Nancy 7/7/13

July 11 - a little about the pictures - some of you have seen from Facebook:  

• Alaska pipeline,
• moose (along the road), 
• caribou (in a pen), 
• North Pole Alaska light poles and McDonalds, 
• the flower design is at the Visitor's Center based on native american crafts; 
• in the greenhouse they grow tomato plants hydroponically - these have been growing for 15 months and they wind the stem of the plant around and around;
• the ice museum - everything is carved out of ice - even the design in the Christmas balls
• hydrangea arrangement from my plants
• front yard flowers
• Daisy - I'm babysitting her this week

July 7, 2013 – wow, the past 10 days since I’ve been back from Alaska have been a whirlwind – weather-wise and with what’s going on here!    

Happy Birthday Brett!   Hope you had a great day!!  We love you!!

Four years ago at this time we were together for Grandpa Slocum’s funeral – I’ll never forget the honor guard at the cemetery – it was so touching.    I’m so grateful that he served in the military!   Who has the pictures of Mom and Dad together when they were first married??  I’d like to get copies!

We’ve had rain and more rain here!   It definitely put a damper on the neighborhood July 4^th activities.  At one point it was POURING!!   I think it’s rained everyday for the past 16 days.  (july 11 - add 5 more days to that).     There are weeds everywhere there is bare ground, and the rain washes away the weed killer before it can take!  The tomato plants have grown, but not blossomed.

We’ve had several people on vacation at work this week, so it’s been very busy, plus Maggie and I are training 6 new rats.    It’s so amazing to see the moment when they “get it” – when they learn to push the lever hard enough so it retracts and they get water; and then when they realize that now they have to put their nose in the “nosepoke” correctly so that the light goes off and they get the reward.      Perhaps it’s like the way God looks at us, wondering when we’re going to “get it” in order to progress toward our eternal “reward.”  

[By the way, as I compose this I’m watching Music and the Spoken Word – wow , it’s so good today!!!   Wish I could see it in person!!  Don’t miss it!!  (I’m at work so I have the benefit of my two monitors). ]

And speaking of work, for those of you who don’t know, Dr. Hampson says the NIH hasn’t approved one grant, so they’ll have to “downsize” personnel for 2014.  Time to update the resume and start job hunting.    (Pray that I can stay with the Medical School so Jenny can get her tuition concession!!!).

I finally found some cupboards I like at the Habitat Store – for $200 I got 2 bottom cupboards, a top cabinet, and countertop.    They look like the ones in the kitchen!   Now I have to find someone willing to install them at a reasonable price.    [the Habitat Store has been getting in a LOT of cupboards like the ones we have in the kitchen]  I mean the former owners had BIG kitchens, so big that the store unusually divides the set up.   Unfortunately they wouldn’t let me just take a couple pieces from each – there were pieces with drawers I really wanted.]

We’ve had NUMEROUS families moved into the ward.   One guy came with his small family from Albany New York to start his PhD. Program in my department.  He remembered our lab when he came through on a tour in February.    Ryan Brown’s family came down from Michigan and they’re staying in a furnished apartment; hopefully their home in Michigan will sell.  It sure helped to have the extra money from him staying here.   

Frances at work suggested that I advertise for a graduate student to live downstairs until Wheng and Xylar come next summer (when Scott is deployed).  

Jacob Brewer is getting married this Tuesday - I don’t know if he’s getting married in the chapel, but there is a reception here.   Joseph came for the wedding – he’s in the Navy, and learning CHINESE – they won’t tell him why.   

I’m volunteering for some races this summer.   Last week was the “popsicle” run and this little bitty 3 year old girl ran – she was soooo cute!  Next weekend I’ll be doing the same kids triathlon I worked with last year.  

Matt – Kim Henderson’s sister Shenole lives in Kathy and Lynn’s ward.   She lived in Winston Salem for several months, so she knows who I am.

Some tidbits from my Alaska trip:

• -          All the cars had the plugs dangling out from the grill; fire hydrants are set back from the street and have small flags sticking up so they can be found in the winter. (I'll have to send the picture)
• Scott and Wheng fixed me some salmon - it was very very good!
• 
  
• -          Posts with electric outlets in public areas so that people can re start their cars!
• 
  
• -          I spoke with a Pampered Chef rep who had a booth during the Sun Festival downtown. I asked her how she could keep her business going in that weather.  She said business was great because people wanted and excuse to get out of their homes!!
• 
  
• -          The apartments that Scott lived are configured so that the doors don’t open directly into the home.   On one side, there was a little “vestibule” with two doors, on the other side of his townhouse, you had to make a “u turn” from the entryway.  
• 
  
• -          I thought something looked different about Fairbanks.   It took me a few days, but I finally realized it was I never saw any structure was built out of brick!  Makes sense – the dirt is sandy, and it probably cost a fortune to ship it from the “lower 48.” 
• 
  
• -          They don’t have sales tax AT ALL in Alaska! 

Meriden 7/29/13

July 29, 2013

Hello!

The big news of the week is that Nathan got a job.  He is working at a Neighborhood Wal-Mart about 35 minutes away from here.  He works in the meat/dairy department, mostly emptying boxes and stocking shelves.  So far, they are giving him about 40/week, but even though he told them he didn’t want to work on Sunday, they still scheduled him for Sundays with Wednesday and Thursday off.  Hopefully, they will be able to change that.   They had scheduled to work yesterday from 7-4, but because Nathan already had an appointment to get his patriarchal blessing, they were able to change is schedule to work from 6-10.

Nathan did get his patriarchal blessing yesterday.  It was amazing.  I was impressed with the optimism in both his and Aaron’s blessing about their possible future lives, even with the crazy world that we live in.  Nathan was given a lot of good council in his blessing.

Saturday morning, Jim and I ran in a 5K through the pecan trees.  There is a pecan farm close to where we live.  Nathan was suppose to run, not me, but because he had to work, I ran.  I hadn’t been training for a 5K (still running and walking, but not specifically training), so I had one of my slowest times, but still not bad considering I haven’t been running well.   Jim hurt his left calf while running.  He’s had problems with it before, but seems to be getting better.  All three of us are signed up to run in the Run or Dye 5K in September.  (http://www.runordye.com/locations/Tucson-2013)

We had 3 pallets of decorative bricks and 1 pallet of topsoil delivered to us and Jim and I put the bricks around an area next to our house that we have some plants, but will be adding more.  It’s going to look real nice.  I’ll send pictures when we have more done. 

I continue to index almost every day.  I was able to help Jim solve a mystery with one of his great-grandparents yesterday.  That was cool. 

Have a great week! 

Meriden/Mom

Aaron 7/29/13

July 29, 2013

So I was transferred to.. Moundbuilders Ward in....Newark Ohio! -_-. haha

I literally am the next area over, and share the same building as the ward I was in last area. I went realllyyy far for this transfer haha. In transfer meeting when that was announced, I literally exclaimed "WHAT?!" haha. Oops. :)

Moundbuilders ward has not been a very successful ward baptism-wise recently. We got in here with the other set of Elders in the ward, Elder G and Elder B, who had no investigators they were teaching. So basically Elder Ferney and I are starting from scratch. Elder Ferney is my trainee, fresh off the plane from the MTC. He's from Portland Oregon, and just turned 19. He's a really quiet guy, but really chill. We'll change that fast! We've definitely had a few awkward, quiet moments on doorsteps as we wait for him to share the gospel. :)

But after only 4 days, he has grown so much already, and you can tell that he will make a great missionary, especially as he grows older and more experienced. He has an incredible testimony, and is absolutely out here for the right reasons.

It's been great for me too. I've had to make up the difference in lessons and speaking, so I've continued to open up more as well!

Many of the members here are pretty legit! We went to dinner with the Williams family yesterday, and they are solid! Brother WIlliams used to be Bishop, so he's all excited for missionary work and will be coming out with us to a lesson tomorrow night, with the first new investigator found here!

It's been a short week, and I don't have a ton of time to email today, so I'll end with my testimony that I know this church is the same as the primitive church that Jesus Christ himself established 2000 years ago. There is a prophet and apostles on the earth today, called by God, to lead us to becoming more like Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is the Word of God, testifies that Jesus is the Christ, and is literal evidence that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord, called to restore the truths that were lost over the centuries.

One last thought that I've been considering the past couple weeks. We know in the bible where it speaks of false prophets, that "Ye shall know them by their fruits... Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit....Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." ( Matthew 7: 15-20). The Book of Mormon is one of those fruits, brought forth by Joseph Smith. It is either good, or it is either evil. Of God to bring about the salvation of men, or of the Devil, to lead away the hearts of men to their destruction. This whole Church, the gospel it preaches, and the testimony of martyrs and millions rests on if the Book of Mormon is good, or evil. I have read the Book of Mormon, and anyone who has read it sincerely knows that it is not a fruit of evil. It testifies that Jesus Christ is our Savior, the Son of God, risen and alive today in eternal glory. The Spirit within is a testimony of its truthfulness, as well as the fact that no man, could have written or translated the book, without the power and gift of God. I know this in a way that extends beyond the 5 senses that can only be attributed to the power of God, in direct answer to my fervent and sincere prayers. I testify of this as a representative of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and will do so for all my years. I love my Savior, and all he has done to bring forth his Gospel today, and for allowing me the opportunity to serve him and his children. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Elder Aaron Toombs

Ben 7/29/13

***Here is Ben's Email. It is short, but sweet.  He is excited that he will be training a new missionary.  It sounds like he stays in Titusville for now.  He included the letter he wrote to his mission president at the end for us to read too. Enjoy!***

 

Hey FAM!

Well, I'M TRAINING!!!   What an awesome week!   Honestly we saw so many miracle this week it was truly the best!

I really enjoyed interviews with President this week! Both our phone and car broke down this week so I didn't get my call to be a trainer Monday night but He told me Wednesday morning and it was seriously like Christmas!!!!! I can't tell you how humbling it was to sit in the meeting with President and the other trainers and realize how big of a blessing this is!!! I'm going to have a son!!!!!! hahhaha!  I wish it was Nate or Matt, but no matter who he is, he is going to perform miracles in about 24 hours!!!  I just remember how I was when I came out!  This Elder is going to be my best friend!!!  Oh man!

Oh ya! make sure you guys don't throw away my football cleats!  Something kind of funny I've never told you guys is all my companions tell me I talk in my sleep!  Elder Galindo is an extra light sleeper so he always can tell me what I say the next morning which is kinda fun!  He says I talk a lot about my brothers and football, but 90% of the time I am bearing my testimony of the restoration and teaching lessons asking questions etc.  This week he told me I said "Don't Go Don't go!!!! We still have to work! WE HAVE TO WORK! Don't go!!!" hahaha so I guess he knows how I feel about him deep down.  We had a good week!  Got tons of people to church!  It's like OK ward members they are here now!!! Do your job!!!!! They had honestly never had so many gators at church in a looong time.  The work is going forward like it's Gods.  It's the biggest blessing to be a part of.  We got a new ward mission leader this week! Let me just say I am PUMPED!  He reminds me of grandpa!  So you can imagine how good of a job he will do!  It's a time of transition! New mission pres. New Ward Mission Leader and Elders quorum 

 prez.  Gettin' a fresh greenie right off the plane!  The Gospel is true people!!!!! When we were fixing our car!  This man who met missionaries just started asking questions! He was so prepared! I can't explain to you how awesome life is!  I'll try to write you today. Everything is  great! I'm going to be real focused on this new missionary these next few months!  I just want you guys to know I love you, so if I can't email as much, just know that I'm taking care of this good Elder who needs me. I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have fun in Alaska!!!

Elder G

 

President Berry,

This week was excellent!  We really focused on getting people to church and we did well in many phases of the work.  We taught well and we were able to get members to our lessons!  The Lord is really changing the hearts of our members!  We have been extremely blessed to have people to teach and members to teach us with them.  We also have been able to teach toward commitment well and in doing that we have seen more repentance.    We are securing baptismal dates and we doubled the investigators we usually have at church.  This week our communication and charity as a companionship was great! It was good to end the transfer on a high note! Our interviews with you really helped! Our love and trust for you and your wife has only grown, and I know that this is the work of the Lord.  Thank you so much for all the wisdom you share and love you show.

One thing we are going to do better is finding and contacting.  We saw miracles when we did these things this week,  we just had more of a teaching heavy week which isn't a terrible thing, but we will see results as we balance our work.  

Elder Gottfredson

Ben 7/22/13

***Here is Ben's email. We sent him pictures and told him about our week at Lake Powell so the beginning is about that. He is so excited because Deseret Ranches is in his area. It is the church owned Ranch. Cattle, Wildlife, citrus, etc. 290,000 acres of land.  Ben's Heaven!!!  I included the questions I asked Ben above his answers so it will help clarify things. He also attaches his email to President Berry for us to read.  I will try to send some pictures. Enjoy!***

 

Hey you lake Powell fools!!!

 

I am so happy to hear you had a good week! Powell is the best!   Dad did you catch any stripers?  I hope you like your tie!!!!! Mom you look so tan and pretty!  Nate and Matt I hope someday I can be as good of wakeboarders as you guys! Not to mention you guys are ladies men!  I miss you guys!!!  That's crazy Gab and Pete are headed out! The Lords work is hastening! This week was definitely a trip!  Big highs and big lows!  This week we will have to say goodbye to the Sherwood's! The awesome SR couple that has been working with us in Titusville! They will be missed! Elder Sherwood reminds me of coach Graft in 20 years! Hopefully they can get in touch with you and tell you about all the miracles we've seen together! My companion? Well lets just say when they say your companion gets you ready for your wife it has never been true til this week! Definitely his time of the month..... Moody, always right, super emotional, condescending, demanding, wow..... I don't think I was ready for this.  It's given me some time for reflection though, and opportunities to exercise my pure love of Christ muscle. It's been tough.  In my reflecting though, I remember that 4 months was about my hump.  I'm grateful I had good companions that helped me get over that hump and I am trying to do better at being more caring for my companion. Pretty sure we'll stay together next transfer (a week from today) just because it's been a struggle.  That's just how the Lord works. 

Regardless of these issues though, the work is going forward!!!!! We broke the record again for member present lessons!  It's just a testimony to me that this is the Lords work and no one can stop it! We have seen our members really wake up and start to be better about things! For a while they have been hoping they would combine with the Cocoa ward because they are both really small!  That is not the Lords plan!  Now is the time for growth!  This place is so thirsty for the gospel it's incredible!  Jesse is our newest most promising investigator! Pretty sure we will set a date tomorrow with him!   Friday we had an activity with the priests from our stake that went really well! They woke up and came to meet us at 6:30 to spend the entire day with us!!! What a blast! Mine was named Nick and he reminded me so much of Todd! Same height and weight and even looks like him! He was super shy! He plays ball for his high school! He's a year younger than Nate and I told him to find Nate onfacebook!  We had a blast! He was super quiet and I could hardly get him to talk! He did really well though and I hope he had a good experience and learned something!  It made me wish I could take out my brothers on splits!  Now that would be a blast!!!  It would be so fun to show you guys the ropes! Or even go on exchange with dad and have him show me a thing or two! Anyways... I'm sure in the spirit world!  The gospel is too true!!!!

 

 

***Mom Questions***  (I pasted these in from my email)
 1.How did the baptism go? 

2. What was the best part of your week?
 3. Tell us about your top "gators"

4. Do you want to write anything special to your buddies for the letter I type and copy and take to the missionary mom meeting? It is this Thursday. 

5. Any requests for the box I am sending this week?  

6. Did you get to go to Deseret Ranches? Is it in your area?

 

***Answers to Questions***

 

1. She bailed on her baptism!!!! She had a bad kidney infection, her ex boyfriend threatened her life, and her birthday is coming up (August 17) Satan is real!!!  Ephesians 6: 10-. Reschedule it for Marys birthday SMH.....

2.  Best part of my week?! Either the priest exchange or our lesson with James and Tasha!!!

3. Jesse, Cindie, Michelle and Sarah, Mary, Alex, Don't have time to explain!

4. This gospel is TOO TRUE for us to fail!

5. Gum and Protein

6. yes! It's BIG! AND country!

I love you guys soooo much! Things are crazy! I'll try to write!  I am happy and lovin' life! I love you guys so much, but I am receiving so many blessings! Love YOU TONS!

Elder Gottfredson

 

President Berry,

Service this week was excellent!  Probably the most service we did was with the Sherwood's fixin' a toilet last night!  I am going to miss them sooooo much!  I hold them with the highest respect! The toilet was a members and me and Elder Sherwood fixed it in our proselyting clothes but it was a blast and a pretty heavy toilet! He is such a hard worker! The blessing from the service was that we met our members less active and non member relatives and we are playing basketball with them today!  Service truly does soften hearts!  True doctrine from President Berry!  This week has been a lot of ups and downs!  I am going to focus more on my weaknesses and turning them into strengths! I think service is going to be one of the best ways I can do that. When we serve we qualify ourselves for the spirit! I'm grateful for all you do and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!!!

Elder Gottfredson

Kathy 7/15/13

July 15, 2013

Dear Family and Friends—

            How’s everyone this nice day which will end up being about 96 degrees with high humidity.  Thank you air conditioning!  We’ve had overcast skies with rain of various natures this past week so it was nice to see blue sky for a change this morning.

            Been a far more boring week this week but nice to get the essentials done.

            Let’s see, a week ago I did the last letter, erased it and started again.  Still haven’t recovered emotionally from that mistake.  : )   But, the next day was completely different, being temple service day.  Lynn was the officiator and I was the follower first thing in the morning.  I knew what I was doing and there was a good sized group there.  So peaceful!  At lunch got to get to know Elder Jorgenson much better.  He and his wife are doing MLS in a ward way out on the east side of Long Island.  Financially and time wise it is a big sacrifice for them to do service in the temple so they only come twice a month.  That day I got to be in the Celestial Room just as a worker there to make sure everything went ok and to open the door when the patrons leave.  It is so quiet and peaceful; all troubles seem to melt away in the peace.  Then I went to initiatory and because there were a lot of ladies that showed up and workers were being called to the baptistery because it was being overrun with scouts that would end up at Jamboree in W. Virginia, I needed to stay longer than I was scheduled for.  It was ok though as this was a chance to get to be with old regulars and some people that came to do temple work as part of their vacation to NY.  Working with people whose hearts are in the right place is such a pleasure.

            Wednesday was strictly “get ready for Institute” day.  The more I went over the material the more ideas and concepts popped into my head.  I believe it went quite well though sometimes having too much material was a problem.  Only three showed up, one more came 45 minutes later, and one more came 50 minutes later.  All the work was worth it though, even for a small group because the teacher is always the winner with what she gains from all the preparation.

            The next day was finances and beginning prep for this Wednesday’s Institute.  I need to get ahead of the game there since my MO is now to hand out a study sheet to go along with the talk we will discuss.  Also, and I’m not kidding, I believe I made 25 trips up and down the elevator to do a lot of laundry.  I felt like a yo-yo.  One of the washers wasn’t working and there was more than just me competing for the use of the other three machines.  I was worn out by the end of the day and spent it finishing up the last part of “Return of the King” (Lord of the Rings series). 

            Friday went shopping using my new shopping cart and it was every bit as handy as I hoped it would be.  Instead of making multiple trips up and down from the garage to get the groceries into the apartment everything fit in the cart for one trip.  Hallelujah! 

            In the afternoon it started to rain, well it’s been raining in the afternoons just about all week.  This rain was more of a problem because we were going to the Soletas to celebrate their youngest daughter’s birthday.  The house is too small for the party to be inside, there were somewhere about 30 people at the party, so we ate outside under the porch covering next to the house.  Hummm, stayed mostly dry.  But, a good time was had by all and a lot of food was had by all, when the Soletas throw a big party they fix a lot of food!!!  (There were five women to do the cooking).

            Oh, forgot to mention that on Thursday Doug Lee went by some service van to a hospital at the extreme northern end of Manhattan that is quite the distance.  He had same day hernia surgery.  We had every intention of visiting him that night and taking some food over and warming it up for him.  But, are you ready for this?  His landlady refused to allow anyone to see him.  She refused to allow ANY ONE to bring food to him.  No one could come inside that building.  And because she’s a particular kind of Muslim that hates whites, she’s told Lee (who’s the only white man in this half-way house) that he’s got to find a new place to live by September 1^st!  I was stunned, completely stunned.  Also, there is no air conditioning in the house, despite the fact that this lady is making a fortune off these men, and if Lee wanted a fan he’d have to pay extra for the electricity. 

            So, when he called Lynn yesterday(Sunday)  early in the morning and asked him to take him back to his hospital in upper Manhattan because he was having problems recovering from the surgery I was glad that he had problem.  At least he could be admitted, be in air conditioning, get food to eat and be taken care of.  When I described to some people at church his situation and the landlady woman, I was asked “what kind of woman is this?”   My answer could only be “Wicked”!

            Saturday I did a lot of prep for next week’s institute lesson plus other things which kept me working at a desk all day.  In the late afternoon Lynn suggested that we go for a walk and I was so all in favor.  We drove to Prospect Park and parked the car along the street and walked in the light rain (no umbrellas) but it was not a problem.  The humidity was a problem.  We went some places I haven’t been to and at the end stopped at the carousel.  Lynn went to the ticket booth and started to talk to the ticket lady like they were old friends.  Turns out that they were!  She knew all about the fact that Lynn was waiting to ride the carousel when his wife was there, and now I was finally there.  There weren’t a lot of takers for rides that day so we had the pick of the horses to ride on.  The colors on the Prospect Park carousel are much more subdued than the one in Central Park and that’s because they were restored to as much of the original paint colors as they could find.  The man who did a lot of the restoring of this carousel is from Italy and he was the operator that day.  What a delightful man.  What a treasure he has restored.  What an incredible job was done on this carousel right down to the restored organ with its accompanying instruments.  Please go and type in “Prospect Park carousel” in the Google search bar.  It will tell the story of this carousel.

            Yesterday was church as usual except for the fact that Lynn taught the S.S. lesson—did a nice job.  He sure put in the time to prepare for it.   Our bishop made an announcement that there was going to be a special missionary Sunday in two weeks so bring friends and neighbors for music and a simple explanation of the church.  After church Lynn went to PEC and found out that Lynn and I were being asked to talk that day.  That’s fine, but we assumed the missionaries had the meeting all planned out and they didn’t tell us about any talks.  We talked to the Zone leader today and he only thought the missionaries were responsible to do some music.  Well, will be interesting to see what ends up happening.

            In the afternoon we went to visit and have dinner with the Williams family.  They are from Jamaica and are stalwarts in this ward.  Turns out that Carol and Rainford Williams own a townhome, use two floors and rent out the top floor.  It was, hands down and far away the best kept residence that we have come across in this ward.  They were so gracious and fixed a delicious meal.  Had just a wonderful time. 

            That’s the news.  I’m so grateful for the opportunity to serve this mission.  Grateful for the chance to teach Institute because I learn so much.  I’m grateful for the gospel and its truthfulness.  When I observe the people that come to the temple I am filled with awe for them because they are committed covenant keepers, they choose the gospel in their lives, they choose to keep all the commandments to the best of their ability, not perfectly, but to the best of their ability and that are remarkable.  I see too much of the opposite side of this.  I love the Lord and I am grateful for the

Atonement.  I sure love my family and others that I know and hold dear.  Have a great week everyone; we should, we’re planning on going to Palmyra this Thursday morning!

Love, Kathy/Mom

            

Aaron 7/15/13

So this week was pretty awesome! Elder Cutler and I have been extremely blessed this past week, and while we know that success isn't really in the numbers, our numbers have been pretty good ;)

Monday night we had an incredibly spiritual lesson with a couple of our investigators, that haven't been progressing very well, and I was so blessed to be able to bear a powerful testimony that the Lord expects us to Do before we can Know, and act out of Faith. It was a very uplifting experience for me, and my testimony was really strengthened by it as well! We pray that it will make a difference with them.

Tuesday was completely filled with appointments!! It was pretty awesome! We taught a ton of lessons with some really incredible people, and we were able to see some real change, especially with one family we've been teaching. They've been nervous about the lifestyle changes that they'd need to make, as well as the mistakes they have made in their past. We went with our Ward Mission leader, Brother Stevens, and with him we answered all their questions, and really left the Spirit there in their home.

Wednesday was an awesome District meeting where the district leader brought a baby snapping turtle for an object lesson. He told Elder cutler to shut his eyes and then put his hand in this over the box. Luckily he was smart enough to NOT do that. haha.

We were able to do a lot of service for a family in the ward, and then visited a less active member who had recently had heart surgery.

Thursday was again filled with a lot of lessons, and some service for a non-member guy named Jeffery. He has been a friend of the missionaries for a long time, and we always love to go and see/ help him out. He has 20 acres of woods and fields up in the hills, Has a 67 camero, and 66 Corvette stingray. He says next time we come over we'll get some pictures with them. Suhweet. Friday we taught a new investigator with a High Councilman from the ward, and it went incredible. This lady has been Anti'ed like crazy in the past, but we were able to answer all her questions and she really felt the Spirit during our lesson, especially during the First Vision. The Spirit is ALWAYS strongest then. It's so awesome to really it enter the room, immediately as you start saying... 'I saw a pillar of Light, exactly over my head....."

I love it!!!

This past weekend we did some more service for the non-member husband of a lady in the ward who we've really been getting close with. We're hoping that he'll come to church pretty soon, especially since his wife is out of town for a few months.

As well, we went over to the Relief Society president’s house with Shauntae to plan her baptism for this Saturday!!!!! Shauntae has been super solid, even though she has been seeing the opposition come to rage against her. I can't understand the slightest of what she has been through, and is going through right now, but I love her and I know that our Savior is there to help her through, and that she will be rewarded for all her faithfulness. She asked me to give her a blessing this past Sunday, and I know it was one of the most powerful blessings that I've ever given. I love this gospel!!

So Nathan, you got to go to Girls Camp? Must have been quite the experience. I've definitely never heard of that happening before. Way to go kicking butt at running Mt Graham. I think that's what that peak is called. Don't quote me on that. Elder Cutler is extremely athletic. I've been working out a lot more with him here. He's a crazy rock climber and hiker, so I've definitely got a ways to go to catch up with him haha.

Dad, welcome back to the desert. I'm not jealous at all :). It may be super humid and sticky here, but it's Green!! But I'll be honest. I (for the most part) like it out west more than I do here. I'm praying for you to find that right job and the right home!

Mom, I'm still working on doing that picture. This past month has flown by with Elder Cutler, and I've regrettably not taken enough pictures! I'm keeping my camera handy for the rest of the transfer, just in case I am transferred. The scriptures are indeed a regular sized Bible and Triple. I just need a case for them, but I can get that :) I haven't heard anything about having to have shoulder bags instead of backpacks. I definitely don't like that idea as much. But we'll see what happens. President Nilsen is still recovering from his surgery, so it'll be another week or two before I'll ask him about the book!

OH YEAH! I think I forgot to tell you that President Nilsen had to go into surgery! HE had kidney cancer, but they caught it in stage 1 or 2. He went for surgery at the beginning of the month, and half of one of his kidneys was removed, but the surgery went incredibly well. He's just taking a little while to recover.

I love you guys! Thanks for everything you do for me! I miss yall!

Elder Aaron Toombs

Ben 7/15/13

FAM,

Sounds like life is going good for you guys!  That's what I like to hear!!!! Matt I'm sorry you have been sick my man!!!! I hope you get better soon! When do you get your pads?!?!?! Did you give the family home evening yet?! This week your assignment to read and teach the family is pages 4 and 5 of preach my gospel.  Look up all the scriptures and activities in it too! It will bless your mission and your life right now!!!  And if Matt is doing it the rest of you three better be doing it!!!  Sounds like two a days went well!  Football, what a trip! crazy to think about football! Elder Galindo's knee still bugs him so........ I enjoy re-reading that article! See if you can't print it out! 

Our family is going to do some serious missionary work when I get home! You guys got to be equipped and know how so we will see success.  Sounds like Nate is going to have some serious fun times this week! Nate you ought to spend time with the fam when they get there.  Sure it would be nice if we could just have everyone be together at once, but just have vision in your decisions. 

This week was pretty crazy.  This ward/area is really coming alive, the Lord is blessing us and hastening his work! I remember on the drive over here, they were telling me about how slow the area is. Literally the last thing President Hall ever said to me was "Titusville is the toughest ward in the mission, you've got a big job" but really all it needed was a little spark.  I have a testimony of attitude and enthusiasm!  I have a testimony of being passionate about the Lords work.  If you are passionate about your missionary work, the spirit bears witness, and you bear fruit.  Yesterday stronger families in the ward got together and had a planning meeting for cottage meetings they are going to start! It was unlike any missionary effort I have ever seen from a group of members.  It was like the district in real life!!! (Hate to burst your bubble, but the district is fake)  It was really a tender mercy of the Lord to inspire these members the way he did.  I'm grateful for my fearless companion.  He's kind of a know-it-all, but he has the best intentions. He gives me opportunities for patience, and then I am able to see the desires of his heart. I forget how fresh he really is.

Also yesterday we had the opportunity to have a dinner and lesson with the H. family.  They are already one of the ones I know I will get close to.  Brother H's dad has been dying for.... Since I got here and we had the opportunity to teach a lesson about the Atonement of Christ.  (They have three sons, one a priest who we've been taking out with us)  We really had an opportunity to teach the atonement and share with them how it helps us overcome our challenges.  I was able to share stories about Grammy dying and also grandpa dying.  I bore testimony of how they were both really hard and really sad, but the difference the understanding of the gospel is from when I was 13 to now and how it benefited me.  How the gospel brings us peace, how the plan of salvation is truth that we can have a sure knowledge we will live with our loved ones again.  The family was in tears, and I realized how the gospel has grown my capacity to love. Alma 38 Bridle all your passions that ye may be filled with love.  When we mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, we are keeping our covenants and we can be edified with them, through the Atonement of Christ.  We left to go teach, and as we were driving, they called us saying they had just received a call that he had passed away.  The Lord needed all of us to have that experience, and grow one step closer to knowing our savior. That is why bad things happen to good people, and that is why foundations of Christ are so important to have in place like the ones that the H's have laid for their kids and the one the Gottfredson's laid for their kids, because "they cannot fall".  Unbreakable spiritual strength is attainable in the worst, as well as the best of times. These things you can be certain of.

I love you guys tons.  Tons more to say. I am honestly the happiest I've ever been.  Love ya!

ELDER Gottfredson

Ben 7/8/13

***Here is Ben's Email.  He sent his memory card home from his camera so I will try to send some pictures in another email. You will have to wait for them until I can get them copied to my desktop.  He includes the letter he wrote to President Berry at the end of his letter. (President Hall went home and President Berry just started July1st.) The "FOM" is the Florida Orlando Mission. Enjoy!***

 

 

 

Hey Fam! 

Sounds like you guys are lovin' life!  I always love reading your emails and seeing pictures of you! How blessed am I to have the best family in the world?  I love to see that Gold helmet on you Nate!  It gives me the goosebumps!!! God loves Football and especially the Warriors.  That's doctrine!  I also love to see you guys wearing my shirts and stuff! I need to send a lot of stuff home! 

Man life is so good here.  I AM IN LOVE with my mission.  (knock on wood) but there is a rhythm that you can attempt to get in... 7 months later... Anyways the people I meet here, the places I see, the corners I bike around, looking at the ocean, teaching these people and feeling the spirit, it all feels like Deja-Vu to me.  Like I know I'm supposed to be here.  This is Gods plan for me.  It's really amazing how the spirit can guide and confirm. 

Me and Elder Galindo are really becoming good friends! He is a great companion! It's crazy how close you get to your companions!  I had no idea Colby was companions with Curtis! Ben is headed to Tennessee and Gabe Germany and Pete Nebraska..... I'm sure I'll get someone from Nate's grade in the FOM! It really is a great mission! I was thinkin' I could probably be companions with someone like Chase Jenkins or one of Nate's friends, man that would be fun! I wish I could have been companions with Elder Gubler. Oh well, anyways.... Did you guys get my pictures?!?!  My letters?

What has been the biggest differences you've noticed since I've been gone? You've had a while now! Besides not being loud? haha 

How are your family home evenings?  Matt your assignment is to teach FHE tonight or sometime before next Monday using the new Mormon message for youth. You can find it on lds.org or Mormon channel. It has Richard G Scott and I really like it and want you to teach it.

Life has really just been awesome! No I have not met President Berry yet! I will Wednesday.  I hear he's real personable and not as coachy as Pres Hall. He is a big business man though and that's pretty sweet. 

We have grown a lot this week. kinda working on cycling investigators through. Mary will be our next baptism! July 20th! Yes I try to line up baptisms with your birthdays. Hahaha

OK next box I could use a few white shirts. Mine are all yellow.  It's like Ben Smith cursed me..... This is the sweatiest mission in the world.  Elder G is the man but I think he tore his ACL.  I think the way he bikes sitting down hurts it worse because of the angle of his knee. I try to tell him.  He really is a stud about it though. Dad could you copy that motor article and send it to me? 

Not gonna lie, this time of year I literally dream about football.  I dream a lot about seeing your faces through a computer screen.  Elder Galindo tells me I testify in my sleep as well! That's about my life these days!  You boys roll some heads this week! I'll be praying for you! Fight for every inch! You got one season with that Gold helmet! Learn some discipline! You'll be fine!  It's in your genes man! Just take every opportunity you can to hit! Practice catching balls til you are sure and confident! You'll be blessed!  Football is true to life.  Go flip some tires for me!

Nate you're the Senior Tight end for the Warriors and you have the Helmet man. Game over.  You're a sexy future missionary who magnifies his priesthood. You are in charge!  hahaha

Matt keep up the good work my man! Life is so good.  Read Preach my gospel maybe just a paragraph a day! Learn to work son! That's the secret to missionary work!  That's how I have overcome homesickness. Qualifying myself for the spirit. I am happiest when I am working, that's how life is! You're just a stud!!!

I love ya! Gospels true

Elder Gottfredson

 

***Letter to the new mission President***

President Berry!

It's good to hear from you and I am excited to meet you Wednesday!!! I'm excited to serve with you! This mission is the best in the world and the most obedient! We know your calling is inspired.

I definitely have a testimony of unity.  For us we are communicating more to improve our unity.  I think communication is critical because you can't afford not to be on the same page.   I also know that serving your companion and working hard with them strengthens bonds!  If you have been through the wars with them, you can't turn your back on them.

1.  My companion knows how to love the people!  He has taught me so much about how Christlike love can really bring the spirit! It's a tremendous quality,  he has a big heart and the pure love of Christ written all over him.

2. My companion is very Obedient.  He shows his obedience and faith by keeping all the rules and being diligent in trying his best every day.

3. My companion is very Humble.  Humility is key in missionary work and he understands and knows the Master who he is working for. 

 

To bring the spirit in our area we are going to work harder of course.  "If a missionary works he will get the spirit".  I think also we can use our time wisely and have an eye single to the glory of God.

We had an experience this week where the questions of an investigator were all Plan of Salvation focused.  We had planned to teach the restoration but we both knew that we needed to switch the lesson.  As a result Mary is getting baptized.

We are seriously hitting our members and ward council hard!  There is too much from the General Authorities for them to not step up.  The bishop and ward council has really caught on and the members are on their way.

Elder Gottfredson

Ben 7/1/13

Hey family!!!  

Hope you know I love you guys!!! This week was awesome!!! First two to come into the gospel in Titusville James and Tasha!  Man James is really converted, you can feel the spirit every time he opens his mouth, and Tasha, she has done a complete 180 flip with her life.  Really powerful to see. She still has bullets in her legs and shoulders from her time in the hood, but she knows she was saved for a reason! Really powerful.

 

So, I forgot what all I told you in my letter I wrote last week, but this week we had some really spiritual experiences! 

Michelle and Sarah have been taught most of the lessons now, we are just waiting for them to get their answer.  They made it to church yesterday and the ward did an awesome job of fellowshipping them! They know it's true, they are just nervous to say it.  We are seeing really good things from them. 

Mary, she has a date for July 20th, she was getting really apprehensive and scared, but we had Ellie, recent convert and ward missionary come teach us with her and it was just awesome to see how much they had in common and how much her testimony really helped Mary. Perfect.  She came to the baptism and we know she felt the spirit there.  She is doing awesome and for sure keep her in your prayers.

I will for sure keep Connor in my fast this week! I feel for the guy, could have been any of us. 

How is Alex doing?

This week was awesome! We found Cindie and Shaylee,  Funny story we were in a gas station and Cindie was behind the counter and I was just talking with her and she was like wow, I really wish I could be as happy as you guys!  I was like, you can be! It was cool because she actually lives right across the street from us and so she should be moving right along.  We also found Jesse and his mom Nina, really prepared! We did some service and softened their hearts and when we gave them a book of Mormon Nina started crying and she was like my mom was a Mormon.  She felt the spirit and we are looking very forward to working with them! 

We have heard a little bit about the trial going on. This area is nuts. Last week we have heard gunshots after we were in a few times.  There is a Klan here so that's messed up, and there are some ghettos that they won't deliver pizza to, and we've tracted streets that the cops won't go down.

Nate I'm so happy to hear about your trip! It's going to be an awesome tool out here for you! I love that picture you got of Joseph and Hyrum with the sun in the back! What a blast! 

Thing are so awesome out here. We have yet to hear from the new mission president but we are really excited!!!

When a missionary works he can teach by the spirit.  It's a simple truth but it's real.  The harder you work the better you can discern needs.  The more you exercise faith the more we can know.  I love the conference talks, I love the scriptures, I love missionary work!  I know I can't get comfortable but I just look back at how many experiences and blessings I've received at Gods hand.  When you are obedient, whether in life or on your mission, you are really just giving yourself an opportunity to gain a sure witness. When you "experiment on the word", there are just some things that you cannot deny.  If we all could understand what is really going on in the world, and where this church is headed, we would live the gospel, and be happy. There are some things that you are humbled to receive such a powerful witness above that of what you deserve.  What an opportunity that has been given for us to gain eternal life.  The blessings of heaven, don't all have to wait for heaven.  The gospel is true.  Of some things you can be certain.

 

 

We know that this work is Gods, we can always know He will assist us on his errand. The work moves forward in an inspiring way. His voice is heard ye shall obtain.

Love ya, I'll try to write! 

 

Elder g

 

Answers to moms questions

1. Elder Galindo is the man! We really have hit it off this week. He's a good missionary that's for sure. 

2. Living conditions... missionary living conditions... 

3. Members are really nice.  The core is really great people with good hearts, it's small because of the economy/government, but strong. Sad thing is our Elders quorum president and Ward mission leader are both moving out at the end of the month, that's going to be a real rough hit, but we are excited to fill them in! Ward council is extremely important! They feed us well!

6. 3175 Finsterwald Dr.

Aaron 7/1/13

July 1, 2013

Hey Everyone!

So this has been another awesome week! We had one of my favorite investigators to church, and she is on date to be baptized on July 20th! Shauntae is a super analytical person, but she's extremely entertaining to talk with. She's very down to earth, and recognizes truth when she sees it! We first talked with her from a referral from a family in the ward; she lives across the street from them. We've been meeting her for a month and a half now. At first it was really difficult to teach her, because she is so analytical. She takes everything and breaks it down to tiny pieces, and doesn't try to get a FEELING about it. She wouldn't pray, because "God knows all my thoughts, he knows what I need. Why do I need to tell him if he already knows?" It took a long time to get past that, and one week we simply asked her to give the opening prayer, closed our eyes, bowed our heads, and waited. And waited. And waited. But then she finally said a prayer, and the Spirit was there. Elder Cutler and I explained to her that prayer isn't just something we do to ask for help. It is something that should have real depth to it. It is personal, emotional, and powerful when done with the Spirit. "Prayer is the heartthrobs of the soul." I don't remember who said that though. haha

Her Book of Mormon reading was analytical too. She would take notes for each verse, compare with what she already knew and try to prove or disprove it with a previous understanding of doctrine. For the first 3 Chapters, she had 7 legal pad pages of notes. haha!

We then explained to her that, like prayer, one should be open to their feelings when they read the Book of Mormon. The ONLY way to prove the Book of Mormon is though Heavenly Father. And that can only be done though the feelings of the Holy Spirit. She began to read fore fervently, and opened herself to that Spirit.

Shauntae then decided that it was time for her to come to church and see that for herself. Unfortunately, since it was a 5th Sunday, half of the whole block was spent talking about keeping the Church building clean. I was super nervous, because it wasn't exactly a spiritual overload with powerful testimonies being borne. "O ye of little faith." Shauntae had a wonderful experience. She says she has never felt this way at a church before, and that she nearly cried a couple times. (Shauntae is not the person to cry. haha).

I have a testimony of the importance of the Holy Ghost in conversion. As I have seen with Shauntae, one cannot think their way into the church. One cannot gain a testimony simply through study. And one doesn't make their own testimony either. A Testimony, like Faith, is a gift that is given through the Spirit. You RECIEVE a testimony. I have learned from this, and I am making prayer a more important thing in my life. I am making Book of Mormon reading more than just finding the words to prove a point. And as I read, I pray that I will be given more faith, that I will be given a stronger testimony. And I have seen the answers to my prayers. I know that this gospel is true, and is the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God. I know that the priesthood authority of God, which is necessary to God's Kingdom, is on the Earth today, and is held by a living prophet of our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that He lives, and He know us, and loves us. And I am so grateful for that knowledge, and want to help everyone to receive that for themselves! :)

So yeah, my week has been pretty good! It has literally rained every single day, and not just sprinkles, but actually storms. Even the people here are saying its super weird. I've been soaked more than once, due to the lack of bringing an umbrella with us when we go tracting. Our Bishop, Bishop Trauntvein, took us to dinner this week to a mexican restaurant, which was actually pretty decent. He then took us to the Indian mounds here in Newark, and it's awesome! The biggest mounds in the area are exactly as Captain Moroni built to fortify the cities against the Lamanites. Large dirt mounds were built up on the outside of the circle, where a wall would be, and then there is a large trench on the inside. It's pretty awesome!

Also, a lady in the ward who used to give church tours says that in a nearly by town, they have a statue that was found of Moses holding the Tablets with the 10 commandments written on them, in a "reformed Egyptian." So I thought that was pretty cool haha.

Not a whole lot else noteworthy has been going on, other than a couple really awkward stories tracting. One door we walked up to we heard a toilet flush, and as we turned the corner to the front door, it was wide open and a lady was there putting her pants on. -_- Needless to say, she wasn't interested at that time.

I Love you all! Hopefully I'll get some more letters sent out soon!:)

Elder Aaron Toombs