Well, it was a rough week. The first two days i missed Elder Kiser a lot. I felt like my best friend had just died or something. I really struggled to keep us busy. It was tough. I realized that for the first time on my mission I was completely in charge, and not for just one day siked but the next 6 weeks minimum. I was really worried that Elder Moyers would think I was just a big slacker missionary. Then to top everything off not only do we have very little to do but I was going off of memory for directions and since I was in the hot seat and my old comp with a map for a brain was gone I myself out and sent us on some big unnecessary detours a few times. We were late a few times too and on splits only one member showed up and he didn't have anyone he wanted to look up or any home teaching to do so I had to improvise. It all turned out ok... and I am comfortable now as far as not being so stressed or feeling so pressured. Our numbers were the lowest I've had in a long while. :S
I thought it was interesting that Todd in his mission just had the same thing happen to him as what happened to me. That is our companion left to go to the office and we both got a greenie in his place. Man... I never understood what the old missionaries were talking about when I was younger in the mission. I felt like I wasn't any different than anyone else, and I really defended greenies when old missionaries would talk about their frustrations. I understand now. Not only is Moyers super green but he spent the last part of his mission in the Korean program. In the Korean program they are kind of Isolated from the rest of the mission. They kind of have their own culture and everything. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with elder Moyers. He is really easy to get along with and he and I seem to teach pretty well together. He has a really funny innocent grin he puts on ha-ha. It’s really funny. Also I'll get lost in thoughts sometimes and he thinks I’m ignoring him or am angry or something and tries breaking the science but doesn't know how. Ha-ha. Sometimes it’s really funny to just watch him when its obvious that there is something he wants to tell me or ask me but instead he just walks around or attempts to talk multiple times but then doesn't say anything. :) Ha-ha. I kind of feel bad for him. Ha-ha. He asks me the silliest questions sometimes like about how to do something or if he can do something that no one cares about (probably because he doesn't want to offend anyone by his actions... but he forgets he is in a pad with Mitchell, Ledbetter, Judd, me, and Paulson. There are probably few other pads that are so laid back). He often won’t do something until I do it or give him permission to do it with the exception of the car heater.... ha-ha. He’ll adjust the temperature really fast and make some little noise that sounds like a mix of awkward and uncomfortable then check up with me to see if I'll say anything.
Anyway, ha-ha-- hopefully he'll learn to relax, I think he is in this pad to learn that he can really do a lot of good and still be obedient and he doesn't have to focus on each rule but on the objective and his purpose as a missionary.
He is sitting right next to me and he keeps looking at my screen to see what I am doing as if he is nervous that i am going to go on to a porn sight or something. Well, moving on.
We had an amazing Zone Conference on Friday. I really felt the spirit. And Thursday we came up with some really good plans for this week. I hope we can be more successful this week.
I'm really sad about our recent converts. Particularly Wayne cause he is being a punk lately about coming to church. Grace really wants to come to church and told me in a text last night that she is "proud to be Mormon" but her boss won’t let her have the schedule she was having last month with work. I wish I could give her a bunch of money or find her a new job so she could get to church on Sunday. Harold was coming but he didn't come yesterday. I was thinking maybe he was going to start becoming less frail in terms of his activity since he had a long interview with bishop and was sustained to receive the priesthood. Last time I called him he was all weird on the phone and I think he misunderstood what I was trying to say. i just wanted to check up on him and see if he was going to come to the new member classes but I think he thought I was harping him. I felt bad cause I really, really like Harold and I want to be his friend and keep in contact with him after the mission... but i think he liked elder Kiser better cause Kiser knew more about movies and stuff, anyway....
Fortunately Eugene is strong as ever. He always makes it to church even with his busy schedule. I love I; he is so cool.
Well besides having a nice meeting with President Croft, this week was mostly introducing Moyers to the English program and this area, Zone conference and a disappointing day at church. No one came. Judy came... but no one else, none of our potentials and none of our other investigators. I was really looking forward to seeing Cornell again and hopefully setting up an appointment with him but..... he didn't come and when I called him he told me basically he wanted to do the whole reading the book of Mormon thing and learning about the Gospel on his own. I was so surprised. I've never met someone who was so interested and loved a testimony meeting and believed the Joseph Smith story but didn't want to meet with us to learn more and faster. I guess he's just a really independent person. :S Well I’ve got to go now.
Love,
--
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
Monday, November 22, 2010
Shalom
It turns out we taught the exact same number of lessons this transfer as last transfer. This surprised me. It surprised me because I didn't feel as successful as I felt last transfer. The only real difference in numbers was the 4 baptisms compared to the 0 this transfer. I know what you have already said to yourself, "but Sam, don't you know that baptisms are not the measure of your success as a missionary?" Yes of course I know that. I'm just pointing out that the effort we put in or the amount of lessons we teach is directly proportional to the amount of baptisms. I think they tried to tell me something like that in the MTC... but anyway. I was surprised, like I said, that Elder Kiser and I ended up with the exact same number of lessons as last transfer. I think the focus of this last transfer was strengthening the recent converts. Finding came next. The funny thing about finding is that (at least in my mission) those that are found aren't really found they are given. We do finding activities all day long and don't find anyone but then we get a media referral or someone approaches us and that person is the one that progresses. So it was this transfer; a lot of work with no new investigators to show for it. That being said, I see a lot of potential for next transfer. Our pool is actually being built up. There is work to be done; now it’s up to me and my new companion to be diligent.
That's right, new companion. It’s hard to think of being in Terryville without elder Kiser... but that’s what is going to be happening starting transfer meeting tomorrow. Thursday night we got a text from the Zone leaders telling us Elder Kiser had an interview with president on Friday. A Friday interview before transfers in this mission means you are becoming a District leader, Zone leader, or training. Well I knew it wasn't DL or ZL, because Kiser has only had one area and is still young in the mission (transfer wise). Well that only left training. I was surprised because I was having the feeling that I would be training this transfer. However I was not asked to be interviewed. Well Friday during the interview, the door opens and president comes out and invites me to come into the room where the interview was happening... I walk in and it is made known to me that "the touch of Morris has been made known again" (or something like that). "Elder Kiser will be serving in the office for the next two transfers". Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha. Wow, so I’ve had 5 companions now who have served in the office. Well, Kiser left the room and president interviewed me. Not expected by me. He told me that I would be with Elder Moyers (an elder I picked up from the airport when I was an office elder). Elder Moyers has been in the mission for 12 weeks now and for the last 12 weeks he has been serving in the Korean program. Ha-ha. So in a way you could say this is my 3rd Korean companion. Well, he's actually a white kid (I know--disappointing. Ha-ha) but from what I remember when I picked him up, he is really nice, so hopefully we get along well. So there you have it, I am a trainer in a way because I'm training him to be an English elder now. President wants him to be in the English program now because we have one too many English elders and I suppose he wanted to keep the native Koreans in the program because Koreans are a little racist (at least the ones I've met! Ha=ha Jk, but seriously). I don't think Elder Moyers knows yet that I will be his new comp but I know. President told me essentially that he wants me to work hard and have a lot of fun with him and teach a lot of lessons (Moyers hasn't taught a lot on his mission so far). I guess president sees me as a guy who can work hard and have a lot of fun if that is my assignment. So that's a major complement I feel.
So that's the biggest news. Here are some interesting facts though:
I will be in Terryville for 3 transfers now. The only other place I have done that is Richmond Hill. I've never stayed in an area longer than that. Usually I am 2 then leave. I potentially could be here a long time. I would say the absolute longest would be until march and the shortest would be after this next 6 weeks (which would mean I would be in a new area for Christmas... that's no fun cause then you are at a strangers for Christmas. I think I'd rather be here two more transfers then leave).
I've never had a companion longer than 12 weeks.
As of next transfer I will have lived with Elder Ledbetter longer than any Elder. He dies this next transfer. I will really, really miss him. Kiser is lucky he gets to take him to the airport... But on second thought, that would be really hard for me, so I’m glad I’m not doing it. I will miss Ledbetter.
Cool story. We got a bunch of media referrals. We called one up, Cornel-- Long story short, he’s 6'3'' blond haired and blue eyed and looking for truth. He came to church before we even met him and LOVED fast and testimony meeting. He told me he believes in the "Joseph Smith Story"! So I’m way pumped to teach him, he seems way chill! I'll keep ye all posted.
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
That's right, new companion. It’s hard to think of being in Terryville without elder Kiser... but that’s what is going to be happening starting transfer meeting tomorrow. Thursday night we got a text from the Zone leaders telling us Elder Kiser had an interview with president on Friday. A Friday interview before transfers in this mission means you are becoming a District leader, Zone leader, or training. Well I knew it wasn't DL or ZL, because Kiser has only had one area and is still young in the mission (transfer wise). Well that only left training. I was surprised because I was having the feeling that I would be training this transfer. However I was not asked to be interviewed. Well Friday during the interview, the door opens and president comes out and invites me to come into the room where the interview was happening... I walk in and it is made known to me that "the touch of Morris has been made known again" (or something like that). "Elder Kiser will be serving in the office for the next two transfers". Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha. Wow, so I’ve had 5 companions now who have served in the office. Well, Kiser left the room and president interviewed me. Not expected by me. He told me that I would be with Elder Moyers (an elder I picked up from the airport when I was an office elder). Elder Moyers has been in the mission for 12 weeks now and for the last 12 weeks he has been serving in the Korean program. Ha-ha. So in a way you could say this is my 3rd Korean companion. Well, he's actually a white kid (I know--disappointing. Ha-ha) but from what I remember when I picked him up, he is really nice, so hopefully we get along well. So there you have it, I am a trainer in a way because I'm training him to be an English elder now. President wants him to be in the English program now because we have one too many English elders and I suppose he wanted to keep the native Koreans in the program because Koreans are a little racist (at least the ones I've met! Ha=ha Jk, but seriously). I don't think Elder Moyers knows yet that I will be his new comp but I know. President told me essentially that he wants me to work hard and have a lot of fun with him and teach a lot of lessons (Moyers hasn't taught a lot on his mission so far). I guess president sees me as a guy who can work hard and have a lot of fun if that is my assignment. So that's a major complement I feel.
So that's the biggest news. Here are some interesting facts though:
I will be in Terryville for 3 transfers now. The only other place I have done that is Richmond Hill. I've never stayed in an area longer than that. Usually I am 2 then leave. I potentially could be here a long time. I would say the absolute longest would be until march and the shortest would be after this next 6 weeks (which would mean I would be in a new area for Christmas... that's no fun cause then you are at a strangers for Christmas. I think I'd rather be here two more transfers then leave).
I've never had a companion longer than 12 weeks.
As of next transfer I will have lived with Elder Ledbetter longer than any Elder. He dies this next transfer. I will really, really miss him. Kiser is lucky he gets to take him to the airport... But on second thought, that would be really hard for me, so I’m glad I’m not doing it. I will miss Ledbetter.
Cool story. We got a bunch of media referrals. We called one up, Cornel-- Long story short, he’s 6'3'' blond haired and blue eyed and looking for truth. He came to church before we even met him and LOVED fast and testimony meeting. He told me he believes in the "Joseph Smith Story"! So I’m way pumped to teach him, he seems way chill! I'll keep ye all posted.
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
Happy Halloween
All right, so, this past week we had a lot of opportunity to do service. It was nice because we were able to gain more trust from the members and ward auxiliary leaders. We had a few switch ups that were different but not all bad. The one bad one was that our ward mission leader is out of town because of a family emergency concerning a grandchild. We pray for him. The rest however were good because we were able to work more closely with the leaders. We met with the Elder’s quorum president and he fed us amazing steaks and broccoli with cheese and apple cider. Then he showed us pictures and videos from his trip to Jerusalem and Israel and Egypt, way cool! ha-ha. Looked like lots of fun. He told us Petra is way cooler than the pyramids, (but both are cool). Then we talked about people in the ward and investigators and service projects and less actives. Basically we have a list of things to do that will be great things to do. Plus we are working better with the elders. Also we will be meeting with him every Saturday from now on and he will be feeding us! Score, his food was delicious and I was totally satisfecho. I hate feeling totally stuffed and uncomfortable and embarrassed that I can't finish the food, and offending people that I didn't eat enough. I'm a small guy! I'm done with that game!
We also tracted this week and were able to find some good service opportunities as well as potential investigators. We talked to one man (the last house we knocked on) for a half an hour. His name was rick and he is a long time practicing Catholic. We gave him a book of Mormon at the climax of our surprisingly intellectual and spiritual discussion, at which point he expressed a sincerity to actually read and pray about it. He told us that history is written by the victors and there are billions of Catholics so he wouldn't be surprised if there are other things out there.
I had a burger Saturday at Frank n' Burger! ha-ha. It's a Halloween themed burger place open all year round! What a gamble right!? Well he has been open a whole year now and has amazing customer service for New York, not to mention his burger was really good! It was Huge, i couldn't finish it. The bun was amazing! Big all encompassing bun! Hardly any drip-age or slippage of the innards of my burger. It all looked good (all the choices) but there was one (that I'm sure was tasty) that I just couldn't go for-- A zombie dog--it was a deep fried wiener with honey and whipped cream on it. All I could imagine when I saw it was eating some part of a zombie...... well you don't want to hear about that do you.
Halloween was an odd Sunday. We helped a man named Bob Lugo out. He is taking care of his dad while his mom is in the hospital and he himself really should be taken care of. His wife is out of town and he has an amputated foot from diabetes. He is a wonderful guy with a strong testimony. Well it’s tough for him to stand up and sit down repeatedly and walk around. Since its Halloween and not Utah there were trick-or-teat-ers. So we handed out candy, answered the phone, and attended to Grandpa Lugo while Bob took a break and did some things he needed to do. I was quite surprised how many kids didn't even dress up! Most did, but a surprising amount did not. The More surprising thing was that the kids had to be coaxed to say "trick or treat!" Can you believe that! We had to ask "What’s the magic words?" or something to that effect nearly every time! Ha-ha. Well we went home and spent the rest of the afternoon and night inside (mission rule not be out after 5 on Halloween). I felt bad we could stay and help bob out longer and so did he. But he was thankful for the time we were able to give him.
Love you peeps, chow.
We also tracted this week and were able to find some good service opportunities as well as potential investigators. We talked to one man (the last house we knocked on) for a half an hour. His name was rick and he is a long time practicing Catholic. We gave him a book of Mormon at the climax of our surprisingly intellectual and spiritual discussion, at which point he expressed a sincerity to actually read and pray about it. He told us that history is written by the victors and there are billions of Catholics so he wouldn't be surprised if there are other things out there.
I had a burger Saturday at Frank n' Burger! ha-ha. It's a Halloween themed burger place open all year round! What a gamble right!? Well he has been open a whole year now and has amazing customer service for New York, not to mention his burger was really good! It was Huge, i couldn't finish it. The bun was amazing! Big all encompassing bun! Hardly any drip-age or slippage of the innards of my burger. It all looked good (all the choices) but there was one (that I'm sure was tasty) that I just couldn't go for-- A zombie dog--it was a deep fried wiener with honey and whipped cream on it. All I could imagine when I saw it was eating some part of a zombie...... well you don't want to hear about that do you.
Halloween was an odd Sunday. We helped a man named Bob Lugo out. He is taking care of his dad while his mom is in the hospital and he himself really should be taken care of. His wife is out of town and he has an amputated foot from diabetes. He is a wonderful guy with a strong testimony. Well it’s tough for him to stand up and sit down repeatedly and walk around. Since its Halloween and not Utah there were trick-or-teat-ers. So we handed out candy, answered the phone, and attended to Grandpa Lugo while Bob took a break and did some things he needed to do. I was quite surprised how many kids didn't even dress up! Most did, but a surprising amount did not. The More surprising thing was that the kids had to be coaxed to say "trick or treat!" Can you believe that! We had to ask "What’s the magic words?" or something to that effect nearly every time! Ha-ha. Well we went home and spent the rest of the afternoon and night inside (mission rule not be out after 5 on Halloween). I felt bad we could stay and help bob out longer and so did he. But he was thankful for the time we were able to give him.
Love you peeps, chow.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Time
Time is odd... There's often not enough of it, but occasionally there is too much of it. In my case today I don't have enough of it.
Basically what happened this week was we worked with recent converts and less actives. We talked to part-member families and we looked up former investigators.
I had a lady lecture us (mostly my companion) and yell at her son and compare him to nasty things like serial killers for 15 min straight all because we sympathized with the 16 year old who in the closing prayer had the devil prayed out of him. Well needless to say he did what I would do and called his little brother who was praying a "homo". The 16 year old has no motivation because he doesn't find the support he needs from his parents.
Umm... no time.
PS
OK... ha-ha. Well I was kicked off the other computer because someone reserved it... so now I am on a new computer and I will now finish my email.
OK, well, the 16 year old from what I gathered is like any other 16 year old around here. He is a sensitive type though unlike his half brothers that are very outgoing. Well the entire lesson we had with them the mom compared the children and talked bad about the 16 year old and praised the others right in front of him. She even told us that if he ran away he would be doing the family a favor right in front of him to us (we only knew her for about a half an hour by this point). We felt so bad for the kid, yes its true he is probably up to things he shouldn't be but there is a difference between stern structured parenting and ruthless nagging and overbearing criticism (and not even constructive.) The only tactic she used was the "guilt trip" one. She told us he wasted all his talents!. Well In the hour I was at this home I learned so much about parenting and I remembered how amazing my parents are and have been. I have always had support from my parents. I have always felt loved by them.
Well, the mom suggested that if we knew anyone to take him and "deal with him" she would consider it. Well, we have considered taking her up on that. However we would like to try to heal the wounds of our relationship with the mom and then let our message do the healing in the family. We'd rather not separate a family, but if she keeps this up and won't let us meet with her then I'd like to see this 16 year old in a home where he can find support, in the home of one of the ward members.
I love you mom and dad. And thank you grandmas and grandpas for raising my parents so well. Thank you Jesus Christ for the gospel which can really truly apply to every aspect of our lives. Thank you Dad for always using scripture in our conversations and taking every opportunity to teach me. Thank you for teaching truth and correct principals and letting me then exercise my agency. I can't really express fully and accurately how I feel. I'm not as prolific as I think I used to be and my feelings are almost indescribable. The gospel really has all the answers.
We had exchanges on Tuesday. I went to the South Shore / Patchogue pad and went on exchanges with our district leader Elder Kirby. They have a guitar in their pad from a past missionary that is pretty dang nice. I was so relieved as I played it. Wow! It was so nice to play a real guitar again; even though it hurt my fingers like crazy since I have lost all my muscle memory.
I don't know what else to really say except for the fall colors are really starting to be diverse now and I am pretty excited. I'll be taking pictures this week for all of you to see.
PSS
Oh yeah, I forgot. This weekend was stake conference. It was amazing. I LOVED it! I felt the spirit so strong in the adult session. It felt so good. It was so peaceful and I felt so much love. It was crazy to see people from Plainview. I love that place. I feel bad though because I forgot a few people’s names. :S Its hard for me to remember everyone’s names cause I cram them when I am at an area and then when I go to the new area I never see the old names anymore and I have to cram new ones so I end up Recognizing everyone and remember none of their names. I wish I could be as good at names as all my companions have been especially Elder Kiser and Khang.
But yeah, Conference was amazing. I love President Hardman and I love President Nelson. Also an area 70 came Elder Lancing. He and his wife were just so classy and brought the spirit so well. They really made it easy to listen and they made you really want to support and sustain all our leadership.
Thank you Adolphsons for the package to say "I hope you feel better and we love you.” and thanks mom for the package as well! Kiser loved his light up pen and Halloween card. Thanks for the Carmel-pop-corn and the treats. We were pretty happy. We were really impressed with the Halloween cards. I still can't believe we still have computer paper from when I was 3 and 4. HA-HA!
Anyway, this is the real end.
love
--
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
Basically what happened this week was we worked with recent converts and less actives. We talked to part-member families and we looked up former investigators.
I had a lady lecture us (mostly my companion) and yell at her son and compare him to nasty things like serial killers for 15 min straight all because we sympathized with the 16 year old who in the closing prayer had the devil prayed out of him. Well needless to say he did what I would do and called his little brother who was praying a "homo". The 16 year old has no motivation because he doesn't find the support he needs from his parents.
Umm... no time.
PS
OK... ha-ha. Well I was kicked off the other computer because someone reserved it... so now I am on a new computer and I will now finish my email.
OK, well, the 16 year old from what I gathered is like any other 16 year old around here. He is a sensitive type though unlike his half brothers that are very outgoing. Well the entire lesson we had with them the mom compared the children and talked bad about the 16 year old and praised the others right in front of him. She even told us that if he ran away he would be doing the family a favor right in front of him to us (we only knew her for about a half an hour by this point). We felt so bad for the kid, yes its true he is probably up to things he shouldn't be but there is a difference between stern structured parenting and ruthless nagging and overbearing criticism (and not even constructive.) The only tactic she used was the "guilt trip" one. She told us he wasted all his talents!. Well In the hour I was at this home I learned so much about parenting and I remembered how amazing my parents are and have been. I have always had support from my parents. I have always felt loved by them.
Well, the mom suggested that if we knew anyone to take him and "deal with him" she would consider it. Well, we have considered taking her up on that. However we would like to try to heal the wounds of our relationship with the mom and then let our message do the healing in the family. We'd rather not separate a family, but if she keeps this up and won't let us meet with her then I'd like to see this 16 year old in a home where he can find support, in the home of one of the ward members.
I love you mom and dad. And thank you grandmas and grandpas for raising my parents so well. Thank you Jesus Christ for the gospel which can really truly apply to every aspect of our lives. Thank you Dad for always using scripture in our conversations and taking every opportunity to teach me. Thank you for teaching truth and correct principals and letting me then exercise my agency. I can't really express fully and accurately how I feel. I'm not as prolific as I think I used to be and my feelings are almost indescribable. The gospel really has all the answers.
We had exchanges on Tuesday. I went to the South Shore / Patchogue pad and went on exchanges with our district leader Elder Kirby. They have a guitar in their pad from a past missionary that is pretty dang nice. I was so relieved as I played it. Wow! It was so nice to play a real guitar again; even though it hurt my fingers like crazy since I have lost all my muscle memory.
I don't know what else to really say except for the fall colors are really starting to be diverse now and I am pretty excited. I'll be taking pictures this week for all of you to see.
PSS
Oh yeah, I forgot. This weekend was stake conference. It was amazing. I LOVED it! I felt the spirit so strong in the adult session. It felt so good. It was so peaceful and I felt so much love. It was crazy to see people from Plainview. I love that place. I feel bad though because I forgot a few people’s names. :S Its hard for me to remember everyone’s names cause I cram them when I am at an area and then when I go to the new area I never see the old names anymore and I have to cram new ones so I end up Recognizing everyone and remember none of their names. I wish I could be as good at names as all my companions have been especially Elder Kiser and Khang.
But yeah, Conference was amazing. I love President Hardman and I love President Nelson. Also an area 70 came Elder Lancing. He and his wife were just so classy and brought the spirit so well. They really made it easy to listen and they made you really want to support and sustain all our leadership.
Thank you Adolphsons for the package to say "I hope you feel better and we love you.” and thanks mom for the package as well! Kiser loved his light up pen and Halloween card. Thanks for the Carmel-pop-corn and the treats. We were pretty happy. We were really impressed with the Halloween cards. I still can't believe we still have computer paper from when I was 3 and 4. HA-HA!
Anyway, this is the real end.
love
--
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
Monday, October 18, 2010
Racing Stripes
Last night Elder Ledbetter buzzed a line right up my right shin removing the hair. Now I have a cool and sleek looking racing stripe on my normally very harry leg. the contrast is stark. I look fast.
Good news: I got a letter from Nate and Kenzi this week. That made me happy. I also got to do a lot of service this week. This also made me happy. It’s in the 50's here now (finally) and the leaves are starting to change colors (finally). I love fall colors, so, this makes me happy.
Bad News: Elder Kiser and I kept our jack-o-lanterns inside so that we could enjoy them for ourselves for longer... well, they got moldy. Everyone else who put there pumpkins out side, there pumpkins are still firm and mold free. So we put our pumpkins out side, but they are shriveling up and getting pretty furry. LOL. This could be some kind of story base for an apostles talk at conference don't you think? It could be an analogy for talents or something, if you keep it to yourself and don't share it you lose it. If you put it out for everyone else to see and not for your own benefit it won't get moldy. LOL.
Better news: My toe is practically Normal now! It’s so weird. I lived with a wound so long I still favor that toe I guess you could say. It’s odd how when I touch something with my toe or bump my toe it doesn't hurt; it’s weird to look down and see a normal looking toe. As I type this to you I am stepping on my toe with my other shoe and it’s not sending shooting pain up my leg. It’s not used to pressure... weird, but not painful. Let this be a lesson to me and to all the rest of you. Take care of your problems. Living with your problems is a disease and a plague; whether it is physical or spiritual or mental or social. It’s like living with sin. I wonder if someone were to live with a bad habit or sin, like I did with my toe, if they would have behavioral problems; problems extending beyond the time the issue was resolved. You know what I am saying? Like, you are so used to living with guilt that even after you have changed your ways you still hold on to the guilt. When we touch a stove we recoil naturally because it’s hot and hurts, if we don't we cause serious problems; eventually you will damage that had to the point you will have terrible scars even after treatment. So, Again! Don't live in guilt or pain. Something I realized yesterday in the lesson on repentance in elders quorum was that the principles of Pain and of guilt are the same. its a warning system. if you ignore the warning system you can't expect things to end well.
Best News: Harold Ariza was finally confirmed a member of the Church and received the Holy Ghost yesterday! :D he seemed touched by the photo album we gave him with our pictures and all the notes people wrote for him at his baptism. We were so happy he came to church. We hope he realizes the effect it can have in his life. I pray he recognizes the difference in his life now that he has the Gift of The Holy Ghost. I love Harold. I hope That he will remember the great blessing that came with his confirmation and the wonderful blessings and protections promised to him if he is faithful.
Kiser and I are suffering the self inflicted neglect of not spending enough time finding last transfer. We have either Dropped or Baptized everyone in our pool and left our selves little to work with. This transfer we have been spending most of our time finding. Fortunately we have a few leads. There is a Former investigator we looked up and he has a whole family. So we will hopefully get something going with them tonight. :) Also, we will soon be able to start raking the leaves of random people’s houses soon! That will be good to show people we just want to help. Maybe they will be more willing to have religious conversation if they see how we have served them.
Also, something cool! Kiser and I made a cool contact a few weeks ago named Lon at pep boys when we were waiting for our state inspection. he is a very talkative and intelligent man who is retired. Well even though he was out of our area we paid him a visit and taught he and his wife. We left them a Book of Mormon. This week we gave them a call to see how things were going and they told us that Lon's brother had read the first half of the B.O.M. and is very impressed! So we will be going over there again with the elders who are in that area to introduce them so that some miracles can happen! :)
I've only got 6 min left of my email session cause the library was full today. I don't remember all what I wanted to say... but I hope you get something out of what I wrote. if nothing else a chuckle or a smile.
--
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
Good news: I got a letter from Nate and Kenzi this week. That made me happy. I also got to do a lot of service this week. This also made me happy. It’s in the 50's here now (finally) and the leaves are starting to change colors (finally). I love fall colors, so, this makes me happy.
Bad News: Elder Kiser and I kept our jack-o-lanterns inside so that we could enjoy them for ourselves for longer... well, they got moldy. Everyone else who put there pumpkins out side, there pumpkins are still firm and mold free. So we put our pumpkins out side, but they are shriveling up and getting pretty furry. LOL. This could be some kind of story base for an apostles talk at conference don't you think? It could be an analogy for talents or something, if you keep it to yourself and don't share it you lose it. If you put it out for everyone else to see and not for your own benefit it won't get moldy. LOL.
Better news: My toe is practically Normal now! It’s so weird. I lived with a wound so long I still favor that toe I guess you could say. It’s odd how when I touch something with my toe or bump my toe it doesn't hurt; it’s weird to look down and see a normal looking toe. As I type this to you I am stepping on my toe with my other shoe and it’s not sending shooting pain up my leg. It’s not used to pressure... weird, but not painful. Let this be a lesson to me and to all the rest of you. Take care of your problems. Living with your problems is a disease and a plague; whether it is physical or spiritual or mental or social. It’s like living with sin. I wonder if someone were to live with a bad habit or sin, like I did with my toe, if they would have behavioral problems; problems extending beyond the time the issue was resolved. You know what I am saying? Like, you are so used to living with guilt that even after you have changed your ways you still hold on to the guilt. When we touch a stove we recoil naturally because it’s hot and hurts, if we don't we cause serious problems; eventually you will damage that had to the point you will have terrible scars even after treatment. So, Again! Don't live in guilt or pain. Something I realized yesterday in the lesson on repentance in elders quorum was that the principles of Pain and of guilt are the same. its a warning system. if you ignore the warning system you can't expect things to end well.
Best News: Harold Ariza was finally confirmed a member of the Church and received the Holy Ghost yesterday! :D he seemed touched by the photo album we gave him with our pictures and all the notes people wrote for him at his baptism. We were so happy he came to church. We hope he realizes the effect it can have in his life. I pray he recognizes the difference in his life now that he has the Gift of The Holy Ghost. I love Harold. I hope That he will remember the great blessing that came with his confirmation and the wonderful blessings and protections promised to him if he is faithful.
Kiser and I are suffering the self inflicted neglect of not spending enough time finding last transfer. We have either Dropped or Baptized everyone in our pool and left our selves little to work with. This transfer we have been spending most of our time finding. Fortunately we have a few leads. There is a Former investigator we looked up and he has a whole family. So we will hopefully get something going with them tonight. :) Also, we will soon be able to start raking the leaves of random people’s houses soon! That will be good to show people we just want to help. Maybe they will be more willing to have religious conversation if they see how we have served them.
Also, something cool! Kiser and I made a cool contact a few weeks ago named Lon at pep boys when we were waiting for our state inspection. he is a very talkative and intelligent man who is retired. Well even though he was out of our area we paid him a visit and taught he and his wife. We left them a Book of Mormon. This week we gave them a call to see how things were going and they told us that Lon's brother had read the first half of the B.O.M. and is very impressed! So we will be going over there again with the elders who are in that area to introduce them so that some miracles can happen! :)
I've only got 6 min left of my email session cause the library was full today. I don't remember all what I wanted to say... but I hope you get something out of what I wrote. if nothing else a chuckle or a smile.
--
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
Monday, October 11, 2010
Flat Stanley
Noah sent me Flat Stanley in the mail this week. He is going around with us everywhere so we can take pictures so I can send him back to Noah's school. Well I was dumb... On Saturday we went to Manhattan for a temple trip! Yeah, woot! ‘Cause Grace got a recommend and we took her with other ward members for her first time! It was wonderful! but silly me.... I left Stanley.... :( I could have had Manhattan shots with Stanley for Noah! That would have been so-o-o-o-o-o coo-o-ol! Oh well.... maybe I'll photoshop one! Ha-ha. I at least got some good shots with him at a lighthouse! So that will be good.
Well, I caught a cold this week. But I'll tell you I love miracles. Saturday when I woke up to go to the temple I felt terrible!!!!! I had a horrible headache and didn't sleep at all the night before and snot was everywhere..... I prayed, took a shower, took two Excedrin, and by the time we got to the church to meet The Bryants (our correlator and his wife) and Grace for carpooling purposes, I was totally clear! Ha-ha! The lord will sustain you when you do his work and when your intentions are pure and righteous. Well... I felt super weird like I had a caffeine rush and my blood sugar was way low cause I didn't eat breakfast... but I felt good. I felt the spirit and we had a good time and we knew what we did helped the lord and many, many people waiting for their work on the other side. I love the temple. I was able to get baptized and it felt great! I haven't been submersed in water for a long time.
Let’s see here..... We killed a lot of cockroaches. Is a mirror a normal place for roaches to be? also we did a lot of driving this week. This week was Kiser and my lowest numbers. We blame our lack of motivation on our colds... but realized that's not a great excuse and look forward to higher numbers this week.
I don't know what else to say.
I'm super excited right now ‘cause i get to go carve pumpkins for Zone activity right now! Ha-ha! Woot! I love pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns more than Elder Black! And Black is a funny guy!
Thanks for all your support. If you desire more faith then exercise it! Remember that faith is focusing on Christ and His atonement and our Heavenly Father and not on our trials or anything else. If we do what they ask of us despite what the outcome will be our faith will be strengthened. When you do righteous acts you will be blessed. Just like how my cold was temporarily taken away so that I could have a good temple trip. God may not remove our trials, but he will make a way for us to bear them. I love how simple the gospel is and how we can truly use our gospel knowledge to solve anything. Everything can point to Christ. We don't need complex solutions to all our complex problems. We need more simplicity... we need to slow down, Just like Elder Uchtdorf said.
Love,
--
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
Well, I caught a cold this week. But I'll tell you I love miracles. Saturday when I woke up to go to the temple I felt terrible!!!!! I had a horrible headache and didn't sleep at all the night before and snot was everywhere..... I prayed, took a shower, took two Excedrin, and by the time we got to the church to meet The Bryants (our correlator and his wife) and Grace for carpooling purposes, I was totally clear! Ha-ha! The lord will sustain you when you do his work and when your intentions are pure and righteous. Well... I felt super weird like I had a caffeine rush and my blood sugar was way low cause I didn't eat breakfast... but I felt good. I felt the spirit and we had a good time and we knew what we did helped the lord and many, many people waiting for their work on the other side. I love the temple. I was able to get baptized and it felt great! I haven't been submersed in water for a long time.
Let’s see here..... We killed a lot of cockroaches. Is a mirror a normal place for roaches to be? also we did a lot of driving this week. This week was Kiser and my lowest numbers. We blame our lack of motivation on our colds... but realized that's not a great excuse and look forward to higher numbers this week.
I don't know what else to say.
I'm super excited right now ‘cause i get to go carve pumpkins for Zone activity right now! Ha-ha! Woot! I love pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns more than Elder Black! And Black is a funny guy!
Thanks for all your support. If you desire more faith then exercise it! Remember that faith is focusing on Christ and His atonement and our Heavenly Father and not on our trials or anything else. If we do what they ask of us despite what the outcome will be our faith will be strengthened. When you do righteous acts you will be blessed. Just like how my cold was temporarily taken away so that I could have a good temple trip. God may not remove our trials, but he will make a way for us to bear them. I love how simple the gospel is and how we can truly use our gospel knowledge to solve anything. Everything can point to Christ. We don't need complex solutions to all our complex problems. We need more simplicity... we need to slow down, Just like Elder Uchtdorf said.
Love,
--
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Slow Week 1
Well, basically all of our investigators have been dropped or baptized... we have like 1 that we are still meeting with occasionally that does not have a baptismal date. We tried to find more this week. It was slow because we didn't really have any sit down appointments. We were still able to get 10 other lessons and 6 less active lessons though. It’s really funny how some people respond to you when you knock on their door as opposed to some other way. There doesn't really seem to be one way that works for everyone (I mean that doesn't bug or frustrate them). Some people love it when you knock on their door, others feel awkward, others don't understand why you are knocking and others just want you to go jump off a bridge. You get the same response though from people who actually ask you to come to their homes... It’s odd to me when someone says, "Hey, I want a free media item. Here is my number and address." and then when you knock on the door and tell them you have the media item they wanted they say something like, "That person doesn't live here", or "I didn't order that! I don't know how you have my information", or "Are you Jehovah's Witnesses?", or "Get off my property". It doesn't matter. Even offering to help people rake their lawn or do their chores can get you the same responses. Ha-ha. It’s funny though, Talking to someone from a car is really interesting. Not usually fruitful but I've never had someone shoot me down when my comp and I approached them by rolling down the window and saying hey. The people behind you never like it, but the person you talk to usually is pretty happy or at least amused with what you said or asked.
I had my follow-up appointment with the doctor and my toe is healing nicely. Today it looks fairly normal. I haven't had any problems with my stomach so... It was just totally random. I guess it was the meds. I'll have to remember that med don't work none on me. Ha-ha. The new one is annoying though cause it’s a 4 times a day one. I'll tell you, its hard to be consistent with a 4 times a day medication! Maybe it’s just me...
Grace and Eugene are both fantastic still. Eugene amazes me. He did something with the church or church members every night this past week and he went to or watched every session of conference. He even went on splits with us. He kept asking us about marriage and dating! LOL! He has already been married he is 28 and has way more experience than us and we are two guys who are completely out of the social loop and are totally awkward! LOL I guess that just means that he trusts us and cause we know Mormon culture. We told him though we date the same way everyone else does after high school (within the bounds of the law of chastity of course). The singles ward is all over Eugene. Henry they guy who baptized Eugene is trying to set him up with a RM girl Named jenny. Ha-ha. I think Eugene is up for it! LOL Pretty funny, but cool too I guess.
Conference was awesome. Every conference I get more excited. Every conference I enjoy it more and appreciate it more. I only have one more conference left on my mission! Weird, I want to really stress to all of you how important conference is. I don't care if you are a member or not. If you watch conference (especially if you are looking for answers and doing it prayerfully) You will feel peace. You will feel comfort and joy. You will learn things that will help your family become more united and strong. Watching it will give you a strength and a light you can only get from conference; so please watch every session! i used to think it was good enough to just watch Sunday and if you fell asleep it was no big deal. But Saturday usually ends up being my favorite session! Ha-ha and every message has something for me to learn.
I don't know what else to say really. Its getting colder now. Its rainy today and should be for the next few days. There still really aren't any trees that have changed color. Only a few trees have started. But pumpkin patches and are selling pumpkins now! Ha-ha! I love pumpkins! I LOVE THEM! PUMPKINS ROCK!
I looked for razor heads in the store. Guess what? The ones that go to my razor are $23! can you believe that! Holy cow! That’s expensive. So I am just gonna reuse the old blades until I figure something out. Ha-ha.
Thanks Mom for the package and dad for the letter! I loved them. Dad you just have a way with words. I love your word choice and the messages you have for me. I love your letters so much. Thanks sister A for your letter! I enjoy hearing about all my fellow scouts and the new changes in alpine! I'm glad my letter and pics worked out well for you. :)
love
--
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
I had my follow-up appointment with the doctor and my toe is healing nicely. Today it looks fairly normal. I haven't had any problems with my stomach so... It was just totally random. I guess it was the meds. I'll have to remember that med don't work none on me. Ha-ha. The new one is annoying though cause it’s a 4 times a day one. I'll tell you, its hard to be consistent with a 4 times a day medication! Maybe it’s just me...
Grace and Eugene are both fantastic still. Eugene amazes me. He did something with the church or church members every night this past week and he went to or watched every session of conference. He even went on splits with us. He kept asking us about marriage and dating! LOL! He has already been married he is 28 and has way more experience than us and we are two guys who are completely out of the social loop and are totally awkward! LOL I guess that just means that he trusts us and cause we know Mormon culture. We told him though we date the same way everyone else does after high school (within the bounds of the law of chastity of course). The singles ward is all over Eugene. Henry they guy who baptized Eugene is trying to set him up with a RM girl Named jenny. Ha-ha. I think Eugene is up for it! LOL Pretty funny, but cool too I guess.
Conference was awesome. Every conference I get more excited. Every conference I enjoy it more and appreciate it more. I only have one more conference left on my mission! Weird, I want to really stress to all of you how important conference is. I don't care if you are a member or not. If you watch conference (especially if you are looking for answers and doing it prayerfully) You will feel peace. You will feel comfort and joy. You will learn things that will help your family become more united and strong. Watching it will give you a strength and a light you can only get from conference; so please watch every session! i used to think it was good enough to just watch Sunday and if you fell asleep it was no big deal. But Saturday usually ends up being my favorite session! Ha-ha and every message has something for me to learn.
I don't know what else to say really. Its getting colder now. Its rainy today and should be for the next few days. There still really aren't any trees that have changed color. Only a few trees have started. But pumpkin patches and are selling pumpkins now! Ha-ha! I love pumpkins! I LOVE THEM! PUMPKINS ROCK!
I looked for razor heads in the store. Guess what? The ones that go to my razor are $23! can you believe that! Holy cow! That’s expensive. So I am just gonna reuse the old blades until I figure something out. Ha-ha.
Thanks Mom for the package and dad for the letter! I loved them. Dad you just have a way with words. I love your word choice and the messages you have for me. I love your letters so much. Thanks sister A for your letter! I enjoy hearing about all my fellow scouts and the new changes in alpine! I'm glad my letter and pics worked out well for you. :)
love
--
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
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