Hello family!
Well I don't have alot of time today for email, had a big letter to mission president to write and we are running a little late with alot of things to do! So sorry if this one is short. Well let me throw out there the big surprise. First things first right. Well I am serving with three other missionaires..... in one companionship! A FOURSOME!? I know! Crazy right? We got a call from the assistants asking, well no telling us we would be having two visa waiters. So we picked them up wednesday and it started there. Let me introduce them. Elder Gray from a small town outside of Sacramento waiting for his visa to Tijuana Mexico! And the other is Elder McClung from Bow Island Alberta! Waiting to go to Tijuana Mexico as well. Wait a minute did I say Elder McClung? That sounds familair. Wait a minute we are second cousins! WHAT! I am serving with a relative! Is this wild or what! When they called out his name I immediatley thought of Tanner, Kristen and Marnie! The McClungs? Then we start talking as we are driving away and it everything starts coming together! We were flipping out.
So how cool is this? I am serving with E. McClung, showing him the ropes. I love him man. Plus he dated a girl for two years before he left, same situation I'm in. That calls for some fun chat but don't worry we are focused! So your probably thinking for missionaires one companionship? How does that work? It doesn't, so we split up. The first couple days were pretty scattered and all over the place. Trying to plan for four people, whos going where, with who. After some prayer I came to a conculsion it would not work like this, I mean they could be here for six months.
SIDE NOTE. Mission has roughly 70 visa waiters, a few have adopted into missioin, some few days out and others few months. They have no idea when they get their visa, just when it comes. We just recieved 30 this last week and all spanish companionships who have room for visa waiters have visa waiters. We are the first English speaking companionship to have spanish speaking visa waiters. So many blessings of this deal, the greatest and most selfish one! We get an extra hour of personal study because they need language study! I love it haha!
So I decided to seperate our area. Elder Ng and Gray have Willow Creek Stake on bike (it's flat and smaller) and Elder McClung and myself have Wastach Stake (hilly and big). I didn't just put us together because I love Elder McClung but for certain reasons. Elder Gray can speak forever and sometimes Elder Ng is good to let him talk and Elder McClung is great but sometimes a little quite so I can get him to speak and take over if he ever needs it. But man I love these two Elders they brought some vital skills into our companionship we need and the enthusiasm and efforts they've shown up with is unreal. I love them both they are the perfect missionaries to train, humble. Elder England definetly put me in my place sometimes and I truly needed it and am thankful for it. These two don't need that, just need love and any advice I can give, they always ask for it. I LOVE IT. This is a great experience for E. Ng as well and he's doing pretty good as well. He is realizing how hard it is to train and I think it has made him more open to suggestions, even asked me for some help the other day.
So this is truly a blessing. 24/7 we are double working our area, it feels so good. This week was excellent though. It's so funny the ups and downs of a mission that happen daily. This week we found five new investigators and have six people on date for baptism, we should have ten though. Hopefully this coming week we can get the people who have become a little washing progessing again and back on date. There are so many people and stories! I just don't have time to tell you all of them it stinks! I'll tell you this. Adam the golden guy we were teaching, who wanted to serve a mission he's off date. He was telling everyone about his baptism on the 31st, all his friends. Then out of the blue we recieved a call from him letting us know he needs to cancel our next lesson because he needs a week off to think about things. His mom is really giving him a hard time, the family is not to supportive. So he said he wouldn't ignore our calls but he hasn't answered one since and it will be a week tomorrow. Pretty sad, we were devistated. But it will work out, he was way to perfect for this to happen. Pray for him.
I'm sorry but I must wrap up this email we got no time! And I really want to go play ball :) But I am loving serving a mission. So many experiences and things to learn. We had great friday night at the Vigil's home all four of us. He told us tons of stories from his mission. Being thrown off porches, killing dogs who attacked him, people pulling knives, etc. YIKES! He shared lots of crazy stories, then after we had dinner we all shared some scriptures, just kepting going around in a circle. I love Sis. Vigil and I told them I will be back with my parents to visit. They can't wait, the perfect convert. All ready involved in Relief Society.
Good week. I love sundays, nothing beats it. Attending at least three sacrements a week, well six with the double work we got going on! But yes, some spiritual moments. And to top of the week we climbed up the mtn 50 feet to watch the fireworks from 10-10:25 on July 24th. The whole valley was lit up. Love the work, love my companions. Looking forward to his week it's leadership training! That includes me! From 9-3 almost every day this week, so hopefully I learn some new things! OK family and friends, take care. Next week I will share some spiritual experiences OK!
Keep the faith. Elder Pizzey.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
July 19
Hello!
Weeks go by so fast! You guys don't get it, they just fly. Each day you have something that happens weekly that you look forward too and they just keep rolling by. It's funny it seems like nobody is on a time crunch like we are as missionaries. We are always on a limit and time is ticken! Whether it's the countdown of two years, the six weeks of a transfer, just the week, or the day! There is no time to wait! To postpone things! It needs to be done this very minute right now! For others it's summer, time to slow down and take it easy. Push the date back a few days, cancel a lesson and re-schedule for next week because it will all get done eventually. NO!
We have some much potential in this area, so many people just purched on the fence. Families attending church, people willing to meet with us and it is great. We had some high goals set this week and we didn't hit them all, but they were reachable. That just means that we are left with more work this week and thats OK with me. I'll give you just a quick summary of the past week. Didn't pick up (start teaching) as many of the potential investigators we would have liked too although we did start teaching Austin Hammer last night. He is 16 and has a baptismal date of August 19th and he is pretty excited, people are just ready! He wants to serve a mission as well. He's pretty funny guy, big baseball player, everyone calls him Ham. I haven't told your much about Bro. Asalmi I have been teaching I'll save his long long story for the big day when he finally gets baptized. We have been teaching him for five months and the last two lessons we had with him have had some very spiritual moments, he's making progress. Tell Elder England (I guess Daniel now) to keep doing his work, there are people he should be calling/emailing! Alot of our investigators have been out of town for holiday's so not to many lessons this week. This weekend might get worse for that, July 24th is a HUGE holiday here, Pioneer day. People are going buck for it and basically everyone is heading out of town for something.
So like I have already said in earlier emails there are some many ups and downs in a mission, every day. It's good. We teach alot of youth classes and after teaching one we get a call from this girl Rebekah letting us know she scheduled a lesson for us with her friend! She can't wait to meet with us! We go wild. Then we knock on someones door for a key lesson and no one is home. Later we have dinner with a family who is hilarious and we just have an enjoyable dinner laughing around, share a message and make a friend. Then Rebekah calls us back her mom was excited for her to meet with us but her dad said 'heck no!' Then that night we meet someone at church, schedule a lesson with them and set a day for baptism that very day! Before we head it we schedule two new lessons with potentials for the up coming week! ------ This was how our Sunday went, missing alot of detail of course. But as you can tell it's like YAYYY! ..... AGH..... and back and forth but usually and most of the time their are more postives than negatives. Making serving a mission the greatest.
Some days are blistering hot and go by a little slow but it seems like if you keep working hard and stay busy the Lord takes care of you. The work moves along and something a few days later just falls into you lap and says, "Don't stop sprinting".
So this email has been very brood and general maybe I'll just share one experience that we had last night. Each day we have a list of people we need to visit whether they be active members to check up on, ninvite, less actives we are trying to activate or potential investigators we are trying to work with ourselves. Well a Bishop gave us the last name of this young couple. Usually when we go to visit somone not of our faith once they see us they start to panic, walk the other way, hide, not answer the door, run, tell us to get lost, say "I'm good" shut the door, give us the "I know everything about your religion, probably more than you do" and shut the door or just nicely and politely dismiss us. Well this guy we went to visit was friendly and wanted to talk. Not so much about the church or religion but about us, who we are. As missionaires you are always the one asking the questions and I never realized this, for some reason no one wants to ask you something. But this guy did and man was it fun, I loved it! Asnwering questions. Like I said at first he didn't want to talk about religon at all. He had some good funny questions. He did the good ol game of tell me something your companion doesn't even know about you. Mine was, I was the biggest little wimp when I was young. Afraid of needles, water, anything you name it and I wouldn't do it. Elder Ng's was he sucked a singing a few years ago (he's really good).
So after like ten minutes of just chatting I started to turn our conversation into a gosepl related chat. He soon started to ask questions like. When did you know this religion is true? What did you do to become "converted"? What was something you learned in the MTC you didn't know before? Why are you out here for two years? What do you want to go home with from you mission? Just for yourself, what are you going to take away from these two years? Well he was loving our answers as you can tell he continued to ask more questions. Gospel related questions yet still personal and I like it. For the question, what do you want to take home from this? I whipped open the blue hard copy Book of Mormon we always carry one us to Alma Chapter 5 verse 14 (p. 218) and shared it with him. "And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye recieved his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" I told him I believe, to a point, this is what I came out here with. I had some of his image in my countenance. Of course we could all do better but I did. I went through this mighty change in my heart meaning from the inside out. BUT to answer what I want to go home with I asked him to read verse 19 of the same chapter (p. 219). Which reads. "I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?" I told him I want to truly be able to say I have worked my hardest, wasting no time. And in doing so I will recieve the greatest gift. His image with now be ENGRAVEN within myself. Sketched in, carved in, made permanent. It will be going nowhere, there for ever and this is what I want. I then expounded on how it will bless my family and future generations. I will be ready to be a father and to start this life and related how the gosepl blesses families. How they are ordained of God.
It was just a good moment. It was unreal to see the change in this guy that took place in twenty minutes on his back porch (under a mister). Went from a nice guy not wanting to talk about religion to being curious. I asked him if I could now ask him one simple, short question. Of course yes. What do you believe a prophet is? He responded "well someone who speaks with God, let's us know his word." I said one more? yes. If there was a prophet of God on the earth today, who speaks with God, would you follow him? Well of course yes! I then shared my testimony of the Book of Mormon and how it is the only evidence there is of this! I told him there is no other way, you can't take anyones word for it. There is no website that will help or give you truth. It's all between you and God. Simply read and ask. Well he defintely changed over this short period of time and was really curious. He accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon and said he would crack it open sometime. I wrote down on a card of ours a few of my favorite chapters and set him on the right path. He didn't want a return appointment, I think he would if it wasnt for his wife. BUT he said come back and visit anytime and you never know. One day we might be in a different situation.
Well I spit that out fast, but I hope it made sense. It was a good experience for myself and the testimony of Elder Ng and myself while answering those questions was powerful. I hope you guys enjoyed what I had to share. Have a good week and keep the faith!
Love Elder Pizzey.
Weeks go by so fast! You guys don't get it, they just fly. Each day you have something that happens weekly that you look forward too and they just keep rolling by. It's funny it seems like nobody is on a time crunch like we are as missionaries. We are always on a limit and time is ticken! Whether it's the countdown of two years, the six weeks of a transfer, just the week, or the day! There is no time to wait! To postpone things! It needs to be done this very minute right now! For others it's summer, time to slow down and take it easy. Push the date back a few days, cancel a lesson and re-schedule for next week because it will all get done eventually. NO!
We have some much potential in this area, so many people just purched on the fence. Families attending church, people willing to meet with us and it is great. We had some high goals set this week and we didn't hit them all, but they were reachable. That just means that we are left with more work this week and thats OK with me. I'll give you just a quick summary of the past week. Didn't pick up (start teaching) as many of the potential investigators we would have liked too although we did start teaching Austin Hammer last night. He is 16 and has a baptismal date of August 19th and he is pretty excited, people are just ready! He wants to serve a mission as well. He's pretty funny guy, big baseball player, everyone calls him Ham. I haven't told your much about Bro. Asalmi I have been teaching I'll save his long long story for the big day when he finally gets baptized. We have been teaching him for five months and the last two lessons we had with him have had some very spiritual moments, he's making progress. Tell Elder England (I guess Daniel now) to keep doing his work, there are people he should be calling/emailing! Alot of our investigators have been out of town for holiday's so not to many lessons this week. This weekend might get worse for that, July 24th is a HUGE holiday here, Pioneer day. People are going buck for it and basically everyone is heading out of town for something.
So like I have already said in earlier emails there are some many ups and downs in a mission, every day. It's good. We teach alot of youth classes and after teaching one we get a call from this girl Rebekah letting us know she scheduled a lesson for us with her friend! She can't wait to meet with us! We go wild. Then we knock on someones door for a key lesson and no one is home. Later we have dinner with a family who is hilarious and we just have an enjoyable dinner laughing around, share a message and make a friend. Then Rebekah calls us back her mom was excited for her to meet with us but her dad said 'heck no!' Then that night we meet someone at church, schedule a lesson with them and set a day for baptism that very day! Before we head it we schedule two new lessons with potentials for the up coming week! ------ This was how our Sunday went, missing alot of detail of course. But as you can tell it's like YAYYY! ..... AGH..... and back and forth but usually and most of the time their are more postives than negatives. Making serving a mission the greatest.
Some days are blistering hot and go by a little slow but it seems like if you keep working hard and stay busy the Lord takes care of you. The work moves along and something a few days later just falls into you lap and says, "Don't stop sprinting".
So this email has been very brood and general maybe I'll just share one experience that we had last night. Each day we have a list of people we need to visit whether they be active members to check up on, ninvite, less actives we are trying to activate or potential investigators we are trying to work with ourselves. Well a Bishop gave us the last name of this young couple. Usually when we go to visit somone not of our faith once they see us they start to panic, walk the other way, hide, not answer the door, run, tell us to get lost, say "I'm good" shut the door, give us the "I know everything about your religion, probably more than you do" and shut the door or just nicely and politely dismiss us. Well this guy we went to visit was friendly and wanted to talk. Not so much about the church or religion but about us, who we are. As missionaires you are always the one asking the questions and I never realized this, for some reason no one wants to ask you something. But this guy did and man was it fun, I loved it! Asnwering questions. Like I said at first he didn't want to talk about religon at all. He had some good funny questions. He did the good ol game of tell me something your companion doesn't even know about you. Mine was, I was the biggest little wimp when I was young. Afraid of needles, water, anything you name it and I wouldn't do it. Elder Ng's was he sucked a singing a few years ago (he's really good).
So after like ten minutes of just chatting I started to turn our conversation into a gosepl related chat. He soon started to ask questions like. When did you know this religion is true? What did you do to become "converted"? What was something you learned in the MTC you didn't know before? Why are you out here for two years? What do you want to go home with from you mission? Just for yourself, what are you going to take away from these two years? Well he was loving our answers as you can tell he continued to ask more questions. Gospel related questions yet still personal and I like it. For the question, what do you want to take home from this? I whipped open the blue hard copy Book of Mormon we always carry one us to Alma Chapter 5 verse 14 (p. 218) and shared it with him. "And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye recieved his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" I told him I believe, to a point, this is what I came out here with. I had some of his image in my countenance. Of course we could all do better but I did. I went through this mighty change in my heart meaning from the inside out. BUT to answer what I want to go home with I asked him to read verse 19 of the same chapter (p. 219). Which reads. "I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?" I told him I want to truly be able to say I have worked my hardest, wasting no time. And in doing so I will recieve the greatest gift. His image with now be ENGRAVEN within myself. Sketched in, carved in, made permanent. It will be going nowhere, there for ever and this is what I want. I then expounded on how it will bless my family and future generations. I will be ready to be a father and to start this life and related how the gosepl blesses families. How they are ordained of God.
It was just a good moment. It was unreal to see the change in this guy that took place in twenty minutes on his back porch (under a mister). Went from a nice guy not wanting to talk about religion to being curious. I asked him if I could now ask him one simple, short question. Of course yes. What do you believe a prophet is? He responded "well someone who speaks with God, let's us know his word." I said one more? yes. If there was a prophet of God on the earth today, who speaks with God, would you follow him? Well of course yes! I then shared my testimony of the Book of Mormon and how it is the only evidence there is of this! I told him there is no other way, you can't take anyones word for it. There is no website that will help or give you truth. It's all between you and God. Simply read and ask. Well he defintely changed over this short period of time and was really curious. He accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon and said he would crack it open sometime. I wrote down on a card of ours a few of my favorite chapters and set him on the right path. He didn't want a return appointment, I think he would if it wasnt for his wife. BUT he said come back and visit anytime and you never know. One day we might be in a different situation.
Well I spit that out fast, but I hope it made sense. It was a good experience for myself and the testimony of Elder Ng and myself while answering those questions was powerful. I hope you guys enjoyed what I had to share. Have a good week and keep the faith!
Love Elder Pizzey.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
July 12, 2010 -It's a long one!
Hello family and friends!
Once again we meet, it feels like it was yesterday! Sorry for the late email. The church has changed the way we write our weekly letter to President and it made a few glitches in the email system. About half the Elders and Sisters were having troubles logging in, but after an hour of attempting it just worked! Same with Elder Ng. But I'm on now and ready to go.
Well I love hearing your about your week, even if it was slow I have those too. We always joke, what if we didn't get an email one week? Would be pretty sad but I don't think it will ever happen, I get two great ones each week. It's hard to decide what one to read first, usually just switch it up.
So before we start. I was in one of our Bishops (B. Esplin of WC7) house this week and saw this list of rules on there bulletin board. They are called "The Esplin Media Rules" and I just loved them so I got a copy and thought I would throw them home today for Paige. I just know she will eat them up ha!
1. No TV or interent when home alone
2. No interent after mom and dad in bed
3. Ten minute reporting rule
4. No chatrooms or talking to people you don't know (Facebook chat allowed)
5. Movies at friends - call home. No rated R and PG-13 ask permission
6. iPods - two family members aprove every song
7. No iPods at family gatherings
What do you think Paige! I don't know if I could have lived with these but man they would have prevented alot of trouble! I really don't think it would be that bad if you were raised with them. There youngest is five and oldest is just leaving on a mission and they are completely normal family. I think it's pretty smart stuff. Rule three is key** It's from a talk of an apostle few years ago. If you see something bad on accident you report it to the parents within 10 minutes. If the kids don't they continue to think about it and feel bad for something they didn't even do! Eventually they start to become curious and ask questions and so on. Pretty smart definitely had that a few times when I was a little tyke. Enough of the rules, just thought they were.... cute? no smart. I don't know!
So today is officially the start of a new transfer! I have been out three transfers! WHAT! Thats nuts! Time flies, only like 14 more to go lol! Want to know the greatest feeling as a missionairy! Sliding a new planner into that pocket, dang! Nothing better, so fresh and minty I love it. Then retiring that old one is even better, add it to the collection. So if we are to get transfered we would find out tomorrow by getting a phone call by the assistants. Usually you stay with your trainer for two transfers so most likely we will be staying together, I hope. I will defiantley be staying in the area, they almost never have someone take over an area after one transfer. Man I would love to stay in this area for 6-10 months! Elder England stayed in one for 11 months! I just love it. Great landlords, people, members, leaders in these stakes and so much potential! We have non-member families attending church! Just working on getting them to meet with us, and that should happen!
So the Woods are excellent. We have had two lessons and another tonight. They have the cutest little girl, Lesley, she's two! But honestly identical to Avery, she is her replacement. Exact same attitude, same stare and even looks similair. She is so curious this little thing! We were cutting their lawn and weed eating it this week, Lesley just running through the the garden getting all dirty. So cute! Anyways they are progressing in the Gospel as well. Bro. Wood has a baptismal date of August 7th.
I'll keep you updated.
And for that night that I couldn't fall asleep and just stayed awake thinking, that was the only time that has ever happened. You are dead tired by the end of the night, the greatest sleeps ever here. Even though the bed has a hole in the middle from elbows digging in it during the thousands of prayers that have been said on it for the past five years, it's still really comfortable. Like a hamic (sp?). I love it. Last night was actually one of the best sleeps I have ever had, woke up with so much engery.
So we have a Bishop Ulrich who's Bishop of the WC1st ward (Sis.Christenson's ward) who is a genious in the sticks. He never knew to much on his mission but ever since his mission he has bought one religous book a week! You should see his library, it's outrageous! Well he teaches institute at the U (Utah State) and sometimes at the Y and a few other places. Like I'm talking he teaches Isaiah classes... he knows the life of every prophet inside and out, so cool. Anyways we usually go by Bishops once a week to give an update of the work in their ward, they like it. And every time we go over to his place we get to ask him one question each. The best! Mine this time was where and when did FLDS branch off? Holy, he explained ever branch there has been and they sure have issues!! Elder Ng asked something about the resurrection, the transformation described as the "twinkling of an eye" thats found in the scriptures. But man, this is going to be hard to get my thought across here... But basically the more you know the more it comes together. Everything is intertwined. If you don't believe it you haven't looked into it. When people say Joseph Smith wasn't a prophet I just want say study his life. Really the only thing I have to study are talks by Truman G. Madsen "the Prophet Joesph Smith". Like 6 CD's of talks and lectures given by Truman (my all time favorite scholar!). By the way I will be meeting Bishop Ulrich's wife pretty soon, they have a place up in Brighton.
OK off track! Back on. So Bishop Esplin was talking to us and getting so excited about his answers, I on the other side just couldn't stop smiling. Almost out of control smile. It was weird. Us in his huge office, him on that side of the desk drawing like crazy on this peice of paper and us just soaking it all in. Some things we didn't even understand of course but I was just staring at him thinking one day, I will be there. I will have that knowledge just stored up like he does. I can't wait, I hope I don't get distracted by the world and continue to study like I am know. He has given be tons of names of books I MUST buy and read after the mission. Since I can't get them at home I'm going to by them and send them home eventually. Dad you can go ahead and tackle them first.
I think these emails are really random and all over the place? But thats me, so tough luck I guess. I'll just keep trying though lol. So we are projecting five baptisms this month (convert baptisms) and a few eight year olds with less-active parents we have been teaching as a family to help activate them. We should definetly have more though, so we SHOULD be able to hit the mission goal of six a transfer. The people we have on date and their dates are:
1. Adam (20) - July 31
2. Cera (12) - Aug 7
3. Jack (9) - July 31
4. Bro. Wood (late 20's) - Aug 7
So his wife will be in there too and we should hopefully have a few others we are working with. The summer really kills us. When people go on vacation its hard, you have the best first lesson. They go away week and half, and come home and nahhhhh, I'm cool. It sucks but thats OK.
Let's see thats basically my week. Heres a thought for the week, I always think of this. Imagine sending someone in your place to do something that is personally really important to you. Maybe it's to play your basketball game as you, your number. Write a test in school. Go to a job interview as yourself. For me I think of landscaping the yard last summer. We all know and like to joke about it for some reason! That I like things done perfectly! I was pretty picky about who was helping and did what and how it was done. I don't know why, think I just take pride in my work but I do. Well if I was to have someone do the entire yard last year I would have been pretty nervous. Not to sure if I would have trusted them. I most definitely would have wanted to train them for hours and hours and teach them everything I could. Pass on any knowledge or skill I have to them. Here's one for Paige. Someone replacing you for a hair cut that you would be graded on! How scary?! Well you would want them to do it perfectly, the way you would want it done right?
So I think you get my point. Well quite simpily thats what I am doing for the Lord. I am a true representive of Jesus Christ. I'm sure alot who are reading this find it hard to believe, or don't. Well I am. Heavenly Father has chosen me and I have been called by a prophet of God, along with all other missionaires. The Lord trusts us. I have the authority to preach his gospel. It's hard to wrap my head around, I don't think I could trust anyone last summer! But he does. I have a ministerial certificate that verfies this authority to the world. Of course though this authority I was given when set apart is conditional upon my thoughts, words and actions. My faith. I honor Christ's name by my actions. "Obiedence governs the spirit. The spirit governs the work." Thats how I access the power of this calling. That power is what makes me do this work effectively. Being told what to say, when to say it just at the right moment, and where to go by the spirit. I love this work and all of you. Please go study.
Love Elder Pizzey
Once again we meet, it feels like it was yesterday! Sorry for the late email. The church has changed the way we write our weekly letter to President and it made a few glitches in the email system. About half the Elders and Sisters were having troubles logging in, but after an hour of attempting it just worked! Same with Elder Ng. But I'm on now and ready to go.
Well I love hearing your about your week, even if it was slow I have those too. We always joke, what if we didn't get an email one week? Would be pretty sad but I don't think it will ever happen, I get two great ones each week. It's hard to decide what one to read first, usually just switch it up.
So before we start. I was in one of our Bishops (B. Esplin of WC7) house this week and saw this list of rules on there bulletin board. They are called "The Esplin Media Rules" and I just loved them so I got a copy and thought I would throw them home today for Paige. I just know she will eat them up ha!
1. No TV or interent when home alone
2. No interent after mom and dad in bed
3. Ten minute reporting rule
4. No chatrooms or talking to people you don't know (Facebook chat allowed)
5. Movies at friends - call home. No rated R and PG-13 ask permission
6. iPods - two family members aprove every song
7. No iPods at family gatherings
What do you think Paige! I don't know if I could have lived with these but man they would have prevented alot of trouble! I really don't think it would be that bad if you were raised with them. There youngest is five and oldest is just leaving on a mission and they are completely normal family. I think it's pretty smart stuff. Rule three is key** It's from a talk of an apostle few years ago. If you see something bad on accident you report it to the parents within 10 minutes. If the kids don't they continue to think about it and feel bad for something they didn't even do! Eventually they start to become curious and ask questions and so on. Pretty smart definitely had that a few times when I was a little tyke. Enough of the rules, just thought they were.... cute? no smart. I don't know!
So today is officially the start of a new transfer! I have been out three transfers! WHAT! Thats nuts! Time flies, only like 14 more to go lol! Want to know the greatest feeling as a missionairy! Sliding a new planner into that pocket, dang! Nothing better, so fresh and minty I love it. Then retiring that old one is even better, add it to the collection. So if we are to get transfered we would find out tomorrow by getting a phone call by the assistants. Usually you stay with your trainer for two transfers so most likely we will be staying together, I hope. I will defiantley be staying in the area, they almost never have someone take over an area after one transfer. Man I would love to stay in this area for 6-10 months! Elder England stayed in one for 11 months! I just love it. Great landlords, people, members, leaders in these stakes and so much potential! We have non-member families attending church! Just working on getting them to meet with us, and that should happen!
So the Woods are excellent. We have had two lessons and another tonight. They have the cutest little girl, Lesley, she's two! But honestly identical to Avery, she is her replacement. Exact same attitude, same stare and even looks similair. She is so curious this little thing! We were cutting their lawn and weed eating it this week, Lesley just running through the the garden getting all dirty. So cute! Anyways they are progressing in the Gospel as well. Bro. Wood has a baptismal date of August 7th.
I'll keep you updated.
And for that night that I couldn't fall asleep and just stayed awake thinking, that was the only time that has ever happened. You are dead tired by the end of the night, the greatest sleeps ever here. Even though the bed has a hole in the middle from elbows digging in it during the thousands of prayers that have been said on it for the past five years, it's still really comfortable. Like a hamic (sp?). I love it. Last night was actually one of the best sleeps I have ever had, woke up with so much engery.
So we have a Bishop Ulrich who's Bishop of the WC1st ward (Sis.Christenson's ward) who is a genious in the sticks. He never knew to much on his mission but ever since his mission he has bought one religous book a week! You should see his library, it's outrageous! Well he teaches institute at the U (Utah State) and sometimes at the Y and a few other places. Like I'm talking he teaches Isaiah classes... he knows the life of every prophet inside and out, so cool. Anyways we usually go by Bishops once a week to give an update of the work in their ward, they like it. And every time we go over to his place we get to ask him one question each. The best! Mine this time was where and when did FLDS branch off? Holy, he explained ever branch there has been and they sure have issues!! Elder Ng asked something about the resurrection, the transformation described as the "twinkling of an eye" thats found in the scriptures. But man, this is going to be hard to get my thought across here... But basically the more you know the more it comes together. Everything is intertwined. If you don't believe it you haven't looked into it. When people say Joseph Smith wasn't a prophet I just want say study his life. Really the only thing I have to study are talks by Truman G. Madsen "the Prophet Joesph Smith". Like 6 CD's of talks and lectures given by Truman (my all time favorite scholar!). By the way I will be meeting Bishop Ulrich's wife pretty soon, they have a place up in Brighton.
OK off track! Back on. So Bishop Esplin was talking to us and getting so excited about his answers, I on the other side just couldn't stop smiling. Almost out of control smile. It was weird. Us in his huge office, him on that side of the desk drawing like crazy on this peice of paper and us just soaking it all in. Some things we didn't even understand of course but I was just staring at him thinking one day, I will be there. I will have that knowledge just stored up like he does. I can't wait, I hope I don't get distracted by the world and continue to study like I am know. He has given be tons of names of books I MUST buy and read after the mission. Since I can't get them at home I'm going to by them and send them home eventually. Dad you can go ahead and tackle them first.
I think these emails are really random and all over the place? But thats me, so tough luck I guess. I'll just keep trying though lol. So we are projecting five baptisms this month (convert baptisms) and a few eight year olds with less-active parents we have been teaching as a family to help activate them. We should definetly have more though, so we SHOULD be able to hit the mission goal of six a transfer. The people we have on date and their dates are:
1. Adam (20) - July 31
2. Cera (12) - Aug 7
3. Jack (9) - July 31
4. Bro. Wood (late 20's) - Aug 7
So his wife will be in there too and we should hopefully have a few others we are working with. The summer really kills us. When people go on vacation its hard, you have the best first lesson. They go away week and half, and come home and nahhhhh, I'm cool. It sucks but thats OK.
Let's see thats basically my week. Heres a thought for the week, I always think of this. Imagine sending someone in your place to do something that is personally really important to you. Maybe it's to play your basketball game as you, your number. Write a test in school. Go to a job interview as yourself. For me I think of landscaping the yard last summer. We all know and like to joke about it for some reason! That I like things done perfectly! I was pretty picky about who was helping and did what and how it was done. I don't know why, think I just take pride in my work but I do. Well if I was to have someone do the entire yard last year I would have been pretty nervous. Not to sure if I would have trusted them. I most definitely would have wanted to train them for hours and hours and teach them everything I could. Pass on any knowledge or skill I have to them. Here's one for Paige. Someone replacing you for a hair cut that you would be graded on! How scary?! Well you would want them to do it perfectly, the way you would want it done right?
So I think you get my point. Well quite simpily thats what I am doing for the Lord. I am a true representive of Jesus Christ. I'm sure alot who are reading this find it hard to believe, or don't. Well I am. Heavenly Father has chosen me and I have been called by a prophet of God, along with all other missionaires. The Lord trusts us. I have the authority to preach his gospel. It's hard to wrap my head around, I don't think I could trust anyone last summer! But he does. I have a ministerial certificate that verfies this authority to the world. Of course though this authority I was given when set apart is conditional upon my thoughts, words and actions. My faith. I honor Christ's name by my actions. "Obiedence governs the spirit. The spirit governs the work." Thats how I access the power of this calling. That power is what makes me do this work effectively. Being told what to say, when to say it just at the right moment, and where to go by the spirit. I love this work and all of you. Please go study.
Love Elder Pizzey
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
July 5, 2010
Hello Family and Friends!
So this week. As far as missionary work goes it was rather slow but man was it a party! The weekend at least. Meeting with Nana and Tara was great, so weird though. It felt like I saw them just a few days ago, to be honest I don't think I have missed to much... Let me tell all of you, your missing out! The package was perfect mom! That tie is now one of my favorites and is the ideal width. CD is really good although we need to sing along with it because it's instrumental but that's OK. The rice krispies were money, thank you. Sorry so much to comment on, but I loved the talks as well, don't apologize for those! And Kamry and Paige's letters were excellent, I'm planning on writing Paige back today, sorry Kamry your on waiting list. Love you still and Talia is just a cute little doll! MOM, I'm so jealous of the iPhone 4 not fair. There are a few bugs in it right now but that will be fixed in no time knowing apple. I have already tried one.
So after the beautiful breakfast we went up the canyon to Brighton, I just love it up there and can't wait to return after the mission. But we helped serve 1700 people breakfast, yes I wore my Canadian apron. I cooked some killer pancakes and people loved it. After the breakfast there was this parade that E.Ng and myself got in on, we jumped on a float and tossed candy, waived at the crowds and crowds and people and preached from the Book of Mormon! HA! There are some hilarious pictures to back up this epic story. Sadly you probably won't seem them till the next batch I send home (send Jump Drives home with Tara, the pictures are scrabbled though it sucks).
To finish off this killer day we had our zone party. Played basketball for an hour, some pretty intense games. There's an Elder whose waiting for his Visa who's black and not a bad baller, but totally thought he was going to roll everyone until my team stomped them. It was great. Then Elder Gilliland, Sis. Petersen and myself jammed. One mic, drum kit and piano. Me and E. Gilliland switching between the raps and the kit, and Sis. Petersen just stuck to the piano. It was HILARIOUS! I'm the worst rapper ever but Doctrine and Covenants Section 4 went down same with some stuff from Joseph Smith History. Now I have even better Videos to back this up, music videos. It was way good! So that was Saturday, one of the best days for goofing off but the missionary work was rather lame this weekend. Not to many people wanted to meet and a lot were out of town.
July 4th was a good fast Sunday, and of course I remembered Grandpa! I dedicated the day to him, I wore the tie that we used to both wear, the blue one with checkers. Attended four sacraments meetings, I love it as a missionary because you always have opportunity to share your testimony. I usually just go if there's a awkward moment of silence.
So here's something cool that happened yesterday. So roughly three months ago E.England and myself were tracting Chadborn, the shadiest street in our area. We tract it once a transfer because of all the move out and ins. So while we were doing this we came across a lady (roughly 24) who was a little rushed, she was getting into her car and trying to leave. Not to interested. Then the next transfer with E. Wehrli we were tracting the street again, this time ran into the same women but at her door step. She listened as we shared our testimonies and accepted a Book of Mormon but she wasn't wanting to have us come back. And now a month later, we contacted them. The Bishop of their ward called us with a referral of a couple who was "wanting to learn more". We went over there and after getting to know them for several minutes I put it together that I have spoke to her two times before! Well I started to explain to them what we do as missionaries and told them how our ultimate goal is getting them sealed in the temple! Of course I briefly explained what that entails. Usually I say the goal is baptism but right before the word baptism came out of my mouth I thought, no that's not our goal, that's just a step to reach our goal. So I switched it up. And right after I said that he expressed to me how they have already discussed this. He has never been religious and she was raised FLDS (nuts!) until she was 14, so I guess she knows about the Book of Mormon. But man they are a cute family, little girl who looks like Avery and same age and she's expecting another in 8 weeks! But the husband, Bro. Wood, went on to say how he wants to be married in the temple and how he doesn't want his marriage to end after this life. SWEET! We have first lesson scheduled for this Tuesday and we have the perfect fellow shippers coming. This is in Sis. Mays ward mom, WA9th ward.
I forgot! We had a training by the President Miller and his wife on Friday morning and our interviews later that day. The training was more of a get to know them, then Pres. Miller shared a few things with us. But man I was super nervous, who could fill Pres. Laney's shoes? But Pres. Miller seems like quite the man. I have the same exact feelings that I had while Pres. Laney spoke when Pres. Miller was speaking. Pres. Laney told me when the apostles are deciding where you are going to be called it's not so much what mission is right for E. Pizzey but what Mission President is for E. Pizzey. The Lord knew President Miller would be working with me. Before the interview I had a long chat with Sis. Miller, shes great. We talked about everything, family to Lindsay! Ha! Let's just say they dated over his mission, he got home in September and was married is December! Same thing happened with all three of his boys! So we talked about our letters and gave me some tips! To funny, I love it. But the interview was great, we chatted. He then asked me to share a scripture I shared something from my studies and he shared one with me, taught be about the temple and man I love him!
I don't even have time to talk about Michaela and her baptism! But that's OK, it was splendid. Being a missionary is the best! I love it, like life after the mission is going to be great and I dream of it. But right now being a missionary is a dream, that has finally become real. Last night was one of the only nights were I haven't fallen asleep the second my head hits my pillow. Missionary work is so tiring. I could play three basketball games in one day and have more energy at night compared to any of these nights out here. I laid there until twelve just thinking, my mind was going crazy. I couldn't keep it under control, I couldn't even keep a single thought going. It went from people at home, friends, family, Lindsay, people I'm teaching, things I could have done better today/last week, the responsibility I have representing the Lord, why people won't accept what I say, why they won't just listen, try it out. WHATS THERE TO LOOSE! It was wild. But I thought of one thing.
As a missionary it's like I work at... let's say the Lexus dealer or the Range Rover, Porsche, BMW dealer. Everyone and I mean everyone wants one of these vehicles. Who doesn't want one? We would all get one if they were free, but they aren't so not to many of us have one. The price for these vehicles are huge and it's a big price to pay, way to expensive for most people.
I'm literally selling the best product on the market, eternal life. Being sealed with our families in the temple for ever. Answer this question. Do you want this? Whether you believe it or not. Do you want to live with your family forever? In Heavenly Fathers presence? But seriously don't you think this is something to look into. People want the product they just don't want to pay the price. The 30 minutes out of a week is just to much, these worldly things we have are pretty important aren't they. Is it really going to matter how many positions we have held at the end of this life? Or how many people we have helped along the way. People expect answers or proof before a trial of their faith (Ether 12:6). I don't know what else to say, it's a big price to pay but its worth it. The Price: Meet with missionaries and look into it. Read, get rid of some pride and kneel before Heavenly Father in humility and ask. Keep the commandments, just experiment and wait. I promise God keeps his end of the deal.
I hope I haven't mumbled on for too long or made no sense. I just had a thought last night and wanted to share it. I love all of you. Take care.
So this week. As far as missionary work goes it was rather slow but man was it a party! The weekend at least. Meeting with Nana and Tara was great, so weird though. It felt like I saw them just a few days ago, to be honest I don't think I have missed to much... Let me tell all of you, your missing out! The package was perfect mom! That tie is now one of my favorites and is the ideal width. CD is really good although we need to sing along with it because it's instrumental but that's OK. The rice krispies were money, thank you. Sorry so much to comment on, but I loved the talks as well, don't apologize for those! And Kamry and Paige's letters were excellent, I'm planning on writing Paige back today, sorry Kamry your on waiting list. Love you still and Talia is just a cute little doll! MOM, I'm so jealous of the iPhone 4 not fair. There are a few bugs in it right now but that will be fixed in no time knowing apple. I have already tried one.
So after the beautiful breakfast we went up the canyon to Brighton, I just love it up there and can't wait to return after the mission. But we helped serve 1700 people breakfast, yes I wore my Canadian apron. I cooked some killer pancakes and people loved it. After the breakfast there was this parade that E.Ng and myself got in on, we jumped on a float and tossed candy, waived at the crowds and crowds and people and preached from the Book of Mormon! HA! There are some hilarious pictures to back up this epic story. Sadly you probably won't seem them till the next batch I send home (send Jump Drives home with Tara, the pictures are scrabbled though it sucks).
To finish off this killer day we had our zone party. Played basketball for an hour, some pretty intense games. There's an Elder whose waiting for his Visa who's black and not a bad baller, but totally thought he was going to roll everyone until my team stomped them. It was great. Then Elder Gilliland, Sis. Petersen and myself jammed. One mic, drum kit and piano. Me and E. Gilliland switching between the raps and the kit, and Sis. Petersen just stuck to the piano. It was HILARIOUS! I'm the worst rapper ever but Doctrine and Covenants Section 4 went down same with some stuff from Joseph Smith History. Now I have even better Videos to back this up, music videos. It was way good! So that was Saturday, one of the best days for goofing off but the missionary work was rather lame this weekend. Not to many people wanted to meet and a lot were out of town.
July 4th was a good fast Sunday, and of course I remembered Grandpa! I dedicated the day to him, I wore the tie that we used to both wear, the blue one with checkers. Attended four sacraments meetings, I love it as a missionary because you always have opportunity to share your testimony. I usually just go if there's a awkward moment of silence.
So here's something cool that happened yesterday. So roughly three months ago E.England and myself were tracting Chadborn, the shadiest street in our area. We tract it once a transfer because of all the move out and ins. So while we were doing this we came across a lady (roughly 24) who was a little rushed, she was getting into her car and trying to leave. Not to interested. Then the next transfer with E. Wehrli we were tracting the street again, this time ran into the same women but at her door step. She listened as we shared our testimonies and accepted a Book of Mormon but she wasn't wanting to have us come back. And now a month later, we contacted them. The Bishop of their ward called us with a referral of a couple who was "wanting to learn more". We went over there and after getting to know them for several minutes I put it together that I have spoke to her two times before! Well I started to explain to them what we do as missionaries and told them how our ultimate goal is getting them sealed in the temple! Of course I briefly explained what that entails. Usually I say the goal is baptism but right before the word baptism came out of my mouth I thought, no that's not our goal, that's just a step to reach our goal. So I switched it up. And right after I said that he expressed to me how they have already discussed this. He has never been religious and she was raised FLDS (nuts!) until she was 14, so I guess she knows about the Book of Mormon. But man they are a cute family, little girl who looks like Avery and same age and she's expecting another in 8 weeks! But the husband, Bro. Wood, went on to say how he wants to be married in the temple and how he doesn't want his marriage to end after this life. SWEET! We have first lesson scheduled for this Tuesday and we have the perfect fellow shippers coming. This is in Sis. Mays ward mom, WA9th ward.
I forgot! We had a training by the President Miller and his wife on Friday morning and our interviews later that day. The training was more of a get to know them, then Pres. Miller shared a few things with us. But man I was super nervous, who could fill Pres. Laney's shoes? But Pres. Miller seems like quite the man. I have the same exact feelings that I had while Pres. Laney spoke when Pres. Miller was speaking. Pres. Laney told me when the apostles are deciding where you are going to be called it's not so much what mission is right for E. Pizzey but what Mission President is for E. Pizzey. The Lord knew President Miller would be working with me. Before the interview I had a long chat with Sis. Miller, shes great. We talked about everything, family to Lindsay! Ha! Let's just say they dated over his mission, he got home in September and was married is December! Same thing happened with all three of his boys! So we talked about our letters and gave me some tips! To funny, I love it. But the interview was great, we chatted. He then asked me to share a scripture I shared something from my studies and he shared one with me, taught be about the temple and man I love him!
I don't even have time to talk about Michaela and her baptism! But that's OK, it was splendid. Being a missionary is the best! I love it, like life after the mission is going to be great and I dream of it. But right now being a missionary is a dream, that has finally become real. Last night was one of the only nights were I haven't fallen asleep the second my head hits my pillow. Missionary work is so tiring. I could play three basketball games in one day and have more energy at night compared to any of these nights out here. I laid there until twelve just thinking, my mind was going crazy. I couldn't keep it under control, I couldn't even keep a single thought going. It went from people at home, friends, family, Lindsay, people I'm teaching, things I could have done better today/last week, the responsibility I have representing the Lord, why people won't accept what I say, why they won't just listen, try it out. WHATS THERE TO LOOSE! It was wild. But I thought of one thing.
As a missionary it's like I work at... let's say the Lexus dealer or the Range Rover, Porsche, BMW dealer. Everyone and I mean everyone wants one of these vehicles. Who doesn't want one? We would all get one if they were free, but they aren't so not to many of us have one. The price for these vehicles are huge and it's a big price to pay, way to expensive for most people.
I'm literally selling the best product on the market, eternal life. Being sealed with our families in the temple for ever. Answer this question. Do you want this? Whether you believe it or not. Do you want to live with your family forever? In Heavenly Fathers presence? But seriously don't you think this is something to look into. People want the product they just don't want to pay the price. The 30 minutes out of a week is just to much, these worldly things we have are pretty important aren't they. Is it really going to matter how many positions we have held at the end of this life? Or how many people we have helped along the way. People expect answers or proof before a trial of their faith (Ether 12:6). I don't know what else to say, it's a big price to pay but its worth it. The Price: Meet with missionaries and look into it. Read, get rid of some pride and kneel before Heavenly Father in humility and ask. Keep the commandments, just experiment and wait. I promise God keeps his end of the deal.
I hope I haven't mumbled on for too long or made no sense. I just had a thought last night and wanted to share it. I love all of you. Take care.
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