Thursday, December 18, 2008
12-15-08
Humm, a typical day would consist of us getting up, making breakfast, showering, possibly working out, then we usually try and have an appointment in the morning or have some service that we can do. We then come back for lunch and then head out to do some tracting or bus oyming (Open Your Mouth-talking to people). Then areound 4 ish we try to have another appointment and then dinner around 5:30 or 6. After that, depending on the day, we sometimes meet with a member or a part-member family. or Elder Condie plays piano really good so sometimnes we go to the church and he practices on the piano.
Most of the people we talk with speak English, and if not then we just refer them to the City View Ward Elders who are Spanish speaking.
We have had a wide variety of dinners served at our dinner appointments; from Chinese to Italian to Vietnumes and what not. Then there's your usaul steak.
The Risenmays are a way awesome young family and she can cook really well.
Last week Elder Condie and I did some service for a member. He owns a company called sports cars international and runs it and works pretty much by himself. He had us come over and help him take apart some cars for him. He sells the parts on ebay or uses them to fix other cars that he has that are in better condition. We ended up taking apart (this is for dad) the front wheel part of an MGB Oh ya! He had like 10 or so, MG or MGBs that are in rough condition that he bought for parts.
I didnt have my camera so I couldn't get a picture for dad but it was cool to work on them. They are such nice little cars. Elder Condie had a hard time believing I fit in one when I told him that I had driven one. Ok a kit one, but still same size right? Do we have any picts of me driving the one down at Cousin Warren's?
Just in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It snowed again!!! this is the third time in like 2 weeks that it has snowed!
Elder Condie and I didn't make it to church yesterday because we were sick!!! Like way sick. Like kill me now sick!! Ya it started about 2 pm on Saturday and just got worse as the day went on (only tracted half a street bc we felt so bad). The Ward Christmas Party was that night so we had to make an appearance. I almost lost it during the party so we went home.(The Stake President gave us a ride. Bless him!) We barely got to our beds, it hurt so bad. Elder Condie lost it first around 9 or so and then I lost it several times during the night. Not a good night! Got no sleep. We felt better Sunday morning, but were to tired to go to church so I just slept till like 4 or so in the afternoon. We are feeling fine today. Don't ask me what it was bc I don't know. We think perhaps food posioning. Sister Anderson says flu, bc we had a fever, but I didn't throw up the last time I had the flu nor did I have a fever then. So we dont know.
Yep, that was our exciting weekend. We missed the Ward's Christmas program which we really wanted to see!!
Ya, well sounds like you have had an interesting past week too! All that ice is not good. Any bad water damage from the basements flooding?
Most of the people we talk with speak English, and if not then we just refer them to the City View Ward Elders who are Spanish speaking.
We have had a wide variety of dinners served at our dinner appointments; from Chinese to Italian to Vietnumes and what not. Then there's your usaul steak.
The Risenmays are a way awesome young family and she can cook really well.
Last week Elder Condie and I did some service for a member. He owns a company called sports cars international and runs it and works pretty much by himself. He had us come over and help him take apart some cars for him. He sells the parts on ebay or uses them to fix other cars that he has that are in better condition. We ended up taking apart (this is for dad) the front wheel part of an MGB Oh ya! He had like 10 or so, MG or MGBs that are in rough condition that he bought for parts.
I didnt have my camera so I couldn't get a picture for dad but it was cool to work on them. They are such nice little cars. Elder Condie had a hard time believing I fit in one when I told him that I had driven one. Ok a kit one, but still same size right? Do we have any picts of me driving the one down at Cousin Warren's?
Just in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It snowed again!!! this is the third time in like 2 weeks that it has snowed!
Elder Condie and I didn't make it to church yesterday because we were sick!!! Like way sick. Like kill me now sick!! Ya it started about 2 pm on Saturday and just got worse as the day went on (only tracted half a street bc we felt so bad). The Ward Christmas Party was that night so we had to make an appearance. I almost lost it during the party so we went home.(The Stake President gave us a ride. Bless him!) We barely got to our beds, it hurt so bad. Elder Condie lost it first around 9 or so and then I lost it several times during the night. Not a good night! Got no sleep. We felt better Sunday morning, but were to tired to go to church so I just slept till like 4 or so in the afternoon. We are feeling fine today. Don't ask me what it was bc I don't know. We think perhaps food posioning. Sister Anderson says flu, bc we had a fever, but I didn't throw up the last time I had the flu nor did I have a fever then. So we dont know.
Yep, that was our exciting weekend. We missed the Ward's Christmas program which we really wanted to see!!
Ya, well sounds like you have had an interesting past week too! All that ice is not good. Any bad water damage from the basements flooding?
12-9-08
We are doing great here! lol Guess what...it SNOWed last night!
Ya snow in Albq., in early December. It only totaled about an inch or so, but you could see it coming down. It wasn't cold either. I was standing outside in my shorts and t-shirt while the snow was falling around me. lol Later in the day it got chilly with a wind that came through, but not to bad. It SNOWed!! Oh, and with about just an inch on the ground and grass, and none on the streets or sidewalks, the schools had a two hour delay. Crazy. Tell that to your School Superintendent. lol
Ya snow in Albq., in early December. It only totaled about an inch or so, but you could see it coming down. It wasn't cold either. I was standing outside in my shorts and t-shirt while the snow was falling around me. lol Later in the day it got chilly with a wind that came through, but not to bad. It SNOWed!! Oh, and with about just an inch on the ground and grass, and none on the streets or sidewalks, the schools had a two hour delay. Crazy. Tell that to your School Superintendent. lol
12-8-08
Ya, its way warmer here! Like on p-days we just wear pants and short sleeves.
The bike is doing real well. I bought a kickstand for it but I broke it riding down the arroyo like 2 days later, so I'm done with that. lol Sorry, I know. a waste of money.
The weather is raining and cloudy today which is unfortunate bc we are planning on going hiking.
Elder Condie grew up in the church. He is from Hockessin *, DE and he attended BYU- Provo before coming to the mission. He has been in this area for 3 transfers. He reminds me somewhat of Robby Beavers.
*Hockessin is pronounced /ˈhoʊkɛsɨn/ (HO-kass-in). The place name may be derived from the Lenape word "hòkèsa" meaning "pieces of bark" or from a misspelling of "occasion," as pronounced by the Quakers who settled the area originally, (Wikipedia).
We have a very diverse area. Up on the mountain its all nice rich homes and then down off the mountain its the poorer class. We have about the same receptivity as in Cortez though referrals are alot more common here than in Cortez.
Yes we are doing FHE with a part member family at this time.
I finally met Uncle Joe's sister who lives in the City View Ward.
MY MTC teacher Steven is getting married in like two weeks.
Thank you for the all the Christmas presents that I have received!
They have all come in good condition and everything! I got a box of decorations and another with 12 Days of Christmas gifts in the mail. I didn't find the 24 referrals you spoke of, but there was dove chocolate in the box which was great. Also, I did not find a money box yet. lol
The bike is doing real well. I bought a kickstand for it but I broke it riding down the arroyo like 2 days later, so I'm done with that. lol Sorry, I know. a waste of money.
The weather is raining and cloudy today which is unfortunate bc we are planning on going hiking.
Elder Condie grew up in the church. He is from Hockessin *, DE and he attended BYU- Provo before coming to the mission. He has been in this area for 3 transfers. He reminds me somewhat of Robby Beavers.
*Hockessin is pronounced /ˈhoʊkɛsɨn/ (HO-kass-in). The place name may be derived from the Lenape word "hòkèsa" meaning "pieces of bark" or from a misspelling of "occasion," as pronounced by the Quakers who settled the area originally, (Wikipedia).
We have a very diverse area. Up on the mountain its all nice rich homes and then down off the mountain its the poorer class. We have about the same receptivity as in Cortez though referrals are alot more common here than in Cortez.
Yes we are doing FHE with a part member family at this time.
I finally met Uncle Joe's sister who lives in the City View Ward.
MY MTC teacher Steven is getting married in like two weeks.
Thank you for the all the Christmas presents that I have received!
They have all come in good condition and everything! I got a box of decorations and another with 12 Days of Christmas gifts in the mail. I didn't find the 24 referrals you spoke of, but there was dove chocolate in the box which was great. Also, I did not find a money box yet. lol
12-01-08
On Thanksgiving we were not allowed to proselyte, so we had District meeting in
the morning. The ward had a “Turkey Bowl" football game, but because of District Meeting, we were unable to attend. We played risk for most of the afternoon and evening.
I was kind of sick with the flu so we didn't go to dinner in an effort to save everyone else from getting sick, but dinner was delivered to our place and we ate there.
Then the next night, we went to a member's house for dinner and we had elk steaks that were amazing! Ya, so the feeling ill just came and went, no big deal.
We are keeping busy with NI and such.
Last night, I don't know what possessed us, but Elder Condie and I stayed up late
fixing Christmas lights that were burnt out and then hanging them up. It was way fun though. lol
The apartment is pretty festive with the lights. The flag is Elder Condie's flag of Delaware. He has been out for 15 months.
This is the southwest! Everyone has a cowboy hat, even me, come on! lol
Gas is a $1:69.
X-mas wish list:
Orange lead for my Pentel 8 color scripture maker mechanical pencil
Money (so I can send presents to people and I can buy what I might need later)
(I want my stocking please if that's ok)
Ties
Holister Gift card*
Good Chocolate
Nuts
And anything else you can think of.
*The gift card is for cologne. I left mine at home and now that I'm back in an area where there is a Holister I am looking to get some. kk
Geese, so many questions.
I also want a Dell laptop and some games too. jk
the morning. The ward had a “Turkey Bowl" football game, but because of District Meeting, we were unable to attend. We played risk for most of the afternoon and evening.
I was kind of sick with the flu so we didn't go to dinner in an effort to save everyone else from getting sick, but dinner was delivered to our place and we ate there.
Then the next night, we went to a member's house for dinner and we had elk steaks that were amazing! Ya, so the feeling ill just came and went, no big deal.
We are keeping busy with NI and such.
Last night, I don't know what possessed us, but Elder Condie and I stayed up late
fixing Christmas lights that were burnt out and then hanging them up. It was way fun though. lol
The apartment is pretty festive with the lights. The flag is Elder Condie's flag of Delaware. He has been out for 15 months.
This is the southwest! Everyone has a cowboy hat, even me, come on! lol
Gas is a $1:69.
X-mas wish list:
Orange lead for my Pentel 8 color scripture maker mechanical pencil
Money (so I can send presents to people and I can buy what I might need later)
(I want my stocking please if that's ok)
Ties
Holister Gift card*
Good Chocolate
Nuts
And anything else you can think of.
*The gift card is for cologne. I left mine at home and now that I'm back in an area where there is a Holister I am looking to get some. kk
Geese, so many questions.
I also want a Dell laptop and some games too. jk
11-24-08
11/24
Here's a picture of my new companion, a member's grandson and our investigator. The boy in the blue shirt is Dieter. He was originally going to be baptized this Saturday, but his dad has just come out and said that he has to wait 3 months. So we don't have anyone with a date anymore.
For our Christmas letter just write up a general note about me doing great in NM and loving the mission, but missing everyone. kk
Our District is comprised of Elders from New York, Delaware, Washington, Utah,
So. California, Idaho, and Oregon.
Last Monday we went bowling and I scored a 147. I was very happy.
The City View Ward Elders are Spanish speaking.
We ride bikes and buses. The city is just like awesome! Both Elder Condie and I agree.
Talked with a member last night whose last name is Greenwood. We couldn't find a direct connection but I got some of his genealogy and maybe you can find the connection.
Some "Missionease":
OYMing = Open Your Mouth
QGC = Quality Gospel Conversation
NI = New Investigator
Here's a picture of my new companion, a member's grandson and our investigator. The boy in the blue shirt is Dieter. He was originally going to be baptized this Saturday, but his dad has just come out and said that he has to wait 3 months. So we don't have anyone with a date anymore.
For our Christmas letter just write up a general note about me doing great in NM and loving the mission, but missing everyone. kk
Our District is comprised of Elders from New York, Delaware, Washington, Utah,
So. California, Idaho, and Oregon.
Last Monday we went bowling and I scored a 147. I was very happy.
The City View Ward Elders are Spanish speaking.
We ride bikes and buses. The city is just like awesome! Both Elder Condie and I agree.
Talked with a member last night whose last name is Greenwood. We couldn't find a direct connection but I got some of his genealogy and maybe you can find the connection.
Some "Missionease":
OYMing = Open Your Mouth
QGC = Quality Gospel Conversation
NI = New Investigator
Monday, December 1, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
11-17-08
The Ward is great!
They are nice and our mission leader is active in his calling.
We have eaten at a few different people's houses and the food is always good although the entertainment might not always be. For example we were over at a member's for dinner and their little baby got sick while we were there. It started to throw up all over the place while we were eating. ya fun lol.
The teaching pool is not that great but there is a baptism scheduled the next Saturday after this one.
We have done a lot of tracting and bus OYM.
It's fun in the city. I love it here!
Today for p-day we are going to have a bowling match. The El Dorado Elders against us. There are also the Cityview Elders-Elder Batt is the district leader and he is training 2 new missionaries bc they are Spanish Elders. There are also 2 other Elders who are not in our district but are close friends so they come and hang with us on P-days.
Zone Conf. is Wednesday somewhere but we haven't heard where yet.
They are nice and our mission leader is active in his calling.
We have eaten at a few different people's houses and the food is always good although the entertainment might not always be. For example we were over at a member's for dinner and their little baby got sick while we were there. It started to throw up all over the place while we were eating. ya fun lol.
The teaching pool is not that great but there is a baptism scheduled the next Saturday after this one.
We have done a lot of tracting and bus OYM.
It's fun in the city. I love it here!
Today for p-day we are going to have a bowling match. The El Dorado Elders against us. There are also the Cityview Elders-Elder Batt is the district leader and he is training 2 new missionaries bc they are Spanish Elders. There are also 2 other Elders who are not in our district but are close friends so they come and hang with us on P-days.
Zone Conf. is Wednesday somewhere but we haven't heard where yet.
11-12-08
Monday we had dinner at a members house in Bloomingfield. We stayed the night in Elder Besler's apartment in Aztec and then had breakfast at a member's house the following day.
We got to the transfer location on time and I visited with some people there for awhile till the transfer van came.
Elder MacDonald (Canadian roommate from MTC) is staying in Farmington but getting a new companion. Sister Weatherston (from MTC group) was on the van and has been transferred from Santa Fe to Farmington area. I chatted with them both for awhile.
The transfer van only had 5 missionaries including myself and one of the Assistants.
We got down to Albq around 4 or so and I didn't get to my new apartment until 5.
My new companion's name is ELDER CONDIE.
He is from DELAWARE.
He's pretty cool. He has been training for the past 2 transfers so he's happy to get someone who knows what he's doing. We had dinner with a less active and then I unpacked all my stuff. The apartment's nice even though the shower head is like a foot lower than it needs to be for me lol.
My new address is: 1728 Zena Lona Apt B.
Albuquerque, NM 87112
Umm that's about it. So far no problems and I hope it stays that way. (Response to a question about any problems from protesters.)
We got to the transfer location on time and I visited with some people there for awhile till the transfer van came.
Elder MacDonald (Canadian roommate from MTC) is staying in Farmington but getting a new companion. Sister Weatherston (from MTC group) was on the van and has been transferred from Santa Fe to Farmington area. I chatted with them both for awhile.
The transfer van only had 5 missionaries including myself and one of the Assistants.
We got down to Albq around 4 or so and I didn't get to my new apartment until 5.
My new companion's name is ELDER CONDIE.
He is from DELAWARE.
He's pretty cool. He has been training for the past 2 transfers so he's happy to get someone who knows what he's doing. We had dinner with a less active and then I unpacked all my stuff. The apartment's nice even though the shower head is like a foot lower than it needs to be for me lol.
My new address is: 1728 Zena Lona Apt B.
Albuquerque, NM 87112
Umm that's about it. So far no problems and I hope it stays that way. (Response to a question about any problems from protesters.)
11-10-08 TRANSFERS
Transfer news:
I am going to the Indian School Ward in Albuquerque. It is somewhere south of the temple on the east side of Albq.
Ya umm long story short: we did everything in Cortez by 10 am then went to Durango to play some basketball. I got beat up pretty bad. I got a nose bleed and the rest of the time it hurt a little bit =)
We then went to Farmington around 3 pm and that's where I am now. Elder Wright is training a Greeny and has to go to Albq tonight so that's why we are here. We are staying in the Aztec Elders Apartment tonight then transfers will take place tomorrow. Elder Besler (my first companion) is training in Aztec so I will soon have a "brother"!!! ya
I am going to the Indian School Ward in Albuquerque. It is somewhere south of the temple on the east side of Albq.
Ya umm long story short: we did everything in Cortez by 10 am then went to Durango to play some basketball. I got beat up pretty bad. I got a nose bleed and the rest of the time it hurt a little bit =)
We then went to Farmington around 3 pm and that's where I am now. Elder Wright is training a Greeny and has to go to Albq tonight so that's why we are here. We are staying in the Aztec Elders Apartment tonight then transfers will take place tomorrow. Elder Besler (my first companion) is training in Aztec so I will soon have a "brother"!!! ya
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
11-11-08
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque where the modern city skyline is set against a backdrop of the ancient Sandia Mountains and an endless, timeless blue sky. Here the sun shines 310 days a year and the high desert air is scented with sage and piñon. Rich in culture and heritage, it is rooted in centuries of history. Albuquerque is the true Southwest!
Albuquerque Fun Facts
Three hundred year old Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, is situated in the central part of the state. The city ranks as the 34th largest city in the U.S., with a population of 518,000. It is home to the University of New Mexico and Kirtland Air Force Base as well as the Sandia National Laboratories and Petroglyph National Monument. The Sandia Mountains run along the eastern side of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande flows through the city, north to south.
By the beginning of the 17th century, the area that would one day become Albuquerque was called Bosque Grande de San Francisco Xavier. In 1706, the ambitious provisional governor of the territory, Don Francisco Cuervo y Valdez, petitioned the Spanish government for permission to establish the bosque as a formal villa and call it Alburquerque, after Viceroy Francisco Fernandez de la Cueva, the Duke of Alburquerque. Later the spelling was changed because some influential person couldn't pronounce the "R" in Alburquerque. The city is still nicknamed “Duke City.”
Albuquerque where the modern city skyline is set against a backdrop of the ancient Sandia Mountains and an endless, timeless blue sky. Here the sun shines 310 days a year and the high desert air is scented with sage and piñon. Rich in culture and heritage, it is rooted in centuries of history. Albuquerque is the true Southwest!
Albuquerque Fun Facts
Three hundred year old Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, is situated in the central part of the state. The city ranks as the 34th largest city in the U.S., with a population of 518,000. It is home to the University of New Mexico and Kirtland Air Force Base as well as the Sandia National Laboratories and Petroglyph National Monument. The Sandia Mountains run along the eastern side of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande flows through the city, north to south.
By the beginning of the 17th century, the area that would one day become Albuquerque was called Bosque Grande de San Francisco Xavier. In 1706, the ambitious provisional governor of the territory, Don Francisco Cuervo y Valdez, petitioned the Spanish government for permission to establish the bosque as a formal villa and call it Alburquerque, after Viceroy Francisco Fernandez de la Cueva, the Duke of Alburquerque. Later the spelling was changed because some influential person couldn't pronounce the "R" in Alburquerque. The city is still nicknamed “Duke City.”
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
10-21-08
I think I had the flu last week for a few days. It started with a throat that was really sore and then I got all nasally as the day went on. The net morning I was so sore! My muscles were all weak and I could barely concentrate. Then that finally went away and I was left with a headache the next day. We still went out and worked. I just tried to get as much rest as I could whenever I could get it. I didn't know what it was until I read in the Martha Stewart magazine that Sis. Porter showed my companion a recipe in. In it there was a self-diagnosis guide and I was reading the flu one and it described all my symptoms in detail. ("It feels like you were hit by a truck.") Which it totally had two days before. But I'm, doing better now.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
10-07-08
We traveled down and back (to the Albuquerque Temple last month) in one day. We went to a Cracker Barrel restaurant while down there. It was pretty good food.
My trainer had been in Cortez for 2 transfers or 3months (1 transfer = 6 weeks) .
I have not been having any health issues myself.
I drove to Farmington, NM and back for transfers and have been doing some of the driving around here. I am doing okay showing Elder Buchanan around. He has been out 18 months. He is 6 ft. 1 in. He is from Mt. Green, UT. He enjoys sports and is a Univ. of Utah fan, like my first companion.
I’m meeting people who know grandma and our family in Eagar, AZ. With (Aunt) Sue working in the Monticello, UT Temple (which is 50 miles away) I’ve had numerous people tell me how they have met and talked with her.
It’s getting really cool. It rained and hailed yesterday here in Cortez. It was like a layer of hail on the ground, in pea size, rock hard, pieces. Ya and now there’s snow on top of some of the mountains. I would like to get some thermal underwear and depending on where I am come next transfer (Nov. 11), possibly some Under Armor as well. An electric blanket is also starting to sound very good.
We saw all the sessions of General Conference. I really enjoyed President Uchdorf’s talk during the Priesthood session ("Lift Where You Stand") and Elder Aidukaitis of the Seventy‘s talk Sat. morning ("Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon").
We tracted all day yesterday in Cortez and it was pretty fun. Two doors slammed in our faces, one real nice Baptist fellow, a nice farmer, a nice guy who works at the Methodist Thrift shop where we donate time, and a member of the church who says she talked with Aunt Lori in a hair salon in Eagar.
My trainer had been in Cortez for 2 transfers or 3months (1 transfer = 6 weeks) .
I have not been having any health issues myself.
I drove to Farmington, NM and back for transfers and have been doing some of the driving around here. I am doing okay showing Elder Buchanan around. He has been out 18 months. He is 6 ft. 1 in. He is from Mt. Green, UT. He enjoys sports and is a Univ. of Utah fan, like my first companion.
I’m meeting people who know grandma and our family in Eagar, AZ. With (Aunt) Sue working in the Monticello, UT Temple (which is 50 miles away) I’ve had numerous people tell me how they have met and talked with her.
It’s getting really cool. It rained and hailed yesterday here in Cortez. It was like a layer of hail on the ground, in pea size, rock hard, pieces. Ya and now there’s snow on top of some of the mountains. I would like to get some thermal underwear and depending on where I am come next transfer (Nov. 11), possibly some Under Armor as well. An electric blanket is also starting to sound very good.
We saw all the sessions of General Conference. I really enjoyed President Uchdorf’s talk during the Priesthood session ("Lift Where You Stand") and Elder Aidukaitis of the Seventy‘s talk Sat. morning ("Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon").
We tracted all day yesterday in Cortez and it was pretty fun. Two doors slammed in our faces, one real nice Baptist fellow, a nice farmer, a nice guy who works at the Methodist Thrift shop where we donate time, and a member of the church who says she talked with Aunt Lori in a hair salon in Eagar.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
9-29-08
TRANSFER NEWS
“Elder Besler (my companion) is leaving and going to Aztec, NM as District Leader and Elder Fillmore (our DL) is leaving and going to ABQ as a Zone Leader . Myself and Elder Hullinger are staying and are receiving new companions. Both sisters are staying here but they are training a new one so we are now going to have a sister threesome.
“My new companion is named Elder Buchanan, or something like that. Don’t have any real info on him. I meet him tomorrow and I am the one driving. We do northern transfers at Farmington, NM.
“Elder Besler hurt his legs last Tuesday morning so I was inside ‘till Thursday and even then, we just went to appointments because he still can’t really walk. On Tuesday morning his legs just gave out on him and he fell. This happened a few times and he ended up hurting his knees and was in quite a bit of pain. We don’t know what it was or how it happened. The doctor in ABQ said to take it easy the rest of the week, which is what we did. He can now walk again but it still hurts him somewhat. He has never had this problem before. I’ve been driving him around now because of his legs, but he is the designated driver.
"Yeah, that’s awesome that Bro Schloss and Sis Baldwin are coming around here to see the sights. I don’t know when we will be back in Cortez on Tuesday, but oh well.
"Yeah, I think I have ticked the postwoman off because I put mail out to be picked up and I come back in the evening and it’s still sitting there.
"For service hours we have been working in a Methodist Thrift shop checking to make sure that electronic equipment that comes in is good for selling. My companion and I also have been mowing a part member family’s lawn (older couple) bc he had gotten back surgery and wasn’t able to do it.
"Here’s some interesting stuff:
(As a reminder, half of Jake’s MTC district was heading to NM and the other half to Kentucky. Elder Winter is one of those from that district.)
Elder Winter’s companion in Kentucky is from a ward in NM where Elder Smith my MTC companion is serving now. Elder Winter’s companion and Elder Besler (my trainer) were in the same district in the MTC. Weird!"
“Elder Besler (my companion) is leaving and going to Aztec, NM as District Leader and Elder Fillmore (our DL) is leaving and going to ABQ as a Zone Leader . Myself and Elder Hullinger are staying and are receiving new companions. Both sisters are staying here but they are training a new one so we are now going to have a sister threesome.
“My new companion is named Elder Buchanan, or something like that. Don’t have any real info on him. I meet him tomorrow and I am the one driving. We do northern transfers at Farmington, NM.
“Elder Besler hurt his legs last Tuesday morning so I was inside ‘till Thursday and even then, we just went to appointments because he still can’t really walk. On Tuesday morning his legs just gave out on him and he fell. This happened a few times and he ended up hurting his knees and was in quite a bit of pain. We don’t know what it was or how it happened. The doctor in ABQ said to take it easy the rest of the week, which is what we did. He can now walk again but it still hurts him somewhat. He has never had this problem before. I’ve been driving him around now because of his legs, but he is the designated driver.
"Yeah, that’s awesome that Bro Schloss and Sis Baldwin are coming around here to see the sights. I don’t know when we will be back in Cortez on Tuesday, but oh well.
"Yeah, I think I have ticked the postwoman off because I put mail out to be picked up and I come back in the evening and it’s still sitting there.
"For service hours we have been working in a Methodist Thrift shop checking to make sure that electronic equipment that comes in is good for selling. My companion and I also have been mowing a part member family’s lawn (older couple) bc he had gotten back surgery and wasn’t able to do it.
"Here’s some interesting stuff:
(As a reminder, half of Jake’s MTC district was heading to NM and the other half to Kentucky. Elder Winter is one of those from that district.)
Elder Winter’s companion in Kentucky is from a ward in NM where Elder Smith my MTC companion is serving now. Elder Winter’s companion and Elder Besler (my trainer) were in the same district in the MTC. Weird!"
9-22-08
“We had exchanges with the district leader on Thursday and Friday. It was fun and everything went well.
Transfers are this weekend and originally Elder Besler was sure that I was going to stay with him for another transfer but after a few calls from the zone leaders he's not so sure now and thinks there is a possibility of me getting moved.
"We went to Mesa Verde this morning to see the ruins and I had a good time but my district isn’t the museum folk kind it seems, so not much time was spent there. We went on a guided tour of ‘Cliff Palace’. It was great! You had to climb down 150 some odd feet to get to it by this really narrow passage way. Then climb back up by ladders on the other side. It was really fun and if you want to learn where these people came from just read the Book of Mormon ^_^.
"We have just recently found some new people in Mancos to teach but that’s about it. So ya, I’m doing good here, teaching some people but still a lot of tracting on country roads."
Transfers are this weekend and originally Elder Besler was sure that I was going to stay with him for another transfer but after a few calls from the zone leaders he's not so sure now and thinks there is a possibility of me getting moved.
"We went to Mesa Verde this morning to see the ruins and I had a good time but my district isn’t the museum folk kind it seems, so not much time was spent there. We went on a guided tour of ‘Cliff Palace’. It was great! You had to climb down 150 some odd feet to get to it by this really narrow passage way. Then climb back up by ladders on the other side. It was really fun and if you want to learn where these people came from just read the Book of Mormon ^_^.
"We have just recently found some new people in Mancos to teach but that’s about it. So ya, I’m doing good here, teaching some people but still a lot of tracting on country roads."
9-16-08
“We went to the temple yesterday so our "P-day" is today. The temple was great and everything!
I didn’t get to see any one else I knew there because they did it by zones. First was the Albuq. Zones, then the Santa Fe Zone, then the Farmington Zone and finally the Durango Zone, or mine, went last.
“The general authority who spoke to us at zone conference was Elder Richard J. Maynes of the First Quorum of the 70.
“I gave a talk on Sunday in Cortez 2nd about knowledge. It went good, but I still speak to fast.
I didn’t get to see any one else I knew there because they did it by zones. First was the Albuq. Zones, then the Santa Fe Zone, then the Farmington Zone and finally the Durango Zone, or mine, went last.
“The general authority who spoke to us at zone conference was Elder Richard J. Maynes of the First Quorum of the 70.
“I gave a talk on Sunday in Cortez 2nd about knowledge. It went good, but I still speak to fast.
9-10-08
“My companion has been sick all day today …by the time the last lesson was over and we started heading home he was really sick because he had me drive… it felt good to be behind the wheel again. And yes, I did the speed limit most of the way home because I was following a park cop. Just kidding.
9-8-08
“Zone Conference is on the 12th of Sept. in Farmington, NM (instead of Durango, CO where they normally meet) because we are having a visit from a member of the Quorum of the 70. We believe it is Elder Maynes who will be speaking to us. Then on the 15th it is mission temple day.
“It’s been getting colder here, especially in the night time and early morning. All is going good so far, as long as it doesn’t snow.
“It’s been getting colder here, especially in the night time and early morning. All is going good so far, as long as it doesn’t snow.
Monday, September 29, 2008
9-4-08 Mon.
"The (white) Chevy Silverado is a blast. lol. But unfortunately it has no pick-up so as you go up a hill it goes from 65 mph to like 50 mph until you hit the top. But it's still really good for all the dirt roads here. And like 90% out here are dirt roads."
Regarding his companion, Elder Besler Jake writes. "He's big like me as you can see from the photo of me and him. He is comfortable to work with. Fairly easy going guy. He is a sports guy. He is understanding and wise. He supports The U of U and that's where he went (to college before his mission)."
"There are two other sets of missionaries besides us, 2 Elders and 2 sisters. The Elders & one sister are from Idaho, the other sister is from UT.
"We have Cortez 2nd and Mancos Wards. We go to the Cortez 2nd Ward's meetings one week and Mancos Ward's the next. 2nd is everything west of Highway 666. (The town of) Towaoc and (the Ute Indian Reservation)is included(but there are only)
3 Indian families or so.
"Mancos is a town to the East of Cortez, so we travel a lot. Mancos Ward only has about the same number of people attending as the Hudson Branch.
"We have 2 investigators and about 3 potential investigators, which Elder Besler says is really good for this area.
"Wow, have I met any interesting people? lol Mancos is like all 'interesting' people. Crazy stuff. Like a few days ago we were tracting and someone told us to go to he**. But for the most part, people are nice and listen but they all believe in something else so they politely say no thank you and shut the door."
"We have had a dinner (appointment) just about every night. We have only had to eat about twice in our apartment so far. The food is about the same... not 2 much weird stuff yet, but I heard Mutton Stew is coming up pretty soon.
"Yeah right, healthy stuff ha, fat chance. I've gained 13 pounds. Yeah, figure that out. 10 in the MTC and 3 out here.
"We extended one baptism commitment but he declined saying that he wants to study it more. We are also getting a lady pretty close but she has other ideas rolling around in her head. "
"I do love getting snail mail!"
Regarding his companion, Elder Besler Jake writes. "He's big like me as you can see from the photo of me and him. He is comfortable to work with. Fairly easy going guy. He is a sports guy. He is understanding and wise. He supports The U of U and that's where he went (to college before his mission)."
"There are two other sets of missionaries besides us, 2 Elders and 2 sisters. The Elders & one sister are from Idaho, the other sister is from UT.
"We have Cortez 2nd and Mancos Wards. We go to the Cortez 2nd Ward's meetings one week and Mancos Ward's the next. 2nd is everything west of Highway 666. (The town of) Towaoc and (the Ute Indian Reservation)is included(but there are only)
3 Indian families or so.
"Mancos is a town to the East of Cortez, so we travel a lot. Mancos Ward only has about the same number of people attending as the Hudson Branch.
"We have 2 investigators and about 3 potential investigators, which Elder Besler says is really good for this area.
"Wow, have I met any interesting people? lol Mancos is like all 'interesting' people. Crazy stuff. Like a few days ago we were tracting and someone told us to go to he**. But for the most part, people are nice and listen but they all believe in something else so they politely say no thank you and shut the door."
"We have had a dinner (appointment) just about every night. We have only had to eat about twice in our apartment so far. The food is about the same... not 2 much weird stuff yet, but I heard Mutton Stew is coming up pretty soon.
"Yeah right, healthy stuff ha, fat chance. I've gained 13 pounds. Yeah, figure that out. 10 in the MTC and 3 out here.
"We extended one baptism commitment but he declined saying that he wants to study it more. We are also getting a lady pretty close but she has other ideas rolling around in her head. "
"I do love getting snail mail!"
Sunday, August 31, 2008
8-26-08 Tues.
We received a nice letter and photo from Jake’s Mission President, R.J. Anderson. (We were glad to see the name tag, Aunt Sue had placed on him when entering the MTC, has stayed.) He told us that from the airport they took the new missionaries by the Albuquerque Temple en route to the mission home. (We’re wondering if Jake had been so tired he had fallen asleep, as he has failed to mention seeing the temple.)
He said that Jake and his companion had been assigned to work with the Cortez 2nd and Mancos Wards. Mancos is approx. 15 miles east of Cortez. If you go to the Mormon.org web site, place your courser on the “Worship With Us” tab then type in Mancos, CO . It will show you the location of the Mancos building and the chapels in Cortez. On the map you can see how they must drive right by Mesa Verde Park. However, his first P-day did not consist of site seeing, but rather playing tennis with some members.
The mission president also reminded us “It is against Church policy for full-time missionaries to have visits from family members, relative and friends…The missionary is to maintain singleness of mind on the work of the Lord.” However, Jake stresses that it is very okay for everyone to send him mail and occasional care packages.
He says “Colorado is great, hot, but great”. He reports it’s been about 97 degrees. However it appears he is concerned more about the weather of the future. “I’m just praying for a transfer before I get snowed in here!” (They’re in a pick-up truck for goodness sake!)
He shared the following: “I met a Bro. Walkis yesterday evening at his house. He is a paraplegic from a dirt biking accident but he has one of the strongest testimonies of anyone I know! I think he taught us more than we taught him that night!”
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
08-24-08
Cortez Colorado
Located in the southwest corner of Colorado, Cortez is where the majestic mountains meet the glorious desert.
Coordinates37°20'57″N 108°34'45″W
Area 5.5 sq mi
Elevation 6,191 ft
Pop (2000) 7.977
Density 1,450/sq mi.
The City of Cortez is the county seat and the most populous city of Montezuma County, Colorado. It is a local commercial center whose economy is heavily based on tourism.
Mesa Verde National Park, situated southeast of Cortez, features a large grouping of old Indian cliff dwellings. To the west is the San Juan National Forest, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, the Ute Mountain Indian Reservation and the Navajo Indian Reservation.
The racial makeup of the city in 2000 was 80% White, 13 % Hispanic, and 10% Native American (don’t get the math).
There were 3,209 households and the population was spread out with the median age of 36 years. The median income for a family was $35,533 with about 15% of families below the poverty line.
There are four wards (LDS congregations) in Cortez and two chapels.
Colorado Fun Facts
Nickname: The Centennial State. It was admitted to the Union in 1876.
Official language: English
Demonym: Coloradan
Motto: "Nothing without Providence"
Unofficial Slogan: "Colorful Colorado"
State Mammal: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
State Flower: Rocky Mountain Columbine
The state is almost uniformly Christians. Colorado, specifically the city of Colorado Springs, serves as the headquarters of numerous Christian groups, most of them Protestant. Catholicism is popular among many Coloradans, and is becoming more so with the influx of Latino immigrants. Major religious affiliations of the people of Colorado are:
Protestant-44% (Evangelical-23%, Mainline-19%, Other-2 %)
Roman Catholic - 19%, LDS/Mormon - 2%, Jewish - 2%, Muslim - 1%
Located in the southwest corner of Colorado, Cortez is where the majestic mountains meet the glorious desert.
Coordinates37°20'57″N 108°34'45″W
Area 5.5 sq mi
Elevation 6,191 ft
Pop (2000) 7.977
Density 1,450/sq mi.
The City of Cortez is the county seat and the most populous city of Montezuma County, Colorado. It is a local commercial center whose economy is heavily based on tourism.
Mesa Verde National Park, situated southeast of Cortez, features a large grouping of old Indian cliff dwellings. To the west is the San Juan National Forest, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, the Ute Mountain Indian Reservation and the Navajo Indian Reservation.
The racial makeup of the city in 2000 was 80% White, 13 % Hispanic, and 10% Native American (don’t get the math).
There were 3,209 households and the population was spread out with the median age of 36 years. The median income for a family was $35,533 with about 15% of families below the poverty line.
There are four wards (LDS congregations) in Cortez and two chapels.
Colorado Fun Facts
Nickname: The Centennial State. It was admitted to the Union in 1876.
Official language: English
Demonym: Coloradan
Motto: "Nothing without Providence"
Unofficial Slogan: "Colorful Colorado"
State Mammal: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
State Flower: Rocky Mountain Columbine
The state is almost uniformly Christians. Colorado, specifically the city of Colorado Springs, serves as the headquarters of numerous Christian groups, most of them Protestant. Catholicism is popular among many Coloradans, and is becoming more so with the influx of Latino immigrants. Major religious affiliations of the people of Colorado are:
Protestant-44% (Evangelical-23%, Mainline-19%, Other-2 %)
Roman Catholic - 19%, LDS/Mormon - 2%, Jewish - 2%, Muslim - 1%
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
8-19-08 Tues.
“Flight went great except it was a little toothpick plane and everything so it was cramped like no other. New Mexico is great! It feels like I walked out of the MTC and into the neighboring town. It looks exactly the same, sort of.
Ok well I hope someone bet on Cortez, CO b/c that’s where I am right now and will be for at least 2 transfers, most likely. My companion is Elder Besler from Salt Lake City. I’ve had a great 2days here so far. We stayed at the mission house yesterday for orientation. Pres is great and all. We went out tracting for like an hour with some of the older missionaries in Alb. My guide was elder Roberts who was awesome! We meet this guy from India who stopped and listened to us. We gave him the first lesson basically. He wouldn't take a book but we gave him a pamphlet. Then we slept over at the AP apartment for the night. We got up early again and then went to the mission office for some more instruction. We met our companions got our assignments, packed our bags, (we drive a Chevy Silverado), loaded up and drove all the way up to CO. We ate at Denny’s for free in Durango and then came to Cortez. and that was my day lol driving.
Oh and I got my bike which seems to be in good order and all but where in a driving area so we wont use them much.
Ok well I hope someone bet on Cortez, CO b/c that’s where I am right now and will be for at least 2 transfers, most likely. My companion is Elder Besler from Salt Lake City. I’ve had a great 2days here so far. We stayed at the mission house yesterday for orientation. Pres is great and all. We went out tracting for like an hour with some of the older missionaries in Alb. My guide was elder Roberts who was awesome! We meet this guy from India who stopped and listened to us. We gave him the first lesson basically. He wouldn't take a book but we gave him a pamphlet. Then we slept over at the AP apartment for the night. We got up early again and then went to the mission office for some more instruction. We met our companions got our assignments, packed our bags, (we drive a Chevy Silverado), loaded up and drove all the way up to CO. We ate at Denny’s for free in Durango and then came to Cortez. and that was my day lol driving.
Oh and I got my bike which seems to be in good order and all but where in a driving area so we wont use them much.
8-18-08 Mon.
Jake called from the Salt Lake City at 9 am. He was ready to get into the “field”. It was GREAT to hear his voice and to be able to talk to him in “real time”. After some technical difficulties with the phone all family members were able to ask him a few questions before he had to go. He told us of all the people who had written him and sent him donuts, cookies etc. and how much he appreciated them. A special thank to Sis. Webb’s for taking our package for him with her to UT and adding a calling card so he had a way to contact us today. He said he had seen Elder Sonderegger and they had gotten a few photos--which we will post when they arrive. He then wanted time to eat his Burger King breakfast, being excited to have it and saying it was a delicacy (what can we say)?
8-14-08 Thurs.
“I learned that there is another Buhler here at the MTC. He’s from UY but my Buhler genealogy doesn’t go back far enough to cross. I also just met a new Elder 2 day by the name of Greenwood so if I find him again we’re comparing genealogy. I looked for Chad 2 day but I couldn’t find him. Oh well, I’ve got 3 days so I’ll keep looking. Love you guys so much! Hope all is going well!”
8-13-08 Weds.
Jake’s cousin Chad Sonderegger entered the MTC in Provo today heading to CA Arcadia, Spanish speaking.
8-12-08 Tues.
“We went to the temple. Good news we all got our travel plans awhile ago. We leave at 5 in the morning next Monday and get there around 10:30. My Kentucky buddies leave at 4 in the morning lol. It’s the last week and we’re all getting pretty rowdy and ready to get out of here. All the food starts tasting the same about half way though the second week. Don’t know how guys who are here for 12 weeks deal!
“My instructors are great! Our sisters left our district because one of them went home and the other had to go into a 3some. We were sad about that. Then Sister Allred, our instructor, graduated this weekend so we have a new sister instructor but Bro. Wilding is a great teacher, too!
“Ya I’m getting all your letters and stuff. It’s just hard finding time to write back and the mail is slow but I like it anyway.”
“My instructors are great! Our sisters left our district because one of them went home and the other had to go into a 3some. We were sad about that. Then Sister Allred, our instructor, graduated this weekend so we have a new sister instructor but Bro. Wilding is a great teacher, too!
“Ya I’m getting all your letters and stuff. It’s just hard finding time to write back and the mail is slow but I like it anyway.”
8-5-08 Tues.
“The … MTC is great! Besides all the meetings and companion restrictions it almost just like EFY! Not really, b/c your studying like crazy for at lest 8 hours of the day! The food is as good as you can get with café food and the staff is great along, the teachers. Bro. Wilding and Sis. Allred are my teachers for two of the three , three hour periods of the day. Bro. Wilding has a girlfriend but Sis. Allred is single and has no plans.
“I did my first wash 2 day but I still have 10 min. on the dryer. It is so hard to get a machine! You have to wait for like 15 min before you get one.”
“I did my first wash 2 day but I still have 10 min. on the dryer. It is so hard to get a machine! You have to wait for like 15 min before you get one.”
8-4-08 Mon.
The good folks at the Missionary Training Center let the "newbees" write a quick note home to let the folks know the kid actually showed up and is where we think he is. The mail took four days to get here.
Jake described his first day as "different". He said they were hit with a lot of stuff and a lot of general guidelines.
He is sharing a "dorm" room with his companion, a Gregory Smith from South Jordon, UT, Jason McDonald from Vancouver, Canada (whom Jake doesn't think sounds like a Canadian) and Preston Tuttle from someplace south of South Jordon. They are all preparing to go to New Mexico, English speaking and so should get to know each other quite well.
The four roommates have classes with a Sister Weatherston (from Idaho) also headed to NM and four Elders and one Sister who will be going to Kentucky Louisville Mission.
Jake described his first day as "different". He said they were hit with a lot of stuff and a lot of general guidelines.
He is sharing a "dorm" room with his companion, a Gregory Smith from South Jordon, UT, Jason McDonald from Vancouver, Canada (whom Jake doesn't think sounds like a Canadian) and Preston Tuttle from someplace south of South Jordon. They are all preparing to go to New Mexico, English speaking and so should get to know each other quite well.
The four roommates have classes with a Sister Weatherston (from Idaho) also headed to NM and four Elders and one Sister who will be going to Kentucky Louisville Mission.
7-30-08 Weds.
'At the MTC Jake met former BYU Coach LaVell Edward’s sister. Upon learning he was from NY she spoke of her trip to visit Coach Edward while he and his wife served a mission in NYC.' 
They made it to Provo in plenty of time for Jake's 11:30 am appointment, so they stopped at the “Missionary Mall” store. There they ran into Sue and Jake's cousin, Patricia Tyler Stone, who was doing some last minute shopping with her son who was also entering the MTC, en route to Fiji. 'Aunt Sue makes it "official" as she puts on Jake's missionary tag.'
They made it to Provo in plenty of time for Jake's 11:30 am appointment, so they stopped at the “Missionary Mall” store. There they ran into Sue and Jake's cousin, Patricia Tyler Stone, who was doing some last minute shopping with her son who was also entering the MTC, en route to Fiji. 'Aunt Sue makes it "official" as she puts on Jake's missionary tag.'
7-29-08 Tues.
Jake flew from Albany, NY to Salt Lake City, UT. His Aunt Sue & Uncle Joe Slade picked him up at the airport and took him to do some last minute shopping. They stayed the night at Melissa Slade’s and he got to visit with her son Josh for a while.
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