Hello,
Glad all is going great back home - some weird stuff for sure, but they'll be fun memories. I thought conference was great - lot of good talks. Priesthood session was great I thought - only 1 talk in it I didn't care for - all others were great.
We got transfer news this morning and I will be in Anthem another 6 weeks. That will put me at 9 months in Anthem. Things are beginning to role. We've had 12 baptisms in the past 2 months and we will have many this month in October.
Actually new shirts would be great. I will buy them here at the outlets and yall can put money in my account or whatever. I will buy like 3 probably. Dinners are slim with members - only 2ish a week. Quick lunch ideas would be great too. I am sending back my memory card tomorrow - so yall should get it by the end of this week. I have everything that I want - I got a basketball this past week. Actually -send me some sheet music of hymns - like cool arrangements - I know we had that one hymnbook with Kolob in it. Make sure they are hymns - I like playing them during lunch and at night when I have a minute or two. Time is flying by - can't believe it is October already - I've been out 9 months, with 15 left - scary to think. Things are great with me.
My week in review:
27 September 2010 - played soccer with district - still so hot - in 100's still. It was Elder Farnsworth's bday - so the sisters made him a cake. Fun times. E-mailed and shopped with them. Dropped off suits at dry cleaners. I got sun-burned again - will probably have skin cancer. Bishop Gurr called & it's fun to counsel with Bishops
28 September 2010 - both my brake cables broke today - so the first part of the day I rode with no brakes - which is very tough in a hilly area. Swapped bikes with a member until I can get better brake cables. Went on splits with EQ president. Oh, we cooked steak for lunch - wasn't so good, just over the stove - need a grill
29 September 2010 - district meeting went good - I threw down about how we need to do more for the "lost sheep" or lost investigators. Took a nap during lunch. Had a lesson with Pete tonight which was so cool - he's great - just loves everything (had a blast at Priesthood session).
30 Sept 2010 - had lesson with Shaw's - this time the non-member husband was in the next room reading the paper, so we talked loud enough so he could hear us. Then lesson with Stacy Spencer who will be baptized on Oct 9th. Had a pineapple for lunch which was good.
1 Oct 2010 - Can't believe it's October. This morning we began exchanges, so I'm with elder Tripp (zone leader) in his area. Confirmed that I'm 154. Kind of nice being with someone with high energy like me. He is training me on how to be a zone leader in case that stewardship comes.
2 Oct 2010 - I'm so used to sleeping in Anthem, that now when I'm on a different bed, me neck hurts, Ha. General Conference was great. Had the first session with a member and had a mini bbq after with some other missionaries. I had 2 burgers and a brat. Priesthood was great - every talk great (except for 1).
3 Oct 2010 - watched the morning session at the Waldron's home - they have 2 little girls (like 6 and 4) who drew us pictures the whole time. Then had a lesson and watched a session with the Spencer's. Broke our contacting record this week - we had 145 - the district record is 149 - so we are currently second.
Excited for another transfer here - the wards are going, there are people to teach, I've tracted every street here at least twice - I've seen the same people so much. it's funny - I know this place like the back of my hand. Elder Bird is doing great - learning a lot. Life is great.
Elder Perkins
Sunday, October 10, 2010
I'm Up For Anything
Really busy last week, so this will cover the 2 weeks.
From Last Week: Funny stories. Thanks for all the updates. That sounds like a great birthday to me - do you still have the red dot on your forehead. Sounds very busy for everyone over there.
Oh funny story before i forget - we went our to lunch with our zone leaders to Applebees before a big mission conference. So we sat down and I look up and there is a huge high def tv with a close up of the Georgia running back Washuan Ealy sitting on the sideline and then the camera goes to the next play with Georgia snapping the ball - so I quickly turned my eyes and the pain was so severe. I had to switch spots with someone at the table so I couldn't see the tv. It was like a dagger through the heart. It hurt so bad. But the food was great - I got a big bacon burger with some sauce - very good.
So here are some notes of the last 2 weeks:
13 September 2010 - Played bball for 3 hours today. Really fun. bought a lot of food today - attempt to eat healthy. Decided college football is the hardest thing I had to give up, sleep is close second. Had baptismal interview today with a good ole rancher type. Elder Bird makes me laugh.
14 Sept. 2010 - Went jogging on the treadmill in our little gym here for first time in like 6 months. Felt good. Weigh in at 159 (but a lady said there that it was 5 pounds over - so maybe only 154) - or she just saying that to feel better about herself. Had a bacon sandwich for breakfast like Morgan would do. Then Elder Bird & I walked across a desert to get to a subdivision here that isn't directly connected by a road yet. Talked to a man who said I should go into sales because I'm good at listening and then building off it with my ideas . Saw a vulture today. Bought some steak today (got $30 of meat for $13). Lesson with Ogburns. I love blueberry pomegranate ice cream. Don't like it when people are late.
15 Sept 2010 - District meeting went well. Had a homeless man walk in to church so the zone leader and I met with him for a bit. Lessons. Bishop came and gave us a loaf of homemade banana bread and the other bishop put a request in to keep us here to our mission president.
16 Sept 2010 - Had flu shots. Lesson with spencers - commited to baptism. Had a big plate of food before bed.
17 Sept 2010 - Ran 1 mile in 10 min today. Contacted all day - still hot here - in 100's everyday. Lesson with Ogburns & dinner weth them at members home
18 Sept 2010 - Went to Applebees. Had mission wide conference - saw Elder Coburn again - fun times. Elder Richard Hinckley (Pres Hinckley's son - he's director of missionary department). It was good. Lesson with Stott's and the Alvarez family. Sandra commited to be baptized!! So happy - and it will be next Saturday. Ogburns passed baptism interviews.
19 Sept 2010 - Church was really good. 6 investigators at church. Lesson with Shalayne and Sandra today. Our wards are getting excited about the work.
20 Sept 2010 - Had burgers and lunch with sister missionaries at a members home and played pool. I was trying to guess all the college football teams that had purple in their logo/uniforms. There are only 6 and i got 4 of them. Got haricurs today. Sandra and Shalayne passed interviews.
21 Sept 2010 - contacted whole day. Helped someone move. Lessons with Ogburns and Sandra. Sandra gave us dinner too.
22 Sept 2010 - Had interviews with President Beck today. Mine went well. I'm thinking i'll stay in Anthem for another 6 weeks, then i'll be gone, but you never know. While he was doing interviews I was doing a district meeting, went well. Began deep cleaning for inspections tommorow. Got free Taco Bell for dinner.
23 Sept 2010 - had another district meeting about goals and numbers and the importance of them. Lessons. Went to rose garden area on exchanges with Elder Farnsworth - great elder - I love being with him - hopefully meet up at BYU together. Sandra passed her Spanish interview as well which was great.
24 Sept 2010 - contacted 58 people ( a contact is making eye-to-eye contact, teach true doctrine, bear testimony, and invite to action) - so not just "hey, how's it going" - they are tough to do. Big day.
Most i've done in one day. Then we exchanged back for the Ogburns baptism. It was excellent. They asked if I would baptize all 3 of them. So I did the mom first, then the son, then the daughter. It was just great. Felt just happy. Then we walked out of the baptism and someone clipped the lock on some other elders bikes and stole them - not so fun. Great day with baptisms. Back in Anthem with Elder Bird.
25 Sept 2010 - Today we had Shalayne Winward, and Sandra Alvarez's baptisms. They were great. Shalayne asked if I would baptize her which was so fun. Then Sandra Alvarez's baptism was just great. I love that family - they are great. Then we began exchanges with the zone leaders. I found out I would be helping with 2 ward council trainings tomorrow - so I gotta cram some info
26 Sept 2010 - Today at church was great - it was so crazy - I loved it. Sometimes it's nice to sit from 7am-5pm in church all day - but when you're used to just always going - it makes it fun. So we (zone leader and I) met up with the Stake Presidency and a counselor in Mission Presidency and did 2 ward council trainings (one was in a ward I was serving in) - so basically, the mission presidency member started it off about the importance of missionary work, then a stake presidency member bore testimony, then the ZL and I got up and gave a 20-30 min presentation about the ward mission plan, the 5-focus names, coordination meeting, and ward council - and it was fun teaching about how to actually do missionary work. Fun stuff. Then we exchanged back. Had 5 confirmations today - I did one of them (Brannon Ogburn). Good times.
All is well - things are great. We get transfer news next Monday - so I'll e-mail probably around 3-4 with news about if i'm staying in Anthem or not. I'm up for anything.
From Last Week: Funny stories. Thanks for all the updates. That sounds like a great birthday to me - do you still have the red dot on your forehead. Sounds very busy for everyone over there.
Oh funny story before i forget - we went our to lunch with our zone leaders to Applebees before a big mission conference. So we sat down and I look up and there is a huge high def tv with a close up of the Georgia running back Washuan Ealy sitting on the sideline and then the camera goes to the next play with Georgia snapping the ball - so I quickly turned my eyes and the pain was so severe. I had to switch spots with someone at the table so I couldn't see the tv. It was like a dagger through the heart. It hurt so bad. But the food was great - I got a big bacon burger with some sauce - very good.
So here are some notes of the last 2 weeks:
13 September 2010 - Played bball for 3 hours today. Really fun. bought a lot of food today - attempt to eat healthy. Decided college football is the hardest thing I had to give up, sleep is close second. Had baptismal interview today with a good ole rancher type. Elder Bird makes me laugh.
14 Sept. 2010 - Went jogging on the treadmill in our little gym here for first time in like 6 months. Felt good. Weigh in at 159 (but a lady said there that it was 5 pounds over - so maybe only 154) - or she just saying that to feel better about herself. Had a bacon sandwich for breakfast like Morgan would do. Then Elder Bird & I walked across a desert to get to a subdivision here that isn't directly connected by a road yet. Talked to a man who said I should go into sales because I'm good at listening and then building off it with my ideas . Saw a vulture today. Bought some steak today (got $30 of meat for $13). Lesson with Ogburns. I love blueberry pomegranate ice cream. Don't like it when people are late.
15 Sept 2010 - District meeting went well. Had a homeless man walk in to church so the zone leader and I met with him for a bit. Lessons. Bishop came and gave us a loaf of homemade banana bread and the other bishop put a request in to keep us here to our mission president.
16 Sept 2010 - Had flu shots. Lesson with spencers - commited to baptism. Had a big plate of food before bed.
17 Sept 2010 - Ran 1 mile in 10 min today. Contacted all day - still hot here - in 100's everyday. Lesson with Ogburns & dinner weth them at members home
18 Sept 2010 - Went to Applebees. Had mission wide conference - saw Elder Coburn again - fun times. Elder Richard Hinckley (Pres Hinckley's son - he's director of missionary department). It was good. Lesson with Stott's and the Alvarez family. Sandra commited to be baptized!! So happy - and it will be next Saturday. Ogburns passed baptism interviews.
19 Sept 2010 - Church was really good. 6 investigators at church. Lesson with Shalayne and Sandra today. Our wards are getting excited about the work.
20 Sept 2010 - Had burgers and lunch with sister missionaries at a members home and played pool. I was trying to guess all the college football teams that had purple in their logo/uniforms. There are only 6 and i got 4 of them. Got haricurs today. Sandra and Shalayne passed interviews.
21 Sept 2010 - contacted whole day. Helped someone move. Lessons with Ogburns and Sandra. Sandra gave us dinner too.
22 Sept 2010 - Had interviews with President Beck today. Mine went well. I'm thinking i'll stay in Anthem for another 6 weeks, then i'll be gone, but you never know. While he was doing interviews I was doing a district meeting, went well. Began deep cleaning for inspections tommorow. Got free Taco Bell for dinner.
23 Sept 2010 - had another district meeting about goals and numbers and the importance of them. Lessons. Went to rose garden area on exchanges with Elder Farnsworth - great elder - I love being with him - hopefully meet up at BYU together. Sandra passed her Spanish interview as well which was great.
24 Sept 2010 - contacted 58 people ( a contact is making eye-to-eye contact, teach true doctrine, bear testimony, and invite to action) - so not just "hey, how's it going" - they are tough to do. Big day.
Most i've done in one day. Then we exchanged back for the Ogburns baptism. It was excellent. They asked if I would baptize all 3 of them. So I did the mom first, then the son, then the daughter. It was just great. Felt just happy. Then we walked out of the baptism and someone clipped the lock on some other elders bikes and stole them - not so fun. Great day with baptisms. Back in Anthem with Elder Bird.
25 Sept 2010 - Today we had Shalayne Winward, and Sandra Alvarez's baptisms. They were great. Shalayne asked if I would baptize her which was so fun. Then Sandra Alvarez's baptism was just great. I love that family - they are great. Then we began exchanges with the zone leaders. I found out I would be helping with 2 ward council trainings tomorrow - so I gotta cram some info
26 Sept 2010 - Today at church was great - it was so crazy - I loved it. Sometimes it's nice to sit from 7am-5pm in church all day - but when you're used to just always going - it makes it fun. So we (zone leader and I) met up with the Stake Presidency and a counselor in Mission Presidency and did 2 ward council trainings (one was in a ward I was serving in) - so basically, the mission presidency member started it off about the importance of missionary work, then a stake presidency member bore testimony, then the ZL and I got up and gave a 20-30 min presentation about the ward mission plan, the 5-focus names, coordination meeting, and ward council - and it was fun teaching about how to actually do missionary work. Fun stuff. Then we exchanged back. Had 5 confirmations today - I did one of them (Brannon Ogburn). Good times.
All is well - things are great. We get transfer news next Monday - so I'll e-mail probably around 3-4 with news about if i'm staying in Anthem or not. I'm up for anything.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Dad Taught Me This...
I tell ya, missing college football is going to be tough.
I just get really sick to my stomach. I didn't even think about it till Sunday when someone mentioned that BYU won. Just the excitement, the statistics, the rivalries, the rankings, the Heisman, how will Georgia do with new defensive staff, and star wide receiver - and then there is all the other teams. It will def be what I miss the most.
But you forget it once you start working and realize that we have 5 more people being baptized this month, district meetings, mission meetings, teaching, correlations, auxiliaries, etc - so much you don't even remember.
Excited for the Tennessee game y'all get to go to - have fun. Lots of good notes - thanks for the details - I like them.
30 August 2010 - took 3 hr nap - just phenomenal. Lesson with Yvonne Ogburn. Went to Pete's. E-mailin Jeff Cotten. It's weird that I am really starting to love the investigators - I didn't think I would ever get really attached to them.
31 August 2010 - had district meeting. I like teaching and bringing up new ideas/insights - it's fun to study. We got to have the release-time seminary students practice teaching us the First Vision so they can be good missionaries at school. Lesson with Alvarez family - I love them. Saw a couple havalina (javalina, not sure spelling) - like wild pigs. Elder Bird is a funny companion - he's a farm boy from Idaho who works hard.
1 Sept - leadership training meeting all day. How to be effective district leader & solve special challenges. Got slushie with zone leaders. Dinner and lesson with Alvarez family at Potters home.
2 Sept - had another leadership meeting all day on how to be catalyst of spirit. hap baptismal interview.
3 Sept - had 3 wonderful lessons with new investigators - hopefully they continue to progress. went to Del taco and some members came and bought our meal - blessings for them. So much is going on here - blessed to be serving in Anthem today.
4 Sept - always get the biggest moving truck you can find when you move. Always - I think dad taught me this. We've done a lot of moving and always go big. We were biking and felt like stopping at an older couples home and found out the husband had passed away night before - good timing by spirit - nice visit.
5 September - Yvonne and Shalayne finally came to church! so happy. Went to a Bday party dinner for one of our investigators. Lesson with Alvarez family.
Great week - work moves forward.
Lots of love.
Elder Perkins
I just get really sick to my stomach. I didn't even think about it till Sunday when someone mentioned that BYU won. Just the excitement, the statistics, the rivalries, the rankings, the Heisman, how will Georgia do with new defensive staff, and star wide receiver - and then there is all the other teams. It will def be what I miss the most.
But you forget it once you start working and realize that we have 5 more people being baptized this month, district meetings, mission meetings, teaching, correlations, auxiliaries, etc - so much you don't even remember.
Excited for the Tennessee game y'all get to go to - have fun. Lots of good notes - thanks for the details - I like them.
30 August 2010 - took 3 hr nap - just phenomenal. Lesson with Yvonne Ogburn. Went to Pete's. E-mailin Jeff Cotten. It's weird that I am really starting to love the investigators - I didn't think I would ever get really attached to them.
31 August 2010 - had district meeting. I like teaching and bringing up new ideas/insights - it's fun to study. We got to have the release-time seminary students practice teaching us the First Vision so they can be good missionaries at school. Lesson with Alvarez family - I love them. Saw a couple havalina (javalina, not sure spelling) - like wild pigs. Elder Bird is a funny companion - he's a farm boy from Idaho who works hard.
1 Sept - leadership training meeting all day. How to be effective district leader & solve special challenges. Got slushie with zone leaders. Dinner and lesson with Alvarez family at Potters home.
2 Sept - had another leadership meeting all day on how to be catalyst of spirit. hap baptismal interview.
3 Sept - had 3 wonderful lessons with new investigators - hopefully they continue to progress. went to Del taco and some members came and bought our meal - blessings for them. So much is going on here - blessed to be serving in Anthem today.
4 Sept - always get the biggest moving truck you can find when you move. Always - I think dad taught me this. We've done a lot of moving and always go big. We were biking and felt like stopping at an older couples home and found out the husband had passed away night before - good timing by spirit - nice visit.
5 September - Yvonne and Shalayne finally came to church! so happy. Went to a Bday party dinner for one of our investigators. Lesson with Alvarez family.
Great week - work moves forward.
Lots of love.
Elder Perkins
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Loving Every Moment
Well I haven't gotten a letter from ya, so here was my past week - VERY BUSY!!!
August 23, 2010 - Got news that I will be in Anthem for another 6 weeks which is great. I have been here for 6 months already, so this will put me at 7.5 months here. Elder Geren (my firstborn son) was transferred and I got a call from President Beck informing me I would be training another Elder fresh from the MTC. I'm really excited - I love training. I will birth him into the field tomorrow. Had a lesson with Pete - pumped for his baptism.
August 24 2010 - Last day with Elder Geren so I took him to Jack-n-the-box for some tacos - that's the only thing I order there - just amazingly good. Kinda sad he's leaving - we did great together - great friend. Was in meetings most the day. Started at 2 with leadership training - my nose started to bleed while President Beck was speaking. Then had a trainers training meeting. Then I got my second son, Elder Bird. He is my farm boy from Idaho Falls, Idaho. He is a state champion wrestler and get this - when he was a freshman, he actually wrestled my trainer (my dad) who was a senior at the time. My trainer, Elder Nielsen is from Pocatello, ID - pretty close to Idaho Falls I hear. Fun stuff. He's pumped to work. Had a great lesson with the Alvarez family at the Gunderson's home.
August 25, 2010 - Brother Mowry took us up to buy a bike for Elder Bird, then he took us to Quizno's for lunch - members here are great to us. Made some visits, had to run to Wal-mart to get some food for Elder Bird. Then tracted. Taught 4 lessons tonight. Trying to finalize all the baptisms this weekend.
August 26, 2010 - Weekly planning, had a district meeting afterwards. Had lesson with Spencer Davis, had dinner a family who is looking into church. Still working on these baptisms for this week.
August 27, 2010 - Had a lesson with a woman from England - cool accent. Tracted a lot. Had Pete's baptism - was way great. The ward support is awesome - after the baptism we all went to the Bishop's home and had ice-cream and talked. Fun event.
August 28, 2010 - Had 3 baptisms today. So we were at the church most the day setting up - had to set up the gym for a dinner also. I got to baptize Spencer (a 10 yr old) - it was the first baptism I've done - really fun.
August 29, 2010 - I got to confirm Pete and Spencer today and give them both the gift of the Holy Ghost - which was awesome. I really love the wards we are in. We had a lesson with the Alvarez family. Both the children are members (Fabian was baptized about 4 weeks ago). We committed the mom to be baptized and she accepted for Sept 25, but is nervous, and not sure about anything - wants to learn more - her 20 yr old daughter was crying when we committed her and it was just an awesome experience. Missionary work is just the best thing ever - bringing families together. We committed them to have family prayer and scripture study each day. I love what we do. Elder Bird is doing great. We are going to have a fun transfer.
August is almost over, we had 7 baptisms this month and have 5 set for next month which is exciting. The Lord is blessing us and I am loving every moment of the work.
Take care,
Elder Perkins
August 23, 2010 - Got news that I will be in Anthem for another 6 weeks which is great. I have been here for 6 months already, so this will put me at 7.5 months here. Elder Geren (my firstborn son) was transferred and I got a call from President Beck informing me I would be training another Elder fresh from the MTC. I'm really excited - I love training. I will birth him into the field tomorrow. Had a lesson with Pete - pumped for his baptism.
August 24 2010 - Last day with Elder Geren so I took him to Jack-n-the-box for some tacos - that's the only thing I order there - just amazingly good. Kinda sad he's leaving - we did great together - great friend. Was in meetings most the day. Started at 2 with leadership training - my nose started to bleed while President Beck was speaking. Then had a trainers training meeting. Then I got my second son, Elder Bird. He is my farm boy from Idaho Falls, Idaho. He is a state champion wrestler and get this - when he was a freshman, he actually wrestled my trainer (my dad) who was a senior at the time. My trainer, Elder Nielsen is from Pocatello, ID - pretty close to Idaho Falls I hear. Fun stuff. He's pumped to work. Had a great lesson with the Alvarez family at the Gunderson's home.
August 25, 2010 - Brother Mowry took us up to buy a bike for Elder Bird, then he took us to Quizno's for lunch - members here are great to us. Made some visits, had to run to Wal-mart to get some food for Elder Bird. Then tracted. Taught 4 lessons tonight. Trying to finalize all the baptisms this weekend.
August 26, 2010 - Weekly planning, had a district meeting afterwards. Had lesson with Spencer Davis, had dinner a family who is looking into church. Still working on these baptisms for this week.
August 27, 2010 - Had a lesson with a woman from England - cool accent. Tracted a lot. Had Pete's baptism - was way great. The ward support is awesome - after the baptism we all went to the Bishop's home and had ice-cream and talked. Fun event.
August 28, 2010 - Had 3 baptisms today. So we were at the church most the day setting up - had to set up the gym for a dinner also. I got to baptize Spencer (a 10 yr old) - it was the first baptism I've done - really fun.
August 29, 2010 - I got to confirm Pete and Spencer today and give them both the gift of the Holy Ghost - which was awesome. I really love the wards we are in. We had a lesson with the Alvarez family. Both the children are members (Fabian was baptized about 4 weeks ago). We committed the mom to be baptized and she accepted for Sept 25, but is nervous, and not sure about anything - wants to learn more - her 20 yr old daughter was crying when we committed her and it was just an awesome experience. Missionary work is just the best thing ever - bringing families together. We committed them to have family prayer and scripture study each day. I love what we do. Elder Bird is doing great. We are going to have a fun transfer.
August is almost over, we had 7 baptisms this month and have 5 set for next month which is exciting. The Lord is blessing us and I am loving every moment of the work.
Take care,
Elder Perkins
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
MTC Changes
Policy changes are as follows.
In the MTC they have been teaching new missionaries how to teach (like how to teach the restoration, plan of salvation, tithing, etc). But effective May 2011 they will be changing everything and the MTC will teach new missionaries how to be missionaries (how to get investigators to pray, read, and come to church, how to receive personal revelation, how to recognize, and rely on the holy ghost, how to begin lessons, how to invite, etc). And there are 8 points of this new curriculum.
Now, every mission in the world has to be fluent in this new curriculum by May 2011 so that these new missionaries will mesh perfectly in. So we have many trainings to do till then to get everyone up to par.
We did get transfer news today and I am staying in my area and Elder Geren is leaving. We have been together for 4.5 months. He's a great Elder.
16 August 2010 - instead of playing sports as a district, we took a week off to rest. So i got some serious nappage time which was amazing. Shopped at the outlet malls - Anthem is like a copy of Castle Rock except newer here. We shopped - got some fish fillets. Sent a package home with some stuff for family and b-day present for Quinton - a watch. Got haircuts - I'm looking quite dapper now as they say. Had lesson with Pete. Got a letter from Carson Telford - funny kid - I need to write him back soon.
17 August 2010 - had a district meeting this morning where I taught on the 2nd principle of the new simplified MTC curriculum - the role of the Holy Ghost in converstion. It went decent I guess. They had a change in our mission - we used to have a goal of tracting for 10 hours a week, and how instead of that they have a goal of contacting (making eye contact, teach doctrine, bear testimony, give invitation) with 140 people a week - so it is up to each how to get them. Because everyone in Anthem is fairly well off - there is barely anyone outside - so we still tract - not much street contacting. Had some pasta for dinner, had lesson with keys - recent converts. Lesson with Alvarez family. Fabian Alvarez was baptized a couple weeks ago & now we are teaching his mom. She understands English but likes to speak Spanish, so we bring someone along who can help with translation - I can follow about half if I know the topic. It's really fun. They gave us some cake after.
18 August 2010 - had a zone meeting to start day. Followed by some tracting. Gave a blessing to a member. Went to an appointment and they had a wonderful steak dinner for us - a huge t-bone - I don't think I have ever had a t-bone steak. There are two parts - the tenderloin and the sirloin. Both sides have there positives - I was very excited. Then Elder geren left to another appointment and I stayed to teach that family - who gave us the t-bone steak. The dad of the family wants us to baptize his two sons in 2 weeks - crazy - gotta fly and see if the kids can keep up and if they are willing.
19 August 2010 - Elder Geren was still sick today. So after weekly planning we stayed inside for a couple hours. Then went to visit the Ogburns - up the biggest hill in anthem - almost killed Elder Geren - tough kid. Went to carrols for dinner - had some friends over. Then taught Morgan Shaw and then the Alvarez family. I really wich i would of payed attention more in spanish classes and kept up the piano - tell Conner to learn that piano. Sometimes we start off lessons with a hymn that I can play if they have a piano in there home - love to do that - I make Elder Geren give a solo or sometimes the family joins in if they know the hymn. Good times. He loves it (really doesn't) ha - but he doesn't have a choice since I like to do it - piano is fun.
20 August 2010 - had a footlong really spicy buffalo chicken sandwhich from Subway for lunch today. Lot of tracting and contacting. Had lesson with Davis family. had lesson with Pete - I love that man - trully and inspiring story for all ages and people. He had a lot on his mind and we did our best to clear it up. Gotta teach people and not lessons. I love this area.
21 August 2010 - Quinton's birthday. Helped someone move this morning - getting ripped because of all the moving - not really. Then took the fastest shower ever - like ever. Then went to a lunch appointment with Relief Society President and her non-member brother who we used to teach till he moved out of our area. Had Morgan Shaws baptism -awesome. I got to play the piano for her baptism which was sweet. then we had a come unto christ fireside (kinda like an open house thing) - expecting like 100 nonmembers to come - only 9 came - we gave tours of the building, a couple talks - fun stuff.
22 August 2010 - I got to confirm Morgan Shaw a member of the church and give her the gift of the Holy Ghost in sacrament meeting today. It was awesome - probably the smoothest blessing i've given - just flowed off the tongue - the Spirit will help ya when you need it - just a great experience. I love the wards i'm serving - we have been going out to appointments with our bishops, wml's, rs pres, eq pres - just all the auxilary leaders - it's been fun. The people in our wards are great - I know mostly all of them by name which is great. We have 4 baptisms next weekend - so a lot to prepare for this weekend.
Take care - hope all is well.
Much love,
Elder Perkins
In the MTC they have been teaching new missionaries how to teach (like how to teach the restoration, plan of salvation, tithing, etc). But effective May 2011 they will be changing everything and the MTC will teach new missionaries how to be missionaries (how to get investigators to pray, read, and come to church, how to receive personal revelation, how to recognize, and rely on the holy ghost, how to begin lessons, how to invite, etc). And there are 8 points of this new curriculum.
Now, every mission in the world has to be fluent in this new curriculum by May 2011 so that these new missionaries will mesh perfectly in. So we have many trainings to do till then to get everyone up to par.
We did get transfer news today and I am staying in my area and Elder Geren is leaving. We have been together for 4.5 months. He's a great Elder.
16 August 2010 - instead of playing sports as a district, we took a week off to rest. So i got some serious nappage time which was amazing. Shopped at the outlet malls - Anthem is like a copy of Castle Rock except newer here. We shopped - got some fish fillets. Sent a package home with some stuff for family and b-day present for Quinton - a watch. Got haircuts - I'm looking quite dapper now as they say. Had lesson with Pete. Got a letter from Carson Telford - funny kid - I need to write him back soon.
17 August 2010 - had a district meeting this morning where I taught on the 2nd principle of the new simplified MTC curriculum - the role of the Holy Ghost in converstion. It went decent I guess. They had a change in our mission - we used to have a goal of tracting for 10 hours a week, and how instead of that they have a goal of contacting (making eye contact, teach doctrine, bear testimony, give invitation) with 140 people a week - so it is up to each how to get them. Because everyone in Anthem is fairly well off - there is barely anyone outside - so we still tract - not much street contacting. Had some pasta for dinner, had lesson with keys - recent converts. Lesson with Alvarez family. Fabian Alvarez was baptized a couple weeks ago & now we are teaching his mom. She understands English but likes to speak Spanish, so we bring someone along who can help with translation - I can follow about half if I know the topic. It's really fun. They gave us some cake after.
18 August 2010 - had a zone meeting to start day. Followed by some tracting. Gave a blessing to a member. Went to an appointment and they had a wonderful steak dinner for us - a huge t-bone - I don't think I have ever had a t-bone steak. There are two parts - the tenderloin and the sirloin. Both sides have there positives - I was very excited. Then Elder geren left to another appointment and I stayed to teach that family - who gave us the t-bone steak. The dad of the family wants us to baptize his two sons in 2 weeks - crazy - gotta fly and see if the kids can keep up and if they are willing.
19 August 2010 - Elder Geren was still sick today. So after weekly planning we stayed inside for a couple hours. Then went to visit the Ogburns - up the biggest hill in anthem - almost killed Elder Geren - tough kid. Went to carrols for dinner - had some friends over. Then taught Morgan Shaw and then the Alvarez family. I really wich i would of payed attention more in spanish classes and kept up the piano - tell Conner to learn that piano. Sometimes we start off lessons with a hymn that I can play if they have a piano in there home - love to do that - I make Elder Geren give a solo or sometimes the family joins in if they know the hymn. Good times. He loves it (really doesn't) ha - but he doesn't have a choice since I like to do it - piano is fun.
20 August 2010 - had a footlong really spicy buffalo chicken sandwhich from Subway for lunch today. Lot of tracting and contacting. Had lesson with Davis family. had lesson with Pete - I love that man - trully and inspiring story for all ages and people. He had a lot on his mind and we did our best to clear it up. Gotta teach people and not lessons. I love this area.
21 August 2010 - Quinton's birthday. Helped someone move this morning - getting ripped because of all the moving - not really. Then took the fastest shower ever - like ever. Then went to a lunch appointment with Relief Society President and her non-member brother who we used to teach till he moved out of our area. Had Morgan Shaws baptism -awesome. I got to play the piano for her baptism which was sweet. then we had a come unto christ fireside (kinda like an open house thing) - expecting like 100 nonmembers to come - only 9 came - we gave tours of the building, a couple talks - fun stuff.
22 August 2010 - I got to confirm Morgan Shaw a member of the church and give her the gift of the Holy Ghost in sacrament meeting today. It was awesome - probably the smoothest blessing i've given - just flowed off the tongue - the Spirit will help ya when you need it - just a great experience. I love the wards i'm serving - we have been going out to appointments with our bishops, wml's, rs pres, eq pres - just all the auxilary leaders - it's been fun. The people in our wards are great - I know mostly all of them by name which is great. We have 4 baptisms next weekend - so a lot to prepare for this weekend.
Take care - hope all is well.
Much love,
Elder Perkins
Monday, August 16, 2010
Slushies and Blessings
I hear that Despicable Me is a very funny movie. I love you too Morgan.
I never knew Conner was even getting into playing football - that's exciting. Let me know the details of how things go. You assume I don't know who Trace Adkins is, ha - of course I know.
Here's the past week (let me know if you like my week reviews - just do them now out of habit I guess:
9 August 2010 - one of our investigators, Pete, told us to go visit one of his friends, so we did - visit went ok - referrals from investigators are the best. Played ultimate Frisbee and volleyball with our district in Anthem park. Got sun burned on my feet and neck - usually covered by proselytizing clothes. Shopped, emailed. Played some pool, took a nap. Then had lesson with Morgan Shaw which was great.
Oh I got a 44 ounce slushy for 79 cents at Circle K, and a free hot dog. Also bought some peach ice cream at Wal-mart to try out. Mission is fun times.
10 August 2010 - Tracted for 4 hours. Had a Mcdonalds high quality chicken sandwich (like not the $1 ones, but like a 4.50 sandwich one) and large french fries for lunch - I splurged and bought a large combo - very delicious. Then we had Taco Bell for dinner with some members.
Our Ward Mission Leader is phenomenal, Brother Dave White - he told us he wants his kids to be like us when they grow up - he does good things for us. We took him to a lesson. Then had a lesson with Pete - have I told y'all about Pete yet? Golden man - so great. He committed to being baptized and is hungering for the gospel - loves to learn - great times. I'm just happy doing the work.
11 August 2010 - had long zone meeting, because assistants to Pres, and President and Sister Beck were there. They gave presentations about the new policies in our mission. We have a lot of changes to go through for the next year. Did I tell y'all about those yet? But its not the change that's difficult, its the transition is what he says. I had to give a talk about how inviting souls to baptism is how we fulfill our missionary purpose - not really nervous anymore speaking in front of people - unless it was like an apostle or something.
12 August 2010 - began exchanges so I'm down in Phoenix with Elder Farnsworth. We taught a man from Cyprus, then went on splits. So me and a 19 yr old ward missionary went to visit 2 people, but they were not home, and since I didn't know the area, we went to QT and got some slushies, and then waited at the church for an hour - poor planning leads to wasted time. Then we went to another family and committed them to baptism. Elder Farnsworth is a funny elder.
13 August 2010 - watched "The Testaments" this morning - good movie about Indian family in Americas when Christ comes to visit people there. Came back up to Anthem. Had dinner and lesson with Pete. Then we went on splits and I went to see the Ogburn family - many tough times, but they want to get involved in gospel - re-set some baptism dates for them. I went on splits with our Bishop - it was really fun - he's a great man.
14 August 2010 - had Alexis Soncrant's baptism today. Went really good I love baptisms. Then they took us to Olive Garden and she gave us a thank you card. I ordered the baked ziti - very delicious. It was a tough decision between that and the chicken alfredo. Great people. Then we went back to the church for an 8 yr old baptism - they wanted us to stand in for confirmation. Then went to our zone leaders baptism because we had to give the missionary invitation - fun stuff. Then I had a baptismal interview. Baptisms rock - spirit is always great there.
15 August 2010 - our wards are impressed with all the work the Lord is blessing us with. We got to teach gospel principles which is fun - I just love speaking and teaching. Went over to the Taylor's home for dinner and a lesson. The Lord is blessing us a lot this week. Next Monday we get transfer news - I'd like to stay, but I've been here for 6 months so chances are I might leave - but I like change so we'll see. Everything is good. Learning a lot.
Take care.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Biking Has Built Up My Legs
Hello family.
Thank you for the package. The EFY CD 2010 is pretty good.
Here are the notes of the past week:
2 August 2010 - played bball for 3 hours. Had a lesson with Alexis - being baptized on 14th.
3 August 2010 - started off day with lesson, tracted for 3 hours. Got to go to Louis' baptism - she is 89 and she asked me if i could be a witness which was fun. went out to a Hawaiin bbq for dinner.
4 August 2010 - baked brownies and gave them to a member who is helping us out with rides a lot.
Had district meeting and I spoke on section 58 of Doctrine and Covenants and zone leaders talked on progress records.
Had dinner with Potters and Alvarez family ( Fabian Alvarez is being baptized on Saturday). It was fun - his mom speaks mostly Spanish so I used my gift of tongues and spoke Spanish most the night - had a fun time. Nah, the mom is pretty shy speaking English so I was trying to make her feel more comfortable.
Then we exchanged, so Elder Giles came up with me. He's been out 3 weeks in mission. Taught Morgan Shaw - being baptized on 21.
5 Aug. 2010 - Elder Giles and I worked hard. Taught some lessons, make visits. Went to Hack n the Box and threw down 8 tacos for only 3.50 - I had a get 2 free tacos coupon. I love those tacos. Got slushies too (only 79 cents for 32 ounces). Exchanged back and went to see Pete - phenominal man. He showed up to church this last Sunday on his own. Had excellent lesson with him.
6 Aug 2010 - got a package from family - tender mercy of lord. We got rain for about ten minutes - tender mercy of lord. Then back in the 100's - love it. Had dinner with an FBI agent - which was cool hearing his stories. Taught morgan again and Fabian.
7 Aug 2010 - got a lot of rain this morning, then had Fabians baptism - phenominal. It was so awesome and we filled the program with power players. Fabian is the first baptism I've had where we taught him all the lessons - just a great service. He is awesome. Our mission president showed up to the baptism too and told Elder Geren and I that we did a great job with our presentation but we should of committed anyone who was not a member to be baptized which was cool - we'll do it from now on. Pretty bold. Our bishop got us lunch after. Then I interviewed 2 people for baptism. Then went out with our RS president to visit one of our investigators. She reminds me of mom. Fun times.
8 Aug 2010 - an hour before Fabians confimation, the man who was going to confirm him called and said he wouldn't be able to make it, so we had to call an audible and it worked out good. Had a lesson with Jacque Armstrong - being baptized on Aug 21. Its amazing to see the transformation this area had had since i've been here. At first it was tough finding people to teach, but now we have a huge teaching pool with many baptisms this month. Things are going great for Elder Geren and I. The gospel is phenominal.
I love you all. Thanks for everything. Letters were fun. Conner is really tall now - and I noticed him wearing my Georgia hat - looks good on him. Thanks for the Georgia info. I won't bother you with me thoughts. Today in wal-mart they had a tv with college football highlights from like last year or something and I saw it in passing and just got goose-bumps - it'll be tough. It is just so exciting - a new year - everyone begins undefeated - whats going to happen - ah - it'll be tough - we'll see how it lasts. Quinton is taller then Dad it looks like huh?
Take care, much love.
Oh I can touch the rim of a basketball goal - and get it pretty good, not just skimming it - biking has built up my legs - extra 3 inches on vertical.- hopefully I can dunk at the end of my mission.
Thank you for the package. The EFY CD 2010 is pretty good.
Here are the notes of the past week:
2 August 2010 - played bball for 3 hours. Had a lesson with Alexis - being baptized on 14th.
3 August 2010 - started off day with lesson, tracted for 3 hours. Got to go to Louis' baptism - she is 89 and she asked me if i could be a witness which was fun. went out to a Hawaiin bbq for dinner.
4 August 2010 - baked brownies and gave them to a member who is helping us out with rides a lot.
Had district meeting and I spoke on section 58 of Doctrine and Covenants and zone leaders talked on progress records.
Had dinner with Potters and Alvarez family ( Fabian Alvarez is being baptized on Saturday). It was fun - his mom speaks mostly Spanish so I used my gift of tongues and spoke Spanish most the night - had a fun time. Nah, the mom is pretty shy speaking English so I was trying to make her feel more comfortable.
Then we exchanged, so Elder Giles came up with me. He's been out 3 weeks in mission. Taught Morgan Shaw - being baptized on 21.
5 Aug. 2010 - Elder Giles and I worked hard. Taught some lessons, make visits. Went to Hack n the Box and threw down 8 tacos for only 3.50 - I had a get 2 free tacos coupon. I love those tacos. Got slushies too (only 79 cents for 32 ounces). Exchanged back and went to see Pete - phenominal man. He showed up to church this last Sunday on his own. Had excellent lesson with him.
6 Aug 2010 - got a package from family - tender mercy of lord. We got rain for about ten minutes - tender mercy of lord. Then back in the 100's - love it. Had dinner with an FBI agent - which was cool hearing his stories. Taught morgan again and Fabian.
7 Aug 2010 - got a lot of rain this morning, then had Fabians baptism - phenominal. It was so awesome and we filled the program with power players. Fabian is the first baptism I've had where we taught him all the lessons - just a great service. He is awesome. Our mission president showed up to the baptism too and told Elder Geren and I that we did a great job with our presentation but we should of committed anyone who was not a member to be baptized which was cool - we'll do it from now on. Pretty bold. Our bishop got us lunch after. Then I interviewed 2 people for baptism. Then went out with our RS president to visit one of our investigators. She reminds me of mom. Fun times.
8 Aug 2010 - an hour before Fabians confimation, the man who was going to confirm him called and said he wouldn't be able to make it, so we had to call an audible and it worked out good. Had a lesson with Jacque Armstrong - being baptized on Aug 21. Its amazing to see the transformation this area had had since i've been here. At first it was tough finding people to teach, but now we have a huge teaching pool with many baptisms this month. Things are going great for Elder Geren and I. The gospel is phenominal.
I love you all. Thanks for everything. Letters were fun. Conner is really tall now - and I noticed him wearing my Georgia hat - looks good on him. Thanks for the Georgia info. I won't bother you with me thoughts. Today in wal-mart they had a tv with college football highlights from like last year or something and I saw it in passing and just got goose-bumps - it'll be tough. It is just so exciting - a new year - everyone begins undefeated - whats going to happen - ah - it'll be tough - we'll see how it lasts. Quinton is taller then Dad it looks like huh?
Take care, much love.
Oh I can touch the rim of a basketball goal - and get it pretty good, not just skimming it - biking has built up my legs - extra 3 inches on vertical.- hopefully I can dunk at the end of my mission.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)