Hey mom,

Still in perrysburg and still with Porter. Strange, I have never heard of a trainer being with his greenie for this long, I guess There is more to do with him. This week Sister Child will be getting baptized and then we get to have a bit of a break, but we are hoping to have a few more coming in october. We had a member text us this last week telling us that her friend wants to join the church, A Member who hasn't been to church in years showed up with her non-member husband the last two weeks so hopefully we will be able to start teaching him as well. Things are still going, Just not sure if it will be as busy, but we will still be able to teach a good amount.

Looks like you might want to consider putting matthew in a soccer club or send him to some camps and what not so he can be on a club team and get some play time with them. Also, It makes zero sense to me that the second string player can't even dress if he isn't "bringing it" if he isn't bringing it enough to even dress varsity then apparently he shouldn't be even playing JV. Send him to Spanish, He would get time there. He would have a name so he would at least get a chance. It's okay though, I told you last year that Maple Mountain had Garbage for coaches and unless they wanted to compete in anything they were going to have to change a lot around. don't sweat it though. Sophmores aren't even suppose to be on the JV squad, be content with what you have and always strive to do better. That's one thing I have learned within the Gospel that Relates to all. If you are doing all that you can, being your best, wether we are the best in that place or not, we know that we are doing our part. God doesn't make mistakes, Man does, if we get mad at man's mistakes and throw a fit; we are proud, President Benson told us Pride is the great stumbling block of Zion. it's apparent everywhere. So, If the coaches are not even good enough to their players who do all that they can and doing their best, that's their fault. I mean lets look at the world of work, If the employer isn't good to one of their hardest working employee's then, what is that persons motivation to stay? Don't sweat it, I mean heck, if it's that big of a deal, go to Spanish. the coaches like me enough to allow him to play. If there was any relation to Priesthood, they would be released for unrighteous dominion. ha What do Blaine and Jerry have to say?

As far as our investigators go, unfortunately, we don't really have anyone solid right now, so we are kind of back to base one. We are working with some member refferals and some finding ideas of our own. This ward seems to be catching fire though, at least with some of the members. To be honest, I'm not really sure what lays ahead for the coming six weeks. we will baptize sister child on saturday, then in october we have another baptism planned with a members friend who we have been teaching and he has been trying to obey the word of wisdom. His name is Bryan, he seems pretty sincere but the hard thing is, he lives in the hood and has no car, no job, and no money. so, without his main fellowshipper, he is kind of isolated. we are working on getting him some other friends in the ward so when his fellowshipper can't come or anything like that he will still be able to get to church and feel comfortable there.

so, Elder porter and I are going to study a Christ-like attribute every week this transfer so we can be more righteous, that way we can be like Nephi or something like that. Super Powerful and all you know? it will be great. we'll see what happens! ha

Not really sure what else to talk about yet.. hmmm..

well, Peace dogs.

--
Elder Michael Stone.

Hey mom,

In response to your question. Training really helps you understand your purpose. He has the skills to be able to train, but it will teach him a lot more as well where to why he is out here. That's why. Part of training is being able to find yourself.

I bet you are enjoying the warm weather. It is getting cooler here now from all of the surrounding storms. It's suppose to be in the high 60's and mid 70's all week. Nothing like the Arizona sun. Speaking of Ghetto. If you want to see some place trashed and totally Ghetto, come to Toledo. It's garbage, honestly. Especially the east side that we cover. We don't even go there unless we already have a teaching appointment set up. People will talk to you and you will get a lot more contacts, but I will tell you what, If you expect to see them there. Ha, Yeah right....

Have you ever been to Mormon.org? It's a really cool website, I have a Profile set up on there. we are encouraged to use it in our teaching and to send people there when we contact them. but we dont' use it too much. Depending on the wards and the bishops around here there are some that really like it and use it. We have talked to members about it and surprisingly a lot more than I would have thought go there quite often. You are right though, I don't know why they would make a big push for it in Utah.

I actually have been thinking about school. If you could Apply at UVU for me and see what kind of scholarships I can get that would be great. I would put my money on attending UVU. But, it just depends on what is cheaper and what not. I figure too, that staying at home will be cheaper and that I will be able to get a job. I don't really know what will go down in Cedar, I would like to just get my feet planted and pointing in the right direction for a little while though. So, Apply there, see what you can get and we'll talk some more about it later. Just make me look good. ;P

Our baptism's definitely went down. I loaded a picture of us. Cassius had a football game Saturday morning, so they were running a half hour late. but it was still really good. the entire baptism room was full and we had to add more chairs, if anyone else were to come it would have been standing room only. It was very cool. While there I learned something new as well. Something that I guess that I always knew, but it just didn't occur to me. I always have a fear of my converts going less-active, but on Saturday at the baptism I was thinking of that and well, of course the spirit was very present. As i was pondering I was taught by the Holy Ghost that the reason why we have those powerful feelings at baptism is because that is the Holy Spirit of promise. Which means, that if an ordinance or anything done by the Priesthood is accepted by God. So that fear of mine of not doing a good job and baptizing people before they are ready is now gone that I better understand the way that the spirit works and the Holy Spirit of Promise. Neat stuff. I baptized the two on the left in the picture standing next to me; Selena and Merilda. On Sunday we had members confirm the kids and that was very powerful, Possibly even prophetic for some of them. Being able to live and witness purpose is amazing. Now, we just need to work on Finding new people and setting some baptismal dates with them. Transfers are coming up next week again. Crazy, I know I say it every time, but it just goes too fast sometimes. well, most of the time. I don't think I will stay here. I would love to, but I do think my time is up here. I have been wrong before though so we will have to see what happens.

It's weird though, since we baptized the kids, I have like almost lost motivation. Maybe it was just at the end of the week. I will be able to get it back of course, I always do. But it was just strange to see, maybe it was just the feeling of the hand off from us to the ward and them not really being under our jurisdiction anymore, I guess you could say. Oh yeah! Cassius became a teacher on sunday and I was able to Ordain Brother Child to the office of a Priest and to give him the Aaronic priesthood. It was really neat!

That's about it though.

Peace out, A town down..

--
Elder Michael Stone.

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Hey,,,

The uh pdf worked. The front of the house doesn't look a think like the way it did when I left. That's insane! Looks like a ton of bark too. Geez. that's fun haha That's a lot more progress than I thought It would be. Good job. in one picture it looks like Ammon has a Mullet? if I saw right it looked like him. What the heck is up with that? oh gosh, I can't believe you let him do that.

So, are most of Ammons friends playing JV as well? That's pretty cool though that he was able to play as much as he did. playing two full games will get him a lot of experience and he will be able to improve a lot faster having that much game time than just practice. so that's really good. I wouldn't say anything to his coaches though. Let him handle it. If they can't figure it out that's their problem. That is interesting though that he is the only one that isn't invited to dress for varsity. I always did say that They would have to change a few things to become a successful program. That's odd though that he isn't even put on special teams. That's what Coach C did. If you weren't a starter on O or D, he would allow you to start with the special teams and prove yourself there.

Kirtland this week was Amazing! holy cow! It was probably the most powerful tour and experience that I have had there. The spirit was so Strong. We watched the movie at the end Joseph smith, The prophet of the Restoration with the new footage. Man, that was powerful. Sister Child told us that she didn't want to leave because it was such a great feeling. Brother Child learned a lot of his purpose and why he needs to become fuly active in the church again. She will be getting baptized on the 17th. The Grames' are getting baptized this saturday. I'm super stoked for that. I will be able to Baptize merilda and Selena, Two of the girls and Elder porter will be baptizing Cassius and Rita. I hope that we will be able to have a good turn out and a lot of support from the ward. we are having some of the ward members confirm them. It's just been a bit different with this one because the main fellowship has been their family and the youth. So, when we asked some of these members, (mainly the youth leaders, future HT) were a bit surprised. but, They accepted and we are happy to be able to see a bond develop between them and the ward. They had their interviews on sunday and did well. we just need to cover a few more principles before saturday.

It doesn't really matter how long I have been anywhere. you are really always up for a transfer. I feel like I will probably leave in two weeks. Three days before Sister Child gets baptized. mainly because this is the second area I have had for this long and so I think that Elder Porter has a good chance to train this next transfer, so Who knows. I would really like to stay because we will be baptizing hopefully three more people we are working with this next transfer.

These headaches and migranes are like all over. We just had a missionary come back out after recovering from those and we also just had one leave who was going through that as well. I'm glad that I have only had one of my bad migranes that make me throw up and everything so far. I'm on a good track I guess. I talk to chet every now and then as well. I hope that he will be able to get back out and be able to do it quickly. It's always hard to do it a second time.

Yesterday, we had a mission conference with Elder Marcus B. Nash of the 70. holy cow, was that inspiring and enlightening. I will tell you what. These men are absolutely called of God. No doubt about that. I had some strong impressions come to me and I was able to learn quite a bit. For sure though, I was humbled. as we were having these discussions and then afterward in a leadership segment, I had no Idea how I could participate and contribute. I learned that I definitely don't know as much as I thought I did. To think though, How much I have learned and how much I will be able to Learn is a great Idea. Many thoughts came to my mind. This last week I really learned a lot and with application as well. First and foremost. I learned that to be truly and deeply successful, You need to know and feel Gods love. Then go forth and allow others to see and feel that love in all that you do. Love everyone. why? We all came from that very same God who created us in the beginning. we are all Brothers and sisters. The second, Is how to show that love. My oh my, there are so many ways that this is possible. It's just going to take some steps in action and relying wholly and completly on the Lord, of which, I can always do more. along with many other things. I just have to remember them!

--
Elder Michael Stone.

PS. The basement, Should look as good, if not better (because we have so much practice now!) as the yard when I get home. ;P

Hey fellas!

I think I need some drugs for my shoulders! For some odd reason they are driving me insane sometimes! I'm on some anti-inflamitories and I'm thinking about getting a massage from a guy that's living with some members in the ward, But I don't know. We are going to go play a relaxing game of golf today and so we'll see... haha Just gotta last one more year and then I can go do some PT at home.

Yesterday In ward council we found out that The sunday after the Kids get baptized is stake conference, so they would have to wait a week and a half to be able to get confirmed. We will have to see if they are ready earlier so they don't have to wait as long. It's just really hard to be able to get out to see them because they live a half hour away from everything. They are doing well though, they just feel a bit overwhelmed though from all of the new things, especially because they were invited to participate in seminary. They had a meeting for it yesterday and they were just like woah, hold on. This is a lot to take on so fast. So we will have to go over and work with them some more. It's really neat though because everytime we ask them if they have any questions they are just like "no, it all makes sense, you can't really argue with it al all, it just sounds right" so that's really neat.

Also, For Dorothy Child, I think I said we were taking her to Kirtland this week, if not, we are. It's going to be a really good experience. She is doing amazing! Her husband, Bob, had an interview with the bishop yesterday about becoming a priest so he can baptize her (he has been a member his entire life, Just not active for 50 years). We talked to the bishop and he wants him to wait two more weeks, but, my jealous side is kind of coming out and saying that I want her to be baptized on the third so I know for sure that I will be here for it. At the same time, I want Brother Child to be able to baptize her though because it would strengthen them a lot and be a really big testimony building experience. That's something that He needs more that her at this time, But it would still be great for the both of them. We will have to talk to them and see what they think and what they want to do. She'll be baptized either way.

The ward is doing really well with all of the new people coming to church, They are super excited too. I haven't seen anyone rally around a family as I have now with the Grames family coming to church, The YW, YW and primary are all really excited to have new youth in the ward. Also with the Child's, they are getting some good fellowship and being involved in a lot of things, they just need some time to establish themselves and get out there so they can get to know some more people and gain some friends within the church.

Maple Mountain lost to morgan, that bites. If I remember correctly, They need a better play-book. Theirs is not the greatest. Oh well. Don't forget the Endowment game is like all practice. He can't get discouraged by that. I mean playing JV is still pretty good for a sophomore. So, I mean just keep working, I'm sure he will get some play time, even if it is only special teams. That's more than I ever had.

Maybe you will be able to get the grass in this week. all I care is if I have a room when I get home and the Volleyball court is done well when I get home. You aren't using train ties are you? That's not a good plan... haha you gotta make it like AVP approved, That would be legit. ;)

We started running and going lifting in the mornings now, I'm glad we have started to do that. we go around 2 miles a day and then lift every other. It's nice. I mean I gotta stay somewhat in shape. I haven't really done anything since i got out. so... yeah.. ;P

well, Love you guys, Stay fly


--
Elder Michael Stone.

Hey there.

This week went really well. We were able to set two more baptismal dates. We have one for the first weekend of September and then we have five planned with the family we are teaching for the following Wednesday. Sunday went well too. we were able to get six out of the ten at church and they all had some really good experiences. I was just a little bit worried though because we had to leave after sacrament to go to speak in the singles branch down in bowling green. Talk about pitiful.. only 20 people were there.

I'm pretty bothered right now, Seems like Elder Porter has been putting on a facade for some reason. This last week he has just been all argumentative in companion study and his attitude and desire are draining me. It just seems like he doesn't want to do anything. The hardest part is companion study, Thankfully we have been teaching a lot so I'm not really alone with him that much you know. I just don't get it. I really don't know what to do. I mean okay yeah, It's good to go on a mission but what is driving you? I mean no one else in his family has ever gone on a mission so there must be something to drive him to be out here right? Yeah, I would never guess what it would be... He Seems to just hate everything. Why do something that you hate? I mean jeez. whats the point of doing that? As for myself, if you remember. I didn't do a lot of things that I had no fun in or enjoyment. I have no Idea what to do. We are going on exchanges with the Zone leaders tomorrow so I'm going to talk to them and stuff... Maybe I'm just to prideful, Who knows... I guess there is something there that I have to work on.

Our investigators are doing extremely well. talk about them receiving revelation through church attendance. man. They all seemed to have a really good time and learned a lot. I'm really glad that they did too. The ward here did really well (at least from what I saw during sacrament) in fellowshipping them and all of that. You don't get that in very many other wards. The six that we had there, Dorothy Child, who is to hopefully be baptized on September 3, and then Rita, Selina, Cashis, and Merilda Harris on the 7th, and Bryan Magid in October are all really solid. We are thinking about taking Dorothy to Kirtland in two weeks or so. It's been a long time since I have been out there and taken a tour. I kinda want to go again... Hopefully too, If we are allowed we want to take the Harris kids out to Kirtland as well. I think it would help them out a lot in their testimony and knowledge of the Restoration of the Gospel. I have never been in a place where so many people have been prepared by the Lord. Dorothy's husband, Bob, has been a member his entire life but hasn't been to church in many, many years and I guess he has somewhat avoided church members or been unable to be contacted by them in the last 24 years or so that they have lived here. But it just happens that we meet him and his wife when He can't work because he almost died of a triple aortic aneurysm. Which in itself I believe opened them up or prepared them for the Gospel. They have an adopted son that lives in Provo who joined the church about two to three years ago who came when bob was in the hospital and gave him a blessing. So just looking back you can see the Lords hand in their lives preparing them to Come unto Christ or come back to him.

The Harris' kids mom is a member and they have investigated the church several years ago as well. so that is how they were prepared. along with other things. but not as dramatic as Brother Child's.

Anyways. This next week seems like it's going to be good as well. I don't see why not. Things just seem to be going really well. We have just happened to be in the right place at the right time. The spirit has completely done work here and not man. It is just evident that has happened. It's undeniable...

We are no longer counting up. It's a count down now... ;)

--
Elder Michael Stone.

Hey mom,

This week went remarkably well. We ended the week (yesterday) with 8 Baptismal dates and we hope to be able to set, at least, 4 more this week. I feel like I have been blessed in being able to stay here with the entire ward. Because of that we are able to be as busy as we are. I somewhat feel bad because they closed the other area, but, at the same time not really. I know that may sound terrible to say, but most of the work is in the other areas. This upcoming week we have more lessons planned (as of right now) than I have ever seen before in my mission. It's absolutely amazing. I'm just still wondering where all of these people to teach came from. The biggest of our focus I guess is a family of 7 where the mom is a member and no one else is. She has five children ages from 19-11. So six potential baptisms. We were able to meet with three of the kids on saturday and set baptismal dates with them. We are hoping to get a few of her Children Baptized at the end of the month. This lady, Sister Grames, has been inactive for roundabouts of 13 years. Married and divorced maybe more than once and now married to the same guy for two years. I have no real idea what made her want to come back to church and get all of her family baptized, but something did and now I'm super stoked for her and we will have to see what happens right?

This week I have discovered more of my purpose. That, in itself, is a huge thing to discover. Luckily for us, being members of the Church already have more of an understanding than those outside of it. Though, we can still discover more for our individual lives on a daily basis. As we take a look in everything around us, Mostly centered on the Gospel, we can see purpose everywhere. I believe that as we grow in the gospel and in understanding, we will be enlightened with a great sense of purpose, knowing what we are truly here to do. Specifically as well. I always relate this as we are teaching to Alma 34:32 that says that we are here to prepare to meet God and to perform our labors. So, I always ask, What are our labors? Obviously to keep the commandments, but what else? I mean there is a lot of general ideas and answers to this, but I have found for myself There is so much more laying within, that when you discover it, it becomes difficult to articulate one to another.

You know, It's a good thing, and a bad thing that the cousins lost their mom. But I would have to favor the fact that it will be good for them. Because they wont have that influence in their lives and hopefully as they grow up they will be able to look at the life she led and see that everything she did led up to an early death by heart attack. All of those poisons that she put into her body put great stress on her heart and weakened it greatly. You can't expect to treat your body that way and live a long life. I always think too, that those who seek to glorify themselves here on the earth too, recieve their reward here on this earth. Although they are not here to see that "glory and honor" It did happen. right? Then to think of the Lord in his teachings where you are to do things in secret as with to "not let your right hand know what your left hand doeth". Things like that are always interesting to think about and to see happen.

I feel bad for the kids because it's never fun to see someone you love die. But you are right, things will return to normal fairly quickly. She didn't have that much of an infuence in their lives as a real mom should. That's why she is a mom, NOT a mother. I do have to disagree with you thinking that Bailey and Bella will have poor behavior and stuggles. Not more than they already would. It most likely will happen in the near future, but in the long run I can see it being just the same, possibly better. It is never good to have a bad example made seem right in front of you. Now, that this poor example is going to hopefully do all that is possible in the spirit world. They will be able to grow less hindered into what they truly need to become.

I'm glad to see the strength the gospel gives families and the example that I have been able to see within our family. I'm glad to know and see the blessings of being obedient and keeping covenants that you make with the Lord. Even in marriage, It's not just between two entities, but three. Such a good thing to always keep in mind. Actively attending the Temple allows you to remember these things.

I'm glad I get to miss all of the yard work that lays ahead too. Seems like it's going to be more of a job to do the back yard than the front. As long as I have a bedroom when I get home, I will be happy.

anyways. my fellas! it's been good. I can't believe I have been out for this long now either. I usually feel like one of the youngest, but now that half of our zone has only been out two months or less, with only three other missionaries besides myself being out a year or more. It's strange... hmm welp

I guess that's it.

Creative jucies gone.

Love ya!

--
Elder Michael Stone.

Dear mom,

That's a great picture of my face! where did you get it? That's pretty funny.

I did get the package alright, The cupcakes were practically destroyed though. The frosting was everywhere. You're telling me how fast this summer has gone by, Especially for me because I don't get to take a break from anything! I'm honestly amazed just that this transfer is already over. In ten days I will have been gone a year, it's remarkable.

Jordyn Finally got a real room huh? well, I sure hope that there is a room for me when I get home, Either in the basement or upstairs works for me;p.

This week went pretty well for us. Things are picking up and we are getting new investigators and within the last two weeks we have taught more than all of the other weeks combined. Now guess what?! Remember how they split the area? well, they are closing it down and Elder Porter and myself are taking over the entire ward boundaries now! I guess two missionaries went home (one of which was my retarded MTC companion...) and the Oregon area, our ours, being Perrysburg was the least productive in the mission last transfer so they are getting rid of it again. Which, of course, has its pros and cons. Pros; both areas are really starting to do well, finding investigators, teaching less-actives. That means we will be teaching more, getting fed more, and have a car.. (nice!) We are thinking of adding their beds to ours so we have queen size's, we'll see how that goes. Cons; The ward was really happy about having two sets, so I don't know how they will react to this. I was starting to like living with two more missionaries, It makes things a lot more entertaining and so forth. I'm excited though because we will be teaching more and there are several families that we are working with to get to baptism. In fact, one just moved into the ward where the mom is a member and hasn't been to church in 13 years and her husband of two years just got out of the air force, along with her 5 children are not members of the Church and they want to be baptized. I must admit, I am excited about this.

Hopefully we will have some progressing investigators for once right?
Now with a car again, I just have to be careful with what I'm eating... I don't get to burn off the calories just riding to our appointments.

Now, as far as me losing my GPS... That is a frustrating topic. I had pulled it out to find something and then I put it back in my backpack. I figured it would stay, Like it normally does. I mean I have never had it fall out before and I have thrown my bag. Later that night I go to get it and it is just gone! I tried to remember what we did after I used it and all we did was ride our bikes and tract. I think I only took it off twice and we weren't around a lot of people where it could have been stolen. someone must have just apperated, stole it and disapperated. (yes, I just used harry potter words) I'm pretty mad about it, but what can you do? So yes, I do need a new one, really money so I can just go get one at Walmart because we are taking back over the rest of the ward. I am somewhat familiar with the area because I was there six weeks ago, but I don't really know anything in specifics... So, if it is possible, I would Highly appreciate it.

you know, we have met with a few people that believe in the theory of evolution lately, a Buddhist even. Man I just have to tell you that these people are seriously outside their minds! Especially when they leave Christianity to believe that we EVOLVED from an ape!! Just talking to these people and trying to understand what they believe is soo confusing. We saw the Buddhist yesterday and she couldn't answer any of our questions. all she had to say was it's Ignorance, Evil and wickedness comes from ignorance to love. All I could think was that logic shows that even some of the most wicked people in the earth love. Then of course, like they all do, she started talking in circles because somehow that makes sense to them. I mean we can just see that Satan can deceive people in the silliest of ways to the point of these people not making any sense. I just don't get it. I mean come on! If we just keep on getting reincarnated, what is the point of living? why in the heck would thew world care to exist? If God is in us and we are God, why would he reincarnate himself into a limited body? Why would he reincarnate himself into a body that is crippled and constantly being tortured? We asked these questions and she had nothing to say. These people are in wait for a very rude awakening when they die. I will tell you what... Satan, knows how to get people. as we can see, a main influence from him is pride. Then the rest fall within. he will blind you and deceive you until you believe these things that are more difficult to understand than God appearing to man!

-- that is my rant...

This next week should be an adventure right?

Love ya!