October 14, 2008

I'll update you a little more on what's happened.  Um.... Kristen is still getting baptized!  Guess who she picked to baptize her?  ME!  :)  She said she wanted someone to do the baptism who was as excited about the baptism as her!  Man am I excited.  I LOVE missionary work!  LOL.  She hugged Elder Finger and me.  Her boyfriend, Jeremy, explained later how she probably shouldn't do it.  She was a little embarrassed, but she understood.  We had a good laugh about it.  She hugged us cause she was excited.  Nothing romantic like.  No need to be worried. 

We had a lesson with Chris today too.  He seems like he is becoming more open.  He's coming along.  He doesn't believe that the doctrine of the Catholics is right.  He actually emailed his dad and questioned him.  This is a big step.  Maybe he won't feel he need to hold back if his parents won't stop him.  He told us that he now understands why he has to be baptized by immersion.  He will make it.  Pray for him.  

Describe my stay at the MTC...  It was such a spiritual high, at the same time it was a blast!  Our zone had so much fun together.  There was a new drama happening every week.  People were going home left and right.  Side note:  Hermana Kliesler is back in the MTC and will be coming to the TSAM next transfer.  Back to the question at hand.  I was so ready to leave the MTC by the end of it.  I couldn't stand being there another second  I just wanted to teach someone real.  Everyone looked up to me because I was older too.  They expected me to change Dutson.  That was a laugh and a half because I wouldn't change him for the world.  Miracles happened to me in the MTC.  Just know that the MTC is very dear to my heart.  

What was it like meeting my mission president.  It was only slightly nerve racking!  lol.  It was tough.  It felt like meeting the prophet.  You know this man had the power to see through your soul, and would also be the one to decide your fate for the next 2 years.  He is sooooo amazing though.  He is always smiling.  He knows how to say things to rebuke you, but still make you feel good.  He has so much love for everyone.  Fun experience... Seguin hasn't had a baptism in like 3 years, the ward had lost all faith and trust.  Now we've had 3 baptisms, one a month!  When Pres. saw us, he gave us a big punch in the chest and said "You're doin' it in Seguin!!!"  Man, that felt good.  He used to be a star football player and coach... hence the punching.  

My first holiday in the MTC was Mothers Day.  Holidays and the outside world don't mean much in the MTC.  LOL!  I could barely remember what day of the week it was.  I would always have to look at my planner to know.  So it didn't mean much.  The first holiday that sucked was the 4th of July.   I told you all about that though.  It was a big "I miss Jami" day.  

Did I have a period of culture shock?  There wasn't much of a culture shock in UC.  Just tons of Texas pride.  I did have to get over the fact that not everyone is as elect as the people in the TC.  I didn't think there would be so much knocking.  I also didn't know there would be so many non-denominational churches.  The upset me!  It's the build-a-bear church.  I wanna keep this sin, but not that.  I don't have to go to church, he's in my heart. A lot of people are confused and refuse to pray.  The bigger culture shock was in Seguin.  Country Texas is for sure different than city Texas.  There is so much history in this small ghetto gang-filled town.  Cholos everywhere!  It's so poor, but you got your way rich too.  There is the biggest ranch here with exotic animals.  Tons of farm work and service to do.  Everyone is either a pure Texas hick or a gangster.  They have the most beautiful homes here too.  Wrap around porches and everything.  It's like South Haven here.  I love it so much!  

October 12, 2008

Today was Sunday.  Sunday is a big day in the life of a missionary.  Not just because of the Sabbath, but because it is when investigators show progression for the week.  We had 4 investigators show up for church.  Let's go through and talk about them.  We will start with the miracle story of Kristen.  She is the girlfriend of an RM in the ward.  They came to our gospel principles class (the one for investigators).  The topic for that day was temple marriage.  Well, she decided with Jeremy that if they were to get married, it would be in the temple.  It was really good, but she said she'd call us when she was ready to be taught.  Guess what?  It's been about 3 weeks, and she called us back.  She read all of "Our Search for Happiness."  We met with her last Tuesday and taught her all of the restoration.  She had a bunch of questions written down that she had about the book.  She wanted to wait until the end of the lesson to ask them, but funny enough the Lord guided us in answering all of her questions.  She wanted to be taught again, and soon.  So we set up an appointment for that Thursday. We taught her about the plan of salvation and stressed baptism. At the end of the lesson, we asked her how she felt about baptism.  She said "I'm EXCITED!"  with the biggest smile on her face.  So we asked her how she felt about the 19th .  She immediately accepted.  She had it almost all planned out today.  She has such a strong testimony of the gospel.  So next sunday we have a baptism!  

Investigator #2.  Chris.  Chris came to the baptism of Andy and liked it.  He was really happy and you could tell that he could feel the spirit.  We got him interviewed by the DL and the ZL.  They said that he isn't ready but he isn't far behind.  They both received an answer from the spirit saying that he is pushing the spirit away because he is afraid to receive his answer. There is some big concern that he is holding on to that he won't let go of.  I feel the same way I did in the beginning with him.  That his parents are holding him back.  He feels very strongly in honoring his mother and father, even though they abused him as a child.  Well, we went with him and his parents to the Seguin Rodeo.  Just to tell you how funny Texas is... they shut down everything for 3 days for this Seguin Fair/ Rodeo.  They let kids have school off and everything.  Rodeos are big in Texas.  So we try talking to his dad to soften his heart.  I can see why he is holding Chris back.  He said to us "I know you are just doing this for your riches."  I explained how we don't get paid. His reply was "No, your riches in heaven."  I tried my hardest to let him know that we were only there for Chris, but he wouldn't believe us.  He is a mean stubborn old man.  It's too bad.  At church this Sunday, Chris pretty much led the discussion.  He gave very spiritual insights that were definitely given to him by the spirit.  He knows the doctrine so well.  I know he has a testimony and that he's just afraid to act upon it.  He's coming along though so pray for the best.  

We next have Marshall.  He is the one that gained a huge testimony from conference.  He decided that after he was done watching conference, that he would stay on his computer and look up Mormons on YouTube.  Just in case you were wondering, YouTube isn't the place to find good things about Mormons.  We luckily went and talked to him during the week.  He was antied like crazy.  He still came to church on Sunday!  We also have an appointment with him on Wednesday.  (email update: They had to drop Marshall cause he was too "antied."  He thinks that if Mormons would have church on Saturday and celebrate passover, it would be the true church.  He refused to pray about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.  So they dropped him and Nathan and Elder Finger were both sad.)

Investigator #4 is Olitha.  She is the sweetest black lady.  Looks just like a southern black lady should.  She just showed up at church!  She felt like she wanted to know more and this is where she needed to be.  The biggest problem we have is that she lives in San Marcos.  That's not even in our zone.  She tried the church there and didn't like it.  She said she wants to come to our church, so hopefully it works out.  She is coming down to Seguin later this week to be taught... just to be taught!  That is a sign of true electness.  

We didn't have this investigator show up and it's slightly upsetting.  Her name is Monique.  She is Grandma Sligr's granddaughter.  Grandma Sliger is an old lady we do a lot of service for.  She wasn't active till we stared bringing her back to church.  Well, Monique is living with her now.  She has ben for the past 2 weeks.  We've been teaching Monique.  She knows everything is true, but she doesn't want to be baptized.  The only way she will have a desire to come and be baptized is if she goes to church.  Well, she missed all of conference because Grandma Sliger found it more important to bake a pie or do something with the truck.  Grandma Sliger wouldn't sit down for just 2 hours to watch conference, and she's the one that wants her to be taught.  She didn't make it this week as well because she went to San Antonio for some reason.  Really upsetting.  We are probably gonna have to drop them.  

Letter From Elder Morris to the Wonderful Beck Family

Hey guys,
  Thank ya'll for the package. I'm sorry I'm such a crummy writter. I'm trying to do better. I loved the pictures of ya'll. Nick, man you look big. Who are you cheering for football this year? Did I ever tell you how big Texas is into football. Have you ever seen the show Friday Night Lights? That's filmed in Texas. It's so funny, you can't talk to people on friday nights because they are all at the high school football game. They have halftimes that are like the super bowl. It's crazy! I love it tho. I have a baptism coming up this sunday! I'm so excited. Her boyfriend, who is a member, toatlly did all the work. She was ready to be baptised in 2 days of us talking to her. She has such a strong testimony. Way too go for the member missionary. Did I tell ya'll that I'm 6'4' now. So Nick, you still got more catching up to do. IT's so blasted fun out here in the country. LOL! they shut down school for a day because the Rodeo was comin' into town. We have tons of investigators right now. too many to mention. they all came from member refferals. So, make sure you are gettin' your friends to church. Just pray for missionary experinces or for your friend to come to church, and the Lord will give it to you. I know it's true. They'll be able to feel the differnce if they go just once. I love ya'll tons and miss you too. Here is a great big YEAAHAWWW from your Texas Elder. Ya'll be strong now, ya hear!

October 6, 2008

There were throngs of investigators at conference.  We were actually faltering in the actual member department, but lots of investies.  I'm sure the members just watched it at home on TV.  Comference was such a blessing in so many ways.  Didn't it just feel awesome?!  

Let me tell you a little about Chris.  He went to a wedding last weekend that was a mormon/catholic wedding.  Bad combo.  A lot of the catholics were talking bad about the mormons.  Chris didn't say anything, but it seemed to make him a bit hard hearted.  Even though that happened, he stayed for the 3rd hour of church.  He has never done that since I've been here, but we got him to stay  We helped him on Wednesday put in a hard wood floor for his kitchen and he was just mad.  I figured it was because putting in hard wood is tough.  We taught him a lesson on Friday and he didn't seem to want to listen.  He just fought with us the whole time.  He didn't keep his commitment of the word of wisdom.  He said we never explained to him why it was wrong.  But we did, and he knew it was wrong.  Therefore we went over the importance of prayer and sacrifice.  We taught how very important it is to pray and to read your scriptures.  We told him that if he prays to have questions answered at conference, the Lord will bless him and answer all his questions.  We taught him the word of wisdom is something he needs to do to show his love and sacrifice to the Lord.  He needs to give up tea so he can get answers.  Well, I left that appointment upset.  It seemed he was back to his old self.  He then came to all 4 sessions of conference.  You could slowly see him getting happier and his hard edge melted away.  All of his questions were answered, as promised.  It was such a conference miracle.  He is taking us to a baptism in New Braunfels (sp?) on Tuesday so he can see what it's like.  It took this guy 3 years to get baptized, so maybe he can talk to Chris.  Pray that he will understand the spirit he feels there.  

On to Marshall.  Marshall is a member referral.  His neighbor, bro Dykes, is who told us to visit him.  Se, Bro Dykes has a Home Improvement thing going on with Marshall.  They talk over the fence.  Marshall was talking to himone day when out of now where Marshall said "you know what churches are missing these days?  REVELATION!"  LOL.  Bro Dykes informed him of our church.  He came 3 sundays but he won't let us teach him.  His wife won't even say hi when we come to visit.  She was never happy to see us.  He somehow got his wife to come with him to conference.  They both gained a testimony of the gospel and really are happy to see us now.  The thing is that Marshall wants to research on his own.  He said he would get back to us in a couple of weeks.  Pray that he lets us teach him sooner.  

Then we have Monique.  Her grandma is Grandma Sliger.  She knows the church is true but doesn't know if it's the only true church.  She didn't come to conference because her grandma found better things to do.  This is way frustrating.  Pray that Monique will keep her commitments and gain a stronger testimony and a desire to gain knowledge.  

September 21, 2008

This last letter from Elder Morris was just a bunch of answers to questions I asked him.  The answers might seem kind of random, but it's cause the questions were kind of random too.  Lots of them are in response to new pictures that he sent.  I'll put up the new pictures tonight too.  Here are some answers that ya'll might like to read.

Elder Finger... what am I learning... I guess I'm learning what I want to do when I'm a senior companion.  He has taught me better ways to teach.  Like leaving right after a lesson so the spirit leaves with.  That way they can notice the difference when you leave them.  I have also learned I don't like it when someone taps their brakes to the beat of the music.  LOL.  You would be so proud of me with my lack or road rage these days.  

The pepto took care of my flu almost instantly.  Thanks babe.  I'm not afraid of snakes... just a little scared of ones that can eat my arm.  As you can see, I got over it.  My thrift store pants are super comfy.  I love them.  I am excited to burn my year mark shirt.  It means progress.  I love progression.  Plus, I will still be a missionary, just with a little more experience under my belt.  I want to hear all about politics.  I have to vote and I don't know who to vote for!  I know nothing.  I am good and healthy and happy as well. 

September 29, 2008

Nathan emailed some pictures yesterday. They are of him and Elder Finger building a deck for an investigator. Also he didn't get transferred this time around. He will be with Elder Finger in Seguin for at least 6 more weeks. He sounds healthy and happy and is seeing many blessings from his sacrifice to serve. Enjoy the pictures! I think he looks great! :)

September 8, 2008

First off, a couple of disclaimers:

1. Nathan is safe and dry from Hurricane Ike.  Luckily the storm that was predicted to go straight through Seguin somehow skirted around it, and they only experienced light rain.  Lucky duck.  

2. The lack of blog updates is in no way a representation of the status of my relationship Elder Morris.  :)  I have been extremely busy with the start of my graduate program, and on top of that I don't have an internet connection at my new apartment.  So be patient with me and I'll update when I can.  I'm happy to say that Nathan and I are still good as ever.  

Here is some of the letter that I received from Nathan on September 8, 2008:

Here are answers to your questions about Elder Finger.  1) What is his full name?  Joshua James Finger.  2) Where is he from?  Garden Grove California.  It's next to Disneyland.  3) Where does he fit in his family? Second to last in a family of 6 kids.  His little sister is 5.  He has 5 nieces.  4) What did he do in high school?  He was QB of his football team.  He played 2nd base and shortstop in baseball.  He likes baseball more but his dad was the coach of his high school football team.  He also surfed, hung out on the beach, and went to the mall.  5) What are his 5 favorite bands/ artists.  MxPx, Jack Johnson, and Blink 182.  6) How long has he served in Texas? 1 year and a little bit.  His year mark was on the 29th.  7) What is his greatest strength? His desire to serve the Lord.  8) What is he afraid of?  snakes!  9) What is his favorite p-day activity?  Playing sports.  Mostly football or baseball.  10) Who is his hero?  His dad.  His superheros are spiderman and the flash.  This is his first time as senior companion.  

I should tell you more about our investigators.  I'll start with Alex.  He is the one I baptized yesterday.  He is awesome.  He has cerebral palsy.  It effects your nervous system.  He is way smart and definitely accountable.  We met him because he ordered a Bible from the TV.  After we gave him his Bible we told him about another book... the Book of Mormon.  Alex told us about how God had let him know that who ever was behind this commercial is where he needed to be.  He listened to the restoration and loved it.  He knew it was true from the beginning.  We found out his wife died 2 years ago, so when he found out about the plan of salvation, he loved it.  He came to church and actually knew some people there.  Even more perfect.  His brother is a member too.  The earliest you can get baptized in this mission is 3 weeks.  You have to show up 3 Sundays.  Alex did just that.  He was prepared and elect. 

 

You should know a little bit about the ward.  Out ward is a little less than friendly to missionaries.  That's changing hough.  They closed down this area because of some stupid missionaries.  They weren't doing anything and he ward know about it and lost all trust in them.  Not just trust in the stupid missionaries, but all missionaries.  They just reopened it 3 months ago.  We've been able to get through o a lot of people, but people made sure to let me know that they didn't like the old missionaries and I better be better.  Well, I know that I am, so we're good on that.  So We are working on it.  Pres. Cutler is aware and thinks we are doing a great job.  

You remember Alfredo and Astrid, right?  They were supposed to be baptized on my birthday.  Let me tell you the worry of all missionaries.  Wednesday before they got baptized we invite a member to their last lesson.  He starts to go off on deep doctrine.  This is the worst.  After this, Alfredo didn't feel ready so we delayed their baptism for a week.  Next thing we know, Alfredo comes at us with questions like "what do the 12 oxen under the baptismal font in SLC mean" and "what is God's real name".  He was working on proof instead of faith.  He just wanted proof.  We taught him that these questions are great but they are not important to know to get into heaven and you don't need to know them before you get baptized.  Of course we answered all of his questions but then he wanted proof from the Bible.  So we taught him the restoration completely from the Bible.  It still wasn't good enough.  He hasn't been back to church since that Wednesday and so we dropped him.  Sad Story.  The moral of the story is that you need milk before meat.