Thanks Dad, that is some great advice. I will try to apply it. I've just been trying to pray for him, love him, and serve him. I've been trying to allow him to decide some things also as to what we do. He's opening up a little more. I really appreciate the tips though. I love you tons dad.
Elder Adams
HI mom, I'm online. So I never heard how the 2nd mtc experience was for you. How has the first week with two missionaries out been?
For the 1 year anniversary we went down to North Beach and played football in the sand. It was a nice day and the sand was hot. After we went to Blackies for something to eat. It was ok, but way overpriced. We are now teaching another young Hatian guy, and he has a baptismal date. This guy is a friend of Ricardos he's really cool.
My first week on the bike I forgot to tell you another small detail that occurred. I ran a red light by Northwestern University and a policeman pulled up next to me on his motorcycle, and he wrote me a ticket. Who would have thought that you could get a ticket on your bike. That first week on the bike was full of all sorts of experiences. I called president stoddard and he has had the mission office pay it. So now he just needs you to write a check out to the mission office. The ticket is for $75 dollars. Let's just say that I'm a lot more careful now seeing as the law doesn't exactly love us missionaries. This week the police stopped me on Monday for the 10th time since I've been in this area. They didn't check my ID though, and they quickly recognized as we explained to them that we weren't doing anything wrong. So 10 times the police have been out on me, you'd think I was a juvenile delinquint.
As far as biking goes, I want you to see where we biked from yesterday. We went from Ridge and Emerson in Evanston up to Harbor and Greenbay in Glencoe. Then we biked down to Main and Chicago Ave. in Evanston. Yesterday it was also raining, so the jacket got a good test run. My pants and but were soaked for our appointments that night, but my top was dry. You feel like some kind of intense triathelete biking in the rain alongside cars as your pants get soaked and stick to your legs. It's intense.
Yesterday one of the Assistants to President thanked me for working with Elder Johnson. Saturday with Elder Johnson was rough. It was a finding day, so lots tracting and contacting, with zero appointments. He was not thrilled, and he was really dragging his feet and didn't really want to talk to people. I think I'm beginning to break down some barriers between us (I made him some waffles on Sunday). He just doesn't seem to care, he won't kneel with me to pray ever, he doesn't want to wear a tie for study. I have not addressed the tie or the kneeling to him, I try to pick my battles. He has tension toward me. It's almost like we just coexist together. Last week he was not happy with me when I told him we needed to wear shirts and ties to go to the beach and play football, and change there. Then after we play we need to change back. He did not like this idea. I'm glad I did it though because I was able to have a great conversation with a lady on the train, and I would have looked ridiculous as a missionary in gym shorts and a t-shirt trying to share the gospel. I just keep doing my best, and talking to people. Something that has really helped me was I read Hebrews 12:1, I then kept running this over and over in my head. I push on. Some missionaries just don't get it, they think we are in high school, or that we can let slide certain things. I know my purpose, and I made a promise to the Lord to serve. That's what I am out here to do. On Saturday when we were out tracting we met a man that was challenging what we were saying. This has happened before. However then the man questioned my testimony, and whether or not I had really felt the spirit. This is when he crossed the line. I bore my testimony to him right there on the sidewalk, that I had indeed felt the spirit so powerfully, and that one day I hope to feel it that strong. I told him that if he did not heed our message he would never know of truth. I felt the spirit and my own love and emotions for my testimony well up. This was the most powerful testimony I have ever born to someone on the street. Immediately after the man was silenced, and he solemnley shook my hand and left. I wrote about this in my journal, but a lot of feelings came over me then. The Spirit and the power of testimony have the power to confound those who aggress us. I know what I know and I will tell people that. I love you all and pray for you each day.
With love and Concern
Elder Adams
P.S. -I'm sending the rain jacket today, and possibly some pictures.
This work is so important, this is God's work that I am entrenched in. What a priviledge. The law of sacrifice is a beautiful thing, it brings us closer to our Father in Heaven. The more trial we go through, the more pain, and retribution we endure, the greater we then feel the love of the Savior. Because for a small moment we can then get a tiny glimpse of what it was he went through for us on the mount of olives. He's been through it all, and so he knows my place. Greater love hath no man than this.
Awesome. Thanks for keeping me posted about how tryouts are going. So how do like being the only one at home. I bet Jack is pretty lonely too, make sure you play with him outside too. I appreciate your encouragement and your support, especially from a little brother. It means a lot, because sometimes it does feel like I stand alone on a little hill. It's nice to know that several hundred miles away I have my own cheering squad. It's times like these, that just as you said, I pray for help. I love you Bro. Have a great rest of the School year.
Love Elder Adams
jacob 3:1, Jacob 4:10 , give these to JoshThen for dad: Jacob 6:12-I thought he would enjoy this.I wrote you before I had read your advice. What you wrote really speaks to me. Thanks for the advice. I know that trials work for our good. As I think about the dark times, the trying times I faced in my youth throughout high school, and what's more when I turned my back on the Lord. All the things I faced and I wondered why me, why do I have to go through all of this. Then I see that more and more they were necessary. The Lord was preparing me. Let this be one more pass through the fiery furnaces of trial. One more clash against the anvil of the refiner. Let this make me the polished shaft in the quiver of the Lord. As time goes on the Lord turns over the tapestry of my life that I thought was unorganized, and I see the beautiful work that he has done. This too shall work for my good. I am Called of God, I am a Missionary for the Lord Jesus Christ, an ambassador of his kingdom, a laborer in his vineyard, a messenger of truth, a soldier of battle, a Priesthood holder, a Child of God, a son, a brother. In the Name of Jesus Christ amen.
My companion just shut off the computer, has been furious at me. He just took the keys to the apartment and left. WE had an argument here in the cafe area. I don't know what is going to happen next. I tried to talk things out. I don't know what he's going to do next.
Well I have to go back up to the apartment to see what my companion is doing. Thanks, I've tried to express how I feel, I tried to send a big email to you, but it didn't send and so I lost it. I tried to rewrite and communicate some of the ideas I had, but the argument with the companion has made things difficult to write it how it was the first time. It's frustrating. Love you, pray for me.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
May 20, 2009
That's right, 2 missionaries now. It's pretty intense. I'm glad the tradition followed of sleeping out in the tent. As the weather warms up here, I told my last companion that it would be great to go out on the shore of Lake Michigan and pitch a tent and go camping. He thought I was weird, because he's used to having 4 wheelers and motorcycles and boats when he camps. He says there has to be a purpose. I love hearing from you. Today we are going down to the city to play some basketball and soccer in Downtown!!! Then we are going to go out for dinner somewhere. It's hard to believe that it's been a year. The biking is intense. I don't have a tracker for our miles anymore but we had a long one yesterday. It took a half hour to get to where we were going, one way!!! That was way up in Glencoe. It's a lot of fun though being on the bike in the sun. I love it!!!
Love, Your Son
Elder Adams (From the Chicago Mission)
You're probably taking Josh to the Mtc, but I'm online for the next hour or hour and a half. It's 10:45 my time.
That is too cool that you were undefeated. I know that you will do great at your tryouts. This next week just try to do everything on your part to prepare. Make sure you get some good exercise, and work on your ball skills. Then turn to the Lord and ask for his help when you've done all that you can. You go out there and do the best you can, you push yourself and try your best, and the Lord will take care of the rest. That has become my motto to follow. Work hard and show the coaches that you are dedicated and they will see that. So an only child at home now. That's something that you are deffinately not used to. My first year of my mission has gone by really fast. I'm glad that you still write me though, and haven't forgotten that I exist. This time will be a great time for you and I to both grow. You'll have to do things on your own, and you'll have to help mom and dad out as much as you can. That's the advice that I can give you. Stay strong and keep pushing forward Bro.The work that I'm doing out here is of God. I know this Church is true, and God does hear and answer our prayers. The Book of Mormon is the word of God, and holds the key to revelation and conversion. Jesus is the Christ, he died for all of us, and suffered pain and anguish so that we might repent. The way is through him, and only him. I love this work. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Hey did you get the letter that I sent you, with the scriptures in it? I want to hear what you did your last night home. You'll probably be in the MTC, when you get this. I've been reflection on my mission, and on where I was a year ago. It seems that I have the day before I went into the MTC and then today, and everything else in between is warp speed. It's like a blur of memories. It's gone by so fast. Treasure every moment of it, because I feel mine slipping away. Write in your journal every night so that you can have it to remember. It's crazy how you are now beginning your mission and I'm at 1 year. This is a great journey that you are embarking on. We are both at different stages, but we are doing the same great redemptive work. May the Lord bless us both as we strive to be obedient servants of God, as we testify and spread the gospel. I would wish you luck, but I've learned that prayers and the help of the Lord are far more effective. I will keep you in my prayers.
Love Your Elder Brother and fellow missionary,
Elder Adams
I have not sent the Rain Jacket back yet, and I probably won't get to it today, so it will have to be next P-day's to do list. I did get the Sherpa Jacket, and I love It!!!!!! It is awesome, exactly what I wanted. Were you still planning on sending the size small of the the rain jacket?? If not let me know.
Saturday Leila was baptised, my companion baptised her. It was his first time doing one. Then on Sunday I performed the confirmation. Who would have thought a year from my farewell I'd confirm someone. Everyone is surprised that I am still in this area. The bishop asked if I wanted to raise my family in the ward. The jokes and questions about how long I've been here just keep coming.
This last week has been intense. So as I explained last week we are on the bikes now, no car. On Sunday we were biking to an appointment in Evanston from Winnetka. I was peddaling along, and I steered into the gutter to avoid going over a speed bump. I'd done this before with no problem. Except this time I clipped my pedal on the curb. This Threw my bike and me off balance, and I crashed. My bike lay a couple yards behind me. The handle bars twisted sideways and when I fell I racked myself on my bike. This was the part that hurt the most. My companion was alread riding off ahead. I just lay there moaning. One car stopped to see if I was ok. I eventually got up and licked the blood off the palms of my hands. My hip also felt bruised from when I'd landed. I got back on the bike and we continued the work that night. Sad thing was, that when I got home I looked at my pants and I have a hole in my suit now. The bike is ok though. Throughout the night while we were working though, my hip continued to tighten up. I was limping into the apartment. It's still a little sore, but it's gotten a lot better.So since it's been one year I have decided to redo all of my lesson plans that I have written from the MTC. I figure this would be a good time since it has been a year. It's turning out to be a great study, and I'm really being able to spend some time studying the first lesson right now.
We had exchanges with the Zone Leaders this week. I've discussed with Elder Aquino some of my concerns that have been occurring with my new companion. He has wanted to go in early some nights, so I've had to fight that battle again. I'm back to having to fight the obedience battle. He doesn't seem to like tracting, and seems tired. I'm trying to get to know him, but it's as if I am forcing conversation. I ask small talk questions, but it's difficult to get real conversation going. I feel that the contention between us is hurting our finding efforts. The spirit is not there. I noticed a big difference when I was with Elder Aquino, everything seemed to work out better. I've come to the conclusion that without the Spirit you're basically just going through the motions. Last night he wanted to go in early and we still had 10 minutes to work. I felt it was wrong, but he stayed in the underground parking and I went outside to talk to people and knock on a few doors, by myself. It was probably the wrong thing to do, and I felt awkward walking aroung at night by myself. Last night we also had a talk together about how we both feel. He wants me to relax, and related to me the "Spirit of the law or letter of the law." I've heard this before from Elder Glauser, but I don't feel I should have to sacrifice what is right. We are trying to work things out together. In talking with Elder Aquino we came to the conclusion that my course of action is to try and love and serve him. That's what I'm going to try and do. If there are any other suggestions that you can give me, I'm open to advice. Things are deffinately challenging. I'm going to have to work with this companion, because our relationship is deffinately not roses. I don't think he really likes me. Then again, in talking to Elder Aquino (my zone leader), he said that a lot of missionaries don't like me. He said that he's heard comments made about me. He said that he thinks the reason they don't like me is because I work hard. I feel like I'm singled out, that because I'm different from the majority: I am hated. Elder Aquino said that he has had to face a lot of the same challenges that I am facing, and he was able to offer council. He's said that there is not a lot of focused and obedient missionaries in the English program. I don't understand why everyone has to hate me. It hit me really hard when he told me that. I'm just trying to do what's right, I value what God thinks, and I value this work far more than what someone else thinks. These are missionaries, people who are supposed to be on my side, they are supposed to be my teammates, my fellow commrads and soldiers in God's army. Instead I feel like I have to fight two wars, one on the home front and the other when I step onto the streets or onto a doorstep. Elder Johnson and I have started to talk about some things, but none the less it's going to be a work in progress. I've done this once before and I can do it again, I know that the Lord will uphold me if I keep the commandments. I'm going to need the Lord's help as much as possible. It's interesting how as the one trial of winter ends another begins to keep us growing. I think it is to continue to make me stretch.
Anyway It's been one year in the mission. I feel like I just have my last day when I was at home and then yesterday, and everything else is a mach one blur in between. I've been reflecting on past memories and on my day before I began my mission. I wish that last night could have been a little brighter, and not so overcast by the fact that my companion and I were in disagreance. All the same this has been a good time to think. Josh begins his Journey and I commemorate a year as a missionary. It's been great. The best decision I've ever made. I look forward to this next year, but I feel everything is slipping past. I hope everything goes well for Josh. Today we are going to play soccer and basketball downtown, and then go out to dinner. It should be fun.
I love you all, and I thank you for your support and prayers. Thanks again for the jacket.
With love and perserverance,
Elder Adams
I'm finding that this companion is very different. There are a number of things that we have to work on. I won't talk about everything.
Love, Your Son
Elder Adams (From the Chicago Mission)
You're probably taking Josh to the Mtc, but I'm online for the next hour or hour and a half. It's 10:45 my time.
That is too cool that you were undefeated. I know that you will do great at your tryouts. This next week just try to do everything on your part to prepare. Make sure you get some good exercise, and work on your ball skills. Then turn to the Lord and ask for his help when you've done all that you can. You go out there and do the best you can, you push yourself and try your best, and the Lord will take care of the rest. That has become my motto to follow. Work hard and show the coaches that you are dedicated and they will see that. So an only child at home now. That's something that you are deffinately not used to. My first year of my mission has gone by really fast. I'm glad that you still write me though, and haven't forgotten that I exist. This time will be a great time for you and I to both grow. You'll have to do things on your own, and you'll have to help mom and dad out as much as you can. That's the advice that I can give you. Stay strong and keep pushing forward Bro.The work that I'm doing out here is of God. I know this Church is true, and God does hear and answer our prayers. The Book of Mormon is the word of God, and holds the key to revelation and conversion. Jesus is the Christ, he died for all of us, and suffered pain and anguish so that we might repent. The way is through him, and only him. I love this work. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Hey did you get the letter that I sent you, with the scriptures in it? I want to hear what you did your last night home. You'll probably be in the MTC, when you get this. I've been reflection on my mission, and on where I was a year ago. It seems that I have the day before I went into the MTC and then today, and everything else in between is warp speed. It's like a blur of memories. It's gone by so fast. Treasure every moment of it, because I feel mine slipping away. Write in your journal every night so that you can have it to remember. It's crazy how you are now beginning your mission and I'm at 1 year. This is a great journey that you are embarking on. We are both at different stages, but we are doing the same great redemptive work. May the Lord bless us both as we strive to be obedient servants of God, as we testify and spread the gospel. I would wish you luck, but I've learned that prayers and the help of the Lord are far more effective. I will keep you in my prayers.
Love Your Elder Brother and fellow missionary,
Elder Adams
I have not sent the Rain Jacket back yet, and I probably won't get to it today, so it will have to be next P-day's to do list. I did get the Sherpa Jacket, and I love It!!!!!! It is awesome, exactly what I wanted. Were you still planning on sending the size small of the the rain jacket?? If not let me know.
Saturday Leila was baptised, my companion baptised her. It was his first time doing one. Then on Sunday I performed the confirmation. Who would have thought a year from my farewell I'd confirm someone. Everyone is surprised that I am still in this area. The bishop asked if I wanted to raise my family in the ward. The jokes and questions about how long I've been here just keep coming.
This last week has been intense. So as I explained last week we are on the bikes now, no car. On Sunday we were biking to an appointment in Evanston from Winnetka. I was peddaling along, and I steered into the gutter to avoid going over a speed bump. I'd done this before with no problem. Except this time I clipped my pedal on the curb. This Threw my bike and me off balance, and I crashed. My bike lay a couple yards behind me. The handle bars twisted sideways and when I fell I racked myself on my bike. This was the part that hurt the most. My companion was alread riding off ahead. I just lay there moaning. One car stopped to see if I was ok. I eventually got up and licked the blood off the palms of my hands. My hip also felt bruised from when I'd landed. I got back on the bike and we continued the work that night. Sad thing was, that when I got home I looked at my pants and I have a hole in my suit now. The bike is ok though. Throughout the night while we were working though, my hip continued to tighten up. I was limping into the apartment. It's still a little sore, but it's gotten a lot better.So since it's been one year I have decided to redo all of my lesson plans that I have written from the MTC. I figure this would be a good time since it has been a year. It's turning out to be a great study, and I'm really being able to spend some time studying the first lesson right now.
We had exchanges with the Zone Leaders this week. I've discussed with Elder Aquino some of my concerns that have been occurring with my new companion. He has wanted to go in early some nights, so I've had to fight that battle again. I'm back to having to fight the obedience battle. He doesn't seem to like tracting, and seems tired. I'm trying to get to know him, but it's as if I am forcing conversation. I ask small talk questions, but it's difficult to get real conversation going. I feel that the contention between us is hurting our finding efforts. The spirit is not there. I noticed a big difference when I was with Elder Aquino, everything seemed to work out better. I've come to the conclusion that without the Spirit you're basically just going through the motions. Last night he wanted to go in early and we still had 10 minutes to work. I felt it was wrong, but he stayed in the underground parking and I went outside to talk to people and knock on a few doors, by myself. It was probably the wrong thing to do, and I felt awkward walking aroung at night by myself. Last night we also had a talk together about how we both feel. He wants me to relax, and related to me the "Spirit of the law or letter of the law." I've heard this before from Elder Glauser, but I don't feel I should have to sacrifice what is right. We are trying to work things out together. In talking with Elder Aquino we came to the conclusion that my course of action is to try and love and serve him. That's what I'm going to try and do. If there are any other suggestions that you can give me, I'm open to advice. Things are deffinately challenging. I'm going to have to work with this companion, because our relationship is deffinately not roses. I don't think he really likes me. Then again, in talking to Elder Aquino (my zone leader), he said that a lot of missionaries don't like me. He said that he's heard comments made about me. He said that he thinks the reason they don't like me is because I work hard. I feel like I'm singled out, that because I'm different from the majority: I am hated. Elder Aquino said that he has had to face a lot of the same challenges that I am facing, and he was able to offer council. He's said that there is not a lot of focused and obedient missionaries in the English program. I don't understand why everyone has to hate me. It hit me really hard when he told me that. I'm just trying to do what's right, I value what God thinks, and I value this work far more than what someone else thinks. These are missionaries, people who are supposed to be on my side, they are supposed to be my teammates, my fellow commrads and soldiers in God's army. Instead I feel like I have to fight two wars, one on the home front and the other when I step onto the streets or onto a doorstep. Elder Johnson and I have started to talk about some things, but none the less it's going to be a work in progress. I've done this once before and I can do it again, I know that the Lord will uphold me if I keep the commandments. I'm going to need the Lord's help as much as possible. It's interesting how as the one trial of winter ends another begins to keep us growing. I think it is to continue to make me stretch.
Anyway It's been one year in the mission. I feel like I just have my last day when I was at home and then yesterday, and everything else is a mach one blur in between. I've been reflecting on past memories and on my day before I began my mission. I wish that last night could have been a little brighter, and not so overcast by the fact that my companion and I were in disagreance. All the same this has been a good time to think. Josh begins his Journey and I commemorate a year as a missionary. It's been great. The best decision I've ever made. I look forward to this next year, but I feel everything is slipping past. I hope everything goes well for Josh. Today we are going to play soccer and basketball downtown, and then go out to dinner. It should be fun.
I love you all, and I thank you for your support and prayers. Thanks again for the jacket.
With love and perserverance,
Elder Adams
I'm finding that this companion is very different. There are a number of things that we have to work on. I won't talk about everything.
Friday, May 15, 2009
May 13, 2009
So the museum is pretty intense. It's very straightforward. They don't spare anyones feelings. They tell it how it was. Consequently there are some graphic parts, as missionaries we had to bypass. It's even got a railcar that you can go inside and see what their ride to the concentration camps was like. It's good to hear that mom smiled. She didn't cry this time, so that shows that the scars are healing. She can cry though when Josh leaves. So I'm here in North Shore for one more transfer. I wrote mom about it so read hers. I don't have a lot of time to write this week though. Next week we are going to celebrate my year mark with another Elder that came out with me. I love you dad. I hope things go well with scouts and what not.
Love your son.
Read 2nephi 5-7. I think these are the one's I don't have my scriptures by me. This is the advice that Lehi gives to his sons. I don't know it might be interesting to put yourself in his position.
Yes Mom I have heard of the Lock your heart talk. It's one of several talks that are in a binder called the "Welcome binder" that they give us when we come into Chicago. It's a good one, a real Firecracker. I did print those pictures off on the printer you gave me. That is actually the first time that I have used it, or even taken it out of the box. I printed off a few others to give to Ricardo, of his baptism.As for the scriptures, I think those were the ones that were all about those who reject the message we share. It's powerful, and shows how important this work is to the Lord, and how important his servants are to him.
The jacket, YES A SMALL!!! YOU are correct, I can fit several things under there.I can't believe that it's shipping off time for Josh. That is intense. There is a dry cleaner in the mtc, and if I remember correctly it's EXTREMELY CHEAP, so if he has any thoughts of dry cleaning anything after his two months there I would do it. Because it's a litte more spendy when you get out in the world. Anyway I won't keep you waiting any longer. I'M STILL HERE IN NORTH SHORE!!!! Yeah!!!!! President called yesterday and said he wants to leave me here one more, but Elder Stanger was transfered. At transfers I received a lot of "good jobs" from the AP's. This will probably be the last transfer here though. My new companion is Elder Johnson, from Bakersfield, California. He's been out 9 months. I'm really excited for this transfer. He seems to be a great missionary. At transfers one of the AP's came up to me and asked if we wanted to give up the car, because there are some missionaries who don't have a car. I told him we could do that, because we 've been biking almost everyday anyway. President was standing nearby and the AP said to president that we don't have enough cars. I then again told President that we'd be willing to go on bikes, because we bike anyway. President said that our area also used to be a biking area anyway. This I already knew and I reaffirmed that I knew this to him. President agreed with the decision. So we are now going to be on bikes here. President thanked me for stepping up on this one. I thought "What have I volunteered for?" Because it's been rainy today. So I'll really need that rain jacket, stat, and the Sherpa Jacket!!!! This is now the biggest area with bikes in it. We are going to put some miles in, because before we never biked up to Glencoe, we are going to have to do that now. I will now have served in the two largest areas, on a bike (Norwood Park, and North Shore 1) Here we Go!!! I'm excited though!!! I get one more in North Shore.
Next week we are planning to get together with another Elder that I came out here with and we are going to celebrate our year marks. We'll do something fun, probably go someplace to eat. I'm glad to hear that you liked the card and that you received it.
I love you mom. It's crazy to think that it's been a year. Josh is now leaving, and things are going forward. Wow, time flys. I love you, you and the family are always in my prayers. It's a privilege to serve the Lord, and to be out here.
Love,
Elder Adams
I am excited for this transfer. Excited to work with Elder Johnson. From what I've seen he seems to be great. We are deffinately going to get some exercise on the bikes also; that's for sure. This looks to be a great transfer. Once again we are going to hit the ground running!
Well you're going into the Mtc. It's that time to serve. Gird up your loins, and prepare for battle soldier. Remember what I told you, be obedient, no matter what your companions or other missionaries might think. Go out there and serve with all of your heart. Fear nothing, fear no one, aim high, and work hard and the Lord will bless you. Stay strong, even when it's tough. You only have these two years to give it your all, and the time goes by quickly, believe me. I love you Brother, and I'm glad that you have made the decision that I have. It will prove to be the greatest you'll ever make. This Gospel changes lives, the Spirit will carry this message to the hearts of the people and will give you the words to speak to touch the people. The Lord and the Spirit just need and physical vessel to carry the message. We are just the labor, the flesh, the muscle to do the work. The Lord takes care of everything else. We just have to do the footwork, to open our mouths and proclaim the message to all!!! So do it, Just do it!! Go out and serve. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
I love you, Josh.
Sincerely Elder Adams
P.S.-That's the last time I'll call you Josh until I see you again.
Next week I commemorate my year mark. You begin your journey. It's a crossroads. I'll think of you and what you are beginning as I reflect on my past year.
Love Your Brother Elder Adams
P.S. -Give these two emails to mom to save
Love your son.
Read 2nephi 5-7. I think these are the one's I don't have my scriptures by me. This is the advice that Lehi gives to his sons. I don't know it might be interesting to put yourself in his position.
Yes Mom I have heard of the Lock your heart talk. It's one of several talks that are in a binder called the "Welcome binder" that they give us when we come into Chicago. It's a good one, a real Firecracker. I did print those pictures off on the printer you gave me. That is actually the first time that I have used it, or even taken it out of the box. I printed off a few others to give to Ricardo, of his baptism.As for the scriptures, I think those were the ones that were all about those who reject the message we share. It's powerful, and shows how important this work is to the Lord, and how important his servants are to him.
The jacket, YES A SMALL!!! YOU are correct, I can fit several things under there.I can't believe that it's shipping off time for Josh. That is intense. There is a dry cleaner in the mtc, and if I remember correctly it's EXTREMELY CHEAP, so if he has any thoughts of dry cleaning anything after his two months there I would do it. Because it's a litte more spendy when you get out in the world. Anyway I won't keep you waiting any longer. I'M STILL HERE IN NORTH SHORE!!!! Yeah!!!!! President called yesterday and said he wants to leave me here one more, but Elder Stanger was transfered. At transfers I received a lot of "good jobs" from the AP's. This will probably be the last transfer here though. My new companion is Elder Johnson, from Bakersfield, California. He's been out 9 months. I'm really excited for this transfer. He seems to be a great missionary. At transfers one of the AP's came up to me and asked if we wanted to give up the car, because there are some missionaries who don't have a car. I told him we could do that, because we 've been biking almost everyday anyway. President was standing nearby and the AP said to president that we don't have enough cars. I then again told President that we'd be willing to go on bikes, because we bike anyway. President said that our area also used to be a biking area anyway. This I already knew and I reaffirmed that I knew this to him. President agreed with the decision. So we are now going to be on bikes here. President thanked me for stepping up on this one. I thought "What have I volunteered for?" Because it's been rainy today. So I'll really need that rain jacket, stat, and the Sherpa Jacket!!!! This is now the biggest area with bikes in it. We are going to put some miles in, because before we never biked up to Glencoe, we are going to have to do that now. I will now have served in the two largest areas, on a bike (Norwood Park, and North Shore 1) Here we Go!!! I'm excited though!!! I get one more in North Shore.
Next week we are planning to get together with another Elder that I came out here with and we are going to celebrate our year marks. We'll do something fun, probably go someplace to eat. I'm glad to hear that you liked the card and that you received it.
I love you mom. It's crazy to think that it's been a year. Josh is now leaving, and things are going forward. Wow, time flys. I love you, you and the family are always in my prayers. It's a privilege to serve the Lord, and to be out here.
Love,
Elder Adams
I am excited for this transfer. Excited to work with Elder Johnson. From what I've seen he seems to be great. We are deffinately going to get some exercise on the bikes also; that's for sure. This looks to be a great transfer. Once again we are going to hit the ground running!
Well you're going into the Mtc. It's that time to serve. Gird up your loins, and prepare for battle soldier. Remember what I told you, be obedient, no matter what your companions or other missionaries might think. Go out there and serve with all of your heart. Fear nothing, fear no one, aim high, and work hard and the Lord will bless you. Stay strong, even when it's tough. You only have these two years to give it your all, and the time goes by quickly, believe me. I love you Brother, and I'm glad that you have made the decision that I have. It will prove to be the greatest you'll ever make. This Gospel changes lives, the Spirit will carry this message to the hearts of the people and will give you the words to speak to touch the people. The Lord and the Spirit just need and physical vessel to carry the message. We are just the labor, the flesh, the muscle to do the work. The Lord takes care of everything else. We just have to do the footwork, to open our mouths and proclaim the message to all!!! So do it, Just do it!! Go out and serve. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
I love you, Josh.
Sincerely Elder Adams
P.S.-That's the last time I'll call you Josh until I see you again.
Next week I commemorate my year mark. You begin your journey. It's a crossroads. I'll think of you and what you are beginning as I reflect on my past year.
Love Your Brother Elder Adams
P.S. -Give these two emails to mom to save
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May 6, 2009
We are headed to the cheesecake factory with bill today, It should be exciting, but we have to hurry. DOWNTOWN IN THE CITY!!!!!!!
I'll call somewhere between 5:30 and 7:30, we don't know exactly yet.
I don't have alot of time today so you can hear from the others what I wrote to them. I'm trying to get Elder Stanger to testify more in lessons, and to have more input. Every once in a while he will just let me teach, or I'll have to tell him to teach certain things. His teaching and door approaches are really improving though. I am amazed at how much he's come along. We still work on helping him talk to everyone, but there have been leaps and bounds made here also. Elder Stanger is like a creation that I have seen growing up before me. I'm particularly loving the warm weather and things are going great.
Thank you for all that you do.
With Charity and Love,
Elder Adams
I had some really interesting experiences yesterday with bearing testimony and the people we met. Remind me to tell you about them when I call, if I don't get a chance to write later today.
Make sure the jacket is just a shell like josh's black ones, I don't need anything big or long just the black wind breaker, waterproof, shell things josh has, just like that.
The Holocaust museum was intense. It is very well put together. It's definately worth seeing. I'd like to come back when I'm not a missionary though, because there are some parts of it that we had to skip because it became a little graphic. The weather has warmed up though lately so that has been nice. I still can't get over seeing flowers, and trees in bloom, and green grass. I've almost seen this place come full circle as far as nature is concerned. It's beautiful here, with all of the trees, and their huge white blossoms. Yesterday we did 17.9 miles on the bikes, it was a lot of fun. Well it's good to see you're hanging in there. Sorry I don't have a lot of time this week, I love you tons and talk to you this Sunday.
Elder Adams
So we spoke with a lady who was from Germany on Sunday. It was interesting. I got to say Auf Wiedersehen to her, not bad eh. Anyway you got to be careful bro. That sounds rough, I'll deffinately keep you in my prayers. I'll look forward to hearing from you this Sunday. It's good to hear that you passed your tests also. We've been biking a ton lately, yesterday we did 17.9 miles. You talk to a lot of people from Hati and Jamaica here. We actually had a awesome lesson with this guy from Hati. We don't get to meet with him again for like another 20 days because he went on a trip back to Hati. He's basicall on the path to baptism.
Love you bro. Sorry not much time to write this week, I'm in a rush.
Elder Adams
Continue to prepare and ready yourself
Thanks for the letter bro. I don't have a lot of time to write this week. I appreciate you writing and I will talk to you this Sunday. Keep pressing forward with faith and diligence.
Your Brother, Elder Adams
i'm in the apple store with Bill and my companion. We just had lunch at the Cheesecake factory and we are walking around before we get dessert. I'm here for a bit.
So he's a large and you got me a medium. I hope it fits, because I am a smaller size than Josh. I hope it's not huge on me.
I'll call somewhere between 5:30 and 7:30, we don't know exactly yet.
I don't have alot of time today so you can hear from the others what I wrote to them. I'm trying to get Elder Stanger to testify more in lessons, and to have more input. Every once in a while he will just let me teach, or I'll have to tell him to teach certain things. His teaching and door approaches are really improving though. I am amazed at how much he's come along. We still work on helping him talk to everyone, but there have been leaps and bounds made here also. Elder Stanger is like a creation that I have seen growing up before me. I'm particularly loving the warm weather and things are going great.
Thank you for all that you do.
With Charity and Love,
Elder Adams
I had some really interesting experiences yesterday with bearing testimony and the people we met. Remind me to tell you about them when I call, if I don't get a chance to write later today.
Make sure the jacket is just a shell like josh's black ones, I don't need anything big or long just the black wind breaker, waterproof, shell things josh has, just like that.
The Holocaust museum was intense. It is very well put together. It's definately worth seeing. I'd like to come back when I'm not a missionary though, because there are some parts of it that we had to skip because it became a little graphic. The weather has warmed up though lately so that has been nice. I still can't get over seeing flowers, and trees in bloom, and green grass. I've almost seen this place come full circle as far as nature is concerned. It's beautiful here, with all of the trees, and their huge white blossoms. Yesterday we did 17.9 miles on the bikes, it was a lot of fun. Well it's good to see you're hanging in there. Sorry I don't have a lot of time this week, I love you tons and talk to you this Sunday.
Elder Adams
So we spoke with a lady who was from Germany on Sunday. It was interesting. I got to say Auf Wiedersehen to her, not bad eh. Anyway you got to be careful bro. That sounds rough, I'll deffinately keep you in my prayers. I'll look forward to hearing from you this Sunday. It's good to hear that you passed your tests also. We've been biking a ton lately, yesterday we did 17.9 miles. You talk to a lot of people from Hati and Jamaica here. We actually had a awesome lesson with this guy from Hati. We don't get to meet with him again for like another 20 days because he went on a trip back to Hati. He's basicall on the path to baptism.
Love you bro. Sorry not much time to write this week, I'm in a rush.
Elder Adams
Continue to prepare and ready yourself
Thanks for the letter bro. I don't have a lot of time to write this week. I appreciate you writing and I will talk to you this Sunday. Keep pressing forward with faith and diligence.
Your Brother, Elder Adams
i'm in the apple store with Bill and my companion. We just had lunch at the Cheesecake factory and we are walking around before we get dessert. I'm here for a bit.
So he's a large and you got me a medium. I hope it fits, because I am a smaller size than Josh. I hope it's not huge on me.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
