"New Companion-Elder Buhler"

Hallo Familie en Vrienden (Dutch),

   Oh man, what a very and I say, Very ODD week. Let’s get down to the main point. Transfers, I... am.... Staying.  Elder Brooks is leaving? NOOOOOOOOO!!!!! WHYYYYYY!!!!! *sigh* Oh well, that happens I guess.  My new Comp will be Elder Nathan Buhler. He has only been out for 6 months. I guess I'm going to be the Senior Comp.  HOLY CRAP!!!!!!! I don't know if I'm ready for that, but I guess I'll take it like it is.  I'm sure I'll be fine, but if you hear that two missionaries in a truck drove off a cliff and didn't survive, yeah....jk. We'll be fine Mom. Any who, that is enough drama for a minute. Let’s head to MISSIONARY WEEKLY!!!!

  MISSIONARY WEEKLY

  This week is what some missionaries call "P-week", for some strange unknown reason. Obviously it’s not because it’s the week before transfers. Not much has happened on campus, I mean area this week.  We tried to visit a few people and it was a sad failure. We couldn't get a hold of anyone this week. One of our investigators was sick and some weren't even at home. So yeah, a pretty chilled week. We weren’t able to visit anyone, but all was not lost. We got a referral from some Elders in Yuba City. We got one referral that we haven't contacted yet.  Elder Buhler and I will take this area by storm, whatever that means. We will get this place flocking!!!! 

“The Singing Hobo”

         One day, I believe it was Friday afternoon, Elder Brooks and I were heading to the Russ's to hang out for a bit because the apartment reeks with mold from the flooding a couple of days ago.  We hit the first stop light and a Hobo, well I guess I shouldn't say that, more like a Person who hasn't showered for years and has no home, was crossing the street in front of us. He stared, right at Elder Brooks and I.  As he was just passing the front of the truck he turned and walked up to Elder Brooks’ window. He rolled the window down. I didn't know what to think. Is he going to ask for money, or was he going to do something worse, like bash us?  Then my fear turn to comfort, when he said, "Are you men of god?" "Yeah" we replied. "That's cool so am I" He said, "I'm living like Jesus did. I’m living in the Mountains." He went on and on about being a good Christian. Then he asked if he could share a song with us. We looked at each other, then at the light and we saw it was still red.  We said, “Sure go ahead”. It was a song he said he wrote and it was pretty good. He could use some singing lessons though, but the lyrics were good.  The song was talking about how Jesus loves you and me and all other people. Then he said, “Thank you and God Bless.”  We said the same to him.  That was an amazing experience.

 That's it for this week’s Missionary Weekly...

Q&A Corner

  Now we head to the wonderful game show Q & A Corner! I'm your host Pat Sajack, I mean Elder Morris.

  Q1. Did Brother Baker get confirmed yesterday? How is he doing? How is his family? I hope he feels loved and welcome.

  A1. Yeah, he did. He's doing well. His son confirmed him, yesterday. He's enjoying the ward. Oh and before you ask, no I don't have a picture of him. He didn't want one taken.

  Q2. Have you heard about transfers? How about you, Elder Brooks, Elder Knight, and Elder Gillian (those are your roommates right?)? I don't want you to miss any letters I send your way.

  A2. * Please see first paragraph for more info. Elder Knight and Gillian are still together.

  Q3. Did you get the flooding fixed again? Has the rain tapered off? We have finally had spring weather. It was sunny all weekend. How has the weather been there lately?

  A3. We got the flooding fixed a while ago, but the place reeks with the smell of mold. I feel like I'm in my old bedroom. I'm starting to sneeze in my sleep again.  We talked to the guy and he said he might get it fix soon. Yes, it's been sunny all week.

Q4. Have you had exchanges lately? Have you met with the investigators you found with the ZL's last time? Who are you teaching right now?

A4. No, not yet. *Please see “Missionary Weekly” for more info on the investigators.

Q5. Are you excited about General Conference? Will you go to the church to watch conference or to a member’s home? I always enjoy conference and really look forward to the messages. Report which talk you like the most in your next letter.

A5. Oh yeah, I am. We're probably going to the Russ's to watch it. Sorry if these answers seem short. I'm just trying to hurry and get this done because we have to go and pick up another missionary soon.

Q6. Do you like driving a truck? Is it automatic or standard (stick shift)? Have you driven it yet? Rachel drives but it is a car of course.

A6. It’s Ok. It's just like driving the Van. It’s an automatic. Thank goodness. I've driven it once because Elder Brooks wasn't feeling well.

Q7. Do you need anything? Are your allergies or asthma kicking in, since spring has arrived? I hope you are feeling well. If you need any prescriptions refilled let me know. OK?

A7. Nah, I’m fine. I'll be Ok. Just send the other stuff I requested a while ago, I guess. Maybe you could send a GPS, would be nice. Please.

Ok that's it for this Email. I better wrap this up. We have a lot of people to visit and say goodbye to and such. You know the Tune!!!!!!

Safety and peace, God bless and if you sneeze during this email bless your face. Auf Wiedersehen! Requesta de pache (rest in peace), Molto Bene, Alsons y, Arrivederci! Tot ziens, smell ya later, Noice, Nofo a. Until next time this is Elder Morris in Nevada City singing out, Peace on!!!!

Snow, Beautiful, Snow!

 Hello Family and Friends,

         What a crazy week!!! I thought that I saw animals walking by our apartment in pairs.  It rained all week this week, non-stop.... well until today.  It’s bright and sunny today.  I'm actually kind of happy to see the sun for a bit, but I still like the cloudy days more. I like days with rain and snow.  Oh, I almost forgot to tell you guys that last week we got a TRUCK!!!! YES, HOORAH!!! Now we can get anywhere.  Neither snow, rain, mud nor rock will stop us now.  We can get anywhere. "4 wheel-drive" HOORAH!!!

  

    Thank you mom for the package. It was awesome. I can’t stop eating those fruity Mike and Ike's and thanks for the new tote. It is a little smaller but my Scriptures fit just fine.  Thanks for “The Work” CD.  Did you ever listen to it like I suggested? That's why I mentioned it to you.  Oh well.  I love the packages you send and so does my companion. He said, "You Mom is too nice". (Mom, stop blushing).

  

     That's cool that T-rope (Tyler Roper) is going to the Calgary Alberta Canada Mission.  That is where my Companion's Mom served.  He said that it gets to -70 with wind chill.  The mission was bigger then. It is now smaller.  That mission was cut down to size, but hey tell him Congrats for me.  I hope to here from him soon.

   OK everyone, time for a BYU weekly... I mean Cal-Rose Missionary weekly...

  03/13/12 - Interview day for baptism, WHOO HOO the interview went well.  This is also the day of the BIG RAIN!!!!!

  

  03/14/12 - District Meeting, more rain... (I'm just writing the things I have in my journal.  If there is not a lot of info I'm sorry. I'm trying to get better at it. I have improved a lot though.)

  03/15/12 - This day was somewhat upsetting. We went up to North San Juan to contact people. One of the families we contacted has been sick a lot. Thank goodness that's all that has kept them from church.  We tried to contact others. Either they were not home or they claimed they're not Mormon.  Wake up and smell the roses people!!!! Oh, and it rained all day as well.  So it wasn't that bad after all.

  03/16/12 - Well I think we had another repeat experience from the last transfer. Our apartment got flooded, again. That is twice.  I don't think that they did a very good job the first time they came to fix the problem.   We had or I mean have, very wet carpet.  I did get the package that day so I was pretty happy despite the wet carpet!!!

  03/17/12 - HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY Today was a cleaning day. A day of washing away sins and washing the apartment today we're suppose to have apartment checks, so we did a good cleaning, but they didn't even come to check it.... the Baptism went great, we had no actual part in it sadly.  They did have trouble going down because he couldn't bend his knees, but we got him down all the way.  The rains came down and the floods did not!

  03/18/12 - SNOW!!!!!! SO PRETTY!!!!!!  We had so much snow here that they canceled church because of it.  It was more of a wet snow and slippery snow.  When I walk through our front door I swore I was in Narnia again. Snow in the mountains is so beautiful. I love it.  Since Church was canceled we have to move the confirmation date for Brother Baker to next Sunday.  One thing sad about being snowed in at the apartment, there's nothing to do.

 And that's it for Cal Rose Mission weekly join us next time...

 And now its Time fooorrr Q&A Corner!!!!!!!

Q1. Did Brother Baker get baptized? What part did you play in the program or Baptism? Are you preparing anyone else for Baptism?

A1. * see day 03/17/12. Not preparing anyone new at the moment.

 Q2. Are you all cooking more? Please be better at budgeting your money. Ask your roommates and Elder Brooks to start cooking and eat out less. It will be better for your budget and your health.

 A2. We're trying to cook more.  We started to make our own snack wraps, but I ran out of tortillas so fast.

Q3. When is the next transfer date? Jackson has transferred several times, but James has stayed in the same area for 7 months (his whole mission). Is transferring hard or exciting?

A3. Transfers are next week, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. What do you mean Jackson's been transferred a lot??? What did he do??? (Jk)  That’s cool for James, but I bet he's ready to move on.... or not. I haven't heard from him for a while.  I sent him a letter last week, so I hope he gets back to me. I say transfers are both hard and exciting, because you never know who's going where. It's exciting to find out. Last time they announced them at 11:00 on Sunday and it was nerve wracking.

 Q4. Does your mission have a choir? Does your ward have a choir? Could you participate in your choir? Jackson says he sings in a mission choir and he enjoys sharing his talent. Music could really be motivational and you should keep up using your talents and gifts.

 A4. Nope, only time we sing is either in District Meeting, church or in the Car/Shower.  Nope, no ward choir either.  At least to my knowledge, we don't have a ward Choir.  I bet I could participate if they had a choir.

 Q5. Have the ward councils, ward mission leaders or Stake Presidencies been any help in finding new investigators? Do you and Elder Brooks do much tracting? You should encourage that because it is up to you to do the searching or finding.

A5. They are not much help yet. We're just barely getting a ward mission plan together and actually having a Mission coordination meeting.

 Q6. What was the best thing that happened to you this week? What was the worst thing that happened to you this week? Did you do something to serve your companion this week?

 A6. I'm going to have to say the Baptism was the best thing that happened this week. The worst would be the flooding in the Apartment.  I did things without being asked.   I guess that’s how I served my companion.

 Q7. What can you do to find inspiration and strengthen you testimony this coming week? Did you find something in your studies that inspired and helped you this past week?

 A7. I'm still trying to finish the Book of Mormon and I'm almost done with “Our Search for Happiness”.  I just recently read Ether 12, about faith and the importance thereof.

 Phew, what an email this has turn out to be. Trying to write all this is nuts. Sorry to hear about Lydia. Thank goodness she is doing better.  Thanks for the SD card.  I really needed it.  I'll send this one home soon. Well you know the tune.

           Safety and peace, God bless and if you sneeze during this email bless your face. Auf Wiedersehen! Requesta de pache (rest in peace), Molto Bene, Alsons y, Arrivederci!, до свидания, smell ya later, Noice, Nofo a, Until next time this is Elder Morris in Nevada City singing out, Peace on!!!!

(Russian would not copy and paste.  The blanks are Russian salutations. LOL)

"Lift Where You Stand"

Hallo Familie und Freunde,

   Man I think these weeks are just getting hecka longer now. Well as of two days ago I hit my 7th month mark.  I have 17 more to go and I am soooooo trunky (jk), but this week was the most successful ever.  Exchanges, new investigators and.... wait I'm getting ahead of myself. Lets head to “Missionary Weekly”.  Quick to the weekly mobile do do do do do....

  03/06/12 - Exchanges with Zone Leaders, wait I'm not a “greenie” or a missionary with leadership, it doesn't make sense. Oh well, this day was one of the most successful days yet for missionary work. I was with Elder McCoullgh. A very good missionary that only has 2 months left. We went out tracting and we picked up two new Investigators.  It was a little funny because one of the people we picked up was, I think “Cause he is one fine looking young man not an Ugly bird”.  Flirting with him, oh you know what they say, “flirt to convert”. Lol.  This day, I felt that I did more missionary work than I have since I came to Nevada City.  He (Elder McCoullgh) actually made tracting fun.   I'm glad for that experience.

  03/07/12 - This day was all about getting ready for tomorrow. We got our haircuts at the Clines, the family that had the two little girls. It was an interesting night because they (the two girls) took my planner and drew all over it. lol  It was pretty hilarious.

  03/08/12 - L. Tom Perry!!!!! This is the day most memorable (or how ever you spell that) because we went to the Roseville "Temple" (church house, we just call it a temple because its two stories, it’s huge) and I saw all my old Companions, Elder Spjute, Elder Kulhenhoelter and Elder Arnett ( Elder Langford was there but I didn't see him). Man I was so happy. I saw all the Elders except for two that were in my old district.  I felt like I was at a High School reunion.

  The Talks were just as exciting and good.  Elder Maynes and his wife were there as well (Presidency of the Seventy).  Elder Perry's wife spoke as well, but the funniest one was Elder Perry. He is so funny, talking about when he worked at Deseret Farms helping pick tomatoes. He was hanging around little Mexicans and such. lol  The over all point they were getting across is to look for the “Searchers”, true investigators. We had a good old time then we took the chance afterwards to go to Wal-Mart to get a few things. There is no place to shop for miles from our place.  Overall it was an amazing day.

  03/09/12 - Today we had a return appointment with one our new Investigators. I really believe that she is a "Searcher". We just spent time getting to know her and where she's at in life.  You know, the usual.

  03/10/12 - 7th Month Mark, WHOO HOO!!!!!! We were invited to attend a funeral for a member of our ward.  I didn't even know she was in our ward because she just barely moved into our ward boundaries recently. She used to live in the Grass Valley Ward. It was a pretty short program. Afterwards we helped a member move a piano to another member’s apartment, which was upstairs. Ouch! At least it wasn't a Grand piano. It was the kind the church has, so it wasn't that bad. It was Ok.

  03/11/12 – “Seminary Sunday”, is the day when seminary students take control.  This day was basically like a Primary Program, except with seminary students. It was good. It was different, but good.

 Ok, that's it for “Missionary Weekly”.  Phew that’s a lot. Now, let’s head to ................ (Inhale), “Q&A Corner”. *Plop*

  Q1. Has spring arrived in sunny California? It appears it has here, but then we can go back to winter in a blink of an eye in good old Utah.

  A1. Kind of, it's been raining a lot and flowers are blooming, specifically Daffodils (or however you spell it). I'll send pictures. I would send the real thing but I don't think it would survive the trip.

  Q2. How are the baptism preparations coming along? Is Brother Baker getting excited? Who will be doing the baptism? Is his son prepared to do that for him? That would be really special for both of them.

  A2. They're coming along just fine. Yes, he is excited. We have his interview for tomorrow (Tuesday).  Yeah, his son is going to do it.  I'm excited for both of them.

  Q3. How did exchanges with the ZLs go? Did you drive? Was it OK? I know that isn't your favorite thing, but just like everything we do practice makes perfect or at least more comfortable.

  A3. *see 03/06/12 for info. No, thank goodness. I didn't drive and usually the oldest missionary wise (out the longest) will drive.

  Q4. Have you come up with any new ways to find investigators? Maybe you could have a goal to give away a Book of Mormon each week? Talk to people in your ward - Auxiliary leaders such as Relief Society President, Primary President, Elders’ Quorum President and High Priest Leader. They may know people who need to hear the gospel or are ready to find a better life?

  A4. Mom, are you reading out of the “Preach My Gospel” for these questions? It seems like you are. Yes, we are trying to do that but they're not much help.  We've been going to Ward Council every Sunday. We'll see how that helps.

  Q5. We are reading the Book of Mormon again. Are you reading your scriptures as often as possible? They almost always have answers to prayers and solutions to trials and tests. Maybe you can find a new creative way to find people to teach in the scriptures.

  A5. I try to.  I'm on Ether 12? I think 12 or 13, one of those. Ether 12 is a very good one to read about faith.

  Q6. What was the best thing that happened this past week? What was the worst thing that happened? What did you learn from both experiences?

  A6. Ok, now this just sounds like school. lol. The best THINGS that happen this week, I would say, was finding new investigators and L. Tom Perry speaking. The worst, would be... um... probably moving the Piano. That was tough. I really understood what Dieter F. Uchtdorf meant by “lift where you stand” (http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/lift-where-you-stand?lang=eng&query=lift+stand) and stand for the “good thing” to find the ones who are “searchers”.

  Well I guess that’s it for this email. Oh and Mom, I think I might need a new tote bag for my scriptures. The one I have is ripping pretty bad.  Maybe a new SD card too. The one I have is full now. lol.  Maybe send a photo album to keep my photos in too. I don't know. A Pikachu shirt from JCPenny might be fun? Anyways, time to rap-out this email.

 

Safety and peace, God bless and if you sneeze during this email bless your face. Auf Wiedershen! Requesta de pache (rest in peace), Molto Bene, Alsons y, Arrivederci! Smell ya later, Noice, Nofo a, Until next time, this is Elder Morris in Nevada City, singing out. Peace on!!!! (P.S. Yes it's singing out!!!!)

Snow, Snow, SNOW!

                                                                                          3/5’12

Hey Family,

    The snow came and it went just like that.  This week we couldn't do much considering we had SO MUCH SNOW.  It was so beautiful up here, especially the drive after the storm and that we could actually drive.  The trees were covered and  the mountain peaks were capped (picture will come soon). Lets go to our weekly review for this week.

 Missionary Weekly:

   02/28/12: Well, today I actually woke up on time, kind of.  We had a lesson with Allen Baker. We talked about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I definitely see an improvement from the first time I taught him to now. Afterwards, we had to do a mission survey for the Mission Program about the “Preach My Gospel”.  Such questions as “what could be more helpful?” “What has helped me?” and more questions like that. That was our day.

  02/29/12: Leap Year, Unstoppable snow, Snowman, snow, SNOW, SNOOOOOOOOOWWWWW!!!!

  03/01/12: This day we went to the Blendez's and chatted for a bit, The younger boy (about 5) thought we were bringing pizza. lol. That’s what his Dad told him right before we came. It turns out we didn't have a dinner that night, so after our short visit we went to Little Ceasars Pizza and got some pizzas. We had dinner there and they were so grateful.

   03/02/12: Once most of the snow had melted and it was safe to drive we decided to take another trip up to Donner Pass just to see how much snow it had.  Oh man they got snow like crazy. It was up to my waist and I still wasn't touching the ground. It was just nutty!!! Later that day Sister Blendez was having a hard time and asked us to come by and give her a blessing. Hopefully everything will be better.

   03/03/12: Exchanges NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! I'm starting to really dislike exchanges, but this was a good one. We had service all day long. We were helping a member in the Grass Valley Ward move to a storage unit in Penn Valley. Here's a good idea, don't get expensive furniture that weighs about a ton. Then we had dinner at the “Indian Oven” an Indian Buffet. It was pretty good, not great, but good and spicy!!!

  03/04/12: Sunday..... Fast Sunday....... *sigh*.......jk. It was a good one. There was a baby blessing and a very odd testimony meeting.  During the Testimony meeting a non-member stood up and bore, I guess you could call it a Testimony, that this is an amazing church. We would teach him, but he's in a different area, Forest Hill.

 And that's it for Missionary weekly.... now for Q&A!!!!

 1. How are you and all your companions doing? Hope you are all feeling well. Elder Arnett mentioned in his letter home that several Elders were sick with the flu in his area.

 A. We're good. All is well!!! Yeah, I read that too. ( As I'm checking my blog, I check his as well).

   2. How is Brother Baker coming along? Is he home from the hospital yet? I hope he feels strong soon. Pray for him and visit him often.

  A. Yeah he's doing better. We're planning his baptism now, like the program and such.

3. Do you still have snow occasionally? We get snow every weekend! Though, today was pretty sunny and nice. I hate to have snow on the roads on Monday mornings when I take Arthur to school.

A. Not occasionally, like right now it's 75 degrees, but we might get snow or I guess some rain soon.

4. Are you doing OK budget wise? I try to keep money in your account. If you need anything, please let me know. Are you all doing a little more cooking? I promise it will save you money in the long run and will be much healthier.

A. I think so, we just got our allotment in. Last month was bad. I only had a dollar left, but I'll do better now. Cooking wise, not much. We haven't been shopping yet, so we will this week.

5. Dad wants to know if you have driven much? Sounds like you have lots of miles to travel to keep up with your area. Does Elder Brooks like to drive? Is he a good driver?

A. I did on Saturday and I might have to tomorrow because we have exchanges with Z.L.s. So yeah, I do drive often but I’m not too happy about it. He does like driving and yeah he's good at it.  He might speed a lot but its ok I trust him.

 6. Aunt Karen asked her girls this question and I liked it so, "If I were a magician and could grant you any wish, what would you wish for?" What would you like to receive in a care package this month? (St Patrick's Day)

A. To come home? Does that count? jk  Hmmmm, lets see........ just some letters every week I guess. I really don't know. I just like some updates from people like Martin, Lydia, Dad,  and maybe even Arthur. Maybe if you want to email me instead go ahead. I want to be updated even while I'm on the Lord's Errand. Don't think it will distract me, because it won't, ok? That's my wish. As for the package some of those CDs (Jon Schmit, Dainel Beck, ect). Talks if you could, (John Bytheway, ect.) and umm........ a plane ticket? lol Just Kidding  some "Cool" stickers too.  Lol.  Idk its hard to know what I want because the stuff I want, I can't have. Some pictures by Del Parson. I guess that's all I can think of......what else?

Well I guess that’s it for this email.  Thats all I have to say today. Until next time,  

Safety and peace, God bless and if you sneeze during this email bless your face, Requesta de pache (rest in peace), Molto Bene, Alsons y, Arrivederci! Smell ya later, Noice, Nofo a. Until next time this is Elder Morris in Nevada City singing out, Peace on!!!!