This week has been great.
We've done a lot of referral work this week, we had 24 referrals that were not updated correctly or at all. We set out to to contact all of them this week and try to sort the wheat from the tares. We have reduced our referrals down to 12 with about 6 that we have yet to contact, and a few of them that we were already teaching. Most of these referrals date back to June and July with one all the back to February, it feels really good to have everything back in order.
Part of Monday November 14, Friday November 18 & Saturday November 19 went to trying to contact Referrals.
Monday November 14, 2011: We switched our Preparation Day to Thursday so that we could go to the Temple with the Pickett's. Just what the above states, we used a big chunk of time to look for and try to get in contact with some referrals. We were able to contact a few of them.
Thursday November 17, 2011: We went to the Temple with the Pickett's. It was great! I love going there. Later in the evening we went to see Mary Cook (LA) the Pinto's came with us to fellowship. We had a great lesson with her on the Gospel. She opened up and we addressed some of the concerns that she has. She's not quite ready to come to church, she says, so we are giving her some time to warm up to it.
Saturday November 19, 2011: It was a good day. We did our normal Saturday day morning routine. At 8 AM we were at the Church to play Basketball with some less actives and a few members. There were 8 total including Elder Lewis and I. That's the most we've had in a couple a weeks. It was really fun. We then went to go do service at the Church across from Danita's car wash in Detroit. That was great too, and then out to find a few more referrals. We found one, Max, he was really interesting. He records music at his house and apparently he has a song playing on the Radio. He seams to be really religious but has a lot of mixed beliefs. He is really open to having us over more, he knows that we are doing the service of God.
Sunday November 20, 2011: We had a really cool experience last night. After we stopped by an investigator family, the appointment we had after that canceled on us. We parked the car in a nearby parking lot and took a look at our GPS. "Who should we stop by?" as we looked for a few minutes I got a feeling to go stop by Cassie, a less active that we haven't been able to get in contact for awhile. We got there and she let us come in to see her, she expressed that just moments ago she was praying, and asking for guidance, when just a few minutes later we pulled up in front of her house. It is definitely a testimony builder that God really does guide us to where we need to be.
I love you all. Hope things are going well. Hope everybody has a great Thanksgiving!
Tune in next week for more of "Richard's Mission Adventures!!!"
~Elder Richard Aufdermauer :)
Monday, November 21, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
#63- Good - Bad - Good
This last week has gone by pretty fast.
Like I said last week on Monday, November 7, 2011: Elder Lewis and I went to The Henry Ford museum and did the Rouge Factory Tour, it was a lot of fun.
Tuesday November 8, 2011: We saw Matt today, he is the media referral that we got a few weeks ago. He ordered a Book of Mormon. He told us that he loved Jacob 5 and that he was at Mosiah 3. Don't know how far he is now, but we'll find out this week. After seeing Matt we got our hair cut. Michelle, who works at the barber shop we went to cuts missionaries hair for free, it's really nice of her. Not much more happened the rest of the day. We stopped by a few more people.
Wednesday November 9, 2011: All day was taken up by Specialized Training. We left at 7:30 in the morning to go pick up some other missionaries and got home around 6pm, then we went out and tried to find a few people.
Thursday November 10, 2011: Cool thing today was that we had a lesson with Mary (LA) and we watched the Finding Faith in Christ DVD and after our discussion about it, she gave us a lesson about Bumble Bees. She even brought some from work to show us. It was really cool.
Friday November 11, 2011: Probably the best yet worst day of the week. We had 5 set appointments 3 cancelled on us. It's tough when an awesome day planned gets pulled apart. The other 2 were good lessons. We saw Danita, we helped her paint some more. I think we finished all the painting now. We shared some scriptures to help out with something she's struggling with. Later in the day we saw Rosy and addressed some of her concerns and things she needs help with, we also put Rosy on date for December 24. And to end the day we were blessed when Sean (Member) called us up and invited us over and as an extra bonus, he fed us. Good day turned bad turned back to good.
Nothing else from the week really stood out. Except that we got transfer calls this week and Elder Lewis and I are staying together for another 6 more weeks!
Like I said last week on Monday, November 7, 2011: Elder Lewis and I went to The Henry Ford museum and did the Rouge Factory Tour, it was a lot of fun.
Tuesday November 8, 2011: We saw Matt today, he is the media referral that we got a few weeks ago. He ordered a Book of Mormon. He told us that he loved Jacob 5 and that he was at Mosiah 3. Don't know how far he is now, but we'll find out this week. After seeing Matt we got our hair cut. Michelle, who works at the barber shop we went to cuts missionaries hair for free, it's really nice of her. Not much more happened the rest of the day. We stopped by a few more people.
Wednesday November 9, 2011: All day was taken up by Specialized Training. We left at 7:30 in the morning to go pick up some other missionaries and got home around 6pm, then we went out and tried to find a few people.
Thursday November 10, 2011: Cool thing today was that we had a lesson with Mary (LA) and we watched the Finding Faith in Christ DVD and after our discussion about it, she gave us a lesson about Bumble Bees. She even brought some from work to show us. It was really cool.
Friday November 11, 2011: Probably the best yet worst day of the week. We had 5 set appointments 3 cancelled on us. It's tough when an awesome day planned gets pulled apart. The other 2 were good lessons. We saw Danita, we helped her paint some more. I think we finished all the painting now. We shared some scriptures to help out with something she's struggling with. Later in the day we saw Rosy and addressed some of her concerns and things she needs help with, we also put Rosy on date for December 24. And to end the day we were blessed when Sean (Member) called us up and invited us over and as an extra bonus, he fed us. Good day turned bad turned back to good.
Nothing else from the week really stood out. Except that we got transfer calls this week and Elder Lewis and I are staying together for another 6 more weeks!
Monday, November 7, 2011
#62- Lots of Fun!
This week has been pretty slow, but for some reason it went by kinda fast.
Monday October 31, 2011: HALLOWEEN! It was pretty fun. We went bowling with the Schaefer (Mortensen & Green) and Greenfield (Whicker & Bingham) Elders. After bowling we went out to eat at Applebee's for Elder Mortensen's birthday on the 30th. Following dinner, because the Detroit areas have a curfew of 6:30 tonight they stayed with us while we went trick or treating to a few members and investigators houses, we only got 4, but it was fun.
Wednesday November 2, 2011: After our District Meeting I went on an exchange to Schaefer with Elder Green. It was pretty good, I got to be on my bike for the rest of the day and part of Thursday.
Thursday November 3, 2011: Elder Green and I went to play basketball with the Greenfield elders in the morning. While we were playing Elder Bingham came down to get the ball and elbowed Elder Green right above his eye, it split open and he started bleeding a lot. We fixed him up when we got to the apartment, it's going to leave a mark.
Saturday November 5, 2011: We went to Danita's car wash to help her out and to wash detail our van. We had apartment inspection and they check the car too, so we had a very clean apartment and a very clean car.
Sunday November 6, 2011: HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTIAN!!!! The church was all fixed up from last week so things were good. This guy came into church near the end of sacrament meeting and a member called us out to talk to him because he had a question. He was a Southern Baptist (white guy) and he asked about the curse of dark skin given to Cain and how it relates to black people. We explained that it was a curse of dark skin and not of black skin, we also gave him the account of Laman and Lemuel receiving the curse of dark skin. Definitely a common question we get.
Monday November 7, 2011: To celebrate Christian's birthday Elder Lewis and I went to The Henry Ford. Thanks to the Montierth Family who got us in for free. We went around the Museum and saw a bunch of the stuff there, unfortunately part of the car area was closed for some construction. The really cool part was going on the Rouge tour in the Factory. We got to walk around and see the assembly line and the workers working on the Ford F-150s it was really cool. Sorry you had to miss it Christian.
This week we were also able to see Malissa, and talk to the Velasquez family. Both wanted to and hoped to come to church but come Sunday none of them were able to make it. :( Hope they come next Sunday!
Also sorry I can't get the pictures of the service in Detroit or the pictures from Halloween party stuff, I guess you'll all have to wait until I find a computer in the library that will do it or just have to wait until I send a card home (I will, I still have one that I was suppose to send awhile ago, I'll get it to Christian and Molly soon).
Monday October 31, 2011: HALLOWEEN! It was pretty fun. We went bowling with the Schaefer (Mortensen & Green) and Greenfield (Whicker & Bingham) Elders. After bowling we went out to eat at Applebee's for Elder Mortensen's birthday on the 30th. Following dinner, because the Detroit areas have a curfew of 6:30 tonight they stayed with us while we went trick or treating to a few members and investigators houses, we only got 4, but it was fun.
Wednesday November 2, 2011: After our District Meeting I went on an exchange to Schaefer with Elder Green. It was pretty good, I got to be on my bike for the rest of the day and part of Thursday.
Thursday November 3, 2011: Elder Green and I went to play basketball with the Greenfield elders in the morning. While we were playing Elder Bingham came down to get the ball and elbowed Elder Green right above his eye, it split open and he started bleeding a lot. We fixed him up when we got to the apartment, it's going to leave a mark.
Saturday November 5, 2011: We went to Danita's car wash to help her out and to wash detail our van. We had apartment inspection and they check the car too, so we had a very clean apartment and a very clean car.
Sunday November 6, 2011: HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTIAN!!!! The church was all fixed up from last week so things were good. This guy came into church near the end of sacrament meeting and a member called us out to talk to him because he had a question. He was a Southern Baptist (white guy) and he asked about the curse of dark skin given to Cain and how it relates to black people. We explained that it was a curse of dark skin and not of black skin, we also gave him the account of Laman and Lemuel receiving the curse of dark skin. Definitely a common question we get.
Monday November 7, 2011: To celebrate Christian's birthday Elder Lewis and I went to The Henry Ford. Thanks to the Montierth Family who got us in for free. We went around the Museum and saw a bunch of the stuff there, unfortunately part of the car area was closed for some construction. The really cool part was going on the Rouge tour in the Factory. We got to walk around and see the assembly line and the workers working on the Ford F-150s it was really cool. Sorry you had to miss it Christian.
This week we were also able to see Malissa, and talk to the Velasquez family. Both wanted to and hoped to come to church but come Sunday none of them were able to make it. :( Hope they come next Sunday!
Also sorry I can't get the pictures of the service in Detroit or the pictures from Halloween party stuff, I guess you'll all have to wait until I find a computer in the library that will do it or just have to wait until I send a card home (I will, I still have one that I was suppose to send awhile ago, I'll get it to Christian and Molly soon).
Monday, October 31, 2011
#61- Crazy Week! Service, Appointments, and An Accident!
This week has been great and full of blessings!
Disk Golf last Monday (October 24) was really fun, the grass was wet and kind of mushy and really muddy in some spots. I actually slipped and got mud all over my left pant leg and my arm. Had a blast!
Tuesday October 25, 2011: We had a district meeting today instead of Wednesday, because we had interviews with President Holmes. After interviews, we stopped by a referral to give him the Book of Mormon that he requested, he was really interested to read it and to find out what it is about. He said that he would read it with an open mind, and he said that we can come back to talk about the Book of Mormon more with him. We were also able to get in contact with some investigators that have been hard to reach lately.
Wednesday October 26, 2011: We did a lot of service today. We helped Bruce. He moved into the ward from Utah. We helped him rip up the carpet in his house so that he could start fixing things up. We then went to Danita's house and helped her paint her living room with Greenfield Elders (Elders Whicker and Bingham). After those service projects we went an saw Malissa, she is hoping to come to church on Sunday.
Friday October 28, 2011: We helped Danita with a little more painting, it's turning out really well. We helped set up the ward Halloween party. Sister Pangelly asked us to help and we knew that she really needed it because people who were suppose to help I guess bailed out or didn't do much. The decorations were sweet! (because we did them)
Saturday October 29, 2011: We taught a few people in the morning and afternoon then at 5ish we went to the ward Halloween party. It was great. There was lots of chilli for the cook-off and there were some really good ones. Sister Pangelly asked us if we could be in charge of the beanbag and ring toss. It was a lot of fun.
Sunday October 30, 2011: Today was really interesting, probably one of the craziest days I've ever had on my mission...so far. We are just about to walk in the door of the church for the PEC meeting when Brother Hayes (ward mission leader) texts us and says "Church has been cancelled this morning." We thought, "Yeah right, he's just messing with us." We walked into the Bishop's office and they told us that there has been some water damage done in the building and that the Mother's lounge and one of the rooms to the chapel is flooded. The water came from the ceiling and ruined it. Because Dearborn Ward was cancelled we attended the Grand River Branch with the Pickett's. After church we had an appointment with a less active/part member couple. They are really kind and like to have us come by. The wife is having surgery right now on her knee and she was glad that we could come by yesterday to give some comfort and a blessing. After this appointment we were going to stop by to see some people before our next appointement. On the way, we saw a car accident. It was the car right in front of us so it was really close. The light was green so everybody was going. A lady, not paying attention, went through the red light and hit 2 cars, a car in the right lane and the car in front of us. It was definitely an experience you don't see everyday. We parked off the road a little after the light and went to see if everybody was alright, nobody got hurt so that was really good. We stayed until a police officer showed up. The appointment later that evening was good. We had dinner at Sister Manner's with the Corless family too. We got to play Air Hockey with everybody. When we got home Elder Lewis carved his pumpkin, an eye thing. And I painted Jesus on my pumpkin. I took pictures of them, but unfortunately the computer I'm on right now can't upload my camera right now so I'll email you all the pictures later this week :)
Disk Golf last Monday (October 24) was really fun, the grass was wet and kind of mushy and really muddy in some spots. I actually slipped and got mud all over my left pant leg and my arm. Had a blast!
Tuesday October 25, 2011: We had a district meeting today instead of Wednesday, because we had interviews with President Holmes. After interviews, we stopped by a referral to give him the Book of Mormon that he requested, he was really interested to read it and to find out what it is about. He said that he would read it with an open mind, and he said that we can come back to talk about the Book of Mormon more with him. We were also able to get in contact with some investigators that have been hard to reach lately.
Wednesday October 26, 2011: We did a lot of service today. We helped Bruce. He moved into the ward from Utah. We helped him rip up the carpet in his house so that he could start fixing things up. We then went to Danita's house and helped her paint her living room with Greenfield Elders (Elders Whicker and Bingham). After those service projects we went an saw Malissa, she is hoping to come to church on Sunday.
Friday October 28, 2011: We helped Danita with a little more painting, it's turning out really well. We helped set up the ward Halloween party. Sister Pangelly asked us to help and we knew that she really needed it because people who were suppose to help I guess bailed out or didn't do much. The decorations were sweet! (because we did them)
Saturday October 29, 2011: We taught a few people in the morning and afternoon then at 5ish we went to the ward Halloween party. It was great. There was lots of chilli for the cook-off and there were some really good ones. Sister Pangelly asked us if we could be in charge of the beanbag and ring toss. It was a lot of fun.
Sunday October 30, 2011: Today was really interesting, probably one of the craziest days I've ever had on my mission...so far. We are just about to walk in the door of the church for the PEC meeting when Brother Hayes (ward mission leader) texts us and says "Church has been cancelled this morning." We thought, "Yeah right, he's just messing with us." We walked into the Bishop's office and they told us that there has been some water damage done in the building and that the Mother's lounge and one of the rooms to the chapel is flooded. The water came from the ceiling and ruined it. Because Dearborn Ward was cancelled we attended the Grand River Branch with the Pickett's. After church we had an appointment with a less active/part member couple. They are really kind and like to have us come by. The wife is having surgery right now on her knee and she was glad that we could come by yesterday to give some comfort and a blessing. After this appointment we were going to stop by to see some people before our next appointement. On the way, we saw a car accident. It was the car right in front of us so it was really close. The light was green so everybody was going. A lady, not paying attention, went through the red light and hit 2 cars, a car in the right lane and the car in front of us. It was definitely an experience you don't see everyday. We parked off the road a little after the light and went to see if everybody was alright, nobody got hurt so that was really good. We stayed until a police officer showed up. The appointment later that evening was good. We had dinner at Sister Manner's with the Corless family too. We got to play Air Hockey with everybody. When we got home Elder Lewis carved his pumpkin, an eye thing. And I painted Jesus on my pumpkin. I took pictures of them, but unfortunately the computer I'm on right now can't upload my camera right now so I'll email you all the pictures later this week :)
Monday, October 24, 2011
#60- Mormon.org
This week has been really good.
A few things have been picking up, and we are finding a lot of people. As far as new investigators it's been a little hard, but we have a few potentials. Most of the people that we have been finding are inactive members that have allowed us to come back to their home. It feels great when people say that we can come back because we know that the people know why we are coming and they realize that they need to get back to the straight and narrow path.
I'm going to write about the highlights of this week.
Thursday October 20, 2011: We helped a member move into the ward from Ogden, Utah. He is really interesting, nice and cool. He has more books than I have stuff. He is the son of a less active member and his sister Linda is investigating. We are hoping that he has a strong influence on them and helps them all come to church. His mother came to church with him yesterday, so that is a good note. Later that evening we stopped by someone that we didn't know, Maureen, she was baptized at 8 and became inactive a few years later when her family was broken up. I forget if it was divorce or death, but she hasn't been to church since. She is one that invited us to come back soon, she is going through some hard times. We also saw a part member family, The Kelleys. The dad is investigating and we had a great lesson about the Plan of Salvation, he has a hard time comprehending things so we used Mormon.org ~ http://mormon.org/plan-of-happiness/ ~ with him. We feel like it helped out because its really simple and there are a few videos.
Friday October 21, 2011: Leola was reactivated just a few weeks ago and she is making great progress. She invited a friend to come to church with her next week and we are hoping that her friend likes the ward and wants to learn more about the gospel.
Saturday October 22, 2011: HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY GRAHAM!!! Today was super BUSY. On Saturdays we play Basketball with some less actives and investigators. It was a lot of fun, the guys that play are really cool and are trying to teach me so I can play better, and I'm getting better. We then went to Detroit to Joy Road and Hubbell Road to do some service at the Baptist Church on the corner. We help out every Saturday with the Food Drive that they put on to help people in need get some food. After that we went right across the street to the car wash that is owned by a member and we washed the van. Danita, who owns the car wash is really awesome, she takes care of the missionaries really well. She goes to the Grand River Branch where the Schaffer and Greenfield Elders go. That's our district Schaffer, Greenfield and Dearborn. All 6 of us do the service here at the church. Later in the evening we found another inactive member that said that we can come back.
This has been another week full of helping others. It really helps make us feel uplifted.
I love you all and hope that you have a great week. Elder Lewis and I are going to go play Disk Golf now! Talk to you guys next week!
A few things have been picking up, and we are finding a lot of people. As far as new investigators it's been a little hard, but we have a few potentials. Most of the people that we have been finding are inactive members that have allowed us to come back to their home. It feels great when people say that we can come back because we know that the people know why we are coming and they realize that they need to get back to the straight and narrow path.
I'm going to write about the highlights of this week.
Thursday October 20, 2011: We helped a member move into the ward from Ogden, Utah. He is really interesting, nice and cool. He has more books than I have stuff. He is the son of a less active member and his sister Linda is investigating. We are hoping that he has a strong influence on them and helps them all come to church. His mother came to church with him yesterday, so that is a good note. Later that evening we stopped by someone that we didn't know, Maureen, she was baptized at 8 and became inactive a few years later when her family was broken up. I forget if it was divorce or death, but she hasn't been to church since. She is one that invited us to come back soon, she is going through some hard times. We also saw a part member family, The Kelleys. The dad is investigating and we had a great lesson about the Plan of Salvation, he has a hard time comprehending things so we used Mormon.org ~ http://mormon.org/plan-of-happiness/ ~ with him. We feel like it helped out because its really simple and there are a few videos.
Friday October 21, 2011: Leola was reactivated just a few weeks ago and she is making great progress. She invited a friend to come to church with her next week and we are hoping that her friend likes the ward and wants to learn more about the gospel.
Saturday October 22, 2011: HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY GRAHAM!!! Today was super BUSY. On Saturdays we play Basketball with some less actives and investigators. It was a lot of fun, the guys that play are really cool and are trying to teach me so I can play better, and I'm getting better. We then went to Detroit to Joy Road and Hubbell Road to do some service at the Baptist Church on the corner. We help out every Saturday with the Food Drive that they put on to help people in need get some food. After that we went right across the street to the car wash that is owned by a member and we washed the van. Danita, who owns the car wash is really awesome, she takes care of the missionaries really well. She goes to the Grand River Branch where the Schaffer and Greenfield Elders go. That's our district Schaffer, Greenfield and Dearborn. All 6 of us do the service here at the church. Later in the evening we found another inactive member that said that we can come back.
This has been another week full of helping others. It really helps make us feel uplifted.
I love you all and hope that you have a great week. Elder Lewis and I are going to go play Disk Golf now! Talk to you guys next week!
Monday, October 17, 2011
#59- Service
This week has been pretty good.
We were able to get a hold of some investigators that were super busy the last few weeks. Malissa is doing alright. She has noticed a drop in her life since she hasn't been to church. She is going to be out of town on the weekends for the next 4 weeks. While she is in Arizona for a few of them she said that she is going to go to one of the wards out there, but I told her that she still needs to come to our ward a few times before she gets baptized. We are probably looking towards December.
We also saw the Velasquez family, they are doing good and have the same feeling about not coming to church. They weren't coming because their son had Football games on Sunday, they said that the season is almost over and that there are no more Sunday games. They are also looking at Baptism in December when family comes out for Christmas.
Tuesday October 11, 2011: We did some service for a member who is going to be renting out her house, she needed some stuff painted. Elder Lewis painted a door and I got to paint part of a fence. Now this fence is not a wood fence its a metal one, the links. Like the ones around parks or schools. I got to paint it with a roller (not the best on that kind of fence) and a brush. It was kinda hard to do it but I had a lot of fun. Apparently I did a lot better job then the guy who did the other half of the fence.
We saw Malissa on Wednesday October 12.
Friday October 14, 2011: Happy Birthday Molly!!! Up bright and early. We had to pick up some other missionaries because we all went to do service at the Roseville Building for a huge clothing drive. DI in Utah sent a ton of clothing to give away and we were asked to go help set up and help people as they cycled through. The experience really made me appreciate what I had. There were a lot of really poor people going through and were trying to get what they could. I was over in the men's section organizing and helping people find things they need. I was doing pants a lot of the time, and we didn't have a large variety of pants and I had to turn people down because we didn't have their size. It was a great experience to help others in need.
Saturday October 15, 2011: More service for us. We went to the Schaffer Elder's apartment and walked to the clean up site in Detroit. The Grand River Branch set it up and we showed up to clean up. This was an abandoned apartment complex covered in trash. If you want to look on Google maps to see were it was it's on Fullerton Rd. and Grandmont in Detroit. It shows how nice it was before it was left. Picture it covered in garbage. I'll send some pictures of it. We also saw the Velasquez Family today.
Sunday October 16, 2011: I got to speak in church. I think I did pretty good. People kept telling me that I did great and that they all really like it. I talked about gaining a personal testimony.
We had a pretty fun, crazy, busy week. Definitely had some awesome experiences, and helped a lot of people.
Hope you are all doing well!
We were able to get a hold of some investigators that were super busy the last few weeks. Malissa is doing alright. She has noticed a drop in her life since she hasn't been to church. She is going to be out of town on the weekends for the next 4 weeks. While she is in Arizona for a few of them she said that she is going to go to one of the wards out there, but I told her that she still needs to come to our ward a few times before she gets baptized. We are probably looking towards December.
We also saw the Velasquez family, they are doing good and have the same feeling about not coming to church. They weren't coming because their son had Football games on Sunday, they said that the season is almost over and that there are no more Sunday games. They are also looking at Baptism in December when family comes out for Christmas.
Tuesday October 11, 2011: We did some service for a member who is going to be renting out her house, she needed some stuff painted. Elder Lewis painted a door and I got to paint part of a fence. Now this fence is not a wood fence its a metal one, the links. Like the ones around parks or schools. I got to paint it with a roller (not the best on that kind of fence) and a brush. It was kinda hard to do it but I had a lot of fun. Apparently I did a lot better job then the guy who did the other half of the fence.
We saw Malissa on Wednesday October 12.
Friday October 14, 2011: Happy Birthday Molly!!! Up bright and early. We had to pick up some other missionaries because we all went to do service at the Roseville Building for a huge clothing drive. DI in Utah sent a ton of clothing to give away and we were asked to go help set up and help people as they cycled through. The experience really made me appreciate what I had. There were a lot of really poor people going through and were trying to get what they could. I was over in the men's section organizing and helping people find things they need. I was doing pants a lot of the time, and we didn't have a large variety of pants and I had to turn people down because we didn't have their size. It was a great experience to help others in need.
Saturday October 15, 2011: More service for us. We went to the Schaffer Elder's apartment and walked to the clean up site in Detroit. The Grand River Branch set it up and we showed up to clean up. This was an abandoned apartment complex covered in trash. If you want to look on Google maps to see were it was it's on Fullerton Rd. and Grandmont in Detroit. It shows how nice it was before it was left. Picture it covered in garbage. I'll send some pictures of it. We also saw the Velasquez Family today.
Sunday October 16, 2011: I got to speak in church. I think I did pretty good. People kept telling me that I did great and that they all really like it. I talked about gaining a personal testimony.
We had a pretty fun, crazy, busy week. Definitely had some awesome experiences, and helped a lot of people.
Hope you are all doing well!
Monday, October 10, 2011
#58- Story of Job
This week has been great.
Tuesday October 4, 2011: Transfer Meeting, I now have Elder Lewis! We went to dinner at the Pickett's apt, right next to ours, and did a lot of planning for this transfer. Things are looking good.
Thursday October 6, 2011: We have a new investigator, Paul. He is really awesome. He's on probation for the next 20 months, but we'll continue to work with him so that he can fix up his life. He's been to just about every religion and found faults. He's really interested in The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. He's been taught before, a while ago, and he's read the Book of Mormon twice already. It's amazing to see someone with that much desire to want to change his life.
Friday October 7, 2011: We stopped by an inactive member to see if they lived there and he invited us in. We shared a great lesson with him and he said that we could come back to see him and his wife. It feels great when people invite us back into their homes.
Saturday October 8, 2011: It was a nice day. We played some Basketball with some less actives and investigators. Did some service at a church in Detroit, across the street from Mama D's car wash. And in the evening we went to a concert thing at the Saline building. It's called The Story of Job. It was awesome. The lady who wrote it all is from the Dearborn Ward and they went to San Diego to perform it, and an LDS producer wants to produce it. So if you ever see or hear it, remember I saw it first!
Sunday October 9, 2011: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! Hope it was a good one, sorry I wasn't there to party with you!
Tuesday October 4, 2011: Transfer Meeting, I now have Elder Lewis! We went to dinner at the Pickett's apt, right next to ours, and did a lot of planning for this transfer. Things are looking good.
Thursday October 6, 2011: We have a new investigator, Paul. He is really awesome. He's on probation for the next 20 months, but we'll continue to work with him so that he can fix up his life. He's been to just about every religion and found faults. He's really interested in The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. He's been taught before, a while ago, and he's read the Book of Mormon twice already. It's amazing to see someone with that much desire to want to change his life.
Friday October 7, 2011: We stopped by an inactive member to see if they lived there and he invited us in. We shared a great lesson with him and he said that we could come back to see him and his wife. It feels great when people invite us back into their homes.
Saturday October 8, 2011: It was a nice day. We played some Basketball with some less actives and investigators. Did some service at a church in Detroit, across the street from Mama D's car wash. And in the evening we went to a concert thing at the Saline building. It's called The Story of Job. It was awesome. The lady who wrote it all is from the Dearborn Ward and they went to San Diego to perform it, and an LDS producer wants to produce it. So if you ever see or hear it, remember I saw it first!
Sunday October 9, 2011: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! Hope it was a good one, sorry I wasn't there to party with you!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
#57 1/2- Companions
I was so busy on Monday when I was emailing that I forgot to tell you that Elder Buahin was getting transferred.
My new companion is Elder Lewis, he's the same Elder Lewis that came out with me from the MTC and he's the same Elder Lewis that I served with for 3 weeks with Elder Kitchen in Livonia when they were looking for an apartment in Ferndale. It's cool that we get to serve together again.
I was thinking about companions earlier, I've had 6 official companions and 5 unofficial companions. A total of 11! Next to each one is how long I've served with them.
Official Unofficial
Attwood (6 weeks) Kitchen (3 weeks)
Fogth (3 months) Lewis (3 weeks)
Turley (3 months) Jones (1 week)
Adair (4 months) Elder Pickett (to be determined)
Buahin (6 weeks) Sister Pickett (to be determined)
Lewis (to be determined)
Its cool. I'm still in Dearborn, just to make that still known.
My new companion is Elder Lewis, he's the same Elder Lewis that came out with me from the MTC and he's the same Elder Lewis that I served with for 3 weeks with Elder Kitchen in Livonia when they were looking for an apartment in Ferndale. It's cool that we get to serve together again.
I was thinking about companions earlier, I've had 6 official companions and 5 unofficial companions. A total of 11! Next to each one is how long I've served with them.
Official Unofficial
Attwood (6 weeks) Kitchen (3 weeks)
Fogth (3 months) Lewis (3 weeks)
Turley (3 months) Jones (1 week)
Adair (4 months) Elder Pickett (to be determined)
Buahin (6 weeks) Sister Pickett (to be determined)
Lewis (to be determined)
Its cool. I'm still in Dearborn, just to make that still known.
Monday, October 3, 2011
#57- Sicky
This has been a really slow week. It's another week where everybody cancels appointments and aren't home. Oh well what can you do?
Thanks everybody who helped with the mission experiences.
To be perfectly honest this is going to be a lame email.
Monday September 26, 2011: Six of us got together and went bowling, it was a lot of fun. We bowled 4 games and I won 3 of them, sorry about boasting. We then went to eat, nothing too special and then Elder Buahin and I took Elder Kitchen and Green back to their apartment where we hung out for a little bit, before we had to go to an appointment in Detroit.
Nothing really happened between Tuesday-Friday. We did service, taught a few lessons and did some finding. I also got sick on Wednesday. Woke up with a small sore throat, woke up on Thursday with the sore throat worse. Friday woke up with a huge headache and stuffy nose. Saturday and Sunday had a stuffy nose and cough. I still have the stuffy nose and cough but it's not stopping me.
General Conference on Saturday and Sunday, wow it was really good. To me it seemed like a lot of people talked about reading scriptures, praying, and repentance. It was really good, a little different this time but it was really good.
That's it for now, we got to go help a new senior couple move into Riverview.
Thanks everybody who helped with the mission experiences.
To be perfectly honest this is going to be a lame email.
Monday September 26, 2011: Six of us got together and went bowling, it was a lot of fun. We bowled 4 games and I won 3 of them, sorry about boasting. We then went to eat, nothing too special and then Elder Buahin and I took Elder Kitchen and Green back to their apartment where we hung out for a little bit, before we had to go to an appointment in Detroit.
Nothing really happened between Tuesday-Friday. We did service, taught a few lessons and did some finding. I also got sick on Wednesday. Woke up with a small sore throat, woke up on Thursday with the sore throat worse. Friday woke up with a huge headache and stuffy nose. Saturday and Sunday had a stuffy nose and cough. I still have the stuffy nose and cough but it's not stopping me.
General Conference on Saturday and Sunday, wow it was really good. To me it seemed like a lot of people talked about reading scriptures, praying, and repentance. It was really good, a little different this time but it was really good.
That's it for now, we got to go help a new senior couple move into Riverview.
Monday, September 26, 2011
#56- Temple
What a super long week. Its been super full.
Tuesday September 20, 2011: We went and stopped by a bunch of people in our GPS who we didn't know, all were inactive members and we taught 4 out of 6 stops. It was really great. We went and saw Mary again, she is doing pretty good. She has a desire to come back to church! We are waiting until she is ready to make that step.
Thursday September 22, 2011: Today was my year Temple Trip. Elder Anderson came and picked me up, his companion stayed with mine. We drove to the Mission Home, got in the big huge van, and off to the Temple we went. When we got there, there were some others waiting for us. Total out come were ten missionaries; Elders Orme, Willard, Johnson, Anderson, Barclay, Lewis, Seymore (didn't come out with us) Sisters Vance and Klingler, myself, President and Sister Holmes. We had so much fun. After the temple we all went back to the Mission Home for dinner and a sweet discussion. Two hours later, the fireside was going to start. Elder Anderson and I called Dearborn to let them know we were coming, but they said they were busy, so we told them that we would switch at the fireside. During that gap period Elder Anderson and I couldn't go back to Ypsilanti it's too far away. We stayed in Livonia's area and tracted a street for them. We got them a potential. The Fireside was really good.
Saturday September 24, 2011: I went on an exchange to Greenfield. I was with Elder Whicker, we had a blast. We went with the Schaffer Elders, Kitchen and Green, to do some service at a church. We were helping people get food and we helped the older people or people who needed help carrying everything. It was really fun. We all then went to Sister Cupp's and did some service for her. It felt so good to be in my old area. They changed the boundaries, it used to be in Livonia. After Sister Cupp, we all went and saw Shontae. We had a great lesson with her. The rest of the day was really good. I was on my bike again it's been 5 weeks.
Sunday September 25, 2011: Church was good. Wanda was baptized. The Pickett's were teaching her. President told us to count it as well. There are a few pictures here, if you haven't looked at them yet.
Its been a really good week as far as teaching and keeping busy. Hope that you are all doing good.
Tuesday September 20, 2011: We went and stopped by a bunch of people in our GPS who we didn't know, all were inactive members and we taught 4 out of 6 stops. It was really great. We went and saw Mary again, she is doing pretty good. She has a desire to come back to church! We are waiting until she is ready to make that step.
Thursday September 22, 2011: Today was my year Temple Trip. Elder Anderson came and picked me up, his companion stayed with mine. We drove to the Mission Home, got in the big huge van, and off to the Temple we went. When we got there, there were some others waiting for us. Total out come were ten missionaries; Elders Orme, Willard, Johnson, Anderson, Barclay, Lewis, Seymore (didn't come out with us) Sisters Vance and Klingler, myself, President and Sister Holmes. We had so much fun. After the temple we all went back to the Mission Home for dinner and a sweet discussion. Two hours later, the fireside was going to start. Elder Anderson and I called Dearborn to let them know we were coming, but they said they were busy, so we told them that we would switch at the fireside. During that gap period Elder Anderson and I couldn't go back to Ypsilanti it's too far away. We stayed in Livonia's area and tracted a street for them. We got them a potential. The Fireside was really good.
Saturday September 24, 2011: I went on an exchange to Greenfield. I was with Elder Whicker, we had a blast. We went with the Schaffer Elders, Kitchen and Green, to do some service at a church. We were helping people get food and we helped the older people or people who needed help carrying everything. It was really fun. We all then went to Sister Cupp's and did some service for her. It felt so good to be in my old area. They changed the boundaries, it used to be in Livonia. After Sister Cupp, we all went and saw Shontae. We had a great lesson with her. The rest of the day was really good. I was on my bike again it's been 5 weeks.
Sunday September 25, 2011: Church was good. Wanda was baptized. The Pickett's were teaching her. President told us to count it as well. There are a few pictures here, if you haven't looked at them yet.
Its been a really good week as far as teaching and keeping busy. Hope that you are all doing good.
Monday, September 19, 2011
#55-
What a long, rewarding week!
Tuesday September 13, 2011: We had a Mission Tour, it was really cool. Elder Alan Packer from the Seventy came to address us. After we did exchanges Elder Phinny came to Dearborn with me. That night we stopped by a few people and we had an awesome experience. We stopped by to see James, he's had a rough life and didn't want to hear much at first but after we talked to him about the Plan of Salvation he opened up a lot more. The Pickett's are going to to continue to see him.
Thursday September 15, 2011: Another stop by miracle happened. We were trying to see Sister Cook, no answer. We got back in the van and looked to see where we should go next when a car pulled up in the drive way. We got back out to see who it was and it was Mary, Sister Cook's daughter. We had a great lesson with Mary, she has really interesting work. She mates bumble bee's.
Saturday September 17, 2011: Michelle, the investigator that we got the bed for and she got bed bugs. Our lesson with her went a lot better than we thought it would have been, she sees that we were just trying to help, and she still wants us to come teach her, so that is really great. There is a Hispanic family that moved into the ward, the mom doesn't speak English really well, so sometimes it's hard to understand but her sons translate when we don't get it. She is a really sweet lady. She took us to a Mexican restaurant, it's was so good. It's hard to find good Mexican food here in Michigan.
Sunday September 18, 2011: After church Candice asked if we could come and give her husband, Mike, a blessing because he was sick. He was really appreciative, hopefully he's warmed up a little more and will sit in on a lesson again. We have had 4 re-activations this week. Olga, Edward & Cathrin, and Leola. We have been working with Leola a lot and we are so happy that she's been coming to church, she still needs to correct some things in her life but she is showing a desire to become better. Bishop Presscott called us and said, "I've been teaching a part member family and they are ready to have you guys over to teach them. You now have 7 new investigators" It was really cool, truly a miracle from God.
I have to ask a question from everybody for District meeting next week I think: Have you had any recent Missionary experiences that you would like to share about?
Love you all so much and hope that, I was going to say, "stay warm as the temperature starts to go down," but then I remembered most of you are in California, and it's still warm there. The weather here is really weird, you should go online and see what we have this week. Rain, sun, thunderstorm, sun, 68, 73, 75, 68, 65.
Lets try it again.
Tuesday September 13, 2011: We had a Mission Tour, it was really cool. Elder Alan Packer from the Seventy came to address us. After we did exchanges Elder Phinny came to Dearborn with me. That night we stopped by a few people and we had an awesome experience. We stopped by to see James, he's had a rough life and didn't want to hear much at first but after we talked to him about the Plan of Salvation he opened up a lot more. The Pickett's are going to to continue to see him.
Thursday September 15, 2011: Another stop by miracle happened. We were trying to see Sister Cook, no answer. We got back in the van and looked to see where we should go next when a car pulled up in the drive way. We got back out to see who it was and it was Mary, Sister Cook's daughter. We had a great lesson with Mary, she has really interesting work. She mates bumble bee's.
Saturday September 17, 2011: Michelle, the investigator that we got the bed for and she got bed bugs. Our lesson with her went a lot better than we thought it would have been, she sees that we were just trying to help, and she still wants us to come teach her, so that is really great. There is a Hispanic family that moved into the ward, the mom doesn't speak English really well, so sometimes it's hard to understand but her sons translate when we don't get it. She is a really sweet lady. She took us to a Mexican restaurant, it's was so good. It's hard to find good Mexican food here in Michigan.
Sunday September 18, 2011: After church Candice asked if we could come and give her husband, Mike, a blessing because he was sick. He was really appreciative, hopefully he's warmed up a little more and will sit in on a lesson again. We have had 4 re-activations this week. Olga, Edward & Cathrin, and Leola. We have been working with Leola a lot and we are so happy that she's been coming to church, she still needs to correct some things in her life but she is showing a desire to become better. Bishop Presscott called us and said, "I've been teaching a part member family and they are ready to have you guys over to teach them. You now have 7 new investigators" It was really cool, truly a miracle from God.
I have to ask a question from everybody for District meeting next week I think: Have you had any recent Missionary experiences that you would like to share about?
Love you all so much and hope that, I was going to say, "stay warm as the temperature starts to go down," but then I remembered most of you are in California, and it's still warm there. The weather here is really weird, you should go online and see what we have this week. Rain, sun, thunderstorm, sun, 68, 73, 75, 68, 65.
Lets try it again.
Monday, September 12, 2011
#54- Stressful
Although this week has had it's unfortunate events, there have been more miracles coming our way.
Some things that stood out from it are:
Malissa: We had a really awesome lesson with her about the Tree of Life. She was able to identify what most of it meant. It was great, unfortunately she will be going out of town this weekend and has to push her baptismal date to September 25.
Michelle: We've been teaching her for the last 3 weeks. She is starting to understand a lot more in her life since we've been helping her. She's been doing great until today. She called us this morning and said that she has bed bugs and she is blaming us for it. Someone was getting rid of a bed and Elder Buahin asked if we could have it so we could give it to her. I was cool with it, the man said nothing was wrong with it, he just got a new one. The mattress was in our van for like a week and a half and we didn't get anything from it. We gave it to her like a week and a half ago so it's been about 3 weeks since anyone has had it and she just found them this morning. By the way she sounded like we may not be able to teach her any more. Which is very unfortunate.
The Velasquez family is doing really well. We read a Conference talk with them By President Thomas S. Monson from the May 2009 Ensign. They really liked it and are continuing coming to church. They are still scheduled for baptism in December. On Saturday September 10, 2011, We went to one of the son's Football games with them to show our support. They are a really awesome family.
Other than that, like a daily update, we have been super busy this week teaching a ton and running around. Oh wait I may have a few.
Tuesday September 6, 2011: We were doing some service at a less active member's house that just moved into our ward and right after we finished, Sister Holmes (Mission President's wife) called us and said "We need your help, we are at your apartment." (paraphrasing) So we come home to help. Keep in mind that the apartments that we live in used to be Ford Housing. So Ford had a ton of stuff that they gave to the Mission so we spent a good amount of time taking a bunch of the stuff out to one of the vans and later for a truck. It was a bunch of silverware, plates, cups, bowls, towels, blankets, etc. We got to pick out some stuff that we needed/wanted. It was really cool.
Saturday September 10, 2011: I was on an exchange with Elder Adamson, we had a good day. 3 hours of tracting in the morning, nothing. We saw the Velasquez Family where we read the Ensign, followed by their son's game. Then later in the evening we tried to teach a less active who is back to her Catholic Church. She talked a lot about it. I have some questions of why they believe certain things, it sounds ridiculous to me.
That was our week. Super stressful but over all really satisfying.
Some things that stood out from it are:
Malissa: We had a really awesome lesson with her about the Tree of Life. She was able to identify what most of it meant. It was great, unfortunately she will be going out of town this weekend and has to push her baptismal date to September 25.
Michelle: We've been teaching her for the last 3 weeks. She is starting to understand a lot more in her life since we've been helping her. She's been doing great until today. She called us this morning and said that she has bed bugs and she is blaming us for it. Someone was getting rid of a bed and Elder Buahin asked if we could have it so we could give it to her. I was cool with it, the man said nothing was wrong with it, he just got a new one. The mattress was in our van for like a week and a half and we didn't get anything from it. We gave it to her like a week and a half ago so it's been about 3 weeks since anyone has had it and she just found them this morning. By the way she sounded like we may not be able to teach her any more. Which is very unfortunate.
The Velasquez family is doing really well. We read a Conference talk with them By President Thomas S. Monson from the May 2009 Ensign. They really liked it and are continuing coming to church. They are still scheduled for baptism in December. On Saturday September 10, 2011, We went to one of the son's Football games with them to show our support. They are a really awesome family.
Other than that, like a daily update, we have been super busy this week teaching a ton and running around. Oh wait I may have a few.
Tuesday September 6, 2011: We were doing some service at a less active member's house that just moved into our ward and right after we finished, Sister Holmes (Mission President's wife) called us and said "We need your help, we are at your apartment." (paraphrasing) So we come home to help. Keep in mind that the apartments that we live in used to be Ford Housing. So Ford had a ton of stuff that they gave to the Mission so we spent a good amount of time taking a bunch of the stuff out to one of the vans and later for a truck. It was a bunch of silverware, plates, cups, bowls, towels, blankets, etc. We got to pick out some stuff that we needed/wanted. It was really cool.
Saturday September 10, 2011: I was on an exchange with Elder Adamson, we had a good day. 3 hours of tracting in the morning, nothing. We saw the Velasquez Family where we read the Ensign, followed by their son's game. Then later in the evening we tried to teach a less active who is back to her Catholic Church. She talked a lot about it. I have some questions of why they believe certain things, it sounds ridiculous to me.
That was our week. Super stressful but over all really satisfying.
Monday, August 29, 2011
#52- Almost Year Mark
Wow! The last email that I will send before I've been out for a year. Thursday is September 1st and will be my year mark!!! It's hard to think that I've been out this long.
This week has been very stressful. Like I said earlier Elder Buahin has only been out for like 4 months and Dearborn is where he was trained. He knows the area, just not really well, so planning is kind of all over the place. It's been hard for me because I've been asking a lot of questions about the area and I can see that sometimes it's making him frustrated. I'm trying to back off a little. Even though this week has been really stressful we've gotten a lot done.
August 23, 2011: We had a few lessons today. The first one was with Danita. I've met her before at firesides and she's been to Palmer Park before. Her car wash place is in our area so we go and see her every once in awhile. She is awesome. Then we saw Dolly and Dave. They live in Detroit. Dave was baptized recently and he has a great spirit. He has a small mental disability, but he is really great.
Then we saw two of our investigators:
Mike: His wife is a member, I think his kids also. He just accepted to take the missionary discussions. He seems like a really nice guy, and I know with the help from his wife he'll get baptized pretty soon. They have 3 kids.
Michelle: We both met her for the first time. She is looking for a church and is pretty happy to meet with us. We did an intro and just got to know her and tell her who we are. We saw her again on Saturday (Aug 27) and had a very powerful Plan of Salvation lesson. She felt the spirit very strongly. She has 4 kids.
Wednesday August 24, 2011: I met Linda, she is on baptismal date for November 1st. She loves Culinary arts. She has one daughter (I think is a member, her mom is a member) and she is trying to overcome smoking.
Friday August 26, 2011: Today was sweet. We meet Liola, she is a less-active member. She said that she would come to church to visit but might not come back too often. She'll change her mind...I hope. She is really nice and friendly (People told us she was crazy, haven't seen that yet). Her daughter lives with her sister. Her mom can read palms it was really cool. She said that I will have a long life. I'm going to have 3 kids. Apparently I'm going to make a lot of money but not know how to manage it so I'm going to lose it once I get it, UNLESS I've learned how to manage it, which I have. Apparently I'm very stubborn, and I don't make friends that easily. I guess I'll find out how much of that is true.
I also met Malissa on Friday, she is an investigator. She is super solid, on date for September 18. Loves the church. Has a 4 year old daughter. Super nice.
There is a senior couple that lives next to us, a few apartment doors down. They have been assigned to work with the less-active members in this area. We do a lot of work with them. They are really cool. Elder and Sister Pickett. They have been here for 4 weeks and they are serving a 23 month mission. I don't know if they will be here that whole time but I'm glad that I get to work with them while I am here in Dearborn.
This week has been very stressful. Like I said earlier Elder Buahin has only been out for like 4 months and Dearborn is where he was trained. He knows the area, just not really well, so planning is kind of all over the place. It's been hard for me because I've been asking a lot of questions about the area and I can see that sometimes it's making him frustrated. I'm trying to back off a little. Even though this week has been really stressful we've gotten a lot done.
August 23, 2011: We had a few lessons today. The first one was with Danita. I've met her before at firesides and she's been to Palmer Park before. Her car wash place is in our area so we go and see her every once in awhile. She is awesome. Then we saw Dolly and Dave. They live in Detroit. Dave was baptized recently and he has a great spirit. He has a small mental disability, but he is really great.
Then we saw two of our investigators:
Mike: His wife is a member, I think his kids also. He just accepted to take the missionary discussions. He seems like a really nice guy, and I know with the help from his wife he'll get baptized pretty soon. They have 3 kids.
Michelle: We both met her for the first time. She is looking for a church and is pretty happy to meet with us. We did an intro and just got to know her and tell her who we are. We saw her again on Saturday (Aug 27) and had a very powerful Plan of Salvation lesson. She felt the spirit very strongly. She has 4 kids.
Wednesday August 24, 2011: I met Linda, she is on baptismal date for November 1st. She loves Culinary arts. She has one daughter (I think is a member, her mom is a member) and she is trying to overcome smoking.
Friday August 26, 2011: Today was sweet. We meet Liola, she is a less-active member. She said that she would come to church to visit but might not come back too often. She'll change her mind...I hope. She is really nice and friendly (People told us she was crazy, haven't seen that yet). Her daughter lives with her sister. Her mom can read palms it was really cool. She said that I will have a long life. I'm going to have 3 kids. Apparently I'm going to make a lot of money but not know how to manage it so I'm going to lose it once I get it, UNLESS I've learned how to manage it, which I have. Apparently I'm very stubborn, and I don't make friends that easily. I guess I'll find out how much of that is true.
I also met Malissa on Friday, she is an investigator. She is super solid, on date for September 18. Loves the church. Has a 4 year old daughter. Super nice.
There is a senior couple that lives next to us, a few apartment doors down. They have been assigned to work with the less-active members in this area. We do a lot of work with them. They are really cool. Elder and Sister Pickett. They have been here for 4 weeks and they are serving a 23 month mission. I don't know if they will be here that whole time but I'm glad that I get to work with them while I am here in Dearborn.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
#51 1/2- Transferred!
I am now in the Dearborn area.
My new companion: Elder Buahin pronounced Bwaheen. His American name is Josh. He is from Ghana West Africa. He went to BYU-Provo for three years so he speaks English pretty well, but sometimes it's hard to understand him because of the accent. I know in time I will be able to understand him really well. He has been out for about 4 months or so. He is a convert to the church of about 2 years, go figure he was at BYU. It's hard not to be converted when you go there. We have been together since Tuesday and things are going pretty good so far.
My new companion: Elder Buahin pronounced Bwaheen. His American name is Josh. He is from Ghana West Africa. He went to BYU-Provo for three years so he speaks English pretty well, but sometimes it's hard to understand him because of the accent. I know in time I will be able to understand him really well. He has been out for about 4 months or so. He is a convert to the church of about 2 years, go figure he was at BYU. It's hard not to be converted when you go there. We have been together since Tuesday and things are going pretty good so far.
Monday, August 22, 2011
#51- Bed Bugs
I'm getting transferred tomorrow! Right when Elder Adair and I start to get along really well they move me. I'll find out tomorrow at transfer meeting where I'm going, so if any of you are sending mail hold on to it until I get my new address or send it to the Mission Office 33505 State St. Ste 101 Farmington, MI 48335
Like I said last week, we got Elder Jones for the week so we get to cover Dexter and Ferndale. It's been a little stressful. There has been some contention between Elder Jones and Elder Adair. I thinks it's mainly because Elder Adair trained Elder Jones and they didn't get along that great when they were together then. Also playing Phase 10 before bed just added to the heat because they hate that I have won a bunch, but they are doing better so things aren't so bad now.
This has been a really long week, probably because we were covering both Ferndale and Dexter. We've biked roughly around 120 miles this week. Going from one area to the other. Last night (Sunday Aug 21) we rode from the bottom of Dexter's area to our apartment in Ferndale, 10 miles. It's not that bad of a ride unless you are wearing a white shirt, tie, slacks, church shoes and a backpack. Oh and going against the wind, which is blowing pretty hard. It took about an hour to do it, maybe a little bit longer.
We've had some great lessons this week. Rita is getting back on track with her Book of Mormon reading, hopefully she is going to be ready for baptism in October after she gets married. She also needs to stop smoking.
Thursday August 18, 2011 - Saturday August 20, 2011 was the Dream Cruise on Woodward. It was really cool, we saw a bunch of really cool cars; old ones, new ones, modified ones, big, little. You get the point.
I can honestly say that this has been one of the most tiring weeks that I've had out in the mission.
There was a story that I forgot to tell all of you. Back on August 1st-3ed when I was with Elder Hunt for an exchange. I went to Dexter and they had bedbugs at the time. The first night I got bit once, the second night I didn't get any. Night of August 3ed I'm back in my apartment and I wake up in the morning with 4 more. We started to freak out. Maybe I brought their bedbugs back to our place, maybe Elder Jones brought them when he came!!! WHATS GOING ON?!?!?! Since then nothing has happened so we aren't worried about it. I can say that I've been bitten by Bedbugs. At home I though it was just the saying "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite." Well guess what. They really do bite.
Like I said last week, we got Elder Jones for the week so we get to cover Dexter and Ferndale. It's been a little stressful. There has been some contention between Elder Jones and Elder Adair. I thinks it's mainly because Elder Adair trained Elder Jones and they didn't get along that great when they were together then. Also playing Phase 10 before bed just added to the heat because they hate that I have won a bunch, but they are doing better so things aren't so bad now.
This has been a really long week, probably because we were covering both Ferndale and Dexter. We've biked roughly around 120 miles this week. Going from one area to the other. Last night (Sunday Aug 21) we rode from the bottom of Dexter's area to our apartment in Ferndale, 10 miles. It's not that bad of a ride unless you are wearing a white shirt, tie, slacks, church shoes and a backpack. Oh and going against the wind, which is blowing pretty hard. It took about an hour to do it, maybe a little bit longer.
We've had some great lessons this week. Rita is getting back on track with her Book of Mormon reading, hopefully she is going to be ready for baptism in October after she gets married. She also needs to stop smoking.
Thursday August 18, 2011 - Saturday August 20, 2011 was the Dream Cruise on Woodward. It was really cool, we saw a bunch of really cool cars; old ones, new ones, modified ones, big, little. You get the point.
I can honestly say that this has been one of the most tiring weeks that I've had out in the mission.
There was a story that I forgot to tell all of you. Back on August 1st-3ed when I was with Elder Hunt for an exchange. I went to Dexter and they had bedbugs at the time. The first night I got bit once, the second night I didn't get any. Night of August 3ed I'm back in my apartment and I wake up in the morning with 4 more. We started to freak out. Maybe I brought their bedbugs back to our place, maybe Elder Jones brought them when he came!!! WHATS GOING ON?!?!?! Since then nothing has happened so we aren't worried about it. I can say that I've been bitten by Bedbugs. At home I though it was just the saying "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite." Well guess what. They really do bite.
Monday, August 15, 2011
#50- Phases
This week has been really good.
We had a Specialized Training meeting, it was very good and I was able to take a lot from it. It was long too, Tuesday and Thursday 9am-4pm.
Tuesday August 9, 2011: They left us a commitment to teach the restoration using short powerful sentences, we were able to use it with Robert, a man that we contacted. As we rode by him, he called out and asked us if we were Jehovah's Witnesses. We were able to share the Restoration and he committed to pray to know if the message we had to share was true. The next day, Wednesday, we went to his house to give him a copy of the Book of Mormon. He said "Give me two weeks. I'll have it read and you can come back a share more with me." "You don't have to read it all before we come back, you can read at your own pace." We are going by this week to see him. He is trying to turn his life around.
Thursday August 11, 2011: It was the second day of Specialized Training. It was really good. One thing we learned was how to address to people who have been exposed to Anti-Mormon stuff. It was fun. After the meeting Elder Adair was feeling really sick, so we didn't do much more that night other than a dinner appointment.
Saturday August 13, 2011: We had a good day. As we were riding around in Detroit, a man called out to us from his porch. "Hey Elders!" We turned around and went to talk to him. Found out that hes met with missionaries before and he knows quite a bit about the history of the Church. He said that he had a Book of Mormon already and we committed him to read from it and ask God if it was true. He didn't want to set a time for us to come back but he said if it's Gods will then we would meet again.
The week was really good and really spiritual. For my studies this last week I've been reading a lot from the New Era and the Ensign and there has been so much that has stood out to me and it has been helping.
Earlier this week Elder Adair bought Phase 10, he really loves it. And I kick his butt every time we play so far I'm 4 for 4 .
Elder Hunt is going home today, believe it or not he's probably on the plane in the Detroit Airport right now, if not he's at least in the airport. Why does this matter you might ask yourself? He is leaving a week early which means that we now have Elder Jones and his area to cover this next week as well. I'm in another tri-panionship. 3 missionaries, 2 areas, lots of biking!
We had a Specialized Training meeting, it was very good and I was able to take a lot from it. It was long too, Tuesday and Thursday 9am-4pm.
Tuesday August 9, 2011: They left us a commitment to teach the restoration using short powerful sentences, we were able to use it with Robert, a man that we contacted. As we rode by him, he called out and asked us if we were Jehovah's Witnesses. We were able to share the Restoration and he committed to pray to know if the message we had to share was true. The next day, Wednesday, we went to his house to give him a copy of the Book of Mormon. He said "Give me two weeks. I'll have it read and you can come back a share more with me." "You don't have to read it all before we come back, you can read at your own pace." We are going by this week to see him. He is trying to turn his life around.
Thursday August 11, 2011: It was the second day of Specialized Training. It was really good. One thing we learned was how to address to people who have been exposed to Anti-Mormon stuff. It was fun. After the meeting Elder Adair was feeling really sick, so we didn't do much more that night other than a dinner appointment.
Saturday August 13, 2011: We had a good day. As we were riding around in Detroit, a man called out to us from his porch. "Hey Elders!" We turned around and went to talk to him. Found out that hes met with missionaries before and he knows quite a bit about the history of the Church. He said that he had a Book of Mormon already and we committed him to read from it and ask God if it was true. He didn't want to set a time for us to come back but he said if it's Gods will then we would meet again.
The week was really good and really spiritual. For my studies this last week I've been reading a lot from the New Era and the Ensign and there has been so much that has stood out to me and it has been helping.
Earlier this week Elder Adair bought Phase 10, he really loves it. And I kick his butt every time we play so far I'm 4 for 4 .
Elder Hunt is going home today, believe it or not he's probably on the plane in the Detroit Airport right now, if not he's at least in the airport. Why does this matter you might ask yourself? He is leaving a week early which means that we now have Elder Jones and his area to cover this next week as well. I'm in another tri-panionship. 3 missionaries, 2 areas, lots of biking!
Monday, August 8, 2011
#49-
Sorry to say, but not much has happened this week. I'll try to get the good stuff for you.
Monday night 6pm (Aug 1) - Wednesday morning 11am (Aug 3) I was on an exchange with Elder Hunt. He goes home in 6 days. Our exchange was really good we got a lot of work done and had a bunch of fun. He hasn't taken many pictures on his mission so I got a lot taken when I was with him. Hopefully I'll be able to send Christian and Molly my current SD card soon so that you can all bug them about seeing some of the cool pictures that I have.
Thursday August 4, 2011: We had an apartment inspection. We passed with flying colors. Everything is now super clean, it feels great.
Saturday August 6, 2011: This was one of the best days. We were doing Arise Detroit at our church building. We were giving out backpacks and school supplies to a bunch of children. It was so cool to see their happy faces. I got to wear one of the Mormon Helping Hands Vests, that was cool too. Unfortunately I forgot to charge my camera so I didn't get any pictures of the day.
That's about it for the week. Sorry about the shortness of this email.
Monday night 6pm (Aug 1) - Wednesday morning 11am (Aug 3) I was on an exchange with Elder Hunt. He goes home in 6 days. Our exchange was really good we got a lot of work done and had a bunch of fun. He hasn't taken many pictures on his mission so I got a lot taken when I was with him. Hopefully I'll be able to send Christian and Molly my current SD card soon so that you can all bug them about seeing some of the cool pictures that I have.
Thursday August 4, 2011: We had an apartment inspection. We passed with flying colors. Everything is now super clean, it feels great.
Saturday August 6, 2011: This was one of the best days. We were doing Arise Detroit at our church building. We were giving out backpacks and school supplies to a bunch of children. It was so cool to see their happy faces. I got to wear one of the Mormon Helping Hands Vests, that was cool too. Unfortunately I forgot to charge my camera so I didn't get any pictures of the day.
That's about it for the week. Sorry about the shortness of this email.
Monday, August 1, 2011
#48- Miracles
This week has been really good. We've seen some miracles happen.
Monday July 25, 2011: We switched our preparation day to Thursday so we had exchanges. I went to Hamtramck with Elder Barclay. We had a good day. We switched back on Tuesday at 1pm, but before we switched back we did some service for Brother Baker. He is doing a lot of work in the house that he is renovating so we got to help shovel up the dry wall and stuff. It's a 3 story (above ground) house with a basement. It was built around 1920ish, it has like 8 rooms 4-5 bath, it's a big house. He said that he got it for 20k, a house like that in the condition that he got it in (not good condition) I would guess that it would cost around 200k in California maybe more. I'm not sure but that's my guess. We switched back at district meeting and on our way there Elder Barclay and I went and got some Pączki's (pronounced Punchki) it's basically like a Polish doughnut they are really good.
Tuesday July 26, 2011: We taught 6 lessons, which is unusual. One of those lessons was with a newer investigator, Rosa, it had to be one of the most powerful Restoration lessons that I have ever had. We then stopped by a former investigator that we had and she has accepted for us to come back to teach her. It was an amazing day.
Thursday July 28, 2011: Today was our preparation day. We switched it so that we could go to Downtown Detroit. Downtown Detroit is amazing, it's so cool. I saw Canada again and I walked right past the tunnel to go there. We went to the GM building and walked around. We also went to a few stores. The main reason for going to downtown was because we went to the Tigers game verses the LA Angels. It was a sweet game. The Angles won 12-7. I also had to spend $50 to fix my bike so that kinda sucked, but hey if you want your bike fixed you're going to have to pay for it right?
The rest of the week was normal. We had some fun and taught some sweet lessons.
Today August 1, 2011: Today is my 11 month day. I can't believe that it's been this long. This time next month, time will start going by faster and faster.
Monday July 25, 2011: We switched our preparation day to Thursday so we had exchanges. I went to Hamtramck with Elder Barclay. We had a good day. We switched back on Tuesday at 1pm, but before we switched back we did some service for Brother Baker. He is doing a lot of work in the house that he is renovating so we got to help shovel up the dry wall and stuff. It's a 3 story (above ground) house with a basement. It was built around 1920ish, it has like 8 rooms 4-5 bath, it's a big house. He said that he got it for 20k, a house like that in the condition that he got it in (not good condition) I would guess that it would cost around 200k in California maybe more. I'm not sure but that's my guess. We switched back at district meeting and on our way there Elder Barclay and I went and got some Pączki's (pronounced Punchki) it's basically like a Polish doughnut they are really good.
Tuesday July 26, 2011: We taught 6 lessons, which is unusual. One of those lessons was with a newer investigator, Rosa, it had to be one of the most powerful Restoration lessons that I have ever had. We then stopped by a former investigator that we had and she has accepted for us to come back to teach her. It was an amazing day.
Thursday July 28, 2011: Today was our preparation day. We switched it so that we could go to Downtown Detroit. Downtown Detroit is amazing, it's so cool. I saw Canada again and I walked right past the tunnel to go there. We went to the GM building and walked around. We also went to a few stores. The main reason for going to downtown was because we went to the Tigers game verses the LA Angels. It was a sweet game. The Angles won 12-7. I also had to spend $50 to fix my bike so that kinda sucked, but hey if you want your bike fixed you're going to have to pay for it right?
The rest of the week was normal. We had some fun and taught some sweet lessons.
Today August 1, 2011: Today is my 11 month day. I can't believe that it's been this long. This time next month, time will start going by faster and faster.
Monday, July 25, 2011
#47- Gifts from God
This has been a really good week with a few awesome miracles.
Tuesday July 19, 2011: We stopped by to see Candice. We haven't been to see her for about a month and we decided to stop by and do a drop lesson. She identified that our time is sacred and that we need to be working with people that are interested in learning more about the church. She said that she has a stronger desire to come to church and to progress to baptism. She expressed that she has been noticing that God has been leading her through the last few weeks that we haven't been there. She's been able to live the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity. She said that when she had a desire to break them she could feel God say "No you're not." It was so cool. After that great lesson with Candice we showed up at Rita's house. Last you heard about Rita, she didn't want to get baptized because she didn't want to marry her boyfriend. We knocked on the door, she answered full of smiles. "Rita whats up?" We asked. She responded: "I'm getting married!" She is going to get married on October 15th at the church. she is really excited. She will be able to get baptized after then, and we are super excited for her.
It's been really hot this last week. Wednesday and Thursday got to the 100's.
Thursday July 21, 2011: I was on an exchange with Elder Jones. Elder Jones was trained by Elder Adair. Elder Jones is from Idaho. Today was the record breaking hottest day for a super long time, it was well over 100 we heard it got to 110. This so happened to be the day where everybody that we planned for wasn't home so me made some unscheduled stops with a few people and shared messages with them.
Friday July 22, 2011: We had a really awesome lesson with Sister Goff and her daughter. We talked about gifts from God and how we can get them and use them. It was really cool. I talked about some of my talents like art and that as I practice I get better. And also my gift for music, I guess. How I taught myself to play the piano, which is going pretty good. And how I also taught myself in my last area how to play the violin. It was great.
Tuesday July 19, 2011: We stopped by to see Candice. We haven't been to see her for about a month and we decided to stop by and do a drop lesson. She identified that our time is sacred and that we need to be working with people that are interested in learning more about the church. She said that she has a stronger desire to come to church and to progress to baptism. She expressed that she has been noticing that God has been leading her through the last few weeks that we haven't been there. She's been able to live the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity. She said that when she had a desire to break them she could feel God say "No you're not." It was so cool. After that great lesson with Candice we showed up at Rita's house. Last you heard about Rita, she didn't want to get baptized because she didn't want to marry her boyfriend. We knocked on the door, she answered full of smiles. "Rita whats up?" We asked. She responded: "I'm getting married!" She is going to get married on October 15th at the church. she is really excited. She will be able to get baptized after then, and we are super excited for her.
It's been really hot this last week. Wednesday and Thursday got to the 100's.
Thursday July 21, 2011: I was on an exchange with Elder Jones. Elder Jones was trained by Elder Adair. Elder Jones is from Idaho. Today was the record breaking hottest day for a super long time, it was well over 100 we heard it got to 110. This so happened to be the day where everybody that we planned for wasn't home so me made some unscheduled stops with a few people and shared messages with them.
Friday July 22, 2011: We had a really awesome lesson with Sister Goff and her daughter. We talked about gifts from God and how we can get them and use them. It was really cool. I talked about some of my talents like art and that as I practice I get better. And also my gift for music, I guess. How I taught myself to play the piano, which is going pretty good. And how I also taught myself in my last area how to play the violin. It was great.
Monday, July 18, 2011
#46- Golf
I don't really have to much for you this week.
Monday July 11, 2011: My golf experience, par was 36 and I got 67...not all that great. My view on golf has changed so much since I actually got to play. It's not as boring as I thought it to be. I would love to learn more with anybody when I get home.
Thursday July 14, 2011: Elder Adair went to the temple today for his 1 year mark so I got to go on an exchange with Elder Welch. You may remember him from my first area. We had a fun time. While we were in Detroit, I found an American flag. The really cool thing about it is that it has 48 stars on it! Sorry Hawaii and Alaska. It was just laying there in the grass in front of an abandoned school. No I didn't go in it. I'm assuming that some kids got it and then ditched it.
Friday July 15, 2011: At 6 pm we were leaving a members house from dinner and we passed 2 kids. They yelled "Do a catwalk." For those of you who are wondering "What's a catwalk?" most of us know it as a wheelie, but a catwalk is doing a wheelie for a long time. So Elder Adair pops up into a wheelie looses control turns his handlebars vertically and comes down, he bails and bends his rim, no possible way to get it trued. Smooth. We walked to the Bowen's, right down the street and got a ride home. Makes me glad that I didn't bend my rim.
That's about all I got for this week its been really slow.
Monday July 11, 2011: My golf experience, par was 36 and I got 67...not all that great. My view on golf has changed so much since I actually got to play. It's not as boring as I thought it to be. I would love to learn more with anybody when I get home.
Thursday July 14, 2011: Elder Adair went to the temple today for his 1 year mark so I got to go on an exchange with Elder Welch. You may remember him from my first area. We had a fun time. While we were in Detroit, I found an American flag. The really cool thing about it is that it has 48 stars on it! Sorry Hawaii and Alaska. It was just laying there in the grass in front of an abandoned school. No I didn't go in it. I'm assuming that some kids got it and then ditched it.
Friday July 15, 2011: At 6 pm we were leaving a members house from dinner and we passed 2 kids. They yelled "Do a catwalk." For those of you who are wondering "What's a catwalk?" most of us know it as a wheelie, but a catwalk is doing a wheelie for a long time. So Elder Adair pops up into a wheelie looses control turns his handlebars vertically and comes down, he bails and bends his rim, no possible way to get it trued. Smooth. We walked to the Bowen's, right down the street and got a ride home. Makes me glad that I didn't bend my rim.
That's about all I got for this week its been really slow.
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