Capital Awesome

                                                                                 6/24/13

Hello once again Audience!!!

         It’s me again Elder Morris, here to share the things that have happened this past week.... It was a Capitol AWESOME WEEK and the only way I can share it would be “MISSIONARY WEEKLY”!!!!!!

 Missionary Weekly

Welcome to “Missionary Weekly” where we check out the servants in the vineyard.  We pick up 5 new investigators and set a new Baptismal date. YAY!!!! Read all this and more on “Missionary Weekly”.

         So this week was an awesome week. We had a great District Meeting and had many great lessons. Wednesday. I have to say was the best because we did a lot of work in the southern part of our area.  We picked up 2 new investigators that day. We also had a great lesson with Tyler and committed him to Baptism for July 27th. It’s going to be awesome. I'm so excited for him. That pretty much sums up what happened this past week. This was a really good week. I don't know what else to write, it was simply good.

 Now for a good Q & A CORNER!!!

Q1.   What was the most positive thing you heard at the Worldwide Leadership broadcast?  What change do you think will affect you the most?  What other thing about your Sabbath day made an impression on you?  Which speaker did you enjoy listening to the most on Sunday?

A1. Getting members involved with the missionary work was the most positive part of the broadcast. Just really getting the members involved would be the biggest help for us.  A talk on Fathers also impressed me this past Sabbath Day.  I enjoyed listening to Thomas S. Monson the most at the broadcast.

Q2.   How are your investigators?  How many lessons did you teach this past week?  Are you working with any less-active members?  Who are you really focused on right now?  Who should we pray for?  Are you getting help or referrals from the ward?

A2. Our investigators are awesome. We taught 17 lessons.  We do visit and teach a few less-active members. Tyler is our focus right now.  He is the one with a baptismal date set. You can pray for the Ward family. We don’t get much help from our ward... (Sad face). 

Q3.   How has the weather been?  It says you have been in the 70s and 80s, so that should be better right?  We had a pretty good week but this week we are headed back up to the triple digits.  Mrs. Vassar at Riverside was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in December.  She has had several surgeries but she still has some signs of cancer.  They are having a carnival this Saturday to raise money for her treatment.  Sad part is that it is supposed to be 102 degrees on Saturday. :-(

A3.  The weather has been nice.  Today, it is raining.  Man, that is sad about Mrs. Vassar... I hope she gets better.

Q4.   Are you and Elder Henke staying together and in Shasta Lake?  How many of your district missionaries transferred?  I am assuming you are remaining the district leader.  Are you happy about that? How are you feeling as this is your last transfer?  What is your big goal for this final leg of the mission?

A4. Yeah, he's killing me... he’s my last comp.  We refer to the end of our mission as dying and he is taking me to the end or killing me.  Lol Three of the missionaries in our district are leaving because two were done with their missions. I'm cool with being district leader, even as I go out.  Going to work on it all!

Q5.   Are you preparing for your interview with Pres Weston?  Are you thinking about your interview with President Watkins and your report to the Stake High Council?  Bishop Gerrard already told us he plans to have you do your homecoming talk August 11th.  I don't mean to distract you, so don't worry about all that for now.  That is all still 6 weeks away. Focus on the work at hand - that is what you are there for and what is really important.

A5. I'm ready, because he does interviews often and so I'm now getting used to them.

Q6.   Here is your favorite Q!  What was the best part of this past week?  What did you think of McCloud Falls?  What is the plan for today?  What was the most disappointing part of this past week?  Who was your favorite contact this past week?  What was your favorite lesson this past week?  What was the most difficult question your were asked this past week?

A6. The whole week was Awesome. McCloud Falls were AWESOME!!! Just chilling today. Nothing was disappointing or at least that comes to mind. The contact and lesson with Tyler was my favorite because we set a baptismal date. The most difficult question was this one. Etc…lol

Q7. Do you have some questions for all of us?  Maybe if you send a question to Lydia and Martin they can write you an answer.  I would promise they will write, but you shouldn't make promises you can't keep, right? lol

A7. I have a letter coming for them, but how are you... That's my question. 

         Well, that's it for “Missionary Weekly”.  Have a great week.

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

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The Lord's Best

Hello Family and Friends,                                              6/17/13

         What a great day it is today, but I better first start with the things that happen this week. Lets head to “Missionary Weekly”!!!!

Missionary Weekly!!!!

Welcome to “Missionary Weekly”. Where we journey with a few of the Lord's Best!!! Today, we see how much fun it to be on exchanges in a cool area!!! Then we go to a meeting in Chico for the Leadership and Stake Conference. Read about the things that we learn. Read all this and more on “Missionary Weekly”.

         So this “Missionary Weekly” is going be different. I'm just going to write some of the main things that happened. We had a Zone Meeting this week and it went very well. We talked more about planning more effectively and revelation thru Church attendance. I really liked it and really want to do better, especially with planning. I hope to use planning skills more when I get home. Afterwards we had a small meeting with the Dls, the ZLs and one of the exchange Sisters. We talked a lot on how to help our Districts and Zones to do better. I can't go into much detail, but it was very inspiring. 

After all our meetings we had exchanges with the Mount Shasta Elders. I went up to Mount Shasta with Elder Leydsmen, who is actually going home in a few days. That fact didn't help me. Lol It was a lot of fun being up in Mount Shasta, and actually that's what we're doing today. We are going to the McCloud Falls today. I'm very excited for it (Happy Face)!!! It's really cool to see Mount Shasta... IT’S HUGE!!!! It makes me miss the Utah Mountains even more every time I look at it... (Sad face, but yet still happy face).

         On Friday, I had a Leadership Meeting with all the District Leaders, Zone Leaders and Exchange Sisters in the north part of the Mission. We talked a lot about Baptismal Interviews and how to prepare for them. We also talked about how to handle certain situation that come up as well as working with the Less Actives.  Also doing better door approaches when contacting them. It was inspiring and very enjoyable. One thing I liked was that it was in Chico or in my "California Home ward" building. The Alamo building is what it's called. All that brought back many memories.

         Well that's it for “Missionary Weekly”.  Now for Q & A CORNER!!!!

 Q1.   Did you get more lessons taught this past week?  Was it a bit easier to tract this past week?  How are your investigators, especially your new investigator?  Did you find anyone new who is willing and eager to listen?

A1. Not really we've been busy with other things, but we have 4 referrals from the Zls, so we have progress coming. We had a recent convert move into the Ward a week ago.  She has two sons who are not members, so we are going to have things happening!!! It would have been an easier week, if our days weren't all mixed with out of the routine meetings. We do have a lot in the making.

 Q2.   Have you taken many pictures while in this new area?  Do you have pictures of Elder Henke and your other companions?  Have you taken a picture of your District all together?  How are the missionaries in your District?  Are you taking care of yourself as well?

A2. I’m trying to take pictures and I will today. Yes, I have a picture of him past out on the couch from exhaustion. We will be taking a group picture this next District Meeting. The missionaries in my district are doing awesome, aside from the two that are going home in a few days. lol. Yes Mother, I’m taking care of myself! lol.

  Q3.   Is there anything we can send you?  Did you have a favorite meal this past week or something you tried that was new to you?  Have you cooked a meal for you and your companion?  Do you buy fruit to eat in the summer?  You should try some watermelon or cantaloupe for lunch it would provide needed fluid and hydration.  I love summer foods.

A3. Just encouragement and prayers, that's all I really need. I would like another Quad, but I'm going to wait till the 2013 edition comes out to get one. Yes, so you know the Stirred Fried Raman I told you about, well Elder Henke made Stirred Fried Rice the past few days and so we decide to mix them and see what happens... it was pretty good. Yes, sometimes we get fruit, but not often.

Q4.   Dad was wondering if you have been to or seen anything new on your p-day adventures?  Have you tried any new activities with your district on p-days?  What do you personally like to do the most on p-days?  Do you ever just take a nap on p-days?  Do you just run out of energy some days and need to just relax?  

A4. Well, we're going to McCloud Falls today and that's something fun. On most p-days I like to just chill OR play some Scatter Ball OR Basketball OR Volleyball OR play Settler's of Catan OR Pok'emon. lol  Sorry, I couldn't help it, BUT I will not let it distract me. OK? Naps? Not usually. 

Q5.   I have June 25th as your next transfer day.  Do you think that Elder Henke will stay with you?  Do you think your District may grow in numbers because of all the new 18-year-old missionaries?  We have heard a bunch about that on the news.  They have opened up two BYU housing complexes as extensions of the MTC.  It is called Wyview MTC and they anticipate 85,000 missionaries by November.  Crazy, but good too!

A5. Yeah, I think we would stay together and here, most likely. Maybe... I don’t really know how the influx will affect our district.

 Q6.   Well, here is your favorite Q.  What made you feel the spirit the most this past week?  What was something you prayed fervently about?  What was your favorite journal entry this past week? (Trick question to see if you are writing in your journal?)  What made you belly laugh this past week?  What made you feel sad this past week?  Well, I know those Qs make you crazy, but I love to read the answers to these the most.  

A6. At Stake Conference I really felt the Spirit. I love Stake Conference it always lifts me up, especially since it was Father's Day. I thought about all the good times me and Dad had going to Priesthood, long drives, picking Arthur up from the after school thing, etc. Those thoughts made me think about the coming home part and that's where it went down hill. Lol I prayed fervently about how to help my District and how to be a good District Leader. Let's see, my favorite journal entry was just talking about how I want to make my last transfer the best ever. Um, nothing really specific made me laugh, I laugh at everything now.... I need professional help or I think I'll go insane.  I guess that was funny? I introduced “Liken the Scriptures” to Elder Henke and he loves them. lol  We were laughing all night at the Daniel in the Lions Den one. Appointments falling through made me sad and always do.  I know you like these answers, Mom. J lol.

         Well I haven't been able to write an email like this in a long time. Oh well, and for you new comers you can check out my other emails on my blog at  http://naterade-ninja512.blogspot.com/

         Have an awesome day,

                  Elder Morris

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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 E-mail

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113 Degrees - Ouch!

Hello Family and Friends,                                 6/10/13

          Well.... this week was one of the slowest weeks for teaching.... ever. It was so hot that I nearly died on Saturday... 113 degrees!!! Ouch!!!! So.... yeah, only 11 lesson this week. It was just too hot to do much, especially for biking.  Not much done, BUT this week it will be much better because it’s supposed to be a lot cooler this week!!! Hopefully, that is right.  Not much else to say.

Lets just hit up Q & A corner!!!

Q1.     How hot has it been?  Are you staying cool mid-day?  I suppose Elder Henke is probably used to the hot weather.  What does he think about it?  Are you still without a car?  I am sure that makes it hard to get things done now.  Keep pushing along and take good care of each other.

A1.  It has been SUPER HOT!!!! Elder Henke is sort of better with the heat although it’s different in Texas. He said it’s more Humid in Texas. Yeah, we still do not have a car... L.

Q2.     Do you have any new investigators?  How are those you are teaching doing?  How is the husband of your investigator who passed away recently?  How many lessons this past week?  What was something special from Church yesterday?  What inspired you this past week?

A2.  Yes, as a matter of fact we have one new investigator. The people we teach are doing fine. Well, as for the husband of our late investigator, he's not too interested in the religious aspect, but he doesn't mind the visits.  We taught 11 lessons... Something funny happened at Church. A HUGE spider nearly fell on Elder Henke! lol.... Reading the Scriptures inspired me.

Q3.     Martin wants to know if there is anything in "Preach My Gospel" that you suggest he study?  What is something about Missionary work that you think Martin needs to know right now?  What is the most important thing he can do as he prepares for a mission?  What can we do to help you, anyone specific we can pray for?

A3.  Tell Martin to read the beginning... Chapter 1- “My Purpose”... GET OFF THE GAMES... and study the scriptures. Don’t just read them mark some scriptures from the PMG... You can help me by just praying for me that I can stick it out. J

Q4.     How are all the missionaries in your district doing?  Have you been accomplishing the goals you set as a district?  Have you had any difficult decisions regarding missionaries in your district?  What was something that made you proud to be a district leader?  What was the most difficult thing you dealt with this past week regarding your district?

A4.  All the missionaries in my district are doing fine. Our goals have not yet been met.  No real difficult decisions as of now or that I can think of. I am proud to just have the opportunity to serve other Missionaries. Nothing really has been that difficult as a district leader, I enjoy it all.

Q5.     Have you spoken to President Weston lately?  Did you hear about the sick missionary in your mission?  I sent you updates on him. Did you know him?  He is certainly a dedicated missionary to keep working even after such a trial of his faith.  How are you feeling as things seem to be coming to a close.  Eight weeks will fly by so enjoy every minute of these last few weeks.  :0

A5.  Nope, I haven’t had an interview with President Weston lately.  The Missionary that is sick is in the Santa Rosa Mission not our mission, but that story is amazing, a true miracle. Mom, it’s 9 weeks left...lol.

Q6.     Now, for your favorite Q&A.  What was the silliest moment this past week?  What was the most difficult decision you faced this past week?  What was the most boring or humdrum moment this past week?  What was the lesson you learned this past week? What was Elder Henke's biggest accomplishment or triumph this past week?  Tell us something new about your companion.

A6. Yes, we had exchanges and then we exchange back.... so there is this funny tradition set up by our recent convert... we start to kneel to pray and we started to throw things in a pile in the middle of the floor like we were going to sacrifice it. lol We threw a lot of random junk in the pile like tags, ties, watches, wallets, keys, etc. After purging all our worldly things we pray and it’s just funny all the things that are in a pile. Lol  It always ends on a high note and a spiritual note. A difficult decision was just going out and almost dying of heat exhaustion. jk lol  Wednesday, Elder Henke wasn't feeling too good so we stayed inside. That day was a bit boring. I learned to always drink a lot of water. Elder Henke’s big accomplishment was picking up our new investigator on exchanges. Here is something new for you about Elder Henke is that he is a Masters rank in Star Craft II.  He read the whole book of Helaman in an Hour! Is that good enough for now?

Well, I have to go. I know this email is short, but it will have to do.

 Love Ya'll!!!

         Elder Morris

Death and the Plan of Salvation

Hello once again Family and Friends!!!            6/3/13

         This was a long, nice, busy, HOT week for us!!! We had two exchanges this week that went very well. I was in both areas and we were very busy visiting people.  I don't know if I told you, but one of our investigators passed away a few days ago.  I'm hoping that we can start teaching her husband. We stopped by this week before we ended exchanges with the Mt. Shasta Ward.  He was happy to see us and to have company over.  We talked to him about the Plan of Salvation, a little bit and we will be stopping by again really soon.  On Saturday I was in my area with one of the Zone Leaders, Elder McMurry. He’s a really fun guy. We soft committed one of our investigators for baptism.  Hopefully something can come of it.  It was super hot on Saturday, in the 100's. :P  Man, I have to endure so much heat it’s insane!!!! That's pretty much it for my week. Now for Q & A CORNER!!!!

Q1.   How has the weather been?  I have watched the temps on my computer and you are usually 10 degrees hotter than we are. Today, you were 97 degrees and we were 92 degrees so we are getting closer to each other all the time.  How are you doing on the bikes?  Did you get your car back?  How is the tracting going?

A1.  HOT!!!! No we did not get our car back and biking is fun when you are moving.... We haven't tracted much because it’s too hot!  It is 99 degrees at this moment.

Q2.   How many lessons this week?  Do you teach many less-actives?  We talked about that with our missionaries today in Church.  Do you have any new investigators?  Which do you feel is more challenging, in-active members or new investigators?

A2.  We taught 17 lessons... yes, we teach quite a few less-actives...  We don’t have a lot of investigators in our area, it is more laid back and people are set in their ways, but are still very nice. New investigators are more challenging to work with. 

Q3.   How was your Sabbath Day?  Did you learn something new or uplifting to help you as you teach or go about your daily work?   Did anyone express an especially motivational Testimony today?  Did you have an opportunity to bare your testimony today?  How do you feel your Testimony has changed during your mission?

A3. It was good. We taught the Youth Sunday school. A few great testimonies, but none I can recall off the top of my head. I wanted to bare my testimony, but did not.... (Sad Face) Oh yeah, my testimony has grown immensely.

Q4.   Crissy said she got a letter from you.  She was so happy about that.  Did you get any letters or cards from anyone this week?  I try to get Lydia and Martin to write you, especially Martin because he really misses you and could use a swift kick in the butt these days.  He is doing his Eagle Project this coming Saturday.  I will make him write you about it next week and let you know if we all survive it! lol ha ha ha....

A4. Yeah, I sent a letter to Crissy.  I also sent her an email.... Nope, I didn’t get any letters this week.  I would love to hear about the Eagle Scout Project.  Wish I were there to help.

Q5.   Lydia wants to know if you have had any special spiritual moments this past week?  Have you witnessed any miracles with the people you teach?  Our missionaries say that they witness miracles everyday as they speak to people on the street and teach people they find.  I think missionaries have a better perspective and ability to see what a miracle really is.

A5.  Special moment would have been the ‘Soft’ committing to baptism.  We feel the same about miracles...  just talking to random people is a miracle.

Q6.   Yes, you do have to answer the hardest questions, always. What was the best part of this past week?  What was the saddest part of the past week?  What was the most fun this past week? What was a learning moment this past week?  What made you feel true joy this past week?

A6. The best part of the week was exchanges and they do bring miracles... Ann passing away was the sad part of the week... EXCHANGES, were the fun part of the week... I learned you don't want to be shy when visiting people... Talking to people who want to change always brings me true joy!

         I guess that's it for this email.   

Love ya,

Elder Nathan Morris