't tell you how incredible this baptism was, and what it means to me. Their testimonies that they gave were incredible. Marissa's in her Philipino accent was so humble, simple, and powerful. They are so strong. So many members said that it was the most spiritual baptism that they have been to. We had everyone write their testimonies on a card while we changed out of our wet clothes. These we gave to Chuck and Marissa later on. The Branch also presented them with their own quad. I wrote my testimony and words of encouragement in Chucks and I have to write in Marissa's today. I'm also going to give them my last plan of Salvation puzzle. These two were so ready for baptism. They both talked about how good they felt after. It's interesting to talk to people after they're baptized and hear what it feels like. Here's some of what Chuck said in his testimony:"I know the Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith is the Lord's prophet. We found the Church, this long journey we've been on, we found it through these young men knocking on our door. I thank God for these Missionaries." They really do appreciate what we do, and what we've brought to them. Marrissa's Testimony was incredible:"This is the greatest day of our life. Since I opened the door septiember 24, 2009 to Elder Adams and Elder Nowell, it opened the door to learn more of the gospel.....I testify all this.." It was incredible. I wish I had a video camera and tape recorder for this whole day. I started to cry at the end of the baptism when we sang "families can be together forever." It was the spirit testifying to me that the Lord has shown me how I can. This day was evidence of that. The Lord had shown the way to two others. I was talking to Sister Doll afterwards, and I started to cry again. I told her " I know that family is going to go to the temple." I do know it. The Chromes will be an eternal family, and a year from now they will have their marriage sealed in God's house. This baptism was so much different from all of the others, because it's a family. It will always hold special memories and feelings. They will be strong members, this is a family forever. This was such a happy time, I can't even tell you how great it was, to see all of the people, and to see Chuck and Marissa so happy.
The next item for the day was the temple. We thought it would take an hour and a half to get there, but it ended up taking 2 and I was even speeding. We got there a few minutes before 4:00, the time at which the session Bill would be going through would start. One of the workers I talked to said that he would hold the session and to hurry and change. We did, and then they said they were going to pull them all back into the Chapel and we would go through the next session. We went into the Chapel but Bill never came. When I talked to people again they said that it had already started. I was ripped in half. I had missed the most important moment on my mission. I wasn't going to be able to see Bill and to be with him. I was torn. I was so frustrated. There was nothing I could do. This was something I had looked forward to for so long, something that we intended to do from the beginning with Bill. One man gave us an offer to be able to meet him in the Celestial room. We did this. I can only tell you now that I prayed and pleaded with the Lord for the longest time on my knees. I needed comfort. I felt horrible. I hope to one day be able to recount to you all that learned during this time, and all that occured. I was instructed in the temple, even though I had not been through the session. One day when the spirit is right, hopefully I will share some of my lessons, feelings, and thoughts that I had during this time. It was a lot and cannot write it all now.
I saw Bill though, and I was the first to hug him, and I shed some tears. I had been waiting in prayer for a long time. He was just glad that I had made it, and at least I was there. I felt better after praying, but even better after talking to Bill. Eventually (think it was the Temple President) came up to Bill and I in the Celestial Room and asked if the two of us would like to take part in a sealing. We did. We got to be witnesses in a sealing. I've never done this before, so it was a first for Bill and I. There were a lot of ward members in support for Bill. We talked with a few members about how the missionaries who taught Bill were both there. I only got to see Elder Purdie (Chris) briefly and then he left. We were so long in the sealing session that he had taken off. After the temple, Bill took us to TGI Friday's for dinner. Then we had a long drive home and we got home after 10:30. I actually had my companion drive and I tried to sleep. What a day though.
The next day President Doll spoke in Stake Conference and had Chuck and Marissa stand, and introduced them as the newest members of the Rockford Stake!!! After the conference, I talked to Marissa and she says that now she doesn't seem to worry as much. What a blessing baptism and the comfort of the Holy Ghost. That's what that is that she is feeling in her life, the comfort of the gift of the Holy Ghost in her life. All the blessings that I promised them both in their confirmation will come true, I know it.
Well, that is three of the most important and eventful days of my life to date. It would be hard to string together 3 days with more in them than these 3. It was an incredible weekend. I am so thankful for the opportunities that I was given this weekend. For Chuck and Marissa and Bill. To be a part of these people's lives. That Heavenly Father has allowed me to serve a mission and to take part in such sacred ordinances with three of his choice children. I am overfilled with gratitude for this. It is such a priviledge and a blessing. I don't know where or how I could ever have chances or moments like these. I will always treasure and hold them dear. Chuck and Marissa are on the path, and Bill continues on. I'd like to think I had a part, but it's the Lord's work. He allowed me to be here. He put me here, he made sure I changed my course so that I could be here, and help them along the way. He's made me a tool in his hand. I love my mission more that life itself, it is along with my testimony the most important thing in my life. I hold and treasure it. My mission means more to me than one can ever know. I love these experiences and these feelings that I'm having out here. I am blessed in more ways than I can imagine, or deserve. Nonetheless I am so thankful for what I have been able to be a part of and to witness this weekend. I am so thankful that I was able to exercise the priesthood, in performing the baptism and the confirmation. Who would have thought that I would be worthy and trusted to do this. I am so thankful. I bear testimony of the Savior, that he lives, that he speaks with God's prophet-Thomas S. Monson on the earth today. The Book of Mormon, and the scriptures are true, and this is the Lord's work, or which I have been called to do. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Elder Adams
I need you to get online so that I can discuss this with you. I'm about to leave the library though.
Maybe you can get online next week and we can talk about the $ settlement, plan on that. Also I might be able to sell my backpack to my companion for about $60.
I'll probably send home a ton of pictures after Thanksgiving. It's going to be a ton.
All right, the ship is sailing. Catch you next week. Remember 10:30 my time is when I get on.
Monday, November 9, 2009
November 4, 2009
I'm on, hurry and jump on. I'm going to write President really quick.
Excellent you made it online. Long time since we've been able to chat. I don't know what I'm doing for my birthday, but Saturday is going to be probable one of the most eventful days of my life. We have the baptism in the morning at 10:30 for Chuck and Marissa, and then we have to head out and drive to the temple to meet Elder Purdie who is flying out here, and Bill to go through the Temple for Bill's endowment @4:00. Then we are going to dinner after. Then drive all the way back. It's going to be such an Amazing day!!!!!
No we are just going to start teaching him. He has a copy of the Book of Mormon and he's been coming to church with mom and dad. He's even come to a youth activity to carve pumpkins. So we will begin teaching him, he's accepted. He's 16 turning 17 on the 28th.
Yeah it was awesome!!!! I haven't tried the hot sauce, but that's great. The only thing is you put the sunflower seeds in the Granola again, instead of the raisins. That's ok though I tried some of it on sunday night. Yeah the package is totally in tact. What's this about buying tickets to some event or what not??? NO making plans!!! Anyway I think you got my last message, I don't have to decide between the baptism or the temple. I get to do both!!!
I feel like my 20th was just yesterday. I still feel like I'm 19, time goes by so fast, I didn't even get the feel for 20. I can't be 21 yet. Zone conference happens to be this Friday on my Birthday.
I don’t even know where to begin, so many amazing things have happened this week. You might just have to hear all about them in another lifetime or around the campfire. The Cromes had their baptismal interview yesterday and all went well. We are finishing preparations for the baptism this Saturday at 10:30. Elder Hansen, who did the interview for Chuck, said that Chuck has an incredible testimony. I believe they both really do. They have conviction and determination in all that they say. Marissa has such a strong desire to read and to study. Chuck even had a trial of his faith these past two days. The Lord helped him and blessed him, and you can tell that Satan is really trying to grind the gears. Chuck works at a rail station, hooking trains together. Chuck went into work Sunday night and started having all of these cravings for cigarettes. He did what he did to break the habit: He prayed. He kept praying but the urge kept coming. He finally made it through the night. Then he went home after 12 hours of work and he couldn’t sleep. He said, “He wouldn’t let me sleep.” Satan was really working on him. Then he gets up in the morning, no sleep, and goes for another 12 hour shift. He’s so thoroughly exhausted by the end that his son ends up having to take over the Truck to get them home. Chuck then collapses in bed. When he wakes up he can’t remember. He finds that he’s left his laptop and lunchbox in the truck. Marissa said that she was praying for him. Then normally Chuck has arthritis in his thumbs and can’t sleep on his right side. He wakes up on his right side and no arthritis in his thumbs. It’s a miracle a little blessing from the Lord. Chuck was victorious though, and they are both looking forward to Saturday. We all saw this testing time as a push by Satan to try and stop them from being baptized this Saturday. Chuck and Marissa are incredible. Remember how we saw some of the same things occur before I left on my mission. They are more ready than ever, and they will eventually go to the temple, I know it. I’ll probably send home pictures (I have held onto a lot for a long time), after my birthday and Thanksgiving.
Gospel study is going well. I've read the Tree of Life vision before but somebody added some things to my scriptures!!! I thought a lot about Chuck and Marissa and others that are new converts grabbing hold to the iron rod. I thought about myself and how we all have to hold onto the end, and not listen to the jeerings of those of the world around us. I just love the scriptures and my time in them.
Chuck and Marissa will begin this journey, and already they have faced a little ridicule and questioning from friends and family. They have stood strong. They tried to invite people to their baptism, or tell them about the decision that they are making, and they say, “What, no coffee, no tea, you can’t do anything now.” Or they say “Oh, you’re going to let Chuck have more than one wife. “ Their friends have been telling them that they need to think about it, and they ask if they are sure. Chuck and Marissa have just replied back, this is what we are doing. They say they’ve been on a journey, searching. Marissa bore her testimony (Basically) in relief society. She asked if she could say something, and then she said that they would go to other Churches and then come home and feel empty, then when she came to ours she didn’t have that empty feeling. I wish you could hear all of the incredible things these two are saying and feeling. It’s like something out of an ensign magazine, a story that you hear about some missionary telling, and you don’t know if that could ever happen. It is!!!
We also had the chili cook off and Halloween party this Friday. We were the judges. There was 12 entries, a lot of Chili, which made for an interesting time on the treadmill the next day. Anyway, one of the Chili’s used rabbit in it, this one was one of my favorites and took 2nd place. Chuck and Marissa even made a Chili and brought a dessert. They had such a time. In the pie eating contest, You and your partner couldn’t look and you had to feed your partner. I fed Elder Bryner, who spit it up in my hand. Chuck and Marissa won, for a 3 way tie. They lost in the rematch. Our Halloween we had to be in at 6:00, we finished a lesson at about 6:40 and then went in. We had began our fast at about 2:30 so we didn’t even make dinner. The reason we started at this time was because we broke our fast at a members home on Sunday with Chuck and Marissa, and Chuck had to do it early. My companion wanted food so bad as we were in our apartment. He wanted his Berry Collosal Crunch. He made it though, I just told him think how much better it will taste tomorrow. We got some extra sleep this night also, because of daylight savings and the fact that we were in early. I worked out, did some push ups and pull ups and read out of the ensign. That was pretty much Halloween.
Elder Bryner and I are doing great. The work just seems to be going better and there's a different spirit each day. I'm so excited for the work here!!!! Anyway, things are going great. I love it!!!! I can’t write anymore. I could probably write about 10 pages of all the weeks events.
Love you ALL,
Elder Adams
P.S. -I'll let you know what happens for my birthday. It will be interesting. The real focus is on Chuck and Marissa's baptism and Bill going through the Temple. That's memories. It's also Chuck's Birthday on Saturday.
Yeah you can just buy clothes later or something. I love you mom. I gotta go and do some other things today. Thanks for the Birthday wishes.
I can't believe I almost forgot to give you the scriptures I had last week. D&C 112:5,6,7 DC 105:16 104:82 112:13. Love you all tons. Did you get the treats to Zach and his mom. What did they say.
Excellent you made it online. Long time since we've been able to chat. I don't know what I'm doing for my birthday, but Saturday is going to be probable one of the most eventful days of my life. We have the baptism in the morning at 10:30 for Chuck and Marissa, and then we have to head out and drive to the temple to meet Elder Purdie who is flying out here, and Bill to go through the Temple for Bill's endowment @4:00. Then we are going to dinner after. Then drive all the way back. It's going to be such an Amazing day!!!!!
No we are just going to start teaching him. He has a copy of the Book of Mormon and he's been coming to church with mom and dad. He's even come to a youth activity to carve pumpkins. So we will begin teaching him, he's accepted. He's 16 turning 17 on the 28th.
Yeah it was awesome!!!! I haven't tried the hot sauce, but that's great. The only thing is you put the sunflower seeds in the Granola again, instead of the raisins. That's ok though I tried some of it on sunday night. Yeah the package is totally in tact. What's this about buying tickets to some event or what not??? NO making plans!!! Anyway I think you got my last message, I don't have to decide between the baptism or the temple. I get to do both!!!
I feel like my 20th was just yesterday. I still feel like I'm 19, time goes by so fast, I didn't even get the feel for 20. I can't be 21 yet. Zone conference happens to be this Friday on my Birthday.
I don’t even know where to begin, so many amazing things have happened this week. You might just have to hear all about them in another lifetime or around the campfire. The Cromes had their baptismal interview yesterday and all went well. We are finishing preparations for the baptism this Saturday at 10:30. Elder Hansen, who did the interview for Chuck, said that Chuck has an incredible testimony. I believe they both really do. They have conviction and determination in all that they say. Marissa has such a strong desire to read and to study. Chuck even had a trial of his faith these past two days. The Lord helped him and blessed him, and you can tell that Satan is really trying to grind the gears. Chuck works at a rail station, hooking trains together. Chuck went into work Sunday night and started having all of these cravings for cigarettes. He did what he did to break the habit: He prayed. He kept praying but the urge kept coming. He finally made it through the night. Then he went home after 12 hours of work and he couldn’t sleep. He said, “He wouldn’t let me sleep.” Satan was really working on him. Then he gets up in the morning, no sleep, and goes for another 12 hour shift. He’s so thoroughly exhausted by the end that his son ends up having to take over the Truck to get them home. Chuck then collapses in bed. When he wakes up he can’t remember. He finds that he’s left his laptop and lunchbox in the truck. Marissa said that she was praying for him. Then normally Chuck has arthritis in his thumbs and can’t sleep on his right side. He wakes up on his right side and no arthritis in his thumbs. It’s a miracle a little blessing from the Lord. Chuck was victorious though, and they are both looking forward to Saturday. We all saw this testing time as a push by Satan to try and stop them from being baptized this Saturday. Chuck and Marissa are incredible. Remember how we saw some of the same things occur before I left on my mission. They are more ready than ever, and they will eventually go to the temple, I know it. I’ll probably send home pictures (I have held onto a lot for a long time), after my birthday and Thanksgiving.
Gospel study is going well. I've read the Tree of Life vision before but somebody added some things to my scriptures!!! I thought a lot about Chuck and Marissa and others that are new converts grabbing hold to the iron rod. I thought about myself and how we all have to hold onto the end, and not listen to the jeerings of those of the world around us. I just love the scriptures and my time in them.
Chuck and Marissa will begin this journey, and already they have faced a little ridicule and questioning from friends and family. They have stood strong. They tried to invite people to their baptism, or tell them about the decision that they are making, and they say, “What, no coffee, no tea, you can’t do anything now.” Or they say “Oh, you’re going to let Chuck have more than one wife. “ Their friends have been telling them that they need to think about it, and they ask if they are sure. Chuck and Marissa have just replied back, this is what we are doing. They say they’ve been on a journey, searching. Marissa bore her testimony (Basically) in relief society. She asked if she could say something, and then she said that they would go to other Churches and then come home and feel empty, then when she came to ours she didn’t have that empty feeling. I wish you could hear all of the incredible things these two are saying and feeling. It’s like something out of an ensign magazine, a story that you hear about some missionary telling, and you don’t know if that could ever happen. It is!!!
We also had the chili cook off and Halloween party this Friday. We were the judges. There was 12 entries, a lot of Chili, which made for an interesting time on the treadmill the next day. Anyway, one of the Chili’s used rabbit in it, this one was one of my favorites and took 2nd place. Chuck and Marissa even made a Chili and brought a dessert. They had such a time. In the pie eating contest, You and your partner couldn’t look and you had to feed your partner. I fed Elder Bryner, who spit it up in my hand. Chuck and Marissa won, for a 3 way tie. They lost in the rematch. Our Halloween we had to be in at 6:00, we finished a lesson at about 6:40 and then went in. We had began our fast at about 2:30 so we didn’t even make dinner. The reason we started at this time was because we broke our fast at a members home on Sunday with Chuck and Marissa, and Chuck had to do it early. My companion wanted food so bad as we were in our apartment. He wanted his Berry Collosal Crunch. He made it though, I just told him think how much better it will taste tomorrow. We got some extra sleep this night also, because of daylight savings and the fact that we were in early. I worked out, did some push ups and pull ups and read out of the ensign. That was pretty much Halloween.
Elder Bryner and I are doing great. The work just seems to be going better and there's a different spirit each day. I'm so excited for the work here!!!! Anyway, things are going great. I love it!!!! I can’t write anymore. I could probably write about 10 pages of all the weeks events.
Love you ALL,
Elder Adams
P.S. -I'll let you know what happens for my birthday. It will be interesting. The real focus is on Chuck and Marissa's baptism and Bill going through the Temple. That's memories. It's also Chuck's Birthday on Saturday.
Yeah you can just buy clothes later or something. I love you mom. I gotta go and do some other things today. Thanks for the Birthday wishes.
I can't believe I almost forgot to give you the scriptures I had last week. D&C 112:5,6,7 DC 105:16 104:82 112:13. Love you all tons. Did you get the treats to Zach and his mom. What did they say.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
October 28, 2009
Awesome that's good to here you can still hold your own, grey beard. Just kidding. Well I have a bunch of scriptures for you, but they are written down back at the apartment. Transfers were this week. I have a new companion. I'm really excited for this one. I explained this to mom, let me know your opinion about the matter. It's tough.
The situation
When president called yesterday he told me that I was staying in Byron, he liked what was happening. He then said that Elder Nowell was being transfered. The night before he had yelled at me, I'm ready for a new companion!!!! Anyway he wasn't happy with the transfer decision and went in the bedroom for a while. Then I guess he called president back and talked with him. While I was studying he comes upstairs and asks me what he has to do to see these baptisms through. He said he talked to president and that pres. wanted him to talk to me. There were tears and pleading, and saying that he would do whatever I said give me whatever I wanted and not even voice his opinion. I told him this is not what a companionship is. I told him no, to having him stay with me. Why do I have to make decisions. I then spoke to president again, about what Elder Nowell had said. Elder Nowell was trying to make me feel like I'm being selfish. President provided comfort. However the thought still bothered me all day. He was mad at me and said a lot of hurtful things, "You're going to kill the area.... no one likes you..." I don't know did I do the right thing by saying no to doing another transfer, even though the offer was there. It's just that the first words were that he wanted to see these baptisms, and before he seemed to not care about our companionship. There was just so much contention between us. Did I do the right thing? This is a very condensed version of everything that happened yesterday.
I love you dad. Keep on keeping on.
Love Elder Adams
Hey Mom, How's it going. Jump on I have a few things I'd like your opinion on.
No it just makes me think about my mission ending. It makes me think how fast time goes by.
Yes I did get the Halloween card from Grandma. If you mean the package with the vile of oil, face cleansing pads, and gel, then yes-I did get it. I thought of something that you could send me, some more white T-shirts Size small-the hanes ones with no tag on them. I thought of something else the other day but now I'm struggling to recall.
This Halloween is going to be a little different than the last. President Doll has told us that we are to be in our apartments by 6:00 unless we are teaching a lesson. It should be interesting. However on Friday we have a Halloween Trunk or Treat and Chilli cook off. We, the missionaries, have been asked to be the judges. Chuck and Marissa and their son J.R. are planning on coming. The men are supposed to bring the Chilli and the women a dessert, but I think Chuck is having Marissa make his chilli. They are such an awesome family. Chuck and Marissa are readily accepting the commandments. It's like when you know this Church and gospel is true the commandments and obedience to the commandments is simple. The Branch is really getting excited about their baptism, and having new members in the Branch. Chuck and Marissa love when we meet with them. They say they wait for us, "are they here yet?..." We started Chuck on the quit smoking program on Thursday, and he is doing awesome!!! He's ready to give it all up for his family, for himself, and for baptism!!! This is so exciting, especially when it's a family!!! We have also started Jared Ashley on the quit smoking program. We started him on Sunday, and he too is doing well. He really has that desire to repent and to change. There's so much excitement and change going on. These investigators can do it I know they can. It really makes the work intense, and it pushes you to be better when you are praying for investigators to keep commitments. It really makes you sink deep into the work!! All looks well to go forward with the baptisms on November 7.
Ok I won't keep you reading anymore. I'm still here in Byron, with a new companion though. His name is Elder Bryner from Sandy Utah. He played soccer his whole life like me for Brighton High. He hurt his knee snowboarding though and wasn't able to play his senior year when they took state, so now he just lifts weights. He's really great!!! Elder Bryner and I were talking about it and we'd like to make Byron into a Ward!!! We have already been able to talk on a personal level and establish a relationship. We have so much in commin, from things we like to do, to our past and decision to serve a mission. I really like him. He seems dedicated to the work and wants to work hard and improve the area. I think this will be great. I'm excited for our planning session tomorrow, because it sounds like he has some great ideas for doing the work. I can't wait to start off the work with him. So I'll be here in Byron for at least another 6 weeks. Which means this is where I spend by Birthday and Thanksgiving. Also with this transfer, I have now been released as district leader, after over a year in this position. President Doll thanked me for my service. It will be different not making nightly phone calls to the district members. President really likes what is going on in Byron wants us to really get Byron going.
Next week I might be going through the Temple with Bill and Elder Purdie, but we are trying to work out the details, because right now the day that Bill has it all planned is on November 7, the same day as the baptism. Time scheduling is difficult also. I love you all so much and I will look for your packages.
Love,
Elder Adams
So mom, when president called yesterday he told me that I was staying in Byron, he liked what was happening. He then said that Elder Nowell was being transfered. The night before he had yelled at me, I'm ready for a new companion!!!! Anyway he wasn't happy with the transfer decision and went in the bedroom for a while. Then I guess he called president back and talked with him. While I was studying he comes upstairs and asks me what he has to do to see these baptisms through. He said he talked to president and that pres. wanted him to talk to me. There were tears and pleading, and saying that he would do whatever I said give me whatever I wanted and not even voice his opinion. I told him this is not what a companionship is. I told him no, to having him stay with me. Why do I have to make decisions. I then spoke to president again, about what Elder Nowell had said. Elder Nowell was trying to make me feel like I'm being selfish. President provided comfort. However the thought still bothered me all day. He was mad at me and said a lot of hurtful things, "You're going to kill the area.... no one likes you..." I don't know did I do the right thing by saying no to doing another transfer, even though the offer was there. It's just that the first words were that he wanted to see these baptisms, and before he seemed to not care about our companionship. There was just so much contention between us. Did I do the right thing?
Well this is condensed version of the events and all that was said. I want to know if I made the right decision by saying no to another transfer and just sticking with what President Doll had originally decided, or if I should have given in and given Elder Nowell a second chance.
I need to get going my comp needs to unpack and we have to be to an appointment. WE have a few things to get at the store, hurry and write. I have maybe 2 min.
I'm sorry that I haven't really thought of anything for my birthday. I'll try and think a bit this week and I'll write things down in my planner. Then I can write you next week ok.
I've got to go, I'll look for you next week. I'll probably be on at 10:15 in the morning my time. Love ya tons.
The situation
When president called yesterday he told me that I was staying in Byron, he liked what was happening. He then said that Elder Nowell was being transfered. The night before he had yelled at me, I'm ready for a new companion!!!! Anyway he wasn't happy with the transfer decision and went in the bedroom for a while. Then I guess he called president back and talked with him. While I was studying he comes upstairs and asks me what he has to do to see these baptisms through. He said he talked to president and that pres. wanted him to talk to me. There were tears and pleading, and saying that he would do whatever I said give me whatever I wanted and not even voice his opinion. I told him this is not what a companionship is. I told him no, to having him stay with me. Why do I have to make decisions. I then spoke to president again, about what Elder Nowell had said. Elder Nowell was trying to make me feel like I'm being selfish. President provided comfort. However the thought still bothered me all day. He was mad at me and said a lot of hurtful things, "You're going to kill the area.... no one likes you..." I don't know did I do the right thing by saying no to doing another transfer, even though the offer was there. It's just that the first words were that he wanted to see these baptisms, and before he seemed to not care about our companionship. There was just so much contention between us. Did I do the right thing? This is a very condensed version of everything that happened yesterday.
I love you dad. Keep on keeping on.
Love Elder Adams
Hey Mom, How's it going. Jump on I have a few things I'd like your opinion on.
No it just makes me think about my mission ending. It makes me think how fast time goes by.
Yes I did get the Halloween card from Grandma. If you mean the package with the vile of oil, face cleansing pads, and gel, then yes-I did get it. I thought of something that you could send me, some more white T-shirts Size small-the hanes ones with no tag on them. I thought of something else the other day but now I'm struggling to recall.
This Halloween is going to be a little different than the last. President Doll has told us that we are to be in our apartments by 6:00 unless we are teaching a lesson. It should be interesting. However on Friday we have a Halloween Trunk or Treat and Chilli cook off. We, the missionaries, have been asked to be the judges. Chuck and Marissa and their son J.R. are planning on coming. The men are supposed to bring the Chilli and the women a dessert, but I think Chuck is having Marissa make his chilli. They are such an awesome family. Chuck and Marissa are readily accepting the commandments. It's like when you know this Church and gospel is true the commandments and obedience to the commandments is simple. The Branch is really getting excited about their baptism, and having new members in the Branch. Chuck and Marissa love when we meet with them. They say they wait for us, "are they here yet?..." We started Chuck on the quit smoking program on Thursday, and he is doing awesome!!! He's ready to give it all up for his family, for himself, and for baptism!!! This is so exciting, especially when it's a family!!! We have also started Jared Ashley on the quit smoking program. We started him on Sunday, and he too is doing well. He really has that desire to repent and to change. There's so much excitement and change going on. These investigators can do it I know they can. It really makes the work intense, and it pushes you to be better when you are praying for investigators to keep commitments. It really makes you sink deep into the work!! All looks well to go forward with the baptisms on November 7.
Ok I won't keep you reading anymore. I'm still here in Byron, with a new companion though. His name is Elder Bryner from Sandy Utah. He played soccer his whole life like me for Brighton High. He hurt his knee snowboarding though and wasn't able to play his senior year when they took state, so now he just lifts weights. He's really great!!! Elder Bryner and I were talking about it and we'd like to make Byron into a Ward!!! We have already been able to talk on a personal level and establish a relationship. We have so much in commin, from things we like to do, to our past and decision to serve a mission. I really like him. He seems dedicated to the work and wants to work hard and improve the area. I think this will be great. I'm excited for our planning session tomorrow, because it sounds like he has some great ideas for doing the work. I can't wait to start off the work with him. So I'll be here in Byron for at least another 6 weeks. Which means this is where I spend by Birthday and Thanksgiving. Also with this transfer, I have now been released as district leader, after over a year in this position. President Doll thanked me for my service. It will be different not making nightly phone calls to the district members. President really likes what is going on in Byron wants us to really get Byron going.
Next week I might be going through the Temple with Bill and Elder Purdie, but we are trying to work out the details, because right now the day that Bill has it all planned is on November 7, the same day as the baptism. Time scheduling is difficult also. I love you all so much and I will look for your packages.
Love,
Elder Adams
So mom, when president called yesterday he told me that I was staying in Byron, he liked what was happening. He then said that Elder Nowell was being transfered. The night before he had yelled at me, I'm ready for a new companion!!!! Anyway he wasn't happy with the transfer decision and went in the bedroom for a while. Then I guess he called president back and talked with him. While I was studying he comes upstairs and asks me what he has to do to see these baptisms through. He said he talked to president and that pres. wanted him to talk to me. There were tears and pleading, and saying that he would do whatever I said give me whatever I wanted and not even voice his opinion. I told him this is not what a companionship is. I told him no, to having him stay with me. Why do I have to make decisions. I then spoke to president again, about what Elder Nowell had said. Elder Nowell was trying to make me feel like I'm being selfish. President provided comfort. However the thought still bothered me all day. He was mad at me and said a lot of hurtful things, "You're going to kill the area.... no one likes you..." I don't know did I do the right thing by saying no to doing another transfer, even though the offer was there. It's just that the first words were that he wanted to see these baptisms, and before he seemed to not care about our companionship. There was just so much contention between us. Did I do the right thing?
Well this is condensed version of the events and all that was said. I want to know if I made the right decision by saying no to another transfer and just sticking with what President Doll had originally decided, or if I should have given in and given Elder Nowell a second chance.
I need to get going my comp needs to unpack and we have to be to an appointment. WE have a few things to get at the store, hurry and write. I have maybe 2 min.
I'm sorry that I haven't really thought of anything for my birthday. I'll try and think a bit this week and I'll write things down in my planner. Then I can write you next week ok.
I've got to go, I'll look for you next week. I'll probably be on at 10:15 in the morning my time. Love ya tons.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
