November 24, 2010 - Week 2 - Transfer 7
Hello Hello Hello from Draper Utah! It's cold here too! Well not that cold. It was funny everyone was freaking out all day yesterday because of a storm that hit. Universities closed down early, stores shutting down, we had to ground all the vehicles in our zone and tell everyone to cancel there lessons for the night. The storm ended up coming but it was just an average storm compared to some of the ones we get at home. People were devastated here. I was still able to make it back to West Jordan for a baptism in my old area though, just got a ride from a member over here. Quinn (11) and (10) Landin Nguyen, Michelle Nhothibouth is their mom. These boys have alot of energy but we were able to focus and channel it while teaching them. I will be keeping in touch with this family for sure I love them. It was fun to see all the people in my old area as well, plus Elder Lundwall and his companion Elder Spencer, they are going to kill it over there. The Larsen family from my old area is related to all the Ackryods, well they love Elder Dick and I and will be taking us out to dinner soon here. Fun fun fun.
So Elder Dick and I have had alot of organizing to do this week. His last companion was pretty stuck in his ways and not open to new ideas, says Elder Dick. Well we are working together on make some necessary changes to our area and zone. Some ordering was in need. We have 12 exchanges to go on this transfer within our zone, its intense. Seems like we will hardly be together this transfer, weird. Tonight we are going on exchange from 6-10 with the assistants to the President tonight. Way to intense. I'm staying here and E. Taylor (the intense tall baller) is coming with me. I am excited to learn.
I'm starting to learn the area. I can't handle not knowing every detail about the area! Not knowing the map also drives me nuts, I hope Elder Dick doesn't get upset with all the questions I ask. Its the only way you learn though. It's coming though, going into the area by myself with E. Taylor tonight well help me learn it for sure. Its weird because this is a zone leader area but the missionaries don't know alot of the leadership or Bishops. It's the only way to work in this mission, I feel alot of the work here has been done with just the missionaries. Some WML's not even aware of people in their ward being taught. But that is changing and we are going to make the work explode! We haven't had any opportunity to work with the UNI 7th Stake yet (8 singles wards). But this week we sure are, there is a devotional once a week we attend and other than that its strictly referrals.
So tomorrow is the big Thanks Giving day here, they really make a big deal of it. We have 4 dinners scheduled so far I think and a breakfast! I don't know what I'm going to do... I'm not a big eater. BTW I've dropped from 190 to 180 (were I should be) recently. Its the working out every morning! Well anyways I will probably just end up puking in between meals or something. But proselyting is basically shut down tomorrow because no one wants to talk about the work, they just want to feed feed feed! I am going back to visit the Fairmen's (first baptism) tomorrow and the Roosendaals (family I called from on mothers day) too, excited!
Well we had zone conference this week, actually on Monday. Alot learned there, we didn't have to give any trainings, that was nice. Being a zone leader was fun for zone conference though. They call you up alot to ask you advice, what you observed during role plays and put you on the spot alot. I like it though lots of fun. We have a few leadership trainings coming up and Zone leader councils. We have a couple GA's(general authorities) coming to the mission around Christmas time. I am stoked. I will definitely get the opportunity to meet them being ZL. Elder Bednar I think is coming for sure, but that is secret only ZL's know yet.
Alright so here is a good story I hope you all get a laugh from this. So... This is how I was welcomed into the Zone Leader calling. A couple days go by... The entire time Elder Dick is telling me about this golden referral from the sisters. His name is "Francis". He told me the sisters just OYM'd (open your mouth) him and he lived in our area, so they called us up. Eventually we decided to go check out the referral. Well he opened up the door and thought we were "one of his people". Jehovah's witness that is. Well he let us and eventually let us sit down, it was on from then! We started to chat, he told us he was a less active Jehovah's Witness. Told us how things didn't make sense and he was looking for truth. It was unreal! I was confused though, Elder Dick wasn't really talking that much. Well I shared testimony, we shared a few scriptures and set up a return appointment for the next day. By the way Francis is a hip black guy in his late 20's. So after 15-20 minutes we left and I flipped out. Elder Dick and I throwing high fives back and forth, talking about how we felt the spirit! It was a miracle! I couldn't get over it the entire day, really just wanted to go home and write it in my journal. Night time roles around and I want to call the WML to give him an update but Elder Dick wouldn't let me. I tackled him and we wrestled and I didn't know why he was being so weird about. Then he said, "well you already met him.." what..? No I haven't. Yes you did. Today. I was way confused. I asked for his name, and Elder Dick said, "Bro. Abraham... Bro. Francis Abraham!" I hope you've put it together like I did. Francis is and was the WML. I flipped out running around the house, aghhhhh!!! So embarrassing, then Elder Dick said, "welcome to being a zone leader" Way to funny, Bro. Abraham is way to good of an actor and the owned me. I can't wait to continue the tradition, it will even be better.
Here from you in a week! Love you guys.
Elder Pizzey.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Pictures
Blake and Austin (one of Blake's good friends)
Blake's new companion Elder Dick
He's from Wetaskiwin, Edmonton, Alberta
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
November 17, 2010
Hello Ma and Pa!
Where to start! I have no clue, actually I do. OK are you ready for the worst thing about serving a mission? You can't play with little kids! Well you can play with them but not hold or let them sit on your lap. You know what I mean, just one of the rules in the white handbook. Keeps missionaries out of bad situations or false accusations. The reason I mention that is because I love kids, I've been thinking about my little Avery and Talia. I love them, I love family. They are adorable and anytime I see a three or four year old it's crazy to think when I come home they will be all grown up!
So this week I had lunch with Austin Fairbanks! That was fun, so weird to hear about home. Not going to lie, I like life in the mission! I'm sure Austin will to, he's going to be an unreal missionary. I was so glad I could visit with him before he headed off for two years, he's truly one of my greatest friends. He is going lead with love in his mission, he's a Christ like guy. I love you Austin!
So Mom and Dad, did you love that leadership training or what! We weren't really suppose to go to it but everyone kept inviting us so we did. And I am sure glad we did, it was amazing! I learnt sooooo much, everything applies to the mission. District leaders equal Bishops, Zone Leaders equal Stake Presidents. I'm trying to remember some of things I liked, I loved the role play ward council! Corney at times but it really was how it should be! It felt like a zone conference for missionaries because all we do is role play and practice. The panel discussion was so cool, Elder Bednar and his "revelatory experience" I love it. Here is something that I really took home from the training on these new handbooks. Take care of business before you report to the council. In a couple trainings ago with all the District Leaders Pres. Miller taught this principle and shared a story about him reporting to a 70 awhile ago. Basically instead of reporting to the Zone Leaders, Assistants or Pres. Miller about a problem, if you can solve it, solve it first then report. I felt they are really trying to take weight off the Bishops shoulders and in a way Mom you can apply this to yourself, within your presidency. Delegate! OK I could go on for hours about things I learned from that broadcast but NO TIME! Real fast thought. To be a good council leader you must be able to listen, don't do all the talking. LISTEN, then inspired questions come!
Alright so I went on an exchange with an Elder is my (old) district this week who's having troubles keeping the rules. He's a great missionary. Knows his stuff, great teaching skills and an all around smart guy but he doesn't care to much for the hours of 10-3 and thinks there pointless. He also hates exchanges because thinks they are pointless and do nothing but ruin the area and investigators. Really he's just a little stubborn but I still love him and we get along great. Anyways President has called me a couple times about him and we discussed how we can help him. Well I went on a exchange with him from 8 to 3, basically during the slow hours and tried to show him how there are actually things you can do. But it was hard to give him advice. Reason I tell you about this exchange is because it was sad! I was almost depressed about the day with him. I've never met a missionary so negative and so full of doubt! There is no faith with doubt. I'm just glad I've had the trainer and companions I've had, these nine months have truly been perfect. Each day you learn something new, there are so many unique situations which you find yourself in and you really learn who you are, where you struggle and what your weaknesses are. So many things to work on and improve. I just tried to deal with that exchange with love and give him any advice I could. Idefinitely learned some things from that exchange.
Alright so the highlight of my week! It was last night, Tuesday night. We have been teaching Jennafer Toone for three months, ever since I got here! She is the one that has been attending church for her whole life. Her mom died a year ago and she was a completely faithful and active member. Her father is not a member of the church but for the last couple of months he has been attending church with Jennafer. PS Jennafer is 15 years old. Well she has been a brain teaser for us! Gives us headaches because it has been difficult to figure out whats holding her back. She doesn't even know whats holding her back. Well we met Monday and Tuesday. Monday we had a intense lesson on PROCRASTINATING! It was a scary lesson, I even got a little scared from the words that were coming out of our mouth. It was bold. She teared up a little. She gave us a letter to read as we left that basically said thanks for everything but she doesn't feel ready to be baptized. She always thought at age 18 (was parents deal) and never at 15 would she get baptized. But now with her dads permission its game time and it scares her almost. Anyways last night we met. Taught about the importance of the commandments and it came to the end of the lesson. There was a moment of just silence, for quite some time. I didnt know what to say. But I just sat and so did Elder Lundwall (this is at the church building, amazing [ward mission leader] Bro. Bentley present). Finally something came to us, Bro. Bentley was invited to share his testimony of how we are never prepared for the next step. I forget how I worded it. Well a few minutes later I pulled out a Baptism Program and said I have a note for you. I handed her the program and asked her to fill it out and be baptized on December 11. Jennafer Toone will be baptized on December 11, 2010! Right after our lesson she had YW's (young womens) and went and told all of them!
I witnessed a miracle last night. She was the first person Elder Lundwall and myself found and the last person we extended a date to, together that is. There were times we almost gave up and moved on even though we cared for her so much. Times where she didn't keep her commitments for awhile, didn't read. But we never gave up because we both new she was ready. She was prepared by Heavenly Father and it has been in His time. Not hers and not ours, that's for sure. But His.
OK so yes there was and has been a transfer today! The thing you have all been waiting for! So I was transferred. I am no longer with Elder Lundwall. I am with Elder Dick, my new companion. We are serving in the Draper Stake and University 7th Stake. We are Zone Leaders of the Draper Temple Zone, my old zone! It's insane, I was a little shocked. President are you sure? But I am excited, a good opportunity to grow and to serve. Also my son, Elder Ng is a one of our District Leaders, so exciting! That means I get to do exchanges in my old area!
So Elder Dick. He was Elder Lundwall's companion before me, I kicked him out of the Park and Prairie Stakes! So funny and now we are together. Whats even better is that Elder Dick is from Wetaskiwin Alberta Canada! My fourth Canadian companion! Really only my second but I include Visa Waiters and Elder Ng is technically still Canadian citizen. We are excited to serve together! We know alot of the same people! TONS! The Paynes for example. BTW did everyone see Jackson in the New Era? I flipped out when I saw that, I miss him too.
Well I'm excited to serve as a Zone Leader, a little intimidating but I can do it. It will be intense giving trainings at zone conferences and going on exchanges with Pres. Miller and the Assistants. It's a privilege though, I think time will fly bye even faster now. Less free time. So this you might find interesting. This area (the DTZ area) picked up the University 7th Stake this transfer, we stole it from the sisters! They weren't to happy. But it covers the entire mission! That means we have unlimited miles and teach throughout the entire mission! INSANE! It's a Stake with eight singles wards, all university students mainly for the University of Utah. It's gonig to be way cool, we already have two investigators in the Stake. But as far as missionary work goes, this is the hardest zone in the mission. It's going to be hard. It's just really wealthy and the numbers aren't as good here, compared to the north end of the mission. Doesn't mean you can't enjoy it though! Alright well I best be going now! I am just mumbling now. Thanks for the wonderful emails and I hope all is well at home. I love both of you and the entire family and everyone who reads this! God Bless!
Love, Elder Pizzey.
Where to start! I have no clue, actually I do. OK are you ready for the worst thing about serving a mission? You can't play with little kids! Well you can play with them but not hold or let them sit on your lap. You know what I mean, just one of the rules in the white handbook. Keeps missionaries out of bad situations or false accusations. The reason I mention that is because I love kids, I've been thinking about my little Avery and Talia. I love them, I love family. They are adorable and anytime I see a three or four year old it's crazy to think when I come home they will be all grown up!
So this week I had lunch with Austin Fairbanks! That was fun, so weird to hear about home. Not going to lie, I like life in the mission! I'm sure Austin will to, he's going to be an unreal missionary. I was so glad I could visit with him before he headed off for two years, he's truly one of my greatest friends. He is going lead with love in his mission, he's a Christ like guy. I love you Austin!
So Mom and Dad, did you love that leadership training or what! We weren't really suppose to go to it but everyone kept inviting us so we did. And I am sure glad we did, it was amazing! I learnt sooooo much, everything applies to the mission. District leaders equal Bishops, Zone Leaders equal Stake Presidents. I'm trying to remember some of things I liked, I loved the role play ward council! Corney at times but it really was how it should be! It felt like a zone conference for missionaries because all we do is role play and practice. The panel discussion was so cool, Elder Bednar and his "revelatory experience" I love it. Here is something that I really took home from the training on these new handbooks. Take care of business before you report to the council. In a couple trainings ago with all the District Leaders Pres. Miller taught this principle and shared a story about him reporting to a 70 awhile ago. Basically instead of reporting to the Zone Leaders, Assistants or Pres. Miller about a problem, if you can solve it, solve it first then report. I felt they are really trying to take weight off the Bishops shoulders and in a way Mom you can apply this to yourself, within your presidency. Delegate! OK I could go on for hours about things I learned from that broadcast but NO TIME! Real fast thought. To be a good council leader you must be able to listen, don't do all the talking. LISTEN, then inspired questions come!
Alright so I went on an exchange with an Elder is my (old) district this week who's having troubles keeping the rules. He's a great missionary. Knows his stuff, great teaching skills and an all around smart guy but he doesn't care to much for the hours of 10-3 and thinks there pointless. He also hates exchanges because thinks they are pointless and do nothing but ruin the area and investigators. Really he's just a little stubborn but I still love him and we get along great. Anyways President has called me a couple times about him and we discussed how we can help him. Well I went on a exchange with him from 8 to 3, basically during the slow hours and tried to show him how there are actually things you can do. But it was hard to give him advice. Reason I tell you about this exchange is because it was sad! I was almost depressed about the day with him. I've never met a missionary so negative and so full of doubt! There is no faith with doubt. I'm just glad I've had the trainer and companions I've had, these nine months have truly been perfect. Each day you learn something new, there are so many unique situations which you find yourself in and you really learn who you are, where you struggle and what your weaknesses are. So many things to work on and improve. I just tried to deal with that exchange with love and give him any advice I could. Idefinitely learned some things from that exchange.
Alright so the highlight of my week! It was last night, Tuesday night. We have been teaching Jennafer Toone for three months, ever since I got here! She is the one that has been attending church for her whole life. Her mom died a year ago and she was a completely faithful and active member. Her father is not a member of the church but for the last couple of months he has been attending church with Jennafer. PS Jennafer is 15 years old. Well she has been a brain teaser for us! Gives us headaches because it has been difficult to figure out whats holding her back. She doesn't even know whats holding her back. Well we met Monday and Tuesday. Monday we had a intense lesson on PROCRASTINATING! It was a scary lesson, I even got a little scared from the words that were coming out of our mouth. It was bold. She teared up a little. She gave us a letter to read as we left that basically said thanks for everything but she doesn't feel ready to be baptized. She always thought at age 18 (was parents deal) and never at 15 would she get baptized. But now with her dads permission its game time and it scares her almost. Anyways last night we met. Taught about the importance of the commandments and it came to the end of the lesson. There was a moment of just silence, for quite some time. I didnt know what to say. But I just sat and so did Elder Lundwall (this is at the church building, amazing [ward mission leader] Bro. Bentley present). Finally something came to us, Bro. Bentley was invited to share his testimony of how we are never prepared for the next step. I forget how I worded it. Well a few minutes later I pulled out a Baptism Program and said I have a note for you. I handed her the program and asked her to fill it out and be baptized on December 11. Jennafer Toone will be baptized on December 11, 2010! Right after our lesson she had YW's (young womens) and went and told all of them!
I witnessed a miracle last night. She was the first person Elder Lundwall and myself found and the last person we extended a date to, together that is. There were times we almost gave up and moved on even though we cared for her so much. Times where she didn't keep her commitments for awhile, didn't read. But we never gave up because we both new she was ready. She was prepared by Heavenly Father and it has been in His time. Not hers and not ours, that's for sure. But His.
OK so yes there was and has been a transfer today! The thing you have all been waiting for! So I was transferred. I am no longer with Elder Lundwall. I am with Elder Dick, my new companion. We are serving in the Draper Stake and University 7th Stake. We are Zone Leaders of the Draper Temple Zone, my old zone! It's insane, I was a little shocked. President are you sure? But I am excited, a good opportunity to grow and to serve. Also my son, Elder Ng is a one of our District Leaders, so exciting! That means I get to do exchanges in my old area!
So Elder Dick. He was Elder Lundwall's companion before me, I kicked him out of the Park and Prairie Stakes! So funny and now we are together. Whats even better is that Elder Dick is from Wetaskiwin Alberta Canada! My fourth Canadian companion! Really only my second but I include Visa Waiters and Elder Ng is technically still Canadian citizen. We are excited to serve together! We know alot of the same people! TONS! The Paynes for example. BTW did everyone see Jackson in the New Era? I flipped out when I saw that, I miss him too.
Well I'm excited to serve as a Zone Leader, a little intimidating but I can do it. It will be intense giving trainings at zone conferences and going on exchanges with Pres. Miller and the Assistants. It's a privilege though, I think time will fly bye even faster now. Less free time. So this you might find interesting. This area (the DTZ area) picked up the University 7th Stake this transfer, we stole it from the sisters! They weren't to happy. But it covers the entire mission! That means we have unlimited miles and teach throughout the entire mission! INSANE! It's a Stake with eight singles wards, all university students mainly for the University of Utah. It's gonig to be way cool, we already have two investigators in the Stake. But as far as missionary work goes, this is the hardest zone in the mission. It's going to be hard. It's just really wealthy and the numbers aren't as good here, compared to the north end of the mission. Doesn't mean you can't enjoy it though! Alright well I best be going now! I am just mumbling now. Thanks for the wonderful emails and I hope all is well at home. I love both of you and the entire family and everyone who reads this! God Bless!
Love, Elder Pizzey.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
November 10, 2010
Hello!
So today is one of those weeks were I have way to much to say! So many stories to share, all of them amazing but NO time! To be honest it took awhile to read both the letters, although I loved them! I want to take the next thirty minutes (all I have left) to just respond to them. What a good week we had, busy busy busy. We had 16 lessons and this week hopefully we hit 20, never hit it on my mission yet! But it's do able.
So quick update on Michelle and her two boys. If you remember the story. We were about to go home. We were trying to find the Bishop but couldn't, we decided to check the church building, a Saturday night. He was there and Michelle (LA-less active) and her two boys (ages 10 and 11). She has started reading the BOM and what a change it has made in her, a different person. They come to church each week and the boys are looking at November 23 for baptism. A crazy wild, goofy family from Louse (sp? in Asia?). I love them.
This week has been filled with spiritual experiences one after another. My testimony of the BOM continues to grow, line upon line. I've had this thought a few different times this week and it is strange. A completely different feeling, and this week isn't the first time on my mission. It has happened at zone conferences and in previous areas but its a strong impression. "I know you" Weird? Maybe so but its real. Meeting knew Elders, new companions and new investigators. I know them, we know each other. I know their personality before I even meet them, the Pre-Earth life is so real! I'm in this area at this time for a certain reason.
This week I had a exchange with Elder Conrad in my district. He has been out as long as Elder Lundwall and right now he is training a new missionary. Well I love Elder Conrad. We can teach in complete unity and it is UNREAL! What a spiritual day we had, the entire day. We were being placed in the path of everyone who was reading to listen, we had two people that day say its no coincidence you showed up today. Last night..... long story! We taught a few of our investigators and we came out of those lessons in shock. Words were shared that weren't Elder Conrad or Elder Pizzey's. We gave a blessing to Jennafer Toone, an investigator of ours who's having troubles deciding about baptism. We taught a LA family with a 9 year old son, with "inspired questions" we helped the parents share their testimony with their children. And we all know when one shares it, it grows. We got in a door and had great discussion with this man, John. He wanted us to answer some questions and so we did. Great man. Well he started to bring up a few scriptures from the Bible that he believed didn't go in line with our Church. We answered them and he was satisfied. Another question, answered. We asked him some questions? Shared a few scriptures. He started to put up that wall and I could see it. You can tell when your doing good and doing bad. We were doing good but it was time to leave! We shared our testimonies and gave him chapters to study from the BOM and got out of there. It was a great experience.
We had a family invite a neighbour over for dessert and a message this week. A family of four from Mexico. Carla (17 yrs) and Nitalia (9 yrs) speak perfect English but the parents not so well. So I took the first lesson and squished it into five minutes and shared 2 Nephi 25:26, something simple. This was moment that I will always remember. I would say a few sentences and stop. Carla would translate and I would continue. I don't know why but it was powerful. Maybe it was the pausing that allowed me to not just mutter off what came to mind but to truly seek the proper words. Or the fact that Carla was basically teaching her parents and sharing a testimony to them but we felt the spirit. I loved it. I can't describe my feelings or emotions in words that well, but it touched me.
We have been teaching this lady for almost a month. We teach her basically every second day, and she has gone through alot in life. A single mom at 26 years old and when I say alot I mean alot. More than anyone I know. Well she has brought up this fear of reading the BOM because she knows she will receive an answer and have to act on it.. funny I know. Well her one year old boy has been getting abused by her ex-husband who use to beat her. This week he had to go into the hospital. So she has been trying to get full custody, but it hasn't been looking good for her. Yesterday she went to court. The judge denied it because she was missing a few things, and she was upset. She went outside the court room and decided to read the BOM for the first time by herself as she waited for an hour. She was completely taken in by it. She started to pray and she kept getting this answer that said "trust in me no matter the outcome." She was not liking the answer but continued to read, read a total of three chapters. Then an hour later the family services person came out and told her that something happened that never does. The judge stopped her hearing and decided to re-look at her case. She did and granted it. She has full custody! I can't believe the Lord answers such a prayer, but it was exactly what she needed. After a month of exhorting her to read she finally did and the very hour she did, God kept his promise! The voicemails she left said, "God works in mysterious ways and he has proved Elder Pizzey right." I called her back in complete confusion/excitement and she answers, "Elder Pizzey its true." I never thought I would here those words from her.
This week was great, this work is unreal. We always have something to learn and so much to improve on. Last week of the transfer and I'm on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen. Can't wait to see whats in store for the future!
Love your son, Elder Pizzey.
So today is one of those weeks were I have way to much to say! So many stories to share, all of them amazing but NO time! To be honest it took awhile to read both the letters, although I loved them! I want to take the next thirty minutes (all I have left) to just respond to them. What a good week we had, busy busy busy. We had 16 lessons and this week hopefully we hit 20, never hit it on my mission yet! But it's do able.
So quick update on Michelle and her two boys. If you remember the story. We were about to go home. We were trying to find the Bishop but couldn't, we decided to check the church building, a Saturday night. He was there and Michelle (LA-less active) and her two boys (ages 10 and 11). She has started reading the BOM and what a change it has made in her, a different person. They come to church each week and the boys are looking at November 23 for baptism. A crazy wild, goofy family from Louse (sp? in Asia?). I love them.
This week has been filled with spiritual experiences one after another. My testimony of the BOM continues to grow, line upon line. I've had this thought a few different times this week and it is strange. A completely different feeling, and this week isn't the first time on my mission. It has happened at zone conferences and in previous areas but its a strong impression. "I know you" Weird? Maybe so but its real. Meeting knew Elders, new companions and new investigators. I know them, we know each other. I know their personality before I even meet them, the Pre-Earth life is so real! I'm in this area at this time for a certain reason.
This week I had a exchange with Elder Conrad in my district. He has been out as long as Elder Lundwall and right now he is training a new missionary. Well I love Elder Conrad. We can teach in complete unity and it is UNREAL! What a spiritual day we had, the entire day. We were being placed in the path of everyone who was reading to listen, we had two people that day say its no coincidence you showed up today. Last night..... long story! We taught a few of our investigators and we came out of those lessons in shock. Words were shared that weren't Elder Conrad or Elder Pizzey's. We gave a blessing to Jennafer Toone, an investigator of ours who's having troubles deciding about baptism. We taught a LA family with a 9 year old son, with "inspired questions" we helped the parents share their testimony with their children. And we all know when one shares it, it grows. We got in a door and had great discussion with this man, John. He wanted us to answer some questions and so we did. Great man. Well he started to bring up a few scriptures from the Bible that he believed didn't go in line with our Church. We answered them and he was satisfied. Another question, answered. We asked him some questions? Shared a few scriptures. He started to put up that wall and I could see it. You can tell when your doing good and doing bad. We were doing good but it was time to leave! We shared our testimonies and gave him chapters to study from the BOM and got out of there. It was a great experience.
We had a family invite a neighbour over for dessert and a message this week. A family of four from Mexico. Carla (17 yrs) and Nitalia (9 yrs) speak perfect English but the parents not so well. So I took the first lesson and squished it into five minutes and shared 2 Nephi 25:26, something simple. This was moment that I will always remember. I would say a few sentences and stop. Carla would translate and I would continue. I don't know why but it was powerful. Maybe it was the pausing that allowed me to not just mutter off what came to mind but to truly seek the proper words. Or the fact that Carla was basically teaching her parents and sharing a testimony to them but we felt the spirit. I loved it. I can't describe my feelings or emotions in words that well, but it touched me.
We have been teaching this lady for almost a month. We teach her basically every second day, and she has gone through alot in life. A single mom at 26 years old and when I say alot I mean alot. More than anyone I know. Well she has brought up this fear of reading the BOM because she knows she will receive an answer and have to act on it.. funny I know. Well her one year old boy has been getting abused by her ex-husband who use to beat her. This week he had to go into the hospital. So she has been trying to get full custody, but it hasn't been looking good for her. Yesterday she went to court. The judge denied it because she was missing a few things, and she was upset. She went outside the court room and decided to read the BOM for the first time by herself as she waited for an hour. She was completely taken in by it. She started to pray and she kept getting this answer that said "trust in me no matter the outcome." She was not liking the answer but continued to read, read a total of three chapters. Then an hour later the family services person came out and told her that something happened that never does. The judge stopped her hearing and decided to re-look at her case. She did and granted it. She has full custody! I can't believe the Lord answers such a prayer, but it was exactly what she needed. After a month of exhorting her to read she finally did and the very hour she did, God kept his promise! The voicemails she left said, "God works in mysterious ways and he has proved Elder Pizzey right." I called her back in complete confusion/excitement and she answers, "Elder Pizzey its true." I never thought I would here those words from her.
This week was great, this work is unreal. We always have something to learn and so much to improve on. Last week of the transfer and I'm on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen. Can't wait to see whats in store for the future!
Love your son, Elder Pizzey.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
November 3, 2010
Hello from the valley of the Prophets!
Alright before I forget, the shout outs! Grandma Berns! Jalene! and Dianne! For the letters! And also happy birthday to Jason and Jordan, you guys are good brothers. I'm going to say the same thing about my week. I'm not keeping you out of the loop but it was just a little quite, so it might be short. Actually... the more I think about it alot happened! Just no intense stories to share.
So my history I guess, you guys were asking. I spent four transfers (24 weeks) in my last area which was WA and WC stakes. Two of those transfers with E. England and two with E. Ng. I am close to finishing up my second transfer in my second area, PK and PR stakes and of course both with E. Lundwall. So you guys are correct a transfer is coming up November 17 (first week of my seventh transfer). I predict, not prophecy, that I will be leaving and going somewhere else. President has spoken to me a few times about having Elder Lundwall train. There is a very good chance he will train this next transfer but who knows right! Anything could happen.
When I put some more thought into it way too much happened this week to even write about it! Last Wednesday Justin and Trevor Jones were baptized, an unreal baptism. It was the first baptism on my mission that we had to move it to the chapel, like Lindsay's baptism. Then on Sunday we had their confirmation. I love confirmations! We actually got to speak that sacrament meeting as well. Since they are both young men I spoke to the young men, it was great. I basically spoke on preparing for a mission but not the typical go on a mission talk. I touched on four basic things that they need to keep their mind on throughout highschool. I told some hilarious/intense/scary stories from my mission and things that I have learned. I love speaking and it's getting better and better. In the past two weeks we have spoken four times, a couple of them being 20 minute talks.
I forgot to mention that this past week we had our quarterly interviews with President Miller. So we had our district meeting and during our district meeting President would pull the an Elder out and interview him. The Assistants to the President, Zone Leaders and Sis. Miller were there part of my district meeting. So they told me to plan for an hour and half but when I got there E. Bourelson told me it's going to take two and half hours! And that I have to keep the district meeting going the entire time. I was like FREAK. But I said a little prayer and all was good. That was the greatest district meeting I've ever had. It was on revelation through prayer. I don't really know how to describe the meeting other than it was very interactive, alot of practice, then evaluate and re-practice. A spiritual meeting for all of us. My district is excellent this transfer, I love each and everyone of them. I will have to get a picture of all of us before the transfer is over and send it home.
I had to exchanges within my district this past week. One I stayed and the other I left. I always learn something new from other missionaries. Being district leader there are benefits like being able to go on so many exchanges (7 a transfer) and work with so many different missionaries. Prepare the district meeting each week and of course you grow when sharing with others what you learn. BUT MAN! I'm already sick of the calling. Sounds bad but hopefully you know what I mean. Leadership in the mission is a difficult thing. There are so many things President and the Zone Leaders want you to do and I try to do them as best as I can. But when you do what they want it is usually not what the Elders in your district want. So my point in saying this it's hard to keep the relationships strong with all the Elders especially if they are being disobedient. But I always just think it's better to be trusted than to be a friend in the mission field. Second thing I try to keep in mind is acting with no hypocrisy (Nephi 31:13). Being a leadership position is difficult at times but its great at the same time. It keeps you in line, you can only lift someone up if your on higher ground right! So you better be on that higher ground. In life you are either a leader or a follower and if you know me I don't like to follow! Alma 38:10-12 speak to me right now and I felt that was the message Pres. Miller shared with me in my interview.
Well as far as that... the Gospel is true. It's amazing to see the change it brings to peoples lives. Peoples views and morals often completely change over the time they meet with us. As people pray their original concerns go away because their will is brought in line with the will of the Father. They see through different eyes and accept the standards of the restored Gospell! I love it! Keep the faith everyone and talk to you soon on Christmas!
Love Elder Pizzey!
Alright before I forget, the shout outs! Grandma Berns! Jalene! and Dianne! For the letters! And also happy birthday to Jason and Jordan, you guys are good brothers. I'm going to say the same thing about my week. I'm not keeping you out of the loop but it was just a little quite, so it might be short. Actually... the more I think about it alot happened! Just no intense stories to share.
So my history I guess, you guys were asking. I spent four transfers (24 weeks) in my last area which was WA and WC stakes. Two of those transfers with E. England and two with E. Ng. I am close to finishing up my second transfer in my second area, PK and PR stakes and of course both with E. Lundwall. So you guys are correct a transfer is coming up November 17 (first week of my seventh transfer). I predict, not prophecy, that I will be leaving and going somewhere else. President has spoken to me a few times about having Elder Lundwall train. There is a very good chance he will train this next transfer but who knows right! Anything could happen.
When I put some more thought into it way too much happened this week to even write about it! Last Wednesday Justin and Trevor Jones were baptized, an unreal baptism. It was the first baptism on my mission that we had to move it to the chapel, like Lindsay's baptism. Then on Sunday we had their confirmation. I love confirmations! We actually got to speak that sacrament meeting as well. Since they are both young men I spoke to the young men, it was great. I basically spoke on preparing for a mission but not the typical go on a mission talk. I touched on four basic things that they need to keep their mind on throughout highschool. I told some hilarious/intense/scary stories from my mission and things that I have learned. I love speaking and it's getting better and better. In the past two weeks we have spoken four times, a couple of them being 20 minute talks.
I forgot to mention that this past week we had our quarterly interviews with President Miller. So we had our district meeting and during our district meeting President would pull the an Elder out and interview him. The Assistants to the President, Zone Leaders and Sis. Miller were there part of my district meeting. So they told me to plan for an hour and half but when I got there E. Bourelson told me it's going to take two and half hours! And that I have to keep the district meeting going the entire time. I was like FREAK. But I said a little prayer and all was good. That was the greatest district meeting I've ever had. It was on revelation through prayer. I don't really know how to describe the meeting other than it was very interactive, alot of practice, then evaluate and re-practice. A spiritual meeting for all of us. My district is excellent this transfer, I love each and everyone of them. I will have to get a picture of all of us before the transfer is over and send it home.
I had to exchanges within my district this past week. One I stayed and the other I left. I always learn something new from other missionaries. Being district leader there are benefits like being able to go on so many exchanges (7 a transfer) and work with so many different missionaries. Prepare the district meeting each week and of course you grow when sharing with others what you learn. BUT MAN! I'm already sick of the calling. Sounds bad but hopefully you know what I mean. Leadership in the mission is a difficult thing. There are so many things President and the Zone Leaders want you to do and I try to do them as best as I can. But when you do what they want it is usually not what the Elders in your district want. So my point in saying this it's hard to keep the relationships strong with all the Elders especially if they are being disobedient. But I always just think it's better to be trusted than to be a friend in the mission field. Second thing I try to keep in mind is acting with no hypocrisy (Nephi 31:13). Being a leadership position is difficult at times but its great at the same time. It keeps you in line, you can only lift someone up if your on higher ground right! So you better be on that higher ground. In life you are either a leader or a follower and if you know me I don't like to follow! Alma 38:10-12 speak to me right now and I felt that was the message Pres. Miller shared with me in my interview.
Well as far as that... the Gospel is true. It's amazing to see the change it brings to peoples lives. Peoples views and morals often completely change over the time they meet with us. As people pray their original concerns go away because their will is brought in line with the will of the Father. They see through different eyes and accept the standards of the restored Gospell! I love it! Keep the faith everyone and talk to you soon on Christmas!
Love Elder Pizzey!
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