August 23, 2009
Hello family and friends.
This week we had exchanges. That’s where you switch companions for a day. I went with Elder Hatch (a Spanish elder) and stayed at his pad. It was lame. The other elders in the pad are weirdos and were acting like I had no idea what I was doing. I was washing my dish once and they were all standing behind me with this ridiculous look on their faces not saying anything. So I was like, "Is something wrong!?" They said "no.... we just want to get some water" and so I said "wow... OK, ‘cause you were just looking at me like I was doing something horribly wrong..." I was thinking, "Geeze you could have just said excuse me for one sec". Anyway lots of weird things like that happened.
It’s really funny to me that they do exchanges with missionaries who are assigned to different languages...its also funny to me that the elders who are assigned to a language put themselves up higher than the English elders.
While I was on exchanges I felt like I did the first two days of the MTC and when I was doing my personal study every little thing that was even slightly spiritual made me want to bawl!!!
I’m sick of people referring to me as a "greenie" and acting like I have nothing to offer. I'm just going to ignore them. I am super thankful for medias (media referrals) because that’s where we get like 90% of the people we see. All of our contacts have come from medias or finding someone on the street near one of our medias. The lord really is behind all of this.
Not to say anything negative about my companion, but its kind of frustrating how he is so "my way or the highway" about things. He isn't really interested in talking about anything that I am really into talking about. Like theories and that kind of stuff. He often says things so matter-of-fact that it kind of hurts. I am very grateful for him though. When I came back from exchanges and walked back into my pad with my own companion, it was one of the most wonderful things I have felt on my mission. It was sanctuary. I am so grateful for my pad and how we have 6 elders in it. Life is so much better like that.
So I was at a fireside on Thursday... and I saw this guy who looked exactly like Bro. Chevrier would if he were a Dominican. LOL! It was sweet... but it also kind of scared me. I liked it. :)
I am very certain that I got called to this mission for two specific reasons. 1. to humble me and 2. to toughen me up. I'm sure you can all gather why from my letters and emails.
Wow, I feel like a machine ‘cause I am already almost through my 4th pen and I have had a loaf of bread a week. I have gone through like 2 1/2 dozen eggs, 2 1/2 cartons of milk, and much more; crazy huh?
On Saturday I discovered that Song of Solomon is not an inspired scripture 1.By reading it and 2.Because Joseph smith said so.
This week we were able to commit 8 people to come to church and 2 people to get baptized!!!!! Only 1 person showed up for church though.... and only one baptism has a date. But she is solid! she will be baptized at the end of September. The guy who came to church is solid too. He is our other baptism, but he doesn't have a date yet. So I’m pretty sure I am the elders’ teacher now. Ha ha...geeze.
So I was really surprised when I got the package. I was really expecting my hoodie to smell like home. I was excited to smell home and remember it.... but no. I smelled it and was all like "WHAT THE!?" It didn't smell at all like I remember home smelling like. Oh well... I'll live... I'm just curious now though... is that what home smells like? or did it change while is was getting shipped?
I love the hair stuff hilly sent me. It reminds me of going to her salon and visiting her and getting hair cuts. It makes me very happy. :) I'm confused though mom, what was she saying to me? Does she not want me to get hair stuff from you? Does she want me to buy my own here in NY?
I'm excited; the weather is starting to change! It feels good to have a cold breeze and rain. It’s such a nice change. For the first time in my life I was relieved that it was raining.
Unfortunately I didn't find a place to play a guitar. Apparently there is another elder in the mission that has a guitar…but I hear it’s a big hassle around transfer time.... :( BTW I am half way through the transfer! Ha ha. I hope I stay in Bushwick one more transfer.
To answer your question about miracles mom, he meant here in the field. I guess he just means how quickly we are getting a "pool" when we were both "blinded in". Meaning we started from scratch; also, because we have found a lot of really cool solid people.
I was eating a PB&J last night and it had a piece of glass in it!! >:( Earlier in the week I dropped and broke my jam jar. Elder Orr was raised not to eat food that that been in a glass container that had been broken because of the risk of eating small pieces of glass. He told me that was ridiculous because this kind of glass breaks into big pieces. I have been very "follow the leader" with him because I don't want to fight him, so I did as he said and ended up biting down on some glass. I didn't get cut or anything, but it worries me that I may have ingested glass during the week.... not to worry anyone.
So some funny things:
A black man came up to me looking very angry and said "go proselytize somewhere else!" and some other things like "you church didn't even think blacks was human!" and the f word a bunch. He kept saying a lot “proselytize somewhere else!" while we just stared at him like he was crazy. Then Elder Orr said while he was walking away "We will proselytize where we want to thank you!" ha ha. So now we say "proselytize" to each other instead of “proselyte" or however it’s spelled. lol.
Another funny thing, Elder Orr dropped his umbrella and a lady asked if she could have his umbrella (jokingly) and he said yeah. And she said, “Just kidding,” then he said, "Come to church with us." She was like "yeah! OK!" lol. We talked to her a bit and figured out that she hasn't been going to church since she was very little. She has two kids and has been considering going to church. Ha ha. So the spirit really did put words into Orr’s mouth.
I am starting to understand the area now... sometimes I think I understand it better than Orr, which is kind of cool. I'm really bad with how things are connected though. I know areas pretty well; I just have a hard time connecting them in my mind. If nothing else I understand north east south and west better. lol.
any way, I have been writing a long time now, so I better email this. I love you all so-o-o-o much!
If I will serve the lord he will bless me in the ways I need to be blessed and, he just might bless me in the way I want to be blessed!
Love, Elder Morris
Monday, August 24, 2009
THANK YOU
2nd Email Aug 17, 2009
Thank you so much to everyone who has helped me by sending me packages or letter or has supported me by buying things for me to use on my mission or has paid for a part of my mission. Also thank you for all those who have bought my cds. I just want to let you know your love, prayers, and money are making a difference and I really, really appreciate it.
Have a wonderful rest of August!
-Elder Morris
Thank you so much to everyone who has helped me by sending me packages or letter or has supported me by buying things for me to use on my mission or has paid for a part of my mission. Also thank you for all those who have bought my cds. I just want to let you know your love, prayers, and money are making a difference and I really, really appreciate it.
Have a wonderful rest of August!
-Elder Morris
Why the HECK did you do ThHAT
August 17, 2009
So what I said last week about mailing things to me... yeah, just sent everything to the Elmhusrt address, it takes a day longer to get to me, but it will be worth it cause then you all can just memorize that one and never have to worry about where you sent my letter.
We were talking to this lady a couple days ago and she had a lot of really good knowledge and just needed to understand that the Book of Mormon is true.... however there seemed to me to be this contentious feeling, so I stopped the conversation and gave her a pass along card and said nice to talk to you see you later. We walked away and when we were far enough away the lady couldn't hear I was going to say "sorry I just felt like she wasn't elect yet" or something like that, thinking he would say yeah that’s cool or yah I agree. Instead he said "WHY THE HECK DID YOU DO THAT!" and so I said it felt kind of like the feeling of a bible bash. And he said "you don't even know what a bible bash is! You’re just a greenie!" then he didn't talk to me the whole way home. He kept making frustrated noises and clenching his fists and then spreading his hands wide in frustration, then walking really fast. I said to him waiting for the train "I didn't see anything wrong with what I did, but obviously there was, but how will I know if you don't tell me?" He basically just told me that she was a perfect contact and that I screwed it up. Then he said "I don't even care" and "it doesn't matter". Then he acted like nothing was wrong.
There have been lots of things like that. I just feel like he doesn't like me sometimes. So we talked about it in companionship study. After we talked about it things were much better and we got along better. But he said something that seemed really funny to me; funny in a queer way not a ha-ha way. He told me that not once have I said something positive to him when he has asked me how a lesson went, and that I am always criticizing him and focusing on the negative things.
I have never considered myself a negative person. But I guess I am. So I am going to try harder to look on the bright side. Also I think the reason I was saying things like that to him was because there were/are lots of things I wish we could do better on. ‘Cause my lessons with Elder Wright were like amazing in the MTC, we got along so well. I mean Elder Orr is my trainer, so I guess I was expecting it to be even better. Anyway, I am learning a lot from him, and he is the reason for like 95% of our contacts. We actually get along a little better than I think I make it sound.
Thank you for your letter mom. It was really nice. I'm glad you are going to send me a paper version. :)
Thank you everyone for your letters they mean so much to me.
People have funny reactions sometimes to my smiling at them.
I saw a 4 year old being ordered by his mom to pee (with his naked body showing) on the bus stop; that was the weirdest thing ever! "GET AGAINST THE WALL" and also telling the older sister to help him....
Elder black, a Spanish elder in my pad, told me that kitty is really pretty! Ha-ha. I was all like "I know!" :)
Its really funny how older people like in their 50's and even some people who are like dads age, go around dressed like gangsters, with bling and flat brim ball caps and baggy pants around their butt. There are some really cool styles here; but there are a lot!!!!! of really ugly cloths here too. Ha-ha.
I cut my comps hair. I accidentally took a chunk out behind his ear. Ha-ha. you cant really tell though, don't tell him--Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.
There are a ton of babies and kids here, and a ton of moms. I haven't really seen any dads.
I know you just sent me a package mom... :( but I'm thinking It would be nice to have one more short sleeve shirt, no emergency though.
We lost one of our best investigators (a couple), because they talked to their Pentecostal bishop about it... and he told them that they absolutely must not even speak to us any more. That was lame, and sucked. but we have at least planted a seed in them.
I think I have done really well with my money, ‘cause I still have like $80 left for this month, and I don't even really need to get more food; cool huh!? :)
Today is p day, and I don't want to play foot ball and that kind of lame stuff... so we made an exchange to day! I am with elder black! we are going to go eat someplace and try to find a music store that will let us play their guitars! WooooT ha-ha-ha. rock on! It’s gonna hurt ‘cause I think I have already lost my calluses.
Anyway... I can't remember what else I wanted to talk about so... I love you all; and some of you I love even more! He-he. :)
-Elder Morris
So what I said last week about mailing things to me... yeah, just sent everything to the Elmhusrt address, it takes a day longer to get to me, but it will be worth it cause then you all can just memorize that one and never have to worry about where you sent my letter.
We were talking to this lady a couple days ago and she had a lot of really good knowledge and just needed to understand that the Book of Mormon is true.... however there seemed to me to be this contentious feeling, so I stopped the conversation and gave her a pass along card and said nice to talk to you see you later. We walked away and when we were far enough away the lady couldn't hear I was going to say "sorry I just felt like she wasn't elect yet" or something like that, thinking he would say yeah that’s cool or yah I agree. Instead he said "WHY THE HECK DID YOU DO THAT!" and so I said it felt kind of like the feeling of a bible bash. And he said "you don't even know what a bible bash is! You’re just a greenie!" then he didn't talk to me the whole way home. He kept making frustrated noises and clenching his fists and then spreading his hands wide in frustration, then walking really fast. I said to him waiting for the train "I didn't see anything wrong with what I did, but obviously there was, but how will I know if you don't tell me?" He basically just told me that she was a perfect contact and that I screwed it up. Then he said "I don't even care" and "it doesn't matter". Then he acted like nothing was wrong.
There have been lots of things like that. I just feel like he doesn't like me sometimes. So we talked about it in companionship study. After we talked about it things were much better and we got along better. But he said something that seemed really funny to me; funny in a queer way not a ha-ha way. He told me that not once have I said something positive to him when he has asked me how a lesson went, and that I am always criticizing him and focusing on the negative things.
I have never considered myself a negative person. But I guess I am. So I am going to try harder to look on the bright side. Also I think the reason I was saying things like that to him was because there were/are lots of things I wish we could do better on. ‘Cause my lessons with Elder Wright were like amazing in the MTC, we got along so well. I mean Elder Orr is my trainer, so I guess I was expecting it to be even better. Anyway, I am learning a lot from him, and he is the reason for like 95% of our contacts. We actually get along a little better than I think I make it sound.
Thank you for your letter mom. It was really nice. I'm glad you are going to send me a paper version. :)
Thank you everyone for your letters they mean so much to me.
People have funny reactions sometimes to my smiling at them.
I saw a 4 year old being ordered by his mom to pee (with his naked body showing) on the bus stop; that was the weirdest thing ever! "GET AGAINST THE WALL" and also telling the older sister to help him....
Elder black, a Spanish elder in my pad, told me that kitty is really pretty! Ha-ha. I was all like "I know!" :)
Its really funny how older people like in their 50's and even some people who are like dads age, go around dressed like gangsters, with bling and flat brim ball caps and baggy pants around their butt. There are some really cool styles here; but there are a lot!!!!! of really ugly cloths here too. Ha-ha.
I cut my comps hair. I accidentally took a chunk out behind his ear. Ha-ha. you cant really tell though, don't tell him--Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.
There are a ton of babies and kids here, and a ton of moms. I haven't really seen any dads.
I know you just sent me a package mom... :( but I'm thinking It would be nice to have one more short sleeve shirt, no emergency though.
We lost one of our best investigators (a couple), because they talked to their Pentecostal bishop about it... and he told them that they absolutely must not even speak to us any more. That was lame, and sucked. but we have at least planted a seed in them.
I think I have done really well with my money, ‘cause I still have like $80 left for this month, and I don't even really need to get more food; cool huh!? :)
Today is p day, and I don't want to play foot ball and that kind of lame stuff... so we made an exchange to day! I am with elder black! we are going to go eat someplace and try to find a music store that will let us play their guitars! WooooT ha-ha-ha. rock on! It’s gonna hurt ‘cause I think I have already lost my calluses.
Anyway... I can't remember what else I wanted to talk about so... I love you all; and some of you I love even more! He-he. :)
-Elder Morris
Ma and Pa
I finally got your letter yesterday! (8-12-09) Thank you for sending it.
I liked you motto, so I wrote it on my calender, the "smile & life will smile back" one.
I'm sorry my email wasn't very good. I didn't really include any stories or experiences in it. Today (8-13-09)was actually rainy and wasn't hot! It was really nice! I wore my suspenders for the first time in the field today. My comp thought it was weird, but whatever. :)
My comp is Elder Orr... So its Morris without the "M" or the "is." Funny huh. He said that I am spoiled because I've seen so many miracles already. We have seen every type of investigator too. Its crazy to me that I have been out here almost 3 weeks already!
OK well, I sent you some pictures! YaY! I hope you like them!
This week I'm gonna try to make a list of stories to write home with in my email. I hope I can remember everything. Maybe I will photocopy my journal and sen it home. Ha Ha.
I have gone through two whole pens on my own now! Isn't that cool! I'm working on the 3rd now. I like NY, but I would never live here after my mission. Utah really is "the right place."
Well I G2G Love you two so-o-o-o much! Your the best parents anyone could have.
Love, Sam
I liked you motto, so I wrote it on my calender, the "smile & life will smile back" one.
I'm sorry my email wasn't very good. I didn't really include any stories or experiences in it. Today (8-13-09)was actually rainy and wasn't hot! It was really nice! I wore my suspenders for the first time in the field today. My comp thought it was weird, but whatever. :)
My comp is Elder Orr... So its Morris without the "M" or the "is." Funny huh. He said that I am spoiled because I've seen so many miracles already. We have seen every type of investigator too. Its crazy to me that I have been out here almost 3 weeks already!
OK well, I sent you some pictures! YaY! I hope you like them!
This week I'm gonna try to make a list of stories to write home with in my email. I hope I can remember everything. Maybe I will photocopy my journal and sen it home. Ha Ha.
I have gone through two whole pens on my own now! Isn't that cool! I'm working on the 3rd now. I like NY, but I would never live here after my mission. Utah really is "the right place."
Well I G2G Love you two so-o-o-o much! Your the best parents anyone could have.
Love, Sam
Monday, August 10, 2009
Yo, Yo from Brooklyn!
Mon 8/10/09 2:14 PM
So, Thank you very much for the emails. Thanks for the update on Sara Scott and Jen! Thank you bishop for the email as well, its good to hear about the support coming my way.
Thank you mom for your letters; they made me happy and laugh. That’s great you are loosing inches! When I get back you will be all fit and sexy! lol. I am actually 115 now. so my drivers license isn't lying anymore.
I have been praying for everyone back home in all my prayers, even Ditto. That’s sad he is slowing down. I think he just needs someone to play with him! :) so maybe Kitty should. Ha ha. That’s so cool to hear that she watched harry potter with you! that made me happy.
Thanks fro keeping my blog updated. That’s sweet my Cds are doing well. I'm glad kids love them; that was my goal. Its so cool to have that feeling that what you are doing actually matters, and that its making peoples lives more fun, and effecting them.
The last week has felt like a month easy, if not a year. (chuckle....) The pad here is disgusting. I have been cleaning (cleaning has never made me happy until now) Just for all those families back in Utah who think their house is gross and dirty and for Dad, you have not seen Brooklyn! GROSS. there is trash every where... and not just like food wrappers but stuff you wouldn't expect, bras, whole boxes of doughnuts, dead animals, feathers, dog crap, urine, pogo sticks, car parts, broken bottles..... the list goes on. The funny thing about My area (Bushwick) is that one part will be ghettotastic like my street, and a few streets over will be really nice fairly clean apartments.... weird.
So, its really funny.... this area, the people, everything. Everyone is so different. Sometimes Its hard to believe that people are different in Utah, but in New York, you can be certain that everyone is completely different in likes and religion; with one exception, everyone here is a bad driver and most people are inconsiderate.
I have heard a car alarm go off everyday from someone driving by with their stereo so loud you feel it in your chest when its up the street. I have heard someone yell at someone else everyday. I have seen someone pee, spit, or toss something in the street everyday. I have seen mean and inconsiderate things. But God has blessed me with an unusual love for these thugs.
Don't get me wrong, there are wonderful, select and elect individuals here! there truly are. Miraculously I have met and taught some of them, and miraculously we have 8 investigators (despite the fact my comp and I were blinded in) Please pray for these people.
There are great loving families here. We met one last night. you could just tell. and the dad was showing the picture of Jesus we gave him to the baby. he he. I want to be a good dad one day.
So, I need a few things. I was hoping (you don't need to send it right away) that you could send me my hoodie that zips up and is gray. the one Kitty gave me for Christmas. Also, baby wipes (if you don't send them I will figure it out). And I used my face cloth to clean a mirror and it got stained and so maybe I can use that as a rag if you send me a new face cloth.
So my plan is to send you pictures every now and then that I write on the back of. But I have two 2 gig sim cards and an extra small one, so I'm going to send those to Kitty to put on my lap top, and then you guys can see them all on the laptop and print the ones you want. then you can send me my sim card.
Now, you said you wrote me a letter on Sunday, and I'm sure kitty has written me too.... but I haven't gotten any yet. So...... part of the problem is it takes a few days to get to the mission home and then and extra day to get to my pad. and the weekend just happened and no one is at the mission headquarters on Saturday so.... If you sent anything I should get it tomorrow. I will let you know the day my letters arrive, so that you can know how long things take to get to me.
Send all my mail letters and packages to the mission headquarters address.
I love, love, love you all! but I g2g... even though I didn't tell you any stories... :( sorry.... neither did I finish my list of things I need I don't think.... sorry. :(
I forgot my planner which had all my notes of what to write in it. Its hard to remember everything I want to tell you folks!
Sam
So, Thank you very much for the emails. Thanks for the update on Sara Scott and Jen! Thank you bishop for the email as well, its good to hear about the support coming my way.
Thank you mom for your letters; they made me happy and laugh. That’s great you are loosing inches! When I get back you will be all fit and sexy! lol. I am actually 115 now. so my drivers license isn't lying anymore.
I have been praying for everyone back home in all my prayers, even Ditto. That’s sad he is slowing down. I think he just needs someone to play with him! :) so maybe Kitty should. Ha ha. That’s so cool to hear that she watched harry potter with you! that made me happy.
Thanks fro keeping my blog updated. That’s sweet my Cds are doing well. I'm glad kids love them; that was my goal. Its so cool to have that feeling that what you are doing actually matters, and that its making peoples lives more fun, and effecting them.
The last week has felt like a month easy, if not a year. (chuckle....) The pad here is disgusting. I have been cleaning (cleaning has never made me happy until now) Just for all those families back in Utah who think their house is gross and dirty and for Dad, you have not seen Brooklyn! GROSS. there is trash every where... and not just like food wrappers but stuff you wouldn't expect, bras, whole boxes of doughnuts, dead animals, feathers, dog crap, urine, pogo sticks, car parts, broken bottles..... the list goes on. The funny thing about My area (Bushwick) is that one part will be ghettotastic like my street, and a few streets over will be really nice fairly clean apartments.... weird.
So, its really funny.... this area, the people, everything. Everyone is so different. Sometimes Its hard to believe that people are different in Utah, but in New York, you can be certain that everyone is completely different in likes and religion; with one exception, everyone here is a bad driver and most people are inconsiderate.
I have heard a car alarm go off everyday from someone driving by with their stereo so loud you feel it in your chest when its up the street. I have heard someone yell at someone else everyday. I have seen someone pee, spit, or toss something in the street everyday. I have seen mean and inconsiderate things. But God has blessed me with an unusual love for these thugs.
Don't get me wrong, there are wonderful, select and elect individuals here! there truly are. Miraculously I have met and taught some of them, and miraculously we have 8 investigators (despite the fact my comp and I were blinded in) Please pray for these people.
There are great loving families here. We met one last night. you could just tell. and the dad was showing the picture of Jesus we gave him to the baby. he he. I want to be a good dad one day.
So, I need a few things. I was hoping (you don't need to send it right away) that you could send me my hoodie that zips up and is gray. the one Kitty gave me for Christmas. Also, baby wipes (if you don't send them I will figure it out). And I used my face cloth to clean a mirror and it got stained and so maybe I can use that as a rag if you send me a new face cloth.
So my plan is to send you pictures every now and then that I write on the back of. But I have two 2 gig sim cards and an extra small one, so I'm going to send those to Kitty to put on my lap top, and then you guys can see them all on the laptop and print the ones you want. then you can send me my sim card.
Now, you said you wrote me a letter on Sunday, and I'm sure kitty has written me too.... but I haven't gotten any yet. So...... part of the problem is it takes a few days to get to the mission home and then and extra day to get to my pad. and the weekend just happened and no one is at the mission headquarters on Saturday so.... If you sent anything I should get it tomorrow. I will let you know the day my letters arrive, so that you can know how long things take to get to me.
Send all my mail letters and packages to the mission headquarters address.
I love, love, love you all! but I g2g... even though I didn't tell you any stories... :( sorry.... neither did I finish my list of things I need I don't think.... sorry. :(
I forgot my planner which had all my notes of what to write in it. Its hard to remember everything I want to tell you folks!
Sam
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Send Mail to:
Sam's address for letters is:
Elder Samuel A Morris
New York New York South Mission
85-69 60th Dr
Elmhurst, NY 11373-5547
Elder Samuel A Morris
New York New York South Mission
85-69 60th Dr
Elmhurst, NY 11373-5547
Sam new posts will happen every Tuesday!
Sam will email us on Mondays and we will get letters probably 4 days later; so to be sure I have had time to post his communications, look at the blog every Tuesday for new post.
For those of you who's emails I have, I will mass email you that there is a new post.
Sam is still selling his Fairy Tale CDs SammyTElls through me and off his other blog. SammyTells.blogspot.com if you have a paypal account. If you want to use your visa, go to stylesystemssite.com to online shop--then books and products to purchase. You can always mail a check to our house as well make the check to Sam Morris, then mail it to 278 S 800 E Alpine, UT 84004. Go to the blog for more information and to listen to samples of the CDs.
For those of you who's emails I have, I will mass email you that there is a new post.
Sam is still selling his Fairy Tale CDs SammyTElls through me and off his other blog. SammyTells.blogspot.com if you have a paypal account. If you want to use your visa, go to stylesystemssite.com to online shop--then books and products to purchase. You can always mail a check to our house as well make the check to Sam Morris, then mail it to 278 S 800 E Alpine, UT 84004. Go to the blog for more information and to listen to samples of the CDs.
Arrived Safe and Sound in New York
8-3-09
Dear Mom & Dad,
I arrived safely. I'm writing this from the mission President's home. We just got here. I just finished eating. It was pretty good, chicken, rolls, salad, corn, and a potato type casserole. New York is not what I expected; there are way more trees than I expected. The mission president told me not to get used to it, cause I got assigned to Brooklyn. :)
He told me my trainer is a great missionary. When we landed we were half an hour early, but the plane just drove around for like an hour before we docked. Its really humid here,. But the weather is nice right now. It smells really good. I kinda feel like I'm where I am supposed to be. The Elders here all seem really laid back. I am happy and I feel good.
I find out who my trainer is tomorrow. Tonight we sleep here with all the other new missionaries. Then at 1:00 pm tomorrow we have the meeting to get our trainers.
I really don't know what else to say...
I love you!
I wish I was a better musciaion. There is an elder here playing a piano really well.
Sam
Dear Mom & Dad,
I arrived safely. I'm writing this from the mission President's home. We just got here. I just finished eating. It was pretty good, chicken, rolls, salad, corn, and a potato type casserole. New York is not what I expected; there are way more trees than I expected. The mission president told me not to get used to it, cause I got assigned to Brooklyn. :)
He told me my trainer is a great missionary. When we landed we were half an hour early, but the plane just drove around for like an hour before we docked. Its really humid here,. But the weather is nice right now. It smells really good. I kinda feel like I'm where I am supposed to be. The Elders here all seem really laid back. I am happy and I feel good.
I find out who my trainer is tomorrow. Tonight we sleep here with all the other new missionaries. Then at 1:00 pm tomorrow we have the meeting to get our trainers.
I really don't know what else to say...
I love you!
I wish I was a better musciaion. There is an elder here playing a piano really well.
Sam
Leaving on a Jet Plane
8-3-09
Sam called us today as he was waiting to board his plane for New York. What a great birthday present for me--to get to talk to him. He called 1/2 hour early at 8:00 am. Kitty arrived at 8:15 and Hillary arrived at 8:30.
It was great to hear his voice and get immediate responses to our questions. Like what is the name of your blog you set up?
He said he had conquered the homesickness until he went by our of-ramp and saw the mountains--then it hit him a bit--then when I had Ditto say hello and listen to Sam talk to him he said he got a little more homesick. I glad I followed the prompting to not go to the airport like we did when Hill left for Guatemala.
Sam told us he has put on weight--but it is only muscle weight. Boy would I like my weight to be only muscle weight. The first 15 missionaries for his mission left 2 hours before him--the remaining 5 including him are on his flight. Apparently they ran out of seats on the first flight. So he was in a companionship of 3 and not with his MTC companion. He was excited to be heading to his actual mission and little nervous as well.
After chatting with us for 45 minutes. We all said our good-byes; Hill gave Sam some good advise about not holding back because he will be the trainee, but take the lead if his companion ends up being a slacker--she didn't and she wished she did. He hung up to call his dad (they talked for about 8 minutes) and then he got something to eat and boarded his flight.
Too bad I din't post this the day I talked to him, I would have remembered more.
Posting from Camile Sam's mom
Sam called us today as he was waiting to board his plane for New York. What a great birthday present for me--to get to talk to him. He called 1/2 hour early at 8:00 am. Kitty arrived at 8:15 and Hillary arrived at 8:30.
It was great to hear his voice and get immediate responses to our questions. Like what is the name of your blog you set up?
He said he had conquered the homesickness until he went by our of-ramp and saw the mountains--then it hit him a bit--then when I had Ditto say hello and listen to Sam talk to him he said he got a little more homesick. I glad I followed the prompting to not go to the airport like we did when Hill left for Guatemala.
Sam told us he has put on weight--but it is only muscle weight. Boy would I like my weight to be only muscle weight. The first 15 missionaries for his mission left 2 hours before him--the remaining 5 including him are on his flight. Apparently they ran out of seats on the first flight. So he was in a companionship of 3 and not with his MTC companion. He was excited to be heading to his actual mission and little nervous as well.
After chatting with us for 45 minutes. We all said our good-byes; Hill gave Sam some good advise about not holding back because he will be the trainee, but take the lead if his companion ends up being a slacker--she didn't and she wished she did. He hung up to call his dad (they talked for about 8 minutes) and then he got something to eat and boarded his flight.
Too bad I din't post this the day I talked to him, I would have remembered more.
Posting from Camile Sam's mom
Last words from the MTC
8-1-09
Mom,
So :( when I asked what I should do about my missionary pack being too full, I really didn't expect you to send me a new pack. Hopefully you can still get a refund cause that doesn't hold all my stuff or have a place for my camel back.
I put my old scriptures in here and some of my letters I've gotten; could you put those in my storage?
Thank you for caring about me and sendin me all you did! I will take the vitamines; I'm already taking some. I remember most days. I will talk to you more at the airport so there no need writing now.
I love you! Hug Dad and give him kisses! Ditto needs a hug from me too.
Elder samuel A. Morris
An ordained minister in the true Gospel of Christ!
PS
Will you put Mrs. Charles from Missouri on the temple prayer roll please?
Mom,
So :( when I asked what I should do about my missionary pack being too full, I really didn't expect you to send me a new pack. Hopefully you can still get a refund cause that doesn't hold all my stuff or have a place for my camel back.
I put my old scriptures in here and some of my letters I've gotten; could you put those in my storage?
Thank you for caring about me and sendin me all you did! I will take the vitamines; I'm already taking some. I remember most days. I will talk to you more at the airport so there no need writing now.
I love you! Hug Dad and give him kisses! Ditto needs a hug from me too.
Elder samuel A. Morris
An ordained minister in the true Gospel of Christ!
PS
Will you put Mrs. Charles from Missouri on the temple prayer roll please?
Dear Dad
7-28-09
Dear Dad,
So Elder Van De Merwe (a missionary in my district) was telling me about how his brother had IGA naphropathy (commonly known as IGAN - glomerulonephritis) which is a genetic immune disorder (very rare). There are only 2 people in Utah and around 13 people n the whole United States who have it. What happens is the kidneys attck themselves. His brother was diagnosed with strep originally. Just like you!
So I told him your story about your kidneys back in the '70's when you were diagnosed with strep, and how it attacked your kidneys. We wondered together if maybe you actually had IGA nephropathy and they mistook it for strep (like Elder Van De Merwe's brother,) because they didn't know about it back then and because its so rare. I thought you would like toknow. So maybe you could google it or shomething. It sounds to me very much like what you were healed from. It's do cool how people's lives interconnect. Its p;ossible that this is a blessing for you to kow as a result of my service. Its possible you got this imune disease IGA nephropathy as a result of the radiation you got in the Navy.
Were you a seventy? (yes Roger is) For some reason I think you were...
Anyway, you missunderstood me. My copanion was on the phone because we were at the R.C. The R.C. is the Referal Center. Its like the churches telemarketing center. We call people to send them Books of Mormon and stuff. Also they call in to order them and other church media. Its for non-members but sometimes members call. He talked to a guy who had lots of questions--they guy was from New York.
The other day I called someone and shared a scripture and bore my testimony. She cried and thenaked me twice! I hope she was helped by me. I hope she comes to the gospel.
Any way, I love you. Thanks for yourletters! I love them way much!
Elder Morris
Your Son :)
Dear Dad,
So Elder Van De Merwe (a missionary in my district) was telling me about how his brother had IGA naphropathy (commonly known as IGAN - glomerulonephritis) which is a genetic immune disorder (very rare). There are only 2 people in Utah and around 13 people n the whole United States who have it. What happens is the kidneys attck themselves. His brother was diagnosed with strep originally. Just like you!
So I told him your story about your kidneys back in the '70's when you were diagnosed with strep, and how it attacked your kidneys. We wondered together if maybe you actually had IGA nephropathy and they mistook it for strep (like Elder Van De Merwe's brother,) because they didn't know about it back then and because its so rare. I thought you would like toknow. So maybe you could google it or shomething. It sounds to me very much like what you were healed from. It's do cool how people's lives interconnect. Its p;ossible that this is a blessing for you to kow as a result of my service. Its possible you got this imune disease IGA nephropathy as a result of the radiation you got in the Navy.
Were you a seventy? (yes Roger is) For some reason I think you were...
Anyway, you missunderstood me. My copanion was on the phone because we were at the R.C. The R.C. is the Referal Center. Its like the churches telemarketing center. We call people to send them Books of Mormon and stuff. Also they call in to order them and other church media. Its for non-members but sometimes members call. He talked to a guy who had lots of questions--they guy was from New York.
The other day I called someone and shared a scripture and bore my testimony. She cried and thenaked me twice! I hope she was helped by me. I hope she comes to the gospel.
Any way, I love you. Thanks for yourletters! I love them way much!
Elder Morris
Your Son :)
Sorry
7-28-09
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! To a Mom that could never be replaced and is loved to an infinite extent!
Did you notice I made your balloons purple & green? Your favorite colors right? I hope you have the most wonderful Birthday yet! You deserve it! (I actually remembered your birthday before you reminded me!)
I think you have misunderstood some of my letters. I didn't have a cold, just a lot of snot from allerhgies. I have been completely dry now for 2 1/2 days! So your package for me showed up when I didn't need meds. But htank you so much! I will use the Airborn before, on, and after my flight! I set up my email. I hope you got it.I will be calling you around 8:30 Monday morning! So I hope you arethere to talk! They said anyone can talk to me, so if dad's not at work I'd like to talk to him, and Kitty if that's ok. If Hilly & Davey could come thatwould rock. I really hope you are home, cause I can't check my email to make sure until Wednesday, and that would be too late.
What should I do with the garlic now? Cook with it in NY?
Any way I love, love, love you! Thanks for the new blatter, Iwas just expecting a new nipple thing but that's cool. Should I send the other one home? I can't find my sunglasses... I'm planning on making a tape onthe way to MY. I'll send it later.
I'm glad you like it when Kitty comes over, cause she says she reallylikes it.
All the missionaries in my dorm think you book would be so helpful!
Thank you for seloling so manyDC's You really are the best mom ever. That's a great goal you have set for selling more! I would love that!
Thank you for everytning! Be happy Mom! I love you!
Happy B-Day again!
Love,Sam
(Oh yeah, its ok if you call me Sam still instead of Elder Morris.)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! To a Mom that could never be replaced and is loved to an infinite extent!
Did you notice I made your balloons purple & green? Your favorite colors right? I hope you have the most wonderful Birthday yet! You deserve it! (I actually remembered your birthday before you reminded me!)
I think you have misunderstood some of my letters. I didn't have a cold, just a lot of snot from allerhgies. I have been completely dry now for 2 1/2 days! So your package for me showed up when I didn't need meds. But htank you so much! I will use the Airborn before, on, and after my flight! I set up my email. I hope you got it.I will be calling you around 8:30 Monday morning! So I hope you arethere to talk! They said anyone can talk to me, so if dad's not at work I'd like to talk to him, and Kitty if that's ok. If Hilly & Davey could come thatwould rock. I really hope you are home, cause I can't check my email to make sure until Wednesday, and that would be too late.
What should I do with the garlic now? Cook with it in NY?
Any way I love, love, love you! Thanks for the new blatter, Iwas just expecting a new nipple thing but that's cool. Should I send the other one home? I can't find my sunglasses... I'm planning on making a tape onthe way to MY. I'll send it later.
I'm glad you like it when Kitty comes over, cause she says she reallylikes it.
All the missionaries in my dorm think you book would be so helpful!
Thank you for seloling so manyDC's You really are the best mom ever. That's a great goal you have set for selling more! I would love that!
Thank you for everytning! Be happy Mom! I love you!
Happy B-Day again!
Love,Sam
(Oh yeah, its ok if you call me Sam still instead of Elder Morris.)
Life is good at the MTC
7/24/09
Dear Mom & Dad,
I'm in the RC (referral center) right now, we were supposed to leave a long time ago but my companion Elder Wright got this call from a guy in MY who needed lots of help. He has been on the phone almost 2 hours!!! Which is crazy. So, I've got time to write since I'm waiting.
Thank you so much for the letter you sent. It was funny though I couldn't imagine you saying the things you wrote, it was weird. I loved it though thanks! Thanks for the garments! The pictures were great too! Thank you for the blessings (setting apart and father's blessings transcribed from notes Mom took), I read them and love them. I like how stiff the lamination is. Thanks for sending my primary class's letters tell them thanks they meant a lot to me. Thanks for sending Kitty's address.
So, I'm doing well. I'm growing a lot when it comes to studying and using a study journal. So it turns out, my oil was in my bag! Ha Ha, lol. Sorry :) Thanks for telling me about where the glasses are. I'm silly. I sent that last letter right before I got the package. Ha Ha. I felt a little bad.
So on Wednesday (P-day Sam's prep day to get laundry, letter writing, etc done) I didn't get a chance to set up my email; I will try hard to do it next week. So much happens everyday I can't even remember to write it in my journal! Letters are going to be hard to include everthing in.
S I think on like Friday or Saturday-ish, I felt reqally prompted to pray for you mom, are you ok?
That's crazy to hear about Ditto praying. Ha Ha. I'm sad he misses me. I hope he knows what I am doing.
Kitty told me she went over to our house! That's cool! :)
OK, so my prosillighting bag from Mr Mac looks really bulky with all my stuff in it. Someone told me you are more likely to gwet mugged when you bag looks like its full of stuff. So, maybe we should do someting about that. Oppinions? Also my nipple thing for my cammel back leaks...so could you find a new one for me possibly? One that you can turn off.
So I have had seriously bad mucus, greenish yellow. It started with a runnynose, but now its really really thick and never goes away. How can I get rid ofit? I've been taking my vitamines and decdongestant.
Any way I g2g now. I love you!I love you! I love you!
Elder Morris
Dear Mom & Dad,
I'm in the RC (referral center) right now, we were supposed to leave a long time ago but my companion Elder Wright got this call from a guy in MY who needed lots of help. He has been on the phone almost 2 hours!!! Which is crazy. So, I've got time to write since I'm waiting.
Thank you so much for the letter you sent. It was funny though I couldn't imagine you saying the things you wrote, it was weird. I loved it though thanks! Thanks for the garments! The pictures were great too! Thank you for the blessings (setting apart and father's blessings transcribed from notes Mom took), I read them and love them. I like how stiff the lamination is. Thanks for sending my primary class's letters tell them thanks they meant a lot to me. Thanks for sending Kitty's address.
So, I'm doing well. I'm growing a lot when it comes to studying and using a study journal. So it turns out, my oil was in my bag! Ha Ha, lol. Sorry :) Thanks for telling me about where the glasses are. I'm silly. I sent that last letter right before I got the package. Ha Ha. I felt a little bad.
So on Wednesday (P-day Sam's prep day to get laundry, letter writing, etc done) I didn't get a chance to set up my email; I will try hard to do it next week. So much happens everyday I can't even remember to write it in my journal! Letters are going to be hard to include everthing in.
S I think on like Friday or Saturday-ish, I felt reqally prompted to pray for you mom, are you ok?
That's crazy to hear about Ditto praying. Ha Ha. I'm sad he misses me. I hope he knows what I am doing.
Kitty told me she went over to our house! That's cool! :)
OK, so my prosillighting bag from Mr Mac looks really bulky with all my stuff in it. Someone told me you are more likely to gwet mugged when you bag looks like its full of stuff. So, maybe we should do someting about that. Oppinions? Also my nipple thing for my cammel back leaks...so could you find a new one for me possibly? One that you can turn off.
So I have had seriously bad mucus, greenish yellow. It started with a runnynose, but now its really really thick and never goes away. How can I get rid ofit? I've been taking my vitamines and decdongestant.
Any way I g2g now. I love you!I love you! I love you!
Elder Morris
Where are all the letter you promised?!
7-20-09
To Mom & Dad,
Why hast thou not written me!
:(
Love, Sam
To Mom & Dad,
Why hast thou not written me!
:(
Love, Sam
The last posting was a letter from Sam July 15th, 2009; the night he entered the MTC.
7-16-09
I talked to my teacher about home sickness and he told me some good things. The first was that if I wasn't home sick, something is wrong. All it means is that I have a lot of love for my family and that's good. The other things were to laugh and to pray and I think the others were to trust the Lord and have faith... That may have been my own interpretation.He also said I can play the piano here to relieve stress. He said when I get to NY I should talk to the mission pres about having a guitar. He said everyone feels a certain amount of homesickness. I think my uneasiness comes more from the idea of being in new circumstances and leaving behind everything for two years.
I ran into my friend Stu at lunch ,m he said that time doesn't matter here. Its funny to me how I have always said that time is silly and now its one of my primary concerns.
So the second half of the day was amazing. I really let go. We went to the gym, and that helped me release a lot of stress and laugh. My personality is starting to emrerge and people are seeing my funny faces. This is awesome cause it usually takes a long time for that to happen with me. After gym, we went to class and studied scriptures from Preach My Gospel. Elder Wright and I would study seperate scriptures in depth for like 10 minutes (felt like 2) and then would share what we found.l We had a lot of insightful things to share and we built off eachother and got inspired.
I bought a study journal and I am writing all my thoughtws in there now.
My roomates and I are all going to the New York New York South mission. We are getting close pretty fast. There is Elder Wright, Elder Swan, and Elder Sealander. We are all exciyted and laid back. Elder Sealander is from Illinois. His accent and terms are funny, but he is great. Elder Swan is from Orem, he is a theater major and super friendly. Its hard not to love these guys.
Any way, its bed time. Last night I had a horrible time sleeping, tonight I hope its better.
The Lord loves us and wants to help us. All we have to do is let him. I am a lot happier than yesterday. If every day I get that much happier, I will be so jolly I will explode!
Love, Elder Morris
PS Please send EVERYONE my letters!
7-16-09
I talked to my teacher about home sickness and he told me some good things. The first was that if I wasn't home sick, something is wrong. All it means is that I have a lot of love for my family and that's good. The other things were to laugh and to pray and I think the others were to trust the Lord and have faith... That may have been my own interpretation.He also said I can play the piano here to relieve stress. He said when I get to NY I should talk to the mission pres about having a guitar. He said everyone feels a certain amount of homesickness. I think my uneasiness comes more from the idea of being in new circumstances and leaving behind everything for two years.
I ran into my friend Stu at lunch ,m he said that time doesn't matter here. Its funny to me how I have always said that time is silly and now its one of my primary concerns.
So the second half of the day was amazing. I really let go. We went to the gym, and that helped me release a lot of stress and laugh. My personality is starting to emrerge and people are seeing my funny faces. This is awesome cause it usually takes a long time for that to happen with me. After gym, we went to class and studied scriptures from Preach My Gospel. Elder Wright and I would study seperate scriptures in depth for like 10 minutes (felt like 2) and then would share what we found.l We had a lot of insightful things to share and we built off eachother and got inspired.
I bought a study journal and I am writing all my thoughtws in there now.
My roomates and I are all going to the New York New York South mission. We are getting close pretty fast. There is Elder Wright, Elder Swan, and Elder Sealander. We are all exciyted and laid back. Elder Sealander is from Illinois. His accent and terms are funny, but he is great. Elder Swan is from Orem, he is a theater major and super friendly. Its hard not to love these guys.
Any way, its bed time. Last night I had a horrible time sleeping, tonight I hope its better.
The Lord loves us and wants to help us. All we have to do is let him. I am a lot happier than yesterday. If every day I get that much happier, I will be so jolly I will explode!
Love, Elder Morris
PS Please send EVERYONE my letters!
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