Dear Mom,
I enjoyed very much talking to you for a bit, to Dad, to Grandma who eventually ran away due to confusion, and Kristy as well as a long time with Steven. My Christmas was just great talking to you all. It was a bit hard to go out and work, no doubt, but we did have several great appointments and an enjoyable time with the members.
Guess what?
I'M TRAINING A GREENIE!
How crazy is that? That is absolutely...insane! I'm so pumped...his name is Elder Fitch, and I'm pumped to get him on Wednesday. Oh wow...I'm so excited!!!!
So the recap of the week....
Sunday was a bit hard because I was losing Giles, my companion. I really wish we had more time together, but it was the right time for him to leave. We went to church, and to several classes, and at the end he was saying good-bye to everyone and taking pictures with them. He loves the people. Of all the things I learned from him, it was to love the people and show that love by whatever way possible. Offering service, asking how they're really doing, and praying for them. A good man. We got home so he could pack and that was almost our day, until we got taken to dinner by a member, Hna. Vasquez, to celebrate her son Zeniff's birthday. He was so excited to see us there! Just made his day! Earlier, at church, she came to me and asked me to ordain Zeniff to a teacher. I was taken aback. I had never ordained someone before. His older brothers were sick or something so it fell to me, because we get along well. It was touching and nerve-wracking. I had the chance to ordain Zeniff Spencer Alvarez to the office of teacher, and I guess I did it alright in Spanish. We ate a Peruvian dish, talked about 80's music (man, these guys know a lot about the 80's), and shared D&C 6:22-23 about prayer and how we'll receive an answer. She testified of how she got an answer to her prayers, that as a temple worker her temple president gave her the answer she was looking for. He'd received that answer as he was in the temple that morning. She took Giles around, with us there too of course, to say good-bye to several families. A great member. Packed, and that was our day. Got to bed late because of packing and stuff. I miss Giles already.
Saturday. What can I say? Transfer calls! So let me recap Friday. District meeting, had a secret santa exchange, and ate a district lunch at Subway. Later that night, we get leadership calls. My name was on the list, but so was another roomie's so he called for the both of us. President's response to 'so would you like to talk to Elder Irvine?' was, 'well, Elder Irvine. He doesn't need to call me, but he won't sleep a wink tonight.' So I didn't call President as he desired, and as a result my mind was racing. Staying? Going? Change? I found out Saturday morning, after a sleepless night (well, got maybe six good hours) that I was going to stay, and train. I was freaking out. I was numb. No way, he won't let me train! But here I am! Training!
Thursday was Christmas Day! Not much happened. We had a great Christmas message that we shared with the Molinas, the recent convert family that lives in our apartment complex. They're being tested a lot, and it was great to see how resilient they are. I just feel at home with them. I love the families here! At the Herrera's, we got to hear some of his mission stories and the like. It was great!
Wednesday was pretty insane! Christmas Eve! Party day for Latinos! So we helped a less active make tamales. When you get the flour all mixed, and have the sauce ready, it's easy. The hard part is getting it to that point. But, Giles and I pumped them out like champions! Friday, after lunch, we went to her house (Leticia) and ate tamales that we had made. Good! But I had just eaten a footlong sub so I ate two and was full. Giles ate four. Wow! The best part was going to the Lopez's. The best family ever. A lot of fun, and they love us. We love them so much, and they're a bit weak right now but they're coming back stronger. We ate a whole lot of tamales, I ate at least seven. Then, we went to the Padilla's, and I ate one more there. Giles couldn't do it, so he took it home. They gave us ponche...oh my gosh it was the most delicious fruit drink I've ever had! I love it!
Tuesday is a complete blank. I can't remember what we did. But we did get a few lessons in, I just can't...oh yeah! We taught Mario Sanchez about prayer. He's working on it, and he's doing much better with how he prays. As he continues to come (as he has been and he came on Sunday), he'll get an answer. Good man. His progress is a testimony to me of how true missionary work is. I love it! Oh yeah, a member called me from Sta. Clarita and thanked me for sending a Christmas card to them! That was so nice of them!
Monday was a good p-day. Got to watch Elf! Man, I love that movie. 'I'm here with my dad...' 'I'm in a store, and I'm singing! I'm singing a song!' Love it! So, it was a great day! Relaxing and great! Ate dinner at the Vasquez's and on the way home, we got chased by a pitbull. Stewart was screaming and Giles was freaking out. I had no idea what was going on. Just thought it was a cute dog in the dark. But I did hear another big dog, so I figured to follow them instead of stopping. I had never biked so fast as I did then! Man those guys are fast!
That was Elder Irvine's week! I got to call some members to see how they're doing down in Sta. Clarita and Van Nuys. So that'd be the Lunas, who had a great Christmas, and the Cardenas and Jaimes. All are doing their best to get to the temple, it's just current circumstances are preventing them from doing so. The Lunas have to wait until stake conference for Bro. Luna to get the priesthood...which doesn't make sense but that stake down there is messed up so...I'll have to wait. The Cardenas have been visiting family in San Francisco, so they haven't gone to church in a week or two. At least he was honest with me. But, all is well. The Jaimes are doing well. So, life is great!
Life is rockin' up here! I'm so pumped for another transfer here! Woo!
Love,
Spencer
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
December 22, 2008
Dear Mom,
Life is great out here! Guess what? It snowed 5 inches out here in the high desert! Yeah, isn't that crazy? We couldn't do much good work due to the road conditions out here, but at least we got to take a mid-week break! We had a bunch of snowball fights and lots of fun in the meantime! Life is great!
Thanks for the package, I really am enjoying it! It's weird knowing this is my last Christmas, and it marks the fact that I am old in the mission, that I have six months left to serve the Lord. I really love it out here!
So the recap of the week!
Monday was a typical p-day and I loved it...got to relax a bit. We had a sweet appointment with our recent convert family, the Molinas. Sunday night they canceled their appointment with us, so we swung by the next day. Faith, our patented lesson. Faith, like Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego...and all will be well. Hno. Molina stopped us and shared a personal story, of how right now he needs to have faith more than ever. There are problems back home in El Salvador and he's having a hard time over here in the States. It was super spiritual, because it applied to them! It was the Spirit, not me! What a great lesson...one left feeling appreciative for what one has. The Gospel, the priesthood, the Spirit to lead and guide us.
Tuesday we were out working, some of our appointments fell through, but we did get some work in. Most of our appointments fell through and we just shook it off as we usually have to. Our best appointment was Mario Sanchez. Man, he wants to know it is all true, but he hasn't gotten an answer yet. We'll have to work on it a lot more. His prayers are still a little off, good ole' Christian praising...so we'll have to work on it. We finished the Plan of Salvation...and this guy is nearly in tears just full of the Spirit. Too bad he hasn't gotten an answer yet...but he will. He'll have to continue to wait.
Wednesday morning, I got up, chilly as usual, and I look out the window. It's snowing? No way...nuh uh...I ran outside and then back inside to tell Giles and Marshall and Mitchell. Marshall ran outside with me as I'm standing outside just soaking it in and got the other elders to come and see. Stewart came out half awake and freezing, just in awe. He's from Michigan and he hadn't seen snow for a bit, he has almost two transfers under his belt. Good kid. We had about four snowball fights that day spread out over time. It was getting pretty intense. The other elders made an eight foot snowman and put a nametag on it...it was fun! Got to eat lunch with a member and threw some snowballs around there...a sister missionary got mad because it got on the member's entryway...'tell me when you want to grow up!' Way intense...wow...Lots of fun indeed! So we couldn't work since President told us to take safety first. Stewart and Austin went out to work and were soaked by the time they got there...taught then called for a ride home! So, we took it easy. Bikes don't work in snow. Yesterday Giles was riding on ice, 'Stewie I'm riding on ice...ahh!' and wiped out bad right before church. Hilarious, but it could've been worse if it were the snow day. So, we didn't get much work done.
Same with Thursday...just an iced over Palmdale. Giles was intense in our lesson with our investigator, who is 13 and wants her dad (LA member) to baptize her...but it's been five years and he isn't changing. We related baptism to a present...she was like yeah! He said, think of a present you really want...see it? Okay, would you want it now, or later? She said, 'now', with a smile. It's just like baptism. What a note to end the lesson on! It was great! We had a good Word of Wisdom talk with our recent convert, who we thought was drinking green tea but she still drank coffee in the morning. Talk about a good topic (thanks to her fellowshipper Hno. Figueroa!). Just a good evening. Got to dinner late since we walked to meet our ride over there then got a ride back to our place.
Friday was President's interviews. I'm most likely staying, but I have no idea what I'm going to do at all. Train, possibly, or be district leader again. I like doing nothing! Ahh...oh well I'll do what God wants me to do. President Goodrich is a great man. I have so much respect for what he does out here. Sister Goodrich even mentioned that I'm going to be one of the last ones they'll send home before they go home in early July 2009. Man, our time is coming to an end!
Saturday was long. And, we had our ward Christmas party! It was fun, we got a less active family, the Lopez's, to come and we had a blast! Our appointments fell through again, but whatever. Typical mission thing. But, right before the party, we passed by Mario and we went over faith. He went off on repentance, but we got him back on track and promised blessings of prayer and getting an answer. He knows he'll have to put more effort into it, but we know we'll have to re-teach prayer so God will give him an answer. He's a great guy...he's happy when we come over. He's happy to see us. We just have to get him to realize that!
Sunday was good...not many appointments but we did get an investigator to the church and he came to the other guys' baptism. Mario...I hope he'll understand what's going on and that he'll eventually take that step. He's a good man, and we get along great! His fellowshipper is great too, little by little. The baptism was a great reminder of why I'm out here, and greenie Stewie (not really green but still a little bit) was way excited because it was his first baptism! A great dinner with Hna. Hidalgo and we messed with her very sensitive part-bobcat cat Wolverine. Stewie is very scared of cats...so we got Wolverine to mess with him. Screaming...fun times!
That was my week! Lovin' the snow...too bad it melted now...
About calls, I'll probably use a phone card and call you all at noon California time, or about 3 pm your time Christmas day. I can't wait!
I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Love,
Spencer
Life is great out here! Guess what? It snowed 5 inches out here in the high desert! Yeah, isn't that crazy? We couldn't do much good work due to the road conditions out here, but at least we got to take a mid-week break! We had a bunch of snowball fights and lots of fun in the meantime! Life is great!
Thanks for the package, I really am enjoying it! It's weird knowing this is my last Christmas, and it marks the fact that I am old in the mission, that I have six months left to serve the Lord. I really love it out here!
So the recap of the week!
Monday was a typical p-day and I loved it...got to relax a bit. We had a sweet appointment with our recent convert family, the Molinas. Sunday night they canceled their appointment with us, so we swung by the next day. Faith, our patented lesson. Faith, like Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego...and all will be well. Hno. Molina stopped us and shared a personal story, of how right now he needs to have faith more than ever. There are problems back home in El Salvador and he's having a hard time over here in the States. It was super spiritual, because it applied to them! It was the Spirit, not me! What a great lesson...one left feeling appreciative for what one has. The Gospel, the priesthood, the Spirit to lead and guide us.
Tuesday we were out working, some of our appointments fell through, but we did get some work in. Most of our appointments fell through and we just shook it off as we usually have to. Our best appointment was Mario Sanchez. Man, he wants to know it is all true, but he hasn't gotten an answer yet. We'll have to work on it a lot more. His prayers are still a little off, good ole' Christian praising...so we'll have to work on it. We finished the Plan of Salvation...and this guy is nearly in tears just full of the Spirit. Too bad he hasn't gotten an answer yet...but he will. He'll have to continue to wait.
Wednesday morning, I got up, chilly as usual, and I look out the window. It's snowing? No way...nuh uh...I ran outside and then back inside to tell Giles and Marshall and Mitchell. Marshall ran outside with me as I'm standing outside just soaking it in and got the other elders to come and see. Stewart came out half awake and freezing, just in awe. He's from Michigan and he hadn't seen snow for a bit, he has almost two transfers under his belt. Good kid. We had about four snowball fights that day spread out over time. It was getting pretty intense. The other elders made an eight foot snowman and put a nametag on it...it was fun! Got to eat lunch with a member and threw some snowballs around there...a sister missionary got mad because it got on the member's entryway...'tell me when you want to grow up!' Way intense...wow...Lots of fun indeed! So we couldn't work since President told us to take safety first. Stewart and Austin went out to work and were soaked by the time they got there...taught then called for a ride home! So, we took it easy. Bikes don't work in snow. Yesterday Giles was riding on ice, 'Stewie I'm riding on ice...ahh!' and wiped out bad right before church. Hilarious, but it could've been worse if it were the snow day. So, we didn't get much work done.
Same with Thursday...just an iced over Palmdale. Giles was intense in our lesson with our investigator, who is 13 and wants her dad (LA member) to baptize her...but it's been five years and he isn't changing. We related baptism to a present...she was like yeah! He said, think of a present you really want...see it? Okay, would you want it now, or later? She said, 'now', with a smile. It's just like baptism. What a note to end the lesson on! It was great! We had a good Word of Wisdom talk with our recent convert, who we thought was drinking green tea but she still drank coffee in the morning. Talk about a good topic (thanks to her fellowshipper Hno. Figueroa!). Just a good evening. Got to dinner late since we walked to meet our ride over there then got a ride back to our place.
Friday was President's interviews. I'm most likely staying, but I have no idea what I'm going to do at all. Train, possibly, or be district leader again. I like doing nothing! Ahh...oh well I'll do what God wants me to do. President Goodrich is a great man. I have so much respect for what he does out here. Sister Goodrich even mentioned that I'm going to be one of the last ones they'll send home before they go home in early July 2009. Man, our time is coming to an end!
Saturday was long. And, we had our ward Christmas party! It was fun, we got a less active family, the Lopez's, to come and we had a blast! Our appointments fell through again, but whatever. Typical mission thing. But, right before the party, we passed by Mario and we went over faith. He went off on repentance, but we got him back on track and promised blessings of prayer and getting an answer. He knows he'll have to put more effort into it, but we know we'll have to re-teach prayer so God will give him an answer. He's a great guy...he's happy when we come over. He's happy to see us. We just have to get him to realize that!
Sunday was good...not many appointments but we did get an investigator to the church and he came to the other guys' baptism. Mario...I hope he'll understand what's going on and that he'll eventually take that step. He's a good man, and we get along great! His fellowshipper is great too, little by little. The baptism was a great reminder of why I'm out here, and greenie Stewie (not really green but still a little bit) was way excited because it was his first baptism! A great dinner with Hna. Hidalgo and we messed with her very sensitive part-bobcat cat Wolverine. Stewie is very scared of cats...so we got Wolverine to mess with him. Screaming...fun times!
That was my week! Lovin' the snow...too bad it melted now...
About calls, I'll probably use a phone card and call you all at noon California time, or about 3 pm your time Christmas day. I can't wait!
I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Love,
Spencer
Friday, May 8, 2009
December 15, 2008
Dear Mom,
Yup, it's rainy weather over here in the beautiful desert of Palmdale. Oh yeah, the crazy thing was that we finally got our heater working after four weeks of waking up to about 40 degree Fahrenheit apartment. So, it was a very warm apartment as of late. I love it. Christmas is just around the corner, and people have done most of their decorations right now so I'm really feeling the Christmas spirit. I love it!
Oh yeah, if you're going to send me stuff, please send a journal or two out here...I've run out of space in the one I bought a month or two ago. Please!
This past week I've been reading a lot of Church Conference talks and they've really helped me put my life in perspective. Enjoy life and live it (according to the commandments of course!). I love reading Elder Wirthlin's talks so much, and I miss him so dearly. Roomie Elder Mitchell got a church news with the sad news of Elder Wirthlin's passing. It was only a confirmation of the fact since a member told us about it a week ago. But, I hadn't had time to look around and whenever I asked someone, they were in shock! But, he's in a better place, and he was quite the role model. I'll miss his wisdom and yet, his love and humor! I've been doing my best in taking Sister Goodrich's challenge to make lesson plans for every lesson, scriptures included. I have a separate list of questions to ask along with the principles, and I'm learning a lot as I go through the lesson plan. It's been a productive week personal study-wise.
I was pretty pumped this past week as I heard that we're getting snow! There's snow on the mountains, but not much around here on the lower parts. But, it's so sweet to see snow again! And, it's very cold indeed!
This week's recap!
Monday, we watched Remember the Titans. My buddies Giles and Stewart knew the movie like the back of their hand. Ridiculous for sure! Made it a lot more interesting! Tuesday was our zone conference, and I really took a lot from it. The whole 'make your lesson plan' theme by Sister Goodrich and the reiteration of obedience on the part of Pres. Goodrich. Just a review of obedience and stuff, it was pretty cool. The AP's training was enthusiastic too! They used a motivational DVD that was titled, '212 Degrees'. Talking about how at 211 degrees water boils, but one degree more makes steam, which powers locomotives, etc. Kind of lame, but I liked it. It had quotes, motivational ones, and the theme was that extra push. I never figured that the difference between first and last in an Olympic track meet was 0.71 seconds. Pretty ridiculous. I was surprised. Perseverance isn't just one long race, it's several short races that make up one long journey, something like that (Ralph Waldo Emerson). I loved it! Double convert baptisms for sure! Yeah baby! So I was pretty tired, but I'm pumped about it all! The rest of day was spent at dinner with an active member from Peru. Oh, her accent is so fast! Mumbling makes it ten times harder to understand. They speak 'slow' to us, but wow...it's fast! Delicious Peruvian food, arroz con pollo and before that, papa de guacaina...mouth-watering morsels indeed. We had a great time there and they're just funny! We go contacting at the local store because it was too late to knock doors. We ended up stopping by a less active that got offended. Some member sold her a used car for a lot of money she saved up...and it broke down and isn't worth it at all. Like a quarter of what she paid. Tsk tsk...members. But, a good day. On top of that, Giles has been sick all this week. But, he sucked it up and really endured through it all. It was a great example of sacrifice to me. 'Wow, I'm really a wimp' sort of moment.
Wednesday was busy! Splits went very well because we got to visit Mario Sanchez, and we shared the first half of the second lesson. Our WML Hno. Aguilar is a great teacher, but he teaches too much sometimes. I was a bit frustrated, because poor Mario was confused. But, he's resolved to change and to do what we ask. He felt the Spirit as we testified of the Atonement, and I felt that love yet again. How much does God love us? I can't even imagine. I can think I feel it, but yet I can't.
Thursday was interesting. The Lopez Run, going up and down a super huge hill. It was quite 'ridonkulous'. Very tiring, but I'm getting used to it. Get to the shortcut, cross the railroad tracks, then climb the hills. Committed Michael Robledo, son of an RC, to baptism on December 27th. He's nonchalant about it all, all the time. But, I can sense he really means business here. Talked to a few other people and went on our way.
Friday was quite the day! District meeting and lunch at Wendy's. We went out and about, and the highlight was our dinner appointment. Carne asada dinner. So good! Then, we got to watch Joy to the World with this member family, the Villanueva's. The dad was LA for six years until three weeks ago. They felt the Spirit of Christmas and I just loved the movie. It was great! Then and there, while poor Giles had to use the bathroom midway through, I just testified about diligence on his part and how his testimony shines. It was pretty sweet! Just invited the Spirit even stronger and everyone was teary eyed. I'm such a crybaby. Then, to finish the night off...I gave the husband a blessing as he preps to go to Georgia and back this coming week. Words can't describe the love and warmth I felt coming from Our Heavenly Father as I gave a blessing of comfort and safety. It was great. I admit I cried and I felt that supreme love eminating from the priesthood blessing. I forgot, to start the day, we gave Hna. Hidalgo a blessing too...and I know the Spirit dictated through me. I thought about it afterwards, after both blessings, of how great it is to have the priesthood to bless others. Makes one more appreciative of this holy and sacred calling! I know we have this power so we can be humbled, so we may learn to strive to serve others on a whim and by inspiration. It was very great!
Saturday was the day of Christmas for me! We went to sing at the local mall some Christmas hymns and songs...with mixed results. We didn't have time to practice so we winged it...with two songs sounding terrible...but thank goodness that was in the middle and not at the beginning or end. It was rather embarrassing, but the ones we all knew were fantastic! People stopped by, listened, smiled, and felt the warmth of Christmas. It was fun for me, and I loved it. Singing our hearts out about this wonderful holiday. It'd be better if it had snowed. But, I loved it. The rest of the day was alright, but that was a great day indeed. We ate dinner with Hna. Hidalgo, a loving member. I loved it just being there, and it was hilarious because Stewart hates cats and she has a half bobcat cat. Stew was freaking out since he likes to jump at people and stuff. Stew was screaming so much it was great! I love going to Hna. Hidalgo because she wants to learn and feel the Spirit. Makes it easy for the Spirit to testify through us. I love members!
Sunday was a Sunday. Church was embarrassing because I grabbed the wrong suit coat- gray instead of the blue one. So I was mismatched for three hours. Thank goodness the lighting was terrible in the church...and I did sit in the dark a little to hide. Haha. But, we had three investigators at church, including our baptismal date who is the son of a recent convert who is very strong. Our new investigator, Mario Sanchez, came too. He's committed to it all. Wore a bright pink shirt and not a bad looking tie. He loved it. He absorbed it all. We did have an interesting moment in priesthood with the School of the Prophets lesson, but he knew he had some things to change related to the Word of Wisdom. It was a great day! Yeah! Home, we napped, and went out to contact and found a less active that was living down in LA three years ago. Home again, visited a less active family in our complex, and fixed up the area book. Good night indeed. I even got to talk to the beloved Bro. Luna. He's so funny and I feel like he's a brother to me. Apparently he's quite around others, but we get along just great. They're going to the temple soon, and I'm so excited for that! I'm feeling they're going to go in late January or even in time for my birthday!
I hope all is well back home! I can't wait to talk to you all on Christmas Day, right? What time will be best for a call (California time of course!). Woo hoo!
Love you all...stay safe and warm!
Love,
Spencer
Yup, it's rainy weather over here in the beautiful desert of Palmdale. Oh yeah, the crazy thing was that we finally got our heater working after four weeks of waking up to about 40 degree Fahrenheit apartment. So, it was a very warm apartment as of late. I love it. Christmas is just around the corner, and people have done most of their decorations right now so I'm really feeling the Christmas spirit. I love it!
Oh yeah, if you're going to send me stuff, please send a journal or two out here...I've run out of space in the one I bought a month or two ago. Please!
This past week I've been reading a lot of Church Conference talks and they've really helped me put my life in perspective. Enjoy life and live it (according to the commandments of course!). I love reading Elder Wirthlin's talks so much, and I miss him so dearly. Roomie Elder Mitchell got a church news with the sad news of Elder Wirthlin's passing. It was only a confirmation of the fact since a member told us about it a week ago. But, I hadn't had time to look around and whenever I asked someone, they were in shock! But, he's in a better place, and he was quite the role model. I'll miss his wisdom and yet, his love and humor! I've been doing my best in taking Sister Goodrich's challenge to make lesson plans for every lesson, scriptures included. I have a separate list of questions to ask along with the principles, and I'm learning a lot as I go through the lesson plan. It's been a productive week personal study-wise.
I was pretty pumped this past week as I heard that we're getting snow! There's snow on the mountains, but not much around here on the lower parts. But, it's so sweet to see snow again! And, it's very cold indeed!
This week's recap!
Monday, we watched Remember the Titans. My buddies Giles and Stewart knew the movie like the back of their hand. Ridiculous for sure! Made it a lot more interesting! Tuesday was our zone conference, and I really took a lot from it. The whole 'make your lesson plan' theme by Sister Goodrich and the reiteration of obedience on the part of Pres. Goodrich. Just a review of obedience and stuff, it was pretty cool. The AP's training was enthusiastic too! They used a motivational DVD that was titled, '212 Degrees'. Talking about how at 211 degrees water boils, but one degree more makes steam, which powers locomotives, etc. Kind of lame, but I liked it. It had quotes, motivational ones, and the theme was that extra push. I never figured that the difference between first and last in an Olympic track meet was 0.71 seconds. Pretty ridiculous. I was surprised. Perseverance isn't just one long race, it's several short races that make up one long journey, something like that (Ralph Waldo Emerson). I loved it! Double convert baptisms for sure! Yeah baby! So I was pretty tired, but I'm pumped about it all! The rest of day was spent at dinner with an active member from Peru. Oh, her accent is so fast! Mumbling makes it ten times harder to understand. They speak 'slow' to us, but wow...it's fast! Delicious Peruvian food, arroz con pollo and before that, papa de guacaina...mouth-watering morsels indeed. We had a great time there and they're just funny! We go contacting at the local store because it was too late to knock doors. We ended up stopping by a less active that got offended. Some member sold her a used car for a lot of money she saved up...and it broke down and isn't worth it at all. Like a quarter of what she paid. Tsk tsk...members. But, a good day. On top of that, Giles has been sick all this week. But, he sucked it up and really endured through it all. It was a great example of sacrifice to me. 'Wow, I'm really a wimp' sort of moment.
Wednesday was busy! Splits went very well because we got to visit Mario Sanchez, and we shared the first half of the second lesson. Our WML Hno. Aguilar is a great teacher, but he teaches too much sometimes. I was a bit frustrated, because poor Mario was confused. But, he's resolved to change and to do what we ask. He felt the Spirit as we testified of the Atonement, and I felt that love yet again. How much does God love us? I can't even imagine. I can think I feel it, but yet I can't.
Thursday was interesting. The Lopez Run, going up and down a super huge hill. It was quite 'ridonkulous'. Very tiring, but I'm getting used to it. Get to the shortcut, cross the railroad tracks, then climb the hills. Committed Michael Robledo, son of an RC, to baptism on December 27th. He's nonchalant about it all, all the time. But, I can sense he really means business here. Talked to a few other people and went on our way.
Friday was quite the day! District meeting and lunch at Wendy's. We went out and about, and the highlight was our dinner appointment. Carne asada dinner. So good! Then, we got to watch Joy to the World with this member family, the Villanueva's. The dad was LA for six years until three weeks ago. They felt the Spirit of Christmas and I just loved the movie. It was great! Then and there, while poor Giles had to use the bathroom midway through, I just testified about diligence on his part and how his testimony shines. It was pretty sweet! Just invited the Spirit even stronger and everyone was teary eyed. I'm such a crybaby. Then, to finish the night off...I gave the husband a blessing as he preps to go to Georgia and back this coming week. Words can't describe the love and warmth I felt coming from Our Heavenly Father as I gave a blessing of comfort and safety. It was great. I admit I cried and I felt that supreme love eminating from the priesthood blessing. I forgot, to start the day, we gave Hna. Hidalgo a blessing too...and I know the Spirit dictated through me. I thought about it afterwards, after both blessings, of how great it is to have the priesthood to bless others. Makes one more appreciative of this holy and sacred calling! I know we have this power so we can be humbled, so we may learn to strive to serve others on a whim and by inspiration. It was very great!
Saturday was the day of Christmas for me! We went to sing at the local mall some Christmas hymns and songs...with mixed results. We didn't have time to practice so we winged it...with two songs sounding terrible...but thank goodness that was in the middle and not at the beginning or end. It was rather embarrassing, but the ones we all knew were fantastic! People stopped by, listened, smiled, and felt the warmth of Christmas. It was fun for me, and I loved it. Singing our hearts out about this wonderful holiday. It'd be better if it had snowed. But, I loved it. The rest of the day was alright, but that was a great day indeed. We ate dinner with Hna. Hidalgo, a loving member. I loved it just being there, and it was hilarious because Stewart hates cats and she has a half bobcat cat. Stew was freaking out since he likes to jump at people and stuff. Stew was screaming so much it was great! I love going to Hna. Hidalgo because she wants to learn and feel the Spirit. Makes it easy for the Spirit to testify through us. I love members!
Sunday was a Sunday. Church was embarrassing because I grabbed the wrong suit coat- gray instead of the blue one. So I was mismatched for three hours. Thank goodness the lighting was terrible in the church...and I did sit in the dark a little to hide. Haha. But, we had three investigators at church, including our baptismal date who is the son of a recent convert who is very strong. Our new investigator, Mario Sanchez, came too. He's committed to it all. Wore a bright pink shirt and not a bad looking tie. He loved it. He absorbed it all. We did have an interesting moment in priesthood with the School of the Prophets lesson, but he knew he had some things to change related to the Word of Wisdom. It was a great day! Yeah! Home, we napped, and went out to contact and found a less active that was living down in LA three years ago. Home again, visited a less active family in our complex, and fixed up the area book. Good night indeed. I even got to talk to the beloved Bro. Luna. He's so funny and I feel like he's a brother to me. Apparently he's quite around others, but we get along just great. They're going to the temple soon, and I'm so excited for that! I'm feeling they're going to go in late January or even in time for my birthday!
I hope all is well back home! I can't wait to talk to you all on Christmas Day, right? What time will be best for a call (California time of course!). Woo hoo!
Love you all...stay safe and warm!
Love,
Spencer
Thursday, May 7, 2009
December 8, 2008
Dear Mom,
Yeah, the work here really keeps us busy. But for sure, the work was super slow the first two weeks and my poor comp Giles was a bit frustrated to say the least. He was way less talkative and now he is really talkative, he's opening up a bit. His family sent me a Christmas stocking full of candy so if you could send him something...that'd be sweet! Haha, play on words! Candy...sweet? Just kidding. And yes, my butt still hurts and yes, I'm sick of bike for now. So sore every day, and I can't catch up to Giles!
So this week we picked up five new investigators, at least three of them are legitimate. We had quite a busy week too! Let's go over the week!
P-day was fun! We got to play Signs, a really fun EFY game I learned down in the Valley my last transfer there...and it was pretty fun at the end when we actually had someone that would run around. Made it very interesting.
Tuesday I was on exchanges with Austin, who I've had some issues with before. He's way cool, but when it comes to missionary work he isn't very practical. Oh well, no one's perfect, especially me. Giles is talking more and more if he should go and if so, where. I've been telling him to not get his hopes up because I went into a mini-depression when I found out I wasn't getting moved from Sta. Clarita after six months there. I learned a lesson, I really hope he won't receive the same deal I did. It stunk for sure. So we went about town, biking to and fro and we just had fun, and found some investigators. This one family we taught was taught once by Giles, twice by Giles' comp on exchanges and splits, and once by me on exchanges with Austin. So he doesn't know them at all, and they've been investigating for a bit. Kinda funny how things work out sometimes. We had to bike outside our ward boundaries, so far away from our following appointment, because a ward member signed up and she lives outside the boundaries due to a house renovation issue. Man, that was so far away! Just on the other side of our eastern-most boundary line...wow it was far. We rarely go to our boundary as it is. We got to teach some Christian Mexican guy and he was a bit focused on the Bible...we'll see how he pans out. Good guy though. Then we came home and said good-bye to one of our missionaries, Elder Sauceda, because he got emergency moved down to the Valley due to two greenies going home for undisclosed reasons. He was happy here, I feel bad for him to get moved halfway through a transfer. Things happen though, he's the man for the job.
Wednesday I was back with Giles! He's way cool, and his story-telling techniques just suck you in. Him and Danny got along great from what I understand cuz Danny is Danny. Giles is Giles. Picked up some investigators and taught an English class at a member's house, the Molina's. It was fun! Joking around, having them repeat words to us, and then answering questions. The best part was when we got Hna. Molina to ask about what could she ask for parent-teacher conferences the next day. Her daughter Danae was a bit mad to say the least, because she didn't want her mom to know a lot of how she was doing in school. It ended up being a good conference from what I understood. They got school off for that! Crazy! We biked up this huge hill to get to a part member home...I die on that hill everytime we go there. Oh, the Elder Stewart patented, LOPEZ RUN, since two Lopez families live along that route. Killer hills. As we were leaving to go to dinner, with the other Lopez family at the bottom of it all, we were booking it so fast. Oh man I was freezing with the wind slapping my face. Giles realized that we passed a less active that bishop wanted us to check on so we went up a little to find him and did find out that he still lives there. Good! No more! A crazy dinner with the Lopez's, who are just lazy to get up to get to church at 11 am, when next year it's going to be at 9 am. Have fun with that! I felt at home, we had fun, joked around, shared stories, made fun of everyone there, and it was so hard to share a thought because of it all. But, I did my best, and Hno. Lopez shared his testimony of the church. He knows he's lazy and he still has a testimony. He just feels unfellowshipped, what a lame excuse. He's the Elder's Quorum President for crying out loud! A good man, just a bit lazy I suppose. Later that night, on splits, we went to a less active member's house. We ended up teaching her cousin, who isn't a member. Really receptive, but he does have a drinking problem. And that house smells terrible and the kids are not the best. It's hard to concentrate and invite the Spirit for sure. But, it was a good chat and Hno. Herrera really socked it to Javier, the cousin.
Thursday went well- the district blitzed our area since we are lacking investigators big time. Austin thought it'd help unity as well as work-wise for the district since it's hard to find people up here in Palmdale, especially Spanish speakers. It did loads for us. We got four potentials out of it, which is better than nothing! Something I'm trying this transfer is to be more enthusiastic and personable in talking to people. Not just saying, 'well I'm a missionary...' spin but, 'how are you? how was your day?' conversation. People are more willing to listen and we've seen a difference. Picked up more investigators after a really hard two weeks to begin this transfer. Giles is really pushing me to bike faster, and he's just a great guy. And, I've been asking every street contact for referrals, which shows that we care about everyone. Nothing yet, but I know something will come with time. Still working on it, obviously. We had a great carne asada dinner with LA Orellana's and before that, had a super spiritual lesson with a potential and her son. I forgot to ask when we could come back at the end, and she asked me that. Oh, sure! We have time for you! Of course (how could I forget?)...everytime I share the First Vision, the Spirit testifies to all of its truth. It is truth. One can't doubt the Spirit without quenching that peaceful, 'tranquil' feeling as Maria told us. Wow! It was great!
Friday was interesting. We had district meeting, where a sister missionary basically had the spiritual thought. It ended up being a ranting, not-so-spiritual, almost bashing experience. As Giles said, 'well, that was really spiritually uplifting!' with much Irvine-ish sarcasm. But, Giles' training was more like a reiteration of the importance of talking to everyone. He went over the reasons why. It's a commandment. It's to save all mankind. It's so all can hear the Shepherd's voice. Why fear? Because we're human. It was great, I felt good afterwards, just a good encouragement of this principle of finding people. Afterwards we sung happy birthday to those who had their birthdays this week and split. We had a homemade pupusa lunch at a member's house. Oh my gosh, it was delicious...but very filling indeed! We did some weekly planning, and went out to find some people yet again for the rest of the day. We had a great dinner with the LA Villenueva's. The wife is active, the husband wasn't for six years but came to church a week ago. Totally took us by surprise. Giles is magic, the members love him so much! We share a lesson on hope, on how it can sustain us, and help us in our lives. Planning lessons is a blessing because we're on the same page and the Spirit works stronger as we set up for Him to enter into the room. We're getting good at this! The warmth of the Spirit is magical almost. It's real, but feels unreal. It's warm, but yet it doesn't burn someone. It is a great experience to strive for His influence daily. What a night!
Saturday was fun! We played football in the morning at a local park, and OH it was so cold! The ground was frozen too! It was good so we didn't get all soggy and wet. And, I could actually throw the football this time. The other team said I cheated because we'd line up and I'd immediately hike it without letting the other team get set. So, I'm cheap because I'm playing football like what we usually do? Didn't get me mad, just was a 'oh c'mon guys it's football this it how it is' moment. I threw a pick, a couple touchdowns, nothing fancy. It really helped that we didn't have sidelines...so people would be running way over in the middle of nowhere. But, it counts! Giles was going to catch a kickoff and he went up to get it and a sister missionary from Canada (super athletic for a sister) ran into him...he's like 'well it's not my fault I was catching the ball and she ran into me'. We give him a hard time. And, that girl could throw! Snap, she took us all by surprise. One time zonie Lamb (who is 6'4'') rushed me so I threw the ball high in the sky between his arms that were straight up and it got caught by good fortune. Man, it was cold! Giles burned me for four TD's. He's good, and I'm bad at being corner. Doesn't help he got a foot on me it seems. It's all good fun though, it was just hilarious to see people slip and slide, sister's screaming as they have the ball running it, and lateraling it at whatever moment in time...hilarious! So now to the actual day. Not much. All, well most, of our appointments fell through so that was our weekend to be honest. Here, there, everywhere! No one home, or no one we could teach at that moment in time. We got to teach Javier with his LA cousin, then another LA family came to visit them! So we got the dad Hno. Lopez (who has a testimony but he's lazy in getting up for church- good guy though!) to testify. It just reiterated the truthfulness of it all. And, they came in right before I was going over the First Vision. All the noise of the children and dogs and cats and chaos disappeared for a moment as I recited it. I felt the Spirit witness to me that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God who restored Christ's church again. He felt it, the Lopez's felt it, and it was a warm feeling indeed. I love the Gospel! I love the Church! I love the Spirit's warmth in this profound cold. What a day!
Sunday went well. I was having trouble focusing in the last class- I was tired! Testimony meeting went well, it was just a lot of older people up there. We really don't have many young couples here at all. More families! All our appointments fell through, as usual, and we ate two dinners. One in Austin's area, the other in ours. Both were way fun! The Molina's fed us last minute because we didn't know if the other sister in Austin's area was going to feed us (she ended up feeding us anyways). We showed pictures from home, some pictures on the mission, made fun of Giles and his gazillion girl friends (he got ten letters in a day! Nuts!), good times. And, Stewart set up their printer. Good times, and as I shared a scripture with them...it all calmed down and it was a precious moment in time for me. Talking about how angels are around us, how they as members are our angels, and they we have that gift of the Holy Ghost to guide us on our left and on our right (D&C 84:88 says something similar to it). As a rock song goes, 'may angels lead you in...' Steven would know that Jimmy Eat World song.
That's our week! The work is great! We get along great! I love and miss you all! I'm doing my best to work hard till the end, and yes, I'm afraid of what the end entails. I woke up on Sunday almost in a cold sweat. It's almost here, what am I to do? I shiver at the thought. Keep me in your prayers, so I won't get hit by cars up here. May God keep you all safe and happy!
Love,
Spencer
Yeah, the work here really keeps us busy. But for sure, the work was super slow the first two weeks and my poor comp Giles was a bit frustrated to say the least. He was way less talkative and now he is really talkative, he's opening up a bit. His family sent me a Christmas stocking full of candy so if you could send him something...that'd be sweet! Haha, play on words! Candy...sweet? Just kidding. And yes, my butt still hurts and yes, I'm sick of bike for now. So sore every day, and I can't catch up to Giles!
So this week we picked up five new investigators, at least three of them are legitimate. We had quite a busy week too! Let's go over the week!
P-day was fun! We got to play Signs, a really fun EFY game I learned down in the Valley my last transfer there...and it was pretty fun at the end when we actually had someone that would run around. Made it very interesting.
Tuesday I was on exchanges with Austin, who I've had some issues with before. He's way cool, but when it comes to missionary work he isn't very practical. Oh well, no one's perfect, especially me. Giles is talking more and more if he should go and if so, where. I've been telling him to not get his hopes up because I went into a mini-depression when I found out I wasn't getting moved from Sta. Clarita after six months there. I learned a lesson, I really hope he won't receive the same deal I did. It stunk for sure. So we went about town, biking to and fro and we just had fun, and found some investigators. This one family we taught was taught once by Giles, twice by Giles' comp on exchanges and splits, and once by me on exchanges with Austin. So he doesn't know them at all, and they've been investigating for a bit. Kinda funny how things work out sometimes. We had to bike outside our ward boundaries, so far away from our following appointment, because a ward member signed up and she lives outside the boundaries due to a house renovation issue. Man, that was so far away! Just on the other side of our eastern-most boundary line...wow it was far. We rarely go to our boundary as it is. We got to teach some Christian Mexican guy and he was a bit focused on the Bible...we'll see how he pans out. Good guy though. Then we came home and said good-bye to one of our missionaries, Elder Sauceda, because he got emergency moved down to the Valley due to two greenies going home for undisclosed reasons. He was happy here, I feel bad for him to get moved halfway through a transfer. Things happen though, he's the man for the job.
Wednesday I was back with Giles! He's way cool, and his story-telling techniques just suck you in. Him and Danny got along great from what I understand cuz Danny is Danny. Giles is Giles. Picked up some investigators and taught an English class at a member's house, the Molina's. It was fun! Joking around, having them repeat words to us, and then answering questions. The best part was when we got Hna. Molina to ask about what could she ask for parent-teacher conferences the next day. Her daughter Danae was a bit mad to say the least, because she didn't want her mom to know a lot of how she was doing in school. It ended up being a good conference from what I understood. They got school off for that! Crazy! We biked up this huge hill to get to a part member home...I die on that hill everytime we go there. Oh, the Elder Stewart patented, LOPEZ RUN, since two Lopez families live along that route. Killer hills. As we were leaving to go to dinner, with the other Lopez family at the bottom of it all, we were booking it so fast. Oh man I was freezing with the wind slapping my face. Giles realized that we passed a less active that bishop wanted us to check on so we went up a little to find him and did find out that he still lives there. Good! No more! A crazy dinner with the Lopez's, who are just lazy to get up to get to church at 11 am, when next year it's going to be at 9 am. Have fun with that! I felt at home, we had fun, joked around, shared stories, made fun of everyone there, and it was so hard to share a thought because of it all. But, I did my best, and Hno. Lopez shared his testimony of the church. He knows he's lazy and he still has a testimony. He just feels unfellowshipped, what a lame excuse. He's the Elder's Quorum President for crying out loud! A good man, just a bit lazy I suppose. Later that night, on splits, we went to a less active member's house. We ended up teaching her cousin, who isn't a member. Really receptive, but he does have a drinking problem. And that house smells terrible and the kids are not the best. It's hard to concentrate and invite the Spirit for sure. But, it was a good chat and Hno. Herrera really socked it to Javier, the cousin.
Thursday went well- the district blitzed our area since we are lacking investigators big time. Austin thought it'd help unity as well as work-wise for the district since it's hard to find people up here in Palmdale, especially Spanish speakers. It did loads for us. We got four potentials out of it, which is better than nothing! Something I'm trying this transfer is to be more enthusiastic and personable in talking to people. Not just saying, 'well I'm a missionary...' spin but, 'how are you? how was your day?' conversation. People are more willing to listen and we've seen a difference. Picked up more investigators after a really hard two weeks to begin this transfer. Giles is really pushing me to bike faster, and he's just a great guy. And, I've been asking every street contact for referrals, which shows that we care about everyone. Nothing yet, but I know something will come with time. Still working on it, obviously. We had a great carne asada dinner with LA Orellana's and before that, had a super spiritual lesson with a potential and her son. I forgot to ask when we could come back at the end, and she asked me that. Oh, sure! We have time for you! Of course (how could I forget?)...everytime I share the First Vision, the Spirit testifies to all of its truth. It is truth. One can't doubt the Spirit without quenching that peaceful, 'tranquil' feeling as Maria told us. Wow! It was great!
Friday was interesting. We had district meeting, where a sister missionary basically had the spiritual thought. It ended up being a ranting, not-so-spiritual, almost bashing experience. As Giles said, 'well, that was really spiritually uplifting!' with much Irvine-ish sarcasm. But, Giles' training was more like a reiteration of the importance of talking to everyone. He went over the reasons why. It's a commandment. It's to save all mankind. It's so all can hear the Shepherd's voice. Why fear? Because we're human. It was great, I felt good afterwards, just a good encouragement of this principle of finding people. Afterwards we sung happy birthday to those who had their birthdays this week and split. We had a homemade pupusa lunch at a member's house. Oh my gosh, it was delicious...but very filling indeed! We did some weekly planning, and went out to find some people yet again for the rest of the day. We had a great dinner with the LA Villenueva's. The wife is active, the husband wasn't for six years but came to church a week ago. Totally took us by surprise. Giles is magic, the members love him so much! We share a lesson on hope, on how it can sustain us, and help us in our lives. Planning lessons is a blessing because we're on the same page and the Spirit works stronger as we set up for Him to enter into the room. We're getting good at this! The warmth of the Spirit is magical almost. It's real, but feels unreal. It's warm, but yet it doesn't burn someone. It is a great experience to strive for His influence daily. What a night!
Saturday was fun! We played football in the morning at a local park, and OH it was so cold! The ground was frozen too! It was good so we didn't get all soggy and wet. And, I could actually throw the football this time. The other team said I cheated because we'd line up and I'd immediately hike it without letting the other team get set. So, I'm cheap because I'm playing football like what we usually do? Didn't get me mad, just was a 'oh c'mon guys it's football this it how it is' moment. I threw a pick, a couple touchdowns, nothing fancy. It really helped that we didn't have sidelines...so people would be running way over in the middle of nowhere. But, it counts! Giles was going to catch a kickoff and he went up to get it and a sister missionary from Canada (super athletic for a sister) ran into him...he's like 'well it's not my fault I was catching the ball and she ran into me'. We give him a hard time. And, that girl could throw! Snap, she took us all by surprise. One time zonie Lamb (who is 6'4'') rushed me so I threw the ball high in the sky between his arms that were straight up and it got caught by good fortune. Man, it was cold! Giles burned me for four TD's. He's good, and I'm bad at being corner. Doesn't help he got a foot on me it seems. It's all good fun though, it was just hilarious to see people slip and slide, sister's screaming as they have the ball running it, and lateraling it at whatever moment in time...hilarious! So now to the actual day. Not much. All, well most, of our appointments fell through so that was our weekend to be honest. Here, there, everywhere! No one home, or no one we could teach at that moment in time. We got to teach Javier with his LA cousin, then another LA family came to visit them! So we got the dad Hno. Lopez (who has a testimony but he's lazy in getting up for church- good guy though!) to testify. It just reiterated the truthfulness of it all. And, they came in right before I was going over the First Vision. All the noise of the children and dogs and cats and chaos disappeared for a moment as I recited it. I felt the Spirit witness to me that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God who restored Christ's church again. He felt it, the Lopez's felt it, and it was a warm feeling indeed. I love the Gospel! I love the Church! I love the Spirit's warmth in this profound cold. What a day!
Sunday went well. I was having trouble focusing in the last class- I was tired! Testimony meeting went well, it was just a lot of older people up there. We really don't have many young couples here at all. More families! All our appointments fell through, as usual, and we ate two dinners. One in Austin's area, the other in ours. Both were way fun! The Molina's fed us last minute because we didn't know if the other sister in Austin's area was going to feed us (she ended up feeding us anyways). We showed pictures from home, some pictures on the mission, made fun of Giles and his gazillion girl friends (he got ten letters in a day! Nuts!), good times. And, Stewart set up their printer. Good times, and as I shared a scripture with them...it all calmed down and it was a precious moment in time for me. Talking about how angels are around us, how they as members are our angels, and they we have that gift of the Holy Ghost to guide us on our left and on our right (D&C 84:88 says something similar to it). As a rock song goes, 'may angels lead you in...' Steven would know that Jimmy Eat World song.
That's our week! The work is great! We get along great! I love and miss you all! I'm doing my best to work hard till the end, and yes, I'm afraid of what the end entails. I woke up on Sunday almost in a cold sweat. It's almost here, what am I to do? I shiver at the thought. Keep me in your prayers, so I won't get hit by cars up here. May God keep you all safe and happy!
Love,
Spencer
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
December 1, 2008
Dear Mom,
This week went by so fast! Well, the first week really stunk. The second week started to pick up. The only downer is that we had a lot of lessons with recent converts and less actives, but not very much with actual investigators. They aren't home, don't keep appointments...not really easy to get a hold of. Welcome back to Spanish work! Palmdale is really nice, nice and slow, but that's also a downside. It's a bit interesting in trying to speak to ten random people in the streets when no one walks around up here in the desert. Instead, we do a lot of door knocking. I was starting to get away from that in my last area and the one before that, so I guess the Lord wants me to knock some doors up here. No problem, I'll do it. Not my favorite, but it works once in a while. The bike is doing alright, I'm getting used to it a little. My butt hurts a lot, feels like a rock at times, but it's going well so far.
Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that I ate a chile habanero. Holy snap it was freaking hot. I was burning up inside and I had trouble staying alert. I nearly passed out at one point. I sweated for an hour straight after that, and I had to take Imodium the next day so I wouldn't feel bad at church. We (myself, Austin, and my comp Giles) ate it as a part of our ward's talent show/Thanksgiving celebration. It was not a good experience.
Giles and I get along fine, but he's quite the quiet one to be honest. It was hard this week because he was obviously depressed and wouldn't tell me why. It was because we had absolutely no investigators up here so we knocked a lot of doors without much success the first half of the week. It was ironic because at district meeting for our stewardships we told the district we have no investigators at all and then at the end of the weekend we had at least three or four potentials. It really helped that I did the training on how to adjust teaching in contact situations, and we did a practice on a tracting situation. I did it to start, and it went pretty well. We got our zone leader Elder Chamberlain to do the second practice, and he just blew us all away. He did spectacular! I wanted to go through one more practice, but we were out of time. I was able, with the Lord's help, make that training exciting and enthusiastic, because it wasn't me that was speaking or teaching or testifying, it was the Spirit. I hadn't felt that happy in a while when I was training in front of the district. I hope the district learned from it. Enthusiasm! So that was something I've been trying to work on this past week, be upbeat, positive, and dig in there and work hard, and little by little we are seeing some fruits. Later, at our lunch appointment, we shared a thought on charity, and good Sister Hidalgo, who is a mother to me, absorbed it. I really feel at home when we visit her, and she really does her best to apply what she learns to her life.
But, this week we've spent a lot of time with members, active and less active. A lot of these LA's are just lazy and don't want to make commitments, so they're not going to be visited as much unless they sign up for dinner. Oh well, such is the missionary life. A lot of biking here and there all week, appointments fall through, we knocked doors, we visited less actives. That was our week basically. Until we get to Turkey Day! So we played football as a zone, and that was so fun! It was super muddy but it made it even more hilarious! Slipping and sliding in the mud, it was a sight to see! It was good, relaxing, and a little competitive too. I am so rusty at football, I need to play a lot more. And have cleats, that'd help a lot. One time I got an interception and no one was in my way so I ran it all the way back. Here's the funny part. So I'm running it back, and I start slowing down thinking, is this for real? This easy? Was there a penalty? So I slowed down and our roomie Elder Marshall runs up to me and is pushing me to keep going (which I was going to do) so I talk to him and he's telling me to go faster because I'm running backwards and that's how it ended. I ran into the end zone backwards talking to Marshall. Just a goofy thing. He was so excited because this was his first time doing an athletic activity since his longboarding accident. At the end, we took a picture, and then Marshall and his buddy Lopez slid in the mud together. They served together for six months and had a blast together, now they're split up. Then, Lopez jumped on the back of this one femmy Elder Rogers who began to scream because of the mud. It was hilarious! Just a good time and a great way to start Thanksgiving! We did have two meals, one with a member from the neighboring Spanish branch Little Rock, the Cantos' and then followed by a meal at the Bishop's. The Cantos can cook and bake! The mother baked several pies and cakes that were to die for, and made a turkey out of cream puff ball dessert things. It was so neat! Quite a day indeed! I had a blast. Recently I've gotten homesick, because of how slow it's been, but I know that the Lord wants me to finish strong so I'll stick to it. I kept that camel as a constant reminder for me.
My personal study has been pretty good as of late. I studied Elder Corbridge's "The Way" talk from last General Conference and it really struck me then as it did when I first listened and saw it. There really is no other way. It is foolish, as Elder Corbridge says. It is foolish to think that there is a shortcut, or a detour, or another path, to God and His Kingdom. As bold as he was, I loved it. It really was a re-emphasis of what we should preach. There is no other way, only through Christ and His Restored Gospel. That was a great start for the week. I then, the next day (Tuesday) studied Elder Oaks' talk on the sacrament followed by Elder Holland's talk on Jesus Christ's sacrifice. It really made an impression on me. I cried towards the end. He related seeing a missionary welcoming party at the Salt Lake airport. An anxious mother (I could totally see Mom), anxious family, and a stern and well-worn father that didn't seem as interested in it all, a bit aloof. As soon as that missionary walked out, the father ran to his son and gave a warm embrace. Time stood still to give reverence to this sacred moment in time. I miss you all so much, it's really not easy at all. But, I know God wills it this way, and I must obey, as Nephi concluded his writings.
Guess who took me out to dinner on Saturday? The Lunas! They came all the way up from the Valley to take Giles and I out to eat. We stopped by a local Mexican place and just talked and ate burritos. I didn't care for the meal, I missed them so much. I got to hear about how they're doing, how Cindy's classes are going as a Sunday School teacher, how Junior is progressing with the priesthood, how their family is doing as a whole. If there's one thing I learned, it is that love conquers all and that in the end, it's all that matters. One can tell if you love them, and they will not forget it. As a joke, they sent me two packages that had a scarf, a beanie, and a pair of gloves so I can deal with the desert. I believe the joke was the scarf, I'm pretty sure about that. I can't wait until they call me and say, "Guess what? We're going to the temple on such and such a date!" I could die then and there, happy as can be. Is this what the Lord promises those that serve Him? I don't deserve it!
Sunday I gave my first talk in Spanish, from what I can remember. Not a testimony, but an actual talk on missionary work. I wasn't nervous writing it up, but as soon as I got to church I was so nervous. I was shaking a bit before I got up there. Everyone afterwards said they liked my talk and were surprised at my Spanish (even though it is super rusty but I guess it's better than the others here). Let's see if they took Elder Ballard's suggestions (I used one of his talks as a base for my talk, I really liked it!). At the end of the day, we shared the story of charity by way of the Good Samaritan with the Molina family, members that live in our same complex. They loved it, and I really felt their spirits uplift ours. Doubt not because God is there for us! He asks us to be charitable, because he was charitable to us once upon a time in Israel. I've really learned a lot about charity this week.
All week we shared charity and faith with our less actives, and they really felt the spirit of the season. I really learned a lot about Moroni 7:47, the beginning part of it, Ether 3, and Ether 12, and about Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego. All I could think of at the end of the week was the theme of hope that Pres. Utchdorf shared with us. As Doctrine and Covenants 6:33-34, 36 says:
33 aFear not to do bgood, my sons, for whatsoever ye csow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow dgood ye shall also reap good for your ereward.
34 The refore, fear not, little aflock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are bbuilt upon my rock, they cannot prevail.
35 aLook unto me in every bthought; cdoubt not, fear not.
I love missionary work. I admit I feel trunky, only because the work is rough. But, it'll go away, as it has in the past, as we find work. Don't worry, I'm going to make it and finish strong. I love the work, I miss you all, and I know this is just one other trial that the Lord sends my way.
I miss you all, and I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Love,
Spencer
This week went by so fast! Well, the first week really stunk. The second week started to pick up. The only downer is that we had a lot of lessons with recent converts and less actives, but not very much with actual investigators. They aren't home, don't keep appointments...not really easy to get a hold of. Welcome back to Spanish work! Palmdale is really nice, nice and slow, but that's also a downside. It's a bit interesting in trying to speak to ten random people in the streets when no one walks around up here in the desert. Instead, we do a lot of door knocking. I was starting to get away from that in my last area and the one before that, so I guess the Lord wants me to knock some doors up here. No problem, I'll do it. Not my favorite, but it works once in a while. The bike is doing alright, I'm getting used to it a little. My butt hurts a lot, feels like a rock at times, but it's going well so far.
Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that I ate a chile habanero. Holy snap it was freaking hot. I was burning up inside and I had trouble staying alert. I nearly passed out at one point. I sweated for an hour straight after that, and I had to take Imodium the next day so I wouldn't feel bad at church. We (myself, Austin, and my comp Giles) ate it as a part of our ward's talent show/Thanksgiving celebration. It was not a good experience.
Giles and I get along fine, but he's quite the quiet one to be honest. It was hard this week because he was obviously depressed and wouldn't tell me why. It was because we had absolutely no investigators up here so we knocked a lot of doors without much success the first half of the week. It was ironic because at district meeting for our stewardships we told the district we have no investigators at all and then at the end of the weekend we had at least three or four potentials. It really helped that I did the training on how to adjust teaching in contact situations, and we did a practice on a tracting situation. I did it to start, and it went pretty well. We got our zone leader Elder Chamberlain to do the second practice, and he just blew us all away. He did spectacular! I wanted to go through one more practice, but we were out of time. I was able, with the Lord's help, make that training exciting and enthusiastic, because it wasn't me that was speaking or teaching or testifying, it was the Spirit. I hadn't felt that happy in a while when I was training in front of the district. I hope the district learned from it. Enthusiasm! So that was something I've been trying to work on this past week, be upbeat, positive, and dig in there and work hard, and little by little we are seeing some fruits. Later, at our lunch appointment, we shared a thought on charity, and good Sister Hidalgo, who is a mother to me, absorbed it. I really feel at home when we visit her, and she really does her best to apply what she learns to her life.
But, this week we've spent a lot of time with members, active and less active. A lot of these LA's are just lazy and don't want to make commitments, so they're not going to be visited as much unless they sign up for dinner. Oh well, such is the missionary life. A lot of biking here and there all week, appointments fall through, we knocked doors, we visited less actives. That was our week basically. Until we get to Turkey Day! So we played football as a zone, and that was so fun! It was super muddy but it made it even more hilarious! Slipping and sliding in the mud, it was a sight to see! It was good, relaxing, and a little competitive too. I am so rusty at football, I need to play a lot more. And have cleats, that'd help a lot. One time I got an interception and no one was in my way so I ran it all the way back. Here's the funny part. So I'm running it back, and I start slowing down thinking, is this for real? This easy? Was there a penalty? So I slowed down and our roomie Elder Marshall runs up to me and is pushing me to keep going (which I was going to do) so I talk to him and he's telling me to go faster because I'm running backwards and that's how it ended. I ran into the end zone backwards talking to Marshall. Just a goofy thing. He was so excited because this was his first time doing an athletic activity since his longboarding accident. At the end, we took a picture, and then Marshall and his buddy Lopez slid in the mud together. They served together for six months and had a blast together, now they're split up. Then, Lopez jumped on the back of this one femmy Elder Rogers who began to scream because of the mud. It was hilarious! Just a good time and a great way to start Thanksgiving! We did have two meals, one with a member from the neighboring Spanish branch Little Rock, the Cantos' and then followed by a meal at the Bishop's. The Cantos can cook and bake! The mother baked several pies and cakes that were to die for, and made a turkey out of cream puff ball dessert things. It was so neat! Quite a day indeed! I had a blast. Recently I've gotten homesick, because of how slow it's been, but I know that the Lord wants me to finish strong so I'll stick to it. I kept that camel as a constant reminder for me.
My personal study has been pretty good as of late. I studied Elder Corbridge's "The Way" talk from last General Conference and it really struck me then as it did when I first listened and saw it. There really is no other way. It is foolish, as Elder Corbridge says. It is foolish to think that there is a shortcut, or a detour, or another path, to God and His Kingdom. As bold as he was, I loved it. It really was a re-emphasis of what we should preach. There is no other way, only through Christ and His Restored Gospel. That was a great start for the week. I then, the next day (Tuesday) studied Elder Oaks' talk on the sacrament followed by Elder Holland's talk on Jesus Christ's sacrifice. It really made an impression on me. I cried towards the end. He related seeing a missionary welcoming party at the Salt Lake airport. An anxious mother (I could totally see Mom), anxious family, and a stern and well-worn father that didn't seem as interested in it all, a bit aloof. As soon as that missionary walked out, the father ran to his son and gave a warm embrace. Time stood still to give reverence to this sacred moment in time. I miss you all so much, it's really not easy at all. But, I know God wills it this way, and I must obey, as Nephi concluded his writings.
Guess who took me out to dinner on Saturday? The Lunas! They came all the way up from the Valley to take Giles and I out to eat. We stopped by a local Mexican place and just talked and ate burritos. I didn't care for the meal, I missed them so much. I got to hear about how they're doing, how Cindy's classes are going as a Sunday School teacher, how Junior is progressing with the priesthood, how their family is doing as a whole. If there's one thing I learned, it is that love conquers all and that in the end, it's all that matters. One can tell if you love them, and they will not forget it. As a joke, they sent me two packages that had a scarf, a beanie, and a pair of gloves so I can deal with the desert. I believe the joke was the scarf, I'm pretty sure about that. I can't wait until they call me and say, "Guess what? We're going to the temple on such and such a date!" I could die then and there, happy as can be. Is this what the Lord promises those that serve Him? I don't deserve it!
Sunday I gave my first talk in Spanish, from what I can remember. Not a testimony, but an actual talk on missionary work. I wasn't nervous writing it up, but as soon as I got to church I was so nervous. I was shaking a bit before I got up there. Everyone afterwards said they liked my talk and were surprised at my Spanish (even though it is super rusty but I guess it's better than the others here). Let's see if they took Elder Ballard's suggestions (I used one of his talks as a base for my talk, I really liked it!). At the end of the day, we shared the story of charity by way of the Good Samaritan with the Molina family, members that live in our same complex. They loved it, and I really felt their spirits uplift ours. Doubt not because God is there for us! He asks us to be charitable, because he was charitable to us once upon a time in Israel. I've really learned a lot about charity this week.
All week we shared charity and faith with our less actives, and they really felt the spirit of the season. I really learned a lot about Moroni 7:47, the beginning part of it, Ether 3, and Ether 12, and about Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego. All I could think of at the end of the week was the theme of hope that Pres. Utchdorf shared with us. As Doctrine and Covenants 6:33-34, 36 says:
33 aFear not to do bgood, my sons, for whatsoever ye csow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow dgood ye shall also reap good for your ereward.
34 The refore, fear not, little aflock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are bbuilt upon my rock, they cannot prevail.
35 aLook unto me in every bthought; cdoubt not, fear not.
I love missionary work. I admit I feel trunky, only because the work is rough. But, it'll go away, as it has in the past, as we find work. Don't worry, I'm going to make it and finish strong. I love the work, I miss you all, and I know this is just one other trial that the Lord sends my way.
I miss you all, and I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Love,
Spencer
Monday, April 20, 2009
November 24, 2008
Dear Mom,
This week went by so fast! Incredible! But, I'm sore as heck. I am really tired these days. My comp, Elder Giles from Tooele (Twuola) is way cool. A quiet kid to be honest. And it doesn't help that I'm pretty blunt with things, which is a bad thing of going to Spanish because I forget how to say things in the nice way in English. I just forget. Oops. Good kid though. I'm just a super slow bike rider. Should've seen the massive hills I had to scale the other day. Ridiculous! I was sweating so much...not good for the shirts. They're going to be definitely done with at the end of the mission! I'm happy to know that Grandma liked it all...I did my best for her!
As for the package, I'm going to send it ASAP. Letters, some books, and other things. Yeah! I'm excited to get rid of some stuff! It was pain trying to move all this stuff up here from the Valley. As for Steve o boy, I'm surprised he lost some weight. Good for him!
So the Lunas are going to take Giles and I out to eat this Saturday...man they're so cool! They just sent me a package. Actually, two packages since they didn't have time to pack it all in one...pretty funny actually. Would've easily fit in one box. They, as a joke, sent me a scarf, a hat, and a pair of gloves. I had a hard time keeping myself together. I have never met a family that has shown me this much love since you guys. But, on a serious note, they'd love to get a surprise call from all of you. 818 292 5912 is Cindy's phone. I forgot Junior's because it's a different area code...some Ventura county number. She'll be surprised! Haha!
So this week was a blur! Monday night I got to meet Giles' homeward bound comp, Flanary or 'Flan' who no one likes. Only because he is just in your face and what not. Just got to meet a lot of members, and we're still learning how to teach in unity. His command of Spanish is pretty good, but I do admit that we have to work on it together. Good guy. Not much success though overall. I got to meet a lot of less actives, but not many investigators. I really have to push Giles to contact a lot of potentials because we just visit less actives- that's not our purpose here! But, it'll take time. Our best day was when we went to the Thanksgiving bash on Saturday because we got to see some traditional Salvadoran dances and stuff. And, to give our members a blast, we three of Giles, myself, and Austin, ate habaneros. I was sweating for an hour! Oh snap it was so hot! I got some great pictures so I'll send it on in the package, hopefully. We'll see.
Well, I can't really tell you what has happened up here because it's been a lot of bike riding and not a lot of appointments so...just to say that I am tired, sore, a bit cranky at time, really sweaty, and I have been fighting some depression here and there. I miss my old area a lot, and I'm really having Luna family withdrawals. Sometimes I catch myself looking at pictures of them and the notes they signed for me. Well, such is the life of the missionary.
Life is doing alright right now...I really don't like being on bike!
Love you all! I hope all is going well at home!
Love,
Spencer
This week went by so fast! Incredible! But, I'm sore as heck. I am really tired these days. My comp, Elder Giles from Tooele (Twuola) is way cool. A quiet kid to be honest. And it doesn't help that I'm pretty blunt with things, which is a bad thing of going to Spanish because I forget how to say things in the nice way in English. I just forget. Oops. Good kid though. I'm just a super slow bike rider. Should've seen the massive hills I had to scale the other day. Ridiculous! I was sweating so much...not good for the shirts. They're going to be definitely done with at the end of the mission! I'm happy to know that Grandma liked it all...I did my best for her!
As for the package, I'm going to send it ASAP. Letters, some books, and other things. Yeah! I'm excited to get rid of some stuff! It was pain trying to move all this stuff up here from the Valley. As for Steve o boy, I'm surprised he lost some weight. Good for him!
So the Lunas are going to take Giles and I out to eat this Saturday...man they're so cool! They just sent me a package. Actually, two packages since they didn't have time to pack it all in one...pretty funny actually. Would've easily fit in one box. They, as a joke, sent me a scarf, a hat, and a pair of gloves. I had a hard time keeping myself together. I have never met a family that has shown me this much love since you guys. But, on a serious note, they'd love to get a surprise call from all of you. 818 292 5912 is Cindy's phone. I forgot Junior's because it's a different area code...some Ventura county number. She'll be surprised! Haha!
So this week was a blur! Monday night I got to meet Giles' homeward bound comp, Flanary or 'Flan' who no one likes. Only because he is just in your face and what not. Just got to meet a lot of members, and we're still learning how to teach in unity. His command of Spanish is pretty good, but I do admit that we have to work on it together. Good guy. Not much success though overall. I got to meet a lot of less actives, but not many investigators. I really have to push Giles to contact a lot of potentials because we just visit less actives- that's not our purpose here! But, it'll take time. Our best day was when we went to the Thanksgiving bash on Saturday because we got to see some traditional Salvadoran dances and stuff. And, to give our members a blast, we three of Giles, myself, and Austin, ate habaneros. I was sweating for an hour! Oh snap it was so hot! I got some great pictures so I'll send it on in the package, hopefully. We'll see.
Well, I can't really tell you what has happened up here because it's been a lot of bike riding and not a lot of appointments so...just to say that I am tired, sore, a bit cranky at time, really sweaty, and I have been fighting some depression here and there. I miss my old area a lot, and I'm really having Luna family withdrawals. Sometimes I catch myself looking at pictures of them and the notes they signed for me. Well, such is the life of the missionary.
Life is doing alright right now...I really don't like being on bike!
Love you all! I hope all is going well at home!
Love,
Spencer
Saturday, April 18, 2009
November 17, 2008
Dear Mom,
I hope Dad feels a bit better...I hope he didn't get some bad whiplash. Ouch. Well, no preference on a new car, you all know what's best. I hope Grandma feels better, but it isn't easy at all. Give her my best wishes and hopes, from her loving grandson in California. And no, the fires haven't come towards me, but they have left many members without homes.
Guess what? I'm getting transferred! To Palmdale, the desert! And also...I'm going to be on bike! In Spanish work! How weird is that? So, I don't have my new address yet, but I'll get it to you as soon as I can. I'm pretty pumped for that because I've been hoping for Spanish work to finish the mission. This could be my last area, but I don't want to think of it as that. Insane! Going up to the desert! I'm going to serve in all three valleys in the mission!
So I've been having some mixed emotions when I found out I was moving up to the desert. I love the Valley, but I really feel it's a time for a change of scenery. Woods is my favorite companion so far, and I'm looking forward to helping Elder Giles out with his Spanish up there. Bethke served up in the ward I'm going to, so he's pretty pumped about that. I might have to salvage the work up there because an infamous elder who is notorious in messing up areas was last there...he's going home! I'm sad, but excited to go.
Last night was the hardest. It didn't really hit until I went to say good-bye to some of the members last night. I'm gone, maybe to the last area of the mission I'm serving for the Lord. Heart-wrenching really. I'm still a bit numb from it all, the shock of going to an unfamiliar place. But, such is the mission. The Lunas made it really hard for me last night. So we go over there and have a lesson planned, sort of, because our weekend has been pretty hectic. We get there, chat a little as usual and then we delve into it. You could tell there's a solemn mood in the room, but we did our best. To our great surprise, Junior (the dad) shared a spiritual thought (we asked if he would do it but I wasn't sure if he was actually going to do it). He stayed home from church to take care of the smallest, Rachel. So, we get there and chat, then he shares a scripture after the prayer. Alma 32:31-34. Of all the scriptures to share on the Plan of Salvation, he chose that one. I joked around that I usually use it to chastise hardcore less active members, but they're so great that I didn't have to use it. More of a half truth. We went into the little lesson on what happens after death, asked questions and ended with a prayer...which I gave. My final prayer at the Luna's. We had some great yellow cake with chocolate frosting and joked around a bit. One of the funniest parts came when I was snapping pictures and I wanted to get little Stephanie in a picture, she refused several times by turning her head away. So Junior, seeing me struggle, says, 'Hey Stephanie! Look at this!' and she looks then I snap a picture to her surprise. He said, 'So blonde'. I about died with laughter. Then, time to go. Said our good-byes, and it tore me up a little to see Junior and then Cindy start crying...I was in shock so I didn't really have tears to shed. Gave them hugs and all, and I had to get out before I would eventually cry. Really emotional farewell. They even got me a framed photo of the LA temple to remember them by. I'll miss them so much. It was almost as bad when I left the Cardenas in Sta. Clarita. It hurt me even more to know little Stephanie and Rachel will expect me to come next week and will have to adjust to a new elder. But, I'll see them at the temple when they get sealed! I just got in the car and just thought a little bit. Wow, I'm going. It's really happening. This morning it hit me even harder. Wow, it's actually happening. I feel like I'm leaving my family behind. My second family, of course!
This week has been full of ups and downs, mostly because I was very uncertain of what lay ahead for transfers. But, we had some really great lessons! On Monday we got to help a young couple move some stuff into their apartment as they were in between rent agreements and were temporarily homeless. They asked us to pray for them to get the perfect place for their situation, so we did right then and there in Panorama City, with Latinos wondering why four gringos were praying there. They called us back a few days later and thanked us- they got the right place! Planted the seed, now we'll have to pass them on to other elders since they're most likely out of our area. That was really classy of them to call us back to thank us. It boosted my spirits!
Tuesday was the day of interviews with President Goodrich...oh man that made my week so nerve-wracking!
Wednesday we were in a trio for exchanges, with our greenie Elder Frei from St. George, UT. He was so nervous in our lesson with his investigator. It was one of the most impressive lessons I've ever been a part of. Jason, the non-member boyfriend of an active member, was really open. He grew up in Savannah, GA and didn't like the Southern Baptist church. Didn't like the angry preaching, that so-called passion of the Spirit. He said that if it's fine for them, that's great. But, he doesn't believe it's truly the Spirit. He's gone to church several times, and he loved General Conference. He admitted he loved Pres. Eyring's talk the most. He said it impressed him to see grown men cry, when moved upon by the Spirit. Talk about a great base to work with! We taught a shortened Restoration lesson, and he agreed with it all. We all felt the Spirit as his girlfriend (the name escapes me again) shared how her loyal father, who faithfully held the priesthood, gave her a blessing as a child and she was healed! Jason said, who can doubt that? A truly touching moment. He has great potential. He wants an eternal family, and deeply wants that subtle Spirit to be with him. We walked out of there on cloud nine! What an end to our day!
This past Friday, our big black man, Mike Price, told us of how hard this is getting, because he's seeing the protesters at our temple and how mean they are to us. But, he knows it's true and that he must endure through it all. He saw that it truly isn't easy to be a member, but I believe this will strengthen his resolve. Boy, I'll miss that guy!
Saturday was a bit crazy, due to the fires raging around the Valley. But, we got the work done. I got to say good-bye to Betsy, and we watched The Lamb of God DVD with her. Wow, I love that movie! I remember parts of it growing up at home, but it is very well done. Very powerful. It's great because I met the actor who portrayed Jesus Christ, Mark Deakins of the Encino ward. Now that man is one inspired man of the Lord. His testimony shakes one's very frame and foundation. I really felt Christ's persecutions, and His pains. It only strengthened my appreciation for His ultimate sacrifice.
Sunday was busy, saying good-byes. I'll miss these members, and they were really sad to see me go. At least that's how they appeared to feel. I'm just content knowing I made a difference, that the Lord had used me to reach others, help others reach baptism, and others come back to church. As Cindy said last night, it was just the right time. People are put in our lives at the right time. I would do anything for these members. I love them as my own family. I can't imagine Christ's love, if I feel this way.
I know Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He is the Way. The Light. The Living Water. The Bread of Life. The Messiah. The Lamb of God. There is no other way but through him. He has called Thomas S. Monson as His anointed prophet today, and He has restored His church again. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and I am indebted to his sacrifices. Christ is my Elder Brother, My Shepherd, and I love Him for His infinite Atonement. Referring to when he will pass on to the other world, Elder McConkie said, "I shall not know better then than I know now that he is God's Almighty Son". Amen.
I love you all. I hope the best for all of you. Stay safe. Until next time, I love you! XOXO!
Love,
Spencer
I hope Dad feels a bit better...I hope he didn't get some bad whiplash. Ouch. Well, no preference on a new car, you all know what's best. I hope Grandma feels better, but it isn't easy at all. Give her my best wishes and hopes, from her loving grandson in California. And no, the fires haven't come towards me, but they have left many members without homes.
Guess what? I'm getting transferred! To Palmdale, the desert! And also...I'm going to be on bike! In Spanish work! How weird is that? So, I don't have my new address yet, but I'll get it to you as soon as I can. I'm pretty pumped for that because I've been hoping for Spanish work to finish the mission. This could be my last area, but I don't want to think of it as that. Insane! Going up to the desert! I'm going to serve in all three valleys in the mission!
So I've been having some mixed emotions when I found out I was moving up to the desert. I love the Valley, but I really feel it's a time for a change of scenery. Woods is my favorite companion so far, and I'm looking forward to helping Elder Giles out with his Spanish up there. Bethke served up in the ward I'm going to, so he's pretty pumped about that. I might have to salvage the work up there because an infamous elder who is notorious in messing up areas was last there...he's going home! I'm sad, but excited to go.
Last night was the hardest. It didn't really hit until I went to say good-bye to some of the members last night. I'm gone, maybe to the last area of the mission I'm serving for the Lord. Heart-wrenching really. I'm still a bit numb from it all, the shock of going to an unfamiliar place. But, such is the mission. The Lunas made it really hard for me last night. So we go over there and have a lesson planned, sort of, because our weekend has been pretty hectic. We get there, chat a little as usual and then we delve into it. You could tell there's a solemn mood in the room, but we did our best. To our great surprise, Junior (the dad) shared a spiritual thought (we asked if he would do it but I wasn't sure if he was actually going to do it). He stayed home from church to take care of the smallest, Rachel. So, we get there and chat, then he shares a scripture after the prayer. Alma 32:31-34. Of all the scriptures to share on the Plan of Salvation, he chose that one. I joked around that I usually use it to chastise hardcore less active members, but they're so great that I didn't have to use it. More of a half truth. We went into the little lesson on what happens after death, asked questions and ended with a prayer...which I gave. My final prayer at the Luna's. We had some great yellow cake with chocolate frosting and joked around a bit. One of the funniest parts came when I was snapping pictures and I wanted to get little Stephanie in a picture, she refused several times by turning her head away. So Junior, seeing me struggle, says, 'Hey Stephanie! Look at this!' and she looks then I snap a picture to her surprise. He said, 'So blonde'. I about died with laughter. Then, time to go. Said our good-byes, and it tore me up a little to see Junior and then Cindy start crying...I was in shock so I didn't really have tears to shed. Gave them hugs and all, and I had to get out before I would eventually cry. Really emotional farewell. They even got me a framed photo of the LA temple to remember them by. I'll miss them so much. It was almost as bad when I left the Cardenas in Sta. Clarita. It hurt me even more to know little Stephanie and Rachel will expect me to come next week and will have to adjust to a new elder. But, I'll see them at the temple when they get sealed! I just got in the car and just thought a little bit. Wow, I'm going. It's really happening. This morning it hit me even harder. Wow, it's actually happening. I feel like I'm leaving my family behind. My second family, of course!
This week has been full of ups and downs, mostly because I was very uncertain of what lay ahead for transfers. But, we had some really great lessons! On Monday we got to help a young couple move some stuff into their apartment as they were in between rent agreements and were temporarily homeless. They asked us to pray for them to get the perfect place for their situation, so we did right then and there in Panorama City, with Latinos wondering why four gringos were praying there. They called us back a few days later and thanked us- they got the right place! Planted the seed, now we'll have to pass them on to other elders since they're most likely out of our area. That was really classy of them to call us back to thank us. It boosted my spirits!
Tuesday was the day of interviews with President Goodrich...oh man that made my week so nerve-wracking!
Wednesday we were in a trio for exchanges, with our greenie Elder Frei from St. George, UT. He was so nervous in our lesson with his investigator. It was one of the most impressive lessons I've ever been a part of. Jason, the non-member boyfriend of an active member, was really open. He grew up in Savannah, GA and didn't like the Southern Baptist church. Didn't like the angry preaching, that so-called passion of the Spirit. He said that if it's fine for them, that's great. But, he doesn't believe it's truly the Spirit. He's gone to church several times, and he loved General Conference. He admitted he loved Pres. Eyring's talk the most. He said it impressed him to see grown men cry, when moved upon by the Spirit. Talk about a great base to work with! We taught a shortened Restoration lesson, and he agreed with it all. We all felt the Spirit as his girlfriend (the name escapes me again) shared how her loyal father, who faithfully held the priesthood, gave her a blessing as a child and she was healed! Jason said, who can doubt that? A truly touching moment. He has great potential. He wants an eternal family, and deeply wants that subtle Spirit to be with him. We walked out of there on cloud nine! What an end to our day!
This past Friday, our big black man, Mike Price, told us of how hard this is getting, because he's seeing the protesters at our temple and how mean they are to us. But, he knows it's true and that he must endure through it all. He saw that it truly isn't easy to be a member, but I believe this will strengthen his resolve. Boy, I'll miss that guy!
Saturday was a bit crazy, due to the fires raging around the Valley. But, we got the work done. I got to say good-bye to Betsy, and we watched The Lamb of God DVD with her. Wow, I love that movie! I remember parts of it growing up at home, but it is very well done. Very powerful. It's great because I met the actor who portrayed Jesus Christ, Mark Deakins of the Encino ward. Now that man is one inspired man of the Lord. His testimony shakes one's very frame and foundation. I really felt Christ's persecutions, and His pains. It only strengthened my appreciation for His ultimate sacrifice.
Sunday was busy, saying good-byes. I'll miss these members, and they were really sad to see me go. At least that's how they appeared to feel. I'm just content knowing I made a difference, that the Lord had used me to reach others, help others reach baptism, and others come back to church. As Cindy said last night, it was just the right time. People are put in our lives at the right time. I would do anything for these members. I love them as my own family. I can't imagine Christ's love, if I feel this way.
I know Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He is the Way. The Light. The Living Water. The Bread of Life. The Messiah. The Lamb of God. There is no other way but through him. He has called Thomas S. Monson as His anointed prophet today, and He has restored His church again. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and I am indebted to his sacrifices. Christ is my Elder Brother, My Shepherd, and I love Him for His infinite Atonement. Referring to when he will pass on to the other world, Elder McConkie said, "I shall not know better then than I know now that he is God's Almighty Son". Amen.
I love you all. I hope the best for all of you. Stay safe. Until next time, I love you! XOXO!
Love,
Spencer
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