HERRRRO!! Idk what to put as subjects. I'm not very creative

Life is so good out here in Vegas. So good for me, and so good for some, it's a hard life for others. I typed out a story about one of the investigators of the other Elders but I deleted it. The gist of it is that gambling ruins lives for so, so many. It’s a story I've heard far too many times. One or two parents are addicted to gambling and use all the money they make to gamble. Slowly, kids and food and clothing and everything else is forgotten. All sense and cents are sunk into it. It's crazy. I can't even describe it. It’s depressing and despicable. It reminds me of the scripture in which the Savior says that mothers will forget their suckling babes. And I never understood how that was possible until recently. It’s incredible the things I've seen and I haven't even seen that much. What makes me the most sad is that the children suffer. Whateve. Idk I can’t explain it very well. Basically, drugs, immorality, gambling, it messes people up and it messes their families up. It’s often so bad that people won’t let themselves change. Ugh. Sorry for the sad stuff. I'll be able to explain it better another time. FOLLOW THE PROPHET! WHEN HE SAYS JUMP, DO IT! It's to bless us. I wish I could have Elder Perry yell this to the whole world... oh wait, he did! We don’t have commandments because we are masochists. We have them because we love the Lord and want to be happy. 

OKay! So the week! Monday we went hiking again which was pretty fun! I like spending time with other missionaries. Then we ate at the Schwenke's but after we had another FHE with our whole ward. It was really cool. EG and I taught a cool lesson about Lehi’s dream of the tree of life. We connected it all to following the prophet. We had an object lesson with blindfolds and an iron rod and a group of teenagers (aptly dressed) representing the great and spacious building. A lot of people liked it and we got the point across pretty well. It's hard to explain... sorry. I'm so bad at this.

Tuesday we went to the Temple which was nice. It was very peaceful. Afterwards a member bought us giant cinnamon rolls from the cafeteria in the basement. 

Sam's Zone at the Temple

Members here are so nice. That afternoon we tried to contact a referral but it turns out she was already a member and going to the English ward. It was kinda cool actually. I thought it was going to be awkward but we sat and talked with the family and even left them a Book of Mormon in Spanish to give to one of their friends. One of the daughters had her mission call to Colorado but her boyfriend proposed so she’s not going anymore. No comment. We had our ward coordination on Tuesday instead so then right after we did that. We watched some of the District DVDs and talked about how we can improve our coordination with the ward council and the ward missionaries. It was kinda cool and connected well with conference. I am the biggest fan of evaluation, self and otherwise. I didn't used to be, that's for sure. 

Wednesday we had to get the oil changed in the car so I got to again see how the church works in the financial world. They are super on top of everything. Tithing is serious business. We walked around a lot trying to find people to talk to. It's so hot and no one’s out. Before I thought  it was because it was cold, and now that it's switched over, I guess it’s just cause ... well I don’t know. Then later we helped a member move out and down the street. It takes like 1/3 the time to unload as it does to load. After moving we talked to one guy in the street who wanted to know why his LDS daughter wouldn't talk to him. He was implying that bc she was a member she was being stubborn and not wanting to talk to him. He then proceeded to classify all members as judgmental and stubborn. We tried to explain that just because one person was like that doesn’t mean that we as a church condone or encourage it or anything like that. But he was being stubborn. It made me think of the chapter in Isaiah where it’s like 'judge between me and my vineyard.' Ahhh no time moving on. We taught English class which I love. One person always requests to have me be their 'tutor' during a one-on-one time at the end of class which makes me feel good. 

Thursday was Zone conference. Bomb. I learned a lot and as usual have a renewed fire to be even better. Sister Neider talked about the atonement and the guilt and shame that everyone carries and the beautiful message of forgiveness that we bring. Cool stuff. It was like 8 hours of training. After that we presented our ward mission plan to some members which went well. It’s really about helping them just as much as it is about helping us. But in the end it’s all about helping the Lord. It’s surprisingly hard to get people to understand that. Hopefully all of you who read this do. Do missionary work. Do it because you love the Lord. Do it because you love others. Do it because you love your family. Do it because you love the Lord. It’s a commandment and the blessings are innumerable. Ahhh! It will make you happier if you do! Then we tried to street contact, but no one was interested.

Friday! We did our weekly planning and then taught a lesson to Aliaha about the Book of Mormon. Man that family struggles. They don’t have enough money to buy new clothes when the ones they wear, wear out. And they are scarred and scared too. But we talked about the stories in the Book of Mormon and the 3 little girls love them. That night we taught a first lesson. The first one I've taught in forever. I loved it. It is such a blessing to be able to teach and testify. There is no greater feeling in the world than feeling the Spirit work through you to touch another person. It's the best. I hope all of you have had or will have that opportunity. It’s ... life changing. 

Saturday was General Conference. It was dope. After the second session we had lunch with our district and it was a fun time to talk about the talks and eat some good sandwiches. After priesthood we went to see how Marlon was doing bc he didn’t come to conference. He was too tired from work. But he showed us his new mouse. It was pretty cute, but not nearly as cute as conference. 

Sunday was GC as well. Man I love conference. Although I must admit conference bingo is not conducive to revelation. I didn’t play and I was blessed for it. Between the 2 sessions we ate waffles at an English member’s house and took that picture that you guys got.

General Conference Brunch at the Peterson's

It’s fun to be so loved. I've expressed it before but I feel like I don't deserve the love; maybe some, but not as much as we get from the members. NOT COMPLAINING THO! We had a really good visit with members which I liked a lot. We got to know them really well and laughed and had a great time. We shared a spiritual thought and then he shared one with us too. It was great. Then that night we talked to a few people but no one was too interested. 

This week was awesome. Sorry the email hasn't been.
I love you all so much!

Sam

HE LIVES ALL GLORY TO HIS NAME

Okkkkayyy!!! Hey everyone thanks! I love knowing that you all are supporting me and praying for me. I can feel it. This work isn’t possible without support.

Monday was a great day. We had a fun p-day running errands and doing all that kind of stuff. We ate a fantastic dinner at the Schwenke's. Sister made us lava-lavas. I've worn mine every day. “Pants? We don’t wear pants in this town, we just walk around in our MANLY SKIRTS”! It's nice. Dad - it reminds me of the beginning of the 4th Harry Potter. Afterwards we went to go see Marlon and we read the scriptures with him and he showed us his coin collection. He works housekeeping at a casino so he has some sick coins from all around the world.

Tuesday was a good day too! Elder Guzman was pretty sick so we spent most of the day indoors. He rested and I watched the District DVDs and studied Preach My Gospel and the scriptures.  When Elder Guzman was feeling a little better we did a service project and I caught a gecko! So that was pretty cool. Then EG was feeling sick so we had to come back. So it was a short day but it was pretty cool because we got to do a lot of good things.

Wednesday was district meeting which is always bomb. We then had to drive the Elders around all afternoon which was kinda crazy. But we got to teach a lesson to Aliaha which went well. She's so smart and has gospel knowledge well beyond her age. After that we had dinner, then we had a meeting with the Bishop about Aliaha, then we taught English class, which I love. We tried as a district to practice a musical number but then we decided that we sounded too bad... so we didn’t do it. 

Thursday Elder Guzman was sick again really bad so we spent most of the day resting. Late in the afternoon we got to go teach Aliaha and get her ready to be baptized. She needs a righteous example so bad in her life. I can see and feel that not having a stable mother is taking its toll. She doesn’t have a role model set out to look to so she has to look outside, in the media and in magazines and stuff like that and it is warping her idea of what is important and what is valuable. It was interesting. The Word of Wisdom was a struggle for her because she had decided to drink as a 9 year old girl because that's what she saw everyone else doing. It's absolutely crazy. The bad example of her mom and the lack of a mother figure now in her life is hurting her. I can’t really explain it very well. I guess I am just trying to highlight the importance of being a good example. It can make a world of difference. The influence of a righteous mother can work miracles (see Alma 56). Sorry for my senseless ranting. BUT TO ALL OF YOU THAT ARE IN A POSITION TO INFLUENCE OTHERS, MAKE SURE YOU ARE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS WATCHING. Be worthy of the reverence that little children have for you. Grrrrrrrr. And don’t do drugs. We had our coordination meeting as well with Hno Villalpando. He gets it. That man knows what he is supposed to be doing and he does everything in his power to do it. It's an honor to get to work with so many wonderful saints every day. He's a good example to me. Then we ate dinner and went to English class. Afterwards EG felt sick so a member gave us jello and chicken broth and crackers. People are just too nice.

Friday was pretty cool. We had "Spanish Conference". It was basically just a zone conference but for only the Spanish missionaries. It was 8 hours and it was really good and helped direct us on how we should adapt out teaching and acting for the different culture. I got to see a lot of other missionaries which was cool, like Elder Bennett and Elder Yockey and Elder Chacon and Elder Nonu and others. I learned a lot from that day. They asked me to speak. I was pretty intimidated but I did a really good job. I was humbled and honored which is a better way to put it than intimidated. Someone said I speak like a mini-Elder Holland and that I got everyone pumped, that made me feel super good. A lot of people talked to me about the things I said which made me feel important. I don’t think I've blushed that much in a long, long time. Then after we went and brought Elder Slik to do a baptismal interview for Aliaha. In teaching the law of chastity I taught her a song – “Stop! Don’t touch me there! This is my no-no square!” Hand movements and all. She loved it and did it all the time. She was laughing for like the whole rest of the interview after she sang it to Elder Slik. After that we went to Dominga's house to read the Book of Mormon with her. She is trying so hard to learn everything and to be good. It’s a pleasure to help people who are trying to help themselves. And because of her desires she is learning a lot. Then we met with Hno Villalpando to finish up preparing for the baptism. 

Aliaha's baptism - Elder Anderson, Elder Guzman and Elder Shreve

 Saturday was sick. We had Aliaha's baptism at noon. Then we had lunch at the V's. He is such a great guy, he is going through horrible, horrible things and he copes by serving us and serving others. Kinda like the Savior. We fallen men selfishly turn inward when things get tough, but the Savior never did. He always served others no matter how hard it was, or how hurt he was. Like when Peter cuts the guys ear off? The Savior heals him. For me that is amazing. Jesus had just finished (just started) suffering for the sins, and afflictions, and the pains of all mankind. It wouldn't have been a sin if he didn't heal this dudes ear. But he wouldn't have been perfect. He helped and comforted and healed a man who was there to kill and torture him. He wasn't thinking about himself, or his pain, he was looking out for others. Selfless when he had every reason to be selfish. Disciples turn outward, others turn inward. It's hard to write about. You get the point. Hno V is a great guy, an example to the believers. Then we went on exchanges so EG and EAlvarez could go to a baptism in Henderson. Elder Slik and I walked around and talked to some cool people and then went to a baptism for that little girl whose mom we found like a month or 2 ago. Idk if y’all remember, but I sure do. Kit-kat got baptized! I felt awesome to have helped her get baptized and to have helped her mom come back to church. Seeing the change in just this short time and seeing the ward embrace them both with open arms has been wonderful. Then we biked (the other elders took the car) which was good. I love biking. Dinner was fun and afterwards we were doing service, helping this person fix her garage door and move some heavy stuff around we found some pretty funny stuff and took a few pictures. (I hate my double chin ... stupid fat hobbitses) The tie I am wearing in the baptism picture I gave it to an investigator of the zone leaders. He said he liked it and he was pretty sad so I just took it right off and gave it to him. It made me feel pretty good hahaah.

Elder Alvarez, Elder Anderson, Elder Slik, Elder Guzman

Elder Anderson and Elder Guzman

 Sunday! Sunday was Easter! EG was sick again so we couldn’t go to church or to confirm Aliaha but all went well. I studied for most of the day. It was good. I learned a lot. He was feeling a little better right before dinner so we went out and street contacted and talked to two very prepared people (who live out of our area). It was awesome to talk to him. It was a couple and the man had a bunch of questions that we were able to answer by testifying of the Restoration. Then the woman had questions that we were able to answer by teaching them the Plan of Salvation. They were loving it and wanting to know more. They asked us when we could come back (which is like the best thing a missionary can hear, other than, “when can I be baptized”). It was so sick. EG is a great guy.

That was the week! Sorry it's rushed but I don’t have too much time! 

Again and as always I love you all so much!

Love,

Sam

Helllloooo everyone and welcome to .... idk something!

Laaaadies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, welcome to the fabulous life of Elder Anderson! It’s that time of the week again where I give you all insufficient descriptions of the wonderful life I have! Life really is super great.

Sparknotes - Life is great! I love you guys. The end.

Thank you all so much for the love and support this week and last week on my birthday. I felt extra loved now that I'm not a grumpy teen anymore. I don’t even like birthdays but this one was a good one, so thank you. 

So as you all heard last week, my new companion is Elder Guzman from Monterrey, Mexico! He's an awesome Elder who has spent his whole mission in the south side of town, the Henderson part. So he has had the pleasure of coming up here where things are a little different. Instead of trees we have cactus and instead of Bentleys we have horses and instead of people giving money we have homeless people asking us for money. It's quite the change. And a different language as well. But he's awesome. He used to be into extreme sports like cliff diving and rafting and that stuff before he gave that all up to serve the King of Kings. He comes from a family of 4 and since he started they have moved to Newport Beach. He has had a lot of success down south and is coming with a lot of fire for the work and I'm excited to grow closer and work hard this transfer. This is his first time serving in a Spanish area and President told him he will be here until June. Transfer prediction: Elder Guzman will train here next transfer, then go back to English (as everyone says around here - take that to the cannery). But we'll see. All I know is that these next 5 weeks are gonna be awesome (I say 5 because we've already done 1 week. Transfers are back to 6 weeks.)

Gratz to Elder Mayo on training in the big city! Elder Greenie is lucky to have him.

This has been a great week. Crazy and full. 

Monday! It was my birthday! I totally forgot until Elder Slik and Alvarez gave me pop tarts before 'morning sports.' But it didn't really hit me until like that night when I lied down and realized that I wasn't a teenager anymore. Weird. Mom and Dad, y'all are olddddddddd. But it was a good day. The zone made me a cake which was pretty funny. It was a tombstone like cake with a doll head at the top. But the head was shaved and the eyes were poked out and they drew bloody tears down the cheeks. Super creepy, but it made me feel good that they felt comfortable enough to do that for me. I loved it. Then they squished a pie on my face and one on my head. I loved it? It was a good day. Then I opened a bunch of letters and presents and stuff that you all sent. <3. At the Schwenke's Monday night they cried talking about how much we feel like family. Man am I going to miss going there. They are such good people. I want to be as loving as they are one day. They're like another family that I don't deserve.

Tuesday! It was a crazy day. I helped EC pack and get ready to leave and then we were off to the mission office to drop him off and pick up EG. I got to see a bunch of Elders and Sisters which made me happy (Elders Johnson and Campbell and Bishop and Ruiz (Cuevas) and Sisters Franco and Fernandez). They're all doing well which makes me happy. Elder Bishop is gonna train and so I'm super excited for him and Elder Johnson and Elder Campbell are gonna be companions! Weird. But then EG and I came home and started the transfer off 3 packing with EA b/c ES needed to go to a district leader meeting. We visited a bunch of members which I always love doing. 

Wednesday! You know that song about pioneer children? We walked and walked and walked and walked anddddd walked. 8 miles. It's not thatttt much but in our suits it felt like crossing the plains. We talked and got to know each other and tried to find anyone to talk to. I won’t give up! That took the majority of the day. Then we visited a few members of the ward before going to English class. I say this every week, but I love English class. It's fun to help people and be able to watch them improve. It's kind of like missionary work. I get to help people, have fun doing it and see the blessings as they learn and strive to do better. Except for some reason its way easier to get people to come to English class... Right before English class we got to see a pack meeting for Morning Sun that was taking place at the adjacent park. It was nice to see some of the ward members and to see all those little boys dressed up. I don’t mean to sound like a grandpa or anything but I may or may not have pictures of them in white shirts and ties. 

Thursday! We had district meeting and Sister Despain came to the district. She's fun and still sassy like she used to be. It’s cool to serve around missionaries again to be able to reminisce a little on the old ward and the old district and stuff. We went to do service but the people flaked which was kinda funny. We taught a lesson to Aliaha (the 9 year old I talked about last week) she's gonna get baptized this Saturday, hoping all goes well. She knows sooo much. I have a little time so I'll talk about the M. family a little bit. Aliaha is 9 years old but she acts like she's 13. She and her two younger sisters all act way older than they are. They grew up with their mom who was a drug addict and they watched her do all these terrible things. The mom was in and out of jail and they only got to stay with their dad when mom was in jail (which actually ended up to be a lot) but the whole situation was just crazy. Ahhh. There is so much to talk about. But these three little girls grew up way faster than they needed too. They are scared from watching their mom do drugs and things like that. We were reading a scripture with them and it said the word wine and the littlest girl said something like my mommy is always drunk too! Then the other little sister started crying and it was just a mess. It's sad how many lives I've seen ruined by drugs, immorality, and alcohol in just these few months here. It’s horrible. But because of their sickeningly hard upbringing they know a ridiculous amount about the gospel. So it’s cool to be able to teach this family and help them, Aliaha first because she's old enough, apply the healing powers of the Atonement. It's real.  Ask me more in 2 years, sorry. I can’t explain it all now. Basically - we are teaching a nine year old - she has been messed up by living with her druggie mom - she's grown up way fast - she understands a lot about the gospel.

Friday! We did our weekly planning and then went to a surprise birthday party for one of the recent converts in the ward. It was fun to be a part of the ward and celebrate a little. It was also cool to see a few of the friend groups in the ward. Then we visited more members. Our Elders Quorum president talked to us about Home Teaching. HT and VT [Visiting Teaching] is never something I fully understood until I came into the mission. It's so important, for the visitors, and the visited. It’s a priesthood responsibility and a responsibility we have as disciples of Jesus Christ. It's part of ministering. It's essential. I always went with Dad but in college I think I missed a month and I thought it was no big deal. I don't mean to sound zealous, but it is a big deal. I feel dumb that I am learning so many lessons here and not long beforehand. I'm learning how to not be selfish anymore, a selfish shellfish. Idk. I can’t rant about this enough either and I can’t properly express my thoughts here. But if you're reading this and aren’t doing your home teaching ... get on it. 

Saturday! Crazy busy. We had breakfast in the morning with our Stake President. It was good. He talked to us after about love, the love that he can feel from us and for us. It was inspiring. He didn't talk about this but it is always humbling to me to think about the prophet and the brethren praying for us missionaries every Thursday. I think about them and I think about the Primary kids and everyone in between. I learn a little better each day, this is not about me. But after bfast we went to do our ward missionary car wash activity. We did a free car wash and while washing the people took a tour of the church building and ate fresh baked bread. It was amazing to see the hand of the Lord in the lives of some of these people. Many had LDS friends but didn’t know much about the church. Some were looking for a church and had never even seen the building. One woman was crying because our church was exactly what she was looking for. It was so cool to see. The people that came were prepared. It was also fun to be with the ward and make signs and give tours and wash cars and have a good time. Then after that we had our district lunch with Hno Velasco which is always a fun time of laughing and a break from the stress of the world for an hour. Then we taught another lesson to Aliaha and her dad told us stories about their upbringing and the things they've gone through. We had dinner with a kinda recently returned missionary from Mexico and we talked about the work there and the work here. It was cool. 

Sunday! It was a great day but kinda messed up. EG and I were super sick. I think we ate something bad. We had PEC and then church but then we had to come home and rest b/c we were so beat. It's hard to explain. It might have been the food, idk.  I had a fever of 101.8 but I had the other elders help give me a blessing and it went down super fast. I feel way better now but just sad that we lost a whole night. Church was bomb but that was most of the day.

So that's pretty much the week! It's been a great one. I wish I could better explain all that happens but .... I can't.

To those of you who are waiting for letters in return.... they'll get done... soon.
I love you all so much.

Sam