Dear Mom,
This transfer has gone by so very fast! It's incredible! What a blessing it is to work and not worry about anything else. It's something I treasure to be able to NOT be homesick that much on the mission, because I know that the Lord will provide for His children in some way. My companion is a bit interesting, but we get along well for the most part, and we get a lot done. It was funny because this morning I was whistling the Super Mario video game theme walking to the car, and continued it in the car. He just screamed! It caught me off guard, and for a split second I wanted to hit him in the face because he does that a lot and it irritates me a little. But, I waited and asked him why he screamed and he told me it was because he doesn't like whistling. Phew! I'm happy I'm a bit more patient now...or there would've been some problems! He's awesome! It's just he sings a lot and it gets annoying...but it could be worse! He could be a lazy companion!
We set a baptismal date this past Friday with Mike Price! I was so excited for this, and when we did it I just felt like I was on Cloud Nine. Almost like the person that said this following statement:
'And we're going to the White House.......
BYEAAAAHHH!!!'
That's how excited I felt. No joke. It was a great experience! We sat down and started to teach and testify that there is only one authority by which God's children can be baptized. I have learned one thing in the mission- the Bible is amazing! I shared a few scriptures from the Book of the Acts and BAM! Straight up doctrine from the Bible on the power of God, the importance of such power, that it is exclusive to members of the church, and also that no one else has the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was frank, but he was open to us. We're such good friends that we can be really frank about a lot of things, and he won't take offense. He was in shock, which was expected, and so we encouraged him to continue to pray to receive an answer. He even told us, earlier that week, that he called his family and told them of his decision to join our faith. He knows this path is the path for him, and he wants to take it. He admits he's changed a lot, and he has. I've only seen a part of the change in him. He doesn't like being in the underworld among low-life people (he works as a bouncer), he knows that happiness is only temporary according to the world's standards, and he definitely knows he must comply with what he's doing and feeling, which is to join the Church of Jesus Christ. He said he felt overwhelmed and alone at times. He doesn't know what to do, and felt insecure. Then, my awesome companion said, let's read a revelation from our prophet Joseph Smith. The section, 122 or 124 or something like that, which is when Christ consoled Joseph in his afflictions- "The Son of Man has descended below all this. Art thou greater than he?" The part that always gets me, without fail, is when Christ describes Joseph being thrust from his family and children, that his young six-year old boy asks, 'father, where are they taking you?' I can only feel a part of the pain the Jospeh Smith felt, but only a tiny fraction of what Christ felt in Gethsemane, abandoned by all his friends. That section of revelation really boosted Mike's spirits, and we left with a prayer. Talk about true conversion. The Spirit is motivating him to do the right things, and he wants to do it, and change. Wow. Why am I so blessed to be here?
By the way, he played football for the Redskins and for the Bengals before dropping out for some reason. Can you find out why and let me know? His name is Mike Price, a black man (HUGE MAN!)
That was probably the best appointment all week. One more committed to baptism!
One cool experience was when we were driving around, and we ended up stoping in parking lot. Erickson said, 'I feel we need to talk to someone here' so we got out and went contacting. All in Spanish, but we managed. I ended up having a brief discussion on the question, Why are there so many churches? The man wanted to know, he knew there has to be one true church, but yet...he denied us the chance to visit and teach him. I don't have time, he said. I hope God will give him another chance, or he will give us a chance someday. It was awesome! We talked of how people work for money, but I said we don't in our church. We have a prophet. But yet, he wasn't ready to hear us. God will remember all His children, sometimes they need a lot of preparation before they hear us. It took the Cardenas 5 years to meet us, and by the time they met us they were baptized in three months! A miracle indeed!
The members are really opening up to us. No referrals yet, but I know that they really like us both. Erickson is really outgoing and could charm anyone. I'm sorta the serious one, but I have my moments too. We have felt the Spirit very strongly with our members, and there's no doubt they know this is the only path to salvation then exaltation. A convert is preparing for the temple, and we helped him out yesterday in our visit. He's having a rough time, his old self is trying to come back. So we stopped by to give him that charge he needs. We read 2nd Nephi 31:19-21 and chapter 32:8-9. He really needed that. Just a wonderful older man, 69 year old Bruce Saylor. He's anticipating going to the temple, and he just needs a little push once in a while of encouragement and love. What a funny guy! Always a light moment with him, but the Spirit is strong with him. He nearly threw a rock into the ZL's car when they were serving here (both have gone home and one was my AP when I got here), and now here we are sharing scriptures and many light moments. How precious are these moments! We told him, keep that fire going! Read the scriptures! Go to the temple! The Lord blesses us in many ways, and opens our mouths to speak the truth to all according to their needs.
I'm still the Filipino here...ahhh!!!! I really want to learn Korean when I get back. Everyone is giving me a guilt trip about not knowing Korean or Japanese...I hope I don't snap and mouth off on them! All the Latinos point that out...it gets annoying!
And another heat wave is headed our way...oh great!
The work is going well, and I'm happy here! I can only hope to stay a while here, and have obedient and fun companions. I wish you all well, and God keep every one of you safe and sane.
Love,
Spencer
Monday, August 11, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
June 30, 2008
Dear Mom,
We had an amazing week! I can't believe it's gone by this fast! I still feel like it's still the beginning of the transfer...but I'm two weeks away from the end! Ah!
Our investigators are doing well, and yesterday two of them came to church! A big black man, Mike Price, and our steady one Joy Sabrine. We had a sweet lesson with Mike this week. So we get there and want to give the Law of Chastity talk, and that actually went well. We loaded a lot on his plate. Word of Wisdom to start, a brief overview of the Law of Chastity because he read the pamphlet we gave him about it, and then about authority to baptize. Somehow it went that way...but it was a great lesson! He was overwhelmed at the end, but he needed to hear it. He was shocked, that his baptism meant nothing, and he said he'll pray about it to know whether it is right to be baptized (not again, but by the right authority). It was sweet! He is really humble, and really wants to change. He said he wasted his life away as a youth, and he wants to come closer to God. He prayed in front of us, when we asked him to, and it was a sincere prayer. 'Lord, I know this is the right path and I want to know if I need to be baptized again and that Joseph Smith was a prophet.' Wow! As for Joy, we got to meet with her too. It was almost just as great! We go in there, and start teaching about prayer and how it is so very important. We committed her to pray right then and there in front of us, so we could see if she really is praying to know whether the Book of Mormon is the word of God and if Joseph Smith was a prophet...no immediate answer, but we saw she wants to know. An answer will come, we'll have to wait for His timing.
We had a great lesson with an investigator we've been trying to get a hold of- Donna Caballero. She's having a lot of family problems, just the fact that her two teenage sons are into drugs and that stuff. We sat her down, with two of our members there (who live three doors down from her), and shared the Restoration lesson, with a focus and emphasis on families. She broke down right there and cried. She wants to find that peace that we have, and I know she will. She wants to increase her spirituality, because she hit rock bottom. She knows now she needs the Spirit, and that guide she's missing. I see great potential in her, and I hope that everything will turn out well, that she will stop crying due to sadness but to cry for joy for these great news. Wow....what a great week it has been!
I went on exchanges with the zone leaders, and it went well. I was a little lost without my companion, but we did very well. I led one of the lessons, and I felt alone. But, my boy Elder Boyce had my back. English is easy, but I felt inadequate and insecure. I know I have to improve my confidence again, and it'll take time. We got along, and did well. We visited a family from Arleta ward that invited me over to eat lunch. The Garcia family, who I've kept in contact for all of my mission. They're moving to Texas so we had one last get together, with my old district buddies Elders Foust and Pace. It was bittersweet, but we had a great time! Said our good-byes, but it was a great time to spend with them.
Every day brings something new. Always. We always talk to someone that's prepared for the Gospel, or has the chance to accept or reject it. We just give them that chance to do so. We've had so much success together, touching people's hearts, sharing the Gospel, planting that seed. It's too bad we can't watch it grow. But, it's the Lord's work, not the work of any man. I'm so tired though!
Our members are really warming up to us. I really love them. Yesterday, we had two great lessons with two of our member families. The Dutton's were so funny, yet very spiritual, and the Nygren's are very personable and practical. It was sweet! My poor comp has been sick, so he didn't eat much...but we had a great time! We read from 3rd Nephi 11 with the Dutton's, and the Spirit just filled the room. It was so awesome! We were all just touched at that point, when Christ commanded the people to go and touch him, to feel the prints of the nails and in his feet. They shared their testimonies, and it was an edifying experience. Sister Dutton was frank, saying she knows that she has a lot to improve and she's looking forward to improving herself until Christ comes. She's so funny! Brother Dutton said he prays a lot for Christ to come, so we could all be in his loving presence again and avoid all this evil in the world. His daughter (he re-married) Reanna bore her witness of how the Plan of Salvation really has helped her life. Talk about being spiritual, they just brought him in even more! The Nygrens were really cool. We got along, talking about stuff, and we asked if they read Preach My Gospel, and they did! Surprise! So we were puzzled, like 'for real they read it? what do we do now?' looks. We figured out to let them pick out a chapter to study and apply, and they were all for it! The wife works in Cedar Sinai, where Dennis Quaid took his twins for health reasons. Celebrity-ridden hospital indeed. They're so awesome.
This week has been 'bomb-diggity'. I love this work! We're getting so much work done here in Van Nuys, it's ridonkulous!
I'm glad to hear all is well, and I can't wait to hear from you again!
Love,
Spencer
We had an amazing week! I can't believe it's gone by this fast! I still feel like it's still the beginning of the transfer...but I'm two weeks away from the end! Ah!
Our investigators are doing well, and yesterday two of them came to church! A big black man, Mike Price, and our steady one Joy Sabrine. We had a sweet lesson with Mike this week. So we get there and want to give the Law of Chastity talk, and that actually went well. We loaded a lot on his plate. Word of Wisdom to start, a brief overview of the Law of Chastity because he read the pamphlet we gave him about it, and then about authority to baptize. Somehow it went that way...but it was a great lesson! He was overwhelmed at the end, but he needed to hear it. He was shocked, that his baptism meant nothing, and he said he'll pray about it to know whether it is right to be baptized (not again, but by the right authority). It was sweet! He is really humble, and really wants to change. He said he wasted his life away as a youth, and he wants to come closer to God. He prayed in front of us, when we asked him to, and it was a sincere prayer. 'Lord, I know this is the right path and I want to know if I need to be baptized again and that Joseph Smith was a prophet.' Wow! As for Joy, we got to meet with her too. It was almost just as great! We go in there, and start teaching about prayer and how it is so very important. We committed her to pray right then and there in front of us, so we could see if she really is praying to know whether the Book of Mormon is the word of God and if Joseph Smith was a prophet...no immediate answer, but we saw she wants to know. An answer will come, we'll have to wait for His timing.
We had a great lesson with an investigator we've been trying to get a hold of- Donna Caballero. She's having a lot of family problems, just the fact that her two teenage sons are into drugs and that stuff. We sat her down, with two of our members there (who live three doors down from her), and shared the Restoration lesson, with a focus and emphasis on families. She broke down right there and cried. She wants to find that peace that we have, and I know she will. She wants to increase her spirituality, because she hit rock bottom. She knows now she needs the Spirit, and that guide she's missing. I see great potential in her, and I hope that everything will turn out well, that she will stop crying due to sadness but to cry for joy for these great news. Wow....what a great week it has been!
I went on exchanges with the zone leaders, and it went well. I was a little lost without my companion, but we did very well. I led one of the lessons, and I felt alone. But, my boy Elder Boyce had my back. English is easy, but I felt inadequate and insecure. I know I have to improve my confidence again, and it'll take time. We got along, and did well. We visited a family from Arleta ward that invited me over to eat lunch. The Garcia family, who I've kept in contact for all of my mission. They're moving to Texas so we had one last get together, with my old district buddies Elders Foust and Pace. It was bittersweet, but we had a great time! Said our good-byes, but it was a great time to spend with them.
Every day brings something new. Always. We always talk to someone that's prepared for the Gospel, or has the chance to accept or reject it. We just give them that chance to do so. We've had so much success together, touching people's hearts, sharing the Gospel, planting that seed. It's too bad we can't watch it grow. But, it's the Lord's work, not the work of any man. I'm so tired though!
Our members are really warming up to us. I really love them. Yesterday, we had two great lessons with two of our member families. The Dutton's were so funny, yet very spiritual, and the Nygren's are very personable and practical. It was sweet! My poor comp has been sick, so he didn't eat much...but we had a great time! We read from 3rd Nephi 11 with the Dutton's, and the Spirit just filled the room. It was so awesome! We were all just touched at that point, when Christ commanded the people to go and touch him, to feel the prints of the nails and in his feet. They shared their testimonies, and it was an edifying experience. Sister Dutton was frank, saying she knows that she has a lot to improve and she's looking forward to improving herself until Christ comes. She's so funny! Brother Dutton said he prays a lot for Christ to come, so we could all be in his loving presence again and avoid all this evil in the world. His daughter (he re-married) Reanna bore her witness of how the Plan of Salvation really has helped her life. Talk about being spiritual, they just brought him in even more! The Nygrens were really cool. We got along, talking about stuff, and we asked if they read Preach My Gospel, and they did! Surprise! So we were puzzled, like 'for real they read it? what do we do now?' looks. We figured out to let them pick out a chapter to study and apply, and they were all for it! The wife works in Cedar Sinai, where Dennis Quaid took his twins for health reasons. Celebrity-ridden hospital indeed. They're so awesome.
This week has been 'bomb-diggity'. I love this work! We're getting so much work done here in Van Nuys, it's ridonkulous!
I'm glad to hear all is well, and I can't wait to hear from you again!
Love,
Spencer
Friday, July 18, 2008
June 23, 2008
Dear Irvines,
Oh teenagers...there always has to be a black sheep in the family. I can't believe he was using crude language...that is unacceptable. Where does he think he is? His phone did need to get taken away! About his phone...what did you and Dad come up with? Did you all decide yes, or no? Can you let me know? I'll ask President Goodrich to see if I can call you later this week to find out...it's SO VERY IMPORTANT! And you don't have to worry, I won't text message, or make unnecessary calls, or use crude language. How did you know he was using bad language anyways? A high text phone bill that meant an inspection? Teenagers think they can get away with anything...and just let Steven know that I'm really disappointed in him and that most of all, His Father in heaven is really disappointed. I'd read a talk from one of the priesthood sessions to whip him into shape, A Royal Priesthood by Pres. Monson. It woke me up from my slumber.
By the way, it's been 112, 115, 116....degrees Fahrenheit the past few days. No fun!
I'm so happy that you got my pictures...and I had no idea about the flat rate box. I just don't connect things easily. And, I was in a rush and only saw a few boxes lying around. Sorry! I'll do it next time! Just to say, we see a lot of shopping carts around here. If I took pictures of every cart I saw, I'd use up a memory card easily. Some missionaries have tried, and have failed. Too many!
This week has been spectacular! Work, work, work, there is no better substitute! We have been pretty diligent and pretty obedient, and we've seen so many great blessings! Our best investigator, Joy Sabrine, is almost ready to receive a baptismal commitment. I really love it! We stopped by her house, and she felt bad because we didn't tell her we were going to pass by (we couldn't get a hold of her for the past week) and so Tuesday night was a surprise visit. We go over there, help her resolve her tiny doubt about the Sabbath day. It was nothing at all! She accepted it. I was a bit shocked. Wow. But then, she said it's because she was praying for a job that'd give her weekends free (including Sunday). But, she didn't go to church for two weeks, so she got a part-time job instead of a full-time one. She recognized that the Lord blessed her according to her efforts, her half-hearted efforts. She told us that she made a commitment to come to church, to show that faith in the Lord to be able to find a full-time job. That was 'easy'! Then, on top of that, we just listened to her testimony for almost half an hour. There's no doubt she knows who is her loving Savior, what He did for her, and what He means to her. She touched us both when she recounted her crying and pleading at night to help her, to get her out of bad situations and most of all, to be there for her. If only the world had her faith and humility to recognize that sometimes, we have to rely on the Lord. That was one of our highlights this past week...it was indescribable! She's on the doorstep of baptism, I can feel it! And, she came to church yesterday! Even better!
One of our other prime ones, Mike Price, tried to make it to church but his car battery died as he was pulling out of his apartment complex. Sad! But, he's applying all that he learns to his life, and is looking to move on and move forward. He's in a rough spot, living with a long-time less active member, and they're about to split up for good. However, he still wants us to pass by...it's sad to know he's moving out of our area to another set of elders who I have little trust for. The Lord prepares His chosen, and will provide a way for Mike to progress.
As the week went on, we received many blessings! Especially during contacting on the streets. Friday was straight up eye-opening. Most, if not all, our appointments weren't set. How weird? So, we figured to go and find people. Erickson had been prompted all day to find this referral that lives on a certain street, Bellaire, and yet...we lost her address and forgot her name! So we drive to the street, find the apartment building (we dropped by there once before) and put our trust in God to find this person, whatever their name is. I know right now Mom you're thinking, what idiots! Yup, we're 20 year olds with no idea what we're doing here! We walk up to the door, playing a guessing game. 'Is her name Janice? or Janet?' said I. Erickson said it had to be Margaret and her daughter Ann. I said Janice or Janet and Ann. Started with a J, and the daughter with an A. We knock on the door, and a woman answers through the screen door (can't see who we're talking with). Erickson was like, 'well, this is going to sound absolutely crazy but...we're looking for a woman and a daughter that were referred to us the missionaries' and so on. He guessed Margaret and Ann, and I said Janet? We were wrong: Jackie and April! She was so funny! After two guesses she told us who she was and who were were looking for and let us in, 'I just wanted to see you guess'. She was really nice to us. Her deceased mother was LDS, and her daughter April was baptized back when. She, Jackie, wasn't. But, she's warm to us. So, we set an appointment (which fell through since everyone had to work the next day) and I really feel good about this one. If you listen, the Lord will provide. We went contacting in the heat, about 112 degrees, for an hour. Really hot, but as we talked to people I didn't really care. We talked to a black woman named Barbara Sneed, so I asked her, 'are you from the South?' and she said she was from New York, but her husband was from West Virginia. So I asked if she was from Harlem, she said 'yes how did you know?' 'I guessed, and I'm from Maryland.' We talked about how unique our message is, how prophets do live today to lead and guide us, and she was open to us. But, we couldn't get her information because she wanted to talk to her husband first to see if we could come over. Then we found out she lives in LA, so we'd have to send other ones to visit her. We said this and she was like, 'why not you two? You two are very nice!' Erickson quipped, 'well they're probably better than us two' and she disagreed. We gave her our information, and we have the hope she'll get in contact with the missionaries over there. Then, a just-as-good-if-not-better contact, Margarita. In Spanish, my favorite language. We talked for a bit, in the shade, and about the Book of Mormon, about prophets, about how families can be united by this message guided by the Lord's prophet, and she was a bit cool to us at first. But as we talked, the Spirit touched her. She was curious, but not curious enough to give us her information. We gave her a card, and asked if she had ever read it (Erickson is adept- he asked her that super fast!). She said 'no, but I was always curious about it. My aunt was Mormon and she had it around everywhere. I've never read it but I'm curious.' We happily went over it quickly, and gave her the card to call. I felt bad we couldn't get their information, but we let them choose to follow the Spirit, or not to. We did our part. As we walked back, Erickson remarked, 'what other time will we be doing this? Contacting in shirts and ties in 100 degree weather?' Never...which saddens me. He said it was weird because it clicked- he said his dad most likely did this too...when would he ever be doing something like this? It was really a great experience. We were on cloud nine!
We've been so busy! It was a weird Sunday, to be honest. We drove around, trying to find people and trying to find investigators we could bring to a president's fireside, but no luck. So we had to give a ride to some other elders who are on bike back home, so we went to it anyways and called people from the church. I saw some of my old members from Arleta! The Ortega's who are now expecting a child! They're so cool! Hermana Ortega's brother, Hno. Godinez (I forgot he slurred his words- I was really confused at what he was saying to me)...it was so awesome! I got to see my old ward! I miss Spanish work so much already! They were surprised at how much Spanish I speak now, 'gift of tongues' they said. That's the true gift. And Erickson found out his recent convert is getting sealed in the temple in August...so it was good we went over there even though we didn't have anyone there!
The work is moving forth, and I'm so blessed to be here! I love the members, I'm slowly getting to know them, and I want to be here for a bit...but I miss Spanish work so much! The Lord's will, not mine, be done.
I hope all is well, or is getting better. 'Don't worry, be happy!'
Well, I'm waiting for your response about the phone...yea or nay? :)
Love,
Spencer
Oh teenagers...there always has to be a black sheep in the family. I can't believe he was using crude language...that is unacceptable. Where does he think he is? His phone did need to get taken away! About his phone...what did you and Dad come up with? Did you all decide yes, or no? Can you let me know? I'll ask President Goodrich to see if I can call you later this week to find out...it's SO VERY IMPORTANT! And you don't have to worry, I won't text message, or make unnecessary calls, or use crude language. How did you know he was using bad language anyways? A high text phone bill that meant an inspection? Teenagers think they can get away with anything...and just let Steven know that I'm really disappointed in him and that most of all, His Father in heaven is really disappointed. I'd read a talk from one of the priesthood sessions to whip him into shape, A Royal Priesthood by Pres. Monson. It woke me up from my slumber.
By the way, it's been 112, 115, 116....degrees Fahrenheit the past few days. No fun!
I'm so happy that you got my pictures...and I had no idea about the flat rate box. I just don't connect things easily. And, I was in a rush and only saw a few boxes lying around. Sorry! I'll do it next time! Just to say, we see a lot of shopping carts around here. If I took pictures of every cart I saw, I'd use up a memory card easily. Some missionaries have tried, and have failed. Too many!
This week has been spectacular! Work, work, work, there is no better substitute! We have been pretty diligent and pretty obedient, and we've seen so many great blessings! Our best investigator, Joy Sabrine, is almost ready to receive a baptismal commitment. I really love it! We stopped by her house, and she felt bad because we didn't tell her we were going to pass by (we couldn't get a hold of her for the past week) and so Tuesday night was a surprise visit. We go over there, help her resolve her tiny doubt about the Sabbath day. It was nothing at all! She accepted it. I was a bit shocked. Wow. But then, she said it's because she was praying for a job that'd give her weekends free (including Sunday). But, she didn't go to church for two weeks, so she got a part-time job instead of a full-time one. She recognized that the Lord blessed her according to her efforts, her half-hearted efforts. She told us that she made a commitment to come to church, to show that faith in the Lord to be able to find a full-time job. That was 'easy'! Then, on top of that, we just listened to her testimony for almost half an hour. There's no doubt she knows who is her loving Savior, what He did for her, and what He means to her. She touched us both when she recounted her crying and pleading at night to help her, to get her out of bad situations and most of all, to be there for her. If only the world had her faith and humility to recognize that sometimes, we have to rely on the Lord. That was one of our highlights this past week...it was indescribable! She's on the doorstep of baptism, I can feel it! And, she came to church yesterday! Even better!
One of our other prime ones, Mike Price, tried to make it to church but his car battery died as he was pulling out of his apartment complex. Sad! But, he's applying all that he learns to his life, and is looking to move on and move forward. He's in a rough spot, living with a long-time less active member, and they're about to split up for good. However, he still wants us to pass by...it's sad to know he's moving out of our area to another set of elders who I have little trust for. The Lord prepares His chosen, and will provide a way for Mike to progress.
As the week went on, we received many blessings! Especially during contacting on the streets. Friday was straight up eye-opening. Most, if not all, our appointments weren't set. How weird? So, we figured to go and find people. Erickson had been prompted all day to find this referral that lives on a certain street, Bellaire, and yet...we lost her address and forgot her name! So we drive to the street, find the apartment building (we dropped by there once before) and put our trust in God to find this person, whatever their name is. I know right now Mom you're thinking, what idiots! Yup, we're 20 year olds with no idea what we're doing here! We walk up to the door, playing a guessing game. 'Is her name Janice? or Janet?' said I. Erickson said it had to be Margaret and her daughter Ann. I said Janice or Janet and Ann. Started with a J, and the daughter with an A. We knock on the door, and a woman answers through the screen door (can't see who we're talking with). Erickson was like, 'well, this is going to sound absolutely crazy but...we're looking for a woman and a daughter that were referred to us the missionaries' and so on. He guessed Margaret and Ann, and I said Janet? We were wrong: Jackie and April! She was so funny! After two guesses she told us who she was and who were were looking for and let us in, 'I just wanted to see you guess'. She was really nice to us. Her deceased mother was LDS, and her daughter April was baptized back when. She, Jackie, wasn't. But, she's warm to us. So, we set an appointment (which fell through since everyone had to work the next day) and I really feel good about this one. If you listen, the Lord will provide. We went contacting in the heat, about 112 degrees, for an hour. Really hot, but as we talked to people I didn't really care. We talked to a black woman named Barbara Sneed, so I asked her, 'are you from the South?' and she said she was from New York, but her husband was from West Virginia. So I asked if she was from Harlem, she said 'yes how did you know?' 'I guessed, and I'm from Maryland.' We talked about how unique our message is, how prophets do live today to lead and guide us, and she was open to us. But, we couldn't get her information because she wanted to talk to her husband first to see if we could come over. Then we found out she lives in LA, so we'd have to send other ones to visit her. We said this and she was like, 'why not you two? You two are very nice!' Erickson quipped, 'well they're probably better than us two' and she disagreed. We gave her our information, and we have the hope she'll get in contact with the missionaries over there. Then, a just-as-good-if-not-better contact, Margarita. In Spanish, my favorite language. We talked for a bit, in the shade, and about the Book of Mormon, about prophets, about how families can be united by this message guided by the Lord's prophet, and she was a bit cool to us at first. But as we talked, the Spirit touched her. She was curious, but not curious enough to give us her information. We gave her a card, and asked if she had ever read it (Erickson is adept- he asked her that super fast!). She said 'no, but I was always curious about it. My aunt was Mormon and she had it around everywhere. I've never read it but I'm curious.' We happily went over it quickly, and gave her the card to call. I felt bad we couldn't get their information, but we let them choose to follow the Spirit, or not to. We did our part. As we walked back, Erickson remarked, 'what other time will we be doing this? Contacting in shirts and ties in 100 degree weather?' Never...which saddens me. He said it was weird because it clicked- he said his dad most likely did this too...when would he ever be doing something like this? It was really a great experience. We were on cloud nine!
We've been so busy! It was a weird Sunday, to be honest. We drove around, trying to find people and trying to find investigators we could bring to a president's fireside, but no luck. So we had to give a ride to some other elders who are on bike back home, so we went to it anyways and called people from the church. I saw some of my old members from Arleta! The Ortega's who are now expecting a child! They're so cool! Hermana Ortega's brother, Hno. Godinez (I forgot he slurred his words- I was really confused at what he was saying to me)...it was so awesome! I got to see my old ward! I miss Spanish work so much already! They were surprised at how much Spanish I speak now, 'gift of tongues' they said. That's the true gift. And Erickson found out his recent convert is getting sealed in the temple in August...so it was good we went over there even though we didn't have anyone there!
The work is moving forth, and I'm so blessed to be here! I love the members, I'm slowly getting to know them, and I want to be here for a bit...but I miss Spanish work so much! The Lord's will, not mine, be done.
I hope all is well, or is getting better. 'Don't worry, be happy!'
Well, I'm waiting for your response about the phone...yea or nay? :)
Love,
Spencer
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
June 16, 2008
Dear the always wonderful Irvine family,
I just sent off a package full of old letters and stuff from the MTC that also has a CD with a ton of pictures on it...so they're coming eventually. I sent it last p-day (last Monday). Y'all should be getting it soon...hopefully by parcel post. Whatever that means. Thunderstorms? You never hear thunder nor see lightning ever out here in California...it's kinda weird. It's just super dry here. And I'm pumped about the Celtics taking the championship, they just have to fend off the Lakers for two more games, just need one more! So many Lakers fans out here and I am proud to say I'm from the East Coast- Go Celtics! I'm hoping that Ray Allen, KG and #34 Paul Pierce get their championship rings. I heard (via hotline call TELL ME where it's free to get sports info over the phone) that the Celtics lost...but it's 3-2. Celtics still have a chance to seal it off. Yes! I don't like Kobe for his attitude and all the hype he gets, no one can ever be MJ.
And just a plea from the elder! May I please have a cell phone out here? We are always out and about, and sometimes it'd be really nice to have a cell phone. I won't use many minutes a month, just for setting up member presents on the go...seeing if people are home (potential investigators) and knowing about canceled appointments right when things come up...it'd be SUCH a luxury to have! I'll have to talk to President about it, but it'd really help! No texting or Internet is allowed, and I don't need it anyways. I just need a cell phone to use so we can operate more freely, cuz it's a lot of miles to go back and forth to see if someone canceled or if something happened...Can you please think about it...and get me one? Please? Pretty please? It'd help out a lot here! I'll send money from MSF card back home so you don't have to worry about it...it'd be a valuable asset here on the go.
This coming week is going to be HOT. Real hot. Tomorrow and Wednesday are going to be 105 degrees Fahrenheit, and the rest of the week will be about 85 and maybe a 95 somewhere in there. Not looking forward to stepping outside, but then again I'm in a car area. Not too hard.
I'm starting to get to know the members here in this ward. They live all over the darn place, and it takes a while to get from one house in Panorama City through traffic all the way down to NoHo (North Hollywood). Traffic really stinks down here. It's really funny because the Valley is just one huge city. One big suburb, with some ghettos here and there. But back when, it used to be separate cities. Northridge had the citrus trees, some other place had milk, that farm atmosphere. But, it's all changed. The members here say it's way too crowded, and I feel that way too. I really enjoy English work because I feel more at home and more among family, but the work is really tough. A lot of potential investigators but no progressing investigators. People are so busy here it makes life difficult for a missionary.
News flash: Elder Irvine is NOT from the Phillipines so NO he does NOT speak Tagalog. Nor does he speak Korean or Japanese, just English and Spanish. Weird, eh?
I'm the newest Filipino in the ward now. Isn't that interesting? I get a new nationality everywhere I go! Chinito, Filipino, what's next?
One of the members, Brother Ballard (who is in a wheelchair), told us a hilarious Canada joke. He asked us how Canada got their name, what the heck is Canada? So Canadians gathered 'round a hat with letters in it. First one picks a letter, 'C, eh?'. Then, 'N, eh?' then 'D, eh?'. I died of laughter cuz there are a few Canadian missionaries down here.
This past week was a blur, but the highlights! The Ultimate Highlight brought to you by: The Church of...just kidding.
Friday night we found out we needed to pull off an emergency move of an excommunicated member (there's a lot of them out here!) the following day, so we got our district and Erickson got a member from the Mission Hills ward to help us out. We get to the trailer park, and it was straight up disgusting. Can't go into detail of how nasty it was. That was an eye-opening experience. So we got some of their stuff moved out into a U-Haul truck and left them to their own business. We got back, showered for a while (it was really disgusting) and threw our clothes in the washer and dryer in the complex. We went to the bishop to tell the grim news and he wasn't surprised. He didn't know about the conditions and all, but he's dealt with that stuff before. So the only thing I can say is that we'll probably have to get the government involved and clear it all out. That kind of disgusting. It was an interesting day to say the least. We ended our Saturday with a very fun time with a less active couple, the Smiths. We quoted movies, ate hot dogs and chips, talked about our hobbies, passions, interests, our backgrounds, and we really hit it off with them. The wife is a Polish convert, and the husband is an RM who served in her branch. She got baptized, he met her when he was transferred there, and then they wrote each other when he got home...long story... but they got married after a long time because to marry a Polish citizen, one must have government permission. But they're awesome! Just use the excuse, 'we're not fellowshipped' when they have been. We have that problem here. So the wife loves Jane Austen stuff, so we got along very well. Erickson loves that so much more than me, so he was naming this and that...I was lost. We had a great time with them, and I feel that we'll get them back to church more regularly. They came the past two weeks!
Sunday was great! I wasn't feeling great at all, just a bit under the weather for some odd reason, but I decided to go to church to learn. I've closed my mind sometimes because I felt in Spanish work that the members go through the motions (they do a lot but not all the time) and I got sick of it. But, when I put my effort into learning, I learned a lot. About prayer. About the importance of uplifting music. About the priesthood and my covenant with the Lord. I learned that we should ALWAYS have a prayer in our hearts, since a lot of scriptures say 'pray always' and 'keep a prayer in your hearts'...so now I am starting to understand it a lot more. I really felt the Spirit, I felt great, and it really made a great day! We left church to bless Bro. Ballard's wife, who was super sick. She had a hoarse voice and it hurt a lot...it was sad to see her in a lot of pain. But, we gave her a blessing, and I was grateful that Bro. Ballard asked us to do that for him and his wife. They trusted us right off the bat, and that's not easy here in English work. We then went to eat sopes (so-pays) at Jessica's (she's crazy!) and off to work! We talked to so many people, so many Latinos, and I felt good. I never realized the importance of opening my mouth to preach the Gospel to everyone. Yeah, contacting is rough, awkward sometimes. But, it's necessary to get over shyness and speak. Erickson showed me the example, and I followed him. We were able to talk to a lot of people, and hopefully someday they'll be an Alberto or Yadira Cardenas. Alberto was stopped countless times in the street, only to refuse the missionaries. Five years later...he accepted baptism. I am just beginning to realize the greatness of this work, of doing the little things to find the elect.
We have a good investigator, but is in a rough spot. Mike Price used to play football, and now he's retired and trying to start his own business...but it's rough with the economic downturn. And, he's living with one of our less active members who wants to kick him out. So we don't know what's going to happen...but he is applying what he learns to his life. He is trying to live Alma 32 about faith and knowing that this is good. He feels good doing these things we invite him to do. We know he's ready, but he just needs a push to go to church and to move out. We'll have to consult the Lord to see what we specifically need to do for him. But, he's our best shot at a baptism. I'm really hoping it'll all go well.
One other investigator, Joy, got a job that works her on Sundays so we're going to see how we can fix that problem, or help her fix it (much easier isn't it?). But, I really think if we get over this hurdle, she'll be baptized. She has so much faith, wants to believe, she's been to church since January...she just needs an answer to her prayers and to take that step of no work on Sunday. We'll see what happens.
This ward is so diverse...we have all kinds of nationalities, and backgrounds. But the Gospel is the same...and I love it. The Church is restored, and truly exists in our day. It bridges anger and differences, and really blesses us with peace and with many countless blessings.
I love this work! I love this ward! I'm getting to know people slowly, and it's really helping me feel better about English work.
Think about the cell phone, it'd be really nice to have (HINT HINT!). You know I wouldn't be asking a favor if it weren't important...would I? Thanks for being considerate! Do whatever is right...I just have my opinions!
I love you all, and stay safe!
Love,
Spencer
I just sent off a package full of old letters and stuff from the MTC that also has a CD with a ton of pictures on it...so they're coming eventually. I sent it last p-day (last Monday). Y'all should be getting it soon...hopefully by parcel post. Whatever that means. Thunderstorms? You never hear thunder nor see lightning ever out here in California...it's kinda weird. It's just super dry here. And I'm pumped about the Celtics taking the championship, they just have to fend off the Lakers for two more games, just need one more! So many Lakers fans out here and I am proud to say I'm from the East Coast- Go Celtics! I'm hoping that Ray Allen, KG and #34 Paul Pierce get their championship rings. I heard (via hotline call TELL ME where it's free to get sports info over the phone) that the Celtics lost...but it's 3-2. Celtics still have a chance to seal it off. Yes! I don't like Kobe for his attitude and all the hype he gets, no one can ever be MJ.
And just a plea from the elder! May I please have a cell phone out here? We are always out and about, and sometimes it'd be really nice to have a cell phone. I won't use many minutes a month, just for setting up member presents on the go...seeing if people are home (potential investigators) and knowing about canceled appointments right when things come up...it'd be SUCH a luxury to have! I'll have to talk to President about it, but it'd really help! No texting or Internet is allowed, and I don't need it anyways. I just need a cell phone to use so we can operate more freely, cuz it's a lot of miles to go back and forth to see if someone canceled or if something happened...Can you please think about it...and get me one? Please? Pretty please? It'd help out a lot here! I'll send money from MSF card back home so you don't have to worry about it...it'd be a valuable asset here on the go.
This coming week is going to be HOT. Real hot. Tomorrow and Wednesday are going to be 105 degrees Fahrenheit, and the rest of the week will be about 85 and maybe a 95 somewhere in there. Not looking forward to stepping outside, but then again I'm in a car area. Not too hard.
I'm starting to get to know the members here in this ward. They live all over the darn place, and it takes a while to get from one house in Panorama City through traffic all the way down to NoHo (North Hollywood). Traffic really stinks down here. It's really funny because the Valley is just one huge city. One big suburb, with some ghettos here and there. But back when, it used to be separate cities. Northridge had the citrus trees, some other place had milk, that farm atmosphere. But, it's all changed. The members here say it's way too crowded, and I feel that way too. I really enjoy English work because I feel more at home and more among family, but the work is really tough. A lot of potential investigators but no progressing investigators. People are so busy here it makes life difficult for a missionary.
News flash: Elder Irvine is NOT from the Phillipines so NO he does NOT speak Tagalog. Nor does he speak Korean or Japanese, just English and Spanish. Weird, eh?
I'm the newest Filipino in the ward now. Isn't that interesting? I get a new nationality everywhere I go! Chinito, Filipino, what's next?
One of the members, Brother Ballard (who is in a wheelchair), told us a hilarious Canada joke. He asked us how Canada got their name, what the heck is Canada? So Canadians gathered 'round a hat with letters in it. First one picks a letter, 'C, eh?'. Then, 'N, eh?' then 'D, eh?'. I died of laughter cuz there are a few Canadian missionaries down here.
This past week was a blur, but the highlights! The Ultimate Highlight brought to you by: The Church of...just kidding.
Friday night we found out we needed to pull off an emergency move of an excommunicated member (there's a lot of them out here!) the following day, so we got our district and Erickson got a member from the Mission Hills ward to help us out. We get to the trailer park, and it was straight up disgusting. Can't go into detail of how nasty it was. That was an eye-opening experience. So we got some of their stuff moved out into a U-Haul truck and left them to their own business. We got back, showered for a while (it was really disgusting) and threw our clothes in the washer and dryer in the complex. We went to the bishop to tell the grim news and he wasn't surprised. He didn't know about the conditions and all, but he's dealt with that stuff before. So the only thing I can say is that we'll probably have to get the government involved and clear it all out. That kind of disgusting. It was an interesting day to say the least. We ended our Saturday with a very fun time with a less active couple, the Smiths. We quoted movies, ate hot dogs and chips, talked about our hobbies, passions, interests, our backgrounds, and we really hit it off with them. The wife is a Polish convert, and the husband is an RM who served in her branch. She got baptized, he met her when he was transferred there, and then they wrote each other when he got home...long story... but they got married after a long time because to marry a Polish citizen, one must have government permission. But they're awesome! Just use the excuse, 'we're not fellowshipped' when they have been. We have that problem here. So the wife loves Jane Austen stuff, so we got along very well. Erickson loves that so much more than me, so he was naming this and that...I was lost. We had a great time with them, and I feel that we'll get them back to church more regularly. They came the past two weeks!
Sunday was great! I wasn't feeling great at all, just a bit under the weather for some odd reason, but I decided to go to church to learn. I've closed my mind sometimes because I felt in Spanish work that the members go through the motions (they do a lot but not all the time) and I got sick of it. But, when I put my effort into learning, I learned a lot. About prayer. About the importance of uplifting music. About the priesthood and my covenant with the Lord. I learned that we should ALWAYS have a prayer in our hearts, since a lot of scriptures say 'pray always' and 'keep a prayer in your hearts'...so now I am starting to understand it a lot more. I really felt the Spirit, I felt great, and it really made a great day! We left church to bless Bro. Ballard's wife, who was super sick. She had a hoarse voice and it hurt a lot...it was sad to see her in a lot of pain. But, we gave her a blessing, and I was grateful that Bro. Ballard asked us to do that for him and his wife. They trusted us right off the bat, and that's not easy here in English work. We then went to eat sopes (so-pays) at Jessica's (she's crazy!) and off to work! We talked to so many people, so many Latinos, and I felt good. I never realized the importance of opening my mouth to preach the Gospel to everyone. Yeah, contacting is rough, awkward sometimes. But, it's necessary to get over shyness and speak. Erickson showed me the example, and I followed him. We were able to talk to a lot of people, and hopefully someday they'll be an Alberto or Yadira Cardenas. Alberto was stopped countless times in the street, only to refuse the missionaries. Five years later...he accepted baptism. I am just beginning to realize the greatness of this work, of doing the little things to find the elect.
We have a good investigator, but is in a rough spot. Mike Price used to play football, and now he's retired and trying to start his own business...but it's rough with the economic downturn. And, he's living with one of our less active members who wants to kick him out. So we don't know what's going to happen...but he is applying what he learns to his life. He is trying to live Alma 32 about faith and knowing that this is good. He feels good doing these things we invite him to do. We know he's ready, but he just needs a push to go to church and to move out. We'll have to consult the Lord to see what we specifically need to do for him. But, he's our best shot at a baptism. I'm really hoping it'll all go well.
One other investigator, Joy, got a job that works her on Sundays so we're going to see how we can fix that problem, or help her fix it (much easier isn't it?). But, I really think if we get over this hurdle, she'll be baptized. She has so much faith, wants to believe, she's been to church since January...she just needs an answer to her prayers and to take that step of no work on Sunday. We'll see what happens.
This ward is so diverse...we have all kinds of nationalities, and backgrounds. But the Gospel is the same...and I love it. The Church is restored, and truly exists in our day. It bridges anger and differences, and really blesses us with peace and with many countless blessings.
I love this work! I love this ward! I'm getting to know people slowly, and it's really helping me feel better about English work.
Think about the cell phone, it'd be really nice to have (HINT HINT!). You know I wouldn't be asking a favor if it weren't important...would I? Thanks for being considerate! Do whatever is right...I just have my opinions!
I love you all, and stay safe!
Love,
Spencer
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
June 10, 2008
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
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
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
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