February 23, 2011 - Week 3 of Transfer 9
Things don't slow down! I feel like I am sprinting but I love it! Days go by so fast, its like a blurr. The other day I was thinking about this past year and I feel pretty satisfied with my efforts and I think the Lord agrees. I hope that doesn't sound prideful but I truly have worked hard and learned alot. If I could change one thing, now I hate admitting this, it would my preparation before the mission. That would have made a huge difference! Could be an entire year ahead, enough said just need to worry about whats happening and where I am at right now! No only if's....
Last Thursday was the greatest day of my mission so far, but that only lasted for a day. Friday set the bar even higher. Thursday was our first full day of work in so long! We always have meetings or something going on but we had no lessons and the Stockwell's baptism that night. It felt so good to just get outside and WORK! It feels great, I feel like a real missionary when I knock on doors for hours. I can't complain though teaching lessons is 10x the fun. Ashely and Shaun's baptism was quite special. They were adopted from Ukraine into a great family and in a couple weeks here they will be sealed in the Salt Lake Temple (we can't attend, if in Draper we could).
So Friday was intense! We started to teach four new people and all of them were spiritual overload lessons! It is school to see the events that take place in a persons life to lead them to meeting with us, attending church, praying, moving to Utah and so on! The Lord plays a vital role in everything that happens in our life and it is all for a reason. A lesson to be learned constantly. I have never taught four "new lessons" in one day and never ever have I had four people in a row gladly accept baptismal dates on the first lesson! If you could have seen me Friday night, literally jumping for joy and just going crazy. Remember I am still Blake and like to get excited. All four of these people were guys! And close to my age, my favorite group/sex to teach, just so easy to relate. The Lord has blessed us and I recognize his hand in this work. Its truly him, as to ourselves we've done nothing but try to be diligent and keep the rules.
Moroni 10:3-5. I have complete trust and confidence in the promise given here by Moroni. This past week I had five different witnesses of the reality of this promise. Two that really stuck out to me. FIRST. Adriana. Attending Draper YSA, little Spanish girl, 19 yrs old, raised Catholic. She started to attend church and read the Book of Mormon and just felt the biggest change in her life. All she wants to do now is serve and help others, she wants to be a better person. She felt that this was due to the Book of Mormon but didn't feel it was a strong enough answer from God, just good side effects. I guess... I was thinking Ether 4:11-12 the entire time and actually shared it with her and she thought, "well.. yeah, maybe this could be a good answer." But we then asked if she had specifically took the things she read to prayer and asked if they were true. No. So we invited her to do so! Well when we returned a couple days later for another lesson we asked how it went. She shared with us her experience. She knelt down privately in prayer that night and had an over whelming feeling of happiness. She couldn't explain it but she said she started to cry because she was so happy. I was so proud of her! So thankful to the Lord! I couldn't control my smile, it was amazing. Not once has that ever happened to me! For me my days just go better and I feel great so I know its true. But the Lord works differently with all of us.
SECOND. Shelby. Attending one of our student wards. Long story behind it but quickly a year and half ago Elder Dick tried teaching her forever but never got to meet her. His trainer taught her forever (very similar story of the one with Mary Shoeneck and E. England if you remember). Well we encouraged her friend to invite someone to meet with us and he did, it turns out it was her! She met with missionaries for two years straight in high school but her parents never gave her permission to be baptized. Then she peaced to a different lifestyle for two years and now we are meeting with her. SO OUR LESSON, this happened on Saturday. The lesson prior to she expressed that she knew everything was true but she had no desire to change her life right now. So we re-emphasized the only way we can know if all of this is true is determining if the Book of Mormon is true or not. So we asked her do you believe it is? Yes but don't want to change. We invited her to read from the Book of Mormon once more (hadn't for two years) and ask God if its true, even though she already knows. I shared with her even as a missionaries I ask over and over because I need it sometimes.
Well the following lesson we follow up with what we invited her to do. She starts to go over 1 Nephi chapter 1 and talk about how it was familiar but then she stops and starts to get emotional. She looks up at us and says, "I prayed and I want to be baptized." She started to explain why and share her feelings and the spirit was SO strong, it filled the room! We had planned March 19th to invite her to prepare for but March 13th kept coming to my head so I asked her, "Will you prepare yourself to be baptized on March 13th?" She started to laugh (I got scared lol) and she said the was the exact date I was thinking of this morning. AMAZING! It can't really get any better than being involved in the Lords work!
Other than that... We finished a two day exchange yesterday, my first one ever. We have a little problem in our zone. One of our trainers is doing a lousy job with his new missionary. Not working at all and braking alot of rules. The new Elder is great and deserves an Elder England, I feel terrible for him. So I took him into our area and taught eight lessons with him. Its been two weeks and those were his first lessons. We are trying to find a solution but its hard. We had a good time together though, Elder Cole and I that is. Woke up early, went jogging, first time he had companion study, worked the entire day and at the end felt like we were dead. He will do great and there will be a great reward for this trial he is going through (DC 58:2-6).
All I can say is I am grateful! For my trainer, my companions and my areas. Its been too good, I feel like it is too good. Is the tough part coming soon? I mean it hasn't been easy but I have enjoyed this past year. I hope this email made up for the short one last week. I love you guys, my family (future and present hehe) and friends that is! Have a great week and God speed!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
February 16, 2011 - One Year Anniversary!
February 16, 2011 -- Week 2 of Transfer 9
Hello! I'm sending this one a little late today, sorry about that. We are at the Taylorsville playing in a volleyball tournament. There are something like ten teams and Elder Dick and I threw one together of volleyball players in the mission. It is getting pretty intense! So I will be writing my email in and out of games today. That will explain why my thoughts will be all over the place....
An hour just passed! We lost in the semi finals! It was alot of fun though. Now its time to focus. This past week was packed with events, meetings, and new people! Bro. Brian King (whos in his 40s) was baptized this past saturday. We have been teaching Brian since the first week I got here and now he can say, "I'm a Mormon!" Ha! I love it.
I forget if I mentioned it last week but we had zone conference on Monday. Usually every zone conference President and the Assistants give the trainings but this was the first time they switched it up. President called us Saturday morning asking if we could be over at his house at 3:30 on Sunday. Of course it was right when Matt Lane (RC) was getting the Priesthood! Sadly missed that. Anyways from now on the Zone Leaders train each zone conference. So we had the rest of the night to come up with our training for the next day (ours was the first zone conference). Well we had several lessons that night and ended getting home late, so I went to bed early and woke up early to make my training.
It actually worked out pretty good. I took forty minutes and Elder Dick took twenty and he did the other little training that was later on. Since it was valentines day I focused on relationships! Our relationship with God, our relationship with the investigator and most importantly the investigators relationship with God. I didn't think it was going to go as good as it did. Everyone was participating and getting involved. We then focused on bearing testimony often and the purpose of following up with commitments. I really felt the Lord guide me that morning as I started to make an outline.
After zone conference, until last night I was on an exchange with the new assistant, Elder Bertiliono, in our area. A long time ago, when I was with Elder England, I shared a story over email of a mini exchange I had with Elder Bertilino. I remember it was over the general conference weekend. It was an amazing exchange. We started to teach a few new people and each lesson the spirit was present. We always have a lesson plan of course but every once and awhile you just have a strong feeling to go with something different. That happened a few times with us and when I follow it, its always exactly what they need! Scriptures just come to mind. I learned alot from him and I have a few goals in mind. I think Elder Bertilino is my dream companion. Our taste in music is the exact same, all of our hobbies and interest are identical. We had a good time.
Wish Kamry best of the luck with the whole labor thing... not to sure what its called. Make sure I get some pictures of the little guy next week and tell everyone I say Hi! I can't believe its been a year as well, time has flown by. They say the second year even goes faster. That's a little scary, there are still so many things I need to accomplish! I love you guys. We will talk next week.
Love Elder Pizzey.
Hello! I'm sending this one a little late today, sorry about that. We are at the Taylorsville playing in a volleyball tournament. There are something like ten teams and Elder Dick and I threw one together of volleyball players in the mission. It is getting pretty intense! So I will be writing my email in and out of games today. That will explain why my thoughts will be all over the place....
An hour just passed! We lost in the semi finals! It was alot of fun though. Now its time to focus. This past week was packed with events, meetings, and new people! Bro. Brian King (whos in his 40s) was baptized this past saturday. We have been teaching Brian since the first week I got here and now he can say, "I'm a Mormon!" Ha! I love it.
I forget if I mentioned it last week but we had zone conference on Monday. Usually every zone conference President and the Assistants give the trainings but this was the first time they switched it up. President called us Saturday morning asking if we could be over at his house at 3:30 on Sunday. Of course it was right when Matt Lane (RC) was getting the Priesthood! Sadly missed that. Anyways from now on the Zone Leaders train each zone conference. So we had the rest of the night to come up with our training for the next day (ours was the first zone conference). Well we had several lessons that night and ended getting home late, so I went to bed early and woke up early to make my training.
It actually worked out pretty good. I took forty minutes and Elder Dick took twenty and he did the other little training that was later on. Since it was valentines day I focused on relationships! Our relationship with God, our relationship with the investigator and most importantly the investigators relationship with God. I didn't think it was going to go as good as it did. Everyone was participating and getting involved. We then focused on bearing testimony often and the purpose of following up with commitments. I really felt the Lord guide me that morning as I started to make an outline.
After zone conference, until last night I was on an exchange with the new assistant, Elder Bertiliono, in our area. A long time ago, when I was with Elder England, I shared a story over email of a mini exchange I had with Elder Bertilino. I remember it was over the general conference weekend. It was an amazing exchange. We started to teach a few new people and each lesson the spirit was present. We always have a lesson plan of course but every once and awhile you just have a strong feeling to go with something different. That happened a few times with us and when I follow it, its always exactly what they need! Scriptures just come to mind. I learned alot from him and I have a few goals in mind. I think Elder Bertilino is my dream companion. Our taste in music is the exact same, all of our hobbies and interest are identical. We had a good time.
Wish Kamry best of the luck with the whole labor thing... not to sure what its called. Make sure I get some pictures of the little guy next week and tell everyone I say Hi! I can't believe its been a year as well, time has flown by. They say the second year even goes faster. That's a little scary, there are still so many things I need to accomplish! I love you guys. We will talk next week.
Love Elder Pizzey.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
February 9, 2011
February 9, 2011 - Week 1 of Transfer 9 (there is 17 in total)
A new start.
Hello, hello! Sounds like Mexico was great but I will have to say the stories about Grandpa and Macy are what got me. I miss that dog, I just hope she is as bright as she was when I left. Lots to update on and as always very little time so let me get started.
Transfers... Elder Dick and I are staying together! We were both pretty happy about that. He totally thought he was getting the boot, we had a few hints he was so he basically started to pack. It seems like the longer we are together the better we get along. This is the first time for him and I to have a companion for more than two transfers, its actually kind of nice. Elder Dick expressed he was glad it was me and not any of his other companions and that felt pretty good! When we got the voicemail from the assistants that the mission roster had been emailed to us it looked like E. Dick was about to pass out. He was pretty nervous and glad he's still in this UNREAL area! There are some big changes in our zone though and it is looking pretty good. E. Atwood (our favorite DL, and great friend) was transferred out and now serving as a zone leader with E. Ames. E. Atwood goes home with E. Dick in June and he will be a great zone leader, both E. Dick and I were thinking he was going to be my companion. We are a little sad to have him leaving, at 5:15 he would drive over to our house, his companion would jump in my bed and we would go to the Stake Center to play basketball with some guys from the stake a few times a week. It was the highlight of the week! Well not actually but was fun. Will have to figure something out now.
We have two new DL's and it should be really good. Elder Hill is one and he has been in his area for ten months and for the first time in his mission he is training and also being a DL! He goes home with E. Dick as well and this is exactly what he needed to finish his mission. He will do great. We have a new DL E. Gates who goes him in a couple months as well, similar situation as E. Hill. Then E. Torres who is serving in my "greeny area" or my first area who stayed this transfer. A few other changes but its quite a bit for one transfer but they were needed! And we are excited. I hope we can keep some of these wild guys under control.
I'm sorry this email wasn't to "spiritual" or hasn't been full of touching stories and its just more of an update. There were some really good moments this week though. I was able to do an exchange with E. Torres former companion in my OLD AREA! And that was fun, yet challenging at the same time. Everywhere we went it was like a reunion and hard not to talk for half hour. But who am I kidding I loved it, felt like I was going home. I was able to visit quite a few people who I really do miss. Luke Fairman (all grown up now!), John Aslami, Ruth Ann Vigil, Pat Christenson, Bro. Jones (WML) and many others! I'm sorry if I missed you (if your reading the blog lol). It was nice to be able to share the gospel with them once again. John Aslami still isn't baptized but making some little progress. He is a good man but has a hard life.
At the Taylorsville Institute this Sunday night there was a musical fireside that was focused on sharing the gospel. It was held by this YSA choir from a Tongan Stake in the valley. They are called "one voice" and it was their fifth year doing it. I am terrible at describing things so I'm not going to attempt. All I'll say is that they are an amazing choir and it was really spiritual. There were alot of people there who are not members of the Church and in total probably around three hundred people. In between songs they had people speak for about five minutes and mainly share there testimony. They asked if I would speak on sharing the gospel, obviously not that hard so I did. I was to speak near the end and when it came time everything I had planned was already spoken on. Mainly fear that is. Dad's talk he shared with me a long time ago kept coming to my mind minutes before I was to speak so I went with it. Well what I could remember from it. It was the one focused on Joseph Smith and coming to a knowledge of spiritual truths in our life, so I just squished it into five minutes. It was a little weird because while I was speaking they had the piano playing softly in the background and it was just so hard not to sing to my talk! Inside of me I was cracking up thinking what would happen if I did?
Anyways I sat down after I spoke and the very next song was all about Joseph Smith and it worked out perfectly! I wasn't even planning on talking about Joseph Smith and sharing the first vision until a few minutes before. No such things as coincidences, I have definitely learned that in the past year.
By the way, last Pday as the best. We were with the Curley's the entire time. They took us to their artchey club and after, for all you can eat sushi! I love sushi. This week we are hanging out with Rocco and going to this new trampoline place. They have someting like 50 trampolines, Rocco will be teaching us some new tricks. We must head to the mission office to pick of mail for the zone, Love you guys! Can't believe we are basically at one year. People say the second year goes faster, I don't know if it can.
Love Elder Pizzey
Abbreviations:
E-Elder
DL-District Leader
ZL-Zone Leader
YSA-Young Single Adult
WML-Ward Mission Leader
A new start.
Hello, hello! Sounds like Mexico was great but I will have to say the stories about Grandpa and Macy are what got me. I miss that dog, I just hope she is as bright as she was when I left. Lots to update on and as always very little time so let me get started.
Transfers... Elder Dick and I are staying together! We were both pretty happy about that. He totally thought he was getting the boot, we had a few hints he was so he basically started to pack. It seems like the longer we are together the better we get along. This is the first time for him and I to have a companion for more than two transfers, its actually kind of nice. Elder Dick expressed he was glad it was me and not any of his other companions and that felt pretty good! When we got the voicemail from the assistants that the mission roster had been emailed to us it looked like E. Dick was about to pass out. He was pretty nervous and glad he's still in this UNREAL area! There are some big changes in our zone though and it is looking pretty good. E. Atwood (our favorite DL, and great friend) was transferred out and now serving as a zone leader with E. Ames. E. Atwood goes home with E. Dick in June and he will be a great zone leader, both E. Dick and I were thinking he was going to be my companion. We are a little sad to have him leaving, at 5:15 he would drive over to our house, his companion would jump in my bed and we would go to the Stake Center to play basketball with some guys from the stake a few times a week. It was the highlight of the week! Well not actually but was fun. Will have to figure something out now.
We have two new DL's and it should be really good. Elder Hill is one and he has been in his area for ten months and for the first time in his mission he is training and also being a DL! He goes home with E. Dick as well and this is exactly what he needed to finish his mission. He will do great. We have a new DL E. Gates who goes him in a couple months as well, similar situation as E. Hill. Then E. Torres who is serving in my "greeny area" or my first area who stayed this transfer. A few other changes but its quite a bit for one transfer but they were needed! And we are excited. I hope we can keep some of these wild guys under control.
I'm sorry this email wasn't to "spiritual" or hasn't been full of touching stories and its just more of an update. There were some really good moments this week though. I was able to do an exchange with E. Torres former companion in my OLD AREA! And that was fun, yet challenging at the same time. Everywhere we went it was like a reunion and hard not to talk for half hour. But who am I kidding I loved it, felt like I was going home. I was able to visit quite a few people who I really do miss. Luke Fairman (all grown up now!), John Aslami, Ruth Ann Vigil, Pat Christenson, Bro. Jones (WML) and many others! I'm sorry if I missed you (if your reading the blog lol). It was nice to be able to share the gospel with them once again. John Aslami still isn't baptized but making some little progress. He is a good man but has a hard life.
At the Taylorsville Institute this Sunday night there was a musical fireside that was focused on sharing the gospel. It was held by this YSA choir from a Tongan Stake in the valley. They are called "one voice" and it was their fifth year doing it. I am terrible at describing things so I'm not going to attempt. All I'll say is that they are an amazing choir and it was really spiritual. There were alot of people there who are not members of the Church and in total probably around three hundred people. In between songs they had people speak for about five minutes and mainly share there testimony. They asked if I would speak on sharing the gospel, obviously not that hard so I did. I was to speak near the end and when it came time everything I had planned was already spoken on. Mainly fear that is. Dad's talk he shared with me a long time ago kept coming to my mind minutes before I was to speak so I went with it. Well what I could remember from it. It was the one focused on Joseph Smith and coming to a knowledge of spiritual truths in our life, so I just squished it into five minutes. It was a little weird because while I was speaking they had the piano playing softly in the background and it was just so hard not to sing to my talk! Inside of me I was cracking up thinking what would happen if I did?
Anyways I sat down after I spoke and the very next song was all about Joseph Smith and it worked out perfectly! I wasn't even planning on talking about Joseph Smith and sharing the first vision until a few minutes before. No such things as coincidences, I have definitely learned that in the past year.
By the way, last Pday as the best. We were with the Curley's the entire time. They took us to their artchey club and after, for all you can eat sushi! I love sushi. This week we are hanging out with Rocco and going to this new trampoline place. They have someting like 50 trampolines, Rocco will be teaching us some new tricks. We must head to the mission office to pick of mail for the zone, Love you guys! Can't believe we are basically at one year. People say the second year goes faster, I don't know if it can.
Love Elder Pizzey
Abbreviations:
E-Elder
DL-District Leader
ZL-Zone Leader
YSA-Young Single Adult
WML-Ward Mission Leader
Sunday, February 6, 2011
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
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
Thursday, January 27, 2011
January 26, 2011
January 26, 2011 - Week 5 of Transfer 8
Hello to my roots!
I loved those pictures you sent! I am jealous, I want snow snow snow. Here it melts ten minutes after there is a big dump, then while its melting they drive around in huge trucks plowing the slush/puddles while dumping 1000s of pounds of salt on the road! Seems like an excuse to me to make more. Then the salt ruins the roads every year so they redo all of them, more jobs. It even ruins all missionaries dress shoes so once again more jobs in the shoe making factories. Something needs to be done about this...
Well the reason I write so early today is because we have a zone activity at noon! Elder Dick and I decided to plan the greatest one in the world! We are heading up to the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon with our whole zone (21 missionaries, rides all arranged). Brighton and Solitude ski resorts are up there and if you remember the Branch I covered in my first area (greeny area/where I was born) is up there. So my old Branch President, Pres. Mills, who I got close to is having us all over to his big cabin for the day. He has acres and acres of land. We will be sledding down an entire mountain and being pulled up to the top by snowmobiles, basically getting as close to braking the rules as we can. His wife has cooked us up Chili and hot dogs and some dessert! So all that and a cozy fire for those who don't like the snow in our zone, I think it should be good. We will be up there from 12:00 till 4:30. Everyone is stoked.
Another little update. Next Monday we have ZLC (zone leader council) and its normally once a transfer for five hours. I guess this time they are changing it up a little bit. We are to be there at 6:30 AM and it ends at 8:00 PM! That's not it. We are to bring two sets of Pday clothes and NO proselyting clothes!? What is going on now... I am confused. But keep it a secret we aren't aloud to tell other missionaries. Its a little weird. I will have to let you know what its all about.
So I think this is the time in my mission where you I will always look back on and appreciate. Everything just keeps going. People keep progressing, acting by themselves, recognize answers from God and eventually getting baptized. After baptism they continue to progress, make plans to go to the temple, receive callings, get the Priesthood! Its just to cool to play a part in all of this. David got the Priesthood, Courtney got a calling, Dung is getting the Priesthood this week. I love it! The only negative is we have one ward (the one we keep finding and baptizing in) the WML hasn't given one new member lesson to any of our recent converts in the past two months... Its sad. Its impossible for us to do them, like I said the work keeps going on. But we are doing our best to help him out.
We started to teach Paris this week, it was the greatest lesson ever. We were double booked so Elder Atwood and I taught him. Instead of having me describe him let me show you a video from mormon.org. It is basically the same person. They have the same name, look the same and talk the same. I can't wait to show Paris this video. http://mormon.org/me/1RY0-eng# Its a little weird to be honest how similar they are. We meet with him again tonight, I will keep you posted next week.
So yes Courtney was baptized this past weekend. I would probably say one of the best baptisms I've had on my mission. Everyone who attended had the same to say. Monday night the Curleys and us had dinner over at the Heart's (couple in the ward who came to lessons with us) and it was funny to ask Courtney what she thought about the baptism. She loved it and so did Chad. She had support from everyone, family even flew in. Courtney and Chad triggered something in everyone, some of her family who hasn't attended church for years decided to attend their home wards because of the spirit they felt at the baptism.
This weekend should be great as well. Friday night Rocco is getting baptized, he is the best. We met with him last night and in the closing prayer, which he said, he prayed for help in preparing for his mission! Can it get any better than this? I forget how much I have shared about Rocco but he is a stud. He has done everything by himself. Showed up to church by himself, gone to all three meetings. Reads like no other in the Book of Mormon, he is a strong guy. He should be a candidate for one of those mormon.org videos lol! Considering he is professionally "free runner". I'll see what I can do get him on there. Then on Saturday another lady is getting baptized! I taught her in my first area, she was actually the first person I ever invited to be baptized on a specific date! I remember that day, inside the chapel at the wastach stake center. She was on probabtion at the time but now we are all good and ready to go! Then later that night Matt Lane is getting baptized. This guy couldn't get any more solid. The events in his life that have recently happened have brought him to the perfect place. Completely humble and willing to follow. Matt's in our University 44th ward and I think he is one of the quickest I've seen progress to baptism. He is just start the Book of Alma, that describes it all.
OK no specific stories this week just a quick update! I hope you have been able to get a feel for some of these people I'm teaching. And I hope you can feel my love for all of them. I feel as if I am constantly learning out here, I guess life is like that too. But every time I meet with people they teach me something different. Here is a lesson I have learned in the past six months or so, TALK TO EVERYONE. Mainly as a missionary this applies. Yesterday we ate red lobster, nice I know, but I almost didn't talk to the guy wiping the tables. Inside of me I kept having this feeling "just do it you wimp". So I did. His name is Alex. He's lived here for three years and read the Bible three times. He has never met with missionaries or read the Book of Mormon. I was able to give him the copy I had on me, along with a few things I thought would be good for him to read and my testimony of course. He gave me his phone number and wants to meet with us. Good thing I opened up my mouth isn't it. Well say hi to everyone! Time flies, I better make the most of it!
Love Elder Pizzey.
Hello to my roots!
I loved those pictures you sent! I am jealous, I want snow snow snow. Here it melts ten minutes after there is a big dump, then while its melting they drive around in huge trucks plowing the slush/puddles while dumping 1000s of pounds of salt on the road! Seems like an excuse to me to make more. Then the salt ruins the roads every year so they redo all of them, more jobs. It even ruins all missionaries dress shoes so once again more jobs in the shoe making factories. Something needs to be done about this...
Well the reason I write so early today is because we have a zone activity at noon! Elder Dick and I decided to plan the greatest one in the world! We are heading up to the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon with our whole zone (21 missionaries, rides all arranged). Brighton and Solitude ski resorts are up there and if you remember the Branch I covered in my first area (greeny area/where I was born) is up there. So my old Branch President, Pres. Mills, who I got close to is having us all over to his big cabin for the day. He has acres and acres of land. We will be sledding down an entire mountain and being pulled up to the top by snowmobiles, basically getting as close to braking the rules as we can. His wife has cooked us up Chili and hot dogs and some dessert! So all that and a cozy fire for those who don't like the snow in our zone, I think it should be good. We will be up there from 12:00 till 4:30. Everyone is stoked.
Another little update. Next Monday we have ZLC (zone leader council) and its normally once a transfer for five hours. I guess this time they are changing it up a little bit. We are to be there at 6:30 AM and it ends at 8:00 PM! That's not it. We are to bring two sets of Pday clothes and NO proselyting clothes!? What is going on now... I am confused. But keep it a secret we aren't aloud to tell other missionaries. Its a little weird. I will have to let you know what its all about.
So I think this is the time in my mission where you I will always look back on and appreciate. Everything just keeps going. People keep progressing, acting by themselves, recognize answers from God and eventually getting baptized. After baptism they continue to progress, make plans to go to the temple, receive callings, get the Priesthood! Its just to cool to play a part in all of this. David got the Priesthood, Courtney got a calling, Dung is getting the Priesthood this week. I love it! The only negative is we have one ward (the one we keep finding and baptizing in) the WML hasn't given one new member lesson to any of our recent converts in the past two months... Its sad. Its impossible for us to do them, like I said the work keeps going on. But we are doing our best to help him out.
We started to teach Paris this week, it was the greatest lesson ever. We were double booked so Elder Atwood and I taught him. Instead of having me describe him let me show you a video from mormon.org. It is basically the same person. They have the same name, look the same and talk the same. I can't wait to show Paris this video. http://mormon.org/me/1RY0-eng# Its a little weird to be honest how similar they are. We meet with him again tonight, I will keep you posted next week.
So yes Courtney was baptized this past weekend. I would probably say one of the best baptisms I've had on my mission. Everyone who attended had the same to say. Monday night the Curleys and us had dinner over at the Heart's (couple in the ward who came to lessons with us) and it was funny to ask Courtney what she thought about the baptism. She loved it and so did Chad. She had support from everyone, family even flew in. Courtney and Chad triggered something in everyone, some of her family who hasn't attended church for years decided to attend their home wards because of the spirit they felt at the baptism.
This weekend should be great as well. Friday night Rocco is getting baptized, he is the best. We met with him last night and in the closing prayer, which he said, he prayed for help in preparing for his mission! Can it get any better than this? I forget how much I have shared about Rocco but he is a stud. He has done everything by himself. Showed up to church by himself, gone to all three meetings. Reads like no other in the Book of Mormon, he is a strong guy. He should be a candidate for one of those mormon.org videos lol! Considering he is professionally "free runner". I'll see what I can do get him on there. Then on Saturday another lady is getting baptized! I taught her in my first area, she was actually the first person I ever invited to be baptized on a specific date! I remember that day, inside the chapel at the wastach stake center. She was on probabtion at the time but now we are all good and ready to go! Then later that night Matt Lane is getting baptized. This guy couldn't get any more solid. The events in his life that have recently happened have brought him to the perfect place. Completely humble and willing to follow. Matt's in our University 44th ward and I think he is one of the quickest I've seen progress to baptism. He is just start the Book of Alma, that describes it all.
OK no specific stories this week just a quick update! I hope you have been able to get a feel for some of these people I'm teaching. And I hope you can feel my love for all of them. I feel as if I am constantly learning out here, I guess life is like that too. But every time I meet with people they teach me something different. Here is a lesson I have learned in the past six months or so, TALK TO EVERYONE. Mainly as a missionary this applies. Yesterday we ate red lobster, nice I know, but I almost didn't talk to the guy wiping the tables. Inside of me I kept having this feeling "just do it you wimp". So I did. His name is Alex. He's lived here for three years and read the Bible three times. He has never met with missionaries or read the Book of Mormon. I was able to give him the copy I had on me, along with a few things I thought would be good for him to read and my testimony of course. He gave me his phone number and wants to meet with us. Good thing I opened up my mouth isn't it. Well say hi to everyone! Time flies, I better make the most of it!
Love Elder Pizzey.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
January 19, 2011
January 19, 2011 - Week 4 of Transfer 8
Hello Hello!
So I keep sharing with you how busy and hectic my weeks are... well its going faster and faster. I spoke on Sunday and was able to pick my topic so Sunday morning I gathered some thoughts and stories related to slowing down and focusing on the basics, similar to E. Uchtdorf's talk this past conference. I mainly picked the topic for myself because E. Dick and I find our self finishing planning and phone calls at 10:30 every other night and getting into bed at 11 without writing in the journal. Which is key! John Bytheway spoke at the Taylorsville Institute and we were able to attend so I stole a few things from his talk as well. His was focused on the difference between someone who grows up on the farm compared to the city, and all I say is that my kids will be raised in the country. There is even doctrine behind it!
So this past weekend we had four baptisms in our area and yes, we have been on our knees in gratitude because it couldn't get any better. It is a blessing to assist in the conversion of so many people in this mission and it is something I'm trying not to take for granted. The people we teach I grow to love them every time and I don't just say that. Some of the people I have taught I connect with big time and I just have this familiar feeling about them, like I new them before. Usually there is always someone at home they remind me of, be it a close friend or family member. I know I was called to this mission for a reason. I can picture it. In the pre-mortal existence God came up to Dung and I. "Blake you will be raised with the Gospel in your life, you will go on a mission and serve in the Salt Lake valley. Dung you will be raised without it and be searching at a certain time. Both of you do all you can to find each other!" Then we hugged and left. I always think of it like this, some may say that's weird but no it happened! We were there together as family and friends before this world was even created.
Now I don't like picking favorites but if I could, I would say the Curleys are probably one of the greatest people I have been able to teach. The fun young couple I shared with you a few times. We didn't have anywhere to teach Rocco the other night so we called up the Curley's and asked if they would be comfortable with us doing it there and YES! Of course. Well we have been encouraging Rocco to tell his mom (he's 17) about his baptism on Jan. 28th for awhile now and finally he did! So his mom opened up to him and told him how she used to me active in the church and loved it when she was. Well the experience he had with his mom and having to build up the courage to share his feelings with her made him grow spiritually! He came to this lesson telling us he is going to serve a mission and can't wait too! We have dropped hints and asked him if he ever thought about it but now he can't wait. This almost, almost brought tears to my eyes. Next year there will be miracles. Going through the temple with the Curley's as they get married, going to Rocco's farewell talk.
So I was able to go on four exchanges this past week, intense I know. We are going nuts this transfer then next transfer we are going to slow it down. Anyways each exchange was action packed and I'm serious about that. If there is one thing I have learned so far that is to completely control myself in heated situations. Having learned this I have been able to see some worse situations turn into the best, even spiritual. Real quick. We were in the trailer park and got into someones home and they started to get real angry with us, trying to argue. The man recently found out he has cancer and I just kept putting myself into his shoes and trying to imagine where he is at. E. Reynolds and I were able to get out of safely and peacefully. It actually turned out to be great. He accepted a Priesthood blessing and when I finished and we were walking out the door he was tearing up. Hopefully they will be able to start teaching him in the future once his miracle takes place.
This is just one of the stories of a heated moment turning into a great moment. The mission is a learning experience and I've made a goal to always be open to suggestions. Even when I'm out 23 months and someone brand new tells me how I could be better. I love exchanges there is always something I learn from the person I'm with. I think I need to do a better job of writing them down. The journal isn't getting as much time as she should, only like every second or third day. Just to hard, but I'll try harder. Well things are great, I love the area. We are working with some unbelievable people and are able to witness miracles everyday. From being in jail for 6 months and reading all the standard works and being completely converted to a person dialing the wrong number and reaching us and accepting the challenge to meet with us. Its happened and I'm amazed everyday.
Love your son, Elder Pizzey.
Hello Hello!
So I keep sharing with you how busy and hectic my weeks are... well its going faster and faster. I spoke on Sunday and was able to pick my topic so Sunday morning I gathered some thoughts and stories related to slowing down and focusing on the basics, similar to E. Uchtdorf's talk this past conference. I mainly picked the topic for myself because E. Dick and I find our self finishing planning and phone calls at 10:30 every other night and getting into bed at 11 without writing in the journal. Which is key! John Bytheway spoke at the Taylorsville Institute and we were able to attend so I stole a few things from his talk as well. His was focused on the difference between someone who grows up on the farm compared to the city, and all I say is that my kids will be raised in the country. There is even doctrine behind it!
So this past weekend we had four baptisms in our area and yes, we have been on our knees in gratitude because it couldn't get any better. It is a blessing to assist in the conversion of so many people in this mission and it is something I'm trying not to take for granted. The people we teach I grow to love them every time and I don't just say that. Some of the people I have taught I connect with big time and I just have this familiar feeling about them, like I new them before. Usually there is always someone at home they remind me of, be it a close friend or family member. I know I was called to this mission for a reason. I can picture it. In the pre-mortal existence God came up to Dung and I. "Blake you will be raised with the Gospel in your life, you will go on a mission and serve in the Salt Lake valley. Dung you will be raised without it and be searching at a certain time. Both of you do all you can to find each other!" Then we hugged and left. I always think of it like this, some may say that's weird but no it happened! We were there together as family and friends before this world was even created.
Now I don't like picking favorites but if I could, I would say the Curleys are probably one of the greatest people I have been able to teach. The fun young couple I shared with you a few times. We didn't have anywhere to teach Rocco the other night so we called up the Curley's and asked if they would be comfortable with us doing it there and YES! Of course. Well we have been encouraging Rocco to tell his mom (he's 17) about his baptism on Jan. 28th for awhile now and finally he did! So his mom opened up to him and told him how she used to me active in the church and loved it when she was. Well the experience he had with his mom and having to build up the courage to share his feelings with her made him grow spiritually! He came to this lesson telling us he is going to serve a mission and can't wait too! We have dropped hints and asked him if he ever thought about it but now he can't wait. This almost, almost brought tears to my eyes. Next year there will be miracles. Going through the temple with the Curley's as they get married, going to Rocco's farewell talk.
So I was able to go on four exchanges this past week, intense I know. We are going nuts this transfer then next transfer we are going to slow it down. Anyways each exchange was action packed and I'm serious about that. If there is one thing I have learned so far that is to completely control myself in heated situations. Having learned this I have been able to see some worse situations turn into the best, even spiritual. Real quick. We were in the trailer park and got into someones home and they started to get real angry with us, trying to argue. The man recently found out he has cancer and I just kept putting myself into his shoes and trying to imagine where he is at. E. Reynolds and I were able to get out of safely and peacefully. It actually turned out to be great. He accepted a Priesthood blessing and when I finished and we were walking out the door he was tearing up. Hopefully they will be able to start teaching him in the future once his miracle takes place.
This is just one of the stories of a heated moment turning into a great moment. The mission is a learning experience and I've made a goal to always be open to suggestions. Even when I'm out 23 months and someone brand new tells me how I could be better. I love exchanges there is always something I learn from the person I'm with. I think I need to do a better job of writing them down. The journal isn't getting as much time as she should, only like every second or third day. Just to hard, but I'll try harder. Well things are great, I love the area. We are working with some unbelievable people and are able to witness miracles everyday. From being in jail for 6 months and reading all the standard works and being completely converted to a person dialing the wrong number and reaching us and accepting the challenge to meet with us. Its happened and I'm amazed everyday.
Love your son, Elder Pizzey.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
January 12, 2011
January 12, 2010 - Week 3 of Transfer 8
Dear Ma and Pa! I love you both!
I really liked the emails this week, you guys do a great job. Give me enough information to keep me up to speed yet it doesn't make me trunky! The three feet of snow at home and your movie date on Friday night with a certain someone really got me excited! I don't think there are any better parents out there, you guys are perfect.
So the church is going all out with MORMON.ORG and I love it. The website is really good we are using it in with the people we teach. I love how the church is on it and up to date with technology. I'm sure we will be using laptops as area books soon, it would make mission life 10x easier. So here is my challenge to you this week. Go to mormon.org and make a profile. At first I was a little skeptical but now looking into it and seeing how it can help those who are not of our faith understand who we really are, normal people that is, I am convinced. The First Presidency has written a letter to all missions, I believe, saying missionaries are to go on mormon.org during proselyting hours to keep up to speed with the updates on the site. They want us to make profiles as well, I am looking forward to this. Although it is really scary and President has basically left it up to us (ZL's) to control it and make sure it doesn't get out of hand! Ahh!
So I am right with dad, this week was way to busy. There is no such thing as relaxing, you are constantly going. For the past two days from ten to three we have had leadership training with all the District Leaders and Zone Leaders, it was actually really good. It was centered on improving our district leader councils, district meetings, exchanges, and teaching the Great Apostasy! I am excited to review my notes, information overload and I'm grateful for the time that was put into it although I'm glad its all over! Time to get back into a routine of things. Being a zone leader some of your proselyting is taken away and I hate it! My favorite thing is just being outside and working. I'm sick of driving in the car!
So this week I met up with former Elder Van Dyke. He served in my singles ward back home and has recently returned. Lindsay and I actually met with him the day before I left. It was weird to have the tables turned and I be the one with the name tag. We had a good time over at the institute and were able to catch up and talk about home. Lots of fun.
I continue to love this singles stake. It seems like each week someone falls into our hands. There are so many people who are not of our faith just attending the wards, I am always on the look out. Meeting with a few new people this week from just asking them if they are LDS or not at church and then scheduling a time to meet. I don't get why people don't invite before I get to them!? The man's name from last weeks story at testimony meeting is Dago. He is a great guy and we will be meeting with him this Saturday. He plays in a really well known band, I love it. We might be teaching his roommate, the drummer, as well. Their house is basically off the Weezer music video in the apartment. They do all their recording from home.
So this weekend we will be having three baptisms, two in the Draper Stake and one in the University 7th Stake. It will be a great weekend! Dung (young) Le from the University Stake has asked me to baptize him and normally I try to get fellow shippers to do so but I love this guy to much. I am excited, time keeps flying. I hope you enjoyed the update. Keep the faith by making a profile on mormon.org. Please return and report next email. Thank you! haha
Love your son, Elder Pizzey.
Dear Ma and Pa! I love you both!
I really liked the emails this week, you guys do a great job. Give me enough information to keep me up to speed yet it doesn't make me trunky! The three feet of snow at home and your movie date on Friday night with a certain someone really got me excited! I don't think there are any better parents out there, you guys are perfect.
So the church is going all out with MORMON.ORG and I love it. The website is really good we are using it in with the people we teach. I love how the church is on it and up to date with technology. I'm sure we will be using laptops as area books soon, it would make mission life 10x easier. So here is my challenge to you this week. Go to mormon.org and make a profile. At first I was a little skeptical but now looking into it and seeing how it can help those who are not of our faith understand who we really are, normal people that is, I am convinced. The First Presidency has written a letter to all missions, I believe, saying missionaries are to go on mormon.org during proselyting hours to keep up to speed with the updates on the site. They want us to make profiles as well, I am looking forward to this. Although it is really scary and President has basically left it up to us (ZL's) to control it and make sure it doesn't get out of hand! Ahh!
So I am right with dad, this week was way to busy. There is no such thing as relaxing, you are constantly going. For the past two days from ten to three we have had leadership training with all the District Leaders and Zone Leaders, it was actually really good. It was centered on improving our district leader councils, district meetings, exchanges, and teaching the Great Apostasy! I am excited to review my notes, information overload and I'm grateful for the time that was put into it although I'm glad its all over! Time to get back into a routine of things. Being a zone leader some of your proselyting is taken away and I hate it! My favorite thing is just being outside and working. I'm sick of driving in the car!
So this week I met up with former Elder Van Dyke. He served in my singles ward back home and has recently returned. Lindsay and I actually met with him the day before I left. It was weird to have the tables turned and I be the one with the name tag. We had a good time over at the institute and were able to catch up and talk about home. Lots of fun.
I continue to love this singles stake. It seems like each week someone falls into our hands. There are so many people who are not of our faith just attending the wards, I am always on the look out. Meeting with a few new people this week from just asking them if they are LDS or not at church and then scheduling a time to meet. I don't get why people don't invite before I get to them!? The man's name from last weeks story at testimony meeting is Dago. He is a great guy and we will be meeting with him this Saturday. He plays in a really well known band, I love it. We might be teaching his roommate, the drummer, as well. Their house is basically off the Weezer music video in the apartment. They do all their recording from home.
So this weekend we will be having three baptisms, two in the Draper Stake and one in the University 7th Stake. It will be a great weekend! Dung (young) Le from the University Stake has asked me to baptize him and normally I try to get fellow shippers to do so but I love this guy to much. I am excited, time keeps flying. I hope you enjoyed the update. Keep the faith by making a profile on mormon.org. Please return and report next email. Thank you! haha
Love your son, Elder Pizzey.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
January 5, 2010
January 5, 2011 - Week 2 of Transfer 8
Hello Hello!
I have no clue where to start. This week has been jam packed with lessons, events, activities, problems, meetings, trainings, and councils! The past three days have been the most hectic three days of my entire mission! All in a row! But hectic in a good way, I loved them. Elder Dick has been sick since Saturday night, sick with the flu. I think I got four hours of sleep that night, I laid in my bed with the horrible sound of someone hurling echoing in my head the entire night. In the past three days I have gone on six or seven mini exchanges while Elder Dick has been passed from house to house so he can rest up. He is starting to feel better though.
Each transfer there is a six hour zone leader council (all zone leaders, the assistants and mission president) and this transfer was on Monday, had to represent our zone by myself. I actually enjoyed that though. Then yesterday we had our zone interviews, so I organized that by myself. Everything ran smoothly, it was seamless! The three districts started their district meetings on time, they left when they were suppose to and even brought/did all the additional assignments that they asked of us! President Miller is great though, everyone really does like him. He has made a lot of changes since he got in but I feel he has changed the attitude of the mission. All the missionaries have a desire to do good, be obedient, to change! And its important to keep that in mind when working with people who are struggling. Almost all of them want something different, its just a little difficult to get there.
It was sad. David Hampton (30 yrs.) was baptized on sunday night. We love the guy. Just an all around great guy, good to talk to and fun to be with. Well E. Dick was sick and wasn't able to make it to the baptism. He asked me to baptize him and E. Dick to confirm him. So it turned out that that would probably work out because converts are suppose to be confirmed on the following sunday in sacrament meeting. But the Bishop (who we have troubles with, third time hes done this) told David he needs to pick a new person to confirm him because he doesn't want it done in his Sacrament meeting. So E. Dick missed out on everything, but none the less it was a great night and E. Dick is a tough guy, so he is fine.
So earlier on that Sunday we were in the University 50th ward and as you remember it was fast and testimony meeting. We were there with Ryan Cook, someone we are teaching, and I decided to go and share my testimony. Well as soon as I started this guy kept grabbing my attention and I kept looking at him. Eventually I felt like I was just staring at him and sharing my testimony with just him! Look away! Look away! I kept thinking but I was zeroed in on him and couldn't help it. Weird... I know. I sit down and a few minutes later it comes to the end of the meeting. But this guy, he stands up and ends up being the last one to share his testimony. It turns out he has never been to church in his life and I would never have guessed! I loved the way he close his testimony "And.... that's it. Thank you?" The very second the meeting ended I raced to the other side of the chapel and start to talk to him, asked if wanted to meet with us and he said, "Yes of course!" He told us that for four months he has been wanting to meet with missionaries but no one asked him! And he didn't know if he could or couldn't! Aghhh! People just invite please. Alma 5:33, the Lord inviteth all! How do you think he does that? We must be his tools, his agents and invite!
I have a list here of close to ten different stories, I wish they were all recorded in my journal but I haven't had a single minute to myself to write in it. I have three days worth of catching up to get to, that's a headache on its own.
We met this guy named Ahmed from Egypt. He has been here for a few months for school and will be heading home once his one year is up. For the past month he has been attending church and reading the Book of Mormon. He has a million questions yet no one can answer them because he is Muslim and returning to his country. We went in his house and visited for awhile and answered some real basic questions he had. How do you pray? But we didn't pray with him or anything because we can get in big do do without permission from first presidency! He wants to get baptized but knows if he does, his life is on the line. It was sad, but he was excited to hear that they had LDS churches in Egypt. You meet alot of people out here and learn from all of them, this guy had a lot of charity and respect.
So thank you to the Lamberts and Dianne for the Christmas presents! I have been spoiled way to much as a missionary. I can't believe we have had two apostles recently speak to us. Elder Perry was great. His main though was similar to Elder Hollands. Wear your name badge for the rest of your life. I am liking my mission and the time is flying. I feel like I don't have enough left, this time is precious. I want to come home and be different, to have changed. Changed for the good. When I come home I will have at least one convert and that is myself. I am grateful for the peace this gospel message brings and wish all would be open to accept it. Love your son mom and dad and share this with the world!
Love Elder Pizzey!
Hello Hello!
I have no clue where to start. This week has been jam packed with lessons, events, activities, problems, meetings, trainings, and councils! The past three days have been the most hectic three days of my entire mission! All in a row! But hectic in a good way, I loved them. Elder Dick has been sick since Saturday night, sick with the flu. I think I got four hours of sleep that night, I laid in my bed with the horrible sound of someone hurling echoing in my head the entire night. In the past three days I have gone on six or seven mini exchanges while Elder Dick has been passed from house to house so he can rest up. He is starting to feel better though.
Each transfer there is a six hour zone leader council (all zone leaders, the assistants and mission president) and this transfer was on Monday, had to represent our zone by myself. I actually enjoyed that though. Then yesterday we had our zone interviews, so I organized that by myself. Everything ran smoothly, it was seamless! The three districts started their district meetings on time, they left when they were suppose to and even brought/did all the additional assignments that they asked of us! President Miller is great though, everyone really does like him. He has made a lot of changes since he got in but I feel he has changed the attitude of the mission. All the missionaries have a desire to do good, be obedient, to change! And its important to keep that in mind when working with people who are struggling. Almost all of them want something different, its just a little difficult to get there.
It was sad. David Hampton (30 yrs.) was baptized on sunday night. We love the guy. Just an all around great guy, good to talk to and fun to be with. Well E. Dick was sick and wasn't able to make it to the baptism. He asked me to baptize him and E. Dick to confirm him. So it turned out that that would probably work out because converts are suppose to be confirmed on the following sunday in sacrament meeting. But the Bishop (who we have troubles with, third time hes done this) told David he needs to pick a new person to confirm him because he doesn't want it done in his Sacrament meeting. So E. Dick missed out on everything, but none the less it was a great night and E. Dick is a tough guy, so he is fine.
So earlier on that Sunday we were in the University 50th ward and as you remember it was fast and testimony meeting. We were there with Ryan Cook, someone we are teaching, and I decided to go and share my testimony. Well as soon as I started this guy kept grabbing my attention and I kept looking at him. Eventually I felt like I was just staring at him and sharing my testimony with just him! Look away! Look away! I kept thinking but I was zeroed in on him and couldn't help it. Weird... I know. I sit down and a few minutes later it comes to the end of the meeting. But this guy, he stands up and ends up being the last one to share his testimony. It turns out he has never been to church in his life and I would never have guessed! I loved the way he close his testimony "And.... that's it. Thank you?" The very second the meeting ended I raced to the other side of the chapel and start to talk to him, asked if wanted to meet with us and he said, "Yes of course!" He told us that for four months he has been wanting to meet with missionaries but no one asked him! And he didn't know if he could or couldn't! Aghhh! People just invite please. Alma 5:33, the Lord inviteth all! How do you think he does that? We must be his tools, his agents and invite!
I have a list here of close to ten different stories, I wish they were all recorded in my journal but I haven't had a single minute to myself to write in it. I have three days worth of catching up to get to, that's a headache on its own.
We met this guy named Ahmed from Egypt. He has been here for a few months for school and will be heading home once his one year is up. For the past month he has been attending church and reading the Book of Mormon. He has a million questions yet no one can answer them because he is Muslim and returning to his country. We went in his house and visited for awhile and answered some real basic questions he had. How do you pray? But we didn't pray with him or anything because we can get in big do do without permission from first presidency! He wants to get baptized but knows if he does, his life is on the line. It was sad, but he was excited to hear that they had LDS churches in Egypt. You meet alot of people out here and learn from all of them, this guy had a lot of charity and respect.
So thank you to the Lamberts and Dianne for the Christmas presents! I have been spoiled way to much as a missionary. I can't believe we have had two apostles recently speak to us. Elder Perry was great. His main though was similar to Elder Hollands. Wear your name badge for the rest of your life. I am liking my mission and the time is flying. I feel like I don't have enough left, this time is precious. I want to come home and be different, to have changed. Changed for the good. When I come home I will have at least one convert and that is myself. I am grateful for the peace this gospel message brings and wish all would be open to accept it. Love your son mom and dad and share this with the world!
Love Elder Pizzey!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
December 29, 2010
December 29, 2010 - Week 1 of Transfer 8
Dear my Ma and Pa!
Well hello once again, I feel the same way. We caught up on the phone so there is not much to chat about today. I say that now and by the end this will be over 15 paragraphs long of me rambling on. So Christmas is over and its the start of a new transfer! You know what that means for me, a new planner! I have described that wonderful feeling of starting fresh and getting all organized for the next transfer.
Christmas was a little different being a missionary but none the less it was great. Far better than what I expected. After speaking to you guys Christmas night I was able to finish the night off with several games of pool at the family of Elder Dick's that we visited, it made my holiday. But really what made Christmas was the letter I was able to open up Christmas Eve night from you guys. That cracked me up and really brought a strong feeling of gratitude to me. I am grateful for my family, I love you guys. I couldn't ask for it any better. But not only from you guys did I get gifts, there were tons who made my Christmas. Let me say thank you to Grandpa, Grandma, Nana, the Low's, the Hirsche's, the Heavenor's, Paige, Lamberts, Lindsay pie, and last but not least Mr. Anderson! Really though thanks for the gifts and the letters of encouragement, I appreciate all of your support and I will try to get better with writing. But no promises just quite yet but I will get on it!
So as you can probably tell I did not get transferred and I am sure glad I didn't. This area is way to much fun for nonsense like that! There were some small changes for our zone though. Elder Ng is now gone, and we got a new District Leader. The sisters got changed up and there were a few in zone transfers made (basically just switches). The changes look good though and we are excited to see what happens. The worked slowed down slightly this past week but that was expected but I can feel it picking up once again!
I have told you about this young married couple we are teaching right now, the Curley's. He served a mission five years ago and quickly fell away when he got home. He recently had a serious accident that he considers was his wake up call since then life has changed! For the past month he has been attending church and reading scriptures everyday with his wife who is not a member of the LDS faith. He is a teacher in the Elders Quorum and this past Sunday spoke in church. There were two lines I just loved from his talk, he was speaking of his previous lifestyle. "never did I feel so alone in a group full of friends and never felt so heart broken while having fun with those friends" I just loved what he said there. It's so true. 'Wickedness never was happiness" I think for those people who have once felt pure, true happiness or real joy that comes from keeping the commandments will have a time in their life when they want it back, as did my friend here. This temporary pleasure or joy he was speaking of does not LAST, hence the word temporary. Friends are so key. Looking back on the last few years before I left I realize that's what made the difference. I thought of the Lord's words to Joesph Smith as he sat in Liberty jail when Bro. Curley was speaking of his friends.
"Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job. And they who do charge thee with transgression, their hope shall be blasted, and their prospects shall melt away as the hoar frost melteth before the burning rays of the rising sun" (Doctrine and Covenants 121: 9-11)
So moving on and wrapping this up let me share one more story. In my first (with Elder England) we taught a lady by the name of Lourdes Tea, she is from Peru. Well we taught her one lesson nine months ago. It was a spiritual lesson and when we feel the spirit, we know they do to! We invite people to be baptized! Well it scared her a little as it does with most people. We never were able to get back in there and teach her again, she was good at dodging us. Well on Sunday Elder Dick and I were able to go back and do her baptismal interview! She started to read the Book of Mormon we left with her and shortly after started to attend church. The Bishop hooked her up with the missionaries and she was on her way to taking the first step, baptism! It was amazing to see the fruit of some of my earlier labors! You never know when your planting seeds, I just had the biggest smile ever while I was over there. She kept apologizing to me and wishing she would have continued on but I have realized once again it happens in the Lord's time. There is a timing to everything and it all comes together.
I love both of you, I love the Lord and love this work.
Your son, Elder Pizzey
Dear my Ma and Pa!
Well hello once again, I feel the same way. We caught up on the phone so there is not much to chat about today. I say that now and by the end this will be over 15 paragraphs long of me rambling on. So Christmas is over and its the start of a new transfer! You know what that means for me, a new planner! I have described that wonderful feeling of starting fresh and getting all organized for the next transfer.
Christmas was a little different being a missionary but none the less it was great. Far better than what I expected. After speaking to you guys Christmas night I was able to finish the night off with several games of pool at the family of Elder Dick's that we visited, it made my holiday. But really what made Christmas was the letter I was able to open up Christmas Eve night from you guys. That cracked me up and really brought a strong feeling of gratitude to me. I am grateful for my family, I love you guys. I couldn't ask for it any better. But not only from you guys did I get gifts, there were tons who made my Christmas. Let me say thank you to Grandpa, Grandma, Nana, the Low's, the Hirsche's, the Heavenor's, Paige, Lamberts, Lindsay pie, and last but not least Mr. Anderson! Really though thanks for the gifts and the letters of encouragement, I appreciate all of your support and I will try to get better with writing. But no promises just quite yet but I will get on it!
So as you can probably tell I did not get transferred and I am sure glad I didn't. This area is way to much fun for nonsense like that! There were some small changes for our zone though. Elder Ng is now gone, and we got a new District Leader. The sisters got changed up and there were a few in zone transfers made (basically just switches). The changes look good though and we are excited to see what happens. The worked slowed down slightly this past week but that was expected but I can feel it picking up once again!
I have told you about this young married couple we are teaching right now, the Curley's. He served a mission five years ago and quickly fell away when he got home. He recently had a serious accident that he considers was his wake up call since then life has changed! For the past month he has been attending church and reading scriptures everyday with his wife who is not a member of the LDS faith. He is a teacher in the Elders Quorum and this past Sunday spoke in church. There were two lines I just loved from his talk, he was speaking of his previous lifestyle. "never did I feel so alone in a group full of friends and never felt so heart broken while having fun with those friends" I just loved what he said there. It's so true. 'Wickedness never was happiness" I think for those people who have once felt pure, true happiness or real joy that comes from keeping the commandments will have a time in their life when they want it back, as did my friend here. This temporary pleasure or joy he was speaking of does not LAST, hence the word temporary. Friends are so key. Looking back on the last few years before I left I realize that's what made the difference. I thought of the Lord's words to Joesph Smith as he sat in Liberty jail when Bro. Curley was speaking of his friends.
"Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job. And they who do charge thee with transgression, their hope shall be blasted, and their prospects shall melt away as the hoar frost melteth before the burning rays of the rising sun" (Doctrine and Covenants 121: 9-11)
So moving on and wrapping this up let me share one more story. In my first (with Elder England) we taught a lady by the name of Lourdes Tea, she is from Peru. Well we taught her one lesson nine months ago. It was a spiritual lesson and when we feel the spirit, we know they do to! We invite people to be baptized! Well it scared her a little as it does with most people. We never were able to get back in there and teach her again, she was good at dodging us. Well on Sunday Elder Dick and I were able to go back and do her baptismal interview! She started to read the Book of Mormon we left with her and shortly after started to attend church. The Bishop hooked her up with the missionaries and she was on her way to taking the first step, baptism! It was amazing to see the fruit of some of my earlier labors! You never know when your planting seeds, I just had the biggest smile ever while I was over there. She kept apologizing to me and wishing she would have continued on but I have realized once again it happens in the Lord's time. There is a timing to everything and it all comes together.
I love both of you, I love the Lord and love this work.
Your son, Elder Pizzey
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