So I don’t think I’ve really told you guys but Its been hard for me to sleep because Elder Jensen SNORES. LOUD. So, We were at dinner with the Smith family the other night and the topic of snoring and some other things came up. Sister Smith said that she has been buying nasal strips for her husband lately so that He can breathe better at night and not snore. I don’t really remember how the whole story played out but Sister Smith ended up asking us if we snored and I said that Elder Jensen did and so she ended up giving us a bunch of the nasal strips. That night.... I slept well. End of story.
I got your presents and Im glad you got mine. I honestly do not know what I should do with that Rolex you guys sent me. (If anyone believes that we sent him a rolex...ha...We didn’t send a rolex but we did get him a nicer watch then the Walmart $12 model that we sent with him per mission instructions and broke months ago.) I’m too scared that it will get messed up while wearing it around working. I apologize that I have to be such a downer but Im just trying to be practical, efficient, and thrifty, reverent, obedient, trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, brave, cheerful, clean, and reverent. HOnestly, just tell me what you think.
Anyway, on the good side of things and the best Christmas ever, Melissa was baptized on the 26th of December @ 6:30 pm by Elder Heywood and was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints December 27th @ 1:00 pm by Elder Heywood. It was Marvelous. Its always a good week when somebody gets baptized. WHooo! Whoooo! Whats that Racket? Is that Bub Rub and Lil' Sis I hear? Yes, I think it is. Somebody must have just gotten baptized.
Things are good. I’ve been wearing my space monster mask a lot lately its been pretty cold. Right now I think its about -5. Beautiful day.
Thank you for all of the other things that came in the package. For the pills, do I just dump one or two or three capsules into the whole thing of rubbing alcohol or what? Do tell.
Read the book of Mormon. Im tellin you, I think if you’re not obedient with the little things it adds up down the road. i.e. Sabbath Day, FHE, morning and evening family prayers/scriptures. Its so simple yet, so easy to slip also.
I liked reading about all the great things that are happening with Gilberts’ missionaries around the world. Thanks for those.
I can't wait until you guys get my new missionary pictures. You will like them. I forgot to mention it when talking to you guys on Christmas. But, also, along with the music can you try to send all the talks that you possibly can. I really like all the BYU devotional ones and if you could get Elder Hollands talk too that would be great.
Over and Out Heywood fam.
This week should be: red vines + Mr Pibb = Crazy Delicious So sick (pound pound) x2
Peace,
Elder Plheywood
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
4 more days...
We had zone conference this last saturday here in Helena and it went pretty well. Elder Smith of the Seventy came and toured the mission. We sang lots of songs, President and sister Gardner talked, we had lunch, had a white elephant, (I bought the biggest microwave I could find at the thrift store) went back in and had the Smiths talk to us and then called it a day. Learned a lot. We had a big Q&A sesh at the end.
Weve been with Elder Goff the last 2 weeks and he finally gets his new comp tonight. That will be good and bad. We havent been teaching as many people in our area because we cover his too; so its been a little depressing to not stay in our area all the time.
On terms of depressing, Lisa freakin J. called us Last monday night and said that they werent ready for baptism and lessons etc. And that they were going to hold off for a while. I was flustered. I dont even know what to say. Im done talking about those fools of tooks. But on the way more exciting side, Melissa came to our ward party with her little girls, who had an awesome time, and afterwards came up to me and asked if I could baptize her. yep. Melissa is getting baptized. Bam. I cant wait for that lady to get baptized. She needs it. Before the ward party, which was on Friday night, we had a lesson with her on Wednesday night. It was so sweet. We talked about tithing and the Sabbath day, and the 10 commandments, and Word of Wisdom. It was what she needed to hear. That weekend had just been horrible for her and she said that she really just couldnt wait to see us and to talk about the church. It has been great to see her change and just want to be baptized. She is in such need of a ward home. The ward is doing so good with fellowshipping. I wish you could meet her. She is the nicest lady and is living off her and her mom's income and is poor and loves the Lord and wants to be happy and is finding it in the church and has unconditional love and loves being in our ward and is a Child of God. YOU GUYS NEED TO GET ON IT IN THE 4th WARD. There are so many people that are out there that are probably right under your nose. Pray so that you will know who to talk to and how you will talk to them. Good job Dana. But still, that doesn't mean you dont have to do anything now.
Bye, have your questions ready for Christmas. Im sorry to say but we dont know where we are going to call from or what time. I was just thinking of from Bro Barretts home in the morning? is that good for you guys? let me know. Write a quick lettter or something with what time works best for you guys and I will make it happen.
When does Nathan Smith leave?
How are the couples doing? Kate and ARe and Jare and Mad dog? Good to hear that the family is growing. talk to you on the friday. Remember, "GET A GRIP" -ann m dibbs
Goody gumdrops to you all,
LOVE EPHeywood
Weve been with Elder Goff the last 2 weeks and he finally gets his new comp tonight. That will be good and bad. We havent been teaching as many people in our area because we cover his too; so its been a little depressing to not stay in our area all the time.
On terms of depressing, Lisa freakin J. called us Last monday night and said that they werent ready for baptism and lessons etc. And that they were going to hold off for a while. I was flustered. I dont even know what to say. Im done talking about those fools of tooks. But on the way more exciting side, Melissa came to our ward party with her little girls, who had an awesome time, and afterwards came up to me and asked if I could baptize her. yep. Melissa is getting baptized. Bam. I cant wait for that lady to get baptized. She needs it. Before the ward party, which was on Friday night, we had a lesson with her on Wednesday night. It was so sweet. We talked about tithing and the Sabbath day, and the 10 commandments, and Word of Wisdom. It was what she needed to hear. That weekend had just been horrible for her and she said that she really just couldnt wait to see us and to talk about the church. It has been great to see her change and just want to be baptized. She is in such need of a ward home. The ward is doing so good with fellowshipping. I wish you could meet her. She is the nicest lady and is living off her and her mom's income and is poor and loves the Lord and wants to be happy and is finding it in the church and has unconditional love and loves being in our ward and is a Child of God. YOU GUYS NEED TO GET ON IT IN THE 4th WARD. There are so many people that are out there that are probably right under your nose. Pray so that you will know who to talk to and how you will talk to them. Good job Dana. But still, that doesn't mean you dont have to do anything now.
Bye, have your questions ready for Christmas. Im sorry to say but we dont know where we are going to call from or what time. I was just thinking of from Bro Barretts home in the morning? is that good for you guys? let me know. Write a quick lettter or something with what time works best for you guys and I will make it happen.
When does Nathan Smith leave?
How are the couples doing? Kate and ARe and Jare and Mad dog? Good to hear that the family is growing. talk to you on the friday. Remember, "GET A GRIP" -ann m dibbs
Goody gumdrops to you all,
LOVE EPHeywood
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
So much snow....
Pretty good week. We have zone conference on Thursday, which is always exciting. Its been snowing for the past 3 days straight. So much snow. Its really dry though so you don't get too wet. Its like sugar. You can't pack it or anything. We tried building a snowman and it was like building a sand castle with dry sand. PS I dont like -20 degree weather. It was pretty funny. I got a letter from Grandma last monday, after I had writtten you guys about how cold it was ( I was kind of complaining ya know?) Anyway, Gma wrote and said she was proud that I wasn't complaining about the weather. Ooops.
I dont think Im going to be able to Skype, WITH PERMISSION, so thats a no. I could but I don't think prez G will let us.
Lots, kind of, happened this week. We didnt find out until Tuesday that We are going to be in a 3 some with Elder Goff until his greenie gets here. I guess the kid was playing b ball in the MTC and broke his thumb trying to dunk it. He ended up getting surgery and will not be here until the 22nd.
Send Elder Jensen some presents. When we walked into ward council everyone said, "Hey Elder Jensen, nice tie." I think you should buy him a tie. And write him a letter. Weve been trying to do lots of service by shoveling snow for people to see if we can get anyones to investigate the church.
Lisa did not get baptized this last saturday. It was just too soon for her and she wanted more time. She is again going to shoot for this Saturday. HOpefullly all goes welll. Weve been trying to use Bro Alsburys daughter to help teach. She just got home from her mish in Korea.
1st ward is on fire right now. We set a b date with Melissa for the 26th of this month. She is the most awesome lady. We seem to be teaching a lot of ladies right now. Melissa ended her church streak by being sick yesterday and not coming to church. Whatev. The Helena high Choir Teacher, Dr. H (i forget), has showed up to church the last couple sundays. (nice Dr. Spencer) He is a pretty nice guy and just got back from Salt Lake and hearing the MoTab Choir. President Holmes (in the stake presidency) also works at the school and knows him. He is going to approach him and ask him if he wants to take the lessons. So we are going to see within the next week if he accepts or not. Brittney Bangerter, who is our ward mission leaders daughter, is also in one of his classes and has been having some good QGCs (quality gospel conversations) with him. Jordan: is now 12 and coming to Church and YWs consistently. We are going to set a bdate with her hopefully tomorrow. things are good. We are just trying to find some more people so that We don't ride these people to the top and have no one else to teach after they are baptized. Luke and John: SWEET. Luke is a huge Bama fan and was pretty stoked that Mark Ingram won the Heisman. That reminds me. Everyone has been talking about Mike Gerhart, the white RB from Stanford? I heard hes pretty good. I want to see him play. Anyway. They just need to get to church. They expressed some pretty awesome feelings.
Best news/quote of the week: "Guys, dont get married to someone that doesnt like you" (said by Jason T an excommunicated member who has been cheating on his wife the last 4 years and got caught growing Marijuana in the attic of his funeral home. We helped him move out of the House/Funeral Home this last saturday, which was sweet by the way.)
Love You guys,
Elder PHeywood
I dont think Im going to be able to Skype, WITH PERMISSION, so thats a no. I could but I don't think prez G will let us.
Lots, kind of, happened this week. We didnt find out until Tuesday that We are going to be in a 3 some with Elder Goff until his greenie gets here. I guess the kid was playing b ball in the MTC and broke his thumb trying to dunk it. He ended up getting surgery and will not be here until the 22nd.
Send Elder Jensen some presents. When we walked into ward council everyone said, "Hey Elder Jensen, nice tie." I think you should buy him a tie. And write him a letter. Weve been trying to do lots of service by shoveling snow for people to see if we can get anyones to investigate the church.
Lisa did not get baptized this last saturday. It was just too soon for her and she wanted more time. She is again going to shoot for this Saturday. HOpefullly all goes welll. Weve been trying to use Bro Alsburys daughter to help teach. She just got home from her mish in Korea.
1st ward is on fire right now. We set a b date with Melissa for the 26th of this month. She is the most awesome lady. We seem to be teaching a lot of ladies right now. Melissa ended her church streak by being sick yesterday and not coming to church. Whatev. The Helena high Choir Teacher, Dr. H (i forget), has showed up to church the last couple sundays. (nice Dr. Spencer) He is a pretty nice guy and just got back from Salt Lake and hearing the MoTab Choir. President Holmes (in the stake presidency) also works at the school and knows him. He is going to approach him and ask him if he wants to take the lessons. So we are going to see within the next week if he accepts or not. Brittney Bangerter, who is our ward mission leaders daughter, is also in one of his classes and has been having some good QGCs (quality gospel conversations) with him. Jordan: is now 12 and coming to Church and YWs consistently. We are going to set a bdate with her hopefully tomorrow. things are good. We are just trying to find some more people so that We don't ride these people to the top and have no one else to teach after they are baptized. Luke and John: SWEET. Luke is a huge Bama fan and was pretty stoked that Mark Ingram won the Heisman. That reminds me. Everyone has been talking about Mike Gerhart, the white RB from Stanford? I heard hes pretty good. I want to see him play. Anyway. They just need to get to church. They expressed some pretty awesome feelings.
Best news/quote of the week: "Guys, dont get married to someone that doesnt like you" (said by Jason T an excommunicated member who has been cheating on his wife the last 4 years and got caught growing Marijuana in the attic of his funeral home. We helped him move out of the House/Funeral Home this last saturday, which was sweet by the way.)
Love You guys,
Elder PHeywood
Monday, December 7, 2009
18 days and counting...
Its about -8 degrees right now and the sun is shining brighter than ever. Ironic. Its official. I hate the snow and ice. I hate the cold. Im so glad I go home to AZ. You know its bad when theres ice on the inside of the windows. Holy. I think I will be fine I just need to buy a scarf. My face is always frozen and my nose hairs freeze the instant I take a breath. I was just starting to get acclimated to the 20 and 30 degree weather but this negative crap is a whole new ball game. Wow it is cold. They dont do a good job of plowing the roads either so if youre not on a main road it is pure ice.
You guys still didnt answer my question. When's the baby due? Did you get the pics sister Heinitz sent?
Transfer calls have been made and Elder Child is the only one leaving out of our district. Elder Goff is training again and the big news is that Elder Kesler TAnner, whom I was companions with about 8 months ago in Polson, my most diligent and obedient trainer, has been called to be the new Assistant. I will get to see him more often now. It will be fun. Our Christmas zone conference is the 17th and we're doing a white elephant. I was thinking of a 18" x 24" pic of myself. What do you think?
We are teaching the Freshman seminary class tomorrow morning. I thought you guys might like to know that I get to teach that.
Ok. Got some more names for you guys. The gooch family here was asking If I knew any of these people: Keith and Charlene Bowman (formerly Cluff), Tracy and Kathy Bowman, and Manola Cluff.
We have a goal for 3 baptisms this Month. Lisa: married to the excommunicated Rod. They are doing a lot better. She is on date for this Saturday. pray that it goes through. They fed us this last weekend (both having really low incomes) and we had the most awesome lesson. I can't wait for her to get baptized. Melissa: we took the Nelsons over to her house and her and sister Nelson clicked instantly. Bam! she came to church AGAIN. We have a lesson with her this Wednesday. pray for her also. We are looking to set a baptismal date with her on that day. Jordan: A 12 year old girl that comes from a part member family. She has been attending mutual with our ward and coming to church. The Bangerter family is doing an awesome job of fellowshipping her. We are pretty excited to have so many awesome people to teach and to have baptized. Very different from Polson where you had to dig pretty deep to find people. Dang indian reservations. Things are going good and to make it all better the Nelsons brought us a fresh cut, 8 ft tall Christmas tree to put in our 10x10x8 ft. Basement. It feels like Christmas.
Not a goal but still a Bdate, Luke and JOhn, the football guys. They have sincerely and intently been keeping their commitments and searching for questions and going to mormon.org. They are sweet. I hope I get to stay long enough to see them possibly make some pretty immportant steps.
Let me know what kind of knives the boys want and I can get one for them. There are some pretty sweet members that have a knife shop and give us a sweet deal. I got mine for free. EX: pocket knife, skinner, ridiculously huge knife, etc. I also heard that Alabama beat Florida. Good job Crimson Tide. That reminds me. Jared, you need to read the "Rolling with the Tide" book that Gpa Heywood has/had. Its good.
Something I learned in church the other day. Not from someone saying it but from the spirit: If youre not comfortable then there's something wrong. That principle involves our Church callings, missionary work, and basically anything that we are doing in which we are trying to be successful. That includes our Lives. (something I remember President Eyring said) "The Lords gives us callings to stretch us and work us to fulfill potential and to strenthen us." (something along those lines. He then compared it to muscles and working out.) I have realized that if I'm uncomfortable, we have a better week. We, as missionaries, stretch and work ourselves to find, teach, baptize, learn, prepare, think, study. There is large evidence as I've seen the blessings come and we grow and become more effective. Its been good for me to think about that as I get comfortable and to realize that I'm not getting any stronger, effective, etc. The principles of the Gospel are eternal.
Not too many funny stories this last week other than Elder Jensen going to church without his tie. yep, we went through all of our morning meetings: correlation, and PEC.........without his tie. Suit on, hair combed, shined shoes, top button buttoned, and...no tie. You kind of had to be there. He got some good laughs. The ward loves how 'green' he is. I like it too. I have a feeling I'm gonna be with him for a while.
Any other Christmas ideas? let me know. Youve got some good stuff coming your way. Read your scrips, pray, and look to share the gospel every day. Do you guys have any mormon.org cards back home? Those things are working miracles for us. Use some.
One day you will meet the Alsburys, Mckeans, and Heinitz families.
Talk to you tooks of a fools in about 18 days.
LOVE, ME
You guys still didnt answer my question. When's the baby due? Did you get the pics sister Heinitz sent?
Transfer calls have been made and Elder Child is the only one leaving out of our district. Elder Goff is training again and the big news is that Elder Kesler TAnner, whom I was companions with about 8 months ago in Polson, my most diligent and obedient trainer, has been called to be the new Assistant. I will get to see him more often now. It will be fun. Our Christmas zone conference is the 17th and we're doing a white elephant. I was thinking of a 18" x 24" pic of myself. What do you think?
We are teaching the Freshman seminary class tomorrow morning. I thought you guys might like to know that I get to teach that.
Ok. Got some more names for you guys. The gooch family here was asking If I knew any of these people: Keith and Charlene Bowman (formerly Cluff), Tracy and Kathy Bowman, and Manola Cluff.
We have a goal for 3 baptisms this Month. Lisa: married to the excommunicated Rod. They are doing a lot better. She is on date for this Saturday. pray that it goes through. They fed us this last weekend (both having really low incomes) and we had the most awesome lesson. I can't wait for her to get baptized. Melissa: we took the Nelsons over to her house and her and sister Nelson clicked instantly. Bam! she came to church AGAIN. We have a lesson with her this Wednesday. pray for her also. We are looking to set a baptismal date with her on that day. Jordan: A 12 year old girl that comes from a part member family. She has been attending mutual with our ward and coming to church. The Bangerter family is doing an awesome job of fellowshipping her. We are pretty excited to have so many awesome people to teach and to have baptized. Very different from Polson where you had to dig pretty deep to find people. Dang indian reservations. Things are going good and to make it all better the Nelsons brought us a fresh cut, 8 ft tall Christmas tree to put in our 10x10x8 ft. Basement. It feels like Christmas.
Not a goal but still a Bdate, Luke and JOhn, the football guys. They have sincerely and intently been keeping their commitments and searching for questions and going to mormon.org. They are sweet. I hope I get to stay long enough to see them possibly make some pretty immportant steps.
Let me know what kind of knives the boys want and I can get one for them. There are some pretty sweet members that have a knife shop and give us a sweet deal. I got mine for free. EX: pocket knife, skinner, ridiculously huge knife, etc. I also heard that Alabama beat Florida. Good job Crimson Tide. That reminds me. Jared, you need to read the "Rolling with the Tide" book that Gpa Heywood has/had. Its good.
Something I learned in church the other day. Not from someone saying it but from the spirit: If youre not comfortable then there's something wrong. That principle involves our Church callings, missionary work, and basically anything that we are doing in which we are trying to be successful. That includes our Lives. (something I remember President Eyring said) "The Lords gives us callings to stretch us and work us to fulfill potential and to strenthen us." (something along those lines. He then compared it to muscles and working out.) I have realized that if I'm uncomfortable, we have a better week. We, as missionaries, stretch and work ourselves to find, teach, baptize, learn, prepare, think, study. There is large evidence as I've seen the blessings come and we grow and become more effective. Its been good for me to think about that as I get comfortable and to realize that I'm not getting any stronger, effective, etc. The principles of the Gospel are eternal.
Not too many funny stories this last week other than Elder Jensen going to church without his tie. yep, we went through all of our morning meetings: correlation, and PEC.........without his tie. Suit on, hair combed, shined shoes, top button buttoned, and...no tie. You kind of had to be there. He got some good laughs. The ward loves how 'green' he is. I like it too. I have a feeling I'm gonna be with him for a while.
Any other Christmas ideas? let me know. Youve got some good stuff coming your way. Read your scrips, pray, and look to share the gospel every day. Do you guys have any mormon.org cards back home? Those things are working miracles for us. Use some.
One day you will meet the Alsburys, Mckeans, and Heinitz families.
Talk to you tooks of a fools in about 18 days.
LOVE, ME
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wish we knew what the undo key took out....
Well. I just hit undo a bunch of times so the last 10 minutes of writing just erased. How do you UNDO and Undo? I don’t know.
I cant believe you didn’t get my last letter. Hope you guys like my late letter and my new one together. And I DID get your last letter.
Brother Barrett is doing better. We helped him set up Christmas lights the other day and do some other stuff. He gave us a ride in his Cadillac this morning to get groceries which is always an adventure when he’s driving. I wish you guys could meet him. maybe one day.
We talked in church the other day. it was ok as I only had to speak for about 5 minutes because of the sermon given by elder Jensen.
Lots of good things are happening. We got a lady, named Melissa, who just called us up the other day and said, "can you guys come teach me?" The cool thing is that she isn’t weird or funky in any way. She is a completely normal person. We ended up going over to her house, teaching her and giving her a BOfM to read and pray about. We talked a lot about the divorce she just went through and about her kids and what not. She even came to sacrament meeting all by herself. SWEETNESS. Sacrament meeting went perfect too. We didn’t sing "If You Could Hie to Kolob" or any weird songs and The speakers were perfect. The youth speaker did awesome and then one of the younger couples in the ward spoke as well, the Posts. Melissa loved it. We have a return appt for this Wednesday. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE: A member of the church works with her who set a good example and ......OPENED HIS MOUTH. yep That’s right. I still don’t see why you guys haven’t had anyone for the missionaries to teach yet. get on it. KIDS TOO you fools of a tooks.
We went to Diane Maxwell's viewing on Friday night and to her Funeral Mass on Saturday. It was pretty sad to see her go like that. The other Elders ended up staying at their house. They’re doing better. Our Bishops Father also passed away which was pretty sad. Everyone dying and also, is it just a MONTANA thing or does it seem like everyone is on oxygen? It just seems like every grandma and grandpa is on oxygen. Tell me what you think.
Transfers are coming up. I bet a million bucks that we stay together. My greenie is still a greenie. I do think Elder Goff is going to leave though. He’s my favorite missionary besides elder Journey.
Alright, you Heywoods take care. I will be talking to you on the phone in about 26 days so.. PEACE.
Elder PLHYE
I cant believe you didn’t get my last letter. Hope you guys like my late letter and my new one together. And I DID get your last letter.
Brother Barrett is doing better. We helped him set up Christmas lights the other day and do some other stuff. He gave us a ride in his Cadillac this morning to get groceries which is always an adventure when he’s driving. I wish you guys could meet him. maybe one day.
We talked in church the other day. it was ok as I only had to speak for about 5 minutes because of the sermon given by elder Jensen.
Lots of good things are happening. We got a lady, named Melissa, who just called us up the other day and said, "can you guys come teach me?" The cool thing is that she isn’t weird or funky in any way. She is a completely normal person. We ended up going over to her house, teaching her and giving her a BOfM to read and pray about. We talked a lot about the divorce she just went through and about her kids and what not. She even came to sacrament meeting all by herself. SWEETNESS. Sacrament meeting went perfect too. We didn’t sing "If You Could Hie to Kolob" or any weird songs and The speakers were perfect. The youth speaker did awesome and then one of the younger couples in the ward spoke as well, the Posts. Melissa loved it. We have a return appt for this Wednesday. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE: A member of the church works with her who set a good example and ......OPENED HIS MOUTH. yep That’s right. I still don’t see why you guys haven’t had anyone for the missionaries to teach yet. get on it. KIDS TOO you fools of a tooks.
We went to Diane Maxwell's viewing on Friday night and to her Funeral Mass on Saturday. It was pretty sad to see her go like that. The other Elders ended up staying at their house. They’re doing better. Our Bishops Father also passed away which was pretty sad. Everyone dying and also, is it just a MONTANA thing or does it seem like everyone is on oxygen? It just seems like every grandma and grandpa is on oxygen. Tell me what you think.
Transfers are coming up. I bet a million bucks that we stay together. My greenie is still a greenie. I do think Elder Goff is going to leave though. He’s my favorite missionary besides elder Journey.
Alright, you Heywoods take care. I will be talking to you on the phone in about 26 days so.. PEACE.
Elder PLHYE
(Lost in Cyberspace from Last week)....entitled "Sad Week"
You guys still never answered my question......WHENS THE BABY DUE?
That’s all I wanted to know. I want you guys to send me some wedding pics too.
Anyway, this week ended pretty sad as we got the news that Diane Maxwell had passed away the other night. The Maxwells were the Catholic family that Elder Goff and Elder Child were living with. They were definitely sent there for a reason. Diane had been going through Dialysis for the last five years about 3 times a week. Her body just all of the sudden stopped accepting the dialysis and they gave her about 5 days to live. She went home to be with her family for the last couple of days before she passed away. The Elders have been pretty upset. I feel for them. She went into the Hospital about a week and a half ago for another problem and we got to sing a couple of hymns for her, not knowing that she was about to die within the following week. It’s a sad story but I think that its no coincidence that the other Elders were put into their home just only a few months ago.
Brother Barrett has been sick and hasn’t been his usual gruff self. Things are just a little grim around here.
We found a new investigator this week who is living with one of the less active members in the ward and they are in deep _____! The dude is the non member living with the member and is a drug addict. On top of all that both are unemployed, Girl pregnant, and considering an abortion. Its bad stuff. They have a long way to go but they were willing to listen so we will see what we can do. the LDS family services building is in Helena and I think they give free counseling for 'ABORTION considerers.' People are pretty messed up these days. We talked to a theologian major the other day and said that he likes truth and was interested in hearing what we had to say. We will see them later this week. Rod & Lisa are doing awesome. Like I said last week, "ROD GOT A JOB!" Its pretty exciting. They have been struggling for a while. Now he has a job. They have been both really happy these last couple of days. They even came to Sunday school for the first time. It was sweet. On top of that Rod got to meet a guy that we’ve been trying to get him to meet for a long time, Jared. Bro Maddox and Rod have some rough pasts and it was awesome to see them both at church trying to work out some of their own problems and what not. But, Im telling you guys, this Jared guy is very similar to Alma the Younger. I thinkg that is one of my favorite things about being on a mission is getting to talk to and meet so many unique and diverse people. Jared was in a Motorcycle gang, been in and out of jail, etc. At our zone conference in Bozeman this last Tuesday I was talking to one of the other Elders who had served here and he told me some crazy stories about our Bishop and Jared. Totally off topic, but you guys will have to remind me to tell you the story sometime. Anyway, Jared said he would have them over for Dinner one of these nights and we could teach a lesson. I think Lisa and his wife would get along perfectly. That was one of the other awesome things that happened.
I got hold of and went to Dave Stahlys house this last Monday. We chatted for a good half hour and then he sent me on my way. He invited us right in but after we were done talking about Grandpa and the company and transitioned to Church he wasn’t too interested. He was nice though. He says to say hi.
Shelly had another Bdate for this Saturday but she didn’t come to church again. Whats new?
Marie got a calling to work in the Young womens. She was pretty stoked. Rich and Scott got to pass the sacrament this last week. That was sweetalicious. Holli has an infected tear gland. Not sweetalicious. We saw her the other day and she wasn’t doing so hot. Her eye looked like it was about to fall out. Gave her a blessing. Sweetalicious.
That’s pretty much it for the week. We are in a finding mode again. People to teach but going no where. We’ve got some lamo investigators. We’ve seen lots of Part member families though. We hope to be getting some of those fools of tooks to church.
Send some money so I can buy you something good little Chrissy. Dana....no kissing til you’re married. Just ask Katie. Luke and Jared remember: for the strength of youth. Katie: when’s the baby coming?
Pray for us. We are talking in Church this week.
Hope you guys have a "so sick" week.
Love
Parker
That’s all I wanted to know. I want you guys to send me some wedding pics too.
Anyway, this week ended pretty sad as we got the news that Diane Maxwell had passed away the other night. The Maxwells were the Catholic family that Elder Goff and Elder Child were living with. They were definitely sent there for a reason. Diane had been going through Dialysis for the last five years about 3 times a week. Her body just all of the sudden stopped accepting the dialysis and they gave her about 5 days to live. She went home to be with her family for the last couple of days before she passed away. The Elders have been pretty upset. I feel for them. She went into the Hospital about a week and a half ago for another problem and we got to sing a couple of hymns for her, not knowing that she was about to die within the following week. It’s a sad story but I think that its no coincidence that the other Elders were put into their home just only a few months ago.
Brother Barrett has been sick and hasn’t been his usual gruff self. Things are just a little grim around here.
We found a new investigator this week who is living with one of the less active members in the ward and they are in deep _____! The dude is the non member living with the member and is a drug addict. On top of all that both are unemployed, Girl pregnant, and considering an abortion. Its bad stuff. They have a long way to go but they were willing to listen so we will see what we can do. the LDS family services building is in Helena and I think they give free counseling for 'ABORTION considerers.' People are pretty messed up these days. We talked to a theologian major the other day and said that he likes truth and was interested in hearing what we had to say. We will see them later this week. Rod & Lisa are doing awesome. Like I said last week, "ROD GOT A JOB!" Its pretty exciting. They have been struggling for a while. Now he has a job. They have been both really happy these last couple of days. They even came to Sunday school for the first time. It was sweet. On top of that Rod got to meet a guy that we’ve been trying to get him to meet for a long time, Jared. Bro Maddox and Rod have some rough pasts and it was awesome to see them both at church trying to work out some of their own problems and what not. But, Im telling you guys, this Jared guy is very similar to Alma the Younger. I thinkg that is one of my favorite things about being on a mission is getting to talk to and meet so many unique and diverse people. Jared was in a Motorcycle gang, been in and out of jail, etc. At our zone conference in Bozeman this last Tuesday I was talking to one of the other Elders who had served here and he told me some crazy stories about our Bishop and Jared. Totally off topic, but you guys will have to remind me to tell you the story sometime. Anyway, Jared said he would have them over for Dinner one of these nights and we could teach a lesson. I think Lisa and his wife would get along perfectly. That was one of the other awesome things that happened.
I got hold of and went to Dave Stahlys house this last Monday. We chatted for a good half hour and then he sent me on my way. He invited us right in but after we were done talking about Grandpa and the company and transitioned to Church he wasn’t too interested. He was nice though. He says to say hi.
Shelly had another Bdate for this Saturday but she didn’t come to church again. Whats new?
Marie got a calling to work in the Young womens. She was pretty stoked. Rich and Scott got to pass the sacrament this last week. That was sweetalicious. Holli has an infected tear gland. Not sweetalicious. We saw her the other day and she wasn’t doing so hot. Her eye looked like it was about to fall out. Gave her a blessing. Sweetalicious.
That’s pretty much it for the week. We are in a finding mode again. People to teach but going no where. We’ve got some lamo investigators. We’ve seen lots of Part member families though. We hope to be getting some of those fools of tooks to church.
Send some money so I can buy you something good little Chrissy. Dana....no kissing til you’re married. Just ask Katie. Luke and Jared remember: for the strength of youth. Katie: when’s the baby coming?
Pray for us. We are talking in Church this week.
Hope you guys have a "so sick" week.
Love
Parker
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
When's The Baby Due?
Hey there DANC N' DANA! Heard you danced a lot. Sounds like lots of people showed up for the wedding. Whoo. I cant believe KT is married hahaha. I honestly cant believe that She is now Katie Garcia. That is plain wild. And.... of course the wedding was awesome. We're the Heywoods. Come on.
This last week was pretty good. Lots of things happened. The other night Elder Jensen and I went to go contact a referral that our Ward mission leader had given to us. She was from Polson so Bro Alsbury (who is from Polson) and I were really excited to get in contact with her. Elder Jensen and I arrive at the destined address and presume to get out of the car. We both look at the destination and say, "wow this is a big house." We are about to knock on the door when all we can see on the inside is STATE OF MONTANA certificates. It dawned on me that it wasn’t the kind of house that we were thinking about. We then knock and a nurse like looking lady answers the door.. We then walk into the facility and realize that it is a mental/handicap facility just like Randolph.. I cant tell the whole story or I would be here for days but it was the funniest visit I have ever had. We talked and Mary Jane was completely obsessed with lighthouses and about anything nautical. We sang Brightly beams our Fathers Mercy to her and read some scriptures about light. We then proceeded to talk about the Whale Oil that she said she lived on. Hilarious. After that we began to make different fog horn noises and I showed her the "tractor beam" from dumb and dumber. Mary Jane then asked me if we could watch dumb and dumber sometime. After that we raced: me on foot, Mary Jane in her wheel chair. It was great.
You guys need to look on pg. 96 of the Ensign and tell me if the guy in the middle of that page played volleyball for Westwood.
Now for the big question. WHENS THE BABY DUE? I NEED TO KNOW. I WILL SEE IF I CAN SEND SOME BABY CLOTHES. some little baby cowboy boots and a little carhardt jacket.
We get a monthly "mission" newsletter that shows a missionary directory and has some presidents messages and stories and stuff, one of which, that I would like to share with you. President Gardner wrote about this experience about 3 weeks ago at a Billings Stake Conference: "In the Billings Stake conference this last weekend, there was a special meeting, for new converts and investigators. A man by the name of John came with his member wife, Karen, who was called on last minute to lead the singing. He has been investigating the church off and on for the last 7 years. Elder Condie (who was the GA seventy that came through the mission) asked Sister Lingmann who was going home that week, to come up and in 2 minutes teach John what he needed to know, testify to him, and challenge him to be baptized. We were all surprised at the boldness of Elder Condie. Sister Lingmann did as she was invited to do and then invited John to be baptized. There was an awkward pause, Finally John said, “we'll see.” Then Pres. Getz, the stake president, stood up and said, “we have known each other a longtime John. As your friend, I testify as a second witness that what Sister Lingmann has said is true. I challenge you to be baptized before sister Lingmann goes home on Thursday.” Elder Condie then stood and said, “NO pressure here john.” There was a tension breaking chuckle from the group, but then he added that he was leaving in the morning and challenged John to be baptized before the day was out. During Conference, Elder Condie once again bore testimony from the pulpit, by saying that he was a last minute substitute for the conference. He wasn’t supposed to be in Billings, but he was here and one of the reasons he was here was to see that John was baptized. Sisters Lingmann, Denning, and Reyes called about 2:30 indicating that they had been asked to review the lessons with John and wondered if they could teach him here at the mission home. Of course we said yes, and so we did from 3:00 pm until 6:30pm John had some misconceptions that needed to be clarified, but he knew enough to be baptized. He knew that Jesus is the Christ and that the Book of Mormon is true. He believed in Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Gospel. In the end, he wanted to be baptized, not because of pressure, but because of choice. He know this is what he needed to do. The font was filled and a baptism was held at 8:00 that night. President Getz baptized him and was confirmed a member by Elder Spencer J. Condie. It took a lot of effort from a lot of people but finally John was able to feel the spirit and knew that it was time to be baptized. Thanks to Elders Tryon, Coker and Journey, Sisters Reyes Denning, and Lingmann, Sister Gardner and Sister Carter, President Getz, and Elder Condie, and I’m sure many others. It always takes lots of touches for someone to feel enough of the workings of the spirit to precipitate action. John told me that, “I learned that you just cant do it on your own.” Thanks to all who helped along the way. -Pres Gardner.
Ya. I thought that was a pretty cool story. Maybe you guys can learn from Elder Condie and be bold enough to straight up invite a family to learn the Gospel. Im still waiting for you guys to do that.
I read over and over Ann M. Dibb's talk. it was great. "it was pretty scary I tell you" "get a grip" those lines will never be forgotten.
That’s about it for the last week. We hope to have a big week this week. We have zone conference tomorrow and zone leader team ups today and tomorrow
This last week was pretty good. Lots of things happened. The other night Elder Jensen and I went to go contact a referral that our Ward mission leader had given to us. She was from Polson so Bro Alsbury (who is from Polson) and I were really excited to get in contact with her. Elder Jensen and I arrive at the destined address and presume to get out of the car. We both look at the destination and say, "wow this is a big house." We are about to knock on the door when all we can see on the inside is STATE OF MONTANA certificates. It dawned on me that it wasn’t the kind of house that we were thinking about. We then knock and a nurse like looking lady answers the door.. We then walk into the facility and realize that it is a mental/handicap facility just like Randolph.. I cant tell the whole story or I would be here for days but it was the funniest visit I have ever had. We talked and Mary Jane was completely obsessed with lighthouses and about anything nautical. We sang Brightly beams our Fathers Mercy to her and read some scriptures about light. We then proceeded to talk about the Whale Oil that she said she lived on. Hilarious. After that we began to make different fog horn noises and I showed her the "tractor beam" from dumb and dumber. Mary Jane then asked me if we could watch dumb and dumber sometime. After that we raced: me on foot, Mary Jane in her wheel chair. It was great.
You guys need to look on pg. 96 of the Ensign and tell me if the guy in the middle of that page played volleyball for Westwood.
Now for the big question. WHENS THE BABY DUE? I NEED TO KNOW. I WILL SEE IF I CAN SEND SOME BABY CLOTHES. some little baby cowboy boots and a little carhardt jacket.
We get a monthly "mission" newsletter that shows a missionary directory and has some presidents messages and stories and stuff, one of which, that I would like to share with you. President Gardner wrote about this experience about 3 weeks ago at a Billings Stake Conference: "In the Billings Stake conference this last weekend, there was a special meeting, for new converts and investigators. A man by the name of John came with his member wife, Karen, who was called on last minute to lead the singing. He has been investigating the church off and on for the last 7 years. Elder Condie (who was the GA seventy that came through the mission) asked Sister Lingmann who was going home that week, to come up and in 2 minutes teach John what he needed to know, testify to him, and challenge him to be baptized. We were all surprised at the boldness of Elder Condie. Sister Lingmann did as she was invited to do and then invited John to be baptized. There was an awkward pause, Finally John said, “we'll see.” Then Pres. Getz, the stake president, stood up and said, “we have known each other a longtime John. As your friend, I testify as a second witness that what Sister Lingmann has said is true. I challenge you to be baptized before sister Lingmann goes home on Thursday.” Elder Condie then stood and said, “NO pressure here john.” There was a tension breaking chuckle from the group, but then he added that he was leaving in the morning and challenged John to be baptized before the day was out. During Conference, Elder Condie once again bore testimony from the pulpit, by saying that he was a last minute substitute for the conference. He wasn’t supposed to be in Billings, but he was here and one of the reasons he was here was to see that John was baptized. Sisters Lingmann, Denning, and Reyes called about 2:30 indicating that they had been asked to review the lessons with John and wondered if they could teach him here at the mission home. Of course we said yes, and so we did from 3:00 pm until 6:30pm John had some misconceptions that needed to be clarified, but he knew enough to be baptized. He knew that Jesus is the Christ and that the Book of Mormon is true. He believed in Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Gospel. In the end, he wanted to be baptized, not because of pressure, but because of choice. He know this is what he needed to do. The font was filled and a baptism was held at 8:00 that night. President Getz baptized him and was confirmed a member by Elder Spencer J. Condie. It took a lot of effort from a lot of people but finally John was able to feel the spirit and knew that it was time to be baptized. Thanks to Elders Tryon, Coker and Journey, Sisters Reyes Denning, and Lingmann, Sister Gardner and Sister Carter, President Getz, and Elder Condie, and I’m sure many others. It always takes lots of touches for someone to feel enough of the workings of the spirit to precipitate action. John told me that, “I learned that you just cant do it on your own.” Thanks to all who helped along the way. -Pres Gardner.
Ya. I thought that was a pretty cool story. Maybe you guys can learn from Elder Condie and be bold enough to straight up invite a family to learn the Gospel. Im still waiting for you guys to do that.
I read over and over Ann M. Dibb's talk. it was great. "it was pretty scary I tell you" "get a grip" those lines will never be forgotten.
That’s about it for the last week. We hope to have a big week this week. We have zone conference tomorrow and zone leader team ups today and tomorrow
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Hunting Season...
Elder Greenie and I are just doin swell. Just tryin to help him progress and turn that Californian wildfire into a missionary. Tell that Dave that I aint stretchin or breakin no rules. Its an emergency type of situation and we need the bike or else, no missionary work. Lots has and hasn't happened this past week. Its that dang huntin season again and it seems like people think the world is going to end if they dont shoot a big Buck or Bull. Ive never seen so many people addicted to something that isn't drugs. We will be in the middle of a lesson and some dude will get a phone call and say, "gotta go" then proceed to grab his jacket, gun and keys and head out the door while we sit there left alone in their house. Weird.
We ate breakfast at a non members home this morning and sports center was on. They kept replaying the ASU and USC clip with the football flying everywhere. That looked pretty crazy.
This last sunday Rich and Scott got ordained to the priesthood. That was another sweet experience to add to the whole thing. They will both be passing the sacrament this next week.
I cant wait for zone conference for some weird reason. I think I always like to listen to President Gardner for some reason.
This week we were able to find 3 new investigators and one of those had us over for dinner. Her name is Charlanne. She is pretty cool. She has 6 cats. She really enjoys coming to church and wants to start taking the lessons. That is always probably one of the most exciting things. I always love to start teaching lessons to someone that WANTS them. I will keep you guys updated on her. We also taught two 30 year old dudes who seem to have a slight interest in the Gospel. It was pretty cool. They are both huge college football fans and we talked it up for a while before we started our lesson. It was kind of an "instant friendship" with the both of them so we will see what we can do there.
We still havent seen Anna in a while. SHe is going through Some pretty harsh Chemo therapy. I feel bad for her. It was kind of bad timing on our part. I wish we could have got to her sooner. SHe was so ready.
Have you guys exercised the challenge of going out with the missionaries to teach any lessons yet? You haven't? Well I know Grandma has. You guys should too. Dont wait for them to ask you. Ask them. Keep thinking and praying about a family you can invite over for a FHE or something simple. I think Elder Brimhall said it best. He said that when you meet someone who you want to hear the Gospel, you dont have to automatically tell them about the first vision. Hardly anyone is attracted to the Doctrines of the Gospel of the get go. He said to share important principles and activities that will attract people such as our families, inviting friends to A FHE, Mutual activties, etc, etc. Also, ask the missionaries for some of the MORMON.ORG pass-along cards and see if you can hand them out to someone. That includes you too BEAR. Katie, you and Are Bear have the perfect opportunity to do missionary work as well moving into a brand new neighborhood. JUST DO IT
Again I wish you guys could meet all the people that I get to teach and (Elder Roerdanz says hi) talk with. Theyre awesome. im not doing to good on my journal writing so I hope you save all these letters.
Katie, I hope they seal you guys good. too bad the kids dont get to go inside and see.
Love
Playwood
We ate breakfast at a non members home this morning and sports center was on. They kept replaying the ASU and USC clip with the football flying everywhere. That looked pretty crazy.
This last sunday Rich and Scott got ordained to the priesthood. That was another sweet experience to add to the whole thing. They will both be passing the sacrament this next week.
I cant wait for zone conference for some weird reason. I think I always like to listen to President Gardner for some reason.
This week we were able to find 3 new investigators and one of those had us over for dinner. Her name is Charlanne. She is pretty cool. She has 6 cats. She really enjoys coming to church and wants to start taking the lessons. That is always probably one of the most exciting things. I always love to start teaching lessons to someone that WANTS them. I will keep you guys updated on her. We also taught two 30 year old dudes who seem to have a slight interest in the Gospel. It was pretty cool. They are both huge college football fans and we talked it up for a while before we started our lesson. It was kind of an "instant friendship" with the both of them so we will see what we can do there.
We still havent seen Anna in a while. SHe is going through Some pretty harsh Chemo therapy. I feel bad for her. It was kind of bad timing on our part. I wish we could have got to her sooner. SHe was so ready.
Have you guys exercised the challenge of going out with the missionaries to teach any lessons yet? You haven't? Well I know Grandma has. You guys should too. Dont wait for them to ask you. Ask them. Keep thinking and praying about a family you can invite over for a FHE or something simple. I think Elder Brimhall said it best. He said that when you meet someone who you want to hear the Gospel, you dont have to automatically tell them about the first vision. Hardly anyone is attracted to the Doctrines of the Gospel of the get go. He said to share important principles and activities that will attract people such as our families, inviting friends to A FHE, Mutual activties, etc, etc. Also, ask the missionaries for some of the MORMON.ORG pass-along cards and see if you can hand them out to someone. That includes you too BEAR. Katie, you and Are Bear have the perfect opportunity to do missionary work as well moving into a brand new neighborhood. JUST DO IT
Again I wish you guys could meet all the people that I get to teach and (Elder Roerdanz says hi) talk with. Theyre awesome. im not doing to good on my journal writing so I hope you save all these letters.
Katie, I hope they seal you guys good. too bad the kids dont get to go inside and see.
Love
Playwood
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
New Comp!
My new greenie is a good boy. He is from Ridgecrest, CA. His name is Elder David Jensen and He says he knows some Strattons from Mesa. (Chantel, Kayli, Emily, Caleb,etc?) He is as green as they come. I like him. He is willing to work hard and become a better missionary. We get along well and work hard. Thats all that matters. I feel bad because we had a horrible week this last week and felt like it was a horrible introduction to the mission.
We spent Halloween at the Binghams. We weren't allowed to be out past dark so we had dinner there and then went home. The Binghams are from Phoenix and said that they remember a STake President with the last name Heywood. I then explained. Sister Bingham went to..I forget and Bro Bingham went to Carl Hayden and Alhambra for school. They're about your ages. Donna Anderson-Bingham and Dan Bingham.
I was thinking that you should just send me some of the pictures back on a USB drive including the pics Ive already taken. That would be easiest. Im glad you liked all the pics. Whoo WHooo.
So this last week was pretty slow. I had two wait until Wed night to get Elder Greenie. Before that I spent the week with Elder Child and Elder Goff are one of my favorite companionships in history. Anyway, We went to Townsend with the new missionaries and hauled over 10 tons of logs to some community wood pile and the previous evening got to sing at the Townsend community Gospel sing. It was at the methodist Church and was great. Ya. Fantastic. BOOYAh.
I dont know why Im writing in backwards order but, even before we went out to Townsend I was with Elder Moore and Robison on Sunday after Elder Jurney left and we went and visited some people. Before I left Polson, the Burninghams gave me their Brothers address in Helena.(bro Burninghams Bro. He is less active.) time is running out but we went and visited him and he invited us in. He was about 55 years old or so and is single. He is a business man and drives a UPS truck. His house consists of a Bar, beer pictures everywhere, Beer signs, empty kegs, nice leather sofas, etc. I know Im not painting the best picture but He basically likes beer and considers himself the beer ambassador of Helena. He was actually really nice, even though im not sure he was completly sober. Overall, I was just so suprised to see such a weird guy stem off of the very sweet and very innocent Burnigham family. It was crazy.
I dont know if I ever told you but ELder Goff and Child are living with a staunch catholic couple next to their bishops house and have the most awesome relationship with them. (thats the house that I played the guitar at. I was thinking of doing it with some deer or horses in the backdrop but my choices were limited.)(anyway, nice tangent) The lady they live with is really sick and they've had the opportunity to administer to her a couple of times and what not. so its pretty cool.
I dont know if there is too much more to say. Thank you.
BYE. I will write a full letter of our investigators progress and everything else involved next week. Its hard to write about people when you hardly see anyone. this week should be good.
LOVE me do.
PS. I dont know why im craving this but send me some riddles (ask jared and luke mainly. kids like riddles) and also some magic card tricks. GREAT, im turning into Elder Weirdo.
BYE
PS. I was informed that POLSON has had 3 baptisms and that INez Brown will be baptized in December.
We spent Halloween at the Binghams. We weren't allowed to be out past dark so we had dinner there and then went home. The Binghams are from Phoenix and said that they remember a STake President with the last name Heywood. I then explained. Sister Bingham went to..I forget and Bro Bingham went to Carl Hayden and Alhambra for school. They're about your ages. Donna Anderson-Bingham and Dan Bingham.
I was thinking that you should just send me some of the pictures back on a USB drive including the pics Ive already taken. That would be easiest. Im glad you liked all the pics. Whoo WHooo.
So this last week was pretty slow. I had two wait until Wed night to get Elder Greenie. Before that I spent the week with Elder Child and Elder Goff are one of my favorite companionships in history. Anyway, We went to Townsend with the new missionaries and hauled over 10 tons of logs to some community wood pile and the previous evening got to sing at the Townsend community Gospel sing. It was at the methodist Church and was great. Ya. Fantastic. BOOYAh.
I dont know why Im writing in backwards order but, even before we went out to Townsend I was with Elder Moore and Robison on Sunday after Elder Jurney left and we went and visited some people. Before I left Polson, the Burninghams gave me their Brothers address in Helena.(bro Burninghams Bro. He is less active.) time is running out but we went and visited him and he invited us in. He was about 55 years old or so and is single. He is a business man and drives a UPS truck. His house consists of a Bar, beer pictures everywhere, Beer signs, empty kegs, nice leather sofas, etc. I know Im not painting the best picture but He basically likes beer and considers himself the beer ambassador of Helena. He was actually really nice, even though im not sure he was completly sober. Overall, I was just so suprised to see such a weird guy stem off of the very sweet and very innocent Burnigham family. It was crazy.
I dont know if I ever told you but ELder Goff and Child are living with a staunch catholic couple next to their bishops house and have the most awesome relationship with them. (thats the house that I played the guitar at. I was thinking of doing it with some deer or horses in the backdrop but my choices were limited.)(anyway, nice tangent) The lady they live with is really sick and they've had the opportunity to administer to her a couple of times and what not. so its pretty cool.
I dont know if there is too much more to say. Thank you.
BYE. I will write a full letter of our investigators progress and everything else involved next week. Its hard to write about people when you hardly see anyone. this week should be good.
LOVE me do.
PS. I dont know why im craving this but send me some riddles (ask jared and luke mainly. kids like riddles) and also some magic card tricks. GREAT, im turning into Elder Weirdo.
BYE
PS. I was informed that POLSON has had 3 baptisms and that INez Brown will be baptized in December.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Have a happy Helena Halloween!
Hey Fam. Lots has happened. We had 5 baptisms this past week which was awesome. I've never had to do a confirmation so that was pretty nerve racking especially in front of the whole ward. And I had to do 2 of them. I got to baptize rich and Tom, and do their confirmations. Holli is awesome and is sharing the Gospel left and right. Her parents came to the baptism and started hooping and hollering when they all got baptized. It was pretty funny. They have a Book of Mormon as of a couple days ago so hopefully we get to start teaching them. Whoooo. Marie is also doing awesome. I hope you guys get to meet these people later in life.
Like I said, Elder Journey is gone which was a sad day for all of us. I hope you guys get to meet him someday. I told him we would hire him to come do our wedding photography. So the big news is this....... Im staying in Helena and training a "Brand New Baby Boy" straight from the MTC.
So....Like I was saying. Things are good. I cant remember much else of what I wanted to say. O yes. Elder Heinecke also got transferred and our new District leader came in, Elder Robison. We are also getting two new Elders into our district who will be splitting the area with other missionaries. They will be covering the Townsend ward. Elder Lanham is one of them who was in the MTC with me. Remember? So, that will be exciting. Oh, that just reminded me, If you ever see the Hintons you can tell them that they have a funny cousin. I hope that I get to serve with Elder Hinton.
Last night we I got to go out to Townsend and Do a GOSPEL SING. its where the community gets together at a different church every month and sing hymns and different solo peices that everyone prepares. Last night we got to sing at the Lutheran Church. It was pretty funny. I wish I could have recorded some of the songs.
Oh, The conference we had with Elder Condie of the Seventy was absolutely awesome. He is now my favorite GA. Probably the funniest general authority I've met. I will tell you stories about it later. He is hilarious.
Other than that, all is well ye saints of God.
Just letting ya know. You asked what I wanted for Christmas. Well... I would like some more ties. I like ties. A watch. Perfect push-ups, I dont know what else. I will let you know If I come up with anymore ideas.
Adios con vigos. Leche nosotros sontors y wilco las tigres giraffe para uno dos tres con allegre y ligros. Adios!
Like I said, Elder Journey is gone which was a sad day for all of us. I hope you guys get to meet him someday. I told him we would hire him to come do our wedding photography. So the big news is this....... Im staying in Helena and training a "Brand New Baby Boy" straight from the MTC.
So....Like I was saying. Things are good. I cant remember much else of what I wanted to say. O yes. Elder Heinecke also got transferred and our new District leader came in, Elder Robison. We are also getting two new Elders into our district who will be splitting the area with other missionaries. They will be covering the Townsend ward. Elder Lanham is one of them who was in the MTC with me. Remember? So, that will be exciting. Oh, that just reminded me, If you ever see the Hintons you can tell them that they have a funny cousin. I hope that I get to serve with Elder Hinton.
Last night we I got to go out to Townsend and Do a GOSPEL SING. its where the community gets together at a different church every month and sing hymns and different solo peices that everyone prepares. Last night we got to sing at the Lutheran Church. It was pretty funny. I wish I could have recorded some of the songs.
Oh, The conference we had with Elder Condie of the Seventy was absolutely awesome. He is now my favorite GA. Probably the funniest general authority I've met. I will tell you stories about it later. He is hilarious.
Other than that, all is well ye saints of God.
Just letting ya know. You asked what I wanted for Christmas. Well... I would like some more ties. I like ties. A watch. Perfect push-ups, I dont know what else. I will let you know If I come up with anymore ideas.
Adios con vigos. Leche nosotros sontors y wilco las tigres giraffe para uno dos tres con allegre y ligros. Adios!
Monday, October 19, 2009
And now for this week...Parker Heywood Humbled!!
o.....You didnt get my letter from last week? Whats up with that? Great. I will try to send it again.
I hope I dont date weird girls when I come home, or even worse, boys. Some elders do that.
Tell Grandpa that we have gone by Dave Stahly's home (the guy he sold the engineering branch to in Helena) and his wife came to the door looked out the window, and left. We knocked again and she came to the window and yelled, "were not interested" then I asked if Dave lived there and she nodded and I tried to commence telling her that We werent trying to proselyte but just talk to dave. No luck. We will have to try again.
I have the ultimate story for you guys. It involves Elder Dennis C. Brimhall of the seventy. Once upon a time Elder Brimhall of the seventy visited Helena for stake conference. At the Saturday session Elder JOurney and I got there pretty early to get good seats. I was talking to some people outside while Elder Journey was sitting in our saved spot. I then came in and he told me to save it so that he could go get a drink. He then comes back in a couple of minutes later and says, "Great! I didnt even get a drink." I then asked him why he hadn't and he told me that as he was walking around the corner this gigantic man walks around the corner and shakes his hand striking up a little conversation with him. Our stake president, President Allred, (his wife is the one that served with dad 40 years ago) and introduces Elder Journey to Elder Brimhall. Elder Brimhall then asks Elder Journey where I am, his companion, and he tells Elder Brimhall that I was saving him a seat. Elder Brimhall then says, "What does it say in the white handbook Elder?" Elder Journey replied "Always stay within sight and sound of your companion." Elder Brimhall then suggested, jokingly with soberness and love, that Elder Journey go back and sit down with his companion, me. Oops, strike one. No biggie. Just a friendly reminder right? Ya. It was. Kind of Embarrassing but no big deal. Thats what we thought too. So. The Saturday night session commences and it is absolutely superb. Just great and dandy. Afterwards, we get caught in the crowd and start talking with everyone. Sister Allred talks my head off about England and what not, etc etc. It starts getting pretty late, just about 9:30 (curfew), and we still have to ride our bikes home. (the other Elders took off in THE CARS so we didn't have a ride, big mistake) Plus, Elder Brimhall had already gotten on Elder Journey for not being with me. Elder Journey starts out the door and just as he does Elder Brimhall walks out into the foyer and starts talking with us. Its all good and what not and then Elder Journey says, (knowing that we dont have lights on our bikes and riding IN THE DARK with no Helmets, because we hadnt gotten any yet and it was so cold that we were just riding with Beanies..) "Well Elder Brimhall, we got to be going, its almost that time." Elder Brimhall then says, "good call Elders, we will be seein ya tomorrow." We both bolt out the door and begin to collect our bikes which were hiding behind the bushes when the other Elders call us. I answer the phone and start talking to them then Elder JOurney grabs the phone from me and starts talking to them so that I would be able to get my bike so then we would be able to get the heck out of there. Elder Journey is already on his bike and a good 40 yards away talking on the phone riding into the mist of darkness when I hop on my bike and start pedaling away. So I thought. I then hear this one girl (who we call "Twitch" because her last name is twitchel and she always seems like she is out to get the missionaries) yell out, "ELDERS, WHERES YOUR LIGHTS?" I then stop and look over to see this large siloutte of a crowd walking out the door, in the opposite direction might I mention, to see all 25 people turn around to see whats going on, looking at me, without a helmet, lights, and my companion, trying to escape. I then see this large figure of a man walk into the light of the street lamp and of course, to my astonishment, Elder Brimhall and President Allred with all the other stake authorities. Just Great! As I ride off, he says, "Elders! Wheres your helmets?!" (in again, not a mad, but just a TRYIN TO DO MY JOB type of tone) I then reply, "We dont have any." He replies back, "what does the white handbook say?" I say, (as I am riding away into the bleak and fearsome darkness) "A L W a y s......" As what I imagined my fading voice sounded like as I rode away. I get up to Elder Journey and He says,"GREAT, was that Elder Brimhall?" Then we both rode away in complete humiliation. I cant believe it. I got reamed by a general authority in front of our whole stake. And Elder Journey was nowhere to be seen. It was a good thing President Gardner, President Allred, and Bishop Mckean have good sense of humor. Bishop Mckean found out the next morning and took a little bit of the sting off by telling us about the time he was on his mission and got caught at an outdoor concert by a general authority. I felt better. Then, after the Sunday session President Gardner came up to us and says with a smile, "make sure you stay together, and..... wear your helmets." It was a good experience.
I was also going to let you know. Marie Moore is getting baptized tomorrow and Holli on the 24th. Shes been sober for 18 days! Coffee and cigarettes. whoo. Lets go wheat heat.
I hope I dont date weird girls when I come home, or even worse, boys. Some elders do that.
Tell Grandpa that we have gone by Dave Stahly's home (the guy he sold the engineering branch to in Helena) and his wife came to the door looked out the window, and left. We knocked again and she came to the window and yelled, "were not interested" then I asked if Dave lived there and she nodded and I tried to commence telling her that We werent trying to proselyte but just talk to dave. No luck. We will have to try again.
I have the ultimate story for you guys. It involves Elder Dennis C. Brimhall of the seventy. Once upon a time Elder Brimhall of the seventy visited Helena for stake conference. At the Saturday session Elder JOurney and I got there pretty early to get good seats. I was talking to some people outside while Elder Journey was sitting in our saved spot. I then came in and he told me to save it so that he could go get a drink. He then comes back in a couple of minutes later and says, "Great! I didnt even get a drink." I then asked him why he hadn't and he told me that as he was walking around the corner this gigantic man walks around the corner and shakes his hand striking up a little conversation with him. Our stake president, President Allred, (his wife is the one that served with dad 40 years ago) and introduces Elder Journey to Elder Brimhall. Elder Brimhall then asks Elder Journey where I am, his companion, and he tells Elder Brimhall that I was saving him a seat. Elder Brimhall then says, "What does it say in the white handbook Elder?" Elder Journey replied "Always stay within sight and sound of your companion." Elder Brimhall then suggested, jokingly with soberness and love, that Elder Journey go back and sit down with his companion, me. Oops, strike one. No biggie. Just a friendly reminder right? Ya. It was. Kind of Embarrassing but no big deal. Thats what we thought too. So. The Saturday night session commences and it is absolutely superb. Just great and dandy. Afterwards, we get caught in the crowd and start talking with everyone. Sister Allred talks my head off about England and what not, etc etc. It starts getting pretty late, just about 9:30 (curfew), and we still have to ride our bikes home. (the other Elders took off in THE CARS so we didn't have a ride, big mistake) Plus, Elder Brimhall had already gotten on Elder Journey for not being with me. Elder Journey starts out the door and just as he does Elder Brimhall walks out into the foyer and starts talking with us. Its all good and what not and then Elder Journey says, (knowing that we dont have lights on our bikes and riding IN THE DARK with no Helmets, because we hadnt gotten any yet and it was so cold that we were just riding with Beanies..) "Well Elder Brimhall, we got to be going, its almost that time." Elder Brimhall then says, "good call Elders, we will be seein ya tomorrow." We both bolt out the door and begin to collect our bikes which were hiding behind the bushes when the other Elders call us. I answer the phone and start talking to them then Elder JOurney grabs the phone from me and starts talking to them so that I would be able to get my bike so then we would be able to get the heck out of there. Elder Journey is already on his bike and a good 40 yards away talking on the phone riding into the mist of darkness when I hop on my bike and start pedaling away. So I thought. I then hear this one girl (who we call "Twitch" because her last name is twitchel and she always seems like she is out to get the missionaries) yell out, "ELDERS, WHERES YOUR LIGHTS?" I then stop and look over to see this large siloutte of a crowd walking out the door, in the opposite direction might I mention, to see all 25 people turn around to see whats going on, looking at me, without a helmet, lights, and my companion, trying to escape. I then see this large figure of a man walk into the light of the street lamp and of course, to my astonishment, Elder Brimhall and President Allred with all the other stake authorities. Just Great! As I ride off, he says, "Elders! Wheres your helmets?!" (in again, not a mad, but just a TRYIN TO DO MY JOB type of tone) I then reply, "We dont have any." He replies back, "what does the white handbook say?" I say, (as I am riding away into the bleak and fearsome darkness) "A L W a y s......" As what I imagined my fading voice sounded like as I rode away. I get up to Elder Journey and He says,"GREAT, was that Elder Brimhall?" Then we both rode away in complete humiliation. I cant believe it. I got reamed by a general authority in front of our whole stake. And Elder Journey was nowhere to be seen. It was a good thing President Gardner, President Allred, and Bishop Mckean have good sense of humor. Bishop Mckean found out the next morning and took a little bit of the sting off by telling us about the time he was on his mission and got caught at an outdoor concert by a general authority. I felt better. Then, after the Sunday session President Gardner came up to us and says with a smile, "make sure you stay together, and..... wear your helmets." It was a good experience.
I was also going to let you know. Marie Moore is getting baptized tomorrow and Holli on the 24th. Shes been sober for 18 days! Coffee and cigarettes. whoo. Lets go wheat heat.
From last week...
Hey there you Heywoods.
So, one last comment on the Wootens. They were in Elder Journey's ward. So I think I told you that I found Grandpa's engineering guy here, tell him that I will talk to him this week. Some other information: This Sunday we have stake conf and Elder Brimhall of the Seventy will have a meeting with the missionaries, Recent converts, investigators, less-actives and so on. It should be pretty good. Then, next week we have Elder Condie from the Seventy touring the mission with President Gardner. That should also be pretty sweet.
Sorry I didnt write yesterday, none of the libraries were opened. I am pretty scatter brained right now. You should look at this website called missionsite.net I guess its kind of like the newest missionary site thing to do. You can see some of the missionaries from my mission. I got hold of Stephen Andersen and he sent me back an awesome letter. Its a funny conversion story. I was going to tell you thanks for the Movie/DVD. It was pretty good even though Elder Journey criticized all the photography. Youll have to ask youre Skousen tennis friend for me what Robert Skousens Albanian address is so I can write him. I think he was one of the Angels in the New Testaments.
So whats up with Jareds movie? I know Gabes brother is big into doing movies. Who is doing all the filming? I dont know why I am having all these random thoughts but can you tell me when Cameron Cox leaves? Can you also ask someone in choir or Stephanie Hatfield or Alexa if they have any recordings of our concerts? I know Dr. Spencer was going to put out a CD but never did. I would like to listen to that. Once again dont make my wants a priority. Just whenever is convenient.
So, one last comment on the Wootens. They were in Elder Journey's ward. So I think I told you that I found Grandpa's engineering guy here, tell him that I will talk to him this week. Some other information: This Sunday we have stake conf and Elder Brimhall of the Seventy will have a meeting with the missionaries, Recent converts, investigators, less-actives and so on. It should be pretty good. Then, next week we have Elder Condie from the Seventy touring the mission with President Gardner. That should also be pretty sweet.
Sorry I didnt write yesterday, none of the libraries were opened. I am pretty scatter brained right now. You should look at this website called missionsite.net I guess its kind of like the newest missionary site thing to do. You can see some of the missionaries from my mission. I got hold of Stephen Andersen and he sent me back an awesome letter. Its a funny conversion story. I was going to tell you thanks for the Movie/DVD. It was pretty good even though Elder Journey criticized all the photography. Youll have to ask youre Skousen tennis friend for me what Robert Skousens Albanian address is so I can write him. I think he was one of the Angels in the New Testaments.
So whats up with Jareds movie? I know Gabes brother is big into doing movies. Who is doing all the filming? I dont know why I am having all these random thoughts but can you tell me when Cameron Cox leaves? Can you also ask someone in choir or Stephanie Hatfield or Alexa if they have any recordings of our concerts? I know Dr. Spencer was going to put out a CD but never did. I would like to listen to that. Once again dont make my wants a priority. Just whenever is convenient.
Our Questions: His Answers
Where do you live? Apartment or house? Just you two or others?
We use to live in a guest house with 2 other missionaries. But, our misison doesnt like two sets of elders living together and it wasnt working anyway. We now live with a widower, in his basement, on montana ave. right in the middle of things. Add: 330 S. Montana Ave. He is a cool guy and a millionaire. Tell grandpa BW that I found Dave Stahly but havent talked to him yet. He still owns an engineering firm in town.
Do you ride your bike everywhere or do you have a car too?
Yes
What do you fix for meals when you are not eating with members?
Mainly every dinner is with members so.... Breakfast: cereal (there is a costco here) in that case, lots of cereal, eggs, bananas, nothing irregular. Lunch: frozen foods. quesadillas, etc. Everything I use to eat at home.
Are you taking advil for your shoulder?
no, I dont need advil
How do you like Helena?
Like it a lot. More normal than Polson. But, nevertheless, is still Montana and still has a weirdness to it.
Did you get a hat for the cold weather?
yes. You will probably see some of my purchases on my card from this past week.
We use to live in a guest house with 2 other missionaries. But, our misison doesnt like two sets of elders living together and it wasnt working anyway. We now live with a widower, in his basement, on montana ave. right in the middle of things. Add: 330 S. Montana Ave. He is a cool guy and a millionaire. Tell grandpa BW that I found Dave Stahly but havent talked to him yet. He still owns an engineering firm in town.
Do you ride your bike everywhere or do you have a car too?
Yes
What do you fix for meals when you are not eating with members?
Mainly every dinner is with members so.... Breakfast: cereal (there is a costco here) in that case, lots of cereal, eggs, bananas, nothing irregular. Lunch: frozen foods. quesadillas, etc. Everything I use to eat at home.
Are you taking advil for your shoulder?
no, I dont need advil
How do you like Helena?
Like it a lot. More normal than Polson. But, nevertheless, is still Montana and still has a weirdness to it.
Did you get a hat for the cold weather?
yes. You will probably see some of my purchases on my card from this past week.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Let me tell you...
Confession: I have to confess that my shoulder isnt what it should be and was told that I should tell you what is wrong so that you might get some counsel from the doctors considering what procedures should take place. The story goes: about 2 months after surgery when I had just started PT, I was skateboarding and fell. I hurt it. I didnt tell anyone. Next, I hurt it playing flag football. After that, volleyball in the MTC. After that, capture the flag in Big Fork. Bro Fife, the chiropractor here, told me that I should tell you just in case I ever wanted to have a part in any physical activity again. He said you should consult the physician and surgeon. I am fine right now, just like I was fine during the last 4 years of my life with a jacked up shoulder, but I thought I might want to let you know.
On a happy note, Holli, not Holly, has been sober for 5 days now and very grouchy. Holli has been smoking since she was 12 and has never gone longer than 2 days without a cigarette. Aside from the point, Holli came to all 4 sessions of GC with the boys. Thats sayin something. She is doing awesome. She just needs a couple more days (according to the stop smoking plan we have) and she should be able to resist smoking at a pretty tolerable level. We have been teaching her and the boys pretty consistently. They should all be ready to be baptized on the 24th.
I dont think I ever told you about our Bishop in 3rd ward who works for the FBI but he and his family are awesome. The Mckeans. They have 5 kids and 3 of the boys are ages: 10, 15 and 17. Chris Luke and Jared. You should see some of the houses out here, including the Mckeans, they are pretty sweet.
Apart from all that garbage of goodness, things are going well with Rod and Lisa, Marie, Anna, Shelly, and Jessica who all got to see at least one session of conference. Actually, things are almost "all well." Elder Journey went to go see Jessica last wednesday night with Bro Bangerter and said it went horrible. We later found out from Bro Bangerters wife, who had tutored the 50 yr old Jessica a year ago, that Jessica was Schizophrenic and Bi-polar. It Finally All Made Sense and fit the skepitcal occulations that we had incured of her. We knew that something was wrong with this lady because she was too weird, talkative, protective AND out-going to not have a normal personality. All her traits contradicted themselves. Anyway, Journey and Bangerter had a lesson with her and it went bad. We assumed that she did not take her meds that night due to her weird stories like giving herself communion with grapenuts and OJ that morning, all the way to her tangent filled explanations and scatter-brained points that she always brings up. Dont get me wrong, this lady is nice, and surprisingly normal looking, just very hard to get involved with. Every single visit/phone call lasts at least 3 hours. She has been seeing misisonaries for the past 3 months and lets us come in her house, mow her lawn, etc,etc. but wont let us have her phone #. She calls us from a restricted line. Its just too funny. I could write a whole biography on her and Ive only known her for 2 weeks.
I dont think I told you but we have stake conference in a couple weeks and get to have a private meeting with our investigators and Elder Brimhall from the seventy. Hopefully that will go well.
I think thats about it for my week. Keep living the Gospel you hypocrits. I think the main message for Conference was LOVE and SERVICE which is really coincidental. Coincidental because the Mission Assistants went around to every single district meeting last week, followed by President Gardner for this week, and talked about LOVE and SERVICE. Coincidence? nope.
LOVE!
On a happy note, Holli, not Holly, has been sober for 5 days now and very grouchy. Holli has been smoking since she was 12 and has never gone longer than 2 days without a cigarette. Aside from the point, Holli came to all 4 sessions of GC with the boys. Thats sayin something. She is doing awesome. She just needs a couple more days (according to the stop smoking plan we have) and she should be able to resist smoking at a pretty tolerable level. We have been teaching her and the boys pretty consistently. They should all be ready to be baptized on the 24th.
I dont think I ever told you about our Bishop in 3rd ward who works for the FBI but he and his family are awesome. The Mckeans. They have 5 kids and 3 of the boys are ages: 10, 15 and 17. Chris Luke and Jared. You should see some of the houses out here, including the Mckeans, they are pretty sweet.
Apart from all that garbage of goodness, things are going well with Rod and Lisa, Marie, Anna, Shelly, and Jessica who all got to see at least one session of conference. Actually, things are almost "all well." Elder Journey went to go see Jessica last wednesday night with Bro Bangerter and said it went horrible. We later found out from Bro Bangerters wife, who had tutored the 50 yr old Jessica a year ago, that Jessica was Schizophrenic and Bi-polar. It Finally All Made Sense and fit the skepitcal occulations that we had incured of her. We knew that something was wrong with this lady because she was too weird, talkative, protective AND out-going to not have a normal personality. All her traits contradicted themselves. Anyway, Journey and Bangerter had a lesson with her and it went bad. We assumed that she did not take her meds that night due to her weird stories like giving herself communion with grapenuts and OJ that morning, all the way to her tangent filled explanations and scatter-brained points that she always brings up. Dont get me wrong, this lady is nice, and surprisingly normal looking, just very hard to get involved with. Every single visit/phone call lasts at least 3 hours. She has been seeing misisonaries for the past 3 months and lets us come in her house, mow her lawn, etc,etc. but wont let us have her phone #. She calls us from a restricted line. Its just too funny. I could write a whole biography on her and Ive only known her for 2 weeks.
I dont think I told you but we have stake conference in a couple weeks and get to have a private meeting with our investigators and Elder Brimhall from the seventy. Hopefully that will go well.
I think thats about it for my week. Keep living the Gospel you hypocrits. I think the main message for Conference was LOVE and SERVICE which is really coincidental. Coincidental because the Mission Assistants went around to every single district meeting last week, followed by President Gardner for this week, and talked about LOVE and SERVICE. Coincidence? nope.
LOVE!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Going strong in Helena...
Whoo! today, it is officially 40 degrees outside with snow on the mountains. I am not excited. I wish I could tell you about my experiences for the whole last week but I cant. Lots of funny ones too. We are also officially eating lots of Elk.
I think youre prayers are working. Since Ive been in Helena, about 1 week, 6 days and 23 hours, We have found over 7 new investigators and 5 of them have baptismal dates. That is unheard of in a state side mission. Well, unless youre in Provo. The members here are awesome. Actually, let me re-phrase that, the members in the 3rd ward here are awesome. They have given us referral after referral and half of those are taking the lessons. The people in this ward are simply just not afraid to ask people and to fellowship people. All of our ward mission leaders are awesome by the way, especially brother Alsbury. Who i hope you guys get to meet at sometime in the future. So... we have set up a lot of dinner appts with the people in 1st ward hoping that it will give them a boost. Other than that, Elder Journey and I are killin it, even though he likes to listen to Sara Bareilles while in the shower.
Did you hear Stephen Andersen was in the MTC? That jsut makes me want to eat some pineapple.
If you read in the October Ensign about the family in three forks, MT; Elder Journey was able to teach them.
investiGATORS: Holli and her 3 kids: They are so awesome. All are shooting for the 24th of October. I feel pretty bad for Holli though. The rule is if you have any word of wisdom problems you have to be sober for 3 weeks before you can get baptized. Unfortunately Holli smokes and is trying to quit. The last lesson we had with her she was just crying her eyes out because she wants to be baptized so bad but knows that quitting smoking is going to be so hard. She officially goes cold turkey tomorrow morning. Marie: She is frum Arkansas and was raised Catholic then swithched to being baptist. Coincidentally, she was working in some group home with one of our members and they started talking about the church. And as easy as ABC 123 the (17 yr old) girl invited her to hear the misisonary lessons, took her to church, and invited her over to dinner so that we could talk to her. BAM! Baptism. Easy as that everyone. Marie officially cooked us a nice big southern style dinner last night which was dang good. She is on lesson 3 and is looking forward to watching general conference this weekend. Shelly: another nice lady, very granola, but another daughter of God that has found the truth. She is getting baptized on November 7. Anna : A headquarter referral that we got a while ago but havent contacted until just yesterday. All I can say is WOW. She had an awesome conversation with a man on a plane from Salt Lake to Montana and called to have us come over. She has stage 4 breast cancer or something like that, is going through Chemo, has no hair and told us that the testimony the man on the Plane shared with her gave her some kind of hope for her life and family. The man she talked to has a son that has cancer and completely was able to relate to her situation. When Anna got home from her trip she said there was an email waiting for her on the commputer from the man's wife. She began to tell us of the lady's testimony and how it brought her to tears and that she needed something more in her life. She is our newest investigator and says she cant wait for general conference. Anna also loves Glenn Beck.
Man, Its so awesome to be here on a mission. Our Stake conference is in 3 weeks. Will be vistited by Elder Brimhall of the seventy. We were told that we might get to go on splits with him. We were also told that He wanted to have a meeting with the missionaries and their investigators prior to the conference. mmmmyah.
Also, Sister H who does our dinner Calendar,(which is ridiculous by the way. she made us stand in front of safeway holding pumpkins and flowers for our "october" calendar. You should see some of the previous Calendars that some of the other Elders have done, said she knows the Biggs family in Gilbert. Katie would know them. they have the special needs daughter.
LOVE. YOURE FAVORITE BOY. I MEAN, MAN.
I think youre prayers are working. Since Ive been in Helena, about 1 week, 6 days and 23 hours, We have found over 7 new investigators and 5 of them have baptismal dates. That is unheard of in a state side mission. Well, unless youre in Provo. The members here are awesome. Actually, let me re-phrase that, the members in the 3rd ward here are awesome. They have given us referral after referral and half of those are taking the lessons. The people in this ward are simply just not afraid to ask people and to fellowship people. All of our ward mission leaders are awesome by the way, especially brother Alsbury. Who i hope you guys get to meet at sometime in the future. So... we have set up a lot of dinner appts with the people in 1st ward hoping that it will give them a boost. Other than that, Elder Journey and I are killin it, even though he likes to listen to Sara Bareilles while in the shower.
Did you hear Stephen Andersen was in the MTC? That jsut makes me want to eat some pineapple.
If you read in the October Ensign about the family in three forks, MT; Elder Journey was able to teach them.
investiGATORS: Holli and her 3 kids: They are so awesome. All are shooting for the 24th of October. I feel pretty bad for Holli though. The rule is if you have any word of wisdom problems you have to be sober for 3 weeks before you can get baptized. Unfortunately Holli smokes and is trying to quit. The last lesson we had with her she was just crying her eyes out because she wants to be baptized so bad but knows that quitting smoking is going to be so hard. She officially goes cold turkey tomorrow morning. Marie: She is frum Arkansas and was raised Catholic then swithched to being baptist. Coincidentally, she was working in some group home with one of our members and they started talking about the church. And as easy as ABC 123 the (17 yr old) girl invited her to hear the misisonary lessons, took her to church, and invited her over to dinner so that we could talk to her. BAM! Baptism. Easy as that everyone. Marie officially cooked us a nice big southern style dinner last night which was dang good. She is on lesson 3 and is looking forward to watching general conference this weekend. Shelly: another nice lady, very granola, but another daughter of God that has found the truth. She is getting baptized on November 7. Anna : A headquarter referral that we got a while ago but havent contacted until just yesterday. All I can say is WOW. She had an awesome conversation with a man on a plane from Salt Lake to Montana and called to have us come over. She has stage 4 breast cancer or something like that, is going through Chemo, has no hair and told us that the testimony the man on the Plane shared with her gave her some kind of hope for her life and family. The man she talked to has a son that has cancer and completely was able to relate to her situation. When Anna got home from her trip she said there was an email waiting for her on the commputer from the man's wife. She began to tell us of the lady's testimony and how it brought her to tears and that she needed something more in her life. She is our newest investigator and says she cant wait for general conference. Anna also loves Glenn Beck.
Man, Its so awesome to be here on a mission. Our Stake conference is in 3 weeks. Will be vistited by Elder Brimhall of the seventy. We were told that we might get to go on splits with him. We were also told that He wanted to have a meeting with the missionaries and their investigators prior to the conference. mmmmyah.
Also, Sister H who does our dinner Calendar,(which is ridiculous by the way. she made us stand in front of safeway holding pumpkins and flowers for our "october" calendar. You should see some of the previous Calendars that some of the other Elders have done, said she knows the Biggs family in Gilbert. Katie would know them. they have the special needs daughter.
LOVE. YOURE FAVORITE BOY. I MEAN, MAN.
Friday, September 25, 2009
It's Thursday afternoon and we are suprised with this little tidbit...
I hope you send me the Reflections of Christ DVD and stuff. All of us Montana missionaries would really like to see that. hint.
The other day we got to set a baptismal date with a lady named Holli and her 3 kids!! which is awesome. They will baptized on the 24 of the big OCT. Holli just has to quit smoking. She was introduced to the church a while back by a guy she met online from Deerlodge, MT. We have taught her ever since and she is doing awesome. She participates in the Gospel Essentials class and teaches her kids some of the lessons. We told her we were going to go over the Plan of Salvation for our next visit and ended up teaching her kids about the war in heaven and all the other points of doctrine not covered in the missionary lessons, all out of her little gospel principles book. She is awesome!! Always shows up to church 15 minutes early and is the most sweet lady. She just has to quit that dang smoking. There is a guy who was excommunicated about a year ago and has this new wife (who is Catholic). They are the most awesome people and are trying to get back on track. They are hitting rock bottom right now and are in desperate need of money and the gospel. They have started coming back to church recently. The other day he fasted for about 24 hrs which was pretty cool. They are another couple that will most likely be baptized within my stay here. (hopefully)
There is a lot of cool stuff that you guys will hopefully help me to remember to write to you about. But remember these key words: Cutting off puppy tails, Diet, Elder Heinecke and Elder Moore, Kevin from the office, Boulder Branch, President Allred, Sister Allred formerly Teichert(who served in England), Elder Journey's dad owning a Porsche dealership.
I wish i could finish telling all of our stories and what not but cant. p.s. stopped in Great Falls on the way to Helena and heard all about the Ladukes and "Sister" Florence.
PS! I need my bike asap. We are in a car share and walking everywhere sucks. Later.
Elder Journey says he knows Julia, Chelsea and Noel Wooten. Also, richard and Melanie. Who in the heck are the Wootens? Chelsea was Elder Journey's Girlfriend's best friend. (Jill asked Parker to ask Elder Journey if he knew the Wootens who are her cousins from Kanss City and small world...of course he knows them). Sorry for the inconvenience of yesterday. I got kicked off and we had to get going anyway. We got a late start on our pday.
Love!
The other day we got to set a baptismal date with a lady named Holli and her 3 kids!! which is awesome. They will baptized on the 24 of the big OCT. Holli just has to quit smoking. She was introduced to the church a while back by a guy she met online from Deerlodge, MT. We have taught her ever since and she is doing awesome. She participates in the Gospel Essentials class and teaches her kids some of the lessons. We told her we were going to go over the Plan of Salvation for our next visit and ended up teaching her kids about the war in heaven and all the other points of doctrine not covered in the missionary lessons, all out of her little gospel principles book. She is awesome!! Always shows up to church 15 minutes early and is the most sweet lady. She just has to quit that dang smoking. There is a guy who was excommunicated about a year ago and has this new wife (who is Catholic). They are the most awesome people and are trying to get back on track. They are hitting rock bottom right now and are in desperate need of money and the gospel. They have started coming back to church recently. The other day he fasted for about 24 hrs which was pretty cool. They are another couple that will most likely be baptized within my stay here. (hopefully)
There is a lot of cool stuff that you guys will hopefully help me to remember to write to you about. But remember these key words: Cutting off puppy tails, Diet, Elder Heinecke and Elder Moore, Kevin from the office, Boulder Branch, President Allred, Sister Allred formerly Teichert(who served in England), Elder Journey's dad owning a Porsche dealership.
I wish i could finish telling all of our stories and what not but cant. p.s. stopped in Great Falls on the way to Helena and heard all about the Ladukes and "Sister" Florence.
PS! I need my bike asap. We are in a car share and walking everywhere sucks. Later.
Elder Journey says he knows Julia, Chelsea and Noel Wooten. Also, richard and Melanie. Who in the heck are the Wootens? Chelsea was Elder Journey's Girlfriend's best friend. (Jill asked Parker to ask Elder Journey if he knew the Wootens who are her cousins from Kanss City and small world...of course he knows them). Sorry for the inconvenience of yesterday. I got kicked off and we had to get going anyway. We got a late start on our pday.
Love!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wow, not much for this week and again he stops in mid-sentence:
Hey guys. Helena is pretty much the coolest place that anyone could ever be. I think its about 50 -60 thousand people or so. There are 3 sets of Elders that cover all of it. Its different than Polson. Big dead rolling hills with and surrounding mountain/hills. Kind of like Round Valley AZ. It is covered with deer and antelope. When I say covered I mean covered. There are deer right in the middle of town. I guess some of the best elk hunting is supposed to take place here.
Elder Journey is pretty awesome as well. He's way big into photography and clothes. Maybe I will send you some of his pictures. Elder Journey is from Kansas City Kansas. He said he was on the tonight show a couple years back for doing some weird talent with a wheel burrow. You should look it up. it sounded pretty funny. He
Elder Journey is pretty awesome as well. He's way big into photography and clothes. Maybe I will send you some of his pictures. Elder Journey is from Kansas City Kansas. He said he was on the tonight show a couple years back for doing some weird talent with a wheel burrow. You should look it up. it sounded pretty funny. He
FYI: President's Weekly Email
September 22, 2009
Dear Elders and Sisters,
When all the dust settled and all of the reports were in, we ended up with 41 baptisms for August instead of the 36 that we reported. That was fantastic. Keep up the good work.
We had a wonderful 4 days with Elder Perry, Elder Rasband, Elder Hallstrom, and Elder Snow as well as many others in our training in Nauvoo. I will be reporting on that information as the weeks go by.
We had a very good Zone Leaders Council Meeting in Helena yesterday. Thank you to all who traveled so far and shared so much. We hope it will help us move the work along.
You probably have heard by now from your Zone Leaders that Preparation Day is being shifted to Monday starting the first Monday in October. (Please alert your family so they will change the date of their e-mails.) Some of the reasons are, #1. The missionary department has strongly recommended that we do so, #2. Some of the Brethren have also recommended that we do what they do. (Monday is the day they use to recover from their weekend duties of being out changing Stake Presidencies at Stake Conferences.) #3. Saturday and Sunday should be the longest, hardest, and most effective days for missionary work. Everything during the week should crescendo to getting your investigators to Church and catching people home to teach. The Sabbath is prime time and should be the busiest day of the week, therefore, since Monday is a natural let down anyway, why not use it as a preparation day?, #4. Wednesday breaks up the work week too much and creates too many inefficiencies in the work., #5. Monday matches up better with your planning and your goal setting for the week.
If you still have questions, talk further with your Zone Leaders or give me a call.
We are anxious to do all we can to accelerate the work and trust that you are as well.
Much love,
Pres. Gardner
Dear Elders and Sisters,
When all the dust settled and all of the reports were in, we ended up with 41 baptisms for August instead of the 36 that we reported. That was fantastic. Keep up the good work.
We had a wonderful 4 days with Elder Perry, Elder Rasband, Elder Hallstrom, and Elder Snow as well as many others in our training in Nauvoo. I will be reporting on that information as the weeks go by.
We had a very good Zone Leaders Council Meeting in Helena yesterday. Thank you to all who traveled so far and shared so much. We hope it will help us move the work along.
You probably have heard by now from your Zone Leaders that Preparation Day is being shifted to Monday starting the first Monday in October. (Please alert your family so they will change the date of their e-mails.) Some of the reasons are, #1. The missionary department has strongly recommended that we do so, #2. Some of the Brethren have also recommended that we do what they do. (Monday is the day they use to recover from their weekend duties of being out changing Stake Presidencies at Stake Conferences.) #3. Saturday and Sunday should be the longest, hardest, and most effective days for missionary work. Everything during the week should crescendo to getting your investigators to Church and catching people home to teach. The Sabbath is prime time and should be the busiest day of the week, therefore, since Monday is a natural let down anyway, why not use it as a preparation day?, #4. Wednesday breaks up the work week too much and creates too many inefficiencies in the work., #5. Monday matches up better with your planning and your goal setting for the week.
If you still have questions, talk further with your Zone Leaders or give me a call.
We are anxious to do all we can to accelerate the work and trust that you are as well.
Much love,
Pres. Gardner
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Transfers....
Hey family. I don’t have lots of time to write but I’m in Kalispell right now and in the middle of transfers. I am headed to Helena to be with Elder Journey. I will be covering the Helena 1st and 3rd wards along with the Boulder branch. Im pretty excited but it was extremely hard to leave Polson. I never thought I would get to know and become almost best friends with people after 6 months and have to leave them behind. There were lots of hugs and goodbyes and even people crying. That was weird but it made me feel like I did a good job. I guess that’s what happens when the Gospel is intertwined in the relationships you form. But, yes, it was very hard to go. Elder Hernandez from Guatemala took my spot. I got to meet him and he seemed to be a pretty crazy small Guatemalan guy. He was exactly as you would think. He has only been speaking English for the whole 1 year he has been out.
I didn’t get the chance to send the package off for Chris' Bday but gave Elder Holt some money to do so. It should be there within the next week along with a SWORD the Shawn Robbins gave me before I left. HAha. It didn’t fit in my suitcase dang it. That was the hardest thing that I had to part with when I left the other night.
I can’t remember everything I wanted to write but I before I got to leave Polson some good things happened. I got to help teach a LA lady and her non-member alcoholic husband about the addiction recovery program, which the lady has attended, and about the stop smoking program. They were both ready to quit their habits. I also got to set 2 baptismal dates with 2 members of the same Lamanite family: Alyscia (I just sounded out the last name) and Jason. (they are a part member family) That was way cool. We got to teach one last lesson with Alicia and Dave yesterday morning in which concluded with them saying, "keep in touch with us so that we can let you know when we are going to the temple." So... I got to leave on a pretty good note apart from the non baptisms that happened. I hopefully will get to write back to you by the end of the day when I get to Helena. Let me know what’s going on with everyone. Later Bye. LOVE
I didn’t get the chance to send the package off for Chris' Bday but gave Elder Holt some money to do so. It should be there within the next week along with a SWORD the Shawn Robbins gave me before I left. HAha. It didn’t fit in my suitcase dang it. That was the hardest thing that I had to part with when I left the other night.
I can’t remember everything I wanted to write but I before I got to leave Polson some good things happened. I got to help teach a LA lady and her non-member alcoholic husband about the addiction recovery program, which the lady has attended, and about the stop smoking program. They were both ready to quit their habits. I also got to set 2 baptismal dates with 2 members of the same Lamanite family: Alyscia (I just sounded out the last name) and Jason. (they are a part member family) That was way cool. We got to teach one last lesson with Alicia and Dave yesterday morning in which concluded with them saying, "keep in touch with us so that we can let you know when we are going to the temple." So... I got to leave on a pretty good note apart from the non baptisms that happened. I hopefully will get to write back to you by the end of the day when I get to Helena. Let me know what’s going on with everyone. Later Bye. LOVE
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Unfinished stories make us a bit crazy...
Hey everybody. Too much to say in so little time. We are going up to Big Fork today for our last pday of the transfer. Yes, it is getting cooler. It was about 38 this morning but, it heats up to about 75 by the afternoon. We find out if I stay or go this Saturday. I wouldn’t worry about sending anything until we find out transfer info (bikes shoes etc). Tell Chris that I’m sorry. I just haven’t had time to finish up his little boy gift box. Kids. Lots has happened in the last week. I know I have said this before but I feel that I can compare to the other missionaries down in South America. Lamanites are pretty similar. Also, Kacee, the librarian hasn’t been around for the last 2 months!!. We have no idea where the heck she is. Nobody in the library knows either. weird. I heard all about the college football weekend and actually got to catch a few glimpses here and there. haha. not like I was trying to watch. Boise upset Oregon i heard and I heard all about the BYU. Other than that all We hear about is how the "GRIZ" did. The only people that tell us about the other games are not from Montana.
News for the past week. We have been averaging about 3 new investigators per week. Only one of them ends up having a return appt though. We get lots of appts with the Indians around here and when we show up to their house no one is home. We end up calling them and they just say, ohhhh.... I forgot...... can we re-schedule? After going back for the 8th time we end up dropping them. We have seen a lot of PMF's and lots of LA. Did I tell you since I’ve been here I’ve bracted out the whole city? yep, I sure have. Some of the stuff that happens around here is pretty funny. We ran into this drunk native and talked to him for a little bit. He told us that he wanders around from house to house until he is sober so he can go home to his kids and wife. Anyway, we knocked on about 4 different houses in the last week which were completely out of proximity to each other and found him at 4 different houses!!! he just answered the door like he owned the place. haha it was the funniest thing that Elder Holt and I had ever seen. Especially after the 4th house. We were laughing so hard.
There is a girl about Dana's age who we are teaching right now that is 100% going to get baptized. She moved from Oregon to be with her family here in our ward because her mom will be in jail for the next 2 years. That’s going good. Keith is off the map. Shaun has been out of town. Dave and Alicia are doing good but didn’t show up to church. She is reading but still working at the "Wolf Den" and still drinking a little bit here and there. Yancy Savannah and Whisper didn’t show up to church Either but Marilyn did. That was cool. We are just trying to get people to church and trying to talk to everyone we can. I want to baptize someone so bad before I leave but Im sure it is not going to happen. I talked to Elder Quiocho and Carlson up in Eureka the other day and they are having 7 baptisms this month. I asked him how that was even possible. He said it is all because of how "on fire" the members are. I want to challenge you guys. Our whole family. to do this. Before I get home from my mission I want you guys to find and fellowship a family and get them baptized. Don’t ask me how. Just pray about it. I want you to experience what it feels like to just open up and share the Gospel. Will you fools of a tooks commit to that? do it. If you seek for it the Lord will definitely prepare someone for you. I can promise you that. JUST DO IT. That’s what it all comes down to.
One last story before I depart and embark. Brother Heskiel as you know is a dental tech and is really good with teeth. The other day he brings these dentures home that he was going to work on. The lady that he got them from said that they didn’t fit anymore. There was a bunch of space and they kept sliding off. So his job was going to be to put down a new layer of acrylic to make them fit. He showed us the process which was really cool. Here’s the catch of the story: So... as Bro Heskiel is going through the process of showing us how to do the dentures and what not we have to leave. We got home in the evening and wanted to see the finished product but Bro... IM GETTING KICKED OFF AND DON’T HAVE TIME TO FINISH. I’VE GOT TO GO. TALK TO YOU LATER. I WILL HAVE BRO HESKIEL CALL.
LOVE YOUR FAVORITE FLAVOR. ELDER PARKER
News for the past week. We have been averaging about 3 new investigators per week. Only one of them ends up having a return appt though. We get lots of appts with the Indians around here and when we show up to their house no one is home. We end up calling them and they just say, ohhhh.... I forgot...... can we re-schedule? After going back for the 8th time we end up dropping them. We have seen a lot of PMF's and lots of LA. Did I tell you since I’ve been here I’ve bracted out the whole city? yep, I sure have. Some of the stuff that happens around here is pretty funny. We ran into this drunk native and talked to him for a little bit. He told us that he wanders around from house to house until he is sober so he can go home to his kids and wife. Anyway, we knocked on about 4 different houses in the last week which were completely out of proximity to each other and found him at 4 different houses!!! he just answered the door like he owned the place. haha it was the funniest thing that Elder Holt and I had ever seen. Especially after the 4th house. We were laughing so hard.
There is a girl about Dana's age who we are teaching right now that is 100% going to get baptized. She moved from Oregon to be with her family here in our ward because her mom will be in jail for the next 2 years. That’s going good. Keith is off the map. Shaun has been out of town. Dave and Alicia are doing good but didn’t show up to church. She is reading but still working at the "Wolf Den" and still drinking a little bit here and there. Yancy Savannah and Whisper didn’t show up to church Either but Marilyn did. That was cool. We are just trying to get people to church and trying to talk to everyone we can. I want to baptize someone so bad before I leave but Im sure it is not going to happen. I talked to Elder Quiocho and Carlson up in Eureka the other day and they are having 7 baptisms this month. I asked him how that was even possible. He said it is all because of how "on fire" the members are. I want to challenge you guys. Our whole family. to do this. Before I get home from my mission I want you guys to find and fellowship a family and get them baptized. Don’t ask me how. Just pray about it. I want you to experience what it feels like to just open up and share the Gospel. Will you fools of a tooks commit to that? do it. If you seek for it the Lord will definitely prepare someone for you. I can promise you that. JUST DO IT. That’s what it all comes down to.
One last story before I depart and embark. Brother Heskiel as you know is a dental tech and is really good with teeth. The other day he brings these dentures home that he was going to work on. The lady that he got them from said that they didn’t fit anymore. There was a bunch of space and they kept sliding off. So his job was going to be to put down a new layer of acrylic to make them fit. He showed us the process which was really cool. Here’s the catch of the story: So... as Bro Heskiel is going through the process of showing us how to do the dentures and what not we have to leave. We got home in the evening and wanted to see the finished product but Bro... IM GETTING KICKED OFF AND DON’T HAVE TIME TO FINISH. I’VE GOT TO GO. TALK TO YOU LATER. I WILL HAVE BRO HESKIEL CALL.
LOVE YOUR FAVORITE FLAVOR. ELDER PARKER
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Days are getting cooler...
Hey there guys!!!! Whoooo Hoooooo!!!! Im still in Polson. Transfers new will be here next Friday. I will get to find out if I stay or go. I will most likely go. But... I’m having a feeling I might be staying.Everything comes in waves. We are out of the steak wave and now on to Pizza. I have been eating pizza for the last 2 weeks. I don’t know what it will be next. You have to send me a picture of Baja. She sounds big. How are you guys weighing her?
If you can keep sending me the emails from Jacob Burr and also Tyson Andes. I’ve gotten a couple good letters from him.
Cant believe you guys got to see national treasure!!
THINGS HERE IN POLSON: They are going good. Dave and Alicia are still doing good, we have another lesson with them this Friday. It should be sweet. She has pretty much told us that she knows the church is true but is in a knot due to her own family. (those dang J-dubs. They are so messed up. Have a lot of good values but so screwed up) We should start to see them out to church. The next family we are trying to get out to church is the family of Yancy, Savonnah, and Whisper. They are Lamanites and very down to earth. They have been reading as a family from the Book of Mormon every night and have seen things in their life change already. They have trying to get out to church for the past two weeks but always have some problem. This last Sunday the problem was Yancy got scabies. Weird huh. The funny thing about their family is Savonnahs son Cayman, who is about 1 years old, has blonde hair blue eyes and very white skin. They say he has a protein deficiency or something and is on a very special diet. Just imagine all the Indian characteristics but with bright white skin. The other family that we started seeing are another group of Lamanites and are trying to turn things around. The MOM is a member. They are cool. I hope to baptize the kids and the Dad before I leave. That’s also why I think im staying another transfer. I love the people here. They are so awesome. I love the reservation. We have been going around to a lot of our LA/PMF's (less active part member families) no matter the circumstances and where they stand just to be able to see if there is anything that can be done. We went to a family last Friday and were received into their home very grudgingly. I immediately knew it wasn’t going to be good. They are an older couple. The husband is a JW and the wife is a LA member. We started talking about all sorts of things and then took it up a level to where we started talking about church. It started to get a little heated. All we could do was testify of Jesus Christ and all the husband could do was BASH. That’s all people ever do from other religions is not testify of their own but start spewing out info on how ours is wrong. So we finally asked to see if we could leave with a song and a prayer and all he said was that we could sing. The wife started crying in the middle of the song. We finished and got out of there. I love and hate those situations so much. Its sad to see. I hate it but...... HAHA they make the best stories. I got lots of them.
Lastly, I know that the church is true. I’ve seen lots of miraculous things and been able to feel the spirit in a way that I never have before. I love learning about the Doctrines of the Gospel and using the Book of Mormon to answer and reply to absolutely any concern, problem, or question that the People in Polson have. We got to have a lady speak up here from St. George about Lehis journey and it just added to the testimony that I have. The Book of Mormon is so true. I have felt the power of it and can testify that it is a true record. Having the spirit is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I cannot say enough about the church and will never be able to. READ YOUR SCRIPTURES EVERY DAY. PRAY EVERY DAY. I wish you guys could meet some of the people here. They are awesome.
LOVE ELDER PARKER L HEYWOOD. MONTANA
Also, I just wanted to say about Katie and Aaron: I hope everything goes well. I know Katie has been waiting for this moment for a long time and has lived the life she has lived for this very reason. She completely deserves to have all the wonderful blessings that she has been receiving. It sounds like things will be perfect. Mom and Dad? How did you guys get so blessed to have an almost perfect daughter? You don’t really realize all of these things until you have them taken away from you. It has to be one of the best feelings to know that Katie and Aaron are both as pure as a new born bald eagle and are getting married in the temple. There was a reason Katie was the first born. I hope they have kids before I get home. LOVE. send me pics.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Letter from August 26th...
Man is it nice here in Polson. I don’t think it has broken 85 in the last couple of weeks. Yesterday morning we went for a run and I almost had to put on a sweater. It was about 45/50 degrees I think.
Interesting connection: So we went out to dinner With the Darks last night and started talking about their son and what not. The whole time at dinner we talked about their son who just got off a mission from Australia in March. The big deal of all that was that he had just met a girl about 10 days ago and they were already making wedding plans, having wedding rings made, visiting one anothers parents etc etc. The funny thing is that the GIRL he is dating is from Mesa. When we found THAT out, knowing that I was from Gilbert and the girlfriend from Mesa, (who was 19 by the way) the Mom called up Scott (the son) and asked a bunch of questions as my own personal mediator. At the end of the call I found out the girl went to MT VIEW and that Scott was companions with Daniel Goit. funny huh? Small World.
The work here is going so weird right now. We have been teaching so many people...
Sorry about that. I just got a call that I had to take and wanted to make sure my letter would send before I left the computer.
I cant remember what I was saying but I think I said things are kind of weird. I just have to say that missionary work isn’t very effective unless members are involved. I think being out here has made me really appreciate missionary work as a whole. I feel that being out in a jungle somewhere or in a 3rd world country wouldn’t benefit me much in terms of missionary work and working with members, auxiliaries, etc. It is making me a better missionary for when I get back into the real world.
All the people we are teaching are people who we have found personally, or that have been previously taught. It is going pretty bumpy right now. People aren’t keeping their commitments and it is hard to get in contact with them. I pray and hope that we will be able to help these people progress and grow while at the same time getting the members involved and getting some referrals. I think I wrote to you guys about this last week but I don’t recall a single time "I" have ever talked with "our" neighbors about the Gospel. hint. I regret it very badly right now. Not just our neighbors but inviting other friends over to hear the missionary lessons.
Now for the list of people:
Kacee, the Librarian: she has been sick and we haven’t seen her in the last week and a half. She said she would give us a call but we haven’t heard from her. I know she is busy/sick and said that she would be SURE to give us a call but I have learned that out on the rez, whether they be indian or white, they do not call back. I am going to call her tonight.
Keith(bbq sauce): We saw him briefly the other day and he said that he hasn’t gotten an answer and, I concluded, by his tone, that he wasn’t getting anywhere anytime soon. I think we will just try to hit him hard with the spirit gun or something. Its frustrating and sad not to see such awesome people progress anywhere. Its making me crazy. But, We did invite him to a fireside that we are having this Friday. A lady named Karen Smith from St. George is speaking about the journey of Lehi and his family from Jerusalem to America. It should be pretty good.
Shawn: We actually just saw him here in the library just about 10 minutes ago and we wont have a lesson with him until this Friday but he is doing good. We challenged him to read the whole BofM before his baptism. He is on track. We also have to read the whole thing through too. That was part of the deal. We still have no idea when he is going to be baptized.
Carl: We just had a lesson with him the other night and it went pretty well although I am getting the notion that he is just doing it to be nice to us because we have been trying to get in with him. We taught him and his son (his wife leaves the room when we come over) about the Plan of Salvation. A lot of the stuff he likes but just cant see that there would be a modern day prophet. We have an awesome family that works with them, the Carveys, so hopefully that can help as well. Carl's son, Noah, has also just got involved with scouts.
Dustin: the dude who was supposed to get baptized on the 21. That’s Dustin. He didn’t get baptized. He bailed on us. His LA fiancee isn’t helping either. They both haven’t quit smoking and are just living the average Montana life. Working at the super market and living in a trailer. Again, very frustrating. We have been trying to do a lot of work with PM Families and that is going alright. People just aren’t progressing. I don’t remember if I told you but there are approx. 550 members in Polson and only 150 are active with over 50 Less active part member families. its crazy! Yancey, Savonnah, & Whisper: They are the native family that was supposed to come to church this last week but never showed up. We are still teaching them and their daughter told us that she wanted to be baptized. We continue to work on them. There is still hope.
Dave & Alicia Murrin, our only hope: They are both doing great. They haven’t had a sip of beer in 2 weeks and are on progress. Alicia is absolutely loving the Gospel and loved the Plan of Salvation. She is very good in the bible and likes to be shown a lot of the doctrines in the Bible and what not which makes it fun for Elder Holt & I. Things are pretty good with them even though they didn’t show up for church this last Sunday. Alicia keeps on asking questions about the temple. Its awesome.
Jim: He is an older man and lives near some people in our ward who have fellowshipped him. We had a lesson with him and invited the Atchleys. Jim is Baptist and whipped out an anti packet/pamphlet which had a bunch of garbage in there. He is not anti but it was passed out by his congregation. He just wants answers.
So.... That’s pretty much been our story here in Polson. Just a couple of other things: We ate dinner at a little bar and grill place and the Tanners were there. If you ever see them you need to tell them thank-you. They are way nice. They are so rich that they paid for our lunch along with 2 other missionaries and told us that we could come in at least once a week and put our bill on their tab. They are pretty funny. Everyone treats them way nice and everyone knows them and worships the ground they walk on. I don’t know if That’s how you naturally get when you get rich but its funny. They just act like they are friends with everyone and know everyone. In a good way
Keep updating me on everything back home
Love you guys
Interesting connection: So we went out to dinner With the Darks last night and started talking about their son and what not. The whole time at dinner we talked about their son who just got off a mission from Australia in March. The big deal of all that was that he had just met a girl about 10 days ago and they were already making wedding plans, having wedding rings made, visiting one anothers parents etc etc. The funny thing is that the GIRL he is dating is from Mesa. When we found THAT out, knowing that I was from Gilbert and the girlfriend from Mesa, (who was 19 by the way) the Mom called up Scott (the son) and asked a bunch of questions as my own personal mediator. At the end of the call I found out the girl went to MT VIEW and that Scott was companions with Daniel Goit. funny huh? Small World.
The work here is going so weird right now. We have been teaching so many people...
Sorry about that. I just got a call that I had to take and wanted to make sure my letter would send before I left the computer.
I cant remember what I was saying but I think I said things are kind of weird. I just have to say that missionary work isn’t very effective unless members are involved. I think being out here has made me really appreciate missionary work as a whole. I feel that being out in a jungle somewhere or in a 3rd world country wouldn’t benefit me much in terms of missionary work and working with members, auxiliaries, etc. It is making me a better missionary for when I get back into the real world.
All the people we are teaching are people who we have found personally, or that have been previously taught. It is going pretty bumpy right now. People aren’t keeping their commitments and it is hard to get in contact with them. I pray and hope that we will be able to help these people progress and grow while at the same time getting the members involved and getting some referrals. I think I wrote to you guys about this last week but I don’t recall a single time "I" have ever talked with "our" neighbors about the Gospel. hint. I regret it very badly right now. Not just our neighbors but inviting other friends over to hear the missionary lessons.
Now for the list of people:
Kacee, the Librarian: she has been sick and we haven’t seen her in the last week and a half. She said she would give us a call but we haven’t heard from her. I know she is busy/sick and said that she would be SURE to give us a call but I have learned that out on the rez, whether they be indian or white, they do not call back. I am going to call her tonight.
Keith(bbq sauce): We saw him briefly the other day and he said that he hasn’t gotten an answer and, I concluded, by his tone, that he wasn’t getting anywhere anytime soon. I think we will just try to hit him hard with the spirit gun or something. Its frustrating and sad not to see such awesome people progress anywhere. Its making me crazy. But, We did invite him to a fireside that we are having this Friday. A lady named Karen Smith from St. George is speaking about the journey of Lehi and his family from Jerusalem to America. It should be pretty good.
Shawn: We actually just saw him here in the library just about 10 minutes ago and we wont have a lesson with him until this Friday but he is doing good. We challenged him to read the whole BofM before his baptism. He is on track. We also have to read the whole thing through too. That was part of the deal. We still have no idea when he is going to be baptized.
Carl: We just had a lesson with him the other night and it went pretty well although I am getting the notion that he is just doing it to be nice to us because we have been trying to get in with him. We taught him and his son (his wife leaves the room when we come over) about the Plan of Salvation. A lot of the stuff he likes but just cant see that there would be a modern day prophet. We have an awesome family that works with them, the Carveys, so hopefully that can help as well. Carl's son, Noah, has also just got involved with scouts.
Dustin: the dude who was supposed to get baptized on the 21. That’s Dustin. He didn’t get baptized. He bailed on us. His LA fiancee isn’t helping either. They both haven’t quit smoking and are just living the average Montana life. Working at the super market and living in a trailer. Again, very frustrating. We have been trying to do a lot of work with PM Families and that is going alright. People just aren’t progressing. I don’t remember if I told you but there are approx. 550 members in Polson and only 150 are active with over 50 Less active part member families. its crazy! Yancey, Savonnah, & Whisper: They are the native family that was supposed to come to church this last week but never showed up. We are still teaching them and their daughter told us that she wanted to be baptized. We continue to work on them. There is still hope.
Dave & Alicia Murrin, our only hope: They are both doing great. They haven’t had a sip of beer in 2 weeks and are on progress. Alicia is absolutely loving the Gospel and loved the Plan of Salvation. She is very good in the bible and likes to be shown a lot of the doctrines in the Bible and what not which makes it fun for Elder Holt & I. Things are pretty good with them even though they didn’t show up for church this last Sunday. Alicia keeps on asking questions about the temple. Its awesome.
Jim: He is an older man and lives near some people in our ward who have fellowshipped him. We had a lesson with him and invited the Atchleys. Jim is Baptist and whipped out an anti packet/pamphlet which had a bunch of garbage in there. He is not anti but it was passed out by his congregation. He just wants answers.
So.... That’s pretty much been our story here in Polson. Just a couple of other things: We ate dinner at a little bar and grill place and the Tanners were there. If you ever see them you need to tell them thank-you. They are way nice. They are so rich that they paid for our lunch along with 2 other missionaries and told us that we could come in at least once a week and put our bill on their tab. They are pretty funny. Everyone treats them way nice and everyone knows them and worships the ground they walk on. I don’t know if That’s how you naturally get when you get rich but its funny. They just act like they are friends with everyone and know everyone. In a good way
Keep updating me on everything back home
Love you guys
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Hey, everyone of you weird family members out there. This is Elder Parker L. Heywood writing to you from the one and only Polson, MT.
Sounds like things are well back home and that kids are finally back in school. The kiddos don’t go back to school up here in the heathen country until the 31 I believe.
Anyway, the HOLT-e-nator and I have had an awesome week. I don’t think I ever told you but; the first thing that Elder Holt asked me when he first got here in Polson was about the different species of spiders living around here. He loves them. I was about to kill one in the church last week and he about cut off my head. There are lots of poisonous spiders around where we live like Lacuse, Hobos, Widows, etc and some of them have some pretty sweet looking webs around our residence. We saw one dude who got bit by one on his upper thigh and he could barely walk. It looked like he got shot by a grape fruit. anyway, Every night, when we get home and are done for the day, before we go inside, Elder Holt has to go look at all the different webs around the house and see how his "friends" are doing. Elder Holt is also very in to Japanese anime and has a huge origami kit and makes at least 2 origami flowers every night before bed time. Dang. the Library is crowded today. I have 2 minutes left. Elder Holt is actually an awesome guy.
Getting kicked off...School starts here pretty soon so I should not be getting kicked off so often in the next couple of weeks.
Man, one of the funny things around here is the football. Everyone and their dogs LOVE the Grizzlies!!! the university team in Missoula. I always get talking with other people, like our ward mission leader who is an Ohio fan, and say that I never even knew a Montana football team existed until I came up here. All the Montana people always think the Griz should play all the D1 schools. It’s just funny.
A couple other interesting things: We ate dinner with the Lowdermilks again, or the KKK again. They are the most awesome people. He was telling us all about his crazy motorcycle racing days. I have no idea how he became a member of the church. But, he is awesome in his calling and him and his wife go up to Cardston Alberta temple every other week as temple workers. I wish you guys could meet some of the people in our ward. By the way, you guys think Teri Wright and the Grimes' wards had crazy sacrament meetings, you should come up here and see some of the things that take place. Our Bishop is awesome by the way.
Can you guys believe that I’ve been gone from home for almost 6 months now? that’s crazy. almost 1/4 of the way done with my mission. Its going to fast. We have been teaching a lot of people like I said previously. Elder Holt and I had a killer week. 6 new investigators. I wish I could tell you everything about them but there would be no time.
Hopefully this week we get an awesome family coming to church. They are Indian and are very poor. They all drink and smoke but the MOM, who got pregnant at 15, has a daughter who is in Stevensville with a Mormon family who adopted her and she is really likes the family she is with. Anyway, I will tell you guys more about them next week. I don’t think I told you guys before but Elder Tanner and I taught a couple quite a while back. Dave had just gotten a nasty divorce from another lady. They had just been sealed for a little over 10 years and then split up. Dave's parents are in our ward and all of their (the Parents) kids, including Dave. They are all less active. Anyway, Elder Tanner had a couple of lessons with them way back when and nothing had ever come of it. But, just the other Sunday they showed up at church. I thought that the whole thing was really random. Later that evening We had to go by their house (the parents house because they are living with the parents right now) and drop off a lesson manual. We got talking to her and started talking about the salvation of little children and what not (a long story short) and she wanted us to come and teach her again. This time SHE wanted it and arranged the whole thing. She cooked us breakfast and we had the most AWESOME lesson the next morning. We taught the restoration and near the end of it you could probably taste the spirit it was so strong. She just started bawling her eyes out and we all just started crying together. It was awesome. Since I’ve been out I don’t think I’ve had a lesson like that, even with the Atchleys. We have a return appt. tomorrow morning and we will see what happens. The cool thing is that we, as missionaries teaching the lesson, didn’t do anything out of the ordinary. We taught like we would have taught to anyone else. But, the cool thing is this: it all depends on the person. The missionaries just do their best to help people understand, know and feel and the spirit does the rest. But because she wanted to learn, and had the desire to learn it made all the difference. At the end he gave an awesome prayer and asked the Lord to help he and his wife get baptized. I cant wait to see what’s next. It’s awesome to see people like that let the Atonement work in their lives and have a change of heart.
Sorry not lots of time left or else I Would write more. I will write you guys next week and try to get Chris some good presents.
Anyway, the HOLT-e-nator and I have had an awesome week. I don’t think I ever told you but; the first thing that Elder Holt asked me when he first got here in Polson was about the different species of spiders living around here. He loves them. I was about to kill one in the church last week and he about cut off my head. There are lots of poisonous spiders around where we live like Lacuse, Hobos, Widows, etc and some of them have some pretty sweet looking webs around our residence. We saw one dude who got bit by one on his upper thigh and he could barely walk. It looked like he got shot by a grape fruit. anyway, Every night, when we get home and are done for the day, before we go inside, Elder Holt has to go look at all the different webs around the house and see how his "friends" are doing. Elder Holt is also very in to Japanese anime and has a huge origami kit and makes at least 2 origami flowers every night before bed time. Dang. the Library is crowded today. I have 2 minutes left. Elder Holt is actually an awesome guy.
Getting kicked off...School starts here pretty soon so I should not be getting kicked off so often in the next couple of weeks.
Man, one of the funny things around here is the football. Everyone and their dogs LOVE the Grizzlies!!! the university team in Missoula. I always get talking with other people, like our ward mission leader who is an Ohio fan, and say that I never even knew a Montana football team existed until I came up here. All the Montana people always think the Griz should play all the D1 schools. It’s just funny.
A couple other interesting things: We ate dinner with the Lowdermilks again, or the KKK again. They are the most awesome people. He was telling us all about his crazy motorcycle racing days. I have no idea how he became a member of the church. But, he is awesome in his calling and him and his wife go up to Cardston Alberta temple every other week as temple workers. I wish you guys could meet some of the people in our ward. By the way, you guys think Teri Wright and the Grimes' wards had crazy sacrament meetings, you should come up here and see some of the things that take place. Our Bishop is awesome by the way.
Can you guys believe that I’ve been gone from home for almost 6 months now? that’s crazy. almost 1/4 of the way done with my mission. Its going to fast. We have been teaching a lot of people like I said previously. Elder Holt and I had a killer week. 6 new investigators. I wish I could tell you everything about them but there would be no time.
Hopefully this week we get an awesome family coming to church. They are Indian and are very poor. They all drink and smoke but the MOM, who got pregnant at 15, has a daughter who is in Stevensville with a Mormon family who adopted her and she is really likes the family she is with. Anyway, I will tell you guys more about them next week. I don’t think I told you guys before but Elder Tanner and I taught a couple quite a while back. Dave had just gotten a nasty divorce from another lady. They had just been sealed for a little over 10 years and then split up. Dave's parents are in our ward and all of their (the Parents) kids, including Dave. They are all less active. Anyway, Elder Tanner had a couple of lessons with them way back when and nothing had ever come of it. But, just the other Sunday they showed up at church. I thought that the whole thing was really random. Later that evening We had to go by their house (the parents house because they are living with the parents right now) and drop off a lesson manual. We got talking to her and started talking about the salvation of little children and what not (a long story short) and she wanted us to come and teach her again. This time SHE wanted it and arranged the whole thing. She cooked us breakfast and we had the most AWESOME lesson the next morning. We taught the restoration and near the end of it you could probably taste the spirit it was so strong. She just started bawling her eyes out and we all just started crying together. It was awesome. Since I’ve been out I don’t think I’ve had a lesson like that, even with the Atchleys. We have a return appt. tomorrow morning and we will see what happens. The cool thing is that we, as missionaries teaching the lesson, didn’t do anything out of the ordinary. We taught like we would have taught to anyone else. But, the cool thing is this: it all depends on the person. The missionaries just do their best to help people understand, know and feel and the spirit does the rest. But because she wanted to learn, and had the desire to learn it made all the difference. At the end he gave an awesome prayer and asked the Lord to help he and his wife get baptized. I cant wait to see what’s next. It’s awesome to see people like that let the Atonement work in their lives and have a change of heart.
Sorry not lots of time left or else I Would write more. I will write you guys next week and try to get Chris some good presents.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
While Mom is out of town, Parker writes the fam!
Jared, try to fit in Jesus the Christ. That book works miracles. Write questions down as you study.
Now that moms gone I can tell you about all the secret letters she has been sending me. She told me that, "those guys better be taking care of the dog and training it before school starts or they are in for a rude awakening." you know how that is. The dog is still at home isnt it?
Is Aarron going to take engagement pics with his glasses on or off? You guys should both do white button up church shirts with denim jeans rolled half way up under a cascading waterfall, not wet though; with no smiles. Just standing in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall with a little bit of mist coming off of the surrounding areas for dramatic effect. If you really want to get serious then you should both be soaking wet and kissing. Those are a couple of ideas you should throw around with Lee and see what he thinks. Oh, also, make sure that you do it in black and white. The waterfall pics, that is. Try to make it look like an album cover of Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood or something.
I will be sending some of my memory cards back home so that you will be able to check out some of the things Ive been up to in these last 6 months. I'm already almost about 1/4 of the way done with my mission. Crazy. huh? I think that it would be awesome for Alicia to go on a mission. It's really not what everybody thinks it is to be a sister missionary; even though all those terms like, "sisters are blisters that need to be popped" are all floating out there. I have a feeling that she would get sent to Montana though. That would be sweet. Tell Alicia that if she honestly has any questions that she can just ask me. Also, tell her that I approve.
As for my end of the world things are going pretty good. About comp: Because he is the senior comp., he drives the car. Its been the first time he has driven a car since hes been out on the mission and the whole last week he would always try and start up the car, think it was on (it wasnt. I dont know if he just couldnt hear it or what), put his seat belt on, look back over his shoulder to back up, and... go no where hahahaha. Its not as funny as it seems but you just had to be there. After it has happened the tenth time it gets ridiculous.
Anyway, lots is happening. We have been seeing some awesome people. Shaun R : the indian is waiting to get a schedule change so that he can attend sacrament meeting so that he can get baptized. He is a stud. I will try to send you guys a picture of him. Next up is K S : she is the librarian here in Polson and I just gave her the conference ensign with some marked up talks. I hope she can get baptized before I leave this area. I think I have told you guys all about her. She is awesome. She has the coolest 14 year old handicap daughter named Cammi. Next is K: he was a minister/pastor and is an ex minister/pastor. We met him at the post office one day and started talking to him. He said that he was "investigating your church." we have been over to see him twice now and once with our member, Bro Heskiel who is a convert and very knowledgeable about bible history and all sorts of crazy things. K was so intrigued by him. They ended swapping phone #'s, email addresses, etc etc. It was awesome. If you don't know, that is the key to missionary work. Every missionary always strives to build fellowship with investigators so that they are more prone to having talks, conversations, etc outside of "missionary lessons." All the Essentials are there for K. He is reading the BofM, has the D&C, is reading a Marvelous Work and a Wonder.... he has all the tools and support. We just need him to get that spiritual confirmation. He knows how spiritual things work and everything about religion. His only hang up is this: He like the church but is still concerned about "MEN" running the church. Keith reminds me of a professor. He talks, teaches, and acts like one with a very good sense of humor. If he gets baptized then the world is at an end. He also gave us some of his own home made/store sold/manufactured (if that makes any sense) BBQ sauce that I will be sending home for you guys. Its more like a paste than a sauce. Next up on our investigator list is D: he was supposed to get baptized on the 21 but he isnt going to make it. He is slacking in his commitments. I will tell you more about him. Keep these people in your prayers.
Lastly, thanks for always keeping me updated on what is going on back home. Its very interesting. Do you guys know an Ashley or Alyssa Recinos? Ashley was here in Polson and was talking to me saying she lived on Guadalupe and McQueen. She is about 23, went on a mission to Argentina, goes to the pioneer singles ward in the Greenfield Stake and went to school in Cali so you probably dont know her but her little sister, Alyssa, went to Gilbert High all 4 years and graduated in 08 with me. I dont know her. Thought you might want to know that. Also, I got a letter from michael slater, from Japan, that I will send home to you guys. Its pretty funny. He says its like Gotham City over there.
Welp, I gotta go, Big Gulps. Weeeee. 5 months out baby, Elder Parker Loren Heywood serving as a full-time missionary/representative for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints here in Polson Montana.
Now that moms gone I can tell you about all the secret letters she has been sending me. She told me that, "those guys better be taking care of the dog and training it before school starts or they are in for a rude awakening." you know how that is. The dog is still at home isnt it?
Is Aarron going to take engagement pics with his glasses on or off? You guys should both do white button up church shirts with denim jeans rolled half way up under a cascading waterfall, not wet though; with no smiles. Just standing in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall with a little bit of mist coming off of the surrounding areas for dramatic effect. If you really want to get serious then you should both be soaking wet and kissing. Those are a couple of ideas you should throw around with Lee and see what he thinks. Oh, also, make sure that you do it in black and white. The waterfall pics, that is. Try to make it look like an album cover of Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood or something.
I will be sending some of my memory cards back home so that you will be able to check out some of the things Ive been up to in these last 6 months. I'm already almost about 1/4 of the way done with my mission. Crazy. huh? I think that it would be awesome for Alicia to go on a mission. It's really not what everybody thinks it is to be a sister missionary; even though all those terms like, "sisters are blisters that need to be popped" are all floating out there. I have a feeling that she would get sent to Montana though. That would be sweet. Tell Alicia that if she honestly has any questions that she can just ask me. Also, tell her that I approve.
As for my end of the world things are going pretty good. About comp: Because he is the senior comp., he drives the car. Its been the first time he has driven a car since hes been out on the mission and the whole last week he would always try and start up the car, think it was on (it wasnt. I dont know if he just couldnt hear it or what), put his seat belt on, look back over his shoulder to back up, and... go no where hahahaha. Its not as funny as it seems but you just had to be there. After it has happened the tenth time it gets ridiculous.
Anyway, lots is happening. We have been seeing some awesome people. Shaun R : the indian is waiting to get a schedule change so that he can attend sacrament meeting so that he can get baptized. He is a stud. I will try to send you guys a picture of him. Next up is K S : she is the librarian here in Polson and I just gave her the conference ensign with some marked up talks. I hope she can get baptized before I leave this area. I think I have told you guys all about her. She is awesome. She has the coolest 14 year old handicap daughter named Cammi. Next is K: he was a minister/pastor and is an ex minister/pastor. We met him at the post office one day and started talking to him. He said that he was "investigating your church." we have been over to see him twice now and once with our member, Bro Heskiel who is a convert and very knowledgeable about bible history and all sorts of crazy things. K was so intrigued by him. They ended swapping phone #'s, email addresses, etc etc. It was awesome. If you don't know, that is the key to missionary work. Every missionary always strives to build fellowship with investigators so that they are more prone to having talks, conversations, etc outside of "missionary lessons." All the Essentials are there for K. He is reading the BofM, has the D&C, is reading a Marvelous Work and a Wonder.... he has all the tools and support. We just need him to get that spiritual confirmation. He knows how spiritual things work and everything about religion. His only hang up is this: He like the church but is still concerned about "MEN" running the church. Keith reminds me of a professor. He talks, teaches, and acts like one with a very good sense of humor. If he gets baptized then the world is at an end. He also gave us some of his own home made/store sold/manufactured (if that makes any sense) BBQ sauce that I will be sending home for you guys. Its more like a paste than a sauce. Next up on our investigator list is D: he was supposed to get baptized on the 21 but he isnt going to make it. He is slacking in his commitments. I will tell you more about him. Keep these people in your prayers.
Lastly, thanks for always keeping me updated on what is going on back home. Its very interesting. Do you guys know an Ashley or Alyssa Recinos? Ashley was here in Polson and was talking to me saying she lived on Guadalupe and McQueen. She is about 23, went on a mission to Argentina, goes to the pioneer singles ward in the Greenfield Stake and went to school in Cali so you probably dont know her but her little sister, Alyssa, went to Gilbert High all 4 years and graduated in 08 with me. I dont know her. Thought you might want to know that. Also, I got a letter from michael slater, from Japan, that I will send home to you guys. Its pretty funny. He says its like Gotham City over there.
Welp, I gotta go, Big Gulps. Weeeee. 5 months out baby, Elder Parker Loren Heywood serving as a full-time missionary/representative for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints here in Polson Montana.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
4 Letters that we've tried to tie into one!
Well, everything is sounding very interesting at home. I liked all of the vacation stories, things going on, etc etc etc. I think I will get kicked off at least several times today so my letter may be coming in through 3 or 4 different letters.
So, we officially got sister missionaries in Plains area and in our district and zone. Sister Willhite (who is from AZ) and a greenie. We also got a new zone leader.Sis Willhite is from Tucson but lived in Phoenix a year before she came out for Culinary School. She just got transferred to Plains from Ronan with sister Hodes (from the MTC). Sis Willhite was Maryn’s last comp before she went back to Temp Square I guess? Sis Hodes also is training. Elder Whiting is our new Zone leader with Elder West. Elder Whiting just came from Great Falls and said he got to know the Ladukes pretty well. He is also from AZ. St. Johns to be exact. He also told me that he was pretty familiar with Ike Isaacsons family up there.
I have and did spend time in the Plains area. I am kind of bummed because I really liked it there when we got to go and wont get to go again because sisters are there.
Now for Elder Holt. Elder Jacob Holt is from Tucson AZ as well. He went to Marana Mt. View. He graduated in 07. He is about 6'4". He played Volleyball at Marana. I knew he looked familiar from tournaments. I am so glad to have him. It is nice to work with someone who likes to do missionary work. By the way, Elder Flake gets home to Mesa on Thursday. You might get a visit from him.
Apart from all of that, I have a story for Dad: Last Sunday was fast Sunday. As always, we have lots of summer visitors. The last couple three weeks we have had lots of scouts and their leaders along with some of the camp staff that work out at Melita Island and have scout camp out there. So, after sacrament meeting this last Sunday a lady and her husband, who were there to pick up their boys from Melita, stopped me afterwards and started interrogating me out of no where. The lady looked at me all weird and started off asking me where I was from. I said I was from AZ. She then asked If I had relatives who served missions. I told here that I did. She asked me to expound. I expounded. She stopped me when I had told her that YOU, dad, served in the Leeds England mission. She asked me what your first name was and all that jazz. She then said that she knew I was your son from the moment I got up and bore my testimony. She said that I looked like you, which is completely untrue, and that I had other similar characteristics etc etc. She then began to tell me that she served in that mission and that you were one of her district leaders. Her name is Marlene Allred or Marlene Teichert which was her maiden name. she said you might know her as Sister Teichert. She now lives in Helena, MT. Her husband is the Stake President over there. She wanted me give her email to you. She says you were a good missionary. info:
A couple other little things: I got up to Echo Lake but had no idea which cabin was the Bevans. It is a way nice place but I think I liked the set up at Lake Mary Ronan better. That lake is just opposite ends of Echo. I also did meet the Wirthlins friends from the Bay area. They have a place out at Wild Horse Island. They were nice. I guess they live in St. George now? We met them randomly at a restaurant.
Report on the missionary work going on here in POLSON 'ON' not 'EN'. come on.
We met a couple new people. This one guys name is Bryce. He is pretty much a 20 year old white kid with an afro who lives on the streets, sells vacuums, and just ordered a mail order bride from Russia. He said he is going to meet her and her family in a month and then she will come over and get married to him. He just has to pay for all of her visas, passports, physicals, etc.
Shaun R. just needed us to pop the question I guess. We asked him if he would like to get baptized and he said yes! that was it. we are now seeing him 2/a week. he will probably not get baptized until is work schedule changes. He is so awesome. We have been going through all the hard things for people to accept like tithing and he happily says "ok" I will do it or live it. Vice versa.
K, the librarian is doing awesome. she is shooting to get baptized in either August of September. We had an awesome lesson with her and talked about the atonement. I brought her Elder Hollands talk today but she wasn’t here at the Library.
So, we officially got sister missionaries in Plains area and in our district and zone. Sister Willhite (who is from AZ) and a greenie. We also got a new zone leader.Sis Willhite is from Tucson but lived in Phoenix a year before she came out for Culinary School. She just got transferred to Plains from Ronan with sister Hodes (from the MTC). Sis Willhite was Maryn’s last comp before she went back to Temp Square I guess? Sis Hodes also is training. Elder Whiting is our new Zone leader with Elder West. Elder Whiting just came from Great Falls and said he got to know the Ladukes pretty well. He is also from AZ. St. Johns to be exact. He also told me that he was pretty familiar with Ike Isaacsons family up there.
I have and did spend time in the Plains area. I am kind of bummed because I really liked it there when we got to go and wont get to go again because sisters are there.
Now for Elder Holt. Elder Jacob Holt is from Tucson AZ as well. He went to Marana Mt. View. He graduated in 07. He is about 6'4". He played Volleyball at Marana. I knew he looked familiar from tournaments. I am so glad to have him. It is nice to work with someone who likes to do missionary work. By the way, Elder Flake gets home to Mesa on Thursday. You might get a visit from him.
Apart from all of that, I have a story for Dad: Last Sunday was fast Sunday. As always, we have lots of summer visitors. The last couple three weeks we have had lots of scouts and their leaders along with some of the camp staff that work out at Melita Island and have scout camp out there. So, after sacrament meeting this last Sunday a lady and her husband, who were there to pick up their boys from Melita, stopped me afterwards and started interrogating me out of no where. The lady looked at me all weird and started off asking me where I was from. I said I was from AZ. She then asked If I had relatives who served missions. I told here that I did. She asked me to expound. I expounded. She stopped me when I had told her that YOU, dad, served in the Leeds England mission. She asked me what your first name was and all that jazz. She then said that she knew I was your son from the moment I got up and bore my testimony. She said that I looked like you, which is completely untrue, and that I had other similar characteristics etc etc. She then began to tell me that she served in that mission and that you were one of her district leaders. Her name is Marlene Allred or Marlene Teichert which was her maiden name. she said you might know her as Sister Teichert. She now lives in Helena, MT. Her husband is the Stake President over there. She wanted me give her email to you. She says you were a good missionary. info:
A couple other little things: I got up to Echo Lake but had no idea which cabin was the Bevans. It is a way nice place but I think I liked the set up at Lake Mary Ronan better. That lake is just opposite ends of Echo. I also did meet the Wirthlins friends from the Bay area. They have a place out at Wild Horse Island. They were nice. I guess they live in St. George now? We met them randomly at a restaurant.
Report on the missionary work going on here in POLSON 'ON' not 'EN'. come on.
We met a couple new people. This one guys name is Bryce. He is pretty much a 20 year old white kid with an afro who lives on the streets, sells vacuums, and just ordered a mail order bride from Russia. He said he is going to meet her and her family in a month and then she will come over and get married to him. He just has to pay for all of her visas, passports, physicals, etc.
Shaun R. just needed us to pop the question I guess. We asked him if he would like to get baptized and he said yes! that was it. we are now seeing him 2/a week. he will probably not get baptized until is work schedule changes. He is so awesome. We have been going through all the hard things for people to accept like tithing and he happily says "ok" I will do it or live it. Vice versa.
K, the librarian is doing awesome. she is shooting to get baptized in either August of September. We had an awesome lesson with her and talked about the atonement. I brought her Elder Hollands talk today but she wasn’t here at the Library.
Family has been at Lake Powell...and Parker gets booted off computer!
Hey one and all big and small!! You guys better be reading this aloud to everyone out there at Lake Powell. This is the last week of the transfer. Elder Lindhardt will be gone Tuesday morning of next week and I will have a new comp.. I don’t think I have told you guys this yet, but; Dustin K. is getting baptized on the 29 of Aug., A lady named K said she would like to get baptized on the 29, and Shaun R., YES, Shaun the Robber said he would be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!!! Ya baby. Three baptisms. Shaun said that it would have to be later because he is having a very hard time getting work off to where he could attend sacrament meetings but, nevertheless, he will be getting baptized. Either in September or October. Going back to Kasey now. I know I haven’t written about her in any emails but that's because we haven’t taught her since I’ve been here. She works here at the Library and said she had the sister missionaries teach her before. 6 weeks ago, Sister Blye, a former sister missionary who served in Polson and was at that time teaching KASEY, was visiting and talked to us about Kasey and said we should try and teach her again. Sister Blye said that she was so close to baptism. About 2 months ago we had started talking to Kasey every time we went to the library and we asked if we would be able to stop by her house sometime. We were finally able to set up a time last week and went by her house on Saturday. AT her house we talked to her about a lot of different things and she came to the conclusion that she knew baptism wasn’t something she shouldn’t have put off so long ago. So... she said she would like to get baptized.
Getting kicked off.
Getting kicked off.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The weather is here; I wish you were beautiful...
Hey there, all of you hot arizonan fools. Its a beautiful 67 degrees here in the big Kalispell today. We spent the night last night in a 3 million dollar home in Big Fork. Thats my poor life here in Montana. Elder J Burr seems to have it pretty easy in the Paraguay with Frosted Flakes, bummin rides, ...lucky. Thanks for all the letters and stuff. It was all awesome. To answere some of the questions that have been asked: I can listen to reverent music. Katie already sent me the reflections of Christ music. That is all approved. The stuff that isnt approved is the Rowdy "A more Excellent way" type stuff. I will give you a couple other examples: Classical (mozart, bach, etc.) Josh Groban Christmas music, Hymns, MoTab, INside out primary, etc etc etc etc etc. thats the gist. I am not fat yet. But I can lose weight pretty easily. I just am tooo lazy in the mornings. The members feed us so much. We have gone on an 8 day chicken/steak streak. I'm sick of steak. Don't like it. Emails/Letters: You can send as many as you want to from anybody you want to. You should even send these letters to the different myldsmail accounts. I just cant send more than one email out. Thats the bottom line. I actually have quite a lot of time to email but usually go out and do something so rush through things. We are in Kalispell today and are going to glacier again next Wednesday. Early. hint
Couple Things: We had a combined zone conf. in Missoula this last Friday. I met an Elder Cook who went to Mt View and was in our stake for a while. He went to Patterson Elementary and still says he remembers the Lunts from back home. I also met a Sister Olsen who lives in Chandler and went to Hamilton. She said she knows the Neilsons. I dont know her first name. In church this last week I met Aarron Macarthur who lives in Nevada. His family is in my ward. He said he served in the Tempe AZ mission from 98 - 2000. He lived on Lindsay and baseline and worked with Bro Weatherby as a ward mission leader. He said he just saw them a year ago and that they are the most awesome people he met while on his mission. He also mentioned someone named Jeff Skousen in our stake who served in MOntana back in the day? I thought you guys might like to know that. We also had a summer family come up named the brimhalls who are from Paradise Valley.
****: Has set a baptismal date for August 21. He is working on quitting chewing and smoking. It is actually going quite well with him; and his fiancee. They have no money to buy any cigarettes or anything so they havent been able to smoke. They both havent smoked for about a week and a half. His fiancee, was baptized back in '98 in California. She has been less active until she moved up here and our Bishop got hold of her. Thats when we met Dustin and started teaching him. The weird part of all this is that I had no idea Dustin was engaged to Stephanie until they said so. Its awesome to already start seeing some of the blessings they are experiencing that have come from turning their lives around and towards Jesus Christ.
Atchleys: Awesome. I took Elder West over yesterday while on team ups and he thought they were the most awesome people. They are so funny and always talk about going to the temple even though its a year away. Im jealous of Elder Tanner and Lindhardt who will mostlikely get to go with them to the temple. They will both be completed with their missions by that time.
We are meeting with so may awesome people. I hope to be able to start teaching some of the families we have met.
I have seen lots of blessing in my own life as I have taken hold of the reigns in my area. I feel so awesome and good all the time. I hope that I can leave Polson feeling like Ive helped some people along the way.
Couple Things: We had a combined zone conf. in Missoula this last Friday. I met an Elder Cook who went to Mt View and was in our stake for a while. He went to Patterson Elementary and still says he remembers the Lunts from back home. I also met a Sister Olsen who lives in Chandler and went to Hamilton. She said she knows the Neilsons. I dont know her first name. In church this last week I met Aarron Macarthur who lives in Nevada. His family is in my ward. He said he served in the Tempe AZ mission from 98 - 2000. He lived on Lindsay and baseline and worked with Bro Weatherby as a ward mission leader. He said he just saw them a year ago and that they are the most awesome people he met while on his mission. He also mentioned someone named Jeff Skousen in our stake who served in MOntana back in the day? I thought you guys might like to know that. We also had a summer family come up named the brimhalls who are from Paradise Valley.
****: Has set a baptismal date for August 21. He is working on quitting chewing and smoking. It is actually going quite well with him; and his fiancee. They have no money to buy any cigarettes or anything so they havent been able to smoke. They both havent smoked for about a week and a half. His fiancee, was baptized back in '98 in California. She has been less active until she moved up here and our Bishop got hold of her. Thats when we met Dustin and started teaching him. The weird part of all this is that I had no idea Dustin was engaged to Stephanie until they said so. Its awesome to already start seeing some of the blessings they are experiencing that have come from turning their lives around and towards Jesus Christ.
Atchleys: Awesome. I took Elder West over yesterday while on team ups and he thought they were the most awesome people. They are so funny and always talk about going to the temple even though its a year away. Im jealous of Elder Tanner and Lindhardt who will mostlikely get to go with them to the temple. They will both be completed with their missions by that time.
We are meeting with so may awesome people. I hope to be able to start teaching some of the families we have met.
I have seen lots of blessing in my own life as I have taken hold of the reigns in my area. I feel so awesome and good all the time. I hope that I can leave Polson feeling like Ive helped some people along the way.
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