July 25, 2011 - Week 1 of Transfer 13
The past couple weeks have been full of administrative days and not so much ministering or proselyting. As you can tell when things are business my emails are not as good, yet my weeks are still full of miracles and uplifting moments. It is hard for me to communicate them when my mind is focused on transfers and trying to solve some of the problems we have. None the less, let me attempt to put some thoughts together and write you a lovely email!
This past week we had three baptisms! And for this next week we are shooting for ten baptisms! It is outrageous all the work. Six of the ten baptisms are completely solid and the other four we are going to work our buns off to help them feel ready. There are too many people you have to meet from my mission, they are my best friends. It will be so weird introducing you to everyone but no matter how awkward it will be you need to meet these people I love so much! This morning we had a lesson with the Gazmer (prounced Gozmer) family and afterwards place soccer outside the shady apartments on the street with Bijay and is younger sister Anjali. Bijay looks up to his uncle Bon Biswa who lives next door to them so much, it is adorable. It reminds me of how I used to bug Jeff Gilmore to play with me 24/7.
Like I explained last week, we are continuing to find new people to teach. I have told you about Daniel Manar who was recently baptized in our area (a few weeks ago). Well let me briefly share the story of how we found Daniel. A few days before started teaching him we asked his best friend Danny "who do you know that you could invite to meet with us?" And he had no one in mind. Well the next week at church Danny came up to us and Elders I have someone for you to teach. He invited us over to his home and I don't even think Daniel had an idea that he was meeting with us! haha, well we taught him on the spot and at the end of the lesson he was touched by the spirit and had tears in his eyes. Long story short (this may be review for you) Daniel got baptized and received the Aaronic Priesthood. Now we are teaching his mother! She wants Daniel to serve a mission and wants to be baptized. In the first lesson we taught her this past week she opened up and told us she wants to be baptized. She grew up Jehovah's Witness her entire life and expressed to us she has never felt the spirit like she felt last week at church. She told us nothing has ever felt this good to her and she knows it is true. She is preparing for baptism on August 20th.
Almost a month ago we ran into a man by the name of Walt while walking through one of the apartment complexes and just this past week we were able to meet with him for the first time. We scheduled a lesson with him which didn't end up working out and few days after that he gave us a call asking us to come back. Walt is the man. He is a humble man in his mid 30's who is very much intune with God and our lesson with him was just great. At the end of the lesson he said, "it felt familiar and right". At first his main reason for meeting with us was to clarify all the crazy things he has heard and never been told the truth of what we believe from the source (the missionaries). But now he is interested and preparing for baptism on August 20th. Elder Bertolino and myself taugh so well together that lesson, it was seemless! It is amazing what asking for a referral or talking to someone in your path can do!
I hope you have a feel of my week and how my area is doing. The mission is doing well. A few last minute problems arised right before transfers here but we are working those out. Transfers will be finalized tomorrow at noon and Elder Bertolino and myself will be together! I am so grateful that he is my companion. I have learned so much from him, he's great. He has such a love for the scriptures and teaches me many things. I love him. Have a good week!
Love you mom and dad! Elder Pizzey.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
July 20, 2011
July 20 2011 - Week 6 of Transfer 12
Once again a good week! This email will most likely be short, I don't have much time! Today we are going to do baptisms for the dead at the Draper Temple with some of Elder Bertolino's recent converts and another companionship serving in my old Draper area. I'm looking forward to it, it has been a long time since I have done baptisms for the dead. We had the Kalala's baptism this past weekend and this weekend the other half of their family are getting baptized! We also have the Minor family who will be getting baptized this weekend. Yesterday we had a training for all trainers and their new missionaries at the mission office, it went well. This past Sunday was a little different than last Sunday, still hectic and crazy but this time a little frustrating. We were pretty upset with some of the efforts from members of a certain ward but we didn't show it. In our area we just keep finding new people to teach the gospel to, life is great. Transfers is starting to weigh down on us and its becoming difficult keep the area strong whiling trying to assist President. The Lord always takes care though and I'm excited for the new transfer.
I'm sorry this email is so short and crummy! I'm sure you were looking forward to some great stories and spiritual experiences but nothing is sticking out from this past week. I mean I don't want to sound ungrateful at all because thats not true! We did have some great baptisms and lessons. I am just in love with these families we are teaching, it is interesting using translators! I just hope that when I look them in the eyes they know that Jesus Christ loves them. Have a great week and I will report back next week!
Love Elder Pizzey
Once again a good week! This email will most likely be short, I don't have much time! Today we are going to do baptisms for the dead at the Draper Temple with some of Elder Bertolino's recent converts and another companionship serving in my old Draper area. I'm looking forward to it, it has been a long time since I have done baptisms for the dead. We had the Kalala's baptism this past weekend and this weekend the other half of their family are getting baptized! We also have the Minor family who will be getting baptized this weekend. Yesterday we had a training for all trainers and their new missionaries at the mission office, it went well. This past Sunday was a little different than last Sunday, still hectic and crazy but this time a little frustrating. We were pretty upset with some of the efforts from members of a certain ward but we didn't show it. In our area we just keep finding new people to teach the gospel to, life is great. Transfers is starting to weigh down on us and its becoming difficult keep the area strong whiling trying to assist President. The Lord always takes care though and I'm excited for the new transfer.
I'm sorry this email is so short and crummy! I'm sure you were looking forward to some great stories and spiritual experiences but nothing is sticking out from this past week. I mean I don't want to sound ungrateful at all because thats not true! We did have some great baptisms and lessons. I am just in love with these families we are teaching, it is interesting using translators! I just hope that when I look them in the eyes they know that Jesus Christ loves them. Have a great week and I will report back next week!
Love Elder Pizzey
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
July 13, 2011 (there are three new posts of pictures - following)
July 13, 2011 - Week 5 of Transfer 12
The Utah Salt Lake City South Mission is the greatest mission in the world! This week has been one of the greatest weeks of my mission. It doesn't get much better than it is right now. Like you noticed last week in my email it was difficult for me to unfold the events that have taken place! Well this week will be a little more difficult. If I could describe our area right now I would say its like an escalator, meaning it just keeps going up. Often in missions you will find areas that are more life elevators, they go up then down, up then down. For the month of July we are projecting 15 baptisms and at the current time have 19 people scheduled with baptismal dates. In the past two weeks we have found 19 new investigators and it just keeps going. We will begin teaching a family of four tomorrow as well! I have never had it quite like this, we will be baptizing more than weekly. This past week we have doubled our efforts and been begging the Lord to guide us. Constantly people are placed in our path and we are finding them. I wish you could witness this great work with me.
Let me fly through some of the key events from this past week. Before that though. I love the family I am teaching from Napol, you will have to meet them. There is nine people squished in one tiny apartment yet they are so happy. While we were leaving our appointment on Saturday morning Bijay, the son, said in broken English, "Elder Pizzey... Elder Bertolino... Guess what? Today is my 15th birthday". He said it with a huge smile going across his face yet he had very little presents. We knew his favorite American food was pepperoni pizza from Big Daddy's and that he loved soccer but had no soccer ball. So later that night we bought him his pizza and a soccer ball from wal-mart, and dropped it off at his house. He was extremely grateful. I hope I learn what God is trying to help me learn from these people. They are as humble as can be.
Sunday morning at 7:00am President Miller came to our South Cottonwood Stake and gave a training to the ward councils of the stake. The Mission Presidency, President Bishop, President Pineda and President Miller, spoke to them for an hour. President just had to announce to everyone that we are his Assistants then made us go up on the stand and had Elder Bertolino teach the principle "Heavenly Father Reveals His Gospel in Every Dispensation" from PMG p.32 and myself teach "The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith" from PMG p.36 on the spot. That was quite fun but honestly helped us gain the trust of the Stake real quick. Everyone loved what President had to say and just didn't want him to stop speaking.
Later that day we went with one of our WML's to pick up a few of our investigators for church. I will never forget what I saw as we turned around the corner of this apartment building, it almost brought tears to my eyes. The head of household of the family from Napol, Bro. Biswa, was turning the corner to pick up the second load of his family to drive them to the church building. They were all dressed up ready for church and waiting outside the building with beaming smiles lighting their faces. Then we had the Flores family who we so dearly love rushing out of the apartment and into their car. Elder Bertolino's recent converts came filing down the stairs of another apartment building. Behind us we had Behreh who was going to get his little sister and mom for church. On the other side of the parking lot we had Bro. Lazarus who recently moved from Ukraine with his family, we have gotten close to him as well. Its hard to describe but it was something I will never forget. As we turned that corner Elder Bertolino, the WML and myself just stopped and froze. We stood their speechless until the WML said, "wow... this is quite amazing." It was like a dream come true, it was a picture moment, early in the morning with the sun beaming down. It is a missionaries dream to have the people you teach attend church.
Daniel's baptism was amazing! He is quite the little character. His mother attended and was touched by the spirit. We should be starting to teach her tonight, I hope it works with her busy work schedule. Daniel will soon be receiving the Priesthood. We also started to teach two Canadian kids this past week! Alex and Miranda! I have never met smarter kids. They are 10 and 13, both just in tune with it. They are visiting for the summer and want to be baptized here. We pick on Elder Bertolino because he always picks on me, the Canadian. They pulled out a loonie and I haven't seen one of those for quite some time, it was actually quite funny. I forgot those even existed.
There are numbers of stories I wish I could share. Sad thing I haven't even had time to write them in my journal, its awful. Things with the mission are intense as well, lots of changes happening. Pday will be changing to Monday week 1 of this next transfer. There are many reasons why but not worth writing about. So that is July 25th will be the first Monday Pday, thought you might like to know. I won't even begin telling you about transfers, its outrageous. From the beginning of the year until now our complement was suppose to be slowly crawling up, well something messed up and in the last two transfers it has increase 35+ missionaries making transfers a complete headache and causing some serious damage to the mission.
We had a teary eyed lesson with the Flores. Testimonies were being shared back and forth. They have brought me closer to Christ, it is amazing what the people who we teach, do for us. There was something he said during this lesson that just kept ringing over and over in my head. I will share it with you when I get home! Don't forget to ask, haha. But what a sacred moment it was for me. He wants to serve a mission with his wife after his baptism, he is truly converted. I wish you could see it, he is sharing the Gospel with all his family. Just remember it is never to late to serve, to change or to begin.
It saddens me that Grandma Bernice has passed away, I know she has been taken home to that God who loves her. I hope Grandma, Grandpa and Yvonne are OK and holding in there.
Love your son, Elder Pizzey
The Utah Salt Lake City South Mission is the greatest mission in the world! This week has been one of the greatest weeks of my mission. It doesn't get much better than it is right now. Like you noticed last week in my email it was difficult for me to unfold the events that have taken place! Well this week will be a little more difficult. If I could describe our area right now I would say its like an escalator, meaning it just keeps going up. Often in missions you will find areas that are more life elevators, they go up then down, up then down. For the month of July we are projecting 15 baptisms and at the current time have 19 people scheduled with baptismal dates. In the past two weeks we have found 19 new investigators and it just keeps going. We will begin teaching a family of four tomorrow as well! I have never had it quite like this, we will be baptizing more than weekly. This past week we have doubled our efforts and been begging the Lord to guide us. Constantly people are placed in our path and we are finding them. I wish you could witness this great work with me.
Let me fly through some of the key events from this past week. Before that though. I love the family I am teaching from Napol, you will have to meet them. There is nine people squished in one tiny apartment yet they are so happy. While we were leaving our appointment on Saturday morning Bijay, the son, said in broken English, "Elder Pizzey... Elder Bertolino... Guess what? Today is my 15th birthday". He said it with a huge smile going across his face yet he had very little presents. We knew his favorite American food was pepperoni pizza from Big Daddy's and that he loved soccer but had no soccer ball. So later that night we bought him his pizza and a soccer ball from wal-mart, and dropped it off at his house. He was extremely grateful. I hope I learn what God is trying to help me learn from these people. They are as humble as can be.
Sunday morning at 7:00am President Miller came to our South Cottonwood Stake and gave a training to the ward councils of the stake. The Mission Presidency, President Bishop, President Pineda and President Miller, spoke to them for an hour. President just had to announce to everyone that we are his Assistants then made us go up on the stand and had Elder Bertolino teach the principle "Heavenly Father Reveals His Gospel in Every Dispensation" from PMG p.32 and myself teach "The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith" from PMG p.36 on the spot. That was quite fun but honestly helped us gain the trust of the Stake real quick. Everyone loved what President had to say and just didn't want him to stop speaking.
Later that day we went with one of our WML's to pick up a few of our investigators for church. I will never forget what I saw as we turned around the corner of this apartment building, it almost brought tears to my eyes. The head of household of the family from Napol, Bro. Biswa, was turning the corner to pick up the second load of his family to drive them to the church building. They were all dressed up ready for church and waiting outside the building with beaming smiles lighting their faces. Then we had the Flores family who we so dearly love rushing out of the apartment and into their car. Elder Bertolino's recent converts came filing down the stairs of another apartment building. Behind us we had Behreh who was going to get his little sister and mom for church. On the other side of the parking lot we had Bro. Lazarus who recently moved from Ukraine with his family, we have gotten close to him as well. Its hard to describe but it was something I will never forget. As we turned that corner Elder Bertolino, the WML and myself just stopped and froze. We stood their speechless until the WML said, "wow... this is quite amazing." It was like a dream come true, it was a picture moment, early in the morning with the sun beaming down. It is a missionaries dream to have the people you teach attend church.
Daniel's baptism was amazing! He is quite the little character. His mother attended and was touched by the spirit. We should be starting to teach her tonight, I hope it works with her busy work schedule. Daniel will soon be receiving the Priesthood. We also started to teach two Canadian kids this past week! Alex and Miranda! I have never met smarter kids. They are 10 and 13, both just in tune with it. They are visiting for the summer and want to be baptized here. We pick on Elder Bertolino because he always picks on me, the Canadian. They pulled out a loonie and I haven't seen one of those for quite some time, it was actually quite funny. I forgot those even existed.
There are numbers of stories I wish I could share. Sad thing I haven't even had time to write them in my journal, its awful. Things with the mission are intense as well, lots of changes happening. Pday will be changing to Monday week 1 of this next transfer. There are many reasons why but not worth writing about. So that is July 25th will be the first Monday Pday, thought you might like to know. I won't even begin telling you about transfers, its outrageous. From the beginning of the year until now our complement was suppose to be slowly crawling up, well something messed up and in the last two transfers it has increase 35+ missionaries making transfers a complete headache and causing some serious damage to the mission.
We had a teary eyed lesson with the Flores. Testimonies were being shared back and forth. They have brought me closer to Christ, it is amazing what the people who we teach, do for us. There was something he said during this lesson that just kept ringing over and over in my head. I will share it with you when I get home! Don't forget to ask, haha. But what a sacred moment it was for me. He wants to serve a mission with his wife after his baptism, he is truly converted. I wish you could see it, he is sharing the Gospel with all his family. Just remember it is never to late to serve, to change or to begin.
It saddens me that Grandma Bernice has passed away, I know she has been taken home to that God who loves her. I hope Grandma, Grandpa and Yvonne are OK and holding in there.
Love your son, Elder Pizzey
Blake's Cute Shack (in his words) - photos
The cute shack and cute ride, with Elder Bertolino posing!
Days in the life of Elder Pizzey (photos)
Elder Pizzey and Elder Atwood had to be checked out
after they were rear ended. They seem to be enjoying themselves.
Recording a CD, that supposedly became very popular in the mission.
Busy at work!
Some of the wonderful people Blake has got to know and love.
Some serious off-roading!
A very dear family - Park Family
One of those sweet ladies that take care of those missionaries, One of Blake's missionary moms!
Lots of companionships to keep organized.
Photos - May and June - 2011
THIS WAS ZONE LEADER COUNCIL -
CAMP WILLIAMS MILITARY BASE
(some in your face training - for obedience and obstacle course - team building)
(20 missionaries-zone leaders)
I love how hard Blake is laughing!
Looks who's laughing now, doesn't look like Blake got too far!
I'm not sure where this was, looks fun.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
July 6, 2011
July 6, 2011 - Week 4 of Transfer 12
I can't believe Paige is turning 19! I thought I was still 19, but I guess I'm 20. That's just confusing... Happy birthday Paigey poo! I haven't heard from you in awhile, you should send me an email. So this past week has just been intense. Last Friday we ZLC which is a six hour meeting. It was actually a really spiritual meeting, everything just flowed. We focused on improving our scripture study and the way we conduct our exchanges. We had a video of a 45 min talk Elder Holland gave to the MTC this past January that we based most of our training for the scripture study from.
Monday afternoon we ate lunch with the Salt Lake City mission President and his AP's at Pres. Miller's home, that was interesting. Really solid Elders and we shared ideas and had a million questions for each other. It is weird to hear how other missions are ran compared to your own, they are all similar but different. That night we had a mission conference at the Taylorsville Institute (Pres. Forysth's Institute). We booked the entire place from 5 until 10 or so. Pres. Miller's brother came and spoke to us about the creation of the world and how the science of geology goes along with the scriptures. It was pretty intense stuff and he owned all the dumb things you hear from the anti-religion science buffs in the world. His brother has some great title which I forget but basically he is one of the greatest geologist in the world.
After he finished speaking to us we had three movies playing throughout the building, basketball, volleyball, air hockey, pool and ping pong with lots of food. I just played basketball the entire night and it felt good to get some serious games in. We got home at 11:30 went straight to bed and had to wake up at 6:00am the next morning to prepare for a training that very morning. We had a Leadership meeting for District Leader's and their companions from 9am to 3pm! So long, but it went really well. Between Pres. and Sister Miller, Elder Bertolino and myself we had four different workshops and just rotated every hour or so.
Just like last week, despite all this craziness the Lord still takes care of our area. Last night we started teaching a family of five from Napol! It is so exciting, I love them already. Dan England baptized both their relatives who live in the same complex! It is weird getting close to people who Dan just told me so much about. This weekend Daniel Manar will be getting baptized on Sunday and the following weekend a family from Africa we have been teaching. The father's name is Nasir Kalala, he is extremely shy but so faithful. We also started to teach a muslim family from Bosnia, the father has read the Book of Mormon 6 times! We ALSO started to teach a family from Burma who are Karenni. They have been in USA for a year now and are refugee's from a genocide in Burma. They are adorable people especially the kids! I feel like I'm serving where I always wanted to, in this area. Life is good right now. We just finished all of our trainings and now all we have is each zones interviews and we don't have to go to any of those! It is so exciting that means solid work in our area for basically two straight weeks. Then we begin transfers... and this transfer it looks scary our complement is going up once again, it makes things really difficult. Have a great week!
Love Elder Pizzey
I can't believe Paige is turning 19! I thought I was still 19, but I guess I'm 20. That's just confusing... Happy birthday Paigey poo! I haven't heard from you in awhile, you should send me an email. So this past week has just been intense. Last Friday we ZLC which is a six hour meeting. It was actually a really spiritual meeting, everything just flowed. We focused on improving our scripture study and the way we conduct our exchanges. We had a video of a 45 min talk Elder Holland gave to the MTC this past January that we based most of our training for the scripture study from.
Monday afternoon we ate lunch with the Salt Lake City mission President and his AP's at Pres. Miller's home, that was interesting. Really solid Elders and we shared ideas and had a million questions for each other. It is weird to hear how other missions are ran compared to your own, they are all similar but different. That night we had a mission conference at the Taylorsville Institute (Pres. Forysth's Institute). We booked the entire place from 5 until 10 or so. Pres. Miller's brother came and spoke to us about the creation of the world and how the science of geology goes along with the scriptures. It was pretty intense stuff and he owned all the dumb things you hear from the anti-religion science buffs in the world. His brother has some great title which I forget but basically he is one of the greatest geologist in the world.
After he finished speaking to us we had three movies playing throughout the building, basketball, volleyball, air hockey, pool and ping pong with lots of food. I just played basketball the entire night and it felt good to get some serious games in. We got home at 11:30 went straight to bed and had to wake up at 6:00am the next morning to prepare for a training that very morning. We had a Leadership meeting for District Leader's and their companions from 9am to 3pm! So long, but it went really well. Between Pres. and Sister Miller, Elder Bertolino and myself we had four different workshops and just rotated every hour or so.
Just like last week, despite all this craziness the Lord still takes care of our area. Last night we started teaching a family of five from Napol! It is so exciting, I love them already. Dan England baptized both their relatives who live in the same complex! It is weird getting close to people who Dan just told me so much about. This weekend Daniel Manar will be getting baptized on Sunday and the following weekend a family from Africa we have been teaching. The father's name is Nasir Kalala, he is extremely shy but so faithful. We also started to teach a muslim family from Bosnia, the father has read the Book of Mormon 6 times! We ALSO started to teach a family from Burma who are Karenni. They have been in USA for a year now and are refugee's from a genocide in Burma. They are adorable people especially the kids! I feel like I'm serving where I always wanted to, in this area. Life is good right now. We just finished all of our trainings and now all we have is each zones interviews and we don't have to go to any of those! It is so exciting that means solid work in our area for basically two straight weeks. Then we begin transfers... and this transfer it looks scary our complement is going up once again, it makes things really difficult. Have a great week!
Love Elder Pizzey
Thursday, June 30, 2011
June 29, 2011
June 29, 2011 - Week 3 of Transfer 12
Those were some good emails from home! I love getting the weekly update. I'm sorry I didn't comment on your attending Elder Dick's homecoming talk, it just slipped my mind. I still think it is just completely weird that he is home and you have met him! Confusing... it is coming so fast for me. Before I know it my 18 month mark is coming and then life is right around the corner. Its scary how will I balance everything? Schooling, a calling, a job, marriage, eventually a family! Baby steps, I don't even know why I'm writing about his right now. None the less I love Elder Dick, he taught me alot and we had some great experiences together.
I can't even begin to tell you the full details of this past week. It was just too intense for me. It all started five minutes after I finished writing my email last week. I was here at the mission office and a landlord called the office with a few questions on mission rules. After visiting with the missionaries who live in this man's home everything started to unfold. It took close to four days but finally we got to the bottom of things. Friday night Elder Bertolino and myself were out until 1:00am and had to wake up the following morning at 4:30am to take new missionaries downtown for there temple trip. Never in my life did I think I would be dealing with things of this nature on my mission, its quite sad. But now the situation is looking brighter and a group of eight missionaries who I dearly love are on the road to repentance. A few of them also had plane tickets home and one missionary President is dealing with his in field representative (IFR) to see what we can do to have him stay. I don't mean to share such a negative story but this has been the majority of our week and I have learned alot.
Early last week I was completely focused on chastisement and work ethic in my studies and I didn't know why but I was enjoying it. Then it turns out a few days down the road that was exactly what I needed, amazing how the Lord is always working with us. I am not going to lie it was pretty scary sitting down with a 800 pound former bouncer and rebuking him with sharpness, it was depressing, I love these Elders. The Lord is preparing me to be a father I can tell. What an important role to play, raising one of the Lord's children in this crazy society! But I'm learning and I'm grateful to President for teaching me. I'm really starting to understand the doctrine behind dealing with disobedience and rebellion.
So we found the true problem of why we the number of baptisms for the mission are hitting a extreme low, disobedience and a lack in our work ethic. The Lord is humbling-us and I hope we are learning the lesson. He brings us low before he can bring us high. So besides all this negative news there is alot of good going on as well. These past few weeks we have been extremely busy with trainings. Yesterday we had a training here at the mission office for all new missionaries and trainers (Elder Bertolino ran) and another for new District Leaders (which I held). This Friday we have our monthly 6 hour Zone Leader Council (that is mandatory in all missions, the same for all these trainings), then July 4th we have a mission activity at the Taylorsville Institute (to keep us out of trouble) and the following day we have a Leadership training for all District Leaders and Zone Leaders. Right now the stress levels are high.
Despite all this craziness and the time that was taken away from us to proselyte, the work still moved forward. I feel like the Lord understands and drops all these tender mercies into our lap. This past weekend we had the baptism of Kaden Robinson and it worked out perfectly, everything just came together for Saturday. This week is exciting so many new people we will be working with, so many lessons scheduled! We will be baptizing weekly this transfer which is such a blessing and next transfer even more. It is quite stressful having to have a "model area" for the entire mission and still have to deal with everything else! I had another wonderful moment with the Flores family. They made us some really spicy Mexican food to thank us for what we do and while we were eating dinner, Rudy was basically bearing his testimony. He was telling us that when we walk into his home the spirit enters in before us and they can feel a difference. I know its true, its nothing of myself or Elder Bertolino but simply the calling we hold at this current time. As he spoke I kept saying to myself, "Your going to miss this, enjoy it". I will, never again will I be this in tune and be blessed with so spiritual experiences. I love my mission and I'm excited to say one day that I didn't waste a minute of it. My time is precious and my mission will never be given to me again.
Much love, Elder Pizzey.
Those were some good emails from home! I love getting the weekly update. I'm sorry I didn't comment on your attending Elder Dick's homecoming talk, it just slipped my mind. I still think it is just completely weird that he is home and you have met him! Confusing... it is coming so fast for me. Before I know it my 18 month mark is coming and then life is right around the corner. Its scary how will I balance everything? Schooling, a calling, a job, marriage, eventually a family! Baby steps, I don't even know why I'm writing about his right now. None the less I love Elder Dick, he taught me alot and we had some great experiences together.
I can't even begin to tell you the full details of this past week. It was just too intense for me. It all started five minutes after I finished writing my email last week. I was here at the mission office and a landlord called the office with a few questions on mission rules. After visiting with the missionaries who live in this man's home everything started to unfold. It took close to four days but finally we got to the bottom of things. Friday night Elder Bertolino and myself were out until 1:00am and had to wake up the following morning at 4:30am to take new missionaries downtown for there temple trip. Never in my life did I think I would be dealing with things of this nature on my mission, its quite sad. But now the situation is looking brighter and a group of eight missionaries who I dearly love are on the road to repentance. A few of them also had plane tickets home and one missionary President is dealing with his in field representative (IFR) to see what we can do to have him stay. I don't mean to share such a negative story but this has been the majority of our week and I have learned alot.
Early last week I was completely focused on chastisement and work ethic in my studies and I didn't know why but I was enjoying it. Then it turns out a few days down the road that was exactly what I needed, amazing how the Lord is always working with us. I am not going to lie it was pretty scary sitting down with a 800 pound former bouncer and rebuking him with sharpness, it was depressing, I love these Elders. The Lord is preparing me to be a father I can tell. What an important role to play, raising one of the Lord's children in this crazy society! But I'm learning and I'm grateful to President for teaching me. I'm really starting to understand the doctrine behind dealing with disobedience and rebellion.
So we found the true problem of why we the number of baptisms for the mission are hitting a extreme low, disobedience and a lack in our work ethic. The Lord is humbling-us and I hope we are learning the lesson. He brings us low before he can bring us high. So besides all this negative news there is alot of good going on as well. These past few weeks we have been extremely busy with trainings. Yesterday we had a training here at the mission office for all new missionaries and trainers (Elder Bertolino ran) and another for new District Leaders (which I held). This Friday we have our monthly 6 hour Zone Leader Council (that is mandatory in all missions, the same for all these trainings), then July 4th we have a mission activity at the Taylorsville Institute (to keep us out of trouble) and the following day we have a Leadership training for all District Leaders and Zone Leaders. Right now the stress levels are high.
Despite all this craziness and the time that was taken away from us to proselyte, the work still moved forward. I feel like the Lord understands and drops all these tender mercies into our lap. This past weekend we had the baptism of Kaden Robinson and it worked out perfectly, everything just came together for Saturday. This week is exciting so many new people we will be working with, so many lessons scheduled! We will be baptizing weekly this transfer which is such a blessing and next transfer even more. It is quite stressful having to have a "model area" for the entire mission and still have to deal with everything else! I had another wonderful moment with the Flores family. They made us some really spicy Mexican food to thank us for what we do and while we were eating dinner, Rudy was basically bearing his testimony. He was telling us that when we walk into his home the spirit enters in before us and they can feel a difference. I know its true, its nothing of myself or Elder Bertolino but simply the calling we hold at this current time. As he spoke I kept saying to myself, "Your going to miss this, enjoy it". I will, never again will I be this in tune and be blessed with so spiritual experiences. I love my mission and I'm excited to say one day that I didn't waste a minute of it. My time is precious and my mission will never be given to me again.
Much love, Elder Pizzey.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
June 22, 2011
June 23, 2011 - Week 2 of Transfer 12
Before I begin I guess I should say happy birthday to the twins! I don't even know how old both of you are now. When ever people ask how old my sisters are I just say 25 for some reason, is that right? It feels like things never slow down as an assistant. The biggest challenge by far is finding time to do everything, literally every minute I am busy. Whether its with the area (my favorite) and trying to prepare people for baptism, finding new investigators, or trying to make contact with each investigator daily. Or it's the mission and preparing trainings or staying on top of things with our zone leaders, holding them accountable or doing exchanges. Time is so short as a missionary, there is always an end. The end of the day, the week, the transfer, your mission! Its painful. It will be nice to return home one day and sit in that hot tub and just relax! I'm not complaining though, I love it.
Yesterday we didn't get a Pday we were mainly in the mission office doing random task and also gave a training a few hours long to all the Sisters in the mission. It is crazy how many Sisters we have and are getting in the near future. We only have 5 sisters who are over one year and 34 who are out under a year, so a total of 39 for now. This next transfer even more are coming too... Its good but they are so new and its just a little scary. They are either the best missionaires or cause drama and make things difficult. But to help us our President recently called a coordinating Sister or we say Sap (Sister AP lol), Sister Estevez, she gets things done.
This past week we went on an exchange with the Cottonwood Zone Leaders and I went into their area. They cover a YSA stake which covers my first area in the mission. We went to a YSA activity and saw Bishop Lloyd, one of the Bishops I got very close to. It was weird going back to the ward, I knew so many people and just felt at home. It is insane how many people I have come to know in the valley here and they are all over the place! I love it.
Not to crazy but heres a little cool experience. A couple months ago now, Elder Atwood and I were going into seven eleven and OYM'd (open your mouth) a few people outisde the gas station. They were both less-active, one was very friendly and open to listening and the other not so much. Well we invited her back to church, testified and left her a mormon.org card. Then never heard from her again, this was down south in riverton by the way. Well this past week Elder Bertolino and I were in this apartment complex and I saw the same girl again, Sarah Pile is her name. Well she told me she has been attending church since that day Elder Atwood and I spoke to her outside seven eleven. Its crazy how such a small act like talking to someone and inviting them can make such a difference. She expressed to us what a difference it has made in her life.
Well I know it doesn't sound like alot and it isn't, there was alot more that went on in my week but I better be leaving real soon. The Flores are still on track and preparing for baptism. It might take a little long than we expected because we are waiting for Rudy's divorce to get a cleared up, it never went through several years ago. But they are just so solid and love the Gospel. Rudy has invited his mother in Mexico to meet with missionaries and she has agreed to do so. I forget if I've told you about the Kalala family. They are from Africa and the parents speak hardly any english but the kids do quite well. We have a translator for the lessons, they are pretty intense. In due time they will be baptized. This past weekend we had these two boys Nicholas and Brandon Dornoff get baptized, they are adorable kids. This weekend they wil be sealed to there family in the Draper Temple, we might attend.
Its to bad about the rain and all the flooding in the backyard, hopefuly everything gets fixed, maybe when you build the cement pad back there you can dig a channel between our two homes so it drains to the front. Make sure the pad is built up high enough so it never gets flooded. I'm sure you know what your doing, I just wish I was involved!
Love you both!
Elder Pizzey
Before I begin I guess I should say happy birthday to the twins! I don't even know how old both of you are now. When ever people ask how old my sisters are I just say 25 for some reason, is that right? It feels like things never slow down as an assistant. The biggest challenge by far is finding time to do everything, literally every minute I am busy. Whether its with the area (my favorite) and trying to prepare people for baptism, finding new investigators, or trying to make contact with each investigator daily. Or it's the mission and preparing trainings or staying on top of things with our zone leaders, holding them accountable or doing exchanges. Time is so short as a missionary, there is always an end. The end of the day, the week, the transfer, your mission! Its painful. It will be nice to return home one day and sit in that hot tub and just relax! I'm not complaining though, I love it.
Yesterday we didn't get a Pday we were mainly in the mission office doing random task and also gave a training a few hours long to all the Sisters in the mission. It is crazy how many Sisters we have and are getting in the near future. We only have 5 sisters who are over one year and 34 who are out under a year, so a total of 39 for now. This next transfer even more are coming too... Its good but they are so new and its just a little scary. They are either the best missionaires or cause drama and make things difficult. But to help us our President recently called a coordinating Sister or we say Sap (Sister AP lol), Sister Estevez, she gets things done.
This past week we went on an exchange with the Cottonwood Zone Leaders and I went into their area. They cover a YSA stake which covers my first area in the mission. We went to a YSA activity and saw Bishop Lloyd, one of the Bishops I got very close to. It was weird going back to the ward, I knew so many people and just felt at home. It is insane how many people I have come to know in the valley here and they are all over the place! I love it.
Not to crazy but heres a little cool experience. A couple months ago now, Elder Atwood and I were going into seven eleven and OYM'd (open your mouth) a few people outisde the gas station. They were both less-active, one was very friendly and open to listening and the other not so much. Well we invited her back to church, testified and left her a mormon.org card. Then never heard from her again, this was down south in riverton by the way. Well this past week Elder Bertolino and I were in this apartment complex and I saw the same girl again, Sarah Pile is her name. Well she told me she has been attending church since that day Elder Atwood and I spoke to her outside seven eleven. Its crazy how such a small act like talking to someone and inviting them can make such a difference. She expressed to us what a difference it has made in her life.
Well I know it doesn't sound like alot and it isn't, there was alot more that went on in my week but I better be leaving real soon. The Flores are still on track and preparing for baptism. It might take a little long than we expected because we are waiting for Rudy's divorce to get a cleared up, it never went through several years ago. But they are just so solid and love the Gospel. Rudy has invited his mother in Mexico to meet with missionaries and she has agreed to do so. I forget if I've told you about the Kalala family. They are from Africa and the parents speak hardly any english but the kids do quite well. We have a translator for the lessons, they are pretty intense. In due time they will be baptized. This past weekend we had these two boys Nicholas and Brandon Dornoff get baptized, they are adorable kids. This weekend they wil be sealed to there family in the Draper Temple, we might attend.
Its to bad about the rain and all the flooding in the backyard, hopefuly everything gets fixed, maybe when you build the cement pad back there you can dig a channel between our two homes so it drains to the front. Make sure the pad is built up high enough so it never gets flooded. I'm sure you know what your doing, I just wish I was involved!
Love you both!
Elder Pizzey
Sunday, June 19, 2011
June 15, 2011
July 16, 2011 - Week 1 of Transfer 12
It has hectic the past few days! I am worn out and ready for a nap, I think we are going to take one in a few hours here. Transfers have been intense! We had 18 missionaries come into the mission and only 7 leave, which created alot of work for us. Sunday and Monday we were up till 12:00am, Tuesday and last night up until 1am. Wednesday we got up at 5:30am and 4:00am this morning!
We recently got back to the Miller's home from taking the missioaries to the airport and yes your right, it was sad saying goodbye!
Its now 3:42pm, still haven't slept and we've been at the mission office all day tieing up loose ends. Elder Atwood just called Sister Miller and I guess his flight was delayed so he missed his flight from LA to Vancouver! He was about to cry and told me, "I already miss my mission. Bye" It was funny.
Yesterday was a way good day though. We split the 18 new missionaries (there are 2 Canadian sisters by the way), one group for Elder Bertolino and the other for myself. While Elder Bertolino's missionaries were being interviewed I threw the crew into the big old van and we drove out to Draper Temple. The Draper Temple basically overlooks our whole mission. We had a good chat full of scriptures and testimony about the sacredness of the valley! Then we headed back to the mission office and during their interviews I gave training about talking with everyone and getting fear out of us. Elder Bertolino did the same and after we gave a powerful training on the importance of obedience. The trainers and new missionaries then got their new companions and headed off to work. We finished cleaning up around the mission office at 5:00pm and booked it over to Presidents house for the Dinner with the departing missionaries. We had a great night with them.
I know this isn't the best email but I am just pooped right now and can't really think. We spoke twice on Sunday and my thoughts were directing towards our callings/service and how we can't comprehend this great work, if that makes sense... Next Pday sister Miller is getting all the Sisters together most of the day, and shes doing it for a few reasons. Some are struggling with missionary work so Elder Bertolino and I will be giving training on just the basics. So next week my email might be a little later in the day.
I love you mom and dad! Have a good week and please share the gospel.
Elder Pizzey
It has hectic the past few days! I am worn out and ready for a nap, I think we are going to take one in a few hours here. Transfers have been intense! We had 18 missionaries come into the mission and only 7 leave, which created alot of work for us. Sunday and Monday we were up till 12:00am, Tuesday and last night up until 1am. Wednesday we got up at 5:30am and 4:00am this morning!
We recently got back to the Miller's home from taking the missioaries to the airport and yes your right, it was sad saying goodbye!
Its now 3:42pm, still haven't slept and we've been at the mission office all day tieing up loose ends. Elder Atwood just called Sister Miller and I guess his flight was delayed so he missed his flight from LA to Vancouver! He was about to cry and told me, "I already miss my mission. Bye" It was funny.
Yesterday was a way good day though. We split the 18 new missionaries (there are 2 Canadian sisters by the way), one group for Elder Bertolino and the other for myself. While Elder Bertolino's missionaries were being interviewed I threw the crew into the big old van and we drove out to Draper Temple. The Draper Temple basically overlooks our whole mission. We had a good chat full of scriptures and testimony about the sacredness of the valley! Then we headed back to the mission office and during their interviews I gave training about talking with everyone and getting fear out of us. Elder Bertolino did the same and after we gave a powerful training on the importance of obedience. The trainers and new missionaries then got their new companions and headed off to work. We finished cleaning up around the mission office at 5:00pm and booked it over to Presidents house for the Dinner with the departing missionaries. We had a great night with them.
I know this isn't the best email but I am just pooped right now and can't really think. We spoke twice on Sunday and my thoughts were directing towards our callings/service and how we can't comprehend this great work, if that makes sense... Next Pday sister Miller is getting all the Sisters together most of the day, and shes doing it for a few reasons. Some are struggling with missionary work so Elder Bertolino and I will be giving training on just the basics. So next week my email might be a little later in the day.
I love you mom and dad! Have a good week and please share the gospel.
Elder Pizzey
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