Chris’ Mission–Ludington with Elder Douglas

My first full day of Ludington. We got some good work done. We checked call backs all morning. Elder Mogle got this area really moving and so we have some good solid call backs. We met some really nice people. Then, after lunch, we door knocked two streets for a couple of hours. We didn’t have any success at all, but it was good to be out among the people. Learning 1 - humility and 2 - diligence so we can add the 3 - prayer of Faith and see much success. We are really going to do it. Tonight, we met “Grandma”. A really cool member who is old and loves us missionaries. She is nice. Douglas gave me a haircut also and it looks good. We are going to do awesome here.      Friday August 27

We had a great day today. I woke up at 6:00am, did some push-ups, read the book of Mormon for about 45 minutes, had companion study, read about 6 chapters in the Bible, and read 4 sections in the Doctrine and Covenants. It was totally awesome. I was so in tune and feeling the spirit and learned so much from feasting on the scriptures. I love the scriptures. But I was so into them that I didn’t get us out working until 10:00 instead of 9:30. We went out and did some door knocking and found a couple really cool people. Their names are Esther and Bill and they are engaged and are going to hear the first discussion tomorrow. We met the lady who was baptized last Sunday. Her name is Kay Battice and she is nice. Then we taught Ann and Darrell Jolly. We showed them What is Real and helped them to set a date for their wedding and baptism day. It is going to be on Sept 18th so that will be cool. Then we went and visited the Overholts. They are awesome. We visited with them for a while and she asked us if we would like to stay for dinner. So we ate with them and then we played the piano. She is really good and has lot of good music. We did totals after that. This is a sweet place.      Saturday August 28

Church was awesome today. There were about 30 members present today and I guess that is a good Sunday. There was a visiting family called the Mauntz family and they did the program. They did a good job. The 7 year old girl Marin spoke and 17 year old Alan and the dad Carl all spoke on obedience and did great. I felt the spirit. In Gospel Essentials, I found out I had to teach as it began so I grabbed the gospel principles book and glanced at the topics. Prophets of God jumped out at me so I taught Kay Battice and Marie Smogeleski about them. I really felt the spirit as I testified of prophets. Then we had a cool priesthood lesson which Pres. Overholt taught. Church was cool. Tonight we had an awesome companion inventory. We set some cool goals that are tough but attainable. We are ready to do a sweet job. Then we drove up to Hart and we are going to P-day up here tomorrow.      Sunday August 29

Pretty good P-day. We were going to go fishing but got rained out so we did our laundry and stuff first. Then we went fishing and had a blast. We caught tons of fish but the only one big enough to keep was a sucker that Elder Smith caught. Then we played some basketball. WE had a good dinner tonight at “La Fiesta” and then we had a sweet district meeting. We were goofing around a bit, but after my thought and challenge (Marks of a Man), and during testimonies we were all spiritual and serious. The spirit was there. Our months baptismal goal is 13 for our district. Tough but attainable. So we need to work hard to accomplish that goal.      Monday August 30

We got to talk to Ann and Darrell and hep them continue to prepare for their marriage/baptism. And tonight we met with the Miller family and had dinner with them. They are really cool. We should be able to help them prepare for their baptism even though it will be postponed for a while.      Tuesday August 31

Today was awesome. We were out all day among the people, where the virtues are, and we had some good things happen. The morning was unproductive but that had to happen to get us back into the spirit of the work - it was a trial of our faith. Then we read 3 Nephi 27 with Ann and Darrell and it really helped them, I think. They are getting ready. Then we were led up the street to check on some call backs. As we passed a bar, we received some ridicule and mocking from its inhabitants. But of course we just kept going. But then we heard a voice behind us saying softly, “Are you Mormons?” We turned to face a sobbing woman. I answered yes and began talking with her. Apparently she is a member - was baptized a long time ago. She was drunk but seemed sincere as she pleaded for us to help her change. It was really cool because if we hadn’t been there at that time, we would have never met her. IT really showed me why I wrote down the quote this morning from Already to Harvest that says, “Be where you should be, when you should be there”. I really learned the importance of that. We are meeting with Judy White tomorrow night to start her on her new path of life. She needs it and wants it.      Wednesday September 1

We had a good day today. The zone leaders surprised us with a visit. We were just getting ready to go door knocking so we didn’t mind too much. I went with Elder Koford for the day and we got some good things done. We went door knocking in the rain and talked to a couple cool people. We checked a bunch of call backs and had our appointment with Esther and Bill changed to tomorrow night. I feel good about them. tonight, we went door knocking some more and met some really lame people but one couple that seem pretty cool. It was great to be out among the people - where the virtues are. I love door knocking and missionary work.      Thursday September 2

We continued our Zone Leader trade-offs today. I was with Elder Lytle. He is pretty cool. We had a really successful time door knocking. In just a few short blocks, we contact tons of people, gave out a few books, and found some good call backs. One guy is even going to try and come to church on Sunday. So it was pretty awesome. We also talked to Marie Smogeleski and got her to set a baptismal date for Sept 12. So it was a productive trade-off. The other two didn’t do much work, but we had a great time working . My testimony and effectiveness increased. If I ever go Zone Leader, then I will go into areas and try to get them motivated to go out and work hard. Then I will show then how to do it. I haven’t had very many zone leaders that do this - but it is so vital to the mission. Missionary work is so awesome - I love it more than anything. And I love being a thruster missionary - it is the only way to go.      Friday September 3

Today was so awesome. We thrusted all day. We met with the Millers and had a good lunch with them, and then an awesome discussion. We committed them to fast and we began our fast with them by saying a prayer which I said. They will be coming to church and I think they will be ready for baptism soon. We watched “What is Real” and read about Peter walking on the water. It was a great discussion. Then we drove to Manistee and worked the afternoon and evening there. WE did some door knocking and found some really cool people. One guy was just a total stud. We talked to him for quite a while. The first half of the street was really tough but we stuck with it and were blessed with some good call backs. Our totals for the week were pretty sweet. We met a few of our goals - and we will meet all of them this next week. This area is awesome. Manistee is a cool place too, It is ripe for proselyting.      Saturday September 4

Today was awesome. Whenever I am fasting, I am just so in tune with the spirit. I learned so much and felt so good all through church. I shared my testimony during sacrament meeting and taught the class for Gospel Principles again. Then President Overheat taught a great priesthood lesson. It was just awesome. Then we had a great correlation meeting and a good discussion with Kay Battice. We showed her “How Rare A Possession” and her brother Duayne also saw some of it after which we have him a Book of Mormon. We gave the sacrament to Grandma and then ate lunch and headed to Hart. Once here, I got to give the baptismal interview to Federico Ceruvo. He didn’t speak any English, so Elder Hunsaker had to translate for me throughout the interview. But it was totally awesome. The spirit was present and I found him ready to be baptized. We then stayed for the Spanish branch sacrament service. It was all in Espanyol and very interesting. But the same spirit was present. Then was the baptismal service of Jose Martin and Federico Cuervo. Pretty cool. It was a great service. I played the piano for it and was blessed with the gift of tongues - it was hard to play in Spanish - ha ha. It was an awesome Sabbath Day - Bueno!      Sunday September 5

Sweet P-day. We did our laundry and stuff in Hart and then headed to good old Muskegon. The first thing we did here was go to the Mall. It was closed and on the way back to the car, we realized the keys were locked inside it. We were struggling to get it open. Then Smith and I went to find some rubber bands and said a prayer that the Lord would help us. And then we got it open. A strange way to see the power of prayer, but it does work. Then we played some pretty good basketball at the church. Biehler and Hunker are both pretty good. Then we played some good soccer. That was totally awesome. We played 5 on 5. Biehler and Georgianna both played high school. In fact, I played against Biehler in the 1990 quarterfinal game. He played center half for Taylorsville. He is pretty good. Me and him were on the same team an we killed the other guys. We won by about 15 goals and I scored about 10 of them It was a blast. We also played some World Cup Soccer - Sweet. Then we showered and got cleaned up and visited Dick Poe. It was fun to see him.     Monday September 6

Happy 11 month mark! And it was quite the happy day. Zone Conference was totally awesome. It was totally motivating and inspiring. We heard some great counsel from President and Sister Waite and Elder Mogle and the Zone Leaders. They all basically rebuked the zone in a loving way. And the zone definitely needs it. But the flattering part was that my name kept being brought up as an example to follow - as the ones doing it right. It was pretty cool. It doesn’t help my humility much, but I don’t think it really hurts it either. I am proud to be a good missionary and hope

e I can continue that throughout my mission. I also had a good interview with President Waite. We discussed my district, but the rest of the interview was spent with President praising me. It felt pretty good. He told me about plans for me going zone leader, AP, and then getting back out in the field which sounds great to me. But I really need to focus on the here and now, and not worry about those leadership positions. They will come with the Lord deems me ready. It was a sweet zone conference. Oh year, Elder Keyte Behunin from Silver Moccasin is in my zone. He is a green down in Hudsonville. It was a total surprise to see him. He is a stud. Tonight we had a great district meeting. The district is really pulling together and working hard. I basically challenged the rest of the zone to keep up with us - but they won’t be able to . Because we are going to rock the world. See spiritual meetings. Then I passed off Elder Hunsaker on his discussions. Now we are back home in Ludington.      Tuesday September 7

We now have 4 baptisms coming up in the next 1.5 weeks. We talked to Ann today and she is pretty much ready. Everything still seems to be going through really well. We also taught Marie and Tom Smogeleski and Tom has now committed to be baptized on Sunday with his mom. SO that is really cool. We also did some door knocking and checked a lot of call backs today, but it wasn’t too successful. Then tonight we went to the Millers and read Alma 34 with them. I chose that chapter because it is pretty harsh on those who procrastinate their repentance - like the Millers. So I hope it sunk in a little bit. They are a cool family but have some bad habits but hopefully soon we will be able to help them change. If they don’t show some progression, we may need to drop them.      Wednesday September 8

Sister Laura Pomeroy is going to be a good missionary. We started training her this morning. We taught her part of the first discussion and taught her a lot of deep doctrine. It was really cool. I love getting deep in the doctrine. We didn’t have much success today. In fact, we had one appointment call back where we found the Book of Mormon thrown out in the dirt. It really made me mad to see it treated that way because I love that book. Tonight, we ate at the Rasmussen’s. They are a cool family. We need to work hard and find success tomorrow.      Thursday September 9

Today was Douglas’ 6 month mark. His bump day and it was a sweet day. We had a good time over at Grandma’s house. She ordered us a pizza and we watched MoTabs “Christmas Classics”. That was awesome - Christmas music and scenery from Utah. Then we watched “Mountain of the Lord” and i love that movie. Then we went out to the pier to burn Douglas’ tie. The water was splashing over the walk but we dared it and we got soaked. My pants and shoes and socks and soaked all the way through. It was a successful tie burn, but mine was better - me and Sullivan back in April in the blessed area of Cheboygan.      Friday September 10

Today was rough. Douglas woke up with a migraine and slept the entire afternoon while I read 200 pages of “Church History in the Fulness of Times”. It is a sweet book. I also got everything set for the baptism tomorrow.      Saturday September 11

Today was rad. We had a high councilman visiting today and he was pretty cool. He was Brother Bruce Skidmore. Church is always really cool. We got to bless the sacrament again today - twice, because we also brought it to Grandma. We had lunch with Ann and Darrell and got everything going with their wedding and baptism. It all seems to continue to go smooth. But the best part of today was the baptism of Marie Grace Smogeleski. Her son Bill Broughton performed both the baptism and the confirmation and did a good job. He wasn’t very well prepared so we helped him a lot with it. But he got the job done. It was a really good service. Sister Gosa from Muskegon and Sister Rasmussen both gave good talks. President Overheat conducted and I gave the closing prayer. The interim was filled with the movie “Labor of Love” - awesome. It was all great. I think it really helped Tommy come closer to his decision. He should be baptized soon. Tonight we had a good district meeting and I practiced the piano for quite a while. I am getting pretty good at playing the piano - and I love it. I can now play most of “The Shepherd” by Michael McLean by memory. If I could only sing well. Sweet day.      Sunday September 12

P-day, but it was kind of lame. I have felt pretty sick all day. I hate being sick. We went fishing this morning but didn’t have any luck at all. WE caught a few small perch but that was it. Me and Hunsaker played ball at the church. Tonight we had dinner at the Sufuentes household. They are cool. The little girl Carol came in and said that I was going to baptize her. It was kind of funny but I felt bad for Brother Sufuentes.      Monday September 13

I had district trade-offs and went with Elder Hunsaker today. We had a good day. We went to the Old Folks home for service and talked to a pretty cool investigator for a while. And the biggest thing we did was have a baptism. We had to perform the baptism of Jose Martin again since they didn’t use his full name last Sunday. I memorized the baptismal prayer in Spanish so I could be a witness. We helped the Sufuentes make tamales this evening. It was fun. There are some cool people here in this area of Hart. We wrote letters to President today and I gave a little advice concerning Smith and Hunsaker. I wonder if Smith is ready to take over this area, but we will see next week.      Tuesday September 14

We finished up our trade-offs with Hart. They weren’t as productive as I had hoped. But I got them a little motivated to get up on time and set some other good goals. So that was good. One of their members, Br. Brown, drove us up here to Ludington and here we door knocked for a couple of hours and met a few cool people. Then tonight Sister Pomeroy took us out to the Millers and we laid it on the line with them. I read 2 Nephi 9:21-24 to them and talked about the “Plan of our Heavenly Father” chart that I always use with people. Then we read 2 Nephi 31:13, 17-21 and discussed that. And throughout the whole discussion, I feel that I was sweetly bold. I expressed love and then told them that we had taught them everything then needed to know and it was now up to them. I explained that as much as I wanted to, we couldn’t do it for them. They have to work out their own salvation. Hopefully some of the things we shared will help them to open their eyes and maybe they can get themselves to church. I know they can if they will allow the Lord to help them. They are a great family and I will be praying for them.      Wednesday September 15

Only 100 days until Christmas. Awesome! We are just trying to get the wedding and baptism all ready. We talked to Ann and Darrell today for quite a while to make sure everything is all set and we got the “temporary Membership Record” all filled out. Everything is coming together but they are nervous and worried about everything. We had an enjoyable evening with the Overholts. We had an awesome dinner - Lasagna. Then we worked on the baptismal schedule and I played some more of “Phantom of the Opera” on the piano. I am going to buy the sheet music for sure. I would love to master that music on the piano. The Overholt’s are so talented, smart, spiritual, and cultured people. It was great to visit with them. We talked a lot about church history and I was able to share a lot because of the book I have been reading. I just finished reading about the martyrdom of the prophet Joseph Smith. He had a rough life. He is a major stud and I know with all my heart that he is a prophet of God. The more I learn of him the more I know that to be true. The things he faced and overcame are just incredible. He accomplished the things he was sent here to do and I am ever grateful for that. He opened up the final dispensation in its fulness and because of him - I know the truth and have the opportunity to apply it to my life. I love the gospel and I love the Prophet Joseph Smith. One of the man who was with the Prophet Joseph shortly before his martyrdom was Dan Jones. He was promised by Brother Joseph that he would yet fulfill his mission to Wales and he then had an awesome mission. He was a fearless man and was bold with everyone he met. A quote about him is, “Dan Jones had an interesting missionary technique. He feared no one and he moved with boldness. Working with a handful of missionaries, he witnessed a remarkable harvest”. So I is one of my heroes. He is another man that I want to be like. I love the gospel - it is so great. I brings me such heartache to read of the early saints and their sufferings. But it brings me such joy as I can see the fruits of their labors in the joy that me and my fellowman have because of the gospel which they helped to establish.       Thursday September 16

Today was awesome but tiring. I read a lot from the Church History book and I love it. We had good studies in the morning. I truly love the Book of Mormon. and I am really enjoying the Bible also. We went to the Jolley’s to help them prepare for tomorrow. We cut tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, celery, onions, pickles, cucumbers, etc. We sat there for a long time but I think it really helped them out. Then we headed to the church to help Sister Pomeroy with the decorating of the church for the reception and stuff. We finally got home tonight at about 11:00 and I am tired. But it looks like everything is pretty much all set. I am really excited for everything. I get to be an usher at the wedding, accompany Laura Pomeroy as she sings, and say the closing prayer. Then I will be playing the music for the baptism, doing the actual baptisms for both of them out in Lake Michigan, and giving a talk on the Holy Ghost. I am just so excited for all of it. The water will be cold, but it will be such a neat experience. Just now, Kay Battice called us from up North where she is going to school. We had given her brother a Book of Mormon a few weeks ago and he is reading it and will start taking the discussions now. That is so rad. I love being a missionary. So many opportunities always arise - and it is nice to hear the fruits of our labors. I love it.      Friday September 17

Well, this had to be one of the best days of my whole mission. It was so great. My spirit is seriously aching - it is sore - and I love it. We got out at 9:30 and headed to the church. There we just made sure everything was all set and I practiced “Where Love Is” a few times. Then people started filing in and as an usher, I sat them in their pews. Everything went smooth. I did great on my song - played it better than I ever practiced it. That was another great opportunity for me. The wedding was beautiful. Ann and Darrell really love each other. President Overheat did a great job also. Then I gave the closing prayer for the service and was inspired to say some good things. I had a good time participating in their marriage.

And then was the baptism. As I changed into my whites, I was just filled with the Holy Ghost and it is still with me tonight. As we went though the proceedings and the talk and drive to the lake, I was just filled with excitement and anticipation. Then we were all gathered on the beach. The weather was beautiful. Gorgeous blue skies with wisps of white clouds. The water was fairly calm with small waves rolling in. And then Darrell and I proceeded into the water. I was expecting it to be much colder than it was. It actually felt very nice and refreshing. We waded out till it was almost waist deep and turned to face the congregation. We got all set and I said the prayer. As I raised my right hand to the square, I was just filled with power and I uttered the baptismal prayer loudly and boldly. I then completely immersed Darrel Eugene Jolly and we headed back towards shore. As we started back, some people started clapping and cheering for Darrell. It was really cool. Then I led Ann Marie Jolly out and repeated the process once again. The power and the spirit was the same with her. It was possibly the greatest experience of my life. Out in the vast blue of Lake Michigan - filled with the power and spirit of God - performing the sacred ordinance of baptism for two of my brothers and sisters so that they can begin their journey home to our Heavenly Father. AWESOME! Then we returned to the church and watched my favorite show, “What is Real”. I love that show. Then I gave a talk on the Holy Ghost and Elder Douglas confirmed them. He did a good job. It was a sweet baptismal service. Following the baptism, we retired downstairs for the reception and that was very enjoyable. There was great food and great company. The entire day just went smooth. It was nearly perfect and a day I will never forget. And now I need to work toward having many more of them. Today was too Awesome to not get another one soon.      Saturday September 18

Today was pretty sweet. We had a great time at church. I took Ann and Darrells kids - Chris and Gregory - during most of the second and third hour because they don’t have a nursery teacher. I had a good time watching them and playing with them. They are cute kids. I love babies and kids. I can’t wait to be a Dad. Douglas took another nap today - he sleeps a lot. We visited Grandma Withey and then Sister Pomeroy took us to Hart where we attended their Spanish service and then headed to Muskegon.       Sunday September 19

P-day! We went to the “Y” today and played some pretty good basketball and wallyball. We also had a ping pong tournament. It was raining the whole day and so we decided to play soccer and football in the rain. It was such a blast. In football, me, Hunsaker, and Smith killed Biehler, Georgianna, and Larson. We totally rocked their world. We played 2 hand touch and I was busting heads. I caught 5 touchdowns passes and I ran 1 interception back for a TD. Plus I probably had 20 tackles and put everyone on their butt whether I was on offense or defense. Tonight we visited with Dick Poe and had a good spiritual talk with him. I left him with my drawing of “the Plan of our Heavenly Father” and I hope that will help him.      Monday September 20

We had pretty good day today. We taught a new member lesson to Ann and Darrell with Sister Pomeroy. They are going to be some great members of the church. We cooked hamburgers and corn on the cob for dinner tonight. Well I better go do my pushups and sit ups so I can be buff.      Tuesday September 21

Well, we didn’t get a transfer call so I will be sticking around for another month. That is pretty cool. I’m not ready to go zone leader yet. I have a lot of areas to improve myself in before I can totally help others. But if I work hard, I will be there soon. We went to the hospital and volunteered to do service there. We signed up for working on the floor every other Wednesday and we will also be helping with office work on the other Wednesday. They have had bad experience with missionaries just disappearing and not showing up when expected so the lady was hesitant about us signing up, but I convinced her hat we would be dependable. I am excited to work in a hospital. Maybe it will give me a taste of it as a profession. I am fort of leaning towards medicine of some sort right now. Tonight we got dropped off in Manistee and we spent the evening there checking call backs and doing some door knocking. It was a rough night. We met some unpleasant people. But I must lean that humility - and door knocking is a good way to do it.      Wednesday September 22

We went this morning and worked out at the West Shore college. Then this morning we went to just check call backs. Then Sister Rasmussen took us out to her place and fed us such an awesome lunch. It was more like a dinner. While there, we watched a move on President Ezra Taft Benson. It was totally awesome and really strengthened my testimony of him. As it talked of him, I was touched with the burning of the Holy Ghost as it testified to me once again that President Benson is a prophet of God. I know that will all my heart. And I am also gaining a stronger testimony of each and every prophet we have had in this dispensation as I read about them in the Church history book. They are awesome men. This afternoon we went door knocking and ha d pretty rough time of it. The people weren’t too receptive. But we door knocked a house where Andy was hanging out. Andy is an apostate member who doesn’t do the church scene but is a cool guy. We went with him and had dinner and just talked with him for quite a while. He is pretty cool. And I hope that we can help to bring him back. We also watched a video called “Ancient America Ruins” talking about possible Book of Mormon sites and stuff. It was really neat and informative. I also talked to Elder Douglas before that about the Book of Mormon and explained to him that he has received an answer that it is true and discussed ways that the answers could come. It was a really productive day - out among the people, and we were spiritually strengthened. I was a bit timid as we started door knocking but I stuck with it and I felt strength and boldness coming into me. It felt good to overcome some negative feelings and have good ones.      Thursday September 23

Today was pretty cool. We learned how to do volunteer work at the hospital. We took flowers and gifts around to the patients, brought them newspapers, and just ran errands. It was pretty cool. Tonight, we went down to finish door knocking a street. We didn’t have much success but on the way, I stopped and started talking to a girl named Andrea on the street. She was pretty cool and we talked for a good 15-20 minutes. I gave her a book of Mormon and had a nice chat.      Friday September 24

Today was Christmas and I didn’t even celebrate - what a slacker. Today was a great day, just not too productive. We worked out, then had breakfast with Andy and his “little woman”. Then we visited Sister Beatty in the hospital, had dinner with Ann and Darrell. Then we had a great companion inventory. I have been wanting to slap Elder Douglas around lately, but I have committed myself to show brotherly love towards him no matter what. It may be hard, but I can do it animist do it if I am to have the spirit like I want. I also had a great mail day - a letter from Justin Burrup and Elder Dickinson and a package with a tape from Liz. Life is so incredibly awesome.    Saturday September 25

We had a very small attendance at church today but it was still a good spirit filled testimony meeting. I bore my testimony and it has really grown strong. I love my testimony. The rest of the day we checked referrals and visited with Sister Withey (Grandma) for a while. Tonight the Hart Elders were supposed to show up but now they are coming in the morning.      Sunday September 26

Well, it wasn’t much of a P-day. In fact, it pretty much felt like a normal day. We went and played hoops and worked out at the gym, but then we got changed and went to Sister Rasmussens and then to visit the Carsons. It took a long time. Then I wrote some letters and tonight we went jogging. We ran four miles and it felt good.      Monday September 27

Today was pretty cool. We went and had a good workout this morning. I am sore, but I really want to be in good shape and looking good. Sister Pomeroy took us shopping and we spent a lot of the rest of the day helping the Jolly’s paint. I love serving others and helping others. We also have service tomorrow at the hospital so we have too much of it this week, but the Ammon principle is a good one. Tonight, we went to see Marilyn Brault and showed her “Mountain of the Lord”. She is ready to be baptized - I don’t know why she isn’t already. We are going to have to get her going. I spent a lot of today with babies and little children. They are just fresh from our heavenly father and are so easy to love. I can’t wait to have children of my own. That will be so cool. Being the best father in the world is my goal.      Tuesday September 28

Today, me and Douglas worked really hard. We door knocked a street for over 3 hours and found some inactive members. They are Todd and his Mom, the Dancy family. We got acquainted with visited with them for a while. Todd will be coming to church for General Conference with us on Saturday and we will be eating dinner with them and having a discussion next Tuesday. We also taught Marilyn Brault basically the third discussion and it went really well. She has a testimony of the book of Mormon so she shouldn’t be letting these other things stop her from being baptized. I think we will help her go under the water. We also visited with Andy for a while tonight. He is a total study. We have a good time with him.      Thursday September 30

I can’t believe it is already October. Holy Cow. The zone leaders came last night and I spent the day with Elder Stringham. He is a cool guy. We traveled to Manistee and delivered a book of Mormon to a pretty cool area referral. We also did some checking up on people and a little door knocking as well. It just feels good when you are out doing the Lords will. I love missionary work - and General Conference is tomorrow. SWEET!      Friday October 1

I love General Conference. I love hearing the words of the prophets and apostles as they speak to us. And today was just an awesome, spiritually uplifting day during which my spirit was edified and my testimony has grown immensely. The spirit of the Lord has been with me and my knowledge and understanding have been increased. WE heard from Elders Joseph B. Wirthlin, Neil A. Maxwell, Russell M. Nelson, Boyd K. Packer, and James E Faust and numerous members of the seventy They gave great messages and the overall tone of the meeting was on families. They are engraining that into us, how important parenting and families are. Then tonight, we finally got to hear from President Monson and President Hinckley. President Monson received the Bronze Wolf award from the scouting organization and shared much on the scouting program. It reminded me of my love for that program and all of the things I have learned from my involvement in it. I look forward to many future scouting experiences. Then President Hinckley spent 30 minutes bearing testimony of everything he knows to be true. It was the most powerful testimony I have ever heard. I do know that he is a prophet of God and I proudly say once again, “I love that man”. The spirit was poured upon me as he bore testimony of the very things of which my testimony consists of. I tried to take notes, but I was too enthralled with his spirit and power and love to take notes effectively. I am so thankful for the instruction I received today and am resolved to take those things and use them in my life. I am also resolved to never miss a priesthood session, they are too awesome to miss. I love this work, and I truly love the General Authorities.    Saturday October 2

The continuation of General Conference and it was excellent as expected. WE heard awesome talks from Hinckley through Richard G. Scott. It was just totally awesome and uplifting, there is no other way to describe it. President Hinckley is seriously my hero. In between sessions, they had a luncheon going on but we had to miss it because we took a video and BOM out to a referral clear out in Baldwin. Elder Douglas didn’t want to go out there at all. But we had to and I’m sure glad we did. He was a really nice guy who does need some help and he may be receptive. Sister Pomeroy was nice enough to drive us out there. Tonight, we had a pretty sweet district meeting and had some good talks here in Hart about the gospel and many other topics. We have a really cool district here, everyone gets along and likes each other.      Sunday October 3

Well, let me try and catch up on what has been happening here. Monday morning, we drove our car down to Muskegon to get it fixed, but we didn’t make it. The oil was draining faster than we could pour it in so we had to stop at a rest stop and get towed in. It really sucked. So we got them fixing it and we did P-day in Muskegon. The only thing we really did was play soccer and football and just hang out. Then we found out the car wasn’t going to be fixed so Hart got a ride back and we stayed in Muskegon. Tuesday I went and worked with Elder Stringham. We taught an awesome 1st discussion to a guy and had good luck checking referrals as well. I also spent some time with Lyle. But then we found out the car was not going to be ready until tomorrow. Dang. I had the APs drive us up to Hart and today we had the first day of our district trade offs. They went really well. I worked with Elder Wright and he has a real strong desire to work. He is dang cool, also. Tonight we got the car back and visited a 7th day Adventist church and listened to a sermon on “The King is Coming”. It wasn't too apostate. Now we are finally home in Ludington. Tomorrow is my hump day - AWESOME! Wednesday October 6

HAPPY HUMP DAY! Holy cow! This is really unbelievable. I am halfway through my mission. It is half way over. I am over the hump and on the way down. It is so hard to believe. The past year has been totally awesome and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I have had some awesome experiences and have grown so much. I have matured incredibly, strengthened my testimony immensely as well as my knowledge of the gospel. I know the power behind missionary work and I know how important the work is. I had a good “Hump Day” celebration. I opened a package from home and it was just like a birthday. I got 2 shirts, a tie, deodorant, socks, toothbrush, shampoo and certs. I wrote letters to Elder Sullivan and Christofferson wishing them a happy hump day. And tonight I got a phone call from Eve Oneil. That was totally awesome to talk to her and Esther. My parents also sent me a tape in the package and I got to hear from my family, Justin Burrup, Wes, Luke, and Wayne. It was the coolest tape. After dinner, we went out to the pier and I burned by shirt. That was a total blast and it burned dang good. SWEET! Well, I am so glad to be out here on a mission. I have had an awesome first year and I am going to make the second year even better. I know how to be an awesome missionary, and I am going to continue to be one. I am taking all that I have learned this past year and applying it so that I can be my best self. I am going to make my goals hard to achieve, but I will reach them. I am glad to be 1/2 way done, but sad at the same time. I can’t wait to go back and see my family and friends, but I love serving my Heavenly Father as a missionary. So the only thing I can do is make the most of my time. If I do that, I will be happy. Here’s to another great year!      Thursday October 7

We had good studies this morning. We went out and checked call backs. I called all of our referrals because we got some new ones today and I got some good appointments set up for next week. Tonight we drove and checked our referrals and met with one lady. So it was a productive day. These referrals will really help us to get things going better here.      Friday October 8

All I can say is that I was spiritually fed today. It was the first day of Stake Conference and it was rad. Elder Kikuchi was the visiting General Authority and he is without a doubt, a mighty man, A spiritual giant, a total stud. We attended the leadership meeting, the priesthood leadership session, and the adult session. Elder Kikuchi stressed bringing the inactive members back and he wants the priesthood holders to use us missionaries more so that they can be more productive. He called us up to the front and it was awesome to stand up there next to him. In the adult session, we heard good messages from some great people the spirit was definitely present. And then Elder Kikuchi spoke. He began by having us sing Hymn #157, Thy Spirit Lord, has stirred our souls”. That was cool and then he proceeded to give the most powerful talk I have ever witnessed in person. He talked about us and our diving worth and potential. He talked about the savior and his last days. He took us step by step from the last supper to his atonement in the Garden to his resurrection and appearance to Mary Magdalene. His witness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is so powerful and real. I know that he knows that Jesus is the Christ and that knowledge that he has strengthens my testimony. He spoke of the sisters, daughters of our Heavenly Father, and how important they are. I have a greater love for my sisters and mother and future wife because of his words. I was very impressed when he spoke of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve and when he bore testimony of them and their love for us. He said this with tears in his eyes and it manifest plainly to me that he spoke the truth. The spirit was very strong upon me as he spoke of our Savior and bore testimony of him. I truly am on a spiritual high. He shared much more with us but these were some of the highlights. At the conclusion of his words, he had us sing “As I Have Loved You” because he shared a great story about that and it was the Saviors final teachings to us. And as we stood and sing aloud, the spirit overpowered me and I couldn’t help but get watery eyes - as I was surrounded by my choice brothers and sisters all singing about love. The love in that chapel was indescribable. After we all sang it, Elder Kikuchi then sang it alone. Then during the closing prayer, I did feel my saviors love and tears streamed down my face as we unitedly prayed to him. It was sweet. I love Elder Kikuchi and I know he is a servant of God. President Waite also gave some good works in his talks. In the last sessions, he asked all of the us full time missionaries to stand up and I stood with pride as he described us as the best missionaries in the world. And as he told the people that we are here to serve them. It was really neat. I was really touched as President Waite tearfully shared his love for us with the people in this stake. It was totally cool. Another awesome day in the mission field that I will never forget. I am totally pumped up and charge about missionary work. I am going to totally kick butt in my labors and efforts. I don’t want to do anything to use the spiritual power that I feel right now. I want to feel good about my missionary efforts and I won’t let anything stop me. If I conquer the flesh and stay near to the spirit of God, then I will have many more days just like today. And that is truly what I want in life. I love it!      Saturday October 9

The last session of Stake Conference today was really cool. Elder Kikuchi called the people to pay tithing, not abuse the sweet sisters and to repent of many other things. He is an incredibly powerful and spiritual man, and I loved hearing him. We came back to Hart and me and Elder Wright spent much of the day together. He passed off to me and I gave him a PPI. We just had an awesome spiritual talk. We talked about so many things and we really grew closer as friends and fellow servants.      Sunday October 10

Another lame P-day, but that’s alright. We had a good district meeting this morning and then came back to Ludington. I wrote a couple letters and we visited with Andy for a couple hours. Then tonight, we had dinner and spent the evening at the Overheats. The are such great people. I love talking with them. They are so wise and just cool. I also played the piano for a while and printed scriptures out on the computer. It was a very nice night and really made the entire day enjoyable. I also started reading Dale Carnegie’s “How to win friends and influence people”. That book is so awesome.      Monday October 11

Today was awesome. One of the ideal Mission days. We talked 3 discussions, door knocked for 2 hours, and had success at it, ate Little Caesars Pizza, got mail. It was a perfect day for a missionary. We spent the morning in Manistee. We talked to Mindy Roberts, a family first referral, and got a return teaching appointment for the entire family for this Saturday. Then we went door knocking and talked to one guy, the second to last house on the street. But he was really cool so we had a great discussion with him. And tonight we taught Marilyn Brault and also visited grandma so we could watch the video Elder Douglas got from home today. And I got another tape from Liz plus a roll of film.      Tuesday, October 12

Well the success is continuing. We had a rocking day. Sister Broughton took us out and we taught the first discussion to the Lorena Bueholz. It went really well with her. And we were to the hospital for an hour and checked a referral in the afternoon. And the Hart Elders went with us to Baldwin and we had a great time out there. On the way, we stopped by Lorena's house and gave her a Book of Mormon because we didn't have one with us when we taught her earlier. I think that was the first time in my whole mission I didn't have a Book of Mormon with me. It was kind of funny. Elder Smith and I when spiritual door contacting and got2 out of 3 people to hear the five-minute message. So it was a very productive 30 minutes. They were some good people we found. And we watched family first with Debra Williams and it went really well with her. There are some good opportunities here in Baldwin. Then we drove to Big Rapids and I stopped in to see Donna and Jeni Savard. That was so cool to see them and visit with them for a while. They are awesome and it was so awesome to talk about Cheboygan and St. Ignace and the wonderful people up there. I really missed that area, but now this area is really awesome. But it was very nice to get reacquainted there. I have really made some good friends here on my mission. There are some people that really do mean a lot to me. I love my mission and I love the work I am doing. Life is awesome.      Wednesday, October 13

Today I received the greatest instruction I've ever heard in my life. I woke up first this morning at 5:00 and showered and got ready. Then I woke everyone else up and I read the scriptures. But first I got on my knees and prayed for the spirit to be with me today. I wanted my heart to be prepared to receive Elder Kikuchi's spirit and instruction and it was a worthwhile prayer because I had the spirit with me throughout the entire day. It was so sweet. I read a few chapters from the Book of Mormon, the last of which was 3 Nephi 11 and I love reading of the visit Christ made to the Nephites here. It helped to prepare me for this awesome day. I had everyone kneel at 7:00 and we said our prayer and then headed to Grand Rapids. We arrived just in time and received a spiritual feast. We heard a good message from sister Waite about putting on the whole Armor of God, the Armor of righteousness. We also heard from Pres. Waite and some good testimonies from a couple of missionaries. Then was Elder Kikuchi - the spiritual stud. He basically spoke to us from 9:00 to 4:00 with a 1 hour lunch break. And every minute was awesome. Seriously the spirit was so strong the entire day. I had the burning in my bosom constantly. Some of the principles that Elder Kikuchi focused on were OYM. Open your mouth. He gave a some relatively good weighs 2 personal contact people everywhere. 2 questions. 1. "Do know that you're Heavenly Father has a plan for you to return to live with him again". 2. "Would you like to know more". Very simple but truly effective. He really stressed obedience and how important it truly is. 100% OBEDIENCE. And of course he taught many other things and principles but they are too numerous. But I was taught well and I will be applying these things to my missionary work. I can't believe the knowledge that Elder Kikuchi has. And his understanding of the scriptures is amazing. Some day I will know the scriptures and love the scriptures like he does. That is a good goal.Elder Kikuchi is such a powerful, humble servant of God. His spirit is so strong, and encompassing. I love that man and I'm so thankful for the chance I have had to be with him today. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Awesome. President Waite also paid me a very nice complement today. After the meeting he took me aside a little bit and told me that I had to show everyone else how to do it. He had told us that soon this mission will be baptizing every week, that missionaries will be baptizing every week. That is a good goal and he wants me to be their first. He said you can already pretty much baptize every month, now I want you to get to where it is every 2 weeks, and then I want you baptizing every week. It really makes me feel good to see that he does have confidence and trust in me. The trust of your mission president is important. So that was really cool. I talked with Elder Budge a lot lately and he seemed to be kind of hinting about me becoming Zone Leader. I don't know if it is a righteous desire to be a Zone Leader or not. I don't want to aspire but I would lead to serve in that capacity. And maybe I'm just creating it all in my mind. This area is really rocking now so it would be hard to leave but maybe now I could feel good about leaving. Who knows what will happen. Tonight when we got home there was a machine phone message for us from an inactive member and her nonmember husband who wanted to hear the lessons. Holy Cow! What a blessing! We called them and they are driving into Ludington from Baldwin so that we can teach them tomorrow. Obedience brings blessings and that is all there is to it. I love being a missionary. I am receiving so many blessings in my life. This work is of God. I know that with all my heart and it will go forward no matter what. And I will do my part.      Thursday, October 14

We had a pretty good day. We got out and went door knocking this morning and had some success. The direct question we used is a good screening device and did show a us who would be interested. Most of the people agreed with the question, but thought they already knew enough. But we need more practice with it to make it completely effective. We met Marvin Brault today and visited with them for a while. And we taught a first discussion to Brett and Jane Fischbach. They will be attending church on Sunday and we will teach than the second after that so that will be great. Our appointment tonight wasn't home so it wasn't a perfect day but hopefully we can get back with them soon. We also visit at the Overholt's to say goodbye tonight. There really are awesome people. I wish the church here was larger. They need a break from running the show and they really deserve it.Tonight me and Douglas had a good talk. He asked me a bunch of questions which allowed me to help him as a missionary I hope. I totally used the commitment pattern on him and it works wonders. He is a good companion I have learned a lot by serving with him. I hope he will take initiative and work hard and be a good obedient missionary. I hope I have helped him.      Friday, October 15

This was the most rocking week ever. We put up numbers that can't be duplicated. We finished out the week today by having our best day of the week. We went door knocking for a couple hours this morning and it was pretty successful even though it was in the rain but we will not let that stop us. Then the Rasmussen's picked us up and took us to see the Roberts in Manistee. They are such an awesome family. The dad wasn't there but we taught Misty and the 3 kids Shiloh(12), Dustin(10), and Fawnya(6). We taught them the first discussion and it went awesome. They totally loved us. They would be such a great family in the church. The Rasmussen's then took us out to dinner, reminded me of Cheboygan at the truck stop restaurant. The Rasmussen's are such nice people. Then we taught another first discussion to Beatrice and Raymond. Beatrice was a call back from last May or so. We have checked her house many times and it finally paid off. So we rocked the world with our totals this week and we killed the Hart guys in our contest. Here was our week.

• 20 personal contacts
• 8 discussions
• 9 Book of Mormons
• 9 New Finds
• 6 Lacing Non-Members
• 5 Team Ups
• 72 Hours
• 3 Joint Teaches

It was so cool calling in numbers like that. It just feels so good to work so hard and to see the success that comes from it. And the key is obedience. We have been obedient and consistently working and made it through our trial of faith so that we could receive all these blessings. And that's all they are is blessings from the Lord. Tonight was the BYU versus Notre Dame football game and it was approved so we got to watch it. It was sweet to see Cougar stadium and the mountains and Utah and football, but BYU got killed. But BYU is still awesome. I'm pretty sure I want to attend there next year. Saturday, October 16

Today was pretty sweet. We had Brett and Jane Fischbach come to church today and it was a really good meeting. I played "More Holiness Give Me" on the piano and the speakers were visitors from Kalamazoo. There were totally cool. After church we showed Brett and Jane "How Rare a Possession" which they really liked and brother Smith brought us Kentucky Fried Chicken because of the length of the movie. What a stud! The Hart Elders arrived tonight and we had an awesome district meeting. The spirit was very strong and it was really uplifting. We also bore powerful testimony and expressed love to one another. It was sweet. Then we came home and had a great time watching Douglas' home video and my home video and just talking. It was really sweet. These guys are cool.      Sunday, October 17

This was not much of a P-day again but then again were not out here to P-day so oh well. We did some shopping and that was really about it. We went to teach Ann and Darrell a new member lesson today and then had dinner with them.      Monday, October 18

President Waite has made all kinds of changes, but I'm sure they are good ones. They did transfer calls this morning but there weren't too many changes in personnel, just in the organization. President closed off 4 zones and 8 Zone Leaders and combined them all into 5 Zones. I am now in the Grand Rapids Zone. This Zone Leaders are Elder Foote and Stringham. I am the District Leader over 8missionaries, the Muskegon district. There is us and Hart and both North and South Muskegon in my district. So there is a lot more responsibility placed on the District Leaders. I am basically like an old style Zone Leader except I am alone. But it should be pretty cool. I was kind of bummed about not getting transferred but now I know the purpose behind it. So I'm going to rock this area and take my district with me. It will be interesting to see how the new system works. I think it will be good. There is also a new total procedure. We: Totals every night and on fewer areas. We report on baptism's, projected baptism's, discussions, Lacing members, joint teaches, new finds, and that's all. My district is supposed to call me, then I called the Zone Leaders, then they call the AP's. So it is going to be a big switchboard every night. It is going to be so hectic but as soon as the kinks are worked out, it will be pretty smooth. Also, transfers are not on a special day every month. There are just going to be when President Waite fills inspired to do it. So it gives him more freedom and us less worry. He wants us to just worry about the work and not the transfers. And of course with the new total system, missionaries are going to have to be in their apartment at 9:30 to make the calls. So that will be good in helping people to be obedient to that rule. I have missionaries in Muskegon who will need help with that rule. But we will help them out with that and get them to be obedient thrusters. I am really excited about the new system and my new responsibilities. It will be good for me to use some leadership skills. And to work on improving those skills. We are totally going to thrust away to set the example for my district and to set the standard for the rest of the mission. I have to really dig down deep and give it my all, everything I've got. And I'm going to do it.      Thursday, October 21

I woke up feeling really sick today and so we slept in some but when we got out we had an awesome day. We taught Jackie Jamison and Betty and Jackie Jacobs the first discussion and it went really well. They seemed to enjoy them and were excited that we are coming back. So they are some good new finds. Then we drove over and had an awesome dinner and a great discussion with Brett and Jane Fischbach. Brett cooked us what he called his famous burritos and they were good. The meal was great and the conversation was very enjoyable. Brett is a pretty hilarious guy. We also had Egg Nog Ice Cream with them, that was sweet. And we read Alma 32 with them and talked about Faith. It was a great night. Oh yeah, after visiting people like the Jamison's, it really makes me Thankful for all of my many blessings. I truly am blessed to have been brought up with my awesome family and with the gospel. I am so Thankful for these most wonderful blessings.      Friday, October 22

Today was the saddest day. We went up to see Mindy Roberts and family and it didn't start out well at all. She started to tell us about how she didn't want to learn anymore and that she knew what we were trying to do, trying to convert them. So I basically opened it up and explained our intentions and I was bold with her. It felt so good. I talked about how important our message was and how it could answer questions that no one else could. And I said many other things that really opened her up and got her thinking and wondering. But I didn't know what to say on my own. The spirit was totally leading me and inspiring me in what to say and how to say it. It seemed to be just like George Durrant said it would. I just conveyed the thoughts that entered my heart and they worked. Soon we were off and feeling the spirit while we talked about the "Plan of Our Heavenly Father". It went so awesome. We produced in her an eager want just like Dale Carnegie taught me to do and now she is interested in continuing. As we were setting up a return appointment, she told us that she had planned on asking us to not come back, but that she had changed her mind. So we are going back on Tuesday - they are an awesome family. On the way back, we stopped at a year round Christmas store called "The Hitching Post" and that was fun. I want to go into that business sometime - own my own Christmas store. That will totally rock.      Saturday October 23

Merry Christmas! Only one more to go before the real one. This was a pretty boring P-day again. We spent much of the day with Ann and Darrell and family. We picked apples and carved pumpkins and had a good dinner. It was pretty fun.      Monday October 25

This was a totally awesome day. We spent the entire day with Sister Pomeroy, most of it in Manistee. We started the day with Mindy and Randy Roberts and had an awesome discussion with them. We watched Together Forever and the spirit was so strong. Mindy was just bawling. She then told us about how her assistant pastor really made her mad when she tried to talk to them about us and our message. He tried to give her some anti but she didn’t buy it. But she will get more so we have to teach her well. Then Randy got home and we visited with him for a while. Randy is just hilarious, he was cracking me up with his stories and jokes. And we really got serious and spiritual with him as well. We basically taught him the first - about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. He had a concern about prophets at first but I think we got them resolved and really thinking. They both said that we have really made them think and ponder over what we share. The spirit is working on them. They are awesome. We met with Terry Kimmell today. We placed a Book of Mormon with him 2 weeks ago and he is getting totally anti’d. But he is keeping an open mind so hopefully we can teach him. But he will be hard to work with. His pastor is dedicating his whole sermon on Sunday to bash us. So it will be an interesting situation. Tonight we met Melissa, a friend of Sister Pomeroys and she is cool. Her and her husband are having some real problems so we are going to show them Together Forever on Saturday. So hopefully we can help them in their marriage. Today was an excellent day. Sweet!    Tuesday October 26

Today just totally rocked. We were so busy all day. We were on the go constantly and it was great. We taught Lorena Buchholz this morning . We watched Together Forever and she totally loved that. Then we read the Book of Mormon with her so that was good. She is being prepared. I feel really good about her. Then we cruised to the hospital and did some good service there. Then we ran to Baldwin and had a pretty good evening there. We talked to Ruth Updegraff and Don Clemens and they both have good potential. Then we taught the second discussion to Brett Fischbach and that was awesome . He didn't accept the baptismal challenge but it did go well and I do believe he will eventually accept. So things are really happening. We are still seeing blessings from our obedience. Character is following through with a commitment after the emotion of that commitment has passed (Hyrum Smith). I love this work.      Wednesday October 27

Today is my year mark for being in Michigan. It has now been a year since I’ve seen my family as well. Sometimes it seems like a lot longer that that, but the longer I am away, the closer I get to returning home. I just can’t believe how fast the time goes by out here. I have had an excellent year of proselyting. I am so much improved compared to one year ago. So by the time I go home, I will really know how to do the work. It is weird to think that this has been my lifestyle now for exactly one full year. It is the normal way of life for me now. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I wouldn't know what to do. I hope the upcoming year is as great as the last one. I have to be a good instrument for Heavenly Father to use. I won’t allow anything to stop me. Today I got on a cleaning binge and this apartment is spotless. I doubt it has looked better since missionaries first moved in. We vacuumed everywhere, rearranged the furniture, and even mopped and scrubbed the entire kitchen and bathroom. It looks really good and feels good to have it cleaned and to have it different.      Thursday October 28

I was totally in the Christmas spirit today. It got me excited. Then I got 3 packages in the mail. One from the family, one from Grandma and Grandpa Polson, and one from Liz. That totally rocks. I love the mail. This was a great day. We cruised up to Manistee really early and spent a long time with Mindy and Randy Roberts. We taught them the third discussion and that went really well. They committed to come to church and I hope so much that they will accept the gospel into their lives. We also met with Melissa and Clyde and showed them the new video, “The True and Living God”. We have a return appointment to teach them the first discussion so they could be a great family as well. Tonight, we took Josh and Chris Jolly out trick or treating and that was really fun. It also snowed pretty hard tonight. That is pretty sweet.      Friday October 29

The Roberts didn't show up to church today, but other that that the day totally rocked. We had an awesome High Council speaker and he shared a great message. We got some good member referrals today at church. There is a potential family that we may be able to start teaching. We taught Brett and Jane Fischbach the third discussion and he is progressing very well. He knows the Book of Mormon is true and said he loves how our church is run. Jane said something like, “If the Book of Mormon was false, it would be the biggest lie in the world.” And Brett replied, “If the BOM were false, then the New Testament would be the biggest lie in the world.” So it is going pretty well with them. Then we got to go for a ride in his Jeep Wrangler and on a tour of Lake County. It was so fun to be in a jeep cruising around. Tonight we had district meeting in Muskegon and it went alright. Basically these Muskegon guys have bad attitudes and we need to get them turned around and headed in the right direction. Hopefully I can help.      Sunday October 31

I can’t believe it is already November. We had a tiring P-day today but it was so fun. We played a few basketball games and some racquetball at the YMCA. The whole day was basically me versus Biehler. It was good to have some decent competition. We also played some awesome football and soccer. It was such a blast. But I am worn out.      Monday November 1

I am sore today. I am really feeling it from out great workout yesterday. But it was worth it. Today was a pretty lame day until we went up to see the Roberts. Then it became awesome. We had a sweet dinner with them and then we just had a relaxed, enjoyable evening. They are such an awesome family. I feel so good about them and we are becoming fast friends. Fawnya is such a little cutie and she really likes me. They are heading to Florida tomorrow for a convention so they wont be back until Monday. But I will look forward to then so we can get them taught and baptized. And the reason they didn’t make it to church is because on the way, they saw a deer that had just been hit by a car and they stopped to get it. Randy says he will stop for $100 bucks worth of fresh meat. At least they were on their way to church.      Tuesday November 2

Today was Zone Conference down in Grand Rapids and it was so cool. We had to get up at 5:45 to get ready so we could make it on time. They got back into a more traditional Zone Conference this time with groups and everything. I had a pretty cool group and we had good talks and scriptures and then Elder Powell talked to us for a while and really helped me. He role played how to more effectively use the question that Elder Kikuchi gave us to use. It is totally cool and I will be using it all the time. Elder Powell is a total stud. He also talked to the whole zone for a while and I really like his control and the way he teaches and chastises. He is a great AP. President and Sister Waite also gave us some great counsel. But President Waite spent most of his time rebuking some of the missionaries. He spent a good 30 minutes with the Muskegon Elders. Then he took Elder Barker and Walker and yelled at them for over 2 hours. We could hear it from the other room. President Waite is a totally awesome guy who just wants to help us as much as he can, but some missionaries won’t accept his help. But overall Zone Conference was great. I really felt the spirit and it fueled me back up. Tonight we are in Muskegon with Biehler and Georgianna for trade-offs. They are all hurting each other here. They are too worried about fun and not about work. But they are good guys and I like them. I helped them make a bunch of phone calls from their area book tonight. We are going to work hard tomorrow.      Wednesday November 3

I was with Elder Biehler today and we got some really good work done. We talked to some good area referrals and set up appointments for the first discussion. So we got some good things started for them.      Thursday November 4

Today was so wonderful. At church, we had some great meetings and I really felt the spirit and it really made me feel good about my calling and what I am doing out here. I also started reading “Spiritual Roots of Human Relations” again and it really told me the things I need to be working on. I need to get back to the basics and start on Day before I can work up to Days 5-6. I am going to work on overcoming the flesh. I am going to read through the book fast this week and then study it every night one chapter a day after that. Because if I can follow all the suggestions in there, I can continue to be the type of missionary I want to be. I want to be so in tune with my Heavenly Father and I know I can do it with the help of my savior Jesus Christ. I am going to have a good day every day and make the most of my awesome opportunity to serve while I am out here.      Sunday November 7

This was probably the lamest P-day ever. But it was still enjoyable. Eve Oneal called me to tell me Jim and Tracy Pitman got baptized yesterday. That is so awesome. They were the family that I found and began teaching the last week of my stay in Cheboygan. So that was incredible to hear. For P-day, I basically just wrote letters and did laundry. Tonight our appointment dogged us so we made some good phone calls then visited Andy.      Monday November 8

This was a freakin awesome day. I had good studies. And Olga called this morning to set up a time to come take me and my companion out to dinner. We set it up for November 24th so that will be totally awesome to see her again. She goes into the Peace Corps on January 3rd so that may be the last time to see her. She is the greatest ever - a legend. Today we delivered a Book of Mormon to an area referral that was pretty cool and checked some other people. It was fairly successful but it just felt good to be out among the people doing the Lords work. Then tonight we had a sweet dinner with Melissa. She cooked up Lasagna and really had the place decked out for us and Sister Pomeroy. It was a lot of fun. Then we taught her the first discussion and it went so well. The spirit was really strong and she really took to it very well. She is open and ready for the gospel. Truly a golden contact. She feels like we have seriously been sent to her. So she is looking good for baptism. I am really excited for this area. It is really booming.     Tuesday November 9

We got dogged hardcore today. We had 2 appointments that I was really looking forward to. But neither of them happened. That is so frustrating at times when things don’t work out as planned. But it is just one of those things we have to deal with as missionaries. We also did service at the hospital today and had a good time there. We talked to some really cool people nd had some good conversations. Tonight we had dinner at the Overheats and that was awesome as usual. Dinner was delicious and their company is always so entertaining. I of course played some Phantom and I am getting pretty good. And I tried to play some Christmas duets with Sister Overholt. They were kind of hard but still cool. Things are going really good. This area is so awesome.   Wednesday November 10

We had our District Leader trade-offs with Hart today.  I worked with Elder Smith and we had a pretty good time.  We did some door knocking and also taught a fourth discussion to their projection, Alison Coons.  They are a pretty cool family.  We also met an awesome lady named Sister June who fed us lunch.  Elder Wright is borrowing the Godmakers book from her and so I have been reading it today.  It is so apostate.  I can't even believe some of the lies that are in there.  It isn't a good thing to read.     Thursday November 11

We concluded our trade-offs with Hart and they went very well.  I had an awesome PPI with Elder Wright.  We talked for a long time and about a lot of things and it was just cool.  He is an awesome guy and a great missionary and a good friend.  He also qualified on the discussions which is a sweet accomplishment.  It was great.  Things are awesome.     Friday November 12

Today was such a sweet day.  We totally rocked the world.  This morning, Brother Bill Broughton drove us out to see Andy and Lynette Archey.  They are a family who we got a referral for a Family First video but they didn't order it.  But when I talked to her on the phone, I talked her into still receiving the video.  So this morning, we took it out and showed it to her and her husband and they loved it.  They have two kids and they are a cool family.  We will be teaching them the 1st discussion next Saturday so I am really looking forward to that.  Another great family to teach.  Then we headed up to Manistee today with Sister Pomeroy.  We visited Melissa Anderson and had a really good, but deep discussion.  I don't think Elder Douglas said a word the whole time because it was all over his head.  So I just talked away and really gave her a lot of things to think about.  I hope she comes along, but she has a lot of big concerns that we will have to resolve.  But she is a really nice lady.  Then tonight, we went and had dinner with the Roberts.  They are seriously the coolest family ever.  I have such a great time with them.  We taught them the 4th discussion and it went pretty well.  They are still a bit wary and have questions but we have built a really good relationship of trust with them and I think that will be a good foundation upon which to build.  I really love their family a lot and I want them to accept the gospel more than anything.  That would make my two years worth it.     Saturday November 13

I woke up this morning from the worst nightmare.  I had a dream that because of some misunderstanding, I went home early.  In my dream, I was with Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa and it was great to see them.  But all I could think about and all I wanted was to get back out on my mission.  I woke up for real but thought I was home and I was so upset and worried about my mission until I finally realized I was still out here.  And then I had such a feeling of relief that it is hard to describe.  This is bout the third dream like that I have had in the past couple of months and it was so traumatic.  I'm not sure exactly what I'm supposed to learn from it but I have a few ideas.  I don't think that I have fulfilled my purpose out here yet.  I think there is something I must do that I have been foreordained to do and if I don't accomplish it, then I don't want to go home.  I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I must prepare myself to accomplish it by being so in tune with the spirit and by doing all the things I should be doing.  I need to focus solely on my mission and work with all of my strength, mind, and might.  I know if I do this, then I will fulfill my purpose.  And I will do it with the Lord's help.  The Roberts family did come to church today and I hope they enjoyed it.  Sister Taible was the first speaker and I just felt uneasy about her speaking.  And sure enough, her opening line was "I am going to talk about how we can become Gods."  I couldn't believe she said that.  I wonder what the Roberts thought.  But the rest of Branch Conference was really good.  The spirit was present and I think President Overholt and President Perry did a good job on their topic that we are sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.  It was a great meeting and the Roberts seemed very happy afterwards.  So I hope they were touched.  They didn't get to stay for the entire block but at least they made it through sacrament meeting.  The rest of church was great as well.  A good brother from Muskegon taught priesthood about foreordination and it was a fantastic lesson.  I learned a lot and it gave me some more things to ponder on.  I love the scriptures and the knowledge they contain.  I want to know and understand them like the apostles do.     Sunday November 14

This was a sweet P-day.  We did our usual Muskegon agenda.  Basketball and racquetball at the YMCA where I won every game.  Then we played our football and soccer and that of course was a total blast.  Tonight we went to visit the Beals and that was fun.  They called Elder Halliday since he is going home this week and it was fun to talk with him.  I can't believe one of my companions is heading home.  And my mission "Dad" at that.  He is a stud.   Monday November 15

We had trade-offs today.  I was with Elder Alder and he is not as bad as the other missionaries complain about.  Of course, I only had to spend one day with him.  We did get some good things accomplished     Tuesday November 16

Well, I just got off the phone with President Waite.  He called me to let me know I have been called to be a zone leader over in Lansing.  I will be serving with Elder Richard Larsen.  I have been pondering on being a zone leader for a while.  I couldn't decide whether it was a righteous desire or not.  I guess it was OK. I do want to be a leader so I can use my leadership abilities and God given talents for the benefit of the mission and others.  So I am excited for the new responsibilities and opportunities.  And Elder Sullivan is coming to take my place here so I know the work will continue and the Roberts and company will get baptized.

This was such an awesome but such a hectic day.  After I got the call, we got ready and packed and headed up to Ludington.  Once here, I unpacked by trade off bag and then began packing all of my bags.  I'm hoping I don't have to ride a bus at all.  If I can get a ride to Grand Rapids, then me and Elder Foote will drive to Lansing from there.  That would make it a lot easier .  But anyway, I finally finished packing at 2:00.  We went over to say goodbye to Grandma, ran some errands, and then headed to hart.  In Hart I gave the baptismal interview to Alison Coons.  It was an awesome experience.  She has a great desire to do what is right and she has been studying the Gospel Principles really hard.  So it was an edifying experience for me and I think for her as well.  We talked about some really good things and it was just dang neat.  After that, I began my saying goodbye rounds.  I started with the Hart elders to the Ludington relief society to the Chandlers to the Jolly's to the Overholts and finally to the Roberts.  Every stop was very hard and it didn't seem like it was real.  I am really going to miss the awesome Elders and fantastic members that are here.  I receive many compliments and much love.  It was especially hard at the Roberts.  I had to explain to Fawnya that I wouldn't come back for about a year and she was almost crying.  It really touched me.  She is such a sweetie and they are an awesome family.  I really love them and will miss them a lot.  But we will keep in touch and I will definitely visit them.  It was a lot harder to say goodbye to this area than I thought it would be.  This area is so flippin ripe.  There are so many golden people here.  Sullivan and Douglas should have a lot of baptisms.  It is tough to leave but I know I must move on and turn Stonegate into a ripple area now.  I am excited for the move and the new position.  It will be a lot of fun and a new opportunity for me to learn and grow and to help others do the same.  I'm outta here!     Wednesday November 17

Well, this was a pretty sweet day.  I just got all ready in the morning to Transfer.  Andy came over to say goodbye and then that study offered to drive me to Grand Rapids.  He is so cool.  We had a good time on the drive and I never even had to look at a bus.  Sweet.  It was also hard to say goodbye to Andy, the Bart man.  He left me with a sweet necklace that he has worn for like six years.  He is an awesome guy.  I will be keeping in touch with him for sure.  When I got to Grand Rapids, Elder Stringham said "Now you are one of the noble and great ones at Zone Leader Conference".  Cool - I can dig that.  From Grand Rapids, Elder Foote and I drove to the office.  It was totally cool to hang out there with the APs and especially with Elder Budge and Halliday.  I got to see them both again and that was the best.  We went and got some ice cream together.  They are seriously the biggest studs.  I love both of those guys.  My mission "Dad" and my first District Leader.  I will really miss them because they are heading on the plane tomorrow.  Wow.  I finally met my new companion.  His name is Richard Larson.  And he is pretty cool.  We got to know each other a little bit just while I was unpacking and that kind of stuff.  I will enjoy serving with him.  And it will be pretty cool as Zone Leader too.  I am really looking forward to this experience.  The apartment and the area are sweet.  I live about 1/2 mile away from President Waite.  I am ready to thrust it away and have the best 11 months of my life.  The past 13 months have been awesome, but it will only get better.  Missions rock.     Thursday November 19