May 7, 2012
Hola!
Haha that’s so funny that Austin has been watching Lord of the Rings... because I just barely had a sudden desire to watch it! We have MoTab's "Showtime" CD and they have a Lord of the Rings song on there. Remember when they sang it at Priesthood session? Oh my goodness... it was beautiful. That darn little Catholic School Boy sure had some pipes. Elder Curletti and I were listening to it today on the way over to pick up the other elders and he made the comment that he imagines the Lord of the Rings song playing when the battle of Armagedon is over and he’s standing on the battlefield holding the Title of Liberty while walking into the sunset. I obviously agreed. That CD also has The Circle of Life on there sung by Alex Boye’ and it is THE BEST SONG IN THE WORLD. Elder Curletti and I were singing our hearts out, once again while we were heading to pick up the other elders. I felt the spirit.
This week was pretty awesome. The last few weeks we have been struggling to find. We were going by members, knocking on doors, talking with everyone that we could, and no one was interested. I was SUPER discouraged. I really was lacking in faith and I felt bad because it was also affecting Elder Curletti. He even told me to try and be a little more positive. SO... Friday I fasted all day to have the faith to find. And it worked. The next day I was happy and energetic. We were talking with everyone that we could. Then we found Maggie. We had planned on going by Jesse and Krystal’s, but they weren’t home so we decided to knock around a bit... so we knocked on the apartment next to them and found Krystal's cousin, Maggie that lives there. We contacted her and then invited her to church and she accepted. So the next day, Sunday, Maggie came to Church with Jesse and Krystal and had a great time! We had a lesson with her that night at Jesse and Krystal's set a fecha for her to be baptized on June 3rd! It was great! She really is and awesome girl. And now E. Curletti and I have some ganas to move the work forward in Donna!
Also in Church Jesse received the Priesthood and he and Krystal got callings!! haha I was SO excited! Every time I see them in church I see them progress. Krystal is going to be a primary teacher and Jesse is going to be the guy that rings the bell! Haha I'm so happy for them!
This week I have a 2 day leadership training over in McAllen for Trainers, District Leaders, and Zone Leaders on Wednesday and Thursday; so my son is going to be taking over the area with Elder Ferrel. It’s going to be great! I'm going to get to see a bunch of my friends in the mission that I haven’t seen in forever, like Elder Hunt!
Yeah mom you can definitely send me some CTR rings in Spanish tambien. Muchisimo gracias!
I will probably call you on Friday to set up the call for Saturday or Sunday.
I love you and I can’t wait to see all the changes that you all are making to the house! Keep up the good work! Also It’s good to hear that you’re sending letters to my good ol’ buddy Elder Brown all the way over there in Chile! He's a great kid and I love him and his family. Good luck at the Price is Right Auntie Tye!
I love you all and I hope you have a great week! Good luck on your tests Madi!
-Elder Jordan Stewart
Friday, May 11, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Letter 45
April 30, 2012
Hola Ya'll,
It was a pretty tough week for our goals. It started off really well. Elder Duke gave us a great training in District Meeting about getting members to help with the work. Members are the KEY! Did you all know that only 1/1000 people are baptized from tracting. And if you as members just give us the name of someone and we go by and tell them you sent us it goes up to 8%. BUT when you personally come with us and introduce us it moves up to 34%. AND FINALLY when you introduce us and let us teach your friends in your home 2/3, I REPEAT, TWO-THIRDS, 660/1000 people are baptized!! SO HELP THE MISSIONARIES! Hahaha. We also talked about how if we concentrate our efforts on Less Actives and Part Member Families we are going to have success. The Spirit was really strong and E.Duke had me bare my testimony of reactivating members. I reactivated a family back in Corpus that I absolutely love. And they are still doing great! So I bore my testimony of the importance of that. Then E. Chick, Zone Leader, bore a powerful testimony and promised us that if we would concentrate on strengthening the Ward, including the less actives and the part members, we would find success. Even if we don’t have success with the LA or PM the Lord will bless us with people to teach. So, Elder Curletti and I set out to find some Less Active members in our area and tried to work with them. While we were looking we found a really awesome girl who we taught the restoration to and now she is reading the Book of Mormon and searching to know if its true. We also were blessed to teach a Part Member family last night, who were a referral from their member parents. I know these were the fulfillment of E.Chick's promise, and I know that more people like her will be found as we strengthen the Ward.
E.Curletti is doing well. He understands things so clearly. It’s kinda hard to train him sometimes because he seems so comfortable and I just assume that he knows what to do sometimes. The 12 week program is going well. I know that its not just meant for him, but for me as well. I'm really the one being trained. He and I are really starting to get a long. He's a really cool kid. Haha I think I made him sound a lot more nerdy than he really is. He's great! This week we are really going to focus on inviting the spirit into our lessons. E.Duke has shown us a great example for that and he has really inspired me to focus on that for our companionship this week. We're going to start singing hymns in our lessons to invite the spirit.
Its good to hear that everyone back home is doing well. That stinks that Chase is struggling to find roomies... I would totally move in if I was home and had a well paying job. But... That probably won’t happen for at looooong time. My resume’ is pretty sparce. Oh, and I’m on a mission. But good luck Chase! I love you! Turn the extra room into a trampoline room!!
That good to hear that your still hanging out with the Browns! They’re great people! I definitely love that family and miss my Auntie Tye! Tell Brother Brown I’m sorry his mouth is having trouble. I hope everything goes well at the Price is Right! Is Bob Barker still alive...? Some one just told me Drew Carey is the new host! What the.....? Good for him that he's lost all that weight, but I miss the fat Drew. WHO'S LINE IS IT ANYWAY!
Mom I would like you to send me some stuff in my next package... and I actually wrote it down so I remember! 1. Some little CTR rings to give to little kids. 2. The Mormon Messages DVD's, I know they sell one DVD from like 2009 but if they have the new one out I would like that one too. 3. A movie called "Journey of Faith" I think that's what its called. It follows Nephi's journey in the wilderness and kinda proves the Book of Mormon true. If you can find it that would be great. Other than that... I don’t need anything else. Thanks!
I forgot all the other questions you asked me... Oh yeah. The food is great. Nothing too out of the ordinary haha. Lots of mexican food. Lots of trips to the bathroom! hahaha jk.
I love you all so much and I hope you all have a great week!
-Elder Jordan Stewart
Monday, April 16, 2012
Letter 44
April 16, 2012
Hey Ya'll!
So... Elder Rightmier decided to go home. It was really sad that I couldn’t help him, but he'll be ok. So in District meeting the day before he left, Elder Mecham our District Leader said,"Well I don’t have any announcements..." then he asked the Zone Leaders if they had any. One of them, Elder Chick, said,"Elder Stewart needs to be in McAllen tomorrow at 9 for New Trainer Training." hahaha I was like... "Excuuuuse me?" haha so I guess I'm training. I'll be pickin’ the ‘lil guy up tomorrow! (Transfers are tomorrow mom and the next is 6 weeks from tomorrow, and so on) I'm going to be a daddy!! I think I'll name him Elder. I’m really nervous to train. Haha but I know that the Lord has called me and I have to try my best. I will be as exactly obedient as I can be for my new companion. I have a really good feeling that good things are going to happen in my area with him. Hopefully he has a real desire to serve the Lord. I need someone that can work and is upbeat. Donna needs a companionship that is going to do whatever it takes to find those prepared people. I will try my best to do my part and make up for whatever else our companionship lacks. I’m really nervous, but I’m also super excited. I can just feel that this is going to be a great experience for me!
This week has been pretty weird. I have been working in the Llano Grande Area since Wednesday, so did very little work in my area of Donna. So... that was really weird. Anyway.... I really enjoyed my time in Weslaco and I had great experiences with Elder Jensen and Elder Reid. Both of them are great missionaries. They are both from Utah and Elder Reid is actually from Orem. His brother ran for Student Body Artist but didn’t get it! hahaha I was like, "It was probably my sister Madi's fault." Anyway he's super cool. He was Elder Peterson's comp in the MTC. But yeah... Our threesome was the BOMB.com! There never is a dull moment when there’s three of you, especially when you get along. haha it was really fun. It was weird for them because I brought the car into their area and they weren’t used to drivin’ around. We found an awesome family and another man that are preparing for baptism. The work is good in Llano Grande, now lets focus on Donna!
Our investigators are none existent! haha but that means that my greenie and I are going to have our work cut out for us! We'll be finding all over the place! Oh haha funny story: On Saturday we were working in Donna for only an hour and we came to this house and contacted 21 year old girl inside. She acted super weird and I kinda got the impression that she was talking to us for the wrong reasons. But we set up a return appointment for the next day. So we go back and she wasn’t there. We called her and left a message. Then later that night she texts us and tells us sorry she wasn’t there. I told her, "Its ok we'll just come back another time." but then she said, "Oh I’m like never home." So... I asked her when we could come by and she said,"I don’t know... You guys were really CUTE!" hahaha So I said,"WELL... we were just there to teach you the gospel...." Then she was like, "Yeah I know. Thanks so much." I then asked her if she was even interested. She said no. Then I said,"Cool thanks see ya" And that was that......... then I found 20 bucks..... Maybe you had to be there..
Jesse and Krystal are doing good. BUT Jesse lost his phone and we can’t get a hold of him unless we just go over there. But all is well. The ward has been really helpful trying to get their New Member Lessons done. They're great!
Other than that I don’t have anything else to write... Oh I got a letter from Shayla Gibb! That was nice. haha So I'll be writing her soon. Have a Great Week and I'll be calling you in a few weeks!! CRAZY!
-Elder Jordan Stewart
PS-My bike is in my apartment mom
Friday, April 13, 2012
Letter 43
April 9, 2012
Hola Familia
Its good to hear that your still hanging out with Auntie Tye! Man, I love that woman! Thanks for the Easter package too! The chocolates were pretty darn melty, but everything else was good! I LOVE THE BIKE LIGHTS.... although... I wanted it in blue... not yellow! GEEZ MOM! haha jk jk. Like you always say,"Beggers can’t be choosers". LOVE YOU! I shared the cookies with Jesse and Krystal and their family. They loved them!
It’s funny that you asked about Jesse and Krystal, because this weekend they were baptized! They have been waiting for SO long waiting for that First Presidency letter. I was beginning to wonder if it would happen. But it came right before General Conference and we have just been talking it over since then. Jesse has been trying to figure out things with a job he was going to take in Georgia, so we wanted to get them baptized on Saturday and confirmed on Easter Sunday before he left. So that’s what we shot for! It was probably one of the most rushed baptismal programs I have ever put together, but everything went great! We had the talks assigned the day before and we printed the programs like 15 minutes before the service and everyone was ready to go and it was awesome! Sunday they were confirmed and the spirit was so strong. They both were crying and I knew that they had felt the change the Spirit brought. It was an amazing experience. Now were just working on getting their new member lessons taught and setting goals for Jesse to get the Priesthood and their family to go to the Temple to be sealed. Oh, and in the bathroom when we were changing Jesse told me that he might not even be taking that job in Georgia after all because they're taking so long to get back to him! That would make it SO much easier! It truly was a miracle. I had been praying that he wouldn’t take that job. Heavenly Father answers prayers! I'll send some pictures of their family.
Mom, you'd be happy to know that Krystal said that you looked like a movie star. I showed her your picture and she's like, "Wow your mom looks like an actress!" haha so there you go!
I hit a bird with the car yesterday... it was just sitting there in the road and they USUALLY move when you approach them. BUT NOOOOO... not this bird. He was "brave". I was like,"WOAHH, NOOOOOO!!" I have never hit an animal before in a car. I was so ashamed. But my companion said it "flew away" . I don’t know if it was because of the impact, or because he was really ok and he used his wings. All I know is that he went under the car and came out the back... ooops!
Yep those are my boots! How do you like them? Boot sizes are a little bit different than shoe sizes... and I think my feet are shrinking... If that’s possible. I'm not gaining or losing any weight out here either. Weird. 160 FOREVER!
I guess you could say this week has had its pros and cons. We had interviews and a zone training which was awesome! I love trainings! We talked about how we can work better with the members. Which is much needed in my area, because we are struggling to find new investigators. Now we have a ton of ideas on how to help the members with their missionary work. In my interview President Trayner told me that this week E. Rightmier was making the decision whether or not he is going to stay on the mission or go home. He has been struggling with a lot of emotional things and his injuries aren’t helping. He's has been pretty depressed. E. Rightmier told me that he was leaving. I didn’t know how to help him. He has already spoken with doctors, President, and 2 members of the 70. I didn’t have anything to say. His heart is completely set. I feel terrible... I feel like I could have helped him more. I tried to be a good example, but I couldn’t change his heart. His "treasures" are all at home I guess. "Where your treasures are, there will your heart be also." His treasures weren't here and there wasn’t anything I could do to change that.
Well I'm going to continue to work hard out here in Donna and pray for miracles to happen. I love all of you and pray for you all the time.
-Elder Stewart
Hola Familia
Its good to hear that your still hanging out with Auntie Tye! Man, I love that woman! Thanks for the Easter package too! The chocolates were pretty darn melty, but everything else was good! I LOVE THE BIKE LIGHTS.... although... I wanted it in blue... not yellow! GEEZ MOM! haha jk jk. Like you always say,"Beggers can’t be choosers". LOVE YOU! I shared the cookies with Jesse and Krystal and their family. They loved them!
It’s funny that you asked about Jesse and Krystal, because this weekend they were baptized! They have been waiting for SO long waiting for that First Presidency letter. I was beginning to wonder if it would happen. But it came right before General Conference and we have just been talking it over since then. Jesse has been trying to figure out things with a job he was going to take in Georgia, so we wanted to get them baptized on Saturday and confirmed on Easter Sunday before he left. So that’s what we shot for! It was probably one of the most rushed baptismal programs I have ever put together, but everything went great! We had the talks assigned the day before and we printed the programs like 15 minutes before the service and everyone was ready to go and it was awesome! Sunday they were confirmed and the spirit was so strong. They both were crying and I knew that they had felt the change the Spirit brought. It was an amazing experience. Now were just working on getting their new member lessons taught and setting goals for Jesse to get the Priesthood and their family to go to the Temple to be sealed. Oh, and in the bathroom when we were changing Jesse told me that he might not even be taking that job in Georgia after all because they're taking so long to get back to him! That would make it SO much easier! It truly was a miracle. I had been praying that he wouldn’t take that job. Heavenly Father answers prayers! I'll send some pictures of their family.
Mom, you'd be happy to know that Krystal said that you looked like a movie star. I showed her your picture and she's like, "Wow your mom looks like an actress!" haha so there you go!
I hit a bird with the car yesterday... it was just sitting there in the road and they USUALLY move when you approach them. BUT NOOOOO... not this bird. He was "brave". I was like,"WOAHH, NOOOOOO!!" I have never hit an animal before in a car. I was so ashamed. But my companion said it "flew away" . I don’t know if it was because of the impact, or because he was really ok and he used his wings. All I know is that he went under the car and came out the back... ooops!
Yep those are my boots! How do you like them? Boot sizes are a little bit different than shoe sizes... and I think my feet are shrinking... If that’s possible. I'm not gaining or losing any weight out here either. Weird. 160 FOREVER!
I guess you could say this week has had its pros and cons. We had interviews and a zone training which was awesome! I love trainings! We talked about how we can work better with the members. Which is much needed in my area, because we are struggling to find new investigators. Now we have a ton of ideas on how to help the members with their missionary work. In my interview President Trayner told me that this week E. Rightmier was making the decision whether or not he is going to stay on the mission or go home. He has been struggling with a lot of emotional things and his injuries aren’t helping. He's has been pretty depressed. E. Rightmier told me that he was leaving. I didn’t know how to help him. He has already spoken with doctors, President, and 2 members of the 70. I didn’t have anything to say. His heart is completely set. I feel terrible... I feel like I could have helped him more. I tried to be a good example, but I couldn’t change his heart. His "treasures" are all at home I guess. "Where your treasures are, there will your heart be also." His treasures weren't here and there wasn’t anything I could do to change that.
Well I'm going to continue to work hard out here in Donna and pray for miracles to happen. I love all of you and pray for you all the time.
-Elder Stewart
Monday, April 2, 2012
Letter 42
April 2, 2012
Hey Everyone!
You gotta love that Utah weather! Boy I wish I could have some dry heat right about now! "The Rains" ,as E.Doxey says, came. Actually there was a pretty crazy storm on Thursday and it like DESTROYED McAllen. Over here in Donna we just got some thunder and lightning with some rain, but they had hail the size of golf balls! The Zone Leaders called us on Friday morning and said that President wants everyone that has miles on their cars to come down and help clean up the neighborhood. So, all four zones in the Valley came and helped clean up! It was crazy! While we were driving into McAllen we just whipped out our cameras to take pics of all the destruction! Signs from businesses were just stripped off of the buildings from all the hail. President Trayners house was a mess. All of his windows were broken and his roof was oh so broken. It was nuts! Apparently a tornado touched down too! I was really awesome to help people clean up their lawns and drive ways. They all were really grateful and said,"Wow! You guys sure got here fast!" haha. But now... its super humid and in the upper 80"s. So that stinks.
I'm sorry to hear about Mike King’s mom. That really is sad. I pray that everything will be all right and that Michael can still get back out into the mission field.
This week was less than productive for Elder Rightmier and I. A lot of things just didn’t go our way. We had all the things we needed going for us at the beginning of the week to reach our goals, but as the week went along everything just fell apart. I think the Lord was humbling us and preparing us for the lessons we would learn at conference.
Speaking of Conference it was amazing. It was just what I needed after such a crappy week. It really couldn’t have come at a better time. They were sure hitting home with the Family this year right? At least that’s what I got. I really loved Elder Bednar's talk on the difference between the Authority and the Power of the Priesthood. I am so grateful to have a father that not only has the authority of the priesthood, but he honors that authority and fulfills his callings in the Church. Dad you are my hero and I love you. I hope that one day I can be as good of an example to my sons and you are to me. Mom, thank you for creating a spiritual environment in our home so that we could grow and learn the gospel at a young age. I hope I can marry someone as kind and loving and as beautiful as you. I love you. I feel embarrassed because I am crying in the computer lab.... so... I'll stop. Haha the other message that I got from Conference is that there is a difference between being in the Church and Living the Gospel. Its not enough to know the doctrine of the church, we need to live it. It needs to become a part of us. I just LOVE Conference. Never before have I gotten so much out of it. I have NO doubt in my mind that Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God. All Apostles and General Authorities are called of God, and we need to listen to them and live our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ, not just as members of his church.
Bad news this week…. Our family of four, The Zarzoza's, fell through. Her husband told her that she and their girls can't talk to us any more or go to church or get baptized. I was so mad! She has a testimony of the church; of Joseph Smith, of the Book of Mormon, even modern day prophets! And because of the ego of her "Catholic" husband, she and her daughters are going to miss out on the saving ordinance of baptism. It really isn't fair that some ignorant people have to ruin it for their families. I pray that his heart will be softened and one day they can be baptized. They are a beautiful family... except the husband - He's mean.
Elder Rightmier and I need to work harder. Our studies have been lacking and our finding efforts need to be improved. We have set personal and companionship goals and I will hold us to them. This week we have lowered our goals a little. We are basically starting from scratch, but I know that if we work hard and have faith that prepared people will be put in our path, they will be.
In my package could you send: Walter Rayne Paintings! I love his church art work and if you can get me like a bunch of his stuff I would love you. ummmm... I can’t think of anything else. I have enough ties don’t worry about that. I’m actually probably going to be sending some home. I need to write things down so I can remember.
Well I can’t think of anything else... I'm going to send some pictures now ok? haha Your Welcome!
-Elder Stewart
PS-Happy Birthday to my Grandpas! I love you both!
Elder Doxey: I sent a letter to you a little over 3 weeks ago... BUT... I think I goofed on the stamps. Someone told me I could just slap 2 good ol’ USA stamps on there and call it good. So that’s what I did. But I think I need some international stamps. That could be the reason why you haven’t gotten it yet. Ooooops. Also Happy Birfday!
Hey Everyone!
You gotta love that Utah weather! Boy I wish I could have some dry heat right about now! "The Rains" ,as E.Doxey says, came. Actually there was a pretty crazy storm on Thursday and it like DESTROYED McAllen. Over here in Donna we just got some thunder and lightning with some rain, but they had hail the size of golf balls! The Zone Leaders called us on Friday morning and said that President wants everyone that has miles on their cars to come down and help clean up the neighborhood. So, all four zones in the Valley came and helped clean up! It was crazy! While we were driving into McAllen we just whipped out our cameras to take pics of all the destruction! Signs from businesses were just stripped off of the buildings from all the hail. President Trayners house was a mess. All of his windows were broken and his roof was oh so broken. It was nuts! Apparently a tornado touched down too! I was really awesome to help people clean up their lawns and drive ways. They all were really grateful and said,"Wow! You guys sure got here fast!" haha. But now... its super humid and in the upper 80"s. So that stinks.
I'm sorry to hear about Mike King’s mom. That really is sad. I pray that everything will be all right and that Michael can still get back out into the mission field.
This week was less than productive for Elder Rightmier and I. A lot of things just didn’t go our way. We had all the things we needed going for us at the beginning of the week to reach our goals, but as the week went along everything just fell apart. I think the Lord was humbling us and preparing us for the lessons we would learn at conference.
Speaking of Conference it was amazing. It was just what I needed after such a crappy week. It really couldn’t have come at a better time. They were sure hitting home with the Family this year right? At least that’s what I got. I really loved Elder Bednar's talk on the difference between the Authority and the Power of the Priesthood. I am so grateful to have a father that not only has the authority of the priesthood, but he honors that authority and fulfills his callings in the Church. Dad you are my hero and I love you. I hope that one day I can be as good of an example to my sons and you are to me. Mom, thank you for creating a spiritual environment in our home so that we could grow and learn the gospel at a young age. I hope I can marry someone as kind and loving and as beautiful as you. I love you. I feel embarrassed because I am crying in the computer lab.... so... I'll stop. Haha the other message that I got from Conference is that there is a difference between being in the Church and Living the Gospel. Its not enough to know the doctrine of the church, we need to live it. It needs to become a part of us. I just LOVE Conference. Never before have I gotten so much out of it. I have NO doubt in my mind that Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God. All Apostles and General Authorities are called of God, and we need to listen to them and live our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ, not just as members of his church.
Bad news this week…. Our family of four, The Zarzoza's, fell through. Her husband told her that she and their girls can't talk to us any more or go to church or get baptized. I was so mad! She has a testimony of the church; of Joseph Smith, of the Book of Mormon, even modern day prophets! And because of the ego of her "Catholic" husband, she and her daughters are going to miss out on the saving ordinance of baptism. It really isn't fair that some ignorant people have to ruin it for their families. I pray that his heart will be softened and one day they can be baptized. They are a beautiful family... except the husband - He's mean.
Elder Rightmier and I need to work harder. Our studies have been lacking and our finding efforts need to be improved. We have set personal and companionship goals and I will hold us to them. This week we have lowered our goals a little. We are basically starting from scratch, but I know that if we work hard and have faith that prepared people will be put in our path, they will be.
In my package could you send: Walter Rayne Paintings! I love his church art work and if you can get me like a bunch of his stuff I would love you. ummmm... I can’t think of anything else. I have enough ties don’t worry about that. I’m actually probably going to be sending some home. I need to write things down so I can remember.
Well I can’t think of anything else... I'm going to send some pictures now ok? haha Your Welcome!
-Elder Stewart
PS-Happy Birthday to my Grandpas! I love you both!
Elder Doxey: I sent a letter to you a little over 3 weeks ago... BUT... I think I goofed on the stamps. Someone told me I could just slap 2 good ol’ USA stamps on there and call it good. So that’s what I did. But I think I need some international stamps. That could be the reason why you haven’t gotten it yet. Ooooops. Also Happy Birfday!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Letter 41
March 26, 2012
Hola!
This week was a little rough for our area. Last week Elder Leiva and I set some pretty high goals that we thought we would definitely be able to reach together. All of them were set with people in mind, but I think we could have been a little more prudent with them. The switch of companions was a little unexpected and it was definitely hard on the area and our goals. Both of us are still trying to find our way around, meet members, and help our investigators. So this week we've lowered are goals a little bit. We still have the people, but with the change in the area we need to plan a lot smarter. Also with E.Rightmier's knee we have to go to the doctor and we cant tract much, so we'll have to work a lot smarter. Its a humbling expierence to say the least, but we'll be fine if we do all that we can and leave the rest to the Lord.
Jesse and Krystal are doing great. They are still just waiting for that letter. It should probably be coming after conference. But Jesse will be leaving to work in Georgia for a while. His mom's fiance got him the job and since he's on parol its the only option right now. He should be back by Easter, so maybe we'll have an Easter Baptism! Krystal said she's still going to come to church even without Jesse.
That referral from last week never got a hold of us, but we're going to keep trying. I think she just had to work a lot. She's got a crazy work schedule.
Yesterday we did have a baptism though! Roxanne Rodriguez (18) is one of our newest members and she's happy as can be! She was starting to have some doubts the friday before. She texted us and told us that she wasnt ready and that she didnt want to be baptized this Sunday. So, Elder Rightmier and I went over and gave her a piece of our minds! haha nah... she was just nervous. There wasnt any doctrinal issue... just cold feet. But we assured her that everything would be ok and that she had recieved an answer that it was right. She said that she knew it was true and that she would be baptized. The next day we went over to teach her one last thing and she looked great! No more nerves!
Other than that we're just trying to find some new investies... We taught this one guy about the Book of Mormon and showed him the picture of Jesus appearing to the Nephites and he was like,"Wow thats really interesting! I never knew that!" hahaha everyone says that. We're like,"Yep its pretty crazy huh?" haha anyways.. he actually came to church this Sunday which I definitely didnt expect! He didnt stay for all three hours though because I think he felt uncomfortable. Oh well.. we'll keep trying.
I'm sorry I totally forgot my camera... I'll try to get you some pictures... I'm a bad son I know.
Man thats too bad for team Voldemort! We totally would have won if I had been home! You'll get em next year boys! I LOVE YOU VOLDEMORT! THE DARK LORD WILL RISE AGAIN!!!
Elder Rightmier is from Olympus Washington. He has been out just as long as me, but he started before me. How does that happen you ask? He started his mission Nov 2010. In the MTC he hurt his ankle and then went to Peru. After a while he got sent home for 8 months to get surgery on his ankle. Then they sent him here. He's been all over the mission with different companionships and he was in Edinburg in a bike area when his knee started to hurt him. He thinks its because of his ankle surgery. Anyway... he needed to be in a car so they sent him to Papa Stewart and the Ford Focus GT. Thats pretty much it. We get a long pretty well. He likes all the same movies and shows that I do. We sing in the car beautiful hymns and he harmonizes with me... so thats fun. It is kinda tough though because he talks a lot about worldly stuff and I'm trying to stop doing that. Its tough for him because he was home for so long... He's kinda like a foster kid... haha nah I just think it gets him down and its hard for him to focus. Im not sure what I can do to help. I've just been trying to be a good example. I'm really trying to be the best "Preach My Gospel Missionary" I can. I am sharpening up those rough edges that I had and I'm really trying to focus on the work.
This week I'll definitely be focusing more on what I can do to better our area as the Senior Companion. I really want to be a good companion and help our area be successful. I'll be praying for strength and guidance from the Lord.
I hope you all have a great week. If anyone wants to write me a letter... that would be nice. LOVE YOOUUU!
-Elder Stewart
Hola!
This week was a little rough for our area. Last week Elder Leiva and I set some pretty high goals that we thought we would definitely be able to reach together. All of them were set with people in mind, but I think we could have been a little more prudent with them. The switch of companions was a little unexpected and it was definitely hard on the area and our goals. Both of us are still trying to find our way around, meet members, and help our investigators. So this week we've lowered are goals a little bit. We still have the people, but with the change in the area we need to plan a lot smarter. Also with E.Rightmier's knee we have to go to the doctor and we cant tract much, so we'll have to work a lot smarter. Its a humbling expierence to say the least, but we'll be fine if we do all that we can and leave the rest to the Lord.
Jesse and Krystal are doing great. They are still just waiting for that letter. It should probably be coming after conference. But Jesse will be leaving to work in Georgia for a while. His mom's fiance got him the job and since he's on parol its the only option right now. He should be back by Easter, so maybe we'll have an Easter Baptism! Krystal said she's still going to come to church even without Jesse.
That referral from last week never got a hold of us, but we're going to keep trying. I think she just had to work a lot. She's got a crazy work schedule.
Yesterday we did have a baptism though! Roxanne Rodriguez (18) is one of our newest members and she's happy as can be! She was starting to have some doubts the friday before. She texted us and told us that she wasnt ready and that she didnt want to be baptized this Sunday. So, Elder Rightmier and I went over and gave her a piece of our minds! haha nah... she was just nervous. There wasnt any doctrinal issue... just cold feet. But we assured her that everything would be ok and that she had recieved an answer that it was right. She said that she knew it was true and that she would be baptized. The next day we went over to teach her one last thing and she looked great! No more nerves!
Other than that we're just trying to find some new investies... We taught this one guy about the Book of Mormon and showed him the picture of Jesus appearing to the Nephites and he was like,"Wow thats really interesting! I never knew that!" hahaha everyone says that. We're like,"Yep its pretty crazy huh?" haha anyways.. he actually came to church this Sunday which I definitely didnt expect! He didnt stay for all three hours though because I think he felt uncomfortable. Oh well.. we'll keep trying.
I'm sorry I totally forgot my camera... I'll try to get you some pictures... I'm a bad son I know.
Man thats too bad for team Voldemort! We totally would have won if I had been home! You'll get em next year boys! I LOVE YOU VOLDEMORT! THE DARK LORD WILL RISE AGAIN!!!
Elder Rightmier is from Olympus Washington. He has been out just as long as me, but he started before me. How does that happen you ask? He started his mission Nov 2010. In the MTC he hurt his ankle and then went to Peru. After a while he got sent home for 8 months to get surgery on his ankle. Then they sent him here. He's been all over the mission with different companionships and he was in Edinburg in a bike area when his knee started to hurt him. He thinks its because of his ankle surgery. Anyway... he needed to be in a car so they sent him to Papa Stewart and the Ford Focus GT. Thats pretty much it. We get a long pretty well. He likes all the same movies and shows that I do. We sing in the car beautiful hymns and he harmonizes with me... so thats fun. It is kinda tough though because he talks a lot about worldly stuff and I'm trying to stop doing that. Its tough for him because he was home for so long... He's kinda like a foster kid... haha nah I just think it gets him down and its hard for him to focus. Im not sure what I can do to help. I've just been trying to be a good example. I'm really trying to be the best "Preach My Gospel Missionary" I can. I am sharpening up those rough edges that I had and I'm really trying to focus on the work.
This week I'll definitely be focusing more on what I can do to better our area as the Senior Companion. I really want to be a good companion and help our area be successful. I'll be praying for strength and guidance from the Lord.
I hope you all have a great week. If anyone wants to write me a letter... that would be nice. LOVE YOOUUU!
-Elder Stewart
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