Everyone:
Well, we get transfer calls tomorrow. I can't imagine they'll move either of us, but you never know.
As for our activities this week, on Tuesday we helped Maria Luisa and her sisters with their English, we tracted and street contacted, and we went back to some people who said to come back, but they weren't there. On Wednesday, we street contacted and tracted and taught some good lessons, although we didn't get any return appointments. On Thursday we had our typical weekly planning, we tracted, and Elder Mijares did a baptismal interview.
On Friday I was on companionship exchanges with Elder Stoddard. He actually just arrived in our mission--he was serving in the Torreon Mexico mission (the elder from my MTC district who went there was his zone leader, interestingly enough) but got sick and had to go home for a few weeks, and then he was sent here--so he's still getting used to LA. We street contacted for a while, finally contacted this referral near the beach we've been trying to contact (and he wasn't really interested), and I answered a lot of his questions about the mission here. Which reminds me, I've heard from Elder Bird now. He's doing a lot better, but the missionary department told him it'll be at least six months before he might be able to return to the mission field.
On Saturday, we attended a couple baptisms of people Elder Mijares interviewed, we invited some people to the Ward Trunk or Treat, and then we went to it ourselves and helped clean up afterwards. On Sunday, we attended a couple more baptisms after church, talked with the Eliches, who are a part-member family, and talked some with the Lisseys, who are some of our ward missionaries.
Today we had a zone breakfast with some members that apparently do this for the zone at the end of each transfer.
Well, I can't think of too much else to say right now. The Church is true!
Elder Samuel Stephens
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Samuel's Mission E-mail October 20, 2008
Everyone:
Well, this transfer has gone really quickly. This is the last full week, and then transfers are two days before Halloween. I doubt either of us will get moved, but stranger things have happened.
As for the week... let's see, I wrote on Wednesday, right? Well, later on Wednesday we tracted some, Elder Mijares did a baptismal interview, and we visited Wendy. We're pretty sure we're going to drop her the next time we visit her--she's not really progressing at all.
On Thursday, we had a car-free day, so we used our bikes. In the morning we planned, and then in the afternoon we tracted for a bit and did some street contacting. We also tried to visit a couple part-member families, but without any luck.
On Friday we had our normal District meeting, we tracted and street contacted, and that's pretty much it. On Saturday I was on exchanges with Elder Johnson in the Palos Verdes area. We did some street contacting and tracting, and in the evening we helped out with an activity the Chinese Branch was holding (no, none of us speak Chinese-they had it mostly in English). It was kind of a combined concert/DI drive that they had invited a lot of non-member friends and such to. It was pretty cool.
On Sunday, we went to the Spanish Cabrillo Branch sacrament meeting in the morning to try to get to know a few members that could help us with teaching Maria, Beatriz, Rosie, and Blanca, and then we went to the Malaga Cove meetings. After that we street contacted a bit and then we went and taught the above-mentioned four sisters. Maria and Beatriz really seem to be progressing, but we need to work more on including Blanca and Rosie (Maria and Beatriz ask a lot of good questions, but Blanca and Rosie just kind of sit there for the most part it seems). Teaching a bunch of people at once is harder. In the evening we worked on visiting some part-member families, and we did actually talk with the Harlines for a little while.
Today we're actually having some kind of fall activity involving pumpkins up at the mission home, so we did some tracting and street contacting in the morning before doing our shopping.
Well, I think that's it for now. Keep your testimonies strong--share them with others!
Elder Samuel Stephens
Well, this transfer has gone really quickly. This is the last full week, and then transfers are two days before Halloween. I doubt either of us will get moved, but stranger things have happened.
As for the week... let's see, I wrote on Wednesday, right? Well, later on Wednesday we tracted some, Elder Mijares did a baptismal interview, and we visited Wendy. We're pretty sure we're going to drop her the next time we visit her--she's not really progressing at all.
On Thursday, we had a car-free day, so we used our bikes. In the morning we planned, and then in the afternoon we tracted for a bit and did some street contacting. We also tried to visit a couple part-member families, but without any luck.
On Friday we had our normal District meeting, we tracted and street contacted, and that's pretty much it. On Saturday I was on exchanges with Elder Johnson in the Palos Verdes area. We did some street contacting and tracting, and in the evening we helped out with an activity the Chinese Branch was holding (no, none of us speak Chinese-they had it mostly in English). It was kind of a combined concert/DI drive that they had invited a lot of non-member friends and such to. It was pretty cool.
On Sunday, we went to the Spanish Cabrillo Branch sacrament meeting in the morning to try to get to know a few members that could help us with teaching Maria, Beatriz, Rosie, and Blanca, and then we went to the Malaga Cove meetings. After that we street contacted a bit and then we went and taught the above-mentioned four sisters. Maria and Beatriz really seem to be progressing, but we need to work more on including Blanca and Rosie (Maria and Beatriz ask a lot of good questions, but Blanca and Rosie just kind of sit there for the most part it seems). Teaching a bunch of people at once is harder. In the evening we worked on visiting some part-member families, and we did actually talk with the Harlines for a little while.
Today we're actually having some kind of fall activity involving pumpkins up at the mission home, so we did some tracting and street contacting in the morning before doing our shopping.
Well, I think that's it for now. Keep your testimonies strong--share them with others!
Elder Samuel Stephens
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Keepsake Quilting Website
The photos of Elaine's and Lynette's quilts are up now on the website: http://www.keepsakequilting.com/challenges/halloweenkidsgallery2.aspx
Also, the article about the winners is here:
http://www.keepsakequilting.com/challenges/halloweenkids08.aspx
Elaine is still trying to decide how to spend her $200 certificate.
LaDawn
Also, the article about the winners is here:
http://www.keepsakequilting.com/challenges/halloweenkids08.aspx
Elaine is still trying to decide how to spend her $200 certificate.
LaDawn
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Samuel's Mission E-mail October 15, 2008
Everyone:
Well, I've been realizing just how little time I really have left to be a missionary recently. I'm trying to use it to motivate me to work harder, and most of the time it works. Sorry this is a bit late--Columbus Day kind of threw us off (why do all the library-closing holidays have to be on Mondays?).
As for the week, last Thursday we had our normal planning, and then we taught Maria Luisa, Beatrice, Rosie, and Blanca. I don't remember if I mentioned them last week. They're four Spanish-speaking sisters we tracted into and taught. Hopefully they'll be good--they seem really humble and they seem to recognize the Spirit well. They all work on Sundays at a hospital or care home, though, so that will be a challenge. After that Elder Mijares did a baptismal interview.
On Friday I was on companionship exchanges with Elder Yuill. Unfortunately, he was sick that day, so we didn't really get out to work.
On Saturday, we helped set up for the Stake Primary Luau (I think you can find pictures of us there at JMichaelWest.com or something like that--I'll have to double-check what the brother's website was), then we tracted for a bit and contacted a member referral named Tina. She seemed nice, but we caught her at a bad time, so we'll have to try some other time. Then in the evening, we served more at the actual event of the Primary Luau. It was pretty fun, and we all got lava-lavas out of the deal.
On Sunday, we had our normal church meetings, we tracted, we helped Maria Luisa and Beatrice with their English, and we attended the baptism that Elder Mijares did the interview for.
On Monday we had a pretty standard preparation day, except for not being able to e-mail. On Tuesday I was on exchanges wtih Elder Haws. We tracted for a good while, tried to contact a couple referrals and less-actives (one referral looks like it's for an abandoned apartment complex, and one less-active has probably moved), and we had dinner with the ward at a ward picnic.
Well, that should catch us up. Remember--endure to the end is part of the Gospel, too!
Elder Samuel Stephens
Well, I've been realizing just how little time I really have left to be a missionary recently. I'm trying to use it to motivate me to work harder, and most of the time it works. Sorry this is a bit late--Columbus Day kind of threw us off (why do all the library-closing holidays have to be on Mondays?).
As for the week, last Thursday we had our normal planning, and then we taught Maria Luisa, Beatrice, Rosie, and Blanca. I don't remember if I mentioned them last week. They're four Spanish-speaking sisters we tracted into and taught. Hopefully they'll be good--they seem really humble and they seem to recognize the Spirit well. They all work on Sundays at a hospital or care home, though, so that will be a challenge. After that Elder Mijares did a baptismal interview.
On Friday I was on companionship exchanges with Elder Yuill. Unfortunately, he was sick that day, so we didn't really get out to work.
On Saturday, we helped set up for the Stake Primary Luau (I think you can find pictures of us there at JMichaelWest.com or something like that--I'll have to double-check what the brother's website was), then we tracted for a bit and contacted a member referral named Tina. She seemed nice, but we caught her at a bad time, so we'll have to try some other time. Then in the evening, we served more at the actual event of the Primary Luau. It was pretty fun, and we all got lava-lavas out of the deal.
On Sunday, we had our normal church meetings, we tracted, we helped Maria Luisa and Beatrice with their English, and we attended the baptism that Elder Mijares did the interview for.
On Monday we had a pretty standard preparation day, except for not being able to e-mail. On Tuesday I was on exchanges wtih Elder Haws. We tracted for a good while, tried to contact a couple referrals and less-actives (one referral looks like it's for an abandoned apartment complex, and one less-active has probably moved), and we had dinner with the ward at a ward picnic.
Well, that should catch us up. Remember--endure to the end is part of the Gospel, too!
Elder Samuel Stephens
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Elaine Won!!
Elaine just found out that she won First Place in the Keepsake Kids Quilting Challenge!! She won a $200 gift certificate!
This is the third year she and Lynette have entered (and actually, the third year that Keepsake Quilting has offered it). Each competitor is given the same six fabrics to use. You are allowed to add up to two fabrics of your own, but must use at least four of the fabrics they give you. Elaine was done with her quilt when she realized she had only used three fabrics, so she quickly added the little white mouse in the bottom right corner. She is more than thrilled to have won!
I thought Lynette's quilt was just as good, but sadly, she didn't win anything. Maybe next year!
I'll put her picture in another post.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Choir Concert
The Junior High had a Choir concert this evening, and Mariana sang a short solo during one of the songs. I thought I would try posting a video to see how it works.
--Newel
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Latest updates from Highland
As Dad and Mom indicated, we were able to have baby Harvey blessed and sealed Friday. It was a wonderful day and Cally and Jed had lots of support from friends and family. The birth mothers parents (who Anette and I knew from our singles ward at BYU) were also able to attend.
It was an eventful week for us. Thursday Cally also found out that she and Jed are having a baby boy. I think she is about three or four months along.
No one from Anette's family attended because the prior weekend Anette's mom had a couple of heart attacks. She has actually had several over the past three years or so but refused to go to the doctor. These finally got her attention enough that she went to the emergency room in Mesquite Sunday night and they transferred her by ambulance to St. George. Tuesday morning she ended up having heart surgery with five bypasses. So Anette spent much of the week down there prior to the sealing.
Thankfully her mom is recovering at home now and is doing well. Anette will be going back down soon to take care of her. Creed and I will be left to fend for ourselves for several days.
Sunday night Toby had surgery to have the pin removed from his leg. He is laying at my feet right now under my office desk. He should be fully recovered in a few days. He still has a plate, several screws and some wire in his leg but those will stay put.
We had snow on the ground Sunday morning. It has been cold since Friday but we are supposed to be back in the 70s by this weekend. I'm hoping for a nice November because I'd like to get in a couple more fishing trips.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Dear family,
11 October 2008 not much has happened since my last entry until this weekend. Havey’s adoption was finally completed on 2 October an we went down to Flint’s this week end to witness Harvey’s blessing and temple sealing to Jed and Cally which took place 10 October. All went well and we had a good time. We had a dinner after the sealing at a Mexican restaurant and had 25 people there for dinner.
Thursday I went to the grocery store and on the way home a man tried to make a “U” turn right in front of me. There was no way to avoid hitting him. Our car was only slightly damaged but his car was damage much more severely. Since he was at fault we are waiting to hear from his insurance company, “State Farm”.
Since completing my back treatment my back has been slowly getting painful again. The Chiropractor charges $150 for follow up treatment, so I have been investigating possible alternatives. The best alternative to going back for an additional Spinal decompression system seems to be using an Inversion table. On the way back from Flint’s we stopped in Layton at the BIG 5 Sporting Goods store and I bought a WectCo Inversion table. I will see how it works.
We had our first measurable snowfall. Thi is much earlier than normal. Maybe this means we will have a good winter withenough snow to provide water for next year.
We visited Lloyd last Saturday and I took som picture of the scenery up Imigration Canyon.
Love you, Dad
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Samuel's Mission E-mail October 8, 2008
Everyone:
Well, as is obvious by now, we went to the temple today, so that's why I'm e-mailing today rather than on Monday. But, to bring you up to that point:
On Tuesday of last week, we tracted for a while, worked on inviting some part-member families to come to church, and we taught David Lindsey, who is a less-active. I have a feeling he's not really going to go anywhere--just the kind of guy who's nice and likes visits but doesn't really want to change his lifestyle.
On Wednesday of last week, we tracted for a while, and again tried to contact some part-member families and less-actives. On Thursday we had our normal weekly planning, tracted, and... yep, tried to contact more people. On Friday, I was on companionship exchanges with Elder Hoffman (since my companion, Elder Mijares, is a district leader, I'll be going on exchanges several times this transfer). We had district meeting, tracted, and taught David again.
On Saturday, we watched General Conference in the Palos Verdes Stake Center. In between sessions we tracted a bit. On Sunday we watched the rest of conference, tracted, and tried to contact a couple of referrals down near the beach that we got recently.
On Monday, we tracted and tried to contact all those people again. While tracting, we actually taught a lesson in Spanish (which is rare in this area) to two sisters named Maria Luisa and Beatrice. Hopefully they'll be good investigators. On Tuesday we didn't have as much luck tracting, but we did have interviews with the mission president in the morning, and in the evening we talked with the Reeds, who are a part-member family that seem like they could be good.
Well, I think that's everything. Keep Conference in mind--it was really good. Hope everyone took notes!
Elder Samuel Stephens
Well, as is obvious by now, we went to the temple today, so that's why I'm e-mailing today rather than on Monday. But, to bring you up to that point:
On Tuesday of last week, we tracted for a while, worked on inviting some part-member families to come to church, and we taught David Lindsey, who is a less-active. I have a feeling he's not really going to go anywhere--just the kind of guy who's nice and likes visits but doesn't really want to change his lifestyle.
On Wednesday of last week, we tracted for a while, and again tried to contact some part-member families and less-actives. On Thursday we had our normal weekly planning, tracted, and... yep, tried to contact more people. On Friday, I was on companionship exchanges with Elder Hoffman (since my companion, Elder Mijares, is a district leader, I'll be going on exchanges several times this transfer). We had district meeting, tracted, and taught David again.
On Saturday, we watched General Conference in the Palos Verdes Stake Center. In between sessions we tracted a bit. On Sunday we watched the rest of conference, tracted, and tried to contact a couple of referrals down near the beach that we got recently.
On Monday, we tracted and tried to contact all those people again. While tracting, we actually taught a lesson in Spanish (which is rare in this area) to two sisters named Maria Luisa and Beatrice. Hopefully they'll be good investigators. On Tuesday we didn't have as much luck tracting, but we did have interviews with the mission president in the morning, and in the evening we talked with the Reeds, who are a part-member family that seem like they could be good.
Well, I think that's everything. Keep Conference in mind--it was really good. Hope everyone took notes!
Elder Samuel Stephens
Friday, October 10, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Harvey is officially adopted!
Friday was the court hearing to make Harvey's adoption official. Anette and Creed were there, along with Lindsay, Katelyn and Tagg. He had croup last week and is just getting over it now. He is a happy, busy boy.
Unfortunately I could not be at court. I was in Washington D.C. for a few days for a business trip. I was attending an advertising regulatory workshop. We had enough time to visit the Lincoln Memorial, and to drive by the White House and the Capitol. It is nice to be home again.
Brandon's grandma spoke in coference this morning. She gave a wonderful talk about missionary work and her conversion.
We are looking forward to Friday when we get to go to the temple to have Harvey sealed to
Cally and Jed.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Samuel's Mission E-mail September 29, 2008
Everyone:
Well, we're getting settled into routine, here. This was an interesting week. Starting on Tuesday, we tracted a bunch, and we tried visiting a couple part-member families as part of our zone goal. We did talk a bit with Amy Morelock, a non-member daughter of a part-member family, but nothing came of it.
On Wednesday, we had our Zone Conference. Elder Callister of the Quorums of the 70 was our main speaker, so it was pretty good. He talked a lot about how we have to remember how important this is and act accordingly. By the time we got back from zone conference, we pretty much just had time for dinner.
On Thursday, we visited Alma Campos, who was someone who waved to Elder Mijares and Elder Ashby (who was in this area before me) and invited them over. We found out she had been attending another ward but had moved. Apparently the missionaries never started teaching her, so we're going to start. We also tracted a bit and had our weekly planning.
On Friday, we tracted for a good while, and we worked more on contacting some part-member families. On Saturday, we did service for the Bluemels, an older couple in our ward, by helping them put back some dirt they'd moved from the side of their house while it was being painted. In the afternoon, we tracted some more. We also got a call from Alma telling us that her daughter was sick so she wasn't going to make it to church.
On Sunday, we had our normal church meetings, tracted, and finally got in contact with another part-member family, the Frenches. Elder Mijares and Elder Ashby had been teaching them before, but had lost contact for a bit. We'll be visiting them again next week to teach them again.
Today, for our activity, we played tennis with our district. Or, rather, half of our district played tennis and the other half played basketball.
Well, I think that's it. Hopefully Alma will progress--it's a good sign when they've been to church before and liked it.
Oh, and a quick note--please try to hold dinner appointments with missionaries down to around an hour. We like talking with you as much as you like talking with us, but that just makes it harder for us to find a way to say that it's time for us to go. So please make it easy for us.
Elder Samuel Stephens
Well, we're getting settled into routine, here. This was an interesting week. Starting on Tuesday, we tracted a bunch, and we tried visiting a couple part-member families as part of our zone goal. We did talk a bit with Amy Morelock, a non-member daughter of a part-member family, but nothing came of it.
On Wednesday, we had our Zone Conference. Elder Callister of the Quorums of the 70 was our main speaker, so it was pretty good. He talked a lot about how we have to remember how important this is and act accordingly. By the time we got back from zone conference, we pretty much just had time for dinner.
On Thursday, we visited Alma Campos, who was someone who waved to Elder Mijares and Elder Ashby (who was in this area before me) and invited them over. We found out she had been attending another ward but had moved. Apparently the missionaries never started teaching her, so we're going to start. We also tracted a bit and had our weekly planning.
On Friday, we tracted for a good while, and we worked more on contacting some part-member families. On Saturday, we did service for the Bluemels, an older couple in our ward, by helping them put back some dirt they'd moved from the side of their house while it was being painted. In the afternoon, we tracted some more. We also got a call from Alma telling us that her daughter was sick so she wasn't going to make it to church.
On Sunday, we had our normal church meetings, tracted, and finally got in contact with another part-member family, the Frenches. Elder Mijares and Elder Ashby had been teaching them before, but had lost contact for a bit. We'll be visiting them again next week to teach them again.
Today, for our activity, we played tennis with our district. Or, rather, half of our district played tennis and the other half played basketball.
Well, I think that's it. Hopefully Alma will progress--it's a good sign when they've been to church before and liked it.
Oh, and a quick note--please try to hold dinner appointments with missionaries down to around an hour. We like talking with you as much as you like talking with us, but that just makes it harder for us to find a way to say that it's time for us to go. So please make it easy for us.
Elder Samuel Stephens
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