Sooooo yeah. Here I am again. bahhh.
Yeah I'm not down about (Mr No Name). We laid it on the table for him and he was given the choice and he chose the wrong one. So hopefully he'll see that. I'm not stressing about it though.
I'll tell you what I am stressing about though. Let me tell you a little something. I know now that all the things I've learned from you and Dad, especially when I argued with Dad alot where you would say "even if you know you are right, don't argue about it" were prepapatory for this mission. haha. I'm having a little trouble with my companion on that side, just because he is a little inflectious, and even in instances where I KNOW 100% that he is wrong, he will argue with me to the bitter end. So I don't carry on the arguement and just let him go. I've learned my lesson when it ocmes to arguements like that. They really go no where. So thank you for that. Also he doesn't seem to understand the concept that people have agency to choose. It seems like every time we knock on the door, and someone turns us away, he gets all upset and starts ranting and raving about what we've done wrong. And especially in instances where I know I did my best to simply bare testimony and tell them the way we are supposed to, this kind of thing gets extremely annoying and somewhat frustrating. I told him yesterday to stop beating himself up about it and he got all mad at me and told me that's how he gets better. I told him there's a difference between beating yourself up about it and dwelling on it, versus taking it and learning from it and moving on. He likes to dwell on it and let it sit there.
Alright, now that I've made myself sound like a horrible person for ripping on him. But I'm really not, we get along most of the time and I just have problem with his missionary inflection. He seems robotic and it drives me CRAZY. But I do love him as a brother. I never say negative things to him and we do get along quite well. I get worried with these differences in opinion sometimes, but I know this is what we need to do to better ourselves and prepare ourselves for the future.
So yeah things are going fine there it's not as bad as I make it sound.
Thank you for being proud of me :) I am going with the mission pres this sunday to give a talk and I am excited. I think I finally figured out a way to give a good talk haha. So yeah, wish me luck!
Yeah Jordan told me all about the football stuff. That's tough luck but oh well. haha there's always next year.
By the way, tell dad I am still workin on his letter, it just takes forever for me to have time to write one. I have so much stuff to do on p-day by the time I get time to write letters, I have maybe 2 hours to hand write like 8 letters. UGH. But let both sets of grandparents know tehy should be getting a letter from me soon. Send stamps in the christmas package if you can!
I'm glad didn't fall off the roof this year. Send me a picture of the finished house when you can! hahaha. I liked the story about the skit. That sounds awesome. I wish I could've been there for that but oh well.
It snowed this week! haha. Like they told us that we might get ice, and then they were like, maybe 1-3 inches of snow, and then we woke up the next morning and it snowed like 6-7 inches. We built a GIANT 8-9 foot tall snow man and we made christmas cards with pictures of us by it. So expect one of those soon ;) Yeah I was able to take 3 pictures with just the camera but now my memory is full haha. but yeah
Oh and it's so funny when it snows here. It's worse than oregon is. Like, EVERYTHING just shuts down like it's the end of the stinking world. It was so funny last night, they had a severe ice storm warning, and it start sleeting at like 5, and no joke, 5 minutes after it started raining, ALL of our apointments (we had solid appointments from 5 until 9pm) called us and canceled because they didn't want us to be out on the roads. So we called our district leader (who lives with us) and he said he'd call the zone leaders so he did and they said to go in and stay in until they gave the word. So we went in and ate dinner and planned and updated the area book and whatnot, and then we look outside and it's just...raining. And I'm like, what the heck? Why is everyone FREAKING OUT? It's just RAIN. And so we sit inside, cause the zone leaders haven't called and told us anything, so I'm getting super frustrated with all this cause I'd much rather be out doing work if it's just going to rain, but then at about 8:30 it started iwth the freezing rain which turned into ice. So if we HAD been at our apointments we would've been in trouble. So yeah. But it was all melted this morning.
We'll have a good christmas I know we will. By the way tell dad that next wednesday for p-day we are going hike up to this old plan wreck from the 60's up in the mountains. we'll take pictures!
OH by the way. Did you hear on the news about that guy who died in the caves in utah? I don't know if you did or not but heres the story. this man and his wife are from charlottesville which is in my zone and an hour away from here. They have one little girl who is very young and another one on the way. In face that's why they went to utah was to tell everyone about their new baby. Anyways, this man, his name is bro. jones, decided to go cave spelunking. He went into this cave down by utah lake called nutty putty cave. He was climbing down this shaft that was super narrow and like, almost vertical. He got stuck down there and his head was facing down so all his blood rushed to his head. He was with a group so it didn't take long to find him. They tried to get him out, but the pully that was pulling him up broke and he fell back down. He was alive after that, but his pulse slowly fell. He died down in the cave. He was able to talk to his wife and child on a little phone before he died. The worst part is because of the place where he was stuck, they can't get the body out. So they are just going to seal the cave. They had the memorial service here in our zone last week. We didn't go but I can just imagine what it was like.
DON'T GO IN ANY CAVES.
We'll have a good christmas I know we will. By the way tell dad that next wednesday for p-day we are going hike up to this old plan wreck from the 60's up in the mountains. we'll take pictures!
OH by the way. Did you hear on the news about that guy who died in the caves in utah? I don't know if you did or not but heres the story. this man and his wife are from charlottesville which is in my zone and an hour away from here. They have one little girl who is very young and another one on the way. In face that's why they went to utah was to tell everyone about their new baby. Anyways, this man, his name is bro. jones, decided to go cave spelunking. He went into this cave down by utah lake called nutty putty cave. He was climbing down this shaft that was super narrow and like, almost vertical. He got stuck down there and his head was facing down so all his blood rushed to his head. He was with a group so it didn't take long to find him. They tried to get him out, but the pully that was pulling him up broke and he fell back down. He was alive after that, but his pulse slowly fell. He died down in the cave. He was able to talk to his wife and child on a little phone before he died. The worst part is because of the place where he was stuck, they can't get the body out. So they are just going to seal the cave. They had the memorial service here in our zone last week. We didn't go but I can just imagine what it was like.
DON'T GO IN ANY CAVES.
We'll have a good christmas I know we will. By the way tell dad that next wednesday for p-day we are going hike up to this old plan wreck from the 60's up in the mountains. we'll take pictures!
OH by the way. Did you hear on the news about that guy who died in the caves in utah? I don't know if you did or not but heres the story. this man and his wife are from charlottesville which is in my zone and an hour away from here. They have one little girl who is very young and another one on the way. In face that's why they went to utah was to tell everyone about their new baby. Anyways, this man, his name is bro. jones, decided to go cave spelunking. He went into this cave down by utah lake called nutty putty cave. He was climbing down this shaft that was super narrow and like, almost vertical. He got stuck down there and his head was facing down so all his blood rushed to his head. He was with a group so it didn't take long to find him. They tried to get him out, but the pully that was pulling him up broke and he fell back down. He was alive after that, but his pulse slowly fell. He died down in the cave. He was able to talk to his wife and child on a little phone before he died. The worst part is because of the place where he was stuck, they can't get the body out. So they are just going to seal the cave. They had the memorial service here in our zone last week. We didn't go but I can just imagine what it was like.
DON'T GO IN ANY CAVES.
I will definitely share with the other elders. Sevilles famiyl sent me some happy bread the other day and we all shared it and it wa awesome.
I will definitely stay safe. I am learning and working hard. I am trying to continue progressing and getting better. I love you all so much and I hope you have a good week. You'll hear from me next week. I'll let you know soon when I can call you. Clear your schedule on christmas! haha.
I pray about you guys too every night. I love you all and miss you more than I can tell you. I have to seperate myself from my emotions a little sometimes other wise I'd probably by crying in the library. hahaha.
Love you all and if you need anything before next wednesday, write me a dear elder!
LOVE
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
our Thanksgiving was good. We got up at 530 so we could study and whatnot and then go to the turkey bowl at 9. We played football for a while and it was fun. The ground was super slick but it made it more fun. But yeah after that we came home and did our weekly planning session, we went to a less-actives house for lunch. His name is (Mr. no name). He co-owns a restaurant downtown and lives in a pretty big house downtown. Elder Terry is pretty close friends with him. But yeah it was delicious. We had twice-baked potatoes which is something I don't remember ever having before, but they were DELICIOUS. ahh. haha. But yeah funny story about (Mr.No name). He's been less-active for a really long time. Elder Terry's been here for almost 7 months. Elder Terry's been visiting with (Mr.no name) since he started here and (Mr. no name) has only been to church 3 times in that 7 months. So we were having a lesson (two days after Thanksgiving lunch with him and his family) and he was complaining about how the bishop wouldn't "get off his lazy *bleep*" to help (mr. no name) get back to the temple. And we talked to him about this all and said well (mr. no name) you need to come to church, or at least partake of the sacrament in your home. Well (Mr.No Name) has had really REALLY bad back problems, so he took that as we were judging him or something and got really angry. So Elder Terry, (with the spirit guiding him I might add) explaining to (Mr. No Name) that we loved him. And his Heavenly Father loved him. And that we only want to help him. We would do anything we could to help him. And the lesson ended with a very spiritual prayer, and (Mr.No Name) was crying and elder terry was crying and they hugged and he was nice to me as we left. He was quiet but we figured everything had been figured out. So we go on our way to this town way out in the boonies called Grottoes, and we are working out there and we get a call from the Spanish Elders who are in our area. Now unbeknownst to us, for some weird and ridiculous reason, the spanish elders are working with (Mr. No name) too. So they call us and are like "Did you meet with (Mr. No name)today?" "ya? why?" "WHAT HAPPENED?!"
So we explained it all and they were like holy cow. Basically (Mr. No name) sent them a text saying that he wanted to be excommunicated and all this garbage because of Elder Terry "judging him and putting all this pressure on him"
what a load.
Anyways that day was a horrible and as far as I know (Mr. No name) is still pretty ticked at missionaries in general.
Yeah the Roarks are awesome! My old branch was basically made up of two families: The roarks and the Daltons. Everyone was either a roark, a dalton, or married to one of the too. haha. Except, ironically, the branch presidency. But sis. roark is so nice and you should send her something thanking her. Send me a copy of that picture! haha.
My talk was actually pretty good, I thought. It was the first talk I've ever given where I didn't write it out. I just made a rough outline on what I wanted to talk about, and did that. And what was REALLY weird, is that I didn't even have enough time to say everything I wanted to. It was four of us speaking, to recent converts a missionary and a returned missionary. It was missionary sunday I guess. So I gave a talk about what else? missionary work. So I talked about why missionary work is so important, and why we do it, and how we do it, along with what members need to do to help that work along. I had a whole big meaty section on attributes of a good missionary, but I had to cut that out because of time restrictions. The only thing I could've done better I think is tabbed my scriptures that I was gonna use haha. I took forever finding some of the scriptures and stuff I was using haha. Also, you know how I make stupid little comments when I'm up there and am trying to fnid something but I don't have anything to say? Like "ooo maybe I should've marked these scriptures" yeah I did that alot and everyone was just like, what the heck? lol. but the talk was good and I wasn't very nervous just hoping that it got accross what I was trying to tell them.
I'm also going with the mission president to a small branch out in west virginia this sunday to talk about missionary work again. It's closed right now but I have a feeling that us giong out there is a sign it's going to open up soon. They want missionaries so bad out there.
I'm glad Dad did all the talking for me! haha no one would know what was going on if you cried through it all! hahahahaha just kidding mom. I love you and I'm glad you still miss me cause I still miss you guys alot!
Your mexico pictures were awesome. YOu probably could've refrained from sending me the ones with girls in bikini's in em, but I forgive you! haha. There was only like, one so I just put it outta sight. ha. So don't worry about that. But the resort was awesome looking! I'm glad you had fun though I certainly would have haha.
OH. Another funny story about getting sick. SO. Three days ago my companion (Elder Terry) and the other Elder who lives in our apartment, (Elder Hiltbrand) started getting sick. The next morning they woke up and they just felt TERRIBLE. So me and Elder Stokes (elder hiltbrands companion) went out and worked in my area and I was senior companion for the day so that was a little different experience. But we worked all day and it was good. We came back and apparently Elder Terry had got a little better, but Elder Hiltbrand had gotten much worse. Temperature of like 103+ degrees all day. like 103.7 degrees. And we were planning for the next day, and Elder Hiltbrand comes in and is like, totally delirious. And he's super weak and can barely stand up. And then he's just like "I think you guys need to take me to the hospital." So we called the mission medical officer, (she agreed) gave him a blessing, and then elder terry and him left. It was interesting because they left at like 10:20 pm and we are uspposed to be in bed at 10:30. So I did Elder Hiltbrand's district leader stuff for him while he was gone and then went to bed. Apparently it took them two hours to get into the hospital and then when they got in, he had to get into one of those stupid hospital gowns, and then the doctor came in and all they did was put a stethescope up to his chest and said "well looks like it's only bacteria. Go upstairs and get some antibiotics and go home"
haha it was so bad. BUt they are doing much better now.
With hte video and cassette player thing, if you send me a cassette or a cd or a dvd, as long as it's from the family or the ward, and it's like a letter I can watch/listen to it. SO if the ward sent me a video like they do every year to all the missionaries, I definitely could watch it. Same if you sent me one. Just nothing like actual movies obviously haha.
I wanna hear dads song so send it to me!
haha make sure dad doesn't hurt himself up on the roof. You should take a picture of the house when it's done and send that too me! haha.
I doubt it's gonna snow enough to take the power out so don't expect it. haha. It's funny cause you know how the whole state freaks out in oregon when it snows there? Yeah it's basically the same in virginia. No body knows how to drive in it. hahaha.
Thank you so much for all you guys do for me. I love you so much and miss you alot. I'm a little nervous for the christmas season because it's gonna be hard not spending christmas with you guys. It's gonna be even harder after I have to hang up the phone with you on christmas. BUt look at it this way: at least I get to talk to you all on christmas! haha I'm excited!
Keep me in your prayers so that I can continue to become a missionary and not just do missionary things. Love you all so much and I'll hear from you again soon I hope!
Love,
Hunter
So we explained it all and they were like holy cow. Basically (Mr. No name) sent them a text saying that he wanted to be excommunicated and all this garbage because of Elder Terry "judging him and putting all this pressure on him"
what a load.
Anyways that day was a horrible and as far as I know (Mr. No name) is still pretty ticked at missionaries in general.
Yeah the Roarks are awesome! My old branch was basically made up of two families: The roarks and the Daltons. Everyone was either a roark, a dalton, or married to one of the too. haha. Except, ironically, the branch presidency. But sis. roark is so nice and you should send her something thanking her. Send me a copy of that picture! haha.
My talk was actually pretty good, I thought. It was the first talk I've ever given where I didn't write it out. I just made a rough outline on what I wanted to talk about, and did that. And what was REALLY weird, is that I didn't even have enough time to say everything I wanted to. It was four of us speaking, to recent converts a missionary and a returned missionary. It was missionary sunday I guess. So I gave a talk about what else? missionary work. So I talked about why missionary work is so important, and why we do it, and how we do it, along with what members need to do to help that work along. I had a whole big meaty section on attributes of a good missionary, but I had to cut that out because of time restrictions. The only thing I could've done better I think is tabbed my scriptures that I was gonna use haha. I took forever finding some of the scriptures and stuff I was using haha. Also, you know how I make stupid little comments when I'm up there and am trying to fnid something but I don't have anything to say? Like "ooo maybe I should've marked these scriptures" yeah I did that alot and everyone was just like, what the heck? lol. but the talk was good and I wasn't very nervous just hoping that it got accross what I was trying to tell them.
I'm also going with the mission president to a small branch out in west virginia this sunday to talk about missionary work again. It's closed right now but I have a feeling that us giong out there is a sign it's going to open up soon. They want missionaries so bad out there.
I'm glad Dad did all the talking for me! haha no one would know what was going on if you cried through it all! hahahahaha just kidding mom. I love you and I'm glad you still miss me cause I still miss you guys alot!
Your mexico pictures were awesome. YOu probably could've refrained from sending me the ones with girls in bikini's in em, but I forgive you! haha. There was only like, one so I just put it outta sight. ha. So don't worry about that. But the resort was awesome looking! I'm glad you had fun though I certainly would have haha.
OH. Another funny story about getting sick. SO. Three days ago my companion (Elder Terry) and the other Elder who lives in our apartment, (Elder Hiltbrand) started getting sick. The next morning they woke up and they just felt TERRIBLE. So me and Elder Stokes (elder hiltbrands companion) went out and worked in my area and I was senior companion for the day so that was a little different experience. But we worked all day and it was good. We came back and apparently Elder Terry had got a little better, but Elder Hiltbrand had gotten much worse. Temperature of like 103+ degrees all day. like 103.7 degrees. And we were planning for the next day, and Elder Hiltbrand comes in and is like, totally delirious. And he's super weak and can barely stand up. And then he's just like "I think you guys need to take me to the hospital." So we called the mission medical officer, (she agreed) gave him a blessing, and then elder terry and him left. It was interesting because they left at like 10:20 pm and we are uspposed to be in bed at 10:30. So I did Elder Hiltbrand's district leader stuff for him while he was gone and then went to bed. Apparently it took them two hours to get into the hospital and then when they got in, he had to get into one of those stupid hospital gowns, and then the doctor came in and all they did was put a stethescope up to his chest and said "well looks like it's only bacteria. Go upstairs and get some antibiotics and go home"
haha it was so bad. BUt they are doing much better now.
With hte video and cassette player thing, if you send me a cassette or a cd or a dvd, as long as it's from the family or the ward, and it's like a letter I can watch/listen to it. SO if the ward sent me a video like they do every year to all the missionaries, I definitely could watch it. Same if you sent me one. Just nothing like actual movies obviously haha.
I wanna hear dads song so send it to me!
haha make sure dad doesn't hurt himself up on the roof. You should take a picture of the house when it's done and send that too me! haha.
I doubt it's gonna snow enough to take the power out so don't expect it. haha. It's funny cause you know how the whole state freaks out in oregon when it snows there? Yeah it's basically the same in virginia. No body knows how to drive in it. hahaha.
Thank you so much for all you guys do for me. I love you so much and miss you alot. I'm a little nervous for the christmas season because it's gonna be hard not spending christmas with you guys. It's gonna be even harder after I have to hang up the phone with you on christmas. BUt look at it this way: at least I get to talk to you all on christmas! haha I'm excited!
Keep me in your prayers so that I can continue to become a missionary and not just do missionary things. Love you all so much and I'll hear from you again soon I hope!
Love,
Hunter
Monday, November 30, 2009
finally caught up!
November 25,
First off Elder Terry is from St. George, Utah. So I don't know if that's close or what? ha. He's only two transfers (3 months) older than me, mission-wise, So we are both pretty young missionaries. He's been in this area his whole mission so far though. 6 months in the same area! haha. But He's way cool, kind of intense sometimes, but really cool. So in harrisonburg there are two wards and a branch. I am in Harrisonburg 2nd ward, and there are two other elders (Elder Hiltbrand and Elder Stokes) who live with us in the same apartment and are over the 1st ward. The branch is a spanish branch, and the Elders over that live in an area that me and Elder Terry cover, called Bridgewater. But they cover a huge area. The Elders here are all cool, except Elder Stokes is super talkative and kind of goofy.
But basically Harrisonburg is this big city with two universities in it. James Madison University, and EMU which stands for something I don't remember. We also cover three other smaller cities called Bridgewater, Grottoes and Dayton. But the funny thing is, even the smallest city we cover here is at least twice as big as the biggest town was in my last area (blackstone). It's pretty cool, and I really enjoy living with two other elders because I don't feel isolated. It's good. Our apartment is basically basement apartment, but I like it. Especially because I have a washer and dryer now! haha So we don't have to pay for laundry. It's interesting the Elders here kind of pay for groceries all together, so we get whatever we want and then we split up the bill all at once. So yeah. Law of consecration style I guess.
Let's see...is there anything else I'm forgetting? Oh the ward. The ward is pretty awesome. We are lacking a little bit in the missionary work department, but it's something me and Elder Terry are working on to help the ward. There are some awesome members though. Two of my favorite people there are the Hendricks. They are this married couple who can't be much older than 24 or 25. He grew up agnostic (not sure if there is a god) and then became converted to the gospel and served a mission. And guess where they both went to school and met? BYU-IDAHO YEAHHHH. haha. So it's nice relating with them on that. But the ward is awesome and they do feed us. We went over to this older brothers house the other day to rake his leaves for him, and he insisted on feeding us. So he took us to this pizza place called CiCi's pizza, which is basically a pizza buffet with almost any kind of pizza you can imagine. it was excellent haha.
Harrisonburg is in the shanandoa (spelled wrong probably) valley. So we are in between mountains (basically big hills) But yeah. that's basically where we are at. I'm glad you have a big map of Virginia! Take a picture of it, I wanna see it! haha. Oh yeah random story. The first day I got here, I found out that I'm giving a talk this sunday. UGH. Then I was told that me and Elder Terry are going with the mission president to Franklin (which is an area to the northwest of us that is closed to missionaries right now, but it's the area that is in West Virginia) and giving a talk to see if they are willing to support missionaries again. INTIMIDATING. haha.
Heres our thanksgiving plans: We are eating at a less-actives house for lunch, and then we aer going to an investigators house later to hang out with them. These two investigators are awesome! They are getting baptised in december! Their names are Junior and Diane Harris. They are solid and awesome. Older, and she is diabetic and he had cancer but just found out it's in remission! Isn't that awesome? ha.
But yeah after that no other plans haha.
That wind storm sounds crazy! WE just have fog and rain. Blah. haha.
But hey I guess I have to write my mission president too, and I only have 15 minutes left on my time so I love you guys a ton and ask me and questions you need to in the next email and encourage family to email me and for friends on facebook to write me and whatnot. I love hearing from people it makes my day even better. I'm learning awesome things out here in harrisonburg on how to be a better missionary. It's tiring and I go to bed exhasuted almost every night but it's so worth it and I love it.
I love you all and I hope this week is the best week ever. Talk to you next wednesday!
Hunter
First off Elder Terry is from St. George, Utah. So I don't know if that's close or what? ha. He's only two transfers (3 months) older than me, mission-wise, So we are both pretty young missionaries. He's been in this area his whole mission so far though. 6 months in the same area! haha. But He's way cool, kind of intense sometimes, but really cool. So in harrisonburg there are two wards and a branch. I am in Harrisonburg 2nd ward, and there are two other elders (Elder Hiltbrand and Elder Stokes) who live with us in the same apartment and are over the 1st ward. The branch is a spanish branch, and the Elders over that live in an area that me and Elder Terry cover, called Bridgewater. But they cover a huge area. The Elders here are all cool, except Elder Stokes is super talkative and kind of goofy.
But basically Harrisonburg is this big city with two universities in it. James Madison University, and EMU which stands for something I don't remember. We also cover three other smaller cities called Bridgewater, Grottoes and Dayton. But the funny thing is, even the smallest city we cover here is at least twice as big as the biggest town was in my last area (blackstone). It's pretty cool, and I really enjoy living with two other elders because I don't feel isolated. It's good. Our apartment is basically basement apartment, but I like it. Especially because I have a washer and dryer now! haha So we don't have to pay for laundry. It's interesting the Elders here kind of pay for groceries all together, so we get whatever we want and then we split up the bill all at once. So yeah. Law of consecration style I guess.
Let's see...is there anything else I'm forgetting? Oh the ward. The ward is pretty awesome. We are lacking a little bit in the missionary work department, but it's something me and Elder Terry are working on to help the ward. There are some awesome members though. Two of my favorite people there are the Hendricks. They are this married couple who can't be much older than 24 or 25. He grew up agnostic (not sure if there is a god) and then became converted to the gospel and served a mission. And guess where they both went to school and met? BYU-IDAHO YEAHHHH. haha. So it's nice relating with them on that. But the ward is awesome and they do feed us. We went over to this older brothers house the other day to rake his leaves for him, and he insisted on feeding us. So he took us to this pizza place called CiCi's pizza, which is basically a pizza buffet with almost any kind of pizza you can imagine. it was excellent haha.
Harrisonburg is in the shanandoa (spelled wrong probably) valley. So we are in between mountains (basically big hills) But yeah. that's basically where we are at. I'm glad you have a big map of Virginia! Take a picture of it, I wanna see it! haha. Oh yeah random story. The first day I got here, I found out that I'm giving a talk this sunday. UGH. Then I was told that me and Elder Terry are going with the mission president to Franklin (which is an area to the northwest of us that is closed to missionaries right now, but it's the area that is in West Virginia) and giving a talk to see if they are willing to support missionaries again. INTIMIDATING. haha.
Heres our thanksgiving plans: We are eating at a less-actives house for lunch, and then we aer going to an investigators house later to hang out with them. These two investigators are awesome! They are getting baptised in december! Their names are Junior and Diane Harris. They are solid and awesome. Older, and she is diabetic and he had cancer but just found out it's in remission! Isn't that awesome? ha.
But yeah after that no other plans haha.
That wind storm sounds crazy! WE just have fog and rain. Blah. haha.
But hey I guess I have to write my mission president too, and I only have 15 minutes left on my time so I love you guys a ton and ask me and questions you need to in the next email and encourage family to email me and for friends on facebook to write me and whatnot. I love hearing from people it makes my day even better. I'm learning awesome things out here in harrisonburg on how to be a better missionary. It's tiring and I go to bed exhasuted almost every night but it's so worth it and I love it.
I love you all and I hope this week is the best week ever. Talk to you next wednesday!
Hunter
November 18th
So before I do anything, guessss what?
I'M GETTING TRANSFERRED UGHHHHH
Here's my new apartment address:
1721 D Park Rd.
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
I'm pretty sure that's it, and if it isn't, I'll send you a letter when I get there on Thursday. But it's up in the northwestern most corner of the mission. And it's one of the only areas in the whole mission that goes into west virginia. So we'll see how that goes. It's a ward up there and a somewhat of a big city in the applachian mountians. One of my buddies from the mtc is in my district up there, and I'll be living with two other elders besides my comp at the apartment there. My new companions name is Elder Terry, by the way. Besides that, you know about as much as I do. You might wanna do some "Research" like you did on blackstone haha. I'll send you a map or something sometime. I'll be going there on this thursday (nov. 18) and I'll be there for at least another six weeks.
Like that wednesday after I emailed you, we got hit by the remnants of a hurricane that came up from the gulf of mexico, and it rained for 72 hours STRAIGHT. The first day I didn't have a coat, so I just wore my suitcoat out in the rain. It was fun as you can imagine. The second day is when I got the coat in the mail, and oh my gosh thank you so much I LOVE the coat. It's perfect and warm and water proof. I'm sure it'll last me a long time. But it was perfect for the horrible weather we had. THe rivers were super flooded and they actually closed school in one of the counties we work in because the country roads were all flooded.
BUt another story haha. This past friday we were invited to our branches chili cook off, and we went because there were going to be non members there. But it turned out that they wanted us to be judges for the chili so me and elder hinds judged chili. And we got lucky apparently, cause last year they had chili that they said wasn't even edible because it was so dang spicy. But it was intense cause one of the chili's was so spicy I put it in my mouth and it started burning my mouth before I could even taste it. It was ridiculous. Apparently this whole stake I'm in is INTENSE about chili cook offs. Our branch especially. Like the whole stake presidency was out there in our little branch building. haha.
It was way sad last night ahving to tell everyone we are teaching that one of us could be leaving. And when I found out last night that I was leaving burkville branch, I had a really hard time sleeping. Not to mention that drinking mountain dew right before hand didn't help me sleep either. SO I had a hard time sleeping last night 'cause I'm super nervous about going to a new area and bummed about leaving this one. By the way I finally got around to taking a picture of Kevin and Sarah and you'll see it next time I send the card home. Which may be tonight, I don't know. BUt yeah today is p-day and we are spending it in Farmville, with the farmville elders cause they are awesome. I gave them some of dad's durian candy this morning. They enjoyed it as to be expected ;).
It was so funny this morning, cause last we told our branch mission leader that one or both of us might be getting transferred and he was like "what?! They can't do that!" haha. so we told him we'd let him know today what was going on, cause we didn't find out until like 10:50 last night -_-'. But we were at walmart this morning getting stuff and We get a phone call, and it was before 10 and we aren't supposed to get calls before ten so we were like, what the heck? And it was brother berryman (our branch mission leader) and the first thing he says when I answer the phone is "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANY LONGER, WHICH ONE OF YOU IS GETTING TRANSFERRED!!??" haha it was so funny. But he was sad that I'm leaving but he would've been much more sad if elder hinds was leaving, because he's been here much longer. But it was all good. we are eating dinner with them tonight.
By the way, we plan on going to see the branch presidency tonight to take a picture with em, so you'll see how hilarious and awesome all ofthem are. two of them have HUGE bushy beards and the other one is on crutches right now haha. He had hip surgery. But you will see. One of the guys with beards has NEVER SHAVED HIS FACE IN HIS LIFE. Except when he got married. BUt since then he hasn't shaved. Ridiculous but awesome.
Yeah the weather has been all over the place. Like I said, three days of rain (bad, but not like hurricane force winds or anything, just high winds) then one day it was cloudy and within 20 minutes there wasn't a cloud in the sky. IT happened so quick that I was wearing my suit coat and I had to take it off cause it was so freaking hot. As brother berryman always says, "Don't like virginia weather? Wait 5 minutes, it'll change." hahaha. And then it was sunny for a day or so, and now it freaking cloudy and cold again. AHHH.
But yeah, being up where I'm at in harrisonburg, I'll probably have some snow this year. I'll be spending christmas and thanksgiving there. But one of the elders I'm living with is one of elder hinds good friends in the mission and elder hinds says he's awesome so I'm glad for that. Apparently my companion is going to be awesome too, according to one of the farmville elders.
I'm going to miss burkeville alot, but hopefully harrisonburg is awesome. I was told it's basically like burkeville, but with a big city in it. And it's a ward instead of a branch so that'll be good.
I do have one scripture for you guys to read/put in the blog for me. It is this:
1 Nephi 21: 14-17
"14 But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not.
15 For can a awoman forget her sucking child, that she should not have bcompassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may cforget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.
16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."
This scripture is really powerful and though provoking simply because of the last verse. I don't time to complete my thought right now ebcause this stupid computer has a time limit. BUt you probably understand.
I'M GETTING TRANSFERRED UGHHHHH
Here's my new apartment address:
1721 D Park Rd.
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
I'm pretty sure that's it, and if it isn't, I'll send you a letter when I get there on Thursday. But it's up in the northwestern most corner of the mission. And it's one of the only areas in the whole mission that goes into west virginia. So we'll see how that goes. It's a ward up there and a somewhat of a big city in the applachian mountians. One of my buddies from the mtc is in my district up there, and I'll be living with two other elders besides my comp at the apartment there. My new companions name is Elder Terry, by the way. Besides that, you know about as much as I do. You might wanna do some "Research" like you did on blackstone haha. I'll send you a map or something sometime. I'll be going there on this thursday (nov. 18) and I'll be there for at least another six weeks.
Like that wednesday after I emailed you, we got hit by the remnants of a hurricane that came up from the gulf of mexico, and it rained for 72 hours STRAIGHT. The first day I didn't have a coat, so I just wore my suitcoat out in the rain. It was fun as you can imagine. The second day is when I got the coat in the mail, and oh my gosh thank you so much I LOVE the coat. It's perfect and warm and water proof. I'm sure it'll last me a long time. But it was perfect for the horrible weather we had. THe rivers were super flooded and they actually closed school in one of the counties we work in because the country roads were all flooded.
BUt another story haha. This past friday we were invited to our branches chili cook off, and we went because there were going to be non members there. But it turned out that they wanted us to be judges for the chili so me and elder hinds judged chili. And we got lucky apparently, cause last year they had chili that they said wasn't even edible because it was so dang spicy. But it was intense cause one of the chili's was so spicy I put it in my mouth and it started burning my mouth before I could even taste it. It was ridiculous. Apparently this whole stake I'm in is INTENSE about chili cook offs. Our branch especially. Like the whole stake presidency was out there in our little branch building. haha.
It was way sad last night ahving to tell everyone we are teaching that one of us could be leaving. And when I found out last night that I was leaving burkville branch, I had a really hard time sleeping. Not to mention that drinking mountain dew right before hand didn't help me sleep either. SO I had a hard time sleeping last night 'cause I'm super nervous about going to a new area and bummed about leaving this one. By the way I finally got around to taking a picture of Kevin and Sarah and you'll see it next time I send the card home. Which may be tonight, I don't know. BUt yeah today is p-day and we are spending it in Farmville, with the farmville elders cause they are awesome. I gave them some of dad's durian candy this morning. They enjoyed it as to be expected ;).
It was so funny this morning, cause last we told our branch mission leader that one or both of us might be getting transferred and he was like "what?! They can't do that!" haha. so we told him we'd let him know today what was going on, cause we didn't find out until like 10:50 last night -_-'. But we were at walmart this morning getting stuff and We get a phone call, and it was before 10 and we aren't supposed to get calls before ten so we were like, what the heck? And it was brother berryman (our branch mission leader) and the first thing he says when I answer the phone is "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANY LONGER, WHICH ONE OF YOU IS GETTING TRANSFERRED!!??" haha it was so funny. But he was sad that I'm leaving but he would've been much more sad if elder hinds was leaving, because he's been here much longer. But it was all good. we are eating dinner with them tonight.
By the way, we plan on going to see the branch presidency tonight to take a picture with em, so you'll see how hilarious and awesome all ofthem are. two of them have HUGE bushy beards and the other one is on crutches right now haha. He had hip surgery. But you will see. One of the guys with beards has NEVER SHAVED HIS FACE IN HIS LIFE. Except when he got married. BUt since then he hasn't shaved. Ridiculous but awesome.
Yeah the weather has been all over the place. Like I said, three days of rain (bad, but not like hurricane force winds or anything, just high winds) then one day it was cloudy and within 20 minutes there wasn't a cloud in the sky. IT happened so quick that I was wearing my suit coat and I had to take it off cause it was so freaking hot. As brother berryman always says, "Don't like virginia weather? Wait 5 minutes, it'll change." hahaha. And then it was sunny for a day or so, and now it freaking cloudy and cold again. AHHH.
But yeah, being up where I'm at in harrisonburg, I'll probably have some snow this year. I'll be spending christmas and thanksgiving there. But one of the elders I'm living with is one of elder hinds good friends in the mission and elder hinds says he's awesome so I'm glad for that. Apparently my companion is going to be awesome too, according to one of the farmville elders.
I'm going to miss burkeville alot, but hopefully harrisonburg is awesome. I was told it's basically like burkeville, but with a big city in it. And it's a ward instead of a branch so that'll be good.
I do have one scripture for you guys to read/put in the blog for me. It is this:
1 Nephi 21: 14-17
"14 But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not.
15 For can a awoman forget her sucking child, that she should not have bcompassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may cforget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.
16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."
This scripture is really powerful and though provoking simply because of the last verse. I don't time to complete my thought right now ebcause this stupid computer has a time limit. BUt you probably understand.
VETERAN'S DAY
NOVEMBER 10TH
Hey Hey Hey. Surprise email! haha. Wednesday is Veterans day, which means the library is closed, so they moved this weeks p-day to tuesday. So hopefully you read this before wednesday. haha.
We have another hurricane coming up from the gulf that might hit here. But some of the members said that the ones that come from the gulf really don't do much by the time they get here. They said the ones that come in from the atlantic and go up the carolinas are the ones to watch out for. You ever hear of Hurrican Isabel? that hit here a few years back and it wiped out power for like 4-5 days for like, almost all of Virginia. One of our members said that they said on the news that they were going to lose power, and they lost power hours before the storm even hit. It was that bad. So hopefully we don't get anything like that. But the area I'm in has had tornadoes before. Not in the main town here, but out in Victoria. I should mail you a map of my area. I don't think you've seen that, have you?
Ohhhh I forgot to tell you something haha. So these two new members moved into our branch last transfer and they are awesome. They are named the browns (don't put this on the blog obviously haha) and brother brown reminds me so much of dad it's so funny. He works at the military base next to blackstone called fort pickett as an aircraft controller. He's a civilian though, not part of the military. But anyways he was telling us all this crazy stuff that he did in the miltiary. He told us how he was stationed in cuba at guantonamo bay back in the 70's. He said that they actually started a little war that no one really knows about. It was crazy.They said that at night the cubans would herd cows into the mine fields and set the mines off and then the american soldiers would just start opening fire into the darkness haha. The cubans did that just to mess with the americans.
Last week we had an excellent week! our goal is to get a minimum of 20 lessons every week, but we rarely get close. This last week we almost made it! 17 lessons. That's the best it's been since I've been here. Me and my companion had a good talk about the work here last night. Basically talked about if we were working as hard as we could or not. But things are going good. We have our once a transfer interviews with President Millburn this saturday so that'll be good.
But anyways. things are going good here. Anyone who might send me mail needs to send it to the mission office otherwise it might get here too late if I end up getting transferred. So we'll see.
Hey Hey Hey. Surprise email! haha. Wednesday is Veterans day, which means the library is closed, so they moved this weeks p-day to tuesday. So hopefully you read this before wednesday. haha.
We have another hurricane coming up from the gulf that might hit here. But some of the members said that the ones that come from the gulf really don't do much by the time they get here. They said the ones that come in from the atlantic and go up the carolinas are the ones to watch out for. You ever hear of Hurrican Isabel? that hit here a few years back and it wiped out power for like 4-5 days for like, almost all of Virginia. One of our members said that they said on the news that they were going to lose power, and they lost power hours before the storm even hit. It was that bad. So hopefully we don't get anything like that. But the area I'm in has had tornadoes before. Not in the main town here, but out in Victoria. I should mail you a map of my area. I don't think you've seen that, have you?
Ohhhh I forgot to tell you something haha. So these two new members moved into our branch last transfer and they are awesome. They are named the browns (don't put this on the blog obviously haha) and brother brown reminds me so much of dad it's so funny. He works at the military base next to blackstone called fort pickett as an aircraft controller. He's a civilian though, not part of the military. But anyways he was telling us all this crazy stuff that he did in the miltiary. He told us how he was stationed in cuba at guantonamo bay back in the 70's. He said that they actually started a little war that no one really knows about. It was crazy.They said that at night the cubans would herd cows into the mine fields and set the mines off and then the american soldiers would just start opening fire into the darkness haha. The cubans did that just to mess with the americans.
Last week we had an excellent week! our goal is to get a minimum of 20 lessons every week, but we rarely get close. This last week we almost made it! 17 lessons. That's the best it's been since I've been here. Me and my companion had a good talk about the work here last night. Basically talked about if we were working as hard as we could or not. But things are going good. We have our once a transfer interviews with President Millburn this saturday so that'll be good.
But anyways. things are going good here. Anyone who might send me mail needs to send it to the mission office otherwise it might get here too late if I end up getting transferred. So we'll see.
CATCHING UP ON HUNTERS EMAILS
NOVEMBER 4TH
So hey y'all
Yeah so things have been going good this week. This past week has been kinda crazy though. So there are three groups of missionaries in our district, three in farmville, two in buckingham, and two in burkville (us). So my companion has to deal with them all since he is the district leader. And we've been having some huge drama with the two in buckingham. It's ridiculous. They're always fighting and like BAD fights too. One of them is really really prideful and always has to be right. Which is why most of these fights happens. It's ridiculous and frustrating but we deal with it.
But we also had an epic p-day today. Yesterday we went on exchanges with those buckingham elders, and me and another elder named elder bond spent the day in my area while elder hinds went up to buckingham. me and elder bond had a great day, taught alot of good lessons and set up some good lessons. and then afterwards we met up in farmville (the halfway point) and they went home, and to save miles we stayed the night at the farmville elders place. then today we got up, did our studying and whatnot, then played a game called rook and then buckingham came over and we all went and played some flag football and that was awesome. then we had a bbq on this little grill and it was epic and delicious. Just an overall great day, because the farmville elders are like best buds with us here in burkville.
so I'm getting a pretty strong feeling this is gonna be my last transfer here in burkville. I may be wrong though. We will find out if I'm leaving burkville or not on the 17th. So we'll see. Basically if you are going to send any mail that won't get here by that date, mail it to the mission office, so it doesn't get shipped out here.
we had a crazy guy out in the middle of no where open His door the other day and just starting howling and whooping and stuff and being crazy. so we were just like, alright you have a nice day. hahaha.
So I think I'm gonna cut this one short today, not alot to report.
I know my Heavenly Father is helping me to be the best missionary I can be when I put forth the effort to be such. I have things I need to work on, but I am trying. Please be safe, I worry alot about you guys. I love you all and hope you have a good week.
So hey y'all
Yeah so things have been going good this week. This past week has been kinda crazy though. So there are three groups of missionaries in our district, three in farmville, two in buckingham, and two in burkville (us). So my companion has to deal with them all since he is the district leader. And we've been having some huge drama with the two in buckingham. It's ridiculous. They're always fighting and like BAD fights too. One of them is really really prideful and always has to be right. Which is why most of these fights happens. It's ridiculous and frustrating but we deal with it.
But we also had an epic p-day today. Yesterday we went on exchanges with those buckingham elders, and me and another elder named elder bond spent the day in my area while elder hinds went up to buckingham. me and elder bond had a great day, taught alot of good lessons and set up some good lessons. and then afterwards we met up in farmville (the halfway point) and they went home, and to save miles we stayed the night at the farmville elders place. then today we got up, did our studying and whatnot, then played a game called rook and then buckingham came over and we all went and played some flag football and that was awesome. then we had a bbq on this little grill and it was epic and delicious. Just an overall great day, because the farmville elders are like best buds with us here in burkville.
so I'm getting a pretty strong feeling this is gonna be my last transfer here in burkville. I may be wrong though. We will find out if I'm leaving burkville or not on the 17th. So we'll see. Basically if you are going to send any mail that won't get here by that date, mail it to the mission office, so it doesn't get shipped out here.
we had a crazy guy out in the middle of no where open His door the other day and just starting howling and whooping and stuff and being crazy. so we were just like, alright you have a nice day. hahaha.
So I think I'm gonna cut this one short today, not alot to report.
I know my Heavenly Father is helping me to be the best missionary I can be when I put forth the effort to be such. I have things I need to work on, but I am trying. Please be safe, I worry alot about you guys. I love you all and hope you have a good week.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
This week in the life of Elder Christensen
OCTOBER 28, 2009
So I'll explain to you the whole thing about missionary "life." When a missionary is in the mtc, they call it the "premortal existence." when a missionary first comes out into the field, the area he starts out in is where he is "born." His trainer is his "Father." And during his second transfer, when he is being step-trained, his companion is his "step-fatehr" if it's someone besides his first companion. When a missionary goes home, he "dies." So since Neil has already trained someone, that missionary who he trained is his "son." And his "son" is training someone, so that missionary would be his "grandson." Does that make sense? haha. I actually sent home a picture of me and my mission "father" and my mission "grandfather" haha. I hope I have confused you thoroughly.
Yeah I saw a whole bunch of my MTC district at the mission conference. It was way cool. But there's still a whole bunch of missionaries that came out with me that I haven't seen who are out on in the tidewater area. I don't know what areas they're in though.
This week we've been kind of immobilized. We are out of miles for our car, so we have had to try and get rides from members out into the far reaches of our area. For all those who don't know, my area covers three full counties and 1/2 of two more. So even with 1450 miles each month, we still burn those really quick. But we've been striving to help some of our investigators out there progress. Unfortunately, most of our investigators, along with most of our members, are far away from us. SO that makes it hard when we run out of miles.
This is random but a quick message for Brent Walkerrrr: I forgot to tell you in my letter, but an older couple out here served in your mission (albequrque) around 1990. I know you were super young but I thought I'd tell you. Their names are Brother and Sister Dalton.
Anyways, so we've been having actually alot of success for a country area. We are teaching good quality lessons with people out here, and thankfully we haven't had many people that freak out at us. Lot's of people who are ridiculous and hide in their houses when we know they are there. Oh well.
But I hope you all are doing good, and I appreciate all of you who write me. I try to write you back the day I get your letters, but lately I've been so busy with everything. And for everyone who has sent me letters in the past week or so, I am out of stamps. and I have no money to buy more! I get some money on Saturday, so I will get stamps then. But just know I'm not ignoring you! If you wrote me I WILL write you back! It may just take a little bit of time.
So a little thought today. I was studying in 3rd Nephi this morning in chapter 11 when Christ visits the Nephites after the tumults and horrible destruction that has occured. I can't quote it word for word, but what struck me this morning was that when Heavenly Father announces the triumphant arrival of his Son, he speaks through the Holy Spirit in a still small voice. It took the Nephites three times before they were tuned in enough to hear the voice of the Lord speaking to them. How many times during our day is our world so noisy, that that still small voice is too quiet to be heard? I am personally trying to learn to listen to that Spirit as well, and I hope you are too.
Love you all, and hope things are good with you all. Keep writing me, I love all our letters of encouragement. I love hearing from everyone, it helps me alot. I miss you all.
P.S. Joseph - I don't know if you got my letter or not, but congrats on the sweet mission call dude. I know you'll rock it. Let me know more about it whenever you send me another letter! haha
So I'll explain to you the whole thing about missionary "life." When a missionary is in the mtc, they call it the "premortal existence." when a missionary first comes out into the field, the area he starts out in is where he is "born." His trainer is his "Father." And during his second transfer, when he is being step-trained, his companion is his "step-fatehr" if it's someone besides his first companion. When a missionary goes home, he "dies." So since Neil has already trained someone, that missionary who he trained is his "son." And his "son" is training someone, so that missionary would be his "grandson." Does that make sense? haha. I actually sent home a picture of me and my mission "father" and my mission "grandfather" haha. I hope I have confused you thoroughly.
Yeah I saw a whole bunch of my MTC district at the mission conference. It was way cool. But there's still a whole bunch of missionaries that came out with me that I haven't seen who are out on in the tidewater area. I don't know what areas they're in though.
This week we've been kind of immobilized. We are out of miles for our car, so we have had to try and get rides from members out into the far reaches of our area. For all those who don't know, my area covers three full counties and 1/2 of two more. So even with 1450 miles each month, we still burn those really quick. But we've been striving to help some of our investigators out there progress. Unfortunately, most of our investigators, along with most of our members, are far away from us. SO that makes it hard when we run out of miles.
This is random but a quick message for Brent Walkerrrr: I forgot to tell you in my letter, but an older couple out here served in your mission (albequrque) around 1990. I know you were super young but I thought I'd tell you. Their names are Brother and Sister Dalton.
Anyways, so we've been having actually alot of success for a country area. We are teaching good quality lessons with people out here, and thankfully we haven't had many people that freak out at us. Lot's of people who are ridiculous and hide in their houses when we know they are there. Oh well.
But I hope you all are doing good, and I appreciate all of you who write me. I try to write you back the day I get your letters, but lately I've been so busy with everything. And for everyone who has sent me letters in the past week or so, I am out of stamps. and I have no money to buy more! I get some money on Saturday, so I will get stamps then. But just know I'm not ignoring you! If you wrote me I WILL write you back! It may just take a little bit of time.
So a little thought today. I was studying in 3rd Nephi this morning in chapter 11 when Christ visits the Nephites after the tumults and horrible destruction that has occured. I can't quote it word for word, but what struck me this morning was that when Heavenly Father announces the triumphant arrival of his Son, he speaks through the Holy Spirit in a still small voice. It took the Nephites three times before they were tuned in enough to hear the voice of the Lord speaking to them. How many times during our day is our world so noisy, that that still small voice is too quiet to be heard? I am personally trying to learn to listen to that Spirit as well, and I hope you are too.
Love you all, and hope things are good with you all. Keep writing me, I love all our letters of encouragement. I love hearing from everyone, it helps me alot. I miss you all.
P.S. Joseph - I don't know if you got my letter or not, but congrats on the sweet mission call dude. I know you'll rock it. Let me know more about it whenever you send me another letter! haha
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