Yeah, that's sweet that they are winning now. Keep the other team on there toes, and give us a competitive edge. We need it. I think we have just got so used to losing, that for w while, we just let it roll off of us. But it sounds like we are doing good, now.
It's good to hear that you are keeping busy.
Things here are pretty busy, too. It's tough, because the office work keeps us out of the field alot. And I want to get out. But I think the stress has been getting to me lately. I've been forgetting a lot of things lately. Of course, I forget things normally, but I'm forgetting things that I should remember. So, we'll see how that goes. It's tough, but I'll survive.
Everything else is going good. I'm having a pretty good time here in Trinidad. I've been in this zone since January, (the only one that's been here this long) but I'm not sure if I'll be moving out of Trinidad anytime soon. I hope so, but II think that I'll enjoy it even if I stay here the rest of my mission. Which I might.
Zone conference was great. With every zone conferemce, I think the feel of it changes. When i first came out, it was just cool, cause I wasn't used to it. Now, It's cool because Of the things that I can apply. It's crazy how much we all need to work on, despite the fact that missionaries are always studying the scriptures and teaching people about the atonement. It's pretty intense. The broader that our vision is, the more we see beyond what we know, and are able to see how much we don't know.
Hey, thanks for sharing that story with me. I didn't even know. I never thought that I had a story like that to tell people, but now I do. I thought that my family had been active forever. It is amazing how much small things help. Like here in San Juan, there is a lady named Sister Garcia. The previous missionaries had been going over there every so often, but not focusing too much on getting her back to church. She wasn't keeping committments, or even reading the scriptures. But Elder Prince and I went over there, sat down, and just talked with her. She felt like our friend, basically, and that we cared about her, and weren't just there to teach her. And guess what, she came back to church the next sunday, and has been coming ever since. It wasn't because she had some amazing spiritual experience, or because we taught her something that she didn't know before. It was something small that pushed her back. By the way, Sister Garcia is awesome.
So, i have another story for you. Today was p-day, so we decided to go to Toco, a beach on the northeast side of the island. We got there, and as we were on the beach, as we were walking around, I put my sandals and keys to the car on the ground, so that I didn't have to hold ono to them,because my shorts don't have pockets. So we ran around for a while, and when I went back to get my stuff, the keys were gone. The car was still there, but the keys were nowhere to be found. So, we discovered that there were an extra set of keys at the mission office, thankfully. So, a few of us took the 1.5 hour drive back, and got the keys, then went back to get the car. So, that basically took up our entire p-day. We are all exhausted. But, it was quite the experience.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
10/4/10
(This is combined from both John and Patty's emails. Some things are repeated.)
Only Sister John got baptized. But it was a good service. It was between conference sessions. She invited a friend of hers to come to it. It was sweet.
Transfers went good. There wasn't too much change in Trinidad. It wasn't terrible running people around this time. not anything like last transfer. It's been fun so far this transfer. Elder Nielson is cool.
That's good to hear that we finally won a football game. It sounds like we are doing alright now.
So, I think I really did do something to my foot. We played basketball this morning, and now the same places on my feet hurt that did before. But, it's probably no big deal. They'll be fine. I just have to walk it off, I feel. Bein in the office, I don't get much chance to do that.
It's been fun so far in the office, and I am looking forward to this next transfer. I'm thinking I will probably be here for at least one more transfer. But that's alright. I'm prepared for it, and even though I would like to be out in a normal area as well, the work here needs to get done. So I might as well do it.
Well, due to transfer, we haven't done a lot of finding this past week. It's been kind of tough. I really don't like seeing my numbers as low as they have been. It makes me feel like I'm not working very hard. Oh well, I guess that is what numbers are for, so that we improve. I guess. I don't really know, I just like pretending like I do.
It looks liike we finally might be learning that the way we win is by using the team, instead of trying to focus on a key player. It's good to hear. I'd love to see that carry over into basketball as well.
Tell me about the hot. i hope that it's warmer when I get there, because I really would prefer to get used to the no humidity befor I get thrown into the freezing cold.
This past week has been good. Sister John got baptized. It was sweet. I don't expect that her son will get baptized for a while, because she is leaving to England in December, and she'll be there for 6 months. Her dad was really against her being baptized into the church. He doesn't like us very much. We run into that all the time, but the day before her baptism, her dad called her up, and kind of yelled at her. Tried to get her not to do it. But, she did. So, that was exciting. But, her son will be living with him, so it's not really possible for him to come to church after she leaves, and I don't want to baptize him if that is going to happen. He will be able to when she gets back.
Only Sister John got baptized. But it was a good service. It was between conference sessions. She invited a friend of hers to come to it. It was sweet.
Transfers went good. There wasn't too much change in Trinidad. It wasn't terrible running people around this time. not anything like last transfer. It's been fun so far this transfer. Elder Nielson is cool.
That's good to hear that we finally won a football game. It sounds like we are doing alright now.
So, I think I really did do something to my foot. We played basketball this morning, and now the same places on my feet hurt that did before. But, it's probably no big deal. They'll be fine. I just have to walk it off, I feel. Bein in the office, I don't get much chance to do that.
It's been fun so far in the office, and I am looking forward to this next transfer. I'm thinking I will probably be here for at least one more transfer. But that's alright. I'm prepared for it, and even though I would like to be out in a normal area as well, the work here needs to get done. So I might as well do it.
Well, due to transfer, we haven't done a lot of finding this past week. It's been kind of tough. I really don't like seeing my numbers as low as they have been. It makes me feel like I'm not working very hard. Oh well, I guess that is what numbers are for, so that we improve. I guess. I don't really know, I just like pretending like I do.
It looks liike we finally might be learning that the way we win is by using the team, instead of trying to focus on a key player. It's good to hear. I'd love to see that carry over into basketball as well.
Tell me about the hot. i hope that it's warmer when I get there, because I really would prefer to get used to the no humidity befor I get thrown into the freezing cold.
This past week has been good. Sister John got baptized. It was sweet. I don't expect that her son will get baptized for a while, because she is leaving to England in December, and she'll be there for 6 months. Her dad was really against her being baptized into the church. He doesn't like us very much. We run into that all the time, but the day before her baptism, her dad called her up, and kind of yelled at her. Tried to get her not to do it. But, she did. So, that was exciting. But, her son will be living with him, so it's not really possible for him to come to church after she leaves, and I don't want to baptize him if that is going to happen. He will be able to when she gets back.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
September 20th, 2010
This past week has been really hectic. There was a big mission-wide leadership training here in trinidad. We didn't go to it, but we drove everybody around for it, and picked up the food for it, and stuff like that. So, we didn't get too much time in our area. But Sister John is doing pretty good. She didn't come to church yesterday because she was sick, but we just barely talked to her, and she is for sure getting baptized. Next week. By the way, transfers is next week. Being an office elder, I have known what's happening with it for 2 weeks now. I can tell you, since you aren't really connected with anybody in the mission. I am staying in the office, and I'll be with an Elder Evans. He is actually called french speaking, but he fractured a vertebrae in his back, and so he is here in Trinidad. And he will be with me next transfer. So, there you go.
This morning we went to Maracas Beach again. We played frisbee and football. Running on that sand can't be good for. THe joints in my legs hurt so bad. My feet hurt pretty bad too. Cause part of the beach, the sand is packed pretty tight, so it's pretty solid. And we played for like 4 hours. It was fun, but it hurt so bad. My hip was sore after about an hour. I know, i'm getting old. Pretty soon, I'm going to need a cane. In fact, I think a cane would be a wonderful idea right now. i'm having trouble walking. But hopefully, I'll get over it. Not too long ago, I was studying in Jacob 5. It's pretty intense, and it's amazing to see all different groups of people that it is speaking about. Like the connection between the vinyard workers, and the trees. How the trees represent the church as a whole, and the workers are the people that are called to do the work. (Basically every member should be a worker) It's crazy how we are the branches and the workers at the same time, in a way. It just depends on what we are working at. It's kind of like christs parable about the sheep. There are shepherds, and then there are the sheep. We are each shepherds in a way, and we are also sheep. If we are a bishop, then the ward is our sheep, but we are also the sheep of the stake president and so on. It's pretty amazing how that works.
This morning we went to Maracas Beach again. We played frisbee and football. Running on that sand can't be good for. THe joints in my legs hurt so bad. My feet hurt pretty bad too. Cause part of the beach, the sand is packed pretty tight, so it's pretty solid. And we played for like 4 hours. It was fun, but it hurt so bad. My hip was sore after about an hour. I know, i'm getting old. Pretty soon, I'm going to need a cane. In fact, I think a cane would be a wonderful idea right now. i'm having trouble walking. But hopefully, I'll get over it. Not too long ago, I was studying in Jacob 5. It's pretty intense, and it's amazing to see all different groups of people that it is speaking about. Like the connection between the vinyard workers, and the trees. How the trees represent the church as a whole, and the workers are the people that are called to do the work. (Basically every member should be a worker) It's crazy how we are the branches and the workers at the same time, in a way. It just depends on what we are working at. It's kind of like christs parable about the sheep. There are shepherds, and then there are the sheep. We are each shepherds in a way, and we are also sheep. If we are a bishop, then the ward is our sheep, but we are also the sheep of the stake president and so on. It's pretty amazing how that works.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Sep. 13th, 2010
Things are going great here. Sister John, the lady that is scheduled to get baptized, is doing great. She came to church and loved it. Like always, there were a few people who weren't so nice to her (mainly the people who didn't know that the sunday school teacher had let her borrow a book, and the librarian kind of threw a fit) but she knows that she isn't coming to church for the people, and for the most part, people were nice. Her and her son are getting baptized next weekend.
What I've realized is that the only reason people don't do things like come to church is because they don't understand how important it is. It's tough to help people to understand the imporrtance, especially with church, but it's all in the scriptures. There are so many reasons why church is important, and I never realized it until I came out on my mission. I think they call it a reality check. Most people are living in a state that I like to call "the now". What life is like now is what life will be like forever. There's not really a lot we can do by ourselves to help them realize that. A lot of the basic beliefs and doctrines will help the most.
What I've realized is that the only reason people don't do things like come to church is because they don't understand how important it is. It's tough to help people to understand the imporrtance, especially with church, but it's all in the scriptures. There are so many reasons why church is important, and I never realized it until I came out on my mission. I think they call it a reality check. Most people are living in a state that I like to call "the now". What life is like now is what life will be like forever. There's not really a lot we can do by ourselves to help them realize that. A lot of the basic beliefs and doctrines will help the most.
August 30th, 2010
The week here in Trinidad has been good. We have found quite a few sweet people lately. We don't get much time out working, but the time that we do is really good. We went by a less active named Sister Garcia. She is pretty sweet, but she hasn't been to church in a very long time. But guess what. She came to church this past sunday. It was sweet to see her there. And it was stake conference, so I got to see all the people that I taught from D'abadie and Port of Spain. It was a good stake conference.
We have found a few people that are in the very beggining stages. Last night, we came into the office to get numbers from all the zone leaders, but the power was out, as well as the phone lines, so we had to wait that out. There is a security guard across the hallway from us that we were able to talk to, and she is pretty interested. She took a Book of Mormon, and read some from it last night. Even though we don't get much time, it seems like the people we find are all the coolest. Not like every other area, where a small percentage of the people go anywhere. But we are both pretty new to the area, so we will see how it continues to go.
We have found a few people that are in the very beggining stages. Last night, we came into the office to get numbers from all the zone leaders, but the power was out, as well as the phone lines, so we had to wait that out. There is a security guard across the hallway from us that we were able to talk to, and she is pretty interested. She took a Book of Mormon, and read some from it last night. Even though we don't get much time, it seems like the people we find are all the coolest. Not like every other area, where a small percentage of the people go anywhere. But we are both pretty new to the area, so we will see how it continues to go.
Finally Updating
Hi, this is Lacey. I'm just going to upload some pictures and his recent letters. Hopefully I can keep up on this for the rest of his mission.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
March 15
I realized the other day that time is of little essence to me with everything but missionary work. It will be there eventually, so don't feel too hastled.
But the work has been good this last week. We had another really big sunday. Saturday night, it wasn't lookin too good for most of our goals, but we hit it hard yesterday and got the standard again. We have found a lot of sweet people, and are working through the members a lot more. Please continue to pray for Sister Diamond. She wasn't able to come to church because she was feeling terrible. She has gave up a lot to follow Christ, and pray that she will have the strength to overcome her trials.
Hey, I just had a thought. Could you make sure Chase is taking care of the guitar that is left in his care at the moment? How is he coming a long with that? What about Dustin? And that's great to hear that Hailey is playing percussion.
Well, mom. Sorry it's a little shorter this week. But that's about all that happened. I love you, and I'll talk to you later.
But the work has been good this last week. We had another really big sunday. Saturday night, it wasn't lookin too good for most of our goals, but we hit it hard yesterday and got the standard again. We have found a lot of sweet people, and are working through the members a lot more. Please continue to pray for Sister Diamond. She wasn't able to come to church because she was feeling terrible. She has gave up a lot to follow Christ, and pray that she will have the strength to overcome her trials.
Hey, I just had a thought. Could you make sure Chase is taking care of the guitar that is left in his care at the moment? How is he coming a long with that? What about Dustin? And that's great to hear that Hailey is playing percussion.
Well, mom. Sorry it's a little shorter this week. But that's about all that happened. I love you, and I'll talk to you later.
March 8
D'abadie is sweet. I'm not too far from Grande, so it wasn't a huge transfer. But D'abadie is supposed to be tough. It has been a long time since anything has happened here, but we are working to turn it around. We have been doing a lot of finding, and are getting quite a few people to teach. And we have one family that is fairly close to baptism. There names are the Diamonds. They didn't come to church this last sunday, but they are sweet, and we are working with them to be baptized next weekend. They have basically been investigating the church since forever ago, and I'm not sure exactly what they need yet. But if you could pray for them, that would be sweet.
So, I'm not sure if I told you about the standard of excellence that we set two weeks ago. But as a zone, we set a standard that each companionship has to get at least 10 member lessons a week, 11 new investigators, 70 new peoples phone numbers, 10 referrals recieved and contacted, and 5 people with baptismal dates. And since this last week was a transfer week, we weren't sure how we were going to get it. The wednesday I got here, all we had was two member lessons on the week, and nothing else. And thursday we had a downright terrible day. We worked hard, but nothing worked out. So by friday, we had a huge task ahead of us. But we were praying for a way to accomplish the standard. It was a battle, and especially since D'abadie is notorious for being tough, we weren't sure. But it happened. Around 5:00 yesterday, we only had 2 more member lessons to get, but we had we had like 7 more referrals we needed to contact. So we went by the member that gave us some of the referrals, but the one who was supposed to come with us to contact them decided that they had more important things to do. But, somehow an hour and a half later, we only had one more referral contacted. It was truly amazing. We reached the standard, but it really wasn't just us. Yeah, we worked hard, but there is no way that that happened because of us.
Just thought I'd share that story with you. I hope school is going good for you. i've been praying for you guys. Keep close to the Lord, and he'll provide. Even if you have to work harder than you thought you could. What needs to happen will happen.
So, I'm not sure if I told you about the standard of excellence that we set two weeks ago. But as a zone, we set a standard that each companionship has to get at least 10 member lessons a week, 11 new investigators, 70 new peoples phone numbers, 10 referrals recieved and contacted, and 5 people with baptismal dates. And since this last week was a transfer week, we weren't sure how we were going to get it. The wednesday I got here, all we had was two member lessons on the week, and nothing else. And thursday we had a downright terrible day. We worked hard, but nothing worked out. So by friday, we had a huge task ahead of us. But we were praying for a way to accomplish the standard. It was a battle, and especially since D'abadie is notorious for being tough, we weren't sure. But it happened. Around 5:00 yesterday, we only had 2 more member lessons to get, but we had we had like 7 more referrals we needed to contact. So we went by the member that gave us some of the referrals, but the one who was supposed to come with us to contact them decided that they had more important things to do. But, somehow an hour and a half later, we only had one more referral contacted. It was truly amazing. We reached the standard, but it really wasn't just us. Yeah, we worked hard, but there is no way that that happened because of us.
Just thought I'd share that story with you. I hope school is going good for you. i've been praying for you guys. Keep close to the Lord, and he'll provide. Even if you have to work harder than you thought you could. What needs to happen will happen.
March 1
Well, another transfer has come and gone and I am once again leaving my area. I am not moving too far, though. I'm going to an area called D'abadie. It hasn't baptized or anything in a while, but we are going to work and pull out some sweet people. I'm excited. I'm going to be serving with Elder Wiederhold. i have served around him since St. Vincent. We have been in the same district for 2 transfers now, and I'm excited to serve with him.
But this last week was good. Throughout this transfer, the whole zones numbers have been low. There hasn't been too much success or anything. But at zone conference, we set a new standard for goals and achieving them, and this last week, every area pretty much exploded. I'm kind of sad to leave Grande cause we found a ton of sweet people, and Reon (the boy that got baptized this transfer) is excited to do missionary work with us. And there are quite a few sweet members here that I am going to miss. But I am way excited for next transfer.
I heard about the earthquake. I figured he would have been alright, cause only a little over 200 people died, I hear. The earthquake in Haiti wasn't as big (a 7. something) and there were a ton more deaths. Just think. What is there one more of in Chile than in Haiti. Let me know when you figure it out.
So, how is school going for you? Are you still working full time, too?
Well, mom. I love you. Talk to you later.
But this last week was good. Throughout this transfer, the whole zones numbers have been low. There hasn't been too much success or anything. But at zone conference, we set a new standard for goals and achieving them, and this last week, every area pretty much exploded. I'm kind of sad to leave Grande cause we found a ton of sweet people, and Reon (the boy that got baptized this transfer) is excited to do missionary work with us. And there are quite a few sweet members here that I am going to miss. But I am way excited for next transfer.
I heard about the earthquake. I figured he would have been alright, cause only a little over 200 people died, I hear. The earthquake in Haiti wasn't as big (a 7. something) and there were a ton more deaths. Just think. What is there one more of in Chile than in Haiti. Let me know when you figure it out.
So, how is school going for you? Are you still working full time, too?
Well, mom. I love you. Talk to you later.
February 22
So, the last few days were pretty good. At zone conference, we set new standards for what each of our areas should be doing. They require us to achieve goals that are higher than we've got all transfer. But I fell like we can do it. We are going to work hard to accomplish them.
We met a sweet family this last week. Their names are the Sooklals. There are the parents, and then three children. We've only got to meet with the dad and 2 of the kids so far, but we have high hopes for them. And, we found a lady named Lesley Ann. She doesn't really have a way to catch travel to get to church on Sunday's, so we are working on getting her there. But she is really sweet, and we took our ward mission leader with us the last time we taught her, and he thinks that she is going to get baptized if she can make it to church. She can't read very well, but she is working hard at it.
So, apparently Elder Christensen's little brother knows Stephanie Brady. (They are from St. George) His little brother wrote to Stephanie, and told him that his brother's companion in the West Indies is from Grace, so she wrote back to him and told him about me or something like that, and I found out through an email to Elder Christensen from his little brother that basically apologized to me because stamps are too expensive to send me mail. It was funny, Elder Christensen just turned around and said "Sister Brady says she's sorry she hasn't written you yet, cause mail is too expensive to send". I didn't know what to think for a second.
Well, that is about all that has happened in the past few days. Transfers are coming up soon, and we'll know by next time I email you what is happening. So, love yah mom.
Love, Elder Ackerman
We met a sweet family this last week. Their names are the Sooklals. There are the parents, and then three children. We've only got to meet with the dad and 2 of the kids so far, but we have high hopes for them. And, we found a lady named Lesley Ann. She doesn't really have a way to catch travel to get to church on Sunday's, so we are working on getting her there. But she is really sweet, and we took our ward mission leader with us the last time we taught her, and he thinks that she is going to get baptized if she can make it to church. She can't read very well, but she is working hard at it.
So, apparently Elder Christensen's little brother knows Stephanie Brady. (They are from St. George) His little brother wrote to Stephanie, and told him that his brother's companion in the West Indies is from Grace, so she wrote back to him and told him about me or something like that, and I found out through an email to Elder Christensen from his little brother that basically apologized to me because stamps are too expensive to send me mail. It was funny, Elder Christensen just turned around and said "Sister Brady says she's sorry she hasn't written you yet, cause mail is too expensive to send". I didn't know what to think for a second.
Well, that is about all that has happened in the past few days. Transfers are coming up soon, and we'll know by next time I email you what is happening. So, love yah mom.
Love, Elder Ackerman
Friday, February 19, 2010
Brandon is out of Carnival Jail
We are finally out. We went in Sunday evening, and came out Wednesday. Thursday was zone conference, so today is the first chance I've had to email you guys. I will be doing so again in about 3 days. Haven't spent any time in my area yet this week, though. That hasn't been too fun, and we had to fight off boredom while we were stuck inside. We played a lot of Risk, quite a bit of ping pong, and didn't do a whole lot more. We finally got Monopoly the last day we were in, but didn't get to play it, cause we were already in a heated game of Risk. Not that this interests you at all, just thought I would expound upon my week. But zone conference was awesome. Other than Elder Christensen and I had to give a 10 minute lesson. Teaching investigators is one thing, but teaching a room full of missionaries is a completely different atmosphere. I think we did alright, though. I don't know why, but I think I'd like to share something with you from what I have been studying lately. In 2 Nephi 28, it is talking about the apostasy, but there is a verse that I think is talking about the Church today. It says that Satan works at the Church by making them think that all is well in Zion. Basically, they think that life is good, and stop working towards perfection. Satan slowly lures them away by getting them to stop doing good, not tempting them to start doing bad. Things like tithing, fulfilling a calling, or home/visiting teaching. If we do those things, then Satan looses power, and we won't be led away. But if we don't do those things, then we won't have the help of the Lord to keep us away from temptation.That's just something that I was studying the past couple of days. Just thought I would tell somebody about it.Tell Chase to keep playing strong, and if he wants to play college ball, work on his vertical jump. I think he could, if he could play no problem if he could jump. Just a thought I just had.Well, mom. I love you. I will talk to you later. Love, Elder Ackerman
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Look on TheWestIndiesBlogspot for more pictures
Monday, February 1, 2010
Trinidad North Zone
On 25 Jan 2010 Pres. Gould the Stake President of the Port of Spain Stake asked for volunteers to help sort clothing and food to be sent to Haiti. President Gamiette gave permission for the North Zone and 4 Elders from the Central Zone to help with that project. Below are some pictures from that project. Some are a bit blurry, they were moving so fast when we took the pictures-they got so many bags of clothes and boxes of food sorted the United Way people were pretty amazed!!!
Monday, February 1, 2010
February 1
Hey, mom
Trinidad is great. I'm havin a lot of fun. The work is going great, and I love it here.We should be having a baptism this weekend. A 16 year old boy named Reon. He is best friends with the Bishops son and has come to church like 5 times. We are going to see him tonight for a FHE with Bishop. It should be sweet. Everyone else we were working with is basically dropped. None of them came to church, even though Saturday night they promised they would be there. So we are going to be doing a lot of finding this week. But some good news. 8 less actives came back to church yesterday. Well, 8 that we were working with. Some haven't been for more than 6 months. The Narines are one of said families. They are pretty sweet. There is 3 of them, the mom, and 2 kids. It was pretty sweet to see them there.
Funny story for yah. My first Friday here we had a zone meeting. At the end, each district in the zone had to come up with a name. The other district are called the Chupicabras, and our district is called the Thunder Cats. It's pretty sweet. I guess it's probably not that funny, but maybe you'll enjoy it. Maybe not. It's there anyway.So, I haven't got to check exactly how much the hard drive is going to cost. I will let you know as soon as I do that.Well, mom. Love yah.
Love, Elder Ackerman
Trinidad is great. I'm havin a lot of fun. The work is going great, and I love it here.We should be having a baptism this weekend. A 16 year old boy named Reon. He is best friends with the Bishops son and has come to church like 5 times. We are going to see him tonight for a FHE with Bishop. It should be sweet. Everyone else we were working with is basically dropped. None of them came to church, even though Saturday night they promised they would be there. So we are going to be doing a lot of finding this week. But some good news. 8 less actives came back to church yesterday. Well, 8 that we were working with. Some haven't been for more than 6 months. The Narines are one of said families. They are pretty sweet. There is 3 of them, the mom, and 2 kids. It was pretty sweet to see them there.
Funny story for yah. My first Friday here we had a zone meeting. At the end, each district in the zone had to come up with a name. The other district are called the Chupicabras, and our district is called the Thunder Cats. It's pretty sweet. I guess it's probably not that funny, but maybe you'll enjoy it. Maybe not. It's there anyway.So, I haven't got to check exactly how much the hard drive is going to cost. I will let you know as soon as I do that.Well, mom. Love yah.
Love, Elder Ackerman
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Transfered to Trinidad
I got into Trinidad just fine. I had to pay the fine, because my missionary permit is in the mission office, and not with me. So I had no proof of permit, but they just made me pay the fine (which is covered by the mission, by the way).I am in Sangre Grande ward here. It's smaller than the branch in St. Vincent I was in, but there is a Stake here, so it's a ward. We are working on getting attendance up. Cause there are a lot of members that just kind of got offended or don't like somebody in the ward, or just don't come. So we are working really hard, and we have a few good investigators as well. It was tough leaving St. Vincent and all the sweet people there, but so far, it's cool here too. We are working with a 16 year old named Reon who is best friends with the Bishops son, and has come to church for the past 4 Sundays. He is pretty cool. I'm not sure everyone else, but I'll let you know as soon as I can.Interesting fact about the Bishop here. His name is Bishop Soupal, and he has been to Idaho. He was in Utah for something, I think, and he has a friend who's mother or something like that lives in Malad. So he has been to Malad.That's great to hear about the play. Let Chase know that I didn't really get the lead in the play until I was a senior. So he's got another year. Who's the housekeeper? I haven't seen that play in a long time, so it would probably be futile to try to explain it to me.How is basketball going for him? Has his shot picked up yet? How is the team doing? The season is pretty close to being over, isn't it?Thanks for all the motherly advise, mom. Love yah. Love, Elder Ackerman
Monday, January 11, 2010
December Letters
December 14, 2009
Hey mom,I didn't get transfered, but I got a new companion. His name is Elder Powers, and he has been out about 9 months. Well, last week was crazy. It was p-day, so we were going to play basketball at the church, but we were shooting, and the crossbars that support the backboard broke. They were really rusty. And then we went to play football, and our ball went into a yard, and a dog got it and popped it. So, we were going to a next basketball court, and a guy stopped short, and we rear ended him. One of the Zone Leaders was driving. So that was a pretty terrible day. Didn't get much else done. And something else interesting. The same zone leader was being transfered to Trinidad, but they wouldn't let him in the country, so they flew him to New York, and then the church flew him back to St. Vincent. So he has been going around with us for the past few days. But, everything else is good. We are basically only teaching Michelle still. She is reading, but she still isn't sure about her answer to her prayer, so if you could pray for her, that would be sweet. Everything else is going great. Just trying to find some people to baptize. I love you mom. Talk to you later. Love, Elder Ackerman
December 21, 2009
Well, the skype idea was shot down. They have allowed it in the past, but this time, it's just going to be a call. I'll call later in the afternoon, like around 3 or 4. It'll just be normal telephone, so I will get to use the calling card.Thanks for everything. It was way expensive to send my package, but I'm not sure how much customs costs to get it into the country. The package I sent probably wont be there for a couple more weeks, though. Sorry, I put it off for too long.The work here is going good, though. We are working with a few less active families, and Michelle had to go to Trinidad over the weekend, so we'll see how that turns out. She is reading from the Book of Mormon everyday, though, and is looking like she will get baptized. But it probably won't be until like the 18th of January. But it's all going to be good.Tell everyone thanks, and I will talk to you soon. Love, Elder Ackerman
December 28, 2009
Sounds like a fun vacation. You guys have tickets to the game? That's pretty cool.Well, even though I talked to you a few days ago, there are still some things to be said. Like this weekend we are working towards Michelle getting baptized. She came to church yesterday, and President Gamiette has set a goal to have like 30 baptisms in the mission this weekend. If you could pray for that, that would be wonderful.We have been working with a lot of less actives lately. It's tough getting them to church, even though they have testimonies, and they all know that they need to be to church, when Sunday rolls around, they find something better to do. Like sleep, or cook, or wash there cloths. It's tough, but President Gamiette wants us to reactivate as much as we baptize. So we have been working on that a lot lately.Well, that's about it from this week. I love you, mom. Talk to you later.
January 4, 2010
Hey, mom.I don't think it was searched, cause after I told you about the money, I went back to my appartment and found it on my desk. So, that will be coming, and they make you send everything from here in brown paper, and the lady at the post office wrote the adress. So, don't worry too much. I'm surprised it made it there by now. I would have expected another week. But the shell is not a coconut, but I'm not quite sure what it is. I found it in our old apartment when we moved. So I figured I'd just let you guys have it. So, I'll figure out what it is, and then let you know.Testimony meeting in Tobago was shorter than normal sacrament, but in St. Vincent, more people wanted to get up than we had time. So, it's not bad. The mission didn't reach the goal, but we had more than we have had in a while. We had 11. Compared to what it used to be, it's not very much, but President Gamiette feels confident that we will be able to catch up to reach our monthly and yearly goals. And Michelle didn't get baptized, cause she is still having doubts. We watched the Restoration with her, and she said the thing that stuck out to her the most was when it talks about praying with faith. She said that she doesn't think she had the faith to get a sure answer. But she is reading every day, and is almost done with 2 Nephi. So, we are still going to work hard so that she can get her answer. Somebody else you can pray for is Brother Browne. He is a less active member, who got offended when he was released from his calling about a year ago. We ahve been working with him, and it really showed to me that when you don't excercise your faith, you may lose the knowledge that you have already gained. Apparently, he used to teach really good lessons, and when we asked him questions about Joseph Smith, he couldn't remember. So, it shows to me that knowledge isn't something that stays, and neither is a testimony, if you aren't constantly using it.Well, mom. I love you, and I hope to hear from you soon. Love, Elder Ackerman
January 11, 2010
Hey, mom.Though it may be warm here, I miss the cold so much. I am starting to get chilly sometimes here, and that kind of scares me. It's always like 80 degrees. Michelle is doing alright. She still isn't 100% sure, but she seems to be coming along. She is still reading every day, but she showed up late to church again because of transportation issues.But there was a lady who came to church yesterday who has been once before. Her name is Elizabeth, and at first she was having trouble accepting the Book of Mormon, but we watched the restoration DVD with her, and she felt the spirit way strong. And when she came to church, she was way excited to be there. So now, we are going to be working a lot with her, and preparing her for baptism in a few weeks. That is, if I don't get transfered nest week. We should know by next monday. I'll let you know.I did get both packages. Thanks so much. The camera got here safe. Surprisingly it didn't cost me anything to get them into the country. So, this morning, we took a trip out to Wallilabu Bay. That's where they filmed Pirates of the Caribbean. It was pretty cool. I got a lot of pictures and my bran new camera.Well, that is about it from this week. I love you mom. Love, Elder Ackerman
Hey mom,I didn't get transfered, but I got a new companion. His name is Elder Powers, and he has been out about 9 months. Well, last week was crazy. It was p-day, so we were going to play basketball at the church, but we were shooting, and the crossbars that support the backboard broke. They were really rusty. And then we went to play football, and our ball went into a yard, and a dog got it and popped it. So, we were going to a next basketball court, and a guy stopped short, and we rear ended him. One of the Zone Leaders was driving. So that was a pretty terrible day. Didn't get much else done. And something else interesting. The same zone leader was being transfered to Trinidad, but they wouldn't let him in the country, so they flew him to New York, and then the church flew him back to St. Vincent. So he has been going around with us for the past few days. But, everything else is good. We are basically only teaching Michelle still. She is reading, but she still isn't sure about her answer to her prayer, so if you could pray for her, that would be sweet. Everything else is going great. Just trying to find some people to baptize. I love you mom. Talk to you later. Love, Elder Ackerman
December 21, 2009
Well, the skype idea was shot down. They have allowed it in the past, but this time, it's just going to be a call. I'll call later in the afternoon, like around 3 or 4. It'll just be normal telephone, so I will get to use the calling card.Thanks for everything. It was way expensive to send my package, but I'm not sure how much customs costs to get it into the country. The package I sent probably wont be there for a couple more weeks, though. Sorry, I put it off for too long.The work here is going good, though. We are working with a few less active families, and Michelle had to go to Trinidad over the weekend, so we'll see how that turns out. She is reading from the Book of Mormon everyday, though, and is looking like she will get baptized. But it probably won't be until like the 18th of January. But it's all going to be good.Tell everyone thanks, and I will talk to you soon. Love, Elder Ackerman
December 28, 2009
Sounds like a fun vacation. You guys have tickets to the game? That's pretty cool.Well, even though I talked to you a few days ago, there are still some things to be said. Like this weekend we are working towards Michelle getting baptized. She came to church yesterday, and President Gamiette has set a goal to have like 30 baptisms in the mission this weekend. If you could pray for that, that would be wonderful.We have been working with a lot of less actives lately. It's tough getting them to church, even though they have testimonies, and they all know that they need to be to church, when Sunday rolls around, they find something better to do. Like sleep, or cook, or wash there cloths. It's tough, but President Gamiette wants us to reactivate as much as we baptize. So we have been working on that a lot lately.Well, that's about it from this week. I love you, mom. Talk to you later.
January 4, 2010
Hey, mom.I don't think it was searched, cause after I told you about the money, I went back to my appartment and found it on my desk. So, that will be coming, and they make you send everything from here in brown paper, and the lady at the post office wrote the adress. So, don't worry too much. I'm surprised it made it there by now. I would have expected another week. But the shell is not a coconut, but I'm not quite sure what it is. I found it in our old apartment when we moved. So I figured I'd just let you guys have it. So, I'll figure out what it is, and then let you know.Testimony meeting in Tobago was shorter than normal sacrament, but in St. Vincent, more people wanted to get up than we had time. So, it's not bad. The mission didn't reach the goal, but we had more than we have had in a while. We had 11. Compared to what it used to be, it's not very much, but President Gamiette feels confident that we will be able to catch up to reach our monthly and yearly goals. And Michelle didn't get baptized, cause she is still having doubts. We watched the Restoration with her, and she said the thing that stuck out to her the most was when it talks about praying with faith. She said that she doesn't think she had the faith to get a sure answer. But she is reading every day, and is almost done with 2 Nephi. So, we are still going to work hard so that she can get her answer. Somebody else you can pray for is Brother Browne. He is a less active member, who got offended when he was released from his calling about a year ago. We ahve been working with him, and it really showed to me that when you don't excercise your faith, you may lose the knowledge that you have already gained. Apparently, he used to teach really good lessons, and when we asked him questions about Joseph Smith, he couldn't remember. So, it shows to me that knowledge isn't something that stays, and neither is a testimony, if you aren't constantly using it.Well, mom. I love you, and I hope to hear from you soon. Love, Elder Ackerman
January 11, 2010
Hey, mom.Though it may be warm here, I miss the cold so much. I am starting to get chilly sometimes here, and that kind of scares me. It's always like 80 degrees. Michelle is doing alright. She still isn't 100% sure, but she seems to be coming along. She is still reading every day, but she showed up late to church again because of transportation issues.But there was a lady who came to church yesterday who has been once before. Her name is Elizabeth, and at first she was having trouble accepting the Book of Mormon, but we watched the restoration DVD with her, and she felt the spirit way strong. And when she came to church, she was way excited to be there. So now, we are going to be working a lot with her, and preparing her for baptism in a few weeks. That is, if I don't get transfered nest week. We should know by next monday. I'll let you know.I did get both packages. Thanks so much. The camera got here safe. Surprisingly it didn't cost me anything to get them into the country. So, this morning, we took a trip out to Wallilabu Bay. That's where they filmed Pirates of the Caribbean. It was pretty cool. I got a lot of pictures and my bran new camera.Well, that is about it from this week. I love you mom. Love, Elder Ackerman
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