Dear Irvine Family:
I am so happy to be here, but I have to admit it's a HUGE change going from Spanish to English. It was a very confusing and busy first week here in Van Nuys 1st ward. There is so much work to do here! It's so great to know God sent me here to work! I'm in another car area. I don't think I'm ever going on bike in the mission!
My new address: 8511 Balboa Boulevard Northridge CA 91325 apt.#13
I got to meet a good amount of members and investigators, and I see the potential of this area. I really think we can reap the harvest here. As I found out, if I do my part, the Lord will send people my way to baptize. I met Mike, who lives with a less active member who wants to kick him out, and he is just great. He wants to learn, it's just his schedule right now is really busy, so we can only meet with him once a week. I think if he receives an answer, he'll be baptized. He was awesome! Ivy, a longtime investigator, is the girlfriend of a member who came back from a mission...early. Her interest is so-so, but if she puts the faith and efforts forward, she'll know she's doing the right stuff. It was just a jam-packed week! It was funny because one of the members I visited, Sister Duggan, her grand-daughter has a lot of friends in the Arleta spanish ward, that I know. How weird is that?
So basically we did a lot of media referral contacting, we have about five pages to go through and contact and deliver items. It's a bit hard because everyone works so much here it's ridiculous. But, the Lord will provide for His servants. So we were contacting our referrals, and we saw there was one on Columbus. I remember Columbus from my Arleta days, and they weren't very fond memories. Bunch of gang bangers and cholos and bike cops. So I was freaking out, I hate being in the middle of a ghetto that has a curfew so the police can handle things. Locals say that the curfew only helps the gangs control the streets and drug trade. So we knock a door, no one is home, and we walk away and contact people. Then we hear a shout, and we turn back. A lanky white boy running towards us...in the middle of Columbus. That's a sight to see for sure. The only reason was because there was still light out. So his name is Jerry Allen, and right off the bat I can tell he has a Word of Wisdom problem (cigarette tucked into his ear). But, he was really excited to see us. So we go into his apartment, a cluttered mess, and start talking. He's a bit weird, but he's my brother so we just ignore it. We ended up explaining a bit about us, and then showed the Restoration DVD. He has ADD and ADHD so he had problems focusing, but I could tell that the Spirit was in that room, amongst the mess, amongst the smell of cigarette smoke. It was a blessing to be there. We testified that the Joseph Smith story was true, and left him with a challenge to watch it again, to soak it in, and bring us questions the next time we come. I can see the potential in him, and caught myself thinking...if he straightens up, he can convert his fellow brethren and sisters. Kinda weird, seeing Jerry that way. God has plans for all his children, we just have to try to see that potential. Just one of the many lessons I learned this week.
That was just one experience we had on Saturday. A crazy end to our week! So earlier (that was our last lesson of the day with Jerry) we updated media referrals at our district leader's apartment, then went back home and I took a nap. We went out to help a less active member move to a new apartment building and I got to meet the somewhat odd members of this new ward. They talked about HALO parties, how strange but not unfamiliar. Just a bunch of geeks and strange people. After that, we got home, showered, changed into proselyting clothes, then off to a wedding reception up in Granada Hills. Erickson served in one of the other wards in the stake and knew very well a good number of the members over in Northridge, so they invited him to their wedding. I felt very out of place, like hi I'm here to mooch food off of you all, I know nobody, I'm here with my comp Erickson...you all know him...just awkward. Then one of the members got Erickson to talk to some people at her table, and we ended up giving these two non-members a tour of the stake center. Completely unplanned. We shared the Joseph Smith story in the chapel, and we felt the Spirit. I did it in Spanish because they were Hispanic, and the Chilean woman was so prepared. So we ended with our witness that this is true, and she wanted the missionaries to come over. It was sweet! She was prepared for the Gospel! She said she had felt terrible all day, she had felt really frustrated, but when she came to the building she felt at peace. Erickson jumped on in, 'that's the Spirit testifying to you that this is the true church'. Go Erickson! So we got her address, and passed it on to the Sylmar Spanish elders. Then, we went to teach an investigator, who has been to church since January and we didn't know that, and she had some great questions. Sabbath day, which day? She's a 7th Day Adventist, so she stumped us and I did my best, trying to show that the spirit of the Sabbath is most important, that Paul worshipped on Sunday (somewhere in Acts), and our living prophet told us so because he receives revelations from God. Wasn't satisfied, so we'll have to go over it again. But, great questions. And we testified that if she really wanted to answer her questions, read the Book of Mormon. She's just waiting for an answer, so we'll keep praying for her. Then we went to Jerry's after that. And, we had a sweet contact after the appointment. So it was almost 9 pm, and we had to get home. So Erickson, the bold missionary, goes to contact a Hispanic family getting out of their van. In his improving Spanish, he contacts them, gives a pass-along card, and we head to our car, right behind their van. He gets in half-way, I'm standing behind the car ready to back him out. I was like...we didn't get their information...well, it's Erickson's call cuz he contacted them. Then he pops out and asks to see if we could have their information. They gave it to us willingly, and they were a little entertained by us. It was a sweet day! A sweet week!
Whenever we went contacting, for the last few days, we've contacted so many Latinos, only to pass them onto other missionaries. We have had so much success contacting, the only problem is they're all Latino. So we don't teach them. Oh well, it's all for the team. So after Mike's, he lives in North Hollywood, we went contacting and ended up finding one non-member who wanted to to go church, and two less actives. That night, gave the sister missionaries their information. Then, the lady that we gave a tour for, Martha Rosario, over to the Sylmar elders. Earlier that week, a few more contacts were handed over to the Arleta elders. So, we're having success...in Spanish. I was sent here to baptize, but to introduce the Gospel to my fellow Latino brethren and sisters.
My first Sunday in an English ward was...crazy. So we get into PEC and I'm like a deer in headlights...um...well...my name is Elder Irvine from Gaithersburg, MD. That's all I could say. I was in shock. I sat out in the hallway after the meeting just shocked and stunned. We made some calls, and I just sat on the stage steps overwhelmed. Deer in headlights syndrome. Then they asked me to pass the sacrament (a first in forever) and then bear my testimony. I was up there just bearing my testimony, but my mind was racing back and forth. Just random things like 'I know we have a living prophet...I know this is the work of the Lord...' Just skipping from one thread to another. I was so nervous I was shaking afterwards. Erickson just calmed me down, I was like...oh I'm confused! It was good, but some of our members are so weird! We ended up going to dinner at the Ballard's, the brother is in a wheelchair and the wife is so cool. Both are RM's. We had jumbalaya and Bro. Ballard's special cornbread, and had a great time. We did some role-plays, and we discussed how we can get the ward energized about missionary work. We spent a long time there, but it was really worth getting into the heads of the ward members. We contacted some more, and came home to set up dinners for the coming week. We're going to be SO busy this week!
I do have to say, contacts in English are crazy! We ran into Armenians my second day in. We said, 'well would you be interested more in Jesus Christ' and one of the two turns to us and says, cigarette in hand, 'can't you see we're busy? we're trying to steal something, would you like to help us?' Good-bye! Crazy people. Just nuts. Welcome to English work!
The less actives are really stubborn...it'll be hard to crack their shells. We go on splits to do home teaching here, and so I went with Bro. Fifita, whose son is playing for San Diego State Aztecs as a defensive end. Big Tongan man. Really quiet, and really nice. He's so awesome, and his wife is way cool. So to the less actives we go! One, the Piots, do car shows. They have some sweet cars. A black cherry Ford, a bright yellow Buick...old school. Steven, you'd love them! Bro. Warner got mad at a member for pestering him to do an A/C job for him and he said, 'brother, I don't want to and I don't really like you, buzz off!' and he didn't. So he stopped going to church to avoid him. Lots of excuses. Good people though, just not willing to make sacrifices.
I just wish my zone were cooler. There are a bunch of dorks here, but oh well. I like my district, but not my zone. My district leader talks down to everyone, and we got to talk to some members in his ward- they hate him! Fun stuff! He sounds like Sylvester the cat when he talks...it's so funny! But, the rest of the district is cool, in their own way. My roomies are Wilcox and Burns. Wilcox is way cool, amazing missionary. Everyone loves him. Burns has some issues, including being a jerk to Erickson and I. But, Erickson said to be patient cuz that's how Burns is. Burns apparently was a good QB in high school but didn't do well grades-wise so he played at Dixie State in St. George instead of a bigger college. It eats him up, poor guy. So he's a bit pessimistic, and I thought I was bad. One learns what to do, how to be, and what not to be on the mission field!
I can really see success here in Van Nuys. I just have to put forth the effort, and we'll get baptisms!
I hope all is well, and I love you all!
Love,
Spencer
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
June 3, 2008
Dear mom,
Oh how lovely banter we had going back and forth. Haha. So President exiled me back to the San Fernando Valley, back to my old roaming grounds. Almost. So I'm serving in the Van Nuys 1st ward of the Granada Hills stake in English! But, there's a bunch of Spanish people around town so I can still keep my Spanish up. President Goodrich knows everything...an inspired man. He gave me a great companion in Elder Erickson, who went through the same struggles I did last transfer, and so we'll do great here. I'm so excited for this coming transfer (but I have to admit he is a bit feminine but no one is perfect). I was so nervous too coming down from Santa Clarita down here again.
Thanks for the package! I love it! OVER THE HUMP! Almost...and as for another package...please send it to the mission office. My new address is...yet unknown. I'll have to send it to you ASAP with a package of old letters and the pictures CD I got.
So Alberto Cardenas took me down from Santa Clarita down to Van Nuys and man...it was weird saying good-bye to him. I just love him and his wife and his two little kids Adalay and Jefrey...it's going to be weird not seeing them anymore. For the time being. It was funny because I had a feeling that I was being moved down due to somebody's fervent prayers. So I was like, 'so brother Cardenas, did you or your wife pray to keep me close to y'all?' He was like...uh no but I'm really sure my wife did. So I thanked him because I knew I was coming to a really great English area, and he was happy. I guess I was a bit too emotional cuz he gave me a sorta surprised look when I said good-bye to him. But, we'll keep in touch once in a while.
My first day in English was busy! We picked up some money from a member and then off to a dinner appointment. The McKeens. A less active family (the husband is not all there in the head...he took some medicine to keep him calm) and it went well. The husband Ken is white, the wife is Filipino and the wife's sister is not a member. But, she's been going to church since January! So we got a golden investigator. She has so much faith, and she's out of a job right now (she's a caretaker/nurse). She said, 'well, if Jesus wants me to do the right things he'll provide a way. With this job or with another job, he'll do something for me.' I was like..wow. I am surprised to find people that are that humble. Then again, we do cover the ghettos. It's funny because they talked a lot, made me eat a lot, and we had a good time. We went contacting in Spanish right outside their apartment, and went on our way home. I know we're going to have a lot of success here. I can feel it.
Erickson was really impressed with my Spanish, but c'mon, I've been in Spanish for 11 months...it'd better be good after THAT long among the Latino people. So we're going to work together on his Spanish. We had an amazing street contact too. We were like, can we just take a moment to talk to you? He's like yeah but I'm busy. So I go on a quick run on how we can be really happy in this life, then Erickson introduced the Book of Mormon pass-along card. He was really interested, and his look...changed. So I felt prompted and got his information down for the Spanish elders (weird to say that now...I'm an English elder). Hopefully it'll work out.
So my old stomping grounds are in my new area. But in English. It was weird seeing all the cholos everywhere doing their thing, the construction project on a main road that's been underway since I came into the mission field...it was weird...like I was in a dream or something. And I could point out where all the old Arleta members live and remember the ridiculous things that happened around our apartment in Panorama City. It was really cool to be back in Arleta. The Lord has something great for me here, because this area is probably one of the best English areas in the entire mission because there's always a big turnover of people in Van Nuys.
I learned so much about obedience last transfer, and how important it is to maintain the Spirit in one's life. I definitely wasn't perfect last transfer, but I know that I can improve, pick myself back up, and go forth in the Lord's work. Much is given, but yet much is required.
This morning I was listening to the talk, "The Light in Their Eyes" by Pres. Faust. I love that talk! Just outlined even more to me the importance of the Spirit, something that I had lacked for a bit due to my depressed mood. I feel myself going up and up in this area! Then, I just reflected on the importance of Joseph Smith and the First Vision. Listened to some hymns...and just reflected. How great a blessing it is to know that God exists, He loves us, He called a prophet to guide us with His divine truths and that He restored His church for our gain and to obtain greater happiness. When one tastes the bitter fruits of depression, one appreciates more the light and life of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I just love this!
So I'm going to do my best, pick myself up, and just go to work! The Lord knows my heart, and he has something prepared for me here in this area.
May God keep you all safe, and I love you all.
Love,
Spencer
Oh how lovely banter we had going back and forth. Haha. So President exiled me back to the San Fernando Valley, back to my old roaming grounds. Almost. So I'm serving in the Van Nuys 1st ward of the Granada Hills stake in English! But, there's a bunch of Spanish people around town so I can still keep my Spanish up. President Goodrich knows everything...an inspired man. He gave me a great companion in Elder Erickson, who went through the same struggles I did last transfer, and so we'll do great here. I'm so excited for this coming transfer (but I have to admit he is a bit feminine but no one is perfect). I was so nervous too coming down from Santa Clarita down here again.
Thanks for the package! I love it! OVER THE HUMP! Almost...and as for another package...please send it to the mission office. My new address is...yet unknown. I'll have to send it to you ASAP with a package of old letters and the pictures CD I got.
So Alberto Cardenas took me down from Santa Clarita down to Van Nuys and man...it was weird saying good-bye to him. I just love him and his wife and his two little kids Adalay and Jefrey...it's going to be weird not seeing them anymore. For the time being. It was funny because I had a feeling that I was being moved down due to somebody's fervent prayers. So I was like, 'so brother Cardenas, did you or your wife pray to keep me close to y'all?' He was like...uh no but I'm really sure my wife did. So I thanked him because I knew I was coming to a really great English area, and he was happy. I guess I was a bit too emotional cuz he gave me a sorta surprised look when I said good-bye to him. But, we'll keep in touch once in a while.
My first day in English was busy! We picked up some money from a member and then off to a dinner appointment. The McKeens. A less active family (the husband is not all there in the head...he took some medicine to keep him calm) and it went well. The husband Ken is white, the wife is Filipino and the wife's sister is not a member. But, she's been going to church since January! So we got a golden investigator. She has so much faith, and she's out of a job right now (she's a caretaker/nurse). She said, 'well, if Jesus wants me to do the right things he'll provide a way. With this job or with another job, he'll do something for me.' I was like..wow. I am surprised to find people that are that humble. Then again, we do cover the ghettos. It's funny because they talked a lot, made me eat a lot, and we had a good time. We went contacting in Spanish right outside their apartment, and went on our way home. I know we're going to have a lot of success here. I can feel it.
Erickson was really impressed with my Spanish, but c'mon, I've been in Spanish for 11 months...it'd better be good after THAT long among the Latino people. So we're going to work together on his Spanish. We had an amazing street contact too. We were like, can we just take a moment to talk to you? He's like yeah but I'm busy. So I go on a quick run on how we can be really happy in this life, then Erickson introduced the Book of Mormon pass-along card. He was really interested, and his look...changed. So I felt prompted and got his information down for the Spanish elders (weird to say that now...I'm an English elder). Hopefully it'll work out.
So my old stomping grounds are in my new area. But in English. It was weird seeing all the cholos everywhere doing their thing, the construction project on a main road that's been underway since I came into the mission field...it was weird...like I was in a dream or something. And I could point out where all the old Arleta members live and remember the ridiculous things that happened around our apartment in Panorama City. It was really cool to be back in Arleta. The Lord has something great for me here, because this area is probably one of the best English areas in the entire mission because there's always a big turnover of people in Van Nuys.
I learned so much about obedience last transfer, and how important it is to maintain the Spirit in one's life. I definitely wasn't perfect last transfer, but I know that I can improve, pick myself back up, and go forth in the Lord's work. Much is given, but yet much is required.
This morning I was listening to the talk, "The Light in Their Eyes" by Pres. Faust. I love that talk! Just outlined even more to me the importance of the Spirit, something that I had lacked for a bit due to my depressed mood. I feel myself going up and up in this area! Then, I just reflected on the importance of Joseph Smith and the First Vision. Listened to some hymns...and just reflected. How great a blessing it is to know that God exists, He loves us, He called a prophet to guide us with His divine truths and that He restored His church for our gain and to obtain greater happiness. When one tastes the bitter fruits of depression, one appreciates more the light and life of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I just love this!
So I'm going to do my best, pick myself up, and just go to work! The Lord knows my heart, and he has something prepared for me here in this area.
May God keep you all safe, and I love you all.
Love,
Spencer
May 27, 2008
Dear Irvine Family,
I got news of the package on Saturday...but it was too late so I'll have to pick it up today or tomorrow due to the infamous Memorial Day weekend. I'm looking forward to it so don't disappoint me.
Haha, payback. Short e-mails for complaining about my whining. Sorry about all that murmuring, it's just stressful to have to deal with the gazillion problems that people have. And, it doesn't help these people don't trust their bishop, they trust me. Ah...stress ain't fun.
So this past week has been a whirlwind. I admit this past transfer has been rough work-wise and motivation-wise so it didn't go as well as planned. But I'm back on track and getting better, slowly. I can't believe it's already the last week of this transfer!
I have to say that it's been ups and downs this past week. Our DL Sanchez went on exchanges on Tuesday so one of the most unfriendly elders went with Cookie. It was awkward to say the least. Wednesday went well, cuz we got the baptismal program all finalized with the Jaimes and invited Hno. Jaimes to bear his testimony at the end. He agreed to! Sweet! Thursday, exchanges! I love working with Cookie. He wants to work! We walked all around his area (I'm clumsy on bike) and knocked doors all day. It was good, and I really felt like I was making a difference. It just felt good to take a break from one's companion to work in a (sorta) unfamiliar area. It was pretty sweet finishing the day with the Cardenas when they fed us all four dinner. Cookie knows a lot about the scriptures so he expounded according to their ability to understand and answered questions that I couldn't previously. Strength in numbers. Friday, we had a slow day. Combined district meeting and all. Ate with a really cool family, the Dubon's. Saturday, it was slow, but we got a new investigator from a member (member referral!). And, he came to church the next day. So this past week we struggled, but we got 2 member referrals that we didn't deserve. Just amazing when the Lord knows the hearts of his servants.
Sunday, it was sweet! The Jaimes all got baptized, and it was super because Neira didn't show up. His comp misunderstood me on the phone (thought I was someone else so he didn't pass the message on right). It went well. I had the chance to baptize the father, the mother, and the daughter. Lynn baptized the son Carlos. I was so happy! I was brought almost to tears after baptizing the father...he just gave me a hug...and I felt numb. This can't be real...Makes me feel like crying just thinking about it. I then baptized the mother Dominga then Diana...I had to do them twice cuz they weren't immersed completely. My bad. I didn't tell Diana (who was already a nervous wreck and afraid of the water!) to bend her knees so she completely came to the surface...oops! But, I got her in the second time. Like the mom (her hand came up...darn), second is best? It was just great! And, we're probably going to start teaching Hno. Jaimes' sister Maria. Before the service, she was like, 'I'm good where I am, I'm evangelical.' Afterwards, she was crying and felt joyful due to the Spirit. Sweet! A local member, Hna. Munguia, walked up to me and said, 'Elder Irvine, your work is done here. You were meant to stay here for a reason...and there it is. I'm not going to be surprised if you leave next transfer. I'm calling it.' Well, that's how I feel in a nutshell. But, as AP Peterson said, don't call it in until it's all done. Well said.
Yesterday was sort-of a good p-day. The usual stuff, and we went to a local chapel and our zone watched National Treasure 2 together. It was not that bad, but I still like the original ones better. Didn't help that good ole Nicholas Cage was going to live with his girlfriend at the end. As one of the AP's said, 'you meant 'will you marry me and we'll live together?' referring to Nicholas Cage. Funny guy Krutsinger. The senior AP, Peterson (who was my first ZL here in the mission) reprimanded me for going on exchanges on p-day cuz that's not what they're for. It doesn't help when your comp and your DL don't want to watch the movie and your comp has the keys to the car. And they're stubborn. So I felt a little bad for being disobedient and being reprimanded by one of my fave leaders. Got home and Cookie and I cleaned the apartment, went out to work, and then came back to finish our exchanges. Now I understand the rule about exchanges because it just creates havoc when two elders just go and lolligag and leave two others behind...one learns by experience. Now I know. So we had a good dinner appointment with our AP's and the Flick's to celebrate Lynn's birthday. Sister Flick made 'better than something' cake and Lynn was like, 'who told you that? I haven't told anyone in the mission that!' so Sister Flick told him (after much prodding) that she called his mom to know what to bake for him. So we get back home and relax. Then President Goodrich visits us at 10 pm to conduct interviews with Lynn and Sanchez. Scared the heck out of me. I walk up to the door, look in and see President in street clothes. In my head I was like hehe just some old PRESIDENT! Took a double take then opened the door. I was a nervous wreck. But, it went well, and Lynn and Sanchez were reprimanded I suppose. Sanchez told me that President told him something that scares the heck out of him. 'Who said Irvine was leaving?' He has a good point, it's not set in stone. The key concern: Will the members trust the missionaries after I leave? We'll see what happens. Either way, I'll just have to go to work and focus, and I'll need a new comp to do that.
Well, this week was a bit crazy. Ups and downs. But, the 'count of Irvine' is standing at 8. I don't deserve it at all. I don't deserve half the blessings I have received on the mission. There are better elders that have not had as much success as I have...yet I'm here reaping in my brethren and sisters. I have changed in Santa Clarita, and I owe that to my Lord and Savior.
I hope all is well, and thanks for being so patient.
Love,
Spencer
I got news of the package on Saturday...but it was too late so I'll have to pick it up today or tomorrow due to the infamous Memorial Day weekend. I'm looking forward to it so don't disappoint me.
Haha, payback. Short e-mails for complaining about my whining. Sorry about all that murmuring, it's just stressful to have to deal with the gazillion problems that people have. And, it doesn't help these people don't trust their bishop, they trust me. Ah...stress ain't fun.
So this past week has been a whirlwind. I admit this past transfer has been rough work-wise and motivation-wise so it didn't go as well as planned. But I'm back on track and getting better, slowly. I can't believe it's already the last week of this transfer!
I have to say that it's been ups and downs this past week. Our DL Sanchez went on exchanges on Tuesday so one of the most unfriendly elders went with Cookie. It was awkward to say the least. Wednesday went well, cuz we got the baptismal program all finalized with the Jaimes and invited Hno. Jaimes to bear his testimony at the end. He agreed to! Sweet! Thursday, exchanges! I love working with Cookie. He wants to work! We walked all around his area (I'm clumsy on bike) and knocked doors all day. It was good, and I really felt like I was making a difference. It just felt good to take a break from one's companion to work in a (sorta) unfamiliar area. It was pretty sweet finishing the day with the Cardenas when they fed us all four dinner. Cookie knows a lot about the scriptures so he expounded according to their ability to understand and answered questions that I couldn't previously. Strength in numbers. Friday, we had a slow day. Combined district meeting and all. Ate with a really cool family, the Dubon's. Saturday, it was slow, but we got a new investigator from a member (member referral!). And, he came to church the next day. So this past week we struggled, but we got 2 member referrals that we didn't deserve. Just amazing when the Lord knows the hearts of his servants.
Sunday, it was sweet! The Jaimes all got baptized, and it was super because Neira didn't show up. His comp misunderstood me on the phone (thought I was someone else so he didn't pass the message on right). It went well. I had the chance to baptize the father, the mother, and the daughter. Lynn baptized the son Carlos. I was so happy! I was brought almost to tears after baptizing the father...he just gave me a hug...and I felt numb. This can't be real...Makes me feel like crying just thinking about it. I then baptized the mother Dominga then Diana...I had to do them twice cuz they weren't immersed completely. My bad. I didn't tell Diana (who was already a nervous wreck and afraid of the water!) to bend her knees so she completely came to the surface...oops! But, I got her in the second time. Like the mom (her hand came up...darn), second is best? It was just great! And, we're probably going to start teaching Hno. Jaimes' sister Maria. Before the service, she was like, 'I'm good where I am, I'm evangelical.' Afterwards, she was crying and felt joyful due to the Spirit. Sweet! A local member, Hna. Munguia, walked up to me and said, 'Elder Irvine, your work is done here. You were meant to stay here for a reason...and there it is. I'm not going to be surprised if you leave next transfer. I'm calling it.' Well, that's how I feel in a nutshell. But, as AP Peterson said, don't call it in until it's all done. Well said.
Yesterday was sort-of a good p-day. The usual stuff, and we went to a local chapel and our zone watched National Treasure 2 together. It was not that bad, but I still like the original ones better. Didn't help that good ole Nicholas Cage was going to live with his girlfriend at the end. As one of the AP's said, 'you meant 'will you marry me and we'll live together?' referring to Nicholas Cage. Funny guy Krutsinger. The senior AP, Peterson (who was my first ZL here in the mission) reprimanded me for going on exchanges on p-day cuz that's not what they're for. It doesn't help when your comp and your DL don't want to watch the movie and your comp has the keys to the car. And they're stubborn. So I felt a little bad for being disobedient and being reprimanded by one of my fave leaders. Got home and Cookie and I cleaned the apartment, went out to work, and then came back to finish our exchanges. Now I understand the rule about exchanges because it just creates havoc when two elders just go and lolligag and leave two others behind...one learns by experience. Now I know. So we had a good dinner appointment with our AP's and the Flick's to celebrate Lynn's birthday. Sister Flick made 'better than something' cake and Lynn was like, 'who told you that? I haven't told anyone in the mission that!' so Sister Flick told him (after much prodding) that she called his mom to know what to bake for him. So we get back home and relax. Then President Goodrich visits us at 10 pm to conduct interviews with Lynn and Sanchez. Scared the heck out of me. I walk up to the door, look in and see President in street clothes. In my head I was like hehe just some old PRESIDENT! Took a double take then opened the door. I was a nervous wreck. But, it went well, and Lynn and Sanchez were reprimanded I suppose. Sanchez told me that President told him something that scares the heck out of him. 'Who said Irvine was leaving?' He has a good point, it's not set in stone. The key concern: Will the members trust the missionaries after I leave? We'll see what happens. Either way, I'll just have to go to work and focus, and I'll need a new comp to do that.
Well, this week was a bit crazy. Ups and downs. But, the 'count of Irvine' is standing at 8. I don't deserve it at all. I don't deserve half the blessings I have received on the mission. There are better elders that have not had as much success as I have...yet I'm here reaping in my brethren and sisters. I have changed in Santa Clarita, and I owe that to my Lord and Savior.
I hope all is well, and thanks for being so patient.
Love,
Spencer
May 19, 2008
Dear Mom,
Yeah, I see why the liberal left thinks global warming is happening. All of them live over here in California and it's super hot. Not 'cool' at all. This weekend it hit 100 degrees, so it's getting really hot over here. I sweat my shirt through after just a few minutes being outside.
So the murmuring Irvine had a rough week here in Santa Clarita. Felt a bit homesick (usual day-long affair), but that's expected. We knocked doors, with no success. Just have to knock many more to find more people to teach. We dropped almost our entire teaching pool, so we're in the super re-building phase. Drop anyone else, we got like 2 investigators. So it's going to be a long haul these next few weeks.
But, we got one new investigator this week, Carlos (isn't that an original Latino name?). He talks a lot, but I think the gospel will really help him out with his problems. He lost his left arm in a railroad accident so he's trying to scrape by work-wise as a mechanic. He knows his stuff, he showed us around his shop in the back of his house when we stopped by with the AP's (they were handing him off to us). I think he'll be baptized in the coming months, but we'll see what happens. I believe he has a drinking problem (his breath smelled like beer). Anything is possible with Christ. Heck, we're getting the Jaimes baptized. That took awhile.
We delayed the baptismal date for the Jaimes so we can review the Restoration with them. Even though I taught it a gazillion times to them, they don't really understand it yet. But, they have a testimony so they're ready to be baptized. I'm so excited to see them baptized, but not so excited to see my old comp for obvious reasons. After they get baptized, my 'work' is done here.
I'm just counting the days until I get out of this place. The ward members are way awesome, but still needs a lot of improvement (and the members know it too). I've done my part, I'm ready to move on. People more and more ask me how long I've been here...
To avoid any more murmuring, I'll just end the e-mail. Happy Mom?
Love you all, hope all is well.
Love,
Spencer
Yeah, I see why the liberal left thinks global warming is happening. All of them live over here in California and it's super hot. Not 'cool' at all. This weekend it hit 100 degrees, so it's getting really hot over here. I sweat my shirt through after just a few minutes being outside.
So the murmuring Irvine had a rough week here in Santa Clarita. Felt a bit homesick (usual day-long affair), but that's expected. We knocked doors, with no success. Just have to knock many more to find more people to teach. We dropped almost our entire teaching pool, so we're in the super re-building phase. Drop anyone else, we got like 2 investigators. So it's going to be a long haul these next few weeks.
But, we got one new investigator this week, Carlos (isn't that an original Latino name?). He talks a lot, but I think the gospel will really help him out with his problems. He lost his left arm in a railroad accident so he's trying to scrape by work-wise as a mechanic. He knows his stuff, he showed us around his shop in the back of his house when we stopped by with the AP's (they were handing him off to us). I think he'll be baptized in the coming months, but we'll see what happens. I believe he has a drinking problem (his breath smelled like beer). Anything is possible with Christ. Heck, we're getting the Jaimes baptized. That took awhile.
We delayed the baptismal date for the Jaimes so we can review the Restoration with them. Even though I taught it a gazillion times to them, they don't really understand it yet. But, they have a testimony so they're ready to be baptized. I'm so excited to see them baptized, but not so excited to see my old comp for obvious reasons. After they get baptized, my 'work' is done here.
I'm just counting the days until I get out of this place. The ward members are way awesome, but still needs a lot of improvement (and the members know it too). I've done my part, I'm ready to move on. People more and more ask me how long I've been here...
To avoid any more murmuring, I'll just end the e-mail. Happy Mom?
Love you all, hope all is well.
Love,
Spencer
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