I could write for hours about our last week's experiences.
First off, your questions:
Did you get my box? If not you will probably get it Tues or Wed.
No.
Didn't you have a General Authority this past week? How was that?
Yes. I thought Jesus was teaching us in the temple.
Did you buy winter stuff this week, if not what do you still need?
No. Don't worry about it. Actually, If you can find some gloves that would be nice.
Did you even have a chance to see your investigators this week with all your travels?
Yes. 3 new ones too.
Like I said, I could write forever on the notes that I took at our meetings.
We didn't get any snow but its almost getting to that point. It will get really cold in the mornings then warm up to about 60 during the day. No snow though.
Lets start from the Beginning. Monday. Got a ride into Billings with the Jackson's. (Sister Jackson's Parents actually live across from GHS. The Halls. I'm assuming they would be in the Burrs ward) Stayed the night and left at about 9 for Helena the next day to meet with Allan F. Packer. As a ZLC we basically had a large planning session for the next day's conferences. Everything that we planned for was discussed in the zone conferences. Quite a spectacular man. Many things could have been written as scripture the several days that he was in Montana. too many things to comment on. Wed. Back in Billings to work with Elders there and wait for OUR conference which was to be held Thursday. Thursday. We had our meeting with Elder Packer. Glendive, Wyoming and Billings zones in attendance. Wow. The main topic of discussion was the spirit and how he works (the spirit) a couple interesting things said: He told us of how there is a culture of the spirit. He then used lots of examples of different cultures to help demonstrate how the spirit works in the same way. He is a genius. I cant even really describe to you how it was all said because he used the spirit to teach. That's what made him such a good teacher. I really recognized that he teaches the way that Preach My Gospel asks us to teach. He uses the same teaching format the we are supposed to use with investigators. He did not vocalize that point, it was just something I picked up on. He also talked about investigators who progress and are baptized compared to those who investigate for eternity. I am proud to announce that we have found (just in the Friday, Saturday and Sunday that we were in our area) 3 new investigators who fall into the "seeking" category of Investigation. J and C: J showed up to church last Sunday and said that he had been looking into the church where he had come from. (Mountain Home, Idaho) He was only supposed to be here for about a month or two and head back. He has changed his mind. So, now his wife is here and they are looking for a house and full-time employment. They are here to stay. They are here to get baptized. Technically we didn't FIND them but we initiated the lessons and Gospel invitation. They are awesome. I'm sure lots more will be emailed home about them. JD: we knocked on his door one day, about 2 months ago, and haven't caught him home since. His ex-wife is a member of the church and he is seeking. He has needs that can be met and will be met by the Gospel. He is a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. He has been sober for about 4 months and said that he is looking for something that will give him a foundation. Something that will keep him sober. BAM! the Gospel. 3 new SEEKING Investigators. We feel very fortunate. Also, a boyfriend of a member has been coming to church for the last 7 months. His name is D. We called him up last night and asked him if he wanted to learn more. He said yes. You were right Michael Jackson. Easy as 1, 2, 3. All you gotta do is ask. That statement goes out to all of you guilty non sharing gospel believers. That was harsh but true. The wicked take the truth to be hard. That's why the church is moving efforts to facebook because no one can share the Gospel face to face. Jk but seriously.
FACEBOOK: Its getting there. I have my blog up and my facebook to almost 100% You guys need to check them out. WE are having a RS/Priesthood meeting on the whole deal this coming Sunday.
I will keep you update on our missionary effort this coming week. We finally got hold of the H family in Ekalaka. Supposedly, Sister H is all ready to get baptized. All she has to do his get interviewed. I know I mention names and then don't mention them for sometime and you get confused so ask questions if you need to. I will be happy to respond.
Elder Heywood.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Hunting Season has approached. uh oh.
We scraped ice off of our car windows this morning. That is actually pretty good considering that there was snow on the ground in Helena this time last year.
Wow. We have had some really neat things happening to us in the last couple of weeks. Some really special spiritual experiences. It seems like the Lord always allows us missionaries to have some tender mercies and special blessings when there is great opposition ahead or someone is getting transferred or someone is going home, etc, etc.
Our Schedule this Week: We go to Billings tonight and head for Helena Tuesday morning to meet with the Big Dog. After, we go back to Billings and spend all day Wednesday in Billings. Thursday we have our zone conference with the BIG DOG and head home Thursday evening. So, in the last 2 weeks we will have spent only about 4 days total (working/proselyting days) in Glendive. Frustrating is the word.
Friday afternoon we went to Billings to have splits/teams ups and it was a drag your feet type of trip.(lots of details in this story. I hope I dont confuse you) Typically a team up would last a full day working in another companionship's area. The Stake was having their temple day so we were able to get a ride. But, with getting a ride comes some restrictions. We had to go off of the members schedules so that we could get a ride there and back. So the whole trip wasnt even worth it considering that we were going to have to come back to Glendive for Sunday and leave back for Billings the next day. After our very ineffective teams ups, our members picked us up and we started heading back to Billings. After a couple of errands we finally stopped in at Cabelas and looked around. It was packed. We ended up talking to a man in the camping section who was an ex member. After talking with him for some time it caused a curious worker to come over and see what was happening. After some time talking to the other employee, we found out that he had been investigating the church for about 2 years and hadnt made the decision to get baptized yet. We shared some encouraging words with him and went on our way. It was a good experience. Then, after 2 hours, we stopped in miles city for dinner and groceries. We couldnt decide on what to eat then someone said, "What about Wendy's?" We went to Wendy's and as we walked in a Mexican lady came up to us and asked us if we could speak with her 4 year-old nephew. She was there with her mom and 2 nephews and told us that her grandson was just telling them that Jesus Hated him. haha kind of funny but anyway, we had an articles of faith card on us and gave it to him after the lady had payed for our dinner. We started talking about the church and she ended up telling us that she had been baptized quite some time ago but was now attending another church.(reasons that I dont know) We then started talking to her mother who was living in Colstrip at the time who was having problems with her pastor/church. She, the mother, described to us that she didnt know what she was going to do, she felt betrayed by her church and was at "cross roads." After all was said and done we got both Ladies contact info and shared our Wendy's-appropriate testimonies. It was good and we felt that the Lord kind of had a hand in our trip back home that night. Think about everything that led up to the conversations with the 2 ladies in Wendys. If we had spent just a little more time here or there THAT would not have happened. It was good.
We had our lesson with D on Thursdays but instead of teaching him we taught his non member friend that he had been talking to. Another baseball player. Another investigator. Im tellin you. These boys are awesome. I did I get so lucky to be in Glendive. And..... I get another transfer of great and glorious miracles with them. The new investigators name is A. Stay tuned.
In Billings I had the privilege to witness another spirit filled baptismal service for an 18 year old kid in the student ward. I had/have/will never see(n) a person so excited to be baptized as this kid was. I have also never been so happy for someone before. It was so weird. I didnt even know the kid but something in me was so happy. Afterwards, he said the only thing he could describe what had just happened was, "complete and absolute joy" It was weird but special.
Also, we had one of the most spiritual PEC meetings Ive ever had. Details are confidential but I dont know what Im going to do when I get home. There are only experiences that I can have in the mission field that are specific to my calling that I cant have at home. I dont want to stop.
B came to church this Sunday too. He hasnt been in 2 years and came. I dont think Ive talked about the Ds much but we do our laundry every monday at their house. They are a favorite. Cherry and Grape.
If you could relay a THANK YOU to Bishop Lines and Sister Florence for me that would be great. They both sent me some encouraging letters to me the other week. Hopefully the THANKYOUS from you will suffice.
Please, no candy.
FACEBOOK: You can only access it if you have a face book. You could probably look at the main page but nothing else. I still dont have a blog set up but that will be coming soon. You can also check out my mormon.org profile if you go to mormon.org and click on "meet mormons"
Elder Heywood.
Question/comments (section): Did Dana go to some Dance Excellence thing in CA in April or March? Do we know any Olsens that went to Highland? There is another Less active kid that we met at the college whos cousins (Olsens) went to Highland.
We scraped ice off of our car windows this morning. That is actually pretty good considering that there was snow on the ground in Helena this time last year.
Wow. We have had some really neat things happening to us in the last couple of weeks. Some really special spiritual experiences. It seems like the Lord always allows us missionaries to have some tender mercies and special blessings when there is great opposition ahead or someone is getting transferred or someone is going home, etc, etc.
Our Schedule this Week: We go to Billings tonight and head for Helena Tuesday morning to meet with the Big Dog. After, we go back to Billings and spend all day Wednesday in Billings. Thursday we have our zone conference with the BIG DOG and head home Thursday evening. So, in the last 2 weeks we will have spent only about 4 days total (working/proselyting days) in Glendive. Frustrating is the word.
Friday afternoon we went to Billings to have splits/teams ups and it was a drag your feet type of trip.(lots of details in this story. I hope I dont confuse you) Typically a team up would last a full day working in another companionship's area. The Stake was having their temple day so we were able to get a ride. But, with getting a ride comes some restrictions. We had to go off of the members schedules so that we could get a ride there and back. So the whole trip wasnt even worth it considering that we were going to have to come back to Glendive for Sunday and leave back for Billings the next day. After our very ineffective teams ups, our members picked us up and we started heading back to Billings. After a couple of errands we finally stopped in at Cabelas and looked around. It was packed. We ended up talking to a man in the camping section who was an ex member. After talking with him for some time it caused a curious worker to come over and see what was happening. After some time talking to the other employee, we found out that he had been investigating the church for about 2 years and hadnt made the decision to get baptized yet. We shared some encouraging words with him and went on our way. It was a good experience. Then, after 2 hours, we stopped in miles city for dinner and groceries. We couldnt decide on what to eat then someone said, "What about Wendy's?" We went to Wendy's and as we walked in a Mexican lady came up to us and asked us if we could speak with her 4 year-old nephew. She was there with her mom and 2 nephews and told us that her grandson was just telling them that Jesus Hated him. haha kind of funny but anyway, we had an articles of faith card on us and gave it to him after the lady had payed for our dinner. We started talking about the church and she ended up telling us that she had been baptized quite some time ago but was now attending another church.(reasons that I dont know) We then started talking to her mother who was living in Colstrip at the time who was having problems with her pastor/church. She, the mother, described to us that she didnt know what she was going to do, she felt betrayed by her church and was at "cross roads." After all was said and done we got both Ladies contact info and shared our Wendy's-appropriate testimonies. It was good and we felt that the Lord kind of had a hand in our trip back home that night. Think about everything that led up to the conversations with the 2 ladies in Wendys. If we had spent just a little more time here or there THAT would not have happened. It was good.
We had our lesson with D on Thursdays but instead of teaching him we taught his non member friend that he had been talking to. Another baseball player. Another investigator. Im tellin you. These boys are awesome. I did I get so lucky to be in Glendive. And..... I get another transfer of great and glorious miracles with them. The new investigators name is A. Stay tuned.
In Billings I had the privilege to witness another spirit filled baptismal service for an 18 year old kid in the student ward. I had/have/will never see(n) a person so excited to be baptized as this kid was. I have also never been so happy for someone before. It was so weird. I didnt even know the kid but something in me was so happy. Afterwards, he said the only thing he could describe what had just happened was, "complete and absolute joy" It was weird but special.
Also, we had one of the most spiritual PEC meetings Ive ever had. Details are confidential but I dont know what Im going to do when I get home. There are only experiences that I can have in the mission field that are specific to my calling that I cant have at home. I dont want to stop.
B came to church this Sunday too. He hasnt been in 2 years and came. I dont think Ive talked about the Ds much but we do our laundry every monday at their house. They are a favorite. Cherry and Grape.
If you could relay a THANK YOU to Bishop Lines and Sister Florence for me that would be great. They both sent me some encouraging letters to me the other week. Hopefully the THANKYOUS from you will suffice.
Please, no candy.
FACEBOOK: You can only access it if you have a face book. You could probably look at the main page but nothing else. I still dont have a blog set up but that will be coming soon. You can also check out my mormon.org profile if you go to mormon.org and click on "meet mormons"
Elder Heywood.
Question/comments (section): Did Dana go to some Dance Excellence thing in CA in April or March? Do we know any Olsens that went to Highland? There is another Less active kid that we met at the college whos cousins (Olsens) went to Highland.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Facebook? Really?
Wow, have I got some crazy and exciting news for the Heywood family.
(Comment from the editor: Last week Elder Heywood chastised his mother..the editor...me...about her use of "then" vs. "than". Really? I correct spelling, and lack of punctuation for the blog and honestly he has never used an apostrophe since he left on his mission. So I gave him a hard time about chastising me...thus the following paragraph....oh and I am not correcting a thing this week.)
Before I get to that, I would like to comment on a couple of comments that were made. It would be better "than" writing the exciting news first. About the then and than comment.... mom.... were talking about the use of the wrong words here and grammar, not punctuation. Punctuation doesnt mean anything. Ask Katie, she ' ll agree with me. ex: The Heywoods boat isnt working today. vs. The Heywood's bote isn't working today. What stands out more and reflects the intellect of the individual more. The 1st one without any punctuation or the 2nd with the boat spelt wrong? This is a horrible ex that came off the top of my head but I think you can get the feel of what I ' m trying to convey.
Rob Gardner: The Lamb of God is recently released right? He also came out with another one that was pretty good. Its all about Joseph Smith. You would like it. But, you are right about weird. That is really weird that he spoke to the stake. I wonder if he would do something in Montana. Like a firesided or something. Montana needs something like that. Theres not a ton of talent in the music department if you know what I mean. The Garden soundtrack is something that a couple of missionaries have and Ive heard a little bit of it.
Alrighty THEN; mission news: As you know we went to a meeting in Billings this last week. What was presented blew us all away. There was a pilot program happening in the New York Rochester mission in the last 6 months. They utilized face book and blogging websites to share the gospel with people in the areas where the missionaries were serving. THAT pilot program just got extended to the Montana Billings Mission and is now in effect. Yes, me, the most anti-facebook person in the world is in the process of making a facebook linked to a blog and mormon.org profile. It will be interesting. I dont have it up and running but it should be by the end of this week. I will be known as Elder Heywood on facebook and will be trying to share the gospel online for one hour every day. Right now its only the district leaders and zone leaders taking part in this. I think we were told there are now 8 missions doing this and only a select few from every mission. Its a big deal and Im actually kind of excited to see what happens. I only have 5 months left so hopefull I can see some of the fruit from this action.
On Saturday we got to go to D's baseball game here in Glendive. It was just a scrimmage but was nice to get to watch some sort of competition. Perfect weather too. Plus the b-ball kids showed up and we got to talk to some of their friends. After the game, in the evening, we had a lesson with D and D. That was the second time that we taught them in the week. The Tuesday previous to that meeting was a special experience. Beforehand, Elder Snyder and I had been discussing what to do with D and both discussed where he was at with his testimony. We had both thought that he knew what he was getting into and felt that what he was being taught was good and all but we werent sure if he had really had any spiritual experiences which could and would anchor him down. Does that make any sense? Basically, we didnt want him to be baptized just because He "liked" what he was being taught and becuase he had a girlfriend back at home that was supporting him and encouraging him to do it. We got to the church and decided to watch Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration. We had really just been pounding out all of the lessons and decided it would be good to watch this movie. After the movie, Elder Snyder and I both bore powerful testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith and then asked how he felt about the Church. We already knew what his answer would be saying that he felt good but he shared a special experience that let us know he was really ready for baptism. He told us, "Sunday morning my girlfriend left for home and I was feeling sad and a little homesick. After the Sunday morning session, I felt so comforted and happy about my family and the decisions I was making. I felt like everything was going the way it needed to go. It was then, that I realized even if things dont work out between me and her, I still have this(the church)." It was a very special experience and goes in the top 5 most spirit packed lesson that Ive had in my mission. It was good. He is awesome.
M and S: They fed us last night and we had a really good lesson with them. They are awesome. I actually really enjoy being in their house. They are now considered progressing investigators and are consistently reading the Book of Mormon. stay tuned for them.
We finally got in contact with J and T again and had another interesting experience. You dont know J but he is a non member and his wife is a member. J likes to drink and smoke a lot and knows that he shouldnt. His personality is really laid back and lax and we were having a pretty good discussion and then out of nowhere he leaned forward in his chair and said with serious tone and sensitivity in his voice that he needed help. It was just for that little bit though, like he was someone else for 5 seconds and then went bakc to his normal self. They said they were going to show up for church but then ended up not. bummer.
Lots of other good things happened and thing are continuing to progress. Our zone found 14 new investigators which is really good but probably really bad considering Jared is having 4 baptisms this weekend and they are all in his area. But, we are doing good and trying to pump em out. Within these next 2 weeks we are only going to be in Glendive for about 5 days. Glasgow, Wolf Point and Billings this week with an out of the blue Helena trip next week and Billings for Elder Allan F. Packer. 2 weeks after that, transfers.
Elder Facebook Heywood
(Comment from the editor: Last week Elder Heywood chastised his mother..the editor...me...about her use of "then" vs. "than". Really? I correct spelling, and lack of punctuation for the blog and honestly he has never used an apostrophe since he left on his mission. So I gave him a hard time about chastising me...thus the following paragraph....oh and I am not correcting a thing this week.)
Before I get to that, I would like to comment on a couple of comments that were made. It would be better "than" writing the exciting news first. About the then and than comment.... mom.... were talking about the use of the wrong words here and grammar, not punctuation. Punctuation doesnt mean anything. Ask Katie, she ' ll agree with me. ex: The Heywoods boat isnt working today. vs. The Heywood's bote isn't working today. What stands out more and reflects the intellect of the individual more. The 1st one without any punctuation or the 2nd with the boat spelt wrong? This is a horrible ex that came off the top of my head but I think you can get the feel of what I ' m trying to convey.
Rob Gardner: The Lamb of God is recently released right? He also came out with another one that was pretty good. Its all about Joseph Smith. You would like it. But, you are right about weird. That is really weird that he spoke to the stake. I wonder if he would do something in Montana. Like a firesided or something. Montana needs something like that. Theres not a ton of talent in the music department if you know what I mean. The Garden soundtrack is something that a couple of missionaries have and Ive heard a little bit of it.
Alrighty THEN; mission news: As you know we went to a meeting in Billings this last week. What was presented blew us all away. There was a pilot program happening in the New York Rochester mission in the last 6 months. They utilized face book and blogging websites to share the gospel with people in the areas where the missionaries were serving. THAT pilot program just got extended to the Montana Billings Mission and is now in effect. Yes, me, the most anti-facebook person in the world is in the process of making a facebook linked to a blog and mormon.org profile. It will be interesting. I dont have it up and running but it should be by the end of this week. I will be known as Elder Heywood on facebook and will be trying to share the gospel online for one hour every day. Right now its only the district leaders and zone leaders taking part in this. I think we were told there are now 8 missions doing this and only a select few from every mission. Its a big deal and Im actually kind of excited to see what happens. I only have 5 months left so hopefull I can see some of the fruit from this action.
On Saturday we got to go to D's baseball game here in Glendive. It was just a scrimmage but was nice to get to watch some sort of competition. Perfect weather too. Plus the b-ball kids showed up and we got to talk to some of their friends. After the game, in the evening, we had a lesson with D and D. That was the second time that we taught them in the week. The Tuesday previous to that meeting was a special experience. Beforehand, Elder Snyder and I had been discussing what to do with D and both discussed where he was at with his testimony. We had both thought that he knew what he was getting into and felt that what he was being taught was good and all but we werent sure if he had really had any spiritual experiences which could and would anchor him down. Does that make any sense? Basically, we didnt want him to be baptized just because He "liked" what he was being taught and becuase he had a girlfriend back at home that was supporting him and encouraging him to do it. We got to the church and decided to watch Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration. We had really just been pounding out all of the lessons and decided it would be good to watch this movie. After the movie, Elder Snyder and I both bore powerful testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith and then asked how he felt about the Church. We already knew what his answer would be saying that he felt good but he shared a special experience that let us know he was really ready for baptism. He told us, "Sunday morning my girlfriend left for home and I was feeling sad and a little homesick. After the Sunday morning session, I felt so comforted and happy about my family and the decisions I was making. I felt like everything was going the way it needed to go. It was then, that I realized even if things dont work out between me and her, I still have this(the church)." It was a very special experience and goes in the top 5 most spirit packed lesson that Ive had in my mission. It was good. He is awesome.
M and S: They fed us last night and we had a really good lesson with them. They are awesome. I actually really enjoy being in their house. They are now considered progressing investigators and are consistently reading the Book of Mormon. stay tuned for them.
We finally got in contact with J and T again and had another interesting experience. You dont know J but he is a non member and his wife is a member. J likes to drink and smoke a lot and knows that he shouldnt. His personality is really laid back and lax and we were having a pretty good discussion and then out of nowhere he leaned forward in his chair and said with serious tone and sensitivity in his voice that he needed help. It was just for that little bit though, like he was someone else for 5 seconds and then went bakc to his normal self. They said they were going to show up for church but then ended up not. bummer.
Lots of other good things happened and thing are continuing to progress. Our zone found 14 new investigators which is really good but probably really bad considering Jared is having 4 baptisms this weekend and they are all in his area. But, we are doing good and trying to pump em out. Within these next 2 weeks we are only going to be in Glendive for about 5 days. Glasgow, Wolf Point and Billings this week with an out of the blue Helena trip next week and Billings for Elder Allan F. Packer. 2 weeks after that, transfers.
Elder Facebook Heywood
Monday, October 4, 2010
Lots going on in the Dive...
(For anyone reading both Heywood Boys Blogs, read Jared's post first. His come in about 1:00 Monday morning and get sent to Parker before Parker writes. Parker usually finds something in Jared's post to write about...and with that introduction...on to his letter...)
Conference weekend is always good. Its supposed to be. A Prophet of the Lord is speaking to the world. Its too bad that people don't quite understand that concept. Its kind of a tough I guess. I don't know why it would be though.
WOW. Was I right about comparing MT to the Philippines? They almost sound like the same place except for the fact that everyone here is white. Breast feeding definitely is a happening thing around these parts of the country and I'm sure many would use bamboo to build their houses around here if they could. I quote a person we met the other week, " I would introduce you to my wife and son but.... he's on a t*t right now." Speaking of tin roof. I just re roofed a barn with some tin. Name any one thing from a third world country and Montana can and will compare. Language, food, culture. Its not different folks. FYI the language is coming really well. I've almost got it down and can almost read and write in it. I'm excited to use it when I get home.
Conference was good though. I would have to say favorite talk was...too many but to choose one it would be priesthood, Elder Eyring. One of my favs.
None of the guys from college came on Saturday but on Sunday, D showed up. ALL BY HIMSELF. Everyone else was too tired and couldn't get out of bed. Even though they had been showing it on the Internet, D showed up. Hes not even a member. In the afternoon, D woke up and came to that session with him. The Boys are doing good. We had a lesson with D on Friday with his girlfriend from UT and talked about his baptism which will be on the 31st of December in Utah. Its kind of a bummer that he is getting baptized in Utah but it doesn't really matter. Ive been the one who has got to teach him and that's what Ive enjoyed. We also went up to the college and talked to one of the other member kids who hasn't been coming to church. We had a good conversation with him and invited him to watch conference which I don't think he did. The first remark by President Monson would have been perfect for him. It would have been an answer to some of his thoughts and questions.
J's baptism happened yesterday and went well. Lots of the family and ward showed up to support her. Even the non member sister showed up. We think the sister had a good experience too. Just a spiritually filled baptism. After the baptism we ate some din (one thing Ive noticed which has only been with the eastern side of Montana is that people refer to Dinner as Lunch. and Supper for Dinner. There is really no lunch) and got in with 2 families. One was the H family (the mom who likes to breast feed while in the middle of our lesson). They are the epitome of a missionary's investigating family. They have four boys... from 10 on down with one being severely autistic. The mom likes breast feeding in the middle of our lessons and they always have the TV on which is, thankfully, turned off when we come in. They have cats with a litter of about 6 kittens and 3 dogs, 2 of which are close to or over 100lbs. I forgot to mention the 100 gallon fish tank and 4x5x8ft bird cage which is home to over 5 cockatails.(I'm not spelling that right). Lets not forget the Pitbull too, sometimes chained up in their backyard. What I am giving you is only a fraction of what the whole scene looks like. I describe this whole fortress and family lifestyle, not only because it is so real and so entertaining, but to let you know that Heavenly Father works in the lives of all his children. As we sat with this family, they were so sincere in their faith and it was hard to inform them that their baptisms weren't valid, etc, etc ,etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc,. But, the spirit was there and we ended up having a nice visit which will be followed up by a visit next week. Cant wait for that one. After we went to the F family. The father is less active and the mother and daughters are non members. We had a good lesson/visit and will be returning to their home next Sunday as well.
Lastly, I would like to mention the jail. We are now seeing over 5 inmates there at the jail. Remind me for when I'm home to find ways to go to the jail and be involved in their lives. Some of the best lessons Ive had on my mission are out there to those spiritually wounded sons of God. It very spiritual. Plus the lady at the front desk has a crush on me. JK, but seriously.
You should see my new haircut. 6 on top. 4 on the sides. Those of you who know that I like my hair long will know that this is a big step in my life. Its short, and I actually like it. I still cant comb it because its that short. Not really short, but, for me... reallllllly short. I don't know why I wrote that. Just thought you'd like to get a good image and vision of me once in a while.
Questions answered and comments too:
V is on a cruise right now. He never remarried. I will be sad to leave him when I do. Another AZ thing that we have been discussing is a new ? I don't know what to call it, cd/musical/masterpiece put out by Rob Gardner called the lamb of god? He showed me the little trailer that was made for the recording of it and sisters Whaley, Crandall, and Jones were all in the choir that was used for the recording. I haven't listened to a lot of it but what I heard was good. Have you ever heard of the GARDEN?
I heard BYU lost to Utah state. How about ASU. Who is number 1 right now?
The kids playing on the basket ball team are Kiegan, Austin, Andy, and Isaac. The basketball roster shouldn't be completely up until the season starts. They still have to finish making cuts. Any other kids you see in the team picture or on the roster.... I've probably talked to. Most of the team is from St Louis and Louisiana, I think. As for the baseball team. They wont be starting for a while. We should get to go to one of their scrimmages this week though that should be fun.
Elder Snyder isn't trunky. We are going to Billings tonight and then Saturday of the following week and then the Thursday of the week after that. 3 times 3 weeks in a row. Not looking forward to it.
Elder Parker Loren Heywood
Glendive, MT
Love
Conference weekend is always good. Its supposed to be. A Prophet of the Lord is speaking to the world. Its too bad that people don't quite understand that concept. Its kind of a tough I guess. I don't know why it would be though.
WOW. Was I right about comparing MT to the Philippines? They almost sound like the same place except for the fact that everyone here is white. Breast feeding definitely is a happening thing around these parts of the country and I'm sure many would use bamboo to build their houses around here if they could. I quote a person we met the other week, " I would introduce you to my wife and son but.... he's on a t*t right now." Speaking of tin roof. I just re roofed a barn with some tin. Name any one thing from a third world country and Montana can and will compare. Language, food, culture. Its not different folks. FYI the language is coming really well. I've almost got it down and can almost read and write in it. I'm excited to use it when I get home.
Conference was good though. I would have to say favorite talk was...too many but to choose one it would be priesthood, Elder Eyring. One of my favs.
None of the guys from college came on Saturday but on Sunday, D showed up. ALL BY HIMSELF. Everyone else was too tired and couldn't get out of bed. Even though they had been showing it on the Internet, D showed up. Hes not even a member. In the afternoon, D woke up and came to that session with him. The Boys are doing good. We had a lesson with D on Friday with his girlfriend from UT and talked about his baptism which will be on the 31st of December in Utah. Its kind of a bummer that he is getting baptized in Utah but it doesn't really matter. Ive been the one who has got to teach him and that's what Ive enjoyed. We also went up to the college and talked to one of the other member kids who hasn't been coming to church. We had a good conversation with him and invited him to watch conference which I don't think he did. The first remark by President Monson would have been perfect for him. It would have been an answer to some of his thoughts and questions.
J's baptism happened yesterday and went well. Lots of the family and ward showed up to support her. Even the non member sister showed up. We think the sister had a good experience too. Just a spiritually filled baptism. After the baptism we ate some din (one thing Ive noticed which has only been with the eastern side of Montana is that people refer to Dinner as Lunch. and Supper for Dinner. There is really no lunch) and got in with 2 families. One was the H family (the mom who likes to breast feed while in the middle of our lesson). They are the epitome of a missionary's investigating family. They have four boys... from 10 on down with one being severely autistic. The mom likes breast feeding in the middle of our lessons and they always have the TV on which is, thankfully, turned off when we come in. They have cats with a litter of about 6 kittens and 3 dogs, 2 of which are close to or over 100lbs. I forgot to mention the 100 gallon fish tank and 4x5x8ft bird cage which is home to over 5 cockatails.(I'm not spelling that right). Lets not forget the Pitbull too, sometimes chained up in their backyard. What I am giving you is only a fraction of what the whole scene looks like. I describe this whole fortress and family lifestyle, not only because it is so real and so entertaining, but to let you know that Heavenly Father works in the lives of all his children. As we sat with this family, they were so sincere in their faith and it was hard to inform them that their baptisms weren't valid, etc, etc ,etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc,. But, the spirit was there and we ended up having a nice visit which will be followed up by a visit next week. Cant wait for that one. After we went to the F family. The father is less active and the mother and daughters are non members. We had a good lesson/visit and will be returning to their home next Sunday as well.
Lastly, I would like to mention the jail. We are now seeing over 5 inmates there at the jail. Remind me for when I'm home to find ways to go to the jail and be involved in their lives. Some of the best lessons Ive had on my mission are out there to those spiritually wounded sons of God. It very spiritual. Plus the lady at the front desk has a crush on me. JK, but seriously.
You should see my new haircut. 6 on top. 4 on the sides. Those of you who know that I like my hair long will know that this is a big step in my life. Its short, and I actually like it. I still cant comb it because its that short. Not really short, but, for me... reallllllly short. I don't know why I wrote that. Just thought you'd like to get a good image and vision of me once in a while.
Questions answered and comments too:
V is on a cruise right now. He never remarried. I will be sad to leave him when I do. Another AZ thing that we have been discussing is a new ? I don't know what to call it, cd/musical/masterpiece put out by Rob Gardner called the lamb of god? He showed me the little trailer that was made for the recording of it and sisters Whaley, Crandall, and Jones were all in the choir that was used for the recording. I haven't listened to a lot of it but what I heard was good. Have you ever heard of the GARDEN?
I heard BYU lost to Utah state. How about ASU. Who is number 1 right now?
The kids playing on the basket ball team are Kiegan, Austin, Andy, and Isaac. The basketball roster shouldn't be completely up until the season starts. They still have to finish making cuts. Any other kids you see in the team picture or on the roster.... I've probably talked to. Most of the team is from St Louis and Louisiana, I think. As for the baseball team. They wont be starting for a while. We should get to go to one of their scrimmages this week though that should be fun.
Elder Snyder isn't trunky. We are going to Billings tonight and then Saturday of the following week and then the Thursday of the week after that. 3 times 3 weeks in a row. Not looking forward to it.
Elder Parker Loren Heywood
Glendive, MT
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