March 16, 2011

March 16, 2011 - Week 6 of Transfer 9

Howdie Folks!

Thank you for the emails! I really enjoyed both of them this week, as with every week. There is alot to share this week so let me just jump into it!

Last Thursday night Elder Dick and I get home at 9:00 PM and start planning for the following day. Friday, the next day, we were on an exchange and I was staying in the area so I was mainly planning by myself. We had a few open hours of the day and I haven't tracted for a few weeks (too busy) so I thought it would be a good idea to get out there and knock on some doors. Plus I like to do it and thought it would be a good idea to do some with this certain Elder I would be with. So I picked 2:30 and only for one hour, real short. I looked at our huge map on the wall and felt so inspired to throw my finger at the Draper Oaks Apartments (only 20 units or so) that we have never attempted. Well the following day E. Costa and I pulled up at 2:25 perfectly on time, said a prayer before we hopped out of the car and off we went. Here is the miracle. On the fourth door a lady opens the door and asks us, "Did my dad send you here?" The conversation went on and it turns out her fiance just moved in and she would be moving in with him in two weeks, after their wedding. She told me that she has been wanting to come back to church and her husband, who isn't a member, wants to get baptized! I was in shock... didn't even know what to say. Of course I gathered myself together pulled out my planner! I was truly guided by the spirit while planning and the Lord placed her in our path. Everything was to perfect to be luck!

On the weekend Elder Dick and I had a lesson with Sean Carnley. I love Sean, he is like a Darren Gardner with a mix of Austin Fairbanks, my two favorites. I will be coming back to snowboard with him for sure. Anyways our lesson! I can't describe it, so spiritual. We started to teach about the Plan of Salvation and we were using 2 Nephi 2 to help teach the Fall of Adam and Eve. We got into a great discussion and ended up "unfolding" 2 Nephi 2 to him! My favorite chapter. The spirit was very present as the discussion bounced around this chapter. It later moved into the joy that comes with sharing the gospel. We talked about our missions, he expressed a desire to serve a mission! Everyone in that lesson bore down in pure testimony, all of us! Sean (21 yrs old), Taylor (future missionary, so prepared), Luke (legit RM), Elder Dick and I. I am grateful for experiences like this, to work with so many people I love. Sean is getting baptized this Saturday at 6:00, he's so solid.

We had a Zone Leader Council this past Monday that was great, by the far the best one yet (they are from 9am-3pm... long). Stephen B. Allen just chastised our mission so we are working on some changes to become 100% obedient to the MHB (missionary handbook). Due to that I can't accept anymore visits from family or friends, sadly but that's OK less than a year left. Our two assistants right now are great, I love them. Elder Brand has been in there for ever and we need him! I think President is scared to let go of him, I would be too. Dad you should try to hire him, genius. Elder Bertilinio is just on it and I completely relate to him. Dream companion lol. At 1:00 they gave all the ZL companionship's a slip of paper with an address of a strip mall. We had one hour to get five referrals and it was so fun, such a race. They helped us understand the importance of goals and holding our self accountable to those goals. Lots of other things discussed but it was just great.

Once again some more revelation that happened during planning. Monday night Elder Dick and I planned to go by this girl Kara who we have been trying to get a hold of forever! She is less active but been thinking about coming back to church. We slowly gave up on her because we could never get a hold of her but Monday night we decided to put her down for 8:30, hoping she would be home. That time comes around and we roll by her house. For the first time ever shes home and she has a friend over from work. Long story short they invited us in (don't worry male home too) and we sit down and chatted for a few minutes. Kara's friend Sarah was really quiet and closed at first but eventually she opened up. She met with missionaries for six months almost a year ago and got really close to baptism. She broke up with her boyfriend, who was LDS, and things just fell apart. It turned into the greatest lesson of the week! Sarah is so honest with herself. She knows everything is true and misses it! Her words. She misses feeling close to God, misses praying and isn't pleased with her lifestyle at the time. She agreed it was time to change and start preparing for baptism! We were in shock, and never expected to meet Kara, meanwhile Sarah! The Lord knew our plans and placed them in our path. Planning is something I am slowly getting better and better at on my mission.

Last thought. Real quick. I've thought about the leaders I've been blessed to have in the church this past week. As I look back I realize the impact each one of them had on me, all of them playing a vital role. They were indeed called by God, my Bishops and young men's leaders thank you. This is a great work, this is the Lords work and I know he is with me!

Love your son, Baker!

Elder Pizzey