Life: it’s just too darn good

My brain and heart are very full this afternoon so if my thoughts are jumbled, don't judge me. 

I'm emailing right now from the mission office. Weird. This is my chapel. Sitting next to me is my new companion and old friend Elder Johnson, the rapper from Cleveland Ohio, and no, not Chip or Cudi. He stands 6'4" and 195lbs and is cut as freshly mowed grass. He has a smile like the Cheshire cat and not half as creepy. He's probably one of the goofiest people I've ever met, but in the best way. He always has a joke to tell and a smile. I butchered that district quote. Oh well. District 2. Episode 1. I love him so much. He works hard and has taken Elder Wirthlin's mom's quote of "Come What May and Love It" (see the awesome conference talk by the same name) to heart. It’s such a pleasure to be serving with him. 

I am in the Desert Bloom branch. It covers 3 stakes: Warm Springs, Green Valley, and Anthem. It's pretty cool and crazy big. My area is enormous. We go all the way down to California. There are not too many Hispanics in this part so we have to search extra hard, but so far I love it. The members here have a special spirit. They are few but they stick together and they are awesome missionaries. They invite friends and talk to neighbors without being asked and have a fire for the work. They've caught the wave and it's so cool to be here. My district is probably the best one in the mission if not the best one since Elder Holland and Elder Cook were companions. Elder Johnson and I are in Desert Bloom and there is a companionship of awesome Sisters too, Sisters Veazey and Parkinson. Both are great hard workers and young in the mission. The other companionship is in an English ward and its Elder Smith and Elder Sullivan. They are both super upbeat and friendly so it’s a pleasure to have them around. I really don't know why I'm so lucky!  I am the senior member of the district which is pretty weird. I guess somebody trusts me or something. 

It's so different down here in the Henderson area. Random members come up and talk to us and try to give us money and food all the time. There are also just more people and more stores and stuff. It's like a city, but in a different way. Up north it’s a city but it has a different coughghettocough feel to it. I like them both for a lot of reasons. 

It's weird here in the office. I get to listen to the office staff and see baptismal records and all the workstations of the amazing senior couples who are giving up all this time to help us missionaries to do the work of the Lord. They are all so amazing. Being a little more behind the scenes gives me a better idea of just how much work they do so we don't have to. It’s all set up so we can find, teach, and baptize and don’t have to worry about all that other stuff. What a blessing. 

So you all probably want to hear about my week.  It was "dope money fresh" as Elder Johnson says.

Monday was great. It feels like forever ago though. We did the p-day stuff. Then the Schwenke's brought us lunch at the stake park which was so nice. They are so great. Then the other members of the zone did a water balloon fight so I left. It felt odd. That night at the Schewenke's was awesome. We took pictures and told stories and ate and had a sweet, sweet time. I'll miss seeing them every week. Later we went to see Marlon and his family. I'll miss them too. He's a great guy.

Tuesday. I went to Warm Springs!!! Whattttt???? So our zone is 10 companionships and only 2 elders with cars (minus the APs). So we have had to drive people around a lot. I went to a training meeting Tuesday afternoon that was super awesome. I learned a lot and it really helped me feel more ready for my new assignment. Then we drove around to meet the awesome members. It was a good first night. 

Wednesday we did service helping a less active family move which was cool. A member bought us lunch. Then as we were making up our studies somebody knocked on our door and asked if we were the Mormon missionaries. We said we were and he asked if we could teach him. He was our neighbor so we went over to teach him and we started teaching him the Restoration and he just said over and over, “I know that, but how do I be baptized?” So we'd teach a tiny bit and he'd say, “I know that but how do I be baptized?” so we'd explain a little more and he again say, “So what do I have to do to be baptized?” It was actually pretty awesome. He bore his testimony of everything, it was cool. So we passed him on to the English elders. I’ll keep y’all posted. We also 4 packed with Elder Payne and Elder Bradley so that was cool. EP doesn’t speak English so that was tough for him. We had a bunch of lessons set up for EB's 1st day but they all flaked but we still had a good day. 

Thursday we met all the ward leadership which was cool. They're all awesome. Then we taught a sickkk lesson to an investigator that we later sent off to the English elders as well. It was about the Book of Mormon. Man, I love that book. Then later we had a great lesson about prayer with another investigator family.

Friday was good. Planning was tough because I don’t really know the area too well. It’ll get there though soon. We had a dinner with an English family. She’s a fellowshipper for one of our investigators. It was fun. Then we helped the branch set up for an activity. 

Saturday was good too. We did service in the morning to help a family move. We had to run a lot of errands. Then we had some great member visits and recent convert visits. We just taught a few different people about revelation using the scriptures. Then we went to a crazy Cinco de Mayo party at the branch. It was super fun. We helped out and our investigators came. It was incred. 

Sunday was great. We went to an amazing dinner and talked to a super prepared guy who lives in the west mission. It was so cool to talk to him and teach him. Then we visited an investigator and then some members.

That’s all. Sorry. It’s bad. No time.

I love you all so much. 
Sam

LiFe Is GoOd!

Thanks for your letters this week. I'll respond to them first. 

Congrats to TU! I'm happy to hear how well you are all doing. Keep up the good work! Rucking is so important. That's where the game is won.

Jacob, keep up the good work. 

Mom, you always say such nice things about me. I hope to one day be the missionary you think that I am. Kate, don’t die on your vegan month. I'm glad I don’t sound like I'm whining. I worry because it’s easy to take things wrong through a screen. Doing your best is the only way to do anything, you just feel much better about yourself. I haven't felt embarrassed or anything like that in a long time because I know I've given it all, my all. Missionary schedule is not as hard as people make it out to be. It's actually a blessing, 3-4 hours of study and 3 hours to eat. It's not that bad. 

Two more things before I break down the week.

1st! I'm leaving Los Feliz! :( :) :/ :?! I don’t want to go but I am excited for the changes. I will be heading down south to Warm Springs (the the mission office area) to be with Elder Johnson! (the same one who I was with in Central).  I'll be the district leader as well, so another new challenge. Word on the street is it’s a giant district and the APs are in it. I hope not! I will miss being up here by the temple, and all the Spanish speaking people (there are hardly any down there. I cover 1/3 of a stake now. There I will cover 3 stakes). I love this ward and the missionaries and the leadership here so much. I've grown so much from the all the good examples who surround me. But more good examples are to come. Elder Slik is coming with me down there to be my Zone Leader! So that's pretty cool. Different district but we still get to go on exchanges and stuff. I'll be able to tell you all more next week after I get down there. 

2nd! I want to talk about a few things that I heard this week in lessons. The first was a question "He's almost here, isn't He?" We were teaching the restoration to a 19 year old (the one with the new daughter) and that's what he asked. He could feel the urgency of it all and it was interesting to me. I think we taught it right because we didn't say anything about the Second Coming (we probably should have) but he could feel it. It really took me back. Now, I'm no doomsayer, but it is the Saturday evening of times. As I told him, He's trying His shoes and putting His coat on. Another one that really hit me hard was this in response to the question, "What does it mean to you if the Book of Mormon is true?" The man thought for a moment and looked me in the eyes and said "if the Book of Mormon is true, that means that this is Christ's church and that my family can be sealed in the temple for eternity." That hit me so hard. He wants to know. He wants it to be true and he knows it is. And it’s not true because he wants it to be. It’s true because it’s the word of God and the Holy Ghost has testified to his soul that it is so. I don't know if that makes sense but it was a very powerful moment in the lesson; to feel his desire and his love for his family. The other was when someone said "After you guys invited me to read and pray, I did and I felt this feeling in my chest and I know it’s true." I almost cried bc I was so happy. BOOM! Moroni's promise is real. And this woman received an unshakable witness. Because she did, she wants to be baptized. That moment, along with the others that supported it, changed her life. All that we teach is either true or it’s not and it all rests upon whether the Book of Mormon is true. If it was made up, then our church is a fraud. (See Jeffery R. Holland - Safety for the Soul)

Let me rant for a small moment. The Book of Mormon is true. Anyone who wants to know what I mean when I write that can read it for themselves and know that it was not made up by some uneducated farm boy, but translated by the power of God to be the evidence of the restoration of the priesthood and the true and living church. I didn't really understand that before my mission. The Book of Mormon is God's tool for missionary work and we as missionaries are living witnesses spread abroad to flood the whole earth with it. If the book is what it says it is, and I say it is, and what millions of others say it is, that means that Joseph Smith was a prophet, the first after more than a 1000 years of apostasy, which means that all the blessings we claim are available to all who come to know that it is true. AHHH!!! It's true. And because it’s true I know that the church is true and that the blessing of being part of an eternal family is mine to claim. Knowing, really knowing, that this book is scripture and that Joseph Smith was a prophet is such a blessing. If you can’t say "I know" and feel the spirit testify to you - read it. Again, and again, and again, till you can.  That's it. It's true and knowing for yourself that it is by the power of the Holy Ghost is the doorway to unimaginable happiness.  Sorry for the word vomit.

This week was awesome! I learned so much. I learned so much from the scriptures, from my companion, and from everyone else! I ate great food and met some awesome people. 

Monday we ate with the Schwenke's and I read a letter that Mom sent and I almost cried! They all did too. It was so sweet Mom. Thanks, you're the best. 

Tuesday was a sick day. I was on exchanges with Elder Slik all day. I love him so much. He is such a focused and spiritual missionary that is a great example to me. He is focused on the work and focused on his purpose. He has taught me so, so much. And we have a blast together. We taught 4 lessons which was also so sick, four solid lessons with interested investigators. 1st lesson was with a man named Junior - We talked about repentance and how if the church has been restored then he can be baptized for the remission of his sins. He liked it a lot. He has done some things that he shouldn't have and wants to be forgiven and right his wrongs with God. He said if he comes to know that the church is true he will make the covenant of baptism so that he can be cleansed from his sins. It’s all so well connected, the church is true. Next lesson was with a man named Walter. It was a great lesson as well. We also talked about baptism there too. Walter is going through a lot right now but he reads the Book of Mormon to take away the stress of life. The 3rd lesson was with David we talked about the Restoration. It was a great lesson. Sorry just no time. 4th was with Braulio - he was the one who talked about a testimony of the Book ofMormon -> temple. It was a great, fun day. 

Wednesday we had a great district meeting. We also taught English class which was my last one, but I lovedddd it. I am going to miss being able to help people in that way. Sis Stephens said, getting a little emotional when she did, that while I was teaching she saw me as a university institute president giving a devotional. It made me feel so good. 

Thursday we ate bfast with the Stephens and then got our apartments checked. Then we visited a couple member families and shared with them the new ward family mission plans. They all loved it. We also talked with Aliaha's dad. He's a great guy who cares about 2 things - God and his daughters. He tries so hard to be a good father and a good son. It’s inspiring. He is in a tough situation where he can’t really help himself but he wants to. Man. There are such good people in this world and sometimes you find them in situations that don’t really do their character justice. We also saw some incredibly happy families today and as Elder Guzman and I talked about it we realized it was because they were doing their best to live the gospel and no matter what was happening (both families were going through a lottttt of crap) they were joyful and a pleasure to be around. I want to be like that. I am slowly becoming so, I can feel it. There is an inner and outward peace that comes from doing what's right and living the commandments. Dinner was the best hamburgers I've ever had. Sooo good. I shared a spiritual thought and the family all broke out into tears. The wife had had a dream the night before about that scripture and I had helped her understand it. It was crazy. Then we had a lesson with Juan Pablo. It was a good one, tough bc he needs a lot of help but good. I’ll have to talk more about it later. In 2 years. Promise.

Friday was bomb. We planned then had dinner with our new neighbors, Colby and Brandon. They are so awesome. We helped them move in the other day and now Brandon's gf calls us "my Mormons" which is an honor. We ate and laughed and shared a great time with them. We all got to be great friends really fast. They aren’t open to the gospel right now but one day they will know it’s true. Hopefully being friends with the elders next door will help them. 

Saturday so much happened. We did service for a member moving tonnnsssss of rocks. I crushed my finger pretty bad. I’m fine. Then we ate w/ Hno Velasco and got our transfer doctrine [information about their upcoming transfers]. It’s crazy. I’ll miss this district. Then there was a baptism of the sisters at the church. Then we ate dinner as a district afterwards.

Sunday was also awesome. Two talks were rebuking people for not going to the temple enough, it was pretty harsh, but deserved. Bishop said a lot of great things about me and Elder Slik which made me feel awesome. I love feeling appreciated; that all the work I’ve been doing and trying to do is noticed even if it didn’t all happen like I wanted it to. Then we visited members for the rest of the night and had a great lesson with Argelia (the Book of Mormon answer woman and the one who we taught the commandments to in Feb.). She's changed so much and it’s been awesome to help her change, see her change, and teach her why, the where, and how. 

Life is so good.

As I start being district leader, any tips and ideas and knowledge you have to share would be super appreciated. I feel honored and humbled and not worthy. But I’ll do my best and that’s all the Lord asks of me.

I love you all so much

Sam!

WAHOOOOOOOOOoooooo

Hey so first things first. I've got noooo time.

2nd, 2nd. Let the rugby guys know that playing in the mud is a strong point. We at TU [Troy United] have always prided ourselves in not being afraid to get dirty and using it as an asset when we play pretty boy teams. I'm proud of all the good they're doing and I love hearing about their successes. Stay low. Play hard. Hit harder. Ruck. And smile. And stay in a flat line on defense. I wish I could be there with you guys. Two years and I will be. 

Sorry if my last email was overbearing. It just makes me sad to see missionaries out here who want to be somewhere else or aren't emotionally prepared for serving with their whole heart, mind, and strength.

OKay! This week! A great one! AHHH!!!oglogaob Monday was awesome. We did our pday stuff. We had to run a lot of errands but, it’s okay because we were helping people. We helped our new neighbors move in. They were cool. They invited over for dinner soon. I'm pumped. At the Schwenke's this week they shared how they got to the temple and it was a powerful story. God loves us. He answers prayers. He wants to bless us. We just have to learn how to receive the blessings.

Tuesday was a good day. We biked for most of the day. It was warm, but cloudy so it was like perfect weather. We got to talk to a few people and met some prepared people who asked us questions about the marathon bombing and things. The Book of Mormon answers the questions that we all have and if it doesn't, it's the starting point. We were able to give out a few pretty good referrals. It’s hard because the Hispanics that live in our area work for most of the day so we can really only work through member referrals. 

Wednesday was district meeting. I liked it. I learned new ways to help the members do missionary work. I love the scriptures too. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY! It’s great to share the things that mean everything to me with all those around us. We went to this restaurant called Aranda's (that we usually do) and the woman gave us all free drinks because we go so often. It’s darn good Mexican food. We had ward coordination that went really well. Members of the ward council were there and we were able to discuss and make assignments to help get things done. Counseling and communication are so important. Later we had a meeting with the bishop that was super good. We talked about the people we are working with and he gave us his vision. Bomb. 

Thursday. Elder Guzman was sick in the morning. We visited a few members in the afternoon. Then we went to English class, so bomb. Someone told me that the world needs more conservative professors like me. I didn't think I was conservative, but it made me feel good. 

Friday was planning. We helped the other elders with some service too. We drove Elder Burl (Gunnell) and Elder Meyers and weeded for a bit. This woman has like a zoo, peacocks and hens and chickens and ponies and donkies and dogs and lizards and a llama. We went to see Juan Pablo and had a great lesson with him. He is awesome and he has a great family. I love spending time with them. I just wish he would devote himself to changing. 

Saturday was great too! Elder Alvarez went to a baptism in Arizona so Elder Slik 3 packed with us for the day. So fun. He's awesome. I want to be more like him. I hope I get to be companions with him one day. We had a good day working in both areas. We got to talk to some very prepared people on the street and teach a few lessons to their investigators. I love teaching. I love helping to guide people to know that the church is true and to help them receive peace and happiness. 

Sunday was good. We went to a fireside. I saw lots of other missionaries. I love missionaries. Life is good. We taught a lesson about the plan of salvation to our ward mission leader that night. He's such an example to me. His daughter said something really interesting and cool. God is never mean. And it’s true, He's not. But sometimes we are mean to ourselves. If we lived how He wanted us to, we wouldn’t be sad!

kk that's it.

One of these day's I'll write you all and show you all the love you deserve. Thanks for your support. :) <3
I love you all so much!

Sam