Week 23-
Well this week Elder Bates finally got Sister Sullivan Level Healthy, on Thursday, so went out to work on Thursday, after 5 days of nothing but apartment. A lot of thing happened. Elder Bates and I took the opprotunity to study while we were in and we both learned alot of stuff that each of us needed. So I dont know how much you know about contacting, but it is hard, and it is scary. My whole life ive been told not to talk to strangers, by everyone. Now that is exactly what the Lord expects us to do. So as a result of us both being brand new, neither of us really knew how to contact last transfer. We have really been struggling with finding new investigators because we could not teach street lessons well, or frequently. But after watching the Missionary Broadcast, we learned a bit about teaching, and how we should teach, taking that knowlege, we then had an awesome district meeting on Friday(so 4 days ago). There were 4 main things that were stressed there by the 4 uncooridanted talks, that totally worked to gether to help elder bates and I contact. 1 the power of God, 2 The power of prayer, 3 Being bold, but humble and 4 being courageous. I walked out of that meeting with a new perspective on contacting, until then I had really struggled with wanting to go contacting. but after that, I yearned for it, I cant describe it, but I just couldnt wait to hit the street. IT was a physical need to contact. And I felt so courageous and so ready. Then we didnt find anyone, but we sure tried, and we gained perspective on where we needed to go. So during planning we set a goal for 3 street lessons(That is a lot for us in a day)and we walked out we just felt different, but we still werent really finding people, then I changed something. We always pray befor we start, but i rarely pray during contacting, and everytime I prayed for an opprotunity to teach, it was given. We ended up teaching 5 street lessons and gave out 4 books of mormon.
Well this week Elder Bates finally got Sister Sullivan Level Healthy, on Thursday, so went out to work on Thursday, after 5 days of nothing but apartment. A lot of thing happened. Elder Bates and I took the opprotunity to study while we were in and we both learned alot of stuff that each of us needed. So I dont know how much you know about contacting, but it is hard, and it is scary. My whole life ive been told not to talk to strangers, by everyone. Now that is exactly what the Lord expects us to do. So as a result of us both being brand new, neither of us really knew how to contact last transfer. We have really been struggling with finding new investigators because we could not teach street lessons well, or frequently. But after watching the Missionary Broadcast, we learned a bit about teaching, and how we should teach, taking that knowlege, we then had an awesome district meeting on Friday(so 4 days ago). There were 4 main things that were stressed there by the 4 uncooridanted talks, that totally worked to gether to help elder bates and I contact. 1 the power of God, 2 The power of prayer, 3 Being bold, but humble and 4 being courageous. I walked out of that meeting with a new perspective on contacting, until then I had really struggled with wanting to go contacting. but after that, I yearned for it, I cant describe it, but I just couldnt wait to hit the street. IT was a physical need to contact. And I felt so courageous and so ready. Then we didnt find anyone, but we sure tried, and we gained perspective on where we needed to go. So during planning we set a goal for 3 street lessons(That is a lot for us in a day)and we walked out we just felt different, but we still werent really finding people, then I changed something. We always pray befor we start, but i rarely pray during contacting, and everytime I prayed for an opprotunity to teach, it was given. We ended up teaching 5 street lessons and gave out 4 books of mormon.
IT was awesome, and continuing into sunday, I prayed for an opprotunity to teach before returning home for dinner, and we talked to a man named Antone. During the golden minute(A minute dedicated to helping them know who we are, why we are here, and to invite the spirit before a lesson) we were kind of struggling with the language, he got a big grin on his face and in russian said "YOu know I speak english right?" Man that was a relief, because we were S-T-rugglin, then i told him that if his Heart was open, he could know that what we were saying was true, he told us that his heart was always closed, but we didnt believe him, and tried anyway. We know he felt the spirit while we taught, and he told us himself, I have made my choice, and I dont believe. SO we ended it by asking him if he knew anyone that would want to hear the message. It was the clearest example of doing everything in your power for someone, and they still just dont accept it.
There were a couple funny things this week. First, On sunday morning , I was thinking to myself, hmmm its been a while since Sister and President Sullivan came to Left Bank for church, I hope and bet they will be here today, sure enough, they walk into church and in the course of Talking president said "I just felt we needed to be here" So I hope that he accomplished what he needed to.
Also while on a marshutka, there was a 19 or so year old girl and her friend. Apparently the Ukrainian girls just go Crazy for some Elder Bates because she saw him, and was checking him out and whispering to her friend "Ooo Elder Bates, Elder is a wierd name, but it doesnt matter, he is so cute..." and so on. IT was hillarious because I could see elder bates in the corner of my eye and he was so uncomfortable. NOTHING further happened there.
Well that is it, I love you all!
Hey buddy!
Wow...5 months down!! I can't believe that! It's crazy. I feel like time is flying by!
How are you this week? I have been praying you wouldn't get sick...the flu, or whatever Bates had. I hope you have stayed healthy!
I loved your letter last week. First off, I am glad things are going better for Walter. We are praying for him too. Did you find your extra cockroach and kill it?? Haha that was funny, and disgusting!
I totally love what you were inspired to do about seeing God's hand in your life and Daddy Jake's! I found this awesome quote about angels--
Jeffery R Holland's book "For times of trouble: Spiritual solace from the psalms "
"However much we believe in angels, we ought to believe in them more than we do, for they truly do "[encamp] round about "us and they regularly protect and deliver us in many different ways. From ancient times to modern, the Ministry of Angels has been one of the principal ways God has communicated with, watched over, and given both physical and spiritual safety to his children on earth. … Angels seen and unseen would watch over [Christ], and on occasion attend to Him, as He carried out the mission given Him by His Father in Heaven in fulfilling the plan for our salvation... We also have watchcare and attention from angels on high.… Occasionally there are divine manifestation allowing us to behold the angelic presence among us, but usually these heavenly agents come and go and in our innocence we are "entertaining [them] unawares."
"Has the day of miracles ceased? Or have Angel ceased to appear and to the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last or the earth shall stand or there shall be one man up on the face thereof to be saved? Behold I sent to you, Nay: for... Is by faith that angels appear in minister unto men… For behold they are subject unto [christ] to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves and to them of strong faith and A firm mine in every form of godliness. " (Moroni 7:35-37,30)
Keep a strong faith and a firm mind. The angels of the Lord willing encamp round about you and deliver you."
"However much we believe in angels, we ought to believe in them more than we do, for they truly do "[encamp] round about "us and they regularly protect and deliver us in many different ways. From ancient times to modern, the Ministry of Angels has been one of the principal ways God has communicated with, watched over, and given both physical and spiritual safety to his children on earth. … Angels seen and unseen would watch over [Christ], and on occasion attend to Him, as He carried out the mission given Him by His Father in Heaven in fulfilling the plan for our salvation... We also have watchcare and attention from angels on high.… Occasionally there are divine manifestation allowing us to behold the angelic presence among us, but usually these heavenly agents come and go and in our innocence we are "entertaining [them] unawares."
"Has the day of miracles ceased? Or have Angel ceased to appear and to the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last or the earth shall stand or there shall be one man up on the face thereof to be saved? Behold I sent to you, Nay: for... Is by faith that angels appear in minister unto men… For behold they are subject unto [christ] to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves and to them of strong faith and A firm mine in every form of godliness. " (Moroni 7:35-37,30)
Keep a strong faith and a firm mind. The angels of the Lord willing encamp round about you and deliver you."
--
I can testify of the truth of that statement as well as I am sure you can too.
I also loved the story of seeing Eugene and you knowing it was Dad and Heavenly Father's way of letting you "see" him that day. I don't know if you remember but I had the exact same situation happen when you went through the temple. I knew dad would be there, I knew I would feel him, and maybe even hear him in my head. But I really wanted to SEE him. I prayed that I would be able to see him somehow, even if it was for just a moment. When you got dressed in the temple robes and put your hat on it was flipped up in the front. It looked exactly they way Daddy Jake always had his hat and YOU looked exactly like dad. I knew that it was Dad's way of allowing me to "see" him that day.
We are all doing well. Things are good. Josh is struggling a little with social situations and girls. I think it has helped to have Dakkon around. I think he is still on track for a mission...he is a little slow to do somethings. He did go to mission prep for the first time today and we have been bugging him to go for weeks. So that is progress. Jacob is going to be on a super league for basketball. He won't play baseball this season. His baseball coach wanted him for a super league as well but he didn't want too. Kaestli is reading and writing and super smart. I may be forced to send her to kindergarten! We got the schedule for the next year later gater thing. The kids will start at 9:15 and get out at 3:30...should be a sweet schedule! Dad and I are doing really good still. Cam is doing good as well as Jordy. Jordy keeps reminding us that his dog bite anniversary is coming up and we better plan a party;).
We have been getting so much snow!!! It is nuts, the most we have had in years! I blame you, for complaining last year about our light snow fall;).
Elder Besiegers mom and I went to lunch again yesterday. We get along so great and have so much in common! We are going to try to go with Elder Bates mom and a few other's too soon.
I was able to get your insoles and I had them shipped in 2 days so I sent the package on Friday. If the insoles are too big you can cut them down to fit. I really hope they help. I feel horrible that your feet are hurting so bad. It did feel really good to be able to send something that I know will help you. I got most things you requested and added the ziplock bags and cinnamon for Sister Sullivan.
I HATE when I sleep through the alert of your message. I keep waking up 15 minutes later, it's so annoying. It feels emotionally unsettling! So I hope I wake up tonight to at least get one extra I LOVE YOU in.
Questions-
1- Did you stay healthy?
2- Are you happy and doing well? (please tell the truth)
3- Are things with your district going well?
4- How are things with Bates?
5- Do you have a calling in your Branch?
6- Do you see the Mission Pres. often? how often?
7- What was your favorite thing this week?
8- Are you getting letters from me at least once a week? How often? How many?
9- Do you want another binder in the next package?
10- Have you looked on the inside of the cover of the binder? You should...
11- Do you need anything from me?
12- Is the weather getting any better?
13- Have you lost more weight?
14- Have you grown more? Remember you can tailor your suit pants at the bottoms if you grow.
15- Tell me again that you think I'm a good mom:)
Well, I love you so much. I look forward to Sunday nights/Mondays all week!!! It is the best way to start off the week! I miss you like crazy and am still in awe that I have survived with you being across the world! You are the best and I am so glad you are my son. Thanks for your positivity.
Please do me a favor...I need more pictures!!! Also, you haven't been in any blog posts for over a month and it's making me crazy! When you are with Sister Sullivan make her take your picture!!!
Love you tons!!!
Mom
YEs mom I am very healthy, if I wasnt, Sister Sullivan would know about it. I am very happy and doing very well(Stop expecting me to be sad, because I always have something to be happy about), Yeah our district gets a long so well, the other elders and us are going bowling today, and the sisters are amazing! Things with elder bates are good, we have a complicated relationship, he has a very strong attitude towards how stuff should be done, and he hasnt really let me lead for a very large portion of the companionship, he identified that himself as a problem last week and he wants to let me lead more, becasue he recognizes that even though I will make mistakes, that the position I have was given for a reason, and that I need to learn from it what I will learn from it. We get a long well though. We see president 4-5 times per transfer. My favorite thing this week? PRAYER, and the scriptures, and the spirit. I cant remember if I have, if there was a letter there, then I did. I dont think I need anything, I sent the package last monday, so it should get there eventually(There are stories of some packages taking a whole year to get to the US) I was gonna send letters with it, but writing takes too long(I have spent a 4-5 pdays writing letters for all of you) The weather is warmer now, everything is melting, but ther is still ice, its just dangerous for the roads. I have not lost more weight, and I dont eat as much anymore, so my body is adjusting, I was trying to measure myself, and I am really close to 6' now. I think your an awesome mom. I love you a bunch, I dont see sister sullivan a ton, but the reason i havent been in any posts is becasue I didnt get transfered, and nothing has happened on Left bank. I miss the Boys and sis a ton, and I have some pictures this week.
Yay! I'm actually up:). I'm not expecting you to be sad...I just want to know how you are. I like hearing you are happy:). I love you!
How are your feet this week?
They still hurt, but I am okay!
I hope things get better with bates! Sorry to hear that! I'll pray for you about it. Love you.
Dont worry about me and elder bates! we are good, I will learn now better how to lead, even if those you lead dont think you are making the correct decision, he really just doesnt trust me to lead him, so it is sad, but it will only get better as I learn how to make him happy, and get what i feel needs to be done, done.
Sounds good. I'm not worried but I like praying for specific things for you. So that is why I like more details. I pray for your health, happiness, that you'll learn what you need t learn. That you'll continue to grow and gave success with preaching the gospel etc. I love you bud. Your email was great as usual:).
Adela sent a calendar and I LOVE IT!!
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