Christmas Time

Hello Family and Friends,

   How was everyone’s Christmas week? Mine was awesome.  It was a little hard cause we found out that on Christmas we could Skype our family.  I was a little upset because my family has "Dino Dial-up" and Skype does not work on Dial-up.  Thanks to the members of both Chico 5th ward and Plum Creek ward I was able to skype. It was AWESOME!!!!! When I saw their faces I was full of happiness. I wanted to talk to all of them. I mostly talked to my brother Martin and that was awesome.  I do wish I spoke with the rest of my family more; there is so much to talk about. I love them all so much. When I went back to the apartment and reflected on the day, I really wished I had more time to speak to them. :(  I have three more times to skype.  I get to email still and write letters, but just like Nephi " I'm not mighty like unto writing, like I am unto speaking." As for this week we did a lot of teaching.  I was a little "trunky", meaning I didn't want to do much because of Christmas.  I wish I hadn’t been, but now that Christmas has come and past (one more to go) now its time to be focused on helping others to come unto Christ. We have, I mean had, 6 people with baptismal dates. Now that’s down to 4.  Some of our investigators are having trouble with smoking. We are at WAR against SMOKING. Two of us against 24 Cancer sticks, Agency and Temptation.  It seems a little unfair... for the cigs, HOORAH!!!!

    And now for Q&A Corner, ------ sorry I have been informed that there are no new questions.  We'll go straight to spiritual moment.... on Dec. 21 we went to visit one of our potential investigators. We sat with him and talked about the restoration.  He said, "You know that makes sense. You know I go to this one church and when I see someone from the church somewhere I try to talk to him or her, but they don't talk to me at all.  The only time they talk to me is on Sunday, in front of the pastor.  It doesn't seem right for them not to talk to me on any other day and only in church in front of the Pastor. I would like to talk to a brother outside of church."  We felt the impression to commit him to baptism and he said yes!!!  So, that’s how we now have 4 with a baptismal date. The other three are people we were working with before.  I just wanted to share that story.  With God all things make sense.

   That was my week. I hope all is well with you and I hope to hear from you guys soon.  I hope this E-mail gets to all of you. I'm sending this to a lot of people and I don't know if it gets to you guys or not.  Without further ado, Safety and Peace, God bless and if you sneeze during this E-mail bless your face.  Peace "On”, Alonsy, Molto Bene’, Najon, Requesta in Pace, and keep your stick on the Ice. This is Elder Morris from the California Roseville mission, in the Chico 5th area signing off!!!!!!!!!!!

Skype for Christmas

Hey Family and Friends,

    Oh wow sorry everyone for not sending out cards yet or snail mail... We've been hecka busy this week and today is a half P-day.  I don't think I'll be able to get all the things I want done.  Like sending Christmas cards and Big Christmas cards. We may not even have time to get food, :( aw man.  I guess since Christmas is coming up we deserve it. Anyhow, enough of my murmuring and complaining lets turn the time over to Q&A corner.

  

    1. Pedro, Stephanie and Donna, her friend, are doing awesome right now. We are doing some hard-core lessons with her since she's also getting baptized on the 31st of this month. Maybe another one but I won't get into that right now. We also have a baptism on January 21st for a 17 year-old girl. It is awesome. She has been going through a hard time with her family and has been looking for something in life.

    2. No, I haven't got the package yet. I am getting it today. I would have gotten it Friday but we were all out doing work,

    3. Elder K (Elder Kuhlenhoelter) is a District Leader and no we don't get a car. :( I wish every day for a car, but biking is good.

    4. I recently found out that we will be able to SKYPE home this year sooooooo.......... GET SOMEONE THAT HAS GOOD INTERNET OR GET SOME!!!!!!! ; p 

    Mom if you’re online now please email directly once you get this Email. PLEASE!

  This week Elder K and I went down to Lincoln for a baptism on Saturday. The person getting baptized was someone Elder K taught and requested him to baptize her. We went down (an hour and a half drive) and Elder K baptized her. It was awesome.

   Man its been a tough week. I really hope things get better or even busier. lol We did have to drop a few people though, but I'm excited for all the people that we're teaching. I love this job (at least teaching a lot of people and hanging with the members). I would never give it up. :D  I really love this season.  I hope all who are in the sound of my voice... or at least the sight of my E-mail are really having a very Merry Christmas and a Happy NEW YEAR!!!!!

SAFETY AND PEACE, GOD BLESS, AND IF YOU SNEEZE DURING THIS E-MAIL BLESS YOUR FACE. PEACE ON.  THIS IS ELDER MORRIS IN CHICO, CA SIGNNING OFF.   

Weirdest Lesson Yet!

Dear Familia and amigos,

   I am doing well. Sorry about not writing to you thru snail mail,. We've been overly busy recently, taught a lot of people and lots and lots of work in general.  I promise I will send all of you a letter real soon, along with Christmas cards (which were cheap to make Mom). This was one of the weirdest weeks ever.

   We did lots of finding (Sorry for not putting a lot of details).  We meet with so many people that it’s just crazy.  Elder K (Kulhenhoelter) had to go down to Citrus Heights for a conference and I had to stay here in my area. Luckily one of the Spanish Elders had to go too, so Elder Delgado (the other Spanish Elder) and I were companions for a day. It was nice since we mostly worked in my area (the Chico Spanish Elders cover the whole Chico Zone so really we were working in both areas). Sadly most of our lessons dropped.... oh well. We had two really good lessons with a few less actives. Then we had the weirdest lesson on Saturday. The Friday before we met this woman.  Her name is Gail (61yrs.). We met her on the streets and she said she was having a hard time. Her husband left her after 23 yrs, so she was trying to find peace.  Of course this is a perfect opportunity for Missionary work, so we made an appointment for the next day. We had our lesson with her at the church. During the lesson she kept dozing off and after we said the prayer she said she was going to throw up. We were franticly looking for something and I saw a trashcan and gave it to her.  Well you know.... oh man It was disgusting. Dad did you have any experiences like that?  I had to take the bag out and it was rank, bad.... yeah................................ But on the next day, Sunday we had a few of our other Investigators at church. Pedro and Stephanie brought a friend and right after church their friend said she wanted to be baptized.  I was like, "Are you serious?" I did not know what to think and she wanted to get baptized on the 31st with Pedro and Stephanie.  We have a lesson with all of them on Tuesday and we’ll see where that leads.  Well that was my week. Sorry about not writing a lot. There is a lot to talk about and it’s hard to put it all into words.

   SAFETY AND PEACE, GOD BLESS, AND IF YOU SNEEZE DURING THIS E-MAIL BLESS YOUR FACE. PEACE ON. THIS IS ELDER MORRIS IN CHICO, CA SIGNNING OFF.   

P.S.  I will be sending Christmas cards soon so look out for them.

"Recommitted two for Baptism"

Dear Familia and Amigos,

    This was an awesome week. We had a goal to get 5 new investigators. We reached our goal, WHOO HOO! It is good. It was a really slow week, but lots of hard work.  I feel like I'm over worked sometimes, so every night when I reach my bed I'm just out, but this week was a really good week.  Now, let me go to the Q&A corner.

    1. Pedro and Stephanie have been going through soooooo much lately. But it has made them more humble. We recommitted them to Baptism. Their Baptism is on the 31st of this month.  The last lesson we had was so intense that I felt that it should have been on the “District”(training film).  When we asked them if they want to be baptized there was a long pause and Pedro nodded his head yes. Stephanie said. "Do you believe this is true?" He nodded yes. She said, "Do you want to do this?” “No more change?" he nodded and said, " No more change... No more change.” The Spirit just filled the room. There are no words to describe it.

     2. Yes, I got yours and Crissy’s Packages.  I love it all, thank you. I took a few pictures of the decorations.

     3. No I haven't met Elder Knight yet, but I look forward to meeting him in the future.

     4. I haven't met Elder Boeckman yet either, but I'll keep an eye out for him.

     5. I can't think of something specific for anyone yet, but don't worry I will get something that is cheap (inexpensive) LOL...

     6. Yep, I have been getting a cough but I'm doing better. I think its Asthma from the cold air. Yes, “Cold” IN CALIFORNIA!

     7. No I haven't heard from Steve Rowzee, yet.

Well that’s that.  Now, for some of the good stuff, this week was awesome. Wait, I just said that, but it was. This week, like I said before we worked hard.  We found a lot of people to teach. Also this week was the Czech Exhibit (AKA the Nativity exhibit), which was awesome.  I got a lot of nice pictures and will send them to you soon. There were 800 different Nativities that people brought that were from all around the world. It went from Thurs. -- Sunday. On Sunday we went with one of our less actives and saw the Christmas Devotional.  I loved it especially the First Presidency messages. My favorite one is... aw man, its too hard to pick between Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Thomas S. Monson.  That was my awesome week.  I hope you have a great Christmas season.  Martin I know I shouldn't worry, but you did get the game right? lol. Until Next time, 

  SAFETY AND PEACE, GOD BLESS, AND IF YOU SNEEZE DURING THIS E-MAIL BLESS YOUR FACE. PEACE ON, THIS IS ELDER MORRIS IN CHICO, CA SIGNNING OFF.   

Elder Morris' Q&A Corner

Hey-O, Family and Friends,

    I got the package today. Thanks a bunch.  I really needed a new suit coat, its awesome. I have yet to try it on, but I'm sure it fits fine.  Now without further adooooo it time for, "The Elder Morris Q&A corner!!!!!!"

   1. Yes, Mom I got the package. :)

   2. My new Companions name is Elder Kuhlenhoelter its German, but he's from Evansville, Indiana. He's really cool, a little quiet, and reminds me of myself a little bit. He went to BYU and studied Philosophy and wants to do Law School when he gets back.  He's been out for 4 1/2 months, and now he is the new District Leader so he has a lot more responsibility.  He'll do great.

   3. Yeah, I wear my winter coat only when it rains hard.  Yes, I knew that its two coats in one.

   4. A portable CD player with speakers would be nice. The one Elder Arnett’s previous comp left is not very good.

   5. Uncle Pat and his son did come by in the morning and dropped off a few pies and at first I didn't recognize them. lol.  The pies were great!

   6. Thanksgiving was awesome we had three dinners on three days. mmmmm....

This week was a little slow with exchanges and Thanksgiving, but this week will be a good week.

         On Thanksgiving, a member family, who we were suppose to have dinner with the next day, the father ended up in the Hospital.  This family has been going through sooooo much. Five deaths in two weeks and then the father gets in the hospital. We gave him a blessing and then on Sunday we went by to visit them. He's doing better, way better. That was awesome. Also, one of our investigators (feels more like a good friend) is having a tough time. He is now homeless, but thank goodness someone in the ward gave him a place to stay. Well, it’s his van, but at least he's doing physically well. That was my week. Sorry that I'm not writing much, but I will write more next time.

    Safety and Peace,  God bless and if you sneezed during this E-mail bless your face.  Peace on.  This is Elder Morris from Chico, CA Signing Out!!!!!

New Companion

November 21,2011

Dear Family and Friends,

    First, I want to say thank you mom for sending me my suit coat.  I hope all is well with all of you. It has been a crazy, fun week for me. Also been a little slow.

     It's been a great week, but sadly I forgot to bring my planner to help remind me of the things I did but I will try my best. This week we had a zone conference in Anderson. It was awesome. When we got there we found out that we were suppose to prepare talks, all of us. The Zone Leaders forgot to tell us, so we were a little worried, well not really. When they got up there to announce the speakers I was thinking in my head "please don't pick me, please don't pick me!"  When he said, Elder Arnett and Elder Paramore, I was relieved. But my Companion wasn't so relieved. During the other talks Elder Arnett quickly wrote down his talk.  It was the best talk ever given (In my opinion). It was great, and then we had a great lunch and then had a great time listening to President Weston. Then they had some supplies for us for our apartment. Our blender seems like it’s going to die so I got another one. Yeah, more banana smoothies for breakfast.

    Later this week we taught a lot. It was better this week than last week for lessons. That's all I have for now. I wish I could write more but it is hard to remember all I want to tell you.  I am sad.... but still look forward to this transfer.  Elder Arnett is going down to Roseville to be a Zone Leader, Sweet! He will be awesome and I'm still here in Chico. So, no change for me this time, I like that.  My next companion's name is (pardon me if I misspell it), Elder Colonhustser.  I think that’s it, I’m not too sure. That was my week. More info will come soon,

   I love you all and miss you all, Safety and Peace and God bless. If you sneeze during this E-mail bless your face, and Peace on. This is Elder Morris from Chico, CA Signing Out !!!!!

"Beep, Beep..."

Dear Familia and Amigos,

    How is life where you are? Thank you for all your letters.  I hope to hear from all of you guys soon, just remember I can only check my E-mails once a week and it takes 4 days to send a letter in the mail.  So yeah for letters!!!

    So you know what happens now, its time for the Q&A Corner. ;D!!!

    

Mom

    1. Another black suit coat would be nice and I think my size is a 46S but I'm not sure, the one I have doesn't tell me what size it is.

   Um I guess that is it for the Q&A corner... not a lot... oh well...

Now its time for the Missionary Weekly Update DA DA DAAAAAAAA...

   11/08/11- this day Most of our lessons dropped/canceled... L, but that is okay. It was still a very productive day. We went through this one place in Chapmen Town (some old neighborhood) with a recent convert named, Brenda.  She's been a convert for about 6 months now and last month she was called to be a Ward missionary. She lived close to Chapmen town so she knows a lot of people that live there.  We went around and tried to visit Kongo, the kid who got hit by a car last month. He was in a coma and in the hospital for about a month, but now he's doing well.  He is still going to Therapy.  Sadly they weren't home that day, except his Mom. Brenda gave them a Book of Mormon. She really lives up to her call. Later that day we had a lesson with Jerry. This time we were a little bolder with our lesson, at least Elder Arnett was. We've been trying to help him see that he can get only so far with missionaries. If he wants to progress more he's got to do a few things on his own. We read half of Alma 32 with him and we asked him to pray for us before we left.  He didn't want to but Elder Arnett was bold and said, " Oh you say something? I'm just waiting for you to Pray".  I couldn't help but laugh and its still strikes me funny. :P For all those who are reading this Email, don't do that unless you know the person your teaching well enough they will understand.

    

    11/09/11 - This day all our lessons dropped L That was our day.

    

    11/10/11 - District Exchanges - Today was our district Exchanges and it was AWESOME!!!!!! We had a lesson with Pedro and Stephanie. We wanted to talk about how the Book of Mormon can help them. We were at members home, (The Atkins’, Mom you would love her, you and Sister Atkin would be good friends). During the lesson Sis. Atkin asked them what did they need? Their finances are a little, how do I say, not too good.  Brother and Sister Atkin gave them a hundred dollars to help them. One their sons had a birthday on the 2nd and they couldn't get him a gift.  They were so happy that Stephanie was in tears. The Spirit was so strong. At the end of our day we had a family night with Jerry and his Family. It was a Blast. We talk about obedience and about how Samuel the Lamanite was Obedient. God protected him and we demonstrated it by throwing paper balls at the kids, they loved it so much.

     11/11/11 - Happy Veterans Day, and 11/11/11. This day we did a lot of physical labor. We helped a member move, set up the church for the Ward party on Saturday. Man my back still aches from that day.

    

     11/12/11 - Happy 21st Birthday to the Chico 5th ward. This day was a good day. We went out to visit Kongo again, with Brenda. He was doing very well. He's up walking around and talking. He's great. Then later that night we had the ward B-day party. We ate ................ Hot Dog Casserole, (not sure what I think about that?)...................... -_- Yeah.  The Talent show was awesome. There was some great talent and amazing art.  This ward is very talented.

     11/13/11 - Sunday is always a good day. At church we met a former Investigator and we might start teaching her again, so sweet!!!

That was my week this week and next week is transfers. Lets hope that none of us leave.  lol.

            Oh and thanks for the pictures. Mom, too bad I wasn't there to see that spider. lol If you think that spider is creepy, then don't move to Chico because there are spiders everywhere, all kinds. lol.

    Tell Josh I said “Good luck” to him. How is the snow? It feels weird not to see any especially at this time of year. lol.

Until next time, Safety and Peace and God bless and if you sneeze during this E-mail bless your face, and Peace on. This is Elder Morris from Chico, CA Signing Out !!!!!

"Suit Coat Season"

Dear Family and Friends,

       Things here are great, but first thing always first Q&A time:  1. What I bought at Ross were some nice ties.  I was trying to find another suit coat for suit coat season. We are now required to wear suit coats, as of Oct. 1st to April 1^st.  It is not fun especially when it rains, unexpectedly.  2. Its getting a little cooler now, but not like Utah with all the snow.  3. Christmas? I'm not sure what I want.  I'll think about it.

      While I'm thinking, how about I share my week with you? Just say yes... oh wait I keep forgetting this is E-mail.... oh well.

   

    10/31/11- HALLOWEEN... this day was an all day P-day, it was good.  Me, Elder Arnett, Elder Garner, and Elder Scott (cool guy) went to Chico State campus and walked around a bit.  We went to the store; too bad I didn't have my money, maybe next time. We also traveled around Chico rocking out to some Disney Music.  The funny thing is that Elder Scott and Garner are both dying missionaries (Meaning they are going home soon.  Their two years are almost up.)  So we both (Elder Arnett and me) felt a little "Trunky" (meaning they're feeling eager or something) that day. We also had Dinner with Brother and Sister Atkin and brought two of our investigators with us, Pedro and Stephanie.  We had some nice soup and had a great lesson about overcoming addictions. We gave them a nice picture of Jesus to hang in their apartment.

    11/01/11 - Back to work.... this day was a down day, we had three lessons set up and two of them flaked on us (meaning they were not home or cancel). We tried to work hard on finding people today and stay busy. We visited Tony and talked a little bit about our day and his day. We introduced him to Mormon.org. 

     11/02/11 - On this day, we had a member with us. His name is Lauren Sorenson, who is by the way 93.  At one of our lessons we taught Jerry, and Brother Sorenson was awesome. It felt like we had an Apostle with us. He spoke quietly but with great boldness, like Thomas S. Monson. It was sooooooooooo awesome. Then we went by one of our potentials, who had a lesson with us the other day.  He was home and setup another appointment for the next day. Then we went by the Sorenson home again cause Sister Sorenson, Lauren's Daughter in-law, had a list of people for us to teach. That was so awesome.

     11/03/11 - Zone Exchanges today, and Oh man more dropped lessons AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Oh well, it was a slow day, but we still kept busy. We Tracted out a street. On the first door the Man said, “ I don't want to hear your Sh**.” We were like ok, and moved on. At the second to last door a Man answered he was nice man he works for Lifetouch Photos. He said he wasn't very interested but he wished us luck.  Then the last door was my favorite.  A young woman about 27ish, named Sophie, answered and said, "Hey Missionaries!” The first thought Me and Elder Thompson ( Zone Leader) thought "Oh No please don't be a member?"  She said she's from Salt Lake. 'We thought, “Oh no she's a member”, and in fact she wasn't a member. She grew up in Utah but then moved to Chico for work. She's a College Math teacher at Chico State and she said that her Boyfriend and some of his friends dressed up as Missionaries for Halloween. They all called each other Brother instead of Elder, except her Boyfriend.  She told him it was Elder. It is pretty cool hearing that people know about us.  I kind of felt famous, a bit. LOL

    11/04/11 - This day went fast It's hard to remember what happened. We had our Weekly Planning and had Dinner with Brian at Nobby's, mmmmmmmm, Chicken burger.  Then had a lesson with Andrew and talked about the importance of Church attendance. We also taught Floyd about overcoming our trials. We shared the story of Martin Harris and 116 Pages found in teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

    11/05/11 - We went to visit a few people and set up a few lessons. We TRIED to do some “finding” but it rained on us and I was wearing my suit coat, AHHHHHHHH. I need to find one, a good one somewhere.

    11/06/11 - Church was awesome.  I felt so pumped and ready for the day.  We had a great Gospel Principle class. We learned about Eternal Marriage.  It was awesome and made me really think about my future in life. Then we had a great lesson with Jerry. We talk about Alma 32 and this time we were bold with him, cause it feels like we're trying to teach him and he says he'll do it, but he doesn't. We started to be a little bolder with him and he liked it.  It was a good week.

   Okay I hope that is a good letter, I still don't know what I want except, an Alex Boye Christmas CD. That's all I can think of right now. Hope you all are having a good week. I am having a great time. I can't believe I've been gone for 3 months, on the 10^th. HOLY COW!!!!

    Now for a message for Martin and Lydia, "Today is a special day Thanksgiving," "Awesome when do we eat?" "And since its a historical holiday we will celebrate the way we did before," "Ok when do we eat?" " Sadly some of the document of that were lost in history," " Fine now can we eat?" " But using the power of the internet, I was able to recount that amazing Holiday which for some reason were authored by 1st graders with drawings of their favorite thanksgiving food" " Severed Human hands dress to look like birds" "wait what?"

  I love you all and miss you very much. Safety and Peace, God bless, and if you sneeze during this E-mail bless your face, Requiesta in Pace, keep your stick on the Ice, this is Elder Morris signing out...

"Happy Halloween"

Hey Family,

    Well first things first,  “HAPPY BIRTHDAY DaD. “ Yes I got the package you sent.  It was awesome!  Thank you guys, we love the shirts, and the Nutella mmmmmm that stuff is really good.  We will send some pictures soon, of us wearing them. Especially today, since its HALLOW'S EVE Yeah... but first let me answer a few of the question you sent me.  I know Elder Merkley he is in my district, good man.  I'm in the Chico 5th ward, and that is where I'll be for a few more transfers.  No, I'm in a two person apartment, it's just me and Elder Arnett in our place.

    I love hearing from you guys. Keep working hard Martin, you'll do great. You are one awesome young man. Be that example for everyone. Lydia, great job at keeping your grades up.  Keep working hard and don't slack. Try your best to get along with Martin.  Oh, Martin just 15 more days till Halo Combat Evolved anniversary edition comes out, don't forget. lol Oh, and Martin send me a picture of your costume.  I want to see you.  How about you and the family try to send some pictures.  I like to also see what you guys are doing and please don't hide you face.  I'll bring something cool when I come back and I will send more pictures too.

 Ok now for my day....

    10/25/11 - We started out slow... we visited a few less active people and taught a few investigators. It was good but it was tough to teach them because they have two little kids that run around and their neighbors are like their family so they were running around the place too, lol.

   10/26/11 - This day was our District Exchange.  I went with the District leader's companion and went on another adventure with the Hmung area.  It was so great, but tough cause I can't understand a word they say... oh well.  Mom I found a woman that’s shorter than you, lol.

   10/27/11 - We had our interviews with President Weston and it went great. A lot of teaching also.  Pedro and Stephanie got their SSDI, now they can get some cash. On the 3rd they find out if they get their kids back.  I'm so happy for them :).

   10/28/11 – We did more visiting and our weekly planning.

   10/29/11 - This day the Ward and us did service at the Cemetery. We raked leaves and there were a lot of leaves the whole place was covered, but we had a lot of people help and it was great. We did a lot more visiting afterwards.

   10/30/11 - This was a great day. :) We spoke during the 3rd hour about our new Missionary Challenge for the ward.  We had talks by a few recent Converts and when they bore their testimonies my chest was burning like crazy. I was so excited.  :D.

 So that was my week, I hope you all are doing well. I will write you guys later, So with out further ado, Safety and Peace, God bless, and if you sneeze during this E-mail bless your face, Requiesta in Pace, keep your stick on the Ice, this is Elder Morris Signing out...

DA DUM DO DO DO DO DO DO DO subscribe

"Finding"

Safety and Peace my Family and Friends,

   Actually I will get the package out today. I ran out of stamps and didn't get to send it all week last week. I was busy. But yeah I got your letter and Grandma's too. Shelby and Sadie drew pictures. :)

    As I was saying, it was a crazy week. We had a bunch of lessons and finding.

Lets start with Tuesday, shall we?

    10/18/11 - We mostly went out and tried to find people. That day we had a lesson with Pedro and Stephanie. We watched, "To This End Was I Born".  I love that movie. It really makes me think how the Atonement applies to me. Then we WERE going to have a lesson with Floyd but he had a meeting to go to.

    10/19/11 - This day we had a District meeting (every Wedsnday), did a lot of practice teaching with each other and learned from one another.  Then we went to the Clayton's for lunch and it was pretty good. They forgot we were coming so they made a chicken salad.  Then we did some tracting, and finally we had dinner @ the Sorrenson's with Pedro and Stephanie. We also had a lesson and I have to say lessons with a member present are the best.

    

     10/20/11 - This day we went on mormon.org to see what they have on there that we can share with people. There are a lot of cool videos and cool information. Then we did a little more finding (we are doing a lot of searching and not doing well with finding). Then we had dinner.  Brian Herrin, our Ward Mission Leader/ Chico 5 all star Convert came by and we discussed a way to get more referrals. That night we were sooooo pumped about it that it’s hard to write it. The bishop gave us use of the third hour to talk about it this coming Sunday. It is going to be amazing.

     10/21/11 - This day was our last lesson with Darla cause she is moving a way with her Husband down south for a job. We talked about eternal marriage with her and did weekly planning,

    10/22/11 - Zone Exchanges today. This day was another crazy one. The Zone leader I was with, Elder Thompson was not feeling well. In the middle of the night before at 2:45 am he was throwing up like crazy. We stayed in most of the day, till about 2 pm.  I did a lot of studying. We went out to do a few lessons at the Church and he started to feel a little better, but not well still.  The lessons we had at the Church canceled, so for dinner we went to a Taco Truck.  I ordered one taco and they were tiny... I mean tiny... but still good, so I got two more. I think I'm starting to not be picky now.;)

     10/23/11 - Sunday / yesterday... it was great we had our primary program and it was good, lots of funny faces. Then for dinner we went to the Atkins and Oh my gosh it was the best! We had New York Steak and lots of other stuff.  I guess that is what its like eating at a caterer’s home. lol After dinner Brother Atkin gave us a ride in his new Audi and we were flying down West Sacramento Avenue. Going about 80mph and I kept thinking of young men’s and all the fun we had.  I officially declare them my Mission Parents of the Chico 5th ward area. I love this ward soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much.

Oh and before I go mom, could you send me my blue water bottle and my blue BYU shirt too, please. Thank you and I miss you guys soooo much.  Martin enjoy wrestling bro, but always remember that if you want to be on the team you have to work hard both physically and mentally (school). ;)

So until Next time,

    Safety and Peace, God bless, and if you sneeze during this E-mail bless your face, Requiesta in Pace, keep your stick on the Ice, this is Elder Morris signing out...

Transfers, New "Greenies" in Chico

Hey Familia,

   It's been great here this week, sorry about not sending a letter last week we've been busy last Monday (the only day we write letters), and this week was awesome let me start at the beginning... um... Beginning...

Oh there you are ----> 10/10/11- P-day, letter writing, basketball, dodge ball, piano playing, shopping, Fun, fun, fun, Also Transfers were that day lots of missionaries left, Chico is now filled with Greenies, lol.

10/11/11- refer to journal... wait a minute I don't have it, usually I bring my journal with me to help me remember what happen that day, but I guess I forgot it... I will write about it in my letter home,

10/12/11 - This day was our Zone Conference and that day we got new planners, a lot of Tracting and visiting LAs and an investigator.

10/13/11 - This day we did a lot of teaching Dayne (LA), Ella (Inv), Larry (Arc), Pedro and Stephanie (Inv w/ a date), Eric (LA), it was a busy, busy day.

10/14/11 - Martin's Birthday I will be sending him a card soon*. This day was the slow day... the night before we had some Enchiladas that a member had us take from the day before, soooooo, This Morning Elder Arnett got very sick and threw up in the middle of the night so we stayed in all day I mostly read my scriptures and Preach my Gospel, listen to a little Josh Groban and Pirates of the Carribean soundtrack, also a little EFY too.

10/15/11 - And now we come to the big day Darla's Baptism!! Elder Arnett was suppose to Baptize her but he didn't want to get her sick or have anything else bad happen, so guess who got to baptize her............................... Me, But I do not boast in myself I boast in my God, Alma 26:12, and it went very well I did it the first time, I was a little nervous but I did it.

   After the Baptism we help someone move that took all day, Elder Arnett was ok still a little uneasy, then Brother Sharp took us, after the move, to a restaurant and boy was it good.

10/16/11 - and finally Sunday, we ended on a high note :D we did some tracting (that was fun -_-) then had dinner with the Bishop and his Family. We had spaghetti and it was good, Mom don't worry I'm eating my veggie's I just try not to think... at all.............. And we got one more lesson to end the day with Andrew (LA) and it went soooooo great and next time we are going to watch the Prophet of the Restoration (one at the Joseph Smith Building)

And that my Family and friends is my week this week,

*Means, I will be sending you a big envelope soon and it will contain: Martin's Card, A letter for Doug Oman and Steve Rowzee that I want you to send for me cause I don't have their Addresses and a list of others that I want to write to also, and my Vocal Point CDs cause all they are now that I think about it is that their songs are just regular songs redone so I'm going to send those back sorry...

And Mom I don't know if this will make you happy or sad but my pants are getting pretty big.... in the waist so I'm just telling you now before hand DON'T send any yet wait for two months and I will let you know when I really need them ok :), the last time I checked my weight was two weeks ago before I weighed 209 now I weigh... 220lbs But I lost a lot of body fat so that is good. I will also be sending some pictures in the Mail too in the big Envelope, Um... I have nothing else to say oh wait, Yes Lord of the rings is good, so until next time

 So with out further ado, Safety and Peace, God bless, and if you sneeze during this E-mail bless your face, Requiesta in Pace, keep your stick on the Ice, this is Elder Morris Signing out...

Stormy Weather

Dear Family and Friends,

    All is well here. Things are getting better. There are lots of storms and lots of biking. Lol, Just FYI Elder Arnett does not have a Brother. He has two sisters.  One is in China teaches kids English and the other is going to High School.

   This was one crazy week. We started, with a rain storm and that lasted about two days. Then on Wednesday we borrowed the Hmung missionaries car for a day to go out to Durham, because our boundaries go all the way out to Durham.  It is too far to get there on bikes, but its beautiful.  I have to get some pictures and send them home to you. While we were driving, I felt like I was in Idaho...... except for the Almond and Walnut Orchards. lol  We visited a few less actives and the only reason they are not able to go to church is because they are old. Any who that is not the exciting part. On our way back we saw a storm coming towards Chico. We were thinking that, "Oh another storm... at least we're in a car".  We saw lighting and the whole wild thing. I was a little nervous, but not that much. We had Tarzan playing in the car so I focused in on the music more.  Once we got into Chico a BIG Hailstone hit our car and then more and more. At first I thought someone was shooting at us, and I was happy that we were in a car. On our way back we saw people on the sidewalk getting pelted like crazy, (picture provided by Elder Scotts).  Yeah, that is what its like in Chico Ca.  Today it’s raining heavy too.

   Yes! Darla is actually getting baptized this Saturday. There were a few more lessons to teach her and today we are talking about Baptism and Confirmation.  We found two more investigators thru Floyd, his Cousin Pedro and Pedro's wife Stephanie. They sat in on one of Floyds’ lessons and asked a lot of good questions.  For our official first lesson we watched “The Restoration”, and after the movie Stephanie said this is what she is looking for.  They came to church this last Sunday with Floyd and at first they were a little uncomfortable during Sacrament meeting, but enjoyed the classes.  We had dinner with them that night. They made us burritos mmmmmmm they were good.  I notice now that I'm eating the food better out here but cooked onions still make me want to vomit, ugh. Anyway they enjoyed church and in one of our classes we spoke on Eternal Marriage. Pedro and Stephanie want to be sealed. It is so great! I'm sooooooooooo happy for them.

    To answer your question about the kid that got hit by a car, no I couldn't go with Elder Arnett to give him a blessing.   We were on exchanges that day and Elder Arnett went with the District Leader and gave him a blessing.  He's doing better now he's out of a coma and starting to move a little, like his mouth and stuff like that.  Recently one of our investigators went into the hospital. He always had terminal lung cancer and he's 80yrs old. We think either today or soon is the day he will pass away...... its sad, Yesterday we were teaching Darla and the man’s with cancer’s son peels in and he says "we need you" and before I know it we were to the hospital. It was nuts.  We took two other missionaries and went to see him and gave him a blessing.  He did not look good, I started to have flash backs of Arthur and feel sad.

    But on a brighter note, we committed Pedro and Stephanie to baptism on Nov. 12 so two more. :) I hope all is well at home. I hope you like the pictures and share them with everyone.  This will be my final CD request lol....... Hopefully. I’m not promising, though. lol,

     “Lord of the Rings”, “Fellowship of the Ring”, and the” Return of the King”.

Just send anything that is spiritual including, Alex Boyes, “Relief Society Song.” Talk to Martin about that song. Anything else you’d like to send.  Just not as much candy this time. lol  We are trying to eat healthy, lol.

    So with out further adieu, Safety and Peace, God bless, and if you sneeze during this E-mail bless your face. Requisite in Pace, and keep your stick on the Ice, this is Elder Morris signing out.

Love,

Elder Nathan Morris

"General Conference"

Hey Family and Friends,

    I hope you all enjoyed Conference as much as I did, I especially enjoyed Jeffrey R. Holland's Talk in Priesthood meeting, about “The War in Heaven and on Earth”, how the need of willing men is great and that we must always fight against sin and never join the Adversary in his fight. I love it and how bold he was talking about it. Ever since I started my mission I started to fall in love with Elder Holland's talks, how he just throws everything at us just so he can make a point or however you say it.

    This week was kind of "iffy" we started out ok, but then started to go slightly down hill.  I think it's just conference Anxiety or something. We did 17 lessons this week, just above the Mission standard, so we still got some work done.

    On Tuesday we had Exchanges and it was my turn to be in charge of the area, I was so nervous and stressed, unlike anything. The day went well and we got to teach a few people and visit some less actives.  The Elder I was with was a Hmung Elder so we had a little language study. He read a Scripture out of the Hmung Book of Mormon and I followed along with him in my English Book of Mormon. He tries to tell me what he is reading in English while he reads in Hmung, I follow in English then he tells me what he reading and I help him if he is stuck on a word. I hope that is clear as mud. It was so cool, I almost felt like Joseph Smith and Oliver Cawdry. lol. On the next day I kind of had a break down for some reason.  Elder Arnett and I spoke about it and I told him this is a lot harder than I ever thought. I'm not use to it.  I have never done this much actual work. Then we watched Jeffery R Holland’s Mormon Message about "Good Things Come in Time", with the story of a family going on a trip and the Car breaks down. It's on www.lds.org Mormon Messages, “Good Things to Come”. That helped a lot.  NOW tomorrow is our Exchanges with the Zone Leaders, at least we have a great plan for tomorrow. Phew! lol. Oh and the "Faith Note" you sent helped too.

 Well that's all I have to say now. So until next time Safety and Peace, God bless, and if you sneeze during this Email bless your face,

Requisite in Pace, and keep your stick on the Ice, Elder Morris signing out.

Bah dum do do do do do do do do subscribe.... 

Struggling?

Elder Morris is in the Building,

This week has been kind of a struggle for me, ( I don't know if it was not getting a letter or what), but as you know I'm not much of a people person when it comes to sharing the gosple, but I keep trying and I guess it will come to me soon.

09/20/11

    This day is my 40th mission day, on Monday we were playing dodgeball as a zone and Elder Arnett went up to catch the ball, he did then he landed on another ball and rolled his Ankle pretty badly, so on this day we stayed in and studied and read and watch some church films alllll day. So we didn't do much.....

09/21/11

    The morning of this day I decided to study more diligantly and learn as much as I can, so I could know what to teach all of our investigators that day, and it's been hard trying to teach and listen to the spirit and our investigators needs, it's hard to empty your mind so you can feel the spirit and know what to say. we taught Darla about Tithing and offerings, and getting her ready for Baptism on the 8th. We also Taught Floyd that night and while we are teaching, his roommate came and joined us, his name is Chris and he really loves the lessons. They live in a "Sober Enivorment" I think thats what it is called, so everyone there is trying to quite drugs or other stuff.

09/22-23/11

    This day I thought was gonna be a slow day, we planned for our investigators and then we had lunch with the Atkins ( a great family, Amazing BBQ sauce mmmmmmmmm) and Darla and her Fiance came too.  He is a less-active trying to be active, we all went out to Mountian Mikes for lunch and oh man its sooo bad for you but, taste soooooooo good too. After that we planned on visiting Tony and his family and see how he was doing, everytime I go visit him I feel like he is the one, soooo ready for the gospel, we gave him a plan of salvation packet and ask him to look over it and we are visiting him tonight .

09/24/11

     This was one of the Craziest days ever, we woke up at 06:00 to go to the church to do Building Clean up, and there it seemed more difficult than it should and I relized that I forgot to pray, the hymn kept going through my mind, and when I went into the Primary room to vacuum it, I went to the Podium, and said a quick pray that my day will be smoother and easier, and my day was better thanks to prayer my day was good, then after we cleaned up the church we went to the stake center to get it ready for Baptism for a family in the ward, I love seeing baptism I get a warm feeling every time. Later that day we went to a nice trailer park and Tract there and we found one family that was interested, but the parents only speak spanish. Oh well so we gave them to the spanish elders, it seems like everyone we meet is ether out of our area or spanish, but atlease we're spreading the word. Later that night we were watching Legacy with Floyd and his family, That movie is sooooooo Cheesy, compared to the ones today lol.

09/25/11

    Sunday a day of rest......................... not for a missionary at church on sunday we had 4 of our investigaters show up: Floyd, Ella, Darla,..... ok maybe three that I can remember..... what its been along week.....

Well that was my week I hope all is well.

     So until next time Safety and Peace, God bless, and if you sneeze during this Email bless your face, Requista in Pace, and keep your stick on the Ice, Elder Morris signing out.

Bah dum do do do do do dodo do subscribe....

Chico, CA

Hey,

     It's been so crazy here in Chico, things are moving fast... too fast and sometimes slow in between, so much has happen in this week.

    On Wedsnday, we started out visiting a few people, inviting them to the open house that we had, and then we went and taught Ella an 89 year old woman who is so sweet and kind but hard to teach cause we teach her one day and then she sort of forgets but we're not giving up on her. :) who knows maybe we're preparing her after this life.

   

    The next day we did exchanges with the Zone leaders, we mostly did tracting that day, in the morning we were biking back to the home (oh I tore my pant leg Elder Thompsons bike is evil lol), anyway there was a guy who was shoveling dirt and we went up to him and asked him if he needs help but before we finished our sentence he said " I don't want nothing to do with you guys and I think Christianity is a bunch of BS and you can shove it up your butt (only he didn't say butt)," "but we thought--," "Get out of here" so we went on our way and we discussed how could a person get like that and it's just crazy.  Then we did a little more tracting around some apartments where the college kids reside and it wasn't bad we had a lesson with one of them and it was great.

    The next few days we mostly did lessons and on Sunday we had an open house and out of all our investigators only one showed up, his name is Floyd Virgil we met him on friday and actually he called us and he wanted to know more so we taught him a little bit of the Restoration and he seemed so excited to learn and seeing him excited gets me excited, it was a great day.

I will write to you more later through letters and hope you all have a great time back at home,

I miss you all a lot.

 I found this great Scripture while studying and Thought I might share it with you , it's in D&C 121:7-9 this is where Joseph is in Liberty Jail and his faith is being shaken and the lord told him this,

   " My son, ^peace be unto thy soul; thine ^adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a ^small moment; And then, if thou ^endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy ^foes.  Thy ^friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands."

 This scripture makes me think that what I'm going through he'll be there to help me.

   I hope you like it.

 Safety and Peace, God bless,

 Elder Morris

Nathan Arrives in California!

Elder Nathaniel Morris arrived in California on Tuesday, August 30th early in the morning.  We were able to get a call from him that morning from the airport.  It was great to hear his voice.  He is doing great and is anxious to get settled and back to work.  We also received a letter from his Mission President on Thursday, Sept 1st.  It included pictures which I will attempt to place on this blog.  He looks like a fantastic Missionary.  As soon as I have his address and new area I will post that here for all of you who would like to write to him.  I know he would love to hear how you are all doing.  Please don't comment here as he cannot see it or read your comments.  As for now, Peace and Safety (Nathan's words) my friends and family. LOL

New "Scribe" for the Blog

Hello Friends,
  This is Nathan's Mom and I will be typing his messages in for him.  He sends them to me via snail mail and I will pass them along to you.

Dear Friends,
   I am now settled in at the MTC.  I have two great companions.  Elder Spjute is from Boise, Idaho.  He is tall and plays basketball.  He wants to play for BYU when he returns from his mission.  Elder Langford is from Kentucky and is very fun.  They are great friends and make me feel at home.
   We have been working hard.  It feels like information is coming at us very fast, like drinking from a fire hose.  We have already taught one investigator and one less active member.  Both experiences have taught me a great deal.  It is hard work, but I will do as the saviour and endure to the end.
   For now, Safety and Peace and God Bless,

Love,

Elder Nathaniel Morris

One and a half weeks to go........

Safety and Peace Friends and Readers, It has been an amazing couple of weeks, recieving my call, going to the temple, and giving an amazing farewell talk on sunday, I hope you all are having a fun time on this jorney with cause it's just getting started MWA HA HA HA HA AH.................... Soon I'll be at the MTC studying how to be an exclent Missionary, My mom will be updated my blog from now on, this will be my last post for two years so without ferther a do Safety and Peace and GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!

Temples, light of my life!!!

  Safety, Peace and Happiness be with you all, it's been a while since I posted anything on here, but a great thing happened a few weeks ago I should of posted this earlier but things are moving fast, but as I was saying on June 11, at 09:30 SMT I went to the Salt Lake Temple to take out my Endowments, I can't tell you everything because it's most Sacred to me but I will share my feelings that I felt in there. When I first step in the temple... well any Temple really I feel at ease and calm and also very excited, as I proceed through I felt like I was at home and that I never wanted to leave the spirit is so strong in there it's hard to explain in words, but I'll never forget about it ever.
   In other news I also went out and received my missionary clothes like suits, pants, shirts, and soon shoes, thanks to Men's Warehouse "I'm gonna like the way I look, I guarantee it" and that what's up in my life now, until next time Safety and Peace and God bless.

If you had a birthday shout hooray......... HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!

Safety and peace friends and family, on May 12th, was the day I was born, that was 19 years ago it's amazing how time fly's when you're about to go on a mission, it feels like yesterday when I first started school....... actually more like 14 years ha ha ha... but still time moves and no one can stop it.... So its best if you keep moving or you will be left behind.  Remember Heavenly Father loves all of dearly I know this to be true, I know that the Gospel is also true and I'm Honored to serve the Lord and bring them to the truth, and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

............ Call to serve him, Heavenly King of Glory.......

Safety and Peace, Friends, Family, and the people of the world, today was a special day....... no it's not my birthday that's in 8 more days ha ha ha... it the day I got my call (THe cAlL, THE Call).... is there an echo in here? But yes this is the day I got my call I was called to.......................................... wait for it.................  ROSEVILLE, CALIFORNIA MISSION.................... That's right I'm going back to California, if only I could show my excitement online in words.......... like how Strong Bad does............ I know I will post the video on here so everyone can feel what I feel... so any of you readers out that live in Roseville, California and northern California, I'll be seeing you..... So until next time Safety and Peace, and God Bless.

...........Ent.>UPDATE....................Fil.> Mission.....

Safety and Peace family and friends, here is an update about my mission call..... I was called to.......... some place that I still don't know, the call still hasn't come yet and its more nerve wrecking than ever, but it's not as bad as I thought, since the last post me, my family, and some of my friends (you know who you are) are doing a contest of where I'm going on my mission, so far we have 78 guesses WOW that's a lot most of them are in Texas, the weird thing is that's where my Dad served, The Hosten Texas mission, and if any of you know him and want to say hi just write in the comment box below. Anyways if you want to guess just for fun just put your guess in the comment box, I hope you're all having a great spring, until next time Safety and Peace, and God bless.

The Wait.....................

Safety and Peace friends and family, this is the time in my life where exciting things are happening, where one story ends and another begins, when one door closes and another opens, and when I will stop talking in metaphors like a wise chinese man.... I like metaphors.... anyways yesterday, date: 04/10/11 April, 10, 2011. Time: 14:02:56. I went to visit with my Stake President I knew this wasn't a "How's life going for ya?" kind of meeting it was a "How's life going for ya? Let's talk about your mission papers" kind of meeting, I knew that this meeting is going to change my life forever. (Dramatic music..) I went in a nevous young man and came out an even more nervous Elder... My Stake President (President Ronald Watkins) spoke to me about my choice on becoming a missionary and after the meeting.... (more Dramatic music..)... I love dramatic music.... He said that night he will write my recomendation and send my papers to Church Head-Quarters (BUM Bum BUUUUUMMMMM) so now all I have left to do is get my Endowments and wait............and wait.......... for about two to three weeks.......... my mom doesn't think it will last that long... and I believe her she's right about everything....... so until the next post Safety and Peace be upon you readers and a thank you to all who read my blog even though you think that this is an Assassins Creed Blog it's not... sorry... it's a MISSIONARY BLOG!!! So thank for reading and God bless...

Confrence report...... kinda..... Papers summited........... yes......

Safety and Peace my friends and family. This saturday and sunday was General Confrence and what a great confrence it was, I hope you all enjoyed it as I have, I didn't sleep at all A New RECORD WHOO HOO!!!.... any ways I'm gonna share a part of what I learned in confrence (I was going to do this a little sooner but my internet is not very good...). In the first and second session I learned that family is very important to God's plan and that we should learn to love one another even if things go south. In Preisthood session I learned about how important the priesthood is and how missionary work is very important to the world, to spread the gospel to every kindre and tounge. In the last two sessions I learned fasting is a way of showing faith to our Heavenly Father. If you want to know more about the talks in General Confrence look it up in this coming Ensign and Liahona. As for my life I summited my papers in (yesssssssss) and now all I have to do is wait........ and get an interview with my Stake President............ and recieve my Endowments............and more waiting.........yay........ until next time Safety and Peace.

Photo... $0..... Wisdom Teeth.... $450..... Accepting the call.... Priceless

Safety and Peace be upon you........ ok that phrase is starting to be over done..... any way all is well here right now I'm working on the last few things for my papers, my photo. Today I'm at my Dad's school to take my picture in front of the GREEN SCREEN....... I said the GREEN SCREEN..... thank you.... as I was saying I'm at my dad's school to get my picture taken, and tomorrow I'm going to the dentist to get three things done... My wisdom teeth (you would think that the Word of Wisdom would talk a little bit about wisdom teeth ha ha ha...) fix my retainer and get three tiny weeny cavities filled, usually the dentist will wait till my cavities are a bit bigger then fill them but if I leave then the cavities will just rot my teeth a way...... well that's all that going on in my life before a mission up to now...... oh and I'm now in 3 Nephi 12 my favorite part in the Book of Mormon, the visit from Jesus Christ. When ever I read these chapters I always feel like I'm there watching and listening to his teachings and I know he did visit the Nephites and the Lamanites and taught them, I know this church is true and I know Thomas S. Monson is the true Prophet of the church, I hope to be a great missionary and bring people closer to Christ, and I say these this in the name of our savior Jesus Christ amen.

Paperwork.... Dental....... Mission.....

Safety and Peace family and friends well nothing much has happen only that I'm almost done with my Mission papers now all I have to do is the most terrifying.... the most painful part of all............. THE DENTAL WORK....... (shivers) oh man... on the 25th I will be getting my wisdom teeth pulled out and they haven't even burst through the gums yet, but there is a brighter side to this I will be asleep while this is happening so yeah... I won't feel any thing... but afterwards I will be in pain or ache or whatever.... but it will be worth it to go on a mission right? Well that all that's going on here in my life until next post Safety and Peace. Oh if you know anyone that would like to follow please let them know about this site thank you.