3-7-11
Well, it sounds like there is a lot of stuff going on right now. Things here are normal. There hasn't been a lot going on lately, though. Nothing too new. We didn't really get a lot of work done, because we have had a lot of service that we have been doing, and we have been with a next missionary. His name is Elder Peterson. He goes home in the next couple of weeks. I also have had to do what I thought I got away from in the office. President had me do some things with that program that we made in the office. I thought once I left the office, I would be away from that.
We have had a few people at church, but no one that is really going anywhere. There is one, though. Ariel. She wants to be baptized, but she wants to wait a little bit, for different reasons. But, she should be getting baptized soon. There are others, but we haven't been able to meet with too many of them.
The branch here for the most part is doing good. Attendance went down a lot this last week. I don't know why. It was bad, but we are working hard to get more people to come. The strong members are strong, and all the others have been innactive for a long time. So, sometimes it feels like the only way to make the church grow is to baptize people. But that is difficult here.
3-15-11
July 30th is great. I get home the 28th. Mom, I'm impervious to you telling me about how soon I get home. For your sake, don't talk too much about it, but I'm fine. I'm loving the work, and having fun.
I think we are going to baptize soon. Next week is transfers, so I might be leaving as well. But, There are a few people that we are working with that may go down soon. If I can baptize this transfer, it will be the first time since Tobago that I baptized 2 transfers in a row. So, I am going to work hard for that. We are seeing them tonight to try to get something solid set up for baptism.
So, how new is the Lincoln Aviator? I'm excited for you for Disneyland. i think this is the second time since I have been out that you are going? Correct? Don't worry, I think that when I road trip down to San Diego, we are going to hit up Disneyland for a day.
So, what is the missionary news from Grace? Are there any others that are leaving soon? Or that are already out? Or that are coming back home soon? Scott gets home next month. So, that will be pretty cool. I haven't heard from Thomas lately about when his wedding will be. If you see him, ask him about it. I will try emailing him.
Guess what. Elder Jarvis, my trainer, is finishing this transfer. It is the end of his mission. It's crazy, he isn't much older than I am. I just thought that you would enjoy that. Chase could talk to Steven about it or something. I don't know. Just thought that you would like that little piece of information.
Well, mom, that is about everything. i love you, and I will talk to you later.
3-22-11
I hope that Disneyland is going good. I saw all of your scores in Buzz Lightyear. And so you know, I would destroy all of you at that game. You're lucky that I wasn't there.
Well, transfers are this week, and I am going back to Trinidad. To Chaguanas. I have been in North Trinidad for a year, and so now I will be in the South Zone. But still, really close to North. It's only about 10 minutes away from the office. I'll be with an Elder Arnold. I've met him a few times, but haven't spent too much time around him. I hear he plays basketball. That'll be great. I love basketball. What a coincidence.
There was some sweet turnouts for church, though. We had 4 investigators come. It was awesome. It's been a while since that has happened. Now I'm leaving. Yay.
Well, hope you all have fun the rest of your time in Disneyland. I love you all.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
February 2011
2-7-11
Well, Shakera got confirmed, and there is actually another person that is actually looking pretty good for baptism. Her name is Kiesha. We actually introduced Shakera to her at a teaching appointment, and then Kiesha came to church with Shakera yesterday. She is coming to a Family Home Evening at Shakera's tonight. I'm pretty excited.
So far, there hasn't been very many other people that are keeping too many commitments.
Well, transfers is this week. And, I'm training. His name is Elder Barstow. I think he is from Arizona, but he could be from california. I can't remember. But, that is my transfer. Staying in Kingstown for at least one more.
Actually, while we were walking down the street last night, we heard the national anthem for the super bowl. It was being played in a bar. I heard that the packers won. That's too bad. I was excited for the Steelers to be in it again.
That's really too bad about Josh Gibbs. He was the Teachers quorum adviser at one point. I can't exactly remember how old I was at the time. I will keep him in my prayers.
So, is there any big news with mission calls or anything? I haven't heard from anybody in a long time.
Hey, I'm sending you a couple of pictures. The first one is after Shakera's baptism. The second is back in Trinidad, Sister John that we baptized in San Juan. And then the last one is at dark view falls.
Hey, maybe you could send me a couple pictures as well.
2-14-11
This past week has been pretty good. It was alright until Sunday, then no one came to church that was supposed to. But, we are working hard, and I think the work is about to move in a big way. We have been finding a lot, and we thought we found somebody that was for sure getting baptized, but there were things that she wasn't taking care of, and the spirit left her because she wasn't trying to be worthy of it, and she found a reason to get offended by the Book of Mormon. But, there is a lot of good things going on right now.
My companions name is Elder Barstow. He is from Utah. Around the Salt Lake area. He's pretty sweet. It's pretty different being around a missionary that doesn't have any previous influences from other missionaries. It's pretty fun. He's great, though.
That's great to hear about everybody. And that's too bad that everyone was sick. But, they pulled out the win, so that is good. I'm excited for them. Did they not play everyone in the conference twice like we used to?
It's too bad about the Jazz. What is their record like? I hope that the new coach can do something good. They need to get another good coach. Maybe it'll chagne up there playing style, and they will be able to find a new way to play. We'll see, I guess.
That's great to hear about Lexi. Sounds like she will be plenty big when I get back. It's pretty crazy.
This morning, we went and walked the path of Mordor. All the way to Mt. Doom.
So, it's been raining a lot a lot for the past little while. I get so wet. Sometimes, we have to walk without a Book of Mormon cause it's coming down so hard.
Well, I think that I should tell you that we didn't really hike to Mt. Doom. It's a volcano called Mt. Suffriere (something like that). It was pretty sweet. It's about 3800 feet. So that was quite the elevation change. Walk from sea level to 3800 feet. It was a pretty good hike. It was a pretty sweet hike. When we got to the top, it was raining so hard and the wind was blowing the rain up the mountain. It was sweet. It was really foggy, and so we couldn't see very much. But, at one point, the fog cleared enough for us to see down to the bottom of the chasm. There was no magma, but it was pretty deep. And the rim of it was sweet. The last time it erupted was in 79, so it is still fully active.
2-21-11
But things here are going great. Tomorrow, there is a leadership training in St. Lucia that I am going to. It is for all Zone Leaders, District Leaders and Trainers. So, that means I get to go. I think Iam the only trainer in the mission that isn't a district leader as well. Kind of crazy. But I still get t go, and I'm excited.
THings in the area are kind of slow lately. We found a bunch of sweet people this past week, but none were able to come to church. So we have to work hard on keeping them excited about the church.
There is one thing of report. An eternal investigator that has been coming to church for years finally had a breakthrough on sunday. We went out, and were discussing faith, repentance, and baptism. Well, she accepted a date to be baptized on March 19. So, that was sweet to see.
Everything else is going good. A lot less rain this past week. Pretty hot, but it was good. Just trying t have a good time, and love the work.
Wel, love you all, and keep me updated.
2-28-11
That's too bad that we didn't beat shoshone, but good we are going to state. That is pretty sweet. Tell chase to pick it up. If I can beat him at basketball when I get home, then he needs to get better. Tell him that.
Thanks for completely telling me without telling me about Dustin's announcement. I won't tell him that you told me though. But I knew it was coming soon.
We actually had a pretty good week this last week. We had three investigators at church. That sets the record since I have been here. We also had a less active that is really progressing. She lives at the same place as an investigator that came. Their names are Melanie (less active) and Ariel (investigator). They are both awesome. Read from the book of mormon and everything. So we have high hopes for them. Tonight, we are going to solidify a baptismal date for Ariel. Have kind of a FHE. It's going to be fun.
Member work has also been picking up. We have been working hard on getting members to find instead of us doing it all. Kind of difficult here, but the work is improving. The biggest problem is that most of the sweet members live in the other elders area here, so it's tough to get member work done when you can't visit all of them. But, we've indicated five families that we are going to focus on.
Leadership training was great. It seemed like work just got better after we got back. Learned a lot of heavy stuff there. It was like a 7 hour meeting. It seems like meetings like that are nothing anymore. Sit there and just get all of that constant flow of sweetness. It's awesome.
Well, that is about all for me. Keep me updated on everything. Love you.
Well, Shakera got confirmed, and there is actually another person that is actually looking pretty good for baptism. Her name is Kiesha. We actually introduced Shakera to her at a teaching appointment, and then Kiesha came to church with Shakera yesterday. She is coming to a Family Home Evening at Shakera's tonight. I'm pretty excited.
So far, there hasn't been very many other people that are keeping too many commitments.
Well, transfers is this week. And, I'm training. His name is Elder Barstow. I think he is from Arizona, but he could be from california. I can't remember. But, that is my transfer. Staying in Kingstown for at least one more.
Actually, while we were walking down the street last night, we heard the national anthem for the super bowl. It was being played in a bar. I heard that the packers won. That's too bad. I was excited for the Steelers to be in it again.
That's really too bad about Josh Gibbs. He was the Teachers quorum adviser at one point. I can't exactly remember how old I was at the time. I will keep him in my prayers.
So, is there any big news with mission calls or anything? I haven't heard from anybody in a long time.
Hey, I'm sending you a couple of pictures. The first one is after Shakera's baptism. The second is back in Trinidad, Sister John that we baptized in San Juan. And then the last one is at dark view falls.
Hey, maybe you could send me a couple pictures as well.
2-14-11
This past week has been pretty good. It was alright until Sunday, then no one came to church that was supposed to. But, we are working hard, and I think the work is about to move in a big way. We have been finding a lot, and we thought we found somebody that was for sure getting baptized, but there were things that she wasn't taking care of, and the spirit left her because she wasn't trying to be worthy of it, and she found a reason to get offended by the Book of Mormon. But, there is a lot of good things going on right now.
My companions name is Elder Barstow. He is from Utah. Around the Salt Lake area. He's pretty sweet. It's pretty different being around a missionary that doesn't have any previous influences from other missionaries. It's pretty fun. He's great, though.
That's great to hear about everybody. And that's too bad that everyone was sick. But, they pulled out the win, so that is good. I'm excited for them. Did they not play everyone in the conference twice like we used to?
It's too bad about the Jazz. What is their record like? I hope that the new coach can do something good. They need to get another good coach. Maybe it'll chagne up there playing style, and they will be able to find a new way to play. We'll see, I guess.
That's great to hear about Lexi. Sounds like she will be plenty big when I get back. It's pretty crazy.
This morning, we went and walked the path of Mordor. All the way to Mt. Doom.
So, it's been raining a lot a lot for the past little while. I get so wet. Sometimes, we have to walk without a Book of Mormon cause it's coming down so hard.
Well, I think that I should tell you that we didn't really hike to Mt. Doom. It's a volcano called Mt. Suffriere (something like that). It was pretty sweet. It's about 3800 feet. So that was quite the elevation change. Walk from sea level to 3800 feet. It was a pretty good hike. It was a pretty sweet hike. When we got to the top, it was raining so hard and the wind was blowing the rain up the mountain. It was sweet. It was really foggy, and so we couldn't see very much. But, at one point, the fog cleared enough for us to see down to the bottom of the chasm. There was no magma, but it was pretty deep. And the rim of it was sweet. The last time it erupted was in 79, so it is still fully active.
2-21-11
But things here are going great. Tomorrow, there is a leadership training in St. Lucia that I am going to. It is for all Zone Leaders, District Leaders and Trainers. So, that means I get to go. I think Iam the only trainer in the mission that isn't a district leader as well. Kind of crazy. But I still get t go, and I'm excited.
THings in the area are kind of slow lately. We found a bunch of sweet people this past week, but none were able to come to church. So we have to work hard on keeping them excited about the church.
There is one thing of report. An eternal investigator that has been coming to church for years finally had a breakthrough on sunday. We went out, and were discussing faith, repentance, and baptism. Well, she accepted a date to be baptized on March 19. So, that was sweet to see.
Everything else is going good. A lot less rain this past week. Pretty hot, but it was good. Just trying t have a good time, and love the work.
Wel, love you all, and keep me updated.
2-28-11
That's too bad that we didn't beat shoshone, but good we are going to state. That is pretty sweet. Tell chase to pick it up. If I can beat him at basketball when I get home, then he needs to get better. Tell him that.
Thanks for completely telling me without telling me about Dustin's announcement. I won't tell him that you told me though. But I knew it was coming soon.
We actually had a pretty good week this last week. We had three investigators at church. That sets the record since I have been here. We also had a less active that is really progressing. She lives at the same place as an investigator that came. Their names are Melanie (less active) and Ariel (investigator). They are both awesome. Read from the book of mormon and everything. So we have high hopes for them. Tonight, we are going to solidify a baptismal date for Ariel. Have kind of a FHE. It's going to be fun.
Member work has also been picking up. We have been working hard on getting members to find instead of us doing it all. Kind of difficult here, but the work is improving. The biggest problem is that most of the sweet members live in the other elders area here, so it's tough to get member work done when you can't visit all of them. But, we've indicated five families that we are going to focus on.
Leadership training was great. It seemed like work just got better after we got back. Learned a lot of heavy stuff there. It was like a 7 hour meeting. It seems like meetings like that are nothing anymore. Sit there and just get all of that constant flow of sweetness. It's awesome.
Well, that is about all for me. Keep me updated on everything. Love you.
January 2011
1-3-11
St. Vincent is wonderful. Fairly similar to how I remember it. There have just been a few changes. Like they got a subway here now. So that is pretty nice. It's actually better than the subway in Trinidad. Oh, how I love those sandwiches.
It's been nice being able to go out and work the whole day instead of being in the office. Of course, the hills here are kind of steep, so it has been quite the readjustment. But it's good. I did do something to my knee, though. I have no idea what happened. Just the other day, I jumped, and must have come down too hard or something, because my knee started hurting pretty bad. And then we played basketball this morning. It was fun, but it hurt really bad.
But the work here in St. Vincent is going great. We actually have someone that is really solid for baptism next weekend. When I was here a year ago, we baptized a lady name sister Providence. Her husband has a daughter who lived on one of the islands just off St. Vincent. But, she moved in with them, and we started teaching her a couple days ago. She came to church, and last night said that she would be baptized next weekend. That was pretty exciting.
We are also working with someone that I worked with a year ago. Her name is Michelle. She has been having a lot of doubts, and didn't think that a prophets was necessary today. We've had a couple of good lessons with her, and now she's starting to open up. It's exciting.
I'm finally starting to get a tan back. I was so pasty white in the office. It wasn't even funny. But now, it's good. Pretty soon, I'll be Brazilian model status on the tanning scale.
Well, mom, everything is going great, and it's good to hear that you are doing so well. I love you, and I will talk to you later.
1-10-11
Sadly, I did not recieve the package before I left Trinidad. But, I should be able to get it next week. We are having zone conference in Barbados. Yes, it has been a while since I had to get on a plane to get to zone conference. I'm pretty excited. I've only ever flew through Barbados, so this will be new.
This week has been pretty good. Shakera did not come to church, but we went to visit her after church, and had a lesson about the atonement with her. She has been having some fears about getting baptized, I think mostly doubting herself, but she decided that she is going to make that step and get baptized.
This morning, we went to a Fort that is here in St. Vincent. It's called Fort Charlotte. It was pretty cool. I would send pictures, but I'm not sure what happened to the chord for my camera. I'll have to find it, and then send you some more pictures. We have also got to play basketball every monday morning as well. That has been nice. It kinda sucks, cause I can't jump nearly as high as I used to. That's something that once I get time, I'm going to have to work on.
Wait, isn't Bracc two years younger than me? That is pretty crazy that he is getting ready to go. Cross your fingers for the West Indies. It's the best.
How is school and things going for you and dad?
Well, that is about everything that has been going on here. Just living it up on a Caribbean island, and getting a nice tan (at least my neck, and the lower 3/4 of my arms) But I'm doing good, and i love you.
1-17-11
Zone conference is Tomorrow. We are leaving in a couple of hours to go to barbados. I'm pretty excited.
Wait, who was talking about a cruise? But, I was actually thinking about that lately. There are a lot of cruises that come into St. Vincent, Trinidad, and Tobago. So, that would be a great thing. It's the cheapest way to travel anywhere throughout the Caribbean. I guess the only thing is that we don't spend very long on each Island. Sometimes only a couple of hours. But, that's alright. I think that is what you are talking about, at least. It did kind of come out of nowhere.
That's so great that the entire family is going on that trip. It sounds like a lot of fun. Are the kids just taking a break from school for a week?
Work here is going good. Shakera didn't come to church. We went by last night, and she still is somewhat scared, and so because her step mother was sick, she stayed home (because she said that she didn't want to leave her with all the stress of watching after the children). But she admitted that that was an excuse, and we are going to be working with her solid this week, because she still wants to be baptized this month.
We are also working with a few more families. But none have done anything yet, so there's really no reason to report on them. But, of note is a certain Brother Lyttle. His wife is a nurse in charge of accident stuff, and so she doesn't get to come to church too often, and Brother Lyttle hasn't been the most solid person at coming to chruch when his wife doesn't. He's a Melchezidek Preisthood holder, and he's really a cool guy, just a few motviational issues. But he came to church Sunday. His wife worked (which actually shows that he is starting to get serious about it). So that was pretty sweet.
This last sunday, we had a caribbean area conference. President Uchtdorf and Elder Oaks both spoke over a broadcast to all of the church in the Caribbean. It was pretty sweet. They addressed a lot of things that we as missionaries have been trying to get the members to be better at. Like not following after the traditions of the people. And coming to church regularly. And especially the youth not coming to church. They addressed that. It was pretty sweet.
1-24-11
Barbados was fun. Zone conference was good. I got the package, so that is great. Thanks for everything. The shoes are way comfortable. I like the PJ's, too.
This last week was pretty good. Shakera came to church, so she is getting baptized this weekend. It's pretty exciting.
Attendance has been way down lately in Kingstown, but this week, it reached 93 That's the highest that it has been in a long time. Even though when I was here before, it was over 100. But, it's been between 40 and 70 lately, but it was great to see it come back up.
The work is going good here. We had a rough week this week, but all the outcomes, especially at church, were great. We had 2 investigators and 8 less actives that came. It was exciting, especially after we struggled through the week. But I'm happy, and I have nothing to complain about.
There is another investigator that is of good report. Her name is Ariel. She is somehow related to a less active that we found while tracting. The less active is named Melanie, and they both came to church. It was great. Ariel has a baptismal date, and Melanie is making real progress to come back.
This morning, we went to Wallilabou Bay, where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. It's the second time that I have went, but it was fun. There was a few more pictures from shooting than there was last time.
1-31-11
I think that I got on before you got a chance to email. But things here are going good. Shakera got baptized, and the work is starting to pick up. I feel that we are going to have a really good week this week. We need to do a lot of finding, but that will be fun.
Hey, mom, I want to thank you again for the shoes. They are great, and they keep my feet dry. Unlike my last shoes.
Just so you know, I don't think that you should send me another package for the rest of my mission. You can save it, and maybe get me a nice guitar or something when return. 'hint'. But, I'll be bringing home a few souvenirs, and I won't be mailing an more packages. I think they can be delivered in person much better than through that mail.
St. Vincent is wonderful. Fairly similar to how I remember it. There have just been a few changes. Like they got a subway here now. So that is pretty nice. It's actually better than the subway in Trinidad. Oh, how I love those sandwiches.
It's been nice being able to go out and work the whole day instead of being in the office. Of course, the hills here are kind of steep, so it has been quite the readjustment. But it's good. I did do something to my knee, though. I have no idea what happened. Just the other day, I jumped, and must have come down too hard or something, because my knee started hurting pretty bad. And then we played basketball this morning. It was fun, but it hurt really bad.
But the work here in St. Vincent is going great. We actually have someone that is really solid for baptism next weekend. When I was here a year ago, we baptized a lady name sister Providence. Her husband has a daughter who lived on one of the islands just off St. Vincent. But, she moved in with them, and we started teaching her a couple days ago. She came to church, and last night said that she would be baptized next weekend. That was pretty exciting.
We are also working with someone that I worked with a year ago. Her name is Michelle. She has been having a lot of doubts, and didn't think that a prophets was necessary today. We've had a couple of good lessons with her, and now she's starting to open up. It's exciting.
I'm finally starting to get a tan back. I was so pasty white in the office. It wasn't even funny. But now, it's good. Pretty soon, I'll be Brazilian model status on the tanning scale.
Well, mom, everything is going great, and it's good to hear that you are doing so well. I love you, and I will talk to you later.
1-10-11
Sadly, I did not recieve the package before I left Trinidad. But, I should be able to get it next week. We are having zone conference in Barbados. Yes, it has been a while since I had to get on a plane to get to zone conference. I'm pretty excited. I've only ever flew through Barbados, so this will be new.
This week has been pretty good. Shakera did not come to church, but we went to visit her after church, and had a lesson about the atonement with her. She has been having some fears about getting baptized, I think mostly doubting herself, but she decided that she is going to make that step and get baptized.
This morning, we went to a Fort that is here in St. Vincent. It's called Fort Charlotte. It was pretty cool. I would send pictures, but I'm not sure what happened to the chord for my camera. I'll have to find it, and then send you some more pictures. We have also got to play basketball every monday morning as well. That has been nice. It kinda sucks, cause I can't jump nearly as high as I used to. That's something that once I get time, I'm going to have to work on.
Wait, isn't Bracc two years younger than me? That is pretty crazy that he is getting ready to go. Cross your fingers for the West Indies. It's the best.
How is school and things going for you and dad?
Well, that is about everything that has been going on here. Just living it up on a Caribbean island, and getting a nice tan (at least my neck, and the lower 3/4 of my arms) But I'm doing good, and i love you.
1-17-11
Zone conference is Tomorrow. We are leaving in a couple of hours to go to barbados. I'm pretty excited.
Wait, who was talking about a cruise? But, I was actually thinking about that lately. There are a lot of cruises that come into St. Vincent, Trinidad, and Tobago. So, that would be a great thing. It's the cheapest way to travel anywhere throughout the Caribbean. I guess the only thing is that we don't spend very long on each Island. Sometimes only a couple of hours. But, that's alright. I think that is what you are talking about, at least. It did kind of come out of nowhere.
That's so great that the entire family is going on that trip. It sounds like a lot of fun. Are the kids just taking a break from school for a week?
Work here is going good. Shakera didn't come to church. We went by last night, and she still is somewhat scared, and so because her step mother was sick, she stayed home (because she said that she didn't want to leave her with all the stress of watching after the children). But she admitted that that was an excuse, and we are going to be working with her solid this week, because she still wants to be baptized this month.
We are also working with a few more families. But none have done anything yet, so there's really no reason to report on them. But, of note is a certain Brother Lyttle. His wife is a nurse in charge of accident stuff, and so she doesn't get to come to church too often, and Brother Lyttle hasn't been the most solid person at coming to chruch when his wife doesn't. He's a Melchezidek Preisthood holder, and he's really a cool guy, just a few motviational issues. But he came to church Sunday. His wife worked (which actually shows that he is starting to get serious about it). So that was pretty sweet.
This last sunday, we had a caribbean area conference. President Uchtdorf and Elder Oaks both spoke over a broadcast to all of the church in the Caribbean. It was pretty sweet. They addressed a lot of things that we as missionaries have been trying to get the members to be better at. Like not following after the traditions of the people. And coming to church regularly. And especially the youth not coming to church. They addressed that. It was pretty sweet.
1-24-11
Barbados was fun. Zone conference was good. I got the package, so that is great. Thanks for everything. The shoes are way comfortable. I like the PJ's, too.
This last week was pretty good. Shakera came to church, so she is getting baptized this weekend. It's pretty exciting.
Attendance has been way down lately in Kingstown, but this week, it reached 93 That's the highest that it has been in a long time. Even though when I was here before, it was over 100. But, it's been between 40 and 70 lately, but it was great to see it come back up.
The work is going good here. We had a rough week this week, but all the outcomes, especially at church, were great. We had 2 investigators and 8 less actives that came. It was exciting, especially after we struggled through the week. But I'm happy, and I have nothing to complain about.
There is another investigator that is of good report. Her name is Ariel. She is somehow related to a less active that we found while tracting. The less active is named Melanie, and they both came to church. It was great. Ariel has a baptismal date, and Melanie is making real progress to come back.
This morning, we went to Wallilabou Bay, where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. It's the second time that I have went, but it was fun. There was a few more pictures from shooting than there was last time.
1-31-11
I think that I got on before you got a chance to email. But things here are going good. Shakera got baptized, and the work is starting to pick up. I feel that we are going to have a really good week this week. We need to do a lot of finding, but that will be fun.
Hey, mom, I want to thank you again for the shoes. They are great, and they keep my feet dry. Unlike my last shoes.
Just so you know, I don't think that you should send me another package for the rest of my mission. You can save it, and maybe get me a nice guitar or something when return. 'hint'. But, I'll be bringing home a few souvenirs, and I won't be mailing an more packages. I think they can be delivered in person much better than through that mail.
December 2010
12-6-10
It's really nice to hear that everything is going so well. Sounds like a lot of stuff is happening.
I've been trying to think of what to ask you to send me. And I keep not thinking of anything. Maybe a few more ties. I am in need of some shoes, because one of the heels fell off of the right shoe. It's kind of awkward, but it's alright. Some more pictures would be nice.
Thomas did tell me that he was engaged. He's getting married in august. That's a long time away, but it makes it so I can be there for it. That's a really long engagement. I'm happy for him, though. She sounds like a cool girl.
I think I have heard of Alyssa Harrison. Is she related to Alex and Anthony, or is it just a name coincidence?
Trinidad is going great. I'm even enjoying the office a little bit. The program that I am working on is running pretty well. There are only a few minor gliches that still need to be worked out.
We also had a very excellent day and Saturday. We started out a long way away from reaching any of our weekly goals. But by the end of it, I think there was only one that we hadn't reached. It was a sweet day. We went out, and we found a lot of people that were interested. It was the second time we had went to that area. The first time, we just got a few numbers. But this time, we found about 7 people to sit down with. It was sweet. But the one of highest report is named Ayanna. We have been working with a lady named Cynthia, a less active who has been coming back to church quite frequently. Ayanna is her daughter who we have been trying to get to sit down with us for a while. Finally, she had some time, and so we sat down and had a great lesson. By the end of the lesson, her mother bore her testimony, and Ayanna started crying. Like, a lot of water was coming off of her face. And we asked her to say the prayer. She did, and wants to be baptized. It was pretty exciting.
Well, mom, everything else is going normal, and I'm excited to talk to you on Christmas.
Oh, by the way, I'm not with Elder Hernandez anymore. I am now with Elder Bybee. I'm not sure if I told you this already. But this last week, Elder Hernandez went to Barbados, and Elder Bybee came to be with me. He is a fellow Idahoan, and has been out for about 7months.
12-13-10
How is everything going? From what I hear, things are going good. I also hear that Dustin might be considering adding to the family. That's good. I would like as many additions as possible when I return. The old look was good, but it's getting old (hence "old look"). We have to liven up the Ackerman family. Make it exuberant. (If it weren't for spell check, I would have utterly failed at that word)
Things in Trinidad are great. The transfer is a week longer than it was going to be, so I will still be here for Christmas. The number is 1.868.299.7221. So, get Skype or something ready. We only get 45 minutes this go around, so we gotta make it good.
Dad says the package will be underway soon. Thus will mine be as well. In that exact manner. In fact, I was going to send it today, but the post office changed locations. (That won't alter the mailing address, though) So, I will have to do that some other time. Hopefully today, if we have a chance.
12-20-10
There may be some changes for the Christmas call. Because, we got it approved to use video skype. So, I know that you have skype set up, now you need a webcam. Unless Lacey's computer or something has one on it. So, how bout you give me the skype number, and I will video call you. That's 4:00 (I think) your time. Make sure for me, cause it'll be 7:00 here.
We also got approved to watch Toy Story 3 on Christmas. So, that is a possibility of an activity. We are also going to the Mission Home and have a lunch thing, plus a talent show. I wanted to do something on the guitar, but I suck now. It's been too long since I have played. Trust me, I tried the other day. A member has a guitar, and after the lesson, I tried for about 2 minutes, then decided not to embarace myself anymore.
There may be some adjustments to the schedule. So, let me know like tomorrow what you are planning on doing. By the way, video skype is free from what I hear.
12-27-10
Yesterday was good. Just went to church, and that was about it. Toy Story 3 was great. I don't think that I've ever watched a movie that sparked such emotional influxes in my life. It might be my favorite one. But I don't know, I haven't seen the other two for a long time.
Sounds like things are getting pretty hectic for you and the family. Sounds fun, though. And it sounds like everyone had a good christmas. Yesterday was boxing day, basically a pointless holiday. And since it was on a sunday, we got the monday roll-over. So, they basically treat today like a holiday. Even though it's not. It's great, though.
So, I'm going to be district leader next transfer. They decided that the district needed someone to try to mess it up or something.
Well, that's about everything that has happened since I talked to you. I love you, mom, and I'll talk to you later.
12-27-10 (Later that day)
Hey, everyone, there has been a change in transfers. I am going to St. Vincent again, back to my old area. I'm excited. I love you all. Talk to you later.
It's really nice to hear that everything is going so well. Sounds like a lot of stuff is happening.
I've been trying to think of what to ask you to send me. And I keep not thinking of anything. Maybe a few more ties. I am in need of some shoes, because one of the heels fell off of the right shoe. It's kind of awkward, but it's alright. Some more pictures would be nice.
Thomas did tell me that he was engaged. He's getting married in august. That's a long time away, but it makes it so I can be there for it. That's a really long engagement. I'm happy for him, though. She sounds like a cool girl.
I think I have heard of Alyssa Harrison. Is she related to Alex and Anthony, or is it just a name coincidence?
Trinidad is going great. I'm even enjoying the office a little bit. The program that I am working on is running pretty well. There are only a few minor gliches that still need to be worked out.
We also had a very excellent day and Saturday. We started out a long way away from reaching any of our weekly goals. But by the end of it, I think there was only one that we hadn't reached. It was a sweet day. We went out, and we found a lot of people that were interested. It was the second time we had went to that area. The first time, we just got a few numbers. But this time, we found about 7 people to sit down with. It was sweet. But the one of highest report is named Ayanna. We have been working with a lady named Cynthia, a less active who has been coming back to church quite frequently. Ayanna is her daughter who we have been trying to get to sit down with us for a while. Finally, she had some time, and so we sat down and had a great lesson. By the end of the lesson, her mother bore her testimony, and Ayanna started crying. Like, a lot of water was coming off of her face. And we asked her to say the prayer. She did, and wants to be baptized. It was pretty exciting.
Well, mom, everything else is going normal, and I'm excited to talk to you on Christmas.
Oh, by the way, I'm not with Elder Hernandez anymore. I am now with Elder Bybee. I'm not sure if I told you this already. But this last week, Elder Hernandez went to Barbados, and Elder Bybee came to be with me. He is a fellow Idahoan, and has been out for about 7months.
12-13-10
How is everything going? From what I hear, things are going good. I also hear that Dustin might be considering adding to the family. That's good. I would like as many additions as possible when I return. The old look was good, but it's getting old (hence "old look"). We have to liven up the Ackerman family. Make it exuberant. (If it weren't for spell check, I would have utterly failed at that word)
Things in Trinidad are great. The transfer is a week longer than it was going to be, so I will still be here for Christmas. The number is 1.868.299.7221. So, get Skype or something ready. We only get 45 minutes this go around, so we gotta make it good.
Dad says the package will be underway soon. Thus will mine be as well. In that exact manner. In fact, I was going to send it today, but the post office changed locations. (That won't alter the mailing address, though) So, I will have to do that some other time. Hopefully today, if we have a chance.
12-20-10
There may be some changes for the Christmas call. Because, we got it approved to use video skype. So, I know that you have skype set up, now you need a webcam. Unless Lacey's computer or something has one on it. So, how bout you give me the skype number, and I will video call you. That's 4:00 (I think) your time. Make sure for me, cause it'll be 7:00 here.
We also got approved to watch Toy Story 3 on Christmas. So, that is a possibility of an activity. We are also going to the Mission Home and have a lunch thing, plus a talent show. I wanted to do something on the guitar, but I suck now. It's been too long since I have played. Trust me, I tried the other day. A member has a guitar, and after the lesson, I tried for about 2 minutes, then decided not to embarace myself anymore.
There may be some adjustments to the schedule. So, let me know like tomorrow what you are planning on doing. By the way, video skype is free from what I hear.
12-27-10
Yesterday was good. Just went to church, and that was about it. Toy Story 3 was great. I don't think that I've ever watched a movie that sparked such emotional influxes in my life. It might be my favorite one. But I don't know, I haven't seen the other two for a long time.
Sounds like things are getting pretty hectic for you and the family. Sounds fun, though. And it sounds like everyone had a good christmas. Yesterday was boxing day, basically a pointless holiday. And since it was on a sunday, we got the monday roll-over. So, they basically treat today like a holiday. Even though it's not. It's great, though.
So, I'm going to be district leader next transfer. They decided that the district needed someone to try to mess it up or something.
Well, that's about everything that has happened since I talked to you. I love you, mom, and I'll talk to you later.
12-27-10 (Later that day)
Hey, everyone, there has been a change in transfers. I am going to St. Vincent again, back to my old area. I'm excited. I love you all. Talk to you later.
November 2010
11-2-10
This past week was alright. It's been kind of tough, because we don't get out to work a lot, because Elder Ramnarain is sick. So, that's kind of tough, but next transfer is going to be a good one. I'm staying again, (transfers are next week)
But, everything else is great. Haven't found a lot of investigators, but we are trying to get less active work rolling. We have been working with a family for a while named the Garcia's. They have a few things that are holding them back, and each of them is really on a different level. Sister Garcia is pretty close to coming back. She was for a while, but the past few weeks, due to the fact that we haven't been out much, we haven't got to visit her, so I think that is one of the reasons wy she hasn't been coming.
So, My companion will be Elder Jensen. I was supposed to be with him last transfer, but things happened, and I ended up with Elder Prince. But, I will be with him next transfer, so that should be good. He's not sick, either, so we will get to go out more.
There was a storm in a lot of the Islands of the mission this last week. It wasn't super super terrible, but there was some damage. It was supposed to hit Trinidad. People got all freaked out, and things were closing early, and there was an activity that cancelled. And guess what. It didn't even rain until after the threat was already gone. So, that was kind of funny.
11-8-10 (The post to which Brandon refers is the Grace vs Notus Miracle game)
That is really sweet. I think I have read through the post like three times by now. You sent it to me, Dustin sent it to me, and Dad tried to send it to me as well, but I could only see a little bit, and it acted like a link to the actual page. But that basically made my day. This past week has been kind of tough. We only taught 3 lessons. It was terrible, but that really boosted my spirits. It's really amazing what can happen when there is a vision. I'm sure the entire football team knew that they still could win. That has been a problem in the past, and has led to all the loosing seasons. It's all about a goal. And knowing that it can be accomplished, no matter the size of the opposition.
But, other than not getting out very much this past week, it was alright. I think I told you, I got the Book of Mormon, but not the Bible yet. I also noticed that when I went to draw money out that I didn't have any or it just wouldn't let me right then. I will try again, but I thought I'd let you know.
Well, Tranfers are this week. I will be with Elder Jensen. In the office still. I think that I told you already. I'm excited. This past transfer, I have had to do basically everything in the office by myself. Plus, we haven't been able to get as much work done as I would have liked. But this transfer will be different. It's going to be good. I'm excited for it.
11-18-10
This past week has been pretty hectic. I'm emailing on thursday due to that fact. It has been leadership training, so I have had to drive everyone around once again. All last week and so far all this week I have been working on a form for the mission to track retention and reactivation rates. It's pretty intense. I have been learning a lot about programming, using microsoft excel for some pretty complicated programming things. I tried to convince everyone that I actually wasn't that good with computers, but nobody believed me, and so I have been forced to learn a lot about things like that.
So, Elder Jensen isn't my companion anymore. Again. Elder Ramnarain went home, but there is a missionary that they didn't let into Trinidad, so Elder Jensen went to the area that he was supposed to be going to. Now, I am with Elder Hernandez. He is from Sangre Grande, Trinidad. This is his second transfer, so he was home when I served in his ward. It is pretty cool, actually. But I'm not sure if I am going to get out of the office next transfer. But, who knows. Maybe President will take compassion upon me.
But, Elder Hernandez gets to go out and teach more than Elder Ramnarain. He has a hurt back, but we will be in the car, so that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
In all honesty, the office isn't all that bad. Sometimes it's a little stressful, but for the most part it's good. I'm also learning a lot, and finding out how I can be better. So, it's good. I just get pretty stressed sometimes.
Well, it's good to hear that the football team is doing awesome. I can't wait to hear about the game against Troy.
I finally got the bible that I ordered. I don't really need too much else for christmas. Just enough money to send a package home soon, and some packages of Junior Mints, and possibley some country time strawberry lemonade. But that would be kind of expensive to get into Trinidad, I'm sure.
11-25-10
Well, as you see again, I am emailing you on a thursday. I almost didn't even get a chance today. I've been really busy. But, now I'm here, and I have a little bit of time to write you something.
Life for me is going pretty good. I'm just staying pretty busy. Still, there is not much work where missionary work is concerned. But, life is good, and I'm enjoying it. I'm just trying to be as effective with the little time that I do have.
So, christmas is coming up. Transfers happen a couple days before, so as of right now, I'm not sure where I'll be. But, i should be able to let you know by the time it gets closer. I think we should try to do it the same way as last time, only this time, try to get a mic or something, because last time, it was tough to hear you most of the time. I will also be sending you a package pretty soon, so if there isn't much money on my card (I'm not sure, I always forget) that would be nice to get some on there. Also, consider sending the package that you talked about as ealy as possible, maybe even this coming week, because I may be leaving before christmas.
So, how are things on the homefront? Any news? Any mission calls lately? Any marriages or anything? Any other sort of big news?
Well, life is basically the same here. I love you mom, and I will talk to you later. I love you.
This past week was alright. It's been kind of tough, because we don't get out to work a lot, because Elder Ramnarain is sick. So, that's kind of tough, but next transfer is going to be a good one. I'm staying again, (transfers are next week)
But, everything else is great. Haven't found a lot of investigators, but we are trying to get less active work rolling. We have been working with a family for a while named the Garcia's. They have a few things that are holding them back, and each of them is really on a different level. Sister Garcia is pretty close to coming back. She was for a while, but the past few weeks, due to the fact that we haven't been out much, we haven't got to visit her, so I think that is one of the reasons wy she hasn't been coming.
So, My companion will be Elder Jensen. I was supposed to be with him last transfer, but things happened, and I ended up with Elder Prince. But, I will be with him next transfer, so that should be good. He's not sick, either, so we will get to go out more.
There was a storm in a lot of the Islands of the mission this last week. It wasn't super super terrible, but there was some damage. It was supposed to hit Trinidad. People got all freaked out, and things were closing early, and there was an activity that cancelled. And guess what. It didn't even rain until after the threat was already gone. So, that was kind of funny.
11-8-10 (The post to which Brandon refers is the Grace vs Notus Miracle game)
That is really sweet. I think I have read through the post like three times by now. You sent it to me, Dustin sent it to me, and Dad tried to send it to me as well, but I could only see a little bit, and it acted like a link to the actual page. But that basically made my day. This past week has been kind of tough. We only taught 3 lessons. It was terrible, but that really boosted my spirits. It's really amazing what can happen when there is a vision. I'm sure the entire football team knew that they still could win. That has been a problem in the past, and has led to all the loosing seasons. It's all about a goal. And knowing that it can be accomplished, no matter the size of the opposition.
But, other than not getting out very much this past week, it was alright. I think I told you, I got the Book of Mormon, but not the Bible yet. I also noticed that when I went to draw money out that I didn't have any or it just wouldn't let me right then. I will try again, but I thought I'd let you know.
Well, Tranfers are this week. I will be with Elder Jensen. In the office still. I think that I told you already. I'm excited. This past transfer, I have had to do basically everything in the office by myself. Plus, we haven't been able to get as much work done as I would have liked. But this transfer will be different. It's going to be good. I'm excited for it.
11-18-10
This past week has been pretty hectic. I'm emailing on thursday due to that fact. It has been leadership training, so I have had to drive everyone around once again. All last week and so far all this week I have been working on a form for the mission to track retention and reactivation rates. It's pretty intense. I have been learning a lot about programming, using microsoft excel for some pretty complicated programming things. I tried to convince everyone that I actually wasn't that good with computers, but nobody believed me, and so I have been forced to learn a lot about things like that.
So, Elder Jensen isn't my companion anymore. Again. Elder Ramnarain went home, but there is a missionary that they didn't let into Trinidad, so Elder Jensen went to the area that he was supposed to be going to. Now, I am with Elder Hernandez. He is from Sangre Grande, Trinidad. This is his second transfer, so he was home when I served in his ward. It is pretty cool, actually. But I'm not sure if I am going to get out of the office next transfer. But, who knows. Maybe President will take compassion upon me.
But, Elder Hernandez gets to go out and teach more than Elder Ramnarain. He has a hurt back, but we will be in the car, so that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
In all honesty, the office isn't all that bad. Sometimes it's a little stressful, but for the most part it's good. I'm also learning a lot, and finding out how I can be better. So, it's good. I just get pretty stressed sometimes.
Well, it's good to hear that the football team is doing awesome. I can't wait to hear about the game against Troy.
I finally got the bible that I ordered. I don't really need too much else for christmas. Just enough money to send a package home soon, and some packages of Junior Mints, and possibley some country time strawberry lemonade. But that would be kind of expensive to get into Trinidad, I'm sure.
11-25-10
Well, as you see again, I am emailing you on a thursday. I almost didn't even get a chance today. I've been really busy. But, now I'm here, and I have a little bit of time to write you something.
Life for me is going pretty good. I'm just staying pretty busy. Still, there is not much work where missionary work is concerned. But, life is good, and I'm enjoying it. I'm just trying to be as effective with the little time that I do have.
So, christmas is coming up. Transfers happen a couple days before, so as of right now, I'm not sure where I'll be. But, i should be able to let you know by the time it gets closer. I think we should try to do it the same way as last time, only this time, try to get a mic or something, because last time, it was tough to hear you most of the time. I will also be sending you a package pretty soon, so if there isn't much money on my card (I'm not sure, I always forget) that would be nice to get some on there. Also, consider sending the package that you talked about as ealy as possible, maybe even this coming week, because I may be leaving before christmas.
So, how are things on the homefront? Any news? Any mission calls lately? Any marriages or anything? Any other sort of big news?
Well, life is basically the same here. I love you mom, and I will talk to you later. I love you.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
10/18/10
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.
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 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
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