Monday, July 21, 2014
July 21st, 2014
Well another week has just flown by again. This is not a big surprise because when we go to the temple we usually have our zone conference. So this week went by super, super fast. We had a really good zone conference on Friday; I am starting to see the importance of zone conference and how much we can learn in this conference. It was cool because President Tew gave a training on changing and some factors that help us change. From what he shared I was able to relate, and shared, to what Dad always told me when we started a xc/track season:"Dream it, Say it, Do it." It was cool to see how this principle can be applied in our lives. It also put into perspective that change is possible with the right mind set, desire, and hard work with strong faith in the Savior to help us. It was such a good training.
Well like the subject line says this week was also pretty difficult. Mostly because I broke myself on Tuesday. I sprained my ankle pretty bad playing sports. It was pretty swollen afterwords, so swollen that we didn't even go out to work that night so I could ice it and rest it. We went to our mission nurse the following day and she taped me up to help it heal as fast as possible. She also said that I need to rest it as much as possible. So this week we spent several days stuck in the apartment which sucked. Right now the swelling is down and the pain isn't too bad, but I still need to be careful this week. I think we will be able to get out and work more this week thank goodness. It sucks a lot to be stuck in the apartment knowing that there are people who need the Gospel. We are really going to work hard this week to find more people to teach.
As far as the situation with Manuel and Jenny they are still looking for an apartment. We haven't been able to meet with him regularly because he is always out looking apartments. They found a potential apartment but it is outside of the mission. So we are working hard to help them find something within the mission, if possible in the zone. But at the same time if this is going to be their only option we will pass on their info to the other mission so they can keep learning about the Gospel. We are going to see what happens this week.
We spent a lot of time with one of our investigators, Geraldo, and he is progressing very well. We have set up a consistent time to meet with him with a member, he has come to church the past 3 Sundays, and he loves learning about the Gospel. He actually is the brother to a member in the ward, plus he is living with his girlfriend who also is a member. He also has received all the lessons before but just wouldn't come to church. Well he has taken some very large strides the past 3 weeks. We invited him to be baptized and he said yes because he feels like something is missing from his life right now. However he wouldn't accept a date because he knows how important baptism is. Plus he needs to get divorced from his wife in Mexico and get married to his girlfriend. So this week we will be focusing on helping him start his divorce papers, understand the importance of baptism and the blessings that come from it, and help him receive the blessings that come from the Gospel.
Well that is pretty much the highlights of the week. Like I said we really want to get out this week and work hard. We ended up dropping several investigators this past week so we really need to focus on finding new people to teach this week. We are definitely put into practice the training from President Tew in our zone conference this week. Change the dynamics of what we are doing so we can have success in this work. I know He will guide us to His children that He has prepared and we will be guided in what to share with them. This should be good week!
Love you all,
Elder Roberts
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
July 15th, 2014
Buenas Tardes!
Man the weeks are really starting to fly by super fast now. This weekwon't be an exception either. If you are wondering why I didn't email yesterday is because we went to the temple today. But it was a pretty hectic trip. First off our alarm didn't go off when we wanted it too, so we didn't wake up until 6:00 am plus Elder Smyer had to be at the airport at 5:45 to make is flight. So we quickly got ready and met our members at the church to take off. Well we arrived to the temple about 30 minutes late and missed our session, so we ended up doing initiatories because the member who took us to the temple could wait for us to go through the next session. So it was a super quick temple trip. I was kinda sad not to do a session, especially I felt bad for the other companionship who came with us, but it reminded me that there is a lot more work to be done in the temple than the endowment session. Still a solid temple trip.
So ya this week we were working in a trio and we had a blast. A lot of missionaries don't like working in trios because there is always one Elder who gets left out of everything. But that wasn't the case with us this week. We actually really worked together, and we taught in unity super well. Plus we had a super fun time together. I am going to send another email with some pictures and what we did :) I actually was really sad to see Elder Smyer go home today. He is such a good missionary and I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to work with him. He taught me a lot through words, and actions. He definitely set a good example to me, and those all around him, about missionary work and joy in this work.
To answer your question about Manuel and Jenny, they did not get baptized this weekend. We haven't taught them for over 2 weeks because they are super stressed about finding a new apartment. They haven't
had any success finding one here in Bellflower, so they have been looking at apartments outside of the zone. We are hoping they can find something here in the zone, but we know the Lord will guide them to where they need to be in order to be happy. We are going to meet with them tomorrow and will get all of the details.
So Elder Packer and I will be taking over the area now for the final two weeks of this transfer. Elder Packer is such a cool guy and we will definitely get along super well. He is from San Antonio, Texas and has about 7 months in the mission but his spanish is super good. He has settled right back into the work which is awesome and I am super excited to work with him. Our area is exploding right now which is awesome. We are finding alot of cool people to teach, we are getting members out to work with us, and our investigators are coming to church and experiencing the Spirit super strong. The Lord is definitely blessing us in this area and we are super excited to continue to find those who the Lord has prepared.
Well that is pretty much the week. Stay tuned for more details after the break :) Mean while enjoy these photos of our recent temple trip.
Elder Roberts
So this is a tradition Elder Smyer has. When ever an Elder is about to
die we take killing photos. Which basically means that whoever is the
Elder(s) killing the dead Elder, you take pictures of them doing it.
Don't worry no harm was inflicted on Elder Smyer. Haha this is one of
the pictures we took while we were hyped up on sugar on 7-11 day. Haha
ENJOY!!
ARRIBA MEXICO!!
Hope you all enjoyed 7-11 day this past Friday. We definitely did! For
those of you who don't know on this day you can get free slurpees from
7-11 all day long. So pretty much our companionship set a goal that
when ever we passed, or saw, as 7-11 we would stop and grab a slurpee.
Haha we had a super fun time, and by the end of the day we each had
consumed 10 Slurpees ant 8 different 7-11 stations! Man we were pretty
hyped up on sugar that night, and then just crashed. Haha definitely
one for the book!
Enjoy the Pics!!
ARRIBA MEXICO!!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
July 7th, 2014
Que tal?
Man sounds like your guys week was crazy and full of surprises just like our was. You will have to pass along my condolences to Katie and her family and let them know I will be praying for them in this hard
time for them. Definitely a good way to show our love for our friends as we do all we can to support them in their trials.
To answer your questions about the 4th of July it was a pretty chill day. Our mission president didn't really give any rules for what we could and couldn't do. So we pretty much assumed that we needed to follow the rules in the missionary handbook. We taught a lesson in the morning, and tried to work for the rest of the day. However there was a soccer game during the afternoon, Brasil vs. Colombia. So we got
together with another companionship and watched the 2nd half of the game. Afterwords we we visited with a few investigators who were having a little party in their neighborhood. We had our weekly correlation meeting that night till 8. Then we went with some Elders to their recent convert's house and watched them set off some fireworks which was exciting. So ya that was our day, still successful and divertido.
So this week was kinda crazy. Elder Smyer woke up Tuesday morning feeling pretty sick, with a fever, vomit and diarrhea. He was sick all day Tuesday and Wednesday which meant very little work got done, and being stuck indoor all day. It kinda sucked, but you got to support your companion. By Thursday he felt tons better and we were able to resume working.
Yesterday we found out what will happen when Elder Smyer goes home in a week, and it starts today. We will be getting a missionary who went home for a little bit but is coming back. We are going to pick him up
today. His name is Elder Packer, he actually started the mission with me just was in a different district at the MTC. He is a pretty chill Elder and I am excited to work with him. So we will be working in a trio for this week then we will ship Elder Smyer back home next Tuesday. I am actually kind sad to see him go home. I have learned a lot from him and he has helped me out a ton. So I will have to take advantage of this last week with him.
So an update with Manuel, Jenny and Nick Garcia. He was able to get a little bit of support from his workers comp. and it was enough that his family could stay in their apartment for this month. This was super good. It gives them time to find another apartment and to get the money necessary to make the initial payments. As far as their baptismal dates, we have to set another date with Jenny because she has only come to church once; Manuel's date still is good, but we still have several lessons to teach so we might end up moving his back as well. We are really praying hard for them so they can prepare to make this important covenant with God. We haven't been able to contact them for a couple days because they have been busy trying to find another apartment. We are really hoping that we can find them this week and help them feel the peace from the Gospel.
What a great experience you guys had with Sister Hymas. It is cool to see the different opportunities the Lord gives us isn't it? That is something I have really seen in the mission. I remember early in my mission Elder Kunz and I had a super hard week in which everything was falling through and I was getting a little discouraged. I remember Elder Kunz telling me that it all starts with my attitude and how I see things. Then he challenged me to write in my journal of one good thing that happened that day and something I learned. So I did and it was cool to see how things started to change that occurred. So I am a strong believer of positive attitude, and looking for the good in everything. I know that when we do so, we will have those
opportunities to strengthen our testimony and show our faith in God. Such a simple concept, but one that can change our lives for the better.
Well I better end this epistle so you can focus on the Family Reunion. I hope you all have a fun time! Say hi to everyone there and let them know how grateful I am of their love and support. Hopefully it is cooler in Island Park than it is here. :) Have a good week!
Love,
Elder Roberts
Man sounds like your guys week was crazy and full of surprises just like our was. You will have to pass along my condolences to Katie and her family and let them know I will be praying for them in this hard
time for them. Definitely a good way to show our love for our friends as we do all we can to support them in their trials.
To answer your questions about the 4th of July it was a pretty chill day. Our mission president didn't really give any rules for what we could and couldn't do. So we pretty much assumed that we needed to follow the rules in the missionary handbook. We taught a lesson in the morning, and tried to work for the rest of the day. However there was a soccer game during the afternoon, Brasil vs. Colombia. So we got
together with another companionship and watched the 2nd half of the game. Afterwords we we visited with a few investigators who were having a little party in their neighborhood. We had our weekly correlation meeting that night till 8. Then we went with some Elders to their recent convert's house and watched them set off some fireworks which was exciting. So ya that was our day, still successful and divertido.
So this week was kinda crazy. Elder Smyer woke up Tuesday morning feeling pretty sick, with a fever, vomit and diarrhea. He was sick all day Tuesday and Wednesday which meant very little work got done, and being stuck indoor all day. It kinda sucked, but you got to support your companion. By Thursday he felt tons better and we were able to resume working.
Yesterday we found out what will happen when Elder Smyer goes home in a week, and it starts today. We will be getting a missionary who went home for a little bit but is coming back. We are going to pick him up
today. His name is Elder Packer, he actually started the mission with me just was in a different district at the MTC. He is a pretty chill Elder and I am excited to work with him. So we will be working in a trio for this week then we will ship Elder Smyer back home next Tuesday. I am actually kind sad to see him go home. I have learned a lot from him and he has helped me out a ton. So I will have to take advantage of this last week with him.
So an update with Manuel, Jenny and Nick Garcia. He was able to get a little bit of support from his workers comp. and it was enough that his family could stay in their apartment for this month. This was super good. It gives them time to find another apartment and to get the money necessary to make the initial payments. As far as their baptismal dates, we have to set another date with Jenny because she has only come to church once; Manuel's date still is good, but we still have several lessons to teach so we might end up moving his back as well. We are really praying hard for them so they can prepare to make this important covenant with God. We haven't been able to contact them for a couple days because they have been busy trying to find another apartment. We are really hoping that we can find them this week and help them feel the peace from the Gospel.
What a great experience you guys had with Sister Hymas. It is cool to see the different opportunities the Lord gives us isn't it? That is something I have really seen in the mission. I remember early in my mission Elder Kunz and I had a super hard week in which everything was falling through and I was getting a little discouraged. I remember Elder Kunz telling me that it all starts with my attitude and how I see things. Then he challenged me to write in my journal of one good thing that happened that day and something I learned. So I did and it was cool to see how things started to change that occurred. So I am a strong believer of positive attitude, and looking for the good in everything. I know that when we do so, we will have those
opportunities to strengthen our testimony and show our faith in God. Such a simple concept, but one that can change our lives for the better.
Well I better end this epistle so you can focus on the Family Reunion. I hope you all have a fun time! Say hi to everyone there and let them know how grateful I am of their love and support. Hopefully it is cooler in Island Park than it is here. :) Have a good week!
Love,
Elder Roberts
Thursday, July 3, 2014
June 30, 2014
Hi...
Yep P-day has arrived again. Yep :) sounds like alot of crazy/good things have happened this week. That pretty much was the same story here in the great California Long Beach Mission. This week was full of
exchanges, super good lessons and great opportunities to serve the members in our ward.
Things are going all right driving here in California. Definitely need to be twice as alert driving due to some crazy drivers who love the accelerator and the horn. But we have been having quite a bit of success having a car for this transfer. We can get from place to place faster, we can take members to more lessons who can't drive, and we aren't dying in the heat. So yeah definitely a tender mercy of the
Lord.
This week we have been focusing a lot on Manuel and Jenny Garcia. We taught them twice this week, the Plan of Salvation and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They have been progressing super good. They are in 2
Nephi in the Book of Mormon and they love coming church. So we decided that they were prepared to be baptized, and they accepted to be baptized on the 13 of July! We were super excited until yesterday when
they told us they are getting kicked out of their apartment due to problems with their rent. Yesterday we were driving all around the zone looking for apartments that were renting that they could move into. We are going to teach them tonight and give them the list of apartments we found. We are praying that one of these apartments will work for them and they can continue progressing to be baptized. They are such and awesome family and definitely worth all the work.
Well time is just flying by as usual. June is basically done and July is now here. Sounds like you guys have some fun activities planned for the Bennett Reunion. Oh well, with the 4th of July this week I am sure
we will be at several mexican bbq's which should be fun. It is crazy because I can remember clearly what happened last 4th of July and it doesn't feel like it was that far away. I guess that is the theme of
the mission I guess, especially this last year ;)
This week is definitely going to be a super good one. We have several investigators that don't have baptism dates and we feel like they are ready to accept the invitation. We are going to be working hard to help them prepare to make that essential covenant with God and to receive the blessings that He has prepared for them. Elder Smyer really is helping me be a better missionary and helping me recognize the importance of working hard the Lord's work. As well as the importance of charity and love in this work. He is such a great
example to me and I am kinda bummed we only have 2 more weeks together. Tengo aprovechar el tiempo que tengo con el.
Thank you for all your support and love. Hope you all have a great week!
Love,
Elder Roberts
Oh haha I was going to tell ya about our weekend with the World Cup. As you know they finished group play and on Saturday they started the elimination round with Mexico playing on Sunday at 9 am, The same time that church started for us. We were super worried about who would be at church on Sunday; I am sure you have seen on facebook the picture with the Mexico coach with a "letter" saying Church was cancelled due to the World Cup. Well we had quite a few people come to sacrament meetings, but the numbers started to dwindle in the classes. Haha it was funny.
We didn't see the game but we heard that Mexico loss 2-1 in overtime. We also heard that the referees called a penalty when it shouldn't have been one which might cause them to replay the game.... When we
heard that we were kinda scared that some riots might break out in the streets ;) Thankfully they didn't. It will be interesting to see what happens with that right?
Haha sorry just thought I would throw in that small detail about
Sunday. Have a good week!
Elder Roberts
Yep P-day has arrived again. Yep :) sounds like alot of crazy/good things have happened this week. That pretty much was the same story here in the great California Long Beach Mission. This week was full of
exchanges, super good lessons and great opportunities to serve the members in our ward.
Things are going all right driving here in California. Definitely need to be twice as alert driving due to some crazy drivers who love the accelerator and the horn. But we have been having quite a bit of success having a car for this transfer. We can get from place to place faster, we can take members to more lessons who can't drive, and we aren't dying in the heat. So yeah definitely a tender mercy of the
Lord.
This week we have been focusing a lot on Manuel and Jenny Garcia. We taught them twice this week, the Plan of Salvation and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They have been progressing super good. They are in 2
Nephi in the Book of Mormon and they love coming church. So we decided that they were prepared to be baptized, and they accepted to be baptized on the 13 of July! We were super excited until yesterday when
they told us they are getting kicked out of their apartment due to problems with their rent. Yesterday we were driving all around the zone looking for apartments that were renting that they could move into. We are going to teach them tonight and give them the list of apartments we found. We are praying that one of these apartments will work for them and they can continue progressing to be baptized. They are such and awesome family and definitely worth all the work.
Well time is just flying by as usual. June is basically done and July is now here. Sounds like you guys have some fun activities planned for the Bennett Reunion. Oh well, with the 4th of July this week I am sure
we will be at several mexican bbq's which should be fun. It is crazy because I can remember clearly what happened last 4th of July and it doesn't feel like it was that far away. I guess that is the theme of
the mission I guess, especially this last year ;)
This week is definitely going to be a super good one. We have several investigators that don't have baptism dates and we feel like they are ready to accept the invitation. We are going to be working hard to help them prepare to make that essential covenant with God and to receive the blessings that He has prepared for them. Elder Smyer really is helping me be a better missionary and helping me recognize the importance of working hard the Lord's work. As well as the importance of charity and love in this work. He is such a great
example to me and I am kinda bummed we only have 2 more weeks together. Tengo aprovechar el tiempo que tengo con el.
Thank you for all your support and love. Hope you all have a great week!
Love,
Elder Roberts
We didn't see the game but we heard that Mexico loss 2-1 in overtime. We also heard that the referees called a penalty when it shouldn't have been one which might cause them to replay the game.... When we
heard that we were kinda scared that some riots might break out in the streets ;) Thankfully they didn't. It will be interesting to see what happens with that right?
Haha sorry just thought I would throw in that small detail about
Sunday. Have a good week!
Elder Roberts
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
June 23, 2014
Buenas Tardes!
Well week one of this transfer is now in the books, and it was a very successful week. Full of good work done, some crazy experiences, and playing chauffeur a little bit as well. But things turned out to be a
super good week and we are super excited for this week.
I am sure you are all curious about my new companion verdad? My companion is Elder Smyer, he is from Burley Idaho, he started his mission in Mexico close to the border of Mexico and Guatemala but was
only there for about 6 months and came here due to some problems with his kidneys. He has 23 months in the mission and has about 3 weeks left. He is a super hard worker and is really helping me up my game to
help our investigators. He actually has served in this ward before for about 8 months but in a different area. He actually gave a talk on Sunday and immediately the members came up to him excited to see him
again. I am excited for the little bit of time I have to work with Elder Smyer and I have already learned a lot from him within this week.
So we have a car now for our companionship because Elder Smyer sold his bike, and I am the designated driver. Por eso I said I have been playing chauffeur. Helping Elders close to our area get from place to
place every once and a while, and picking them up for dinner appointments. Plus on friday we got a flat tire because we ran over a screw so we had to go get that fixed. So those few details had impeded our work a little bit, mostly in the mornings and the afternoons. But it has helped us get around our area a little bit faster and get to lessons faster. So I think it is a win situation.
That is cool that you met Sydney Blaser. I agree that is a crazy coincidental that things worked out that way. You will have to tell her I say hi and to be careful with eye surgeries ;) Haha I bet she
will have a good time working at the clinic and she probably does better with blood :)
Glad to hear that things went well with your trip to Washington. I was super happy to hear that the Spirit was super strong at the meeting. That has always been a thing I have recognized in Steve. His ability to follow the Spirit and do the things to bless his family and others. Definitely a Christlike Example. I know that their family is a good example for our family and for Nicolle's side as well. It really does strengthen one's testimony that when we center the Gospel in our families the more unified we will be, and more happy we will be. I have really seen that on my mission and it does motivate missionaries to bring that Gospel into the homes of a family.
Well we are super excited for this week and the plans and goals we have set. Like I said earlier Elder Smyer has already taught me alot of good things to help me be a better missionary and help our investigators progress. I know we are going to have a super good week and the Lord will guide us in His work.
Love you all! Enjoy the World Cup for this week!
Elder Roberts
Well week one of this transfer is now in the books, and it was a very successful week. Full of good work done, some crazy experiences, and playing chauffeur a little bit as well. But things turned out to be a
super good week and we are super excited for this week.
I am sure you are all curious about my new companion verdad? My companion is Elder Smyer, he is from Burley Idaho, he started his mission in Mexico close to the border of Mexico and Guatemala but was
only there for about 6 months and came here due to some problems with his kidneys. He has 23 months in the mission and has about 3 weeks left. He is a super hard worker and is really helping me up my game to
help our investigators. He actually has served in this ward before for about 8 months but in a different area. He actually gave a talk on Sunday and immediately the members came up to him excited to see him
again. I am excited for the little bit of time I have to work with Elder Smyer and I have already learned a lot from him within this week.
So we have a car now for our companionship because Elder Smyer sold his bike, and I am the designated driver. Por eso I said I have been playing chauffeur. Helping Elders close to our area get from place to
place every once and a while, and picking them up for dinner appointments. Plus on friday we got a flat tire because we ran over a screw so we had to go get that fixed. So those few details had impeded our work a little bit, mostly in the mornings and the afternoons. But it has helped us get around our area a little bit faster and get to lessons faster. So I think it is a win situation.
That is cool that you met Sydney Blaser. I agree that is a crazy coincidental that things worked out that way. You will have to tell her I say hi and to be careful with eye surgeries ;) Haha I bet she
will have a good time working at the clinic and she probably does better with blood :)
Glad to hear that things went well with your trip to Washington. I was super happy to hear that the Spirit was super strong at the meeting. That has always been a thing I have recognized in Steve. His ability to follow the Spirit and do the things to bless his family and others. Definitely a Christlike Example. I know that their family is a good example for our family and for Nicolle's side as well. It really does strengthen one's testimony that when we center the Gospel in our families the more unified we will be, and more happy we will be. I have really seen that on my mission and it does motivate missionaries to bring that Gospel into the homes of a family.
Well we are super excited for this week and the plans and goals we have set. Like I said earlier Elder Smyer has already taught me alot of good things to help me be a better missionary and help our investigators progress. I know we are going to have a super good week and the Lord will guide us in His work.
Love you all! Enjoy the World Cup for this week!
Elder Roberts
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
June 16, 2014
Hi everyone,
I have never had such a huge desire to watch soccer than this week. Dad will understand what I am talking about. So the World Cup started on Thursday, and pretty much our work has slowed down dramatically.
EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE is watching the games. Streets are empty, nobody wants to open their doors, and when they do they have a game going and tell us to come back later. President Tew has told us that if we can teach, teach. But if not we can go to members or investigators and visit with them even if there is a game going on. So yeah I have seen a couple games this week. I haven't seen a complete
90 minute game, but I have seen 20-30 minutes of a couple games. I feel bad that we are allowed to do so, but if it means we can visit with members and investigators I guess we will go with it. It is funny
because before the mission I did not like soccer, playing it or watching it. Now I find it super fun to watch and we play it every p-day. Crazy what the mission does to ya.
So I am sure you all are curious about what happened with transfer calls on Saturday. Well I will tell ya that something crazy has happened again. Like you all know my current companion Elder Lloyd has
been in this area for 5 transfers (7 months) and was ready for a change. Well he got it and will be going to the best ward in the mission, La Esperanza. He actually will be working in part of my last area that got dissolved. So he is excited for that change.
As for me things are a little bit more crazy. My new companion is Elder Smyer, but I will be companions with him for only 3 weeks. After that Elder Smyer will be going home, and I don't know what will happen
after that. Some say that I will get a native greenie, others say I will work in a trio for the rest of the transfer, or others say that our area will be dissolved and I will leave with Elder Smyer. To be honest I have no idea what will happen and am super curious what will happen. I am excited to work with Elder Smyer; he actually started in Mexico and due to some health problems was reassigned to this mission. I hear he is a super hard worker, his spanish is perfect, and I will have a good time working with him. So ya stay tuned for what will
happen in 3 weeks.
Well to be completely honest that is the highlights of the week. Hope dad had a super good father's day. I was going to buy you something, but decided you gift will be me coming home being able to speak
spanish with you ;) Oh ya one other highlight. I got to speak in our ward sacrament meeting yesterday. The 2nd counselor ask me to speak last week and asked that I take 10-15 minutes about fathers. So I
spent the entire week to prepare a talk, that was 15 minutes long roughly, about the responsibilities of the Father. I used a talk by Elder Perry to help me narrow down the top responsibilities.
There were 3 other speakers along with me and they all did great, plus we had a rest hymn. Well by the time it was my time to speak, the bishop told me that I had 5-7 minutes to give my talk. So I was cutting stuff out like crazy trying to share the most important parts. In the end I was praying that the Spirit guide me so I could share what our Heavenly Father wanted me to share. So ya that was fun. I was pretty nervous but not as nervous as other times I have given a talk. Plus I only used an outline instead of going word for word and it went super well. Guess it is a good sign that I am improving.
Ok well that is all the highlights. Like I said stay tuned for next week for my adventures with Elder Smyer. I know the Lord is leading and guiding this work, He has a perfect plan for His work. I am grateful for this time to be an instrument in His hands to help His children receive the Restored Gospel.
Love you all,
Elder Roberts
I have never had such a huge desire to watch soccer than this week. Dad will understand what I am talking about. So the World Cup started on Thursday, and pretty much our work has slowed down dramatically.
EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE is watching the games. Streets are empty, nobody wants to open their doors, and when they do they have a game going and tell us to come back later. President Tew has told us that if we can teach, teach. But if not we can go to members or investigators and visit with them even if there is a game going on. So yeah I have seen a couple games this week. I haven't seen a complete
90 minute game, but I have seen 20-30 minutes of a couple games. I feel bad that we are allowed to do so, but if it means we can visit with members and investigators I guess we will go with it. It is funny
because before the mission I did not like soccer, playing it or watching it. Now I find it super fun to watch and we play it every p-day. Crazy what the mission does to ya.
So I am sure you all are curious about what happened with transfer calls on Saturday. Well I will tell ya that something crazy has happened again. Like you all know my current companion Elder Lloyd has
been in this area for 5 transfers (7 months) and was ready for a change. Well he got it and will be going to the best ward in the mission, La Esperanza. He actually will be working in part of my last area that got dissolved. So he is excited for that change.
As for me things are a little bit more crazy. My new companion is Elder Smyer, but I will be companions with him for only 3 weeks. After that Elder Smyer will be going home, and I don't know what will happen
after that. Some say that I will get a native greenie, others say I will work in a trio for the rest of the transfer, or others say that our area will be dissolved and I will leave with Elder Smyer. To be honest I have no idea what will happen and am super curious what will happen. I am excited to work with Elder Smyer; he actually started in Mexico and due to some health problems was reassigned to this mission. I hear he is a super hard worker, his spanish is perfect, and I will have a good time working with him. So ya stay tuned for what will
happen in 3 weeks.
Well to be completely honest that is the highlights of the week. Hope dad had a super good father's day. I was going to buy you something, but decided you gift will be me coming home being able to speak
spanish with you ;) Oh ya one other highlight. I got to speak in our ward sacrament meeting yesterday. The 2nd counselor ask me to speak last week and asked that I take 10-15 minutes about fathers. So I
spent the entire week to prepare a talk, that was 15 minutes long roughly, about the responsibilities of the Father. I used a talk by Elder Perry to help me narrow down the top responsibilities.
There were 3 other speakers along with me and they all did great, plus we had a rest hymn. Well by the time it was my time to speak, the bishop told me that I had 5-7 minutes to give my talk. So I was cutting stuff out like crazy trying to share the most important parts. In the end I was praying that the Spirit guide me so I could share what our Heavenly Father wanted me to share. So ya that was fun. I was pretty nervous but not as nervous as other times I have given a talk. Plus I only used an outline instead of going word for word and it went super well. Guess it is a good sign that I am improving.
Ok well that is all the highlights. Like I said stay tuned for next week for my adventures with Elder Smyer. I know the Lord is leading and guiding this work, He has a perfect plan for His work. I am grateful for this time to be an instrument in His hands to help His children receive the Restored Gospel.
Love you all,
Elder Roberts
Monday, June 9, 2014
June 9, 2014
Hi guys,
Wow what a week huh? To be honest I had no idea how this week was going to play out. Obviously a lot of emotions for starting the mission on year ago, and desire to work even harder this next year. It really hit me how fast this past year has flown by on Thursday and was a good time to reflect on what has happened this past year. But now my desire to work has definitely increased. A good example would be the
sons of Mosiah when hey had the desire "that salvation should be declared to every creature" (Mosiah 28:3). So ya this next year is going to crazy, and alot of good hard work will be done.
Thank you so much for the package you sent me. I had to laugh when I saw the two shirts on top. I told Elder Lloyd that white shirts are like a Hydra: You burn one, and two more replace it. Thank you for
everything else that you included in it I enjoyed everything. I especially enjoyed the snacks you included and already feel like I am eating more healthy with them. Definitely will have to buy more of them in the future. Also we have a member who gave us some ideas for some quick, healthy lunch ideas. So maybe this next year I might be able to drop a few pounds ;)
So this week we did a really good job applying the mission standards our mission president has established for us. We taught almost every single night this week which was awesome, we found a new investigators
and she came to church, and we talked to more people this week. It has been amazing to see how much more successful I felt this week when we met these standards, and helped me realize that these standards are to help us work more effectively. I definitely felt more effective in this work and a lot more happy. This week I will be focusing on teaching simple truths, talk with everyone, and obedience.
Well that is pretty much a good summary for the week. This is the last week for this transfer. I really think I will be getting a new companion due to that Elder Lloyd has been in this area for 5 transfers and is ready for a change of scenery. I am actually super excited for this next transfer and already have several good goals set
to help me work more effectively and efficiently. Like I said earlier I really want to raise my voice so that everyone can receive the Restored Gospel.
Love you all,
Elder Roberts
Wow what a week huh? To be honest I had no idea how this week was going to play out. Obviously a lot of emotions for starting the mission on year ago, and desire to work even harder this next year. It really hit me how fast this past year has flown by on Thursday and was a good time to reflect on what has happened this past year. But now my desire to work has definitely increased. A good example would be the
sons of Mosiah when hey had the desire "that salvation should be declared to every creature" (Mosiah 28:3). So ya this next year is going to crazy, and alot of good hard work will be done.
Thank you so much for the package you sent me. I had to laugh when I saw the two shirts on top. I told Elder Lloyd that white shirts are like a Hydra: You burn one, and two more replace it. Thank you for
everything else that you included in it I enjoyed everything. I especially enjoyed the snacks you included and already feel like I am eating more healthy with them. Definitely will have to buy more of them in the future. Also we have a member who gave us some ideas for some quick, healthy lunch ideas. So maybe this next year I might be able to drop a few pounds ;)
So this week we did a really good job applying the mission standards our mission president has established for us. We taught almost every single night this week which was awesome, we found a new investigators
and she came to church, and we talked to more people this week. It has been amazing to see how much more successful I felt this week when we met these standards, and helped me realize that these standards are to help us work more effectively. I definitely felt more effective in this work and a lot more happy. This week I will be focusing on teaching simple truths, talk with everyone, and obedience.
Well that is pretty much a good summary for the week. This is the last week for this transfer. I really think I will be getting a new companion due to that Elder Lloyd has been in this area for 5 transfers and is ready for a change of scenery. I am actually super excited for this next transfer and already have several good goals set
to help me work more effectively and efficiently. Like I said earlier I really want to raise my voice so that everyone can receive the Restored Gospel.
Love you all,
Elder Roberts
I think the only thing I need to explain is about the Pinata. So we
have a recent convert in our ward who loves to make pinatas. So Elder
Gonzalez, an Elder who has the same amount of time as I do, asked her
if she could make a pinata so we could celebrate our 1 year mark. So
she did and ya that is is :) It was so much fun until someone secretly
put in chili powder packets and they exploded when the pinata broke.
Haha everyone was sneezing and coughing when they exploded :) But ya
then after words Elder Awerkamp, a former companion of mine, and I
burnt our shirt to celebrate our year mark. It was so much fun! Enjoy
the photos!
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