For Memorial day there wasn't anything special that went on, and no, we didn't have a barbecue.... it's sad but that's the one thing that everyone feeds us once the summer hits. Barbecue chicken or hamburgers, and really that's pretty much it, on occasion we'll get fed steak or spare ribs but, everyone says that it's barbecue season!
So I was going to send out a picture with this e-mail but, I forgot my camera and chord so I could put it on the computer. I was looking at a picture that was taken of me at the Top of the Inclined Plane and I started laughing! Why? Because i'm getting chubby! HA! I looked at that picture of me at Dawn's baptism and then the picture of me taken yesterday, and I couldn't believe it! It was so funny, but Elder Page says it's inevitable for it to happen, and there's no way to be able to get into better shape than when you came out. So yes, I have gained weight, I'm a little more plump around the face and stomach haha! It's not too bad, but it's noticeable.
So you wanted to know what an average day is like for a missionary? okay!
* 6:30 am the alarm goes off,
* exercise for a half hour or so,
* shower, shave, brush teeth, etc. (prepare for the day)
* eat breakfast
* 8 am begin personal study
* 9am begin companion study
* 10am head out the door for work
Our work days go from 10 am to 9pm with an hour long lunch and dinner break in between. when we're not eating we are knocking on doors, talking to people on the street, teaching people we have appointments with, visiting members and seeing if they have anyone that we can talk to about the gospel and what not. At 9pm we get back to the apartment, and plan out our next day, then it's lights out at 10:30pm, then the alarm goes off again at 6:30 the next morning and we start again the next day. That's a normal day for missionaries.
This week went by pretty fast for me and there wasn't that much exciting that went on! I got to go on exchanges with an Elder that has been out about 3 weeks, so I was basically senior companion. It was crazy to have that experience because that's what I'll be doing in a few weeks if things go according to plan: training and teaching a new elder how to be a missionary. wow. It's very exciting and I'm very honored that President Summerhays had found me to be ready to be able to take on such a responsibility already. It will be hard I'm sure, missionary work always is, but I know that the Lord will be there to help us and make us the best instruments in his hands that we can be! So that's comforting.
Our investigators Chris and Nicole, are doing well! They are really willing to learn and wanting to live right! We taught them the word of wisdom this past week and they understood it well and why we need it. They really love Iced Tea and Iced Coffee but we committed them to cut back and eventually quit drinking it one day. They also need to get married!! They said that the only thing that's keeping them from tying the knot is the money issue. We let them know that our Bishop here will do it for free and they can use the church building for free. They also say that when you get married, costs start going up, like insurance, taxes, bills and what not. They feel like they are married at heart, meaning they know that they are going to be together for the rest of their lives, but just "can't afford" to make it official for now. They just need to know that when they start making steps to live the way God wants us to, then God will help them and "provide a way for them, that
they might accomplish the thing, which He commandeth them." They'll do what's right, they're good people.
Being out here and being a missionary has really opened up my eyes to how important this church is and how important Joseph Smith was to restoring the church! As a missionary we have the opportunity to teach people about him and the things he did, and every time we talk about him and his vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Spirit is so strong there and strengthens my testimony of the reality of his vision, and how he really was a true prophet, and it's amazing to see people find that testimony too! And discover for themselves that this is the only true and living church on the face of the earth, and we have the privilege of being a part of it. I'm very grateful for the Holy Ghost and how it plays such a profound part in all of the work that we do and
in the lives we live. There's is nothing better than helping people find the truth. And it makes it worth all the many many many doors that are shut on us when people refuse to listen. My skin is probably 3 inches thick by now, no kidding! ;) But that's okay, that's what comes with the job.
The people out here are really nice and and all the trees have turned green too! It's so beautiful, I've never seen so many trees in my life! It's pretty amazing! I know the Church is true. Joseph Smith was and is a true prophet of God. Christ lives and loves us. God loves us.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Johnstown Week 14
This week there were interviews, So I got to speak with the Mission President one on one which was pretty cool because he told me that even though I'm the junior companion that I need to be starting to do 70% of the work in preparation for me being Senior Companion this coming transfer! Senior Companion already! And training! me? at 4 1/2 months, it's pretty awesome so pretty much Elder Page is going to be super lazy when it get's to be to the last two weeks of the transfer because he'll be going home and I'll be doing all the work. It'll be good though, because President told me to do that. So it basically gives my companion an OK to be trunky (trunky= super ready and dying to go home, the term trunk is pertaining to putting all your stuff in a trunk of suitcase and just getting ready to go home) So that's exciting!
But what's even more exciting is we met a couple, that is really interested in the church! Their names are Nicole and Chris and they are really solid! We met them on the street and they invited us back and are asking us a ton of questions about everything and some really deep doctrine things too! It's great, as a missionary, you absolutely love it when you get an investigator that asks a ton of questions and wants to learn a lot. Another great thing about them too is that they don't really have any much of a religious background so we're starting off with a clean slate with them only to build them up with the truth and nothing but the truth. We taught them 3 times last week which is really uncommon, usually you get into teach once or twice if you're lucky, but three times! wow, they are amazing. The only problem with them is that they aren't married..... but the have 2 kids too! They'll get married soon though, hopefully we got them talking about it because we mentioned that they would have to be married to be baptized so, that'll be interesting to see what happens, they seemed open to the idea though! which is good. Our other investigators aren't progressing as well, but
they are still wanting us over to teach, the only problem is that they aren't coming to church! They have to come at least 3 times in order to be baptized, so that's the real hold up! oh well things are going good nonetheless.
Hmmm,... what else.... Oh yeah, we were visiting this less active man and he has been having some really bad back problems and he asked us to do something for him... do the dishes!! of course we said yes because we're missionaries and we help out people as best as we can. Anyway, when we got there, (there were 2 other missionaries with us) and there was a sea of dishes that had old crusty food fused to them and "the
stink was great thereof"! Oh man that was a bad idea... my hands were all prunny and greasy plus while the other 3 missionaries were cleaning dishes (we took shifts, that's how immense it was) I was talking to the
man and he told me.....(edited because of TMI, ask the Elder when he gets home). Gnasty....
I think that's pretty much all that happened that was exciting or interesting, if I think of anything else more I'll let you know next week.
Elder Benjamin
But what's even more exciting is we met a couple, that is really interested in the church! Their names are Nicole and Chris and they are really solid! We met them on the street and they invited us back and are asking us a ton of questions about everything and some really deep doctrine things too! It's great, as a missionary, you absolutely love it when you get an investigator that asks a ton of questions and wants to learn a lot. Another great thing about them too is that they don't really have any much of a religious background so we're starting off with a clean slate with them only to build them up with the truth and nothing but the truth. We taught them 3 times last week which is really uncommon, usually you get into teach once or twice if you're lucky, but three times! wow, they are amazing. The only problem with them is that they aren't married..... but the have 2 kids too! They'll get married soon though, hopefully we got them talking about it because we mentioned that they would have to be married to be baptized so, that'll be interesting to see what happens, they seemed open to the idea though! which is good. Our other investigators aren't progressing as well, but
they are still wanting us over to teach, the only problem is that they aren't coming to church! They have to come at least 3 times in order to be baptized, so that's the real hold up! oh well things are going good nonetheless.
Hmmm,... what else.... Oh yeah, we were visiting this less active man and he has been having some really bad back problems and he asked us to do something for him... do the dishes!! of course we said yes because we're missionaries and we help out people as best as we can. Anyway, when we got there, (there were 2 other missionaries with us) and there was a sea of dishes that had old crusty food fused to them and "the
stink was great thereof"! Oh man that was a bad idea... my hands were all prunny and greasy plus while the other 3 missionaries were cleaning dishes (we took shifts, that's how immense it was) I was talking to the
man and he told me.....(edited because of TMI, ask the Elder when he gets home). Gnasty....
I think that's pretty much all that happened that was exciting or interesting, if I think of anything else more I'll let you know next week.
Elder Benjamin
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Johnstown Week 13
This week has been pretty good! We had some great lessons that we've taught and a couple new investigators!! Hooray! One of our new ones, her name is Paris, she is probably in her early 20's and was really searching for
the right church to join, and she feels that we were an answer to her prayers! A lot of the investigators and people we find to teach have the same story as Joseph Smith, it's amazing! Anyway, she we knocked on her
door and she invited us in right away after we introduced ourselves. We sat down and taught her about the Restoration of the Gospel and she loved it and invited us back! We've taught her a couple times now and
look forward to tomorrow when we get to teach her again in the morning. She's really awesome!
Another new investigator that we have, her name is Jennifer. We had a really good lesson with her! We invited Dawn to come along with us to teach her because we thought that they would get along just great, and it turns out they did! She's really awesome and wants to turn her life around, all she needs to do is come to church.
Serving a mission is awesome, there are so many crazy things that we go through (Like tracting in the pouring rain, and fighting off drunks) that really help strengthen testimonies and help us to realize why we do what we do. This week has been great!
the right church to join, and she feels that we were an answer to her prayers! A lot of the investigators and people we find to teach have the same story as Joseph Smith, it's amazing! Anyway, she we knocked on her
door and she invited us in right away after we introduced ourselves. We sat down and taught her about the Restoration of the Gospel and she loved it and invited us back! We've taught her a couple times now and
look forward to tomorrow when we get to teach her again in the morning. She's really awesome!
Another new investigator that we have, her name is Jennifer. We had a really good lesson with her! We invited Dawn to come along with us to teach her because we thought that they would get along just great, and it turns out they did! She's really awesome and wants to turn her life around, all she needs to do is come to church.
Serving a mission is awesome, there are so many crazy things that we go through (Like tracting in the pouring rain, and fighting off drunks) that really help strengthen testimonies and help us to realize why we do what we do. This week has been great!
Johnstown Week 12
We still in a mad finding stage, our teaching pool has pretty much depleted and we are searching for some new investigators. We did find this cool old guy that is in a motor scooter wheelchair, his legs don't work. Anyway, we are helping him restore this really old house he bought for $200 and in turn we are going to teach him too! So hopefully one day we can baptize him! But that's about it in us finding people to teach.
Oh! here's a funny story that happened to me yesterday: When we were out knocking on doors, it was my turn to take the lead on the particular door. When the lady answered the door she asked who we were, we told her
that we were missionaries that relayed a "message about the Gospel of Jesus Christ... that brings families closer together." Then I saw her daughter that had long curly black hair looking through the window right next to the door smiling and laughing, then the lady smiled at her daughter. So I commented and said "It looks like you already have a great relationship with your daughter." then she said, "oh, I don't have to worry about that, because 'she' is a boy." ........Oh noooooo!! No coming back from that one!! So we bid each other a good day and left. Once we left the porch my companion and I started laughing! Elder Page thought he was a she too! Any way, that was exciting and fun.
I'm having a great time, it's experiences like those that make the mission just a great experience.
Oh! here's a funny story that happened to me yesterday: When we were out knocking on doors, it was my turn to take the lead on the particular door. When the lady answered the door she asked who we were, we told her
that we were missionaries that relayed a "message about the Gospel of Jesus Christ... that brings families closer together." Then I saw her daughter that had long curly black hair looking through the window right next to the door smiling and laughing, then the lady smiled at her daughter. So I commented and said "It looks like you already have a great relationship with your daughter." then she said, "oh, I don't have to worry about that, because 'she' is a boy." ........Oh noooooo!! No coming back from that one!! So we bid each other a good day and left. Once we left the porch my companion and I started laughing! Elder Page thought he was a she too! Any way, that was exciting and fun.
I'm having a great time, it's experiences like those that make the mission just a great experience.
Johnstown Week 11 continued
We did get a short e-mail from our Elder along with some pics.
Okay well here are some pictures, since I really don't have anything to talk about since we talked all yesterday. OH! at the dinner appointment I went to, the Malones were feeding us, there was this little boy in the family who was sick that day and he ate a little bit at the table then got up and was sitting down on the floor next to the table, then he gets up and says, "Mommy, I feel like I have to throw up." The next moment, he turns and throws up all over the carpet!! Ha! It was so funny! I felt bad for the little boy, and for laughing... because the other 2 kids started freaking out and then their baby girl went up and put her hand in the mess! It was Hilarious!! I probabaly shouldn't have laughed, but, that's just who I am. "Happy Mothers day!" is what I said to Sis. Malone, she laughed too and said, "Yeah, seriously, I know." They are such a great family, Bro. Malone is the pres of the Elders Quorum and really helps us out a lot when it comes to having him sit in on lessons with us, or making sure we have dinner or something. Anyway, I think that's pretty much it pertaining to new and exciting things that happened this week. I don't think there's anything new...
Elder Serrano With Elder Page
Elders Serrano and Page with the newly baptized Yadia
Monday, May 10, 2010
Johnstown Week 11
Well...no e-mail from Elder Serrano this week because yesterday was....the MOTHER'S DAY CALL!!!!! Do you think we were just a little excited. He called around 1pm. It was great to hear his voice and be able to ask him questions and get immediate answers.
Some of the highlights from the call are: They had a baptism yesterday. Yadiah was baptized by Elder Serrano on Saturday, then confirmed in Church on Sunday. He's doing great! Loving it there. Working hard! Taking time on "P" days to play the piano a little. He's gone up a belt notch! The ward members are feeding them well. Plus I bet they don't know where the vegetable section of the grocery store is (JK) :)
Well, that's all for now. Only 7 months until the next call (Christmas) and then we'll be only a few weeks away from the one year mark. A mom's gotta have something to look forward to. :)
Some of the highlights from the call are: They had a baptism yesterday. Yadiah was baptized by Elder Serrano on Saturday, then confirmed in Church on Sunday. He's doing great! Loving it there. Working hard! Taking time on "P" days to play the piano a little. He's gone up a belt notch! The ward members are feeding them well. Plus I bet they don't know where the vegetable section of the grocery store is (JK) :)
Well, that's all for now. Only 7 months until the next call (Christmas) and then we'll be only a few weeks away from the one year mark. A mom's gotta have something to look forward to. :)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Johnstown Week 10
It's been raining like crazy out here! Which ends up making it super humid!! Oh my goodness! All my clothes basically stick to me because it's so humid, I basically don't have to drink any water because just breathing will suffice. No joke. It's crazy how that works.
So Yadiah is going to be baptized this coming Saturday, May 8th!!! She's totally ready and prepared! And guess who she asked to baptize her?? Me! Wow, what an honor! This will be my first baptismal ordinace I perform where I'm doing the baptizing for a living person for herself! (make sense?) Hopefully all that practice at the Temple will pay off ;) I'm so excited! We're getting everything ready for her and I think that everything should go smoothly, we're seeing her a couple more times this week to make sure she's doing alright! It's going to be great! Keep praying for her!
Our other investigator Alphonso is doing good, we're still working with him, and making sure he's doing this for himself and not for Dawn so hopefully things will go well there!!
So a cool thing that happened to me this week! We got a letter in the mail saying that a Zane ---- wanted a copy of the Book of Mormon, so when we went to give it to him he wasn't home so we decided to tract the
street, and this really old couple let us in to talk to them for a second and we saw this little kid standing outside their house waiting. We thought he was waiting for us to be done talking to them so that he could talk to the old people about cutting their grass and what not. So when we walked outside, the kid called out, Elders! and we were like, what?? haha It turns out this 14 y.o. was Zane ----!! And he started asking us about the church and how he was looking for truth and the first word that popped into his head was the word "Mormon" so he
researched about the Book of Mormon and knew a lot about the church!! IT was so cool to find a boy the same age as Joseph Smith who was looking for truth just like him! Incredible!! Hopefully we'll be able to teach him some more, because that one time we met we didn't have enough time because we had an appointment to get to, but it was so cool!
So Yadiah is going to be baptized this coming Saturday, May 8th!!! She's totally ready and prepared! And guess who she asked to baptize her?? Me! Wow, what an honor! This will be my first baptismal ordinace I perform where I'm doing the baptizing for a living person for herself! (make sense?) Hopefully all that practice at the Temple will pay off ;) I'm so excited! We're getting everything ready for her and I think that everything should go smoothly, we're seeing her a couple more times this week to make sure she's doing alright! It's going to be great! Keep praying for her!
Our other investigator Alphonso is doing good, we're still working with him, and making sure he's doing this for himself and not for Dawn so hopefully things will go well there!!
So a cool thing that happened to me this week! We got a letter in the mail saying that a Zane ---- wanted a copy of the Book of Mormon, so when we went to give it to him he wasn't home so we decided to tract the
street, and this really old couple let us in to talk to them for a second and we saw this little kid standing outside their house waiting. We thought he was waiting for us to be done talking to them so that he could talk to the old people about cutting their grass and what not. So when we walked outside, the kid called out, Elders! and we were like, what?? haha It turns out this 14 y.o. was Zane ----!! And he started asking us about the church and how he was looking for truth and the first word that popped into his head was the word "Mormon" so he
researched about the Book of Mormon and knew a lot about the church!! IT was so cool to find a boy the same age as Joseph Smith who was looking for truth just like him! Incredible!! Hopefully we'll be able to teach him some more, because that one time we met we didn't have enough time because we had an appointment to get to, but it was so cool!
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