Monday, May 27, 2013

Memorial Day - P-day


Hello Once again Family and Friends!              5/27/13
         Ah... nice and cloudy.... just the way I like it. This week was a pretty cool week... and the only way I can tell it is with...
“MISSIONARY WEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKLLLLLYYYY”!!!!!!!

Missionary Weekly
Wow, I haven't done this in a long time. Welcome to “Missionary Weekly” where we check out the missionaries in the field during the harvest. Today... a new investigator over reacts? See what happened and Zone Conference, calling the missionaries to repentance. Exchanges with a new missionary, what fun things happened on that day? Read all this and more on “Missionary Weekly”!!!!!

  05/21/13 - ZONE CONFERENCE!!!! Great time. Basically at Zone Conference we talked about Repentance and planning to the Max. It was pretty awesome and I also gave my departing testimony, although I wasn't feeling it. Well I was, but it was different because we had a microphone instead of the podium.  It was great and Elder Henke put the training we were given to the test and went crazy with all out planning!!!!

 05/22/13 - Interesting day. We had an awesome first lesson with a new investigator that we will talk more about later, but all you need to know right now is that we had an awesome lesson.  Later in the day we got a call from her that she had found an injured bird and she wanted us to find someone to take it down to Anderson. *(To be continue) Later in the evening we had an interesting visited with a less-active, part-member family.  Let’s just say that I wish I spoke Spanish, but it was a set appointment. We had two Spanish speakers there, so it was Ok. They are a nice family. Elder Henke's Birthday was today, May 22nd.  He is now 20.  Yeah for May Birthdays!!!

 05/23/13 - *Now we return to the story of the Bird and the investigator.  So this morning was a little bit of a drag. It started off with a phone call from our new investigator. We were planning on doing service for her on Saturday.  She called and said, "I'm calling it off, and if you can't help a sick bird then how can you help me? Good day!!" >Click< L…Yeah, that just made the whole day worse, but all is well.  We got stuff done just the same, but sad because a lot of lessons canceled and such.

 05/24/13 - Weekly Planning for lessons and 9-mile bike rides up and down hills. L 

 05/25/13 – Exchanges today. So we had exchanges this week with Redding 1st ward Elders.  I was with the new missionary who doesn't seem that new.  He's from Dallas, Texas and is 21 years old.  He seems more mature than anyone else, but like in a fun way.  He kind of chastised me for our messy apartment, but I was fine with it and we cleaned it up.  We did talk to a lot of potential investigators, so he is awesome.  His name is Elder Ramos. Oh, we also had a Boy Scout Spaghetti Fundraiser. Two members wanted us to bid on some of the desserts that they were auctioning off.  We came home with a lot of desserts!

 05/26/13 - Not much happened on Sunday. We actually had to walk to church because we couldn't find a ride.  We had an early meeting to get to and no one involved in it lives very close.  A returned sister missionary had a fireside that night and showed off some of her pictures from the New York, New York South Mission. That was fun.  Oh, Michael and Jonathan, the Bishop's son, came by because they wanted some of the cake we bought and Michael did had a few questions from 2 Nephi 13 – 19 (Isaiah Chapters).  Elder Henke, the Genius that he is, answered some of the questions for him. J

          That's it for “Missionary weekly”.

Time for Q & A CORNER!!!!!!!

 Q1.  How are you and Elder Henke doing?  How do you feel?  Tell us more about your companion, like his favorite things, his talents and his family.

A1. We are doing fine. I feel good. Elder Henke likes computers and he is smart.  He is a band geek...lol He is the 2nd of 5 kids. The older and the younger brother are not too interested in the church... to say the least.  His entire family are members of the Church. He likes Lord of the Rings and Legend Of Zelda. He loves stratagem games and stuff like that.

Q2.   How are your investigators?  How many lessons did you get to teach this past week?  Do you have any baptisms lined up?  Hannah said they have one coming June 8th.  They do a similar goal thing for lessons taught and baptisms.  What has been the most successful approach, referrals or tracting?  Hannah does something they call OYM - Open your mouth.  They just talk to random people they see on the street.  Hummm, sounds scary but maybe a good idea?

A2. Well, I will tell you when we find some investigators.  We taught 17 lessons this week.  Nope, no baptisms right now. Yeah, goals are what all the missionaries use to keep tract of everything it talks about it in Preach My Gospel (Ch 8 "Use time wisely"). Referrals are usually the best or most successful method. Yeah, I thought I told you about “OYM-ing”. We do that a lot!

Q3.   Have you had many dinner invitations?  Have you cooked for each other this week?  Are you doing anything special on Memorial Day?  Will you have a regular p-day?  How is the district leader calling going?  What is the busiest part of your calling?  What do you like the most about your calling?

A3. All week we have had dinner invitations. Not really, neither of us had to cook this week. Maybe we’ll be getting our car back today... I hope so. The district leader job is going well. Exchanges are always the hardest or busiest part of my calling. The best part is just the opportunity to serve others.

Q4.   Are you finding ways to get around?  Do you think you will get a car again?  Don't district leaders usually have a car?  I think you will be fine without a car.  You have your bike and members who should be more than willing to give you rides when you really need them.

A4.  Sorta.... We might get our car back today, if Pres. Weston calls us back. Nobody in our Zone is very happy about the car situation, not in the least bit.... for exchanges, especially. Yeah.... in this area... look it up on lds.org. Sign in and go to maps and type in Shasta Lake and it should show you our Ward Boundaries.  It would be nice if no one worked and our area was small.

Q5.   What was the highlight of your week?  What was the most disappointing part of the past week?  What inspired you this past week?  What did you do to serve your companion this past week?  What did you do that was just for you?  What made you feel good this past week?

A5. Why must I answer the world's hardest question?  Zone Conference was the highlight. Losing an investigator because of an injured bird was the most disappointing part.  You faith note inspired me, Mom.  I got him a cake for his Birthday? Having fun with Michael, Jonathan and Henke was just for me... just having a good time always makes me feel good. 

Q6.   What are your plans for p-day?  What do you like the most about p-days?  What is the worst part of p-days?  Do you and Elder Henke have similar taste in activities or hobbies?  Is he a good cook or housekeeper?  What does he do that is the most helpful on p-days?  What do you admire most about him?  Remember to take good care of yourself and your companion. 

A6. For p-day today I hope we get our car and if not we’ll hang out at the stake center and then go shopping. The same old stuff....  the worst part is when it ends... Yeah, we like similar things.... Elder Henke is a good housekeeper? Idk if he is a good cook? I like that he actually has the guts to do stuff. 

 Well that's it for this email until next time!!!!!
Until next time this is Elder Morris in Shasta Lake singing out, Peace on!!!! do do do do do do email

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

"No More CAR!"


Hello Once again Family and Friends,                                     5/20/13
         Man this has been a crazy week and I really mean crazy week!!! Starting off last P-day after I sent my E-mail and had great fun playing scatter ball, one of the missionaries that is training got a call from the mission office and found out that we (As in Shasta Lake) are giving up our car to the new sisters that are coming in.  I was furious... because we live very far a way from everyone and our area is huge, like in more than 50 miles across and it’s also very hilly.  Yeah, so no more car.... for now.
          Things are a little better now.... well almost. We are just working on getting things going in the city part of our area. Now we are going to have to rely on the members to take us around the farther out places. It makes it hard as a District leader as well. The lack of car makes it hard to do exchanges and other things such as district meetings.  I hope to get a car soon.
          Enough about my complaints, let’s head to Q & A CORNER!!!!

Q1. First question. Who is your new companion? Where is he from? How long has he been out in the field? Tell us something interesting or unique about him.

A1.  My companion’s name is Elder Henke and he is from Dallas Texas. He's been out for 9 months. Um, he's just unique all around, fun, good and easy to get along with.

Q2. Tell us about your district. How many sisters? How many Elders? Are you enjoying serving as the district leader? What cities are included in your district? Are you able to find motivation for you and the others in your district? Do you feel your district is strong and making significant progress?

A2. There is one set of sisters and 4 sets of Elders (including us). I like it when I can actually see or be around my district. It is quite spread out.  The district includes the north part of Redding, Shasta Lake, Mount Shasta, Weed, and well basically all those places. Yes, we are all very motivated. Well, it’s the first week as the district leader and I can't say much about the others, so not too sure where we stand at this point.

Q3. Tell me more about your house? I know you live in a member’s home, but do you share the kitchen or do you have your own kitchen? I'd love to see pictures and hear more about where you live. Are you keeping it in good shape and offering to help the people who house you?

A3. It’s like a separate section of the house.  We have our own kitchen and bathroom.  We are trying too offer help and do our part but it’s tough.

 Q4. How is your new member, Michael doing? How are all your investigators doing? Have you been able to contact the referral you had? Have you had any luck with tracting and "finding" on your own? Do you ever run into people to teach when doing p-day activities, like shopping?

A4. Michael he is doing AWESOME!!!! The others are doing ok? Elder Puckett and Bishop tried, but only met with the son.  Now we don't have a car so it's going to be a pain to get there. Not much success tracting, I was really scattered brain this week, but I'm doing better now. Sometimes we do meet people on our p-days.

Q5.   What was a highlight of your week?  What made you frustrated this week?  Did you have a moment that brought you to tears?  Did you have a moment that made you laugh so hard you couldn't breath?  What was a something that taught you something new about yourself?  Share your favorite moment of the past week?

A5. Um, no real highlights, yet.  Frustrated would be “Losing the CAR”, (tears), losing the car... (Laughing), losing the car.  What I learned about myself is that I really need to take something and just roll with it. I guess the favorite moment was having an awesome Sunday.

Q6.  How has the weather been?  Today, it was only 61 degrees here with showers and my computer said it was 84 degrees and sunny in Shasta Lake!  We are so jealous of you.  Do you like it warm and sunny or rainy and cool?  Little Miss Crissy seems to think you prefer rain! hummmm

A6. It has been warm, but actually it was pretty cool for the last few days. We heard now it’s going to getting hot, like in the triple digits. I do prefer rain and cool. 

Sorry it took so long to send this. Life without a car is tough, but we are going to get by. Pray for us.

Love,
Elder Morris

Safety and peace, God bless and if you sneeze during this email bless your face ગુડબાય (Guḍabāya), baik, Undang Auf Wiedersehen! Requesta de pache (rest in peace), Molto Bene, الوداع, Alsons y, bonum devium, 再見 (Zàijiàn), Arrivederci!, zbogom, Nasvidenje, ವಿದಾಯ (Vidāya) अलविदा (Alavidā), pożegnanie, Hwyl fawr, kwaheri,tạm biệt, sudie, Tot ziens, elveda, smell ya later, Noice, Nofo a, Until next time this is Elder Morris in Shasta Lake singing out, Peace on!!!! do do do do do do email.


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Monday, May 13, 2013

"A lot of ups!"


                                                                                 5/13/13
Hello once again Audience,
          “Happy Mother's day” to all you awesome Mothers out there. This week though, was full of ups and downs, but most of a missionary's life is like that. This week had a lot of ups!! I guess I should hit the downs out of the park first. 
         On Tuesday, we had our Zone Meeting and afterwards we got a phone call from a lady saying that her loved one has cancer. I insisted come over and give her a blessing. Little did I know that the person she was talking about it was her dog! We gave her dog a blessing. It went well, but little did I know that if a dog licks Elder Puckett's face he could get sick.  The next day he (Elder Puckett) wasn't feeling to well. He said he felt like someone punched him in the gut, but as time moved on he started to feel better. Then we went back to work. So those were the tough parts of the week, along with a few flakey people who didn’t show for appointments.
         The Good things are that we were able to work and get 20 lessons done this week.... not exactly 30, but it was a rough week. Oh, we also had transfer calls and Elder Puckett is going to Lincoln. I'm staying becoming District Leader. I’m not training, but I'm good with that I guess. lol. Looking at 12 weeks of being district leader , WHOO HOO!!!

Now for the Q & A CORNER!!!!!

Q1.   How did the appointment go yesterday?  How was Elder Puckett's visit with Bishop's referral?  How did the rest of your Sabbath day go?  Was it a good Birthday?

A1.   Oh, that appointment on Sunday, canceled. Actually he wasn't there. It was okay, we had steak for dinner at the Bishop’s house. It was good. J

Q2.   What was the news regarding transfers?  Do you have a new calling? Trainer?  District Leader? Where is Elder Puckett headed? You are staying right?  How do you feel about the changes?

A2. *Please refer to missionary weekly for the answer to this question. I feel good about it. J

Q3.   Are you using your planner?  Do you have a plan for the Shasta Lake area?  Do you feel like you have re-awakened the area?  Do you feel optimistic about the area and finding true searchers?

A3.   Yeah, I always use my planner.  I don’t really have a plan or nothing too big anyway. Nope, Shasta Lake is still asleep. I feel that the searchers are there, we are just having trouble finding them.

 Q4.   Do you have a bucket list for your mission?  Is there anything you wish you could still do or any place you wish you could see before you come home?  Are you taking pictures, even if we haven't seen them?  We can easily add picture to your binder when you get home.  It might be even better to do it with you, and you can add captions.

A4.   No bucket list really, but there are a few places I want to visit. Yes, I'm taking pictures. lol. I’d like to see Mt. Shasta and Sundial Bridge. There are a lot of places in the area I’d like to see.

Q5.   What was the best part of the past week?  What was the biggest challenge?  Did anything cause you to go outside your comfort zone?  What was the best part of your talk on Sunday?  I would love to hear it, did you write it down so you can share it later?

A5. Best part was my Birthday!!! Biggest challenge was finding people!!! A lot of things push me out of my comfort zone!!! I think the part of my talk I liked the best is where I share the scripture Alma 56:46-47 about the Stripling warriors!!! I have it written down, don't worry!!!

Q6.   Did you get to ask all you wanted when we skyped?  Do you have any other questions we didn't get to answer, yesterday?  Do you need anything or what besides letters can we send or do to make your mission even better?  Love you tons, and we are so proud of all you do.  You are amazing.

A6. No of course not. Yes, I have questions on every thing!!! What will the plans be when I get home? I’d just like letters, please. J Maybe you could send clips, like movie clips of you guys. lol.

Thanks for everything.  To all you peoples, thank you for everything!!!
        
Safety and Peace!!!

Elder Nathaniel Morris
~Shasta Lake, CA

Monday, May 6, 2013

Random Shenanigans


Hello once again Audience!!!! (Family and Friends)         5/6/13
         This week was full of random shenanigans, (I hope I spelled that right?). We had a good week for teaching lessons. This week we went above and beyond our usual goal of 21 lessons... we hit 25, but most of those lessons were just from talking to people. We had 1 lesson with a member present, 17 other lessons and 8 lessons with less-active members or recent converts. This week we are going to shoot for 30 lessons in one week. It’s going to be awesome!!!! 
         A fun experience we had yesterday, Sunday we went out with Michael (Our recent Convert) and Jonathan (The Bishop's son) and did tracting with them in the neighborhood, Me and Jonathan took one side of the street and Michael and Elder Puckett took the other side. It was actually very effective, especially since it was double the two of us. I feel like I'm in Young Mens’ again doing work with the youth it was awesome. I really miss the Young Mens program. I kind of hope that someday I will get a calling in the Young Men’s program. That would be fun!!!!
         Ann is still in the hospital, but from what I've heard she is doing better. We went over and spoke with her husband, he is a really nice guy, not too into what we have to share, but very nice.
 That's pretty much it, not much has happened. We do have a few potentials to work with, but nothing too promising. So I best hit, Q&A Corner really quick. lol!!!

Q1.   I have noticed your weather is very warm.  It said 93 degrees the other day.  We have had a few warmer days in the 70s lately.  Finally some sunshine!  Are you staying hydrated and cool?  Do you still enjoy riding your bike?  Are the new gears working well for you?  What does Elder Puckett think of the warm weather?

A1.  I think I’d rather take the 70s over the 90's any day. Yes, mother. Lol Yeah, I enjoy riding the bike, for the most part. Yeah, the new gears are actually better, now the bike is actually worth bringing home. Lol  Elder Puckett doesn't mind the weather, unless it’s really hot.

Q2.   How is Ann doing?  Is she out of the hospital?  What put her in the hospital?  We keep her in our prayers.  How are all your investigators?  Are you teaching anyone new?  Have you had any success in finding while tracting?  Have you been given any new referrals?  I am eager to hear it all.

A2.  Ann is still in the hospital. :( All our investigators are fine... Not really any new investigators... meh, or success tracting. Yes, one referral from Bishop, which we will contact today!!! 

Q3.   Have you been to the Temple while on your mission?  I know you did once, have you been any other times?  Lydia walked from here to the Salt Lake Temple with the YM and YW yesterday.  She is very sore today, and sunburned.  It was 16 miles.  Martin should have gone but spent the night with Brandon instead. :(  I think it was a very spiritual experience.  It will be fun when you can attend our ward temple nights.  The 4th Thursday of every month!

A3. I've only been once, when I was in Roseville. That's cool about the walk to the Temple. I wish I had done that. I really look forward to the ward Temple nights. Our Ward is having a temple trip to the Medford Temple, but we won't be able to go because it’s too far.

Q4.   Have you had any issues with Asthma?  I know you have had some allergy issues.  Do you still have an inhaler?  Are you taking care of your teeth (retainer) like you should?  Martin gets his bottom braces on this Friday.  Lydia gets some adjustments this Tuesday.  She doesn't wear her elastics like she should so it is taking lots longer than we planned.  Dr Elison asks about you now and then too.

A4. No real issues with Asthma. I haven't used my inhaler or the singlair since I was in Chico, almost 2 yrs ago. I still have the inhaler, though. I don’t use the retainer all the time, my mouth started to get really dry from it, but I wear it every now and then. Tell Lydia the sooner she does the stuff they ask, the sooner they can come off.

Q5.   How many missionaries in your district?  Do you have sister missionaries in your district?  Have you had a p-day activity with your whole district yet?  What are your plans for today?  You don't have transfers till next week, right?  Sister Cahill said that Elder Puckett feels he will get transferred next week.  How are you feeling about that?  Do you feel you might get a calling, like Trainer, Zone Leader or District Leader?  That would certainly make the final leg of your mission exciting.

A5. There are 10 Missionaries in our district, 8 Elders and 2 Sisters. Yeah, we do have p-day activities with the whole Zone. Like, today we went to Oasis Fun Center, which a member owns. It has mini Golf, Laser tag, Go-carts, Laser maze and other cool arcade stuff. It was really fun. We find out about transfers on Mother's Day. I feel... meh.... like I do have a feeling Elder Puckett is going to be transferred. So, I'm learning the Area the best I can. Maybe District Leader and Trainer MAYBE... not too sure. 

Q6.   What was an exciting or 'butterflies in the stomach" moment this past week?  What was an introspective or thoughtful moment this past week?  What brought out a memory from your past this past week?  What was an important journal moment this past week?  Do you think these questions are too hard? lol  Tell us something that was a very important moment to you this past week?  Ask us all a question so Martin and Lydia can write you a letter to answer it!

A6. YES, TO QUESTION 5 IN THIS LIST!!!!! LOL... Nothing really exciting or introspective.... I can't really remember. Memories were from just tracting with the youth.  Oh, so you want me to do a Q&A!!!!!!

Q1. Dad, what's up? I miss you... When I get back I want to go hit golf balls with you.  How’s the new I-Pad? Have you done any more awesome pictures? Will you still have the Laptop and the I-pad when I get back...? How are you?

Q2. Martin... Well I speak to you a lot via e-mail, but I still would like a letter from you.  Maybe a list of all the games you have gotten while I’ve been gone. Are you taking German or are you not learning a language? I miss you. How are you?

 Q3.  Lydia... dear sister... how is life? How is your writing? How are the movies? lol

 Q4. Mom, how is Arthur? How are you? What have YOU been up to? Will I recognize my place when I get home?

 Love all of you and miss you!

--
Safety and peace, God bless and if you sneeze during this email bless your face ગુડબાય (Guḍabāya), baik, Undang Auf Wiedersehen! Requesta de pache (rest in peace), Molto Bene, الوداع, Alsons y, bonum devium, 再見 (Zàijiàn), Arrivederci!, zbogom, Nasvidenje, ವಿದಾಯ (Vidāya) अलविदा (Alavidā), pożegnanie, Hwyl fawr, kwaheri,tạm biệt, sudie, Tot ziens, elveda, smell ya later, Noice, Nofo a, Until next time this is Elder Morris in Paradise singing out, Peace on!!!! do do do do do do E-mail

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