October 28, 2009

Awesome that's good to here you can still hold your own, grey beard. Just kidding. Well I have a bunch of scriptures for you, but they are written down back at the apartment. Transfers were this week. I have a new companion. I'm really excited for this one. I explained this to mom, let me know your opinion about the matter. It's tough. 

The situation
When president called yesterday he told me that I was staying in Byron, he liked what was happening. He then said that Elder Nowell was being transfered. The night before he had yelled at me, I'm ready for a new companion!!!! Anyway he wasn't happy with the transfer decision and went in the bedroom for a while. Then I guess he called president back and talked with him. While I was studying he comes upstairs and asks me what he has to do to see these baptisms through. He said he talked to president and that pres. wanted him to talk to me. There were tears and pleading, and saying that he would do whatever I said give me whatever I wanted and not even voice his opinion. I told him this is not what a companionship is. I told him no, to having him stay with me. Why do I have to make decisions. I then spoke to president again, about what Elder Nowell had said. Elder Nowell was trying to make me feel like I'm being selfish. President provided comfort. However the thought still bothered me all day. He was mad at me and said a lot of hurtful things, "You're going to kill the area.... no one likes you..." I don't know did I do the right thing by saying no to doing another transfer, even though the offer was there. It's just that the first words were that he wanted to see these baptisms, and before he seemed to not care about our companionship. There was just so much contention between us. Did I do the right thing? This is a very condensed version of everything that happened yesterday.
I love you dad. Keep on keeping on.

Love Elder Adams

Hey Mom, How's it going. Jump on I have a few things I'd like your opinion on.
No it just makes me think about my mission ending. It makes me think how fast time goes by.
Yes I did get the Halloween card from Grandma. If you mean the package with the vile of oil, face cleansing pads, and gel, then yes-I did get it. I thought of something that you could send me, some more white T-shirts Size small-the hanes ones with no tag on them. I thought of something else the other day but now I'm struggling to recall.
This Halloween is going to be a little different than the last. President Doll has told us that we are to be in our apartments by 6:00 unless we are teaching a lesson. It should be interesting. However on Friday we have a Halloween Trunk or Treat and Chilli cook off. We, the missionaries, have been asked to be the judges. Chuck and Marissa and their son J.R. are planning on coming. The men are supposed to bring the Chilli and the women a dessert, but I think Chuck is having Marissa make his chilli. They are such an awesome family. Chuck and Marissa are readily accepting the commandments. It's like when you know this Church and gospel is true the commandments and obedience to the commandments is simple. The Branch is really getting excited about their baptism, and having new members in the Branch. Chuck and Marissa love when we meet with them. They say they wait for us, "are they here yet?..." We started Chuck on the quit smoking program on Thursday, and he is doing awesome!!! He's ready to give it all up for his family, for himself, and for baptism!!! This is so exciting, especially when it's a family!!! We have also started Jared Ashley on the quit smoking program. We started him on Sunday, and he too is doing well. He really has that desire to repent and to change. There's so much excitement and change going on. These investigators can do it I know they can. It really makes the work intense, and it pushes you to be better when you are praying for investigators to keep commitments. It really makes you sink deep into the work!! All looks well to go forward with the baptisms on November 7.

Ok I won't keep you reading anymore. I'm still here in Byron, with a new companion though. His name is Elder Bryner from Sandy Utah. He played soccer his whole life like me for Brighton High. He hurt his knee snowboarding though and wasn't able to play his senior year when they took state, so now he just lifts weights. He's really great!!! Elder Bryner and I were talking about it and we'd like to make Byron into a Ward!!! We have already been able to talk on a personal level and establish a relationship. We have so much in commin, from things we like to do, to our past and decision to serve a mission. I really like him. He seems dedicated to the work and wants to work hard and improve the area. I think this will be great. I'm excited for our planning session tomorrow, because it sounds like he has some great ideas for doing the work. I can't wait to start off the work with him. So I'll be here in Byron for at least another 6 weeks. Which means this is where I spend by Birthday and Thanksgiving. Also with this transfer, I have now been released as district leader, after over a year in this position. President Doll thanked me for my service. It will be different not making nightly phone calls to the district members. President really likes what is going on in Byron wants us to really get Byron going.

Next week I might be going through the Temple with Bill and Elder Purdie, but we are trying to work out the details, because right now the day that Bill has it all planned is on November 7, the same day as the baptism. Time scheduling is difficult also. I love you all so much and I will look for your packages.

Love,
Elder Adams

So mom, when president called yesterday he told me that I was staying in Byron, he liked what was happening. He then said that Elder Nowell was being transfered. The night before he had yelled at me, I'm ready for a new companion!!!! Anyway he wasn't happy with the transfer decision and went in the bedroom for a while. Then I guess he called president back and talked with him. While I was studying he comes upstairs and asks me what he has to do to see these baptisms through. He said he talked to president and that pres. wanted him to talk to me. There were tears and pleading, and saying that he would do whatever I said give me whatever I wanted and not even voice his opinion. I told him this is not what a companionship is. I told him no, to having him stay with me. Why do I have to make decisions. I then spoke to president again, about what Elder Nowell had said. Elder Nowell was trying to make me feel like I'm being selfish. President provided comfort. However the thought still bothered me all day. He was mad at me and said a lot of hurtful things, "You're going to kill the area.... no one likes you..." I don't know did I do the right thing by saying no to doing another transfer, even though the offer was there. It's just that the first words were that he wanted to see these baptisms, and before he seemed to not care about our companionship. There was just so much contention between us. Did I do the right thing?
Well this is condensed version of the events and all that was said. I want to know if I made the right decision by saying no to another transfer and just sticking with what President Doll had originally decided, or if I should have given in and given Elder Nowell a second chance.
I need to get going my comp needs to unpack and we have to be to an appointment. WE have a few things to get at the store, hurry and write. I have maybe 2 min.
I'm sorry that I haven't really thought of anything for my birthday. I'll try and think a bit this week and I'll write things down in my planner. Then I can write you next week ok.
I've got to go, I'll look for you next week. I'll probably be on at 10:15 in the morning my time. Love ya tons.