Dear Mom,
I admit that it was weird that Dad called me right before we were going back home for curfew and so I could record district numbers then to fax it to the zonies. I see Woods throw the phone to me and I see 'DON' on it...I was like...Dad? Some other missionaries we ran into on the street were with us and one of them, Elder Larsen, asked, 'who is it?' I said, 'my dad!' So I talked to Dad a little and he just wanted to say hi...that was really a great surprise. I loved it. Larsen had to ask, 'do you get that often?' to which I said 'no.' Haha, a very pleasant surprise indeed!
Elder Woods and I cashed in our checks today so we are LOADED with moolah! Haha, not much. If I keep getting parking tickets it'll drain fast. But, I've really paid special attention to the signs so I doubt I'll get another one. Today we went around taking pictures at the local Catholic mission (been there since 1757 supposedly) and I was going to pay admission to get inside the grounds...but it didn't look really special so we took pictures in the local garden and outside the mission. Really pretty though. I liked it. We found a big chair outside a furniture store and we got pictures there. I'm tired from driving around, but it's a good day to goof off I guess. And, I got a haircut!
Surprise! My third companion, McGahee, got ET'd up to the desert again. Two weeks in Palmdale, three weeks here, then back up to the desert. A Tongan missionary got angry at this other white chubby kid and laid three knockout punches on his face, sending him to the ER with six stitches. The white kid was in my zone before and I don't like him, so I thought he deserved it. So McGahee got a call right before lunch as we're heading home and it was President Goodrich, so we knew he was gone yet again. He was a bit incensed at the fact he never got to finish this transfer in one area, but he was pleased to know that mission president trusts him enough to settle things down. Good luck with that kid Cotti up there. Woods was sad too but he was happy that McGahee was going to go to his old area because after he left there have been some not-so-good elders up there.
Week rewind!
Sunday was pretty busy. We went to church, the wonderful Van Nuys 1st testimony meeting where a woman of Jewish descent was remarking about Pres. Uchtdorf. She said she was a bit unsure about him, being German, but she said 'I'm sure that he's not a Nazi and here to kill off the Jews.' That's something that'll keep you awake. We didn't have Gospel Principles again because we don't have a teacher nor investigators to come to (for the first time since I've been here we had zero investigators to church, but we did get our recent convert to come back to church). We took McGahee to say good-bye to Betsy right after our morning meeting before sacrament, and left class early for him to say his final good-bye to the Lunas...then we got home so the AP's could take him up to Leona Valley. I took a well-needed nap then to work! We ate with the really cool Black family and got to eat delicious pork roast that just fell apart as you jabbed at it...these people know how to cook! Well, the wife is Peruvian. Got to give her credit. Bro. Black put on Sunday Night Football...that was distracting BUT we got him to at least mute it to share a scripture...and it was a good one (Helaman 5:10-11) and then their sons started to argue about how bad the sacrament passing pattern is...but we got out somehow. It was pretty sweet...that family is really kind towards us. I love meeting so many people out here...I know California was for me. We went contacting, ran into Larsen and Garcia, contacted people and walked a drunk guy home with the other guys. Garcia and Woods ended up teaching him how to overcome his addiction while Larsen and I watched...the man was on the bottom step, Larsen and I were above him and the other two were in chairs facing him and facing us. I was a spectator since I have had NO experience helping someone get over addictions. They taught well. Then home, phone calls for numbers, faxed them in...and bed. Tiring. I couldn't sleep since I took a nap. I was a bit stressed considering one of my elders got in trouble with getting too involved with a local member...darn young guys.
Saturday was busy as heck. As was Friday. We were trying to find potentials at home and we went place to place...and we got the call for McGahee's ET on the way home. That was a downer. We met with the Reseda Spanish ward's HPGL Rick Sanchez and he referred some people to us as well as gave us ideas of how we can conduct Bible study in his apartment building (he's the manager). We went to one of the referrals and she invited us in, as well as asked questions on the pre-existence. Rick lent her a book written by Joseph Fielding Smith! And she said it makes sense, growing up Catholic she didn't understand a lot of things. Really cool short lesson. Our next person was home, but spoke Spanish so we told her we'll call her back later...then we went to stop by the Togiola's (less actives) and got to share a scripture with them...and they promised they'll come to church. We'll believe that when we see that. But, they love us and I just wish I could love them with all my heart...but they gotta come to church! The Luna's were way awesome as usual...we ate tortas for dinner and they were amazing! And we took pictures since McGahee was leaving...and had a good time. Swapped stories and just got along great. Cindy, the mom, asked us about temple classes so I just told her to talk to the bishop about it. But, she's excited for it!
Friday! District meeting! Training went well...sorta but we got the job done. We've been pushing more interactive trainings...so we're getting better at it. We trained on how to use the scriptures...and we did well considering it had to be fast and yet powerful. We had the question, 'what is hell? who goes there?' Alma 40 said Elder Woods, and I had no idea on the spot. So I learned something. We had a great appointment with Mike and he is really excited to go through with this...he just doesn't want to move out and leave this less active and her two kids out in the cold. Well...have faith! Our appointments canceled so we went contacting and tried to find people at home...and ended up contacting a pretty sweet couple along the way to a ward missionary's home. The man, John, is Christian as well as his wife. He's a bit cynical and a bit down because he got diagnosed with cancer. But, as we listened, we were prompted to talk about a modern-day prophet. His wife (we were talking at the fence) came out and seemed really interested. She said her mind couldn't get over it, but they were open to us. Pretty sweet, considering we were just trying to check up on our ward missionary, Bro. Matanyan (he's Armenian). We shared a scripture with the Matanyan's and they fed us some snacks and apple juice...it was a really warm and friendly evening. I just love that family because they're humble but they're the model of a humble and loving family. What a great blessing!
Thursday I was on exchanges in Sherman Oaks and I was the third man since we still had a trio. I felt relaxed, not having to worry about stuff as much. And I saw the need for a change in that companionship because they know each other very well it's kind of annoying. But, it was FUN! We got to teach their Iranian investigator, Kareem, and it was the best lesson I've taught on exchanges I have to say. We were working transitions, seemed a bit clumsy, but we were in sync or in the zone with the Spirit. I was sweating a lot because it was hot in there (Sara and Tayler were like 'DUDE YOU WERE SWEATING SO MUCH! We thought you had poured water on your head!...yeah not fun being all sweaty and nasty). We had some great ribs for dinner and ended up passing by a really fun active family, the Gallegos'. We committed their daughters to take notes at conference (which I'm pumped for!). That'll be interesting how they'll follow up on it. So it was a fun but a great exchange.
Wednesday was a blur, as was Tuesday. I can't remember a thing to be honest. I know ZDM was Wednesday, but other than that...my mind is blank. Sorry about that. Wednesday we had splits with the Elder's Quorum and they got to find a less active family that we've been passing by for a bit. They stood us up for the next appointment, go figure. McGahee went with Bro. Nygren and Woods and I stayed together. We passed by a really crazy less active- we aren't going back anymore. She's just 'worthless' in the context that she has to prove to us she loves the church...she doesn't come but tells us she will time and time again. She gets mad at us if we don't call her. Tuesday was interviews with mission president...and it was pretty cool. I had to give my point of view on the district, and I feel I'll stay...but mission president was non-committal so I have no idea at this point. Sister Goodrich did give me that stare that I should get my hair cut so I promised her, without her telling me, that I'll get one this coming p-day.
This week was fun, no doubt! Busy as bees! Gosh, this work rocks!
As for transfers, we find out General Conference morning who stays and goes (so that's this coming Saturday!). I'm feeling I'll stay, but who knows? I might go Spanish again! I just know that wherever I go that's where God wants me to be.
All is well....all is well!
I love you all, keep safe!
Love,
Spencer
Showing posts with label California. Show all posts
Showing posts with label California. Show all posts
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, November 21, 2008
September 22, 2008
Dear Mom,
I'd use the Northridge address because he'll stay and I'll probably go. He'd love it though. He gets on my nerves sometimes, only because I'm really stressed and he's a voice of reason. Which irritates me, but it helps me become a better person.
Good ole' Houston mission. It's super hot down there...she'll just love that. Haha, almost as bad as going to Phillipines.
Well, Kristy went super sister missionary, but I hope Scott will stick around. Either way, it's not a disaster. As Elder Woods said, there's a lot more fishes in the sea. No biggie, I'm not worried at all.
Highlights of the week!
So I'm trying to think straight...I'll have to backtrack a bit. So today we helped a member in a neighboring ward paint his bedrooms because he has to move asap so we did that. I did it begrudgingly because it's my p-day and I can't recoup the time 'lost' of three hours. So there goes the rest of my p-day. I had to do it, but I didn't want to. Woods said, 'what would Jesus do?' and went onto lecture me about attitude and stuff. He told me to stop whining and I was going to punch his lights out. Thank goodness for patience, but I really feel he feels he's a superior person over me. I hate 'holier-than-thou' missionaries. He's a good guy though. I just was really irritated that the other missionaries were really pushing me to do something I really didn't want to do. I felt good when I got there, but I was a bit miffed because the other guys were pushing to spend even more time. So there goes three hours. Way to go. I hate being district leader and having to do stuff like that. It really wears out my patience.
So that's today. Yesterday was really busy. We went to church and stuff, then went home to eat lunch. We assumed that our zone leaders were having their baptism because they told us that it was going to happen. But, we get there and there is no one there! The font isn't filled up and the baptism is scheduled in forty-five minutes. Way to go zone leaders! Way to tell us that you canceled it! So they felt bad and came to help us out, and we got a local member to open it up and fill it for us. So the service started late and went alright considering the circumstances. One of the other elders that got us to paint told me, 'it was a bit disorganized.' Well, of course it is if you had to go through all this stuff on the day of the baptism. It was a great and spiritual service. Our members gave heart-warming and honest talks. They expressed so much gratitude for the gospel and how it's helped them in their lives. I was touched and really glad they could spend their time with us in that way. So I was happy leaving the baptism. We went to dinner, had a great time there. Then we went to the super amazing Luna family and watched the Restoration DVD with them. Oh man, I love the Church media! It is simple, and brings the Spirit in an instant. During the movie I was thinking, how could I show that faith that Joseph had? It's incredible to think a fourteen year old boy received so important an answer. I keep remembering the part in the movie where the narrator says something along the lines of, 'how many great gifts would our Father in Heaven give us if we only ask?' I can't help to think of Dad and of you, of all that you've sacrificed for me. A beautiful Sabbath day.
Saturday was...interesting. I ate (the night before) a dish that contained four habanero peppers...so I was in and out of the bathroom most of the morning. But we did go and try to talk to some people and find our investigators. No luck, but we had a blast at our ward's BBQ party later that evening. I'll have to send you pictures, because Woods and I got mummy wrapped by toilet paper, and we played wiffle ball. This pregnant member hit the ball so me, being the catcher, picked up the ball to relay it to first. We already gave her the free base (she's eight months pregnant!) but she started to walk quickly. I pick up the ball and look up and PLOP! She dropped to the ground so fast! We couldn't decide whether to laugh or feel bad...she rolls over and starts laughing out loud. That was the signal so we laughed even harder. We had a presentation to give at the BBQ and we did that, and went on our way. One of our members fed us dinner, even after the BBQ, and that filled us up way good. Sister Milner, Susan's fellowshipper. They gave us so much food, and sent even more home with us! But, we had an enjoyable time talking to her and her mother about their lives, their homeland (the Phillipines)...it was a very good dinner appointment. I couldn't move the rest of the evening though.
Friday was busy as heck. District meeting then BOOM BOOM BOOM running from appointment to appointment. Mike testified to us about how this message is so good, people are asking, 'is there a catch? is this for real?' It was pretty sweet to hear him testify of how great this message is. Pretty sweet, I could say. We did get to see Susan and prep the program for Sunday, and saw one of our other members, Bruce (the one we've helped with the pipeline). Really jolly old man. Never a serious moment around him. And we went to a member of a different ward that knew McGahee when he was here last and fed me 'devil's shrimp' which was super hot and spicy. Thus, it is the famous four habanero dish. A busy day indeed!
Thursday was another weekly planning day. Not much happened. We got stuck in an appointment teaching the Lunas and got to Betsy's late...only to find she invited her sister and her husband over too! The Luna girls, just to say, were sapped of energy because they just finished a soccer game. So it was a good lesson, but they were tired. The Restoration does have a lot of doctrine stuff...man I can see how it's hard to accept it all. But, being late made me feel even worse! But, we had an enjoyable dinner, and even better time just chatting and laughing and joking...our less actives are way cooler than our actives! Woods goes and shares a spiritual thought on charity, and I felt good because the Spirit was there, accompanying us along the way. We are too blessed, to be honest.
Wednesday was exchanges, and boy it was so fun! I was in Northridge and my zonie Boyce and I got along so well. He's awesome. We went contacting for several hours by CSUN, got free lunch at the Institute building and went contacting again. We get home and crash from exhaustion for an hour. Off again to teach people! Manny, who is having some commandments issues, was really enthusiastic BUT doesn't really get it the first time around. A fun-filled but spiritual lesson for sure. We zoomed around and eventually had dinner with the Kilgrows of Northridge 1st. Fun couple, and they invited another sister from the ward Georgia Reed. A fun group of older people. They are great! We have a good dinner, good steak and potatoes. Even better was our spiritual thought. We go into the family room and we start telling stories of how members found people to baptize. Not just people, but families to come to the church. Just incredible! The Spirit was there and filled the room as well as our hearts. I felt prompted to share some stories as well as my own testimony of member missionary work. The best story was shared by Boyce. One day, a couple was going out to eat dinner. The wife and husband were talking about missionary work and what the elders shared with them a few days before. The wife pipes up, 'let's go to ___ restaurant.' The husband, usually fixed on where they go for dinner, agrees and they turn around. They sit down and the waitress comes over. 'Do you know anything about the Mormon church?' was her question to this member couple. Coincidence? I know it wasn't. Eventually the members had the missionaries teach them, and they were baptized. Talk about a motivating story. I was excited after hearing that! It was amazing! We left on cloud nine, and Boyce put his fist out so we could do the famous 'pound'. 'Yeah, gimme some of that!' said Boyce. Lots of fun, and full of the Spirit. We talked to a referral at his work, and set up a different time to visit. Our last appointment fell through because the investigator (who was going to be baptized yesterday) couldn't make it- her grandma was in the hospital. So we taught their ward missionary and went home. Good day...but I'm so tired from this work.
Tuesday was another weekly planning day since we were so busy the week before. We ended up contacting and then going out to eat at TGI Friday's courtesty of Woods and member's money for dinner. Delicious fajitas...then we went to member's houses to check up on them. McGahee knows the area well, so we went to visit some of his old members in Northridge. That was our day.
So that's the week in a nutshell!
I love missionary work. I get super stressed, but also super relieved. It's a roller coaster ride sometimes because nothing goes according to plan. Never. And it causes stress because I don't like it that way...but it teaches me more patience, if I can bear it. I love being here, and I am just hoping to see what President will say tomorrow during interviews...and I'll let you know what he hints next week!
Who says you can't baptize in English work? I got one in three transfers! More than I got in my first four transfers in Spanish work! Psssh....the Lord blesses according to desire and attitude (as well as work ethic).
I'm learning a lot being a district leader, especially today. Don't stress...be patient, and sacrifice. I am not here to do my will, but my Father's. It's so frustrating sometimes, but it's learning to submit willfully and patiently to a higher power's will. What would Jesus do? Do service. What would He do? Be obedient. What would He do? Love all those around him. I admit I've grown somewhat, but patience is still coming. I have a lot to learn and to do.
Love you all...talk to you later!
Love,
Spencer
I'd use the Northridge address because he'll stay and I'll probably go. He'd love it though. He gets on my nerves sometimes, only because I'm really stressed and he's a voice of reason. Which irritates me, but it helps me become a better person.
Good ole' Houston mission. It's super hot down there...she'll just love that. Haha, almost as bad as going to Phillipines.
Well, Kristy went super sister missionary, but I hope Scott will stick around. Either way, it's not a disaster. As Elder Woods said, there's a lot more fishes in the sea. No biggie, I'm not worried at all.
Highlights of the week!
So I'm trying to think straight...I'll have to backtrack a bit. So today we helped a member in a neighboring ward paint his bedrooms because he has to move asap so we did that. I did it begrudgingly because it's my p-day and I can't recoup the time 'lost' of three hours. So there goes the rest of my p-day. I had to do it, but I didn't want to. Woods said, 'what would Jesus do?' and went onto lecture me about attitude and stuff. He told me to stop whining and I was going to punch his lights out. Thank goodness for patience, but I really feel he feels he's a superior person over me. I hate 'holier-than-thou' missionaries. He's a good guy though. I just was really irritated that the other missionaries were really pushing me to do something I really didn't want to do. I felt good when I got there, but I was a bit miffed because the other guys were pushing to spend even more time. So there goes three hours. Way to go. I hate being district leader and having to do stuff like that. It really wears out my patience.
So that's today. Yesterday was really busy. We went to church and stuff, then went home to eat lunch. We assumed that our zone leaders were having their baptism because they told us that it was going to happen. But, we get there and there is no one there! The font isn't filled up and the baptism is scheduled in forty-five minutes. Way to go zone leaders! Way to tell us that you canceled it! So they felt bad and came to help us out, and we got a local member to open it up and fill it for us. So the service started late and went alright considering the circumstances. One of the other elders that got us to paint told me, 'it was a bit disorganized.' Well, of course it is if you had to go through all this stuff on the day of the baptism. It was a great and spiritual service. Our members gave heart-warming and honest talks. They expressed so much gratitude for the gospel and how it's helped them in their lives. I was touched and really glad they could spend their time with us in that way. So I was happy leaving the baptism. We went to dinner, had a great time there. Then we went to the super amazing Luna family and watched the Restoration DVD with them. Oh man, I love the Church media! It is simple, and brings the Spirit in an instant. During the movie I was thinking, how could I show that faith that Joseph had? It's incredible to think a fourteen year old boy received so important an answer. I keep remembering the part in the movie where the narrator says something along the lines of, 'how many great gifts would our Father in Heaven give us if we only ask?' I can't help to think of Dad and of you, of all that you've sacrificed for me. A beautiful Sabbath day.
Saturday was...interesting. I ate (the night before) a dish that contained four habanero peppers...so I was in and out of the bathroom most of the morning. But we did go and try to talk to some people and find our investigators. No luck, but we had a blast at our ward's BBQ party later that evening. I'll have to send you pictures, because Woods and I got mummy wrapped by toilet paper, and we played wiffle ball. This pregnant member hit the ball so me, being the catcher, picked up the ball to relay it to first. We already gave her the free base (she's eight months pregnant!) but she started to walk quickly. I pick up the ball and look up and PLOP! She dropped to the ground so fast! We couldn't decide whether to laugh or feel bad...she rolls over and starts laughing out loud. That was the signal so we laughed even harder. We had a presentation to give at the BBQ and we did that, and went on our way. One of our members fed us dinner, even after the BBQ, and that filled us up way good. Sister Milner, Susan's fellowshipper. They gave us so much food, and sent even more home with us! But, we had an enjoyable time talking to her and her mother about their lives, their homeland (the Phillipines)...it was a very good dinner appointment. I couldn't move the rest of the evening though.
Friday was busy as heck. District meeting then BOOM BOOM BOOM running from appointment to appointment. Mike testified to us about how this message is so good, people are asking, 'is there a catch? is this for real?' It was pretty sweet to hear him testify of how great this message is. Pretty sweet, I could say. We did get to see Susan and prep the program for Sunday, and saw one of our other members, Bruce (the one we've helped with the pipeline). Really jolly old man. Never a serious moment around him. And we went to a member of a different ward that knew McGahee when he was here last and fed me 'devil's shrimp' which was super hot and spicy. Thus, it is the famous four habanero dish. A busy day indeed!
Thursday was another weekly planning day. Not much happened. We got stuck in an appointment teaching the Lunas and got to Betsy's late...only to find she invited her sister and her husband over too! The Luna girls, just to say, were sapped of energy because they just finished a soccer game. So it was a good lesson, but they were tired. The Restoration does have a lot of doctrine stuff...man I can see how it's hard to accept it all. But, being late made me feel even worse! But, we had an enjoyable dinner, and even better time just chatting and laughing and joking...our less actives are way cooler than our actives! Woods goes and shares a spiritual thought on charity, and I felt good because the Spirit was there, accompanying us along the way. We are too blessed, to be honest.
Wednesday was exchanges, and boy it was so fun! I was in Northridge and my zonie Boyce and I got along so well. He's awesome. We went contacting for several hours by CSUN, got free lunch at the Institute building and went contacting again. We get home and crash from exhaustion for an hour. Off again to teach people! Manny, who is having some commandments issues, was really enthusiastic BUT doesn't really get it the first time around. A fun-filled but spiritual lesson for sure. We zoomed around and eventually had dinner with the Kilgrows of Northridge 1st. Fun couple, and they invited another sister from the ward Georgia Reed. A fun group of older people. They are great! We have a good dinner, good steak and potatoes. Even better was our spiritual thought. We go into the family room and we start telling stories of how members found people to baptize. Not just people, but families to come to the church. Just incredible! The Spirit was there and filled the room as well as our hearts. I felt prompted to share some stories as well as my own testimony of member missionary work. The best story was shared by Boyce. One day, a couple was going out to eat dinner. The wife and husband were talking about missionary work and what the elders shared with them a few days before. The wife pipes up, 'let's go to ___ restaurant.' The husband, usually fixed on where they go for dinner, agrees and they turn around. They sit down and the waitress comes over. 'Do you know anything about the Mormon church?' was her question to this member couple. Coincidence? I know it wasn't. Eventually the members had the missionaries teach them, and they were baptized. Talk about a motivating story. I was excited after hearing that! It was amazing! We left on cloud nine, and Boyce put his fist out so we could do the famous 'pound'. 'Yeah, gimme some of that!' said Boyce. Lots of fun, and full of the Spirit. We talked to a referral at his work, and set up a different time to visit. Our last appointment fell through because the investigator (who was going to be baptized yesterday) couldn't make it- her grandma was in the hospital. So we taught their ward missionary and went home. Good day...but I'm so tired from this work.
Tuesday was another weekly planning day since we were so busy the week before. We ended up contacting and then going out to eat at TGI Friday's courtesty of Woods and member's money for dinner. Delicious fajitas...then we went to member's houses to check up on them. McGahee knows the area well, so we went to visit some of his old members in Northridge. That was our day.
So that's the week in a nutshell!
I love missionary work. I get super stressed, but also super relieved. It's a roller coaster ride sometimes because nothing goes according to plan. Never. And it causes stress because I don't like it that way...but it teaches me more patience, if I can bear it. I love being here, and I am just hoping to see what President will say tomorrow during interviews...and I'll let you know what he hints next week!
Who says you can't baptize in English work? I got one in three transfers! More than I got in my first four transfers in Spanish work! Psssh....the Lord blesses according to desire and attitude (as well as work ethic).
I'm learning a lot being a district leader, especially today. Don't stress...be patient, and sacrifice. I am not here to do my will, but my Father's. It's so frustrating sometimes, but it's learning to submit willfully and patiently to a higher power's will. What would Jesus do? Do service. What would He do? Be obedient. What would He do? Love all those around him. I admit I've grown somewhat, but patience is still coming. I have a lot to learn and to do.
Love you all...talk to you later!
Love,
Spencer
Thursday, October 16, 2008
September 2, 2008
Dear Mom,
Yesterday was the best p-day ever! I got to sleep a lot...and it was the best for me! I was very energized and I hope it'll last the week. This area has a tendency to wear missionaries out a little, if they work. The work is picking up so fast, we barely have time to eat lunch and dinner! Busy busy busy! Such is the life right now!
This week was super busy! Highlight reel! Brought to you by...
Gatorade, is it in You?
Now back to the show.
Gotcha!
We had a transfer high of three member presents. Quite an accomplishment here because everyone is so busy and is working all week, and they were legitimate MP's. Pretty sweet lessons this past week. So Tuesday and Wednesday mornings Woods and I dug a trench for this member, Bruce Sayler. He has to get another oil line underground because he's been without gas for about two months. So we're giving all the time we can spare to help him...but he has to get some extra help or it'll take another week or so. And his mother, who is as old as grandma, is a bit pushy to say the least. He's funny because he says he doesn't like being treated as if he were a ten year-old...but he's accepted it by now. We actually helped him this morning just now, so it's been a learning experience for me. Dig a trench, dig under roots and how to correctly use a pickaxe. Pretty sweet stuff.
Sunday was absolutely spiritual. We had a semi-good testimony meeting, some of our oddball members went up there and did their thing. I couldn't look behind me because there were some normal members sitting behind me and they were trying not to laugh very hard. But, we had six investigators to church, as well as a less active family (the Lunas) and Betsy Miller. I was so happy! I was very glad to see them all there! Betsy did ask me, 'So she (one of the oddballs) usually does that, right?' Yup. She felt a bit uneasy, but she is willing to put feelings aside and to go to church. Her goal is to go to the temple and be sealed with her sister, and I really feel it'll come soon as soon as she becomes consistent with church. The Lunas promised us a week ago they'd go to church, and there they were! Super awkward moment when their teenage daughters came out of nowhere and gave me a hug...so awkward! Ahh! Couldn't react in time so I lost. I got two hugs. So great! We went to a baptismal service of someone I met in the ZL's ward and interviewed for baptism (interviews are so cool!) and our investigator Crystal came. She loved it...she was a bundle of emotions but she kept herself calm. I felt like an inferior missionary there. We had our ZL's, and our AP's who both served as ZL's in this ward. And Woods, my comp. Just amazing missionaries. Super spiritual and it just reminded me of the success I have seen before, and how great I felt. Super motivating! We went to dinner with the Sanders, who are nice and cool at the same time. Not odd at all. It was a great Sunday.
Saturday was busy as heck! Unusual but really good! One of our investigators that dropped us a month ago finally invited us back, and she had two of her daughters there. Good ole' Donna Caballero. We had their neighbors, the Espinosas, who are members (really strong testimonies too). It was a very impromptu Plan of Salvation lesson, but it was simple and spiritual. Powerful. I felt the Spirit and the Spirit really enlightened this family. It made sense, they said, how Adam and Eve did a good thing for us (2nd Nephi chapter 2 is the best scripture on the Fall!). Oh yeah, Betsy during Sunday School pointed out she loves the Book of Mormon because we read the Bible a little, kind of confusing. We ran to another place, then another to teach Susan. Ran into a sticky situation because we taught some commandments then reviewed the baptismal questions...then the Word of Wisdom came up so we went into that (led by the Spirit). She likes...green tea. Not that bad, but still. At first she didn't like the idea of switching to herbal tea. Then Woods went into the blessings of keeping this law, and she's like 'Ok I'll do it if I get blessings.' Wow, that was...easy? Dinner and then off to visit Shenice with Sister Dutton (just a fabulous member). Shenice was tired, as were we, but we hung in there...and I loved the spiritual experiences that Sis. Dutton shared. It made Woods point out, afterwards, that we need to be more personal in the majority of our lessons...that's what we're missing! She put a viewpoint on the Gospel regarding the Plan of Salvation. God will put us where we are comfortable at the end of this life. She said she doesn't like change, but she knows she wants to be comfortable in God's presence in the next life. I was like, 'hmm, would I be comfortable in God's presence? Nope.' I learned a lot from her. It was her first time teaming up with missionaries, and she loved it!
Friday was hectic. District meeting, before that a goal setting meeting (ZDM) with the other DL's and ZL's...then I had to go up to Santa Clarita to drop the other elders Sara and Tayler off at the office to get their car (finally got a car). It was weird being back in my old stomping grounds....strange indeed!
Highlights! So Gye, our English student, bought us iced coffee on Wednesday so we taught the Word of Wisdom (kind of a recurring theme here, eh?) and she apologized...then she gave it to her neighbors that night. Really great woman, really open to us. Mike didn't get the title of liberty scripture we gave him, but when we explained it he really liked it. He was all gung-ho about it. Pretty sweet when you understand the words and apply them! June's daughter was sick again, she's anemic...poor little girl...so we couldn't meet with him last week. And meeting with Crystal, Enrique and Franky was out of hand! I got distracted because they were asking questions at the same time...really disconcerting. But, we answered their questions to the best of our abilities and left something to read so we won't have to answer the rest of their questions. Super busy week! Lots of fun though!
By the way, Elder Raleigh is with me again...he was in my first district ever! What a riot he is...haha it's so fun being around him. We do joke around TOO much it's sort of a problem when one is trying to get to bed. Good kid though. He's almost done, that is so crazy! The greenie (now in his second transfer) is so much happier now his trainer is gone...we're having a blast over here!
Yesterday was pretty sweet. So after we visit the Lunas and express how happy we were to see them at church, we went contacting. I felt prompted to stop the car at a road close to the apartment and to contact there. We contacted there the night before, but we went on the other side of the street. Rejected here and there, until we keep walking down the sidewalk and see a black man walking up to us. I asked Woods, 'Hey is he walking away or towards us?' He said, 'His arms are swinging towards us so he's walking towards us.' Good analysis Woods. We start to talk to him about the Restoration, and he just stands there in awe. Overwhelmed, but he realized he was missing a prophet. He said, 'well if it's true I'm missing something then.' Really open man (he was black too...really awesome!). The Spirit was working through us, and it really touched him when Elder Woods shared the First Vision with him, and it was just what the Spirit needed to prick this man's heart. He was excited and a bit amazed at our message. The only problem is he lives in Ventura, out of our mission, and we couldn't get his phone number. But it was a great contact! Oh man! Mind-blowing! Just because I parked the car on the street unplanned. He took our card, and went his way with our telephone number written on it. I just hope he calls us, and we'll get him to the right people. Wow...a great contact. We ended up praying to thank the Lord for his kindness in letting us be strengthened by that contact. I was in shock for a little bit. Wow!
Time really flies...when one works. I know the Lord sent me here to prepare someone...I just don't know who. We'll see what happens though, I'm super excited. I know something big will happen here, but I must be patient. I love my district, and I love my mission leaders. There's no one better!
I'm happy all is well back home. I love you all, and stay safe.
Love,
Spencer
P.S. Woods' birthday is in October..? So if you have any ideas of what a missionary would need, could you send him a card and maybe a little package? Thanks mom! I just can't get away from him...it's against the rules to get a surprise gift for you comp (jk! but almost impossible without him knowing).
Yesterday was the best p-day ever! I got to sleep a lot...and it was the best for me! I was very energized and I hope it'll last the week. This area has a tendency to wear missionaries out a little, if they work. The work is picking up so fast, we barely have time to eat lunch and dinner! Busy busy busy! Such is the life right now!
This week was super busy! Highlight reel! Brought to you by...
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We had a transfer high of three member presents. Quite an accomplishment here because everyone is so busy and is working all week, and they were legitimate MP's. Pretty sweet lessons this past week. So Tuesday and Wednesday mornings Woods and I dug a trench for this member, Bruce Sayler. He has to get another oil line underground because he's been without gas for about two months. So we're giving all the time we can spare to help him...but he has to get some extra help or it'll take another week or so. And his mother, who is as old as grandma, is a bit pushy to say the least. He's funny because he says he doesn't like being treated as if he were a ten year-old...but he's accepted it by now. We actually helped him this morning just now, so it's been a learning experience for me. Dig a trench, dig under roots and how to correctly use a pickaxe. Pretty sweet stuff.
Sunday was absolutely spiritual. We had a semi-good testimony meeting, some of our oddball members went up there and did their thing. I couldn't look behind me because there were some normal members sitting behind me and they were trying not to laugh very hard. But, we had six investigators to church, as well as a less active family (the Lunas) and Betsy Miller. I was so happy! I was very glad to see them all there! Betsy did ask me, 'So she (one of the oddballs) usually does that, right?' Yup. She felt a bit uneasy, but she is willing to put feelings aside and to go to church. Her goal is to go to the temple and be sealed with her sister, and I really feel it'll come soon as soon as she becomes consistent with church. The Lunas promised us a week ago they'd go to church, and there they were! Super awkward moment when their teenage daughters came out of nowhere and gave me a hug...so awkward! Ahh! Couldn't react in time so I lost. I got two hugs. So great! We went to a baptismal service of someone I met in the ZL's ward and interviewed for baptism (interviews are so cool!) and our investigator Crystal came. She loved it...she was a bundle of emotions but she kept herself calm. I felt like an inferior missionary there. We had our ZL's, and our AP's who both served as ZL's in this ward. And Woods, my comp. Just amazing missionaries. Super spiritual and it just reminded me of the success I have seen before, and how great I felt. Super motivating! We went to dinner with the Sanders, who are nice and cool at the same time. Not odd at all. It was a great Sunday.
Saturday was busy as heck! Unusual but really good! One of our investigators that dropped us a month ago finally invited us back, and she had two of her daughters there. Good ole' Donna Caballero. We had their neighbors, the Espinosas, who are members (really strong testimonies too). It was a very impromptu Plan of Salvation lesson, but it was simple and spiritual. Powerful. I felt the Spirit and the Spirit really enlightened this family. It made sense, they said, how Adam and Eve did a good thing for us (2nd Nephi chapter 2 is the best scripture on the Fall!). Oh yeah, Betsy during Sunday School pointed out she loves the Book of Mormon because we read the Bible a little, kind of confusing. We ran to another place, then another to teach Susan. Ran into a sticky situation because we taught some commandments then reviewed the baptismal questions...then the Word of Wisdom came up so we went into that (led by the Spirit). She likes...green tea. Not that bad, but still. At first she didn't like the idea of switching to herbal tea. Then Woods went into the blessings of keeping this law, and she's like 'Ok I'll do it if I get blessings.' Wow, that was...easy? Dinner and then off to visit Shenice with Sister Dutton (just a fabulous member). Shenice was tired, as were we, but we hung in there...and I loved the spiritual experiences that Sis. Dutton shared. It made Woods point out, afterwards, that we need to be more personal in the majority of our lessons...that's what we're missing! She put a viewpoint on the Gospel regarding the Plan of Salvation. God will put us where we are comfortable at the end of this life. She said she doesn't like change, but she knows she wants to be comfortable in God's presence in the next life. I was like, 'hmm, would I be comfortable in God's presence? Nope.' I learned a lot from her. It was her first time teaming up with missionaries, and she loved it!
Friday was hectic. District meeting, before that a goal setting meeting (ZDM) with the other DL's and ZL's...then I had to go up to Santa Clarita to drop the other elders Sara and Tayler off at the office to get their car (finally got a car). It was weird being back in my old stomping grounds....strange indeed!
Highlights! So Gye, our English student, bought us iced coffee on Wednesday so we taught the Word of Wisdom (kind of a recurring theme here, eh?) and she apologized...then she gave it to her neighbors that night. Really great woman, really open to us. Mike didn't get the title of liberty scripture we gave him, but when we explained it he really liked it. He was all gung-ho about it. Pretty sweet when you understand the words and apply them! June's daughter was sick again, she's anemic...poor little girl...so we couldn't meet with him last week. And meeting with Crystal, Enrique and Franky was out of hand! I got distracted because they were asking questions at the same time...really disconcerting. But, we answered their questions to the best of our abilities and left something to read so we won't have to answer the rest of their questions. Super busy week! Lots of fun though!
By the way, Elder Raleigh is with me again...he was in my first district ever! What a riot he is...haha it's so fun being around him. We do joke around TOO much it's sort of a problem when one is trying to get to bed. Good kid though. He's almost done, that is so crazy! The greenie (now in his second transfer) is so much happier now his trainer is gone...we're having a blast over here!
Yesterday was pretty sweet. So after we visit the Lunas and express how happy we were to see them at church, we went contacting. I felt prompted to stop the car at a road close to the apartment and to contact there. We contacted there the night before, but we went on the other side of the street. Rejected here and there, until we keep walking down the sidewalk and see a black man walking up to us. I asked Woods, 'Hey is he walking away or towards us?' He said, 'His arms are swinging towards us so he's walking towards us.' Good analysis Woods. We start to talk to him about the Restoration, and he just stands there in awe. Overwhelmed, but he realized he was missing a prophet. He said, 'well if it's true I'm missing something then.' Really open man (he was black too...really awesome!). The Spirit was working through us, and it really touched him when Elder Woods shared the First Vision with him, and it was just what the Spirit needed to prick this man's heart. He was excited and a bit amazed at our message. The only problem is he lives in Ventura, out of our mission, and we couldn't get his phone number. But it was a great contact! Oh man! Mind-blowing! Just because I parked the car on the street unplanned. He took our card, and went his way with our telephone number written on it. I just hope he calls us, and we'll get him to the right people. Wow...a great contact. We ended up praying to thank the Lord for his kindness in letting us be strengthened by that contact. I was in shock for a little bit. Wow!
Time really flies...when one works. I know the Lord sent me here to prepare someone...I just don't know who. We'll see what happens though, I'm super excited. I know something big will happen here, but I must be patient. I love my district, and I love my mission leaders. There's no one better!
I'm happy all is well back home. I love you all, and stay safe.
Love,
Spencer
P.S. Woods' birthday is in October..? So if you have any ideas of what a missionary would need, could you send him a card and maybe a little package? Thanks mom! I just can't get away from him...it's against the rules to get a surprise gift for you comp (jk! but almost impossible without him knowing).
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
August 25, 2008
Dear Mom,
Busy week indeed. I am swamped with a lot of work and not too much time to do it all! I am dead tired. At least I'm not in a really rough area because work is just falling into our laps right now. But, it's stressful at the same time. My companion is dealing with my stress and he's the best one for me right now. The ward is getting excited about the work, and I'm feeling that this place is about to burst!
This past week my good ole' ZL Boyce was alone yet again. His comp, for the second straight transfer in a row, became the new AP. So he was living out of a suitcase for the past five days, poor guy. He said it's been a great few days, but the worst. He's just out of his rhythym because he's been in at least five companionships in the last five days. Poor guy. But, we had some great time with him! He's so awesome! Busy week though!
Not even a single day without rest! So reverse order! Yesterday was busy as heck, the last day of the transfer. Church, Mike, Susan, Gye, and June came to church. Four! Sweet! We had a good meeting with our ward mission leader and I was a bit agitated by his attitude...let's let the missionaries do everything. We had a stern talk with him, and I don't think we're on the same page. Something's got to give here. A weird and crazy member from the other ward asked us for a blessing so we gave him one...but he's a bit looney. But, we had a good lesson in Elder's Quorum based on Elder Holland's recent General Conference talk, 'My Words...Never Cease'. Our Elder's Quorum President Bro. Bunce is a religion teacher at a local college, and it was a great lesson! Everyone is an RM and were shooting out scripture after scripture about how the Bible really isn't correct and yet...it is true. We all shared in the Spirit, and it was just great! We went to pick up our Boyce, went to find a referral (not home of course) and to a baptismal service at the stake center, of someone that I taught in the home of the stake president (I was SO nervous to go there that day!). It was very spiritual, a bit odd due to the interesting layout of the program....but it was a beautiful service. We gave the missionary moment, a.k.a. the Restoration lesson. It was a great service! We zipped over to an investigator's house, Monica Escobido and her daughter Christina...they're so cool! We lost track of them for about six weeks, and now that the summer is dying down they have time. So awesome! We taught them a quick Restoration lesson and we were out! To dinner! Really cool members, the Playsteads. He can cook a mean tri-tip, as well as steak of any kind. Absolutely delicious. Shared a thought, went to take the Sherman Oaks elders home (Boyce took them to our place cuz he gave them the car for the weekend)...and they didn't show up. They went contacting for almost two hours...lame! And then Woods' recent converts came to see how we're doing and delayed us even more! So basically, we get home at 9:45 due to all this. I'm stressed, tired, mad...but Woods calmed me down because I was just beat. I was out so fast!
Saturday was cool! A sweet member present lesson with Susan Lar! A fellow Filipino, Raquel Milner, brought her mom there too...they got along so well! I felt the Spirit as Sis. Milner bore her witness of baptism and it's importance, and Susan was really listening. It was really cool to see she was truly interested in what a fellow Filipino was saying...wow! We went around trying to find people the rest of the day...typical Saturday. But, it was very productive! Oh yeah! We had a baptismal interview that night too, and we got home late at like 10 pm due to it...so I interviewed a kid I met before on exchanges, Darwin, and he was so excited for baptism! He knew it all, piece of cake. He was bit tired from a tubing trip that day, but he recalled it all very well. And bore his testimony, he was ready! I promised him I'll see his baptism, and he was like YEAH. Really excited. One of Boyce's investigators fed us cake (they were teaching her while I was doing the interview). So sweet! Busy day!
Friday was nuts! District meeting, dropped Boyce off again to the other elders, we had our lessons and BAM! we're done. Crazy fast. Mike really loves hearing the lessons and I really feel he wants to change. He is just waiting on a record label deal to come through so he could work regular hours. Gye was sad to hear we had transfers coming up so at the end she prayed so we both could stay. She's awesome.
Thursday...no idea what happened really except for Susan Lar...she told us we were a bit bold when Woods said, 'you will be baptized on [this date]'. Hilarious. She was like 'Oh my gosh! You already decided a date!' She didn't understand us at first, but she accepted it. So funny! Just the expression on her face was priceless. Wednesday I went on exchanges with Elder Cotter, who is super trunky and ready to go home. Not a good exchange, but I got to sit back and relax a little...not good though the way he wanted to. Oh well, he's home! Tuesday, no idea what happened. Just a blurry day of the mission.
That was my week!
So we're getting a new companion, to be a trio. Elder McGahee of Alabama, who's about to end his mission. Good kid, it'll be fun with him!
Another transfer as DL. I guess President wants me to kill myself here ;-) The work is progressing! I love this work!
I got the chance to talk to 'my' recent converts up in Santa Clarita, and they're doing great! Good ole' Alberto and Yadira are doing great...going to church still, reading the Book of Mormon, and even going to support new recently baptized converts...I'm so proud of them! I'm excited for them! The Jaimes are moving to Canyon Country, on the other side of the valley up there and they're doing fine also. The mom told me she didn't like the baptismal photo I sent them because she looked too fat in it. Haha! I couldn't stop from laughing. She's so funny! But all is well...and I miss them so! Seeing them progress has really boosted my testimony as well as changed my outlook on the mission and my potential as the Lord's anointed servant.
I hope all is well...talk to you soon!
Love,
Spencer
Busy week indeed. I am swamped with a lot of work and not too much time to do it all! I am dead tired. At least I'm not in a really rough area because work is just falling into our laps right now. But, it's stressful at the same time. My companion is dealing with my stress and he's the best one for me right now. The ward is getting excited about the work, and I'm feeling that this place is about to burst!
This past week my good ole' ZL Boyce was alone yet again. His comp, for the second straight transfer in a row, became the new AP. So he was living out of a suitcase for the past five days, poor guy. He said it's been a great few days, but the worst. He's just out of his rhythym because he's been in at least five companionships in the last five days. Poor guy. But, we had some great time with him! He's so awesome! Busy week though!
Not even a single day without rest! So reverse order! Yesterday was busy as heck, the last day of the transfer. Church, Mike, Susan, Gye, and June came to church. Four! Sweet! We had a good meeting with our ward mission leader and I was a bit agitated by his attitude...let's let the missionaries do everything. We had a stern talk with him, and I don't think we're on the same page. Something's got to give here. A weird and crazy member from the other ward asked us for a blessing so we gave him one...but he's a bit looney. But, we had a good lesson in Elder's Quorum based on Elder Holland's recent General Conference talk, 'My Words...Never Cease'. Our Elder's Quorum President Bro. Bunce is a religion teacher at a local college, and it was a great lesson! Everyone is an RM and were shooting out scripture after scripture about how the Bible really isn't correct and yet...it is true. We all shared in the Spirit, and it was just great! We went to pick up our Boyce, went to find a referral (not home of course) and to a baptismal service at the stake center, of someone that I taught in the home of the stake president (I was SO nervous to go there that day!). It was very spiritual, a bit odd due to the interesting layout of the program....but it was a beautiful service. We gave the missionary moment, a.k.a. the Restoration lesson. It was a great service! We zipped over to an investigator's house, Monica Escobido and her daughter Christina...they're so cool! We lost track of them for about six weeks, and now that the summer is dying down they have time. So awesome! We taught them a quick Restoration lesson and we were out! To dinner! Really cool members, the Playsteads. He can cook a mean tri-tip, as well as steak of any kind. Absolutely delicious. Shared a thought, went to take the Sherman Oaks elders home (Boyce took them to our place cuz he gave them the car for the weekend)...and they didn't show up. They went contacting for almost two hours...lame! And then Woods' recent converts came to see how we're doing and delayed us even more! So basically, we get home at 9:45 due to all this. I'm stressed, tired, mad...but Woods calmed me down because I was just beat. I was out so fast!
Saturday was cool! A sweet member present lesson with Susan Lar! A fellow Filipino, Raquel Milner, brought her mom there too...they got along so well! I felt the Spirit as Sis. Milner bore her witness of baptism and it's importance, and Susan was really listening. It was really cool to see she was truly interested in what a fellow Filipino was saying...wow! We went around trying to find people the rest of the day...typical Saturday. But, it was very productive! Oh yeah! We had a baptismal interview that night too, and we got home late at like 10 pm due to it...so I interviewed a kid I met before on exchanges, Darwin, and he was so excited for baptism! He knew it all, piece of cake. He was bit tired from a tubing trip that day, but he recalled it all very well. And bore his testimony, he was ready! I promised him I'll see his baptism, and he was like YEAH. Really excited. One of Boyce's investigators fed us cake (they were teaching her while I was doing the interview). So sweet! Busy day!
Friday was nuts! District meeting, dropped Boyce off again to the other elders, we had our lessons and BAM! we're done. Crazy fast. Mike really loves hearing the lessons and I really feel he wants to change. He is just waiting on a record label deal to come through so he could work regular hours. Gye was sad to hear we had transfers coming up so at the end she prayed so we both could stay. She's awesome.
Thursday...no idea what happened really except for Susan Lar...she told us we were a bit bold when Woods said, 'you will be baptized on [this date]'. Hilarious. She was like 'Oh my gosh! You already decided a date!' She didn't understand us at first, but she accepted it. So funny! Just the expression on her face was priceless. Wednesday I went on exchanges with Elder Cotter, who is super trunky and ready to go home. Not a good exchange, but I got to sit back and relax a little...not good though the way he wanted to. Oh well, he's home! Tuesday, no idea what happened. Just a blurry day of the mission.
That was my week!
So we're getting a new companion, to be a trio. Elder McGahee of Alabama, who's about to end his mission. Good kid, it'll be fun with him!
Another transfer as DL. I guess President wants me to kill myself here ;-) The work is progressing! I love this work!
I got the chance to talk to 'my' recent converts up in Santa Clarita, and they're doing great! Good ole' Alberto and Yadira are doing great...going to church still, reading the Book of Mormon, and even going to support new recently baptized converts...I'm so proud of them! I'm excited for them! The Jaimes are moving to Canyon Country, on the other side of the valley up there and they're doing fine also. The mom told me she didn't like the baptismal photo I sent them because she looked too fat in it. Haha! I couldn't stop from laughing. She's so funny! But all is well...and I miss them so! Seeing them progress has really boosted my testimony as well as changed my outlook on the mission and my potential as the Lord's anointed servant.
I hope all is well...talk to you soon!
Love,
Spencer
Sunday, September 21, 2008
August 18, 2008
Dear Mom,
I guess that I am getting used to this darn heat. The dryness...not so much. But I'll have to deal with it for at least ten more months. How strange is that? I will be going home in less than a year! I feel I just started...and time does truly fly after you hit your one year mark. I love being a missionary, and I know this is the best thing for me!
I'm happy to know you made it safe over there in Utah, the so-called Zion of the West. I feel that SoCal is Zion in the midst of Babylon, because there is so much stuff going on here it is truly saddening. The members have been asked to contribute financially and also with time to the new amendment, proposition 8, that is for protecting the sanctity of marriage. A member made a fuss about it in Elder's Quorum class and one of our other members, good Bro. Ballard, shut him up with scriptures and just common sense. It was the best thing ever! I loved it! As you can tell this member is just an attention hog BUT at least he got his voice heard...which annoyed me. But, we're hopefully going to see this through and see the gay community defeated. The members here, if they're active, they're really strong. I feel inadequate among such humble followers of Christ. I love the Filipino people, and I especially am glad for this chance I have to serve them. Talking about Filipinos, we got two referrals in Tagalog so we're going to visit them tomorrow with a member that speaks Tagalog. Two new investigators! We're going to have to rely on the gift of tongues to teach them! Isn't that nuts? Who would have thought? Tagalog? We ordered a book to learn Tagalog through the mission office, hopefully we'll get it soon or we'll be floundering.
We had a miracle! Seven investigators to church yesterday with two potential investigators, so a total of nine non-members. That was such a blessing. Miracles are in the works...I was sent here for a reason. Why does the Lord always bless his most inadequate servants with work? All Woods and I do is put our faith in Him, and he just blesses us immensely. We are very fortunate to be here. Our members are getting excited, the bishopric is glad we're bringing people to church...it's just going up! President Goodrich asked if I wanted to go or to stay, to which I said 'stay'. Too much is happening for me to leave here. But, if President needs me to go Spanish, I'll go. I'll want to finish in Spanish, but right now I need to help the people in Van Nuys 1st ward. Three teenagers came to church- Enrique, Crystal and Franky. They're siblings, and we feel that all will be baptized soon, probably in the next seven weeks. They're awesome! They loved church a lot, and are so excited to learn! Crystal was a bit taken aback when our high councilman was frank, saying a marriage is between a man and a woman. She was accepting of everyone, but I just reiterated that there's no gray area. She took it well I suppose. Mike came, again. Susan Lar finally came to sacrament meeting and sat by one of our Filipino members. Gye Choi, who is our English student, came to church. A potential named Hadi came too. Too bad our less actives didn't come, but there's always next time. So, we had a really busy church! Lots of investigators! The Young Men's and Young Women's people were so excited to see the three...it was really cool! I love the work! It was funny because I forgot to fill up the tank on Saturday so we had enough gas to get to church, get home, then go out to contact just down the road, and back home again. In the meantime we finally got to do our weekly planning...which wasn't done for the past three weeks because we have been very busy! That's awesome. We're so busy we couldn't get our weekly planning done...I never would've thought that in all my life as a missionary, especially in English work! Talking about goals, we decided to set a goal for twelve investigators to church next week, if we just get rides it'll be done! I'm super pumped for this last week of the transfer!
This week was a blur. Highlight reel!
Saturday we had a very spiritual lesson with our less active, Betsy Miller. She really loved our testimonies, and we all shared the Spirit's love in her home. Our Relief Society President Sister Ballard came with us, and we all got along. Betsy said she'll do her best to come to church, but I believe her work called her in (she's an accountant's assistant and they're going through several lawsuits right now- super busy!). But, we testified of how we have been blessed by obeying some of God's commandments that we went over with her...I can say that it was a blessed visit. I was very grateful to hear her tell me, 'I really liked your testimony, because I know it is sincere. I can tell you really mean it'. It's one of those...'Oh yeah...that's why I am here' moments. Truly a blessing. We went to Susan Lar and Woods straight up committed her to baptism. We started, prayed, and then he was talking about big steps and stuff then BAM! "Susan, will you be baptized by God's authority on September 7th?" She was like, huh? It was hilarious! But, she said she'll think about it, which we wanted to tell her to pray about it. She knows it's true, we just gotta ram it down her throat. She's one of those indecisive people...if you're bold she'll do it. So that's our new approach. She'll be baptized soon enough. We came home and I took a brief nap that turned into a longer than expected one. I am so dead tired...I couldn't operate without a nap. I know the Lord understands how stressed I have been and how tired I am. Sweet day!
Friday went well. Problem was at district meeting my district tuned out on my training...but it was my fault because I felt they needed a second training on commitments...so they tuned me out. But, our ward missionary came and she got to learn by teaching. It was good for that. We ended up spending an hour driving on a road to get to a place to switch our car...ours had scratches on it from a few months ago so they're repairing it. Traffic stinks down in the south part of the Valley...wow, never going that route again! But, Mike read his assignment and loved it. We testified that as he prayed he would receive an answer to his prayers, that it is our weapon. Elder Woods is a great teacher. Simple, blunt, to the point. Gye really enjoyed our English lesson. Heck, I learn something new everytime we teach her. She has really good questions. She's super open to us, we just have to find the right time to teach her the Gospel. I'm feeling that it'll come really soon. We had a sweet day though! No better call...no greater time in my life!
Thursday was super busy! Appointments, one after the other. Taught a member's daughter (he's divorced, his wife is less active so we're teaching his daughter so she'll get baptized). Then lunch. Then off to Van Nuys to find Shenice- not home, so we went contacting. Took the local bike elders to get something really quick at the local 99 cents store, then back to work! Dinner with a less active family, the Solis's, whose father is a jerk and just wants to fight the bishop over some hurt pride. Thank goodness he wasn't there...not good for the Spirit. But, as long as the bishop is bishop, they won't go back. Oh well, they're denying salvation and exaltation to themselves. We met with good ole' Bruce, who always is a load of fun and really teaches us something, that we must treasure the words of the Lord. He loves us, and we love him. A great jolly old man. I was surprised to find out he's almost seventy. He looks barely sixty.
Wednesday was my second ZDM meeting! I recommended some changes in my district, which I hope will happen for the sake of Encino ward. But, we had fun, shared jokes, some stories, but we got the job done. It was funy though! We got to stop by June, but he's really struggling to read the scriptures with his two little girls. The youngest is always sick...it's not good at all. But, I believe we'll get to him and teach him with boldness and power...he just needs help realizing how it applies to him. But, he'll get baptized, he just doesn't feel ready. We're going to commit him to baptism in the near future. We stopped by one of Woods' converts and went on our way. We had a bunch of success with our less actives going on splits, I went with the very loud Bro. Ludovico, a Filipino member who has nine kids, half of them are here, the rest are back in the Phillipines. Really cool member. Very outgoing. We got to meet a Filipino member who just had quadruple bypass surgery, and he's doing well it seems. Tagalog is super fast! Didn't understand a thing!
Tuesday was interviews, and Sister Goodrich told me to relax. I feel stressed with all this responsibility, but she reiterated I must relax, and realize it's just another bump in the road. And she mentioned, as did my ZL's Boyce and Wilcox (who is the new AP), that my stake president here, President Jex, really liked what I did when I taught an investigator at his house. So, she said that everyone trusts me, and especially President Goodrich. That was a morale booster! My life is great! I just needed a shot in the arm! Woohoo!!! Tuesday was pretty cool...I can't remember much from it. Except we did teach Enrique, and it went really well. I love being a missionary. We reviewed the Restoration with him, and his family really got interested in it. Especially Crystal. But, he loves to read and he really likes to pray. He's going to do very well in the next few weeks. I love this! I felt the Spirit testify to me, and to all, that there was a Great Apostasy, that Christ did truly die for us, and that His apostles were taken away, yet again. I felt that sorrow...how could God 'abandon' us? But, I felt that joy when we testified of the Restoration. They felt weird, they said. They felt good. They felt at peace. That's the Holy Ghost...what a great lesson indeed. We contacted afterwards, met a really interested man, and got to eat T-bone steak with the Albin's, a great member family. Bro. Albin was funny because he met his wife back home in Sacramento (he's a big Kings fan) and she was ready to go on a mission. He said he offered to help her study for the mission, and quickly mentioned, 'and soon it became make-out sessions' to which she said, 'James, don't say that!!!!' Absolutely hilarious! I loved it! We got along, had a good time, got to know them. They're a great family.
That's the week in a nutshell! Hope you enjoyed it!
I love you all, I'm so happy to know I have my family behind me cheering me on! I'll make you proud, like that song goes, 'do I make you proud?' I love my Lord, and I know without a doubt that He lives again. What joy does that bring to me? So much, I could someday collapse like Ammon meeting Alma by Zarahemla...I love this work!
May you stay safe. I love you all.
Love,
Spencer
I guess that I am getting used to this darn heat. The dryness...not so much. But I'll have to deal with it for at least ten more months. How strange is that? I will be going home in less than a year! I feel I just started...and time does truly fly after you hit your one year mark. I love being a missionary, and I know this is the best thing for me!
I'm happy to know you made it safe over there in Utah, the so-called Zion of the West. I feel that SoCal is Zion in the midst of Babylon, because there is so much stuff going on here it is truly saddening. The members have been asked to contribute financially and also with time to the new amendment, proposition 8, that is for protecting the sanctity of marriage. A member made a fuss about it in Elder's Quorum class and one of our other members, good Bro. Ballard, shut him up with scriptures and just common sense. It was the best thing ever! I loved it! As you can tell this member is just an attention hog BUT at least he got his voice heard...which annoyed me. But, we're hopefully going to see this through and see the gay community defeated. The members here, if they're active, they're really strong. I feel inadequate among such humble followers of Christ. I love the Filipino people, and I especially am glad for this chance I have to serve them. Talking about Filipinos, we got two referrals in Tagalog so we're going to visit them tomorrow with a member that speaks Tagalog. Two new investigators! We're going to have to rely on the gift of tongues to teach them! Isn't that nuts? Who would have thought? Tagalog? We ordered a book to learn Tagalog through the mission office, hopefully we'll get it soon or we'll be floundering.
We had a miracle! Seven investigators to church yesterday with two potential investigators, so a total of nine non-members. That was such a blessing. Miracles are in the works...I was sent here for a reason. Why does the Lord always bless his most inadequate servants with work? All Woods and I do is put our faith in Him, and he just blesses us immensely. We are very fortunate to be here. Our members are getting excited, the bishopric is glad we're bringing people to church...it's just going up! President Goodrich asked if I wanted to go or to stay, to which I said 'stay'. Too much is happening for me to leave here. But, if President needs me to go Spanish, I'll go. I'll want to finish in Spanish, but right now I need to help the people in Van Nuys 1st ward. Three teenagers came to church- Enrique, Crystal and Franky. They're siblings, and we feel that all will be baptized soon, probably in the next seven weeks. They're awesome! They loved church a lot, and are so excited to learn! Crystal was a bit taken aback when our high councilman was frank, saying a marriage is between a man and a woman. She was accepting of everyone, but I just reiterated that there's no gray area. She took it well I suppose. Mike came, again. Susan Lar finally came to sacrament meeting and sat by one of our Filipino members. Gye Choi, who is our English student, came to church. A potential named Hadi came too. Too bad our less actives didn't come, but there's always next time. So, we had a really busy church! Lots of investigators! The Young Men's and Young Women's people were so excited to see the three...it was really cool! I love the work! It was funny because I forgot to fill up the tank on Saturday so we had enough gas to get to church, get home, then go out to contact just down the road, and back home again. In the meantime we finally got to do our weekly planning...which wasn't done for the past three weeks because we have been very busy! That's awesome. We're so busy we couldn't get our weekly planning done...I never would've thought that in all my life as a missionary, especially in English work! Talking about goals, we decided to set a goal for twelve investigators to church next week, if we just get rides it'll be done! I'm super pumped for this last week of the transfer!
This week was a blur. Highlight reel!
Saturday we had a very spiritual lesson with our less active, Betsy Miller. She really loved our testimonies, and we all shared the Spirit's love in her home. Our Relief Society President Sister Ballard came with us, and we all got along. Betsy said she'll do her best to come to church, but I believe her work called her in (she's an accountant's assistant and they're going through several lawsuits right now- super busy!). But, we testified of how we have been blessed by obeying some of God's commandments that we went over with her...I can say that it was a blessed visit. I was very grateful to hear her tell me, 'I really liked your testimony, because I know it is sincere. I can tell you really mean it'. It's one of those...'Oh yeah...that's why I am here' moments. Truly a blessing. We went to Susan Lar and Woods straight up committed her to baptism. We started, prayed, and then he was talking about big steps and stuff then BAM! "Susan, will you be baptized by God's authority on September 7th?" She was like, huh? It was hilarious! But, she said she'll think about it, which we wanted to tell her to pray about it. She knows it's true, we just gotta ram it down her throat. She's one of those indecisive people...if you're bold she'll do it. So that's our new approach. She'll be baptized soon enough. We came home and I took a brief nap that turned into a longer than expected one. I am so dead tired...I couldn't operate without a nap. I know the Lord understands how stressed I have been and how tired I am. Sweet day!
Friday went well. Problem was at district meeting my district tuned out on my training...but it was my fault because I felt they needed a second training on commitments...so they tuned me out. But, our ward missionary came and she got to learn by teaching. It was good for that. We ended up spending an hour driving on a road to get to a place to switch our car...ours had scratches on it from a few months ago so they're repairing it. Traffic stinks down in the south part of the Valley...wow, never going that route again! But, Mike read his assignment and loved it. We testified that as he prayed he would receive an answer to his prayers, that it is our weapon. Elder Woods is a great teacher. Simple, blunt, to the point. Gye really enjoyed our English lesson. Heck, I learn something new everytime we teach her. She has really good questions. She's super open to us, we just have to find the right time to teach her the Gospel. I'm feeling that it'll come really soon. We had a sweet day though! No better call...no greater time in my life!
Thursday was super busy! Appointments, one after the other. Taught a member's daughter (he's divorced, his wife is less active so we're teaching his daughter so she'll get baptized). Then lunch. Then off to Van Nuys to find Shenice- not home, so we went contacting. Took the local bike elders to get something really quick at the local 99 cents store, then back to work! Dinner with a less active family, the Solis's, whose father is a jerk and just wants to fight the bishop over some hurt pride. Thank goodness he wasn't there...not good for the Spirit. But, as long as the bishop is bishop, they won't go back. Oh well, they're denying salvation and exaltation to themselves. We met with good ole' Bruce, who always is a load of fun and really teaches us something, that we must treasure the words of the Lord. He loves us, and we love him. A great jolly old man. I was surprised to find out he's almost seventy. He looks barely sixty.
Wednesday was my second ZDM meeting! I recommended some changes in my district, which I hope will happen for the sake of Encino ward. But, we had fun, shared jokes, some stories, but we got the job done. It was funy though! We got to stop by June, but he's really struggling to read the scriptures with his two little girls. The youngest is always sick...it's not good at all. But, I believe we'll get to him and teach him with boldness and power...he just needs help realizing how it applies to him. But, he'll get baptized, he just doesn't feel ready. We're going to commit him to baptism in the near future. We stopped by one of Woods' converts and went on our way. We had a bunch of success with our less actives going on splits, I went with the very loud Bro. Ludovico, a Filipino member who has nine kids, half of them are here, the rest are back in the Phillipines. Really cool member. Very outgoing. We got to meet a Filipino member who just had quadruple bypass surgery, and he's doing well it seems. Tagalog is super fast! Didn't understand a thing!
Tuesday was interviews, and Sister Goodrich told me to relax. I feel stressed with all this responsibility, but she reiterated I must relax, and realize it's just another bump in the road. And she mentioned, as did my ZL's Boyce and Wilcox (who is the new AP), that my stake president here, President Jex, really liked what I did when I taught an investigator at his house. So, she said that everyone trusts me, and especially President Goodrich. That was a morale booster! My life is great! I just needed a shot in the arm! Woohoo!!! Tuesday was pretty cool...I can't remember much from it. Except we did teach Enrique, and it went really well. I love being a missionary. We reviewed the Restoration with him, and his family really got interested in it. Especially Crystal. But, he loves to read and he really likes to pray. He's going to do very well in the next few weeks. I love this! I felt the Spirit testify to me, and to all, that there was a Great Apostasy, that Christ did truly die for us, and that His apostles were taken away, yet again. I felt that sorrow...how could God 'abandon' us? But, I felt that joy when we testified of the Restoration. They felt weird, they said. They felt good. They felt at peace. That's the Holy Ghost...what a great lesson indeed. We contacted afterwards, met a really interested man, and got to eat T-bone steak with the Albin's, a great member family. Bro. Albin was funny because he met his wife back home in Sacramento (he's a big Kings fan) and she was ready to go on a mission. He said he offered to help her study for the mission, and quickly mentioned, 'and soon it became make-out sessions' to which she said, 'James, don't say that!!!!' Absolutely hilarious! I loved it! We got along, had a good time, got to know them. They're a great family.
That's the week in a nutshell! Hope you enjoyed it!
I love you all, I'm so happy to know I have my family behind me cheering me on! I'll make you proud, like that song goes, 'do I make you proud?' I love my Lord, and I know without a doubt that He lives again. What joy does that bring to me? So much, I could someday collapse like Ammon meeting Alma by Zarahemla...I love this work!
May you stay safe. I love you all.
Love,
Spencer
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