November 17, 2010

Hello Ma and Pa!


Where to start! I have no clue, actually I do. OK are you ready for the worst thing about serving a mission? You can't play with little kids! Well you can play with them but not hold or let them sit on your lap. You know what I mean, just one of the rules in the white handbook. Keeps missionaries out of bad situations or false accusations. The reason I mention that is because I love kids, I've been thinking about my little Avery and Talia. I love them, I love family. They are adorable and anytime I see a three or four year old it's crazy to think when I come home they will be all grown up!

So this week I had lunch with Austin Fairbanks! That was fun, so weird to hear about home. Not going to lie, I like life in the mission! I'm sure Austin will to, he's going to be an unreal missionary. I was so glad I could visit with him before he headed off for two years, he's truly one of my greatest friends. He is going lead with love in his mission, he's a Christ like guy. I love you Austin!

So Mom and Dad, did you love that leadership training or what! We weren't really suppose to go to it but everyone kept inviting us so we did. And I am sure glad we did, it was amazing! I learnt sooooo much, everything applies to the mission. District leaders equal Bishops, Zone Leaders equal Stake Presidents. I'm trying to remember some of things I liked, I loved the role play ward council! Corney at times but it really was how it should be! It felt like a zone conference for missionaries because all we do is role play and practice. The panel discussion was so cool, Elder Bednar and his "revelatory experience" I love it. Here is something that I really took home from the training on these new handbooks. Take care of business before you report to the council. In a couple trainings ago with all the District Leaders Pres. Miller taught this principle and shared a story about him reporting to a 70 awhile ago. Basically instead of reporting to the Zone Leaders, Assistants or Pres. Miller about a problem, if you can solve it, solve it first then report. I felt they are really trying to take weight off the Bishops shoulders and in a way Mom you can apply this to yourself, within your presidency. Delegate! OK I could go on for hours about things I learned from that broadcast but NO TIME! Real fast thought. To be a good council leader you must be able to listen, don't do all the talking. LISTEN, then inspired questions come!

Alright so I went on an exchange with an Elder is my (old) district this week who's having troubles keeping the rules. He's a great missionary. Knows his stuff, great teaching skills and an all around smart guy but he doesn't care to much for the hours of 10-3 and thinks there pointless. He also hates exchanges because thinks they are pointless and do nothing but ruin the area and investigators. Really he's just a little stubborn but I still love him and we get along great. Anyways President has called me a couple times about him and we discussed how we can help him. Well I went on a exchange with him from 8 to 3, basically during the slow hours and tried to show him how there are actually things you can do. But it was hard to give him advice. Reason I tell you about this exchange is because it was sad! I was almost depressed about the day with him. I've never met a missionary so negative and so full of doubt! There is no faith with doubt. I'm just glad I've had the trainer and companions I've had, these nine months have truly been perfect. Each day you learn something new, there are so many unique situations which you find yourself in and you really learn who you are, where you struggle and what your weaknesses are. So many things to work on and improve. I just tried to deal with that exchange with love and give him any advice I could. Idefinitely learned some things from that exchange.

Alright so the highlight of my week! It was last night, Tuesday night. We have been teaching Jennafer Toone for three months, ever since I got here! She is the one that has been attending church for her whole life. Her mom died a year ago and she was a completely faithful and active member. Her father is not a member of the church but for the last couple of months he has been attending church with Jennafer. PS Jennafer is 15 years old. Well she has been a brain teaser for us! Gives us headaches because it has been difficult to figure out whats holding her back. She doesn't even know whats holding her back. Well we met Monday and Tuesday. Monday we had a intense lesson on PROCRASTINATING! It was a scary lesson, I even got a little scared from the words that were coming out of our mouth. It was bold. She teared up a little. She gave us a letter to read as we left that basically said thanks for everything but she doesn't feel ready to be baptized. She always thought at age 18 (was parents deal) and never at 15 would she get baptized. But now with her dads permission its game time and it scares her almost. Anyways last night we met. Taught about the importance of the commandments and it came to the end of the lesson. There was a moment of just silence, for quite some time. I didnt know what to say. But I just sat and so did Elder Lundwall (this is at the church building, amazing [ward mission leader] Bro. Bentley present). Finally something came to us, Bro. Bentley was invited to share his testimony of how we are never prepared for the next step. I forget how I worded it. Well a few minutes later I pulled out a Baptism Program and said I have a note for you. I handed her the program and asked her to fill it out and be baptized on December 11. Jennafer Toone will be baptized on December 11, 2010! Right after our lesson she had YW's (young womens) and went and told all of them!

I witnessed a miracle last night. She was the first person Elder Lundwall and myself found and the last person we extended a date to, together that is. There were times we almost gave up and moved on even though we cared for her so much. Times where she didn't keep her commitments for awhile, didn't read. But we never gave up because we both new she was ready. She was prepared by Heavenly Father and it has been in His time. Not hers and not ours, that's for sure. But His.

OK so yes there was and has been a transfer today! The thing you have all been waiting for! So I was transferred. I am no longer with Elder Lundwall. I am with Elder Dick, my new companion. We are serving in the Draper Stake and University 7th Stake. We are Zone Leaders of the Draper Temple Zone, my old zone! It's insane, I was a little shocked. President are you sure? But I am excited, a good opportunity to grow and to serve. Also my son, Elder Ng is a one of our District Leaders, so exciting! That means I get to do exchanges in my old area!

So Elder Dick. He was Elder Lundwall's companion before me, I kicked him out of the Park and Prairie Stakes! So funny and now we are together. Whats even better is that Elder Dick is from Wetaskiwin Alberta Canada! My fourth Canadian companion! Really only my second but I include Visa Waiters and Elder Ng is technically still Canadian citizen. We are excited to serve together! We know alot of the same people! TONS! The Paynes for example. BTW did everyone see Jackson in the New Era? I flipped out when I saw that, I miss him too.

Well I'm excited to serve as a Zone Leader, a little intimidating but I can do it. It will be intense giving trainings at zone conferences and going on exchanges with Pres. Miller and the Assistants. It's a privilege though, I think time will fly bye even faster now. Less free time. So this you might find interesting. This area (the DTZ area) picked up the University 7th Stake this transfer, we stole it from the sisters! They weren't to happy. But it covers the entire mission! That means we have unlimited miles and teach throughout the entire mission! INSANE! It's a Stake with eight singles wards, all university students mainly for the University of Utah. It's gonig to be way cool, we already have two investigators in the Stake. But as far as missionary work goes, this is the hardest zone in the mission. It's going to be hard. It's just really wealthy and the numbers aren't as good here, compared to the north end of the mission. Doesn't mean you can't enjoy it though! Alright well I best be going now! I am just mumbling now. Thanks for the wonderful emails and I hope all is well at home. I love both of you and the entire family and everyone who reads this! God Bless!

Love, Elder Pizzey.