Dear Mother,
This week was the worst week I have ever had. Nothing happened to go our way. We had 7 Lessons with investigators, (we had members lined up to come with us and all) they all cancelled. no matter what we did we couldn't do good. the amount of lessons we normally teach was about cut in half, I honestly don't know what happened. I hate satan. more than anything else and I don't hate a lot of things. we did almost as much tracting this week as we did all last transfer. My toes will never be warm again.
I have no Idea what any of the medical terms mean, I think the only one I know is stent. the others well, I have no clue what an angioplasty thing is. hmm.. I hope things go well though.
Maple Mountain will be a very good School, In probably a lot of sports within the near future. I don't think it will really change either if they do change the school boundries so spanish fork isn't so small. That's cool though that Lorenzo moved up so Ammon could wrestle Zack. Now, when you say Suplay, do you mean straight backwards where he lands on his shoulders and head? because that is legit. That is a hard move to do. but sweet haha. Is maple suppose to do well at state again this year? I would assume so. That's very true though. he is doing great Wrestling that weight as a freshman, Most people who are at that weight are either Juniors or Seniors, very little Sophomore and Freshman wrestle there. We know that it has always been in his head though, it always will be. Thats how we are mother, we are all headcases... always will be.. ha
So I forgot to do something this week. I was planning on sending Jennifer some diapers for her annaversery, but I forgot. I guess that's okay though right? haha I thought it would have been funny, but maybe that's only because I'm one of "those" missionaries now. Just super strange and out there right?
Cheer? what the strange! I never would have guessed that, but that is really actually pretty good because you're right, she needs to be able to drop some names on a resume. That will help a lot. it's always good when you can drop some professional names.
Matthew better play like Magic, otherwise he wont be able to keep up with me. :p haha Sounds like he has really come out of his shell lately. Good. ha Ice fishing. Hmmm, I bet dad had fun with that. haha I don't think I would ever want to go to that because I'm just not a fan of the cold whatsoever! I would rather Die of heat Stroke than go Do something that cold!
One sunday we had to teach sharing time in Primary. You couldn't pay me enough... those little ones are just so crazy, I honestly well, yeah.... tough calling.
Obviously the library is open today. So you get an e-mail. Unfortuanately, I don't get the whole day off, Just 10-5. I think I'm going to go work out though. That's always fun.
So, yeah, The Church is true. But People don't realize it. There is this one Golden Investigator we have named Amanda, She is a member but she doesn't know it yet. She is really hard to meet with. She always prays to be led to truth and to find answers and every time she does that I die. I die because she has found truth. she told us the last time we met that she believes that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, That when we first came to her door she felt prompted to let us in, and everytime we go meet with her she always says "I Needed to hear that" or "that's what I wanted to hear". When she says that I'm just like AHHH AMANDA! It's right in front of you! This is it! I want to tell her so bad, but she told us that she has no intent on becoming a "mormon" because she is a follower of Jesus Christ and will go where ever that takes her. That Kills me too, because this is where Christ wants her to be be! I have even told here that when she prays she needs to be specific in asking if the Book of Mormon is true, if what we are teaching her is true, if this Chruch is Christ true Church here on earth. She doesn't do it! ah! People don't know how to use their agency Properly! man! Sometimes I say "if people dont' know how to use their agency properly then they shouldn't have it!" but then I am sinning because that is the reason satan was cast out in the first place. He wanted to take it away from everyone. so, I'm really at a loss. I don't know what I can do.
But that was what the most of my week was full of. Frustration because A lot of people don't know how to make the gospel a priority and how to use their agency properly, but oh well. All I can do Is invite and entice.
Love you!
Michael
P.s. I just remembered. (because you want detailed E-mails...)
This past week I was reading through my Journal from the past years and such and man, I as a strange Character! How on earth did I turn out this way? I hope I'm way different from when I once was. man, oh now I remember how much I cared to be popular. what the devil, satan is a son of a gun. He will get you over the stupidest things. I remember now. now much I wanted to be cool. wow. that Devil. anyways. Yeah I read it and things are strange what you write in Journals. You don't think you are that strange but once you go back and read, you realize that you are a freak! haha man, it's a wonder that I think I'm normal.. goodness. anways. that's the end of the P.S.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Hey Guys.
Yes, it's true. I'm happy I got to stay in Wadsworth. It's definitely not the post holiday blues though. Elder Leake Just doesn't know how to work. That's all. I'm working with him to make him do things, like when we plan or study I will just sit there in silence until he talks. He doesn't do that much at all. By the end of the transfer he will help with things. hopefully haha
Things went well with Troy and Haleigh. we had a member come with us and that helped a lot. They said they would read but they didn't come to church. All I can really do is invite and then pray that they will really do what they committed to and find their answer. that's really it. We meet with them again this week.
There is nothing wrong with the apartment we have now. We just have a limited amount of miles and we tend to go over every month. this one is in a better location and heck, it's a lot bigger and nicer. Hopefully we will find out this week if we can get it or not.
As a missionary you can be busy but not have much going on really. we only have four groups of investigators. one family we haven't taught since before thanksgiving. It just takes time to turn an area that hasn't had much going on for a while into an area that is prosperous. We do have quite a bit of potential investigators that we hope we can start teaching but the hard part is getting in touch with them and really actually teaching them. Some people and their agency....
Currently I have no idea why I'm still in Wadsworth. Hopefully in the end of the next six weeks I will know. There really is a lot of potential here, it just needs to be tapped and people need to keep commitments that they make.
hahaha man! you guys have had some interesting stories lately! oh my that is really quite funny, letting the van run out of gas, and then putting diesel in it. I don't think that I ever had a day where the truck didn't start on me because of temp. strange. (by the way, it got down to 6 yesterday!)
That is good that they are finally letting Ammon actually wrestle his weight. That will be good for him. that's super funny that he kind of rebuked Judkins. Also, I dont' really know why the Ashworths and all of Spanish fork needs to be that way. that's really sad that they cant have good sportsmanship. They will always be that way though. I'm glad that Britain beat Branson. If Jed's ego gets any bigger his voice might finally drop. I just dont' understand that.
Scott is gonna have money in the bank! ha that's good. Hopefully that will work out good and his kids can adjust and everything. I didn't know that Jesse worked there either. huh.
So the New Zone leader here is Dominic Bills. Maybe Jenn Knows him? He was a year ahead of me and went to Spanish Fork. He is two or three transfers ahead of me I think. I don't really know him. Just really who he is. eh. yeah.
Well, I can't really think of anything else to say. Really quite a quiet week.
I Apologize for being so bad at writing letters and stuff. don't hate me too much. You know me, I am horrible at giving details and things!
Love
Michael
Yes, it's true. I'm happy I got to stay in Wadsworth. It's definitely not the post holiday blues though. Elder Leake Just doesn't know how to work. That's all. I'm working with him to make him do things, like when we plan or study I will just sit there in silence until he talks. He doesn't do that much at all. By the end of the transfer he will help with things. hopefully haha
Things went well with Troy and Haleigh. we had a member come with us and that helped a lot. They said they would read but they didn't come to church. All I can really do is invite and then pray that they will really do what they committed to and find their answer. that's really it. We meet with them again this week.
There is nothing wrong with the apartment we have now. We just have a limited amount of miles and we tend to go over every month. this one is in a better location and heck, it's a lot bigger and nicer. Hopefully we will find out this week if we can get it or not.
As a missionary you can be busy but not have much going on really. we only have four groups of investigators. one family we haven't taught since before thanksgiving. It just takes time to turn an area that hasn't had much going on for a while into an area that is prosperous. We do have quite a bit of potential investigators that we hope we can start teaching but the hard part is getting in touch with them and really actually teaching them. Some people and their agency....
Currently I have no idea why I'm still in Wadsworth. Hopefully in the end of the next six weeks I will know. There really is a lot of potential here, it just needs to be tapped and people need to keep commitments that they make.
hahaha man! you guys have had some interesting stories lately! oh my that is really quite funny, letting the van run out of gas, and then putting diesel in it. I don't think that I ever had a day where the truck didn't start on me because of temp. strange. (by the way, it got down to 6 yesterday!)
That is good that they are finally letting Ammon actually wrestle his weight. That will be good for him. that's super funny that he kind of rebuked Judkins. Also, I dont' really know why the Ashworths and all of Spanish fork needs to be that way. that's really sad that they cant have good sportsmanship. They will always be that way though. I'm glad that Britain beat Branson. If Jed's ego gets any bigger his voice might finally drop. I just dont' understand that.
Scott is gonna have money in the bank! ha that's good. Hopefully that will work out good and his kids can adjust and everything. I didn't know that Jesse worked there either. huh.
So the New Zone leader here is Dominic Bills. Maybe Jenn Knows him? He was a year ahead of me and went to Spanish Fork. He is two or three transfers ahead of me I think. I don't really know him. Just really who he is. eh. yeah.
Well, I can't really think of anything else to say. Really quite a quiet week.
I Apologize for being so bad at writing letters and stuff. don't hate me too much. You know me, I am horrible at giving details and things!
Love
Michael
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Hey there!
Sorry I didnt' e-mail yesterday. This week is transfers so our p-day is on tuesday. (that's how it is every 6 weeks. so in another 6 weeks it will be this way also.) Oh yeah, and I'm stuck with leake for another transfer... oh shoot. He makes me do everything. really, plan, teach, conduct companion study. it gets stressful. more on that later though :P
The week was So slow! oh my gosh, I don't know what is going on! people don't really know how to use their agency I guess... haha On New Years we taught a lesson to this man named Troy and his Daughter Haleigh. She had taken discussions before when the sisters where here but they weren't smart and invited her to be baptized without asking the dad first so they got turned off and she hasn't seen misionaries until the last week or so. (being us of course!) So we taught them on friday, Invited them to be baptized, and we are meeting with them on thursday and so we will see what happens then.
No football though. but the weather was really quite good thursday through saturday. it got up to sixty one day. it was beautiful. I love springtime weather. especially in the winter. sounds like you guys had a good party though. that's cool. so yeah. legit. you know... :/
Are you going to actually use your passes this year? haha Remember how you got me a 7peaks pass that one year and I went twice? man, that was well worth it right? :p I think I remember that liberty land, From the outside it doesn't look that great. is it? I wouldn't know, I have only drove past it.
Real life, ha yeah, breaks, wouldn't it be nice to take breaks? nah, at least not as a missionary, because when you take breaks you do absolutly nothing. you can't watch tv, date, go to movies, that stuff. so I don't like when I have to lay on the floor because I have a decrepit old body. not fun.
If you want more junk food I can send you some. we have plently, and it is going to make me fat! haha well, Maybe I will try harder to not eat it. but I have a sweet tooth so it's hard!
man, that kid is so strange. he hates wrestling but he wants to do it all year long. what?! so weird. but that's good, it will make him tough. haha
Jayme Finally had enough huh? well alright. hopefully she will be able to get a teaching job. that would be stellar. so anyways. random thought. when my friends come out on their missions I will be almost 6 months out. crazy man. haha
Yes, I got my package and everything is good. and yeah, i do know how long it will take to get a new camera. but who knows, it could be faster than we all think right? ha, as long ans it is slim so I can fit it in my pocket and take pictures you know?
haha you are all nerds! I can't believe it got upped to finally having a trophy. oh man, are you going to engrave the name on it and put it up for grabs every year?
haha but you don't have to worry about me because I'm not getting married remember? so I will be the Single one in the world of all the married people! yep, That sounds good to me! because when the basement is finished I can just live down there right? that is if the house doesn't fall down because the supports aren't put in correctly. haha oh knock on wood!
That's fine, go ahead at put it on my card. that's fine. so if I ever run out of my misison-money I can use that. that is fine. I will probably have to do cash back if I really need cash, eh. oh well.
So we are trying to get a new apartment. we are going to go look at it today. the outside of it actaully looks pretty dang nice so I hope the inside looks good too. but if it all works out and all it probably wont be until next month because the housing coordinator and president have to approve and such, so yeah. haha
Why would you like to hear about the teaching and stuff? haha honestly we really don't have that many investigators right now. we were dropped by one last week, one family I haven't taught since before thanksgiving. and the other family's mom told me that she has no intention of joining the church. we will continue to go over there and teach and stuff. we are going over tonight and she is having some people over who hopefully want to meet with us and learn more.
I really don't know what to do. we are working hard. well at least I am. it seems like leake is just along for the ride. when we plan, I do everything and then when I get sick of it i just stop talking and wait for him. thing is. when I don't do anything neither will he. I tell him to plan and it takes a half hour to decide for one! we should be done in half an hour! it's ridiculous. study. If I am not hasking him questions we sit in silence. by the end of this transfer he will contribute. oh it's frustrating man, he has been out a year more that me and I honestly feel like I'm training (i'm not trying to be prideful) but that's how I feel. things go better when two people contribute and participate. he is a good guy but I don't know why he is on a mission because he doesn't help. I ask him questions and he gets mad. Super tempermental. but whatever. it's life!
So not much else here
Love ya!
Michael
Sorry I didnt' e-mail yesterday. This week is transfers so our p-day is on tuesday. (that's how it is every 6 weeks. so in another 6 weeks it will be this way also.) Oh yeah, and I'm stuck with leake for another transfer... oh shoot. He makes me do everything. really, plan, teach, conduct companion study. it gets stressful. more on that later though :P
The week was So slow! oh my gosh, I don't know what is going on! people don't really know how to use their agency I guess... haha On New Years we taught a lesson to this man named Troy and his Daughter Haleigh. She had taken discussions before when the sisters where here but they weren't smart and invited her to be baptized without asking the dad first so they got turned off and she hasn't seen misionaries until the last week or so. (being us of course!) So we taught them on friday, Invited them to be baptized, and we are meeting with them on thursday and so we will see what happens then.
No football though. but the weather was really quite good thursday through saturday. it got up to sixty one day. it was beautiful. I love springtime weather. especially in the winter. sounds like you guys had a good party though. that's cool. so yeah. legit. you know... :/
Are you going to actually use your passes this year? haha Remember how you got me a 7peaks pass that one year and I went twice? man, that was well worth it right? :p I think I remember that liberty land, From the outside it doesn't look that great. is it? I wouldn't know, I have only drove past it.
Real life, ha yeah, breaks, wouldn't it be nice to take breaks? nah, at least not as a missionary, because when you take breaks you do absolutly nothing. you can't watch tv, date, go to movies, that stuff. so I don't like when I have to lay on the floor because I have a decrepit old body. not fun.
If you want more junk food I can send you some. we have plently, and it is going to make me fat! haha well, Maybe I will try harder to not eat it. but I have a sweet tooth so it's hard!
man, that kid is so strange. he hates wrestling but he wants to do it all year long. what?! so weird. but that's good, it will make him tough. haha
Jayme Finally had enough huh? well alright. hopefully she will be able to get a teaching job. that would be stellar. so anyways. random thought. when my friends come out on their missions I will be almost 6 months out. crazy man. haha
Yes, I got my package and everything is good. and yeah, i do know how long it will take to get a new camera. but who knows, it could be faster than we all think right? ha, as long ans it is slim so I can fit it in my pocket and take pictures you know?
haha you are all nerds! I can't believe it got upped to finally having a trophy. oh man, are you going to engrave the name on it and put it up for grabs every year?
haha but you don't have to worry about me because I'm not getting married remember? so I will be the Single one in the world of all the married people! yep, That sounds good to me! because when the basement is finished I can just live down there right? that is if the house doesn't fall down because the supports aren't put in correctly. haha oh knock on wood!
That's fine, go ahead at put it on my card. that's fine. so if I ever run out of my misison-money I can use that. that is fine. I will probably have to do cash back if I really need cash, eh. oh well.
So we are trying to get a new apartment. we are going to go look at it today. the outside of it actaully looks pretty dang nice so I hope the inside looks good too. but if it all works out and all it probably wont be until next month because the housing coordinator and president have to approve and such, so yeah. haha
Why would you like to hear about the teaching and stuff? haha honestly we really don't have that many investigators right now. we were dropped by one last week, one family I haven't taught since before thanksgiving. and the other family's mom told me that she has no intention of joining the church. we will continue to go over there and teach and stuff. we are going over tonight and she is having some people over who hopefully want to meet with us and learn more.
I really don't know what to do. we are working hard. well at least I am. it seems like leake is just along for the ride. when we plan, I do everything and then when I get sick of it i just stop talking and wait for him. thing is. when I don't do anything neither will he. I tell him to plan and it takes a half hour to decide for one! we should be done in half an hour! it's ridiculous. study. If I am not hasking him questions we sit in silence. by the end of this transfer he will contribute. oh it's frustrating man, he has been out a year more that me and I honestly feel like I'm training (i'm not trying to be prideful) but that's how I feel. things go better when two people contribute and participate. he is a good guy but I don't know why he is on a mission because he doesn't help. I ask him questions and he gets mad. Super tempermental. but whatever. it's life!
So not much else here
Love ya!
Michael
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
This weeks letter is really short because we had a 2 hour phone call over Skype on Christmas. Michael is doing great, and we are so proud of him!!
Hey again.
Yeah it was good. too bad we aren't quiet or anything. haha. That's way cool that you guys were able to have people over and stuff. Last night we ate with a family where 3 of their 4 oldest are married and I was just like yes! this is how legit it is going to be when we are all old and married. it's going to be a Party! yeah buddy haha.
How does that not surprise me? Jerimiah not talk that much in front of people. I think I'm going to do less than ten when I get home haha! Thats cool though that Blake has got his call. it's good to know though that I'm not missing much because everyone is going on their missions and doing the good stuff too. haha is ethan in where ever he is already?
Ammon can get his permit now... are you going to let him? haha man that is weird, he will be driving for almost a year when I get home. hopefully he doesn't wreck too bad. haha I miss in n out. maybe a double double animal style? I think so? haha. Congrats to matthew. not much really more to say. it was a super quiet week. so well see what this one hold for us yeah?
Much love!
Michael
Monday, December 20, 2010
Hey Guys!
My Body is numb now, SO, It's not really cold anymore, Utah winters are worse, at least snow-wise, lately we have been blessed with a lot of teaching appointments so we don't have to be outside to much. it's great! yes, Lucky me, I get to cruise around in a quick mazda 3! haha Yeah, Totally, of course I write in my Journal, every night! I try to do work! ha it really was amazing. It's super easy go go with the flow and start going through the motions, that's super true. we had a meeting with our zone this last saturday and they talked about purpose, and having purpose in all things that we do. Having purpose is Vital, if you don't have purpose, why are you doing those things you are doing? you have to really step back and think about it and find your purpose and really understand it. that way you grow, and become a better person, really you come closer to God.
Thank you for talking to Jana for me, that will really come in handy one day. I promise I won't open it. the other ones I just open one a day. so it's all good. oh yeah, one more thing... ha I am horrible at taking pictures, so maybe if I had a camera that I could fit in my pocket I would be more motivated to take pictures, this thing is so big, it's harder to take pictures, I will try to send my memory card this week. We have a place to go, and they said we are welcome all day, so we will probably be there for the majority of the day. I will call at noon mountain standard time. so it will be 2 here. So, if you would like, Pick up the phone then. we don't really have a time limit, the members are going to allow us to call on one of their phones that i'm sure have free long distance too. most cell carriers do that. (and they are pretty well off too, so I'm sure it's not going to be a problem, but mind you, I'm only a man of so many words! haha).
Still talking about christmas, will you let people know where I am? Shelly Rampton sent a package to St. Marys. I haven't been there in two months... so if they don't know where I am and they want to send me something, have them ask you so you can give them my address. if all else fails, let them know the mission office address.
You tempted me. I watched the video. even though I probably shouldn't have haha. he does good! especially wrestling guys who are 35 pounds heavier and probably jr.'s and Sr.'s. he is going to trash me when I get home. especially if I eat all the junk food I get sent! I took a picture of it so when you get my memory card you can see. it's out of control really.
Speaking of missions, Chet got his call! he is going to Tacoma Washington! super cool I hope he does well. I'm really happy to see everyone leaving and doing what is right.
Matthew better get good at basketball, because i'm going to be good, because that's all that missionaries do, is play basketball, so hopefully he can keep up with me, I'm gonna be like kobe! haha. who know's though.
Yeah, the Talbert lady's sister is in the ward, she is really nice. I have talked to her a few times. no, I didn't tell them those things! haha You and shelley are getting to be good friends huh? well that's good, just don't corrupt her... haha! That's crazy, haha you guys almost got fined for that much, hahaha geez! I'm glad that you got to see that, those things are always amazing. if you can ever go to the Tabernacle Choir while they are singing with Andre Bocelli, you should go, they do a great job together, Andre is super talented. yeah, it's true, no one ever speaks without a teleprompter, especially singers haha, they can't adlib! haha man. I'm going to be such a molly mormon when I get home. You are all going to be embarrassed to be around me. psh, Maybe I will just stay a missionary. I love being a missionary, it really is a blast and it helps me so much, it is just so fulfilling, it's really quite an adventure also.
I have two stockings now. I'm so pampered here. haha it's almost better than having one loving mom, because I have a bunch of moms who treat me as a step-child, haha did that sound bad? I hope not, but yeah, This ward is really amazing, I'm not going to lie. so yeah I love being a missionary! (is that nerdy? it better not be, I'm a representative of Jesus Christ!) ;P
Eat lots of food for me, okay? you know you are going to want to. mushrooms, deviled eggs, and all that other good stuff you make! why is that weird that you hung my stocking? I'm still part of the family aren't I? It's not like I automatically become dis-owned when I leave. geez guys! haha.
So yesterday we had our christmas devotional with president sorenson, it went really well. not according to plan, but still it went well. nothing goes according to plan these days anyways! it was really good, not as good as I hoped, I was super nervous for it, especially because two of the speakers didn't show up until right at 7! shoot. we were going to show a video titled what shall we give on LDS.org its the christmas message put out by the church for this month and it's super powerful and it drives home the meaning of christmas, you should watch it! this next week might be a bit rough, but that's okay, it's only because of christmas, not because we aren't loved, people just haven't really decided to make us a priority just yet, so hopefully it happens soon haha
nothing else too new here anyways. so I guess until Saturday at noon (mountain time) it will be 2 here. so yeah. later!
Love Michael
Hey dad,
You aren't using the Snow-blower? How did I know that you would use the tractor! haha go figure. I sure hope those little guys will last, they are getting put through a lot. the weather here isn't bad, it doesn't snow like it does in utah, nor do I think it will. It only gets cold, but I can put up with that, because hopefully i will stay successful and we don't have to be outside too much.
I should get everything in time if it is going to be sent today. so it's all good here. I have recieved a lot of socks and candy, So now I guess you could say I have A Plethora? haha
Shoot, I hope there are days where you can get it done, did you get to patch that mark i Made on the lower beam? I don't want you to forget about that...
I have seen bits and peices of the best two years, that really would be hard, there is no lie there. but that's okay, we are doing well here and I would much rather be in asia... ( like hong kong!) ha
Yep, mom let me know all of that, so I will be calling christmas day, around noon mountain time. so plan on that. and thanks for the reminder, because I did forget what the number was!
Love ya, Michael
My Body is numb now, SO, It's not really cold anymore, Utah winters are worse, at least snow-wise, lately we have been blessed with a lot of teaching appointments so we don't have to be outside to much. it's great! yes, Lucky me, I get to cruise around in a quick mazda 3! haha Yeah, Totally, of course I write in my Journal, every night! I try to do work! ha it really was amazing. It's super easy go go with the flow and start going through the motions, that's super true. we had a meeting with our zone this last saturday and they talked about purpose, and having purpose in all things that we do. Having purpose is Vital, if you don't have purpose, why are you doing those things you are doing? you have to really step back and think about it and find your purpose and really understand it. that way you grow, and become a better person, really you come closer to God.
Thank you for talking to Jana for me, that will really come in handy one day. I promise I won't open it. the other ones I just open one a day. so it's all good. oh yeah, one more thing... ha I am horrible at taking pictures, so maybe if I had a camera that I could fit in my pocket I would be more motivated to take pictures, this thing is so big, it's harder to take pictures, I will try to send my memory card this week. We have a place to go, and they said we are welcome all day, so we will probably be there for the majority of the day. I will call at noon mountain standard time. so it will be 2 here. So, if you would like, Pick up the phone then. we don't really have a time limit, the members are going to allow us to call on one of their phones that i'm sure have free long distance too. most cell carriers do that. (and they are pretty well off too, so I'm sure it's not going to be a problem, but mind you, I'm only a man of so many words! haha).
Still talking about christmas, will you let people know where I am? Shelly Rampton sent a package to St. Marys. I haven't been there in two months... so if they don't know where I am and they want to send me something, have them ask you so you can give them my address. if all else fails, let them know the mission office address.
You tempted me. I watched the video. even though I probably shouldn't have haha. he does good! especially wrestling guys who are 35 pounds heavier and probably jr.'s and Sr.'s. he is going to trash me when I get home. especially if I eat all the junk food I get sent! I took a picture of it so when you get my memory card you can see. it's out of control really.
Speaking of missions, Chet got his call! he is going to Tacoma Washington! super cool I hope he does well. I'm really happy to see everyone leaving and doing what is right.
Matthew better get good at basketball, because i'm going to be good, because that's all that missionaries do, is play basketball, so hopefully he can keep up with me, I'm gonna be like kobe! haha. who know's though.
Yeah, the Talbert lady's sister is in the ward, she is really nice. I have talked to her a few times. no, I didn't tell them those things! haha You and shelley are getting to be good friends huh? well that's good, just don't corrupt her... haha! That's crazy, haha you guys almost got fined for that much, hahaha geez! I'm glad that you got to see that, those things are always amazing. if you can ever go to the Tabernacle Choir while they are singing with Andre Bocelli, you should go, they do a great job together, Andre is super talented. yeah, it's true, no one ever speaks without a teleprompter, especially singers haha, they can't adlib! haha man. I'm going to be such a molly mormon when I get home. You are all going to be embarrassed to be around me. psh, Maybe I will just stay a missionary. I love being a missionary, it really is a blast and it helps me so much, it is just so fulfilling, it's really quite an adventure also.
I have two stockings now. I'm so pampered here. haha it's almost better than having one loving mom, because I have a bunch of moms who treat me as a step-child, haha did that sound bad? I hope not, but yeah, This ward is really amazing, I'm not going to lie. so yeah I love being a missionary! (is that nerdy? it better not be, I'm a representative of Jesus Christ!) ;P
Eat lots of food for me, okay? you know you are going to want to. mushrooms, deviled eggs, and all that other good stuff you make! why is that weird that you hung my stocking? I'm still part of the family aren't I? It's not like I automatically become dis-owned when I leave. geez guys! haha.
So yesterday we had our christmas devotional with president sorenson, it went really well. not according to plan, but still it went well. nothing goes according to plan these days anyways! it was really good, not as good as I hoped, I was super nervous for it, especially because two of the speakers didn't show up until right at 7! shoot. we were going to show a video titled what shall we give on LDS.org its the christmas message put out by the church for this month and it's super powerful and it drives home the meaning of christmas, you should watch it! this next week might be a bit rough, but that's okay, it's only because of christmas, not because we aren't loved, people just haven't really decided to make us a priority just yet, so hopefully it happens soon haha
nothing else too new here anyways. so I guess until Saturday at noon (mountain time) it will be 2 here. so yeah. later!
Love Michael
Hey dad,
You aren't using the Snow-blower? How did I know that you would use the tractor! haha go figure. I sure hope those little guys will last, they are getting put through a lot. the weather here isn't bad, it doesn't snow like it does in utah, nor do I think it will. It only gets cold, but I can put up with that, because hopefully i will stay successful and we don't have to be outside too much.
I should get everything in time if it is going to be sent today. so it's all good here. I have recieved a lot of socks and candy, So now I guess you could say I have A Plethora? haha
Shoot, I hope there are days where you can get it done, did you get to patch that mark i Made on the lower beam? I don't want you to forget about that...
I have seen bits and peices of the best two years, that really would be hard, there is no lie there. but that's okay, we are doing well here and I would much rather be in asia... ( like hong kong!) ha
Yep, mom let me know all of that, so I will be calling christmas day, around noon mountain time. so plan on that. and thanks for the reminder, because I did forget what the number was!
Love ya, Michael
Monday, December 13, 2010
Dear Family.
I'm an eskimo. It is 18 Degrees today, that is the high, the low? 11, add in the wind chill and the lake effect, probably in the negatives.
No more kisses, nope not at all. ha.I do remember giving out hugs and kisses on valentines day. I always kept the hugs but freely gave the kisses (Hugs taste better you know...) ha Lucky you, Enjoying the warmth. man it's been in the 20's and 30's forever! it was 35 saturday when we went to Kirtland and it was Warm! haha man.
I'm Glad Grandpa is feeling better, Sadly, you can't fight age. Especially when you have MS. it's going to be hard for him to accept because he is so headstrong. I'm not saying that is always bad, it can be good at times though. ha. I can't believe that he fell so much though. man, that's really not good. I'm glad to hear that he didn't get hurt though. you need to tell him when it starts to snow he just needs to stay inside and only go out with help. he wont like it, but he doesn't want to fall either though. so hopefully he can learn ;) He is going to be living with you guys when Iget home right? I mean he better be. shoot! ah, get him in! haha has Scott had any other Job interviews? I hope he can get one.
How much does Ammon weigh? man, what the heck! Ha since when is he this good? what a stud! That's really cool though, a packed gym and a freshman putting up points to help them beat the Reigning state champs. that's great! well, lookie here. I think Ammon is going to start to like Wrestling again, I mean he is winning right? haha. Remember when I would tell you not to come to things and I was always right? strange that Ammon was wrong. haha I'm glad he is doing well. that's always good. is he going to Webbs workouts? early mornings and the LaMonts? he better be haha!
Is Elder Jensen an area authority? Because an Elder Jensen is the Area authority over our mission. President Sorenson speaks to him quite often, in fact. He had to talk to him to get permission from the Bretheren for what we did this week.
That's interesting though, I never would have guessed that they wanted to have GA's at more meetings. huh, it does sound like another stake conference. oh well, usually they do pretty well at telling us to to. I mean they are General Authorities haha.
Yeah, Christmas is soon, It's different. I will call on christmas, that's about all I know. I will be able to talk to you guys then, haha I will know by next week how it's going to go. I'm pretty sure when I call we will be at a members home, so I still need to talk to them to see when they want us over so I can tell you when I'm going to call, don't forget that we are a couple hours ahead of you guys too. ;) odds are you will still be awake, I mean you guys all wake up at four in the morning to open presents anyway! haha maybe I will get you my memory card before then as your present. I'm bad at taking pictures, so just keep that in mind. I will try to get it to you soon though. but do promise me this! it wont be a lame talk like it was in the airport a few months ago! haha. we are going to be taken care of well. the relief society presidency is even making us stockings! haha sweet huh? we are having a good time!
So, Back to Elder Jensen....
back on tuesday we had what is called a misison conference. this is where three zones (three Stakes) get together and meet. For the first meeting we were in the Kirtland Temple. Oh my goodness. that was so powerful, everyone was like yeah, I bet there are going to be angels here like when Joseph gave the dedicatory prayer. all this jazz and stuff. well...
You could feel that people were there even before we started. it was amazing. President Sorensen went all the way up to the top to get permission for us to have the sacrament in the temple. man, what an experience. How many people can say that they have done that!? I Can! ha oh yes. I learned a lot and really, I could feel that Angels were there. the Holy Ghost was there, Possibly even Brother Joseph watching us continue the work that he was able to restore. at the very end we were all in the corners where the choirs sat and sang hymn number two, the spirit of God. That was so so so powerful. never in my life have I felt something like that before. it was really amazing. I don't know how the man who runs it (he is a member of the community of Christ) doesn't know that this is the true church, that feeling there was just really beyond belief. I really just cannot put it in words to do it justice. being in this misison is such a blessing. I have definitley gained a testimony of Joseph Smith and all of the things that went on in kirtland. I have learned so much and I would never trade it for anything.
By the way. I was thinking. have you talked to Jana lately? Because I would really like a copy of Alex's testimony, I don't know when It's going to come in handy, but i do know it will. nothing is more powerful than a testimony.
Well, Guess what?! I get to go lift today! one of the members has a gym in his house and invited us to go work out with him so of course, we are going to take him up on that offer! ha oh yes. I'm so excited, I have lost so much muscle. I'm going to weigh like 145 when I get home. if I don't, I'm going to be super Fat! ah nuts! ha well, I try to do what I can. but yeah. man, Life is great, I love being a misisonary. It's one of the greatest blessings I have ever had In my life. I have learned and changed so much in only four months. you aren't going to know who I am when I get home! haha oh yes. what a surprise. well. that's all for now. until next time.
Love,
Michael!
I'm an eskimo. It is 18 Degrees today, that is the high, the low? 11, add in the wind chill and the lake effect, probably in the negatives.
No more kisses, nope not at all. ha.I do remember giving out hugs and kisses on valentines day. I always kept the hugs but freely gave the kisses (Hugs taste better you know...) ha Lucky you, Enjoying the warmth. man it's been in the 20's and 30's forever! it was 35 saturday when we went to Kirtland and it was Warm! haha man.
I'm Glad Grandpa is feeling better, Sadly, you can't fight age. Especially when you have MS. it's going to be hard for him to accept because he is so headstrong. I'm not saying that is always bad, it can be good at times though. ha. I can't believe that he fell so much though. man, that's really not good. I'm glad to hear that he didn't get hurt though. you need to tell him when it starts to snow he just needs to stay inside and only go out with help. he wont like it, but he doesn't want to fall either though. so hopefully he can learn ;) He is going to be living with you guys when Iget home right? I mean he better be. shoot! ah, get him in! haha has Scott had any other Job interviews? I hope he can get one.
How much does Ammon weigh? man, what the heck! Ha since when is he this good? what a stud! That's really cool though, a packed gym and a freshman putting up points to help them beat the Reigning state champs. that's great! well, lookie here. I think Ammon is going to start to like Wrestling again, I mean he is winning right? haha. Remember when I would tell you not to come to things and I was always right? strange that Ammon was wrong. haha I'm glad he is doing well. that's always good. is he going to Webbs workouts? early mornings and the LaMonts? he better be haha!
Is Elder Jensen an area authority? Because an Elder Jensen is the Area authority over our mission. President Sorenson speaks to him quite often, in fact. He had to talk to him to get permission from the Bretheren for what we did this week.
That's interesting though, I never would have guessed that they wanted to have GA's at more meetings. huh, it does sound like another stake conference. oh well, usually they do pretty well at telling us to to. I mean they are General Authorities haha.
Yeah, Christmas is soon, It's different. I will call on christmas, that's about all I know. I will be able to talk to you guys then, haha I will know by next week how it's going to go. I'm pretty sure when I call we will be at a members home, so I still need to talk to them to see when they want us over so I can tell you when I'm going to call, don't forget that we are a couple hours ahead of you guys too. ;) odds are you will still be awake, I mean you guys all wake up at four in the morning to open presents anyway! haha maybe I will get you my memory card before then as your present. I'm bad at taking pictures, so just keep that in mind. I will try to get it to you soon though. but do promise me this! it wont be a lame talk like it was in the airport a few months ago! haha. we are going to be taken care of well. the relief society presidency is even making us stockings! haha sweet huh? we are having a good time!
So, Back to Elder Jensen....
back on tuesday we had what is called a misison conference. this is where three zones (three Stakes) get together and meet. For the first meeting we were in the Kirtland Temple. Oh my goodness. that was so powerful, everyone was like yeah, I bet there are going to be angels here like when Joseph gave the dedicatory prayer. all this jazz and stuff. well...
You could feel that people were there even before we started. it was amazing. President Sorensen went all the way up to the top to get permission for us to have the sacrament in the temple. man, what an experience. How many people can say that they have done that!? I Can! ha oh yes. I learned a lot and really, I could feel that Angels were there. the Holy Ghost was there, Possibly even Brother Joseph watching us continue the work that he was able to restore. at the very end we were all in the corners where the choirs sat and sang hymn number two, the spirit of God. That was so so so powerful. never in my life have I felt something like that before. it was really amazing. I don't know how the man who runs it (he is a member of the community of Christ) doesn't know that this is the true church, that feeling there was just really beyond belief. I really just cannot put it in words to do it justice. being in this misison is such a blessing. I have definitley gained a testimony of Joseph Smith and all of the things that went on in kirtland. I have learned so much and I would never trade it for anything.
By the way. I was thinking. have you talked to Jana lately? Because I would really like a copy of Alex's testimony, I don't know when It's going to come in handy, but i do know it will. nothing is more powerful than a testimony.
Well, Guess what?! I get to go lift today! one of the members has a gym in his house and invited us to go work out with him so of course, we are going to take him up on that offer! ha oh yes. I'm so excited, I have lost so much muscle. I'm going to weigh like 145 when I get home. if I don't, I'm going to be super Fat! ah nuts! ha well, I try to do what I can. but yeah. man, Life is great, I love being a misisonary. It's one of the greatest blessings I have ever had In my life. I have learned and changed so much in only four months. you aren't going to know who I am when I get home! haha oh yes. what a surprise. well. that's all for now. until next time.
Love,
Michael!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Hello Mother!
That was so strange to have a relaxing day. that never happens! the new guy... ah well you see he is from peoria az (I call it pahoran city because I forget what it is called all the time!) He is a bit different, but then again hardly any misisonaries are normal. So it is something new just like everything. so it's all good! We have our devo. planned for the day after christmas, It's going to be great. Did I tell you that President Sorenson is going to speak at it also? He is such a great speaker. It will be really fantastic.
OH I got your package. Who do you think you are!? Sending me body wash and what not!? Since when do you think I have bad hygene. What an insult! haha oh gosh. we are getting into more of it though so it's all good. we even set up a christmas tree to put our presents underneath it! yeah baby! it looks good with CD's, pass along cards, my resistance bands, and a picture of christ as the topper. it's what we had, so it looks great. maybe for christmas I will send you my memory card so you can see all of those pictures ha.
I'm glad Matthew is still wanting to play basketball, that's good. If he can really get a good coach he will be able to make a lot of improvement. He just has to fall in line with the rest of us and do work right? ha That's good that ammon did well. what a stud. (if he would just win all of his matches he would be even more of a stud. but oh well. haha)
I'm sure you are all confused of where you are going to put things. I don't even think i can imagine where you have put the tree. hmm that's cool though that dad is trying to put the tv on the wall. did he ever get to resurface the deck? oh yeah, and that one leg on the deck where i chipped the stucco off? I hope so cause the snow could do some massive damage to it! Looks like you guys are gonna have a good time and everything. Did you do lights at all?
That's too bad that Grandpa isn't feeling too well. Hopefully he will get feeling better. That's not good to hear. Have dad and scott given him a blessing at all? It will help. Hopefully it's just something little that isn't bad and just seems worse because of the MS. Lots of prayers will do good.
It's so cool to see all of the guys I went to school with getting their mission calls. that's stellar. Yeah, that's true. Tyler went to the microneasia mission. I don't know how many in guam there are. and yes. the guys Jennifer's age are going home. do you remember mallory Kelly's boyfriend in High school Trevor carter? he is here in this mission. He goes home in the first part of january. and yes, mother, unfortuanatly as time goes on we do get old. but luckily for me I still feel like the youngest one out here. ;P love ya! haha
Jordyn is a killer daredevil. I guess that is what happens when you have three older brothers who pick on her and make her do things that she doesn't want too. what a stud. haha lucky for you the snow is almost gone. it has snowed here for the last 2 and a half days pretty much. it's so cold! i'm doing okay for now. a member at church gave me her husbands old overcoat because he was getting rid of it so I will start to use that also. it's legit! haha man it's awesome. too bad it doesn't match with anything, but when it gets cold you don't need to match! yeah! ha
So nothing else too new here. But I do have a funny story I would like to share..
every week we go visit this lady named Corina. She has been paralyzed for a few years now due to a bullet in the back of her head. saddest story I have ever heard. she was raised by drug-addict parents and joined after a trip to girls camp. moved out to ohio because some guy told her he would marry her. she was raped twice and then shot in the back of the head, either by herself or someone else. she has a daughter who is eight or so who she never gets to see.
she has the strongest testimony ever. she is always grateful, You just about never hear her complain. she is a really nice lady. but now that the sad part is over here is the funny part.
So when we were over there this last week she asked me to give her a kiss...
well, I didn't know what to do. (she had told Elder wilkinson and I that she loved us more than Jesus one day) I was so shocked. I didn't even know what to say. we sat in silence for a few moments like uh, oh, umm.. what do i do?! ahh but then she goes on to say, they are under my santa hat on the dresser. oh my gosh! what a relief! I was so happy she was talking about chocolates! It was so strange. ah it was oh man I can't even describe what it made me feel like haha. wow. that was super funny haha.
But that's it for me. until later.
Love Michael
oh yeah, what do you guys want for christmas?
Hey dad!
I think just a good pair of mizunos will do well for me. that way I can go running in them when there is no snow outside too. I'm stil a size ten. yep. By the time I get home I'm going to be so good at basketball. I am just going to let you know right now! haha.
The new teaching methods are pretty much what I was taught in the MTC. it's a lot more direct and purpose driven than it was before. so it's going well, the mission has improved a lot since the new curriculum was introduced. so that is always good.
Mom told me about the TV. that will look good. they always look better up above a mantle like that. the comp is a good guy. just different. we get along well though so it's all good.
The juicy stuff is what mom has.
Love ya!
Michael
That was so strange to have a relaxing day. that never happens! the new guy... ah well you see he is from peoria az (I call it pahoran city because I forget what it is called all the time!) He is a bit different, but then again hardly any misisonaries are normal. So it is something new just like everything. so it's all good! We have our devo. planned for the day after christmas, It's going to be great. Did I tell you that President Sorenson is going to speak at it also? He is such a great speaker. It will be really fantastic.
OH I got your package. Who do you think you are!? Sending me body wash and what not!? Since when do you think I have bad hygene. What an insult! haha oh gosh. we are getting into more of it though so it's all good. we even set up a christmas tree to put our presents underneath it! yeah baby! it looks good with CD's, pass along cards, my resistance bands, and a picture of christ as the topper. it's what we had, so it looks great. maybe for christmas I will send you my memory card so you can see all of those pictures ha.
I'm glad Matthew is still wanting to play basketball, that's good. If he can really get a good coach he will be able to make a lot of improvement. He just has to fall in line with the rest of us and do work right? ha That's good that ammon did well. what a stud. (if he would just win all of his matches he would be even more of a stud. but oh well. haha)
I'm sure you are all confused of where you are going to put things. I don't even think i can imagine where you have put the tree. hmm that's cool though that dad is trying to put the tv on the wall. did he ever get to resurface the deck? oh yeah, and that one leg on the deck where i chipped the stucco off? I hope so cause the snow could do some massive damage to it! Looks like you guys are gonna have a good time and everything. Did you do lights at all?
That's too bad that Grandpa isn't feeling too well. Hopefully he will get feeling better. That's not good to hear. Have dad and scott given him a blessing at all? It will help. Hopefully it's just something little that isn't bad and just seems worse because of the MS. Lots of prayers will do good.
It's so cool to see all of the guys I went to school with getting their mission calls. that's stellar. Yeah, that's true. Tyler went to the microneasia mission. I don't know how many in guam there are. and yes. the guys Jennifer's age are going home. do you remember mallory Kelly's boyfriend in High school Trevor carter? he is here in this mission. He goes home in the first part of january. and yes, mother, unfortuanatly as time goes on we do get old. but luckily for me I still feel like the youngest one out here. ;P love ya! haha
Jordyn is a killer daredevil. I guess that is what happens when you have three older brothers who pick on her and make her do things that she doesn't want too. what a stud. haha lucky for you the snow is almost gone. it has snowed here for the last 2 and a half days pretty much. it's so cold! i'm doing okay for now. a member at church gave me her husbands old overcoat because he was getting rid of it so I will start to use that also. it's legit! haha man it's awesome. too bad it doesn't match with anything, but when it gets cold you don't need to match! yeah! ha
So nothing else too new here. But I do have a funny story I would like to share..
every week we go visit this lady named Corina. She has been paralyzed for a few years now due to a bullet in the back of her head. saddest story I have ever heard. she was raised by drug-addict parents and joined after a trip to girls camp. moved out to ohio because some guy told her he would marry her. she was raped twice and then shot in the back of the head, either by herself or someone else. she has a daughter who is eight or so who she never gets to see.
she has the strongest testimony ever. she is always grateful, You just about never hear her complain. she is a really nice lady. but now that the sad part is over here is the funny part.
So when we were over there this last week she asked me to give her a kiss...
well, I didn't know what to do. (she had told Elder wilkinson and I that she loved us more than Jesus one day) I was so shocked. I didn't even know what to say. we sat in silence for a few moments like uh, oh, umm.. what do i do?! ahh but then she goes on to say, they are under my santa hat on the dresser. oh my gosh! what a relief! I was so happy she was talking about chocolates! It was so strange. ah it was oh man I can't even describe what it made me feel like haha. wow. that was super funny haha.
But that's it for me. until later.
Love Michael
oh yeah, what do you guys want for christmas?
Hey dad!
I think just a good pair of mizunos will do well for me. that way I can go running in them when there is no snow outside too. I'm stil a size ten. yep. By the time I get home I'm going to be so good at basketball. I am just going to let you know right now! haha.
The new teaching methods are pretty much what I was taught in the MTC. it's a lot more direct and purpose driven than it was before. so it's going well, the mission has improved a lot since the new curriculum was introduced. so that is always good.
Mom told me about the TV. that will look good. they always look better up above a mantle like that. the comp is a good guy. just different. we get along well though so it's all good.
The juicy stuff is what mom has.
Love ya!
Michael
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