Monday, 11/18/13 - Sunday, 11/24/13

Monday – Good P-day today. Did the usual stuff that we always do. Also played some basketball with the 2^nd Ward Elders and tore them up! It was really fun and I realized how out of shape I am. I was so winded the whole time but it was worth it. After our basketball, we went to a huge shoe sale to see what they had there. They had some pretty nice ones, but the best ones went quick before we got there. After that we went to the Taylor’s for dinner which was great as always. They are such a great example of what a family should be like. I love going over there. Then we headed home to set some zone goals and plan for tomorrow. Before gong in we tried a few people but they just weren’t home or didn’t answer.

Tuesday – Today we started off at the Crestview District Meeting. I was really impressed with Elder Elmer and how awesome his District Meeting was. It was interactive and it was fun and I think everyone learned a lot. Most important though is that I feel like I felt the spirit the whole time. It was fantastic! Went home to eat a bit and to pack up for our trip to Tallahassee. We had a Mission Leadership Council (MLC) to go to. Before we left for that we went to see Jamie with Brother Fisher and shared a bit about the atonement with her. Didn’t get to share all we wanted to because she is going through a really hard time. Her grandfather is not doing too well and is looking like his cancer is going to take him. She was very stressed and emotional. Brother Fisher was also with us and shared some awesome experiences. Then we headed to Mariana to meet the Ozark Elders and Sisters there. We had to drive there and our Sisters followed us. We lost them but luckily they had a GPS as well. So we went with Elder Winter and Elder Call to Tallahassee. It was a fun car ride. Elder Winter and Elder Call are awesome. Got to the mission home after like 4 hours of driving and said hello to President and Sister Smith. Dinner wasn’t quite ready and we were down dressed (wearing normal clothes) so all the Elders went and played some “speed” at the church. That was fun and we then ate some burgers and hot dogs. After that we played some unity games with all the zone leaders and sister trainers. We had to build a boat out of a bunch of random stuff. We had a shower curtain, cardboard box, duct tape, paper and two plastic bins. That was all pretty fun. We also had a campfire and some testimonies born. Then we all went to different places to sleep. Elder Evans and I slept with the Tally 1^st Ward Elders. They were asleep when we got there so we just blew up our air mattresses and went to bed. President Smith also gave Elder Evans his shoes. Elder Evans told him he couldn’t take them and President left them in the driveway and walked inside. Told him (Elder Evans) that they’d just sit there.

 

Wednesday – Today we had our MLC first thing in the morning. It went from 9 am until about 3:30 pm. It was so awesome and the spirit was so strong during the whole thing. Took a ton of notes about all the stuff discussed and should have plenty to teach during zone training. Brother Hill and Brother Peterson were there from the Missionary Department and taught us a bit. Then we cleaned up and went to get supplies from the mission office. Waited forever for a bike rack. Then began our journey back to Mariana to pick up our car and head back to Crestview. Went to Johnny’s and we were going to share a message until Johnny’s daughter, Bella who has autism, decided to get in the toilet. So we ate fast at Taco Bell and then taught Angie. She is starting to do better. Then we went home to talk about and plan zone training. That was the end of that day.

Thursday – Today we first went to see Billy Ray and taught a bit. He ended up dropping us though. He wants to go back to his roots and be Baptist. Told us that we can call if we need some protection from him. Came home to eat and began our weekly planning. Had to pause that to go to Johnny’s at 5 and eat with him. He made us turkey and rice which was really good. We talked to him about testimony and he said that he felt a good feeling when he prayed to know if what we share is true. He said that he analyzes stuff too much though. So he has a testimony which is sweet! Then we went and taught Manny with Devon that just got home from his mission. Devon was awesome! Had to have been such a good missionary. He was in Ghana so that is way different then here. Then we went to see Daisy Wiggins. She told us to stop coming by. That was the first time I met her. Kinda rude. Then we finished weekly planning and did some zone training planning.

Friday – Holy 15 months out in the field but of course I’m not counting. Went to Donna’s today and it was kind of weird because she was in kind of a bad mood. She has been going through a hard time the past little bit. Did a bit of service there. Then we had to leave and go home to plan a bit for our zone training. Brother McKenzie came out with us to see Austin and we were able to share a little message with him and invite him to volleyball tonight. Also tried to see Brian and Alisha, not home but we went to see the Schofield’s, a part active/part member family. Talked to Sister Schofield about her less-active daughter and non-member husband. Then had coordination with Brother Boyd. Went well and then we headed to play some volleyball at the church. Austin did come to volleyball which was awesome! Then went home to make calls.

Saturday – Today we went to Ryan’s to go to breakfast with President Miller. Ryan’s decided they wanted to start opening at 8 am instead of 7:30 so President Miller took us to McDonald’s instead. Almost crapped my pants because I always knew McDonald’s was bad for you, but now they put the nutrition on their labels. Didn’t do much in the morning. Well just didn’t get to do anything because things fells through. We then headed to Bonifay, Florida, for an MLC with Elder Kopischke of the 1^st Quorum of the Seventy and Elder Munz of, I believe, the Sixth Quorum of the Seventy. That was awesome! They had a question and answer session. Spirit was strong! Then we headed back and taught Ben. He told us some sweet stories about Afghanistan and about what medical things he has to know how to do in case someone gets shot. Went to see Johnny and ended up teaching his stepson. Austin, and he prayed for us even though it was weird for him. Then we went with Brother Lawrence because Johnny fell through and we’re able to setup an appointment with the Nimmo’s and we invited them to church. Then ate at Wendy’s with the Lawrence’s. Awesome day!

Sunday – Today church was awesome! They brought out the big guns for my birthday. Justin Mozina from the 2^nd Ward spoke and Devon Brown from our ward. They both recently got home from missions in Africa. Then Devon’s mom, Sister Okwu, also spoke. They were all so good! I met Sister Burbidge’s parents which was cool because I recently found out they are related to me through the Grant line. We also ate at the Fisher’s and Devon and Sister Okwu were there so it was fun to talk to them. We then went out with Brother Climer and helped Sister Clonts move some work out equipment and look at one of her doors to see how we can fix it. Then we went and taught Glen Ashby, a less-active. Him and Brother Climer went off about Star Trek. They both love it. Glen is a great guy. Then the Bailey’s called and told us to come over to their place so we could have cake for my birthday. That was fun. Had a bunch of missionaries there. Did #’s and our zone exploded with 32 gators to Sacrament! Great week! 

Monday 11/11/13 - Sunday 11/17/13

Monday – Had an awesome start to our day.  We got to go to the Burbidge’s to email and they fed us as well. Got to email Elder Winter and rub that in a bit because Elder Winter and I were trying to get into their house for a while. It was fun, I found out that I am related to Sister Burbidge through the Jedediah Grant line and we are from the same line of Jedediah. After we got done there we headed to the Anderson’s, a family that was moving in. So we helped them move in. Killed our P-day, but hopefully something will be able to come out of it. They are a part member family and we heard that the husband is pretty interested. We then ate with the Thomas’ and got to teach Brother Thomas about dispensations, apostasy and Christ’s ministry. Johnny was sick so that fell through, but we got to teach Ben about the priesthood. He is intimated by the idea and doesn’t feel ready. He said he would prepare though. Then we had to buy a couple things because we never go to shop.

Tuesday – Today we went to the Fort Walton 1 District Meeting. Went well then had exchanges with the 1^st Ward Elders. I stayed in Fort Walton with Elder Anderson and Elder Evans stayed in our area with Elder Schuartz. Elder Anderson and I had a pretty good day. We had 2 member presents. One with Chyanne (yes that is how she spells it). We taught her the plan of salvation. She is very bubbly and has a very short attention span. She is cool though. Our other member present was with the Wall’s and they are an awesome family. Sister Wall=non-member knows the Bible so well and loves to learn. Both of the members that came out were awesome. Brother Kline had worked with Dr. J and a ton of other athletes. He talked a lot but Chyanne seemed to enjoy his stories. Then Brother Gilchrist came to the Wall’s and he knows a ton about history and can really connect it with the Bible. Had dinner with the Bodine’s and they are pretty cool people. Good food and their little boy is really cute. Before dinner we went by a less-active and Elder Anderson said we aren’t knocking as we got on the porch. So I looked in the window to see a chunky lady…naked…we left.

Wednesday – Today we traded back and then headed to the Spanish Elders place for an exchange. I went to their area with Elder Bravo and Elder MaClay. Elder Lopez went up to Crestview with my companion. Started the day off with some studies. Spanish Elders also have to do language study. Well anyone speaking a foreign language has that. Then we went out to teach and taught Hermana Smith, less active. She has some misunderstandings and was also using a Jehovah Witness Bible. Then we taught Hermana Gomez, another less active.  She said some really funny things. She said she was a really good preacher and then the wind blew and she said, “See God’s here. I made the wind blow.” Went and taught Joel who is a member, a bit less-active. Good guy though. Then we went to a fish place called Stewby’s and the owner is married to a member and paid for our food. Taught Raul Salazar about tithing and fast offerings. Then we had English classes and the Elders taught a bunch of Hispanics English. It was an interesting day because I don’t speak Spanish, but I bore my testimony a few times and Elder Bravo translated. One of the times with Joel he was able to understand my testimony.

Thursday – Today we traded back and headed back to eat at Applebee’s before service. We did service at Miss April’s. Got to whack down some trees with a hatchet and with a machete. Saw the inside of her house and wow, she really likes purple. Mostly everything is purple in there. Out of curiosity I looked to see if her silverware was purple and it wasn’t. Had a good time there, then we came home and showered. I got a cool looking scratch on my arm. Taught a less-active, Mallery King. Got into the nitty-gritty a bit trying to motivate him to quit smoking. He just wants to do it alone, which he can’t because Christ needs to help him. After all that is what he died for. Also taught another less-active or two actually. We taught Brother and Sister Parson about the foundation and testimony and they kind of went off about why they won’t come to church. Also had a really good dinner appointment with the Cochran’s. They made homemade pizza which was really good! They are a really awesome family. That sums up the day.

Friday – Had the day that we didn’t expect. Started off weekly planning and Donna ended up asking us to come by today. We had to go to Jamie’s at noon which fell through so we went to Donna’s to help her out and try to get the trench done. We have it most of the way done and now we need to just get the walkway done. Got to have a little lesson with her about God and him being our father. She really liked it. Came home to eat a bit and then go out to see the Roger’s. That fell through so we got to tract around the area. Did the family search approach and had some good conversations with people, but no appointments from it this time. Then we went to the church for volleyball and got to see the Nimmo’s, our investigators, which was awesome. It was really fun tonight. Saw the Iosefa’s there as well which was sweet! They are so awesome. Then we went home to get ready to call all our billion companionships in the zone.

Saturday – Today we had the usual breakfast with President Miller. That was good! Then we had studies in the Walmart parking lot which went pretty well. We taught Ben and Jamie Barbecho. Mostly taught Ben but we were able to share a bit with Jamie. She was around the house cleaning a lot. Went home and had lunch and weekly planned the rest of the week. Went and saw Angie and taught her while reading Helaman. Had a good time there and then headed to see a couple potentials. Didn’t work out so we had our member present with Johnny. Brother Ratcliff came with us. It was a good lesson. Johnny seems committed for baptism on the 7^th of December. He has a long way to go to be ready but really feels that he can and will get there. Unfortunately that is really all. Actually during lunch we made some recordings that ended up being really funny. I will have to figure out a way to get them home.

Sunday – Today was awesome. First off Johnny didn’t come to church…frustrating! Other than that Church was awesome. Austin gave his “farewell” talk which was good. Brother Taylor gave an amazing talk that blew my socks off! After church we had an awesome lesson. Went on splits and I went with Brother Climer and we taught Alonzo. Read with him and expounded upon them and helped him with understanding them. Brother Climer did a good job helping out and being my companion. Elder Evans helped Brother Taylor with some home teaching. Then ate with the Parker’s and tried to figure out how to excite the ward with their missionary work. Had a fun time there…Sisters were there…didn’t know that was going to happen. We aren’t supposed to eat with them. Went home and studied a bit and then finally got to teach Andy Bissen for the first time in a long time. It was a pretty good lesson. I think we really helped Andy strengthen his faith. Then taught Johnny and grilled him for not keeping commitments. Hopefully that will help.

Monday, 11/4/13 - Sunday, 11/10/13

Monday – Today was a long P-day. Had the usual and moved in a bit more or I should say unpacked. Got a haircut from a guy named Mack Brooks. He has his own little barbershop on Main Street here in Crestview. He is 83 years old. Don’t have an idea how he managed to not mess up because his hands were so shaky. Great guy. Haircut took forever and he told us some good stories and swore quite a bit. Told me if I play an instrument, I should do something no one else does. He said the banjo. Then shopped and played basketball with the 2^nd Ward Elders, Elder Elmer and Elder Burnham. That was fun. Elder Evans played well one armed. He hurt his arm last week going off a jump on his bike and crashing. He actually separated his shoulder, wasn’t his arm. Ate at the Lawrence’s tonight and had Family Home Evening as well. That was fun. We played blind man’s bluff which was sweet! Tried to see a couple people then went back to meet 2^nd Ward at our apartment. They had to use our dryer.

Tuesday – Today we went to the Niceville District Meeting and had an exchange with Elder Hawker coming to Crestview with me. Elder Evans went to Niceville with Elder Brewington. Elder Hawker and I had quite an eventful day. Went to see Jamie which didn’t work out so we saw Billy Ray. Got to teach him quite a bit. He opened up about his mom so we talked about eternal families, authority and baptisms for the dead. He is softening! Then went to see Ryan who fell through, but we went to see Austin and him and Elder Hawker had a handstand contest. If Austin won, Elder Hawker had to read a chapter of the Book of Mormon to him. If Elder Hawker won, Austin had to read a chapter before we see him next. Surprisingly, Austin went down quick and will have to read alone. We also went on a walk with and met a guy named Tom Crow who is friends with some members named the Tew’s. He also knows Angie Davis, the recent convert. Then we saw Josh and set up to do some electrical work in his Jeep tomorrow. Then taught Johnny with Brother Wadas. Brother Wadas taught a ton and really helped Johnny understand the scriptures and also tithing. After the lesson, Brother Lawrence came to Johnny’s and wanted to teach but we were finished. So we tried to see David with him which didn’t work out so he followed us to our “Joseph Smith: The Prophet” practice. We are doing that again which should be awesome. Gave Brother Lawrence a blessing and practiced a bit. That was all at the Bailey’s. Great exchange!

Wednesday – Today we traded back and headed home for some lunch. Went over to read with Angie because Jamie fell through. So we read with Angie a bit. She really loves reading the book of Mormon. After that, we went to Johnny’s and took him on a tour of the church. We all hopped in Johnny’s car and headed to the church. So hopefully Johnny will feel comfortable enough to go to church now. After that we had Manny, but for some reason I drove to Josh’s house and when we were almost there I realized it and turned back. It worked out because Manny wasn’t home but pulled up shortly after we got there. Taught him kind of an odd lesson. It felt really weird but he committed to read and pray. Funny story too, the Sisters tracted in to Manny and he really confused them which cracked me up a bit. After Manny, we had some of the coolest service I have ever done. We went over to Josh’s and started taking his Jeep apart with him. We just took off some of the body and the seats. He has a 1973 Jeep in red and he is looking to restore it. He also gave us food and we got to teach him a bit about the importance of reading. He said he would!

Thursday  – Today we went to see Jamie but she wasn’t home so we went to see a couple people that live near her. Tried to see a couple less actives. One said she didn’t speak English, the other wasn’t home. We did catch brother Prazzo, another less active. He had a brain infection around 7 years ago so he has a hard time remembering, but he is a really great guy and sees it as a blessing, the brain infection that is. Finally go to teach Jamie and it was good. We feel like we are building a strong relationship with her. After that we headed home to weekly plan. Then we headed to see the Rogers. Fell through so we went to see the Doman’s. That was weird. They think the Sabbath is on Saturday. We didn’t even bring up the Sabbath, they did. Then they got in a fight about the gift of tongues. Again, we didn’t bring that up. Miss Doman then asked if we had the gift of tongues and just to be kind of a smarty pants, I said “no, but our Spanish missionaries do”. Left there cause it was a bad vibe and we had coordination. Then went to the Joseph Smith: The Prophet practice. I am Joseph Smith this time which should be good.

Friday – We started the day going service for Donna. We got a lot of the trench done. We will finish most of it next time. She is an awesome lady with some strange beliefs but that’s okay. We had to finish our weekly planning after that. Finished that up just in time to go to the church right after. Also had a quick lunch before heading to the church for some volleyball. It was really run too. We got Austin there and he brought his friend. The Nimmo’s also came which was great and we all had a really good time. Highlight of the whole day way that the Iosefa’s from the Fox Run Ward were there because they were visiting the Lawrence’s. They are really good friends. It was good to see them and Brother Iosefa also told me that they found a medication that keeps his “suicide man’s disease” at bay. He still can’t play sports or work out because he can’t sweat. Awesome day!

Saturday – Started off going to breakfast with President Miller. Then we went to help some people move. One of them was Alonzo Wilkes. We were able to teach him and set up an appointment for tomorrow. After the move we had some lunch and studies. Then we went to see Angie Davis. Taught about Christ’s doctrine. She is learning and reading through the Book of Mormon fast! Then we went to try to see the Barbecho’s who weren’t home so we got to go over and see the Thomas’. Taught Brother Thomas a lesson about God’s nature and that the gospel blesses families. Then headed to see a lady named Michelle that Sister Thomas wanted us to go see. Very nice lady. They were getting ready to watch the LSU vs. Alabama game. She and the rest of her family are big ‘Bama fans. After that we headed over to the church to practice the Joseph Smith musical fireside/devotional. It was pretty fun. Got to laugh a lot with the other missionaries. We have awesome missionaries in this zone! It’s great!

Sunday – Today we had Ward Council Meeting which was fun and it went well. Then at church I met Brother Blum for the first time. He is my 2^nd cousin or something like that. His mom, Sylvia, was there too so I got to meet her. She is my mom’s cousin and that was awesome. They are great people. It was fun to get to know them a bit. After church we went to teach Alonzo, our new gator, with Brother Wadas. It was awesome. We set a BCD (baptism date) with him as well. After that we ate with President Morgan’s family. He is the Olive Branch President. That was fun. Got to talk and chat while he drove us to his house and back. When we got back, we tried to see the Barbecho’s and a couple others. After that we went to the church for the musical fireside. It was so awesome! I was so honored and it was cool to kinda be in Joseph Smith’s shoes. I really enjoyed this performance. It was fun to see all the other missionaries too.

Monday, 10/28/13 - Sunday, 11/3/13

Monday – Today was the day that we found out what was happening at transfer. Read the transfer email and found out Elder Winter will be going to Ozark to replace Elder Olsen, my trainer. He is going home after his 2 years. Gonna miss that tall guy, but I should see him again someday. After seeing that, I saw that Elder Evans will be coming to Crestview. I don’t know much about him though. Got done checking that and shopped and played some beach volleyball at the park with the 2nd Ward Elders. During volleyball, a girl fight broke out at the park. Tall black chick beat the crap out of chunky white chick. It was crazy and there was a terrible feeling after. Elder Chappel is going to be a zone leader in Tallahassee now and Elder Elmer will become the district leader here, which means it was our last time playing volleyball, well us 4 together. Ate with the Burton’s tonight and their wild kids. It was awesome! I love their kids! Then stopped by Johnny’s briefly for Elder Winter to say bye and then taught the Barbecho’s a bit. Then had to swing by Brother and Sister Lawrence to say bye to them and Emma. They are really awesome and we love going over there. Brother Lawrence does a lot for us too. Great P-day.

Tuesday – Had our District breakfast for our district activity. Then had a really good district meeting. Everyone bore their testimonies and it was powerful. Then we went to Donna’s to do service for her. It was good. Donna is such a nice lady. Always feeds us good healthy snacks. Also got to see a ton of people before Elder Winter leaves tomorrow. Saw the Thomas’, took a picture and then headed off. Ate with the Taylor’s which is always a good time! Saw the Woodring’s for a brief lesson. They gave Elder Winter a cool little mirror plaque. Taught Andy and had some great dessert there. Got food from the Cockrell’s, enchiladas! Briefly saw the Barbecho’s. Then headed to the Haines who gave Elder Winter a sweet rugby referee jersey and a mini replica Fijian war club. Sister Haines is from Fiji so they give them to missionaries when they leave.

Wednesday – Went to transfer spots first thing to pick up Elder Evans, my new companion. Stopped by Walmart to get some packing tape and some carpet cleaner for our apartment so that we can get ready to move Elder Winter. Took Elder Malmberg to see Angie Davis and say bye. Elder Evans and I went and dropped off a shovel at the Hansen’s and they want to feed us tomorrow and that works out really well. Dropped stuff off at home. Got autumn package from my mom. That was sweet! Got Elder Winter’s stuff in the car to go to transfers the second time then drive all the way one direction and then turn around and head back so there are two different transfer times in Crestview. Elder Evans and I then went to see a guy named Andy and ran into Ray and also another JC that was with him. He had a different JC with him last time we met him. Talked to Levi and some other people in the ghetto. That was interesting. Had some dinner that Sister Nelson brought over for us and that was pretty good. Also had coordination today. Also helped a southern lady put a bench in a school bus and another lady needed us to pull out some bushes. She gave us persimmon. It is really good.

Thursday – Today I woke up exhausted. I have been feeling pretty sick lately, but really felt it today. First thing we did today was get some family history stuff together for the Olive Sisters event up in Baker this weekend. Talked to Billy Ray on the phone for a while. Then we got to weekly planning which took a while being the first time as a companionship. We’ll have to finish tomorrow because we had to pack up due to our move tomorrow. We did get to see Levi today and ended up running into the 1st JC - drunk. Went to see the Roger’s and have to go back a different time because Mr. Rogers wasn’t there. So we dropped off a triple combo to Angie and then went to see Marisol. Taught her a bit and then ran into Brian and Alisha and are going to teach them tomorrow. Then we had to go in early because it is Halloween.  Good day!

Friday - Today started off rough. We’re supposed to move and had lots of help available, but the office didn’t tell us we couldn’t move until tomorrow.  The carpet guy wasn’t able to come yesterday so he came today. We did get to go over to Jamie’s and talk to her. Tried to teach but didn’t really get to. She expressed some concerns about how she didn’t like being pushed, so hopefully she won’t feel pushed with Elder Evans and I. Went to try to catch Brian and Alisha because Brian told us he’d wait for us for an hour. He wasn’t there. We had a slightly uncomfortable conversation with Sister Emily. She just stared at us. Went over and taught Chuck who talks a ton. He was pretty closed off reading the wrong books. Then we saw Manny briefly and set up a time to teach them. Next was the Nimmo’s and we had dinner which was good. She made homemade spaghetti sauce. It was great! Also set a BCD with them which was exciting! Great finish to the day.

Saturday – Today we had our meeting with President Miller first thing in the morning as usual. Then we got home to get ready to move. Had a ton a great help. Brother Golsen, Brother Cockran, Brother Climer, Brother Wing and Sister Wirt and her son, Nathan, all came to help. Took only about two hours to get everything moved over to the new place. Then we had to clean and get our food and a couple other odds and ends collected. Took up most of the day to get it all taken care of, but we still do have a ton of organizing to do. Went over to see Angie Davis and read with her. Then headed over to see Johnny with Brother Lawrence. A guy named Adam was there with Johnny so we got to teach them a little lesson. Adam wanted to come back another time to hear more with Johnny so we set up a time to come by. Then Brother Lawrence took Adam somewhere he needed to go. So I am sure that there was some good conversation. We headed home to eat and then plan.

Sunday – Today we were slightly late to church because we were trying to get a gator there. She wasn’t home. Church was good. I taught Gospel Principles. Lesson was decent. After church I accidentally ate lunch on Fast Sunday…oops! Had our studies and then went out to teach. We were about to try to find Alisha when a lady pulled up and wanted us to see a guy who was about to commit suicide, so we followed her there. No answer so we went to see Austin and read some of 3 Nephi 12 with him. Fun kid! Then we went to try to catch David who wasn’t home so we decided to stop by Steve’s. On the way met an awesome lady name Laura who loves genealogy and her daughter, Kandice McKosey, was recently baptized in Niceville. Then we set up an appointment with the Rix, a part member family. Ate at the Wyatt’s which was way fun. Then taught Ben Barbecho about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He told us his conversion story and it was so powerful. Lesson was strong and so was the spirit. Then contacted Ryan Bielec and taught him about Sabbath behavior. He said he liked to fish in the morning so I bore strong testimony of keeping the day sacred. He will come to church he said! :)