Job Well Done! Returned with Honor!!

February 20, 2012 - Blake's last email! What a wonderful two years it has been!

February 20, 2012 - Week 1 of Reality...

This week has been a stellar week and it couldn't have been any better! I am so grateful and have been thanking the Lord over and over for all the good that has happened. Before I give you a outline of this past week let be start by answering your question in regards to my feelings about going home. Might I add I have been asked this question by every member of our stakes this past week! The best way to describe my feels is to say It feels natural and right. I was called to serve for two years and those two years have come to an end. I am not depressed and acting like I am the most hardcore missionary in the world and never want to go home YET I am not trunky and anxious to leave. I love what I am doing and I could easily keep going and I will just at home! I think all will feel normal until hands I am released, that will be difficult... I do recognize that there will be times where I will miss being so saturated in the Gospel. In the past two years I have become acquainted with the spirit and feel it on a daily basis, this I do not want to leave and it doesn't need to. This past week I had a general authority visit with me for awhile and he comforted me greatly, I love him. Regular temple worship, daily scripture study and praying always will be the key.

I hope that gives you a good idea of how I feel! Now as for this past week, lets begin. First President Miller called me up and asked for my thoughts about transfers for the district I serve in. There are three companionships in our district and each companionship is like our companionship, that is finishing be trained/training. All three of the new missionaries (including Elder Mayo) are excellent and well prepared to be 3rd transfer trainers! That is a big deal, basically since they don't have much experience they need to be exactly obedient and they are. Elder Stensrud one of the new missionaries who will be training,  President is considering to have him be the district leader so he asked me to go on a two day exchange and get a feel if he is prepared. So from Wednesday night to Friday night I was in their area while Elder Mayo stayed in ours. Elder Stensrud (by the way he is killer at basketball) is so receptive and willing to learn, its sad his trainer isn't the greatest. It was so fun to be with him for two days though! He just wants to learn and invites correction because he has a real desire to improve. I stuffed him with some goodies from Preach My Gospel and taught him how to plan, he caught on quick. Elder Stensrud will be a great district leader, especially with the zone leaders we have. They are the best, Elder Armstrong (New Zealand) and Elder Pence.

After the exchange we had a huge stake conference in our Draper River View Stake and Elder Keith R. Edwards of the Sevently presided. On Saturday there was a Priesthood leadership and adult session. We were invited by the stake president to attend a private dinner with just Elder Edwards and the Stake Presidency! That was special and it was nice to get some one on one time with Elder Edwards. President and Sister Miller were asked to speak at the adult session and everyone loved them! They are hilarious yet they can really invite some personal revelation by the spirit. On Sunday morning there was a youth session and we were able to have some recent converts attend. Then there was of course the main session of stake conference and some wonderful talks were given by the stake presidency, Draper Temple presidency and Elder Edwards. To start his remarks Elder Edwards stood up and said, "I would now like Elder Pizzey to please come forward and share a few remarks and his testimony," then sat down. I quickly snapped out of my comfortable position and marched to the pulpit. As most stake conferences the chapel, gym and stake were packed but even more they had this being broadcasted to other buildings! I bore testimony of what the Word of God has done for me these past two years and sat down after a few minutes. Elder Edwards then followed and gave a powerful 35 minute talk! He comforted me with his words and shared a story of a returned missionary he released while serving as a stake president. It was exactly what I needed to hear! It was a wonderful stake conference but was really sad to say goodbye to this stake presidency I love so much.

Sunday night was the greatest of the entire week! First we had Richard Neel (82 years old) get baptized by his son with Elder Mayo assisting in the font. We organized a bus to drive all of his friends from the retirement home over to stake center. We ended up having a "drive-in" baptism! Everyone scooted up on their motorized scooters to view the baptism fun fun! Richard is 6'6" and quite a big guy so we had him sit on the floor as he was baptized. Immediately following his baptism we had Melanie, Philip, and Sabrina Walter get baptized! It was a powerful baptism with great talks and musical numbers. Their uncle who has returned to activity while we have been teaching him with the family spoke on baptism, that was my favorite part. It took a few dunks to get Melanie under the water which called for some good laughs but she enjoyed it. We will visit this family when we return. The father, Randy, didn't end up getting baptized but yesterday softened his heart.

Then I was able to go back to the assistants area for the baptism of Jeff Mantels! I had Cameron Keys (19 years old) be my companion and drive me out there. We had really good heart to heart chat on the way out there and talked alot about a mission! Jeff was married on a BMX track saturday and baptized sunday night, I know legit! That gave me some good ideas about my wedding, just kidding. Jeff is one of the people that I taught where we just clicked and connected. He asked me to speak on the Gift of the Holy Ghost and I was pleased to do so. I bore down in pure testimony to him and taught how recieving the Holy Ghost will help him become more like Christ. Changing his character is something he has really focused on and something he needed to do. It hit me while singing the closing hymn that that was my last baptism as a set part missionary. I didn't cry but the emotion was there. I love what serving the Lord. My heart is filled with a fullness of joy when I see people come unto Christ and use His Atonement. I love the Lord and my mission has been perfect. Now my bags are packed and I am ready to go, I will see you shortly.

For the last time, Love Elder Pizzey.

February 13, 2012

Possibly our last post from Blake, he arrives homes Thursday, February 23, 2012!

February 13, 2012 - Week 6 of Transfer 17

So is this the last email home or am I expected to email next week? I will log on next week and see if you send me anything I guess. I can't believe it has winded to an end, it still hasn't hit me. On another note, I am cracking up about Mitch and Brad, that story defines them. I wish I could have joined. When they get on talk shows they need to open up and say they are "mormon", if they do their story will get much bigger and spread faster. To funny!

As for my week the work has been great, thanks for your prayers. In that picture Sister Curlleti sent you, you saw Trevor and his brother Cam. I love their family! My last night in the mission I will be eating dinner at their house. This coming weekend we will be having four baptisms, possibly five. The Walter family are on track and doing well! Philip, the 17 year old son had a change of heart and is now getting baptized with his sisters Sunday night. Richard Neel (82 yrs) will be baptized that same night by his son. If Richard's wife Grace can open her heart and feel the spirit confirm to her that what we taught is true she will be entering the water with him! We found out that Grace is actually 90 years old and with that age she is fairly stuck in her ways.

We did speak this past week in two different wards, both of them I just went up their and taught by the spirit (one for 20 mins and the othe 15 mins), I think they went OK. One of the talks was in our favorite ward of the area the Crescent View 30th ward. The Keys family live in that ward. Ryan Keys passed the sacrament, Trevor was welcomed into the ward and Cam blessed the sacrament. All were involved but the mother, Karen! So I called her up during my talk to share her testimony (I warned her before). She came up and said in a humble and quiet manner, "I told Elder Pizzey I couldn't share all that has happened in the past few weeks briefly but if I can say it in a few words it is, I know this church is true because of the spirit I have felt while reading the Book of Mormon and all that has happened to my family. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." She said it with such a sincere heart and everyone could feel the power of God. I love the Lord. Thank you mom and dad and I will see you next week.

Love Elder Pizzey.

February 6, 2012

February 6, 2012 - Week 5 of Transfer 17

Two weeks left, that is intense... As always I loved your letters, mom you are hilarious and make me laugh. I am sure Macy has no clue that I am coming home! Dad your probably right I could use some help in that department when I get home (He is referring to the dating scene).

Well I have two weeks to pound Elder Mayo to the ground and pump him with what the Lord has taught me. If you could please say some additional prayers for our companionship! Pray for the Walter's that they will get baptized on February 18th, they are a family we are teaching. Currently half the family wants to get baptized and the other half is becoming lazy and not keeping commitments, just not acting. I want to leave Elder Mayo with some much work he can't handle it! Pray that we will have miracles, that we will find new families, that we will find those who can receive the Priesthood and help establish the church. Thank you!

President Boyd K. Packer is a well full of water, so much knowledge! I have been had some unreal experiences with General Authorities and specifically Apostles on my mission. We sat in the very front row on the left hand side. He rolled right in front of us, was assisted as he walked up the stairs and then sat for nearly two hours ten feet right in front of us. President Miller knows him quite well because President Miller's brother served in the First Quorum of the Seventy back in the day. His son, Elder Allen Packer, attended as well, he is currently serving as a General Authority in the Seventy. All three of them sat on the stand so comfortably with each other and spoke with portable mics due to President Packer's health. The polio he had as a child is coming back and slowly taking him but the Lord keeps sustaining him. It was a open meeting and we could ask him anything. I asked him about the relationship between the Second Comforter and the sacrament prayers. Really my question was about taking upon you the name of Christ and at what point does that actually happen. I got a legit response.

President Miller called me Tuesday and invited me to attend the zone leader council. If you remember from last year we had a ZLC up in Park City at President's brothers cabin, well President did it again. It felt so nice to be with the "council" again and with all my mission friends, I love many of the missionaries in our mission. It felt like a holiday as we were gone from 6:00am to 9:30pm. We had delicious food, trainings, councils, sledding, more food and some excellent studies. President Miller ended the night training on the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, my mouth was watering the entire time. As for the council, there were some good decisions made by zone leaders that day. Each transfer the mission is becoming closer and closer to a "Preach My Gospel mission". Taking out anything above Preach My Gospel and implementing anything we don't do which is found in PMG.

This past week we started teaching a couple in an assisted living complex that is in our area. Richard and Grace Neel, they are 86 and 82 years old but sure quick for there age! It is much fun teaching them, mainly because we get to scream as we teach due to their lack of hearing. We’re teaching them daily and can track them down whenever we want, they aren't going anywhere. Might I add each visit we snake a free hot chocolate and popcorn bag on the way out of the complex, we love teaching them daily. We are getting them the extra-large copies of the Book of Mormon, those 12 by 9 inch bad boys. Richard is all game for baptism on February 19th and Grace is originally Methodist so she is seeking the Lord's help on this decision. We love the Neel's, they brighten our day.

Have a wonderful week and I'll see you shortly! Love your boy and soon to be released missionary...

Elder Pizzey.

January 30, 2012

January 30, 2012 - Week 4 of Transfer 17

I can't believe we are walking into week four of my last transfer! I feel like we will be hugging and sobbing in a blink of the eyes. I am so grateful we have written such great emails to each other because keeping a steady journal has been difficult especially when I served as an assistant. We will have to make some sort of a journal out of these letters. As I was preparing for my talk Sunday morning I was trying to reflect back on my mission for something I could share and its so hard! Just one big blur that has gone so fast. I have been pondering and praying recently about what is that I have really learned in these past two years. Maybe I can piece it together and share it with you in my last email but that will be tough.

It has been a splendid week! Nice and busy preparing those we have been teaching for baptism. We ended up having three baptisms this weekend. Those who were baptized are Sophia Lopez, and Monica and Harrison Mescal. To invite the spirit at the lessons with the Mescal's we often would sing 'I Am a Child of God' so they thought it would be a good idea to have Elder Mayo and myself sing a duet at their baptism! Elder Mayo and I were on splits when this was arranged and obviously I wasn't the one there or that would not have happened. But of course I went ahead with it and gave it my all and it was embarrassing, although my voice has improved. Lots of hymn singing.

Sophia's father is Catholic but not so strong in his faith and it was great to have him at the baptism. He has never clicked to well with missionaries but some how we have been able to get a good relationship with him. I think it may be because he has 300 pairs of Jordan shoes in his basement... literally ever pair of Jordan's you can think of! He has only met with us once and shrugged off any other attempts we have made to teach him, but it will happen in the future. He was touched at her confirmation during sacrament meeting when Sophia walked over to him immediately following the ordinance and gave him a solid minute long hug.

Currently we have four progressing investigators and are searching hard for more people to teach, I cannot leave Elder Mayo with nothing to work with! We had one of our most legit investigators, Kayley Lucero, move out of our area. She just happened to tell us at the lesson she finally accepted a baptismal date in February! Her husband, Landin, and herself are newly weds which made it so fun to teach them, I will miss them. It was saddening but the Elders in the Salt Lake City mission will do a find job helping her follow through with her commitment. We also had another investigator drop us due to no desire and some serious hick ups and another family, our favorite family! But they are doing well and back on track now.

Elder Mayo is learning the ropes and will be ready to train, I hope he gets called on to do so. When he feels he didn't teach so well or makes a small slip up he keeps saying, "I am not in missionary mode yet, I don't feel like a missionary yet" I respond by telling him, "You are and keep your focus .... The spirit makes up for your weaknesses if you just give it your best" We have been focusing on the well known scripture found in Matthew chapter 10, verse 27. I don't recall struggling with that what he feels. I remember feeling what I felt as hands were laid on my head and I was set apart, "I am a missionary!" It felt real! Then as I walked into the doors of the MTC it was given to me and since then I have been running! I am grateful for who the Lord has helped me become and all that He has taught me. I will keep running until hands are placed on my head once again but this time to release me. Even after the mission, I plan serving Him until the end. 

Love, Elder Blake Pizzey

January 22, 2012

January 23, 2011 - Week 3 of Transfer 17

One month left... now I must reply 23 months when I am asked, "how long have you been out?" We are asked that question at least 20 times a day, I am also sick of saying "Alberta, Canada". Only in Utah would you be asked at every single door step those two questions!

Thanks for the emails this week, I loved the updates and look forward to helping the family when I come home. Dad thanks for lining up a job for when I return home, that really is blessing. So many return missionaries I meet out here are struggling finding jobs and end up going crazy with all the free time. Getting right into the swing of things will be the best.

Sunday as always was an excellent day. We spoke in one of our stronger wards and had several investigators attend. Cam and Ryan Keys received the Aaronic Priesthood and asked that Elder Mayo and myself to perform the ordination, that was my first time actually being voice while someone was receiving the Priesthood. Cameron is 19 so he was able to stand in the circle as we conferred upon his brother Ryan the Priesthood. After the ordinance Cam said, "Wow I have never felt a power like that before". I love this family and cannot wait to introduce you to them. Each day Karen Keys sends us a text message with an update and some new miracle that has come as a result of living the Gospel.

This coming weekend we should have a few baptisms and both the families have had big changes happen. The Lopez family consisted of a less-active mother, two less-active daughters and the youngest daugther and father un-baptized. We have been teaching the family except for the father, he dodges us as much as possible. But at first we were trying to squeeze lessons in once a week and maybe pop our head in through the door periodically. In the fast few weeks the attitude as completely changed. The daughter finished her 150 page "Book of Mormon Stories", the mother is flying through Book of Mormon herself, they are attending church each week and the list goes on! On Saturday all of them, except for the father, attended an hour Book of Mormon fireside! Last night they went with us to the seminary fireside! The mother has met with the Bishop and is preparing to enter the temple, and now the father is just starting to ask questions to his wife. He will come and follow as the family leads. The change in his attitude is huge and it just feels so good.

It was a packed week but nothing to intense to share. Elder Mayo went downtown to Salt Lake Temple for new missionaries but the temple was closed, so President Miller made a few phone calls and in the end a general authority gave them a tour of the church vaults! I was extremely jealous of Elder Speigner and Elder McKinney, those lucky boys. We will chat with you next week and I hope all goes well, I always keep you and the needs of the family in my prayers.

Elder Pizzey.

January 16, 2012

January 16, 2012 - Week 2 of Transfer 17

I loved both of your emails this week! Thanks for the update. At this point in my mission I love reading the weekly emails but to be honest its painful writing them. Now don't be offended! I just have this attitude of in a few weeks I will catch them up with everything. To be honest the 3 page story (slightly exaggerated, one large paragraph) you gave me mom about Macy was probably my favorite part this week. I can't wait to see that little hound.

This week has been hectic and extremely busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. As far as key indicators goes I set records for my mission this past week. Five baptisms and twenty-eight lessons taught! We were hardly eating and breathing. The picture you saw of us was at the baptism of Cam and Ryan Keys. There was 120 people in attendance! Cameron the oldest boy in the family is leading that family to the Gospel, mighty changes have taken place. Now their brother who at first wasn't to interested wants to meet with us, the baptism lit some sparks for him. At that baptism we shared the message of the restoration but it wasn't what you normally picture up in your mind when you think of missionaries speaking at convert baptisms (definitely no 20 min Restoration DVD). Since half of the people were non-members or less-active members we tore the place apart, basically invited everyone to stand up, walk forward and be baptized! The Stake President was there and it was the first time we met him, he loved the baptism and told us he wants to meet about changing the work in the stake. Someone said they felt like they were back in the days when the Gospel was taught from street corners with the power and authority of God. None the less it was a fun fun baptism. We love the Keys family.

Miracles just keep happening. I will have to share with you one that happened in my old area this past week when I get home. Its just a little to sacred to share over an email and have posted over the Internet. Others who were baptized this weekend include Phoenix Kasper, then Shaylee and Jennifer Ficklin. Phoenix is a young boy we have been working with since we came into the area, his conversion process was a great experience for the entire family and opened many doors. Shaylee (daughter) and Jennifer (mother) had a sweet sweet baptism. We even had two of our other investigators attend who are in the same situation, that is single mom and daughter. Shaylee reminds of Taren when she was little! They look alike and act the same, both quick. I love the Ficklin's. There is a guy named Andrew Vass who lives in their ward and is leaving on his mission this Wednesday. He has played a major role in the conversion of the Ficklin's. We invited him to come to the first lesson and since then he has taken the lead with them. Andrew was asked by Sister Ficklin to baptize and confirm her and we had the Bishop do little Shaylee's. Sunday it was Andrew's farewell talk and we were asked to speak with him. I spoke on the calling of a full-time missionary and the spiritual power Andrew would be receiving as he serves. It all worked out perfectly, the Ficklin's were even confirmed during that sacrament we all spoke in. So lots of fun!

To wrap up my letter for the week just one more small story about us and Andrew Vass. We took him out to experience a full day of proselyting with us. During the hours of 12pm and 3pm doors were not opening to us, often missionaries refer to these hours as the slow hours. Well Andrew said, "Man... is everyday like this?" We all laughed but then I said, "Just you wait, we will find someone today." We drove to the next area we had in our plans and offered a prayer before we left the vehicle, we plead with the Lord for some help. We visited the people we had on our backups and eventually they were all exhausted, none of them opening their doors. We looked and pointed to the top of a building on the other side of street and said, "lets go knock". First door it was less-active return missionary who pulled the "I have been there and done that, you guys have alot to learn." We expressed our views and left. Remember the Lord's servants wont be confounded before mans wisdom. The very next door we found a fellow who has been humbled and is looking for some help. His wife cheated on him while he was serving in the air-force and he has been in the dumps for a few months now. Tonight we will be meeting with him and helping re-connect with his Father above. Andrew walked out of his house dumbfounded and in shock with the guidance we received. While on the other hand Elder Mayo and I just thought to ourselves, this happens daily. Sometimes I forget how much the Lord blesses us and guides us. This is His work and we are nothing more than little servants trying to do his will. Look forward to chatting next week. Time is ticking and the bomb is about to blow!

Love you son!

Elder Pizzey

January 9, 2012

January 9, 2012 - Week 1 of Transfer 17

The last transfer has come and it pass away like it were as unto a dream! I can't believe that you have been a Utah for the past week, that would never fly except with a Utah mission. Kensey and Alex look sharp and are a beautiful couple, very jealous but thats OK I will be following not to far behind! You are nuts for driving to 11400th and 700th! Especially during the day, what time was that at? That is literally right next to our house. We live just north and west of that intersection. Every second morning we run along that river you drove over. 

Taylor Summers is one of the greatest ward mission leaders I have served with. Mom you looked great with him but dad I am not sure if I support the suit jacket... Its a little funky and not with the times. I will have to help you out when I get home.

Our area suffered slightly from Christmas and New Years but it so back on board now. This past week was very successful. We currently have twelve people scheduled with baptismal dates and we had ten people attend sacrament yesterday. This Thursday Cam (19yr) and Ryan (13yr) Keys will be getting baptized at 7:00pm. We have become way close to this family and the Lord has worked miracles in their hearts. We hope to begin teaching their brother Trevor (17yr) who hasn't expressed any interest until yesterday and motivating Cam to serve a mission.

Saturday morning we began teaching married couple who are in their late 20's, Lindsay (nice name). He served a mission and is currently less active and his wife wants to be baptized but will not until he picks it up. The Bishop has been trying to work with him for a while and he just keeps dragging his feet. Long story short... The spirit told us to unleash and so we did. He needs to attend sacrament meeting 6 weeks in a row before he can be back in full fellowship and baptize his wife. Sadly I won't be in the mission when she gets baptized, but that's OK!

Scripture study is excellent. I have been studying and learning alot about the plan of salvation, mainly about the resurrection and the promise of Eternal Life. Elder Mayo's scripture study has completely changed! At first it was really boring for him and he could hardly stay awake. It was the same for me but I had a great trainer who lit sparks that catched my interest here and there, and quick enough I was on my way finding little "golden nuggets of truth". Now I'm doing the same with Elder Mayo and he is beginning to discover daily in the scriptures. He will be an excellent missionary. We get along very well and enjoy each others friendship. I am grateful for this opportunity to train, it has topped off my mission. I am learning much.

Love Elder Pizzey.

January 3, 2012

Elder Pizzey and his companion Elder Mayo!

The district Elder Pizzey is presently serving in.












Elder Pizzey's email follows these pictures!

January 3, 2012

Myself (Blake's mom) and his Dad and sister Paige, were in Utah this past week for our niece Kensey's wedding.  Very strange to be so close, but so far!  Time is going by so quickly!

January 3, 2011 - Week 6 of Transfer 16

It has been a solid week and many great things have happened. First I can't believe you are in Taylorsville! That is so close, what church building did you meet at? I could tell you the Stake if I had the address. Yikes that's weird but I hope that you have an enjoyable time here, I love Utah and it will always be a sacred land to me.

I apologize for not writing yesterday, we literally had no time. We moved homes yesterday and it was a full day of going all over the place. Back and forth to the mission office then back to the old place to deep clean and so on. We left the Morrill's (older couple) home, they were the greatest people, and headed over to the Berg's home on the corner of 11400 South and 700 West, which over looks the Jordan River. If you end up visiting Sister Park just know that we live basically one mile east (she is in a different zone though, we would never go over there) and that is very close! Our new home is by far the nicest home I've had on my mission, they spoil us here in Utah. We have a complete walk out basement apartment to our selves. It has a full kitchen, huge living room, bedroom, walk in in shower, our own laundry machines and 12 foot ceilings! It’s outrageous and alot different from the last place we were living which were quite humble circumstances.

New years eve was my last Mission conference I will ever experience... sad sad. Hearing from Elder Russel M. Nelson was a blessing, he is full of the pure love of Christ and you can feel it as he speaks. As I shook Sister Nelson's hand she said, "Elder Pizzey! From Edmonton Alberta right?" Quickly I put it together and remembered she was related to President Card, I can't wait to see him by the way. Sister Nelson addressed us first and spoke on the importance of serving not after the manner of men but after the manner of God. Elder Nelson led a discussion and expounded on what his wonderful wife shared. I loved the message, that is mortal knowledge and mortal wisdom cannot understand the ways of God! For His ways are higher than ours. After the Nelson's left we were too, as usual for mission conferences, change into "normal clothes" and hang out at the Sandy Institute. May I add it was nice not having to worry about anything! We chose to play basketball and got an intense game of winners going on.

The next day we spoke three times and I'm so grateful we did, it is helping Elder Mayo grow big time. He gets up there and goes at it for awhile then I come up behind him and pick up the remaining time whether its 25 minutes or 10 minutes. President and Sister Miller somehow knew we were speaking and called us asking for an address. They tried to stay hidden in the congregation of our last talk but we didn't allow them to. We notified the Bishop and he invited President Miller to share his testimony. I love them dearly and wish for you to meet them. Sister Miller's face while we spoke lit up with a smile from one side to the other, like a proud parent. They have effected my life and I owe them much.

Enjoy Utah! You should call President and Sister Miller and see if you can visit them, or at least Sister Miller. Go visit the mission home that is my old stomping grounds, I used to just walk in the door and go straight to the cupboard. I surely do love you mom and dad, you have blessed me greatly and raised a wonderful family. I look forward to being in your presence shortly, now lets press forward until that day!

Love Elder Pizzey