Photos!

Matthew 16:25

I never know what to put for the subject, so I have resolved to put favorite scriptures of mine as the subject. (Matthew 16:25)

So this week was slow. Thursday and Friday we were iced in. When there is ice around here, nobody drives. We were told by our Vehicle Coordinator not to drive unless it was absolutely necessary. So we were stuck at home for two days. It wasn't so bad because we have the XXXXXs right next door, so we spent a lot of time with them. It may have actually been a blessing in disguise because we are ridiculously low on miles this month. So two days of not driving really helped us out. Nonetheless, it was a bummer not getting out and working for two days. It's good to be back in action.

On Saturday night we had transfer calls again! Can you believe how fast that transfer went! We got the call and found out that we are both staying here in Stockton for another transfer. I've already been here for almost 4 months and I get to be here for 6 more weeks, at least!

Ok here ya go, Q and A time:  (we sent Elder Sherwood questions to answer)

Do you ever teach Gospel Principles?

No we haven't taught yet. I would like to though. I'm much more qualified now than I was when I taught before.

How has the weather been, when I look at the temps it doesn’t look too cold. Never mind, we just got your pictures of the snow!!Yyikes!!

The weather has been brutal recently, with the ice storms and today there is supposed to be a snowstorm

What was your favorite toy as a child (I want to verify this is really you)?

Well the one I was most heartbroken over was Woody. Worst day of my life.

Did you get Dad’s postcard?

I did. Been craving a hot pretzel ever since. And I'm jealous you went to Fanfest.

What kind of meals are you making for yourself? How are the meals with members?

Eat cheerios and toast with jam and an orange every day for breakfast. Usually a sandwich or Bertolli frozen meals for lunch (super good by the way). A recipe book with simple recipes that you make (Mom) would be so awesome! The meals with members are always great. People always make their best for the missionaries.

How often do you meet with your zone?

Twice a transfer usually

How long does it take our mail to get to you? I usually mail my letter on Tuesday. What day do you get my (mom) letter?

I usually get your letters on Thursday or Friday, sometimes later, like not until the next Monday or Tuesday.

Have you been back to see XXXXX’s family?

Not yet! I have been wanting to. I see them in the store sometimes and we talk for a little bit. XXXXX's mom calls me her grandson haha! They are awesome.

Have you started to see many of the new, younger missionaries in the field? It sounds like there are just sooo many new missionaries!

We have one 18 year old missionary in our zone. But he's the only one I know of. To be completely honest, we are totally isolated out here so I haven't really seen with my own eyes much change. I've heard a lot about it, and I feel the Spirit of the work hastening.

Happy Monday!!

So today was interesting haha. On Friday, I was flossing (proud?) and the filling that filled in the chip in my front tooth came out! I freaked out for a second cause I thought my teeth were falling apart. Then I realized that it was just that filling. So I called Sister Shumway and she said that missionary medical doesn't cover dental work. So obviously I couldn't call home and get my social security number or insurance information or anything. So I had to go through Sister Shumway to get my social security number from mom. Thanks by the way, not sure how you swung that so fast. So anyways they fixed my tooth and I'm good to go now. It looks better than it did before ;)

So this past week was a pretty good week actually! We had 12 lessons! Not bad at all. On Wednesday we had a really good District Meeting where we were all given time to talk about our experience on a mission so far and how it's blessed our life. I talked about you guys! My family! Especially Alex, I loved hearing about her little missionary opportunity that she wrote me about a few weeks ago. That kind of stuff makes me so happy you don't even know. So keep searching for them!

This week we got a new investigator named XXXXX! He's a great guy. He has grown up in the RLDS church. Ya know the one where they don't believe in parts of the Book of Mormon and parts of Doctrine and Covenants. Well XXXXX is in his 50's now I think, and he is finally realizing what he has been missing.  He is tired of the contention and the unorganized nature of the religion, and the way they keep changing the fundamental beliefs. And he has decided to go back to what he knows is true. So we are teaching him and he is really enjoying it so far.

We also got another investigator named XXXXX.  She is also a fundamentalist. She's XXXXX's grandma. She was born in polygamy, raised in polygamy, married into polygamy, and had kids in polygamy. But she got out a long time ago and has completely forsaken the practice and all the people that she was affiliated with. She's extremely knowledgeable about the gospel so it's going to be fun teaching her.

Yep, Valentine’s Day. Not the most exciting holiday for a missionary. It's alright though. Thanks for the package and all the love.

Sometimes I feel really overwhelmed with all that has to get done and I feel a lot of responsibility on my shoulders. But I just keep going. Take every day as it comes. I can't believe that I'm actually able to do all this stuff. Like you said, the boy that never made phone calls or ordered my food alone. Look at me now haha. It's not my strength. That's for sure. Like Ammon, I know that I am weak, but my God is strong and through him I receive my strength. I am living proof of the Lords hand in this work. 

I'm so grateful to be a part of this work. I love being a full time servant of the Lord. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only thing in this life that can bring true happiness. And I love sharing what has made me so happy with others. And I love you all!

Good Morning!!

(Oops, I didn't get this posted last Tuesday!! Mandy)

Good Morning!

How are you all!? I love coming to the library every monday and
writing you guys a letter. I love telling you all about what I've been
up to and hearing from you all a little bit too. This week was not
bad. Better than last week I'd say. I'm slowly improving and becoming
more comfortable with planning and leading everything. It's
ridiculously difficult. But rewarding and fun. I would never have
imagined myself a year ago with the same abilities I have now.
Knocking on doors, talking with strangers, most of which want nothing
to do with you, trying to share something with them that has changed
my life and has helped me more than I can even put into words.
Planning a full day of meaningful work (or at least doing my best to
accomplish that). Teaching lessons about the Gospel, about Christ,
about the Plan of Salvation, about the scriptures. I love teaching and
I love this work. My companion and I still get along really well. And
we work well together in lessons and finding people to teach.

XXXXX's dad, XXXXX, was sick this Sunday, so it's been a while
since we've seen him. It made me sad, but I'm still so excited to help
him through this process, and to receive the same joy and happiness
that our family has experienced.

You guys asked a lot of questions in your letters this past week, and I
was going to answer them all, but I forgot to bring the letters :/
...... sorry.

Scripture:
John 9:1-3
This man was not blind for any wrong he or his parents committed. He
was blind so that the God could be glorified through this miracle. So
that Christ could heal him. We must live our lives in a way that
glorifies God. Live our lives so that we can be a vessel for miracles.
So that the works of God may be made manifest in our works.

D&C 35:13-14
13 Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are
unlearned and despised, to thrash the nations by the power of the
Spirit;
14 And their arm shall be my arm, and I will be their shield and their
buckler; and will gird up the loins, and they shall fight manfully for
me: and their enemies shall be under their feet: and I will let fall
the sword in their behalf,  and by the fire of mine indignation will I
preserve them.

I found this scripture in a time of much needed guidance and support.
As a missionary, many times you feel unlearned and despised, but if
you are obedient and diligent, God will be your strength.

Being a missionary is awesome. So hard. But so fun.

Hey!!

Good Morning!

How is everyone! Hope all is well at home in Walnut Creek.

This week was pretty good. It's been pretty challenging working here
in Stockton with a new companion. He's still getting to know the area,
the members and the investigators. So I'm feeling a lot of pressure to
keep the work moving along smoothly here. One of the biggest
challenges we have out here is finding people to teach. I love
teaching people about the gospel and helping them come unto Christ,
but we can't do that if we don't have anyone to teach. I'm not saying
we don't have anyone to teach because we do. We are teaching a lot of
people. Just saying, I wish we were teaching more.

One person I'm really excited about is XXXXX,s dad, XXXXX. For
years he has been completely against anything religious. His brother
XXXXX, has made it known to us how
much of a miracle this is. Ever since we started teaching XXXXX, his
dad, XXXXX, has been at every lesson, and engaged in every discussion.
Yesterday he came to church for the first time in 10 years. He
recently finished reading the Book of Mormon, and is almost done with
the Doctrine and Covenants. I love his sincerity and how he talks
about how he is recognizing the quiet hand of the Lord working in his
life and the still small voice stirring in his heart. I feel so
blessed to be able to help him along this path. Keep him in your
prayers.

Scripture: Mosiah 13:9
I love this scripture because Abinadi, facing his imminent
destruction, knows what he has been sent to do, and will finish His
will. He knows that little impact will be made in the hearts of those
who hear his message. But he knows that God has sent him with a
purpose. And he is determined to fulfill that purpose. Even if he
brings, save but one soul unto Him. It matters not. I love his
determination and diligence. And I strive to have the same attitude in
my work.

I'm glad I have the chance to put these words in writing. I know that
God is our loving Heavenly Father. I know that Christ lives, loves us,
and knows our pain. I know the Book of Mormon is true. And I know it
will improve the life of anyone who seeks with sincerity, for it's
truthfulness. I love being a missionary.

Gotta go! Love you all so much! Looking forward to your letters!

Have a good week! Love you! Miss you!