The Count Down Begins....

Hello once again Audience,                                      7/22/13

        

It’s a-me Elder Morris here with the update of the Missionary work.  Let's see, first thing I should do I guess is go to “Missionary Weekly”... So without further ado.

Missionary Weekly

So not much for an intro for this part, but let’s say it's hot and lets see what happen this week?

The first few day were a little off... again.  It seems like that's happening a lot recently. We had exchanges this week and I actually was planning on going up to Mount Shasta, but I had to stay down for a baptismal interview that I had to do for the Zone Leaders.  It was a good reason for staying down instead of going up to Mount Shasta. We still got a lot of work done this week, though.  Unfortunately we weren't able to meet with Tyler or Dustin. The day we had setup the appointment Elder Henke got sick and we couldn't go down to see them.  We did pick up new investigators, so that's exciting!! Not too much to say, just that we've been working hard.

         Now for the Q & A CORNER!!!!

Q1.   How are your investigators, especially Tyler and Dustin?  Are your Baptisms back on track?  Do you think you might have a baptism before you come home?  It would be nice if you had the opportunity to witness the fruits of your labors.

A1. They are doing well; unfortunately I don't think I'll be here for the baptisms.  If somehow a plane ticket landed in my lap I would be able to see them get baptized. That would be awesome.

Q2.   How is the weather?  Are you able to do any tracting?  I watch the temps on the computer.  You are usually several degrees hotter in Shasta Lake than we are here in West Jordan.  What was the highest temp this past week?  Is the heat making you drop some pounds?  I hope you are staying healthy.  James came home so much thinner.  He looks very different.

A2. It has been Hot...so not a lot of tracting. Our hottest day was 112 degrees, I believe.  I’ve lost mostly water weight. I fluctuate between 202 and about 198 pounds. I definitely have more muscle than before and not as much chub. lol

Q3.   How was your Sabbath Day?  What was your favorite message?  How many lessons did you teach this past week?  What did you learn this past week?  How did the spirit direct or touch you this past week?  I hope you are having great spiritual moments and finding true joy in the service of the Lord.

A3. It was very good. We had a great lesson in gospel principles class on the Judgment and the 3 kingdoms of Glory. I kind of took over from the teacher a little. I was just trying to make sure that other people understood the simple version rather than the deep doctrinal version. Lol   We taught 17 lessons this past week. Oh, I finish the Book of Mormon again.  I learn that you can't just read the Book of Mormon once to know what it’s talking about. The spirit touched and directed me just in the work while talking to different people and sharing the message. Oh, I am having great spiritual experiences and enjoying every moment of it.

 Q4.   Dad wants to know if you have some special goals or plans for these last 15 days?  What is your main focus?  Are you taking pictures, recording memories and collecting addresses?  How can we help you prepare for your return?  Is there anything I can do for you before you arrive?  I am waiting for packages. do you need more money in your debit to ship some stuff back home?  

A4. Well I had planned for a baptism, but that doesn't look like it is going to happen in my mission “lifetime”. My main focus has been to prepare the ward and other Missionaries coming after me. Yes (pictures)...yes (recording).... yes (addresses)... You can help by just not chewing on gum when I get off the plane (I’ll explain later...) you'll thank me later. I'll be sending packages.  I just need to find someone to take them to the post office.

 Q5.   What was made you feel the happiest this past week?  What surprised you this past week?  What was the hardest thing this past week?  What was the most fun this past week?  Who are what made you feel excited or energized this past week?  What was the most important thing that happened this past week?

A5.  Um... just still being a missionary makes me happy. The zone leaders surprised me by telling me that I had to do a baptismal interview.  Hardest part of the week was two days of working in the heat. I don’t know what was the most fun? A nice workout with a chocolate protein shake to follow really energized me this week. MMMMM.... I think church was the most important part of the week.

 Q6.   Tell me something you have had on your mind.  What do you think about the most?  What scripture has inspired motivated or touched you this past week?  Do you feel a certain message or thought has been your personal mantra this past week? Or maybe a mantra for your entire mission?

A6. I’ve had my mind on what I'm going to do when I get home. I think a lot about school and such. My favorite scripture was in John chapter 6 and 7. “I am here to do the will of him that sent me.” Endure to the End.... serve him well.  I guess that would be my mantra.

Well, that's all folks at least for this email. Only one more email to go... maybe?

Singing out from Shasta Lake,

   Elder Nathan Morris

Up and Down Week

Hello once again Audience,                                      7/15/13

         Man this was an up and down week. Let’s start at the beginning.... We had a Zone Meeting on Tuesday and it was awesome.  We talked about the new website hasteningthework.lds.org. It’s a really cool website to help members with missionary work and how to work with the Missionaries. After that the week went all down hill... sort of. With the limited number of cars in the mission we were bounced around the Zone and didn't come back to our place till late. The next few days were the same kind of Proselytizing days.  Saturday was different.  It was a draining day. I started on the paperwork for the interview tomorrow.  I was just feeling.... meh... and to top it off, when I came out of the bathroom I sprained my ankle.  Sprained it a little more than a bit ...enough for it to swell and hurt... and make a few pops.  Now its fine. It’s a good thing that I have ankle support shoes to wear.  Too bad the story is terrible. Usually you twist your ankle doing something awesome, like basketball or biking, but noooooo I have to twist my ankle coming out of the bathroom. 

Now it’s time for the up part of the week.  We got to speak on Sunday on the topic of Missionary Work. It went very well considering I was just going off my notes and the spirit. After the talks Henke, our High Councilmen and I presented, a member came up to us and asked if she could have a copy of our talks.  We really didn't write anything down, but at least everyone enjoyed our talks anyway.  That was our week.

         Now for Q & A CORNER!!!!!!

Q1.   How are your plans for Baptisms coming along?  Do you still have two scheduled and moving in that direction?  How are all the new investigators?  How many lessons did you and Elder Henke teach this week?  Is your planner filled with appointments for this next 3 weeks?

A1. Well we have to move the dates, but we're still working on them. The new investigators are fine... not much to say. We taught 14 lessons... it was an off week.  Nope on the planner, I can't plan that far ahead.

Q2.   How's the weather there?  We have had a few cloudy days with some rain showers but it's still hot.  Today was so humid that even the 90's feel like the 100's. lol  How are you and Henke holding up in the weather and on the bikes?  Do you ever get to hear or see the forecast?  Do you plan for the weather or just simply play it by ear. lol   or is that eye?  Ha Ha...

A2.  It’s warm here... it’s also a little cloudy here. We're getting use to the weather. We only hear the forecast through the members. We usually play by ear/eye. lol

Q3.   Dad was wondering if you have any big meetings, like Zone conference or anything like that before you come home?  Have you had a chance to see any of your past companions?  Do you have addresses and phone numbers for companions you'd like to contact after you get back?  Did you know that Elder Spjute is already home?  I think he came home a transfer early because his brother is leaving next week.  He looks good.  You could friend him on facebook; I am a friend with his Mom on facebook. :-)

A3. Nothing too big is happening in regards to meetings, just the usual. I hear from Himmer and Buhler a lot because they are now companions. Yeah I do have addresses and phone numbers for my past companions and friends. Yeah, I heard that Elder Spjute went home a little early to see his brother off.  That's cool. I probably will friend him on facebook.  I’d like to keep in touch.

Q4.   What do you have planned for p-day?  What did you do last p-day?  Do you do p-day with your whole district or just you and Elder Henke?  What are the sisters like in your district?  Are they just part of the group or do you have to help them feel welcome at activities?  Do any of the missionaries in your district need special prayers or maybe a card or something to boost their enthusiasm?  How do you feel your district is doing over all?

A4.   It is just a usual p-day. We’ll just be hanging with the missionaries playing scatterball. We did that last time as well. The Whole Zone plays scatterball. The Sister missionaries are nice and very fun. They are doing a lot of work as well. We make them feel welcome. No missionaries need special cards or letters, that I know of now. They are all awesome!!!

Q5.  Martin wants to know, what you are most excited to share with him when you get home?  What is something you can't wait to see or do when you get back?  I was wondering what you are most eager to accomplish in California before you come back?  What are you most determined to see finished before your mission ends?  How have you changed the most?

A5. I am eager to share all the Good things of the Mission. I just want to see and do everything when I get back.  I am eager to just be home to see everyone and be with family. I want to accomplish the Baptisms we have lined up. The Baptisms are what I am most determined to finish before I come home.  Can I tell you that last one when I get home?

Q6.  Here is yours and my favorite Q&A.  What was the best part of this past week?  What was something new you learned this past week?  What was something crazy you saw this past week?  Who said something to you that gave you motivation or courage?  What was your favorite scripture or quote this past week?

A6.   The best part of this past week was the lesson with Tyler and Dustin. I learned that the Spirit is awesome when you give talks. Something crazy I saw was a Sasquatch information station. I guess I motivated myself to do work when I get home. My favorite scripture this week is D&C 84:85.

Well that’s it for this e-mail... until next time.

Love to all,

         Elder Nathan Morris

Trunky Papers

Hello once again Family and Friends!!!!          7/8/13

         What an awesome week... except for the heat.  Take a guess how hot it got this week or at least Tuesday? 1-hundred-17 degrees! Yeah.... Our ward members chastised us (of course the weather is in our control).... Well I better do “Missionary Weekly” and tell it all in order....

 Missionary Weekly

Welcome to “Missionary Weekly”, where we strive to survive. Today, we see how the Elders of Shasta Lake survive the heat, and then meet a “Lord of the Rings Family”? Also hear what happened on exchanges while Elder Morris was gone? Read all this and more on “Missionary Weekly”!!!

Tuesday - 117 degrees... nuf' said.

Wednesday - My bike chain nearly broke, but we were close to a bike shop and we were able to fix it for 5 bucks. That was nice and now my bike is a 100 times better. 

Thursday - 4th of July all day, “Pros” day, which was pretty good. We had lessons with a couple of less-actives and other members, so it was fun.... and productive.

Friday - Weekly planning... not much happened. We did have a lesson with one of our new investigators, Michael's Brother Matthew.  We went over the restoration with him and he seemed to like it.  He had some good questions.

Saturday - Exchanges with Redding 1^st ward. It was fun. We had some success in Redding 1^st ward, I was there and Henke was in Shasta Lake with Elder Ramos.  They picked up an interesting family. The Mom's name is Lisa and her son’s names are.... wait for it... Gandolf, Elrond, Valar, and one more that he could not remember, but yes those are their names.

Sunday - Another Baptism date, we committed Matt to August 3rd for baptism. WHOO HOO!!!

         Now for Q & A CORNER!!!!

Q1.   How are your investigators and less-actives doing?  How many lessons did you teach this past week?  Are you staying busy? What has been your focus this past week?  What are you most eager to accomplish?

A1. They are doing Awesome!!!! We taught 22 Lesson, BOOM!!! Yep.... staying productive.  I’m focused on the two baptisms we set.  I’m excited for those.

Q2.   You have had hotter weather than us this past week?  What are you doing to stay cool?  Did you get rain this past week?  We had several huge rainstorms this past week.  I know Crissy likes rain but what do you and Elder Henke think about rain?  Is it harder to ride bikes in rain or hot dry weather?

A2.  Stay inside, that's the only thing we can do to stay cool. No rain just thunderstorms. I like rain, but I don't like biking in it. Rainy weather is harder for biking.

Q3.   Did you get "The Letter"?  We got the letter that gives us your flight home and time of arrival!  August 6th - 1:10 pm.  What is your biggest concern about your release?  Are you prepared to answer all those questions?  Is there anything we can do to help you prepare and make it easier for you?  Do you have any special plans for these last 4 weeks?  What is your goal?

A3. Yes.... I got my “trunky” papers.   Just concerned about.... the release part. Sure I’m prepared ... there's questions involved? Are you willing to do a district meeting on Tuesday and weekly planning on Friday at the Church? Lol Just kidding. My plans are just to help the people we have and set more stuff up for the next missionaries coming into Shasta Lake. My goal is to get as many people baptized as I can.

Q4.   Martin and Lydia got your letters this past week.  Did you get any mail this past week?  Does Elder Henke get mail?  Does anyone in your district need a letter?  Are you sending any packages home before you come home?  Is there anything you need?  Grandma and Grandpa Morris love reading your emails and say they have gotten a few snail mail letters as well.  I know everyone likes to hear from you and about you.

A4. Noice. Um, just your letter mom and the “Trunky” papers. Elder Henke gets mail every now and then. Nobody that I know needs a letter.  They all seem to be doing fine. Yes, I’m sending a few packages home before I leave.

Q5.  What was your favorite meal this past week?  What did you study this week that motivated and inspired you?  Did you feel a prompting that lead to a new contact?  What do you enjoy the most about your daily routine?  What is the most difficult part of your daily routine?  What part of teaching or missionary work do you feel you do especially well?  What is Elder Henke's strength in your companionship?

A5.  The one I'm having tonight, pull-bread.... mmmmm.  Our discussion on the difference between the 12 Apostles and the 12 Disciples in the Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 19:17-36 and the story of the Garden of Gethsemane inspired and motivated me. It was also part of a prompting to teach an investigator. I enjoy the study part of my routine. Going out when its 110 is the difficult part of my routine. My strength is in review and listening.  Elder Henke loves to teach.

Q6.   Tell us something you love about California.  What is your favorite thing about Shasta Lake?  What ONE word describes your district the best?  What virtue or characteristic makes the best District Leader?  What have you learned about yourself because you have been a District Leader?

A6. I love the area I’m in. I guess the Lake is my favorite thing in Shasta Lake. Lol   One word that describes my district is, “Random”. The ability and willingness to help is what makes a good district leader.  I’ve learned that I love to help.

Okay that's all for this email.... until next time.

Until next time this is Elder Morris in Shasta Lake, CA 

Sweating to the heat...

Hello once again Audience,                                      7/1/13

           (Drip, drip, drip) Yeah.... it’s hot.... but not too hot... okay that's a lie, like it's 110 F.... with the humidity.... but I'm not bitter.... we did very well this week. I'm really proud of the few things we were able to do... especially in this heat.... We were able to pick up 3 new investigators despite the heat. We've actually been doing more walking than riding our bikes.

We had a few cool experiences the past few days. One of our new investigators we actually found and talked to in a Rite Aid store. I was getting water and talking to the cashier when we got talking about the gospel and the purpose of missionary work. We set up a time to meet today at 7:30. It’s going to be awesome. We also had a cool experience on Sunday. Every 4th or 5th Sunday our ward has a potluck dinner after church. We had a new member move into the ward and he brought his mom, who is a non-member to the dinner. They needed a ride home and we got two members who were on the ball.  We actually had a small lesson with them. It was the best!!!

 Now for Q & A CORNER!!!!

 Q1.   How are you and Elder Henke holding up in the heat?  I saw that today it was 108 degrees in Shasta Lake! YIKES!  It was 103 degrees here today.  We have been breaking records every day this past week.  It is supposed to cool a little, down to 100 degrees on the 4th.  Are you drinking plenty of water and making sure you get electrolytes, as well?  Water is not enough in this heat; you need to get electrolytes too.  Just be safe.

A1.  It's Hot... it was 118 F on Saturday.... We are trying, but some days are harder than others, so we just head in until we have our appointment. As for other things, such as tracting.... we keep it at a minimum.

Q2.  How are your investigators?  Have you seen a change in the ward's attitude or participation in missionary work?  Did you get any new referrals?  Have you made any new contacts?  If you have new investigators how did you get them?  Do you think tracting is still going to be the most effective or how do you think use of the Internet will change your efforts?  Things are sure going to change as you go out and Martin goes into the mission field.  

A2.  Our investigators are doing well. The one with a date is still a go and now that they know I will be heading home soon they really want to do it soon... well.... other than the one couple who are members, that gave a ride to our new investigator, not much has changed in the ward. No new contacts yet, but if we did we would have trouble contacting them in this heat. Just talking is effective and tracting will never be the most effective.... well I can't really say that... but the internet will help a lot, especially working with non-member friends of members or investigators.

Q3.   How was your Sabbath Day?  Did you go to dinner at a member’s home?  What message meant something special to you from your Sabbath Day?  Tell us something about one member of your ward who inspired you or motivates you.  Did you feel a prompting today that made a difference to you or someone else?  Did anything touch you enough to bring tears?

A3.  Our Sabbath day was good. Yep, we had dinner at a member’s home and it was all very patriotic.  It was awesome. The Carpenters motivate and inspire me because they are the perfect Ward Missionaries. None, I can recall... that's a tough one because I can never remember specific promptings... The heat almost brought me to tears, (jk) but nothing yet today.

Q4.   Did you get any letters this past week?  Do you get emails from anybody besides Pres Weston and Us?  Do you email or write to other missionaries, like Hannah, James, Devon, Victoria, Greg Guzzle, Josh Gerrard or any of your friends?  Do you have any questions or want to know anything about anyone that I could find out for you?  Are you taking pictures and writing in your journal so you can share some great stuff with all of us when you get home?

A4. I got the package. I get emails from you... mom. I just email James and Josh.... There is no one, really that I am especially concerned about. Yep, I’m taking pictures and yep, I’m writing in my journal.... and I will take pictures and write in my journal.

Q5.   What was the funniest moment this past week?  What was the most spiritual or touching moment this past week?  What moved you out of your comfort zone this past week?  What made you proud and feel good this paste week?  What was your favorite task this past week?  Ok, tell me something that was on your mind often this week.  It can be absolutely anything!

A5.  Seeing that it was 118 was sort of funny.... Sing the National anthem was touching. Talking to people is always out of my comfort zone. Actually teaching on my own at the Rite Aid store made me feel proud and feel good.... My favorite task was getting numbers from my District.... What kept coming into my mind was how my companion is NOT helping me avoid being Trunky.... Dang it Henke! lol I still love him though. He has helped me out a lot and he is just one of the best comps I have ever had.

Q6.   This one is to get you thinking...tell us one moment during your mission that you will never forget and you consider a highlight of your Two Years!

A6. I'll tell you when my two years are up! lol

 Well that's all folks hope to hear from all of you soon....

        

Until next time this is Elder Morris in Shasta Lake, CA singing out, Peace on!!!!Do do do do do do email!

http://mormon.org/me/5JFZ/NathanMorris check it out!!!!