Monday, December 28, 2015
12/28/15
12-21-15
A nonmember (Frank) took us out to eat at this really
good Mexican restaurant. He is such a great guy. After we ate, he took us to
Belk to pick something out that we need/want. He wouldn't let me leave the store
without anything so I got a Carhartt beanie with a built in face shield for when
it gets cold on the bike. I can just pull down the mask from under the beanie! I
won't need it for awhile because it's supposed to be about 80° on Christmas
Day...
After that, we went to Walmart to get groceries. We
bought a mini Christmas tree for the apartment. While we were getting our
groceries, Frank was getting a bunch of stuff too. When he took us to our
apartment, he told us everything he got was for us too! He had bought bacon,
hamburger meat, Ribeye steaks, Reese's Puffs cereal, poptarts and all kinds of
other stuff! After we dropped that off, he took us to our haircut appointments
and paid for those as well. I felt bad because he kept spending money on his,
but he kept on insisting! He wouldn't take no for an answer. Haha he just kept
talking about how the Lord is going to bless him.
12-22-15
A young man in our ward named Daniel Thompson cam and
spent the whole day with us today. He came over at 8am to study, then left at
10pm. He's a great kid. And tried to keep up on his bike. Haha! We made sure to
set appointments so we could sit down and teach with him there. We met a really
neat lady with kids who seemed interested and open to what we have to say. We
rescheduled to see her another time. We also taught a kid named Jawan who is
actually, in one of Daniel's classes. So that worked out well. We were able to
set a date for baptism with him! We got a total of 4 member presents just today!
Daniel is going to be a great missionary. He really looks up to us.
12-23-15
Today, we set out to find new investigators who are
prepared to be taught. We met some neat people! There were these two black guys
outside of their work sitting there and we were able to teach them. After the
short lesson, we found out that one of them is Blaeton's (a lady we've been
working with) husband!
It has been raining on and off all day. We had a
nonmember call us asking to go give her husband a blessing who is in the
hospital. We went there and were also able to set up a time to sit down with
them when they get out. There was a black nurse that came in and CHEWED us out
for walking around her neighborhood so late at night (it was only about 7pm).
She told us that it's not safe and we could get shot. Haha she was just mad
because we scared her really bad that she ran in the house. I said; "yeah, we're
some pretty scary people!"
12-24-15
Merry Christmas Eve! We got to go and celebrate at
some members' house. There was around 52 people there. Everyone had brought food
too, so there was a TON. They all got together and read Christmas stories. All
the children dressed up for a nativity skit. After that, it was a frenzy to open
presents. Sis. Catoe got me a pair of thermal pants to wear under my slacks if
it even gets cold! It was almost 80° today! This is not the kind of Christmas
weather I'm used to. Haha
After that, we went to Patti and Dave's. They cooked
hot wings, ribs and sweet potato casserole. Everyone here is so kind for the
most part! Another member dropped off some presents for us at the apartment. I
got a new bike light because the other one I had broke. Also, there was a lady
that honked, drove by and blew us a kiss today... It was awkward. Haha
12-25-15
I was so glad I got to FaceTime with my family today.
I miss them a lot. They have been such a blessing to me and a big support! After
that, we got to go eat lunch at the Haney's. He played his guitar and sang
Christmas songs! One of them was a song that he wrote, Christmas in Dixie and
many other songs. He's really good! After that, he dropped us off at the
Solomon's who gave a whole bunch of candy for Christmas. We got back to the
apartment and got to take a short nap for about 20 min, until the Lillian's
picked us up to go to their house. They fed us and gave us the presents from the
ward! I got a really nice little blender so I can make smoothies. I got some
ties (a Clemson one), a pair of slacks, socks, more poptarts, and more junk
food! Haha
We all gathered and shared our testimonies. Their
oldest daughter visiting got back from her mission about a year ago. She served
in Vítoria, Brazil and knew Dane! I thought that was pretty neat. We went to
another member's house (The Laffidy's) where we got some more gifts like a
little carnival shooting game.
Our district met all of the goals for key indicators
except one! E. Siebers and I got 5 member present lessons just this week!
I love you!
-Elder Mitchell
Monday, December 21, 2015
12/21/15
12-14-15
PDay was awesome! We rode with the Cheraw Elders to Florence to go to
Buffalo Wild Wings. Four more Elders met up with us as well. It was
finally my chance to catch up on some stats and highlights with all
the TVs there. Haha the Panthers are doing so good this year! It's
awesome to hear about. Cam Newton is an animal. People love their
football out her. I could honestly see myself living out here later in
life. After BDubs, we went to the mall and walked around for awhile.
It was weird because of how worldly it was! Haha
12-15-15
Today was a sad day because we had to say goodbye to our good friends;
the Weibels. They are moving back home to Ohio. We helped them pack
everything up in a moving van. That included three of us pushing two
motorcycles up the ramp! I'm glad we got to help because there wasn't
anyone else there to help them. A neighbor of theirs came over to say
goodbye. He's an old man who has the funniest pug named Pete. Pete the
Pug. Haha his eyes were huge! They bought us pizza for lunch which was
really good. Then for dinner, we went out to eat with the Laffidy's at
a local family owned restaurant (Ruth's). I got a bacon cheeseburger
of course! We met this really nice lady named "Blaeton." We are gonna
teach her on Thursday!
12-16-15
We had an appointment with a lady named Wanda. She was the lady that
was reading the BoM when we happened to be in her area. The lesson
went really well! Her daughter named Tía sat in too. We taught her
about the BoM and the history of it. We also read it with her. She
said; "I already know it's true!" After the lesson, we committed her
to be baptized on January 16th. We also got to meet with the Landlord
today and we're going to go look at newer apartments we might move in
tomorrow! The one we live in is so out of date. On our way home for
the night, we stopped by Patti and Dave's who are the nonmembers who
fed us on Thanksgiving. We were able to talk her into letting us help
set up Christmas Decorations in and around her house. She didn't have
any up, so she was happy we helped.
12-17-15
It rained most of the day today... We met a lot of really neat people
though! We met a lady from Memphis who has been though a lot in her
life. Her mom was Mormon during her life, so she is very familiar with
is. We had a long talk with her. Heavenly Father definantly led us to
her. She wants to lead more, so we gave her a pamphlet and a card to
call missionaries in her area.
12-18-15
We did a lot of tracting today. We met some interesting people today
in the ghetto. This one guy claimed that he is the devil himself. He
was contradicting everything he was saying about there not being a
God.
A member family had us over for Pork Chops! After dinner, we got to
meet up with another member who went out to go teach a couple lessons
with us. We got to see Blaeton and teach her the Plan of Salvation. We
asked her to commit to being baptized when she come to know what we
taught her is true. She accepted! Then, we went to go see a guy named
Michael Langdon who we have been meeting with for awhile. He grew up
in the church, but fell away from it when he was 17. He joined the
Army and later, became a member of another church. We had such a
spiritual lesson with him. The spirit helped guide us to say all the
right things. The member we brought (Bro. Lillian) is a convert who
used to be in the Navy. He bore a really powerful testimony of how he
came to know this was the true church. He shared Alma 32:28 and now
that a huge part in his conversion. It helped him recognize how the
Spirit felt. We didn't get around to our lesson plan at all. It's
amazing how the Spirit can direct the lesson to other things that we
should teach instead. He needed this lesson and I think it really
helped him! I know he felt the Spirit and I know he can find out it's
true for himself!
12-19-15
It was probably the coldest day so far today. We stopped by a
potential that we have been teaching for awhile and his son talked to
us for a loong time. He was pretty crazy. Haha he didn't even stop to
take a breath for about an hour straight. He rambled on about the most
random things. We finally, got out of there and went to go see an
inactive lady to go do some service for her. She gave us Christmas
cards with money in them! To end this night, we went to Sis. Catoe's
and ate dinner with her and her family. Then, we went to the ward
mission leader's home to share a message with them. They're a funny
family. One of his son's works at a funeral home and is a mortician...
He told us some pretty interesting stories!
I love you!
-Elder Mitchell
PDay was awesome! We rode with the Cheraw Elders to Florence to go to
Buffalo Wild Wings. Four more Elders met up with us as well. It was
finally my chance to catch up on some stats and highlights with all
the TVs there. Haha the Panthers are doing so good this year! It's
awesome to hear about. Cam Newton is an animal. People love their
football out her. I could honestly see myself living out here later in
life. After BDubs, we went to the mall and walked around for awhile.
It was weird because of how worldly it was! Haha
12-15-15
Today was a sad day because we had to say goodbye to our good friends;
the Weibels. They are moving back home to Ohio. We helped them pack
everything up in a moving van. That included three of us pushing two
motorcycles up the ramp! I'm glad we got to help because there wasn't
anyone else there to help them. A neighbor of theirs came over to say
goodbye. He's an old man who has the funniest pug named Pete. Pete the
Pug. Haha his eyes were huge! They bought us pizza for lunch which was
really good. Then for dinner, we went out to eat with the Laffidy's at
a local family owned restaurant (Ruth's). I got a bacon cheeseburger
of course! We met this really nice lady named "Blaeton." We are gonna
teach her on Thursday!
12-16-15
We had an appointment with a lady named Wanda. She was the lady that
was reading the BoM when we happened to be in her area. The lesson
went really well! Her daughter named Tía sat in too. We taught her
about the BoM and the history of it. We also read it with her. She
said; "I already know it's true!" After the lesson, we committed her
to be baptized on January 16th. We also got to meet with the Landlord
today and we're going to go look at newer apartments we might move in
tomorrow! The one we live in is so out of date. On our way home for
the night, we stopped by Patti and Dave's who are the nonmembers who
fed us on Thanksgiving. We were able to talk her into letting us help
set up Christmas Decorations in and around her house. She didn't have
any up, so she was happy we helped.
12-17-15
It rained most of the day today... We met a lot of really neat people
though! We met a lady from Memphis who has been though a lot in her
life. Her mom was Mormon during her life, so she is very familiar with
is. We had a long talk with her. Heavenly Father definantly led us to
her. She wants to lead more, so we gave her a pamphlet and a card to
call missionaries in her area.
12-18-15
We did a lot of tracting today. We met some interesting people today
in the ghetto. This one guy claimed that he is the devil himself. He
was contradicting everything he was saying about there not being a
God.
A member family had us over for Pork Chops! After dinner, we got to
meet up with another member who went out to go teach a couple lessons
with us. We got to see Blaeton and teach her the Plan of Salvation. We
asked her to commit to being baptized when she come to know what we
taught her is true. She accepted! Then, we went to go see a guy named
Michael Langdon who we have been meeting with for awhile. He grew up
in the church, but fell away from it when he was 17. He joined the
Army and later, became a member of another church. We had such a
spiritual lesson with him. The spirit helped guide us to say all the
right things. The member we brought (Bro. Lillian) is a convert who
used to be in the Navy. He bore a really powerful testimony of how he
came to know this was the true church. He shared Alma 32:28 and now
that a huge part in his conversion. It helped him recognize how the
Spirit felt. We didn't get around to our lesson plan at all. It's
amazing how the Spirit can direct the lesson to other things that we
should teach instead. He needed this lesson and I think it really
helped him! I know he felt the Spirit and I know he can find out it's
true for himself!
12-19-15
It was probably the coldest day so far today. We stopped by a
potential that we have been teaching for awhile and his son talked to
us for a loong time. He was pretty crazy. Haha he didn't even stop to
take a breath for about an hour straight. He rambled on about the most
random things. We finally, got out of there and went to go see an
inactive lady to go do some service for her. She gave us Christmas
cards with money in them! To end this night, we went to Sis. Catoe's
and ate dinner with her and her family. Then, we went to the ward
mission leader's home to share a message with them. They're a funny
family. One of his son's works at a funeral home and is a mortician...
He told us some pretty interesting stories!
I love you!
-Elder Mitchell
Monday, December 14, 2015
12/14/15
12-8-15
Zone conference with our Florence Stake and
Charleston was so much fun! I got to see and talk to the mission president
again. We watched a video about how Silent Night was composed. We also watched
videos that each District made. Some were really funny like one that was a
missionary version of Napoleon Dynamite. Ours was funny too and got a lot of
laughs! I got to see E. Jones and E. Wills from the MTC! I was also able to pick
up my Christmas packages.
President Turner talked about how we can use faith as
a power. It is the kind of faith that causes things to happen, moves people and
sometimes things. One example in the BoM of someone using faith as a power is in
Alma 14:18-28. They were able to have enough faith to break bands that held
their hands together (Temporal benefit). Another is in Enos in verses 4-8. Enos
prayed for over 24 hours straight. He had the faith and showed it that he can be
forgiven (spiritual benefit). In verse 12, Enos lists four of the five steps
needed to use faith as a power. First, we have to have the DESIRE to decide what
we want to accomplish. Then we PRAY earnestly and negotiate everyday with the
Lord until the desire is granted. Make sure it is aligned with the Lord's will
as well. LABOR and decide what you can do to try and achieve the goal.
Make commitments and identify where you need to improve. Have FAITH and always
believe he will respond and help us accomplish that desire. If we continue to do
what we need to do, the Lord will answer and grant that desire. We all have to
go through a TRIAL to accomplish it as well. It is part of exercising faith
(Ether 12:6). It helps is recognize that we need help beyond ourselves. We have
to be in a state of humility.
Zone conference was pretty much all day, but after we
had companion exchanges. I was with Elder Griffin. He's a really cool guy! I
stayed in Hartsville while E. Siebers went to Cheraw. We went over to Howard's
and taught him about the Word of Wisdom. After the lesson, we went back and got
ready for bed. We stayed up for quite a while talking g about random things like
crazy paranormal experiences he's had and heard. He told me that I need to
listen to the talk, "Witchcraft and Rock & Roll."
12-9-15
We finished up exchanges this morning. E. Curtis is
going home on the 16th! We were on our way to go and visit some people and a
young woman waved us down. It was a potential investigator from awhile ago! We
were able to sit down and teach her a lesson and committed her to baptism. After
we left her house, we went towards our plans, we saw a younger black guy and
approached him. He was defensive at first, but ended up having a really good
lesson with him! We had just met him, but felt prompted to commit him to
baptism, so we asked him and he said yes! We said a prayer with him after our
lesson and I could tell he felt the spirit. After our prayer, a guy came out of
nowhere and said that he was JUST reading the BoM with this other lady and
invited us to come in and teach us about it. It was pretty neat!
A member took us out to eat at a really good Japanese
steakhouse called "Fuji." E. Siebers was nervous because the food made him sick
last time. Haha!
12-10-15
Today was a long day of going around and finding.
Also, a lot of rejections. We did however, find a young guy who welcomed us
right in. We taught him the restoration. One of his dogs had almost all of its
hair lost! It was gross... We gave him a BoM and he would like to learn
more!
A member (Miles Braddock) invited us over and we had
big steaks! He's in the Army and was stationed in Hawaii where his wife is from.
I'm sad because he is leaving for flight school in Alabama soon. I really
related with him about things and he's just a great guy. He gets him and his
family involved in service projects for people all the time. He got back into
the church about a year ago and he's got a strong testimony. After that, a
member picked us up and we went to go teach a lesson. The guy pulled Romans
22:19 out on us, but we answered it really well! There's a similar one in
Deuteronomy 4:2. It's John's preceding quote from the book of Revelation. This
would mean that any books following that are invalid as well (Including the New
Testament in the bible). John was only speaking about HIS writings. He had no
idea that his book was going to be placed in the Bible hundreds of years later.
Bible also means a "collection of books." Chronologically speaking, it was not
the end of the Bible, so everything following it wouldn't have been true either.
Haha, he was stumped!
12-11-15
Another day of knocking, but we met some pretty cool
people today! We also got chased by a dog right next to a busy highway. It was
very close to getting hit by a truck. In fact, the people slammed on their
brakes and thought they hit it. I thought that it has gotten hit too! We went up
to a little trailer house with a little gate marking their yard. We didn't think
much of it until this huge dog came tearing around the corner from the backyard!
It was barking at us like crazy. We slowly walked back to the gate and didn't
take our eyes off it. It was pretty nerve-racking! I'm starting to like dogs
less and less...
The Johnson's (members) had us over for dinner and we
had an authentic meal from Brazil called "Panquecas." They're basically like
enchiladas. Bro. Johnson's wife and her kid are from Brazil, so they're still
trying to learn English!
After dinner, we got to go see Howard and give him
his Christmas gift. We wrapped it all up and gave him a card too. When he opened
it, his face lit up and he was really excited. He was so happy that he started
tearing up. It really felt good to be able to give him those. Bro. Solomon lives
close to him so we stopped by to see how he was doing. We gave him a blessing
because he has been struggling lately with his legs. They have gotten really
swollen because he has a fat apron that sits on his legs and cuts off the
circulation. He is a very large man... He calls his far apron "the sack." Haha
he cracks us up. He said that he will lean against a wall sometimes and "swing
it" in front of him so it takes the weight off his legs. Haha and that he will
also pick it up and put it on the counter! Haha the way he was telling is was
hilarious.
12-12-15
We invited two people to church today so hopefully
they come (Vanessa and Howard)! Howard really wants to get baptized, but he has
to quit smoking first... It was also in the mid 70's today. In December! I'm not
used to this. Haha we were in short sleeves today. Flowers are still blooming
and growing here.
We were able to set up a time with a young couple to
host a family night and invite some of their friends as well. We are going to
have to pray about what we should teach them! I am starting to love the members
in SC more and more each day!
12-13-15
Howard and Vanessa came to church today! We had some
really good speakers as well. They talked all about family and how our gospel is
centered around it. This was perfect for Vanessa because she had a pretty broken
childhood. She has been meeting with us for a little while now. She's a art
major and goes to the little college here in Hartsville. Our Gospel Principles
class was perfect for Howard because it was about obedience. It was a good
lesson as he is trying to quit smoking. An old lady invited us over for lunch
after church so her grandson picked us up in his car and took us over there. We
all got to eat with her and she made some really good ham, cream corn, butter
beans and potato salad! She gave us the leftovers as well. We shared a spiritual
message (Mosiah 16:9 & 3 Nephi 12:14-16) with them and talked about how
Jesus Christ is a light in the darkness. His light will never darken! He can
always lead you out of trial.
-Elder Mitchell
Monday, December 7, 2015
12/9/15
11-30-15
PDay was so much fun! The Cheraw Elders (E. Curtis and E. Griffin) and
the rest of the district got together and we put a Christmas video
together for Zone Conference. It's going to be pretty funny! It's
about meetings with the president and we do random crazy things that
go against the mission handbook. For example, one of the sisters runs
away because she doesn't want to go home. The Cheraw Elders started a
mission fight club and one pretended to sit on a motorcycle. E.
Siebers suggests that I emigrate to another country and I adopt a
puppy since we can't adopt. Haha
12-1-15
Waking up at 5am to workout was not fun. We went with a member of the
ward to workout with this fitness group called "F3" (Fellowship.
Fitness. Faith.). Everyone gets these ridiculous nicknames when
they're initiated into the group. So of course, I got the nickname of
"todo" since I'm from Kansas. At least I didn't get something like
"Bareback" from Brokeback Mountain like E. Siebers because he likes to
ride horses. Haha it was a pretty tough workout! One of the guys
working out there was the Mayor of Hartsville.
We got to teach a lot of people today. One of them was Howard which is
a guy we have on date for baptism. He is such a nice guy! He lives in
a tiny camper trailer and has to clean his clothes by heating up a
bowl of water in the microwave. My heart goes out to him. He tells us
how much he appreciates and loves us when we visit him. Before we
taught our lesson, the coolest thing happened! The Spirit prompted me
to talk about baptism and the importance of going to church. Most of
what I said did not come from me. It was really neat. When I stopped
talking, my heart just started fluttering because I knew it was the
spirit talking through me. One of the things we recite each day is a
motto from our mission president; "I love tough things, I'm the first
to do tough things, I do tough things first, I'm a finisher. I love
being a missionary." As I say this each day, it is becoming more and
more real and applicable to me. Later that evening, we got to stop and
play some basketball (ghetto ball) with these young black kids. I
didn't get much traction in my church shoes though!
12-2-15
Today was probably the biggest test of faith on my mission so far. It
rained ALL DAY today and there was no escaping it. We got cold and
soaked. We were not having any luck while we were tracting so I just
felt like we were out there for no reason. Finally, things we starting
to look up when we met the sweetest old lady named Miss Dorothy she
invite us right in and had us sit down. She already has a strong faith
in Jesus Christ. She opened up to us about all of the trials that she
has had to face in her life. Her pregnant mom and sister died in a car
wreck that she was also involved in when she was young. She's 83 now,
but her dad had shoved her underneath the dashboard just before the
wreck which saved her life. She said that later on one of her sons
died in a bad motorcycle wreck on Christmas Eve. We had a very
spiritual lesson with her and she kept saying, "I believe it!" We
committed her to baptism. It's funny because she is the sweetest old
lady, but pretty racist. Haha welcome to the south! We also met with a
really cool guy named Nathan again. He's about 16 and he felt the
spirit so strong when we talked to him that he just broke down crying
at a point. He's friends with a kid in our ward. We were all
heartbroken including him when he told us that his mom doesn't want
the BoM in her house and that he can't go to church anymore. We can't
go against what she says, so we are just praying for her heart to be
softened...
12-3-15
It was chilly and my brakes were worn all the way down in the back so
I had to ride an old bike called "Free Spirit." It was a heavy rusty
thing with only a couple working gears. The back tire wobbled so much
that I thought it could fly off any second. It was pretty tough! So we
were riding in an area where everyone had dogs and they were barking
like crazy. A really big dog got loose and started sprinting after us.
Instead of riding away, we felt prompted to just stop dead in our
tracks. So we stopped fast and started it down. I yelled at the dog in
a low voice and it just ran away! That was pretty nerve racking!
We eventually made it to Walmart so I could get brake pads. We made it
back without any lights on the bike I had and fixed "T-Rek" (my bike).
After that we were heading over to a members house to just drop in and
teach them. We got a text asking for us to give them a blessing. It
was that very same member we were heading to anyway, so it worked out!
12-4-15
Today was our ZTM (Zone Training Meeting) and it was really neat! I
got to see E. Cloward from the MTC and I get to see E. Jones and E.
Wille on Tuesday for Zone Conference! I miss those guys. At ZTM we
talked about our goal of 16 baptisms this year. So far someone got
one, so we have a ways to go. We also talked about how we should focus
on asking inspired questions.
In my personal study I was reading in 2 Nephi 33:1-2 and that is about
how we can teach people. I like how it says "unto" the hearts because
it's like we are just laying it all on the table with the spirit and
they have the choice to accept the gospel and live it. That is a
choice that people have to make for their own.
We dropped in on Howard and shared a spiritual thought with him. Then
we invited him to the ward Christmas party tomorrow. I am praying that
he comes.
12-5-15
We got to a little girl's one year old birthday party this morning.
They're a really awesome young couple in our ward that we hangout a
lot with. In fact, we are teach lessons to Hannah Weibel's (the mom)
friend at their house every week or so!
We met a lot of really cool people at the party and hopefully made
good impressions!We got a referral from church headquarters to deliver
a dvd to her, so we were able to teach her an awesome lesson. We gave
her a BoM for her to read and we are going to follow up soon.
Our ward has been preparing for this Christmas party for months and it
was tonight! The primary kids put on a little play and it was actually
really good. They were all dressed up in handmade costumes and sang. A
member from the Florence area catered for it and it was awesome
grilled chicken! Howard was able to come as well! The members were
good at introducing themselves as well. We are praying he comes to
church tomorrow!
12-6-15
Howard came to church! He stayed all three hours and I think he
enjoyed it! He felt a little self conscious because he felt
underdressed with the polo and jeans he had on. He kept saying that
his clothes aren't very clean. We reassured him that he looks great.
Those nerves went away when everyone was really nice to him. He
enjoyed listening to all the testimonies. E. Siebers and I are going
to get him some slacks, a shirt and tie for Christmas. We already have
some nice shoes that will fit him as well!
We went to a member's home and you'll never believe what we got to
eat... CRAB LEGS. They're like one of my all time favorite foods so I
was really excited to be able to break my fast with that as well.
PDay was so much fun! The Cheraw Elders (E. Curtis and E. Griffin) and
the rest of the district got together and we put a Christmas video
together for Zone Conference. It's going to be pretty funny! It's
about meetings with the president and we do random crazy things that
go against the mission handbook. For example, one of the sisters runs
away because she doesn't want to go home. The Cheraw Elders started a
mission fight club and one pretended to sit on a motorcycle. E.
Siebers suggests that I emigrate to another country and I adopt a
puppy since we can't adopt. Haha
12-1-15
Waking up at 5am to workout was not fun. We went with a member of the
ward to workout with this fitness group called "F3" (Fellowship.
Fitness. Faith.). Everyone gets these ridiculous nicknames when
they're initiated into the group. So of course, I got the nickname of
"todo" since I'm from Kansas. At least I didn't get something like
"Bareback" from Brokeback Mountain like E. Siebers because he likes to
ride horses. Haha it was a pretty tough workout! One of the guys
working out there was the Mayor of Hartsville.
We got to teach a lot of people today. One of them was Howard which is
a guy we have on date for baptism. He is such a nice guy! He lives in
a tiny camper trailer and has to clean his clothes by heating up a
bowl of water in the microwave. My heart goes out to him. He tells us
how much he appreciates and loves us when we visit him. Before we
taught our lesson, the coolest thing happened! The Spirit prompted me
to talk about baptism and the importance of going to church. Most of
what I said did not come from me. It was really neat. When I stopped
talking, my heart just started fluttering because I knew it was the
spirit talking through me. One of the things we recite each day is a
motto from our mission president; "I love tough things, I'm the first
to do tough things, I do tough things first, I'm a finisher. I love
being a missionary." As I say this each day, it is becoming more and
more real and applicable to me. Later that evening, we got to stop and
play some basketball (ghetto ball) with these young black kids. I
didn't get much traction in my church shoes though!
12-2-15
Today was probably the biggest test of faith on my mission so far. It
rained ALL DAY today and there was no escaping it. We got cold and
soaked. We were not having any luck while we were tracting so I just
felt like we were out there for no reason. Finally, things we starting
to look up when we met the sweetest old lady named Miss Dorothy she
invite us right in and had us sit down. She already has a strong faith
in Jesus Christ. She opened up to us about all of the trials that she
has had to face in her life. Her pregnant mom and sister died in a car
wreck that she was also involved in when she was young. She's 83 now,
but her dad had shoved her underneath the dashboard just before the
wreck which saved her life. She said that later on one of her sons
died in a bad motorcycle wreck on Christmas Eve. We had a very
spiritual lesson with her and she kept saying, "I believe it!" We
committed her to baptism. It's funny because she is the sweetest old
lady, but pretty racist. Haha welcome to the south! We also met with a
really cool guy named Nathan again. He's about 16 and he felt the
spirit so strong when we talked to him that he just broke down crying
at a point. He's friends with a kid in our ward. We were all
heartbroken including him when he told us that his mom doesn't want
the BoM in her house and that he can't go to church anymore. We can't
go against what she says, so we are just praying for her heart to be
softened...
12-3-15
It was chilly and my brakes were worn all the way down in the back so
I had to ride an old bike called "Free Spirit." It was a heavy rusty
thing with only a couple working gears. The back tire wobbled so much
that I thought it could fly off any second. It was pretty tough! So we
were riding in an area where everyone had dogs and they were barking
like crazy. A really big dog got loose and started sprinting after us.
Instead of riding away, we felt prompted to just stop dead in our
tracks. So we stopped fast and started it down. I yelled at the dog in
a low voice and it just ran away! That was pretty nerve racking!
We eventually made it to Walmart so I could get brake pads. We made it
back without any lights on the bike I had and fixed "T-Rek" (my bike).
After that we were heading over to a members house to just drop in and
teach them. We got a text asking for us to give them a blessing. It
was that very same member we were heading to anyway, so it worked out!
12-4-15
Today was our ZTM (Zone Training Meeting) and it was really neat! I
got to see E. Cloward from the MTC and I get to see E. Jones and E.
Wille on Tuesday for Zone Conference! I miss those guys. At ZTM we
talked about our goal of 16 baptisms this year. So far someone got
one, so we have a ways to go. We also talked about how we should focus
on asking inspired questions.
In my personal study I was reading in 2 Nephi 33:1-2 and that is about
how we can teach people. I like how it says "unto" the hearts because
it's like we are just laying it all on the table with the spirit and
they have the choice to accept the gospel and live it. That is a
choice that people have to make for their own.
We dropped in on Howard and shared a spiritual thought with him. Then
we invited him to the ward Christmas party tomorrow. I am praying that
he comes.
12-5-15
We got to a little girl's one year old birthday party this morning.
They're a really awesome young couple in our ward that we hangout a
lot with. In fact, we are teach lessons to Hannah Weibel's (the mom)
friend at their house every week or so!
We met a lot of really cool people at the party and hopefully made
good impressions!We got a referral from church headquarters to deliver
a dvd to her, so we were able to teach her an awesome lesson. We gave
her a BoM for her to read and we are going to follow up soon.
Our ward has been preparing for this Christmas party for months and it
was tonight! The primary kids put on a little play and it was actually
really good. They were all dressed up in handmade costumes and sang. A
member from the Florence area catered for it and it was awesome
grilled chicken! Howard was able to come as well! The members were
good at introducing themselves as well. We are praying he comes to
church tomorrow!
12-6-15
Howard came to church! He stayed all three hours and I think he
enjoyed it! He felt a little self conscious because he felt
underdressed with the polo and jeans he had on. He kept saying that
his clothes aren't very clean. We reassured him that he looks great.
Those nerves went away when everyone was really nice to him. He
enjoyed listening to all the testimonies. E. Siebers and I are going
to get him some slacks, a shirt and tie for Christmas. We already have
some nice shoes that will fit him as well!
We went to a member's home and you'll never believe what we got to
eat... CRAB LEGS. They're like one of my all time favorite foods so I
was really excited to be able to break my fast with that as well.
Monday, November 16, 2015
11/16/15
Dad-
First I would like to apologize for not being able
to talk as much at the airport. I could hardly get any words out because
I was just so happy to talk to you guys. I miss you and mom so much.
Another thing is that if you guys are going
to send any packages, it has to be "priority mail" otherwise, they hold
it until we have transfers again. Idk if you guys have my address but
it is, "South Carolina Columbia Miss. 110 Oak Park Dr. STE. B Irmo, SC
29063" I love you so much dad and thank you
for your letters of encouragement.
11-9-15
11-10-15
After a long night of no sleep at all, I am on the
plane heading to Georgia and then SC! I'm nervous and don't really know
what all to expect, but I have been praying for reassurance. Last night,
an Elder in my zone (Elder Leota) from Hawaii
was talking about how he was in the Army before he ,eft and got
stationed to Africa. He worked as a Minesweeper and would also,
disengage warheads. He told me a little bit about his time in Africa. He
was hit was shrapnel because a mine went off about 15 ft.
away from him. Someone stepped on it and that someone was his cousin.
He said this there was basically, no remains of him... His brother was
also there and he was a sniper. The civilians would walk out there in
the minefield to try and tell them to leave because
they thought the field was haunted. His brother would have to snipe
them before they stepped on any mines. No on in his family even knows
he's on his mission including his girlfriend who is on a mission too.
They just think that he is gone for work. He didn't
really say why he didn't tell them, but that would be so hard. He's 23
years old and doesn't have any support while he's on his mission. Elder
Jones and I were talking to him and he just started tearing up. He told
us what made him to decide to go and was
a parable of the rich man who refused to give up his riches. He went on
to say that he has noticed at the MTC that his story isn't any better
or worse than anyone else's. Everybody has their own story that is most
important to them. He's such a humble and
inspiring guy.
We had to leave the MTC at 3:30
this morning, so I just stayed up talking to the Elders in my zone. I
loved the MTC because of how it was a brotherhood. We all come from
different backgrounds, and different parts of the country, but we
are all there for the same exact purpose. To invite others to come
closer to Christ.
We eventually, landed safely in SC and our mission
Pres. was there to pick us up! Him and his wife are so kind. I love them
already. We are staying at the mission home tonight. There was a little
orientation and pictures. Then after that,
we had an amazing home cooked meal! Tomorrow
we are going to the church and getting assigned to our companions and
areas. I am very nervous, but I have been praying to get a good trainer
for my first companion. Pres. Turner challenged us all to start the BoM
over, so I am going to read it front to back.
11-11-15
Transfer Day! All of the missionaries gathered in
the church in Irmo, SC. I have been assigned to "Hartsville" which is a
fairly small town. We are just riding bikes and there are a lot of
hills! My trainer is Elder Hyrum Siebers. He is
such an awesome guy and definantly, an answer to my prayers. He is
getting ready to finish up his mission in about March. He doesn't want
to go home though. Haha! We are living in a little duplex. After
transfers, a couple from the Hartsville ward took us
out to eat at a southern restaurant. I can tell that I am going to be
fed really well here! Good thing I'm on my bike so I don't fatten up! I
really like my bike! It's light and has good tires. We went out tracting
the first day and my butt is already sore
from the bike! It's gonna take some getting used to. Haha
11-12-15
We woke up bright and early to go running. It was
pretty exhausting! Then later, we rode our bikes to the whole other side
of our area to teach this guy. We had a lesson planned and rode all the
way out there, but he wasn't home... He doesn't
have a phone so we couldn't get ahold of him.
I was able to finally get a Mountain Dew! I hadn't
had a one since I left for the MTC. They only had caffeine free pop, so I
just settled with root beer there. It was the best Mountain Dew I've
ever had! Haha
The weather here has been so nice during the day,
but it gets really chilly at night when we are riding our bikes. We
probably rode about 25 miles just today. We were tracting pretty much
all day and my butt is killing me! I'm very hesitant
to put that "deep blue" stuff on there because it's more towards the
grown area...
11-13-15
Today has been one of those days where things just
don't go the way you quite want them to. We had a member go out with us
this morning, but all the people we planned to visit weren't home. It
hurt our pride a little. Haha Oh! And people
like to honk and flip us off. We just smile and wave! One thing I have
noticed about Hartsville is that it's mainly old people and they have
their minds set on religion already. It's a pretty tough area!
*Challenge accepted* We were eating at a family owned
diner and saw on the TV about the terrorist attacks in London. That is
so sad... We have kept them in our prayers. I feel like I am so
disconnected from the world! But that isn't always a bad thing.
11-15-15
Today I got to go to sacrament meeting and meet all
the awesome people in the ward! There are about 200 people in the ward.
We taught a guy last night who was on something and completely out of
it. It was interesting to say the least! He
was a really nice guy and he opened up to us. He seemed pretty
interested in the church. He really needs some direction in his life.
His mom was murdered (shot in the head) when he was 13 and he found her.
He doesn't know his real dad either. He's had a rough
life and my heart goes out to him. There are some really nice
neighborhoods and then a couple blocks down, it'll go straight to
ghetto. Yesterday we met a couple guys who live in a couple tiny
trailers. They were in the same area. We said prayers with both
of them before we left.
We went to a family's house from the ward and they made really good pasta! I shared 2 Nephi 31:19-20 with them before we left.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
11/10/15
With his mission president, President Judd A. Turner and his wife. They sent these pictures to Mom and Dad when their district arrived.
11/10/15
Kaylee and Roger-
I leave tomorrow morning for SC! I was really glad you emailed me
because I had forgotten your email... Your kids are the cutest! I miss
you all so much. Tell them I love them and I love you too! I can't
wait to get out in the field, but I hope I don't gain a bunch of
weight... Haha!
11-3-15-
Richard J. Maynes from the Seventy came and spoke to us. The topic was
over missionary work and the history of it. He talked about Joseph
Smith was once an investigator as well. The first companionship of the
church was Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Bro. Maynes used the
analogy that we need to overfill our "pool" of investigators. Some
missionaries just fill their pool and only babysit that pool and the
people in it. Another thing he said was that you should have a
companionship that is "on fire." This can only occur when we are
worthy of the spirit and sensitive to the promptings. Lastly, he told
us that our faith should outweigh our fear. That is applicable to
everything! After the devotional, we all went to our classroom and
shared our favorite parts from the devotional with a couple from our
branch presidency. It was so moving. Pres. Ricks said; "Dig your roots
so deep that Satan himself can't dig you out."
So I must admit... I was exposed to some tie-trading, and I came out
very successful! My trades included two ties for only one of mine.
11-4-15-
I heard a moving story during this Elder's testimony. There were these
two friends in the Premortal life. One was really happy because he
gets to go down to Earth and be born into a church with a loving
family. His other friend was sad, so he asked him why. The friend
explained that the family he is going to be born into, aren't members.
So the first friend promised him that he was going to find him on
Earth and teach him the gospel. My friend is somewhere in SC.
We had to teach three "investigators" and they went well except one.
The guy talked the whole time and didn't even let us get a lesson in.
We were pretty discouraged after that. We taught another lesson later
and it was amazing! We got him to commit to baptism and set a date! We
also got him to say the closing prayer and placed a BoM! The spirit
was so strong. Our companionship was "on fire" at the time. I have
been able to grow such a strong bond with Elder Jones and Elder Wille.
We joke around with eachother, but we can also be really spiritual
when it matters. I love them!
11-5-15-
We had an EIGHT HOUR SESSION of class for our "In-Field Orientation."
Our only breaks were for lunch and dinner... It was pretty rough, but
I learned so much! I am honestly, just so ready to go out in the
field. I have been extremely trunky these past couple of days. But it
is worth giving up two years from my family, for other families to be
together for eternity.
11-6-15-
Bro. McGinn (one of my teachers) is a little skinny guy who is only 22
years old! He was in the MTC when Dane was. He is very smart and kind.
Sis. Draney is such a sweetheart. She always says; "I love you and I
like you Elders and Sisters!" Not only have they helped my testimony
grow, but they have been great friends to all of us. Our branch Pres.
Bertasso told us that we need to trust in the Lord and be an
instrument in his hands. This will stick with my throughout my whole
mission.
Moses 7:62
11-7-15-
It was our last day in class with Bro. McGinn and it was pretty sad.
I'm gonna miss him and his lessons. We related a lot. I keep thinking
about how much mom would love to sit in on our classes. I have been
setting goals for myself while I'm in the field. I like D&C 4:5-7
because it talks about all the characteristics a missionary should
have. Elder Jones said that we are always thinking about Heavenly
Father's companionship with us, but what is our companionship with
him? We have to have a lose companionship with Heavenly Father because
we are good enough without him. Have a companionship that is beyond
just friendship. I have started packing for SC. I am excited, but also
very nervous. I am praying for a good first companion to help train
me!
11-8-15-
This Sunday was such an amazing day! We had a devotional preparing us
to leave for the field. I felt bad for some people in there because
they were here at the MTC for six to nine weeks. There was an Elder
that is going to Canada and he had to learn Mandarin AND French. He
was only here for six weeks!
We had another devotional later tonight with all of the missionaries.
A guy named Richard Heaton spoke. He brought his son with down
syndrome and they had matching ties. Haha! He ran around with the
microphone and handed it to random people. Bro. Heaton trains mission
presidents, in charge of the food for the MTC, and a couple other
duties. He served his mission in Japan! He taught us ways to handle
stress and help out your companions. Before that meeting at lunch, we
met an older guy who works at the MTC and he got us seats reserved in
the very front row in the middle! They were the best seats in the
whole place.
Sis. Draney wrote us all personally, really sweet notes! It boosted my
self esteem a lot.
11-9-15-
Today we got to go to the temple and I focused on learning something
new while I was. There and it was so spiritual. I am getting ready to
go and do some laundry now, so I have to go now.
I love you! 💙
-Elder Mitchell
I leave tomorrow morning for SC! I was really glad you emailed me
because I had forgotten your email... Your kids are the cutest! I miss
you all so much. Tell them I love them and I love you too! I can't
wait to get out in the field, but I hope I don't gain a bunch of
weight... Haha!
11-3-15-
Richard J. Maynes from the Seventy came and spoke to us. The topic was
over missionary work and the history of it. He talked about Joseph
Smith was once an investigator as well. The first companionship of the
church was Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Bro. Maynes used the
analogy that we need to overfill our "pool" of investigators. Some
missionaries just fill their pool and only babysit that pool and the
people in it. Another thing he said was that you should have a
companionship that is "on fire." This can only occur when we are
worthy of the spirit and sensitive to the promptings. Lastly, he told
us that our faith should outweigh our fear. That is applicable to
everything! After the devotional, we all went to our classroom and
shared our favorite parts from the devotional with a couple from our
branch presidency. It was so moving. Pres. Ricks said; "Dig your roots
so deep that Satan himself can't dig you out."
So I must admit... I was exposed to some tie-trading, and I came out
very successful! My trades included two ties for only one of mine.
11-4-15-
I heard a moving story during this Elder's testimony. There were these
two friends in the Premortal life. One was really happy because he
gets to go down to Earth and be born into a church with a loving
family. His other friend was sad, so he asked him why. The friend
explained that the family he is going to be born into, aren't members.
So the first friend promised him that he was going to find him on
Earth and teach him the gospel. My friend is somewhere in SC.
We had to teach three "investigators" and they went well except one.
The guy talked the whole time and didn't even let us get a lesson in.
We were pretty discouraged after that. We taught another lesson later
and it was amazing! We got him to commit to baptism and set a date! We
also got him to say the closing prayer and placed a BoM! The spirit
was so strong. Our companionship was "on fire" at the time. I have
been able to grow such a strong bond with Elder Jones and Elder Wille.
We joke around with eachother, but we can also be really spiritual
when it matters. I love them!
11-5-15-
We had an EIGHT HOUR SESSION of class for our "In-Field Orientation."
Our only breaks were for lunch and dinner... It was pretty rough, but
I learned so much! I am honestly, just so ready to go out in the
field. I have been extremely trunky these past couple of days. But it
is worth giving up two years from my family, for other families to be
together for eternity.
11-6-15-
Bro. McGinn (one of my teachers) is a little skinny guy who is only 22
years old! He was in the MTC when Dane was. He is very smart and kind.
Sis. Draney is such a sweetheart. She always says; "I love you and I
like you Elders and Sisters!" Not only have they helped my testimony
grow, but they have been great friends to all of us. Our branch Pres.
Bertasso told us that we need to trust in the Lord and be an
instrument in his hands. This will stick with my throughout my whole
mission.
Moses 7:62
11-7-15-
It was our last day in class with Bro. McGinn and it was pretty sad.
I'm gonna miss him and his lessons. We related a lot. I keep thinking
about how much mom would love to sit in on our classes. I have been
setting goals for myself while I'm in the field. I like D&C 4:5-7
because it talks about all the characteristics a missionary should
have. Elder Jones said that we are always thinking about Heavenly
Father's companionship with us, but what is our companionship with
him? We have to have a lose companionship with Heavenly Father because
we are good enough without him. Have a companionship that is beyond
just friendship. I have started packing for SC. I am excited, but also
very nervous. I am praying for a good first companion to help train
me!
11-8-15-
This Sunday was such an amazing day! We had a devotional preparing us
to leave for the field. I felt bad for some people in there because
they were here at the MTC for six to nine weeks. There was an Elder
that is going to Canada and he had to learn Mandarin AND French. He
was only here for six weeks!
We had another devotional later tonight with all of the missionaries.
A guy named Richard Heaton spoke. He brought his son with down
syndrome and they had matching ties. Haha! He ran around with the
microphone and handed it to random people. Bro. Heaton trains mission
presidents, in charge of the food for the MTC, and a couple other
duties. He served his mission in Japan! He taught us ways to handle
stress and help out your companions. Before that meeting at lunch, we
met an older guy who works at the MTC and he got us seats reserved in
the very front row in the middle! They were the best seats in the
whole place.
Sis. Draney wrote us all personally, really sweet notes! It boosted my
self esteem a lot.
11-9-15-
Today we got to go to the temple and I focused on learning something
new while I was. There and it was so spiritual. I am getting ready to
go and do some laundry now, so I have to go now.
I love you! 💙
-Elder Mitchell
Monday, November 9, 2015
11/9/15
11-3-15-
Richard J. Maynes from the Seventy came and spoke to us. The topic was
over missionary work and the history of it. He talked about Joseph
Smith was once an investigator as well. The first companionship of the
church was Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Bro. Maynes used the
analogy that we need to overfill our "pool" of investigators. Some
missionaries just fill their pool and only babysit that pool and the
people in it. Another thing he said was that you should have a
companionship that is "on fire." This can only occur when we are
worthy of the spirit and sensitive to the promptings. Lastly, he told
us that our faith should outweigh our fear. That is applicable to
everything! After the devotional, we all went to our classroom and
shared our favorite parts from the devotional with a couple from our
branch presidency. It was so moving. Pres. Ricks said; "Dig your roots
so deep that Satan himself can't dig you out."
So I must admit... I was exposed to some tie-trading, and I came out
very successful! My trades included two ties for only one of mine.
11-4-15-
I heard a moving story during this Elder's testimony. There were these
two friends in the Premortal life. One was really happy because he
gets to go down to Earth and be born into a church with a loving
family. His other friend was sad, so he asked him why. The friend
explained that the family he is going to be born into, aren't members.
So the first friend promised him that he was going to find him on
Earth and teach him the gospel. My friend is somewhere in SC.
We had to teach three "investigators" and they went well except one.
The guy talked the whole time and didn't even let us get a lesson in.
We were pretty discouraged after that. We taught another lesson later
and it was amazing! We got him to commit to baptism and set a date! We
also got him to say the closing prayer and placed a BoM! The spirit
was so strong. Our companionship was "on fire" at the time. I have
been able to grow such a strong bond with Elder Jones and Elder Wille.
We joke around with eachother, but we can also be really spiritual
when it matters. I love them!
11-5-15-
We had an EIGHT HOUR SESSION of class for our "In-Field Orientation."
Our only breaks were for lunch and dinner... It was pretty rough, but
I learned so much! I am honestly, just so ready to go out in the
field. I have been extremely trunky these past couple of days. But it
is worth giving up two years from my family, for other families to be
together for eternity.
11-6-15-
Bro. McGinn (one of my teachers) is a little skinny guy who is only 22
years old! He was in the MTC when Dane was. He is very smart and kind.
Sis. Draney is such a sweetheart. She always says; "I love you and I
like you Elders and Sisters!" Not only have they helped my testimony
grow, but they have been great friends to all of us. Our branch Pres.
Bertasso told us that we need to trust in the Lord and be an
instrument in his hands. This will stick with my throughout my whole
mission.
Moses 7:62
11-7-15-
It was our last day in class with Bro. McGinn and it was pretty sad.
I'm gonna miss him and his lessons. We related a lot. I keep thinking
about how much mom would love to sit in on our classes. I have been
setting goals for myself while I'm in the field. I like D&C 4:5-7
because it talks about all the characteristics a missionary should
have. Elder Jones said that we are always thinking about Heavenly
Father's companionship with us, but what is our companionship with
him? We have to have a lose companionship with Heavenly Father because
we are good enough without him. Have a companionship that is beyond
just friendship. I have started packing for SC. I am excited, but also
very nervous. I am praying for a good first companion to help train
me!
11-8-15-
This Sunday was such an amazing day! We had a devotional preparing us
to leave for the field. I felt bad for some people in there because
they were here at the MTC for six to nine weeks. There was an Elder
that is going to Canada and he had to learn Mandarin AND French. He
was only here for six weeks!
We had another devotional later tonight with all of the missionaries.
A guy named Richard Heaton spoke. He brought his son with down
syndrome and they had matching ties. Haha! He ran around with the
microphone and handed it to random people. Bro. Heaton trains mission
presidents, in charge of the food for the MTC, and a couple other
duties. He served his mission in Japan! He taught us ways to handle
stress and help out your companions. Before that meeting at lunch, we
met an older guy who works at the MTC and he got us seats reserved in
the very front row in the middle! They were the best seats in the
whole place.
Sis. Draney wrote us all personally, really sweet notes! It boosted my
self esteem a lot.
11-9-15-
Today we got to go to the temple and I focused on learning something
new while I was. There and it was so spiritual. I am getting ready to
go and do some laundry now, so I have to go now.
I love you! 💙
-Elder Mitchell
Richard J. Maynes from the Seventy came and spoke to us. The topic was
over missionary work and the history of it. He talked about Joseph
Smith was once an investigator as well. The first companionship of the
church was Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Bro. Maynes used the
analogy that we need to overfill our "pool" of investigators. Some
missionaries just fill their pool and only babysit that pool and the
people in it. Another thing he said was that you should have a
companionship that is "on fire." This can only occur when we are
worthy of the spirit and sensitive to the promptings. Lastly, he told
us that our faith should outweigh our fear. That is applicable to
everything! After the devotional, we all went to our classroom and
shared our favorite parts from the devotional with a couple from our
branch presidency. It was so moving. Pres. Ricks said; "Dig your roots
so deep that Satan himself can't dig you out."
So I must admit... I was exposed to some tie-trading, and I came out
very successful! My trades included two ties for only one of mine.
11-4-15-
I heard a moving story during this Elder's testimony. There were these
two friends in the Premortal life. One was really happy because he
gets to go down to Earth and be born into a church with a loving
family. His other friend was sad, so he asked him why. The friend
explained that the family he is going to be born into, aren't members.
So the first friend promised him that he was going to find him on
Earth and teach him the gospel. My friend is somewhere in SC.
We had to teach three "investigators" and they went well except one.
The guy talked the whole time and didn't even let us get a lesson in.
We were pretty discouraged after that. We taught another lesson later
and it was amazing! We got him to commit to baptism and set a date! We
also got him to say the closing prayer and placed a BoM! The spirit
was so strong. Our companionship was "on fire" at the time. I have
been able to grow such a strong bond with Elder Jones and Elder Wille.
We joke around with eachother, but we can also be really spiritual
when it matters. I love them!
11-5-15-
We had an EIGHT HOUR SESSION of class for our "In-Field Orientation."
Our only breaks were for lunch and dinner... It was pretty rough, but
I learned so much! I am honestly, just so ready to go out in the
field. I have been extremely trunky these past couple of days. But it
is worth giving up two years from my family, for other families to be
together for eternity.
11-6-15-
Bro. McGinn (one of my teachers) is a little skinny guy who is only 22
years old! He was in the MTC when Dane was. He is very smart and kind.
Sis. Draney is such a sweetheart. She always says; "I love you and I
like you Elders and Sisters!" Not only have they helped my testimony
grow, but they have been great friends to all of us. Our branch Pres.
Bertasso told us that we need to trust in the Lord and be an
instrument in his hands. This will stick with my throughout my whole
mission.
Moses 7:62
11-7-15-
It was our last day in class with Bro. McGinn and it was pretty sad.
I'm gonna miss him and his lessons. We related a lot. I keep thinking
about how much mom would love to sit in on our classes. I have been
setting goals for myself while I'm in the field. I like D&C 4:5-7
because it talks about all the characteristics a missionary should
have. Elder Jones said that we are always thinking about Heavenly
Father's companionship with us, but what is our companionship with
him? We have to have a lose companionship with Heavenly Father because
we are good enough without him. Have a companionship that is beyond
just friendship. I have started packing for SC. I am excited, but also
very nervous. I am praying for a good first companion to help train
me!
11-8-15-
This Sunday was such an amazing day! We had a devotional preparing us
to leave for the field. I felt bad for some people in there because
they were here at the MTC for six to nine weeks. There was an Elder
that is going to Canada and he had to learn Mandarin AND French. He
was only here for six weeks!
We had another devotional later tonight with all of the missionaries.
A guy named Richard Heaton spoke. He brought his son with down
syndrome and they had matching ties. Haha! He ran around with the
microphone and handed it to random people. Bro. Heaton trains mission
presidents, in charge of the food for the MTC, and a couple other
duties. He served his mission in Japan! He taught us ways to handle
stress and help out your companions. Before that meeting at lunch, we
met an older guy who works at the MTC and he got us seats reserved in
the very front row in the middle! They were the best seats in the
whole place.
Sis. Draney wrote us all personally, really sweet notes! It boosted my
self esteem a lot.
11-9-15-
Today we got to go to the temple and I focused on learning something
new while I was. There and it was so spiritual. I am getting ready to
go and do some laundry now, so I have to go now.
I love you! 💙
-Elder Mitchell
Thursday, November 5, 2015
11/5/15
Brother Mitchell,
It turns out that one
of Reed’s MTC teachers is Summer Draney, the daughter of Frank Draney,
who used to be on the High Council here in Topeka before they moved to
Wyoming. Here are some nice things she had to say about him (forwarded
by Brother Draney to me).
DAD…..He
is an elder in the district that I am teaching! He's everything a great
missionary should be. Smart, hard working, humble, kind, and good. Him
and his companion are a joy to have in the class. And elder Mitchell and
I have rock chalk jayhawk moment every now and again! :)
I thought that you would appreciate that comment.
Pres. Averett
Monday, November 2, 2015
11/2/15
Mom and Dad-
I hope everything is going well for you guys. I bet you're both pretty
lonely at home... I got my garments, so thank you for sending those!
Do you think that you could send my white tie as well? I forgot it...
I was looking forward to hear from you guys. I miss you both like
crazy. I love guys so much.
The first couple days at the MTC were very hectic. On the bright side,
I'm starting to love all of it! I rode on the shuttle with two other
Elders. One of them was named Elder Scot. I can't remember his last
name... Just picture Elder Calhoun from the Best Two Years. (The small
guy with glasses) and that's him! He was a funny kid though. One
grudge that he still holds onto is that he's going to miss the new
Star Wars movie when it comes out... Haha!
When I arrived at the MTC, a host (a missionary) came up to the
shuttle and helped us all with our luggage. Within five minutes of
being there, the spirit hit me so hard that I just wanted to break
down and cry because of how happy it made me feel. At that moment, I
knew I was in the right place at the right time of my life. I met my
MTC teachers and they are so awesome. I love them! The brother's name
is Bro. McGinn and the sister is Sis. Draney. Crazy thing, is that she
grew up in LAWRENCE. I guess she knows the Ryttings very well.
After we met them, we were assigned to companions. My companion
is such a great guy. His name is Elder Adam Jones. He's from a small
town in Wyoming and he grew up on a ranch. Him and I really hit it
off. We share so many interests and get along great. We share the same
good work ethic. (Which is vital in missionary work.) His testimony is
so strong and has already helped strengthen mine. He says the same
about me. Haha
On the second day, we already had to teach a lesson with my
companion. Our teacher acted like an investigator and role-played. It
went very well! Our teachers are teaching us ways to guide or invite
our investigators to commit and be baptized in the first lesson. There
is a lot of construction by the MTC, so I asked someone what it was
for and they're adding on! The walls are going to be all glass except
where the crossbeams are. The rooms are going to be two times the
size. The MTC will be able to hold about 4,500 missionaries!
One of the main topics that we have been taught and later learned
for myself, was that we first need to teach with love. We got to meet
our branch presidency and I have been assigned as the "Online
Coordinator."
My testimony has grown so much already and I constantly, feel the
spirit. Elder Jones shared with me that in his mission blessing to get
set apart, the stake pres. said that he may recognize faces from the
Premortal life. I thought that was so interesting because I was just
telling him before that I feel like I have seen some of these people
before! Which can't be possible of me seeing them on Earth because one
is from Hawaii! Dad told me before I left that the food is awesome
here and I'm starting to think they changed meal plans. There is a lot
of food because it's a Buffett, but the food is average at best... So
I was slightly disappointed.
We taught another lesson on Halloween and it went so well that we
almost committed the "investigator" to be baptized within the first
lesson! He accepted to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. The
spirit was so strong in that room. I think it's because our goal was
to focus and loving him. And the spirit helped us find the right words
to say to him. "Teaching through the spirit means teaching with
understanding." Jeffrey R. Holland.
My three roommates are all going to Columbia, SC as well. Elder
Jones (Otto, WY), Elder Wille (Baggs, WY), and Elder Cloward (Mesa,
AZ). We all like to quote movies like "Hot Rod," "Anchorman," and
"Dumb and Dumber" in our free time because we miss movies...
Yesterday was one of the most spiritual days I have ever had. This
morning, all of the MTC members gathered in the gym for a Mission
Conference. The president spoke, along with his counselors and their
wives. The topic was all about family, which was like they were trying
to make us even more homesick than we already are. Then, there was a
couple that spoke and shared how they were able to convert their
neighbor's family. The family was there too, and they shared their
conversion story. I didn't know I could feel the spirit so strong in
that big of a gym. And everyone felt it. The dad of the family shared
his story and part of it was that he had a dream a few weeks before he
was baptized. He had a vivid dream like he has never had before and it
was of his deceased mom and older sister. He told the missionaries
that they looked "perfect." They were able to explain why that word he
used was so fitting. Then, the mom told her story and she knew the
church was true when a hummingbird flew right by her window and
floated there looking in on her for about two minutes. The crazy thing
is that she always had taught her kids that hummingbirds are spiritual
and "magical" animals. It really goes to show how Heavenly Father
knows each and every one of us personally. I have never felt so
spiritual for that long of a time continuously. It wore me out!
I have met one other person from Kansas and that's it. And it is
Addison Townsley from Derby! His mom is still working at the Humane
Society and she's the one who helped us find Opie!
- Elder Mitchell
I hope everything is going well for you guys. I bet you're both pretty
lonely at home... I got my garments, so thank you for sending those!
Do you think that you could send my white tie as well? I forgot it...
I was looking forward to hear from you guys. I miss you both like
crazy. I love guys so much.
The first couple days at the MTC were very hectic. On the bright side,
I'm starting to love all of it! I rode on the shuttle with two other
Elders. One of them was named Elder Scot. I can't remember his last
name... Just picture Elder Calhoun from the Best Two Years. (The small
guy with glasses) and that's him! He was a funny kid though. One
grudge that he still holds onto is that he's going to miss the new
Star Wars movie when it comes out... Haha!
When I arrived at the MTC, a host (a missionary) came up to the
shuttle and helped us all with our luggage. Within five minutes of
being there, the spirit hit me so hard that I just wanted to break
down and cry because of how happy it made me feel. At that moment, I
knew I was in the right place at the right time of my life. I met my
MTC teachers and they are so awesome. I love them! The brother's name
is Bro. McGinn and the sister is Sis. Draney. Crazy thing, is that she
grew up in LAWRENCE. I guess she knows the Ryttings very well.
After we met them, we were assigned to companions. My companion
is such a great guy. His name is Elder Adam Jones. He's from a small
town in Wyoming and he grew up on a ranch. Him and I really hit it
off. We share so many interests and get along great. We share the same
good work ethic. (Which is vital in missionary work.) His testimony is
so strong and has already helped strengthen mine. He says the same
about me. Haha
On the second day, we already had to teach a lesson with my
companion. Our teacher acted like an investigator and role-played. It
went very well! Our teachers are teaching us ways to guide or invite
our investigators to commit and be baptized in the first lesson. There
is a lot of construction by the MTC, so I asked someone what it was
for and they're adding on! The walls are going to be all glass except
where the crossbeams are. The rooms are going to be two times the
size. The MTC will be able to hold about 4,500 missionaries!
One of the main topics that we have been taught and later learned
for myself, was that we first need to teach with love. We got to meet
our branch presidency and I have been assigned as the "Online
Coordinator."
My testimony has grown so much already and I constantly, feel the
spirit. Elder Jones shared with me that in his mission blessing to get
set apart, the stake pres. said that he may recognize faces from the
Premortal life. I thought that was so interesting because I was just
telling him before that I feel like I have seen some of these people
before! Which can't be possible of me seeing them on Earth because one
is from Hawaii! Dad told me before I left that the food is awesome
here and I'm starting to think they changed meal plans. There is a lot
of food because it's a Buffett, but the food is average at best... So
I was slightly disappointed.
We taught another lesson on Halloween and it went so well that we
almost committed the "investigator" to be baptized within the first
lesson! He accepted to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. The
spirit was so strong in that room. I think it's because our goal was
to focus and loving him. And the spirit helped us find the right words
to say to him. "Teaching through the spirit means teaching with
understanding." Jeffrey R. Holland.
My three roommates are all going to Columbia, SC as well. Elder
Jones (Otto, WY), Elder Wille (Baggs, WY), and Elder Cloward (Mesa,
AZ). We all like to quote movies like "Hot Rod," "Anchorman," and
"Dumb and Dumber" in our free time because we miss movies...
Yesterday was one of the most spiritual days I have ever had. This
morning, all of the MTC members gathered in the gym for a Mission
Conference. The president spoke, along with his counselors and their
wives. The topic was all about family, which was like they were trying
to make us even more homesick than we already are. Then, there was a
couple that spoke and shared how they were able to convert their
neighbor's family. The family was there too, and they shared their
conversion story. I didn't know I could feel the spirit so strong in
that big of a gym. And everyone felt it. The dad of the family shared
his story and part of it was that he had a dream a few weeks before he
was baptized. He had a vivid dream like he has never had before and it
was of his deceased mom and older sister. He told the missionaries
that they looked "perfect." They were able to explain why that word he
used was so fitting. Then, the mom told her story and she knew the
church was true when a hummingbird flew right by her window and
floated there looking in on her for about two minutes. The crazy thing
is that she always had taught her kids that hummingbirds are spiritual
and "magical" animals. It really goes to show how Heavenly Father
knows each and every one of us personally. I have never felt so
spiritual for that long of a time continuously. It wore me out!
I have met one other person from Kansas and that's it. And it is
Addison Townsley from Derby! His mom is still working at the Humane
Society and she's the one who helped us find Opie!
- Elder Mitchell
 |
| Left to right (Elder Jones, Elder Wille, and Elder Cloward.) |
 |
| Our view from residence hall |
Thursday, October 22, 2015
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