Mon, We had a good P-day. I can't remember what happened right now tho. haha
Tues, We had a good morning out and about. Was dogged once. And then had to leave at 4 to go to an Interfaith Concert we were helping out with. I carried a banner in front of all the singer's at the opening part. It was pretty fun. We then heard about 5 singing groups. It was good but it didn't really bring too much of a good feeling. I don't know how to explain it. It felt like we were just listening to good music. Then the Mormon Choir of Washington stood up and sand "Because I have been given much" and "Redeemer of Israel'. Spirit just seemed to seep in through every wall of the Jewish amphitheater. It was really awesome to feel the difference. Looking around during it, the audience felt it too or so it seemed. Maybe it was just me that noticed such a change in the Spirit. I know understand more of what investigator's feel like coming from other faiths to this one. Much stronger feelings than what they are used too.
Wed, We had Death Temple in the morning. Temple President 1st Counselor taught the departing group and it was really good. There is a lot of hype it seems like when you get to go to that meeting. It was good but didn't get up to what I thought it would be. Just made it trunky haha. Told us just the gospel and how we need to really live it. Told us that out here we have a nametag on and people feel something from seeing it. When we go home, we don't wear the nametag but people should still feel it when they talk with us. The trick is to stay worthy and not get caught up in the world. I know it is going to be hard. It feels like there is a line you have to draw. Also feels like, I should just follow all the mission rules even when I get home and too be totally honest I don't want too. I know why missionary's are so awkward now when they get home. They are going into shock of being able to watch movies, t.v., sports everyday, and the list could continue of things that are not bad but things you don't do on a mission. I wonder how I will cope with it all. Some days I don't feel like I will have a problem with it, I hope that I don't feel weird when I watch my first NBA game. Maybe I will feel like I am just breaking all the rules with every game I watch haha. Temple session was really good. I can't wait to watch someone go through for the first time with this new movie. It just blows my mind how much it enhances the Temple experience. Super good. We then had an appointment fall through but had a good dinner with Ceasar and Joelyn! Really good talk over dinner how getting baptized will help Joelyn. Ceasar has a super strong testimony and I am glad that he is sharing it! He also decked out all the fancy china. Candlelight dinner. Steak...man life is good haha
Thurs, We had District Meeting in the morning. It went swell. Did testimony's and it went as usual. Someone has to get up and cry. I hope people would someday realize that crying doesn't really invite the Spirit. I know I do it sometimes still but it kinda just turns me off to the Spirit. It was swell tho. Some good testimonies were borne and it was really good. Tried to take Death Pictures afterwards. E. Lott got a good one but I didn't. Going to get one tomorrow to put on facebook for you Mom haha. Gonna change it to my profile pic lol. Afterwards we went to eat and the Porter's bought us lunch! We went to Ben's Chili Bowl! Bill Cosby's favorite restaurant. It was really good. Had the half smoke! Chili was really spicy and good. Too expensive tho. Chili Cheese Fries are the best! Haha Afterwards me and Elder Lott went on exchange. Joelyn also passed her interview! Excited for her! We went to President's House for a dinner and Death Interview with him. Shared D+C 121 with me and told me that is what I should use to find a wife haha. It was really good. I dunno how that aspect in life will work out. Excited to try to find the woman that wants me tho! haha. We then had a good dinner then played some ping pong. Then had a little testimony meeting. It was really good. It felt good to relax and just bond with other missionary's. I think I am going to miss seeing some of these missionary's out here. I wonder how many I could be friends with at home tho. Created alot of really good friendships tho. We ended up catching the last Metro train home haha. Almost missed it. Would've been bad haha. Didn't get home till 11:45 cause I had to bike for about an hour at 10:30. It was a great experience. I was tired tho!
Fri, Andrei had a baptismal interview with President Cooke so we Metro'ed with him to the church and he passed! Looking like I will be the one to baptize him. I am really glad to have seen the changes with him. It has been awesome to see all the changes he had to make to get it done! He was crazy when we first met him, but I feel like he is back to what I remember him as. It has been really cool to see how living the gospel can cure the physical mental stuff some people go through. I have been pretty blunt with Andrei and it seemed to help him out! We then Metro'ed back home with him. We then had a dinner with Ceasar and it was fun to talk with him. I have built a really good relationship with him. I will be missing him alot. One of the best guy's I have met on my mission! We then had a good night of trying to check on people!
Sat, Last Ward Correlation! It was good except I had to conduct it. I don't particularly like conducting meetings I am not in charge of, really any meeting tho haha. We then went to help our referral move a couch. Turned out that the van she was supposed to get ended up getting used longer than was supposed too. we then went home and had lunch because Nicole dogged us too! Was gonna help her prepare her talk for the baptism! We then went back to help the lady move and the same thing happened. Kinda frustrating cause it took up our whole day. It was also FREAKING COLD! I think it might have been the coldest day on my mission. It was almost unbearable to have to go through it. We then went had a good visit with Andrei. Just talked about things. It was a nice chat to just get to know him a little better. We then went home! Super cold on the face.
Sun, Church was swell. there is a tradition in the ward to sing God be with you till we meet again. I have never seen it done for a missionary but they did it for me and Elder Lott. It was kinda touching. I have loved serving in the DC 3rd Ward. Glad I was able to do it for 7 months! It was a good meeting. blessed the sacrament with Ceasar. His first time. It was an honor to do it with him. I am not good with a mic tho haha. I like just shouting it out haha. We then had a good baptism. Lot of mess tho. Joelyn was sick and couldn't make it and then one of the speaker's car's battery was dead. I think we did about half of the things that were on the program. It was really frustrating for me but it was a good meeting non the less. It was an honor to baptize Andrei as well! 2nd time doing that. Talking about doing Joelyn on Tuesday. Will see how that works out! It turned out that it was even COLDER THAN YESTERDAY! I really don't like the cold. It was really unbearable. Ceasar fed us again and then we just went home and I packed! No one was out and it was just too cold to be doing anything. I hate moist cold. I know it is gonna be colder in Idaho but at least a coat will keep you warm.
Mon, There was a big group playing football on the Mall. Last P-day so we did it. It was really fun.I was ready to just go home before we started tho. Super cold. After you started to run around it was warm tho. Especially with 5 layers on top and bottom haha. It was nice to be on the Mall for the last time for a while. I am gonna miss just being able to go to the Mall once a week. Truly has been a blessing! Tonight we are going to Aster's to say goodbye. She is the Ethiopian in the North Area. Might try to see Kirk Battle too! See what happens.
Tues, I can tell you what we are doing tomorrow! haha We are doing the Turkey thing in the morning. Then prolly packing and preparing for Joelyn's baptism. We are also teaching the lesson at FHE! Gonna be a good last day. Will see how much packing I have and hopefully save it for later so I can go talk to a few last people! Then on Wed, we head to the V.C. I get to share my testimony in front of the whole mission, then head to the plane. Metroing because they say it is going to be crazy traffic. Gonna be traveling all day to IDAHO! Crazy that it is here already. Can't believe this is my last email home. I would be lying if I didn't say that I am glad tho. I am happy that I was able to stay for the full two years! It is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life! There were lots of times that I was just ready to come home. I mean a lot of times. It happened weekly for about 6 months in the middle of my mission. I remember praying almost daily that I would get the desire to stay. I will always remember the feelings associated with those prayers every night, giving me the strength to just get though the next day. I am happy to say that I have served a full time mission. I have been proud of what I have been able to accomplish. I have a testimony of this gospel! I never plan to waver in that. My mission has taught me that life is hard. But with the gospel, it is alot easier. I am forever grateful for the guidance I have received here. I know that Heavenly Father is a loving, kind God. He is aware of what is going on in our lives. Jesus Christ truly accomplished what He came to earth to do. I know that He is living today guiding this church! Work of Salvation is how we receive our happiness! I love this experience! See ya in 2...days!
Thanks to all who have supported me in this experience. Especially Mom and Dad. My 3 sisters! Without all of you I would never have been able to accomplish what I have!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
This week is just full of spiritual stuff!
Mon, P-day was splendid and didn't get much accomplished at night! Tried. We were out and about trying to talk to people. It was perdy cold tho so not much going on.
Tues, We had to go get my companions bike fixed. His front wheel wasn't going straight. He keeps wrecking his bike. haha Isn't used to keeping up with me yet lol. We got dogged this morning by Candace. This is twice now. Not looking good for her. We then met with Andrei and had a decent lesson with him. He is looking at being baptized on the 24th if all goes well. Going to have him meet with the Bishop and interviewed by President Cooke. We shall see. We then went to practice for the Interfaith Concert and that took from 4-8 so not much done. Next week is the real deal so we will be there from 6-10 it will be alot of fun. We are carrying the banners in the concert and then just doing whatever else they ask.
Wed, We had one of the best days of the transfer today! We met with a new less-active! Fred. (new meaning we just found him) He is a little on the crazy side. Wants to come back to church tho. Will be meeting him every Wed from now on. We then went to Joelyn's! We were only there for 20 min but it was super crazy good. I shared with her Luke 9:62 "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, looking back is fit for the kingdom of God." ( I have been doing this memorizing thing so if it is wrong, I need to review it again haha) I challenged her to give me her lighter so she can stop smoking, and told her to not look back! She then preceded to tell me that when she bought the lighter she told God that it was the last one. If she lost it or had it taken away, she wouldn't smoke anymore. She knew that only God knew that,and that it was merely Him working through me to tell her the time to stop smoking is now. I think Luke 9:62 was just a super fitting scripture and had to share it with her. We all need to remember to "never look back"! We then had dinner at the church and had scripture study with Andrei! It was really good.
Thurs, We had some service in the morning. The Interfaith Council of the Washington D.C. area needed some help sending some letters. Us and the French companionship went with the Porters and helped them package about 3000 letters! It was intense. I never need to mail a letter again. We took Andrei to the V.C. and had a little tour on how the church is organized and then we watched "On the Lord's Errand" Super good movie and helped him realize that President Monson is truly a prophet. It was really good. We then went to a mission meeting with the Ward Council's of our stake with Elder Zwick of the Seventy. It was absolutely amazing! The biggest part I can remember is when he had all the Bishops in the room stand up. He asked them what there purpose is with missionary work. They holding the keys to missionary work for the Ward it was enlightening. He then asked for an experience of someone being taught in their home in the last month. Room went silent. It was silent and Elder Zwick had a little grin on his face because he knew the Spirit was teaching us all. He then said "If you will commit to have someone taught in your home by Christmas you may be seated"! In the words of Sister Matsumori "Boom Roasted". It was really powerful to me. I know that all the missionaries need to be better. We are not perfect. I know I can be alot better than what I am right now. I am still trying to be. It make me realize the power that is coming from the leader's of this church, or ultimately Jesus Christ's message to us today. the Work of Salvation is the most important thing right now. He is Hastening His Work! If you don't believe it, you need to pray about it. It is totally coming from Jesus Christ. E. Zwick said that from when he was a missionary to just at the announcement of the age change the growth of missionaries serving was 35,000. He then said that it has now gone up about 40,000 in the last year. I hope and pray that we can all have a missionary experience by Christmas. And then to continue it.
Fri, From 9-4 today we were taught by Elder Zwick, his good wife, and President and Sister Cooke. It was really really good. I should have brought my notes and just told them to you. He shook our hands at the very beginning and I was wearing my Sunday suit. He looked at my pin I have had on my suit since the beginning of my mission. Said "You know Elder Mickelson" and smiled. I prolly didn't spell his name right, Dad's mission Presidents pin. It was kinda funny and glad I wore that suit today. He talked alot about the goodness of the missionary's in the Phillipeans and how they have reacted to this tragedy that has happened. It is really touching. Ask me about it when I get home. It is truly amazing how the Spirit can teach us. He mentioned alot at how the world is changing. It is not looking pretty I hear. I learned alot today about how I can stay strong when it is my turn to return home. I know that I will because I have been able to build me a pretty good foundation out here that I just hope to add too when I get home. I am just kinda in shock from this week if you can't already tell. I can't really describe in words what I felt today. Omni 1:26 is a scripture he told us that we needed to truly internalize if we want to be successful. It is really really powerful. Check it out.
After, We went to Ceasar's with Andrei and had a really good dinner and lesson with him. Asked him the Baptismal Interview Questions! We will see what happens this next week!
Sat, We had a Family History Meeting today that lasted from 10-3 then we went and had dinner and went to Stake Conference. During, our Mission Presidents talk he told us all to stand up and you know what to do. They had given us all a bunch of M+M's and we passed them out till they ran out haha. It was interesting. Then asked for people to stand and share what they think it means. Lots of good one liners. Member's and Missionary's is really what it goes for. One I liked was, It will melt in your hands but it is only sweet when it is in your mouth. So open your mouth to missionary work! Yeah! There were just many good talks. It felt like a General Conference. E. Zwick is just an amazing guy. After the meeting we took Joelyn our investigator to meet him. He shook her hand and then Sister Porter told him that she was an investigator. He then had a light bulb moment it looked like and said. "I didn't know what I was going to speak about tomorrow, but after meeting you Joelyn I do. I am going to talk about how you can draw closer to Christ, using your Bible. not the Book of Mormon but your Bible. I will be speaking basically to you Joelyn, Pay close attention". I dunno if the look on her face or my face was more flustered. I was just in shock. You don't normally get a General Authority to speak just to you.
Sun, Stake Conference. 4 steps on coming closer to Christ. I can't remember the last couple but he first couple hit me hard. 1st seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost, 2nd Diligence is daily scripture study and prayer, 3rd Keep the Commandments - including the Thou shalt and the Thou shalt not, 4th Follow the Living Prophet. Pretty good. We then Had a Why I Believe that night that was simply amazing! Jenny Oaks Baker! She has a solid testimony. Pres. Lorenzana who always conducts that meeting, said that this was the best one he has ever conducted. Happens on a monthly basis and he has been doing it for 7 years. It was really good. Music with Testimony is super powerful. It just capped our week.
Mon, We went in the Basilica next to our house. Huge catholic church. Will be taking a tour a little later on today.
Words can't truly capture the spirit that was in these meeting this week. I hope I did it justice. I think we all need to examine our lives and figure out what we need to do to participate in the Work of Salvation!
Mon, P-day was splendid and didn't get much accomplished at night! Tried. We were out and about trying to talk to people. It was perdy cold tho so not much going on.
Tues, We had to go get my companions bike fixed. His front wheel wasn't going straight. He keeps wrecking his bike. haha Isn't used to keeping up with me yet lol. We got dogged this morning by Candace. This is twice now. Not looking good for her. We then met with Andrei and had a decent lesson with him. He is looking at being baptized on the 24th if all goes well. Going to have him meet with the Bishop and interviewed by President Cooke. We shall see. We then went to practice for the Interfaith Concert and that took from 4-8 so not much done. Next week is the real deal so we will be there from 6-10 it will be alot of fun. We are carrying the banners in the concert and then just doing whatever else they ask.
Wed, We had one of the best days of the transfer today! We met with a new less-active! Fred. (new meaning we just found him) He is a little on the crazy side. Wants to come back to church tho. Will be meeting him every Wed from now on. We then went to Joelyn's! We were only there for 20 min but it was super crazy good. I shared with her Luke 9:62 "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, looking back is fit for the kingdom of God." ( I have been doing this memorizing thing so if it is wrong, I need to review it again haha) I challenged her to give me her lighter so she can stop smoking, and told her to not look back! She then preceded to tell me that when she bought the lighter she told God that it was the last one. If she lost it or had it taken away, she wouldn't smoke anymore. She knew that only God knew that,and that it was merely Him working through me to tell her the time to stop smoking is now. I think Luke 9:62 was just a super fitting scripture and had to share it with her. We all need to remember to "never look back"! We then had dinner at the church and had scripture study with Andrei! It was really good.
Thurs, We had some service in the morning. The Interfaith Council of the Washington D.C. area needed some help sending some letters. Us and the French companionship went with the Porters and helped them package about 3000 letters! It was intense. I never need to mail a letter again. We took Andrei to the V.C. and had a little tour on how the church is organized and then we watched "On the Lord's Errand" Super good movie and helped him realize that President Monson is truly a prophet. It was really good. We then went to a mission meeting with the Ward Council's of our stake with Elder Zwick of the Seventy. It was absolutely amazing! The biggest part I can remember is when he had all the Bishops in the room stand up. He asked them what there purpose is with missionary work. They holding the keys to missionary work for the Ward it was enlightening. He then asked for an experience of someone being taught in their home in the last month. Room went silent. It was silent and Elder Zwick had a little grin on his face because he knew the Spirit was teaching us all. He then said "If you will commit to have someone taught in your home by Christmas you may be seated"! In the words of Sister Matsumori "Boom Roasted". It was really powerful to me. I know that all the missionaries need to be better. We are not perfect. I know I can be alot better than what I am right now. I am still trying to be. It make me realize the power that is coming from the leader's of this church, or ultimately Jesus Christ's message to us today. the Work of Salvation is the most important thing right now. He is Hastening His Work! If you don't believe it, you need to pray about it. It is totally coming from Jesus Christ. E. Zwick said that from when he was a missionary to just at the announcement of the age change the growth of missionaries serving was 35,000. He then said that it has now gone up about 40,000 in the last year. I hope and pray that we can all have a missionary experience by Christmas. And then to continue it.
Fri, From 9-4 today we were taught by Elder Zwick, his good wife, and President and Sister Cooke. It was really really good. I should have brought my notes and just told them to you. He shook our hands at the very beginning and I was wearing my Sunday suit. He looked at my pin I have had on my suit since the beginning of my mission. Said "You know Elder Mickelson" and smiled. I prolly didn't spell his name right, Dad's mission Presidents pin. It was kinda funny and glad I wore that suit today. He talked alot about the goodness of the missionary's in the Phillipeans and how they have reacted to this tragedy that has happened. It is really touching. Ask me about it when I get home. It is truly amazing how the Spirit can teach us. He mentioned alot at how the world is changing. It is not looking pretty I hear. I learned alot today about how I can stay strong when it is my turn to return home. I know that I will because I have been able to build me a pretty good foundation out here that I just hope to add too when I get home. I am just kinda in shock from this week if you can't already tell. I can't really describe in words what I felt today. Omni 1:26 is a scripture he told us that we needed to truly internalize if we want to be successful. It is really really powerful. Check it out.
After, We went to Ceasar's with Andrei and had a really good dinner and lesson with him. Asked him the Baptismal Interview Questions! We will see what happens this next week!
Sat, We had a Family History Meeting today that lasted from 10-3 then we went and had dinner and went to Stake Conference. During, our Mission Presidents talk he told us all to stand up and you know what to do. They had given us all a bunch of M+M's and we passed them out till they ran out haha. It was interesting. Then asked for people to stand and share what they think it means. Lots of good one liners. Member's and Missionary's is really what it goes for. One I liked was, It will melt in your hands but it is only sweet when it is in your mouth. So open your mouth to missionary work! Yeah! There were just many good talks. It felt like a General Conference. E. Zwick is just an amazing guy. After the meeting we took Joelyn our investigator to meet him. He shook her hand and then Sister Porter told him that she was an investigator. He then had a light bulb moment it looked like and said. "I didn't know what I was going to speak about tomorrow, but after meeting you Joelyn I do. I am going to talk about how you can draw closer to Christ, using your Bible. not the Book of Mormon but your Bible. I will be speaking basically to you Joelyn, Pay close attention". I dunno if the look on her face or my face was more flustered. I was just in shock. You don't normally get a General Authority to speak just to you.
Sun, Stake Conference. 4 steps on coming closer to Christ. I can't remember the last couple but he first couple hit me hard. 1st seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost, 2nd Diligence is daily scripture study and prayer, 3rd Keep the Commandments - including the Thou shalt and the Thou shalt not, 4th Follow the Living Prophet. Pretty good. We then Had a Why I Believe that night that was simply amazing! Jenny Oaks Baker! She has a solid testimony. Pres. Lorenzana who always conducts that meeting, said that this was the best one he has ever conducted. Happens on a monthly basis and he has been doing it for 7 years. It was really good. Music with Testimony is super powerful. It just capped our week.
Mon, We went in the Basilica next to our house. Huge catholic church. Will be taking a tour a little later on today.
Words can't truly capture the spirit that was in these meeting this week. I hope I did it justice. I think we all need to examine our lives and figure out what we need to do to participate in the Work of Salvation!
Monday, November 11, 2013
Mon, We were able to teach a family today! Frankie and his wife and two kids! We taught the Restoration and it was super good. Spirit was strong. During the First Vision, his phone rang tho haha. He answered it right before my companion said "This is my Beloved Son, Hear Him". Things always seem to happen during the first vision. It turned out to be the "member" who had introduced him to the gospel...turns out she is a sister missionary. Yep a Sister from our mission interrupted our lesson haha. Think she would have been a little more in tune but oh well. We then talked about baptism and they were excited. Said yes to being baptized on Dec. 15th! I am super happy that I am able to teach a family. Kids are 13 and 14 so it is just great ;)
Tues, We had Zone Training in the middle of the day. It just sucked up our whole day. It was super good tho. E. Bledsoe gave an amazing workshop reminding us of our Purpose. It is amazing how simple yet complex the Gospel is. I think we always forget the purpose to why we are doing what we are doing. It is really to Baptize by building faith by repenting and helping others to be able to have the Holy Ghost with them so they can return to live with Heavenly Father again by Enduring to the End. It is amazing how many times you can hear a workshop about the gospel and you just feel the Spirit and pretty much find out you are doing everything all wrong and need to change. We then had dinner and it was time to go to the church for FHE! It was a really good lesson on Forgiveness. It was good to be reminded of it. We watched the Mormon Message on it as well. The one with the drunk driver an all...Just really a touching video. I love how it says that We are merely a vessel the Christ can work thru.
Wed, We got dogged in the morning...then had a good lunch at & Pizza. It is a super good place. Fresh pizza, kinda like a subway for pizza. It was really good pizza. A member paid for us. He then went to fill his drink and another member came up to us and told us not to pay that he would get us haha. I love experiences like that. We then taught Ceasar a lesson about the Priesthood and our duty. It was actually a super good lesson for me. We watched the "Power of God" Mormon Message and then walked through what his job is. He is really nervous but my last Sunday on the mission we are going to bless the sacrament together! I am looking forward to it. We then had a dinner at the church. Always good to have those! Then went and talked to 10 people while checking on formers! Twas a good day!
Thurs, This day I planned on the wrong page so my planner is super messed up. I do know we got dogged by the same person twice today! It was great. We woke her up the first time then the next she just asked for a pamphlet and she would call us. Wish people would just let us know that they aren't interested from the very start sometimes. It then looked like to be a torrential downpour so we went to Ceasar's to stay out of the rain. We helped him with some tech stuff again and cleaned his place! We then went and checked on our referrals and got to contact two of them! It was a good night out and about on the streets of D.C.
Fri, A day of no appointments...those days turn out to be long. It was fun try to find some people tho! I talked to 12 today. We were going to do a chalk talk but it was just super cold. Will be doing one this next week tho so I am excited to try it out. I never have done it but I bought some chalk so I have to try it once. We had a lesson with Andrei today as well. It was a quick one. He had put some stuff on Facebook I didn't like and I let him know it and told him if he doesn't come to church he can't progress and just told him he needed to be there no matter what. Said he would...It was my kind of lesson. Short and directly to the point to fix the problem. I hope that he will become normal one of these days.
Sat, We had Ward Correlation and it was good except I had to conduct! I don't like conducting! We then had a family history g-q down at the Archives in D.C., we went down there and talked to people at the Navy Memorial about Family History. It was pretty fun. I got me a cool lookin research card while we were there! We then went to the V.C. with Andrei! We taught him the Gospel of Jesus ChristGave some good answers that seemed heartfelt and so we put him on date. Nov. 24th. He has to make it to church every Sunday so we shall see. After that we drove home to get in another car to drive back to the V.C. for a Concert for "We Serve" it was exceptional! We had Ceasar there and it was just great! Super good experience to honor the military. President Cooke was a Major General so it was his kinda night. He gave the opening prayer and I have come to realize that I don't know if I ever heard Pres. Matsumori pray...prolly did but I know it was the first time to hear President Cooke pray. Random thought. The flag ceremony was done by people in George Washington time uniforms. Twas super awesome. Don't know if I have seen it done quiet like that! Just a super good night to be an American to say the least.
Sun, Andrei came to Church! It was good to see him there. He seems to maybe have the right attitude now. Joelyn was there as well. It was fun! We then had a super good steak lunch at Ceasar's! I love steak haha. Then went to the V.C. again! I love the V.C.! Ceasar and Joelyn came with us to the Night of Music and Inspiration and it was just great. I love those. My last one...everything seems to be my last but it was super good. I am grateful for music! Today was just a good day! One of those days...
Mon, Zone activity and I figured I would email when I can...going back up to Quince Orchard for a little lazer tag! I hope to see Scott Shaffer today as well! Will let you know how it goes. I am planning on getting back on later so Hopefully see some e-mails. Love you all! Hopefully will get to talk to ya too :)
Tues, We had Zone Training in the middle of the day. It just sucked up our whole day. It was super good tho. E. Bledsoe gave an amazing workshop reminding us of our Purpose. It is amazing how simple yet complex the Gospel is. I think we always forget the purpose to why we are doing what we are doing. It is really to Baptize by building faith by repenting and helping others to be able to have the Holy Ghost with them so they can return to live with Heavenly Father again by Enduring to the End. It is amazing how many times you can hear a workshop about the gospel and you just feel the Spirit and pretty much find out you are doing everything all wrong and need to change. We then had dinner and it was time to go to the church for FHE! It was a really good lesson on Forgiveness. It was good to be reminded of it. We watched the Mormon Message on it as well. The one with the drunk driver an all...Just really a touching video. I love how it says that We are merely a vessel the Christ can work thru.
Wed, We got dogged in the morning...then had a good lunch at & Pizza. It is a super good place. Fresh pizza, kinda like a subway for pizza. It was really good pizza. A member paid for us. He then went to fill his drink and another member came up to us and told us not to pay that he would get us haha. I love experiences like that. We then taught Ceasar a lesson about the Priesthood and our duty. It was actually a super good lesson for me. We watched the "Power of God" Mormon Message and then walked through what his job is. He is really nervous but my last Sunday on the mission we are going to bless the sacrament together! I am looking forward to it. We then had a dinner at the church. Always good to have those! Then went and talked to 10 people while checking on formers! Twas a good day!
Thurs, This day I planned on the wrong page so my planner is super messed up. I do know we got dogged by the same person twice today! It was great. We woke her up the first time then the next she just asked for a pamphlet and she would call us. Wish people would just let us know that they aren't interested from the very start sometimes. It then looked like to be a torrential downpour so we went to Ceasar's to stay out of the rain. We helped him with some tech stuff again and cleaned his place! We then went and checked on our referrals and got to contact two of them! It was a good night out and about on the streets of D.C.
Fri, A day of no appointments...those days turn out to be long. It was fun try to find some people tho! I talked to 12 today. We were going to do a chalk talk but it was just super cold. Will be doing one this next week tho so I am excited to try it out. I never have done it but I bought some chalk so I have to try it once. We had a lesson with Andrei today as well. It was a quick one. He had put some stuff on Facebook I didn't like and I let him know it and told him if he doesn't come to church he can't progress and just told him he needed to be there no matter what. Said he would...It was my kind of lesson. Short and directly to the point to fix the problem. I hope that he will become normal one of these days.
Sat, We had Ward Correlation and it was good except I had to conduct! I don't like conducting! We then had a family history g-q down at the Archives in D.C., we went down there and talked to people at the Navy Memorial about Family History. It was pretty fun. I got me a cool lookin research card while we were there! We then went to the V.C. with Andrei! We taught him the Gospel of Jesus ChristGave some good answers that seemed heartfelt and so we put him on date. Nov. 24th. He has to make it to church every Sunday so we shall see. After that we drove home to get in another car to drive back to the V.C. for a Concert for "We Serve" it was exceptional! We had Ceasar there and it was just great! Super good experience to honor the military. President Cooke was a Major General so it was his kinda night. He gave the opening prayer and I have come to realize that I don't know if I ever heard Pres. Matsumori pray...prolly did but I know it was the first time to hear President Cooke pray. Random thought. The flag ceremony was done by people in George Washington time uniforms. Twas super awesome. Don't know if I have seen it done quiet like that! Just a super good night to be an American to say the least.
Sun, Andrei came to Church! It was good to see him there. He seems to maybe have the right attitude now. Joelyn was there as well. It was fun! We then had a super good steak lunch at Ceasar's! I love steak haha. Then went to the V.C. again! I love the V.C.! Ceasar and Joelyn came with us to the Night of Music and Inspiration and it was just great. I love those. My last one...everything seems to be my last but it was super good. I am grateful for music! Today was just a good day! One of those days...
Mon, Zone activity and I figured I would email when I can...going back up to Quince Orchard for a little lazer tag! I hope to see Scott Shaffer today as well! Will let you know how it goes. I am planning on getting back on later so Hopefully see some e-mails. Love you all! Hopefully will get to talk to ya too :)
Monday, November 4, 2013
Mon, We went to Ceasar's tonight for dinner! It was super good as usual! We then went and tried to see some peeps but they weren't home!
Tues, Was on an exchange in the West today! We had a good breakfast at Ceasar's! He wanted us to come so I just can't turn down two meals in a row! We then had some service at a member's house! Bro Procter is a good guy. He is just an old baptist preacher, who is a classic old man. I think he has asked my name for the past 6 weeks at church and tells me every time that he will remember it haha. We then met with another solid member. Kevin Tenor. He has some crazy ideas that run thru his head. He has a solid testimony but just gets a little messed up on some doctrine sometimes haha. He is struggling tho about finding a job. It is super hard to live without a job. He has been searching for a year and had a lot of interviews but it didn't happen. It was a grand day back with Elder Parlogean tho. We then had a good FHE lesson and had a little game as usual. Great times. At Family home evening we had this family of 4 come and it turns out they live in our area! Going to see them tonight and are super excited for it! I really hope they are as golden as they sounded at FHE!
Wed, District Meeting went well. We had a good talk about talking to people and also about putting people on date. We are really struggling with both of those aspects of missionary work now. It feels like all these new people just won't talk to people. My last two companions just do not want anything to do with g-qing which makes it hard for me cause that means I have to do all the work. I am starting to get a little angry about it tho so I hope he changes. If not, big words might have to erupt out of my mouth haha. For Role Plays we just switched companions and went and talked to people. It was really effective I thought! Everyone thought it was good so I hope it was. We then got dogged by first our member Ceasar to come to a lesson and then Candace the lesson wasn't there either. It was another one of those days...yep our next appointment fell through too. Got to talk to 28 people today tho so that was really good.
Thurs, we had a meeting with Andrei in the morning and it was really good! Taught him the Plan of Salvation really fast and just wanted to see how it was going to go. He remembered alot from just being taught before and we are trying to teach him so he doesn't have time to say his crazy things to see if he will snap out of that. He has come a long ways in the last two weeks We then had to be home at 5 because it is freaking Halloween! Weekly Planned and got two letter's sent away. Yes Mara you should be getting one that I wrote on Oct 2. then it sat on my desk lol. I don't think my lazy side will ever go away haha
Fri, We had another lesson with Andrei at the Library where we got to watch a couple of video's! It was really good. It seemed like he was actually going to pull through. Said he is done with coffee and was totally sane. Said he was going to come to church too! Says all the right things haha. We then had to cancel a v.c. trip with Joelyn and so we had the rest of the night. We met a lady named Elizabeth who is a member of the church (for now) because she gave us the coveted I don't want to be a mormon anymore letter. One of her concern's was that, young men are called deacon, teacher, and priest. while young women are called beehive, mimaid and laurel. haha. I dunno if I got it right on the young women haha. And then the whole gay marriage thing. God's laws never will change. I could kinda see her point on the young men young women thing tho. I never would have thought that would have been an issue for anyone tho, until I moved here. Deacon, Teacher, and Priest are super huge in other faiths. So if you come from that it is a big deal. I have learned to see things through other people's perspectives alot on my mission.
Sat, We had a good meeting in the morning. Ward Correlation. My comp ran off to his old area to see a baptism so that was pretty good. I couldn't go so got to stay and then pretty much wait for him to come back. Then got to have a steak lunch at Ceasar's! That guy is great. I then worked on his technology stuff, trying to figure out his sound system for him. It was fun to work with it all but I have learned lately with all this facebook stuff that I have forgotten how to use all this technology. maybe I will learn again someday!
Sun, Church was just dandy! I love fast and testimony meeting in this ward. Especially when Sis Mack gets up there to sing her song! "You got to stand your test and judgements...you got to stand it for yourself...Ain't nobody stand if for you...you got to stand it for yourself!" Everyone sings along and it is just super spiritual. She says a little something else and then sits down. Prolly isn't up there for longer than a minute but the Spirit is just so strong when she gets up there! We then got dogged to go to the v.c. today by Andrei and dogged for church. He put some inappropriate things on facebook too Guess I get to talk to him about it tho first. We shall see what happens.
Mon, Got to go to Arlington today! It was super good. Got to go inside the barracks of the unknown soldier! Super fun! Saw the change of the guards...Kennedy grave, the house that is there from George Washington I think. Look for pictures from other people cause I went and forgot my camera haha. I got my friend Elder Lott to take some pics for me tho momma with me in them just for you...they may all have an airplane tho LOL. I am excited to see you guys! Three short weeks. It has been a good ride. tho. I am grateful for what this has taught me! I was thinking to myself today what and where I would be without this experience. I can't imagine trying to be a husband and father without first being an Elder. It has definitely built me a good foundation for the rest of my life!
LOVE ELDER STOOR! :)
Tues, Was on an exchange in the West today! We had a good breakfast at Ceasar's! He wanted us to come so I just can't turn down two meals in a row! We then had some service at a member's house! Bro Procter is a good guy. He is just an old baptist preacher, who is a classic old man. I think he has asked my name for the past 6 weeks at church and tells me every time that he will remember it haha. We then met with another solid member. Kevin Tenor. He has some crazy ideas that run thru his head. He has a solid testimony but just gets a little messed up on some doctrine sometimes haha. He is struggling tho about finding a job. It is super hard to live without a job. He has been searching for a year and had a lot of interviews but it didn't happen. It was a grand day back with Elder Parlogean tho. We then had a good FHE lesson and had a little game as usual. Great times. At Family home evening we had this family of 4 come and it turns out they live in our area! Going to see them tonight and are super excited for it! I really hope they are as golden as they sounded at FHE!
Wed, District Meeting went well. We had a good talk about talking to people and also about putting people on date. We are really struggling with both of those aspects of missionary work now. It feels like all these new people just won't talk to people. My last two companions just do not want anything to do with g-qing which makes it hard for me cause that means I have to do all the work. I am starting to get a little angry about it tho so I hope he changes. If not, big words might have to erupt out of my mouth haha. For Role Plays we just switched companions and went and talked to people. It was really effective I thought! Everyone thought it was good so I hope it was. We then got dogged by first our member Ceasar to come to a lesson and then Candace the lesson wasn't there either. It was another one of those days...yep our next appointment fell through too. Got to talk to 28 people today tho so that was really good.
Thurs, we had a meeting with Andrei in the morning and it was really good! Taught him the Plan of Salvation really fast and just wanted to see how it was going to go. He remembered alot from just being taught before and we are trying to teach him so he doesn't have time to say his crazy things to see if he will snap out of that. He has come a long ways in the last two weeks We then had to be home at 5 because it is freaking Halloween! Weekly Planned and got two letter's sent away. Yes Mara you should be getting one that I wrote on Oct 2. then it sat on my desk lol. I don't think my lazy side will ever go away haha
Fri, We had another lesson with Andrei at the Library where we got to watch a couple of video's! It was really good. It seemed like he was actually going to pull through. Said he is done with coffee and was totally sane. Said he was going to come to church too! Says all the right things haha. We then had to cancel a v.c. trip with Joelyn and so we had the rest of the night. We met a lady named Elizabeth who is a member of the church (for now) because she gave us the coveted I don't want to be a mormon anymore letter. One of her concern's was that, young men are called deacon, teacher, and priest. while young women are called beehive, mimaid and laurel. haha. I dunno if I got it right on the young women haha. And then the whole gay marriage thing. God's laws never will change. I could kinda see her point on the young men young women thing tho. I never would have thought that would have been an issue for anyone tho, until I moved here. Deacon, Teacher, and Priest are super huge in other faiths. So if you come from that it is a big deal. I have learned to see things through other people's perspectives alot on my mission.
Sat, We had a good meeting in the morning. Ward Correlation. My comp ran off to his old area to see a baptism so that was pretty good. I couldn't go so got to stay and then pretty much wait for him to come back. Then got to have a steak lunch at Ceasar's! That guy is great. I then worked on his technology stuff, trying to figure out his sound system for him. It was fun to work with it all but I have learned lately with all this facebook stuff that I have forgotten how to use all this technology. maybe I will learn again someday!
Sun, Church was just dandy! I love fast and testimony meeting in this ward. Especially when Sis Mack gets up there to sing her song! "You got to stand your test and judgements...you got to stand it for yourself...Ain't nobody stand if for you...you got to stand it for yourself!" Everyone sings along and it is just super spiritual. She says a little something else and then sits down. Prolly isn't up there for longer than a minute but the Spirit is just so strong when she gets up there! We then got dogged to go to the v.c. today by Andrei and dogged for church. He put some inappropriate things on facebook too Guess I get to talk to him about it tho first. We shall see what happens.
Mon, Got to go to Arlington today! It was super good. Got to go inside the barracks of the unknown soldier! Super fun! Saw the change of the guards...Kennedy grave, the house that is there from George Washington I think. Look for pictures from other people cause I went and forgot my camera haha. I got my friend Elder Lott to take some pics for me tho momma with me in them just for you...they may all have an airplane tho LOL. I am excited to see you guys! Three short weeks. It has been a good ride. tho. I am grateful for what this has taught me! I was thinking to myself today what and where I would be without this experience. I can't imagine trying to be a husband and father without first being an Elder. It has definitely built me a good foundation for the rest of my life!
LOVE ELDER STOOR! :)
Monday, October 28, 2013
Mon, It is weird starting with Mon...just sayin...but we had a good night. We just went to see Former's and got a couple of potentials. Talked to 12 people. Twas a swell evening!
Tues, We met with Bonita! Read I think from 1Nephi11+12. It was really good. Bonita just asks the right ?'s and just apply's the scriptures so well to her situation. It is a great example to me of how you can apply scriptures from any setting to fit what you need and you normally get what you need when you need it. I love reading the BoM with someone. Glad Bonita wants too. We then got dogged by a member. She just left for 5 min and thought she could make it but ended up being a little longer and got there 10 min after we left. We were already headed home because we had FHE this evening at the church. We had the lesson. It was super powerful. Watched "Only a Stonecutter" and talked about how simple our callings can be, if we magnify them it is truly magnificent. I am amazed at how awesome that story is and I know that it is how it works. It is interesting how the Lord work's sometimes but I know that even if you are a "greeter" for Relief Society you can make a difference in the entire Ward. I sometimes think the recent converts in this ward look at how low of a calling they have and get discouraged when they really shouldn't because there is a place and a job for everyone in the Lord's Church!
Wed, District Meeting went swell. It is weird how sometimes you plan for just the right amount and you end a half hour early and then other times you don't have time for role plays and have to go over time. Really different. Hope this next one goes swell. After District Meeting, we went to the V.C. with Andrei and watched the Joesph Smith movie. It was really good. It was really good for Andrei! He really enjoyed the movie. It is funny to watch things click with people. I think everything is coming back to his remembrance. He has been taught alot so either he knows the right things to do or he is getting it this time. Going to play him out and see what he does. We then had our dinner at the church. It is always super good! We then got dogged by a former. We got the privilege of going to the children's hospital to give a blessing. Little 2 year old Jordan had had 3 heart surgery's when he first arrived to this earth and then was a healthy baby boy for 18 months. Then just got done having his 3rd brain surgery. This little guy is a fighter! I shared with her that I was once were Jordan was, recovering from surgery and I am fine. It seemed to give her a little more hope. We gave both Jordan a blessing and his mom. Spirit was super strong. We then talked for a while and set up a time to go back. Told her more about my condition and I just kept getting reminded of Stephen Bowman and decided I would share with her the story. It was pretty touching for me. I still think I am just lucky to be here. I thought about the Bowman family on my birthday too and prolly won't be able to not think about it for the rest of my life. Guess I am grateful to be here. Just figured out another little date...Stephen passed on Nov 27th...the day I get home. Ellie, Jordan's mom, definitely could use some prayers. She is a really strong woman. Said she has met many mother's who have lost their children with there child being better off than Jordan. It is really strange how things work sometimes. Really makes the Plan of Salvation come real. Testify'ed to her that I know no matter what happens God will take care of both her and Jordan. I also told her that I believe she will get to raise Jordan no matter what happens. It will be fun to meet with her and see the progress of Jordan!
Thurs, J.S. took us out to get dogged and then had a really good lesson with Andrei. From the V.C. trip, he has decided that he will quit coffee! Says it is going to be really hard but he is going to do it. I hope he will. Sounds really promising. We still are trying to decide if he is accountable tho. We are not going to put him on date till he shows that he is really serious and can come and help the ward. We will just have to wait and see how it works out. We then had a good rest of the day knocking door's trying to find some member's. It is fun trying to find someone who 80% of the time doesn't want you there. I have been getting a good look in someone's face everytime they are rude or just don't want to talk to me. I hope that when I have a perfect recollection on the other side that I will get to look them up and ask them why they wouldn't give me a chance to talk. Hope it will work that way haha.
Fri, We read 1Nephi 13+14 with Bonita! It was just great! I love 1Nephi, It is prolly the most read book in the Book of Mormon. We really get alot out of it with Bonita. We then met with Sis Robinson and found out she is an awesome member missionary. Most missionary's only think they are good member missionary's when they give you referral's. I really am not one of those robots haha. You succeed when you try in missionary work and we helped her see that. She visit teaches a couple less-actives that are making progress and that is great! We then went to play pros-ball with our room-mates but got dogged by their people who was gonna come get schooled by me. They shouldn't have told them that I was coming haha. We then had a good visit with Joelyn. She just needs to get baptized. Don't really know why she doesn't want to get it done. Might be just laying it down for her and see what happens. I hate doing that but sometimes you just have too.
Sat, Me and Elder Lott went on exchange and had a really good time with him. After our Ward Correlation meeting we picked out our famous 100$ Brooks Brother Death Tie! J.S. buys every missionary one before they go home. Lot of money but it is going to be my most cherished tie. We then went to eat at 5 guy's and then went to park at the V.C. Just some good service up there. .
Sun, church was just great. At Ward Council, Bishop shared a really good story. Apparently there is a youtube video of a dad celebrating when his kid went from a F to a C. Shared that we really need to celebrate the small steps people take. It is really true. We then had a good night out and about and we got to spend a little time with Ceasar today helping him prepare for us to come over for dinner tomorrow. It was good to just kinda relax there to for a little bit.
Mon, sunrise pics and going to see the mall here in a sec! Love you all Thanks for all the support! Sorry for those waiting for letter's from me. I have really slacked lately on letter writing but maybe I will get back into it. If not we will see you soon ;) Love Elder Stoor!
Tues, We met with Bonita! Read I think from 1Nephi11+12. It was really good. Bonita just asks the right ?'s and just apply's the scriptures so well to her situation. It is a great example to me of how you can apply scriptures from any setting to fit what you need and you normally get what you need when you need it. I love reading the BoM with someone. Glad Bonita wants too. We then got dogged by a member. She just left for 5 min and thought she could make it but ended up being a little longer and got there 10 min after we left. We were already headed home because we had FHE this evening at the church. We had the lesson. It was super powerful. Watched "Only a Stonecutter" and talked about how simple our callings can be, if we magnify them it is truly magnificent. I am amazed at how awesome that story is and I know that it is how it works. It is interesting how the Lord work's sometimes but I know that even if you are a "greeter" for Relief Society you can make a difference in the entire Ward. I sometimes think the recent converts in this ward look at how low of a calling they have and get discouraged when they really shouldn't because there is a place and a job for everyone in the Lord's Church!
Wed, District Meeting went swell. It is weird how sometimes you plan for just the right amount and you end a half hour early and then other times you don't have time for role plays and have to go over time. Really different. Hope this next one goes swell. After District Meeting, we went to the V.C. with Andrei and watched the Joesph Smith movie. It was really good. It was really good for Andrei! He really enjoyed the movie. It is funny to watch things click with people. I think everything is coming back to his remembrance. He has been taught alot so either he knows the right things to do or he is getting it this time. Going to play him out and see what he does. We then had our dinner at the church. It is always super good! We then got dogged by a former. We got the privilege of going to the children's hospital to give a blessing. Little 2 year old Jordan had had 3 heart surgery's when he first arrived to this earth and then was a healthy baby boy for 18 months. Then just got done having his 3rd brain surgery. This little guy is a fighter! I shared with her that I was once were Jordan was, recovering from surgery and I am fine. It seemed to give her a little more hope. We gave both Jordan a blessing and his mom. Spirit was super strong. We then talked for a while and set up a time to go back. Told her more about my condition and I just kept getting reminded of Stephen Bowman and decided I would share with her the story. It was pretty touching for me. I still think I am just lucky to be here. I thought about the Bowman family on my birthday too and prolly won't be able to not think about it for the rest of my life. Guess I am grateful to be here. Just figured out another little date...Stephen passed on Nov 27th...the day I get home. Ellie, Jordan's mom, definitely could use some prayers. She is a really strong woman. Said she has met many mother's who have lost their children with there child being better off than Jordan. It is really strange how things work sometimes. Really makes the Plan of Salvation come real. Testify'ed to her that I know no matter what happens God will take care of both her and Jordan. I also told her that I believe she will get to raise Jordan no matter what happens. It will be fun to meet with her and see the progress of Jordan!
Thurs, J.S. took us out to get dogged and then had a really good lesson with Andrei. From the V.C. trip, he has decided that he will quit coffee! Says it is going to be really hard but he is going to do it. I hope he will. Sounds really promising. We still are trying to decide if he is accountable tho. We are not going to put him on date till he shows that he is really serious and can come and help the ward. We will just have to wait and see how it works out. We then had a good rest of the day knocking door's trying to find some member's. It is fun trying to find someone who 80% of the time doesn't want you there. I have been getting a good look in someone's face everytime they are rude or just don't want to talk to me. I hope that when I have a perfect recollection on the other side that I will get to look them up and ask them why they wouldn't give me a chance to talk. Hope it will work that way haha.
Fri, We read 1Nephi 13+14 with Bonita! It was just great! I love 1Nephi, It is prolly the most read book in the Book of Mormon. We really get alot out of it with Bonita. We then met with Sis Robinson and found out she is an awesome member missionary. Most missionary's only think they are good member missionary's when they give you referral's. I really am not one of those robots haha. You succeed when you try in missionary work and we helped her see that. She visit teaches a couple less-actives that are making progress and that is great! We then went to play pros-ball with our room-mates but got dogged by their people who was gonna come get schooled by me. They shouldn't have told them that I was coming haha. We then had a good visit with Joelyn. She just needs to get baptized. Don't really know why she doesn't want to get it done. Might be just laying it down for her and see what happens. I hate doing that but sometimes you just have too.
Sat, Me and Elder Lott went on exchange and had a really good time with him. After our Ward Correlation meeting we picked out our famous 100$ Brooks Brother Death Tie! J.S. buys every missionary one before they go home. Lot of money but it is going to be my most cherished tie. We then went to eat at 5 guy's and then went to park at the V.C. Just some good service up there. .
Sun, church was just great. At Ward Council, Bishop shared a really good story. Apparently there is a youtube video of a dad celebrating when his kid went from a F to a C. Shared that we really need to celebrate the small steps people take. It is really true. We then had a good night out and about and we got to spend a little time with Ceasar today helping him prepare for us to come over for dinner tomorrow. It was good to just kinda relax there to for a little bit.
Mon, sunrise pics and going to see the mall here in a sec! Love you all Thanks for all the support! Sorry for those waiting for letter's from me. I have really slacked lately on letter writing but maybe I will get back into it. If not we will see you soon ;) Love Elder Stoor!
Monday, October 21, 2013
Wed, Elder Jensen and I went and just g-q'ed some people and met Ceasar and then checked on some more member's to introduce him too but didn't get in!
Thurs, We had Ceasar cook us breakfast. Then we had to get E. Jensens bike tuned up a little bit. The gears were a little messed up. I just wish I knew how to do it. It looks super easy and I hope to learn someday. I am really good at changing flat tires just not the gears. We then got some good stuff done on the computer. I have typed up all the member's in our area so they can fit into our planner's so it is going to be super nice. It is why you haven't seen some stuff posted on facebook from me lately. Been using the time to try to help us be a little more effective when we are out working. We have 180 member' in our little area and we are going to be doing a good little sweep through of them. That is what the ward wants so hopefully we can deliver. We got to meet another recent convert I hadn't met. Sis Boykin. Hopefully going to start to meet with her every now and then! We then checked on a few more and it was fun!
Fri, Leadership Meeting was great as usual. I liked the workshops but sometimes it gets a little hard listening to missionary's trying to present it. I need to work on charity I guess but I really don't like hearing things from some missionary's sometimes. President Williams who is the 2nd counselor in the mission Presidency gave us a training, because President Cooke was away. It was great. He is a professional speaker so he does a good job of presenting. Had us all just tuned right in. It took up most of the day but it was a good meeting. We then had a good meeting with Andrei Ponze. Elder Fisher and Elder Rushton had taught him alot when we were here and I taught him on exchange 2 or 3 times. He was a solid investigator and found him on Facebook so we got to meet him and he is really a different person. Kinda seemed un-accountable but maybe he will grow out of it. Rough 1st lesson to say the least. Going to meet with him some more cause he wants too so we shall see. We also read scriptures with Bonita and it was great. Read I Nephi 8-11 and it was just super spiritual! I hope to see her come back to church. She definitely still has a testimony. We then went to the Visitor's Center and had a great time there. Joelyn was supposed to get baptized on Sunday but "sabatougched it" in her own words. Kinda sad. We taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ there and it as just a good time. I think it really helped her and I am hoping for next month she will be baptized! Not rushing it that is for sure!
Sat, We had a good ward correlation this morning. Got alot done. Ceasar then told us we had to come over cause he missed my birthday. Ribs sure are good! We then went biking around the area to show E.Jensen around a little bit. Went by the Verizon Center and that was fun. Ran into a member who wants to get us free tickets to go to a Capitols game. Never been to a hockey game. I dunno if President will let us tho haha. It was a pretty fun night!
Sun, Church was just great! Had couple of good meetings with the ward leader's. Hopefully things start to happen. It is hard to just do the Lord's work all the time. I hope to be a good member's for the missionary's when I get old. We then had a Why I Believe that night! Brian Kiel of the Washington Redskins spoke so you can bet that it was a full house. He gave an exceptional talk! All the Recent Converts gave a super good talk too! It is super spiritual meeting. If we ever come visit you have to plan on coming here during the third Sunday of the month because those meeting are the best! Only two recent converts stood up tho that is always sad when not many are there to introduce themselves.
Mon, Sunrise pics, tennis, library of congress! Super good P-day! Gonna take sunrise like every P-day till I get home cause they make the p-day's the best! Thanks for all the e-mails! Talk to ya next Monday!
Thurs, We had Ceasar cook us breakfast. Then we had to get E. Jensens bike tuned up a little bit. The gears were a little messed up. I just wish I knew how to do it. It looks super easy and I hope to learn someday. I am really good at changing flat tires just not the gears. We then got some good stuff done on the computer. I have typed up all the member's in our area so they can fit into our planner's so it is going to be super nice. It is why you haven't seen some stuff posted on facebook from me lately. Been using the time to try to help us be a little more effective when we are out working. We have 180 member' in our little area and we are going to be doing a good little sweep through of them. That is what the ward wants so hopefully we can deliver. We got to meet another recent convert I hadn't met. Sis Boykin. Hopefully going to start to meet with her every now and then! We then checked on a few more and it was fun!
Fri, Leadership Meeting was great as usual. I liked the workshops but sometimes it gets a little hard listening to missionary's trying to present it. I need to work on charity I guess but I really don't like hearing things from some missionary's sometimes. President Williams who is the 2nd counselor in the mission Presidency gave us a training, because President Cooke was away. It was great. He is a professional speaker so he does a good job of presenting. Had us all just tuned right in. It took up most of the day but it was a good meeting. We then had a good meeting with Andrei Ponze. Elder Fisher and Elder Rushton had taught him alot when we were here and I taught him on exchange 2 or 3 times. He was a solid investigator and found him on Facebook so we got to meet him and he is really a different person. Kinda seemed un-accountable but maybe he will grow out of it. Rough 1st lesson to say the least. Going to meet with him some more cause he wants too so we shall see. We also read scriptures with Bonita and it was great. Read I Nephi 8-11 and it was just super spiritual! I hope to see her come back to church. She definitely still has a testimony. We then went to the Visitor's Center and had a great time there. Joelyn was supposed to get baptized on Sunday but "sabatougched it" in her own words. Kinda sad. We taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ there and it as just a good time. I think it really helped her and I am hoping for next month she will be baptized! Not rushing it that is for sure!
Sat, We had a good ward correlation this morning. Got alot done. Ceasar then told us we had to come over cause he missed my birthday. Ribs sure are good! We then went biking around the area to show E.Jensen around a little bit. Went by the Verizon Center and that was fun. Ran into a member who wants to get us free tickets to go to a Capitols game. Never been to a hockey game. I dunno if President will let us tho haha. It was a pretty fun night!
Sun, Church was just great! Had couple of good meetings with the ward leader's. Hopefully things start to happen. It is hard to just do the Lord's work all the time. I hope to be a good member's for the missionary's when I get old. We then had a Why I Believe that night! Brian Kiel of the Washington Redskins spoke so you can bet that it was a full house. He gave an exceptional talk! All the Recent Converts gave a super good talk too! It is super spiritual meeting. If we ever come visit you have to plan on coming here during the third Sunday of the month because those meeting are the best! Only two recent converts stood up tho that is always sad when not many are there to introduce themselves.
Mon, Sunrise pics, tennis, library of congress! Super good P-day! Gonna take sunrise like every P-day till I get home cause they make the p-day's the best! Thanks for all the e-mails! Talk to ya next Monday!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Wed, We had two appointments today! Yeah...well my companion got a flat tire...had to walk home and wasn't able to go to either of them :( One ended up being in the hospital and then the other didn't really want us to come by anyways so it was okay. Just a long walk home.
Thurs, Was on exchange with E. Peterson...It was raining and it rained and it rained and it rained some more. We were out in it all day. Forgot that the Library's don't open till 1 on Thursdays haha. We ended up just biking to Union Station and got there so we could have lunch with Ceasar! Super nice guy. He went out of town for the weekend and this was the last time he was going to see us before transfer's so...he took us all out to eat! It was super good. It was then raining still when we got out. We were just out and about. It was fun to be back with Elder Peterson! We strolled around talking to people in the rain and ended up having both our appointments re-schedule. So I decided to take him out to dinner! We went to this really good Mexican place that is like Cafe Rio/Chipotle called Lime. Super good salsa and decent prices.
We went back out to the bikes and I put on my anti-theft protection purple helmet and E. Peterson said where is my helmet? It was gone. I looked a little closer and started to laugh cause his seat was gone too. Mine was still on but Someone jacked his seat and helmet. We stood there and laughed for a good 5 minutes. I don't know why it was so funny haha. Had a good talk to a guy who came to lock up, told him to be careful, cause he just got stuff stolen. Super nice guy. He is an Atheist Jew haha. As we were leaving, E. Peterson asked if he could borrow his seat haha. Good times. We decided to just go get out of the rain and clean our apartment. We cleaned like crazy and now our apartment looks nice. I know you may not be able to believe it but I cleaned. And to make matters worse today....WE LOST THE FREAKING PHONE! YES WE STILL DON'T HAVE A PHONE! crazy day
Fri, Raining its Raining, the old man is snoring...however the song goes. We went to the library, got some stuff done for our map! Printed out names so we can read them and went to our appointment with Bonita Jackson :)! Read some scriptures with her! I really like her she is super funny. Really spiritual too. Going to be reading scriptures with her every tuesday and friday! We got dogged at our next appointment.
We Weekly Planned and then just decided to clean our room because it was raining. So Now everything is super nice. It was kinda really dirty before. We got our map updated so it looks nice! Have a couple more things to do and then it is just spick and span! I know it sounds like we just cleaned and updated these last two days but it is pretty much the most productive thing to do when it is pouring cats and dogs outside!
Sat, We had Ward Coorelation and it took a long time cause we went through the whole ward directory with Bro Ewing. We are getting ready for our Ipads and What we did is going to be super helpful. All the member's will be catagorized by #'s 3 for Active, 2 for kinda active, 1 for less-active, and 0 for do not contacts! It is all going to be accessed so we can leave notes there and they will never get lost and we can just always be up to date on everything!
I saw this super spiritual quote on a police station when we asked if our phone was turned in! "The things we do for ourselves die with us; the things we do for others and the world remain, and are immortal" Alan Fine...I thought about this quote a lot! Brought back the memories of doing your RAK from Young mens. I hope that I can continue to do at least one thing a day for someone else. That is how we gain strong relationships with other people.
Sun, Church was just dandy. I was running around talking to people all freaking day. It was nice and seemed to get alot done there which is super nice! We then had a good day out working. It was a semi-nice day. Different to be riding around cause everyone was talking about the Cowboys and Redskins game this day. I have never seen a city's happyness depend so much on a football team than here in D.C. Seriously tho, having success during football season depends on whether or not the Skins win! GO REDSKINS :)
Mon, Last District Meeting. It was super fun, except for this little fact. On the way there all our bikes were on the Porter's bike rack and it fell as we were driving down the road. All of our bikes were a little jacked up. My comp's bike completely fell off and it was fine. E. Wilcox's bike is bigger than mine and E. Hansen's so it took the brunt. My brakes were messed up because of it but luckily that was it. same for E. Hansen. E. Wilcox had a bent rim, gears didn't work just completely un-rideable. We went to Dick's cause E. Wilcox did the same thing as I did and it is going to be there for a couple of months. Got my brakes fixed and asked ?'s about what I should do for my bike. I really like it but it has a ton of miles on it.
He told me the best thing to do is to go buy steel parts. apparently all I have is aluminum parts so that is why it wears out. He says on Craig's List I could prolly get really good parts for under 50$ that would last the rest of my life so I decided I want to ship my bike home! There is this site that ships your bike for like 50$ so I will be using that! Wished we would've known that 2 years ago...Getting them all fixed basically took all day and then had time to check on some member's! It was really nice. Talked with a gay member. Went on a mission and then 6 months later just went less-active. I don't know how you could/would ever do that. Checked on a couple of other member's as well so it was good! Had a Call out party that night and got to find out I am getting a new companion.
Tues, IT's me birthday...It was a pretty swell day. My comp packed in the morning. We got to go and see Bonita! :) E. Lott took me out to lunch! We checked on a couple of more people and then went to FHE! Super good day! I think I might go buy me a beer one of these days haha I will send ya a pic lol.
Wed, Transfer Meeting. So I got to film E. Fisher meeting his parents. He had this story of when he was playing golf with his Dad before the mission and he was losing and before the last hole he had a chance to win if he shot a Birdie. Well he wrote on the ball, Birdie on the 18th to win. He did and His dad explained that he can call all his own shots in life. Fast forward. E. Goodman trained E. Fisher and I don't have to say anymore about that haha. Fisher pretty much was thinking about going home and his dad sent him that golf ball and told him to call his shot. He basically wrote on it Return with Honor and gave it to his dad before he hugged him. It was pretty cool. It was fun to meet his parents. It is weird to see him go home. Today feels really funny. E. Watts went home too. I am now the oldest in the mission. Everyone that was here when I got here is now home. Change. Change Change.
What this gospel is all about. It is all kinda hitting me today that coming home is not far away at all! I am trying to do my best to be able to finish it. It will be a good "night" when I can come see you all again! Thanks for all the support to everyone that is doing for me. All the prayers. They are really needed! I hope that everyone will be able to see the change in me that has taken place. Have come a long ways and have a long ways to go. It was the best to get on Facebook on my birthday and the first thing I see is a picture of Chad and Jamie and their family! It is what it is all about.
Having the promise that we can be with our family's forever. Tis the Work of Salvation!
LOVE ELDER STOOR
Thurs, Was on exchange with E. Peterson...It was raining and it rained and it rained and it rained some more. We were out in it all day. Forgot that the Library's don't open till 1 on Thursdays haha. We ended up just biking to Union Station and got there so we could have lunch with Ceasar! Super nice guy. He went out of town for the weekend and this was the last time he was going to see us before transfer's so...he took us all out to eat! It was super good. It was then raining still when we got out. We were just out and about. It was fun to be back with Elder Peterson! We strolled around talking to people in the rain and ended up having both our appointments re-schedule. So I decided to take him out to dinner! We went to this really good Mexican place that is like Cafe Rio/Chipotle called Lime. Super good salsa and decent prices.
We went back out to the bikes and I put on my anti-theft protection purple helmet and E. Peterson said where is my helmet? It was gone. I looked a little closer and started to laugh cause his seat was gone too. Mine was still on but Someone jacked his seat and helmet. We stood there and laughed for a good 5 minutes. I don't know why it was so funny haha. Had a good talk to a guy who came to lock up, told him to be careful, cause he just got stuff stolen. Super nice guy. He is an Atheist Jew haha. As we were leaving, E. Peterson asked if he could borrow his seat haha. Good times. We decided to just go get out of the rain and clean our apartment. We cleaned like crazy and now our apartment looks nice. I know you may not be able to believe it but I cleaned. And to make matters worse today....WE LOST THE FREAKING PHONE! YES WE STILL DON'T HAVE A PHONE! crazy day
Fri, Raining its Raining, the old man is snoring...however the song goes. We went to the library, got some stuff done for our map! Printed out names so we can read them and went to our appointment with Bonita Jackson :)! Read some scriptures with her! I really like her she is super funny. Really spiritual too. Going to be reading scriptures with her every tuesday and friday! We got dogged at our next appointment.
We Weekly Planned and then just decided to clean our room because it was raining. So Now everything is super nice. It was kinda really dirty before. We got our map updated so it looks nice! Have a couple more things to do and then it is just spick and span! I know it sounds like we just cleaned and updated these last two days but it is pretty much the most productive thing to do when it is pouring cats and dogs outside!
Sat, We had Ward Coorelation and it took a long time cause we went through the whole ward directory with Bro Ewing. We are getting ready for our Ipads and What we did is going to be super helpful. All the member's will be catagorized by #'s 3 for Active, 2 for kinda active, 1 for less-active, and 0 for do not contacts! It is all going to be accessed so we can leave notes there and they will never get lost and we can just always be up to date on everything!
I saw this super spiritual quote on a police station when we asked if our phone was turned in! "The things we do for ourselves die with us; the things we do for others and the world remain, and are immortal" Alan Fine...I thought about this quote a lot! Brought back the memories of doing your RAK from Young mens. I hope that I can continue to do at least one thing a day for someone else. That is how we gain strong relationships with other people.
Sun, Church was just dandy. I was running around talking to people all freaking day. It was nice and seemed to get alot done there which is super nice! We then had a good day out working. It was a semi-nice day. Different to be riding around cause everyone was talking about the Cowboys and Redskins game this day. I have never seen a city's happyness depend so much on a football team than here in D.C. Seriously tho, having success during football season depends on whether or not the Skins win! GO REDSKINS :)
Mon, Last District Meeting. It was super fun, except for this little fact. On the way there all our bikes were on the Porter's bike rack and it fell as we were driving down the road. All of our bikes were a little jacked up. My comp's bike completely fell off and it was fine. E. Wilcox's bike is bigger than mine and E. Hansen's so it took the brunt. My brakes were messed up because of it but luckily that was it. same for E. Hansen. E. Wilcox had a bent rim, gears didn't work just completely un-rideable. We went to Dick's cause E. Wilcox did the same thing as I did and it is going to be there for a couple of months. Got my brakes fixed and asked ?'s about what I should do for my bike. I really like it but it has a ton of miles on it.
He told me the best thing to do is to go buy steel parts. apparently all I have is aluminum parts so that is why it wears out. He says on Craig's List I could prolly get really good parts for under 50$ that would last the rest of my life so I decided I want to ship my bike home! There is this site that ships your bike for like 50$ so I will be using that! Wished we would've known that 2 years ago...Getting them all fixed basically took all day and then had time to check on some member's! It was really nice. Talked with a gay member. Went on a mission and then 6 months later just went less-active. I don't know how you could/would ever do that. Checked on a couple of other member's as well so it was good! Had a Call out party that night and got to find out I am getting a new companion.
Tues, IT's me birthday...It was a pretty swell day. My comp packed in the morning. We got to go and see Bonita! :) E. Lott took me out to lunch! We checked on a couple of more people and then went to FHE! Super good day! I think I might go buy me a beer one of these days haha I will send ya a pic lol.
Wed, Transfer Meeting. So I got to film E. Fisher meeting his parents. He had this story of when he was playing golf with his Dad before the mission and he was losing and before the last hole he had a chance to win if he shot a Birdie. Well he wrote on the ball, Birdie on the 18th to win. He did and His dad explained that he can call all his own shots in life. Fast forward. E. Goodman trained E. Fisher and I don't have to say anymore about that haha. Fisher pretty much was thinking about going home and his dad sent him that golf ball and told him to call his shot. He basically wrote on it Return with Honor and gave it to his dad before he hugged him. It was pretty cool. It was fun to meet his parents. It is weird to see him go home. Today feels really funny. E. Watts went home too. I am now the oldest in the mission. Everyone that was here when I got here is now home. Change. Change Change.
What this gospel is all about. It is all kinda hitting me today that coming home is not far away at all! I am trying to do my best to be able to finish it. It will be a good "night" when I can come see you all again! Thanks for all the support to everyone that is doing for me. All the prayers. They are really needed! I hope that everyone will be able to see the change in me that has taken place. Have come a long ways and have a long ways to go. It was the best to get on Facebook on my birthday and the first thing I see is a picture of Chad and Jamie and their family! It is what it is all about.
Having the promise that we can be with our family's forever. Tis the Work of Salvation!
LOVE ELDER STOOR
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Wed, We have to sing in sacrament meeting in a Sunday or two, so we have to practice. Telling 11 missionary's who only 2 know how to sing parts, sing parts is just ridiculous haha. I have decided that i don't like parts. I tried it and just ain't good. I wonder if they will just give and say go sing. haha. We went and saw Ceasar cause he needed some help with his new stuff he is getting. We taught him a lesson on missionary work as well so hopefully he will be able to help us out. He should be getting a car soon so that will be nice for him to be able to come on splits with us.
Thurs, We had some Planning we needed to do . And then we had a big long day of service! Ceasar's house was a mess and we helped him hook everything up nice. He fed us lunch and between weekly planning and some facebook time that took up the day until the night. We had a finding activity and me and E. Vaterlaus went to the East area. We all went with a different companion to a different area. It was interesting. We got to talk to quiet a few people and it was pretty fun. Set up 3 appointments for them. One is super cheesy, told us to come by out front and yell his name and he will come down haha. I betcha he don't live there but I guess you gotta give them a chance. One guy was super cool. He seems like he will be a good investigator. Was really interested after our G-Q so i guess we did something right.
Fri, I was on exchange in the East area. I am grateful that my area doesn't have very many hills. Compared to the South, the East is freaking hilly. It was a good day tho. I have a lot of respect for Elder Hansen. He is a super good missionary. Talks to everyone and just gets it done. Good story : Elder Hansen g-q's these two young guys. They say right away "not interested" He just keeps at em haha. Finally gives them a card and tells them that they don't know what they are missing by saying they are just are not interested before knowing what it is. We watch them walk away and we were talking about where to go next and about a minute later we see that they drop the cards. I start laughing cause when people say they are not interested that is normally what happens. What Elder Hansen does. Goes and picks up the card and yells "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE MISSING" haha. It was just great to listen to him haha. We then got to teach a lesson with J.S. Karen is a solid investigator. She just wants to find out it is true. She brought up the dietary thing and family thing are the two most touching things to her. One one way the other the other haha. Stupid coffee. But she loves her family even tho she never wants to get married. Has one daughter. It was a really good lesson.
Sat, Conference is just great. The most spiritual thing that happened today really didn't come from conference at all. In between session's I was able to give Kathy a baptismal interview. I have never met anyone that would be able to answer those questions in a more spiritual way. I don't think i will be able to explain at all how this experience was ever, but the Spirit was so strong. She told me that she has never found a church that has people who are just wanting to serve. She has always been a believer but never has found a church that was full of people wanting to follow Jesus Christ like the people here. Everything just clicked with her from the moment the missionary's started to teach her. They took her to the Visitor's Center and the moment she went through the white gates she knew she was on hallowed ground. She started to cry and they asked her what was a matter? She told them that she feels his presence on the Temple grounds stronger than she has felt it ever before in her life. Truly is amazing the miracles that happen on a mission.
Conference was just great. I loved all the apostle's talks.
Sun, Conference again. Both times between services we had a lunch. That was nice. Kathy got baptized in between sessions. It was just a great day. I can't believe this is my last one. I remember being told how great general conference was on the mission on the way to my 1st one. Now that was #4. Oh yeah and i am in my last week of being a minor haha. I can buy some beer next week ;)
Mon, Zone Training. Now all the missionary's are allowed on Facebook here in the mission. It is a little crazy. It is weird to leave the apartments in the morning and pray that we can have a good experience on Facebook haha Beginning of my mission i never thought that would ever be said. They say we will get Ipads and Iphones before the end of November so maybe i will get to play around with one before i get home. I just have a feeling all i will be doing is updating the info into it. I have been dreaming about not having to mess with paper work my whole mission. It is finally happening. It was a freaking downpour after Zone Training tho and I don't like to work in those. We tried to be the best productive we could be. Ended up the end of the night at the Barlow Center cause I needed to quit being disobedient and become a temple recommend holder again haha. Pres. Cooke interview. It was great. Repented before I went so everything is good now till i get home ;)
Tues, It was E. Lotts birthday so I bought some lunch for him and my comp. Nice pizza. Was able to have a good time with them. We saw Bonita Jackson today. She is a saint! Love her to death. We read the scriptures. She was baptized on the same day as Kirk was last year. She has definitely changed alot in a year. Been having some struggles lately but she is fighting through it. We now set up two meetings a week with her to read scriptures so I hope that will help her! We then had FHE and it was great. Lots of people there this time so that makes things nice!
Wed, Temple! Did baptisms because I think the next time I go I want to do the session. One more time then it is done! Oh yeah big change happening next transfer. P-day is on Monday. Next week Wednesday then after that Monday. I wish they would just wait till i leave to do this but I guess they don't care about my opinion haha. Gonna go play some Basketball and school some people. Thanks for all the emails, I think i will be getting a new companion next week. Fisher is going home next week. Maybe you all should go meet him at his homecoming talk haha. He is going to Utah State so maybe we will stay friends. We shall see. It is super weird how time is flying. I am super excited to be able to see everyone again. I know I will miss being able to be out of the world but I am really excited for what the future has in store. I am doing my best to stay focused and busy.
Love ya! Talk to ya when I am 21!
Thurs, We had some Planning we needed to do . And then we had a big long day of service! Ceasar's house was a mess and we helped him hook everything up nice. He fed us lunch and between weekly planning and some facebook time that took up the day until the night. We had a finding activity and me and E. Vaterlaus went to the East area. We all went with a different companion to a different area. It was interesting. We got to talk to quiet a few people and it was pretty fun. Set up 3 appointments for them. One is super cheesy, told us to come by out front and yell his name and he will come down haha. I betcha he don't live there but I guess you gotta give them a chance. One guy was super cool. He seems like he will be a good investigator. Was really interested after our G-Q so i guess we did something right.
Fri, I was on exchange in the East area. I am grateful that my area doesn't have very many hills. Compared to the South, the East is freaking hilly. It was a good day tho. I have a lot of respect for Elder Hansen. He is a super good missionary. Talks to everyone and just gets it done. Good story : Elder Hansen g-q's these two young guys. They say right away "not interested" He just keeps at em haha. Finally gives them a card and tells them that they don't know what they are missing by saying they are just are not interested before knowing what it is. We watch them walk away and we were talking about where to go next and about a minute later we see that they drop the cards. I start laughing cause when people say they are not interested that is normally what happens. What Elder Hansen does. Goes and picks up the card and yells "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE MISSING" haha. It was just great to listen to him haha. We then got to teach a lesson with J.S. Karen is a solid investigator. She just wants to find out it is true. She brought up the dietary thing and family thing are the two most touching things to her. One one way the other the other haha. Stupid coffee. But she loves her family even tho she never wants to get married. Has one daughter. It was a really good lesson.
Sat, Conference is just great. The most spiritual thing that happened today really didn't come from conference at all. In between session's I was able to give Kathy a baptismal interview. I have never met anyone that would be able to answer those questions in a more spiritual way. I don't think i will be able to explain at all how this experience was ever, but the Spirit was so strong. She told me that she has never found a church that has people who are just wanting to serve. She has always been a believer but never has found a church that was full of people wanting to follow Jesus Christ like the people here. Everything just clicked with her from the moment the missionary's started to teach her. They took her to the Visitor's Center and the moment she went through the white gates she knew she was on hallowed ground. She started to cry and they asked her what was a matter? She told them that she feels his presence on the Temple grounds stronger than she has felt it ever before in her life. Truly is amazing the miracles that happen on a mission.
Conference was just great. I loved all the apostle's talks.
Sun, Conference again. Both times between services we had a lunch. That was nice. Kathy got baptized in between sessions. It was just a great day. I can't believe this is my last one. I remember being told how great general conference was on the mission on the way to my 1st one. Now that was #4. Oh yeah and i am in my last week of being a minor haha. I can buy some beer next week ;)
Mon, Zone Training. Now all the missionary's are allowed on Facebook here in the mission. It is a little crazy. It is weird to leave the apartments in the morning and pray that we can have a good experience on Facebook haha Beginning of my mission i never thought that would ever be said. They say we will get Ipads and Iphones before the end of November so maybe i will get to play around with one before i get home. I just have a feeling all i will be doing is updating the info into it. I have been dreaming about not having to mess with paper work my whole mission. It is finally happening. It was a freaking downpour after Zone Training tho and I don't like to work in those. We tried to be the best productive we could be. Ended up the end of the night at the Barlow Center cause I needed to quit being disobedient and become a temple recommend holder again haha. Pres. Cooke interview. It was great. Repented before I went so everything is good now till i get home ;)
Tues, It was E. Lotts birthday so I bought some lunch for him and my comp. Nice pizza. Was able to have a good time with them. We saw Bonita Jackson today. She is a saint! Love her to death. We read the scriptures. She was baptized on the same day as Kirk was last year. She has definitely changed alot in a year. Been having some struggles lately but she is fighting through it. We now set up two meetings a week with her to read scriptures so I hope that will help her! We then had FHE and it was great. Lots of people there this time so that makes things nice!
Wed, Temple! Did baptisms because I think the next time I go I want to do the session. One more time then it is done! Oh yeah big change happening next transfer. P-day is on Monday. Next week Wednesday then after that Monday. I wish they would just wait till i leave to do this but I guess they don't care about my opinion haha. Gonna go play some Basketball and school some people. Thanks for all the emails, I think i will be getting a new companion next week. Fisher is going home next week. Maybe you all should go meet him at his homecoming talk haha. He is going to Utah State so maybe we will stay friends. We shall see. It is super weird how time is flying. I am super excited to be able to see everyone again. I know I will miss being able to be out of the world but I am really excited for what the future has in store. I am doing my best to stay focused and busy.
Love ya! Talk to ya when I am 21!
Thursday, October 3, 2013
There is a senior couple that is serving in the DC 3rd Ward where Seth has been transferred. They post a blog like we do for Seth, but do a much better job of adding pictures. I'm probably breaking some copyright rules or something, but I know how to copy and paste very well....hahaha. The Porters seem like a great couple & it is nice to be able to keep up with the area by following their blog. As a parent it is also good to see that someone else thinks your son is doing well. So here goes the copy & paste function in action!
On Wednesday September 4th we had transfers and two of the missionaries in our ward went home. Elder Wery from Belgium, one of our French speaking Elders finished his mission and went home and Elder Salanoa from Samoa finished his mission. We were very sad to see them go. They were both great missionaries and provided a lot of strength and help to our area. Elder Salanoa was serving as our District Leader. His replacement is Elder Stoor. Elder Stoor is one of the missionaries we served with at the beginning of our mission. We're delighted he could come back for his last two transfers. We also got three other missionaries transfered in. Elder Bledsoe and Elder Monsia are French speaking missionaries and Elder Hansen was added to our district. Below on the back row are Elders Szabo, Vaterlaus, Stanley, Wilcox, Hansen, Lussier-Houle, and Monsia. Seated in front are Elders Stoor, Owens, Parlegean, and Bledsoe. This is a great group of missionaries and a blessing to the DC 3rd Ward.
On September 15 we had a baptism of Lloyd Solis. He was born and raised in the United States, but his family is from Philippines. He is a great man with a super education. He has a PhD. and teaches history and geography in a Baltimore inner city high school. He has been to 40 of the states and loves to come and play games at our weekly Family Home Evening on Tuesdays. We are looking forward to teaching him the new member lessons. Since he rides the MARC train to and from Baltimore, we will need to find a time that works well for him. His missionaries with him are Elder Stoor and Elder Owens, both from Eastern Idaho.
We had a great service project of "Packing the Pantry" for the Capital Area Food Bank. Our ward's assignment was 600 cans of condensed soup. The Bishop had announced that if everyone who comes to Sacrament Meeting would bring 4 cans, we would make our goal. That is every man, woman, child, and baby. Well, we did make the goal with a few being extra generous near the end. What a great time to help the people in DC who have to rely on others for their basic needs. Here are a few of our ward group that came to serve this day.
Thanks Elder & Sister Porter!!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Wed, We had a really good day at the Temple! We then talked to people all the way home and just didn't get many people who are interested! It is hard to try to talk to people who just want to blow you off. Gotta do it but i think this is the reason we are being on facebook. All these people on the streets won't talk to ya in person but don't have a problem online! All interesting stuff. I haven't figured out how to find people to teach much on facebook besides a couple of friends from home i am trying. I don't want to sound like I am pushy pushy on there. My comp has had a couple of friends de-friend him haha.
Thurs, We checked on a couple of people in the morning after our facebook routine. Then we Had to go to interviews with President. I was supposed to go have an interview at 2:30 but ended up not getting in till 8. That was a good day of just sitting around waiting to have an interview. It really helped alot tho. Figured out what he wants us to do. Hopefully we can all get into his system because it really sounds awesome. Coming soon we are getting Ipad Mini's that have an online area book. Been dreaming of this since day 1 of my mission! Everyone will be able to access it and see how our investigators less-actives are doing! Best Idear ever!
Fri, We had a good visit with Ceasar this morning! He is just a good guy! We helped him with his stuff he needed to get done. He fed us pancakes for lunch and we headed out. Found out he is getting a Fiat so he can get himself around. Super nice cause he will be able to take us to lessons and such. We then got dogged but was able to have a lesson with Joelyn today at McDonalds! Super un-healthy but good food. Good lesson. She is pretty much a dry-mormon so it is hard to come up with things to teach. Set up a v.c. trip for Saturday!
Sat, We had a nice Correlation meeting except J.S. has me conduct. Kinda weird. Having to try to be the WML too along with all the other missionary things but it needs to be done. We Then saw Sis Ford and found out she forgot and re-scheduled then met one of her friends outside that wants to meet with us! Was going to come to church but ended up not being able too. Wonder how interested she really is...first commitment: church= fail miserably haha
Joelyn came to the V.C. and we had a really good time! Talked about Faith and Repentance and then watched a couple of Mormon Messages! Super good!
Sun, Good Sunday except nobody showed up. Kinda disappointing! Had 3 people lined up. Always next week...for a little while. Fast and Testimony meeting is always swell! Especially in this Ward.We then had a good steak dinner with Ceasar! All the missionary's are there. Our area so we help cook and help clean up. Takes a little too much time but you have to keep him happy! I wish i knew Spanish! We ended up trying to talk to people to no avail! Good news tho. I was able to organize all the Ward directory per area so hopefully be able to get that out to everyone soon!
Mon, District Meeting went swell! Last one of the Transfer basically so maybe they will release me so i won't have to put those together anymore! It is alot more work when you add 2 more companionships, but then again alot more delegating than actually doing. It has been a good experience for me, has helped me grow! We then got dogged! Love it when that happens. It feels like we have gotten dogged by every single person we have tried to set up an appointment with this transfer. Really every single one of them. Frustrating to work with people who just don't care about anything. Ceasar called us up tho and needed help fixing his computer so we went to help him and had a good mormon message session with him!
Tues, Ceasar fed us steak and eggs this morning! Super good! We then had to go to my Dentist appointment and that took us all day. Didn't have to numb me which was nice. So now all i have to do is to get a crown at the home dentist! J.S. drove us out there and back. Tried to go to an appointment that wasn't there and just went to FHE! It was a good FHE.
Wed, We had a private Capitol tour set up but I guess the Government doesn't want anyone working anymore...stupid everything is shut down on the Mall i guess. Ended up playing Tennis this morning! New found favorite sport! I love Tennis. We then shopped for a little and came to e-mail. What a day.
Love Elder Stoor
Thurs, We checked on a couple of people in the morning after our facebook routine. Then we Had to go to interviews with President. I was supposed to go have an interview at 2:30 but ended up not getting in till 8. That was a good day of just sitting around waiting to have an interview. It really helped alot tho. Figured out what he wants us to do. Hopefully we can all get into his system because it really sounds awesome. Coming soon we are getting Ipad Mini's that have an online area book. Been dreaming of this since day 1 of my mission! Everyone will be able to access it and see how our investigators less-actives are doing! Best Idear ever!
Fri, We had a good visit with Ceasar this morning! He is just a good guy! We helped him with his stuff he needed to get done. He fed us pancakes for lunch and we headed out. Found out he is getting a Fiat so he can get himself around. Super nice cause he will be able to take us to lessons and such. We then got dogged but was able to have a lesson with Joelyn today at McDonalds! Super un-healthy but good food. Good lesson. She is pretty much a dry-mormon so it is hard to come up with things to teach. Set up a v.c. trip for Saturday!
Sat, We had a nice Correlation meeting except J.S. has me conduct. Kinda weird. Having to try to be the WML too along with all the other missionary things but it needs to be done. We Then saw Sis Ford and found out she forgot and re-scheduled then met one of her friends outside that wants to meet with us! Was going to come to church but ended up not being able too. Wonder how interested she really is...first commitment: church= fail miserably haha
Joelyn came to the V.C. and we had a really good time! Talked about Faith and Repentance and then watched a couple of Mormon Messages! Super good!
Sun, Good Sunday except nobody showed up. Kinda disappointing! Had 3 people lined up. Always next week...for a little while. Fast and Testimony meeting is always swell! Especially in this Ward.We then had a good steak dinner with Ceasar! All the missionary's are there. Our area so we help cook and help clean up. Takes a little too much time but you have to keep him happy! I wish i knew Spanish! We ended up trying to talk to people to no avail! Good news tho. I was able to organize all the Ward directory per area so hopefully be able to get that out to everyone soon!
Mon, District Meeting went swell! Last one of the Transfer basically so maybe they will release me so i won't have to put those together anymore! It is alot more work when you add 2 more companionships, but then again alot more delegating than actually doing. It has been a good experience for me, has helped me grow! We then got dogged! Love it when that happens. It feels like we have gotten dogged by every single person we have tried to set up an appointment with this transfer. Really every single one of them. Frustrating to work with people who just don't care about anything. Ceasar called us up tho and needed help fixing his computer so we went to help him and had a good mormon message session with him!
Tues, Ceasar fed us steak and eggs this morning! Super good! We then had to go to my Dentist appointment and that took us all day. Didn't have to numb me which was nice. So now all i have to do is to get a crown at the home dentist! J.S. drove us out there and back. Tried to go to an appointment that wasn't there and just went to FHE! It was a good FHE.
Wed, We had a private Capitol tour set up but I guess the Government doesn't want anyone working anymore...stupid everything is shut down on the Mall i guess. Ended up playing Tennis this morning! New found favorite sport! I love Tennis. We then shopped for a little and came to e-mail. What a day.
Love Elder Stoor
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Wed, We went to the visitor's center at night with Caesar! He is an awesome guy who feeds us alot and just got baptized. I am happy I have gotten to know this guy. He is such a good example to me! We watched the Joseph Smith movie and it was just super duper good. On the big screen! nothin like watching a movie when you are the only ones in a movie theater! I wanna have one in my house ;)
Thurs, Weekly Planning! Such a great day! We did our Facebook thing! I have had the best discussion going on with my best friend! Nathan is awesome! He is teaching me about the Catholic Church and I am doing my best to try to tell him about us crazy Mormons. We had a member present all lined up and the member showed up right when Eddie our referral called and cancelled on us! I felt so bad. This guy is on crutches and can't get around with us. Doesn't have a car either so we just had to tell him sorry. Glad he has served a mission before so he understood kinda haha. People these days. we then had a nice steak dinner at Caesar's house It was just great! Except we like talking too much and ended up getting home a little late...on the way home tho we passed by this black lady just singin at the top of her lungs "Old time Rock in Roll" don't know exactly how that song goes but it made my night. We slowed down to listen to her and then rode like crazy again!
Fri, We have been checking on a ton of former's this week! It is super fun. Former's don't get checked on much in the city because there are a ton of cheesy people. Well i am going to just get rid of those crazies on the records and do some housekeeping. There are a ton of former records here and we have been by a ton. Alot seem to be accountable tho so maybe it is a mis-conception that missionary's have about doing former work in the city! We ended up teaching Joelynn. Taught her the Plan of Salvation. Was a little rocky but it was good. Set up a V.C. trip! Be excited! We then had a really good visit with Lloyd. Found out houses in d.c. cost around 800,000. Freaking crazy! It costs like 2 grand for our apartment every month too. Where the money is i suppose! We also had a lesson with Solomon today! Met him for the first time. He is from Ethiopia and is wanting to join the church! He is a solid Christian man too. Super cool to be teaching someone who is already living 99% of the values we live. Awesome day!
Sat, Pack the Pantry. Yep, service project that was just about packing the homeless shelter pantry's. Super fun. We then had a good time out working for a little bit till we went to the V.c. and watched the Joseph Smith movie again! I swear that movie is pretty much scripture. I can get something out of it every time i watch it! It was great for Joelynn! She came to church and told us she wants to be baptized on October 20th! She is super solid investigator! Been coming to church for the last 3 months and I believe she is going to do it! Has had family troubles and smoking but she is going to be able to do it i know! IT is super good!
Sun, Church was just great as usual! We then had a member from Virginia come and pick us up to take us to a referral but it ended up being a dud. Sad day. He got lied to and went through all the trouble to get in contact with us and take us too her but it was an awesome example to me. Hopefully we will be able to get in touch with this girl sounds pretty prepared. WE then went and checked on formers again.
Mon, went back to me old area in the North! Exchange with Carrott-top E. Stanley! We taught a super good lesson to an investigator that has nicknamed them. I am Potato now haha. Got a love them Idaho jokes. Darell is his name. He was drinkin and smokin while we taught him haha. Just that kind of guy. Spirit was there, kinda strange i know but taught the plan of salvation at a glance basically. He was asking good ?'s! Didn't get to meet Kirk, sounds like he has picked smoking back up! Sad day. Hopefully he will be able to come back. I want to see him again before i leave! We got dogged for a v.c. trip! shoot...it was fun to be back there. Saw Mia and picked her back up for the other guy's! hopefully she will become a Mormon someday! It was just a super fun day!
Tues, Exchange with E. Szabo! He is from Hungary. It was a good day as well. Got dogged in the morning. We didn't seem to get anything done. Got to meet him tho and I like him more now that we talked alot. We did check on like 20 people today! It was a good day for sure! FHE that night was just a blast! Porter's taught the lesson. I love being able to relax and just have fun with the people who come! Best idea ever! Super glad it is still going from a year ago! We then had a grueling game of basketball with a bunch of Black people who showed up. Schooled em all! Really did tho it was great! Got my shot going and everybody that wasn't playing was just make fun of the other one's haha it was just a fun time. People get so dramatic sometimes and i love beating people like that!
Wed, Went to the Temple! Was just great! Had a meeting there and then got to do an endowment. Extra temple day for us! We still are going again in a couple weeks! Played just a tiny bit of basketball and then shopped at Costco (home card :)) It was a grand ole day!
Thurs, Weekly Planning! Such a great day! We did our Facebook thing! I have had the best discussion going on with my best friend! Nathan is awesome! He is teaching me about the Catholic Church and I am doing my best to try to tell him about us crazy Mormons. We had a member present all lined up and the member showed up right when Eddie our referral called and cancelled on us! I felt so bad. This guy is on crutches and can't get around with us. Doesn't have a car either so we just had to tell him sorry. Glad he has served a mission before so he understood kinda haha. People these days. we then had a nice steak dinner at Caesar's house It was just great! Except we like talking too much and ended up getting home a little late...on the way home tho we passed by this black lady just singin at the top of her lungs "Old time Rock in Roll" don't know exactly how that song goes but it made my night. We slowed down to listen to her and then rode like crazy again!
Fri, We have been checking on a ton of former's this week! It is super fun. Former's don't get checked on much in the city because there are a ton of cheesy people. Well i am going to just get rid of those crazies on the records and do some housekeeping. There are a ton of former records here and we have been by a ton. Alot seem to be accountable tho so maybe it is a mis-conception that missionary's have about doing former work in the city! We ended up teaching Joelynn. Taught her the Plan of Salvation. Was a little rocky but it was good. Set up a V.C. trip! Be excited! We then had a really good visit with Lloyd. Found out houses in d.c. cost around 800,000. Freaking crazy! It costs like 2 grand for our apartment every month too. Where the money is i suppose! We also had a lesson with Solomon today! Met him for the first time. He is from Ethiopia and is wanting to join the church! He is a solid Christian man too. Super cool to be teaching someone who is already living 99% of the values we live. Awesome day!
Sat, Pack the Pantry. Yep, service project that was just about packing the homeless shelter pantry's. Super fun. We then had a good time out working for a little bit till we went to the V.c. and watched the Joseph Smith movie again! I swear that movie is pretty much scripture. I can get something out of it every time i watch it! It was great for Joelynn! She came to church and told us she wants to be baptized on October 20th! She is super solid investigator! Been coming to church for the last 3 months and I believe she is going to do it! Has had family troubles and smoking but she is going to be able to do it i know! IT is super good!
Sun, Church was just great as usual! We then had a member from Virginia come and pick us up to take us to a referral but it ended up being a dud. Sad day. He got lied to and went through all the trouble to get in contact with us and take us too her but it was an awesome example to me. Hopefully we will be able to get in touch with this girl sounds pretty prepared. WE then went and checked on formers again.
Mon, went back to me old area in the North! Exchange with Carrott-top E. Stanley! We taught a super good lesson to an investigator that has nicknamed them. I am Potato now haha. Got a love them Idaho jokes. Darell is his name. He was drinkin and smokin while we taught him haha. Just that kind of guy. Spirit was there, kinda strange i know but taught the plan of salvation at a glance basically. He was asking good ?'s! Didn't get to meet Kirk, sounds like he has picked smoking back up! Sad day. Hopefully he will be able to come back. I want to see him again before i leave! We got dogged for a v.c. trip! shoot...it was fun to be back there. Saw Mia and picked her back up for the other guy's! hopefully she will become a Mormon someday! It was just a super fun day!
Tues, Exchange with E. Szabo! He is from Hungary. It was a good day as well. Got dogged in the morning. We didn't seem to get anything done. Got to meet him tho and I like him more now that we talked alot. We did check on like 20 people today! It was a good day for sure! FHE that night was just a blast! Porter's taught the lesson. I love being able to relax and just have fun with the people who come! Best idea ever! Super glad it is still going from a year ago! We then had a grueling game of basketball with a bunch of Black people who showed up. Schooled em all! Really did tho it was great! Got my shot going and everybody that wasn't playing was just make fun of the other one's haha it was just a fun time. People get so dramatic sometimes and i love beating people like that!
Wed, Went to the Temple! Was just great! Had a meeting there and then got to do an endowment. Extra temple day for us! We still are going again in a couple weeks! Played just a tiny bit of basketball and then shopped at Costco (home card :)) It was a grand ole day!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Wed, We found a couple of less-actives! Sis Rees grew up in Utah but turned out to not believe in a church that is against women and gays. I don't understand why people are all mad about the women thing. Just cause they don't hold the priesthood doesn't mean they don't have apart of it. Elder Ballard's last conference talk i though answered that pretty good! We then met with a lady named Sis Ford! It was super good. Just had a nice lesson. She is active for the most part. Doesn't come every week i guess but most weeks. It was about reading your scriptures daily. True power really can come from it, that is why it is so hard to do!
Thurs, We had a super awesome meeting! All the leader's in the mission were invited to come listen to Bro Gonzales and Bro Watson. Bro Watson is the head of the mission department in Salt Lake! They gave the best training i have ever heard on my mission! It was 3 hours on the Doctrine of Christ. It is funny how simple Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end have always sounded but yet I have not fully understood it as well as i do now! The Spirit was super strong and i have realized that i have not fully remembered my Purpose as a missionary. We had super powerful role plays afterwards that just increased my faith on what i am supposed to do as a missionary. We are here to Invite other's to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the holy ghost, and enduring through the end. They started off by explaining that we are here to baptize. In this mission that is what we do BAPTIZE! That is the easy part. We want them to be baptized so they can have the Holy Ghost with them, so they can start to Endure to the End. As we teach we invite them to do things in missionary terms we give commitments. Sometimes they say yes, most of the time they say no. We then have to build their faith enough to keep commitments. Then we had lunch, then we had 4 hours of how to do online missionary work. Facebook! Crazy you saw me on Facebook eh? This whole day of me writing is basically what i want to try to do. Please have everyone try to encourage anyone who is struggling to ask me questions and i will try to build their faith. Member or non-member. It is kinda fun to celestial stalk, nonetheless ;)
Fri, We got on Facebook, crazy it really felt different and i have had many people think i have come home early lol. We then went to weekly plan and plan for a baptism this Sunday! YES I SAID IT LLOYD IS GETTING BAPTIZED! After Weekly Planning we went to the Baseball game! Freak today really felt like i am home lol! IT was a fun day! Thursday really did change my mission both how i look at it spiritually and physically.
Sat, We did some service in the morning at the church. Setting up things for a funeral. We then helped Ceasar get his prayer ready for the Why I Believe that night. He was super nervous for it so we wrote it down. We then had a good lesson with Joelynn. She has been to church 9 times and been meeting with missionaries for more weeks than that. We taught the Restoration and she didn't remember anything from it. It was really spiritual during the first vision. She is basically our only investigator right now. We have other's that we are checking on but she is it. We then taught a unaccountable guy a lesson. Thought he might have been there but during the lesson it came true that he really is a guy who needs to live in a group home. Sad.
Sun, Church was just great as ever especially when you are waiting for a baptism right after. Lloyd got baptized and then J.S. took us out to the Derwood Chapel and why did i get to go there??? Amelia and Eric got BAPTIZED TOO! Super excited. Doubled my baptisms # all in a days work haha. I am grateful for the chance to be able to see them be baptized. I have had alot of people close but not many that have gone through with it. Why I Believe is always good. Had good testimony's borne and it is the best meeting to be at on the third Sunday of every month.
Mon, Zone Training went swell. Always a good meeting to be at. President was chillin in the back with his Ipad showing off, maybe i will get to have one before i come home. We then saw Sis Ford again and committed her to find a friend for us to teach and she is going to try to invite her! YES! We then got on Facebook again and got a callout telling us to go home cause it ain't safe in D.C. Guess it is for the best but I don't like just staying in our apartment.
Tues, I organized our Former book and found 5 or 6 people that live in one building so it was good. We are going to pull them out street by street and just get some things cleaned up cause i am sure that alot have moved and #'s are bad as usual. It felt super good to be able to meet people. I love former work. We then had FHE that night after we visited Ceasar! It is super good as usual. Good Ward Activity! Short Lesson, Fun Game, Good refreshments nothin better than that.
WEd, got my tooth all root canal-ed done and now have to still go back next week and get it re-built. Fun fun. This morning he had the shakes when he was givin me the numb. Super scary. My gums are prolly wrecked but i don't want to look at it. Scared the crap outta me tho. We then went to rock creek park. Jumped around on the rocks in the water wishin i could jump in. Now gonna go home and get ready for the week! Ask me some doctrinal ?'s to answer and hopefully i will get them write on Facebook ;)
Love ya Elder Seth Stoor!
Thurs, We had a super awesome meeting! All the leader's in the mission were invited to come listen to Bro Gonzales and Bro Watson. Bro Watson is the head of the mission department in Salt Lake! They gave the best training i have ever heard on my mission! It was 3 hours on the Doctrine of Christ. It is funny how simple Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end have always sounded but yet I have not fully understood it as well as i do now! The Spirit was super strong and i have realized that i have not fully remembered my Purpose as a missionary. We had super powerful role plays afterwards that just increased my faith on what i am supposed to do as a missionary. We are here to Invite other's to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the holy ghost, and enduring through the end. They started off by explaining that we are here to baptize. In this mission that is what we do BAPTIZE! That is the easy part. We want them to be baptized so they can have the Holy Ghost with them, so they can start to Endure to the End. As we teach we invite them to do things in missionary terms we give commitments. Sometimes they say yes, most of the time they say no. We then have to build their faith enough to keep commitments. Then we had lunch, then we had 4 hours of how to do online missionary work. Facebook! Crazy you saw me on Facebook eh? This whole day of me writing is basically what i want to try to do. Please have everyone try to encourage anyone who is struggling to ask me questions and i will try to build their faith. Member or non-member. It is kinda fun to celestial stalk, nonetheless ;)
Fri, We got on Facebook, crazy it really felt different and i have had many people think i have come home early lol. We then went to weekly plan and plan for a baptism this Sunday! YES I SAID IT LLOYD IS GETTING BAPTIZED! After Weekly Planning we went to the Baseball game! Freak today really felt like i am home lol! IT was a fun day! Thursday really did change my mission both how i look at it spiritually and physically.
Sat, We did some service in the morning at the church. Setting up things for a funeral. We then helped Ceasar get his prayer ready for the Why I Believe that night. He was super nervous for it so we wrote it down. We then had a good lesson with Joelynn. She has been to church 9 times and been meeting with missionaries for more weeks than that. We taught the Restoration and she didn't remember anything from it. It was really spiritual during the first vision. She is basically our only investigator right now. We have other's that we are checking on but she is it. We then taught a unaccountable guy a lesson. Thought he might have been there but during the lesson it came true that he really is a guy who needs to live in a group home. Sad.
Sun, Church was just great as ever especially when you are waiting for a baptism right after. Lloyd got baptized and then J.S. took us out to the Derwood Chapel and why did i get to go there??? Amelia and Eric got BAPTIZED TOO! Super excited. Doubled my baptisms # all in a days work haha. I am grateful for the chance to be able to see them be baptized. I have had alot of people close but not many that have gone through with it. Why I Believe is always good. Had good testimony's borne and it is the best meeting to be at on the third Sunday of every month.
Mon, Zone Training went swell. Always a good meeting to be at. President was chillin in the back with his Ipad showing off, maybe i will get to have one before i come home. We then saw Sis Ford again and committed her to find a friend for us to teach and she is going to try to invite her! YES! We then got on Facebook again and got a callout telling us to go home cause it ain't safe in D.C. Guess it is for the best but I don't like just staying in our apartment.
Tues, I organized our Former book and found 5 or 6 people that live in one building so it was good. We are going to pull them out street by street and just get some things cleaned up cause i am sure that alot have moved and #'s are bad as usual. It felt super good to be able to meet people. I love former work. We then had FHE that night after we visited Ceasar! It is super good as usual. Good Ward Activity! Short Lesson, Fun Game, Good refreshments nothin better than that.
WEd, got my tooth all root canal-ed done and now have to still go back next week and get it re-built. Fun fun. This morning he had the shakes when he was givin me the numb. Super scary. My gums are prolly wrecked but i don't want to look at it. Scared the crap outta me tho. We then went to rock creek park. Jumped around on the rocks in the water wishin i could jump in. Now gonna go home and get ready for the week! Ask me some doctrinal ?'s to answer and hopefully i will get them write on Facebook ;)
Love ya Elder Seth Stoor!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Wed, We went out and i was just lost in my new area! the number of people in my area is a little ridiculous cause we get alot of tourist's there. It was a good night tho cause i saw Eccram, Bonita, and Caesar. First two were baptized when i was here last! Caesar was baptized when i came back with my old companion! Good night!
Thurs, Weekly Planned got on a basis of what we are doing. It was fun! We saw another recent convert Walter Scott. Kinda makes me mad he was baptized. He was kinda being taught last time and he was just unaccountable. Baptized him later cause he kept coming to church then hasn't come to church since his confirmation. Had some excuses that we answered and he said he was going to come to church. Then his mom called and told us not to contact him anymore haha. Going back to get a white shirt we gave him and maybe that will get him to come idk? We then did more WP. I had to do Stake Coordination too which always is a headache and i had to do it for the last 3 months. Hate it when i have to do it on the first day. Took forever cause i had to get info out of people who has never done it before... We then went out to see our people and we were checking on a referral on New York Ave. and went the wrong way and ended up at the back of the White House lol. They didn't let us knock...
Fri, Leadership Meeting in the morning is always a good way to start the day! It was fun! Was told how to do District Meetings better so hopefully that helps. Other stuff was kinda just hear say. We then went and checked on people. We met another recent convert i didn't know. Nicole is an awesome convert. We then met one of our investigators and just talked with him. I don't think he is too interested in learning just a nice black man. Older guy it was a good visit tho. Maybe i shouldn't judge too quick.
Sat, We had Ward Correlation in the morning. I miss these meeting here in DC 3rd. Yes not a lot gets accomplished but i just like meeting with our WML Bro Ewing. Solid guy. We then had a night of talking to people. I have met a couple of nice people but no one really interested in learning yet. We did teach a lesson but i don't remember to whom haha.
Sun, Church was great. Munch N Mingle is the best as a missionary just a nice feast after church! We checked on some less-actives and met a couple of them and set up appointments. we then had dinner at Sis Zeitsman! I miss her and her husband. They are moving to Italy in a couple of weeks. We then booked it up to the Visitor's Center to see the night of music and inspiration. It was really good program as usual! It was fun.
Mon, District Meeting went swell. Little longer than i anticipated but oh well. We then went to an appointment and went to the wrong address that was on the other side of our area so we re-scheduled. We then had a lesson with Joelynn. An investigator that has participated alot and knows everything. Just can't kick smoking i guess. We taught her with Nicole and it was super good. Talked about scripture reading and the importance of doing it daily. I think it was good for both of them to hear about that! We then had dinner with Caeser and it was good. Had a hot dog and then watched Mormon Messages on his TV with is friend that came as well. It was a good time at his house.
Tues, Dentist in the morning. Yay haha. 80% done i guess. Have one more meeting. We saw Bonita but didn't get to meet with her. Re-scheduled then met a guy on the street that wants to meet with us and wants to do it at "Bonita's house" haha. It was fun to hear how much she has changed. You can really see the change in some people. We then met with Loyd and gave him the baptismal interview ?'s and he is going to be baptized on Sunday! Super exciting. I hope everything works out. Don't know if it is going to tho. Have alot of stuff to do but i think we can do it. We then had FHE! glad that is still going. Started it last time i was here. Everyone that comes loves it. We taught about Testimony and it went good. Had a fun little game afterwards as well.
Wed, Went to the place where they print money, Holocaust Museum all after Sunrise pics that were not that great. Now at the Library of Congress! Super fun P-day!
Exciting things for this next week. Friday our mission is going to a baseball game again! That is right Nationals! :) don't ask how President Cooke got that one swung cause it starts at 7! Should be on National Television too. I love going to baseball games.
Tomorrow we have the head of the proselyting department from the church coming to speak to the mission leadership. That is going to take forever so i am excited!
I haven't gotten your package but prolly will tomorrow! Thanks!
My address is
120 Michigan Ave NE K-31
Washington, D.C. 20017
sorry i didn't have it last week. Our building is locked so Uncle Blake prolly wouldn't have been able to see me. but he can try if he is in the area. You can send letters to this one. I think this is the last stop for me!
Thanks for all you do! Love ya
ELder Stoor
Thurs, Weekly Planned got on a basis of what we are doing. It was fun! We saw another recent convert Walter Scott. Kinda makes me mad he was baptized. He was kinda being taught last time and he was just unaccountable. Baptized him later cause he kept coming to church then hasn't come to church since his confirmation. Had some excuses that we answered and he said he was going to come to church. Then his mom called and told us not to contact him anymore haha. Going back to get a white shirt we gave him and maybe that will get him to come idk? We then did more WP. I had to do Stake Coordination too which always is a headache and i had to do it for the last 3 months. Hate it when i have to do it on the first day. Took forever cause i had to get info out of people who has never done it before... We then went out to see our people and we were checking on a referral on New York Ave. and went the wrong way and ended up at the back of the White House lol. They didn't let us knock...
Fri, Leadership Meeting in the morning is always a good way to start the day! It was fun! Was told how to do District Meetings better so hopefully that helps. Other stuff was kinda just hear say. We then went and checked on people. We met another recent convert i didn't know. Nicole is an awesome convert. We then met one of our investigators and just talked with him. I don't think he is too interested in learning just a nice black man. Older guy it was a good visit tho. Maybe i shouldn't judge too quick.
Sat, We had Ward Correlation in the morning. I miss these meeting here in DC 3rd. Yes not a lot gets accomplished but i just like meeting with our WML Bro Ewing. Solid guy. We then had a night of talking to people. I have met a couple of nice people but no one really interested in learning yet. We did teach a lesson but i don't remember to whom haha.
Sun, Church was great. Munch N Mingle is the best as a missionary just a nice feast after church! We checked on some less-actives and met a couple of them and set up appointments. we then had dinner at Sis Zeitsman! I miss her and her husband. They are moving to Italy in a couple of weeks. We then booked it up to the Visitor's Center to see the night of music and inspiration. It was really good program as usual! It was fun.
Mon, District Meeting went swell. Little longer than i anticipated but oh well. We then went to an appointment and went to the wrong address that was on the other side of our area so we re-scheduled. We then had a lesson with Joelynn. An investigator that has participated alot and knows everything. Just can't kick smoking i guess. We taught her with Nicole and it was super good. Talked about scripture reading and the importance of doing it daily. I think it was good for both of them to hear about that! We then had dinner with Caeser and it was good. Had a hot dog and then watched Mormon Messages on his TV with is friend that came as well. It was a good time at his house.
Tues, Dentist in the morning. Yay haha. 80% done i guess. Have one more meeting. We saw Bonita but didn't get to meet with her. Re-scheduled then met a guy on the street that wants to meet with us and wants to do it at "Bonita's house" haha. It was fun to hear how much she has changed. You can really see the change in some people. We then met with Loyd and gave him the baptismal interview ?'s and he is going to be baptized on Sunday! Super exciting. I hope everything works out. Don't know if it is going to tho. Have alot of stuff to do but i think we can do it. We then had FHE! glad that is still going. Started it last time i was here. Everyone that comes loves it. We taught about Testimony and it went good. Had a fun little game afterwards as well.
Wed, Went to the place where they print money, Holocaust Museum all after Sunrise pics that were not that great. Now at the Library of Congress! Super fun P-day!
Exciting things for this next week. Friday our mission is going to a baseball game again! That is right Nationals! :) don't ask how President Cooke got that one swung cause it starts at 7! Should be on National Television too. I love going to baseball games.
Tomorrow we have the head of the proselyting department from the church coming to speak to the mission leadership. That is going to take forever so i am excited!
I haven't gotten your package but prolly will tomorrow! Thanks!
My address is
120 Michigan Ave NE K-31
Washington, D.C. 20017
sorry i didn't have it last week. Our building is locked so Uncle Blake prolly wouldn't have been able to see me. but he can try if he is in the area. You can send letters to this one. I think this is the last stop for me!
Thanks for all you do! Love ya
ELder Stoor
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Wed, We had dinner with Bro McCalister and his wife. Waffles. hadn't had those for a while. We then had a good night out working. Good ole Pday.
Thurs, Erika wasn't there in the morning. Kinda disappointed because i didn't get to say good bye but i will hopefully be able to see her baptism. We had a good Weekly Planning session and got dogged twice more and was just out and about. This week was really hard because it feels like everyone just wasn't home and it was just rough. I think tonight was when my tooth started to really hurt!
Fri, Met with Sister Puckett and had a good time. She is a sweet lady i will miss her. We then had dinner with the Irvines! I will miss them too. They are just nice people. Stephen who is my age is going to BYU-I and i told him he could come to Thanksgiving if he has no where else to go. Hopefully be able to meet up sometime later tho. We then played basketball with Randy and Eric. Super fun. All of us kinda sucked tho but it is always fun to pick up a ball.
Sat, I woke up today and i was really sick. I think it might have been from my tooth but not sure. I just didn't feel good at all. I slept till about noon cause we didn't have an appointment. Then i felt better and didn't have another problem. My comp prolly thought i was chuckin out but i really didn't feel good. We then met with Bro Chatman for a little bit. Nice to be out of the hot cause our A/c broke in our apartment and we had to wait until Tuesday to get it fixed. Long weekend. Super hot. Next appointment dogged us and we got paid so i wanted to go to Rita's. Well a member from another ward stopped us and asked us to join them at Outback! Not turning that down haha. Best chicken sandwich i have had in a long time. We then had dinner 2 hours later haha. I was really full. Worley family had us over. Part member in the other area. Tough case. We then got to teach Eric a lesson. Haven't seen Amelia in a while cause Eric was the only one to come to church. We did a l ittle exchange and my comp and elder little taught while me and elder Appiah went and checked on some people and i got to drive their subaru! Fun times.
Sun, We had Church with Eric there. Noone else showed up... That night we went to the Mission home to a FHE with Eric and it was super good. Always nice to feel the spirit in the home and i know it was a good experience for Eric! We had dinner with the Bearman family and i gave a spiritual thought on Harry Potter haha. Yes, those books are spiritual to me haha.
Mon, district meeting was good. Weird cause everyone had to leave. My tooth really started to hurt today. super bad. I bought me and my comp ties. Always gotta have a comp tie. We then went to a cookout at Bro Noslesnic! It was super good. we then got into a good game of pinochle with the members. Everyone's rules are different. Played with non-member and got my butt kicked haha. They don't trade cards. I like it that way sometimes. Except youi could only call trump if you had a marriage or a 9 and that is just hard to do sometimes. After we had another dinner at Lulu's! Super good! Then i called sis Cooke cause i just didn't want to take the pain anymore. Found out i am leaving tho and i am really happy about it!
Tues, Woke up and studied and got the dentist all scheduled and left the house at about 10 and got back home at 4. Dang tooth. How much is the insurance gonna pay? Dentist are freaking expensive. Guess they would have to charge alot to play with my dirty teeth haha. We then came back and went to Sis Pucketts the Groomes, and bro Berg to say goodbye. Then Eric's to say goodbye and taught him the commandments. It was a good last lesson. Was up till like 12 packing then got up at 5:30 cause i had to pee and finished packing just before the ride got there this morning. I got everything tho.
Wed, President is super funny haha. Takes him a long time to go through transfer's but he is making jokes all the time haha. I am now in DC 3rd South! Going to be nice. The White House is in my area. My new comp is Elder Owens. He is from Pocatello....Idaho haha. Lives in Hyde Park i guess. Looking forward to being back in DC 3rd. Gonna die here i suppose. One last hurrah!
Good to talk to momma. I will make the next time a little less-expensive i guess.
Gotta run, prolly will e-mail early next week so be prepared!
Love ya Elder Stoor
Thurs, Erika wasn't there in the morning. Kinda disappointed because i didn't get to say good bye but i will hopefully be able to see her baptism. We had a good Weekly Planning session and got dogged twice more and was just out and about. This week was really hard because it feels like everyone just wasn't home and it was just rough. I think tonight was when my tooth started to really hurt!
Fri, Met with Sister Puckett and had a good time. She is a sweet lady i will miss her. We then had dinner with the Irvines! I will miss them too. They are just nice people. Stephen who is my age is going to BYU-I and i told him he could come to Thanksgiving if he has no where else to go. Hopefully be able to meet up sometime later tho. We then played basketball with Randy and Eric. Super fun. All of us kinda sucked tho but it is always fun to pick up a ball.
Sat, I woke up today and i was really sick. I think it might have been from my tooth but not sure. I just didn't feel good at all. I slept till about noon cause we didn't have an appointment. Then i felt better and didn't have another problem. My comp prolly thought i was chuckin out but i really didn't feel good. We then met with Bro Chatman for a little bit. Nice to be out of the hot cause our A/c broke in our apartment and we had to wait until Tuesday to get it fixed. Long weekend. Super hot. Next appointment dogged us and we got paid so i wanted to go to Rita's. Well a member from another ward stopped us and asked us to join them at Outback! Not turning that down haha. Best chicken sandwich i have had in a long time. We then had dinner 2 hours later haha. I was really full. Worley family had us over. Part member in the other area. Tough case. We then got to teach Eric a lesson. Haven't seen Amelia in a while cause Eric was the only one to come to church. We did a l ittle exchange and my comp and elder little taught while me and elder Appiah went and checked on some people and i got to drive their subaru! Fun times.
Sun, We had Church with Eric there. Noone else showed up... That night we went to the Mission home to a FHE with Eric and it was super good. Always nice to feel the spirit in the home and i know it was a good experience for Eric! We had dinner with the Bearman family and i gave a spiritual thought on Harry Potter haha. Yes, those books are spiritual to me haha.
Mon, district meeting was good. Weird cause everyone had to leave. My tooth really started to hurt today. super bad. I bought me and my comp ties. Always gotta have a comp tie. We then went to a cookout at Bro Noslesnic! It was super good. we then got into a good game of pinochle with the members. Everyone's rules are different. Played with non-member and got my butt kicked haha. They don't trade cards. I like it that way sometimes. Except youi could only call trump if you had a marriage or a 9 and that is just hard to do sometimes. After we had another dinner at Lulu's! Super good! Then i called sis Cooke cause i just didn't want to take the pain anymore. Found out i am leaving tho and i am really happy about it!
Tues, Woke up and studied and got the dentist all scheduled and left the house at about 10 and got back home at 4. Dang tooth. How much is the insurance gonna pay? Dentist are freaking expensive. Guess they would have to charge alot to play with my dirty teeth haha. We then came back and went to Sis Pucketts the Groomes, and bro Berg to say goodbye. Then Eric's to say goodbye and taught him the commandments. It was a good last lesson. Was up till like 12 packing then got up at 5:30 cause i had to pee and finished packing just before the ride got there this morning. I got everything tho.
Wed, President is super funny haha. Takes him a long time to go through transfer's but he is making jokes all the time haha. I am now in DC 3rd South! Going to be nice. The White House is in my area. My new comp is Elder Owens. He is from Pocatello....Idaho haha. Lives in Hyde Park i guess. Looking forward to being back in DC 3rd. Gonna die here i suppose. One last hurrah!
Good to talk to momma. I will make the next time a little less-expensive i guess.
Gotta run, prolly will e-mail early next week so be prepared!
Love ya Elder Stoor
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Wed, the night wasn't so hot. We got a re-schedule and then a dog so yes! Two appointments that just fell through, kinda sorry to start off on such a note and i hope that i don't complain too much but i would be lieing if i didn't say that this week was really hard.
Thurs, We had a really good appointment with Erika and Bro Asam! Taught the Plan of Salvation and it was really powerful. At the end of it, bro Asam told us that he loved it and he wants us to teach this lesson to more of his friends and he is going to let us know when he has the appointment for us! It is freaking sweet! If it were not for him i would hate this area. He is just the best missionary. I hate having to do member work and give them spiritual thoughts toward them doing something. Member's need to be more like Bro Asam. Just tell us hey i am going to let you know when you can teach my friends. I know it is hard in all and that you have a life, but i hope to be apart of the Work of Salvation for the rest of my life. Whether that be missionary work, family history, big one is family, it is all the same work and it frustrates me when people are not apart of it. But they are more apart of it than i give them credit for. Now i get to rant on anti-people. had a good lesson with Joel and it started out really good. He started to take notes and just asking us ?'s, then it just turns bad when he starts throwing his scriptures out at us in the Bible telling us that we do nothing for salvation that it is a gift and cannot be "worked" towards. I just want to slap people sometimes. He is a super smart guy and knows more than 90% of the people in the Church but that is his downfall...I have realized that knowledge pushes faith out, at least with some people. We need knowledge but there is some times when it is just too much...
We then had Bishop come with us and it is just super good. Checked on people and they answer the door with a member there...had a good chat with two really old guys. John Ward and Curtis Coberley! Bro Coberly came to church so it was nice!! Bro Ward hasn't been in ages but had a good story and we are going to try to visit him again! He served in WW2 and he told us how he led the troops through Normandy by asking the farmers where the mine fields were. They knew which were mined and which weren't and told them where to go. It was a super cool story. hope to get a pic with him before i leave!
Fri, We did the Garden in the morning. It is always fun to get a little dirty. Got the cops called on us, it was funny. bro Corbin showed them his pass and then he looked at our nametags and said i know who you two are...then said have a good day and walked away with a smile on our face. These nametags really do alot for us! Keep us safe in the streets of Anacostia to getting the Liesure World Police off our backs haha. We then had a good visit with Sis Puckett and helped her sort beads and didn't have any other appointments so stayed there for a while till dinner with the Irvines! Super good food as always. We then taught Amelia and Eric and set up a V.C. trip and taught them the Word of Wisdom and Law of Chastity. No problems..they really are golden!
Sat, We had a Big meeting at the Visitor's Center and really didn't get alot of participation...invited the whole Stake to come and not very many showed up! Kinda sad. Do a big whole thing on getting member's involved with missionary work and not many show up. It was good tho and needs to be polished up but good thing to use the Visitor Center for a tool for member work! We then taught Joel again and he brought a friend. I just had fun fighting haha. Sometimes i just give in. They have to make a comment about everything we say and i have fun making a comment back. When you have two people, who will be forever stuck in their ways you don't really make any progress. It took us an hour to get away from them. Ridiculous haha. I have met alot of anti people this week it seems like. One guy a couple of weeks ago told us he went in our temple with a hidden camera on and he tells us you need to really study your faith cause i know. Shows that when you are not ready for it is just isn't good. I had a feeling of anger come at me and glad i didn't let is submerge haha kinda felt like hitting him. Sometimes you just need to knock some sense into people. We had Bishop take us to the V.C. Amelia and Eric and had a good time. Had the best sister in the mission give us a tour, which was comforting. Sometimes sister missionary's are just too much haha. Spiritual talk with sisters sometimes just drives it away but i am glad she gave a tour. Maybe it is just because she is from Idaho...prolly true haha. Joesph Smith movie was powerful and we talked about them joining the Church and decided to push is back a week so 3 baptisms on the 8th! Yippee!
Sun, Church was great. We then got to go to a baptism for a guy in DC 3rd that Elder Hall had taught. It was great to see faces again. good ole Sis Mack is still catchin me lookin at them girls haha. She is super funny. I was sad, cause Kirk wasn't there. He just couldn't make it that week i guess. We then had dinner with our new Assistant Ward Mission Leader it was really good. Nye family. Then watched him give 4 blessings to kids from a part-member family whose dad isn't a member and one of his kids for school. It was a good expierience. We then taught Amelia and Eric the Plan of Salvation! It was good. They were not able to make it to church today cause their car got towed :(...Erika came tho! They will all be ready for baptism tho come Sept 8th!
Mon, District Meeting was okay. Not what i was anticipating it to be but it was good. First one that didn't go how it was in my head haha. Still okay tho. We then got dogged twice. then saw Bro Chatman for the first time in ages. He is just really busy with work. Still is thinking about church tho. Hope he finally decided to act soon. We then met with Bro Groome for a long night. Had a good time with him haha. Kinda were chucks too but he showed us all his Ray Stevens and Charlie Daniels songs. Had a good discussion about alma 34 and it didn't go as well as i thought. Good time tho. I really like him and hope he comes back someday. Just hard .
Tues, Really hard day. Went out and just found anti people. Made me really mad. This guy who is dad's age has been retired since 1987 and is just been doing Bible study basically. loves the bible too much. Compares our church to the Jehovah's Witnesses and just hits my pissed off bone. We gotta run i guess so i gotta cut this short. Not much else when on besides just checking on people and calling people. One of those really long days.
Wed, Temple was swell as was basketball afterwards.
Love ya thanks for the pictures this week!
Talk to ya next week!
Love, Elder Stoor
Thurs, We had a really good appointment with Erika and Bro Asam! Taught the Plan of Salvation and it was really powerful. At the end of it, bro Asam told us that he loved it and he wants us to teach this lesson to more of his friends and he is going to let us know when he has the appointment for us! It is freaking sweet! If it were not for him i would hate this area. He is just the best missionary. I hate having to do member work and give them spiritual thoughts toward them doing something. Member's need to be more like Bro Asam. Just tell us hey i am going to let you know when you can teach my friends. I know it is hard in all and that you have a life, but i hope to be apart of the Work of Salvation for the rest of my life. Whether that be missionary work, family history, big one is family, it is all the same work and it frustrates me when people are not apart of it. But they are more apart of it than i give them credit for. Now i get to rant on anti-people. had a good lesson with Joel and it started out really good. He started to take notes and just asking us ?'s, then it just turns bad when he starts throwing his scriptures out at us in the Bible telling us that we do nothing for salvation that it is a gift and cannot be "worked" towards. I just want to slap people sometimes. He is a super smart guy and knows more than 90% of the people in the Church but that is his downfall...I have realized that knowledge pushes faith out, at least with some people. We need knowledge but there is some times when it is just too much...
We then had Bishop come with us and it is just super good. Checked on people and they answer the door with a member there...had a good chat with two really old guys. John Ward and Curtis Coberley! Bro Coberly came to church so it was nice!! Bro Ward hasn't been in ages but had a good story and we are going to try to visit him again! He served in WW2 and he told us how he led the troops through Normandy by asking the farmers where the mine fields were. They knew which were mined and which weren't and told them where to go. It was a super cool story. hope to get a pic with him before i leave!
Fri, We did the Garden in the morning. It is always fun to get a little dirty. Got the cops called on us, it was funny. bro Corbin showed them his pass and then he looked at our nametags and said i know who you two are...then said have a good day and walked away with a smile on our face. These nametags really do alot for us! Keep us safe in the streets of Anacostia to getting the Liesure World Police off our backs haha. We then had a good visit with Sis Puckett and helped her sort beads and didn't have any other appointments so stayed there for a while till dinner with the Irvines! Super good food as always. We then taught Amelia and Eric and set up a V.C. trip and taught them the Word of Wisdom and Law of Chastity. No problems..they really are golden!
Sat, We had a Big meeting at the Visitor's Center and really didn't get alot of participation...invited the whole Stake to come and not very many showed up! Kinda sad. Do a big whole thing on getting member's involved with missionary work and not many show up. It was good tho and needs to be polished up but good thing to use the Visitor Center for a tool for member work! We then taught Joel again and he brought a friend. I just had fun fighting haha. Sometimes i just give in. They have to make a comment about everything we say and i have fun making a comment back. When you have two people, who will be forever stuck in their ways you don't really make any progress. It took us an hour to get away from them. Ridiculous haha. I have met alot of anti people this week it seems like. One guy a couple of weeks ago told us he went in our temple with a hidden camera on and he tells us you need to really study your faith cause i know. Shows that when you are not ready for it is just isn't good. I had a feeling of anger come at me and glad i didn't let is submerge haha kinda felt like hitting him. Sometimes you just need to knock some sense into people. We had Bishop take us to the V.C. Amelia and Eric and had a good time. Had the best sister in the mission give us a tour, which was comforting. Sometimes sister missionary's are just too much haha. Spiritual talk with sisters sometimes just drives it away but i am glad she gave a tour. Maybe it is just because she is from Idaho...prolly true haha. Joesph Smith movie was powerful and we talked about them joining the Church and decided to push is back a week so 3 baptisms on the 8th! Yippee!
Sun, Church was great. We then got to go to a baptism for a guy in DC 3rd that Elder Hall had taught. It was great to see faces again. good ole Sis Mack is still catchin me lookin at them girls haha. She is super funny. I was sad, cause Kirk wasn't there. He just couldn't make it that week i guess. We then had dinner with our new Assistant Ward Mission Leader it was really good. Nye family. Then watched him give 4 blessings to kids from a part-member family whose dad isn't a member and one of his kids for school. It was a good expierience. We then taught Amelia and Eric the Plan of Salvation! It was good. They were not able to make it to church today cause their car got towed :(...Erika came tho! They will all be ready for baptism tho come Sept 8th!
Mon, District Meeting was okay. Not what i was anticipating it to be but it was good. First one that didn't go how it was in my head haha. Still okay tho. We then got dogged twice. then saw Bro Chatman for the first time in ages. He is just really busy with work. Still is thinking about church tho. Hope he finally decided to act soon. We then met with Bro Groome for a long night. Had a good time with him haha. Kinda were chucks too but he showed us all his Ray Stevens and Charlie Daniels songs. Had a good discussion about alma 34 and it didn't go as well as i thought. Good time tho. I really like him and hope he comes back someday. Just hard .
Tues, Really hard day. Went out and just found anti people. Made me really mad. This guy who is dad's age has been retired since 1987 and is just been doing Bible study basically. loves the bible too much. Compares our church to the Jehovah's Witnesses and just hits my pissed off bone. We gotta run i guess so i gotta cut this short. Not much else when on besides just checking on people and calling people. One of those really long days.
Wed, Temple was swell as was basketball afterwards.
Love ya thanks for the pictures this week!
Talk to ya next week!
Love, Elder Stoor
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Wed, So Kimberly held her appointment and we were able to teach her a Restoration and commit her to read the BoM, we gave her a blessing as well. I hope that she will be able to put more light into her life. Hopefully she won't have problems with the "evil spirits" anymore. We then had a really good lesson with Amelia too! Just talked with her mainly and ended up teaching the Law of Tithing and a brief explanation of the PoS! Left her with that pamphlet. It was a good night!
Thurs, We were Weekly Planning today! There seems to be always something to do in the apartment. Updating stuff seems to be endless especially when you are working! We then met with Sis Henry for about an hour. She is coming to church in September haha. Guess that is better than nothing. Just wonder if she will say Oct in September haha. We then visited with a guy that has a 2008 Corvette, 1986 Porsche, 2013 VW Bug, and has rebuilt an old VW Dune Buggy! You can imagine what we talked about haha. I had talked with him before and he wasn't too interested in the gospel. We had a good discussion about life and the job world. Maybe we will get to him when we see him next! Forgot his name tho haha. I don't think we asked for it but talked to him for an hour or so haha. We then had dinner with Bro Berg and then had a meeting afterwards. He is taking off to Montana come this friday to go fishin and i told him he needs to go visit good ole Caribou County! He has been my favorite WML cause he seems to be the only one that is doing things without us telling him what needs to be done! Glad we only have to do our job and not his too!
Fri, We had a good study in the morning and headed to our apt. (good thing it was in our complex) cause a car strolled up and unrolled their window, thought they needed help and it turned out it was Uncle Craig haha. It was really good to see him. It did not make me trunky haha. I am really happy I saw him. Gave me the boost i need right now! It was a little different and i didn't really know what to say, should have invited him to our apt! We taught Erika with Bro Asam tho and had a really good Restoration lesson! At the end we had her pray and it was a really awesome prayer. I then invited her to be baptized right after and Gave her a date for Sept 8th! She threw her hands in the air and said Yipee! That was a first to me! She is super excited for it! really happy for her! We then saw Sis Puckett, She is a sweetheart! I love visiting there. It makes me want to be a better person every time i go over there! We role played with her today! It was super good. She is a very bold missionary and just tells people how it is! It can give a funny story or two! We then had Randy Kimble (LA) and Bro Schaeffer come with us to an appointment! It was great! Taught Eric the Plan of Salvation! I think we have found the reason Amelia and Eric are our investigators. Randy came to church this week for the first time in like 2 years and Eric and him have become friends, funny but they knew each other before.
Sat, We went to help Sis DeBerry get some stuff from her storage unit! Moved every box in her place haha. Eric came with us and then we went to the church afterwards to play basketball. I was super rusty. It was fun tho. We had the Irvines come and it was just a good ole time. We then went to Bro Bergs to talk about some more things he is trying to start to help us see where the less-actives are in the progress coming to church! We then went to dinner with Tommie! She is a super nice lady but is having a hard time in her life. We then saw Amanda and had a good visit with her and her husband. She doesn't want to be taught so we are trying to just build a relationship with her husband so maybe someday he will want to be taught!
Sun, Church was great! Ward Council was good too! We had Amelia and Eric, and Randy come to church! Erika couldn't make it cause her father had a stroke! She wasn't in a good place on Sunday to come to church i guess! Everything is okay now tho. We went to Why I Believe tonight with Amanda! It was super good. Amelia and Eric were supposed to come too but ended up showing up at 8:45 and the thing got over as soon as they called saying they were there. I took them back to the house and we watched the family video and then showed them the twelve apostles picture. It was really powerful. Eric said he felt the Spirit! It was really peaceful. Amelia then lit up and was super happy her son was feeling it too! Really neat experience. Funny moment, when they called they said they couldn't find the place and they were around back and the door wouldn't open. I ran outside and went behind the V.C. and they were not there....yes that is right, they tried to go to the Temple. I was laughing so hard haha. I had to contain myself when they came in view. Temple doors were thankfully locked.
Mon, ZONE CONFERENCE! Man what a long day! It was super good tho as always. Learned alot. There was a really good spirit there. we then had a good visit with Erika. We asked her what did she remember and she hit every point in the Restoration. It was awesome! We then talked about baptism and feasting on the scriptures. Gave her a PoS pamphlet and we will see if she can teach us it next lesson! We then had dinner with the Jupitor's! Super good! Found out there grandaughter just got home from a mission and we were in the same class at the MTC, it was a little funny. We then checked on former's and picked up a good potential out of it! I then had one of the best studies i have had in a long time. Read Alma 34 and kept thinking about Bro Groome the whole time and then did some good repenting and it was just cool as i looked over my notes from Zone Conference. Really just had a strong impression that God is real. It is hard to explain but this was prolly my most spiritual study i have ever had. Feel really good about it. I have been thinking alot about going home and about my mission so far and just came to some conclusions on what i need to do. Kinda weird but Grandma gave me the BoM in 100 days study guide thing and i looked at the calendar and i had exactly 100 days left. I am going to try to do it. and finish where i am at already Alma 34. The scriptures have really given me a boost lately and i am grateful for them.
Tues, We did a little planning this morning for our next investigator's lessons and updating and calling and all that fun stuff. Worked and checked on some people and got cancelled on and dogged haha. We then played basketball at the church again with a good group of young men! It was super fun and i kinda won every game i played. I don't like to lose and i think i impressed alot of them there. Guess i still got a little game left in the tank. We really did alot today but not much to really report on!
Wed, We did something really impressive this morning! We biked to D.C.! It gave us an accomplished feeling today! Kinda crazy maybe but it was worth it! We then went to Natural History Museum and came to the Library of Congress to e-mail! Super duper fun! I love the Mall!
Thanks for all you do!
Love Elder Stoor
Thurs, We were Weekly Planning today! There seems to be always something to do in the apartment. Updating stuff seems to be endless especially when you are working! We then met with Sis Henry for about an hour. She is coming to church in September haha. Guess that is better than nothing. Just wonder if she will say Oct in September haha. We then visited with a guy that has a 2008 Corvette, 1986 Porsche, 2013 VW Bug, and has rebuilt an old VW Dune Buggy! You can imagine what we talked about haha. I had talked with him before and he wasn't too interested in the gospel. We had a good discussion about life and the job world. Maybe we will get to him when we see him next! Forgot his name tho haha. I don't think we asked for it but talked to him for an hour or so haha. We then had dinner with Bro Berg and then had a meeting afterwards. He is taking off to Montana come this friday to go fishin and i told him he needs to go visit good ole Caribou County! He has been my favorite WML cause he seems to be the only one that is doing things without us telling him what needs to be done! Glad we only have to do our job and not his too!
Fri, We had a good study in the morning and headed to our apt. (good thing it was in our complex) cause a car strolled up and unrolled their window, thought they needed help and it turned out it was Uncle Craig haha. It was really good to see him. It did not make me trunky haha. I am really happy I saw him. Gave me the boost i need right now! It was a little different and i didn't really know what to say, should have invited him to our apt! We taught Erika with Bro Asam tho and had a really good Restoration lesson! At the end we had her pray and it was a really awesome prayer. I then invited her to be baptized right after and Gave her a date for Sept 8th! She threw her hands in the air and said Yipee! That was a first to me! She is super excited for it! really happy for her! We then saw Sis Puckett, She is a sweetheart! I love visiting there. It makes me want to be a better person every time i go over there! We role played with her today! It was super good. She is a very bold missionary and just tells people how it is! It can give a funny story or two! We then had Randy Kimble (LA) and Bro Schaeffer come with us to an appointment! It was great! Taught Eric the Plan of Salvation! I think we have found the reason Amelia and Eric are our investigators. Randy came to church this week for the first time in like 2 years and Eric and him have become friends, funny but they knew each other before.
Sat, We went to help Sis DeBerry get some stuff from her storage unit! Moved every box in her place haha. Eric came with us and then we went to the church afterwards to play basketball. I was super rusty. It was fun tho. We had the Irvines come and it was just a good ole time. We then went to Bro Bergs to talk about some more things he is trying to start to help us see where the less-actives are in the progress coming to church! We then went to dinner with Tommie! She is a super nice lady but is having a hard time in her life. We then saw Amanda and had a good visit with her and her husband. She doesn't want to be taught so we are trying to just build a relationship with her husband so maybe someday he will want to be taught!
Sun, Church was great! Ward Council was good too! We had Amelia and Eric, and Randy come to church! Erika couldn't make it cause her father had a stroke! She wasn't in a good place on Sunday to come to church i guess! Everything is okay now tho. We went to Why I Believe tonight with Amanda! It was super good. Amelia and Eric were supposed to come too but ended up showing up at 8:45 and the thing got over as soon as they called saying they were there. I took them back to the house and we watched the family video and then showed them the twelve apostles picture. It was really powerful. Eric said he felt the Spirit! It was really peaceful. Amelia then lit up and was super happy her son was feeling it too! Really neat experience. Funny moment, when they called they said they couldn't find the place and they were around back and the door wouldn't open. I ran outside and went behind the V.C. and they were not there....yes that is right, they tried to go to the Temple. I was laughing so hard haha. I had to contain myself when they came in view. Temple doors were thankfully locked.
Mon, ZONE CONFERENCE! Man what a long day! It was super good tho as always. Learned alot. There was a really good spirit there. we then had a good visit with Erika. We asked her what did she remember and she hit every point in the Restoration. It was awesome! We then talked about baptism and feasting on the scriptures. Gave her a PoS pamphlet and we will see if she can teach us it next lesson! We then had dinner with the Jupitor's! Super good! Found out there grandaughter just got home from a mission and we were in the same class at the MTC, it was a little funny. We then checked on former's and picked up a good potential out of it! I then had one of the best studies i have had in a long time. Read Alma 34 and kept thinking about Bro Groome the whole time and then did some good repenting and it was just cool as i looked over my notes from Zone Conference. Really just had a strong impression that God is real. It is hard to explain but this was prolly my most spiritual study i have ever had. Feel really good about it. I have been thinking alot about going home and about my mission so far and just came to some conclusions on what i need to do. Kinda weird but Grandma gave me the BoM in 100 days study guide thing and i looked at the calendar and i had exactly 100 days left. I am going to try to do it. and finish where i am at already Alma 34. The scriptures have really given me a boost lately and i am grateful for them.
Tues, We did a little planning this morning for our next investigator's lessons and updating and calling and all that fun stuff. Worked and checked on some people and got cancelled on and dogged haha. We then played basketball at the church again with a good group of young men! It was super fun and i kinda won every game i played. I don't like to lose and i think i impressed alot of them there. Guess i still got a little game left in the tank. We really did alot today but not much to really report on!
Wed, We did something really impressive this morning! We biked to D.C.! It gave us an accomplished feeling today! Kinda crazy maybe but it was worth it! We then went to Natural History Museum and came to the Library of Congress to e-mail! Super duper fun! I love the Mall!
Thanks for all you do!
Love Elder Stoor
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