OK, OK, OK... bad joke.... but I had to. Both my Christmas' have been with Koreans! Ha-ha.
My new companion is Elder Soo Huyn Jeong. Basically he is the nicest guy you could ever meet (and not cause he has to be, but because he is sincerely nice and wise. He really knows what’s important in life and in the mission). You can tell English is his second language and we sometimes misunderstand each other but its funny how we have better communication that all most all of my white English speaking companions. Ha-ha. I believe I would be content with him the rest of my mission... but the story of my life... he is leaving me. I completely understand why however. I don't know if you recall or not but there was an elder who was going home last May when I got transferred from Plainview because his mom was dying. Elder Khang was going to have to go into the Korean program but then the elder he was replacing decided to stay. Well I am now companions with that elder who stayed. He has been in the English program 2 transfers now (both in Huntington my new area). Well, His sister called him and told him that she doesn't think their Mom (and only parent) will make it longer than a month. The doctors give her 1 to 2 months. Elder Jeong's Mom has Stomach cancer, it has spread all throughout her whole inside. I can tell its really hard for Elder Jeong even though he is not sad because he knows that is what happens on this earth life. He knows she will not have any pain if she passes. He said, "People would think I was weird if they heard me say this but I hope my mom will die on time." This is the case because he is from South Korea and if he goes back to Korea he only has 10 days otherwise his visa will expire and he will not be able to come back and finish his mission like he wants to. He would come home with me to Utah in July if he is able to return to the mission (because this is where his sister lives. Plus he wants to go to Utah for school). Please pray for my companion and his mom. It looks like what will happen is my companion will go to Korea Jan 18th, but he wants to come back and finish his commitment. He deserves only the best in this situation. He has such a good heart.
Huntington is pretty cool. I am in a Branch and there is only about 50 or 60 people. Its English and Spanish combined. The branch leadership is awesome! I'm short on time so I’ll have to talk more about it later.
It snowed yesterday enough for us not to be able to use the cars and for the libraries to close which is why I’m emailing today. All we did yesterday was shovel the snow at our home/landlords driveway. It was huge. I am sore. We have some cool investigators and we've already had multiple spiritual experiences. Also today at Dunkin’ Doughnuts in Plainview (we are here because we had president interviews today) we met a cool guy named Khan. He is Muslim but only practices because it was what his parents raised him to be. He seems very willing to talk to us. It was funny cause he came over to us and just sat there staring at us like he expected us to recognize him. I asked if he knew other missionaries but he had no idea... ha-ha! I guess he was just following promptings and then we had a nice conversation about how truth comes from God and spiritual experiences only come through the spirit and talking with god, not book smarts. We will meet him tomorrow at our second floor of a library church! Ha-ha, because he lives in our area! Miracles happen! Thank you Branch president’s wife for Dunkin’ Doughnuts gift certificates! :)
Love you!
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Suprisa de espanol
The week started with a really fun P-day of Buffalo Wild Wings and nerf wars in the church gym, but then Tuesday was a trunkie day. I took elder Ledbetter to the mission office so he could go home. Well It was a nice last time with him, and I’ll really miss him. It will be hard to see someone who lives in Arkansas after the mission, but hopefully I'll be able to keep in touch over email or Facebook or something when I get home. I learned a lot from elder Ledbetter - I think some of the things he might say he learned from me I would say I learned from him. Ha-ha. He was a great help to me. Anyway...
So because Elder Vogt (Riverhead elder) and Ledbetter (zone leader) went home we were two elders short. So my companion Elder Moyers went to Riverhead (by the Ap's orders) to be with Elder Aldridge and I became Elder Paulson's companion. So this week we worked two pools, the Spanish speaking and the English speaking. I ended up praying in Spanish a few times (I’ve never done that before) I was pretty surprised. It turns out entiendo mas que hablo. I understand better when its in a lesson setting when we are with only one person. At church and the ward activities I didn't understand much at all. Well, of course if i was going to be in the Spanish program I would have to suffer all that comes with that call, namely multiple dinner appointments in a row. I'll tell you I am happy I only threw-up once and it was mostly water and none of the meal.
We had a huge lunch at the senior couples place in Riverhead after CDM and then before I was hungry again we went to a Spanish lady's house named Silvia (Actually friends with Judy) and It was an entire plate full a few inches high plus thick drink and desert (which I couldn't eat cause I was stuffed and asked to take it home). Well, right after that we were on our way to the Dyber’s to meet with Judy and eat with all of them... and sister Dyber called us and told us that it was Lasagna and it was home made. And that she had stayed up until 2 in the morning the night before to make it! and that the other people she had invited couldn't come any more so there was lots extra for us. We pulled over and cried. Well we were able to stall them an hour before eating by teaching Judy first. Even with the extra time we couldn't do it. Between distracting them, and praising them about how good it was and asking to take some home and elder Paulson’s heroic act of a small second helping (a blessing from the lord)... we made it. i took Judy's plate to the kitchen for seconds and that's when it happened. I spewed all over the blinds and the sink! Luckily I had time to clean it up without her knowing because I had asked her to play the piano for us! :) It was a good thing I made some extra room though cause then they gave us Ice cream cake. Paulson and I were blessed with a time constraint and so she obliged to only give us half slices. Wouldn't it be nice if a missionary could choose what and when and how much of something he ate? Well, that will never happen, especially in the Spanish program.
We were able to teach Judy a good lesson. She said an amazing prayer. I was really happy about it because the nature of her prayers have completely transformed. Well she has agreed to be baptized, but a date has not been set yet. Too bad I couldn't witness it... But all will be well.
Elder Paulson and I had a lot of fun and got a long really well. I'm glad we were companions for a week. I could have been with him a lot longer than that.
Well the plan was (i thought and guessed) that once the new transfer started that we'd get the new elders and Moyers and I would be together again for another transfer in Terryville. I was wrong. I was surprised too. Saturday I learned that I am out. So it looks like my track record will stay consistent. I've never been in an area longer than 3 transfers. It sounds like I'll be heading back out to the city because they didn't tell me not to take my bags to Rego for the transfer meeting. Its possible that I still go somewhere in Nassau, but i don't feel it is as likely. Most people have guessed pretty consistently and almost as prophetically as when everyone was telling me I'd go out to the Island. I let you know what ends up happening. Here is the saddest part about leaving though: the timing. 4 days before Christmas I get transferred! So unless I go to an old area, I’ll be at a strangers house for Christmas. To make things more complicated and scary is the whole Linda Lang situation.
I went and visited Linda and Lenny and Mary last night..... All they could talk about was how excited they were for Christmas eve and how she had hired caterers and how it was going to be a big seafood dinner and there is going to be a ton of food. She is expecting so much food she wants me to try to persuade elders to come to her house and forsake whatever plans they may have. Well its not much of a sacrifice because Lind, Lenny, and Mary are 3 of the coolest people on the planet and the food is going to be delicious.... but I WONT BE HERE. I didn't have it in my heart to tell her. I couldn't do it. She really might have died on the spot if I did. I couldn't even get a picture cause when I asked for one she just said, "oh just take it Christmas Eve!" :S
Well, I've got plans in the making to somehow pull off a Christmas miracle and show up at her house at 5 Christmas eve with 6 elders. Hopefully President will allow the plans and hopefully whoever my new companion is will be cool enough to accept and do it instead of what will already be planned. :S major dilemma. If I am in Brooklyn or Staten there will really be no way. Queens will push it but not as far. Pray for me, and pray for Linda.
It’s odd, last week I felt as if my mission here was not complete and I owed the lord and president and myself and elder Moyers another 6 weeks here in Terryville... But things just never seem to work out the way we think they will. I wasn't really able to say goodbye to everyone either because we left early from church so we could attend the Spanish branch (for Paulson’s pool).
Besides the complication of the Linda Lang thing and my feelings of wanting to have taught more with Moyers, I feel ready for a change. I know wherever the lord has me go is where I am supposed to be. This Is the lords work, I am privileged to be apart of it although I am just little ol' Sammy.
--
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
So because Elder Vogt (Riverhead elder) and Ledbetter (zone leader) went home we were two elders short. So my companion Elder Moyers went to Riverhead (by the Ap's orders) to be with Elder Aldridge and I became Elder Paulson's companion. So this week we worked two pools, the Spanish speaking and the English speaking. I ended up praying in Spanish a few times (I’ve never done that before) I was pretty surprised. It turns out entiendo mas que hablo. I understand better when its in a lesson setting when we are with only one person. At church and the ward activities I didn't understand much at all. Well, of course if i was going to be in the Spanish program I would have to suffer all that comes with that call, namely multiple dinner appointments in a row. I'll tell you I am happy I only threw-up once and it was mostly water and none of the meal.
We had a huge lunch at the senior couples place in Riverhead after CDM and then before I was hungry again we went to a Spanish lady's house named Silvia (Actually friends with Judy) and It was an entire plate full a few inches high plus thick drink and desert (which I couldn't eat cause I was stuffed and asked to take it home). Well, right after that we were on our way to the Dyber’s to meet with Judy and eat with all of them... and sister Dyber called us and told us that it was Lasagna and it was home made. And that she had stayed up until 2 in the morning the night before to make it! and that the other people she had invited couldn't come any more so there was lots extra for us. We pulled over and cried. Well we were able to stall them an hour before eating by teaching Judy first. Even with the extra time we couldn't do it. Between distracting them, and praising them about how good it was and asking to take some home and elder Paulson’s heroic act of a small second helping (a blessing from the lord)... we made it. i took Judy's plate to the kitchen for seconds and that's when it happened. I spewed all over the blinds and the sink! Luckily I had time to clean it up without her knowing because I had asked her to play the piano for us! :) It was a good thing I made some extra room though cause then they gave us Ice cream cake. Paulson and I were blessed with a time constraint and so she obliged to only give us half slices. Wouldn't it be nice if a missionary could choose what and when and how much of something he ate? Well, that will never happen, especially in the Spanish program.
We were able to teach Judy a good lesson. She said an amazing prayer. I was really happy about it because the nature of her prayers have completely transformed. Well she has agreed to be baptized, but a date has not been set yet. Too bad I couldn't witness it... But all will be well.
Elder Paulson and I had a lot of fun and got a long really well. I'm glad we were companions for a week. I could have been with him a lot longer than that.
Well the plan was (i thought and guessed) that once the new transfer started that we'd get the new elders and Moyers and I would be together again for another transfer in Terryville. I was wrong. I was surprised too. Saturday I learned that I am out. So it looks like my track record will stay consistent. I've never been in an area longer than 3 transfers. It sounds like I'll be heading back out to the city because they didn't tell me not to take my bags to Rego for the transfer meeting. Its possible that I still go somewhere in Nassau, but i don't feel it is as likely. Most people have guessed pretty consistently and almost as prophetically as when everyone was telling me I'd go out to the Island. I let you know what ends up happening. Here is the saddest part about leaving though: the timing. 4 days before Christmas I get transferred! So unless I go to an old area, I’ll be at a strangers house for Christmas. To make things more complicated and scary is the whole Linda Lang situation.
I went and visited Linda and Lenny and Mary last night..... All they could talk about was how excited they were for Christmas eve and how she had hired caterers and how it was going to be a big seafood dinner and there is going to be a ton of food. She is expecting so much food she wants me to try to persuade elders to come to her house and forsake whatever plans they may have. Well its not much of a sacrifice because Lind, Lenny, and Mary are 3 of the coolest people on the planet and the food is going to be delicious.... but I WONT BE HERE. I didn't have it in my heart to tell her. I couldn't do it. She really might have died on the spot if I did. I couldn't even get a picture cause when I asked for one she just said, "oh just take it Christmas Eve!" :S
Well, I've got plans in the making to somehow pull off a Christmas miracle and show up at her house at 5 Christmas eve with 6 elders. Hopefully President will allow the plans and hopefully whoever my new companion is will be cool enough to accept and do it instead of what will already be planned. :S major dilemma. If I am in Brooklyn or Staten there will really be no way. Queens will push it but not as far. Pray for me, and pray for Linda.
It’s odd, last week I felt as if my mission here was not complete and I owed the lord and president and myself and elder Moyers another 6 weeks here in Terryville... But things just never seem to work out the way we think they will. I wasn't really able to say goodbye to everyone either because we left early from church so we could attend the Spanish branch (for Paulson’s pool).
Besides the complication of the Linda Lang thing and my feelings of wanting to have taught more with Moyers, I feel ready for a change. I know wherever the lord has me go is where I am supposed to be. This Is the lords work, I am privileged to be apart of it although I am just little ol' Sammy.
--
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
Monday, December 13, 2010
Our Bi-polar Shower has Infiltrated Nature
Here I am in Long Island. It’s December. Why has the sky chosen rain instead of snow? Its like 40 to 55 degrees the last few days. Odd, since the beginning of the week was like in the 20's... I guess its ok however cause from what I hear them Lon Gi-lundas don't really know how to deal with snow let alone drive in it.
We got a new investigator this week. She’s pretty cool. She told us that next week she will have a bunch of friends and people to send us to, "to share the word" with as well. :D
We did more service this week. Raked more leafs (can you believe it!?). Also there was a great fireside last night (musical fireside about Christmas) and a Christmas party on Saturday. :) So we Have been with the members a lot this week.
Elder Kiser came to visit us cause they used a whole day on moving the Riverhead elders. They didn't have enough time to get back home and actually work so they went to dinner with us. They also witnessed an accident and visited Wayne. We just don't understand what has happened with Wayne. He is obviously having a hard time and struggling with something but we can't seem to get in to help him and he's not attending church for the ward to help him. :( He apparently opened the door to Kiser and Reyes with the same warm greeting he did with us, "I thought I told you to call before you come over!" to which Kiser responded, "Woah! I'm Elder Kiser Wayne! What are you talking about" (or something like that). He calmed down a little after that... How can someone expect another to call before hand when if they call ahead no one answers? This is to take away the fact we all felt like we had a good enough relationship that we could just stop by. It was never a problem in the past. We were always welcomed with open arms and encouraged to stop by when we were in the neighborhood.
Many people told us they would do things this week and did not. :( I'll leave it at that. I am sad for people. I just wish we could help them see what they are missing. I understand they are busy or forget or things come up (I’m human too), it’s just that these things we offer are worth more than anything else there is.
Linda Lang expects us for Christmas Eve. If i get transferred It'll break her heart. :( Hopefully not her testimony. I have the feeling I'll stay another and my companion Elder Moyers will be transferred. That is not what I want but that's what we are starting to think. It’s gonna be hard for me to train another person to take over the area. I don't feel like i was successful enough this time around and i feel a little too pooped to try again. I'd rather either leave or stay with Moyers another. But whatever the will of the lord is, that is the right way and I know it will be for the best.
We had a deep clean this week. a real interesting day. We ended up cutting a hole in the wall. Guess what we retrieved? a crystal ball! Jk, it was an Urn! jk... i wish. it was just a light fixture that was accidentally built into the wall... well, at least the bathroom doesn't have a naked bulb hanging from the ceiling any more.
I have a little cold this week. Today it’s kind of a wheeze too. I don't really feel sick though. I am tired of sore throats in the morning though.
Monday was awesome cause we went to the MacDonald’s for FHE and dinner. We helped them set up their Christmas tree. It was just a really nice time. We all felt at home. The funny part was that in the closing prayer sis Macdonald said that she was thankful we were there cause it helped her feel like she was more at home. We are all blessed when we share our time and love. That’s how the church works when we give and accept service and when we willingly teach and learn everyone is edified. It’s like the law of consecration! I love it! Let’s live it!
Ledbetter is going home. I'm sad. I have lived with Elder Ledbetter longer (in total) than any other missionary. I really love him. I'm really going to miss him. I have learned a lot from him. He was the reason I survived mentally my 3rd transfer. He is one of my favorite people. I hope that this is not the last time I see him. I hope to keep in contact with him. He said something at district meeting in his "words of wisdom" that Elder Judd made him impart on us being that is was his last district meeting, he said, "Just be yourself while you do missionary work. Don't try to be something you are not. The lord called you here for a reason. He needed you specifically just the way you are to make a difference here in this mission." then he said something that really surprised me and he said it very sincerely, "Elder Morris has always really been a good example of that for me. I think he does that well; sorry to put you on the spot like that.". Anyway that really meant a lot to me because of 1. who it came from and 2. because that is something I have felt like I have struggled with all along. :) It felt good.
Well I don't know what else to say. I can't really think of anything else.
Know this however; every man is free to choose according to his own will. This Is our God given right. We all make choices. We all make mistakes. Try real hard not to hold peoples mistakes against them. Try to forgive people. Cause we have enough to worry about with ourselves. How can we expect the lord to forgive us if we do not forgive others? What we can do is strive to do our part. Strive to be a contributing factor for good in the world for ourselves. We cannot change others, but we can change our selves. All of our choices effect those around us, so let’s make sure we are conscious of that. When we hear a lesson or a story or instruction let’s say to ourselves, "How can I apply that into my own life" instead of "wow I really with [so-in-so] was here to hear this. This is just what they need." I'm trying to do better with this. :) I think this is a big factor in achieving the "Grown-Up Christmas Wish (list)" of world peace and whatnot. Well... I love you all.
Peace!
--
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
We got a new investigator this week. She’s pretty cool. She told us that next week she will have a bunch of friends and people to send us to, "to share the word" with as well. :D
We did more service this week. Raked more leafs (can you believe it!?). Also there was a great fireside last night (musical fireside about Christmas) and a Christmas party on Saturday. :) So we Have been with the members a lot this week.
Elder Kiser came to visit us cause they used a whole day on moving the Riverhead elders. They didn't have enough time to get back home and actually work so they went to dinner with us. They also witnessed an accident and visited Wayne. We just don't understand what has happened with Wayne. He is obviously having a hard time and struggling with something but we can't seem to get in to help him and he's not attending church for the ward to help him. :( He apparently opened the door to Kiser and Reyes with the same warm greeting he did with us, "I thought I told you to call before you come over!" to which Kiser responded, "Woah! I'm Elder Kiser Wayne! What are you talking about" (or something like that). He calmed down a little after that... How can someone expect another to call before hand when if they call ahead no one answers? This is to take away the fact we all felt like we had a good enough relationship that we could just stop by. It was never a problem in the past. We were always welcomed with open arms and encouraged to stop by when we were in the neighborhood.
Many people told us they would do things this week and did not. :( I'll leave it at that. I am sad for people. I just wish we could help them see what they are missing. I understand they are busy or forget or things come up (I’m human too), it’s just that these things we offer are worth more than anything else there is.
Linda Lang expects us for Christmas Eve. If i get transferred It'll break her heart. :( Hopefully not her testimony. I have the feeling I'll stay another and my companion Elder Moyers will be transferred. That is not what I want but that's what we are starting to think. It’s gonna be hard for me to train another person to take over the area. I don't feel like i was successful enough this time around and i feel a little too pooped to try again. I'd rather either leave or stay with Moyers another. But whatever the will of the lord is, that is the right way and I know it will be for the best.
We had a deep clean this week. a real interesting day. We ended up cutting a hole in the wall. Guess what we retrieved? a crystal ball! Jk, it was an Urn! jk... i wish. it was just a light fixture that was accidentally built into the wall... well, at least the bathroom doesn't have a naked bulb hanging from the ceiling any more.
I have a little cold this week. Today it’s kind of a wheeze too. I don't really feel sick though. I am tired of sore throats in the morning though.
Monday was awesome cause we went to the MacDonald’s for FHE and dinner. We helped them set up their Christmas tree. It was just a really nice time. We all felt at home. The funny part was that in the closing prayer sis Macdonald said that she was thankful we were there cause it helped her feel like she was more at home. We are all blessed when we share our time and love. That’s how the church works when we give and accept service and when we willingly teach and learn everyone is edified. It’s like the law of consecration! I love it! Let’s live it!
Ledbetter is going home. I'm sad. I have lived with Elder Ledbetter longer (in total) than any other missionary. I really love him. I'm really going to miss him. I have learned a lot from him. He was the reason I survived mentally my 3rd transfer. He is one of my favorite people. I hope that this is not the last time I see him. I hope to keep in contact with him. He said something at district meeting in his "words of wisdom" that Elder Judd made him impart on us being that is was his last district meeting, he said, "Just be yourself while you do missionary work. Don't try to be something you are not. The lord called you here for a reason. He needed you specifically just the way you are to make a difference here in this mission." then he said something that really surprised me and he said it very sincerely, "Elder Morris has always really been a good example of that for me. I think he does that well; sorry to put you on the spot like that.". Anyway that really meant a lot to me because of 1. who it came from and 2. because that is something I have felt like I have struggled with all along. :) It felt good.
Well I don't know what else to say. I can't really think of anything else.
Know this however; every man is free to choose according to his own will. This Is our God given right. We all make choices. We all make mistakes. Try real hard not to hold peoples mistakes against them. Try to forgive people. Cause we have enough to worry about with ourselves. How can we expect the lord to forgive us if we do not forgive others? What we can do is strive to do our part. Strive to be a contributing factor for good in the world for ourselves. We cannot change others, but we can change our selves. All of our choices effect those around us, so let’s make sure we are conscious of that. When we hear a lesson or a story or instruction let’s say to ourselves, "How can I apply that into my own life" instead of "wow I really with [so-in-so] was here to hear this. This is just what they need." I'm trying to do better with this. :) I think this is a big factor in achieving the "Grown-Up Christmas Wish (list)" of world peace and whatnot. Well... I love you all.
Peace!
--
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
Sunday, December 5, 2010
50 Gallons of Nature
We raked a lot of leaves. I really packed my garbage bags. The bags were very heavy. I am the King of leaf stomping. You should pay me tribute. If you don't I'll pay you leafs. You’ll have to rake. You will not be happy. I will be so vindicated. Let’s talk about other things now.
Last night a miracle happened. My companion said, "Goodnight". I was so happy. I felt like a girl who's had a seven year crush on a guy who hates her and one day she’s at school and the guy walks up and takes her in his arms all gentle and says, "I love you". I basically was completely shocked. I informed him that that was the first time he had ever told me goodnight. He admitted that was pretty sad. We actually said a few words to each other after that too. Well, basically I felt like this big relief I didn't expect to ever feel from a mere "goodnight". Any way today it has been easier for me to get along with him and I have felt a lot less tension. So basically the moral to the story is never take a drink on the house.
Also yesterday we did some trackting on a street that had a former on it. Well, we found the cousin to the former and the neighbor across the street that seemed like good potentials. So that was cool (in both denotations).
This week was a low number week, but we were able to help out and see a lot of members. We had Thanksgiving and McDonald's. Ha-ha Jk. We had Thanksgiving at The MacDonald's and whenever we told someone where we were going for Thanksgiving they got confused and thought we were actually telling them that we were going to McDonalds! Ha-ha. I think we actually almost offended someone when we told them we couldn't go to their house for Thanksgiving cause we were going to the MacDonald's. lol. Well, it was basically an amazingly wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, I couldn't have asked for a better one. It was as if I was at home almost. The McDonalds are so awesome and nice and such good cooks. I love them. They are one of my favorite families I have met on my mission. We also ate at Dennys for breakfast with Judy cause she didn't have anything going on for Thanksgiving. It was awkward saying goodbye but the actual meal and talking was pretty good. Denny's is only like $2-6 did you know that? Pretty good.
Last week was the most amazing primary program I’ve ever seen. No exaggeration. It was the best. Well, guess what, it was so good that the father of a part member family came this week as well! The wife called us and told us that she thinks we will be able to come over soon. I call it a Thanksgiving/primary program miracle.
That’s the gist of the week. Some good news however; Grace called to get an appointment with the bishop and is looking like she is going to try harder to get to church. Harold came to church; he told me he's been very busy. But he told me that he plans on encouraging his mom to get baptized while he is in Colombia (starting next week until January) and that he will be attending church while in Colombia! Cool right! :) That helped me see better that he truly is a solid as I thought he was, he just has a lot going on.
I love truth. It makes more since than the alternative. I'm glad I can be a messenger of truth although I'm a little weakling. Ha-ha. I can be strong as I put my trust where it should be put.
Love,
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
Last night a miracle happened. My companion said, "Goodnight". I was so happy. I felt like a girl who's had a seven year crush on a guy who hates her and one day she’s at school and the guy walks up and takes her in his arms all gentle and says, "I love you". I basically was completely shocked. I informed him that that was the first time he had ever told me goodnight. He admitted that was pretty sad. We actually said a few words to each other after that too. Well, basically I felt like this big relief I didn't expect to ever feel from a mere "goodnight". Any way today it has been easier for me to get along with him and I have felt a lot less tension. So basically the moral to the story is never take a drink on the house.
Also yesterday we did some trackting on a street that had a former on it. Well, we found the cousin to the former and the neighbor across the street that seemed like good potentials. So that was cool (in both denotations).
This week was a low number week, but we were able to help out and see a lot of members. We had Thanksgiving and McDonald's. Ha-ha Jk. We had Thanksgiving at The MacDonald's and whenever we told someone where we were going for Thanksgiving they got confused and thought we were actually telling them that we were going to McDonalds! Ha-ha. I think we actually almost offended someone when we told them we couldn't go to their house for Thanksgiving cause we were going to the MacDonald's. lol. Well, it was basically an amazingly wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, I couldn't have asked for a better one. It was as if I was at home almost. The McDonalds are so awesome and nice and such good cooks. I love them. They are one of my favorite families I have met on my mission. We also ate at Dennys for breakfast with Judy cause she didn't have anything going on for Thanksgiving. It was awkward saying goodbye but the actual meal and talking was pretty good. Denny's is only like $2-6 did you know that? Pretty good.
Last week was the most amazing primary program I’ve ever seen. No exaggeration. It was the best. Well, guess what, it was so good that the father of a part member family came this week as well! The wife called us and told us that she thinks we will be able to come over soon. I call it a Thanksgiving/primary program miracle.
That’s the gist of the week. Some good news however; Grace called to get an appointment with the bishop and is looking like she is going to try harder to get to church. Harold came to church; he told me he's been very busy. But he told me that he plans on encouraging his mom to get baptized while he is in Colombia (starting next week until January) and that he will be attending church while in Colombia! Cool right! :) That helped me see better that he truly is a solid as I thought he was, he just has a lot going on.
I love truth. It makes more since than the alternative. I'm glad I can be a messenger of truth although I'm a little weakling. Ha-ha. I can be strong as I put my trust where it should be put.
Love,
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
Monday, November 22, 2010
Life goes on with or without us
Hey friends and family. Just so you know this week I didn't struggle so badly. Elder Moyers and I are beginning to become more united and get to know each other better. We talk more now than we did before. We teach pretty well together I would say, which surprises me because of our situation but I know it is because we are following the spirit. I have thought of something I needed to say to someone and then he said it. Often while I am teaching Moyers will nod his head like, "yeah! That’s what I was thinking!"
I have learned a lot from Elder Moyers already and I hope he can say the same thing. Hopefully I have more impact on him in a positive way then in a negative way. I could imagine why he would think I am crazy or not the perfect example of a missionary.
Well its funny to me that this week we taught the average amount of lessons I taught a week with Elder Kiser... I feel like with Moyers we struggle to know how to schedule our day. With Elder Kiser it was difficult some days to plan our next day, but not as bad. I've been disappointed lately because we have gotten home late and then had extremely long planning sessions! Basically I get no wind down time cause once we are finished planning I've got 5 min to get to bed, ugh. We have made it a goal to do better about keeping our planning concise. I think it will be a lot easier when we finish the project we are working on of making a book of maps with all our members and contacts on it for each area. That way all we have to do is say "Where do we want to work tomorrow?" and then one of us will say, "Nesconset!" and the other will say "OK, sounds good. Here is a list of people... lets schedule them in for before lunch!" etc. :)
Well we started a new thing. We are going to be attending the ward members Family Home Evenings. We will either participate in the lesson or share a lesson with the family and maybe a game or something. This way we are getting more time with the members so we can build trust with them. We will also help them to take the next step in their family’s missionary work. This doesn't mean asking for referrals, that's like opening up the goose to try to get the golden eggs inside only to find there are none and you have killed the goose! If the members trust us then they will introduce their friends and family to us. What we will help them do is teach them ways they can be good neighbors (by helping them rake their neighbor’s leaves with them) or helping them think of ways they could invite their friends to activities or family bbq's, or how to share a testimony with a colleague. Or how to help the kids prepare for missions etc. Its not about numbers, its about love. Our examples as members and our friendships (not dependent on whether or not our friends join the church) can mean more than anything. When our friends and family know we love them and just want to help and will still love them even if they don't accept our message they will probably be more willing to listen the next time they get some missionaries knocking on the door. Ha-ha.
We had an amazing miracle night last Monday with Judy. We ate dinner at the Dyber’s and Sister McGibney was there as well and Judy came too. Well the spirit was super strong and everyone was testifying and Judy ended up getting a blessing and we sang a hymn and the words "I feel terrific" came from her mouth. Wow. I've never heard her say anything of that manner. The best think I've ever heard is "I'm OK" and usually It’s "Terrible, just terrible". Well I was convenced she was going to accept a baptismal date with the way she skipped to the car afterward. She has an amazing support system at church that extends beyond church friend status. She comes to church every week anyway... so it just seemed like this week she would tell us she wants to be baptized. Well she didn't. But Its still a miracle that she is happier and lighter. Baby steps are good when they are made in the right direction. Also, last Monday Grace called me. It was so nice to hear her voice. We talked and I was relieved to find out she still has a testimony and knows what she needs to do to be happy. She knows she needs to keep reading the scriptures and find a way to church. So this week I tried to get many members involved to try to contact her. She has been hard to contact especially cause she works in Riverhead and doesn't want people to stop by the house cause her sister-in-law that she lives with doesn't know she is a member and doesn't think she would respond to well to the fact.
Most of the work has been look ups of less active members and tracting, but we were able to contact a media referral this week! Woot! She is an amazing Jamaican lady who was referred to us by the LA temple visitor’s center. Her name is Parlin Johns and she is an international new born Nanny! Ha-ha. She goes all over the world for months at a time to take care of new borns. She gets literally piles of requests sent to her. She was awesome and so accepting of the message. Unfortunately she didn't make it to church but she was very sincere about reading the book of Mormon and knew what she had to do to find out if it was true. She told us she would keep us updated and wants to really know because she really wants to go to the temple. :) She couldn't make any appointments with us because she never knows when she has to leave the state, but told us to come by anytime she was home. So that was pretty cool. :D
The fall colors are starting to be scarce. Many of the trees are bare now. There were so many pretty colors, there are still a few trees that are vivid, but mostly brown now or fallen. We helped rake Sister Mcgibney’s lawn and it took a few hours with 6 of us plus her. We bagged over 100 bags and put them on the street! Ha-ha. There are still more leaves to fall, but thankfully for her not much more. We made a huge pile and jumped in it. Ha-ha. I filmed it so you all can see it later. Also pictures by the bags piled; I've never seen so many. And we packed them tight too, especially me! I sat on mine and/or got inside and stomped around while more went in. Ha-ha. It was fun. :)
Well, Imma hop now.
Love,
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
I have learned a lot from Elder Moyers already and I hope he can say the same thing. Hopefully I have more impact on him in a positive way then in a negative way. I could imagine why he would think I am crazy or not the perfect example of a missionary.
Well its funny to me that this week we taught the average amount of lessons I taught a week with Elder Kiser... I feel like with Moyers we struggle to know how to schedule our day. With Elder Kiser it was difficult some days to plan our next day, but not as bad. I've been disappointed lately because we have gotten home late and then had extremely long planning sessions! Basically I get no wind down time cause once we are finished planning I've got 5 min to get to bed, ugh. We have made it a goal to do better about keeping our planning concise. I think it will be a lot easier when we finish the project we are working on of making a book of maps with all our members and contacts on it for each area. That way all we have to do is say "Where do we want to work tomorrow?" and then one of us will say, "Nesconset!" and the other will say "OK, sounds good. Here is a list of people... lets schedule them in for before lunch!" etc. :)
Well we started a new thing. We are going to be attending the ward members Family Home Evenings. We will either participate in the lesson or share a lesson with the family and maybe a game or something. This way we are getting more time with the members so we can build trust with them. We will also help them to take the next step in their family’s missionary work. This doesn't mean asking for referrals, that's like opening up the goose to try to get the golden eggs inside only to find there are none and you have killed the goose! If the members trust us then they will introduce their friends and family to us. What we will help them do is teach them ways they can be good neighbors (by helping them rake their neighbor’s leaves with them) or helping them think of ways they could invite their friends to activities or family bbq's, or how to share a testimony with a colleague. Or how to help the kids prepare for missions etc. Its not about numbers, its about love. Our examples as members and our friendships (not dependent on whether or not our friends join the church) can mean more than anything. When our friends and family know we love them and just want to help and will still love them even if they don't accept our message they will probably be more willing to listen the next time they get some missionaries knocking on the door. Ha-ha.
We had an amazing miracle night last Monday with Judy. We ate dinner at the Dyber’s and Sister McGibney was there as well and Judy came too. Well the spirit was super strong and everyone was testifying and Judy ended up getting a blessing and we sang a hymn and the words "I feel terrific" came from her mouth. Wow. I've never heard her say anything of that manner. The best think I've ever heard is "I'm OK" and usually It’s "Terrible, just terrible". Well I was convenced she was going to accept a baptismal date with the way she skipped to the car afterward. She has an amazing support system at church that extends beyond church friend status. She comes to church every week anyway... so it just seemed like this week she would tell us she wants to be baptized. Well she didn't. But Its still a miracle that she is happier and lighter. Baby steps are good when they are made in the right direction. Also, last Monday Grace called me. It was so nice to hear her voice. We talked and I was relieved to find out she still has a testimony and knows what she needs to do to be happy. She knows she needs to keep reading the scriptures and find a way to church. So this week I tried to get many members involved to try to contact her. She has been hard to contact especially cause she works in Riverhead and doesn't want people to stop by the house cause her sister-in-law that she lives with doesn't know she is a member and doesn't think she would respond to well to the fact.
Most of the work has been look ups of less active members and tracting, but we were able to contact a media referral this week! Woot! She is an amazing Jamaican lady who was referred to us by the LA temple visitor’s center. Her name is Parlin Johns and she is an international new born Nanny! Ha-ha. She goes all over the world for months at a time to take care of new borns. She gets literally piles of requests sent to her. She was awesome and so accepting of the message. Unfortunately she didn't make it to church but she was very sincere about reading the book of Mormon and knew what she had to do to find out if it was true. She told us she would keep us updated and wants to really know because she really wants to go to the temple. :) She couldn't make any appointments with us because she never knows when she has to leave the state, but told us to come by anytime she was home. So that was pretty cool. :D
The fall colors are starting to be scarce. Many of the trees are bare now. There were so many pretty colors, there are still a few trees that are vivid, but mostly brown now or fallen. We helped rake Sister Mcgibney’s lawn and it took a few hours with 6 of us plus her. We bagged over 100 bags and put them on the street! Ha-ha. There are still more leaves to fall, but thankfully for her not much more. We made a huge pile and jumped in it. Ha-ha. I filmed it so you all can see it later. Also pictures by the bags piled; I've never seen so many. And we packed them tight too, especially me! I sat on mine and/or got inside and stomped around while more went in. Ha-ha. It was fun. :)
Well, Imma hop now.
Love,
-Elder Samuel Austin Morris
I Miss the “Mis-mis”
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
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
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
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