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.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
October 21, 2009
Dad, great words of encouragement. Thank you so much. That's intense that you might be driving a bus. Although from things Josh has said, and from you getting these new Jobs, I'm worried. Is money tight at home? I told you guys that I worked hard at Costco, my bank account is open, use it to pay for my mission, to pay for bills, whatever you need it for. You don't have to do this all alone, pay for two missionaries out here.
Anyway I love you dad. You're awesome.
Love your son,
Elder Adams
Mom, you can't do that to me with that poem, it was great, but you can't do that to me. Thanks for finding out some info about Zach, I will keep trying. I have sent him several letters, and have also written his mom and Aaron. Maybe stop by their house and bring some Halloween treats.
This week deffinately held it's struggles for Elder Nowell and I. We had a rough Sunday. My companion wanted to go over on Tuesday (His birthday) to a members home, where the parents would not be home and where it would just be the daughter and her younger brother, and she was going to cook us dinner, and we’d eat outside. He got really mad when I told him no, that’s not a good idea. I told him that I didn’t feel good about it. This just led to more problems and if I even looked at him it set him off. When we went back to the apartment to take lunch he was not happy. I couldn’t get him to leave the apartment. I told him we could call president and ask about the situation. I ended up calling President, but it took forever for him to get back to us. So I was stuck. President eventually called back and talked to both of us and explained to Elder Nowell the rules of the white handbook,a nd that it was not a good idea to go over to this members home without an adult there, even if we did eat outside. Shortly after more discussion we were able to go and get to work, but he wasn’t talking to me. I’m trying to do some soul searching to see what I can do to help the situation, to have the Lord reveal to me what my flaws are so that I can change. There’s been some contention let’s just say, and rough nights before bed, but there is hope smiling brightly because………….
We were able to have an incredible meeting with Chuck and Marissa last Thursday and we are meeting with them tomorrow. I had been praying that they would be prepared to receive the commandments and they were. Marissa had already been thinking about the changes that she would make. She easily accepted the commitment to stop drinking coffee. Chuck accepted the commitment to stop drinking coffee and quit smoking but is struggling. We are meeting with them again tomorrow and we plan to teach the quit smoking program. This is Elder Nowell's first time teaching it, so we have really been working to prepare and get ready for this. Chuck and Marissa also both came to church this Sunday, and they seemed to love it!!!! They also brought their sixteen year old son J.R. Chuck felt really good that he was able to get him to come, and so he asked for a copy of the Book of Mormon for J.R. This is like a miracle family. Chuck has said that sometimes he comes home from work to stop by the house at around midnight and he'll find Marissa in bed reading from the Book of Mormon. Marissa has even said that since she has watched conference on BYU TV that she now likes to watch that channel. They both are so interested and want to take in all that they can. They members of the Branch really loved seeing them at Church, and Chuck really hit it off with a number of members. Members have been asking us who they are what their story is. I think excitement about missionary work, might be starting to get going. Chuck told us that he feels that he and Marissa have both had experiences in their lives that have led them to this. When Chuck introduced he and his wife in Gospel Principles class he said that, "One of the questions he'd always had was why God stopped talking to man 2,000 years ago...?"-"Now we are getting that question answered." It sounded like something off of the mormon.org testimonials part of the web page, I couldn't believe it! Marrissa is also an incredible cook! She made some great Phillipino food for us last time. She made a shrimp dish, a rice and beef dish, and something similar to miniature egg rolls, called Lumpia (Loompia). It was really good. She also made this bread pudding with this sauce that was incredible. I will get the recipe for it tomorrow. They have invited us to have dinner before with them again tomorrow before our lesson. They are such and incredible couple. Hopefully this time their son will join in with us. They are taking to this gospel with all they have. It’s so exciting to introduce them to members at church and to have them preparing for baptism. This is such an exciting time. You don’t know how exciting this is. I pray so much for them. This is like looking forward and preparing for a big vacation, except more. It just makes you so happy to see them. I LOVE IT, I can’t get enough of this experience of teaching Chuck and Marissa. I look forward to each time we see or meet them. They are both looking forward to the baptism. Marissa asked if she needs to get clothes. We told her we would take care of that. November 7, is when the baptism is set for, which is Chuck’s birthday. He’s excited about this. I pointed out to him how this day will have symbolism of birth in more than one way. He’ll celebrate his birth into this world, and being “born again” and a newness of life with his baptism.Up and coming this Sunday, we have organized and been preparing for the past almost 2 months, for an invitational Sunday. Where the members invite their friends to church. Sacrament meeting and everything is dedicated solely to Jesus Christ. Our mission President is coming to speak and then there will be some refreshments afterwards. We’ve been encouraging members to invite their friends, and this will be great for Chuck and Marissa. Then our Branch President has invited us over to his house to eat with President and Sister Doll! Then also transfers are next Wednesday.
Yesterday was also my companions 20th birthday. Which went really well. He was pretty excited. OH, so last Wednesday we had a special Zone Conference with Elder Jones of the second quorum of the seventy. Wow!! This was awesome. President and Sister Doll didn’t say too much, it was mostly instruction from Elder Jones. It was great though. I learned so much, I was writing notes down in my study journal, writing things in Preach my Gospel, absorbing everything I could. I felt like I was back in the MTC learning again. It was that kind of feeling. I loved it, it really took me back. I loved the MTC, because you learned so much, and that’s what this was like. It was just powerfull. Then there was a special meeting afterwards with President, Elder Jones, and all of those in Leadership positions. We discussed how we can take what we had learned back to our districts. Elder Jones placed responsibility on us as leaders. I got to shake his hand after and tell him how I’d felt like I was back in the MTC again. This was an incredible day. Find, teach, baptize, and retain, that was the battle cry. That was the slogan we received. Oh I love it, doing the work!! It went by so fast (Another attribute of learning a lot and being in the MTC).
My Gospel study has been incredible. I've had some spiritual experiences this week as the Savior has drawn me close during times of trial. There's been some rough patches, and it's incredible how you feel alone for a time and then the Lord reaches out and pulls you in. You feel the spirit the most in the hard times. I've done a lot in Preach My Gospel lately also, in the way of study activities, and I have learned alot. John 15 is incredible!!! This has just been a week of trial,tears,frustration, and learning, and enlightenment. I've written so much in my study journal. I Love it!!!!!
Elder Nowell came out on Monday morning for companionship study and has said that he wants to have this be a good week. We've had a drought of good, and so far now things have been good. I am thankful for this. He wants to make it a good one, solid. We will need it if we are to teach Chuck and Marissa, I'm looking forward to tomorrow.
I love you so much mom.
Love Elder Adams
Thanks for the pictures. You all look so different. It's good to see you all though. Spencer is a tall little totem pole....dad I hope you're still able to chop him down from down there every once in a while when he gets out of line. HA AH HA HA. Bill really likes you guys, he had a great time. We are looking forward to going through the temple, working out the logistics of things though. I love you.
Anyway I love you dad. You're awesome.
Love your son,
Elder Adams
Mom, you can't do that to me with that poem, it was great, but you can't do that to me. Thanks for finding out some info about Zach, I will keep trying. I have sent him several letters, and have also written his mom and Aaron. Maybe stop by their house and bring some Halloween treats.
This week deffinately held it's struggles for Elder Nowell and I. We had a rough Sunday. My companion wanted to go over on Tuesday (His birthday) to a members home, where the parents would not be home and where it would just be the daughter and her younger brother, and she was going to cook us dinner, and we’d eat outside. He got really mad when I told him no, that’s not a good idea. I told him that I didn’t feel good about it. This just led to more problems and if I even looked at him it set him off. When we went back to the apartment to take lunch he was not happy. I couldn’t get him to leave the apartment. I told him we could call president and ask about the situation. I ended up calling President, but it took forever for him to get back to us. So I was stuck. President eventually called back and talked to both of us and explained to Elder Nowell the rules of the white handbook,a nd that it was not a good idea to go over to this members home without an adult there, even if we did eat outside. Shortly after more discussion we were able to go and get to work, but he wasn’t talking to me. I’m trying to do some soul searching to see what I can do to help the situation, to have the Lord reveal to me what my flaws are so that I can change. There’s been some contention let’s just say, and rough nights before bed, but there is hope smiling brightly because………….
We were able to have an incredible meeting with Chuck and Marissa last Thursday and we are meeting with them tomorrow. I had been praying that they would be prepared to receive the commandments and they were. Marissa had already been thinking about the changes that she would make. She easily accepted the commitment to stop drinking coffee. Chuck accepted the commitment to stop drinking coffee and quit smoking but is struggling. We are meeting with them again tomorrow and we plan to teach the quit smoking program. This is Elder Nowell's first time teaching it, so we have really been working to prepare and get ready for this. Chuck and Marissa also both came to church this Sunday, and they seemed to love it!!!! They also brought their sixteen year old son J.R. Chuck felt really good that he was able to get him to come, and so he asked for a copy of the Book of Mormon for J.R. This is like a miracle family. Chuck has said that sometimes he comes home from work to stop by the house at around midnight and he'll find Marissa in bed reading from the Book of Mormon. Marissa has even said that since she has watched conference on BYU TV that she now likes to watch that channel. They both are so interested and want to take in all that they can. They members of the Branch really loved seeing them at Church, and Chuck really hit it off with a number of members. Members have been asking us who they are what their story is. I think excitement about missionary work, might be starting to get going. Chuck told us that he feels that he and Marissa have both had experiences in their lives that have led them to this. When Chuck introduced he and his wife in Gospel Principles class he said that, "One of the questions he'd always had was why God stopped talking to man 2,000 years ago...?"-"Now we are getting that question answered." It sounded like something off of the mormon.org testimonials part of the web page, I couldn't believe it! Marrissa is also an incredible cook! She made some great Phillipino food for us last time. She made a shrimp dish, a rice and beef dish, and something similar to miniature egg rolls, called Lumpia (Loompia). It was really good. She also made this bread pudding with this sauce that was incredible. I will get the recipe for it tomorrow. They have invited us to have dinner before with them again tomorrow before our lesson. They are such and incredible couple. Hopefully this time their son will join in with us. They are taking to this gospel with all they have. It’s so exciting to introduce them to members at church and to have them preparing for baptism. This is such an exciting time. You don’t know how exciting this is. I pray so much for them. This is like looking forward and preparing for a big vacation, except more. It just makes you so happy to see them. I LOVE IT, I can’t get enough of this experience of teaching Chuck and Marissa. I look forward to each time we see or meet them. They are both looking forward to the baptism. Marissa asked if she needs to get clothes. We told her we would take care of that. November 7, is when the baptism is set for, which is Chuck’s birthday. He’s excited about this. I pointed out to him how this day will have symbolism of birth in more than one way. He’ll celebrate his birth into this world, and being “born again” and a newness of life with his baptism.Up and coming this Sunday, we have organized and been preparing for the past almost 2 months, for an invitational Sunday. Where the members invite their friends to church. Sacrament meeting and everything is dedicated solely to Jesus Christ. Our mission President is coming to speak and then there will be some refreshments afterwards. We’ve been encouraging members to invite their friends, and this will be great for Chuck and Marissa. Then our Branch President has invited us over to his house to eat with President and Sister Doll! Then also transfers are next Wednesday.
Yesterday was also my companions 20th birthday. Which went really well. He was pretty excited. OH, so last Wednesday we had a special Zone Conference with Elder Jones of the second quorum of the seventy. Wow!! This was awesome. President and Sister Doll didn’t say too much, it was mostly instruction from Elder Jones. It was great though. I learned so much, I was writing notes down in my study journal, writing things in Preach my Gospel, absorbing everything I could. I felt like I was back in the MTC learning again. It was that kind of feeling. I loved it, it really took me back. I loved the MTC, because you learned so much, and that’s what this was like. It was just powerfull. Then there was a special meeting afterwards with President, Elder Jones, and all of those in Leadership positions. We discussed how we can take what we had learned back to our districts. Elder Jones placed responsibility on us as leaders. I got to shake his hand after and tell him how I’d felt like I was back in the MTC again. This was an incredible day. Find, teach, baptize, and retain, that was the battle cry. That was the slogan we received. Oh I love it, doing the work!! It went by so fast (Another attribute of learning a lot and being in the MTC).
My Gospel study has been incredible. I've had some spiritual experiences this week as the Savior has drawn me close during times of trial. There's been some rough patches, and it's incredible how you feel alone for a time and then the Lord reaches out and pulls you in. You feel the spirit the most in the hard times. I've done a lot in Preach My Gospel lately also, in the way of study activities, and I have learned alot. John 15 is incredible!!! This has just been a week of trial,tears,frustration, and learning, and enlightenment. I've written so much in my study journal. I Love it!!!!!
Elder Nowell came out on Monday morning for companionship study and has said that he wants to have this be a good week. We've had a drought of good, and so far now things have been good. I am thankful for this. He wants to make it a good one, solid. We will need it if we are to teach Chuck and Marissa, I'm looking forward to tomorrow.
I love you so much mom.
Love Elder Adams
Thanks for the pictures. You all look so different. It's good to see you all though. Spencer is a tall little totem pole....dad I hope you're still able to chop him down from down there every once in a while when he gets out of line. HA AH HA HA. Bill really likes you guys, he had a great time. We are looking forward to going through the temple, working out the logistics of things though. I love you.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
October 14, 2009
Great job on missionary work. The only problem is, we will be able to pass this on to the missionaries there, but they will then have to look up in the phone book for a house number that fits the names, or they will have to tract out all of Lotus street. See if you can get more information next time (a phone number, house number, etc.)
Sorry I forgot to tell you last week that my preparation day would be on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. The reason being we have a special Zone conference on Wednesday with Elder Jones of the seventy, so they changed the day. It should be really exciting.
Anyway so it has deffinately cooled off, a lot. We had out first freeze on Saturday. During the day I say a few snowflakes fall. It's been cold during the day, and so now I've been wearing my wool down filled jacket. Saturday was also the Turkey Testicle Festival. There were a ton of bikers in town, and they were blasting the music from the host bar. You could hear the noise of the bike engines firing up. The downside, you had to be 21 just to get into the fenced off area. They had blocked off a street and fenced it in including the host bar, Union Station "Home of the Turkey Testicle Festival." It also would have cost us $10, which would have been donated to charity. The $10 would have bought us our first drink and a small cup of Turkey Testicles. We weren't getting in, so I stood by the edge of the fence and tried to talk to one of the security guards. He said if he could he try and grab us a cup of 'nuts', so that I could try one. I eventually coaxed him into tapping the shoulder of a lady walking by with her own cup of turkey family jewels. I had her come over to the fence where I stood and I asked her if I could just try one. They were a little smaller than marbles, about the size of a skittle. Little brown morsels. I grabbed one, but I think it was all breading, so I snagged another. It tasted just like fried dark meat of a turkey. Not too bad! I had my companion and Sister Ashley's son (the one who just moved in with her and is a former member), come over and try one. This lady was nice enough to let us all try a Turkey Testicle. There you go now I've tried Turkey Testicle. I wanted to at least get a T-shirt, but I didn't get that either. That was the excitement of the Turkey Testicle Festival. Not exactly the place to be as a missionary anyway, unless you've got some black leather and like to drink.
Great News! Chuck and Marissa Crome have a baptismal date for November 7!!!!!!! Chuck readily accepted the commitment and then Marissa followed. I had extended the commitment. I almost hesitated and didn't ask the question, but I thought to push on with it. Both of them were sincere in their answer of acceptance. Chuck was really excited about this because this date happens to be his birthday! I'm so excited for them, oh It felt so good. After all of the tracting and knocking doors, after all of the problems Elder Nowell and I have had. We have a couple on baptismal date. They are somewhere in their forties or 50's. She is Philipino and he is American. He was in the Navy when they met. We even had a member present with us at this lesson. Chuck and Marissa's progress continued, as they came to church on Sunday for the first time. They were only able to come to Priesthood and Relief Society, but they loved it. Chuck seemed to quickly make friends with one of the members, and many in Relief Society thought that Marissa was a member. They are both reading the Book of Mormon at a quick pace. These two really are an incredible couple. They have invited us over for dinner on Thursday. Marissa is going to treat us to some traditional Phillipino cuisine, and we will have a lesson afterwards. I think Chuck really recognizes this as one of the many positive changes in their life right now, since they just moved into their new home a little over two months ago. I'm so excited for them. This morning when I was running on the treadmill I couldn't stop thinking about them, hoping that they make their baptismal date, and thinking about teaching appointments with them. Time seemed to pass by quickly.
We had exchanges this week with the Sterling Elders. I had a great exchange in Sterling with Elder Cuentez. He is a great missionary, and his heart truly is in the work. He has the spirit and he knows why he is out here. I really enjoyed being with him, and I was able to pick up some tips on working with companions. He's just a great Elder!
Keep the Crome family in your prayers, along with myself and my companion. I love you all and I'm so grateful for the sacrifices that you make for me.
Love, Elder Adams
P.S.- The cold is upon me, pray for me to stay warm. It's time to face my fears again.
Hopefully you've read my email, prep day was changed just for this week because of a special zone conference on wednesday. Next week preparation day will be on wednesday. Hopefully you didn't have anything important to tell me. I still haven't received the package though.
I'm Online, just hoping that by chance you will get online. It looks like it's not going to happen.
Sorry I forgot to tell you last week that my preparation day would be on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. The reason being we have a special Zone conference on Wednesday with Elder Jones of the seventy, so they changed the day. It should be really exciting.
Anyway so it has deffinately cooled off, a lot. We had out first freeze on Saturday. During the day I say a few snowflakes fall. It's been cold during the day, and so now I've been wearing my wool down filled jacket. Saturday was also the Turkey Testicle Festival. There were a ton of bikers in town, and they were blasting the music from the host bar. You could hear the noise of the bike engines firing up. The downside, you had to be 21 just to get into the fenced off area. They had blocked off a street and fenced it in including the host bar, Union Station "Home of the Turkey Testicle Festival." It also would have cost us $10, which would have been donated to charity. The $10 would have bought us our first drink and a small cup of Turkey Testicles. We weren't getting in, so I stood by the edge of the fence and tried to talk to one of the security guards. He said if he could he try and grab us a cup of 'nuts', so that I could try one. I eventually coaxed him into tapping the shoulder of a lady walking by with her own cup of turkey family jewels. I had her come over to the fence where I stood and I asked her if I could just try one. They were a little smaller than marbles, about the size of a skittle. Little brown morsels. I grabbed one, but I think it was all breading, so I snagged another. It tasted just like fried dark meat of a turkey. Not too bad! I had my companion and Sister Ashley's son (the one who just moved in with her and is a former member), come over and try one. This lady was nice enough to let us all try a Turkey Testicle. There you go now I've tried Turkey Testicle. I wanted to at least get a T-shirt, but I didn't get that either. That was the excitement of the Turkey Testicle Festival. Not exactly the place to be as a missionary anyway, unless you've got some black leather and like to drink.
Great News! Chuck and Marissa Crome have a baptismal date for November 7!!!!!!! Chuck readily accepted the commitment and then Marissa followed. I had extended the commitment. I almost hesitated and didn't ask the question, but I thought to push on with it. Both of them were sincere in their answer of acceptance. Chuck was really excited about this because this date happens to be his birthday! I'm so excited for them, oh It felt so good. After all of the tracting and knocking doors, after all of the problems Elder Nowell and I have had. We have a couple on baptismal date. They are somewhere in their forties or 50's. She is Philipino and he is American. He was in the Navy when they met. We even had a member present with us at this lesson. Chuck and Marissa's progress continued, as they came to church on Sunday for the first time. They were only able to come to Priesthood and Relief Society, but they loved it. Chuck seemed to quickly make friends with one of the members, and many in Relief Society thought that Marissa was a member. They are both reading the Book of Mormon at a quick pace. These two really are an incredible couple. They have invited us over for dinner on Thursday. Marissa is going to treat us to some traditional Phillipino cuisine, and we will have a lesson afterwards. I think Chuck really recognizes this as one of the many positive changes in their life right now, since they just moved into their new home a little over two months ago. I'm so excited for them. This morning when I was running on the treadmill I couldn't stop thinking about them, hoping that they make their baptismal date, and thinking about teaching appointments with them. Time seemed to pass by quickly.
We had exchanges this week with the Sterling Elders. I had a great exchange in Sterling with Elder Cuentez. He is a great missionary, and his heart truly is in the work. He has the spirit and he knows why he is out here. I really enjoyed being with him, and I was able to pick up some tips on working with companions. He's just a great Elder!
Keep the Crome family in your prayers, along with myself and my companion. I love you all and I'm so grateful for the sacrifices that you make for me.
Love, Elder Adams
P.S.- The cold is upon me, pray for me to stay warm. It's time to face my fears again.
Hopefully you've read my email, prep day was changed just for this week because of a special zone conference on wednesday. Next week preparation day will be on wednesday. Hopefully you didn't have anything important to tell me. I still haven't received the package though.
I'm Online, just hoping that by chance you will get online. It looks like it's not going to happen.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
October 7, 2009
Dad!!!!! I love you so much. I loved that talk about fathers and sons. We have so many good memories together. Our relationship is deffinately something of importance, and we should always work on it. I'm glad that you and Spencer got to go to Conference with Bill. It sounds like you had a good time together. He really is incredible. He's progressed so far along. It's just so good to be able to hear from you. I hope work is going ok. I pray for you and mom as you support us, and raise Spencer. Continue to read the scriptures and pray and the Lord will take care of everything else. I love you dad. I don't think I can say it enough.
Love, Elder Adams
P.S.-I'm not loving the cold, I fear winter is coming. One of the members said there is a possibility of snow in the coming week. Ahhhhhhh!!
HEy Mom, how are things today? If you have a minute jump on. I have one hour
I've been studying Elder Holland's talk in the Sept. Ensign about lessons from liberty jail. This emphasis on overcoming trials has been helpful to me and also offered insight that I can hopefully offer in some way to Zach. As time pushes on, I get more and more of a sense of the sanctity of my calling. I was really touched by a talk a read by Elder Eyring entitled "Rise to Your call." This was incredibly powerful. Study has just been amazing. I love this time. It makes the morning, the day, the life of a missionary.
Conference Weekend was incredible!!!!!! It really did seem like the conference was on love. I loved Elder Holland's talk about the Book of Mormon, and Uchtdorfs. There were so many good talks. I thought about the one addressed to fathers and sons and that relationship. Conference went by way too fast though, it was like we were on warp speed weekend, not fair. I had been looking forward to this and now it’s already over. Now we have winter ahead of us before the next one. My butt had internal bruising though from sitting. It’s been a long time since I’ve sat that long, and my rear was not conditioned for it. When I sat down for study on Monday morning I felt it again. I had been praying for about a month out for the speakers to be inspired with revelation and for help and answers to come to me on certain things for me. Answers came!! It was a miracle this conference. I think it happens everytime. Sometimes it was like the Apostles and the Prophet were speaking directly to me. Like I was in a little private conversation receiving their advice on what I should do. A lot of things I think were direct towards my companion and I, so we have some new insights on how to love each other more. After conference on Sunday we went out tracting and my companion and I were talking about the conference weekend. We talked about our favorite talks, things that were said, then we were going up to doors and telling people about the experience and opportunity we had just had to hear from a prophet of God! We had so much to say, I was so excited I wanted to run to every door. I felt so happy, I was like a kid at Disneyland. I couldn’t stop telling my companion how excited I was. He asked if I was this excited at the last conference. I just felt so good. The peole didn’t want much to do with us, I don’t know what it was but I felt like I was soaring. I couldn’t get enough, to be able to talk to everyone, and tell them what we had just heard in a worldwide broadcast!!!! OH it was awesome, that feeling I had, I wish I could describe it better. I was even excited listening to my companion speak, to hear both of us just going at it!!
There is an older lady in our Branch who has an excommunicated son who has moved in with her. She told us before hand that this would occur and wanted us to befriend him. We first met him on Sunday, and set up to help him move his things out of the Uhaul on Monday (Which we did). During the course of our moving we were able to get to know him. I was able to share my testimony with him and how I had made the decision to come on a mission, and some of the changes and events that occured. Part of this brought back memories and feelings, which made me a little emotional. He told us how his decision not to serve had been the turning point in his life. His older brother hadn’t served so there really wasn’t an example there. When he decided not to serve, he stopped going to church, he soon started hanging out with the wrong crowd, met a girl, which eventually led to his being excommunicated. He was very open in disclosing his past as we asked questions. He basically views this move as a fresh start. Though if he does get into the church again he says he doesn't want to have a calling or anything like that, he doesn't want it to be a serious level of commitment. He was really nice to us and we have already connected with him. We are having dinner tonight with him and his mom. It really is amazing to reflect on where I might be today had I not made the decision to serve a mission? Where would our family be? I’ve seen so many blessings and good things occur because I decided to serve. My mission for me really is like a turning point in my life for the good. I hope in some way that this man will have a desire to come back to the Church. To see that happen, and to take part would be incredible. In reflecting this morning after reading a talk about my calling. I’ve been reminded what a sacred mantle of responsibility has been place on my shoulders. A mantle that comes with blessings and love of the Lord. A mantle that comes with the ability to touch peoples lives and feel and see the hand of the Lord. This is a gift. I don’t want to ever see the day come when this is taken from me. When I’m stripped of this, when I have to let this go, to be able to see peoples hearts touched, and to know that I am called of God. I have to give thanks for it now while I have it. I have to serve and bless every person from my companion to the last person I talk to at the end of the night. Winter lingers ahead, I fear that, but so does the cold of having this blessed mantle taken from my shoulders. Time is going by too quickly. I wish you could understand what it is like to serve a mission. People can describe it to you, they can tell you stories, but I don’t think anyone can really understand the feelings, the blessings, the spirit, or serving a mission until you’ve walked two years in an Elder’s shoes somewhere in the world with the hand of God over you. You don’t know what’s it’s like. It’s all I’ve come to know and love. What more could you possibly ask for, than to be out as the sun sets talking to people, bearing testimony. I know no way to make you understand what it’s like to be a missionary. You will probably think I’m insane to think this way to speak of undescribable feelings and joy. I don’t know how else to get these feelings to come to someone. This is the work of God, true, living, and eternal. Every aspect of it. Real, whole, and complete. I am called of God, to this place and in this time. This is Christ’s Church. The Book of Mormon is evidence of this. This book brings the spirit of Christ into ones life. It is true and of God. I have a Savior, he knows me perfectly, and paid for my weaknesses and inadequacies with his royal blood. He lives today and stands at the right hand of my Father in Heaven. Both are watching me in my service and life here on this earth. They are waiting for me to return home to them after my mission on this earth. If I endure in the faith I will be received in their arms. I leave you with this my solemn and true testimony, with conviction in my heart; in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
With all the love in my heart,
Elder Adams
I'm glad that you all had a great time with Bill, he truly is a blessing. I never thought you'd meet him though, without me there. Print off this email that you sent me and keep it so that I can have accounting of the first time you met Bill. Also I want to see some pictures of this time with Bill. Bill will probably show me some, as we are planning to go to the temple the first week in November, but I want to see some that you took. I'll keep an eye out for your package. Good luck with your lesson this week.
Love,
Elder Adams
Love, Elder Adams
P.S.-I'm not loving the cold, I fear winter is coming. One of the members said there is a possibility of snow in the coming week. Ahhhhhhh!!
HEy Mom, how are things today? If you have a minute jump on. I have one hour
I've been studying Elder Holland's talk in the Sept. Ensign about lessons from liberty jail. This emphasis on overcoming trials has been helpful to me and also offered insight that I can hopefully offer in some way to Zach. As time pushes on, I get more and more of a sense of the sanctity of my calling. I was really touched by a talk a read by Elder Eyring entitled "Rise to Your call." This was incredibly powerful. Study has just been amazing. I love this time. It makes the morning, the day, the life of a missionary.
Conference Weekend was incredible!!!!!! It really did seem like the conference was on love. I loved Elder Holland's talk about the Book of Mormon, and Uchtdorfs. There were so many good talks. I thought about the one addressed to fathers and sons and that relationship. Conference went by way too fast though, it was like we were on warp speed weekend, not fair. I had been looking forward to this and now it’s already over. Now we have winter ahead of us before the next one. My butt had internal bruising though from sitting. It’s been a long time since I’ve sat that long, and my rear was not conditioned for it. When I sat down for study on Monday morning I felt it again. I had been praying for about a month out for the speakers to be inspired with revelation and for help and answers to come to me on certain things for me. Answers came!! It was a miracle this conference. I think it happens everytime. Sometimes it was like the Apostles and the Prophet were speaking directly to me. Like I was in a little private conversation receiving their advice on what I should do. A lot of things I think were direct towards my companion and I, so we have some new insights on how to love each other more. After conference on Sunday we went out tracting and my companion and I were talking about the conference weekend. We talked about our favorite talks, things that were said, then we were going up to doors and telling people about the experience and opportunity we had just had to hear from a prophet of God! We had so much to say, I was so excited I wanted to run to every door. I felt so happy, I was like a kid at Disneyland. I couldn’t stop telling my companion how excited I was. He asked if I was this excited at the last conference. I just felt so good. The peole didn’t want much to do with us, I don’t know what it was but I felt like I was soaring. I couldn’t get enough, to be able to talk to everyone, and tell them what we had just heard in a worldwide broadcast!!!! OH it was awesome, that feeling I had, I wish I could describe it better. I was even excited listening to my companion speak, to hear both of us just going at it!!
There is an older lady in our Branch who has an excommunicated son who has moved in with her. She told us before hand that this would occur and wanted us to befriend him. We first met him on Sunday, and set up to help him move his things out of the Uhaul on Monday (Which we did). During the course of our moving we were able to get to know him. I was able to share my testimony with him and how I had made the decision to come on a mission, and some of the changes and events that occured. Part of this brought back memories and feelings, which made me a little emotional. He told us how his decision not to serve had been the turning point in his life. His older brother hadn’t served so there really wasn’t an example there. When he decided not to serve, he stopped going to church, he soon started hanging out with the wrong crowd, met a girl, which eventually led to his being excommunicated. He was very open in disclosing his past as we asked questions. He basically views this move as a fresh start. Though if he does get into the church again he says he doesn't want to have a calling or anything like that, he doesn't want it to be a serious level of commitment. He was really nice to us and we have already connected with him. We are having dinner tonight with him and his mom. It really is amazing to reflect on where I might be today had I not made the decision to serve a mission? Where would our family be? I’ve seen so many blessings and good things occur because I decided to serve. My mission for me really is like a turning point in my life for the good. I hope in some way that this man will have a desire to come back to the Church. To see that happen, and to take part would be incredible. In reflecting this morning after reading a talk about my calling. I’ve been reminded what a sacred mantle of responsibility has been place on my shoulders. A mantle that comes with blessings and love of the Lord. A mantle that comes with the ability to touch peoples lives and feel and see the hand of the Lord. This is a gift. I don’t want to ever see the day come when this is taken from me. When I’m stripped of this, when I have to let this go, to be able to see peoples hearts touched, and to know that I am called of God. I have to give thanks for it now while I have it. I have to serve and bless every person from my companion to the last person I talk to at the end of the night. Winter lingers ahead, I fear that, but so does the cold of having this blessed mantle taken from my shoulders. Time is going by too quickly. I wish you could understand what it is like to serve a mission. People can describe it to you, they can tell you stories, but I don’t think anyone can really understand the feelings, the blessings, the spirit, or serving a mission until you’ve walked two years in an Elder’s shoes somewhere in the world with the hand of God over you. You don’t know what’s it’s like. It’s all I’ve come to know and love. What more could you possibly ask for, than to be out as the sun sets talking to people, bearing testimony. I know no way to make you understand what it’s like to be a missionary. You will probably think I’m insane to think this way to speak of undescribable feelings and joy. I don’t know how else to get these feelings to come to someone. This is the work of God, true, living, and eternal. Every aspect of it. Real, whole, and complete. I am called of God, to this place and in this time. This is Christ’s Church. The Book of Mormon is evidence of this. This book brings the spirit of Christ into ones life. It is true and of God. I have a Savior, he knows me perfectly, and paid for my weaknesses and inadequacies with his royal blood. He lives today and stands at the right hand of my Father in Heaven. Both are watching me in my service and life here on this earth. They are waiting for me to return home to them after my mission on this earth. If I endure in the faith I will be received in their arms. I leave you with this my solemn and true testimony, with conviction in my heart; in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
With all the love in my heart,
Elder Adams
I'm glad that you all had a great time with Bill, he truly is a blessing. I never thought you'd meet him though, without me there. Print off this email that you sent me and keep it so that I can have accounting of the first time you met Bill. Also I want to see some pictures of this time with Bill. Bill will probably show me some, as we are planning to go to the temple the first week in November, but I want to see some that you took. I'll keep an eye out for your package. Good luck with your lesson this week.
Love,
Elder Adams
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