February 23, 2011 - Week 3 of Transfer 9
Things don't slow down! I feel like I am sprinting but I love it! Days go by so fast, its like a blurr. The other day I was thinking about this past year and I feel pretty satisfied with my efforts and I think the Lord agrees. I hope that doesn't sound prideful but I truly have worked hard and learned alot. If I could change one thing, now I hate admitting this, it would my preparation before the mission. That would have made a huge difference! Could be an entire year ahead, enough said just need to worry about whats happening and where I am at right now! No only if's....
Last Thursday was the greatest day of my mission so far, but that only lasted for a day. Friday set the bar even higher. Thursday was our first full day of work in so long! We always have meetings or something going on but we had no lessons and the Stockwell's baptism that night. It felt so good to just get outside and WORK! It feels great, I feel like a real missionary when I knock on doors for hours. I can't complain though teaching lessons is 10x the fun. Ashely and Shaun's baptism was quite special. They were adopted from Ukraine into a great family and in a couple weeks here they will be sealed in the Salt Lake Temple (we can't attend, if in Draper we could).
So Friday was intense! We started to teach four new people and all of them were spiritual overload lessons! It is school to see the events that take place in a persons life to lead them to meeting with us, attending church, praying, moving to Utah and so on! The Lord plays a vital role in everything that happens in our life and it is all for a reason. A lesson to be learned constantly. I have never taught four "new lessons" in one day and never ever have I had four people in a row gladly accept baptismal dates on the first lesson! If you could have seen me Friday night, literally jumping for joy and just going crazy. Remember I am still Blake and like to get excited. All four of these people were guys! And close to my age, my favorite group/sex to teach, just so easy to relate. The Lord has blessed us and I recognize his hand in this work. Its truly him, as to ourselves we've done nothing but try to be diligent and keep the rules.
Moroni 10:3-5. I have complete trust and confidence in the promise given here by Moroni. This past week I had five different witnesses of the reality of this promise. Two that really stuck out to me. FIRST. Adriana. Attending Draper YSA, little Spanish girl, 19 yrs old, raised Catholic. She started to attend church and read the Book of Mormon and just felt the biggest change in her life. All she wants to do now is serve and help others, she wants to be a better person. She felt that this was due to the Book of Mormon but didn't feel it was a strong enough answer from God, just good side effects. I guess... I was thinking Ether 4:11-12 the entire time and actually shared it with her and she thought, "well.. yeah, maybe this could be a good answer." But we then asked if she had specifically took the things she read to prayer and asked if they were true. No. So we invited her to do so! Well when we returned a couple days later for another lesson we asked how it went. She shared with us her experience. She knelt down privately in prayer that night and had an over whelming feeling of happiness. She couldn't explain it but she said she started to cry because she was so happy. I was so proud of her! So thankful to the Lord! I couldn't control my smile, it was amazing. Not once has that ever happened to me! For me my days just go better and I feel great so I know its true. But the Lord works differently with all of us.
SECOND. Shelby. Attending one of our student wards. Long story behind it but quickly a year and half ago Elder Dick tried teaching her forever but never got to meet her. His trainer taught her forever (very similar story of the one with Mary Shoeneck and E. England if you remember). Well we encouraged her friend to invite someone to meet with us and he did, it turns out it was her! She met with missionaries for two years straight in high school but her parents never gave her permission to be baptized. Then she peaced to a different lifestyle for two years and now we are meeting with her. SO OUR LESSON, this happened on Saturday. The lesson prior to she expressed that she knew everything was true but she had no desire to change her life right now. So we re-emphasized the only way we can know if all of this is true is determining if the Book of Mormon is true or not. So we asked her do you believe it is? Yes but don't want to change. We invited her to read from the Book of Mormon once more (hadn't for two years) and ask God if its true, even though she already knows. I shared with her even as a missionaries I ask over and over because I need it sometimes.
Well the following lesson we follow up with what we invited her to do. She starts to go over 1 Nephi chapter 1 and talk about how it was familiar but then she stops and starts to get emotional. She looks up at us and says, "I prayed and I want to be baptized." She started to explain why and share her feelings and the spirit was SO strong, it filled the room! We had planned March 19th to invite her to prepare for but March 13th kept coming to my head so I asked her, "Will you prepare yourself to be baptized on March 13th?" She started to laugh (I got scared lol) and she said the was the exact date I was thinking of this morning. AMAZING! It can't really get any better than being involved in the Lords work!
Other than that... We finished a two day exchange yesterday, my first one ever. We have a little problem in our zone. One of our trainers is doing a lousy job with his new missionary. Not working at all and braking alot of rules. The new Elder is great and deserves an Elder England, I feel terrible for him. So I took him into our area and taught eight lessons with him. Its been two weeks and those were his first lessons. We are trying to find a solution but its hard. We had a good time together though, Elder Cole and I that is. Woke up early, went jogging, first time he had companion study, worked the entire day and at the end felt like we were dead. He will do great and there will be a great reward for this trial he is going through (DC 58:2-6).
All I can say is I am grateful! For my trainer, my companions and my areas. Its been too good, I feel like it is too good. Is the tough part coming soon? I mean it hasn't been easy but I have enjoyed this past year. I hope this email made up for the short one last week. I love you guys, my family (future and present hehe) and friends that is! Have a great week and God speed!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
February 16, 2011 - One Year Anniversary!
February 16, 2011 -- Week 2 of Transfer 9
Hello! I'm sending this one a little late today, sorry about that. We are at the Taylorsville playing in a volleyball tournament. There are something like ten teams and Elder Dick and I threw one together of volleyball players in the mission. It is getting pretty intense! So I will be writing my email in and out of games today. That will explain why my thoughts will be all over the place....
An hour just passed! We lost in the semi finals! It was alot of fun though. Now its time to focus. This past week was packed with events, meetings, and new people! Bro. Brian King (whos in his 40s) was baptized this past saturday. We have been teaching Brian since the first week I got here and now he can say, "I'm a Mormon!" Ha! I love it.
I forget if I mentioned it last week but we had zone conference on Monday. Usually every zone conference President and the Assistants give the trainings but this was the first time they switched it up. President called us Saturday morning asking if we could be over at his house at 3:30 on Sunday. Of course it was right when Matt Lane (RC) was getting the Priesthood! Sadly missed that. Anyways from now on the Zone Leaders train each zone conference. So we had the rest of the night to come up with our training for the next day (ours was the first zone conference). Well we had several lessons that night and ended getting home late, so I went to bed early and woke up early to make my training.
It actually worked out pretty good. I took forty minutes and Elder Dick took twenty and he did the other little training that was later on. Since it was valentines day I focused on relationships! Our relationship with God, our relationship with the investigator and most importantly the investigators relationship with God. I didn't think it was going to go as good as it did. Everyone was participating and getting involved. We then focused on bearing testimony often and the purpose of following up with commitments. I really felt the Lord guide me that morning as I started to make an outline.
After zone conference, until last night I was on an exchange with the new assistant, Elder Bertiliono, in our area. A long time ago, when I was with Elder England, I shared a story over email of a mini exchange I had with Elder Bertilino. I remember it was over the general conference weekend. It was an amazing exchange. We started to teach a few new people and each lesson the spirit was present. We always have a lesson plan of course but every once and awhile you just have a strong feeling to go with something different. That happened a few times with us and when I follow it, its always exactly what they need! Scriptures just come to mind. I learned alot from him and I have a few goals in mind. I think Elder Bertilino is my dream companion. Our taste in music is the exact same, all of our hobbies and interest are identical. We had a good time.
Wish Kamry best of the luck with the whole labor thing... not to sure what its called. Make sure I get some pictures of the little guy next week and tell everyone I say Hi! I can't believe its been a year as well, time has flown by. They say the second year even goes faster. That's a little scary, there are still so many things I need to accomplish! I love you guys. We will talk next week.
Love Elder Pizzey.
Hello! I'm sending this one a little late today, sorry about that. We are at the Taylorsville playing in a volleyball tournament. There are something like ten teams and Elder Dick and I threw one together of volleyball players in the mission. It is getting pretty intense! So I will be writing my email in and out of games today. That will explain why my thoughts will be all over the place....
An hour just passed! We lost in the semi finals! It was alot of fun though. Now its time to focus. This past week was packed with events, meetings, and new people! Bro. Brian King (whos in his 40s) was baptized this past saturday. We have been teaching Brian since the first week I got here and now he can say, "I'm a Mormon!" Ha! I love it.
I forget if I mentioned it last week but we had zone conference on Monday. Usually every zone conference President and the Assistants give the trainings but this was the first time they switched it up. President called us Saturday morning asking if we could be over at his house at 3:30 on Sunday. Of course it was right when Matt Lane (RC) was getting the Priesthood! Sadly missed that. Anyways from now on the Zone Leaders train each zone conference. So we had the rest of the night to come up with our training for the next day (ours was the first zone conference). Well we had several lessons that night and ended getting home late, so I went to bed early and woke up early to make my training.
It actually worked out pretty good. I took forty minutes and Elder Dick took twenty and he did the other little training that was later on. Since it was valentines day I focused on relationships! Our relationship with God, our relationship with the investigator and most importantly the investigators relationship with God. I didn't think it was going to go as good as it did. Everyone was participating and getting involved. We then focused on bearing testimony often and the purpose of following up with commitments. I really felt the Lord guide me that morning as I started to make an outline.
After zone conference, until last night I was on an exchange with the new assistant, Elder Bertiliono, in our area. A long time ago, when I was with Elder England, I shared a story over email of a mini exchange I had with Elder Bertilino. I remember it was over the general conference weekend. It was an amazing exchange. We started to teach a few new people and each lesson the spirit was present. We always have a lesson plan of course but every once and awhile you just have a strong feeling to go with something different. That happened a few times with us and when I follow it, its always exactly what they need! Scriptures just come to mind. I learned alot from him and I have a few goals in mind. I think Elder Bertilino is my dream companion. Our taste in music is the exact same, all of our hobbies and interest are identical. We had a good time.
Wish Kamry best of the luck with the whole labor thing... not to sure what its called. Make sure I get some pictures of the little guy next week and tell everyone I say Hi! I can't believe its been a year as well, time has flown by. They say the second year even goes faster. That's a little scary, there are still so many things I need to accomplish! I love you guys. We will talk next week.
Love Elder Pizzey.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
February 9, 2011
February 9, 2011 - Week 1 of Transfer 9 (there is 17 in total)
A new start.
Hello, hello! Sounds like Mexico was great but I will have to say the stories about Grandpa and Macy are what got me. I miss that dog, I just hope she is as bright as she was when I left. Lots to update on and as always very little time so let me get started.
Transfers... Elder Dick and I are staying together! We were both pretty happy about that. He totally thought he was getting the boot, we had a few hints he was so he basically started to pack. It seems like the longer we are together the better we get along. This is the first time for him and I to have a companion for more than two transfers, its actually kind of nice. Elder Dick expressed he was glad it was me and not any of his other companions and that felt pretty good! When we got the voicemail from the assistants that the mission roster had been emailed to us it looked like E. Dick was about to pass out. He was pretty nervous and glad he's still in this UNREAL area! There are some big changes in our zone though and it is looking pretty good. E. Atwood (our favorite DL, and great friend) was transferred out and now serving as a zone leader with E. Ames. E. Atwood goes home with E. Dick in June and he will be a great zone leader, both E. Dick and I were thinking he was going to be my companion. We are a little sad to have him leaving, at 5:15 he would drive over to our house, his companion would jump in my bed and we would go to the Stake Center to play basketball with some guys from the stake a few times a week. It was the highlight of the week! Well not actually but was fun. Will have to figure something out now.
We have two new DL's and it should be really good. Elder Hill is one and he has been in his area for ten months and for the first time in his mission he is training and also being a DL! He goes home with E. Dick as well and this is exactly what he needed to finish his mission. He will do great. We have a new DL E. Gates who goes him in a couple months as well, similar situation as E. Hill. Then E. Torres who is serving in my "greeny area" or my first area who stayed this transfer. A few other changes but its quite a bit for one transfer but they were needed! And we are excited. I hope we can keep some of these wild guys under control.
I'm sorry this email wasn't to "spiritual" or hasn't been full of touching stories and its just more of an update. There were some really good moments this week though. I was able to do an exchange with E. Torres former companion in my OLD AREA! And that was fun, yet challenging at the same time. Everywhere we went it was like a reunion and hard not to talk for half hour. But who am I kidding I loved it, felt like I was going home. I was able to visit quite a few people who I really do miss. Luke Fairman (all grown up now!), John Aslami, Ruth Ann Vigil, Pat Christenson, Bro. Jones (WML) and many others! I'm sorry if I missed you (if your reading the blog lol). It was nice to be able to share the gospel with them once again. John Aslami still isn't baptized but making some little progress. He is a good man but has a hard life.
At the Taylorsville Institute this Sunday night there was a musical fireside that was focused on sharing the gospel. It was held by this YSA choir from a Tongan Stake in the valley. They are called "one voice" and it was their fifth year doing it. I am terrible at describing things so I'm not going to attempt. All I'll say is that they are an amazing choir and it was really spiritual. There were alot of people there who are not members of the Church and in total probably around three hundred people. In between songs they had people speak for about five minutes and mainly share there testimony. They asked if I would speak on sharing the gospel, obviously not that hard so I did. I was to speak near the end and when it came time everything I had planned was already spoken on. Mainly fear that is. Dad's talk he shared with me a long time ago kept coming to my mind minutes before I was to speak so I went with it. Well what I could remember from it. It was the one focused on Joseph Smith and coming to a knowledge of spiritual truths in our life, so I just squished it into five minutes. It was a little weird because while I was speaking they had the piano playing softly in the background and it was just so hard not to sing to my talk! Inside of me I was cracking up thinking what would happen if I did?
Anyways I sat down after I spoke and the very next song was all about Joseph Smith and it worked out perfectly! I wasn't even planning on talking about Joseph Smith and sharing the first vision until a few minutes before. No such things as coincidences, I have definitely learned that in the past year.
By the way, last Pday as the best. We were with the Curley's the entire time. They took us to their artchey club and after, for all you can eat sushi! I love sushi. This week we are hanging out with Rocco and going to this new trampoline place. They have someting like 50 trampolines, Rocco will be teaching us some new tricks. We must head to the mission office to pick of mail for the zone, Love you guys! Can't believe we are basically at one year. People say the second year goes faster, I don't know if it can.
Love Elder Pizzey
Abbreviations:
E-Elder
DL-District Leader
ZL-Zone Leader
YSA-Young Single Adult
WML-Ward Mission Leader
A new start.
Hello, hello! Sounds like Mexico was great but I will have to say the stories about Grandpa and Macy are what got me. I miss that dog, I just hope she is as bright as she was when I left. Lots to update on and as always very little time so let me get started.
Transfers... Elder Dick and I are staying together! We were both pretty happy about that. He totally thought he was getting the boot, we had a few hints he was so he basically started to pack. It seems like the longer we are together the better we get along. This is the first time for him and I to have a companion for more than two transfers, its actually kind of nice. Elder Dick expressed he was glad it was me and not any of his other companions and that felt pretty good! When we got the voicemail from the assistants that the mission roster had been emailed to us it looked like E. Dick was about to pass out. He was pretty nervous and glad he's still in this UNREAL area! There are some big changes in our zone though and it is looking pretty good. E. Atwood (our favorite DL, and great friend) was transferred out and now serving as a zone leader with E. Ames. E. Atwood goes home with E. Dick in June and he will be a great zone leader, both E. Dick and I were thinking he was going to be my companion. We are a little sad to have him leaving, at 5:15 he would drive over to our house, his companion would jump in my bed and we would go to the Stake Center to play basketball with some guys from the stake a few times a week. It was the highlight of the week! Well not actually but was fun. Will have to figure something out now.
We have two new DL's and it should be really good. Elder Hill is one and he has been in his area for ten months and for the first time in his mission he is training and also being a DL! He goes home with E. Dick as well and this is exactly what he needed to finish his mission. He will do great. We have a new DL E. Gates who goes him in a couple months as well, similar situation as E. Hill. Then E. Torres who is serving in my "greeny area" or my first area who stayed this transfer. A few other changes but its quite a bit for one transfer but they were needed! And we are excited. I hope we can keep some of these wild guys under control.
I'm sorry this email wasn't to "spiritual" or hasn't been full of touching stories and its just more of an update. There were some really good moments this week though. I was able to do an exchange with E. Torres former companion in my OLD AREA! And that was fun, yet challenging at the same time. Everywhere we went it was like a reunion and hard not to talk for half hour. But who am I kidding I loved it, felt like I was going home. I was able to visit quite a few people who I really do miss. Luke Fairman (all grown up now!), John Aslami, Ruth Ann Vigil, Pat Christenson, Bro. Jones (WML) and many others! I'm sorry if I missed you (if your reading the blog lol). It was nice to be able to share the gospel with them once again. John Aslami still isn't baptized but making some little progress. He is a good man but has a hard life.
At the Taylorsville Institute this Sunday night there was a musical fireside that was focused on sharing the gospel. It was held by this YSA choir from a Tongan Stake in the valley. They are called "one voice" and it was their fifth year doing it. I am terrible at describing things so I'm not going to attempt. All I'll say is that they are an amazing choir and it was really spiritual. There were alot of people there who are not members of the Church and in total probably around three hundred people. In between songs they had people speak for about five minutes and mainly share there testimony. They asked if I would speak on sharing the gospel, obviously not that hard so I did. I was to speak near the end and when it came time everything I had planned was already spoken on. Mainly fear that is. Dad's talk he shared with me a long time ago kept coming to my mind minutes before I was to speak so I went with it. Well what I could remember from it. It was the one focused on Joseph Smith and coming to a knowledge of spiritual truths in our life, so I just squished it into five minutes. It was a little weird because while I was speaking they had the piano playing softly in the background and it was just so hard not to sing to my talk! Inside of me I was cracking up thinking what would happen if I did?
Anyways I sat down after I spoke and the very next song was all about Joseph Smith and it worked out perfectly! I wasn't even planning on talking about Joseph Smith and sharing the first vision until a few minutes before. No such things as coincidences, I have definitely learned that in the past year.
By the way, last Pday as the best. We were with the Curley's the entire time. They took us to their artchey club and after, for all you can eat sushi! I love sushi. This week we are hanging out with Rocco and going to this new trampoline place. They have someting like 50 trampolines, Rocco will be teaching us some new tricks. We must head to the mission office to pick of mail for the zone, Love you guys! Can't believe we are basically at one year. People say the second year goes faster, I don't know if it can.
Love Elder Pizzey
Abbreviations:
E-Elder
DL-District Leader
ZL-Zone Leader
YSA-Young Single Adult
WML-Ward Mission Leader
Sunday, February 6, 2011
February 2, 2011
February 2, 2011 - Week 6 of Transfer 8
Hello Ma and Pa!
Thank you for the emails and don't be sorry they are short! It worked out perfectly this week because I am in the biggest rush! I have just under thirty minutes to write this thing, actually less than that! And I still have to write President. It also just turns out to be that this past week was probably one of the greatest I've ever had on my mission so far, just jam packed with 'good news'! Lets hope I make sense as I attempt to fly you through my week.
Before I even start. Let me share another OYM experience. Today, actually twenty minutes ago, I was getting my hair cut. I was in normal clothes, meaning jeans and a button up shirt. So I was a missionary undercover, the best. Well today I had the greatest hair dressing conversation of my life. Her name is Eldina. Now maybe it was good because she is 35, has a family she loves, a husband and alot of experience behind her. Including being involved in a war in Europe when she was 15, seeing her Dad explode while running to get food and her brother shot right in front of her. Well long story short, it was completely focused on the Gospel and how it brings families together in unity. After she finished I pulled out a Book of Mormon from my backpack and gave it to her, she handed it back and asked if I could write something in it for her! I asked her if missionaries could teach her family and she asked if Elder Dick and I could (sadly she lives in the North mission). Well she gave me her address and missionaries in her area with be teaching her family this Sunday. I'm still on a spiritual high from sharing my testimony. Never turn off!
Ok I will have to fly through this weekend! Friday night Rocco got baptized! It was so intense! The Curley's came to support but ended up being put on the spot. They sat down and flipped open the program to find both of their names on the program, listed as speaking about baptism and the gift of the holy ghost! Courtney flipped out and got so nervous (if I were in her shoes I would be as well). Courtney went first and tore it apart! Shared her testimony and invited the spirit into the room. It was pretty cool to see and hear every ones reaction when she said she was baptized just one week ago! Then Chad went and of course he's rock solid and nailed it. All of Rocco's family was there to support and it couldn't get any better. Sunday he was confirmed and after church received the Priesthood, Elder Dick and I were able to participate in all of it!
Then the following day Mary Schoeneck got baptized! I was actually able to do her interview for the baptism! Felt like I was going back home. She asked me to say a few words before the Bishop did his welcome into the ward and I got a little emotional. If it wasn't for a few laughs and jokes to lighten the mood I would have been squirting out tears the entire time and thats not like me! Anymore at least, I don't get that emotional when I feel the spirit. It was just unreal to see her ten months later getting baptized. She was the first person I ever asked to be baptized on a specific date. Still remember it perfectly. So this baptism I would have to say was the most spiritual one I have ever been to on my mission.
Later that night Matt Lane (28 years old) was baptized as well. Matt is by far the most "golden" person I have ever taught. He is more than half way done the Book of Mormon, attends church every week and even keeps his returned missionary roommates in line. He is a good guy and it will be cool to go through the temple with him next year.
So as you can tell an AMAZING weekend! As I was driving down the I15 after church I was just thinking this weekend was the peak of my mission. It can't get any better but all of a sudden I get a phone call! Its Jordan Poulsen! "ELDER PIZZEY I'M GETTING BAPTIZED TONIGHT AT SEVEN! CAN YOU COME?!" Of course! We only had four lessons that night, good thing we serve in Utah and Elder Dick was able to get some people to go out with him. So this baptism blew it away. Words can't describe and I don't even want to try. Elder Lundwall and I were able to unite and share our testimonies at the baptism. President Miller showed up and spoke for a few minutes at the end and the Bishop wrapped things up. Jordan is an amazing person and I could see a difference in her just since the last time I saw her. Kajol, her boy, looks like two years older. President Miller talked about the impact he will have as he serves a mission and I couldn't imagine how she felt thinking about it. I'm sure, just as you wanted Mom, that's all she wants for him. Once again, I got a little emotional here.
So the weekend doesn't end, it continued onto Monday for us. We met at the mission office at 6AM and headed up to Oakley which is near Kamas, which is near Park City. We went to President Millers brothers cabin (atleast 2 mill) there who is a former 70. We weren't allowed to bring proselyting clothes and had to bring two pairs of pday clothes (normal clothes). We had our ZLC and discussed the matters of the mission from 7:30 to 11:30. After we ate a brunch that Sister Miller and her sister cooked for us. Then we went sledding for a few hours. Of course made a big jump and I killed myself on it, necks still really sore. Then we came back and continued on with ZLC, some powerful trainings. I never saw President Miller share such a powerful testimony, the spirit like shook the cabin and rattled the fire. Later we watched a church movie, played minute to win it games! We wrapped up by going around and sharing something about your companion that you love or something he has taught you. We cleaned up and headed back down the canyon (I got to drive one of the new Subaru Imprezers because I'm Canadian and know how to drive in snow lol) and got home at ten at night. It was a killer day.
So I would say the thing Elder Dick has taught me has been the importance of having trust before giving correction. Every missionary loves Elder Dick and has a relationship with them. He is able to correct them in a way without offending at all and it is amazing. I have been able to observe him do this for awhile now and I still haven't figured it out completely. He never corrects me! Although I wish he did sometimes, but he leads by example. I have been able to learn alot by his actions. He is one you can open up to and ask for help. I am grateful for him and the companion he is.
I am sorry this was so scrabbled and lacking detail! It was a great week, and I am completely grateful for everything. I never thought it would be like this. Its hard to describe how I feel about my mission and the people I teach. I feel as the Savior said, "My joy is full".
Love your little boy, Elder Pizzey
Hello Ma and Pa!
Thank you for the emails and don't be sorry they are short! It worked out perfectly this week because I am in the biggest rush! I have just under thirty minutes to write this thing, actually less than that! And I still have to write President. It also just turns out to be that this past week was probably one of the greatest I've ever had on my mission so far, just jam packed with 'good news'! Lets hope I make sense as I attempt to fly you through my week.
Before I even start. Let me share another OYM experience. Today, actually twenty minutes ago, I was getting my hair cut. I was in normal clothes, meaning jeans and a button up shirt. So I was a missionary undercover, the best. Well today I had the greatest hair dressing conversation of my life. Her name is Eldina. Now maybe it was good because she is 35, has a family she loves, a husband and alot of experience behind her. Including being involved in a war in Europe when she was 15, seeing her Dad explode while running to get food and her brother shot right in front of her. Well long story short, it was completely focused on the Gospel and how it brings families together in unity. After she finished I pulled out a Book of Mormon from my backpack and gave it to her, she handed it back and asked if I could write something in it for her! I asked her if missionaries could teach her family and she asked if Elder Dick and I could (sadly she lives in the North mission). Well she gave me her address and missionaries in her area with be teaching her family this Sunday. I'm still on a spiritual high from sharing my testimony. Never turn off!
Ok I will have to fly through this weekend! Friday night Rocco got baptized! It was so intense! The Curley's came to support but ended up being put on the spot. They sat down and flipped open the program to find both of their names on the program, listed as speaking about baptism and the gift of the holy ghost! Courtney flipped out and got so nervous (if I were in her shoes I would be as well). Courtney went first and tore it apart! Shared her testimony and invited the spirit into the room. It was pretty cool to see and hear every ones reaction when she said she was baptized just one week ago! Then Chad went and of course he's rock solid and nailed it. All of Rocco's family was there to support and it couldn't get any better. Sunday he was confirmed and after church received the Priesthood, Elder Dick and I were able to participate in all of it!
Then the following day Mary Schoeneck got baptized! I was actually able to do her interview for the baptism! Felt like I was going back home. She asked me to say a few words before the Bishop did his welcome into the ward and I got a little emotional. If it wasn't for a few laughs and jokes to lighten the mood I would have been squirting out tears the entire time and thats not like me! Anymore at least, I don't get that emotional when I feel the spirit. It was just unreal to see her ten months later getting baptized. She was the first person I ever asked to be baptized on a specific date. Still remember it perfectly. So this baptism I would have to say was the most spiritual one I have ever been to on my mission.
Later that night Matt Lane (28 years old) was baptized as well. Matt is by far the most "golden" person I have ever taught. He is more than half way done the Book of Mormon, attends church every week and even keeps his returned missionary roommates in line. He is a good guy and it will be cool to go through the temple with him next year.
So as you can tell an AMAZING weekend! As I was driving down the I15 after church I was just thinking this weekend was the peak of my mission. It can't get any better but all of a sudden I get a phone call! Its Jordan Poulsen! "ELDER PIZZEY I'M GETTING BAPTIZED TONIGHT AT SEVEN! CAN YOU COME?!" Of course! We only had four lessons that night, good thing we serve in Utah and Elder Dick was able to get some people to go out with him. So this baptism blew it away. Words can't describe and I don't even want to try. Elder Lundwall and I were able to unite and share our testimonies at the baptism. President Miller showed up and spoke for a few minutes at the end and the Bishop wrapped things up. Jordan is an amazing person and I could see a difference in her just since the last time I saw her. Kajol, her boy, looks like two years older. President Miller talked about the impact he will have as he serves a mission and I couldn't imagine how she felt thinking about it. I'm sure, just as you wanted Mom, that's all she wants for him. Once again, I got a little emotional here.
So the weekend doesn't end, it continued onto Monday for us. We met at the mission office at 6AM and headed up to Oakley which is near Kamas, which is near Park City. We went to President Millers brothers cabin (atleast 2 mill) there who is a former 70. We weren't allowed to bring proselyting clothes and had to bring two pairs of pday clothes (normal clothes). We had our ZLC and discussed the matters of the mission from 7:30 to 11:30. After we ate a brunch that Sister Miller and her sister cooked for us. Then we went sledding for a few hours. Of course made a big jump and I killed myself on it, necks still really sore. Then we came back and continued on with ZLC, some powerful trainings. I never saw President Miller share such a powerful testimony, the spirit like shook the cabin and rattled the fire. Later we watched a church movie, played minute to win it games! We wrapped up by going around and sharing something about your companion that you love or something he has taught you. We cleaned up and headed back down the canyon (I got to drive one of the new Subaru Imprezers because I'm Canadian and know how to drive in snow lol) and got home at ten at night. It was a killer day.
So I would say the thing Elder Dick has taught me has been the importance of having trust before giving correction. Every missionary loves Elder Dick and has a relationship with them. He is able to correct them in a way without offending at all and it is amazing. I have been able to observe him do this for awhile now and I still haven't figured it out completely. He never corrects me! Although I wish he did sometimes, but he leads by example. I have been able to learn alot by his actions. He is one you can open up to and ask for help. I am grateful for him and the companion he is.
I am sorry this was so scrabbled and lacking detail! It was a great week, and I am completely grateful for everything. I never thought it would be like this. Its hard to describe how I feel about my mission and the people I teach. I feel as the Savior said, "My joy is full".
Love your little boy, Elder Pizzey
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