Yeah they transfered Elder Jenkins.....I'm still here in North Shore. I'm excited to be here, but I'm not going to lie I'm going to miss Elder Jenkins. It was probably 2 and a half of the greatest weeks of my mission. We worked so well together, and talked to everyone. My new companion is another new one. He's only been out about 3 months in the field. He grew up most of his life in California, then moved to Utah. He seems to be really good. He wants to work hard and be obedient so I'm excited about that. His name is Elder Gardner. So just today my trainer Elder Purdie flew home along with 14 others. 15 went home and zero came out into the english program. 3 came to spanish. The downsizing has begun. Anyway I'm glad that you got the numbers you needed for your course. Tear it up on the mountain for me. I want to hear all about it, spare no details, have mom type for you if you have to. Oh, and what do you mean that you "have a hard time getting through it?" you mean it's hard to get through Timberline? Anyway I love you dad, and I hope fathers day was a blast, did you get my card, I want to hear what you did.
Love ya,
YOur son, Elder Adams
I'm still here, no time, new comp, might be able to write later, things are good.
So yeah yesterday was intense. We went to transfers and then we had some members take us shopping in their car so that we could buy a bunch of stuff and stock up for the transfer and not have to worry about the bike situation and shopping. So I bought a ton of stuff. I bought 50 or more apples at this fruit market. They were 49 cents a pound, milk was on sale so I bought that and I'm freezing it. I shouldn't have to do really any shopping for the next 6 weeks. However this took a while and by the end we didn't have anytime to write. My companio wanted to still be able to email so he got permission from president for us to use an hour today (Thursday) to be able to do our emails. President approved us. Yesterday was the last transfer with President stoddard, and the new President will be here on tuesday. We meet him at a meet the President meeting next wednesday. This morning my trainer Elder Purdie flew home. It's wild how time flies. 15 Missionaries went home this time and 3 came out into the spanish program. There are less missionaries going into the field so there is downsizing occurring. By the end of sept or oct. we will be down from our usuall 120 missionaries to 80. There combining a lot of areas. Anyway my new companion is Elder Gardner from Utah, but he lived in California till he was 16. He's only been out here in the field for 3 months, so I have another fairly new missionary. I'm excited though for another transfer here in North Shore. He wants to work hard and be obedient. I'm not going to lie though, I'm going to miss Elder Jenkins. We hugged each other before we went to bed the last night, and we went out to eat together. He came up with the idea, he said "It's our last night!" These have been proabably 2 and half of the best weeks of my mission. We talked to everyone, we worked hard together. I loved Elder Jenkins. He wants to open a ranch when he gets home and he told me I should design him a barn, we planned it one day while tracting. I told him that he needs to teach me how to ride a horse. Elder Jenkins was great, I'm going to miss him. Anyway. ON monday we met these chinese guys from china who are going to school here. We carried a futon and a desk for 4 blocks and then they invited us in and cut up watermelon for us. They passed out Dr. Pepper's (which I gave to my companion), and then we talked to them. They asked questions about us, and we asked them about china. They only knew the name Jesus Christ, but nothing about him. Father in Heaven seemed to be new to them. It was interesting explaining some of these things to them, in between talking to them about there culture and food, and how they can only have one child in china. They are all only children. One of them invited me to play soccer with them on Saturday, so that might be a potential. This was just and interesting experience, because how else would they have heard what little we taught them, unless they were here and we had offered to help them. They were so thankful, so thankful. WE don't have missionaries in China, so this was like a once in a lifetime opportunity for them and us. Anyway the work goes on here in North Shore. The baptism was great, I'll have to tell you the background on Evens path to conversion sometime. His name is Evens Thoussaint, he's hatian. It was a great service, he'll be strong. I've got to go now. I love you all and you're in my prayers.
LOve Elder Adams.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
June 17, 2009
One thing I've learned this past week is that you can only do your best when you are trying to serve. Appointments will fall through, or people won't keep their commitments, or we can't get a hold of people, so people waste our time, but you just have to do the best you can. That's what I've learned. As long as you're doing your part. This week has been intense also. Friday I was hit by a car. Well I should say that this car cut me off and pulled into a parking spot on the side of the street, just as I was looking off to the side. I busted up my knuckles and bruised my leg. Really my whole left side of my body smashed into the side of the car, and I dented and scraped her car. My ribs are bruised pretty bad too. They asked me if I wanted an ambulance, and I tried to refuse but the cop and my companion persuaded me. The ambulance checked me out and wrapped my hand in gauze, and the looked at my ribs. They wanted to take me to the hospital, but I refused this and told them I'd be ok. They made me sign a paper saying I had refused. However my companion had told sister Stoddard while I was in the ambulance and she called monday and said that the missionary department wants me to have an xray done and have my ribs looked at. So monday I spent forever in the Emergency room waiting to be seen. We didn't get home till about 11 at night. My ribs are just bruised. It hurts to cough and and sneeze. Having my hand wrapped up after the accident we just went right back to work and kept talking to people. This all happened in downtown Evanston. My hand all wrapped up grabbed peoples attention and made for good conversation. An old lady gave me a bunch of Tylenol. People were more apt to stop and listen to what we had to say, seeing as I had been hit by a car and was still out sharing the Lord's message. We stopped by a lady who we have taught once that works at a defensive driving school in down town Evanston, and they had a class going so she had me come in a be a live example with my hand all wrapped up and everything. I told them I was a missionary and told them the whole story. When I got out of the ambulance there was also a member of our ward standing there. The lady that was driving when she got out to see how I was kept asking me over and over again if I was ok. I don't remember what happened, because it was all so fast, but my companion was behind me and he saw and told me what happened. He said my bike went up verticle and then I turned and came off the back and hit the car, then I bounced back. My bike lay under a car a few yards away, but it's ok. That's what I was really concerned about. Well that's a short version, one day when we've got time and a few visual aids I can lay it all out and diagram it for everyone. (My companion has been doing this at members homes, and he did it quite often that night after the accident with pen lids or toy cars, we were both able to laugh about it then). So now I just have to wait for my ribs to heal so I can clear my throat without pain.
This Friday we have a baptism with Evans Thoussaint. He's Hatian. It will be awesome, he really has prepared for this great step in his life.
The finding is really going great. We've had some great lessons this past week, some great experiences.
Things are going great with Elder Jenkins. He's a great companion, probably one of the most well rounded companions that I've had on my mission. He's got a great personality also, so it's like I'm doing missionary work with a good friend. Thank you so much. The work continues to go forward, and the Lord continues to bless our efforts. It's incredible the difference, how we are let in to teach people, or we are teaching lessons on the street corners, and praying with them. I really respect Elder Jenkins, and I want to do things to help and serve him. I'm just continually astounded at how the Lord continues to bless us with success. It's great.
Right now I have a cold that I'm trying to quickly get rid of. Riding home on my bike last night in the rain, and walking into our apartment drenched, probably didn't help any. Love you tons dad. Thanks for your support and Encouragement.
Elder Adams, From Chicago
This Friday we have a baptism with Evans Thoussaint. He's Hatian. It will be awesome, he really has prepared for this great step in his life.
The finding is really going great. We've had some great lessons this past week, some great experiences.
Things are going great with Elder Jenkins. He's a great companion, probably one of the most well rounded companions that I've had on my mission. He's got a great personality also, so it's like I'm doing missionary work with a good friend. Thank you so much. The work continues to go forward, and the Lord continues to bless our efforts. It's incredible the difference, how we are let in to teach people, or we are teaching lessons on the street corners, and praying with them. I really respect Elder Jenkins, and I want to do things to help and serve him. I'm just continually astounded at how the Lord continues to bless us with success. It's great.
Right now I have a cold that I'm trying to quickly get rid of. Riding home on my bike last night in the rain, and walking into our apartment drenched, probably didn't help any. Love you tons dad. Thanks for your support and Encouragement.
Elder Adams, From Chicago
June 17, 2009
Not much time though we are trying to make it downtown, Its the last p-day of the transfer so we want to see the city, just in case. Elder Jenkins has never served in the city so the only time he saw it was when he came in.
What does DNA stand for? You'll have to tell me some of the things that you are learning at EFY. Treat dad with a little extra love for me this weekend. Love you bro. Sorry I don't have much time you can hear all of the things that have happened from mom.
Elder Adams
Right now I have a cold that I'm trying to quickly get rid of. Riding home on my bike last night in the rain, and walking into our apartment drenched, probably didn't help any. I've had some intense things happen this week. I don't want you to panic though, remain calm, breath. So on Friday I was hit by a car. Well I should say that this car cut me off and pulled into a parking spot on the side of the street, just as I was looking off to the side. I busted up my knuckles and bruised my leg. Really my whole left side of my body smashed into the side of the car, and I dented and scraped her car. My ribs are bruised pretty bad too. They asked me if I wanted an ambulance, and I tried to refuse but the cop and my companion persuaded me. The ambulance checked me out and wrapped my hand in gauze, and the looked at my ribs. They wanted to take me to the hospital, but I refused this and told them I'd be ok. They made me sign a paper saying I had refused. However my companion had told sister Stoddard while I was in the ambulance and she called monday and said that the missionary department wants me to have an xray done and have my ribs looked at. So monday I spent forever in the Emergency room waiting to be seen. We didn't get home till about 11 at night. My ribs are just bruised. It hurts to cough and and sneeze. Having my hand wrapped up after the accident we just went right back to work and kept talking to people. This all happened in downtown Evanston. My hand all wrapped up grabbed peoples attention and made for good conversation. An old lady gave me a bunch of Tylenol. People were more apt to stop and listen to what we had to say, seeing as I had been hit by a car and was still out sharing the Lord's message. We stopped by a lady who we have taught once that works at a defensive driving school in down town Evanston, and they had a class going so she had me come in a be a live example with my hand all wrapped up and everything. I told them I was a missionary and told them the whole story. When I got out of the ambulance there was also a member of our ward standing there. The lady that was driving when she got out to see how I was kept asking me over and over again if I was ok. I don't remember what happened, because it was all so fast, but my companion was behind me and he saw and told me what happened. He said my bike went up verticle and then I turned and came off the back and hit the car, then I bounced back. My bike lay under a car a few yards away, but it's ok. That's what I was really concerned about. Well that's a short version, one day when we've got time and a few visual aids I can lay it all out and diagram it for everyone. (My companion has been doing this at members homes, and he did it quite often that night after the accident with pen lids or toy cars, we were both able to laugh about it then). So now I just have to wait for my ribs to heal so I can clear my throat without pain.
This Friday we have a baptism with Evans Thoussaint. He's Hatian. It will be awesome, he really has prepared for this great step in his life.
The finding is really going great. We've had some great lessons this past week, some great experiences.
Things are going great with Elder Jenkins. He's a great companion, probably one of the most well rounded companions that I've had on my mission. He's got a great personality also, so it's like I'm doing missionary work with a good friend. Thank you so much. The work continues to go forward, and the Lord continues to bless our efforts. It's incredible the difference, how we are let in to teach people, or we are teaching lessons on the street corners, and praying with them. I really respect Elder Jenkins, and I want to do things to help and serve him. I'm just continually astounded at how the Lord continues to bless us with success. It's great.
Love Elder Adams,
Keep me in your prayers.
Sorry I've got to go. I love you tons.
What does DNA stand for? You'll have to tell me some of the things that you are learning at EFY. Treat dad with a little extra love for me this weekend. Love you bro. Sorry I don't have much time you can hear all of the things that have happened from mom.
Elder Adams
Right now I have a cold that I'm trying to quickly get rid of. Riding home on my bike last night in the rain, and walking into our apartment drenched, probably didn't help any. I've had some intense things happen this week. I don't want you to panic though, remain calm, breath. So on Friday I was hit by a car. Well I should say that this car cut me off and pulled into a parking spot on the side of the street, just as I was looking off to the side. I busted up my knuckles and bruised my leg. Really my whole left side of my body smashed into the side of the car, and I dented and scraped her car. My ribs are bruised pretty bad too. They asked me if I wanted an ambulance, and I tried to refuse but the cop and my companion persuaded me. The ambulance checked me out and wrapped my hand in gauze, and the looked at my ribs. They wanted to take me to the hospital, but I refused this and told them I'd be ok. They made me sign a paper saying I had refused. However my companion had told sister Stoddard while I was in the ambulance and she called monday and said that the missionary department wants me to have an xray done and have my ribs looked at. So monday I spent forever in the Emergency room waiting to be seen. We didn't get home till about 11 at night. My ribs are just bruised. It hurts to cough and and sneeze. Having my hand wrapped up after the accident we just went right back to work and kept talking to people. This all happened in downtown Evanston. My hand all wrapped up grabbed peoples attention and made for good conversation. An old lady gave me a bunch of Tylenol. People were more apt to stop and listen to what we had to say, seeing as I had been hit by a car and was still out sharing the Lord's message. We stopped by a lady who we have taught once that works at a defensive driving school in down town Evanston, and they had a class going so she had me come in a be a live example with my hand all wrapped up and everything. I told them I was a missionary and told them the whole story. When I got out of the ambulance there was also a member of our ward standing there. The lady that was driving when she got out to see how I was kept asking me over and over again if I was ok. I don't remember what happened, because it was all so fast, but my companion was behind me and he saw and told me what happened. He said my bike went up verticle and then I turned and came off the back and hit the car, then I bounced back. My bike lay under a car a few yards away, but it's ok. That's what I was really concerned about. Well that's a short version, one day when we've got time and a few visual aids I can lay it all out and diagram it for everyone. (My companion has been doing this at members homes, and he did it quite often that night after the accident with pen lids or toy cars, we were both able to laugh about it then). So now I just have to wait for my ribs to heal so I can clear my throat without pain.
This Friday we have a baptism with Evans Thoussaint. He's Hatian. It will be awesome, he really has prepared for this great step in his life.
The finding is really going great. We've had some great lessons this past week, some great experiences.
Things are going great with Elder Jenkins. He's a great companion, probably one of the most well rounded companions that I've had on my mission. He's got a great personality also, so it's like I'm doing missionary work with a good friend. Thank you so much. The work continues to go forward, and the Lord continues to bless our efforts. It's incredible the difference, how we are let in to teach people, or we are teaching lessons on the street corners, and praying with them. I really respect Elder Jenkins, and I want to do things to help and serve him. I'm just continually astounded at how the Lord continues to bless us with success. It's great.
Love Elder Adams,
Keep me in your prayers.
Sorry I've got to go. I love you tons.
Monday, June 15, 2009
June 10, 2009
Well it's ironic that you should say, How's the battle. I thought things were getting better. We were out tracting and talking to each other I thought things might be changing. Then last Friday night I was trying to tell him that we only have an hour for lunch and an hour for dinner. Long story short and as things escalated, I tried to talk to him, but he punched me in the head and pushed me on my bed, then he stood over me and swore at me. I surprised myself and didn't do anything back, I didn't even push him when he came at me. I just protected my glasses that I was wearing. I got up off of the bed and called President. I surprised I didn't retaliate. Elder Johnson was transfered the next day and I now have a new companion. It's odd you should say that things won't be easy when you're doing the right thing. When President interviewed me Saturday morning he told me, "You're are never in the wrong when you are trying to be hard working, obedient, and spirit driven." He then had me stand up and he gave me a hug, and told me to put it behind me and go to work. My new companion is awesome. He's focused, dedicated, and obedient. He wants to talk to people and share the gospel. He's been out about 4 months, but I love him. There's been a huge change in the work around here. The Lord is blessing us with success. It's amazing what the Spirit in a companionship will do. I sensed it was missing, but now I can tell it's back. Things are so much better. The miracles and the unrealistically great success we are having, the power in the lessons we are teaching, I see it all as a sign of God's stamp of approval that things will be ok. That this is how he wants it to be. I'm ok, and I wrote a few more things to mom, but I wanted to give you some of the details also. Keep me in your prayers. Oh, and I haven't heard how preparation for Timberline is going? Will you be ready to go up on the mountain?
I love you tons dad. You're a great dad.
Elder Adams
HI lots has happened I'm sure you'll have lots of questions. I'll be here for a bit
sorry the internet is really slow this morning. Well I haven't written you the whole story yet, but I have a new companion. There's been an emergency transfer. Friday night I was tellling my companion that we only have an hour for dinner and an hour for lunch and he didn't like that idea. Things progressed, he wanted to drop it, but I tried to talk to him. He then became angry, and started gritting his teeth. Then as I tried to talk to him, he just kept saying "back down, don't use that voice with me, you better watch yourself." He was getting really mad. Then he walked around the counter and punched me in the head, then he pushed me on the bed and stood over me and swore at me. I had my glasses on so I had tried to protect them. I didn't want to push him or anything when he came towards me. Surprisingly I remained calm and got up and called president. We talked for a while, and he talked to Elder Johnson. It was a late night. I think there was talk then and the next day of Elder Johnson being sent home, because hitting your companion is a zero tolerance. The next morning President called and told Elder Johnson to pack his things and be ready in an hour. We then drove for an hour and met president. He interviewed me and one thing I will always remember president saying to me as I told him how I didn't want things like this to happen on my mission. I also told him how the other day I would talk to people and then when they would reject me, I saw my companion smile or laugh silently. This hurts. After I had told President these things I will always remember him telling me this as we stood and he gave me a hug. He said "you are never in the wrong when you are trying to be hard working, obedient, and spirit driven, You are never in the wrong." He then told me to put this behind me and go work. He really showed his love towards me that day, and embraced me. He told me I would get a new companion. I soon found out that this companion was in a situation in which he had to take initiative himself and do a lot of things on his own. So I have a new companion now. His name is Elder Jenkins, from Syracuse, UT. Things have been amazing, I love him. He was companions in the mtc with Eld. Stanger. He's only been out about 4 months, but he's great. He talks to people he's obedient, and wants to work hard. This is exactly what I've been waiting for. Just on Saturday alone, the miracles we saw, the success we had. The companionship unity we have now. The spirit is with us. I could tell a difference when I was with Elder Johnson, that the spirit was not with us, and then when I was put with Elder Jenkins I could tell the spirit is with us. I've been recharged and envigorated. I want to go that much more. It's incredible. This new companion is awesome. The work is moving forward, and I look at the miracles and the success that we've had as a sign from God, a stamp of his approval that this is a good thing. People respond to us differently. The Spirit is back and it feels so good to have a companion that cares. This is sort of a shortened version, but know that things are ok. My Ear was bruised for a couple days from the hit, and I had a little headache the next day, but things are good. I have Eld. Jenkins with me now, the work will go forward. God is blessing us, and smiling down upon us.
Elder Adams
We found out that he was able to stay and he is now serving in Elgin. President had to talk to the missionary departmet, to see what to do.
I love you bro. keep me in your prayers. I think it's great that you are going to efy. That's something that I never did. Enjoy your summer and have fun. You're going to be in high school now how crazy is that. Are you turning 15 this september? Anyway how is practice going with your team. I love hearing your testimony as always, it's an added strength. Just listen to mom and do what she asks you to do, she only wants the best for you. Where are you at in the BOM right now? Anyway you'll have to have mom fill you in on the details, but a lot of intense stuff has happened this week. I have a new companion, there was an emergency transfer because my companion punched me in the face. My new companion is obedient and hard working and he actually cares about what we are doing. Pray for us. I love you bro.
Love your Elder Brother
Hey mom I'm writing this to you and then we have to go to do grocery shopping and lunch really quick. I wanted to go to the temple this week by my companion just went a few weeks ago and we can only go once every 3 months unless we get permission from pres. So I'll be back later today to chat. I got the rain jacket and I love it, thanks. I can't believe sister littleford is 92, tell her hello. I don't know if I ever told you to say thank you to sister merril for the letter and the $10 she sent me. Those were great words that she wrote and they came at a great time. That was the day we had a rough lesson with beverly and I normaly don't get mail, but I got her letter and one from Bill. Let her know that it was greatly appreciated. It sounds like the summer is going great. I look forward to hearing how your lesson goes. I'm really excited to hear that Zach and I are still friends and that a response from him is on the way. It's good to hear he's doing well.
I just want to tell you the support that can come from the Savior. If it weren't for him and his comforting Spirit I'm sure I would have collapsed or fallen. He's helped so much. The Spirit has been with me to comfort me and uplift me, and testify of Christ's love for me. I reflect upon his 33 years of service and then I look at my 2 that I have been given. He served his often times alone, he was rejected and ridiculed. He fae all sorts of opposition, but he never faltered or slowed or tired. For 33 years he served diligently with love, because he loves me. He did this for me. I think of how he was despise, rejected, how there were times when no one but his Father in Heaven was there to help him. Yet he went on. If the Savior did 33 years this way, and now he has called me to stand in his place for his children, and he loved me enough to bleed from every pore, and then to stand and be openly mocked and not say a word back, you better believe I'm willing to stand in his place on the earth for two years and take a fragment of what can even be imagined of what he went through. Except he is with me and knows what it's like. His arm is sufficient, and when I'm not he makes me what I cannot be. He carries. This is my Testimony of the Savior that he lives and loves me. In Christ's name Amen.
Elder Adams
I love you tons dad. You're a great dad.
Elder Adams
HI lots has happened I'm sure you'll have lots of questions. I'll be here for a bit
sorry the internet is really slow this morning. Well I haven't written you the whole story yet, but I have a new companion. There's been an emergency transfer. Friday night I was tellling my companion that we only have an hour for dinner and an hour for lunch and he didn't like that idea. Things progressed, he wanted to drop it, but I tried to talk to him. He then became angry, and started gritting his teeth. Then as I tried to talk to him, he just kept saying "back down, don't use that voice with me, you better watch yourself." He was getting really mad. Then he walked around the counter and punched me in the head, then he pushed me on the bed and stood over me and swore at me. I had my glasses on so I had tried to protect them. I didn't want to push him or anything when he came towards me. Surprisingly I remained calm and got up and called president. We talked for a while, and he talked to Elder Johnson. It was a late night. I think there was talk then and the next day of Elder Johnson being sent home, because hitting your companion is a zero tolerance. The next morning President called and told Elder Johnson to pack his things and be ready in an hour. We then drove for an hour and met president. He interviewed me and one thing I will always remember president saying to me as I told him how I didn't want things like this to happen on my mission. I also told him how the other day I would talk to people and then when they would reject me, I saw my companion smile or laugh silently. This hurts. After I had told President these things I will always remember him telling me this as we stood and he gave me a hug. He said "you are never in the wrong when you are trying to be hard working, obedient, and spirit driven, You are never in the wrong." He then told me to put this behind me and go work. He really showed his love towards me that day, and embraced me. He told me I would get a new companion. I soon found out that this companion was in a situation in which he had to take initiative himself and do a lot of things on his own. So I have a new companion now. His name is Elder Jenkins, from Syracuse, UT. Things have been amazing, I love him. He was companions in the mtc with Eld. Stanger. He's only been out about 4 months, but he's great. He talks to people he's obedient, and wants to work hard. This is exactly what I've been waiting for. Just on Saturday alone, the miracles we saw, the success we had. The companionship unity we have now. The spirit is with us. I could tell a difference when I was with Elder Johnson, that the spirit was not with us, and then when I was put with Elder Jenkins I could tell the spirit is with us. I've been recharged and envigorated. I want to go that much more. It's incredible. This new companion is awesome. The work is moving forward, and I look at the miracles and the success that we've had as a sign from God, a stamp of his approval that this is a good thing. People respond to us differently. The Spirit is back and it feels so good to have a companion that cares. This is sort of a shortened version, but know that things are ok. My Ear was bruised for a couple days from the hit, and I had a little headache the next day, but things are good. I have Eld. Jenkins with me now, the work will go forward. God is blessing us, and smiling down upon us.
Elder Adams
We found out that he was able to stay and he is now serving in Elgin. President had to talk to the missionary departmet, to see what to do.
I love you bro. keep me in your prayers. I think it's great that you are going to efy. That's something that I never did. Enjoy your summer and have fun. You're going to be in high school now how crazy is that. Are you turning 15 this september? Anyway how is practice going with your team. I love hearing your testimony as always, it's an added strength. Just listen to mom and do what she asks you to do, she only wants the best for you. Where are you at in the BOM right now? Anyway you'll have to have mom fill you in on the details, but a lot of intense stuff has happened this week. I have a new companion, there was an emergency transfer because my companion punched me in the face. My new companion is obedient and hard working and he actually cares about what we are doing. Pray for us. I love you bro.
Love your Elder Brother
Hey mom I'm writing this to you and then we have to go to do grocery shopping and lunch really quick. I wanted to go to the temple this week by my companion just went a few weeks ago and we can only go once every 3 months unless we get permission from pres. So I'll be back later today to chat. I got the rain jacket and I love it, thanks. I can't believe sister littleford is 92, tell her hello. I don't know if I ever told you to say thank you to sister merril for the letter and the $10 she sent me. Those were great words that she wrote and they came at a great time. That was the day we had a rough lesson with beverly and I normaly don't get mail, but I got her letter and one from Bill. Let her know that it was greatly appreciated. It sounds like the summer is going great. I look forward to hearing how your lesson goes. I'm really excited to hear that Zach and I are still friends and that a response from him is on the way. It's good to hear he's doing well.
I just want to tell you the support that can come from the Savior. If it weren't for him and his comforting Spirit I'm sure I would have collapsed or fallen. He's helped so much. The Spirit has been with me to comfort me and uplift me, and testify of Christ's love for me. I reflect upon his 33 years of service and then I look at my 2 that I have been given. He served his often times alone, he was rejected and ridiculed. He fae all sorts of opposition, but he never faltered or slowed or tired. For 33 years he served diligently with love, because he loves me. He did this for me. I think of how he was despise, rejected, how there were times when no one but his Father in Heaven was there to help him. Yet he went on. If the Savior did 33 years this way, and now he has called me to stand in his place for his children, and he loved me enough to bleed from every pore, and then to stand and be openly mocked and not say a word back, you better believe I'm willing to stand in his place on the earth for two years and take a fragment of what can even be imagined of what he went through. Except he is with me and knows what it's like. His arm is sufficient, and when I'm not he makes me what I cannot be. He carries. This is my Testimony of the Savior that he lives and loves me. In Christ's name Amen.
Elder Adams
Monday, June 8, 2009
June 3, 2009
The gunners NICE!! That's way cool. I knew you could do it. You're done with school now right. Anyway it sounds like your week has been pretty fun. I'm going to be getting a new mission president in 3 weeks, so that will be pretty intense. We have a hatian guy who is 21 who will be getting baptised in 3 weeks. He's really cool. Anyway, what kind of cleats do you have? Are you doing Timberline staff with dad? You hang in there and have a great summer. Be good while you're the only child at home. Love you Bro. Thank you so much for your testimony, it's great to hear it.
Love your bro, Elder Adams
Oh I wanted to tell you, the other day I ran sprints in the hallway of our apartment building, because my companion didn't want to get up early to go down to the gym. I haven't done that in a while, so that was really good. Just keep working on your skills, spend time playing with a ball, doing the basics, that's something I haven't been able to do out here. It's ok though I'm A MISSIONARY!!!
Good to hear that you are on your summer break. However as for being able to IM me now....Like I said last week my companion was furious that we spent more than an hour emailing. We had our interviews with President Stoddard on Friday. The last one before he goes home in 3 weeks. Anyway we talked about a lot of things. My companion doesn't want to workout in the morning for 45 min, only 30 and he only wants to do an hour of email on preparation day. So I have to comply with these things, President asked me to do them. ON the other hand my companion had to change all of the other things. President wants him to part his hair, wear a shirt and tie during study, do his laundry on preparation day. President told him he needs to take every other door when we are tracting. My companion used to have this bright yellow button with a monkey on it that says "MONKEY BUSINESS", he had this right above his nametag. How can people take us seriously with that on. President made him get rid of that too. Best of all though, President was shocked to hear that I knelt by myself when we prayed at night, during study, when we left the apartment, or any other time we prayed together. He was shocked that I knelt by myself while Elder Johnson stood. This also changed. So now my companion kneels with me when we pray. We are working things out and doing better. I think we understand each other better and we are starting to learn how to work through things. I still feel like I force conversation with him, but the gears don't grind as much. Every once in a while we have a laugh together or get a good conversation going. Our work I think is becoming more effective, so that much I am pleased with.
During interviews while I was waiting, I sat and talked with Sister Stoddard. She then spoke of our conversation in her remarks at Zone conference yesterday, but she didn't mention any names. I had told her how I thought that when I came out here I would be defending my beliefs to those on a doorstep and not to my companions. She referenced this and used it to teach. I knew she was talking about me. It was touching that she shared that. She told me after that she hoped that it would help some missionaries. So yeah, last interview with President Stoddard, Last Zone conference with President Stoddard, and on July 1 I will have a new missionn Presidnet. I have a lot of memories with Pres. He's helped shape my mission, and I've really developed a relationship with him. I'm going to miss him. President and Sister Stoddard have invited everyone to the transfer meeting on June 24, whether you are being transfered or not, it will sort of be a farewell. Then the New mission President will be here on the 30th of June. 3 weeks of President Stoddard left.
I'm doing good. The other day I had an experience in which I felt led and guided in downtown Evanston to talk to a lady. I had thoughts come to my mind and I saw her walking on the other side of the street. I thought to avoid 3 other people in my path because I needed to talk to her. The odd thing was that it was like I was guided down this specific back street, it didn't make sense because there were less people here, but then I saw this lady from about a block away, and I had the thought come to mind "you need to talk to her" I had been ignored by people all that morning, the people were rough. We I walked up to her I felt like what I was doing was important. Incredibly she stopped and listened to me, she didn't look like the type to do so. She was a young lady, possibly a student. She listened though, then I felt I should use the word "eternal" somehow. I walked away from this experience feeling like I had just had and epifany. The Spirit had guided me. It was weird, incredible really is the word for it. I love you all so much. I love you mom. Keep pushing and providing for our family.
Here's Scriptures: DC 70:15-18
DC 90:24
Galatians 6:9
DC 123:13-17
Jacob 5:61-61, 70,71,72,74,75- Diligent servants of the Lord in the vineyard.
If you can't tell from these scriptures, I've been studying diligence this past week. I was the topic for our 5 min talks at zone conference, even though I didn't have to give mine.I really just love this time I have to study the scriptures. I always think about how much of a blessing it is to have this time. I have to wonder how difficult it will be to have this kind of quality time in the real world. I say the real world because being a missionary is like being in candyland, we have our lives paired down to the bare essentials and we are able to just focus on the gospel, and we are protected from worldly things. I Know I am involved in a true and living work of God. I know it. I love you all. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Love Elder Adams
Thanks mom for the Suggestions. I've began trying to do acts of service for him, like his dishes or cleaning his side of the kitchen. When president asked me to yield to certain things I was willing to do so. If we can get along we can have the Spirit, if we have the Spirit the work will go forward. I think a great plan is in motion, and things are going well.
Well my companion is done he wants to leave now, and is not patient right now. So I'm going to have to go. I need to get Josh's email address so I can write him. I haven't been able to hear anything from him, or write him. I know very litte about what he thinks of his first 2 weeks in the MTC. Send Quickly Josh's email, so that I can at least write him something really quick right now.
SEND JOSH"S EMAIL ADDRESS
Hey, mom tell Josh to write me. I'm going to try and check the email later today, so send Josh's email, so then I can maybe write him a quick letter. Thanks.
Elder Adams
Yes we will go forward. That's how trials go, you endure them, and then God works things out in his own time. We will continue to build our relationship. Who knows maybe we can be friends one day. Thank you again for your prayers.
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