That sounds like a ton of fun going to Death Valley! The stars are amazing out here. Between driving to and from Craig and Steamboat I got to get out of the car and I got to just walk up and down the road staring at the stars in amazement. It was in the middle of nowhere with untouched snow everywhere, pitch black with the wind blowing (one of my favorites, windy nights) with weeds and bushes peaked over the snow so you could here them rustle in the wind, with the brightest stars you've ever seen in the frigid cold. It was so neat looking up and around and seeing all that God has given us, and how much more we can enjoy them when we are free from all our guilt that we've created for ourselves in this life. How much more we can appreciate God's creations when we follow God's commandments. There's just no words that can explain the gratitude for the Gospel helping us to be more filled in this life. It's so amazing.
It's so neat to see how people who were struggling so much in their life finally just get it. To see the Spirit finally work through them after their long journey and the heartache they've caused to themselves and their family.
Transfers! What will it be? 3 Transfers for Elder Edgel so far in Steamboat. He will... STAY! Seis mas semanas en Steamboat para Elder Edgel y Elder Dean tambien! Everyone thought I would leave this area for Elder Dean and take off. But I get 6 more weeks! Elder Dean and I are going to be fasting to strengthen ourselves and get ourselves more motivated for the work. That's the hardest thing for myself. Staying top notch motivated. When you have the desire miracles can happen though. Something I keep thinking about. If we just simply have the desire we will see amazing things happen. We're already seeing cool things happen and we're just getting started! We're learning how to work together as a companionship more effectively. I'm really excited. We've had some neat lessons with people.
A brother received the Aaronic priesthood in church! He said the last time we committed him to live the word of wisdom for a week was really easy so we did again and had give think of reasons why he needs to, how to help himself, what he'll miss out on if he doesn't and a date for the temple. We're very excited for him. They've decided to go to the temple to be sealed this year. he is scared he won't make it, but he definitely will. The ward has been so awesome with fellow shipping him. They were so sad to think I might be leaving and told me I better be one of the first families they visit after haha. I've grown really close with them.
Jared had his interview with the stake president and is coming along very well on preparing for a mission. He's come out a lot with us and has been a huge help.
We started teaching a family! It's hard to find those in Steamboat. Everyone is a single ski bum come to party. We brought a member and it went very well. We'll be seeing them tonight. After that lesson we ran into Alejandro, one of the Sister's investigators. I love this guy and am sad I can't speak spanish because I can't teach him. But he invited us in and we got to talk about him being baptized and practiced english and spanish. He will definitely be baptized.
We had dinner with Fransisco and Gabby, the couple that the sister's taught and baptized and Milandro the girl from Peru that we found and Rafa, Fransisco and Gabby's really good friend that they live with. Man oh man it was good to eat real mexican food again. They don't speak much english so most of the night was in Spanish which was really nice. I love all those people sooo much. The Sisters are teaching Rafa which is really exciting. We got to talk about Fransisco and Gabby's conversion which was very interesting. Before I was here the sisters tracted into them and Rafa said they could come back just because they were pretty, then when they came he was scared and didn't want to see them so he forced Gabby to who didn't want to either. Then Fransisco came out of his room and saw them and yelled "crap!" but they're version in spanish and in his room they could hear him saying to Rafa, "I don't want to hear anything from mormon girls!" Gabby didn't either at first.
But then Sister Tew came in and almost instantly became the best of friends with Gabby. The first time Fransisco met them he asked what he had to do to be baptized out of curiosity. Sure enough, they all finally felt the Spirit and were baptized. Now they're working on Rafa who says he knows he needs to be but needs time. I told them how I still have my passport and can use it after my mission and they got really excited saying that we were going to go to Mexico together hahaha.
Another thing, my spanish is infinitely better on my mission. Even in Mexico for the 3 weeks my spanish wan't this good. I can say many sentences at a time now and can talk to someone on the street enough to give them to the sisters haha. Really cool. I love love love spanish. I speak it in my head sometimes even though I'm sure it's the worst grammar. But my mind will just speak it in little things sometimes. I can even pray in spanish!
I know I need to stay sober, stay calm and sober for the next few trials that hit. I'm studying whenever I have the chance and doing everything I can. The next step is to actually love everything that I do. To not fear going into a lesson and only trust. To really study more effectively because I have the desire to help those around me. I know God has a purpose for me. I'm excited to stay in Steamboat. I love the people here. I want to work so hard for them.
I love you all. Thank you for the way that all of you have raised me and encouraged me. I'll work hard for you.
-Elder Edgel
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Most importantly have Charity
An equation I thought of yesterday was opportunity + good desires = miracles. When we have good desires and act on it with the opportunities we're given, MIRACLES COME. We must have good desires though and WE must act on it. We get more opportunities as a result and a have even greater desires and it just keeps increasing the other exponentially. I'm still figuring out how to write that one out. If anyone wants to shower me in their knowledge of mathematics please feel free.
So amazing things this week! a less active that moved in, 25, is a convert and has been knuckle head had decided to serve a mission! He's been doing some silly things and we've been worried about him but we had a lesson and he got rid of everything bad in his life and has determined to serve a mission. The cut off is in 6 months but he really wants to try. So whether actually going is the Lord's will or not it will put him on the right path and he's excited for that.
There is a 24 yr old guy I love so much, we've hung out with him on a few days and I've talked about him. We had a lesson with him and his mom and the Spirit was so strong. We weren't sure how to help him further. We invited him to read and he has been! But we were afraid of having lessons with him. He came up to US though and said he would like to sit down and talk with us! I can't even believe it! His mom can't either!
I may have said this one already. We were trying to contact a very old referal, we knew they wouldn't be there but we thought it was a good way to OYM someone without the whole tracting approach. So this Brazilian with broken english answered the door. After talking a little we said we had a message that families could be together forever. She got tears in her eyes and said her grandmother passed away 2 days ago and felt that we were sent by God to her. She's very excitedly been reading the BoM. It's challenging teaching her and her boy friend because I'm not sure how well they understand but they keep saying in their broken english, I believe what your saying is true! I can feel it! I know you're God's messengers!" So we're extremely excited to keep teaching them!
On Tuesday in our small towns we got 6 lessons in a day! That's probably the most I've ever have! There is so much work down there! We're going to start teaching this family. I love them so much, I stuck my hand up one of their cow butts when we were serving them. We went by (12 miles out of the way, little iffy at first) to try and get my track hoodie back, (which we can't find... I smell a great b-day present!) I felt to invite them to be taught but was terrified. So I just started saying whatever came to my mind. He was very open and we talked for about half an hour outside. He said he loved our conversation and would love to talk more with us. Just share your testimonies! Fear not!
That day we also had a lesson with our alcoholic friend, he was ranting again so finally, again not knowing what to say just cut him off and started testifying, we were then able to actually teach him (he was also sober) later in the week we called to remind him about church, his brother told us he was asleep wasted and wouldnt' be able to drive but was really glad we were talking with him and told us how worried he was about him.
Then with an excon member we were talking with his son and wife very uncomfortable but started talking about families and about how much God loves them. We then were able to testify about God helping families to be united in this life and the next. It was very simple and we felt the Spirit with them even though his son and wife were a little hostile.
We struggle with being able to see our investigators more than once in a week because of how busy they are. But we're trying. With good desires and our heart in it, miracles will happen.
I know that this truly is life eternal. This church isn't to just give us something to do to pass the time. This is truly life eternal. This is why we are here on earth. This is our purpose. I know that God is real and loves us and is waiting to bless us when we do what He asks. And what He asks will only bring us more happiness than we could have ever imagined.
Stay strong. Do the simple things. Most importantly, have Charity.
-Elder Edgel
So amazing things this week! a less active that moved in, 25, is a convert and has been knuckle head had decided to serve a mission! He's been doing some silly things and we've been worried about him but we had a lesson and he got rid of everything bad in his life and has determined to serve a mission. The cut off is in 6 months but he really wants to try. So whether actually going is the Lord's will or not it will put him on the right path and he's excited for that.
There is a 24 yr old guy I love so much, we've hung out with him on a few days and I've talked about him. We had a lesson with him and his mom and the Spirit was so strong. We weren't sure how to help him further. We invited him to read and he has been! But we were afraid of having lessons with him. He came up to US though and said he would like to sit down and talk with us! I can't even believe it! His mom can't either!
I may have said this one already. We were trying to contact a very old referal, we knew they wouldn't be there but we thought it was a good way to OYM someone without the whole tracting approach. So this Brazilian with broken english answered the door. After talking a little we said we had a message that families could be together forever. She got tears in her eyes and said her grandmother passed away 2 days ago and felt that we were sent by God to her. She's very excitedly been reading the BoM. It's challenging teaching her and her boy friend because I'm not sure how well they understand but they keep saying in their broken english, I believe what your saying is true! I can feel it! I know you're God's messengers!" So we're extremely excited to keep teaching them!
On Tuesday in our small towns we got 6 lessons in a day! That's probably the most I've ever have! There is so much work down there! We're going to start teaching this family. I love them so much, I stuck my hand up one of their cow butts when we were serving them. We went by (12 miles out of the way, little iffy at first) to try and get my track hoodie back, (which we can't find... I smell a great b-day present!) I felt to invite them to be taught but was terrified. So I just started saying whatever came to my mind. He was very open and we talked for about half an hour outside. He said he loved our conversation and would love to talk more with us. Just share your testimonies! Fear not!
That day we also had a lesson with our alcoholic friend, he was ranting again so finally, again not knowing what to say just cut him off and started testifying, we were then able to actually teach him (he was also sober) later in the week we called to remind him about church, his brother told us he was asleep wasted and wouldnt' be able to drive but was really glad we were talking with him and told us how worried he was about him.
Then with an excon member we were talking with his son and wife very uncomfortable but started talking about families and about how much God loves them. We then were able to testify about God helping families to be united in this life and the next. It was very simple and we felt the Spirit with them even though his son and wife were a little hostile.
We struggle with being able to see our investigators more than once in a week because of how busy they are. But we're trying. With good desires and our heart in it, miracles will happen.
I know that this truly is life eternal. This church isn't to just give us something to do to pass the time. This is truly life eternal. This is why we are here on earth. This is our purpose. I know that God is real and loves us and is waiting to bless us when we do what He asks. And what He asks will only bring us more happiness than we could have ever imagined.
Stay strong. Do the simple things. Most importantly, have Charity.
-Elder Edgel
Thursday, January 16, 2014
I'm so honored to be His servant
There's this extremely short girl, Millie, from Peru a convert of 2 years I think. Her whole family followed after she was baptized. She was having a hard time without her family in the States. Every Monday Elder Dean and I get Big Macs from Mickey D's for a dollar (whenever broncos play, the day after Big Macs are a dollar if you have a card). She was working and saw us there and said she was a member. We weren't able to invite her to church but afterward she apparently called her mom saying she saw us and her mom told her how everything would be fine because she would have a family there in the ward. Then her mom asked, "you asked where church is right?". Extremely fortunetly we saw her that same day as we were grocery shopping and she asked when church was. This past Fast Sunday she shared this experience with everyone. It's so neat how God will throw us a bone every now and then that completely had no hand in just to show us: When it comes down it, everything we receive is from what God sends our way. So cool. I'm so honored to be His servant. To all missionaries and future missionaries: BE OBEDIENT. Heavenly Father can use you when you least expect it when you wear proselyting clothes in public even on P-days.
What's the average attendance at San Miguel? Can you send me the Fellowship of the Unashamed?
I love you Mommy. I did my very first baptismal interview (all have had to be interviewed by President or Zone Leaders) for this 12 year old girl. I showed her the picture of you and she said you were very pretty. I said dang straight! My momma's gorgeous!
Our less active husband was finally able to come to church. Oh man that was so awesome. I love that family so much. He's such a powerful man. Still trying to quit chew but He's doing better than He ever has. Kirk is doing good. Having temptations but knows to stay away. We saw someone again that we had OYM'd previously. She was very interested then dropped us and said she wasn't interested and worked 12 days in a row till she had a day off. But we saw her in the laundry mat so we taught her a lesson as she did her laundry and she liked everything. We contacted a refferal that a member was hesitant to give us and she turned out to be very interested. No fear!
I'm learning to forget myself and have trust in the Lord. Realize and remember what He's done for me in the past and that He can continually help me in my future.
I love you all. Thank you for your prayers. They're real and they help. Be positive!
-Elder Edgel
What's the average attendance at San Miguel? Can you send me the Fellowship of the Unashamed?
I love you Mommy. I did my very first baptismal interview (all have had to be interviewed by President or Zone Leaders) for this 12 year old girl. I showed her the picture of you and she said you were very pretty. I said dang straight! My momma's gorgeous!
Our less active husband was finally able to come to church. Oh man that was so awesome. I love that family so much. He's such a powerful man. Still trying to quit chew but He's doing better than He ever has. Kirk is doing good. Having temptations but knows to stay away. We saw someone again that we had OYM'd previously. She was very interested then dropped us and said she wasn't interested and worked 12 days in a row till she had a day off. But we saw her in the laundry mat so we taught her a lesson as she did her laundry and she liked everything. We contacted a refferal that a member was hesitant to give us and she turned out to be very interested. No fear!
I'm learning to forget myself and have trust in the Lord. Realize and remember what He's done for me in the past and that He can continually help me in my future.
I love you all. Thank you for your prayers. They're real and they help. Be positive!
-Elder Edgel
Keep pressing forward with hope
Thank you so much for your prayers. I know the power of prayer is real.
Real quick. Recipes for cream of mushroom and recipes for chicken breast.
We had a zone conference this week which was greatly needed. They had a leadership training at 8. They talked about how there's so many missionaries that have been out less than 6 months and district meetings are greatly needed to help these inexperienced missionaries. Gee, Thanks bucko! What am I supposed to do then if I'm that inexperienced missionary that needs extra training but am supposed to be giving that extra training! But the whole thing was very inspirational and uplifting. Elder Dean and I talked all the way back on how we want to be better and worker harder and have a greater desire.
Things are hard. Hope can easily get swallowed up in fear and doubt. We must all press forward though and see the good in everything. The Savior is just very glad that we chose His plan before this life and because of that we don't have to be eternally miserable. On the other hand He so greatly would like us to be even happier than we are now. And we do so by keeping His commandments and pressing forward.
Our ward gets 50 members in the ward (not counting visitors) on a good day. This past week we had about 20. It was slim. BUT some new converts came which was amazing! Everytime we have a lesson with them it's so powerful. I love them so much. I told them how much they remind me of Jacob and Rachel and their kids of Easton and Teagon. I love that they're doing so well and want to go to the temple.
We also took Fransisco out with us, the new convert and we saw Jacob, a member from Mexico that hasn't been to church yet. He was very excited to come and even more excited to meet Fransisco that also spoke Spanish. The Sisters started a Gospel Principles class in Spanish so many more people can start coming and understanding it in their language. Elder Dean and I set a goal to get so much work going that we can afford to go on Splits and cover more ground at least once a week. That's been very exciting.
I know things would be way easier and I could be way less fearful as a junior companion with someone that knows what he's doing, but I know it'll be so worth it when I work up to being that capable on my own not leaning on anyone else at all. I'm so excited to become who my Father in Heaven wants me to become and completely forgetting myself and my fears.
Speaking of how he wants us to share. I discovered 2 Nephi 26:24-27. It talks about how much he loves us and does nothing unless it benefits us. The only thing He asks of us in return is to "persuade all men to repentance" I'm learning how to love so much more so that the Spirit can work through me more. To trust in those around me. I'm feeling the Spirit so much more this past week and feeling so much more motivated. Our ward mission leader is the greatest. He usually goes to California this time of year (usually in November) without ANY exceptions EVERY year but he says that he feels that he is needed here and feels it's for us the missionaries. People in the ward are talking about how strange it is that he's still here.
I love you all. Keep pressing forward with hope. Keep looking for hope and it will come. Please please please make the effort. For your own good and happiness.
-Elder Edgel
Real quick. Recipes for cream of mushroom and recipes for chicken breast.
We had a zone conference this week which was greatly needed. They had a leadership training at 8. They talked about how there's so many missionaries that have been out less than 6 months and district meetings are greatly needed to help these inexperienced missionaries. Gee, Thanks bucko! What am I supposed to do then if I'm that inexperienced missionary that needs extra training but am supposed to be giving that extra training! But the whole thing was very inspirational and uplifting. Elder Dean and I talked all the way back on how we want to be better and worker harder and have a greater desire.
Things are hard. Hope can easily get swallowed up in fear and doubt. We must all press forward though and see the good in everything. The Savior is just very glad that we chose His plan before this life and because of that we don't have to be eternally miserable. On the other hand He so greatly would like us to be even happier than we are now. And we do so by keeping His commandments and pressing forward.
Our ward gets 50 members in the ward (not counting visitors) on a good day. This past week we had about 20. It was slim. BUT some new converts came which was amazing! Everytime we have a lesson with them it's so powerful. I love them so much. I told them how much they remind me of Jacob and Rachel and their kids of Easton and Teagon. I love that they're doing so well and want to go to the temple.
We also took Fransisco out with us, the new convert and we saw Jacob, a member from Mexico that hasn't been to church yet. He was very excited to come and even more excited to meet Fransisco that also spoke Spanish. The Sisters started a Gospel Principles class in Spanish so many more people can start coming and understanding it in their language. Elder Dean and I set a goal to get so much work going that we can afford to go on Splits and cover more ground at least once a week. That's been very exciting.
I know things would be way easier and I could be way less fearful as a junior companion with someone that knows what he's doing, but I know it'll be so worth it when I work up to being that capable on my own not leaning on anyone else at all. I'm so excited to become who my Father in Heaven wants me to become and completely forgetting myself and my fears.
Speaking of how he wants us to share. I discovered 2 Nephi 26:24-27. It talks about how much he loves us and does nothing unless it benefits us. The only thing He asks of us in return is to "persuade all men to repentance" I'm learning how to love so much more so that the Spirit can work through me more. To trust in those around me. I'm feeling the Spirit so much more this past week and feeling so much more motivated. Our ward mission leader is the greatest. He usually goes to California this time of year (usually in November) without ANY exceptions EVERY year but he says that he feels that he is needed here and feels it's for us the missionaries. People in the ward are talking about how strange it is that he's still here.
I love you all. Keep pressing forward with hope. Keep looking for hope and it will come. Please please please make the effort. For your own good and happiness.
-Elder Edgel
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Christmas Skype picture
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It was a very Merry Christmas since we were able to talk to Elder Edgel. He really is doing great! He looks so wonderful!
Monday, December 23, 2013
Its so humbling to think that the Savior was born for US.
Elder Condie while on exchanges and talking about the missionary pictures (all leaders have pictures of the missionaries in their jurisdiction) said jokingly every time he sees my picture it makes him happy because of how purely happy I look hahaha. Thank you for the smile momma! That's a compliment to your wonderful contagious smile!
How can i cook with chicken breast?
All my dirty boys, I'm currently trying to write letters to each of you. I can only write letters on P-days and mostly we don't even have time to be in the appartment. I love you all though. Something that came to mind though, my companion studied some hymns this morning and got a whole lot out of it. Did you know Nearer My God to Thee is based off the story of Jacob in the old testament? If just reading scriptures is boring to you, try annotating the hymns and reading the scripture references. I think you music talented kids might like that. I thought of you. I'm sure you could understand music a whole lot more just by studying music written by the Spirit.
I asked Fred one day if i could come back after my mission and work with him for a summer. He said ya of course and brought it back up another time. He's another one of those extremely hard working men. He's very smart. A little more on Fred. He's a native here and grew up on owl eggs and elk milk since they were so poor they just domesticated their own wild animals. He's a convert to the church at around age 21. As soon as he read the BoM he knew it was true and couldnt stop reading. He served in Vietnam, has a twin sister (who just passed), has been in prison where he constantly was singing teach me to walk in the light, has had a pet beaver, skunk, seal, racoon, built his own boat to make some money as a fisherman in Alaska, abducted his kids from Alaska got past border patrol twice after the whole continent was looking for him (you might be able to find that in the news if you search. it was a big deal. People were sending him money and supporting him) and is a very very spiritual man. He always tells of the story when he was in the middle of the ocean in shipwreck pass with 3 story tall waves around him in his small boat feeling like he would die and literally seeing the waves calm around him as he prayed so earnestly our Heavenly Father and sailing safely through the night. He's an amazing man. He's rough around the edges and secretly sensitive, but a very good man. I would love for my family to meet him and Don Ella. Such wonderful people. So helpful to the ward. Call Don Ella some time, momma. She would love to talk with you. Make sure you get to have Fred say hi as well. And ensure that pops says to them.
Well He did. Heavenly Father is giving me a testimony of leadership. I was bitter about it but He's teaching me to not overlook it. I feel such unearthly love for these missionaries. It's been really great to be a part of. I love how He works with us and gives us what we need to be stronger. In Gospel Principles as were talking about The Fall a less active lady told about how she had gone through a divorce and car wreck and how she's not totally glad that it's all happened, she's at peace with it and knows it was there to help her and knows that if it weren't for the fall and the pain that we get to experience, we wouldn't grow and become stronger. She doesn't talk about her trials much so it was so special to be a part of. We just hope she continues coming to church. Such a simple thing such as church attendance can bless our lives spiritually in so many ways. Especially the way that God has set up His organization in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There are so many testimonies that point to this being His Church. Find your own testimony. Find out for yourself and experiment upon the Book of Mormon and see if it can't help your life even more.
I love you all. Merry Christmas and remember the reason for the Season. It's so humbling to think that the Savior and Redeemer was born on THIS earth for US. That the one person who had a perfect love and perfect being came for US. Remember His love.
-Elder Edgel
How can i cook with chicken breast?
All my dirty boys, I'm currently trying to write letters to each of you. I can only write letters on P-days and mostly we don't even have time to be in the appartment. I love you all though. Something that came to mind though, my companion studied some hymns this morning and got a whole lot out of it. Did you know Nearer My God to Thee is based off the story of Jacob in the old testament? If just reading scriptures is boring to you, try annotating the hymns and reading the scripture references. I think you music talented kids might like that. I thought of you. I'm sure you could understand music a whole lot more just by studying music written by the Spirit.
I asked Fred one day if i could come back after my mission and work with him for a summer. He said ya of course and brought it back up another time. He's another one of those extremely hard working men. He's very smart. A little more on Fred. He's a native here and grew up on owl eggs and elk milk since they were so poor they just domesticated their own wild animals. He's a convert to the church at around age 21. As soon as he read the BoM he knew it was true and couldnt stop reading. He served in Vietnam, has a twin sister (who just passed), has been in prison where he constantly was singing teach me to walk in the light, has had a pet beaver, skunk, seal, racoon, built his own boat to make some money as a fisherman in Alaska, abducted his kids from Alaska got past border patrol twice after the whole continent was looking for him (you might be able to find that in the news if you search. it was a big deal. People were sending him money and supporting him) and is a very very spiritual man. He always tells of the story when he was in the middle of the ocean in shipwreck pass with 3 story tall waves around him in his small boat feeling like he would die and literally seeing the waves calm around him as he prayed so earnestly our Heavenly Father and sailing safely through the night. He's an amazing man. He's rough around the edges and secretly sensitive, but a very good man. I would love for my family to meet him and Don Ella. Such wonderful people. So helpful to the ward. Call Don Ella some time, momma. She would love to talk with you. Make sure you get to have Fred say hi as well. And ensure that pops says to them.
Well He did. Heavenly Father is giving me a testimony of leadership. I was bitter about it but He's teaching me to not overlook it. I feel such unearthly love for these missionaries. It's been really great to be a part of. I love how He works with us and gives us what we need to be stronger. In Gospel Principles as were talking about The Fall a less active lady told about how she had gone through a divorce and car wreck and how she's not totally glad that it's all happened, she's at peace with it and knows it was there to help her and knows that if it weren't for the fall and the pain that we get to experience, we wouldn't grow and become stronger. She doesn't talk about her trials much so it was so special to be a part of. We just hope she continues coming to church. Such a simple thing such as church attendance can bless our lives spiritually in so many ways. Especially the way that God has set up His organization in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There are so many testimonies that point to this being His Church. Find your own testimony. Find out for yourself and experiment upon the Book of Mormon and see if it can't help your life even more.
I love you all. Merry Christmas and remember the reason for the Season. It's so humbling to think that the Savior and Redeemer was born on THIS earth for US. That the one person who had a perfect love and perfect being came for US. Remember His love.
-Elder Edgel
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Sometimes the Lord uses ice cream to do His work
THANK YOU THANK YOU for the package! It was so exciting and perfect! The music is perfect. It reminds me of being gathered around a Christmas tree reading stories and drinking hot cocoa. The songs on them were really good so thank you a ton for sending them!
If anyone has any recipe for meals I'd like them.
I would like the story of both you and Dad's conversion. How old were you and how old was Jeremy?
Not sure if I already shared this, but reading through my journal, my favorite parts were when I was working with my family. Some families favorite thing is watching movies, playing cards (our poor mother likes it and her grumpy boys hate it), our family likes to just work. I love doing that with my dad and brothers. I didn't do enough of it.
Joe is coming around quite well. He said that he only wanted to say one thing that he was grateful for on Facebook for Thanksgiving and said he talked about the missionary program in the church.
At our last district meeting we all talked about what we learned this past transfer. The most quiet spoke up and admitted to what he has learned. Everyone said profound things. One had wanted to go home, not sure if I told you, said he learned how God is there and that he's decided to stay. Sweat almost came out of my eyeballs. It was such a reward to have him stay. My district in one transfer has had 2 ETs. That was a good reassuring start of how well I was doing. It's so important to know what's going on in everyone's lives. I love my district so much. I feel so unworthy to be their leader sometimes but I when I forget that, and focus on the love I feel toward them, it all works.
No one in Steamboat was transferred! Only two in my district, but they are still in my district.
We had very cool OYMing experiences. Stoner method. One person who had his headphones in and was quite awkward, when asked what he thought of when he saw the picture of Christ holding the lamb on the pamphelt paused, looked at it and said, I'll be honest with you guys, I needed this right now. I'll tell you something I haven't told anyone. I feel very lucky to have met you. It was such an amazing experience. We're going to see him soon sometime. We also met someone wanting to have Christ more in his life and struggling. We promised him that because of his open heart, he could be filled. He said he was very grateful to hear that because not many of his friends tell him good job for being open minded.
We had a powerful lesson with some kids of a member. They've been inactive for awhile. It was very powerful just going over the first lesson. Whenever the Spirit is strong I always know it's because that person we're teaching needs it. I'm learning to not be afraid of being bold and confident and loving.
We've been playing basketball every Tuesday night (just found out we weren't supposed to. Whoops!) at the ward building with a lot of non members and one of our investigators. We've been having a spiritual thought every time and in the last one we asked them to read the BoM and one of the boys asked us for one before we could offer it and was excited to read it. It was so special. My comp has been struggling a lot with confidence in himself. In the car he said he never feels the Spirit when he talks and said he feels like he ruined the thought after he spoke. After saying things I thought were necessary for him to hear I shut my fat mouth. Then felt to tell him that he was good enough for the mission and good enough for the Lord. He asked me "how did you know to say that?" in his tears. It was so special to be there for him. He's really improved so much since that and has greater confidence in himself. I'm learning a lot to be more sensitive to him and love him more as the Lord does. We get to be together another 6 weeks which is really special to me.
There's a lot of drama going on with the people that the Sisters teach and in the ward. So at waffles today Don Ella was in a room with a sobbing investigator while everyone was cooking and eating. I noticed Sister Tew grab ice cream from the freezer and two spoons and slip into a room. I started asking "what was tha - oh." Then as she was talking to another investigator had to take her to the room. Then a recent convert had to be led into the room hahahaha. And another tub of ice cream and spoons were thrown in. It was so good for those sisters to have that. Don Ella is an amazing woman.
Elder Dean stories! While OYMing a cute/kinda flirtatious walked by. Elder Dean: Hey how's it going what's your name. girl: I'm (whatever)! I have to go but don't worry you'll see me again in your dreams! Elder Dean: *after she's walked off a little ...Can we give you our number?!?!
He's been slipping on ice and falling at least once every single day this week. Poor guy.
OYMd three girls "hey have you guys every talked to mormon missionaries?" No not yet. *stood willing to talk Elder Dean walks away. Bahahahaha! So they asked if he needed help getting back to his apartment or something. Finally I came up and helped him out and set up a time to see them latter. Elder Dean asked, do you think they're hookers since they offered to come back with us to our apartment?
While guessing what transfers was going to be he said how most the elders would be whitewashed. I asked do you know why missionaries are white washed? That's a little rude Elder. No I just like saying whitewash.
Elder Dean has a lot to talk about! Such an awesome kid. In my journal I wrote down all this gifts to help me love him more. And what is in my power to help him. It's helped us a lot to grow closer with one another.
The biggest thing I'm learning right now is inspiring in others a motivation to learn more about the Gospel. That's all we can do at times. I've come to find for myself that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints offers so much peace and solace. It has helped me to feel happy. I would be 100Xs more of a grump than I am now. Everyone that has ever truly and honestly opened their heart to if the Book of Mormon is truth and is honestly willing to act on it, has been made happier. Kirk is so much happier. My parents are happier who came from hard lives, my brothers are happier who were in the middle of despair. And I've been given hope that life is worth something and that I should keep mine. I've been given peace that there is a being who created and loves me infinitely and knows what's perfect for me in order to be happy. There is a master plan for each of us by this being who profess to be our Heavenly Father.
This plan is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This plan is found in the Book of Mormon and missionaries can help you find it out for yourself. Don't wait till you're broken hearted to find if this can help. Try to open your heart now. I wouldn't dedicate 2 years of my life going against all that is natural to me to do something I didn't know for a surety is not only just a good thing to do, but is THE truth to help us all. Not to push around, but to lift us up. I know that is true. I know it can help all and I am eternally grateful for the chance to give it to others.
Read the Book of Mormon. Talk to the missionaries. I love you all and think you of you all.
Elder Edgel
If anyone has any recipe for meals I'd like them.
I would like the story of both you and Dad's conversion. How old were you and how old was Jeremy?
Not sure if I already shared this, but reading through my journal, my favorite parts were when I was working with my family. Some families favorite thing is watching movies, playing cards (our poor mother likes it and her grumpy boys hate it), our family likes to just work. I love doing that with my dad and brothers. I didn't do enough of it.
Joe is coming around quite well. He said that he only wanted to say one thing that he was grateful for on Facebook for Thanksgiving and said he talked about the missionary program in the church.
At our last district meeting we all talked about what we learned this past transfer. The most quiet spoke up and admitted to what he has learned. Everyone said profound things. One had wanted to go home, not sure if I told you, said he learned how God is there and that he's decided to stay. Sweat almost came out of my eyeballs. It was such a reward to have him stay. My district in one transfer has had 2 ETs. That was a good reassuring start of how well I was doing. It's so important to know what's going on in everyone's lives. I love my district so much. I feel so unworthy to be their leader sometimes but I when I forget that, and focus on the love I feel toward them, it all works.
No one in Steamboat was transferred! Only two in my district, but they are still in my district.
We had very cool OYMing experiences. Stoner method. One person who had his headphones in and was quite awkward, when asked what he thought of when he saw the picture of Christ holding the lamb on the pamphelt paused, looked at it and said, I'll be honest with you guys, I needed this right now. I'll tell you something I haven't told anyone. I feel very lucky to have met you. It was such an amazing experience. We're going to see him soon sometime. We also met someone wanting to have Christ more in his life and struggling. We promised him that because of his open heart, he could be filled. He said he was very grateful to hear that because not many of his friends tell him good job for being open minded.
We had a powerful lesson with some kids of a member. They've been inactive for awhile. It was very powerful just going over the first lesson. Whenever the Spirit is strong I always know it's because that person we're teaching needs it. I'm learning to not be afraid of being bold and confident and loving.
We've been playing basketball every Tuesday night (just found out we weren't supposed to. Whoops!) at the ward building with a lot of non members and one of our investigators. We've been having a spiritual thought every time and in the last one we asked them to read the BoM and one of the boys asked us for one before we could offer it and was excited to read it. It was so special. My comp has been struggling a lot with confidence in himself. In the car he said he never feels the Spirit when he talks and said he feels like he ruined the thought after he spoke. After saying things I thought were necessary for him to hear I shut my fat mouth. Then felt to tell him that he was good enough for the mission and good enough for the Lord. He asked me "how did you know to say that?" in his tears. It was so special to be there for him. He's really improved so much since that and has greater confidence in himself. I'm learning a lot to be more sensitive to him and love him more as the Lord does. We get to be together another 6 weeks which is really special to me.
There's a lot of drama going on with the people that the Sisters teach and in the ward. So at waffles today Don Ella was in a room with a sobbing investigator while everyone was cooking and eating. I noticed Sister Tew grab ice cream from the freezer and two spoons and slip into a room. I started asking "what was tha - oh." Then as she was talking to another investigator had to take her to the room. Then a recent convert had to be led into the room hahahaha. And another tub of ice cream and spoons were thrown in. It was so good for those sisters to have that. Don Ella is an amazing woman.
Elder Dean stories! While OYMing a cute/kinda flirtatious walked by. Elder Dean: Hey how's it going what's your name. girl: I'm (whatever)! I have to go but don't worry you'll see me again in your dreams! Elder Dean: *after she's walked off a little ...Can we give you our number?!?!
He's been slipping on ice and falling at least once every single day this week. Poor guy.
OYMd three girls "hey have you guys every talked to mormon missionaries?" No not yet. *stood willing to talk Elder Dean walks away. Bahahahaha! So they asked if he needed help getting back to his apartment or something. Finally I came up and helped him out and set up a time to see them latter. Elder Dean asked, do you think they're hookers since they offered to come back with us to our apartment?
While guessing what transfers was going to be he said how most the elders would be whitewashed. I asked do you know why missionaries are white washed? That's a little rude Elder. No I just like saying whitewash.
Elder Dean has a lot to talk about! Such an awesome kid. In my journal I wrote down all this gifts to help me love him more. And what is in my power to help him. It's helped us a lot to grow closer with one another.
The biggest thing I'm learning right now is inspiring in others a motivation to learn more about the Gospel. That's all we can do at times. I've come to find for myself that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints offers so much peace and solace. It has helped me to feel happy. I would be 100Xs more of a grump than I am now. Everyone that has ever truly and honestly opened their heart to if the Book of Mormon is truth and is honestly willing to act on it, has been made happier. Kirk is so much happier. My parents are happier who came from hard lives, my brothers are happier who were in the middle of despair. And I've been given hope that life is worth something and that I should keep mine. I've been given peace that there is a being who created and loves me infinitely and knows what's perfect for me in order to be happy. There is a master plan for each of us by this being who profess to be our Heavenly Father.
This plan is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This plan is found in the Book of Mormon and missionaries can help you find it out for yourself. Don't wait till you're broken hearted to find if this can help. Try to open your heart now. I wouldn't dedicate 2 years of my life going against all that is natural to me to do something I didn't know for a surety is not only just a good thing to do, but is THE truth to help us all. Not to push around, but to lift us up. I know that is true. I know it can help all and I am eternally grateful for the chance to give it to others.
Read the Book of Mormon. Talk to the missionaries. I love you all and think you of you all.
Elder Edgel
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