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