The other day i was talking with my last comp Elder Woollard and he told me that the day after i left they set Jodi with a baptismal date and that she is going to be baptizd on August 7th! i was so happy to hear about it. we were able to teach her the first 3 lessons and then as soon as i leave she gets baptized! ha but it's ok i was just happy that i was able to help teach her.
we've had some success this past week with the in-actives and unknowns, but nothing really exciting we are just talking with them and some tell us they want no contact with the church, others say they want their names off the records and some say they are just too lazy to go to church and would love to come back. so there are all sorts of reasons and it is interesting to hear some excuses or things people have to say.
but there is a guy that we started teaching, that we helped move into his house a couple weeks ago and it has been really awesome trying to answer some of his questions, it has been uplifting with some of the spiritual experiences. Last Friday we were able to go to Grand Junction for Zone Confrence, which is about the same distance as from Connell to Spokane and i have the driving privilege in this area so i was able to get on I-70 and drive.. ha you might think i'm weird but i loved being able to drive i haven't been able to go up to speeds like that in forever! ha i mean here we are in the city so it's always 25 or 35 but none of that matters lol i just wanted to let you know we went to Zone Confrence in Grand Junction and it was fun to drive all the way there.
so Zone Confrence was on repentance and it was really awesome i loved it. it was my first one with President Maynes and it was totally different, he made it seem more personal and it wasn't a talk or training to us all, he involved all of us and asked lots of questions. it was great, i was able to have interviews with him also and we got on the subject of schooling and we talked about how i'll be home in early-mid february and if i should go home a couple weeks early to catch school or if i should wait 'til fall or what i should do. and he told me to bring it up to you (mom and dad) and see what you thought.
The First Presidency have asked that we have zone confrence every 3 months and interviews in the middle of that 3 months if that makes since? so they are making some changes world wide with the way they run things. i'm enjoying this area more and as i am getting to know the members i'm liking it more and more so i'm happy. i hope to stay here for quite a while.
i love you all so much! miss you! :)
love Randy
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Glenwood Springs is a beautiful area, and i know that i will love it the longer i am here but i still get bummed sometimes because i had to leave my last area, like i said last week it is hard leaving areas after being there for so long and building so many friendships with the people. but with time i know that this will be such a great area, it is right in the middle of the mountains with the Colorado river running right through the town and anything and everything an outdoors persons like myself could ask for! ha thing is that i really am not supposed to much like that. i kind of want to stay here through winter but again at the same time i don't because there is primo snowmobiling just 5 minutes away and also tons of ski resorts ha. it is a tourist type town and so there is always people visiting from out of town or state. we are only 40 minutes away from Aspen so i plan on going up there sometime before i leave and getting pictures up there just to say I've been in aspen ha... i know that all of you would love it up here, it is a laid back type of feeling.
My companion's name is Elder Englund and he is from Sweden, he is a great guy and i can tell that we will get along well. it is nice because he goes home at the end of this transfer and he really wants to work out before he leaves so everyday we actually work out it is awesome! :) he is going home a transfer early just because he is a foreigner and i think it is something with his visa or something like that, but he came out with the group of missionaries that would be going home in October so he just leaving like 6 weeks early. i was released as a district leader so i'm a free man now! :) ha i kind of like coming into areas and then taking them over after being here only one transfer. this will be my 3rd missionary that i have "killed" meaning i was his last companion before he went home, and i think he will be the easiest one out of the 3 because he still has a desire to work hard.
Elder Englund and i decided that the best thing we could do for the ward right now is try to find and contact inactive members and "unknown" members meaning no one knows who they are, so that's what we have been doing and it has been really nice. there are just over 200 families that we need to contact so it will take us awhile to get ahold of them all and try to see if they are still around. but the leaders in the ward told us that if we did that we would leave the area as legends ha because it is stressful knowing that there is that many people that no one knows about.
we only have about 130 active each week and so i could imagine how big the ward would be if at least half of those families came back. there are also a handful of investigators that we are working with and we will have at least one baptism before the transfer is over, it's a goal we've made and we know with the Lord's help it will happen! so i'm excited to see what types of things i can do to help this ward/area.
so do you remember the Riley family from Highlands Ranch that i always talked about? well Brother Riley's parents are here in my Ward! ha it is such a small world! So i was wondering how all of these famlies or people have become inactive up here and one of the reasons i thought of was because they might have their testimonies as we all do and it's not that your testimony isn't there, but that you dont "feed it" so to say and so it weakens and eventually leaves you or your dont care enough to strengthen it. so just a challenge i wanted to leave with the family is to make sure that you are feeding your testimony, to continue to study the scriptures and do the things that the Prophets have asked us to do. i know that Jesus Christ died for us that we might be able to return and live with him and our Father in Heaven again someday, but more important i know that Jesus Christ lives and speaks with our Prophet, i'm so very grateful to be a member of the church and for all of the blessings that come with being a member. i'm so grateful for all of you and the continuous love and support you show me.
i love you and miss you! thank you so much for all that you do! :) cant wait to hear back from you..
love Randy
My companion's name is Elder Englund and he is from Sweden, he is a great guy and i can tell that we will get along well. it is nice because he goes home at the end of this transfer and he really wants to work out before he leaves so everyday we actually work out it is awesome! :) he is going home a transfer early just because he is a foreigner and i think it is something with his visa or something like that, but he came out with the group of missionaries that would be going home in October so he just leaving like 6 weeks early. i was released as a district leader so i'm a free man now! :) ha i kind of like coming into areas and then taking them over after being here only one transfer. this will be my 3rd missionary that i have "killed" meaning i was his last companion before he went home, and i think he will be the easiest one out of the 3 because he still has a desire to work hard.
Elder Englund and i decided that the best thing we could do for the ward right now is try to find and contact inactive members and "unknown" members meaning no one knows who they are, so that's what we have been doing and it has been really nice. there are just over 200 families that we need to contact so it will take us awhile to get ahold of them all and try to see if they are still around. but the leaders in the ward told us that if we did that we would leave the area as legends ha because it is stressful knowing that there is that many people that no one knows about.
we only have about 130 active each week and so i could imagine how big the ward would be if at least half of those families came back. there are also a handful of investigators that we are working with and we will have at least one baptism before the transfer is over, it's a goal we've made and we know with the Lord's help it will happen! so i'm excited to see what types of things i can do to help this ward/area.
so do you remember the Riley family from Highlands Ranch that i always talked about? well Brother Riley's parents are here in my Ward! ha it is such a small world! So i was wondering how all of these famlies or people have become inactive up here and one of the reasons i thought of was because they might have their testimonies as we all do and it's not that your testimony isn't there, but that you dont "feed it" so to say and so it weakens and eventually leaves you or your dont care enough to strengthen it. so just a challenge i wanted to leave with the family is to make sure that you are feeding your testimony, to continue to study the scriptures and do the things that the Prophets have asked us to do. i know that Jesus Christ died for us that we might be able to return and live with him and our Father in Heaven again someday, but more important i know that Jesus Christ lives and speaks with our Prophet, i'm so very grateful to be a member of the church and for all of the blessings that come with being a member. i'm so grateful for all of you and the continuous love and support you show me.
i love you and miss you! thank you so much for all that you do! :) cant wait to hear back from you..
love Randy
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Elder Anderson is Getting Transferred!
Well i'm on to another area. which is good in a way but at the same time i've really enjoyed being in this area and i've grown close with all the members here. I got the call last night and i can say that it was probably the least i've been nervous about where i was getting transferred or if i was, just because whatever happens happens and i'll roll with it. so i got the call and Elder Forsyth told me that i needed to make sure that my bike was in a bike box because it would be going on the trailer, meaning that it was going out west. whether or not he was being serious or just teasing me i dont know but i kind of hope that he was being serious. so tomorrow morning i'll find out where i'm actually going and i'll call a member in this area and have him email you if thats ok? and he can give you my address and all of that. it is so crazy to think about how i only have 5 transfers left, i've been in this area for 4 transfers already so i'm thinking i will have 2 more areas before i finish, at least i hope.
the baptism on saturday was amazing! :) the spirit was so strong and they had lots of family in town and the ward support was awesome as well! :) the font was giving us trouble as we were filling it up so like 10 minutes before the baptism our bishop took his shoes and socks off and rolled up his pants and got in there and put a towel over the drain, because the O-ring broke that kept water from coming in when the drain was closed. but other than that the whole baptismal service went really well. it was such a neat experience because after Brother Gaus baptized his 2 kids he told Elder Woollard and I that he could not have done it without us, i was like wow those are powerful words. because it's true if we had not gone over there every week and helped him and the family with their struggles he wouldn't of been prepared to baptize his kids. i'm so grateful for that family and the relationship that i have built with them.
we taught the 2nd lesson to Jodi this past week and she is scheduled to be taught the 3rd on friday, she told us that she wants to be baptized which is so awesome! :) but it stinks that i'm leaving because i wont be able to see it happen. but i know that i've done what i needed to do here in this area and i'm needed somewhere else so i'm fine with that. i am going to go around this evening and say good bye to people in the ward and have a couple of them sign my journal so that way i can keep in touch with them. I have loved all the wonderfull people that i have met on my mission, and i hope to meet plenty more before the end.
i hope that things continue to go well for everyone. everything is going good for me and i'm kind of excited for the change that is going to happen. 6 1/2 months seems so far away but so close at the same time i need to continue to press on and be strong but i get bummed out sometimes. but no need to worry i just need to keep doing what i'm doing and enjoy it while i still can.. i love you all so much and am so grateful for all you do, tell everyone hello for me. i cant wait to hear from you next week and i'll let you know where i'm at and how everything is. love you so much! :)
love Randy
the baptism on saturday was amazing! :) the spirit was so strong and they had lots of family in town and the ward support was awesome as well! :) the font was giving us trouble as we were filling it up so like 10 minutes before the baptism our bishop took his shoes and socks off and rolled up his pants and got in there and put a towel over the drain, because the O-ring broke that kept water from coming in when the drain was closed. but other than that the whole baptismal service went really well. it was such a neat experience because after Brother Gaus baptized his 2 kids he told Elder Woollard and I that he could not have done it without us, i was like wow those are powerful words. because it's true if we had not gone over there every week and helped him and the family with their struggles he wouldn't of been prepared to baptize his kids. i'm so grateful for that family and the relationship that i have built with them.
we taught the 2nd lesson to Jodi this past week and she is scheduled to be taught the 3rd on friday, she told us that she wants to be baptized which is so awesome! :) but it stinks that i'm leaving because i wont be able to see it happen. but i know that i've done what i needed to do here in this area and i'm needed somewhere else so i'm fine with that. i am going to go around this evening and say good bye to people in the ward and have a couple of them sign my journal so that way i can keep in touch with them. I have loved all the wonderfull people that i have met on my mission, and i hope to meet plenty more before the end.
i hope that things continue to go well for everyone. everything is going good for me and i'm kind of excited for the change that is going to happen. 6 1/2 months seems so far away but so close at the same time i need to continue to press on and be strong but i get bummed out sometimes. but no need to worry i just need to keep doing what i'm doing and enjoy it while i still can.. i love you all so much and am so grateful for all you do, tell everyone hello for me. i cant wait to hear from you next week and i'll let you know where i'm at and how everything is. love you so much! :)
love Randy
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Grandma & Grandpa Anderson! :)
lol it sounds so weird saying that to you two, but so awesome at the same time knowing that you have a grand baby! that has to be so exciting for you. Raegan is going to be a cute spoiled little girl i have a feeling already ha. Isn't it crazy to think that not too long ago baby Raegan was up in Heaven with our father in Heaven and with Great Grandma and Grandpa Anderson and Edler? Make sure to give her lots of hugs and kisses for me! :) ha wow i cant wait to see her and the rest of the family! :)
So i was able to meet with our new mission President and talk with him and his wife. They both seem like really nice people and i look forward to getting to know them better. they are really quiet spoken and i think its mainly because this is all new to them and i know i was the same way at the begining of my mission. He definitely knows his scriptures he has taught seminary and institute all his life. it wasn't really an interview it was more of a just trying to get to know everyone type of thing.
i cant believe that next week are transfers already it honestly feels like we just had transfers. i am really curious as to what will happen, President Maynes complimented me for being in the area for so long and with the same companion and he said the Lord must be please with the things you are doing. i would like to stay another one but at the same time i'm leaning more towards wanting to leave just because i only have 5 more transfers and i would like to see more of the mission or be in different areas. i'll keep you informed as to what happens. the work is still moving along in this area the baptism is still on for this Saturday which i am really excited for. it is so great to see how much people can change if they apply the Gospel standards into their lives and start living the way the Savior would have them live. this family has completely turned around and it has been such a great experience seeing it happen.
We were able to go over to Jodi's home and share the first lesson with her and we have another appointment set for tomorrow night to share the second lesson. the first lesson went really well and we were able to answer lots of her questions. she expressed an interest to be baptized so we are both really excited for her.
On Thursday we went over to the O'neal families home with 6 Relief Society sisters and helped them pack up a bunch of things and help them get ready for their move. Unfortunately they wont be baptized before they move because of certain reasons but that's ok we will refer them to the missionaries down in Texas and have them go over and work with them.
We have been able to do some service work this past week and it feels good to be out doing some physical work besides walking or riding a bike ha. the weather has been really nice except on the 4th it rained really hard and then yesterday it rained as well. it is supposed to clear up here soon and be hot again. what has the weather been like back home?
I'm so grateful to know that families can be together forever through Heavenly Fathers plan! i love you all so much!!! this is such an exciting time! :)
love Randy
lol it sounds so weird saying that to you two, but so awesome at the same time knowing that you have a grand baby! that has to be so exciting for you. Raegan is going to be a cute spoiled little girl i have a feeling already ha. Isn't it crazy to think that not too long ago baby Raegan was up in Heaven with our father in Heaven and with Great Grandma and Grandpa Anderson and Edler? Make sure to give her lots of hugs and kisses for me! :) ha wow i cant wait to see her and the rest of the family! :)
So i was able to meet with our new mission President and talk with him and his wife. They both seem like really nice people and i look forward to getting to know them better. they are really quiet spoken and i think its mainly because this is all new to them and i know i was the same way at the begining of my mission. He definitely knows his scriptures he has taught seminary and institute all his life. it wasn't really an interview it was more of a just trying to get to know everyone type of thing.
i cant believe that next week are transfers already it honestly feels like we just had transfers. i am really curious as to what will happen, President Maynes complimented me for being in the area for so long and with the same companion and he said the Lord must be please with the things you are doing. i would like to stay another one but at the same time i'm leaning more towards wanting to leave just because i only have 5 more transfers and i would like to see more of the mission or be in different areas. i'll keep you informed as to what happens. the work is still moving along in this area the baptism is still on for this Saturday which i am really excited for. it is so great to see how much people can change if they apply the Gospel standards into their lives and start living the way the Savior would have them live. this family has completely turned around and it has been such a great experience seeing it happen.
We were able to go over to Jodi's home and share the first lesson with her and we have another appointment set for tomorrow night to share the second lesson. the first lesson went really well and we were able to answer lots of her questions. she expressed an interest to be baptized so we are both really excited for her.
On Thursday we went over to the O'neal families home with 6 Relief Society sisters and helped them pack up a bunch of things and help them get ready for their move. Unfortunately they wont be baptized before they move because of certain reasons but that's ok we will refer them to the missionaries down in Texas and have them go over and work with them.
We have been able to do some service work this past week and it feels good to be out doing some physical work besides walking or riding a bike ha. the weather has been really nice except on the 4th it rained really hard and then yesterday it rained as well. it is supposed to clear up here soon and be hot again. what has the weather been like back home?
I'm so grateful to know that families can be together forever through Heavenly Fathers plan! i love you all so much!!! this is such an exciting time! :)
love Randy
Thursday, July 1, 2010
So i guess President Christison took off yesterday, i didnt they he was going to be leaving 'til Thursday but yesterday afternoon sometime the new mission President came in and he had his orientation then they had lunch together and then President and Sister Christison left. it will be interesting to meet the new mission President and see how he does things. i know i'll miss President Christison but at the same time i'm sure this new one President Maynes will have lots of good qualities as well.
so last p-day we had another set of missionaries move in with us because the members they were living with had housed the missionaries for almost 2 years and it was time for them to get out so they came over to our little apartment ha and it was so crowded and it was crazy having 4 big guys in such a small place, but we managed and they left last night to another members home. but the housing coordinators (a senior couple) Elder and Sister Morgenegg who helped move them out last night said that they got to meet the new mission President and they said he is a great man.
On sunday we had a lady speak in sacrament who has just recently become active within the last year because her 16 year old son was baptized and she has since been through the temple and received her endowment. well her roomate (a lady named Jodi) has come out to church a few times and just came out again this past sunday when she spoke. Well yesterday we were out tracting and we got a phone call and it was from her and she asked us when we could come over and start teaching her the lessons, we were like whenever works best for you! :) haha it is so exciting when something like that happens.
We went over to the Gaus families home on Saturday because it was Wryleys birthday and he was having a bunch of friends over so before his party we went and helped brother Gaus fill up 500 water balloons. Then on Sunday evening Brother Gaus was ordained into the office of Priest and so now he will be able to baptize his 2 kids on the 10th of July, Wryley and Hailey. Hailey is 8 so she will be a child of record baptism, but Wryley is 11 so he'll be considered a convert. it is so awesome to see how far this family has come since we first went over there, i've loved being able to go over there and work with them.
The O'neal family is having a huge yard sale this friday and saturday trying to sell most of their stuff before they head out, so we are going to go over there again with our Relief Society President and help pack things up and share another lesson, last week the lesson went well and they still seem like they want to be baptized before they leave but they haven't been to church recently so i dont know if it will actually happen or not but we keep praying for them.
thank you for all that you do. i love you so much and am so grateful that i have the chance to be out here on a mission serving the Lord. miss you and love you!
Love Randy
so last p-day we had another set of missionaries move in with us because the members they were living with had housed the missionaries for almost 2 years and it was time for them to get out so they came over to our little apartment ha and it was so crowded and it was crazy having 4 big guys in such a small place, but we managed and they left last night to another members home. but the housing coordinators (a senior couple) Elder and Sister Morgenegg who helped move them out last night said that they got to meet the new mission President and they said he is a great man.
On sunday we had a lady speak in sacrament who has just recently become active within the last year because her 16 year old son was baptized and she has since been through the temple and received her endowment. well her roomate (a lady named Jodi) has come out to church a few times and just came out again this past sunday when she spoke. Well yesterday we were out tracting and we got a phone call and it was from her and she asked us when we could come over and start teaching her the lessons, we were like whenever works best for you! :) haha it is so exciting when something like that happens.
We went over to the Gaus families home on Saturday because it was Wryleys birthday and he was having a bunch of friends over so before his party we went and helped brother Gaus fill up 500 water balloons. Then on Sunday evening Brother Gaus was ordained into the office of Priest and so now he will be able to baptize his 2 kids on the 10th of July, Wryley and Hailey. Hailey is 8 so she will be a child of record baptism, but Wryley is 11 so he'll be considered a convert. it is so awesome to see how far this family has come since we first went over there, i've loved being able to go over there and work with them.
The O'neal family is having a huge yard sale this friday and saturday trying to sell most of their stuff before they head out, so we are going to go over there again with our Relief Society President and help pack things up and share another lesson, last week the lesson went well and they still seem like they want to be baptized before they leave but they haven't been to church recently so i dont know if it will actually happen or not but we keep praying for them.
thank you for all that you do. i love you so much and am so grateful that i have the chance to be out here on a mission serving the Lord. miss you and love you!
Love Randy
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