I'M ALL PACKED! It feels so weird... I feel like I'm gone already and it is kind of hard. I have been saying goodbye to people and it is slightly depressing. Last night was rough. We had an amazing day tracting and also teaching after church. I felt super productive, and then when we went in to plan it was rough. I realized that I had just completed my last proselyting day, since today is p-day and tomorrow I will be chillin' and going to the temple. I was so down and out. I was talking to my new companion (Elder Lee from Bakersfield, CA) and telling him to take advantage of the time he has. I almost cried last night.
Well it is going to quite odd to leave a place where 25 degrees is warm... Y'all are all gonna have coats on and I'm gonna wanna strip down hahaha. The last snowstorm has taken forever to melt off the roads... we just saw a car that got tipped on its side on the way up here. I am so glad we have a set of good tires now.
Grant is so ready for baptism. We also have another baptism set up for February. It is sad to see all the work going on, but I have some work to do in CA now. I gotta get some friends who we can get to church when I get home.
There's a lot of sad people since I'm leaving... A lot of people look at me as an extra son it seems. It is sad tho to see people cry and all. lol Well I guess its life. I have a couple cool presents I'll have to show ya and stuff...
I'll see ya in a couple days. I can't wait to give you guys all big hugs, but It will be sad to leave this place and people that I love so much.
My mission has been the greatest experience of my life. I have learned so much about myself and I am super happy to have had this opportunity. I thank all of you that have helped support me in doing something I love. I cant wait to continue to share with people how much god loves us. I know that Christ is my savior and he loves me and has gotten me through a lot of hard times. I know the the book of Mormon is God's word and that he can enrich our lives if we simply read from it. I love all the leadership opportunities I have had and all the experiences that have helped me learn.
I love you guys and I'll see ya in less than two (days that is).
Love,
Elder Thomas Stevenson
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
27 December 2010
Hey everyone.
It was so awesome to talk to y'all on Christmas. Today I did get the package. The bread and brownies are kind of hard, but it was exciting to get. They wrote on the box that they received it on the 17th.
Yesterday we had an excellent Christmas present. We went down to Aurora and Elder Guenther got to confirm someone he taught previously. The mission president is a bit more lax on that than the last. I was supposed to baptize someone in Highlands Ranch when I was in Lakewood (which is about half the distance of yesterdays adventure) and President Christison told me no. I thought it was odd, but I am glad my companion got this opportunity even if mine was denied me. The changes going on in the mission are phenomenal and exciting. I really think that with how things are going and how the caliber of new missionaries has improved that amazing things are about to happen here in Colorado.
Tomorrow I get Elder Mikkola up here with me and Elder Guenther. He is a bit ridiculous now. That's the missionary that I retrained in Buena Vista and he is now our Zone Leader and has turned into a very weird individual. Its only for a day though. Then both of our new companions are coming from out west, and we do have an appointment in the afternoon with Grant (the guy who's getting baptized) so that should make up for it too. I hope we get a cool missionary who is a good teacher and a personable person.
I am pretty excited to be able to see everyone again... It feels like its been forever and I feel like I really don't know anyone from back home anymore. Colorado feels so much like home now that I don't know how I'm gonna cope with the return to CA. The political and economical state of CA is kind of troubling. It will be slightly interesting to see if I can even get a job, but I think it will be fun to be back in school and try new things.
I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone, or the fan club I've developed. It seems as though everyone wants us to come over and there almost isn't enough time in the day. I love how a mission makes you perpetually tired. I swear teaching is so spiritually draining that it makes me want to fall asleep all the time. Christmas was an awesome day. The book I got is called "divine signatures" by Lund and I have started to read it. It seems like it will be a great book to use for examples in teaching.
Well you guys have a great week... next week is my last letter and it will be so soon that I get to see ya. :P
Loveya,
Tom
It was so awesome to talk to y'all on Christmas. Today I did get the package. The bread and brownies are kind of hard, but it was exciting to get. They wrote on the box that they received it on the 17th.
Yesterday we had an excellent Christmas present. We went down to Aurora and Elder Guenther got to confirm someone he taught previously. The mission president is a bit more lax on that than the last. I was supposed to baptize someone in Highlands Ranch when I was in Lakewood (which is about half the distance of yesterdays adventure) and President Christison told me no. I thought it was odd, but I am glad my companion got this opportunity even if mine was denied me. The changes going on in the mission are phenomenal and exciting. I really think that with how things are going and how the caliber of new missionaries has improved that amazing things are about to happen here in Colorado.
Tomorrow I get Elder Mikkola up here with me and Elder Guenther. He is a bit ridiculous now. That's the missionary that I retrained in Buena Vista and he is now our Zone Leader and has turned into a very weird individual. Its only for a day though. Then both of our new companions are coming from out west, and we do have an appointment in the afternoon with Grant (the guy who's getting baptized) so that should make up for it too. I hope we get a cool missionary who is a good teacher and a personable person.
I am pretty excited to be able to see everyone again... It feels like its been forever and I feel like I really don't know anyone from back home anymore. Colorado feels so much like home now that I don't know how I'm gonna cope with the return to CA. The political and economical state of CA is kind of troubling. It will be slightly interesting to see if I can even get a job, but I think it will be fun to be back in school and try new things.
I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone, or the fan club I've developed. It seems as though everyone wants us to come over and there almost isn't enough time in the day. I love how a mission makes you perpetually tired. I swear teaching is so spiritually draining that it makes me want to fall asleep all the time. Christmas was an awesome day. The book I got is called "divine signatures" by Lund and I have started to read it. It seems like it will be a great book to use for examples in teaching.
Well you guys have a great week... next week is my last letter and it will be so soon that I get to see ya. :P
Loveya,
Tom
20 December 2010
It is quite odd to think that I only get to email you twice after today. It's going to be an interesting couple weeks. I'm finally starting to feel better too... just after I recovered from strep I picked up the common cold that's been going around. Its been an eventful time for me. I think the devil doesn't want me to finish my mission strong. I don't know why else all these roadblocks would arise. We have so many cool things going on right now too. We are teaching a new referral that we just committed to baptism that is so ready for the gospel. He is a resource officer for one of the local high schools, and has had exposure to the church by that medium, and also used to date a member of the congregation. The way the spirit felt at the lesson and the way his prayer went at the close tell me that he is ready. The openness in conversation as well as the searching questions seem to be pretty good indications as well. But we'll let you know how our appointment tonight goes when I call on Saturday.
I cant believe that two weeks from wednesday I will be at home with you guys. I'm kinda scared for tuesday of that week since I will be the only one with an exit interview and at the dinner with the mission president. Oh well though. By the way I have a district meeting tomorrow and will be meeting up with Carrie then at a more central location. So she may be able to fit my bike box and a luggage piece she said, which will be very nice.
I sent a nice letter regarding the employment outlook for Facilities Services to the management there today. So we will see what happens with that. It would be nice to work there again, low stress, controllable hours, and a decent pay nonetheless. That would be the ideal situation, but I kind of doubt there will be openings. Other jobs may require a car. Speaking of which, have you thought about getting a new car and passing the Sonata down to me? Idk just a suggestion, but you may have other plans and that's ok.
So starting next tuesday, at transfers, I will have a new companion. There will be three of us for the last week, which will be kind of nice to arrange to visit people in previous areas on my last couple days, because they can stay together and as long as I'm with a priesthood holder it will be ok. Cassidy Grigg said he didn't have any pictures with Eliza from when they were near each other. He said that he's not much of a picture taker, but he did take pictures of tourist attractions. If she does want some of those, I could have him send some. We will be at his house when we call on Saturday, so that will be a simple accomplishment.
So how is Eliza coping with being home? I think it might be easier to cope with than being perpetually sick, but I am starting to feel better. I will be a weird adjustment. So the Stake President wants me to wait a day to be released?? Looks like I have to wait an extra day to have a hot date. lol That's going to be an odd adjustment too. Oh well. So are Alex and Eliza still talking? Whats the deal-io with them? hmmmmmm what else to talk about.
I don't know what else to tell you. You want to hear stories, but its all the same old same old for me, so the stories don't seem exciting to tell. So if you guys end up getting a phone before I come home for me...all the android powered phones are pretty sweet, but not pressuring into anything. lol Well thanks for everything. The only book information I have as of yet is pasted below from one of my professors. Hopefully we can find it for cheaper online. Well we'll talk to you guys on Saturday.
Love ya tons,
Tom
I cant believe that two weeks from wednesday I will be at home with you guys. I'm kinda scared for tuesday of that week since I will be the only one with an exit interview and at the dinner with the mission president. Oh well though. By the way I have a district meeting tomorrow and will be meeting up with Carrie then at a more central location. So she may be able to fit my bike box and a luggage piece she said, which will be very nice.
I sent a nice letter regarding the employment outlook for Facilities Services to the management there today. So we will see what happens with that. It would be nice to work there again, low stress, controllable hours, and a decent pay nonetheless. That would be the ideal situation, but I kind of doubt there will be openings. Other jobs may require a car. Speaking of which, have you thought about getting a new car and passing the Sonata down to me? Idk just a suggestion, but you may have other plans and that's ok.
So starting next tuesday, at transfers, I will have a new companion. There will be three of us for the last week, which will be kind of nice to arrange to visit people in previous areas on my last couple days, because they can stay together and as long as I'm with a priesthood holder it will be ok. Cassidy Grigg said he didn't have any pictures with Eliza from when they were near each other. He said that he's not much of a picture taker, but he did take pictures of tourist attractions. If she does want some of those, I could have him send some. We will be at his house when we call on Saturday, so that will be a simple accomplishment.
So how is Eliza coping with being home? I think it might be easier to cope with than being perpetually sick, but I am starting to feel better. I will be a weird adjustment. So the Stake President wants me to wait a day to be released?? Looks like I have to wait an extra day to have a hot date. lol That's going to be an odd adjustment too. Oh well. So are Alex and Eliza still talking? Whats the deal-io with them? hmmmmmm what else to talk about.
I don't know what else to tell you. You want to hear stories, but its all the same old same old for me, so the stories don't seem exciting to tell. So if you guys end up getting a phone before I come home for me...all the android powered phones are pretty sweet, but not pressuring into anything. lol Well thanks for everything. The only book information I have as of yet is pasted below from one of my professors. Hopefully we can find it for cheaper online. Well we'll talk to you guys on Saturday.
Love ya tons,
Tom
Sunday, December 19, 2010
13 December 2010
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
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 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
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