Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Hey I'm in Montana...

This last week was another doozee. Im glad that Christmas and new years are over so that we can get back to the normal schedule. That will be nice. Everybody is anxious for transfers like we always are. I have no idea what will happen.

Story: Anthony B is an 18 yr old boy with a similar story to Thien Ngyuen(?) and Krissy Althoff. He grew up with LDS friends, went to seminary, then turned 18 (this last may) and was baptized by one of his best friends. HIs little sister, Mary, is 13 and has been coming to chruch, YW's, all that jazz ever since he was baptized, almost a year ago. Her parents deal was that she could go to church, young womens, again, all that chruch stuff as long as she wanted but would have to wait until she is 18 to be baptized. In the last couple months, Anthony has told his parents that he wants to serve a mission and has asked for their support. Just about about 2 weeks ago his parents told him that he would be supported. He plans to leave in May. Just yesterday, Anthony talked to us and said that his sister wants to be baptized before HE leaves in May. They were going to talk to their parents last night and let us know on Wedneday what the verdict is. IS THAT NOT SWEET OR WHAT? We are pretty excited. Im going to be selfish and say that I hope elder Jensen goes at the end of the transfer and I stay. Some good things are happening. They always seem to happen after I write you guys too. LIke on Tuesdays and Mondays good things always happen.

Story #2: Last Tuesday we went tracting and I think I told you but, It was just the most horrible day. For some reason I just had no motivation, AT ALL, to do anything. I was tired and grouchy and tired and mad and tired and unmotivated and tired..... IT was not a good day. But, with a little perseverance, diligence, and coach parkerness; we did what we had planned for the previous night, and began to tract out the planned for area. within an hour.....we had gotten into someones home and got onto mormon.org to teach them about the restoration and about continuing revelation. We watched some little clips with Jeffrey R. HOlland speaking. they werent interested but, hey, what the heck. next, gave a book of mormon away, had over 8 quality gospel conversations, ran into a less active lady with her non-member son and husband in which we have a return appt for this Saturday, and last but not least, got asked to come back to an old lady's house. BAM. Wasssup baby. Thats right. We came off Conqueror.

Other than those two stories, just the regular. We got back in with Rod & Lisa and hope to set another baptismal date with her. Also, Jordan H. Its been tough trying to get back in with them. I dont think that Jordans mother is too happy with us. We will see.

Just yesterday a family named the Swensons stopped in Helena for sacrament meeting as they were heading back to Canada. Calgary I think. We went through the normal missionary questions and then, me being from AZ asked If I knew the Florences. I said I did. Small world. I think their names werer mike and mary. (probably not) but Mike Swenson is Ricks Uncle. just 8 yrs older. You will have to tell them.

ON your guys' end sounds like things are good. Keep reading scrips. Keep doin good. What about those missionary experiences? Whats up with that? Tell dad to get black.Tell jared to stay in school. Tell KT and Aaron that babies should be a priority, tell dana to stop kissing boys, tell luke to work out, tell mom to invite a family over for FHE. And remember all of you too....."work on some goals" or "write some letters"
Keep the sabbath holy. No cardinals games.

This week should be: red vines + Mr Pibb = Crazy Delicious So sick (pound pound) x2

Peace!
Elder Plheywood

Monday, December 28, 2009

SNORING + BAPTISM + FROZEN = CHRISTMAS

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 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

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

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

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

(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