Hey guys,
This week has been getting better all the time. We also have had a ton of contacts contact us back and found a family in staples when I was using the restroom my first night out. They approached us and told us they used to meet with the missionaries, they love our church and they are considering joining. We have potential to have 7 new investigators this week with how things are looking.
So its weird to think that I'll be home three weeks from wednesday and Eliza will be home on Friday. I think I'm just going to suck it up as far as the medical bills offer from the guy out here. I will do fine. My companion doesnt have an adequate suit and his dad is out of work. This same gentleman is taking us to the city today to buy him a suit. That will be a great thing for him, and I really dont need help that much. I can make things work. Tell Grandma and Grandpa I say thanks for the money... that will be a big help.
I am looking forward to the holidays. I get steak and potatoes for my birthday dinner from a pretty cool family out here. We also are having a going home party with some members and people I've taught out here at the home of a professional chef. This guy makes amazing food and has cook for the president and a few different celebreties too. He is making pork chops with a spicy raspberry sauce and any sides he wants for the dinner. I'm excited for that.
Well I love you guys... I cant wait until Christmas when we can talk and also until I can see ya guys again in the new year. I love ya tons. This church is God's church, and he is looking out for me. I realize that we have to have ups and downs, but I have noticed, most especially on my mission, after the hard times comes the most success. We are looking forward to a successful last few weeks of my mission. I love you guys, and I hope that life is good.
Love,
Tom
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
29 November 2010
Hey guys,
I love you a ton. We've been getting dumped on with snow lately, but when you have a good car with good tires it never really matters. The problem is people are too cheap to get the proper tires and then we find ourselves pushing them out of a ditch. hahaha
So this week has been very good. It is fun to have so many people talk about us in so many good ways. There is a Part-Member family named the Rizzos. The husband is a non-member who has really been turned off to missionaries in the past. We are visiting them and doing service for his parents who are in their 80s. We had lunch with his parents today and they told us that when they visited with him he said that we are the best missionaries he's ever seen and he loves having us around. We have dinner with their family in Friday, and I really think that there is some huge potential there.
Teresa is back in town and we are excited to work more with her. One of the ladies we recently baptized, her son will be visiting for the holidays for about 10 days and wants to be baptized. We already taught him and he's attended church enough so all we'll need to do is some refreshers and talk to him about why he wants to do it, but thats in the near future too.
Thanksgiving was ridiculous. We had 3 dinners and I felt extremely fat afterwards. I'm up to 190 again. I cant gain more. I wont allow it. We also played football in the morning. It was way fun besides the fact that my comp got hit high and low and has massive back pain now. But altogether it was an amazing day.
I love living where we do, but I am so excited to see you guys. I am also excited to see that they are finally working on the 5 names program. Our ward mission leader is just making himself heard in the weekly meetings and stuff is starting to happen. He has been awesome since he started to understand his job a bit. It has become a pleasure to work with him.
We just had a missionary come home a few weeks early from the rome italy mission for medical reasons. His name is Cassidy Grigg and he knows Liza. Their family is amazing. It is where we called from on Mothers day and where I'll be calling from on Christmas. I love how close their whole family is and how much they take care of eachother it is really a great thing to see.
Well I dont know too much more of what you want to hear about. Life just seems kind of the same now, and nothing is really new to me, so its hard to convey new information to you. I am excited for the Christmas season. I have helped set up a few trees already and am excited to do more. That has to be the best part of Christmas. I hope you all have a great week, and cant wait to hear from you again.
Love Ya,
Tom
I love you a ton. We've been getting dumped on with snow lately, but when you have a good car with good tires it never really matters. The problem is people are too cheap to get the proper tires and then we find ourselves pushing them out of a ditch. hahaha
So this week has been very good. It is fun to have so many people talk about us in so many good ways. There is a Part-Member family named the Rizzos. The husband is a non-member who has really been turned off to missionaries in the past. We are visiting them and doing service for his parents who are in their 80s. We had lunch with his parents today and they told us that when they visited with him he said that we are the best missionaries he's ever seen and he loves having us around. We have dinner with their family in Friday, and I really think that there is some huge potential there.
Teresa is back in town and we are excited to work more with her. One of the ladies we recently baptized, her son will be visiting for the holidays for about 10 days and wants to be baptized. We already taught him and he's attended church enough so all we'll need to do is some refreshers and talk to him about why he wants to do it, but thats in the near future too.
Thanksgiving was ridiculous. We had 3 dinners and I felt extremely fat afterwards. I'm up to 190 again. I cant gain more. I wont allow it. We also played football in the morning. It was way fun besides the fact that my comp got hit high and low and has massive back pain now. But altogether it was an amazing day.
I love living where we do, but I am so excited to see you guys. I am also excited to see that they are finally working on the 5 names program. Our ward mission leader is just making himself heard in the weekly meetings and stuff is starting to happen. He has been awesome since he started to understand his job a bit. It has become a pleasure to work with him.
We just had a missionary come home a few weeks early from the rome italy mission for medical reasons. His name is Cassidy Grigg and he knows Liza. Their family is amazing. It is where we called from on Mothers day and where I'll be calling from on Christmas. I love how close their whole family is and how much they take care of eachother it is really a great thing to see.
Well I dont know too much more of what you want to hear about. Life just seems kind of the same now, and nothing is really new to me, so its hard to convey new information to you. I am excited for the Christmas season. I have helped set up a few trees already and am excited to do more. That has to be the best part of Christmas. I hope you all have a great week, and cant wait to hear from you again.
Love Ya,
Tom
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
22 Nov 2010
I have to write quick. This week our P-day is Thursday for the Holiday, but we still email on Monday. I am down in Golden because we had a district meeting and got our brakes cleaned out. It was making a horrible screeching noise last night and I knew it was either a wear indicator or a rock in there. It was a rock lodged behind the rear-right rotor. They cleaned out the brakes and it drives amazing.
Well life is good. It's funny you talk about obedience in Gospel Principles. We had that lesson a week ago and it was the study topic a part-member family we are working with had selected for their weekly family scripture study. Every gospel principles lesson seems to be inspired for the Malcolms. My mission President challenged me to have two more baptisms by the end of my mission and I think that Teresa is for sure going to be one of them.
Other than that we have gotten a bit of snow, but been safe and I've been enjoying my time up here in Evergreen. I really hope all is well down there. I can't help but think about home, but just know that I am still working hard. I am enjoying my mission more so now than at any other point in time out here. It is amazing to experience the love of our savior and the love that people around us have for us, and the love and concern we grow to have for them.
Well I guess I should probably hit the road running, but I will try to send you more info some other time. Take care, I love you and we'll see ya very very soon. :)
Love ya,
Tom
Well life is good. It's funny you talk about obedience in Gospel Principles. We had that lesson a week ago and it was the study topic a part-member family we are working with had selected for their weekly family scripture study. Every gospel principles lesson seems to be inspired for the Malcolms. My mission President challenged me to have two more baptisms by the end of my mission and I think that Teresa is for sure going to be one of them.
Other than that we have gotten a bit of snow, but been safe and I've been enjoying my time up here in Evergreen. I really hope all is well down there. I can't help but think about home, but just know that I am still working hard. I am enjoying my mission more so now than at any other point in time out here. It is amazing to experience the love of our savior and the love that people around us have for us, and the love and concern we grow to have for them.
Well I guess I should probably hit the road running, but I will try to send you more info some other time. Take care, I love you and we'll see ya very very soon. :)
Love ya,
Tom
18 November 2010
Hey you guys,
Sorry I didn't email yesterday. News flash our P-days are now on Monday. I was at the lake yesterday with some non-members and a part-member-family most the day. It was pretty awesome. We had a fun time and a productive evening.
By the way I am staying up in Evergreen. It is such an amazing place to be. I love the people out here and it is a great place to be and I am excited for the end of my mission. The President told me he's leaving me here on the stipulation that I get 2 more baptisms. I can easily see that happening. I think Teresa ( the cousin of a girl we just baptized and she has a member husband) has our highest potential right now.
I don't know what else to talk about right now, and I probably have to go. I'm just over visiting someone right now and probably shouldn't be on here too long. Just wanted to make sure you guys know I'm alive and things are good. The snow is amazing too. I love this area, I seriously want to move up here. Well I will talk to you guys soon and hopefully you have an amazing week.
Love ya,
Tom
Sorry I didn't email yesterday. News flash our P-days are now on Monday. I was at the lake yesterday with some non-members and a part-member-family most the day. It was pretty awesome. We had a fun time and a productive evening.
By the way I am staying up in Evergreen. It is such an amazing place to be. I love the people out here and it is a great place to be and I am excited for the end of my mission. The President told me he's leaving me here on the stipulation that I get 2 more baptisms. I can easily see that happening. I think Teresa ( the cousin of a girl we just baptized and she has a member husband) has our highest potential right now.
I don't know what else to talk about right now, and I probably have to go. I'm just over visiting someone right now and probably shouldn't be on here too long. Just wanted to make sure you guys know I'm alive and things are good. The snow is amazing too. I love this area, I seriously want to move up here. Well I will talk to you guys soon and hopefully you have an amazing week.
Love ya,
Tom
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
10 Nov 2010
Hey,
Everything is worked out for school. I get $1,835 per quarter and I can register for classes next week. It is good that everything is working out. The only thing that stinks is I can see the people in UT for a while. Oh well though.
Life is good up here. we got some good snow the other day. I concluded it ain't scary to drive in the snow in and of itself. Its just scary because no one else knows how to drive. haha there was a guy who stopped in front of this semi who was dead in front of us. The semi had to keep slamming the brakes and then gassing it to pull the trailer straight through the bends of 285. its a miracle they didn't wreck. Then we saw a semi kingpinned in the center of the highway. He lost his job for sure. Its so sad to think. As I looked in my mirrors I saw many people spinning out. Its amazing what good tires a good car and a little common sense can do.
So I'm probably going to be sweating in the CA winter weather. It will be an interesting thing to see. I'm kind of scared about going back to school. It is something that doesn't seem as exciting as it did at the beginning of my mission. We will have to just deal with it though. I am just taking general eds until I can switch my major, so the classes shouldn't be too bad (knock on wood). I think I'm just going to schedule Tuesday Thursday classes, and leave the other days open for work. We'll see how it all works out.
We are starting to work with a bunch of Less Actives now. We got so many people to agree to agree to have us over. We are also having people that we previously talked to call back and want to meet us. So other than that its the same old same old. I love you guys and we'll see ya soon and talk to ya sooner.
Love ya,
Tom
Everything is worked out for school. I get $1,835 per quarter and I can register for classes next week. It is good that everything is working out. The only thing that stinks is I can see the people in UT for a while. Oh well though.
Life is good up here. we got some good snow the other day. I concluded it ain't scary to drive in the snow in and of itself. Its just scary because no one else knows how to drive. haha there was a guy who stopped in front of this semi who was dead in front of us. The semi had to keep slamming the brakes and then gassing it to pull the trailer straight through the bends of 285. its a miracle they didn't wreck. Then we saw a semi kingpinned in the center of the highway. He lost his job for sure. Its so sad to think. As I looked in my mirrors I saw many people spinning out. Its amazing what good tires a good car and a little common sense can do.
So I'm probably going to be sweating in the CA winter weather. It will be an interesting thing to see. I'm kind of scared about going back to school. It is something that doesn't seem as exciting as it did at the beginning of my mission. We will have to just deal with it though. I am just taking general eds until I can switch my major, so the classes shouldn't be too bad (knock on wood). I think I'm just going to schedule Tuesday Thursday classes, and leave the other days open for work. We'll see how it all works out.
We are starting to work with a bunch of Less Actives now. We got so many people to agree to agree to have us over. We are also having people that we previously talked to call back and want to meet us. So other than that its the same old same old. I love you guys and we'll see ya soon and talk to ya sooner.
Love ya,
Tom
3 Nov 2010
Hey y'all,
I love President Maynes. He is an amazing man! Its kind of a bummer that he didnt know the rules for sending home missionaries home when I talked to him, but it will be sorted out. The church is true the book is blue and I'll see you in about two (months).
Life is good. We are teaching quite a few people. We finally moved to a more central location and it is exciting that things are starting to happen again. Today we are going out to a private lake in Sedelia, CO that is watched over by a member with part member family to do some hiking and fishing. It should be fun.
This family is pretty awesome too. The husband is a member and his wife is a non-member. She attends church every week agrees with most things but has a hard time with the principles of families being together for ever, because she feels that the three kingdoms make it an impossible goal. Which is a valid concern for a mother of 4. I think she's on the way to understanding it though.
Our new address is
33763 Kerr Rd
Pine, CO
80470
We live with a lady that is in her late 50s and shes an RN and its a lot nicer of a place to live. More central to the ward is the biggest upside to it. So we are starting to pick up on a few old investigators that were harder to visit. We are also trying to visit a lot of less actives.
Well, I love you guys. Our halloween party was good... I carved two pumpkins for it and it was all around a good time. We had about 6 non-members there too. Well I cant think of much else to tell ya, but I do love you guys and I hope that things are great back there.
Love ya
Tom
I love President Maynes. He is an amazing man! Its kind of a bummer that he didnt know the rules for sending home missionaries home when I talked to him, but it will be sorted out. The church is true the book is blue and I'll see you in about two (months).
Life is good. We are teaching quite a few people. We finally moved to a more central location and it is exciting that things are starting to happen again. Today we are going out to a private lake in Sedelia, CO that is watched over by a member with part member family to do some hiking and fishing. It should be fun.
This family is pretty awesome too. The husband is a member and his wife is a non-member. She attends church every week agrees with most things but has a hard time with the principles of families being together for ever, because she feels that the three kingdoms make it an impossible goal. Which is a valid concern for a mother of 4. I think she's on the way to understanding it though.
Our new address is
33763 Kerr Rd
Pine, CO
80470
We live with a lady that is in her late 50s and shes an RN and its a lot nicer of a place to live. More central to the ward is the biggest upside to it. So we are starting to pick up on a few old investigators that were harder to visit. We are also trying to visit a lot of less actives.
Well, I love you guys. Our halloween party was good... I carved two pumpkins for it and it was all around a good time. We had about 6 non-members there too. Well I cant think of much else to tell ya, but I do love you guys and I hope that things are great back there.
Love ya
Tom
27 October 2010
Life is pretty good. My comp injured his shoulder yesterday tho. We lifted a camper back onto a truck for a member who had it blow off on I-70. So hopefully all goes well with that.
We visited the summer white house this week. It was a gift to the President of the United States from the people of Colorado which the president rejected so it was never completed. haha
Well this week has been great. It has felt good to be able to work hard again. i think I am fully recovered. I did a day of hauling trees and pouring concrete and didn't have a headache, so I think life is good.
We are getting back in a rhythm as far as work goes, and hopefully my companions shoulder doesn't stop that again. I also need to get in touch with my mission president again and I guess the communication just stopped at him as far as getting me home for school. It never made it to the travel secretary. But i guess that's life. You cant except one person to remember everything.
He does have a lot on his plate right now. We just had a member of the first quorum of the seventy come and train our mission. He told them some interesting things. The church says no more reporting hours tracted, and no more Zone Leaders checking up on missionaries. They are putting more trust in the missionaries and in turn expecting more results.
Well I think that's about all I have to say. I love you guys and I cant wait to see ya soon.
Love,
Tom
We visited the summer white house this week. It was a gift to the President of the United States from the people of Colorado which the president rejected so it was never completed. haha
Well this week has been great. It has felt good to be able to work hard again. i think I am fully recovered. I did a day of hauling trees and pouring concrete and didn't have a headache, so I think life is good.
We are getting back in a rhythm as far as work goes, and hopefully my companions shoulder doesn't stop that again. I also need to get in touch with my mission president again and I guess the communication just stopped at him as far as getting me home for school. It never made it to the travel secretary. But i guess that's life. You cant except one person to remember everything.
He does have a lot on his plate right now. We just had a member of the first quorum of the seventy come and train our mission. He told them some interesting things. The church says no more reporting hours tracted, and no more Zone Leaders checking up on missionaries. They are putting more trust in the missionaries and in turn expecting more results.
Well I think that's about all I have to say. I love you guys and I cant wait to see ya soon.
Love,
Tom
Sunday, October 24, 2010
20 October 2010
Hello,
I am doing a lot better, but still physically drained. My staples were removed yesterday and after an evaluation I was cleared to do any and all athletic endeavors I desire. There is a condition however that if I get a headache above a 4 on a scale of 1 to 10, then I need to be seen immediately. I hope things continue to progress and it feels good to be able to be on the go a bit more again.
I'm glad you had a good time in FL. Things as you can imagine have been a bit slow. They gave us another branch in the mountains, but we cannot cover it without at least 150 extra miles so we are probably going to have to get rides because it seems the mission refuses to cooperate with the necessities. They would rather reimburse the Zone Leaders for a lot of their aimless driving that could be avoided than help the people who actually have a necessity.
So I called the mission office just now. Most of them are off in Grand Junction for Zone Conferences, and the correspondence with president never made it to our travel secretary. It proves to happen with the Stevenson family. You plan stuff in advance and you coordinate your needs and it all falls through the holes due to external forces. I am convinced that that is our curse. I really do not know why.
So it is exciting to see how quickly the trust is building back with the ward. We have dinner appointments every night. I honestly, no matter how much I hate to say this, think my last companion needs to go home. The ward he was moved to has already called the mission office and asked to have him leave immediately. We'll see what happens with that.
Well not much to say this week. I am improving and I hope y'all are doing well. I can't wait to see you in December. I love you all and we'll talk soon.
Love Tom
I am doing a lot better, but still physically drained. My staples were removed yesterday and after an evaluation I was cleared to do any and all athletic endeavors I desire. There is a condition however that if I get a headache above a 4 on a scale of 1 to 10, then I need to be seen immediately. I hope things continue to progress and it feels good to be able to be on the go a bit more again.
I'm glad you had a good time in FL. Things as you can imagine have been a bit slow. They gave us another branch in the mountains, but we cannot cover it without at least 150 extra miles so we are probably going to have to get rides because it seems the mission refuses to cooperate with the necessities. They would rather reimburse the Zone Leaders for a lot of their aimless driving that could be avoided than help the people who actually have a necessity.
So I called the mission office just now. Most of them are off in Grand Junction for Zone Conferences, and the correspondence with president never made it to our travel secretary. It proves to happen with the Stevenson family. You plan stuff in advance and you coordinate your needs and it all falls through the holes due to external forces. I am convinced that that is our curse. I really do not know why.
So it is exciting to see how quickly the trust is building back with the ward. We have dinner appointments every night. I honestly, no matter how much I hate to say this, think my last companion needs to go home. The ward he was moved to has already called the mission office and asked to have him leave immediately. We'll see what happens with that.
Well not much to say this week. I am improving and I hope y'all are doing well. I can't wait to see you in December. I love you all and we'll talk soon.
Love Tom
Sunday, October 17, 2010
13 October 2010
Hey guys,
I saw the doc today. She told me that I basically have to relax and do nothing until the headaches go away completely. She told me I might not be getting the staples out on monday and we'll probably have a couple appointments next week. I cancelled our dinners for today and tomorrow so I can just relax and let myself heal.
I told dad about the new focus where we don't report tracting hours anymore. We report results instead of time spent. I ain't gonna be reporting much of either for a while tho. hahaha
Well it is good I have a sane companion. I could not tolerate being stuck inside chillin with the last guy. We had our first dusting of snow yesterday. By the way... Gary Mitchell's daughter was so cute when it happened. I was waiting to find where we were going with me and this cute little girl (see attached picture with Mitchells and my weird comp) came up and said, "Its going to be ok. Don't worry! You're still a great missionary even if you're crying." It was a sweet moment of peace that could only come from the simple heart of a child. She insisted on going to the hospital with me and was just so sweet, and then she threatened my comp and told him if anything else happens to me he's in big big trouble. hahaha
I am being careful and watching it. I thank everyone who is praying for me and keeping me in their thoughts. I love you all and I hope that everything is going ok with y'all. I will keep ya updated, but I g2g now... I'm done looking at the screen.
Love ya,
Tom
6 October 2010
How are ya?,
Hey, I'm staying in Evergreen for a 5th transfer and keeping the car for an 8th. hahahaha Transfers are tomorrow and I am so looking forward to getting a new companion. I have been losing my sanity the last few weeks. I am starting a mild diet before the holidays and coming home just to gear up, lose a bit now, and maintain through the holidays. I am also excited to get somewhat of a break from the "special assignments which have given me hell for a short while. hahaha
So how is Florida? I bet Colorado is prettier, well to me anyways! I love the mountains so much! I am going to miss this place so much when I have to leave. I'm actually looking forward to the snow too surprisingly hahaha. it really ain't that bad.
So we can pick up and do a lot more teaching now. There were people that told me we can't come back until my companion is gone, so life should be a bit easier. Hopefully some of those doors aren't shut now! Oh well though, it is a difficult situation to deal with, but It is seriously the reason why I have learned so much patience on my mission! I do, however, feel that my IQ has dropped the past couple transfers. I have learned that it is much easier to deal with things when you pray though.
I hope all is well. I hope you are having a great time, and I really look forward to seeing you in 80-something days. This is God's church. He loves us all and wants our happiness. we just need a Paradigm shift ourselves to realize it. Thats what the atonement's all about. Well do take care of yourselves and we'll talk soon!
Love ya,
Tom
Hey, I'm staying in Evergreen for a 5th transfer and keeping the car for an 8th. hahahaha Transfers are tomorrow and I am so looking forward to getting a new companion. I have been losing my sanity the last few weeks. I am starting a mild diet before the holidays and coming home just to gear up, lose a bit now, and maintain through the holidays. I am also excited to get somewhat of a break from the "special assignments which have given me hell for a short while. hahaha
So how is Florida? I bet Colorado is prettier, well to me anyways! I love the mountains so much! I am going to miss this place so much when I have to leave. I'm actually looking forward to the snow too surprisingly hahaha. it really ain't that bad.
So we can pick up and do a lot more teaching now. There were people that told me we can't come back until my companion is gone, so life should be a bit easier. Hopefully some of those doors aren't shut now! Oh well though, it is a difficult situation to deal with, but It is seriously the reason why I have learned so much patience on my mission! I do, however, feel that my IQ has dropped the past couple transfers. I have learned that it is much easier to deal with things when you pray though.
I hope all is well. I hope you are having a great time, and I really look forward to seeing you in 80-something days. This is God's church. He loves us all and wants our happiness. we just need a Paradigm shift ourselves to realize it. Thats what the atonement's all about. Well do take care of yourselves and we'll talk soon!
Love ya,
Tom
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
29 September 2010
I'm so excited for transfers next week.I'm glad the letter to those YM had an impact. I thought it would be good to wirte back since they took the time to write me. And the youth in the church do not realize 90% of the time just how important they are. They are the future of the church and where most missionary work can come from.
Well life is going alright. I feel more and more like I'm babysitting than acting as a missionary. I cannot wait until I don't have to worry about having a crazy companion anymore. But we are teaching. We are tracting. And we are still pushing for the move.
I really enjoyed my District Meeting yesterday. It was a review on the stuff we have been learning at trainings. The spirit was way strong as we discussed the atonement and personal applications and experiences.
Well i am trying to think what else to tell ya about. We invited our investigators to Conference and I think we are watching the sunday morning session at a part-member-family's home. That will be a fun experience. I am excited to hear the words of a living prophet once again.
I hope that you are having a great time back home. Take care of yourselves and we'll talk soon. I love ya tons and I look forward to seeing ya again in 3 months. :)
Hey by the way tell Christine I still have the Percy Christmas train! :P
Love ya,
Tom
Well life is going alright. I feel more and more like I'm babysitting than acting as a missionary. I cannot wait until I don't have to worry about having a crazy companion anymore. But we are teaching. We are tracting. And we are still pushing for the move.
I really enjoyed my District Meeting yesterday. It was a review on the stuff we have been learning at trainings. The spirit was way strong as we discussed the atonement and personal applications and experiences.
Well i am trying to think what else to tell ya about. We invited our investigators to Conference and I think we are watching the sunday morning session at a part-member-family's home. That will be a fun experience. I am excited to hear the words of a living prophet once again.
I hope that you are having a great time back home. Take care of yourselves and we'll talk soon. I love ya tons and I look forward to seeing ya again in 3 months. :)
Hey by the way tell Christine I still have the Percy Christmas train! :P
Love ya,
Tom
22 September 2010
Hey y'all,
Life is good up here. I think I am ending my mission up here too. I talked to our mission President in interviews yesterday about some concerns with my companion. He said, I see you've been up there four transfers, you think you could stay longer? I answered, I think I could end my mission up here. He said, Well thats good, because as of now thats the plan. I told him I was burnt out on the "special assignments" I've been given, and he said to just hold out. Two weeks from tomorrow is a new transfer and he promised to give me a companion who's a lot easier to work with and get along with.
The chili cookoff went alright. I had to judge and some of those chilis didn't agree with eachother or my body. The Dr. is out of town for work and had to leave a day early to go to the emergency rooms up in Montana and North Dakota. He did not make it to the Chili cookoff, however we did have 6 non-members there. He will return in two weeks.
I am still waiting on the move and transfers. I had a couple part-member families that told me they want to be taught, but they are waiting until my companion leaves. It is a rough situation. I really hope he can succeed on his mission. He is working on staying out with President, he flipped out a few days ago and was saying how badly he wanted to go home. I tried to encourage him to stay, but I almost think that he might be better off if he did go home.
I worry about the people around me. I worry when I think that God trusts me so much and my Mission Presidents that I got the opportunity to help a few struggling missionaries out. It is kind of scary to think that I am that trustworthy.
I miss you all I do love ya and this video is just for you guys:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9559PQsMvGU
Love ya tons,
Tom
Life is good up here. I think I am ending my mission up here too. I talked to our mission President in interviews yesterday about some concerns with my companion. He said, I see you've been up there four transfers, you think you could stay longer? I answered, I think I could end my mission up here. He said, Well thats good, because as of now thats the plan. I told him I was burnt out on the "special assignments" I've been given, and he said to just hold out. Two weeks from tomorrow is a new transfer and he promised to give me a companion who's a lot easier to work with and get along with.
The chili cookoff went alright. I had to judge and some of those chilis didn't agree with eachother or my body. The Dr. is out of town for work and had to leave a day early to go to the emergency rooms up in Montana and North Dakota. He did not make it to the Chili cookoff, however we did have 6 non-members there. He will return in two weeks.
I am still waiting on the move and transfers. I had a couple part-member families that told me they want to be taught, but they are waiting until my companion leaves. It is a rough situation. I really hope he can succeed on his mission. He is working on staying out with President, he flipped out a few days ago and was saying how badly he wanted to go home. I tried to encourage him to stay, but I almost think that he might be better off if he did go home.
I worry about the people around me. I worry when I think that God trusts me so much and my Mission Presidents that I got the opportunity to help a few struggling missionaries out. It is kind of scary to think that I am that trustworthy.
I miss you all I do love ya and this video is just for you guys:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9559PQsMvGU
Love ya tons,
Tom
15 September 2010
How y'all doing? So life is good. We are losing some investigators and gaining some more. :) One guy is a Doctor who just showed up to sacrament meeting and is now reading the Book of Mormon. He is excited about it and also excited to check out some of the upcoming ward activities. I love this area so much now. It is going to be such a drag if I have to leave it. But it is way weird to think that I am only in my fourth area.
Other than that we had a long district meeting to train on the new teaching skills and during that our car guy took my car put some nice tires on the front, got it realigned, and the oil changed. I am way happy to have good tires in time for snow. Now I do not fear the snow anymore! :P I love this area. I want you to see it sometime. I am seriously thinking of moving out here, it is paradise up here.
Other than that the life of a missionary is tracting as of late. We are having a ward chili cookoff which we can hopefully get some people out to. Other than that I have started to challenge members to read from preach my gospel and break down the points of each section in the lesson and to prepare to be able to teach it. I dont want to be scared of having member present lessons anymore. hahaha
Well I hope I have more to talk about next week.
Luv ya,
Tom
Other than that we had a long district meeting to train on the new teaching skills and during that our car guy took my car put some nice tires on the front, got it realigned, and the oil changed. I am way happy to have good tires in time for snow. Now I do not fear the snow anymore! :P I love this area. I want you to see it sometime. I am seriously thinking of moving out here, it is paradise up here.
Other than that the life of a missionary is tracting as of late. We are having a ward chili cookoff which we can hopefully get some people out to. Other than that I have started to challenge members to read from preach my gospel and break down the points of each section in the lesson and to prepare to be able to teach it. I dont want to be scared of having member present lessons anymore. hahaha
Well I hope I have more to talk about next week.
Luv ya,
Tom
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
1 September 2010
Hey guys,
Well we had an exciting week. We finally had ward missionaries called. YAY! Other than that my GPS is down and I am sending it in on warranty... I was given a 2007 Magellan model to take its place for now and we'll see how long all this takes. Other than that, life is pretty much the same. I need to remember to do videos again, but I really dont know what to talk about.
We are phoneless because I left my phone in the member who gave us a ride to the temple's car. Yucky! But we did get to go to the temple today. I saw some awesome people there and got to enjoy the peace there too. Good place!
It is good news to hear that I will be getting some help with school. I don't know who needs to be called for me to reenter the University though. I talked to my President and it looks as if I will be flying into SLC airport on Dec 31:
"Contact the Records, Registration & Evaluations Office in UH-171 or by calling (909) 537-5200 to process your return from leave of absence" Thats all I can find for my hold, but registration should be sometime in November I think so I'll need to know when to do that, but if you talk to them I am still coming back in Winter 2011. I'm planning on doing more general eds than anything though. I am seriously thinking about studying Psychology or Criminal Justice now. I think I want to get into investigations.
Our move is never going to happen. I am just about over pushing it! The bishop aint working with it anymore. He so what happened with the shootings? I heard about that and I wonder did they find a motive? If so what is it? It kind of scares me to go back to that. I'm gonna miss the mountains so much too. We'll have to go up them a lot! haha
Well I hope you had a great anniversary and that Christy had a happy B-Day!
Love ya!
Tom
Well we had an exciting week. We finally had ward missionaries called. YAY! Other than that my GPS is down and I am sending it in on warranty... I was given a 2007 Magellan model to take its place for now and we'll see how long all this takes. Other than that, life is pretty much the same. I need to remember to do videos again, but I really dont know what to talk about.
We are phoneless because I left my phone in the member who gave us a ride to the temple's car. Yucky! But we did get to go to the temple today. I saw some awesome people there and got to enjoy the peace there too. Good place!
It is good news to hear that I will be getting some help with school. I don't know who needs to be called for me to reenter the University though. I talked to my President and it looks as if I will be flying into SLC airport on Dec 31:
"Contact the Records, Registration & Evaluations Office in UH-171 or by calling (909) 537-5200 to process your return from leave of absence" Thats all I can find for my hold, but registration should be sometime in November I think so I'll need to know when to do that, but if you talk to them I am still coming back in Winter 2011. I'm planning on doing more general eds than anything though. I am seriously thinking about studying Psychology or Criminal Justice now. I think I want to get into investigations.
Our move is never going to happen. I am just about over pushing it! The bishop aint working with it anymore. He so what happened with the shootings? I heard about that and I wonder did they find a motive? If so what is it? It kind of scares me to go back to that. I'm gonna miss the mountains so much too. We'll have to go up them a lot! haha
Well I hope you had a great anniversary and that Christy had a happy B-Day!
Love ya!
Tom
Saturday, August 28, 2010
25 August 2010
Sorry guys. Wednesday we went to the Rockies Braves game and didnt get back in time to email. And yesterday the library was shut down. No videos this week, but I really dont care if you put the videos on the blog or not.
I am staying in Evergreen for another six weeks and this is transfer number seven with my Vibe. hahaha Other than that we are working on moving where all our investigators are. They all live in between 15 and 40 miles away and to drive straight to their houses and straight back home it would take 235 miles. (we only get 250 a week) We found a house where they could house us and it would only be 61 miles to drive to all of their houses and back, but they were leasing their house, and they found out the owner defaulted and so now their house was just sold at an auction. YUCK! So we are trying to find another place. I am pressuring the Bishop, Mission President, Zone Leaders (who pressure the stake president who pressures the Bishop), Ward Mission Leader, Housing Coordinators, District Leader, and whoever I can to make sure we get a more efficient place to live. One thing I found in life is the more pressure you give from the most angles you can the more likely your plan is to succeed. And on top of that I discussed with the mission president the situation and asked for more miles. He said he'll give them to me for now the question is how much and he'll call back.
That is the issue that is on the forefront of our minds right now. We are teaching 6 families, but we are at the mercy of whoever can give us rides to do work so we cannot be in any way flexible at this time. It is kind of senseless to have weekly planning right now. We did that today and all of the points discussed in Preach my Gospel point to a need for us to move to be able to work with our investigators in that manner.
I hope that all is well back home.
Well I dunno what else to tell ya!
I love ya guys tons, and we'll talk soon.
Love,
Tom
I am staying in Evergreen for another six weeks and this is transfer number seven with my Vibe. hahaha Other than that we are working on moving where all our investigators are. They all live in between 15 and 40 miles away and to drive straight to their houses and straight back home it would take 235 miles. (we only get 250 a week) We found a house where they could house us and it would only be 61 miles to drive to all of their houses and back, but they were leasing their house, and they found out the owner defaulted and so now their house was just sold at an auction. YUCK! So we are trying to find another place. I am pressuring the Bishop, Mission President, Zone Leaders (who pressure the stake president who pressures the Bishop), Ward Mission Leader, Housing Coordinators, District Leader, and whoever I can to make sure we get a more efficient place to live. One thing I found in life is the more pressure you give from the most angles you can the more likely your plan is to succeed. And on top of that I discussed with the mission president the situation and asked for more miles. He said he'll give them to me for now the question is how much and he'll call back.
That is the issue that is on the forefront of our minds right now. We are teaching 6 families, but we are at the mercy of whoever can give us rides to do work so we cannot be in any way flexible at this time. It is kind of senseless to have weekly planning right now. We did that today and all of the points discussed in Preach my Gospel point to a need for us to move to be able to work with our investigators in that manner.
I hope that all is well back home.
Well I dunno what else to tell ya!
I love ya guys tons, and we'll talk soon.
Love,
Tom
So life is good. Coming up on transfer week so I will let you know the results of that soon. I think I'm staying though. My companion is starting to work. I told the mission president about 3 weeks back that there are some issues that need to be addressed with him and his previous companion, but I'd let him call so that the information is a slight bit more accurate. I really hope that it all works out since they talked about it today.
I am pretty excited an hopeful to stay. I guess I don't know what to write to you... HOpefully you enjoy the videos, I never feel like writing much anymore, so I figure thats the best way to do it.
I do love you guys and I will talk to the president about flying to SLC... I love ya tons take care of yourselves
Love
tom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tlJ1BqijqE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtgOuXTcT8w
I am pretty excited an hopeful to stay. I guess I don't know what to write to you... HOpefully you enjoy the videos, I never feel like writing much anymore, so I figure thats the best way to do it.
I do love you guys and I will talk to the president about flying to SLC... I love ya tons take care of yourselves
Love
tom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tlJ1BqijqE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtgOuXTcT8w
Saturday, August 14, 2010
11 August 2010
Hey y'all,
How are things. I got a 4gb card for my camera the other day and I decided I was going to start making videos throughout the week to send to you guys because I always forget what I wanna talk about in my letters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4mYx3rLDig
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys7-oq-eL7s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKrUZ2bWOkE
So other than that life is good. We have another baptism on Saturday, so that should be exciting.
So today we saw Deborah the one who just lost her son in a custody case. You need to keep her in your prayers. I'm not gonna say too much, because I kind of am a minister and can't disclose a lot of information.
I don't know what else to say. Watch the videos and you'll get some of it. Other than that we have a member present lesson tonight and a couple refferals and we will be doing a lot of tracting. I am loving this area! It is beautiful and where else can you get 4 baptisms in a transfer?? haha Well keep your smile on and we'll talk soon.
Love ya,
Tom
How are things. I got a 4gb card for my camera the other day and I decided I was going to start making videos throughout the week to send to you guys because I always forget what I wanna talk about in my letters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4mYx3rLDig
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys7-oq-eL7s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKrUZ2bWOkE
So other than that life is good. We have another baptism on Saturday, so that should be exciting.
So today we saw Deborah the one who just lost her son in a custody case. You need to keep her in your prayers. I'm not gonna say too much, because I kind of am a minister and can't disclose a lot of information.
I don't know what else to say. Watch the videos and you'll get some of it. Other than that we have a member present lesson tonight and a couple refferals and we will be doing a lot of tracting. I am loving this area! It is beautiful and where else can you get 4 baptisms in a transfer?? haha Well keep your smile on and we'll talk soon.
Love ya,
Tom
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
21 July 2010
I'm worried about how all this is gonna work out. I have a new companion who like I was told is a problem child. He had a near fatal fall when he was younger and as I see it has the mentality of a 12 year old. His last companion treated him like crap and I'm just trying to be his friend and work with him. It is the hardest one yet. I have had 4 "Special Assignments" in a row. The first was to finish training, the second was to get a missionary to work, the third was to get a missionary to talk, and I'm not quite sure what this is other than a test of patience. I have been working hard though. I try to make it fun. It seems like I make it more fun for him than for me, but thats all good.
Transfers were fun. The missionary I was on exchanges with for that day, while I waited for my comp, i wish he were my companion. It was a lot easier with him. I could tell on the ride up to the mountains that this would be an interesting assignment. I'm trying to make the best of it and just making sure I get a chance to talk to other missionaries at night and stuff so I dont go completely insane.
The roughest part is that he's been out for 8 months and is completely incompetent in teaching. He'll get into random stories with no relation to the topic and hand and I either have to blow it off or try and tie it in myself. But its going to be alright. I just decided I need to pray harder and be more obedient so the Lord can bless me. Otherwise I don't know if I'll make it.
So I am excited. I bought an Mp3 CD Player and now I have Jesus the Christ on one CD and the Triple on one. I'm working on putting the bible on one. Its kind of nice too, because my player has a screen that displays the titles and allows me to search, so it is way way nice to have.
I miss you guys a ton. Know that I am working hard and studying hard and having a great time. I dont know what else to tell ya. I know that Jesus lives and loves me and I'll see ya on Dec 31. :)
Love ya
Tom
Transfers were fun. The missionary I was on exchanges with for that day, while I waited for my comp, i wish he were my companion. It was a lot easier with him. I could tell on the ride up to the mountains that this would be an interesting assignment. I'm trying to make the best of it and just making sure I get a chance to talk to other missionaries at night and stuff so I dont go completely insane.
The roughest part is that he's been out for 8 months and is completely incompetent in teaching. He'll get into random stories with no relation to the topic and hand and I either have to blow it off or try and tie it in myself. But its going to be alright. I just decided I need to pray harder and be more obedient so the Lord can bless me. Otherwise I don't know if I'll make it.
So I am excited. I bought an Mp3 CD Player and now I have Jesus the Christ on one CD and the Triple on one. I'm working on putting the bible on one. Its kind of nice too, because my player has a screen that displays the titles and allows me to search, so it is way way nice to have.
I miss you guys a ton. Know that I am working hard and studying hard and having a great time. I dont know what else to tell ya. I know that Jesus lives and loves me and I'll see ya on Dec 31. :)
Love ya
Tom
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
14 July 2010
Hey you guys!,
I'm Staying here in Evergreen and keeping the Vibe for a 6th Transfer. The APs were joking with me that I should just drive it home in December. haha Elder Chapman is leaving. One of the Assistants is a good friend of mine, and I got a lot of information out of him. He told me the new mission president was very impressed with me and wanted to put me in leadership which I don't like the sound of. But apparently my new companion is a leadership call. Its a newer missionary that has been struggling with things and needs a new perspective and he felt that I was just the missionary to do it. They told me that if i ever need anything at all to call them but it should be interesting. The missionary that is leaving me right now was one of those cases technically too, but that's just because the other missionaries he served with treated him like crap.
Other than that I'm pumped. We have a combined ward now, so we're going to get ward missionaries. Then we have three baptisms coming up. One on the 24th, one one the 31st, and one on the 7th. So three Saturdays in a row, hopefully we can get them fired up by that. There is so much potential here. One of my big pushes with the mission is going to be to get us living more in the middle of our area, so we can be more available to work the whole area.
So I was wondering what we'll need to do. My debit Card expires in September... I'm thinking about buying a CD Player that plays MP3 CDs So I can listen to all kinds of scriptures and talks from the church website and just download and use them to help me study. You can fit a ton on MP3 CDs, So I'm Going to do that. I got all of preach my gospel on 12 audio CDs, but It would be nice to have it more compressed. So That will help me with Study, because some days its just hard to focus!
Life is good. Idk what else to tell ya, but thanks for the shirts. It's nice to have some that are actually white again. I am going to go play mini golf today! YAY
Well I love ya tons and we'll see ya soon.
Love,
Tom
I'm Staying here in Evergreen and keeping the Vibe for a 6th Transfer. The APs were joking with me that I should just drive it home in December. haha Elder Chapman is leaving. One of the Assistants is a good friend of mine, and I got a lot of information out of him. He told me the new mission president was very impressed with me and wanted to put me in leadership which I don't like the sound of. But apparently my new companion is a leadership call. Its a newer missionary that has been struggling with things and needs a new perspective and he felt that I was just the missionary to do it. They told me that if i ever need anything at all to call them but it should be interesting. The missionary that is leaving me right now was one of those cases technically too, but that's just because the other missionaries he served with treated him like crap.
Other than that I'm pumped. We have a combined ward now, so we're going to get ward missionaries. Then we have three baptisms coming up. One on the 24th, one one the 31st, and one on the 7th. So three Saturdays in a row, hopefully we can get them fired up by that. There is so much potential here. One of my big pushes with the mission is going to be to get us living more in the middle of our area, so we can be more available to work the whole area.
So I was wondering what we'll need to do. My debit Card expires in September... I'm thinking about buying a CD Player that plays MP3 CDs So I can listen to all kinds of scriptures and talks from the church website and just download and use them to help me study. You can fit a ton on MP3 CDs, So I'm Going to do that. I got all of preach my gospel on 12 audio CDs, but It would be nice to have it more compressed. So That will help me with Study, because some days its just hard to focus!
Life is good. Idk what else to tell ya, but thanks for the shirts. It's nice to have some that are actually white again. I am going to go play mini golf today! YAY
Well I love ya tons and we'll see ya soon.
Love,
Tom
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
7 July 2010
How are you guys? It has been a good week. Lots of teaching and tracting, but I was kind of down yesterday to be honest. On Monday we met our new mission president and he is a great man. He used to be a regional CES administrator in California and knows Brother Andrews and the old guy that left. He told me that I will be flying home exactly one transfer early which will be New Years Eve and that he thinks it will be an amazing thing to get back into school right away and merge back into the real world quickly. He said he wouldn't have it any other way. My interview was very long. hahah He asked me a lot of questions. He asked me about old areas. And he wrote Buena Vista under my name when I told him I served there... He also asked my companion, you've been here six months right? That means I can trust you to stay in the area a while longer, right? So I think I may be driving out there on Thursday of next week when transfers hit. I think I might be moved then, but my address now is:
Elder Thomas Stevenson
c/o Marshall Family
29812 Troutdale Scenic Drive
Evergreen, CO 80439
and the office is:
Elder Thomas Stevenson
999 E. Tufts Ave
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
I'm also scared by other things that were said in the interview. The new President told me that he sees tremendous potential to lead in me and that he can feel that I have a strong spirit, and he told me he looks forward to learning from me. I kind of was confused and asked, "From ME?" and he said yes from you Elder. I am not quite sure what to make of that statement. Any thoughts?
We are trying to find rides and have them for every evening, but we need to fill in a day too. Otherwise even working closer to home we'll probably be about 30 miles over. But in their own words, oh well, they'll just have to deal with it. hahaha Plus next week is transfer week and the miles reset then, so I'm not too worried if we go over. We'll try our best to make it happen, but I do feel kind of bad, because if we don't find rides, there are a couple of referrals we'll just have to postpone visiting until next week. We will do what we can though!
I am also sick of living on the edge of our area, where most the dinners are about 40 miles away and we have to get rides to dinners and are at their mercy to leave. I am going to be in touch with the housing coordinator and whoever our ward leadership will be and figure something out. That's another funny thing!! Our wards are shrinking and we have had stake presidency members there almost every sacrament meeting, and on Sunday we have a "special combined sacrament meeting" with the whole stake presidency and an area 70 there. hmmmmm So I am making a gross assumption that it will all be one ward on Sunday, but we will find out soon enough.
I can't wait until next week when I know whats going on.
We are bumming a ride down to Golden today and playing some sports, so I will have a chance to let out my agression, so I'm pretty excited. Life is good. I miss you all and hope all is well back home. I love you and I'll see you guys in less than 6 months! :P I'm going to try and make picture CDs to send home.
Love ya,
Tom
Elder Thomas Stevenson
c/o Marshall Family
29812 Troutdale Scenic Drive
Evergreen, CO 80439
and the office is:
Elder Thomas Stevenson
999 E. Tufts Ave
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
I'm also scared by other things that were said in the interview. The new President told me that he sees tremendous potential to lead in me and that he can feel that I have a strong spirit, and he told me he looks forward to learning from me. I kind of was confused and asked, "From ME?" and he said yes from you Elder. I am not quite sure what to make of that statement. Any thoughts?
We are trying to find rides and have them for every evening, but we need to fill in a day too. Otherwise even working closer to home we'll probably be about 30 miles over. But in their own words, oh well, they'll just have to deal with it. hahaha Plus next week is transfer week and the miles reset then, so I'm not too worried if we go over. We'll try our best to make it happen, but I do feel kind of bad, because if we don't find rides, there are a couple of referrals we'll just have to postpone visiting until next week. We will do what we can though!
I am also sick of living on the edge of our area, where most the dinners are about 40 miles away and we have to get rides to dinners and are at their mercy to leave. I am going to be in touch with the housing coordinator and whoever our ward leadership will be and figure something out. That's another funny thing!! Our wards are shrinking and we have had stake presidency members there almost every sacrament meeting, and on Sunday we have a "special combined sacrament meeting" with the whole stake presidency and an area 70 there. hmmmmm So I am making a gross assumption that it will all be one ward on Sunday, but we will find out soon enough.
I can't wait until next week when I know whats going on.
We are bumming a ride down to Golden today and playing some sports, so I will have a chance to let out my agression, so I'm pretty excited. Life is good. I miss you all and hope all is well back home. I love you and I'll see you guys in less than 6 months! :P I'm going to try and make picture CDs to send home.
Love ya,
Tom
Monday, July 5, 2010
30 June 2010
Hey y'all... its been a great week. We officially have a new mission president... wow... that is pretty crazy to think! Who knows what changes it will bring. I will miss the Christisons so much though. But I'll probably see him on the big screen for conference pretty soon. haha. He really was a good man. I go to talk to them the night before they flew out.
Other crazy news. There was an Emergency Transfer of the Elders that were in Buena Vista and now they are serving with a couple of Zone Leader companionships. Now we have no missionaries out there because last time the Zone Leaders checked on them they werent doing ANYTHING!!! So there are now no missionaries there. They are opening it again at the start of the transfer. President Christison discussed sending me back there last week and I told him I am fine with it if I get to pick a companion that I know will work! He said thats up to the new guy, but I may be going back to Buena Vista in a couple weeks. He said if he were staying he would trust and allow me to choose my companion. But the last companion I had that I had a bit of a hard time with was given the ultimatum that if he doesnt shape up with our zone leaders this transfer then he flies home! Kind of sad, but its what he needed.
Other than that we have been doing a lot of door knocking and the weather has been absolutely gorgeous!! I love it! I am going to miss the Colorado summers! It has been a ball to be a missionary here. Obviously there are challenges, but that is life, it is just a fantastic place. I can't wait to be able to come back and hike the mountains out here too! there is soooo much!
Well later on today we are playing sports down in Golden. Since Buena Vista is closed I get a lot more miles! YAY. One good thing comes out of it right?? Thanks so much for all you do. I love you guys. We'll talk soon.
Love,
Tom
Other crazy news. There was an Emergency Transfer of the Elders that were in Buena Vista and now they are serving with a couple of Zone Leader companionships. Now we have no missionaries out there because last time the Zone Leaders checked on them they werent doing ANYTHING!!! So there are now no missionaries there. They are opening it again at the start of the transfer. President Christison discussed sending me back there last week and I told him I am fine with it if I get to pick a companion that I know will work! He said thats up to the new guy, but I may be going back to Buena Vista in a couple weeks. He said if he were staying he would trust and allow me to choose my companion. But the last companion I had that I had a bit of a hard time with was given the ultimatum that if he doesnt shape up with our zone leaders this transfer then he flies home! Kind of sad, but its what he needed.
Other than that we have been doing a lot of door knocking and the weather has been absolutely gorgeous!! I love it! I am going to miss the Colorado summers! It has been a ball to be a missionary here. Obviously there are challenges, but that is life, it is just a fantastic place. I can't wait to be able to come back and hike the mountains out here too! there is soooo much!
Well later on today we are playing sports down in Golden. Since Buena Vista is closed I get a lot more miles! YAY. One good thing comes out of it right?? Thanks so much for all you do. I love you guys. We'll talk soon.
Love,
Tom
26 June 2010
Hey I just thought I'd fill you in on a bit more from my week. My brain was like total mush on Wednesday...
So we found out one of our investigators only has a couple weeks to live. That is a rough thing to hear, and his family convinced him he can be baptized by anyone, so one of the churchs that gave us hell in Lakewood sent a preacher up and he was baptized in his bathtub. That is so rough to see when they have been taught about authority and all and especially where he's a goner.
Other than that we are starting to work with some new people. One of the funniest stories, we were going to talk with some people at a park and hopefully find some people there and I ended up climbing in a tree and teaching a girl a lesson in a tree and we got her number and will be teaching her a bit more. She has a unique story... She is living with some friends of her mom, her mom took off when she was young because her dad was a alcoholic and cocaine addict, and she was basically left to raise her sibilings in Kansas and her dad abused her, and still wanted her to go to church, so she was previously turned off to religion. She came out here to escape drinking, which is funny because everyone drinks here, but we'll let her live in her bubble as far as that goes. So hopefully that will go somewhere... she deserves a new start.
Other than that its the same old grind. We have been getting more dinners with less actives lately at our own initiative, just because no one signed up this week. At least we have 15 names, even if they havent contacted them like they're supposed too. haha So we'll just see what comes from it.
Other than that life is good.
Well tell everyone I say hi. I was thinking about it and i feel kind of sad that no one from your ward or my ward even writes me. I got that christmas letter which was pretty cool, but other than that nothing... Well i hope all is well in the land of a million dreams. You all have a great week and we'll talk soon.
Love,
Tom
So we found out one of our investigators only has a couple weeks to live. That is a rough thing to hear, and his family convinced him he can be baptized by anyone, so one of the churchs that gave us hell in Lakewood sent a preacher up and he was baptized in his bathtub. That is so rough to see when they have been taught about authority and all and especially where he's a goner.
Other than that we are starting to work with some new people. One of the funniest stories, we were going to talk with some people at a park and hopefully find some people there and I ended up climbing in a tree and teaching a girl a lesson in a tree and we got her number and will be teaching her a bit more. She has a unique story... She is living with some friends of her mom, her mom took off when she was young because her dad was a alcoholic and cocaine addict, and she was basically left to raise her sibilings in Kansas and her dad abused her, and still wanted her to go to church, so she was previously turned off to religion. She came out here to escape drinking, which is funny because everyone drinks here, but we'll let her live in her bubble as far as that goes. So hopefully that will go somewhere... she deserves a new start.
Other than that its the same old grind. We have been getting more dinners with less actives lately at our own initiative, just because no one signed up this week. At least we have 15 names, even if they havent contacted them like they're supposed too. haha So we'll just see what comes from it.
Other than that life is good.
Well tell everyone I say hi. I was thinking about it and i feel kind of sad that no one from your ward or my ward even writes me. I got that christmas letter which was pretty cool, but other than that nothing... Well i hope all is well in the land of a million dreams. You all have a great week and we'll talk soon.
Love,
Tom
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
23 June 2010
Hey whats up...
Its been such a good day... I got to go see Brandon and Amanda Alexander, from Buena Vista, get endowed and sealed and it was such a spiritual experience. It was so exciting to see a couple that I worked so closely with get linked together forever. That has to be one of the most powerful experiences I have been able to take part in... I really was glad to get to go.
OK I tried to instant message you and talk about a few things, but it didn't work. I already had to buy a watchband and a new memory card reader this last while, and I saw Van Heusen shirts on sale for 18 bucks, but was way hesitant to do it. I don't want to spend to much, but then again i don't wanna pass up that deal. So I was gonna ask for your advise, since i do need a few long sleeved shirts.
Other than that life is good. We have one on date for baptism again and are working towards it with others. I love when you can see and feel success in an area and it is a very rewarding feeling. Tracting is alright, but its starting to get a bit hot. I am enjoying it, but it seems to be more tiring with the heat but that's alright... I am scared for the new mission president, idk what will happen. There will definately be a lot of changes. It seems like the president just doesn't care bc hes going home, but its all good.
Other than that I don't have too much to talk about. I may fill you in on a bit more later, but the highway were on is going to close for maintenance shortly, and I kind of want to get out, so I will write more later on... love ya
your son,
Tom
Its been such a good day... I got to go see Brandon and Amanda Alexander, from Buena Vista, get endowed and sealed and it was such a spiritual experience. It was so exciting to see a couple that I worked so closely with get linked together forever. That has to be one of the most powerful experiences I have been able to take part in... I really was glad to get to go.
OK I tried to instant message you and talk about a few things, but it didn't work. I already had to buy a watchband and a new memory card reader this last while, and I saw Van Heusen shirts on sale for 18 bucks, but was way hesitant to do it. I don't want to spend to much, but then again i don't wanna pass up that deal. So I was gonna ask for your advise, since i do need a few long sleeved shirts.
Other than that life is good. We have one on date for baptism again and are working towards it with others. I love when you can see and feel success in an area and it is a very rewarding feeling. Tracting is alright, but its starting to get a bit hot. I am enjoying it, but it seems to be more tiring with the heat but that's alright... I am scared for the new mission president, idk what will happen. There will definately be a lot of changes. It seems like the president just doesn't care bc hes going home, but its all good.
Other than that I don't have too much to talk about. I may fill you in on a bit more later, but the highway were on is going to close for maintenance shortly, and I kind of want to get out, so I will write more later on... love ya
your son,
Tom
16 June 2010
So whats new. I sent you a few pix. :P We had quite the hailstorm up by our house, luckily we were 10 miles away when it hit. They brought out the plows and when we got home there was still 3-4 inches of hail in parts of the driveway. I'm glad we missed it and were on the sunny side of our area... That's all good though. So Elder Bickmore is in your ward now?? That's pretty cool, their family is out of town, but I'm not surprised that he's a good missionary, his family is quite missionary oriented. We're actually starting to teach a couple of his sisters friends. They also offered to have any lessons we want at their home, they're a great bunch.
So we are getting back into teaching Deborah, and hopefully we can plan a baptism pretty soon. She needs to make that step, it would help her out so much. I am so happy its getting warmer again, it makes tracting a lot more tolerable. It really is kind of fun when you have a good companion. Life is so much easier when you receive cooperation. haha I'm scared for a new mission president and a new companion which will both come very soon. I hope the new mission president doesn't do anything to drastic, because it could totally tear apart the mission.
Zone Conference was yesterday and it was a blast. They ran over though, which made it a race to make it to dinner, but we made it only 5 minutes late. Not too bad eh? Then we went to a ward fellowship activity and we played volleyball with some non-members which was pretty sweet, we're starting to teach so many new people from that. Today we have a basketball activity for p-day where a bunch of the youth are bringing friends which will be a good experience, and whatever we can do to get them inside a building right?? I am kind of excited for that.
Other than that i have District Leader team-ups which should be interesting. This area is the only area where I have had my district leaders calling to ask me for advise. Yikes! I seem to have become the go to guy instead of vice-versa. Oh well, it is good. I like being able to help without having the responsibility. It was funny though, when he got rear-ended even the first person he called was me. haha That's getting sorted out now too. So I'm not expecting too much advise from them, but it will be fun to change it up for a day for sure.
Well I don't know what else to tell you guys about. I think life is good...
Have a gr8 week,
Luv ya,
Tom
So we are getting back into teaching Deborah, and hopefully we can plan a baptism pretty soon. She needs to make that step, it would help her out so much. I am so happy its getting warmer again, it makes tracting a lot more tolerable. It really is kind of fun when you have a good companion. Life is so much easier when you receive cooperation. haha I'm scared for a new mission president and a new companion which will both come very soon. I hope the new mission president doesn't do anything to drastic, because it could totally tear apart the mission.
Zone Conference was yesterday and it was a blast. They ran over though, which made it a race to make it to dinner, but we made it only 5 minutes late. Not too bad eh? Then we went to a ward fellowship activity and we played volleyball with some non-members which was pretty sweet, we're starting to teach so many new people from that. Today we have a basketball activity for p-day where a bunch of the youth are bringing friends which will be a good experience, and whatever we can do to get them inside a building right?? I am kind of excited for that.
Other than that i have District Leader team-ups which should be interesting. This area is the only area where I have had my district leaders calling to ask me for advise. Yikes! I seem to have become the go to guy instead of vice-versa. Oh well, it is good. I like being able to help without having the responsibility. It was funny though, when he got rear-ended even the first person he called was me. haha That's getting sorted out now too. So I'm not expecting too much advise from them, but it will be fun to change it up for a day for sure.
Well I don't know what else to tell you guys about. I think life is good...
Have a gr8 week,
Luv ya,
Tom
Sunday, June 13, 2010
9 June 2010
Hey guys,
Well sounds like you guys are having fun. haha... I am pretty excited for the summer weather that is coming on (80s and 90s baby) its been so nice. They are however doing road construction on US-285 which is a highway we drive almost daily. The transit time from our house to half of our dinners will now be an hour instead of 30 minutes. That is a little bit frustrating.
Tracting is now the bulk of our work, although we do have a lot of service opportunities emerging since it is summer and there is no more snow. We also are planning on getting the youth to invite friends and playing basketball on Pdays since everyones been out of school for a few weeks. It is a great idea I think to get some investigators from and to fellowship current investigators. We already have 2 new investigators and a few potentials from talking to people at the Tuesday night volleyball activities and playing. Its been fun to play some volleyball and it has been a great way to draw people in. Speaking of which we are cruizin down to golden with some other elders and playing volleyball at 2 today, so that should be pretty cool. I'm excited! Since I left Buena Vista and even with dinner appointments and all I've been able to not only maintain but lose a couple more pounds. I'm getting close to 180 I look and feel great! :)
So I love this place in the summer it is a little piece of heaven... I'll have to send ya a few pix in a min and show ya what I'm talking about. I love it! I got to take somewhat of a dayhike on last pday just squeezing it in on top of the bowling and all. It is so amazing, but tracting in some of these areas might as well be hiking. I will miss it if I have to go back to the city. I kind of want to stay in the mountains for the rest of my mission. I have learned to love them even with all the snow. The people are a bit different somtimes but thats ok you get used to that too.
Our investigators are all standing still, but we are praying and making the necessary phonecalls ot get things rolling. We may have a dinner appointment with one on Saturday. We'll see how all that rolls out but not much to report there. I cant think of any other ways to draw them in, but summer up here i wouldnt want to answer my phone either. haha
So the church is true, the book is blue, see ya in a lot less than two. Man it is amazing to me how the time flies. I have been truely blessed to meet the people I have and serve in the wonderful areas I did. I love this area so much too. I dont know what I will do when I have to leave. It will be a hard transition if I get put back in the city. I just feel like I am love by the Lord to get the experiences I have and to live in these awesome places....
Love ya,
Elder Stevenson
Thursday, June 3, 2010
2 June 2010
So we're both staying and I'm keeping the Vibe!!! I'm excited to see things move along. We are finding so many teaching opportunities and its just been great. I'm excited for a new transfer and new opportunities. It is going to be wonderful. We have a baptism on Saturday too. Its a 9 year old unbaptized child. :)
So this week has been a lot of the same... phonecalls, tracting, and lessons. Oh and tomorrow we get a new phone, ours is a bit broken and it annoyed me enough that i called to get a new one. Other than that today we went bowling in Golden with a bunch of elders a dollar per shoes and a dollar per game! It was a load of fun, but that is why emails are late and probably gonna be short. I might drop by in the next couple days and send a bit more, but we'll see.
Last week I forgot to tell you about presidents interviews. They were pretty good. He told me how much he respects me and trust me to keep a positive attitude no matter what. He told me my last three companions were all supposed to be hard and he was surprised that I only had trouble with the one back. He said he thought I was going to have a hard time with my companion now, but he's probably one of my best comps I ever had. Its been fun. He also told me that he knows I will be successful in all that i do and I will make a great father. It made me feel good the stuff he said. :P
Other than that I am enjoying the beautiful transition straight from winter to summer. There aren't 4 seasons here, we skipped spring. It got into the mid 80s this last week a couple days... it was wonderful. It is beautiful out here, I tried to send a few good pix... I hope ya enjoy them.
We also got to go to the temple today, that was a good thing too. Its so nice to go. I also bought the new conference on CD and the returned missionary guy is burning me a ton of talks on CD so that will be fun to have. Its gonna be like christmas when they are done! I cant wait.
Well we have to go to dinner so I will try and stop in and write more sometime, but I love ya and we'll talk soon.
Love,
Elder Stevenson
So this week has been a lot of the same... phonecalls, tracting, and lessons. Oh and tomorrow we get a new phone, ours is a bit broken and it annoyed me enough that i called to get a new one. Other than that today we went bowling in Golden with a bunch of elders a dollar per shoes and a dollar per game! It was a load of fun, but that is why emails are late and probably gonna be short. I might drop by in the next couple days and send a bit more, but we'll see.
Last week I forgot to tell you about presidents interviews. They were pretty good. He told me how much he respects me and trust me to keep a positive attitude no matter what. He told me my last three companions were all supposed to be hard and he was surprised that I only had trouble with the one back. He said he thought I was going to have a hard time with my companion now, but he's probably one of my best comps I ever had. Its been fun. He also told me that he knows I will be successful in all that i do and I will make a great father. It made me feel good the stuff he said. :P
Other than that I am enjoying the beautiful transition straight from winter to summer. There aren't 4 seasons here, we skipped spring. It got into the mid 80s this last week a couple days... it was wonderful. It is beautiful out here, I tried to send a few good pix... I hope ya enjoy them.
We also got to go to the temple today, that was a good thing too. Its so nice to go. I also bought the new conference on CD and the returned missionary guy is burning me a ton of talks on CD so that will be fun to have. Its gonna be like christmas when they are done! I cant wait.
Well we have to go to dinner so I will try and stop in and write more sometime, but I love ya and we'll talk soon.
Love,
Elder Stevenson
26 May 2010
So its been a good week. We are picking things up and teaching like crazy... I hope so so much that next weeks transfers dont bring any changes. I hope we both get to stay and keep up the good work.
Today was a tough pday morning. We needed two new tires on the car because when I went to buena vista they weren't taking care of the car and the pressure was too low so they wore quickly. I had everything arranged on Tuesday and we were supposed to have our tires changed balanced and aligned at 8am but they lied when they said they had the tires there and they were on backorder. A tiny bit annoying so we talked to them and they got a store in denver to race some tires that were a bit more spendy up here but still the same rating on them and we got those at the same price. Meanwhile we were stuck up there waiting until 10am for them to even start, but as soon as the tires got there we had the car up and getting worked on. Meanwhile we spent a while aimlessly walking around walmart since neither of us have any money.
I have been really pushing myself to get right out of bed at 630 and exercise. I have had so much more energy since then. It has been great. Also we are still working with all the people I told ya about, but we are starting to teach a couple of youth that came to a fellowshipping volleyball activity they have weekly out here. It is great to have a large teaching pool again. As far as Hayley goes ( the girl that was in Arizona) We'll have to teach some more. We found out the missionaries in Arizona were a bit less accountable we'll just say. They were spending every day for about two weeks over at this college girls house "teaching" her and with her member roommates there. They said they taught everything and were going to baptize her, but upon receipt of the teaching record we realized they didn't teach everything, and shes still not sure if she wants to be baptized. I called around to some of the youth and people returning from college and figured out who knows her so they can invite her to reinforce our invites and give her a reason to go, so we'll see what happens, I think we need to just lightly go over what they taught and see what she has questions about that we can teach over too. But I could see her getting baptized.
There are many other obsticles right now. One family we were teaching had their rental sold on them and were told to be out in 3 weeks, which is now two. Another man has cancer and is very sick. Deborah is dealing with a custody battle. Laina, the 17 year old is dealing with anti and other issues that she cant get over... And one guy we've been teaching we just haven't gotten a hold of. :(
Lately we have been all over the place too. We have a lot of the youth that just got out of school are driving us to visit less actives out in the boonies where we couldn't go on our mileage allotments. Its been fun and entirely worth it and they get to have somewhat of a missionary experience. That's always good.
I am pretty excited for Missionary money to hit, I need some things like shoe polish and other essentials I've just been waiting to get. That other money will be a good thing to have to fall back on too, thanks for filing for me.
The wards are getting fired up about missionary-work because they are seeing all the teaching going on. We are being fought over in the wards for who gets to house us... lol That is a new experience. I hope I get to stay here for at least 3 transfers... it is so amazing! I don't know what else to tell you guys. I hope all is well. I really hope that you guys are having a great time. I'm excited to see you guys soon. Way too soon it seems, but its good that its going fast. Next week will be 17 months! wow. Well I gotta go, but we'll talk soon.
Love ya,
Tom
Today was a tough pday morning. We needed two new tires on the car because when I went to buena vista they weren't taking care of the car and the pressure was too low so they wore quickly. I had everything arranged on Tuesday and we were supposed to have our tires changed balanced and aligned at 8am but they lied when they said they had the tires there and they were on backorder. A tiny bit annoying so we talked to them and they got a store in denver to race some tires that were a bit more spendy up here but still the same rating on them and we got those at the same price. Meanwhile we were stuck up there waiting until 10am for them to even start, but as soon as the tires got there we had the car up and getting worked on. Meanwhile we spent a while aimlessly walking around walmart since neither of us have any money.
I have been really pushing myself to get right out of bed at 630 and exercise. I have had so much more energy since then. It has been great. Also we are still working with all the people I told ya about, but we are starting to teach a couple of youth that came to a fellowshipping volleyball activity they have weekly out here. It is great to have a large teaching pool again. As far as Hayley goes ( the girl that was in Arizona) We'll have to teach some more. We found out the missionaries in Arizona were a bit less accountable we'll just say. They were spending every day for about two weeks over at this college girls house "teaching" her and with her member roommates there. They said they taught everything and were going to baptize her, but upon receipt of the teaching record we realized they didn't teach everything, and shes still not sure if she wants to be baptized. I called around to some of the youth and people returning from college and figured out who knows her so they can invite her to reinforce our invites and give her a reason to go, so we'll see what happens, I think we need to just lightly go over what they taught and see what she has questions about that we can teach over too. But I could see her getting baptized.
There are many other obsticles right now. One family we were teaching had their rental sold on them and were told to be out in 3 weeks, which is now two. Another man has cancer and is very sick. Deborah is dealing with a custody battle. Laina, the 17 year old is dealing with anti and other issues that she cant get over... And one guy we've been teaching we just haven't gotten a hold of. :(
Lately we have been all over the place too. We have a lot of the youth that just got out of school are driving us to visit less actives out in the boonies where we couldn't go on our mileage allotments. Its been fun and entirely worth it and they get to have somewhat of a missionary experience. That's always good.
I am pretty excited for Missionary money to hit, I need some things like shoe polish and other essentials I've just been waiting to get. That other money will be a good thing to have to fall back on too, thanks for filing for me.
The wards are getting fired up about missionary-work because they are seeing all the teaching going on. We are being fought over in the wards for who gets to house us... lol That is a new experience. I hope I get to stay here for at least 3 transfers... it is so amazing! I don't know what else to tell you guys. I hope all is well. I really hope that you guys are having a great time. I'm excited to see you guys soon. Way too soon it seems, but its good that its going fast. Next week will be 17 months! wow. Well I gotta go, but we'll talk soon.
Love ya,
Tom
19 May 2010
It's been an alright week. Much more beautiful weather lately, although yesterday we were on tornado-watch. haha I have had some unexpected expenses though, I thought I'd be able to dry-clean my suit and pay for it with missionary money, but that ain't happening. And I may have to spend about 5 bucks personal funds this month on food, but other than that I'm doing well. It's just kind of depressing to watch the bank account fall so so low, and know I cant do anything about it anymore. Oh well.
So we had a full baptismal service planned for saturday for Deborah, but she backed out on Tuesday. Shes beating a dead animal trying to overturn a decision on her son who is with her ex-husband which has already gone to the state court of appeals and they favored the father still, so I dont see anything happening, but she'll have to sort that out. She doesnt feel she can commit the 2 hours including the service which would be required to become a member this week. Rough stuff.
I dont know if I told you about the girl who is moving up here from school in Arizona for the summer, but she has been taught everything and wants to be baptized up here so her family can go so that will be pretty cool.
Other than that the other ward is trying to snag us and house us out there now, which is optimum as far as where all the work is. It will be totally rough with miles no matter how we work it out. Anywhere we live miles will be a problem in this area. You really really have to budget your time and where you go during the day, but now that all the teenage kids are getting out of high school we should be able to get rides often.
Other than that knocking doors is our life. I dont really have any great stories from this week, but sometimes its nice to just have a week where not too much crazy stuff happens I guess. Although last wednesday night we almost got stuck in the hills when I was on exchanges. He couldnt climb the hill in the wet snow in his truck with it in 4lo and we spun sideways in between a tree and a bunch of rocks. We got out though, but thats the most exciting story of the week.
Hey, I love you guys. Thanks for the continued support and prayers.It always helps. I feel like I have no friends back home anymore bc I've lost contact, but its ok. I miss you guys and cant wait to see ya again soon.
On Friday we go to have our bbq with president, but we're doing it at the church now instead and having interviews up the mountain, so it should be good.
Love ya,
Tom
So we had a full baptismal service planned for saturday for Deborah, but she backed out on Tuesday. Shes beating a dead animal trying to overturn a decision on her son who is with her ex-husband which has already gone to the state court of appeals and they favored the father still, so I dont see anything happening, but she'll have to sort that out. She doesnt feel she can commit the 2 hours including the service which would be required to become a member this week. Rough stuff.
I dont know if I told you about the girl who is moving up here from school in Arizona for the summer, but she has been taught everything and wants to be baptized up here so her family can go so that will be pretty cool.
Other than that the other ward is trying to snag us and house us out there now, which is optimum as far as where all the work is. It will be totally rough with miles no matter how we work it out. Anywhere we live miles will be a problem in this area. You really really have to budget your time and where you go during the day, but now that all the teenage kids are getting out of high school we should be able to get rides often.
Other than that knocking doors is our life. I dont really have any great stories from this week, but sometimes its nice to just have a week where not too much crazy stuff happens I guess. Although last wednesday night we almost got stuck in the hills when I was on exchanges. He couldnt climb the hill in the wet snow in his truck with it in 4lo and we spun sideways in between a tree and a bunch of rocks. We got out though, but thats the most exciting story of the week.
Hey, I love you guys. Thanks for the continued support and prayers.It always helps. I feel like I have no friends back home anymore bc I've lost contact, but its ok. I miss you guys and cant wait to see ya again soon.
On Friday we go to have our bbq with president, but we're doing it at the church now instead and having interviews up the mountain, so it should be good.
Love ya,
Tom
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
12 May 2010
Snow in the summer??? What the heck, I miss California. At least we have a good car tho. So I found out that one of the families in the ward here used to live in San Bernardino... They moved out about the time we moved in though. Hey if you go to the dental convention you should get me some tooth whitening stuff. :P
So life is good, I feel weird writing a letter because there is not much that I didn't tell ya in the phonecall. I did buy shoes yesterday. I got some nikes that were on sale for 40 because they are actually thin enough for my feet, and I got some gold toe sock because they were on sale for a dollar a pair. So that is pretty sweet. so I did burn like 50 there but I needed new shoes so badly.
We are excited to be teaching. Our one investigator is an unemployed attorney she is in her 40s and she just lost custody of one of her sons, she is definately in need of the gospel right now, and totally understands everything we teach, but is having a hard time with forgiveness. We are also teaching a 40 year old chiropractor who told the bishop he wants to be baptized. We are teaching a 10 year old in a part member family who wants to be baptized, and cool fact, his dad climbed Mt. Everest. Then we are teaching a man with cancer and a 17 year old girl. We have other investigators, but they're not really progressing.
I am pretty excited for the 21. We are having a bbq and interviews at the Presidents house. He is doing a closing interview like the ones he does when missionaries go home, since he is leaving, and letting us know what he saw in us and just cool stuff like that. So that should be fun.
Other than that tracting is still a chore, but we're doing it. I just wish it would finally warm up. This weather is retarded. I really don't know what else to tell ya other than I love you guys, and I hope things are great in lovely warm sunny california. haha
Well this church is gods church and will always hold true, even when the ppl dont. I love knowing that and that Jesus died for me. Those two fact bring a world of comfort with them. I love you guys.
Elder Tom
Thursday, April 29, 2010
28 April 2010
So I'm still in the mountains... I'm in the Evergreen/Conifer Area and it is so beautiful here. We live with a family who the husband lost his job, but used to be a radio personality in Denver, he is such a funny guy. I got the same car as my last area, hahaha. My companion works hard and we're having fun. We have 2 on a baptismal date right now, one that told the Bishop that he wants to be baptized, and we just have to get over and teach and set a date (we were supposed to tonight, but it fell through), and we have a UBC/PM (unbaptized child in a part member family age 10) Who wants to be baptized, so in the next couple weeks we should have 4 on date.
You went to Ricky's wedding reception. I've heard about that from you guys and Adrianne. Suzie's younger sister is the girl I took to that last formal before I left and Suzie and Adrianne are actually the ones who picked me up for that New Year party when I was 18. Adrianne is getting married in December too. Its so awesome, they are both great girls, and it was fun to get to know them a bit. I do still keep in touch with Ricky's now sister-in-law.
So I thought the whole snow thing was over... We have awakened to a couple inches of snow most of the mornings here. I just want sunshine. It looks like we're getting a taste of that today. So we don't have a bike rack yet, so we're having to find rides, because 250 miles a week is just not enough for this area. We should be at Zone Conference the next week or so and already have the request in, so we should be getting a receiver hitch installed to put one of the fancy new bike racks on.
So a week from sunday is mothers day... What time is your church, when works best to call you guys? I still have to find a place to call from but I'm sure up here we can.
So tracting more often and being in an area with a larger concentration of people (which yes means multiple restaurants and Kroger Foods, Safeway, and a WalMart Supercenter). It's been great to be able to talk to people and help them out. Our teaching pool is quite large here, and covering two wards allows for a great opportunity to teach members, and dinner appointments every night (too bad I came here with no money still and had to buy food off of personal funds, but we should get more tomorrow or friday).
I am still in the same Zone, Surprize Surprize, my trainer is still my Zone Leader, and I still cant stand him at all. We are the only people in this district not at the Rockies game today, but that's ok. Miles are still a bit rough, and public transit would make us miss our appointments tonight, so we decided to go to the church and get some exercise instead of paying to watch other people do just that.
I don't know what else to tell you, its been a good week we're working hard and having fun!
I love you guys. Stay strong and be happy.
My New address is
Elder Thomas Stevenson
c/o Marshall Family
29812 Troutdale Scenic Drive
Evergreen, CO 80439
You all have a great week, talk to you soon, I've been working on a snail mail letter to go home but its a slow process. I got like 20 stamps left now though, so in the next few months I'll probably burn right through those. haha. I should have some extra money for that stuff since I have dinners now though, so no worries, so I'm gonna head out, but we'll talk soon.
Love,
Tom
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
21 April 2010
Hey y'all,
Yes I am being transferred and I'm going back to the Denver Metro area because I meet in Silverthorne at 330pm and will be catching the "transfer train" on the way back in. YAY I'm not too worried about packing today either since I have most my stuff packed and the rest of it I can do tomorrow.
Today is going to be a fun PDay. This morning we woke up and had a country style going-away breakfast with the lady we live with. Eggs, Potatoes, Bacon, Blueberry pancakes. Not exactly healthy, but it was nice. This evening we have a Steak and Potatoes dinner with a family (one of two dinners this week haha) and then we're going to watch a soccer game for a while that one of their kids is in. We do have to make the car totally spotless because it is being switched out so the Elders out here can put more miles on other cars. Its a 2010 and it already has 10500 miles on it. So they'll get a corolla, a Ford Fusion, or a Malibu out here. I'm glad I didn't have to drive a Corolla out here, that would have been a huge pain on some of these hills, they're not too good at that.
I hope that wherever I go I have more people to work with, that would be awesome. I have been so bored here. Oh, I wanted to get some fishing pictures, because we've done that a few times (don't worry I haven't bought a rod or reel, I just borrowed them) but the Pictures I have the only fish I caught was pretty small. I got some bigger ones before though. I like fishing, its fun, I want to do some of it when I come home.
So other than me being moved I can't think of anything to tell you. Space bags are amazing though, they make everything fit. hahaha Oh next week PDay is Wednesday again. Kinda weird, but this week both Tuesday and Wednesday are kind of PDays since I wont make it to my new area until after five too. I talked to some missionaries in the city and they're gonna call in the morning and let me know where I'm going and who I'm with after transfer meeting.
Well thanks for all you do. I couldn't do any of this without your support. I look forward to calling you in about a month. I hope then I'll have more to talk about. can you believe its almost been 15 months? A couple of blinks and we'll have a new mission president, this is his last full transfer, and I'll have been out for a year and a half.
I am so glad for the scriptures, they are such a strength in my life, I've read the whole Book of Mormon this transfer and it has really helped me out. Its amazing how some old dead guys stories are so relevant to today. It struck me how the Lamanites were raised by unbelieving fathers and mothers and that was their downfall. Look at today all the professing atheists and agnostics breeding ignorance and causing the degenerate generation we are a part of. Why is the world so bad. Why do we have a moron for President who in his first year put us over 12 trillion dollars further in debt, why are there so many thefts, rapes, murders, and sorrows? Well it's like in the Book of Mormon with those Lamanites, you reject God and the spirit is withdrawn. These evils and many others are caused manly by the withdrawing of the spirit and over time a loss of moral conscience. It is such a great thing to be able to have this history and to be able to learn from the mistakes of others. If only the whole world would know. But there I go with the whole "Oh if I were an angel..." speech.
God is real, I see enough miracles in my own life alone to know that only a fool wouldn't believe. Come on even the devils believe right? Jesus Christ sacrifice can help anyone it is limitless and real. No matter what someone has done they can be forgiven. It is not easy, it is not painless, but it is worth it. I love knowing that the organization of the church that Paul so clearly defines is actually on the earth and that we do have a prophet and he speaks. I am seriously thinking about getting the audio CDS from last conference, it was so good.
I don't know what else to tell you about, but you guys have a great day, and we'll talk soon, I'll try and get you my new address asap.
love ya,
Tom
Yes I am being transferred and I'm going back to the Denver Metro area because I meet in Silverthorne at 330pm and will be catching the "transfer train" on the way back in. YAY I'm not too worried about packing today either since I have most my stuff packed and the rest of it I can do tomorrow.
Today is going to be a fun PDay. This morning we woke up and had a country style going-away breakfast with the lady we live with. Eggs, Potatoes, Bacon, Blueberry pancakes. Not exactly healthy, but it was nice. This evening we have a Steak and Potatoes dinner with a family (one of two dinners this week haha) and then we're going to watch a soccer game for a while that one of their kids is in. We do have to make the car totally spotless because it is being switched out so the Elders out here can put more miles on other cars. Its a 2010 and it already has 10500 miles on it. So they'll get a corolla, a Ford Fusion, or a Malibu out here. I'm glad I didn't have to drive a Corolla out here, that would have been a huge pain on some of these hills, they're not too good at that.
I hope that wherever I go I have more people to work with, that would be awesome. I have been so bored here. Oh, I wanted to get some fishing pictures, because we've done that a few times (don't worry I haven't bought a rod or reel, I just borrowed them) but the Pictures I have the only fish I caught was pretty small. I got some bigger ones before though. I like fishing, its fun, I want to do some of it when I come home.
So other than me being moved I can't think of anything to tell you. Space bags are amazing though, they make everything fit. hahaha Oh next week PDay is Wednesday again. Kinda weird, but this week both Tuesday and Wednesday are kind of PDays since I wont make it to my new area until after five too. I talked to some missionaries in the city and they're gonna call in the morning and let me know where I'm going and who I'm with after transfer meeting.
Well thanks for all you do. I couldn't do any of this without your support. I look forward to calling you in about a month. I hope then I'll have more to talk about. can you believe its almost been 15 months? A couple of blinks and we'll have a new mission president, this is his last full transfer, and I'll have been out for a year and a half.
I am so glad for the scriptures, they are such a strength in my life, I've read the whole Book of Mormon this transfer and it has really helped me out. Its amazing how some old dead guys stories are so relevant to today. It struck me how the Lamanites were raised by unbelieving fathers and mothers and that was their downfall. Look at today all the professing atheists and agnostics breeding ignorance and causing the degenerate generation we are a part of. Why is the world so bad. Why do we have a moron for President who in his first year put us over 12 trillion dollars further in debt, why are there so many thefts, rapes, murders, and sorrows? Well it's like in the Book of Mormon with those Lamanites, you reject God and the spirit is withdrawn. These evils and many others are caused manly by the withdrawing of the spirit and over time a loss of moral conscience. It is such a great thing to be able to have this history and to be able to learn from the mistakes of others. If only the whole world would know. But there I go with the whole "Oh if I were an angel..." speech.
God is real, I see enough miracles in my own life alone to know that only a fool wouldn't believe. Come on even the devils believe right? Jesus Christ sacrifice can help anyone it is limitless and real. No matter what someone has done they can be forgiven. It is not easy, it is not painless, but it is worth it. I love knowing that the organization of the church that Paul so clearly defines is actually on the earth and that we do have a prophet and he speaks. I am seriously thinking about getting the audio CDS from last conference, it was so good.
I don't know what else to tell you about, but you guys have a great day, and we'll talk soon, I'll try and get you my new address asap.
love ya,
Tom
Friday, April 16, 2010
14 April 2010
First item of business. Next week is TRANSFER week, and its going to be a bit different than usual. Next week our PDay will be Tuesday, and transfers will take place on Wednesday. Salt Lake decided to send the new guys up a day early so just for next week there will be a change. The following week Pday will be on Wednesday again.
As far as food, I attached a picture of me with our extremely full dinner calendar. haha I am running a bit short on money due to that. We did have a spontaneous dinner appointment last night which was good and we were fed lunch today too. As far as the grocery store I shop at its the only one here. It is City Market which is owned by Kroger Foods, and the Ralphs club card works in the Kroger stores here, so I am helping you guys with your rewards if you ever do shop there. In the city we only really had Kroger (King Soopers) and Safeway. Its alright, but food is just expensive here. I'm in a tourist town, this area isn't good for much else other than tourism. Hiking, Rafting, skiing... Those are really the only things to do out here and they have people in and out for that all the time.
These last couple weeks have been a trial of patience. I swear I am ready to leave! I get to go start over in a new place with next to no money too. :P Oh well though, I'll survive. I just want to go back to the city though. I miss having things to do places to go and actually having new people to talk to. Today we went to a lake and my companion fished while I hung out with some members that went up there with us, and played with their dogs. I have a picture of a stick (log) that their Black Lab decided to pull out of the river coming off of the lake. Its a bit funny. I decided to put that up too. So we went up there and spent a few hours and then they took us out to lunch. They are actually the members that Thomas lives with and works with.
I am ready for transfer calls on Monday night. I can't wait. I want to go to a functional ward. One where the missionaries are not required to speak every couple Sundays, and one where we get member support.
I also am excited to leave since the mission president basically laid the blame on us for not having dinner appointments. He told us to talk to leadership and work something out, and now we have none since we did! He also told us 139 is enough to live off of without dinners too. Yeah, I don't tend to buy spam when I go grocery shopping, that is not something that sounds appetizing, and top ramen is also cheap, but has no nutritional value, just empty calories and more sodium than an individual should have in a day. I choose to try and eat things that are good food.
I'm glad you guys had a good trip to SLC. I wish I could see everyone up there. This last transfer has been one of those ones that seems as long as the rest of my whole mission. It has seemed like I am not doing anything, but I know that's how the devil wants me to feel. So I've been reading the Book of Mormon a lot and just praying that it will be soon that I get to move. I know it will get better. I think of a song by Montgomery Gentry which echos the words of wisdom from the Book of Mormon in Nephi's writings, "...Things aren't good unless they're bad, and I ain't happy til I'm sad..." and then I realize that sometimes it just has to get worse before it gets better, and sometimes just so we can appreciate it.
I don't know what else you want to hear about, we're not really teaching anyone right now, we have a few potentials, but don't have too many stories from them. In the words of another country artist, " God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy." Yup that pretty much sums up life, except for that middle part if you're a mormon. But hey other religions don't care. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." Well anyways, my dumb quotes are digressing. haha
But "when I get where I'm going [something something something] I'm gonna spread my wings and fly." :P I think that was Brad Paisley, but don't quote me on that. Life is crazy, but I am ready to move on and try out a new place and really have some fun with it. I hope I get a decent companion and I hope I can help more people out wherever that is. I love you guys, and I'm keeping my head up, no matter what gets thrown at me, hey that was what life is about, that and relying on the atonement. That is the greatest thing, know that we, and everyone else for that matter, can grow and change and all this because our older brother has been looking out for us, he's got our backs, and that is the best protection we can ever have.
You guys take care, "just keep swimming," and we'll talk soon. In about a month to be exact! I love you all! Have a great week and we'll talk soon.
Love ya,
Tom
As far as food, I attached a picture of me with our extremely full dinner calendar. haha I am running a bit short on money due to that. We did have a spontaneous dinner appointment last night which was good and we were fed lunch today too. As far as the grocery store I shop at its the only one here. It is City Market which is owned by Kroger Foods, and the Ralphs club card works in the Kroger stores here, so I am helping you guys with your rewards if you ever do shop there. In the city we only really had Kroger (King Soopers) and Safeway. Its alright, but food is just expensive here. I'm in a tourist town, this area isn't good for much else other than tourism. Hiking, Rafting, skiing... Those are really the only things to do out here and they have people in and out for that all the time.
These last couple weeks have been a trial of patience. I swear I am ready to leave! I get to go start over in a new place with next to no money too. :P Oh well though, I'll survive. I just want to go back to the city though. I miss having things to do places to go and actually having new people to talk to. Today we went to a lake and my companion fished while I hung out with some members that went up there with us, and played with their dogs. I have a picture of a stick (log) that their Black Lab decided to pull out of the river coming off of the lake. Its a bit funny. I decided to put that up too. So we went up there and spent a few hours and then they took us out to lunch. They are actually the members that Thomas lives with and works with.
I am ready for transfer calls on Monday night. I can't wait. I want to go to a functional ward. One where the missionaries are not required to speak every couple Sundays, and one where we get member support.
I also am excited to leave since the mission president basically laid the blame on us for not having dinner appointments. He told us to talk to leadership and work something out, and now we have none since we did! He also told us 139 is enough to live off of without dinners too. Yeah, I don't tend to buy spam when I go grocery shopping, that is not something that sounds appetizing, and top ramen is also cheap, but has no nutritional value, just empty calories and more sodium than an individual should have in a day. I choose to try and eat things that are good food.
I'm glad you guys had a good trip to SLC. I wish I could see everyone up there. This last transfer has been one of those ones that seems as long as the rest of my whole mission. It has seemed like I am not doing anything, but I know that's how the devil wants me to feel. So I've been reading the Book of Mormon a lot and just praying that it will be soon that I get to move. I know it will get better. I think of a song by Montgomery Gentry which echos the words of wisdom from the Book of Mormon in Nephi's writings, "...Things aren't good unless they're bad, and I ain't happy til I'm sad..." and then I realize that sometimes it just has to get worse before it gets better, and sometimes just so we can appreciate it.
I don't know what else you want to hear about, we're not really teaching anyone right now, we have a few potentials, but don't have too many stories from them. In the words of another country artist, " God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy." Yup that pretty much sums up life, except for that middle part if you're a mormon. But hey other religions don't care. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." Well anyways, my dumb quotes are digressing. haha
But "when I get where I'm going [something something something] I'm gonna spread my wings and fly." :P I think that was Brad Paisley, but don't quote me on that. Life is crazy, but I am ready to move on and try out a new place and really have some fun with it. I hope I get a decent companion and I hope I can help more people out wherever that is. I love you guys, and I'm keeping my head up, no matter what gets thrown at me, hey that was what life is about, that and relying on the atonement. That is the greatest thing, know that we, and everyone else for that matter, can grow and change and all this because our older brother has been looking out for us, he's got our backs, and that is the best protection we can ever have.
You guys take care, "just keep swimming," and we'll talk soon. In about a month to be exact! I love you all! Have a great week and we'll talk soon.
Love ya,
Tom
Thursday, April 8, 2010
7 April 2010
So this week has been interesting. We got to see all of conference, they
finally set up a broadcast system so the members down here can watch.
Unfortunately the members cannot figure out how to work AV equipment even
with how simply the church wires it up. They simplicity is good, but the
sound quality isn't. I have never really liked the sound systems they have in
chapels, but that's OK. Anyways, I had to set everything up for conference
(oh goodness, including setting up the screen that we had to carry in it
took me less than 10 minutes to run a check and everything the day before
and set the sound levels). We were also asked to be there to greet people
every session. I know why missionary work has taken a nosedive here, its
because the members don't even want to go to church, I swear half of them say
they don't have TV and then they don't show up to conference. The saturday
morning session (great by the way all about building a family) it was us and
2 others, the father and son of the family we live with. Afternoon session,
just us. Priesthood 6 brothers including us and Thomas. Sunday morning same
as saturday morning plus one couple. Sunday Afternoon... JUST US.
You asked if I am comfortable living where we are. I am the most comfortable
there out of any house I've lived in on my mission. My companion doesn't want
to work very much at all anymore though and that's always frustrating. 2
weeks and I should be in a new place though. I can survive, but I'm not
gonna try and force anything, because that hasn't worked very well on my
mission.
As far as easter, the one couple that showed up to conference that morning
invited us over for lunch and we had chicken quesadillas. That was the last
meal appointment I've had and before that the last one was on last
wednesday. Good news though, I'm just over 185 lbs. haha It gets rough
though when you have to pay for 95 percent of your food, and food is
expensive up here, and we only are given 139 a month for everything.
Other than that I'm doing well and feeling healthy. I got some oranges the
last couple weeks, and I love that, they aren't too expensive here, but I did
have to give in and get some nectarines, you gotta treat yourself sometimes
right, but those are two dollars a pound. Other than that its funny how the
mission president told me to start working in the outlying areas, but we
only have 250 miles a week. With our area there is a lot more needed. That
is enough to go into town work around there and go back and maybe take a 15
mile trip to another town. But we cover about 60 miles from top to bottom
and in the widest part 35 miles east to west. Then we are asked to go to
district and zone meetings with only half reimbursments, so those weeks we
cant do much. This is one of those weeks. I cant wait to get back into the
city where members can give you rides when you go over on miles, where you
get meal appointments, where you don't talk to the same people 4 times.
We have been getting a lot of cold and wind, and most nights about 2 inches
of snow, but the sun usually shines through even if its ten degrees and it
melts off pretty quickly. And most of the day we get flurries on and off
that don't stick to anything but you. I am so sick of the cold, I hate it and
I plan on living in a place like I grew up in.
Well since conference I've done a lot of reading and reflecting and praying.
That always helps out a lot, and I know I'll get through. I so happy to know
that Jesus Christ was resurrected and that he loves us and he is there for
us. It is a beautiful thing.
There's not much to report on since all we do is tract and that is
ineffective, and the members do not work with us at all anymore. I miss
Lakewood so so much!!!
So how are things back home? Pretty sunny and green? I saw some pictures the
other day and oh my goodness it is beautiful out there! Is Johns car getting
fixed? Tell me how the trip to Utah is... Is Chris baptizing Brenden? Tell
everyone I say hi. I love you all.
Well, I may write you a letter this week on paper. Hopefully it can sound
more positive, but we'll talk to you soon. Hope you all have a great week.
Love ya,
Tom
finally set up a broadcast system so the members down here can watch.
Unfortunately the members cannot figure out how to work AV equipment even
with how simply the church wires it up. They simplicity is good, but the
sound quality isn't. I have never really liked the sound systems they have in
chapels, but that's OK. Anyways, I had to set everything up for conference
(oh goodness, including setting up the screen that we had to carry in it
took me less than 10 minutes to run a check and everything the day before
and set the sound levels). We were also asked to be there to greet people
every session. I know why missionary work has taken a nosedive here, its
because the members don't even want to go to church, I swear half of them say
they don't have TV and then they don't show up to conference. The saturday
morning session (great by the way all about building a family) it was us and
2 others, the father and son of the family we live with. Afternoon session,
just us. Priesthood 6 brothers including us and Thomas. Sunday morning same
as saturday morning plus one couple. Sunday Afternoon... JUST US.
You asked if I am comfortable living where we are. I am the most comfortable
there out of any house I've lived in on my mission. My companion doesn't want
to work very much at all anymore though and that's always frustrating. 2
weeks and I should be in a new place though. I can survive, but I'm not
gonna try and force anything, because that hasn't worked very well on my
mission.
As far as easter, the one couple that showed up to conference that morning
invited us over for lunch and we had chicken quesadillas. That was the last
meal appointment I've had and before that the last one was on last
wednesday. Good news though, I'm just over 185 lbs. haha It gets rough
though when you have to pay for 95 percent of your food, and food is
expensive up here, and we only are given 139 a month for everything.
Other than that I'm doing well and feeling healthy. I got some oranges the
last couple weeks, and I love that, they aren't too expensive here, but I did
have to give in and get some nectarines, you gotta treat yourself sometimes
right, but those are two dollars a pound. Other than that its funny how the
mission president told me to start working in the outlying areas, but we
only have 250 miles a week. With our area there is a lot more needed. That
is enough to go into town work around there and go back and maybe take a 15
mile trip to another town. But we cover about 60 miles from top to bottom
and in the widest part 35 miles east to west. Then we are asked to go to
district and zone meetings with only half reimbursments, so those weeks we
cant do much. This is one of those weeks. I cant wait to get back into the
city where members can give you rides when you go over on miles, where you
get meal appointments, where you don't talk to the same people 4 times.
We have been getting a lot of cold and wind, and most nights about 2 inches
of snow, but the sun usually shines through even if its ten degrees and it
melts off pretty quickly. And most of the day we get flurries on and off
that don't stick to anything but you. I am so sick of the cold, I hate it and
I plan on living in a place like I grew up in.
Well since conference I've done a lot of reading and reflecting and praying.
That always helps out a lot, and I know I'll get through. I so happy to know
that Jesus Christ was resurrected and that he loves us and he is there for
us. It is a beautiful thing.
There's not much to report on since all we do is tract and that is
ineffective, and the members do not work with us at all anymore. I miss
Lakewood so so much!!!
So how are things back home? Pretty sunny and green? I saw some pictures the
other day and oh my goodness it is beautiful out there! Is Johns car getting
fixed? Tell me how the trip to Utah is... Is Chris baptizing Brenden? Tell
everyone I say hi. I love you all.
Well, I may write you a letter this week on paper. Hopefully it can sound
more positive, but we'll talk to you soon. Hope you all have a great week.
Love ya,
Tom
Thursday, April 1, 2010
31 March 2010
So the lady we live with wants the missionaries there still and that's good,
because apparently missionaries will be here until winter again. Tracting is a bore right now, because we seem to have already talked to everyone, and they don't want to talk... also it is spring break this week, so people are all out of town. All the other areas had spring break last week, so we had some people in then. I am loving the sun, but we're supposed to get dumped on with snow on friday. YUCK!
Well first week in July we get a new mission president. It will be
interesting to see the changes made. I'm kind of worried he'll be more
strict than the one we have now, but I don't know if that's really possible.
The church told our mission president that he might have another church
assignment up for him when he goes home if he's up to it. His wife kind of
blurted it out, and I don't know if he was too happy she told us, but that
will be interesting to see too.
As far as food we have a lunch appointment today and a dinner appointment on
friday. It is a bit ridiculous I know, but the person over our dinner
calendar didn't even pass one around on Sunday. Oh well though, you just
gotta keep a smile on your face and keep working. We got asked why we were
at the supermarket by a member of the branch a few days back and not
working, I felt like saying something like because you guys don't feed us so
we ran out of food. I just said calmly that we needed some food for dinner,
and he kind of grunted and walked away. I swear people here are so weird. We
went to eat lunch on Monday at the church, and I was so mad! They left the
sacrament sitting there covered and trash all over the chapel. I cleaned up
the sacrament and then picked up the trash. From an attendance of 36 on
sunday I almost filled one of those small trash cans, its ridiculous. I am
going insane. And I'm wondering how they got the building they did, which
could easily seat over 100, but only seats an average of 30 a week. Oh well,
I'll be out of here soon enough, and then its another missionaries problem,
just hopefully its not like in Highlands Ranch where less than a week after
I left the missionaries got kicked out of the house they were living in and
the trust that had been built in that ward was destroyed. It was a shame to
talk to some of the members I worked with after I left.
So I'm just trying to keep my sanity. The potentials in the area book are a
joke, a couple of them I think were just put in there because some
missionary thought they were cute or felt sorry for them, but most of them
just want to argue. A couple of them don't even believe the writings of Paul
and denounce his apostleship, putting aside the biased opinions they have on
the Book of Mormon. It is interesting some of the indoctrination that goes
on in different churches, Highlands Ranch and here have some interesting
beliefs that the preacher said, so it must be true. I think of Paul telling
us to beware of ministers that teach any other gospel, and how they shall be
cursed, and that definitely is referring to these individuals.
Well I hope that all is well, and that you guys have a great week. Hopefully
John's car can get fixed quickly. At least there aren't a ton of accidents
due to snow and wildlife, I have seen some nasty looking cars at the body
shop the member that's taking us to lunch owns, so hopefully it will only
take a couple days. It still runs the same though right? Well I'm gonna go.
Talk to you soon.
Love ya,
Tom
because apparently missionaries will be here until winter again. Tracting is a bore right now, because we seem to have already talked to everyone, and they don't want to talk... also it is spring break this week, so people are all out of town. All the other areas had spring break last week, so we had some people in then. I am loving the sun, but we're supposed to get dumped on with snow on friday. YUCK!
Well first week in July we get a new mission president. It will be
interesting to see the changes made. I'm kind of worried he'll be more
strict than the one we have now, but I don't know if that's really possible.
The church told our mission president that he might have another church
assignment up for him when he goes home if he's up to it. His wife kind of
blurted it out, and I don't know if he was too happy she told us, but that
will be interesting to see too.
As far as food we have a lunch appointment today and a dinner appointment on
friday. It is a bit ridiculous I know, but the person over our dinner
calendar didn't even pass one around on Sunday. Oh well though, you just
gotta keep a smile on your face and keep working. We got asked why we were
at the supermarket by a member of the branch a few days back and not
working, I felt like saying something like because you guys don't feed us so
we ran out of food. I just said calmly that we needed some food for dinner,
and he kind of grunted and walked away. I swear people here are so weird. We
went to eat lunch on Monday at the church, and I was so mad! They left the
sacrament sitting there covered and trash all over the chapel. I cleaned up
the sacrament and then picked up the trash. From an attendance of 36 on
sunday I almost filled one of those small trash cans, its ridiculous. I am
going insane. And I'm wondering how they got the building they did, which
could easily seat over 100, but only seats an average of 30 a week. Oh well,
I'll be out of here soon enough, and then its another missionaries problem,
just hopefully its not like in Highlands Ranch where less than a week after
I left the missionaries got kicked out of the house they were living in and
the trust that had been built in that ward was destroyed. It was a shame to
talk to some of the members I worked with after I left.
So I'm just trying to keep my sanity. The potentials in the area book are a
joke, a couple of them I think were just put in there because some
missionary thought they were cute or felt sorry for them, but most of them
just want to argue. A couple of them don't even believe the writings of Paul
and denounce his apostleship, putting aside the biased opinions they have on
the Book of Mormon. It is interesting some of the indoctrination that goes
on in different churches, Highlands Ranch and here have some interesting
beliefs that the preacher said, so it must be true. I think of Paul telling
us to beware of ministers that teach any other gospel, and how they shall be
cursed, and that definitely is referring to these individuals.
Well I hope that all is well, and that you guys have a great week. Hopefully
John's car can get fixed quickly. At least there aren't a ton of accidents
due to snow and wildlife, I have seen some nasty looking cars at the body
shop the member that's taking us to lunch owns, so hopefully it will only
take a couple days. It still runs the same though right? Well I'm gonna go.
Talk to you soon.
Love ya,
Tom
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
24 March 2010
Hey, How are you guys?
Yeah I got the package, thanks so much. It was exciting, and the train was a surprise, but I liked that too.
Its been a hectic week. The members we live with are getting divorced, so its just her and us in the house now. Shes an older lady so we're allowed to stay there still, but its sad. The guy would be very hard to live with though. She prayed about it and the stake president did when she told him and they both received the answer that she needs to move on and put him in the Lords hands and hope it will work out. There's a lot to it more than I ever would want to know. it's always sad to see, but once its over I think she'll be a lot happier. When she served him with the paperwork he moved to the cabin, took all his guns out of the house and he went and bought his own PO Box, so he was pretty quick to agree. We do have a PO Box key now tho, and it is still box 1622 for us.
Yesterday was zone conference. We got there at around 8 for interviews with president, and during the interview he said, now elders i am going to excuse you at 1230 so you can beat the storm. I'm thinking not again more snow. We drove back to our area at 1230 after grabbing a few things at a wal mart in the city. lol And on the highway most of it was clear, but out of nowhere on the passes you'd have a 5 mile stretch where it was dumping snow so hard that you could barely see. It wasn't snowing when we got back, but bc of the roads we didn't get back until 330. We ate dinner and made a few visits, and then at around 7 it was coming down so bad we went home because we didn't wanna get stuck in town. We got 14 inches last night, and the guy we have lunch appointments with on wednesday got 18 and he high-centered his suburban and his driveway. He's waiting for a tow truck to pull him out. hahah. It looks like its lightly snowing again.
Other than that we have just been trying to visit less actives and stuff and do tracting in more places outside of town. I was kind of disturbed at interviews, because the mission president plans on leaving the area open until winter straight now. Which will happen no matter what because we get a new mission president on July 2 I think and he'll just read the note. Things are so slow here right now. Hopefully all the hikers and rafters will pick things up in the summer. But I'm hoping I'm gone after this transfer. I love the area, but I've had enough.
Hey thanks for getting those retainers done. I think my teeth have shifted a bit, but not too bad, so hopefully they'll correct that. Thanks for the subway card too. I'll have to get there in the next few days while everything's a 5 dollar footlong still so I can get a chicken bacon ranch for 5. Those are the best. John got a new car? That's awesome. I wish I could just keep the car I've been driving forever. hahaha
I don't know what to tell you, other than that my life has been pretty boring. I want to see green outside, I miss CA in this time of year. I hate snow! Oh well though. I think that's about it. :)
Love ya,
Tom
Yeah I got the package, thanks so much. It was exciting, and the train was a surprise, but I liked that too.
Its been a hectic week. The members we live with are getting divorced, so its just her and us in the house now. Shes an older lady so we're allowed to stay there still, but its sad. The guy would be very hard to live with though. She prayed about it and the stake president did when she told him and they both received the answer that she needs to move on and put him in the Lords hands and hope it will work out. There's a lot to it more than I ever would want to know. it's always sad to see, but once its over I think she'll be a lot happier. When she served him with the paperwork he moved to the cabin, took all his guns out of the house and he went and bought his own PO Box, so he was pretty quick to agree. We do have a PO Box key now tho, and it is still box 1622 for us.
Yesterday was zone conference. We got there at around 8 for interviews with president, and during the interview he said, now elders i am going to excuse you at 1230 so you can beat the storm. I'm thinking not again more snow. We drove back to our area at 1230 after grabbing a few things at a wal mart in the city. lol And on the highway most of it was clear, but out of nowhere on the passes you'd have a 5 mile stretch where it was dumping snow so hard that you could barely see. It wasn't snowing when we got back, but bc of the roads we didn't get back until 330. We ate dinner and made a few visits, and then at around 7 it was coming down so bad we went home because we didn't wanna get stuck in town. We got 14 inches last night, and the guy we have lunch appointments with on wednesday got 18 and he high-centered his suburban and his driveway. He's waiting for a tow truck to pull him out. hahah. It looks like its lightly snowing again.
Other than that we have just been trying to visit less actives and stuff and do tracting in more places outside of town. I was kind of disturbed at interviews, because the mission president plans on leaving the area open until winter straight now. Which will happen no matter what because we get a new mission president on July 2 I think and he'll just read the note. Things are so slow here right now. Hopefully all the hikers and rafters will pick things up in the summer. But I'm hoping I'm gone after this transfer. I love the area, but I've had enough.
Hey thanks for getting those retainers done. I think my teeth have shifted a bit, but not too bad, so hopefully they'll correct that. Thanks for the subway card too. I'll have to get there in the next few days while everything's a 5 dollar footlong still so I can get a chicken bacon ranch for 5. Those are the best. John got a new car? That's awesome. I wish I could just keep the car I've been driving forever. hahaha
I don't know what to tell you, other than that my life has been pretty boring. I want to see green outside, I miss CA in this time of year. I hate snow! Oh well though. I think that's about it. :)
Love ya,
Tom
17 March 2010
Its supposed to hit 50s today, and its been in the 40s monday and tuesday.
So much better than sunday, but we have another storm coming in on Friday!
Bleh... I absolutely detest snow!
I got a mail letter from Eliza yesterday, sounds like she's having a good
time. Hey did I totally miss the st patricks day thing. I don't think anyone
celebrates it here.
So the baptism was amazing! I will have to get pictures printed sometime
this week. We had stake conference on Sunday and no one ended up going from
our branch. So bc of stake conference the Branch President insisted on a
waterside confirmation. i didn't want to get into a church policy battle, it
didn't seem the time or place, so I did it. I got chewed out by mission
leadership, but that's their job, and when they call, unless you want
something you make sure your doing something to distract you and don't hold
the phone up to your ear and just uh-huh, ok, sorry periodically. hahaha
Then it doesn't get to you. But it was an awesome experience. He loved it.
I did make a phone call to the mission president and told him our situation
bc we haven't had many dinner appointments, this week we only have two and no
one has yet signed up for next week. We are getting super low on money, so
he is giving us each an extra 30 dollars for this month. We can manage off
that.
I'm not sure what else you need to know. We are out and about working, but
either ppl are couped up in their houses or have a place to be and don't
tend to talk much. Besides I think they see me and realize we've already
talked... at least twice. haha
I don't know, its a good idea to invite people to conference, but we've had
investigators that have come drop off the radar, so I don't know how true
what that Elder told you is. Are the missionaries there for real people, or
are they the holier than thou nose in air type. A mission is a great thing,
just some missionaries bother me. Oh well tho.
I haven't had corned beef or cabbage since I left home. I guess I probably
won't until a year from now. Oh well though. I think that game meat has that
beat any day if its cooked right and fed off of alfalfa. That's the good
stuff right there. If you hunt antelope off of an area with that type of
feed and cook it right that right there is good eatin'.
Other than that just trying to keep sane. I love it up here, but I do need
to get to the city again. Where there are people all over and things to do
on your day off. I just want to go back down into an area with bikes and
keep fit and happy. I wish there weren't so much snow on the mountains too,
that would be fun.
One thing I started doing was setting up a wall of pictures of friends that
still keep in touch, family, a picture of Jesus and of the Redlands Temple.
It has helped me so much. When I come in at night and feel like I can't do
this again, I look up at all the faces of those people who love and support
me and I am calmed. I look at the temple, I haven't been able to go in a
temple since November, and that is an ultimate goal. I want to be in the
temple at least twice a month when I come home, and I want to be worthy of
that. So looking up at all that makes me smile even when things get rough
and it helps me move on and keep going and just grit my teeth instead of
saying whats on my mind, which in most of these cases would be a bad idea.
i think a mission is really for teaching people to cope with adversity and
not as much on spreading the word, because if the members were talking to
friends on a simple matter of fact level about the gospel they could study
the material in Preach My Gospel and learn basics, and if they heeded the
warnings of what not to talk about in there and followed the K.I.S.S.
principle (keep it simple stupid) then it wouldn't be as necessary. But that's
an ideal world, and probably will never happen. So the missionary program
causes people to learn to be men and deal with stress and cope with people
(because dealing with people isn't always a good idea). But those are just
my random thoughts, take them as a grain of salt.
I also love living with the family we live with. They are there for us every
step of the way, and not involved so much in the cliques in the branch. It
feels like home every time we enter that house. It is a great place to be.
I want to let you know that I have found out that Christ lives more so at
this time in my life than ever. He walks with me, he knows the desires of my
heart and helps me everyday. I know where I stand, and I'm trying harder
everyday. I love the book of mormon, and I have especially loved the
writings of Paul lately. He is a great guy, because he just speaks the truth
and doesn't leave too many questions in my head anyway. I love you guys and I
realize that I was a very lucky kid to be raised in a loving home, and in a
more hardened area. It was a blessing to be able to see the people who have
less than I do and see how different of my friends followed different paths.
It was good, because it made me see what I didn't want to do. I really am
excited to come back at the end of this year and see where life takes me.
But until then I just gotta keep working, because that makes the days go by
quick and sometimes gives you things to laugh at.
I hope all is well there and I miss you all. Take care and thanks for all
the love and support.
Love,
Tom
So much better than sunday, but we have another storm coming in on Friday!
Bleh... I absolutely detest snow!
I got a mail letter from Eliza yesterday, sounds like she's having a good
time. Hey did I totally miss the st patricks day thing. I don't think anyone
celebrates it here.
So the baptism was amazing! I will have to get pictures printed sometime
this week. We had stake conference on Sunday and no one ended up going from
our branch. So bc of stake conference the Branch President insisted on a
waterside confirmation. i didn't want to get into a church policy battle, it
didn't seem the time or place, so I did it. I got chewed out by mission
leadership, but that's their job, and when they call, unless you want
something you make sure your doing something to distract you and don't hold
the phone up to your ear and just uh-huh, ok, sorry periodically. hahaha
Then it doesn't get to you. But it was an awesome experience. He loved it.
I did make a phone call to the mission president and told him our situation
bc we haven't had many dinner appointments, this week we only have two and no
one has yet signed up for next week. We are getting super low on money, so
he is giving us each an extra 30 dollars for this month. We can manage off
that.
I'm not sure what else you need to know. We are out and about working, but
either ppl are couped up in their houses or have a place to be and don't
tend to talk much. Besides I think they see me and realize we've already
talked... at least twice. haha
I don't know, its a good idea to invite people to conference, but we've had
investigators that have come drop off the radar, so I don't know how true
what that Elder told you is. Are the missionaries there for real people, or
are they the holier than thou nose in air type. A mission is a great thing,
just some missionaries bother me. Oh well tho.
I haven't had corned beef or cabbage since I left home. I guess I probably
won't until a year from now. Oh well though. I think that game meat has that
beat any day if its cooked right and fed off of alfalfa. That's the good
stuff right there. If you hunt antelope off of an area with that type of
feed and cook it right that right there is good eatin'.
Other than that just trying to keep sane. I love it up here, but I do need
to get to the city again. Where there are people all over and things to do
on your day off. I just want to go back down into an area with bikes and
keep fit and happy. I wish there weren't so much snow on the mountains too,
that would be fun.
One thing I started doing was setting up a wall of pictures of friends that
still keep in touch, family, a picture of Jesus and of the Redlands Temple.
It has helped me so much. When I come in at night and feel like I can't do
this again, I look up at all the faces of those people who love and support
me and I am calmed. I look at the temple, I haven't been able to go in a
temple since November, and that is an ultimate goal. I want to be in the
temple at least twice a month when I come home, and I want to be worthy of
that. So looking up at all that makes me smile even when things get rough
and it helps me move on and keep going and just grit my teeth instead of
saying whats on my mind, which in most of these cases would be a bad idea.
i think a mission is really for teaching people to cope with adversity and
not as much on spreading the word, because if the members were talking to
friends on a simple matter of fact level about the gospel they could study
the material in Preach My Gospel and learn basics, and if they heeded the
warnings of what not to talk about in there and followed the K.I.S.S.
principle (keep it simple stupid) then it wouldn't be as necessary. But that's
an ideal world, and probably will never happen. So the missionary program
causes people to learn to be men and deal with stress and cope with people
(because dealing with people isn't always a good idea). But those are just
my random thoughts, take them as a grain of salt.
I also love living with the family we live with. They are there for us every
step of the way, and not involved so much in the cliques in the branch. It
feels like home every time we enter that house. It is a great place to be.
I want to let you know that I have found out that Christ lives more so at
this time in my life than ever. He walks with me, he knows the desires of my
heart and helps me everyday. I know where I stand, and I'm trying harder
everyday. I love the book of mormon, and I have especially loved the
writings of Paul lately. He is a great guy, because he just speaks the truth
and doesn't leave too many questions in my head anyway. I love you guys and I
realize that I was a very lucky kid to be raised in a loving home, and in a
more hardened area. It was a blessing to be able to see the people who have
less than I do and see how different of my friends followed different paths.
It was good, because it made me see what I didn't want to do. I really am
excited to come back at the end of this year and see where life takes me.
But until then I just gotta keep working, because that makes the days go by
quick and sometimes gives you things to laugh at.
I hope all is well there and I miss you all. Take care and thanks for all
the love and support.
Love,
Tom
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
10 March 2010
So this is going to be a short letter. Thomas' baptism is at noon, and we decided to come email real quick in case we don't get a chance later, and while the water heaters heat again.
I am staying in Buena Vista for a third transfer. Proof that God does love us. hahaha Its been a rough day though. We're way behind schedule because we got a foot and a half of snow last night and we live in the middle of nowhere so it took a while for the plows to get there. and once they did we had to dig a bit to make sure we could make it out around our car. They were plowing the church parking lot as we left
I'm liking this diet thing. I was 211 in January and i weighed myself yesterday at our lunch appointment and I'm down to 197. So that's some good news. Idk if that's too healthy, but I feel so much better, and a little bit of energy is going a lot farther.
We are hoping we can find some success here this transfer. I'm so happy to be able to be in such a beautiful place.
We have stake conference on Sunday. We either have 70 miles to a broadcast or 120 to the real thing, so I'm going to try and find us a ride, otherwise we might just not go to church this week. It'll be fun though!
I'm way ready for summer. You don't even know. when you convince yourself that 40 degrees is warm, there's something totally wrong with you. It makes me appreciate CA so much seeing CO winters. But if you even skied or snowboarded the resorts out here would be an absolute paradise.
We moved Thomas in with the people he works with that are his main fellowshippers last week. That should be a great thing. They all need the support of other members, hopefully this is the next best thing, right?
I'm talking about the Holy Ghost at the baptism since he doesn't know too many people in the branch.
Well, I gotta go now, finish filling the font! Hopefully we can come back later but if not, just know, I'm alright, and I get to stay in one of the most beautiful places in the country (even if it is real cold, its still beautiful).
Love,
Tom
I am staying in Buena Vista for a third transfer. Proof that God does love us. hahaha Its been a rough day though. We're way behind schedule because we got a foot and a half of snow last night and we live in the middle of nowhere so it took a while for the plows to get there. and once they did we had to dig a bit to make sure we could make it out around our car. They were plowing the church parking lot as we left
I'm liking this diet thing. I was 211 in January and i weighed myself yesterday at our lunch appointment and I'm down to 197. So that's some good news. Idk if that's too healthy, but I feel so much better, and a little bit of energy is going a lot farther.
We are hoping we can find some success here this transfer. I'm so happy to be able to be in such a beautiful place.
We have stake conference on Sunday. We either have 70 miles to a broadcast or 120 to the real thing, so I'm going to try and find us a ride, otherwise we might just not go to church this week. It'll be fun though!
I'm way ready for summer. You don't even know. when you convince yourself that 40 degrees is warm, there's something totally wrong with you. It makes me appreciate CA so much seeing CO winters. But if you even skied or snowboarded the resorts out here would be an absolute paradise.
We moved Thomas in with the people he works with that are his main fellowshippers last week. That should be a great thing. They all need the support of other members, hopefully this is the next best thing, right?
I'm talking about the Holy Ghost at the baptism since he doesn't know too many people in the branch.
Well, I gotta go now, finish filling the font! Hopefully we can come back later but if not, just know, I'm alright, and I get to stay in one of the most beautiful places in the country (even if it is real cold, its still beautiful).
Love,
Tom
Friday, March 5, 2010
3 March 2010
I am driving a 2010 Pontiac Vibe AWD, which is the same car as a toyota matrix, so yes it was made by toyota, it just has all the GM bells and whistles too.
Wow, the whole missionaries not having dinners, they need to stop whining, lately we've been getting about 3 nights a week with meals. It has been a bit more expensive, and yes I've had to tap into personal funds a bit, but its better than bringing it up at church and offending members. Not a good idea.
Our week has not been as eventful as the last one. We have done some tracting, and as to be expected out here, we've had a few people answer the door with a pistol in hand. People out here are kind of funny, it always makes me laugh. A lady showed us her rifle she keeps behind the door, and made us handle it. Being responsible I went to throw the bolt open and make sure the chamber was empty, and as I was doing this I asked if it was loaded. The answer was, "of course its loaded. Do I look like an idiot son? Let me ask you a question. When you aren't driving your car do you empty the gas tank? That would be stupid, so why would I have an unloaded gun."
Other than that we have been asked to visit some less-actives. One of which I've been the only missionary able to get in, because they want nothing to do with the church, but I found out they're from Redlands, CA, so I am able to go over there and small talk and then edge a gospel message in sideways and invite them to go to church. We'll see what we can do. Transfers are next Thursday, next Wednesday we are baptizing Thomas. We have another investigator on date for the 28th, so I'm hoping I get another six weeks here. It is the place to be. I don't want to leave. The people here are so nice, and usually very respectful. This is the only place on my mission where I have ran into so many nice preachers. There is an interesting thing about here though. Very religious people as a whole. This town of 2000 has 18 churches. Unbelievable ain't it.
Well we got a great day planned out. We are having lunch with a member, then playing some basketball. yeah! Its been in the 50s the past couple days too. Colorado really is a gorgeous place when the weather is tolerable. If I were up here in the summer tho, I wouldn't want to work at all. I'd want to be hiking all day every day. it is so beautiful out here we are totally surrounded by mountains.
Tomorrow we take our car to a dealership in Silverthorne and get the accelerator changed out. But we have a district meeting 10 miles away, so we arranged where we drop off the car right before the meeting, and then our district leader drives us over to the meeting. Then since hes closer to Silverthorne, right after the meeting he'll drop off his car, and we'll take off whenever we can. Which is kind of nice, because that makes going to district meeting reimbursable.
Well, I really don't know what else to tell you. y'all take care, and we'll talk to you next week, and let you know whats going on with transfers.
Love ya,
Tom
PS I was bummed, we were visiting someone who was watching the USA CANADA hockey match, and we got there right when we scored to take it into an OT period, so I caught some glimpses out of the corner of my eye, and really wanted USA to pull it off
Wow, the whole missionaries not having dinners, they need to stop whining, lately we've been getting about 3 nights a week with meals. It has been a bit more expensive, and yes I've had to tap into personal funds a bit, but its better than bringing it up at church and offending members. Not a good idea.
Our week has not been as eventful as the last one. We have done some tracting, and as to be expected out here, we've had a few people answer the door with a pistol in hand. People out here are kind of funny, it always makes me laugh. A lady showed us her rifle she keeps behind the door, and made us handle it. Being responsible I went to throw the bolt open and make sure the chamber was empty, and as I was doing this I asked if it was loaded. The answer was, "of course its loaded. Do I look like an idiot son? Let me ask you a question. When you aren't driving your car do you empty the gas tank? That would be stupid, so why would I have an unloaded gun."
Other than that we have been asked to visit some less-actives. One of which I've been the only missionary able to get in, because they want nothing to do with the church, but I found out they're from Redlands, CA, so I am able to go over there and small talk and then edge a gospel message in sideways and invite them to go to church. We'll see what we can do. Transfers are next Thursday, next Wednesday we are baptizing Thomas. We have another investigator on date for the 28th, so I'm hoping I get another six weeks here. It is the place to be. I don't want to leave. The people here are so nice, and usually very respectful. This is the only place on my mission where I have ran into so many nice preachers. There is an interesting thing about here though. Very religious people as a whole. This town of 2000 has 18 churches. Unbelievable ain't it.
Well we got a great day planned out. We are having lunch with a member, then playing some basketball. yeah! Its been in the 50s the past couple days too. Colorado really is a gorgeous place when the weather is tolerable. If I were up here in the summer tho, I wouldn't want to work at all. I'd want to be hiking all day every day. it is so beautiful out here we are totally surrounded by mountains.
Tomorrow we take our car to a dealership in Silverthorne and get the accelerator changed out. But we have a district meeting 10 miles away, so we arranged where we drop off the car right before the meeting, and then our district leader drives us over to the meeting. Then since hes closer to Silverthorne, right after the meeting he'll drop off his car, and we'll take off whenever we can. Which is kind of nice, because that makes going to district meeting reimbursable.
Well, I really don't know what else to tell you. y'all take care, and we'll talk to you next week, and let you know whats going on with transfers.
Love ya,
Tom
PS I was bummed, we were visiting someone who was watching the USA CANADA hockey match, and we got there right when we scored to take it into an OT period, so I caught some glimpses out of the corner of my eye, and really wanted USA to pull it off
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
24 February 2010
I did get to go see Elder Perry. When I called the assistants they talked to president and the Zone Leaders lied, but President Christison reimbursed 100% of the miles. So we had to drive to pick up the Frisco Elders and down to Golden in blizzard conditions. it took us from about 5-10, but there were other things that played into it. Before we left i felt like we shouldn't go, we said a prayer and left anyways. We got up to Silverthorne to pick up the Frisco Elders just fine, although a trucker made it so I couldn't see a thing for a quarter mile going like 70mph in a 55 in a blizzard when I was going about 45. We picked up the other elders and the street curves at the end, and is on a slight downhill. I found out about 300ft b4 the turn that I was driving on solid ice. I slowed down to about five by shifting down, and tried to turn, it wasn't working, so I tried to gas it and turn harder, and it started to work, but then traction control cut my power, so I went back into the slide. We hit a bank and a small tree at 7mph and were stuck. The member the other missionaries live with brought his truck with snow tires and pulled us out. We assessed the damage, and it cracked the license plate frame, and left a very small bend in the bumper, I felt sick, but drove off and got us to our destinations. I talked to the mission president, and he said to talk to the car coordinator and fill out an accident report the next day. Needless to say I didn't sleep too well that night.
We went and had the meeting with Elder Perry and Elder Halstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy. It was amazing, we also got to shake both there hands, and Elder Perry asked us all a bit about where we're from. He was such a great speaker too, he speaks with such enthusiasm and gave us some great direction. only 121 out of 197 missionaries in the mission were able to attend.
I showed the car to the car coordinator and he couldn't even see the dent, and barely felt it. He told me not to worry about it. So no accident report or anything, its as if it didn't happen. We drove home and made it back around 3 we got to take us-285 straight out and the roads were clear with "heavy fog" in areas, but nothing compared to what we get back home.
It has been an interesting week, Thomas got to church and loved it, but I got a little sick the night b4 so we only went to Sacrament meeting since he had to work anyway. Monday was a fairly normal day, but all our appointments bailed on us, and we have been getting wind which coming off the snow the lakes, the creeks and rivers we have here, we have nasty conditions for tracting.
The wind also causes other problems. We are getting nasty snow drifts out at the house. We have a mile long county road to our house and then a 75 yard driveway off of that. We got some deep drifts yesterday and spent 5 hours digging out the driveway, jacking up the car and putting bark under the tires, etc. We finally got out and resolved to park out on the county road and walk the distance of a football field to our house and back. Which was a good decision, since it was drifted in even deeper today, and the fruits of our labor are not evident at all. Also they are plowing out the county road everyday, and last night I had to keep it at about 30mph and steer through it. but we made it home. Today they had to caterpillars out making a snow wall so hopefully it won't drift in as bad. We got out no problem though.
On top of all this I just got a call from the mission office telling me there's a recall on the car I've been driving for the gas pedal getting stuck. hahaha So I gotta have that taken care of, but the nice thing is that we have a district meeting up by the dealership next week, and were just going to have to eat the miles for district meeting, but now president will reimburse us all of the miles again. We have a 9am district meeting, so I set a 9am appointment at the dealership, and we're going to drop off our car to get worked on, and the district leader is going to pick us up and take us to district meeting. So that should hopefully work out. This week has been a whole lot of drama though, hopefully this upcoming week should be better.
I want to thank you guys for all the support. You're amazing! I hope that all is well back home, it seems so weird to hear all the great things you guys are doing, and sometimes I feel like I'm not doing anything good. But that's when I need to pray harder. Love you guys, I'm going nuts, so I'm gonna stop writing, because I can't think, because people here don't know library etiquette. They are having full blown conversations around me, and I cant think of what else to say.
Have a good week.
Love ya,
Tom
We went and had the meeting with Elder Perry and Elder Halstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy. It was amazing, we also got to shake both there hands, and Elder Perry asked us all a bit about where we're from. He was such a great speaker too, he speaks with such enthusiasm and gave us some great direction. only 121 out of 197 missionaries in the mission were able to attend.
I showed the car to the car coordinator and he couldn't even see the dent, and barely felt it. He told me not to worry about it. So no accident report or anything, its as if it didn't happen. We drove home and made it back around 3 we got to take us-285 straight out and the roads were clear with "heavy fog" in areas, but nothing compared to what we get back home.
It has been an interesting week, Thomas got to church and loved it, but I got a little sick the night b4 so we only went to Sacrament meeting since he had to work anyway. Monday was a fairly normal day, but all our appointments bailed on us, and we have been getting wind which coming off the snow the lakes, the creeks and rivers we have here, we have nasty conditions for tracting.
The wind also causes other problems. We are getting nasty snow drifts out at the house. We have a mile long county road to our house and then a 75 yard driveway off of that. We got some deep drifts yesterday and spent 5 hours digging out the driveway, jacking up the car and putting bark under the tires, etc. We finally got out and resolved to park out on the county road and walk the distance of a football field to our house and back. Which was a good decision, since it was drifted in even deeper today, and the fruits of our labor are not evident at all. Also they are plowing out the county road everyday, and last night I had to keep it at about 30mph and steer through it. but we made it home. Today they had to caterpillars out making a snow wall so hopefully it won't drift in as bad. We got out no problem though.
On top of all this I just got a call from the mission office telling me there's a recall on the car I've been driving for the gas pedal getting stuck. hahaha So I gotta have that taken care of, but the nice thing is that we have a district meeting up by the dealership next week, and were just going to have to eat the miles for district meeting, but now president will reimburse us all of the miles again. We have a 9am district meeting, so I set a 9am appointment at the dealership, and we're going to drop off our car to get worked on, and the district leader is going to pick us up and take us to district meeting. So that should hopefully work out. This week has been a whole lot of drama though, hopefully this upcoming week should be better.
I want to thank you guys for all the support. You're amazing! I hope that all is well back home, it seems so weird to hear all the great things you guys are doing, and sometimes I feel like I'm not doing anything good. But that's when I need to pray harder. Love you guys, I'm going nuts, so I'm gonna stop writing, because I can't think, because people here don't know library etiquette. They are having full blown conversations around me, and I cant think of what else to say.
Have a good week.
Love ya,
Tom
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